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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG: WARP SPEED
 The Warp Topaz–capable of bending space to its user’s whims, this orange gemstone requires a light, steady stream of energy to function safely. Anything higher risks extreme alterations to reality and may compromise the stone’s stability. With a safe charge, its user can open multiple gateways between any points in space they desire, traveling in seconds what would take others days.
These notes were just a snippet from the piles of journals left behind by the late Dr. Starline, Eggman’s most recent lackey, who had devoted his entire career to understanding and mastering the topaz. It’s after he’d joined up with the mad scientist that his notes on the gemstone end, however, as his long-time mentor and role model had stolen it from him in the face of a global crisis, discarding the platypus once he'd proven himself unworthy. Forced to watch as his fears come to pass, two golden hedgehogs supercharge the gem with the immense power of the Chaos Emeralds to rid their world of a robotic plague. It fizzes and pops, holding on until the very end before collapsing on itself, disappearing from reality, and taking one of its users with it.
The hedgehog eventually found his way back, but the status of the topaz remains a mystery.
10:15
TAILS’ WORKSHOP, THE MYSTIC RUINS
“...Ooh, that's right! The Metal Virus!”
Gloved fingers tap at his keyboard, chair scooting closer to the computer, the monitor reflected in his intense stare. Twin tails flick as the tally goes up by one–another world-saving victory for Sonic the Hedgehog!
“Can’t forget that was a group effort. You guys grabbed the Chaos Emeralds, and Silver did a lot of heavy lifting.”
The hedgehog himself chimes in, giving credit where credit is due. Silver and himself might’ve been the ones to save the world, but they wouldn’t have made it that far without everybody’s efforts. That victory belonged to everyone. A beautiful sentiment had he left it at that. But from his comfy position on Tails’ couch, he couldn’t help but go on.
“Though I did juice the Warp Topaz with Chaos energy, which ended up being the key to it all, so…”
“Sure, but didn’t that send you to another dimension?”
“...Okay, maybe it wasn’t a perfect plan!”
Neither of them can hold back a smile. They crack at the same time, laughing together, their hands on their bellies. They were brothers through and through. Though as he enjoyed the moment, a question couldn’t help but nag at the back of Tails’ mind. One that Sonic could hopefully answer.
“So… do you know what happened to the Warp Topaz after you disappeared?”
Sonic tries his best to recall.
“Sorry, buddy. I was out cold ‘til Blaze woke me up. But if I’m still around, then–”
VVZZZ!
A sickly glow creeps into the room, materializing out of nothingness, the air surrounding it fizzing and crackling with volatile energy threatening to erupt! They try to hide but can’t; they’re swallowed whole by an explosion of blinding light. Seconds pass–maybe even minutes–before they come to their senses. They’re still in Tails’ workshop, but Sonic’s goosebumps refuse to subside. Hues trail up from the ground to the center of the room, ears following the hissing and sizzling. That’s when he sees it.
The Warp Topaz.
“Long time no see. Eavesdrop much?”
On instinct, Tails grabs his handheld computer–the Miles Electric–to run a diagnostic check on the gem. Its readings fluctuate massively, spiking severely, ready to blow at any second! If it popped, the damage it’d cause could be catastrophic; they had to stop it.
“It’s still supercharged from the Chaos Emeralds! We have to get rid of it!”
He shouts, a cold sweat forming on his brow.
“Dr. Starline found it somewhere… maybe if we put it back, it’ll neutralize it!”
Sonic nods in agreement, placing a hand on the fox’s shoulder.
“Sounds like a plan! You find where it goes, and I’ll race it there in no time!”
Despite the pit in his stomach, Tails’ confidence in his friend pulls through. They knew the dangers of the topaz and were willing to face them head-on for the greater good. Though before the hedgehog leaves, he mulls over a thought.
“If you take on too much of its unstable energy, you… might not come back. If you could share the energy somehow…”
It’s at that moment he’s struck with an idea.
“Do you still have your wrist-comm on?”
“Sure do. Keep me updated while I wrangle this thing!”
They had little time to spare. Sonic claps his hands together, ready as he’ll ever be. Tension escapes his lips with a sigh as he draws an arm back, staring at the space-defying stone, steeling himself for what’s to come.
"Okay, pop rock. Let's do this!"
Ready–
GO!
His hand swings forward, clutching the gem tightly in his palm, erratic vibrations running through his entire body! Its energy swells, submerging him in its light! One instant, he’s there, and the next, he’s gone! 
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