Chapter 22: Finally, the Main Main Event

Shuigang Island – Shuigang Palace, Night Hours

Back on Shuigang Island.

Prince Dail moved through the dimly lit corridors of the palace Palace, his once regal attire now disheveled and stained, reflecting the turmoil that plagued him. His movements were sluggish, almost mechanical, and his eyes—once warm with courage and determination—had turned a chilling, lifeless red. The confidence and resolve that had defined him were now consumed by an eerie emptiness.

Shuigang guards, clad in green and black tunics customary to the palace soldiers, patrolled the area, yet they moved aside as Prince Dail approached. There was an unspoken fear in their eyes, a nervousness that caused them to avoid his gaze. None dared stand in his way.

One of the guards, a female basset hound with ivory-white fur, named Judy, caught sight of him. Her face betrayed a mix of anxiety and disdain as she, too, stepped aside, allowing him to pass unhindered.

"What happened to you, Prince Dail?" Judy muttered under her breath, bitterness seeping into her tone. She watched him go, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the once-beloved prince reduced to this haunting figure. Tension gripped the palace, not just from the external threats posed by the other kingdoms, but from within their own walls. The prince had become a shadow of his former self, and Judy could only wonder where he was going to hide his dark secrets…

Dail's destination lay ahead—the king's chambers, which were now forbidden to all except him and his master. The door creaked open, revealing Brevon seated confidently upon the throne of the former king, the malicious gleam in his eyes matched by the eerie presence of Syntax, the AI drone hovering by his side. The room was shrouded in shadows, lit only by the soft glow of flickering screens.

A holographic projection of Doctor Robotnik flickered to life from Syntax's single eye. The mad scientist's smug grin was unmistakable as he appeared before them, arms crossed and clearly savoring the chaos he had planned.

"Hehehehaha! Once my main Main Event begins tomorrow," Robotnik said with self-satisfaction, "Shang Mu will descend into confusion and despair, and soon Shang Tu will follow. And Sonic along with his pathetic little friends will meet their end!" His maniacal laughter echoed through the room, filled with twisted glee at the chaos he anticipated.

However, Brevon remained unmoved, his expression cold and calculating. His patience with Robotnik's flamboyance was running thin.

"What did I tell you, Ivo?" Brevon's voice cut through Robotnik's laughter like a blade, devoid of any amusement. "Your task is to secure the Kingdom Stone and the Chaos Emeralds. Focus on the mission, not these childish distractions."

Robotnik's grin faltered for a moment, unease flickering across his face. Quickly regaining his composure, he cleared his throat. "Y-yes, well, anyway," he muttered, irritation barely hidden beneath his tone. "Preparations are complete. My associates are in position. Just bring the prince's little airships tomorrow for the final touches."

"Excellent," Brevon replied smoothly, his gaze shifting to the lifeless figure of Prince Dail, who now stood at the doorway. Dail's eyes were hollow, his expression blank as he waited, like a puppet on strings.

Brevon rose from the throne, his movement slow and predatory. He approached the prince, his cape trailing behind him. "We will reconvene tomorrow, Doctor. Do not disappoint me." His voice carried a cold warning.

Robotnik's image flickered for a moment as he waved dismissively. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered. "Just get the job done." The hologram faded, leaving Brevon and Syntax alone with Dail.

"May I suggest using the Snatcher on him, sir?" Syntax's feminine, robotic voice hummed softly as she hovered closer to Brevon.

"No, leave him be…for now," Brevon replied, his eyes narrowing as he studied Dail. "We need his mind intact. It's the only way to ensure he carries out his duties... such as they are." Brevon's voice dripped with contempt as he eyed the broken prince.

Circling Dail like a predator assessing prey, Brevon leaned in, his breath hot against the prince's ear. "Tell me, sweet prince, where do your duties lie?"

Dail's response came automatically, his voice flat, devoid of any emotion. "It is my duty... to protect my father's kingdom."

Brevon's lips curled into a sinister smile. "And will you sacrifice your life and the lives of your soldiers to protect it? Will you crush anyone who dares to oppose you?"

"Yes," Dail replied, his tone unchanging.

Brevon's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he continued to circle Dail, his words like poison seeping into the prince's fractured mind. "The one called Zao has taken something precious from you. Something that endangers your kingdom... And the Royal Magister of Shang Tu has defied you. Do you wish to be treated as weak? As nothing?"

"…No" Dail's vacant expression slowly twisted into something darker, something more malevolent. A smile, mirroring Brevon's own, crept onto his face. His eyes, bloodshot and lifeless moments before, now gleamed with cruel intent.

Outside, the wind howled against the palace walls, as if nature itself could sense the storm brewing within. In the dim light of the throne room, the seeds of chaos were sown, and the prince, now nothing more than a puppet, stood ready to play his part.

The night was still, but the air carried the weight of impending catastrophe. Brevon watched with satisfaction as his influence over Dail solidified. Everything was in place, and the main Main Event was only hours away.

Tomorrow, the world would tremble.


City of Shang Mu – Egg-Zao-Zao-Egg Hotel, Morning Hours

The day of the event had finally arrived, and the sun was starting to rise above Shang Mu, casting its warm glow over the bustling city below.

Morning dawned in the city of Shang Mu, bathing the Egg-Zao-Zao-Egg Hotel in a soft, golden light. Inside one of the hotel rooms, Sonic stirred awake, groaning as sunlight poured through the large window. He stretched lazily, his muscles protesting after the previous day's tension. "Yeah, slept like a rock," he muttered sarcastically, rubbing his eyes.

Tails, already awake, sat by the window, gazing pensively at the plaza below, where people had already begun to gather in anticipation of the main Main Event.

"Morning, Tails," Sonic greeted cheerfully with a smile.

"Morning, Sonic," Tails replied, managing a weak smile of his own. His eyes, however, reflected the guilt and weight of everything they had learned.

Picking up on Tails' mood, Sonic walked over and sat beside him. "Hey, it's not your fault, you know," Sonic said, his voice gentle but firm.

Tails sighed, his shoulders slumping. "But it is... If I hadn't pushed Torque, he wouldn't have had to relive all that pain…" His voice cracked, the guilt eating at him.

"Hey," Sonic placed a comforting hand on Tails' shoulder. "Sometimes, letting things out is what you need to move forward. Torque needed to share that, and now he knows he doesn't have to face it alone. No more secrets, right?" Sonic gave him a reassuring pat. "We're stronger for it."

Tails looked up, a small, hopeful smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He glanced out the window again, noticing the growing crowd below. "Looks like people are waking up early for the event." His voice carried a note of worry as he watched.

Sonic nodded, his expression mirroring Tails' concern. The plaza below was already filling with people and, notably, Eggman's badniks, who mingled casually among the citizens, seemingly there to assist with the setup.

Before either could speak further, a knock came at the door. Sonic opened it to find Lilac and Torque standing there. Torque was still in his duck disguise, the makeshift beak and turtle shell firmly in place. Both were dressed and ready for the day, their faces reflecting the same tension and determination as Sonic and Tails.

"Morning, guys!" Lilac greeted with a bright smile, though the nervousness behind her eyes was hard to miss.

"Morning," Sonic replied, eyeing Torque's disguise with a raised brow. "What's with the getup?"

Torque chuckled awkwardly, adjusting his disguise. "Just being cautious. The last thing we need is to draw attention, especially with so many people around." He didn't want anyone asking too many questions if they saw his real form.

Sonic shrugged, accepting the explanation, though he found it amusing that Torque believed the disguise made him blend in more. "Fair enough." He looked over Lilac's shoulder. "Where are the others?"

Lilac smirked knowingly. "Carol sleeps like a log. She could sleep for days if you didn't wake her up, probably takes a giant explosion to get her out of bed," she said with a hint of humor, though her focus was clearly on the task at hand.

BARK!

"Uah!"

Suddenly, a loud bark echoed from Lilac's room, followed by a crash. The group's heads whipped toward the sound, eyes wide in surprise. Inside Lilacs room, they found Milla perched atop one of the beds, her tail wagging mischievously. Carol, face-planted on the floor, let out a muffled groan.

"Morning, morning! Rise and shine, Carol!" Milla chirped with innocent enthusiasm, oblivious to the mischief she had caused.

"Ughhh..." came Carol's muffled reply as she weakly lifted her head. "Morning... I guess," she muttered before flopping back down.

"Well, that solves that problem," Lilac chuckled, shaking her head in amusement with a sly smile, but soon, her expression grew more serious. "Now that everyone's awake, we need to figure out how we're handling the main event."

Carol, still on the floor, lifted her head slightly. "Don't you mean the main Main Event?" she quipped with a smirk.

"Please, stop," Lilac groaned, giving Carol a light nudge with her boot. She glanced at the clock, her face tightening with urgency. "When does it start?"

Torque hummed in thought. "It starts in about half an hour. I overheard one of the staff talking about it this morning—10 AM sharp."

"Ugh, so early," Sonic groaned, crossing his arms. "I could've used another hour or two." He eyed Carol enviously, wishing he could sleep as deeply as she had.

"So... are we really just going to wait?" Carol asked, her impatience obvious as she finally picked herself up off the floor. "We could sneak backstage, grab the stone, or do something. Anything."

Lilac shook her head, her expression resolute. "Eggman's got an army of robots, including a Hard-Boiled Heavy, a frontal assault would be suicide. And then there's Mayor Zao… Convincing him? That's a whole other battle."

Tails crossed his arms in frustration. "We went over this last night. Eggman's got the public eating out of his hand. If we try to accuse him outright, the crowd could turn against us." He sighed heavily. "And being the so-called 'neutral party' between Shang Mu and Shang Tu doesn't help."

The mood in the room soured further, a shared sense of helplessness settling over the group. Sonic, always the one itching for action, was visibly irritated, unused to the idea of doing nothing. His foot tapped impatiently against the floor.

"And don't forget," Sonic chimed in, shifting the conversation. "Brevon's got his claws deep in Shuigang. If he's got the tech Torque's been talking about, Eggman might have access to those eye drones we've been seeing." His voice trailed off as he turned toward Torque. "You're sure the king's dead?"

Torque nodded grimly, Gyro floating beside him, mirroring his somber expression. "I've seen the reports and the news myself during my investigation. Prince Dail has been using Brevon's robots, but he's passing them off as the kingdoms creations. And… I know why." Torque hesitated for a moment, then dropped the revelation, surprising everyone. "Brevon has a device called the Snatcher. It's used for mind control—turns people into mindless puppets. The Coalition's dealt with this before. It looks like Dail's another victim."

Sonic clenched his fists. "So the prince is just a puppet..." he muttered, his mind racing. The implications of the situation were clear now—Brevon and Robotnik had orchestrated this conflict from the start. Sonic's eyes darkened as his thoughts lingered on Robotnik. "Robotnik... I never thought you'd go this far. But I guess you just keep pushing the line, huh?"

Lilac's voice cut through the tension, her tone low and thoughtful. "Spade..." she muttered under her breath, drawing the group's attention.

"What about Spade?" Sonic asked, raising an eyebrow at her sudden shift.

"We need to tell Spade," Lilac said, her voice growing more confident as she spoke. "He might not know what Brevon or Robotnik did. Why would Spade work with the men who killed his father?" Her words hit the group with the weight of logic and uncertainty. If Spade didn't know the full truth, then he might be another pawn in this twisted game.

Carol frowned, her skepticism clear. "Lilac, you really think you can convince him? The guy's still holding a grudge. He hasn't forgiven us for leaving the Red Scarves, remember?"

Lilac's expression hardened with resolve. "We have to try," she said firmly. Despite everything, she knew she couldn't abandon the idea that Spade could be reasoned with—deep down, she needed to believe that there was still a way to reach him.

The group exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Spade was a potential wild card, and if they could get through to him, it might give them the edge they needed against Robotnik and Brevon. But just as the weight of that decision settled...

GROWL!

Everyone instinctively turned toward Sonic, who raised his hands in mock defense, a mischievous grin already forming on his face. "Wasn't me this time,"

GROWL!

This time, the sound came from a different source. The group looked over to Milla, whose face had turned a deep shade of red. She clutched her stomach, clearly embarrassed. "U-um, maybe we could get a quick snack first?" she stammered, her eyes wide with an innocent plea.

The tension that had hung so heavily in the room melted away instantly. The serious atmosphere gave way to chuckles and light-hearted laughter.

Lilac grinned, shaking her head. "Alright, I guess breakfast is on the agenda first."

"Good call," Sonic added, still smirking as he nudged Milla playfully. "Can't save the world on an empty stomach, after all."

With that, the group lightened up, the pressure of the looming event easing for the moment as they decided to grab a quick bite before the day's chaos unfolded.


City of Shang Mu – Central Plaza, Morning Hours

After the quick breakfast at the luxurious hotel restaurant, the group made their way to the hotel's rooftop, not wanting to be overwhelmed by the amount of people below and hoping to gain a better vantage point of the plaza.

The central square was alive with energy—packed with Avalicians and various Badniks, buzzing with anticipation as the morning sunlight bathed the city in a golden hue. Sonic stood at the edge, scanning the crowded plaza, noting the presence of Egg-Robos and the imposing figure of Heavy Gunner, who oversaw the proceedings from his helicopter, circling the area like a predatory hawk.

In the center stood a grand round wooden platform, outfitted with giant speakers and a colossal screen that would soon project the much-anticipated announcement. Cameras were strategically positioned everywhere, ensuring the event was broadcasted to every corner of Shang Mu Island.

"Geez, did the whole city show up?" Carol remarked, her green eyes wide as they took in the sheer mass of people below.

"There are so many..." Milla whispered, her small voice barely audible above the electric hum of the crowd. "They're like ants, everywhere."

Lilac's gaze drifted towards the center of the platform, where she spotted the familiar figure of Mayor Zao. He was slowly making his way to the stage, escorted by a group of guards. It seemed like the entire military had gathered for this event. Her heart rate quickened.

"It's time," Lilac said, trying to keep her nerves steady as her violet scales reflected the sunlight.

"Nervous?" Sonic asked, giving her a playful nudge.

"Can't say I'm not," she admitted with a small smile, nudging him back.

Sonic grinned, with a sly, confident smirk. "Cmon, you'll be fine," he said, his tone almost teasing, as he nudged her again, this time more playfully.

Lilac rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "Careful, hedgehog, or I might just knock you off this roof," she shot back, her tone just as playful.

"Cough, cough, kiss already, cough, cough," Carol muttered loudly, fake-coughing into her hand while shooting them a mischievous grin.

Sonic chuckled, deciding to ignore the comment, while Lilac gave the wildcat a deadly glare. Carol, of course, only continued to feign innocence, staring off into the distance.

The lighthearted moment came to an abrupt end as the sound of a microphone crackling to life echoed across the plaza. The crowd below fell silent, their excitement palpable as they turned their attention to the stage. Mayor Zao's voice boomed through the speakers, echoing off the buildings as he sat on a comically large chair that made him look like a child playing pretend. "Hello, hello? Is everybody listening?" he asked, his voice theatrical and filled with a sense of self-importance.

The crowd erupted in cheers, clearly thrilled by his grand entrance.

"Ah, glorious!" Zao beamed as he puffed his chest out in pride, his enthusiasm infectious as he reveled in the attention.

+5 GLORY!

Zao stood on the tall platform, his small frame barely visible from the rooftop where the group stood. "Ahem, hello, dear citizens of Shang Mu!" he began, his voice carrying the same exaggerated flair, as though he were performing on stage. The crowd responded with a mixture of greetings, some calling out, others merely eager to hear what came next.

"As you know, our great city is suffering from an energy crisis, affecting not just us, but the entire island!" His voice grew solemn, the weight of his words sinking in.

Murmurs of concern rippled through the crowd, an undercurrent of tension breaking through the earlier excitement.

"Energy crisis?" Sonic whispered, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"O-oh! We didn't tell you?" Lilac looked surprised, casting a glance toward Tails. "The Kingdom Stone has been losing power, causing shortages all over the islands," she admitted with a sheepish expression. "There've been slight tensions for a couple of years, and, well..." Her voice trailed off as she watched the citizens below, many of them voicing their concerns in hushed tones. The gravity of the situation was settling in.

"So, the tensions were already there before we arrived," Tails muttered, concern lacing his voice as he adjusted his goggles.

"Yeah," Carol chimed in with a serious expression. "And after all these years, it's now just boiling over."

The crowd's murmuring grew quieter as Zao continued, his voice rising once more. "Yes, yes, it's terrible, I know," he said, placing a dramatic hand over his chest. "But fear not, for your great Mayor has found a solution!"

The crowd leaned forward in anticipation, eager for his next words. A small cart, covered with a cloth, was wheeled out onto the stage by an Egg-Pawn. The silly-looking robot was dressed in an outfit identical to Zao's, its ridiculous hat bobbing as it pushed the cart forward.

"BEHOLD!" Zao shouted theatrically, ripping the cloth away with a flourish.

Gasps echoed through the plaza, and even from their vantage point, the group could feel the shock ripple through the crowd. Sonic and the others leaned forward instinctively, their eyes widening as they took in the sight.

It was the Kingdom Stone—its mystical light glowing brightly, casting a radiant glow over the entire plaza. The cameras zoomed in, projecting the image of the stone onto the giant screen, the brilliance of the artifact captivating every onlooker.

"He actually did it!" Torque exclaimed, his surprise evident in his voice. "He's revealing the stone just like that..."

"That's right!" Zao declared, basking in the adulation of the crowd. "I have brought the Kingdom Stone to our city to solve our energy crisis! Shang Mu will shine brighter than ever!" His voice was filled with pride, his words dripping with self-importance as he soaked in the crowd's applause. He leaned closer to the microphone, a sly grin creeping across his face. "Hope you vote for me in the reelection," he added cheekily.

The crowd remained silent for a moment before one person began clapping, followed by another, and soon the entire plaza erupted into wild cheers. Avalicians and Badniks alike were swept up in the contagious enthusiasm, celebrating their supposed salvation without realizing the storm brewing just beneath the surface.

"Uh, these guys do realize that the other kingdoms might start a war over this, right?" Sonic asked, bewildered by the crowd's blind enthusiasm.

Torque shook his head, his expression darkening. "It doesn't matter to them. They're caught up in the moment, not thinking about the consequences."

"But!" Zao's voice rose above the noise, commanding attention once more. "I wasn't the only one responsible for this miracle..."

"You didn't do anything," the six muttered in unison, rolling their eyes. Even Milla gave a small glare at the little red panda.

"...but a valued ally from beyond our shores, from beyond our island, who is part of our precious community. You know him well—after all, he's the one who brought us our delightful mechanical companions." Zao patted the Egg-Pawn's head, making it bob up and down. "Give a warm welcome to Ivo Robotnik!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices booming as Robotnik ascended the stage. He wore red robes styled after Shang Mu's traditional attire, even donning a hat similar to Zao's. His broad grin and exaggerated gestures showed he was relishing the adulation. As he took the microphone, he waved at the crowd with unrestrained energy, soaking up the attention like a seasoned performer.

"Oh, man, I think I'm gonna hurl," Sonic muttered, his face contorted with disgust.

"Bleh! Me too!" Carol echoed, looking equally queasy.

Even Gyro mimicked gagging, clearly not fond of the mad doctor's grand entrance.

The audience eventually calmed down as Robotnik cleared his throat. His voice boomed with practiced ease, laced with that familiar oily charm. "Thank you, thank you! It's an honor to stand before you all," he began, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "I remember my first visit to this wonderful city, seeking knowledge and discovery, and finding a dear friend in Mayor Zao."

"Ah shucks," Zao grinned, nodding appreciatively.

"I've enjoyed sharing my technological advancements with you all," Robotnik continued, his voice growing softer, almost reflective. "Helping children play, assisting the elderly, and making Shang Mu a beautiful place to live."

Robotnik's eyes scanned the crowd, settling on the children happily patting their Badnik friends, the elderly moving easily with mechanical assistants by their side. For a brief moment, his voice lowered further, his tone almost reverent. "Seeing everyone happy... playing with my robots..." His words trailed off, his lips curling downward. An uncharacteristic pause hung in the air, catching the group's attention. Could it be... remorse?

But the moment was fleeting. Robotnik's expression hardened, and the familiar artificial smile stretched across his face once more. "And that's why, with the help of my 'friends,' I've secured the Kingdom Stone as a token of my appreciation for all of you!" The crowd's applause surged again, their cheers echoing off the surrounding buildings.

"Such a liar," Sonic whispered, barely audible over the thunderous applause. He clenched his fists, his whole body tense, poised to spring into action. He was tired of the waiting game, the deceit swirling in front of him.

"Not yet," Torque warned, his eyes fixed on the stage. There was something deeper in play, something that made him uneasy. His instincts flared, curious to see what Robotnik would reveal next.

Zao, still basking in the spotlight, clapped his hands, signaling another Egg-Pawn to wheel out a second covered object. "And as a token of our appreciation, I will gift him the treasure that fell from the sky many months ago, for everything he has done for us!" His voice was filled with reverence. With a dramatic flourish, Zao grabbed the cloth and yanked it away. "I present to him... the City's Ruby!"

The gasp from the six heroes was almost immediate.

The City's Ruby was a magnificent red gem, shaped like a flawless diamond, casting its otherworldly light across the plaza. The crowd's collective awe was palpable, eyes glued to the gem's radiance as it shimmered in the daylight. The camera focused on the gem, capturing every detail of its majestic glow. Everyone was captivated—everyone, except for the six who watched in horror, realizing what it truly was.

"The Red Chaos Emerald!" they shouted in unison, their voices laced with shock and disbelief. Their gazes shot to the giant screen displaying the glowing stone in all its brilliance.

"A red wishing star!" Milla added, her eyes wide, still not fully grasping its significance.

"Shoot!" Sonic cursed under his breath. "That's it, I've had enough of this waiting thing!" Without another thought, he lunged from the rooftop, diving headfirst toward the plaza below, determination etched into every line of his face.

"SONIC!" the others screamed in unison, alarmed by his reckless move.

"Let's go!" Lilac commanded, adrenaline surging through her veins as she leapt after Sonic. The urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation; they had to stop whatever was coming.

The rest of the group followed swiftly, diving off the rooftop, their minds singularly focused on the chaos that was about to erupt. Each of them knew what was at stake, their objective clear as they descended toward the plaza.

On stage, Robotnik slowly reached for the Chaos Emerald, a dark, twisted smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Mayor. It's an honor," he said, his voice dripping with that insidious sweetness. But just as he grasped the gem, his eyes flicked upward, catching sight of something in the distant sky. His smile widened, more malicious now.

He turned to the crowd, holding the Emerald high above his head like a conqueror displaying his prize. "I have one more announcement…" His voice boomed through the plaza, capturing the crowd's undivided attention.

Suddenly, the sky darkened, casting long shadows over the city. Confused murmurs spread among the crowd as they looked up. Massive flying ships, their hulls emblazoned with the insignia of Shuigang, descended from the clouds, filling the sky like a fleet of dark omens.

The cheerful atmosphere died in an instant. The crowd fell silent, fear creeping across their faces as they watched in growing horror.

"W-what…" Zao stammered, his face paling as he turned to Robotnik, eyes wide in confusion. He saw it then—Robotnik's calm, the smug satisfaction written across his face.

"I, Doctor Ivo Robotnik, the greatest scientific genius in the world," he began, his voice thick with smugness as the Shuigang ships positioned themselves strategically around the city, their cannons primed, "welcome you all to the Robotnik and Shuigang Empire!" His declaration rang out like the tolling of a death knell.

Before anyone could react, the ships opened fire. Explosions rocked the streets, and buildings crumbled under the relentless bombardment. Chaos exploded as citizens scattered, screams of terror filling the once-peaceful square.

Sonic, still in mid-air, gritted his teeth. "Sorry, Ice Queen," he muttered, watching the devastation unfold below him, "but it looks like there won't be any peaceful treaty today!"

The heroes, still plummeting toward the plaza, braced themselves as the battle began in earnest. The morning sky was filled with the cacophony of chaos and screams, a city on the of a crisis.