RITES OF PASSAGE, Part 3
Writers: Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich
Penciler: Art Mawhinney
Inker: Harvey "Harvo" Mercadoocasio
Colorist: Kyle Hunter
Letterer: Mindy Eisman
Editor: Freddy Mendez-Gabrie

Knuckles and Archimedes are beating the Chaotix, so Enerjak steps in and knocks out Knuckles and Archimedes. Enerjak tells Knuckles his version of what happened all those years ago. Knuckles starts to annoy Enerjak, which gives Archimedes a chance to telepathically call the fire-ants of the Floating Island. Before Enerjak can permanently get rid of Knuckles and Archimedes, Archimedes performs his vanishing act. Meanwhile, the fire-ants have reached the citadel. Enerjak sends the Chaotix to find Knuckles and Archimedes. However, Archimedes and Knuckles decide to attack Enerjak head on. Knuckles comes down on top of Enerjak from an air vent. Unknown to anyone, rocket boosters are attached to the citadel. Enerjak starts swinging at Knuckles but misses him. Knuckles calls Enerjak a coward for "fighting with enhanced strength." Enerjak starts to fight Knuckles with just his natural strength, which makes the fight even. The citadel blasts off. Knuckles punches Enerjak in the face and then does a forward kick to Enerjak's face. Knuckles and Archimedes fall through a hole created by the fire-ants and Enerjak goes off into space along with his citadel. Knuckles glides back to the ground and gives Archimedes a nickname, Archy (pronounced "Are-key"). Archimedes thanks the fire-ants for their help, but they say that they have nothing to do with the citadel being sent to space. Nekronopolis disappears and the Chaotix snap out of their brainwashing and decide to have a party. Meanwhile, a echidna in a hood watches the proceedings and reveals that he created the rocket boosters. He also admits that he is Knuckles' father. The next day, Knuckles and Archimedes seal the deal on their new friendship.

Next Story is in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #39