Home by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros.
Rise by The Glitch Mob, Mako and The Word Alive.
Can You Hear The Music by Ludwig Göransson.
~~~

They decided it was most appropriate to take a sneaky approach, as much as possible (at least until GUN arrived). Their main goal in the meantime was to hunt down a map of Robotropolis, something to guide them to where prisoners of all were kept. Rotor would survey the edge of the city within the Tornado, taking out blips and aircrafts alike with the company of Mighty and Ray (the pair protecting the Master Emerald shards). Thus, the remaining Freedom Fighters would traverse the murky grounds in search of a directional chart.

"You have anything that can help us there?" Sally had once asked along their flight.

"I didn't spend much time within Robotropolis. However, your castle I can say has been remodelled into his main base of operations." Shadow previously recalled.

"Wonderful."

"Most of the buildings beyond that are mainly storage, workshops or parking facilities. Although I wouldn't be surprised if he lied to me about that too."

Rouge had the rare incline of sympathy for him. "How're you handling that, hun?"

"Just fine."

"Uh huh." Amy had frowned. "What about that robot with you?"

"Tssht. What about him?"

"Ain't he in a similar position as you, Suga'?" Bunnie enlightened.

"There's nothing similar between us."

"He's being used like you were, with no better knowledge of it. We should try and find him." Rouge continued.

Shadow glared. "You can't be serious."

"For once, and I can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I'm with Shads." Sonic chimed in.

That really hadn't eased the Ultimate Lifeform.

Amy elbowed the blue speedster. "You gave us all a chance to do something great. Why's this different?"

"He's- I mean, he's an Eggman robot. How can we trust him?"

"You forgave me and trust me." Knuckles argued.

"Zame with Shadow too." Antoine agreed.

Shadow sighed. "We aren't-...fine."

Sonic shrugged. "Well I definitely trust you guys, so if you think we should I don't see why not."

Thus, Rouge and Shadow were entrusted by Sally to go seeking for the large, violent-hungry, robot when on the ground.

"Eggman's going to be expecting us." Rotor announced. "So, just be ready for anything he throws at you."

"You too, pal." Sonic gave a thumbs up.

Sally squeezed his hand. "Okay everyone! Let's do it to it!"

Tails and Rotor carefully, but quickly, switched positions so the fox could follow his friends into the castle. Therefore, the Tornado pulled, swiftly, as close to the metal castle as it could and allowed the Freedom Fighters to leap off before dragging itself towards the stormy sky. Sally flipped N-I-C-O-L-E's small device open to illuminate the slim corridor in an electric green. That plus Shadow's glowing rings provided the group with enough light to examine their surroundings.

"Chaos...." The Princess breathed.

"You recognise where we are?" Tails whispered.

"Not really. That's...kinda why I'm so shocked. It's so...different."

Bunnie squeezed her best friends shoulder. "We'll get it back, Sally-Girl."

"Right. So, Shadow, what do you think we should look for?"

"Well, where would you have a map of the castle?"

"The Entrance Hall?" Tails guessed.

"Exactly."

"I suppose he might, for the Robians and all."

"It's a good place to start." Sally agreed.

"We'll head out for Omega. Call us if you run into too much trouble." Rouge winked.

"We can handle this. You call us." Knuckles huffed.

"Anytime, Handsome."

"That wasn't an invitation to-!"

"Before we split up." Shadow started and approached Amy, letting the others separate for privacy.

"You okay?" She asked.

"Yes." He snapped his fingers and revealed two golden rings like his resting on the palms of his hands. "These are for you, Rose."

"Me? Why?"

"They may be...beneficial to you."

"Cryptic as ever, but, thank you Shadow." Amy held out her wrists and allowed the other to snap them around her gloves cuffs.

Immediately, a powerful wave of warmth rushed through her limbs and smothered her heart, but in a way that only energised her. She shook her arms with wide eyes.

"Better?"

"I feel...like I'm able to control myself more somehow. That's, wow, thank you Shadow!" With a giggle she gave the Ultimate Lifeform a tight squeeze.

"Shh! We don't want to be found!" Shadow gently shoved her off and watched her skip back to her group prior to zooming to Rouge's side.

———

"That was generous of you." Rouge commented, slipping her head around a tight corner.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Sure you don't, Hun." She took the other by the wrist and swiftly crept through the dark hallway.

"It's odd right? Thought we'd be greeted by Badniks the second we got here."

"A lot of things are odd with the Doctors plan."

"Oh?"

"For example, why focus on only wiping out villages? Surely cities would be his first target."

"Maybe it's easier." Rouge peaked by a rusty arch into a buzzing room stuffed with boxes.

"Or maybe it's a distraction."

At that, her head whipped around.

Shadow crossed his arms. "He's up to something else, but using these village attacks to keep us off his tail. Like the lack of Badniks now. It gives us a false sense of security."

"But surely he'd know we'd catch on?"

"Not all of us." He jerked his head as a sign for them to proceed.

"I was able to witness the deterioration of his mind. He's losing focus, patience. Anyone would after chasing an arrogant hedgehog who could slip through any and all fingers. You'd hold a personal grudge against him too. Sonic may be a fool enough to buy into these distractions and tricks, but the Doctor overlooks all that stand with him." Shadow abruptly halted, ears twitching.

"Has Eggman really become that shortsighted?" Rouge whispered.

"Hard to tell. Again, I didn't spend an awful lot of time with him. This way."

"We can take advantage of that, at least."

"Right. Now hush, listen."

With a frown, the bat craned her ears to catch thuds a few floors above. "Well, unless everyone else gained Sonic's speed- I doubt they've reached the Entrance Hall already."

"Exactly. I'm assuming there's Badniks out on surveyance."

"Then we better find Omega before they find us."

With a distant bang bouncing around the walls, the two jumped and turned to run in its direction. Keeping low and quiet, they turned a corner to see open double doors at the end of the corridor. A murky yellow light poured out the arch and guided the pair nearer. Rouge stepped through, despite Shadow's hushed protest, and observed the full shelves lining the walls. There was a low, concrete stage in the centre that held a hissing and smoking cylinder. Far too large for a mobian, but grande enough to occupy-

Shadow approached her side as piercing screeches scratched against the cylinder. Claws large enough to hold her entire face slowly rested against the capsules side and steely red optics peered straight at them. Shadow crouched at the ready immediately, growling as the machine flared it's knife-like fingers.

"This is a surprise."

The Ultimate Lifeform looked to Rouge. "Stay here."

"Must eradicate all Eggman traitors!"

"Now hold on!"

The robot's arms paused in the process of twisting into vast weapons as Shadow yelped from Rouge pulling him back. The bat yanked him to near the robot who rose in suspicion, but whirred in surprise as he was dragged closer.

Rouge acknowledged the cylinders damaged state prior to resting her hands on hips. "Ignore Shadow, we aren't here to hurt you. Let me guess, Eggman locked you up in here right?"

The robot stilled, head lowering- thus she took the silence as a yes.

"We're all after the same goal here. Eggman's downfall- I'm also gonna guess you want revenge for what he did right?"

"Eradicate all traitors."

"Exactly." She tugged Shadow's arm for him to hold out his hand (which he did whilst grumbling).

"Then it's settled." She did the same with the machines, resting hers on top of the annoyed pairs. "Best you two make up so we can go after Eggman. Which makes us a team! Welcome abroad, Omega!"

———

The further they hurriedly moved, the more light they gained. However, paintings once of a royal family twisted into self-important reflections of a madman set her teeth on edge. The only thing recognisable was the magnificent Entrance Hall staircase leading down to horrid, metal barricaded doors. Banners of Eggman Empire memorabilia hung beside the front entrance and Beebots buzzed around the echoey space, red beams scanning before them.

"That's gotta be it." Tails whispered, pointing towards a mighty stand with a visibly aged map beside the stairs right bottom post.

"How're we gonna reach it?" Bunnie asked.

"We could split up. Me and Sonic could distract the Beebots whilst you guys use Nicole to scan the map." Sally recommended.

"And what about you guys? How will you know where to go?" Amy frowned.

"Tails'll send us a copy by our Comlinks, right?"

"I'll try."

Sonic patted the fox's shoulder. "You can do that, easily."

"Fine. Distract them for us, but no side quests after." Knuckles reasoned.

"Be careful." Cream pleaded.

"You guys too. We got this."

At a crouch, Sally ushered the speedster to her side. He scooped her up, she summoned her electric blue swords and he took off down the stairs. Immediately, the swarm of machines turned to them and buzzed erratically. They twisted and rolled in the air and Sonic threw the Princess up, letting her widen her arms and chop multiple Beebots heads off. Simultaneously, he Spindashed towards upcoming Eggpawns like bowling pins. The Entrance Hall became cloaked in red light and alarms rang throughout the space. Still, Sonic whirled and caught Sally with a grin just as their friends passed- the Princess tossing N-I-C-O-L-E's device to Tails.

Green light emitted onto the aged map, scanning it's contents as robot parts flew overhead. Knuckles punched his fists together upon Badniks approaching. Together, with Bunnie, they charged and pounced- keeping the machines a safe distance away from the nervously sweating fox. Antoine wielded his sword and brought it up like a shield, shoving it against a reaching Eggpawns claw. Bunnie swiftly hopped to his side, using her robotic limb to assist in pushing the Badnik away.

"Guys!" Amy called, golden bracelets glowing.

The half-robotisized rabbit was barrelled down from the side and Knuckles was flung towards the entrance door. Sonic swerved and awkwardly pulled the echidna by his reaching hand, tossing him back into the fight. Sally leapt from the blue blurs hold, rolled and drove her swords up in a 'X' shape to bring a Beebot down in half.

Bunnie pressed her metal foot against the wooden floor and allowed it to stretch, pushing herself above the Badniks that had her pinned. As she brought the limb closer, it was grabbed and she was sent flying. She flailed her limbs at the upcoming floor, but Antoine skidded and narrowly caught her in his arms.

"I've got you, Madame."

She giggled and pecked his cheek, rendering him flabbergasted. "You always seem to."

Tails and Cream yelped as a claw scratched against his namesakes, only scarcely being saved from Sonic barrelling into it- sending it straight into Knuckles' ferocious punches. Amy hurriedly grabbed the fox's and bunny's hand and dashed from the map, which promptly collapsed under the weight of new arrivals- Motobugs.

More Badniks descended down the stairs, almost drowning out the blaring alarm. Amy's golden bracelets glowed almost blindingly and she squeaked, scurrying away with Tails and Cream in tow. Sally rushed past and threw her back against Bunnie's, letting the pair combine attacks in surrounding machines.

"This is impossible!" Amy yelled.

"We have to he- oof!"

Cream bumped into Tails who collided with the pink hedgehog's back and peaked over her shoulder to shrink at the sight of an Obliterator-Bot. Behind, Beebots and Eggrobo's alike crept closer. The pair tried to slip away, but the Freedom Fighters were clearly overcrowded. Amy gulped and outstretched her arms, slowly rotating to keep the opposition away from the fox, bunny and N-I-C-O-L-E.

Chaos, if only she had the speed of Sonic or the might of Knuckles. Tails' or Creams' flight could be useful too, but Beebots towered over them above to block such an escape. Bunnie had the added strength of her robotic limbs and Antoine and Sally were more than skilled in swordsmanship. She needed a weapon.

"A-Amy?" Tails gulped, pulling on her arm.

She looked to where his eyes observed, becoming shocked at the pink hue surrounding her wrists. The pink electricity she had become so used to seeing was seemingly under control- did Shadow know something she didn't?

Bunnie's gasp sharpened her focus and the rabbit pulled on Sally's hand- rushing towards the three boys who had their own crowd of Badniks to sort through. Amy frowned and balled her hands into fists, lowering into a fighting stance.

"I'm getting sick of you bullies!"

She exhaled to calm her nerves, focusing her energy on conjuring something to aid her.

"And I'm getting sick of not being able to do something about it!"

Pink electricity briefly sparked from her hands and her eyes flared red, yet a glorious yellow wave of light washed over her. When it simmered down, Tails' mouth dropped and Cream gasped at the tremendous, massive hammer tightly gripped in her hands. Red, yellow and pink with a wooden handle.

Amy laughed ecstatically and whirled it almost expertly. Without hesitation, she began jumping and crushing it down to the ground, shattering Badniks beneath easily. Even when she missed, the wave of dust was powerful enough to send the enemy towards her friends- giving them straightforward targets.

"What the-?" Sonic spun at this odd level of abrupt ease only to become stunned at the sight of the pink hedgehog.

Tails joined Knuckles' side (aiming N-I-C-O-L-E's device towards the decreasing number of machines) and the pair shared a knowing smirk. Bunnie took Antoine's hand and the pair rushed for the stairs- swiping and kicking at the Badniks that descended. Sally hurried to Amy's aid, looking utterly blown away, and kept Cream hidden behind herself.

"How're you doing that?!"

Amy laughed. "I don't really know! I just knew I needed to help!" She swung her two-faced hammer at charging machines, letting them roll to the three boys.

Sonic whistled and curled into a ball, zooming straight at Knuckles' fists, who hit the spiky sphere towards the ceiling, where Tails caught his brothers hand. The two spun and added extra momentum to the blue blurs descent- barrelling through approximately a dozen Badniks.

"I'm impressed!" Sally exhaled and rested against her swords hilt- taking in the metal carnage.

"Well, done, Miss Amy!" Cream hugged the pink hedgehog's side who swiped the sweat from her forehead.

"That was mondo awesome!" Sonic cheered.

"And in perfect tahmin'." Bunnie tiredly sighed.

"Problem is, Eggman definitely knows we're here." Amy pointed upwards, hinting at the alarm.

"Good, I was getting impatient." The blue speedster stretched his legs.

"Makes it harder to find the prisoners though." Tails informed.

"I doubt mobians and Flickies are kept together. So we need to seperate to find them anyway. GUN should be here soon so let's focus on locating them more than anything." Sally instructed.

"I don't like where zis is going." Antoine pinched his nose.

"To make that easier, me and Sonic'll go after Eggman. We need to keep him distracted somehow- and a certain someone is really good at that."

The speedster grinned. "Now you're talkin'."

Amy sighed. "I doubt we can talk you out of this?"

"We won't engage, or put ourselves into too much trouble. But we'll do our best to keep his attention on us."

"Then we'll do what we can to make that quick." Tails gave a thumbs up.

"What about Snively?" Knuckles wondered.

Sally smirked. "I have the perfect idea."

———

"Huh, change in plans, hun. We've got a new task." Rouge informed, reading her Comlink.

Shadow peered over curiously. "And?"

"We're to track Snively down, keep him off the others."

"That would have been easier earlier." Omega interrupted.

"Why do you say that?"

At an abrupt halt, the hefty robot pointed it's staggering claw towards an arched gap where a window had once been. There, the two mobians observed a red plane rotating rapidly in the stormy sky where brilliant red lights swept after it. Rouge gasped and shook Shadow's arm, pointing towards a little man rush across the muddy yard- slipping inside a rounded building of metal sheets.

"We have to keep him off the plane!"

Shadow frowned, taking a hand of his 'teams' each. "Try not to be sick."

"Wha-?" And in a flash they were gone, in another they were behind massive crates.

The bat groaned and stumbled, gently being caught by the sighing hedgehog. He set her down beside him and peaked beyond the wooden cubes. She and Omega followed, observing the wide, spectacular range of aircraft's on display. Badniks marched up and down and the small man rested a hand against a Sawfish-Battleship.

"How'd you do that?"

"I simply focused on where he would be and went to."

Rouge grabbed his arm when he went to stand. "But how? In fact, you've got all these fancy tricks and haven't really told us much more."

"It does not matter how. What matters is it can cause lots of destruction." Omega rubbed his claws together.

Shadow tugged his limb back. "Not that it's your business, Bat, but in truth I...don't really know."

Now that surprised her (evidently). "Really?"

"When Eggman awakened me, I learned of these powers. Not why or how- but what. I know the same as all of you. Much of my past is still a mystery." He crouched with a frown.

"I don't even know why Gerald gave me the title of Ultimate Lifeform. Perhaps my purpose to heal...her. But that failed and since then I don't see what makes me so different from the rest of you. Knuckles is as strong, Tails is much smarter and Sonic...." He groaned. "Admittedly, that faker can do the same things as I."

Rouge smiled in sympathy. "Well, you aren't different from us- but you are special. There's been so much recently that we couldn't have done without you."

"You wouldn't have needed to do any of it if it weren't because of me."

"Maybe." She smirked. "But who said you had to be perfect to be the Ultimate Lifeform? You do just fine to me."

Shadow cracked a smile.

"And it'll do you good to know I'm nosy, so don't worry about the blanks in your past." She winked and he shortly chuckled.

A thud and a ricochet of bullets caught their attention. The two leapt over the crates immediately to see the Sawfish-Battleship roaring to life and Omega cascading his weapons down on the Badniks, hindering Snively from leaving.

"What're you doing?!" Rouge yelled, Shadow massaging his temple.

"You took too long. I was bored." Omega shrugged.

"You stay here, I'll get Snively." Before the bat could protest, the Ultimate Lifeform was gone.

The already panicked, long-nosed man squeaked behind a glass dome when a hard knock bounced into his cockpit. Slowly he looked up to see those dreaded, steely focused red eyes.

"I sure hope you weren't planning on leaving so soon, Snively."

"Sh-Shadow! Me? Don't be silly!" He tried a smile.

"Then, going after the Tornado are we?"

"And you're here to stop me hmm? He glanced at the back-view mirror just as Rouge twirled like a drill into a swarm of machines and Omega barrelled into more running away.

"The Freedom Fighters really are collecting a bunch of traitors." He eyed the dark hedgehog with a grin.

"That's the difference between you and them. They want to reform, you want to use."

"And you really believe they aren't using you? You're different to all, Shadow. And without being controlled you're dangerous. They'll see that soon enough."

"Perhaps." Shadow admitted, banging on the dome with such force it sprang back open, making Snively shrink.

"But until then, I'll do everything I can to keep the world Maria loved so dearly turning."

———

"Man, I can't believe this!" Sonic neatly swerved passed a corner.

In his arms, Sally rolled her eyes. "Don't sound too excited. This is more like a game of cat and mouse."

"Which we've been doin' for years. I'm so ready to put it behind me."

"Thinking of after are you?"

"You aren't?"

"I don't want to be too hopeful. A lot's riding on this and if it goes wrong...."

"It won't." He winked. "You know I won't let it."

"Still, try not to get sidetracked okay?"

"I wo- woah!" He whispered, ducking back behind the wall.

Sally hopped from his hold to peak. "What...?"

In a room grande and familiar, a towering silver machine paced atop a low platform where a double bed had once lay. The room was empty but well lit with red and yellow streaks across the walls. Paintings hung of the Eggman Empire members and instead of bedroom furniture, there was a colossal charging station, presumably for the shiny robot.

"That things huge!" Sonic quietly exclaimed, eyes hungry.

"So we should mo-."

"Ah! There you are! Apologies for the late greeting! I had to get a few things in order. But don't worry, you're first gift is here!" Eggman's voice boomed down the halls.

Sonic cracked his fingers. "'Bout time!"

"You came to finish me off, brought your little friends too. Why, Sally, Sonic don't you come find me then? I'll be awaiting your presence in this castle's precious little Throne Room."

The blue blur swiped his nose. "Ohhh you're so on!"

"Sonic we-!" Sally's breath left her as the gigantic metal hedgehog twisted it's head out the bedrooms arch, peering nastily down at them.

Sonic hopped side to side. "Let's see what you can do, ugly!"

"Would you please-?!" Sally jumped back as the tremendous machine sprung into a deadly sphere, barrelling down part of the corridor, spinning and charging for them.

"This isn't the time for gawking!" She scolded.

"You kidding?!" Sonic leapt with her in tow, narrowly dodging the silver robot. "Look at it!"

"We need to get away from it!" She tugged his arm and took down the hall, exhaling in relief when he focused and guided them.

"Quick way to the Throne Room at all?"

"My parents' room, there should be a door with stairs leading right to it."

"Gotcha." Sonic snickered, flicked his nose and scooped her up.

As he turned countless whistles and booms blasted from outside. Sally craned her head to catch and Tornado showering bullets towards the castle with the aid of dark grey helicopters.

"Is that...?"

Sonic yelped as armed humans tumbled through the window arches, faces hidden by helmets. Immediately they began firing as the large silver Badnik rolled straight for them. The two leaders called but smoke flooded their vision as bangs strangled their ears. Soon, it eased and they observed the robot dispersed in parts and the proudly nodding agents.

"You came!" Sally leapt from her companions arms with a smile.

"As soon as we could. We heard Eggmans invitation." One of the agents replied. "You two best be on your way. We've got things from here."

"Yeah thanks. We handled the worst of it though." Sonic's hands went to his hips as his foot drummed against the floor.

"Your uncle, Charles, had some updates he wanted to finish." Another countered.

"Updates?" Sally asked.

"For your, erm, friend. Nicole right? Said these might come in useful." The second agent handed the Princess a tiny USB stick.

"He figured out how to destroy the Robotisizers? Where is he?" Sally slotted the small object into the holo-lynx's device.

"Not quite." The first started. "Destroying them's too difficult apparently, but he thinks that can shut them down. He uploaded some of his data onto it too- as a connection or something you needed."

"A way for us to hopefully wake up the Robians." Sally corrected.

"Right. He's with the Commander right now, but you really should get moving. We're losing time."

"Thanks for the tip." Sonic rolled his eyes, scooped Sally up and zoomed off.

"I know you don't like them, or that we're aligned, but now that they're here they can help our friends rescue the prisoners."

"Yeah yeah, I know."

She giggled and pecked his cheek. "They left him to you, didn't they?"

Sonic softened and chuckled. "You're right you're right. I can't wait to wipe that smug grin from his face."

———

"You two handled things well." Shadow praised, snapping to the bats side whilst holding Snively by the collar.

Rouge shook her wings and scanned the piles of Badniks. "Thanks."

"It ended too soon." Omega whined.

"Why, Snively, you look like you've seen a ghost." Rouge teased.

"You can't stop him." The little man hissed.

Shadow rolled his eyes and dragged him to the gaping entrance of the building, gesturing to the GUN helicopters above. "It's too late for that sort of talk."

"Hey, hun?" Rouge stepped to his side.

"Wha-?"

"Ah. There he is. Oh. Rouge, seems you got to him first." From the left a brown and green eyed human commended.

Then his expression became hungry. "You found some help, too."

"Seems you got here just in time, Commander." Shadow eyed the human suspiciously.

"Are there more Badniks?" Omega asked, getting a pat on the arm from Rouge.

"We'll take it from here." Towers nodded.

But Shadow didn't let Snively free. "What will you do with him?"

"We'll do what's necessary to make sure he doesn't hurt Mobius again."

"He won't."

"How're you so sure?" Rouge and Towers inquired in unison.

"He acted out of terror. It's his uncle you want."

"I'll take any and all Robotniks." Abraham glanced at the Ultimate Lifeform pointedly.

"Fine. But at least keep it in mind the cruelty he faced."

"Sure." Upon taking Snively in for custody, Towers gave the three a final glance.

"You know, Shadow, we could do with someone like you. Omega too. You three make quite the team."

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Shame, it could be a lot easier to keep Mobius safe with my help. And all of those stray Badniks needing to be destroyed...."

Omega jumped. "We should join. I must exterminate all Eggman machines. It is a good idea."

Shadow sighed. "We'll consider it."

"That's all I ask." Towers turned towards his helicopter where a light blue hedgehog and rabbit awaited him.

"He knows something." The Ultimate Lifeform whispered.

"About your past? I got the feeling too." Rouge hummed.

"Your terror and criminal acts are at an end, Snively. Or more fittingly, Colin." Towers informed.

But the long-nosed man just started to laugh. Charles and Vanilla glanced at each other worriedly and the other three dropped to silent curiosity.

"What's so funny?" Abraham demanded.

"I wanted to leave him anyway, so anywhere but here's fine by me." He began to cackle and twisted his head to look at Rouge and her team.

"My uncle has your precious leaders right where he wants them."

"What do you mean?" Charles clambered out the helicopter, panic hinted in his robotic tone.

"You'll find the prisoners. Flickies and Chao alike. He doesn't really care what happens to them. Sonic and Sally will go right into his clutches, but it'll be too late. Mobius is finished!"

"That's why he told them where he was. My agents informed me of such."

"Crap." Shadow hissed, took a hand of Omega's and Rouge's respectively and vanished in a golden snap.

———

"Be on the lookout, getting a personal invite's a cause for concern." Sally hushed, leading the way down the stairs from the bedroom.

"We'll be ready."

"Good, 'cause we're here." She swallowed the pit in her stomach and with a shaky hand pushed the door open.

White illumination blinded them as it clambered up the dark steps. Cautiously, they stepped through into the tremendous Throne Room. They were on a platform where said spectacular chairs once sat, but merely held an empty desk fit for an arrogant emperor. Carpeted stars descended down to a floating, gigantic sphere of the entire planet rotating within a colossal-

"Yowza! That looks like a giant Robotisizer!" Sonic paled.

Enormous tubes led to it from the ceiling and the metal flooring was broken up by squares of glass, revealing the busy factory below. The entire room in fact seemed to be transformed as some kind of holding unit.

"That's because it is, dear boy." And outstepped Eggman Robotnik, glass of champagne in hand and perhaps the scariest grin the two had ever seen.

"A world Robotisizer, to be exact."

"You're joking." Sonic laughed, sweat settling on his forehead.

"He's bluffing." Sally shook her head.

"Believe me or don't, it's going to happen either way."

"What is?"

"You've seen what happens with one Robotisizer. Imagine that blown to a planet's scale."

Sally felt more than faint. "You're going to turn all of Mobius to metal?"

"Almost, dear Princess. Sadly I don't have the sources brilliant enough to power such a task."

"Like the Master Emerald...." Sonic glared.

"Precisely. So I'll do the next best thing. It was much easier to take over the world when Mobius lacked the technological advances to level with me. Do you know what happens when you try to Robotisize something that's already mechanical?"

"I doubt it's good."

"For you it's not. For me, it means a fresh start." His glass flew as his arms sprung out wide.

"It overpowers what was and explodes! Too much energy for anything and it short circuits eventually! Everyone, everything has a limit! Ho ho hooo! GUN's technology will crumble, traffic will halt and buildings will fall- Mobius will be blown back to the stone age!" His Eggmobile zoomed around and he smoothly dropped back onto his seat.

"Let's not forget that little friend of yours too."

"Nicole...." Sally's eyes shrunk.

"What about my uncle? Your Badnik forces?" Sonic crouched at the ready.

"My army of Robians will rebuild whatever's destroyed. If your uncle had no sentience, maybe he'd survive. But now...." He shook his head, feigning sympathy.

"Besides, you can't make an omelette without breaking a few Egg-Legion armies."

"You're crazy!" Sally cried.

"There's no genius without a touch of madness."

"Get that plugged in before he can do anything, I'll finish him myself." Sonic snarled, fingertips touching the cool floor.

"Run all you want dear boy. You're too late. You've been beat."

"I'm still kicking." In a flash he was gone, chasing after the erratically cackling man.

Sally was quick to rush for the World Robotisizer, glancing at towering screens behind the emperors desk. The camera angles revealed GUN agents storming the castle, the Tornado landing at the entrance where doors burst and the FF's were found. Mobians, Chao and Flickies rushed towards freedom and Knuckles took in small items that emitted a green glow. They'd done their part, at least, now it was time to do theirs.

'No sign of Snively.' She frowned, noting Rouge, Shadow and Omega rushing down corridors without the small man. Not even Towers had a hold of him anymore.

Upon hitting the gigantic cylinder, Sally refocused and scanned for an opening for N-I-C-O-L-E to connect to. "You think you can reverse this?"

"Perhaps, if Sonic buys me enough time. But I am not sure what may happen."

"What do you mean?" The Princess soon found the perfect rectangular indent for the USB.

"I have all of Charles' updates uploaded. But he didn't consider a Robotisizer on such a large scale. I may be able to shut this down, but I don't know if that will reverse the damage done already. I don't know what may even happen to Charles and I...I'm not sure what will transpire with myself."

Above, Eggman victoriously spun in his chair- seemingly in no rush. "You look tired, dear boy. Stretched a bit thin perhaps?"

"You'll be sure I'll have a great vacation after, whilst you're sulking in prison."

"I really doubt I'll be going anywhere, and as long as I'm around you'll be chasing after me. Is that right? Forget eating chilli dogs with your friends, forget going on evening runs, forget going out with Sally or flying the Tornado with Tails. You and I will be doing this dance until one of us is put down- and I really doubt that'll be me. You don't have the courage."

Sonic laughed, teeth jagged and eyes faded and...crazed. "Me?! Not having courage? You've really lost it Egghead."

"Deny it, that's fine. None of it will matter. This ends here."

"That I can agree with, but not with me." He curled, charged up and went to blast off- but a ferocious, heavy claw slammed right on top of him.

Meanwhile, Sally froze. "Meaning?"

"I may be lost to his Robotisizer. It may take everything I have."

"Then we'll find another way."

And N-I-C-O-L-E was before her, hands resting over her cheeks with a warm smile. "There isn't time. But that's okay. You've all given me more than enough."

Tears pricked at Sally's eyes as a bang thundered overhead. There really wasn't much time.

"But you might be okay, right? Charles and the reversal...it could work out?"

"That is a possibility."

Eggman peered over his mobile with childlike glee, loosening the claw just enough to see Sonic sprawled against the wall- looking utterly dazed.

"Run. Run to the end of the world, but know I will always be a step ahead of you. Live the rest of your days looking over your shoulder, drowning in paranoia and the failure of my victory today. Live knowing you won't have much of a life at all as long as I'm alive."

Sonic spat out red liquid and although he looked frozen on that fact, he soon cracked a grin. "Good thing I was never doing this alone to start with."

Perplexity twisted into rage at the hedgehog's stupid little communication device flashing with his even more moronic grinning face- no doubt a warning. Eggman gave a thunderous, almost insane roar as his glasses dipped- showing shrunken red eyes. His fists shook at the sides of his head as if in a tantrum, simultaneously loosening the claws grip and catching Sally's attention.

"Let's do it to it, Nic." She whispered and with eyes screwed shut, shoved the USB into the little indent.

N-I-C-O-L-E vanished, their face reappearing on their device. "It's been an honour to serve you, Princess. And even more to be your friend."