The sun had already left the breezy skies, leaving the moon to give off a dim glow. Sonic felt weird, so he went to relax for a while. This feeling continued through dinner and all afterwards. He remembered how worried his pals were the first step in the door. "Sonic! Where were you? We thought Eggman actually caught you!" asked Tails. "Why didn't you invite us? We could've totally knocked Eggman out!" exclaimed Knuckles. "Yeah! Why didn`t you?!" said Amy. Sonic rolled his eyes. "I thought you guys said you would take care of things down here." Besides their storm of questions, they were relieved. Sonic decided to chill in his room, but was hard due to the pangs in his abdomen. "Maybe I ate too quickly." He waited for some time, but none of the feelings disappeared. He tossed and turned in his bed while trying to find a comfortable position. Shortly after he fell into a short doze, waking up to sharp strips of pain. Sonic was in a cold sweat, trying to make it to the bathroom. Even after taking Tylenol, Sonic leaned onto his chair panting. His hands turned numb, and Sonic wondered if it was his imagination that they were a few inches bigger. That pain burned into his blood and muscles, enlarging his arms that were always so skinny. Thick hair covered the bulky limbs, spreading to his body. His gloves were gone, nails growing pointed ends. Sonic's ears twisted and turned, as if someone was pulling on them. Sonic almost wanted to tug his teeth out to stop the pain that now took place in. Minutes passed, and finally the numbness eased. Stumbling, He reached for something to regain balance and almost broke his desk. The mirror was right next to him, so his reflection stared back at him. He had an almost muscular shape, showing oversized hands and claws. Shaggy hair covered every part of him besides his muzzle and hands. Sonic didn`t have time to react as he blacked out yet again.

"Freedom Fighters! Attack!" The group jumped into battle, attacking the things invading the small village. These were monster-like, with fangs and power. "Geez! What are these guys, anyway?" asked a walrus. "Whatever they are, we won`t let them reach Knothole." Told a chipmunk. Sally wished Sonic was back so he could lend a hand like always. "Sally! Zis one is headed for ze castle!" Antione cried. Rushing, she sliced through each, and the monster stopped a few feet and disappeared to dust. "I think that's the last of em, Sally-girl." Bunnie called from above. "Good. More of these things would be overwhelming." A shadow stepped slowly towards them from the dust. The group prepared themselves, but relaxed as a voice accompanied the shape. "No need to attack, princess. I`ve already tussled with a few." Sally tensed as the shape became familiar. "Rouge?" The bat poised near. "Hello, Princess. Long time no see."

"What do ya mean, the line`s down?! I have a dozen calls since this morning`s earthquake and you're not helpin, buddy!" Vector slammed the phone down while staying focused on his work. "Hey, Vector? The other phone`s ringing again!" called Charmy. "Then you answer it! I'm busy!" Espio emerged from his cubicle and picked up. "Hello? Knuckles?!" Charmy burst through, not noticing he knocked over Vector`s stacked pile of documents. "Knuckles? What does he want?" Vector grumbled, taking the phone from them. "Hello? What is it?" He paused. "Huh? Angel Island? What happened?" Espio and Charmy gave nervous glances. "Oh. Well, stay tight. We'll be there soon enough!" Vector said as he hung up. "What did he say?" Charmy asked. "Eggman chained Angel Island into the ocean. He needs us ASAP about something for the Master Emerald." Espio widened his eyes. "Eggman?!"