Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 96

Summary
Geoffrey is investigating why Kodos--who is now in Dr. Quack's care--was found knocked out in the forest and believes Sonic to be behind it. He rushes in on Sonic eating breakfast and quickly gives up when Sonic appears not to know anything. At the castle, Sally tries to come up with a plan to escape her duties and spend some time with Sonic.

At school, Tails is still missing and Rotor reports that Antoine didn't come home last night. Mina asks Sonic to help her control her speed. One of Eggman's attack bots breaks into the school and begins causing mayhem. Sonic fights it while the students escape. Sonic saves Nate as he wanders into the hallway. Bunnie joins the fray and knocks the robot down. The robot begins to play a message from Sonic's uncle Chuck, one that confirms the Sword of Acorns' ability to restore free will and also that Arachnis now has the blade. Before anything else can be said or done, Geoffrey and his men shoot the robot down. Sonic is forced to leave or risk being arrested for interrupting a crime scene.

Rotor, Bunnie, and Mina show up at Sonic's house later that night but his parents inform them that Sonic has locked himself in his room and won't come out even for chili dogs. Sonic, reading a comic, gets the idea that "Sonic" isn't allowed near the investigation--so "Sonic" won't be, and begins digging through his closet.

Story Two

 * "The Chosen One"

Merlin Prowler is talking with Athair while Tails is unconscious in bed. Athair mentions that Tails may be the only one that can save the Chaos-infected Knuckles. They argue over whether or not Athair had a right to risk Tails' life when Knuckles is heard calling for his family and friends. Outside of a building, the radiating Knuckles is so tired he lies down to sleep in the middle of the road. Athair says that this may be the best time to deal with Knuckles, while he's at his weakest, and orders Merlin to call forth the chosen one.

Merlin says an incantation and Tails suddenly wakes up, hovering over Knuckles, wearing a cape. Knuckles wakes up and asks how Tails is there but the fox says it doesn't matter and that they need to talk. Tails says that he doesn't know where Knuckles family is but is willing to help him find out. Knuckles senses another presence and Merlin and Athair reveal themselves. Merlin claims that they only want to help but Knuckles attacks. Tails saves Merlin and accuses Knuckles of not being able to tell friend from foe. Knuckles announces that anyone who attacks him isn't a friend and prepares to fight Tails.

Quotes

 * St. John: All right, boy... How did he get there?
 * Sonic: (slurping his drink) Uhhh.. How did who get where?
 * St. John: (walks away) Blast.