Notes: Getting closer…

Disclaimer: I definitely do not own Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Ch. 8: Sky-high battle

The duo hopped into the Tornado and took off.

"Now let's catch up to that machine!"

"You've got it, Sonic…how do you manage to stand on the wings again?"

"Later, Tails. It's time for a Sky Chase."

Meanwhile

Dr. Robotnik was already watching the Tornado take off.

"So they brought their little plane to try and catch me, eh? Well then, time to release my air force!"

A squadron of red bird/jet hybrids called Balkiry led the charge, followed by large turtle Badniks being piloted by smaller turtle Badniks collectively called Turtloid, and round propeller topped Badniks called Nebula brought up the rear.

"Incoming!" Tails shouted.

"I like a challenge," Sonic said, "Try to hold the plane steady."

As the Badniks drew closer, Sonic charged up a spin dash. Once one was in range, he took off, homing in on the closest Badnik. He quickly managed to hop from one to another like stepping stones, all the while freeing the birds inside. Tails kept up from below, and caught Sonic as he finished.

"That was incredible, Sonic!"

"Just a little trick I've been practicing. Now let's get to that airbase."

"We're almost there."

!

"They're almost here! If you want something done right…"

Robotnik began firing lasers at the Tornado.

"Hang on, Sonic! I'm taking evasive action."

Tails deftly dodged the laser blasts, but eventually one found its mark.

"We've been hit, Sonic! I've got to land for a quick repair, but I can get close enough to Wing Fortress for you to jump off."

"I can't go without you, pal. We're a team."

"Someone has to land the plane, Sonic. Just make sure you give him one for me."

"You've got it," Sonic replied, as he gave Tails thumbs up.

Tails maneuvered the Tornado close as possible to the airship. Once within range, Sonic leapt off the Tornado onto the nearest platform. Tails waved as he began to descend.

"Well that's just swell. Without Tails, I'm talking to myself again."

Just then, a chicken Badnik in a turret called Clucker started shooting egg-shaped bullets.

"Honestly, this crazy doctor and his egg obsession."

Sonic rushed over and took out the Badnik…only for several more to emerge and begin firing.

"Moving platforms, spinning propellers, multiple projectiles, and the constant threat of falling to my death…I'm excited and annoyed at the same time!"

Sonic cautiously made his way towards the other end of the fortress, even though it was killing him to be going slow.

"That cursed hedgehog is getting closer! He thinks he's so great with his destroying my Badniks and avoiding my obstacles…well I've got just the thing waiting for him."

Sonic was almost to the other side of the flying fortress.

"How big is this thing? He must've had a lot of free time. Hey, there's a way inside."

Sonic jumped in through a hole in the wall. As he kept moving forward, a laser barrier appeared to block his way.

"You've fallen for my trap, Hedgehog!"

Sonic turned around to see another laser barrier cut off his escape.

"Now it's time for you to say hello to my laser cannon."

Said cannon emerged from the ceiling.

"Hi."

"And just to make things more difficult," the doc said, as he pushed another button.

Three small, floating platforms, that were flat on top and had spikes on the bottom, descended from the ceiling.

"Try to hit my laser now, Hedgehog!"

"I'll do more than try, egghead."

As the laser prepared to fire, Sonic jumped on top of one of the platforms and then spun into a ball to hit the laser.

"…Maybe I shouldn't have sent those platforms in there after all."

"You think it's wise to be using a giant laser inside a flying fortress?" Sonic asked, as he dodged the laser beam.

"Mind your own business. Why don't you just take the laser blast like the good guy that you are?"

"Oh, well, that sounds really tempting, but no thanks."

Sonic gave the laser one last good hit and it exploded.

"No! My Wing Fortress is going down!"

"Looks like another plan foiled, Eggman."

The doctor, however, began to laugh.

"You fool! You think this was the best I could do?"

"Yes."

"Silence! It's time for you to see what true genius can do!"

He pressed a button, which caused the floor to open up. He then made his escape. Once he was gone, the barriers went offline. Sonic quickly followed suite down the trap door. Sonic landed on scaffolding. Just then, a large rocket zoomed past.

"Where does he think he's going? More importantly, how am I gonna catch him? Wait, what's that sound?"

From below, the Tornado was ascending.

"I'm back, Sonic, and the Tornado is ready to help you catch that rocket!"

"Alright, Tails!" Sonic cheered, as he leapt onto the wings of the plane.

"Activating boosters now!"

The Tornado went into overdrive, and easily caught up with the rocket.

"Go get him, Sonic!"

Sonic smirked as he grabbed onto the side of the rocket. Tails gave one last wave before beginning to land. As he descended, he noticed where the rocket was headed.

"Is that a planet or a moon?"

Tails pulled out some special goggles to get a better look.

"No way…it couldn't be, but it is. That's no moon…"

Meanwhile, Sonic was holding onto the rocket for dear life.

"I hope we stop somewhere soon. Looks like we're headed for that hunk of rock in the sky."

But as the rocket drew closer, Sonic got a glimpse of what it really was…

"You have got to be kidding me."

Whatever it was that loomed ahead, it was gigantic, metallic, and it sported the face of none other than Doctor Robotnik.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!"