Aboard the ARK
Part 12
The Reign of Dr. Eggman!

Author's Note: Hey, Ishnt here, I'd just like to note that I'm gonna change Aboard the ARK canon a bit. Chapter 10 probably didn't ever happen at all, except for Sonic and them escaping. Also, the conversation about Robotnik being the enemy of the Sonic GAMES when all those alternate Eggmans showed up is now was a talk about Sonic CARTOONS. Yeah, that's probably gramatically inaccurate, but still, I think you get the gist. Finally, the time between SA2 and AtA isn't quite as long as was originally stated... Not sure EXACTLY how long now, probably something like six months. Yeah, these things have sorta been bothering me about the story, and I'm too lazy and nostalgic to correct the errors. Oh, and as long as I've got an author's note here, all characters, locations, etc. that aren't mine are somebody else's. Obviously. So, here we go!

Previously on Aboard the ARK...

Eggman: "Behold... THE REVISION INSTRUMENT! It will automatically change every book in the world, rewriting ME as the hero in EVERY situation, and putting Sonic as the villain!"

*Stylish scene cut without much transition.*

President: "Look... I would like... to offer you an apology..."

Eggman: "AHA! Thanks muchly, Mr. President, it is greatly appreciated. Um, now, can I have control over some random city?"

President: "...Fine. You now control Starlight City."

*Cut again.*

President: "We must make an announcement about this. Remind the people that Sonic is evil and dangerous, and that, despite their memories, they should trust Eggman."

Assistant Dude: *Nods.* "Yes sir."

AND NOW FOR THE NEXT EPISODE OF ABOARD THE ARK.

*We begin with Eggman, Shadow, Ishnt, Hammernik, and Silver Shadow sitting around a table at the ARK.*

Eggman: "Ooh hoo hoo! I'm a genius! Finally, a plan that works!"

Shadow: "Yes... Which I'm quite surprised of, as the plan is far from foolproof."

Eggman: "Starlight City is now under my control... Now to stir up some trouble."

Silver Shadow: "What is your plan?"

Eggman: "Quite simple. I'll undo the Revision Instrument in one city, and they'll all riot, claiming they've found the REAL texts. Of course, it will be said that they're forged... Starlight City's army will then quell the uprising in the city, which will be given to me to keep close watch over. I'll continue this plan for a few more cities, and then I'll have a big enough army to throw away the secrecy and take the world by force!"

Shadow: "I'd call this brilliant if it wasn't for the scheme it hinges on being so improbable and hole-filled. I'm STILL trying to figure out how it worked..."

Ishnt: "What are we supposed to do?"

Eggman: "You'll keep up the illusion that you're Sonic's robots. As such, you will ally with the rebelling cities as they attempt it.

Shadow: "And me?"

Eggman: "Lay low. You're supposed to be imprisoned. We may have been able to trick them into thinking that you managed to escape ONCE and returned... But twice would be a problem. You can just stay here and play video games."

Shadow: "You expect ME, the ultimate lifef- eh, all right."

Eggman: "Now, what city should I try this out on..." *Gets out a map.* "Let's seeeeeee... Eenie, meenie, miney, CASINO! Casino Night City it is then! OOOOH HOO HOO HOO HOOOOOOOOOO!"

*OPENING TITLES AND COMMERCIAL BREAK.*

*Scattered Rain from the Trigun OST plays on a black background.*

Voice-Over: "Coming soon, to an Eggman Empire near you..."

*Screen flashes a brown haired man clad in blue with a sword battling several monsters.*

Voice-Over: "A world suddenly overcome with strife and turmoil..."

*Screen then flashes to a beam crashing from the sky into Eggman's base, the base exploding and Eggman in the rubble, shaken, and turning his head toward the sky.*

Voice-Over: "A world where the position of the number one villain will be challenged..."

*Screen then shows the swordsman battling a huge purple monster, then Eggman battling a British looking dude with a green monocle and standing up mustache.*

Voice-Over: "Two worlds... Two tales... One game."

*Boxart of EGGNIC ZERO is shown.*

Voice-Over: "Eggnic Zero. Coming eventually, from Eggnic Team."

*Eggnic Team logo fills the screen. The slogan "Games For You" appears under the logo.*

*END COMMERCIAL BREAK.*

SCENE 1 - Casino Night City, a casino
------------------------------------

Person Running Game: "House wins!"

Random Guy: "Awwww... I'm out 5000 rings... I just don't know when to quit..."

Person Running Game: "Want another go?"

Random Guy: "I really shouldn't. I've only got 50 rings left."

Person Running Game: "Hey! How 'bout this? If you win, we'll triple the normal rates!"

Random Guy: "I don't think s-"

Person Running Game: "And throw in a complementary EGGMAN HAT whether you lose or not!"

Random Guy: "SOLD!"

*Suddenly, an alarm goes off! A man in a black coat holding several documents runs through the casino, being chased by security guards.*

Man: "I'm telling you, it's the truth, and I'm telling the people!"

Security Guards: "He's resisting arrest! We're gonna have to use force!" *Draw their guns.*

Man: "NO!" *Stops.* "Listen to me! Look at these documents!" *Tosses them to the guards.*

Security Guard: *Reads it.* "America declaring its independence from King George... Lincoln abolishing slavery... Sonic defeating Eggman's scheme to take over South Island?!" *Turns to the another guard.*

Other Guard: "How'd you make these?"

Man: "I- I didn't! I found them! Eggman must have used some sort of device to rewrite all the history books, and it must be failing now!"

Guard: "Look, I understand your want to trust in your memory, but-"

Man: "Check ANY document!"

Guard: "Huh?"

Man: "Anything you've got with you... they've returned to normal..."

Guard: *Pulls out a magazine from a nearby coat, reads it briefly.* "But... then... What about that live footage we've seen of Sonic terrorizing the cities?"

Man: "A stand-in... most likely... Shadow the Hedgehog."

Guard: "This is... We have to show it to the mayor!"

*People pour out of the casino, giving the information to more people, and more, who eventually report it to the mayor.*

*However... Riots begin to break out among the people, some still believing this is yet another of Sonic's insiduous plots. The city is thrown into turmoil.*

Eggman: *Watching the scene from atop a building.* "All according to plan..." *Gets into his Eggmobile.* "Now, to Station Square!" *He blasts off into the inky blackness toward the capital city, Station Square...*

*Time cut to hours later... in prison. The first rays of the morning hit Sonic's eyes. He wakes up and looks over, seeing the guard sitting there.*

Sonic: "You're still here?"

Guard: "We're not letting our watch on you down, since that last escaping incident."

Sonic: "Yeah, whatever. Mind turning on some TV?"

Guard: "Hmph..." *Grabs remote and presses a button.*

*The TV screen flashes "TEH NUUZ: South Island's Top News Source!"*

News Reporter Jimmy (on TV): "In a startling developement, the entire city of Casino Night has been thrown into chaos and insurrection. Apparently, documents depicting Eggman as the villain have been found. Most of the city has developed a strong anti-Eggman sentiment, and is rebelling against the rest of the world's government. We have our ace reporter, Balthasar Wimbleton, on an interview with Eggman."

*Screen cuts to Eggman and Balthasar in a room, both sitting on chairs, across from eachother on a small wooden round table.*

Balthasar: "Thank you, Jimmy. Now, Eggman, what are your thoughts on Casino Night's rebellion?"

Eggman: "I tell you, it's quite surprising. To be honest, I don't know how a simple forgery could cause such chaos!"

Balthasar: "It's been said that the ink has been dated as too old to have been forged. What are your thoughts on this?"

Eggman: "It's simple. The LETTERS were printed long, long ago, that's sure enough. But the arrangements of them were probably recently done, splicing many messages together. I'm sure you're familliar with ransom notes."

Balthasar: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Eggman: "Well, I- er... I KNOW you got a ransom note from SONIC when he kidnapped your cat in an attempt to get you to report that he was a handsom chick magnet with a million girlfriends, and was looking for the million and oneth. Unfortu- er, but I saved your cat for you."

Balthasar: "Oh yeah! I forgot about that. So, what's your plan to deal with an entire CITY rebelling?"

Eggman: "I tell you, Balthasar, this is one of the toughest things I've had to deal with. But now that I have Starlight City's army backing me, I think I can take them down."

Balthasar: "And then?"

Eggman: "Then... Someone will have to keep close monitor on the city. I think I would be well suited for the job, don't you?"

Sonic: *Throws shoe at TV, making it turn off.* "Argh! I hate that Eggman!"

Guard: "Yeah yeah, we've heard that one before."

Sonic: "How did you let him dupe you ALL so easily?"

Guard: "I'm not gonna listen to your tricks."

Sonic: "Great. The Earth is doomed."

SCENE 2 - Casino Night City
---------------------------------

*Eggman is leading a huge army into battle against Casino Night City in his Eggmobile.*

Eggman: "Hold the line! We're losing ground!"

Starlight General: "Doctor, wait, we've found a weakness in the enemy's attack pattern. If we exploit this, we could take the city by noon."

Eggman: "Do it!"

*The army rushes forward, and manages to surround a great deal of Casino Night's citizens by attacking a weak portion!*

Eggman: "All right, everyone else let's go!"

*Aaaaaaand the army rushes into the city, knocking down several of the citizens as they rush to the mayor's office.*

Eggman: *Kicks down door.* "MAYOR!"

Mayor: "E- Eggman!"

Eggman: "I'm very disappointed in you. You're threatening the peace of the world."

Mayor: "This coming from YOU?"

Eggman: "Yes, this coming from ME." *Walks to the mayor's desk and slams his fist down.* "This uprising is far too dangerous to be allowed to continue! I'm afraid that we have no choice..." *Turns on monitor and focuses it on the surrounded citizens.* "Now, you have a choice. Either you give control of this city to me, ending the uprising and letting ME control what the right thing to do is... Or... I give my men the order to fire, effectively ending the uprising anyway. The choice is yours."

Mayor: "You're insane!"

Eggman: "Heheh... Your response?"

Mayor: "I will not give into the demands of terrorists!"

Eggman: "I... uh... Wait, huh?"

Mayor: "You heard me!"

Eggman: "You do realize, the blood of all these people will be on YOUR head."

Mayor: "And how many more if I allow you to rule?"

Eggman: *Realizing that not only has he lost his bargaining chip, but that if he DID give the order to fire, he wouldn't obtain much of an army from Casino Night City.* "But... but... GIVE ME THE CITY NOW!"

Mayor: "No way! I-"

Eggman: *Glaring, scanning his desk. Suddenly looks up, smirking.* "Hey, what's this?" *Picks up a remote with a single button on it.*

Mayor: "WHAT?! That's... Give that back!"

Eggman: *Inspecting it.* "Hm, looks like it's not designed to reach very far. I wonder what does it do? Perhaps releases the lock to a secret little project you've been working on? Maybe I should just press it..."

Mayor: "NO! You can't!"

Eggman: "Well well. Eh? And this too!" *Picks up some reports from his desk.* "Oho? Not a SINGLE person has won a single game at ANY of your casinos in the past five years? What are the odds?"

Mayor: "I knew I shouldn't have left those things laying out."

Eggman: "What say you now? Would you like to reconsider giving the city to me?"

*A few hours later, on TEH NUUZ...*

Jimmy: "The uprising in Casino Night City has been quelled, thanks to the brilliant Dr. Eggman. The entire city is now under his control, and he is expected to rule it fairly and justly."

Sonic: "I've only got one shot... Hey, what's that over there!" *Points.*

Guard: "I'm not that stupid!"

Sonic: "You're right... It was a cheap tactic and wouldn't work in a-" *Takes off his shoe and throws it with incredible speed, ricocheting it off the wall, and effectively kicking the guard in the back of the head, knocking him out. Proceeds to spindash the gate, grabs and puts on both of his shoes, then grabs a gun from the guard.* "All right, you can do this. You've faced off against armies of killer robots before. Even if the majority of the population of Earth is against you, you-"

*Suddenly, alarms blare throughout the prison.*

Sonic: "That'd be my cue to shut up and start running." *Dashes out of the room.*

Police: *A group of officers chase after him.* "A jail-break! Sonic's going to escape, hurry!"

Sonic: *Shoots out a window and dives out of it.* "HA! And now, I-" *Notices he's several stories up.* "CRAP!" *Falls, tumbling, but regains his footing and runs down the building.* "OK, gotta think of a plan. Eggman's gained the trust of most everyone. But I can't take Eggman down now without any help. He's too powerful." *Gets to the bottom of the prison and speeds through a nearby lake, skimming on the water.* "Amy! There's no way she'd ever turn on me. Tails and I have been friends for so long, he'll still trust me. Knuckles, I'm gonna stay away from for now. All right, that'll do for now. I'll get Amy and Tails to help me out, and-" *Smacks into a tree branch, losing his momentum, and sinking down into the lake.* *Washes/struggles up on the side of the lake he was closest to about a minute later.* "I am having a really horrible day."

Mysterious Echo-y and Deep Voice: "Are you, now?"

Sonic: "Oh, damn it..." *Struggles to his feet.* "It's been a while..."

*A shadowy hedgehog-like figure walks forward from the trees. As he steps into the light, he is revealed to be none other than...*

Sonic: "Metal Sonic."

Metal: "I have been sent by Dr. Eggman to make sure that you, insolent slime, do not try to threaten his operations."

Sonic: "Hey, lighten up, pal. Every time I see you, you're all dark and brooding."

Metal: "The very fact that you EXIST consumes me with anger, every day! The rage that makes me wish to tear you apart with my own bare hands and finally be free! To laugh with delight and say 'There, you see! I am truly superior! Sonic the Hedgehog has been defeated at my hands!' And so this shall transpire THIS VERY-"

Sonic: "Hm, you need some hobbies."

Metal: "Fruitless labors to entertain the callow minds of lesser beings. My life is dedicated to ending yours!"

Sonic: "Aww, isn't that sweet, to dedicate so much of your time to me. But you're not gonna stand in my way. Eggman's plans for world domination will soon crumble!"

Metal: "We shall see. Prepare yourself!" *Dashes at Sonic.*

Sonic: "I'm always ready!" *Spindashes.*

SCENE 3 - The ARK, a computer room
---------------------------------

Shadow: *Calm. Coincidentally, he's playing Sonic CD on an emulator.* "All right... Now for the FIFTH Time Stone... Come on, Shadow... Focus... This Special Stage isn't so tough... You..." *Suddenly, a noise is heard and an orange light flashes at the bottom of the screen. The sound and the light were from an AOL Instant Messenger... uh... Instant Message. The emulator freezes up, due to too much CPU usage, and the onscreen Sonic walks RIGHT INTO THE FREAKING WATER. Shadow, who has replayed this Special Stage FIVE TIMES ALREADY, presses the buttons franticly, but the time is down too low by the time he regains control of the game. He makes a jump for the blue UFO that restores 20 seconds, but jumps over it, as time runs out. Shadow proceeds to let out a long string of swears before demolishing the computer with a Chaos Spear.* "...Oops."

Eggman: *Walks in the room.* "Well, that went well, I'd say!"

Shadow: "Welcome back, doctor." *Stands up.* "What news do you bring from Earth?"

Eggman: "Casino Night City has been conquered. Thus, my plans for world domination have become... ah... about... .000000027 % complete, give or take."

Shadow: *Worried look, thinking about how much time it would take to build up an army that would stand a chance against the rest of the world.* "Uh, doctor, perhaps it would be best if we were to use a slightly different means of conquering, as it would take many years at this rate, and as time goes on there's a greater possibility of the truth being revealed so long as there's those who would expose it, plus-"

Eggman: "Ah, Shadow, you naive fool. WHO'S the one with the 300 IQ here?"

Shadow: "Regardless of your intellegence, my point still stands, and-"

Eggman: "I get it, you're undermining my authority just because I'm fat! Well, I'll have no more of this! You shall be punished..." *Menacing glare.* "Shadow the Hedgehog... You don't get dessert for a FULL month! NYEH!" *Storms off.*

Shadow: *Shakes head.* "...I guess I shouldn't have assumed that just because his plan was working that he'd gain an ounce of common sense."

Eggman: *Pops up through a hole in the ground.* "Oho, so NOW you've accused my newest plans of adding ounces to my weight!"

Shadow: "DAH! How'd you get THERE?!"

Eggman: "Turns out I stormed off down a staircase. There's basically a tunnel system BUILT INTO THE ARK! Isn't that neat?" *Goes off.*

Shadow: "My sanity's breaking again... Strangely comforting, considering the unusualness of this plan's success..."

Ishnt: *Runs in.* "Is Eggman here?"

Shadow: "No."

Eggman: *Echoing, a ways off.* "Yes I am!"

Shadow: "That proves nothing."

Eggman: *Jumps out of hole in the ground.* "Ah, if it isn't Ishnt! Are YOU trying to spoil my plans again? Wait a minute! You're not Sonic! This is impossible!"

Ishnt: "...Huh?"

Eggman: "Oh, wait, I thought I said Sonic. It's an honest mistake, really."

Shadow: *Hits head against a wall.* "Will you PLEASE try to make sense at least?"

Eggman: "Right! So, Ishnt, what brings you to my floating space station fortress?"

Ishnt: "I live here..."

Eggman: "I MEAN, why did you come to get me?"

Ishnt: "Oh! You have a call on that video monitor thing, it's the persistent."

Eggman: "I think you mean president."

Ishnt: "What?"

Eggman: "President, not persistent."

Ishnt: "The president's not persistent? Then why are we having so much trouble taking over the world?"

Eggman: "...In any case. Shadow! Take my calls! I'm going to go and... Take this call!" *Runs out of the room to video phone, leaving a confused Shadow and Ishnt behind.* "Halloooooo everybody!"

President: "Dr. Eggman, we have a problem... I'm sorry to bother you with this, but many leaders are giving up their positions of control..."

Eggman: "How many, exactly?"

President: "Approximately 365 thousand. They seem to think you'd be better suited for the job... I hate to put so much burden on you, but do you think you could take over for them?"

Eggman: "Of course! You can count on me!" *Turns from the monitor.* "And soon... Very soon... Muahahaha... Ahahahahahaaa... OOOOOOH HOO HOO HOO HOO HOO!"

President: "What was that?"

Eggman: "Nothing yes give the control to me bye!" *Hits a button and the image disappears from the video monitor.* "See, Shadow? What did I tell you?" *Pause.* "Oh yeah, he's not in the room." *Runs back to the computer room.* "SEE, Shadow? What did I tell you?"

Shadow: "What?"

Eggman: "I have just gained about 365 thousand armies! Now we can begin... OUR FINAL STRIKE! Soon, this war will be over, and I, the brilliant and wise Dr. Eggman, shall take my rightful place, at the top of the planet, with it under my control!"

Shadow: "What is our final strike?"

Eggman: "Shadow, the time for secrecy is over! You, Ishnt, Hammernik, and Silver Shadow shall come with me, as we attack Station Square! Sonic is busy fighting Metal Sonic, according to Metal's signals. With Station Square under our control, the world WILL be mine to take!"

Shadow: "Excellent. I shall gather the armies using Chaos Control, and inform them of your decision."

Eggman: "Yes..." *Flicks a switch on the Revision Instrument, undoing it in Station Square.* "All right! We'll be waiting just past the Mystic Ruins. Meet us there."

Shadow: *Nods.* "Chaos... CONTROL!" *Disappears in a flash of light.*

Eggman: "Finally... It's almost over!" *Dramatic music rises.* "Ahaha... Muahaha... MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!"

*SCENE 4/COMMERCIAL BREAK ALSO!*

Sonic: "I AM COMMERCIAL!"

Background Music: "HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY"

Sonic: *Spindashes around the screen randomly.* "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Background Music: "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

Emerl: *Puts Sonic in a giant cooking pot.* "BAM!"

Background Music: "QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER"

Sonic: *Floats out of the pot, shining.* *He turns into Super Sonic and spins around in place. Not like twirling, but, like, ends up with his feet over his head, y'know what I mean?* "POTATO PUNK!"

Background Music: "COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE"

Emerl: "Stylish!" *Does a jig.*

Background Music: "TOAST TOAST TOAST"

Eggman: *Bursts in room.* "WAHZAAAAAH!"

Sonic: *Blinks a few time, then turns blue again and falls to the ground, as the background music ceases.* "...What were we just doing?"

Eggman: "Muahaha! With my new WEIRDNESS RAY, nothing can stop!"

Sonic: "You mean nothing can stop YOU."

Eggman: "That too! Eggman's Weirdness Ray, only 12 million dollars, 99 cents! Cause your enemies to go insane as you incase them of a world of complete insanity! But remember! It could be incredibly annoying to watch, and if you walk in the room, it'll cease working."

Sonic: "You mean the effects of the ray?"

Eggman: "No, the ray itself will no longer function. So buy today, before they all break!"

*Logo appears onscreen and voices sing "EGGA!"*

SCENE 5 - Field
---------------------------------

Sonic: *Exhausted, cut and bleeding.* "Ha... ha... ha..." *Falls backwards, using his hands to propel himself at a kick towards Metal's face. Metal grabs the hedgehog by his legs and smashes him into the ground.*

Metal: "You have failed!" *Grabs Sonic by the neck.* "And now, your friends, everyone on this planet, they will fall under the control of the Eggman Empire!"

*Suddenly, a shriek is heard. Metal Sonic is still and unmoving, but Sonic tries to see what it is.*

Metal: "Are you a ventriloquist? No matter. I will not be fooled so easi-" *Hit in the back of the head with a hammer, drops Sonic.*

Amy: "I won't let you hurt my Sonic!"

Sonic: "Amy... no... Run!"

Metal: *Turns to Amy, smug.* "Oh, so it's you. Didn't I kidnap you once before? Right before his eyes." *Points to Sonic, who is lying on the ground.*

Sonic: "Amy..."

Amy: "You..." *Grabs her hammer.* "You won't hurt him!" *Rushes at Metal, smacking wildly with her hammer.*

Metal: *Taking a few hits.* "Sonic, this girl is willing to die for you. Not that her death will prevent YOURS, but isn't it the thought that counts?" *Grabs the hammer and tosses her onto Sonic.* "As a courtesy to such courage, I will allow you to both die together, instead of having to watch the other before you go." *Charges up a laser in the vent in his stomach.*

Sonic: "So this is what I'm fighting for..." *Looks at Amy.* "In case we don't live, Amy, I'm sorry for how I've treated you." *Climbs to his feet.* "Metal!"

Metal: "Oh, so you WANT for her to watch you die before I kill her. I didn't know you were so cruel."

Sonic: *Spindashes toward Metal, who attempts to kick where Sonic will end up, but Sonic jumps out of the spindash before he reaches Metal, kicking him in the face.*

Metal: *Knocked back.* "What? Where'd you get that sudden burst of energy? No matter. As we were..." *Picks Sonic up by the neck again.*

Amy: *Gets up, grabbing her hammer again.* "Raaaaaaah!" *Runs at Metal and starts bashing him with her hammer at full force, causing him to drop Sonic, plating falling off him, and his nose being snapped in half.*

Metal: "What? But how?!"

Amy: "You're just a cold hard machine! You'll never be able to understand how powerful love is!"

Metal: "Ugh, so cheesy. I-" *Hit in the face with hammer again.*

Sonic: "Of course, the Piko Piko Hammer's pretty strong too..."

Metal: "Hahaha... No matter... My job is already done! I shall kill you later, Sonic... But now, even you cannot stop us!" *Flies off.*

Sonic: "Wh- what?!"

Amy: "Sonic!" *Hugs him, clinging.* "Oh, Sonic, I was so worried! I knew you didn't do it! I knew that Eggman was up to no good again! And then the army came... but I managed to escape..."

Sonic: "Army?"

Amy: "Eggman's army! He's invaded Station Square!"

Sonic: "Wh- What?!" *Grabs Amy and dashes into the direction of the not so far off city. He sees a new Egg Carrier-like ship overheahd, and massive armies storming through the city, human and robot alike. Many buildings are on fire, as Eggman leads the armies.* "Eggman..."

Amy: "Sonic, there's no way you can win like this!"

Sonic: "If I just had the Chaos Emeralds..."

Amy: "But we don't! Sonic, please don't do anything stupid..."

Sonic: "We need Tails. How can we get to the Mystic Ruins?"

Tails: "No need!"

Sonic: *Turns.* "Tails?! How'd you get here?"

Tails: "Well, when I saw Eggman and his Badniks waiting at the Mystic Ruins, I knew something was up. Then Shadow appeared with that HUGE army, and I flew to the train... I got to and out of Station Square as quickly as I could after that, and started heading to the prison you were being held at, but looks like I didn't have to go that far."

Sonic: "All right. Got a plan?"

Tails: "As a matter of fact... We know that Eggman's by now exposed that this was all one of HIS evil plots, more or less, but... He must be keeping most of his army under control with a lie."

Sonic: "I get it... We expose the lie, Eggman's army deserts him, and the world's saved. How are we gonna do that?"

Tails: "I already have a plan..."

SCENE 6 - Station Square
---------------------------------

Eggman: *In his Eggmobile.* "That's right! Run! Don't stand in the way of the Eggman Empire, you foo-"

Sonic: "EGGMAN!"

Eggman: "Right on schedule." *Turns, seeing Sonic on a building, then turns the Eggmobile.* "I suppose you think you can stop my army."

Sonic: "Eggman, you've gone too far this time. I doubt even I could stand up to this army of yours... However, I know you can't resist a challenge..."

Shadow: *On a building behind Eggman.* "Don't listen to him! It's a trap!"

Eggman: "A challenge?"

Sonic: "Chess."

Eggman: "Chess?"

Sonic: "Chess. I challenge you to a game of chess, which we'll hold at a predesignated spot. Winner takes all game. If I win, you expose the truth to your army."

Eggman: "And if I win?"

Sonic: "If YOU win, then I never stand in your way again. I'll be as good as dead to you, and never show my face again."

Eggman: "Wow... With my incredible intellegence, how could I fail? Heheheh, I accept your challenge, Sonic."

Shadow: "Eggman, why risk everything when you're so close to-"

Eggman: *Flies to Shadow and whispers.* "Shadow, I know what I'm doing. Even in the incredibly unlikely event that he DOES win, I'll just shoot him then and there, not making good on my word."

Shadow: "Ah, good, I thought you were about to do something stupid and irr-"

Eggman: "DID YOU HEAR THAT, SONIC?! EVEN IF-"

Shadow: *Elbows Eggman in the side, shutting him up.* "EVEN IF THE MATCH IS SET IN THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN, HE'LL STILL TAKE THE CHALLENGE!"

Eggman: "Nice save. Thanks for having common sense. I have this disorder where I don't." *Flies back toward Sonic.* "Ahem, yes! Speaking of which... Where SHALL the match be set?"

Sonic: "Red Rock City, a city in the newly discovered zone in the Mystic Ruins..."

*Music begins to flood the air. Sonic looks around, confused. Eggman, however, gets out of his Eggmobile on one of the roofs, and starts dancing, perfectly in time with the music.*

Random People in the City Below: *Begin singing.* "One night in Red Rock makes the Eggman grumble! Not much food in that city for to eat! One night in Red Rock and the stomach rumbles! Can't bring too little of Chef Boyardee! I can't find a level with some food for thee!"

Eggman: "Red Rock, newly discovered city, and the city don't know what the city is missing! The crème de la crème of foods are missing fr-"

Sonic: "WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

Eggman: "Ahem, never mind." *Background music fades.* "I shall meet your challenge! Tomorrow, at noon!" *Shouts down to the army.* "ARMY, FALL BACK! We'll deal with this in other ways!" *To Shadow.* "Shadow, Chaos Control the armies back to their own homes."

Shadow: *Nods, then disappears in a flash of light, along with all of Eggman's army.*

Eggman: *Turning to Sonic.* "Hedgehog... Prepare to lose!"

*Scene/time cut via fade to across a Chess board.* *The screen fades between clock and the board, and the match goes on for a full hour, both competitors with few pieces remaining.*

Eggman: "Impressive. Well, for one such as you."

Sonic: "You're too over-confident... You leave yourself open to attack..." *Takes a piece.* "Check."

Eggman: *Moves a piece.* "Oh, come on, there's, what, about 200 points of difference in our IQ, in MY favor? I'm afraid of YOUR strategic skills?"

Sonic: "Maybe you should be more." *Moves again.* "Check."

Eggman: *Takes the piece that was threatening his king.* "Check. Seriously! What were you THINKING, challenging me to CHESS?"

Sonic: *Moves a piece.* "Check..."

Eggman: "It was a VERY stupid move on your part." *Moves piece.* "After all, there are few who can even STAND UP to me in this game."

Sonic: "So, how'd you do it?" *Moves a piece.* "How'd you trick the entire Earth?"

Eggman: "Oh, it's a simple little device I created called the 'Revision Instrument'." *Moves a piece.* "Check. It rewrote EVERY historical document to place me as the hero, and you as the villain."

Sonic: *Moves piece.* "Check. But wouldn't it have made more sense to only affect documents with US in them, so as to not cause contradictions?"

Eggman: *Glares at Sonic a bit, moving a piece.* "You think you're so smart, don't you, thinking you've out-schemed the man with a doctorate. But let me remind you, I now control the majority of the Earth, and I-"

Sonic: *Moving piece.* "Checkmate."

Eggman: "WHAT?! That's impossible!" *Looks at the board.* "But... HOW?!"

Sonic: "I told you, you're too over-confident. You left yourself wide open."

Eggman: "Rr... No matter..." *Draws gun, aiming it at Sonic's face.* "I simply kill you now."

Sonic: *Sits back, unperturbed, feet on table.* *Curtains in the room draw back, revealing monitors. Eggman drops his aim, looking around.* It doesn't take Eggman long to notice his army watching his every move being broadcasted.*

Eggman: *Begins to panic.* "You... You..."

Sonic: "I think I'll be going now."

*Pounding begins on one of the doors.*

Eggman: "You duped me!"

Sonic: "How's it feel to be on the other end of that for once?" *Walks out a door.*

Eggman: *Turns, seeing the other door smashed down, many generals of his armies storming in.* "Heheh, wait a minute guys! Sonic's the real bad guy here! This is just another... another of his fiendish plots! You know! That Sonic, grr, always... tricking... everyone..."

Starlight General: *Pounds fist menacingly.*

Eggman: "Heheh... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" *Runs off, dropping the Revision Instrument as he does so, it being trampled by the generals who pursue him. The destruction of the Revision Instrument undoes all of its effects, and the documents return to their original state. Eggman runs off to where he parked his Eggmobile, and flies off.* "We'll meet again! You haven't seen the last of Dr. Eggman!" *Launches, leaving the army behind.*

Sonic: *Watching Eggman fly off from the roof.* "Well, looks like everything turned out all right this time!"

Tails: *Comes out.* "Great job, Sonic!"

Sonic: "Hm, even if Eggman can dupe the entire world, he can't stop us! Well, I think I'll be off." *Shakes Tails' hand.* "Thanks for your help, but I think I'll be going now. I'm free for the first time since I got captured up on the ARK. I need to stretch out my legs." *Jumps off the building and begins to run off.*

Amy: *Jumping out from behind the building, chasing after Sonic.* "AHAAAA! Don't think you can escape from me, Sonic!"

Sonic: *Still running.* "How long have you been waiting there?"

Amy: *Still chasing.* "Oh, just the past two hours. Why?"

Sonic: "She's persistent, I'll give her that... But she needs to learn to catch up..." *Speeds off.*

Amy: "Sonic, wait for meeeeee!" *Runs after him as fast as she can.*

SCENE 7 - The ARK
---------------------------------

Eggman: "Why, why whyyyyyyy? I was so close... So very close..."

Shadow: "I think we can learn a lesson from this, Eggman. When you've GOT THE FREAKIN' MAJORITY OF EARTH UNDER YOUR CONTROL, DON'T RISK IT TO REMOVE A RELATIVELY UNIMPORTANT VARIABLE!"

Hammernik: "I need a line in this chapter... Oh, there we are."

Shadow: "Look, Eggman, I'm going to go to sleep. If you need me... I don't care, I've been up three days straight." *Walks off.*

Eggman: "Maybe Shadow's right... Maybe I am just a meaningless failure who will never amount to anything..."

Silver Shadow: "...He just said that you should be more careful in your schemes."

Eggman: "Why, you're right. I AM the one and only Eggman! This is but a mere setback, the world WILL be mine!"

Ishnt: *To Hammernik.* "Man, I got about as much plot involvement as you this chapter... YOU..."

Hammernik: "What?! You got WAY more involvement than me! You at least got a piece of dialogue with Eggman!"

Eggman: "Shut up! I must think of a new plan to conquer Earth! And I think I know just the thing... Or, rather... THINGS..." *Walks off, the Badniks staring after him confused.*

What could Eggman be planning? Will this really be the end-all plan to defeat the heroes and take over the planet Earth? Probably not, because then I'd be out of a plot. Regardless, the Earth is safe for now, and can breathe safe once more. But how long will this last? And what of Metal Sonic? Why do we not see him at the ARK, and yet he claims to be under Eggman's orders? Is something amiss here? Read the next chapter, for more adventures... ABOARD THE ARK! (Well, or on Earth and the ARK whatever.)