Rise of the Grandmasters Saga Episode 1: The Road We Take

It's been a week since the Iron Dominion has been defeated, and everything is still trying to get things back to normal. Like fixing the damages the Iron Queen caused to Nicole's computer system and the city. Keeping an eye on Eggman and Snively since they haven't been seen, including the Dark Legion. And to make sure they don't have too many problems during the recovery.

One day, Sonic, Eve, Tails, and Jazz are speeding to New Megaopolis with the strange device Lien-Da has given to Eve during the last battle with the Iron Dominion. Eve is already ahead with the device in her hand. Sonic is also holding Nicole's computer pad.

Tails speeds forward and calls out, "Hey Eve! Wait up! What's the big rush?"

"Well, the device Lien-Da has given to me started tracking something early this morning and it seems to lead us here," Eve says.

Sonic holds out Nicole, "Nicole, start scanning on all channels or wavelengths, or whatever it is you do."

"Leave it to me," Nicole says on the computer pad.

Tired, Tails says, "I understand being cautious… but the Iron Dominion was taken down almost a week ago."

With that, Sonic, Eve, Tails, and Jazz walk into the hole that's been made during the last invasion to the city.

"Trust me, I know. However, Eggman and Snively have disappeared and it concerns me that they could be planning something," Eve says.

"And you don't know if that device Lien-Da gave you is legit," Sonic says.

Then they walk down the hall.

"That's true, but you would think they would have attacked by now, right? I'm worried that you're too preoccupied with this…" Tails says, concern.

Sonic ruffles Tails's head, "Don't worry about me, man. It's just that everyone else seems busy with something, so I don't want to be the only guy doing nothing, y' know?"

"Well, you're right about that. Everyone else is busy fixing the damages, Sonia is visiting Ken, Knuckles and the Chaotix are back on the Island, and Shadow and the rest of his team are on their own missions," Eve says.

"Correct. That, and I'm tired of all these surprise invasions lately," sonic says.

Then turns to Nicole, "Anything yet, Nicole?"

"Negative," Nicole answers.

Sonic turns to Eve, "How's the device doing?"

"Okay, I think. It's telling us to go down the hall," Eve says, pointing the device in the direction.

"Well follow your lead and check a few halls. Then call it quits," Sonic says.

"Chao Chao," Jazz replies.

The group then begins to walk down the hall unknown to them, they are secretly being monitored by Dr. Eggman who is back to his old self again, and Snively's with him.

Nervous and concerned, Snively says, "They're going to find us this time."

"Oh, no, they aren't. The video surveillance is re-routed so many times they'll never trace the signal down here," Eggman says, fiddling with his mustache.

Then places his hands behind his head, "All access from the upper deck is sealed off, and I left no clue of what's down here. They'll know of us when I want them to know!"

"Ah. Good. Th-then maybe we could use this time to make a quick trip to the Dragon Kingdom and…" Snively says with a nervous smile.

But Eggman is against it, "We're not wasting any of my time or resources busting your girlfriend out of jail! She had her chance, and she blew it!"

Reluctantly, Snively says, "Yes, sir…"

"So then, how are the Dark Egg Legion stationed here?" Eggman asks.

"They remain in the hidden areas of the city, and waiting for further orders," Snively says.

"Good. Now back to work! There's building to be done!" Eggman says, and walks away.

Snively sighs with an annoyed and yet, depressed expression on his face.

Meanwhile, in another part of Mobius at Stormtop Village of the Dragon Kingdom, Sonia is with Ken as the rest of the Freedom Fighters and the villagers are rebuilding. Ken and Sonia are watching the village from the top of a small mountain top.

Ken looks at the city and says, "I've got a lot of rebuilding to do. I have to rebuild the people's trust in me as their new king. I have to maintain peace between the various clans, and I have to make sure the Iron Queen stays locked up where she is. And then I need to look into that 'Other Khans' thing Espio mentioned…"

"You certainly have your plate full," Sonia says.

Then hugs Ken, "But I have the utmost confidence you can do it."

"Oh, yeah? Why's that?" Ken asks with a smile.

Sonia giggles and taps on Ken's crown, "When we first met, you were a swaggering, overbearing hot-head. Today, you're a thoughtful, loving person who's learning to master his temper and has learned humility. You've grown a lot since we first met."

Ken smiles and says, "We've grown a lot since we first met."

"Yeah. We have," Sonia says.

"We started as comrades and fellow Freedom Fighters, and now…" Ken says.

"Now…" Sonia says.

"These people need someone compassionate, and capable. I've still got a lot to learn. They could benefit from a Queen of the Free People," Ken says.

"I don't know about that…" Sonia says.

Then smiles, "There's still so much we have to do…"

"Yes. I am well aware. With Dr. Eggman and Snivly escaped and disappeared, we will need to be careful and keep an eye out for him," Ken says.

"I know. Maybe one day…" Sonia says, and leans to Ken.

"Yes. Maybe one day, when our world is back to normal. Maybe we could be… I'll wait until the day comes," Ken says.

Sonia nods her head and says, "Me too."

With that, Sonia and Ken lean to each other and give each other a passionate kiss.

Meanwhile on Angel Island, all the Chaotix have gathered, and Espio has been returned to their side, and is able to stay on Angel Island with the rest of the Chaotix. The very evening, they all gather around the fire to have an important meeting.

Knuckles starts the meeting, "Listen up, Chaotix. If we're going to work as a team, we need to trust each other. That means we have to forgive some things that have happened between us…"

Then turns to Espio, "... and that means no more secrets."

"Agreed. I have gotten clearance from the Bride of my Clan to reveal all I know of each of you - to you," Espio says.

Then explains, "First off, it was my original duty to monitor Knuckles as the Guardian of Angel Island. Just as my clan has been monstering the Brotherhood of Guardians for many generations. In that time, I've come upon information about all of you."

"Nice try, Espio. But you've got nothing on me," Vector says, not buying it.

Espio turns to Vector and says, "You were originally born and raised in Downunda. You adopted an overbearing 'street lingo' accent to hide your origins."

Shocked, Vector says in his original accent, "Croiky!"

But quickly changes back to the accent he uses, "I mean, dang yo! I-I-I mean…"

Knuckles interrupts, "So you knew about my forefathers and Haven. You spent all that time at my side while I was looking for some answers and you said nothing."

"In a way. I knew about the existence of the Brotherhood. But I never had any details. All I know about was you," Espio says.

Julie-Su interjects, "But if you had known, would you have told him?"

"... It isn't that simple…" Espio says.

Charmy then asks, "So then, you also know that…"

"Yes. I've known that you're a Prince and engaged to Saffron before we even met," Espio says.

"Oh my, it sounds like you know about us more than we realize," Saffron says.

Mighty turns to Knuckles, "Aw, give him a break, Knuckles. You know he's one of the good guys. I mean, your family kept some of the same info from you, until you're fully ready, and you forgave them, right?"

"Yeah, I doubt you would be so forgiving if he'd been keeping something from you," Knuckles says.

"Actually," Espio speaks.

With a hint of remorse, Espio answers, "I'm pretty certain your parents are gone, but evidence points to your sister being alive… and part of a Dark Egg Legion Chapter."

That information has caused a silence among the group, and some are probably shocked to hear what Espio has to say to Mighty about sister. Mighty says nothing. He simply gets up and leaves, but also shows a frown on his face.

"I'm sorry…" Espio says.

And covers his eyes with his hand, and small forms of tears begin to appear, "I… I wanted to investigate more before I said anything…"

The group can tell that Espio feels really bad about keeping this information a secret, especially about the only family member of Mighty being alive.

Back in the Eggdome in Nw Megaopolis, Sonic, Eve, Tails, and Jazz continue to follow the device down the hall of the Eggdome to see where the device leads, or to see if Dr. Eggman and Snively are around.

"Hey Eve, are you sure that device you have is even working?" Sonic asks.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. All I know is that Lien-Da said that I'll be finding my informant. I think she's talking about Dimitri," Eve says.

"I'm surprised you didn't use it earlier," Tails says.

"Well, I was a bit septic about trusting Lien-Da, but she seems serious, especially after I saved her from being blown up," Eve says.

Then grits her teeth, "I'm still mad at the Iron Queen for everything she did to us, and to the Legion, even if they are currently our enemies."

"You're not the only one who is still upset with her," Sonic says.

Sonic looks around and says, "Still, I'm not sure we're going to find Eggman or Snively here. This place looks deserted."

"It never hurts to…" Tails says.

Suddenly, Nicole' computer pad beeps, startling them. Sonic drops the pad, but Jazz is able to grab it before it hits the ground.

Sonic turns to Nicole, "Warn us before you do that?"

"Sorry about that. I'm picking up something," Nicole says.

"R-really? Is it Eggman?" Tails ask, worried.

"Chao Chao," Jazz says, concerned.

"I do not believe so. The signal is extremely weak. Turn left at the next junction," Sonic says.

"Right," Sonic says.

The group then speeds down the hall.

"No left," Nicole says.

"No, I meant…" Sonic says.

But Nicole laughs, "Ha ha ha! Just a bit of directional humor."

"Hardy-har-har. We'll make a real Mobian out of you yet," Sonic says.

Soon, the group stops in front of a large door. Eve looks at the device and it's beeping a lot in front of the door.

"I think this must be it," Eve says.

Tails observes the door, "I think I can override the lock. I'll need Nicole to interface with it."

"Fire away, Tails," Sonic says, and gives Tails the computer pad.

Tails plug Nicole's computer into the lock pad of the door. Tails type in and the door opens.

"Got it!" Tails says.

Once the door is open, the group walk inside to see a store room, or perhaps a kind of lab.

"Some kind of store room? Bor-ring," Sonic says, not very impressed.

"Somebody went to a lot of trouble encrypting the lock to such an out-of-the-way room," Tails says.

Eve then notices something ahead, "Maybe not."

The group walks over to see a table that seems to have some electronics.

"Huh. Looks like a setup you or Rotor would use. Doesn't look like Eggman's type, though… too subtle…" Sonic says.

"Maybe it's Dimitri's lab or something. Lien-Da's device did led us here," Eve says.

"Maybe so, but where is he?" Sonic wonders.

Suddenly, Nicole's computer pad beeps when being held in front of one of the boxes.

Tails quickly says, "Guys! I found the source of the signal!"

"Alright!" Sonic says, and picks up the box.

He then carries it to the ground as he says, "Let's see what we've got here!"

"Careful!" Tails advise.

Sonic then places the box on the ground and begins to open it. When they look inside, they are shocked to see what, or rather, who it is.

"Whoa, wait… is that…?" Tails asks.

"It sure is. Wait until Knuckles get a load of this," Sonic says.

Back in Mighty's home of Angel Island, at Rocky Hills. Mighty is gathering his things inside of a bag when Mighty walks into the room.

Ray then asks, "M-M-Mighty! Wh-wh-wha…" Ray asks, concerned.

But Ray stops to see Mighty putting the last few things in his bag and zips it up.

Curious, Ray asks, "Um… a-a-are you m-m-m-m-m-m…?"

"I'm not mad…" Mighty answers.

And says, "I'm not happy, but I'm not mad…"

He then picks up the bag, "I can understand Espio needing to keep his secrets. I wish he had told me sooner, but I'll respect his traditions."

"Th-th-then why?" Ray asks.

But Mighty walks past Ray and says, "I have to find my sister."

Ray quickly hurries to Mighty and grabs his bag in protest, "No! Th-th-the Chaotix n-n-need you!"

"The Chaotix will be fine. Vector's almost as strong as me, now that he's completed my training course, and there's always Knuckles…" Mighty says.

But Ray says, "Th-th-then l-l-let me come, t-t-too! D-d-don't l-l-leave me b-b-behind again!"

"Ray…" Mighty says, about to deny it.

However, he can see the sadness and fear on his face.

Mighty smiles and picks him up, "Alright, buddy. You can come with me."

"YAY!" Ray cheers with glee.

Then looks at the horizon, and Mighty says, "We'll say our goodbyes, and then we're off on an adventure."

"Okay! To adventure!" Ray happily says.

Back in the Eggdome of the storage room, Sonic, Eve, Tails, and Jazz are surprised to see who is in the box. What they see is a familiar Echina head with red dreadlocks and looks like he's in a sleeping state.

"Dimitri…" Eve says, concerned.

"Hmm, I wonder what's he doing in there," Sonic says, and picks up the head.

"I don't know, but maybe Lien-Da may know why. Why else would the device lead us here," Tails says.

Eve kneels to the head, "Do you think he's okay?"

"Chao Chao," Jazz says, and taps Dimitri on the side of his head.

Eve calmly says, "Jazz, don't do that."

"Chao Chao," Jazz says, apologizing.

Soon enough, Dimitri begins to walk up and opens his eyes. His vision is blurry for a minute until it clears to see the black and red color chao, and hedgehog and the twin tail fox.

Dimitri is caught by surprise, "What are you doing here?! What happened?!"

"Hey man, calm down. We were checking this place to see whether or not the Iron Dominion left anything cool here before they fell, see if Eggman is around. Plus, the tracking device Lien-Da gave to Eve seems to also lead us here," Sonic says.

Dimitri soon says, confused, "The Iron Dominion Fell?! Well then what became of…"

But then says, "Oh, never mind. Anyway, let's get out of here: I was in that box for 25 days!"

Actually, according to my sensors, you were only in there for a week," Nicole interjects.

There's an awkward pause until Dimitri says, "Well, I haven't reset my internal clock for sometime now so… yeah."

"Oh brother," Eve says, rolling her eyes.

Then asks, in concern, "But Dimitri, what were you doing in that box?"

"Lien-Da used a device to neutralize my system so I couldn't move. Then stuffed me in the box, probably plans to leave me there until I'm no longer functional, and when she takes over the Legion as Grandmaster," Dimitri explains.

"No way," Eve says, shocked.

"You mean, Lien-Da practically left you in that box for death or to be deactivated or something?" Sonic asks.

"Seems that way," Dimitri.

Eve sadly turns to Dimitri, "That's cruel."

"But if Lien-Da left Dimitir here, then why did she even bother to give the device, knowing you would find him?" Tails wonders.

"I'm not sure, but I don't feel that we should leave him," Eve says.

"Then what do you think we should do?" Sonic asks.

Eve stands up and says, "Simple, we'll just take Dimitri with us."

Sonic shrugs his shoulders, "Works for me."

"Make sense. We can't just leave him here," Tails says.

"Chao," Jazz says with a nod.

"Are you sure you want to bother? After all, we are enemies," Dimitri says, not sure about the idea.

"Well, Lien-Da practically wanted me to find you when she gave me the device. Besides, we can't just leave you here. You'll be safe back in New Mobotropolis, My dad, Rotor, Tails, and even Tommy can help make you a place to stay in the Science bay, or at Freedom HQ. We'll watch over you, sounds fair," Eve says.

Dimitri thinks a bit and says, "I suppose I don't have much of a choice do I?"

"Nope," Sonic says.

"Then I guess I could go with you," Dimitri says.

"Okay then. Let's get back to the city," Eve says.

"Chao Chao," Jazz happily says.

The group then speed out of the room and make their way back to the city with their passenger.

Back in New Mobotropolis, Sonia walks through the Warp Ring, returning from the Dragon Kingdom. Sally and Nicole are here to greet her.

"Welcome home, Sonia," Nicole says.

Sonia comes out, and covers her eyes from the sunlight, "Thanks, Nicole. I forgot it was day on this side of the world."

"Was everything going well in the Dragon Kingdom?" Sally asks.

"So far, so good. I think they're in capable hands," Sonia says.

"I do, too," Sally says.

Then Nicole asks, "Will you be returning the Warp Ring to Knuckles now?"

"In a bit. I want to see how my brother and parents are doing before heading to Angel Island," Sonia says.

Sally asks, "On the other note, where's Sonic?"

Right on cue, Sonic zooms in, "Did somebody say my name?"

"It wasn't an invitation to spook me," Sally sternly says.

"As if I ever needed one," Sonic says in a remark.

Eve then zips over, "Hey Sonia, so how's Ken doing?"

"Ken is doing fine," Sonia says.

"Good. I wish him luck. He's gonna need it," Sonic says in remark.

"Excuse me, Sonic? Has Tails…?" Nicole asks.

But Sonic answers, "He's over at the Science Center giving our new friend an emergency Power-boost."

"Very good. I'll see if I can lend him a hand," Nicole says.

"Wait, what? Who?" Sonia asks, confused.

Sally turns to Sonic, "Care to explain what happened while I was away?"

"Sure, but after lunch. I am one hungry hedgehog!" Sonic says, and is about to leave.

Before Sonic can leave, Sally takes Sonic's hand, "How about we talk over lunch together."

"Wh… really?" Sonic asks.

"Yeah. We'll sit, we'll talk, and you can tell me about how brave and cool you were today… while I pretend to be totally impressed," Sally says.

"Ha! Just like the old times!" Sonic says.

"Yeah. Just like old times," Sally says.

Sonic and Sally begin to take their leave, leaving Sonia and Eve behind. The two girls giggle to see the two are leaving for lunch together, almost like a date. After that, Sonia and Eve go their separate ways to handle their own businesses.

In the Dragon Kingdom, Ken leads his Freedom Fighters on the reconstruction of the village and to help lead the village.

Back on Angel Island, Mighty and Ray say goodbye to the Chaotix on Angel Island and leave on their adventure, mainly to find Mighty's sister.

In a hidden area, Eggman is working on a new scheme while Snively is moping over Regina.

Even though things are getting back on track, Sonic, Eve, and the Freedom Fighters continue to fight for the Freedom and to defeat Dr. Eggman and any bad guys that might make an appearance.