‘Eggman attacking Metal Sonic? It can’t be possible,’ Sonic thought as he sat up. ‘Just what is he planning anyway? Well, whatever it is, we’ll be ready for it.’

Then he looked down at his stomach as it growled.

“Maybe some food would put me to sleep.”

Sonic tiptoed across the room and carefully opened the door. As he stepped through, Sonic carefully closed the door, hoping to not wake up Tails. Tails’ ears started to twitch as they heard the sound of a door closing. Tails slowly opened his eyes as he sat up and rubbed them as he looked around.

“Must be my ears playing tricks on me,” Tails said. He was about to fall back asleep when he noticed that there was no snoring coming from the top bunk. “Hey Sonic, are you awake?” No response. He flew up to the top bunk and noticed that Sonic was gone. “I know of one place that he might be.”

Tails headed to the kitchen and there was Sonic rigging the refrigerator.

“Sonic, what are you doing up so late?” Tails yawned. “It’s three in the morning.”

“I couldn’t sleep Tails,” Sonic replied. “I still have what you told me about Eggbutt in my mind, so I thought a midnight snack would help.”

“Do you really think he meant what he said that he’s changed?”

“Who knows? Maybe he has, but he better watch out for us if he tries any funny stuff.” Sonic thought of something and laughed. “Man, won’t Knuckles and Rouge be surprised when I tell them about this. They’ll say I’m outta my mind.”

--------------------

“You’re outta your mind,” Knuckles and Rouge told Sonic.

“What did I tell you,” Sonic told Tails.

“But it’s true,” said Tails.

“I find that hard to believe,” said Rouge. “I don’t suppose you have any proof.”

“As a matter of fact, we do,” said Sonic. “Show bat girl the newspaper that we found this morning, Tails.”

Tails pulled the newspaper out from his pocket and handed it to Rouge. She read the column that was highlighted.

“Local residents were stunned to see Dr. Eggman save a little girl and a kitten from their death in an apartment building fire. The little girl’s parents were both shocked and grateful for what Eggman has done.”

“Not only that,” Tails butted in, “but he also saved a bus load of children from falling off a cliff.”

“Are you sure this is not some sort of joke?” asked Knuckles.

“That’s what I thought when Tails told me,” said Sonic, “but it’s no joke.”

“I think the doctor’s madness has really gotten to him,” said Rouge. “Thanks for informing us about this, Sonic.”

“No sweat. Just don’t be surprised if Egghead tries something to get your emerald, knucklehead.”

After saying that, Sonic and Tails took off.

“I hate it when he calls me that,” said Knuckles.

“Didn’t he use to call you something else?” asked Rouge.

“Yeah. Rad Red.”

“I like knucklehead better; it suits you.” Rouge started to laugh to herself when she thought about that name.

‘Oh great,’ Knuckles thought. ‘Now she’s gonna start doing that.”

----------------------------

Meanwhile back at Eggman’s base, Dr. Eggman was watching the news on his monitor.

“Our top story today,” said the reporter. “A local train was accidentally derailed and was heading for a collision with the ground; but thanks to the heroic deed of Dr. Eggman, the train was stopped before it was heavily damaged. We were able to get a few words from the mad scientist, I mean former mad scientist.”

“Dr. Eggman,” said another reporter, “what convinced you to do these heroic deeds that you’ve done today?”

“I’m just doing it for the good of the city,” replied Eggman.

“And there you have it. Maybe we have judged this person a little too hard. Stay tuned for more news after this.”

Dr. Eggman turned off the monitor while smiling evilly. Metal Sonic was behind him, clapping his robotic hands.

“That was wonderful, master,” Metal Sonic said.

“Thank you, Metal. I do love to put on a good show for my audience. My plan is going perfectly. Those idiots are beginning to eat outta my hands, and it’s only a matter of time before they trust me completely.”

“What about Sonic and his friends?”

“The only ones that know about it are Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Shadow. Those fools will soon give in that I’ve changed. The only ones I haven’t convinced yet are bat girl and knucklehead.”

“How are you planning to get them convinced?”

“I’m glad you asked, Metal. You are gonna go up to the Master Emerald Shrine on Angel Island. Once you’re there, try to make them chase after you; I’ll do the rest. Now, get the Egg Globe prepared. Our next destination is Angel Island.”

--------------------

Back to the Master Emerald Shrine on Angel Island.

“I’m bored,” Rouge complained. “Can we do something else besides just sitting here?”

“We have to protect the Master Emerald,” said Knuckles. “You never know when someone might be after it.”

“Do you believe that Eggman has really changed?”

“All I have to say is I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Then Rouge’s ears started to pick up something rustling in the bushes. “There’s something in the bushes.”

Knuckles stood on alert. “Probably someone after the emerald.”

“Relax. It’s probably just some small animal.” But Rouge was wrong as Metal Sonic stepped out of the bushes. “Metal Sonic? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for that emerald,” Metal Sonic replied, pointing to the Master Emerald.

“It’s probably for Eggman no doubt,” said Knuckles.

“That’s where you’re wrong, echidna. I’m using it for my own purposes. Once I harness its power, I’ll destroy that blue fake and become the true hedgehog. Now, stand down!”

“That’s not gonna happen. You’ll have to go through us to get the emerald.”

“Think you can manage to beat both of us?” Rouge asked.

“I don’t think. I know I can beat you two. But this area is not suitable for me. Follow me into the forest if you’re not a coward.” Then Metal Sonic took off.

“I’ll show you who’s the coward!” Knuckles shouted as he and Rouge chased after Metal Sonic.

“The master’s plan is working,” Metal Sonic said to himself as he entered into the area where Eggman was.

“Are those two following you, Metal?” asked Eggman.

“Yes, master. Just as you planned.”

“Excellent.” Eggman broke off a tree branch as his Egg Globe landed. “They’re about to approach. Quickly Metal; fall to the ground and stay down.”

Metal Sonic did so as Knuckles and Rouge showed up.

“Alright Metal,” said Knuckles, “time to fi…huh?” Knuckles was surprised to see Metal Sonic laying on the ground, and Eggman standing there, holding a tree branch. “What happened?”

“I was able to stop Metal from getting the Master Emerald,” Eggman replied.

“Really?” Eggman nodded. “Thanks for helping us out.”

“Don’t fall for it, Knuckles,” said Rouge. “It’s gotta be some sort of trick.”

“What trick?” Eggman said. “Can’t a friend help out?”

“Friend? Since when did we consider you a friend?”

“Listen, I’m not the same Dr. Eggman as you two know. I’ve decided to give up trying to dominate the world and do good for the sake of the city.”

“You expect us to believe that?”

“I stopped Metal Sonic, didn’t I?”

“Well, he did help us out,” said Knuckles. “Maybe we should give him a chance.”

“Are you sure that you’ve changed?” Rouge asked Eggman.

“Absolutely,” Eggman replied.

“Ok, we’ll give you a chance. If you decided to double cross us, you better keep an eye out for us.”

As they walked off, Dr. Eggman began to laugh evilly.

“Those fools. If they only knew what I have in store for them.” Eggman looked back at Metal Sonic. “You can get up now, Metal.”

Metal Sonic opened his eyes and sat up. “I’m getting tired of this. When are we gonna get some action?”

“Soon, Metal, soon. Just be patient. If I keep this up, those fools will drop their guard and once that happens, I’ll be able to unleash my secret weapon.”

To be continued…