A Tale of Many Worlds

"Three hours, thirty minutes and five seconds... Four seconds... Three seconds... Two seconds... One second... One hour, twenty nine minutes and fifty nine seconds... Fifty eight seconds..." Bill continued, still holding the pocket watch in front of his face. Wilfre, Bowser, and Vexus watched, while each one had a confused look.

"How long has it been since he's moved... Scratch that, how long has it been since he's blinked?" Wilfre asked, and Vexus rolled her eyes.

"About ten days, an hour, twenty one minutes, and forty seconds." Vexus replied, while Bowser waved his clawed hand in front of Bill's face.

"It's no use, he's not going to stop until he finishes his count down... Anyway it seems that R-57 is almost complete." Wilfre said with a grin as he looked at the monstrosity before them. Several Space Pirates attached weapons and heavy armor to the creature, still adding finishing touches, polishing the armor, making sure everything is in perfect condition. They worked relentlessly, not stopping no matter how had they were pushed, however it appeared they had their limits for occasionally one would go unconscious and another would take its place. Wilfre began to laugh before saying "The ultimate weapon of destruction that any of these worlds have ever seen is almost complete!"

"It's what!?" Sonic asked, looking across the small wooden table at Eggman, who was chained to the wall by his ankle.

"It's almost complete. They've most likely gotten the Space Pirates to take over the work, and if that's the case then it's almost complete." Eggman replied, normally he would have a cocky grin, but today he wore a scowl.

"Is there any way to stop this R-57? A weakness? Anything?" Sonic asked, and Eggman shook his head.

"The armor is too thick, the weapons too strong, there is nothing that can be done... In your current form. However in theory if you obtain the Chaos Emeralds, then your super form may be able to break through the armor and the weapons... Maybe..." Eggman answered, and Sonic began to chuckle. He pulled out the light blue Chaos Emerald and looked Eggman in the eyes.

"You think I actually wouldn't have these? I've been collecting them behind the scenes. You may have the army of robots and Space Pirates, but I've got the emeralds!" Sonic said, and watched as Eggman began to chuckle.

"Listen, listen, are you listening?" Eggman asked, making sure that they were paying attention. "You are the only one that can stop this threat. I'll be rooting for you... But only this once. After this is all over, we're back to being bitter foes. Agreed?" Eggman asked.

Sonic smiled and nodded. "Agreed." Sonic left the room, and the guards began to escort Eggman back to his cell, but pulled a small device out of his coat sleeve, and pressed the button, creating a bright light, stunning the guards. Eggman managed to knock one of the guards away, before bolting for the rear exit. He threw the door open, shocking many, including Sonic himself.

"I now make my escape... But remember what I told you Sonic... I'll be rooting for you..." Eggman began.

"But only this once... Then things go back to normal." Sonic said, and Eggman nodded, before running off towards the Everfree forest, quickly disappearing in the trees.

"Should I go after him?" Rainbow Dash asked, but Sonic shook his head.

"Let him go. We need to prepare for R-57... Whatever it is..." Sonic replied, before moving to the center of town to discuss their plan.