{Pre A/N}

Shadow Gens was awesome, now back to writing, thought a bit rusty mind you.

Chapter 36: I Notice I Notice

Avalice Archipelago – Above the Waters, Morning Hours

The morning sun cast its golden glow across the endless stretch of the Trail Ocean, the waves glistening below as a purple figure cut through the skies with a high-pitched hum. Metal Lilac's engines roared, moving smoothly toward her destination, Angel Island. She had only seen glimpses in her memory files of this strange and mystical place—vivid images stored deep within her system, detailing its lush greenery, expansive mushroom forests, and the ancient ruins that defied logic by floating in the sky.

Every sight filled her internal system with a strange electric warmth. The feeling was foreign. Was this… excitement? Could she feel things like this? Her mechanical body was meant for speed and precision, every part of her finely tuned for one purpose, but this feeling was definitely not part of her programming…was it? The cool morning air whipped around her, and for a moment, she slowed her flight, casting her gaze downward to the reflective waters.

The water's surface mirrored her image, and she found herself captivated by her own appearance—her metallic, lavender plating glinting in the sunlight. She studied herself, her metallic tendrils swaying in the wind, and felt an unexpected surge of gratitude. She existed. Out of all possible creations, she was brought to life by her creator. The world around her was unlike anything she'd imagined.

She could see the horizon stretching infinitely, the vibrant colors of sunrise merging with the deep blue of the ocean below. How beautiful the world was. She was here to experience it—to explore it, conquer it, even, if that's what her creator needed. There was so much for her to learn, an entire world. So many things to understand.

But as she drifted in her brief moment, a flash of colors caught her attention, pulling her focus back to the skies ahead. Metal Lilac's optics zoomed in on the small objects moving steadily across the ocean toward Angel Island. A red plane and a yellow one.

She narrowed her gaze, her processors analyzing the passengers instantly. In the red plane, she recognized the blue figure of Sonic, the swift hedgehog her creator had warned her about. In the controls sat an orange fox. Her gaze shifted to the yellow plane just ahead of them, where she spotted a peculiar, green-skinned figure, seated alongside a wildcat. And then her gaze landed on the last passenger.

Her optics flashed, her internal systems humming with newfound intensity. Sitting calmly in the cockpit was a purple dragon. In her systems, she recognized that familiar face instantly.

Something within her surged to life. A memory, a recognition, something primal that felt almost like… anger. An imitation of her own form, but inferior, flawed.

She noticed a look-alike

The morning sunlight glinted off the wings of the two planes, racing side by side across the shimmering waters. In the lead was the Tornado, piloted by Tails with steady precision, and just behind it, the Spinner, the new addition to their team, skillfully handled by Torque. Both planes hurtled towards Angel Island.

Inside the Spinner's cockpit, Carol gazed out at the rippling waves below, a bored expression clouding her usual excitement. Her sigh went unnoticed by most, except Lilac, who had been watching her friend.

"Didn't sleep well?" Lilac teased, though a hint of worry softened her voice.

Carol barely lifted her eyes. "Haha... something like that. Feels like we've been going non-stop lately," she said, her tone low. "I mean, one second we're fighting a robot, the next we're breaking out of jail, and then this... There hasn't been a moment to breathe."

Lilac gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, I know it's been a wild ride, but we're out here doing something bigger than ourselves," she encouraged. "If anyone can take on Eggman and Brevon, it's us."

Carol smiled weakly, her tiredness making her eyes seem duller than usual. "Yeah… sure, I guess," she murmured, not quite resonating with the same fire as usual.

As they flew on, passing over the tropical lands of Parusa, Tails' excited voice crackled through the coms. "We'll be at Angel Island in a few minutes, guys!" he announced, thrill ringing through his tone. "Hope you're all ready!"

At Tails' words, Carol perked up, her weariness melting away as anticipation took over. "Heck yeah!" she shouted from the back seat. "Can't believe we're finally going to Lilac's fantasy land!"

"Carol!" Lilac yelped, twisting around in her seat with a flushed face. She shot her a narrow-eyed glare, her scales faintly glowing in embarrassment.

"What?" Carol teased, smirking mischievously. "You used to go on about Angel Island nonstop when we were kids! 'Oh, Angel Island this, oh, Angel Island that.' Spade even threatened to cut your tongue off if you didn't stop talking about it!" she teased with a grin.

"Carooool!" Lilac groaned, burying her face in her hands. Her thoughts raced back to those memories—endless days spent with the Red Scarves, insisting to everyone that Angel Island was real, going on about it until her fellow Scarves were at their wit's end. But no matter how much they teased her, the legend of Angel Island had captivated her since childhood, and now, they were finally about to set foot on it. The thought thrilled and terrified her all at once.

As the light-hearted banter filled the coms, the tension melted away, brightening the journey. However, Sonic, noticed his friend's unusually quiet demeanor. Leaning forward, he gently nudged Tails.

"Hey, Tails," he said softly. "Everything good?"

Tails sighed. "Y-yeah, I'm fine… it's just…I'm going to miss Amy… and Milla…" A sadness crept into his words.

The team fell silent, each of them suddenly reflective as Tails' words sank in.

Shang Tu Island - Royal Palace

Hours Ago

Inside the grand storage room of the Royale Palace, a heavy silence hung in the air. Relief spread across their faces as they saw Sonic and Amy enter, safe and sound, the blue Chaos Emerald securely clutched in Sonic's hand.

They had barely taken a breath to celebrate when their relief turned to tension as Neera Li appeared behind them, her expression steely and intense. Following her, unconscious and slightly bruised, was General Gong, who she had carefully laid onto a spare seat. The sight of Neera's red-rimmed eyes hinted at an unseen weight, surprising even the most skeptical among them.

"Well… stuff happened" Sonic began grimly as he and Amy exchanged looks. They dove into a recount of the events at Jade Creek, the fight with the impostor, and the shocking revelation that the Magister they had encountered was a fake all along. The true Magister's location remained a mystery, adding a grave chill to the room.

"So, if the Magister we met was a fake," Torque asked, his voice laced with concern, "then… where's the real one?"

A heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of the situation finally sinking in. Neera's face tightened, her usual calm composure cracking as guilt washed over her.

"Lady Neera?" Milla's soft voice cut through the silence, her eyes wide with worry as she noticed Neera visibly trembling.

Neera clenched her fists, her voice barely a whisper, filled with self-reproach. "How… how could I have been so blind? I should have known…" Her voice grew louder, laced with frustration. "It was my duty to protect the Magister, and I failed!"

"Hey, now," Sonic said, stepping forward with a calm voice. "No one could have known—"

"I should have known!" Neera's voice cracked. "I am his right-hand woman, his advisor! I've known him since I was a child! If anyone should have seen through that… thing, it should have been me!" Her face twisted with anger and remorse as her words spilled out, almost breaking down once again.

Amy reached out, her hand warm and steady on Neera's. "Neera, please, it's not your fault. Nobody could have known. We'll find him, I promise."

Neera closed her eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath. She forced herself to push past her sorrow, focusing on the present. "You're right," she murmured, regaining her composure. "My apologies for the outburst." She looked around at the group, her expression softened but resolved. "And… apologies to all of you. I realize now that everything you've said about the Chaos Emeralds, Robotnik, and the looming alien threat is in fact, true."

Lilac returned her bow with a warm smile. "We accept your apology, Lady Neera." Relieved by their new alliance, she nodded thoughtfully. "So, what's our next move? We can't just leave the Magister missing."

Neera straightened, her voice clear and decisive. "No, you all must go to Angel Island," she declared. "If what you've said about the Master Emerald is accurate, we can't risk them getting their hands on it too."

"But… what about the Magister?" Lilac pressed, unwilling to let it go.

Neera's eyes flashed with determination. "I'll order a discreet investigation, keeping the Magister's absence hidden from the public. We cannot afford to create panic in Shang Tu, not in these times of tension."

"But… will you help find him?" Milla said softly.

Neera hesitated, torn between her duties and her own need to find the Magister. "I… I must stay here at the palace to maintain order—"

"Oh, no, you don't." a groggy voice interrupted, causing everyone to turn as Gong regained consciousness, rubbing his head with a wince. "Involving the entire police force would be reckless, but a small, capable group is a different story." He looked pointedly at Neera, his grin determined despite his injuries.

"General, you can't be serious," Neera protested, though Gong's grin left no room for argument.

He nodded with an air of finality, his voice gentle yet firm. "I'm dead serious, Neera. If anyone knows the Magister well enough to find him, it's you." His eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of understanding shared only between close allies. "Gather the people you need and start the investigation. And, nope" he added with a grin, "no room for negotiation."

"I…" Neera opened her mouth, ready to protest again when another voice interrupted.

"I'll join too!" Amy declared, taking everyone by surprise.

Neera turned, raising an eyebrow. "Amy Rose? You're supposed to…"

"I know" Amy cut her off, her gaze blazing with determination. "But I can't just let you go alone!" She crossed her arms and tilted her chin up. "Besides, you'll need all the help you can get, and I'm ready to give it my all. And, nope—no room for negotiation!"

Amy glanced back at Sonic and the others, giving them a small, confident smile. "Hope you don't mind."

Sonic, breaking out of his surprise, grinned widely. "Nope, not at all. Go show 'em, Amy!"

As the group exchanged nods, Milla looked up, her eyes laced with nervousness. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her voice soft but steady. "M-me too!" she blurted, her tail wagging.

"Milla?" Lilac and Carol exclaimed in unison.

Milla shifted, smiling up at Neera and then at her friends. "I really, really wanted to go to Angel Island with you all, but…" Her expression softened as she looked at Neera. "I want to help Lady Neera too. With my nose, I could help track the Magister's scent and find him as fast a we can… like a detective!" She gave an eager nod, her determination solid as she pointed at Neera. "And nope, no room for negotiation!"

Carol chuckled, folding her arms with a grin. "Well, if that's what you wanna do, then who are we to say no?" Lilac's approving smile spoke of pride in her friend's decision, agreeing that Neera would need every ally she could get.

Touched, Neera looked at the two girls, her expression softening. She gave a slight, sincere smile as her resolve deepened. "Thank you," she said warmly.

"Of course!" Amy beamed as she squeezed Neera's hand, while Milla nodded enthusiastically.

"So, in conclusion," Tails said, stepping forward and looking around the group, "Amy and Milla will help Neera, Gong will keep things under control here, and the rest of us are heading to Angel Island." Though his voice wavered, he kept it steady. "Guess we'll see each other later, then."

Amy gave him a playful wink. "Don't worry, Tails! We'll see each other soon enough. Detective Amy and Milla are on the case!" she said, striking a fun pose.

"Yeah, we'll see each other soon!" Milla added, squeezing Tails' hand with a radiant smile.

Tails nodded, his own smile returning. "Okay… then let's not waste any more time!"

"You said it, little bro!" Sonic clambered onto the Tornado's wing, brimming with energy. "Let's get going to Angel Island. Adventure's calling!"

With that, everyone made their way onto the planes. As the engines roared to life, the first rays of the morning sun broke over the horizon, casting a hopeful glow on their faces as they all looked toward their next journey.

Lilac leaned out from her seat on the Spinner. "Good luck, Amy, Milla, Lady Neera! You'll find him, I just know it!"

"See you guys soon!" Sonic added with a wink, giving a final salute from the wing.

As the planes took off into the dawn, the rest watched, waving wildly from below.

"Goodbye, my darling Sonic!" Amy shouted, her voice filled with playful longing. Yet a hint of sadness lingered as she watched them disappear into the sky, knowing she had her own task to fulfill.

"Bye-bye!" Milla called, bouncing up and down, torn between excitement and a little disappointment at missing the trip to Angel Island. Maybe one day, she thought with a smile.

"Hey, don't forget to thrash that Houdini robot if it crosses your path again!" Gong shouted after them with a booming laugh. "And give Robotnik and Brevon a good lesson too!"

Neera stood back, silently watching as the planes disappeared from sight, her gaze thoughtful. When they were no longer visible, she then turned back to Amy and Milla. "Come on," she said with a nod. "There's no time to waste. Let's get started."

Amy flashed a thumbs-up. "Detectives Amy and Milla are ready for action!"

"Yeah!" Milla chimed in, grinning. "We're going to find the Magister! Investigation mode, go!" she announced as she quickly headed towards the palace in all fours.

"Hey, wait for your partner, Sherlock!" Amy called out as she quickly chased after her, Gong couldn't help but laughing at the scene.

Neera let out a small sigh at their cheerful energy, though a soft smile played on her lips. As she glanced at the rising sun, a surge of determination took root within her. "Don't worry, Magister," she murmured. "We will find you."

With that, she went off after them, each step bringing her closer to answers, her path illuminated by the early morning light.

Above the Waters

Present

Sonic ruffled Tails' hair with a playful grin. "Hey, come on, little bro. We'll see the girls soon enough, once they've got the Magister back, we will reunite with them in no time."

Tails returned the smile, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. They'll be okay." He adjusted his grip on the controls as his radar pinged. "Everyone, we're here!"

The clouds parted, revealing a breathtaking view. Lilac gasped as the island appeared before them in all its beauty.

"By the dragons…" she whispered, eyes wide in awe.

Suspended in the air, Angel Island looked like something out of a dream. Expansive emerald forests stretched as far as the eye could see, thick with towering ancient trees and shimmering pools. Waterfalls poured from the island's edges in graceful, glistening cascades, misting the air with a soft glow as the sunlight hit each droplet. Towering cliffs and mountains and distant ruins painted a landscape of mystery and timeless beauty.

"It's… incredible," Torque murmured, a rare, quiet smile breaking across his face. Beside him, Gyro was captivated, eyes locked on the serene sight with wonder.

"Yeah," Sonic agreed, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "Even if we've been here before many times, it never gets old."

Carol, leaning out of her seat in amazement, blinked rapidly as she took in the scene. "It's… it's so big!" she exclaimed, her eyes as wide as saucers. "Bigger than Parusa's got… Whoa! Lilac, this is the place you kept going on about?"

Lilac's face lit up in a radiant smile, and she shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe it… Angel Island… it's real." She looked over to Sonic, gratitude shining in her eyes.

"Told ya I'd take you here one day," Sonic said, giving her a wink.

"You sure did." She chuckled, a sense of fulfillment washing over her. "How does it move so freely?" she asked, still mesmerized as she watched the island shift slightly with the breeze, as if it had a mind of its own.

Sonic shrugged, grinning. "Beats me. The island's always been a bit of a mystery."

"Correct," Tails chimed in. "Even after our many visits, we still haven't uncovered all its secrets. But I do have a theory, you see…" he began, clearly ready to dive into an explanation, when—

BOOM!

A distant explosion shattered the calm.

The group's heads snapped toward the sound. In the distance, a fleet of airships emblazoned with the unmistakable green emblem of Shuigang fired relentlessly upon the island, the explosions ripping through the serene landscape with billowing plumes of smoke and flame.

"The Sky Battalion… they're attacking the island!" Torque yelled, his face filled with alarm.

Lilac's heart sank as she watched more blasts shake the island's cliffs. "We're too late—they're already here!" she shouted, horror lacing her voice. "We need to stop them before they do any more damage!"

"You said it!" Sonic agreed, his voice fierce. "Let's get in there and send these guys packing! Full power, Tails!" he ordered, urgency thick in his tone.

"On it!" Tails responded, pushing the Tornado to its limits. Both planes accelerated, their engines roaring as they raced toward the island, each member readying themselves for the impending battle.

As they drew closer, the chaos became clearer. Shuigang ships were firing across the landscape, their cannons leaving craters and felling trees as they moved in an aggressive line.

The planes roared through the air, their engines screaming against the oncoming fight, the island's beauty now marred by rising smoke and flashing fire.

But as they sped through the skies, Carol's ears suddenly twitched as a strange sound joined the hum of their engines. She glanced back, alert. "Something's following us!" she yelled, her voice tight with concern. Everyone whipped around, searching the vast white clouds behind them, but all they saw was empty sky. "I swear I heard something!"

"Carol, who could possibly be following us?" Lilac asked, straining her eyes against the brightness of the morning sky.

Tails's brow furrowed as he thought it over. "At this speed, the only thing that could keep up is…" Realization dawned on him, and his eyes widened. "Torque, evade now!"

"Huh?!" Torque barely had a second to react as a purple blur rocketed out from the clouds beneath them, missing the Spinner by mere inches. He steadied the plane, everyone in the Spinner and the Tornado now on high alert, watching as the strange figure looped around to intercept them.

"Metal Sonic?!" Lilac gasped, recognizing the familiar silhouette.

"That's impossible, Milla trashed that guy!" Carol said, her voice laced with disbelief.

As the figure steadied in front of them, Sonic's face paled in realization. "No… That's not him."

They stared, stunned, as the robotic form became fully visible. It was a near-perfect metallic replica of Lilac, constructed with blue and purple armor that mimicked her scales and her physique. Her eyes glowed a sharp pink, and her head was topped with metal wires shaped like Lilac's twin tails, while her frame echoed the sleek, aerodynamic style of Sonic's own Metal counterpart with purple quills sprouting from her head.

"Unbelievable…" Carol murmured, her mouth agape.

Lilac stared in shock, feeling as though she was looking into a cold, unfeeling mirror a look-alike. "It's… It's like I'm staring at myself."

"Looks like Eggman couldn't resist giving you the 'metal treatment,' huh?" Sonic joked, thought his voice was devoid of humor.

"It's like some fusion of Lilac and Sonic?" Tails added, his voice a blend of shock and wonder at the strange combination.

Hovering mid-air, the robotic figure—Metal Lilac—analyzed them with a chilling, focused gaze, her optics settling on Lilac with a piercing intensity. She seemed to hesitate, as if processing the unfamiliar feeling, but then her gaze sharpened, and her engines flared to life. Her primary objective was clear.

Sash Lilac.

With no further warning, Metal Lilac launched forward, her engines roaring as she closed the distance to her organic counterpart with alarming speed.

"Torque, dodge!" Lilac shouted.

Torque veered sharply, pulling the Spinner to the side as Metal Lilac zipped past, narrowly missing them. Her engine flared as she redirected her attention, now locking onto the Tornado.

"Tails, do a barrel roll!" Sonic yelled, gripping tightly onto the Tornado's wings.

"Not exactly optimal, but here goes!" Tails called back, gripping the controls as he pulled the Tornado into a tight roll. Metal Lilac swept past them but quickly adjusted, her focus shifting to Sonic, who gave her a cheeky wink as she locked onto him.

Her optics flickered with something strange, a split-second reaction she couldn't quite understand. Annoying… yet oddly charming. Shaking off the strange feeling, she ascended with a loud burst of energy, circling back to prepare another strike.

"Would've been handy to have some blasters installed right about now if someone hadn't been so eager for adventure!" Tails grumbled, dodging Metal Lilac's swift attack.

"Not now, Tails!" Sonic shouted, clutching the wing tightly as the Tornado narrowly dodged Metal Lilac's assault.

Without missing a beat, Torque aimed his wispon toward her and released a barrage of laser shots. Metal Lilac twisted effortlessly through the air, dodging each shot with agile precision, her attention still trained on the Tornado. The intensity of her pursuit grew as she zeroed in on her targets, her eyes blazing with relentless focus.

"Drat, I can't shoot if I'm focused on keeping this plane steady!" Torque muttered, watching Metal Lilac dodge the Spinner's laser fire with ease. Frustration etched on his face.

"That's it! We don't have time for this!" Lilac shouted, determination blazing in her eyes. Without a second thought, she stepped onto the Spinner's wings.

"Oh yeah!" Carol chimed in, hopping up beside her with a mischievous grin. "Wanted to try this for a while!"

"L-Lilac, Carol?!" Torque's voice was filled with alarm as he glanced back to see the two standing on the Spinner's wings. "What are you two doing?!"

Carol looked over her shoulder with a confident smile. "Don't worry, Torqui! If we fall, I know you'll just catch us!"

"You make it sound like it's easy!" Torque shot back, trying to focus on flying steadily while the two balanced on the plane's wings.

Ignoring his protests, Lilac turned her gaze forward. "Hey!" she shouted, drawing Metal Lilac's attention. "I could be flattered that Eggman made a robot copy of me, but all I see is a cheap imitation—and not even a good one!"

"Oooooh, burn!" Carol added, giving Lilac a quick fist bump before both of them braced themselves.

Copy? Metal Lilac's processors whirred as the word registered in her system. I'm the copy? The cheap imitation? Her fists clenched, and her optics flared with new intensity.

With a piercing mechanical roar, Metal Lilac launched herself at the two, landing on the Spinner's wings with a metallic clang.

Carol grinned, flexing her claws. "All right, this time we know what we're dealing with!"

In a split second, the three were engaged in a furious scuffle atop the speeding plane. Lilac struck first, throwing a swift roundhouse kick, which Metal Lilac deflected, countering with a jab that Carol narrowly dodged by flipping backward. Carol then went for a pounce, claws flashing, only to be met by a ruthless block and followed by an elbow strike from the robot, sending her back toward the edge of the wing.

Lilac went for another kick, spinning in midair to bring her own attack down in a whirlwind of kicks, but Metal Lilac blocked each one, moving with a fluidity almost identical to Lilac's own style. They matched each other's moves with fierce precision, Metal Lilac's counterattacks and defensive maneuvers almost indistinguishable from Lilac's own.

Carol groaned, clutching her side where she'd taken a hit. "Okay, maybe we weren't that ready!"

The Spinner buckled under the weight of the struggle, Torque struggling to keep the plane stable. "Hang on, you two!"

Lilac spun, her single lock of hair whirling behind her, preparing her signature attack. "Cyclone!" she shouted, aiming her strike at Metal Lilac.

The robot's optics glowed as her own wires crackled with electricity. Useless. Her cold voice rang out, laced with disdain.

ACTIVATING ELECTRO CYCLONE.

Metal Lilac's wires sparked to life, imitating Lilac's move but infused with electric energy. The sharp, electrified wires lashed out. A powerful surge of electricity rippled through the connection.

"Lilac, no!" Carol screamed, watching in horror as the electricity coursed through Lilac's body, a surge too powerful to resist. With a cry of pain, Lilac was thrown backward, her form scorched from the intense shock as she fell off the wing, plummeting toward the ocean below.

"Lilac!" Torque and Carol yelled in unison, their hearts pounding as they watched her fall, Metal Lilac's optics narrowing in satisfaction.

That'll teach her, Metal Lilac thought, but her victory was short-lived.

"Gotcha!"

From below, the Tornado swooped up just in time, with Sonic leaping off the plane to catch Lilac in midair. He held her securely as they descended back to the Tornado.

"You okay, Lilac?" Sonic asked as he glanced at the scorch marks on her scales and fur.

Lilac groaned, her body aching as she managed a weak smile. "Yeah…but, I don't remember being able to use electricity… or being able to fly."

"Me neither," Sonic replied, smiling reassuringly. He looked up with a fierce glare at Metal Lilac, who had jumped of the Spinner and is now hovering above them, visibly displeased that her target had been saved.

Watching her with narrowed eyes, Sonic made a quick decision. He knew they couldn't afford to drag this out with Angel Island at risk. The planes were vulnerable, and with Metal Lilac on their tail, they couldn't make it to the island unscathed.

"Tails, I've got a plan," Sonic shouted over the engine's roar, his eyes locked on the fierce, relentless robot now hovering close behind them.

Tails gave him an eager look. "Let's hear it!"

"We can't get to Angel Island safely with her on our tail," Sonic explained quickly. "Tails, I need you to fly Lilac over to the Spinner. I'll keep Metal Lilac busy and give you guys a clear path to land!"

Lilac, still cradled in Sonic's arms from her earlier fall, gasped, her eyes wide with concern. "No way, Sonic! You can't do this alone!" Memories of their fight against Metal Sonic came rushing back. She knew the danger, these metal clones were ruthless.

Sonic gave her a comforting squeeze, his expression full of resolve. "Trust me, Lil. I'll buy you enough time to make it. Just get to the island and secure the Master Emerald. I'll catch up with you guys soon enough!"

After a moment, Lilac's worry softened. She and Sonic had each other's backs before, and she had to trust him now. With a hesitant nod, she shifted her weight, standing on the Tornado's wing. "Be careful, okay?" she said quietly.

He grinned, eyes full of confidence. "Not really my style, but I can try!"

In one swift motion, Tails leaped from the pilot seat, grabbing Lilac's hands as his twin tails whirred into action, lifting them toward the Spinner. "Good luck, Sonic!" they called out together.

Sonic grinned as he hopped at the pilots seat, now at the controls, Sonic turned the Tornado to face Metal Lilac head-on, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hey, couldn't make up your mind whether to copy a hedgehog or a dragon?" he taunted, aiming to rile her up. "Because you sure didn't nail either!"

Metal Lilac's optics flared with a flash of red, her rage tangible. How dare you?! Her engines roared as she zoomed toward the Tornado, her only target now the hedgehog who dared to question her perfection.

"That's right—come and get me!" Sonic shouted, turning the Tornado sharply, leading her further away from the others.

Back on the Spinner, Torque kept glancing at Sonic and Metal Lilac in the distance, his brow furrowed with worry. "Where's he going?!"

"He's giving us a shot at reaching the island," Lilac replied firmly as she and Tails landed on the Spinner's wing.

"B-but can he handle it?" Carol asked, watching with a worried frown as Sonic led the robot farther and farther from them.

"We have to trust him, Carol. Right now, our mission is to reach the Master Emerald and its guardian. That's what he wants us to focus on." Lilac said with confidence, all her faith put into Sonic.

Carol took a shaky breath, nodding. "Yeah, he can do it," she agreed, her voice steadier. "Let's make sure his plan wasn't for nothing."

"Got it," Torque replied, though his face remained tense. He adjusted his course, speeding toward the island as Gyro buzzed with encouragement.

The planes sliced through the morning sky, bound for Angel Island, and each member of the group cast anxious glances back at their brave friend, hoping he'd make it through.

"Good luck, Sonic," Lilac whispered as the Spinner marched forwards, all of them trusting Sonic.

Now miles away from Angel Island, where the group could now be safe, a red blur was darting through the skies, dodging and weaving in a daring aerial chase as a purple comet closed in from behind.

"Catch me if you can!" Sonic called out, pushing the Tornado to its limits, his grin wide with the thrill of evading his pursuer. But Metal Lilac was relentless, her eyes locked onto him with a focus as cold as steel.

She surged forward with renewed fury, lunging in quick, precise attacks, but Sonic's reflexes kept him just out of reach each time. "Guess the real Lilac's just better after all!" he taunted, his voice full of confidence and challenge.

Metal Lilac's patience shattered, her optics flashing with a fierce red light. This impudent organic—he thought he was superior? No! Her creator made her the superior version, the better one, the real one! She knew, deep within her circuitry, that she was the true Lilac, engineered to perfection.

ACTIVATING DRAGON DASH.

Curling into a deadly spin, arcs of blue electricity crackled around her, gathering into a glowing sphere that combined the fierce speed of Sonic's Spin Dash with the raw power of Lilac's Dragon Boost. In one blinding burst, she shot forward, faster than ever before—a streak of electrified energy going towards him.

Sonic gasped, seeing her closing in, completely caught off guard by such an unexpected move. He tried to veer the Tornado sharply, but Metal Lilac's blinding speed hit the plane's wing dead-on.

The impact exploded through the air as the Tornado spun wildly out of control. One of the wings crumpled and tore away, sending the plane into a deadly descent toward the ocean below.

Sonic gritted his teeth, gripping the controls in a last-ditch attempt to steady the plummeting aircraft. But with one wing gone, he knew it was no use. "This is… bad, really bad!" he muttered, the ocean's expanse rushing up to meet him.

In one desperate motion, he leaped from the cockpit, hoping for a chance at survival. But before he could react, Metal Lilac crashed into him with her Dragon Dash still active, her impact striking his chest and tearing through his fur.

Sonic cried, the brutal force sending him hurtling into the ocean. He hit the water with a crash, its freezing depths stealing the air from his lungs.

"N-not… again…" Sonic murmured, struggling to stay afloat as each wave sapped his strength. His vision blurred, and through it, he could just make out Metal Lilac hovering above him, her optics glinting with cruel satisfaction. She waggled a mocking finger at him, her gaze unfeeling, yet filled with what looked like the faintest glimmer of something strange.

"Drat…" Sonic's voice faded, the water pulling him under as he fought to stay conscious. His last thought was of his friends, the bitter hope they'd make it in time. "S-sorry, guys… guess I'll be a bit late…"

The current claimed him, and as he drifted below, darkness swallowed his vision.

Metal Lilac watched the water where he'd disappeared, her optics flickering with satisfaction as she lifted her hand. In her metallic grip was a torn piece of the Tornado's wing, complete with strands of Sonic's blue fur still caught on it. She let out a mechanical sigh of relief—she had won. Sonic the Hedgehog has been eliminated. She was victorious. But…

She paused, an unexpected sensation interrupting her triumph. She had accomplished her mission, but it felt…off. Her satisfaction dimmed, replaced by a subtle, aching sensation in her circuits. Remorse? she wondered, alarmed. Her creator had never programmed her for such weakness. She was designed to destroy, to eliminate threats. Yet…

Metal Lilac clenched her fists, willing the strange feeling to dissipate. No. This is my purpose, she told herself firmly, her optics narrowing. Sonic's gone, this will sure make her disgraceful copy suffer. With a final look at the churning waves, she turned, her gaze hardened.

With the piece of the Tornado still gripped in her hand, she revved her engine and shot off toward Angel Island. Ready to fulfill her mission.

The battle for the island is soon approaching.

{Post A/N}

Sorry Sonic, but there are already too many characters to handle, take a rest and see ya later!

Favourites and reviews are really appreciated!

And psst! Visit my deviantart TafuTofu1 for an image rendition of Metal Lilac: Hedgehog Model by yours truly + an Egg Memo!