"This isn't always my agenda, but I am always happy to crush a hero." Infinite smirked at Silver, crossing his arms. "It keeps the rabble in line. Shows them that there is no hope."

"Does anyone but you believe your lies?!" Silver hissed, clenching his fist. He let out a startled yelp as Infinite attacked him without warning. They clashed a few times and one giant punch managed to knock the Phantom Ruby off of Infinite. Infinite gave Silver a punch that sent him flying straight into a wall. The ivory hedgehog yelled in pain and fell to the ground with an "oof."

"Seeing is believing." Infinite muttered, glancing at Silver's unconscious body. He was about to lay one more punch when Sonic smashed into Infinite, knocking him away from Silver.

"SILVER!" Penny shrieked, running over to her friend.

Sonic landed protectively in front of Penny and Silver. "Time to tag out, Silver! I've got it from here!"

"I-I'm okay, Pen." Silver grunted as Penny slowly helped the hedgehog to his feet. Hearing a chuckle, she turned to Infinite, her eyes widened with fear.

"Well, look who's back from the dead." Infinite snickered at Sonic. "The little blue savior." He placed a hand to his head. "But what's that I smell? You reek of fear. Glad to see I left an impression."

Sonic lifted his arm and sniffed himself before turning to frown at Infinite. "That's not fear. I ran all the way over here. And you haven't left an impression. I don't know anything about you! Not even your name."

"You may call me 'Infinite' in the brief moment that remain to you." The jackal said, crossing his arms.

"Infinite..." Penny muttered under her breath, her eyes never leafing the floating jackal.

Sonic smirked. "Great! See, Infinite, now we're getting to know each other!" He started pacing, his smirk never leaving his face. "What's your favorite color? Do you like long, romantic walks on the beach? What's the source of your power? You can skip the first two questions if you like."

Infinite crossed his arms. "The source of my power is none of your concern." He lowered his arms and Penny could see a type of jewel attached to his chest. She and Silver shared a small look before turning their attention back to the conversation.

"Sorry, but you've GOT to share your secret with me!" Sonic said. "I insist!" The blue hedgehog took off in a dash towards Infinite.

"Your insistence is FUTILE!" Infinite hissed, launching some type of strange energy rays from his body at Sonic. The force was so powerful that it lifted Sonic, Silver, and Penny off of their feet. Luckily Silver grabbed Penny before she was knocked into something. She clung to him, shaking.

"Sonic, are you okay?!" Silver yelled, wrapping his arms around Penny.

"I'm okay!" Sonic yelled. "Just get Penny to safety!" He let out a yelp as another blast from Infinite sent the hedgehog flying off.

"SONIC!" Penny shrieked.

Sonic groaned as he collided with the ground. Infinite was stronger than he thought...the jackal had managed to take him down with a single blow.

"As I predicted." Infinite chuckled as he glanced at Sonic. "You're not even worth the effort to finish off."

He flew off.

Sonic grunted, struggling to his knees. "I've GOTTA figure out the secret of his power!"

"Eggman's army has broken through!" Amy said once Sonic, Silver, and Penny returned from the fight with Infinite. "They're in the city! We need to get those people out of there!"

Knuckles frowned. "Who can we send? Sonic and Silver need time to heal." He glanced at Penny, and the human girl winced. She didn't like the look he was giving her...

"We've engaged enemy forces at Seaside Hill." Espio announced, knocking Penny out of her thoughts. "We can't spare anyone!"

"This is the 8th Unit!" A soldier called from the radio. "We're pinned down under heavy enemy fire!"

Knuckles sighed. "Man, it looks like we have no choice." He turned to Penny. "Okay, Rookie, I've got a tough one for you. I need you to head back to the city and save those civilians!"

Penny winced again, but quickly shook it off and placed on her best determined expression she could make and nodded firmly.

Looks like she had a job to do.