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We see Sonic meeting with the other heroes in Knothole.
Sally: So he just... vanished?
Sonic: Yeah! Something knocked me out, and when I woke up, poof! Gone!
Bunnie: You reckon' he went after Robotnik himself?
Sonic: I don't know. Speaking of Ro-butt-nik, we better get to kicking it! Any clue where he's at?
Sally: Well, I checked with Nicole, and apparently there have been sightings of robots in the Great Turquoise.
Sonic: Then let's head over there!
Sally: Actually Sonic, I don't think we'll be coming with you this time.
Sonic: Say what?
Sally: Well, with Knuckles gone, someone has to look after the Master Emerald. So, while you, Tails, and Amy are dealing with Robotnik, the rest of us can watch over it.
Sonic: You sure? Babysitting a rock all day sounds pretty boring.
Sally: We'll be fine, Sonic. Now get moving.
Sonic: Hey, it's what I do best!
The heroes depart the village. Meanwhile, Robotnik is meeting with three people in an office, a purple jerboa, a green duck, and a polar bear with white fur.
Robotnik: Alright, I've heard good things about you three, so you'd better not disappoint!
Jerboa: Wouldn't dream of it, doc. So, what's the job?
Robotnik: It's simple.
He shows them a picture of Sonic.
Robotnik: This is your target. His name is Sonic the Hedgehog, and he's a professional pain in my neck. I want you to bring him to me alive or dead.
Jerboa: Heh, easy enough. Come on, boys.
The three begin to leave.
Robotnik: Wait! I wasn't done explaining the job!
Jerboa: Don't bother. I already know who I'm after.
Robotnik: But I don't just want Sonic! There's something else!
The three stop.
Jerboa: Oh, and what's that?
Robotnik shows them a picture of the Master Emerald, which cataches the attention of the duck.
Robotnik: This is the Master Emerald. It's a gem that has incredible power, and it's located on Angel Island. I want you to retrieve it for me. Think you can do that?
Duck: Oh! Oh! I wanna get the shiny! Can I go, Nack, please please please please?!
Nack: Alright, alright! But only if you bring Bark with you! I don't want you blowing up more then you should.
Duck: Yahoo! Come on, let's go!
The duck grabs Bark, and drags him out of the office.
Robotnik: Well, looks like you'll be handling my hedgehog problem by yourself.
Nack: Fine by me.
Nack leaves the office, before hopping onto a yellow machine and flying away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYar1ju_hIw&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=9
Elsewhere, we see Sonic, Tails, and Amy arrive in the Great Turquoise.
Sonic: Alright, you guys know the drill?
Tails: Smash robots, grab Chaos Emeralds.
Sonic: Bingo. Let's do it to it!
The three begin to make their way through the fields, defeating badniks as they go. Eventually, they come across a giant ring, which Sonic jumps into, followed by a yellow machine. Eventually, Sonic ends up in the Special Zone, greeted by Omni.
Omni: Greetings, Sonic. And to your friend as well.
Sonic: Hey, Omni. How you- wait, friend?
He turns, seeing Nack on his machine, looking around.
Nack: I've seen some weird things before, but I think this takes the cake.
Sonic: Who the heck are you?
Nack: Ah, hey there, fleet-feet! The name's Nack the Weasel, professional hunter.
Sonic: Uh-huh. And what do you "hunt", exactly?
Nack: Eh, gems, artifacts, bounties. Anything that'll line my pockets.
Sonic: And let me guess, Robotnik hired you to "hunt" me?
Nack: You're smarter than you look! I'll get on that, but first, mind telling me where we are?
Omni: I believe I can answer that, Hunter.
Nack panics upon seeing Omni, and attempts to shoot him with his cork gun, but it does nothing.
Nack: W-what the heck are you!?
Omni: I am Omni the Viewer, and this is the Special Zone.
Nack: What's that supposed to mean?
The Special Zone exists outside of time and space, where the Chaos Emeralds are kept hidden from mortals like yourself. It can only be accessed by reaching a certain requirement, which I determine.
Nack: Chaos Emeralds?
Omni: They are seven gems of incredible power, which can-
Sonic: Uh, Omni, I think he gets it.
Nack looks to be thinking, before he snaps his fingers.
Nack: Those Emeralds sound like they're pretty expensive! And if that's the case, I might as well grab them while I'm here.
Sonic: Fat chance, cowboy, I need those Emeralds to stop Robotnik!
Nack: I missed the part where that's my problem!
Omni clears his throat, catching both of their attention.
Omni: Since both of you desire the Emeralds, I propose a solution to your predicament: The two of you will race for the Emerald, with whoever reaches it first claiming it for themselves. Does that sound fair?
The two think about it, before looking up.
Sonic and Nack: Deal.
Omni: Very well. Then let the Emerald Race commence!
A race track is formed for the two. Nack hops on his bike.
Nack: Good luck, fleet-feet! With the Marvelous Queen on my side, I can't lose!
Sonic: Keep telling yourself that, pal.
The two begin racing, with Sonic using various objects to gain the advantage, eventually grabbing the Emerald before Nack, exiting the Special Zone.
Tails: What happened, Sonic?
Sonic: I ran into a jerk in the Special Zone. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on a Chaos Emerald. Let's keep moving.
The heroes proceed forward. Eventually, they are approched by Nack riding the Queen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BGkBhQjCQM&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=25
Nack: You!
Sonic: Behold, the aforementioned jerk.
Nack: This is actually pretty good for me, because now, I can get the Emerald and your scalp at the same time!
Nack floats above them, before attempting to ram into them with the Queen. They begin attacking Nack, eventually cussing the Queen to begin emitting smoke. Nack, enraged, deploys a drill from the bottom of the Queen, and slams it into the ground, causing the three to fall down a pit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kawhr_L_fg&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=10
After recovering, The heroes continue forward, defeating more badniks as they go. As they do, Sonic is able to grab another Emerald by defeating Nack in a race. Eventually, they come across a small turtle robot, which they are able to defeat quickly. The turtle robot retreats, and the heroes go further up, where they are attacked by a much larger Turtle Robot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpXv3VLT8nw&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=26
The Turtle robot begins to fire missiles at the heroes, who use rock platforms on geysers to attack it's head. Eventually, the Turtle Robot is defeated. Afterwards, the heroes walk forward onto a ledge. Suddenly, they see what looks like Knuckles coming towards them.
Sonic: There you are, Knucklehead! It wasn't cool, ditching me like that. Speaking of, what was that about, any-
Before he can keep talking, Knuckles throws a bomb at them, causing the ground beneath them to break, sending them all down. They land in a minecart, which begins to take them somewhere else.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAgeGgruU4s&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=12
Eventually, the cart stops after crashing into a wall, sending the heroes further down, where they land on a some ground made of steel.
Sonic: Heck of a "nice to see you." Where we come from, people usually say hi with a handshake, not a bomb...
Amy: Why would Knuckles do that?
Tails: You don't think Robotnik tricked him again, do you?
Sonic: I don't know Tails. It's not the first time Robotnik fooled us with a fake Knuckles. Come on, let's keep moving.
The heroes move forward through the park, grabbing another Emerald as they do. Eventually, they get trapped in an area with Knuckles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJt-C_vkUJs&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=25
Sonic: Alright "Knuckles", mind telling us what that bomb was about?
Saying nothing, Knuckles attempts to punch Sonic.
Sonic: Oh, so you wanna skip the banter and get to the beatdown? Alright, your call!
The two continue to fight, both of them landing hits on each other. Eventually, Knuckles climbs up the walls of the arena and attempts to land on Sonic, who dodges and keeps attacking. Knuckles then begins to throw bombs at the heroes, but Amy is able to send one back at Knuckles, sending him back to the ground. Afterwards, Knuckles attempts to launch himself at Sonic again, but he dodges, sending Knuckles through a wall and opening the way for the heroes to proceed, with Knuckles seeming to have vanished.
Amy: Where'd he go?
Sonic: Guess he got cold feet. Come on.
As they move forward, they hear something behind them.
Nack: Oi!
They turn around just in time to see Nack kick a cart at them, laughing at them as they get carried off. Eventually, they land further down in the area.
Sonic: I'm really starting to hate that guy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJUfE-zAEKA&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=13
The heroes move forward, grabbing another Emerald. Eventually, they come across an animal capsule, which they open, freeing the animals trapped inside. Suddenly, the train in the area begins to move forward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx3v8KZkm1s&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=14
The heroes begin running after the train.
Tails: Sonic, I think we're on a train!
Sonic: Then let's keep moving!
The three begin to run forward, dodging robots and jumping over pits in the track. Afterwards, they climb up the train, freeing animals as they move through it. Eventually, they come across Nack, standing on the other side of the train.
Nack: Sorry, fleet-feet, but this is where you get off!
He presses a switch next to him, causing the coupler connecting the two parts of the train to explode. The heroes jump onto the tracks and begin running after the train. As they do, Nack flies the Queen far away from them, and attempts to snipe them from afar with his cork gun. The heroes dodge his shot, jumping onto the ladder and climbing back up the train. They move further along the train, eventually entering a tunnel. After a while, Nack flies after them and attempts to shoot them as they run, but they're able to avade him. Eventually, Nack flies closer to them.
Nack: Alright, no more playing!
He pulls out a bomb, and throws it behind him.
Nack: Say goodbye, Fleet-feet!
Nack flies away as the area behind him explodes. The heroes run away to avoid the explosion, eventually managing to escape it as it destroys another part of the train. The heroes proceed, coming across the head of the train, in actuality a giant robot.
Tails: This train robot must be taking the animals to get roboticized!
Sonic: Not on my watch! Let's wreck this thing!
The heroes begin to attack the train as it shoots spike balls at them. Eventually, they are able to destroy the train, causing it to crash as the heroes jump off of it.
Sonic: Wow, that got pretty 'off the rails', huh?
Tails: Sonic...
Amy giggles while Tails sighs, heading into a nearby jungle.
Back on Angel Island, we see Sally, Bunnie, and Rotor playing cards around the Master Emerald. As they do, they are watched by Bark and the duck.
Duck: Alright, here's the plan! I throw a bomb at them, they blow up, you grab the Emerald, we laugh, they cry, then we get lunch! Sound good?
Bark nods.
Duck: Great! FIRE IN THE HOLE!
The duck chucks a bomb at the heroes. Unfortunatly, his yelling alerts them, letting Bunnie grab the bomb and chuck it back at the two, causing them to jump out to avoid it.
Sally: Nicole, who are these guys?
Nicole: Scanning... Subjects identified as Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Dynamite Duck.
Bean: Oh yeah, that's my name! It's been so long since I heard it, I almost forgot it!
Nicole: They are bounty hunters who are often seen working with other bounty hunter Fang the Sniper, aka Nack the Weasel, aka Jet the Jerboa.
Bunnie: And just what in the heck are they doing here?
Bean: Hah! Like we'd tell you that Robotnik hired us to steal the big shiny! ...oops.
Bark shakes his head.
Sally: If you want the Master Emerald, you'll have to get past us!
Bean: Oh, ok! Bark, can you handle the rabbit girl?
Bark nods, cracking his knuckles.
Bean: Alright, I'll handle the others!
The groups begin to fight, with Bunnie holding her own against Bark while Sally and Rotor dodge Bean's bombs.
Rotor: Where's he getting those things?
Sally: I don't know. Wait, Robotnik hired them to steal the Master Emerald, right?
Rotor: Yeah, why?
Sally: I think I've got an idea...
Sally stands still.
Sally: Hey Bean! Shouldn't you worry about getting the Master Emerald?
Bean stops throwing bombs at them.
Bean: Oh yeah! Thanks!
Bean runs over to the Emerald.
Bean: Don't worry, Bark ol' buddy! I'll get this thing outta here!
As Bean attempts to move the Master Emerald unsuccessfully, the other heroes run over to Bark, and with their combined strength, they are able to defeat him. Bean notices this.
Bean: Hey! Get away from my giant mountain of fur!
Sally: Look, we'll give you guys one chance. Leave this island now, and we won't hurt you more than we already have.
Bean thinks about the offer before nodding.
Bean: Alright, you win. We won't try to steal the shiny anymore. C'mon, Bark, let's go.
The two begin to leave the cave, with bark shooting a glare at Bean.
Bean: Hey, don't look at me like that! I was just trying to get the shiny, like we were hired to do! And besides, we're not done here. I said that WE weren't gonna try to steal the Emerald anymore. But I didn't say we wouldn't try to steal separately!
Bark stares at Bean for a moment, before grinning and slapping Bean on the back, sending him flying forward.
Bean: Heh! It's like a really fast, really painful massage!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZnIRTIjCP0&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=15
Elsewhere, we see Sonic, Tails and Amy making their way through the Meta Junglaria. They grab a Chaos Emerald as they go, before running into Fang again.
Fang: Wh- how are you lot still breathing!?
Sonic: Sorry about de-RAILING your plan, cork-brain, but I'm actually pretty busy right now, so I didn't really have time to get blown up. You get it, right?
Fang: Why you-!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BGkBhQjCQM&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=24
Fang attacks the heroes with a drill on the bottom of the Queen, attempting to crush them with it. They dodge and deliver a series of attacks. After this, Fang attempts to fire a missle at them. They dodge it, and Fang attempts to use the drill again, only for it to get stuck in the ground. The heroes proceed to literally beat Fang into the ground. Afterwards, they proceed onwards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfb5VF00FfA&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=16
The heroes proceed through the Junglaria, grabbing the last Emerald as they do.
Tails: Alright, now the only Emerald left...
Sonic: Is the one Robotnik has.
Amy: Oh, I don't want to imagine what he could do with that thing!
Sonic: Let's make sure he doesn't have the chance to do anything.
The heroes proceed further, where they come across Fang, sleeping against a button, before he wakes up.
Sonic: Wow, you sure got outta that hole real fast.
Fang: Shut up!
Fang presses the switch, causing the ground underneath them to collapse, sending them into an underground temple.
Sonic: Yep. REALLY starting to hate that guy.
They proceed further into the temple. Eventually, they come across an area with two large holes in the wall. Suddenly, a large snake badnik emerges from one of the holes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpXv3VLT8nw&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=26
The snake attempts to sink it's fangs into the heroes, but misses, getting attacked. The snake crawls into the other hole, leaving a small spiked ball that bounces around the area behind, which the heroes dodge. The snake dangles from the ceiling, attempting to hit the heroes with it's body, allowing the heroes to keep attacking the snake, cussing it to be destroyed. Afterwards, the temple begins to shake. The heroes rush out of the temple, dodging traps and badniks as they go. Eventually, they are able to escape from the temple, ending up in front of a massive lake. Suddenly, from the lake emerges a giant zeppelin, which ascends upwards. The heroes grab onto the zeppelin as it goes into the sky.
On Angel Island, we see Bunnie making her way through the Mushroom Hill's.
Bunnie: This place sure is beautiful. Ah reckon' I could see mahself settlin' down in a place like this...
Suddenly, she notices Bark attempting to sneak up on her.
Bunnie: Ain't nobody told you not to stare!?
Bunnie attacks Bark, and they get into another fight. Eventually, Bark ends up being knocked into a tree, which ends up falling on him. He attempts to push it up, but can't. Suddenly, Bunnie lifts the tree off of him and moves it away.
Bunnie: You alright there, sugah?
Bark looks at her, confused.
Bunnie: Aw, don't look at me like that. You might be a hooligan, but I wouldn't just leave you trapped under that tree. I've got a little somethin' called honor. You oughta re-familiarize yourself with it.
Bark takes a moment to think, before nodding his head and leaving.
Bunnie: Huh. Can't believe that actually worked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJvaSoU9IAs&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=17
On the zeppelin, the heroes begin to climb their way on the outside of it, before eventually making their way inside.
Tails: This must be Eggman's new air base!
Sonic: Eh, I give it a 7/10.
Amy: Come on, let's sink this thing!
They begin to make their way through the zeppelin. Eventually, they come across Robotnik, working on a terminal which shows him a picture of the yellow Chaos Emerald, before it also shows a picture of a black Emerald with the words "copy" over it.
Sonic: What's up, doc?
Robotnik turns, seeing the heroes.
Robotnik: Ah, Sonic! Snooping as usual, I see! Well, I'm afraid this zeppelin has a strict 'no vermin' policy, so...
He presses a button on the console, causing a door to open, sending them all out of the zeppelin.
Amy: What are we gonna do!?
Tails: Hold on, I think I've got an idea!
He reaches into his backpack, and pulls out a pair of metallic shoes, tossing them to Sonic.
Sonic: I appreciate the thought, dude, but maybe you should have saved it for when we aren't falling to our death!
Tails: They're rocket shoes! Put them on!
Sonic does so. Suddenly, the shoes begin to propel Sonic forward.
Sonic: Woah! These things are awesome!
Tails: Thanks! I thought we might need something like them, so I brought them a long just in case!
Sonic: Tails, you rock! Alright, let's go pay Eggman another visit!
Sonic begins to fly back towards the Zeppelin, with Tails carrying Amy behind him. Sonic defeats several robots on his way, before landing on top of the Zeppelin with Tails and Amy.
Sonic: Guess these things are outta juice.
Tails: They run on a charge. It'll take them a little while to get back online.
Sonic: Alright. Let's keep moving.
The heroes begin to make their way across the Zeppelin, and eventually under it after finding a tube that leads them downwards. Eventually, they find a tube that leads them to a large machine in the center of the room.
Amy: This must be the Zeppelin's engine!
Sonic: Alright, stand back everyone.
Sonic begins to attack the engine, eventually destroying it. Once he does, an alarm begins blaring, causing the heroes to start running. After dodging badniks and traps, they are able to escape, landing in a field of snow as the Egg Zeppelin crashes. Eventually, they manage to pull themselves out of the snow and look around the area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqHisanRMU&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=18
Sonic: Brrr! Man, I wish I brought a coat...
Tails: Let's see if we can find anything that might help us...
The three begin to make their way through the snowy plain. Eventually, they come across a snow sculpture of Robotnik.
Sonic: Hey look, it's a snow-Eggman!
Sonic destroys the sculpture, before Knuckles lands in front of him, looking angered.
Sonic: Aw come on, the joke wasn't that bad, was it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJt-C_vkUJs&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=25
Knuckles digs under the ground, before attempting to attack Sonic from below. Sonic dodges and attacks Knuckles. Eventually, Knuckles digs away from the heroes, before attempting to throw giant rocks at them. When this doesn't work, he tries to attack them directly again. Eventually, the heroes are able to defeat Knuckles.
Sonic: You know, you haven't said a word to me since Angel Island. What's wrong, you got a sore throat?
In response, Knuckles slams his fist onto the ground. Suddenly, a large wave of snow begins approaching the heroes.
Amy: Avalanche!
Sonic: Come on!
They begin to run, with all of them grabbing onto branches. They begin to use the branches as makeshift snowboards, sliding away from the avalanche.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oImYNn1-T9E&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=19
They begin to slide away the snow, avoiding robots and mines as they do so. Eventually, they are able to enter a cave to escape the avalanche. They make their way through and out of the cave, making their way forward through the icy plains. Eventually, they make their way into another cave, where they see a flying penguin robot approaching them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpXv3VLT8nw&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=26
The machine begins to float backwards, shooting smaller penguin robots from it's mouth, which the three manage to defeat, before the penguin robot lowers down towards them and extends a large metal pole from it's mouth. The heroes use this opportunity to attack the machine. After dropping some more penguin robots, the machine begins to drop small bouncing mines which the heroes are able to dodge. Eventually, they are able to defeat the penguin. Walking forward a bit, they come across an elevator.
Amy: Where do you think this leads?
Sonic: Only one way to find out.
The three enter the elevator, which leads them down below the surface.
Back on Angel Island, we see Sally and the others playing a game of dirt hockey, with the Master Emerald being kept in sight. Bean watches them with curiosity. Eventually, he decides to approach them.
Bean: What'cha doin'?
The others look hesitant about him being there.
Rotor: Uh, we're playing dirt hockey.
Bean: Ooh, can I play?
Sally: Uh, sure.
Rotor: Sally, are you sure that's a good idea?
Sally: Maybe it'll keep his mind off the Emerald.
Bean jumps down and grabs a stick, and he begins to play with the others. Eventually, they finish playing the game.
Bean: Wow, that was a blast! And I know about blasts!
Sally: That's nice. So, does this mean you aren't going to steal the Master Emerald?
Bean: Oh right, I was supposed to do that. Eh, I'll just do it later. See ya!
Bean runs off.
Rotor: That was a pretty good idea, Sally.
Sally: Thanks, I'm glad it worked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu_6OD2-xUg&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=20
Back with Sonic, he and the others eventually arrive in what looks like an underwater base.
Sonic: Ugh, just when I thought I'd wouldn't have to deal with water for an adventure...
The heroes begin to make their way through the base, using pipes to get around. Eventually, the come across Fang in the Queen.
Fang: You!
Sonic: Oh, hey Nack. How you doing?
Fang: Look, fleet-feet, I got payed to put you down, but I'm feeling generous, so I'll make you a deal: give me those Emeralds, and I'll let you and your friends go.
Sonic: Oh, see, I would, but I kinda need them to defeat an evil Scientist trying to kill me and my friends, so... yeah, no dice.
Fang: Why you-!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BGkBhQjCQM&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=24
Fang presses a button on the Queen, causing a spike ball to emerge from it as well as a spring.
Fang: Hand over those Emeralds! They're mine!
Sonic: You tried to steal them from me, you jerk!
Fang: You're right, I did try! And this time, I win!
Fang begins bouncing over to the heroes, swinging his spiked ball around him. The heroes dodge his attacks and attacks him when they can. Eventually, the damage to the Queen causes it to malfunction, opening the drill and causing the Queen to get stuck.
Fang: Oh, not again!
The heroes once more beat Fang into the ground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTpqx2O2emU&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=21
The heroes move forward, coming across a machine in a pool of water.
Sonic: What's this thing?
Tails: It must be some kind of submarine!
They all hop into the machine.
Tails: I should be able to drive this thing!
Sonic: Well, it beats having to swim. Let's go!
Tails drives the submarine through the water, using the missiles to destroy any obstacles in it's path. While making their way through a glass tube, a large worm robot tunnels through the top and bottom of the cave at the end of it, sealing it up, before breaking through the glass of the tube.
Sonic: Well, guess we're taking the scenic route.
They begin to drive through an underwater cave. Eventually, they run into the worm again. Tails tries to shoot the worm with missiles, but it dosen't work. As it closes in, it is suddenly hit by three different missiles, destroying it. A machine floats towards the heroes, with Knuckles driving it.
Sonic: Since when does Knuckles like using machines?
Knuckles activates a force-field around the machine, before attempting to fire missiles at them. The heroes dodge the missiles, and are able to destroy the shield by pelting it with enough missiles, giving them the chance to attack Knuckles' machine directly. Once the glass of the machine breaks, Knuckles jumps out of it. Suddenly, he begins to emit electricity, before he begins to flash. Suddenly, Knuckles is gone, and in his place is Metal Sonic.
Tails: Metal Sonic!
Sonic: He can shape shift now!? That's not fair!
Metal Sonic retreats further back, with the heroes in pursuit. They leave the submarine, and run into a small room with a rocket inside it. Metal appears from a window as the rocket blasts off, with Tails and Amy grabbing onto it. As the rocket ascends, Sonic puts on his rocket shoes, using them to follow after the rocket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktZqyuZKXhs&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=27
Inside the rocket, Metal relaxes in a chair, before he notices Tails and Amy clinging onto the rocket for dear life. He also notices Sonic approaching with his rocket boots. He stares for a moment, before slamming his fist on a desk and exiting the rocket. Sonic approches the rocket as Metal exits.
Sonic: Should've figured you'd be involved in this somehow. Gotta say, that whole 'pretending to be Knuckles' thing was pretty low, even for you. Especially when Robotnik could've just sent Metal Knuckles instead.
On hearing this, Metal begins to fire energy balls from his chest, which Sonic dodges, attacking Metal when he has the opportunity. Eventually, Metal returns to the inside of the rocket, while Sonic joins Tails and Amy in grabbing onto the rocket as it approaches a space station.
Back on Angel Island, we see the other heroes gathered around the Master Emerald. Suddenly, they notice Bean and Bark approaching them. They prepare for a fight.
Bean: Easy, easy! We're not here to hurt you, or steal the shiny!
Sally: Then what are you doing here?
Bean: Well, it's just... you were so nice to both of us, and after that, it didn't feel right to try and steal the shiny from you, so... We're letting it go. Just this once.
Sally: Really? Um, thank you.
Bean: Sure! See you later! Oh, and by the way, this is a one time thing! So next time we meet, you're all going to eat bombs! Sweet, gun-powdery bombs.
With that, the two depart.
Rotor: Well, that went well! I think.
Sally: It's nice to know that some people aren't unreasonable. Unlike a certain mad scientist...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT6aErhPj9Y&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=22
The rocket docks at the space station, allowing the heroes to jump off.
Tails: What is this place?
Amy: Y-you don't think it's another Death Egg, do you?
Sonic: Only one way to find out. Let's move!
The heroes begin to make their way through the space station, destorying badniks and traveling through pipes to get around. While traveling through a glass tube, they come across Fang.
Fang: Down you go!
Suddenly, the ground beneath them explodes, forcing them to hang onto and climb across poles as Fang walks above them. Eventually, they re-enter the station, where they see Fang attacking Metal.
Fang: Tell Robotnik I'll get him his Emeralds as soon as I can! And for that matter, tell him that he still hasn't paid me after everything I've been through-
Suddenly, Metal begins to chase after Fang, who runs away. They chase after them, only to get sucked out of a giant hole in the side of the station. They hang onto a pole, while Fang holds onto a platform. The heroes make their way to a pipe, which sends them into a room with a button on it. Once they press it, it summons a bunch of tiny bird robots, which the heroes destroy. Sonic then uses his rocket boots to fly further into the station.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yufm9KuByEE&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=28
Suddenly, Metal Sonic flies in from behind him and attacks the rocket shoes, destroying them. He attempts to tackle Sonic from the air, but Sonic dodges, attacking Metal Sonic instead. Metal surrounds himself in energy, and charges forward. Sonic is able to dodge his attacks, before attacking Metal more. Eventually, Metal retreats.
Sonic: Yeah, you'd better run!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqBSrKN4s0&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=23
The heroes proceed further into the station. Eventually, they come across Robotnik standing at the end of a corridor.
Robotnik: Ah, welcome, Sonic! Are you enjoying your time in my Atomic Destroyer?
Sonic: Well, it's no Death Egg, that's for sure. So, you mind telling us what you plan on doing with that Chaos Emerald you swiped?
Robotnik: Oh, I'm so glad you asked! You see, I did a bit of testing on the Emerald, and I discovered something very interesting! You see, there are two kinds of energy: positive and negative. And the Emeralds have the ability to harness both of them! So, using the ability to harness negative energy, I was able to use the Chaos Emerald to create this!
He pulls out what looks like a black Chaos Emerald.
Robotnik: This is the Shadow Emerald. It was created from pure negative energy, courtesy of the Chaos Emerald! I haven't actually had the chance to test it out yet, so why don't we fix that?
Robotnik thrusts the hand with the Shadow Emerald forward, causing the heroes to teleport elsewhere in the Destroyer.
Sonic: So what, Eggmans making phony Chaos Emeralds now? What a ripoff!
The heroes proceed forward, making their way through three separate areas of the Destroyer, before making their way onto an elevator, which begins to move up. The heroes avoid spiked platforms and laser fire from Eggrobos as it ascends. Suddenly, from above comes what looks like a yellow Eggrobo, surrounded by a force field. Suddenly, it begins to speak.
Stone: It's been a while since the last time we've done this, hasn't it?
Sonic: Nice suit, Agent Snorefest. You make it yourself?
Stone: Well, no. But it was my idea to use it against you. Which I will.
Stone attempts to drop a spike ball on Sonic's head, which explodes and sends a shock-wave across the elevator. The heroes dodge it and the other balls he fires. Afterwards, the force-field shuts off, and sends Stone to the ground, allowing the heroes to attack the machine. Eventually, Stone recovers and flies away, before slamming into the elevator, destroying parts of it. The heroes dodge more spikes and lasers, until Stone returns attempting to shoot lasers at them from above. Eventually, the force field deactivates, dropping Stone to the floor. The heroes are able to finish his machine, causing Stone to flee. As the heroes go to grab the Shadow Emerald, it is suddenly grabbed by Fang on the Queen.
Fang: Not exactly what I was looking for, but it'll do. Thanks for the payday, ya schmucks!
As he flies off, the elevator comes to a halt. The heroes get off, running right to see Fang standing near a capsule.
Sonic: Nack, give us the Emerald. You don't know what you're doing!
Fang: Shut it, Fleet-feet! I might not know what this thing is, but I do know it'll fetch a pretty penny! And after the day I've had, I'd say I earned it, so see you later!
Fang activates the capsule, causing it to spew fire, giving him enough time to escape.
The heroes chase after him, when they are stopped by Snively in a machine with a piston on the bottom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDzatAHn8jg&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=29
Snively: And where do you think you're going, hedgehog?
Sonic: So, you're back to being your uncle's professional butt-kisser, Snot-ly?
Snively: S-shut your mouth!
Snively begins to bounce towards the heroes, intending to crush them with the piston. Sonic is able to bounce off of the piston, destroying it rather easily as Snively escapes. As they walk forward, Stone floats above them in another machine with spikes at the top and a flamethrower at the bottom. Stone attempts to roast the heroes, but they attack the sides of the machine, eventually causing the flamethrower on the bottom to fall off and explode. Taking it's place is an electrical device, which fires small energy balls. Eventually, the heroes are able to destroy this machine as well, causing Stone to flee. They move forward into an energy chamber. Suddenly, with two tubes at the end. Suddenly, Robotnik begins to shoot through the two tubes interchangeably, with energy balls firing from the top of the chamber as he does. Eventually, he slows down, giving the heroes a chance to attack him. As they do, Robotnik activates pylons which electrocute the floor. However, Amy is able to use her hammer into Robotnik's capsule, destroying it. Robotnik runs away, before jumping on a platform, which Stone and Snively are also standing on.
Robotnik: So long, Rodent!
Robotnik laughs, before Sonic destroys the platform, sending all three of them down into the pits of the Atomic Destroyer. The three run forward, seeing the real Knuckles being kept in a cage. Sonic attacks the cage, letting Knuckles out.
Knuckles: Finally! I've been there for ages! For someone so fast, you sure are slow.
Sonic: Missed you too, Knux.
The two first bump, before they all go to leave. However, as they do, Sonic is attacked by Metal, who flies by them. As Sonic turns, he sees that Metal has Fang by the back of the head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJET7GLHRpo&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=31
Fang: I-I told you, I don't have any Emeralds!
In response, Metal begins to crush Fang's head, causing him to scream in pain.
Fang: Alright, alright, just take it!
He tosses Metal the Shadow Emerald, who drops him, with Fang running away. Metal absorbs the Shadow Emerald, before grabbing Sonic and Tails, slamming them into the ground. Amy attempts to help them, but is swatted away like a fly. Metal then begins to beat down on Sonic, before grabbing the Chaos Emeralds from him. He then uses the Shadow Emerald to absorb the energy of the Chaos Emeralds, transforming into Super Metal Sonic. He then begins to charge up, preparing to finish off the heroes, but Knuckles jumps in the way, holding Metal in a grapple.
Knuckles: I've got a score to settle with you...
As he does this, Fang returns and begins shooting Metal with his cork gun.
Fang: No one makes me look stupid! NO ONE!
As this is happening, Tails wakes up, and begins shaking Sonic.
Tails: Sonic! Sonic, wake up!
Sonic wakes up.
Tails: Sonic, the Emeralds!
Sonic: Right!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mn34DiO1Co&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=32
Sonic rushes for the Emeralds, using them to become Super Sonic. As he does, Metal Sonic is able to overcome Knuckles and Fang, knocking them back.
Sonic: Hey, metal head!
Sonic tackles Metal into the nearby airlock.
Sonic: Why don't we take this outside?
Metal nods, heading out into space, with Sonic following.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwp05mC5G8Y&list=PL6UjG2NW_6R6IrQIxTR9o1-n8UekthUq0&index=33
Metal covers himself in a force-field, and begins firing spherical projectiles at Sonic, along with a spread of energy balls. Sonic is able to send the spheres right back at Metal, eventually destroying his force-field. Afterwards, Metal begins to fire larger energy balls that can't be sent back at him. He also begins to fire energy waves at Sonic, which knock him back. He also begins to fly around the area, attempting to hit Sonic directly. Sonic is able to dodge all of these attacks in order to land multiple hits on Metal. After a few attacks, Metal uses the power of the Shadow and Chaos Emeralds to drag scrap metal from around the area around his body, creating a new, red body. He then fires his hands at Sonic, before firing energy blasts from his chest. Sonic is also able to dodge these attacks and land his own on the chest. After a few more hits, Metal calls upon more scrap metal to make his new body even bigger. He then tries to fire more energy blasts at Sonic, who dodges and lands more hits on his chest.
Sonic: Oh, great idea, Metal! Make your weak point even bigger! That'll get me!
On hearing this, Metal uses the power of the Shadow and Chaos Emeralds to create a massive ball of energy, firing it at Sonic. Sonic grabs onto the ball, forcing it back and ramming it back into Metal, who also grabs onto it. They struggle, pushing the ball back and forth, with Sonic pushing it directly into Metal's chest. Eventually, it is too much to handle, and Metal's new body explodes, falling down towards Mobius.
Sonic: Well, I guess that's it. I better go check on the others.
Sonic flies off. As he does this, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Fang all jump into an escape pod, which lands on Mobius. They all get out and watch as the Atomic Destroyer explodes. Afterwards, Tails, Knuckles and Amy begin to celebrate, while Fang just lies down and has a nap.
Knuckles: Alright, with that out of the way, I think it's time for me to go home.
Amy: Right! I bet Sonic's already on his way there!
The heroes all take off, leaving a sleeping Fang behind.
Later, we see Robotnik and the others scavenging the remains of the Atomic Destroyer.
Snively: Sir, is this really necessary? Can't we look for i- him tomorrow?
Robotnik: Quit whining, Snively! I told you, we're not going back until-
Suddenly, he hears something approaching, he turns and see's a broken down Metal Sonic approching him, before collapsing, with Robotnik holding him.
Robotnik: Oh, look at what that... that savage did to you! Don't worry, Metal, we'll get you home, and then I'll get you all fixed up, alright?
Metal gives a weak beeping noise, before Robotnik turns.
Robotnik: Alright, we're done here. Let's go.
They all head to a transport ship, entering it before it takes off. Robotnik sits Metal down next to him.
Snively: Uh, sir, there's nowhere for me to sit.
Robotnik: You can sit on the floor.
Snively does so, scowling. Robotnik turns to Metal.
Robotnik: You know, I saw what you did on the Destroyer. And I have to say, I'm impressed. I mean, using the Shadow Emerald to absorb the power of the Chaos Emeralds? It's genius! I'm very, very pleased with you, Metal. No, I... I'm proud of you!
Metal lets out a pleased sounding noise, while Robotnik gives him a surprisingly warm smile. On seeing this, Stone gives a small smile of his own. In contrast, Snively's scowl only seems to intensify, and he begins to wipe at tears forming in his eyes.
Meanwhile, we see Sonic's group meeting up with the Knothole group.
Knuckles: Thanks for looking after the Master Emerald while I was... away.
Sally: Of course.
Tails: Um, guys? I've got something to show you.
They all turn to Tails, who pulls out the Shadow Emerald.
Sonic: The bogus Emerald?
Tails: I... I found it while we were heading here.
Sally: I see. What do you all think we should do with it?
Amy: I say we smash it!
Tails: No, wait! I know this might sound weird, but... I think we should hang onto it.
Sonic: You sure, pal?
Tails: Yeah. I mean, you never know when we might need a fake Chaos Emerald, right?
Sonic: Alright, I trust you, bro. Everyone else?
Everyone else nods.
Tails: Thanks, Sonic/
Sonic: 'Course. Now, let's go home!
All of the heroes agree, before they leave the island and return to Knothole.