Chapter 9:

Sonic and Randy kept an eye out for anything that even remotely hinted that McFist knew about Sonic and was after him for the next few days. But despite their watchful care, it seemed as if McFist had given up on capturing Sonic again. There were only the normal robot attacks, causing general mayhem but having no interest whether Sonic was around or not. Randy decided to take it as a sign it was only a fluke that the first robot had gone after Sonic at all and that McFist had no idea about who and what Sonic was. With his mind made up, Randy relaxed back into his normal routine.

Sonic didn't agree with Randy's assessment but had no choice to drop his guard for now. He didn't want to do anything that would tip McFist off if the first robot truly was a fluke. He could only wait until McFist made his next move before he could act. They were once again at the spending the afternoon Game Hole after school. Randy and Howard were absorbed in some kind of fighting game while Sonic was relaxing by the concession stand, munching on a chili dog.

What is McFist up to? Sonic thought as he ate, tapping his fingers on the counter. Did he somehow find out who I am? If so, why did he give up on capturing me so quickly? Any thoughts Purity?

I'm afraid not, Purity replied with a sigh. The high concentration of negative energy in the city makes it hard for me to see what's happening. You're efforts to purify the city have helped clear things up, but not enough for me to figure out what's happening. I wish there was more I could do to help…

Hey, it's no sweat, Sonic replied with confidence. I know you're doing you're best and that's all that counts. Besides, I'm used to thinking on my feet anyway. I'll be able to handle anything this universe throws my way.

I know you will Sonic, Purity laughed. I know you will…

Sonic was so absorbed in his mental conversation that he didn't even notice someone had come and sat down on the seat next to him until they gave a polite cough. Sonic gave a hasty goodbye to Purity and focused on the person next to him. She was a teenage girl, about his age, with long dark hair. Sonic was sure by human standards she was considered beautiful, but Sonic was originally Mobian and was unfazed by her beauty.

"Hello," the girl greeted in an almost hypnotic voice, brushing the hair from her eyes. "I'm Amanda. You're the new kid right?"

"Yep, I'm Sonic," he replied with a bright smile, but he refused to shake her hand when she offered it. He knew he was being rude, but something about the girl was setting off alarm bells in Sonic's head. But one thing was sure, he did not want Amanda touching him.

"I was curious when I heard about you," Amanda continued, unfazed by the rejection and leaning forward slightly. "And I wanted to get to know you more. Where do you come from exactly?"

"My family moved around a lot," Sonic answered vaguely, leaning back it what would have appeared to the casual onlooker a relaxed stance. This situation was not that unusual for him. When he first introduced himself to the student body, there had been several girls that approached him in hopes of dating him. But despite Amanda acting like those other girls, Sonic sensed that she had more sinister motives, though he had no idea what, and wanted to keep his guard up. Sonic subtly moved his hand away when Amanda tried to put he hand next to his, keeping his bright smile for appearances.

"That must have been hard," Amanda replied, fluttering her eyelashes and Sonic swears he felt some kind of strange energy briefly pass over him. "You must feel like such an outsider sometimes. I'd be happy to help you feel more welcome."

"Thanks, but I've been doing fine on my own," Sonic replied quickly, leaning away from Amanda and shaking his head slightly to try and clear it from a sudden fog. "I've already made a few friends and they've been showing me around. In fact, I think they're looking for me now. I better get going, don't want to keep them waiting. Nice talking to you Amanda."

Sonic slipped off his stool and tried to head over to Randy and Howard in a casual manner. But before he could get too far away, Amanda reached forward and snagged his wrist in her iron grip. The moment she touched him, several things happened in rapid succession. Sonic felt an overwhelming evil influence start to drain him of his energy. This, in turn, caused his own energy to rise up and strike out against the invading energy. The clashing energy caused a small explosion that threw both Amanda and Sonic flat on their backs.

The commotion drew the attention of the rest of the Game Hole's occupants and they looked on the scene in confusion. Both Sonic and Amanda rose to their feet, Sonic glaring at Amanda in confusion and suspicion while Amanda stared at him in triumphant.

What the heck was that? Sonic wondered, keeping his eye on Amanda as he reflexively got into a defensive stance.

I recognize that energy! Purity gasped in shock and slight fear that immediately drew Sonic's attention. Sonic! You need to get away from her! Get out now!

Sonic couldn't help but agree with Purity's assessment and prepared to make a dash for the exit when he felt the evil energy surround him and temporarily stop him in his tracks. He looked over at Amanda and saw her hand held up and glowing with energy.

"Don't think you can get away from me that easily," Amanda said with a predatory grin as she loomed over Sonic. As she got closer, her form began to change.