Chapter Text
More than a year ago, a mysterious thing wished to show a world that runs on comedic logic to seven people. These people had counterparts who resided in that dimension and were requested to originally watch fifty-two episodes. One of the seven, a robot doppelgänger, missed out on the first three episodes but was caught up to speed. As for the amount, the thing decided to cut out nineteen due to how long it would take otherwise. Many things happened during the marathon. Body swaps, time loops on the quietest of the bunch, friends joining in to watch, one of the twins being brought in for two episodes, a spice tolerance contest, and the temperature temporarily dropping during the penultimate chosen episode. The biggest one however was the robot obtaining a body of flesh and blood after wishing for one ever since the body swap. Out of the entire group, he had changed the most as he was now free to live his own life. One that would not bring pain and misery to others.
To say these seven people went through a lot would be an understatement. Sanity and patience were put to the limit. Didn’t help that one of them was sleep-deprived, making him more violent than normal. At first, they did not like the alternate world very much. Claiming their twins should be more like themselves and that the world they lived in was better off gone. As time went on though, they slowly warmed up to their doubles. Especially when a new mysterious thing took the reins after the first was called away to a lot of work. This new thing was much more benevolent, providing food, a warning for the final impact, and dessert. There was still some control from the first thing as important information on the future had to be erased to preserve the timestream. Still, most of the group had no ill will for the second thing. After a six-month war was won, the heroes came into contact with the new thing, revealed to be named Ages. An offer was given to them to see thirty-three episodes of a second batch of episodes. A way to unwind after nonstop fighting and traumatic events. Promised to be better than last time, the decision was easy to predict…
A small castle had risen up from Emerald Coast’s waters early this morning. Away from the public eye to ensure that unnecessary investigations would not be held. However, a few people did know about this beforehand. Being told in advance a few weeks ago. Now four of them were at the shoreline with the castle straight ahead.
“So…” Sonic tapped his foot in impatience. “Any idea what’s supposed to happen?”
Tails took note of the distance between them and the building. Consisting of a huge body of water. “Well, it doesn’t look too far to swim over.”
Sonic got tense, “Swim?! Ages didn’t say we would have to do that!”
“Not to mention this isn’t a good outfit to get wet.” Amy brushed off a new dress she wanted to try out. It was longer than her typical outfit with the top half being fuchsia pink and the flowing skirt being white with pink rose petals at the hem. “Maybe we could rent a boat?”
Knuckles scoffed, “And say what? ‘Hey there! We’d like to borrow a boat so we can row out to a castle that just shot out from the ocean this morning!’ I’d rather not draw too much attention to us. If word spreads that I’m off Angel Island, the Master Emerald’s easy pickings!”
His friends understood the concern. Ages had set up an advanced security system around the island allowing Knuckles to join the marathon but even that could have a weakness. With three people missing, Tails had another idea. “We might get a solution when we’re all here.”
As he said that, two hedgehogs warped next to him. A dark blue one who could be considered Sonic’s twin brother and a black and red one holding a light blue Chaos Emerald. “Everyone” the latter uttered.
“You guys actually decided to come for the whole thing!” Sonic got between Shadow and Metal and threw an arm over their shoulders. “Thought you’d take up Ages’ offer to only show up for the finale since it’s the only time your twins appear!”
Metal Sonic just gripped his rival’s hand tightly to make him release him. Not too painful but enough to get the picture. “We’ve had a rough few missions. One involving stopping and incarcerating a deranged platypus who nearly unleashed a virus that would turn everyone into zombie robots. It made me want as many laughs as possible.”
The others could understand now why these two decided to watch the whole marathon. News reports went into detail on how said platypus was almost successful in unleashing the ‘Metal Virus’ as he called it to avenge Eggman’s defeat after the war. Were it not for Metal’s immunity thanks to the robotic coating over his fur, it would be 200 years until all infected would turn to dust. All plans were destroyed, and Shadow used his Chaos Control to warp the minimal substance to the sun. This victory allowed a day off for G.U.N., making today’s events possible.
“Just need to wait for the doctor” Shadow looked to the rising sun. “I’m surprised he actually said yes.”
“He’s likely in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but plan revenge. I wouldn’t be shocked if he accepted out of boredom” the echidna guessed.
“I’m wondering how Ages will make sure he doesn’t try anything.”
Right as Amy said that a lilac purple portal appeared overhead, and a human fell out of it onto the sand. He groaned as he got up, revealing a gem encrusted collar around his neck. That alone got Sonic’s attention. “Morning Eggster! See you got some new duds!”
Eggman just growled, “It’s a restraint collar the second thing put on me. To make sure I won’t use this marathon to run off to one of my bases. If I do anything it deems suspicious, it’ll poof me back to where I was! Apparently, it won’t trust me to sit still and watch more of my twin’s antics for some reason.”
The animals gave knowing glances to one another. “We don’t know either” the Blue Blur smirked. “There’s always a flair of mystery with the things.”
The ground then started to shake a little bit making everyone look to the castle. The water in front of it parting with ease, making a dry path of sand appear to reach the doors. Walls of water were on each side, aquatic life swimming around like nothing was wrong.
“Whoa” Tails was in awe as he started down the path. “This is so cool! It’s like a natural aquarium!”
Knuckles and Amy followed suit as they touched the water. Rather than get wet, the texture felt like jelly. Metal was completely mesmerized at this work of power making Shadow pull him along. Being a bit impressed himself. Eggman just marched inside while Sonic was hesitant. Something the pinkette noticed.
“It’s okay Sonic. The water’s not gonna touch you.”
“I…” He was still unsure. Would the walls of water collapse? He did trust Ages to ensure that wouldn’t happen, but his paranoia was saying otherwise. He just held out a hand for help as Amy took it.
“We’ll be okay. It’s not even far.”
She was right. It only took a few steps to reach the entrance. Once on solid ground, the water collapsed and returned to normal. Sonic quickly went inside when Amy heard another voice.
“Hold the door!”
Looking to the shoreline, Silver was running over and used his telekinesis to float on over. “Silver! I thought you had something going on in the Sol Dimension today” Amy wondered.
He reassured her, “Don’t worry. It’s not for another hour since Blaze is busy with a knighting ceremony. So, I have time to watch at least two episodes.” His golden eyes took in the castle’s architecture and stained-glass windows.
“No kidding” Amy admired the carpet’s embroidery and light pink walls. “This is a step up from Sonic and Tails’ place. Ages really can deliver with promises.”
They found the others in a large room with a movie screen sized TV at the other end. Couches, pillows, and beanbag chairs were present along with a table filled with breakfast dishes. Something the boys were already digging into. Sonic and Tails were piling on bacon, toast, sausages, and juice. Knuckles went with the fruits and a Belgian waffle while Eggman selected an omelet. Shadow filled a cup with coffee beans while getting blueberry muffins and Metal got a little of everything. Except for the toast.
“Aw no toast Mets?” Sonic teased him. “They might be from your double!”
He just flung a donut at him that hung around his nose.
Amy got a plate ready herself. “Quite a spread. Everything smells so good.”
Silver was filling his plate with cinnamon rolls as a gentle female voice was heard. “Thank you. I try my best.”
Everyone jumped in place as Knuckles nearly dropped his food. “Was that Ages?”
“You’re right” the voice said. “I’m glad you all took me up on my offer. I look forward to round two of you guys learning about your twins. Trust me when I say this batch is better than the first.”
“Let’s hope you’re right.” Eggman plopped down on one of the couches. “Maybe let me know a little more about you. What are you anyway? Some all-powerful deity who can see into multiple dimensions at once?”
Sonic took one of the beanbags, “Careful Eggy. Destructive sources of power never worked out well for you.”
The human shot a glare as there was light laughter from Ages. “You can’t handle my kind of power anyway. I can say this castle is kind of my home. It’s from a world called ‘Paradise.’ It’s mainly used to house refugees when their world is in danger. But there’s no interdimensional crisis happening right now so the place is completely vacant.”
A sanctuary for people when their home dimension was in chaos? Now this was news everyone wanted to know about. “You watch over the multiverse?” Tails questioned. “That’s crazy! How are you able to fit thousands if not millions of survivors here?”
“My home is bigger than it looks from the outside. Providing what’s needed for the situation. The rooms and furniture can even change shape depending on what you’re most comfortable with. Just think and it will happen.”
Change shape? Metal tested that by sitting on another beanbag and it morphed into a recliner with buttons. He pressed one and it began vibrating. “Ohhh yeah.”
Knuckles took the other sofa as Tails and Shadow joined him. “First time?”
“He experienced one at a furniture store and nearly took out one of the employees when asked to leave.” Shadow had a small, amused smile when saying this. “Still has yet to experience a real massage.”
Silver and Amy took the pile of pillows on the floor in between the two blue hedgehogs. The latter wondering about something. “Did you let Rouge and Omega know about the marathon, Shadow?”
“I did. They’re currently busy with their own activities. But they said they’ll drop by later.” His eyes glanced at the ceiling to see a golden chandelier. “You send any invites yourself, Rose?”
“I let Cream know and her mom approved it after reassuring her there was no inappropriate content.” Amy also had to let her know that no swearing would come from the rest of the group. “After she’s done with gardening and homework, she’ll make her way over.”
“Maybe Blaze will want to see some too” the snowy hedgehog was getting antsy for the first episode to start. “If she’s able to get a long break in her duties.”
A remote then landed in Sonic’s lap as the television turned on. The title Spacemageddonocalypse being on screen with a play button underneath. “I wanted to start with ‘Tommy Thunder: Method Actor’ as it is the season premiere, but I figured this would be a better way to begin the marathon” Ages explained. “Full of action and laughs. I’ll chime in in a few.”
With a title like that, it sounded like there would be a greater danger than normal. “Looks like Sticks’ concern for aliens might happen here” Tails finished off his food as he got comfy.
He might have warmed up to her, but Knuckles wasn’t looking forward to starting the marathon off with the focus on her. Please at least keep her rants to a minimum.
Metal and Silver on the other hand were grinning with glee at that guess. “Don’t be surprised if she starts screaming.”
“You will succumb to laughter first Snowflake. I have mastered my straight face.”
Shadow just rolled his eyes as Sonic began the episode.
The planet was seen from orbit as 2001’s A Space Odyssey’s theme plays in the background. A spaceship floats into view as Orbot and Cubot attempt to fix a satellite that resembled Eggman. The former opening a hatch to put in a green vial.
Eggman was watching this from inside his ship. “What’s taking you so long? I’m getting bored.”
The doctor wasn’t surprised his twin showed up right away. He only hoped the satellite being fixed was for defense purposes and not because it put his cable on the fritz.
“Whoa. I don’t think we’ve ever seen outer space in that world” Sonic brought up. “The planet even looks close to ours!”
There was the fantasy sequence from Dude, Where’s My Eggman? but Knuckles wasn’t counting that. “There’s even more land than just Bygone Island. But I doubt we’ll get to see any of that.”
“You never know” Tails reassured him. “Second seasons tend to branch out after gaining enough support from audiences.”
“Okay, we’re-” A piece of debris then hit Orbot, causing him to collide into Cubot and bounce around in space.
Eggman wasn’t concerned, “I know what to do.” He started playing a video game that connected to a blaster. Shooting any debris showing up on the screen.
Sonic was already snickering, “Is that how you use your ship’s defenses Eggy? Playing retro space shooters?”
“No! My ships have an advanced system that requires true scientific genius!”
“Either way, your twin’s holding his own pretty well with just the bare minimum!”
The human just slumped. This was going to be a looooong thirty-three episodes.
A huge asteroid then came into the screen’s view. Any shots bouncing off it. “That thing’s huge! Did I just level up?” Eggman wondered.
Red lights and warning alarms then went off. “Large asteroid headed for home planet” the computer said.
Now the doctor was panicking. “IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!” He pressed a button to make the Egg Rocket fly back to the planet. His robot henchmen being dragged along. A bit of the asteroid then came into view as the music intensified.
“An asteroid entering the atmosphere? So, it’s not an alien invasion!”
Knuckles sighed in relief at Tails’ words. “And it looks nothing like those body-switching meteorites.”
“Body-switching?” Silver questioned. “Did one of the episodes last time have that?”
The rest of the room shuddered at the memory. “Yep. The first thing had each of us swap with one another to fit with the plot” Amy explained. “The duos switching bodies were Eggman and Rouge, Tails and Knuckles, Sonic and Metal, and me and Shadow.”
Just the thought of what happened was enough for Silver to cover his mouth to avoid laughing out loud. “I’m sorry just…Shadow in Amy’s body and Rouge in Eggman’s?! That had to be an experience!”
“One that still haunts me” the striped one sighed. “At least it gave me a break from fighting to stay awake.”
“Leading to your sugar rush due to Amy needing sweets to fight it off herself.”
“It was slightly more tolerable than being a robot, Faker.”
The dagger glare was enough to silence Sonic as Eggman looked to his former robot. “Only thing worse than being on restraint was losing further control over my magnum opus!”
“A blessing in disguise rodent” Metal was licking his plate clean.
Back on the island, Eggman and his robots were outside a bunker. “As usual I’m prepared. I have a secret underground bunker” the doctor stated.
“Why didn’t we know about it?” Orbot asked.
“Because it’s not a famous underground bunker” was the sharp answer. “It can withstand anything. Zombie apocalypse, misguided people handing out pamphlets, a robot uprising.”
Both robots looked to each other.
Most of the room briefly had war flashbacks while Eggman had a smile. The perfect silencer to get back at being the butt of jokes. “Those memories ain’t going away anytime soon! All these years of defeat, and I finally have something to hold over your heads! Special thanks to you Shadow for giving Infinite the boost he needed to fully commit to the cause.”
The black hedgie just put some coffee beans on his spoon and flicked them at his face.
“I would recommend not poking the bear” Amy warned the human. “That was surprisingly merciful given how he usually reacts to comments like that.”
“I’m not risking getting leashed again. Not to mention Ages can easily make good on the threat or make that collar do more than just send you back.”
That vague threat from the lifeform was enough for Eggman to shut it. Still being smug for his half-year ruling.
Eggman opened up the bunker. “It’s just as I left it, prestige and untouched by anyone.”
The lights turned on, revealing a big mess inside. “Come to think of it, maybe I did know about it” Cubot said.
“Clean this place up! Restock the rations and get that mustache off my mustache!” Eggman pointed to a picture of him that was covered in black marker.
The sight of the doodled mustache lightened Sonic’s mood. “Okay, who here’s done something like that to one of Eggy’s artworks?”
Most of the room raised their hands. Including Metal to Tails’ wonder. “You?”
“Not all of my rebelliousness was locked away fox.”
“I have a plan” the human announced.
It cut to the center of the village with Eggman on a podium. “Our planet is about to be hit by a giant asteroid. Come with me if you want to pay! I mean live.”
“Really?” Sonic was skeptical. “That we’re about to be obliterated by a giant asteroid scheme?”
“This asteroid is real!” Eggman yelled. “Which, I’ll admit takes some joy out of a scheme. But you gotta dance with the girl what brung you.”
“Even with the world on the line your double’s still planning something! Is he gonna charge the villagers for sanctuary?”
“If so, it’s actually quite smart” Knuckles told Amy. “You’ve seen how much more they value their own lives over our twins.”
If there was one upside to the towns in that world, it’s that they were very fair weathered to their heroes. It made Eggman wish there was a way to turn enough people against their savior. Something like with Project Shadow but on a more permanent scale.
The villagers just laughed in disbelief. Eggman scowled at them, “Go on, laugh! But you won’t be laughing when you’re crushed by a giant meteor. That’s only funny when it happens to someone else! Comedy 101 people!”
“Really?” Metal smirked as he tossed a pillow at his doppelgänger.
“Hey! I thought you don’t use pain as much anymore Mets!”
“Just proving a theory copy. And it was either that or my plate.”
“He’s not wrong” Knuckles chuckled as did Eggman, Shadow, Silver, and Tails.
At Tails’ workshop, the fox was adjusting a telescope. “I can spot anything coming at us with my ‘Tail-escope!’”
“Uh, how is a ‘Tail-escope’ different from a telescope?” Sonic asked.
“It’s not” Tails answered sadly.
Tails rubbed his arm at the punny name. He was guilty of trying to be creative with his inventions’ names.
The kitsune looked through his Tail-escope to see a giant asteroid in outer space. “A giant asteroid coming to destroy us!”
“This is just an alien invasion coverup!” Sticks proclaimed. “I hope it’s the aliens who help us build stuff. Not the ones who eat us.”
“Unless it’s the Wisps deciding to use a different method of transportation, I doubt it’s the former” Sonic commented. “There’s only one type of alien I know that uses asteroids for travel and destruction.”
Everyone eyed Shadow as he looked away.
“I do wonder how our twins will handle something like this” Amy played with her quills. “This is beyond robot attacks and sitcom scenarios.”
“They have a genius fox who’s proven to be reliable” Knuckles wasn’t too worried. “They’ll be fine.”
At the Mayor’s mansion, Tails had a chart on display showing a drawing of planets. “If my calculations are correct, the asteroid is on the direct course for this planet.”
“Oh asteroids fly by all the time. What are the chances it will actually hit us?” Mayor Fink brushed off the danger.
“One hundred percent” the fox replied.
“I can live with those odds.”
Silver was dumbfounded at this. He was already aware of the villagers’ apathy for safety and common sense, but this was a new level. “Why do your doubles choose to help the village? It has to be more than just ‘it’s the right thing to do.’”
“It’s their home too” Sonic folded his arms. “Unless they decide to travel to another mass of land with civilization. But for this, if the asteroid affects the entire planet, it might be best to handle that first.”
If he hadn’t warmed up to his twin a little bit, Knuckles would be rooting for the asteroid. Eggman was the same, minus the warming up.
“I think the best move would be to deflect the meteor-” Tails started but was interrupted by Eggman.
“So is it a meteor or an asteroid?”
“That’s a good question” Mayor Fink said.
“No it’s not!” Sonic yelled. “He’s just trying to distract us so he can sell spots in his bunker!”
“Way to go with being the voice of reason other me!” Sonic clapped. “Especially since they’ve allowed Egghead to join in on the meeting.”
Given the small amount of space shown beforehand, Metal doubted the entire village could fit inside. “I would not be surprised if there is a brawl for survival.” On the contrary, he was looking forward to it.
Tails continued his speech, “Our best bet is to blow up the asteroid and send it off its current course.”
“Or we could let it hit us!” Eggman counteroffered. “And by us, I mean anyone who hasn’t paid to live in my bunker.”
“I suggest we have everyone jump at the same time and throw our planet off orbit” Professor Cluckins suggested.
Amy face palmed at the third idea but saw a bright side. “At least he has an idea. Maybe the villagers can come up with good ones someday!”
“You never know” Silver had a little smile. “That amount of force can have some kind of impact-”
“You’re still sticking up for Charmy’s idea that jumping all at once would topple Eggman’s larger robots?” Knuckles groaned. It was almost as bad as Big’s idea to take the Eggman Empire and push it somewhere else.
“The kid’s got an imagination! Even then it brought some levity!”
Sonic stuck to supporting his brother. “I’m thinking Tails should figure this out by himself.”
Mayor Fink got up, “In the meantime, I’m going to hide in Eggman’s secret bunker.”
“I was just going to suggest that myself” Cluckins said as he and Fink ran out.
“It’s no longer a secret if everyone knows about it” Eggman mumbled.
“Your twin and his friends are the only reason I don’t want the asteroid to crash into that island” Shadow told his blue furred rival. “They’re the only ones who are worth keeping around.”
Most of the room was in agreement. “I’d also keep Zooey and Perci” Amy stated. “For…fighting off loneliness!”
Tails raised an ear at that. “Were you going to suggest something else?”
“Nope!” Sonic interjected. Well aware what Amy meant with having enough males and females. “Your twin’s going to save us all anyway!”
Outside the bunker was a huge crowd. Eggman was all giddy, “I’m gonna be rich!”
“You know, money will be useless if there’s no civilization” Orbot told him.
“I will give those failures this, they can acknowledge holes in the doctor’s plans” Metal turned on the massage feature again. “Then again anyone can do that.”
Eggman fumed in silence as the room chuckled. “Yeah, more than a slice of Swiss cheese Mets.”
The doctor faced the crowd. “I’m now basing my decision on who’s the most bunker worthy. Each of you must write a one-page essay on why you deserve to be saved.”
Dave raised his hand, “Can it be double-spaced?”
“Ooh, that’s a toughie if I was the one who would read them.” These islanders would have to work very hard if Knuckles was to consider helping them out.
“Come on Knucks” Sonic teased him. “We’re heroes! No matter the person, we always help those in need! Right guys?”
“Yeah!” Tails, Amy, and Silver agreed while Shadow and Metal looked indifferent.
The Blue Blur eyed said dark hedgehogs. “You too Edgy Hedgies. You did help us discover the truth about your Phantom doubles and how to use the dropped prototype ruby to defeat Infinite.”
The former robot flashed his teeth at the nickname while Shadow gave a sideways glance. “Just know we ensure something worse won’t succeed.” And you are willing to give up everything for others.
Back at the workshop, Tails was struggling on how to stop the asteroid. “It’s no use! I can’t figure this out!”
Silver tensed at the words along with feeling half-lidded eyes on him. “Don’t even say it.”
“It was a way to make your entrance” Sonic leaned his way as he put his face into his hands.
The black and red one laughed lightly too while everyone else was completely lost.
Sonic was pacing back and forward when he stopped to admire himself in a mirror.
Tails observed this, “Wait a minute…”
“Just because it’s the end of the world doesn’t mean I shouldn’t look my best” Sonic told him to defend himself.
All but one rolled their eyes. That was clearly untrue. It took quite some time to restore their fur and health to normal condition when the war was over.
“That’s it!” Tails ran to a whiteboard and started to write. “We can use mirrors to aim solar rays at the asteroid! The heat imbalance will bump it off course! We just need lots of mirrors.”
“How I’ve missed the other Tails’ way of thinking.” Knuckles could have used that for planning and strategies. Giving his fox friend here a buddy to bounce off of.
Outside Sticks’ burrow, Sonic, Knuckles, and Amy were putting mirrors onto a pile. The badger walking out with one while looking at herself. “This is either a mirror, or the portal to a parallel universe where my evil twin is trapped! Begone, evil Sticks!” She pushed the mirror to Sonic.
“She might not be completely wrong given alternate dimensions have found a way there” Tails fiddled with his tails while the silver and dark blue ones disguised their laughs. “And Mittens being brought here last time.”
“Makes you think, Ages said there would be events like last time to fit with what happens in an episode. You think it’ll include another of our doubles being brought here?” Amy questioned. Thinking why Sticks had so many mirrors or if they were collected from around the village.
The possibility allowed Silver to compose himself. “I’d like that! Or maybe it could delete gravity in the room or send one of you guys to the other dimension!”
Eggman was about to object but realized if he was the one targeted, he could finally show his twin what it means to be a real villain. Conquering the island with ease and roboticizing all the islanders. Sonic cut him off before he could say anything. “It would be fun to show my twin all my moves. Maybe suggest better defenses so he and the team won’t have to constantly fight evil to be met with ingratitude days later.”
“I’d rather not take that risk.” Knuckles didn’t know if he could handle dealing with the comedy run logic running wild over there. He knew it would make Shadow snap given how he was the first thing’s favorite victim to toy with.
The sun was shining bright as the camera shifted to the heroes with a laser device. Sonic looked through the Tail-escope as Tails climbed up to the device. “Ready, aim, FIRE!” He moved a joystick and pressed a button.
One of the mirrors projected a yellow light that reflected off the other mirrors. It created a thin yellow laser that shot into space towards the meteor. Unfortunately, it ended up hitting several debris before going off target.
Tails saw all this from his Tail-escope. “There’s too much space debris between us and the meteor! I can’t shoot it from here.”
It cut to Amy as she was typing something on a pink computer. “Is there a hyphen in ‘bunker worthy?’”
“You too?” Amy sighed. Then again, the panic must have been seeping in and it was known to cause poor decision making.
“She’s wasting her time. No way would I let any of you rodents into a bunker if there was a world ending catastrophe! The same better be for my double.”
“You’ve seen the slight bond those two have had Eggy. She could be a top three contender.”
Back at the bunker, Eggman was reading through several essays. “These essays are awful! Looks like my evil scheme to underpay teachers came back to bite me. Cubot, go and have them draw straws” he commanded.
The robot hurried off as Eggman paced inside for a bit. “Maybe I should pick someone I hate! With Sonic gone, I’ll need a new nemesis.”
“Did he get straws?” Knuckles didn’t see any when Cubot went out. “How is that supposed to work?”
Sonic was more focused on something else. “A new nemesis? It’ll be a tough act to follow! No one can replace me! Right Baldy?”
“Oh I have a ranking of how much I hate each of you, cactus. And I want it to be ME to destroy you! Not some space rock!”
“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to start planning! Like Shadow!” The striped one braced himself as his rival went on. “He’s almost as powerful as me and takes you more seriously!”
“You’re half right.”
“Wait, you don’t actually take Eggy seriously?”
Shadow just closed his eyes as the beanbag Sonic was in suddenly turned into a kiddie pool filled with water. “GAH! How could you, Shads? You know I hate water!”
“It’s shallow. You’ll survive.”
His friends and former robot enemy giggled as Sonic just got out and sat on the sofa. Having enough distance between himself and the doctor. Not caring that he was soaking the cushions.
Cubot then came back with drawings of straws. Showing each one with a grin. “I like the bendy one!”
Metal wasn’t surprised at the ‘draw straws’ request. Though the pictures were rather impressive. “If he and the other defect end up in the bunker, they will drive the doctor crazy.”
Meanwhile, the heroes were working on a way around the space debris. “Our only choice is to shoot it from space” Tails concluded.
“We’ll have to borrow Eggman’s rocket” Amy brought up.
“He’ll never let us use it!” the fox told her. “He wants the asteroid to hit.”
Sonic became thoughtful “Unless…”
A red velvet rope cut off the crowd between five people close to the bunker. Obliterator Bot was outside as Eggman gave roses to Mayor Fink, Admiral Beaverton, Lady Walrus, Professor Cluckins, and Comedy Chimp. “Thank you” the last one said.
“Now he’s using a staple from a reality show?” Amy seldom watched it but the roses were a clear indicator.
“Their straw drawings had to be remarkable” Silver gave his thoughts.
“Either that or they bribed their way in.”
“Yeah, that too Shadow.”
Knuckles was stunned Comedy Chimp got a spot given his bad sense of humor. Then again, the other Eggman pondered choosing someone he hated so that could be a factor.
“Congratulations! You’re my five finalists” Eggman announced. “The rest of you go home to your doom.”
The rest of the crowd left in disappointment.
With how Lady Walrus was among the finalists, a concern came to Tails. “Doesn’t the walrus have a baby son? Is she just going to let him get crushed?!”
“I hope not! A mother’s love is more powerful than the urge to survive!” Amy had seen Vanilla defend her daughter and it was more terrifying than most other threats.
Sonic approached a wolf policeman and whispered something to him. It cut to the officer taking the Egg Rocket away on a wooden platform. “What’s the meaning of this?!” Eggman shouted.
“You have to follow alternate side of the street parking regulations even in the middle of the jungle.” The police officer continued to slowly drive away to the human’s impatience.
Silver was snickering at the background music playing during this. “Looks like law enforcement came in handy!”
“For their faults, they do come through in keeping people safe” Sonic agreed. Even in that world it came to the heroes’ benefit.
Eggman cleared his throat to put an end to this.
The animals just pointed to their own necks to remind him of the restraint making him cross his arms.
Knuckles carefully placed the mirror machine inside the Egg Rocket with Sonic’s guidance. Once the machine was in, the top part of the rocket closed. “Okay ground control, I’m ready for my mission” the hedgehog announced.
“Um, Sonic, we think Knuckles should go” Amy responded.
“What?! No way!”
Tails came in holding a red spacesuit. “He’s the only one strong enough to lift the machine if something goes wrong.”
Silver got excited, “So Mittens is going to save the day!”
“Don’t get your hopes up.” Eggman was not looking forward to starting the marathon off with the dense echidna having the world in his hands. “He has the IQ of a cardboard box and destroys anything he touches.”
Knuckles was feeling the same but his twin did prove his physical prowess when needed. “I’m actually giving him a chance. New season, new start.”
His friends turned to him in awe. “You’ve really warmed up to your double, huh Knucks?”
“Well I no longer want to see him get mutilated every time he opens his mouth.”
Silence in the room. Amy still had a bit of a smile. “We all start somewhere.”
“But how often do I get to literally save the world?” Sonic slightly whined.
Knuckles pulled out a newspaper. “According to the TV listings, about once a week.”
Mittens had said quite a few things but that one confused the snowy hedgehog. “Um, does he mean the episodes? Is he aware of them? But he couldn’t have until he was brought in to watch two and…” He held his head as it hurt thinking about it.
“Oh, we got a bit of an answer for that” Tails explained. “There’s a counterpart to the Chaos Emeralds with the Chaos Crystals. After our doubles retrieved them from an evil snake, they were given to an archeologist who used their power to erase their existence from their memories for their own safety. It came with the side effect of being aware of the fourth wall. A way comedy runs in that world.”
That did sound like it made sense, but Silver was still unsure. “Does it happen often?”
A few nodded as Metal gave a response. “A few islanders have engaged in it as well. I have a feeling more will show up in this season too.”
“Sacrificing your glory for the common good is also very heroic” Amy said to console her crush.
Sonic did ease up at this. “Okay, then I guess Knuckles and I will both be heroes!”
“But I’M the hero going into space to save the day!” Knuckles retorted.
Blue hedgehog and red echidna eyed each other with a competitive glint. “His ego’s almost on par with yours.”
“Fat chance! It pales in comparison!”
“So, you admit you do have a huge ego?”
Sonic grumbled at that as Knuckles gave Shadow a high-five. He glanced at it and figured one wouldn’t hurt.
Tails gave Knuckles the spacesuit. “Knuckles, the Solar Convergence Device, or as I’d like to call it, the ‘Solar Convergence Device,’ has been loaded into the Egg Rocket. When it comes up alongside the asteroid, you’ll have to activate the Solar Convergence Device.”
“Tails, we don’t have a lot of time here” Amy said. “Can you shorten the name of that thing?”
“I don’t think we even got a time limit on the asteroid.” The pinkette didn’t recall if there was one.
The kitsune agreed with her as the sky didn’t look too different from the previous scenes. There was bound to be a huge change in the atmosphere the closer the meteor got.
“It is taking its sweet time” Shadow folded his arms. “To the benefit of the island.”
“Fine. The SCD.”
“The what?” Knuckles questioned.
“The SCD” Tails repeated.
“The what?” Knuckles asked again.
“The SCD” Tails said once more.
A few seconds of confused silence came from Knuckles before Tails spoke. “The Solar Convergence Device.”
“Oh, why didn’t you say so?”
The guardian deeply sighed. “Those few seconds were unnecessary.”
“What else is new for this show?” Eggman asked.
Most of the room agreed with the first statement.
“You’ll need to activate it” the fox went on. “Then get away from the asteroid as quickly as possible.”
Knuckles listened, “Got it.”
“The first step is to set the calibration lever to 47 degrees.”
“He is aware of who he’s talking to, right?”
“Eh, he’ll have a way around it Mets.”
Confusion was on the echidna’s face. “What’s the opposite of got it?”
“It’s okay” Tails pulled out a slip of paper. “I wrote it down for you.” The camera showed the paper to be blank. “With pictures.”
Knuckles took the slip of paper.
“Smart.” Tails wondered if he should do the same for some of his friends. His technobabble tended to fly over their heads.
Now in his spacesuit, Knuckles came out of the workshop in slow motion. It went on for a few seconds until Amy spoke up. “Knuckles, the asteroid is about to crash into us. You need to hurry!”
“Oh, sorry. I was trying to be dramatic.” He walked a little faster.
“Don’t blame him for going slow. Considering the asteroid still looks to be a way off.”
Knuckles rolled his eyes at Silver’s words. Even if it’ll work out, please don’t screw up too badly.
Out in space, the Egg Rocket was flying beside the asteroid. It changed to Tails’ workshop with the rest of the team monitoring the events on a computer. Tails spoke into a communicator, “Knuckles, as you approach the asteroid, its magnetic interference will disrupt radio communication.”
“Do you think he’ll be able to do this?” Amy wondered with worry.
“As long as he has this list.” The fox looked at it and realized it was the one with instructions. “Uh oh. What did I give Knuckles?!”
In the rocket, Knuckles was reading what was on the paper he took. “Milk, tomatoes, tail conditioner… These instructions are more complicated than I thought. I’ll just have to wing it.”
Shadow face palmed while the rest of the room was on edge. “This will almost end in catastrophe.”
“Have faith, Shads! He’s able to fly the rocket without trouble!”
The Egg Rocket crash landed roughly on the asteroid. A Wilhelm scream being heard upon making impact.
Sonic ignored the raised eyebrow and smirk from his rival.
The top of the rocket opened revealing the SCD. Knuckles pressed the button two times, making some of the panels move. He kept pushing the button in annoyance and impatience. “Grr! Gah! What are you-?!”
One of the panels then shattered.
“Whoops! That’s seven years bad luck. But who gets it, me or the machine?”
Silver was glad for the levity as he found himself laughing. Metal wasn’t far behind, “The echidna is no stranger to bad luck.”
“Maybe the luck balance of the universe will sort it out in time!” Tails added.
“What’s the luck balance of the universe?” Silver calmed himself enough to ask.
Knuckles sighed as he didn’t want to explain that episode. “Another quirk of that world where things tend to happen to the help or hinderance of our doubles. Made up by Sticks.”
“Hahaha! Say no more!”
The SCD started spinning rapidly as Knuckles gasped. It stopped spinning as it broke into pieces. “Well, that worked out well for me, ‘cept that the asteroid is still headed for the planet and I’m all alone in space. Looks like I’m gonna have to do this the old fashioned way.”
With the background music picking up, Sonic was sensing something awesome about to happen. “You think he’s gonna try and punch it to pieces?”
Eggman faked a laugh. “Him?! This Knucklehead maybe! But his twin lost an arm-wrestling match to him! Twice!”
At this point, Knuckles was hoping for anything. A chance to redeem himself.
“Well, we have faith in Mittens!” Amy spoke up.
Tails, Silver, and Metal agreed while Shadow gave a fifty-fifty sign.
“Computer, open the doors!” Knuckles commanded.
“I’m sorry, Knuckles” the computer said. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
The echidna unbuckled himself, “Looks like I’m gonna have to do this the old fashion-er way!” He floated to the door and broke it down to climb to the asteroid. Feet firmly on solid rock, he stood tall. “I’m sorry to do this to you asteroid, but I’ve got a lot of friends on that planet!”
He took a big leap in slow motion and hit the asteroid with a shockwave inducing ground pound. A shot of the asteroid showed it breaking into large pieces. Knuckles then noticed it was cracking fast as he dodged debris. He tried to run back to the rocket but a step on a rock threw him off course. Floating into space.
The whole room was silent with anticipation. While the asteroid wasn’t as big as before, the danger was still present. “Come on Mittens. You got this” Sonic uttered.
Back at the workshop, Sonic, Tails, and Amy were monitoring the progress. “Knuckles should’ve been back in radio range by now” the fox said.
“It should’ve been me…” Sonic sighed.
“Yes. It should have.” Eggman imagined his enemy floating away in space with no oxygen. His mood rising at the thought.
A concern filled Amy, “I hope he won’t fall to the planet’s atmosphere! Not everyone can survive that!”
Shadow knew what she was talking about. While he managed to tank that, he doubted it would be the same for this.
Back with Knuckles, he kept getting pushed around by the meteor’s debris towards the Egg satellite from before. He hung onto it tight as asteroid rubble continued to fall.
Tails spoke into his communicator, “Knuckles, can you hear me?”
Gaining his balance, Knuckles began riding the satellite like a surfboard. “Yeeahh!!” He moved with ease as he safely made it back to the Egg Rocket. He leapt off it and managed to grab the hinges of the door, stepping inside.
Most of the room cheered. “Go Mittens!” Tails yelled.
“Those were some sweet moves!” Sonic commented on the satellite surfing.
“Whoo! That was awesome!” Silver applauded.
A smile formed on Knuckles’ face. His double really came through for this. Guess the fate of all life was enough for him to really go the distance. Well done.
“Now if he can just keep that competence for the remainder of the marathon.”
“That is wishful thinking doctor. But it is more likely than a permanent win for you.”
Eggman ignored his creation’s words.
At the workshop, the team was worried when Tails’ communicator went off. “Hey, Tails!”
The four breathed a sigh of relief. “Knuckles, you made it! Did my Solar Convergence Device work?” the fox asked.
“It kinda broke. But being a hero, I took care of the asteroid. Smashed it to bits!”
Worry was on Tails’ face. “Knuckles, all those pieces are gonna come crashing down on us!”
The kitsune went pale at the mention. “I completely forgot about that risk! It looked to be low enough where pieces can still fall to the planet!”
Hearing this made the doctor hope one of them would fall on that workshop. Smashing the twins of his enemies.
Knuckles just folded his arms. He was still counting this as a victory.
“Yeah!” Sonic raised a fist when he noticed the surprised look of his teammates. “I mean…oh, that’s terrible. He then took Amy’s hammer and sped off to Meh Burger, the Village Center, the Mayor’s Mansion, the jungle, and Sticks’ burrow. Whacking away a meteor piece at each location before returning to the workshop.
“Alright me!” Sonic cheered. “Talk about upper body strength!”
Amy was saddened that Meh Burger wasn’t crushed but she was still giddy at the sight. “Her hammer has to be indestructible if it’s able to withstand a falling meteor piece! And your twin really seemed to know where each piece would land if he got there perfectly.”
Silver had a theory, “Maybe it was the luck balance you mentioned.”
“Either that or all Sonics are that well-coordinated!” the hero smiled.
“Except on ice and in water” Knuckles mumbled.
“Eggman’s rocket sent back some great pictures” Tails commented.
It showed a picture of Knuckles on the asteroid about to punch it. “I can’t believe Knuckles landed on the asteroid!”
“Me neither” Sticks said. “That was obviously shot on a sound stage.”
“She does have a point given the lack of a camera seen when the punch happened” Metal commented.
“Knuckles might’ve gone to space, but I kept thirty pieces of the asteroid from destroying us!” Sonic boasted.
“I counted thirty-one pieces” Tails chimed in.
It cut to the final piece in front of Eggman’s bunker as he tried to open the door a few times. The space rock preventing an exit. He then gave up, “I call top bunk.”
Eggman glowered as his enemies were filled with chuckles. “I’m betting my twin forgot that last one on purpose!”
Shadow snorted himself, “If those five chosen villagers are with him, it’ll teach them not to rely on villains for survival.”
“That was a great way to kick off the marathon regardless” Tails smiled. “There was great action and laughs and Mittens got to do an amazing set piece!”
Knuckles gave a little nod. Hard to believe that was the same guy who wasn’t the shiniest Chaos Emerald of the bunch. Showed him that it was good to give his twin a chance.
“It was a blast!” Silver leaned on the pillows with a grin. “I have time for another episode before I have to leave. Let’s see what it-”
“Just a sec” Metal stood up and looked to the ceiling. “Where is…uh…” He didn’t want to say as he was already seeing a cheeky grin from his doppelgänger.
“Down the hall after turning left and second door on your left” Ages answered.
He sped away at this as the white hedgehog looked to Shadow. “Still not used to it?”
“Even after a year.”