"Thicker Than Water": The heroes deal with the disastrous results of last issue's major turmoil, and in the process face their own inner turmoil as well. Princess Sally is among the hardest hit, keeping a vigil for her ailing father, King Max -- while Sonic blames himself for King Max's condition. Meanwhile, Robotnik has returned to see the damage his headquarters has suffered. Marshaling forces of Shadow Bots and Robians, he plots his revenge, even as Sonic ponder the Sword of Acorns' alleged ability to restore the Robians' own free will.