Sonic the Hedgehog

Next Move

"GUYS, WAKE UP!"

Even through the glass doors of the balcony, Sonic hears the voice of his best friend and snaps awake, immediately standing up in case there is any danger present. Right after, his mind processes his location, and he stands there, bewildered, not remembering going to sleep last night. What surprises him more is Amy, passed out in front of the doors.

She must have stayed out here all night! Sonic realizes, watching her slowly wake to Tails's voice. Poor thing must be so cold. She didn't have to keep me company. But... I appreciate it all the same.

The doors to the balcony swing open, and standing there is Tails, who seems unsurprised that the two hedgehogs are out here.

"Sorry to wake you!" he says, waking Amy up completely. "But it's an emergency!"

"What's going on?" Amy mumbles, standing up. "Is someone hurt?"

"No, but it's still bad!"

With no further questions, and eager for an explanation, Sonic and Amy follow the two-tailed fox back into the hotel room. On his bed is Knuckles, finally awake, snacking on a piece of bread. At first, Sonic questions why he didn't go for any of the other appetizing options, but then he remembers that simplistic, natural food is likely what he's used to.

I so need to have him try a chili dog sometime.

"I woke up several hours ago and finished fixing up Miles Electric," Tails begins, turning around to face everyone. "I adjusted its frequency, expanded its radius, and recalibrated multiple times, but-!"

"No emerald?" Sonic guesses, realizing his worst fear has come true.

"No emerald," Tails reluctantly confirms, looking down.

"What does this mean?" Knuckles asks. "Is there a problem with your machine, fox?"

"I doubt it," Amy says. "That probably means..."

"Eggman beat us to it," Sonic finishes.

Upon hearing this, Knuckles leaps off the hotel bed and crashes onto the carpeted floor, likely giving the people below a premature alarm clock, not to mention all surrounding rooms. He clenches his fists and starts marching to the door.

"We've waited long enough," he says. "We can't let that villain progress any further. Everything is at stake."

"I read you, Knux," Sonic says. "But we need a plan first. I mean, what are you going to do? Run after him?"

"Then perhaps you should get on with your suggestion!" Knuckles barks impatiently, turning around with a frown.

"Well first thing is first, we need to think of our transportation," Sonic says, stroking his chin. "Obviously there's nothing we can buy that can keep up with that giant aircraft. Our only hope is you, Tails. Think you could build a second Tornado?"

Amy gasps, unsure if what she just heard was supposed to be a joke.

"Are you crazy?" she asks. "You're asking him to build a whole plane! That could take days- or weeks-!"

"Sure, I'll have one built this afternoon," Tails answers, making Amy want to deflate like a balloon. "I'll need the right parts though."

"You leave that to me, little buddy!" Sonic exclaims, rubbing his nose with pride. "With my benefit, I can buy whatever you need."

"If you're done stroking your ego..." Knuckles begins, standing at the doorway with his arms crossed. "We should REALLY get going now."

...