Trojan Horse
The Wachowiski Household - Evening
Back from the diner, the group had settled into the garage—or, as Tom called it, Tails's makeshift workshop. The space buzzed with quiet energy, a mix of mechanical whirs and the faint hum of Tails's yellow analyser device sitting proudly at the centre of the workbench, where scattered notes spread across its surface.
The group, apart from Knuckles who was absent, gathered around the workbench.
"Alright," Tails began, his tone sharp and focused. "Here's what I've been working on so far." He gestured to the scattered papers—some torn straight from his notepad, others covered in detailed diagrams and equations that made Alice's head spin.
"You wrote all this while we were eating at the diner?" Alice asked, raising an eyebrow as she surveyed the sheer volume of notes.
"Not just at the diner," Tails clarified, his twin tails flicking behind him. "I've been jotting down ideas since the wormhole first appeared above Green Hills. I've been theorising about the energy it left behind, its properties, and, well… our encounter with you."
Sonic grabbed one of the loose notes and scanned it. He squinted, then tilted the paper sideways, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Uh… Tails? This one just says, 'Things to do.' Is this part of your research and theories?" he quizzed, his tone dripping with mock curiosity.
Tails blinked in surprise and leaned over to see what Sonic was holding.
"Oh, no, that's not part of the project," the fox clarified, his twin tails flicking behind him. "That's my personal list. Just stuff I want to work on when I have free time."
Sonic's grin widened mischievously.
"Oh, this is gold. Let's see what we've got here…" He cleared his throat dramatically. "'Learn to juggle.' 'Confront my fear of thunderstorms.'"
"You don't like thunderstorms, Tails?" Alice asked, her voice curious but empathetic.
Tails hesitated, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Not really… It's not the sound so much as the unpredictability. The loud cracks, the sudden flashes of lighting when it appears—it's overwhelming sometimes," he admitted.
Alice's expression softened, and her voice carried a rare warmth.
"You'll find the courage to face that someday, Tails," she said sincerely. "Your have the bravery and smarts to overcome this fear."
The young fox blinked in surprise, then offered a small, grateful smile.
"Thanks, Alice," he replied warmly.
However, Sonic wasn't finished digging through Tails's list. His grin turned sly as he held up the paper dramatically.
"And the last one on your list is a real treat, Tails—'Play and complete... Final Fantasy VII'?!" he exclaimed, clearly amused. "You serious?!"
Tails shrugged, his tails curling slightly.
"I've seen a lot about it online. It looks like a fun game for my downtime, so I thought I'd give it a try," the fox answered.
"Oh, Tails, you're in for a rollercoaster of emotions. Let me tell you—you're gonna love it," Sonic exclaimed.
"Wait, you have Final Fantasy games here?" Alice asked suddenly, her tone surprised. There was a flicker of something in her expression—an almost imperceptible recognition. Memories from her subconscious seemed to stir, though fragmented.
"Uh, yeah..." Sonic replied, giving her a look as if she'd just questioned whether gravity existed. But then his grin faltered slightly, and his eyes widened. "Wait—you had them on your Earth too?"
"We do... or did…" Alice said quietly, crossing her arms. "Before Umbrella destroyed everything." She paused, her voice softening as a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I think I used to play them. But… those memories are so scattered now. It's like trying to grab smoke."
"That sucks," Sonic said, his voice genuinely sympathetic. "You're missing out on some great storytelling and gaming memories, friendo. Especially VI and VII. Both are masterpieces, in my opinion."
Alice nodded slowly, a small, melancholic smile creeping onto her face.
"It's interesting that both our worlds have the same game series, though," she theorised.
"Bonkers is more like it," Sonic said, brightening up again. "What a small multiverse, huh?"
"Sure is," Alice replied.
"I wonder if they have any remasters of Final Fantasy VII out there across different realities? 1997 was a long time ago you know..." Sonic exclaimed, excited by the idea.
Before the conversation could get further off track, Tails sighed loudly, waving his hands to regain their attention.
"Can we please focus? Maybe we can talk about video games later—"
"Wait, wait!" Sonic interrupted, holding up a finger. His eyes were gleaming with excitement now. "I just thought of something else."
"What is it?" Alice questioned.
"If Final Fantasy games exists in multiple realities, does that mean the heroes—like Cloud, Terra, and others—might actually be out there somewhere? Like… for real?" He paused, his grin widening. "And if they exist, does that mean evil dudes like Kefka and Sephiroth could be roaming the multiverse too?" Sonic theorised, his imagination running wild inside his head.
"Sonic, they're just video games. They're not real," Alice sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, but…" Sonic waved his arms animatedly, as if the sheer force of his enthusiasm would convince her. "Think about it! We've got wormholes, rifts and alternate Earths. Plus, evil pharmaceutical companies and a crazy AI trying to take over the world! You're telling me it's impossible that there's a world out there with a stoic, spiky-haired dude, wielding a giant sword saving the day?!"
"I think you've had too many chili dogs tonight," Alice deadpanned.
"Call me crazy, but it could happen!" Sonic insisted.
"Sonic, if you're done theorising about video game characters being real, can we get back to the actual problem? You know, like… fixing the rifts and getting Alice home safely?" Tails groaned, rubbing his temples.
"Fine, fine," Sonic said, waving him off with a grin. "But I'm just saying—Me teaming up with Cloud? That'd be epic."
Alice finally turned her attention to one of the papers on the workbench, picking it up and studying the scribbled text.
"This one's interesting…" she muttered.
Tails perked up, leaning over.
"Which one?" he asked.
She tilted the paper toward him.
"This one. Your writings on a 'Super Form'? What's that about?" she probed.
"Oh, that," Tails replied, his tails flicking behind him. "It's something I've been analysing. It's based on Sonic turning golden during our fight with Robotnik. I needed a name for it, so… I called it the 'Super Form.'"
"Interesting..." Alice muttered.
"I know right," Tails remarked. "The form allows Sonic's strength and speed to increase. Plus, he can fly when he turns super."
"And fly, huh?" Alice remarked, seemingly impressed.
"You know it, Romanoff. And the name you have given this new form sounds awesome, Tails" Sonic interjected, striking a triumphant pose. "Makes me sound like a Super Saiyan or something!"
Tails chuckled as he replied, "I figured you'd like it."
Alice looked at Sonic, her brow furrowed slightly.
"You know, it's weird…"
"What's weird?" Sonic asked, his grin fading slightly. "The Super Saiyan reference?"
"No, not that," Alice replied. She paused, as if gathering her thoughts. "When I fell through the rift from my Earth to yours, I saw… something. A vision, I guess. A golden creature flying, facing off against a massive robotic mech."
"Wait… you saw Sonic in his Super Form?" Tails remarked, connecting the dots.
Alice nodded slowly, her focus shifting to Sonic.
"That's what it must've been. The golden figure—it looked like you, Sonic. And the giant mech must've been Robotnik's. Or, as you called him… Eggman," she revealed.
Sonic scratched the back of his head, clearly intrigued.
"Huh. That's crazy. So, you got a sneak peek of my awesomeness before you even met me?" he mused.
Alice smirked faintly as she replied, "I guess you could put it that way."
"That is interesting," Tails said, his mind already racing. "If Alice saw that event during the rift, it might mean she was caught in some kind of temporal anomaly. Like… echoes of events from different points in time overlapping within the distortion field."
"You're saying I saw a past event or something?" Alice asked, her expression one of uncertainty.
"Maybe," Tails replied thoughtfully. "Or possibly fragments of multiple timelines converging. Whatever it was, it definitely means these rifts are more complex than I initially thought."
"Another one for your list, buddy," Sonic chimed in with a grin. "Maybe squeeze it next to trying out 'Chocobo racing.' Trust me, it's more fun than it sounds."
Tails shook his head with a faint sigh, while Alice smirked in amusement.
"So," Alice began, her gaze shifting to Sonic, "how exactly did you become this… 'Super Form Sonic' then?"
Sonic made a face, shaking his head.
"Super Form Sonic is such a mouthful. Let's call it… Super Sonic. Catchy, right? Rolls off the tongue," he remarked.
"Fine, Super Sonic," Alice repeated. "What's the deal with it?"
"Well, it's a long story, but it all starts with the power of the—" Sonic began, only to be interrupted by the gruff voice of Knuckles echoing through the garage.
"The Hedgehog used the power of the Master Emerald, Monster Hunter," Knuckles said, stepping into the scene. In his large, gloved hands was the unmistakable green glow of the Master Emerald, its radiant energy lighting up the garage.
"Thanks for ruining the moment, Knux," Sonic groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "It was my story to tell."
"You were taking too long," Knuckles replied bluntly. "The Monster Hunter deserves answers from a true warrior."
Alice turned to Knuckles, her icy eyes locking onto the emerald in his grasp.
"So this is the Master Emerald you all keep talking about, huh?" she asked, intrigued. "About time I got to see it."
Knuckles nodded, his expression proud.
"Yes. The Master Emerald's power became one with the hedgehog to help defeat Robotnik," the echidna explained.
Alice stepped closer, staring at the gem's glowing surface, captivated by its beauty.
"It's… stunning," she admitted. "I can feel its energy."
"It's incredible, but incredibly dangerous," Tails chimed in, his voice cautious. "That's why I asked Knuckles to bring it here. I think it might help us figure out how to get you back home safely."
"Wait," Alice said, her gaze shifting between them. "You mean Knuckles just keeps this thing hidden?"
Knuckles straightened, his tone heavy with purpose.
"The Master Emerald cannot fall into the wrong hands, Monster Hunter" he affirmed sternly. "It is our sworn duty, our oath, to keep it safe."
"That's right. But, we entrusted Knuckles to find a safe place to hide it," Sonic added firmly.
"That's why I asked him to bring it here when we got back from the diner," Tails clarified.
"Makes sense. You did mentioned the Master Emerald earlier, Tails," Alice recalled. "Do you actually have a theory about how it could help us?"
Tails nodded, pulling a scribbled note from the workbench.
"I think the key lies in its unique ability to turn thoughts into reality," Tails revealed.
"Wait, you're saying it can literally make things happen just by thinking about them?" Alice questioned, tilting her head intrigued.
"Exactly," Tails confirmed. "The Master Emerald channels energy that responds to the will of the one wielding it. It's how Sonic was able to transform into his Super Form.
Alice turned to Sonic, raising an eyebrow as she noticed the subtle shift in his expression. Sonic's confident demeanor softened, his usual playful grin replaced by something far more vulnerable. His gaze flicked toward the glowing emerald in Knuckles's hands, the faint light reflecting in his green eyes.
"It wasn't just about me," Sonic began, his voice quieter now. "The first time I used its power, I wasn't just trying to save the world—I was trying to protect the people I care about most. I focused on what mattered, and the Emerald… it responded."
He gestured toward a worn map pinned to the garage wall, its edges curling from age.
"It's what Longclaw would've wanted," he added, his tone heavy with reverence.
Alice tilted her head, her sharp features softening with curiosity.
"Longclaw?" she asked. "Who's Longclaw?"
For a moment, Sonic hesitated, the weight of the question visible in his eyes. He glanced at Knuckles, whose expression grew sombre, before finally answering. His voice was quiet but steady, laced with a deep sorrow he rarely let show.
"Longclaw was… family," Sonic said softly. "She raised me back on my home world. She wasn't just my guardian—she was my protector, my teacher… my mom, really. She kept me safe when the entire world felt dangerous."
Alice listened intently, her gaze fixed on him as Sonic continued, the emotion in his voice raw and unfiltered.
"She was the last of the Owls, a tribe tasked with protecting the Master Emerald. Its power was immense—too immense—and the Owls believed it needed to be kept from those who'd use it to cause harm."
Knuckles's expression darkened at Sonic's words. Alice noticed the change but stayed silent as Sonic pressed on.
"But the Echidna tribe… they didn't see it that way," Sonic said, his voice hardening slightly. "They wanted the emerald's power. They thought they could use it to conquer anyone who stood in their way. They saw the Owls as an obstacle, and they were willing to destroy anyone who got between them and the emerald."
Knuckles finally spoke, his deep voice heavy with regret.
"The Echidna tribe was… misguided. We were warriors. We believed strength came from power, and the Master Emerald was the ultimate source of that power. My people thought possessing it would make us invincible—that it would bring us honour and glory. But it didn't. It brought devastation."
Sonic nodded grimly as she spoke again.
"Longclaw knew what the Echidnas were capable of. She saw the destruction they'd bring if they got their hands on the emerald. So she made the hardest decision of her life—she hid it. She took the emerald to Earth, knowing it was the only place it could be safe."
Alice's icy eyes flicked to the glowing green gem in Knuckles's hands, realisation dawning.
"So… that's why it's here? She hid it from your people?" she questioned.
"Yes," Knuckles confirmed, his grip tightening on the Emerald. "My tribe saw it as betrayal. We hunted her, believing the emerald was our birth right. But Longclaw was wise. She knew the emerald's power wasn't meant to be used for conquest or revenge. She was protecting the universe, even if it meant making enemies of us."
Sonic's voice grew softer, tinged with sorrow as he continued the story.
"When the Echidnas caught up to her, she knew they wouldn't stop until they had what they wanted. So she made one last sacrifice. She sent me here, to Earth, through one of the portal rings, to keep me safe. She stayed behind to hold them off. She… didn't make it."
The room fell silent, the weight of Sonic's words settling over everyone. For a moment, no one spoke. Alice could feel the heaviness of the moment, the unspoken pain shared between Sonic and Knuckles.
Knuckles broke the silence, his voice low and filled with regret.
"My tribe paid a heavy price for our arrogance. In our pursuit of the emerald, we lost everything. Our people. Our home. My father… I never saw him again."
Sonic glanced at Knuckles, his expression softening.
"We both lost a lot that day," he said quietly.
Tails, standing off to the side, had gone silent, his usual upbeat demeanor subdued. When he finally spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically solemn.
"Longclaw's sacrifice shaped everything," he said softly. "If it weren't for her… Sonic wouldn't have had the chance to grow up here, to be safe. And eventually, to protect not just this Earth, but reality itself."
Alice absorbed their words, her icy gaze flicking between Sonic and Knuckles. The pain they carried was palpable, and for the first time since she'd met them, she saw past their quirks and bravado. She saw their strength—the kind forged through loss and sacrifice.
"I'm… sorry to hear about Longclaw, Sonic," she said sincerely. "And your father, Knuckles. But from everything I've seen, I know they'd be proud of you. Proud of the way you've fought to protect this Earth. Proud of the way you're still fighting, even now."
Sonic offered her a small, grateful smile, his usually vibrant eyes misty with emotion.
"Thanks, Alice. That means a lot," he said sombrely.
Knuckles nodded, his tone firm but filled with quiet reverence.
"Agreed. Despite our differences, we've ensured that the Master Emerald remains safe. It's the least we can do—for them, for this planet, and this universe," he said firmly.
Alice turned her gaze back to the Master Emerald, its green light reflecting off her face.
"It's incredible that something so beautiful can carry so much history… and so much pain."
Knuckles nodded solemnly as he replied.
"The emerald's power is tied to its wielder's will. In the wrong hands, it's destruction. In the right hands, it's salvation. That's why it must never fall into the wrong hands again."
"Well," she said, her voice steady with determination, "if it can help me get back home, then it's time to see what it can really do," Alice replied, her voice full of determination.
Sonic perked up at her words. His tone turned chipper as he clapped his hands together.
"So… what's the plan, buddy?" Sonic asked, his eyes fixed on Tails. "What you got cooking up in that genius brain of yours?"
Tails smiled softly. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was a spark of excitement in his blue eyes.
"I think," Tails began, "with the power of the Master Emerald and you acting as a conduit, Sonic, we might be able to use the distortion energy lingering in the air to create a stable ring portal to Alice's Earth."
Sonic blinked, tilting his head slightly.
"Conduit? You mean… going Super Sonic, right?"
"Exactly," Tails confirmed, picking up his yellow device. He tapped the screen, pulling up a series of diagrams that showed energy readings from the rift in San Francisco and simulations of the emerald's potential energy output. "From what I theorised, the Master Emerald doesn't just enhance your abilities—it amplifies your connection to energy fields. Think of it like this: the emerald is the power source, you're the circuit, and the ring will act as the output. If we synchronise the emerald's power with the distortion energy lingering in the air, you could channel that energy to open a portal."
"Okay, but how do we make sure the portal actually leads to Alice's world? Not, like… the wrong place entirely?" Sonic questioned.
Tails smiled, clearly ready for that question.
"That's where the rings come in. Remember, Sonic, the rings are tied to intention. They take you where you visualise going. The hard part isn't creating the portal—it's focusing the energy and making sure the destination is locked in. That's where Alice comes in."
"Me? What do I have to do?" Alice probed, raising an eyebrow.
Tails turned to Alice, his expression thoughtful as he tapped the glowing screen of his device.
"We'll need your memories—your thoughts about your home Earth—to act as a guiding signal for the ring," he explained. "You'll have to focus on the specific details of your reality: landmarks, the people you remember, even the feeling of being there. When Sonic's in his Super Form, he'll act as a living conduit for that energy, and the ring will channel your visualisation into the portal."
"Sounds different... but I have a question," Alice asked.
"Ok, what is it?" Tails replied, eager to answer.
"Why does this sound like the ending of The Wizard of Oz?" Alice asked, her tone half-joking.
Sonic's ears perked up instantly, his eyes lighting with recognition.
"Wait, you have that on your Earth?!" he exclaimed.
Alice sighed, already regretting bringing it up.
"We do… or did," Alice replied dryly, crossing her arms. She braced herself for the inevitable pop culture dive Sonic was clearly gearing up for.
"The Wizard of Oz?" Tails asked, tilting his head, confusion written all over his face. "Is that a movie?"
"Oh, it's not just any movie, buddy," Sonic said with uncontainable enthusiasm. "It's maybe one of the best movies of the 20th century! A total classic. But Alice has a point—'there's no place like home,' right? Maybe we should just get her a pair of red slippers, have her tap her heels together three times, and bam! Portal to Kansas!"
"If it's Kansas from my reality, Sonic, I'd take it," Alice quipped, her tone dry but tinged with sincerity. "Even though it will be more than likely crawling with B. ."
Sonic chuckled, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. But Knuckles furrowed his brow, looking genuinely perplexed.
"There is a wizard named Oz?" Knuckles asked, his voice heavy with curiosity. "Is he some kind of all-powerful, magical warrior? And what's the deal with the red slippers? Are they enchanted?"
"Oh man, where do I even start?" Sonic laughed, clutching his sides. "Knux, you're gonna love this one. Dorothy and Toto? Total legends. And wait until you meet the Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow!"
Knuckles turned to Tails, silently seeking clarification. The fox merely shrugged.
"I have no idea what they're talking about either, Knuckles" Tails admitted, shaking his head. "I'm still learning some of Earth customs myself. But, I'll add it to my list… right after I tackle Final Fantasy VII."
"For someone diving into video games, you really should check out The Wizard of Oz first, pal," Sonic teased, grinning wide. "Right, Alice?"
Alice crossed her arms tighter, shooting Sonic a dry look.
"I'm staying out of this one. I shouldn't have brought it up," She said bluntly. "Especially with you around, Sonic—the walking, hyperactive pop culture encyclopaedia."
"Hey, that's a good one!" Sonic replied, flashing a cheeky grin. "I might slap that on a T-shirt or something!"
"Can we please focus?" Tails interjected, his tone cutting through their banter like a laser.
"Alright, alright," Sonic said, raising his hands in mock surrender. He glanced at Alice, the mischievous glint in his eye returning. "But come on, you've gotta admit—this whole thing does feel like the ultimate Oz moment. All we're missing is Glinda showing up to tell you it was inside you all along!"
Alice rolled her eyes, but the small smirk on her face betrayed her amusement.
"If that's what it takes to get me home, I'll take it," she said firmly. "Now, can we get back to the plan?"
Tails exhaled with relief as he continued.
"Right, back on track," Tails began. "So, in essence, we'd be combining Sonic's energy with your thoughts to stabilise a portal in the multiverse that will lead directly to your Earth. The ring will act as a focal point for your memories, and Sonic, in his Super Form, will amplify that connection."
Alice raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds… both simple and completely terrifying," she admitted.
"It's more complicated than it sounds," Tails explained, his voice turning serious. "The distortion energy from the rift is highly unpredictable. If we don't calibrate it perfectly, the portal could become unstable. There's a chance it might send you to… well, the wrong place entirely."
Alice's expression hardened as she replied.
"And by 'wrong place,' you mean…?"
"Another reality," Tails admitted, his tone grim. "It could be similar to your Earth, or completely different. There's no guarantee you'd land in your own timeline if we don't get everything exactly right."
Sonic's grin widened as he leaned against the workbench, ready with another quip.
"Yeah, like what if she lands in a Final Fantasy universe instead? Hey, Alice, if that happens, make sure to tell Cloud I said hi, okay? Or, y'know, maybe she ends up skipping down the yellow brick road. Might as well wave to Dorothy and Toto for me while you're at it!"
"Sonic!" Tails groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"You're impossible," Alice muttered.
"What? I'm just saying—it could happen!" Sonic replied, throwing up his hands innocently. "We've got wormholes, timelines and multiverses flying around like it's Tuesday. Who's to say she doesn't end up in a world with a spiky-haired guy and a giant sword, or hanging out with a girl from Kansas and her pet dog?"
"If I end up in Cloud or Dorothy's universes, I'll make sure to pass along your regards," Alice replied dryly. "But let's keep the conversation on track, shall we."
"You know... with Sonic's pop culture theories aside, he's not entirely wrong. That's why we need to be precise. The ring is tied to what the user visualises. Alice, if you focus on the exact details of your Earth, Sonic can amplify that energy and guide the portal to the right destination," Tails theorised.
"And if I can't focus? What happens then?" Alice asked.
"If the visualisation isn't strong enough… the portal might not open," Tails answered cautiously. "Or worse, it could lead somewhere completely random. But if you focus, and if Sonic maintains the connection, the odds of success are much higher."
"No pressure or anything, huh?" Sonic remarked, looking up to Alice.
Alice smirked, rolling her eyes.
"Guess I'd better start thinking about home, then," she affirmed.
"There's no place like home..." Sonic said quietly, tapping his ankles together.
"Not now, Sonic..." Alice deadpanned.
"If the emerald's power becomes unstable, I'll step in," Knuckles interrupted, ignoring Sonic's banter. "The Master Emerald isn't just a tool—it has a will of its own. If it senses hesitation or imbalance, it could react… unpredictably."
"I trust you, Knuckles," Tails said, nodding. "But Sonic's connection to it is strong. If anyone can stabilise it, it's him."
"See? I got this," Sonic remarked with a determined tone.
"We shall see, Hedgehog," Knuckles replied stoically, his voice as firm as the resolve in his crimson eyes.
Alice glanced between them, her icy gaze softening slightly before her lips curved into a determined smirk.
"Alright. Let's make this happen. It's not the craziest thing I've heard lately," she said.
"I think the definition of 'Normal' went out the window a long time ago, Romanoff," Sonic quipped, crossing his arms with a grin.
Just as Tails began to fiddle with his yellow device, preparing to refine his calculations, and the group turned their focus back to the task at hand, Tom's voice came from garage door.
"Boys, Alice…" Tom said, Standing at the entrance was Tom, his expression serious but tinged with urgency. "You guys are gonna want to see this."
Everyone in the garage froze, exchanging confused glances.
"What's going on, Tom?" Sonic asked, stepping forward.
Tom didn't answer immediately. Instead, he tilted his head toward the house.
"You'd better come inside and see for yourselves..." he replied grimly.
The weight in his tone left little room for debate. Alice's brow furrowed, but she said nothing, following Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they exchanged silent looks of concern. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good.
G.U.N Facility – Interrogation Room
The room was dimly lit, a single overhead bulb casting harsh shadows that danced along the cold steel walls. Director Rockwell sat bound to a chair in the centre of the room, her wrists tied tightly to the armrests and her ankles secured to the chair's legs. Black duct tape covered her mouth, but her piercing eyes betrayed neither fear nor panic. Despite the dire situation, her stoic demeanour remained unshaken, her gaze cutting through the gloom like a blade.
Across from her stood Jill Valentine, her figure partially silhouetted by the faint glow of a nearby monitor. Her posture was unnervingly calm, her movements deliberate as she twirled a knife in her hand. Flanking the room's only exit were two Umbrella operatives.
Jill stepped closer, the metallic gleam of the knife catching the light. Her face, once human and compassionate, was now void of warmth, her expression cold and calculating. The scarab embedded in her chest pulsed faintly, the Red Queen's influence radiating through her every action.
"Phase Two has begun, Director," Jill said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion but laced with chilling certainty. "The Red Queen and Umbrella are no longer simply infiltrating G.U.N. They're becoming it. Soon, this will extend far beyond this facility, beyond your precious government agencies. Umbrella will spread, like the T-Virus… unstoppable."
Rockwell's brow furrowed slightly, her body remaining rigid, but the subtle tension in her jaw betrayed her unease. She tried to speak, her voice muffled beneath the tape. Jill tilted her head, her lips curling into a faint, almost mocking smile. With a slight nod, she gestured to one of the operatives.
The nearest Umbrella soldier stepped forward, gripping the edge of the duct tape. He ripped it off with a harsh yank, eliciting a brief wince from Rockwell, though she quickly recovered, her expression hardening once more.
Rockwell straightened in her chair, glaring up at Jill with unflinching resolve.
"What exactly is your endgame here, Valentine?" she demanded, her voice sharp and authoritative despite her restraints. "What's your master plan? You might've hacked into G.U.N, but what comes next? What are you and your little AI planning to do?"
Jill stopped twirling the knife, her icy eyes locking onto Rockwell's. She stepped closer, leaning in just enough for her words to feel suffocatingly close.
"What comes next," Jill began, her tone unnervingly calm, "is the beginning of perfection."
"Perfection?" Rockwell scoffed, her voice laced with defiance. "You mean the kind of perfection that turned your Earth into a graveyard? The kind of perfection that wiped out humanity and left behind a wasteland crawling with the undead and mutations."
"You're clued up I see," Jill mocked.
"We have everything, thanks to intel we have gathered," Rockwell replied dryly.
"By ease dropping on Alice and the aliens, correct?" Jill asked, intrigued.
"We do what is best for Earth's security," Rockwell confirmed bluntly.
Jill's lips twitched into the faintest of smirks, though her eyes remained cold.
"Smart thinking. But you're not wrong about us," she said. "Umbrella did bring humanity to its knees back on my Earth. We perfected what others feared: the T-Virus. A virus capable of rewriting DNA, eliminating weaknesses, and evolving life into its most efficient form."
"Efficient form?" Rockwell spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "You mean mindless, flesh-eating monsters? Then, nuking cities out of existence when you lost control? That's your idea of evolution?"
Jill tilted her head slightly, as if amused by Rockwell's defiance.
"The T-Virus had… side effects, with Racoon City being a major casualty," she admitted. "But every experiment has its flaws. And every flaw brings us one step closer to perfection. The Red Queen understands this. She sees the bigger picture. This world, your world, is flawed—overrun with weakness, corruption, and chaos. But Umbrella will fix that."
Rockwell narrowed her eyes, her voice a low growl.
"By turning this world into another wasteland?" she probed.
"No," Jill said, her tone almost serene. "By purging it. The T-Virus will cleanse this planet of its imperfections. The weak will fall, the strong will adapt, and those who resist… well, they'll serve as an example of why resistance is futile."
"You think you'll get away with this? That the world will just stand by while you unleash hell?" Rockwell spat.
Jill chuckled softly, though the sound was devoid of humour.
"This world is already standing by, Director. While you scramble to understand what's happening, Umbrella is already three moves ahead. You saw the rift at the Golden Gate Bridge. You saw what can came through. That was only the beginning."
Rockwell's stomach tightened.
"You're saying… there are more?" she questioned.
Jill's smile widened slightly, her grip tightening on the knife.
"Of course. The Red Queen has already calculated the optimal locations for more rifts. Even now, as we speak, they're slowly opening bridges between this world and ours. And in time, more of Umbrella's forces will bleed through. B.O.W.s. T-Virus carriers. Entire legions. This planet will become Umbrella's newest laboratory."
Rockwell inhaled deeply, her mind racing.
"And what happens when you've turned this world into another wasteland? What happens when there's nothing left to conquer?"
Jill's expression turned eerily serene, as if the answer was the simplest thing in the world.
"Then we rebuild. Umbrella doesn't destroy for the sake of destruction, Director. We pave the way for a new order. A better order. One where the strong survive, and the weak are eradicated. A world free of disease, free of conflict, free of imperfection."
"Free of humanity," Rockwell shot back, her voice dripping with venom. "Because that's what it always comes down to, doesn't it? You call it perfection, but all you're creating is death."
Jill's smile faded, her gaze hardening.
"Death is a necessary step in evolution. Umbrella learned that a long time ago," she said darkly.
Rockwell stared at her, her jaw set.
"You're insane," she said dryly.
"No," Jill said softly, her voice colder than ever. "I'm enlightened. And soon, the rest of your world will be too."
The door to the room creaked open slightly, and another Umbrella operative stepped in, nodding to Jill. She straightened, slipping the knife into the top of her boot and turning toward the door.
"Enjoy your last moments of relevance, Director Rockwell," Jill said without looking back. "The Red Queen doesn't waste time on loose ends."
With that, Jill strode out of the room, leaving Rockwell alone with the two guards. As the door slammed shut behind her, Rockwell's mind raced, trying to piece together a plan. The room felt colder, heavier, as the reality of Umbrella's plans settled over her.
The Wachowiski Household - Living Room
The air inside the house was heavy, weighed down by a chill creeping in from the hole in the wall that opened out to the yard. The night breeze whispered through the gap, but all attention was fixed on the television glowing in the dimly lit room.
Tom and Maddie sat on the couch, their faces set with grim expressions. Ozzie, curled up in his bed nearby, let out a soft whine, his head resting on his paws as if he could feel the unease in the room. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Alice stood scattered around the living room, each of them tense, their gazes glued to the screen.
The news anchor, a composed woman with a sharp tone, spoke over footage of the G.U.N facility in lockdown, floodlights illuminating the perimeter.
"Breaking news tonight from San Francisco: G.U.N's regional facility has reportedly been taken over in what officials are calling a coordinated attack. The situation has been linked to the earlier incident on the Golden Gate Bridge, where chaos erupted following the appearance of a mysterious organisation calling themselves The Umbrella Corporation."
Maddie's hand flew to her mouth.
"My God…" she gasped.
"Oh boy..." Tom muttered.
The camera cut to a clip of the bridge, showing abandoned vehicles, overturned buses, and the faint glow of rift energy dissipating in the distance. The report then showed Team Sonic and Alice fighting their way through the bridge to reach the control panel and rift.
The voiceover continued, her tone laced with urgency.
"Earlier today, thanks to the intervention of Green Hills, Montana's own heroes—Team Sonic—and an unidentified red-haired ally, Umbrella's forces were thwarted, and their leader, identified as Jill Valentine, was taken into G.U.N custody, along with several of operatives. However, reports now suggest the situation at the G.U.N facility has escalated. There are unconfirmed reports of an AI infiltration tied to this group."
"Shit..." Jill murmured under her breath.
Alice tensed, her fists clenching tightly as her gaze remained fixed on the glowing television screen. Her entire demeanor shifted, her normally composed expression now etched with frustration and anger. Sonic immediately noticed her reaction. Concern flickered across his face as he straightened up.
"Alice?" he asked softly, his usual playful tone replaced with quiet seriousness.
The news anchor's voice cut through the room, growing heavier with each passing word.
"The White House has issued an official statement, labelling Umbrella as a terrorist organisation. President Harris has called for an immediate and coordinated response involving G.U.N's Counter Terrorism Division. NATO and the UN have also been briefed. However, Umbrella appears to have emerged without warning, seemingly overnight. Their origins remain unclear, though experts are calling this an unprecedented global security crisis."
"This isn't good," Sonic muttered under his breath.
"It's worse than that," Tails added, his voice tense. "The Red Queen's played us. I thought I deleted her back on the bridge when I locked her out. But now she's somehow taken over that G.U.N facility where Jill was taken too."
"That was her plan all along," Alice said bitterly, her voice low and sharp.
"What?" Maddie asked, sitting up straighter on the couch. Her eyes darted between Alice and the screen. "What do you mean?"
"Alice, what are you saying?" Tom pressed, his tone edged with urgency.
Alice's piercing gaze shifted to them, her frustration boiling over.
"She planned this. She wanted Jill to get caught. She let it happen," she revealed.
Tom frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion.
"Why would she—"
"To get inside," Alice interrupted, her voice cutting like a blade. "To infiltrate G.U.N. To break them from the inside out. Jill was the perfect Trojan Horse."
"T-Trojan Horse?" Tails blurted out, his brain kicking into overdrive as he connected the dots. "That's… that's exactly what this is! The Red Queen used Jill as bait. She tricked us into thinking we'd won on the bridge when it was all part of her strategy to gain access to their systems."
"Troj—what?" Knuckles interjected, his deep voice cutting through the conversation. He looked at Tails, clearly puzzled. "What is this horse you speak of, Fox? Is it some kind of weapon?"
"Knux, it's an old Earth story. You know, wooden horse, people hiding inside, city falls? Classic Trojan Horse stuff," Sonic explained.
Knuckles tilted his head, his eyes narrowing in skepticism.
"A… wooden horse took down a city? This world gets stranger every day..." he replied.
Tails pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated.
"It wasn't the horse, Knuckles! The horse was a trick," the fox explained further ."Soldiers hid inside it, and when the enemy brought it into their city, the soldiers snuck out and opened the gates for the rest of their army."
"Ah…" Knuckles's expression shifted as understanding dawned. "A deceptive strategy. Cunning." He glanced at Alice, his face now serious. "This Red Queen is using the same tactic?"
"Exactly," Alice confirmed, her tone sharp and unwavering. "Remember, her strategies are precise and calculated. She hardly makes mistakes. Every move she makes—every single step—is part of her plan to turn your world into another Umbrella wasteland."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of Alice's words pressing down on everyone. Even Sonic, typically quick with a quip or a joke, remained uncharacteristically quiet. Maddie leaned back into the couch, her face pale as she processed the enormity of what they were up against.
But Alice couldn't hold back any longer. Her frustration, her anger, her sense of failure—all of it boiled over. She slammed her fist against the wall, her voice filled with fire.
"I knew it! I knew we should have ripped that damned scarab off Jill's chest before Rockwell and her operatives took her away!" Alice exploded, pacing furiously. "We had the chance to stop this—I had the chance—and now look where we are! The Red Queen's two steps ahead, and we're just fucking around!"
"Alice, calm down," Tom said, his voice steady but concerned. "You couldn't have kno—"
"No!" Alice snapped, turning to face him. "I did know. I've seen this before. I should've—"
"Alice," Tails interjected, his voice gentle yet firm. "We'll think of something. We always do."
"Tails is right," Sonic spoke up. "We will come up with a plan and take down Umbrella and the Red Queen. Getting fired up isn't going to help us create a plan."
Before Alice could respond, a sudden, loud knock echoed from the front door, cutting through the tension like a knife. The entire group froze, their heads snapping toward the sound.
Tom stood from the couch, his sheriff instincts kicking in as he moved toward the door cautiously.
"If it's Umbrella," Sonic called out to Tom, "tell them we're not interested. Maybe ask them to leave a brochure or something..."
Tom shot him a look, but it wasn't entirely without humour.
"Let's hope it's not," he muttered under his breath as he approached and opened the door.
Standing on the other side was Commander Walters, his expression grim.
"Sheriff," Walters said, his tone serious, "I need to speak with Team Sonic and Alice. It's urgent and we don't have time for small talk."
Prime Umbrella Testing Facility – The Straits of Kamchatka, Russia – Earth-121775
The White Room of the testing facility was eerily silent, save for the low hum of monitors and the intermittent flicker of fluorescent lights overhead. The floor itself was a stark symbol of Umbrella's dominion, the corporation's iconic red and white emblem glowing ominously beneath glass panels, casting an eerie illumination across the carnage.
Lifeless Umbrella operatives sat slumped in their seats, their uniforms stained dark with blood, bullet holes clean and precise in the centres of their foreheads. One body lay face-down on the floor, a deep crimson pool spreading slowly from a gaping wound in its back, its reflection warped against the glowing insignia beneath.
The perpetrator of the massacre strode through the carnage with unshaken confidence, her heels clicking sharply against the illuminated panels, each step a calculated rhythm against the deathly stillness.
Ada Wong, dressed as though she had stepped out of a high-class soirée in her iconic red dress and black heels, glanced around the room with a mixture of calm calculation and mild irritation. Her handgun rested in her grip, still warm from recent use. Despite her composed demeanour, a shadow of confusion flickered across her face as she paced.
Suddenly, one of the large monitors crackled to life. The screen displayed the sharp, chiselled features of a man with slicked back highlighted blonde hair and perpetual sunglasses, his smug expression almost as piercing as the coldness in his voice. It was Albert Wesker.
"Find anything?" Ada asked, her tone even but tinged with impatience as she turned to face the monitor.
Wesker's voice was calm and measured, his words cutting through the silence like a knife.
"It seems Alice has gone missing from this facility," he replied coolly.
"What?!" Ada replied, taken back by this news.
"From the footage I've uncovered while hacking into Umbrella's systems, it appears she was dragged into a blue rift," Wesker continued, his tone smooth.
Ada's brows furrowed as she processed the information.
"A blue rift?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and skepticism.
Wesker's expression remained unreadable, his cold gaze fixed on the screen. With a flick of his fingers offscreen, a new window materialised on the monitor, displaying security footage. The grainy, dark feed played back a scene of chaotic desperation—Alice, her muscles taut with effort, clung to a pair of Umbrella-branded handles affixed to the very doors of the White Room where Ada now stood. Her grip was ironclad, her face twisted in defiance, but it was futile. The swirling blue rift erupted behind her, its energy distorting the air. In a split second, the force intensified, tearing her free from the handles and yanking her backward into the unknown.
"Impossible," Ada remarked in disbelief.
"It's not impossible at all, my dear," Wesker drawled, his tone dripping with smugness, "It seems that a temporal distortion has spirited poor Alice away to God knows where."
"A temporal distortion?" Ada questioned, her voice sharper now.
"Temporal distortions are hardly new to this reality," Wesker began, his voice taking on a clinical edge. "As you recall, a large wormhole appeared over the Arcadia just before it was attacked by Jill and Umbrella forces. That same distortion sent out an energy pulse—temporal energy—detected across multiple points on the globe."
Ada took a moment to absorb the explanation, her expression unreadable.
"So, what you're saying," she began, her tone dry, "is that Alice is not just missing from his testing facility, she is off-world?"
"Off-reality, more like," Wesker corrected smoothly, his smugness returning. "This isn't just a different location, Ada. It's a different plane of existence."
Ada exhaled through her nose, glancing at the carnage around her.
"Well shit..." Ada said.
"Indeed," Wesker replied, his tone still calm.
"So, I break into this facility, take out their operatives, and you shut down their network… for nothing?" she asked, her voice laced with frustration.
"Not necessarily," Wesker replied coolly, leaning back into his chair offscreen. "While Alice is still integral to our mission, her absence presents us with… an opportunity. Perhaps a side mission is in order."
"And what exactly does this side mission entail?" Ada queried.
Wesker's lips curled into a faint smile as he replied.
"You, Ada. You're going through a rift," he remarked.
"What? Me?" Ada shot back, her voice sharp with incredulity. "Why me?"
Wesker's tone remained calm, as if he had anticipated her reaction.
"Our strike team is standing by, but they will only deploy once Alice has been found and returned. Sending them through to you now would be inefficient to our resources and time," he explained calmly.
"So I'm the lab rat," Ada said flatly, her voice dripping with disdain. "You want me to step into an unstable blue rift and see where it leads?"
"Precisely," Wesker replied, his voice as cold and precise as ever. "You are far more… adaptable than anyone else we have at our disposal. And, should the need arise, you are more than capable of defending yourself."
Ada rolled her eyes but didn't argue. She knew Wesker too well—this wasn't a request, and she wasn't going to waste energy pretending she had a choice.
"Fine," she said curtly.
"Good girl," Wesker replied smugly.
"So, when will one of these rifts appear next?" Ada asked firmly.
Wesker tapped at something offscreen, and another window appeared on the monitor, displaying a graph with fluctuating energy readings.
"The distortion energy in the very room you're standing in is spiking," he explained, gesturing to the data. "It's only a matter of time before another rift forms."
Ada tilted her head, studying the screen.
"And by 'a matter of time,' you mean…?"
"There is an 75% probability of a rift appearing within the next few hours," Wesker replied smoothly. "Unfortunately, exact timings remain elusive. The nature of these distortions is… unpredictable."
"So, no ETA. Just me, standing around, waiting for a blue hole in reality to show up," Ada moaned, her tone sarcastic.
"Correct," Wesker replied, unfazed by her sarcasm. "But once the rift appears, you will step through, locate Alice, and bring her back. We need her help to save humanity… or what's left of it."
Ada narrowed her eyes, her tone sharp.
"And what happens if I go through and don't find her? Or worse—what if I can't or don't come back?" she questioned.
Wesker's expression didn't falter as he replied.
"That is a risk I'm willing to take," he remarked coolly.
"Of course you are," Ada replied firmly.
The room fell silent for a moment, tension hanging thick in the air. Finally, Ada exhaled, shaking her head as she holstered her gun.
"Alright," she said, her voice steady. "I'll do it. But if I don't find her… don't expect me to come back and clean up your mess, Wesker. If I ever come back!"
Wesker's smile widened ever so slightly, his tone dripping with icy charm.
"I wouldn't dream of it, my dear."
As the monitor flickered off, Ada turned back to the room, her gaze sweeping over the lifeless bodies and the flickering screens. She was alone now, waiting for the unknown.
"Times ticking..." Ada whispered to herself, looking around at the ex Umbrella operatives she executed earlier.
The Wachowski Household – Living Room
The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, a weight pressing down on everyone as Commander Walters stood at the centre, his face grim. The television still flickered in the background, muted now, but its images of the G.U.N. facility takeover lingered in everyone's minds like a fresh wound. The news had confirmed their worst fears—Umbrella wasn't just a problem anymore. It was an immediate, global crisis.
Walters had just finished recounting his call with Rockwell, detailing how the Red Queen had hacked into their lines, and potentially, the entire G.U.N. network. Worse, the AI had used Jill Valentine as a gateway to infiltrate their systems from the inside.
"So… we have a 'Trojan Horse' situation?" Walters sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration.
"I'm afraid so, Commander Walters," Tails confirmed, his two tails flicking anxiously.
"Damn," Walters muttered, pacing for a moment before stopping, his eyes narrowing as he turned back to Alice. "You could have warned Rockwell, Alice. Told her to extract that scarab before taking Valentine into custody. It could've prevented this madness."
Alice's gaze hardened instantly, her posture stiffening.
"Don't push me, Walters," she shot back, her voice dangerously level. "Rockwell and her operatives were eager to detain her. They weren't exactly taking suggestions."
"Rockwell's headstrong, yes, but so are you," Walters countered, his voice carrying an edge.
"You really wanna go there?" Alice challenged, her icy stare locking onto his.
"Guys," Sonic interjected suddenly. "We literally have bigger problems than pointing fingers right now."
"The Hedgehog is right," Knuckles affirmed, his voice a low rumble. "Bickering will not solve the problem."
"The boys are right," Tom added, his voice steady, though his concern was evident. "We need a plan. A real one."
"Or the world IS doomed," Maddie said, her tone lacking any trace of exaggeration.
Ozzie whined softly from his bed, sensing the heavy energy in the room. Walters glanced at the dog, then back at the group.
"Yes, of course," Walters exhaled, nodding. "Our main priority is Earth. We have to expel Umbrella and the Red Queen from our reality before it's too late."
"We do have a theory about how to get Alice home safely," Tails chimed in.
Walters turned to him, his expression inquisitive.
"Is that why Knuckles is holding the Master Emerald?" He asked, his eyes flickered to the echidna, who clutched the glowing green gem tightly.
Knuckles gave a firm nod in response.
"Tails came up with a brilliant way to use the emerald's power, distortion energy, and ring portals to send Alice back home," Sonic explained. "But… considering what's happening, we might need to hit pause on that plan."
"Agreed," Walters nodded. "Alice, Team Sonic—you might be our only hope of stopping them. It's all hands on deck."
"No pressure or anything," Sonic muttered, scratching the back of his head.
Walters sighed, crossing his arms.
"I've already had to go off-grid," he remarked. "Many other G.U.N. operatives have too. If the Red Queen has infiltrated our networks, we need to operate underground—old-school."
"So, back to basics, huh?" Alice mused.
"You could say that," Walters replied. "In a way, it's almost nostalgic. Just like the old days."
"I forgot you're, like, 100 years old," Sonic quipped.
Walters turned, giving him an unamused look.
"Sonic…" Tom sighed, rubbing his temples.
Maddie shook her head, "You just have to poke the bear, don't you?"
"Hey, if I didn't, who would?" Sonic replied shrugging.
"I get that you're trying to lighten the mood, Sonic," Walters said, his voice edged with patience. "But we don't have time for jokes."
"Right, sorry," Sonic replied quickly, standing a little straighter. "So, what's your plan, Commander?"
Walters's expression turned grave as he began to explain.
"We need to get to the California Facility. I have contacts—people who have gone off-grid as well. They're waiting for us. Your rings should do the trick to get us there."
"You got it," Sonic nodded, reaching into his quills and producing a golden ring, twirling it between his gloved fingers.
"Wait. You can keep them in your quills?" Alice mused, her brow lifting slightly.
"I keep a couple stashed for emergencies," Sonic replied with a grin. "But I'll grab the bag before we go."
"Good," Walters said. "You'll be our strike force. Your objective: Rescue hostages, Neutralise Umbrella's forces. And most importantly, shut down and erase the Red Queen from our systems." His gaze shifted to Tails. "You'll need to bring your A-game, kid. Whatever you used to block the Red Queen before—make it work again."
Tails hesitated, his expression troubled.
"That might not work a second time," he admitted.
"What?" Sonic blinked, taken aback.
"Tails?" Tom replied, confused.
"Explain, Fox," Knuckles added.
Tails glanced at them, his mind clearly racing.
"The software I used on the bridge did work—but only once. If the Red Queen is as smart as Alice says, she's already adapted to counter it," he explained, his tone seemed deflated.
Walters frowned, turning to Alice.
"Alice? Is that true?" he questioned.
"Yes. Tails is right," Alice affirmed. "The Red Queen wouldn't fall for the same trick twice. She's already accounted for it."
"Dammit," Walters muttered under his breath.
"Please tell me you've got something better up your sleeve, buddy," Sonic asked, his usual humor laced with genuine concern.
"I might be able to rewrite the software, strengthen the code," Tails admitted. "But it could take hours."
"Hours?!" Sonic remarked in surprise.
"We don't have hours," Walters said firmly. "We have to act now."
Tails sighed, his brain working overtime. Knuckles, however, placed his large gloved hand on the fox's shoulder; with the other hand still holding the emerald.
"If anyone can do this, it's the Fox," he said.
Alice looked at Knuckles, surprised by his unwavering confidence. The group also turned to Knuckles.
"The Fox's intellect is unmatched," Knuckles continued. "His honour lies in his brilliance."
Tails blinked, visibly touched.
"Thanks, Knuckles," that really means a lot," Tails replied.
"You can do this, Tails," Tom added, his voice warm. "We believe in you."
"You're smart," Maddie encouraged. "You'll figure this out."
Ozzie barked, padding over to sit next to Tails, as if offering his own silent support.
Tails took a deep breath, then nodded, a newfound determination in his eyes.
"You've got this buddy," Sonic remarked, showing pride in his words.
"You're one of the smartest individuals I know," Alice added. "We'd be lucky to have someone like you on my Earth. We could use your intelligence and smarts."
"Thank you everyone," Tails replied, taken back by the support. "I can do this. No... I will do this!"
"That's the spirit, Tails!" Sonic grinned. "We'll handle the heavy lifting. You just shut down the AI menace."
Walters gave a sharp nod as he chimed in.
"You'll be working remotely Tails, off-grid. You won't be alone—our counterterrorism division has top minds who will assist you."
"That'll help," Tails admitted, his confidence growing.
Walters turned to the rest of the team.
"I'll need Alice, Sonic, and Knuckles to be the muscle for this operation. We're calling this Operation: Blackout."
Sonic tilted his head.
"Blackout? Did you randomly pull that out of a hat?" he mused.
"A dictionary, actually," Walters replied. "But that's irrelevant. We have work to do and no time for trivia."
"Alright, alright. Let's focus up," Sonic replied, eager to get moving.
"You have thirty minutes to gather your gear," Walters instructed. "Get what you need."
"Understood," Tails said.
"Right," Sonic agreed.
Knuckles simply gave a firm nod to the Commander.
Alice turned to Walters, her icy eyes locked on the commander.
"What about my weaponry? I could use an upgrade or two," she remarked.
"We'll have what you need when we reach the rendezvous," Walters assured her. "Top-of-the-line firepower."
"Good," Alice affirmed. "If I know the Red Queen and Umbrella, They'll have a welcoming committee waiting for us."
"Zombies? Mutants? B.O.W.s?" Sonic asked.
"Most likely," Alice replied grimly.
"Wouldn't that mean… more rifts have opened?" Maddie asked.
Walters hesitated before he spoke.
"We think so," he said finally.
"You think?!" Sonic replied in confusion.
"Not a solid answer, Commander Walters," Alice added.
"With our intelligence compromised, we don't have up-to-date information," Walters admitted.
Tails narrowed his eyes.
"That's… concerning. Rifts opening inside the facility? That can't be random," the fox theorised.
"A coincidence maybe?" Sonic offered.
Tails shook his head.
"No. There's something more at play here," Tails replied, already going over every possible scenario.
"Then let's go find out," Walters remarked firmly.
Alice and Team Sonic exchanged looks. The final battle for this world had just begun.
Prime Umbrella Testing Facility – The Straits of Kamchatka, Russia – Earth-121775
The silence in the White Room was suffocating, a dense, artificial stillness broken only by the faint hum of flickering monitors and the rhythmic click of Ada Wong's heels against the illuminated floor. The Umbrella Corporation insignia, emblazoned beneath the glass panels, glowed ominously in stark red and white, casting ghostly reflections across the floor.
Then, she felt it. A faint shift in the air, like static crawling over her skin.
Ada's sharp eyes narrowed as she halted mid-step, head snapping toward the centre of the room. The ever-present hum of the facility's systems deepened into a low, resonant vibration, rattling the glass panels beneath her feet. A pulse of energy crackled through the air, and then—
A brilliant, blinding flash.
The very fabric of reality tore open before her, ripping apart like delicate silk. A vortex of swirling blue energy erupted into existence, its unstable tendrils crackling violently against the room's sterile white glow. The force was immediate, an almost gravitational pull so strong that loose objects were dragged mercilessly into the abyss. Next, the lifeless Umbrella operatives were pulled through the air. Their bodies twisted violently before vanishing into the howling rift.
Ada stood her ground, her heels skidding slightly against the illuminated floor. She raised an arm, shielding her face from the wind roaring through the room, her dark hair whipping wildly around her. Yet her expression remained unreadable—sharp, analytical, and eerily calm.
She had expected this. Wesker had predicted this from the data he found.
The rift's pull intensified, dragging at her body, the force like a phantom hand grasping her, trying to claim her. She could feel it—this was unlike anything she had encountered before. The vortex wasn't just some anomaly—it was alive.
A gateway? A passageway to something else?
Her muscles tensed as instinct warred with reason. Every fibre of her being screamed at her to fight against it, to resist. But Ada Wong wasn't one to fight fate—she manipulated it.
Her lips curled into the faintest smirk.
"This is it, isn't it?" she thought.
Ada exhaled slowly.
"Let's see where this takes me," she murmured, her voice steady.
And then, she let go.
She didn't resist as the pull yanked her forward, her silhouette consumed by the radiant glow. Her red dress fluttered violently as she was lifted off her feet, her body swallowed whole by the twisting currents of energy.
A final flash of crimson—
Then, the rift collapsed in on itself with a deafening crack.
And Ada Wong was gone.
The facility fell into absolute silence.
No trace of the portal remained. No sign of the woman who had just vanished beyond time and space.
Where had the rift taken her?
Earth-91581?
Somewhere else?
The answer was uncertain, hanging in the balance like a weighted die yet to land. But one thing was clear—Ada Wong was now part of the game.
And wherever she landed… she would be ready.
Another Chapter Down!
We're edging ever closer to the endgame of this multiversal story, with the showdown at the G.U.N. Facility now firmly in sight. I hope you've been enjoying the journey so far because it's been an absolute thrill to explore the When Legends Meet sandbox.
A huge thank you to Aragorn II Elessar for his ongoing support and inspiration. And speaking of the When Legends Meet series, be sure to check out Part 2 – Champions & War, now officially out! Aragorn is cooking up an exciting sequel that's shaping up to be something truly special.
References & Easter Eggs
Tails' Fear of Thunderstorms: Tails' astraphobia is a well-documented trait in Sonic lore, originally established in the 1996 Sonic OVA. It was a fun detail to incorporate, adding depth to his character beyond his usual tech-savvy genius.
Final Fantasy: This chapter was filled with Final Fantasy love! Not only does Sonic geek out over VI and VII, but the reference is also a nod to Aragorn II Elessar, the creator of When Legends Meet, who's a huge fan of the franchise. Interestingly, Sonic's Earth doesn't seem to have the Final Fantasy VII Remake—but he's still a gamer at heart! A team up of Cloud and this version of Sonic would be something!
Alice's Memory Flash: The Final Fantasy discussion acts as a trigger for Alice's subconscious, causing long-buried memories to surface. An interesting moment that adds another layer to her character.
The Wizard of Oz: One of my all-time favourite films, and a fitting reference given the circumstances! The way Tails describes getting Alice home mirrors how Dorothy made it back to Kansas—a fun piece of shared continuity between the two Earths.
Super Sonic's Naming Origin: In this universe, Sonic himself comes up with the name Super Sonic, since Super Form Sonic is a bit too much of a mouthful. However, the concept of the form is something Tails originally theorised and put a name to—showcasing his brilliance as Sonic's right-hand fox.
Alice's Vision from Chapter 2: A call-back to an earlier moment: when Alice fell through the rift, she glimpsed Super Sonic facing off against Robotnik in his giant mech. At the time, she had no idea what she was witnessing—but now, that vision is beginning to make sense.
The History of the Owls, Echidnas, and the Master Emerald: Drawing inspiration from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), this chapter explored the war between the Owls and the Echidnas and how the Master Emerald played a role in shaping their destinies. It also provided a rare moment of vulnerability for both Sonic and Knuckles, reinforcing their shared history despite their differences.
Longclaw: A special shout out to Longclaw, Sonic's original guardian, protector, and mother figure from the movie universe. Her legacy lives on, and her impact on Sonic is still deeply felt.
Trojan Horse Strategy: The chapter title reflects exactly what the Red Queen pulled off—using Jill Valentine as a Trojan Horse to infiltrate the G.U.N. Facility. The phrase is repeated throughout the chapter to drive home the sheer tactical brilliance of the Red Queen's move, showcasing her as a villain who is always several steps ahead.
Prime Umbrella Testing Facility – Kamchatka, Russia: A key location from Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), this is where Alice was originally taken by the rift—altering the course of events in the Resident Evil timeline. In the original story, Ada Wong and Wesker orchestrated Alice's escape, aided by a strike team of Leon S. Kennedy, Barry Burton, and Luther West. But with Alice disappearing into the multiverse, that rescue mission takes a drastic turn. Now, Ada must enter a rift of her own to find Alice, setting up another thrilling twist in the narrative.
What's Next?
The next few chapters are going to be action-packed. I want to make these moments truly special—so they might take a bit longer to release, but trust me, they'll be worth the wait!
There might be a surprise character appearing in the next chapter to aid Team Sonic and Alice. They originally come from another Sonic continuity, but I think making their variant, live action debut might be a fun addition. (And no, it's not Chris!)
Thanks again for reading and for being part of this wild multiversal ride!
Now… onto the next chapter!