Sonic is having to cope with the fact that Doctor Robotnik has returned. Sonic believed Robotnik had changed back into Doctor Kintobor forever, but Robotnik reveals that the madman was being kept at bay by a small vial of potion. Now Robotnik has returned, he has no need for the antidote and throws it into the sand behind him. Fully aware they have unfinished business between them, Sonic puts this to one side to think about the children that have been taken by the genies. Robotnik states that he will help Sonic find them, but Sonic wants no help. Nevertheless, as Grand Visier, Robotnik has intricate knowledge of the Mystic Mountain and Sonic needs his advice. Despite Sonic knowing Robotnik is up to something, he allows him to come along.