RETURN TO ANGEL ISLAND, Part 3: HOW MANY ECHIDNAS DOES IT TAKE TO PROTECT A MASTER EMERALD?
Writer: Karl Bollers
Penciler: Jon Gray
Inkers: Michael Higgins & Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Jason Jensen
Letterers: Michael Higgins & John Workman
Editor: Mike Pellerito

Knuckles is holding his baby brother, who is drooling now (and throughout the issue, Knux' brother gets mini-pics to communicate his thoughts to the reader). As Knuckles gives his brother back to Lara-Le, she tells him that his brother's name is "Knecapeon Mace" and that they call him "Kneecaps." While Knuckles comments that is the worse name he's ever heard, everyone else is laughing like crazy. Seeing everyone else laughing, Knuckles angrily asks the others "is something funny?" (complete with rising fire!) which shuts up everyone laughing (the expressions on Lara-Le's and "Kneecaps'" faces at Knuckles' anger were hilarious). Anyway, since Kneecaps is reaching for Knuckles, Lara-Le gives him to Knuckles as he originally acts like a angel on top of Knux' head. Of course, that changes immediately as Lara-Le walks away as he starts bopping Knuckles on the head with his rattle again.

"Later," Lara-Le tells the group that the echidnas set up tents for them so that they have a place to rest. Knuckles wonders if they did it out of kindness or because they think he's the Avatar. Lara-Le asks him why does it matter, and Knuckles doesn't really answer but decides to go off alone. Sonic asks Julie-Su what's wrong with Knux, and Julie says that Knux is "complex" while Mighty points out that it must seem strange to be treated differently by people just because you came back to life. Sonic thinks of Sally after that comment.

As Knuckles approaches the Hidden Palace, the Legionnaire guards try to keep him out but Lien-Da orders them to let Knuckles pass. Lien-Da asks Knuckles why is he visiting, but he just tells her that he's not here to see her and walks on toward where the Master Emerald is located. As Knuckles reaches the ME, he starts reflecting on things that have happened. He mentions that Aurora had warned him that he would pay a price for deciding to come back to life and in the irony that he's considered special right now when he's normal--we also find out that Rotor is the one who created Knuckles' gear, the hammer gloves & air necklace. While he's talking, he ends up dozing off while nearby Archimedes remains hidden from Knuckles, but mentions that everything is happening as expected.

In New Megaopolis, Kage (via video comm) reports to Robotnik that Sonic, Knuckles, & company are on Angel Island, but he hasn't found out where the Master Emerald is located. Robotnik tells him to "work harder" before cutting the line. Robotnik nixes A.D.A.M.'s idea to send Egg-pawns to the island as he has another idea. Mecha (she's been repaired and is back) wants to go to Angel Island, but Robotnik says no to that as well since he has someone "perfectly suited" for finding the Master Emerald. We don't get to see who it is, but Robotnik talks to someone in a "prison-pod" who he will be putting under his complete control with a collar to do his bidding.

Back at the Hidden Palace Zone, Julie-Su wakes up Knuckles as the troops gather. Lien-Da informs everyone that the spy has finally told them where Locke is being held so they can go rescue him now. Knuckles and Lara-Le share a hug, while Charmy tells Safron to stay at the hideout where it's safer. Remington wants to go, but Knuckles wants him to watch the Master Emerald while they're all gone. Being silly, Sonic asks how they're planning on getting to Dingo City, which is answered with a full page spread of the group riding the Dark Legion boogies (Vector who is still chewing gum has annoyed Espio whose text is "censored"), with Sonic doing tricks all over the place.

In Dingo City, Harry is nervously entering "Death Chamber Omega" with General Kage's breakfast. Kage is hungry since he's been beating up Locke "all night" and Locke still hasn't told him anything. At seeing Locke, Harry gets scared and drops the food. Kage grabs Harry and is about to hurt him when Robotnik calls. Robotnik wants to know if Kage has gotten the info yet and Kage says that he doesn't think Locke will ever talk. Robotnik tells him to kill him then, but the alarms go off and Sonic appears in the room. Kage realizes that if Sonic is here then the place is under siege--as outside the Chaotix & Dark Legion are beating up the dingoes. Sonic says that Kage might not be that dumb after all, but when Kage tries to attack Sonic, Sonic changes his mind about Kage not being dumb as he trips Kage--sending Kage into the wall. Sonic is about to beat up Harry, but Locke tells Sonic to leave Harry alone as Harry is their spy. Locke says hi to Knuckles as he enters. Harry gives Knux the keys to Locke's chains and the two have a nice reunion. However, Kage has freed himself from the wall and is still looking for a fight. After a wordless exchange between Sonic & Knuckles, the two take out Kage easily and start having a good time. Robotnik tells them that they shouldn't celebrate so soon since he knew that they'd go to rescue Locke, he sent an agent to find the Master Emerald who he's certain will succeed as the agent is "quite the hunter." The story ends with an overlander entering the Hidden Palace Zone. Those of us who've read the Knuckles comic series will recognize him as "The Hunter" (re: Knuckles #30-32).

To Be Continued in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #141