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John Davis

@thewatcher727 / thewatcher727.tumblr.com

Tis I!

Updated 30th March 2025

Time for introductions!

Greetings to all you lovely people. My name is Jack (or John as I commonly go by). Welcome to my Tumblr! I took an interest in writing FanFictions back in 2012. Iโ€™ve written several stories, also took breaks here and there, but now I am back and writing primarily for Sonic! Itโ€™s a franchise Iโ€™ve adored since I was a kid and I always wanted to find the confidence to write stories around them. With that said and done, I post regular previews to my next updates. Feel free to drop me a message anytime!

Instagram Profile:

For anyone who doesn't know, as well as writing, I'm also a marathon runner. I ran London Marathon last year, and I'll be running Berlin Marathon this year. I have a lifetime goal to conquer all the big marathons!

On my Instagram, I share healthy meal ideas, updates on my training, and the occasional cute dog picture! Come give me a follow!

FanFiction Profile:

Archive of Our Own Profile:

Writing & Reviewing Tips & Advice:

I've been writing FanFictions for over 10 years now. It's safe to say I've learned a thing or two. That's why I wanted to take this time to share what I have learned with you guys. However, one thing I do want to make perfectly clear is I am not a professional writer at all. These tips are solely based on my own personal experiences.

Review Tips:

Writing A Review Tips:

Writing Tips:

Writing Description Notes:

These notes describe various styles and specific details, and they will be continuously updated. Feel free to use any of them for your stories as you see fit! Additionally, please feel free to contribute your own notes and ideas via message.

A handy list of my Sonic FanFictions:

The Untold Tales Verse

Have you ever wondered what Sonic and friends were up to between thrilling escapades? The Untold Tales Verse is a groundbreaking series that unravels the enigmatic gaps in the Sonic universe

Sonic: The Tournament of Chaos

Plot Summary: Weeks have passed since liberating the world from Dr. Eggman. The announcement of the mysterious tournament with the Chaos Emeralds as the prize calls Sonic the Hedgehog back once again. Determined to win the powerful gems, Sonic assembles his team for their toughest battle yet. (Story 1 of the Untold Tales Verse)

Status: Completed

Be One World, Be The Light

Plot Summary: Plagued with nightmares of a future that never came to be, Silver the Hedgehog seeks answers in the past. Meanwhile, Blaze the Cat is confronted by a being like no other who threatens to erase those she cares for. Join the heroes as they learn some secrets are best remained buried. (Story 2 of the Untold Tales Verse)

Status: Completed

Our New Life Together

Plot Summary: Reunited at last, Blaze and Silver begin their new lives together in the Sol Dimension. While spirits are high, emotional pain continues to leave invisible scars. Follow the reunited friends as they learn the true meaning of friendship and adventure. (Spin-Off of the Untold Tales Verse)

Status: Completed

Sonic Chronicles: Return of the Dark Brotherhood

Plot Summary: Shade's loyalty is put to the test as the Nocturnus Clan make their return. As they face their greatest challenge yet, the heroes reflect on the memories they've made and the bonds of their friendship that will last forever. With high stakes and dangerous obstacles ahead, they must come together to save their world one last time. (Story 3 of the Untold Tales Verse)

Status: Completed

After The Storm

Plot Summary: The heroes find themselves grappling with the aftermath of their greatest challenges yet. Memories of triumph and sacrifice linger as they lean on each other for support. With the past as their guide and the future as their horizon, they stand resolute, ready to write the next chapter of their legendary journey. (Story 4 of the Untold Tales Verse)

Status: In Progress (Updated 14th September 2024)

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again Verse

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter.

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again

Plot Summary: After the defeat of the Meterax, Sonic and his friends return home, relieved to finally be back where they belong. However, their respite is short-lived as new adventures beckon. With peace restored, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and the rest of the gang find themselves facing fresh challenges and foes. Sonicโ€™s back in style! So watch outโ€ฆ For Sonic X!

Status: In Progress (Updated 28th February 2025)

Solo Chronicles

Dive into Sonic's world through standalone stories that break free from the constraints of continuity, offering fresh adventures and endless tales.

The Lone Guardian: Shadow's Search For Purpose In A New World

Plot Summary: Shadow the Hedgehog finds himself at a crossroad. After living for over 100 years, he is filled with a sense of emptiness, wondering what his purpose is now that he has outlived his friends and allies. As he wanders through the deserted Station Square and visits Angel Island, he is visited by a friendly face who helps him to understand that he still has a purpose.

Status: Completed

Chaos At Play: Sonic & Friends Take On The Ultimate Day Off

Plot Summary: Sonic and his friends take a much-needed break from their usual battles with Eggman, enjoying a day of fun and relaxation. As they explore their world without the pressure of danger looming over them, they discover new things about each other and themselves, forging stronger bonds along the way.

Status: Completed

Sonic & Amy's First Date: A Night To Remember

Plot Summary: After years of asking, Sonic finally agrees to take Amy out on a date. But the blue hedgehog has no idea what to do on a date. Join the two hedgehogs as they experience a night to remember forever.

Status: Completed

Whispers In The Storm

Plot Summary: In the midst of a stormy night, Amy finds unexpected solace and security when Shadow seeks refuge in her cottage. As the rain persists, their shared moments become a cherished memory, leaving both of them contemplating the possibility of something new. Through acts of gratitude and heartfelt conversations, their connection deepens, revealing the potential for a lasting bond.

Status: Completed

Under The Sun, Beside The Star

Plot Summary: In a world finally at peace after the absence of Eggman and Starline, Sun the Hedgehog finds the courage to ask out his long-time crush, Staria Amantha. Together, Sun and Staria navigate the highs and lows of their budding relationship, discovering that love can be just as thrilling and unpredictable as any battle they've faced before. (Non-canon story set within the Werehog Verse)

Status: Completed

The Art of Dance

Plot Summary: As the Celestial Yuletide loomed on the horizon, Blaze prepared to embark on another Christmas keeping suitors at bay. But her plans take an interesting twist when Silver unexpectedly dropped by for another visit. Little did he know, this particular visit would lead him to an intriguing crossroads of a shared adventure, where they discover the true magic of the art of dance.

Status: Completed

Gala of Secrets

Plot Summary: Shadow and Rouge are assigned to infiltrate a high-society gala to recover a dangerous illegal artifact. As they navigate the glamorous but treacherous world of the elite, Shadow's past comes to light once more, bringing new challenges to light. Through thrilling espionage and unexpected revelations, Shadow and Rouge discover the power of trust and friendship in the face of adversity.

(Co-written with FantasyLover88)

Status: Completed

The Perfect Present

Plot Summary: As Christmas approaches, Sonic is determined to make his first holiday with Selene unforgettable. But finding the perfect present proves harder than expected. As time runs out, Sonic must rely on his wit, speed, and love for Selene to deliver a Christmas surprise she'll never forget. (Non-canon story set within the Moon Verse)

Status: Completed

Rainy Day Promises

Plot Summary: When a relentless storm traps Sonic at Amy's cottage, what begins as a lonely day for Amy quickly transforms into an unexpected adventure. Will this unexpected encounter lead to something than just friendship?

(Co-written with SailorLoveHeart07)

Status: Completed

Tumblr Exclusive Writing Snippets:

These are basically just random little one shot ideas I have for short and simple stories. They won't have as much writing detail as my longer stories simply because I just wanted these little fics to tell their tale and leave it at that. Enjoy.

Grief

Plot Summary: The world was saved, but at what cost?

Thank You, Amy

Plot Summary: He never thanked her for her kindness... Until now.

Partners Forever

Plot Summary: Shadow has something he really needs to share with Rouge.

Omega's Quest For Societal Integration

Plot Summary: Omega excels at many things, but social interaction is not amongst his many skills.

My Favorite Pillow

Plot Summary: Silver would do anything for Blaze, including being her favorite pillow when she's exhausted.

The Rage Of A Gentle Soul

Plot Summary: Mephiles is about to face the most dangerous being of all - a gentle soul consumed by rage.

You're My Brother

Plot Summary: Sonic and Tails reflect on their adventures together.

Guardians

Plot Summary: Knuckles and Blaze reflect on their roles as guardians.

I Miss Him Too

Plot Summary: Rouge just wanted to know if Shadow was really gone again.

Cooking Lessons With Silver

Plot Summary: Romance in the kitchen?

Who's Weak Now?

Plot Summary: Infinite makes Shadow relive his worse moment.

High Five Mishap

Plot Summary: Amy doesn't quite realize her own strength at times.

Storm Preparations

Plot Summary: Team Dark hunker down for the night as a storm rolls in.

The Outsider

Plot Summary: Blaze has always felt like an outcast, until now. Link: https://www.tumblr.com/thewatcher727/714418448587014144/tumblr-exclusive-the-outsider

Story Time With Shadow

Plot Summary: Shadow has quite a talent for storytelling. Link: https://www.tumblr.com/thewatcher727/715052667581366272/tumblr-exclusive-story-time-with-shadow

The Joys Of Chao Dolls

Plot Summary: Omega has quite the fascination with Chao.

The Last Dance

Plot Summary: Why does Rouge have to be so difficult?

Anonymous asked:

Do you believe the same about paying for fanfiction if it's RPF? I've heard that's not as crazy to charge for? What are your thoughts?

Even though itโ€™s not about copyrighted characters, RPF is still about real people. Making money off a fictionalized version of a living person without their consent is, at best, exploitative and, at worst, a potential legal risk. So yes, I do believe the same.

Writing Tip - Holding Fanfiction Hostage For Money Is Wrong

This is going to be a bit different from my usual tips. Some might disagree with what Iโ€™m about to say, and thatโ€™s absolutely fineโ€”everyone is allowed to have their own opinions. I might come across as a bit aggressive here, but I feel strongly about this.

A friend of mine recently told me about an author she used to follow. Iโ€™m not going to name names because this isnโ€™t about targeting someone. She told me about a fanfiction author she followed years ago, who used to write for the love of itโ€”just like the rest of us. But recently, this author decided to lock her fics behind a paywall, essentially demanding $1,000 per chapter. Thatโ€™s rightโ€”one thousand dollars per chapter for a story based on characters she didnโ€™t create. Sheโ€™s profiting off of Marvelโ€™s property and using the fandom as a personal ATM.

To me, this is completely wrong. Itโ€™s not just about the fact that sheโ€™s making thousands of dollars from something she doesnโ€™t ownโ€”it goes against everything fandom stands for.

I love fanfiction. It has survived for decades because itโ€™s about storytelling, not business. Turning a story into a pay-to-read product is exploiting the community Iโ€™ve adored for years. Fanfiction is supposed to be inclusive, not a luxury for those who can afford it.

And beyond that, it makes the rest of us look bad. If this gets out of control, big companies like Marvel might decide theyโ€™ve had enough and start trying to shut down fanfiction altogether.

Is It Illegal to Profit Off Fanfiction?

From what Iโ€™ve researched, this seems to be a legal gray area. Apparently, you can profit from derivative material if it falls under fair use, meaning it's transformativeโ€”like turning a cartoon into a unique written story with major changes. But I could be wrong, so feel free to correct me in the comments.

At the end of the day, fanfiction is meant to be shared, not sold. Please donโ€™t monetize fanfiction. To me, fanfiction is about passion, creativity, and communityโ€”not about holding stories hostage for cash.

Silver never gives his full name when he introduces himself while Sonic and Shadow always give their full names

I think Silver's manner of introducing himself is its western localised form of habitual rude aptness. It's like the equivalent of just saying "Hello" to your boss instead of "good morning [insert title here]."

The lack of greeting yourself with your full name in the Sonic series might just be a tad improper, but not something that'll turn people away from you. Silver doesn't beat around the bush, and even compared to Shadow, will cut out any air of ambiguity or waiting just to get to his point.

He doesn't need to tell you more than necessary, and to him, even his full name isn't worth the extra seconds.

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Iโ€™ll admit I kinda phoned it in some places but Itโ€™s an actual MIRACLE I finished it. I NEVER finish comics, much less a colored one. So Iโ€™m happy with myself :]

Oooh I wanna see her do more fireworks thatโ€™s so neatttt

I dunno what Silver did but it was enough to spook the edgy hedgy. Just wanted to try some fluff, shadow probably knows who silver is at this point

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 36: Light in the Darkness! Fear's End

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

Preview:

Sonic and Knuckles charged through the winding hallways. The mansion seemed to grow more desperate in its attempts to impede their progress. As they rounded a corner, they were met with an unexpected sight: a line of knight armor stands, previously motionless decorations, now springing to life.

The suits of armor creaked and groaned as they rose from their pedestals, metal joints scraping against each other. They formed a defensive line, their shields interlocking and spears pointed menacingly towards the approaching duo.

Knuckles scoffed at the display as he reared back his fist. "Out of my way, tin cans!"

With a powerful haymaker, Knuckles' fist connected with the lead knight. The impact sent the armor flying backward, crashing into its companions like bowling pins. The sound of metal clanging and shattering filled the air as the suits of armor broke apart. Pumpkin ghosts, the true animators of the metal guardians, flew out of the broken pieces, retreating in fear of the echidna's strength.

Ahead of them, two large doors slammed shut with a resounding boom, followed by the ominous sound of a heavy gate dropping into place. The mansion was pulling out all the stops to halt their advance.

Sonic turned to his companion, a knowing look sparking in his eyes. "Knuckles, combo time!"

Without hesitation, both Sonic and Knuckles leaped into the air. They grabbed each other's hands, their bodies beginning to spin rapidly. As they rotated, their forms blurred into a large blue and red sphere, enveloped in a circular wave of wind. The jet stream created by their spin's speed whipped around them, forming a powerful vortex.

With a thunderous crash, they smashed through the reinforced doors, wood splintering and metal twisting under the force of their assault.

As they burst through to the other side, Sonic and Knuckles released their grip on each other, landing gracefully and continuing their run without missing a beat. They found themselves in a larger room, its high ceilings and display cases reminiscent of a museum. Artifacts and curiosities lined the walls.

Above them, on a balcony overlooking the room, stood Dream Master. The enigmatic figure gazed down at them, his presence a silent challenge to the heroes who had made it this far.

"You freed your friend," Dream Master noted, a sardonic edge threading through his tone that balanced humor and frustration. "Impressive. But you'll never make it to the others before I obtain their power."

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 35: Mystic Mansion! Face Your Fears

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

Preview:

"Come on, come on!" Amy urged, tugging the guardian's wrist as she took point. "We're almost there!"

Knuckles found himself questioning how he always seemed to get swept up in his friend's escapades. He struggled to keep pace as Amy tugged him along, barely managing to keep his footing on the uneven ground, littered with roots and stones that jutted out like nature's own obstacles. In her other hand, she clutched a crumpled piece of paper, her eyes darting over the hastily scrawled map with fervor. It was a miracle she hadn't tripped yet.

"Amy, slow down!" he called out, exasperation creeping into his tone. "What's the rush?"

If she heard him, she didn't show it. "If we don't get there soon, somebody else might find the treasure!"

Knuckles raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across his face. "Since when have you been so interested in treasure hunting?" Just as he finished speaking, Amy abruptly halted in front of a bend in the path, yanking him to a stop as well.

"The prize could be something magical!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she envisioned the possibilities. "Maybe even lots of gold to buy a dreamy castle." Her voice took on a wistful tone as she continued, lost in her fantasy. "A place Sonic and I could live together... A princess with her knight in shining armor."

Knuckles grumbled under his breath. He could picture it all too clearly: Sonic swooping in to save the day while he was left behind as the grumpy guardian of Angel Island. The thought made him want to yank his hand free and march off into the jungle alone. But deep down, he prided himself on being a great treasure hunter. When Amy had suggested asking Rouge for help insteadโ€”an idea he had quickly dismissedโ€”his competitive spirit had kicked in. After all, who better to find treasure than him?

Amy continued to pull Knuckles along, her enthusiasm infectious as they navigated the winding trails of Mystic Ruins. She finally tore her gaze from the map, glancing around with wide eyes. Despite her many visits to this region, she had never ventured this deep into Mystic Ruins before.

"We're almost there," she declared, a note of triumph in her voice.

Knuckles, still trying to keep up, furrowed his brow. "Why isn't Sonic here?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. Given Amy's obsession with the blue hedgehog, it struck him as odd that she wasn't dragging him along too.

Amy's expression shifted momentarily to a pout. "Eggman was causing trouble again," she replied, her disappointment evident. But just as quickly, her smile returned, brighter than before. "But he's gonna meet us there!" She proudly held up her wrist, showcasing her communicator that also featured a tracking signalโ€”a gadget that connected them to their friends even in the most remote locations.

As they pressed on, the underbrush thickened around them, and the path became less defined. After a while of pushing through the dense foliage, they emerged into a clearing that took them both by surprise.

Before them stood a large mansion, its imposing structure partially shrouded in shadows cast by towering trees that blocked out much of the sunlight. The architecture was grand yet eerie; ivy clung to its stone walls like nature's attempt to reclaim what was once built by hands long gone.

"A mansion?" Amy blinked in astonishment, her grip on Knuckles' wrist finally loosening as she stepped forward to take in the sight. Her eyes sparkled with wonder as she approached the mansion, her adventurous spirit ignited by this unexpected discovery.

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 34: Shadow's Forgotten Life

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

Preview:

Shadow moved through the corridors of the ARK with purposeful strides. His expression remained neutral, betraying none of the turmoil that churned beneath the surface. His arms hung loosely at his sides, ready to react at a moment's notice should the need arise. As he walked, his eyes darted from side to side, taking in every detail of his surroundings.

The state of the space station surprised him. For a facility that had supposedly been abandoned for over half a century, the ARK was remarkably well-preserved. The walls gleamed with a dull sheen, free from the stains and decay one might expect in such an old, neglected place. There were no signs of dust, no crumbling infrastructureโ€”just an eerie, pristine emptiness that seemed to amplify the sense of isolation that permeated the air.

As Shadow rounded a corner, something extraordinary happened. In the span of a heartbeat, the world around him transformed. The abandoned hallway suddenly blazed with light, and the empty space filled with activity. People in white lab coats bustled past him, their faces a blur of motion and purpose.

But as quickly as this vision had appeared, it vanished. The bright lights faded, the phantom scientists disappeared, and Shadow found himself once again alone in the quiet corridor. The abrupt shift was so jarring that it caused him to spin around, his fist clenched tightly at his side, ready to defend against some unseen threat.

His heart raced, a rare occurrence for the dark hedgehog. What had just happened? Was it a memory, a fleeting glimpse into the ARK's pastโ€”into his past? The vivid nature of the experience left him momentarily shaken, unsure of the line between reality and recollection.

Shadow stood there, frozen in place, his eyes scanning the now-empty hallway for any trace of what he had just witnessed. The silence that enveloped him seemed heavier now, charged with the potential of hidden memories waiting to surface. As he slowly unclenched his fist, Shadow realized that his journey through the ARK might be more intenseโ€”and more revealingโ€”than he had initially anticipated.

Still, he relished the solitude, grateful to be free from Eggman's incessant chatter. The doctor's voice grated on his nerves, and he had no desire to spend more time in his company than absolutely necessary. One hourโ€”that was all the time he had before the portal back to their dimension would reopen. One hour to reclaim his identity, to piece together the fragments of his past.

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โ€œNever make fun of someoneโ€™s passion because thatโ€™s the thing that saves them from the world.โ€

โ€” Unknown

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 33: The Missing Piece! Shadow's Path to the Truth

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

Preview:

The morning sun came as a golden tunnel to a world of eternal light as Shadow glided across the open field. The verdant expanse stretched out before him, a sea of green swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. As he traversed the landscape, his eyes scanned the horizon, taking in every detail of his new home. The hedgehog's speed was measured, allowing him to absorb the nuances of the terrain beneath his feet.

As he approached the edge of the field, the lush grass gave way to sandy shores, and the vast ocean revealed itself. Shadow slowed to a halt, his hover shoes coming to rest on the soft ground. He crossed his arms, a habitual gesture, and tilted his face towards the warm sun. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore created a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

Shadow's mind wandered to the various locations he had explored during his time on Mobius. Metro Square, with its bustling streets and towering buildings, stood in stark contrast to the quaint charm of Green Hill Village. The cottages there, with their thatched roofs and colorful gardens, had offered an unexpected respite from the chaos he was accustomed to.

His thoughts drifted to Frog Forest, where he had learned a valuable lesson about the local wildlife. The memory of startling a black frog and the subsequent downpour that had nearly washed away the jungle brought a bitter frown to his face.

Seaside Hill's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters had left an impression, as had Harmony Hill that stood out as another peaceful village, reminiscent of Green Hill but with its own unique character. Mystic Ruins presented its mysterious forest terrain, while Casino Park glittered with its endless stream of excitement and chance.

The rugged landscape of Rail Canyon came to mind next. Shadow remembered watching the cargo trains snake their way through the treacherous terrain, marveling at the ingenuity required to construct such a network. Bullet Station, the heart of this transportation system, had hummed with constant activity, a testament to the industriousness of Mobius' inhabitants.

Lastly, his thoughts turned to Angel Island, floating majestically in the sky. Knuckles' territorial nature had made exploration challenging.

He had traversed every accessible inch of the mainland. The hedgehog's eyes narrowed slightly as he contemplated the unexplored territories that lay beyond his reach, tantalizingly out of grasp without the means to cross vast bodies of water or traverse treacherous mountain ranges.

His mind wandered to the possibility of commandeering an aircraft or stowing away on one of the cargo trains that crisscrossed Rail Canyon. These thoughts, however, were tinged with an unfamiliar sensation โ€“ a strange emptiness that had begun to settle in the pit of his stomach.

For as long as Shadow could remember since awakening without his memories, his existence had been defined by conflict and the thrill of battle. The threat of the Metarex had provided ample opportunity for him to engage in combat, to feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. But now, standing on this peaceful planet, with time stretching endlessly before him, Shadow found himself at a loss. The absence of a clear purpose or immediate threat left him feeling adrift, like a ship without a rudder in calm seas.

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again - Chapter 32: Stabilizing the Storm! Eclipse Repercussions

Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast again is a thrilling continuation of the beloved anime, promising action-packed escapades and heartwarming moments as our heroes embark on their next chapter! Available for Reading on AO3 & FF!

FanFiction:

Archive of Our Own:

Preview:

Knuckles stood in the corner of the lab, arms crossed, his posture rigid as he maintained his vigilant watch. It was a strange feeling, being in Eggman's lair on neutral terms, and the echidna's eyes darted suspiciously from one corner to another, ready for any sign of treachery.

At one end of the lab, Sonic lay on a bed, his body twitching involuntarily as waves of pain coursed through him. Even in unconsciousness, his face was contorted in discomfort. Amy sat beside him, her eyes never leaving his face, her hand gently resting on his arm as if her touch alone could ease his suffering.

The agreement they had made on the way here hung heavily in the air, and their faces reflected it. Knuckles, Amy, and Rouge were to stand guard, ensuring that Eggman wouldn't try anything nefarious while Sonic and Shadow were vulnerable. The Egg Pawns scattered around the lab worked tirelessly.

Eggman sat in his oversized chair, his fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest. "What's taking them so long?"

Decoe, ever the optimist, piped up from nearby. "Maybe Tails is packing his stuff, Doctor."

Eggman scoffed, his ego unable to resist the opportunity for self-praise. "What stuff? This lab is far more advanced than anything he could put together!" He gestured grandly at the array of high-tech equipment surrounding them.

Meanwhile, across the room, Bocoe was engaged in a futile attempt to coax the Chaos Emerald from Rouge's possession. The bat held him at bay with one hand pressed against his metal head, while his arms flailed uselessly, trying to reach the precious gem.

"Ah, ah," Rouge chided, a smirk playing on her lips. "Until Shadow's here, I'm not handing over anything."

Bocoe whined, attempting to puff himself up and look intimidating. His efforts, however, had no effect on Rouge, who merely raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Eggman's watch beeped, alerting him to approaching visitors. "Finally," he muttered, tapping a few buttons to grant them entry without interference from his robots.

The lab doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing Tails and Shadow. To everyone's relief, they appeared unscathed, and the sight of the copied rings in Tails' hands indicated success.

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