She needed us more

by jacquisup

Sequel of 'Amnesia?" Set at Metal Virus

3/9/24-7/10/24

Sonia and Manic were with Oracle watching what Sonic had just done and were worried about what was next.

They still hadn't found Aleena and now wished they stayed with Sonic for a while longer.

"She will be through much more and the next one is soon." Oracle said.

"What the hell is Robuttnik doing this time?!" Manic asked.

"Creating something that will not be easy and Sonic will be risking her life again." Oracle said and showed them what Sonic was up to right now.

Meanwhile Sonic was with a Fliky.

"Hey there. Taking a rest? Pretty much what I'm doing, too." Sonic said. "It's been wild these past few days. As much as I like adventure, I like kicking back afterwards, too. Everyone else? Not so much..." she said. "Amy's gone right back to helping others. She's part of something they're calling the Restoration. Knuckles is back on Angel Island, Guarding the Master Emerald. Silver is out searching for some looming doom threatening the future. And Tails is keeping busy with one of his bajillion projects." she said. "I told them they could relax. Eggman has "retired", Metal Sonic is de-weaponized, and everything is cool. When I'm telling people to slow down, you know something is wrong— Haha!" she said and Tails flew in panicking.

"Sonic! I think something's wrong!" Tails said.

"Jinxed it." she muttered as the Fliky flew away.

"Take a look at this!" he said and handed her a letter.

""You're to a welcome back party in Windmill Village to celebrate the return of the world's most brilliant Doctor."" she read. "Where did this come from?"

"It just appeared in my Workshop. It's pretty spooky, honestly."

"The wording doesn't sit well with me, either. This sounds really like Eggman..."

"But he's gone, sort of- right? You and The Chaotix confirmed he'd lost his memory and became a kind mechanic."

"Yup. "Mr Tinker."" she said and thought. "So did he recover? Or did he manage to fool all of us?" she asked. "Maybe there's another angle." she said. "And worst of all, will Shadow get to say, "I told you so?""

"This could be serious! Let's look Into it right away! You left Doctor- I mean, Mr. Tinker in Windmill Village, right?"

"Right." she said. "C'mon, buddy. Race ya there!" she said and ran while he flew.

Meanwhile, in a secret Laboratory...

"Doo-doo-doo!" Eggman sang. "Getting fresh data sets! Dee-Dee-Dee! Going to conquer the world!" he sang. "Da-Da-Da!"

"Sonic has been baited, as per your instructions, Doctor." Starline said.

"Ha! Excellent!"

"Did we Have to be so... overt? An ambush alone would've been sufficient."

"You said we should mess with her head. Knowing I'm back and up to something will do just that." Eggman said and put his hand around Starline. "I wanted a global proclamation. This is subtle." he said. "For me."

"Of course, sir. I don't mean to second-guess you. Is that...?"

"Yes! Test one!" Eggman said, put something on a flower and it turned and the silver went down.

"Marvelous! Total and instantaneous transmutation!"

"Hmm... of the active plant tissue, yes, but not the processed wood..." Eggman said. "I need more Data." he said. "Bring me the animals."

Meanwhile Sonic and Tails were at Windmill Village.

"Nothing is on fire or in a robot. That's a good sign." Sonic said. "In fact, there isn't a sign of... anyone. Which is, y'know, a bad sign."

"Did Eggman kidnap everyone in town?" Tails asked.

"Without causing property damage? Nah, not his style."

"Hello? Is someone there? Please help!" someone said and Sonic ran to see the ox.

"Elder Scruffy! Are you okay?!" Sonic asked.

"Thank goodness you two showed up! Please help us!" Scruffy said tied up.

"Of course! What happened to you?" Tails asked flying and untying.

"I'll be fine-it's the rest of the town!" Scruffy said. "First those thugs kidnapped Mr. Tinker, and then they returned and locked everyone in the Community Center!"

"Yes! It wasn't all a ruse!" Sonic said untying his hands. "Wait- backup. How long ago did Mr. Tinker get grabbed?"

"At least a week. Nobody could find you to tell you."

"I've been busy lately."

"You said the same guys who attacked the village kidnapped Mr. Tinker?" Tails said.

"Yes. I've never seen them before recently. I'm sure they're lurking around here still." Scruffy said.

"Did you get a good look at them? Maybe hear their names?"

"Oh we'll tell you!" someone said.

"Oh what?" Sonic said and they turned to see two people.

"Prepare to get wrecked! Prepare to get pummeled! It's payback time for Rough and Tumble!" Rough and Tumble said.

"...Did they just try to rhyme "Pummel" with "Tumble"?" Tails and Sonic sighed.

"It's a thing they do. These are the mooks Knux and I tangled with in Barricade Town." she said rubbing her forehead.

"I don't remember you saying they had those weird weapons."

"Nah, but it doesn't make a difference. You help the Elder save the villagers. I've got this."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Don't act like we're nothin'!" Rough said. "You only won 'cause you mobbed us with Wisps!"

"Where's the other guy? I want to tie his dreadlocks into a knot." Tumble said.

"Knuckles had better things to do than tutor you in humility." Sonic said with her arms crossed. "Now I've got some questions for you!" she said. "Where's Eggman?!" she asked and tried to hit Tumble with a Sonic Spin. "Was he the one to bust you out of jail?" she asked while he held her leg.

"Naw- not that we needed the help!" Rough said.

"Then who- Yow!" she said and was hit by something. "This isn't adding up. You two aren't smart enough to build gear like that." she said. "And you aren't subtle enough to drop off a cryptic letter." she said and dodged a shot. "I'll leave this mystery business to The Chaotix." she said. "Why don't you save me a trip and just tell me what I want to know?"

"If you can beat us, maybe we'll tattle."

"Don't barter with him!" Tumble said. "Crush her!" he said and slammed a fist onto the ground.

Then Tails came and broke part of the weapon.

"It's all right, everyone! Sonic and Tails have come to save us!" Stuffy said.

"Swing and a miss!" someone said.

"You're all better off in the fight is done. Take cover and keep your heads down." Tails said.

"O-oh... Alright then..." Stuffy said.

Meanwhile.

"Test two! Commencing with vertebrate specimens!" Eggman said and poured something over a rabbit. "Just like before! Full saturation leads to immediate transmutation!" he said. "Initiating test three!" he said. "Pocky! Grab the picky!" he said and Pocky grabbed the pig.

"Reee reee!" the pig said.

"Good. Now back off!"

"It worked! The infection transferred immediately!" Starline said.

"Mmm... But the rate that it's spreading is considerably slower..." Eggman said. "Oh-ho? The subject shows aggressive tendencies without direction?" he said. "That's a bonus!"

"Moving samples into position."

"Let's keep up the pace! Moving on to test four!" Eggman said. "Now then, my little woodland varmint, I want you to pick up this flower and..." he said. "Come get the flower. Come on! You can do it!" he said. "Grab it or I let the Pocky get you!"

"Eep!" another animal said.

"There we go! Now, touch the flower to each of those simples."

"I... don't see any signs of infection, Sir." Starline said.

"No, but it did pass from flora to fauna. That's test five complete!" Eggman said smiling. "My Metal Virus is a complete success!" he said. "Even with the slightest exposure, my synthetic concoction spreads across organic tissue, converting it Into my robotic slave! It's an army that builds itself!" he said. "Inorganic or processed material remains inert, meaning my infrastructure is safe from infection or corruption!" he said. "I'm a genius!"

"I'm so happy to have been a part of this! I never dreamed I'd be so honored when I was searching for you!"

"How did you find me? Metal Sonic had half my empire scouring the globe."

"He sent search parties of Badniks. That's a finite number of sensors over a limited range, all of which takes times." Starline said. "I had the Warp Topaz." he said. "With a modest charge, I could open "windows" to the world in an instant." he said. "I looked farther and further in hours than the Badniks could do in a day."

"When did you sleep?"

"Sleep is for the weak. I made myself quite ill, but it was worth it to find you." Starline said and Eggman snarked.

"I'm... so glad you think so. Can you zoom in? I want to see Sonic getting her teeth kicked in."

"By your command, Doctor."

Meanwhile Sonic was hit in the stomach.

"Hahaha! I can't miss!" Rough said and Tails kicked him in the head.

"The villagers are safe! How are you doing?" Tails asked.

"I've had chili dogs hit my guts harder." Sonic said.

"Yikes!"

"Okay, so it was a big chili dog..."

"Who asked you to butt in, kid? Why are you even here?" Rough asked.

"'Cause when the day needs saving..." Sonic started.

"One team never fails!" Tails continued.

"You're about to get busted by Sonic and Tails!" they said together.

"That's our thing! Stop stealing our thing!" Rough said.

"Dibs on the runt!" Tumble said. "I lose my tail, but you get two?!" he said on fire.

"Um?" Tails said.

Then they started fighting again.

"Ugh! Wanna dplit up? You want Rough or-?" Sonic asked.

"Yes." Tails said.

"M'kay." she said and took care of Tumble. "Heya tall, dark, and gruesome! Let's play tag! You're it!"

"Rrgh!" Tumble said.

"Such witty banter! C'mon! Move those stubby legs!"

Meanwhile Tails was hit.

"You're not out of the woods yet, Junior!" Rough said. "I've got a present for ya! Straight from me to you! Nya-ha-ha!" he said and shot at Tails.

Tails calculated the shot, caught it with a tail, threw it back and got him in the stomach.

"Glarpf!" Rough said. "Ahh! Ahh! Ahh! No fair! No fair! Ahhhh!"

Meanwhile Eggman and Starline were watching.

"Such a waste of a perfectly good vapor condenser." Eggman said.

"Shall we move on to test six?" Starline asked.

"There is no "test six."

"Surely you jest? Our Data sample is miniscule."

"The Metal Virus works, Starline, it's time to move to the next phase of my master plan!"

"But what if-?"

"Ah-ah-ah! Who's the evil mastermind here?"

"You are, Sir."

"You're darn skippy! Now keep an eye on the cannon fodder..." Eggman said. "...While I work on the next step!"

Meanwhile Sonic was running.

"One-two! One-two! Hustle, buddy!" she said.

"Do" Tumble said and huffed. "You" he said and puffed. "Ever" he said and wheezed. "Shut up?!"

"Nah. It's part of my charm." she said and the windmill broke and fell on Tumble. "And now-!" she said and stopped to see him crying.

"That's not fair. I had a tail again. The length. The heft. I had it all back..." he said and held the tail while he cried.

"Okay, man. It's over. Let's go."

"Heartless. You're just heartless. All I ever wanted to do was cave your head in..."

"And just like that, my sympathy is spent." she said as they walked away. "All good Tails?"

"Yep. Gave him a taste of his own medicine and smashed his launcher." Tails said pointing at Rough.

"Gak! Ugh! Pleh!" Rough said.

"Deal's a deal, remember? You're beat, so tell me what you did with Dr. Eggman." Sonic said.

"Don't ya mean "Mr. Tinker"?"

"Don't get smart with me. You're no good at it."

"You wanna know so bad? We-" he said but they disappeared.

"What the heck was that?!"

"Snap some kind of... localized wormhole?" Tails said. "So… he's back, isn't he? I mean… those guys kidnapped Mr. Tinker, and then they show up with that tech..."

"Yeah, but who sprung them out of Jail? Who told them where Mr. Tinker was?" she said and thought.

'It couldn't be Sleet and Dingo.' she thought with her arms crossed.

"We're missing half the pieces of the puzzle. Like... what if somebody else is involved?" she said.

"Maybe somebody is using the old man. Making him think he's building... I dunno, toys or something."

"C'mon, Sonic..."

"I know, I know. Just... I really hope it's not the obvious." she said. "I'll see if Silver found something. You coming?"

"You go. The village sustained some nasty damage. I'll help clean up, then come find you."

"Okay. See you later!" she said and ran thinking.

'A weird, random attack. Tails and I get separated. This is feeling a lot like how things started with Neo Metal Sonic...' she thought while she ran. 'I'm not going to second-guess Tails this time, though! I'm going to get this figured out- fast!' she thought. 'Tinker- Eggman- Whoever you are now- I'm gonna find you! Your plan isn't going to get off the ground!'

Meanwhile.

"You gotta give us another shot, Doc! We came so close!" Rough said.

"New tail! New tail!" Tumble said while Eggman stood there rubbing his forehead.

"Oh-ho-ho! What's the matter, Metal Sonic? Feeling like you're being overlooked?" Eggman asked.

"You've had your turn!" Rough said to Metal Sonic.

"Hahaha! Delightful!"

"If I may be so bold, Sir, I share Metal Sonic's enthusiasm." Starline said.

"Oh-ho?"

"Please let me take the next shot at exactly how to strike at her."

Meanwhile Sonic and Silver were at Frozen Peak.

"You're sure this is the way?" Sonic asked covering her eye from snow.

"This is where the guy told me to go." Silver said.

"I mean, I know this seems sketchy." he said shrugging. "Random guy appears, tells me about an Eggman Base, and then vanishes, but..."

"Nah, it's cool. It matches up with what Tails experienced the other day." she said. "And right now we need any lead we can get." she said and noticed something. "Yo! Look you ahead!"

"Looks like they're clearing out the Base…" he said. "...And it looks like my lead was right."

"Uh-huh. So when does this blow in our faces?" she asked but they were hit by something. "Seems like they're to get rid of evidence. Let's hit 'em fast before they-" she said and saw Metal Sonic. "Oh. Hey, Metal looks like you're fully repaired, huh?"

Then Silver aimed a kick but Metal grabbed his wrist and spun him around.

"Aaaaaayiieeeeee!" Silver yelled while being thrown away.

"So who fixed you up? Tinker? Or Eggman?" Sonic asked and punched Metal but he dodged and did the same but she dodged. "Oh. Right. You can't talk as plain old vanilla Metal Sonic." she said scratching her head.

"Was that the real reason you went back to being Neo Metal Sonic?" she asked. "

So you could do more than "Beep-Boop"? Because this is a major bowngrade." she said and dodged a punch. "I mean, if the Doc didn't awant you to getting distracted by battle Banter..." she said. "...It didn't really work." she said with a thumbs up while Silver was holding Metal with his powers.

"Nice catch, Silver. You okay?"

"I'll hold Metal, you go into the Base and-" Silver said but Metal set himself free surprising them both.

"Lady, gentleman." Starline said.

"What the... that's the guy! That's my informant!"

"Looks like he's controlling that Wormhole." Sonic said. "The same kind that grabbed Rough and Tumble." she said. "Alright! I've got a bunch of questions, and I'm willing to bet you're the answer to a lot of them!"

"Very astute. I am Doctor Starline, and I am indeed the one behind your present concerns." Starline said and bowed.

Sonic twitched a little at the bowing hoping he doesn't know who and what she really is.

"And why is that?"

"I wanted to meet you- experience you- for myself." he said. "The Blue Blur! Hero across Time and Space! The only being alive to be able to stand up to the overwhelming might and brilliance of Dr. Eggman through sheer skill alone!" he said. "Can I measure up? Can I complete my objective with you in my way? Everything about this encounter has been constructed to be the ultimate test of our abilities and willpower!" he said and Sonic looked at Silver with her hands on her hips.

"He did not sound this creepy or crazy when I talked to him!" Silver said with his hands up.

"At least you're giving me straight answers. I'll assume you busted Rough and Tumble out of jail with your sky-holes. So tell me this: What did you do with Mr. Tinker?" Sonic asked.

"That pale shadow of the Doctor no longer exists. I've seen to it that Dr. Eggman has been restored!"

At Eggman's Secret Lab.

"Hmm... The Metal Virus's progression is steady, but slow." Eggman said. "A self-recruiting army is a nice Idea, but it won't spread far at this rate." he said. "Total saturation works fine, but there's no way I can soak the whole planet in my Metal Virus. I wonder if repeated exposure would accelerate things...?" he said and dropped the rabbit. "Boop!" he said and laughed. "Mwa-ha-ha-ha!" he said laughing. "Boop! Boop! Boop!" he said and watched. "Eureka! The greater the exposure, the more rapid the effect!" he said. "A mob of my Infected minions will be able to convert new victims in no time!" he said smiling and turned around. "All I need to do is administer the Metal Virus in a few locations, and the rest will take care of Itself!" he said. "Which means everything fits neatly Into phase two of my brilliant-!"

"Eggman! We're tired of waiting!" Rough said.

"…Ah, yes. You're still here."

"The deal was we helped get you back and you help us waste Sonic!"

"Your last set of weapons weren't good enough. We want what you owe us, and we want it now." Tumble said and Eggman frowned.

"You're in luck! My latest weapon just got out of Beta!" Eggman said smiling.

Back with Sonic and Silver.

"Difficult to get traction in the deep snow, isn't it? Hard to build up your trademark speed?" Starline asked.

"If only you had a turbine instead of legs."

"Sonic! Move! I'll get him!" Silver said but Metal kicked them before Silver could do anything.

"He's too fast for you to focus on!" Sonic said.

"Then I won't grab him!" he said, used his powers and threw Metal away.

"Haha! Nice!"

"That Was a high-quality piece of Eggman technology!" Starline said.

"And it comes with a complimentary high-quality butt-kicking!"

Starline made an opening and they went through and landed in snow. They did it again but every time they didn't get him.

Then Sonic went through it and ended up off the hill.

"Oh no!" Silver said and flew through to catch her while Starline closed and Metal Sonic returned.

"Welcome Back. We're almost done here." Starline said.

Meanwhile Silver was catching Sonic.

"Gotcha!" Silver said and Sonic sighed in relief.

"Thanks!" she said smiling.

"You're welcome but... where are we now?"

"Gotcha! Going by the slope of the peak, it looks like we're on the opposite side of the mountain." she said and he put her down. "He must've scouted out the whole mountain beforehand..." she said. "Grab on. I'll get us back there."

"Wouldn't it be faster if I flew us over?" he asked putting some of his power around her and she started running. "Nope! This is faster! Much faster!" he said smiling.

Back with Starline and Metal.

"Is everything set up?" Starline asked and Metal nodded. "Excellent. Thank you for keeping the Badnik caravan safe. You go first. I'll give them one last second to catch up." he said but nothing happened. "...No? How disappointing."

Suddenly he was hit by something.

"Miss me?" Sonic asked and grabbed his shirt.

"Haha! How-?! You were-"

"My name is "Sonic." I'm made of "Goes Fast." Eggman details. Spill 'em."

"Everything's been secured in the vault!" he said. "Straight to the back wall! Access code 2-6-6-2!" he said and Silver started flying.

"I've got it! You just keep him down!" Silver said and left.

"I want to hear it from you, fanboy. Where is Eggman? What are you two planning?" Sonic said.

"E-Eggman isn't here! He's planning something breathtaking!" he said and smirked. "And I'm planning on planting explosives inside a Vault, then giving your friend the detonation code." he said and she let go and turned around.

"Silver! Wait!" she said and ran.

A few seconds later there was an explosion and Starline laughed.

"Woo-hoo-hoo!" he said. "I did it!" he said. "I can't believe it was that easy! How spectacular! I hope the Doctor saw that!" he said and was grabbed by the neck. "Gak!" he said and was in Eggman's lab.

"How dare you!" Eggman said.

"B-but. She's gone now! She can't get in the way of tour plans!"

"The hedgehog is mine to destroy!" Eggman said. "It's not the job of some upstart like you!" he said.

"I could carpet bomb her any day! That's not enough- that's not the point! I have to beat her! I have to prove I'm superior!" he said. "There's a right and a wrong way to vanquish your life-long nemesis and you did it very, very wrong!

"I'm sorry, Sir!"

"You should be! Don't let it happen again!"

"I… can't?"

"Lucky for you, Sonic is too tenacious to die because of your barbarism." Eggman said and hit play.

"Wow. Way to go Silver." Sonic said while Silver shielded them.

"Th-that's... two... you owe me..." Silver said and passed out.

"Silver!"

"What was all that you unloaded anyway? I haven't used that Base in years. Everything in there was obsolete junk." Eggman said.

"Not to me. They're treasured collectibles of your legacy." Starline said.

"Pffft, fine." Eggman said and looked at him. "So how did you like your first taste of battling that insufferable rodent?"

"The experience... has put a lot of things into a new perspective, Sir."

Later Sonic, Silver and Amy were at Restoration HQ and Silver was in bed resting.

"...And then the next thing I knew I was waking up here. I guess Sonic brought me back?" Silver said.

"Yup. I still owe you one, though." Sonic said smiling.

"Thank you for saving Sonic. Now rest up. Let me know if you need anything." Amy said smiling.

"I'll be fine, just a Little- urgh- dizzy..." Silver said smiling.

Then Sonic and Amy left to let Silver get some rest.

"No sign of this Starline guy?" Amy said.

"Nope. His wormhole- portal- thingy was gone by the time we left." Sonic said.

"This is bad. Eggman is back, he's gathering allies, and we have no idea what his plan is." Amy said. "The world has barely begun rebuilding after his last attack. If he were to strike again so soon, it could be devastating." she said and looked at the computer. "We can't let that happen!"

"Yeah, but where do we start? We barely began to search all his bases and labs when we were looking for Neo." Sonic said feeling sick. "He could be in any one of those now, or in one we didn't even find."

"Right. So instead of wasting our time looking for where he is..." Amy said and looked. "We'll go where we know he isn't!" she said and pointed at the screen. "We'll tap into his network from one of his old unguarded Bases!"

"We sure will. Let's go!"

"Really? But I have so much work to do here and-"

"It's your plan, so you've got dibs. Call it a "working vacation."" Sonic said smiling.

Then Amy noticed her looking pale.

"Are you OK? I didn't think about getting you looked at." Amy said gently.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Sonic said and thought. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course!"

"I'm pregnant."

"Oh!" Amy said smiling and gave her a hug. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks. I'm wanted to tell Knuckles later but with Eggman back it's gonna have to wait until we figure out what he's doing."

"How far along are you?"

"About 7 weeks. According to Tails. I'm worried I'll have a miscarriage again."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be careful OK?"

"I'll do my best." Sonic said and picked Amy up. "Sorry, Eggman, but it's game over for you!"

Later Sonic and Amy were at Echo Mine.

"Y'know what I like best about Eggman?" Sonic asked.

"What's that?" Amy asked.

"His subtlety." Sonic said and they went down. "Looks like there was a heck of a battle here."

"There was! This was where one of our biggest counter-attacks against Dr. Eggman's forces

"There was! This was where one of our biggest counter-attacks against Dr. Eggman's forces happened before you came back to us." Amy said. We were able to liberate a lot of people that day." she said and they got got and started walking. "We lost a lot of good people, too..."

"Hey- you made sure it was worth it."

"You won the war for us." Amy said.

"Well, yeah. Saving the day is what I do." Sonic said. "And we're here to stop Eggman from performing an encore. Which way?"

"The command hub is down this tunnel." Amy said. "Hopefully the back-up generator still works." she said. "With a little luck, we'll be able to boot up his computer, access his network, and find out what he's planning!"

"Silver and I saw his Badniks emptying a defunct lab, though.* How do you know he hasn't done the same thing here?"

"I don't. But this is the closest abandoned base on file, so it's the best place to start!" Amy said. "Here we are!"

"Finally. It's too dark to run, but all this walking is killing me."

"Please- oh- please work..." Amy said and tried to get it to work. "Woo- hoo! WE're in business."

"Man, not even reserve Badniks? Snore-fest."

Meanwhile at Eggman's secret lab.

"Heh-heh-heh! This is so mean I almost feel bad for those dopes." Eggman said. "Almost."

"Sir! There was a ping on the Eggnet! The Echo Mine has come back online!" Starline said running in.

"Mmm'kay. And i should care because...?"

"It's Sonic and Amy Rose." Starline said. "They have unguarded access to your files there, sir."

"What impeccable timing! Cubot, tell Rough and Tumble to meet me in Hangar three."

"You got it, boss!" Cubot said.

"How can you be so casual about this?" Starline said. "The Metal Virus may be viable, but you haven't finished-"

"Starline, you need to learn to enjoy these dramatic sudden deadlines." Eggman said and walked away.

"You finally get off your fat butt and get us those weapons?" Rough asked.

"We've got half a mind to just take over this dump for ourselves." Tumble said.

""Half a mind" is being generous." Eggman said holding something in both hands. "These backpacks are your back-ups. Hit the button on the cross-straps if Sonic gets the upper hand."

"I was hoping for a tail..." Tumble said.

"So what, it gives us superpowers or something?" Rough asked.

"Or something." Eggman said.

"If these are the back-ups, what're we leading with?"

"Get a load of this!"

Back with Sonic and Amy.

"Uh-oh- login screen. Do you even remember any old passwords?" Sonic asked.

"It's usually a variation on this." Amy said and started typing. "I'm in." she said. "The most recent files are for... this."

"Is that the ARK?"

"No, this looks to be much smaller." Amy said. "I'm seeing a lot of talk about "payload distribution", but of what...?" she said and it started sizzling. "No! We need to know more!"

"I think Eggman just remembered his forgotten base!" Sonic said as rocks started to fall down.

Then there was an opening and they jumped away before being hit.

"We'll cave-in the mines!" Rough and Tumble said. "Bury you in the rubble!" they said. "You're gonna get wrecked by..." they said. "-Rough and Tumble!"

"If that's going to be your thing, it actually has to rhyme!" Sonic said.

"We did rhyme!" Rough said.

"Well... not exactly..." Tumble said.

"What?!"

""RUBBLE" and "TUMBLE" only kinda rhyme at best!"

"I offered to go by "Tumble and Rough!""

"That doesn't flow and you know it!"

"How did these guys take over a whole town?" Amy asked.

"Blunt objects can still be dangerous. Be happy you get a turn beating them up." Sonic said.

"I guess. Better neutralize This first!" Amy said and hit the machine with her hammer but did nothing.

"Forget it! We'll steal a rhyming dictionary later!" Tumble said.

"Right! We've got roadkill to serve up!" Rough said.

"Yeesh- That thing is solid!" Amy said while Sonic held her running.

"And dangerous! Woo-hoo!" Sonic said and ran.

Soon they were outside.

"Whoops!" Sonic said and stopped on the edge.

"Careful!" Amy said.

"Dead end?"

"It's a refuse pit! The only way out is back the way we came!"

"Hold on-this path is barely wide enough for their tank."

"If they drove out here, they wouldn't be able to turn around."

Then Rough and Tumble came out.

"End of the line, suckers!" Rough said and Sonic ran.

"Rough! Hard right!" Tumble said.

"Oh, crap!"

"I almost feel bad for what we're going to do." Sonic said.

"Haha- almost!" Amy said.

"They're behind us!" Tumble said and Sonic threw Amy. "No no no no-!" he said and Amy hit him with her hammer while Sonic went through the side. "BAIL! BAIL!"

"Why didn't he just give us flamethrowers?! Bazookas?! Not this big dumb tank!" Rough asked.

"It's over, you goons! Tell us where Eggman is and we'll go easy on you!" Sonic said.

"Joke's on you toots!"

"We've been saving the big guns for last!" Tumble said and grey stuff came out.

"What the heck?!"

"Get it off! Get it off!"

"S-Sonic… What is…?" Amy asked.

"No idea." Sonic said.

"They're... They're robots! Not Badniks, butー!"

"Something worse." Sonic said and ran between them. "Honestly though? It's a good look for you." she said. "More "sports car", less 'haven't-washed-in-a-week."" she said and jumped over a punch. "You get transformed, but don't get a new tail out of the deal? What a rip-am i right?" she said and dodged another punch.

"They're not responding! It's like they're completely soulless!"

"Eggman somehow turned them into zombie robots." Sonic said. "So.. "Zombots"?" she said and jumped. "Yep! I'm going with "Zombots"!"

"It's not like we could reason with you before, so..." Amy said and hit Rough with her hammer.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I didn't know that would-!" she said and saw he was fine. "Sonic! I don't think we can hurt them!"

"Yeah." Sonic said panting. "I think you're right." she said and looked at her hand. "…Uh-oh..." she said. "Аmy! Do not let them touch you!" she said and Tumble punched her. "If you can't be hurt, and fighting you is hazardous to everyone's health..." she said and used a Sonic Spin knocking him down. "…I'll just have to put you down here for now."

"Sonic?!" Amy said and Sonic kicked Rough down with Tumble.

"It's a bit rougher than i want to play it, but i'm kind of in trouble." Sonic said and Amy covered her mouth. "Whatever changed them is infectious." she said. "So any ideas? 'Cause this is spreading fast!"

Meanwhile.

"Оh-ho-ho-ho! That went better than i dared hope for!" Eggman said.

"The power of the infected..." Starline said.

"Just call them "Zombots"." Eggman said smiling. "I'll give Sonic credit-it's сатсну."

"I suppose I can allow the defeated that much." Starline said. "What's next on the agenda, doctor?"

"Next? We share my Metal Virus with the world! It's time we start the clinical trials!" Eggman said and Starline smiled.

Later Tangle was heading to Tails' Workshop.

"Finally! I thought I'd never get here!" she said. "Aww! Tails's Workshop is so cute!" she said. "I hope they're home!" she said and walked in to see Sonic running on a wheel and Tails holding paper. "...I have questions."

"Yo Tangle! I'll be with you in a sec!" Sonic said.

"Um... hi?" Tails said. "I didn't know you were coming to visit."

"I didn't either, but then something happened and I had to tell you guys!"

"Oookayー just give us a minute."

"So, this is what you guys do for fun in your downtime?" she said.

"Who am I kipping?" she said. "That contraption looks fun! can I try it next?"

"Нa! Sure! I don't think I can infect metal stuff." Sonic said running.

"You definitely can't- I tested for that." Tails said. "Looks like you're clear."

"Sweet! You think that did the trick?"

"Hard to say... Your run back from the mine drove it into remission."

"So… I cured myself? That was easy!"

"Excuse me!" Tangle said and cleared her throat. "What?"

"Sorry! Let me bring you up to speed." Sonic said. "We tried to keep it on the down-low, but Dr. Eggman lost his memory after his last defeat. We found him living in a remote village with a new personality: Mr. Tinker." she said. "We were going to let him live out the rest of his new life in peace, But he was grabbed by some jerk named Dr. Starline. Apparently he got Eggman his groove back." she said.

"Eggman's developed this gunk that turns living things into zombie-like robots. I'm calling them "Zombots."" she explained. "Don't roll your eyes, Tails. It sounds fine!" she said. "Anyway. I tangled with a couple of Zombots. Turns out their touch spreads the effect of the gunk and i got infected."

"Are you contagious?"

"That's one of the things Tails and I were trying to test. It was kinda close, but it looks like I beat it."

"That's nuts! Was anyone with you?"

"Just Amy. She told me to book it to Tails' place. I'm sure she made her way back okay." Sonic said rubbing her neck. "Proooobably should let her know I'm okay."

"I think we should warn everyone to keep an eye out for signs of these…" Tails said and sighed. "Zombots." he said. "Eggman's robots already attacked your town once. I'd hate for it to be targeted again."

"Aww! thanks! It's been pretty lively since- он!" Tangle said. "That's what I wanted to tell you guys about! Listen!"

Meanwhile at Eggman's secret lab.

"You've always amazed me, doctor, but this is phenomenal." Starline said. "How did you manage to build fortress so quickly?"

"Oh, it's rather easy when you have two things." Eggman said. "First, an unparalleled genius, such as my own. Second, an army of tireless robot slaves."

"I didn't think the Badniks were that dexterous."

"Some are meant for building, some for war." Eggman said. "But the size of by the time it makes to construct the shells, round up the animals to power them, and combine the two." he said. "But soon that will be a concern of the past. Orbot! Launch!"

"Initiating launch sequence now, boss." Orbot said.

"Up, up, and away!" Cubot said.

"We've reached cruising altitude, boss." Orbot said. "All systems are stable. heading to your first target now."

"We have some time before we arrive. Care for a tour, doctor?" Eggman said.

"I'd love one, sir!" Starline said.

"Very well! First, I'm sure you've noticed I'm keeping your little gift of the Chaos Emeralds close at hand!" Eggman said. "This throne doubles as the power generator for the entire Faceship."

"Faceship..."

"A short walk away is this lovely viewing area, where I can see my brilliant plan unfold-all from a safe altitude." Eggman said and they walked. "Here is where the magic happens!" he said. "Automated mixers blend my secret formula to create the Metal Virus en masse!"

"It seems so... simple how do you encode command line? Assemble the infecting particles? or the-"

"Аh- ah-ah! Trade secret!" Eggman said.

"Once it's been applied to every living thing in the world, I will have an unstoppable army of robot slaves!" he said. "Any project will be completed in days, if not hours! No world will be beyond my reach! No dimension!" he said. "I'll reshape entire planets to suit my vision with my beautiful, limitless workforce!"

"A bold vision, doctor. But... forgive me." Starline said. "I took the liberty of running some numbers, and it's simply impossible for you to create enough Metal Virus to infect the whole world, much less others..."

"That's the brilliance of my plan, Starline. I don't have to." Eggman said.

"Here is where the Metal Virus will be distributed to the filthy, irregular world below!" he said. "Soon, everything will be perfected. No more illness! No more hunger! And best of all?" he said. "No more free will!"

"We're coming over the drop zone, boss." Cubot said.

"Perfect timing! The first batch of Metal VIRUS will be poured on the hapless habitat under us..." Eggman said. "... Transforming its population instantly." he said. "They'll then wander off in every direction..." he said.

"…Spreading the infection for me. I only need to make a few drops, and then the Zombots do the rest of the work for me."

"This... this is brilliant. so elegant! so efficient! I knew you were a visionary, but to see you in action..." Starline said. "Who are the first to receive your gift?"

"Shouldn't it be obvious?" Eggman asked. "The sleepy little village that took me in." he said. "Attention citizens of Windmill Village! It is I- your beloved Mr. Tinker!" he said. "My memories are a little jumbled, but I do recall your kindness and generosity." he said. "You all took such good care of me! And as the old saying goes..." he said. "…No good deed goes unpunished." he said and dropped silver liquid down hitting everyone.

"It's over… Just like that. It's done…" Starline said.

"A penny for your thoughts, doctor." Eggman said and Starline looked at him.

"I... I never should've second-guessed you. That was extraordinary... transcendent!" Starline said. "They say you should never meet your heroes, but you live up to-nay-exceed your legend!"

"You're absolutely right." Eggman said. "Attention my grim, glistening garrison!" he said while Starline watched. "Head out into the world and share what I've given you! Be fruitful and terrorize! Mwa-ha-ha!" he said and laughed while people walked around.

At Tails' Workshop.

"Wow. And Whisper and all them are okay?" Sonic said.

"Totally! See what you miss while you're off getting the robo-flu?" Tangle said. "Sorry. That was tacky."

"S'cool."

"What's the next step for you guys?"

"We're not sure. Amy found evidence Eggman is building a new flying fortress, presumably to distribute the mechanizing agent." Tails said.

"If you can find it before it launches, maybe we can stop Eggman's plans before they get started?"

"That's the idea!"

"Well if you find the battleship, give me a shout! I think I'm addicted to wrecking Eggman's stuff now!"

"Aw yeah! Let's send the fat man packing!" Sonic said and they were about to high five but Sonic stopped.

"Ack!" Tangle said and fell.

"My bad."

"No worries! I totally meant to fall on my face!"

"So, uh, Tails? Looks like this infection is pretty persistent."

"Persistent and aggressive, it seems like your speed can burn it off and keep it in check, but not cure it. Let me run some models." Tails said.

"Well, Eggman's flying battleship isn't going to find itself forus, is it?" she said. "I'll start the search! See you later, guys!"

"Sonic— wait!" he said but she ran.

"I'm sure she'll be fine. Because I know you're going to figure out a cure." Tangle said.

"Thanks, Tangle."

Meanwhile Sonic was running.

'That was too close. I need to keep my distance and keep my friends safe.' she thought. 'This is weird. Usually it's "Eggman does a thing, I show up and stop that thing."' she thought. 'This time we're both kinda aware of each other, stuff is in motion, but it's all sorta... detached.' she thought. 'I'm also not used to being a liability. Maybe if I really push it, I can cure myself. Save Tails the hassle.' she thought. 'Plus, I've dealt with similar stuff in the past and come out fine! We'll get through this, just like always. I'm... I'm sure of it!' she thought seeing her past adventures. 'Yeah. Totally sure.' she thought and ran.

Later Vector, Charmy and Espio were at Chaotix Detective Agency, Seaside City.

"...And Sonic is infected too? Sheesh. Thanks for the intel, Tails." Vector said.

"That sounded serious. What's the situation?" Espio said

"Details are sketchy, but it sounds like Eggman is back, and he's using some kind of goo to turn folks into zombie-robots." Vector said while Charmy rode on the fan. "Sonic got infected by one of these "Zombots" and has to stay on the move to keep her infection in check."

"That sounds spooky! Are they coming for us?" Charmy asked.

"We can't rule out the possibility of-" Espio started but was cut off.

"The world's a big place. I'm sure we're fine." Vector said.

"What we need to worry about is our next client, who could step through that door any second!" he said and the door was kicked open by a group of Zombots.

Espio threw his weapon at them but it bounced right off.

"No effect...?!" he said surprised.

"D-don't worry, Espio! I'll protect us!" Charmy said and started to fly but Vector grabbed him and stopped him.

"Don't! You can't touch 'em! That's how the infection spreads!" Vector said. "I'm callin' a tactical retreat! Out the back, boys! We'll hide-" he said and they went outside. "- In the city." he said watching what was happening and pointed up to the ship. "Up there! That has to be Eggman's new Flagship!"

"I'm sorry, guys. I don't think I can fly us up there..." Charmy said.

"Appreciate the thought, Charmy." Vector said and took a Stop sign. "For now, let's head downtown and see what we can do!" he said and hit someone in the face then hit his headphones. "Vector to Amy Rose! Do you copy?"

At Restoration HQ.

"So much paperwork... Why did I agree to this..?" Amy said then someone walked in.

"Miss Rose? An urgent call for you from Vector." they said.

"Oh, now what...?"

"Seaside City just got hit by Eggman! There's Zombots everywhere!" Vector said.

"Oh, no! I'll send a rescue shuttle right away!"

"We need back-up! Can you send Sonic? Anyone?"

"I'll put out a call to everyone in the area. hopefully Sonic will hear, or someone will see her." she said. "Be careful."

Back with The Chaotix.

"Well?" Espio asked.

"Helps on the way, but who knows how much or how soon." Vector said. "We're on our own, boys."

"What's the plan? What's the plan?!" Charmy asked.

"Hrm... Looks like the plants can get infected too. So getting survivors out of the city isn't necessarily safer..." Vector said. "Getting them down to the docks is our only option."

"But that's putting our backs to the sea. There's nowhere to escape to!" Espio said.

"Nowhere is safe, Espio. And at least with the docks we can create choke points." Vector said. "It's the best defensible position we've got." he said. "Split up! Find survivors and send 'em to the boardwalk! Keep the Zombots busy, but don't touch 'em! Got it?"

"Got it!" Espio said.

"All right! Three! Two! One!" Vector said and they put their hands together.

"TEAM CHAOIX!" they said together and got to work.

"Nyah-nyah! Look at me!" Charmy said to catch people attention and Espio threw his weapon with rope tied around them.

"Hmph. Flawless technique." Espio said.

"Pop the clutch!" Vector said pushing a truck.

"I only know how to drive automatic!" the driver said.

"Grrr! Put it in neutral! I'll push you till you go downhill!" Vector said and pushed the truck down the street.

"Thank you!" everyone said and he smiled then turned to see Zombots.

"No fair ganging up on a guy who can't hit you back!" he said.

Then something was spinning around him and stopped to be Sonic.

"I heard you could use a hand." Sonic said.

"What is with you and the dramatic timing?!" Vector asked. "Tails said you were infected. Should you not breath on me, or...?" he asked covering his nose.

"No, we're fine as long as I don't touch you. This way I can bop some Zombots but..." she said and sighed. "I've got to keep speeding along to burn it off. And the more Zombots I hit, the faster it spreads, Soooo..."

"You've got to keep moving-got it. We're getting survivors down to the docks for Evac."

"Good plan. I'll cover you as best I can."

"And next time Eggman loses his memory? I'm throwin' him in a cell!" he said and left.

"Less HINDSIGHT! More RESCUING!" she said and did the same.

"This way! Keep your eyes open! Call out any Zombots that you see!" Espio said helping people then someone screamed.

"Here! Right here!" they said.

"I-I'm not one of them! I-it's just a scratch!" someone else said. "Please don't leave me behind!" she said. "You can't leave me behind!"

"What do we do?" Charmy asked.

"I... I don't know. We can't risk anyone else getting infected... But…" Espio said and Vector dropped a taxi in front of them.

"W-wait! I won't touch anyone!" the person infected said and Vector dropped another car. "Just wrap up my arm! Put me in quarantine!" she said and he did it again. "Please!"

"I'm sorry." Vector said and put the last one down. "THis ain't a sightseeing trip! Get down to the docks! Move it!" he said filling people out.

"How could you be so mean?! We're supposed to help everyone!" Charmy said pointing at Vector.

"I'm doin' the best i can." Vector said. "We've got to get as many uninfected people as we can to safety!" he said. "If we've got time, we'll come back for the sick!"

"B-but..."

"We do not have time to debate. I know it's hard, but we need to follow Vector's lead." Espio said.

"Fine. But I don't have to like it."

"None of us do. Especially Vector." Espio said letting go and Charmy flew away.

Meanwhile Sonic was hitting Zombots for an opening.

"The stairwells are clear! hustle!" she said and a shuttle came fly by. "All right! the rescue shuttle!" she said. "Now the evacuation can begin for real. It's going to get the attention of the Zombots though. I better-" she said but noticed she was changing again. "Brrr... Man, this is a nasty feeling..." she said and looked down. "I want to protect everyone..." she said and looked strong. "...But I'm no good to anyone if I turn into a zombot. Better run this off."

Then she looked at the ship, jumped and started running.

'Faster!' she thought and ran. 'I've got to get back to them! Faster!'

Back with The Chaotix.

"We're in the home stretch, boys! Just a little longer!" Vector said.

"…One thirty-five, one thirty-six…." Charmy said. "That's barely anybody. The city had so many people in it..." he said and thought. "We saved all the healthy ones. Now we need the rest!" he said and flew away.

"Charmy! Where do you think you're going?!" Vector asked.

"I'm gonna save the one you trapped with the cars! She didn't change yet! We can still help her!"

"It's too late! Get back here!"

"I've got him." Espio said getting his weapon ready.

Then he threw it but a zombot bit it away.

"Charmy! Come back! That's an order! CHARMY!" Vector yelled but Charmy kept going.

"I'm back! Don't be afraid, we'll get you to safety!" Charmy said and saw the girl a zombot. "Yaugh!" he yelled. "No no no!" he said trying to miss her. "Аhhhh!" he yelled. "Vector! Espio! Help!"

Meanwhile Sonic stopped in front of Vector being held by Espio.

"Lemme go! I can find him!" Vector said.

"Whoa! What happened?" Sonic asked.

"Charmy went back into the city! He hasn't come back!"

"And if you go. You won't come back either!" Espio said.

"We've got a city's worth of zombots closing in. We have to go- now!" a soldier said.

"They're right. You guys Get Out of Here. I'll Sweep The City And Look For Charmy." Sonic said.

"B-but... A-all right..." Vector said in defeat and she ran off.

Then a soldier closed the door and Vector covered his face.

At Floral Forest Village.

"I don't understand, doctor." Starline said. "This village is too remote to be of any strategic value. Why are we going out of the way to infect it?"

"It's twofold, my dear Starline. Once fully converted, this lush space will become a veritable minefield of Metal Virus Infection vectors that not even Sonic can avoid!" Eggman said. "And she'll still run right into it all because she has some dear friends here! What better way to break her will..." he said. "…Than to hit her where it hurts! Having fun, Sonic?! На на на на на!"

"When I'm done down here, we're gonna have words, Eggman!" Sonic said.

'Too much going on. Gotta focus.' she thought and kicked a Zombot away. 'I've still got a lot of questions about Eggman, but he can't be the priority right now.' she thought and thought about Charmy. 'I couldn't find Charmy-couldn't save him.* Poor kid got wrapped up in something way too big for himself. and if the same thing happens to her...' she thought and ran. 'Stop it. This is exactly what Eggman wants me to do. Gotta keep moving. Gotta protect my friends here.'

"Gotta find Cream!" she said.

At Cream's house.

"Cream! Close The Shutters And Get Away From The Window!" Vanilla said.

"Y-Yes Mother!" Cream said. "Our Neighbors Are In Trouble! I Should Go Help!"

"This Isn't Like Your Adventures With Amy Rose Or The Others! You're Still a Little Girl, And We're Not Heroes Like Them!"

"But I'll Have Cheese With Me! He'll Help Look After Me! He Always Does!"

"Chao-chao!" Cheese said.

"And You'll Have Chocola to Look After You!"

"You're a Brave And Noble Little Girl, And I Know You've DONE Some Amazing Things. But I Can't Allow You to go Out There. Stay In Here And Protect Our Home, Kay?" Vanilla said and Cream sighed.

"Yes, mother." Cream said. "If I Stay to Protect The House, Will You go And Help The Village, Gemerl?"

"Request acknowledged. Proceeding to assist village defenses to protect Cream,Vanilla, and family." Gemerl said.

Meanwhile.

"Even with a low population density, this village is succumbing rapidly to the Metal Virus." Starline said.

"Such efficiency is the sign of a true genius, wouldn't you say?" Eggman said. "Attention all Zombots! Pile up on Sonic! Let's see her run off a full infection!"

Back with Sonic.

"Huh. Lucky break!" Sonic said. "Cream? Where are ya, kiddo?"

Back with Eggman.

"…Um… they ain't movin', boss. Not in the way you told them to, at least." Cubot said.

"What?!" Eggman asked.

"Actually, boss, there's been a sturdy decline in zombots responding to your voice commands since we started." Orbot said.

"How is that possible?" Starline asked.

"Well... it is a virus. Spreading from exposure may be prompting random mutations in the coding." Eggman said.

""May"? Didn't you account for that possibility?"

"It's working, isn't it? Like you said, the Metal Virus is spreading as intended. I can work out the bugs in post."

"But if this gets out of controlー"

"Then I'll find a way to control it!" Eggman said. "Nnngh… You've ruined my good mood. I'm going to!get something!to eat."

"Orbot... may I confide in you?"

"Provided you keep my next break a secret?" Orbot asked.

"…Yes?"

"Deal! Now then- what's on your mind?"

"Ever since he started his conquest of this world, I've been fascinated by Dr. Eggman. His brilliance, his tenacity, his charisma." Starline said. "I devoted myself to robotics and the search for arcane power because of him. Whenever I reached an impasse in my research, I'd ask myself: "What would Eggman do?"" he said. "I've done so much, driven by what I thought I knew about him, but..." he said. "I'd always assumed Sonic defeated him because she was so unnaturally powerful. But now it looks like the real cause is Eggman can't plan for or adapt to the Long-Term."

"Eh… it's about fifty-fifty to be honest. Big idea, big execution, Sonic shows up. "I hate that Hedgehog." Big explosions. Rinse. Repeat." Orbot said and Starline thought.

Meanwhile Sonic was fighting zombots.

"A shuttle is coming to evacuate everyone! Head North to the Glade!" Sonic said.

'Every hit I land on these zombots makes my infection spread faster.' she thought. 'I need to go for a run to burn it off, but I can't leave the villagers yet. I can't just run in place or do donuts- Won't be fast enough.' she thought. 'Still haven't found Cream, either. Maybe she's holed up at her place? I'm practically there, so-' she thought and was hit by Gemerl.

"Ow! Did you cross some wires, Gemerl? I thought we were friends?!" she said.

"Sonic. Designation: Friend. Analysis: Infected with same material as villagers." Gemerl said. "Assessment: You will transform too. Highest level threat to Cream's safety. I will not allow that."

"Fair enough. But I can keep it under control, G."

"Assessment: Infection has spread beyond Fifty percent. Conversion imminent. You are an immediate threat." Gemerl said and tried to kick her but she got away.

"I can run it off! Or maybe you can help? You can bond with machines, right? You could bond with me, or another zombot, and-"

"Negative. Metallic Virus infrastructure incompatible. I cannot control it. It cannot infect me. Elimination is only option."

"Gemerlーno!" Cream said.

"If you can reduce your threat level by running, then run."

"There are still people who need my help!" Sonic said.

"You cannot help. You are a threat. Reduce threat level or be eliminated."

"I can't fight you and the zombots! Quit being a jerk!"

"Top priority: Keep Cream safe. Your compliance is not mandatory." Gemerl said. "Warning: Arming missiles." he said and she noticed her position.

"Fine! Have it your way!" she said and ran.

"Primary threat neutralized. Changing targets to infected villagers." he said. "Commencing purge." he said and started shooting.

"Gemerl! Stop it!" Cream said running over to him.

"Cream is outside designated safe zone. Please rectify."

"You've got to stop!"

"I must protect Cream." he said.

"Cream commands I do not. Please specify parameters."

"You can protect us, but you're going too far!"

"Proximity to Residence has remained no greater than twenty meters."

"That's not what I mean!" she said. "You attacked Sonic! She's our friend! She would never do anything to hurt us! You know that!"

"Sonic is infected. Sonic is a threat."

"Sonic is a victim! I asked you to protect the village, and you attacked someone trying to save it!"

"I... may have not operated optimally..."

"And these zombots are victims too! You can't go blowing them up!"

"Logic error zombots are a threat. Please specify."

"They didn't want to be robots! They don't want to do bad things! You shouldn't punish them because Eggman is making them do it!" she said and thought about when Sonic saved him. "Eggman made you into a scary robot too, remember?" she asked. "All you did was fight and destroy." she said. ""But my friends didn't destroy you. Tails fixed you, you got to come live with me." she said. "Don't they deserve a chance to be fixed?" she asked. "Shouldn't they have a chance to be happy?" she asked and he punched a zombot.

"New mission parameters accepted. Only non-lethal force authorized. Delay. Detain Disable. Do not destroy."

"Hooray! Thank you! Be sure to apologize to Sonic when she gets back!" she said and hugged him.

"Acknowledged."

Suddenly Vanilla screamed.

"Mother?" Cream said and ran to the house. "Gemerl! Sonic! Help!"

Meanwhile.

"Whoa... You're Sonic, aren't you? How come you take that kid Cream on adventures and not someone like me?" someone asked.

"Well, she's a great kid. Lots of potential." Sonic said and the person took a leaf. "But real quick: What are you doing?!"

"Well... if I burn down the forest before the infection spreads, We all won't get changed."

"No, you'll all just be consumed by flames instead!"

"Well... Um..."

"Cream gets to hang with me because she's got some sense!"

At Cream's house.

"Cream! Run!" Vanilla said while Cheese punched a zombot.

"No! Don't touch it!" Cream said and Cheese did it again. "Stop it! Just come with me!"

"Chao." Cheese said. "Chao!" he said and punched again.

"Chocola! Don't!"

"Chao! Chao!" Chocola said but bounced right off and caught him. "Chao! Chao-Chao-Chao!"

"Chao-Chao." Cheese said

"No! We can't leave them!" Cream said and cried while Vanilla carried her away.

Vanilla stopped to see zombots but Sonic knocked them down.

"I just got clean! Why do you guys Have to keep —" Sonic said but noticed Cheese and Chocola. "Cream? Kiddo, I need you in the here and now." she said. "This is bad, but Cheese wouldn't want you to get caught. He'd want you to be brave." she said. "I need you to be brave just like all our times before, okay?" she asked and Cream sniffed.

"O-okay..." Cream said.

"I know you can do this. Get your mom to the North Glade and get to safety. We'll get everyone out of here, then find a way to fix this- right?"

"Yeah." Cream said, grabbed Vanilla and flapped her ears. "Thank you, Ms. Sonic! Take care of yourself!" she said and flew away.

"I'll be fine. Keep safe." Sonic said. "Kid's going to grow up into someone amazing..." she muttered and noticed zombots coming at her. "Whoa!" she said but Gemerl saved her. "Thanks."

"You are welcome. I am sorry." Gemerl said.

"That was fast. Just how I like it." she said. "Cream and Vanilla are heading for the North Glade. You make sure the shuttle gets off okay. I'll cover you here."

"Understood. Initiating new mission parameters."

Then Sonic was holding something for Cheese and Chocola.

"Oh no, you don't!" she said and covered them. "Zombots on the ground? I can trip them up." she said and looked at them. "You two flying around? That could cause some trouble. Sorry, guys." she said and started fighting more zombots.

"Sonic? This is Rouge. Do you copy?" Rouge said.

"Yo, I copy."

"Are you busy?"

"Just wrapping up some personal business. What's up?"

"I just got intel that Eggman is en route to Sunset City." Rouge said. "Shadow and Omega are already heading there to intercept, but..."

"You wouldn't mind some extra help. Got it! See you there!"

'I heard Eggman try to turn the village against me. If he converts another city, that'll be even more zombots he can't control.' Sonic thought. 'This'll go from bad, to worse, to nightmare overnight!' she thought. 'I better push it snd get there as fast as I can...'

"...I am not losing another friend to this!" she said and ran.

Later.

"Sonic! We need you in Sunset City." Rouge said. "It used to be a Major Merchant Hub. Dazzling jewel markets." she said. "That all came to an end when Eggman tore it up while trying to take over the world." she said. "But it's citizens stayed strong." she said. "After Eggman's defeat, and with the help of the Restoration, they began to rebuild." she said. "But Eggman returned. And with his Metal Virus unleashed, Sunset City may be doomed." she said. "And just when I was planning on helping myself to some five-finger discounts. Oh, well. Rouge out."

Sonic had just knocked down Zombots.

"Anybody out there?! I can't help if I don't know you're there!" Sonic said and continued knocking down zombots. "It's bad enough fighting these zombots makes the infection spread faster." she said and looked at her hands. "I don't need to get grabbed by them, too!"

"Sonic! Up here!" someone said and she looked up to see people in a building. "They've blocked the door! We can't get out!"

"Get ready to run! I'll clear them out!" she said and got ready to run through zombots but was hit by something. "Yow!"

"Hostiles are resilient. Heavier ordinance may be required. All Eggman robots must be eliminated." Omega said.

"Whoa! Hold it, Omega! These aren't your usual mass-produced Badniks!" she said stopping him. "These are innocent people transformed by the Metal Virus! They shouldn't be on your revenge list!"

"Is this a robot?" he asked holding up a zombot.

"Well, I mean, it seems like it..."

"Was it created by Eggman?"

"Technically, but—"

"Destroy all Eggman robots! Nature and origin are irrelevant!" he said and shot at a zombot.

"…Well, at least they seem too hardy for him to really damage..." she muttered.

"Hey Blue!" Rouge said.

"Rouge!"

"Send everyone to The Grand Gold Flick Hotel! We're organizing survivors there!"

"Got it!" Sonic said and started to file people out. "Step lively, folks! Head for the big hotel at the end of the block!"

"Do we have time to thank that robot for saving us?" someone asked.

"Exterminate! Exterminate!" Omega said.

"He's the type of guy who doesn't need thanks." Sonic said. "Now, everyone go straight to the hotel…" she said and ran. "...While I plow the way clear!" she said and went to check on Rouge.

"I saw another wave coming from the East! Get your officers to guard the rear so we don't get surrounded!" Rouge ordered a soldier.

"Yes, Ma'am!" a soldier said.

"Since when did you start giving orders?" Sonic asked.

"I can't live comfortably in high society if there's no civilization, now can I?" Rouge said. "So, three things. First- thanks for coming. Second- don't touch me. And third- how are you doing?"

"Meh. Running from crisis to crisis is keeping it in check, but every hit I give or take makes it worse."

"So… manageable?"

"Sure, we'll go with that." Sonic said looking at her hands.

"I can't say the same for the city. This is a sloppy assault, even for Eggman."

"That's because he's not controlling them. He can't."

"Oh, well isn't that just marvelous." Rouge said sarcastically.

"Where's Shadow?"

"Picking up a transport for the survivors."

"Really? I didn't know he cared."

"Every person not infected is one less zombot to deal with."

"HELP!" someone yelled and they turned to see people trapped. "They're right behind us!" they said and Sonic ran to help them.

"Grab my hand! I'llー" she started but remembered and jumped over them. "Nope."

'Think, man, think! One touch and you're not saving anyone! You'll only make it worse!' she thought while she looked at her hand.

Then she spun around to get zombots to go flying.

"…Whoa..." a soldier said and she looked at them.

"More are coming! And they aren't following any kind of plan! Don't let your guard down!" she ordered.

'Gotta keep up the pace. I'm not losing another one of my friends to this mess!' she thought and ran to find Omega. "What are you doing? We've got to keep the zombots away from the hotel!"

"To many targets. Not enough bullets." Omega said. "Enemy is advancing from both directions."

""Both directions"?" she said and watched. "I see them! Hold the line here!"

"Acknowledged. Creating a wall of bodies."

"Not what I said!" she said and ran but stopped when seeing something hitting zombots. "What the…?" she said and saw a truck stop in front of her.

She coughed while Shadow came out.

"There you are! What's the matter?" she said. "Couldn't find a bigger one?"

"Shut. Up." Shadow said pointing at her annoyed.

"Easy. I was kidding." she said holding her hands in defeat.

"This is your fault. If I had destroyed Eggman in Windmill Village, none of this would be happening."

"Some creep called Starline made him evil again! Nobody could've seen that coming!"

"Feh. Excuses."

"Yo! I'm dealing with it too! I'm infected! See?"

"It's what you deserve." he said and they glared at each other.

"I'm gonna go take care of my infection. Thanks for bringing the truck." she said and turned. "Don't let the zombots touch you,"

"I know." he said with his arms crossed.

"If it happens, you should be fast enough to run it off like me." she said and ran.

"Cowards run." he said. "I win." he said and saw Omega. "Omega."

"Shadow." Omega said.

"Safeguard the truck while Rouge oversees the evacuation."

"Considering." Omega said. "Truck and refugees will be the Zombots' primary target. This will bring additional targets to me." he said. "Orders approved. What will you do?"

"Destroy Eggman's Army. What else?" Shadow said and started fighting while Rouge filed people in the truck.

"Keep it quick and orderly people! Get cozy! There's only so much space!" Rouge said.

"Advance so I may shoot you." Omega said and started shooting.

"Darn it, Shadow. You're being reckless..." she muttered as Shadow continued to fight.

"Hmph. Resilient." Shadow said. "But so am I." he said. "The Doctor's Metal Virus can't infect the Ultimate Lifeform!" he said and kicked zombots.

Meanwhile Sonic was still running.

"Whew! That was entirely uphill!" she said. " she said and looked at the town. "Charmy... Cheese… Chocola... Who knows how many others around the world…" she said and looked away.

'Just because some bozo did the wrong thing doesn't mean I didn't do the right thing. Mr. Tinker deserved his second chance.' she thought and ran. 'Anyway, I don't have time to be introspective. Better get back there and save more folks!'

Meanwhile Shadow continued to fight zombots.

When he threw one he noticed his hand and froze.

"That's… Impossible…" he said and looked at his hands.

"Shadow! Run!" Rouge said. "We'll hold things here!"

"I don't run!" he said and kept fighting.

"That's not what I mean!" she said. "Omega! Give Shadow cover fire!"

"Negative." Omega said and fired. "Targets advancing too rapidly. Sustained fire required to protect truck." he said and continued to fire.

"Amy? This is Rouge- Do you copy?" she said. "Send whoever you can to Sunset City now. The situation just went from manageable..." she said and looked at Shadow. "...to disastrous."

"Check your fire Omega!" Sonic said.

"Sonic! We need you over there to handle Shadow!"

"Pfft, "handle"?" Sonic said. "I think you're the only one he listens to!" she said but was hit and groaned. "I get it now. "Handle."" she said while Shadow held her neck. "Is it my turn to say "I told you so"?"

At Sunset City.

"Thought you could take on the zombots with raw power alone, didn't you, Shadow?" Sonic said. "Now you're fully converted, while I can run off my infection. I can't wait to say I told you so." she said. "If you don't" she said but Shadow grabbed her neck. "Crush my windpipe first..." she said and started fighting while Rouge watched. "A healthy Shadow would've seen that move coming and countered it. You're not at one hundred percent. That's good!" she said. "Dealing with you and a bajillion Zombots? Not so good..." she said and fought more. "Up high!" she said and used a spin dash on him. "Down low…" she said. "…You're too slow!" she said and kicked him. "There's no way I can keep up like this-" she said and looked at Rouge and Omega. "-And protect a truckload of uninflected sitting right there." she said. "Is everyone loaded up?"

"We just finished!" Rouge said.

"Then get out of here! I'll cover you!"

"Thank goodness for these noble, self-sacrificing types!" Rouge said and drove away.

"Never fought a whole city solo before. This should be interesting!" Sonic said when Omega came out of nowhere. "Well, well, well! Look who decided to stay behind and help!"

"Negative. Eggman's robots remain. This must be corrected. Violently." Omega said.

"I'm calling it "help", and you can't stop me!" she said and went into a Sonic spin.

"Urge to maim-rising!"

"Wait a minute. Where did Shadow..." she said and saw Shadow running after the truck. "Uh-oh! Looks like he noticed the survivors!" she said. "Not so fast when you don't know yow to work your rocket skates, are ya?" she said ran after him. "You're still faster than your average Zombot, though..." she said and grabbed his arm. "...So we'll just redirect you back to the party!" she said but he threw her off of himself.

"Observation: Your infection is spreading." Omega said.

"Ugh... Yeah, tangling with all the Zombots is making it worse."

"Assessment: You should leave." he said as she got up.

"I think the truck isn't far enough away, and I'm not leaving another friend behind while I go on a treatment-run."

"We are not friends. You are in the way of my massacre."

"You can't destroy the Zombots! So instead of wasting ammo, How about we get out of here while I've still got enough energy to run?"

"No retreat! No mercy!" he said, caught Shadow and smashed him to the ground.

"Hold on! That's Shadow!"

"Negative. He is another Eggman robot. He will be destroyed."

"This is getting out of control!" she said and flipped over more Zombots.

"Must! Destroy! All! ZRRK!" he said shooting but Shadow pulled out his wires and Sonic hit him in the hand landing in front of Omega.

"C'mon, man! Snap out of it! You're too stubborn to be mind-controlled!" she said and Shadow tried to punch her but she dodged. "Omega! It's no good! We've got to retreat!"

"Victory or death!" Omega said covered by Zombots.

"I gotta run... But they're everywhere..."

Suddenly everyone stopped moving.

"SONIC!" someone said and she turned to see Silver using his powers to hold them with Tails next to him. "I've cleared you a path! Run!"

"The Tornado is just outside of the city to the east! Meet us there!" Tails said and she gave him a thumbs up and ran. "Sonic's clear! Drop those Zombots and cover me while I go for Omega!"

"On it!" Silver said and dropped them all.

"Observation: You are strong to lift all my mass so effortlessly." Omega said.

"Yeah... About that..." Tails said.

Meanwhile Silver noticed Shadow and dodged the attack.

"Yow!" he said.

"Let's get out of here!" Tails said.

"Y-yeah."

Later at Restoration HQ Sonic sighed looking at her hand.

"Ms. Sonic? We have a safe way in ready for you." Cream said.

"Thanks, Cream. Sorry for being a pain." Sonic said.

"Oh, no! You're not a pain!"

"Isn't it past your bedtime?"

"Yes, but mother let me stay up so I could help." Cream said. "And I've been having lots of bad dreams lately."

"There are so many refugees from the attacks, and not a lot of room for them. Everyone is scared and sad..."

"...So I've been bringing them snacks and sweets! I'm trying my hardest to be happy, so they can be a little happy, too!"

"You're the bravest hero here, Cream. Keep up the good work."

"I will!"

"Miss Rose's office is right through here."

"Thanks. Hey, Gemerl! Looks like Tails fixed you up."

"Correct." Gemerl said. "Entry denied."

"Don't start with me G. I had a very long day."

"Gemerl! Be nice!" Cream said.

"Sonic is infected. She is a biohazard to the Restoration's Administrator." Gemerl said.

"Miss Rose asked to speak with her! You have to let her in!"

"Acknowledged. Allowing admittance."

"Thanks Cream." Sonic said.

"You're welcome! Good night, Ms. Sonic!" Cream said and Sonic turned to leave but stopped.

"Given that it's the "Metal Virus" I'm pretty sure I'm a "mechahazard".

"Acknowledged. Logging under "Sass."

"You do that." she said and left.

"Echo-Five! We've got a call for Evac in Cascade City! Echo-Seven! We need that supply drop ASAP!" Amy said and Sonic walked up to Rouge.

"Yo, Rouge. Playing secretary?" Sonic asked.

"Planning my next move." Rouge said with her arms crossed. "Shadow?"

"He's.. gone. I'm sorry." Sonic said and Rouge looked away.

"The idiot should've run when I told him too." Rouge said and left.

"Hey Amy. You wanted to see me?"

"Sonic! Yes! Just wanted to make sure you were okay!" Amy said.

"I'm still standing. I'd like a nice, three weeks nap. How are you?"

"I'm not sure how much longer I can-" Amy started but was told something. "Say again, Echo-Eleven? What?! W-well... Try to keep a low profile!" she said. "Echo-Three! Echo-Thirteen! Echo-Eleven went down on Turtleshell Island! They need immediate support!" she said. "Echo-Three, do you copy?" she asked. "Has anyone heard from Echo-Three?!" she asked and panicked so Sonic left to let her focus.

"Vector! Espio! What's up?" Sonic asked and Vector yawned.

"Sleeping shift is over, so we're back to it. Finding survivors. Finding supplies." Espio said.

"Hopefully we'll run into Charmy and be able to bring him back safely..." Vector said.

"You sure bringing Charmy back is a good idea?" Sonic asked.

"About as good an Idea as you being in here."

"I'm being careful!"

"Are you? When was the last time you slept?" Espio asked.

"It's... been a while. I can only afford little naps." she said. "Otherwise, the infection might spread and... Y'know." she said. "Anyway, Tails wanted to see me about some plan. Be safe out there, Chaotix."

"You, too."

Soon she was with Tails and Silver.

"Knock-knock." she said.

"Sonic! I wondered where you were!" Tails said smiling.

"If it wasn't for you two, I'd Be shuffling around with the shiny masses." she said smiling. "Thanks. I really owe you one."

"Actually, I think that's two you owe me." Silver said.

"Оh? Keeping count now?"

"Well, you clearly aren't."

"I've had a lot on my mind lately." she said. "For instance- you said when you returned to the future, the world was all metallic and lifeless. Do you think it was the Metal Virus?"

"I'm sure of it. And while things are bad now, hopefully by my being here, we can find a way to stop it from destroying the world."

"I don't remember you mentioning the Zombots, though." she said with her arms crossed.

"That's the thing- I didn't see anyone." he said. "Hopefully we won't need to solve that mystery."

"How's it hanging, Omega?"

"Core processor and operating system intact. Rage operating at 110% capacity." Omega said.

"You think you can rebuild him?"

"Eggman tech is notoriously weird. I think I can build something comparable and install his head into it, though." Tails said. "Once I have the time and supplies, of course."

"Install a jaw mechanism. I will bite their ankles off." Omega said.

"I'll... keep that in mind."

"Today was a close call. Too close. Are we any closer to figuring out the Metal Virus?" Sonic said.

"No. The analysis we took of you wasn't robust enough.* But I think I have a solution."

"Right, you said you had a plan. I'll help any way I can." he said. "Your speed is combating the Metal Virus somehow. Not completely, but it consistently beats it back." he said. "I'm working on a sensor that will read your biometrics while you run. Hopefully it'll give us more insight into the Metal Virus and how it's reacting to your system." he said. "Unfortunately, the computers here can't handle that kind of Data. I've got a lab in Central City that can- If Eggman doesn't attack there." he said. "If that happens, it'll be dicey getting in there and doing the analysis."

"Don't worry! I'll cover you!" Silver said.

"And if you're called away to help somewhere else?"

"Then... um... we'll just hope that doesn't happen."

"Silver's right. We've got to stay optimistic." Sonic said. "And with this doo-hickey of yours, I think we're about to finally see things turn for the better!"

"Yeah! You get me the Data, I'll process it to find a cure, and Amy will coordinate everything from here." Tails said.

"Your future is as good as saved!" Silver said.

Meanwhile on Eggman's Flying Fortress, the Faceship Starline sighed.

"I hate to admit this, but Eggman has no plan to control the Metal Virus." he said. "We're scheduled to test override signals tomorrow, But..." he said. "Eggman has overlooked or forgotten so many of his assets. Perhaps there's something he's used in the past that can help?" he said and noticed something. "What's this? "The Lost World Project"?" he said. ""I found the hidden planetoid of Lost Hex and made it the base of my latest scheme."" he read. ""Using an Ancient Relic, I took control of Lost Hex's Natives- The Zeti-and made them my enforcers."" he said. ""Then that meddlesome Sonic arrived to ruin everything. She stupidly liberated my Deadly Six and they..."" he read. "...Took total control of my robots with their electro-magnetic powers."" he read. "A race of beings that can will robots into obedience?" he said and smirked. "Yes... Yes! Why find a way to control millions when we can shepherd them all with just six…"

One hour ago at Central City Tails, Whisper and Tangle were at Tails' Workshop.

"Why here? Why now?!" Tails said.

"Let's cure that rush hour gridlock with Dr. Eggman's patented Metal Virus!" Eggman said. "Ha ha ha ha!"

"Change of plans! We'll get downtown and-"

"No. Stay." whisper said.

"She's right. You've got the important job of researching a cure. We'll handle the evacuation." Tangle said. "We've become a pretty good team, after all!"

Now.

Tails was in his house hiding then he looked out the window to see Zombots and sat down.

"Darn it, Silver. Why'd you have to jinx it?" he said and heard beeping so ran to the computer.

"Yo. Tails! You there?" Sonic asked and he typed.

"I'm here! Where are you?"

"I'm not far outside of Barricade Town. Everything going well on your end?"

"Yes and very much no." he said. "The data from that bio-scanner I gave you is coming in perfectly." he said. "On the other hand, Eggman hit Central City with the Metal Virus just as we got into town."

"Yikes. Hang tight, I'll make a U-turn and be there soon."

"No-no-no! You keep running!" he said. "We need your speed data. It may be the only key to finding a cure! Plus, it'll be a backup in case something happens on my end."

"Gotcha. Still, stay safe."

"Thanks. I should be fine." he said and typed.

Suddenly there was a crash and he jumped.

So he hit the computer and saw Zombots.

"I've got to let you go, Sonic." he said.

"Sure thing. You go be brilliant." Sonic said.

"I'll try!" he said. "Tails to Restoration HQ. Do you copy? I'm checking in."

"I'm here, Tails. How's the cure, coming?" Amy asked.

"It's slow going I have to keep looking over my shoulder for Zombots."

"What about the evacuation? Do I need to send the shuttles now?"

"I'm not sure. I've been zeroed in on my research I'll check in with Tangle and Whisper one of us will let you know."

"I'll tell the pilots to go ahead and prep. Be careful- and good luck."

"Thanks! Tails out." he said with a thumbs up. "Tails to Tangle and Whisper! How goes the evacuation?"

"Oh, you know. Running. Screaming. Panic. Skin-of-our-teeth rescues." Tangle said kicking a car and Zombots away. "It would be so cool if it wasn't so-y'know- horrible and awful." she said hitting more Zombots away. "We've gotー yikes!" she said and dodged one from behind her. "We've got a few folks, and we're leading them to a dock. But it's nasty down here, kiddo. We need you to work on that cure fast."

"Сорy that. I'll let Amy know where to send the shuttle." he said and sighed. "Okay- so I've got most of the structure figured out. It looks and acts like a real "live" virus." he said looking at a screen. "I know Sonic's speed deteriorates the virus's structure, but how? And how do I apply that to others?" he said with his arms crossed. "We can't risk the vaccine being too weak or only partially effective..." he said and thought. "...If I got a sample of the virus itself, that would help considerably..." he said, slowly went outside and heard something to see Flikies flying by. "Steady... Steady..." he said trying to get a sample and got one. "Hahaha! Yes! Miracle cure, here I come!"

Meanwhile at Zeti Castle Lava Mountain Zone. Lost Hex. A hidden world once used as an Eggman base.

"...And the Eggnet is in chaos. Whatever Eggman's done on the world below, it's not pretty." Zor said.

"Which suits you just fine, I'm sure." Zavok said.

"It doesn't suit me, however." Starline said.

"What is this? Who are you?"

"I am Dr. Starline, lead assistant to Dr. Eggman." Starline said. "And this is a call to action. Your services are needed again."

"My... "services.""

"Y-you and the Deadly Six possess unique skills that the doctor needs to... contain a certain issue."

"And he's sent you to recruit us?"

"I-I'm here in an... unofficial capacity. I believe it better to ask forgiveness than permission at this juncture. Y-you and the Deadly Six possess unique skills that the doctor needs to... contain a certain issue.

"Ahh. What do we get out of this?"

"An opportunity to make amends with Eggman, command incredible power, and destroy Sonic The Hedgehog."

"Hmm... how can I refuse such an offer?"

"Allow me some time to rally my forces, and we are yours."

"Excellent! I have my own business to attend to, but I will reach out to you soon."

"Boy, did he make a mistake." Zor said.

"And we shall capitalize on it. Gather the others." Zavok said.

Meanwhile.

"Wee-hee-hee! That's it! Look at me! I'm the most interesting person out here!" Tangle said. "Whoa!" she said. "Okay! Fair enough! Umm... Time-out?" she said and Whisper started shooting and hitting Zombots. "That was awesome!"

"Thanks." Whisper said. "Move."

"Okay! Now what?"

"Help?"

"Good idea!" Tangle said and Whisper started shooting. "Amy! It's Tangle! What's the E.T.A. on some back-up?" she asked. "Amy? Cream? Vector? Anybody?" she said but got nothing. "That's... ominous. Um... Silver? Do you copy? Can you lend us a hand?"

Meanwhile Silver was busy.

"Ice Paradise is on fire! I've got my hands full!" Silver said using his power.

Back with Tangle and Whisper.

"Kinda late to ask, but is it okay to be shooting your little wisp buddies at the Zombots?" Tangle asked.

"They're pure energy when fired." Whisper said.

"Oh, cool! Last thing we need is Zombot wisps- eek!"

Suddenly then Whisper picked her up, started flying and took them somewhere safe.

"Nice exit!" Tangle said. "...Except now we're a long way from the rendezvous."

"Call Tails?" whisper asked.

"Tails? Can you hear me?"

"Yeah- Are you okay?" Tails asked.

"We're good, but we've got a whole bunch of Zombots between us and the dock, and no one to help us out. How's that cure coming?"

At Tails' Workshop Tails was busy analyzing everything.

"My computer is almost done processing Sonic's speed data!" he said. "By applying his biometrics to the fresh sample of virus I grabbed outside, I can apply the data in real time to test models for immunization and even reversal of the contagion!"

"Cure, yes? Cure, no?"

"Y-yes. I think... I think I've got it!" he said smiling. "Let me upload it all to Restoration HQ'S server and I'll come back you up!" he said typing. "The nightmare will finally be over!" he said and started walking while smiling. "Woo- Hoo! Way to go-" he started but heard something and stopped. "Nonono! What happened?!"

Outside Cheese and Chocola were crashing wires.

"Don't panic! Just grab the server blades! I can plug them in at headquarters and-" he said and someone broke into his house.

He backed away, turned around and started running using a Sonic Spin to get to the Tornado faster.

"I had it. I was so close." he said starting the Tornado. "And can't blame you..." he said and started flying away.

"Tails! We're heading down to the dock! Where are you?!" Tangle said.

Suddenly the Tornado came crashing into Zombots.

"That was amazing!" she said.

"I'll cover you. Go protect the survivors." Tails said.

"Gotcha! But I wanna drive that later!" she said and ran to see a shuttle flying by. "Yeah! Woo! Perfect timing!" she said. "Why... why is there only one?" she wondered while it landed. "Any unwelcome guests trying to tag along?"

"Clear." Whisper said.

"C'mon, people! Our ride is here! Hustle! Hustle! Hustle!"

Meanwhile the Tornado shot.

"Tails! We're airborne! C'mon!" Tangle said.

"Thank you for all your hard work. You deserved better." Tails said with tears running down, flew off using his tails and landed in the shuttle. "Wait... where are the other shuttles? WE didn't have many, but..."

"We're on the only one that made it out." Amy said.

"W-what are you saying?"

"Restoration HQ has fallen, and almost everyone with it."

Earlier at Restoration HQ.

"Hoo-boy… let's see where we are..." Amy said. "Sonic's running around getting data for Tails. She should be near barricade town by now, I think." she said.

"Tails is doing his research in Central City while Tangle and Whisper cover support and evacuation." she said. "Silver is handling the evacuation of Ice Paradise on his own." she said. "Looks like Vector and Espio just got back with the refugees from Pine Grove Village." she said and sighed. "Rouge is still missing in action." she said. "Hmm." she said. "And I'm talking to myself way too much." she said with her hands on her head.

"Break time, Ms. Rose!" Cream said smiling and carrying tea and cookies.

"Yes, please. What do I get? Five minutes? Weeks? Years?" Amy said and looked at her. "How do you do it, Cream?"

"It's Mother's recipe. And she learned it from her mother. I'd be happy to teach it to you!" Cream said smiling.

"I mean stay this upbeat and... sunny."

"...It isn't easy. I still can't sleep very well." Cream said a little uncomfortable. "Dream of Cheese and Chocola, and what happened..." she said. "But I know mother is afraid, too. I see everyone hiding here is just as scared. And that spreads just like the Metal Virus." she said strong. "So I'm gonna be as brave as Cheese was! I'm gonna put on the biggest smile I can and share it with everyone!" she said stronger. "And I can do that because of you. You're a hero, and an adventurer, and you never give up! You and Mr. Sonic and all our friends will find a way to save us." she said and Amy smiled. "So why be sad when I know things will be okay in the end?"

"You're my hero too, Cream. Thank you so much." Amy said and hugged her.

"Now then- how do you take your tea?"

"Right now? Plain's fine. I just need something to keep me up."

"Tails to Restoration HQ. Do you copy? I'm checking in." Tails said and they jumped.

"I'm here, Tails. How's the cure coming?"

Meanwhile, on Lost Hex...

"We've been granted a golden opportunity." Zavok said. "Eggman's newest patsy has invited us into his base. He expects us to fix the crisis on the world below." he said. "We will accept his hospitality and then punish him for it."

"Unless, y'know, this is another trap. I'd rather not be Eggman's slave again, 'kay? Thanks." Zeena said with her arms crossed.

"You dare?" he said. "We underestimated the doctor the first time. This time we are us. And we will grind their world to dust in retribution." he said. "We will destroy Sonic for defeating prepared. We will punish him for our humiliation."

Back at Restoration HQ.

"Thank you for the refreshments. I'd love to relax with you, but I should work." Amy said.

"Me too." Cream said and left.

"Quit shovin'!" someone said.

"Froggy?! where are you?!" Big asked.

"Is this all the space they have?" someone asked.

"We don't have enough room for everyone..." Cream said fighting tears.

"I said back off, Mack!" someone said and they all turned to see Vector, Espio and Gemerl.

"Unit's designation is not "Mack." It is Gemerl." Gemerl said.

"I don't care if it were "king of everything!" you ain't throwin' Charmy out!" Vector said carrying Charmy in a box.

"You have brought in a Zombot. He is a pathogenic threat to Cream. He must be removed."

"He got infected by bein' a hero!" Vector said. "I didn't carry this containment bubble everywhere and track him down just for you to throw him out!"

"The Chaotix don't abandon their own! I'll look after him! And i'll have an easier time without you breathing down my neck!" he said.

"This unit does not breathe."

"You know what I mean!"

"Gemerl! It's okay!" Cream said flying down to them.

"Negative. Charmy Bee is a threat to your health." Gemerl said.

"We talked about this, remember?"

"Affirmative, Charmy Bee is a victim."

"But Mr. Vector and Mr. Espio will take good care of him." she said. "They won't let anyone get sick from him."

"I understand your concern, but Vector has a solid plan." Espio said. "We'll securely store Charmy in Tails' lab alongside Omega." he said. "Once Tails has found the cure, Charmy will be immediately accessible."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan!"

"It is acceptable." Gemerl said.

"Don't be discouraged you'll learn to think like us one day."

"Illogically and self- destructively?"

"Er... no..."

"Sheesh, not much room to move, huh? Is this inch taken?" someone said.

"It's fine." someone else said.

"I've been here for a while. You?"

"J-Just got in from Pine Grove Village."

"Never been."

"I-it was n-nice…"

"I'm sure it was." one of them said. "I'm from Glass Hill. Eggman didn't come anywhere near us. It was all Zombots from other places that just wandered into town and..." they started but noticed something was wrong. "HEY! Are you okay?"

"I-I'm s-s-sorry..." the other person said and took the cover off revealing themselves becoming a Zombot. "...I... I just… d-didn't want to be alone…"

"Zombot! It's a Zombot!" someone yelled and everyone screamed.

"Everyone stay calm! Don't-oof!" Vector said.

"Lookout, Cream!" Gemerl said.

"No! Charmy!"

"Lemme through! It's gonna-" Vector said but Charmy broke out and people screamed.

"Mother?!" Cream said and Espio hit a button setting an alarm.

"…Oh no…" Amy said and ran to the screen. "All pilots to your shuttles. Prep for immediate take-off!" she said. "Restoration HQ has been compromised! I'm initiating a full evac!" she said. "All field teams! We-" she started but was crashed into by Gemerl and the monkey so took out her hammer and hit the monkey. "How bad is it?"

"Ten percent infection and growing exponentially. I cannot contain active Zombots." Gemerl said.

"Grab Omega and get to the launch bay! Scan everyone who tries to get in!" she said pushing him out.

"Negative. I must protect Cream. I lost her when I was attacked. I must..."

"You're the fastest one here, and we'll need Tails to rebuild Omega later to protect everyone." she said looking at him. "Get Omega. Get to the shuttles. I'll find Cream and bring her right to you."

"Orders acknowledged." he said and flew away.

Then Amy ran to see the Zombots and started hitting them with her hammer.

"Cream! we've got to go!" she said.

"Muh... muh... muh..." Cream said fighting tears while flying. "…MOTHER!"

"Ms. Rose! Please! Get my little girl to safety!" Vanilla said and Amy fought tears but got strong, used her hammer and grabbed Cream. "Thank you."

"NO! MOTHER! NO!" Cream yelled while Amy took her away. "NO! GO BACK! GO BACK!" she said while the door was closed.

"Gemerl?" Amy said.

"Mission objectives complete. Scanning… You are both free of infection." Gemerl said.

"G-go back... Please…" Cream said and cried while Amy hugged her.

"Where are the other pilots?" Amy asked.

"Only one made it through. Not that many of the refugees made it, either." Espio said with his arms crossed.

"Go find your seat. I'll be with you in just a second, okay?" she said to Cream and Espio gently lead Cream somewhere to sit.

"Scan complete. Everyone within is infected to some degree." Gemerl said.

"All right. Let's close it up before..." Vector started when Charmy came flying in but he grabbed him. "Oh no, you don't!" he said and held Charmy close. "I swear, kid. You're such a pain in my tail."

"Vectorー'" Espio said.

"Vector is compromised Immediate quarantine required." Gemerl said.

"Yeah-yeah-yeah I guess this is what I get for looking' after my own." Vector said. "I'll beat 'em back! Close up the door behind me!" he said and looked at everyone. "Hey, Espio, you're lead detective now." he said and the door shut.

"Vector is... very strong." Gemerl said. "As a Zombot, he will break down the doors soon." he said and Amy sniffed while Espio knelt there in shock.

"Y-you're right. We need to go." Amy said and went to her knees next to Espio. "Espio.. c'mon. We've got to escape."

"R-roger that..." Espio said.

Soon- Central City Bay.

"C'mon, people! Our ride is here! Hustle! Hustle! Hustle!" Tangle said. "Tails! We're airborne! C'mon!" she said and Tails came flying up.

"Wait... Where are the other shuttles? We didn't have many, but..." Tails said.

"We're on the only one that made it out." Amy said.

"W-what are you saying?"

"Restoration HQ has fallen, and almost everyone with it."

"Augh! No-no-no! Even if the upload was incomplete, I could've still done something in my lab there!"

"You mean the data for the cure? It's...?"

"Gone! The Zombots trashed everything!" he said panicking. "Our only hope now is that Sonic gets back with his data analyzer intact." he said fighting tears.

"Jewel? Yeah, I can hear-slow down. What's happening?" Tangle asked.

Later.

"Yo, Tails! You there?" Sonic asked.

"I'm here! Where are you?" Tails asked.

"I'm not far outside of Barricade Town." she said. "Everything going well on your end?"

"Yes and very much no." he said. "The data from that bio-scanner I gave you is coming in perfectly." he said. "On the other hand, Eggman hit Central City with the Metal Virus before we got into town."

"Yikes. Hang tight, I'll make a U-turn and be there soon."

"No-no-no! You keep running!" he said. "We need your speed data. It may be the only key to finding a cure! Plus, it'll be a backup in case something happens on my end."

"Gotcha. Still, stay safe."

"Thanks. I should be fine." he said. "I've got to let you go, Sonic."

"Sure thing. You go be brilliant."

"I'll try!"

"And now i'm on my own again. Usually doesn't feel this lonely…"

'There's Barricade Town. Seems like yesterday Knuckles and I were busting Rough and Tumble's extortion racket.' she thought. 'Now those mooks are Zombots at the bottom of a mine. Hopefully the town is…' she thought. 'Nope. Looks like it fell to the Metal Virus, too.' she thought. 'Should I check for survivors?' she thought. 'And do what, smart guy? You can't carry them to safety. And if a Zombot gets a lucky hit on Tails's gizmo, we lose out on the data.' she thought. 'So... which is "right"? Risking it all to maybe save one person? Or keep on running so I can save everyone?'

"Wait a minute.. Is that…?" she said and noticed something. "Eggman."

Meanwhile.

"Now trying frequency 141.12." Starline said.

"Ugh… Zombots. This is your master speaking." Eggman said. "Everyone- oh, I don't know-look east."

"Now trying frequency 141.13."

"Argh! This is so tedious! I should've rigged an automated version to play from the Faceship!"

"Wide-band broadcasts have had no effect. We agreed a tight-band, localized attempt was the best next step."

"Don't get passive- aggressive with me! If you're going to ride my coattails, then you better have my back!"

"All I'm saying, sir, is that in hindsight, it would've been smart to have a failsafe for the Metal Virus mutating beyond your control."

"Is it really my fault when my creations exceed my expectations?" Eggman asked. "Hmm... maybe we're going about this the wrong way. What about your special gemstone?"

"The warp topaz?"

"Indeed! You're able to warp space-time to create portals with just a small electrical charge." Eggman said. "Imagine what I could do if I hooked it up to the Chaos emeralds aboard the Faceship!"

"Absolutely not!" Starline said. "When I found it, the warp topaz responded strongly to even the most passive of energy waves!" he said. "In my early experiments, anything above a light, controlled charge resulted in extreme reality alteration." he said. "It can be a useful tool when used properly, but what you're proposing is exceedingly dangerous!"

"It'll be fine! We just have to be cautious!"

""Cautious"? You are anything but cautious!" Starline said. "You've yet to inoculate us to the Metal Virus!"

"Shows what you know! There is no vaccine!"

"Then... but... how were you going to protect us from infection?"

"By not touching the Zombots. Duh."

"What if there was a spill on the Faceship?! Or a mishap in the field?! Or it mutates and becomes airborne?!"

"You've exceeded my threshold for nitpicking, doctor."

"It's not nitpicking! It's common sense!"

"You'll shut your bill, or I'll staple it shut!"

"Aww, is the honeymoon over already?" Sonic said with her arms crossed and they looked at her.

"Oh-ho-ho! If it isn't patient zero!" Eggman said. "Have you enjoyed watching my unbeatable plan unfold?"

"For once, I'm going to skip the banter." she said. "You're going to tell me right here, right now-why did you do it?"

"Haha-what? I've been trying to take over the world for years. You know that. You've been underfoot the entire time."

"I mean, going back to the "mad scientist" schtick." she said. "Sure, doctor fashion disaster over there gave you back your memories…" she said. "…But you chose to go back to your old ways. What was wrong with being like Mr. Tinker?"

"That's not who I am."

"Not be him- be like him."

"Oh, what? You want me to be a charitable goody two-shoes? Fixing doorknobs and building toys?" Eggman said. "Living on... grateful smiles. Listening to children's laughter, day in, day out." he said. "Making things… people need… and... use…" he said and she looked at him with hope. "Ahh... that life was relaxing. But I'm doing something better." he said. "I'm bringing peace and unity to the world, and providing it with my brilliant guidance."

"No, you're not!"

"Agree to disagree." Eggman said. "You know, we're not that different, you and I. We both have our own styles that we won't change."

"Yeah, but yours is evil and mine's not!"

"Again- agree to disagree."

"Nngh… I'm running out of time… And I'm totally out of patience…" she said. "You're going to reverse the Metal Virus or else-"

""Or else" what? You can't stop me! No one can!" he said. "The Metal Virus's infection has spread exponentially! I couldn't stop it now even if I wanted to!" he said. "All that's left is to find a way to command the Zombots, and then I will finally rule the world!"

"Fine! Tails will handle it! And I'll handle you!" she said and ran after him.

"Hahaha! One last battle before you're my Zombot slave?"

"One last butt-kicking before we lock you away forever!"

'Here it is. The scene I'Ve dreamed of seeing firsthand.' Starline thought and watched Sonic run while Eggman chased her. 'And all I feel is… apathy.' he thought and remembered Metal Sonic. 'Neo Metal Sonic nearly succeeded in reviving the Eggman Empire. But he acted too brashly.' he thought. 'He thought overwhelming power would win the day without a proper plan.' he thought. 'I Thought it was because he'd been designed as a counter to Sonic-a ballistic missile with a built-in grudge.' he thought. 'But the first bio-data he downloaded was Eggman's. And here we are, seeing the exact same brute-force strategy.' he thought. 'I got lost in the pageantry-in his showmanship.' he thought. 'I was inspired by Eggman's legend.' he thought. 'The man simply doesn't measure up.' he thought watching Sonic hit Eggman.

"You can't run forever, rodent! You'll tire eventually, and then my virus will take hold!" Eggman said.

"If you're so proud of it, why don't you try it!" Sonic said and jumped onto him.

"Gak! Don't touch me!" he said and they fell. "Gyah!"

"Whoa!" she said and they got up to see Zombots around them. "Sure would be nice if you had a cure handy, huh?"

"S-s-stay back! І с-с-с- command you-!" he said. "…That worked…?" he said while they went around Sonic.

"No. I found an effective command signal." Starline said.

'Maybe I won't have to use my own plans after all.' he thought. 'But then what will you learn from this?'

"Excellent work! Now upload that frequency to the Faceship so I can command the Zombots of the world!"

"No!" Sonic said, used a Sonic Spin and hit the Eggmobile. "No… Zombot... army... for you…" she said standing on a building.

"Pick me up! Pick me up! Pick me up!" he said and Starline tried to pick him up. "Higher! Faster!"

"There's too much weight!" Starline said and they crashed.

"Sonic, you idiot! Now nobody can control the Zombots! They'll destroy my factories along with everything else!"

"Gee. Darn. Better work on a cure, huh?" Sonic said.

"Never! I'll pave over the hordes if I have to!"

"As dubious as that plan sounds..." Starline said. "... I suggest we try something else first. Let's retreat for now."

"This is a pyrrhic victory, Sonic! I've already won the war! You're just too stubborn to admit you've lost!" Eggman said and they walked into the Faceship many miles away. "Oh, my achin' head. I hate that hedgehog…"

"I'm sorry to say the upload failed, sir." Starline said. "I'm afraid that in all the commotion I didn't memorize the working frequency. I do recall the range, though, so we can start from..."

"Meh. Why bother?"

"Excuse me?"

"IT's too risky to use it at so close a range, and besides, the Metal Virus is most likely already adapting to resist it. I'm not going to go through that tedium again just for it to not work." Eggman said rubbing his forehead.

"Then what do we do next?"

"First? I enjoy infecting... wherever we are. Orbot?"

"Spiral Hill Village, sir. The Metal Virus has already been deployed." Orbit said.

"Excellent. After that... I don't know I'll think of something."

Meanwhile.

"Oh man… I did exactly what Tails warned me not to do…" Sonic said. "I didn't protect the data-reader. I haven't been able to protect my friends." she said. "I put my faith in the idea everyone has a little good in them, and Eggman's made me pay for it every day…" she said, used a Sonic Spin to get away and ran.

'But I can't give up. I've got to protect my friends who are still safe. I've got to find a way to save the ones who got infected.' she thought and ran. 'I've screwed up - a lot-but I still have time to make things right.' she thought. 'I feel like I'm going to collapse, though. Is this what everyone feels like after a run...?'

"Sonic it's Amy. Are you there?" Amy said.

"I'm here! On the run. What's up?"

"Listen, I… Sonic, it's bad. Restoration Base has fallen. Zombots destroyed Tails's Lab." Amy said. "We're on our way to Tangle's hometown to evacuate it. Can you help?"

"I… Yeah, of course. I'm on my way." Sonic said. "Heh… Man-o-man. I guess the good news is things officially can't get any worse!" she said and ran.

Meanwhile, on the hidden world of Lost Hex...

"We have been tested, Master Zik. Eggman used us as his enforcers. Sonic humiliated us in battle." Zavok said. "This will not of unanswered."

"But vengeance must be exact. It was wise of you to have us bude our time, letting our hatred and anger fester." Zik said as a warp appeared.

"And now our patience has paid off." Zavok said and Starline walked through. "Dr. Starline."

"Zavok." Starline said.

"You've returned sooner than I anticipated."

"Yes, well, today's events have cemented the fact your abilities are needed." Starline said. "You can exert your will over machines, correct?"

"I thought you might need a demonstration." Zavok said and used his powers. "Whether it's one robot or one hundred, The Deadly Six and I can command them all." he said and bowed. "We are all very eager to see Eggman again. When can we begin to serve him?"

".. Very soon. I just need to do some last minute preparations on my end."

"We shall wait with bated breath."

"I'll be in touch." Starline said and left.

"The naïve fool. He has no idea we will take Eggman's unruly army and turn it against him." Zik said.

"Just so, Master Zik." Zavok said. "We will journey to the lands below. We will take command of these "Zombots." We will use them to destroy Eggman, destroy Sonic, and destroy the world they have warred over for so long!" he said. "Our vengeance will be merciless! our victory- absolute!"

Meanwhile.

"The files said eggman used the cacophonous conch to enslave the zeti, and that they were eager to turn on him." Starline said. "Zavok is planning to betray me the minute he steps aboard." he said. "But I've done my research. and being an avid collector of Eggman's paraphernalia…" he said and reached for something. "... Means I'm already prepared." he said with a glove on his hand now. "take note, Eggman. This is how you do it."

Meanwhile.

'The first time I came to Spiral Hill Village, it was under attack from Eggman.' Sonic thought while running. 'Things haven't changed much.' She thought and ran to see Tails and Cream saving people. 'Looks like the Restoration crew is already handling the evacuation.' she thought and hit a Zombot. 'I better check in with Amy and see what I can do.' she thought and noticed Espoo. 'On second thought - Espio needs back-up!'

Then she went into a Sonic Spit and stopped Zombots from hitting Espio.

"Yo. They have you fighting the whole town by yourself?" Sonic asked.

"Heh. Our numbers have grown thin." Espio said. "Amy and Gemerl are watching the escape shuttle. Gemerl is scanning everyone to make sure they aren't infected." he said. "Tails and Cream are helping anyone they can find." he said. "Last I heard, Silver was managing Ice Paradise on his own." she said. "That leaves me, Tangle, and Whisper to contain the Zombots."

"Yikes. Where's Vector?"

"We found Charmy. We thought we had him contained. I knew better. I shouldn't have let Vector bring him back to Restoration HQ. It's my fault..."

"No, man, you can't..."

"Just like I shouldn't have let you convince me to leave Eggman in Windmill Village." he snapped surprising her and she backed up.

"That was Mr. Tinker." she said. "We had no way of knowing Starline would turn him back into Eggman." she said.

"And if we had dealt with him then we wouldn't have had to worry."

"So-what? We have to assume the worst about everyone and everything? Show no mercy to anyone? No second chances?" she said and they looked at each other.

"There are people to save."

"Right. See you at the shuttle." she said and left running.

Soon she was with Whisper pushing Zombots away and gave Whisper a thumbs up when they were blocked.

"Hey Amy!" Sonic said and Amy looked at her.

"Sonic! Fashionably late, as usual." Amy said.

"You know how I love to make an entrance." Sonic said. "What do you need me to do?"

"Espio, Tangle, and Whisper are keeping the Zombots distracted while Tails and Cream find people." Amy said. "We've made a choke point so Gemerl and I can handle the Zombots that do find us." she said. "We're nearly done, but once we pull back to retreat, the Zombots are going to swarm us."

"So cover the escape. Gotcha. I'll find Tangle and see if she's got any ideas. It's her town after all."

"Hold up, Sonic!" Tails said.

"Yo, Tails! Hey, Cream!"

"H'lo, Ms. Sonic." Cream whispered and Sonic frowned.

"Her mother held back Zombots so we could escape. Cream saw everything." Amy whispered.

"Please tell me you have the data recorder stashed somewhere." Tails said.

"Ran into Eggman and..." Sonic said. "…I'm sorry, bro. I botched everything." she said and they stood there quietly for a minute.

"I-it's fine. Without my lab or the headquarters, I wouldn't have been able to synthesize a vaccine a-anyway..." he said fighting tears.

"All right... Then let's focus on the "now." Tails?" Amy said.

"Right." he said and sniffed. "We couldn't find anyone else. Everyone's become Zombots."

"Then it's time to go. Go signal the others to retreat."

"Right. I'll find Tangle and coordinate with her." Sonic said.

"'I'll find Espio and Whisper, then." Tails said and they left to find them.

"Amy Rose. I performed a scan on Sonic." Gemerl said.

"She's infected. We've all known that for a while." Amy said.

"Correct. However, I ran calculations on the level of infection she exhibited. It is higher than previous estimates should allow."

"It's been a long day, Gemerl… What are you getting at?"

"Summarizing: Sonic's speed is losing it's ability to stop the virus."

Meanwhile Sonic was running to meet up with Tangle.

"These aren't your gemstones! You're Zombots! You don't even want stuff anymore!" Tangle said and noticed Sonic coming. "Finally!"

"Anyone needing rescue?" Sonic said.

"Nah, I'm fine!"

"I mean your neighbors." Sonic said amused.

"Oh yeah! Ha! Nah, the block is clear."

"Amy's calling for retreat. But the minute we stop causing a ruckus all over town..."

"The Zombots will head for the big, noisy shuttle. Not good."

"They blocked everything off except one avenue. Any ideas on how to plug the bottleneck?"

"I sure do!" Tangle said smirking. "Step one! You pick me up." she said. "Step two! I wrap my tail around one of the lampposts!" she said Sonic and kicked her away. "Step three! You wind us between the lampposts and use my tail as a tripwire!"

"Yeah, that could work. Except for- y'know- you getting infected!"

"Oh, that? Pffft! Already got it covered!" Tangle said waving her hand. "I checked on my friend Jewel first thing when we got into town." she said and showed Sonic. "She was already infected and got the jump on me." she said. "I've been holding back, trying to keep from turning too fast." she said. "But I'm not going to last much longer."

"Tangle.. I'm sorry..."

"For what? It's not your fault."

"Isn't it? Maybe if I'd listened to Shadow and... Or if I hadn't let Metal Sonic go…" Sonic said and Tangle stopped a Zombot from getting her.

"You didn't bring Eggman back. That was Starline. You made sure Metal was harmless. Eggman weaponized him again."

"Yeah, and I haven't been able to protect my friends. Or anyone else."

"Yeah? Then I guess nobody's guarding that shuttle full of nothing?"

"Tangle, you... heh. You're not going to let this get to you, are you?"

"NEVER!" Tangle said. "Because you're Sonic The Hedgehog. You'll set this right. I know you will." she said. "Now, less moping and more moving!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Sonic said and ran holding Tangle.

"Woo hoo!" Tangle said. "Okay-okay-okay! No more! You're gonna pull my butt off!" she said and they stopped. "That should hold. Long enough for you to skedaddle, at least." she said. "So... um... tell the others I'm sorry." she said. "Especially Whisper. She's gonna take it really hard."

"Sure thing. Thanks for everything." Sonic said and they hugged.

"Alright! Alright! Get moving!"

"Tangle..."

"I told you, I've got this! Go!" Tangle said and Sonic ran so she sniffed. "Let's go then!" she said. "You might as well turn back! You used to be my neighbors! You know I won't let you past!"

Meanwhile Sonic met up with Tails, Amy, Cream, Espio and Whisper.

"Let's get going. I'll ride on the outside." Sonic said.

"Where's Tangle?" Amy asked.

"She got infected. She's staying behind to cover all of us. She said she was "sorry"... But heroes have nothing to be sorry about." Sonic said and they looked at her in shock and sadness.

"TANGLE!" Whisper screamed and cried.

"Whisper! Don't!" Amy said holding her close. "Sonic- help me!"

"I can't!" Sonic said.

"Don't!" Whisper yelled while Whisps started pulling her away.

"Okay, let's go!" Amy said and ran away while Sonic watched.

Then she started running back to Tangle.

"Don't keep me waiting too long…" Tangle said. "Hey! I'm not done yet!" she said and was grabbed onto the neck. "Yee! Oh, that's unpleasant!" she said. "C-c'mon! I'm s-still standing!" she said. "Still fighting!" she said. "Still-" she started but was a full Zombot.

Sonic stood there watching while Whisper was with Cream crying.

Later aboard the Faceship.

"Doctor, I have found a solution to the ongoing problem of not being able to control the Zombots." Starline said.

"I told you I'd figure something out. Quit pestering me about it!" Eggman said.

"No sir. I insist." Starline said and the Deadly Six arrived.

At Angel Island flying paradise hidden in the clouds, kept aloft by the power of the Master Emerald.

Its location is secret to all but a select few, including its sole resident…

...Knuckles.

"That looks like..." Knuckles started. "…A Restoration shuttle?" he said and Sonic landed right in front of him. "SONIC?!"

"Hey Knux." Sonic said.

"Why do you look like Metal Sonic?"

"Long story. Stay back-I didn't want to land on the grass, just in case."

"What's wrong with my grass?!"

"Nothing. Just... Look, Amy and Tails will explain." she said. "Gotta get back speed."

"They better! I want answers!" he said while she ran. "Even though I get the feeling I won't like them…" he muttered watching Tails and Amy come down.

Meanwhile-aboard Eggman's Flagship, the Faceship...

"Starline! You traitor!" Eggman said.

"Not at all, sir. I brought the Deadly Six here to solve the problem you could not." Starline said.

"I'll deal with you later! Metal Sonic! Destroy for daddy!" Eggman said and Metal flew to try and attack but was stopped by Zakov.

"Tsk tsk." Zakov said. "Honestly, doctor. You know we can control your robots. And yet you send one to attack?"

"Precisely why I brought you here." Starline said. "You six will keep the Zombots under control while Eggman researches a better way to contain the Metal Virus." he said. "You see, doctor? I am making up for your lack of foresight with..." he said and one of them got close to him. "... Excuse me." he said and was hit. "Back in line" he said and huffed. "Beast…" he said and was hit in the head.

"What was that about a 'lack of foresight?"" Zakov asked.

"But... the conch..."

"It only works as long as your lungs last, idiot!" Eggman said.

"Then we'll remove those first." Zakov said. "Now then, how did you put it? Ah, yes..." he said. "Metal Sonic. Destroy for daddy." he said and Metal started to attack them.

"AAAHH!" Eggman and Starline yelled as they went through to warp topaz.

"Rrraauugh! We had him! How are we supposed to rip him to shreds now?!"

"Hmm.." Zok said. "We shift our priorities..."

"We've lost Eggman, but we gained his flying fortress." Zakov said. "We took his means to create the Metal Virus. And perhaps most important of all..." he said. "...We have the fabled Chaos Emeralds!"

"Huz-Zah. So what do we do with them?" Zeena said.

"They're so… shiny and beautiful. Ugh. I can't stand them." Zor said. "But their power's irrefutable."

Then Zakov grabbed an Emerald and put it on his chest.

"Like all things, we take their power as our own." he said.

"Bravo! A-plus plan, new boss!" Orbot said.

"What are you doing?" Cubot asked.

"Saving our servus, dummy! Play along so he doesn't take control of us!"

"So... like most days?"

"Precisely! Just act like he's Eggman when не's іn one of his moods."

"Oh! I get it! We're only pretending to like his evil crazy plan!"

"You would serve me freely?" Zakov asked.

"Of course new boss. We really are quite spineless both literally and figuratively."

"Ha! Then take us towards the largest known pockets of survivors."

"As you command. I'll be sure to log your orders so you're all well- coordinated, too."

Rouge was up high watching and gave Orbot a thumbs up and he did the same back.

"Very well then. Let's begin." Zakov said. "Empowered by the Emeralds, we'll command thousands." he said. "Starline had the right of it. We will command the Zombot horde." he said. "Instead of random, shambling masses, we will orchestrate tides of terror across the world." he said. ""We will bring total, utter devastation to the world Eggman and Sonic have fought over for so long." he said. "Once every living thing has been infected, and neither Eggman nor Sonic has anywhere left to run, then we will give them the mercy of a slow end..." he said."…By the corrupted masses they sought to conquer or protect!"

Back on Angel Island...

"Hey. You up to speed, Knux?" Sonic said.

"Ugh… You've sure brought trouble to my island. Again." Knuckles said sitting with his hands on his head.

Suddenly a warp topaz opened and Eggman, Starline and Metal came crashing in.

"Oh, thank heavens! We're out of range of Zavok's control!" Starline said while Eggman looked at Amy.

"And in even worse trouble." Eggman said.

"Hold on, Amy." Sonic said.

"What?! Sonic, after all he's done, you can't-!" Amy said holding her hammer.

"Eggman has had every advantage." Sonic said. "Why would he come to us without his army? His egg mobile? His anything?" she said and walked over to Eggman holding out her hands. "Something happened. He's going to give us a straight answer. Or I'll infect him myself."

"Pea-brain let the Deadly Six onto the Faceship. They took over everything!" Eggman said.

"A good idea! Just... lacking in execution..." Starline said.

"Why should we trust a single word either of you say?" Knuckles said.

"Everyone! I just got word from Rouge! Hurry!" Espio said.

Later they were all on the shuttle.

"Glad to hear from you, Rouge!" Amy said. "Eggman, Starline, and Metal Sonic Just appeared on Angel Island."

"Ah, figures." Rouge said. "Turns out Eggman was powering his ship with all Seven Chaos Emeralds Zavok has distributed them to the rest of the Deadly Six and sent them out into the world." she said. "With that kind of power, the world is in serious trouble."

"Exactly how long have you been on my ship?" Eggman asked.

"A few days. I almost had a plan to steal the Emeralds when the Deadly Six arrived." she said. "Now I'm coordinating with Orbot to spy on their deployments and coordinate our counter- attack." she said and he sighed.

"I can't hire good help, but I sure can build it."

"You don't get to gloat! Tell us how to cure the Metal Virus right now!" Tails said flying over to Eggman while Knuckles grabbed hold of him.

"You can't!"

"Yes. You can! I had a cure but lost my research!"

"Fine! I don't have one! I don't need it!" Eggman said. "My research found that as the Metal Virus mutates, it becomes unsustainable." he said rubbing his forehead. "Any infected heterotrophic eukaryote cells will eventually suffer a form of apoptosis. Autotrophic cells will endure slightly longer, but not by much."

"What does that even mean?!" Knuckles asked.

"It means the Zombots will disintegrate. How long do we have?" Tails said.

"Eh, two hundred years, give or take. I'll have evacuated to a different planet well before then." Eggman said.

"He's right." Silver said. "In my time, all that was left were ruins and metallic plants. The future I came to stop is already coming to pass!" he said covered in bruises. "Because of this monster!"

"Silver! You're hurt! Where is everyone from Ice Paradise?" Amy said and helped him.

"The shuttle went down to Zombots. I… I couldn't save anyone." he said weak. "Is my time doomed because of my failures here?"

"Is he always this melodramatic?" Eggman asked.

"You don't get to judge!" Amy said.

Outside Whisper was targeting Eggman when Cream came and blocked her.

"Please don't, Miss Whisper." Cream said.

"Agreed. Eggman is mine to destroy." Omega said.

"Move." Whisper said.

"I... I want to see my mother again. And Cheese, and Chocola, and everyone else." Cream said. "I know I'm asking a lot. But I'd give anything to have them back. Aren't they worth it?" she said. "I understand why you hate him. I really, really do." she said and pushed the weapon away. "But Ms. Sonic and the others need her help to figure out a way to fix this." she said and Whisper started to cry so she held her close. "Thank you." she said. "We'll stay with you so you won't be lonely."

"I am not lonely. I am enraged." Omega said.

Later Sonic was running on a treadmill.

"Okay, so we don't have a way to make a cure. Think, people, because I'm running on fumes here." Sonic said.

"Let's tackle the issue in manageable portions. Perhaps the Master Emerald could neutralize the Deadly Six?" Starline said.

"No, we can't move it without risking the whole certainly cane lure them here. It's too much of a gamble." Tails said holding his head.

"And you're not touching it." Knuckles said.

"Perhaps Chaos Control, then?" Espio said.

"Shadow was much better at it than me. And it only moves a target over a limited range. It can't change things." Silver said.

"But maybe if you were Super Sonic! Could it work then?" Amy asked.

"I don't think so. Being Super Sonic means the Chaos Emeralds give me unlimited power, but i can't just do anything with it." Sonic said.

"Have you forgotten the Chaos Emeralds are scattered to the winds with the Deadly Six?" Eggman asked.

"One thing at a time. I don't hear you coming up with any bright ideas." Amy said.

"I wanted you all to exhaust yourselves of your bad ideas first." he said. "It's simple- we'll use the warp topaz!" he said and Starline looked at him. "Starline told me himself that it can cause massive changes with just a little charge!" he said. "Pump the power of Super Sonic through it, and he can warp the virus away in one fell swoop!"

"Did you forget the Chaos Emeralds are "scattered to the winds" with the Deadly Six?"

"One thing at a time."

"You'll have to think of something or else, because I won't allow it!" Starline said.

"You talk as if you have a say in the matter." Eggman said.

"As the only expert on the warp topaz, I most certainly do! What you're proposing is exceedingly reckless!" Starline said. "Creating and directing my warp portals is difficult! The components of my glove were built after countless hours of careful testing!" he said. "Super Sonic using the warp topaz recklessly could undo the Metal Virus—or it could warp space-time so badly the entire planet collapses!" he said. "We have a safe haven here! We have resources! We can put in the work and find a safe, responsible way to regain control of the situation!" he said. "We can still win!"

"The rodent is living on borrowed time! This place won't be safe for much longer!" Eggman said. "And I'll take any risk to ensure those blasted Zeti don't use my own genius against me! We don't have any better option!" he said. "We're ending this!"

"No." Starline said setting up another Warp Topaz. "I'll figure out a way to finish what you started. You can thank me later." he said and Metal Sonic grabbed his wrist.

"Thank you, Metal." Eggman said and smirked. "Starline? You're fired." he said and Metal threw Starline through the warp Topaz and was gone.

"Are we okay with this...?" Tails asked.

"The guy brought Eggman back to his old self and tried to blow me and Silver up." Sonic said. "Yeah. We're okay with this."

"Now! On to the business of the Chaos Emeralds. Two are on the Faceship. One powers it, while the other is with Zavok." Eggman said and took something out. "Rouge is an expert jewel thief. I'm sure she can handle those."

"That leaves five of the Deadly Six to deal with. Formidable opponents on their own, but now empowered by the Chaos Emeralds..." Espio said.

"So? We still have each other. We'll overwhelm them one at a time." Silver said.

"Rouge said they were all networked through the Faceship, though. If one manages to warn the others, that's it." Knuckles said.

"So we have to hit them all at once. Hmm..." Amy said.

"That won't be a problem. I can scavenge materials from the shuttle and use the warp topaz to build a multi-portal generator." Eggman said. "With Rouge and Orbot's counter-intelligence, I can send you all to your exact targets."

"That's not the only issue, though. It would be better if everyone had a backup in case..." Tails said. "…Y'know..."

"Yeah, I don't know how much fight I've got left in me! As Super Sonic I'll be fine, but right now...?" Sonic said.

"I've got an idea! Let me make a call!" Amy said.

""Call?" Who's left to ask for help?"

Soon the Babylon Rogues arrived.

"Really? You called the Babylon Rogues?" Sonic said.

"They're thieves and they spend all day on a blimp. Who else would've avoided the plague and would be perfect for stealing Chaos Emeralds?" Amy said.

"Sonic The Hedgehog! You're looking more pathetic than ever." Jet said.

"Charming as ever, Jet. You going to help us or what?" Sonic said.

"Maybe. If the reward's big enough."

"Jet, if we don't help them out, where are we going to refuel? How are we going to eat? Who are we going to steal from?!" Wave said.

"Peh. We can figure all that out without stooping to being goodie-goodies."

"Back off, Wave. If the boss says we ain't gonna do it, we ain't gonna do it!" Storm said.

"Thanks, Storm."

"... But I do like to eat." Storm said and his growled.

"Jet… I get it. You've got an image to maintain. Your own way of doing things." Sonic said. "But the fact of the matter is I can't do this without you. I need your help, Jet." she said. "And the world needs the legendary wind master." She said and they smirked.

"Well if that's the case, who am I to deny the world their savior?" Jet said. "Come on! Tell me what I can do that Sonic can't!"

"Don't worry. I won't tell Knuckles." Amy said.

"Eh, my ego's been taking a beating for days." Sonic said. "I need to go for a run, but I'll be back for deployment."

At Riverside.

"Woo-ha-ha-ha!" Zazz said. "That's right! Tear it all down! Leave nothin' standing!"

"Hopefully we can end this before it gets too much worse.." Sonic said.

"Ooh! Tryin' to hide? Well too bad! Beat the Metal Virus into 'em!"

At Vista View.

"This is barely a snack!" Zomom said.

"I-it's all w-we have left in town..." someone said and Zomom got up. "No! Wait! I can— Аннн!"

"It's simple! I'm hungry! Feed me or I Feed you to the Zombots!" Zomom said. "Now get cookin'!"

At Orchardville.

"Nothing else quite pleases me as an unanswered mercy plea" Zor said. "The crying, screaming, frantic wails as all light of hope flickers and fails." he said. "Oooh... а heroic final stand? How pointless." he said. "Gather 'round them, take the children away, he will watch, they all shall pay."

At Sunset City.

"Ugh-this is all this town has to offer? It was a wasteland before I even got here." Zeena said. "You. Why isn't the shopping here any better?"

"I.. um.. nothing can suit someone as radiant as you?" someone said.

"Mmm-good answer! I'll spare you for another hour. As for the rest of you...?" she said. "Praise Zeena!"

At Winterburg.

"Forward, my minions! Let no heartbeat go unnoticed! Let no warm breath be unpunished!" Zavok said..

"The invasion goes well, Zavok. I can see the virus spreading through the forests beyond. I dare say this continent will be fully converted in a few days." Zik said.

"Proficiency I could only expect from you, master."

"Is there more you can be doing?"

"I assure you, I am not resting on my laurels, master. I will see to it we've infected everything from coast to coast by tonight…" Zavok said. "…Tomorrow— the world!"

At Angel island the last safe haven from the Metal Virus.

"Bah! This isn't remotely up to my aesthetic standards." Eggman said.

"Let's focus on making sure it works and doesn't implode the island." Tails said and it worked.

"Eureka! We have a functioning multi-portal generator!"

"Wait, "implode?" That was a possibility?!" Knuckles asked and Sonic came running.

"The brainiacs got it working?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah! Did you figure out who should take on each of the Deadly Six?" Amy said.

"Yup, I think—" Sonic started but felt the virus come back. "I'm" she said and huffed. "Fine let's get everyone moving." she said. "You'll be splitting into teams where you can. Tails and Amy will take on Zomom." she said. "The dude is dumb as a brick. You two should be able to outwit him and take his Chaos Emerald no problem." she said. "Espio and Knuckles you get Zazz. The guy's a berserker." she said. "You two are the best trained fighters, so you should be able to overcome his brute strength."

"Nope." Knuckles said with his arms crossed.

"Wanna try that again, Knux?"

"That would leave the Master Emerald with Eggman and Metal Sonic. As its guardian, I'm not going to do that." he said. "Everyone is going off on suicide missions. You're in no shape to fight." he said. "So— nope."

"Are you implying I'd double-cross you all at this critical juncture?" Eggman said.

"Yeah, I'm going with "nope" too." Sonic said.

"It's fine. Vector and Charmy faced the horrors of the Zombots on their own. I can do no less." Espio said and thought about Vector and Charmy. "I already have a tactic in mind."

"Silver and Whisper, you get Zor. The guy is.. weird. Better you two handle him at a distance."

"Roger." Whisper said.

"Fighting side-by-side with the Guardian Angel of the battlefield again!" Silver said.

"Zeena thinks way too highly of herself. She'll underestimate whoever comes for her." Sonic said. "Gemerl, it's risky, but use that to your advantage."

"Understood." Gamers said.

"What about me? I want to help too!" Cream said.

"It is too dangerous."

"But -!"

"You have proven to be very brave already. I will not-cannot- lose you, too."

"That leaves Zik to the Babylon Rogues. He may be tiny and old, but the dude is craftier than the rest of the Deadly Six combined." Sonic said.

"Oh, please. The three of us can handle grandpa no problem." Jet said.

"Yeah! I ain't afraid to hit an old man!" Storm said.

"Stay classy." Sonic said.

"It will be up to Rouge to steal the final two Emeralds from Zavok and escape the Faceship." Eggman said. "Once you've all returned, Sonic will use the Emeralds to transform into Super Sonic and use the warp topaz to undo the Metal Virus." he said. "Unless he succumbs to the infection first."

"Don't sound so eagers out the line, too."

"Correct, ergo- Tails! We need to build a treadmill for Sonic!"

"My speed fights the infection more than the motion."

"Speed isn't doing it anymore. And I'm not risking you collapsing somewhere on this island and waking up a Zombot!"

And so...

"We're all prepared here. How are things on the Faceship?" Amy said.

"Zavok's been asking a lot of questions, trying to figure out where Eggman escaped to. If we're going to make our move, it needs to be soon." Rouge said.

Meanwhile.

"This is everyone?" Knuckles said.

"It's a miracle we saved this many. There are more on the world below..." Espio said and Knuckles put a hand on his shoulder. "…But the Deadly Six are hunting them down as we speak. if we fail..."

"You won't." Knuckles said. "But... If worse comes to worst, I'll look after the survivors. You have my word."

Meanwhile.

"This should improve stability..." Eggman said.

"Y'know, in a way, Eggman didn't get a chance to stay reformed. Starline put him back on that path." Sonic said and ran on the treadmill. "But you..." she said. "... You just had to go back to him, didn't you?" she said. "You couldn't be like Gemerl or Omega. You just had to be a one-note jerk."

"Oh-ho-ho! Did you really think neutralizing Metal would make him less of a threat?"

"Well... Yeah. He had nothing left to fight for, and no way to fight."

"You may have neutralized his hardware, but his software demands battle and conquest!" he said. "His sole desire from that point on would be to become dangerous again!" he said.

"We didn't think anyone could restore him, though."

"And you were right!" he said. "But you didn't know about Starline. You didn't know about my glorious return." he said. "And look where that got you!"

"Yeah-you were living happily and peacefully as Mr. Tinker. You were bringing joy to others." she said. "What a waste, right?"

"When are you going to let that go?!"

"Not until you get a clue and come around, doc."

"Don't get too high-and-mighty on me you helped spread the Metal Virus after all."

"I wasn't the one dumping gallons'a goop on people."

"No, but you have been fighting back the infection for quite a while. How much has it mutated just from those failed attempts to run it off?" he said. "How much did you spread it by hitting other Zombots?" he asked. "How many miles of infected grass did you cross? Or rather— cause?"

"Oh I get it. You're trying to get in my head. Not going to work, Egg-face!"

"No? I've infected you with that little germ of doubt, and even when this is all over, you won't be able to shake it." he said. "My parting gift to you, rodent."

"We're going right back to being enemies once this truce is over!"

"Oh, we never stopped! Helping you all is just convenient for me. That's all."

Meanwhile.

"…And there are no life- signs at his hideouts?" Zavok said.

"Nothing more than nesting Flickies and Rickies, new boss." Orbot said.

"Where did you go, doctor…"

"He wouldn't be so foolish as to hide in my own castle on lost hex. Rrrgh! Where is he?!" Zavok said. "Bring up a list of every location he's held a base! I don't care how remote or obscure!"

"Right away, new boss."

"These are all on other planets! If he fled that far, how can I..." Zavok said. "Wait. What is "Angel Island?""

"Oh, a fascinating island. Shall I tell you all about it? It will take quite a while."

"Uh, sorry to interrupt, but we've got an alert in the Metal Virus-making-thingie." Cubot said.

"If that's Sonic sabotaging my plans, I'll rip her in half!" Zavok said and ran while Rouge flew down.

"Wow! You work fast!"

"You have to when you're out of time, send amy the latest coordinates of the Deadly Six. Tell her they need to attack now." Rouge said.

"Right away! How will you get the Emerald from Zavok?" Orbot said.

"I'M still weighing my options. Just keep playing along for now." she said and flew.

Meanwhile.

"Okay! I've got all the coordinates set!" Tails said.

"Wait! Wait! Let me adjust the portal apertures aaand..." Eggman said and a void opened.

"Good luck, everyone. I wish i could come with you." Sonic said still running while they all went to their places.

"Good-bye, Cream. I will be back soon." Gemerl said and Cream hugged him.

"This isn't good-bye, Gemerl..." Cream said. "...Because I'm going too!"

At Sunset City.

"Whoa! Who's this brat?" Zeena said.

"Miss Zeena! My name is Cream! And you're being very mean!" Cream said. "Give us the Chaos Emerald right now!"

""Us?" You look very alone, little girl."

At Vista View.

"Um… ahem. Hey Zomom. Long time no see." Tails said.

"Нuh? Oh. You're Sonic's friend with the weird tail." Zomom said.

"Yeah, sure. Listen, Zavok sent us to find you."

"He did?"

"That's right! He needs the Chaos Emerald back. If you give it to us, we'll take it to him for you." Amy said.

"You won't even need to stop eating!" Tails said.

"No way! I've got Zombots bringing me food from all over!" Zomom said. "And you two already interrupted my post-lunch pre-dinner snack!" he said. "So now i'm gonna squash you!"

At Riverside.

"Maaaaaaan this is lame. I can make these Zombots tear into each other all day. But it doesn't do any damage." Zazz said flying around. "And every fuzzy punk i threw into the arena got converted, so the fun only lasts a few minutes!" he said while Espio climbed up invisible. "I can't enjoy my blood sports without any blood!" he said. "Whoo-hoo- ha-ha! Jackpot!" he said and grabbed Espio.

"Im-impossible!" Espio said.

"You can't run and you sure can't hide!" Zazz said as Zombots were around Espio.

At Orchardville.

"Do you see him?" Silver asked.

"Yes. No clear shot. Can you grab the Emerald from here?" Whisper said.

"I can't be that precise…" he said. "...But I can be direct! Cover me!"

"Roger."

"Listen up! I come from a future ruined by the selfish ambitions of you and your pack!" he said and used his powers to freeze Zor. "Give up the Chaos Emerald, or I'll make you pay for the future today!"

"How long have you been practicing that line, kid?" Zor said. "So what I'm doing now leads to a future of misery and destruction?" he said. "It's all I could've ever hope for."

At Winterburg.

"You lot- head East. And you—west." Zik said. "Third phalanx- bring back any survivors." he said. "Fourth phalanx-begin infecting the forest to the south."

"Hey, gramps!" Jet said. "Time for you to retire!" He said and they were hit but Zik's powers and fell off their gear.

"My, my! You fledglings have quite impressive airboards!" Zik said and rode the Extreme Gear. "Perhaps I'll take one of them for myself."

"Get off my Extreme Gear!"

"Uh… b-boss...?" Storm said.

"What's the matter gramps?" Jet asked. "Afraid to fight your own battles?!"

"I retired from the battlefield long ago." Zik said. "But I suppose you children could do with a lesson in discipline and humility."

"Senile old fool..." Jet said. "…Get him!" he said and they attacked. "Pretty good moves— for a raisin! Give it up! I've got you beat!"

"Perhaps…" Zik said. "...but I've got your friends!"

At Vista View.

"How is someone that big that fast?!" Amy asked.

"Just keep running!" Tails said.

"No!" she said and took out her hammer.

"We came here to get that Chaos Emerald and end this nightmare!" she said and hit Zomom. "Ny Yah!" she said. "I... I can't believe that worked!"

"Urmm... Weird flavor…" Zomom said munching on her hammer.

"Stop that you gross weirdo!" she said and they attacked him.

"Ow! I'm gonna chew you extra hard before swallowing!"

"He's... He's being metaphorical, right?"

"Why bother with us when you can have my lunch?" Tails said with his arms crossed and flew up to Zomom.

"Huh?" Zomom said.

"I dropped it while you were chasing us. Which is too bad, because it looked really yummy!"

"Оoh! Where?! Where?! I'm starving!" Zomom said and left.

"Tails, what are we going to do?" Amy asked. "Zomom is too strong for us to take down, and too stupid to outwit!"

"I don't know! Sonic made this look way easier before." Tails said.

"He seems easily distracted. What if one of us baited him while the other grabbed the Emerald?"

"It's risky, but it's worth a shot!" he said and heard screaming.

"There's nothing here!" Zomom yelled. "You lied to me!" he said. "Now you made me hungry and angry!" he said. "I'm hangry! You wouldn't like me when I'm hangry!"

"Yow! Time to get to higher ground!" Tails said and carried Amy up while Zombots tried to get them.

"I don't think that's going to work!" Amy said as he flew.

At Sunset city.

"G-Gemerl…?" Cream said.

"Нahaha! He can't hear you anymore, brat!" Zeena said. "You brought a robot to fight me when you knew i could control machines?" she said. "Honestly, how stupid are you?"

"P-please don't do it!" Cream said. "I know you wanted me to stay behind! But it was because you wanted me to be safe! Remember?!" she said. "The Gemerl I know is too tough to be pushed around! You have a kind heart!" she said. "I believe in you, Gemerl! I know you will listen to your heart!" she said and he tried to get his old self back. "You did it!"

"Foreign signal identified wireless receiver critically damaged. Electro-magnetic signals disrupted."

"But you heard me!"

"…Yes."

"Ugh! You're making me get up and work." Zeena said. "If you're going to make me get my hands dirty…" she said. "…I'm gonna have some fun with it!" She said and tried to get Cream but Gemerl stopped her.

"Gemerl!" Cream said. "Fight her!"

"External inference! Сannot override! Duck!" Gemerl said and she dodged the punch.

Then she went into a ball and went for Zeena.

"You… hit me!" Zeena said.

"I hate fighting!" Cream said and kicked. "I hate seeing my friends hurt and scared!" she said. "And i hate how mean you are!" she said and Zeena used her powers on Gemerl. "Gemerl! No!" She said and Zeena kicked her and picked her up.

"I know your type. The good little girl who works so hard to please everyone." Zeena said. "You think you're so much better than me because you've got the moral high ground, huh?" she said. "Look where all that got you, sweetie." she said. "Нahah! What's the matter? I thought you'd be friends with everyone!"

At Vista View.

"We can't keep this up!" Amy said.

"I'm thinking! I'm thinking!" Tails said.

"Argh! You two are so annoying!" Zomom said, kicked a wall and and a building started to break.

"Tails!" Amy said and Tails caught her and put her down. "Are you окаy?"

"Yeah, just worn out." Tails said and she helped him up.

"But we've got to keep moving!"

"No, we need to stay right here!"

"Hold it…" he said and she got her hammer ready. "... Wait for it…" he said. "…Now!" he said and she hit something while he used a ball getting the bottom to drop on Zomom.

"Oooogh.." Zomom said.

"How do you like that? Overpowered…" Amy said.

"...And out- smarted." Tails said, grabbed the Chaos Emerald and they ran.

"Hey! Get back here! Without that I can't control the-!" Zomom said and groaned. "…Oh."

At Sunset City.

"My arm's starting to cramp. This has been cathartic, but we're done, brat." Zeena said.

"No!" Cream said.

"What the—?" Zeena said and Gemerl flew at her, flipped her over and picked Cream up.

"You saved me! Are you all right?" Cream asked.

"I am if you are." Gemerl said.

"Neither of you will be!" Zeena said, used her powers and grabbed Gemerl who flipped over and got her wrapped around.

"Cream! Now!"

"Nyargh!" Zeena said and Cream reached for the Emerald. "No! Get off me!" she said and Cream got it.

"I got it!" Cream said.

"No..."

"You. Hurt. Cream." Gemerl said, grabbed her, spun her around and threw her.

"Get off me! Don't you dare!" she said as Zombots got around her.

"I'm sorry, Gemerl…" Cream said.

"Do not bе. I required your assistance after all thank you." Gemerl said.

"Yes. But…" she said and showed him her arm. "...I got sick." she said. "I... Don't want to make the others sick. S-so you have to go back on your own." she said and handed him the Emerald. "I-I'll… I'll..." she said and he took the Emerald as a warp showed up. "I'll be brave. I'll just hide my eyes. Like it's a scary movie." she said and he threw the Emerald through the warp and picked her up. "Gemerl…?" she said and they flew.

"I will stay with you until... You are well."

At Angel Island.

"Yo. Eggman. You see what i see?" Sonic said as an Eggman plane came.

"Blast it all! We're out of time!" Eggman said. "Zavok's found us!"

At Orchardville.

"Struggle." Zor said. "Wriggle." he said. "Writhe and cry." he said. "You can't escape." he said. "You'll soon be mine."

Whisper was on a tree getting her gun ready with the Whisps close by.

"You're Silver, right? I Spend a lot of time online, browsing the Eggnet." Zor said. "You're really from the future, huh? How far ahead?"

"Nngh! I dunno- a couple of hundred years or so?" Silver said.

"And you said our devastation is still felt that far in the future?" Zor said. "The bleakness! The misery of it all! I can hardly stand it!"

"You're seriously messed up! How can you be this way?!"

"Tch. How can you be so disgustingly heroic and selfless?"

"Because i have faith in others. I believe things will get better." Silver said. "And because I've got a guardian angel watching over me!" he said and Whisper used her gun and the Whisps causing the Emerald to fall out of Zor and Silver used his powers to catch it.

"Nooo!" Zor said. "Y-you can't leave me like this! Y-you're supposed to be heroes!" Zor said. "I'M trapped! Powerless! This is inhumane! It's... It's..." he said and fell. "...Perfect!"

At Riverside.

"Ha ha ha!" Zazz said. "Look at him run!" he said while Espio ran. "Box him in! Ha ha ha!" he said while Espio threw his weapon at the Zombots. "That's not fair!" he said. "Bring him down!" he said. "Heh heh heh!" he said. "What?!" He said and noticed Espio was gone. "Awww—you're not trying that invisibility trick again, are you?! Lame!" he said. "Get out here and fight me like a man!" he said while Espio was behind him invisible and kicked him in the back by Espio. "Nyyah!" he said and was punched then stepped on the head and Espio was on his knees behind him and visible. "Heh. Not bad. But Zavok's done way worse." he said. "Ready for round two?" he asked and Espio got ready.

"No need. I've already won." Espio said and disappeared.

"You coward! Get back here! I'll show you the real power of—" Zazz said and noticed a letter. "— The Chaos Emeralds?" he said and opened the letter.

Justice is Served.

Chaotix Detective Agency

Then he yelled.

Meanwhile Espio was looking at the Emerald.

"I may have been the only one here in body…" he said as a warp opened and saw Vector and Charmy throughout the Emerald. "... But you were here in spirit."

At Winterburg.

"Let!" Jet said. "Them!" he said. "Go!"

"Brash, young fool. Only now do you beging to understand the consequences of threatening your elders." Zik said.

"Jet, before it's too late…" Wave said. "…I told you a frontal assault was a bad idea!"

"Boss! What're we gonna do?! I can't punch these guys, and that's all I know how to do!" Storm said.

"Wave… Storm..." Jet said.

"Hm-hm-hm! You're a poor leader, child." Zik said. "You don't sacrifice your own unless it will gain you the advantage." he said. "Now all i need to do is utter a single command, and you've lost everything." he said. "Humor an old man and beg for mercy? It's been so long since I've crushed the enemy under my own heel." he said and Jet glared at him

"We're The Babylon Rogues." Jet said. "We don't beg. We don't give up." he said and aimed at Zik. "And we don't lose!" he said and Storm punched Zik and Wave got the Emerald from her wrench.

"That wasn't tactical! There was no skill! You brats got lucky! Lucky i tell you!" Zik said.

"Here! Take the Emerald and go!" Wave said and handed Jet the Emerald.

"What are you talking about? Let's just get out of here!" Jet said.

"My Extreme Gear got lost to the Zombots! Storm's almost smashed his to pieces!" she said. "You have the only working airboard! So go!" She said and he looked at the Emerald.

"What are you—?!" Storm asked while Jet tied the Emerald to his Gear and threw his gear through the warp topaz.

"Didn't you hear me tell the geezer? The Babylon Rogues Don't lose. That means all of us." Jet said. "Sonic will get the Emerald and do her hero-thing. until then, let's show these Zombots a real challenge!"

At Angel Island everyone else appeared through the warp topaz.

"Hmph. Looks like tues abnen make it." Eggman said.

"Cream? Where is Cream?! Where..." Amy said. "...Oh no." she said while Sonic held the red Chaos Emerald.

"Gemerl's with her. She... She'll be alright. Because we're going to make things right." Sonic said.

"Two more Emeralds and you can become Super Sonic and save us all." Silver said.

"I've been thinking about that. Listen…" she said and looked at him. "...In the future, everything is infected. That means all this happened already— and we failed." she said. "But you came back in time—you made it different. If we're going to change the future, we need to use the one thing that wasn't there before." she said. "I need your help to pull this off, Silver."

"Just tell me what you want me to do."

"It's the Faceship! Zavok's found us!" Tails said.

"You catch on fast." Eggman said looking at his wrist. "Rouge! We're out of time! Whatever you plan to do- do it!"

"Can you see them from your hiding spot, Sonic?" Zavok said. "The faces of all the friends you've failed?" he said as Zombots headed to Angle Island.

Inside the ship.

"Angel Island." Zack said. "It looks smaller than lost hex, but no less beautiful." he said. "I cannot wait to bathe it in Metal Virus." he said and noticed the lights. "What in blazes...?"

"Goodness! Does this one Emerald power the whole ship?" Rouge said holding the Emerald. "I had wanted to do this more elegantly, but I suppose brute force works for a brute like you." she said. "Tuck and roll boys!" She said and flew away.

"I can't believe this was our best option!" Orbot said.

"Desperate times call for desperate desperateness!" Cubot said.

"No!" Zavok yelled as Rouge flew away.

At Angle Island.

"Alas! There goes my best effort to date." Eggman said.

"I'm just glad the Zombots can survive that kind of damage. Sheesh." Sonic said and Rouge came flying by.

"You did know the Zombots could survive the Faceship crashing on them right?"

"Of course! I do my research." Rouge said. "You're welcome by the way."

"What about the one Zavok had?"

"Once the fires are out, we'll dig it out of whatever's left down there." Rouge said. "He's not going anywhere."

"Actually he's coming right for us!" Eggman said and they looked to see Zavok aiming at Angle Island.

"Did he just spit on my island?!" Knuckles asked.

"Tails! Rouge! I need air support!" Sonic said. "Silver! Bring the Emeralds! We've gotta-!" she, tossed Silver the Emerald and Zavok threw multiple Zombots at the island. "We've... Gotta…" she said and they saw Shadow, Charmy, Vector, Cheese, Charcoal and more.

"Why do you always bring trouble to my island?" Knuckles asked.

"I know this looks bad, Knux..." Sonic said. "... Zavok is charged up on Chaos Emerald energy..." she said. ".. He's blasting Angel Island with fireballs…" she said. "..And it looks like he's using his souped-up electro-magnetic powers to throw Zombots up here."

"There's literally nowhere left to run!"

"Yeah, it seems bleak. But i've got a plan." she said. "Trust me."

"You better…" he said and got ready. "...Or i'm so going to haunt you!" he said and punched Shadow.

"Knuckles! Don't-!"

"We've got to keep them away from the Master Emerald and refugees!" he said. "SO save the day already!"

"You Heard the man! Silver?" She said and ran.

"Right behind you!" Silver said and followed her.

"Metal! I need you too!"

"It's the only way to save me!" Eggman said. "Activate your defensive measures and do as she says!" he said and Metal followed them, picked up Sonic and they flew.

"This is your last show of Resistance? This is all you can muster?" Zavok said. "You may have destroyed my means of creating more Metal Virus…" he said and picked up Zombots. "...But i still command the Zombots! I will have them infect every inch of the globe!" he said and threw them. "I will see your precious world grow sick and perish!" He said and Sonic and Metal dodged.

"Head straight for the Chaos Emerald on his chest!" Sonic said.

"No!" Silver said.

"whoo- на-на! nice try!" she said. "Boy, am I glad tails and I didn't deactivate you when we had the chance." she said. "Oh, shoot- gotta move!" she said and Silver used his powers to save them. "Thanks!" she said. "But don't risk dropping the gems!"

"Just worry about the last Chaos Emerald!" Silver said.

"There it is! Get me in close so i can—!" she said abut was blown away and crashed into the ground.

"Oh hey, it's Sonic!" Cubot said.

"That infection doesn't look good." Orbot said. "I suggest you start running."

"Yeah... That's not really working much anymore…" Sonic said.

"You misunderstand. I mean run from them!" he said and she turned to see Zombots.

"If i can get up enough speed, i can just run up to the Emerald..." she said. "…Hang on guys! Just a little bit more!"

Meanwhile.

"I can't shake 'em!" Tails said flying with Chocola following him while Knuckles was still fighting Shadow.

Whisper was fighting Tangle and Espio was fighting Vector and Charmy.

"Ahhh! Get back!" Eggman said backing away from Big.

Then Amy hit Big with her hammer but it did nothing.

"That did nothing..." Amy said and was hit in the face. "Augh!"

"On the contrary- you slowed him down for me!" Eggman said and ran. "Get to their shuttle! Get out of here and-!" he said and tripped. "No! Not like this!"

"Must… protect… island…" Knuckles said and Shadow caught his hand.

"Sonic… please." Tails said while Shadow and Knuckles came from behind him.

Meanwhile Sonic was getting away from Zombots.

"Metal.. Up…" she said and Metal flew her up.

"Accept your fate Sonic! You have lost…" Zavok said. "... And all machines are mine to control!" he said and Metal was thrown away while Sonic ran and got the Emerald.

"Silver! Now!" she said, pulled the Emerald and threw it to Silver who caught it.

Then they became Super Sonic and Super Silver.

"All right. Ready to save the world?" Super Silver asked.

"One sec. Let me take care of him first." Super Sonic said.

"With the last of my strength. Will crush you-!" Zavok said but they used their powers to defeat him.

"That seemed a little anti- climactic." Super Silver said amused.

"We don't have time to be fancy." Super Sonic said. "Especially since the warp topaz doesn't look like it's handling all this power too well." she said holding the warp topaz. "I'll drive and handle the warp portal. You handle the rest with your psychokinesis."

"Got it!" he said and they used their powers to take the virus away.

"Ha ha ha! They did it! They did it!" Tails said holding Cheese smiling.

"Аmy?" Big said.

"Hooray!" Amy said and hugged Big.

"Whuzzuh.. Why am I back on Angel Island...?" Tangle said and was crashed into by Whisper and Whisps. "Oh. Hey! Miss me much?"

"Team Chaotix! We're detectives you want on your side!" The Chaotic sang together.

"Shadow?" Knuckles said.

"...Knuckles." Shadow said.

"Rouge?!" they said together.

"The world was about to end! I wanted to spend my last moments with the one I love!" Rouge said.

"Are you all right, miss?" someone asked.

"I will be. Thank you, kind sir." Vanilla said.

"Mother!" Cream said and Vanilla turned to look at her. "Mother!" she said, ran and held her close.

"Cream instructed me to come here in the assumption Sonic would succeed." Gemerl said. "Did I arrive with acceptable punctuality?" he asked but got no answer. "I will wait."

Back with Super Sonic and Super Silver.

"Ngh! It's working! Where are you sending it?" Super Silver asked.

"I'm dumping it where it won't hurt anyone ever again!" Super Sonic said. "The warp topaz isn't going to last much longer!" she said. "Hang on-we're kicking it into super sonic speed!" she said and they used their Super Speed. "H-h-how w-w-we d-d-doin', S-S-Silver?!"

"I-I-I'm n-n-not d-d-detecting a-a-any m-m-more! W-w-we're d-d-done!"

"T-t-time t-t-to g-g-get r-r rid of-f-f th-th-this—!"

SHA-KOOM!

Tails, Knuckles and Amy were watching when there was a loud crash.

"Silver!" Amy and Tails said.

"Are you alright? Is it over? What happened?!" Amy asked while Tails and Knuckles held Silver sit up.

"It's... It's over. We pulled away every bit of Metal Virus and destroyed it." Silver said. "But... Dr. Starline was right. The warp topaz couldn't handle all that power." he said. "Sonic tried to ditch it in the super warp portal, but.."

"... Oh, no." Amy said covering her mouth and they looked at the sky.

"Tch! She's just being dramatic. She'll come floating down, all golden and smug, any minute now." Knuckles said with his arms crossed. "Aaaany minute now."

'I hope.' he thought.

"Is there a way we could, search for her?" Amy said.

"She was at the center of Chaos Emerald-Fueled warp topaz distortions. I wouldn't know where to begin." Tails said.

"Darn it, Sonic! You're making me look bad! Knock it off and come back!" Knuckles said while Eggman ran into a shuttle.

""Oh, boo-hoo! Our hero made the ultimate sacrifice!"" Eggman said. "Please. It's like I'm the only one who really knows that insufferable blue nuisance." he said. "Still, while they're all busy wringing their hands over Sonic, I'll make my tactical retreat." he said. "Good thing I took special care to repurpose only non-essential parts of the shuttle for that portal device!"

Meanwhile Vanilla had Cream on her hip.

"Mother… i didn't see Ms. Sonic return to Angel Island." Cream said.

"Well… it was a very bright flash. Perhaps we just missed her?" Vanilla said. "Gemerl, i know you've had a very busy day, but would you mind looking for… Gemerl? What's wrong?"

"Oh, no! Mother— lookout! It's-!"

"Me!" Zakov said.

"Stop it! All your mean friends were beaten! The bad times are over! Just go home!"

"No." he said. "I will not suffer humiliation from Sonic again! I will never accept defeat!" he said. "I have lost the Metal Virus and the Zombot horde." he said. "I have lost the power of the Chaos Emerald..." he said. "…So I will tear this world asunder with my bare hands!"

"No! Ms. Sonic will come back and stop you!"

"Then you won't be here to welcome her return! Any last words, whelp?"

"Yes. Sir." she said. "Cheese! Get him!" she said and Cheese hit him in the head.

"You dare?!"

"Yeah, we do!" Tangle said with her tails wrapped around him.

"Alright, boys…" Vector said. "…Let's take him down!" he said and they got to work.

"I. Will. Not. Fail!"

"Then you'll be crushed!" Silver said and used his powers.

"I… will… have… my… revenge… on… you… all…"

Then Amy sighed.

"The final crisis averted..." she said.

"You say that, but…" Tails said.

"Any!" Knuckles said. "Second!" he said. "Now!"

"Tails… please. We just prevented the end of the world and Sonic may be lost to us. I don't know how much more I can take." Amy said.

"Me too. But Zavok was one of the Deadly Six. The other five are still out there." Tails said. "And that's a very big problem."

At Riverside.

"That's right! You better run!" Zazz said. "Aw, man... After i crush these fools, then what? What do i tear up next? Where do i go?" he said. "Argh! I've never had to think this much before! It's killin' my killer mood!" he said. "Let's go find Zavok! He'll know what to do!"

At Sunset city.

"I said back off!" Zeena said. "It's bad enough you ingrates won't do what I say! Now you're making me do my own fighting?!" she said. "Well if Zavok's plan failed, then I'm out..." she said. "...But I won't forget this." she said. "You're all going to suffer for this indignity!"

At Orchardville.

"Any sign of the weirdo who was controlling us?" someone asked.

"No. And glen hasn't come back." someone else said.

"Oh, man... Stick close to me, okay?" someone else said.

'Нее-hee! Your friend won't be moving any time soon!' Zor thought. 'I really shouldn't be enjoying myself like this but…' he thought. '... Desperate and all alone? Surrounded by fear and hatred? Slinking between the shadows?' he thought. 'This is almost as good as terrorizing the world with Zombots!'

At Vista View.

"Bring more stuff to weigh this down! Hurry! We've got to keep it trapped!" someone said.

"Nnnngh..." Zomom said. "Aww… I look like a waffle..." he said. "Hey wait!" he said. "Bring me waffles!"

At Winterburg.

'Buffoons. The instant they think the threat is over, they start celebrating.' Zik thought. 'Such jubilation will be their downfall. But first-I must find ZAvok and devise our counter-offensive.' he thought. 'And while it pains me to admit it…'

"…The Babylon Rogues have earned their victory." he said.

"We're alive! We're okay! We're not Zombots!" Storm said holding Jet and Wave.

"Yeah-yeah-yeah! Put me down, ya big palooka!" Jet said.

"Jet? Are you okay?" Wave asked.

"You're wasting a worry. I'm fine."

"That was close. Too close. Where's that shriveled old man? I want to turn that prune into juice!"

"If he knows what's good for him, he's already on the run."

"Yeah. But you know who didn't run? You. You stuck with us to the bitter end. That was incredibly brave and noble of you, Jet."

"R-really…?" he said. "I mean-yeah, duh, of course i stuck around! I'm the legendary wind master! The bravest, noblest, bestest leader of all time!"

"Aaaand the moment is ruined."

"You sure are, boss! You sure are!" Storm said.

Back at angel island.

"Ugh… so I guess once I get back to Restoration HQ-if it's still standing-I've got to worry about them now." Amy said.

"М-maybe you should take a break from that? Why did you even take on that job to begin with?" Tails said.

"Because somebody dissolved the resistance on a whim!"

"The war was over. My place is up here. You could've said "no."" Knuckles said with his hands on his hips.

"And left all those people to rebuild without help?!"

"There you go again, trying to help everyone everywhere." he said with his arms crossed. "Speaking of which-Zombot apocalypse is over. When are you getting the refugees off my island?"

"As soon as I repair the shuttle we used for parts… wait..." Tails said.

"Where's the shuttle?!" Amy asked.

"Up there." Big said pointing in front of them.

"Who's flying the-wait!" Amy asked covering her mouth.

"How did we forget about eggman?!" Tails said.

"It's just one headache with you pedee speaking of which..." Knuckles said and walked up to the Master Emerald. ".. Eggman escaped. Weren't you supposed to be watching him?"

"You're the guardian of this place. Shouldn't you?" Rouge said.

"Not my problem anymore your time's up. Scram."

"Aww… just five more minutes?"

"I tolerated you this long since you helped save the world." he said with his arms crossed. "Don't make me throw you off the island."

"You're so stubborn. Until next time, handsome." she said and left while he stared at the sky.

"Any minute now." he muttered.

Meanwhile Gemerl was looking for something.

"Eggnet signal detected: searching for source." Gemerl said and picked up Cubot and Orbot. "Source located."

"Um... Boss? We've been discovered." Orbot said.

"Retrieval is on the way!" Eggman said.

"Alert! Alerrr-" Gamers said while Metal Sonic grabbed him and flew.

"Gemerl!" Cream said.

"Where was he hiding?!" Tangle asked and Whisper aimed a shot but Metal blocked it.

"I'll get him! Lemme at him!" Charmy said and Vector grabbed him.

"We are not doing that again! Silver! Grab him!"

"I've got my hands full! Shadow! Can you—!" Silver said and noticed Shadow running to Eggman. "—Oh."

Meanwhile.

"Good to see you again and in good health, Boss." Cubot said.

"No need to suck up to me, Cubot. Crashing the Faceship was a necessary evil." Eggman said.

"Ah. But we already found you a consolation prize. Omega's head!" Orbot said holding Omega.

"Destroy all Eggman robots! Red drone! Use me to bludgeon the yellow drone, then yourself!" Omega said.

"Why do I have to hold him?!"

"Oooh! The wayward final model in my E-100 Line! What a delightful surprise! I know just how to use you to crush sonic's little friends!" Eggman said.

"No rest for the wicked, eh, Boss?"

"Sonic is M.I.A. I need to strike while the iron is hot." Eggman said as Metal came in. "Shadow is closing in on us! Metal Sonic! Slow him down so i can reach a secure escape altitude!" he said and Metal went to attack Shadow but Shadow fought back.

Meanwhile at the imperial palace of the Sol Empire. Blaze's world & dimension.

"I come with the evening security report, your highness." Gardon said.

"Proceed, Gardon." Blaze said.

"There is nothing to report. All is peaceful." he said and she smiled.

"And may that be your report for many nights to come." she said and then there was a crash and they ran outside.

"W-wait, princess! It could be dangerous!"

"If it threatens me in my own home, I will show it who is "dangerous."" she said and stopped when they saw what it was.

"Is... Is that...?!"

"Yes!" she said. "It's Sonic The Hedgehog!" she said while Sonic lay there unconscious.

Then next day at imperial palace of the Sol Empire. Blaze the cat's world and dimension.

"The Sonic The Hedgehog I know was a hero, a paragon." Blaze said and took sip of her tea. "She was as swift and free as the wind. She had no master, but fought for anyone and everyone." she said. "There was no challenge too great, no threat too dire that she wouldn't face without swagger and a smile."

"She sounds very impressive. I'd like to meet her one day." Sonic said and Blaze put a hand on her forehead.

"I... Who do you think you are?"

"I'm afraid i haven't the foggiest, your highness." Sonic said. "I met the most precocious little girl, though, who dubbed me "Ms. Needle-Mouse."" she said. "I like the sound of that."

"You've had some time to rest and think. Do you recall anything?" Blaze said felling fire come out of her hand.

"Nothing concrete. All my memories seem… warped." Sonic said. "I dream of sea and sky. Of golden fire and a sense of... Falling." she said. "And that's all!" she said and took a sip of her tea.

'What in the world did this to you, Sonic?' Blaze thought. 'And what's happening on your world now?'

At Restoration HQ.

"I can't do this…" Amy said. "…I'm no leader! I helped administrate the resistance because everyone needed to pitch in!" she said and thought about her chasing Sonic. "I only took over the restoration because there was nobody else and the work had to be done!" she said and held her head. "What I wouldn't give to go back to the days when it was just me and Sonic racing from one adventure to the next..." she said "...Sonic.." she said. "...She gave everything to save us from the Metal Virus. She never gave up-so neither should I." she said and took a piece of paper. "But I wish I had some help..."

"Hello? Miss Rose? Am i in the right place?" Jewel said.

"Please, call me Amy. And you are?"

"Jewel, carater of Spiral Hill's Mineral Museum. I'm a friend of Tangle's."

"Ah- okay! She's mentioned you. What can i do for you?"

"The other way around, actually. She told me how you weren't enjoying the rigors of running things-and that was before the plague." Jewel said. "I enjoy cataloging and organizing. I see this room and feel excited at the idea of bringing it all to order." she said a little red. "SO if you like, I'm offering to take over administration of the Restoration and give you a break." she said and Amy fell to her knees in relief.

"Thank you."

"O-oh my. I didn't realize you were so… strained."

"You're a lifesaver, Jewel!" Amy said and took Jewel's shoulder. "But unlike an echidna i know. I'll make sure you're up to speed before stepping down."

"I'd appreciate that. What are our primary goals?"

"Organizing supplies for rebuilding…" Amy said. "... And finding people displaced by their time as Zombots."

Meanwhile Tangle and Tails were at Echo Mine.

"No way out." Rough said.

"Bellies starting to grumble." Tumble said.

"Looks like this is the end for Rough & Tumble!" they said together.

"Gah! Cave spider!" Rough said.

"You guys okay?" Tangle asked and dropped her tail. "Grab my tail! I'll help haul you out!"

"Woo-hoo! We're saved!"

"It just ain't fair…" Tumble said. "And to add insult to injury..."

"What's the deal? How come you're being nice to us?"

"Sonic cured the world of the Metal Virus— the gunk Eggman tricked you two into using." Tangle said.

"He gave the whole world a second chance, so we're making sure everyone gets it."

"You're welcome, by the way." Tails said and Rough and Tumble laughed.

"You dorks just gave a free pass to run wild!" Rough said.

"Look out world! The baddest boys are back!" Tumble said and they left.

"So… back in jail by the end of the day?" Tangle said.

"If they don't get lost in the mines." Tails said.

"How are you handling Sonic being… y'know...?"

"I'm fine."

"I mean it, little dude."

"Me too. And it's going to be okay, I promise." he said and they left. "I'm sure we'll see Sonic again one day, she's beaten the odds a million times and…" he said. "…I Believe in her. Because she's never let me down." he said and they stopped. "And until then, she'll be counting on us to keep the peace."

"I can see why he's always hanging out with you. You're aces!"

"Aww! Thanks!"

"And expect us to celebrate us surviving!"

"Of course!"

"Party's at my place! And everyone is invited!" she said. "Too bad Silver's already gone home!"

In the future Silver was flying.

'Well… i'm back to my own time period. The grass is normal. That's... A good sign.' Silver thought. 'But a lot can change in a couple hundred years. Is everything restored, or...?' he thought, looked around an smiled. 'Sonic… everyone... Thank you we made a good future.' he thought. 'May your time stay peaceful, too.'

Dr. Eggman's lab-the present.

"And now for the finishing touch!" Eggman said and put Omega's head on. "How does it feel to be corporeal again, Omega?"

"Good. Destroying you will enhanc this by 90%." Omega said.

"Woo-ha-ha-ha! Oh, i bet it would! But i locked down your body, so there will be no mayhem for you!"

"Satisfaction decreased by 100%."

"It gets better! I'll be using you for a special project." Eggman said. "Welcome васк то the Eggman Empire, E-123!"

"Hatred processing at perk efficiency!"

"Orbot! Cubot! Report!"

"No good new I'm afraid Boss." Orbot said. "The Zombots really did a number on your bases especially once the Deadly Six took over."

"Where are those miserable Zeti, anyway?"

"Zavok was defeated and has been safely locked away." Orbot said. "The other five are at large but appear to be laying low."

"There's nothing for it, then. It's full steam ahead on the next projecT!"

"Indeed. You worked very hard trying to doom is all."

"Gee, Boss, why not take a vacation?" Cubot said.

"And І know I'd like some time off."

"Yeah! Go someplace nice. Like the basement!"

"Keep dreaming big, buddy."

"This is no time to rest. I need to establish my next plan before Sonic inevitably returns to cause me headaches." Eggman said. "And now i have to factor in the errant Zeti. The cacophonic conch was lost when Rouge crashed the Faceship, which leaves me defenseless against them." he said. "And there's Dr. Starline to consider..."

"Oh, yeah! I liked him! He smelled nice!" Cubot said.

"Whatever happened to your fanboy- I mean— protege?" Orbot said.

"That's the thing- I don't know." Eggman said. "He opened a warp portal, and I punted him through it. I didn't think to look where he was retreating." he said. "He could be anywhere."

Dr. Starline's repository.

"Oh, doctor… why can't you see the error in your ways?" Starline said. "Eggman truly is the genius I thought him to be, but he's inept in his execution!" he said. "And Sonic is every bit the powerhouse I expected, but she's just… reckless!" he said. "So much wasted potential. But I have the clarity of vision I can... improve upon them." he said. "Fear not, doctor. I am still loyal, despite your cruelty." he said. "I'll conquer surpass you so that you might learn by example." he said. "And when I seat you on the throne of victory, you will acknowledge I was right." he said. "You will listen to me. And we will work together as equal minds."

Chaotix Detective Agency. Seaside City.

"Chaotix Detective Agency! Please hold!" Vector said. "Yes! I'm the lead detective! Please hold!" he said. "No! I said a double- extra-large, no cheese! Please hold!" he said. "So many missing persons cases…" he said. "... Almost makes me miss the days when we couldn't find work!" he said and then there was a knock on their door. "Please hold! I mean... It's open! We'll be with you in a… minute? Hour? Sometime this week?" He said and Cream, Vanilla, Gemerl, Cheese and Chocola came in carrying something.

"Hello, everyone!" Cream said waving. "You've been working so hard to reunite everyone and their families! So we brought you lots of tasty treats to keep you going!"

"You are a treasure, Miss Cream." Espio said.

"Oooooh! Gimme!" Charmy said.

"Even at the height of the plague, you were all so selfless." Vanilla said.

"Oh! Well! I-it's all part of being a good detective, ma'am." Vector said with a hand on his neck.

"Please! Call me Vanilla."

"O-okay!" he said with a thumbs up then heard the phone ring again. "Sorry, Vanilla, but we don't have time to eat. Or sleep. Or do our job, ironically."

"Well that simply won't do. Gemerl, would you mind helping?"

"At once. Scanning data. Preparing a database of all missing persons." Gemerl said.

"Cheese? Chocola? Put the files away please?" she asked. "Cream and I will handle the calls for now and update you as Gemerl processes information."

"I'll take lots of notes!" Cream said determined.

"So that means..." Vector started. "...We're free to do our thing! Let's go, Chaotix!" he said. "Time to find those missing people!" he said and they got to work.

At Forest Hill Rouge was flying and looking for Shadow.

"There you are!" Rouge said and landed next to him. "You can be a pain to tack down, y'know?" she asked but got nothing. "Things seemed to have settled down." she said. "All the bad guys are in hiding. At least they're not causing trouble." she said. "But… I can't find any sign of Sonic or Omega." she said and looked at him. "Did you hear a word I said?" she asked.

"Yes." Shadow said.

"What's up? You're even more brooding than usual."

''She said to run. What I thought was cowardice was a warning. That one mistake took me out of the fight.' he thought. ''Me—the Ultimate Lifeform— miscalculating like that…' he thought. '…It's unacceptable!'

"If you can't talk about it, i'll leave it be." she said and he looked at her.

"I owe her. Now she's gone. That's all." he said and she put a hand on his shoulder.

"There's a big party going down at Spiral Hill tonight. Everyone's invited— even you."

"Pass."

"Figured, but I thought I'd try." she said and left.

Later at Spiral Hill Village they were all celebrating.

"Where's my ice sculpture? I nearly got infected to save you ingrates! Where's my recognition?!" Jet said.

"Dinner, and a show." Wave said.

"We oughta save the world more often!" Storm said.

Meanwhile.

"Simmer, girl." Tangle said.

"They attacked the town." Whisper said.

"Yeah, but they did help save us all. Let's give 'em this one." Tangle said. "Plus I'd rather not have another fight in my home town so soon, y'know?"

"I understand."

"That's my girl! Now let's get some grub for your wisps!" Tangle said. "They do eat, right?"

"Mwah-ha. Ha-ha! The life of the party's here!" someone said.

"You gotta be kiddin' me!" she said and they turned to see Eggman in a giant Omega. "And I'll be ending all of yours!"

"Tremble in fear, fools! I am Dr. Eggman-greatest of party crashers in the fiercest of party crushers!" Eggman said. "I simply must thank you for gathering together in one place!" he said. "It makes destroying you all so much easier!"

"Amy. Orders?" Whisper asked.

"I'm not leading the Restoration anymore." Amy said. "I passed it over to Jewel."

"Jewel. Orders?"

"I don't know! I'm just handling the paperwork! You're all the hero-types!" Jewel said.

Meanwhile.

"What's the call, Jet?" Wave asked.

"What do you think?" Jet asked.

"Froggy? Where are you?" Big said.

"We already helped these jerks once." Jet said. "Let them handle Eggman while we help ourselves to the gems and get outta here!"

"Tails! Use your computer thingy and try to mess with the mecha's programming!" Vector said.

"Custom coding, coming up!" Tails said.

"Flying guys! try to bust into the Cockpit!" Vector said and they got to work. "The rest of you are with me!" he said. "Aim for the leg joints and bring him down!"

Back with the Babylon Rouges.

"Where are all the gems?!" Jet asked.

"It'll hurt returning these, but it's worth it just for this moment." Rouge said.

Back with the others.

"You will not menace Cream further!" Gamers said.

"Gemerl! Be careful!" Cream said and Eggman zapped him.

"Bwa-на-на-ha!" Eggman said. "That's two wayward creations back under my control! Now I have twice the combat coding and processing power-a quadruple power-up overall!" he said. "So thanks for the upgrade!"

Imperial palace of the Sol Empire. Blaze's world & dimension.

"How are you this evening... "Ms. Needle-Mouse?"" Blaze asked and Sonic stopped running.

"Oh, hello, your highness just taking a brief jog-a few laps- around the island on this lovely evening." Sonic said.

"At least she's still running around…" Gardon said.

"Truly." Blaze said.

"While I agree we must do anything to help her, are you sure this will work?"

"No. The nature of Sonic's arrival, her memory loss, are all a mystery. Anything we attempt will have a degree of uncertainty to it." she said. "But I have faith in the power of the sol emeralds and as their guardian, only I may use their power for this task." she said. "Sonic."

"You keep calling me that, but— oh my." Sonic said.

"May the power of the Sol Emeralds help you to remember! Gaze into the sacred fire and have it fuel the winds of your spirit! Recall our past adventures! Recall all the good you have done! Return to us! return to the hero I know you to be!"

"What are you talking about? Why are you on fire?! And why-" Sonic said and closed her eyes. "—Why is it so familiar...?" she asked and saw herself as Super Sonic.

Spiral Hill Village. Sonic's world & dimension.

"So this is new and terrible. got a plan, sweetie?" Rouge said.

"I've written some code that should interfere with that thing's systems and eject Gemerl, but there's no wireless receiver!" Tails said. "I'll need a hard line to upload it!"

"Well, breaking-and-entering is sort of my thing. Tel me when you're ready to go."

"Look for an access panel on the back in three… two… one…" he said. "Go!" He said and she flew to the robot.

"Construction on this is pretty shoddy. The doctor threw this together in a hurry," she said. "so he probably didn't do much to hide-" she said and found it. "-Eureka!"

"Thanks Rouge! Now to ruin Eggman's day!"

"You okay, buddy?" Charmy said.

"System… Reboot… Initiated…" Gamers said.

"Hey! That's not just a weird cosmetic choice! Omega is literally part of this thing!" Tails said.

"Well, get him out!" Rouge said.

"I'm working on it! But he's hardwired into the chassis. I'll see if there's an ejection protocol..."

"Hack into my systems will he?!" Eggman said and Omega get ready.

"Get down!" Rouge said and pushed Tails down.

"Primary systems online secondary programming active." Omega said. "Must destroy Eggman! Must… Destroy… Eggman's… Enemies!" he said. "Earding! Cascade error!" he said. "So much to shoot! Too conflicted to him!"

"The barrage has stopped... he's stuck! Let's get him while we can!" Vector said.

Then Eggman aimed a shot and they all dodged and Cheese kicked him.

"Ван! I've toyed with you fools long enough!" Eggman said. "Omega! Back on your leash!"

"C'mon! Fight him!" Charmy said.

"System… Override…" Omega said.

"Eep!" Charmy said dodging a punch.

Meanwhile Sonic was on the ground.

"How do you feel now?" Blaze asked. "...Sonic?"

"Like I did one too many loop-de-loops in a row. But definitely a lot less warped." Sonic said thinking about the Metal Sonic fight and Metal Virus Super fight. "Thanks for putting chili back on my dog, Blaze." she said holding her head.

"I'm just happy to have you back to your old self." Blaze said. "Can you remember if your world is all right?"

"It's fuzzy but… yeah. Things were dicey… But Silver and I handled it."

"And in "handling it," you crash-landed in my garden with amnesia."

"Heh, well... you know me. I like to make an entrance." Sonic said a little embarrassed. "Sorry, by the way." she said. "Not to sound ungrateful, but I didn't exactly say "good-bye" before leaving." she said. "Everybody must be worried." she said. "Can you send me home?"

"Of course." Blaze said and got ready. "Please give my best to Amy and Cream."

"Will do. But come visit soon, okay?" Sonic said. "We all miss having you around."

"Thank you. I will." Blaze said, used the fire and Sonic was gone.

Meanwhile.

"You put up a decent fight but it's time to raze you and this village to the ground!" Eggman said. "Oh, now what?!" He said as fire appeared and Sonic was seen.

"Hey, guys. Miss me?" Sonic said and was confused so turned to see Eggman. "Looks like i'm unfashionably late. What's the Sitch, li'l bro?"

"Eggman is using Omega as the core for the bigger mecha!" Tails said.

"Got it!"

"No no no!" Eggman said covering his face. "I had them! I'd won!" He said and she started destroying Omega.

"Out… You… Go!" she said and set Omega free.

"Unleashing stockpiled wrath!" Omega said and attacked. "Ammo depleted"

"S'all good, man. You did your part."

"Do not patronize mе."

"You just couldn't stay gone, could you?! Just had to come back and ruin my fun!" Eggman said and got out using the Eggmobile.

"Always Egg-face. Anytime. Anywhere." Sonic said. "Come a little closer. We'll go another round."

"Still sore about that whole "getting infected and nearly becoming a mindless machine" thing, eh?"

"That's part of the list, yes."

"Well... I still ruined your party! The day is mine!" he said. "My next sinister plot will be unbeatable! Until next time, you wretched hedgehog!"

"Until next time, doc. And the time after that, and the one after that." she said and sighed. "Maybe you'll eventually come around…" she said when she was hugged by Amy.

"SONIC!" Amy yelled. "I was worried we'd never see you again!"

"Aww... It was just a little cataclysmic, reality-bending explosion. I was fine." Sonic said. "Blaze says "hey," by the way."

"I knew you'd be back! I knew it!" Tails said and joined the hug.

"Yo! Are we getting our victorious group hug on?" Tangle said.

"You know it!" Sonic said.

"Yeah! Everybody gets in on this!" Tangle said and used her tail to wrap everyone together.

"Tangle..." Jewel said.

"Whoops! Missed you! I think you can wedge in here between me and Sonic!" Tangle said.

"I hate to ruin the mood, but…" Jewel said. "... The town is still on fire."

"Easily fixed. Your town is really invasion-prone, y'know that?"

"I'll have you know we were perfectly boring until you showed up, miss!" Tangle said.

"Haha! Let's go!"

"She never stops, does she?" Amy asked amused.

"Nope! And neither should we— come on!" Tails said and they started using water to get rid of the fire.

Then Knuckles grabbed Sonic and kissed her.

"Don't ever do that again, you hear me?" Knuckles said and she smiled.

"Will do, Commander." Sonic said.

"I'm not Commander anymore. I'm just a simple echidna, Guardian of the Master Emerald, best friend, hero and my favorite, husband." he said smiling and kissed her again.

The next day Sonic was relaxing.

"It's good to be back. Good to be healthy." Sonic said. "I hope Blaze and Silver can come back and not have to deal with some kind of disaster." she said. "A new day means new adventures! So no more lying around..." she said and stood up. "Time to find out what comes next!" she said and ran.

Then Oracle stopped and Sonia and Manic were shocked.

"She did all that without our help." Sonia said covering her mouth.

"She has been through much over the years." Oracle said gently. "And she will be on much more in the future."

"Why?" Manic asked.

"She has her own destiny. Until you find your mother, the world looks up to her, Knuckles, Tails and the rest of her friends and allies. Knuckles has been keeping a close eye on her and they will be fine."

They nodded and knew he's right.

"So, we should leave this for Sonic and we find mom?" Sonia said.

"Yes. When she needs you, I'm sure she or Knuckles will call you." Oracle said and they nodded.

"Well, I guess we should go look for mom then." Manic said and Sonia nodded.

What do you think? Starline, Sonic Underground comic, one of the shows, games, or end it here?