Third Person's POV

We start in a warehouse as Eggman is hammering on a large object. Bocoe and Decoe are also working on the ground below him "Make yourselves useful, you dawdling dunces! I'm out of supplies!" Eggman said and tosses a shopping list down to them "What's this?" Decoe asks "A shopping list?" Bocoe asks and Decoe picks up the shopping list and reads it "Three tons of extra large nails, five thousand cans of spit-and-sparkle varnish. When you buy supplies, you do not mess around" Decoe said "But how can we get all of that back from the store?" Bocoe asks "With a great degree of difficulty! Now hunt down that hardware or else!" Eggman said and both robots salute "Yes, sir!" Decoe said "Aye-aye!" Bocoe said.

*Meanwhile outside the Thorndyke Mansion*

Cream, Cheese, and Vanilla are out among the flowers in the garden "We'll both have necklaces now, Mama" Cream said "Thank you" Vanilla said and Emerl approaches them with a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers "Oh hi, Emerl!" Cream said and Emerl presents them to Cream, who graciously accepts them "Wow! Are these for me, Emerl? They're lovely!" Cream said and Emerl would have blushed if he were not a robot "Thank you so much!" Cream said and Amy, who is standing on a chair on the balcony, looks on sadly "Aren't they beautiful, Mama?" Cream asks "They certainly are, Cream" Vanilla said "I wish..." Amy said. Meanwhile, Cream presents Emerl with a flower necklace "Emerl, this is for you" Cream said and Emerl goes down on one knee, and Cream places the flower necklace around his neck "Here you go" Cream said and returns to Vanilla "Emerl seems happy too" Vanilla said "See? He's happy" Cream said and Emerl's eyes begin to glow red "I'm glad that you're happy, Emerl. Let's make more together" Cream said.

In the living room, Ella moves a pie in front of Amy "My chocolate peanut butter pie. It's warm right from the oven" Ella said and Tanaka pours a cup of tea "Do not worry so, Miss Amy. Try to cheer up. Things will be much brighter before you know it. Just when it seems the clouds will never pass, the sun comes shining through your window" Tanaka said and sets the tea in front of Amy "I hope you're right. ...I won't think about him any more!" Amy said and takes a slice of the pie, and leans back to eat it when she sees Sonic and Brody run by outside. Amy blinks in surprise.

*Later at the SSTV station*

The military is gathered outside the broadcasting center. Scarlet Garcia is broadcasting a story "Yesterday, SSTV News that the notorious Dr. Eggman had escaped from jail along with his two mechanical henchmen. Officials now believe that Eggman and his robots are hiding underground plotting their next assault. In an effort to undermine the plot, the President has formulated a plan that will involve Sonic, Brody, Ralph, Knuckles, and Rouge the Bat" Scarlet said. Outside, the President and Christina Cooper disembark from their limo and head into the building. "While information is sketchy, it appears some sort of tournament is in the works. Luckily, I've been granted an exclusive interview with the participants to talk about this exciting development" Scarlet said and follows a cameraman into the other room, where Sonic, Brody, Ralph, Knuckles, and Rouge are sitting on a sectional couch. They appear bored, and Scarlet blushes "Uh... Well, it doesn't appear that Sonic, Brody, Ralph, Knuckles, and Rouge are as excited about this competition as one might expect them to be" Scarlet said and the President rounds the corner, and is shocked to see Scarlet reporting this story. He pushes her and the cameraman aside "Maybe once we begin our interview, they'll tell us why they seem so glum" Scarlet said smiling "Spread out!" The president said and enters the room. Topaz is also there "Well, Topaz, are they in or out?" The president asks "Well sir, they--" Topaz said saluting "I don't know about this plan of yours" Sonic said "Doesn't sound good" Brody said "This tournament idea sounds kinda screwy" Knuckles said "I got no reason to participate" Ralph said "How 'bout you?" The president asks Rouge "I might consider helping you out with this plan of yours, but if I do, it's gonna cost ya" Rouge said and the President's and Topaz's eyes widen "What exactly does that mean?" The president asks "Well, I do have a weakness for jewelry. Maybe that'll convince Ralphy over here" Rouge said "I'll tell you what. If you all agree to battle in our tournament, We'll offer a grand prize to the winner" The president said and Christina and Scarlet enter the room "Whoever wins the competiton gets...a Chaos Emerald!" The president said and this gets the Mobians' attention "What?" Sonic and Brody ask "You want me to waste my time for one Chaos Emerald? Sorry, but you can count me out" Knuckles said "Ah, could it be Gloomy Gus over here's too chicken? I guess he's afraid I might beat him" Rouge said and emphasizes her point by poking Knuckles, who brushes her hand away "Look here. I'm not afraid of anybody, got that?" Knuckles asks "It's too bad. It would have been such an exciting tournament" Scarlet said "Well, if he really doesn't want to prove himself, there's no use forcing him to" The president said "I suppose not, Mr. President" Topaz said and Scarlet leans in close to Knuckles "Our viewers will be so disappointed, especially the millions of rabid Knuckles fans out there" Scarlet said "Come on Knucky, it'll be fun" Ralph said and Topaz leans in as well "Kids who just want a glimpse of their hero" Topaz said and a now-irate Knuckles sweatdrops as Rouge also leans in next to him "You don't want 'em to think you're a big scaredy-cat, do ya?" Rouge asks and "This will be the perfect way to prove just how tough you are. Unless, of course, you're secretly a sniveling coward" The president said and Knuckles yells in rage and frustration and leaps onto the table. The humans back away "That does it! Nobody calls me a coward and gets away with it!" Knuckles said and raises his fist in the air "I'll enter the competition and win the Chaos Emerald!" Knuckles said "That was easy" Rouge said and winks and the humans applaud "Man, talk about bein' a first-class sucker" Sonic and Brody said and Knuckles sweatdrops again "I can't believe he bought all that flattery" Topaz said to Rouge "He's a knucklehead" Rouge said and Knuckles turns his head to them "Just one little detail. Do we have any Emeralds?" The president asks Christina and she nods.

*Meanwhile at the Thorndyke Mansion living room*

The Thorndykes and Sonic's friends (including Emerl and excluding Amy) are watching TV. Scarlet is standing alongside the President "This is Scarlet Garcia. The President has just announced that Sonic, Brody, Ralph, Knuckles, and Rouge the Bat will take part in an exciting martial arts tournament. Mr. President, would you like to say a few words to our viewers? ... Here" Scarlet said and hands the microphone to the President "In addition, we would like to open the tournament to anyone who feels they would like to participate" The president said and gives a wink and thumbs-up "So sign up today!" He said.

In Station Square, the President's message spreads through the entire city. Flyers are posted everywhere, and the images of Sonic, Brody, Ralph, Knuckles, and Rouge are stamped on the side of trucks "Tell all your friends to tell all their friends! This competition promises to be the most exciting event ever! The grand prize is a genuine Chaos Emerald! So come on down if you think you have what it takes to battle with the best! Yah!" The president said. On TV, Scarlet is standing in front of several female phone operators "Would you like to compete? Operators are standing by, so call today! Uh... We'll be... right back!" Scarlet said and the commercial shows Knuckles smashing a rock and other objects to explosive bits. He flexes his muscles "Ha! ... Think you're tough enough? Well, what are you waiting for?" Knuckles asks and even Scarlet and the operators are surprised after seeing the commercial "Maybe you could win that Chaos Emerald, Tiffany" One operator said "If I did, I'd turn it into one awesome earring" Another operator said.

*Back at the Thorndyke Mansion living room*

Needless to say, those watching are also surprised at Knuckles' message "Well, Chris, guess we'd better call that number and enter" Tails said "But Tails, are you crazy? Didn't you see that commercial?" Chris asks "You know you can't believe everything you see on TV" Turbo said and Tails nods but the others are not convinced. The phone rings, and Tanaka answers it "Hello? ... Yes, I'll put him on, Mr. Thorndyke" Tanaka said " Here, Chris. Your father, he would like to speak with you" He said "Okay, thanks" Chris said and accepts the phone offered to him "Hi, Dad. ... Yeah. ... You're signing up for the competition? But how come?" Chris asks "You think you have a good chance at winning?" He asks shocked "And you thought iit might be a lot of fun to enter me, Amy, Tails, Turbo, Mr. Tanaka, Grandpa, and Ella too?" He asks in dismay and the others are surprised "He wants me to battle?" Ella asks shocked and Tanaka begins practicing his karate skills "Listen, may we--" Chris said but stopped "Uh... He hung up on me. Well, I guess it's settled" He said "The martial arts tournament planners have just released the official events schedule" Scarlet said and the tournament bracket is shown "They've also begun announcing who'll be competing. Slots are fulling up fast, so call now. We'll be right back after this" Scarlet said "Aaaand... roll commercial" The operator said "I'm doing an infomercial. This is gonna kill my credibility" Scarlet said off-air and the technicians shrug as the operators frantically answer phone calls.

*Back at the Warehouse*

Eggman is hammering a nail into a board. He accidentally hits his thumb and winces. After blowing on his wound, He looks down from his perch to see that Decoe and Bocoe have still not returned "No thanks to those loitering layabouts, my thumb is as flat as a flapjack! How dare those two slowpokes keep me waiting!" Eggman said "Bokkun, come here right away!" He said but Bokkun is behind Eggman on top of a suspended tile "Here I am!" Bokkun said "What is it, Dr. Eggman?" He asks "Find those two tardy tincans and step on it!" Eggman said "Yes, sir, Doctor!" Bokkun said and salutes and flies away "Hahahaha!" Bokkun said.

*Later at the Tournament building*

The President stands in the middle of the arena with a microphone as fireworks burst, crowds cheer, and balloons rise into the air "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the first annual Chaos Emerald Martial Arts Mash-Up! ... Today's participants will be competing for this... authentic... Chaoooos Emerald!" The president said and holds up the shiny red gem. Meanwhile, Decoe and Bocoe look at the tournament match-ups "Looks like a picture of my insides" Decoe said. Cream and Vanilla are attending. Cream waves.

The arena is packed. Scarlet is standing to the side of the battle ring, ready to announce "The atmosphere here at the stadium is absolutely electric, and rumor has it that a special surprise is that a special surprise participant is about to kick off this martial arts challenge" Scarlet said and the fans cheer. The President stands nearby, bumping his boxing gloves together "This is a bad idea" Christina said "I may have a pudge, but I still got a punch!" The president said and winks and throws a few practice punches "The crows is cheering for today's master of ceremonies, the owner of Diamond Stadium Elmer Johnson. Let's listen as he introduces our first two competitors" Scarlet said and Elmer Johnson walks into the ring with a microphone, and waves to the crowd "In this corner, the President!" Elmer said and the President waves to the audience with both hands "And his opponent, in black armor, the Black Knight!" Elmer said and a mysterious person in a black suit of armor stares down the President "Are you sure you wanna do this, Mr. President?" Christina asks "No" the president said and Scarlet is standing next to a small table with an open umbrella in the center. A bell is on the table "Let the match-up begin!" Scarlet said and rings the bell with a small hammer. The President approaches the Black Knight and he lands a flurry of punches on the Black Knight's armor, but he isn't fazed. The Black Knight simply stares at the President. Laughing, the Black Knight raises his hand to attack "Oh no!" Christina said and the President cringes, but is saved when a towel lands on his head. Before he knows it, Elmer raises the Black Knight's hand in victory "The Black Knight will move to the second round!" Elmer said "The President's aide threw in the towel" Scarlet said and the President, with the towel still over his head, turns to Christina "Why'd you do that?!" The president asks "I think you have more power lunches than power punches" Christina said "Now let's move on to our next exciting match-up" Scarlet said and rings the bell again.

The second match is between Chris and Danny "Look out!" Danny said "It looks like one of these classmates is ready to rumble" Scarlet said and Chris hangs his head and Danny approaches Chris "Chris, what's the matter?" Danny asks "I'm sorry. I don't wanna fight" Chris said "Yeah, but Chris, we could win that Chaos Emerald" Danny said and Chris looks up with tears in his eyes "Uh, I don't wanna get hurt!" Chris said and Danny darts over to another part of the ring "Whoas, take it easy! We won't fight, okay? I won't touch you! See? I'm not even near you" Danny said "Perfect" Chris said darkly and lunges at a surprised Danny "I gotcha!" Chris said and successfully tackles Danny to the ground and Danny struggles to get up "Aahh! No fair! That's fighting dirty!" Danny said "Who cares? It worked, didn't it?" Chris asks and Elmer raises Chris' hand in victory "From tears to cheers in seconds flat, Christopher Thorndyke wins the match!" Scarlet said and Danny pounds the ground in defeat and Chris walks backstage, where he sees Chuck dressed in wrestling gear. Chuck gives his grandson a thumbs-up "Nice work, Chris" Chuck said "Hi, Grandpa" Chris said and that's when Chris sees Chuck's ridiculous get-up "Hey, what's with that weird bathrobe?" Chris asks and Chuck throws off his outfit "Back in my day, I was known as Thorndyke the Throttler!" Chuck said and stretches a little too vigorously, and accidentally strains his back "Grandpa, what's wrong?" Chris asks and Chuck is soon loaded into an ambulance and the ambulance leaves "Professor Thorndkye have been forced to withdraw from competion due to a warm-up injury. Therefore, the winner by forfeit is Lucky" Scarlet said and Elmer raises the hand of Chuck's would-be opponent, E-77 Lucky.

Decoe and Bocoe look on. They are dressed in karate garb "He won! Lucky certainly is lucky, isn't he?" Decoe asks "His name says it all. Wish me luck, Decoe. I battle next" Bocoe said "Hey, so do I" Decoe said and both robots enter the ring "Yeah! Bring it!" The crowd said "I will not hold back!" Decoe said "Neither will I!" Bocoe said and they begin wrestling with each other. Suddenly, the sound of police sirens fills their ears "Freeze! You're under arrest! Surrender! You can't escape! We've got you surrounded!" A police officer said as there are police cars surrounding the entire ring. Decoe and Bocoe break out in a 'cold sweat' "We're in trouble" Bocoe said "Quick! Run for it!" Decoe said "Get 'em!" The police officer said and the cars chase the robots out of the stadium. Scarlet emerges from underneath the umbrella on the table "Our next match pits Hawk against everyone's favorite high-pilot fox, Turbo!" Scarlet said and rings the bell.

"Ready when you are!" Turbo said and Hawk makes confusing hand movements to intimidate Turbo, then lunges for turbo, attempting to launch a flurry of strikes and punches. Turbo uses his tail to block the attacks "Hawk is on the offense and showering his opponent with lightning-fast moves and fists of fury, but Turbo is keeping cool and letting his tail take the punishment" Scarlet said and Hawk raises his foot in an attempt to kick Turbo "Here comes the kicker!" Scarlet said and Turbo sweatdrops and ducks, using his tail in an attempt to block the attack "Looks like the tail is ready to attack!" Scarlet said. However, Hawk lowers his leg "Those things don't scare me" Hawk said and grasps Turbo's tail "I gotcha!" Hawk said "Oh yeah? Think again!" Turbo said and uses his tail to spin Hawk around, making him dizzy. Elmer raises his hand in victory "Hawk has suffered a dizzying defeat!" Scarlet said "And I win!" Turbo said "That was awesome!" The crowd said "Great job Turbo!" Tails cheered and Turbo gets flustered.

"Hehe, geez..." Turbo said smiling nervously. Next match is Bokkun vs Amy, "Hi there!" Bokkun said and Amy puts her hands on her hips "No way! They let you enter this thing?" Amy asks and Bokkun's eyes water "What's wrong with me?" He asks sad and Bokkun breaks down and cries "That hurt!" Bokkun said and the spectators begin reacting negatively "There's nothing wrong with you; you're great, I was joking. Please don't cry, okay?" Amy asks Bokkun and a cameraman moves in "Sorry about this, folks. He's just a little bit nervous, that's all. Totally not my fault" Amy said and a heart flutters from her as Bokkun looks up "Liar..." Bokkun said and Amy draws her hammer, scaring Bokkun, and turns upon him, smirking "What did you say?" Amy asks and Bokkun cowers back as Amy raises her hammer "Nothing! Nothing, honest!" Bokkun said and Amy delivers Bokkun a smashing blow and Elmer raises Amy's hand in victory "And the winner by a knockout is Amy!" Scarlet said "I couldn't have done it without the support of all my fans" Amy said and poses for the cheering fans "Hey, Amy! We love you!" Her fans said "Thanks, everybody. Right back at ya!" Amy said "Well folks, thus ends the first half of this exciting tournament. We'll be taking a short intermission" Scarlet said.

Fans visit the food court, have Ralph and Knuckles sign their autographs......and have pictures taken with Tails and Turbo. Meanwhile, Eggman is scanning the crowd for his missing robots from the Eggmobile "Those loafing lugheads. Where could they be? Just wait 'til I get my hands on them..." Eggman said. Inside one of the other buildings, Sonic, Brody and Chris are drinking drinks "Boy, Chris, We couldn't believe that was you out there" Sonic said and Chris appears guilty "Why? Because I lied and cheated a little? So what? Is that so wrong?" Chris asks "Kinda" Brody said "It's just... I'm always the good guy! I just wanted to see what it felt like to be bad. It doesn't feel good" Chris said but Sonic and Brody smile "You know?" Chris asks "Then don't do it again!" Sonic and Brody said giving thumbs up and Chris smiles and returns the thumbs-up.

Later, it is time for Round 2. Next stands in the middle of the ring with a sign that reads "Round 2". "Welcome back. We're ready to begin the second round of the first annual Chaos Emerald Martial Arts Mash-Up. First up is treasure hunter Ralph vs. the mysterious Black Knight" Scarlet said "Let's go, metal man!" Ralph said and the Black Knight laughs "Tough guy eh? Fine I'll go first then!" Ralph said and charges toward a protesting Black Knight and punches him to the ground. The Black Knight begs for mercy "Don't hurt me, Ralph! Just let me win! Please! I'm begging you!" The black knight said "Who are you, anyway?" Ralph asks "It's me..." The black knight said and removes his helmet, revealing himself to be none other than Jerome Wise "You're the Black Knight?" Ralph asks suprised "I need that Chaos Emerald! I don't have any money!" Jerome said "Sorry mate, but this racoon doesn't talk it out in a tournament!" Ralph said and scared out of his wits, Jerome scrambles to get out of the ring. Elmer raises Ralph's hand in victory "The Black Knight turned yellow, so Ralph wins the match" Scarlet said "Yeah! You show them Ralphy!" Knuckles said. Chris looks around the corner, but is called back "Hey Chris" He hears and turns to see Danny there "Danny" Chris said "I just wanted to wish you good luck" Danny said "Thank you" Chris said and just then, a helicopter flies over the ring, and Nelson leaps from it. He uses a parachute to land safely in the middle of the ring "Our next fighter is dropping in just in time for the next match" Scarlet said and Nelson finishes landing in the ring "Dad?!" Chris asks.

"Well, Son, if you want to make it to the quarterfinals, you'll have to beat your old man first. Let's go!" Nelson said and Lindsey and Chuck look on with concern. Chuck is bandaged from head to toe "He'll have a hard time with Nelson. I taught him everything he knows" Chuck said but in a sudden move, Chris knocks Nelson to the ground and pins his legs to prevent him from getting up "Ow! Ow! Ow! I give up! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Nelson said and Elmer waves his hands to stop the match "I guess talent must skip a generation" Chuck said.

"Let's see what you got" Stewart said "Okay" Sam said "Wait!" Stewart said but Sam wrestles Mr. Stewart to the ground "Uncle Sam, don't!" Chris said "I can't go easy on him just because he's your teacher!" Sam said "I know! But they didn't ring the starting bell yet!" Chris said and Sam sweatdrops, waves, climbs into his car that is parked nearby, and leaves "Oh well... I'm in a hurry anyway!" Sam said and Elmer raises Mr. Stewart's hand in victory "Saved by the bell, Mr. Stewart is the winner!" Scarlet said.

Lucky's opponent would have been either Decoe or Bocoe, but since they are both on the run from the police, Elmer raises Lucky's hand in victory "And since both the robots are on the run, Lucky wins again. Lucky guy" Scarlet said and Lucky leaves the ring as Tanaka and Topaz take their places.

"Come on!" Topaz said but instead of fighting, Tanaka approaches Topaz, pulls out a beautiful necklace, and places it around Topaz's neck "Is... this for me?" Topaz asks flustered "Yes... and so am I" Tanaka said beaming "I'm... so happy!" Topaz said blushing and they hug "Ella, what just happened?" Chris asks "It's very simple. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar" Ella said "What does that mean?" Danny asks "You'll both understand when you get a little older. Now it's time for my match!" Ella said and leaves with her frying pan.

"Emerl! Give it your best shot!" Cream said and Emerl appears ready to fight "But whatever happens, be extra gentle with Ella, okay?" Cream asks and Emerl appears conflicted "What's wrong with Emerl?" Cream asks "He doesn't know how he can win if he's gentle" Ella said "Oh, that's terrible. What should we do, Cheese?" Cream asks "Chao" Cheese said and they glance at each other "Ah, I have an idea. I'll forfeit the match!" Ella said "But... are you sure?" Cream asks "Sure I'm sure" Ella said and winks "After all, I've got dinner to make" Ella said "You're the best, Ella!" Cream said "Chao chao chao!" Cheese said.

"Not exactly what I'd call a challenge, but one fox is better than the other" Rouge said and swoops at Tails, but the fox dodges and flies into the air at Rouge, who avoids him "Oh yeah?" Tails asks "This exciting grudge match is off and running! Or should I say flying?" Scarlet said as Tails and Rouge exchange blows in midair before Rouge lands "The little fox cub fights much better than I expected" Rouge said and Tails flies down before charging at Rouge "Hope your boyfriend doesn't get the wrong idea" Rouge said and as soon as Tails gets close enough, Rouge grabs him, kisses him, and dumps the embarrassed fox outside the ring "Well, it looks like Rouge the Bat sure gave Tails the kiss-off. That makes her the winner of this match" Scarlet said "Sorry to smooch and run, but I've gotta touch up my lipstick" Rouge said "Well, I think you did good Tails" Turbo said carrying the embarrased fox.

Soon, the last match is set up. The competitors are Brody and Sonic "Ladies and gentlemen, we're now down to the final battle of the second round. This next match promises to be a real crowdpleaser. Let's see what happens" Scarlet said "You better not go easy on me love!" Sonic said and Brody looks at him serious.

Brody then grins "You better do the same love!" Brody said and Eggman hovers above the ring "What??? The love birds are gonna hit each other? I'd better check this out" Eggman said and Sonic was running in place to charge at Sonic and Brody looks up and sees Eggman "Don't mind me, just making this interesting. Goodbye" Eggman said and pushes a button that fires a laser at the competitors "Sonic!" Brody said and runs towards Sonic confusing the hedgehog when Brody quickly carries him out of the way of the laser, which strikes where they were just standing "What the?" Sonic asks "Too bad!" Eggman said and flies away "How dare you!" Sonic and Brody said and they leap out of the stadium in pursuit of Eggman "Huh. More trouble with Eggman" Chris said "What a shocker, folks! Our friend Sonic and Brody have forfeited the match, and that means we're down to the final ten" Scarlet said and the ten remaining contestants are Knuckles, Ralph, Turbo, Chris, Mr. Stewart, E-77 Lucky, Tanaka, Emerl, Rouge, and Amy "Who will be the winner? Tune in next time to find out!" Scarlet said as this chapter comes to an end.