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We see Uncle Chuck and Muttski waiting in their hideout, before Sonic runs in.
Sonic: Got your message, Unc. What’s up?
Chuck: I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that Robotnik is planning to make a trip to the Eastwatch Islands.
Sonic: Oh great. What’s he after this time?
Chuck: He’s looking for something called the “Ancient Gears”. I don’t know what they are, exactly, just that apparently, they have incredible power. Robotnik is planning to use them for some kind of super-weapon.
Sonic: Of course he is. Thanks for the heads up, Unc.
Chuck: Of course. Be careful, Sonic.
Sonic runs off. Later, we see the Tornado making it’s way to the Eastwatch Islands, before landing in a Green Seaside.
Sally: Alright people, you know the routine.
Sonic: Yep. Let’s move out.
The heroes begin to make their way through the area. As they do, they are watched by three familiar robots.
Scratch: Baha-haha! It feels so good to be back!
Grounder: Yeah, it feels like we haven’t done this in ages!
Coconuts: Probably because you lead-heads keep messing everything up!
Scratch: Be quiet and keep watching!
Coconuts keeps watching, seeing the heroes get closer.
Coconuts: Here he comes, guys, get ready!
Scratch and Grounder are standing nearby, holding what looks like a vacuum cleaner, which Grounder wears on his back.
Scratch: Activate the Super Sonic sucking vacuum ray!
Grounder activates the machine, causing a ray of light to shoot from the tube, which begins to chase Sonic, eventually capturing him, though Tails manages to grab him, pulling him back.
Scratch: We did it, he’s stopped in his tracks! Baha-haha!
Grounder: Yeah, hooray!
Sonic and Tails manage to grab onto a rock, before Sonic is pulled back.
Scratch: He’s coming! The hedgehog’s coming right back at us!
Grounder: Alright!
Sonic manages to move the boulder in front of him.
Scratch: We nabbed a boulder too! We’re gonna get smushed! Shut it off!
Grounder: I can’t, it's stuck! Quick, aim it up!
Scratch: Good idea!
Scratch aims it up, dropping both Sonic and the boulder.
Scratch: Phew, we’re safe! The boulder stopped!
Suddenly, the pack begins to suck in Coconuts and the pile of bombs he was stockpiling, causing them all to explode, leaving the robots as pieces on the floor. Sonic catches up with Tails.
Tails: You alright, Sonic?
Sonic: Yeah, let's keep moving.
The heroes keep going. Suddenly, a giant crab robot drops from the sky, before grabbing Tails.
Sonic: Hang on buddy, I’ll get you down!
Sonic attempts to attack the crab. But he bounces off the claw harmlessly.
Tails: Its armor is too strong! But I bet that makes it really heavy! Sonic, let it take a swing at you, then get in close to hit its eyes!
Sonic: Hit the giant enemy crab in the eyes, got it!
Sonic does so, waiting for the crab to attack, before attacking its eyes. Eventually, it is destroyed, freeing Tails.
Tails: Thanks for the save, Sonic!
Sonic: Hey, it’s what I do! Now let’s keep moving.
The heroes proceed onwards. As they do, they pick up a Chaos Emerald. Eventually, they come across Robotnik in a helicopter, holding a Gear.
Robotnik: Ahh, such exquisite craftsmanship! Don’t worry, little gear! I’ll find your buddies, and together, you’ll power my latest, greatest engine of destruction: The Mega Drive!
Sonic: Get a room, you two!
Robotnik turns around, attempting to shoot the heroes with a gun at the bottom of the helicopter.
Robotnik: Sonic! You’re not ruining my plans this time! I’ve got air superiority!
Sonic: Oh no, I can’t jump that high! Whatever will I do to get up there?
Tails: I’m on it!
Tails begins to carry Sonic up towards Robotnik.
Robotnik: No! Get down from there! Please?
Sonic dashes through the pole connecting the propeller, sending Robotnik crashing into the ground.
Robotnik: No! Hate you hate you hate you!
The Robotnik duplicate breaks.
Robotnik: You haven’t won, rodent! I’ll find the rest of the Ancient Gears, and then you’ll fall to the power of my Mega Drive!
Sonic: Yeah, yeah.
Tails walks over to the gear that Robotnik dropped upon defeat.
Tails: Look! Eggman must have dropped it when you beat him up!
Sonic: Nice find, bud! Where to next?
Tails: Well, the next nearest island is the Flower Park, so let’s head over there!
Sonic: Right!
The heroes make their way over there.
Eventually, the heroes make their way to the Flower Park, and begin making their way through it, picking up a Chaos Emerald on the way.
Tails: Y’know, aside from the occasional badnik, this place is really nice…
Stone: Then this is going to be beautiful!
Suddenly, Stone comes from above, wearing a suit similar to the one he wore in the Mushroom Hill. He covers some of the ground in water, causing Sonic and Tails to be intrapped by giant vines.
Amy: Hey, you better back off, or else!
She pulls out some tarot cards, and holds them towards Stone.
Stone: Oh that’s adorable. You think I’m scared of parlor tricks?
Amy closes her eyes, before the cards begin to float in the air. Then, they soar forward, cutting into Stone’s machine, causing it to be destroyed, with Stone fleeing. The vines lower back into the ground.
Sonic: That was awesome, Amy!
Amy: Thanks, I’ve been practicing since Little Planet!
The heroes keep going. Elsewhere, we see a chili dog with a fuse striking out of it, leading to the S6 hiding behind a large flower far away,
Grounder: It’s getting kinda late, Scratch. Maybe we should call it a day. Dr. Robotnik’s going to be furious if we’re late with his lunch.
Scratch: He’s gonna be even more furious if we don’t catch that hedgehog!
Suddenly, they hear Sonic approaching.
Scratch: Here he comes! Light the fuse!
Grounder does so, accidentally burning his hand in the process. The heroes approach the “dog”.
Sonic: Looks like someone’s dinner’s getting cold!
Sonic runs off, eventually finding the S6, before leaving the “dog” at Coconut’s feet.
Sonic: Special delivery!
Coconuts: Oh, thanks!
Coconuts picks up the “dog”, right before it explodes, reducing the three to pieces. Afterwards, the heroes run off.
Scratch: Maybe we should have used a remote…
Coconuts: Oh, really!?
Eventually, the heroes reach a clearing with an animal capsule at the end, surrounded by a giant hedge.
Sonic: So, Robotnik is still capturing animals. Good to know.
Amy: Hmph, well, I’m not going to let him kidnap me again!
Suddenly, a giant snake robot bursts from the hedge, with Robotnik piloting it.
Robotnik: What if I capture you all at once instead!? After I soften you up a bit, of course!
The snake begins firing bullets from guns on the sides of the machine, which the heroes dodge, before it re-enters the hedge.
Tails: Are you okay?
Sonic: Spiffy.
Amy: What do we do?
Sonic: The doc thinks he’s being clever by ambushing us. I say we do some ambushing ourselves!
The snake re-appears, with Sonic jumping up towards the mouth.
Robotnik: I’ll cut you up like a topiary, hedge-hog!
Suddenly, Tails attacks the side of the snake, causing the mouth to close.
Robotnik: What the!?
Sonic attacks the jaw of the machine, sending it falling down.
Robotnik: Regroup! Regroup!
Amy smashes the nose of the machine with her hammer, defeating it.
Amy: Yay! I did it!
The Robotnik duplicate breaks.
Robotnik: That’s three on one! That’s not fair! I’ll be ready for you next time!
Sonic: And I’ll kick your butt next time. Banter, rinse, repeat. Seriously, is it just me, or is this starting to get REALLY repetitive?
Sally: I see your point. Robotnik certainly has a way he likes doing things.
Sonic: Yeah, that’s probably why he loses all the time. Seriously, would it kill him to show some originality?
Tails picks up another gear.
Sonic: Alright, that makes two. Where to next?
On the other side of the communication device in the duplicate, Robotnik listens in on the heroes conversation.
Robotnik: Me!? Repetitive!? How dare they!? Don’t they have any idea how long it takes to come up with these schemes!? Honestly, no respect!
Later, we see the heroes making their way through the Cascade Temple, using bubbles to float to certain areas. Eventually, they make their way to a room with a wall of spikes at one end, and a statue at the other. Suddenly, the statue begins to pour water from its mouth, just as the spiked wall begins to close in on them. Amy begins to hit the wall with her hammer.
Sonic: You show that wall, Amy!
Tails: The stones in the ceiling look loose! Maybe we can use them! C’mon!
Tails flies Sonic up, who grabs onto a vine from the ceiling, before Tails is knocked back by the water. Amy knocks a spike off the wall, saving Tails.
Tails: Thanks, Amy!
Amy: My pleasure!
Sonic begins to pull at his vine, causing the roof to collapse, destroying the statue. Behind it is what looks like Knuckles, controlling some sort of machine.
Sonic: Knuckles!? What’s the big idea, jerk!?
Knuckles: Enough games! Give up the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic!
Sonic: What!?
Knuckles: Don’t play coy with me. Robotnik explained everything.
He explains a story where Robotnik tells him that Sonic had gone rogue, and that he needed help. He gives a smug look, while everyone else looks exasperated. Suddenly, something punches Knuckles into the water. The figure is what looks like a second Knuckles.
Sonic: Knuckles!? You’ve got a brother!?
Knuckles: That’s not me, guys! It’s a fake that Robotnik created to deceive you!
Sonic: Oh, that makes a lot of sense.
Suddenly, from below, Metal Knuckles crawls out of the water.
Metal Knuckles: Okay, NOW I get why they call you Knuckles. Seriously, ouch.
Knuckles: You’re gonna pay for using my face, you creep!
Metal Knuckles: Alright, but come on, I totally got you guys at first, right? Admit it!
Knuckles: As if!
Sonic: Well…
Knuckles: Seriously!?
Sonic: Hey, the last time we met, you didn’t exactly leave the best first impression, cut me some slack!
Metal Knuckles: I like making first impressions too. Like the impressions my face are gonna make on your face!
Metal Knuckles lunges, knocking Sonic into a wall. He goes for Tails next, but he is attacked by Amy. Sonic launches himself at Metal Knuckles, landing a hit on him, sending him to Tails, who attacks himself, who sends him to Amy, who slams into him with her hammer, finally sending him to the real Knuckles, who delivers a final knockout punch to seal the deal, sending him falling to the bottom of the temple.
Sonic: Man, that was way easier then taking you on, Knux!
Knuckles: Of course it was! Some robot copycat could never be as powerful as me!
Tails: The fact that we were here also probably helped.
Knuckles: Eh, debatable.
Sally: So, what exactly were you doing here anyway?
Knuckles: I was guarding the Master Emerald, when that fake showed up and attacked me. While I was dealing with him, a robotic Sonic and two others showed up and stole the Master Emerald. I tracked them down to here, but I still don’t know where the Master Emerald is.
Suddenly, from above, Robotnik descends in a mechanical spike ball.
Robotnik: Rest assured, my friend, I’m taking extra good care of the Master Emerald! And now, I’m going to take care of all of you!
Suddenly, the bridge they were standing on collapses.
Sonic: Head down! Move it!
They all begin to head down the hole, using the debris to make it safely, while Robotnik follows them in the spike ball. Eventually, they all reach the bottom, with Robotnik’s machine getting stuck in some rubble.
Robotnik: Now, let’s just take a moment and be calm, rational people about this…
The heroes all begin to attack the machine, destroying it and the duplicate.
Robotnik: S-savages…
The heroes begin to make their way out of the temple, with Amy grabbing a gear as they do.
Sonic: There’s still more ancient gears to find, and I’m sure Eggman isn’t going to give up. Whaddaya say, Knux? Want to tag along?
Knuckles: I need to find the Master Emerald. Angel Island isn’t going anywhere now, and I guess I do owe you guys. And I haven’t been on a good treasure hunt in a while. Sure, count me in!
The two fist bump.
Sonic: Cool! Just make sure you keep up! Let’s go, guys! There’s more adventures to be had!
The heroes all leave the temple. Behind them, Metal Knuckles crawls out of the water, knocking water from his robotic ears.
Metal Knuckles: Ugh, I know I’m wet behind the ears, but this is ridiculous! Alright, note to self. Don’t go easy on them next time.
Later, we see the heroes making their way through the Glitter Peak. Further down the path, we see the S6, with Grounder next to a barrel of crude oil with a hose attached to the end, and Scratch holding a flamethrower. Coconuts is sleeping near the barrel, unknowingly laying on the rope.
Scratch: They’re coming! Now, don’t do it too soon. Listen for my count. I’ll say “one, two, three!”, and then go!
Grounder: That’s when I pump out an oil slick, and he loses traction, right?
Scratch: Right! And while he’s skidding, I’ll deep fry him with this! Ready? Three, two, one! Go!
Grounder tries to fire the hose, but it won’t fire, letting Sonic and the others run past. Coconuts rolls over, removing the blockage. This makes the oil shoot out at Scratch, making him fire the flamethrower at Grounder. This causes the crude oil to ignite and explode, with the heroes looking back at it.
Sonic: You know, if being evil doesn't work out for them, I bet they’d make a great comedy team!
They press onwards. As they do, they are tracked by something hiding in the snow. Eventually, the thing hunting them attacks, trying to go for Tails, who dodges.
Tails: What the heck was that!?
Tails Doll: Hehehe, I am your worst nightmare! Tremble, morons, before the terrifying might of… the Tails Doll!
The perpetrator is revealed to be a doll that resembles Tails. The others take in the sight, before they all begin to laugh, except for Tails.
Tails Doll: Hey! How dare you laugh at me! I am your undoing, you disrespectful troglodytes!
This only makes the heroes laugh harder, again except for Tails, who looks annoyed.
Tails: Seriously!? Knuckles gets the cool robot double and I get THIS!?
This causes the Tails Doll to start growling in rage, before shedding a set of large steel claws.
Tails Doll: You will take me seriously!
The Doll lunges at Tails, attempting to claw at his eyes, but he is attacked by Sonic who begins attacking his body. However, nothing seems to be damaging him.
Tails Doll: Gehehehehehe! Fool! My body is invulnerable! You can’t defeat me!
Tails: Sonic, I think that gem on his head is what’s powering him!
Sonic: Then let’s take it out!
The heroes begin to attack the Doll’s crystal as it tries to slash at them with it’s claws. Eventually, Rotor manages to get the thing in a deadlock,allowing Tails to destroy the crystal, causing the doll to fall limp.
Tails Doll: No! My control crystal! My body! I… I can’t move! Curse you, Freedom Fighters!
Tails: Should we… do something with him?
Sonic: Nah, let’s just leave it. After all, not like it can follow us.
They run off, leaving the doll behind,
Tails Doll: Where are you going!? You can’t just leave me like this!
They continue to make their way though the snow, eventually finding Robotnik waiting inside a metal snowball with a hat producing snow.
Sonic: Caught up to you again, Eggman!
Robotnik: “Caught up”? Oh-ho-ho! I’ve been waiting for you, hedgehog, because I want you to meet a new friend of mine: Frosty the Snowmachine!
Suddenly, a large body of snow erupts beneath the head, creating a giant snowman, which begins throwing giant snowballs at them.
Sally: Everyone, Attack the bottom!
Everyone does so, causing the snowman to collapse, destroying the machine and the Robotnik duplicate.
Robotnik: Oh, the weather outside is frightful…
Sonic picks up another gear.
Knuckles: Hah! Take that!
Sonic: Hey, I had it, y’know…
Knuckles: Of course you did. I just had it better.
Amy: Hey, we helped too!
Knuckles: I know, I know. I just helped better.
Sonic: Relax guys, It’s just a fact that Knux is the best doofus we’ve got.
Knuckles: That’s right! No one’s a better doofus than-
Knuckles stops as Sally laughs to herself.
Sonic: Glad that’s settled. Let’s get moving!
The heroes proceed onwards. Further back, we see the S6 walking through the area.
Scratch: I’m getting real sick of that hedgehog always ruining our plans.
Grounder: Aw, relax Scratch! We’ll get ‘em eventually!
Coconuts: Yeah, and when we do, Dr. Robotnik’s gonna give all of us a big promotion!
Scratch: Aw, you guys!
Suddenly, a loud squeak is heard from where Coconuts stepped.
Tails Doll: Hey! Watch where you’re going, you simian simpleton!
Coconuts digs through the snow, pulling out the Tails Doll.
Grounder: Hey, it’s that doll thing Dr. Robotnik made!
Scratch: What’s it doing out here?
Coconuts: Aw, who cares about that? Come on, let’s get it back to base!
They run off with the doll in their clutches.
The heroes are now making their way through the Haunted Depths underground.
Amy: T-Tails? Are you sure we’ll find the next Ancient Gear here?
Tails: It’s the next closest island, so it’s worth a shot!
Amy: B-but what if there are ghosts?
Knuckles: Pah! They don’t get uppity unless there’s no light. And even then, you just punch them in the face!
Amy: Really? Well then– wait, you’ve punched ghosts!?
Knuckles: Well, yeah. But they started it. I’m more concerned with this place looking like a maze, though…
Suddenly, a wall rises between Knuckles, Amy and Tails, separating them from the other heroes. Knuckles tries to punch down the wall, but can’t.
Sally: Looks like there’s only one thing to do. Press on, see if we can meet back up outside of the cave. Good luck, everyone.
They all begin to make their respective ways through the cave.
Sally: Sonic, do you think they’ll be alright? I know they’ve all more then proven themselves, but I can’t help but worry…
Sonic: Relax, Sal. Those three can handle whatever Ro-butt-nik throws at them!
Meanwhile, the three are being attacked by a robot dragon, controlled by Snively through the tail.
Snively: You’d best give up now, vermin! You can’t defeat me this time!
Knuckles: It’s flying! You can fly! Go attack it!
Tails: O-okay…
Tails flies near the dragon, only to get roasted by its fire.
Tails: Ah! Bad plan! Bad plan!
Knuckles: Fine! I’ll do it myself!
He attempts to attack the tail, but Snively electrifies it, zapping Knuckles.
Amy: I… I think I have an idea… But you need to keep him distracted!
The dragon breathes fire again.
Tails: Ah! Make it quick, okay?
Amy: Gotta time this just right…!
Snively: Wait, what are you-!?
Amy knocks the tail, along with a screaming Snively, into the mouth of the dragon, causing both halves to explode.
Tails: Yay, Amy!
Knuckles: Nice work, kid!
Amy: Aww, thanks!
Suddenly, they are interrupted by a rumbling.
Knuckles: That didn’t feel like a natural tremor.
Amy: I sure hope Sonic’s okay…
Meanwhile, Sonic and the others are being chased by Robotnik in a drilling machine.
Robotnik: Wah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I hope you don’t get too BORED by my latest creation! Oh wait, yes I do! Eee-hee-hee-hee!
Suddenly, the drill is broken by a large rock, which the Freedom Fighters stand on top of.
Robotnik: Oh, phooey.
The duplicate deactivates with some parting words from Robotnik.
Robotnik: How does this keep happening!?
Sonic grabs another Gear.
Sally: Well, at least we got another Gear, but we still haven’t found the others.
Sonic: Let’s keep moving, guys. We’ll run into them eventually.
The heroes leave the cave. Meanwhile, Tails, Amy, and Knuckles have also made their way out of the cave.
Knuckles: Tremors stopped. I hope the others weren't caught in a cave-in.
Amy: A cave-in!? What if they're trapped!? Or hurt!? Or worse!?
Tails: Don’t worry, guys! They’ve got Sonic with him! He’s unstoppable!
Amy: D-do you think he’s okay?
Tails: I’m sure of it! And he certainly wouldn’t want us standing around worrying about him. C’mon! Let’s head to the next island!
Knuckles: Yeah! Maybe we’ll even get there before him!
We see Sonic’s group approaching a ruined city, with a volcano in the background.
Sonic: Well, this looks… cozy…
They move across a bridge, before coming across a large pit of lava.
Sonic: Whoops! No way I’m diving in there.
He looks up to the higher parts of the ruins.
Sonic: And I don’t quite have the ups for that ledge. I oughta take some parkour lessons at some point…
Tails: Need a hand?
They all turn, seeing the other three standing there.
Sonic: Did you guys run into trouble?
Knuckles: Nothing we couldn’t handle. You?
Sonic: Eh, y’know, just the usual Eggman antics. Speaking of whom, he’s in that temple. Except the only way in is past this wall.
Amy: We’ll get you over there!
Knuckles: What’s one wall compared to all of us?
Sonic: Yeah, we’re all getting over there!
Tails: And I think I’ve got a way!
Tails explains his plan. Later, we see Amy preparing to hit Sonic with her hammer.
Amy: Ready?
Sonic: As I’ll ever be!
Amy hits Sonic, sending him upwards, followed by Knuckles, hanging onto a wall, punching him further up, before finally, Tails grabs Sonic and carries him up to the ledge, setting him down.
Tails: Great, it worked! I’ll carry the others to Knuckles, and we’ll all meet you here!
Sonic: Make it quick, bud!
Later, we see all of the heroes make their way through the area, eventually reaching an empty room.
Tails: Ugh! I can’t tell if it’s hotter inside or outside!
Sonic: So run faster! It makes a breeze.
Tails: Only YOU would–
Suddenly, a wall of spikes seals the heroes in. From above, a machine crashes through the ceiling. The machine reveals herself to be a metallic version of Amy.
Metal Amy: Gotcha, Sonic! This time, you’re not getting away!
Tails: Oh come on! Amy gets a cool robot, and I get a stupid doll!?
Metal Amy: Oh, once I beat you, I’ll be able to earn my darling Metal Sonic’s love, and then we can finally get… married! And I’ll I have to do is kill you!
Metal Amy charges forward with her hammer, attempting to crush Sonic. The heroes all begin attacking Metal Amy, with the real Amy knocking her out.
Amy: Urgh, she really needs to learn some boundaries…
Suddenly, lava begins pouring out of the statue in the room, which envelops Metal Amy. The heroes jump on stones to avoid the lava.
Sonic: Gotta give it to whoever built the ruins on these islands: they’re consistent.
Knuckles: Okay, this isn’t my fault this time!
Tails grabs Sonic and flies him upwards.
Sonic: No sweat, guys! Just hit the face!
Tails: You can measure the temperature in kelvin right now!
Sonic: Okay, maybe a little sweat…
The heroes manage to break the statue face, revealing Robotnik controlling the trap,
Robotnik: …In my defense, lava is immediately more dangerous than water…
Robotnik runs off, with Sonic chasing after him.
Robotnik: WaitwaitWAIT! I’m not ready!
Sonic: Really don’t care!
Eventually, Robotnik reaches what looks like a giant pot full of lava, which he jumps in.
Sonic: Woah! Don’t-!
Suddenly, a large robot with a chef hat and spatulas for hands rises from the pit, with Robotnik inside it.
Robotnik: NOW I’m ready!
The heroes make their way into the room.
Amy: I… I think it’s getting too hot for me…
Sonic: You and the others take a breather. Ready, Knux?
Knuckles: Just try to keep up, Sonic!
Robotnik tries to squash them with the spatulas, but the two dodge, before Knuckles climbs up the walls and punches the machine, before he boosts Sonic up, letting him take out one of the robots arms, causing Robotnik to yell in rage.
Sonic: Eloquent as ever, Eggman!
Sonic grabs another gear. Suddenly, a blue streak speeds by Knuckles, knocking him on his back. It moves towards Tails, punching him in the stomach, before Metal Sonic grabs the gears he had on him.
Amy: Metal Sonic!?
Antoine: Unhand those gears, you monster!
Antoine charges at Metal, but he grabs Antoine by the throat, beginning to squeeze.
Robotnik: Wait! Don’t kill him! I’ve got an idea. Head back to base. I’ll see you there.
The duplicate deactivates, and Metal Sonic flies off with Antoine and the gears.
Tails: I’m sorry, Sonic! I couldn’t-
Sonic: It’ll be okay. How bad are you hurt?
Tails: I-I’ll be okay… in a minute…
Knuckles: So what do we do now!?
Sonic: Well, YOU can chill out. Eggman will want to gloat and probably use Antoine as a hostage. Once we know where he is, we go in, kick butt, and save Ant.
Tails: Actually, I think we can cut straight to the kick-butt-and-save-Antoine part!
Later, we see the heroes gathered around the Tornado.
Tails: There aren’t any islands in the direction Metal Sonic was heading. His flight capabilities are short range, so… Eggman must have some kind of base in this region!
Sonic: Dude! When did you get this smart?
Tails: Aw, c’mon…
A few minutes later, the Tornado is flying through the air, eventually coming across Robotnik’s Aerial HQ.
Tails: There! That must be Eggman’s newest flying base!
Sonic: Eh, not as sleek as the Wing Fortress, but bigger than the Flying Battery. I’ll give it a… six out of ten.
Knuckles: Psht! It’s no Death Egg, that’s for sure!
Tails: Uh, guys? Lots of badniks incoming!
Sonic: Let’s go clear the way!
Knuckles: Bet I can smash more than you!
Sonic: You’re on!
The two begin to destroy the air defenses, before landing on the HQ, destroying some cannons as they do, before making their way through the base, with the others following on the Tornado. Eventually, the plane lands near a hangar, and all the heroes enter it. After going through more of the base, they eventually find Metal Sonic, with Antoine in a cage. Robotnik is on a screen.
Sonic: Surprise, Eggman! Now let Ant go, pronto!
Antoine: Sonic! Please to be freeing me!
Robotnik: Hmph. And I had a nice, threatening list of demands drafted… but it all comes out the same in the end. Give me the last Ancient Gear, and I promise to let your friend go!
The heroes start to whisper amongst themselves.
Knuckles: Last? I thought there were seven…
Tails: Sonic! Metal Sonic only took five Ancient Gears from me!
Sonic: I know. We get Antoine, AND play Eggman for a chump!
Sonic stops whispering.
Sonic: Fine doc, you win. It’s a deal.
Sonic hands the gear over to Metal Sonic.
Sonic: Here you go, gruesome.
Robotnik: How chivalrous of you, Sonic! Now, as promised, I, Dr. Robotnik, hereby release Antoine D’Coolette. Your other jailor, though, has some unfinished business!
Antoine: Sonic, look out!
Suddenly, Metal Sonic begins to glow, with blue energy emitting from his torso.
Sonic: He’s got the seventh Ancient Gear. Gotta admit– smooth move, doc.
Sonic begins to run behind Metal.
Sonic: Alright, let’s see what you’ve… got?
Suddenly, as Sonic is running, Metal disappears, before running up to Sonic and kicking him into the air. Sonic attempts to ram into Metal, but Metal sends him crashing back into the ground. Metal tries to crash into him, but Knuckles punches him away from Sonic, before Tails uses his namesake to knock Metal onto the ground, giving Sonic the chance to spin dash into Metal. Metal sends Sonic over him.
Sonic: Made you look.
Suddenly, all of the heroes dogpile Metal. Eventually, he blasts out of the HQ, giving Sonic the chance to free Antoine.
Antoine: Oh, merci, merci.
Sonic: It’s cool, Ant.
Knuckles: Well this stinks! We chased off Metal Sonic, but now Eggman has all the Ancient Gears, and we have no idea where he took them!
Sally is using Nicole to hack into a computer.
Sally: Actually, according to this database, he’s got a deep sea base directly under here. This airship is only for supply shipments.
Knuckles: Heh! Then let’s go get him!
Sonic: Woah there, Chuckles. For once, I think we need a plan first.
Knuckles: You do? Since when!?
Sonic: Look, Metal Sonic only had one of those things, and we only beat him because you guys ambushed him. If Eggman’s got all seven Ancient Gears to power it, then we’re going to be old and gray before we put a dent in his Mega-whatever.
Tails: If that’s the case, well; need the last Chaos Emerald!
Sonic: Yeah, sounds good! Let’s get back to the Eastwatch Islands and find that Emerald!
Later, we see the heroes approaching a large power plant.
Sonic: This the place, Tails?
Tails: Well, it’s the only place on the island we haven’t explored yet.
Sonic: Alright, let’s go!
The heroes begin to make their way through the Lightning Factory. Eventually, they come across the S6 squad again.
Sonic: Really, guys? Just give it up. You’re never gonna beat me, or any of my friends.
Scratch: Maybe you’re right. Maybe we’ll never win. Maybe what we’re doing is pointless.
Grounder: But that doesn’t matter! As long as we got each other’s backs, we’ll be able to take whatever you can give us!
Coconuts: Yeah, yeah, yeah! So come on, Hedgehog! Let’s rumble!
Sonic: Alright, if you insist.
Sonic rushes towards the three robots, attacking them and defeating them almost instantly.
Sonic: I tried to warn ‘em.
The heroes keep going, with Sonic grabbing rings as he does. Suddenly, upon grabbing a ring, he begins to shine with golden light, before disappearing.
Tails: What happened to Sonic?
Sally: Maybe it has something to do with the Special Zone. Come on, let’s keep moving. Knowing Sonic, he’s bound to show up eventually.
Sonic is soaring through an alternate dimension, holding onto the ring.
Sonic: Woah, what the heck is going on!?
Suddenly, Sonic comes to a stop on a floating platform. Suddenly, we hear a booming voice.
Voice: Rise, mortal of Mobius!
Sonic: Huh? Woah!
Sonic looks up, seeing a winged creature wearing a mask standing on a giant ring.
Creature: I bid thee welcome!
Sonic: What- Who are you?
Ancient Walker 1: I am one of the Ancient Walker’s. What else dost thou wish to know?
Sonic: Well, do you know how I got here?
Ancient Walker 1: Twas by obtaining your one millionth ring. Quite an accomplishment, young one!
Sonic: No big deal, I grab them all the time! They help me take more hits!
Ancient Walker 1: Oh, so? Is that all they can do?
Sonic: Well, I – EYOUCH! It’s on fire!
Sonic drops the burning ring, causing it to form a hole in the platform.
Ancient Walker 1: What does the circle say to you?
Sonic: Not much – wait, what’s that sound?
Suddenly, the center of the hole extends upwards, carrying Sonic with it.
Ancient Walker 1: You can rise above thy ignorance and be uplifted!
Sonic is extended high into the sky of the pocket dimension.
Ancient Walker 1: To collect one million rings is a true milestone! Such a feat deserves a reward…
Sonic: I think I’d settle for some solid ground beneath my feet!
Ancient Walker 1: Thy gift shall be knowledge!
Sonic: No, really, I-
Suddenly, the ring comes up from the hole, knocking Sonic upwards.
Ancient Walker 1: So be it! Farewell!
Sonic begins to fall, eventually coming towards a green sea. Suddenly, the ring moves beneath Sonic, inflating like an inner tube, catching him.
Sonic: Way past weird! This is the strangest water I’ve ever seen.
Sonic dips his hand into the water, pulling out miniature gems.
Sonic: Wait a minute! It’s not water at all! This is a sea of–
Ancient Walker 2: Chaos Emeralds!
Suddenly, another Ancient Walker appears in the tube next to Sonic.
Sonic: Let me guess, you’re another Ancient Walker, right?
Ancient Walker 2: Most observant!
Sonic: Skip the wisecracks, big bird! I’m tired of being jerked around this wacky zone! I want some answers!
Ancient Walker 2: Do you? Then I propose you find them!
The Ancient Walker places a ring on Sonic’s hand, with a tiny Chaos Emerald on it.
Sonic: Does this mean… the rings and Chaos Emeralds are connected? That would explain why I need them to get the Emeralds. At least this was an easy riddle.
Ancient Walker 2: Ah, the mortal wishes to try “The Riddle of the Rings”! He hath earned this chance!
Sonic: I do? I hath?
Ancient Walker 2: Listen well: “Forever closed yet opens wide to let the other come inside. One is broken yet will be stronger as the span grows even longer!”
Sonic: Hmm… Forever closed? That sure sounds like a ring! Let’s see… what if “the other” is another ring? How would one let the other “come inside”? Of course! They link together! I see– two are “stronger” than one! And “the span” is more of the same… more rings, more links… a chain! Right?
Ancient Walker 2: Let it come forth!
Suddenly, a chain of rings emerges from the ocean, and begins to circle around Sonic, getting closer and closer.
Sonic: Hey, it’s getting a little too close! Call it off!
The rings wrap around Sonic, eventually dragging him down into the sea. Eventually, Sonic emerges into a place under the sea, holding onto the chains. Suddenly, the millionth ring ascends upwards.
Sonic: Man, I’ve got no clue what’s going on, but that ring seems to be causing the weirdness, so here goes nothing…
Sonic drops towards the ring, with it catching him, growing in size as it does. Eventually, it slowly starts to rotate, with Sonic starting to run in order to not fall.
Sonic: I’m going as fast as I can, but getting nowhere! Hmm, maybe that’s the point!
Suddenly, the ring changes shape into an infinity symbol.
Sonic: Man, what the heck is all this supposed to mean?
Ancient Walker 3: Nothing is hidden, only unseen!
Sonic stops running as the third Ancient Walker appears on the ring, stopping it’s movement.
Sonic: Should’ve known you’d show up at some point.
Ancient Walker 3: Thou hast done well! Ye have come far, and learned much! A boon shall be granted! You may ask of me one question!
Sonic: Oh, uh, well, can I have the seventh Chaos Emerald, please?
Ancient Walker 3: The answer to your question is yes!
The seventh emerald appears in Sonic’s hand as the ring shrinks back down, with Sonic grabbing onto both.
Sonic: Hey, thanks pal- woah!
Suddenly, the ring pulls Sonic and the emerald through a portal. Back in the factory, the heroes are fighting Robotnik in a robot resembling Frankenstein.
Robotnik: Give it up, Freedom Fighters! Without your precious hero, you can’t defeat me!
Suddenly, a portal opens. Sonic comes firing out of it, holding the ring. They both go through the robot, causing it to explode. Eventually, Sonic lands back in front of the others.
Tails: Sonic, what happened?
Sonic: That’s a great question, buddy.
Sally: Well, do you have the last Emerald?
Sonic: Yep, and a little something extra too.
Knuckles: Alright, that means we can finally go take on Robotnik!
Suddenly, they here laughter coming from the duplicate.
Robotnik: Don’t bother trying! Even with your new power, which is totally cheating, by the way, it still won’t make a difference, because I have the Ancient Gears AND the Master Emerald inserted into the Mega Drive, and once it activates-
Suddenly, Sonic crushes the head of the duplicate.
Sonic: Aw, put a sock in it, Eggman!
The heroes ;eave the Factory, before the ground begins to shake. Suddenly, from under where the Aerial HQ was, a massive city emerges from the sea.
Sonic: Looks like Eggman just rolled out the welcome mat. Come on, guys.
The heroes make their way towards the city.
Eventually, the heroes make it to the Neon City.
Sonic: Alright, Robotnik has to be in here somewhere. Let’s go pay him a visit.
The heroes begin to make their way through Neon City. After some time, they eventually reach a tall building in the center.
Sally: Robotnik’s gotta be in there.
Sonic: You sure, Sal? Seems a bit… modest for his taste’s.
The heroes proceed forward, when suddenly, something drops down from above. It is revealed to be the Metal Series and the Tails Doll.
Metal Knuckles: Hello!
Tails Doll: Gehehe! It’s payback time, morons!
Metal Amy: You all really need to learn how to treat a lady!
Metal Sonic says nothing, merely glaring at Sonic.
Sonic: What, you guys again? So, Robotnik decided to fix you up, huh? Don’t know why he bothered, considering we’re just gonna break you all again.
Tails Doll: Oh, au contraire, you insolent erinaceidae! For you see, it will be WE who will be breaking you! Metal Sonic, if you would please?
Metal Sonic glares at the doll, before using the power of the Gear. Suddenly, each of the other robots pulls out a Gear, each beginning to tap into it’s power.
Metal Knuckles: Heh, it tickles!
Eventually, the four begin to come together, before suddenly, pieces of metal from across the island, and even the Aerial HQ begin to be pulled towards the robots. Eventually, the transformation is complete, and in front of the heroes is a large, huling mass of steel and circuitry.
Sonic: Okay guys, I know we’ve face some pretty tough enemies in the past… but that thing is REALLY big!
The Chimera begins attacking the heroes using tentacles it makes from its body. The heroes try to attack it, but their attacks do nothing. Suddenly, the Tails Doll’s voice echoes from the Chimera.
Tails Doll: GAHAHAHA! Your pathetic attacks are nothing compared to the absolute power of the Ancient Gears! Now, you will fall before our combined power!
As this is happening, Antoine is standing on the sidelines, thinking to himself.
Antoine: Oh, looking at them all, fighting against ze great beast, and here is Antoine, doing nothing like always! It is moi fault that Robotnik is having all of the gears, and now, my friends are all in terrible danger! And what can I be doing to help them?
Antoine looks at Bunnir, still fighting valiantly against the Chimera.
Antoine: No, Antoine! Now is not the time to be feeling sorry for yourself! Even if you cannot be doing anything, that is not meaning that you cannot be doing something! You must be getting off of your behind and fight! For them! For Mobius! For everyone!
Antoine charges at the beast, glowing with blue power. He slices his sword, causing a large beam of energy that cuts through the Chimera, damaging it.
Tails Doll: What!? How is this possible!?
Sonic: Now! Everyone attack!
Everyone begins attacking the beast, causing it to keel over, spitting out the four robots. Metal Sonic get’s up, glaring at his teammates, before grabbing the gears and dashing inside the building.
Metal Amy: Wait up, Metal Sonic! Oh, he can be such a brat! Come on, guys!
Metal Amy dashes after Metal Sonic as Metal Knuckles picks up Tails Doll.
Tails Doll: This isn’t over, Freedom Fighters! Mark my words, you will suffer recompense for your transgressions!
Metal Knuckles: Uh… yeah, what he said!
Metal Knuckles dashes after Metal Amy.
Sonic: Antoine, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you were AWESOME!
Bunnie: Darn tootin! What was that stuff, anyway?
Antoine: I… I am not knowing myself, I’m afraid.
Sally: We can worry about that later. For now, we have to stop Robotnik!
The heroes all charge into the building after the robots.
The heroes enter the building, where they see an elevator waiting for them.
Sally: Where are the robot’s?
Sonic: Maybe they took the stairs.
Sally: Well, nowhere to go but down.
The heroes all enter the elevator, taking it down, where they see the ocean passing by them via glass lining. Eventually, the reach the bottom, which opens up into Robotnik’s lair.
Sonic: Alright, this is it. Let’s go, everyone.
They all begin to make their way through the lair. Eventually, they enter the room with the Mega Drive, which has the Ancient Gears inserted into it, with the Master Emerald on top.
Sonic: This must be the Mega Drive the doc was talking about. Gotta say, for a doomsday weapon, it looks kinda… lame.
Robotnik: That’s because it was never meant to be a weapon, you idiot!
Suddenly, a hole opens in the floor.
Robotnik: The purpose of the Mega Drive was to funnel the power of the Ancient Gears and the Master Emerald into one source: my true ultimate weapon! Behold! The Eggs-O-Skeleton!
From the whole, Robotnik flies out, wearing a new suit of armor, complete with helmet.
Sonic: Wait, so this is your ultimate weapon? A metal onsie?
Robotnik: For your information, the Eggs-O-Skeleton is a combat built suit designed to- wait, why am I explaining myself to you? Die!
Robotnik charges into Sonic, before holding him by the throat.
Robotnik: Oh, I’ve waited so long for this moment, rodent! Now, this is for what you did to Cluck in Starlight City!
He punches Sonic in the face.
Robotnik: This is for what you did to Metal Sonic on Little Planet!
He punches.
Robotnik: This is what you did to Metal Sonic here!
He punches.
Robotnik: And THIS is for always ruining my plans!
Robotnik begins to strangle Sonic, before Sally grabs onto Robtonik’s back causing him to drop Sonic. Tails, Knuckles, and Amy all run up to him.
Tails: You okay?
Sonic: Yeah, but I think it might be time for the Emeralds.
He pulls them out, before extending his hands to the others.
Tails: Are you sure?
Sonic: Nevermore.
The four all join hands, before becoming imbued with the Emeralds power, becoming Super Sonic, Super Tails, Super Knuckles, and Super Amy.
Tails: Woah…
Knuckles: So this is the power of the emeralds…
Amy: Eeeee, I got a super form, om my gosh, I can finally die happy!
Sonic: Alright guys, let’s scramble some Eggman!
Robotnik throws Sally of his back, before turning to the heroes.
Robotnik: Argh! It doesn’t matter how many of you there are, you still can’t beat me!
He charges at them, and they begin to fight. As they do, the others turn towards the Mega Drive.
Sally: Robotnik must be getting his power from that machine!
Bunnie: Well come on, let’s wreck it!
They all rush at the machine, only to get blown back by a forcefield.
Rotor: Ugh, it’s guarded!
Bunnie: Think the others could punch through it?
Sally: There a little busy at the moment, Bunnie!
Rotor: Wait a minute! Antoine, do you think you could use that power you used against the Metals against this thing?
Antoine: Ah, well, perhaps, but-
Bunnie: Come on, sugah-twain, you might be the only way we’ll win this!
Antoine: I… very well. I will try.
Antoine begins to concentrate. Eventually, he begins to glow with the same power as before, before delivering a sword slash to the Mega Drive, bypassing the force field and completely destroying it.
Bunnie: Alright, Antoine, you did it!
Robotnik turns, seeing the destruction.
Robotnik: What!? No!
Sonic: Oh, sorry doc, looks like you gotta get a new toy. Sorry!
Robotnik: You! I don’t need the Mega Drive's power to finish you off! I’ll crush you like a potato chip! I’ll snap you like a pencil! I’ll-!
Suddenly, he is interrupted by Amy knocking him down with her hammer, followed by Knuckles punching him over to Tails, who uses his namesake to send him towards Sonic, who finishes the fight with a Super Spindash, sending Robotnik flying out of the room and away from the islands.
Robotnik: I HATE THAT HEDGEHOG!
The heroes use their power to get the others, the gears, and the Master Emerald out of the building as it collapses, with the emeralds disappearing after they land back on dry land. As the others celebrate, Knuckles and Sally have a moment to themselves.
Sally: Whatcha thinkin about?
Knuckles: I was thinking… I can’t protect the Master Emerald by myself anymore. That’s how I lost it in the first place, because I was outnumbered by the robots. But, at the same time, tradition says that-
Sally: There’s one thing this war with Robotnik has taught me, Knuckles, is that traditions don’t mean anything right now. In fact, I think I’d have some strong words with whoever decided to make that particular rule!
Knuckles laughs at the joke, before starting to think. Meanwhile, Antoine and Amy are also talking.
Amy: …so, I really think she could help you with this new power you’ve got.
Antoine: Oui. Thank you, Amy. Truly.
Amy: Of course!
Sonic: Yo guys, we heading home or what?
They all begin to head back to Knothole. Elsewhere, we see Robotnik being carried in a hoverpod, along with Stone, Snively, and the rest of the metals.
Stone: Don’t worry, Doctor, we’ll be back in Robotropolis in no time!
Robotnik: Excellent news, Stone.
Stone notices Robotnik looking glum.
Stone: Don’t worry, Doctor, I’m sure whatever you come up with will be able to beat the-
Robotnik: It’s not that, Stone. It’s just- I’ve been thinking: Maybe the Freedom Fighters have a point about me being… repetitive. And maybe… maybe I need a vacation, to clear my head.
Stone: …Why don’t we talk more back in Robotropolis, ok?
Robotnik: Oh, fine. And you better have a latte ready for me when we do!
Stone: I always do!
As Robotnik relaxes, Metal Sonic walks over to him, and sits next to him. Metal curls his hand around the doctors, squeezing it gently. Robotnik chuckles.
Robotnik: At least I know you’ll always have my back, Metal.
The group continues back to Robotropolis.