Hello again, folks! I know, I know! It's been a while again. I've had difficulty balancing updating the story with preparing to move back to college. That's right, my summer is almost over. But remember, no matter how long this may take, you all reading WILL see a finished story! Now for chapter 9!

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It was finally official. The mission to stop Gamma Catalyst's tyranny within the Metal Metropolis Zone and save Mobius Z from certain destruction had begun to reach its turning point, in favor of our heroes. Necronos had split up his team across the planet to their assigned Zone locations to activate Rotor's dimensional device. However, he couldn't help but feel slightly nervous as he zoomed through the air, gazing out at miles and miles of miles and miles…

"I hope everyone is having better luck than I am" he said to himself. "If I don't reach that Zone in time, Sonic and Amy's lives could be in jeopardy. I could never forgive myself if I mess up this time…"

Focusing on his telepathic powers, he began contacting his fellow teammates.

"Espio…can you hear me?"

He waited patiently for an answer.

"Loud and clear, Necro" he spoke up. "Though I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing voices in my head from nowhere."

"Well get used to it until this is over, ok? What's your progress?"

"I got my reactor in the exact center of the Mystic Cave Zone."

"Perfect."

Next…

"Rouge…how are things where you are?"

"Got mine in place. On the highest building in Star Light Zone."

"Good. We're progressing fine."

And then…

"Do you read me, Geoffrey?"

"Whoa, mate! That was different" he answered. "Is that you, Necronos?"

"It is. Where are you now?"

"I got my reactor thing at the hottest part of the Lava Reef Zone. And if ya don't mind me sayin', it ain't the easiest task to accomplish, mate!"

"Alright, good. Now listen up you three. This is important. While I wait until Knuckles, Tails, and Shadow get theirs in place, you need to proceed to head to the Zone Gamma Catalyst is in. That is where I'm heading now!

Espio was a bit confused. "How will we know which way to go?"

Rouge overheard him telepathically. "He does have a point."

Necronos explained. "Just go straight in the direction you're all hearing my voice. That is the way I'm going."

Espio, Rouge, and Geoffrey took a pause at their positions to hear the direction of Necronos' echoing voice. After a few seconds of silence, they all found it.

"Got it!" said Espio.

"We're on our way, Necro!" answered Rouge.

"We'll meet ya there, blue eyes!" called Geoffrey.

And the three quickly departed to their destination goal.

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It was almost dawn. The valley outside of the Metal Metropolis Zone remained dark, slightly illuminated by the premature sunlight rising over the horizon. Although deathly silent, it was far from deserted. Atop a small hill, just yards away from the city's main gate, Sonic stood overlooking his objective: his focused eyes gazing at the tall, dark tower protruding from the center of the town. He knew Gamma Catalyst was in there, and most likely waiting for him and his team to try another foolish attempt to confront him in his own territory. But not a signal of worry formed on Sonic's face. Why, you may ask?

Maybe due to the fact he knew he wasn't alone. Behind him, his team stood ready: Amy Rose, Mighty the Armadillo, Lupe the Wolf, Scyzor and Krystal the robot duo, and recently added, Radian the gold armored guardian robot, and his vast army of robotic city protectors!

"It's almost time, everyone." Sonic turned to face the rebel forces. Just like we planned: As soon as the sun peaks over the mountain range, we storm the city and head straight for Gamma's dark tower!"

Radian faced his army. "You heard him men! We must get the six of them there at all costs!"

"YES SIR!" they shouted in unison.

Amy stepped up next to Sonic looking at the city's gate. It remained empty and quiet.

"This looks too easy, Sonic" she started. "You'd think Gamma would have guards covering the gate 24/7 if he don't like intruders, right?"

Scyzor walked next to her. "Gamma Catalyst is anything but foolish, Amy. I bet he knew this was coming all along, since we were chased out yesterday."

Sonic and Amy looked at the serious expression in Scyzor's light red eyes. "We have to be smart and be prepared for the possibility that he knows what we're up to, and is fully prepared to fight back…"

If only Scyzor had been inside Metal City, he'd realize he was absolutely right! For all over the areas and streets leading to the dark tower were covered by hundreds of Gamma Catalyst's special combat soldiers, each armed with impressive weapons and armor, and hidden from plain sight ready to ambush when provoked! And just outside the tower's large doorway, there he stood: The tall, black, and foreboding machine that could only be Gamma Catalyst.

"HA! At least YOU'RE not stupid enough to underestimate me, Scyzor old friend. It is true, Sonic. My elite legion are fully prepared to take anything you can dish out."

Gamma Catalyst stood ready. It appeared he was waiting for the sun to peak over the mountains as well.

"However, I secretly wish you luck in succeeding with your break in, rebels. For I just can't wait to finish you off myself………HAHAHAHAHA (man, I never get tired of maniacal laughter)!"

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Necronos continued to zoom through Zone after Zone, trying his best to get the Metal Metropolis Zone and soon as fate would let him.

"I hope the others are finished by now!" And he began his telepathic communication.

"Knuckles, are you finished yet?"

Knuckles heard his voice, and responded immediately. "Got it! The Marble Garden Zone has been linked, pal."

"Good to hear. And how about you, Tails?"

He answered with excitement. "Reactor in place: Carnival Night Zone!"

"Alright. Great work you two!" Necronos thanked. "Now just follow where you hear my voice straight to the destination of the troubled Zone. You should all meet up there ASAP!"

"Roger!" the two confirmed. Knuckles and Tails started on their way.

"And last but certainly not least, Shadow? Can you hear me?"

He answered. "You're darn right, not least! Anyway Necronos, I've made it to the Hang Castle Zone."

"Good." Necronos said back. "Now Shadow, listen carefully because this is very important" he instructed.

"Go ahead…"

"You need to place your reactor in the exact location where Sonic first defeated his opponent. Somewhere in the castle is a room like a church or cathedral. Once you've found it, place it in the exact center, and hightail it straight to the Zone we're heading. You got it?"

Shadow smirked with pride. "Hmph! Too easy for me!"

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Sonic stared at the sunlight covering mountains, as did Gamma Catalyst simultaneously. Amy, Mighty, Lupe, Scyzor and Krystal, and Radian stood up front to lead their forces, while Gamma's army awaited his orders.

"Get ready guys! Just a few seconds more!"

"Prepare yourselves. It's almost time!"

Amy clenched her hammer, Mighty tightened his muscles, and Lupe stood ready to dash. Scyzor, Krystal, and Radian remained steady. Gamma's soldiers armed their weapons.

"Here we go……"

"On my command……"

5, 4, 3, 2, 1………The very first sunbeam struck from behind the horizon!

"CHAAAAARRRRRGE!"

"ATTAAAAAAAAACK!"

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A/N: Now presenting shorter chapters! Not only does it give me more opportunities to update faster, but also leave you hanging more. Everyone wins! (I think…) So now what? Which side will prevail in this mad dash? Will Necronos and the others arrive in time to help? Be with me next time! And review please!