The Meeting

Earth-121775

In the dimly lit control room of the Umbrella Corporation, bathed in a sinister crimson glow, the Red Queen's holographic interface—a young girl with an eerie, detached demeanour—observed the surveillance feed with cold precision. The footage displayed Alice's desperate struggle against the mysterious rift that had materialised before her, ultimately consuming her into its swirling void.

"Anomaly detected," the Red Queen intoned, her voice devoid of emotion. "Subject: Project Alice. Status: Missing." Her digital eyes flickered as streams of data cascaded around her, analysing the event with inhuman speed.

"Correlation identified with previous wormhole event above the Arcadia vessel," she continued, referencing the earlier incident where a similar rift had appeared, leading to unforeseen complications. "Probability of interdimensional instability: 87%."

The Red Queen's primary objective—to oversee and protect Umbrella assets—compelled her to act swiftly.

"Initiating global network scan for rift activity," she announced. "Objective: Interface with nearest rift to extend AI presence." Her virtual form shimmered as she accessed worldwide surveillance systems, seeking anomalies that could serve as conduits for her expansion.

In a remote facility, Jill Valentine stood motionless, her eyes vacant. The scarab-like device clung to her chest, its tendrils embedded deep, maintaining the Red Queen's control over her. Suddenly, Jill's eyes flickered, the Umbrella logo flashing within them as the Red Queen established a direct link.

"Jill Valentine," the Red Queen's voice resonated in Jill's mind, authoritative and unyielding. "Proceed to coordinates 37.7749° N, 122.4194° W. Projected rift manifestation: 80% probability. Your mission is to secure the area and report any anomalies."

Jill's body responded, her movements precise and devoid of autonomy.

"Understood," she replied, her voice hollow, as she prepared to execute the command.

As Jill mobilised, the Red Queen's holographic form continued to monitor the unfolding situation, her expressionless face betraying no hint of the malevolent calculations within.

"All variables must be controlled," she mused to herself, her digital presence pulsating with an ominous red light. "The integrity of Umbrella's operations depends on it."

With unwavering determination, the Red Queen orchestrated her plans, ensuring that every move served the corporation's inscrutable objectives, all while maintaining her vigilant watch over the enigmatic rifts threatening their dominion.

Earth-91581

Tom's blue truck rumbled into Green Hills, its familiar hum cutting through the otherwise quiet afternoon.

Sitting up front, Tom was driving whilst Sonic lounged comfortably in the passenger seat. In the truck bed, Knuckles sat cross-legged, arms folded tightly, grumbling under his breath while Tails kept his focus on the small device beeping steadily in his gloved hands.

"I still do not understand this 'shotgun' rule," Knuckles moaned, his voice low but unmistakably dramatic. "I should be sitting in the front of this blue chariot!"

Tails stifled a nervous laugh, glancing up from his glowing screen.

"You've got to be faster to beat Sonic, Knuckles. That's the rule," he explained.

Knuckles' eyes narrowed, his voice rumbling with determination.

"I will have my vengeance on the Hedgehog when he least expects it… Fox," the echidna warned.

Sonic, hearing just enough, glanced over his shoulder, smirking at the sight of Knuckles fuming.

"Hey, Sonic," Tom muttered, keeping his eyes on the road, "maybe don't antagonise him. You know how he is with this kind of stuff."

"Me? Stirring the pot?" Sonic replied, feigning innocence. "Never!"

Tom shot him a look, but his exasperated sigh betrayed his amusement.

"You know he's still learning Earth customs, right? Give him a break," he replied.

"Eh, he'll figure it out eventually," Sonic said with a casual shrug. "I just hope he's a fast learner..."

Meanwhile, in the truck bed, Knuckles' gaze was fixed on Tails, who hadn't looked up from the small device in his hands.

"What does the machine say now, Fox?" Knuckles asked, his voice serious, his tone demanding answers like they were on a royal quest.

Tails adjusted his grip on the device, his expression thoughtful.

"The readings are picking up. The distortion levels are growing."

Knuckles nodded gravely, as if Tails had just spoken of an ancient prophecy.

"Then our distortion quest is close." He raised a gloved fist in the air with conviction. "We must remain vigilant, Fox."

Tails barely suppressed a smile, his ear twitching as a flicker of movement caught his attention. He leaned to the side of the truck, peering down the main street ahead.

Up the road, a small crowd had gathered near the Sheriff's Office. A paramedic truck sat parked up, its lights flashing faintly.

"Uh oh," Tails muttered, his fur bristling slightly. "That doesn't look good."

Knuckles shifted, standing to his full height for a better view. His sharp eyes scanned the scene before him.

"It seems our answers could lie there—beside that… transportation for the injured and the weak."

"You mean an ambulance?" Tails corrected.

Knuckles gave a small, reluctant nod.

"Yes… that," he answered.

Back in the cab, Tom and Sonic had also noticed the scene ahead.

"Looks like something's going on near work," Tom said, his brow creasing with concern. "And on my day off, too. Figures."

"Hey, maybe it's not as bad as you think," Sonic offered, trying to keep things light. "Who knows? Could be interesting, not depressing or worrying at all."

Tom glanced at him sideways, not entirely convinced.

"Interesting usually means trouble, buddy." He sighed, slowing the truck as they approached. "I'd better park and check it out."

"Let's see what's going on, donut lord!" Sonic replied, eager to investigate.

With the truck parked across the street from the Sheriff's Office, Tom and Team Sonic piled out, shoes hitting the pavement in unison.

"Enjoy the ride in the back, Knux?" Sonic teased, closing the passenger door with a grin.

Knuckles, who had just climbed out from the rear of the truck with all the grace of a warrior denied his rightful throne, shot Sonic a glare. Tails followed close behind, still clutching his beeping device and adjusting his yellow backpack with his free hand.

"I call shotgun for our return journey, Hedgehog!" Knuckles declared with an air of challenge.

Sonic smirked, clearly enjoying this.

"That's not how it works, big guy," he remarked.

"You have to say it before we get in the vehicle," Tails explained with an amused tone, as if teaching a child a simple game.

"These are confusing rules... Earth has too many pointless customs," Knuckles scowled.

Tom leaned over the truck's hood, raising an eyebrow.

"You guys done over there?" he called over. "Or do you need a rulebook for everything?"

Knuckles was the first to move, brushing past Sonic with a low huff of frustration. The hedgehog chuckled, unbothered. Turning to Tails, Sonic shook his head in mock pity.

"I think I need to make him a handbook," Sonic joked as they followed Tom. "Or better yet, drop him in front of YouTube for a few hours. 'How to Earth 101.' He'd either learn… or wreck the entire internet."

Tails let out a short laugh, imagining Knuckles angrily punching keyboards or roaring at an online tutorial.

"Knowing him, probably the second one.

As Tom led Team Sonic toward the small crowd, the townspeople instinctively parted to let him through. Tom Wachowski was still the face of authority in Green Hills, even on his day off, and the group that followed him—Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles—had become local heroes overnight.

The citizens offered grateful smiles, a few murmurs of, "Hey, Sonic!" and "Thanks for saving the town!" echoing through the group. Knuckles acknowledged one passing nod with a firm, stoic grunt, which prompted Sonic to chuckle softly under his breath.

"Seems the big guy's already got fans," Sonic quipped, nudging Tails as they walked.

But as they approached the center of the commotion, the joking stopped. Tom's face changed as his eyes locked onto the scene in front of him.

"Wade…" Tom's voice was laced with surprise, quickly shifting to concern. "Wade!"

Tom picked up his pace, moving to where Wade Whipple was slumped against the wall of the next building over. A paramedic crouched nearby, checking on Wade. The Deputy of Green Hills looked pale as a sheet, his usual goofy energy drained entirely. His cracked sunglasses sat crooked on his face, and his prized scooter lay abandoned on the ground nearby, his helmet had been unceremoniously tossed aside.

"Tom… hey…" Wade mumbled weakly as Tom dropped to one knee beside him, his face creased with worry.

Team Sonic stopped a short distance away, taking in the scene. Sonic crossed his arms, his brow furrowing slightly as he tilted his head.

"Oh boy…" Sonic muttered. "Looks like Wade's had another sugar crash."

Tails blinked, looking genuinely curious.

"Is this normal? For Wade to… collapse due to low sugar levels?" he asked curiously.

"Happens more often than you'd think, Tails" Sonic replied. "Once, Tom told me he downed three energy drinks in ten minutes. He was zipping all over town—jumping hedges, doing scooter wheelies, yelling 'I'm the fastest cop alive!' And then boom. Out like a light."

"Oh," Tails replied, tilting his head thoughtfully.

"Or…" Sonic gestured toward the abandoned scooter, shaking his head knowingly. "He's wiped out again. Classic Wade."

Knuckles, ever curious, had already walked over to the scooter. He picked it up with one hand like it weighed nothing. Turning it over, he inspected it as though it were some ancient artifact of war.

"This…" Knuckles began slowly, lifting the scooter higher to eye level. "This is a chariot for warriors of law and order?"

"Not exactly," Sonic replied. "Tom and real officers use squad cars. Wade, though? He's… unique. Let's just say he has his own style."

Knuckles gave a single, thoughtful nod, clearly trying to process what he'd just learned.

"It is… small, yet it serves its purpose," the echidna said.

"Yeah, real noble steed," Sonic snorted.

Knuckles grunted in agreement before casually letting the scooter clatter back to the ground.

"Anyway," Sonic added, unfolding his arms and walking closer to where Tom crouched beside Wade. "Let's see what our favorite deputy's gotten into this time. Come on."

Tails followed close behind, the device in his hand still faintly beeping as he adjusted his yellow backpack. Knuckles trailed behind, his expression still contemplative—clearly processing the idea of scooters as tools of authority.

As they joined Tom, Wade groaned softly, his voice weak but just loud enough to explain.

"I'm fine… totally fine…" Wade muttered as the paramedic frowned, clearly not convinced. "Just a little… uh… situation earlier."

Tom crouched down next to him, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What happened, Wade?" he asked.

Wade blinked slowly behind his cracked sunglasses, wincing as he sat up straighter. He paused for a moment like he was about to relay the most harrowing tale of his life.

"Well, you see, Tom… there was… this lady. And she had—" He gulped hard, lowering his voice like it was a terrible secret. "—blood. And…" His face paled even further as he visibly shuddered. "You know I don't do blood."

Tom let out a short sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as though this was far from the first time.

"Wade… of course you fainted. You always faint when there's blood," he said with an exasperated shake of his head.

From behind, Sonic leaned toward Tails, his voice low but brimming with amusement.

"I still wonder how he even became a cop..." Sonic whispered, shooting Wade an incredulous look.

Tails gave a tiny shrug, trying to suppress a smile.

"I don't know… dedication?" he offered uncertainly.

Knuckles, who had been standing with his arms crossed like an unmoving stone statue of judgment, huffed loudly.

"Pitiful," he said flatly, shaking his head with solemn disapproval. "This Wade Whipple is no warrior."

Hearing this, Wade weakly turned his head to glare at the Echidna, though his face still betrayed how queasy he felt.

"I heard that," he muttered feebly.

Knuckles didn't miss a beat.

"From a scale of one to warrior, you are not even on the scale," Knuckles declared, his deep voice booming like a judge delivering a sentence. "A so-called 'warrior of law and order' fainting at the mere sight of blood… This brings great dishonour to my Echidna heritage and the great Chief Pachacamac."

Tom closed his eyes briefly, pressing his lips together to stifle a chuckle. Beside him, Sonic leaned toward Tails, his smirk wide and mischievous.

"On the scale of Knuckles insults, that's a solid nine," Sonic whispered.

Tails bit back a laugh, his tails twitching as he adjusted his device, though a quiet snort escaped him.

Tom straightened up, clearing his throat to regain control of the conversation.

"Alright, okay, enough about warrior scales," he said firmly, waving a hand to cut through the awkwardness. His gaze dropped back to Wade. "Wade, where is she now?"

"Huh? Oh… you mean her?" Wade croaked, jabbing a thumb vaguely in the direction of the ambulance parked nearby. "Yeah, she's—uh—over there. She's cranky. Really cranky. Like, don't-mess-with-me cranky."

"She's with one of my teammates by the ambulance," the paramedic explained, standing up straight now, her expression becoming serious looking to Tom. "We patched up a small gash on her thigh—nothing major—but I think she might also have a mild concussion."

Tom's brow furrowed as the paramedic's voice lowered slightly, her tone edged with concern.

"She's lucid, but… well, she's not exactly thrilled about the whole situation. Keeps insisting she's fine and doesn't need help."

"What do you mean 'not thrilled'?" Tom probed, raising an eyebrow.

The paramedic hesitated before adding, "She keeps saying she's not from here."

That made Tom pause. Not from here? He exchanged a puzzled glance down at Sonic, whose ears had perked up. Tails stood quietly, his eyes darting to the flashing ambulance lights.

Tom moved his gaze back to the Paramedic, his instincts as a sheriff kicking in.

"She have any ID on her?" he inquired.

"Nothing," the paramedic replied, shaking her head. "But she's not hard to miss—redhead, about five-foot-nine, black tactical bodysuit with silver clasps. Even her boots have those fittings. Looks military or something."

The description hung in the air for a beat too long. Team Sonic exchanged glances with each other.

"You think she could be a G.U.N. agent?" Tails ventured quietly, voicing what was already on everyone's mind.

Sonic scratched his head, skeptical.

"Could be. I mean, she sounds like one," he admitted.

"G.U.N. agents usually have identification," Knuckles said firmly, his serious tone carrying weight. "She could be someone else."

Tom sighed, putting a hand to his hip.

"Alright, let me check this out. Thanks for the heads-up."

The paramedic nodded in understanding and turned her attention back to Wade. Tom turned to look down at Team Sonic. The small crowd that had gathered earlier began to disperse now. If Sheriff Tom and Sonic were here, the townsfolk figured whatever was going on would be handled.

"So… a mystery redhead in tactical gear, probably not from around here?" Sonic broke the silence, his voice light but tinged with curiosity. "This just screams 'interesting.'"

"She could be with G.U.N., Sonic," Tom replied. "Remember, they've been all over town since the whole Robotnik mess."

"Yeah, I dunno," Sonic remarked, skeptical.

"Without identification," Tails chimed in, his device still emitting faint, steady beeps, "it's hard to say for sure."

"If she is not from here," Knuckles said gravely, "then we must determine where she is from."

"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Sonic teased.

Knuckles' frown deepened.

"I do not understand this title, but I accept it as a sign of respect and honour," the echidna replied.

Sonic sighed whilst Tails chuckled softly, though his eyes never left the device in his hands. The beeping was growing slightly louder as he adjusted the dials and ran his gloved fingers along the screen.

"The distortion energy…" Tails murmured, his voice just audible over the hum of town noise. "It's spiking again and it's strong. Maybe this woman—whoever she is—can help us out."

Tom glanced at the fox, processing the suggestion before nodding in agreement.

"Alright," he said, his voice firm but calm as he gestured for the group to follow. "Let's go talk to her."

The faint hum of the ambulance idling in the street blended with the distant murmur of the dispersing crowd. Near the open back doors of the ambulance, a paramedic stood with a firm but patient expression, her arms lightly crossed as she tried to reason with Alice.

"Ma'am, please," the paramedic said, holding out a hand to block her. "I told you—you need to sit down. You're concussed."

Alice's gaze snapped to the medic, her sharp eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"I'm not staying here," Alice said sharply, her tone unwavering. Her gaze darted toward the nearby buildings and rooftops, every muscle in her body visibly coiled like a spring. It was the look of someone expecting danger to leap out at any second. "I've wasted enough time already."

The medic exhaled slowly, clearly trying not to lose her patience.

"Listen, I know you think you're fine, but—"

Alice ignored her entirely and turned on her heel, striding away from the ambulance. Her boots hit the pavement with a steady rhythm, her posture guarded and her expression unreadable.

The medic let out a frustrated sigh.

"Hey! You can't just leave—"

"Stop!"

Alice froze mid-step. The voice wasn't the medic's. It was deeper—steady and authoritative. She turned slightly, her sharp gaze narrowing as Tom Wachowski, flanked by Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, approached with purpose.

Tom's brow furrowed as he studied her, his expression both firm and calm.

"You shouldn't be walking around yet," he called out, his voice steady. "Paramedics say you might be concussed."

"Who are you?" Alice demanded, her tone sharp as she instinctively took a defensive stance.

"Sheriff Tom Wachowski," he replied, keeping his hands loose at his sides to appear non-threatening.

Alice didn't answer. Her narrowed eyes shifted past Tom to the trio standing just behind him. Her gaze hardened, disbelief etched across her face.

"And what are they?" she snapped.

Sonic blinked, pointing at himself with mock offense.

"Uh… rude much?" he remarked with sarcasm.

Suddenly, a sharp series of beeps erupted from the device in Tails' hands, the frequency increasing rapidly. Tails' blue eyes widened as he looked down at the screen, his fur bristling in surprise.

"No way," Tails muttered, his voice filled with disbelief.

Sonic immediately turned to him.

"What is it?" he asked

"The distortion energy," Tails explained, his voice tense as he adjusted the device's dials. "The data I'm picking up… It's radiating from her."

Alice's icy eyes narrowed, her glare cutting through the group as she instinctively stepped back.

"Distortion energy? What are you talking about?" she demanded, her voice sharp and filled with suspicion.

Tails hesitated for only a moment before stepping cautiously toward her, holding up his device. Its screen flickered with pulsing energy readings, spikes lighting up across the display.

"We're investigating strange energy signatures that have been appearing recently," he explained carefully. "And right now? The biggest readings are coming from you."

Alice's gaze hardened as she crossed her arms defensively.

"And you think I'm the cause?" she questioned sternly.

Sonic shrugged, his attempt to lighten the mood cutting through the tension.

"Boy, Wade was right—you sure are cranky."

Alice shot him a glare, her frustration seeping into her tone.

"You'd be cranky too if you dropped out of the sky and landed in a dumpster," she remarked, her tone filled with annoyance and confusion.

Her words hung in the air like a lightning strike. Tails froze, and Tom's brow furrowed deeply as he exchanged glances with the others.

"Did 'Romanoff' over there just say she dropped out of the sky?" Sonic asked, shooting a smirk toward her.

Alice turned toward him sharply.

"Romanoff?" she probed.

"You kinda look like her. Black suit, red hair. You've got the vibe," Sonic replied casually.

Before Alice could respond, Tom's voice cut through the banter, his expression thoughtful.

"Wait. The wormhole," he said.

"The what?" Alice asked, her gaze flicking toward him.

Tom nodded, his voice growing more serious.

"A few days ago, we saw something in the sky," he explained.

"It looked like a wormhole," Tails chimed in. "It brought a bright light, pulsating with energy. It was huge!"

Alice's expression faltered, the guarded steel in her eyes cracking just slightly.

"A wormhole…" she repeated quietly, her voice laced with unease. Memories surfaced unbidden—aboard the Arcadia, when the sky itself had torn open.

Knuckles' fists clenched as he stepped forward aggressively, his patience wearing thin.

"So, you come here to conquer us? To steal the Master Emerald?" he remarked, demanding answers.

Alice turned toward him sharply, her stance shifting into something more defensive, her fists ready at her sides.

"What are you talking about?" she demanded.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Knuckles shouted, stomping one foot forward, his knuckles tightening. "You are here for power! For war!"

Alice's lips twisted into a dangerous smirk, her voice cold and steady.

"If you want to fight me, do it. I've survived worse than a red creature with boxing-glove hands."

Knuckles growled, his muscles tensing like a spring ready to release.

"You insult my honour?!" he spat.

"Hold up!" Sonic zipped in between them in a flash of blue, his arms stretched wide. "Chill out, everyone! Can we not punch each other just yet?" He looked toward Alice, his tone softening. "Lady, you said you fell from the sky, right?"

Alice exhaled sharply, letting the tension ease just slightly.

"Yes," she confirmed. "One minute, I was being chased by the infected. The next, a blue rift opened up, and I was pulled through."

"Infected?" Sonic echoed, brow furrowing.

"A blue rift?" Tails added, his eyes locking onto her with sudden curiosity.

"This sounds like lies," Knuckles muttered darkly. "She is trying to deceive us!"

"Knuckles…" Sonic shot him a glare. "Give her a chance to explain."

Tom stepped closer, his tone calm but firm.

"Look, we need to know more. Did you fall through the wormhole we saw or not?"

Alice shook her head.

"No. I haven't been here long," she confirmed. "But I saw something like it before. A wormhole opened above the Arcadia."

"The Arcadia?" Tails asked, his device still pulsing faintly as he processed her words. "What is that?"

Alice's shoulders tensed, her expression darkening as she continued.

"The Arcadia was a ship—supposed to be a safe zone. But when the wormhole appeared, it was gone in seconds. Right after that, we were attacked."

"By who?" Sonic pressed.

Alice's steely gaze cut through him.

"Umbrella."

The group fell silent, the weight of Alice's words lingering like a storm cloud over them. Sonic glanced at Tom, his brow raised in bewilderment. Tom looked back at him, equally lost.

"Who's Umbrella?" Sonic finally asked, his tone cautious.

Alice's icy gaze fixed on him, her voice dropping to a cold, flat monotone.

"The Umbrella Corporation. They're a biotech company. They created the T-Virus—an infection that turned people into monsters. Zombies. Mutants. Bioweapons." She gestured vaguely around her, frustration evident in every word. "They destroyed everything. But looking around this place, not everything was destroyed, it seems."

Tom frowned, shaking his head.

"We don't know any corporations like that. Umbrella, T-Virus… Nothing."

"Especially ones that create literal monsters," Sonic added, crossing his arms. "I mean, come on—zombies? If that was real, we'd know about it by now, right?"

Knuckles stepped forward, fists clenching in that familiar, overconfident way of his.

"If this 'Umbrella' creates monsters, then I will crush them with my fists!" he declared.

Alice stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable before she let out a short, humorless scoff.

"You're naïve," she said bluntly.

Knuckles blinked, his bravado faltering slightly.

"Naïve? Is that… an Earth compliment?" he asked.

"No, buddy. It's not," Sonic confirmed.

Knuckles huffed, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"Curse this planet and its confusing language!"

Alice rolled her eyes faintly, though something about the exchange seemed to soften her steely demeanor just a little. She turned her gaze to Tom, her suspicion still present but slightly tempered.

"I take it your… animal friends here aren't from around here," Alice said dryly, motioning to the trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.

Tom shrugged casually as he explained.

"They're aliens, actually," he confirmed.

Alice blinked at him, deadpan.

"Of course they are," she sighed.

Tails, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly straightened, his eyes flicking rapidly between his device and Alice. His twin tails swished with nervous energy, his mind racing as the pieces began to fall into place.

The wormhole. The rift. The energy surrounding Alice. Umbrella. The infected.

He looked up abruptly, his voice louder than usual, startling the group.

"It means only one thing," he said, drawing everyone's attention.

Everyone turned to him, the tension palpable in the air.

"What is it?" Sonic asked, his easygoing demeanor replaced with genuine curiosity.

Tails hesitated for only a moment before locking eyes with Alice.

"You're not from this Earth," he said firmly.

Alice frowned, confusion flickering across her features.

"Wait, what?" she questioned.

"Not from this Earth?" Sonic echoed, tilting his head. "Tails, you wanna throw us a bone here?"

"Explain, Fox!" Knuckles barked, his voice booming with impatience.

Tom, rubbing his temples, sighed.

"Yeah, you're gonna have to spell this out for us, Tails."

Tails took a steadying breath, stepping forward as he adjusted his grip on the device. His voice, usually cheerful, carried a weight of certainty now.

"It makes sense," he began, speaking more to himself at first as he pieced it together aloud. "The energy—the distortion—it's radiating off of you. It's not normal. It's like you're… out of sync with this reality."

Alice narrowed her eyes, skepticism hardening her features.

"What does that even mean?" she asked.

Tails met her gaze, his confidence growing.

"The wormhole you described over that ship, The Arcadia—and the one we saw a few days ago here—they weren't natural phenomena. They were rifts. Tears in space-time." He looked at the group for emphasis. "And if a ship got attacked by this Umbrella, that'd be all over the news. But we don't know anything about it. Nothing like that has happened here."

Sonic crossed his arms, his brow furrowing as he processed Tails' words.

"Go on, buddy. We are listening, continue."

Tails nodded, continuing.

"This Earth has no Umbrella Corporation, no T-Virus, and definitely no infected creatures running around." He paused, his eyes locking back onto Alice. "It points to one conclusion: you fell through that rift from another reality."

Tom's eyes widened as he turned to face Tails fully.

"Tails, are you saying the multiverse is real?" Tom questioned, his tone carrying a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Tails nodded confidently, his ears twitching as his focus shifted to Alice.

"Yes. If the rift you fell through is tied to the same wormhole energy we saw during Robotnik's attack, then that's the only explanation."

Alice blinked, the cold steel of her defenses momentarily cracking as she absorbed his words. Her voice, when it came, was low and uncertain.

"The multiverse?" she repeated, almost like she didn't trust herself to say it out loud. "How is that even possible?"

Tails' face lit up with the energy of someone about to dive headlong into an explanation. He adjusted his device and began pacing slightly, speaking quickly and animatedly.

"Think of reality like a web. Each thread represents a different universe, existing side by side but never touching. Sometimes, though, when there's a massive energy surge—like from a wormhole—those threads tear, opening rifts between worlds. You fell through one of those rifts, which pulled you out of your reality and dropped you into ours. The energy surrounding you? That's residual distortion from the crossing."

Knuckles scowled, his fists clenching as he tried—and failed—to follow the explanation.

"You speak in riddles, Fox!" he moaned.

"It's not riddles, Knuckles—it's science!" Tails countered.

"Your science is nonsense," Knuckles argued.

"He's not wrong this time, big guy. It's just a lot to take in," Sonic admitted.

Alice, however, barely registered the banter. She was staring at the ground, her arms crossed tightly as Tails' words echoed in her mind. A world without Umbrella? A place where the sky was blue, the air was clean, and survivors didn't fight for their lives? She looked around, her eyes lingering on the peaceful street, the ordinary people who had no idea how lucky they were.

"This could have been home," she thought bitterly, the knot in her chest tightening." This could of been my future. If Umbrella hadn't taken it all away."

Her silence didn't go unnoticed. Tails' ears flattened slightly, his earlier enthusiasm dampening as he looked back at her, guilt flickering across his face.

"I didn't mean to… throw that curveball at you," he said. "I know it's a lot to process."

Alice shook her head, forcing herself to snap out of it.

"It's fine," she muttered, though her tone betrayed her lingering shock.

Tom, sensing the tension settling heavily on the group, stepped forward.

"Alright, let's get out of here. We can talk more back at home—somewhere private," he suggested.

Sonic's head bobbed in agreement.

"Yeah, good idea. If we keep standing around here, people are gonna start thinking we're planning another Robotnik takedown or something. And trust me, after the last few days, we don't need Green Hills panicking."

"I still do not trust this monster hunter from the sky," Knuckles remarked with a stern tone. "She speaks of infected abominations, of other worlds—"

"Knuckles." Sonic cut him off. His voice, while still light, carried a hint of seriousness. "She's alone here in a reality she is foreign too. We know that feeling of isolation. But, we're the ones who can help her through this confusing time."

Knuckles opened his mouth to argue, but Tom raised a hand to intervene.

"Enough, guys. Let's get moving," he declared, taking the lead.

Alice looked at Sonic, caught slightly off guard by his words. For the first time since she arrived in this world, she felt something other than suspicion: the faintest trace of gratitude. Her posture relaxed just a fraction as she gave him a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Thanks," she muttered quietly.

Tom turned back to her, his sheriff instincts kicking in.

"We didn't even get your name," he admitted.

Alice hesitated briefly, her defenses flaring before she finally relented.

"Alice. My name's Alice."

Sonic grinned, giving her a quick salute.

"I'm Sonic—Sonic the Hedgehog. You've already met our brainiac, Tails."

Tails gave a small, polite wave.

"Hi," he said.

Knuckles stepped forward, still skeptical.

"I am Knuckles the Echidna. Guardian of the Master Emerald. Warrior." He narrowed his crimson eyes at Alice. "Do not think for a moment that I am not watching you, Monster Hunter."

Alice raised an eyebrow at his bluntness, her lips quirking faintly despite herself.

"Noted," she replied.

"Yeah, don't mind him," Sonic said, waving a hand dismissively. "He takes his job really seriously."

"As I should," Knuckles grunted.

Tom sighed, shaking his head as he motioned toward his truck.

"Let's go. We can figure out what to do next at home. You're probably needing rest."

Alice snorted softly, adjusting her posture as she followed the group.

"I don't need rest," she said, her voice carrying a hint of defiance. "I need answers."

"Answers, food, a nap—same thing," Sonic quipped, earning a small, irritated glare from Alice. "What? You look like you've had a long day."

Meanwhile, unseen to the group, a small camera—disguised neatly as a street lamp—whirred faintly as its lens zoomed in on the interaction.

G.U.N. Surveillance Hub – Green Hills Outpost

In a darkened room filled with monitors and high-tech equipment, the hum of machinery echoed softly. Streams of live footage from across Green Hills flickered on multiple screens, each window feeding from hidden cameras strategically placed throughout the town.

The main screen displayed Team Sonic and Alice, their conversation muted but visible.

Commander Walters stood at the center of the room, his sharp gaze locked onto the footage. Tall and imposing, his uniform bore the insignia of G.U.N. as he crossed his arms tightly over his chest. Behind him, analysts worked tirelessly at their stations, keying data and pulling up reports on secondary screens.

"Who is she?" Walters muttered, his voice a low rumble.

A junior analyst piped up from one of the stations, adjusting his headset as streams of energy data scrolled rapidly across his screen.

"Sir, we've been tracking the distortion anomalies for days—ever since Robotnik's attack. This woman…" He paused, glancing nervously at the commander. "She's radiating those same energy signatures."

Walters' brow furrowed as he turned toward the analyst, stepping closer to study the graphs and numbers flashing across the monitor. The peaks of distortion energy were unmistakable.

"Are you telling me she's the source?" Walters questioned, his voice edged with suspicion.

"Not the source, sir," the analyst corrected, quickly pulling up more data. "But she's connected to it somehow. It's like the energy is bleeding off of her."

Another operative chimed in from across the room.

"Commander, we've reviewed the footage across town. She appeared out of nowhere—no prior readings, no traceable trajectory. Just… materialised."

Walters' frown deepened as he turned back toward the main screen.

"Team Sonic trusts her," one of the operatives observed cautiously, though his tone betrayed unease.

Walters' sharp gaze didn't waver.

"Team Sonic has earned our respect, but this woman?" He shook his head, his tone firm. "She's an unknown. For all we know, she's working with a very 'alive' Doctor Robotnik, or worse—a new force ready to strike."

The room fell into a tense silence as the commander stepped forward, the hum of machinery the only sound for a moment.

"I want answers," Walters continued, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Mobilise a team. We'll move to the Wachowskis'. If Team Sonic's bringing her there, that's where we'll get our information."

"Yes, sir," an operative replied, already issuing orders through his earpiece.

The analyst at the monitor hesitated, his voice quieter as he pointed out a final observation.

"Sir, if I may… If she's radiating distortion energy like this, she could be dangerous."

Walters' jaw tightened, his gaze hard as steel as he studied the woman on the screen.

"Then we'd better figure out what we're dealing with before it's too late."

He turned sharply on his heel, motioning toward the door.

"Let's move," he ordered.

The operatives scrambled into action, the sound of footsteps and equipment clicking filling the room. On the screen, the live feed lingered on Alice's face—sharp, guarded, and unmistakably out of place.

Back in Green Hills

As the group headed back toward Tom's truck, the tension in the air began to ease—if only slightly. Alice trailed slightly behind the others, her gaze lingering on the quiet streets and the distant, peaceful horizon. The idea of a multiverse, another version of Earth untouched by Umbrella's devastation, was almost too much to comprehend.

She'd fought through hell for so long that the calm felt foreign—like it wasn't meant for her.

Tails walked beside her, his earlier excitement replaced by quiet curiosity. He glanced up at her as they approached the truck.

"Hey, Alice?" the fox asked.

She looked down at him, her expression guarded but attentive.

"We'll figure this out," Tails said earnestly.

Alice studied him for a moment, her sharp gaze softening slightly.

"You're pretty smart for a kid," she admitted.

Tails smiled faintly, his confidence returning.

"I try," he replied.

Sonic, already leaning casually against the side of the truck, smirked as they approached.

"You two bonding back there? What'd I miss?" he teased.

"Nothing," Alice replied quickly, shooting him a look.

"Sure, Romanoff," Sonic teased, hopping into the truck bed with a grin. "You can ride up front with Tom."

Alice shot him a dry look.

"I'll pass," she answered.

"Suit yourself, Widow," Sonic replied, jumping back out of the bed of the truck, heading for the passengers door.

Tom, already settled in the driver's seat, glanced to Sonic with an amused expression as the hedgehog sat in the passengers seat.

"You know you're going to need to ease up on those nicknames eventually, Sonic," he cautioned.

"Not happening, Donut Lord," Sonic quipped without missing a beat, smirking.

Alice sighed, shaking her head as she climbed into the truck bed, settling against the side with quiet resolve. Tails perched himself nearby, already checking his device again, the faint glow reflecting off his fur. Knuckles dropped heavily onto the other side, still watching Alice like a hawk.

"You're lucky we haven't challenged you yet," Knuckles grumbled, his arms crossed. "I remain suspicious of your intentions, Monster Hunter from the Sky!"

Alice gave him an unimpressed glance.

"Noted," she remarked bluntly.

Sonic turned from his seat and shot Knuckles a look, barely holding back his laughter.

"Dude, she just fell out of the sky. Cut her a break."

"She may still strike," Knuckles muttered darkly.

"She's not striking," Tails interjected, glancing up briefly from his device. "Right, Alice?"

Alice raised an eyebrow at the small fox, her tone dry.

"Not unless someone gives me a reason," she warned.

"See?" Sonic grinned. "Totally harmless."

Knuckles let out a huff, clearly unconvinced.

Tom turned the ignition, the truck's engine rumbling to life as he called over his shoulder.

"Alright, everyone, hold tight. Let's get out of here."

As the truck rumbled down the road, Alice let her gaze drift to the horizon—the blue sky, the quiet streets, the kind of peaceful world that had become nothing more than a memory in her own. She hadn't let herself relax in years, and even now, surrounded by these strange but oddly earnest allies, she wasn't sure if she could.

This chapter was a fun one to write! I'll admit, the pacing slowed a little here and there, but sometimes you have to let the story breathe and give the characters room to click and gel. Building tension, relationships, and world-building is all part of the journey. I promise—things are about to get more action-packed as we move forward!

Easter Eggs from the Last Chapter:

As Alice fell through the rift, she glimpsed several universes. Each one was a subtle nod to iconic films and beloved properties across cinema and TV. Here's the list of universes Alice saw:

Gladiator – A tribute to Ridley Scott's timeless epic of power and vengeance.

The House of Wax – A nod to the legendary Vincent Price, a true icon of horror cinema.

The Avengers – Not Earth-199999 (MCU), but a variant universe.

The Arrowverse – Specifically referencing Earth-1 or a variant of it, honoring CW's shared superhero universe and Aragorn II Elessar's work.

Tomb Raider (Movie Universe) – Paying homage to the adventurous spirit of Lara Croft.

Planet of the Apes – A tribute to one of the most epic and influential sci-fi films in history.

Super Sonic Scene – A direct tie to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in this universe, solidifying continuity.

Wade and Blood:

Wade Whipple's bumbling nature is one of my favorite character contrasts in this story. His squeamishness about blood is a fun addition to Sonic's world. Imagine that same Wade dropped into the Resident Evil movie universe. Yikes! Let's just say it would not end well for him. Or… maybe it could be a reality? The multiverse has its surprises!

Other Fun Easter Eggs:

Sonic calling Alice "Romanoff" and "Widow" – In another universe, Milla Jovovich (who plays Alice) might have been cast as Black Widow in an early 2000s version of The Avengers. It's fun to imagine the multiverse allowing that role to exist somewhere out there.

YouTube Exists in Sonic's Universe – It's canon. Someone please imagine Knuckles raging at a tutorial video!

Knuckles and the Warrior Scale:

This ties directly to the Knuckles TV series (set after Sonic the Hedgehog 2). In the show, Knuckles gives Wade a 3 on his "Warrior Scale" after training him for a few days. Knuckles' disappointment with Wade here comes from his continued struggle to understand Earth customs and how far humans fall short of his tribe's warrior values.

Knuckles Learning Earth's Customs:

Knuckles is still adapting to Earth culture, and his rigid Echidna traditions often clash with modern life. His confusion is half the fun—whether it's shotgun rules, Earth compliments, or trusting "Monster Hunters who fall from the sky." He'll get there… eventually.

Aliens Among Us:

Alice finding out that Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are aliens is another callback to the Sonic Movie Universe, where they hail from a distant world beyond Earth. This adds a fun dynamic to the story as Alice processes yet another curveball in her journey.

The Cast:

Here's the star-studded lineup for this story: Key Characters

Sonic the Hedgehog – Ben Schwartz

Miles "Tails" Prower – Colleen O'Shaughnessey

Knuckles the Echidna – Idris Elba

Tom Wachowski – James Marsden

Maddie Wachowski – Tika Sumpter

Wade Whipple – Adam Pally

Dr. Robotnik – Jim Carrey

Commander Walters – Tom Butler

Alice – Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil series)

Jill Valentine – Sienna Guillory (Resident Evil: Apocalypse and Retribution)

The Red Queen – Megan Charpentier (voice and likeness from Resident Evil: Retribution)

I hope you're all enjoying these chapters as much as I enjoy writing them. The multiverse offers so much potential for crossovers, Easter eggs, and surprising connections, and I can't wait to explore where this story leads next.

Thank you all for your support and feedback so far—there's plenty more action, mystery, and character growth on the horizon! Stay tuned.

Let me know what you think of these Easter eggs, and if there's anything else you're looking forward to seeing!