Rotor the Walrus in…
Pirate Bounty

Rotor the Walrus… The one Freedom Fighter who felt he couldn't pull his weight unlike Sonic and the rest. Despite feeling this way, he is offered a job as a member of King Acorn's Secret Service Freedom Fighters. Though after Thread left due to family related reasons and with Eggman's activities slowed to a crawl, King Acorn summons Rotor for a job most important…

Castle Acorn - Throne Room

*Within the throne room of the royal Acorn family, King Acorn was speaking to Rotor, who kneeled before him, about a matter most important.*

King Acorn: "With Dr. Robotnik's activities slowed, the timing is right to begin building relations with other nations. The time to band together to face a common foe. Rotor the Walrus, I have summoned you in the hopes that you will carry out this duty as a representative of the Kingdom of Acorn."

Rotor: "Of course, your majesty. But…uh…where am I going?"

King Acorn: "The underwater city of Trenlantis. It is the home of the aquatic Mobians, with whom we have rarely interacted with. Because Eggman is absent, now is the opportunity to raise our forces. To bolster our defenses. And I figure this would be a good opportunity to let you find your herd."

*This gets Rotor's attention as he looks up to his king.*

Rotor: "Did… Did you hear something about my herd?"

King Max: "Rumors at most, but some of my scouts report walruses going underwater via submarines. This indicates they have taken to living under the ocean. If nothing else, the underwater city may hold more clues as well."

*Rotor wasn't sure of what to say, but he nodded, accepting the responsibility as representative of the Kingdom of Acorn.*

Somewhere in the Ocean…

*Within the ocean, a mobile base patrols the waters with aquatic Egg Pawns scouting around in a defensive perimeter. Inside the base, Ahklut was in a video call with Maw, Jenni's right hand Mobian.*

Maw: "And thus for our plan to succeed, we must ask that you find this treasure. The Tantaragor Jewel."

Ahklut: "Tantaragor? Any pirate worth their sail knows that stuff is nothing but hogwash."

Maw: "Can you prove that fact, Ahklut?"

Ahklut: "The fact no one has found it, aside from an alleged sailor who stated his captain was left behind by his own greed? I'll do my mission if there is solid proof it is worth doing."

Maw: "I would recommend keeping your comments to yourself. What my mistress asks of you, you will do it. Understand?"

*Ahklut growls before turning off the video feed, his eyes rolling.*

Ahklut: "Believing such make believe tales… And I thought she was supposed to be the smart one. Tch. Turns out she's no less crazy than that younger brother of her's."

*The radar systems let him know of an unidentified vessel coming through. He gets a visual - a submarine with the Kingdom of Acorn branding on it.*

Ahklut: "A Freedom Fighter, eh? Computer! Give me a visual on the pilot of that craft."

*The computer zooms into the pilot's seat and shows Rotor on screen.*

Ahklut: "Ah. That pest. Now this'll be worth my time. Not some non-existent treasure!"

*Ahklut sends an order to attack the vessel Rotor was in. Within the vessel itself, Rotor was looking around the ocean depths for some sign of Trenlatnis being somewhere nearby.*

Rotor: "Mom… Everyone… Do wait for me. We'll go home together…"

*Rotor's vessel suddenly shakes as he is attacked by Aquatic Egg Pawns shooting their blasters at him.*

Rotor: "Gah! Of all times!? I don't have time to deal with Eggman's leftover scrap!"

*Rotor starts some evasive maneuvers to avoid the blasters before making a u-turn and blasts the Pawns with his own onboard blasters. He soon spots the mobile Egg base itself as he is contacted by the one inside.*

Ahklut: "Well, well. If it isn't that miserable walrus."

Rotor: "You! You're the one who forced my herd away!"

Ahklut: "Oh they couldn't handle my overwhelming might. That's all, blubber boy. But thanks to you, I have been going downhill ever since!"

Rotor: "Not my problem!"

*Rotor fires his blasters at the base, breaking one of its stabilizers and forcing it to the ocean floor. Annoyed, Ahklut stands up before leaving the base to confront Rotor himself.*

Rotor: "That should keep him off my-"

*As Rotor was about to leave, his vessel was grabbed and smashed onto the ocean floor. Rotor is flung out of the wreckage as he glares at the orca.*

Ahklut: "I'm not letting you off the hook that easy! Once I've turned this ocean red with your blood, I'll find that traitor Abyss and-"

Voice: "And what, Ahklut!?"

*Ahklut is suddenly tackled by a Mobian dolphin, Tsunami the Spinner Dolphin, who assisted Team Dark and Sally in the past before. Rotor turns to her before realizing he was running out of oxygen. Tsunami places down a Bubble Shield monitor for Rotor, which he smashes.*

Rotor: "Thanks… Are you… Tsunami?"

*Abyss and Opal rush in, Abyss looking especially angry at Tsunami.*

Abyss: "You idiot! What part of 'Avoid Ahklut' do you not get!? Just ignore this blubber landlubber!"

Tsunami: "Ugh… We'll talk later, Abyss!"

*Ahklut lets out a roar as his sonic boom generators flings the rocks around him away, showing just how angry he was.*

Rotor: "Uh… Miss Tsunami… I don't know your history with these guys, but… Could use your help."

Tsunami: "No problem. Unless Abyss has some issues with that."

Abyss: "Tch. Fine… We'll do this your way…"

Opal: "You two really should fight our opponent over yourselves…"

*Ahklut glares at Abyss before letting out a sonic blast from his cybernetic arms, which the heroes avoid as Tsunami and Rotor both tackle him, sending him back a bit as Opal sneaks in from behind to sting him with her stingers. Abyss then comes down for a stomp, but this only ticks Ahklut off more as he grabs Opal by the face and slams her into Abyss before then tossing her into the ground.*

Ahklut: "You two annoy me the most compared to the other two! You betrayed me! What were you hoping to gain by fighting a captain with years more fighting experience than you!?"

Abyss: "Gh… You're a control freak! We give and give but you demand more! What about our share!?"

Ahklut: "What about your share? You agreed that everything on my ship is my property. Including treasure."

Abyss: "And that's why we rebelled…"

*Rotor quickly swims in and delivers a good punch to Ahklut's side, getting the orca's attention.*

Rotor: "You are a bad captain, huh? Taking everything that's not yours. Cruel or not, you might be as bad as Eggman."

Ahklut: "You'll learn soon enough, brat, that in this world, it's eat or be eaten!"

*Ahklut swings an arm at Rotor, missing him but getting close to slam a foot on Rotor and break his Bubble Shield.*

Ahklut: "The world is cruel, matey. Even in its brightest days, people are left to fend for themselves, to walk the streets with no home, to fight day after day just to survive! You Freedom Fighters wouldn't get it because you all grew up nice and cozy in some house! A lot of people don't get even that much! So what do you know!? NOTHING!"

*Ahklut adds pressure to his foot on Rotor, crushing the walrus as he lectures his point of view. As Rotor was struggling with the orca's might, Tsunami swims at Ahklut with a scrap piece of metal and jams it into Ahklut's cybernetic arm. This causes the Egg Boss to roar out in pain as he is forced off of the walrus.*

Tsunami: "Yeah you can cut the crap about you turning the villainy because you had such a poor life. I lived in that same lifestyle, but I managed to walk! You were just a weakling who found pleasure in stomping on the defenseless! I chose to help people, you chose to steal and kill for your own sick power fantasy!"

*Ahklut growls before lunging at Tsunami, the two fighting it out. The two were clear experts in underwater combat while Rotor was out of his league. He also felt himself drowning as the bubbles exited his mouth. Opal looks at Rotor.*

Abyss: "Leave him, Opal! Let's just go while Ahklut is distracted!"

Opal: "But… Abyss…"

Abyss: "Don't 'but' me! I'm the captain now!"

Opal: "...You are the captain of a dead crew!"

*Opal snaps at Abyss, slapping the squid in the face before swimming to help Rotor, taking him to the surface for air. As the two reach the surface, they see something… Something big floating on the ocean surface. Opal could recognize the obvious wood and sails of…a rival group of pirates. Tsunami and Ahklut continue their fighting until they are suddenly caught by a net.*

Ahklut: "Ah!? What is this!?"

Tsunami: "What's going on!?"

*Abyss sees the net come for her too, but she is too slow to react as she is captured too.*

Ocean Surface - Pirate Ship

Rotor: "This…is looking familiar…"

*Rotor comments as he and those he was with had their hands tied and were forced onto their knees, different Mobian pirates glaring or smirking at their catch.*

Ahklut: "That flag… It can't be…"

*The group looked up at the flag; it was that of a dog skull with the cutlass crossing swords under it. The hat on top of the skull was a cloud in the shape of a traditional pirate hat. They then hear the sounds of footsteps as a pale white lizard Mobian called out.*

Lizard: "Cap'n on deck!"

*The crew immediately stood up straight as a tall pirate walked up to the captured group. A bulldog Mobian with a glass right eye, dressed elegantly, yet still had the stench of salty old pirate. He looked down at the group before smirking.*

Captain: "Th' name's Captain Plunder. Welcome to me ship, the Mystic Eagle. Didn't expect me next catch to yield me an orca. Despite the fancy metal, Ahklut, I recognize th' lil' guppy that could barely carry a scabbard."

*Ahklut bore his teeth, glaring at the bulldog captain as Rotor and Tsunami stared.*

Ahklut: "Plunder… Didn't think you were still sailing the seas. Didn't retire yet?"

Plunder: "Hah! So ye still gots ya few jokes, swabbie! A pirate doesn't retire, boy."

*Plunder grabs Ahklut by the face, squeezing before throwing the orca aside to examine the other captives.*

Plunder: "Are ye his crew? I expected better…"

Rotor: "We aren't affiliated. We were just in the area…"

Plunder: "That so? Well, I guess ye don't look dressed th' part. You and the fish girl…"

Tsunami: "Who? Me?"

Plunder: "Filch!"

*The pale lizard from before approaches. Now that Rotor could see better, he saw the pale lizard had a hole through his forehead. This lizard…was dead!*

Filch: "Yes, cap'n?"

Plunder: "Take th' walrus and fish to the kitchen an' put 'em to work. They'll make fine additions to me crew."

Filch: "Are ya sure, cap'n?"

Plunder: "As fer the other three… Take 'em to the brig 'til I call fer 'em."

*Filch looked at Plunder before nodding, giving the order to his shipmates. Rotor and Tsunami were taken to the kitchen.*

Pirate Ship - Kitchen

*A day later, Rotor is seen standing in front of a sink, washing dishes before passing it along to Tsunami who was drying them with a plate. Both of them didn't seem the least bit comfy as they washed the piles of dirty dishes that the pirates left when they ate.*

Rotor: "Boy, this was the last thing I was expecting to do. Clean the scraps off plates belonging to a large group of hooligans."

Tsunami: "You're telling me…"

Rotor: "Um… Hey… Thanks for your help back there…"

Tsunami: "No problem. Glad I could help honestly. But what are you doing in this part of the ocean?"

Rotor: "Oh, right… I was on an errand to represent the Kingdom of Acorn and build an alliance with those in Trenlantis. And… I heard a rumor that…my herd was possibly there…"

Tsunami: "Oh… I see. Well… I happen to come from there…"

*Rotor looks at Tsunami before looking around. No one was watching them. Maybe they could slack off a bit. He then motions to her that they take a seat. After sitting at a table, Tsunami begins to elaborate.*

Tsunami: "Trenlantis is a monarchy, kind of like the Kingdom of Acorn. Ruled under the benevolence of King Puff and Queen Angelica, the city went from a place of ridicule to a prosperous place. Or at least… That's what people tell you. In reality, those in poverty still end up in the streets due to a lack of work. The rulers have tried to make life better, but… It just isn't enough for the townspeople. I was one of those in poverty. My family tried to find work, even tried starting a business… But we couldn't stay afloat. Eventually, the living conditions got to my parents and…well…"

Rotor: "...I'm so sorry…"

*Tsunami just shakes her head, smiling at Rotor.*

Tsunami: "Don't worry. Things did get better when I met a girl named Undina. From the way she dressed, I could tell she was an upper class fish. She helped me in my time of need. Heck, it was through her that I grew to have a heroic resolve. But then, she and I stopped seeing each other. I forget the details, but… She told me to go out and find my happiness. I wasn't sure at the time what she meant… But looking back, I think she meant to go help others and to live free. And so, I did. And I never looked back."

Rotor: "...You're a true Freedom Fighter then. Never once letting life get you down."

Tsunami: "Got that right! I met Abyss and Opal sometime later. Apparently those two had escaped the maws of Ahklut, the Scourge of the Sea, and wanted to run their own crew of pirates. Opal is pretty chill, mostly going with the flow, but Abyss is…difficult. She clearly doesn't care to do good and prefers to have money. A greedy person that… I just can't give up on her, no matter what."

Rotor: "Heh. I know someone who's a lot like you."

*The two continued to talk, laughing as, for a moment, they forgot they were captors to a ship of pirates.*

Pirate Ship - Captain's Quarters

*Within the Captain's Quarters, Plunder was examining a gold coin, one with strange markings that didn't seem to be modern. As he did, two of his crewmates brought Ahklut inside. Though the orca tried to fight back, he was sat onto a chair forcefully and his head slammed onto the table in order for him to be calmed down.*

Plunder: "Well, ye sure know how to make an entrance, Ahklut."

Ahklut: "Tch. You're one to talk. Now what is it that you wanted to discuss?"

Plunder: "Ever heard of Tantara?"

Ahklut: "Ugh… Has everyone lost it? That stuff is nonsense!"

*Plunder, not at all looking intimidated or impressed, flung the coin he was examining at Ahklut, Ahklut looked at the coin with confusion.*

Ahklut: "What's this?"

Plunder: "A coin from th' treasure of Tantara. A mate from Pirate's Cove who lived to tell th' tale. He spoke of a whirlpool during a full moon which took he and his crew to another world. But an ill fate awaited him as he could only brin' back this doubloon. Unbelievable, right? But very believable now, wit' this coin be the proof."

Ahklut: "You've been dipping your ears into salt again, you sea dog. Tantara is nothing more than folklore. That coin could be counterfeit!"

Plunder: "Seems ye won't listen to reason. Fine by me. I'll just be sendin' ye to Davey Jones' Locker."

*Plunder grabs his scabbard and unsheathes his sword, ready to cut Ahklut's head off.*

Plunder: "Course… I could be nice and spare yer life. Maybe makin' a deal wit' ya. If'n we get to Tartara, I won't skin ye alive. If we don't, then ye be me new boots."

Ahklut: "So either you get the treasure or you get some orca brand shoes…"

Plunder: "Glad ye agree. Now get outta me sight."

Ahklut: "Wha!? I didn't agree to any-"

*A bag is thrown over Ahklut's head as he gets gut punched by one of Plunder's crewmates and taken away, taking the orca back to the brig.*

Pirate Ship - Deck

*Time passed as the ship wandered aimlessly on the sea. The pirates began to sing and drink rum as Rotor and Tsunami were invited to party. Though, they weren't in the highest of spirits.*

Rotor: "So… Why are we celebrating, matey?"

Crew member: "Th' cap'n's got a way to get us some treasure. Says it'll take us a while though…"

Tsunami: "That so…? Hmm…"

*Rotor and Tsunami stand and approach Plunder, who was overlooking the sea for any whirlpools using a telescope.*

Rotor: "Excuse us, captain!"

Plunder: "Aye, ya landlubber?"

Rotor: "A little birdy told us you…uh…had a destination in mind… Mind letting us in on it? Maybe we can help…"

Plunder: "Pfft. What can ye do to help?"

Rotor: "W-Well… Um…"

*Plunder turns to Rotor, looking at him straight in the eyes before smirking.*

Plunder: "Tell ye what… I like ya, kid. Ye look like an adventurer after me own heart, so I'll tell ya 'bout th' location."

*Plunder began to lay out a parchment and draw out what details he recalled.*

Plunder: "Th' place is called Tartara. Long story short, it's a place said to contain riches beyond yer wildest dreams. Accordin' to a mate in Pirate's Cove, his crew had encountered a whirlpool which took him to Tartara. His crew wasn't lucky though, leading to he coming back wit' just a doubloon."

*Rotor looked at the whirlpool in question and began to think. A whirlpool that led to another place. He then moved the parchment sideways and it started to make sense.*

Rotor: "That's no whirlpool. That's a portal. Captain. I may know how we can get to Tartara… But I request a few things."

Plunder: "No more than two, if'n it is wit'in me power."

Rotor: "First, I need parts. A cannon, whatever scrap you can get, anything. I can build something that can get you your treasure."

Plunder: "Very well. And what is yer other request?"

Rotor: "That me and my friends be off your ship after you get your treasure. That's it."

Plunder: "Hmm… Ye sure? Ye look reliable enough to keep in me crew."

Rotor: "I'm sure. Much as I appreciate the hospitality, I've got things I need to do. Both promises to keep and a family to see."

*Plunder looks at Rotor and the determination in his eyes. With a smirk and a light sigh, he turns to his crew.*

Plunder: "Listen up, ya scurvy twits! Tis here new crew mate has been given a new job! As o' now, he'll be givin' orders t' what he's buildin'. Give him yer cooperation, and we'll be swimmin' in treasure! If not, ye'll be meetin' the reaper far sooner than ye wanted to. Do I make meself clear!?"

Crew: "Yes, Cap'n!"

Plunder: "Then pull yer weight! Get me a cannon on the deck! Find any scrap metal ye can find!"

*Rotor looks as the crew began to scatter to find whatever they can. Tsunami looks at Rotor with a worried look.*

Tsunami: "Can you really trust him?"

Rotor: "No. But I'll do anything to get to my family sooner. Besides, I don't want to give up on Opal and Abyss either."

*Tsunami looked at Rotor with a surprised look before smiling, saying nothing more as she helps out in finding whatever she could. Rotor got to work immediately once parts started pouring in. Using his tools, Rotor spent hours on building a device to help in their mission. By the afternoon of the next day, he created a makeshift portal generator out of a cannon, a few pieces of useless junk, and a glass pane turned into a solar panel.*

Rotor: "Whew. Alright. With this, it should create a portal to Tartara, but… I do have one warning, Captain. We only have a few hours of daylight, meaning the portal will only stay open that long. If we don't leave by then, we'll be trapped in at that place forever."

Plunder: "That so, eh? That's th' kinda adventure I live for! Me hearties! Are ye ready!?"

*The crew shriek in excitement, they ready to cross into the other dimension. Abyss, Opal, and Ahklut are brought to the deck, Plunder turning to them.*

Plunder: "Ye are in fer a surprise, Ahklut. Time to shove yer non-beliefs back in yer gapin' maw ya call a mouth."

Ahklut: "This is a waste of time and you know it."

Plunder: "As fer you two… Yer spared o' walkin' th' plank if yer able to behave yerselves."

Abyss: "Tch. Once we're free, I'll be kicking your butt…"

Plunder: "Good luck wit' that. Rotor! Open th' gate!"

*Rotor nods and pulls the switch on the side of the generator, activating it. The cannon shoots out a beam which opens a large portal that connects to another dimension. The ship enter the portal, exiting to a strange dimension with a strange atmosphere. The crew look around and see an island. An island with tikis with grim faces and…a large volcano. Skeletons litter the shore of the island, along with pieces of ships that had met an ill fated end. Despite the tropical nature of the island, not a single soul lived on it anymore…*

Tartara Island

*Plunder and select members of his crew, including Rotor, Tsunami, Abyss, Opal, and Ahklut, stepped onto the beach, the captain feeling the sand to find it tasting…very sweet.*

Plunder: "Sugar? Nay, this be sweeter than mere sugar. What killed the last visitors? Diabetes?"

Filch: "Let's not stay an' find out, cap'n."

*Plunder leads the crew through a path of foliage before they see a cave ahead. Inside are two paths, one path leads up, the other down.*

Crew mate: "Which way should we go? I say up."

Tsunami: "No way. We go up, we get cooked by the lava in the volcano."

Abyss: "Adventurer's instinct?"

Tsunami: "No. Just common sense."

Plunder: "Aye, lass. Me instincts tell me treasure is down below. But…"

*The path down was a one way trip, a long slide that could lead to certain doom or certain riches. Rotor breathed in and…*

Rotor: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained… Let's do it to it!"

*Much to Tsunami's shock, Rotor goes in first.*

Abyss: "...He's dead. Oh well. Let's go home."

Ahklut: "And this is why you aren't captain. Because you cower at the first sign of danger."

*Before Abyss could retaliate, Ahklut kicks her down the slide before going down himself.*

Plunder: "Don't just stand there, ya cowering ninnies! Follow them!"

*Plunder and his remaining crew slide down the one way path. The slide is long, but along the way, many sights are seen, almost like being on a ride with a movie on it. It spoke of the Tartaragors who lived on the island in peace, but then one of their own made a weapon of unbelievable power. He tried to rule his people but he was cursed by his own petard. Before long, the group were spat onto a treasure hoard. A rough landing, but one rewarded by a gold chamber full of gold coins, precious gems, and so much more.*

Crew mate: "Tuh… Treasure!"

"Treasure everywhere!"

"We're rich! We're rich!"

"I can finally afford that resort!"

*As the crew celebrated, Plunder wasn't quite so sure, keeping his wits about him.*

Filch: "Somethin' th' matter, Cap'n?"

Plunder: "It's too early to celebrate. How're we to get out?"

*Rotor begins to look around as if thinking the same thing. Tsunami helped out before examining the gold statues littering the treasure room.*

Tsunami: "Weird… These statues look… Mobian…"

*Ahklut looks around before finding one of those statues with a gauntlet on. This gauntlet had sharp claws in place of fingers. With a smirk, the orca carefully starts to cut the rope holding his wrists with those claws. Abyss pulls Opal aside in order to talk privately.*

Abyss: "Look, this is an excellent chance for us. We find a way out, we ditch these guys, we say a trap was sprung and the captain died, and we take the ship and crew as our own. Flawless plan."

*Opal glares at Abyss before once again snapping at her.*

Opal: "Enough of your plans, Abyss! While I do agree Ahklut was a bad leader, you are even worse by trying and failing to conspire against him! You aren't grateful when someone offers you a hand, saving your life! You tried to abandon someone to save your own skin! And for what? A few seconds of being captain to a now DEAD CREW!?"

Abyss: "...Plunder's crew isn't dead."

*Opal growls before kicks Abyss to a wall, forcing her to the floor. She approaches and gives her a death stare.*

Opal: "Ahklut is right… You are nothing but a dirty coward. An idiot. Don't ever come near me again. I quit being your partner."

*Opal turns and walks away, leaving Abyss dumbstruck before she grits her teeth and yells at Opal.*

Abyss: "Fine! Walk away! Who cares about you!? You're a nobody! A loser! So screw you!"

*Abyss looks at a tiny idol looking at her, almost judging her. She kicks the idol at a wall, cracking a soft part of it unknowingly. Rotor in the meantime continues the search for a way out, soon finding some loose bricks in the wall. With a punch, he finds a hidden cave.*

Rotor: "Hey, captain! I found a way out!"

Plunder: "Aye! Good work, lad! Ye really proven yer resourcefulness!"

Ahklut: "Yes. Very good."

*Ahklut's voice echoes in the room as he stands on the largest pile of treasure, now wearing the golden glove from earlier.*

Plunder: "Ahklut!? What are you doing!?"

Ahklut: "A mutiny. I'm taking the treasure and crew with me. And I plan on taking over Mobius…"

Crew mate: "Oi! Ye've gone and bumped yer head if ye thinks that-"

*Ahklut smiles before aiming his new gauntlet at the pirate crew mate and fires a beam out from his palm. When the beam connects, the crew mate is frozen in solid gold.*

Rotor: "Wh-what!?"

Ahklut: "Huh. Neat. …Time to freeze the rest of you!"

*Ahklut fires more beams at those in the room, hitting the minor crew mates as they panicked. Plunder ducks and weaves before getting close to the orca and pulling out his sword.*

Plunder: "Ya should've stayed a good guppy, Ahklut. I could've forgiven ya and let ye join me crew again."

Ahklut: "As if, old timer!"

*Ahklut blocks the sword with his gauntlet, grabbing it and turning it to gold, making it harder for Plunder to swing it due to weight gain.*

Ahklut: "Your time at sea is over! And Eggman's reign is finished! With this, I'll take over all of Mobius!"

Plunder: "Ye've lost th' plot!"

*Plunder headbutts Ahklut, pushing him back a bit as he pulls out his gun. Ahklut fires another beam at Plunder, but misses, instead hitting a high wall. This causes a minor tremor as everyone is taken off balance. Abyss sees a rock drop beside her, frightening her as she starts to cower next to wall she cracked earlier. That wall slowly opens up and she falls through, getting swallowed by an underground river with rapid currents, with her being the idol she kicked earlier. Plunder gets knocked off his feet by Ahklut sweep kicking him. Ahklut stomps his foot on the captain, laughing to himself.*

Rotor: "Plunder!"

Tsunami: "What do we do!? The place is coming down!"

*Rotor looks at Plunder, then at the exit. With a sigh, he closes his eyes before reopening them with determination.*

Rotor: "A real Freedom Fighter never abandons anyone!"

*Rotor rushes at Ahklut, punching him off Plunder. Plunder looks at Rotor in shock.*

Plunder: "Lad! What're ye doin'!?"

Rotor: "Nevermind me! Get going! I'll hold Ahklut here!"

Plunder: "Crazy fool! He'll turn ya into a petrified coat hanger!"

Rotor: "When I became a Freedom Fighter, I promised myself that I'd help those in need! Because it's the right thing to do!"

*Ahklut growls before landing a punch on Rotor's face then gut.*

Ahklut: "Then you'll perish here!"

*Ahklut is then struck by a spinning headbutt from Tsunami, who skids to a stop as she leaves a nasty bruise on Ahklut's gut.*

Ahklut: "You…stupid…dolphin!"

Tsunami: "If Rotor's fighting to the end, then so will I! I'll help, even if it costs me my life!"

*Opal, who was looking on at the fight, could only leave her mouth agape in awe at the awesomeness of both Rotor and Tsunami. The place was collapsing, yet they were willing to save Plunder, a pirate they didn't even know. Ahklut grits his teeth before firing a sweeping beam from his gauntlet, trying to hit the duo of Freedom Fighters. Plunder, seeing that he may get in the way, runs a safe distance away to the exit. He grabs Opal, carrying her out.*

Plunder: "We're leaving!"

Opal: "What!? But… Rotor and Tsunami…"

*Plunder didn't deny their courage was commendable, but what could they do? The battle between Rotor, Tsunami, and Ahklut continued as blow after blow was exchanged. The continued tremors did nothing to dissuade the fighting. Ahklut manages to catch Tsunami off guard and slam her to the ground.*

Ahklut: "This ends now!"

*Ahklut aims his gauntlet at Tsunami, ready to turn her into a gold statue before Rotor, through his quick thinking, grabs a reflective shield and uses it to reflect the beam back at Ahklut, petrifying him on the spot. With a sigh, Rotor helps Tsunami to her feet as the quakes got more ferocious.*

Rotor: "Oh man, the place is really coming down!"

Tsunami: "We got to move!"

*Rotor and Tsunami make a run for it as lava starts to pour in from above. The lava melts the gold in the room, including the gold statues, effectively killing those petrified. The ground under the treasure room began to crack open, revealing more lava underneath. Tsunami is able to jump across. Rotor jumps after her, but lands on the wall just below.*

Tsunami: "Rotor! Grab my hand!"

*Tsunami reaches for the walrus as he hangs from the wall. He reaches out, but a tremor causes his grip to slip. His thoughts began to race. This was it… He was about to meet his end. He was never going to reunite with his herd. But at the same time, the friends he made when he became a Freedom Fighter, the adventures he had with them, and the defeat of Eggman at Mobotropolis… He may have had little in appearance, but his contributions were still big. He was…a hero… He hears Tsunami call out his name, her eyes filling up with tears as she watches Rotor fall towards the lava.*

…

…

…

*But…as if to defy death itself, another hand comes and catches Rotor's. It was Captain Plunder, using a hook to keep his grip on the wall as he hung there.*

Rotor: "Plunder!"

Plunder: "Tis be me returnin' the favor! Ye ain't ready fer the locker yet!"

*Plunder swings a bit before tossing Rotor back to safety and getting back on edge himself. Tsunami looks at Rotor before embracing him tearfully.*

Tsunami: "You big idiot! Don't ever scare me like that again!"

*Rotor is quiet as Opal and Plunder watch on, but then another quick tremor puts the embrace on hold.*

Opal: "We better leave…"

*The group go through the cave, running as fast as they could as the cave began to collapse. With a final push, the group escape the collapsing cave, but as expected, the volcano began to erupt. Thankfully, the Mystic Eagle was all ready to disembark. Plunder, Rotor, Tsunami, and Opal board the ship, the captain giving the command to head back through the portal as the island begins to sink into the ocean.*

Pirate Ship - Deck

*After letting their hearts rest after the near death experience they had, Plunder tells the crew about how, despite not getting any treasure, they had some fond memories to look back on. Rotor was sitting next to the railing, sighing to himself as Opal was patching him up.*

Opal: "You two looked amazing, Rotor. Like, truly amazing."

Rotor: "Thanks, Opal. And thanks for patching me up. Ahklut left me with quite a few bruises."

Opal: "Yeah… But… He's gone now… For good…"

*As the two spoke, Tsunami approaches with a plate of food, which she made for Rotor specifically.*

Tsunami: "Captain let me use the kitchen to actually cook. And… I wanted to say thanks for saving me back there, Rotor…"

*Rotor looks at Tsunami before smiling, eating the meal offered to him. The trio sit and enjoy the quiet time as they see the sun go down. Plunder then approaches.*

Plunder: "We'll be above Trenlantis by mornin'. Once we arrive, ye three are free to shove off."

Rotor: "You're giving us a trip there?"

Plunder: "Don't think nothin' of it. Just think of yerselves as more trouble than yer worth."

Filch: "Ye sure, Cap'n?"

*Plunder glares at Filch, who had suddenly vanished once things got dangerous.*

Plunder: "And where did ye get to, Filch?"

Filch: "Er… Well… I…uh…"

Plunder: "Just because yer dead, doesn't mean I'll find another way to kill ye again, ya cowardly swine!"

*Plunder takes Filch away from the three to give him an earful. Rotor could only smile as he was one step closer to at least learning where his herd may be.*

Trenlantis - Throne Room

*The next day came and the trio went to Trenlantis after being taken to just above it. The city was inside a large bubble, which smaller bubbles having off shoot locations. Much like Tsunami said, there was a poverty problem as multiple aquatic Mobians were finding it hard to get jobs or keep them. Rotor will help solve the issue, but he first heads to the Throne Room where he is greeted by regal wearing aquatic Mobians, a male pufferfish and a female anglerfish.*

Rotor: "I am Rotor the Walrus, acting representative of the Kingdom of Acorn. I come to you, your aquatic majesties, as King Acorn wishes to form peaceful relations with your humble kingdom in order to stop the future tyrannies of Dr. Robotnik."

King Puff: "Yes, we have heard that the surface world has suffered greatly because of the one that awful orca pirate was working with."

Queen Angelica: "But what can we offer you? We are but a lowly kingdom despite how large the ocean is."

Rotor: "Nothing except cooperation. We demand nothing from you. Instead, seeing your kingdom how it is, I'm sure King Acorn will happily help those in need of shelter and welfare."

Queen Angelica: "To help us but ask for nothing in return? That seems awfully unfair… At present, we cannot accept this unfairness."

Voice: "Mother! Wait!"

*A violet fish Mobian runs in, followed by another, this one orange. The first one was dressed in a sleeveless yellow dress and wearing a notable golden tiara that her hair was tied around, likely the daughter of the King and Queen. The orange fish Mobian was less impressive, wearing a more tropical sleeveless dress.*

Orange fish: "Your majesties, I apologize for Lady Undina's intrusion. She was eavesdropping and-"

Undina: "Mother, punish me later for my intrusion, but you cannot deny this exchange. While yes, our small kingdom has nothing to offer, we cannot overlook the surface dwellers' kindness. Tsunami, a friend I haven't seen in so long, told me of this walrus's brave adventures to get here. How he risked his life for others… I cannot standby and let you deny such kindness only because we have nothing to give. We do have something… Our loyalties to our home."

*Angelica and Puff look at Undina, then at each other. Angelica stands up and approaches Undina, kneeling before her.*

Angelica: "My dear sweet daughter… This is exactly why you will be fit to be Queen one day… Very well… We will at least speak with King Acorn personally to discuss matters further. Right, honey?"

*Angelica looks over to King Puff expectedly.*

Puff: "Oh! Um… Of course! As soon as we can!"

*With this, the meeting concludes with a big "maybe". While not completely successful, the mission wasn't a complete failure either. It was out of Rotor's hands now, but he had faith in King Acorn.*

Trenlantis - Temple

*Tsunami and Opal were at the temple next to the castle, talking amongst themselves as Rotor and Undina enter.*

Tsunami: "So? How'd it go?"

Rotor: "A hard maybe. It's out of my hands now, but… The princess helped out a lot."

Undina: "Only because I heard from Tsunami about your tales of heroism! You are so cool, Rotor! Or should I officially knight you into "Sir Rotor"?"

Rotor: "Er… What…did you tell her, Tsunami?"

*Tsunami and Opal could only let out a laugh at Rotor's expense. Opal soon speaks with Undina in order to give Tsunami and Rotor some privacy. The two stared out of the bubble towards the big blue ocean as they smiled.*

Rotor: "Couldn't find anything on my herd here. They left as soon as they could as to not cause trouble to the kingdom according to King Puff. Sounds like my mom to do that though."

Tsunami: "I'm sorry, Rotor… But it was a safe bet."

Rotor: "I won't give up though. I'll find my herd and my mom. They're out there…somewhere… That much I'm sure of more than ever."

*Tsunami smiles before blushing, looking away.*

Tsunami: "Hey… Rotor… You were…pretty cool out there… Maybe…you'd like to stay here and…help people here?"

*Rotor gets confused but starts to catch on to the hints. But he shakes his head.*

Rotor: "I've got my friends back home. And…that flash through my life I had… It reminded me that…despite how little I was to the team, I still had big contributions. Sonic, Sally, everyone… They mean so much to me. So… I'm going back to be with them. For good this time. But…if we can defeat Eggman and put him behind bars and keep Mobius safe… I'll…invite you for lunch… How about that?"

*Tsunami looks at Rotor before getting closer, silently agreeing to the proposal. And though Rotor's journey doesn't end the way he expected or hoped, it still gave him a new perspective on life and motivated him more than ever to keep looking for his herd. And he rebuilt his confidence in himself as a Freedom Fighter. All's well that ends well…*

Tartara - Sea

*Floating in the middle of the ocean was an injured Abyss, holding onto the idol that followed her as she was practically tossed into a river and spat into the ocean surface. Her vision was blurry and death was sure to claim her. That is until a metallic ship finds her and brings her aboard. A tall, humanoid figure approaches, long redhead hair, red outfit with black skin tight bottoms. A bright white smile on the figure's face. Though clearly a woman, the figure radiated an aura of pure evil.*

Jenni: "My my. A fish out of water in this dimension. And you brought me exactly what I needed."

*A white glove grabs the idol before crushing it, leaving only a crystal left.*

Jenni: "This'll make for an excellent energy source for Project Gaia. But good work deserves reward. So how about it, squid? Join my army… And let us form…a new world order."

*Abyss looked at the woman, her hand extended out for a deal. Either because she didn't want to die or because she was out of it, Abyss extends her own hand…and accepts.*

Jenni: "Welcome to my Hive Mind… Abyss the Squid."

*Jenni starts giggling to herself before letting out a maniacal laughter, echoing into the void of night.*