Equestria...
Twilight sighed. A whole lot has happened in such a short time. From chasing Sunset Shimmer into a parallel world, the Plunder vines, Tirek destroying her library and subsequent appearance of her castle, the Battle of the Bands, and former tyrant Starlight Glimmer's reformation, each trial putting her to the test as a friend, princess and now mentor. Her mind wandered back to the mirror, however a voice snapped her out of her thoughts, getting her attention.
"Um, Twilight?"
The alicorn's eyes looked at her student and new friend, Starlight Glimmer, "Yeah, Starlight? Is everything okay?"
Starlight scratched her head, "Kind of. I found this sitting in the library on a small desk." she used her magic to levitate a golden ring in front of Twilight's eyes. "What is it?"
"It's a gift... From some old friends." Twilight answered. "Friends we haven't seen in a long time."
The unicorn frowned, "Oh. Are they okay?"
Twilight managed a smile, "They should be. That was a long day, and I know they're safe even after they left."
"What happened? Is it like me and Sunburst?"
"Not quite..." Twilight replied, "See... It started when a giant airship covered Ponyville in shadow..."
Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could. As a new recruit for the Wonderbolts, she wanted to put herself to the test more than ever before. Inspired by a certain hedgehog and her super form. She knew she could reach that if she tried.
And so, her body swerved upwards, reaching the clouds once again from nearing the ground. Her eyes began to water as the wind blew on her face. But she had to fly faster. Faster in case they ever met again.
She wanted a rematch against Sonic. And she knew that day would come.
Mobius...
Sonic sniffed the fresh air and walked back into Tails' Workshop, "Ah, nothing beats a good jog through the forest. Now if only I could find where Eggman went. I can't believe he got away once we warped back here." he hummed. "Yo, Tails, any luck on that device?"
Tails shook his head, "Sorry, Sonic. I seriously wish I had a way to track how Eggman found their world. But I'm trying. It's been taking forever though."
"Nah, it's cool, bro. If we could find Mario's world or Mega Man's world, finding Equestria should be a cake walk for a kid as smart as you." Sonic assured. "We just have to keep trying."
The fox nodded, "Right. How do you think they're doing?"
Sonic shrugged, "I'm sure they're fine. Just living their lives like we are, probably having adventures like us or something. Think of all the stories we could share like we do with Mario whenever we meet up." he lightly laughed.
"It has been a little silent though." Tails hummed.
"Tell me about it. I just wish I knew what Egghead had planned so I could end it before things got out of hand again."
Looking outside Sonic's window at the two conversing heroes was what looked to be a mare cloaked in a hood, her frown evident despite her covered face, 'Perhaps he could help me. The Warriors need to be forged together soon, and he seems to be the perfect hero. I must confront him to seek his aid.'
Eggman grumbled, looking at the many computers in his secret lair hidden from Sonic and the rest of the planet. "Finally. After spending so much time harvesting data and building what I needed, it's about time I begin my greatest plan yet!"
Orbot raised a finger, "And what would that be?"
"Yeah! I thought your last plan blew up in your face!" Cubot countered.
The scientist grinned, "I had more Chaos and Harmony energy in power reserves. My trip to Equestria was merely phase one. Using the technology at my disposal and the magic I still have, I cam finally enact phase two."
"...Which is?" Orbot wondered.
"First I must send a message to my past self, as I discovered a mystical artifact on Angel Island, and handling matters this way shall throw my foes for a loop even back then. It is called the Phantom Ruby, and it has the power that I seek. It is able to distort time and space to a great effect to which I could use it to my benefit as well as the benefit of my past self, who seems to be in a bit of a slump following those rodents destroying the Death Egg again."
"But what about the Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles of back then? They still beat you back then!" Cubot shouted.
Eggman folded his hands and growler, "Oh, even they shall be surprised. That little blue rodent won't know what hit him by the time phase three truly begins!" he began to laugh maniacally, and three a coughing fit as a result. Once he was done he cleared his throat, "Now to reveal this information to the Eggman of the past."