Maddie ran through the fire, followed by Tom. “Sonic, we’re not going anywhere,” they said. “We’re your family.” The three of them embraced. The Emerald sparkled beneath them just as Robotnik brought down his foot for a final, potentially fatal blow.

WHAM!

Tails watched the only three people on this or any planet who had ever welcomed him get snuffed out just like that. “Noooooooo!” he cried.

“I got him! I finally got him! I always knew I could do it!” Robotnik cheered as he ground his foot deeper into the ground.

Suddenly, light shone out from beneath the Egg Mech’s foot, brighter and purer than the Master Emerald’s beacon. Tails had to shield his eyes from its powerful golden glow as something lifted the leg of the mech off the ground. With a final push, the foot was cast aside, and everyone could see . . . Sonic?

His fur had transformed into a glowing, golden hue. His quills were longer and pulsated with energy. And as this Sonic rose into the air, Tails could see Tom and Maddie safely behind him, unharmed, staring at him in awe. Tails knew this was something the universe had never seen before. This wasn’t just Sonic anymore. This was Super Sonic.

“It’s over, Eggman . . . ,” Super Sonic called with a voice that shook the trees.

-Chapter 19