Sonic re-explains everything he told Tails. Knuckles can sense that this is in fact the real Sonic in front of him. He eventually had to sitin a chair because it was so much to take in.
"So why did the M.E. lose power?"

"Oh. It took a lot of energy to bust me out. It's easier for the emerald to absorb than it is for it to expell. It'll be okay in a few days."

"Hmph. I want it fixed now."

"Some things never change."