"So, you wanna hear a story?"

The metallic claws of the Death Egg Robot gnashed at Sonic, sparks flying as he barely dodged their deadly embrace. Dr. Robotnik, his eyes gleaming with maniacal glee, cackled from within the cockpit. "This time, Sonic," he boomed, "you won't escape!"

Sonic, battered and bruised, knew the doctor wasn't exaggerating. The Death Egg Robot was unlike anything he'd faced before. Its armor was impenetrable, its weapons devastating. He'd been dodging and weaving for hours, his speed barely enough to keep him alive.

As Sonic desperately searched for an opening, a pang of worry shot through him. Tails was supposed to meet him here, bringing the Chaos Emeralds to help turn the tide. But where was he?

Suddenly, a sickening crack...