-Chapter 123-

Diving Deeper

Meropis

Kat and Cream followed after Echo, leaving the others to discuss things with Undina. As they neared Eusebes Shrine, Kat looked it up and down, finding its design to be quite similar to the ruins in the Stone Stormlands.

"Hang on…" she began, "I recognize these ruins. This is a Gaia Temple, isn't it?"

"To the best of my knowledge, no," Echo replied.

Cream tilted her head, confused. "Gaia Temple?"

"A temple to the Gaias, ancient beings of light and dark," Kat explained. "Maybe this shrine used to be one before it became... what did you call this place?"

"The Eusebes Shrine," Echo answered. "And we never saw anything to do with Light and Dark Gaia. Since Meropis' beginning, it's only ever served as the home and re-birthplace of Aquarius."

Drake chirped happily at the mention of his sister. Chuckles reached out and patted his back, as if to tell him to calm down. As they neared, they heard the sound of a gentle, soothing flute melody.

"Ah, we're just in time for Priestess Coral to perform the daily rites," Echo mused.

All three Chao perked at the sound of the song, the two flyers bobbing slightly as all three began harmonizing to it. The entire group followed the sound of the music, drawn to it like moths to a flame.

They entered the shrine, seeing an orange scaled female betta in a green dress and matching turban playing a flute-like object of energy, her eyes closed intently. Seated off to the side was an intimidating-looking shark, a little gray manta ray around Cream's age in an orange dress, and a green-and-black Chao with a spiky ball for a head pom-pom, all of them bobbing their heads to the music.

What really caught their attention, however, was an altar bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Knuckles Clan ruins in Soumerca and Angel Island. Seated on this altar was a Chao that bore resemblance to Drake, but pink skin where he had blue, long ears on her head, a halo in place of a pom-pom, and an orange seashell necklace. She harmonized with the melody, smiling

"That's Aquarius?" Cream asked quietly. "She looks like an angel."

"Took the words right out of my mouth, Cream," Kat agreed.

Both Chuckles and Cheese bowed before the angelic Chao as Drake flew towards her slowly. As the melody ended, Aquarius opened her eyes, seeing Drake. They were the exact same shade of blue as his own. She gave him an inquisitive chirp, rising off of the altar to greet him. He gave her a small chirp and a wave, then they both embraced.

"Awww…" Cream let out.

As the betta dismissed her flute, she turned to see them.

"Oh!" she let out. "Didn't see you there. Not often we get land-dwellers down here."

"Princess Undina brought them to help deal with our oil issue." Echo explained.

The betta perked. "Deena's back in town?"

"Indeed she is," Echo confirmed. "Really got into it with the King and Queen. I was afraid it was going to get messy for a moment."

"Well, welcome to the Eusebes Shrine," the betta greeted. "I'm Coral, the priestess."

She gestured to the little manta. "This is my apprentice, Pearly."

"Hi there!" Pearly waved.

"The shrine's self-appointed protector, Razor."

Razor gave a two-fingered salute. "Yo."

"And Razor's pet Chao, Crusher."

Crusher gave them a big grin, revealing a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth that caught them off-guard for a moment. Kat blinked.

"...You named your Chao Crusher?"

Razor shrugged. "It makes him feel important."

"Huh. Well, I'm Kat. This is Cream, and our Chao Chuckles and Cheese. That one is Drake."

Cream looked up at Razor, seemingly scared and intimidated by the big shark. He looked at her, before smiling and patting her head.

"Easy," he soothed. "I ain't gonna hurt ya. I just look scary."

"You should get a new face, Razor," Pearly teased. "You scare people."

"Very funny, squirt." Razor deadpanned.

"Tough exterior, heart of gold," Kat remarked, smiling slightly. "Good to know."

She looked over Crusher, taking in his coloration.

"Whoa, he looks cool," she said. "Another one of those weird adaptations you mentioned, Cream?"

"Kinda," Cream clarified. "A Chao's shape and color changes as they mature into one of five special types. Flying, Running, Swimming, Power, and Normal. Crusher's a Swim-type. And judging by the spiky ball, as well as his eyes and the black coloration, he's also a Dark Chao."

Coral smiled. "You've done your homework."

"My family protects a Chao Garden back home," Cream explained. "One of the biggest around."

"Yep. She's our resident Chao expert," Kat added, ruffling Cream's ears.

Drake chirped.

"And chosen priestess." Cream tacked on.

"And chosen priestess," Kat agreed.

Pearly looked at Drake and Aquarius.

"Coral, this one looks a lot like Aquarius," she noted. "Is he an Angel Chao too?"

"A Light Chaos, actually," Coral clarified. "Aquarius used to look just like that a few cycles ago."

"He's Chaos' son," Cream told them. "He laid Drake's egg himself."

"So he's Aquarius' brother," Coral realized. "As I live and breathe."

"Seems you're something special, kid," Razor mused. "Hope you're sticking around awhile. The girls here are seconds from going gaga."

Cream smiled before turning to Coral

"What was that song you were playing?" she asked. "It was really pretty."

"That was the Mystic Melody," Coral replied. "A magical technique connected to the positive mystical forces of Mobius. Aquarius taught the first Meropians the melody, and it's been included in the Eusebes rituals ever since."

"Can you teach me how to do it?" she Cream requested. "I don't know much about being a priestess, but the Melody seems important."

Coral thought it over before nodding.

"I don't see why not."

Cream cheered, Cheese doing the same. Kat smiled and found somewhere to get comfortable, Chuckles settling in her lap.

Meanwhile, outside the palace, Sonic and the others had sat down to discuss the situation with Undina.

"So… what's the plan?" Sonic asked.

"For now, we need to get a closer look at the Egg Carrier, figure out where the leak is," Rotor decided.

"Dismantling the thing and dealing with it is also a must," Knuckles pointed out. "We can't just leave it to spring another leak."

"Once we've dealt with the leak, then we can worry about cleanup," Sally said.

"The Egg Carrier's the size of an Empire City skyscraper," Undina remarked. "Just finding the leak is gonna be a chore."

"No one said it'd be easy," Tails pointed out.

"Maybe we can get some soldiers to help," Sally suggested. "Make the search easier."

"Provided Striker pulls that stick out of his-" Sonic began.

Their attention was suddenly grabbed by screaming. Everyone turned to see numerous torpedo-like pods shooting through the water, blasting through the bubble around the city and bursting open to reveal custom Badniks, including Swatbots and Troopers in gold armor similar to Commander Brutus'. One, a sizable E-100 model with light blue and gold plating, sizable spiked pistons on his arms, and the number 106 on his side, stood tall, regarding the people around them.

"Citizens of Meropis!" he declared. "The Robotnik Empire has arrived to lay claim to this kingdom! By order of Dr. Robotnik, surrender or die!"

Sonic stood up, walking toward them casually. "Mind if we choose neither?"

"Yeah," Knuckles agreed. "I think I'll take option three. Smash you into scrap!"

Sally powered on her Ring Blades, stepping in front of Undina.

"Priority One Hedgehog. I am E-106, codename Eta. Prepare to meet your doom."

He charged at Sonic, his arms giving off a pneumatic hiss as he pulled back. Sonic narrowly dodged as Eta swung, his spiked fist, propelled by the pistons, plowing deep into the wall.

"Hey, watch it!" Sonic shouted. "Haven't you bucket heads done enough damage as is?!"

Eta pulled his arm free, turning to look at Sonic.

"Primary target is Sonic the Hedgehog. Nothing else matters. If a building or two happens to be demolished in the process, so be it."

"Talk about a one track mind!" Rotor cried. "Sally, get Deena clear!"

Sally did so, and the fight wore on for a bit . Eta was incredibly resilient, enduring multiple attacks and continuing to go. Eventually, he plowed his fist spikes into the ground and began pumping his pistons, the ground around him beginning to shake and crack before suddenly he stopped, his optics flickering.

"Enough, Eta!" Robotnik's voice came. "I didn't send you here to destroy the city!"

All eyes turned to see a drone resembling a mix between the Egg Mobile and Bokkun's TV messages fly in, the image revealing Robotnik's face

"Eggman!" Sonic shouted. "Sheesh, do you ever take a break. We kicked you out of Studiopolis just two weeks ago!"

"My name is Ivo Robot-!" Robotnik cut himself off, sighing. "Oh, forget it."

He cleared his throat. "Believe it or not, I was taking a break. My forces came out here to the sunken Egg Carrier, hoping to salvage anything that survived. And then I discovered the... unfortunate predicament of Undina's kingdom."

"We're already dealing with enough because of you, Doctor!" Undina snapped.

"That's why I'm here, Princess," Robotnik replied. "I'm perfectly willing to clean up my mess and save your city and people from toxic shock. All you and your parents have to do... is swear your loyalty to the Robotnik Empire."

"Never!" Undina screamed. "I haven't forgotten how you treated me and so many others in your Egg Dungeon! My people will never bow to you!"

"Why do they always want to do it the hard way?" Robotnik muttered. "In any event, Princess, I'm not taking no for an answer. If your people won't bow to me voluntarily, I'll make them!"

"And how do you plan to do that, Eggman?" Knuckles shot back. "Last time I checked, your go to scheme for control isn't so foolproof anymore."

Robotnik grinned. "I've been exploring alternative means to build my Egg Army. And you're about to see the first success."

As if on cue, they heard footsteps. Several Meropians gasped at the sight of the figure that appeared. Undina went pale.

"Oh, Aurora… it's you!"

The figure was a Mobian orca with broad shoulders, a thick fin-like flap on each side of his head, and a cybernetic dorsal fin on top of his head. His eyes were green with black sclerae and he wore a mustard yellow and black uniform similar to Robotnik's own, along with silver wrist and ankle bands.

"Ah, Princess Undina," he greeted. "The last time I saw you, you were just a little fry. (1)"

"Akhlut…" Undina spat. "I should have known you'd throw your lot in with Robotnik. What have you done to yourself?"

"Nothing I didn't ask of him," Akhlut shot back.

Knuckles examined Akhlut's cybernetics, the pieces falling into place.

"You've been Legionized…" he realized. "That's why Eggatha captured Lien-Da back on the Isolated Island, isn't it?"

"Clever boy," Robotnik remarked. "Though I prefer the term Cyberization. Those who swear loyalty to me will be reborn with cybernetically-augmented bodies."

"And what exactly is this guy's story?" Sonic questioned.

"I was once part of the City Guard here, second only to Striker," Akhlut explained. "But Puff and Angelica didn't see things my way."

"Because you were a warmonger!" Undina shouted. "Addicted to the thrill of battle! That's why Mother and Father banished you!"

"They were weak willed and faint hearted," Akhlut retorted. "And you're no better, Princess. Meropis needs new leadership. Strong leadership not afraid to take what they deserve."

Undina shook her head. "You're insane."

"No, I simply miss the good old days. The roar of battle. The crack of metal and bone. Good, honest conquest."

"Wow…" Sonic deadpanned. "You really are insane."

"Oh please, Sonic," Akhlut scoffed. "The doctor told me all about you. We're not so different, you and I. We both understand what's best in life."

"And what, pray tell, is that?"

Akhlut grinned. "To crush your enemies! See them quiver before you! And hear the lamentations of their women!"

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? That's what you think of me? Forget borderline, you are insane."

"Then why are you here? Why do you constantly throw yourself into battle with so-called villains like the doctor? Why go out of your way to fight and destroy Badniks? I'll tell you why. You enjoy the violence and thrill of the fight. That's why!"

Sonic scowled. "You don't know anything about me, Akhlut, so don't pretend that you do!"

"Alright, enough with the monologuing!" Robotnik cut in. "Akhlut, just get on with the killing!"

Akhlut charged, grappling with Sonic.

"At last, a foe worthy of my might. Our battle will be legendary!"

"If you catch me first!" Sonic shot back.

"Care for some assist?" Knuckles asked.

"Yeah! Let's make sashimi out of this guy!"

They clashed, Akhlut soon forced on the defensive.

"Come now, Sonic," the orca went on. "There's a warrior within you. You don't need to deny it." "So what?!" Sonic snapped. "I don't fight for its own sake! I fight to help people! Protect them from monsters like you!"

"'Monster' is a relative term, boy," Akhlut retorted. "To a Flicky, a Bush Femur (2) is a monster. You and yours have just gotten used to being the Femur."

"Just shut up and eat fist!" Knuckles delivered a hard punch to Akhlut's face.

Akhlut pulled back, spitting out some blood. "It appears I'll need to take this elsewhere."

He took off toward the bubble shield, jumping out of it and into the surrounding sea. Sonic froze up at the sight.

"Oh, great…" he let out.

"We can't let him get away, Sonic," Knuckles insisted. "So suck it up and let's get that whale!"

Sonic clenched his fists, pulling out his bag and swapping out his normal sneakers for the Propeller Shoes. Making sure the Air Charm was still around his neck, he steeled himself.

"C'mon Sonic, you got this," he muttered. "Yougotthisyougotthisyougotthis…"

He jumped out of the barrier, Knuckles following as he fought the panic. Knuckles grabbed his arm, making him face the echidna.

"Air Charms, Sonic," he reminded him. "We can breathe."

"I'm well aware of that! Doesn't mean I like being twenty thousand leagues under the sea!"

"Then don't think about that," Knuckles said simply. "Let's focus on Akhlut. He's our target."

They turned to face Akhlut, who was casually performing a backstroke before getting up.

"Yes, the odds are fair," he mused. "Two on two."

Knuckles blinked. "Two?"

A metal tentacle suddenly grabbed his arm, yanking him back. Sonic turned to see the tentacle belonged to a sizable octopus-model Badnik with a blue head and red eyes.

"Keep the echidna busy, Octobot," Akhlut ordered. "I'll handle Sonic."

The bot didn't respond with words. Instead, its tentacles lashed out, grabbing for Knuckles and shooting for the ocean floor. Sonic watched them go down before turning to Akhlut, clicking his heels to activate the propellers.

"You want me? Come and get me!"

Akhlut smirked. "You may be the fastest thing alive, but you're out of your depth here. Even you can't defeat a killer whale in his natural element, Sonic!"

"Gonna try!" Sonic shot back.

He then shot forward, propellers launching him at speeds not quite as fast as his own, but still faster than normal. While he put up a good fight, in the end he was overwhelmed by Akhlut's aquatic superiority. He was sent flying back by an underwater tackle, the impact knocking off his Air Charm. Sonic's eyes widened, and he immediately began clutching his throat as his lungs began to burn.

"They say drowning is one of the worst possible ways to die," Akhlut mused with a cruel smirk. "It seems they're correct."

Within the city, Sally and Undina saw Sonic struggling, gaping in horror.

"Oh no!" Sally cried. "What do we do?!"

Undina was already running out, jumping into the water herself and darting straight for Sonic, who was beginning to turn purple from lack of oxygen. She reached him, grabbing him by the cheeks. Sonic had just enough time to register that when Undina, much to everyone's shock, pressed her lips to his. Sally's jaw dropped, and Sonic turned red in embarrassment before feeling a rush of air fill his lungs and bring him back from the brink. Once that was done, Undina swam down, retrieving his Air Charm and slipping it back around his neck.

"You…" Sonic stammered the second his ability to do so returned, "you just freaking kissed me!"

"It was CPR!" Undina insisted. "I was saving your life!"

"How pathetic!" Akhlut cut in. "The great Hero of Mobius needing a rescue!"

"So what if I needed rescuing?" Sonic shot back. "At least I have people willing to risk their lives to help me! You? All you have is your bloodlust!"

"It's all I need!"

It's at that moment something darted through the water, slamming into Akhlut.

"Really?" Rotor questioned as he came out of his attack. "Because it looks like you could use someone watching your back."

"Rotor!" Sonic called. "Get to Knuckles! He may be strong, but he's gonna need help against that Octobot!"

Rotor nodded before swimming down, seeing Knuckles facing Octobot. The echidna was struggling in its metallic grip, his punches not being as effective with the drag of the water. Rotor engaged the Drill Rush, pounding into Octobot and knocking him off. It loosened its grip on Knuckles, allowing him to swim free.

"Thanks Rote," he said gratefully.

"We need to get Akhlut back into the barrier," Rotor insisted. "Taking him on in his home turf won't work."

"With the bot nursing that dent, it shouldn't be too hard."

Indeed, Rotor's attack had left the bot flailing uselessly, its head badly dented and bent. This left the pair free to rejoin Undina and Sonic, who already had the same idea. They were swimming for the city as Akhlut looked Rotor over.

"So…" the orca sneered, "after all these years, the Walrus Herd continues to vex and defy me."

Rotor blinked. "Uh… do I know you?"

"No, but I know you. Sherman Walrus' boy."

Rotor stopped at that, the others turning to Undina.

"It's why Akhlut was banished from Meropis," Undina explained. "He gathered a group of like-minded soldiers in the guard and launched an unauthorized assault on Iceborough in Artika."

"An assault that nearly destroyed my home," Rotor recalled, scowling. "I lost my mother in that raid…"

He clenched his fists angrily. Before anyone could react, Rotor charged at Akhlut, tackling him before spinning around to maneuver him toward the city.

"Yikes!" Sally exclaimed, diving out of the way as they both came flying through the barrier.

Both landed hard, rolling on the ground before Rotor ended up on top of the orca. Sonic, Knuckles, and Undina came through not long after, the former quickly shaking himself free of water and spitting out more than a few mouthfuls.

"You heartless son of a-!" Rotor screamed before Akhlut kicked him off, standing up as the green gem on his dorsal fin began to glow.

"I'd prefer to break your body first, but shattering your mind works too!" he declared.

Green waves began to emit from the fin. Rotor clutched his head in pain, feeling as if his skull was being split in two while being simultaneously set on fire. As his nose began to bleed, Sonic charged at him. Akhlut whirled on him, grabbing his shoulders and focusing the waves entirely on him.

"I'll peel your mind apart bit by bit, Sonic!" he boasted. "Let's see you try to be a hero when you're reduced to a drooling mess!"

Sonic winced in pain before grabbing Akhlut's face.

"Get… out… of my…" he headbutted Akhlut with all his might, "head!"

Ahklut grimaced, releasing Sonic and stumbling back. Sally then struck, ring blades shining as she jumped up, slashing at the green gem. It cracked under the power of her blade, and the feedback caused Ahklut to scream in pain. The power faded and the orca's eyes rolled back in his head. He dropped to his knees, then face planted in the sand. Before they could move to apprehend him, he was ensnared in a tractor beam and pulled out of the city. They looked to see Robotnik's submarine being the source, Robotnik sighing through his camera drone.

"Let it never be said I didn't suffer for my occupation," he muttered.

"Only warning, Eggman," Sonic told him. "Get the hell outta these waters."

"Way ahead of you, Sonic," Robotnik smirked. "I don't want to be in the blast radius. Especially with all the oil in the water."

"What are you-" Knuckles' eyes widened in realization. "Oh shit…"

At that very moment, they heard a distant explosion. Robotnik cackled as his drone and sub retreated. Tails looked out to see metallic debris flying every which way.

"He self-destructed the Egg Carrier!" the fox cried.

"No…" Rotor gasped. "With all the pollution, this place'll go up like a Spagonian candle (3)!"

"Maybe not," Undina mused.

She suddenly grabbed at Sonic's jacket, yanking out his Warp Ring pouch.

"Whoa, hey!" Sonic shouted.

Ignoring him, Undina pulled one out, tossing it and opening a portal to the shrine.

"C'mon! There's no time to lose!"

She jumped through, the others following suit

At the shrine, Cream, Coral, and Pearly were all playing beautiful harmonies on ethereal flutes. The Chao were all cheering and clapping, Kat and Razor nodding along to the music. The music stopped when the Warp Ring opened, spitting Undina and the others out.

"Princess?!" Coral exclaimed. "What's going on?"

"Dr. Robotnik's detonated the Egg Carrier," Undina explained. "We need to reinforce the city's shield right away!"

"Oh dear…" Coral turned to her apprentice. "Pearly, I'll need your help. Cream, do you think you can lend aid as well?"

Cream nodded. "I'll try."

Drake and his sister were both floating to join the priestesses, chirping seriously.

"Count me in too." Undina was already summoning her own flute.

The four girls gathered in a circle, beginning to play a low melody. Both Drake and Aquarius began harmonizing with it, glowing brightly as they held hands, spinning in a slow circle between the four. The others looked on in awe, before the Power Rings dotting the shield began to glow along with them. The shimmering barrier seemed to thicken, becoming a solid dome that pulsated with pure Chaos Energy. The Egg Carrier debris impacted the shield, bouncing off before seeming to disintegrate. Even more amazingly, the waters around the shield began to brighten, waves of power purging it of pollutants and oil.

"Whoa…" Sonic let out.

When the song finally came to an end, the ocean looked clearer than ever before. The two Chao dropped out of the air, exhausted. Razor quickly caught them both, handing Aquarius to Coral and Drake to Kat. Undina dismissed her flute, sighing in relief.

"We did it," she managed.

Coral nodded, turning to Cream. "You're a natural with the Mystic Melody, Cream. Most Eusebes priestesses didn't learn it that fast."

"Maybe Chaos helped me," Cream theorized.

"Now that that's done…" Sally strolled over to Undina, grabbing her by one of her head fins like one would grab someone's ear.

"Ow, hey!" Undina yelped. "Hands off the merchandise!"

"Deena…" Sally began, "don't ever kiss Sonic again."

Kat blinked. "You kissed him?"

"His Air Charm was knocked off!" Undina insisted. "He was drowning! I was giving him air!"

"You kissed him!"

Her face was beet-red, something Kat quickly picked up on.

"Hang on," she began. "Sal… are you jealous?"

"W-what? Me?" Sally sputtered.

"You are!" Kat exclaimed. "You're jealous Deena took Sonic's first kiss!"

"That was your first kiss too?" Undina questioned.

Everyone's jaws dropped at that.

"You're kidding…" Knuckles managed. "Both Sonic and Deena had their first kiss... and it wasn't even a real kiss?!"

He snorted and then just began laughing. Undina blushed, while Sonic just sat down, rubbing his eyes in annoyance and embarrassment.

"Someone throw me back in the sea…" he grumbled.

Razor let out a small cough. "As... entertaining as this is, we should probably report that the oceans are clear."

Sally nodded. "Yes, of course."

The Freedom Fighters stood at attention before Puff and Angelica. Undina told her parents everything that had transpired, though she was smart enough to omit her kiss with Sonic.

"All of Meropis owes you a great debt." Puff said at last.

Sonic shrugged. "Just doing our duty, sir."

"Speaking of which, I've been thinking," Razor approached the throne, bowing. "Your Highness, Dr. Robotnik most likely won't give up threatening the city and the surrounding oceans. And with Akhlut at his side, he's that much more of a threat. So... I believe we should form our own Freedom Fighter group."

Everything blinked at that.

"To replace the City Guard?" Angelica questioned.

"Not at all," Razor clarified. "To back them up, deal with disturbances outside Meropis. We can't just expect Sonic's crew to solve our Robotnik problems all the time."

"Hmmm…" Puff mused. "The idea has merit. Perhaps having a force protecting the waters would be wise."

"Very well," Angelica decided. "The formation and upkeep of this group will fall to you Razor. I trust you will not fail in your duties."

"You can count on me, your Majesties."

With that done, Undina stepped forward herself.

"Mother, Father... with your permission, I'd like to return with Sonic and his friends to the surface. I want to see the world, get to know of cultures on land. That way, when I return, I can be Meropis' official ambassador to the outside world."

They thought it over before nodding.

"You have our blessing to do so, Undina," King Puff declared. "Just... try to keep in better contact with us."

"And with Robotnik on the prowl, we want you to take a bodyguard," Angelica insisted, giving a small wave.

On cue, Echo stepped forward, planting her spear on the ground.

"It is my honor to accompany you on your journey, Princess," she said.

Undina smiled, rushing forward and hugging Echo.

"Oh this is perfect!" she gushed. "You are going to love the surface! We'll have to get you something a bit less obvious once we get there. Oh! And an umbrella like mine! Or we could just share. Whatever works!"

She spun Echo around, grinning from ear to ear as the dolphin just hung limply in her grip, somewhat stunned.

Some time later, the group was back at the shrine, deciding to hang out for a bit and see the sights. Cream and Pearly were seated off to the side, discussing things.

"It's a bit embarrassing for me to admit, Cream, but... I'm kinda scared of Chao," the manta confessed.

Cream blinked. "Really?"

"It's mostly Dark Chao, like Crusher," Pearly confessed. "I can't help it. They're just... scary-looking."

Cream giggled.

"They may look scary, but they're just like any other Chao."

She pointed to Crusher, who was wrestling with Chuckles in the lagoon. Chuckles was chirping in a teasing manner, and while Crusher's chirps sounded more like mischievous cackles, it was clear they were both just having fun.

"See? Dark doesn't necessarily mean evil, Pearly."

Pearly looked them over, slowly relaxing. Chuckles managed to pin Crusher, sitting on his stomach as the Dark Chao flailed. After a moment, Crusher tapped the water three times and Chuckles hopped off.

"Chuckles, Crusher, come here a second?" Cream requested.

Both turned and nodded, approaching the pair. Cream picked up Crusher, holding him out to Pearly.

"Just pet him," she said. "You'll see."

Pearly slowly reached out, placing a hand on Crusher. When he didn't snap or try to bite her, instead leaning into the touch, Pearly managed a smile and began scratching the top of his head. He let out a low purr, curling up in her lap happily.

"Now that I think about it…" she began, "he is kinda cute."

Cream smiled, nodding. Meanwhile, Sonic was talking with Undina and the rest of his group.

"So Sonic, think you finally conquered your fear of water?" Tails asked.

"Honestly?" Sonic began. "No, and I don't really think I ever will. But that's not gonna stop me from doing my duty."

"Good to know," Knuckles remarked. "Sorry about that Sonic the Chicken jibe earlier."

"Eh, I've heard worse," Sonic shrugged.

Knuckles grinned mischievously. "So... maybe we should get out of here before the king and queen find out you stole Deena's first kiss."

A yelp and splash sounded, and everyone turned to see Sonic had "accidentally" pushed Knuckles out of the barrier and into open water.

"Oops," he said casually. "Clumsy me."

Everyone just laughed at the echidna's expense, a welcome relief after such a tense battle.

Author's Note:

(1): What they call a baby fish when it's big enough to feed itself.

(2): A type of Mobini wildcat featured in pre-reboot Archie.

(3): Roman candle.

Well, that's that. Robotnik's found ways to expand his forces without roboticizing, and Meropis is the future home of this fic's version of the Forty Fathom Freedom Fighters.

All new characters featured here (Akhlut, Octobot, etc.) are from Archie, pre and post-reboot.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Akhlut - Patrick Wilson (Ocean Master in the live-action Aquaman, Agent Lynch in the 2010 A-Team movie)

* Coral - Stephanie Young (Nico Robin from One Piece, Ren Seto from My Bride is a Mermaid, Towa from Dragon Ball Xenoverse)

* Razor - Troy Baker (Delsin Rowe from Infamous: Second Son, Greed II in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Abel Nightroad from Trinity Blood)

* Pearly - Hadley Gannaway (Young Anna in Frozen II, Betty from Final Fantasy VII Remake)

Please R&R. Until next time!