-Chapter 78-

Towering Troubles

Botanic Base

Around the time of the breakout, Metal and Eggatha were flying into the Newtrogic High Zone's airspace. They looked down to a sizable technological base on the island.

"Weird…" Eggatha mused. "This island's supposed to be deserted, isn't it?"

"It appears we're not the only ones after whatever this power source is," Metal said.

"Meaning we'll have competition," Eggatha realized. "Stay on your toes, Metal. This could get hairy."

They landed on the base, seeing the area abuzz with activity, the guards seemingly on high alert.

"All this ruckus…" Eggatha remarked. "Wanna bet the Freedom Fighters might be involved in all this?"

"The likelihood of their involvement is high," Metal agreed. "And equally high is Sonic's presence on this island."

"Easy, Metal," Eggatha warned. "Don't go running off. Remember the mission."

After a minute, Metal nodded.

"Very well," he conceded. "The mission is what matters. But if Sonic does happen to be here, and I just happen to find him…"

"Then yeah," Eggatha nodded. "He's Priority One, after all."

-X-

Several Dark Legionnaires stood guard at the entrance. They stiffened to see Metal casually strolling up to the entrance, Eggatha's hand in his.

"Hi!" Eggatha greeted politely. "Don't mind us, we're just passing through."

"Out of our way," Metal ordered.

The Legionnaires exchanged confused looks before turning back to them.

"This island is under the jurisdiction of the Dark Legion, and you two are trespassing," one of them spat. "Leave here now and live, or pay the price."

"Dark Legion?" Eggatha asked. "I've never heard of you."

"I have no recollection of your organization in my database," Metal said. "Clearly you are of no consequence. Now move before I make you."

"You dare challenge our power?" the second Legionnaire demanded.

"Yes, I dare," Metal replied bluntly.

He let go of Eggatha's hand and she stepped back with a malicious grin on her face.

"You're gonna get it…" she said in a singsong voice.

The first Legionnaire drew a hi-tech sword, swinging it at Metal, who casually caught it between two fingers.

"Nice knife," the robo-hedgehog noted.

He then launched himself forward, grabbing the Legionnaire by the throat and slamming him into the wall. The other tried to attack him from behind, only to get a casual backhand, Metal not even bothering to turn around.

"Now I have some questions for you," the bot sneered. "Your base is on high alert. Is it because of a blue hedgehog that looks like me?"

"And why should we tell you?" the trapped Legionnaire spat.

"Because I could snap your neck in an instant."

"Do that," the second Legionnaire warned from behind the bot, "and the brat gets it."

"METAL!" Eggatha screamed.

Metal turned in an instant, seeing the Legionnaire holding Eggatha up by the back of her dress, a sword aimed at her neck.

"I'm warning you," Metal began calmly, "you do not want to do that."

"Release my companion and surrender," the Legionnaire told him. "Or else…"

Metal dropped the first Legionnaire before suddenly darting at the second one. The next thing they knew, Metal was right behind him. Metal took the sword and yanked it out of the second one's hand, crushing it in his grip before snatching Eggatha back. She clung to him, one hand on her neck.

"Are you damaged?" he asked.

"It's nothing bad," Eggatha assured. "Just a little cut."

Sure enough, there was a small cut on her neck, nowhere dangerous and not even deep. But it was enough for Metal's eyes to turn completely red. He grabbed the second Legionnaire by the collar, yanking him up.

"You. Hurt. Agatha," he spat in a deadly calm voice.

The second Legionnaire attempted to lash out with a mechanical arm. Metal caught it, metal claws digging into the mechanical limb.

"Congratulations," the robo-hedgehog told him. "You die first."

"Metal!" Eggatha cried. "Have him take us to his leader first! Then kill him as a show of force. More impact."

Metal turned to her, nodding before setting him down.

"You heard the girl. Start walking,"

The Legionnaire nodded and began leading them along.

"I will admit, I expected you to tell me not to hurt him," Metal confessed to Eggatha.

"Why?" Eggatha asked. "He hurt me. He needs to pay."

If Metal had a mouth, he'd be smiling.

Techno Tower

The Legionnaire led them to the top of the Techno Tower. There, in a throne room, sat the leader of the Dark Legion. They were a cloaked figure with a mechanical eye and a bulky mechanical claw. One look at the red fur and familiar physique identified him as an Echidna.

"An Echidna, eh?" Metal removed the Legionnaire's cloak, revealing him as one as well. "So it seems the entire Dark Legion are Echidnas. Aren't you a little far from Angel Island?"

"Do not dare compare us to those weak-minded sellouts," the leader spat. "We of the Dark Legion are the true Echidna. We embrace the technology of our ancestors, whereas the Angel Islanders fear it."

"I don't care," Metal said bluntly.

The leader glared at the Legionnaire, who bowed before him.

"Grandmaster Kragok, forgive me," he pleaded. "They were too strong. We couldn't-"

He was cut off when Metal grabbed him in a headlock.

"This insect hurt my companion," Metal cut off. "So I came to do this."

With one quick twist, Metal snapped the Legionnaire's neck. He then dropped the body, facing Kragok. "I assume I have your attention."

"You do," Kragok confirmed. "And who, pray tell, are you two?"

"Agatha Robotnik of the Robotnik Empire," Eggatha replied. "My mechanical friend here is Metal Sonic."

"Robotnik…" Kragok mused before perking. "Yes, I've heard of him. He's become quite a terror on Mobius in recent times. And what is your relationship to him?"

"I'm his niece, and Metal is his personal creation," Eggatha explained. "A favorite he has honed over the past few months."

"And now, on to my most important question," Metal piped up. "Is a blue hedgehog by the name of Sonic causing your operation enough of a stir that you're on such tight security?"

"Ah yes, the Hero of Mobius we've heard so much about," Kragok recalled. "Why do you ask?"

"Because Sonic is mine to defeat," Metal declared. "When he dies, it will be by my hand, and my hand alone. And I will not allow anyone to take that chance away from me."

"I don't much care for what you allow," Kragok replied, "but there have been no hedgehogs on this island. Aside from yourself, that is."

"So Sonic isn't here…" Metal visibly deflated.

"No, merely a lowly Islander, his human pet, and a handful of lesser beings," Kragok replied.

Eggatha thought it over. "Would this Islander happen to be an Echidna like you? Fully organic, with big meaty fists that have spikes on the knuckles?"

"Indeed," Kragok leaned forward, his mechanical eye glinting. "Pray tell, how are you familiar with our greatest foe? Are you in league with him?"

"No," Eggatha told him. "He and his so-called 'human pet' are Knuckles and Kat. They're part of Sonic's Freedom Fighter group."

"And what are the others with them?" Metal asked.

"Why should I care about-?" Kragok began.

"Answer the question!" Metal snapped. "What. Are they?!"

At his tone, Kragok gave in. "A variety of Mobians. There was a crocodile, a chameleon, a bee, a flying squirrel, and an armadillo."

"Yeah, I don't remember any of those being on the team," Eggatha mused.

"Indeed not," Metal agreed. "It seems Sonic is not involved in this."

Eggatha looked between Metal and Kragok, getting an idea.

"Maybe we could help each other out," she offered. "As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"And what do you have to offer?" Kragok asked.

"Resources," Eggatha answered. "Knowledge of current events. Ooh! And the location of Angel Island. Uncle crashed there once. He even stole their Master Emerald for a bit."

Kragok's interest peaked. He thought it over. "I'll admit the idea has merit."

"Agatha, why would you propose an alliance with them?" Metal asked.

"Because if you bring an army back to Uncle Ivo, you'll regain his support," Eggatha pointed out. "And their tech does look pretty interesting from a distance. Not to mention, they can help us with the power source."

"Sound reasoning," Metal agreed.

"Very well," Kragok conceded at last. "I see no reason to decline your offer. Help us destroy this Knuckles and his friends, and you have a deal."

"Consider it done," Metal nodded.

With that, he and Eggatha walked out as Kragok looked down at the dead Legionnaire.

"And someone dispose of that," he ordered.

-X-

Meanwhile, Knuckles, Kat, and the Chaotix had made it to the outside of the Techno Tower, and were now surveying the structure. It was a creepy tower that looked like something straight out of a horror movie, bearing a skull-like motif (1). They all looked up at it, Charmy hiding behind Vector.

"Scary…" the little bee let out.

"More like trying too hard," Ray clarified.

"Well…" Espio began, "nowhere to go but up."

"Problem," Kat cut in. "I don't see a door."

"From the looks of it, the only way in I can see is through those skull-windows up top," Knuckles mused.

They thought for a moment or two before Knuckles got an idea. "Kat, fastball."

Kat nodded and grabbed Knuckles, throwing him as hard as she could up the side of the tower. Knuckles came close, but fell a bit short, using his fist spikes to stick to the wall outside. With that, he yanked his Linked arm, slingshotting Kat up and into the window above, the girl letting out a scream as she flew in.

"Wahoo!" she let out as she slipped in, slinging Knuckles inside.

"Impressive," Espio remarked.

"Well, if she can do it…" Vector began.

Before anyone could react, Vector snatched up Espio and Charmy in his jaws. He reeled back, spitting them out with considerable force at the window. Kat leaned out, grabbing Espio's hand.

"Gotcha!" she managed before yanking as hard as she could and hitting the deck, covering Espio and Knuckles under her as Vector was slung in.

"Vector, not that I'm complaining, but could you give us a little warning next time?" Charmy asked.

"Sorry about that," Vector replied, picking himself up. "My hands were literally tied."

"What about Mighty and-?" Knuckles was cut off when Ray came flying through the window.

"Hit the deck!" he shouted.

Everyone did so as Mighty was slung inside.

"Who would've thought that these Link Rings would come in handy?" the armadillo asked.

"It did make getting up here easy," Knuckles agreed. "Now to find what we came here for."

As they began looking around, Espio made some small talk with Kat.

"So, given you speak Chun-ese, I assume you're from Yurashia," he suggested.

"That I am," Kat confirmed. "And you're from the Shinobi Clan. I recognize the crest on your uniform."

Espio nodded, impressed. "You've done your homework."

"I was a very exploratory kid," Kat explained.

"I see," Espio nodded. "I don't mean to pry, but you're from the Chun-nan village that Dr. Robotnik attacked nearly a year ago, right?"

"Yep," Kat confirmed. "Guess there's at least one competent member of your team."

"Don't let their loudness and eccentricities fool you," Espio assured. "Vector is the brains behind our investigations. They haven't made a case he hasn't managed to solve."

Kat raised an eyebrow at that. "I'll believe that when I see it."

"Hey, shut up," Knuckles told her. "We're trying to sneak in."

They kept going, now lowering their voices.

"And Charmy?" Kat asked.

"He's pretty scatterbrained, but he's good at tracking," Espio replied. "Besides, we can't in good conscience leave him to his own devices."

"I write him off as a charity case during tax season," Vector added.

They kept going on, until a feminine voice reached their ears from the shadows.

"I should've known Julie-Su would fail miserably at keeping you all contained. Why my brother insists on keeping her around, I'll never know."

Everyone froze, turning towards the source of the voice.

"Show yourself!" Mighty ordered.

The figure emerged from the darkness, revealing itself to be a female Echidna with red fur and blue eyes. Rather than a hooded black cloak, she was dawned in a black leather catsuit with knee-high matching boots, a whip resting on her belt. Like Julie-Su, her left foremost dreadlock was fully cybernetic.

"And you are?" Espio asked.

"Why, I'm the Kommissar of the Dark Legion," the Echidna did a sweeping bow. "Lien-Da, at your service."

"Nice to meet you," Knuckles said casually. "Now get these things off us and tell us where your Mechanauts are."

Lien-Da raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem to realize the trouble that you're in, Islander."

"And you don't seem to know who you're messing with!" Vector declared. "We're Team Chaotix, Knuckles, and Kat!"

"You say that as if you believe I honestly care," Lien-Da brandished her whip. "I assure you, peons, once we harness the power at work on this island, not even the triumphant hero Sonic will be able to stop us. Mobius will soon be ours!"

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Knuckles shouted.

Lien-Da cracked her whip, narrowly missing them.

"Big girl with a big whip," Kat scoffed. "I'm not scared of you!"

"Then you'll die braver than most," Lien-Da shot back.

The group attacked at that. Vector spun around, swinging Espio and Charmy so they could kick and sting. Mighty just lashed out with haymakers with all his strength while Ray clung to his back, occasionally jumping out in attempted Spin Attacks. Knuckles and Kat worked in unison, slinging one another at the vile echidna. Lien-Da jumped and dodged the attacks, occasionally snapping her whip at the heroes.

"You say even Sonic won't be able to stop you?" Charmy taunted. "Ha! He eats bad guys like you for breakfast! He flosses his teeth with the bosses, combs his quills with every goon in their organizations, and then he uses them as toilet paper!"

"Dude, gross!" Ray objected.

"Okay, I'm exaggerating," Charmy admitted. "But only a little. That's the funny part."

"Are you done with the feeble banter portion of the fight yet?" Lien-Da asked.

"Depends," Kat replied. "You done fighting when you're completely outnumbered?"

"Quality versus quantity!" Lien-Da snapped.

While Lien-Da did hold her own for a while, in the end, it was seven against one, and she ultimately went down. She pulled herself to one knee, exhausted and scowling.

"You got lucky!" the evil Echidna shouted. "That's all!"

"Yeah, right," Vector retorted. "Now tell us where the Mega-Knots are!"

"Mechanauts," Knuckles corrected.

Vector shrugged. "Whatever."

"Now why would I do that?" Lien-Da asked.

"Because the sooner you do, the sooner you can get that little ding on your dreadlock buffed out," Espio answered.

"What?" Lien-Da said flatly.

A kunai knife came flying in, embedding itself in Lien-Da's cybernetic dreadlock and bringing sparks as Espio lowered his hand. Kat whistled.

"Nice aim," she remarked. "Where'd you even have that?"

"Like I said, ninja have their ways," Espio drew another kunai. "Now, you can either tell us where the Mechanauts are, or…"

"Or nothing."

Knuckles and Kat perked, recognizing the new voice.

"No…" Knuckles let out. "Not him!"

"Metal!" Kat exclaimed.

Sure enough, Metal Sonic flew in, landing between them and Lien-Da.

"Eggman's here too?!" Knuckles demanded. "The Legion's working for him?!"

"Of course not," Lien-Da retorted, slowly getting up. "We're working with him."

"Lady, you're deluding yourself with that kind of thinking," Mighty told her. "You work for Eggman. Not with him."

"Through Dr. Robotnik, we have access to new resources, updates on how Mobius has changed since we've been gone," Lien-Da went on. "And soon, he will be working for us."

"He allows you certain freedoms, but more on that later," Metal said simply.

"You're in for a big surprise, Lien-Da," Knuckles remarked. "Eggman doesn't play nicely with others. And he sure as hell won't appreciate any other wannabe conquerors muscling in on his racket."

"My guess, they get roboticized," Kat theorized.

Knuckles nodded. "Probably. If they're lucky."

Lien-Da turned away, a hand on her side as she winced. "I'll leave this riffraff to you, Metal Sonic. You know how to deal with them better than me, anyway."

With that, she hurried away.

"Chicken!" Charmy called after her, blowing a raspberry.

Metal turned to face the group at that, crossing his arms. "I was so hoping Sonic would be here for me to finally destroy him. But you'll do."

"You will find we're plenty of competition for you, automaton," Espio shot back.

"We'll see," Metal looked at Knuckles and Kat; if he had a mouth, he'd be smirking evilly. "I can't wait to see the look of horror on Sonic's face when I dump your charred remains at his feet."

"Just try it, scrap heap," Knuckles shot back.

Metal began sparking with electricity, curling into a Spin Dash before charging at them. They all rushed to attack, attempting to use the slinging effects to their advantage. Sadly, Metal was just too fast for them to get a bead on him for long.

"Fools," Metal scoffed. "I'm Sonic's equal in speed, remember? You can try all you want, but all the power on Mobius makes no difference if you can't catch me!"

"Damn it!" Vector cursed. "We can't lay a finger on this thing! How are we supposed to beat him?!"

Espio looked around, eventually seeing a group of power cables that had been exposed during the earlier fight with Lien-Da. He got Kat's attention, and she nodded.

"You may have Sonic's speed, but not a shred of his style!" she taunted. "Face it, Metal! Sonic is ten times the hedgehog your tin plate will ever be!"

Outraged, Metal launched himself at her, and Knuckles used the Link Rings to sling her to safety. Unable to stop in time, Metal flew right into the cables. His entire body went up in sparks as he was overloaded. He dropped to the ground, twitching a bit.

"Well, he definitely got the shock of his life!" Charmy quipped, shrugging at the others' looks. "Hey, I don't see any of you coming up with post-battle one-liners."

"That's not gonna keep him down for long," Knuckles pointed out. "Let's find the Mechanauts fast."

They hurried along. Charmy stopped short as he heard typing in a nearby room, and looked to see Eggatha in a computer room hard at work. He motioned for them to come over, and seeing an opportunity, Knuckles and Kat entered.

"Eggatha," Knuckles greeted. "We need to talk."

Eggatha turned, seeing them there. "Oh, it's you guys."

The two Freedom Fighter members approached her, stern faces on both of them. Kat leaned in threateningly, before lowering her voice so that only the three of them could hear.

"Play along," she whispered. "The croc's an idiot who can't keep a secret to save his scaly ass."

Eggatha nodded, and with that, Kat grabbed her collar.

"Alright, you little rotten egg," she began, "Tell us what's going on here."

"Okay, okay!" Eggatha pleaded. "Just don't hurt me!"

"Talk," Knuckles ordered.

"Alright," Eggatha nodded. "First, my uncle sent me and Metal here to investigate the power source he detected. Imagine our surprise to find out it was coming from a Lake of Rings on the island."

"Yeah yeah, we know," Vector nodded. "Ellidy told us already. Get to the part we don't know."

"From what I've been able to gather, the Isolated Island seems to have some sort of connection to the ancient Echidnas," Eggatha went on. "My research has turned up all manner of ruins and relics resembling those Uncle Ivo found on Angel Island when the Death Egg crashed there. And get this: this island seems naturally attuned to the Chaos Force itself."

"It adds up," Espio mused. "Dr. Ellidy did say the Red Star Rings are brought forth when a Lake of Rings is under the direct influence of the Chaos Emeralds."

"Anything else?" Kat asked.

"Yes," Eggatha replied. "The Dark Legion has been using Dr. Ellidy's research to create their own artificial Power Rings to power their Mechanaut army."

She pressed a few buttons, bringing up an image of what looked like a Power Ring, but a dull reddish-brown rather than the golden of the others. "They call them Dark Rings."

Everyone looked in shock.

"That can't be good," Knuckles let out.

"This research also gave rise to the Link Rings you guys are wearing," Eggatha added. "Basically, they're modified Power Rings that project the energy within and link them together."

"Any chance you can get them off of us?" Charmy asked.

"I would if I could," Eggatha answered.

Charmy sighed. "Well, it was worth a shot."

"Then at least tell us where the Mechanauts are being prepared," Knuckles requested.

"There's a whole mess of robots in the basement," Eggatha replied. "Are those what you're looking for?"

"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say yes," Vector remarked.

"I told you everything I know," Eggatha insisted. "Please... Don't hurt me."

"Consider yourself lucky, squirt," Vector told her. "I don't hurt kids. Even if they are working for lunatics like Dr. Robotnik."

Kat looked around and eventually found a fresh set of Link Rings. She grinned, then locked one on Eggatha's wrist before dragging her over to Metal.

"Tethering me to Metal, I see," Eggatha remarked, resigned.

"Gives us an edge next time," Kat replied. "And makes sure you stay put for a while. After all, he's fried, and you're not as strong as me."

She clamped the other ring around Metal's wrist.

"Get comfy, kid," Knuckles told her. "You'll be stuck for awhile."

With that, Team Chaotix hurried away. Knuckles and Kat lingered just long enough to turn back to Eggatha.

"Don't worry," Knuckles assured her. "Once we find out how to get these things off, we'll come back for you."

"Don't worry yourself," Eggatha answered. "I'm curious to see if I can crack this thing. Now go, hurry."

They nodded before following the Chaotix.

-X-

The group hurried down to the basement, seeing numerous robots being manufactured. Entire platoons of tall, silver bots were lined up in rows. They had helmets that resembled knights' armor with red each one went down a conveyor belt, a nearby machine was spitting out the Dark Rings Eggatha showed them, which were then plugged into the robots' cores.

"Those are the Dark Rings…" Mighty realized.

"Ugh…" Knuckles cringed. "Just being near them makes me feel all kinds of wrong."

"So, I'd say our first step is smashing the Dark Ring machine," Ray declared.

"One problem," Vector piped up. "There's a mess of bots between us and it."

Kat just scoffed, cracking her knuckles.

"That's not a problem," she boasted. "That's stress relief."

"We'll draw the bots away," Knuckles said. "The Legion hate me the most anyway."

"Got it," Espio nodded. "And we'll destroy the machine."

With that, Knuckles and Kat jumped down, landing on one Mechanaut and smashing it to get the others' attention.

"Hey! Over here!" Knuckles shouted.

"Angel Islanders at 12 o'clock!" Kat yelled.

The Mechanauts' eyes all turned bright red before they began marching after them en masse. Knuckles and Kat immediately took off running. As the bots gave chase to the two islanders, Team Chaotix slipped along the wall towards the first machine. Charmy popped out his stinger, plunging it into the control panel with all his might. He got zapped by all the power in the machine, but it did the trick. Mighty plunged his fist into the second one, yanking out several wires. Mighty plunged his fist into the second one, yanking out several wires. The basement was carnage as the group smashed to their heart's content.

-X-

Meanwhile, Eggatha was still fiddling with her Link Ring when she heard a whirring noise. She turned to see one of Metal Sonic's arms moving, his other following suit before his legs tucked under and he raised himself up. His head shot upwards, lines of data codes and Robotnik's insignia scrolling over his eyes before they became red again, and he shook his head to clear it.

"Auto-recovery complete. Reinitializing…" he looked around before scowling. "Now even the Echidna is making a monkey out of me."

"Metal!" Eggatha exclaimed. "You're online!"

He looked down at her, seeing her fiddling with the Link Ring and a rock.

"So they tethered you to me," he realized.

"Yep," Eggatha confirmed. "They forced me to tell them everything, then tethered me to you so I'd be stuck and you'd be weighed down. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to get these things off."

"Those rats…" Metal clenched his fist. "It seems we'll have to speed up our endgame, Agatha."

"Taking the Red Star Ring?" Eggatha asked.

"Exactly," Metal prepared to run, but stopped, looking at the tether on him. He then scooped Eggatha up, which was awkward due to their connection. "Let's pay Dr. Ellidy a visit."

-X-

Elsewhere, Knuckles and Kat were giving the Mechanauts a literal run for their money.

"I can't believe you were scared of these things!" Kat exclaimed.

"They were more dangerous when I was little," Knuckles said simply.

"Wonder what happened?" Kat pondered.

"My guess? We've been desensitized by Eggman and all his bots."

Finally, the two stopped. Exchanging a nod, Knuckles and Kat pulled away as far as the Link Ring would allow, stretching the energy tether between them. One Mechanaut ran into the tether and was slung back into its comrades. The two then came flying back at each other, using the momentum to smash two more bots. The bots kept coming, but while they were plentiful, Knuckles and Kat's skill, cooperation, and experience won out.

"Never stood a chance," Knuckles bragged, the two high fiving.

"Let's get back to the Chaotix," Kat insisted.

The two rushed off, leaving the ruined bots in their wake

Botanic Base

Meanwhile, Ellidy was going about his business in his lab when the door was suddenly hit with a loud smash. His whirled around to see the door knocked off its hinges, Metal's raised fist in the air where it was. Ellidy gasped as Metal came in, holding Eggatha's tethered hand in his.

"I'm here for the Red Star Ring, old man," Metal told him.

"What?!" Ellidy shrieked. "Absolutely not. I won't hand it…"

His eyes fell on Eggatha, and he went pale.

"That wasn't a request," Metal spat.

"Alright, alright," Ellidy gave in. "Just… don't hurt that child."

Metal's processor stalled for a moment. Eggatha got it first, leaning in as Ellidy turned to the container.

"He must think I'm a hostage," she whispered.

"I see."

Metal arranged his hand so he was holding Eggatha's wrist rather than her hand, just as Ellidy returned with the Red Star Ring in hand.

"W-what are you going to do with it?" he asked.

"It'll take more time to explain than you have left," Metal snatched the ring. "You've been very helpful."

With that, they departed the lab. Once they were safely out, at Metal's urging, Eggatha pressed a few buttons, opening up a panel in Metal's chest to reveal his power core, a Power Gem from Westside Island's Hidden Palace.

"Alright…" Eggatha sighed. "I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous being attached to you when I put this in."

"No harm will come to you, Agatha," Metal assured. "You have my word."

Eggatha nodded, inserting the Red Star Ring into his core and closing it shut. Almost immediately, Metal felt the power flow through him, and began laughing as his body began to expand.

"Power…" he managed. "Unlimited power! The Echidna's days are numbered! And Sonic is next!"

Author's Note:

(1): Based on the design of Enerjak's Dark Tower from the Archie Comics.

The plot thickens, and we see some of Eggatha's hidden dark side. She's nice to Sonic and co. because they're nice to her. Since the Dark Legionnaire hurt her, he gets no mercy.

Next chapter, Knuckles and the Chaotix are forced to deal with the powered-up Metal Sonic. Can they survive?

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Lien-Da - Grey DeLisle (Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo, Sam Manson from Danny Phantom)

* Kragok - John DiMaggio (Dr. Drakken from Kim Possible, Bender from Futurama, the Scotsman from Samurai Jack)

Please R&R. Until next time