What's happening everyone!

Not saying morning today because I realized that some people live in different parts where morning already passed so it's technically either afternoon or night there. Whenever I post stuff I do it in the mornings so basically have to get out of the habit of saying that lol.

Anyway tbis is a work I should've done a long time ago and it's basically my own AU prelude version of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie that'll come out in 2024. Now some scenarios here are VERY UNLIKELY to happen, but that's why headcanons exist and why I have it under an AU. Hopefully you guys and girls will like it so let's dive right in! ^u^

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.


Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Prelude: Short AU

Sheriff Thomas Michael Wachowski, or better known as Tom by everyone, sat in his police car lazily holding a speed gun while hiding behind a large billboard with some bushes. He was near a long empty road within the outer part of Green Hills, a relatively small town with kind folk and interesting things. For the local police officer however it was a bit on the boring side as before he wanted to gain better opportunity and move outside his comfort zone. Initially his goal was to get accepted at the police headquarters in San Francisco and do more important and fun stuff like chasing actual criminals and taking down heists, just like in action movies. Fortunately he got accepted to working there and only needed to move; his wife Maddie Wachowski supported his decision and would move alongside him. Everything was going according to plan.

Until one day on the job did his speed gun pick up a reading of 296 miles per hour.

Shocked by the reading he shook his head and pointed it at the road again. He looked away for a bit to miss the blur that passed quickly. He looked at the speed gun once again.

300 miles per hour.

Flabbergasted by this he went outside to scope the area for anything suspicious, looking into some of the nearby brush. What he found was very interesting upon approaching a small opening within…

A blue glowing quill that emitted small bits of blue lightning.

Still confused he took the quill and headed straight back to Green Hills. Not knowing of a mysterious being that appeared behind him as he messed around with the speed gun, cheering themselves on.

It didn't take long for Tom to discover what it was once he heard shuffling coming from his garage. Armed with a gun and flashlight, he bursts through the door announcing himself as an officer looking around and then pointing forward.

Discovering an alien blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with large green eyes and worn out shoes, holding a golden ring in his hand. Letting out a meow.

The two were frozen for a few seconds… then screamed at the top of their lungs as Tom reacted and shot a tranquilizer dart at the intruder. It effectively knocked the hedgehog out as Tom cautiously picked him up, also surprised by a large ring portal appearing that showed a large building in San Francisco in which a bag fell within just as the hedgehog tried to grab it.

Keeping it in a cage did Tom take a better look at it and couldn't believe it. The fact that it knew English as well astounded the man as he became more convinced that humans may not be the only intelligent species out there. Poking at it with a spatula did he look away to take a breather and take it all in, not knowing that the hedgehog was slowly waking up. Once Tom turned around did he freak out and began questioning it.

The hedgehog complied and told him his name.

Sonic the Hedgehog.

Tom also said his name as well, though he asked on why a hedgehog when he looked nothing like one but he didn't ask further from it.

Sonic told him that he was on the run from an evil madman chasing after him with several robots and armed men. It took some time for Tom to believe it until he heard loud knocking on his door. Seeing that he decided to help out Sonic and went over to check on the door, opening it to see a man dressed in a black suit with a combover and fairly large mustache with black glasses.

The man rudely let himself in and looked around, Tom already not liking the guy as he spoke to him with a strange tone that made it seem as if the newcomer was above all else in terms of intelligence. His use of complex vocabulary made note of that and already Tom was getting annoyed, kindly asking him to leave but not before the man discovers the quill and had his hovering robots enter the building, demanding that Tom ask where Sonic is.

He refused, and the man known as Dr. Ivo Robotnik ordered his robots to aim and fire upon his command.

Until Sonic stepped out and announced himself, causing the evil genius to scream in fright before Tom knocked him out with a solid one.

They escaped after Sonic destroyed the robots and from there it became an adventure, heading towards San Francisco to retrieve the hedgehog's rings while doing shenanigans along the way such as causing a havoc fight within a saloon bar and taking on Robotnik and his advanced machinery. The duo got to meet Maddie as well who was freaked out at seeing Sonic, her sister Rachel also freaking out upon seeing Sonic yet retained her annoyance that Tom showed up. Her daughter Jojo was fond on seeing the blue hedgehog and upon seeing his worn out shoes did she head to her room and retrieved a pair of bright red ones with a white stripe over it. Sonic was grateful for receiving them and showed them off to Tom and Maddie.

From there they went on to retrieve his rings and face off against Robotnik in a final showdown, the hedgehog and mad scientist traveling across various parts of the world in their duel. Once they came back to Green Hills however did Sonic deliver the final blow just as Tom opened a portal behind the evil genius, sending him towards an unknown world away from theirs.

The town celebrated their victory and accepted Sonic as one of their own, with Tom deciding to stay in Green Hills as the sheriff upon convincing from Sonic himself and the townsfolk. Life after that went pretty normal, aside from a talking blue hedgehog that moved in with them of course and referring to the former as Donut Lord.

Not long after did Tom and Maddie decide to go to Hawaii for Rachel's wedding, leaving Sonic and their dog Ozzie alone at the house. When they left via ring portal did the blue hedgehog began enjoying himself with some partying and ruckus around the house, eventually cleaning it up upon seeing that Tom was video calling him to see how he's doing.

Sonic and Ozzie then prepared for movie night after the call, until they heard a rough knock at their door. The blue hedgehog slowly went towards the door cautiously… until he saw sparks emit from it and the doorknob falling, the actual door opening as well…

…to reveal Dr. Robotnik, back on Earth. With a bald head, unkempt mustache that got bigger, goggles atop his head and a red and black suit.

Not wasting any time did the evil scientist threaten him by harming his family and Sonic pounced into action.

Only for the doctor to step aside and reveal a red echidna with a powered-up fist imbued with lightning.

Sonic got smashed through the wall and recovered after some dizziness, seeing the newcomer looking at him with disdain. Robotnik was thrilled on his part however and introduced him.

Knuckles the Echidna.

A short fight occurred with Knuckles overpowering Sonic due to better combat experience and pinned him to a tree, demanding where the ultimate power was. Knuckles knew that Sonic was close to Longclaw, one of the owls that fought against the echidna tribe and effectively wiped each other out save for Knuckles who became the last of his kind. Just as the echidna was about to finish Sonic off…

A police car rammed into Knuckles and sent him flying towards a shed.

Sonic heard the door to the vehicle open and looked up.

Seeing an anthropomorphic yellow fox that knew his name, telling him to get it. More confused Sonic decided to just go with it and went in, the two driving away while being chased by Knuckles. Sonic looked at the other newcomer and ask who he was, with the yellow fox smiling at him.

Miles "Tails" Prower.

Tails told Sonic of how famous he was and that the two-tailed kitsune followed his energy signature that led him to Earth, explaining a bit on the origins of Knuckles.

The latter in which case caught up to them before ramming through a semi and preparing to capture them. Fortunately Tails drove off a cliffside and the two managed to escape since Tails used his tails to fly, Sonic stating on how his butt turned into a buttcopter hehe.

Knuckles was peeved that they escaped as he climbed up the cliff, only for Robotnik to approach him once again and promising that he will get his revenge.

On Tom's side, he was somewhat enjoying his time. From Rachel's annoyance on why Maddie even chose him as a husband to Rachel's groom messing with him, he shrugged it off and simply took in the relaxing time away from home.

But apparently Sonic managed to crash the wedding ceremony later on with Tom's help as he threw a ring to open the portal; the ring itself was mixed with one of the weddings rings as well, which made Rachel pretty upset. She got even more upset as well as shocked that there was 'another'… basically she meant Tails hehe.

Another adventure occurred with a bit of rescuing and such in which another final showdown occurred, Knuckles realizing that Robotnik tricked him into thinking Sonic was after the mysterious Master Emerald and taking it for himself. The blue hedgehog managed to convince him to join the good side as there were always second chances and they agreed upon it with a very strong handshake… that cracked some of Sonic's bones.

The trio consisting of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles fought Robotnik back in Green Hills with Tom and Maddie supporting the best they can, eventually seeing Sonic being heavily injured upon reaching for the Master Emerald now out of Robotnik's hands and rescuing him. Unfortunately the Master Emerald broke apart and shattered into several pieces, seven smaller ones of different color falling out as well just as a bit later were the two humans and hedgehog about to meet their fate from a large robot foot landing on top of them.

Seconds later a glowing yellow light emerging from the bottom of the Death Egg robot that the mad scientist controlled and being raised up, Tom and Maddie being revealed just fine and seeing Sonic in a new golden form.

Eventually the powered-up hedgehog easily defeated the villain as Robotnik was sent to his demise into the black smoke below, Sonic summoning a chilidog which he ate in pleasure with two unfortunately landing on Knuckles' face. The hedgehog then depowered himself with the seven emeralds floating up into the sky and dispersing, Knuckles getting the fragments of the Master Emerald together and restoring it into its former shape.

From there Sonic said to Knuckles that they will become a new order of guardians, staying vigilant in protecting the Master Emerald as a whole and vowing that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Some time later did Tom and Maddie decide to 'adopt' the fox and echidna as one of their own, going out to play baseball for a bit until it ended quickly upon Knuckles' naiveness and incredible strength causing them to lose the ball. They laughed it off however and decided to go get some ice-cream, Tom and Sonic having a father son moment before taking off just as Sonic himself called him 'dad'.

They were definitely good times for Tom and he wouldn't wish for anything better.

A few months have passed since Robotnik's disappearance and his assistant Agent Stone went MIA, the former's body having never been recovered but assumed lost in the wreckage. The Guardian Units of Nations, or G.U.N, had more presence around the town but if anything for Tom they were more of an annoyance. Luckily they didn't poke at Tom in handing over the three lest they want to anger the townsfolk, but as long as G.U.N minds their own business and not bother him will he be happy.

Today for the sheriff however it was another boring day, the road empty as usual save for the one turtle that likes crossing the road. It was slow week for Tom, but he'd prefer days like this as he wanted a break over all the craziness that happened those months ago.

RING!

Tom was dozing off a bit until he was startled awake by the sound of his phone. Reaching into his pocket to pull it out, he blew out a sigh upon seeing Wade's contact. Nonetheless he answered. "Hey Wade, need something?"

"Heeey Tom how's it going!" Wade answered back cheerfully. Tom rolled his eyes with a smile. "Same ole same ole, just busy chasing down hooligans going over a hundred."

"Woah really?! Man it looks like it's getting busy on your end hehe?" Wade answered back.

Tom chuckled. "I'm joking Wade, it's empty right now so it'll be another slow week."

"Aww man and I thought we'd get some action like back then. They didn't stand a chance against my awesome skills!"

"Yeah your awesome skills that let them tie you up to a chair." Tom replied grinning.

"Hey I got one of them at least! I was caught off guard by the other!" Wade complained.

"Suuuure Wade we'll go with that hehe. Anyway how are things on your end?" Tom asked.

"The same thing as you except stuck in the office, but at least I finally got to finish an entire donut box this time!"

"Wade, just make sure you don't die on me from a sugar rush okay?" Tom shook his head keeping back a laugh.

"No problem Donut Lord!"

'I swear Sonic why'd you even tell him that!'

"Oh and we also got a 10-15" Wade stated.

Tom sighed, already know where this is going. That normally doesn't happen much in Green Hills… before they came of course.

"What's Sonic, Tails and Knuckles doing now?" he asked.

"Got a complaint from the shop owner that Knuckles got angry for 'the people showing dishonor for not having the grape ice-cream today.'" Wade explained in a deeper voice at the end part. Tom let out a small whine before starting his police car. "Alright I'll be right over."

"Copy that Donut Lord." Wade then disconnected. Tom gave off another sigh. 'I swear ever since they came here it's been a ton of 10-15s. I mean they're not bad but… Sonic you have to educate them better, not have them follow your example!' he thought.

Tom was currently driving back home after work, but he was not alone.

"Knuckles you almost threw that man through the window! He didn't do anything!" Sonic scolded.

"FALSE! He did not possess the sustenance I require! You have spoke before that this 'cream of ice shop' has all the flavors at the ready, but they did not have grape in their settlement. That is dishonor!" Knuckles said back loudly.

"He does have a bit of a point Sonic… except almost throwing the man into the window… and the fact that Knuckles literally takes all the grape in bulk." Tails added.

From there the three began bickering amongst one another for several seconds in until Tom had enough. "ALRIGHT BE QUIET YOU THREE!" he shouted at his adopted sons. Immediately did they settle down with Sonic and Knuckles glaring at each other while Tails looked a bit nervous. "Look I had a long day and Wade calling me to see you three cause trouble gives me more of a headache. Sonic, you have to lead by example, not have them follow your example."

"Well it's hard when you have a person who's way too smart and another person that doesn't know how Earth customs work." the hedgehog replied. Tom tsked at this. "You know it was just as hard and still hard for me to get even YOU settled with Earth customs."

Sonic grinned however. "At least I know more now!"

Tails continued to stay quiet while Knuckles scoffed. "Do not speak of lies hedgehog, I can grow more in tune with Earth than you can."

Sonic rolled his eyes. "Yeah, a good start by almost throwing a man through a window."

"Okay enough kids, we're already home." Tom said pulling into the driveway of their house. The four got off and walked into their house with Sonic stretching his arms. "Ah it's good to be back home! Who's up for movie night?!"

Tails immediately raised his hand. "Ooo ooo me Sonic! I want to watch more of that one with the guy in the glasses and black trench coat doing those slow-motion movements!"

"Ah I see you like the-."

"I want to observe the movie with the honorable warrior in it that fights bravely against a great nation. The one that has the 'horse trojan' that you speak of." Knuckles interrupted.

"Knuckles that movie's like four hours long. We can watch that on the weekend when we don't have early bedtime." Sonic stated. Knuckles crossed his arms muttering to himself angrily. "Hmph, you speak the truth this time."

"Hey everyone how's it going?" the voice of Maddie became known as she walked into the living room they were at, coming in with a veterinarian uniform and approaching Tom with a brief kiss. "How was work honey?"

"Same as before, insane action and jaw-dropping chases."

"So basically another slow day on the job eh?" Maddie laughed afterward with Tom joining in. She then looked at the three others. "How about you guys, did Sonic teach you more on how to get accustomed to Earth?"

"Well if you consider Knuckles almost picking up a guy and throwing him into a window then yes, he's learning on how to interact with humans pretty well." Sonic said.

"He was to be punished for not having the glorious flavor of grape in his settlement!" Knuckles bellowed. Tails smiled at Maddie on his part. "I got to check out more of the tech at the stores we've been to. Aside from all the people trying to take pictures of us and whatnot, I did want to improve on them since they're a bit outdated."

"Tails, wanting to add lasers to a TV is NOT improving them! They're made for watching cool stuff on for hours and hours while Tom and Maddie are asleep!" Sonic stated. Tom crossed his arms looking a bit disappointed. "Sonic are you really watching TV past your bed-."

"NOT that I'm doing it of course hehe!" Sonic corrected himself with a cheeky grin. Nonetheless Tom narrowed his eyes. Knuckles also crossed his arms and shook his head. "Like I said hedgehog, you speak of lies."

"Okay so I guess we all had a tough day then." Maddie spoke taking off her coat. "How about instead of movies today, we can all destress ourselves by taking a walk in the woods. Sound good?"

The boys and her husband looked at one another for a bit then looked at her nodding. "Yeah sure I don't mind a walk. Been sitting in the car for some time that I can use some leg exercise." Tom stated.

"Try to keep up this time Tom. Last time we went out for a walk your dad form was showing hehe." Sonic teased.

"Okay Sonic just because we haven't seen some action for a while doesn't mean I'm that out of shape." Tom then looked at Maddie who looked away keeping down a giggle. "Am I?"

"Nah you're good Tom. I don't mind a walk as well, that way we can all bond together as a family more!" Tails happily said.

"I look forward to our journey. It will be a perilous trek with unknown dangers, but fortunately you have the one million percent muscle of might from Knuckles the Echidna!" Knuckles announced raising a fist. Maddie let out her giggle while Sonic rolled his eyes chuckling and Tails letting out a laugh. Tom shook his head with a happy sigh. "Well alright I feel more safe now and at least the kids will get some more time outside."

"Yup so get ready within half an hour boys and we'll meet up in the front." Maddie said.

"YEAH!" was the response.

"Sonic don't wander too far off! Tails I thought you said you were going to walk?! Knuckles you don't have to keep your guard up!" Tom shouted at the three as they traversed the variable terrain of the forest on a path. Tom and Maddie had hiking clothes and a backpack on each of them.

"C'mon slowpokes! You said you needed exercise!" Sonic announced just as he split off at high speeds for a second before returning. "We're almost to the end of the path!"

Tails heard Tom's call and landed on the ground looking a bit ashamed. "Sorry Tom, just not used to walking for TOO long." the yellow fox then lowered his ears further. Maddie's heart clenched at this hugging the two-tailed kitsune after. "Oooh it's okay Tails don't feel down. If you're tired you don't have to be afraid to ask." she said. Tails looked at her feeling better and smiled. "Alright."

Knuckles scoped out the area for any signs of danger, red lightning being emitted from his fists. "We must be at the ready for any threat! Even if this is a journey of leisure, we may not know what is expected from the unknown grounds within this forest."

"Knuckles… we walked through this forest many times already and there's no danger at all. There's no Robotnik, no robots, and no Crazy Carl." Tom informed. Sonic shivered at the last one. "Ah man don't even mention Crazy Carl. Already had enough of hearing 'Blue Devil' hehe."

"Yeah just like already hearing enough of Donut Lord, Sonic." Tom countered. Maddie laughed holding his arm. "Relax Tom, remember they're just kids from another world. It'll take time for them to get used to the lifestyle here on Earth."

"She's right dad! I mean I'd rather spend my day reading comics and goofing around than sitting in some police car putting in work." Sonic joked.

"Least I get paid money which you NEED to even get by here on Earth. Be glad you get an allowance every week." Tom replied.

"Hehe yeah Tom I'm very grateful for that." the blue hedgehog answered back.

Tails looked at the sights around him, admiring the large trees and several flowers. "Man it looks so different here compared to our world."

"Well you three do come from a different world so of course it'll look different." Maddie said. "I don't think worlds out there will be the same to one another."

"Maddie is right fox. I have traveled through various worlds fighting mighty battles and winning all of them. The terrain and surroundings do not look the same as here on Earth and none look the same to one another." Knuckles explained. Sonic smirked at the echidna. "Yeah sure, but that streak got broken when I beat you back at that water temple in the ocean!"

"You did not stand still with honor hedgehog!"

"It's called dodging Knucklehead!"

"A true warrior would fight bravely on the battlefield, not constantly avoid the blows!"

A tick mark came onto Tom's head, Maddie gulping in concern.

"Okay you two stop-!"

BOOM!

A loud explosion was heard and felt causing the group to almost lost there balance. "What was that?!" Maddie asked in panic.

"Not sure but look!" Tom pointed towards ahead of the path which revealed smoke coming in the distance. "Looks like something happened over there!"

"Alright some action! C'mon guys let's go check it out!" Sonic then took at high speeds leaving a blue streak behind.

"I will not be defeated by you hedgehog!" Knuckles then took off as well, a red streak left in his wake. Tom sighed afterward. "Those two sure have huge egos I swear."

"Let's not worry about that right now Tom. Let's follow them." Maddie grabbed Tom's hand while Tails ran alongside them. "Shouldn't we go back home? I left all my tech back there." Tails said. Tom shook his head. "We don't need it Tails. Sonic and Knuckles will be plenty enough."

"Woah…" Sonic said in awe at the sight before him.

"Indeed hedgehog, this is most troubling…" Knuckles added also looking in front of him.

A gray-colored metal pod sat within a crater that left a trench behind and a small amount of destruction. Smoke arose from the transport which had a circular window on it which was tinted dark to prevent anyone to see within from the outside. The two looked at one another and nodded, approaching close to the pod. Tom, Maddie and Tails arrived a bit later also in wonder.

"What the heck is that?" Tom asked.

"Not sure Tom. Tails do you have any idea?" Maddie asked the yellow fox. A shake of his head was her reply. "I haven't seen a transport like that during my travel through worlds." Tails then flew over towards the pod and inspected around it while Sonic and Knuckles stood a few feet away. "It doesn't look like it Robotnik's though."

"That's a relief. I honestly don't wanna see him again after that whole mess back then." Sonic said.

"At least we have avenged our fallen honor against the foe. And I have redeemed myself out of it." Knuckles added.

"Well alright that's good to hear, so is there a way we can see what's inside." Tom said as he and Maddie got close to the transport. The sheriff brushed his hand on the surface. "It's still hot so it definitely came here a few moments ago."

"Hold on Tom we still have to think about this a bit. What if it's some strange alien creature that'll attack us?" Maddie asked. Tom smiled giving a weird expression. "Maddie, we have strange alien creatures as sons. I don't think it'll hurt to look what's inside and besides, we got Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. The dream team."

"That's right!" Sonic cheerfully said doing a flex. "Alright let's pry off that door!"

"Stand back everyone!" Knuckles went up to it and grabbed the sides of the door, grunting as he pulled it off its hinges with some effort.

SNAP!

The door came off not a moment too soon and Knuckles threw it aside, a heavy thud resonating. "Not much of a challenge."

Tails flew over the pod and looked inside.

A red seat with the pod's control panel was revealed.

Yet it seemed no one was inside.

"That's strange. There's no one in here." Tails announced as he went in further and examined the controls. "Not only that but I'm not familiar with these systems, so it definitely is from another world."

"Well it looks like we'll be dealing with something that looks more different than us. Maybe it'll be like those scary creatures with tongues that have a second mouth to them." Sonic said. Tom's and Maddie's eyes widened upon knowing what it was. "Wait you've been watching A-?!"

"Hold on fox, what is that?" Knuckles looked into the pod and pointed a finger behind the seat, interrupting the two humans. Tails looked over to where the echidna pointed at and saw a bit of light coming in. Using his hands did Tails push against it and found out that it was a secondary door.

An escape hatch.

"I guess whatever was inside got out from here. Now the question is where would they-?"

POW!

"WOAH!" Sonic narrowly missed a very, VERY…

VERY large hammer smashing beside him and impacting the floor creating a large earthquake. The others almost lost their footing and looked over quickly to the blue hedgehog. Their eyes widened at the sight.

"YOU WILL NOT TAKE US ALIVE YOU HEAR ME!" a feminine shout was let out from the owner of the hammer. Except the hammer wasn't the surprising thing that shocked the group.

It was the owner themselves… or herself.

A pink hedgehog.

Sonic couldn't believe it, at a loss for words. Unfortunately he couldn't stay frozen as the pink hedgehog raised its hammer up and glared at him. "IF YOU'RE WITH THEM I'LL SWEAR I-!"

"With who?" Sonic managed to let out. This caused the pink hedgehog to be surprised, slightly lowering her hammer. "Wait, aren't you with-?"

"Uhhh this is a big surprise Sonic." Tom announced. "Do you know her?"

Sonic shook his head. "No I never met her. Heck she tried to flatten me!"

"Woah I didn't know there would be another hedgehog!" Tails said.

"Not only that but I see this one actually wears clothing." Maddie stated. Indeed did the pink hedgehog have a set of clothes on her, consisting of a red blouse and skirt with red boots and a red hairband. Her quills went down unlike Sonic's spiky ones and just like Sonic's emerald eyes, hers were a nice shade of olive.

"I have never met this hedgehog, hedgehog. Were there any others of your kind back in our world?" Knuckles questioned.

"N-No it was just me… I don't even think about that either." Sonic said. The pink hedgehog looked at the others and lowered her weapon. "So I'm guessing none of you are part of the Black Arms?"

"Black Arms?" Tom asked. The pink hedgehog switched her gaze to him and nodded. "Yes, the Black Arms are-."

"Miss Amy?" another feminine voice was heard behind the pink hedgehog, except this was one higher in pitch. "Chao Chao?" along with another squeakier voice. The rose-colored girl turned around with the others as well. The same way the group were also shocked.

A cream-colored young rabbit with orange overalls that reached up to her ankles with a yellow shirt underneath and orange shoes with yellow highlights were her clothing, large bunny ears and large brown eyes walked up to the pink hedgehog looking around in worry. Right next to her was a small floating light blue lifeform with a teardrop shaped head, stubby arms and legs, blue eyes and a small red bowtie. Just like the rabbit they also looked around in concern. "I-Is e-everything okay?" the rabbit asked.

Maddie almost had a heart attack, pulling Tom's hand. "Oh my goodness she looks adorable, along with that blue thing floating near her!" she whispered.

"Yeah… everything's fine Cream. These people look friendly." the pink hedgehog looked back at them with narrowed eyes. "Right?"

"Oh uh yeah yeah we're friendly. I'm a sheriff here." Tom stated. Sonic grinned. "Yup he's the head honcho around these parts, but we call him the Donut Lord hehe."

"Sonic let's not make any jokes right now." Tails said. "We need to know where they came from."

"Oh yeah good call buddy. So um like he said, where'd you two come from?" Sonic asked.

"We would like to know female hedgehog and female rabbit. We will see you as friendly for now but any deception and we will not hesitate to lay the first strike." Knuckles said cracking his knuckles. The young rabbit squeaked in fear with the pink hedgehog raising her hands. "Hey relax there bud I just said you look friendly. Anyway it's actually three of us and we're trying to find our friend."

"There's another?" Sonic asked with the rose-colored girl nodding. "Yeah but we can't find-."

"HELP!"

A loud shout was heard from their right and immediately did everyone look to it.

"Looks like we found where your friend might be." Tom said. "Let's go help them out guys."

"RIGHT!" they all said heading off towards the location.

It didn't take them long to reach the spot and noticed metal debris from the transport having broken off that created a trail. In front of them was a large boulder.

"PLEASE HELP!"

The voice was coming from below the boulder.

"Oh my goodness she's stuck under there!" the young rabbit cried out. "We have to free her!"

Knuckles smirked brushing his arms up. "This rock is no match for my strength."

Grabbing the large boulder did the red echidna easily lift it and threw it several meters into the distance, a faint thud being heard.

"Alright Knuckles!" Maddie cheered.

"Well even if your people skills aren't that great at least you have your uses hehe." Sonic joked.

Tom sighed on his end. "He could've just moved the boulder aside. It's careless just throwing it like that, he could've hit someone."

"At least he didn't throw a guy." Tails also joked laughing.

Knuckles however didn't say anything back.

His violet eyes couldn't believe it.

"It cannot be…" he simply whispered.

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Okay what's going on?" he said walking up beside him. Tails hovered down to their level and looked at what Knuckles was seeing, his own eyes in shock. "Sonic… remember when I said that Knuckles was the last of the echidnas?"

"Think so bud." the blue hedgehog replied.

"Well… I think I was wrong on that."

Indeed he was as in the crater where the boulder rested… laid an orange echidna. A girl echidna who covered her face with her hands. The pink hedgehog and cream-colored rabbit went up to her. "Hey it's okay, you're safe now." the rose-colored girl whispered. Upon hearing that did the orange echidna slowly move her hands away, blue eyes looking around quickly.

Until they fell onto Knuckles.

A gasp came out of her as she scampered up. This gave the group the opportunity to see her in full view: she had a white blouse with a long green skirt that reached up to her ankles with diamond patterns on it and yellow frills at the bottom of the skirt. White sandals were present on her feet with blue bracelets around her wrists, but the most noticeable things were the jeweled headpiece and necklace on her form. Compared to Knuckles she was smaller and way less bulky, having a more gentle appearance compared to the red echidna's tough one.

The two remained speechless for a few seconds…

"Knuckles…?" she spoke.

"Tikal…?" he spoke.

The two echidnas then immediately hugged each other, the female echidna softly crying into him. Everyone else had a smile on their face seeing this.

"Aww look Tom it looks like they know each other!" Maddie said excitedly.

"Yeah, looks like the big guy can have a bit of emotion on him." Tom stated.

Sonic and Tails looked at each other and smiled, same way the pink hedgehog and young rabbit did to one another.

It took some time but eventually did the two separate, holding each other by arm's length. "I cannot believe you are still alive." the female echidna asked.

"I should ask you the same. I thought all the echidnas have been destroyed in the war…?" Knuckles said.

Tom on his part looked at his watch noticing that it was getting late and looking a bit darker. "Okay everyone so now that we have things sorted out, why don't we discuss all this better at our home?"

"Agreed. Come with us girls." Maddie asked the newcomers.

"Yeah let's race the way there!" Sonic loudly announced. Knuckles' ears picked this up, yet ironically… he wanted to stay longer with the female echidna.

No more words were spoken after that.

Tom and Maddie watched in amazement at the sight before them.

On one side of the dinner table sat Sonic, Tails and Knuckles while at the other side sat the three girls and the small blue being who arrived via pod from an unknown dimension. Silence dominated the dining room, seven pairs of eyes looking at the two humans quietly.

Tom then clapped his hands together. "Alright so I guess we can get started." he said pointing to the female hedgehog. "Alright let's start with you. What's your name where did you come from?"

"Tom, just her name is fine." Maddie said.

"No no it's okay it's okay. So um, my name is Amy Rose and I come from a planet filled with life and wide openness." the hedgehog named Amy said.

"Is there a name to this world?" Maddie asked. The rose-colored girl shook her head. "Not really. No one knows what the planet is called so we just leave it at that."

"Sounds like we all come from the same place then." Sonic replied. "I mean Knuckles here was from the same planet and when I asked Tails he said his home world didn't have a name either, so it looks like we all come from the same place."

Tails had a hand under his chin in thought. "It is strange that our world doesn't have a name, but at this point we're already here."

"So basically you guys don't know what the planet is called right?" Tom questioned. The six shook their heads in response. "Well alright how about we just give it a random name… does Mobius sound good?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!" Sonic approved. Knuckles nodded as well. "I agree with the hedgehog, it sounds most noble!"

"Alright alright now that we gave your home world a name, how about we let Amy continue?" Maddie said looking back at the pink hedgehog.

"Sure. I come from one of the neighboring villages next to the owls and lived there my entire life. It was pretty peaceful for us… until they showed up…"

"These Black Arms?" Tom asked.

"Yeah. They're horrible creatures that took away the lives of our village and destroyed everything in their path. I escaped luckily and went on my own for some time." Amy explained.

"Did you fight any of these Black Arms?" Maddie said.

"Yeah, some of them were pretty tough but luckily my trusty hammer never fails!" Amy then extended her arm and pink chaos energy was emitted from her palm. A shining light was emitted causing the others to cover their eyes, the light fading a few seconds after. Upon reopening them did they see the rose-colored now holding a large red and yellow hammer. "With this I'm pretty much unstoppable."

"Woah!" Tails got up and walked over to her side examining the weapon. "It looks like it's made from titanium alloy but at the same time it's also composed primarily of carbon fiber, making it lightweight as it seems."

"Tails, you're geeking out on us bud." Sonic said with a chuckle. "Still though that hammer's awesome!"

"A fine weapon for a fine warrior. If the chance comes you may challenge me to test your strength." Knuckles said crossing his arms with a smirk. Amy sweatdropped at that, dispelling her hammer from view. "Uhhh, sure I guess…"

"Knuckles, don't overdo it. They're new to this world just as you three are and the last thing we'd want is any more trouble." Tom said with Maddie nodding. "That's right, now let's move onto the cutie next to her. What's your name?"

The young rabbit slightly jumped upon feeling eyes on her and hid her face behind her large ears, the blue being floating behind her shoulder timidly as well. "U-Um… h-hello. M-My name i-is Cream…" she muttered.

"Hello Cream, my name is Tom and this is Maddie." Tom said while holding Maddie close as the latter waved to the young doe. "How about you boys introduce yourselves to make her feel more confident?"

"Sure I'll go first! My name's Sonic!"

"Hey there, I'm Tails!"

"I am Knuckles, proud warrior of the echidna tribe and mightiest in the galaxy."

The last one made the orange echidna giggle. Nonetheless it also made the rabbit named Cream to slowly peek out and look at them, the same with the blue being. Seeing the smiles on their faces did her confidence go up and she let off a smile on her own. "I-It's so great to meet all of you. Also this is my friend Cheese."

"Chao Chao!" the small being named Cheese happily waved.

"Aww it looks so adorable and oh my goodness his name is so cute! Are they like your version of pets in Mobius?" Maddie asked. Cream shook her head. "We see them as friends. I raised Cheese ever since he was an egg and made the bow he wears to show our strong friendship!"

"Chao Chao!" Cheese displayed his bow with pride to everyone.

Sonic whistled. "Man Cheese got the swag!"

"Swag?" Amy asked.

Tails chuckled. "What he means is that it looks cool." the yellow fox replied. Amy oh'd at that.

"So I assume you were also from one of the villages in your world?" Tom said to her. Cream nodded. "Yup! I lived with my mom back in our world but sadly… those scary monsters attacked the village and we both escaped. We found a ring and created a portal to leave but during our travel we got separated… I-I'm n-not s-sure w-where s-she went…" Cream then began to cry as Cheese got close and hugged her with tears of his own.

"Oh you poor thing…" Maddie said. Amy and the orange echidna gave her a hug as well. "I met Cream at one of the worlds we were in. We traveled together from there and I've been taking care of her ever since." Amy explained.

"That's terrible. I do hope you find your mother." Tom encouraged.

"Yeah, losing a parent sucks…" Sonic said with his eyes turning towards Knuckles, the latter's own also facing his direction silently.

Tails' ears drooped down. "I wished my family was there for me…"

The room now had a gloomy moment as the only sounds heard were Cream's and Cheese's sobs. It took some time but eventually they got her and the small blue being to calm down with Maddie also giving her a hug in the end.

"Well now that you're all better, let's hear from the last little lady." Tom said as they eyed the orange echidna. "Same as the others and don't worry, you can take your time."

Giving a small bow the peach-colored girl began. "My name is Tikal and just like Knuckles, I also come from the echidna tribe."

"That's very surprising to hear because from what Knuckles told us he became the last of his kind when his tribe fought the owls." Tom stated.

"That is correct Tom, our people perished in the great battle for the ultimate power. I have never expected that… that one of the priestesses would have survived." Knuckles explained, his violet eyes catching the stare from Tikal's own blue hues.

"A priestess?" Maddie questioned.

"Yes, I am a priestess belonging to the Mystic Temple. We pray and worship the deity called Chaos and serve under the protection of the Master Emerald, the ultimate power which Knuckles speaks of. We do not partake in battle, especially me since I am against all violence, but unfortunately the chieftain… my father, decided to lead a war against the owls and took all the elders and other priestesses. I was the only one left behind at the temple…" Tikal began tearing up with her head down. "Father always looked down upon me… he took my grandmother from me… she was all I had left…"

"There there Tikal, it's okay." Amy said with Cream and Cheese giving her a hug. Another silent moment went on and eventually it subsided, Tikal releasing some sniffs. "I thank you for the generous silence everyone."

"Not at all. Here in the Wachowski household we respect anyone that has a hard time so if you need some time, we'll give you that." Tom stated. Maddie nodded on her part. "We won't give you a hard time."

"Yeah and don't worry we're all good friends here!" Sonic said with a thumbs up.

"Don't need to worry I'm on the same boat as well!" Tails agreed as well.

Tikal smiled at everyone, until she turned to Knuckles to see an expressionless look on his face.

Tom noticed this. "Hey Knuckles, don't be rude. Say something."

The red echidna stayed silent for a few more seconds then gave a sigh. "I can only speak the same way, having lost my father to the war. I had no one else to depend on besides myself, traveling through worlds to find the disciple of Longclaw who escaped and defeat him to avenge our tribe. Now that I see it… I wished Pachacamac would have never attacked the owls."

"Wait hold on who's Pachacamac?" Sonic asked.

"Pachacamac… is my father's name." Tikal quietly said.

"And the fact that you know the chieftain Knuckles?" Maddie asked. Knuckles looked back at Tikal and then… the two smiled. "It is because we are longtime friends."

"So you two are childhood friends?" Maddie asked.

"Yes, we have known each other ever since we hatched from the egg. His father was one of my father's personal guard." Tikal explained. "The two were the best of friends. Knuckles' father was kind and generous to all while my father was the same way, until he ascended to take the mantle of chieftain and from there… my father became cruel and merciless."

"Sounds rough Tikal." Amy stated with Cream and Cheese silently nodding.

"Pachacamac ordered all the warriors and priestesses to prepare for battle; I was to be part of this battle but my father told me to stay behind. It was from there that you know the rest." Knuckles explained.

"What about your mothers?" Maddie asked. Knuckles and Tikal looked down in sadness. "My mother and Tikal's mother died giving birth to us. We share the same pain and from what our fathers told us of them, they were wonderful and precious people." Knuckles explained. The group also had the same expression as them upon hearing this.

"So basically your dads knew each other huh? That how you two met?" Tom asked. Knuckles gave a smile with Tikal doing the same again. "Yes and we have done many wonderful things. We played together, traveled across the vast forest and observed one another in our time of training."

"Aww that's so sweet!" Maddie said.

"Yes, Knuckles trained as a warrior while I have been raised under the serene leadership of my grandmother as a priestess. When the warriors returned with injuries from battle, we heal their wounds." Tikal then raised her hand. "Observe."

A green glow began emitting from the female echidna's hand as the group minus Amy, Cream, Cheese and Knuckles gasped. A similar glow came off of Knuckles' gloved hand with the red echidna taking off his glove to reveal the red-furred hand underneath. A few scars were visible from the battles he had before but upon the glow encasing his hand, those scars began to disappear in which almost everyone was shocked.

The glow subsided once his scars were healed and Tikal lowered her hand with the glow on hers disappearing as well. "As a priestess I can heal almost all wounds, but I am not fully trained unfortunately so I will not be able to heal fatal ones efficiently."

"That… is… AWESOME!" Sonic shouted.

"Sonic don't shout!" Tom scolded.

"Incredible. Something like that can help out a lot of those in need." Maddie stated.

"Wow that's some power you got there Tikal!" Tails complimented.

"She helped us out a ton when we got hurt during our travels." Amy explained. "We wouldn't be here without her support and wisdom."

"Miss Amy's right, she's the bestest friend we ever had!" Cream added. "CHAO CHAO!" Cheese also cheered. Tikal blushed from the praise, hiding her face behind her quills. "I-I thank a-all of you."

Knuckles smiled placing his glove back on. "She is a great friend and for me, I am very humble to see her alive and well once again."

Tikal looked at Knuckles in awe, their eyes watching each other.

Tom noticed this and smirked, slightly elbowing Maddie who turned to him. "What is it?" she asked.

"Look at the way they're looking at each other… that's the same way we stared at one another before we got together." Tom answered. Maddie saw it a bit more and made an 'o' shaped with her mouth. "I think they're…!" she whispered excitedly. Tom grinned wider nodding. "Let's give them a little push."

"So uh Knuckles, I was wondering?" Tom said to the red echidna. Knuckles broke his gaze to look at him. "What is the thought that you are wondering about Tom?"

"Well it's not just Tom but also me and we were wondering, but how common are relationships in your tribe?" Maddie asked. Knuckles and Tikal looked at one another raising an eyebrow, the male echidna turning back to them. "I do not understand? We are friends."

Tom and Maddie were very close to tearing their hair out yet realizing this is Knuckles they're talking to. He's very naïve.

"That's not what we're talking about. What we're talking about is this." Tom and Maddie then held hands and showed it to them. Sonic and Amy immediately knew as they held in a laugh while Tails, Cream and Cheese were a bit clueless on their part; understandable since they're younger. For Tikal however… her eyes dilated upon realizing the sign and her face turned an extreme shade of red. Knuckles…

…still did not understand. "Tom, we have held hands before as children. Is it not common here in your world?"

'OH MY GOD!' almost everyone's minds except the smaller kids and Tikal shouted to the heavens. Knuckles was indeed a warrior… but his values were so far into that aspect of his life that he REALLY did not understand the true meaning behind this gesture between two people on Earth.

Maddie breathed out. "Okay Knuckles might as well make this clear and simple… is it common for echidnas to get together and marry?"

Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "Um yes we do marry. Once we achieve the right age in time do we bond with the tradition…al…cere…" his sentence became fragmented as he realized what they meant, Tom and Maddie smiling widely with Sonic and Amy trying to hold their laughs in. Knuckles slowly turned to Tikal, seeing her incredibly flushed face looking back at him with wide eyes. Knuckles quickly turned between her and the two humans, now knowing which caused his face to burn tomato red just like his fur. He also realized another thing… they were the last two living echidnas… which means…

He stood up abruptly pointing a finger at the two which startled everyone.

"DISHONOR! WHY WOULD YOU BRING UPON THAT THOUGHT TO US! WE DO NOT SEE EACH OTHER THAT WAY!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.

"WOAH CHILL OUT KNUCKLES!" Sonic shouted just as hard.

"Okay Knuckles calm down! It was only a joke!" Tom stated in panic.

"We were just wondering! Don't take it personally!" Maddie added. Knuckles breathed in and out quickly before sitting back down with a hard thud still looking at them peeved. "There is no chance that a bond like that can happen between us! It is forbidden for a priestess to marry a warrior as the Mystic Temple does not allow their pupils to bond romantically. We are only friends and nothing more!"

The group was still stunned at his outburst. Tom and Maddie looked over to Tikal to see the peach-colored girl watch him devastated and sad, the red echidna unfortunately not looking back at her. The two can pick up the small whimpers coming out from her and assuming how hard Amy was trying to keep a normal face and not smash him, it looks like his response… hurt Tikal…

"Alright so I guess we can respect that Knuckles. I will have to talk to you later though." Maddie said. Knuckles simply grunted crossing his arms.

Tom on his part decided to lighten the mood with another thought he had. "So how about you two." he said to Sonic and Amy. The two hedgehogs looked at each other and the same way, blushed very hard and blabbered out complete nonsense with steam rising off their heads. Tails laughed at the misfortune being aimed at them while Cream and Cheese giggled on how funny they were. Tikal also gave a laugh feeling better now while Knuckles smirked at how Sonic's acting like an idiot. Tom and Maddie were going to go with Tails and Cream but decided against it since they were still very young.

Everyone talked for a while more as the Wachowski's and the three boys got to learn more about the girls. Amy on her part talked about their travels throughout worlds with some being nice in scenery while others were downright scary. Cream and Cheese mentioned how one time they ended up at an arena where they got to see many fights, the young rabbit talking on how strange everyone was including three certain individuals. Knuckles questioned what world it was and upon getting an answer did he get surprised and stated that he was also in that world before, having been captured and forced to fight. Naturally he broke out and spoke a bit on his achievement. Tikal talked about her experience in learning new cultures she got to see and helping out others in need, along with how she met Amy and Cream prior to escaping Mobius. Tom and Maddie were intrigued by all of this while Sonic, Tails and Knuckles were impressed at all the fun stuff they got to do. Nonetheless it was a great experience in which everyone got to know more about each other.

Tom then let out a yawn checking the clock. "Alright 9pm boys, time for bed."

"Aww do we have to?! Can't we stay up more?!" Sonic whined. Tom crossed his arms smiling. "Sonic, bedtime."

"Fine…" the blue hedgehog got off his seat and headed towards the hall, pulling a string which brought down a flight of stairs to his room. "I don't get the point of a bedtime…"

Tails looked at the two humans. "Do we really have to?"

"Tails you heard me. It's a school night." Tom replied. The yellow fox sighed and got off the chair following Sonic. "But we don't even go to school…"

Tom then looked at Knuckles. "Means you too big guy."

"I refuse." the red echidna talked back.

Maddie intervened. "Actually Tom I want to have a word with him. Follow me Knuckles." she said with Knuckles obeying and hopping off his seat as the two walked out the dining room. Tom sighed then turned to the three girls who laughed quietly seeing the boys getting told.

"Okay young ladies, since you three got nowhere to go you can stay with us for tonight. Unfortunately we don't have enough room in the house so if you're okay you can sleep in the living room. I'll have pillows and blankets out so you can make yourself comfortable." he explained.

"Thank you Tom, we appreciate it!" Amy said.

"Wowee thank you very much Mr. Tom!" Cream cheered as well, Cheese yipping in joy.

"We are grateful for your hospitality and accept." Tikal said with a bow. Tom smiled. "Well alright I'll be right back so just sit tight." he then walked off disappearing from sight.

"Let's go see what Sonic and Tails are doing!" Amy suggested hopping off the chair.

"But Miss Amy, Mr. Tom said to stay here while he goes get pillows and blankies." she said. "Chao Chao." Cheese also agreed.

Tikal looked at the pink hedgehog in concern. "She is correct Amy. We must not disobey him."

"Yeah but I'm not one to just sit there and wait quietly for too much. Plus they looked pretty sad and since they cheered us up, we also have to do the same." Amy explained.

"You're right Miss Amy! I don't know what Mr. Tom meant by 'school night' but that did sound mean." Cream stated with Cheese agreeing as well.

"I do not wish to impose the burden on us leaving… but you are correct Amy, let us go lift their spirits." Tikal also got off the seat with the three girls heading up the stairs leading to the boys' room. They poked their heads into the room and gasped.

Several posters, knickknacks, action figures, comics books, video games and various lights were displayed around the room with some signs displaying speed limits. Three beds were present within the room, one having a frame to look like a red car, the other was a yellow car, while the third was a purple truck. Sonic himself sat on his bed taking off his shoes while Tails was putting on some gray pajamas.

The two turned noticing the girls looking around the room. "Oh hey what's up?" Sonic questioned.

"Woah… this looks incredible…" Amy said walking in and looking around.

"Hehe yeah it does, though we didn't say whether or not you can come in but we can let it slide." Tails mentioned. Cream just realized that and panicked a bit. "Oh my goodness we're so sorry for intruding!" she blabbered out with Cheese chipping the same word several times. The two tailed kitsune chuckled shrugging it off. "It's fine. Long as you don't touch my experimental potato bomb you're good."

"Potato bomb?" Cream said.

Tikal was marveled at the things within the room. "This feels different compared to the places we have settled in. It feels… more at home, unlike the tribe huts."

"Yeah but it can't beat my old home." Sonic said changing into his pajamas by spinning himself rapidly. He now wore a red button down with pants. "It's still hard to let go at times, but I'm more grateful for mom and dad for giving me a new one."

"Mom and dad?" Amy asked. Sonic smiled. "Yeah, Tom and Maddie."

"Aww that's so cute!" Cream said. "Chao Chao!" Cheese following suit.

"Yeah the room's pretty nice, though my old one had all the gadgets I built ever since I was little. The technology here on Earth is a bit more primitive, but nonetheless it has plentiful resources for growth." Tails explained.

"That must sound wonderful Tails." Tikal said… even though she doesn't understand anything about technology.

"Yup! Anyways we got bedtime and don't wanna anger dad more so we'll be hitting the hay!" Sonic said settling into bed.

"Girls are you in here?" Tom's voice sounded from below along with footsteps walking up the stairs. They turned towards the opening and saw Tom walk in with several blankets and pillows. "Oh I was right. Anyway let's head down so they can sleep."

Amy then had another idea. It was a long shot, but she wanted to know more about the boys… especially Sonic since she began finding him pretty interesting. "Hey Tom… can we actually sleep here with them?"

Tom shook his head quickly in surprise. "Woah woah you want to sleep in here? I don't think it's a good idea."

Cream then began walking up to him in which the man noticed. He shouldn't have noticed however.

For now he was hit by the young doe's ultimate weapon. And now his greatest weakness.

Large, sad puppy dog brown eyes looking at him. "Please Mr. Tom, can we sleep here with Mr. Sonic, Tails and Mr. Knuckles? Pretty please~?"

"Chao Chao?" even Cheese got in as well, his oval shaped blue orbs double teaming against him. Tom's heart couldn't take it, his teeth clenched hard as he tried to look away but it wasn't enough; Maddie was right she was incredibly adorable. He gave in either way. "Alright alright you girls can sleep with the boys, but no funny business."

"YAY!" Cream cheered along with Cheese.

"Don't worry Tom we'll behave." Amy added. Tikal nodded as well. "We will be respectful to everyone."

"Well alright, let me help you get settled then." Tom walked in and proceed to lay out the sleeping arrangements on the floor. Upon finishing were their makeshift beds nicely made connecting to each other. "Okay that should do it. I'll be going now and remember, no funny business."

"Don't worry Tom we'll behave." Tails replied.

"Yeah dad there won't be funny business hehe. Stop worrying too much." Sonic chimed. Tom sighed beginning to lift the stairs. "That's when I worry the most. Goodnight kids!"

"Goodnight!" was their response.

A soft click was made and Tom's footsteps were heard walking away. Sonic grinned knowing that he was gone now. "Anyone up for a movie?"

"Sonic you heard Tom. Bedtime." Tails stated.

"Movie?" Amy asked the blue hedgehog.

"Yup. Donut Lord sleeps like a rock so I take the time to chill and watch some nice flicks." Sonic hopped off his bed and walked over to a flat screen TV that was hung on the wall with a dvd player beneath it. "Mom doesn't mind it either. In fact she lets me do this hehe."

"Ooooo I want to know more about these movies! They sound fun!" Cream said.

"Chao Chao!" Cheese yipped also wanting to know more about them.

Tails sighed shaking his head. "I swear Sonic one day we're gonna get in trouble for this and he'll be taking away the TV." Nonetheless the yellow fox got off his bed and walked over to them.

CLICK!

They all heard the stairs opening up and turned around to see Knuckles walk in.

With an angry expression.

"Yo Knuckles you up for a movie?" Sonic asked. Knuckles ignored him and got into his bed, throwing the blankets over himself. "Ooookay I guess Mr. Grumpy doesn't want to."

"Sonic let's not bug him right now. I think Maddie told him something he didn't like." Tails whispered. Sonic shrugged and dug through several dvds until he found one that had a mix of comedy and action. He figured the girls needed some laughs.

For two hours the movie turned out great for the group with several laughs and awes coming out of it. Amy, Cream and Cheese were amazed at the film clearly enjoying it while Sonic and Tails also had their fare, albeit to a slightly lesser extent since they already seen it. They didn't mind answering some questions that the girls brought up, if anything also teaching them on how stuff on Earth works. All in all they had a good time until drowsiness began to hit them and they called it a night, going to their respective beds.

Tikal however… was primarily focused on Knuckles. Her blue eyes concentrated on him half the time during the movie and was aware of how upset he was.

She had a feeling why.

Violet eyes gazed out at the full moon from the window. Clear skies were overcast with several stars twinkling above as Knuckles took in the calm scenery with a small sigh. He sat in his bed thinking to himself as all the others were fast sleep, hearing the slight snoozes coming off the girls to Sonic's mumbling. He got used to the blue hedgehog's nighttime habits but if anything he understood since Sonic was a free spirited and adventurous young individual.

He himself however was brought up to be a great warrior and one of the toughest in the galaxy. Knuckles was built to withstand any punishment and take on any foe with ease, his mighty strength and selfless courage proof of that.

However… he wasn't ready to take on the words that Maddie spoke to him. Of how his words hurt her.

'That was a very dishonorable thing you have done Knuckles. Father would be ashamed for speaking such words against her… but what else could I have said? I do not know much about that aspect. I was trained to be a battle-ready fighter, what am I to know about Earth's version of 'relationships'?" Knuckles gave a soft sigh, eyeing the object within his grasp. "I am sorry my friend…"

"Knuckles?"

The red echidna got startled almost losing his grip on the object in his hands, turning to see a faint silhouette. The person slowly walked quietly towards him, revealing themselves in the moonlight.

"Tikal?" he whispered. The orange echidna nodded before looking at what he had in his hands.

Her blue eyes widened considerably, seeing that Knuckles possessed a fairly large green gem. "It cannot be…"

Knuckles smiled and looked at the jewel. "It is my friend… the Master Emerald."

Tikal quickly walked towards him and kneeled in front of the emerald, whispering a small prayer.

"The servers are the 7 Chaos. Chaos is power… power enriched by the heart. The controller is the one that unifies the Chaos." she whispered. A few more prayers were given in which Tikal opened her eyes once again and stood up to sit near him. "Where did you find it?" she asked in awe.

"It is a long tale, but the hedgehog and I crossed paths once again within a water temple that was revealed to us using a sacred compass. I was with another who I thought was a friend… I was misguided and tricked in the end. If it was not for the hedgehog, I would have perished…" Knuckles said lowering his eyes. Tikal noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do not feel shame Knuckles. Chaos would forgive your sins upon following the better path after. We all have our mistakes."

"My mistake would have cost not just my life, but every living being here on Earth. A warrior should protect all that is good, but I took the path of vengeance."

"As I have stated Knuckles, we make mistakes. You were only misinformed of what is right and if anything you were brought into a mysterious new world. The cultural views and ideals would be very different compared to ours." Tikal explained. Knuckles looked at her and smiled. "You would have made a noble grand priestess if it was not for your father to wage war against the owls."

Tikal also smiled with a blush. "Thank you Knuckles. I condone the actions that he has brought against the owls and my people, but that does not mean that I cannot avoid remembering the memorable moments I had with him when he was benevolent and kind."

"My condolences regardless Tikal." Knuckles said.

"My condolences as well Knuckles. Your father did not deserve to be taken from you so quickly." she replied. Afterwards a small silence occurred to which the two looked at the moon for a bit. Knuckles however had the talk he had with Maddie earlier fresh in his mind, and he decided to act on her suggestions.

"Tikal?"

"Hmm?" the peach-colored girl turned to him curiously. "What is it?"

Knuckles gulped slightly and got nervous. He never had to do anything like this in his life, usually solving his issues with his fists. Nonetheless Maddie's advice was the best route.

"I want to say… I am truly sorry for saying such words to you Tikal. I never meant it." Knuckles apologized hanging his head. "Please forgive me my friend."

Tikal gasped lightly and waved her hands. "It is okay Knuckles I do forgive you. I came to see if you were well considering you came in very upset."

Knuckles raised his head with a small smile. "Yes, I was very upset. Maddie has told me about the choice of words I have used and made me realize that I should have never said them. I should have never said them to a very good friend of mine… a friend I have known my entire life."

The orange echidna's heart skipped a beat upon hearing that. Just maybe… "Knuckles?"

The moonlight made her blue hues twinkle, surprising Knuckles. Since when did she look so… Knuckles knew the word, but was very shy to say it. He also realized she wasn't in her normal attire, having received a set of sleep clothing along with the lack of her jeweled headpiece and necklace.

To him, Tikal was very important.

He didn't focus too much on it when he arrived on Earth, but now that she is with him.

Knuckles realized that he didn't want Tikal to leave him again.

'Is this what Maddie meant? Is this how humans on Earth describe it? No, we are still forbidden to do that! But… we are no longer in our homeworld.'

"Knuckles?" a small whisper came out of Tikal. Knuckles blinked several times before realizing that he was staring at Tikal. "O-Oh um, my apologies."

Tikal gave a quiet giggle. "It is okay Knuckles. Will you be able to slumber well?"

"Oh yes I will. Thank you for accepting my apology and I hope I did not hurt you too much." Knuckles said quietly. Tikal shook her head. "You did not Knuckles. I can never be hurt by your words since I know your heart does not have bad intentions. You are a brave, strong and wonderful echidna that I look up to. I thank you as well for your help in the forest."

Just hearing that opened up new emotions for Knuckles. He then saw her about to get up.

He didn't want that.

Tikal gasped again feeling a large hand grab hers softly. She turned to see Knuckles' own hand grip hers, a blush returning to her face. "K-Knuckles…?" she whispered. The male echidna averted his eyes from her, embarrassed to make eye contact.

"T-Tikal… I also learned another." Knuckles stated.

"What would that be…" she replied. Did he…?

"A priestess and warrior are forbidden to bond that way as it is written upon the scriptures of the elders… but… we are no longer in our home world." Knuckles then got some confidence and made eye contact with her, Tikal's eyes twinkling on her part. "We are on Earth… a new home, where we can decide our fate for ourselves. To speak the truth… Maddie has told me more about the 'relationships' and… over the years we have grown I have-?!"

Knuckles was startled by Tikal throwing herself into him and wrapping the larger echidna in a hug. Tears went down her face with some quiet sobs being let out, the echidna girl very happy to hear his statement. Knuckles was shocked at the action but nonetheless smiled hugging her back.

They separated afterward with Tikal wiping her eyes and smiling widely. "T-That is w-wonderful Knuckles. Even I feel the same way." she quietly said. Her excitement was through the roof but she contained herself lest she want to wake the others.

Knuckles laughed a bit. "Then whenever you are ready, I accept."

Tikal didn't need to speak, getting closer to him and leaning her head on his shoulder. "I am already ready Knuckles and I truly accept. We have grown together our entire life and made wonderful memories, and I wish to make more with you. Though we were apart for a time recently, I will ensure to never leave you again Knuckles."

"I reciprocate the same way Tikal, I will not let anyone or anything take you or harm you. As a warrior… and as a guardian, I have found a new purpose." Knuckles said leaning his head on hers. "With the Master Emerald's blessing, we will forge a new path… together."

Tikal nodded as Knuckles raised the green jewel. Knowing the gesture did Tikal raise her own hand and place it on top of the emerald, feeling its divine power and rough surface. From there she moved it further down to meet with Knuckles' larger one, the male echidna moving his slightly so now it rested below Tikal's as she held the emerald.

Wide smiles were on their faces as they silently watched the emerald for the rest of the night, eventually falling asleep together with the Master Emerald in between them.

Amy watched the whole thing play out, having woken up due to Tikal shifting near her. Cream and Cheese were in deep sleep which was good; if anything the two needed the rest. The pink hedgehog sighed at the two echidnas across the room, her olive eyes taking in the sight.

Until she shifted her gaze over to a slumbering blue hedgehog sleeping in a far-off position while mumbling to himself. "…chili dogs… mine…"

Amy giggled at his silliness. "I swear I heard him say that a lot, but… he's very interesting." she then looked back at two echidnas and switching back to Sonic. "Maybe with time and getting to know each other more… I can have something like what Tikal has gotten today… is this…" she placed a hand over her heart.

It was beating faster.

"Oh my goodness…"

The night went uneventful thereafter.

A dark room within a facility lit up red as steam was released from a glass door opening within a chamber. Right next to the chamber stood a man wearing a G.U.N uniform, watching the container open.

"I have seen the records you mentioned doctor… I would have never guessed your grandfather even created something like this…" Agent Stone muttered before giving off a grin. "With this, we will take our revenge and I will avenge you doctor!"

"Don't be so loud hon." an unknown voice was heard, the sounds of wings flapping getting closer as Agent Stone turned to see a certain ivory batgirl make her presence. "I have taken care of the guards so we're good to go~."

"Excellent Rouge. With this weapon I will make Dr. Robotnik's dreams come true and we will rule the world!" Agent Stone then stepped closer to the chamber as the steam began to disappear.

"ARISE… PROJECT SHADOW!"

From that… several footsteps were heard coming his way, revealing a black hedgehog with red highlights.

Crimson eyes glowing with chaos energy.

Fin.


Aaand done!

So yeah that was my AU version incorporating some of the other works to the movie version. Again as I stated half of the things in here won't happen due to mandates but then again Paramount has gotten away with a few things that Sega wouldn't allow, so we'll see what happens. Remember in the movies Pachacamac existed in the same timeline as Sonic's so there's a chance she might either come out in the third movie or the Knuckles spinoff, who knows. Anything can happen with how Paramount is pitching their ideas so we'll just have to wait and see what they utilized in the spin-off and third movie.

Anyway hope you enjoyed it and make sure to check on updates and other things in my bio! Til next time! ouo/