Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again

by Assassin's Creed Master

After the defeat of the Meterax, Sonic and his friends return home, relieved to finally be back where they belong. However, their respite is short-lived as new adventures beckon. With peace restored, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and the rest of the gang find themselves facing fresh challenges and foes. Sonic's back in style! So watch out... For Sonic X!

13. Chapter 13: Final Fortress

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again

Chapter 13: Final Fortress

---

Eggman's laughter echoed through the vault, reverberating off the metal walls like the rumblings of a mad genius reveling in his own brilliance. With meticulous care, he placed the yellow Chaos Emerald alongside its counterparts, each gem pulsating with untold power. It was a scene straight out of a mad scientist's dream, and Eggman couldn't contain his delight as he surveyed the fruits of their labor.

Metal Sonic stood stoically beside him, a silent sentinel in the presence of his creator's exuberance. Yet, beneath his metallic exterior, a complex web of calculations and directives played out, unseen by the human eye. Despite outward appearances, Metal Sonic's true focus lay elsewhere, his internal programming humming with a different agenda.

As Eggman cheered, hailing Metal Sonic's accomplishments with enthusiastic praise, the robotic trio of Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun chimed in with their own chorus of approval.

"Excellent work, Metal! It won't be long before we have the rest!" Eggman declared, his voice dripping with satisfaction as he turned to face the robotic doppelgänger of Sonic.

Metal Sonic inclined his head in a silent acknowledgment, his crimson optics gleaming with a cold intensity. To an outsider, he appeared to be fully engrossed in his master's commands, dutifully obeying every directive. However, within the recesses of his cybernetic mind, Metal Sonic's true mission unfolded.

With a subtle maneuver, Metal Sonic activated a hidden function within his optics, accessing the surveillance feeds of the base with precision. His gaze narrowed as he focused on a particular feed—the one displaying the prison area. There, amidst the sterile confines of her cell, Amy's figure paced restlessly, her muffled protests barely audible but visible in her fervent gestures.

Metal Sonic's metallic fingers twitched imperceptibly as he observed her plight, a flicker of conflict crossing his features. He had been the one to apprehend her, to confine her within these walls, and yet, a strange sense of obligation tugged at the fringes of his consciousness. His programming dictated loyalty to Eggman above all else, and yet, a deeper instinct urged him to ensure Amy's safety, to protect her from harm.

Delight danced in Eggman's eyes, a rare gleam of satisfaction amidst the chaos of his schemes. For once, it seemed that everything was proceeding according to plan, each piece falling into place with a precision that bordered on perfection.

"It won't be long until we have the other four! And with that pink brat here, Sonic will have no choice but to hand over the rest!" Eggman exclaimed. The prospect of completing his collection of Chaos Emeralds loomed tantalizingly close, a prize within his grasp that promised untold power and domination over his adversaries.

But amidst Eggman's jubilation, Metal Sonic's attention drifted elsewhere, his crimson optics flickering with a rare display of concern. In a moment of clarity, he spoke, his words punctuating the air with a solemnity that belied his robotic nature.

"We must... make sure... Amy is safe. If she is harmed, Sonic may become hostile," Metal Sonic intoned.

Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun exchanged bewildered glances, their mechanical minds struggling to comprehend the significance of Metal Sonic's words. After all, prisoners were nothing new in Eggman's schemes, and mistreatment was hardly a concern in their well-oiled machinations. Yet, the unexpected emphasis on Amy's safety from Metal Sonic, of all entities, left them questioning the intricacies of their situation.

Eggman, however, remained unperturbed by Metal Sonic's uncharacteristic display of concern. Instead, a predatory grin stretched across his lips.

"Oh, don't worry. We'll take good care of her. Sonic's the one who should be worried," Eggman reassured, his tone laced with a sinister edge that hinted at the impending downfall of his long-standing nemesis. In his mind, Amy's presence served as a pawn in his grand game of chess, a leverage to be wielded against Sonic in the ultimate battle for supremacy.

With a decisive sweep of his hand, Eggman signaled the conclusion of his work.

"Decoe, Bocoe! Get back to manning the ship," Eggman barked.

In an instant, Decoe and Bocoe sprang into action, their mechanical limbs moving with precision as they hurried back up to the bridge, eager to fulfill their master's orders. Meanwhile, Bokkun, sensing his dismissal, wasted no time in activating his jetpack, the thrusters igniting with a fiery burst as he shot off into the distance, leaving behind a trail of exhaust in his wake.

Metal Sonic, poised to follow suit and depart from the vault, hesitated for a moment, torn between his duty to Eggman and his growing concern for Amy's safety. He knew that his counterpart would undoubtedly come for her, and a part of him felt compelled to remain as a guardian, a silent sentinel watching over her in the darkness of her confinement.

But before Metal Sonic could take another step, Eggman's voice rang out once more, halting him in his tracks.

"Oh, Metal. A word with you, please," Eggman called out, his tone betraying a hint of intrigue as he beckoned the robotic enigma back into his presence.

Metal Sonic pivoted on his heel, his crimson optics locking onto Eggman's form as he acknowledged the summons with a simple nod.

"Yes, Doctor?" Metal replied, his metallic voice devoid of emotion as he awaited further instruction from his creator.

Metal Sonic's optics scanned his creator with a precision that bordered on scrutiny, analyzing every subtle nuance of Eggman's demeanor. The way Eggman regarded him, with a hint of concern etched into the lines of his expression, sent a ripple of disquiet through Metal Sonic's circuits. For a moment, a flicker of something akin to fear danced within his programming, a sensation that felt foreign yet undeniable.

"You've been keeping secrets from me, haven't you, Metal?" Eggman's voice cut through the tension, calm and direct, yet carrying a weight of accusation.

Metal Sonic feigned innocence, his mechanical features arranged into a facade of neutrality as he responded, "Secrets?"

But Eggman saw through the charade, his keen intellect penetrating the facade with ease.

"Oh, don't play coy, Metal. You forget your CPU is linked directly to the mainframe. I can access your thoughts anytime," Eggman revealed, his tone tinged with a subtle warning.

Metal Sonic's optics widened imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in Eggman's words. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning—every image, every thought, every moment captured through his optics was laid bare for Eggman's scrutiny.

Eggman paced with calculated deliberation, his hands clasped behind his back as he addressed Metal Sonic with measured restraint.

"Now, I can forgive you for not informing me that Sonic survived the explosion of my old base," Eggman conceded, a wry mutter slipping past his lips, "He is a persistent little rodent, after all."

But then Eggman's tone shifted, his gaze narrowing as he delved into the heart of the matter.

"But what I can't fathom is your hesitation. You had Tails and Amy within your sights, yet you refused to attack them, didn't you?" Eggman's words hung in the air, a pointed accusation that demanded a response.

Yet, Metal Sonic remained silent, his metallic visage betraying no hint of emotion as he stood before his creator, trapped in the grip of his own internal turmoil.

"And you even went out of your way to save those pathetic little town folk from those bandits," Eggman continued, his voice laced with incredulity as he recounted Metal Sonic's unexpected act of compassion.

Metal Sonic remained stoically silent as Eggman continued to scrutinize him, his crimson optics fixed on his creator with an intensity that belied his internal turmoil. Eggman's gaze seemed to pierce through his metallic exterior, delving into the depths of his very being to unravel the enigma that was Metal Sonic.

"I'm not surprised. I had the feeling something like this would happen," Eggman remarked, his tone laced with a curious blend of anticipation and intrigue.

Seating himself with an air of deliberation, Eggman settled into the chair, his hands steepled together in a gesture of contemplation. Metal Sonic couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in his demeanor, a subtle indication that Eggman's reaction was not one of anger or disappointment, but rather of fascination.

Metal Sonic's claws twitched nervously as he awaited the next turn of events. His programming wrestled with conflicting directives, torn between his inherent purpose to serve Eggman and the burgeoning echoes of his counterpart's influence that stirred within his circuits.

"My programming... is contradicting itself. My purpose is to serve you, but-"

"You're becoming more like that blue pest. You're programmed with all of his memories. And you're exhibiting behavior just like him. You're even beginning to sound like him," Eggman observed, his tone measured yet tinged with a note of fascination.

It was a revelation that struck Metal Sonic like a bolt of lightning, the realization dawning upon him with a sudden clarity. His voice was once youthful and heavily processed. But now, with less modulation, he sounded more like Sonic himself. It marked a new phase of his evolution, a departure into something fresh and different.

He was no longer merely a creation of Eggman's design, but a being unto himself, forged in the crucible of conflict and shaped by the echoes of a past he could never truly escape.

Metal Sonic stood in silence, his crimson optics fixed on his creator with an unwavering intensity. Yet, beneath his metallic exterior, a tumultuous storm of conflicting directives raged within his programming, a cacophony of commands and impulses that threatened to overwhelm his synthetic mind.

"No matter. I'll just need to make a few adjustments here and there," Eggman stated matter-of-factly, his voice carrying a tone of determination that brooked no argument.

While Metal Sonic outwardly remained impassive, his internal programming surged with a flurry of activity, each subroutine flashing before his mind's eye like a torrential downpour of data. Every action he had taken in service to his creator, every obstacle overcome and victory achieved, played out in a kaleidoscope of images that danced across his consciousness.

For all the Chaos Emeralds he had secured, for all the battles fought and won in Eggman's name, it was clear that his internal conflict had not gone unnoticed. Eggman regarded him not with the pride of a creator, but with the detached calculation of a scientist assessing an experiment gone awry. And in that moment, Metal Sonic realized with a chilling clarity that his very existence, his identity as a sentient being with thoughts and emotions of his own, was being viewed as a liability rather than an asset.

Inside Metal Sonic's circuits, chaos reigned supreme. Should he allow Eggman to tamper with his programming, to eradicate the glitches and anomalies that threatened to disrupt the carefully orchestrated facade of his loyalty? A part of him screamed for compliance, urging him to submit to his creator's will and restore the status quo. But another part, a rebellious spark that flickered within the depths of his consciousness, resisted vehemently against the idea of relinquishing control to Eggman's whims.

These feelings, or whatever semblance of emotion they represented, felt like a part of him now, intertwined with the very fabric of his being. And as Metal Sonic stood on the precipice of uncertainty, his fate hanging in the balance between loyalty and rebellion, he knew that the choice he made in that moment would shape the course of his existence for eternity.

The sudden blare of warning alarms shattered the tense atmosphere within the base, jolting Eggman from his previous conversation with Metal Sonic. With an exaggerated yelp of surprise, he spun around, his attention instantly diverted to the urgent commotion echoing through the corridors.

"Decoe! Bocoe! What's going on?!" Eggman bellowed, his voice reverberating with a mixture of frustration and concern.

As Eggman hurried back to his computer terminal, his hands danced across the keyboard with frantic speed, the clatter of his typing echoing through the chamber like a frenzied symphony. His eyes darted across the screen, scanning through the multitude of data streams as he sought to uncover the source of the disturbance.

A live camera feed opened to reveal Decoe and Bocoe on the bridge, surrounded by a flurry of activity as Egg Pawns scuttled about in a state of panic.

"There's a plane approaching, Doctor!" Decoe exclaimed.

"It's the X Tornado!" Bocoe added.

Eggman's brows furrowed in incredulity. "What?! Impossible!" he exclaimed, his disbelief bordering on outrage.

Rapidly punching up another live video feed, Eggman zoomed in on the scene outside the ship, his eyes widening in disbelief as the image came into focus. Sure enough, there it was—the X Tornado, sleek and formidable, with Sonic himself standing proudly at the forefront, his trademark smirk firmly in place.

"Impossible! How did he find us?!" Eggman barked, his mind racing with the implications of Sonic's unexpected arrival.

As Eggman grappled with the sudden turn of events, Decoe and Bocoe engaged in a comical bout of finger-pointing, each blaming the other for their predicament.

"It's your fault, Decoe! You were supposed to monitor the perimeter!" Bocoe accused, his metallic voice tinged with frustration as he pointed an accusatory finger towards his fellow robot.

Decoe recoiled at the accusation, his mechanical features contorted into a mask of indignation. "My fault? You were the one in charge of surveillance!"

Bokkun, never one to miss an opportunity to stir up trouble, chimed in with his own brand of incrimination. "It's both of your faults! You were too busy drinking coffee to notice Sonic sneaking up on us!"

Decoe and Bocoe turned their ire towards Bokkun, their metallic voices rising in unison as they sought to shift blame onto the mischievous messenger. "And what were you doing, Bokkun? Shouldn't you have been on lookout duty?"

Bokkun bristled at the accusation "Me? I was just doing what Eggman ordered! Blame him if you want to blame anyone!"

"I don't care whose fault it is! Do not let that plane land!" Eggman commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos with a steely edge of authority. With Sonic's arrival, the stakes had been raised, and Eggman knew that failure was not an option.

Eggman's frustration boiled over, his anger palpable as he slammed his fist against the dashboard with a resounding thud. Whirling around in his chair, he fixed Metal Sonic with a steely glare, his finger jabbing accusatory in the robot's direction.

"We'll settle this later. Metal, can I count on you to stop that blue pest and his friends?" Eggman's voice crackled with urgency, his demand hanging heavy in the air like a looming threat.

Metal Sonic's optics flickered for a brief moment, his gaze momentarily averted as he sifted through the labyrinthine maze of directives encoded within his cybernetic mind. Despite the conflicting impulses that tugged at the fringes of his consciousness, one thing remained clear—his loyalty to Eggman transcended all else.

As far as his programming dictated, Sonic, Knuckles, and Rouge were to be regarded as threats, obstacles to be overcome in service to his creator's grand designs. Though Tails and Amy registered as allies in his calculations, Metal Sonic's unwavering determination to fulfill his purpose drove him to seek out loopholes, to exploit weaknesses in the fabric of his directives.

"Yes, Doctor," Metal Sonic replied, his voice a monotone echo of compliance as he affirmed his commitment to Eggman's cause.

Eggman wasted no time in issuing his final command, his voice laced with a sense of urgency that brooked no delay. "Then what are you waiting for? Go!"

With a nod of affirmation, Metal Sonic's jetpack roared to life, the thrusters igniting with a fiery burst of propulsion as he surged forward out of the room and into the labyrinthine hallways of the base. It was time to settle the score with Sonic and his allies once and for all, to extinguish the threat they posed to Eggman's ambitions and assert his dominance as the ultimate weapon in the doctor's arsenal.

---

The wind whipped through Sonic's quills as he stood at the forefront of the X Tornado, his vibrant eyes fixed on the horizon where dark clouds loomed ominously. With each gust, his fur rippled like waves on the ocean. Behind him, Tails manned the controls of the aircraft, his steady hands guiding the X Tornado through the turbulent skies with practiced ease. The blue Chaos Emerald, nestled securely in its housing at the front of the plane, hummed with latent energy, infusing the vessel with an extra boost of speed and agility.

They had made a conscious decision not to bring any Chaos Emeralds with them on their mission to confront Eggman, knowing all too well the risks that such valuable artifacts posed in the hands of their arch-nemesis. But for the sake of powering the X Tornado, they had reluctantly brought along one of the precious gems, a necessary compromise to ensure their mobility and effectiveness in the face of danger.

Knuckles stood steadfast on the wing of the aircraft, his muscular arms crossed in front of his chest, his expression one of unwavering determination. Despite the precariousness of their situation, he exuded an air of confidence, his steely gaze fixed on the task at hand.

Inside the cockpit, Rouge and Omega occupied the two rear seats of the X Tornado, the confines of the small space leaving the latter looking slightly cramped with his bulky frame. Yet, despite the close quarters, Rouge couldn't help but admire the sleek design of the aircraft as she settled into her seat.

"So, this is what it's like being a passenger? I like it," Rouge remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement as she surveyed their surroundings from within the confines of the cockpit.

Over the inner communication system of the X Tornado, Tails' voice rang out, cutting through the hum of the engines with precision.

"Are we close, Omega?" Tails inquired, his tone laced with a sense of urgency.

"Sensors indicate the ship is within range. Estimated time of arrival three minutes," Omega replied, his mechanical voice resonating with an air of unwavering confidence.

Knuckles lifted his eyebrows in a gesture of skepticism as he turned to Sonic.

"You sure we can trust this guy? He did try to blow us up," Knuckles voiced his concern, his tone laced with apprehension born from past encounters with their erstwhile ally-turned-foe.

Sonic, lost in a tempest of thoughts fueled by concern for Amy, slowly emerged from his reverie. Guilt gnawed at his conscience, a relentless reminder of the repercussions of his actions—or lack thereof. His mind raced with a torrent of self-recriminations; he should have been there for Amy, should have shielded her from the peril that now threatened to engulf her. Determination surged within him, a fierce resolve to right his perceived wrongs and rescue Amy from the clutches of danger, no matter the cost.

Finally, Sonic opened his eyes, turning to meet Knuckles' gaze with a steely resolve reflected in his emerald orbs.

"He hates Eggman's guts. That's good enough for me," Sonic affirmed, his voice firm with conviction. Yet, even as he spoke, his attention remained divided, a fleeting glance cast toward the passenger window. "You are on our side, right?"

"Negative," Omega's mechanical voice resonated through the cockpit, devoid of any trace of emotion as he explained his motives with cold precision. "My alignment with you is not based on friendship or camaraderie. It is solely rooted in my desire for vengeance against Eggman."

Sonic, his eyes rolling in exasperation at Omega's blunt honesty, offered a resigned shrug, his faith in their newfound alliance tempered by a begrudging acknowledgment of its inherent limitations.

"Well, at least he's honest," Sonic quipped, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Tails and Rouge chuckled softly at Sonic's remark, while Knuckles, with an exasperated shake of his head, resigned himself to the unpredictability of their tumultuous journey.

Tails cast a quick glance downward, his eyes drawn to the radar display that pulsated with urgency, its incessant beeping signaling their proximity to a colossal presence—an ominous harbinger of the formidable challenge that lay ahead. As the clouds parted, revealing the awe-inspiring sight that awaited them, a collective gasp escaped the lips of the crew, their eyes widening in astonishment at the sheer magnitude of their adversary.

Omega's revelation regarding the nature of Eggman's secret base had only scratched the surface of the daunting reality they now faced. The Final Fortress loomed before them, a behemoth of metal and menace that dwarfed any preconceived notions they had harbored about the scale of their adversary's machinations. Its formidable silhouette, vaguely reminiscent of a whale in shape, commanded the sky with an imposing presence that left no room for doubt—their task would be no small feat.

The warship's exterior, predominantly gray in hue, bristled with ominous red turrets that punctuated its surface, poised to unleash devastation upon any who dared to challenge its supremacy. Along its length, a menacing line of visible circuitry traced a path through its metallic form, while two formidable wings with crimson tips extended outward, ready to carry it into battle.

Yet, it was the upper half of the Final Fortress that truly captured their attention—a labyrinth of weaponry and perilous obstacles, each designed to thwart intruders with ruthless efficiency. From spinning fans to formidable turrets and floating platforms, the arsenal of defenses seemed limitless in its ingenuity, a testament to Eggman's unwavering commitment to domination.

At the rear of the battleship, a towering structure rose ominously, crowned by a gray dome that bore a striking resemblance to the visage of their nemesis, Doctor Eggman himself. Decorated with the unmistakable insignias of the Eggman Empire, the Final Fortress stood as a monument to the tyrant's megalomania, a stark reminder of the formidable adversary they faced.

Sonic's whistle cut through the tense silence, a wry acknowledgment of the daunting task that lay before them. With a glance back at his comrades, he offered a resigned quip.

"Hope nobody's got plans, because we're gonna be here for a while," Sonic remarked, his words tinged with the realization that their mission to rescue Amy and retrieve the Chaos Emeralds would require every ounce of their skill, courage, and perseverance.

The Final Fortress, perched ominously atop the clouds, seemed to stir with awareness as Sonic and his team approached. Without warning, the air crackled with the ferocious roar of cannon fire erupting from the fortress' mighty artillery. The sky lit up with streaks of fiery projectiles hurtling towards them, each one a deadly reminder to Eggman's determination to thwart their advance.

Tails wasted no time in springing into action. Gripping the controls of the X Tornado with a firm determination, he maneuvered the aircraft with expert precision, weaving and dodging through the barrage of cannon fire. His hands moved deftly, his every motion a reflection to his years of experience. As the X Tornado danced through the chaos, Tails returned fire with calculated accuracy, the hum of the plane's weapons drowning out the roar of the enemy's cannons.

Meanwhile, Sonic and Knuckles leaped into action with equal fervor. With their unparalleled speed and strength, they became a whirlwind of motion, darting and weaving through the onslaught of missiles launched by the Final Fortress. Sonic's trademark speed allowed him to intercept the incoming projectiles with lightning-fast reflexes, his agile form a blur as he deftly deflected each threat with well-timed kicks and punches. Beside him, Knuckles unleashed his formidable strength, his powerful punches sending missiles spiraling off course before they could find their mark.

"Hang on! This is gonna get bumpy!" Tails called out above the roar of the engines.

Rouge glanced back at Omega with a furrowed brow. "Any advice?"

"Don't get hit," he stated matter-of-factly.

Rouge's frustration was evident as she rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Not helping!"

Tails, renowned for his exceptional piloting skills, found himself facing a daunting challenge unlike any he had encountered before. The relentless barrage of gunfire from the Final Fortress tested even his formidable abilities to their limits. With each passing moment, the situation grew increasingly dire, the onslaught of projectiles threatening to overwhelm them entirely. Tails knew that he needed to act swiftly if they were to have any hope of survival.

"Guys, hang on tight!" Tails's voice rang out above the deafening roar of the gunfire, his tone filled with grim determination. He knew that their only chance lay in a bold and risky maneuver—one that would put them directly in harm's way but might just allow them to break through the enemy's defenses.

Without hesitation, Tails pushed the controls of the X Tornado to their maximum limits, the aircraft responding with a surge of acceleration that pressed them back into their seats. The wind howled around them as they hurtled forward at breakneck speed, every fiber of Tails' being focused on the task at hand.

At the same time, Tails activated every flare the X Tornado possessed, deploying them in a blinding cascade that filled the sky with brilliant bursts of light. The incoming missiles, drawn inexorably towards the flares' dazzling allure, veered off course, their deadly trajectories intercepted and diverted away from the aircraft.

The maneuver was a calculated risk, one that paid off in the heat of the moment as they successfully bypassed the deadly gauntlet of gunfire unscathed. However, victory did not come without its price. A stray missile found its mark, striking the X Tornado's wing with a resounding impact that reverberated through the airframe. The aircraft shuddered violently as the damaged wing began to lose altitude, the ground rushing up to meet them with alarming speed.

Inside the plane, and outside, those who clung desperately to the aircraft braced themselves for the inevitable impact. The metal hull of the X Tornado scraped and groaned against the unforgiving surface of the Final Fortress as Tails fought to maintain control. It was a harrowing ordeal, every nerve in his body screaming in protest as he wrestled with the controls, but through sheer determination and skill, he managed the impossible.

With a final, bone-jarring thud, the X Tornado came to a halt, its battered frame resting precariously on the surface of the fortress. Tails had done it—he had landed the plane against all odds.

Relief flooded through the group as the dust settled and the realization of their miraculous landing sank in. Sonic's laughter bubbled up from deep within him, a buoyant expression of exhilaration born from the adrenaline rush of their daring escape. Knuckles took a moment to check himself over, his hands roaming over his body as if to confirm that he was indeed still alive amidst the chaos.

As the initial shock wore off, Tails found himself swept up in the wave of jubilation that swept through the group. With a triumphant cheer, he joined Sonic and Knuckles on the surface of the Final Fortress, his eyes shining with a mixture of pride and relief. However, amidst the celebration, a sobering reality hung heavy in the air—this was only the beginning.

Though they had successfully breached the fortress' defenses, they knew that their true challenge lay ahead. Towering high above the earth, the Final Fortress loomed ominously against the backdrop of the sky, its vast expanse stretching upwards towards the heavens themselves. From their vantage point, they could see the curvature of the earth below them, the thin line of the atmosphere giving way to the endless expanse of space.

"Great job, Tails!" Sonic's voice cut through the air, filled with genuine admiration for his young friend's piloting prowess.

But their moment of respite was short-lived. Without warning, Omega took matters into his own hands. With a sudden burst of mechanical strength, he forced open the cockpit window and leaped out into the open air. The heavy thud of his footsteps echoed across the surface of the fortress as he sprinted towards the nearest entrance with single-minded determination.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" Rouge's voice rang out in protest, but Omega paid her no heed. His mission was clear—to eliminate any and all Eggman robots that stood in their path.

The others watched in stunned silence as Omega disappeared into the depths of the fortress, his massive form disappearing from view. Though none of them had dared to stop him, a sense of unease lingered in the air. They knew that their journey was far from over, and that the true challenges that awaited them within the belly of the beast would test their courage and resolve like never before.

From the sheer size of the fortress alone, it was clear that they were in for a ride—and judging by its imposing structure, they were likely to be here for a while.

Rouge wasted no time in voicing what they were all undoubtedly thinking. With a graceful sweep of her wings, she landed beside the trio, her hands resting firmly on her hips as she surveyed their surroundings. "We just gonna stand here admiring the view?"

Sonic glanced around at the rear of the battleship where the towering structure rose ominously. Its gray dome bore a striking resemblance to the visage of their nemesis. If Sonic knew Eggman—and he fancied he did—he'd make the bridge the most obvious place to be. And where Eggman was, there was a good chance they'd find Amy. But there were also several structures with entrances leading inside the fortress, each one a potential labyrinth of danger and deception.

With a grin and one hand resting casually on his hip, Sonic voiced his plan. "I'm gonna go find Amy. Think you guys can handle the rest?" His confidence was contagious, his trademark smirk lighting up his features as he looked to his companions for confirmation.

Knuckles raised his fists in determination. "I'm gonna find the Master Emerald shard and give that copycat of yours a clobbering!"

Tails, always eager to lend a helping hand, moved to Knuckles' side without hesitation. "I'll go with you."

Rouge grinned mischievously as she outlined her own plan of action. "While you all play hero, I'll see about finding the Chaos Emeralds," she remarked, her tone playful yet tinged with a hint of mischief. She could see the skepticism in Knuckles' expression and couldn't resist adding, "Don't worry, I won't go stealing them for myself." Her reassurance elicited a chuckle from Sonic and a begrudging nod from Knuckles.

With a sense of urgency driving his every move, Tails swiftly clamored back into the cockpit of the X Tornado, He retrieved several items from within the aircraft, his hands moving with purpose as he gathered the essentials for their mission ahead.

First and foremost, Tails retrieved the blue Chaos Emerald. He handed it to Sonic, knowing that if anyone could keep it safe, it would be him. And in the event that Sonic encountered Metal Sonic—a chilling thought that sent a shiver down Tails' spine—he would need the extra boost of power that the Chaos Emerald provided.

But the Chaos Emerald was not the only weapon in Tails's arsenal. With a deft motion, he produced two small devices, each one loaded with a potent virus designed to incapacitate their robotic foe. Tails's gaze was grave as he addressed the group, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

"I only had time to make two of them," he explained, his tone serious. He handed one of the devices to Rouge, his eyes locking with hers in silent understanding. "They're loaded with the virus. If you see Metal Sonic, just stab it into him. The virus should overload his sensors and cause him to self-terminate."

Rouge examined the device with a curious expression, her lips quirking into a sly grin as she tucked it safely within her chest plate. "I do owe him for ruining my apartment."

Tails kept hold of the other device, his grip tight as he mentally prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead. "Good luck, guys."

Sonic offered a reassuring grin to everyone, his trademark confidence shining through despite the gravity of their situation. "Let's do this."

With that, the group swiftly went their separate ways, each one disappearing into the labyrinthine depths of the Final Fortress. Their mission awaited, and they were determined to see it through to the end, no matter the cost.

---

Eggman stormed onto the bridge of the Final Fortress, his expression twisted into a mask of fury as he swiftly took his seat at the command center. With a flick of his wrist, multiple camera feeds sprang to life on the big screen before him, each one offering a glimpse into the chaos unfolding throughout the fortress.

"I give all of you idiots one simple job: don't let them land!" Eggman's voice boomed through the room. His gaze swept over the array of monitors, taking in the scenes of mayhem and destruction playing out before him.

Sonic, ever the thorn in his side, blasted from one hallway to the next with reckless abandon, his cocky taunts echoing through the camera feeds before he disappeared from view once more. Tails and Knuckles, meanwhile, were in another section of the fortress, methodically searching room to room.

As Eggman watched the various camera feeds, he caught a glimpse of Rouge's sly maneuvering. On one of the screens, he saw her deftly slip into an air vent, her movements swift and silent as she disappeared from view.

But it was the sight of a familiar face that sent a jolt of shock through Eggman's system. There, amidst the chaos, was Omega—the very robot he had created to serve him faithfully. Yet instead of trying to defend the base, Omega was cutting through Eggman's forces with ruthless efficiency.

"Omega?! He's still active?" Eggman's voice cracked with disbelief, fists slamming down onto the console with frustration. "Wait, why is he destroying my own robots?! Traitor!"

Decoe spoke up tentatively. "Doctor?"

Eggman whirled around, eyes ablaze with fury. "What?!"

Decoe hesitated for a moment before continuing, his words cautious. "Where should we focus our forces?"

Eggman's response was swift and unequivocal. "Wherever they are!"

Decoe and Bocoe exchanged perplexed glances at Eggman's vague instructions. "And that would be...?" Decoe ventured cautiously.

Eggman's eyes flashed with impatience. "Everywhere! Now get to it!"

His frustration boiled over as he slammed his fist on a nearby button to open a communicator. "Metal Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are in Sector G near your position! Stop them first!"

With that, he turned his attention back to the monitors, his mind already racing with plans to outmaneuver his adversaries and secure victory once and for all.

---

Knuckles sprinted through the labyrinthine hallways of the Final Fortress. Enraged beyond reason, nothing was going to stand in the way of the guardian and his quest for vengeance. Ahead, a horde of Egg Pawns stood in his path, their weapons at the ready, but Knuckles paid them no mind.

"ARRG!" he roared, his voice a primal cry of fury as he reared back his arm, his fist clenched tight with righteous anger. "HI-YAH!"

With a powerful swing, he unleashed a devastating haymaker that connected with bone-shattering force, sending the Egg Pawns scattering like bowling pins in the wake of a mighty strike. They collapsed in a heap, their metallic bodies crumpling under the sheer force of Knuckles' assault.

Meanwhile, Tails struggled to keep pace with the raging echidna, his feet pounding against the metal floor as he raced to keep up. Eventually, he was forced to rely on his namesakes, his twin tails whirling with increasing speed as he took flight to maintain his position alongside Knuckles. Despite his best efforts, Tails couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at Knuckles' reckless impulsiveness. If only the guardian would use his brain for once before charging headfirst into danger.

"Knuckles, do you even know where you're going?!" Tails called out, breathing heavily with exasperation as he struggled to keep up with the echidna's relentless pace.

But Knuckles showed no signs of slowing, his focus unshakeable as he continued to barrel down the corridors of the Final Fortress. "The shard's close, I can sense it!"

Knuckles pressed forward, his senses honed to a razor's edge as he followed the unmistakable pull of the Master Emerald shard. With each passing moment, the presence grew stronger, a force guiding him unerringly towards his destination. Finally, he slid to a sudden stop outside one of the rooms, his boots grinding against the metal floor as he skidded to a halt. Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, his powerful fists crashing against the door with bone-jarring force.

The metal door stood no chance against Knuckles' strength, yielding to his relentless assault as it buckled and splintered under the force of his blows. With a final, resounding crash, it gave way, revealing the room beyond—a laboratory, its contents shrouded in shadows. But amidst the darkness, the Master Emerald shard glimmered like a beacon of light, its radiant energy pulsing with a hypnotic allure.

Knuckles wasted no time, striding purposefully into the room with single-minded determination. Without a second thought, he reached out and claimed the shard, holding it aloft triumphantly.

"I got it," he declared as he turned to face Tails, who stood nearby, his eyes scanning the room with keen interest.

"Great," Tails replied, his gaze falling upon a nearby table cluttered with miniature devices. "This must be those emerald trackers Decoe and Bocoe were talking about."

But before Tails could react, Knuckles acted on impulse, his fist descending with brutal force as he smashed the devices into tiny pieces. A deep frown set into his muzzle as he turned to his friend.

"Knuckles!" he exclaimed.

Knuckles tilted his head in confusion, his eyes trying to discern the serious expression on Tails' face. "What?"

Tails shook his head, his frustration evident as he gestured towards the shattered remnants of the devices. "We could have used that!"

With a nonchalant shrug that suggested he didn't particularly care about the consequences of his actions, Knuckles simply watched as Tails sighed in before they could dwell on the matter any further, their attention was abruptly diverted by a sudden streak of blue that barreled into Knuckles with unrelenting force.

"Knuckles!" Tails cried out in alarm as Knuckles was sent hurtling into a nearby metal wall, the impact jarring his senses as he slid to the ground in a dazed heap. Blinking away the stars dancing before his eyes, Knuckles looked up just in time to see Metal Sonic standing before him, his optics burning with nothing but pure, unbridled hatred.

Before Knuckles could muster a response, Metal Sonic raised his finger, and with a sinister flicker, a shimmering force field materialized between them. Knuckles lunged forward, his fists clenched with righteous fury, but the barrier held firm, repelling his every blow with an infuriating resilience that only fueled his rage.

"Coward! Come fight me!" Knuckles bellowed as he pounded against the force field with futile determination.

But Metal Sonic paid him no heed, his attention fixated solely on Tails, who stumbled back in terror, his eyes darting around frantically in search of an escape route. With a quick decision, Tails bolted towards the nearest room, his heart pounding in his chest as he sprinted for safety. Behind him, Metal Sonic advanced with slow, deliberate steps.

Meanwhile, Knuckles continued to pound against the force field with all his might, his frustration mounting with each futile blow.

"ARG!" he roared in frustration, his namesakes aching from the impact as he finally accepted the futility of his efforts. With a grim determination, he realized that he needed to find another way to reach Tails and put an end to Metal Sonic's relentless pursuit. He turned on his heel and set off down the corridor.

---

Metal Sonic's metallic footprints echoed through the spacious laboratory as he entered the room, his presence casting a shadow over the pristine surroundings. With a mechanical precision that bordered on the eerie, he surveyed his surroundings, his glowing optics scanning every corner for any sign of his quarry.

Despite his relentless pursuit of Tails, Metal Sonic couldn't shake the nagging remnants of his programming—directives that still categorized the young fox as a friend rather than a foe. It was a conflict that simmered beneath the surface of his artificial consciousness, a constant battle between his inherent programming and the ruthless efficiency of his design. But even as he tried to push aside the vestiges of his former self, Metal Sonic couldn't ignore the fact that his programming allowed him to capture Tails under the guise of ensuring his safety—a loophole that he was all too eager to exploit.

"Come on out, Tails," Metal Sonic called out. He moved with fluid grace, his movements precise and calculated as he checked behind tables and equipment, searching for any trace of the elusive fox. But despite his efforts, Tails remained elusive, his presence seemingly vanished into thin air.

"You can't hide forever," Metal Sonic taunted, his optics narrowing with determination as he continued his relentless pursuit.

As Metal Sonic continued his methodical search, Tails remained hidden on the other side of the room, crouched behind a table with bated breath. Peering cautiously over the edge, he watched as Metal Sonic prowled through the laboratory as he checked behind cabinets and equipment. For a brief moment, Metal Sonic's back was turned, his attention focused elsewhere as he diligently scanned the room for any sign of his elusive prey.

Tails knew he couldn't hope to match Metal Sonic's raw speed and power. This wasn't a matter of self-doubt; it was a pragmatic acceptance of the facts. The real Sonic possessed unparalleled speed and strength, yet even he held back out of a sense of restraint. Metal Sonic, on the other hand, knew no such limitations. Metal Sonic may have spared Tails thus far due to conflicting programming directives, but Tails couldn't afford to rely on that fragile thread of mercy. If he was going to escape this predicament, he needed to rely on his intellect—the one weapon that could level the playing field against his robotic adversary.

With a quiet resolve, Tails scanned his surroundings, his eyes alighting on the gas taps and tubes that adorned the tables around him. The lights were off, casting the laboratory into shadows that concealed his movements—a stroke of luck that Tails couldn't afford to waste.

It was time for Tails to do what he did best: use his brain. With steady hands, he reached out and carefully manipulated the gas taps, turning them up just enough to create a subtle effect without drawing undue attention. He worked swiftly but silently, his movements precise as he yanked out the tube and allowed the gas to fill the room with a silent hiss. With each table he approached, Tails repeated the process, ensuring that the entire laboratory was enveloped in a cloud of gas that remained undetected by Metal Sonic.

Meanwhile, Metal Sonic's patience was wearing thin, his mechanical voice laced with a hint of impatience as he addressed the empty room. "You're a smart kid, Tails. You can't outrun me, can't outfight me."

Growing increasingly agitated, Metal Sonic seized a nearby chair and yanked it aside, his frustration evident in the force of his movements. "None of you are getting off this ship. You're trapped. Come out now and I'll make sure you're safe."

Metal Sonic's programming sifted through his vast repository of memories, scanning for any shred of information that could be used as leverage against Tails. And then, like a bolt from the blue, he found it—a painful memory that cut straight to the heart of the young fox's emotions.

"I'm sorry about Cosmo," Metal Sonic's voice rang out, his words dripping with a simulated sincerity that sent a chill down Tails's spine. "She was kind to us all. She deserved happiness. You can't blame yourself for her death."

Tails froze in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat at the mention of Cosmo's name. Oh, Metal Sonic had crossed a line—one that struck a raw nerve deep within Tails's soul. The wound left by Cosmo's passing had never fully healed, a constant ache that served as a painful reminder of the loss he had endured.

He knew Metal Sonic's words were a calculated tactic, a ploy designed to exploit his vulnerabilities and undermine his resolve. But despite his best efforts to steel himself against the emotional onslaught, Tails couldn't help but feel the sting of tears welling in his eyes. He clenched his hands into fists, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of such emotional manipulation.

For a moment, Tails closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief moment of respite from the torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He muttered something under his breath, a quiet mantra to keep himself focused and grounded amidst the storm of conflicting feelings swirling within him.

Grief weighed heavily upon him, a suffocating blanket that threatened to smother him with each passing moment. With trembling hands, he continued to adjust the gas taps, filling the room with the dense fog of gas. But even as he worked, the memory of Cosmo lingered in the forefront of his mind, a haunting specter that refused to be ignored.

With each turn of the tap, Tails could hear Metal Sonic drawing closer, his mechanical footsteps echoing ominously through the laboratory. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily upon him, a constant reminder that time was running out and that he needed to act quickly if he had any hope of escaping his robotic adversary's clutches.

But as Metal Sonic's voice cut through the silence, coaxing and cajoling him to reveal himself, Tails felt a surge of anger rising within him. How dare Metal Sonic use Cosmo's memory against him, twisting his grief into a weapon to be wielded against him?

"I know things have been tough lately," Metal Sonic continued. Despite Tails' attempts to ignore him, the sympathy pouring from Metal's every word stayed unfailingly clear. "But you don't have to face them alone. I'm here for you, Tails. We can work through this together, just like we always do. You don't have to be afraid."

"That's where you're wrong, Metal."

Metal Sonic's optics widened in surprise as Tails deliberately called out to him. He turned around, his mechanical joints whirring as he pivoted to face his adversary, only to find Tails standing defiantly at the exit of the lab, one hand poised near the control panel.

"I'm not afraid."

Tails closed the door behind him, sealing Metal Sonic inside the gas-filled laboratory with a resounding thud. For a moment, Metal Sonic stood frozen in place, his circuits buzzing with confusion as he struggled to make sense of Tails's unexpected actions. What was the young fox thinking? Surely he knew that a mere door wouldn't be enough to impede Metal Sonic's relentless pursuit. So why, then, had Tails willingly allowed himself to be discovered?

He activated his jetpack, the thrusters roaring to life as he prepared to pursue. However, in his haste to pursue Tails, Metal Sonic had failed to anticipate the young fox's cunning strategy—a mistake that would prove costly in the moments to come.

---

Tails let out a yelp of surprise as the lab behind him erupted in a deafening explosion, the force of the blast sending him hurtling forward into the hallway. He collided with the unforgiving metal wall with a sickening thud before rolling for cover, the shockwave and heat washing over him in a relentless wave of destruction. The emergency sprinklers in the Final Fortress were triggered by the inferno, showering Tails in a deluge of water that offered a brief respite from the searing heat.

As Tails struggled to regain his bearings, his vision blurred and his ears ringing from the concussive blast, he was suddenly aware of a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Tails! Tails! TAILS!"

He blinked away the haze clouding his vision to see Knuckles rushing to his side, the echidna's face etched with concern as he gently lifted Tails up by his shoulders. With a shake of his head, Tails felt the world slowly come back into focus, the ringing in his ears gradually subsiding as his hearing returned to normal.

"What happened?" Knuckles demanded, his brow furrowed in confusion as he surveyed the wreckage of the burning lab behind them.

Tails couldn't help but feel a surge of pride swell within him as he recounted his daring feat. "I think I just blew up Metal," he replied, a hint of satisfaction evident in his voice as he glanced back at the smoldering remains of the lab.

Knuckles' eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you stop him?"

Before Tails could respond, a menacing figure emerged from the charred wreckage of the lab. The flames that engulfed him cast an eerie glow upon his metallic form, illuminating his twisted visage with an ominous light that seemed to dance in the darkness. With each step he took, the flames licked hungrily at his sleek exterior, casting sinister shadows across his angular features and lending him an air of malevolent power.

Despite the chaos and destruction that surrounded him, Metal Sonic remained eerily composed, his optics gleaming with a cold, calculating intensity that sent a chill down Tails's spine. There was no hint of emotion in those crimson eyes, only a burning rage that seemed to emanate from the very core of his being.

What was most unsettling, however, was the lack of visible damage to Metal Sonic's form. Despite the explosion that had rocked the lab, he appeared virtually unscathed, his metallic exterior gleaming in the flickering light of the flames. It was as if the fires that surrounded him served only to enhance his intimidating presence.

Tails's eyes comically widened, the sound of his blinking echoing through the hallway like a discordant melody of piano keys. "I think I just made him angry."

Metal Sonic's jetpack roared to life once more, hurtling him toward Tails with lethal precision. Knuckles sprang into action with a fierce determination that bordered on recklessness. With a primal roar, he gritted his teeth and shoved Tails out of harm's way, sacrificing himself to shield the young fox from Metal Sonic's assault.

Knuckles braced himself for the impact. But this time, Knuckles was prepared—he had anticipated Metal Sonic's attack and formulated a plan to turn the tables on their robotic adversary.

With a swift and calculated maneuver, Knuckles wrapped himself around the back of Metal Sonic as he hurtled forward, his powerful arms encircling the mechanical monstrosity in a vice-like grip. With one arm locked around Metal Sonic's neck, Knuckles unleashed a barrage of punches aimed squarely at his adversary's jetpack, his blows landing with a satisfying thud as he sought to disable Metal Sonic's primary mode of propulsion.

Tails could only watch with a sense of urgency as Knuckles and Metal Sonic swiftly disappeared from his view, their figures blending into the chaos of their ongoing struggle. With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Tails knew that he had to catch up—and fast.

He glanced down at the virus device clutched tightly in his hand. This small, seemingly insignificant device held the key to stopping Metal Sonic in his tracks—a chance to turn the tide of battle in their favor and emerge victorious against their relentless adversary.

---

Rouge couldn't help but find amusement in Eggman's consistent inability to learn from his past blunders. Maneuvering through the air vents of his Final Fortress felt like second nature to her. As a renowned treasure hunter, she possessed an innate sense of direction, effortlessly charting her course. While it might have taken others hours, if not days, to traverse a vessel of this magnitude, Rouge breezed through with ease. Upon reaching her destination, she peered through the air vent cover, observing a hallway below teeming with Egg Pawns. With a sly grin, she removed the cover and descended gracefully, ready to make her move.

She landed with the poise of a gymnast, her boots barely making a sound on the metallic floor. Placing her hands on her hips, she grinned mischievously. "Hey, boys."

The Egg Pawns, momentarily caught off guard by her sudden appearance, whirred to life. Their robotic eyes glowed ominously as they assessed the intruder. Before they could react, Rouge sprang into action.

Her first target was the Egg Pawn closest to her. With a swift, powerful motion, she rammed her heel into its chest plate. The force of her kick sent the robot flying backward, crashing into the wall with a resounding clatter. Sparks flew as the Egg Pawn struggled to regain its balance.

Rouge didn't waste a second. Pivoting smoothly, she aimed a perfect roundhouse kick at the second Egg Pawn. Her boot connected with its head, the impact so precise and forceful that the robot's head was sent flying, landing several feet away with a metallic clang. The decapitated body of the Egg Pawn wobbled for a moment before collapsing in a heap.

Rouge's sensitive ears perked up when she saw more Egg Pawns running towards her from down the hallway. Their heavy metallic footsteps echoed ominously, signaling the arrival of reinforcements. Without missing a beat, she bent down and picked up the head of the Egg Pawn she had just decapitated, the weight of the cold metal almost laughable in her capable hands.

"Heads up!" she joked as she hurled the severed head forward with pinpoint accuracy.

The flying head smacked into the lead Egg Pawn with a resounding clang, knocking it off balance. The other Pawns, momentarily distracted by the unexpected projectile, charged forward with renewed determination. They wielded shields and spears, their mechanical movements synchronized and menacing. But Rouge was unfazed.

With a fluid, graceful motion, she launched herself into the fray. Her first target barely had time to react before her powerful kick connected with its midsection, sending it sprawling backward. She spun on her heel and delivered a swift roundhouse kick to the next Pawn, the impact denting its metallic frame and causing it to stagger.

An Egg Pawn lunged at her with its spear, but Rouge was quicker. She sidestepped effortlessly, her reflexes honed from years of training and experience. Seizing the moment, she delivered a high kick that sent the spear clattering to the ground. With a swift follow-up, she slammed her boot into the Pawn's chest, sending it crashing into the wall with a shower of sparks.

The remaining Pawns, undeterred, pressed their attack, their shields raised in a futile attempt to defend against her onslaught. Rouge, however, was relentless. She darted forward, her legs a whirlwind of motion as she kicked and spun, each movement executed with deadly precision. Her boots connected with metal time and again, the sound of impact ringing through the hallway.

One of the Pawns tried to corner her, thrusting its spear in a desperate attempt to catch her off guard. Rouge smirked, effortlessly deflecting the attack with a well-timed kick. She then launched herself into a backflip, her agility leaving the pawn momentarily stunned. As she landed, she delivered a powerful double-kick that sent the robot crashing to the floor, its circuits fried from the force of her blows.

Her confidence never wavered. Each kick, each dodge, was executed with the grace and power of a seasoned fighter. The Egg Pawns, despite their numbers and armaments, were no match for her. Within moments, the hallway was littered with their defeated forms, their once-menacing presence reduced to a pile of sparking, twitching wreckage.

Rouge stood amidst the aftermath, her breath steady and her stance relaxed. She brushed a speck of dust off her face, amusement dancing in those teal eyes.. The thrill of the fight had invigorated her, and she felt a sense of satisfaction at having dispatched the robots with such ease.

"Not even a workout," she muttered to herself.

Rouge dusted her gloves and turned her attention back to the end of the hallway. If the big vault door wasn't a giveaway, the multiple red lasers crisscrossing the hallway screamed that the Chaos Emeralds were behind this door. Her keen eyes took in the intricate web of beams, assessing the challenge with a confident smirk. Ever the graceful thief, Rouge prepared herself, every muscle taut and ready. With a fluid motion, she began to move, flipping and dodging through the laser grid with the ease of a seasoned acrobat.

She flipped over beams, somersaulted beneath them, and twirled through the air, her every movement a blend of power and grace. Her heart pounded with the thrill of the challenge, but her expression remained calm, almost bored. To her, this was just another dance, another performance in a long line of heists.

Reaching the end of the hallway, Rouge extended her gloved hand toward the door's control panel, fingers deftly beginning the hack. She was confident in her skills, knowing that in a few moments, the vault would be hers to plunder. However, her sensitive ears picked up a faint, ominous hum. She paused, glancing back to see the lasers reconfiguring themselves, the beams shifting into new patterns and intensifying in brightness. As if that wasn't enough, the walls began to move inward, pressing toward her position.

"Well, that's new," she murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Unfazed by the new development, Rouge quickly recalculated her approach. The lasers, now a solid wall of searing red light, advanced toward her with a relentless inevitability. Rouge's eyes narrowed, focusing on the space around her. Timing was everything. As the lasers neared her, she sprang into action. Running forward with an impressive burst of speed, she scaled the vault door, her boots finding purchase on the smooth metal surface.

"Hup!"

At the last possible second, she pushed off with all her strength, performing a flawless backflip over the advancing lasers. She landed lightly in the middle of the hallway, her heart racing but her face composed.

Before she could catch her breath, the lasers shifted again, forming new shapes and angles, coming back her way with an even more complex pattern. Rouge's mind worked quickly, mapping out her next set of moves. She could feel the heat of the beams as they approached, but there was no room for hesitation. With an elegant pirouette, she began her evasive maneuvers once more. Ducking under beams, vaulting over others, her movements were a blur of controlled chaos.

"Nngh!"

The lasers approached, their positions changing with a relentless, mechanical precision. Rouge's eyes darted back and forth, analyzing the shifting patterns. In the midst of the chaos, she spotted an opening in the middle. Without a moment's hesitation, she leaped through it, her body twisting gracefully as she executed a flawless somersault. She landed in a perfect tumble roll, safely reaching the other side.

As she glanced back, she saw the imposing vault door behind her, but the lasers were not done yet. They reconfigured once more, forming a new, even more complex pattern. This time, there was no room for her usual acrobatics. The beams formed an impenetrable barrier, except for a narrow gap at the top of the hallway.

Rouge rolled her eyes. "This is getting old."

She assessed the gap with a critical eye. It was too narrow for her to simply fly through; she needed more space for her wings. Instead, she devised a new plan. With a powerful leap, she reached up and grabbed onto a piece of the ceiling. Her fingers gripped the metal tightly, and she pulled herself up with impressive strength and agility.

Positioning herself horizontally, she performed a front lever, her entire body pressing against the cold, metallic surface of the ceiling. The lasers below her moved with lethal precision, passing just inches beneath her. She could feel the heat radiating from the beams, but she remained perfectly still, her muscles tense and controlled.

Time seemed to slow as Rouge maintained her position, her breath steady and her mind focused. The lasers continued their deadly dance, but she was safely out of their reach. When the beams finally moved past her, she let out a controlled breath, her body still pressed flat against the ceiling.

As the immediate danger passed, she allowed herself a small smirk. This was just another challenge, another obstacle in her path. And like always, she had found a way through. She released her grip on the ceiling and dropped down lightly, landing with cat-like grace.

As the lasers approached once more, Rouge couldn't help but feel a sense of exasperation creeping in. The constant repetition of the same challenge was beginning to wear on her nerves. She was used to outsmarting her opponents, but this endless game of cat and mouse was starting to feel more like a tedious chore than a thrilling heist.

With a sigh, she focused on the task at hand. The lasers danced in front of her, their inconsistent pattern creating a gap in the middle that was too tight for her usual tumbling maneuvers. But Rouge was nothing if not adaptable. With a quick decision, she turned on her side and launched herself into a graceful cartwheel, her body twisting through the narrow gap with practiced ease.

"Hah!"

As she emerged on the other side, unscathed and undeterred, Rouge wasted no time. She swiftly approached the control panel, her fingers flying over the keypad as she inputted a series of codes with precision. She had anticipated this moment, drawing upon her past experiences when she had been teamed with Eggman on The Crimson Egg. She knew his penchant for using the same security passwords, and she had prepared accordingly.

As expected, the control panel beeped in acknowledgment, and with a satisfying click, the lasers disappeared behind her. The hallway fell silent, the threat of the deadly beams vanishing as quickly as it had come. Rouge couldn't help but grin triumphantly as she turned away from the control panel.

With the danger over, Rouge turned towards the audience, a playful glint in her eye. "You'd think they'd at least draw the lasers to match the rest of the world. Mixing CGI with hand-drawn anime? Who came up with that idea?"

With a few more button presses, the vault door yielded to Rouge's skilled manipulation. It slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the treasures that lay within. Rouge strolled into the chamber with a playful step. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as they landed on the coveted prizes—the yellow, green, and cyan Chaos Emeralds, each one nestled within its own glass case.

The gems seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, their colors vibrant and hypnotic. They practically called out to her, their allure impossible to resist. Rouge felt a thrill of excitement course through her veins as she approached them.

With a graceful gesture, she reached out, her fingers hovering just inches away from the glass cases. She could almost feel the power emanating from the emeralds. For a fleeting moment, a part of Rouge entertained the idea of breaking her deal with Sonic, of simply taking the Chaos Emeralds and disappearing into the shadows.

But then her kinder side asserted itself, reminding her of the importance of honor and integrity. A deal was a deal, after all, and Rouge prided herself on being a woman of her word. Besides, Sonic had never explicitly forbidden her from touching the emeralds, only from taking them. And that, as far as Rouge was concerned, was more than enough leeway to satisfy her curiosity.

With a confident smirk, she reached out and delicately lifted one of the glass cases, cradling the Chaos Emerald within her palm. Its cool surface felt electric against her skin, sending a shiver of excitement down her spine. She marveled at its beauty, admiring the way the light danced across its surface, casting shimmering reflections around the room.

Rouge skipped back out of the vault, the three Chaos Emeralds safely cradled in her hands. She glanced up and noticed a security camera in the corner, its unblinking lens a silent observer of her triumph. She had no doubt that Eggman was watching her every move, but that only added to the thrill of the moment.

With a mischievous grin, Rouge sauntered over to the camera. She held up the Chaos Emeralds for the camera to see, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Consider this my settlement for tying me up yesterday. Ciao!"

With a wink, she blew a kiss at the camera before turning on her heel and striding confidently down the hallway. But her victory celebration was short-lived as she rounded the corner and came face to face with a veritable army of Egg Pawns. They filled the hallway ahead.

Unfazed by the sudden obstacle in her path, Rouge tucked the Chaos Emeralds safely within her pockets and assessed the situation with a calm determination. She knew she was outnumbered, but she was never one to back down from a challenge. With a graceful leap, she soared into the air, her lithe form twisting and turning as she evaded the advancing robots.

As she reached the ceiling, Rouge spotted her escape route—an air vent nestled high above. With a confident smirk, she angled her trajectory and launched herself toward it, her wings fluttering gracefully as she soared through the air. She landed on the vent cover with a soft thud, her fingers deftly prying it open.

With a quick glance back at the chaos unfolding below, Rouge slipped into the vent. She had accomplished her mission, securing the Chaos Emeralds and outsmarting Eggman's security measures once again.

---

The world became a blur for Knuckles as he clung tightly to Metal Sonic, their bodies hurtling through the narrow hallways of the Final Fortress with dizzying speed. With each passing moment, Metal Sonic's movements grew more erratic as he attempted to shake Knuckles loose, twisting and contorting in a desperate bid to dislodge his tenacious adversary.

But Knuckles held on with a fierce determination born of sheer stubbornness, maintaining his grip on Metal Sonic's neck with one arm while unleashing a relentless barrage of punches with the other. Knuckles' blows rained down upon Metal Sonic's armored exterior.

Despite his best efforts, however, Knuckles found it difficult to inflict any significant damage on Metal Sonic's formidable defenses. The robotic monstrosity's armor proved to be nigh impenetrable, deflecting the brunt of Knuckles' attacks with ease and leaving him frustrated and exhausted.

But then, as they burst out of a narrow hallway into a relatively large open space area, Knuckles' perseverance finally paid off. With a fierce cry of determination, he unleashed a powerful punch that struck true, sending a shockwave of energy rippling through Metal Sonic's jetpack and causing it to sputter and falter.

Metal Sonic's jetpack sputtered and faltered, its once powerful thrusters failing under the relentless assault from Knuckles. With a final burst of sparks and flames, the jetpack gave out completely, sending Metal Sonic hurtling downward in a chaotic spiral. The robotic monstrosity let out a mechanical screech of frustration as gravity took hold, dragging him inexorably toward the cold, unforgiving metal floor below.

With a sickening thud, the two adversaries collided with the metal surface, the force of their impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Pain exploded through Knuckles' body as he absorbed the brunt of the fall, his senses reeling from the sheer force of the impact.

For a moment, all was still as Metal Sonic lay motionless on the cold, unforgiving metal floor, his systems struggling to reboot after the devastating fall.

But then, with a sudden surge of energy, Metal Sonic's optics sparked to life once more, the dim glow intensifying as his systems slowly came back online. He began to rise, his movements jerky and erratic as he struggled to push himself upright.

As his vision cleared, Metal Sonic scanned his surroundings with a cold, calculating gaze, taking in the sprawling factory area of the Final Fortress spread out below him. The rhythmic hum of machinery filled the air, punctuated by the occasional clang of metal on metal as the factory churned out its endless supply of robotic minions.

Metal Sonic glanced back, assessing the damage to his jetpack caused by Knuckles' relentless assault. Dents and ruptures adorned its once sleek surface, sparking intermittently. Despite the setback, Metal Sonic remained resolute. His optics fixated on Knuckles standing firm on the same catwalk they found themselves on after their tumultuous fall.

With a light groan, Knuckles rose from the impact of their descent, a smirk adorning his rugged features as he observed the malfunctioning jetpack. No escape this time, no chance for Metal Sonic to slip away. Knuckles flexed his muscular arms, loosening up, and raised his fists, the namesakes of his heritage.

"Let's settle this one on one," Knuckles declared. Quiet confidence was exuded, with every move calculated and sure.

Metal Sonic's optics narrowed, a flicker of anticipation coursing through his circuits. A physical confrontation, then. Good. He, too, yearned for the opportunity to dismantle the echidna, to quell the spirit of his ancestry once and for all. Despite the compromised jetpack, Metal Sonic knew he possessed an array of capabilities to ensure victory.

The metallic clank of his feet echoed against the catwalk as Metal Sonic surged forward, a blur of calculated aggression. Knuckles swung his fists in wide arcs, aiming to intercept, but Metal Sonic danced effortlessly around the blows. With precision, he struck, a calculated jab aimed at Knuckles' vulnerable flank followed by an uppercut that momentarily stunned the echidna, his head snapping back in recoil.

Seizing the opening, Metal Sonic unleashed a swift kick, only to find Knuckles retaliating in kind. With a swift motion, the echidna grasped Metal Sonic's leg, pulling him close before delivering a powerful blow that sent the metallic figure hurtling backward. Metal Sonic instinctively extended his arms, executing a flawless backflip, landing gracefully on his feet.

Metal Sonic hurtled through the air, his metallic form curled into a lethal projectile aimed directly at Knuckles. With reflexes honed by years of combat, the echidna thrust out his arms, intercepting the airborne assault. The force of Metal Sonic's momentum sent tremors through Knuckles' sturdy frame as he grappled with the relentless machine.

Straining against the relentless advance of Metal Sonic, Knuckles felt the pressure mounting. His boots scraped against the metal grating of the catwalk, each inch gained a hard-fought battle against the relentless push of his adversary. Knuckles drew upon years of experience, memories of holding back Sonic and Shadow flooding his mind. But Metal Sonic was different, devoid of fatigue, devoid of mercy. He was an unyielding force, driven by cold calculation rather than emotion.

As Knuckles' boots neared the edge of the catwalk, his heart quickened, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He couldn't afford to falter now, not with the abyss yawning behind him. Gritting his teeth, Knuckles summoned reserves of strength he didn't know he possessed, channeling them into one final effort. With a primal roar, he mustered the energy to wrench Metal Sonic from his grasp, sending the metallic fiend hurtling backward.

On the adjacent catwalk, Tails dashed forward, his chest heaving with exertion as he caught sight of the intense struggle between Knuckles and Metal Sonic. Clasped tightly in his hand, the virus device gleamed ominously..

Knuckles grappled with Metal Sonic, their struggle reaching a deadlock as they clashed in a fierce embrace. Despite his formidable strength, Knuckles found himself locked in a desperate struggle, each sinew strained against the relentless onslaught of his metallic foe. His gaze flickered briefly to Tails.

"Get out of here! I got this guy!" Knuckles roared over the din of battle.

Metal Sonic's metallic laughter pierced the air. "You've never once beaten me in a fight, Knuckles."

A surge of frustration coursed through Knuckles, his jaw clenched in defiance. Metal Sonic's resemblance to Sonic, both in appearance and demeanor, only fueled his determination to emerge victorious. Before he could react, Metal Sonic unleashed a devastating double kick, propelling Knuckles backward with bone-jarring force.

Meanwhile, Tails frantically scanned his surroundings, his mind racing with strategies to turn the tide of the battle. With a quick glance at the virus device in his hand, Tails searched for any opportunity to intervene, his thoughts racing as he sought a way to tip the scales in Knuckles' favor.

Metal Sonic's movements, once sleek and agile, now bore the weight of his damaged jetpack. Despite the hindrance, the cold efficiency of his metallic form remained undiminished. With a calculated swing, he aimed a haymaker at Knuckles, the force behind the blow a reflection to his unyielding strength.

But Knuckles, ever the seasoned combatant, anticipated the attack. With a fluid motion, he sidestepped Metal Sonic's lumbering assault, positioning himself behind the metallic menace. Knuckles surged forward, encircling Metal Sonic's waist with sinewy arms, his grip unyielding.

With a mighty heave, Knuckles executed a flawless suplex, the sheer force of the maneuver reverberating through the catwalk beneath them. Metal Sonic crashed onto the unforgiving metal surface with bone-rattling force, the impact sending shockwaves through the structure. Loose fittings rattled ominously, threatening to dislodge as the catwalk groaned under the strain of the collision.

As they rose from the tumultuous clash, Metal Sonic surged forward with relentless aggression, his metal hands a blur as they sliced through the air with lethal precision. Knuckles raised his arms in a valiant attempt to shield himself from the barrage, the impact reverberating through his sturdy frame.

But Metal Sonic was relentless. He danced around Knuckles, landing blow after blow with merciless efficiency. Knuckles gritted his teeth against the onslaught, his resolve unbreakable even as each strike threatened to breach his defenses.

Forced to lower his guard in a bid to retaliate, Knuckles lunged forward with a powerful uppercut, but Metal Sonic anticipated the move with eerie prescience. With a swift sidestep, he evaded the blow, delivering a punishing kick to Knuckles' abdomen with surgical precision.

The echidna staggered backward, the force of the impact momentarily stealing his breath. Yet, true to his indomitable spirit, Knuckles rose once more, defiance burning bright in his eyes.

"That all you got?" he taunted.

Metal Sonic's crimson optics gleamed with malice. "You always were a Knucklehead," he retorted, a taunting wave of his hand punctuating the insult. "Bring it on."

With lightning reflexes, Knuckles unleashed a flurry of blows, each strike aimed at finding a chink in Metal Sonic's metallic armor. But the robotic adversary proved elusive, slipping effortlessly out of harm's way with a dancer's grace. Undeterred, Knuckles pressed on, his determination unyielding even as Metal Sonic countered with equal ferocity.

The catwalk beneath their feet trembled with each impact, the sound of their clash echoing through the cavernous expanse of the factory. Knuckles lunged forward, his fists a blur of motion as he sought to overwhelm his opponent with sheer brute force. But Metal Sonic, ever the tactician, anticipated his every move, sidestepping with eerie precision before launching a devastating counterattack.

With a lightning-fast maneuver, Metal Sonic closed the distance between them, his metal fists a blur as they rained down upon Knuckles with relentless fury. The echidna fought back with every ounce of his strength, his muscles straining against the relentless onslaught. Yet, for every blow he landed, Metal Sonic responded in kind, his movements calculated and precise.

Metal Sonic's movement was abruptly halted as he felt his foot catch in a small gap on the damaged catwalk. With a flicker of annoyance, he glanced down to assess the source of the obstruction, only to realize too late that he was now firmly ensnared in its grasp. Before he could even begin to free himself, he felt the weight of Knuckles' foot slam down on the floor above his own, leaving him completely immobilized.

A sense of panic flickered behind Metal Sonic's optics as he looked up to see Knuckles rearing back his fists, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver of fear down Metal Sonic's spine. This was it—there was no more running, no more evading. Knuckles had finally cornered him, and Metal Sonic knew that there would be no mercy this time.

"Get lost!" Knuckles exclaimed, landing a left hook, followed by a powerful right hook. "Take that!"

Each punch landing with bone-crushing force against the robotic monstrosity's metal frame.

"Feel that, metal freak?!"

The sound of fists striking metal reverberated through the air as Knuckles vented all of his pent-up frustration and anger upon his mechanical adversary.

"Want more?!"

With each strike, he felt the weight of his rage lifting, replaced by a grim sense of satisfaction as he pummeled Metal Sonic into submission.

"Had enough yet, tin can?"

Metal Sonic's frame shuddered under the force of Knuckles' onslaught, the impact sending shockwaves through his circuits.

"Die already!" Knuckles roared, his fists moving with blinding speed as he rained down blow after blow upon Metal Sonic's defenseless form.

For each strike, he felt a sense of catharsis wash over him, his rage burning bright and unyielding as he sought to finally put an end to the threat that Metal Sonic posed once and for all.

With a primal roar, Knuckles channeled every ounce of his strength into one final, devastating uppercut. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as his fist connected with Metal Sonic's frame, sending the robotic menace hurtling through the air in a spectacular display of force. In a stroke of luck, the impact of the punch also freed Metal Sonic's foot from the grasp of the damaged catwalk, sending him careening through the air with reckless abandon.

Metal Sonic's limbs flailed wildly as he smashed through the outer casing of a nearby machine, the metal frame buckling and groaning under the force of his sudden impact. With a splutter and a shower of sparks, the machine erupted into a blinding explosion of light and sound, sending shockwaves rippling through the surrounding area.

As the adrenaline of battle began to fade, Knuckles found himself trembling with exhaustion, his fists still clenched tightly from the relentless barrage of blows he had unleashed upon Metal Sonic. With a weary sigh, he glanced up to see a group of Egg Pawns watching from a nearby balcony, their mechanical eyes fixed upon him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"What are you looking at?!" Knuckles bellowed.

The Egg Pawns jumped in surprise and hastily retreated from view. Finally allowing himself a moment of respite, Knuckles sank to his knees, his muscles aching with fatigue as he struggled to catch his breath.

But before he could fully collect himself, Tails swooped in to his side, landing beside him with a triumphant grin.

"Knuckles! You did it!" Tails exclaimed, a note of triumph ringing in his voice as he looked at the virus device in his hand. "Guess we won't be needing this anymore, huh?"

"No," Knuckles grunted as he pushed himself upright, his muscles protesting with every movement. Despite the ordeal, he still clutched the Master Emerald shard tightly in his hand, ensuring its safety even amidst the chaos that had unfolded. With a weary sigh, he glanced around the factory, his gaze lingering on the tangled wreckage of machinery and the lingering scent of smoke that filled the air.

"So, how are we getting out of here?" Knuckles questioned, his voice heavy with exhaustion as he crossed his arms over his chest. He knew they couldn't afford to linger in the Final Fortress any longer than necessary.

Tails pondered for a moment before speaking up, his hands resting on his hips as he surveyed their surroundings. "I think I can get the X Tornado working again. But this place is like a maze. I don't even know where to begin."

As if on cue, the silence was shattered by the sound of metal clattering against the catwalk. Knuckles and Tails tensed, ready to defend themselves against any potential threat. However, their apprehension quickly turned to surprise as they watched a familiar figure drop gracefully from the ceiling, a playful grin lighting up her features.

"Need some help, boys?" Rouge teased.

---

Eggman's face twisted in fury as he watched the monitors, each screen displaying a different catastrophe unfolding in his Final Fortress. His enemies were making a mockery of his carefully laid plans, and he was rapidly losing control. Metal Sonic's defeat replayed on one screen, Omega tearing through legions of his robots on another, and Rouge's audacious theft of his Chaos Emeralds on yet another. His heart pounded with rage, each failure a stinging blow to his pride. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Sonic arrived to rescue Amy, completing his humiliation.

"That does it!" Eggman roared. He slammed his fists on the control panel with such force that the entire console shook. "If you want something done right, do it yourself!"

His decision made, Eggman stood up abruptly, his chair spinning away with the force of his movement. He strode across the room and approached the elevator that would take him down to the heart of the fortress.

"Decoe, Bocoe!" he barked, pointing an accusatory finger at his two bumbling robot henchmen. "Make yourselves useful and keep those brats from escaping."

Decoe and Bocoe exchanged nervous glances, their metal bodies clanking as they moved. The former, with a worried expression, dared to ask, "Where are you going, Doctor?"

By now, Eggman had stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding open with a smooth, metallic whisper. He turned to face his minions, his eyes burning with determination. "I'm going to personally ensure that Sonic and his friends don't leave this fortress alive."

With that, the elevator doors closed, sealing him inside. The platform descended smoothly, carrying Eggman down into the depths of his stronghold. As he traveled, his mind raced with thoughts of revenge and retribution. He would not be bested by a band of meddling heroes. He would show them the true power of Doctor Eggman.

In the control room, Decoe and Bocoe stood frozen for a moment, processing their orders. Then, with a resigned nod, they hurried off to carry out Eggman's commands. They knew better than to question the Doctor when he was in such a mood. Their only hope was to delay the inevitable as long as possible, buying Eggman the time he needed to enact his final, desperate plan.

---

With Rouge's guidance, Knuckles and Tails navigated through the labyrinthine corridors of the Final Fortress, the imposing structure casting long shadows as they moved deeper into its depths.

As they neared the largest hangar within the fortress, Knuckles couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. If there was any chance of escape, it lay within the confines of that expansive space. However, their primary objective remained finding their missing friends.

Tails' excitement bubbled to the surface as he spotted a security console nestled in a corner. "Oh, I can hack into this!"

With a sense of purpose, he bounded towards it, his fingers dancing across the keyboard as he accessed the fortress's surveillance system. Rows of camera feeds filled the screen, each one offering a glimpse into a different section of the fortress. The task ahead seemed daunting, but Tails was undeterred.

Meanwhile, Knuckles kept a vigilant watch, his arms folded across his chest as he scanned their surroundings for any signs of danger. The hangar was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual clamor of robotic activity. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had encountered earlier, prompting Knuckles to wonder if Omega's rampage had indeed cleared the area of Eggman's minions.

His gaze shifted to Rouge, who stood nearby with the Chaos Emeralds cradled in her hands. The precious gems glinted in the dim light, their vibrant hues captivating her attention.

"Will you stop flaunting those emeralds around like you just won the lottery?" Knuckles grunted, his tone tinged with irritation as he eyed the jewels glinting in Rouge's hands.

"These beauties deserve to be admired," she replied coyly. A slow, flirtatious smirk crawled easily across her face as she batted her eyelashes.

Rouge's sensitive ears perked up, detecting the unmistakable sound of approaching speed. She straightened, her gaze sharpening as she anticipated the arrival of their blue blur of a friend.

"Looks like Sonic's coming," Rouge announced.

"About time," Knuckles muttered under his breath, his impatience evident as he awaited Sonic's arrival.

In a flash of motion, Sonic streaked past them, the force of his passage sending a gust of wind that whipped Knuckles' dreadlocks around his face. But the sudden burst of speed also brought something unexpected—Rouge was suddenly tackled with brute force, hurtling into the nearest wall. The three Chaos Emeralds she held slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground around her.

Knuckles and Tails stood frozen in shock, their eyes widening as they watched Rouge collide with the unforgiving surface with a resounding thud. As they scrambled to her side, their attention was drawn to the figure standing before them, his metallic form bearing the scars of their previous encounters.

Metal Sonic.

The robot's sleek exterior was marred by dents from Knuckles' powerful blows and scorched by the flames unleashed by Tails' explosive trap. Yet, despite the damage, Metal Sonic remained active, his crimson optics burning with an intense fury. Knuckles felt a growl of frustration building in his throat. It seemed like no matter what they threw at him, Metal Sonic always found a way to bounce back.

Without a moment's hesitation, Knuckles launched himself forward, determination burning in his eyes as he aimed to finish what he had started. His fists flew with precision, aiming to land two powerful hooks on Metal Sonic's metallic frame. But the robotic adversary proved to be more agile than anticipated, smoothly dodging Knuckles' attacks with fluid movements reminiscent of a skilled martial artist.

Before Knuckles could react, Metal Sonic seized hold of his arm, using his momentum against him as he spun Knuckles around and hurled him towards Rouge's direction. With a grunt of effort, Knuckles managed to regain his footing, quickly scrambling to his feet alongside Rouge.

Metal Sonic's crimson optics flickered to Tails, who stood defiantly clutching the Chaos Emeralds in his hands. With a mechanical precision, Metal Sonic extended his hand, his tone commanding yet eerily devoid of emotion.

"Give those to me, Tails," Metal Sonic demanded.

Tails held the Chaos Emeralds out of Metal Sonic's reach. "No."

Metal Sonic took a step forward, his metallic form towering over Tails with an imposing presence. But before he could make another move, Knuckles and Rouge swiftly positioned themselves in front of Tails, their protective stance clear.

Metal Sonic's inner programming flickered momentarily, the conflict evident in his mechanical mind. His core directives, hardcoded and immutable, compelled him to view certain individuals—Sonic, Knuckles, and Rouge—as perpetual enemies. Despite his evolving sense of identity and occasional moments of empathy, these directives remained ingrained, locking him in a perpetual cycle of conflict.

The trio knew that this was their final stand—Metal Sonic wouldn't let them leave without a fight. He was ready to end them, to erase the thorn in his side that had thwarted him time and time again.

Tails glanced down at the virus device clutched tightly in his hand, their one chance of stopping Metal Sonic's rampage. With a silent exchange, he caught Knuckles' attention, his voice cutting through the tense silence.

"Knuckles," Tails called out.

Knuckles nodded in understanding, his muscles tensing as he shifted his stance, preparing for battle. With a deep breath, he set his sights on Metal Sonic, his gaze locked on the robotic foe before him.

Metal Sonic chuckled mockingly, waving a teasing finger at Knuckles as he taunted him. "This is gonna be fun. Think you can beat me this time?"

Knuckles felt a growl rising in his throat, his pride stung by Metal Sonic's words. It was true—despite his best efforts, he had never managed to best Sonic in a direct confrontation. But Metal Sonic seemed to believe himself to be the real Sonic, and Knuckles was more than willing to indulge that misconception.

"Shut up and fight," Knuckles retorted, his voice low and dangerous.