The Freedom Fighters stumble upon a train bound for a crystal mine and Sonic finds his roboticized Uncle Chuck to be onboard. Sonic uses a power ring to temporarily restore Uncle Chuck's free will and he explains that Robotnik is after a powerful crystal, which will destroy the eco-system if taken out.
Nicole needs to be repaired and the only place to get the needed parts is Robotropolis. There, Sally enters the Forbidden Zone and discovers a wizard named Lazar. Robotnik steals his spells and awakens Lazar, who thinks Sonic is the real thief. Sonic says he will get the spells back, but he'll have to do it without his speed.