The more Sonia heard, the more excited she became. As per usual, there was nothing she loved more than tales of her parents' heroic actions.
"This is all so cool! High speed chases! Superheroes! It's all so awesome!" Sonia shouted, leaping up and down.
"I love her excitable energy," Rouge said.
"Me too," Cream commented.
"Uncle Knuckles was so awesome, going to spooky, haunted places and not letting it scare him!" Sonia said, doing some shadow boxing.
"It was a little creepy, but nothing I couldn't handle," Knuckles boasted.
"Uncle Tails hacking into the network of one of Earth's most protected databases!" Sonia said, mimicking keyboard typing.
"It was considered impressive to hack S.H.I.E.L.D. I'll admit," Tails said.
"It's what every story needs to be entertaining!" Sonia excitedly finished.
"Not every story," Sonic said. "Some of the best stories are calming and relaxing."
"Ha, good joke daddy," Sonia said, earning a furrowed brow from her father. "Seriously, dangerous as some of those robots were, it sounds like the scariest part was Aunt Sally getting mad."
"Uh yeah...an angry Sally is never pleasant," Tails said, awkwardly rubbing his head. "You have no idea what she's capable of when she's mad."
"When she's angry, the whole planet feels it sometimes," Bunnie said. "That girl's got more stress than a wound-up slingshot."
"Sally had a habit of acting like the group's mom," Amy said. "Which I don't blame her for, I suppose someone has to be the mature one."
"Problem is that Sally still wasn't as grown up as she believed she was," Sonic said. "I always believed that Sally would be happier if she thought less like a Princess and more like a regular girl."
"That might be asking fer a bit too much, sad to say," Bunnie said. "Sally's always been under pressure to take charge. Ah don't think she can dial it back, even if she wants to."
"She can, I've seen moments where she lets her guard down," Amy said.
"Problem is, it doesn't last too long," Sonic said. "The ARK was no exception."
"I think you're being a bit too hard on Sally," Knuckles said. "She has a lot to be responsible for, when you're a leader, that comes with a lot of pressure."
"I'm perfectly aware of that Knuckles, my issue isn't that she's a leader, it's that she takes things way too seriously," Sonic said.
"So she should be like you and never take things seriously at all?" Knuckles asked.
"What are you talking about, Knucklehead!?" Sonic shouted.
"Easy Sonic," Amy calmed, then turned to the Echidna. "Knuckles, that was uncalled for."
"I'm just calling it like I see it," Knuckles said. "I know Sally can be a pain at times but are you really so much better than her that you feel like she needs to change?"
"I'd rather you didn't put words in my mouth, especially in front of my daughter," Sonic said, gesturing to Sonia. "I never said Sally needed to be a certain way."
"You just said you wished she'd lighten up," Knuckles said.
"Okay that's probably a preference of mine but I'm not gonna go to her and tell her what to do!" Sonic said. "Sally's a grown woman who can make her own choices, I'm just suggesting that she dial it back. Honestly it's for her own benefit! Do you want her to be stressed out all the time? I've seen first-hand how she's like, and I've seen that the stress gets to her. Some nights when I comfort her, she broke down in tears because of how much she keeps in."
"She still does," Bunnie said. "She tries to stay strong because she don't want anyone seeing her that way, especially Manik. A mother must be strong for her son, that's what she believes at least."
"Wow, I didn't know Sally had it that bad..." Sonia said. "I should give her a hug later, when she's done with her meeting."
"Give her a few kisses too, if there's one thing she absolutely loves, it's yer affection," Bunnie said.
"Let's not talk too much about this, it sounds very personal," Amy said.
"To be fair, we're some of Sally's closest friends," Rouge said. "If we can figure out how to help her, then that's a good thing to do."
"Cheering Sally up is one of the hardest things in the world though," Sonic said.
"It's not that hard, Tails does it, and so does Amy," Knuckles said.
"Well, to be fair, I'm very open and affectionate, which is why Sally comes to me when she's bothered by something," Amy said.
"All I have to do is smile at her and she gushes over me," Tails said.
"Of course, you're the cutest little fox boy after all," Cream said, nuzzling his cheek.
"Come on Cream, you're embarrassing me," A shy but happy Tails said.
"Seriously, get a room," Knuckles said, much to the annoyance of the Prowers.
"Put a sock in it," Tails said.
"Yeah, don't be mean, Knuckles," Cream lightly scolded.
"Tails and Amy are good with emotions, they're just not my strong suit," Sonic said. "But everyone has their strong points, and something that motivates that strength."
"Love is a powerful thing," Amy said. "Especially for those you care about the most."
Many years prior once again, the shuttle Sonic took was on its way to Space Colony ARK, the sight of the building being an amazing view for the heroes.
"So this is the space colony where Eggman is hiding," Sonic commented.
"Is it me, or does it kind of look like his face?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Probably remodeled it or something, you know how narcissistic some of these villains are," Johnny said. "I'd say Eggman could be good buddies with Doom, but I doubt their egos could even fit in the same room."
"If Doom's anything like Eggman, I don't think their egos could fit on the same planet," Tails said.
That got a laugh out of Johnny, the man nodding in agreement, "Probably right about that."
Suddenly the shuttle hit an asteroid, briefly startling everyone on board.
"Whoa! Is everyone alright!?" Tails asked.
"We're fine," Jacky said, checking on his sister. "Just taken by surprise."
"That was close, are we almost there?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Wait, I think I heard the hatch door open!" Knuckles said, the Echidna looking out the window and seeing the Emerald shards. "That's not good."
"Don't worry about that right now, Knuckles," Sonic said.
"What do you mean 'Don't Worry'?" Knuckles asked in annoyance as he went for the brakes. "Land this thing right now!"
"Knuckles!" Amy scolded as Knuckles grabbed the wheel.
"You moron! You're gonna make us crash!" Sonic shouted in worry as Knuckles seemed to be focused on something. "Wait! Don't touch that lever!"
Too late, Knuckles had activated the lever, causing the ship to spiral out of control, freaking everyone out as they approached the ARK at a high velocity.
"We're gonna die!" Johnny shouted.
"Hey Sonic, if we don't make it, I just wanted to tell you-" Rainbow Dash's words were cut off by the sudden crash on the ARK.
Fortunately everyone was alright, Knuckles however busted out of the shuttle, making his leave. "I gotta get my Emerald Shards back!"
"Are you kidding me right now, Knuckles!?" Sonic shouted, the hedgehog clearly annoyed.
"Look, sorry about the crash, but the Master Emerald is very important to our world, you of all people should know that," Knuckles said, making his leave.
Sonic grumbled in annoyance as he leapt out of the ship. "That Knucklehead! I thought we were gonna die!"
"Wow, Sonic's usually never this vocally upset," Tails said as he got out as well.
"I don't blame him," Amy said, hopping out as well.
"Same, Knuckles did nearly get us killed," Rainbow Dash said.
"Always figured I'd die in space," Johnny said.
"Don't even joke about that," Jacky said.
"Yeah, not the ending I'd want," Sarah said.
Sonic took a head count, "Looks like everyone's alright, that's good. Aside from Knuckles, who bailed on us."
"Gotta say, this place looks really deserted," Amy commented. "And dusty too."
"Nick Fury did mention that this place shut down," Tails said. "According to a report I read, this place closed fifty years ago due to a terrible accident."
"What is this place again?" Sarah asked.
"The first Bernoulli spherical space colony," Tails said. "It's called ARK."
"What the heck is a Bernoulli?" Rainbow Dash asked, before shrugging it off. "Eh, probably doesn't matter."
"It was a very advanced research center in its time," Tails said. "Looking at it now though..."
"It's very much abandoned," Amy said. "Seems like a shame."
"I hate seeing good science go to waste," Tails said.
"We don't have much time before Eggman fires that weapon again," Sonic said. "We gotta find the cannon and destroy it!"
"How do we do that?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Easy, we trash it," Johnny said. "My fire, your speed mixed with Sonic's, Tails's fancy plane...wait did you bring your plane?"
"Yeah, I had it with me in the Cargo Bay," Tails said, pressing a button to bring out the Cyclone. "Fortunately it didn't fly out with the Emerald Shards. Guess I was lucky, but even if it did I could still bring it back. For now-"
"AHA!" Sally shouted, popping out of the cockpit, startling everyone. "Finally caught up to you!"
"Sally!? How did you get here!?" Sonic shouted in disbelief.
"I had help following you little troublemakers!" Sally said, gesturing to Peter, Tony and Rotor coming out of the shuttle, each of them looking dizzy as well.
"Never let Knuckles pilot anything ever again," Peter said.
Sonic squinted his eyes upon seeing the walrus, "Rotor? Is that you?"
"Hey Sonic," Rotor greeted. "Long time no see."
"I was just about to say the same thing," Sonic said. "Oh, and Peter's here too of course, but who's the guy next to him?"
"Name's Tony Stark," the man introduced. "Call me Iron Man."
"He's kind of a mentor to me," Peter said, then turned to his mentor. "Tony, meet Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles Prower and Amy Rose."
"You can call me 'Tails'," the fox boy introduced. "Are you a robot or something?"
"No, I'm a person," Tony said, removing the face part of his helmet. "So, I take it you're the boy who hacked into S.H.I.E.L.D. That's no easy feat, their security is among the best of our planet."
"It wasn't easy, but I found a few paths to take," Tails said. "Still, your suit looks neat, where did you get it from?"
"I built it," Tony said.
"You built that suit!?" A now very interested Tails asked. "You must be very intelligent!"
"You flatter me kid, but you're not totally wrong," Tony playfully stated. "I am pretty awesome."
"Suppress your ego, Shell Head," Peter said, earning a look of annoyance from Tony.
"Yo, Stark," Johnny said, getting his attention.
"Oh Johnny, almost didn't see you there," Tony said. "I see you brought your girlfriend."
"Not his girlfriend," Rainbow Dash said.
"Yet," Johnny commented, much to Rainbow Dash's annoyance.
"Dude, put a lid on it," Rainbow Dash warned.
Tony turned to the Bryant Siblings, "I feel like I know one of you."
"I'm Jacky Bryant, the Blue Flash," Jacky introduced.
"Oh yeah, you got injured in that terrible crash during that race in Indianapolis," Tony said.
"That's a long story," Jacky said, gesturing to the girl beside him. "This is my sister, Sarah."
"Hello," Sarah greeted.
Tony eyed the woman up and down, "Are you single?"
"Dude! Not the time!" Peter shouted.
Sarah however couldn't help but chuckle, "Wow, a top Avenger just hit on me, I feel flattered."
"I'm so glad everyone is getting to know each other, but we still have one teeny, tiny problem," Sally said.
"What would that be?" Sonic asked, then took a bonk to the head, courtesy of Sally. "Hey!"
"You Sonic, once again getting into trouble!" Sally shouted. "How did you get yourself arrested anyway!? Why weren't you more careful!?"
"To be fair Sally, he was set up, and there was proof too," Tails said. "You see-"
"QUIET!" Sally shouted, bonking Tails on the head, the boy holding the spot in pain. "You had the nerve to disobey me, Miles Prower! I am VERY disappointed in you!"
"Hey! Don't yell at him like that!" Amy shouted.
Sally glared and bonked Amy on the head as well, but this time she seemed to hurt herself in the process. "Ow, what in the...?" She looked at her fist, seeing pink prickles on her hand. Sally glared at Amy again, startling the girl as her knees trembled a bit. "Did you just...?"
"To be fair, that was your fault!" Amy shouted. The girl nearly regretted it once Sally glared at her. "Why does she have such a scary looking face right now? Don't back down! Don't back down!"
Fortunately Peter decided to step in, "Sally, maybe don't hit your friends, they won't like you if you do stuff like that."
"This isn't about them liking me, this is me disciplining misbehaving children," Sally said.
"Like I told you before, you're not their mother," Peter said. "It's great that you want to look out for them but this is a terrible way of going about it."
"We're really sorry we disobeyed you, Sally," Tails said. "But Sonic's my best friend, I couldn't sit back and do nothing. He was in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and it wasn't fair to him. I know I took a risk but it was one I believed I had to take. My only regret is any worry I placed on you, it wasn't my intention to show you disrespect, I just wanted to be a good friend to someone who's done a lot for me. If it wasn't for Sonic, I'd still be ashamed of who I am as a person. Any chance I get to repay his kindness is one I would take a hundred times over."
Sonic awkwardly scratched his head, trying to force a smile, "Little embarrassing but very much appreciated."
Sally glanced at Sonic in confusion, it wasn't a response she expected out of him, but she was mainly preoccupied with Tails at the moment.
"I really do apologize for what I did Sally, not me freeing Sonic, but me worrying you," Tails said. "I hope you can forgive me."
"Tails..." Sally then placed her hands on Tails's shoulders and planted a kiss on the boy's head, getting a blush from the young genius. "Of course I can forgive you. I'm sorry for getting mad, I just really care a lot about you and I want to keep you safe."
"I appreciate that Sally, but I can take care of myself if need be," Tails said. "I've even helped fight off Eggman and survived against some of G.U.N.'s best technology."
"And as we just established, he hacked into S.H.I.E.L.D." Johnny said.
"Kid's a big deal, he has a million dollar bounty on his head, you don't get that by being helpless," Jacky said. This earned him some glares from everyone else, the racer realizing his blunder. "Uh, scratch that."
"I don't know how much a dollar is, but anything in the millions kind of has me worried," Sally said.
"Sal, just trust Tails, he's got this," Rainbow Dash said.
"...Fine, but I want to be by his side," Sally said. "Just to make sure he doesn't get hurt."
"Just don't baby him, he'll never be a man if you treat him like a boy," Jacky said.
"Well to be fair, he is eight," Sarah said. "So he probably needs a little supervision."
"I'll compromise," Sally said.
"Thanks Sally," Tails said, flying onto his Cyclone and pulling an image up. "Now, as for that Eclipse cannon."
"Oh yeah, we talked about destroying it," Johnny said.
"It won't be that easy. The cannon was designed so that outside attacks can't damage it," Tails explained, pulling out the yellow Emerald. "We'll have to destroy it from the inside."
"Using your Chaos Emerald?" Amy asked.
"Actually, this Emerald is fake," Tails said. "I created it after researching the real emerald. It has the same wavelengths and properties, but it's less powerful than a real one. It's designed so that it reverses the energy fields of the real Chaos Emeralds. This fake is so convincing, that even a machine can't tell the difference."
"Badass," Johnny said.
"Very convenient too," Rainbow Dash said.
"I'll find the power supply and destroy it," Tails said, handing the emerald to the blue Hedgehog. "Sonic, you find the control room."
"So the plan is to switch the Chaos Emeralds when the machine stops, right?" Sonic asked.
"Right," Tails said. "We should all split up, help each other out."
"Dash and I can go see if we find Eggman or that imposter that framed Sonic," Johnny said.
"Maybe get that bat girl as well," Rainbow Dash said.
"Alright, everyone split up," Tails said as Sally took a seat behind him.
"You don't mind if I make myself comfortable, do you?" Sally asked, showing off her watch. "My A.I. can help too."
"Uh, no, not at all," Tails said, blushing a bit before shaking it off. "Also you have an A.I.?"
"Her name is Nicole," Sally said.
"Nicole? Does it stand for anything?" Johnny asked.
"I don't think so, this was just something my father gave to me," Sally said.
"Sounds like quite the gift," Sonic said.
"If she can help, then that's good. Having a bit more tech on our side can help us in the battle against Eggman," Tails said. "Alright then. Everyone, spread out!"
Most of the group set out toward different directions, aside from Amy who looked a bit confused, then annoyed. The girl was left with the Bryant Siblings.
"And once again, I get left behind," Amy said.
"Well they did all split up," Jacky said. "Maybe try doing your own thing, that's what everyone else is doing."
"I'm not even sure where to start," Amy said.
"Let's figure it out together," Sarah said. "Who knows? Maybe you'll find Eggman before the others do."
"You're strong enough to fight Eggman, aren't you?" Jacky asked.
"Well yeah, I've fought him before," Amy said.
"Think you can fight that other hedgehog or that female bat?" Sarah asked.
"Maybe..." Amy said.
"One way to find out," Jacky said. "Come on, let's get a move on."
Amy nodded in agreement, "Sounds good to me!"
In the control room, Rouge was seen speaking with Eggman through the radio. "Hey Doctor, how's it going?"
"Not good, those fools escaped my grasp, and that stupid Golem turned against me!" Eggman said.
"They escaped!? Oh that's fine, I can go after them myself," Rouge said. "By the way, can you tell me the password for the Space Colony Control?"
"Uh, yeah, it's Maria, why?" Eggman asked.
"Just in case something goes wrong, I do need access after all," Rouge said.
"I suppose so, I will be there shortly," Eggman said.
Rouge placed the radio away, "Tricking that Doctor is way too easy." Rouge walked over to the control panel. "Alright, password...Ma-Ri-A. You know, that name sounds familiar. I should ask Topaz, she's more familiar with Earth names." Rouge went to work, trying to gain all the necessary information.
Within seconds, everything popped up, making all the information known to Rouge, "There it is." She grabbed her radio. "Topaz, are you there?"
"Rouge?" Came the voice of Topaz.
"Hey hon, I may have found that information you needed about Project Shadow, I'm uploading the data now," Rouge said.
"That's amazing," Topaz said. "What does it say?"
"It says...wait, this can't be right," Rouge said. "What is Shadow anyway?"
"Rouge!" Topaz shouted. "Focus!"
"Right, I'll just upload the data into this USB drive," Rouge said.
"Just hurry up, Colonel Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. just barged into our base not too long ago, and he's not happy that some of your Mobian friends just hacked their server," Topaz said. "Fury wants the kibosh on this operation ASAP!"
"I'm working as fast as i can," Rouge said. "Just make sure you have my jewels ready."
"Yeah, yeah, just hurry," Topaz said. "I need you to-"
"Topaz!" Came the voice of Nick Fury.
"I gotta go," Topaz said, hanging up. "Yes Colonel Fury?"
"I need some answers out of you, and pronto," Fury said. "You know about these Mobians, given that G.U.N. just employed one of them. What the hell are they up to!?"
"That I'm not sure, the only thing we know is that the one called Sonic is a hero from Station Square who defeated a Water Creature with pro heroes Rainbow Dash, The Human Torch and Spider-Man," Topaz said.
"Ugh, Spider-Man. Stark's little pal" Fury said. "I want more information, including whatever it is you're researching!"
"That might be classified," Topaz said, almost regretting it.
"Do I look like I give a damn!? I want answers, NOW!" Fury shouted.
"Uh..." Topaz wasn't sure what to do. "Rouge, please hurry!"
On the ARK, Rouge saw that Sonic and his friends had just arrived, and that some green gems were seen flying out of a spacecraft. "Looks like I'll have my chance at the Master Emerald."
Meanwhile Eggman was observing everything from his Pyramid Base, "Rouge better be doing what I'm expecting her to do."
"Can she even be trusted?" Bokkun asked. "I bet she can't be trusted, she's gonna betray us."
"She better not if she knows what's good for her," Eggman said, taking note of Sonic's friends. "Still, seems like that annoying rag tag group of heroes are again thwarting my plans."
Orbot carefully scanned the monitor, "Boss, there seems to be two separate readings for the Chaos Emeralds on here."
"Come again" Eggman checked the monitor. "That's odd, they must have something up their sleeve. I don't suppose they duplicated the Emerald's power, did they?"
"That would be quite impressive if they did," Orbot said. "A true testament to the intelligence of Tails."
"He's a clever fox, but nothing compared to me," Eggman said, then saw Shadow about to leave. "Shadow, wait. It is I who shall make them regret crossing me. I will put an end to this long drawn-out battle and prove myself to the world as The Ultimate Genius!"
"Yeah! Ultimate Genius!" Bokkun said, joining Eggman as the Genius entered his Egg Walker along with Orbot and Cubot.
"Shadow, if something happens to me, finish the mission," Eggman said, stepping onto a teleporter. "It's now or never!"
Tails and Sally navigated through the Eternal Engine area, the boy blasting all guard robots in the area as Sally checked the map that she uploaded to her watch.
"Nicole, any shortcut to the engine we can use?" Sally asked.
"Processing Sally," Nicole said.
"It's so neat that you have that, Sally," Tails said. "If Nicole can access the ARK's database, it can help navigating much easier."
"Nicole has really helped us out the last few years in Mobotropolis," Sally said. "She would have access to security and block off intruders. Came in handy against an evil sorcerer named Walter Nagus. Granted there's only so much we can do against his magic."
"Fighting a sorcerer seems new but I bet if you asked Sonic for help, he can handle that Nagus guy," Tails said.
"Sonic has gotten strong, and that Super form he had when he fought Chaos was amazing," Sally said.
"Oh yeah, that form has come in handy a few times," Tails said. "I'd say Chaos was his first true challenge with that form. Being Super makes Sonic practically invincible though, so even that challenge probably wasn't too tough for Sonic. So far, only Knuckles managed to do some damage to him in his super form."
"Knuckles did?" Sally asked.
"Yeah, when Sonic and I first met Knuckles, he punched Sonic out of his Super Form," Tails said. "It was cool, but concerning since one, Sonic got lost the Emeralds, and two, Knuckles was working with Eggman."
"Wait a minute, Knuckles worked with Eggman?" Sally asked.
"Eggman tricked Knuckles into thinking that me and Sonic were villains," Tails said. "We worked it out in the end obviously, but it was still a pain to deal with. Knuckles is no joke, he can keep up with Sonic when motivated enough."
"What is your relationship with him? Seems like he and Sonic don't get along well," Sally said.
"It's true that they butt heads a lot," Tails said. "But, Knuckles is also a good ally to have, and he's friendly when he wants to be. Of course out of all of us, I think Amy's the only one he seems to let his guard down around. Probably because she's naturally kind and easier to open up to."
"I have noticed that, she's a sweet girl," Sally said. "Just a little naive."
"Not sure if I would call Amy 'naive'," Tails said. "She just likes to see the positive in a situation."
"Even so, she has a bad habit of putting herself in danger," Sally said. "I hope she's not doing this just because of her crush on Sonic."
"Well Amy does want to keep up with him, I can understand that since I try to keep up with Sonic too," Tails said. "That's one thing she and I bonded over. Our admiration for Sonic. In a way, he brought out the best in both of us."
"I don't consider breaking him out of jail being the 'best' in you," Sally said. "I understand why you did it but that was still a risky move."
"I know, I'm not gonna pretend that Amy and I didn't break the law," Tails said. "But the law was unjust in our eyes. Didn't you feel the same way?"
"Well, I want to..." Sally said.
"It's fine if you don't, you are a princess, I guess it's natural that you want to follow the law," Tails said.
"Probably," Sally said. "Still, I really wish you and Amy waited. We could have found proof that he was innocent and done this the right way. Breaking him out just makes you look bad, and I don't want that for you."
"I get it, and you're not wrong, we probably should have waited," Tails said. "But given the threat of the situation, having Sonic with us increases our chance for victory. Plus, it is for the safety of this world. That's important too after all."
"You raise a good point, guess if anything it'd be a heroic sacrifice, and Sonic has always been the hero type," Sally said.
"No doubt that he is a hero but he's not like what I've seen with some of the heroes from Earth," Tails said. "He's just a guy who follows his instincts. They just happen to line up with heroic actions."
"Well, the Sonic I remember loved the idea of being a hero, I guess it's just subconscious at this point for him," Sally said.
"Guess you're not wrong," Tails said. "You know Sonic well yourself. You grew up with him, same with that friend of yours."
"You mean Rotor?" Sally asked. "Yeah, he along with Bunnie and Antoine were all good friends of me and Sonic."
"Bunnie? That name sounds familiar," Tails said.
"She's a really nice girl, I'd love to introduce you two," Sally said, then spotted more robots. "Guess we have more trouble."
"I'm on it," Tails said, blasting them with his Cyclone, then sending a missile out ot destroy a larger robot.
"Nicole, are we getting closer?" Sally asked.
"Past the corridor to your left," Nicole said.
Tails entered a room that was one big bottomless looking gap. "Geez, this is quite a drop."
"Nicole, is this the right way?" Sally asked.
"Affirmative, the engine should be toward the bottom," Nicole confirmed.
"Tails, are you there?" Sonic asked through a walkie-talkie.
"I'm here Sonic, what's up?" Tails asked.
In another part of the ARK, Sonic, along with Peter and Tony, were taking down some robots.
"I found the control room," Sonic confirmed. "I just gotta trash some baddies with Spidey and Iron Man, then I'll place the emerald in."
"Sounds great, Sally and I are close to the engine, we're going to destroy it," Tails said, then changed the radio frequency. "Johnny? Rainbow Dash, are you there?"
"Sup Tails?" Johnny asked, effortlessly blasting a robot.
"Sonic and I are nearly done with our objectives, any sign of Eggman or his team?" Tails asked.
"Not yet," Johnny said. "But we'll keep looking."
"Hey, I can see Knuckles," Rainbow Dash said, gesturing out a window. "He's on some astroid, collecting those Emerald shards."
"Oh yeah, I see him too," Johnny said, checking around. "And I think I see that bat girl as well...looks like she found the shards too."
"Let's try to meet with them" Rainbow Dash said.
"Sounds good to me, lets go," Johnny said.
Tails and Sally carefully descended below toward the power engine, avoiding all the lasers and robots.
Sally curiously glanced at one of them, "Is it me, or does that robot resemble Chaos?"
"Huh?" Tails took note of the Artificial Chaos, "That's weird, is this G.U.N.'s work? When would they have made it if this place was abandoned fifty years ago?"
"Something strange is definitely going on," Sally said as Tails reached the bottom. "We'll worry about it later, let's focus on destroying this machine."
"Sure thing, Sally," Tails said, blasting the power supply. Within seconds, it was completely destroyed. "I did it!"
"That was easy," Sally said. "A little too easy."
"I'll take that win," Tails said. "Now we just need to find a way up and then get into contact with Sonic."
"Don't want to waste any time," Sally said.
"Tails!" Came Amy's voice on the radio briefly.
"Amy?" Tails tried contacting the radio. "Amy!? Are you there!?"
Inside a room on the ARK, Eggman was holding Amy hostage while aiming a laser gun at both Jacky and Sarah, the two having taken a battle stance.
"Put the girl down, Eggman!" Jacky warned. "Don't do anything you'll regret."
"I won't regret taking any of your lives today, so I'd suggest you play nice," Eggman said.
"You would take a young girl hostage like this?" Sarah asked. "Wow, how cowardly can you be?"
"I'd watch your tone if I were you," Eggman said, aiming the gun at a frightened Amy's head. "Otherwise, my finger just might slip."
"Don't do it!" Jacky shouted in worry. "Look, things don't need to end like this. Just tell us what you want."
"Jacky, don't give up on my behalf," Amy pleaded.
"Quiet!" Eggman shouted, then aimed his gun at Jacky while kicking a radio to him. "Call Sonic."
"...Sonic?" Jacky asked.
"Yes Sonic, call him or she dies!" Eggman shouted, pointing the gun back at her head.
"Son of a..." Jacky grabbed the radio, making a call. "Sonic...are you there?"
"Jacky? What's up?" Sonic asked.
"Tell him everything, don't be shy about the details," Eggman taunted. Jacky grumbled in anger, wanting so desperately to take Eggman down right now, the scientist now growing impatient. "If you don't talk, this girl will be the one speaking her final words."
"Jacky, it might be a trap!" Amy said.
"Even if it is...I'm not letting you get hurt," Jacky said.
"Jacky? Are you there?" Sonic asked.
"Sonic...it's Eggman," Jacky said. "He's holding Amy hostage."
From his location, Sonic's eyes widened in a panic. "Hostage?"
"Hold the radio up so I can speak!" Eggman said, Jacky reluctantly complying. "Sonic, if you want to save your little girlfriend, then I suggest you head toward the Research Facility, now!"
"Sonic!" Amy shouted in worry.
"Amy!?" Sonic angrily clenched the radio, the worry completely taking over his mind. "Shit!"
"Sonic, what's going on!?" Peter asked.
"Eggman has Amy hostage at the Research Facility! I gotta save her!" Sonic shouted, dashing off.
"Amy!?" Peter began to panic.
"What about the plan?" Tony asked.
"Amy's in danger, change the plan!" Peter said, swinging off.
"Wait!" Tony grumbled in annoyance. "Saving the girl I get, but we still need to stop this cannon. Of course, no hero would ignore an innocent girl in danger right before his eyes. I gotta save Sonic's friend."
Tony flew off himself, hoping to reach Amy before disaster struck.
Meanwhile Knuckles and Rouge had just finished gathering pieces of the Master Emerald, and were gathered near a pit, each looking for the final pieces.
"Long time no see my fellow treasure hunter," Rouge said. "Did you find my Emeralds?"
"What do you mean your emeralds?" Knuckles asked. "I swear, talking to you is a waste of time!"
"Alright then, I'll just take them from you!" Rouge declared, flying in to kick Knuckles, an attack he saw coming and efficiently blocked.
He reeled back to strike, but Rouge had flown up and hit a drill kick to Knuckles's back, to which he rolled through, glaring at the girl. "Gonna have to do better than that."
"Oh I can deliver!" Rouge said, flying in for a kick that Knuckles ducked out of the way of and hit an uppercut, knocking Rouge up onto a platform. "The nerve of that irritating hard head!"
Knuckles climbed up to continue his attack, and to get his Emeralds back, throwing a punch that Rouge barely dodged. She flew up and tried slamming her hips down at Knuckles, while the Echidna was able to move out of the way, her follow up attack caught him off guard.
"Black Wave!" summoning some energy, Knuckles was blasted back, the Echidna looking impressed.
"Not bad..." Knuckles said, generating his own power by charging some electricity. "Thunder Arrow!"
Rouge got blasted back by the Echidna, her wing taking damage from the attack. She tried flapping afterwards, it hurt to do, but this made the girl even fed up with the fight as Knuckles glided back towards her.
"Stop fooling around! And give me back my emerald!" Both said at the same time, each one perplexed.
"What are you even going on about? You really call yourself a hunter?" Rouge asked. "Attacking a lady like that? Shame on you!"
"What kind of lady goes and steals gems anyway!?" Knuckles asked. "Don't act like you're any better!"
"Those belong to me!" Rouge stepped forward and tripped, nearly falling into the pit below. "No! My wing! I can't-"
Knuckles was quick to grab the girl, much to her surprise. "I got you." He pulled her back onto the ledge. The two then stared at each other for a brief moment, certain thoughts running through their minds before pulling away.
"Keep your hands to yourself!" Rouge shouted.
"Hey, is that how you talk to someone who just saved your life?" Knuckles asked.
"Oh please, you think I owe you one?" Rouge asked. "I bet you were just motivated by a perverted desire to hold my hand or something. Creep."
"Is this a joke or something?" Knuckles asked. "I don't care what you think! I was saving my Master Emerald!"
Rouge had a moment of doubt in Knuckles, and herself, but shrugged it off. "Honestly, no matter what you say, it all sounds so crazy." She then dropped her Emerald shards near his feet. "Fine, take them, they reek with your scent anyway."
"If you really thought that then you should have just given them to me in the first place," Knuckles said, assembling the emerald. "There...finally."
He then focused his attention on Rouge, the girl turning away in annoyance, "What do you want?"
"Look, I'm sorry if I hurt you," Knuckles said, immediately making his retreat.
Rouge was taken back by the apology, but the girl seemed to appreciate it nonetheless.
"Hehehehe," Came the voice of Bokkun, the little imp robot appearing beside Rouge.
"Hm? Oh, it's you," Rouge said. "What do you want?"
"Oh nothing, I just arrived on ARK a few minutes ago, imagine my surprise seeing you getting all chummy with that simple minded Echidna," Bokkun said. "You're not gonna fall in love with him, are you?"
"Why? Would you be jealous of him?" Rouge asked, playfully glancing at Bokkun. "Want me all for yourself?"
"H-huh!?" Bokkun began to sweat as a blush appeared on his face. "Hey! I never said that, alright! I was just...you know..."
"Just what?" Rouge asked.
Bokkun shook it off, "Ugh, never mind, you're so weird!" He flew off in a hasty fashion, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Some boys just can't handle a woman," Rouge said, thinking to herself for a minute. "I should probably call Topaz. Eggman's laser is going to hit the Earth soon. Then again, I can just fix the problem by removing the Emeralds...and perhaps giving them a new home."
Rouge flew off toward the Eclipse Cannon, ready to do her part of the mission.
Meanwhile Johnny and Rainbow Dash had caught up with Knuckles, getting the attention of the Echidna.
"Yo! Knuckles!" Johnny called.
"Over here!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Hm? Oh, it's you two," Knuckles said.
"Well that's a casual way to greet us," Johnny said.
"Yeah, especially after you nearly got us killed," Rainbow Dash said.
"You mean the crash? Sorry about that, but I really needed the Emerald Shards," Knuckles said. "You remember the last time there was an incident with The Master Emerald."
"Yeah, it's basically how we all met," Rainbow Dash said. "But I'm curious now. Last time the Emerald broke, Chaos was freed. That didn't happen again this time, did it?"
"No, Chaos is at peace, as is Tikal," Knuckles said. "Both of them likely moved onto the other side."
"Did they really?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I can't say for sure, even if they didn't, they have no reason to come out," Knuckles said. "Tikal only came out because Chaos was released, and Chaos being released was bad back when he was full of rage. But like I said, he's achieved harmony and won't cause trouble again."
"Weird that something like Chaos can be good," Rainbow Dash said. "Then again, we in Equestria got a Chaos Spirit on our side. Mostly at least, he's still a bit of a jerk but he's not threatening the world this time at least."
"Oh yeah, wasn't he freed just like this Chaos spirit too? Funny how that aligns," Johnny said.
"Sounds like there's some context I'm missing, something I'll ask about another time," Knuckles said, looking to his gem. "Right now, I gotta get the Master Emerald back to Angel Island."
"Considering we're stuck in space right now, that might take a while," Johnny said. "Better stick with us for now."
"Yeah, guess so," Knuckles said. "While I'm here, I'll help bring down Eggman."
Johnny grabbed his radio, "Yo! Tails! You there?"
"I am, but I'm in the middle of a problem," Tails said. "Eggman took Amy hostage, I gotta go and help save her!"
"Eggman has Amy!?" Knuckles shouted in disbelief.
"Where is he?" Johnny asked.
"Research Room, Sonic's on the way there too," Tails said.
"We'll be right over as well," Johnny said, placing the radio away. "I knew that girl was going to end up in trouble. She shouldn't have come with us."
"No time for regrets now, we gotta save her," Rainbow Dash said.
"Let's go," Knuckles ordered, leading the way.
Meanwhile a satisfied Eggman was still waiting for Sonic to arrive, "Any minute now..."
"What do you hope to accomplish here anyway?" Jacky asked. "Are you really going to fire this laser at the Earth? You're going to destroy the planet."
"Oh don't worry, I won't do more damage than needed, after all, I want to rule this world," Eggman said. "After that, I'll return to Mobius and take that over as well."
"How did you even know about this place?" Jacky asked.
"Family secret," Eggman said. "I was born on this planet after all, and I spent a good chunk of my childhood before going to Mobius as an adult. It's all coming full circle."
While Eggman spoke, Amy was carefully materializing her hammer, something Sarah noticed and kept Eggman distracted.
"So do you have family?" Sarah asked.
"I don't need a family, I'll have my Empire," Eggman said. "You two can be proud members of it, or I can permanently remove you."
"I just hope you know what you're doing, keep in mind that you're not the only villain on this planet," Jacky said.
"Villain? That's a hurtful term, am I really a villain?" Eggman sarcastically asked. "I just want to build an empire. I have ambitions, like anyone would have. I'm the type of person to follow those ambitions, and I will do what I must to accomplish my goals."
"It will never happen!" Amy shouted, swinging her hammer that Eggman barely dodged.
"Why you!" Eggman was about to fire but Jacky kicked the gun out of his hand and delivered a kick to Eggman's head while Sarah rushed in with a flying kick to his chest.
"You!" Eggman shouted. As Jacky went to strike again, Eggman blocked and punched Jacky away, sending the man flying toward his sister and knocking the two down.
"Whoa! Eggman's stronger than he looks!" Amy said. She turned to attack but by this point, Eggman summoned his mech and blasted Amy back, knocking the girl toward the Bryant siblings.
"That's it, I'm gonna end this now!" Eggman leapt into his mech, aiming his lasers. "Say good-bye"
"Not so fast!" Tails shouted, showing up with Sally, keeping his laser aimed at Eggman.
"Ah, Tails, you're here," Eggman said. "And you brought the Princess."
"We're putting a stop to you Robotnik, I'm not letting you do to this planet what you tried doing to mine," Sally said. "My father trusted you! He believed in you! He thought you were our friend, and that you were loyal to us."
"He also thought my first name was Julian," Eggman said. "Your father is quite the gullible type."
"Couldn't even tell us your real name then?" Sally asked. "Is your last name even Robotnik?"
"It is. My real name is Ivo Robotnik if you must know," Eggman said. "But I suppose you, like everyone else, can call me 'Eggman'. Truth be told, I've grown fond of that name. I'd love to use it against the blue menace who dared to thwart me."
"Eggman's a stupid name, but I suppose it needs to fit the person it belongs to," Sally said.
"Watch it!" Eggman warned, keeping his laser aimed. "One press, and you can say good-bye to Amy Rose and her blonde friends."
"You hurt Amy and I'll make you regret it!" Tails threatened, keeping his own laser aimed.
"Same goes for Jacky and Sarah!" Sally warned.
Suddenly the door opened, Sonic appearing alongside Peter and Tony, the three looking ready for a fight.
"Oh good, Sonic's here," a relieved Sally said.
"Good, now let's take care of business," Eggman said. "Hand over that Chaos Emerald, slowly. Then we'll talk about keeping your girlfriend and her two nitwit friends safe. Assuming you actually care about them."
"Easy there Doctor," Tony said, aiming his blaster. "Keep in mind, you're outnumbered. You fire, we'll attack."
"You must be Iron Man, I've read about heroes from Earth, and I know you're among the elites," Eggman said. "I must say, it's quite an honor to be in the presence of another scientist, even if he wastes his valuable time and inventions for something as foolish as hero business. Do the people of Earth really deserve saving?"
"Don't try that crap with me," Tony said. "Surrender, and maybe I won't bash your face in."
"Please, do you really think I would let myself be trapped so easily?" Eggman asked, then snapping his fingers.
From behind, Scratch, Grounder and Coconuts appeared, each of them aiming their weapons at Sonic, Peter and Tony.
Bocoe and Decoe came into view, alongside Cubot and Robot, each of them armed as well.
"Don't make any funny moves, unless it's giving Doctor Robotnik your emerald," Scratch warned.
"We'd really rather not have to fire at you," a slightly nervous Orbot said. "Honestly, Cubot holding a weapon just frightens me. What is Eggman thinking? He's not even holding it the right way, he's gonna shoot himself!"
"So you brought a bunch of tin cans to aim weapons," Tony said. "I'm hardly impressed."
"Even if you take me down, how many might get hurt or die if the weapons start firing?" Eggman said. "You can ill afford a fight in a place like this, something vital might get damaged."
"He's not wrong, there's a lot of widows leading out into space," Peter said. "Plan your move carefully everyone."
"Yes, by giving me the Emerald, now!" Eggman demanded.
"Actually, if I hand Eggman the fake emerald, he can place it in the laser, and I can save my friends," Sonic pulled his Emerald out. "Alright, I'll do it."
"You sure, kid?" Tony asked.
Sonic showed Tony the emerald, briefly glancing at Tails and winking. "This is the best move to save my friends."
Tony was quick to remember that this was the fake emerald, "Situation's so tense I nearly forgot the obvious. Good thing these kids are clever.". Rather than risking a fight, he seemingly surrendered as well, same with Peter, the hero also catching on.
"Just put the emerald down, and back off!" Eggman warned.
Sonic strolled into the room, "Gotta say, you've really become a big-time villain, haven't you Doctor?"
As Sonic got close, a pod closed around him, startling everyone.
"What the hell!?" Tony was about to react but Scratch fired a warning shot.
"Don't do anything stupid!" Scratch warned.
"What are you doing!? He was going to give you the Emerald!" Sally shouted.
"Did he really believe he could trick me with that fake emerald!?" Eggman said.
"Huh? How did you know it was fake?" Tails asked.
"Tails!" Sonic shouted.
Eggman sinisterly chuckled, "Because you just told me, fox boy!"
Tails's eyes widened in disbelief. Eggman had pulled one over on him, the boy felt so ashamed. "Did I just...ruin it!?"
"Time for a little space ride," Eggman said. "Once this capsule clears the colony, BAM!"
"No!" Sally shouted. "Robotnik, please! Let's negotiate!"
"Don't do it, Sally!" Sonic said. "It's not worth it!"
"I'm not just gonna stand by!" Peter was about to attack when Bocoe and Decoe began firing, both weapons being immediately webbed away by the hero.
"Foolish boy," Eggman activated a button, latching a wire around Peter and trying him up.
"Please," Peter said, trying to muscle out. "You really expect this to-"
Suddenly the wire's electricity activated, sending billions of jolts continuously through Peter's body, bringing the boy to his knees in pain.
"Peter!" Amy shouted.
"Kid! No!" Tony was about to do something when he took a beam from Eggman, knocking him against the wall.
"So much for one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, you've all failed against me," Eggman said, ready to press a button. "Good-bye Sonic."
Sonic turned to his best friend. "I'm leaving the rest to you Tails." He turned to the Princess beside him. "Sally, please watch over my friends." Sonic turned to the hedgehog girl, somewhat grief stricken when he saw the pained look on her face. Hoping to ease her worry, he offered a thumbs up, "Take care of yourself, Amy." While he was still bothered by her continued grief, he remained strong and undeterred against weakness. "Everyone else, I'm happy to have met you."
"Sonic...don't!" Peter struggled to say.
Eggman then pressed a button, "Farewell, Sonic the Hedgehog!"
The capsule fell toward Earth, Amy running to the window in disbelief, "SONIC!"
"NO!" Sally leapt out of the Cyclone, rushing to Amy's side. "Sonic!"
In the Capsule, Sonic was checking out the Emerald, recalling Tails's words.
"Same wavelengths and properties, I wonder if...?" Sonic pondered as he held the Emerald.
Seconds later, the pod exploded in space, to the horror of all his friends, many of them feeling so helpless.
"Sonic! Nooo!" Amy shouted in grief as the girl broke down crying.
Sally stood there in disbelief, tears streaming down her face, "It can't be..."
"Oh God, no!" Peter shouted in grief.
Jacky and his sister had struggled to the window, the two hoping to find any sign of survival, but all that remained was the debris from the pod.
"Shit...How could this happen?" Jacky asked.
Even Shadow, who arrived on the ARK Some time ago, had noticed the explosion, "Guess he was just a regular hedgehog after all."
"Farewell to my formidable adversary," Eggman said, feeling a hint of sadness himself. He immediately focused back on Tails. "Now for some unfinished business. If you hand over the real Emerald, I just might spare the rest of you. Only if you play nice."
"He actually asked me..." Tails said.
"What are you going on about?" Eggman asked.
"This is the first time Sonic asked me to do something for him!" Tails said, the boy focused on his enemy. "That's why I won't surrender! I'll fight you myself!"
"You're no match for me you weak little fox! You got lucky at Station Square, but lightning won't strike twice for you!" Eggman said. "All systems, full power!"
"Bring it on, Eggman!" Tails said, readying his gear.
The two clashed their mechs against each other, Tails's cyclone getting knocked back, to the worry of the nearby Sally.
"Tails!" Sally was about to step in when the S.S.S.S.S. Squad stepped in front of her. "Get out of the way!"
"Make us!" Grounder taunted, to which Sally kicked his head off.
"I'm not messing around!" Sally shouted, angrily attacking the three robots.
"Oh my...she's quite violent, isn't she?" Orbot asked.
"Uh-huh..." Cubot nervously noticed the extra guests. "And it looks like she's not alone."
Orbot looked up to see the Bryant Twins glaring down.
"Tails can handle your boss, just like he did before," Jacky said.
"Right now, you two are ours," Sarah said, cracking her knuckles.
"Uh...perhaps we can talk things out over a cup of tea instead?" Orbot suggested.
Eggman's mech hit some critical shots at Tails's Cyclone, but his machine wasn't about to keel over just yet.
"Give up already!" Eggman said, readying his laser. "Or die like your hero!"
"Firing Power laser!" Tails shouted, activating a power that completely blasted Eggman's mech, knocking him out as the machine was completely destroyed.
"How...how can this..." Eggman seemingly passed out from his injury.
"Boss! No!" Orbot called, rushing over with Cubot. "Boss, speak to us!"
"Whoa...you did it Tails!" Jacky said.
"I'll say," Peter said, holding a webbed up Bocoe and Decoe. "Now, what to do with these robots?"
Sally glanced at the middle of the room, a devious though process passing through her mind. "Set them up."
"Uh-oh..." an injured Scratch said.
Down below as Knuckles reboarded the ARK with Johnny and Rainbow Dash, the three couldn't help but notice an explosion outside.
"What just happened?" Johnny asked. "Eggman's not firing that cannon, is he?"
"Way too small to be the laser," Rainbow Dash said, then noticed a flash nearby. "What's going on?"
"Huh?" Knuckles spotted his rival on the ground. "Sonic!"
The three were quick to help Sonic up, the hedgehog shaking some cobwebs out of his head. "Whoa, wasn't sure if I was gonna be able to pull that one off. Somehow I managed to use the Chaos Control."
"Chaos Control?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Wait, you pulled it off, Sonic?" Knuckles asked. "Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine, but Tails, Amy and the others might need help," Sonic said. "I hate to ask, but can the three of you check on them? They're in the Research Room a few floors above."
"Yeah, we totally got it," Johnny said. "What will you do?"
"Take this fake emerald, and slam dunk it in the cannon," Sonic said, dashing off.
"Let Sonic handle that, we need to protect the others," Rainbow Dash said. "Come on!"
Sonic sped through his Final Rush, determined to get the fake Chaos Emerald into the cannon, though had some concerning thoughts running through his head. "I hope you guys aren't too worried about me. Chances are you think I'm dead. I'll get through this and put your minds at ease!"
Meanwhile Rouge was at the Cannon Room, eyeing the device holding the Emeralds. "Legend has it that when all seven Chaos Emeralds are collected, the power creates a miracle. I have six of them, they're all mine!"
"I don't think so," Shadow said, entering the room and taking her by surprise. "So that was your plan from the beginning? Or was it a direct order from G.U.N.? Perhaps shield? The government spy, Rouge the Bat."
Rouge smirked at the hedgehog, "So, did your homework did you? Sounds like an invasion of privacy."
"I can say the same thing about you," Shadow pointed out.
"Looks like things just aren't going your way, are they? Though I suppose the odds aren't in my favor either," Rouge said. "My job's done, so I'm going to take what's rightfully mine."
"How pitiful," Shadow said.
"And what about you?" Rouge pulled out a paper. "These are the results of the research project, the Ultimate Lifeform. If this is about the ultimate lifeform Shadow..." Rouge said, gesturing to what looked like a giant lizard, "Who or what is standing in front of me?"
Shadow angrily glared at Rouge, deep down unsure how to reply. Just then received a radio call from Eggman, "I have obtained the last Chaos Emerald. Shadow, someone is currently trying to make his way to the cannon to shut it down, intercept him at once."
"Will do," Shadow focused his attention on Rouge. "If you value your life, keep the Emeralds where they are. The Fake one should be good enough for you."
"Do you believe you are even the real Shadow?" Rouge asked.
"I do not have a doubt in my mind," Shadow said.
"You know, your memories may be fake," Rouge said.
"Even so, I am still Shadow, I am still me," Shadow replied as he left. "I will fulfil my promise to Maria, that is all that matters to me."
As Shadow left, Rouge couldn't help but feel some pity, "That name again, who exactly was Maria?"
Racing through the ARK, Sonic came across a room running down the side of the wall as something above nearly came crashing down on him. Fortunately he had it all under control and managed to avoid the rubble at the last second, landing on a nearby platform.
With five minutes and forty-four seconds remaining, Sonic reached his final stretch, his goal was on the other side of a tunnel.
"Just gotta get through here," Sonic said. "Then it's all-"
"You never cease to surprise me, blue hedgehog," came the voice of Shadow as he passed by. "To think you survived that exploding capsule."
"What can I say? I die hard," Sonic replied, then pulled out the fake emerald. "Gotta say, you indirectly saved my life."
"So, you did use Chaos Control," Shadow said. "But, how can you use something like that with a fake emerald?"
"You'd be amazed what surprises you can find in life," Sonic said.
"So, there's more to you than meets the eye," Shadow said. "What are you anyway?"
"What you see is what you get, a guy who loves adventure," the blue speedster said. "I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!"
"I see, but unfortunately, I can't let you live," Shadow said, entering his skating mode while Sonic started picking up his running speed. "Your adventuring days are coming to an end."
"Sonic! You there?" Rainbow Dash called over the radio. "Are you almost at the cannon?"
"Yeah, but I ran into an old buddy," Sonic said. "Shadow, you remember my friend Rainbow Dash?"
"Who?" Shadow asked.
"Wait! Shadow's there!? Do you need any backup!?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Let me handle this, he and I still have a score to settle!" Sonic said as he and Shadow raced off.
With her friends, Rainbow Dash turned around, much to the confusion of Johnny and Knuckles.
"What's up, Dash?" Johnny asked.
"I'm worried about Sonic, I'm gonna go check on him," Rainbow Dash said.
"He's fine, Sonic's always been able to take care of himself," Knuckles said.
"Still, I just can't abandon a friend," Rainbow Dash said, making her exit. "Catch you guys later!"
"Dash!" Johnny shouted in annoyance. "Oh well, no use telling that girl what to do once her mind is made up."
"We'll leave her be, come on," Knuckles said, leading Johnny away.
Sonic and Shadow raced along a platform, Shadow generating his power. "Before this is over, I'll show you the true power of Chaos Control!"
"Bring it!" Sonic said, speeding on ahead.
"This is the Ultimate!" Shadow speed ahead, trying to hit Sonic with some Chaos Spear attacks, the hedgehog quickly dodging the strikes.
"Gonna have to do better than that!" Sonic said, landing a flying kick against Shadow, knocking him back.
"Lucky shot!" Shadow teleported behind Sonic, kicking him forward. Sonic however turned his momentum into a spindash and circled back to ram Shadow in the chest. "Damn you!"
Shadow charged another Chaos Spear, blasting Sonic toward the edge and nearly knocking him off. That wasn't enough to deter the Blue Blur as he garnered some Chaos Energy of his own.
"Blue Wind!" Sonic unleashed a wind-based attack that knocked Shadow off balance as Sonic hit one final homing attack, knocking Shadow off the platform. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Sonic focused on the task ahead.
Rainbow Dash, who wasn't too far away, was relieved that Sonic seemed to have won his fight. "Oh good, he's alright." She looked below to see if Shadow was around, "Did he already fall? Doesn't matter, whatever stops Eggman's attack."
Sonic sped closer and closer just before the cannon's laser reached zero, ready to do what he needed to do.
In the research room, Sally had the robots in a pod, just about ready to send them down like Sonic was, meanwhile Tails was still sulking over his friend.
"Sonic...I did it," Tails said, speaking into a radio, not believing that Sonic was actually there to hear it while Amy continued to grieve, the girl being comforted by Peter.
Feeling sympathy for the fox, Sally focused on the robots, "It's over..."
"Wait, please," Orbot said.
Just before she pressed the button, a voice was heard over the radio. "Way to go Tails. I knew you could do it."
"Sonic!?" Tails asked, getting everyone's attention.
"Wait, he's alive!?" Jacky asked.
"Look outside," Sonic said.
Turning around, everyone went to check out the window, unaware that Eggman was moving again with the villain grabbing the Yellow Chaos Emerald.
The Eclipse Cannon looked to be firing again, but within moments, began to self-destruct as Sonic was grinning nearby, wiping his nose in triumph and offering a thumbs up to his friends.
Their victory was short lived, as Eggman had arrived in the cannon room shortly afterwards, replacing the fake with the real emerald.
"Mwahahahaha! This completes my plan to take over the world," Eggman said, unaware of the Danger Warning sign behind him. "I will usher in the glorious age of the Eggman empire!"
The ARK battle was not quite done yet.
Back in the present, Antoine had come into the room. "Pardon me."
"Hey hon, anything to report?" Bunnie asked.
"So far so good, Miss Blaze has promised to assist us, Zee Chaotix along with young Marine and Miss Julie Su are patrolling, and Tangle is off playing zee ping pong with Mis Whisper, Mighty and Ray."
"Ping Pong sounds fun," Sonia said. "Oh, is Aunt Sally done with her meeting?"
"She is busy but I can go and fetch her for you if zat is what you desire," Antoine said.
"Zat is indeed what I desire," Sonia said, mimicking Antoine's accent.
"Zat is adorable," Antoine said as he made his leave. "I will be back in a flash."
Sonic scratched his wrist, pulling his glove up in the process. "Feels itchy, wonder if I should wash this glove?"
"I can do laundry later, get your gloves washed," Amy said.
"Sure," Sonic said, readjusting his bracelet. "At least this is still good."
"Hm, Sonic, that bracelet of yers," Bunnie said. "Is it still the same shells from Earth?"
"Yeah, I do my best to take care of them," Sonic said. "I did have to replace one or two unfortunately."
"Accidents happen," Amy said.
"It's sweet that you've had that fer all these years," Bunnie said. "Yer a lucky girl, Amy. Sonic really values you as a partner."
"Geez Bunnie, don't get mushy on me," Sonic said.
Bunnie giggled to herself, "Sorry Sugarhog, guess mah romantic side kicked in."
"It's fine," Sonic said. "I do like this bracelet."
"That reminds me, Sonia, did you give Manik his gift?" Amy asked.
"Yeah," Sonia said.
"Did he like it?" Amy asked.
"...Uh, she definitely found it interesting," Sonia said.
Bunnie furrowed her brow, "Manik was grateful, wasn't he?"
"Well...he was distracted but I think I made him happy," Sonia said.
"You think?" Bunnie asked, groaning in annoyance. "That boy better be happy."
"It's no big deal, really!" Sonia insisted. "Manik's just a big, tough guy, he's not one for the lovey, dovey, appreciative side to him."
"How is Manik doing lately?" Sonic asked.
"Same old as usual, so dang full of himself at times," Bunnie said. "He's a proud boy but good grief, he thinks that just because his mom's the Queen means he can do just about whatever he wants," Bunnie said. "Plus he's so bitter sometimes."
"Well given what happened between Sonic and Sally, it's hard to blame him," Knuckles said.
"Hey Knuckles, anyone ever tell you that you can be way too forward about things?" Sonic said.
"Just being honest, even you have to admit a lot of what's wrong with Manik is because you're absent from his life," Knuckles said.
"Knuckles, that's a bit too far," Rouge said. "Sonic's situation with Sally is delicate, you know that."
"I'm aware that it is but the problem is everyone's acting so confused, we all know the reason why he's like this!" Knuckles said. "Acting like you don't know won't make it any less true."
"You are such a pain in the neck," Sonic said.
"At least I can be honest!" Knuckles said.
"Hey you know what Knuckles..." Sonic warned.
Amy placed her fingers in her mouth to simulate a whistle blow. "That's enough! We're not arguing about this! Knuckles, your comments are noted, now can you please drop it?"
"Weren't you saying similar to Sonic though?" Knuckles asked.
"I'm his wife, if anyone needs to be brutally honest, it's me," Amy said. "I know you two are friends but as Sonic's wife, I do have to step in and keep him from getting needlessly stressed out."
Sonic leapt off the couch, "I gotta get some air, be right back."
"Need me to come with you?" Amy asked.
"Me too?" Sonia asked.
"Thanks girls, I appreciate that, but I just need to clear my head a bit," Sonic said.
"Take all the time you need," Bunnie said.
"We'll be here waiting," Tails said.
"You guys rock," Sonic said, dashing off.
Seconds later, everyone was glaring at Knuckles, the echidna looking annoyed, "Look, maybe I took it a little too far, but even I can see that Sonic's avoiding his issues with Manik."
"All of us can see it Knuckles, just please be mindful of how Sonic feels," Amy said. "Just because he acts cool doesn't mean he doesn't have emotions."
"Don't make Sally's mistake," Bunnie said. "She wasn't the only one stressed out fer all those years, but she was the only one who didn't do much to make her partner feel at home."
"Ouch..." Sonia said. "I should feel sorry for daddy but, in the end, at least he got to be happy. Meanwhile Sally's still sad, and so is Manik. I have to do something to make them happy, it's the least I can do given that...well, daddy's not with Sally, because he's with mom, my mom. I have to make things right."
Meanwhile Sally was on her way back to the throne room with Fiona and Lanolin, all three looking over some papers.
"These are really effective strategies, Queen Sally," Lanolin said. "Why with these, Robotnik's plan is doomed before it can even take off!"
"Just be sure you account for everything, you know how tricky that old bastard can be," Fiona said.
"I'm well aware," Sally said. "But the one thing he can't account for is Sonic, that can work to our advantage," Sally said.
"And thanks to that big brain of yours, we can keep Sonic's actions accounted for too," Lanolin said.
"And with Blaze on our side, that will help us out even more," Sally said. "Her abilities can rival Sonic, but at least she stops to think for a second."
"Gotta say, Sonic's good at what he does, if he followed orders, he'd be the ultimate solider," Lanolin said.
"Too bad he doesn't listen to anyone other than his ego," Fiona said.
"Well, to be fair, he listens to Tails," Sally said.
"Guess even Sonic's not dumb enough to ignore a genius," Fiona said.
"But Tails can be unpredictable too," Lanolin said.
"Thanks to Sonic's bad influence," Fiona added.
"Come on, no more of that," Sally said, then heard her radio go off.
"Sally, it's Julie-Su! Come in!"
Sally grabbed the radio, "I'm here, Julie. What's the sit rep?"
Near the edge of town, Julie-Su was speaking to a radio with Marine right beside her. "The Chaotix just spotted Metal Sonic flying nearby."
"Of course..." Sally lamented, the name causing worry for her two friends as well. "Is he coming toward town?"
"No, surprisingly he just bypassed it," Julie-Su said. "Either he didn't notice or wasn't ready attack."
"Probably knew I was in town," Marine commented.
"Right...sure," Julie-Su said. "He wasn't alone, I think Eggman's AI was with him."
"You mean Sage?" Sally asked.
"Think she's going to try to hack Mobotropolis?" Lanolin asked.
"No way, Sage is good but she can't get by Nicole," Sally said.
"Julie-Su!" Espio said. "Did you tell Queen Sally about the other two guests?"
"Oh yeah, you may not like this Sally, but at least we confirmed two more of Eggman's allies," Julie-Su said.
"You did? Who?" Sally asked.
"Surge the Tennric, and Scourge the Hedgehog," Julie-Su said.
Fiona's eyes widened upon hearing that name, the girl taking a step back, "Scourge!?"
"...That's not good," Sally lamented. "Thanks Julie, keep me posted."
"Will do," Julie-Su said, placing the radio away.
At the castle, Sally was rubbing her head in frustration, "Just when it couldn't get any worse...Scourge and Surge?"
"With Surge usually comes Kit," Lanolin said. "I didn't think they'd work with Robotnik though."
"Nagus is with Robotnik somehow, I guess he got Surge and Kit too," Sally said, then turned to her distraught teammate. "Fiona?"
The fox looked down in worry, feeling very apprehensive, "Scourge..."
"Fiona?" Lanolin said.
"So...that scumbag decided to show his rotten face..." Fiona clenched her fists. "He just doesn't know when to quit, well I'll make him quit!"
"If Scourge is here, what are the odds he brings The Suppression Squad?" Sally said. "Or the Destructix?"
"No way, the Destructix wouldn't work with Scouge," Fiona said.
"How do you know that?" Lanolin asked.
"I just...I can't imagine they would," Fiona said.
"Fiona, I know you had some friends there, but they are criminals," Sally reminded. "Just because you straightened out doesn't mean they will."
"But the Suppression Squad is a real threat...plus what if someone else from the Anti Mobius Zone shows up?" Lanolin asked. "Like that creep Rosy?"
"No way, she wouldn't work with Eggman, no way he'd be insane enough to recruit her," Sally said. "For now, let's just let everyone know. We should let Sonic know too of course."
As Sally ran ahead, Lanolin crossed her arms in worry, "Geez, Sally's going to be so freaked out."
"For good reason, Surge is a wild card nutjob and Scourge is a manipulative asshole," Fiona said. "Who knows what type of alliance those two will form?"
"We know Metal Sonic and Sage are active in this too, but that was a given since they're official Eggman robots," Lanolin said.
"Funny, even Eggman needs his own Sonic to stand a chance," Fiona said.
"Too bad we don't have our own Metal Sonic," Lanolin said.
Fiona's eyes widened as a mischievous smile etched across her mouth, "Or can we? Come on, let's go talk to Rotor."
At Eggman's base, Scourge and Surge were just returned with Eggman holding them both by their necks.
"So, what do you two morons have to say for yourselves!?" Eggman shouted.
"Put us down you dickhead!" Scourge shouted.
"Wrong answer!" Eggman threw Scourge hard against a nearby wall as he focused on Surge. "How about you!?"
"Drop dead!" Surge said.
"You first!" Eggman slammed her against the same wall.
"Surge!" Kit ran over, knocking Scourge out of the way. "Surge, are you hurt!?"
"Watch where you're going! Little shit!" Scourge said, kicking Kit away.
"Hey easy, Kit's my little dude after all," Surge said.
"You could do better," Scourge said.
"Oh Scourgey!" Rosy called. "Shame on you for being a naughty little man!"
"Piss off ya loon," Scourge said.
"Oooh, I love it when you talk aggressive to me," A sinister Rosy said, grinning in sadistic satisfaction. "It's super attractive."
"Pretty sure he just told you to piss off," Surge said.
"Hey Surge, wanna have your head caved in?" Rosy warned, holding her hammer out. "Then I suggest you shut your stupid face up!"
"The hell did you just say!?" Surge shouted, getting in Rosy's face.
"Will you all shut your mouths already!?" Eggman shouted. "Scourge, Surge, consider this your only warning! Disobey me again, and I will have you terminated!"
"Yeah, good luck, Ro-butt-nik," Scourge muttered to himself.
"I'll crack you wide open," Surge commented.
"This is ridiculous," Eggman said.
"Sir, chances are The Freedom Fighters will be aware of our friends' little destruction over at Emerald Hill," Sleet said.
"I'm aware, but that's fine, if it makes Sally think we're about to strike now, well I can use that to my advantage, keep her waiting a bit more until she really loses control," Eggman said.
"We're still waiting!? This is why Surge and I snuck out you dumbass!" Scourge shouted.
Sage appeared in front of the hedgehog, startling him, "Watch your tone when addressing father."
"Oh gee, did I say something bad about your daddy? You gonna cry little girl?" Scourge taunted.
"You would be wise not to test my patience," Sage warned, instantly locking some weapons onto Scourge. "Even your speed would not save you if I really wanted you dead."
"Better listen to her, she's every bit her father's daughter," Eggman warned. "Also, where are Fang and his Hooligans? I haven't seen them in a bit."
"They're recovering from some of Metal Sonic's...training," Sleet said. "Fang is displeased however, and may demand more payment for his services."
"If he's smart, he'll keep his yap shut," Eggman said. "Given that he's failed me on occasion, he's in no condition to act like he's better than he is."
"I heard that!" Fang said, the hunter hobbling in with Bean and Bark. "Keep that stupid robot of yours under control."
Metal instantly flew in front of them, freaking the trio out.
"I was just joking, I swear!" Fang said.
"Metal, that's enough," Eggman said. "Everyone else, return to your posts."
Fang grumbled in annoyance, "Things were so much more simple when it was just me and Trip on Northstar Island."
"We're better than her, aren't we?" Bean asked.
"Oh shut up," Fang said as he continued to hobble.
Back at the castle, Manik and Melody were walking along when they spotted Sonic outside. He seemed to be halting in his run and was drinking some water.
"Hey, there's your dad," Melody said.
"How swell..." Manik sarcastically commented.
"So, how much longer is he staying?" Melody asked.
"Hopefully not too much longer," Manik said.
"Come on, maybe you can make peace with him," Melody said.
"There's no way in hell I would be interested in that," Manik said. "He ditched me and my mom, you understand that feeling, don't you?"
"To be fair, he does show up more often than not, and Sonia does spend time with you," Melody said.
"I don't like being patronized," Manik said.
Melody sighed in annoyance, "You can be so stubborn sometimes." She looked further. "Did he get a watch?"
"Huh?" Manik asked.
"He's checking his wrist for something," Melody said.
Manik looked out the window, "It's that bracelet, the one he dropped earlier."
"Bracelet? Is it special?" Melody asked.
"Amy Rose made it for him," Manik said.
"That's nice, must have been recent," Melody said.
"Yeah, they were at the beach," Manik said. "Probably made it for him just now."
"Are you taking about Sonic's bracelet?" Came the voice of Mina, the woman making her way over to the kids.
"Hey mom, what brings you here?" Melody asked.
"I was just circling the castle for any sign of Robotnik," Mina said. "I saw you two from the outside so I decided to come and check in on you."
"That's cool, now what's this about Sonic's bracelet?" Melody asked.
"Years ago, sometime after meeting Sonic, I was talking speed powers with him," Mina said. "I wanted to see how fast he was and I was impressed when I saw him running on water. That's when Tails and Amy told me how he never really liked water, and that Amy made him a good luck charm so that he feels safe. Sonic actually let me borrow it when I wanted to try running on water, it was really nice of him."
"Did you pull it off?" Melody asked.
"Yes, for a bit," Mina said. "I got better over the years, even though I'm still not as fast as Sonic," Mina said. "Still, I can tell that Sonic really loves that bracelet, especially if he still has it all these years later."
"You mean to tell me, he's had that on this whole time?" Manik asked.
"Yeah, he has, why?" Mina asked.
"...I need to ask my mom something," Manik said, making a hasty leave.
"Huh? What was that about?" Mina asked.
"I'm not too sure, but something did bother him," Melody said. "Mom...I'm worried about Manik, I think he's bothered that Sonic's not around."
"That's very understandable," Mina said.
"I want to help him though, what should I do?" Melody asked.
"Just stick by his side," Mina said. "Boys like Manik are stubborn, but that's when they need love and friendship the most."
"Yeah, alright," Melody said.
"Come on, let's go check on him," Mina said.
"Right behind you," Melody said, running along with Mina.
Sonic was done with his fresh air, and made his way back toward the castle. Each time he comes he, he always feels off.
"Just push through..." Sonic said to himself, venturing back into the core of Mobotroplis, and of his planet.
