Sonic Forces: An All-Out War.

10. Testing, Conflicts, and Buying Time.

Chemical Plant, one of the districts on Westside Island, hums with machinery and pulsates with an eerie ambiance. Amidst the industrial maze, Starline stands surrounded by a group of mind-washed teenagers, their vacant eyes reflecting their manipulated state. Silvia, an expert in dark arts, observes the scene from the shadows.

Silvia: (curiously) Now, can you tell me why you've gathered your new underlings here, Starline?

Starline: (confidently) The raid on Emerald Hill Village proved to be insufficient. We need more forces to carry out our plans. Eggman, is in his pursuit of his ultimate weapon, so I’ll use opportunity to recruit additional allies. It serves as a distraction and an insurance against our defeat

Silvia: (raising an eyebrow) And what about those two hedgehogs? The ones who tried to assault Angel Island?

Starline: (smirking) They met their match. But, two of the island's protectors have fallen, and I learned that the barrier surrounding the island is impervious to Ruby's scythe. It wasn't a complete failure, after all.

Silvia: (intrigued) Really? How fascinating. I might have to pay the last remaining protector a little visit.

Starline: (nodding) Well, I wish you luck with that endeavor. We each have our parts to play in this mission.

Silvia: (with a mysterious smile) Same to you.

With a flourish, Silvia disappears into a cloud of smoke, leaving Starline to carry out his part of the plan within the depths of the Chemical Plant.

...

Angel Island is a haven of relative peace and safety as Team Dark, consisting of Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, and E-123 Omega, have arrived, escorting more villagers to the island's sanctuary. The atmosphere is tense, and the team members remain vigilant, ready for any potential encounters.

Shadow: (focused) Any encounters so far?

Blaze: (briefly recounting) Yes. Those two tried to attack, but we managed to defeat them.

Rouge: (impressed) That's quite a feat. Considering those two held off a force that you two and Sonic barely managed to defeat, it must’ve required some quick thinking and improvisation on your part.

Blaze: (calmly) Indeed. I remained composed and repaid them in kind for what they did to Amy.

Omega: (with determination) For harming Amy, they will face the consequence of receiving a few thousand rounds across their lifeless bodies.

Shadow: (admonishing) Omega, calm yourself. Amy has already recovered. Besides, with the Emeralds assisting us, managing the situation has become significantly easier.

Rouge: (nodding in agreement) You're right about that.

Blaze: (interrupting) In any case, you should return to your--

Silvia: (interrupting, appearing suddenly) Well, well. I didn't expect to find Shadow the Hedgehog himself and Blaze the Cat as well. But where has your friend Silver gone?

Blaze: (firmly) Your so-called "apprentices" reduced him to dust.

Silvia: (smirking) Is that so? Well, it works in our favor. However, I've come to witness this so-called "impenetrable barrier" of yours.

Shadow: (defiantly) And what makes you think we would willingly allow you access?

Silvia: (tauntingly) Well, Shadow the Hedgehog, your other two companions, Rouge and Omega, will be the ones to hinder your progress.

Omega: (assertively) Negative. You have made a grave mistake challenging us, witch.

Silvia: (provocatively) Then by all means, show us your growth, E-123 Omega.