The king sat there looking at Sonic as if he was an alien. "Are you sure this is the one that made the army retreat?" he asked.
"Yes, your highness. This blue hedgehog saved us." said Sky.
The king didn't look too sure. "I was expecting a strong, brave warrior! Not a teen hedgehog from elsewhere." Said the king. "You must prove yourself, young hedgehog. I want to see for myself."
"Heh, I'm so fast you won't be able to see me!" joked Sonic.
"Sonic is the fastest thing alive!" said Alice.
"Alright." said the king. "Catch this stone before it hits the ground."
"Easy." said Sonic.
"From over there." The king pointed to the other end of the hall. it was about fifteen meters away.
Sonic jogged over to the door and the king threw a pebble into the air. Sonic then ran at superspeed over to the throne and caught it from five seconds to spare.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed the king. "You really are worthy!"
"He really is." said Alice.
And there it goes again. Sonic blushes, and he feels different. What is this feeling?!
But then a young hawk burst into the room.
"Sorry to disturb you, King Seph!" he said.
"Ah, I don't mind. What's the matter?"
"A person outside is using..."
"Using what?" asked the king.
"Witchcraft!" the kid shouted.
"What?!" The king and Sky were horrified. "Sonic, investigate!"
"With pleasure, your highness!" said Sonic, and he ran out the room, Alice following.
When we ran out, he saw a crowd of people. He pushed through to the front to see a hooded figure with a green gemstone, making balls of light dance around him.
Sonic was shocked. "That's a... Chaos Emerald!" he exclaimed.
Alice looked at him. "A what?" she asked.
"A Chaos Emerald." Sonic replied. "There are seven of them. Each one contains a big power, capable of wiping out everything! Luckily for you, I can use them in a safe way."
Sonic ran past the figure, taking the Emerald out of his hand. He stopped and turned to the figure.
"You shouldn't be using that!" said Sonic. "Who are you?"
"I am a wizard." said the figure. He took of his hood, revealing a black hawk with a scar on his face.
"Why are you using this?" Sonic asked, pointing at the Emerald.
"I wanted to put on a show. So I used the gem." explained the wizard.
"So you just wanted to make money?"asked Sonic.
"Yes."
"Well, I'm keeping this." said Sonic, walking away with the Chaos Emerald. "Stay out of trouble."
Sonic walked off as the crowd dispersed. Alice came running up to him.
"So, your saying that one of these can just destroy the whole planet if used incorrectly?" Alice asked.
"Well, sort of." Sonic replied. "If we somehow get out of this mess, ask my friend Knucles. He knows all sorts about the Emeralds."
Then Sonic saw the King walking to him.
"Sonic, I just received news from my courier that a dark and powerful force threatens to take over the land. Do you know any of this?" asked the King.
Sonic had a good idea of who he meant. "Yup. This guy's name is Mephiles. I had to duel him in the barracks before I met you." explained Sonic.
"The attack before was his army- wait, what?"
"Yeah, we should have told you sooner." said Alice.
"Never mind, then. Anyway, the attack before was his army. We would have lost the battle if it weren't for you jumping in at the last minute. I must say, thank you." said King Seph. "Now, I want to ask a favor."
"Ask away." said Sonic.
"You defeated most of his knights, and you dueled him in the barracks. You seem to know him well. He's been terrorizing the village for a few weeks now and he's got us nearly beat. Can we count on you to defeat Mephiles?"
Sonic and Alice exchanged looks. If Mephiles was behind all this time travel business, then defeating him might bright them back to the present. Then they nodded together.
"I'm up for it, your highness!" exclaimed Sonic.
"You... what?" asked the King.
"Oh, er, sorry, we didn't know you don't understand our casual lingo. We'll do it." explained Alice.
"Excellent!" said the King happily. "I have faith in you. Now go and defeat Mephiles!"
"Yes, sir!" said Sonic, and with that they prepared to set off!