Chapter 3:

Chaos Sonic was in a deserted building not far from where the royal family was planning together. He couldn't hear what was being said or even see them, but he didn't need to. He would be able to tell when they left and he'd easily be able to follow them when that time came. In the mean time, he was practicing his control of his barriers. His legs were crossed and his eyes closed, the ever present cloak draped around him. He floated slightly as his energy pulsed through him, the cloak was the only thing keeping his aura from shining as he did so. Lifting up one hand, the emerald in it glowed and a barrier appeared around him. Keeping himself perfectly still. Sonic carefully experimented with the flow of energy, expanding and shrinking the barrier as he desired. Then he worked on strengthening it without it's size being affected.

Chaos Sonic smiled when he finished, pleased with all the progress he was making. He stood up, planning on getting something to eat, when the wall exploded inward. Sonic quickly threw up a barrier to protect himself from the flying derby.

Sonic! Purity called. Are you alright?

I'm fine. Sonic replied, dropping his barrier and watched as robots poured in. But it appears I have some unsavory company.

Careful Sonic!

Aren't I always? Sonic smirked, getting into a defensive stance.

"Priority 1 target," The robots said in unison, aiming their weapons at Chaos Sonic. "Surrender or be destroyed."

"I don't think so," Chaos Sonic replied. "This is going to be fun. Let's rumble."

The robots fired and Chaos Sonic lunged forward.

"So what's the plan?" Sonic asked, tapping his foot impatiently. "I want to kick Ro-butt-nik into the next century."

"Sonic, be patient," Sonia scolded.

"It's alright," Queen Aleena assured. "The plan is to shut down Robotnik's power core. The entire city of Robotroplis and all his factors are powered from one plant. If we take it out, Robotnik will fall."

"But what about all his robots?" Manic asked. "Won't they still work even with all the power gone?"

"For a time yes," Queen Aleena replied. "But they actually are remotely recharged through the power plant and they'll run out of power without it."

"But where is it?" Sonic asked. "We've been all around Robotroplis and Robotnik's palace and never come across a power plant that size."

"It's not in Robotroplis," Queen Aleena explained. "It's in an underground facility in the mountains just north of Robotroplis. That is where we need to go."

"Great," Sonic said. "Let's get going! It's juice n jam time!"

"But Sonic," Sonia sighed. "We still need to..."

A giant boom was heard followed by a rumble that shook the city briefly.

"What was that?" The royal siblings said together, looking around.

"It came from outside," Manic commented.

"I bet Ro-butt-nik is behind it," Sonic said.

"Do you think he found out that we've reunited?" Sonia asked worried.

"No he doesn't know," Queen Aleena said confidently, looking out the window cautiously. "Whatever caused the explosion was not directed at us. There seems to be some sort of battle raking place not far from here."

"We better check it out," Sonic replied. "Mom, you stay here while we go investigate."

"Be careful my dear children," Queen Aleena said as Sonic grabbed his siblings hands. They zoomed to the roof. From their vantage point, they could see an army of swat bots attacking the mysterious stranger.

"Looks like someone got on Robotnik's bad side," Sonic commented, watching as the stranger took out several robots but was soon forced back under the barrage of fire.

"He's sure got some sweet moves," Manic said.

"He needs help," Sonia said. "We should go."

"I still don't trust him," Sonic said. "But he does need help. Let's go!"

They jumped over to a roof next to the battle. Activating their instruments, they began fire on the robots. The stranger seemed surprised at first, but quickly adjusted his fighting style to work around the sibling's attacks.

"We're totally rocking dude," Manic said as he made part of a building collapse on a group of bots. A shot suddenly hit the drums, reverting them back to the medallion and blowing Manic back.

"Priority one hedgehog," the robots droned as they poured onto the roof. The siblings scrambled for cover when the stranger jumped onto the roof and destroyed several bots. The siblings took advantage of this and attacked back as well, Soon all the robots were destroyed, leaving the four of them alone on the roof.

"Awesome work everyone," Sonic said as he and his siblings high fived. "Those bots didn't stand a chance. Now onto other matters..."

Sonic zoomed forward and stopped in front of the stranger who had turned to leave.

"Who exactly are you?" Sonic demanded. "Why are you helping us? And you're not leaving here until we get some answers!"

"Sonic!" Sonia scolded. "You're being rude!"

"Not cool bro," Manic added. "Not cool."

"But..." Sonic began.

"That's enough Sonic," Queen Aleena said. She had joined them on the roof once she had seen that the battle was over, her cloak around her to keep her hidden from prying eyes. "I don't know who he is, but the Oracle said he is a friend. That is good enough for me and that will be good enough for you."

"Fine," Sonic grumbled and he zoomed back to his siblings.

"Good," Queen Aleena said, before turning to the stranger. "Thank you for all the help you've been giving my children."

"No problem my Lady," the strange said with a slight bow. "I'm always happy to help out. And I'm sure we'll see each other again."

The stranger disappeared in a flash of light and the royal family made their way inside.

Chaos Sonic reappeared in an alley not far from where he had been with the royal family. He stumbled slightly when the nausea hit, but it subsided quickly and he recovered. He hadn't been to worried about the battle, in fact he had been really enjoying himself, but he graciously accepted the help that the siblings gave. What did worry him was the younger Sonic's suspicions and how it seemed like he was coming in contact with them more and more.

If this keeps up... Sonic thought. They might find out who I am.

While I do want you to do your best to avoid that situation, Purity commented. There will be times when revealing yourself is necessary. The most important thing to remember is that you keep the details of other universes and everything you do to a bare minimum. That information in the wrong hands would only cause you trouble.

Believe me, I know perfectly well what happens when bad guys mess with things they shouldn't.