Chapter 2: Look Out! New Friends Ahead!
Shang Tu Island – Dragon Valley
Running had always been Sonic's game. Ever since he could remember, running had been his natural state. From the vast, green terrains of Green Hill with its rolling hills and loop-de-loops to the industrial complexes of Chemical Plant with its hazardous chemicals, Sonic thrived on the thrill of speed. He even enjoyed traversing the deadly traps that Eggman set in his fortresses. Sonic reveled in the wind blowing against his face and the rush of adrenaline that came with pushing his limits.
In Dragon Valley, the terrain was a breathtaking blend of rocky cliffs and grassy meadows. Towering cliffs rose majestically above the verdant landscape, dotted with ancient ruins. Sonic leaped from platform to platform, navigated natural loops, and used well-placed blue springs to boost his speed. He was in his element.
Dodging yet another laser fired at him by one of the three Egg Robos in hot pursuit, Sonic grinned. The Egg Robos' lasers sliced through the air with deadly precision, but Sonic was faster. He used a geyser on the ground to launch himself skyward, the burst of steam propelling him upward. Curling into a ball, he spun into one of the robots, smashing into it. Metal shards flew everywhere, and a small rabbit emerged from the wreckage, blinking in confusion before scampering away. Sonic landed gracefully on an upper platform.
"C'mon, step it up, guys," he taunted, a cocky grin on his face. "You gotta aim those things better!"
The remaining robots retaliated with a barrage of lasers. Sonic deftly zigzagged through them as he closed the distance. With another spin dash, he tore apart a second robot, freeing a little chipmunk that scurried off into the safety of the underbrush. Sonic then leaped into the air and landed on the final Egg Robo, which started to fly erratically, trying in vain to shake him off.
"Yee-haw!" Sonic exclaimed, riding the robot like a rodeo cowboy. He steered it toward a nearby rock wall.
Boom!
The last Egg Robo crashed into the rock wall and exploded, scattering parts everywhere. A small blue bird fluttered out, chirping gratefully at Sonic before flying away. "And that's a wrap!" Sonic declared, raising his arms triumphantly. "Better luck next time, Eggman!" He turned to leave, but a small, unfamiliar robot caught his eye—a yellow ball with stubby legs and a green cannon. The robot aimed at Sonic and fired.
"Whoa!" Sonic exclaimed, narrowly dodging the projectile. "Sheesh, almost got me." He eyed the robot curiously, his brow furrowed. "Huh, would you look at that, a brand-new robot. Doesn't really look too Eggman-y though... Eh, a robot is a robot." He dodged another shot and then spin-dashed into the machine, sending it flying. The robot exploded on impact, scattering debris.
"Alright, buddy, come out; you're free now," Sonic said expectantly, waiting for a small animal to emerge. But instead of a critter, a strange creature with a giant eye and wings appeared. Sonic stared at it, bewildered.
They stared at each other for a moment before the eye creature started flying away to unknown locations.
"Okay? I expected another little bird or something. Guess it's a local?" Sonic mused, scratching his head. As he watched the eye creature leave, behind him, a nearby rock began to move, revealing another creature—this one with a single eye and a shell made of rocks and spikes, supported by stubby white legs.
The rocky creature, sensing an opportunity, prepared to attack. But before it could make a move...
"Hey, watch out!" a voice called out from behind.
"Huh?"
In an instant, a red motorcycle zoomed into view, ridden by a green cat. She leaped off the bike, delivering a flurry of kicks that sent the rocky monster crashing into a platform. The creature broke apart, releasing another flying eye creature.
"Jeez, dude, you gotta pay attention. These Ganseki are no joke. Stubbed my toe on one of them, you know?" the catgirl remarked, her tone light and teasing.
Sonic took a moment to process the sudden rescue, then grinned. "Hey, thanks for the save," he said, giving her a nod of appreciation. "But gotta chat with you another time, need to speed further into the valley."
"To where the red ship crashed, yeah?" she responded, catching Sonic's attention. "My best friend just went to check if the pilot was okay."
"Well, can't leave her hanging, can we?" Sonic replied, smirking. "Name's Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog," he introduced himself with a confident gesture.
The green cat returned his smirk. "Carol the Wildcat, at your service." She hopped back onto her bike. "Think you can keep up, blue boy?" she challenged, revving the engine.
Sonic chuckled, his competitive spirit ignited. "Oh, can I?" he retorted, his legs already a blur as he took off running, Carol following closely behind on her motorcycle.
Shang Tu Island – Dragon Valley
Lilac raced through the valley, her feet barely touching the ground. Running had always been her escape, her joy. The sensation of wind rushing past her, the ground blurring beneath her—it was a feeling of freedom she relished. Dragon Valley was the perfect place for her to let loose.
As she passed through the lush forest, she fended off different robots in the area: the rock monsters, Ganseki; the little cannons, Turretus; and others like the red bugs with brown armor called Dragonfly or the red aquatic ones with a singular eye called Star Flounder. Who even comes up with these names? she wondered as she swiftly dispatched each robot.
Her focus sharpened as a scream pierced the air. Lilac propelled herself forward. She arrived to find a young fox fending off a swarm of unfamiliar robots. Blue hornets buzzed menacingly, firing at him, while red and blue ladybug-like bikes attempted to ram him. The fox spun rapidly, destroying some of the robots with a spin attack. But from the trees, an orange robotic monkey took aim, ready to throw a coconut bomb.
"Look out!" Lilac shouted, rushing toward the fox. She grabbed him just in time, pulling him out of the blast radius as the bomb exploded harmlessly behind them. She set the fox down gently, her eyes filled with concern. "Stay here, okay?" she instructed, her voice firm but kind.
The fox nodded, looking up at her with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. Lilac turned back to face the robots, her expression hardening. She charged another Dragon Boost, launching herself into the fray. The ladybug bikes shattered under her assault, and she leaped into the air, delivering a powerful uppercut with her hair to a hornet.
"Hey, watch out!" the fox yelled, pointing toward the trees. Lilac spun around to see the monkey winding up for another throw. She smiled confidently, waiting for the right moment.
As the bomb left the monkey's hand, Lilac shouted, "Cyclone!" She spun rapidly, her long twin tails whipping through the air. The bomb deflected off her hair, hurtling back toward the monkey. The robot's eyes widened in panic as the bomb exploded in its face.
"Buya!" Lilac exclaimed, her eyes shining with triumph. She turned back to the fox, concern replacing her earlier confidence. "Hey, are you okay?"
The fox nodded, brushing off his clothes. "Y-yeah, thanks. I couldn't believe these Badniks got the drop on me," he said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.
Badniks? Lilac thought, mentally noting the term. "No problem," she replied with a warm smile, then frowned slightly. "But what are you doing out here?" She glanced past him and noticed a red plane in the distance. As she watched, various robots disassembled, releasing small animals. Wait, were they inside?
"Oh, you see, I was landing the plane..." Huh, it's his? Lilac's curiosity piqued. "...So I could help my friend who witnessed the ship crash."
Lilac's eyes widened as she remembered the crash. "I almost forgot about the ship!" she exclaimed, turning to leave. "Sorry, but I'm in a hurry!"
"Wait, if you're going to the crash site, let me go with you," the fox insisted, stepping forward. His tails, which she now noticed were two, stood upright. "I might not look like it, but I can hold my own. Besides, my friend is also headed to the crash site."
Lilac paused, considering his words. After a moment, she nodded. "Alright, come along. Oh! Name's Lilac, by the way."
The fox grinned, his blue eyes shining with determination. "Miles Prower... but you can call me Tails," he introduced himself. "You know, 'cause of these." He gestured to his twin appendages.
Lilac blinked, taking in the sight of his two tails, then chuckled. "Hope you can keep up with me."
Tails nodded confidently, his tails beginning to spin. "Don't worry," he said with a smile. "Not the first time I'm following a speedster."
Lilac smiled back, impressed. Together, they dashed toward the crash site, eager to uncover the mystery of the downed ship.
Shang Tu Island – Dragon Valley, Deeper into the Forest
In a secluded part of the forest, a hissing voice crackled over an intercom device on Doctor Ivo Robotnik's wrist. "Tssshah! Your robots are nothing but junk! The duckling has managed to get rid of them in seconds! Tell me why I have to stay at this disgusting base while you are in charge of capturing the Chaser!" The voice was laced with frustration and disdain.
Robotnik glared at the device. "Hmph, because unlike you, snake," he spat back, his tone dripping with irritation, "I have an actual plan to capture him, as well as make sure Sonic doesn't interfere."
The screen on his wrist displayed the image of a lime-colored viper with magenta eyes. The snake wore a black helmet with gold markings and black armor with mechanical arms.
The viper's expression was one of disdain, his arms crossed. "Tch, Sonic this, Sonic that. What kind of trouble can a miserable hedgehog bring to Lord Brevon's plans?!" he hissed venomously.
Robotnik's eyes narrowed. "Just be quiet, Serpentine, and hold your position!" he snapped, clearly losing patience. "With my master plan, we will capture the Chaser and get rid of the rodent forever!" His eyes gleamed with a sinister determination.
"This better work," General Serpentine warned, his voice a low, threatening hiss. With a final glare, he ended the communication, leaving Robotnik to himself.
Robotnik, still seated in his EggMobile, rolled his eyes and muttered mockingly, "ThIs bEtTeR WoRk." He mimicked the snake's hissing voice with exaggerated disdain. "Ugh, no wonder I prefer working alone with my own robots," he grumbled.
He signaled with his hand, and a massive, elongated shadow began slithering forward, its form indistinguishable in the dim light. As the shadow advanced, the lights of a machine flickered on, illuminating its ominous form.
With a satisfied smirk, Robotnik activated the EggMobile's engine. The hum of machinery filled the air. "Time to put my plan into action," he said with anticipation. The EggMobile lifted off the ground, and Robotnik soared into the sky, his eyes locked onto the target displayed on his radar.