Sonic 3 & Knuckles (1994)

Sonic 3 & Knuckles Chapter Eleven

Through the winding tunnel and up flights of stairs. Past a few spikes and springs here and there. And finally...

"I see a light at the end of the tunnel, Sonic!"

"About time."

The tunnel opened up into a vast chamber. A red sphere was embedded into a small pedestal.

"What's this supposed to be?" Tails asked.

"Don't ask me, Tails."

"It was more thinking out loud."

"Well, there's only one way to find out."

"Good idea, Sonic. I'll stand back and watch."

"Thanks."

Sonic jumped on top of the sphere and was levitated in place.

"Whoa, what is happening?!"

Sonic was sent flying into the air in a beam of light. In a flash, he was in a much higher section of the ruins. Sonic stepped off the sphere and looked around, pausing to look at the Death Egg.

"I'm getting sick of looking at that ugly mug."

"I agree."

"Nice of you to join me, Tails."

"It was incredible, Sonic. This thing is a sort of primitive teleporter."

"Yeah, fascinating. Looks like there's another chamber up ahead."

As they entered, that's when they saw it. On the wall was an ancient picture.

"Sonic, do you see that?"

"If I can't, I'll need some glasses."

On the left was a figure that looked like Robotnik, with his left hand reaching out for the Master Emerald, and his right hand seemed to be beckoning his opponent. On the right was a figure that resembled Super Sonic.

"That must be the Master Emerald that Knuckles mentioned. That's the stone of power!"

"What makes it so special compared to the Chaos Emeralds though?" Sonic wondered aloud.

"The Master Emerald has the power to negate the Chaos Emeralds should the need arise," Knuckles answered as he came into view, "It also keeps Angel Island afloat in the sky."

"That sounds amazing!" Tails exclaimed.

"That's why it's my duty to guard this place. You've made your way into the Hidden Palace, intruders."

"I already told you, we're on a mission," Sonic said, "Have we really done anything to warrant your suspicions?"

"You already have your doubts about the doctor's motives," Tails added, "Why not helps us instead?"

"I don't know what to believe anymore. I do know that you shouldn't be here. For that, I have no choice but to stop you."

"I don't want to fight you, Knuckles, but if this is the only was to convince you...okay."

Knuckles was cracking his knuckles and punching the air, while Sonic stretched his legs. Sonic then looked Knuckles right in the eyes and gave a nod. Knuckles returned the nod and charged forward while winding up a punch. Sonic in turn ran straight towards his opponent. Knuckles landed a blow on Sonic, who retaliated with a swift kick. Tails kept looking back and forth at the combatants, unsure of what to do. Knuckles charged Sonic again, but this time Sonic used his insta-shield to blow him back. Knuckles then went to a glide, pointing both fists at Sonic, who managed to flip out of the way. As Knuckles was getting off the ground, Tails used his tails to knock him over again. Knuckles had a shocked look on his face.