A/N: Welp, it's here, chapter 20! Bring out the fruit and funnel cake!...On second thought, screw the fruit cake but the funnel can stay. Anyway, thank you everyone who read through the chapters so far. I don't really ask for reviews much, even though I got 2, but getting tons of views is good enough.

Last chapter, the Iron Dominion has proven themselves to be a formidable force. If Sonic and Ken think that ambush in New Megaopolis was bad, the worst is yet to come.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sega or Archie except my OC.

A day had passed since Sonic and Ken's recon mission. After getting the two patched up, the heroes were currently idling about the city. Knuckles had departed for Angel Island to keep watch over the master emerald. Word had spread to the rest of the heroes about Espio's betrayal, which put everyone on edge about their enemies. The only good thing about their situation was that the Dominion hadn't decided to attack yet. However, even if they did some of the citizens were sure their defensive measures would keep them safe.

At the moment, Ken was walking around the city. Despite Sally and Sonic's attempts to cheer him up, he still felt degraded due to suffering many defeats from the Dominion, especially since he was used for a certain purpose. Those thoughts were temporarily pushed away when a small rock hits his shoulder.

"Take that you meanie!" A young voice said.

Turning with an annoyed look on his face, the monkey saw a young tiger, bear, and cat hurling stones at him. However, they were cut short when Sonic arrived. "Hold it there kids. Why are you throwing rocks at my monkey friend here?"

"He ruined Ms. Mina's concert!" The bear cub replied.

"Ok yeah that was rude of him, but it's also rude to throw stuff at strangers." Sonic retorted.

"It's fine Sonic. It was truly my fault for that incident..." Ken said, before kneeling to the children's height. "I'm sorry I had ruined a joyous evening for you 3. You have my word of honor it won't happen again." He said with a smile before walking off.

Sonic stared at the monkey before looking at the kids. "Alright you kids run along now. But If I hear about you throwing rocks again I'll let Rosie know." They nodded before running off.

Sonic ran up to Ken. "You doing alright monkey-boy? You've been rather distant lately."

"I still have alot on my mind hedgehog...please go away..."

"What was that? Where's your infamous temper monkey-king?" Sonic asked. At that the word 'king', Ken's face grew into a glare and he swung his atom-bat at Sonic, who easily avoided it.

"How many times must I tell you NOT to call me that?! I've been through too many failures to even be worthy of that title! You have no idea what I've...what I've been forced to do back in the Dragon Kingdom..." He said as he cooled himself.

"I get where you're coming from monkey-boy, but look at the bright side! At least the Dominion isn't attacking yet!" Sonic said with optimisim. However, as the universe's way of showing irony, Nicole suddenly materializes half-way in front of them. "Sonic! Ken! The Iron Queen and Snively are within the city's walls!"

Occassionally, the city's shield would be let down to let in fresh air, and since Eggman's downfall, everyone didn't have to worry about any air attacks. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst time to have it down. Both members of the Eggman Empire sat in Egg Mobiles, gazing evilly at the mobian city.

"So what do you think of this place my dear?" Snively asked. "Not too bad. It will make a nice capital for my Dominion after we clean out the vermin." Regina replied.

They both suddenly hear a certain chipmunk shouting up to them. "You both are under arrest for crimes not only against this city, but for all you've done in the Dragon Kingdom! Surrender yourselves now or we will use force!" Sally shouted. The rest of the Freedom Fighters including Ken were with her.

Regina couldn't help but laugh. "Force? What kind of force could you Freedom Fighters possibly have?! I believe it is you who should surrender to us, before you suffer a humiliating defeat." She giggled.

Sally sighed. "I thought she would take the hard way...Bunnie, Tails, bring them down." She ordered. The two nod before taking off toward their foes. However, half-way up to their targets, Bunnie notices her robotic limbs start to act strange.

"Bunnie? You ok?" Tails asked.

"I don't know, my legs and arm feel like their tryin' to move on their own!" Right as she finishes that sentence, she takes off full blast right towards the kit. "Look out!" Tails gasps and barely avoids getting socked by the cybernetic rabbit. Bunnie struggles to regain control of her limbs, but finds herself unable to. "Why won't they respond ta me?!"

"Because they are being controlled by me!" Regina states, holding her scepter high. The object itself is glowing with many charicatures around the orb. "You see, Magitek allows me to control anything made of metal that gives off an electronic signal, or in other words, most technology. You will have no free will over yourself unless I grant it. And since I'm aware another Freedom Fighter in your group also possesses cybernetics, I order you both to attack!"

At those words, Bunnie dives at the other heroes while Kor's hand turns into its laser form on its own. "Oh no ya don't!" Kor says as he tries to turn his hand off.

The rest of the heroes are forced to dodge their friends' attacks. Kor's hand soon overuses its core and turns back, only for the engineer to be literally dragged across the ground in a comical fashion, trying to smack Sally. "Make it stop!..." He says in a muffled voice.

Bunnie, to her horror, nearly hits Antoine but Sonic manages to steer her away. The hedgehog steers her into a nearby safehouse where her boosters finally cease. "Ok Bunnie, you should be safe in here until we can get 'her royal pain' out of here..."

"Ah hope so...any more use and I'm gonna lose consciousness..." Unfortunately, Bunnie's arm cannon suddenly activates. "Run Sonic!"

The blue blur didn't need to be told twice as he moves away. Seconds later, the safe house was blown to pieces. Thankfully Bunnie emerged unharmed, but now she's flying around shooting laser blasts at everything. Due to constant use of her cybernetics, the poor rabbit was now on the verge of blacking out.

"Aw, what's wrong my poor puppet? Surely you still have some fight left in you." Regina taunted her. As she readies to have Bunnie fire another shot, Ken suddenly appears before the two on a magic cloud and strikes at them with his atom-bat. "I've had enough of your manipulative ways Iron Queen!" He yells.

The sudden attack causes Regina to lose focus, forcing her to relinquish control on the two cybernetic mobians. Bunnie passes out on the ground while Kor dusts grass off his fur. His right arm was soar from being yanked all over the place. "You alright Kor?" Sally asked.

"I'm fine...arm aches like hell though...I'm more worried about Bunnie." He replies as he looks over to their fallen friend. "Sonic, take Bunnie to Freedom HQ. Keep her safe." Sally ordered.

"Got it!" Sonic says before dashing off with Bunnie in his arms. "Kor, you need to make yourself scarce and hide somewhere in the city." Sally told the fox.

"What about you guys? I can't just leave you to deal with this-"

"It's better if you don't risk yourself being forced to fire at us. And that's an order..." The princess cut him off. The engineer sighed. "Alright...but I really hate that bitch right now..." He said, gesturing to Regina as he departed.

Back in the air, Ken and Regina were clashing with their respective weapons. "You have no right to ruin the lives of these innocent people! I advise you retreat at once before I make you!" Ken yelled at her.

"Hah! Says the so-called 'King of the Free People'. You're going to regret defying my rule, twice!" Regina retorted.

As they continue to battle, Snively sneaks behind Ken and takes his crown. "Let's see how you fare without your precious crown monkey-boy!" He taunts. Ken's eyes widen in horror. Unknown to most, Ken is actually a cyborg. Robotic parts make up most of his internal structure, including parts of his brain. It only took seconds for Regina to bind her magic to him and make him her best puppet.

"Awaiting command, master..." The monkey said in a droned voice. "Make yourself useful and destroy the Freedom Fighters." She simply said.

Ken nodded before going on the attack. Sally, Tails, and Antoine scrambled for cover as Ken used his atom-bat to cast lightning around the area. Whatever they hit left a scorched mark on the earth. "Ken please stop this! We're your friends remember?!" Tails begged.

Instead, Ken goes after him, charging up another strike. Just before the young fox is hit, Sonic snatches him out of the way. "Don't worry buddy! I got ya!"

"Thanks for the save Sonic!" Tails cheered.

"Sonic, what's the status on Bunnie?" Sally asked as she ran up to them. "Don't worry about her. She's just taking a nap at the HQ. What about monkey-boy here? I know he's got a huge temper problem but I didn't think he'd flip out like this." Sonic said.

The 3 took cover behind a few trees as another lightning strike was casted at them. "Snively took his crown. Then she used the same magic she used on Bunnie and Kor, making him attack us!" Sally explained.

"Maybe we can contain him like I tried with Bunnie. At least he doesn't have an arm cannon." The hedgehog said in thought.

"Try not to hurt him too much Sonic. He's still our friend." "I'll try, as long as he doesn't fry me in the process!" He said before running into the open.

"Hey monkey-boy! I know you're a bit tense right now, but why don't you just cool off and count to 10 for a sec?" He asked. His response was the monkey diving at him to strike him with his bat. Sonic easily flips over the brain-washed simian. "Woah! Easy there Ken! What happened to be being friends? You could at least fire back a friendly banter!" He says with a smirk.

"Don't waste your breath hedgehog. Khan's cybernetics are too extensive throughout his body to resist me. My control on him is absolute!" Regina boasted.

"And I don't think he'll be needing this anymore." Snively said. He then snaps Ken's crown in two.

Shortly after, Mighty and Vector join the scene. Confused as to why Ken was attacking everyone, Tails quickly explained the situation to them, causing them to join the fray. Sonic regroups with Sally for the moment. "What's so special about his crown anyway? Did it have some magical properties to it or something?" He asked.

"Hmm...I remember when we first met, Ken created his crown by making it a power ring headband. I think with it, he was able to resist the Queen's control." The chipmunk said in thought.

"Great! So we just need another one. Think you guys can stall him while I go to the lake?"

"We'll try." Sally said.

With that, Sonic jets off to the Lake of Rings. Ken tries to follow but Antoine cuts him off. "It would've been thoughtful if you had told us you were a liability you imbecile!" The coyote yells at him.

The two clash with their weapons for a brief moment before Ken shocks him away. Sally then attempts to kick the monkey in his head but is swept off her feet by his atom-bat. Then, Vector, Mighty, and Tails attempt to hold him down. "Hah! I knew we wouldn't need Julie-Su's help for this! Get him Mighty!" The crocodile boasted.

"Sorry Ken, but this is gonna hurt." However, before the armadillo could attack, Ken grows furious. "Tumultuous Thunderclap of the Enraged!" With that, he claps his hand together, sending a large shockwave in all directions. This causes the 3 to be thrown back.

-Lake of Rings-

Kor was sitting on a bench in the area, holding an ice pack on his shoulder. The constant sounds of battle weren't calming his nerves. As much as he wanted to be there for his friends, he knew he was too much of a liability since the Queen could literally control technology. In fact, the only reason he hadn't pulled out the walled sentries of the city or even sent Hornet in was due to that revelation. Not only that, but the engineer realized most of his advantages came from various technology, and he was beginning to worry he might be completely useless throughout this whole conflict, especially since he wasn't as tough as his friends physically. He was also unsure if the Queen knew of his other cybnetics.

He was pulled from his thoughts when a gust of wind hit his fur. "Sonic? What are you doing here?"

"The Queen took control of Ken and she's using him to attack us. I need another power ring headband to snap him out of it."

"Already on it Sonic." Nicole said. "Wait, Ken's a cyborg?" Kor asked.

"Pretty much. Speaking of which, shouldn't you be inside Kor?" Sonic asked.

"Not exactly happy with not being able to assist my friends. Plus I feel completely useless given that damn bitch's magic..." Sonic was alittle thrown by Kor's name for the Queen but ignored it. "You aren't completely useless Kor. Sure you have alot of technical advantages, but you still have the brains to make things work."

"To be frank, that doesn't make me feel any better..." The fox sighed.

Sonic was about to give more advice but he noticed the ring hadn't appeared yet. Plus, the continous sounds of thunder weren't helping. "Not to rush Nicole but what's taking the ring so long?" He asked.

"It takes alot of power to generate a ring Sonic. I'd need at least 7 minutes before one can appear." The A.I. said.

"Time is something we don't have..." Sonic said, folding his arms.

"I'll see if I can re-route more power." She replied. After another minute, Kor noticed something coming in the distance. "Uh, Blue? What is that?"

Sonic turned and saw Ken speeding directly towards them. "Um, Nicole? You almost done? He's heading right for us!"

"Just a few more seconds." She said.

Just as Ken was getting within striking distance, a new power ring floated up from the lake. Sonic hastly grabbed it and slammed on the monkey's head, freeing him from his mind control. Ken splashes into the lake, which fortunately is rather shallow. Ken realizes what happened over the last 15 minutes and just sits there, sulking. It was then Sonic truly realized why he was so angry about being called a king. He believes he failed to live up to that name, and given how Ken was used to wipe out the Dragon Kingdom Freedom Fighters, it was completely understandable why he was hesitant to talk about it, and why he was angered about the celebration yesterday.

Regina looks on with a grin on her face. "Time to go Snively. Our foes have embarassed themselves enough." With that, the two head back to New Megaopolis.

"I thought...with the crown I would be able to resist her control...but I lost myself to my own rage, making me susceptable to her control again...even after all the pain I caused, I still continued to fight them, but being alone after this time..." Ken said to himself, even though everyone else heard it.

"Ken, you aren't alone in this. We've told you before, you can count on us to help you. From the looks of it, you need it now more than ever." Sally said, trying to ease his pain.

However, Antoine was still flustered from earlier. "Aside from that, eet would have been a good idea to us more about ze Queen's power! Two of our members, including my wife, were hurt! Eet would have been useful if you told us you were also a pawn to her!"

"Antoine come on, he doesn't need this right now..." Sally retorted.

"No. He's right Sally. I should have warned you all before-hand about the Queen's ability as a technomage..." Ken said.

"I was plannin' on askin' that earlier but forgot..." Kor said.

"Well, we all make mistakes. But even when we do, we always keep sight of our goals. We're strong as long as we stand together, and you can still be strong for us just as we are for you Ken." Sally says with a smile.

This brightens the monkey's mood to a degree, even putting a genuine smile on his face. "I'm sorry for neglecting to tell you all that crucial piece of information." He said to Antoine.

"And I'm sorry for 'aving snapped at you." The coyote replies before the two shake hands.

"Hey Ant, remember your old yellow streak?" Sonic asked. "Oui. I remember zat all too well..."

"Because I could totally bring it up right now." The hedgehog says with a smirk. "I know..." "Cause I've got a list of it." Sonic teased. "Stop eet..."

Soon, the heroes disperse. Sally goes to check on Tails, Sonic gives Antoine a lift to the HQ so he can check on his wife, Ken fishes through the lake in search of his atom-bat, which he dropped upon regaining control of himself, and Kor still sits at the bench, trying to mull over some way they could counter the Queen's magic. Nicole activates the city's shield so their enemies can't enter again. "Worst time to let the shield down..." Kor sighs.

-Eggdome-

Snively walks down to the fortress' detention center, a smug look on his face. He finds the cell Eggman is being kept in and gloats to the doctor. "Good news uncle! Regina and I have successfully humiliated and demoralized our enemies, something you could never hope to do. Not only that, without a doubt we'll be able to take over the city and conquer the rest of Mobius, again another feat you failed to accomplish!" He chuckled.

However, it appears Eggman didn't understand him, as he is still mumbling random sentences that don't make any sense. Snively sighed. "Not as enjoyable if the person can't understand you..." He muttered as he left.

Eggman continued to say random nonsense, except for one phrase. "...Must do away with Kodos...no, Crabmeat, that's my cookie!...more ore for the Ultimate Annihilator...hate that hedgehog...cell block override authority epsilon-gamma-gamma...want to ride the pasha... tastes like clucky..." His cell door opens and his straitjacket undoes itself.

A/N: And that's all for this chapter. The heroes are gonna have to come up with a new strategy to defeat their foe, and having an insane man escape custody can be rather bad, for both side. What's gonna happen? Tune in next time.