A/N -

The plot of this fic came from one simple fantasy. That being, imagining what I would do if I got a phone call stating "Jeff Fowler quit to go raise horses or something, You gotta write Sonic 4 now. Yes, you, person with no experience except in writing fanfiction. Also you'll have literally no oversight, do whatever you want."

So, that's what this fic is. This is what I'd do to continue the Sonic film franchise. And, I'm doing it by taking all of my favorite things from the franchise, concepts I always wanted to play with and just throwing them together in a big goulash.

Please, enjoy.

It was a quiet, peaceful, even… serene night, one the likes of the Freedom Fighters hadn't seen for a long time. I mean, they'd been spending every night for what felt like a dozen lifetimes in Knothole, what would otherwise be an unremarkable scene to them felt like a wonderland. The Moon's light illuminated the island's emerald hills, reflecting against the light sprinkling of snow in the air - making it look like bits of diamond dust.

"G-guys." Called a meek voice, belonging to a shivering hedgehog named Silver. True to his name, his coat was a stark white which made him blend in well against the falling snow. His frame was rather, uh… peculiar, to put it one way. Five distinct spikes in a leaf-like formation flared from the top of his head, giving him a rather imposing silhouette and hinting at the power hidden inside of him.

Indeed, while he was rather lacking in muscle mass, he was born with the power of psychokinesis. If he mastered it, he could easily move objects a hundred times his size with a singular thought… But, uh, he was still in training at the moment. "I think this might be it."

The group was approaching what appeared to be the trunk of a tree that'd collapsed long ago. Unfortunately, the path forward was through heavy woodlands, and- combined with it being nighttime, they could barely see an inch in front of their faces. To which, a purple cat stepped up - snarling "Let me take care of this." Her name was Blaze, and she also wielded legendary power - though she wasn't born with it.

Through possession of a gem called the Sol Emerald, she got pyrokinetic abilities the likes of which the world had never seen. Using said powers, she opened her hand and snapped her fingers together - causing a ring of hellfire to encapsulate the area and, consequently, make it visible. Thankfully, the moisture in the air and snow on the ground kept anything from keeping alight, but still - it was a risky and reckless maneuver.

"Careful!" The group's leader, Sally Acorn, hissed. She was normally calm and composed, but that anything that damned cat did was able to get under her skin. For, she was heir to the legendary Kingdom of Acorn. Keyword, was. It was literally in the midst of the ceremony to crown her as queen when Blaze attacked. To show off the powers the Emerald gave her, indeed - as a flex, she conquered the Kingdom single handedly. Defeated a thousand man army and a dynasty that'd lasted for longer than anyone could remember in a few minutes.

As a result, the last remaining Acorn was forced to go into hiding with nothing but her sworn bodyguard. She'd spent her time constantly planning an attempt to retake her rightful kingdom, but… well, let's just say that fate had forced these two life-long enemies to come together for the shared goal of mere survival.

Placing a gentle hand on Sally's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down - the next member took the reins from here. "While we appreciate how… forward thinking y'are, perhaps instead we should use your abilities to give everyone a torch? No offense intended, but this blast…" Vaguely gesturing at the flames surrounding her. "Could've easily sent the entire forest alight, and then we'd be completely outta luck."

Her name is Bunnie, and - on the surface, you'd assume her the least remarkable member of the team. She didn't have any special powers, no royal ancestry, and no combat training - but she served a vital role. She was the team's heart. Full of southern hospitality, she did her best to make sure everyone's morale stayed high… and, well, made sure that Sally and Blaze didn't kill each other. After all, Sticking together was the key to survival.

"It's a good thing there are no scouts in the area, I'm sure that would've acted like a flare." Meekly whimpered the last member. His name was Antoine Depardieu-Coolette. In normal, every day life he was meek, a bit of a coward… But he became like another person when he held a blade in his hands. Fearless, powerful, strong. Trained in a hundred forms of sword combat. If any singular person had a chance of standing up to Blaze, it was him.

"I can take whatever that bastard can throw at me." Scoffed Blaze, annoyedly crossing her arms. An empty boast, as she'd tried and failed many times before. Still, it was too much effort to argue with her, so nobody pushed back against that empty bravado.

Still, now that they had some light, they began walking alongside the collapsed tree. "This could be it! The breakthrough we've been waiting for!" Silver squeaked, as they reached the canope and saw the remnants of a home. Taking a deep breath, he tensed up his entire body - activating the psychokinetic abilities he'd been working so hard to master. Pushing the small building into the air and tearing away the dirt and vines that'd almost cocooned it. His breath became heavy as he began to strain his muscles, but he refused to buckle.

Speaking of, the breakthrough they were waiting for… Any sort of clue to the location of the Master Emerald. Of course, most people considered this nothing more than a fairy tale - but… Unfortunately, when you have very few options, you cling to the ones you do have like a life raft. The island they were exploring wasn't just any island, it used to be home to the tribe of Owls. Of which, the legendary Longclaw was said to have resided. While she wasn't around any more, perhaps they could find some clue. Some breadcrumb trail that they could follow.

The group funneled through where the door used to be, except Bunnie. "I'll stay out here, keep lookout!" She cheered. Just in case any danger was coming their way. Said hut was remarkably well preserved, almost as if lady luck was finally smiling down upon them. There was a glimmer of hope. They began to scrounge through the belongings left behind, and seemingly hit the jackpot when they found an in-tact envelope. Just from grabbing it, Sally could tell something aside from paper was inside. Without a moment's hesitation, she tore it open and began to inspect the contents. First, was a letter.

It read:

"Dearest Sophocles.

Things are becoming dire. The Echidnas are gathering their forces, surrounding the village and preparing an ambush. I fear they may strike before I have an opportunity to hide the Master Emerald.

Regarding your previous letter, I don't think I could in good consciousness entrust Sonic with this duty. He is powerful, but he's still a child. He can't control his powers yet. He didn't deserve to get caught up on all of this, but… I know the Echidnas will be wanting to neutralize him for the threat he could one day pose. If push comes to shove, I may have to send him to another planet…

I don't want him to be alone, though. I don't know if you want to evacuate, but. Just in case you do, I included a map of where I plan to send Sonic and a ring for you to get there under the Echidnas' noses.

With love, Longclaw."

Inside the letter was said map, with arrows pointing to a planet that was marked as "Earth." Also taped to it, was a single ring. This- this was an extraordinary discovery! The Rings were a technology that lived and died with the Owls, nobody else knew how to make them. Maybe… Maybe their home was lost, but with this… this map, and this ring, they could find a new home. Rebuild somewhere else, and just leave this damned planet to its fate.

Unfortunately, this brief moment of bliss was disturbed by a shrill shout. "Everyone! Come out here!" It came from Bunnie, and- well, everyone came running without hesitation. They all took a deep breath and braced themselves, as they came face to face with the familiar mug of the one and only Doctor Starline.