Sonic stared after the ambulance with a defeated expression, his fists clenching. You stepped forward, your expression worried as you spoke up. “It’ll be okay, Sonic.”

Sonic froze, turning to face you as he snapped. “It’ll be okay? Tom is fighting for his life, and you think it’ll be okay?!”

You stepped back, your expression hurt. Sonic was your hero, your big brother and best friend. He had never snapped at you before… Knuckles intervened, stepping in front of you. “The fox is simply trying to comfort you.”

“Comfort’s not what I need right now. I need to stop them.” Sonic’s face hardened in determination as he glared up at Knuckles. “By any means necessary.”

You seemed to realise what he meant as you stepped out from behind Knuckles, standing between them, speaking up. “Wait, you don’t mean-”

“The Master Emerald.” Sonic finished, his firm glare never leaving Knuckles. The echidna’s gaze hardened, glaring back at the blue hedgehog. “The Emerald must never be wielded for vengeance. Not ever. We swore a sacred oath.”

“Don’t talk to me about oaths, not now.” Sonic snapped, annoyed at his defiance.

“But you told Tom using the Emerald wasn’t the right choice!” You exclaimed, watching the two stand off. His gaze softened as he looked at you, turning to glare back at Knuckles. “Well now it’s the only choice! And if neither of you have the guts to help me, then I’ll do it alone.”

You stared at Sonic in shock, your voice meek as you replied. “But I thought the three of us were a team!”

Knuckles stared down at Sonic fiercely, his body stiff. Sonic ignored your protest, blue sparks emitting from his quills. “I’m not asking you twice, Knuckles. Where is The Master Emerald?!”

Knuckles gritted his teeth, red sparks tracing his quills as he spoke. “Your heart is being consumed by anger, hedgehog.”

“Last chance.” Sonic warned, his eyes flashing a bright blue as he prepared to fight. “Where is it?!

Knuckles growled, his fists glowing with red energy. “Don’t do this.”