Chapter 2:
Sonic flew the Tornado 2 towards the floating island. Tails had been surprised and reluctant to let Sonic barrow the plane. He had been worried that Sonic was going to go on an adventure without him. But when Sonic assured him that it had nothing to do with Eggman or anything, Tails happily let Sonic use the plane.
Sonic maneuvered the plane closer and landed it in front of the emerald shrine. Sonic hopped out of the plane and looked around, but found no sign of the woman that had spoken to him or Knuckles for that matter.
Where could that Knucklehead have gone? Sonic wondered. Oh well, guess it's better this way. I would have no idea how to explain why I'm here.
Sonic walked up to the Master Emerald, but there was still no sign of anyone. On a haunch, Sonic pulled out his Chaos Emerald. The emerald and Master Emerald began glowing so brightly that Sonic had to look away. When the glowing died down, he turned back and let out a gasp of surprise.
Floating in front of the Master Emerald was a white hedgehog woman. She had long hair, her eyes were shining silver, and she wore a long white dress and cape.
"Who are you?" Sonic asked, staring at the woman.
"I'm known by many names," the woman said, her musical voice caressing over Sonic. "But you may call me Purity. I'm the one that called you here and I have the answers you seek. For I am the creator of the Chaos Emeralds."
"You created the Chaos Emeralds," Sonic said, astonished. "Wouldn't that make you a billion years old or something? And why are you a hedgehog?"
"I only look like this because you perceive me like this," Purity answered. "And I have existed since the dawn of time!"
"Why are you showing yourself to me?" Sonic asked.
"You have a great destiny before you Sonic," Purity replied. "And I am here to help guide you. Haven't you wondered how it is that you have been able to wield the powers of chaos so easily? How the supposedly ultimate life form shares so many similarities with you?"
"Are you saying I'm created as well?" Sonic said, confused. "That I'm somehow more perfect."
"No," Purity replied, with a gentle smile. "You were born, not created. And like every living thing, you have your flaws, but you are so much more. You have accomplished more than anyone. You've saved your world from creatures that are considered gods. You can harness the emeralds powers easily and with no ill effects. And you are so in tune with the chaos energy that you were able to use chaos control with a fake emerald, something that even Shadow can't do."
"But I've had help doing all those things," Sonic protested. "And I'm not the only one that can go super. Shadow and Knuckles can, even Tails has gone super."
"You are being too modest Sonic," Purity said. "The world would have fallen many times over without you. Shadow was created to be the ultimate life from, but he doesn't share your destiny. Knuckles is a guardian, which gives him power over the emeralds. As for Tails, it's actually his destiny to take your place as the hero of this world."
"And where will I be then?"
"You're destiny is to rise to a higher plane. You will protect not only this world, but many others as well for all time. You will be the greatest hero ever, but few will know of your triumphs. All you have to do is accept the power of the emeralds."
Purity held out her hand to Sonic. He began reaching for it, but hesitated.
"What about those dreams I've had?" Sonic asked. "I couldn't control the emeralds. I hurt my friends."
"Those are warnings Sonic," Purity replied. "That is what will happen if you try to avoid your destiny. Your parents received the same warning, but they refused to let you go and they were punished. The separation is what gave you your fear of water."
"You knew my parents!" Sonic shouted, getting angry. "You are why I don't remember my past!"
"Your parents made their choice," Purity answered calmly. "They were trying to prevent what is meant to be. But the time is now Sonic."
She held out her hand once more.
"Accept for destiny Sonic," Purity commanded.
"Maybe I don't want it," Sonic replied, backing up. "Maybe I like my friends and my life."
"Sonic," Purity said, a slight hint of impatience in her voice. "You cannot run from who you are. Accept the power you are meant to have!"
"No!" Sonic shouted. "You've been manipulating my whole life! I will not be your puppet any more. I will change my destiny."
"Sonic," Purity seemed worried. "Disaster will follow if you head down that road. Remember your dreams! If you try and fight your destiny, you're friends could get hurt! Accept your destiny before it's to late!"
"NO! I don't believe you! I won't let that happen!"
Sonic turned away from Purity and ran down the stairs. He hoped in the plane and took off, not glancing back once.