From Lunch to Global Threat
Earth-91581
After the short drive back to the Wachowski household, everyone exited Tom's truck. Alice took a moment to look around, her sharp gaze lingering on the house nestled among the trees. Its warm, welcoming appearance was a stark contrast to the chaos she was accustomed to. For a fleeting moment, a pang of longing hit her—a life she could have had on her Earth.
The house wasn't extravagant, but it radiated a cozy charm with its neatly trimmed garden and the scent of freshly mowed grass lingering in the air. Hanging flower boxes adorned the windows, and a large wooden deck wrapped around one side of the house. It was the kind of home that told a story of family and normalcy, two things that felt alien to Alice.
"Welcome to our home," Sonic exclaimed, gesturing grandly to the house in front of them.
"You all live here?" Alice asked, her tone tinged with skepticism as she took in the quaint, inviting home nestled among the trees.
"Yep," Sonic said with pride, throwing his arms wide. "I've been here for a little while. Tails and Knuckles moved in recently. It's a bit of a madhouse, but we make it work."
Alice's sharp gaze softened slightly as she studied the house.
"It's really nice," she admitted, almost reluctantly.
"Thanks!" Tom called from where he was pulling his bag out of the truck. He walked closer, smiling warmly. "We've had to make a few... adjustments since these guys showed up, but hey, it's home."
Just then, the front door creaked open, and Maddie stepped out onto the top of the stairs, a dish towel in her hands. Her cheerful voice carried over to them.
"Where did you guys go? Lunch is rea—" She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes locking on Alice.
Her head tilted slightly as she took in the woman standing with the group. Her expression shifted from cheerful confusion to quiet understanding. After everything that had happened recently, new and unexpected faces weren't exactly shocking anymore. But this woman… she looked like she'd been through hell.
"Um… who's this?" Maddie asked, her tone uncertain but not unkind.
"My name is Alice," Alice replied simply, her voice steady as she introduced herself.
"Alice is new around town," Tom said, trying to keep things light.
"You mean new to this reality, Donut Lord," Knuckles interjected matter-of-factly.
Maddie blinked.
"New to this reality?" Her voice wavered between confusion and disbelief as her gaze darted between Tom and the others.
"Knuckles!" Sonic groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"What?" Knuckles replied defensively, his arms crossing. "The Monster Hunter arrived by falling out of the sky."
"Monster Hunter?! Falling out of the sky?!" Maddie echoed, her brows shooting up. She turned to Tom, her expression demanding answers. "Tom, what is going on?"
Tom rubbed the back of his neck, clearly scrambling to figure out the best way to explain the situation.
"Well, uh, it's a little complicated—"
"Nice going, Knux…" Sonic sighed, cutting him off with an exasperated look at the echidna.
"What? I was speaking the truth, Hedgehog!" Knuckles replied, his defensive tone rising. "Pretzel Woman deserves to know."
"It's… complicated," Alice admitted, her calm voice cutting through the chaos. Her attention shifted to Maddie, whose expression softened slightly.
Maddie's initial skepticism began to fade as she looked closer at Alice. Her eyes flicked to the bandage on Alice's thigh, the slight hunch in her shoulders, and the way her expression teetered between exhaustion and wariness. This wasn't just a stranger having a bad day—this was someone who had been through something unimaginable.
"Well…" Maddie began cautiously, her voice softening. "It does look like you've had a rough day."
"It's not been easy," Alice replied evenly. "And 'rough' would be an understatement."
"I can tell," Maddie said, nodding. There was empathy in her tone now.
"Maybe it's best if we talk about this inside," Tails suggested, his small voice breaking the silence. He glanced up at Maddie, his device clutched in his hands. "We can explain everything we know."
"Good idea, Tails," Tom said quickly, clearly grateful for the suggestion.
"Plus," Sonic added with a grin, "I heard the word 'lunch' being thrown around, right, Maddie?"
Maddie gave Sonic a half-amused, half-exasperated look.
"Yes, Sonic, lunch is ready," she answered. "Now, come on in befo—"
But before she could finish her sentence, a golden blur shot out of the open front door, barking happily.
"Ozzie!" Maddie called out, trying to stop the enthusiastic Golden Retriever. But Ozzie was already bounding down the stairs, his tail wagging furiously as he bolted toward the group.
"Ozzie!" Sonic groaned, throwing up his hands. "Not again!"
"Greetings, wolf," Knuckles said with the same stoic seriousness he used for every introduction.
"For the last time, Ozzie's not a wolf, Knuckles…" Sonic replied, rolling his eyes.
Knuckles narrowed his gaze, skeptical.
"But he resembles one. Look at the fur, the energy. Clearly a wolf," the echidna argued.
Ozzie ignored the echidna entirely, heading straight for Alice. Barking once in greeting, he circled her excitedly, sniffing at her boots and wagging his tail so hard it made his entire body wiggle. Alice froze, taken aback by the sudden attention.
"He's very… energetic," Alice said cautiously, watching Ozzie curiously as he nuzzled her non injured leg.
"Ozzie's harmless," Tom said with a chuckle. "He's just happy to meet someone new."
"Yeah, that's how Ozzie says hello," Sonic added, grinning. "If he really likes you, he sticks to you like glue."
Alice hesitated before crouching down slightly, her hand hovering near Ozzie's head. He wagged his tail even harder, pushing his head into her palm.
"He seems to like you," Maddie said from the stairs, watching the interaction with a small smile.
Alice gave the dog a tentative pat, and Ozzie let out a happy little whine, leaning into her hand.
"He's... better than the dogs back home," she murmured, almost to herself.
Knuckles tilted his head, his brow furrowing.
"The wolf approves of her?" He crossed his arms again, looking deeply contemplative. "Curious. I still do not trust her."
"Knux, again, he's not a wolf. He's a dog—a regular, lovable Earth dog," Sonic moaned once again.
"Wolf or dog, the creature has questionable judgment," Knuckle countered.
Alice straightened up, glancing at Knuckles with a raised eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she questioned.
"Knuckles, maybe tone it down?" Tails interjected, trying to ease the tension. "Ozzie just likes her. That's a good thing."
"Hmph," Knuckles muttered, still staring at Ozzie as though trying to discern the dog's deeper motives.
"Alright, alright, let's get inside," Tom said, ushering everyone toward the door.
As the group moved up the stairs, Ozzie stayed glued to Alice's side, tail wagging happily as if he'd just found his new best friend. Sonic shot her a smirk as they reached the top step.
"Told you. If Ozzie likes you, you're in," he clarified.
Alice gave a small, almost imperceptible smile, her hand briefly brushing over Ozzie's head again.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Alice replied, her hand brushing over Ozzie's head again as his tail wagged furiously.
The group stepped inside as they moved toward the dining area. Ozzie stayed close to Alice's side, practically glued to her leg like her shadow.
Knuckles lingered in the doorway, watching as the group disappeared into the other room. After a moment, he shook his head, letting out a low grumble.
"The wolf is soft… far too trusting," he muttered to himself. "It would not survive a day in combat."
Knuckles stepped inside, still deep in thought, as he followed the faint chatter and laughter from the dining room.
"Perhaps I should train it… turn this so-called dog into a true warrior. Yes, this 'Ozzie' will learn discipline under my guidance."
He nodded, seemingly convinced by his own musings, as he closed the door behind him and headed to join the others.
Earth-121775
Coordinates 37.7749° N, 122.4194° W -
The air in San Francisco was heavy with ash and decay. The once-vibrant city was now a husk of its former self, its towering skyscrapers reduced to broken silhouettes against the gray sky. The streets were barren save for the occasional shambling figure of the infected. Their guttural moans echoed through the empty expanse, a haunting reminder of Umbrella's handiwork.
Jill Valentine moved with calculated precision through the desolate city, her boots crunching against the cracked pavement. Her blue bodysuit was sleek, yet functional, and the device embedded in her chest glowed faintly with a pulsing red light—the scarab, a grim symbol of her enslavement to Umbrella. Her blonde ponytail swayed slightly as she scanned her surroundings, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.
The infected nearest to her, a grotesque creature missing half its jaw, lunged suddenly, its ragged claws swiping at the air. Jill didn't flinch. With fluid efficiency, she raised her pistol, a single silenced shot ringing out. The creature crumpled to the ground without so much as a groan. Two more staggered into view, their movements erratic and violent. Jill dispatched them just as quickly, her expression unchanging.
"Target eliminated," Jill muttered, her voice devoid of emotion.
"Efficient as ever, Jill Valentine," the Red Queen's voice chimed in. The cold, clipped tone emanated from Jill's mind.
Jill didn't respond, continuing her trek toward the coordinates. She reached a dilapidated plaza, the once-bustling area now little more than a graveyard of twisted metal and crumbled stone. At the center, a group of Umbrella operatives stood in a loose formation, their black uniforms pristine despite the ruin around them. The Umbrella logo on their sleeves gleamed under the faint light filtering through the smog-filled sky.
"Valentine," one of the operatives called out as she approached. His tone was respectful but cautious—nobody took liberties with Jill anymore. Not in her current state.
"Report," Jill ordered curtly, her voice like ice.
"The area is secure," the operative replied. "No significant resistance. Energy readings remain consistent."
"Maintain perimeter," Jill said, brushing past him without further acknowledgment. Her eyes flicked to the device on her chest, the pulsing red light now accompanied by faint vibrations. She stopped at the designated point, scanning the surroundings once more before addressing the AI. "Status?"
"Energy levels spiking," the Red Queen replied, her tone precise. "The rift is imminent. Stand by to enter."
Jill's jaw tightened, her fingers twitching slightly near the grip of her firearm.
"Understood."
The Red Queen's holographic figure flickered in Jill's vision, her gaze fixed.
"Failure is not an option. Umbrella depends on your success."
"It won't be necessary to remind me," Jill replied flatly, her voice devoid of anything resembling humanity. She turned to the operatives around her, their postures stiffening under her commanding gaze. "Prepare for entry. Weapons ready. We move the moment the rift appears."
"Yes, ma'am," they responded in unison, their voices echoing in the eerie silence.
Jill's cold eyes turned to the horizon, scanning the faint shimmer of light that began to flicker in the air ahead. The energy grew stronger, the hum building to a low rumble that vibrated through the ground. She stood at the ready, unyielding, the perfect soldier molded by Umbrella's hand.
"Any time now," she muttered under her breath.
The Red Queen's voice chimed one last time.
"Stand by. The rift is opening."
A faint, glowing tear began to form in the air before her, its swirling light casting eerie shadows across the ruined plaza. Jill stepped forward without hesitation, the light reflecting off her cold, unblinking eyes.
She was ready.
Earth-91581
Alice sat at the family dinner table, surrounded by the Wachowskis and Team Sonic. Tom was at the head of the table with Maddie to his left, while Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles occupied the opposite side. Alice sat closest to Maddie, with Ozzie loyally stationed at her feet, his tail thumping against the hardwood floor every so often. The table was laid out with sandwiches, a fruit bowl, snacks, and steaming mugs of coffee—a simple yet inviting spread.
Alice picked up her coffee and took a careful sip. Her eyes widened slightly, and she exhaled through her nose with a faint, almost surprised smile.
"This is the best coffee I've had in years," she said, setting the mug back down carefully.
Maddie raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Really? It's just store-bought," she said.
"Well, finding coffee isn't exactly easy where I come from," Alice replied dryly, taking another sip.
Tails tilted his head curiously.
"You haven't had a cup in a while, huh?" the fox mused.
"Nope," Alice said simply.
"So, no Starbucks are open?" Sonic questioned, lounging back in his chair with a sandwich in hand.
Alice gave a quiet laugh—low, dark, but genuine.
"You could say that…" she said.
Maddie caught the edge of Alice's smile and softened a little.
"Well, you can have as much as you want here. We've got plenty," she affirmed kindly.
Alice nodded her thanks, picking up one of the sandwiches from the platter. As she bit into it, her eyes closed briefly in appreciation. She chewed slowly, savoring the taste.
"This is good," she said quietly, glancing at Maddie. "Really good."
"It's nothing fancy," Maddie replied with a warm smile. "But I'm glad you like it."
Tom leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.
"Let me guess—getting time to sit down and eat in peace isn't exactly a regular thing for you either?" he asked.
Alice shook her head, setting the sandwich down.
"Not really," she admitted. "I'm usually eating on the run. If I'm lucky."
Tom frowned slightly, and even Sonic seemed to pause for a moment before the hedgehog broke the silence.
"So, no Starbucks and no time to eat?" Sonic quipped, trying to lighten the mood again. "Yeah, your world sounds like a blast."
Alice snorted softly, taking another sip of coffee, but her lips curled into the faintest smile.
"It's… different, that's for sure, she revealed.
As the group chuckled lightly, a cool breeze drifted through the room, rustling some napkins on the table. Alice glanced toward the hallway and frowned.
"Is there a draft in here?" she asked.
"Oh, that's because of the hole in the wall in the next room. Sorry about that," Maddie said, apologising.
Alice raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"A hole in the wall?" she quizzes.
"Thanks to Knuckles over here," Sonic added, gesturing with a smirk toward the echidna, who was sitting with a bowl of grapes in front of him.
Knuckles froze mid-bite, his eyes narrowing in mock offense.
"I was in combat with you, Hedgehog," he said defensively, his tone serious as always.
"Yeah, after Robotnik tricked you into thinking I was the enemy," Sonic shot back, grinning. "Then, you punched me right through the wall and into the backyard."
"We shall not speak of that..." Knuckles replied bluntly.
"So… it's not getting fixed?" Alice questioned, looking at Maddie and Tom.
"Oh, it'll get fixed," Maddie said with a shrug. "Eventually. Once we find a repair crew that isn't scared off by Knuckles'… 'warrioring.'"
"Warrioring?" Alice repeated, a bemused look crossing her face.
Sonic grinned, leaning back in his chair more.
"Yeah, the last repair crew got stuck in one of Knuckles' traps. Took us hours to get them out," he confirmed.
Knuckles looked completely unbothered, popping another grape into his mouth before replying.
"They were not cautious. That is their failing, not mine," the echidna explained.
Alice gave a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she glanced toward the hallway.
"Sounds like things are… eventful around here."
"You could say that," Tom said, chuckling.
The conversation fell into a comfortable rhythm as the group continued eating. Ozzie nudged Alice's leg gently, and she absently scratched behind his ear, earning an appreciative thump of his tail against the floor.
Maddie leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table.
"So, Alice," she began, her tone casual but laced with curiosity. "Tell me a bit more about yourself."
"What do you want to know?" Alice asked, her voice steady but cautious.
"Well," Maddie said, glancing at the others as if to gauge their interest. "Tom mentioned you're… not exactly from around here."
"That's putting it lightly," Alice replied with a faint, humorless chuckle.
"And falling from the sky isn't exactly a Green Hills tradition," Maddie added.
Alice smirked at the comment as she replied.
"I like to make an entrance, I guess. Just… maybe not into a dumpster."
"You mentioned a few things back in town," Tails said, leaning forward with his usual curiosity. "Umbrella, the infected. Can you explain more about them? It sounds… complicated."
"Yeah," Sonic added, propping his chin on his hand. "Like, what was your life before all this? You know, before surviving became your job."
Alice hesitated, her fingers lightly drumming on her coffee mug. She seemed to collect her thoughts, her gaze distant as she finally began speaking.
"Before everything went to hell, I worked for Umbrella," she said, her tone calm but carrying a weight that made the group sit up slightly.
The room seemed to freeze for a moment. Sonic's eyes widened, his ears twitching slightly as if he hadn't heard her right. Tails paused mid-sip of his drink, nearly spilling it as his tails in disbelief. Maddie exchanged a startled glance with Tom, her brow furrowed in confusion. Knuckles frowned deeply, as if Umbrella were sitting at the table with them.
"Hold up. You worked for them?" Sonic exclaimed, breaking the silence, his voice incredulous.
"Yes," Alice replied.
"But, they sound so wicked and evil?" Tails muttered, still in disbelief.
"At the time, Umbrella wasn't publicly evil," Alice explained. "To the world, they were just a massive pharmaceutical company—revolutionising medicine, developing groundbreaking technology. But that was just their cover. Beneath the surface, they were into much darker things. Military contracts, bioweapons… anything they could profit from. I was part of their security team at a lab in Raccoon City."
"Wait, you guarded a lab?" Tails asked, tilting his head.
Alice nodded as she continued.
"The Hive. It was a secret underground facility where Umbrella conducted its most classified experiments. I thought it was just a job, but they were working on something called the T-virus."
"The T-virus?" Maddie asked, her brows furrowing.
"A pathogen they claimed could regenerate cells and cure diseases," Alice explained. "But it had a side effect—one they didn't mention until it was too late. The T-virus reanimated dead tissue. It turned people into the infected… and worse."
Knuckles's expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief.
"So they made these...monsters—and you worked for them? How did you not know this, Monster Hunter?" he asked firmly.
"They didn't tell us what we were guarding," Alice replied, her voice tight. "But one day, there was a containment breach. Someone deliberately released the virus into The Hive. The facility's AI locked everything down to contain it, but it was already too late."
"What?!" Tails gasped, his ears twitching. "How did you… survive?"
Alice's gaze hardened as she answered.
"Umbrella released a nerve gas to try and control the situation. It erased my memory. When I woke up, I had no idea who I was or what had happened. I pieced it together later—after I saw what Umbrella was really doing. The virus didn't just stay in The Hive. It spread to Raccoon City and turned the entire city into a nightmare."
"You mean… the infected spread outside?" Tom asked, his voice low.
"Yes," Alice said. "The T-virus didn't just create mindless undead. Some of the infected mutated into bioweapons—horrific creatures designed to destroy everything in their path. Umbrella kept experimenting, even as the outbreak spiraled out of control."
"So what did you do?" Maddie asked softly, her voice tinged with both fear and curiosity.
"I fought back," Alice said firmly. "I helped survivors escape. But it didn't matter. Umbrella didn't care about the people. They nuked the entire city to cover their tracks."
The table fell silent. The weight of Alice's words hung in the air, thick and heavy, like a storm cloud waiting to burst. Tom's face had gone pale, his hands frozen in mid-motion as he had been about to take another bite of his sandwich. Sonic's usually playful demeanor faltered, his usual smirk replaced with a frown as he processed the gravity of what she had just said. Maddie's hand trembled as it hovered near her coffee cup, her mouth slightly open in disbelief, unable to fully process what Alice had just revealed. Tails, his ears perked in alarm, looked between Alice and the others, his brow furrowed in deep concern. And Knuckles… Knuckles was the most confused of all, his furrowing brow and tilted head showing that he was trying to make sense of the words, his stoic expression struggling to form understanding.
Maddie finally broke the silence.
"What?" she gasped.
"Wait, hold on…" Tails muttered, his wide eyes darting between Alice and the others. "Did you just say… nuked?"
"You did say nuked, right?" Tom asked, his brow furrowing as if he couldn't quite believe what he'd heard.
"Yes," Alice confirmed bluntly, her gaze meeting his. "They dropped a nuclear bomb on Raccoon City."
"They nuked a city?" Sonic repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "That's insane."
"A nuke?" Knuckles said, his tone both confused and wary. His crimson eyes narrowed as he leaned forward slightly. "What is a nuke?"
Tails straightened up in his chair, his academic side kicking in.
"A nuclear bomb is one of the most powerful weapons ever created by humanity," he began. "It uses nuclear reactions to release an enormous amount of energy—enough to destroy an entire city in seconds."
Sonic, still trying to wrap his head around it, leaned back in his chair.
"I've seen nukes in movies and comic books, but that stuff's just fiction, right? People don't actually use them?" he questioned in confusion.
"Well, not anymore," Tails replied. "At least, not on Earth, this Earth. According to recorded history, the only nuclear bombs detonated were in 1945—Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during World War II."
Alice's expression darkened.
"That was the case for us too… until Raccoon City," she revealed.
Tails tilted his head, intrigued despite the gravity of the topic.
"So, similar historical events, but different timelines. Fascinating… and horrifying," he admitted.
Knuckles was clearly struggling to comprehend the scale of what Alice was describing. His fists tightened as he stared intently at her.
"They destroyed an entire city—people, buildings, everything—just to hide their crimes?" he scoffed.
Alice nodded.
"Umbrella didn't care about the people in Raccoon City. To them, the lives lost were just collateral damage."
Knuckles clenched his fists harder, his voice filled with disgust.
"This Umbrella… they are no warriors. They are cowards," he said loudly.
"Knuckles, it's more complicated than that," Tails said gently. "The people responsible weren't fighting a war—they were covering their tracks. A nuclear bomb isn't something anyone uses lightly."
Knuckles frowned, still visibly unsettled.
"Is it more powerful than the Master Emerald, Fox?" he asked, his curiosity breaking through the confusion in his voice.
Tails hesitated for a moment, glancing at Alice before answering.
"I… I'm not 100% sure, Knuckles. The Master Emerald is unique. But a nuclear bomb… its power is destructive in a different way."
"But if someone like Robotnik managed to infuse the power of the Master Emerald into a weapon of mass destruction..." Sonic's voice trailed off, his tone serious as the implications began to settle in. "I really dread to think about the consequences."
"This is troubling…" Knuckles muttered, his voice growing dark, his mind clearly overwhelmed by the thought of this weapon.
Alice, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued by the mention of the Master Emerald again. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded the group.
"You've mentioned this Master Emerald before," she said, her voice sharp with interest. "What is it?"
Knuckles straightened in his chair, his posture proud.
"The Master Emerald is the source of infinite power. It holds the balance of chaos and order in the universe."
Alice raised an eyebrow.
"And you're in charge of it?" she asked.
"Yes," Knuckles said firmly. "The hedgehog, the fox, and I are its sworn guardians. It is our duty to protect the Master Emerald, to ensure it is not used for vengeance or to harm the innocent."
Alice tilted her head slightly, intrigued.
"Where is it now?" she probed.
Knuckles glanced at Sonic and Tails, both of whom gave him subtle nods.
"It is hidden away," Knuckles said after a moment. "In a place only I know. It is safe."
Alice studied him for a moment before looking at Sonic and Tails.
"And you trust him with it?" she questioned.
Sonic grinned as he replied.
"Of course. Knuckles might be stubborn and… well, Knuckles, but he's also one of the fiercest warriors in the galaxy. No one's better suited to protect it."
Knuckles gave a firm nod, his expression serious.
"It is a duty and honour I do not take lightly," he affirmed sternly.
Alice leaned back in her chair, genuinely impressed.
"Sounds like you've got your priorities straight."
Maddie, who had been quietly listening, finally found her voice.
"So… you've got all this distortion stuff, Alice coming through some kind of rift, and now she's sitting at our table from another Earth. There has to be a reason, right?"
Tom scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe it's destiny? Or fate? Knuckles, isn't that something you'd believe in?" he asked, looking to the Echidna.
Knuckles furrowed his brow, looking contemplative.
"I believe in honour and duty, not… destiny. However," he added, looking at Alice, "I sense that the Monster Hunter must return to her world. Even if it has fallen to its knees, a warrior like her is bound by duty to protect it."
Alice raised an eyebrow.
"Are you warming up to me, Knuckles?" she asked.
Knuckles gave a solemn nod.
"Your story has shown me your strength. You fight for your home, despite the odds. That is… admirable. But," he added, his tone serious, "I remain wary of interlopers to my tribe."
Alice smirked faintly.
"Fair enough. But Knuckles is right, I need to get back," she said solemnly. "As nice as this Earth is, I have a job to do."
"Okay, hold up," Maddie said, raising her hand slightly. "Alice, you really want to go back? After everything you've been through?"
"Yeah," Tom added, leaning forward. "You could start fresh here. You don't have to go back to… all that."
Sonic looked equally surprised as he spoke up.
"I mean, no Starbucks, no time to eat in peace, zombies everywhere. What's the upside?" he asked.
Tails stayed quiet, his brow furrowed as if deep in thought. Alice, however, didn't hesitate with her answer.
"It's my home," she said firmly. "I can't abandon it, no matter how bad things are. If there's even a chance I can save what's left, I have to try."
Knuckles nodded approvingly, his gaze unwavering.
"A true warrior does not turn their back on their people," he affirmed.
Sonic leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.
"Well, when you put it like that… guess we can't argue with you," he admitted.
Alice glanced at Tails, who had been unusually quiet.
"Do you think you can get me home?" she asked. "You are the brains of the group."
"It's… possible," Tails said slowly. "The distortion energy that brought you here—it's still present. If I can analyse and harness it, we might be able to recreate the rift. But it'll take time, and it won't be easy."
Alice nodded, her tone resolute.
"Time isn't the issue. I just need to know if it can be done," she stated.
Tails gave her a small, confident smile.
"If it's possible, I'll find a way," he replied with a nod.
Tom, leaning back in his chair, tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"What about the rings? You boys use them to get places, right?" he remarked.
Alice's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Rings? What rings?" she mused.
Sonic perked up, an eager grin spreading across his face.
"Oh, you're gonna love this one," he exclaimed.
"They're special rings we use for travel," Tails explained. "Sonic's been using them for years. They can open portals to other places—anywhere, really, as long as you can picture it clearly."
Alice blinked, clearly skeptical.
"You're saying you use rings—actual rings—to travel?" she questioned.
"Yep!" Sonic said, crossing his arms proudly.
Alice shook her head, disbelief flickering across her face.
"That's… impossible. Rings don't do that," she remarked in disbelief.
Maddie, who had been quietly observing, finally chimed in.
"Alice, you're sitting here, at our table drinking coffee, in another reality. At this point, I don't think anything's impossible anymore."
Alice paused, considering Maddie's words. Finally, she gave a small shrug.
"Good point," she admitted.
Tails tapped his finger against his chin, clearly deep in thought.
"The rings might work," he murmured, almost to himself. "If the distortion energy from the rift is still present, the rings could theoretically be tuned to it. It'd take some adjustments, but it's worth exploring."
Sonic's grin widened, and he jumped off his chair with his usual boundless energy.
"No need to theorise, Tails. Let's show her how it works!" He gestured dramatically at Alice. "Come with me, Romanoff! Let me show you the magic of the rings!"
Alice stood up, curiosity clearly getting the better of her.
"Alright, show me," she said, her tone laced with equal parts skepticism and intrigue.
"Trust me, this is gonna blow your mind," Sonic said confidently, walking to the front door. "Let's go!"
As Alice followed, Ozzie trailed faithfully at her side, tail wagging. The rest of the group exchanged amused glances before getting up to join them.
Outside
The group stood in front of the Wachowski house, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the lawn. Sonic held up his brown leather over-the-arm bag, rifling through it with a grin.
"Okay, Romanoff," Sonic said as he pulled out one of the golden rings, pinching it delicately between his thumb and index finger. "Prepare to have your mind blown."
"This is it?" Alice asked, staring at the small, seemingly ordinary golden ring.
"This is it," Sonic replied confidently. "But trust me, it's not about what it looks like—it's about what it does."
Alice tilted her head slightly, her skepticism clear.
"Alright. Show me," she requested firmly.
Sonic held the ring up proudly.
"Here's how it works: you pick a location, I think really hard about it, then I throw this bad boy, and bam—instant ring portal," the hedgehog explained.
Alice's expression softened slightly as her curiosity got the better of her.
"Any location?" she questioned.
"Anywhere," Sonic said, puffing out his chest. "As long as I can picture it clearly in my head."
Tails nodded as he jumped into the conversation.
"It's connected to the natural energy of this world. The better Sonic can visualise the place, the more precise the portal."
Tom crossed his arms, amused.
"Just don't picture somewhere ridiculous," he remarked.
"And don't imagine a world made of Mushrooms," Sonic admitted. "The Mushroom Planet is a no go."
"Mushroom planet?" Alice asked curiously.
"Don't ask..." Sonic answered.
Alice took a moment to think, her gaze drifting to the horizon.
"Alright… Washington, D.C," she affirmed.
"Good choice. DC it is," Sonic replied. "Say, that's where the White House is, right?"
"Yes, Sonic," Tom said with a chuckle. "The White House is in DC."
Knuckles, who had been listening intently, leaned forward, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"The White House? What is this 'White House'? Is it a fortress for warriors?" he asked, his tone deadly serious.
"Not quite, Knuckles," Tails explained. "The White House is the residence of the President of the United States—the leader of this country."
Knuckles rubbed his chin thoughtfully, as though evaluating the concept.
"I see. And is this President an honorable leader? A wise and noble warrior?" he asked.
Tom and Maddie exchanged a glance before both shrugged in perfect unison.
"Meh," they said simultaneously.
Knuckles' expression shifted into utter bewilderment.
"Meh? What does this 'meh' mean? Is it a declaration of dishonor?" he questioned firmly.
Tom stifled a laugh, holding up his hand.
"It means… complicated," he admitted.
"Very complicated," Maddie added. "Also, it depends on who the president is at the time."
Your Earth's leadership confuses me," Knuckles declared dramatically, shaking his head. "Fortresses without warriors, leaders without honor… How does your planet even survive?"
Oh, we get by, Knux. Don't worry, we've got people like me to pick up the slack," Sonic remarked confidently.
Knuckles squinted at Sonic, his voice flat.
"This does not reassure me," he replied.
"Alright, enough about politics for now," Sonic remarked, twirling the ring in his fingers. "Let's get back to the fun part. Now, everyone stay back—I've gotta focus for this."
He closed his eyes, the ring held high as he muttered to himself, "DC… Washington Monument… the Capitol… the White House…"
Alice watched skeptically, her arms crossed but her curiosity growing. Before Sonic could throw the ring, the distant roar of engines shattered the moment. Black SUVs sped down the street, their tires screeching as they skidded to a halt in front of the house.
"Oh, great," Sonic groaned, letting his arm drop. "What now?"
Ozzie barked sharply, moving in front of Alice as if to shield her from the newcomers. The dog's sudden protectiveness surprised her, and she gave his head a reassuring pat.
The SUV doors swung open, and a group of armed G.U.N. agents stepped out, their weapons lowered but ready. The last to emerge was Commander Walters, his imposing figure and stern expression making his authority clear.
"Commander Walters," Tom said, stepping forward with a polite but strained tone. "What a… pleasant surprise."
Walters stopped a few feet away, his expression unreadable.
"Sheriff Wachowski," he replied crisply before shifting his gaze to Maddie. "Mrs. Wachowski."
Maddie arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
"Commander," she said coolly, her tone making it clear she wasn't thrilled by the intrusion.
"Oh, no hello to us?" Sonic asked, feigning offense. "Wow. Rude much, Commander."
Walters glanced at Team Sonic, his expression as neutral as ever. He gave them a curt nod.
"Unbelievable," Sonic muttered, throwing his hands in the air and shaking his head. "We save the world and stop Robotnik, and this is the thanks we get."
Walters ignored him, turning his attention back to Tom.
"Sheriff, we need to have a word."
Tom forced a smile, his hands on his hips.
"Of course. What can I do for you today, Commander?" he asked.
"Let me guess—more Olive Garden gift cards for us?" Maddie quipped, her voice laced with dry humor.
Walters didn't react, his stony expression unwavering.
"No, I'm not here to deliver gift cards today," he replied firmly.
"Shame," Sonic chimed in, hands clasped behind his head. "I was hoping for some unlimited breadsticks."
Ozzie barked once, as if agreeing, before Alice placed a steadying hand on his back. Walters' eyes flicked to the dog briefly before settling on Alice, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"We are here about the woman," Walters asked, his tone clipped. "Who are you?"
Alice stared back at him, her expression cold.
"Who's asking?" she replied bluntly.
"G.U.N. is asking, ma'am," Walters replied, stepping closer. "We have no record of you in any database, and our sensors have been picking up high levels of distortion energy radiating from you. Care to explain?"
Alice's eyes darted to the agents standing behind Walters, their hands hovering near their weapons. Her stance shifted slightly, her body language tense.
"What exactly are you accusing me of?" she questioned firmly.
Walters didn't flinch as he replied.
"I'm not accusing you of anything—yet. But the energy you're radiating matches the anomaly we've been tracking since the wormhole appeared over Green Hills. And now, here you are. That's too much of a coincidence."
Tails stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
"You already know about the rift, don't you?" he mused.
Walters nodded curtly in response to Tails's question, his expression as sharp and unyielding as ever.
"We've been monitoring it, yes," he confirmed. "But now, we finally have proof that something—or someone—came through it."
Alice's icy glare locked onto Walters, her stance rigid as she took a step forward.
"And what exactly are you planning to do with that proof?" she asked, her tone cutting.
Walters's gaze didn't waver.
"We want answers," he said flatly, his voice leaving no room for debate. "We need to know if you're working with Robotnik—or if you're another threat to our world."
"Working with Robotnik?" Sonic interjected, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. "Commander, she doesn't even know who Robotnik is! Look at her—does she scream Eggman fan club to you?"
"And besides, Robotnik is dead, right?" Tails added. "Or as good as, after what happened recently?"
Walters's jaw tightened, clearly unimpressed by their defense. His piercing gaze remained fixed on Alice, his patience visibly thinning.
"That remains to be seen," he replied, his tone hard and unrelenting. "We can't take any risks. You either cooperate willingly, or we'll take you into custody. Your choice."
Ozzie barked sharply, his hackles rising as he planted himself protectively in front of Alice. The Golden Retriever's stance was unwavering, his growl low and guttural.
Walters frowned, his cold gaze shifting to the dog.
"Take the mutt away, Sheriff," he ordered, his voice clipped and dismissive.
"Hey!" Maddie shouted, defending Ozzie.
"That's not happening," Tom said firmly, his voice edged with defiance.
"The wolf stays with us," Knuckles declared.
"Commander!" Sonic snapped, stepping forward with his arms spread wide, standing between Walters and the group. "First of all, he's not a mutt. Second of all, you don't get to waltz in here and start barking orders."
Walters didn't flinch, meeting Sonic's defiant glare with his usual stoicism.
"I can and will, Sonic," he replied coolly.
Sonic folded his arms, shaking his head.
"Man, you were way cooler when you were on our side," he remarked.
"I am on your side," Walters retorted, his voice growing sharper. "But you're not making my life easier by harboring someone who's clearly tied to this anomaly or Robotnik."
Ozzie growled again, louder this time, and Alice placed a steadying hand on his head, her icy eyes locking onto Walters with a sharp intensity that could cut through steel.
"Ozzie's a good judge of character," she said, her voice calm but laced with venom. "He doesn't trust you."
Knuckles stepped forward, his deep voice booming.
"The Wolf speaks the truth," he declared. "The Monster Hunter is a noble and brave warrior."
Walters blinked, momentarily thrown off by the title.
"Monster Hunter?" he repeated, his tone laced with incredulity. "Now you're just giving us more reasons to investigate."
Alice's expression hardened as she stepped forward, her gaze unwavering.
"You don't intimidate me, Commander," she replied.
Walters tilted his head, sizing her up.
"I can tell you're sharp," he admitted, gesturing vaguely to her tactical gear and no-nonsense demeanor. "Your look, your stance—it screams it. But don't make me regret dragging you into custody. You're not making this easy."
Alice took another step closer, her tone icy.
"I don't care how much power you think you have. I've faced worse than you—people who thought they could control everything, just like you. And they all failed," she declared.
Walters raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
"You're walking a fine line here, ma'am," he warned.
Tom placed a hand on Alice's shoulder, trying to ease the growing tension.
"Alice, maybe take a breath. Let's not make this worse," he said cautiously.
"Tom's right," Maddie added, her voice soothing but firm. "This isn't the time to escalate."
But Sonic, leaning casually on one leg, waved them off.
"Nah, let her vent," he said, smirking slightly. "She's earned it."
Alice turned her sharp gaze back to Walters.
"You want answers? Then start listening instead of throwing around threats. I'm not your enemy, but I'm not your captive either. Understand?"
Walters' jaw tightened, but he didn't back down.
"You're not exactly giving me a reason to trust you," he admitted.
Knuckles, who had been watching intently, stepped beside Alice.
"She is no enemy," he stated firmly. "The Monster Hunter fights for her world as we fight for ours. That is a bond of warriors."
Walters glanced at Knuckles, clearly unaccustomed to the echidna's imposing presence.
"I'm not questioning her bravery. I'm questioning her intentions," he explained.
Alice's glare didn't waver as she continued.
"My only intention is to survive and stop Umbrella. You want to drag me in for questioning? Fine. But I promise you this—you'll get a fight you're not prepared for."
The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Walters stared at Alice for a long moment, clearly assessing her resolve. His agents, still standing ready behind him, exchanged uneasy glances but held their positions.
Before either side could escalate further, one of Walters' agents jogged over, his face pale and urgency radiated from them.
"Sir, we've got a situation," the agent said quickly.
"What is it?" Walters barked, his tone sharp.
The agent hesitated, glancing at Alice and the others before continuing.
"Another rift has opened."
"Where?" Walters asked.
"San Francisco, sir. Near the bay," the agent explained.
A ripple of murmurs spread through the group. Tails' ears perked up, his mind racing.
"Another rift?" he muttered under his breath.
Alice's breath hitched, her entire body going rigid.
"Who came through?" she asked.
The agent adjusted his earpiece, his voice steady but tense.
"The leader appears to be a white female, approximately five-foot-six, blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a blue bodysuit with some kind of device on her chest."
Alice's breath caught, her voice barely a whisper.
"Jill…"
Everyone turned to her, their faces a mix of surprise and confusion.
Sonic frowned, crossing his arms.
"Jill? Who's Jill?" he asked.
Alice turned to face them, her expression grim and serious.
"Jill Valentine. She was… a friend. One of the best. A former member of S.T.A.R.S., an elite special police force back home. She fought alongside me against Umbrella… until they got to her."
"Got to her?" Tom asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Alice nodded, her jaw tightening.
"They used a mind-control device—the scarab—on her. It attaches to her chest, taking over her mind and body. If she's here, and the scarab is still on her…" She paused, her voice dropping lower. "It means Umbrella has entered this reality too."
The tension in the air thickened as Walters stepped forward, his stern demeanor cracking slightly under the weight of Alice's words.
"Umbrella?" he asked, his tone sharper now. "Who—what—is Umbrella?"
Sonic scratched his head, glancing at Alice before summing it up in his usual straightforward way.
"Dangerous, shady, and loves turning people into bad guys," he admitted.
"That's putting it lightly," Alice added. "Umbrella Corporation is responsible for creating the T-virus—the infection that destroyed my world. They're ruthless, manipulative, and they stop at nothing to get what they want."
Tails stepped closer, adjusting his goggles.
"From what Alice told us before you arrived, Commander, these guys sound like serious trouble," he remarked.
Knuckles, eve blunt, chimed in with his deep, booming voice.
"The Monster Hunter explained they 'nuked' a City of Raccoons."
Dead silence followed as every G.U.N. agent visibly paled. Walters' jaw tightened, his hand twitching near his belt as though reaching for something.
"Dude!" Sonic exclaimed, spinning around to face Knuckles. "You can't just drop that on people!"
"Knuckles!" Tails hissed, his ears flattening in disbelief.
Tom pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a long sigh before he spoke.
"Firstly, it's Raccoon City, Knuckles. Not an actual city of raccoons."
Sonic threw his arms in the air.
"And secondly, way to go panicking the most paranoid organisation in the world! You're way too honest, dude," he moaned.
Knuckles simply shrugged, his stoic expression unchanging.
"It's the truth, I speak no lies," the echidna replied defensively.
Alice stepped forward again, cutting through the chatter.
"Knuckles isn't wrong though," she admitted, her voice steady. "Umbrella wiped Raccoon City off the map with a nuclear bomb to cover their tracks. They didn't care about the lives lost—only protecting their secrets. And if Jill is here, it means Umbrella's reach has extended into this reality. It's only a matter of time before they start spreading their infection."
Walters looked visibly unsettled for the first time, his grip on control slipping.
"This just keeps getting better," he muttered under his breath. "You're telling me this… Umbrella Corporation has access to a killer virus, mind control and weapons of mass destruction destroying cities?"
Alice nodded gravely.
"That's not even the worst of it," she admitted.
"Excuse me?" Walters scoffed. "What could be worse?"
"It could mean the Red Queen is here on this Earth too," Alice admitted.
Walters straightened, his expression sharp.
"The Red Queen? Who—or what—is that?" he demanded.
Alice hesitated, her hands curling into fists at her sides.
"She's an AI system developed by Umbrella. Initially created to oversee their facilities and ensure safety. But when things went wrong, the Red Queen made the cold, calculated decision to eliminate anyone deemed a 'threat' to containment. She's wiped out entire teams of survivors—including innocent civilians—without hesitation."
Sonic blinked, taking a half-step back.
"Wait, wait, wait. You're saying there's a killer AI running around out there? And you kept that quiet?" he remarked, unsettled.
Tails frowned, looking up at Alice.
"You didn't mention this earlier," he added with concern.
"It's complicated," Alice admitted, her voice tight. "The Red Queen isn't always active. She only surfaces when there's a significant breach or threat. If Jill's here, it doesn't guarantee the Red Queen is… but if Umbrella is involved, we can't rule it out."
Walters' voice was grim.
"We'll have to operate under the assumption she is here. Between this AI, Umbrella, and this virus you've mentioned… we're dealing with a potential global threat."
"Potential?" Sonic asked, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds more like definite to me."
"The Red Queen's AI, combined with Umbrella's technology, could cripple entire infrastructures—military, communication, everything," Tails remarked, deep in thought.
"This is a dishonorable way to fight. Hiding behind machines and viruses. It's cowardly," Knuckles replied sternly.
"It's effective," Alice countered. "That's why Umbrella uses it. They don't care about honour—they care about control."
Walters let out a sharp breath, his gaze flicking between Alice and his agents.
"Alright. Worst-case scenario planning it is. If what you've told us is accurate, we're not just dealing with one rogue operative. This is a full-scale invasion waiting to happen."
The tension in the air was electric as the group processed the weight of the situation. Alice stood tall, her expression hard but resolute.
"If Jill's here, we don't have much time. Umbrella never moves without a plan," she clarified.
Walters nodded slowly, his usual stoicism replaced with a grim determination.
"Understood. But make no mistake—you're not off the hook. We're still going to need answers. All of them," he remarked.
Alice's icy gaze locked onto his, her voice steady and unyielding.
"You'll get them. But first, we stop Jill," she declared.
Walters turned his sharp gaze to Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.
"Team Sonic," he began, his voice firm, "head to San Francisco and intercept this Jill Valentine. If what Alice says is true, she could pose a major threat. Contain her, and assess the situation with this 'Umbrella' operation."
He shifted his focus back to Alice.
"You'll go with them. You seem to know this Jill best, and frankly, we'll need every advantage we can get," he admitted.
Alice's lips twitched into a faint, dry smirk.
"Got any weapons I can borrow? I can improvise, but I'd rather be prepared," she remarked.
Walters didn't hesitate. He reached to his holster, pulled out his sidearm, and walked over to her. His eyes met hers as he handed her the firearm.
"Make it count," he said, his tone laden with meaning. "This Earth depends on you—and Team Sonic."
Alice accepted the weapon, her expression softening ever so slightly as she examined it.
"Thanks. I'll take care of it."
Sonic stepped up, breaking the tension with his trademark grin.
"Looks like we're teaming up, Romanoff," he said, looking up to her. "Hope you can keep up."
Alice raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Ozzie gave a single bark, wagging his tail as if in approval.
Sonic reached into his brown leather bag, his fingers curling around a golden ring. Holding it up for everyone to see, he smirked.
"I guess you'll finally get to see my magic trick after all," Sonic exclaimed. "Next stop, San Francisco!"
Unknown Location
The dimly lit hallway echoed with the sharp click of Agent Stone's polished shoes. His suit was immaculate, as always, perfectly pressed and sharp enough to cut glass. In each hand, he carried a coffee cup, carefully holding them as he approached a high-security door. The panel beside the door lit up as he leaned forward, scanning his eye. A soft beep confirmed his clearance, and the door slid open with a hiss.
Stone entered the room, the sharp scent of stale food and coffee hitting him like a wave. The once-pristine control room was a disaster zone. Empty pizza boxes and crumpled fast-food wrappers were scattered across the floor, mingling with discarded coffee cups. Screens flickered with data, half-covered by scribbled notes and sticky tape. A faint hum of machinery filled the air, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of soft snoring.
"Doctor," Stone began, his tone carefully neutral as he stepped further in. "I've brought your coffee."
From the center of the room, a high-backed chair swiveled slightly, revealing only its occupant's arm resting lazily on the armrest.
"Did you bring my latte," a voice drawled from the shadows, "with steamed Austrian goat milk, Stone?"
"Yes, Doctor," Stone replied smoothly, moving closer to the chair. "Exactly as you like it."
The chair spun around to reveal Dr. Robotnik—or at least, a down and out version of him.
Robotnik plucked the latte from Stone's hand, sniffing it like a wine connoisseur before taking a slow sip.
"Ah," he sighed dramatically, "a brief oasis in the wasteland of my misery."
Stone tilted his head, his polite smile unwavering.
"You're welcome, Doctor."
Robotnik leaned back in his chair, cradling the cup like a chalice.
"You're lucky you've proven to be my most loyal—and only—underling, Stone. If you hadn't, I'd have replaced you with a robot years ago."
Stone's smile didn't falter.
"I'm honoured, Doctor."
Robotnik gestured vaguely around the room.
"Do you see this chaos, Stone? This… pit of despair? It's what happens when genius is left unappreciated, forced to survive on fast food and mediocrity."
Stone's gaze flicked to the pile of wrappers at Robotnik's feet but said nothing.
"I was this close to ruling the world, Stone!" Robotnik continued, holding his thumb and forefinger millimeters apart. "And now look at me! Reduced to hiding in this—this—backwater excuse for a lab."
Stone cleared his throat.
"Actually, Doctor, there's something you might find interesting," he announced.
Robotnik waved him off dismissively.
"Unless it's a way to obliterate that meddlesome hedgehog and his merry band of misfits, I'm not interested."
"It's about the rift, Doctor," Stone said, stepping toward one of the flickering monitors. "Another signature has appeared. Distortion energy."
Robotnik froze mid-sip, his mustache twitching. Slowly, he set the latte down on the armrest and turned to face the screen.
"A rift, you say?" His voice dropped an octave, laced with curiosity. "Like the wormhole we saw over Green Hills?"
Stone nodded, tapping a few keys to pull up the data.
"I think so, Doctor. It's faint but distinct. The same energy pattern," he explained.
Robotnik leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the screen.
"Interesting…" His fingers steepled under his chin as a wicked grin began to spread across his face. "The plot thickens, Stone. Oh, how it thickens."
Stone remained silent, his expression neutral but his posture attentive.
"Do you know what this means?" Robotnik exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "This is an opportunity! A chance to prove that my genius transcends even the boundaries of reality itself!"
"Of course, Doctor," Stone said, his tone tinged with admiration. "Your brilliance knows no bounds."
Robotnik began pacing the room, his movements erratic but purposeful.
"I knew it, Stone! I knew there was something bigger at play. A tear in the fabric of existence, ripe for the taking! And they—" he spat the word, his mustache quivering, "—think they can keep it from me? Oh no, Stone. They can't stop progress. They can't stop me."
Stone watched as Robotnik's excitement grew, the fire returning to his eyes.
"What's the plan, Doctor?" he asked
Robotnik stopped pacing by his chair, turning to Stone with a maniacal gleam in his eye.
"The plan, Stone, is to harness this energy and make it mine. If this rift can connect worlds, imagine the possibilities. Infinite realities, infinite power, infinite Robotniks!"
Stone nodded, his loyalty unwavering.
"Brilliant, as always, Doctor."
Robotnik snatched his latte back up, raising it in a mock toast.
"To Multiversal domination, Stone!" he declared.
"To Multiversal domination, Doctor" Stone echoed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched his eccentric, unpredictable boss come back to life.
Another Chapter Down!
A Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all my readers! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and maybe some time to catch up on stories like this one.
The plot is slowly thickening as the conflict with Jill and the Red Queen draws closer. With Robotnik now edging his way back into the picture, the stakes are getting higher, and things are about to get even more interesting.
Here are some Easter Eggs from the chapter:
The Hole in the Wall: This is a callback to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, when Knuckles punched Sonic through the wall during their initial confrontation. The hole is still there, and repair crews have been unable to fix it—thanks to Knuckles' tendency to lay traps and engage in his "warrioring." This is a nod to the Knuckles series, where similar antics are explored in the very first episode.
Knuckles' Nicknames: True to his blunt personality, Knuckles has unique names for everyone. He calls Maddie "Pretzel Woman" because of her yoga practice and Ozzie "Wolf," a continuation from the Knuckles series. Alice's new nickname, "Monster Hunter," reflects Knuckles' growing respect for her combat skills and survival instincts.
Alice's Story: Alice's recount of Raccoon City's destruction was a pivotal moment. Knuckles humorously misinterprets it as a "City of Raccoons," adding levity to the heavy revelation. This was a great way to bring Alice's backstory into the fold while showcasing the dynamic between her and Team Sonic.
Olive Garden: A running joke from the movies makes its appearance again. Walters famously gave Tom and Maddie an Olive Garden gift card in the first movie as a token of G.U.N.'s gratitude. It's only fitting that Maddie brings it up during her interaction with Walters.
Austrian Steamed Goat's Milk Latte: Robotnik's obsession with this specific latte is a recurring gag from the movies, highlighting his eccentric and over-the-top personality. Stone's unwavering loyalty in making them perfectly adds to the comedic element of their dynamic.
Robotnik's Downward Spiral: This chapter provides a glimpse into Robotnik's post-Sonic 2 state, tying into his portrayal in the upcoming Sonic 3 film. We're seeing him at his lowest, disheveled and out of his element, but the mention of the rift offers a glimmer of rebirth for the villain we know and love to hate.
Thank you so much for the reviews and support—it means the world to me! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and all the little Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout.
The next chapter will be out in the new year, as I'll be taking some time off to spend the holiday season with my family. Once again, thank you all for reading, and have a fantastic holiday season!