Chapter 2: Summoned to A New Land
Sonic groaned in pain and opened his eyes. The first thing that he noticed was that he lad landed on his head! He got up and looked around to see where he was, but nothing looked familiar at all. There were mountains and forests in the distance. Sonic saw a town nearby and also some lakes. He furrowed his brow in confusion and scratched his head.
Where am I? he thought. This doesn't look at all like Earth. Am I on another planet or something?
The hedgehog sighed, still confused on where he was. He started to run towards the town in the distance, hoping to get some information about this new land. He tried to remember what had happened: he was at home reading the book Tails had left him, and then he fell asleep. And then the next thing he knew he woke up here! Sonic shook his head and continued to run; this was all very strange.
Sonic was in awe at the geography of this land. He could see mountains as far as the eye could see, and it looked like he was in some sort of valley. The hedgehog ran until he saw the town up ahead. He slowed to a stop when the town's gates came into view and eyed it with interest.
Suddenly he saw some figures walking towards him. His eyes grew wide as he saw that they were hideous creatures that looked like the Ringwraiths from The Lord of the Rings. They were hooded figures but Sonic could make out a beak protruding from their faces and sharp, wicked eyes. He slowly backed away as they came closer.
"Who are you?" he shouted.
The figures said nothing, and continued to walk near him. They all drew swords and aimed them at Sonic. The hedgehog blinked and started to pick up speed, but one of the creatures suddenly landed in front of him. He yelped as the sword it was carrying swung down, barely missing him. He jumped and dodged out of the way, only to find himself surrounded by the creatures. They hissed and leaped towards him, taking Sonic by surprise. One of the creatures swung his sword again, this time wounding Sonic.
Suddenly, a bolt of electricity came hurtling towards the creatures. It shocked them violently, causing them to scream in pain. The creatures gave one last look at Sonic before fleeing off into the valley. Sonic looked around for his rescuer and gasped when he saw a woman standing not far from him. She wore black and green armor that appeared to be made of metal. A cape flowed over her shoulders, and a sword was strapped to her side in a holster. The woman looked at Sonic with deep blue eyes.
"Sonic the Hedgehog, I assume?"
Sonic gulped. "How do you know my name?"
The woman laughed. "My name is Angela, and it was I who summoned you here. Follow me; we cannot talk now. The king's spies are everywhere."
A billion questions went through Sonic's mind. She summoned him here? Why, and how? What was so important that someone had to summon him to another world? Sonic was feeling major deja vu; after all, he had been to the world of the Arabian Nights and Camelot also. He shook his head and shrugged, following her; he would ask all this later. They walked through the city and into a shop filled with all sorts of weird stuff: herbs, potions, spell books...it seemed to Sonic that Angela was some sort of witch or mage.
The two sat down at a table across from each other and said nothing for a moment. Finally, Angela spoke.
"I can imagine what you must be thinking, Sonic. Don't worry, I will answer your questions. I have summoned you here because this world need your help."
Sonic fidgeted in his seat. "Where is here, exactly?"
"You are in the land of Alagaesia, in the town of Terim," Angela told him. "This is my shop where I live, and yes, I am a witch."
"Why did you summon me here?" Sonic asked.
Angela sighed. "I summoned you to Alagaesia so that you can help us. There is a tyrannical king, Galbatorrix, who is causing destruction across the land. The Dragon Rider Eragon is destined to destroy him, but you must help him on his quest."
"Eragon?" Sonic said in confusion. I've heard that name somewhere before...
"He is the last Dragon Rider in Alagaesia, with his dragon Saphira. They are currently in Ellesmerra visiting the elves and are looking for a way to defeat the king. I will teleport you there so you can meet him and tell him that you are here to help."
Sonic thought about it or a minute, and then nodded. "I will help in any way I can, Angela. Where I come from, there is a man called Dr. Ivo Robotnik, also known as Dr. Eggman, who is constantly trying to take over Earth but I try to stop him. If this world needs my help too, then I will gladly be of assistance."
Angela smiled. "That is what I was hoping to hear. Now, one last thing that you need to know. You will have to take on a new form while you are here; an anthropomorphic hedgehog is not very common in Alagaesia, and would most likely draw attention. I shall use my magic to transform you into a more...suitable, well-known species."
This worried Sonic. "Will this...transformation...be permanent?"
Angela nodded. "Don't worry, you'll still have your speed, along with new abilities with your new form."
"What will I transform into?" Sonic asked.
"You'll find out when you start to change."
"One last question: what were those creatures that attacked me?"
"Those are the Ra'zac, minions of Galbatorrix. I have a feeling that they will not be gone for long; most likely they will alert your presence to the king. However, they might not recognize you in your new form.
Sonic got out of his seat and stood in front of Angela. The witch said an incantation and then shot a bolt of magic at him. Sonic cried out as the magic hit his body and vanished. He looked at Angela, wondering what would happen next.
"When will I transform?" he asked Angela.
"The spell will take effect in a few moments. I am going to teleport you to Ellesmerra now, so be ready. We will see each other again when your quest is over."
Sonic sighed. "I'm ready."
Angela smiled and sent another bolt of magic towards Sonic, who vanished in a flash of light. When the spell was cast, she sat down and looked out the window, reflecting on what she had told him.
"Good luck, Sonic," she whispered to herself. "Your quest has begun."