Sonic the Hedgehog

It Ends Here

Built when the facility was first constructed nine years ago, two silver double doors made of steel-reinforced concrete were made with the sole purpose of withstanding anything thrown at it by a potential intruder.

They fall after four shots of the Egg Mobile's built-in laser. Both doors crash to the reflective floor, their landing echoing through the well-lit gargantuan room.

The surrounding walls are white and reflective, much like the floor. On the ceiling are rows of white lights illuminating the mostly empty space, save for what lies in the center on a small pedestal. It's unmistakable. The width of Eggman's smile breaks his previous record as he begins approaching the ancient cyan gemstone awaiting his grasp.

He swipes the emerald from its holding place the moment it's within arm's reach. Like the others, he brings it closer for observation. This will be his last time getting the chance to savor the view of such a mysterious and powerful relic before it's reduced to a colorless, useless piece of junk to power what truly matters.

"I've done it..." Eggman says barely above a whisper. "I've found all seven. Now I just have to return to the Egg Carrier and soon... the phantom ruby's power will be mine to wield."

"HEY!"

Every molecule in the Doctor's body freezes. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. Even after five long years, that voice is as clear as day. It belongs to the one who thwarted his ambitious plans. The one and only...

"Sonic the Hedgehog..." Eggman grumbles, turning around to face the blue hedgehog standing in the empty doorway.

"Long time no see, Doc" Sonic remarks. "You've somehow grown uglier."

"You're too late, Sonic. This here emerald is mine- like the others you've failed to save."

"Save?"

Wait, when we arrived, Tails' radar only detected two sources of energy. Does that mean...?

"What did you do?!" Sonic demands, his fists tightening.

"Why I only borrowed some of their energy," Eggman shrugs, grinning. "Just as I intend to borrow this one's."

"I won't let that happen."

"Well, aren't we confident? Tell me, rodent, do you really think you can stop me? Your previous lucky triumph has really gone to that thick head of yours. What is it they call you? 'War hero?' Don't make me laugh, you're just another dirty Mobian. Both your pathetic species and all of humanity will bend to my rule."

"Why are you doing any of this?" Sonic takes a step forward. "What do you have to gain by conquering the world? What, are you trying to make everyone hate you? Because you've done a great job so far."

"Spare me the dumb questions, rodent. Someone of my caliber really can't stomach them. With the rise of the Eggman Empire, everyone will LEARN to love me. They'll appreciate my brilliance, and see me for who I really am. The pinnacle of all life. And soon... the controller of reality."

Eggman looks down at the control panel before him and slams his fist against the yellow emergency button. A contingency designed for this exact situation. To Sonic's surprise, the outer metal of the Eggmobile begins expanding below, unveiling multiple growing plates, a lot of them moving in different directions.

It doesn't take long at all before they begin reassembling a torso.

"That's not good," Sonic grumbles.

Rapidly expanding metallic plates varying in color form more and more of what looks like an overgrown SWATbot. But when the Eggmobile nearly touches the ceiling by the time the transformation is complete, the end result is completely different.