RETURN TO ANGEL ISLAND, Part 4: ULTIMATE HERO
Writer: Karl Bollers
Penciler: Jon Gray
Inkers: Michael Higgins, Jim Amash, & Rich Koslowski
Colorist: Jason Jensen
Letterers: Michael Higgins, John Workman, & Jeff Powell
Editor: Mike Pellerito

Hunter is busy zapping echidnas with his circular object that has a star on it and the word "Egg" and his spear. Robotnik tells him to stop messing with the echidnas and get the Master Emerald (M.E.).

In Dingo City, the rescue operation is a success, but Knuckles reminds Sonic that they can't celebrate since someone is after the M.E. Lien-Da is upset that the Dark Legion's hiding place might be discovered, but Sonic says that there's no need to worry because he can get there in no time. Locke, despite Knuckles' reservations due to his lack of powers, tells Sonic to take Knuckles with him as back-up. Sonic whispers to Knuckles that he won't need his help but wants him to take off the gear (no more of Knuckles' SA2 accessories for the rest of the story).

At the Hidden Palace, Dr. Finitevus, Wyn, Remington, Lara-Le, Safron, and Kneecaps have finally found out that their current place of residence is under attack. Archimedes surprises the group by appearing and telling them to go into the M.E. shrine. Remington refuses as he rather fight than hide and the argument over who has authority to decide anything between Archimedes and Dr. Finitevus is cut short as Hunter enters. Remington goes to attack Hunter (against Archimedes wishes), but ends up getting zapped by Hunter's spear. Archimedes leaves as Dr. Finitevus goes to take his turn.

Archimedes is in the shrine with the others, but can't say that Remington and Dr. Finitevus were killed (Kneecaps starts thinking about his older half-brother). Safron says that they'll have to find a way to protect the M.E. when Hunter shows up. But before he can bother them, Sonic and Knuckles make their arrival known. Hunter turns his attention to the duo, who both jump out of the way of his spear. Knuckles notices Archimedes and at first is about to ask why is he here but then decides it's not that important now. Hunter sends his circular star object to bother Sonic, and it moves fast enough to keep Sonic away from attacking Hunter. That still leaves Knuckles, but just as earlier, Knuckles starts to feel pain from being close to the M.E. and can't do anything.

The Chaotix, Locke, Harry, and the Dark Legion have arrived at the Hidden Palace only to find it trashed (Hunter isn't a very nice guest) though Vector points out that General Kage and his dingoes have also arrived. Lien-Da gets angry and blames Locke for all of this. However, Julie-Su points out that Lien-Da didn't have to take the M.E. and in her own rage that she's powerhungry, she should stop complaining especially after all the mocking she's done, and should start acting like a real leader. The two won't back down though Lien-Da is shedding tears, so Vector seperates them by reminding them that they have some dingoes to beat up. Julie-Su agrees while wondering what is Lien-Da's problem. Quietly and away from the others, Lien-Da just says "Father loved you more." Charmy takes off with Julie-Su and Locke. When Mighty asks where they're going, they say that they're looking for Safron (Charmy) and Knuckles (Julie-Su).

Back in the shrine, while Lara-Le is trying to figure out what's wrong, Hunter is disappointed that Knuckles isn't putting up a fight and moves to get the M.E. Wyn pulls Lara-Le away from Knuckles as Knuckles seems to be going into convulsions. Now everyone has their eyes on Knuckles, who finally seems to be enjoying himself, as a pink glow surrounds him. Knuckles transforms into a super form to the amazement of everyone in the shrine. Charmy, Julie-Su, and Locke arrive as Hunter sends his spear at Super Knuckles, who catches it and snaps it. Locke mentions that Archimedes was "right" as Super Knuckles goes after Hunter.

Outside there's a major fight going on between the dingoes, the remaining Chaotix, and the Dark Legion when they notice a pink glow shooting through the roof of the M.E. shrine. Super Knuckles has Hunter, who wants the "stinking echidna" to let him go, so he's thrown into the water below Angel Island. That causes the circular star object that was bothering Sonic to finally stop moving. General Kage realizes what's going on and orders the dingoes to retreat. Meanwhile, all the echidnas that are left, including the Dark Legionnaires, start chanting "Avatar" despite Lien-Da telling them to stop. Knuckles finally lands and is happy that he has his powers back, but doesn't understand how. Archimedes tells him that his powers never left. Locke says that Knuckles needed to have contact with the M.E. to "reawaken" his powers. Robotnik then starts to send a message through Hunter's circular star object about sending an army to the Hidden Palace, but Sonic steps on it to shut him up. Locke mentions that they'll have to move the M.E. and starts to study Hunter's spear along with Archimedes while Knuckles asks about Remington. Archimedes says that Remington and Dr. Finitevus were "casualties" though Lien-Da says that they don't have time to grieve for friends, "or family" (as Remington is shown).

As the M.E. is being moved, Knuckles asks Locke to watch the M.E. and everyone else while he's gone. Locke is confused as Sonic tells them that the Freedom Figher Special has arrived. Knuckles explains to Locke that he promised Sally that he'd go back to Knothole after the group rescued him. Locke asks him about his responsibilities as a Guardian, and Knuckles says that the whole planet is in danger from Robotnik, not just Angel Island and he wants to help. Locke is upset that since Knuckles now has his powers back that Knux won't help reclaim his home from "evil" and storms off. Lara-Le holds Knuckles hands and just reminds Knuckles to be careful and that he'll be missed.

In New Megaopolis, Robotnik tells Mecha that even though he didn't get the M.E., that he's still had an okay day. In the room the two are currently occupying, there are many "grape-shaped" pod holding areas and inside each "grape" are many Mobians, including Remington, Xenin, Rykor, the Council of Ants (minus Archimedes obviously), being subjected to energy drains, mind erasing, and/or toxin infusions.

Next Story is in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #142