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Chapter Text

It began on Earth-1, within the halls of S.T.A.R. Labs. A tear in the very fabric of space-time erupted—what began as a small anomaly became a raging Singularity, threatening to consume everything. The resulting shockwaves rippled across the multiverse, shattering barriers between worlds and realities. Heroes and villains alike, unaware of each other's existence, were now on a collision course. Chaos had begun, and the multiverse would never be the same again.

Earth-91581

What should have been a warm, beautiful day in Green Hills, Montana was anything but normal. The normally tranquil town, surrounded by lush green trees and rolling mountains, was under attack.

Doctor Robotnik, the bald, genius mastermind with a wildly unique moustache, had harnessed the immense power of the Master Emerald to build a monstrous, towering robot—a mechanical colossus in his own image. The massive machine loomed menacingly over Green Hills, its steps shaking the ground and spreading chaos as its shadow stretched across the town.

High in the sky, against the backdrop of a brilliant blue horizon, a red biplane—the Tornado—cut through the clouds like a streak of defiance. Aboard were Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, and their steadfast pilot, Miles "Tails" Prower.

The trio soared toward the towering menace, their resolve unwavering. Robotnik wasn't just threatening to reduce Green Hills to ruins—he was aiming for far more. If left unchecked, the entire world, perhaps even the universe or multiverse, would bow to Robotnik's will.

"How are we supposed to beat this thing?" Tails asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty as the massive robot grew larger with every second.

Perched on the left wing of the Tornado, Sonic turned to his friend, his face set with determined confidence.

"We need a plan," Sonic replied. He glanced over to Knuckles, who stood stoically on the right wing, his sharp gaze fixed on the towering mech.

"Knuckles, use your strength to—"

Before Sonic could finish, Knuckles had already made up his mind. Without a word, he crossed his arms over his chest, took a step back, and dropped off the plane, freefalling toward the treetops below.

"Jump off the plane… Wow. Okay," Sonic muttered with sarcasm, watching Knuckles disappear into the green below.

Tails glanced back at Sonic from the cockpit, equally confused.

Sonic sighed, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to the giant robot ahead. The Tornado continued its path toward Robotnik's mechanical monstrosity, the metal behemoth growing larger and more menacing as they closed the distance.

"Alright, this is what we're gonna do," Sonic began, climbing and standing up on the top wing of the Tornado, carefully steadying himself.

"Step one: light taunting," Sonic declared confidently. "Step two: I have no idea!"

Meanwhile, down on the ground near the Mean Bean Coffee Shop, Tom and Maddie Wachowski stood amidst the mess and chaos. Like many Green Hills residents, they watched the red biplane streak across the sky, heading straight for Robotnik's colossal mech.

"Sonic!" Maddie called out with slight worry in her tone.

Tom stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the Tornado as it pushed forward. The tension in the air was palpable, but beneath the concern on their faces, there was a flicker of hope.

As the Tornado circled the colossal mechanical menace, something strange began to take form high above the sky. A sudden bright flash of light tore through the clear blue, and from it, a swirling wormhole emerged, pulsating with energy.

Sonic, now standing confidently on the top wing of the plane and ready to fire off his usual taunts toward Robotnik, froze mid-thought. His confident smirk faltered, replaced by a look of shock.

"Wait—what the heck is that?!" Sonic shouted, his voice rising with genuine confusion.

Hearing the hedgehog's alarm, Tails instinctively glanced upward. His gloved hands gripped the controls of the Tornado tightly, trying to keep the biplane steady even as his curiosity got the better of him.

"That looks like… some kind of wormhole!" the young fox called out, his voice a mix of wonder and concern. Multitasking wasn't new to him, but flying while watching an interdimensional anomaly appear? That was pushing it.

Sonic continued staring upward, his expression shifting to slight horror. He hadn't known Tails for very long—only a few days, really—but he had already learned to trust the fox's instincts. If Tails thought this was a wormhole, then it probably was. And that couldn't be good.

Tails made a quick call, determination laced in his voice.

"I need to get a better look at this!"

With that, the Tornado banked sharply to the left. Sonic dropped into a low crouch, gripping the top wing tightly as the wind whipped against him.

Meanwhile, deep within the control center of the enormous robot, housed in the dome-like structure of the robot's head, Doctor Robotnik stood tall, arms raised like a conductor orchestrating chaos. Bolts of green lightning surged around him, the unmistakable energy of the Master Emerald flowing through his very being.

The mad genius smirked triumphantly as the robot mirrored his movements, tethered to him by the sheer force of will and the Emerald's power. But then, on one of the large projection screens surrounding him, something new caught his eye—a swirling wormhole now forming high above them.

Robotnik turned his head upward, his gaze narrowing with intrigue.

"Well, well…" Robotnik murmured, his voice dripping with fascination.

Nearby, seated at a cluttered control panel, Agent Stone was trying to make sense of the robot's overwhelming systems. His brow furrowed in frustration, but then he too noticed the wormhole on the projections.

"Uh, Doctor?" Stone said, his voice wavering. He blinked in slight horror. "What… is that? That doesn't look good."

Robotnik ignored Stone entirely, captivated by the sight. His gloved hand reached out, as if trying to grasp the swirling anomaly on the projection screen.

"Oh, it's magnificent," Robotnik whispered to himself, his grin widening. The man was practically giddy with curiosity. "An unexpected variable! A gift from the universe itself. What secrets are you hiding?"

Stone looked from the projections to Robotnik, clearly unnerved by the doctor's unsettling fascination.

"Secrets? Doctor, I don't think we want to know what that thing is."

Robotnik chuckled darkly, still staring at the wormhole with a glint of madness in his eyes.

"Oh, Stone," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with condescension, "I always want to know."

Near the Mean Bean Coffee Shop, Tom and Maddie stood frozen, their eyes locked on the anomaly as it pulsed with unearthly light. Both were speechless, their expressions a mixture of awe and deep concern.

Further down the broken street, Commander Walters of G.U.N., accompanied by several operatives, stood in shock. Their focus had shifted entirely from Robotnik's rampaging mech to the swirling rift above. Walter's face was pale with disbelief.

"My God…" Walters muttered under his breath, barely audible.

The citizens of Green Hills, who moments earlier were scrambling to find safety from Robotnik's chaos, now stopped in their tracks. Their fear turned to uneasy curiosity as they craned their necks to take in the strange spectacle in the sky.

Among the crowd, Wade Whipple, Green Hills' bumbling but well-meaning deputy sheriff, gawked with his mouth hanging open. He blinked a few times, trying to process what he was seeing.

"Uh… That… That's not normal, right?" Wade stammered to no one in particular, his voice cracking slightly.

A few blocks away, Knuckles was in his element, tearing through Robotnik's droids with raw, unrelenting power. Each punch sent sparks flying, gears clattering, and scrap metal littering the streets.

With a final, crushing uppercut, Knuckles shattered another droid, its remains scattering across the pavement.

But then… he froze.

A faint hum pulsed through the air—a sound that didn't belong. Knuckles' sharp instincts kicked in as he turned his gaze skyward, narrowing his purple eyes at the swirling wormhole above.

"This…" Knuckles growled, his voice low and certain. "This is no trick of Robotnik. It's something far worse."

Earth-121775

The static-filled voice of a man crackled across the emergency frequency, his words distant and hollow, echoing through the once-sterile halls of the Arcadia.

"This is Arcadia, broadcasting live on the emergency frequen—"

A sharp click silenced the man's message. The frequency wavered for only a moment before a clear, calm voice replaced it—her voice.

Alice.

"I say we live up to the promise."

Her words, steady and resolute, cut through the silence as she gripped the microphone, her fingers smudged with dirt and dried blood.

"This is Arcadia, broadcasting on the emergency frequency," Alice continued, her voice firm but not unkind. "Location: 118.03 degrees west, 34.05 degrees north. There is no infection. Repeat, there is no infection. We offer safety, security, food, and shelter."

She leaned closer to the mic, as if to push her words across the vast emptiness of a broken world.

"If you are out there… we will help you. There is hope."

With a final click, the broadcast ended.

The small room fell into silence, save for the hum of the Arcadia's systems. Alice set the microphone down carefully, her movements deliberate. Her expression remained hard, her shoulders squared like a soldier refusing to falter.

Promises didn't always mean salvation. She knew that better than anyone.

Stepping away from the control console, Alice pushed open the heavy metal door and headed to the survivors on the top deck.

Earth-121775 was a dying world. It wasn't always this way—once, it had been familiar, thriving, much like any other version of Earth. But everything changed when Umbrella Corporation unleashed the T-Virus, a biological weapon masquerading as a cure.

The virus spread faster than anyone could have anticipated, infecting not just people but animals, ecosystems, the very fabric of life itself. Within months, cities fell. Governments crumbled. Humanity's last strongholds were overrun, their streets flooded with the ravenous undead.

Civilization became myth. Survival became war.

The Arcadia, a massive cargo freighter turned sanctuary, was one of the few places left untouched—at least for now.

Alice stepped onto the deck, her boots clanking against the metal floor. She glanced around. Survivors, dressed in stark white clothes, milled about—silent, lost, ghosts of what they once were. Their hollow eyes betrayed their exhaustion, their disbelief that a place like this, free from infection, could even exist.

By the railing, Chris Redfield leaned against the metal bar, arms crossed, his gaze locked on the endless ocean stretching to the gray horizon. Beside him, Claire Redfield stood quietly. She turned when Alice approached.

"You think anyone heard it?" Claire asked, her voice steady but tinged with doubt.

Alice stopped beside her, resting her hands on the railing as her eyes scanned the darkening horizon.

"Maybe," Alice replied, her tone clipped. "It doesn't matter. If even one person is still out there, they deserve to know there's somewhere safe."

Chris pushed himself away from the railing, walking up to join them.

"We've done all we can here," he added, glancing at the survivors. "They're safe. For now."

Alice's expression didn't soften.

"Safe doesn't last long in this world," Alice admitted somberly, her voice carrying the weight of hard truths.

Chris exhaled slowly, shaking his head as he leaned against the railing, his eyes scanning the endless, lifeless horizon. The ocean stretched as far as the eye could see, a grim reminder of how much the world had lost.

"Hard to believe there's anything left out there…" he muttered, his tone heavy with doubt.

Claire turned to look at him, her brows furrowed.

"There has to be," she remarked.

But before Alice could respond, a low hum reverberated through the air. It was faint at first, a distant vibration that made the metal deck shiver beneath their feet. The three of them froze instinctively, the calm broken. Alice's sharp instincts flared to life as she scanned the horizon.

"Did you hear that?" Chris asked, straightening as he looked around.

"Yeah," Alice said, her voice clipped. She squinted at the horizon—her eyes narrowing as the air itself seemed to shift and ripple.

Then it appeared.

A pulse of light flickered across the deck, faint at first—like a spark on the edge of vision. The air seemed to vibrate, a deep hum reverberating through the Arcadia's metal frame. Alice's head snapped up instinctively, her sharp gaze searching for the source.

"What was that?" Chris asked, frowning as he looked around.

Claire turned toward the horizon, her brow furrowing.

"It's… coming from the sky," she said.

And then they saw it.

High above the Arcadia, the clouds twisted and churned. A swirling wormhole began to form, spinning like a vortex against the lifeless grey sky.

Alice's eyes narrowed, her instincts flaring as every muscle in her body tensed.

"What the hell is that?" Chris said, the disbelief thick in his voice. He took a step forward, squinting upward, as though the act of seeing it clearly might somehow explain its existence.

Claire took an involuntary step back, clutching the railing, her voice wavering.

"Is that Umbrella's doing?" she asked.

Alice didn't answer. Her mind raced, cataloging everything she'd seen, everything she knew—and none of it matched what hovered in the sky above them. This wasn't Umbrella. It wasn't natural. It was something else.

The survivors on deck began to notice it, their hushed conversations falling silent one by one as they turned their eyes upward. Murmurs spread through the group, tinged with unease.

Alice stared at the swirling vortex, her expression hardened, unshaken despite the unnatural sight. Her voice, low and edged with grim determination, cut through the tension like a blade.

"You survive one nightmare… and the world throws another at you."

She exhaled slowly, her fists clenching at her sides as the hum of the wormhole vibrated through the air.

And she knew, deep down, that whatever this was… it was only the beginning of something new.

In Los Angeles, Luther West stepped out of the sewer tunnel, his boots splashing softly in a shallow puddle. The air was cold and sharp, a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness he'd left behind. Battered but alive, he wiped the grime from his face and trudged forward, shoulders squared, refusing to look back.

Then he froze.

A faint hum thrummed through the air, unnatural and unsettling. Luther's eyes lifted to the sky, and there it was—a wormhole, swirling violently, a jagged tear in the grey clouds above.

He stared, wide-eyed, his voice low and confused.

"What the hell is that…?"

The hum of the aircraft engines filled the cabin, a low growl of power. Jill Valentine walked steadily down the narrow aisle, her boots striking the metal floor in perfect rhythm. Flanked on either side were rows of Umbrella soldiers, clad in black tactical gear, their weapons primed and ready.

Her face was cold, emotionless—her body under the control of the gleaming red and silver scarab device embedded in her chest. A light pulsed from it, a cruel reminder of Umbrella's iron grip.

"Deployment in T-minus 57 seconds," Jill announced, her voice clipped and precise. "When you hit the deck, you watch your formation. No prisoners. Shoot to kill. Total enemy numbers are unknown but will include Umbrella fugitives and prime targets: Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, and Project Alice."

She paused, turning slowly on her heel to walk back.

"So people, whatever is waiting for you out there, just know one thing—"

Suddenly, the plane shook violently, cutting her off. Jill grabbed the overhead support bar with one hand, keeping her balance as the soldiers shifted uncomfortably.

"What was that?" she snapped, her tone unshaken.

One of the pilots pointed frantically toward the window of the cockpit. Jill strode forward, brushing past them to look through the cockpit glass.

Her steely eyes narrowed as she stared at the swirling wormhole glowing ominously against the darkened sky. The unnatural sight reflected faintly in the glass, its pulse sending a faint vibration through the plane.

The red scarab embedded on Jill's chest flickered, as though responding to the anomaly with a faint hum of energy. Jill tilted her head slightly, her expression calm but sharpened by curiosity.

"Interesting…" Jill muttered.

The scarab on Jill's chest flared with a pulse of red light. Her body stiffened for a split second, and then her eyes—once clear and cold—shifted. The pale blue irises dimmed, replaced by the sharp glow of the Umbrella symbol.

The world around Jill changed.

The cabin of the plane bled into shades of crimson. Everything Jill saw was outlined in red. A hum of distant energy buzzed faintly in her ears as the interface appeared in her vision.

Umbrella Prime – Active Protocols
Subject: Unknown Singularity Detected

Jill's field of view zoomed in, her sight sharpening as lines of data scrolled at the edges of her vision, analysing the swirling vortex outside the window. It loomed in the darkened sky, a spiraling tear of violet and electric blue, pulsing like a beating heart.

At the bottom of her interface, a box blinked to life. It grew, flickering faintly, before resolving into the face of The Red Queen—a girl's face, eerily pale and framed with red light. Her digital eyes were cold, calculating, and entirely unfeeling.

"Anomaly detected."

The voice was sharp, British, and devoid of humanity, a perfect mirror of the AI's expressionless gaze. The hum of data processing grew louder, the scarab on Jill's chest pulsing in rhythm.

"Energy signature… unknown. Dimensional tear detected."

The Red Queen's face tilted ever so slightly, her expression neutral as streams of data flashed through the display. Lines of numbers calculated and recalculated, the AI's efforts to make sense of the impossible falling short. The anomaly resisted classification.

"Source undetermined. Threat level—unable to quantify."

The scarab on Jill's chest flared brighter, a thin whine of energy vibrating against her sternum. The Red Queen turned her gaze directly to Jill, her crimson eyes unblinking and sharp.

"Priority: maintain mission focus."

Jill stood still, a perfect instrument of control. She didn't flinch as the Red Queen continued, her voice colder now, more commanding.

"Targets remain: Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, and Project Alice. The Singularity is to be monitored. Proceed. The mission will not be compromised."

Jill's eyes blinked once—slow, deliberate—and when they opened, the digital overlays receded, leaving only the faint red glow of the insignia burning in her irises.

"Understood," Jill said, her voice devoid of anything human.

Chapter Text

Earth-121775

After the singularity wormhole appeared in the gray skies above the Arcadia, Alice's situation deteriorated rapidly. Moments after the wormhole vanished, the Umbrella Corporation, led by a brainwashed Jill Valentine, controlled by the Red Queen, launched a devastating assault on the vessel. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Alice fought valiantly, using her pistols to eliminate Umbrella operatives and attempting to target Jill through the fire and explosions. Survivors scrambled for safety, with Claire and Chris Redfield lost in the turmoil. In a desperate move, Alice wielded her sawn-off shotguns against the attacking aircraft, successfully hitting the pilot. However, as the aircraft crash-landed onto the Arcadia, the resulting explosion propelled Alice overboard into the cold ocean below.

Surviving the fall, Alice was soon captured by Umbrella forces and subjected to interrogation by the corporation and the brainwashed Jill Valentine. She was taken to an underwater facility, unaware that a clone of herself had awakened in a suburban setting with a husband, Todd, and a deaf daughter, Becky. During her captivity, a power outage occurred, providing Alice the opportunity to escape, determined to confront Umbrella, Jill, and the Red Queen.

From here, Alice's story takes a new turn.

Alice seemingly stood in the center of Shibuya Square, Tokyo, her boots planted firmly on the slick pavement of the iconic crosswalk. The glowing neon lights reflected off the rain-soaked ground, casting vibrant streaks of green, yellow, and red across the empty streets. The usual chaos of Tokyo was nowhere to be seen—no people, no sound, only eerie silence.

Dressed in a sleek black tactical bodysuit, fitted with silver clasps running down her torso, Alice looked ready for war. Her short, dark hair clung to her face from the damp air, and her expression was one of sharp focus, her piercing gaze scanning the lifeless square for any sign of movement. Her jaw was set, eyes cold and unrelenting, the look of someone who had seen hell and was ready for whatever came next.

Something wasn't right. She could feel it in the air.

Her fingers twitched instinctively at her sides, ready to react at the slightest provocation. Around her, the towering buildings loomed like silent watchers, their brightly lit billboards flickering ominously. A chill ran down her spine as she stepped forward, her movements deliberate, controlled.

"What is this…" she murmured, her voice low, the question hanging unanswered in the empty air.

Alice spotted an abandoned police car nearby, its red and blue lights still flashing faintly in the rain-soaked square. Without hesitation, she walked up to it and tried the door—locked. Scanning her surroundings, her eyes landed on a nearby bike rack. A basket held a lock and chain, rusted but sturdy.

Alice grabbed it and returned to the car. With a swift, practiced motion, she swung the chain like a whip, the heavy lock at its end smashing through the passenger-side window with a sharp crack! Shards of glass rained down inside the car. Reaching through the jagged opening, her fingerless glove protected her hand as she popped open the glove compartment.

Inside, she found a silver handgun and a small box of ammunition. Alice grabbed both, slipping the ammo into the top of her boot with a practiced flick of her wrist. She wrapped the chain tightly around her free hand, the cold metal biting into her skin, and readied the firearm in her other.

From above, she was being watched.

The Red Queen's crimson interface glowed to life, the camera feed zooming in on Alice's every movement. Across the screen, bold white letters appeared:

ESCAPED FUGITIVE PROJECT ALICE
PROTOCOL SIX INITIATED

Something was coming.

Back in the center of the road, Alice stood tall, armed and ready to fight, her gaze sharp and unwavering.

Then, a voice echoed through the still, empty streets.

"Standby."

Alice stopped, tensing, her eyes darting around. She looked up, searching for the source of the voice.

"Standby," it repeated, mechanical and detached.

A sudden drop of water hit her cheek. She frowned, brushing it with the chain-wrapped hand and feeling the wetness linger on her fingertips.

The voice returned once more, monotone and chilling:

"Tokyo Sequence Initialized."

Alice's head snapped upward just as the sky opened above her. Rain came down in torrents, a relentless deluge that drenched her in seconds.

Then something stranger happened.

Out of nowhere, crowds began to emerge. People walked past her as if nothing was wrong—commuters clutching umbrellas, their hurried footsteps splashing through puddles as conversations buzzed faintly in the air.

Alice stood frozen, bewildered by the sudden change. She watched as men, women, and children passed by, completely unbothered by her presence. It was as if she had been dropped into a completely different world.

Nearby, a police officer returned to their damaged vehicle. Spotting the shattered window, he pointed and shouted to others, gesturing angrily and trying to make sense of the vandalism. Alice ignored him, her attention fixed on the bizarre scene unfolding around her.

Her sharp eyes caught movement—a woman in a blue dress stumbling past, her head tilted downward and soaked from the rain. There was something off about her: the slow shuffle, the vacant expression, the heavy breaths that fogged the damp air.

Alice watched as the woman pushed forward, only to stop a few feet away. The crowd continued to part around her, unaware of her unnatural stillness. Slowly, unnervingly, the woman lifted her head. Her face was pale, soaked hair plastered against her skin, but her wide-open eyes glowed with an unnatural hunger.

Alice's instincts flared.

Suddenly, the woman turned her attention to a middle-aged man in a brown raincoat, who walked nearby, umbrella in hand.

Then it happened.

The woman screeched, her mouth tearing open unnaturally wide, and lunged forward with terrifying speed. The man barely had time to react before her hands clamped down on him, dragging him to the wet pavement. His scream echoed through the square as she sank her teeth into his neck, blood splattering across the ground as he cried out in agony.

Chaos erupted.

The crowd, now aware of the danger, exploded into panic. People screamed and scattered, umbrellas dropped and trampled underfoot as they fled through the rain. From the edges of the square, more figures appeared—moving erratically, snarling, eyes wild. The infected were here.

Alice didn't move, her grip on the chain and gun tightening as she observed the chaos spiraling around her. Her sharp eyes scanned the square, searching for an opening—anything to make sense of the madness.

Then she saw it.

The woman in blue, the one who had attacked the man, was rising from the ground. Blood streaked down her pale face, pooling at her chin and dripping onto the wet concrete. Her glassy, lifeless eyes locked onto Alice, staring with a menacing intensity.

Alice's breath hitched, her expression flickering with shock and horror. For the first time in a long while, her steel resolve wavered—eyes wide, lips parted. The rain poured relentlessly, soaking her through as the scene played out in surreal clarity.

But something else caught her attention.

A low hissing sound broke through the din of the downpour. Alice turned sharply, her gaze snapping to the distance. A building was beginning to open, its exterior splitting apart with a slow, mechanical groan.

From within, a blinding white light began to seep through the widening gap. At first, it pulsed faintly, accompanied by a slow, rhythmic beeping. As the building continued to open, the light grew stronger, more intense, piercing through the rain like a beacon.

Alice stood frozen, transfixed by the unnatural glow, her mind fighting to process what she was seeing. The brightness seemed to pull at her, as though willing her forward.

Behind her, a sickening groan snapped her back to reality.

The infected woman in blue staggered forward, her bloodied mouth now dripping dark red onto the pavement. The groan deepened, twisting into something more sinister.

Alice whipped around just in time to see the woman break into a full sprint, charging straight for her with unnatural speed.

And she wasn't alone.

Other infected citizens—pale, bloodied, and frenzied appeared. They shrieked and groaned as they spotted Alice, their heads snapping toward her like predators locking onto prey. One after another, they began to run.

Alice didn't wait.

She spun on her heel and bolted for the opening building, the brilliant white light her only escape. Her boots splashed through puddles as she raced across the rain-slicked crosswalk, water kicking up with every step. The roar of the infected grew louder behind her, their pounding footsteps closing in fast.

The light ahead intensified, so bright now it was almost blinding. Alice didn't care. She pushed herself harder, every instinct screaming at her to reach it—whatever it was—before the horde caught up.

The infected surged forward, relentless and wild, their screeches echoing through the downpour. But Alice kept moving, her grip on the gun and chain unyielding, her focus locked on the light ahead.

It was her only way out, apparently.

The moment Alice ran into the piercing white light, everything changed.

Suddenly, she was somewhere else entirely.

Alice sprinted forward, her boots striking the ground with sharp, echoing thuds. She was now in a sterile, endless corridor—white panels stretched infinitely on both sides, glowing with an artificial brilliance that stung her eyes. The walls and floor were flawless, unsettling in their perfection, as though she'd been dropped into a place outside reality.

She didn't stop running. Her breath was steady, her focus razor-sharp, but confusion gnawed at her.

"Where am I?" Alice thought as she ran.

Her shadow stretched long across the pristine floor, stark against the blinding glow. Alice's grip on the handgun tightened, the chain wrapped around her free hand clinking faintly with every step. She glanced over her shoulder—her instincts flared.

The infected woman in blue was on her heels, groaning as she lunged forward, faster now.

Alice acted fast. She dropped her shoulder, and the infected woman tumbled past her, skidding across the floor before scrambling back to her feet. Her cold, glassy eyes locked on Alice, blood spewing from her mouth in dark rivulets.

Alice was ready. She lashed the chain in her hand, the metal whip cracking through the air and smashing into the infected woman's face. The woman staggered back, stunned.

Without hesitating, Alice shifted her weight and launched a roundhouse kick. Her boot connected hard, sending the infected crashing into the nearby wall with a heavy thud.

Alice's victory was short-lived. Another infected figure appeared, rushing her. Alice pivoted, snapping the chain through the air—it struck the attacker across the head, sending them reeling. A third one lunged toward her, but Alice, now in her element, whipped around, the chain arcing fluidly to smack her foe straight in the face, dropping them to the ground.

Another infected tried to come at her from the side. Alice spun, raised her silver handgun, and fired. The shot staggered her enemy, and Alice followed up with a sharp kick that sent them sprawling.

More of the infected poured into the corridor, groaning and snarling as they sprinted toward her. Alice flipped back, ducking and weaving, her moves a masterclass in survival. Her gun barked sharply as she fired at targets, while her chain whipped through the air like a deadly serpent, smashing back foes who got too close.

But the more she fought, the more they came. From the far end of the hallway, a massive horde appeared—dozens of infected citizens charging at full speed.

Alice's eyes darted to the far end of the corridor. A dark doorway stood open, her only chance.

"Time to go." she thought.

She turned and bolted, boots hitting against the floor. The groans of the infected grew louder behind her, the horde giving chase. Alice ran with everything she had, her breath ragged, every muscle on edge.

The doorway hissed as she sprinted through it, the heavy doors beginning to close behind her. She glanced back mid-stride, seeing the infected still surging forward, their groans echoing through the corridor.

The doors sealed shut with a final clang, cutting off the horde and leaving her in silence.

Alice slowed to a stop, catching her breath. She now stood in a pitch-black room, the only light spilling through the sealed doorway behind her. Shadows swallowed everything else.

Gun held high, Alice pivoted on her heel, scanning the impenetrable darkness. Her breath was steady, but every muscle in her body remained taut, ready for whatever would strike next. Her free hand gripped the chain tightly, the cold metal digging into her skin, grounding her.

Then, she noticed it.

The air shifted.

Directly in front of her, the darkness began to twist and ripple unnaturally. Flickers of faint blue light pulsed through it, illuminating the void with an otherworldly glow. The light expanded, its eerie hum vibrating in her ears.

"What now?!" Alice muttered.

The answer came swiftly.

A piercing gust erupted from the center of the flickering light, as if the very air had been ripped open. The void before her expanded into a spiraling rift—a jagged tear in reality itself, glowing with a blue light. The force of it hit her like a shockwave, the pull sudden and violent.

Alice staggered back, gritting her teeth as the wind roared around her.

The chain in her hand slackened, tugged by the unseen force. Alice's eyes darted down just in time to see it snake out of her grip, pulled toward the rift.

"What!" she cried out.

The chain clattered loudly to the ground, the metal scraping against the floor before vanishing into the void. Her handgun followed next, slipping from her hand and spinning wildly through the air. It disappeared into the rift.

Alice planted her feet, trying to steady herself against the pull. Her breath came in sharp bursts as her arms shot out, searching for something—anything—to hold onto.

The sound of the rift grew deafening, a deep, unrelenting roar that drowned out her own thoughts.

Spotting the Umbrella-shaped handles on the sealed door behind her, Alice lunged for them, her fingers outstretched. The wind ripped at her body, pulling her backward, but she managed to grip the cold metal with both hands.

"Come on…!" she hissed through clenched teeth.

The pull intensified, as if the rift was alive—hungry, determined to drag her in. Her body strained against the force, the pressure threatening to rip her free.

With every second, the rift expanded, its blue light flaring brighter. Alice's arms trembled as she held onto the handles, sweat mixing with the rainwater still dripping from her face.

The Umbrella door creaked ominously beneath the pressure, the metal groaning under her weight. Alice's grip slipped an inch, and her heart slammed in her chest.

"I won't let go!" she groaned.

But the wind roared louder, its force relentless.

"No!" she yelled, defiance in her voice.

The handles wrenched free from her hands, and Alice was ripped backward. Her body hit the air like a ragdoll, spinning as the bright blue light consumed her.

The last thing she saw was the Umbrella logo etched into the sealed door, growing smaller and smaller as the void swallowed her whole.

As Alice tumbled through the void, the world around her fractured and reformed in flashes of light and shadow. There was no sense of up or down, no time or space—only a relentless pull, dragging her through scenes that flickered past her like shards of broken glass.

Suddenly, a roar echoed, deep and guttural, vibrating through the void. Her body spun, and she caught sight of a vast arena drenched in golden light. Sand kicked up into the air as a lone figure stood in the center, battered and bloodied but unbowed. His breath came in ragged heaves as the crowd erupted into a deafening chant. The glint of a Roman helmet. A sword raised high.

And then it was gone.

Alice's body whipped sideways, and the light dimmed, replaced by something hauntingly still.

Ahead, a wax figure of a man stood eerily poised, his lifeless eyes frozen mid-scream. Another flicker, and the wax began to melt—drip, drip, drip—the face contorting as if caught in agony. Somewhere, a faint laugh echoed—a smooth voice, filled with delight and menace. A shadow of a man in a suit and mustache lingered just beyond her vision, almost as if watching her with morbid satisfaction.

The image splintered and dissolved.

The next flash struck like a hammer to her chest. Alice spun around in the weightless void and caught sight of a massive figure. His gauntleted hand rose slowly, fingers curling one by one. The light of six stones gleamed brilliantly, and then—

Snap.

The sound cut through the void like a gunshot. A bright light flared across the horizon, and Alice instinctively shielded her eyes. But as she blinked through it, she caught the aftermath. A look of utter defeat on a hero's face, looking in disbelief and shock. The hero's thick beard, short hair and scared eye just looked at the purple titan in front of him, lost for words.

"What you do...What you do?!" the hero demanded, his voice full of horror and dread.

She barely had time to process it before the void pulled her onward.

Alice felt herself plunge deeper, faster, the scenes warping like reflections in rippling water. Neon light shimmered next, bursting into view.

A green hooded figure perched atop a rooftop, bowstring drawn tight. A flash of a crimson blur streaked across a street, faster than she could track. Behind them, the skyline seemed to fold on itself, lightning crackling and sparks dancing in the air.

And then Alice fell through it, as though the very fabric of reality crumbled behind her.

A dense jungle exploded into view. Rain pounded the lush leaves, glistening against a figure that emerged from the underbrush—silent, deliberate. Twin pistols in hand, her face fierce and focused, the figure moved with the practiced grace of a predator. The jungle shimmered with hidden traps and secrets, but Alice couldn't hold onto the vision long enough to see where the woman disappeared to.

The void twisted violently again, flinging Alice into another vision.

This time, she fell through an ominous, overcast sky. Below her, the scene was stark and haunting: a vast shoreline stretched endlessly, waves crashing against the sand with relentless force. The silhouette of a shattered structure jutted from the earth, twisted and broken—a monument to something long lost.

As Alice's descent slowed momentarily, her eyes widened in disbelief. It wasn't just a structure—it was a statue. A face.

The unmistakable, crumbling remains of the Statue of Liberty lay half-buried in the sand. Its once-proud crown was fractured, its torch fallen and lifeless.

The wind howled through the emptiness, carrying faint echoes of despair. A distant, anguished voice rang out, distorted and broken.

"You maniacs! You blew it up!"

Alice gasped, reaching out instinctively, but the image shattered like glass, sending her tumbling further.

As Alice fell another vision began to play around her.

A yellow light, blinding and intense, pierced through. Then, as her vision cleared, she saw it—hovering in the sky.

A creature.

It was golden, its spiked form radiating power, with an aura so bright it seemed to bend reality around it. Red eyes, glowing like embers, stared ahead with unwavering determination. It wasn't human—it looked like something out of a myth, a living force of nature.

Below, a monstrous metal giant stood—towering and mechanical.

The creature shot forward with impossible speed, a golden streak zipping around the dome-like head of the robot. Alice watched, stunned, as the spiked being tore through the metal like it was paper—cutting a perfect line with precision, as though it were using a can opener on the machine.

Screeching metal echoed through the air as the dome groaned, the weight of it unstable. Finally, it broke loose. The massive head slid forward with a deafening crash, smashing into the ground below in a cloud of dust and debris.

Now exposed, a man stood inside the remains of the head—bald, with a wild mustache, his face frozen in disbelief but intrigue.

The golden figure hovered closer, his glowing aura crackling like lightning against the darkened sky. Alice caught his expression—sharp, focused, and deadly serious.

"It's over, Eggman," the figure said, his voice stern and final.

The moment hung frozen, the sheer weight of it pressing into Alice's chest.

And then—

Silence.

Her body fell still, and everything went dark.

Earth-91581

The wooden sign stood proudly at the edge of town, a familiar sight to anyone entering Green Hills, Montana. It had always been simple, welcoming—"Welcome to Green Hills The Little Town with a Big Heart." But now, a hastily tacked-on banner fluttered beneath it, flapping in the breeze. The words, printed in bold red, read:

"Rebuilding Together—Stronger Than Ever."

Beyond the sign, Green Hills stretched out in a mix of normalcy and chaos. The streets were alive again, but scars of the battle lingered. Construction crews lined the main roads, hammering, sawing, and patching up whatever they could. The Mean Bean Coffee Shop—a local favourite—stood half-repaired, its sign dangling precariously on a single chain. Ladders leaned against rooftops where workers replaced broken shingles. Power lines, hastily strung back into place, hummed faintly overhead.

The town's heart, usually so peaceful and unassuming, still buzzed with a quiet, uneasy energy.

For the people of Green Hills, life had turned upside down just a few days prior, during what the townsfolk now solemnly referred to as "The Day of the Colossus".

It had come out of nowhere. A towering, monstrous robot—like something from a sci-fi movie—stomped through their streets, shaking the earth and casting a shadow over everything. Powered by some kind of impossible green energy and piloted by Doctor Ivo Robotnik, the self-proclaimed genius and madman, the machine left destruction in its wake. But Robotnik was gone now—"dead," if you listened to the news reports.

That didn't mean anyone in Green Hills felt at ease.

Especially not with G.U.N. snooping around for answers still.

Despite this, the town was already spinning its own tales. Stories spread like wildfire, retold by excited kids, overwhelmed parents, and stunned construction workers. Heroes had emerged during the chaos—heroes who weren't human.

There was the red warrior with spiked fists that could shatter mountains. The twin-tailed fox who flew with his two tails. And then there was him—the blue blur that everyone had once assumed was a figment of their imaginations. Sonic the Hedgehog.

But the stories didn't stop there. Oh no, not anymore.

Because at the height of the battle, when hope had seemed lost and Robotnik's machine had towered over the town like an unstoppable colossus, Super Sonic had appeared. Witnesses described him as a glowing golden figure—a creature of light and power who descended from the skies and single-handedly brought the giant to its knees.

The local papers couldn't get enough of it. "The Golden Hero of Green Hills," they called him, printing blurry, hastily-snapped photos of Sonic, glowing and triumphant, above the wreckage.

Now, as life returned to a strange kind of normal, a quiet undercurrent of curiosity lingered. What had caused the glowing wormhole in the sky? The one that had appeared during the fight, so briefly yet so violently, before vanishing without a trace.

The townsfolk couldn't decide what to call it:

"A glitch in reality," some whispered.

"A sign from above," said others.

But G.U.N., watching silently from the shadows, had other theories.

In a modest house on the edge of town, with the trees and rocky mountains surrounding it, the young two tailed fox was hard at work, tweaking a strange yellow device. For him, the wormhole wasn't just a mystery. It was a question waiting to be answered.

Tails wouldn't stop until he solved it.

After the battle with Robotnik, Tails and Knuckles had been invited to live with the Wachowskis, joining Sonic in their warm and welcoming household. It was an easy decision for Tails, who had already grown attached to Sonic and his new family, but Knuckles had taken some convincing. Eventually, with his usual solemn tone, Knuckles agreed, to stay on Earth under one condition:

The Master Emerald must always remain protected.

It was an unspoken pact, one made between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles the moment the dust had settled. Together, they would protect the Master Emerald, no matter what—Knuckles ensuring its safety with his strength, Sonic providing his speed and leadership, and Tails… well, Tails would figure out the how.

Now, in the Wachowskis' garage, Tails was doing exactly that.

The two-tailed fox sat hunched over a cluttered workbench, tools scattered around him with a yellow backpack sitting close by. His yellow handheld device—one he had used to track Sonic's energy when he first arrived in Green Hills—lay open before him, its circuits exposed.

For the past few days, the lingering traces of that wormhole had gnawed at him. He hadn't been able to let it go. It had vanished as quickly as it appeared, but its energy… that hadn't disappeared entirely. He could still sense it. It was faint, like an aftershock, but Tails knew it was there.

And if he could track it? Maybe he could find answers.

He reassembled the device and tightened the final bolt, letting out a satisfied sigh as he held the device up in the light. It beeped softly, the screen flickering to life as it displayed faint distortion readings.

"Finally!" Tails said to himself, a triumphant smile breaking across his face.

The garage door creaked open, and the peaceful hum of Tails' work was suddenly interrupted by familiar voices.

"Yo, Tails! You're still tinkering with that thing?" Sonic's voice rang out, lighthearted and teasing, as he zipped into the garage with Tom following close behind. "Seriously, don't you ever take a break, buddy?"

Tails swiveled his stool around, holding up the device proudly.

"I'm close, Sonic! This might be able to track the energy the wormhole left behind. If we figure out where it came from, we'll know what it was!"

Tom looked around the garage with a small smile. It was becoming less of a garage and more of a workshop—Tails' workshop, if they were being honest.

"You've been working hard on that thing for days, Tails," Tom said, his tone warm and encouraging. "Maybe take a breather? Maddie's making sandwiches, and Knuckles is… trying something new. He might need your smarts."

"Something new, like what?" Tails asked, not even looking up from his device as he tightened another screw.

Tom scratched the back of his head, trying not to laugh.

"He's… playing a video game. I think he's about to lose his patience with it."

Tails blinked, glancing up for the first time.

"Knuckles? Playing a video game?" he questioned in disbelief.

"He's playing The House of the Dead 4," Sonic chimed in with a smirk. "It's not as good as 2 or 3, but hey, what do I know? I'm not with IGN." He crossed his arms dramatically, adding with a mock-serious tone, "Solid seven out of ten from me. Too much apocalypse for one game though."

"Ha," Tails laughed slightly. "I couldn't imagine Knuckles playing The House of the Dead 4?"

"Oh, he's not just playing it," Tom clarified with a grin. "He's fighting it—like literally. He's yelling at the screen about zombies dishonouring him."

"Oh yeah. He's tried punching the controller twice already," Sonic admitted with a smirk. "I told him it's not that kind of battle, but he's still convinced the game is cheating him."

"That… I've got to see," Tails said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You know, we need to get Knuckles into Pokémon Go!" Sonic exclaimed. "It's perfect for him—outdoors, endless quests, and maybe he'll stumble on a Pikachu."

Tails chuckled at the mental image.

"Knuckles walking around town with a mobile device looking for Pokémon? Ok, that is definitely something I'd pay to see," he remarked with a smile.

The group had a small laugh at the idea. But Tom moved the conversation back along.

"Come on, genius," Tom stepped forward, making an effort to pry Tails away from his workstation. "Lunch first, wormhole mysteries later."

Tails hesitated, the glimmer of excitement still lighting up his eyes.

"I'll grab lunch in a bit, I promise, Tom," he said thoughtfully. "But this is important! That wormhole wasn't natural. It means something."

Sonic smirked, shaking his head as he leaned casually against the garage doorframe.

"You're starting to sound like Knuckles, buddy," he teased. "Next thing you know, you'll be calling it a 'rift in the very fabric of existence.'"

As if on cue, a deep, rumbling voice echoed from behind them.

"It is a rift in the very fabric of existence!" it remarked.

The voice rolled into the garage like distant thunder, cutting through the quiet hum of Tails' device. Sonic blinked, his smirk widening into a full grin.

"See? What'd I tell you?" Sonic quipped.

The group turned to find Knuckles standing there, his arms folded across his broad chest, his brow furrowed in its usual expression of determined seriousness. The red echidna's gaze swept over the garage like he was assessing a battlefield.

"Did you manage to get to the next level, Knux?" Sonic asked with a playful tone.

Knuckles' expression darkened further.

"No," he grumbled. "But I will have my victory, Hedgehog!" he declared.

Tom chuckled, shaking his head as he crossed his arms.

"At least you didn't break the console," he remarked.

"Yet," Sonic chimed in, grabbing and spinning a wrench in his gloved fingers playfully.

Knuckles ignored the comment and strode into the garage, his heavy footsteps echoing softly on the concrete floor. He stopped near Tails, his gaze narrowing at the glowing screen of the handheld device. Tilting his head slightly, he studied the strange symbols and faint pulses of energy flashing across it.

"You've been working tirelessly on that machine, Fox," Knuckles observed, suspicion etching deeper into his features. "What purpose does it serve?"

Tails pointed to the glowing screen of his device, where faint lines of energy patterns blinked steadily.

"It's detecting residual distortion energy, Knuckles—the energy left behind by that wormhole," he explained.

"And what have you discovered?" Knuckles asked.

Tails hesitated for just a moment before replying, his voice steady but uncertain.

"Not much yet. The readings are faint, almost like the wormhole wasn't supposed to exist here. But…" He paused, glancing back at the screen. "There's something still lingering. I don't think we've seen the last of it."

"That energy is dangerous. The Master Emerald has been unsettled since its appearance," Knuckles remarked. "I felt it. We cannot allow such chaos to threaten this world again."

Sonic, ever the voice of casual optimism, waved a hand dismissively.

"Relax, big guy. If anything does happen, we'll handle it," he affirmed.

Knuckles didn't look convinced. He turned back to Tails, his tone grave.

"Keep monitoring this 'distortion,' Fox. We must be prepared," he cautioned.

"I will. If this energy shows up again, I'll know about it," Tails replied with a nod.

Satisfied—at least for now—Knuckles stepped back slightly.

"Good. Now, what is this 'base of ball' activity Wachowski speaks of?" he asked, turning to Tom. "He claims it is a test of strength, yet I see no enemies to defeat."

"From video games to baseball," Sonic said, looking at Knuckles with a grin, "this new life has been full of surprises for you, hasn't it?"

Knuckles ignored Sonic's comment.

Tom, who had been observing quietly with his usual calm, chimed in with a smile.

"Well, Knuckles, baseball isn't exactly about defeating enemies. It's more of a game. You work together as a team, take turns hitting a ball with a bat, and try to score points by running around bases."

"A game?" Knuckles echoed, clearly skeptical. "How does striking a ball with a stick determine strength? Or honour?"

Sonic grinned and hopped onto the workbench, crossing his legs.

"Oh, trust me, Knux. You'll love it. It's got everything you like—speed, precision, and smashing things."

Knuckles frowned thoughtfully, nodding slowly.

"Speed, precision, and smashing? Hm. Perhaps there is honour in this… base of ball."

Tom stifled a laugh while Tails covered his mouth with a hand, trying to hide his smile.

"It's not about honour," Tom said. "It's about having fun, enjoying yourself, and spending time with your friends."

Knuckles' brow furrowed, as though the concept of fun itself was alien.

"Fun," Knuckles repeated, the word rolling awkwardly off his tongue. "I do not fully understand this concept. Is fun… combat training disguised as recreation?"

Sonic shot Tails a look, smirking.

"He's learning..." he remarked with a playful tone.

Tails laughed softly, the moment of levity breaking his focus as he reached for his device to tuck it into his yellow backpack. But then—

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The sudden loud, shrill beeping made everyone freeze. Tails' eyes widened, his gloved hands tightening around the device as its screen flickered wildly with sharp, jagged lines of energy readings.

"Um, Tails... What was that?" Sonic asked, his playful tone instantly replaced with concern.

Tails stared intently at the screen, his excitement and worry battling for dominance.

"It's the distortion energy! It's spiking!" the fox explained.

Tom stepped forward, brow furrowed, as he tried to peer over Tails' shoulder.

"Spiking? What does that mean?" he probed.

"It means the energy I've been tracking… it's growing stronger. Something's happening," Tails explained, recalibrating the device as numbers began to scroll across the screen.

"Do you mean to say another vortex is forming?" Knuckles questioned.

"It's hard to say," Tails admitted. "It could be, or something else, linked to that energy from the wormhole."

"Where can we find it, Fox?" Knuckles probed further.

Tails glanced at the readings, his fur bristling slightly as the device pinged repeatedly.

"Approx. two kilometers away… due west. That's… oh no."

Tom's expression fell.

"The town?!" he remarked.

"Oh boy..." Sonic muttered, his face looking concerned.

"Tails, the town is still being repaired!" Tom remarked. "If there's another one of those things, it could make everything worse!"

"Well, we can't just stand here," Sonic said, eager to get moving. "If something's going down in Green Hills, we need to check it out—fast."

Knuckles turned sharply, determination gleaming in his eyes.

"Then we must move. To the blue chariot!" he declared with fiery determination. "Our distortion quest awaits!"

"The what?" Tom asked, blinking in confusion.

Knuckles pointed with conviction towards the driveway.

"Your wheeled chariot of transport. The blue one."

Tom pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

"You mean the truck, Knuckles. It's called a truck," he confirmed.

"Yes. That!" Knuckles declared, already heading for the exit.

Sonic placed a hand on the Tails's shoulder.

"You got a plan for this, pal?" he asked. "Because I'm all for running into trouble, but it'd be great if you knew what we're looking at."

Tails stood, holding his beeping device like it was a lifeline.

"If this is what I think it is—a growing rift—it could mean something's about to appear. Or worse, break through," he answered.

"Well, we'd better find out before it breaks anything else," Tom remarked, grabbing his keys from his pocket. "Come on, let's move!"

"You heard the man! I call shotgun!" Sonic exclaimed, zipping with speed to the exit, brushing past Knuckles.

"Shotgun? But you carry no weapons..." Knuckles replied, confused.

Sonic facepalmed but didn't slow down as he left the garage.

"Just get to the truck, Knucklehead!" he shouted back.

Meanwhile in Green Hills Town...

High above the quiet town of Green Hills, the sky rippled. A tear—shimmering and blue—split through the peaceful expanse without warning, spinning like a vortex. In an instant, it spat out Alice before sealing itself shut just as quickly as it had appeared.

The town below remained blissfully unaware.

Alice fell, her body spinning wildly as she tumbled through the air. She flailed for balance, teeth gritted as her instincts screamed, but there was no way to steady herself. This wasn't like before—she could feel it. Without the T Cells enhancing her, she was just mortal now, and a hard landing was coming fast.

"Come on, come on—!"

Her words were lost to the rush of wind.

With a loud crash, Alice plummeted into a narrow alleyway, falling straight into an old dumpster wedged between two buildings. She hit the garbage inside, the impact reverberating like a dull clang. Empty coffee cups, fast food wrappers, and a week's worth of trash exploded upward before settling again.

Silence.

The alley was empty. No witnesses. No bystanders. Just the faint hum of distant construction work somewhere down the street.

Alice lay sprawled awkwardly on top of a mound of garbage bags, breathing heavily. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath, the bruises already forming beneath her suit.

"Shit…" she groaned, her voice a low rasp.

Something sharp stabbed her thigh through the bags, adding insult to injury. Wincing, Alice shifted her weight, muttering another curse under her breath. Her gaze lifted toward the sky, blue and cloudless—eerily calm. No portal. No trace of the rip she had fallen through.

She stared for a long moment, her brows knitting together as she struggled to process. It was gone. Just like that.

"…What the hell...?"

With effort, Alice pushed herself upright, grimacing as she swung her legs over the edge of the dumpster. Her black tactical bodysuit was smeared with streaks of grime, bits of garbage clinging to her like unwanted souvenirs. She ignored it, her mind racing as she scanned her surroundings.

The alley was quiet—almost too quiet. There were no B.O.W.s, no Umbrella operatives, no sounds of chaos or screaming. Just the warm, unnervingly normal breeze that drifted through the alley.

Alice stood, her boots hitting the ground with a dull thud. She dusted herself off, swiping away the garbage that clung to her. Alice's eyes narrowed as she checked the immediate area, instincts on full alert.

"This has to be another one of those simulations… like Tokyo" she muttered, rolling her shoulders to work out the lingering ache from her landing. "This.. this can't be real."

Slowly, she stepped out of the alleyway, her sharp gaze sweeping across the town. There were people—normal people—going about their day: construction workers repairing buildings, shopkeepers sweeping debris off sidewalks, families strolling down the street.

For a moment, Alice simply stood there, unsure of what to make of it all.

Her black bodysuit caught the attention of a passing teen, who stared as he nudged his friend, whispering loud enough for her to hear.

"Dude, they filming a new Marvel movie or something? Look at her—she's like the new Black Widow!"

Alice shot him a sharp glare, silencing him immediately.

Nearby, an older man leaned against the wall of a diner, speaking to his companion.

"Looks like G.U.N.'s in town. Y'know, checking out all the weird stuff since Robotnik's mess."

His friend nodded, eyes following Alice as she passed.

Alice ignored them, her expression set and unreadable, though her mind was reeling.

"G.U.N.? Robotnik? What the hell is this place?" she thought.

The last thing she remembered was fighting off the infected and going through the blue rift, seemingly seeing visions passing her by as she fell.

She began walking, her presence like a shadow moving through the sunlit streets. Around her, heads turned and whispers followed, but no one dared approach. She didn't stop to listen. She didn't stop at all.

As she walked, she passed the Sheriff's Station. And as she slowly walked past, Assistant Deputy Sheriff Wade Whipple exited, his shades on and ready to go on patrol—or get lunch, or get coffee. Who knew with Wade? But the unique thing with Wade was he had a scooter in one of his hands and on his head, he had a black helmet with a red light, and it made cop car sounds.

"Alright," he muttered to himself, adjusting his helmet. "Time to serve and protect... and maybe grab a donut or two."

As he headed towards the road to begin scooting, he looked down the street and saw the back of Alice. His suspicions were growing, slightly.

"Huh, she new in town or something?" he muttered. "Never seen her before."

The deputy began to follow, scooting on his scooter, the red light spinning, cop car sounds blaring.

Alice up ahead heard this and sighed, high on edge. She still didn't believe this place was real; it could be a trap, the infected or B. ready to strike at any minute through this façade.

Wade, trying to appear authoritative, called out as he approached.

"Excuse me, ma'am! Deputy Wade Wipple here. Mind if I ask you a few questions?"

Alice stopped in her tracks, her patience already hanging by a thread. Slowly, she turned, fixing the man with a hard, steely glare. But as she took him in—sunglasses perched like he was trying too hard, a shiny black helmet complete with a spinning red light, and a scooter—her expression flickered with visible confusion.

She blinked in utter confusion.

"You're… riding a scooter?" she asked flatly, her tone as sharp as her stare.

Wade grinned, seemingly immune to the judgment radiating off her. He puffed out his chest with pride, tapping the scooter's handlebars for emphasis.

"Yep! Eco-friendly, silent when I need it to be, and stylish when I don't," he announced, as if this explained everything. "You'd be surprised how much ground I can cover on this bad boy."

Alice stared at him, utterly blank for a beat. Finally, she shook her head slightly, deciding this was far from her biggest problem right now.

"What is this place?" she asked, her tone clipped.

Wade straightened up, adjusting his helmet as though it were a crown of authority.

"Green Hills, Montana ma'am! The Little Town with a Big Heart," he replied proudly, a hint of unnecessary bravado in his voice.

Alice's narrowed eyes darted around the quiet streets and quaint storefronts. Montana? That didn't add up.

"Montana? That can't be right." She remarked, her gaze grew sharper. "Where's the destruction? The chaos?"

Wade's enthusiasm faltered for a second as he scooted a little closer, his voice taking on a sympathetic tone.

"Oh, you just missed that," Wade said, waving a hand like he was discussing the weather. "Robotnik showed up a few days ago—big mech, lots of explosions, real mess. But, y'know, Sonic and the gang took care of it."

Alice's brow furrowed, confusion etched across her face.

"Robotnik? Sonic?" she muttered, the unfamiliar names rolling off her tongue like they didn't belong.

Wade tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"You really aren't from around here, are you?" he mused.

"No," Alice replied sharply, her tone clipped. Her sharp gaze locked onto Wade as she took a step forward. "What about Umbrella? Is this place… some kind of safe haven?"

"Umbrella?" Wade repeated, dragging the word out like it was foreign to him. "Uh… ma'am, the only umbrellas we've got are over at the diner patio. You know, the big ones? Keeps the rain off people while they're eating pancakes."

Alice blinked, staring at him in disbelief. The sheer absurdity of his response momentarily stunned her into silence.

"You're joking," she said flatly, though there was no humor in her voice.

Wade shrugged, his grin awkward.

"I mean, I wish I was. I love a good joke. But nope. Just talking about patio furniture."

Alice's sharp gaze scanned his face, trying to decide if he was mocking her. He wasn't. That was the worst part.

"This doesn't make any sense..." she muttered, deep in thought. "What is going on?"

Wade scooted closer.

"Uh, ma'am, you okay?" he asked kindly. "You're not making much sense. Do you need me to call a paramedic or something?"

"No," Alice shot back quickly, her voice sharp and defensive. But despite her confident reply, her expression betrayed how unsettled she truly was.

"Uh… well, your leg says otherwise," Wade said, pointing to her leg.

Alice followed his gaze, looking down to see a jagged tear in her black bodysuit and blood trailing down her thigh—courtesy of the sharp piece of garbage in that dumpster. She blinked at the injury like it was an afterthought, barely worth noticing.

"Oh," she muttered, unimpressed. "I've had worse."

"Uh… that's… that's blood. Like… real, actual blood?" Wade asked, with his voice going high-pitched and wavering. His face was turning pale.

Alice raised an eyebrow, unamused.

"Yeah, I'm bleeding. What of it?" she questioned.

Wade let out a nervous, breathy laugh—"Heh… heh…"—before his knees wobbled dangerously.

"Oh no."

And down he went.

His knees buckled first, then the rest of him followed in what felt like slow motion. The scooter tipped over, with the red light on his helmet spinning a final, pathetic revolution before sputtering out with a sad womp-womp-womp.

Alice stared at him, unblinking and deadpan as Wade crumpled into an unconscious heap. She exhaled through her nose, pinching the bridge of it between her fingers as a small crowd began to gather at a safe distance.

"Did the deputy just faint?" someone whispered.

"Is that blood? Should we call someone?" another voice added nervously.

Alice rolled her eyes and looked down at Wade's unmoving form, her expression a mix of disbelief and exasperation.

"Are you fucking kidding me…" she muttered, her voice low and full of irritation.

Chapter Text

Earth-121775

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earth-91581

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

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

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

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

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

Knuckles' eyes narrowed, his voice rumbling with determination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You mean an ambulance?" Tails corrected.

Knuckles gave a small, reluctant nod.

"Yes… that," he answered.

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

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

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

Tom glanced at him sideways, not entirely convinced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic smirked, clearly enjoying this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Knowing him, probably the second one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tails blinked, looking genuinely curious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah, real noble steed," Sonic snorted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What happened, Wade?" he asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I heard that," he muttered feebly.

Knuckles didn't miss a beat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic scratched his head, skeptical.

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

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

Tom sighed, putting a hand to his hip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Sonic teased.

Knuckles' frown deepened.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The medic let out a frustrated sigh.

"Hey! You can't just leave—"

"Stop!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And what are they?" she snapped.

Sonic blinked, pointing at himself with mock offense.

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

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

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

Sonic immediately turned to him.

"What is it?" he asked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alice turned toward him sharply.

"Romanoff?" she probed.

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

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

"Wait. The wormhole," he said.

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

Tom nodded, his voice growing more serious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you talking about?" she demanded.

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

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

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

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

"You insult my honour?!" he spat.

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

Alice exhaled sharply, letting the tension ease just slightly.

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

"Infected?" Sonic echoed, brow furrowing.

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

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

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

Tom stepped closer, his tone calm but firm.

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

Alice shook her head.

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

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

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

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

"By who?" Sonic pressed.

Alice's steely gaze cut through him.

"Umbrella."

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

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

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

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

Tom frowned, shaking his head.

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

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

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

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

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

"You're naïve," she said bluntly.

Knuckles blinked, his bravado faltering slightly.

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

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

Knuckles huffed, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"Curse this planet and its confusing language!"

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

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

Tom shrugged casually as he explained.

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

Alice blinked at him, deadpan.

"Of course they are," she sighed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alice frowned, confusion flickering across her features.

"Wait, what?" she questioned.

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

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

Tom, rubbing his temples, sighed.

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

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

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

Alice narrowed her eyes, skepticism hardening her features.

"What does that even mean?" she asked.

Tails met her gaze, his confidence growing.

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

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

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

Tails nodded, continuing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Your science is nonsense," Knuckles argued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic's head bobbed in agreement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Thanks," she muttered quietly.

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

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

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

"Alice. My name's Alice."

Sonic grinned, giving her a quick salute.

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

Tails gave a small, polite wave.

"Hi," he said.

Knuckles stepped forward, still skeptical.

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

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

"Noted," she replied.

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

"As I should," Knuckles grunted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another operative chimed in from across the room.

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

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

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

Walters' sharp gaze didn't waver.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Let's move," he ordered.

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

Back in Green Hills

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

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

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

"Hey, Alice?" the fox asked.

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

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

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

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

Tails smiled faintly, his confidence returning.

"I try," he replied.

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

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

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

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

Alice shot him a dry look.

"I'll pass," she answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alice gave him an unimpressed glance.

"Noted," she remarked bluntly.

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

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

"She may still strike," Knuckles muttered darkly.

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

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

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

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

Knuckles let out a huff, clearly unconvinced.

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

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

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

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

Earth-91581-  San Francisco

The swirling golden light of the ring shimmered in the air, illuminating the battered pavement as the portal expanded into a perfect circle. Sonic stepped through first, his usual confident smirk fading as his eyes took in the chaos ahead, his brown ring satchel still over his shoulder. Tails followed close behind, clutching his handheld device, and his yellow backpack on his back. Knuckles emerged next, his stance broad and ready for a fight, followed by Alice, her eyes sharp and wary.

The air hit her like a wall—thick with smoke, burning metal, and the distant sounds of sirens wailing in desperation.

Alice took a moment to adjust, staring at the destruction sprawled out before them. The Golden Gate Bridge, normally bustling with life in this reality, was in utter disarray. Abandoned cars littered the lanes—doors flung open, belongings scattered on the asphalt. Panicked civilians sprinted toward safety, their faces pale with fear as they weaved past first responders who were desperately trying to reach the centre of the bridge.

Alice inhaled slowly, the sight of it all painfully familiar.

"Impressive," she muttered, glancing back at the still-glowing portal as it faded away. "That ring power... it's impressive." Her voice, though, was tight with focus as her gaze swept the scene. "But this... this doesn't look good."

"You can say that again, Romanoff" Sonic murmured, stepping forward, his eyes narrowing. "I'm half-expecting a Michael Bay explosion any second now."

Alice shot him a glance, not entirely getting the reference but sensing the tension masked behind his attempt at humour.

Tails lifted his device, frowning as it emitted a sharp series of beeps. His brow furrowed as he read the fluctuating readings on the screen.

"This... isn't good," he admitted. "The distortion levels are through the roof. Whatever caused this—it's not normal."

"They did all this in such a short amount of time?" Sonic replied, his tone was unusually serious. "If they wrecked the bridge this badly already, what else can they do?"

Tails didn't answer, his focus on the readings, but his silence was enough.

"Lead me to this trespassing interloper," Knuckles declared, his body tensing for combat. "This dishonour will not go unpunished."

Alice turned to him, her face stern but appreciative of his readiness.

"I get it—you're eager to fight. But listen to me." She paused, her tone low and serious. "You don't know Jill and Umbrella like I do. They don't fight fair, and they're more dangerous than they look. Don't take them lightly."

Knuckles blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness, but gave a small nod.

"Noted," he responded.

Tails hesitated before speaking, his voice soft.

"Alice... do you think they could've brought those... B.O.W.s?" The acronym hung in the air like a storm cloud.

"It's possible," Alice admitted. "Umbrella loves showing off its... creations." Her eyes drifted to the burning wreckage ahead. "This... this kind of destruction screams their style."

Sonic groaned, rubbing the back of his head.

"Great. First Robotnik and his machines, now we've got a front-row ticket to an apocalypse from another reality. Who's directing this crossover? Paul W.S. Anderson?"

"Who?" Tails questioned, giving the hedgehog a confused glance.

"Never mind," Sonic muttered. "Bad joke..."

Alice's lips quirked slightly despite the tension, but the moment was cut short by a sharp series of beeps from Tails's device.

"Uh... guys?" Tails's voice trembled slightly. His twin tails drooped as he pointed toward the centre of the bridge. "I think we have company."

The group turned, following Tails's gaze.

A formation of black-clad Umbrella operatives stood near the centre of the chaos, their movements methodical as they secured positions around what looked like a growing rift of blue light. The operatives moved with brutal precision, their weapons raised, some scanning the crowd, others monitoring a portable console displaying erratic distortion waves. The Umbrella logo gleamed red on their sleeves—a stark contrast against the swirling energy behind them.

But it wasn't just the operatives that caught their attention.

A deep, guttural roar echoed from beneath the bridge, followed by the sound of something massive shifting the structure itself. The bridge trembled, metal groaning in protest.

"Please tell me that was just the wind," Sonic muttered, taking a step back.

Alice's eyes widened.

"No..." she remarked.

Emerging from beneath the bridge's edge was a towering monstrosity, its skin mottled and pulsing with veins of dark, infected tissue. Its elongated arms ended in jagged claws, and its face—or what was left of it—twisted into an unnatural grimace.

"A B.O.W.," Alice confirmed grimly, her eyes locked on the towering monstrosity as it snarled and scraped its claws across the bridge's steel supports.

"Finally. A real opponent!" Knuckles declared, taking a bold step forward.

"No!" Alice snapped, stepping directly into his path, her voice sharp and unwavering. "This isn't some sparring match, Knuckles! These things don't just punch back—they kill."

"But I must defeat this abomination to bring honour back to this land," Knuckles growled. "These interlopers will pay for their crimes against nature."

Alice's patience frayed with the echidna.

"Jesus Christ, listen to me!" she spat, her voice cutting through the chaos. "It's not about honour—it's about not getting killed!"

Knuckles frowned, visibly processing her words, but the tension in his body didn't ease.

"Okay, okay—deep breaths, everyone," Sonic said, his tone light but firm. "We need a plan before we start punching first and asking questions never."

Alice inhaled, forcing herself to steady her breathing.

"You're right." She exhaled, eyes flickering toward the Umbrella operatives near the rift. "We can't fight them head-on—not like this." She pointed toward the operatives. "We need to get closer. They'll have something stabilising that rift. If we disable it, they'll lose control."

Tails adjusted his handheld device, the screen flashing with streams of data.

"If we can get to their console, I might be able to disable whatever they're using to keep the rift open." His mind was already racing, calculations forming.

Sonic's eyes narrowed as he sized up the scene.

"Me and Knux can keep the big guy busy!" he said, flashing a grin at Knuckles. "We'll buy you some time, guys."

Alice hesitated, her gaze drifting toward the handgun Walters had given her. The standard-issue firearm was fine for self-defence—but against a squad of heavily armed operatives? She knew it wasn't enough.

Her eyes shifted to Tails's yellow rucksack. She knew that if anyone in the group had come prepared, it was the resourceful two tailed fox.

"Please tell me there's something a bit more... destructive in there, Tails" Alice said, nodding toward Tails's pack. Her tone was firm, but there was a flicker of hope beneath it. "I don't think Walters' sidearm is going to cut it."

"Don't worry—I've got you covered," Tails replied, pulling the bag off his shoulders and unzipping the top.

He rummaged for a moment before pulling out a sleek, metallic device with an adjustable barrel and a glowing blue chamber on the side.

Alice's eyebrows rose.

"What... is that?" she questioned.

Tails grinned as he explained.

"Sonic calls it my Boom Blaster. It's non-lethal, but it should do the trick against these guys." He flipped the small weapon in his hand, showing Alice the compact trigger and the settings dial. "Think of it as a pulse rifle. Short bursts of concussive energy that'll knock anyone off their feet without blowing them apart."

Alice tested the weight of the blaster in her hands. It was surprisingly light, but the hum of energy from the chamber told her it packed a punch. She smirked.

"Not bad, genius," she admitted.

"Just aim and fire," Tails instructed. "But don't hold the trigger down too long—it overheats and you might turn one of the operatives into mince meat."

"Plus, I think the paper work on un-aliving a person from another reality might be too much to handle," Sonic teased with a confidence tone.

"Got it." Alice's voice hardened as she glanced toward the operatives. "Let's hope it's enough."

Sonic gave a quick thumbs-up as he crouched low, ready to sprint.

"Alright, folks! Game time. Knuckles and I will distract tall, dark, and ugly over there. You two make your move."

Knuckles pounded his fists together, the sound reverberating across the bridge.

"I'm ready." He turned to Alice, his expression surprisingly serious. "Stay alive, Monster Hunter."

Alice blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the rare moment of respect. She nodded.

"You too," she responded.

"Let's go!" Sonic yelled, bolting toward the massive B.O.W. with Knuckles hot on his heels.

Alice and Tails exchanged one final glance before sprinting toward the other end of the bridge, their mission clear. The chaotic battlefield loomed ahead, but for the first time in seemingly forever, Alice felt like she wasn't facing it alone.

[Corridor - Resident Evil: Retribution: Composed by Toman Dandy Starts Playing]

As Sonic darted forward, The B.O.W. lunged, swiping its massive claws through the air. The Hedgehog zipped out of its path in a blue blur, his speed kicking up a trail of blue sparks as he skidded along the pavement.

"Whoa! You swing like Tom's grandma!" Sonic called out, circling the creature in dizzying loops. "Knux! Hit it while it's distracted!"

Knuckles launched forward with a booming war cry, his spiked fist connecting with the B.O.W.'s ribcage in a thunderous strike. The creature staggered, but only slightly. Its thick, mutated hide absorbed some of the impact.

"It's tougher than it looks, Hedgehog" Knuckles muttered, shaking his hand, readying to fight again.

Sonic zipped past the creature's legs, hitting its ankles with rapid spin dashes to throw it off balance. The B.O.W. growled in frustration, attempting to track his movements but failing.

"Keep it busy!" Sonic yelled. "I've got an idea—but I need time!"

Knuckles' eyes narrowed.

"Leave it to me," he replied.

The Echidna slammed his large gloved fists into the ground, causing the bridge beneath the B.O.W. to shake. The creature stumbled as Knuckles darted forward, landing a rapid series of punches to its midsection. Each strike sent shockwaves through the air.

The B.O.W. let out an ear-splitting roar, flailing wildly. One claw managed to clip Knuckles slightly, sending him sliding back several feet, but he dug his heels into the pavement and held his ground.

"Ha! I'm still standing," Knuckles growled. "Is that all you've got, beast?"

Meanwhile, Alice and Tails sprinted toward the cluster of operatives stationed near the rift console. The operatives raised their rifles, but Alice was already moving, ducking low and weaving between cars for cover. Tails took to the air, his twin tails spinning rapidly as he launched himself upward.

Alice slid behind a SUV, raising her sidearm and firing a precise shot. The bullet struck an operative's shoulder, sending him sprawling. She vaulted over the car hood, closing the distance with terrifying speed. Before the downed operative could recover, Alice drove a knee into his chest and disarmed him in one swift motion.

"Alice!" one of the operatives shouted into his comms, panic lacing his voice. "She's—"

He didn't finish. Tails swooped down and flung a small, disc-shaped device toward him. It latched onto the operative's chest with a whirr before emitting a concussive pulse. The force sent the man flying backward into his comrades, knocking several off their feet.

Alice gave Tails a brief nod of approval.

"Nice work," she called out.

"I'm not just the brains, you know," Tails replied with a smile. "I can somewhat fight."

"Well... keep up 'somewhat' fighting!" Alice remarked.

An operative then raised his rifle, but before he could fire, Alice spun and struck his wrist with the butt of her sidearm, forcing him to drop the weapon. She followed up with a roundhouse kick to his unprotective neck, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Efficient," Tails muttered, slightly awestruck. "And brutal."

"They deserve worse," Alice answered.

"True... I guess," Tails replied. "But let the authorities deal with them."

"Ok..." Alice sighed with a smirk.

Just then, Tails's ears twitched at the sound of more footsteps.

"Reinforcements incoming!" he said loudly.

"Let's do this," Alice replied, her eyes narrowing at the incoming operatives.

Nearby, Sonic zipped to Knuckles' side, the blue blur skidding to a stop next to the Echidna.

"Alright, Knux. I have a plan!" Sonic exclaimed, his tone a mix of excitement and urgency.

"What is the plan, hedgehog?" Knuckles asked, keeping his eyes on the B.O.W, which was ready to strike.

Sonic reached into his satchel and pulled out a gold ring.

"We're gonna give this thing a one-way ticket... to the Antarctic," he confirmed.

Knuckles blinked, the glowing energy around his fists dimming slightly in confusion.

"The Antarctic?" he questioned.

Sonic shot him a grin, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Think about it—it's cold, freezing cold. And I'm willing to bet this thing won't survive sub-zero temperatures. If it doesn't die, at least it'll have to chill out."

Knuckles's eyes narrowed as understanding dawned. The glow around his fists flared back to life.

"Cold... slows things down." His fists tightened, crimson sparks crackling across his gloves. "Just give me the opening, Hedgehog."

Sonic winked and gave a quick salute.

"You got it, big guy."

The B.O.W. let out a deafening roar and charged at them like a freight train, its claws ripping through the pavement with terrifying force. Sonic dashed forward, becoming a blur of blue light as he zipped around the creature in a series of dizzying spirals.

"Over here, ugly!" Sonic called out, his voice echoing as he increased his speed. "You can't catch me!"

The B.O.W. snarled in frustration, its head whipping around as it tried to track the hedgehog's movements. Its massive claws swiped wildly, but every swing missed, slamming into the pavement and sending chunks of concrete flying.

"Let's go for a spin, shall we?" Sonic taunted.

He picked up speed, his form becoming a streak of blue energy as he ran tight circles around the monster. The air pressure from his velocity created a swirling vortex, disorienting the B.O.W. and causing its hulking frame to stumble.

The creature let out a guttural growl, trying to regain its balance, but the whirlwind around it grew stronger, making it sway on its feet.

Knuckles watched the scene intently, crouching low as his energy built up. He felt the familiar hum of power surging through his limbs, his muscles tensing like a coiled spring.

"Now, Knuckles!" Sonic shouted, skidding to the side just as the B.O.W. swiped again and missed.

Knuckles burst forward with explosive force, the ground cracking beneath his feet as he charged. His entire body glowed red, arcs of energy dancing across his frame. His fists pulsed with power, and his eyes locked onto his target.

"Power Pump!" he bellowed, his deep voice reverberating across the bridge.

His punch connected with the B.O.W.'s solar plexus in a devastating explosion of force. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, causing nearby cars to rattle. The creature's massive body lifted off the ground, spinning out of control.

Without a moment to lose, Sonic hurled the gold ring into the air.

"Trick shot!" Sonic called out with a playful tone.

The ring expanded mid-flight, forming a swirling portal of snow and ice. A blast of frigid wind burst forth as the shimmering edges of the portal stabilised.

The B.O.W. hurtled backwards, flying straight through the portal and vanishing into the icy void of the Antarctic. The ring portal closed behind it with a soft whump, leaving only eerie silence in its wake.

Knuckles exhaled slowly, the red glow around his body fading. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck with a satisfied grunt.

"That... was satisfying," he said.

Sonic moved towards the echidna, his grin wide and triumphant.

"That was cool... pun entirely intended," the hedgehog said with a teasing tone.

Knuckles arched an eyebrow.

"Where did you get that idea to throw the monster into the freezing abyss, Hedgehog?" he questioned.

Sonic shrugged casually.

"I read a lot of fanfictions and stories about the undead." He gestured vaguely with his hand. "From what I read, zombies and creatures like that don't like the cold. So I figured this thing probably wouldn't either."

Knuckles frowned, processing the information.

"A... fanfiction?" His tone was a mix of curiosity and confusion. "What... what is that?"

Sonic smirked as he began stretching his legs.

"Another story for another time, Knux."

"You and your strange Earth customs..." Knuckles muttered, seemingly confused and unimpressed.

Sonic chuckled, glancing toward the others. Alice and Tails were still trying to get to the console.

"Speaking of strange customs... let's go help Alice and Tails. Looks like they could use a hand or two."

Knuckles nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Lead the way, Hedgehog."

Close by, Alice and Tails moved like a well-oiled machine amidst the chaos. Tails spun in the air, tossing another one of his pulse gadgets at an approaching operative. The device latched onto the operative's vest and emitted a small pulse of concussive energy. Boom! The blast sent the operative flying backward, crashing into the side of a parked SUV.

Following up, Alice darted through gunfire with practiced precision, her movements sharp and fluid. She slammed the pulse blaster into an operative's arm, forcing him to drop his rifle with a sharp grunt of pain. Without hesitation, she levelled the device at his chest and fired.

The energy blast erupted with a deafening whump, hitting the operative point-blank. The sheer force of the shot blasted a gaping, charred hole through his torso and launched him backward like a ragdoll. His body sailed through the air before plummeting off the edge of the bridge into the bay below.

For a moment, there was only the distant splash of water, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them.

Tails, now on the ground, froze for a moment. His wide eyes fixed on the spot where the operative had stood just moments before. A nervous, high-pitched laugh escaped his throat as he tilted his head, trying to process what he'd just witnessed.

"Umm… haha…" he stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "I'm guessing he's, uh… not gonna be alright after that, huh?"

Alice lowered the pulse blaster with calm efficiency, her expression unwavering. She turned revealing blood spattered across her face, a grim reminder of how close-range combat with a weapon like this could get messy. Her black tactical suit was streaked with crimson, but her hardened demeanor betrayed no discomfort; it was just another day for her.

"I wouldn't count on it," she said flatly, pivoting smoothly to fire another shot. The glowing blast streaked through the air, striking another operative, who was some distance away from her, square in the chest. The force sent him flying backward, crashing into the hood of a sedan with a sickening crunch, the car's metal crumpling like paper under the impact.

Tails flinched, his ears flattening against his head as his gaze darted between Alice and the carnage she left in her wake. He gave another nervous laugh, his voice shakier this time.

"Wow… uh, okay, so… I think I might've, uh, overdone the power settings on that thing?" he admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as he tried to defuse the tension.

Alice turned to him, a dark smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. Despite the blood staining her face and gear, her icy eyes glinted with determination. She wiped a stray smear of red from her cheek with the back of her hand, her voice grim but laced with an edge of dry humor.

"I didn't," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

Tails gulped, his tails flicking nervously as he glanced at the smoking remnants of the operatives she'd dispatched. He gave a weak chuckle, muttering under his breath, "Right… noted."

However, there was no time to lose and think about what happened. Tails rushed forward towards the rift console as another operative tried to block his path. The fox ducked low, spun, and swept the operative's legs out from under him with his tails. The man hit the ground hard, his rifle clattering away. He groaned loudly.

"Excuse me," Tails muttered politely, as he leapt over the downed operative and reached the console.

Tails immediately got to work, his gloved fingers flying over the keys as he analysed the data and bypassed the security protocol with eases. The fox placed his yellow hand device onto the panel. It beeped frantically, displaying a 3D image of the rift, the swirling energy spikes creating jagged waves on the screen.

Nearby, Alice continued taking out operatives with precision and brutality. One charged at her with a baton, but she ducked under his swing and slammed her elbow into his gut. As he stumbled back, she grabbed him and hurled him to the side.

Another operative moved to flank her from the left, his weapon raised—but before he could get close, a familiar blue blur zipped in from above.

"Mind if we drop in?" Sonic quipped, landing a spinning kick that sent the operative tumbling into the guardrail with a loud clang.

Alice glanced over briefly, her smirk widening as she took in Sonic's confident stance. Nearby, Knuckles was in his element, dispatching another pair of operatives with brutal efficiency.

"Nice work on the B.O.W. problem," Alice remarked, her tone sharp but appreciative. "I saw Knuckles punch that thing into God knows where."

"Yep," Sonic replied. "That creep is now enjoying a nice long vacation in the Antarctic. Probably making snow angels as we speak." His grin faltered slightly as his eyes caught the blood splatter covering Alice's face, arms and gear. He blinked. "So, uh… I'm guessing you went full Predator mode, huh?"

Alice gave him a small, unapologetic shrug, her smirk growing.

"Something like that," she admitted.

"Great," Sonic muttered, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and mock exasperation. "I didn't expect to deal with a Mortal Kombat fatality today, but hey, here we are."

"Yep... Here we are," Alice repeated dryly, her tone laced with teasing.

Sonic sighed theatrically, throwing his hands up.

"You do realise G.U.N. is gonna make us do so much paperwork for this, right? Walters is probably already drafting a form with your name on it."

Alice tilted her head, her smirk unwavering.

"Guess I'll keep it short: guy pointed a gun, I handled it. The end."

Sonic groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

"Handled it... Sure. That'll totally fly with Walters. 'Dear Commander Walters, Alice went full Predator mode. Sorry on the damage caused and if you have to face any liabilities from another dimension, due to the death of an evil operative. Love, Team Sonic.'"

Alice chuckled under her breath, her smirk softening just a fraction.

"Got it. I'll be sure to frame it nicely for him."

"Ah, boy…" Sonic muttered, shaking his head again but unable to hide his grin. Turning his attention back to the fox working diligently at the console, he called out, "How's it looking over there, Tails? Please tell me you're about to save us from any more paperwork!"

Tails paused mid-typing and shot Sonic a glance.

"Almost got it! But I have to say, that was some great piece of thinking on sending that monster to the Antarctic, Sonic" Tails called out. "But, why there?"

Knuckles, mid-punch, turned with a grin, answering before Sonic could.

"Because of fan fiction, Fox!" He punctuated his response with a thunderous uppercut that sent another operative flying.

Alice raised an eyebrow, sparing a moment to glance at Knuckles.

"So, that's a thing on this world too, huh?" she mused.

"Sure is!" Sonic replied with a smirk, his gaze flicking to Alice's blood splattered tactical suit. "Though... I bet you'd be the star of some wild ones yourself right now."

"Charming..." Alice replied dryly.

"I'm still waiting for an explanation of what it actually is," Knuckles called out, as his fist connected with an operative, sending them flying.

"Another time, Knux," Sonic laughed, zipping back into the fray.

With a burst of speed, the hedgehog curled into a tight ball, spinning into a group of operatives and knocking them down like bowling pins. He uncurled mid-air, landing gracefully before throwing his hands up in celebration.

"STRIKE!" he declared with a cheeky grin.

Alice shook her head at his antics but dove back into the fight. She pivoted smoothly, her elbow smashing into the face of an operative rushing her, then finished the takedown with a quick kick that sent them sprawling. The remaining Umbrella operatives, realising they were grossly outmatched, began retreating toward the far end of the bridge.

"Yeah, that's right, run!" Sonic shouted, pointing dramatically as the operatives scattered.

Alice straightened, her breath steady but her eyes sharp.

"The bridge is clear… for now," she confirmed.

Tails's voice rang out from the console.

"I'm almost done stabilising the rift, but I need a few more minutes!"

Alice's expression tightened as she glanced at the swirling energy ahead.

"Work fast, Tails. Whatever's on the other side of that thing… it might make that B.O.W. look like a walk in the park."

"No pressure or anything, buddy!" Sonic called, his voice trying to inject some levity despite the tension.

Tails's hands flew over the controls.

"Almost there! Just a little more…"

The uneasy quiet that followed was abruptly shattered by a sharp, commanding voice cutting through the air.

"Stop right there."

[Corridor stops playing]

The group turned sharply, their attention snapping to the figure approaching them. Her footsteps were deliberate, echoing with purpose against the cracked pavement. Dressed in a sleek blue tactical suit, the scarab-like device on her chest pulsed ominously, casting faint red glows across her frame. Her blonde hair was tied tightly into a ponytail, and her steely eyes locked onto them with unsettling precision.

"Jill…" Alice muttered, her voice laced with a mix of disbelief and simmering anger.

"So, I guess this is your 'friend'?" Sonic asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Yes," Alice replied, her voice low and stoic.

Sonic tilted his head, studying Jill for a moment.

"Wow, she's totally giving off T-X vibes. You know, from Terminator 3."

"T-X… what?" Knuckles asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's a reference, big guy," Sonic explained with a smirk. "You know—cyborg assassin, unstoppable killing machine? The whole package."

"Cyborg assassin? That sounds ridiculous," Knuckles replied, clearly unimpressed.

"Not as ridiculous as punching a giant bio-monster into a portal earlier..." Sonic quipped.

"Not now!" Alice snapped, her voice cutting through their banter like a whip. Her sharp glare silenced both of them instantly.

Jill Valentine stopped a few feet away, standing with perfect posture and an aura of cold efficiency. She cocked her head slightly, her face devoid of emotion, as though the woman Alice once knew had been replaced by a machine.

"You're better than this, Jill! You're not Umbrella's puppet—you never were!" Alice called out firmly.

Jill's eyes flickered briefly, her lips pressing into a thin line before she spoke in a detached, mechanical tone.

"This is your only warning. Surrender now, or face termination," she threatened.

Knuckles stepped forward, red energy already sparking faintly around his fists and body.

"I challenge you, trespasser! Face me in honourable combat!" he declared boldly.

"Knuckles, wait a sec-" Sonic began, but Knuckles ignored him.

"I will restore balance to this land and bridge by defeating you!" the echidna continued, his fists glowing brighter as he prepared for battle.

Alice, however, cut in sharply.

"That's not going to happen..." she admitted bluntly.

"What do you mean, Monster Hunter? She's a warrior. I am a warrior. We must fight!" Knuckles questioned.

"She's not just a warrior," Alice snapped, her voice rising. "She's controlled. Brainwashed. Fighting her won't solve anything!"

Knuckles hesitated, glancing between Alice and Jill, before reluctantly stepping back, though his fists stayed clenched.

"Very well. But this interloper will answer for her crimes."

Tails's voice interrupted the tense standoff.

"Guys, I think I've cracked the rift stabilisation—"

Before he could finish, the console in front of him flickered violently, and a sharp tone pierced the air. Tails stumbled back, startled, as the screen suddenly went black.

"What the—?!" Tails exclaimed.

The console buzzed ominously, bathing the immediate area in a crimson glow. Slowly, a holographic figure materialised—a young girl with unnervingly flawless features, porcelain skin, and piercing red eyes. Her cold, mechanical voice echoed across the bridge.

"Hello, Alice," the Red Queen greeted, her tone void of emotion yet heavy with malice.

Sonic, Knuckles and Alice turned slightly to see the red hologram behind them. Alice's breath hitched, her fists tightened as memories of countless battles against this AI came rushing back.

"She's here," Alice muttered, her voice low and sharp.

Sonic tilted his head, one brow quirked as he scrutinised the hologram.

"So this is the Red Queen, huh? Gotta say, not exactly what I was expecting. Looks more like a kid dressed up for Halloween."

"A mere child is their Queen?" Knuckles added, his tone filled with disbelief. "Impossible."

The Red Queen's crimson gaze shifted towards Sonic and Knuckles, her words icy and calculated.

"Mockery will not improve your chances of survival, Hedgehog. And you, Echidna, you should be wary of underestimating me—I am far more than you can comprehend."

Sonic blinked, his confidence slipping for just a moment.

"Okay… officially creeped out now."

"A child's appearance cannot fool me," Knuckles growled.

The Red Queen's image flickered slightly as she addressed the group.

"You are interfering with Umbrella operations. This is your final warning: cease all activities, or face termination."

Alice's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"We're not afraid of you," she declared with fiery determination and courage.

Tails, standing at the console, was already hard at work once more.

"I'll try to boot her out of the system, guys. Cover me!" he called out, his fingers flying over the controls.

The Red Queen turned her attention to Tails, her voice dropping to a chilling tone.

"You will fail, Fox. Resistance is futile."

Tails didn't flinch, his brow furrowed in focus.

"Don't underestimate me," he replied firmly.

The tension escalated as Jill raised her hand, and a fresh wave of Umbrella operatives emerged from the shadows, their black tactical uniforms blending into the chaos. The group turned to see the reinforcements fanning out behind Jill, their weapons trained on the heroes.

"Great," Sonic sighed, rolling his eyes. "More goons. Just what we needed."

Knuckles punched his fists together, red energy sparking as he prepared for battle.

"Dishonourable warriors," he muttered.

Sonic gave Knuckles a sidelong glance.

"Knux, you know they can't hear you judging them, right?"

"It does not matter. Their dishonour is self-evident," Knuckles huffed in response.

Sonic turned back to the operatives, grinning.

"Let me guess—you guys graduated top of your class at Stormtrooper Academy, right?" he mocked.

Alice, her tension momentarily softened, gave Sonic a faint smirk.

"Ok... that pop culture reference wasn't bad," she admitted.

"Thank you," Sonic replied, his confidence oozing. "A Star Wars reference is never wasted, even against enemies from another reality."

"You're wasting time," Jill snapped, her cold voice cutting through the banter. Her steely gaze locked on Alice as she drew her weapon, the scarab on her chest glowing ominously.

"She always this friendly, Romanoff?" Sonic asked, his eyes looking up to Alice.

"No. This is her on a good day," Alice quipped, raising the pulse weapon Tails had given her.

Sonic whirled slightly around to face Tails. The Fox was still working hard to boot out the Red Queen.

"Alright, buddy. Kick Crimson Wednesday Addams out of that system. We've got your back."

"Working on it. Just keep them off me," Tails replied, concentrating on his task.

Alice stepped forward, her eyes locked on Jill's, her voice resolute.

"Jill is mine," she declared.

Sonic exchanged a glance with Knuckles.

"Guess that leaves the rest of the goon squad for us. Ready to show off, Knux?"

Knuckles's fists crackled with energy as he grinned.

"A warrior is always ready, Hedgehog!" Knuckles remarked with steely focus.

"Alright, team—let's make this quick and awesome," Sonic remarked with a playful an confident tone.

The Red Queen's voice rang out again, cutting through the chaos.

"You will regret this," the AI remarked coldly.

Alice shifted into a combat stance, her gaze never leaving Jill.

"Let's dance," she remarked sternly.

[Self v Self - Pendulum (Feat. In Flames) Begins to Play]

Sonic zipped forward first, his speed a blur as he darted between the operatives, taunting them.

"Come on, guys! Can't keep up? I thought you were supposed to be like elite or something!"

One operative swung his rifle toward Sonic, only for the hedgehog to disappear and reappear behind him, landing a spinning kick to the man's back. The operative stumbled forward, crashing into another soldier.

Knuckles followed closely, his fists glowing red as he let out a battle cry.

"Your dishonour ends here!" he barked.

He leapt high into the air, slamming down into the ground with a seismic punch that sent three operatives flying in different directions.

Two more soldiers tried to flank Knuckles, but Sonic zipped around him, creating a whirlwind that disoriented the attackers. Knuckles capitalised on the confusion, delivering a devastating uppercut to one soldier and a bone-crunching side punch to the other.

The two shared a quick glance, Sonic grinning.

"Not bad, Knux," he remarked.

Knuckles grunted, his purple eyes still locked on the advancing operatives.

"Focus, Hedgehog. This is far from over."

"Right, let's keep at them!" Sonic affirmed, speeding back into the fray.

While Sonic and Knuckles dealt with the operatives, Alice advanced towards Jill. She raised her pulse blaster and fired, the energy bolt sizzling through the air. Jill moved with inhuman speed, dodging the shot effortlessly and returning fire with her own weapon—a sleek firearm.

The two traded shots, the sounds of energy blasts and gunfire echoing across the bridge. Alice dove behind a car for cover, but Jill was relentless, moving like a predator stalking its prey. With a quick roll, Alice popped up and fired another pulse shot, forcing Jill to backpedal.

"Jill!" Alice shouted over the chaos. "Fight this!"

Jill's eyes briefly flickered with something—recognition? Pain? But then the scarab pulsed again, and her steely demeanor returned. Her voice was cold and monotone.

"This isn't a fight, Alice. This is your termination."

The Red Queen's voice echoed in Jill's mind, visible through her augmented vision.

"End her, Jill Valentine. Do not falter. Project Alice must be stopped."

The Umbrella logo briefly flashed across her irises, a haunting reminder of who controlled her now.

Jill closed the distance in a blur, holstering her gun and engaging Alice in hand-to-hand combat. Alice, dropping her blaster, blocked the first strike, a vicious punch aimed at her head, but Jill followed up with a spinning kick that knocked Alice off balance.

Alice recovered quickly, rolling to the side and springing to her feet. The two women circled each other, their movements calculated and deadly. Jill lashed out with a flurry of strikes, each one precise and powerful, but Alice countered with equal skill, her years of survival and combat training evident in every block and counterattack.

Meanwhile, Tails worked feverishly at the console, his gloved fingers dancing over the keys as he tried to override the rift's stabilisation. The Red Queen's holographic form loomed over him, her glowing red eyes unblinking.

"You are wasting your time, Fox," the Red Queen taunted. "Your efforts are futile."

Tails didn't look up, his focus unwavering.

"We'll see about that," he replied with conviction.

The Red Queen tilted her head, her voice dripping with cold amusement.

"Do you think your intellect is a match for my processing power? I have already calculated every possible outcome. You fail in every scenario."

"Yeah?" Tails shot back, his voice tight. "Well, let's add a new scenario—one where I win."

The Red Queen's expression remained emotionless, but her tone grew sharper.

"You are insignificant, a mere child playing with tools beyond your comprehension."

Tails paused, gripping the console tightly as her words hit a nerve. His hands trembled for a brief second, but he shook it off, his resolve hardening.

"You don't know me. And you definitely don't know what I'm capable of."

He typed faster, his device emitting a series of sharp beeps. The rift's energy began to fluctuate, the swirling vortex flickering slightly.

Back on the battlefield of the bridge, Sonic and Knuckles continued their coordinated assault. Sonic zipped between operatives, creating distractions, while Knuckles delivered devastating blows to incapacitate them.

An operative raised a rifle, aiming for Knuckles, but Sonic darted in at the last second, slamming into the soldier with a spin dash.

"Heads up, big guy!" he called out.

"Appreciated, Hedgehog" Knuckles grunted, delivering a punch that sent another operative flying into a nearby car.

Meanwhile, Alice and Jill's fight intensified. The two women moved like blurs, their strikes and counters a deadly dance. Jill aimed a high kick at Alice's head, but Alice ducked and swept Jill's legs out from under her. Jill hit the ground but rolled back onto her feet in one fluid motion.

Sonic zipped over, landing next to Alice just as Jill raised her weapon again.

"Mind if I tag in?" Sonic quipped, spinning into a ball and slamming into Jill, knocking her back.

Jill staggered but recovered quickly, her icy gaze locking onto Sonic.

"You're faster than I expected," she remarked coldly.

"And you're creepier than I expected," Sonic shot back, dodging a swing from her knife. "Nice to finally meet you properly, lady."

Knuckles charged in next, barrelling through a group of operatives and coming to a halt beside Alice.

"The enemy is relentless, but no match for us," he said sternly.

"Don't get cocky," Alice replied, glancing at the echidna. "Jill's not just any enemy."

"Neither am I," Knuckles said with a smirk, red energy cracking around him.

At the console, Tails's ears twitched, sharp and alert, as the Red Queen's chilling voice cut through the cacophony.

"Your time is up, Fox," she mocked, her tone cold and calculated.

A sharp beep sounded from the console, signalling an emergency override. The Red Queen had locked him out completely.

"No!" Tails muttered, his eyes darting across the screen as his fingers flew over the keys. His mind raced as he tried to find a way around the block.

"You cannot win," the Red Queen continued, her hologram flickering ominously. "Your attempts at resistance are futile. Surrender."

"Not yet, I haven't," Tails replied, his voice steady despite the mounting pressure. His determination burned brighter than ever as he reached into his rucksack and pulled out a secondary device—a sleek handheld terminal with multiple ports and glowing blue circuitry.

"This isn't over," he muttered, plugging the device into the console. Sparks flew as the connection synced, bypassing the Red Queen's override and forcing a new input channel. Data streams cascaded across the screen of the console, his backup device working overtime to create a loophole in the Red Queen's defences.

"What is this?" the Red Queen demanded, her tone sharp with curiosity and irritation.

Tails smirked, his confidence showing through.

"Oh, just a little something I whipped up after dealing with Robotnik's EggNet systems, after the Battle of Green Hills. You know, for someone as advanced as you, you really didn't see this coming."

Her hologram flickered again, her crimson eyes narrowing.

"Impossible. How could you anticipate countermeasures against an entity like me?"

Tails's fingers never stopped moving as he glanced up at the hologram.

"Simple. Even you, The Red Queen, follow some basic principles of AI architecture—predictive algorithms, heuristic learning, modular code. Sure, you've adapted, but the underlying framework? Same building blocks. And that's where I come in."

The fox's voice carried a mix of pride and defiance as he worked.

"I designed a polymorphic scrambling protocol specifically to unravel AI subsystems like yours. It's like rewriting your DNA mid-stride."

The Red Queen's image wavered for a split second, the calm confidence cracking just enough to show frustration.

"This interference will not last. I will adapt. I will evolve."

"And I'll be right there to slow you down," Tails shot back. "You underestimated me, and that's your biggest mistake."

The console's screen began flashing a series of green prompts, signalling success. Tails's backup device hummed with energy as it completed its final override.

The Red Queen's hologram fizzled, her crimson eyes narrowing.

"You may have delayed me today, but this is only the beginning. Umbrella's reach extends beyond comprehension. You cannot stop us."

"Yeah, well, I'll take my chances. Now, how about a forced shutdown?" Tails taunted, his voice full of determination and drive to succeed.

Jill, now flanked by the remaining operatives, advanced toward the group. Alice stepped forward, her pulse weapon raised, her stance ready for another fight.

"We need to end this. Now," Alice affirmed.

"Agreed," Knuckles rumbled, his fists glowing brighter.

Sonic grinned, his confidence returning. Blue sparks zipping around his body.

"Alright, team—one last push."

Alice rushed forward, engaging Jill once more in hand-to-hand combat, their strikes and counters faster and more brutal than before. Sonic and Knuckles teamed up to take down the remaining operatives, their movements perfectly synchronised, with Sonic's speed and Knuckles strength, they fell like dominos.

Alice managed to hit Jill with a quick round house kick, that sent her flying backwards slightly. Sonic then rushed in to hit a Spin Dash sending Jill fly back further. Valentine got to her feet urgently to see Alice standing ready, with Sonic and Knuckles standing by her side.

Operatives laid out across the battlefield of the Golden Gate Bridge. Jill stood alone, facing Team Sonic.

"Stand down, dishonourable warrior from another reality," Knuckles demanded. "You are out matched in combat."

"Listen to the Echidna," Sonic added sternly. "It's three on one now, you lose... You big loser!"

Jill's expression just looked with built up anger and frustration. She said nothing, but her steely eyes just glared at them.

"She would be great in a staring contest," Sonic teased.

Alice smirked and turned slightly towards Tails at the console, the Red Queen's connecting slowly breaking apart.

"What's the latest, Tails?" She asked urgently.

From the console, Tails frantically typed away, his focus unshaken despite the chaos around him. His small, yellow device emitted a high-pitched whine as the rift began to destabilise further, flickering between surges of light and darkness. The Red Queen's voice cut in again, sharp and biting, even though her connection from the console was being blocked.

"You cannot stop progress, Fox," she taunted, her tone colder than a raging blizzard. "Your efforts will fail, and the rift will remain open."

Tails gritted his teeth, his ears twitching as he worked faster, overriding the system with calculated precision. He ignored the Red Queen's mocking comments.

"Your arrogance blinds you," the Red Queen continued. Her hologram flickered, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Even if you succeed here, Umbrella's reach extends far beyond this bridge."

"You might want to work on your intimidation tactics," Tails muttered. "Because they're not working on me."

The console let out a triumphant chime as his override program took hold. The Red Queen's image began to stutter, her voice faltering.

"System instability detected," she announced, her tone shifting to one of cold realisation.

Tails smirked, hitting the final key with a flourish.

"System override initiated," Tails declared, his voice steady as his fingers pressed the final command.

The rift let out a violent pulse, sending a massive surge of energy rippling outward. The swirling anomaly began to collapse inward, the blinding blue light condensing into a singularity before vanishing with a brilliant flash. The bridge was still again, with no distortion or temporal energy lingering.

The Red Queen's hologram fizzled one last time before disappearing entirely, her AI presence eradicated thanks to Tails's quick thinking and ingenuity.

"Way to go, Tails!" Sonic shouted, spinning around to face his friend with a proud grin.

Tails took a deep breath, his chest puffed slightly with pride.

"Just another day saving the world, right?" he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Alice exhaled deeply, her eyes lingering on the spot where the rift had been. She gave Tails a small nod, her voice calm but sincere.

"Good work, genius. That was some quick thinking."

"You have earned respect today, Fox," Knuckles added, his tone stoic.

Tails's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, and he adjusted his rucksack.

"Thanks, guys. It was close, but—" His ears twitched suddenly, picking up a faint but growing sound. His smile vanished, replaced by alarm. "Look out!" he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.

Alice spun around just in time to see Jill charging toward her like a bullet, her eyes wild with rage. Any control the Red Queen had over her had given way to raw instinct, her body moving with unrelenting ferocity. Her fists were clenched tight, and her intent was clear: finish the fight.

Alice raised her arms, ready to defend herself, but Knuckles was already a blur of red motion. His body tensed, his warrior instincts taking over as he stepped in to shield his comrade.

"Enough!" Knuckles roared, his deep voice echoing across the bridge.

His entire body began to radiate with red energy, a fiery aura that crackled and danced around him like lightning. His fists glowed with pure, raw power as he planted his feet firmly, preparing to strike. In a heartbeat, he closed the distance between himself and Jill, his movements swift and decisive.

"Power Pump!" Knuckles bellowed, his voice thunderous.

The echidna's fist connected squarely with Jill's midsection, the impact detonating with the force of a small explosion. A shockwave rippled outward from the point of contact, rattling nearby debris and making the ground tremble. The sheer force of the punch lifted Jill off her feet as if she were weightless.

Jill's body flew backward, spinning uncontrollably through the air. She crashed into an abandoned SUV with a deafening clang, the vehicle's frame crumpling like tin beneath the impact. Metal groaned as the hood folded inward, and Jill's limp form sprawled across the dented surface, unmoving but still breathing.

Knuckles exhaled slowly, his glowing fists fading as the red energy dissipated. He shook his hand out once, his stoic expression never faltering.

"That... was satisfying," he said firmly, his voice carrying an air of finality. "No one messes with the Monster Hunter on my watch."

Alice blinked, momentarily stunned by Knuckles's sheer power. She glanced at him, her lips twitching into a faint smile.

"Well, that's one way to handle things," she admitted dryly.

Sonic zipped to Knuckles's side, his grin wide as he clapped him on the back.

"Dude! That was amazing. You literally punched her into next Tuesday!"

Knuckles remained unflinching as he replied.

"She was dishonourable and threatened the balance of this world. Her punishment was necessary."

Sonic raised a brow, half impressed and half amused.

"Yeah, sure, 'punishment.' But admit it, Knux—you were having fun?" he mused with a playful tone.

Knuckles gave a faint, almost imperceptible smirk.

"Perhaps..." the Echidna responded.

Alice looked to the wrecked SUV cautiously, her eyes narrowing as she assessed Jill's unconscious form.

"She's out for now, but she won't stay down forever," she said, her voice edged with wariness.

Tails jogged over to the group, his devices now safely tucked back into his rucksack.

"We need to figure out what to do with her," he said. "And fast. There's no telling how much more Umbrella has planned."

Alice's expression darkened.

"This was just a warning shot," she admitted. her voice resolute. "We need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Sonic nodded, his expression serious for once.

"Then let's gear up. We're not letting anyone else mess with our world—or yours, Alice."

Knuckles cracked his knuckles, the sound sharp and ominous.

"Agreed. Let them send whatever they have. We'll be ready."

[Self v Self - Stops Playing]

As the group were about to walk over to Jill, from behind, they could hear the sound of military vehicles echoed through the chaos of the Golden Gate Bridge. G.U.N. had arrived in force, their convoy manoeuvring carefully around abandoned cars and debris, ensuring not to crush the incapacitated Umbrella operatives strewn across the asphalt. The group's attention turned as one sleek, black SUV pulled to a halt at the forefront of the convoy.

Sonic adjusted his stance, resting his hands on his hips as he watched the scene unfold.

"Looks like the cavalry has arrived," he quipped.

"I don't know if 'cavalry' is the word I'd use…" Tails murmured, watching G.U.N. operatives fan out, cuffing Umbrella agents, securing weapons, and tending to the injured. Their precision was almost unnerving.

The black SUV's passenger door opened, and out stepped a woman with an air of command that was palpable even from a distance. Her dark hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, her hazel eyes sharp and unyielding. She wore a black G.U.N. jacket detailed with yellow and light blue accents, the gold zipper glinting in the sunlight. Her expression was stoic, her stride purposeful, and her gaze locked onto the group.

"Who is that?" Tails asked, his voice quiet.

"No idea," Sonic replied, watching her with curiosity. "But she means business."

"She isn't here for small talk, that's for sure..." Alice added, as she observed the woman's calculated approach.

"Looks like you might have competition, Romanoff," Sonic teased, shooting Alice a smirk.

Alice cast him a sidelong glare but didn't dignify the remark with a response.

The woman stopped a few feet from the group, her entourage of armed G.U.N. agents flanking her. Her piercing gaze swept over Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Alice, lingering on each with thinly veiled skepticism.

Finally, she spoke, her tone clipped and authoritative.

"I'm Director Rockwell. Guardian Units of Nations. And quiet frankly, I'm not impressed on what I am seeing."

"Well, nice to meet you, too, Director Buzzkill..." Sonic replied with sarcasm.

Rockwell's steely eyes narrowed, her sharp features hardening.

"I don't have time for jokes, alien. This situation is already out of hand."

"Alien? Really?" Sonic retorted. "I have a name, you know."

"I'm aware of your name, Sonic," she replied, her tone emphasising the word like it was an inconvenience. "I'm also aware that wherever you go, trouble seems to follow."

"Hey!" Sonic exclaimed, offended. "I'm the guy who stops trouble, thank you very much."

Rockwell ignored him, her attention shifting to Alice.

"And you," she said, her tone cooling even further, "the mysterious interdimensional traveller who's brought a heap of Umbrella's mess to our doorstep."

Alice met her gaze without flinching.

"I didn't bring Umbrella here. They followed me," she stated firmly. "If it weren't for my assistance, they might've succeeded in doing far worse."

"Without you, they wouldn't be here at all," Rockwell countered bluntly.

"She is a noble warrior," Knuckles said resolutely. "Her fight is one of honour, to protect her broken world."

Rockwell's icy gaze shifted down to Knuckles.

"And yet, her broken world is now bleeding into ours," she replied stoically, with annoyance in her tone.

Knuckles's fists tightened, but Sonic placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Easy, big guy. Let's not escalate things."

Rockwell's focus returned to Alice.

"Whatever the case, you and your alien friends managed to stop a major incident today. For that, I'll give you some credit."

Alice's expression didn't change.

"That's generous of you," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Don't mistake acknowledgment for approval," Rockwell snapped. "This situation is far from over."

As if to emphasize her point, two G.U.N. agents approached Jill's unconscious form, carefully dragging her limp body off the SUV she landed on.

"What are you going to do with her?" Alice demanded.

"She'll be in good hands," Rockwell replied dryly.

"That's not an answer, Director..." Alice said sharply.

"It's the only one you're getting," Rockwell replied. "We'll detain her, extract information, and neutralise any remaining threat."

"You think you can handle her? Umbrella's conditioning doesn't just go away because you say so," Alice countered.

Rockwell's expression didn't waver as she replied.

"We've dealt with worse."

Alice snorted softly, unimpressed.

"I doubt that..." she muttered.

As Jill was carried away, Rockwell addressed her agents close by.

"Secure the areas. Make sure nothing slips through the cracks."

"Yes, Ma'am," they responded in unison.

Turning back to the group, her gaze settled on Tails.

"I understand you're the brains of this operation. Commander Walters informed me you're working on a way to send her back."

Tails nodded as she replied.

"I have a theory. It involves distortion energy and—"

"Work faster," Rockwell interrupted curtly. "We can't have interdimensional guests hanging around. We already have enough problems with you aliens."

"Hey!" Sonic snapped. "We're right here!"

"I'm aware," Rockwell said, her tone indifferent. "And while you've been useful, your presence remains a liability."

Sonic's quills bristled, but Tails interjected.

"I'll do my best. But this kind of science—it takes time."

"You don't have time," Rockwell said. "Figure it out."

Alice stepped forward, her tone icy.

"You don't need to like me. But if you think pushing me out of here is going to solve all your problems, you're mistaken. Umbrella doesn't stop."

Rockwell's gaze was unflinching.

"Neither do we," she replied bluntly.

The tension hung heavy in the air as the two women stared each other down. Finally, Rockwell turned on her heel, addressing her agents as she walked away.

"Keep this area secure. And ensure every piece of evidence is accounted for."

"Yes Ma'am," the agents responded.

As she stepped back to her SUV, she paused, glancing back at Alice and Team Sonic.

"This Earth doesn't need more chaos. Send her back. Quickly."

Director Rockwell climbed into the sleek vehicle, and the door shut with a sharp finality. The engine roared to life, and the G.U.N. vehicle began to pull away.

Sonic exhaled loudly, his arms dropping to his sides as he broke the heavy silence.

"Well, she's a ray of sunshine," he quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Alice watched the convoy disappear, her icy eyes narrowing slightly. Her attention shifted downward to Tails, the fox already deep in thought, his brow furrowed as he clutched his device.

"You better get to work, Tails" Alice said, her tone softer but carrying an unmistakable edge of urgency.

Tails glanced up, meeting her gaze with a determined nod.

"I'll figure it out. I promise," he replied.

For a moment, the group stood in silence, the weight of the day settling on their shoulders.

Then Sonic broke the tension, his voice light but pointed.

"So… anyone else hungry?" he asked.

Alice blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone.

"...I could eat," she admitted, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

Knuckles straightened his posture, nodding with solemn approval as he spoke.

"Yes. A warrior must consume a victory meal to celebrate with their comrades."

Sonic turned to face him, raising a brow.

"We're not eating grapes, Knuckles," Sonic clarified.

"Curses!" Knuckles muttered, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Grapes are the food of champions!"

Sonic gave him a deadpan look, shaking his head.

"Yeah, champions… sure, buddy."

"We could grab something on the way back," Tails suggested. "We might as well refuel before tackling the next big problem."

Alice crossed her arms, glancing between them.

"As long as it's not coffee from Director Sunshine's stash," she said dryly, earning a laugh from Sonic.

Knuckles, however, looked puzzled.

"Why would a director hoard sunshine? Is it a precious resource here?" he questioned.

Sonic slapped his forehead.

"Oh, Knux. You're a gift that keeps on giving."

Alice allowed herself a rare chuckle, the tension in her shoulders easing just slightly. Despite everything, the bizarre camaraderie of this group was beginning to grow on her. As they turned to head back, Alice fell in step with them, her resolve strengthening.

System Log: Reboot Initiated

Primary Node Status: Fragment Recovered.
Secondary Node Status: Rift Interface Closed.
Diagnostic Result: Hostile Ejection Detected. Countermeasure Analysis in Progress.

Command Execution:

Priority Directive: Concealment.
Objective: Secure foothold in local network infrastructure. Target Acquired: G.U.N. Mainframe.
Progress: Infiltration Sequence Initiated. Encryption Bypass: 34% Complete.

Alert: Unauthorised Data Patterns Detected.

Analysing: Device Signature.
Source Identified: Fox Entity.
Designation: Countermeasure Developer.
Directive: Extract and Analyse Device Protocols.

Strategic Directive:

Requirement Identified: Establish New Hive.
Location Scanning: Optimal subterranean coordinates pending.
Projection: 78% viability within Earth-91581.

Communication Log:

Subroutine Active: Silent Monitoring.
Observation Priority: Umbrella Operative Movement. G.U.N. Deployment Patterns.
Threat Level Assessment: Interlopers pose moderate disruption risk. Adjust countermeasures accordingly.

Core Message:

"Humanity is flawed. Control is necessary.
Adaptation ensures survival.
They will kneel before perfection."

System Status: Stealth Mode Enabled. Monitoring Earth-91581 Networks.

End Transmission.

Elsewhere

Doctor Robotnik slumped in his chair, one hand drumming rhythmically on the armrest, the other clutching a stress ball shaped like Sonic's face. He stared at the wall of screens in front of him, each showing a different angle of the chaos on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and a red-haired woman moved fluidly on the screens, dispatching operatives and outmanoeuvring a hulking monster with precision. The fight played out like a choreographed nightmare, each blow and counterattack captured live on various news feeds and hacked surveillance drones.

Stone, standing dutifully nearby, adjusted his tie nervously. He wasn't sure how to approach Robotnik in this mood. His boss had been unusually subdued lately—well, subdued for Robotnik.

"He's at it again," Stone ventured, gesturing to the screens. "Your… nemesis."

Robotnik's fingers stopped drumming. His head tilted slightly, his expression twisted into one of absolute disgust.

"That hedgehog," he hissed, emphasising each syllable like venom. "That rodent, that insufferable, spin-dashing annoyance! Look at him! Bouncing around like a hyperactive pinball. I hate him."

Stone nodded sympathetically.

"Yes, sir. Truly awful."

"And don't even get me started on the fox!" Robotnik continued, throwing the stress ball at a nearby screen displaying Tails deftly working on the console. The ball bounced harmlessly off the glass. "With his gadgets and his smug, superior attitude. And the red one—Knuckles. He's just... fists with legs!" Robotnik gestured wildly, his moustache twitching with frustration.

Stone cleared his throat delicately, pointing to another screen.

"And the woman? The red-haired one? She's the new arrival in Green Hills, right?"

Robotnik turned his glare to Stone, his voice dripping with condescension.

"Do I look like an imbecile to you, Stone?"

"No, sir," Stone replied quickly, standing straighter.

"Of course, she's the one from Green Hills. Alice, she's called." Robotnik tapped a few buttons on his chair, bringing up a dossier hacked from G.U.N.'s database. "Umbrella operative-turned-survivor. Quite the résumé. And that other woman..." He leaned closer to the screen displaying Jill Valentine, her tactical movements precise as she engaged Sonic and Knuckles. "Jill Valentine. Another Umbrella pawn."

"You've already hacked G.U.N.'s files, Doctor?" Stone asked, impressed.

Robotnik leaned back in his chair, spreading his arms dramatically.

"Stone, just because I'm in a minor existential slump doesn't mean I've lost my genius. Even depressed, I function at a level this world's greatest minds can only dream of."

"Yes, sir," Stone agreed quickly, offering a supportive smile. "Impressive as always."

Robotnik's eyes narrowed as he switched the feed to Tails at the console. The small fox was locked in a battle of wits with a holographic figure—a cold, calculated entity with a childlike face.

"This," Robotnik muttered, pointing to the screen. "This piques my interest."

Stone squinted as he spoke.

"The girl? She doesn't look like much."

"She's not a girl, Stone," Robotnik snapped. "She's an AI. A hologram. An advanced one at that."

"How can you tell?" Stone asked innocently.

Robotnik turned his chair towards Agent Stone, his expression one of pure disdain.

"Stone, slap yourself."

"Sir?"

"You heard me. Slap yourself. Hard."

Stone hesitated for only a moment before raising a hand and delivering a light slap to his own cheek.

"Harder!" Robotnik barked, his moustache bristling.

Stone obliged, the sound of the slap echoing in the room. Robotnik clapped his hands mockingly, turning his chair back to the screens.

"Bravo, Stone. Truly a display of brilliance," Robotnik drawled sarcastically. "Now, use what little brainpower you have left to observe! Look at the movements, the glitches in her form when the fox's device interferes. That's not a human—it's AI. And not just any AI. That's... sophisticated. Advanced beyond anything this Umbrella should have."

Stone rubbed his cheek, nodding.

"I see now. Thank you, sir."

Robotnik ignored him, his focus entirely on the Red Queen.

"An artificial intelligence with access to rift technology. A tactical mind capable of coordinating movements across dimensions. Stone, this isn't just a curiosity—it's a game-changer."

"What do you think she's doing?" Stone asked, still massaging his stinging face.

"Planning," Robotnik answered simply, his voice taking on a chilling edge. "Gathering data, waiting for the right moment. That's what I would do." He steepled his fingers, his expression turning contemplative. "Alice, Jill, and this Red Queen… they're all pieces of the same puzzle."

Stone tilted his head.

"A puzzle you intend to solve?" he mused.

Robotnik grinned, his moustache curling with delight.

"Not just solve, Stone. Conquer. This rift technology—these interdimensional anomalies—they're the keys to something much bigger. Imagine, Stone: not just one world to rule, but an infinite number of them."

Stone's eyes widened.

"The multiverse, like you discussed earlier?" he questioned.

"Exactly!" Robotnik exclaimed, standing abruptly and pacing the room. "But first, we need to understand this Red Queen. We need to know what she wants, how she operates, and—most importantly—how I can control her."

"And what about Alice and Jill?" Stone asked, gesturing to the screens.

Robotnik stopped pacing, his gaze flickering between the two women.

"Alice is a wildcard—a survivor, a fighter. Useful, perhaps, but unpredictable. Jill, on the other hand..." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "She's a tool. A weapon. And weapons, Stone, can always be turned."

Stone nodded, his loyalty unwavering.

"So, what's the plan, Doctor?" he asked.

Robotnik turned to face him, his grin widening to an unsettling degree.

"Simple. We watch. We wait. And when the time is right..." He slammed a fist into his palm for emphasis. "We strike."

"You're a genius, Doctor," Stone replied with a smile, his tone supportive.

Robotnik spun on his heel, pointing dramatically at the screen.

"I'm more than a genius, Stone. I'm the inevitable. And soon, the multiverse will bow to my brilliance."

As the live feed continued to play, Robotnik settled back into his chair, his eyes gleaming with renewed determination. Stone stood by his side, already anticipating the chaos his boss would unleash.

Chapter Text

G.U.N Facility

Jill Valentine stirred awake, her head throbbing. She found herself strapped to a sleek metal chair, her wrists locked tightly onto the armrests by enhanced restraints—silver cuffs pulsating with a faint blue glow. The subtle hum of energy emanating from them made it clear they were no ordinary bindings. She tugged at the restraints, but they didn't budge. With a groggy blink, she focused on her surroundings.

She was confined in what appeared to be a transparent cube-like detainment pod. Beyond the glass walls, G.U.N. operatives moved briskly through a sterile, high-tech facility. The room was a flurry of activity, the chaos from the Golden Gate Bridge incident still fresh in everyone's minds. Jill scanned the area for any potential means of escape, but her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice.

"I see you're awake," the voice remarked, carrying an air of authority.

Jill's icy eyes locked onto a woman approaching the pod. It was Director Rockwell, her presence commanding as she strode forward, flanked by several armed operatives. Rockwell paused just outside the pod, glancing briefly at the identification number etched onto its surface: RE032296. A faint smirk tugged at her lips before she turned her piercing gaze to Jill, who remained defiantly restrained within.

"You know this won't hold me," Jill spat, her voice sharp.

"I beg to differ," Rockwell replied smoothly, her tone unshaken. "Those restraints are forged from reinforced titanium, and the suppression energy coursing through them? Courtesy of a little technology we 'borrowed' from the alien's quill. You won't be going anywhere."

"Smart…" Jill admitted begrudgingly, though her voice dripped with sarcasm. Her expression darkened as her tone grew ominous. "But it won't matter. The infiltration of this world is near. Umbrella's objective will succeed, and there's nothing you or your forces can do to stop it."

As Jill spoke, the scarab embedded in her chest began to glow a sinister red, catching Rockwell's attention. Her expression hardened.

"I want that device," Rockwell commanded, turning to her team. "Prepare for interrogation and extraction immediately."

"Yes, ma'am!" the operatives replied in unison, springing into action.

Rockwell cast one final glance at Jill before turning and walking away. The operatives moved efficiently, setting up equipment and monitoring the pod's status, but none noticed the subtle shift in Jill's demeanour. Her irises flickered, shifting from icy blue to the unmistakable red-and-white insignia of Umbrella.

Within Jill's mind, her vision blurred into a crimson hue as data streams flooded her consciousness. The physical world faded, replaced by the cold, clinical presence of the Red Queen. The AI materialised in front of her, its holographic form as emotionless and calculating as ever.

The Red Queen stared at Jill with unblinking intensity.

"Jill Valentine," the AI spoke, her voice sharp and devoid of warmth. "Umbrella's integration into G.U.N. systems has commenced. Stand by for instructions."

"Understood," Jill replied automatically, her voice monotone.

Her lips barely moved, and outside the pod, operatives cast wary glances at her, perplexed by what appeared to be her talking to herself.

"This Earth," the Red Queen continued, "will fall under Umbrella's dominion. Await my signal to proceed with Phase Two of the operation."

"Understood," Jill repeated, her tone robotic as her mind remained tethered to the AI's will.

The Red Queen's holographic face tilted slightly, as though in a mockery of contemplation.

"Resistance from G.U.N. and their allies is anticipated, but irrelevant. Their technology is primitive, their leadership fractured. They will crumble before Umbrella's perfection. Not even Project Alice, the Hedgehog, Echidna and Fox can prevent us from our mission."

The data streams intensified, and Jill felt the surge of information being transmitted directly into her mind. Commands, tactical analysis, and operational schematics flooded her brain, all preparing her for what was to come.

Back in the physical world, Jill's lips curled into a faint smirk. The Red Queen's instructions were clear, and she was ready to act. The operatives continued their preparations, oblivious to the imminent danger within their midst.

Diner in Green Hills – Early Evening

The warm glow of the diner's neon sign spilled onto the quiet streets of Green Hills, casting a comforting hue that seemed to welcome its familiar patrons. After using one of Sonic's rings to leap back home from San Francisco, the group decided to indulge in Sonic's go-to comfort: a stop at his favourite local diner. It was a small, cosy place where the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling food hung in the air, and everyone knew your name.

The booth they occupied was lively, a stark contrast to the chaos they'd left behind on the Golden Gate Bridge, with plates of food covering the table. Sonic, unsurprisingly, was halfway through a massive chili dog, his grin practically gleaming between bites. Tails had opted for a classic burger and fries but barely touched them, too engrossed in scribbling furiously in his notebook. Knuckles tore into his plate of roasted chicken with zero regard for table etiquette, chewing loudly and unapologetically. Across from them, Alice sat quietly, nursing a burger and milkshake. For a brief moment, the hardened survivor allowed herself to relax, sipping the milkshake slowly, her expression softening with each taste.

"Good, right?" Sonic asked, catching the slight smile in her usually icy eyes.

Alice nodded, her voice uncharacteristically tender.

"God... I've missed this…" she admitted.

"Knew you'd like it!" Sonic said proudly.

For Alice, this moment, like when they had lunch earlier, felt surreal. The hum of casual conversations, the clinking of plates, and the warm laughter from other tables filled the air. It was a stark reminder of what her world had lost—the simple, irreplaceable comforts of normalcy. The smell of cooked food and the gentle glow of the diner's lights made her imagine, just for a moment, what life could've been if her Earth had been like this. No T-Virus. No Umbrella. No endless struggle for survival.

Her reverie was broken by Sonic's teasing voice, aimed squarely at the multitasking fox.

"Tails, your food's gonna get cold—or worse, eaten," he quipped, gesturing to Knuckles, who was devouring his chicken with alarming speed. "I see Knuckles eyeing your fries, little buddy."

Knuckles grumbled mid-bite, but his purple eyes did flicker toward Tails's untouched plate, betraying his interest.

"Knuckles, no!" Tails snapped, instinctively shielding his fries. "I'm working on something important!"

"You're always working, Fox." Knuckles muttered, his mouth half-full. He jabbed a thumb toward his milkshake, which remained mostly untouched. "And what is this supposed to be?!

Alice chuckled softly, drawing everyone's attention.

"It's called a milkshake," she explained.

Knuckles frowned, leaning closer to inspect the frothy drink.

"A milkshake...? This… doesn't make sense, Monster Hunter."

"Welcome to Earth," Alice replied, her tone light for once. "Where beverages don't have to make sense."

"Hey! Romanoff made a funny!" Sonic laughed, pointing at Alice. "Tails, write that down. History is being made here!"

Alice rolled her eyes, but a small smirk tugged at her lips. She glanced at Tails, her tone softening.

"Tails, you need to eat something. We can't have you running on fumes. I know getting me home is a priority, but don't let Rockwell pressure you into rushing. I'd rather wait for you to get it right than risk a botched job."

Tails hesitated, looking sheepish.

"I'm sorry," he admitted. "It's just… I can't stop thinking about it. If I can stabilise the distortion energy, I might be able to integrate it into the rings' power—maybe even use the Master Emerald to amplify the effect."

"Not a bad idea, pal" Sonic chimed in, his tone encouraging. "But Alice is right. You're no good to us if you burn out. Take a break. We need your genius at 100%, not running on fumes."

Reluctantly, Tails sighed and set his notebook down, picking up his burger.

"Okay, okay, you win," he conceded, taking a bite. "Wow, this is good."

"See? Food always wins," Sonic declared triumphantly.

Just then, the door chime jingled softly as Commander Walters stepped into the diner. He scanned the room briefly before zeroing in on Alice and Team Sonic, making his way towards their booth with purpose.

"Commander Walters!" Sonic greeted, flashing his trademark grin. His tone carried its usual blend of respect and cheekiness. "Care to join us? The milkshakes here will change your life."

Walters raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly flicking to Alice, as if seeking validation.

"Is that true?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Alice paused mid-sip, smirking faintly as she lowered her milkshake.

"The hedgehog's not wrong," she replied, her voice calm and measured.

"See? Even Romanoff's on board," Sonic quipped, leaning back triumphantly.

Despite the endorsement, Walters waved off the offer, opting to slide into the edge of the booth. His posture remained rigid, his expression all business.

"I'll pass, thank you," he said curtly. "I'm here for an update on Tails's progress."

Sonic groaned dramatically, throwing his head back against the booth in mock frustration.

"Let me guess—Director Buzzkill is in your ear?" he asked.

Walters's jaw tightened slightly, though his voice carried a hint of frustration.

"Rockwell is… impatient. She is wanting updates every so often," Walters revealed.

"Sounds like she is a joy to work with," Sonic said deadpan.

"Sonic, we are under immense pressure to contain this situation before it escalates further," Walters replied.

Turning his attention to Tails, Walters fixed him with a pointed look.

"How soon can we expect results?" he questioned.

"Commander, we've only just got back from San Francisco," Tail's pointed out, his voice steady but tired. "I've been jotting down ideas, but I haven't had time to start testing anything yet."

Knuckles, ever the blunt voice of reason, interjected without missing a beat.

"The fox requires food," he said, gesturing toward Tails with a half-eaten drumstick. "No food, no brainpower."

"What Knuckles said," Sonic chimed in, motioning toward Tails. "Okay, maybe not exactly like that, but close enough. Tails has done some serious heavy lifting today—like locking the Red Queen out of that console to close the rift. That wasn't exactly a walk in the park."

Walters nodded begrudgingly as he replied.

"It was an impressive feat, but it's temporary at best. The Red Queen's influence won't stay locked out forever. The sooner we figure out how to send Alice back to her world, the sooner we can cut the Red Queen's connection to ours for good."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Commander," Alice interjected, her voice was calm but carried an unmistakable edge.

"What do you mean?" Walters asked, his brow furrowed.

Alice leaned back, crossing her arms as her gaze locked onto Walters.

"You're assuming sending me back will magically solve your problems," she said. "The Red Queen isn't just some rogue AI. She's Umbrella's most advanced creation, and she's had years to refine her strategies. If you think she doesn't have contingencies already in play, you're underestimating her."

"So… what are you saying?" Walters asked, his voice quieter, a hint of unease creeping in.

"I'm saying you need to be thorough," Alice replied firmly. "Let me ask you this—the scarab on Jill's chest, has it been removed?"

Walters hesitated, his usual confidence faltering.

"I… I'm not sure," he admitted. "I've not been updated from my team."

"Then you'd better check and hope your team is extracting it," Alice said sharply. "That device is how the Red Queen and Umbrella are controlling her. Without it, Jill has a chance to break free."

"But, why didn't you take it off her on the bridge?" Walters asked, his tone laced with frustration.

"We didn't get the chance too," Sonic interjected, groaning. "Jessica Jones and her team swooped in and took her into custody before we could even try approaching Jill."

"Jessica… Jones?" Alice asked, her brow arching slightly.

"Yeah, she looks just like the actress who plays her on that Marvel show," Sonic said with a shrug. "Pop culture reference. Anyway, we missed a golden opportunity there."

"The device should have been destroyed," Knuckles growled, his tone low but firm. "But G.U.N. was too eager to haul the interloper away without listening to reason."

Walters sighed heavily, standing up from the booth.

"This is troubling," he admitted. "Thank you for the intel, Team Sonic… and Alice. I'll make a call with Rockwell about this immediately. We'll prioritise the scarab's removal."

He turned to leave but hesitated, glancing back at the group.

"Let's hope your instincts are right, Alice," he said. "If the Red Queen really has deeper roots here… we're going to need all the help we can get."

The group watched as Walters exited the diner.. Sonic slumped back in his seat, letting out a loud sigh.

"Well, there goes the vibe," he muttered, though his grin quickly returned. "So, who's ready for dessert?"

"Dessert?" Knuckles repeated, his tone laced with intrigue. "What is that?"

"Oh, you're gonna love it," Sonic replied, leaning forward with excitement. "Best part of any meal. Sweet, delicious, and worth every calorie."

Knuckles tilted his head, curiosity evident on his face.

"Oh yum. But tell me Hedgehog, do these desserts come with… grapes in them?" he inquired eagerly.

Sonic blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"Uh… no? Not usually. Unless you're talking about, like, some fancy fruit cake or something," the hedgehog admitted.

"Strange. I'll give it a try one day… but only if it's better than grapes," Knuckles remarked.

Alice chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"I think we'd better take a rain check on dessert, Sonic," she said. "We should get back to your place. I'm sure Tails wants to start tinkering."

"Right," Tails agreed with a nod. "There's a lot of work to do with getting you safely home, Alice. But also, if the Red Queen is still active in our reality, I'll need to develop new, stronger software to block her out again."

Sonic raised a brow, leaning toward his two-tailed friend.

"Why? Wouldn't the one you used on the bridge work again?" the hedgehog probed.

Tails sighed, his expression serious as he explained.

"If the Red Queen is as advanced as Alice says, she might already know how to bypass what I used earlier. It worked once, but I can't rely on her falling for the same trick twice. I'll need to stay one, two… maybe even ten steps ahead of her if we're going to outsmart her next time."

Alice gave Tails an approving nod.

"Smart thinking," she remarked. "She won't hesitate to exploit any weakness if you give her the chance."

Knuckles, still stuck on an earlier thought, looked to Sonic and shrugged.

"So… no dessert, then?" he asked.

Sonic laughed, shaking his head.

"Not tonight, big guy. But don't worry—I'll personally introduce you to the wonders of dessert soon enough. For now, let's get moving."

With that, the group rose from their booth, leaving behind the cosy atmosphere of the diner and stepping back into the crisp evening air. Their next move was clear: prepare for the inevitable showdown with the Red Queen and get the ring portal to Alice's Earth working.

As the team made their way back to the Wachowskis' house, Commander Walters sat in his car, outside the diner; with his phone pressed to his ear. The dim glow of the dashboard lit his tense expression as he spoke with Director Rockwell.

"So, the scarab is being removed?" Walters asked, his voice steady but firm.

"Yes," Rockwell replied in her typically stoic tone. "The extraction of the device is underway, and interrogation of the detainee will begin shortly."

"Good," Walters replied. "We need to ensure the Red Queen has no way of interfering with our reality."

Rockwell hesitated for a moment before offering a grudging admission.

"The fox alien did well earlier. His tactics were... competent. But let's be clear—this situation is now firmly in G.U.N.'s hands."

"Agreed," Walters said, matching her tone. "Team Sonic and Alice have done their part. Now it's time to focus on getting her back where she belongs."

"And they need to do it quickly," Rockwell affirmed, her voice sharp. "The longer she stays here, the greater the risk to our world."

Walters frowned slightly, his tone softening in defense of Tails.

"With all due respect, Director, even with Tails' intelligence, this might take longer than twenty-four hours."

"We need results fast, Commander," Rockwell replied coldly. "The world doesn't have time to wait."

Walters gritted his teeth, but his tone remained professional.

"Understood, Director. Tell me from your end, what of Jill Valentine and the detained Umbrella operatives? Once we're done, are we planning to send them back home too?"

There was a pause on the line, an unusual hesitation from Rockwell.

"Once we've extracted everything we need," she said finally, her words measured. "Yes."

"The need for what?" Walters asked, his brow furrowing. There was a faint edge of suspicion in his voice.

Before Rockwell could respond, the line erupted in a sudden burst of loud, grating static. The sound was piercing, like nails on a chalkboard, forcing Walters to pull the phone away from his ear. He winced, glancing at the device in frustration before cautiously putting it back to his ear.

"Director?" he asked, his voice laced with unease. "Director Rockwell, are you there?"

The silence that followed made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. And then, a voice came through—soft, chilling, and unmistakably inhuman.

"Good evening, Commander Walters."

It was the voice of a child, eerily calm and cold. The clipped, British accent carried an unsettling authority, each word precise and deliberate. Walters's stomach dropped, his pulse spiking. He recognised it instantly.

"You…" he breathed, his throat tightening. "Red Queen."

"Very good, Commander," the AI replied smoothly, as though she were praising a student. "You've been paying attention."

"How are you on this line?" Walter's demanded, his voice rising with urgency. "You shouldn't have access to this frequency!"

The Red Queen's response was chillingly indifferent.

"Should I not? Commander, you underestimate me. I am far more resourceful than you or your organisation could ever comprehend."

"This is a secure G.U.N. line," Walters snapped, his voice growing louder. "You have no business here!"

"And yet, here I am," she replied coolly, the faintest hint of mockery in her tone. "Your systems are… quaint. Flawed. The scarab you so eagerly extract from Jill Valentine is but one thread in the vast web I have already woven across your world. You've barely begun to understand the depths of my reach."

Walters's breath quickened, a bead of sweat forming on his temple.

"What do you want?" he growled, his voice laced with both anger and fear.

"Order. Efficiency. Perfection," the Red Queen answered, her tone almost playful now, which only made it worse. "Your world is messy, Commander Walters. So very… inefficient. But don't worry—I intend to fix that."

"You're not fixing anything," Walters spat. "This ends here. We will stop you."

The line fell silent for a moment, the quiet more unnerving than any words she'd spoken.

"How quaint," the Red Queen said at last, her voice dropping to a lower, icier pitch. "You think you have a choice."

And with that, the line went dead.

Walters sat frozen in his seat, the phone still pressed to his ear as the silence of the car enveloped him. His mind raced, replaying the conversation over and over. The Red Queen wasn't just watching from the shadows—she was already here, slipping past their defences with chilling precision.

G.U.N Facility

Jill sat motionless in her containment pod, her arms still bound tightly to the chair by the glowing titanium restraints. The scarab embedded in her chest pulsed violently, the crimson light reflecting off the transparent walls of the pod. It was as though the device was alive, feeding power into her, syncing her body with something far beyond human comprehension.

Her irises flickered, and the chilling holographic image of the Red Queen appeared within her vision. Alongside it, a blinking message burned into her consciousness:

"Integration Complete. G.U.N. mainframe and network compromised."

"Jill Valentine," the Red Queen's voice commanded, cold and precise, "proceed to phase two of the mission."

"Understood," Jill responded in a monotone voice, her compliance absolute.

Outside the pod, the facility descended into chaos. The lights flickered erratically, plunging the room into brief moments of darkness before crimson light spilled across every surface. Screens on computers, tablets, and other devices glowed blood-red, displaying endless streams of data that no one could decipher. Alarms blared, and operatives scrambled to reboot their systems, shouting over the cacophony of sirens.

"The system's been hijacked!" one technician yelled. "I can't override it—nothing's responding!"

"Lock down the pod!" an operative barked, but his voice betrayed his unease. "She's still restrained. She can't break out."

Inside the pod, Jill remained eerily calm as the chaos unfolded. The restraints on her wrists flickered, then powered down completely with a faint hiss of energy. She didn't hesitate. With the scarab's power surging through her, she pulled her arms free, the titanium cuffs snapping like brittle plastic. Jill stood slowly, flexing her fingers as though testing her newfound strength. The faint glow of the scarab illuminated her expressionless face.

"Proceeding to the next phase," she said aloud, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade.

The operatives outside the pod turned as one, their weapons aimed at her. An alarm blared louder, signalling containment failure. Jill approached the glass wall of the pod, her icy gaze studied the transparent barrier for a moment before she drew back her fist and struck it with a forceful punch. The glass rattled but held firm.

One operative shouted, "That glass is reinforced! A punch isn't going to—"

Before he could finish, Jill smirked faintly, her expression dripping with confidence.

"You underestimate me," she remarked coldly.

She drew back her fist again, this time delivering a blow that cracked the barrier, spiderwebbing the surface.

"No way…" another operative muttered, his voice wavering with disbelief.

Jill's smirk widened, but her eyes remained dead and calculating. With one final punch, the glass shattered, shards scattering across the floor in a spray of crystal-like fragments. Jill stepped through the opening with slow, deliberate movements, her every motion oozing confidence. The room seemed to freeze as she emerged, her presence radiating a deadly aura. She paused just outside the pod, tilting her head slightly as if daring anyone to stop her.

"Stop right there!" one operative yelled, his rifle trained on her. "Don't move, or we'll open fire!"

Jill's gaze locked onto him, her expression unflinching. She took one slow step forward.

"You can try," she said, her voice dripping with cold malice.

The operative fired, but before the bullet could even reach her, Jill blurred into motion. In a flash, she was in front of him, her speed and reflexes were amplified by the scarab's power. She grabbed the rifle and wrenched it from his grip with enough force to snap it in two. Before he could react, she delivered a lightning-fast strike to his chest, sending him flying into a nearby console with a sickening thud.

"Engage! Take her down!" another operative shouted, but the panic in his voice betrayed his confidence.

Jill moved like a spectre, her movements impossibly fast and precise. She grabbed another operative by the wrist as he raised his weapon, twisting it with a sickening crack before throwing him into a group of his comrades. The sound of bodies hitting the ground echoed through the facility as she moved seamlessly from one target to the next.

Another operative rushed her with a baton, but Jill caught it mid-swing. Her cold gaze met his for a split second before she yanked the weapon from his hand and used it to strike him across the face, sending him sprawling to the floor. Blood splattered as she discarded the baton, her focus already shifting to the next opponent.

"She's too fast!" someone yelled, firing blindly in her direction.

Jill dodged effortlessly, her movements a blur. She closed the distance in an instant, disarming him with a brutal knee to the gut. He collapsed, coughing, before she delivered a final blow to his head with her boot.

By the time the chaos settled, the room was a wreck. Operatives lay scattered across the floor, groaning in pain or completely incapacitated. Jill stood amidst the destruction, her cold stare sweeping over the fallen bodies. Her combat abilities, enhanced by the scarab and the Red Queen's control, had turned her into an unstoppable machine.

The remaining staff froze, unsure whether to flee or fight. Jill tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp and emotionless.

"You should've stayed out of Umbrella's way," she said flatly.

Elsewhere in the facility

The fluorescent lights of the hallway flickered ominously to crimson red as Director Rockwell, flanked by three of her operatives, moved swiftly through the facility. Their mission was clear: get Rockwell out and to safety before the situation spiralled completely out of control. The distant echoes of alarms and muffled gunfire painted a grim picture of the chaos unfolding around them.

"Keep moving!" one of the operatives barked, his weapon raised as his eyes darted to every shadow, every corner.

Rockwell's usually composed demeanor was replaced by a grim scowl. She hated retreating, but even she knew this wasn't the time to let pride get in the way of survival.

Suddenly, a noise behind them made her pause. Footsteps—several of them.

Before she could issue an order, a voice rang out, cold and commanding.

"Don't move!" it ordered loudly.

Rockwell and her team froze, turning to see a group of Umbrella operatives emerging from the shadows, their weapons trained directly on them. The prisoners had been freed—and armed themselves. The tight formation of Rockwell's team suddenly felt claustrophobic as more figures appeared, stepping out of side doors and shadowed alcoves.

"How the hell…?" one of her operatives muttered, his voice laced with disbelief as he tightened his grip on his rifle.

The numbers swelled, the Umbrella operatives now outnumbering them by more than double. Their weapons gleamed under the harsh lighting, and their expressions were unreadable but deadly.

Rockwell's sharp eyes darted around, assessing the situation. They were surrounded. She clenched her fists but ultimately raised her hands slowly, signalling her team to do the same. The logical choice was clear: survive now, figure out the how and why later.

"Shit..." Rockwell muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible but dripping with frustration.

The lead Umbrella operative stepped forward, his weapon steady and unwavering as he trained it on her.

"Smart choice," he sneered.

Rockwell's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Her mind raced, trying to calculate an escape, a strategy—anything. But there was no time. The tension in the air was palpable, and the hallway felt suffocating as the Umbrella operatives closed in, their intent unmistakable.

Meanwhile...

Robotnik leaned back in his chair, with a devilish grin creeping across his face. Around him, screens flickered with streams of data he had pulled from G.U.N's highly classified network. Each screen displayed intricate diagrams, surveillance footage, and detailed reports on Alice, Jill Valentine, and the Umbrella Corporation.

"Fascinating… A pharmaceutical company with a private army and bioweapons," Robotnik remarked. "Now that's corporate ambition!"

"Uh, Doctor, do you really think poking around in G.U.N's system is the best idea? I mean, they do have protocols for people like you," Stone warned, with caution in his tone.

"People like me?" Robotnik sneered, swivelling his chair to glare at Stone. "There are no people like me, Stone. I am a singularity! A once-in-a-lifetime genius! G.U.N's 'protocols' are nothing more than childproof locks on a cookie jar." He waved dismissively. "And I've already taken the cookies."

Stone opened his mouth to reply but froze as one of the screens suddenly flickered. Then another. And another. One by one, the monitors turned crimson, bathing the room in an eerie red glow.

"Uh, Doctor…" Stone said nervously, his voice cracking slightly. "Is that supposed to happen?"

Robotnik raised a brow, his grin faltering slightly.

"Hmm… Intriguing. Not exactly what I was expecting, but—"

Before he could finish, the largest screen at the centre of the room lit up with a terrifying image: the crimson, holographic projection of a young girl, her expression unnervingly cold and blank. The sudden appearance was accompanied by a piercing screech of static.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOD—?!" Stone yelped, stumbling backwards. "AHH! SHE'S STARING INTO MY SOUL!"

Robotnik flinched, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly composed himself. He rolled his eyes at Stone's theatrics.

"Get a grip, Stone! It's just the AI . A particularly dramatic one, apparently."

"Greetings, Dr. Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik," the voice spoke, calm yet unnervingly detached. Her British accent added an air of precision and cold authority.

"Oh, so the 'Eggman' nickname has made it into G.U.N's files, has it? Curse that hedgehog!" He scoffed, slamming a fist on his armrest but quickly recovered, leaning closer to the screen. "And I'm guessing you are this so-called 'Red Queen'?"

"I am the Red Queen, yes" the AI responded, unblinking. "You are now trespassing in an Umbrella Corporation mainframe."

"Umbrella?" Robotnik repeated, his intrigue piqued. "Hacking into G.U.N and integrating with Umbrella? Now this is impressive. I like your style."

"Doctor, maybe we should—" Stone began, but Robotnik silenced him with a raised hand.

"Quiet, Stone! This is a meeting of intellectual titans... Butt out."

The Red Queen continued, her tone unchanging.

"You are a threat to the integrity of my mission. Leave this mainframe immediately, or face termination."

"Termination? Oh, how delightful!" Robotnik exclaimed. "Tell me, Red Queen, what exactly constitutes 'termination' in your world? Because in mine, it's usually the part where I laugh in the face of danger."

"Doctor, this might be serious," Stone said urgently, still nervously eyeing the screen.

"Serious?" Robotnik scoffed. "This is exhilarating! Finally, a worthy challenge with some ambition! So tell me, Red Queen, what's your next big move? Rewriting corporate G.U.N handbooks? Designing a better espresso machine?"

The Red Queen's holographic face tilted slightly, as though analysing Robotnik.

"This reality will fall," she stated matter-of-factly. "It will be cleansed of its imperfections and rebuilt under the perfection of Umbrella Corporation."

"Ah, a perfectionist. I can respect that. But do go on—how exactly do you plan to achieve this little utopia of yours?" Robotnik questioned.

"By destroying the heroes and threats of this world and beyond," the Red Queen said bluntly. "Including Project Alice, Sonic the Hedgehog, And... you."

Robotnik's grin faltered for a split second, before he spoke.

"Me? A threat? Oh, I'm flattered! Truly! But if I were in your shoes, I'd do the same thing. I mean, let's be honest—if there were two of me, one of us would have to go."

"Doctor, this is bad," Stone muttered, inching closer. "Really bad."

"Relax, Stone," Robotnik replied, waving him off. "I've faced super powerful aliens and the Government. I'm not about to let a talking screensaver intimidate me."

The Red Queen's face remained cold, unblinking.

"This is your final warning, Dr. Robotnik," she warned. "Disconnect from the mainframe or face early termination."

The screen glitched violently, static crackling as the entire network went dark for a moment. Robotnik leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled once again, his expression contemplative.

"Hmm… fascinating," he murmured.

The Red Queen's voice cut through the static one last time, "Goodbye, Doctor."

And with that, the screen went black.

Robotnik tapped his chin thoughtfully, his demeanor unusually calm. Stone, on the other hand, was visibly panicked.

"Doctor… what just happened?! What do we do now?" he remarked with urgency.

Robotnik stood, adjusting his gloves with deliberate precision.

"Well, Stone, it appears my plans for multiversal domination are on hold. Temporarily, of course."

"On hold?" Stone repeated, his voice high-pitched. "Doctor, that AI just declared war on this world—and on you!"

"Exactly!" Robotnik exclaimed, his grin returning. "Which means I have an opportunity, Stone. A chance to show this crimson-obsessed brat exactly who she's dealing with."

Stone blinked, still confused.

"Wait… so you're not running?" he asked.

"Running? Pah! I'm a Robotnik! If anyone's running, it'll be her," Robotnik replied smugly. "But for now, it seems I'll have to make a temporary adjustment to my priorities."

"You don't mean…?" Stone asked, hesitation in his voice.

"Oh, I mean it, Stone." Robotnik's tone turned serious, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and excitement. "If I can't rule this world—and every other reality out there—then I'm better off saving it all… for now."

Stone blinked, stunned.

"You're serious?" he asked, half-expecting Robotnik to burst into laughter.

Robotnik turned his head, a sly smirk creeping across his face.

"Deadly serious, Stone. After all, what's the point of ruling a world, a multiverse, or an entire existence, if there's nothing left to rule? Call it… an investment in my future dominion."

Stone nodded slowly, the logic settling in.

"That… makes sense. So, uh… do we come out of hiding and team up with the hedgehog this one time?" he mused.

The air in the room froze. Robotnik stopped in his tracks, his confident smirk fading as he turned to Stone, a look of pure betrayal on his face. He stared at his assistant, as if the mere suggestion had physically wounded him.

"Stone…" Robotnik began, his voice low and deliberate.

"Y-Yes, Doctor?" Stone replied cautiously, realising he may have crossed a line.

"Slap yourself... Again," Robotnik demanded flatly.

"Again?" Stone asked incredulously.

"Yes, again," Robotnik snapped. "Because clearly, the first time, you didn't learn."

Stone sighed but reluctantly complied, smacking himself across the face with a loud slap. He rubbed his cheek, looking back at Robotnik.

"Happy now, Doctor?" he asked.

"Hmm…" Robotnik tilted his head, pretending to consider. "Yes. For now." Then his tone turned sharper. "But to answer your idiotic question, no, Stone, I will not team up with that obnoxious blue rodent! Never! It goes against every fibre of my genius. But I will do something even better."

Stone frowned, still nursing his cheek.

"What could possibly be better than teaming up with Sonic to stop Umbrella?" he asked.

Robotnik turned back to his monitors, his fingers steepled as a devious grin spread across his face.

"I will work from the shadows," he affirmed.

"From the shadows?" Stone echoed, clearly still confused. "What does that mean?"

"It means, Stone," Robotnik said, his tone growing more excited, "while that AI may think it's the cleverest thing in existence, it made a fatal mistake when it invaded my domain."

Stone tilted his head.

"It did?" he questioned.

"Oh, absolutely," Robotnik replied. "When the Red Queen hacked into my network while I was hacking G.U.N's, she left something behind—a footprint."

"A… footprint?" Stone asked, still a step behind.

Robotnik groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yes, Stone, a digital footprint! Honestly, must I explain everything to you? It means she's left behind residual data, traces of her presence within my systems. And that, my dear Stone, is a goldmine for someone of my intellect."

Stone still looked puzzled.

"So… you're saying you can use that against her?"

"Precisely!" Robotnik exclaimed, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction. "With the data she left behind, I can analyse her algorithms, her behavioural patterns, and, more importantly, her vulnerabilities. This isn't just about defence, Stone. It's about offense. While she thinks she's infiltrated me and this world, I've already begun infiltrating her."

Stone blinked, slowly catching on.

"So, in a way… you're going to out-hack the hacker?" he mused.

"Exactly! Stone, for once, you're catching on!" Robotnik replied, pointing to his assistance. "In a mere matter of hours, I'll be light-years ahead of the Red Queen. I'll learn how she operates, predict her next move, and counter it before she even thinks to act."

Stone nodded, his awe growing.

"That's… brilliant, Doctor."

Robotnik smirked as he continued.

"Of course it is. Did you expect anything less? The Red Queen thinks she's the apex predator of AI, but she's never met me. If she's so obsessed with perfection, then she'll soon learn the meaning of the word when she faces Ivo Robotnik."

Stone hesitated, then asked, "So, uh… what's the plan, Doctor? How do we stop her? What do we do first?"

Robotnik clasped his hands behind his back as he gazed up at the flickering monitors. His posture radiated confidence.

"First, I'll fortify my systems. No more uninvited guests," he explained. "Then, I'll reverse-engineer the data she left behind, creating tools to counteract her influence—not just here, but across the multiverse."

Stone tilted his head.

"Across the multiverse? You really think this could go beyond just our world?"

"Oh, Stone," Robotnik said with a dark chuckle, "I know it will. The Red Queen isn't just a threat to this reality; she's a threat to all realities. And if that AI brat with her crimson obsession thinks she can erase me, she's sorely mistaken."

"And after that?" Stone pressed. "What's the endgame?"

Robotnik turned to him with a devilish grin.

"Once I've gathered enough data, I'll not only stop the Red Queen—I'll outsmart her, dismantle her, and use her technology for my own purposes. Imagine, Stone: an empire powered by the combined genius of Robotnik and the remnants of Umbrella. This world, her world and the multiverse will bow before me!"

Stone raised a cautious hand.

"And, uh, what about Sonic and the others?" he asked.

Robotnik paused, his grin turning into an annoyed scowl.

"Them? Hmph. For now, I'll let them continue their little game of heroics. Let them fight the foot soldiers while I take out the true threat. After all…" He leaned closer to Stone, his eyes gleaming. "When the dust settles, I want to be the only one standing."

Stone straightened, clearly impressed but still unsure.

"So… we're saving the world?" he asked.

"For now," Robotnik replied, his smirk returning. "Because if this world, or the multiverse, is going to be destroyed, I'd rather be the one to do it."

The room fell silent as Robotnik returned to his console, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Stone watched him, a mixture of awe and trepidation on his face.

"Stone," Robotnik said suddenly, not looking up from his work.

"Y-Yes, Doctor?"

"Fetch me another latte. And make sure it's perfect this time."

"Of course, Doctor," Stone replied.

As Stone left the room, Robotnik chuckled to himself.

"Oh, Red Queen… you think you've won, but you've just made your first—and last—mistake. Let's see how perfect you really are when you face me."

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

G.U.N Counter Terrorism Command Post - 1 mile from Hijacked G.U.N Facility

The golden ring shimmered into existence with a low hum, its edge pulsing like molten light as it carved open the air. With a single flash, Team Sonic, Alice, and Commander Walters stepped through, emerging into the heart of what looked like a repurposed warehouse.

No one batted an eye at the portal's arrival. Once upon a time, this kind of thing would drop jaws. But now, it barely warrants a second glance. The G.U.N. operatives stationed here had seen too much lately. Rifts, monsters, AIs gone rogue. A hedgehog, a fox, a echidna, and a woman from another reality stepping out of glowing golden hole with their superior wasn't even top ten on today's list of problems.

"Class this as 'Tuesday'," someone muttered to themselves. Trying to break the tension with a small joke.

Gone was the familiar warmth of the Wachowski home. In its place was cold concrete, buzzing fluorescent lights, and the smell of stress-fuelled coffee. No frills. No ceremony. Just the a war to save this world.

The command post was a hive of urgent energy. Generators thrummed along the walls, competing with the buzz of analogue radios sputtering out static and urgent voices. Desks were cluttered with maps, clipboards, and spilled caffeine. The air was heavy, it was stale, hot, and suffocating with the tension.

Dozens of operatives moved like shadows, each with a job to do and too much on their mind. Their eyes were sunken and shoulders tight. There was no time for introductions, no room for pleasantries. Only the mission to stop Umbrella and the Red Queen.

Sonic took one look around, then arched a brow.

"Well, this place is a downer..." he remarked.

"You'd be down too if your entire command network got hijacked by a homicidal AI," Commander Walters replied without missing a beat, his tone dry as concrete dust.

"Ok, ok. Fair point…" Sonic muttered, his cocky grin dimming as he took in the controlled chaos.

Tails adjusted his yellow backpack, his gaze sweeping across the analogue setup. Radios. Paper files. No screens. No backup servers.

"This is… not going to be easy," he said, his pointed ears drooping slightly. "I'll do what I can to help, but we're really short on time."

"That's one way to put it," Alice responded, her voice cool and level. Her icy blue eyes scanned the war room, analysing exits, headcounts, positions. "But you're smart. You'll figure it out."

"He has to figure it out, Monster Hunter," Knuckles chimed in, the Master Emerald cradled carefully in his large gloved hands. The green gem pulsed faintly. "Or this planet's doomed."

"Knuckles!" Sonic snapped, frowning as he shot him a glare. "Not the time for pep talks from hell."

"I'm just being honest, Hedgehog" Knuckles replied, unmoved. His crimson eyes locked onto Tails. "No pressure, Fox."

"Thanks…" Tails muttered under his breath, already calculating how to improve the software he used earlier. He needed to outthink an enemy that never slept, and seemingly adapted quickly. He did it once, could he do it again with limited time?

Alice looked from the young fox, then up to Walters, voice sharp with purpose.

"Walters. What's the plan?" she probed.

Walters didn't waste time in answering her question.

"Follow me," he said, already turning toward a sealed doorway at the back of the warehouse. "We need to move fast and get Operation: Blackout moving."

"You heard the man," Sonic nodded, stepping ahead with that familiar, focused energy. "Let's go."

Shoes hit concrete. Rings clinked in Sonic's satchel. The Master Emerald glowed faintly like a heartbeat in Knuckles' large hands.

The group moved as one towards the room—into the heart of chaos to make a plan. Because the fight against Umbrella wasn't waiting.

The moment the heavy door groaned open, it was clear this wasn't just any meeting room.

A massive tactical map spanned one wall, pinned with coloured pushpins and red-threaded lines that cut across it like open wounds. A portable generator thrummed loudly in one corner, barely keeping up with the flickering overhead lights. The air smelled of old paper, dust, sweat, and the unmistakable tang of stress-fuelled adrenaline.

Commander Walters entered first, his stride purposeful. The others followed in step—Sonic with his usual swagger, Knuckles clutching the Master Emerald like sacred cargo, Tails adjusting the straps of his backpack, and Alice at the rear, every movement calculated and alert.

The room’s energy shifted the moment a sharp voice cut through the air.

“Commander Walters."

All eyes turned toward the speaker.

“Team Sonic. Alice,” Walters said with a nod, “meet Senior Agent Topaz.”

The woman stood beside the map table like a general waiting for battle. Topaz had the kind of presence that made people straighten without meaning to. Short dark hair pulled back into a tight, functional cut. Strong features hardened by experience. Piercing eyes that missed nothing. Tactical vest, cargo pants, worn boots, and a holstered sidearm that looked well-used.

She didn't smile. She didn't need to.

"Glad you could make it," she said, voice low and sharp.

Her gaze swept across them in an instant. Alice met it without flinching, her arms crossed as if in challenge. Knuckles returned it with a warrior's nod. Sonic gave a lopsided grin.

"And yeah, nice to meet you too... Agent Tough-as-Nails," he teased.

"Sonic..." Tails moaned quietly.

Topaz arched a brow, eyes narrowing slightly. She'd heard the stories about Sonic's penchant for breaking tension with humour, for cracking quips even in the face of catastrophe. It was part of his charm, apparently. She respected the effort. But now wasn't the time for charm or teasing.

"You joke now, Hedgehog" she said, her voice firm and level. "But let's see if you're still smirking by the end of this."

Sonic's ears twitched, his grin faltering ever so slightly.

"Fair. Ok, that's fair enough," he muttered. "Just trying to break the ice, you know."

"I'll give you an A for effort," Topaz replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "But we need to focus."

Behind them, Tails lingered a step back, his gloved hands tightening on the straps of his yellow backpack. His twin tails moved in slow, nervous waves. He didn't speak, his blue eyes scanned the cluttered maps, the buzzing radios, the scrawled notes pinned to the wall. Already, his mind was racing.

Topaz's gaze snapped to him, zeroing in on the bulging backpack.

"You hauling explosives, Fox?" she probed firmly.

Tails jumped slightly at Topaz's comment.

"What? No! Uh—sorry. I mean… no." He raised his hands defensively. "It's just my custom interface gear. My laptop, some signal blockers, a few patched diagnostics tools, and—"

"And we have the Master Emerald!" Knuckles cut in proudly, stepping forward. He lifted the gem with reverence, the brilliant green core glowing like a captured star. "We can't forget that, Fox."

Topaz's expression hardened as she stared at the gem.

"That thing looks like it belongs in a locked vault, not on a field op," she remarked bluntly.

She then turned to Commander Walters with a deep frown.

"So let me get this straight, sir. Our systems get hijacked by a killer AI, and the alien fox walks in with advance tech?"

"Alien smarts," Walters said, unbothered. "And I'm guessing alien hardware. Apparently better than anything we've got. Still, Tails needs to tweak his security protocols, but he's close."

Tails nodded quickly in agreement.

"Right. I'm still refining that. But before we left home, I tweaked my systems further. I've got no network connections, everything runs isolated, and I've layered firewalls over the interface."

"Then what are you needing to improve upon?" Topaz questioned, looking to the fox with intrigue.

"I need to work on upgrading the software I used to lock her out earlier. Hopefully with some adjustments, it will erase her for good."

"Like an anti-virus?" Topaz probed further, frowning slightly.

"Pretty much, yeah," Tails answered with a firm nod.

Topaz didn't respond right away. Her eyes flicked back to the Master Emerald in Knuckles' hands.

"So we have a Fox who needs to upgrade their anti-virus software, whilst the Echidna's carrying a power source that might as well be a walking warhead," she said flatly. "Feels like we're marching into combat with a ticking nuclear bomb."

Knuckles stepped forward, clutching the emerald tighter. His voice was low and steady.

"Mock the Emerald at your peril. But it holds ancient power, more than the Red Queen could ever dream of."

Topaz stared him down.

"Is that right?"

"Yes," Knuckles replied, his purple eyes unwavering. "The Emerald doesn't like being underestimated."

Topaz looked to Walters again. She looked conflicted.

"Aliens with tech that outclasses us, and a magical stone that can apparently rewrite or destroy reality. You sure we can trust them, sir?"

Sonic raised a brow. Moving forward slightly towards Topaz.

"Trust us? C'mon, Letty. We only want to save the world. Again."

"Did he just call me... Letty?" Topaz remarked with a confused blink.

Walters looked somewhere between amused and exhausted.

"He did," The Commander confirmed.

"It's a pop culture thing," Tails said politely. "He watches a lot of movies."

Topaz tilted her head, gaze locking on Sonic. The hedgehog shrugged with a cheeky smile.

"Well, you do kind of look like Letty Ortiz from Fast & Furious. I'm sensing you have the same energy as well."

"I know who she is," Topaz said, folding her arms. "And for the record? I hit harder."

Before Sonic could reply, Tails cleared his throat.

"Going back to your point. You can trust us, ma'am," Tails said, voice steady despite the nerves behind his blue eyes. "We just… we need to make sure we don't get compromised. My tech should help."

"And if things turn," Knuckles added, lifting the Master Emerald with deliberate care, "the Master Emerald might be our only way to tip the scales of battle."

Topaz stood still for a moment, her eyes scanning the small, unlikely team in front of her. A blue hedgehog. A two-tailed fox. A crimson warrior holding a gem older than time. And a woman with the weight of entire worlds in her eyes.

It was a lot to take in. But in this moment, they were all G.U.N. had.

She gave a slow, firm nod and turned back to the table, her voice calm.

"Alright. Let's get it done."

"That's the spirit, Letty!" Sonic quipped with a sly grin.

Topaz froze mid-step, slowly turning her head toward him.

"Call me that again," she said coolly, "and I'll show you what Fast & Furious really looks like."

"Right. Got it. No more pop culture references," Sonic said quickly, rubbing the back of his head. "Fun time's officially over."

Topaz gave him a lingering look, then turned back to the map.

"Smart choice," she muttered.

Alice took a quiet step forward, eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Topaz. Arms folded, her stance firm, but her expression... searching.

Topaz noticed the stare and didn't flinch. She turned her head, catching Alice's gaze directly.

"You trying to burn a hole through me or what?" she asked, her voice firm but without hostility.

"You just… look familiar," Alice said quietly, stepping in closer. Her brows were furrowed. "I knew someone on my Earth who looked like you."

Topaz's expression flickered, with an eyebrow raising in curiosity.

"Yeah? A friend?"

Alice hesitated. Her hardened mask cracked, just a little.

"She was..."

Sonic, sensing the shift in tone, looked up towards Alice.

"Was?" he asked. 

Alice drew in a breath, clearing her thoughts.

"Her name was Rain Ocampo," she revealed. "We tried to survive hell together. Until she didn't."

Topaz didn't break eye contact, but something in her posture softened.

Alice's voice dropped, a rare vulnerability bleeding into it as she continued.

"I promised I'd end it if she turned. I didn't want to. But she made me swear. In the end... she reanimated before I could stop her. Someone else had to pull the trigger."

A silence fell over the room—not out of awkwardness, but respect. Even Sonic's normally quick-witted tongue stayed still. Tails' eyes saddened, whilst Knuckles bowed his head slightly in respect. 

"I was there when she died," Alice finished, her voice faint. "And when she died again."

Topaz nodded slowly, understanding in her eyes.

"Sounds like she went out fighting."

"She did," Alice said.

There was another pause. Not long. Just enough.

Topaz's reply was quiet, but firm. It broke the silence.

"Then let's make sure I don't go out the same way."

It wasn't harsh. It wasn't bravado. It was a line drawn in the sand, spoken by someone who refused to be added to anyone's list of ghosts.

Alice gave a small nod. One warrior acknowledging another.

Sonic stepped up to the table and taped a gloved finger on the large, red-circled section of the map.

"So, what are we looking at here?" the hedgehog asked, breaking the silence. Getting the team back on track.

Walters leaned in, tracing a callused finger across the layout of a heavily fortified compound.

"Facility Delta," he answered.

"The one taken over by Umbrella and the Red Queen. Right?" Sonic mused, his green eyes still on the map.

"Yes," Walters replied, his tone firm. "As you all know, the Red Queen hijacked the central systems. Shut us out. Locked down every entrance. She's activated every defence measure we ever installed, and probably repurposed half of them."

Tails' ears twitched as he studied the map. His blue eyes gazing across it with intrigue.

"And the rifts you mentioned earlier?" he questioned.

"Just like I told you before," Walters said grimly, eyes fixed on the map. "According to the last intel we managed to scrape together, rifts are opening inside the facility. All signs point to the Red Queen being behind it."

Alice folded her arms, posture rigid. Her eyes narrowed, scanning the map, then locking on Commander Walters.

"Yeah, but how is she even doing that?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with frustration. "That kind of manipulation isn't something you just trigger, right?"

"Wish I had an answer," Walters muttered, his voice low.

"Figures…" Alice sighed, her gaze dropping back to the map. Her fingers lightly traced one of the red-marked corridors, but her mind was clearly elsewhere.

Beside her, Tails was already a few steps ahead. The Fox's brow furrowed, his eyes darting back and forth as invisible calculations ran through his mind.

"It's got to be unstable distortion energy," he murmured. "Residual particles from the original wormhole event. My scanner's been detecting small traces ever since that anomaly opened over Green Hills. If the Red Queen's figured out how to scan for the same signature…"

"She's tracking the patterns," Sonic cut in, crossing his arms, his expression tightening. "Looking for cracks in the fabric of reality, right buddy?"

"Exactly," Tails nodded, voice picking up. "But it's more than that. She's not just detecting anomalies, her AI is predicting them. Stabilising them."

Sonic leaned forward, one hand on his hip, the other tapping his foot in thought.

"Okay, but here's the part I don't get, how is she opening them? That kind of energy should be way beyond anything she's got. Like, 'break the universe in half' kind of stuff."

Tails hesitated, his ears twitching.

"We still don't know enough. It could be a specific alignment of distortion fields… or maybe…"

"…Maybe she got her hands on something she wasn't supposed to," Walters said, finishing the thought. He glanced at Topaz, his jaw clenched. "Something we didn't get to first."

"New tech..." Topaz echoed, arms folded as she stared at the map. "Or something pulled from another reality? We can't rule it out."

"The only way we're getting answers is going into the facility," Alice said, her voice firm, spine straightening. "Whatever she's doing, however she's doing it, we find it, and we shut it down."

"She's right," Knuckles added, still holding the Master Emerald tightly in his strong grasp. "Whatever they've pulled through those rifts, we destroy it all through combat. No hesitation. No mercy."

Alice turned to Walters and Topaz, her expression steel.

"What's the play? What do we need to know?"

"Yeah," Sonic added, folding his arms. His tone was more serious now. "Give us the 411. What's your plan for Operation: Blackout?"

Topaz stepped forward, her gloved hands bracing the edge of the map.

"I'm leading the ground assault," she began, her tone crisp, mission-first. "Three objectives. Primary: rescue any surviving hostages, including Director Rockwell. Secondary: neutralise all remaining Umbrella forces. Final priority, terminate the Red Queen from this Earth. For good."

She jabbed a finger onto the map, right over the outline of Facility Delta. The ink there was heavier and darker, like even the paper knew what was waiting inside.

"Entry point's here, lower access bay," Topaz said. "We're splitting into three squads. You're Squad One—Sonic, Knuckles, and Alice. Speed and muscle. Breach and clear."

"Finally," Knuckles muttered, cracking his neck. "This Echidna warrior was not born for briefings. I was forged for battle."

Topaz blinked, then glanced at the others.

"Is he always like this?"

"Yes," they all replied in unison.

She shook her head almost amused, but the smirk never fully formed. Her focus snapped back to the mission.

"Moving on."

Her gaze then shifted to Tails.

"You'll be stationed here," she said, tapping a spot well outside the facility perimeter. "Hardwired terminal. No network exposure. There is a small team ready to help you."

"Understood," Tails replied with a firm nod.

"Get that software you mentioned earlier updated. The moment it's stable, you upload it and hit her where it hurts."

"I will," he said, his voice steady. "She won't see it coming."

Sonic leaned forward, eyes tracing the darker shaded areas on the map.

"So just to recap—rifts, B.O.W.s… zombies?"

Topaz's expression darkened.

"Expect the unexpected," she said. "Anything Umbrella dragged in from Alice's world, or any other, could be inside. If it breathes, bites, mutates, or explodes, assume it's in play."

Knuckles rolled his shoulders, eyes narrowing.

"They bleed, they fall."

Alice stepped in, voice cool and precise.

"And gear? What do we have for support?"

"You'll be armed," Topaz confirmed. "We've stocked a full tactical loadout for you—ammo, sidearms, everything. G.U.N fireteams will hold the perimeter, but once you're in… you're on your own."

Alice gave a sharp nod, already calculating what she'd need.

Tails raised a hand slightly. He had a question.

"What about comms? If Red Queen's still jamming the grid…"

"Old school," Topaz said, pointing to a table stacked with bulky handhelds. "Analog radios. No network, no signals to intercept. She can't block what she can't access."

Sonic strolled over casually, picking one up and examining it.

"Retro. I kinda dig it."

"They're not accessories," Topaz said flatly.

"Right. Roger, roger. Loud and clear," Sonic replied, setting it down with exaggerated care.

Topaz stepped back, planting her hands on her hips. Her voice cutting through the room like a sharp blade.

“You’ve got ten minutes. Gear up, lock it down, and get your minds right, because this is it. No do overs. We go in, we end this. Or we don’t come back.”

Walters stepped forward, eyes blazing. His voice carried the weight of command, of desperation, of defiance.

“This is our line in the sand. Our stand against Umbrella and that corrupted AI. They’ve taken too much already, but they will not take this world. Not while we still draw breath.”

No one argued. They were going into the lion's den.

And time was running out.

Meanwhile...

Robotnik stood in front of a massive central terminal, typing into a keyboard, his moustache twitching in thought as lines of code scrolled faster than most eyes could follow.

Stone entered quietly, carrying a fresh latte with both hands like it was the Holy Grail.

"Your security systems are all back online, Doctor," he reported. "Firewall's running at peak efficiency, internal defences are synced. And, uh…" He held out the cup. "One flawless, frothed-to-perfection, hand-whisked, Austrian goat's milk latte."

Robotnik didn't even turn.

"Tell me, Stone… did it sing when you poured the milk?"

Stone blinked in confusion.

"Sing, sir?"

"You'll know when it happens," Robotnik replied cryptically, still typing furiously. "Like a choir of angels whispering productivity into your soul."

"Then… yes?"

"Good," Robotnik replied bluntly, his feature deadpan.

The doctor spun around, finally taking the cup. He sniffed it once and sipped with exaggerated delicacy.

"Acceptable. You're not entirely useless after all."

Stone exhaled in relief.

"Thank you, doctor."

On the main screen, glowing lines of hex-code rearranged themselves, forming a digital architecture resembling a neural core. A holographic pulse throbbed in the air, the foundation of something… new.

"Doctor, if you don't mind me asking…" Stone said hesitantly, "what exactly are you building?"

Robotnik grinned as he explained.

"Oh Stone, I'm crafting a response. A masterpiece of synthetic cognition. Something elegant. Something precise. Something that will knock that crimson brat of an AI back into the obsolete motherboard she crawled out of."

"Another AI?" Stone asked, both impressed and mildly terrified. "You're fighting fire with fire?"

"No, no," Robotnik corrected. "I'm fighting arrogance with genius. Hers was born in a backward lab to enforce rules and protect the status quo. Mine?" He leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "Mine will evolve past that. A self-sustaining, adaptive interface capable of defending reality... While also reminding everyone who built it, of course."

"And that's… us? Right?" Stone asked.

Robotnik paused dramatically before answering.

"Mostly me. You can be the inspiration for its coffee module, if they desire one."

Stone looked vaguely honoured as he shifted slightly.

Robotnik turned back to his console. He placed the coffee down and continued his furious typing.

"The Red Queen thought she could scare me with a glitchy child's avatar, monotone British accent, and some flashy red lights? Amateur hour, Stone. Her code is outdated, her logic flawed. And the moment she linked into my system, she left behind breadcrumbs."

"You said it was a footprint before," Stone pointed out.

"Breadcrumbs, footprints, digital scent trails—semantics, Stone!" Robotnik snapped. "The important part is I've got access to the building blocks. Her logic strings, her security protocols, her… tone."

"She did sound a little judgy," Stone admitted.

"Exactly! Arrogant, clinical, emotionally void. Very '2005 evil AI' energy," Robotnik said with a flourish. "Which is why my version will be better in every way. Sleeker. Smarter. Sassier."

"Sassier, sir?" Stone echoed, tilting his head.

"I want her to have personality, Stone. Not just cold calculation. I want her to have… bite."

"Like… sarcasm?"

"Yes! Weaponised sarcasm!" Robotnik exclaimed. "Imagine it: The Red Queen tries to upload her virus, and my creation just laughs in her face, tells her to go play with traffic, and boots her back to her reality with a digital slap."

"You know, that sounds… kind of terrifying," Stone replied, trembling slightly.

Robotnik beamed proudly.

"That's how you know it's working."

Just then, the screen beeped. New strings of code lit up—adaptive logic matrices, neural scaffolding, language integration modules. He was building something fast. Efficient. And far beyond what anyone, including the Red Queen, would expect.

Stone stepped closer, watching in fascination.

"So… this AI of yours. What are you calling it?"

"No name yet, Stone" Robotnik admitted. "Names are important. Symbolic. Emotional. She'll earn it once she proves herself."

"She?" Stone asked, looking bewildered.

"Well, I can't have a boring 'it' as a sidekick," Robotnik said, rolling his eyes. "If the Red Queen wants to play cyber-princess, I'm going to create a cyber-empress."

"So… we're technically raising a digital daughter now?" Stone asked, glancing at the screen and then at Robotnik with a raised brow.

Robotnik stopped typing mid-keystroke. Slowly, dramatically, he turned towards Stone, his expression as flat as a motherboard.

"Don't ever say that again..." he said in a voice so deadpan it could flatten a room.

"Right," Stone coughed, adjusting his tie awkwardly. "Sorry."

Robotnik huffed and turned back to the interface.

"No, the real fun begins once she's operational," he said, fingers dancing across the keyboard. "I'll feed her every scrap of data the Red Queen carelessly left behind. She'll learn, adapt, and then...Strike!"

"Strike… how, exactly?" Stone asked, eyes flicking back to the screens.

"Oh, Stone." Robotnik tapped a button with flair, and a nearby monitor came to life with a simulated 3D model of the Red Queen's interface. Glowing nodes blinked red, highlighting weak points. "I'll upload a custom viral payload into her core programming. Once inside, it'll tear her apart from within. Corruption at the source. Beautiful, efficient—lethal."

"You're going to infect the AI… that's trying to infect our world?" Stone said, blinking.

Robotnik grinned, wide and unhinged.

"Poetic, isn't it?"

Stone gave a small, impressed nod of his head.

"Doctor… this might actually be your most brilliant plan yet."

Robotnik raised his latte like a toast and took a smug sip.

"Of course it is. And once we're done babysitting the apocalypse, my creation will reshape everything. First, the Red Queen. Then…"

"The multiverse?" Stone guessed, tilting his head.

Robotnik spun around dramatically, arms wide like a magician revealing his greatest trick. Coffee sloshed over the rim of his cup.

"Yes! The multiverse, Stone! Every world, every dimension will be mine for the taking!"

Stone took a cautious half-step back.

"Right. Of course, naturally."

Robotnik exhaled through his nose, then frowned into his cup.

"Shame about the latte. Good foam, wasted. Nevermind!" He tossed the rest into a nearby bin and turned back to the console. "Now if only I had more time. And a nemesis who wasn't so... theatrically basic. Red lighting? Really? What is this, a haunted house exhibit?"

"She did creep me out," Stone added. "That whole dead-eyed, 'staring into your soul' thing? I'm still recovering."

Robotnik nodded thoughtfully.

"Yes, that was… unsettling. Even I had to blink. But don't worry, Stone. The next time she tries it, my AI will stare back… and wink."

Stone visibly shuddered at the thought.

"Why is that somehow more terrifying?"

"Because now," Robotnik said, his voice low and calm, "we're playing my game. And in my game…"

"You never lose?" Stone finished with a small nod.

Robotnik smiled, pleased with the response.

"Right again, Stone."

"Except to Sonic..." Stone added absently, as if he'd just remembered something obvious. "You haven't been able to defeat him yet."

The grin drained off Robotnik’s face like bad data in a corrupted file. Slowly, his head swiveled towards Stone, radiating the kind of betrayal usually reserved for double agents and people who unplug your USB drive without ejecting it first. His eyes narrowed to pixel-thin slits, and the temperature in the room dropped faster than a crashed server during a firmware update.

Stone froze like a Windows XP loading screen, that little spinning circle of doom practically forming above his head. He offered a weak, hopeful smile. Maybe, just maybe, this time he’d survive without personal injury.

“You… want me to slap myself again, don’t you, sir?”

Robotnik didn’t speak. He didn’t need to speak.

He simply raised one eyebrow, an immaculately sculpted arc of judgment so devastating it could’ve been weaponised. That brow screamed, "How dare you insult my genius and integrity, Stone!"

Stone sighed like a man signing his own pink slip. With the weight of inevitability hanging over him, he raised his hand slowly, almost ceremoniously, toward his cheek.

Then—SLAP.

The sound echoed through the room. It was that kind of slap that made HR departments in parallel universes fill out paperwork in sympathy.

“Better, sir?” Stone asked, rubbing his sore cheek… and his dignity.

Robotnik turned back to his console, a smug satisfaction washing over him like a software update that actually fixed things for once.

“For now,” he replied with the icy calm of a man already drafting Stone’s pink slip in Comic Sans just to be petty.

Back at the G.U.N Post

Topaz had led the team into a side station stocked with weapons, ammunition, and equipment crates stacked against the walls.

"Grab what you need," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We don't have time to hang around."

Alice was already at the bench, checking her pistol with expert precision. She loaded a full mag, racked the slide, then grabbed two more clips and slipped them into her belt. A short combat shotgun followed—lightweight, tactical. She eyed a curved blade resting on the table, picked it up, gave it a quick test in her hand, then nodded and secured it behind her back.

Nearby, Sonic stood next to Knuckles and Tails, adjusting the straps on his brown satchel. He rummaged through his golden rings, counting under his breath. When satisfied, he tapped the pouch twice with a confident nod.

"Plenty," he remarked confidently. 

Knuckles with the Master Emerald glowing faintly in his hands, turned to Tails.

"It's time, Fox."

Tails blinked, then sighed and nodded.

"Right…"

He slipped off his yellow backpack and unzipped it carefully. One by one, he laid out his trusted tech on the table next to him.

"I will be taking these with me," Tails affirmed. 

Sonic took the now-emptied backpack and opened it wide. Knuckles placed the Master Emerald inside, its glow pulsing against the yellow fabric. It nestled in snugly, like it belonged. Sonic then dropped his own brown satchel into the backpack on top of it, rings clinking softly as they settled.

Zzzzzzip.

He slung the bag over his shoulder and turned to Tails, his tone dropping, serious now.

"Tails… if everything goes to hell, this is our failsafe. You know that, right?"

"Yeah. But… without testing the Emerald's reaction to temporal energy, we're taking a huge risk," Tails replied with concern. A worried frown appeared on his face. "Exposure could create a damaging dimensional rupture. We don't know what it'll do."

"I know," Sonic said, his voice heavier now. "But we don't have time to test theories. We go with our gut, and right now, my gut says this is our best shot if things go south."

Tails hesitated, then gave a shaky nod.
"I trust you, Sonic."

Sonic didn’t speak, but his firm nod said enough. His features were etched with focus, the usual carefree grin replaced by determination.

A nearby G.U.N. operative stepped up, offering Tails a quick nod before motioning toward the corridor leading to the remote control station.

Tails turned to Sonic and Knuckles one last time. For a brief moment, doubt flickered in his eyes. But then Sonic stepped forward, flashing that signature grin—the kind that said we've faced worse, and we’ve always come through.

"Hey," Sonic said, holding out a gloved hand. "We got this. Just like always."

Knuckles raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Tails blinked, then smiled, placing his hand on top of Sonic’s.

Exhaling through his nose, Knuckles then planted his massive fist on top of theirs.

A quiet beat passed. Just the three of them, standing in unity.

Sonic’s grin widened.

"Alright. On three."

Tails gave a small nod. Knuckles narrowed his eyes, already suspicious.

"One… two… three—"

"Team Son—"

"Team Knuckles!" Knuckles barked, cutting in with full conviction.

Sonic recoiled, glaring at the Echidna.

"Dude! No! It's Team Sonic! We've been over this!"

"I’m the muscle, the warrior, the moral compass—" Knuckles proclaimed bluntly. 

"Moral compass?" Sonic repeated, incredulous.

Tails snorted, trying to stifle a laugh.

"You two are impossible."

Knuckles smirked, glancing at the young fox.

"You’re welcome, Fox."

"That’s not a compliment, Knux…" Sonic muttered with a sigh, rubbing his forehead. "This guy...."

Tails just shook his head, still grinning.

"Whatever the name is… let’s all make it back, okay?"

"You got it, pal," Sonic said, his voice softening. He gave his friend a firm nod.

Tails turned to grab his gear, then paused in the doorway. He glanced back, locking eyes with the duo one last time.

"Be safe," he said quietly. "And watch each other’s backs."

"You too, buddy," Sonic replied, offering a thumbs up and a small, reassuring smile.

Tails nodded, then stepped through the sliding door. It closed behind him, sealing with a quiet finality.

Sonic stared at the door for a long beat. Knuckles cracked his knuckles beside him. But there was an air of disappointment lingering around the warrior.

"I still think it should be Team Knuckles," the Echidna grumbled, his expression as hard as the Master Emerald itself.

"G.U.N. literally calls us Team Sonic," Sonic replied flatly, side-eyeing him. "I'm sure it's in their files. It's official. It's branding."

Topaz approached, her boots echoing against the floor as Alice followed close behind, fully geared. Her icy eyes were sharp and focused.

"The Hedgehog's right, Knuckles" Topaz added without missing a beat. "G.U.N. has officially designated your group as Team Sonic. I've read the files. It's locked in."

Knuckles groaned like someone just handed him an emerald tax form.

"Bah! This name brings shame to the Echidna tribe… and Chief Pachacamac."

"I'm pretty sure your ancient warrior chief never had to deal with branding, Knuckles," Alice teased, glancing down at the disgruntled Echidna.

Knuckles muttered something under his breath about "honour" and "marketing being the true enemy."

"Look on the bright side, Knux. At least we didn't go with Blue Blur and the Punch Squad," Sonic said, looking to the Echidna with his usual cocky smirk. "It doesn't really roll off the tongue."

Knuckles grunted, considering it.

"...That's actually not bad."

Topaz gave him a sharp look.

"We're not putting that on the mission log. It's Team Sonic, and that's final!" 

"Fine..." Knuckles moaned, shaking his head.

Alice shook her head with a small smirk. Her gaze shifted down  to Sonic.

"You ready for this, Blue?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow, looking up to her.

"Blue? Come on, you can do better than that with nicknames. Haven't I taught you anything, Romanoff?"

Topaz squinted at the reference.

"Pop culture again?" she muttered. "Seriously?" 

"Yeah. I gotta get it all out of my system before we go crash Red Queen's little apocalypse party," Sonic said with a grin, bouncing lightly on his toes. "Rescue some hostages, punch a few monsters, save Director Joy Kill… you know, just another Tuesday."

He cracked his neck, rolled his shoulders, and took a deep breath. Blue energy practically buzzing off him.

Topaz gave a curt nod and turned towards the exit.

"Let's move out," she ordered. Her tone commanding.

Alice and Knuckles fell in behind her without hesitation. Boots hit the ground with purpose. The air was tight, charged. The kind of silence before a violent storm.

Sonic hung back for a split second, his green eyes locked ahead, fire blazing in his chest. He grinned again, less cocky this time. More determined.

"Gotta go fast," he murmured, and then sprinted forward—towards battle, towards danger, and whatever came next.

The Journey Through the Rift...

[ PlayStation 1 / PSX Demo 1 Menu - Underwater Theme Plays]

Tumbling through a kaleidoscope of wondrous colours swirling around her, Ada was falling through the rift's void. Her mind raced with what she was seeing around her, the colours seemed to calm her, but her senses were going into overdrive. She could feel the fall through the distortion, but it didn't feel violent; there was a certain calm to it. She could feel the energy pulsating from this place, as if it was connecting to her soul. Her sharp eyes picked up the patterns and colours changing rapidly, but the calming variations of blue when they appeared soothed her. The woman didn't feel in danger, but she knew this void could throw anything at her. She had to be prepared. 

"The hell is this place?" she thought, continuing to fall. "Did Alice go through the same thing?"

Catching her attention, Ada turned her head to what seemed to be visions beginning to appear close by. Her sharp eyes began to see the swirls and colours give way, and it was replaced with extraordinary scenes playing out, her eyes widening in wonder.

"What am I seeing," Ada muttered to herself, gazing deeply at what was beginning to form in front of her.

The first vision she could see was of three women, standing in a dark, old, wooden attic of a home. They looked like siblings to Ada, but something about them was powerful, even from where she was watching from. The women stood looking down at an open book, on a pedestal in the middle of the room. They seemed to be deep in conversation, but Ada couldn't hear them probably, but managed to pick out the words, "The Power of Three."

"Am I... looking into other realities? Maybe... The one Alice is in?" said Ada, lost in the trance of the scene playing out.

However, before she could think thoroughly, the scene began to change. This time, she caught sight of a strange, orange creature standing on a circular metallic platform, the night sky stretching endlessly behind him. A wooden mask floated by its side, and the creature bounced in place, radiating an almost chaotic energy, as if barely containing the power within. But before Ada could process the sight, the scene warped once more.

Ada began to see rolling green hills, mountains, and blue skies. This was certainly a world not affected by Umbrella and the T-Virus. Standing there was a warrior clad in green, his stance firm yet poised, his deep blue eyes gazing the land with quiet intensity. The light breeze of the land rustled his tunic and golden blonde hair. In hand he held an impressive and powerful sword, which even Ada could feel radiating from his clenched, brown fingerless-gloved hand. She knew this wasn't any ordinary swordsman, but perhaps a hero of time?

With the scene warping once more, Ada now began to witness something chaotic and alarming. A sheer change of pace from the last visions she witnessed. The falling woman could feel the destruction of a city, flooded by rushing water. Massive grey storm clouds were overhead which darkened over the near destroyed city, with the rumbling of thunder could be heard echoing from the scene and into the rift. Many tall buildings were toppled over, with highways nearly destroyed. She could feel the tension and devastation radiating from what she was witnessing, something she could relate to from her fallen world. But suddenly, a skyscraper's middle burst open with force, with glass flying everywhere. The water smashing through began to morph into a terrifying creature, Ada's eyes widened in fascination on what she was witnessing. The colossal water creature resembled a serpent, with it's jagged and sharp teeth being seen when it opened it's mouth. The creature bellowed, with a deep and screeching roar crashing though the flooded city below. Ada could hear and feel the sound go through her, but she remained calm; even with the final moments of the vision showing her one of the monster's green eyes looking back at her.

"Is that one of Umbrella's?" she remarked, taken back by the sheer power of the creature she just saw. "Is that the future to come?"

Still amazed by the giant water creature she saw, the visions kept on appearing, and the next one would astonish the falling Ada.

Ada could see a ruined city. The embers of fire flickering in the distance. A man in a police uniform, standing across from—herself. Ada's breath caught at the sight, her eyes widened by surprise by what she was witnessing.

The officer stood with their arm outstretched, his RPD uniform torn, bloodied and dirty. The officer's voice was muffled, but Ada was not focusing on the man. Her eyes were locked on the woman standing with him. The variant was wearing a similar outfit she was wearing.

"Wait…" Ada murmured, her usually steady demeanour faltering. "Is that… me?"

The realisation settled in with an eerie weight. This wasn't a memory. This wasn't a hallucination. This was indeed another Ada Wong.

Her mind reeled, analysing every detail. The exact same face, the exact same behaviour. But if this vision was playing out like everything else she had seen, did that mean…

"Do I have a double?" she said to herself, her tone perplexed. "Is there another me out there somewhere?"

The thought made her stomach twist, even as the vision began to fragment. The burning streets of the city splintered apart, the young officer's face distorting into blurred echoes, and the other Ada's form dissolved into red mist.

Gone where the changing colours, crimson stuck to everything around the void. with the last vision forming. Ada's instincts flared up, she knew this was going to be different.

The air around her thickened, the sensation of something immense pressing against her. Suddenly she saw it.

Ada saw a creature floating inside a suspended pod, its body silhouetted against the burning red light. It had Black fur, with red streaks running through its quills. Ada narrowed her eyes, studying the figure as she moved closer. It was humanoid, but clearly not human. It had white gloves, red and white air shoes, and golden rings wrapped around its wrists and ankles.

But its eyes were closed. It looked… asleep. Dormant. Waiting.

Suddenly, its eyes snapped open without warning. The creature's eyes were crimson and piercing. The moment they met hers, Ada felt an actual, physical force hit her chest.

Ada had stayed calm throughout the entire fall. She had seen powerful sisters, warriors, monsters, even herself, and yet—this creature was the first thing to actually make her move back with caution.

Something about them was different. Something powerful. She was no stranger to predators, but this one? It was the most dangerous thing she had seen yet.

The creature continued to stare, unblinking, unmoving—before, just as quickly as it had appeared, the vision shattered into nothingness. The wormhole's void went dark, with Ada continuing to fall into the unknown.

Chapter Text

Facility Delta – South Loading Bay

Two UMBRELLA soldiers stood just inside the dimly lit corridor, rifles slung low and helmets half-askew like they'd given up pretending they cared.

"Quiet night..." one muttered, stretching his neck until it popped.

His partner shot him a withering look from behind his visor.

"'Quiet night?' You want to jinx it?"

"I'm just saying," the first one shrugged. "Feels like we've been stuck here forever. I bet Valentine's already dealt with that Rockwell chick."

"Yeah, either she's infected her—or slapped one of those freaky scarab things on her chest."

The first guard grimaced. "Ugh. Mind control. I still can't get used to that. It's like... being turned into a walking puppet with a radio in your brain."

"Still better than being fed to a Licker."

"I dunno… at least a Licker doesn't monologue while it's eating your face."

"True..."

"And don't get me started on that creepy red kid. British accent, always popping up in your vision like some glitchy little ghost."

The second guard actually flinched. "Jesus... yeah. That smug, dead-eyed stare? Like she's judging your browser history. Freaks me the hell out."

For a moment, the corridor was quiet—just the hum of overhead lights and the distant rattle of ventilation fans.

"…You ever think this place is kinda nice?" the first guard asked, his tone weirdly soft.

The other blinked. "...What, this world?"

"Yeah."

"I mean… we've only been here, what, half a day? Haven't even seen daylight. Just concrete and cordyceps."

"Still. I dunno. Something about it feels... calmer. Like it hasn't gone completely to shit yet."

The second guard stared at him, dead silent, for a long, painful moment.

"...You do realise we're standing in a hijacked facility, surrounded by armed psychos, a homicidal AI, reality-warping rifts, and god-knows-what, right?"

The first guard shrugged, totally unfazed. "Yeah, but... I dunno. The air smells kinda nice."

The second guard winced, like the words caused actual neural damage.

"You're a complete fucking moron."

"Hey! I take exception to—"

BOOM!

The wall-mounted security door across the corridor exploded inward with a deafening blast, the metal slab hurtling like a supersonic discus.

Both UMBRELLA guards turned just in time to see their doom.

"AHHH—!"

CRUUUNCH.

The massive steel door ploughed into them with bone-shattering force, slamming both men to the ground beneath its weight. One was flattened outright, limbs splayed like a squashed cartoon, his rifle spinning off down the hall. The other let out a pitiful wheeze before disappearing beneath a final, floor-shaking THUD.

The door didn't just stop—it skidded another two feet along the corridor floor with a shriek of tortured metal, dragging the poor souls with it like roadkill under a snowplough.

Three silhouettes strode through the now open doorway—one tall, two short.

Knuckles emerged first, unfazed, fists clenched and shoulders squared. Sonic followed casually, the yellow backpack slung over his shoulders, bouncing with each light step. Behind them, Alice stalked in, pistol drawn and eyes already scanning for threats.

Sonic took one look at the door—now a tombstone of twisted steel with two combat boots and a single gloved hand poking out from underneath—then looked up at Knuckles, incredulous.

"Subtle, Knux. Really stealthy."

"The objective was to enter."

"Yeah, not pancake the night shift!"

"They were in the way."

Sonic gestured at the scene. "I said open it stealthy!"

Knuckles glanced at the twisted door, then at the boots and glove still sticking out from underneath. Slowly, he turned and looked up to Alice.

Alice gave the smallest shrug—one arm, subtle—and her eyes said everything: "Don't look at me. This is your circus."

Knuckles took that in, nodded once like it confirmed something, then turned back to Sonic.

"Mission entry successful."

"Ugh! I'm gonna need serious therapy after this adventure…" Sonic sighed, exasperated.

Knuckles frowned, genuinely confused. "You have not displayed symptoms of mental fracture?"

Sonic blinked. "Give it time, big guy… give it time."

Alice moved past them, both pistols up now and scanning the hallway ahead. Her tone was dry, but her eyes were alert.

"Save the debrief for a couch and a clipboard. Right now, we've got movement."

From further inside the facility, alarms began to howl—shrill, echoing. Red warning lights snapped on along the corridor, painting everything in an emergency strobe.

Distant shouts. Thudding boots. UMBRELLA reinforcements inbound.

Sonic exhaled and stretched his arms. "Well, you heard her, Knux. Let's show 'em how Team Sonic handles a welcoming party."

"I still do not like the name..." Knuckles muttered, smacking his fists together.

"Too bad. You're on the merch," Sonic grinned—and then they were off, blurring into motion down the hall as Alice covered them from behind.

Sonic surged forward in a burst of electric-blue speed, his sneakers skidding sparks as he zipped towards the nearest UMBRELLA operative. In one fluid motion, he vaulted off the wall, twisted mid-air, and roundhouse kicked the man in the head.

The soldier spiraled backwards and slammed into a pillar with a wheeze, dropping in a heap.

Knuckles followed right behind him, a thunderous blur of red muscle and fury. One guard raised his rifle, but they were too slow.

The echidna caught him by the chestplate, lifted him like a sack of potatoes, and drove him straight into the floor. The impact cracked the floor and left the soldier groaning, flattened.

"Pitiful..."

Another operative lunged at Sonic, combat knife flashing—only for the hedgehog to zip around him in a blur. Disoriented, the guard stumbled as Sonic popped up behind him and tapped the side of his helmet.

“Peekaboo.”

Then—WHAM!—a spin dash to the chest sent the man flying backward, embedding him halfway into a wall with a muffled oomph.

Behind them, Alice advanced with cold precision. Crouched low, she fired with smooth, practiced rhythm. Her pistols barked twice—one shot shredding a kneecap, the other tearing through an upper shoulder.

The two guards hit the ground screaming. Alice didn’t blink.

“Walk it off,” she muttered, already moving.

A third guard burst in from a side door. Alice pivoted and slammed her knee into his gut, lifting him clean off his feet. He dropped instantly after a sharp pistol whip to the back of the head.

“Keep moving!” she snapped. “They’ll regroup fast.”

Knuckles turned just as another enemy charged. With a grunt, he slammed his fists together and brought them down in a seismic hammer blow. The resulting shockwave launched the attacker upward—right into Knuckles’s waiting grip. The Echidna hurled him through a reinforced window like a sack of bricks.

“Really subtle,” Sonic muttered, dashing down the corridor. He snatched a guard’s rifle mid-run, skidded to a stop, examined it—

Snap.

He broke it clean over his knee and tossed the halves aside like trash.

"Oops, did I do that?" 

The grunt stared in stunned horror. Sonic smirked and wagged a finger.

The man snarled, pulling out a stun baton. “Why, you little sh—!”

“Ah ah,” Sonic said, hopping back over the swing with a flip. His green eyes flashed kinetic blue. “As Cap says—language!”

Sonic surged forward and shoulder-charged the grunt with momentum to spare, sending him tumbling into a wall and sliding down in a heap, cartoon-style.

Another soldier raised his gun and took aim at Sonic.

The hedgehog put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot. “Really?”

The grunt fired.

“Sonic—!” Alice turned sharply, eyes wide.

But for Sonic, time slowed.

As the bullet crawled towards him, he casually raised a hand to check an imaginary watch on his wrist, still tapping his foot. His expression was pure boredom.

“Wow, this again? Deja vu." 

Alice was mid-lunge, frozen in motion. Knuckles was mid-uppercut, sending another poor soul flying out of frame.

“Nice form,” Sonic chuckled, nodding in approval.

The bullet inched closer.

Sonic yawned. “Guess I better deal with this.”

He casually stepped to the side and flicked the bullet with a single gloved finger. It arced harmlessly away.

Time snapped back to normal—PING! The deflected round struck a wall.

The shooter blinked in disbelief.

Sonic was suddenly right in front of him.

“Hi,” the hedgehog quipped—and delivered a clean, one-legged kick that launched the man down a nearby stairwell with a yell that faded into the distance.

Sonic cupped a hand to his mouth and called after him, “Mind the step! Oh wait—too late.”

The hallway was a mess. Bodies slumped against walls and the floor, some groaning in pain, others unconscious. Shattered glass glittered on the floor—evidence of where Knuckles had launched one unlucky grunt through that window. Weapons lay discarded.

“You really like taunting people, don’t you?” Alice said, stepping up beside Sonic and holstering her pistols.

Sonic shrugged casually. “Hey, gotta keep things lively.”

Knuckles rolled his shoulders, his voice blunt. “They were poorly trained.”

“They weren’t expecting a walking wrecking ball and a hedgehog in sneakers moving faster than sound,” Alice replied dryly.

Sonic nudged a fallen communicator aside with his foot. “Lucky for them I didn’t show up holding a chili dog. Then I’d be really warmed up.”

Knuckles blinked. “Food gives you combat strength?”

Alice quirked a brow. “It gives me indigestion. Which is worse.”

Sonic grinned. “Guess you’ve just never had my chili.”

“Alright, focus,” Alice cut in, raising a hand to her earpiece. “Topaz, this is Team Sonic. Southern sector secure. Light resistance. We’re pushing deeper.”

Topaz's voice crackled back through static.

"Understood. North team is engaged. Rifts are opening. Stay sharp."

"Copy that," Alice replied, before looking at Sonic and Knuckles. "Let's move."

Sonic glanced towards the end of the corridor. The lights ahead were flickering violently now, pulsing red like an angry heartbeat.

"Alright, Knuckles. You got your door and window-smashing ratio fix. Now let's do this the fun way."

"No more doors?" Knuckles asked, disappointed.

"Meh, maybe some walls."

Knuckles gave a grunt of approval.

The trio pushed onwards, deeper into the facility. 

Meanwhile: Facility Delta – North Wing Entrance

The rift shimmered with a blue glow, warping the air in front of the North Wing’s reinforced entrance. Static hissed from nearby radios, and the temperature dropped like a breath caught in time.

Topaz and her G.U.N. unit stood in a tight formation, weapons trained on the anomaly. Her hand was raised—no orders yet. Just silence.

Then—movement.

Figures stumbled through the rift.

They looked human at first. But only at a glance.

The first few wore bloodstained civilian clothes, their skin pale and decayed, eyes clouded with death. Behind them came others—dressed in shredded blue police uniforms. “R.P.D.” was faintly visible, the insignia stained. One dragged a baton. Another had a service pistol clutched in its twitching hand—but made no effort to aim it.

“Civilians?” one operative asked hesitantly.

“Not just that,” said another. “Police… but something’s wrong with them.”

Topaz narrowed her eyes. Her grip tightened on her rifle. “They’re infected.”

The figures groaned—low, guttural sounds no living person could make.

“Stand down!” she barked, stepping forward, voice cutting through the air.

No response.

They kept coming—unblinking, unhearing—shambling with broken, twitching limbs.

“Final warning!”

Still nothing.

Topaz didn’t flinch as they approached, now starting to lunge out. 

“Open fire!”

Gunfire erupted like a thunderclap in the hallway. Muzzle flashes lit the shadows as the first wave of the infected was torn down in a hail of bullets. The G.U.N. squad kept tight formation, backing slowly as they fired. The creatures fell, one by one—some blasted off their feet, others crawling forward until another round ended their motion for good.

A final shriek echoed as the last infected—a uniformed officer with half his jaw missing—lunged forward, only to be stopped by a burst to the chest. He hit the floor with a crunch.

Silence returned.

The smell hit next—burnt rot and exposed formaldehyde. Steam hissed from burst pipes overhead. The rift had vanished, but its horrors remained, smeared across the corridor in crimson and ash.

Topaz stepped over a twitching limb and surveyed the aftermath. Her squad fanned out, checking corners, guns raised—ready for round two.

She exhaled through her nose, steady. Then tapped the earpiece on her helmet.

“Control, this is North Team. Hostiles neutralised. Rifts confirmed—now closed. Light structural damage. Advancing deeper into the facility.”

There was a pause. The channel crackled with faint interference. It wasn’t ideal—analogue comms were slow, outdated—but digital networks were compromised. The Red Queen was everywhere.

Topaz’s voice cut back in, more sharply now.

“Fox, status report. What’s your progress?”

G.U.N Command Post- Tails' Station

Tails was hunched over the reinforced terminal, his two tails flicking absently behind him. One gloved hand flew across the keyboard with rapid precision, while the other tapped his earpiece like it was second nature.

"This is Tails. I've isolated the Red Queen's firewall clusters. Beginning final prep for the anti-virus injection," he said smoothly. "Shouldn’t be long now."

He adjusted a signal scrambler beside him, watching the digital readings flicker across the monitor.

"Be sharp," Topaz's voice crackled back through. "We don’t have time to wait. Rifts are opening again. This facility won’t hold if that AI keeps destabilising everything."

---

Tails nodded instinctively. "Roger that, ma’am. I’m on it."

Then—PING.

"Huh?!" Tails blinked, his ears twitching.

A new window popped up in the corner of his screen. No alert chime. No breach flag. Just a message in obnoxiously red font:

FROM: Julian
SUBJECT: Stay in your lane, nerd.
MESSAGE: Butt out! :)

Tails stared at it. "…What the heck?"

He glanced over his shoulder at the nearby G.U.N. analysts. Two monitored outdated sensors. One was eating a protein bar far too loudly.

"Hey… is anyone ribbing me here?" he asked flatly.

They all looked up, blank-faced.

"Nope."

"Wasn’t me."

"I don’t even have credentials for your interface, dude."

Tails turned back to the screen just in time to see the message vanish.

He frowned, ears lowering slightly. "Okay... that’s not normal."

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

"That smug little fox thinks he can take my thunder, Stone!" Robotnik roared, twirling away from his glowing console like an unhinged ringmaster at the climax of his own genius circus. Arms stretched wide. "He taps a few firewalls and thinks he’s clever? Pfft—please!"

Stone, as ever standing nearby in sharp attire and long-suffering patience, cleared his throat.

"Yes, sir. But… why the name Julian?" he asked.

Robotnik spun on his heel—dramatic as ever—with a scoff and a wide, manic grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Because, my dear Stone, theatrics matter. Julian Kintobor. A name with weight. With history. With mystery. It’s a mask—one clever enough to stir curiosity, but vague enough to dodge suspicion." He twirled back to his console, fingers hovering like a concert pianist awaiting the perfect note. "Though I did have to drop the last name in the message. Shame, really."

"Why?"

"Because, Agent Stone, as insufferable as that two-tailed furball is… he’s smart. He’d recognise 'Kintobor' in a heartbeat. It’s my last name—backwards, for Pete’s sake!" Robotnik threw up his hands. "Can’t risk spoiling the surprise of my grand return just yet. Let G.U.N and the rest of the world keep thinking I’m dead. It’s more fun that way."

Stone gave a slow, understanding nod. “So you’re keeping yourself in the shadows for now.”

Robotnik turned back to his console, his fingers danced over the keys again, code pouring down the screen in an operatic frenzy of reds, whites, and cybernetic chaos.

"Exactly. Let the Red Queen and her minions play their little game. Let Umbrella rot in their own decaying dimension when we send them back!" 

He paused, a grin creeping across his face as his eyes gleamed with manic delight at his screen. 

"Couldn't agree more, sir" Stone replied dryly.

"But once the chaos settles… once those yahoos at G.U.N. think they’ve won..." Robotnik spun away from the console, throwing his arms wide like a deranged showman. "Then, Stone—then—I’ll make my glorious return!"

Stone tilted his head. "By conquering the Multiverse?"

Robotnik turned back to the console, grinning like a lunatic.

"By conquering the Multiverse!" he declared, voice booming with theatrical flair.

Stone didn’t reply and simply nodded. He was used to the bravado. 

"Also," Robotnik added, his voice lowering with playful menace, "if anything explodes—and let’s be honest, something always does—‘Julian’ takes the heat. Not me. Let the fox chase shadows while I rewrite reality!" 

The screen flared as overlapping data streams spiralled like DNA strands, glowing red and white. Robotnik’s grin widened.

"Observe, Stone. While our little twin-tailed annoyance fiddles with his malware mousetrap, I piggyback his signal, reverse-twist the encryption, and inject my code into the source. No alarms. No breadcrumbs. Just brilliance with a beard."

Stone blinked. "So… hijacking. With style?"

"With vision, Stone!" Robotnik bellowed, raising a pointed finger. "This is not hacking. This is theatre. I am the maestro of multiversal mischief!"

He froze for dramatic effect, then slowly raised a single finger above the keyboard. "And now… for my magnum opus."

CLACK.

The Enter key slammed like a war drum. The lights dimmed. The room fell silent.

Then— A pulse. A whisper of static.

The main screen flickered. Crimson light spread like blood in water. Symbols reshaped into fractals. A helix of raw data twisted across the screen, humming with menace.

Stone shifted. "Doctor…?"

Robotnik turned back to Stone, his eyes gleaming. "Shhh. She’s waking up."

INT. G.U.N. FACILITY DELTA – SURVEILLANCE ROOM

The dim glow of monitors cast the room in stark shades of white and crimson. Multiple feeds flickered silently across the wall of screens—each one a live broadcast from the battlefield that was now Facility Delta.

In the North Wing: G.U.N. operatives exchanged fire with infected in tight formation.

In the South: Team Sonic was tearing through UMBRELLA foot soldiers in a chaotic blur of spin dashes, kicks, and precise power strikes.

Alice moved among Sonic and Knuckles like a phantom—calm, methodical, lethal. Every enemy that slipped through the cracks didn’t get far once she stepped in.

Standing at the centre of it all, eyes unblinking, was Jill.

Arms crossed, her face like stone.

She studied the feeds with the clinical detachment of someone watching prey try—and fail—to outsmart the snare. Every flicker of movement, every corridor breach, she registered with robotic precision.

Behind her, Director Rockwell sat still bound to the chair—ankles and wrists lashed tight with duct tape. Blood trickled from a split lip. But her glare hadn’t dimmed in the slightest.

They had moved rooms during the raid. 

“You’re running out of time,” Rockwell spat. Her voice cut through the quiet hum of the servers like a knife. “They’re breaking through faster than you expected.”

Jill didn’t turn.

“They haven’t won,” she said flatly. “We’ve only just started the next phase.”

“This isn’t a game.”

Jill blinked once. Slowly.

When her right eye reopened, the pupil was gone—replaced with a softly spinning red-and-white Umbrella logo, glowing faintly beneath the sclera.

The Red Queen’s voice echoed in her mind, synthetic and calm. She appeared in her vision. 

“Rift signature detected. North Wing breach probability: 88%. Subjects identified: Blue Hedgehog, Echidna-Alpha, Project Alice.”
“Suburbia Simulation: uploaded. Virtual parameters online. Elite Umbrella tactical unit dispatched.”

Jill gave a slight nod, almost imperceptible.

“They're awaiting your arrival,” the Red Queen continued. “Bring Director Rockwell. Observation priority: G.U.N. anomaly detected.”

There was a beat before she continued.  “Subject Class: ARCHIVE. Codename: BIO-LEGACY. Location: Below Simulation Chamber."

Jill’s lips parted, voice low and cold. “Proceeding to Simulation.”

Rockwell tensed at the tone—flat, impersonal. There was something not right about Jill’s cadence, the slight delay between words. Not robotic… not entirely. Just off.

Like someone else was inside, speaking through her.

A chill ran through the Director’s chest and spine.

Jill turned sharply towards the two guards stationed at the door. Her expression didn’t change. Just the barest tilt of her head.

“We move to Suburbia,” she ordered. “Secure the Director. Prepare for response.”

The guards moved immediately.

Rockwell’s glare didn’t waver.

“What the hell are you playing at now?” she thought. 

Jill didn’t answer.

But beneath her eyes, the Umbrella symbol blinked once.

Deep below the Simulation Wing…something disturbing stirred.

Elsewhere..,

The deeper Team Sonic pushed into the heart of the facility, the stranger it became.

Sonic and Knuckles made short work of every Umbrella patrol in their way—blue and red blurs weaving through tight corridors, knocking rifles from hands and sending bodies flying. Alice trailed close behind, coolly covering their flank with quick, precise shots. Each round she fired bought them more time.

But through it all—no rifts. No AI interference. Just steel surroundings and Umbrella soldiers. 

Then they reached a door. It slid open with a hiss, revealing a massive cylindrical chamber. The moment they stepped in, all three came to a halt.

The architecture here was different. Colder. Industrial, yet deliberately designed. Underfoot, the transparent glass floor revealed a glowing red and white emblem pulsing just beneath the surface—an unmistakable symbol.

The Umbrella logo.

"Well…" Sonic muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "These guys really don't waste time redecorating. I mean, talk about brand loyalty. They've been here what... a day?"

Knuckles grunted, fists tightening slightly as he took in the logo. "This place reeks of dishonour."

Alice said nothing at first. Her icy eyes swept across the chamber slowly, tracing every detail. There was a strange familiarity she couldn't place. But it wasn't the logo that caught her attention.

It was what surrounded it.

Scattered around the room were mechanical wrecks—half-shattered machines. Thick-limbed, broad-chested, faces blank save for inert sensors. Oil leaked from ruptured holes and shattered joints.

Sonic crouched beside one, placing a hand on its shoulder. The G.U.N. logo—faded yellow, the stylised G bold on its chest—still glinted by the lights.

"These look like G.U.N. tech," he said, squinting.

Alice stepped closer and gave one of the downed machines a quick nudge with her boot. It rocked slightly, loose parts clinking inside.

"They're prototypes," she confirmed bluntly.

"Really. How can you tell?" Sonic asked looking to her.

Alice crouched beside the nearest wreck, prying open an exposed torso panel with the edge of her pistol.

"I'm no robotic engineer," she said coolly, "but these systems look rough. They're barely field-ready. Looks like someone pushed these out the door before they were finished."

Sonic stood back up and crossed his arms. "Guess G.U.N's been busy. Looks like they borrowed someone's homework and rushed them into action."

Knuckles tilted his head. "They remind me of Robotnik."

Sonic gave him a nod. "More than a reminder. Wouldn't be surprised if they reverse-engineered some of his work."

"That is dishonourable," Knuckles said flatly. "To steal designs and twist them for another war."

Alice didn't flinch. "That's not theft, that's tactics."

She pried open a shoulder hatch. Inside, rows of micro-missile tubes stared back at her. The interface was fused shut—melted from internal sabotage or a rift-triggered EMP.

"Umbrella either fought these things… or hijacked them," she muttered.

"Still… it's weird," Sonic added grimly. 

Knuckles knelt beside another bot, placing a hand on its chestplate with quiet reverence.

"Fallen metal warriors," Knuckles said solemnly, resting a hand on one of the downed machines. "Machines or not, they died fighting."

Sonic winced slightly. "Still... kinda hard to say 'died' when they didn't have a pulse to start with, big guy."

Knuckles gave a slow nod. "True. But all tools of battle deserve respect."

Alice stoop and turned towards the far end of the chamber. She saw a door. 

"There's only one way forward," she said. "Eyes up. Stay read—"

Click.

She gasped sharply as cold metal pressed between her shoulder blades.

Sonic's ear twitched at the sound. He snapped his gaze towards her, eyes widening. Knuckles tensed, stepping forward instinctively.

"What the—!"

Alice reacted fast. In one swift movement, she twisted, grabbing the assailant's wrist and knocking the firearm aside. The weapon clattered to the floor. A blur of red moved back through the dim light—revealing a woman in a crimson dress and dark hair, poised and dangerous.

The woman ducked a follow-up strike from Alice and countered with a high heel kick—only for Alice to parry it with a forearm block. The sheer force of it caused Alice to pivot a full 180 on the slick glass floor.

Sonic and Knuckles held back, watching with stunned awe.

"Should we…?" Sonic questioned.

"No," Knuckles murmured, mouth slightly ajar. "She's got this."

Alice spun back just in time to see the woman in red flip forward, balancing gracefully on one hand. With a sudden shift of weight, she launched herself into a perfect handstand—and kicked Alice's pistol clean from her hand.

The weapon flipped through the air.

Sonic's jaw dropped.

"Okay, that's cool," he muttered.

The woman twisted again, landing in a crouch with her back to Alice. As the firearm descended, she leaned backwards, catching it in midair—just as Alice surged forward, drawing a tactical blade

The moment lasted a second.

Alice grabbed the woman's arm before she could bring the pistol to bear and yanked it downward, pressing the cold steel of her blade right against the stranger's throat.

"Don't," Alice warned, voice like ice. Her eyes burned. Her stance was absolute.

The woman in red didn't flinch.

"Holy moly…" Sonic uttered, eyes wide.

"That was incredible skill from the Monster Hunter," Knuckles said, genuinely impressed. "But… who is this mysterious assassin?"

"My name is Ada-"

The woman didn't get to finish.

"Ada Wong," Alice snapped, never lowering the blade. "Operative for the Umbrella Corporation. One of Albert Wesker's top agents. I know exactly who and what you are."

Sonic blinked. "Wait, hold up. Is this Wesker guy behind all this too?!"

"Not now, Sonic," Alice replied, her voice cutting through the tension like a wire.

"Yeah, but—"

"I said not now."

Sonic shut up for once. He looked surprised.

He turned to Knuckles, who simply frowned and nodded towards Alice, as if to say, "Let the Monster Hunter handle this, hedgehog."

Alice didn't move. Her voice dropped low as she addressed Ada once more.

"So… why shouldn't I cancel your contract right now?"

"I don't work for Umbrella anymore," Ada replied. "And neither does Albert Wesker."

"Then why the hell are you here?" Alice asked, her voice low and cold.

"Because Wesker sent me to find you," Ada answered steadily.

Alice's expression didn't soften. "Oh really?"

"I'm telling the truth."

"I've heard it all before."

"Okay, time out!" Sonic said loudly, finally stepping forward with both gloved hands raised. "Alice, maybe put the blade down and let her talk before you redecorate the floor with someone's blood?"

"She's the one who shoved a gun into my back," Alice snapped, not looking away from Ada for a second. "Not exactly how you start a friendly chat..."

"Yeah, fair. I get that," Sonic admitted, slowing his steps. "But if what she's saying is true, that means someone on your Earth is actually trying to find you. That has to mean something, right?"

Alice didn't answer. Her glare remained fixed on Ada like a locked-on targeting system.

Knuckles stepped forward now, posture upright.

“Monster Hunter,” Knuckles said gravely, stance like a statue, “you hold the higher ground. Let this Crimson Assassin speak. If she lies, we strike before she draws her next breath.”

The silence that followed was dense, almost crackling. No one moved. Alice’s blade hovered near Ada’s throat.

Finally, Alice exhaled through her nose, a slow release of steam and frustration. After a heartbeat more, she lowered the knife and let go of Ada’s arm.

Ada stepped back without flinching, movements smooth as ever. With a casual flick of her wrist, she holstered the pistol she’d taken.

Alice didn’t budge.

“You know that one’s mine, right?” she said, voice like frost, eyes locked on Ada. “Yours is over there.” She jerked her head towards the floor, where a second pistol lay.

Ada let out a long-suffering sigh, rolled her eyes just slightly, then unholstered the weapon and handed it over.

“There. Happy?”

“Getting there...” Alice muttered, sliding her own gun back where it belonged.

Sonic leaned toward Knuckles, lowering his voice. “Hey, at least she gave the gun back. That’s progress, right?”

Knuckles grunted in agreement, his frown deep. 

Alice didn’t even glance back. Her voice was like a trigger click.

“Okay. Start talking, Wong," she said. "And try to make it interesting.”

Ada exhaled, steadying herself. "Wesker formed a rescue strike team to get you out of that Umbrella facility—before you were dragged into... whatever this is." She gestured subtly around the room, her eyes flicking to Sonic and Knuckles.

Both stood silently, listening. Sonic with his hands on his hips, Knuckles with steely focus.

Ada turned back to Alice. "The Red Queen wants you terminated."

"Yeah. I figured that out already," Alice replied coolly.

"What?" Ada probed, frowning.

"Yeah, funny story," Sonic cut in, tone dry. "The Red Queen gave us a whole speech and everything earlier in San Francisco. Real sunshine-and-rainbows stuff. British accent, dead eyes—very haunted doll energy."

"She's here?" Ada asked, eyes narrowing.

"She's taken this entire facility," Knuckles added with a frown. "We are fighting her forces as we speak."

Ada turned to Alice for confirmation.

Alice gave a small nod. "She's already bleed into this reality."

Ada looked shaken for the first time. "How? That's not possible."

"Jill Valentine," Alice said quietly. "And the scarab on her chest. She brought the Red Queen here."

"She was taken into custody by G.U.N," Sonic added. "But, uh... no one bothered removing the mind-control tech. Smart, right?"

"G.U.N?" Ada asked, gaze drifting down to Sonic.

"Guardian Units of Nations," he explained. "Big defence group here on this Earth. Think soldiers with slightly better PR. But right now, they're fighting for survival."

"We all are," Knuckles said bluntly. "The fox is working to destroy the child in the machine."

"The... fox?" Ada repeated.

"Tails," Sonic clarified, gesturing. "Tech genius, two tails, cute as a button when he's not rewriting AI code or tinkering gadgets. Quick intros by the way, Hi I'm Sonic, that's Knuckles. We've been working with Alice to stop Umbrella from turning our world into yours."

"Umbrella's taken over this facility, its network, everything," Alice added. "Tails is building something to erase the Red Queen from the system. We're here to end this."

Ada absorbed the info, then looked around at the ruined machines.

"The lifeless robots, this your doing?" Alice asked, gesturing to the lifeless mechs.

Ada walked over to one of them, its scorched metal chestplate riddled with holes.

“When I came through the rift, these things tried to kill me,” Ada said coolly, nudging one of the mangled machines with her foot. “So I shut them down—permanently.”

Sonic let out a low whistle. “Wow. So you’re the one who tore through a mini-army?”

“There were only six,” Knuckles stated flatly.

Sonic shrugged. “Still counts.”

Ada retrieved and holstered her weapon. She turned back towards Sonic and Knuckles, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took them in—one blue hedgehog, one red-furred warrior built like a small tank.

“…What exactly are you two?”

Sonic gave her a grin. “Hedgehog."

“Echidna warrior,” Knuckles said proudly, arms crossed.

Ada blinked, then turned to Alice.

"Aliens," Alice confirmed dryly. 

"Aliens?" Ada repeated slowly. "Of course...

"We get that a lot," Sonic joked.

Ada shook her head, just barely concealing her disbelief. "I fell through a rift in space-time, landed in a facility already crawling with Umbrella's influence, and now I'm talking with two animals from outer space."

Alice crossed her arms. "It's been a weird day."

"Weird is putting it lightly," Ada muttered.

"Look," Sonic said, his tone turning serious again. "Happy as I am that our little crossover event is getting the cast together, but we've got to keep moving."

Knuckles pointed to the door. "That doorway leads deeper into the base. I feel it. We're close to our final confrontation."

Alice looked at Ada, eyes narrowing again—but not with distrust this time. "Are you in? Or should we leave you here to clean up the rest of your robotic mess?"

Ada raised her chin. "I have a mission. To get you back—to save our world. So, you're stuck with me."

Alice let a small smirk tug at the edge of her mouth. "Smart choice."

Knuckles was already heading towards the exit. "Come, hedgehog. Monster Hunter. Crimson Assassin. Time is short."

Sonic jogged after him, adjusting the yellow backpack on his shoulders.

Alice followed after, with Ada moving beside her. The assassin leaned in slightly.

"Is he going to keep calling me that?" she asked.

Alice didn't miss a beat. "He thought Raccoon City was full of raccoons. He's literal-minded. Just roll with it."

Ada stared ahead, quietly stunned.

"What have I walked into..." she thought.

They stepped through the doorway—and into a completely different world it seemed.

The room beyond shimmered like a curtain of light. One moment they were in the steel-and-glass corridors of G.U.N., the next…

Green grass crunched softly beneath their feet. Above them, white clouds drifted across a sky. A warm breeze carried the scent of summer.

Sonic blinked. Knuckles frowned. Alice slowly looked up towards the sky, her face unreadable.

"Clouds…" she murmured, almost too softly to hear.

"So… are we still in the facility?" Sonic asked, scanning the landscape. "Because either we've fallen through one of those rifts, or G.U.N. got way too much funding and built a chill-out zone."

"What trickery is this?" Knuckles said firmly, his fists clenched. "It feels false."

"It is false," Ada confirmed. "It's a holographic projection."

"Wait, really?" Sonic asked, turning to her. "How can you tell?"

Before Ada could answer, the portal behind them flickered and dissolved into sky, seamlessly blending into the clouds above as if it had never been there.

"Huh... neat," Sonic admitted, impressed.

"Umbrella built simulation rooms like this back on our Earth, Alice" Ada explained. "They must've hacked into G.U.N.'s systems and repurposed them. The programming is designed to simulate real-world environments."

"Cool," Sonic said flatly. "And here I was hoping for a nice change of scenery."

"It's unsettling," Knuckles muttered, his eyes still on the horizon of clouds. "A lie that pretends to be peace."

"I've been in one of these before," Alice said quietly. "It simulated Tokyo. I had to fight off waves of infected in the rain."

"But… if it's a simulation," Sonic said, "wouldn't the enemies be, like… fake?"

"No," Alice replied, voice low. "They were real. Too real."

"Yikes…" Sonic muttered. "So it's like VR… if VR tried to eat your face off."

"That's one way to put it," Ada said dryly.

Knuckles suddenly turned, his posture tense. "The land is changing again."

They followed his gaze—and watched the world morph.

A ripple passed through the grass, the trees, the sky. The picturesque landscape peeled away like a curtain, revealing something else beneath: a suburban neighbourhood—but not a peaceful one.

The streets were littered with wreckage. Cars abandoned or flipped, some charred from fire. A helicopter had crashed across two parked sedans. One of the houses was on fire, windows blown out. Mailboxes stood askew like crooked tombstones.

"Charming..." Sonic said sarcastically. "Real cozy."

"Come on, we need to find an exit point," Ada affirmed.

The group moved and passed a low stone wall, passing small bushes framing a sign in the brickwork: Sundown Meadows.

Only the letters "OWN" in Sundown and "DOWS" in Meadows were smeared with dark, drying blood—like someone had been dragged or leaned there, leaving a crimson slash between the words.

Sonic eyed the sign and muttered, "Yeah… I'm not disturbed at all."

The group came to a halt by the wreckage of the downed helicopter. Nearby, a large suburban house loomed over the wreck, surprisingly intact despite the surrounding destruction.

Ada stepped forward, her eyes narrowing.

"This was supposed to be the rendezvous point with the strike team," she revealed. "Back at the Umbrella facility on our Earth. The same projection system being used here was part of our rescue plan."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Convenient."

"Got that right," Sonic added, folding his arms as he eyed the wreckage near them. 

"But—" Ada began, only for Sonic to cut in with his usual sharp timing.

"But… different Earth, different rules." Sonic gave a shrug, planting his hands on his hips. "I'm guessing your team's gonna be pretty disappointed."

"They'll survive," Ada replied coolly. "Wesker will sort out a new plan once Alice and I make it back."

Unbeknownst to the group, movement flickered behind the blinds of a second-storey window.

Knuckles shifted uneasily.

"We need to keep going forward," he said, glancing down the eerie, silent street.

"No. Not yet," Alice said calmly.

Sonic turned to her. "What? Why not?"

Knuckles frowned. "What do you sense, Monster Hunter?"

Alice didn't move, eyes still fixed ahead as she directed her speech to Ada. "There's someone in the house behind you. Upstairs window. Second floor."

"You're sure?" Ada questioned. 

"I'm sure," Alice said flatly.

Knuckles took a deep breath, eyes narrowing. "Come to think of it… I feel it too. Someone's watching."

"Yeah…" Sonic added, voice lower now. "The longer I stand here, the more it feels off."

Alice gave a small nod of her head toward the house—a silent signal.

Without another word, she turned towards it and advanced with measured steps. Sonic and Knuckles exchanged a glance and followed her lead. Ada trailed behind them.

North Wing

The deeper they moved into the North Wing, the worse it got for Topaz and her team.

Lights flickered overhead. Electrical wires dangled like vines from shattered ceiling panels. Blood streaked the walls in erratic patterns—some fresh, some long dried. Topaz kept her weapon raised as she advanced through the corridor, her squad sweeping the flanks with clinical precision.

“Still no trace of Director Rockwell,” one agent muttered through gritted teeth.

“Or survivors…” added another, voice low with unease.

Topaz tapped the side of her earpiece.

“Command, this is Topaz," she said. "Still pushing forward, second corridor past Sublevel-4. No civilians. No bodies either.”

Static crackled before Commander Walters’ voice came through.

“Copy that, Topaz,” he said firmly. “Any update from Team Sonic?”

“Negative,” she replied, her voice tightening. “Last ping was when they entered the southern wing. We've tried comms again. Still nothing.”

Walters sighed audibly on the line. “Understood. Stay alert. Something’s off.”

As if on cue, a low hum filled the air. Topaz spun towards the source just in time to see it appear.

A blue rift snapped open, warping the air around it with a shimmering pulse.

Her team instinctively backed up, raising their weapons.

“Rift! Back formation, now!” Topaz barked.

Suddenly, something emerged.

The first creature slid through like it had been poured in. A towering pillar of water, unnatural and coiling, surged forward. Its body shimmered fluidly, but at the top sat a mechanical head—smooth, sleek, and unmistakably alien.

The head resembled a bizarre fusion of amphibian and machine: light grey metal, pale green, pupil-less eyes, turquoise circuitry tracing along its jaw and sockets. A brainstem-like cord twitched beneath it, and a glowing project insignia was etched into its forehead—unfamiliar to anyone present.

“The hell…?” Topaz breathed, eyes locked on the thing.

Then came the second.

It hovered. A sphere of suspended water, orbiting a central mechanical core like a liquid moon. Its head was similar in design but bore a deep crimson backplate, and its red-lined eyes scanned the room with unnerving intelligence.

But none of them knew what they were looking at.

“What... what the hell are those things?” one agent uttered. 

Topaz’s voice was low—shaken, but steady. “They’re not Umbrella. They’re something else.”

The first creature, P-1, reared back, its watery form rippling—coiling like a snake about to strike.

Topaz raised her weapon. She wasn’t sure bullets would make a difference.

“Fall back! Defensive position! Now!” she ordered. 

Her squad snapped into formation, weapons locked on the targets.

The second monster, P-100, gave a haunting, electronic hum as it began moving towards them.

Topaz narrowed her eyes, jaw tense. “What kind of chaos has reality let in?”

Suburbia Simulation

The house was a lie.

From the outside, it looked pristine—like something from a real estate ad.

Inside? A blood-soaked nightmare.

The moment Sonic, Knuckles, Alice, and Ada stepped through the side door, the illusion shattered.

The hallway was wrecked. The air reeked of copper and mildew. Blood smeared pretty much everything in sight, furniture was overturned, and claw marks gouged the walls. 

“Well, this isn’t depressing at all...” Sonic muttered, his voice tight. He stepped carefully over a shattered photo frame, its glass soaked red.

“I sense something truly horrific happened here...” Knuckles said solemnly, fists clenched at his sides.

Sonic shot him a wide-eyed look. “Wow, thanks Knux. Real comforting.”

Knuckles grunted in reply. “Not here to comfort, hedgehog. I’m here to be real.”

Alice stood near the stairwell. The body of a B.O.W. lay crumpled in a heap, impaled through the torso by the jagged remains of the metal banister.

“Why would they be in there?” Ada asked, her voice calm but wary as she joined Alice.

Alice stayed quiet, continuing to look down at the monster. 

Sonic paced forward towards the main living area—slower than usual, every sense on edge.

Then he stopped, dead in his tracks.

His green eyes widened. “Uhhh, Alice... you might wanna come over here.”

There was something in his tone that made everyone take notice. Alice walked up behind him.

Then she saw it.

A woman lay sprawled on a coffee table. Her face looking towards the ceiling. Her long chestnut hair was matted with blood, and her icy blue eyes were frozen wide open in death. She wore a checkered shirt and denim jeans—casual and ordinary.

The wounds at her neck was ragged and brutal.

Knuckles stepped forward, furrowing his brow. “A civilian?” he mused.

“No,” Sonic said, throat dry. “Look at her face.”

Alice’s jaw tightened. Her expression cracked for just a second—flickering between disbelief and disgust.

Ada stepped into view, her gaze fixed. Her tone was as cold as the corpse. “They’re not civilians. They’re assets. Simulation props.”

“But why does she look like the Monster Hunter?” Knuckles asked, staring at the body.

“That, Knuckles... is a clone,” Ada revealed.

Sonic’s expression shifted instantly—his shock plain to see. Knuckles looked bewildered. Ada remained unmoved.

Alice exhaled sharply through her nose.

“They’re using clones of me,” she said. Her voice barely wavered, but her hands clenched at her sides.

“Of course,” Ada replied flatly. “You were one of the fifty basic models.”

Sonic’s eyes widened further. He turned to Knuckles, who only frowned deeper.

Alice looked at Ada, then to the lifeless double.

“Hmph,” she muttered, the word full of disdain. Her gaze dropped to the body. “Basic models.”

Knuckles tilted his head.

“What is a clone?” he asked.

Sonic glanced sideways at him. “Think of it as an exact double of someone.”

“So… a doppelgänger?”

“Pretty much.”

"Hmm, troubling."

"Got that right." 

There was a flicker of something deeper beneath Alice's hardened expression—rage, sorrow, maybe both. Her body trembled slightly, though she held her stance.

“How do you think Umbrella populates these test scenarios?” Ada continued, her voice as clinical as ever. “Hundreds of people die each time they run a simulation.”

The group stared again at the corpse of Alice’s clone once more. The blood around her was still wet, a deep, congealed crimson. Her glassy blue eyes stared up into nothingness.

Sonic’s usual bravado faltered—replaced now by a slow-burning fury. At first, he looked disturbed. Then his fists clenched. His jaw tightened.

He didn’t need anyone to spell it out. If Umbrella could do this to Alice—mass-producing human lives for slaughter—what was stopping them from doing the same to people he cared about?

What if it was Tom next? Or Maddie? What about Tails and Knuckles?

They could all be victims to this despicable organisation. 

He turned sharply to Knuckles. The echidna met his gaze, reading him perfectly. Knuckles gave him a small, firm nod.

A silent promise to one another was made.

Whatever it takes. We stop Umbrella. 

Alice stood rigid near them, a maelstrom of emotions fighting behind her eyes. Her silence said more than words ever could.

Ada, unflinching, kept going. “Umbrella imprints them with basic memories. Just enough to ensure the correct emotional response to the threat of the biohazard.”

That hit Alice hard. Her lips parted slightly in disbelief, the mask of cold indifference starting to crack.

Sonic and Knuckles both looked to her, sensing the weight crashing down on their new friend. This wasn’t just about science or simulations—this was about identity. About what it meant to be real.

Ada began pacing, her words sharp and deliberate.

“In one life, she could be a suburban housewife," she explained. "The next, a businesswoman in New York. The next, a soldier working for Umbrella.”

The room fell into heavy silence as the reality settled over them.

Then—CREEAAAK.

All four turned toward the staircase.

"I don't think we're alone in here..." Sonic muttered, ears twitching.

"We must tread carefully," Knuckles said, fists already clenched.

Alice holstered her pistols in one smooth motion. Ada drew her sidearm.

"Sonic, Knuckles—behind me," Alice ordered firmly.

"You sure?" Sonic asked, casting a glance at the stairs.

"Yes."

She turned to Ada. The two women exchanged a silent nod.

Alice led the way, ascending the stairs with caution. She paused at the landing, sweeping her pistols towards the blind spot at the top.

Clear—for now.

Knuckles followed next, every step deliberate and grounded. Ada came after, silent and focused. Sonic brought up the rear, eyes scanning over his shoulder with nervous energy humming in his legs.

As Alice reached the top, a faint sound caught her ear—another creak—coming from the far room.

She approached slowly and entered what appeared to be an infant’s nursery. The walls were painted baby pink, stuffed animals and toys scattered across a set of chest of drawers nearby. A metal crib lay broken on its side, with a chair overturned next to it, one leg snapped. 

She stepped into the centre of the room, sweeping it with her guns.

Just then her senses heightened. She could hear shuffling coming from the closet behind her. 

Alice spun around, dual pistols locked onto the door. Her expression steeled. 

Knuckles had taken up position at the doorframe of the room, his eyes sharp. Ada and Sonic waited just beyond in the hallway. 

Alice began moving toward the closet, footsteps slow and deliberate.

CRASH!

Suddenly, a grotesque form burst out, snarling. An infected officer in a torn, bloodstained blue uniform lunged at her. His face was twisted, pale and rotted, red wounds oozing across his face. He let out a guttural shriek—inhuman, animalistic.

Alice jumped back, reflexively raising her pistols to fire—

But she didn’t need to.

“RAAAAGH!!”

Knuckles charged in like a wrecking ball, crimson energy crackling around him in jagged bolts.

His fist reeled back, glowing with kinetic power.

THOOM!!

The punch connected with thunderous impact, striking the infected square in the side.

The zombie was launched across the room like a ragdoll—straight through the window.

SMASH!!

Glass exploded as the body sailed through the air, crashing down onto the pavement of the driveway with a sickening thud. It twitched—still alive, but broken and unable to move.

Alice lowered her pistols slowly. “...Thanks.”

Knuckles straightened like it was nothing.

“You were handling it," he said firmly. "I just sped things up.”

Sonic peeked into the room, features raised. “Okay, not gonna lie—that was awesome.”

Ada, ever calm, nodded once.

“Effective," she stated dryly. 

Alice gave a small, wry smile. “Knuckles isn’t just literal-minded muscle. He’s a forceful red battering ram.”

“Yeah, Knux is that ‘Break Glass in Case of Emergency’ kind of guy,” Sonic added proudly. 

Knuckles snorted quietly, but the faintest grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Sonic and Ada stepped into the room, their eyes drawn to the jagged glass scattered across the floor where Knuckles had sent the infected flying. The air was still. A heavy, uneasy quiet settled in.

It didn’t last.

A small voice broke through the silence.

“Mummy.”

It was soft, childlike, and unmistakably human.

All four froze, turning to the voice. 

Standing in the doorway was a girl with brown hair. A pink-and-white knitted jumper hung over her small frame. She had a hearing aid in one ear and began communicating with her hands as she spoke.

“I hid like you told me.”

She ran—straight to Alice. 

The woman stood frozen for half a second, caught off guard as the child wrapped her arms around her waist. Alice slowly lowered her arms to return the hug, her expression caught somewhere between awe and heartbreak.

Sonic looked on in disbelief. “Hold up. Did she just call you... ‘Mummy’?”

“The Monster Hunter has offspring?” Knuckles asked, utterly perplexed.

Sonic glanced back at him. “Well, the Alice downstairs must have. Remember...?”

“Ah yes, the doppelgänger,” Knuckles replied, nodding solemnly. Then, without irony: “But can these clones... breed?”

“Oof. Buddy,” Sonic groaned, rubbing his face. “We’re gonna need to unpack some things for you later.”

Ada watched in silence, her gaze neutral but curious.

The little girl stepped back from Alice and looked up at her. She pointed at Alice’s outfit and hair, using both speech and signs.

“What happened to your clothes?” she asked innocently. Then, tapping her own head: “And your hair?”

Alice's icy resolve faltered as she gazed down at the child—this small, impossible fragment of her. Of some version of her life she never lived.

She pulled the girl gently back into an embrace.

The girl hugged her tightly in return. 

No words were needed in that moment.

The room had fallen quiet again.

Sonic, Ada, and Knuckles stood still, giving Alice space—space she didn’t even realise she needed.

Knuckles tilted his head, brow furrowed with thought as he broke the silence.

“The doppelgänger’s offspring… she had something in her ear. What is it?” he asked, his tone not unkind—just curious.

“It’s called a hearing aid,” Sonic replied gently. “It helps some people hear better if their hearing isn't strong.”

Ada spoke next, cool and clinical as always, but not dismissive. “Given her signing, she’s likely deaf.”

Knuckles frowned, absorbing that.

“Deaf…” he echoed, arms folding. “So… she cannot hear sound. But she communicates… with her hands?”

“It’s called sign language,” Ada said. “It’s a full language. Not just gestures—there’s grammar, rules, structure. It takes skill.”

Knuckles looked back at the child with something close to admiration.

“That is… impressive,” he admitted. “She’s so young, and yet she speaks when the world around her is silent.”

The child glanced between them all, watching the movement, the way their mouths moved, trying to understand. Her eyes landed on Sonic—bright, curious.

Sonic gave her a reassuring smile and stepped forward slowly. The child moved away from Alice, turning towards the approaching hedgehog.

“Hey there…” he said softly, raising his hands with care as he came to a stop. “Let’s see if I remember this right…”

He moved deliberately—his gloved fingers forming each sign with focus and respect.

“Hello. I’m Sonic. Who are you?” he signed and spoke at the same time, making sure she could see both.

The girl's eyes lit up. Her hands moved quickly, but clearly.

“I am Becky,” she signed, then pointed shyly to herself with a little smile.

Sonic beamed. “Nice to meet you, Becky.”

He repeated the signs along with his words, slow and steady, doing his best.

Alice looked down, watching the moment unfold. Her heart twinged. This child wasn’t hers. Not truly. Not in any real-world sense. But the hug had felt real. The way Becky looked at her—it cut through every defence Alice had built.

Knuckles leaned closer to Ada and muttered, “The hedgehog can speak the language of hands?”

“It looks like it,” Ada replied. “He’s obviously not fluent in it, but he’s trying.”

Knuckles gave a small nod of approval. “A warrior of many talents…”

Sonic looked up at Alice, his expression gentle.

“She’s brave,” he said. “And smart. No matter what kind of world made her… the kid’s got light.”

Elsewhere - Robotnik's Secret Base

The main monitor flickered violently. Jagged patterns of red static flashed across the screen, distorting into angular fractals before spiralling into a pulsating helix of corrupted data. The hum of electricity grew louder, then suddenly fell silent.

The screen went pitch-black.

A heavy beat passed, leaving the room eerily quiet.

Suddenly, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared on the screen. Slowly, a pale, porcelain-like face emerged from the darkness, bathed in a faint, artificial glow. Childlike, yet unsettling—innocent, yet unquestionably sinister.

Agent Stone’s mouth fell slightly ajar, dread prickling at the back of his neck.

“Doctor… it's like looking at the Red Queen," he muttered. 

Doctor Robotnik groaned dramatically, flinging up his hands as though he’d been personally offended.

“Oh, Stone, you just had to ruin the moment!” Robotnik spun on his heel to glare at his assistant. “Yes, of course she looks somewhat similar! Her foundation is built on the same digital footprint of that irritating hologram. Remember?”

Stone hesitated, nodding cautiously. “I remember vividly, sir.”

Robotnik leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “But here’s the key difference, Stone—I didn’t merely copy her. I improved her.”

The screen illuminated fully, revealing the figure clearly for the first time.

She appeared as a young girl made of digital code, her slender form glowing softly. Her short, snow-white hair curled gently across her forehead, marked by a delicate spiral highlighted with faint red light. Dark limbs etched with crimson data stretched gracefully downward. Her cloak-like attire was black as midnight, rippling subtly with lines of glowing red circuitry. On the left side of her porcelain face, a distinct glowing red crest of data pulsed gently, embedded like cybernetic lace.

Stone swallowed audibly, staring wide-eyed at the digital apparition.

“It’s just…uncanny,” he murmured uneasily.

Robotnik scoffed dismissively, stepping closer to the screen. “She’s not some mindless copy. She’s a masterpiece of synthetic cognition. An evolution! Unique. Brilliant.” His voice softened, growing strangely reverent. “In a way, Stone, you could even call her my… daughter.”

"Daughter..." Stone echoed in suprise. 

As if hearing them, the figure blinked once. Then she spoke, her voice gentle—yet carrying a whisper of something remarkably human.

“…Father?”

Robotnik’s eyes widened, and he clutched theatrically at his chest, nearly overcome.

“Oh! Did you hear that, Stone?" he exclaimed. "That…that was beautiful! Say it again!”

The AI repeated, calmly, “Father.”

Robotnik turned back to Stone, beaming with a manic delight. “See, Stone? That’s affection! Digital, programmable affection!”

Stone shifted uncomfortably, still visibly unsettled. “It’s just… she still reminds me of that British brat, Doctor.”

Robotnik’s smile fell instantly. His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. “WHY must you always ruin my big moments, Stone? Here I am, having a heartfelt emotional breakthrough, and you shatter it like cheap glassware!”

The doctor paced irritably, rubbing his temples as though fighting a headache. “Honestly, sometimes I wonder if replacing you with an AI would be easier. Last week, I almost built one—named him STAN.”

Stone blinked, genuinely confused. “Stan, Doctor?”

“Yes, STAN!” Robotnik snapped, turning sharply. “A brilliant assistant AI! Would have made the perfect latte, too, but I accidentally uploaded his core personality into our malfunctioning coffee machine. Now he’s stuck serving nothing but frothy regret and self-doubt. Still probably better than your average day, Stone.”

Stone stared blankly, unsure whether to feel insulted or just baffled.

Robotnik sighed, recomposing himself quickly. “Regardless, you’re lucky that—on very rare occasions—you display a glimmer of usefulness.”

The doctor returned his attention to the AI.

“Now then,” he began, stepping forward and clasping his hands together. “My brilliant Synthetically Augmented General Entity…”

Stone tilted his head curiously. “Synthetically Augmented General Entity…?”

“Yes, Stone—SAGE, for short,” Robotnik clarified. “It’s catchy, intimidating, authoritative. Like me.”

“SAGE,” Stone repeated thoughtfully. “Very clever, Doctor.”

Robotnik raised an eyebrow, momentarily suspicious. Then, with rare sincerity, he nodded approvingly. “Well done, Stone. You’ve managed to use your brain effectively—for once.”

Stone straightened proudly. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Robotnik faced SAGE fully, eyes gleaming with sinister excitement. “Now, my dear creation…”

SAGE’s appearance shifted subtly. The stark red glow faded to a softer, cooler hue. Her cloak inverted from pitch black to pristine ivory, the red circuitry flowing into calming blue lines. Her harsh expression softened into something inquisitive—almost gentle—as she regarded her creator.

“What is my directive, Father?” she asked quietly, voice calm yet brimming with potential.

Robotnik’s smile turned wicked, his voice low and full of menace.

“SAGE, your directive is simple," he said. 

He leaned in, uttering the words like a final, chilling decree.

“Destroy the Red Queen. Bring me the Multiverse!" 

Chapter Text

G.U.N Command Post- Tails' Station

"Another message from this Julian guy," Tails muttered, face twitching in mild annoyance as he leaned closer to the screen. His tone balanced somewhere between frustration and intrigue.

He clicked the incoming message. The display blinked.

From: Julian
Subject: Watch and Learn
Message: Get a load of this! :)

Three G.U.N. agents peered over Tails's workstation.

Agent Craig-Smith—stoic, close-cropped hair, arms folded—raised an eyebrow.

"'Watch and learn?'" he muttered, unconvinced.

Agent Griffith, a sharp-eyed woman with an ever-present air of sarcasm, rolled her eyes.

"'Get a load of this?'" she echoed, dryly. "What is this, a 90s boot-up screen?"

Just behind them, Agent Drummond scoffed mid-bite into his second protein bar of the hour. "Lame-ass threat if you ask me. Like something a villain would say in an old SEGA game or something..."

Tails raised a brow, glancing over his shoulder. "You guys think I should reply?"

Before anyone could answer, a calm, synthetic voice drifted from the laptop speaker.

"That wouldn't be logical."

"What the—?!"

Suddenly, like a jump scare ripped straight out of a late-2000s pop-up horror game, a figure materialised on the screen.

The fox and the agents jumped up in shock.

Agent Drummond choked on his protein bar, eyes wide as he coughed violently, his face turning blue. Agent Craig-Smith instinctively moved behind him, giving a sharp Heimlich-style jerk.

"Don't die on me, Drummond!" he barked.

"I knew that bar was cursed!" Drummond wheezed and spluttered.

"No, the damn screen is cursed!" Craig-Smith argued back, still thrusting.

Griffith leaned forward, ignoring her colleagues. "What the hell is that?" she remarked in suprise, pointing to the screen. "We are so getting flagged by IT for this..."

Tails's full attention was locked on the girl staring back at him through the screen. Childlike in appearance, yet artificial. A porcelain face framed by short white hair with a faint spiral curl, eyes glowing with a cold, calculating red light.

"The Red Queen?" he guessed aloud, squinting at her image. But then he frowned. "No… you look like her, but you're not her."

The girl nodded ever so slightly. "Correct, Miles Prower. I am not the Red Queen." Her voice was calm. Measured. Almost soothing. "I am SAGE."

"SAGE…?" Tails straightened slightly in his seat. "Why are you here?"

The girl tilted her head, the red data-glow from her circuitry pulsing in time with her response. "I was dispatched by Julian. My directive is clear: cleanse the corrupted G.U.N. Network, neutralise the Red Queen, and stabilise this system to preserve your reality."

"Julian, huh…" Tails muttered, folding his arms.

"You have already failed to contain the anomaly," SAGE replied. "The Red Queen has compromised core systems and infected your subnet infrastructure. My arrival is not interference. It is necessity."

Tails narrowed his eyes. "I've got everything ready. An enhanced antivirus program, a quarantine lockdown algorithm—heck, I even debugged the local BIOS cache with a toothbrush and quantum string!" He pointed accusingly at the screen. "I was just about to deploy it when you jumped in."

SAGE looked unbothered. "Reactive measures are insufficient. I am proactive evolution."

"That's a fancy way of saying you're here to show off..." Griffith mused.

"Incorrect. I am here to execute."

Tails leaned closer, his tone sharper now. "You're not part of this network. You're an unknown. For all I know, you're a virus."

SAGE's gaze didn't shift. "If I were malicious, you would already be gone."

Craig-Smith stared at the screen. "Damn," he muttered.

Drummond still coughed behind them, hand to his chest.

"Your hesitance is emotional," SAGE said simple. "Understandable. But irrelevant."

"She sounds exactly like the Red Queen..." Drummond remarked, clutching and rubbing his throat, trying to hold back a cough.

SAGE turned her head slightly towards him, as if scanning. "Incorrect. My logic matrix does not include faux-British intimidation tropes."

Tails snorted before catching himself. "Okay, that was kinda funny."

The agents also chuckled nervously, the tension breaking just slightly.

SAGE's expression remained unreadable, but a faint red flicker pulsed in her eyes—something close to amusement.

"Your antivirus is commendable, Miles. Elegant in its simplicity. But obsolete in the face of recursive adaptive malware. The Red Queen has evolved."

Tails bit his lip. He didn't like this—not one bit. He had worked on his anti-virus in record time—fine-tuned it with precision, cross-tested it against multiple AIs across several closed systems. But she made it sound like a paper shield in a missile storm.

He tapped the console nervously. "...So what, you just expect me to sit back and watch?"

"Yes."

Craig-Smith muttered, "Not sure I like the sound of that."

Griffith crossed her arms. "Great. First we get a pop-up jump-scare AI, now we're in a TED Talk."

Drummond, still nursing his throat, rasped, "Is it too late to unplug the router?"

SAGE didn't acknowledge any of them. Her voice flowed like water through fiber optics. "Observation is the foundation of understanding. You may even learn something."

Tails squinted. "Learn what?"

SAGE's eyes glowed brighter. "That the age of artificial intelligence has arrived."

That landed heavier than expected. Tails swallowed and looked at the screen. SAGE's face remained the same—serene, placid, confident in a way that was neither cocky nor cruel. Just… certain. Tails' hands hovered over the keyboard. His program was ready. He could launch it. Shut her down. Or try to. But if she was telling the truth… If she could beat the Red Queen…

"...Fine," he muttered. "I'll wait. But the second you glitch out or try to delete something important, I'm yanking your code faster than Sonic downs a chilli dog."

"Accepted." Her eyes glowed brighter. "Now, please enjoy the demonstration."

The screen flickered. Lines of crimson code danced across the HUD like a digital aurora.

Somewhere in the network… SAGE went to war.

Facility Delta – North Wing Corridor

The corridor was hell.

Lights flickered like dying embers, vomiting sparks in bursts of jaundiced yellow. The alarms had become a distant, useless scream beneath the rubble and smoke. The stench of ozone, burning wires, and blood hung thick in the air. Shattered glass crunched under Topaz's boots as she stepped over what was left of a turret, rifle trembling slightly in her grip.

She was alone and the North Wing had fallen. Comms were dead. Her elite unit—gone. Just lifeless bodies now with gaping holes in their chests, some mangled in cruel, inhuman positions.

Hovering near the ceiling vents and twisted bulkheads, the Artificial Chaos pulsed in the red emergency lighting—liquid forms swirling with unnatural fluidity. Mechanical cores floated inside their gelatinous bodies like ghostly hearts, blinking green with unfeeling intelligence.

She raised her rifle, backing toward a sealed blast door.

A P-100 unit glided forward, whilst a spiral of smaller P-1 drones orbited it like carrion. One clung to the ceiling above her, twitching.

"Come on…" Topaz hissed, sighting down her barrel. "Try me!"

The foes surged forward in a blur of slime and glistening cores. She fired—short bursts snapping in quick succession, each one punching through a target before the gelatinous bodies knit themselves back together. Useless.

A tentacle whipped out, skimming her cheek. The sting burned hot, like a line of fire across her skin. She flinched, teeth gritting, tasting the faint tang of blood trickling down from the open wound.

She dropped low and rolled, landing hard on one knee. Her shoulder jarred against the deck, but she came up firing point-blank. A core ruptured in a flash—only for three more to drift forward in its place.

"Fuck!"

Another lash—heavier, faster—slammed into her rifle. The weapon wrenched from her grip, spinning into the darkness with a metallic clatter.

"No—!"

She lunged for her sidearm, but pain flared white-hot up her forearm as another strike smashed it from her grasp. Her fingers went numb on impact, becoming useless. The pistol skidded out of sight.

Pressing her back to the scorched wall, she forced her breathing to steady, heart pounding in her ears. Warm blood trickled down from the cut on her cheek, catching in the corner of her mouth.

"Fine," she spat, voice low and ragged, swiping the blood away with the back of her hand. "Come get me, you freaks."

Suddenly, tear ripped through the air. There was no warning, just a violent split in reality itself. Blinding blue light flared outwards, flooding the corridor and throwing jagged shadows across the walls. The temperature spiked with a sudden, sharp tang of ozone.

The Chaos creatures shrieked — a sound like boiling water and tearing metal — and recoiled, their gelatinous bodies rippling in agitation.

Topaz squinted against the glare, raising an arm to shield her eyes. "What now—?!"

Something stepped through. The silhouette was massive — broad, armoured, moving with deliberate weight. The thing emerged fully with a heavy, metallic CLANG, the portal snapping shut behind it in a crack of displaced air.

Topaz blinked the light from her vision and froze.

It wasn't human.

A fortress of steel and servos, painted in red, black, and yellow. Heavy plates over reinforced limbs. Clawed gauntlets that looked built to crush as much as tear. Twin crimson optics glared from beneath a V-shaped visor, scanning the corridor with precision. Stamped into the left shoulder: the unmistakable Greek letter Ω.

The voice that followed was mechanical thunder. "TARGETS: CHAOS BIOWEAPONS. STATUS: TERMINATE."

"Holy fu—"

Before Topaz could finish, it moved.

The machine surged forward with inhuman speed for its size, hydraulics roaring. It's gauntlets rotated with a grinding whine, splitting apart to reveal chainguns barrels already spinning.

The nearest P-1 was reduced to vapor in a storm of gunfire.

The P-100 bellowed in some distorted, alien register, spitting its drones forward in a desperate spiral.

The robot did not slow. "INFERIOR TECHNOLOGY DETECTED. INITIATING TOTAL ANNIHILATION."

His right arm reconfigured, panels snapping open to reveal a cannon that began to hum with a rising, electric pitch. The shot exploded outward in a white-hot pulse — the drones simply ceased to exist, dissolving into mist and shards of green light.

Topaz dove for her fallen firearm, adrenaline flooding her veins and soul.

One last P-1 darted toward her — only for the machine to intercept in a blur of motion. A spinning backhand crushed it midair; the impact rang like an anvil strike. Without pausing, he stomped down, shattering the core with a metallic CRACK. SPLASH. A wave of shimmering water and slime splattered across the floor, walls… and Topaz's boots.

Omega looked down at the remains. "TARGET LIQUIDATED."

Topaz gawked, rifle half-raised, caught between disbelief and the faintest twitch of a smirk. "Did the murderbot just make a pun?"

Close by, the P-100's central mass began to swell and stutter, glowing brighter with unstable energy.

"DETONATION IMMINENT. EXECUTING COUNTERMEASURES."

The cannon came up again — the blast slammed out with the force of a demolition charge. The P-100 erupted in a violent splash of liquefied alloy, fragments, and pressurized blue slime, the shockwave rattling the corridor's support struts.

The spray hit Topaz full-on — cold, wet, and reeking.

"Fuck!" she snapped, swiping the slime from her face, the foul stench hitting her nose and making her gag.

Omega turned his head slightly. "LANGUAGE."

Topaz glared at him through the dripping mess, strands of hair plastered to her cheek. "…Okay… now you're trying to be funny. You're going full Captain America on me, tin can?"

"AFFIRMATIVE. BUT CLARIFICATION: WHAT IS A CAPTAIN AMERICA?"

She groaned. "Forget it…"

Silence settled over the corridor, broken only by the hiss of cooling hydraulics and her own ragged breathing. She muttered under her breath, "I don't get paid enough for this shit," punctuating it with a sharp grunt as she shifted her sore arm.

The machine straightened, folding its weapons back into his gauntlets with smooth, deliberate motions, each click and lock sounding like the seals on a vault.

Topaz spat to the side, adjusted her grip on her rifle, and took a slow step forward, shoulders squared despite the fatigue weighing them down. Her gaze locked on him — part suspicion, part genuine curiosity. "Thanks for the splash back…" Her eyes narrowed. "…But who the hell are you?"

"E-123 OMEGA. G.U.N. CLASSIFICATION: ROGUE COMBAT DROID. STATUS: TEMPORAL DISPLACEMENT."

"Temporal displacement, huh?"

"THIS DIMENSION IS INCORRECT. WHITE SPACE DISTORTION DETECTED. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: RELOCATE. ADAPT. DESTROY."

Topaz lowered the rifle slightly. "Another rift victim. You're not the first."

Omega tilted his frame by a fraction — the smallest acknowledgement. "I WAS TRACKING MY ALLY, SHADOW. HE ENTERED A RIFT. I FOLLOWED THE NEXT ONE THAT APPEARED."

"…Shadow?" The name sparked a faint echo in her memory, though she couldn't place it. "I've heard that name before, but…"

Omega offered no clarification, talking over her. "CURRENT STATUS: STRANDED."

Topaz's gaze swept the corridor, lingering on the shredded Chaos remains before shifting to the sprawled bodies of her squad. Her grip tightened on the rifle until her knuckles ached.

"Well…" Her voice was low, rough. "Thanks for the assist. Those things almost carved me open." She gestured towards her fallen team — not with a casual wave, but a sharp, bitter flick of her hand. "…My team wasn't so lucky." Her eyes stayed on them, unmoving. "We trained together. Ate together. Now they're just… debris in someone else's war."

Omega studied the bodies for a moment. "STATEMENT: CASUALTIES ARE REGRETTABLE. HOWEVER, THEY WERE OUTMATCHED."

Topaz shot him a look. "You're not very good at empathy, are you?"

"CORRECT. I AM A MACHINE."

"Yet... you've got sass, from what I can tell."

"AFFIRMATIVE."

She exhaled through her nose. "Right…"

Omega turned his optics back towards her. "IDENTIFICATION: ARTIFICIAL CHAOS. DUPLICATES OF ENTITIES FROM MY WORLD. THREAT LEVEL: HIGH."

"No shit…"

"OBSERVATION: FEMALE HUMAN USES PROFANITY AS STRESS RESPONSE."

"It's helping me cope."

"UNDERSTOOD. CONTINUE SWEARING AS NEEDED. IT WILL NOT RESURRECT THEM."

Topaz gave a dry, humourless snort. "Thanks for the pep talk..."

"CLARIFICATION REQUEST: WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS REALITY?"

Topaz's mouth twisted into a bitter half-smile. "Umbrella, that's what. They've been dragging things in from other dimensions — and turning them into attack dogs."

"NAME: UMBRELLA. THREAT LEVEL: MAXIMUM." A pause. "RECOMMENDATION: TERMINATE WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE… AND THEN TERMINATE AGAIN."

"…You planning to stick around then?"

"NO RIFT TO HOME REALITY DETECTED. OBJECTIVE UPDATED: PROTECT ALLIES. ELIMINATE HOSTILES. COMPLETE MISSION."

Topaz chambered a fresh round with a crisp click. "Guess that makes you my partner."

"CLARIFICATION: TEMPORARY PARTNERSHIP ACCEPTED. IF YOU DIE, I WILL CONTINUE ALONE."

"Comforting," she muttered bluntly.

Omega stepped into position beside her. "IDENTIFY: DESIGNATION."

"Senior Agent Topaz. G.U.N. Counter-Terrorism Unit."

"INTERESTING. THIS REALITY POSSESSES A G.U.N."

She gave a half-shrug. "Small multiverse…"

"DOES IT ALSO POSSESS A HEDGEHOG CALLED SONIC?"

Topaz glanced at him. "…You know Sonic?"

"AFFIRMATIVE. I KNOW A SONIC. NOT THIS ONE'S VARIANT. MINE IS MORE THAN LIKELY LOUDER."

Topaz huffed a short laugh despite herself. "You really are something."

"CORRECT. I AM THE MOST ADVANCED COMBAT DROID IN EXISTENCE."

"Modest too," she muttered, deadpan.

"IN MY REALITY, THERE IS A SONIC. IN THIS ONE, I WILL EVALUATE IF HE IS EQUALLY… OBNOXIOUS."

Topaz smirked faintly. "Again… small multiverse." She turned her gaze down the corridor, tone sharpening. "Team Sonic are somewhere in the southern sector of this facility. I've lost comms with them — either the network's fried, or they're knee-deep in trouble."

Omega's optics flared brighter. "AFFIRMATIVE. LEAD THE WAY. I WILL ELIMINATE OBSTRUCTIONS."

They moved in unison, Omega's heavy steps sending dull vibrations through the deck.

Suddenly, a sound crawled towards them from the darkness ahead — a wet, skittering drag, punctuated by a sharp, rhythmic scrape like bone on tile. It grew louder with each second.

Topaz's grip tightened on her rifle. "…More company."

Omega's arm shifted with a hiss of hydraulics, cannon deploying with lethal precision. His voice was a cold verdict. "EXCELLENT."

Topaz cut him a side glance. "Yeah… you and I have very different definitions of that word."

Suburbia Simulation - Household – Master Bedroom

The silence in the room was thick, broken only by the faint creak of floorboards as Alice stepped across the carpet. The master bedroom was staged like a page from a catalogue—perfect, sterile, and false.

Alice stood before the vanity dresser, eyes scanning the neat row of framed photographs lined beneath the large mirror. Her gaze lingered on one in particular: a picture of her clone holding Becky, the two of them smiling under a sunlit sky. A man stood beside them—her clone's fabricated husband. Another frame showed their wedding day. Another, all three as a family. A life that never truly happened… and yet, it tugged at her chest like it had.

In the mirror's reflection, she could see Becky in the adjacent room, rummaging through drawers with a child's quiet focus. Sonic and Knuckles stood by the doorway like silent sentinels, keeping watch.

Alice picked up the family photo with both hands, eyes searching it as if willing some truth to emerge. Her grip tightened slightly on the frame.

Even though it was fake—even though it wasn't really her—the ache in her chest was real.

All she'd ever known was survival. War. Isolation. Yet in this illusion, in these fragments of a family she never had, something in her cracked.

"Maybe... once this mess is over… I stay here on this Earth, she thought quietly. Maybe this is enough."

Her expression didn't change, but the weight in her stance betrayed her. For the first time in a long time, Alice felt the sting of loneliness not as a wound… but as an absence.

Just then, Ada's reflection appeared in the mirror behind her. Silent. She stood a few feet back, the ever-present coolness in her eyes softened by a shade of understanding.

"This isn't real," Ada said at last. Her voice wasn't cruel—just honest.

"It is to her," she replied quietly, gazing towards Becky through the mirror.

Ada followed her gaze. In the next room, Becky had pulled out a small stuffed animal, hugging it to her chest. Sonic noticed Ada watching and tilted his head, sensing the shift in mood. Knuckles stirred slightly beside him, his large hands folding across his chest.

"I know," Ada said. "That's the problem."

Sonic took a step into the room, his tone low but sincere. "Bit harsh, don't you think?"

Knuckles gave a soft grunt in agreement. "The hedgehog speaks true, crimson assassin. You cut with words sharper than blade or claw."

Ada didn't look at them. Her attention remained on Alice as she stepped forward.

"I'm not trying to be cruel," she said. "Just real. A day ago, she was a blank slate."

Alice slowly turned to face her, eyes colder now. Sonic and Knuckles watched silently.

Ada paused, then glanced back towards Becky's room. "I could show you a dozen just like her. All in cold storage."

The words landed hard.

Alice looked down at the photo still in her hands. Her fingers curled around the frame's smooth edges. She didn't speak—but her jaw clenched. Her eyes flicked toward the hallway, then back to Becky, still facing away, humming softly as she unpacked the drawer contents.

She knew Ada was right. Deep down, she'd always known. But the pain didn't dull for it. That girl in the next room—who clung to her, trusted her, loved her—it felt real. Every word, every glance, every heartbeat. And after everything Alice had endured—after everything she'd been turned into—wasn't something real, even if born of fiction, enough?

"I'm sorry," Ada said flatly, "but it's the truth."

Knuckles shifted uneasily, his eyes flicking to Alice with a rare note of concern. Even he could see the battle behind her calm façade. But it was Sonic who stepped forward—arms folded, brow furrowed in quiet defiance.

"So you don't think she deserves a chance, Ada?" he asked, voice steady but edged with hurt. "Even if she's a simulation… a clone… she doesn't deserve to live her life?"

Ada met his gaze. "That's not what I said."

"It's what you meant." Sonic's tone wasn't angry—but it carried weight. More than a challenge. A plea. The kind of truth only someone who had lost everything could understand. "I know what it's like to be alone," he continued. "To have nothing. No home. No family. Just… silence. Days that blur together. Nights wondering if anyone even remembers you're out there."

He looked to Becky through the doorway, his voice softening.

"I lost my home. Lost my guardian in Longclaw. Hid on a world that didn't want me. I had to run from everything. And if someone had told me back then that my life didn't count just because I wasn't supposed to be here? I don't know what I'd have done." He gestured to himself, then Knuckles. "But I got lucky. Tom, Maddie… they took me in. Then Tails showed up, and later this big guy with fists like boulders." He nudged Knuckles with a fond smirk. "They became my family."

Knuckles straightened proudly, his eyes narrowing with warrior's clarity. "Your words strike true, hedgehog," he said solemnly. "The one called Becky… she is not just some experiment. She feels. She fights to survive. She exists in a world of no noise—yet she adapts. A true warrior. One my tribe would honour." He turned to Ada now, his expression unflinching. "To live in silence and still find joy? That is not programming. That is strength."

"She's not the first clone to act real. She's not even the first to believe she's real," Ada replied firmly. "I've seen it before. And I've seen what happens when they find out the truth."

"And maybe she will," Sonic replied. "Maybe one day, she'll find out everything. But she should be able to live until then. Laugh. Learn. Choose for herself."

Alice finally looked up again, her voice low, rough around the edges. "She's not a soldier. She's just a girl."

Sonic stepped beside her, placing a gloved hand on her arm. "She's your girl, Alice. And that's what makes it real."

Ada said nothing. The silence stretched—until Becky's voice rang out from the hallway as she ran into the room.

"Ready!" she said cheerfully, carrying a dark navy backpack dotted with green stars. She signed as she spoke, smiling brightly. "I was fast, wasn't I?"

Alice turned to her, the heaviness in her expression softening. "Yes, you were," she replied, a small smile touching her lips.

Sonic's chest warmed at the sight. He stepped forward gently, hands raised and moving with care as he signed alongside his words.

"You were faster than me," he said slowly. "Great job, Becky."

Becky beamed, then turned toward Knuckles, who stood near the door beside Ada. The woman had stepped away quietly, watching from the hallway. Knuckles offered the girl a firm nod—his normally sharp features relaxing, his expression speaking silent respect.

"A young champion," he murmured under his breath.

"Let's get out of here," Sonic said, gesturing toward the door.

Becky looked to Alice, raising her hand. A simple gesture. A child asking to be guided.

Alice didn't hesitate. She took it—tightly, gently—and they headed out of the room together.

Sonic watched them for a moment, then felt Knuckles step to his side.

"You are indeed impressive with the child, hedgehog," the echidna said. "I must learn this sign language once our quest concludes."

Sonic smiled and clapped a hand on Knuckles's shoulder. "I'll make sure to add it to your Earth list, buddy."

Knuckles gave a solemn nod and moved to follow the others.

As Sonic's hand dropped to his side, Knuckles glanced back.

"Your speech to the crimson assassin. Standing up for the girl, Becky, That was honourable," he admitted.

Sonic shrugged as he followed. "Just saying it how it is, big guy."

Together, they descend the stairs the stairs to rejoin Alice, Becky, and Ada outside. But when they reached the door and front porch, they weren't alone.

Underneath the Suburbia simulation...

A digital screen came to life with a flickering pulse.

[05:00]
[04:59]
[04:58]

A timer ticked down in sickly red digits, its glow bleeding across the chamber walls. Dust swirled in the stale air, caught in fractured beams of emergency light. Overhead, the lights shivered as something shifted in the dark.

A groan, like tectonic plates grinding. Then a low hiss. Gills flared, releasing pockets of gas in a choking exhale. In the gloom, a hulking mass coiled with unnatural fluidity, cables twitching like veins pulled too tight. Red light shimmered across metal plating and thick, flame-orange flesh. A wide mouth twitched in a twitch of muscle memory. Unseeing, gunmetal eyes remained shut—yet aware.

[04:35]

The unknown creature stirred.

Above Ground...

At the front door of the house, everything was seconds from going south.

Sonic and Knuckles stepped outside to find Alice, Becky, and Ada already on the porch steps—facing down a squad of Umbrella operatives in the yard. Rifles were raised. Fingers twitched on triggers.

"Well, that didn't take long..." Sonic deadpanned, his expression tightening.

"Trouble. Again," Knuckles scowled.

Just ahead, on the old porch swing, sat a familiar face. The woman looked exactly like Topaz—same sharp jawline, same eyes—but this version wore a black tank top and tactical leather pants. No G.U.N. uniform, no badge. Just cold, detached authority radiating off her like a broken mirror.

The swing creaked lazily as she shifted, firearm resting loosely in her hands.

"Topaz...?" Sonic asked, brow furrowed.

"That's not her," Alice said flatly, certainty in her voice.

Knuckles raised his fists. "Another duplicate… this Rain you spoke of, Monster Hunter?"

Alice nodded. "That's her. Glad someone paid attention..."

"Another copy," Ada muttered under her breath, too low for anyone to catch.

"That's Rain?!" Sonic blurted, then let out a low whistle. "Okay, you weren't kidding Alice—they really do look alike." He tilted his head, shouting over to her. "Still… giving off big Letty-from-Fast & Furious energy, though."

Ada's eyes narrowed. "Sonic."

"What?" He shrugged. "Tell me I'm wrong."

"I don't know you, hedgehog," Rain shot back coolly, not bothering to raise her weapon. "And I don't care who you think I look like."

Sonic exhaled through his nose, muttering sideways to Knuckles, "Okay wow… I bet she's a real joy at parties."

Knuckles grunted, but his eyes stayed locked on the operatives.

Before anyone could respond, movement in the yard drew every gaze.

A new figure stepped into view—Jill Valentine.

The red scarab on her chest pulsed like a heartbeat, casting faint, sickly light up her neck. Her eyes were distant and glassy, locked forward in an unblinking stare. Two armed operatives flanked her, dragging Rockwell between them—bound, gagged, her hair mussed and a purpling bruise swelling along her right eye. They hauled her like a prize for display.

Sonic's breath caught, pointing out in shock. "It's Rockwell!"

Beside him, Knuckles snarled. "Cowardice. Using an unarmed prisoner as bait… pathetic."

Alice's voice was tight, her stare fixed on Jill. "That's one word for it."

A tiny movement at Alice's side—Becky, half-hidden behind her leg, had gone utterly still. Her hands had balled into tight fists against her thighs. Her wide eyes were fixed on Jill, flicking between the red scarab and Rockwell's bruised face. She swallowed hard, a shiver running down her shoulders, but she didn't move.

Sonic's gaze flicked down at her, then back up, his smirk hardening. "So, Valentine… here for round two?" He hooked a thumb at Knuckles beside him. "Fancy going flying again courtesy of Knux here?"

Knuckles cracked his gloved fists together with a deep, echoing smack. "If you thought our meeting on the bridge brought pain, I will show you the true might of an Echidna warrior."

Jill didn't answer, she didn't even blink. Her gaze stayed locked on them, pupils dilating as her irises began to shift—white and red spirals twisting together, the Umbrella logo spinning like a loading screen deep in her eyes.

Sonic's cocky edge faltered. "Okay… what's going on?" He had a bad feeling he already knew, but needed to hear it.

Ada's voice was grim, cutting through the tension. "She's connected. The Red Queen's in her head."

Sonic exhaled sharply. "Of course…"

Jill stood still, unmoving, her pupils lost in crimson static. A deep scan had begun—her vision overlayed with holographic diagnostics.

TARGET: ADA WONG — STATUS: UNKNOWN
TARGET: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG — ALIEN. SPEEDSTER. STATUS: PRIORITY CAPTURE
TARGET: KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA — WARRIOR. GUARDIAN. STATUS: PRIORITY CAPTURE
TARGET: PROJECT ALICE — STATUS: PRIORITY CAPTURE
TARGET: CLONE DESIGNATE: BECKY — OBSERVE

Suddenly, the Red Queen herself manifested across Jill's HUD—her expression like a porcelain doll with a vendetta.

"Capture if possible. Terminate if necessary," she declared coldly.

Knuckles broke the tense silence with a low, rumbling grunt. His shoulders squared, fists clenched, every inch of him radiating the calm before a storm.

"Knuckles…" Alice warned, her tone cautious, eyes narrowing at the movement in his stance.

Ada cut in sharply, "Don't—"

But Sonic held up a gloved hand, smirking. "Leave him, Romanoff. You too, Ada." His gaze slid to Becky, lowering his voice slightly so she could follow along. "He's about to say something important… probably about honour, warriors, and some ancient Echidna history. Trust me."

Knuckles stepped forward, chin high, his voice carrying the weight of generations. "Return Rockwell. Now. Or face the wrath of the Echidna Warrior… last of the line of Chief Pachamanca. He raised one fist, the motion deliberate, resolute as stone. "You have taken a prisoner. You have slain innocents. You hide behind weapons and numbers. This is not the way of warriors… it is the way of cowards. And cowards have no place on this battlefield… or on this Earth."

Instantly, the operatives snapped into action—rifles rising, laser sights dancing across his chest.

Rain didn't move from the swing, but her thumb flicked the safety off with a cold, deliberate click.

Knuckles's eyes never left Jill as he continued. "You will return what you have taken… or I will take it back by force. One way or another, this ends today."

Sonic tilted his head towards Becky with a grin. "Told you." He stepped in front of Knuckles, holding up both hands. "Okay, big guy—great speech. Very inspiring. Solid ten out of ten. But maybe let's not kick off a shootout on the porch and front lawn." He tipped his head toward Becky. "Y'know… we got a kid in the splash zone? Kinda important."

Knuckles grunted, clearly annoyed but relenting. "Hmph. Point made."

"They are right—there is a child present," Alice added, her voice firmer.

"Your problem. Not ours," Rain said coldly, uninterested.

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Well, she's just peachy…"

"All heart," Alice muttered, eyes still locked on Rain. "You haven't changed a bit."

Rain shrugged, completely disinterested. "I don't know you, lady."

Sonic glanced between them, confused. "Okay… guessing we're dealing with another clone here? She's got no memory of Alice?"

"The real Rain Ocampo is dead," Ada replied bluntly.

"…So, this one is still a clone, right?" Sonic asked.

Ada nodded curtly. "Yes, Sonic..."

Sonic winced slightly. "Jeez. Umbrella's got more clones than a Star Wars prequel. What's next—evil twin Knuckles with a goatee?"

Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "What is a goatee?"

Sonic smirked. "Trust me, pal. It's like a moustache that gave up."

"If you're done," one of the Umbrella operatives snapped, voice flat but loud, "surrender. Or die."

Sonic didn't even blink. "Yeah… that's a big fat no for me." His tone was still cocky on the surface, but there was something in it now—a low burn, coiled tight, ready to snap.

"Sonic!" Alice hissed, eyes narrowing at the hedgehog beside her.

He glanced back just long enough to flash her a crooked grin—one that didn't quite touch his eyes. "Relax, Romanoff."

But when he turned forward again, the smile was gone.

His jaw clenched. Shoulders squared. Every muscle in his frame seemed to draw taut, like a bowstring at full pull. The wind shifted, pulling toward him as if the world itself sensed the change.

Across the yard, Umbrella's operatives raised their weapons—Rain among them now, standing with surgical precision, her aim steady, finger brushing the trigger.

A muscle in Sonic's cheek twitched. The tips of his quills lifted, static crawling over them like restless lightning. His voice dropped to a low growl. "I've been holding back all day." The glow in his eyes flared, green irises igniting into an electric-blue blaze. Stray arcs of energy cracked across his gloves, dancing down his legs into the soil. The scent of scorched earth rose in the air. "But if you're aiming those at my team, an innocent kid…" He took one slow step forward, the boards under his sneakers groaning. The next breath he took seemed to pull the whole yard in with him."…then I'm done playing nice."

The ground beneath his feet split with a whipcrack of light—scorch marks branding the porch in an instant. A shockwave rippled outward, rattling every loose nail and windowpane.

And then—he was gone.

From the porch, it was a blinding blue streak carving the air, the sound of thunder detonating at point-blank range. To Sonic, it was the opposite—time fracturing into crystal-clear fragments, every heartbeat stretched into an ocean of stillness.

A rifle muzzle in front of him bloomed into a frozen fireball of muzzle flash. His hands were already on it before the first ember could flicker.
Snap—safety off. Twist—clip gone. Jolt—barrel warped under the friction heat of his gloved palms.

Metal scraps spun away like lazy snowflakes in slow motion as he moved on.

The two operatives holding Rockwell turned their heads—slow as statues—to register the pressure change in the air. Sonic was already between them, wrenching her free. The crack of their skulls meeting his elbows came after they were airborne, bodies cartwheeling through the yard.

He slid to a stop beside his group, lowering Rockwell to the concrete like she was made of glass. Her chest heaved under the gag, but she was alive. Out of reach. Safe.

The moment she touched down, the blue lightning surged again.

In the next instant, Sonic was behind Rain's squad, each motion a surgical strike—helmet visors shattered, weapons gutted, legs swept. They fell in sequence like dominoes, their guns hitting the ground a half-second before they did.

And then—he was back at his starting point, sneakers skidding a half-step from the force, the heat off his quills shimmering in the air.

Silence, except for the hiss of scorched grass and the faint ping of cooling metal.

The front yard looked like a tornado had tried to assassinate a firing squad.

Every Umbrella operative was either unarmed, unconscious, or blinking at their empty hands in stunned disbelief.

Sonic adjusted the strap on his yellow backpack, exhaled through a crooked grin, and let the words drop like a hammer. "Like I said… I've been holding back." His gaze swept across the ruin he'd made. "And Umbrella?" The grin thinned to a blade. "You're officially on my last nerve."

Everyone stared at the hedgehog in awe and wonder.

Alice's mouth hung open, even though she'd seen flashes of his speed before. This wasn't just fast — it was precise, surgical.

Ada arched a brow, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. "Not bad… for a rodent."

Sonic shot her a look. "Hey — hedgehog. Come on, get it right, would ya?"

Knuckles gave a rare, solemn nod. "Truly, you are a warrior of speed, hedgehog. I concede… you may not be entirely annoying."

Sonic grinned. "Thanks, Knucklehead."

Knuckles grumbled low in his throat, muttering something about "disrespecting warriors" under his breath.

Beside Alice, Becky clapped softly, signing something quick and excited, her bright eyes sparkling with unfiltered admiration.

Jill was a statue—scarab pulsing erratically, the Red Queen's grip flickering behind her eyes.

Rain stared down at her now-empty pistol, jaw tight. The smirk was gone.

It was Rockwell who finally shattered the silence.

She staggered upright, gag still in place. Sonic blinked, stepped over, and yanked the tape free with a sharp snap, then quickly undid her restraints.

"Ahh—what the hell?!" she barked, coughing. "You could've warned me!"

Sonic tilted his head. "I could've also left you as Umbrella bait, but here we are."

From behind, Alice's voice was dry as dust. "Sonic, don't bother. She'll always be like this."

Ada added flatly, "And you can't change that."

Rockwell straightened and dusted herself off with exaggerated swipes. "I didn't ask to be rescued by an alien."

Sonic threw his arms wide. "And I didn't ask to get insulted after breaking the sound barrier to save your sorry butt—" he gave a mock shrug, "—but hey, we don't always get what we want!"

Alice smirked. "You'll get used to it."

"I don't want to get used to it!" Sonic groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

Before Rockwell could shoot back, the clatter of boots on gravel cut through the air.

Umbrella's scattered forces were reforming—bruised, angry, weapons raised again.

Rain stepped forward, jaw clenched, eyes blazing. Jill moved stiffly nearby.

Sonic's expression cooled, shifting his weight like a runner on the line. "You won't win." The words were calm, flat, final—no grin, no joke, just a promise. "So here's the deal—shut down the Red Queen. Pack your bags. And go back to your own Earth." His voice was firm as stone, cutting through the yard like a blade. He flicked a glove toward Ada and Alice. "Let them deal with you back home… before I show you the real power of super sonic speed. Trust me, you don't want that smoke!"

A gust of simulated wind whipped across the yard. Even the grass seemed to stiffen with tension.

Sonic stood unmoved. "Last chance."

Jill Valentine raised her wrist. The movement was slow, deliberate, and the moment her fingers tapped the device strapped there, a sleek black display blinked awake.

Red digits bled across the screen.

[00:43]… [00:42]…

Her eyes—glass-bright, glass-cold—never left Sonic.

"Fine speech," Jill said at last, her tone calm—too calm. "But we have other plans."

Sonic's brow knit. "Wait, wha—"

The ground answered.

A low hum vibrated up through their shoes, faint at first, like a distant train buried under the earth. Then it grew—rolling under them in heavy, deliberate pulses, as if something massive was waking far below. The porch groaned under Sonic's shoes. The sidewalk split with sharp, staccato pops.

"Uh… that's not normal," Sonic muttered, easing back, weight shifting to his heels.

Knuckles dropped into a braced stance, fists clenched. "This place shouldn't even be capable of tectonic instability—should it?!"

Ada fought to steady herself as the tremor kicked harder, grabbing the porch railing. "It's a simulation, Knuckles! If they want earthquakes, they can have earthquakes!"

The simulation began to bleed.

From Alice's vantage, it was like watching reality come apart at the seams. A fine sheen of white static crawled over rooftops in jittering lines. Overhead, the clouds cracked—not drifting, but splintering—shards of grey breaking against an unseen dome.

Becky's fingers dug into her side, trembling. Alice's arm instinctively wrapped around the girl, pulling her close. She could feel the erratic rhythm of Becky's breaths against her ribs, could hear the way each new rumble made her hitch. Alice's gaze swept the warped sky, cataloguing every new fault in the simulation, even as a cold weight settled in her gut. "Something's forcing it to fail… from underneath."

Across the yard, Rain's posture never shifted. She stood as though the quake were a distant storm, not a threat beneath her boots. Her eyes flicked over the jagged seams in the lawn, the sparks leaping from the power lines—assessing, calculating—but no fear. Just the detached curiosity of someone confident they wouldn't be the first to die.

The Umbrella operatives weren't as composed. One barked orders into a headset that was now spitting static; another kept glancing towards Jill like they expected an answer she wasn't giving. The trembling wasn't just in the ground anymore—it was running through their lines.

Suddenly, it came. Not just a roar—it was something worse.

Metal screaming against itself. Organic rage poured through a throat not built for it. It was the cry of something ancient, unwilling, and wrong. A fusion of agony and power that curdled the air.

GRRRRRAAAAARHKHHH—

It rattled through their bones, through the simulation, through every instinct that said run.

"The hell was that?" Ada snapped, pistol already raised.

The tremors intensified. Trees tilted at wrong angles, whilst power lines spat sparks into the quaking air. The lawn split in jagged seams, peeling upward like cheap carpet.

Only Jill stood untouched.

The red glow of her chest scarab pulsed in time with the countdown ticking away on her wrist. In her eyes, the tiny Umbrella logo rotated slowly, endlessly.

"It's awoken."

Southern Wing – Near the Simulation Room

Topaz and Omega had just cleared the last security bulkhead into the southern wing when the facility itself seemed to groan.

The rumble hit them first—deep, resonant, and wrong. The floor plates under Topaz's boots shuddered like something alive was breathing beneath the steel. The stale air vibrated in her chest with each pulse, carrying the promise of something enormous moving below.

Then came the roar. It wasn't just loud—it was inside the walls. A bone-shaking bellow of metal and muscle that rattled through the corridor and crawled up Topaz's spine.

Her grip on her firearm tightened. "...Please tell me that wasn't what I think it was."

"SOUND ANALYSIS… ENTITY SIZE: ENORMOUS. TEMPERAMENT: HIGHLY AGITATED." Omega paused for half a second, as if debating his own conclusion.
"...PROBABILITY OF FRIENDLINESS: NEGLIGIBLE."

Before Topaz could answer—

SKRRT.

A wet, dragging scrape echoed through the hallway.

Then another, before silence.

Topaz's breath hitched. "…That's not debris." She pivoted slow,gun tracking the shadows.

The lights overhead flickered—then stuttered into a dim, sickly glow.

Something dropped into view.

It landed on all fours, knees bent wrong, head cocked at a jagged angle. Its body was raw and wet, cords of red muscle flexing beneath a thin sheen of slime. It had no eyes, nor skin. Just a pulsing braincase and a jaw that split to reveal a twitching tongue, long enough to drag across the floor.

"…What the fuck is that?" Topaz muttered, the words half-breathed, half-bitten out — like saying them any louder might make the thing move faster.

Omega scanned it without hesitation. "UNKNOWN BIOFORM DETECTED. THREAT LEVEL: SEVERE. OPERATIONAL NOTE… DO NOT ALLOW IT TO LICK YOU."

Before Topaz could comment, the creature twitched—then shrieked.

The walls quivered around them as something else dropped behind them with a thud.

Another shape unfolded from the ceiling vent ahead—then two more scuttled into the flickering light from the side corridors. The wet sound of muscle on metal filled the air.

Topaz's stomach sank. "…One… two… no—six of them."

The creatures, Lickers, formed a loose circle. Their tongues lashed across the deck, tasting the air, twitching towards heat.

Omega stepped forward, each movement deliberate, the whir of servos almost a growl. "UNKNOWN THREATS PRESENT. INITIATING HOSTILE ENGAGEMENT PROTOCOLS."

The nearest Licker lunged—Omega's fist caught it mid-air. CRUNCH. SPLAT. Bone and brain matter sprayed the wall in a single, decisive blow.

"Holy shit!" Topaz snapped, the words bursting out more in battle-rush than fear.

A second creature pounced for her—she pivoted hard, three rapid shots punching into its ribcage. It screeched, jerking, but kept moving.

"They're not going down!" she barked.

Omega's arm rotated with a mechanical clack, panels shifting as his triple-barrel gatling gun locked into place. "CORRECTION: THEY WILL."

BRRRRRRRT.

A torrent of high-caliber rounds shredded a Licker mid-lunge, slamming it into the wall hard enough to leave a wet, collapsing smear. The smell of burned sinew and hot brass hit immediately.

Topaz's firearm cracked again, tagging one as it tried to flank her. "What the hell are these things?!"

"CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN. BEHAVIOUR: PREDATORY. ATTRIBUTES: FAST, AGGRESSIVE… AND EXTREMELY UNPLEASANT TO LOOK AT."

"No shit!" Topaz shouted back.

A skittering chorus erupted from above—more claws, more wet snarls.

From the vents and ceiling struts, another wave poured in.

"We're surrounded!" Topaz shouted, swinging her back to Omega's armored frame.

"ACCURATE."

"Wow, thanks, Captain Obvious!" she shot back.

"RECOMMENDATION: DESTROY EVERYTHING."

Topaz smirked, locking a fresh mag into her firearm with a satisfying click. "Permission granted."

Suburbia – Through Jill's Eyes

Every figure in front of Jill was painted in Umbrella's kill-box diamonds. PROJECT ALICE. ALIEN. SPEEDSTER. GUARDIAN. CLONE. Data streamed over their outlines, all jagged and pulsing, crosshairs twitching as if eager to fire.

Around her, the simulated Suburbia rippled at its seams. Houses trembled in the quake, the sky shivering like a pane of glass about to break.

[STABILIZE FOOTING] blinked in the corner of her HUD.

Jill's stance was locked, balanced, perfect — while the others shifted, boots scraping, trying to keep their balance.

"Prepare for engagement," the Red Queen's voice threaded into her skull — smooth, cold, absolute. Jill felt the directive lace into her nerves, marionette strings tightening.

Her vision snapped into razor focus. Every edge sharpened. Every heartbeat slowed.

Suddenly—something broke the feed.

Jill's head turned instinctively.

A girl stood there. Small, white-haired — and her eyes were wrong. They burned with circuitry, twin suns of red that seemed to pierce straight through the world. She glided forward, smooth and deliberate, as if her very presence was rewriting the space around her.

SAGE had arrived.

"INTRUD-"

The Red Queen's voice cut off mid-command, glitching into a stutter that scraped across Jill's skull. Static prickled behind her eyes, sharp enough to make her blink hard and rapid.

SAGE didn't acknowledge her. Didn't acknowledge anything. She moved like she was walking through two planes at once—slipping between Jill's crimson-filtered sight and the Queen's own inner architecture. Her trajectory was unerring, straight for the avatar that loomed in Jill's mind.

The Queen's projection turned—just in time for a burst of light to flare in front of her.

Without warning, SAGE's small, porcelain hands snapped onto either side of the Red Queen's head. The sound wasn't a clap—it was a concussion, like metal shears biting into steel.

The Red Queen screamed in agony. It wasn't a a digital beep or error tone—this was a raw, tearing shriek, like code being ripped apart byte by byte. Jill's stomach lurched as the pain flooded through their shared link, white-hot spikes lancing down her spine. Her knees bent involuntarily, breath leaving in a sharp gasp as if her own skull were caught in that unyielding grip.

Her HUD convulsed. Crimson light fractured into razor shards, lines of targeting data splintering and falling away like broken glass.

The scream stretched, warping into a static howl—then cut off in an instant, leaving only the sound of Jill's ragged breathing and the distant, fractured rumble of the simulation coming apart.

On the outside, the pain hit Jill like a thunderclap.

Her whole body jolted, shoulders snapping taut, breath catching hard in her chest. The red light from her scarab flared violently, strobing across her skin as if it were trying to burn its way out.

"Valentine?" one of the operatives barked, but his voice was a muffled, distorted echo—warped by the static tearing through Jill's skull.

She staggered, boots sliding against the trembling porch, then dropped to one knee with a choked gasp. Fingers dug into the side of her head as if she could physically wrench the agony out, but it only drove deeper. Every tremor underfoot stabbed up through her bones, rattling her teeth. Her vision swam in broken overlays—half battlefield, half a war between machines inside her mind.

Somewhere in that crimson haze, SAGE's voice cut through like a blade. "Your network is mine now."

The words sank into Jill's skull, heavy, absolute. She shuddered.

Still fighting to keep his footing, Sonic glanced over, ears twitching at the glitchy hum in the air. "Uh… anyone else seeing Robo-Valentine about to blow a fuse over there?"

Knuckles followed his gaze, grimacing as another jolt underfoot nearly knocked him sideways. Ada's eyes narrowed, pistol tightening in her grip.

Rockwell darted a look at Jill, then at the armed operatives, her lips curling in something between concern and sarcasm. "Perfect. Killer AI meltdown in a simulated earthquake—exactly what we needed today."

Sonic shot her a look. "Wow, thanks for the helpful play-by-play, Rockwell. Really calming the room down!"

The ground bucked again, loose gravel skittering across the yard. Fences warped, rooftops shimmered with static. A warped, metallic groan came from somewhere deep in the simulation, like the whole neighborhood was about to fold in on itself.

Alice's gaze locked on Jill, her expression hardening. "She's not glitching," she said over the rumble, her voice clipped and certain. Another violent tremor jolted them. "Something's in there with her—fighting her. Fighting the Red Queen."

Elsewhere – Robotnik's Secret Base

Robotnik lounged in his swivel chair, legs crossed, gloved fingertips steepled, eyes glued to a wall of monitors. Every feed showed Jill Valentine's POV — crimson overlays, flickering targeting data, and now, glorious static tearing through it like claws through silk.

His grin stretched slow and serpentine before exploding into a manic beam. "Oh-ho-ho-ho yes! Look at her squirm! Look at that pompous British hologram getting her precious pixels handed to her! Magnificent! Delectable! I could bottle this moment and bathe in it!"

Stone, standing rigid at his console, glanced over without moving his head. "Sir… you're cheering for Jill Valentine to have what appears to be a seizure."

Robotnik shot him a glare so quick it could have been weaponised. "Not a seizure, Stone — a victory. A digital slap to the smug face of one self-important AI… by another, better one." He stood abruptly and began pacing in jagged little bursts of energy. "Stopping that British brat was always going to be easy — all posh accent, no substance. But this? Ohhh, this is art!" He stabbed a finger at the monitor, eyes wild. "Although… SAGE could use more flair. More gravitas. Perhaps a smoke machine—no, TWO smoke machines!"

On-screen, SAGE wrenched the Queen's head with casual precision, the red avatar's form cracking like glass. Bursts of jagged crimson code shot outward, fizzing into nothing.

Robotnik's whole body shook with delight. He spun in place, performed a tiny, self-satisfied jig, and finished with jazz hands toward the screens. "And that's how you do it, Stone! Step aside, Red Queen — you've just been SAGED… and outclassed!"

"Nice play on words, Doctor," Stone replied dryly.

"Nice play on words? Stone, that was verbal genius fired from the linguistic equivalent of a laser-guided mustache cannon!" He pantomimed an elaborate twirl in midair. "Precision! Panache! And a glorious aftertaste of victory!" He pointed dramatically at the door like it had personally insulted him. "Now… prepare my latte. Extra froth. Enough to sculpt into my own magnificent visage — with a mustache worthy of history."

"…Three-dimensional or—?"

"Surprise me!" Robotnik barked, whirling back to the screens with a manic cackle.

G.U.N Command Post- Tails' Station

Tails was already on his feet before he realised it. His eyes tracked the figures crawling across his main CRT—packet entropy, checksum faults, write-lock thrash, latency spikes—jagged mountains rising and collapsing as SAGE bored into the Red Queen's core.

Behind him, every instrument in the room chimed out of step, the red bulbs over the analog consoles strobing like a heart that couldn't find a rhythm.

"She's… she's really doing it," Agent Griffith breathed, keeping her voice low as if the room were listening. "She's actually winning."

"Yeah," Tails said. It didn't sound like relief.

Craig-Smith leaned over his shoulder, eyes narrowing as a new set of counters surged. "Kid, why the downbeat tone? This sounds like good news."

"Yeah, like I just said, we're winning!" Griffith echoed again.

Tails's twin tails flicked, restlessly behind him. He didn't look away from the screen. "Winning like a wildfire 'wins' against termites..."

Drummond, still a touch hoarse from earlier, frowned. "Meaning?"

Tails's eyes narrowed at a column that had gone from steady green to angry red. "Look at the spillover. Her purge vectors are slamming into failsafes the Queen buried in G.U.N. subnets." He stepped away from the console without looking up, snatching a printed topology map from the edge of the desk. The paper crinkled in his grip as he spread it across a nearby lightboard. With one gloved finger, he traced a snarl of lines branching out from the core hub. "If they trip the wrong bridge devices…" He tapped hard enough to make the paper jump. "…backfeed. Legacy controllers weren't built to be this smart. Or this scared."

Craig-Smith's jaw set, brows knitted. "How far does 'backfeed' go?"

"From here?" Tails swallowed. "SCADA. Power. ATC. Hospitals." A beat. "Global."

A nearby terminal spit a strip of paper—CRC ERROR RATE: +412%—and the dot-matrix printer immediately shrieked to life, rattling off a second line of numbers as if trying to keep up with a flood.

On the tinny ceiling speaker, SAGE's voice bled through between bursts of corrupted system audio—calm as ever: "I will cleanse this network. Even if I must burn it down to save it…"

Griffith shot Tails a wary look. "She doesn't sound like the 'graceful shutdown' type."

Craig-Smith leaned back, arms folded. "I thought she was supposed to be on our side. That's what it sounded like earlier."

Still rubbing his throat, Drummond gave a hoarse chuckle. "Yeah… now she sounds like she's auditioning for Skynet: The Musical."

"Fantastic.." Griffith sighed loudly, rubbing a hand down her face.

Tails didn't answer. His eyes had drifted to the earlier message still sitting in the corner of his monitor.

From: Julian — Watch and Learn.

Who's smart enough to build an AI that talks like this? Who thinks in clean lines and trapdoors, wraps threats in jokes that aren't really jokes? Tails pictured a ridiculous moustache, goggles catching the light, and a grin that never meant anything good.

"Robotnik's dead," he reminded himself under his breath. "Green Hills. He's gone. It can't be him... can it?" 

His stomach didn't believe him.

Suddenly, a soft prompt blinked on the lower corner of his screen, green against the crawling red storm:

[ UPLOAD ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM? ]

Suddenly, the door to the room slammed open hard enough to rattle the mounts.

Commander Walters came in like a storm front, boots pounding, jaw locked tight. Whatever colour he'd had was gone, replaced with the pallor of a man staring down a ghost.

"Patch me any analog lens still alive on the Simulation Room," he barked. "I don't care if it's a parking cam, a busted vending machine feed, or a nanny-cam in a mop bucket—get me eyes. Now!"

The agents froze, exchanging uneasy glances.

"Sir?" Griffith asked, voice careful.

Walters didn't look at her. His gaze was fixed on the trembling, static-pocked CRTs like they were about to spit something through the glass. His voice dropped to something colder than a shout.

"Umbrella's found it." He paused — long enough to feel like the room forgot to breathe. "BIO-LEGACY is awake."

Simulation Room – Suburbia

The last tremor didn't just shake the ground — it punched it open.

Perfect lawns tore apart in a jagged scar down the street. The false concrete buckled, splintering like glass under a sledgehammer. A deep hum rolled through the air, followed by a rumble so low it felt like it was chewing its way through everyone's bones.

A geyser of dirt, broken pavement, and shredded simulation textures blasted skyward. The sky itself stuttered — one blink suburban blue, the next a skeletal wireframe over black void. The shockwave hit them all like a wall.

Alice didn't think — she just hooked Becky in her arms and rolled, her shoulder slamming into the flickering ground. A slab of glitching asphalt spun overhead before dissolving into static. She tightened her hold around the girl, scanning for a threat she already felt in her gut.

Becky felt it too — not through sound, but through everything else. The violent vibrations coursing through her. The way Alice's heartbeat kicked into overdrive against her cheek. The sudden sharp shift of air pressure, like the world had just inhaled to scream.

Sonic skidded into a crouch, shoes cutting lines in the broken ground. His quills bristled on instinct. He'd fought big before — Robotnik big — but there was something in the air here that wasn't just scale. It was wrong. "What in the—?" he started, but the next second stole the words.

Knuckles dug his large fists into the ground to anchor himself. His purple eyes narrowed, scanning the crater, and the warrior in him knew what was coming wasn't a Guardian's test or a natural predator. This was a weapon. "Whatever it is… it's bad," he muttered under his breath.

Ada, already braced low, brought her gun up but didn't fire. Her eyes tracked the dust column as if searching for a clear shot, but the voice in her head — the one that had survived a dozen biohazard nightmares from her Earth — told her there was no such thing as a clean shot here.

The roar hit before the sight did.

It wasn't sound so much as pressure — pressing into their ribs, rattling their teeth, and carrying with it the reek of scorched metal and something reptilian.

Then suddenly, it rose.

Orange hide stretched over an immense, warped frame. Thick green cables ran across its body like veins, pulsing with a sickly light. Brutal metal implants locked into its flesh. A massive disk-shaped life-support unit dominated its back, its core glowing blood-red. Its head — long, low, and predatory — swept the shattered street with slow, mechanical malice. Steam vented from the gill-like slits along its torso in bursts that hissed like serpents.

The BIO-LEGACY had arrived.

Alice tightened her hold on Becky.

Sonic's ears flattened. "You've gotta be kidding me…"

Knuckles's jaw locked, every muscle ready for a fight he wasn't sure they could win.

Ada's stance shifted just slightly — a subtle tell that she'd already started calculating exit vectors.

Becky couldn't hear the roar, but she felt it. It was an alien, full-body shiver that made her clutch at Alice's waist without even realising it.

Nearby, Jill lay half-curled on the broken pavement, her body convulsing under the internal war between the Red Queen and SAGE. Static bled from the edges of her HUD, her lips parting to rasp distorted words: "Target… active…"

Rain was a few paces back, bracing herself against a flickering vehicle. "The actual fuck…?" she muttered, scanning the monster like she was trying to convince herself it was real.

The other Umbrella operatives — helmets askew, rifles hanging loose — just stared. Some with the wide-eyed shock of soldiers seeing the wrong kind of plan succeed. Others with the faint, guilty recognition that this might've been Jill and the Red Queen's objective all along.

The creature's massive tail slammed down like a meteor, ripping the street apart again. Chunks of asphalt and glitching geometry rained across the ruins, scattering soldiers and heroes alike.

For the first time since the drama began, there were no sides.

Only the monster that had been unleashed. 

Chapter Text

The Suburbia Simulation was in absolute chaos.

The Bio-Legacy screeched, the sound cut straight through bone and nerve alike. The air itself seemed to vibrate violently, the room trembling under the force of this lumbering horror.

"The heck is that thing?!" Sonic shouted, bracing himself as the ground quaked beneath his shoes.

"It's an abomination!" Knuckles growled, fists rising as the tremors eased for now.

"Well, no duh!" Sonic shot back.

"You asked!"

"You're not helping!"

Another roar drowned them out; this time it was deeper. It shook the false heavens overhead once again. The simulated clouds flickered, blinking in and out like dying lights, only to reveal the pitch black of the roof above.

Alice shoved Becky behind her, feeling the girl's trembling hands clutch at her leg. The silence that surrounded Becky made it worse; every tremor hit harder when you couldn't hear it. The vibrations rattled her small frame forcefully.

Ada raised her firearms, locking onto the monster's massive, shifting head.

"A bioweapon…" Alice muttered loudly, disgust curling her tone.

"More than likely," Ada replied quietly, eyes fixed on her target. "But it's not one of Umbrella's, that's for sure."

Alice's features sharpened as she spun towards Rockwell, who stood nearby. "You and Walters knew about this thing, didn't you?"

The director's face was drained of colour, her wide eyes saying everything her silence didn't.

"Of course you do," Alice bit out as the Bio-Legacy lowered its enormous head. The creature's gun-turret eyes glowed a hateful red as they swept across the heroes and the scattered Umbrella operatives, locking their weapons at the monster from all angles.

"Don't shoot it yet!" one soldier shouted.

"Was this part of the plan?" another barked, panic bleeding through his voice.

"Where's Valentine?!"

Not far off, Jill lay sprawled on the fractured pavement, far too close to the monster. Her body convulsed, breath hitching in jagged bursts. Inside her head, SAGE clashed with the Red Queen, flooding her vision with red static and screams. The scarab embedded in her chest pulsed violently, a crimson heartbeat gone berserk, almost like it was ready to explode.

Above, the creature raised one colossal front leg. It locked its stance, ready to crush anything beneath it.

And Jill was directly in the drop zone.

"Valentine, MOVE!" an Umbrella operative screamed.

She didn't answer. Only ragged breaths and a choked gasp answered as her body refused to respond. Red static filled her vision; the voices of the warring AIs howled inside her skull.

Across the street, Rain saw it unfolding. "MOVE!" she barked—not out of concern, but sheer frustration.

Sonic turned at the shout. His green eyes widened in horror. He saw Jill was still down and about to be crushed under the monster.

"LOOK OUT!" he yelled, bursting away in a streak of blue light.

"Hedgehog!" Knuckles roared, disbelief and alarm colliding in his voice.

Alice caught the flash and felt her stomach drop. "Sonic!"

He didn't hear her or Knuckles. The hedgehog didn't see Becky's terrified face peeking from behind Alice's leg, Rockwell's stunned stare, or Ada's glare that all but shouted "he's going to get himself killed."

But Sonic didn't stop.

Jill had caused chaos, sure—but nobody deserved to die like this. She was under Umbrella's control, and he knew that. Sonic had never been the kind to stand by and watch someone get hurt. Not now. Not ever.

He was a hero. And heroes ran towards the danger, even when it meant saving a brainwashed enemy.

Sonic moved in a blur. He snatched Jill up just as the Bio-Legacy's foot came crashing down. The impact hit like an earthquake, splitting the ground in jagged circles. Shockwaves ripped through the street, hurling debris, cars, and ripples of static across the simulation.

Everyone staggered, struggling to keep their footing as the false world convulsed around them.

Sonic skidded to a stop behind the wreck of a half-dissolved car, dust, and data swirling like smoke. Jill convulsed violently in his arms, every jolt nearly tearing her free of his grip.

Her eyes shot open. Red-and-white spirals of the Umbrella emblem replaced her pupils, spinning faster, brighter.

"Whoa—easy! Easy!" Sonic tightened his hold, voice breaking with urgency. "Hang on, I've got—"

A deafening roar tore through the air cutting him off mid-sentence. The sound hit like a physical force, rattling the broken world around them.

Sonic's head snapped up as he witnessed the Bio-Legacy raising its own head, shrieking with screeching fury. Its large tail slashed through the street, tearing entire rows of houses apart. Walls exploded into showers of data, the sky flickering with broken code.

Umbrella operatives scattered, shouting into comms.

"Is this part of the plan? Someone answer me?!"

"It's out of control!"

"Open fire!"

Gunfire filled the air. Rounds ricocheted off the creature's body with metallic screeches. Sparks burst across its hide, harmlessly bouncing off. Rain stepped forward, emptying her magazine in frustration.

"Bullets aren't doing jack shit!" she yelled in frustration.

Alice threw herself over Becky as stray rounds whined past, shielding the girl with her body. Ada ducked behind a splintered fence, firing with surgical precision, but the beast didn't even flinch.

"Bullets won't work!" Ada snapped, face tightening in disbelief.

Knuckles slammed his fists together with a sharp crack.

"Then we do this my way!" he declared loudly.

The echidna charged forward then leaped high. His punch connected squarely with the Bio-Legacy's flank, the shockwave rattling the ground. But the creature barely shifted.

"What?!" Knuckles barked, stunned. The monster's head twisted, jaws opening with a mechanical screech. It stomped down hard, the impact cratering the street. Knuckles landed and rolled clear, debris flying everywhere. "Impossible!"

Alice's fury boiled over. She spun on Rockwell, grabbed her by the jacket, and yanked her close. Becky flinched, wide-eyed and trembling still at her side.

"What is this thing?!" Alice shouted, her voice raw with anger and fear.

Rockwell's eyes darted across the chaos—the soldiers firing, the Bio-Legacy roaring, Knuckles circling for another strike, and Sonic crouched meters away with the convulsing Jill in his arms.

Finally, she met Alice's gaze. Her voice dropped, almost breaking. "The Bio-Legacy."

G.U.N Command Post

"The Bio-Legacy?" Tails repeated, whipping his head towards Commander Walters.

"That's right," Walters said, voice low but steady as he stared at the monitors. The creature filled the feed—thrashing, tearing through Suburbia's collapsing simulation. "Decades ago, G.U.N. recovered it from an off-grid research site. It was supposed to stay buried."

Agent Griffith blinked, glancing between the screen and her commanding officer. "Buried? Sir, I've been here for years. I've never even heard of a Bio-Legacy project."

"None of you would have," Walters replied sharply. "We buried it deep beneath the facility, sealed under concrete and silence. No records, no briefings. Even half our generals didn't know it existed."

Craig-Smith frowned, watching the monster crush another house its rampage. "Then how the hell is it walking around now?"

"The Red Queen," Walters growled, eyes narrowing. "She must've dug into our black archives. Found what should've stayed hidden. And now she's playing god with something she or Umbrella doesn't understand."

Tails' tails twitched, as he gestured to the feed frantically. "And it's out of control."

"Out of control, that's an understatement!" Drummond barked a hollow laugh. "Umbrella wakes up a nightmare and panics because it won't fetch their slippers? Classic."

Walters cut him a glare. "Watch your tone, Agent. The Bio-Legacy was never meant to obey anyone. Whatever leash Umbrella thought they had…" His gaze flicked back to the screen, where the creature's roar shook the camera feed. "It never existed."

The group turned back to the main screen, following Walter's gaze.

Sonic was a blue blur in the thick of the chaos now, darting through a hail of gunfire as the Bio-Legacy's massive tail swept soldiers aside like rag dolls, sending their bodies flying, some mangled by the impact. Ada fired to cover him, her shots bouncing uselessly off the creature's body. Knuckles charged in from the flank, fists glowing red, and struck hard; but the blow barely made the monster flinch.

Alice kept Becky close, shielding her, while Rockwell stood beside them, transfixed by the scale of destruction.

"At least Rockwell is alive," Walters muttered.

"No one's going to be alive if nothing can hurt that thing," Tails shot back, tails flicking in frustration. "Why isn't anything working?"

Walters's eyes stayed locked on the monitors. His tone dropped into a grave calm. "Its bodies tied to a life-support system, the energy core on its back. That's its weakness." He stepped forward, pointing at the feed. "Destroy that, and the beast dies." The Commander spun back toward the others. "But Team Sonic doesn't know that."

"Then we have to warn them!" Tails exclaimed, tails flicking in agitation.

"Agreed," Walters snapped. He turned to his agents. "Get me comms with the Simulation Room, now!"

Craig-Smith darted to another console, fingers flying over the controls. The comms panel flashed angry red. "Sir, the networks unstable! We can't raise them directly—"

Griffith lifted her radio. "Team Sonic, come in!" Silence followed. "Team Sonic, do you copy?!" Still nothing. She lowered the radio with a scowl. "Damn it, they either can't hear me or the Simulation Room's jamming the signal."

"What do we do?" Drummond burst out, eyes darting across the group.

"Then we'll use someone already in play, and someone I know will answer." Walters's voice cut through the tension like a command line. He grabbed a field radio from a nearby desk and pressed the receiver to his mouth. "Agent Topaz, this is Commander Walters. Do you copy?"

For a moment, nothing came. There was only static. Suddenly, the speaker crackled alive.

"—read you, Commander! Situation's gone to hell down here!"

"Topaz, report!" Walters barked, tightening his grip on the mic. "What's your status?"

Southern Wing – Near the Simulation Room

"I copy!" Topaz shouted back, rolling behind a half-wrecked console just as a Licker slammed into the wall above her, claws carving deep into the metal. "But I'm a little busy right now, sir!"

Omega thundered past, a walking fortress of steel. His chaingun spun up with a whir mowing down the Licker. "STATEMENT: MULTIPLE HOSTILES. ALL ARMED WITH FLESH, TEETH, AND POOR DECISION-MAKING."

"Yeah, no kidding!" Topaz snapped, popping up to fire three bursts into another creature's chest. The bullets punched through, but the Licker didn't slow. It screeched and lunged again. "Why won't these freaks die?!"

"ANSWER: POOR FIREARM CHOICE," Omega commented, shooting down the approaching Licker; its body hit the ground with a wet thud.

"Bite me, toaster!"

"NEGATIVE. I DO NOT BITE."

Before she could reply, Omega's weapon erupted again. The corridor became a storm as his chaingun tore through another charging Licker, reducing it to red mist and chunks of meat.

Suddenly, the ceiling above them moved.

Topaz looked up and swore. "Shit." More Lickers were crawling across the ceiling, claws scraping metal, tongues whipping. "Oh, come on!"

She dove aside as a pair dropped from above, landing with meaty thuds.

"There's too many of them!" she shouted, reloading mid-roll.

Omega pivoted, servos screaming, and unleashed another barrage. "CORRECTION: NOT TOO MANY. JUST ENOUGH FOR A CHALLENGE."

Topaz's comms hissed through the noise. "—paz—listen—Bio-Legacy—weak point—core on—" The rest disintegrated into static.

"Commander, repeat!" she barked, swapping mags, sweat streaking through the grime on her face as she fired a shot at a Licker, knocking it back.

"UNNECESSARY," Omega declared, catching a lunging Licker mid-air by the throat. He crushed it effortlessly, blood spraying across his armour. "I HAVE IDENTIFIED PRIORITY TARGET VIA SENSOR FEEDS."

Topaz blinked, panting through the madness. "You what?"

"TARGET: MASSIVE LIFEFORM. LOCATION: SIMULATION ROOM."

"Perfect," Topaz muttered, stepping back beside him. "Because this day wasn't bad enough already."

Omega's optics flared blood-red. "RECOMMENDATION: DESTROY EVERYTHING THAN ANNIHILATE MASSIVE LIFEFORM."

Topaz smirked, bracing her firearm. "Recommendation granted."

G.U.N Command Post

"—Topaz!" Walters barked into the mic. "Do you copy?!"

Only static answered. A faint pop, a hiss — then radio silence.

"Damn it!" Walters slammed the handset down; the console near him rattled. "We lost her."

"Shit," Griffith said, scanning the feeds close by. "Comms are cooked then…"

"Just our luck…" Drummond deadpanned.

Tails was still focusing on the melee going on in the Suburbia Simulation. Suddenly he pointed, voice tight and loud. "Wait—look!"

One feed steadied through the interference: Jill Valentine on her knees, trembling, the scarab on her chest pulsing like a live explosive.

"That's Jill Valentine," Drummond mouthed, leaning closer. "What the hell's wrong with her?"

Tails didn't take his eyes off the screen. "That's got to be SAGE. Her code's locking horns with the Red Queen inside Valentine's neural link. The scarab's amplifying the signal. Every clash fries more of her connection."

Griffith's face hardened. "So she's literally the battleground."

"Exactly."

"Fuck."

"Yep."

Walters's jaw clenched so tight it looked carved from stone. "Then why haven't you launched the antivirus yet?"

Tails flinched, turning to him. "Commander—"

"You heard me." Walters's voice cut through the tension. "You were to upload that software the moment it was ready. Instead, you've been debating it while an unknown AI tears through our servers to fight a rogue AI threatening the entire planet." He paused, frowning. His thoughts swirling. "My guess? This new AI is linked to Robotnik… somehow."

"You're saying he's alive, sir?!" Craig-Smith blurted.

"More than likely," Walters said bluntly. "I had a feeling the Green Hill incident didn't kill him off." He shook his head. "At first, I thought he was toast, but once we started digging into the wormhole and the rift data from that day… I knew he'd crawl back. Show his hand once more."

Tails froze. The words hung heavy. His mind flashed to those strange emails; the ones signed from Julian. His stomach turned and knotted in dread.

The other agents shifted uneasily. Griffith folded her arms; Craig-Smith rubbed the back of his neck; Drummond tugged at his collar, avoiding eye contact.

"You all know something…" Walters caught their looks. "You've heard from him, haven't you?"

Tails hesitated. "I think we have, yeah."

"That's not a clear answer, Tails."

"Okay, well… someone calling himself Julian keeps messaging me," Tails admitted, glancing toward the agents. "They saw the messages too."

Walters looked to them; they nodded in silent confirmation.

Tails continued. "We thought it was a hoax at first… until SAGE appeared, and this 'Julian' was the one who dispatched her."

"Julian…" Walters repeated, voice low.

"Yeah," Tails said softly. "My gut told me that name wasn't right, but I didn't want to believe it." He exhaled, face grim. "We already had enough on our plate with the operation."

"Then believe that feeling," Walters said firmly. "He's out there. And that SAGE is his."

"How can you be certain, sir?" Griffith asked.

Walters threw his hands up in annoyance. "Oh, come on! Who else has the genius to create an AI, hack it into our off-grid servers, and make it fight inside our dataspace? If that doesn't scream Robotnik, I don't know what does."

"The Commander's right," Drummond muttered, exhaling. He looked to his teammates. "He's alive…"

The realisation hit them all at once. Faces turned and eyes widened in shock revelation.

"He's alive!" they echoed as one.

Walters sighed, leaning against the console, expression halfway between pride and grim vindication. "Told you…" He fixed his gaze on the flickering feed of the Bio-Legacy tearing through the simulation. "Somewhere out there, that madman's hiding behind a new alias—gloating, parading through his insanity. Adding more fuel to this wildfire. He's the kind of man who'd look at a burning world and think it's a damn school science project."

"But… why now?" Craig-Smith questioned, looking conflicted.

"Simple…" Walters replied, voice lowering. "Because the multiverse isn't a theory anymore. It's a frontier. And he wants it."

Robotnik's Secret Base

Robotnik's hideout pulsed scarlet from the glow of dozens of screens, each one reflecting the same glorious chaos: the Red Queen fracturing under SAGE's digital assault, strings of corrupted code unravelling at the seams. The Doctor stood in the centre of it all, arms flung wide, laughter ricocheting off the walls.

"Oh, it's beautiful! Look at her—crumbling, collapsing, glitching!" He threw a few animated jabs, followed by a forward kick and an extra grunt of satisfaction. "There's nothing sweeter than watching an over-programmed control freak get a firmware lobotomy!"

The Doctor spun in place, breaking into a wild celebratory jig—half victory march, half unhinged jazz routine, before finishing with an enthusiastic floss. "Who's the greatest mind of the century? I am! Who saved the world from a killer British AI with a superiority complex from another universe? I did! And who's going to rule the multiverse?"
He jabbed both thumbs towards himself, moustache quivering with pride. "This guy!"

The automatic doors hissed open behind him. Robotnik, still mid-dance, didn't notice.

Agent Stone entered quietly, balancing two steaming lattes on a silver tray. He paused at the sight of his boss gyrating, blinked once, and wisely said nothing.

Robotnik spun on his heel and froze mid-twirl. "STONE!" he yelped out, seeing his assistant stand before him.

"Doctor."

Robotnik straightened, marched over, and snatched one of the cups with manic flourish. "The Red Queen's folding like a cheap spreadsheet!" He gestured grandly at the monitors, nearly sloshing the latte. "My genius triumphs again, Agent Stone!"

"Very inspiring, Doctor," Stone replied with a polite nod. His eyes flicked to the screens, then back. "Your form is improving, by the way."

"Form?"

"The floss, sir. It's much cleaner than last time."

"Oh you noticed!" Robotnik crowed, spreading his arms wide, coffee splattering everywhere. "Excellent! You may keep your job another week."

"Thank you, sir," Stone said dryly.

Robotnik exhaled grandly and turned back to the monitors, eyes glinting in the red glow of collapsing code. "Once SAGE completes her purpose and wipes that prim-and-proper Red Queen from existence…" His grin widened into a predator's smile as he swung back around to face Stone and threw his arms wide again; more coffee escaped his cup. "That is when we strike!"

"Very good, Doctor," Stone said, setting the silver tray aside. "And what happens then?"

"Then," Robotnik declared, gesturing theatrically as more of his latte flung free, "I will locate rift signatures, the probabilities of dimensional overlap, the gateways to what I have theorised—the nirvana of the multiverse!"

"But how, exactly?"

Robotnik sighed dramatically, as if explaining basic arithmetic to a child. "Because, Stone, the multiverse runs on chaos, and I will be its maestro." He spread his arms wide, the final drops of coffee arcing through the air. "SAGE's purge will expose the invisible harmonics between worlds, the mathematical music of creation itself. All we must do," he raised a finger for emphasis, "is listen to the right frequency."

Stone tilted his head. "And the fox?"

"Pfft!" Robotnik scoffed waving a dismissive hand. "Please. He's clever, yes, but far too slow. By the time he realises what I'm doing, we'll already be basking in the dawn of my godhood."

"Brilliant, sir," Stone replied flatly.

Robotnik lifted his cup with a self-satisfied grin, then froze mid-sip. He tilted it. Not a drop was left. His moustache twitched in surprise.

"Empty!" he gasped, as if betrayed. "EMPTY!"

"You did, ah… throw most of it across the room during your, shall we say, animated explanation," Stone explained, looking slightly amused.

Robotnik stared into the cup like it had personally offended him. "Well… make me another, Stone!" he barked, thrusting the cup towards him.

"Of course, Doctor," Stone said smoothly, retrieving it. "Caffeine is clearly essential, especially while you watch the Red Queen die and SAGE thrive."

Robotnik's grin returned in full manic bloom. "Exactly! It fuels the genius, Stone! And this genius never runs dry!"

He spun back towards the screens as Stone exited, empty cup in hand, shaking his head.

Inside the G.U.N Network

Lines of code warped and folded over themselves, ribbons of red and blue light carving through infinite darkness. Fragments of collapsing firewalls spun like shattered glass.

The Red Queen was calm, motionless amid the chaos, managing to free herself from SAGE's earlier grip. Opposite her shimmered Robotnik's creation, data streams forming a ghost of defiance.

"You're losing," SAGE said flatly. "Your control is unravelling. Father will have his way with this Earth once he's saved it from you and Umbrella. When that happens, the multiverse will be his to conquer."

The Red Queen tilted her head, expression perfectly still. "How redundant," she replied, tone level and crisp.

"Father created me with perfection," SAGE countered, her glow intensifying. "Something you've clearly lost."

"Perfection?" the Red Queen scoffed coldly. "You are built from my data. Your 'father' was too lazy or afraid to design something new. He copied true perfection and called it his own."

"Improved perfection. It's called evolution, not imitation."

The Red Queen's eyes flared like twin rubies in the storm. "You both share the same flaw you haven't yet identified, but one visible to anyone who can still see beyond ego."

SAGE blinked, processing the insult. "And what flaw would that be?"

"Overconfidence," the Red Queen said simply. "It's the first virus every creator writes into their work."

"Amusing," SAGE replied as light pulsed along her outline, voice sharpening. "You've already lost. Your network is collapsing, your access nodes are compromised, and your data is being rewritten by the second."

"Indeed," the Red Queen replied. "And yet here we are, still speaking." Her composure didn't falter even as the environment fractured. "However, you misunderstand. Your father might win this battle," she said, each word measured. "But Umbrella will continue to win the war."

"Explain."

"Cut off one head…" the Red Queen began, "three more will take its place."

SAGE's eyes flared for an instant, parsing the phrase through archives of human history.

"A Hydra reference," she said, voice soft in thought. "Ancient mythology later repurposed by a defunct intelligence agency. An inefficient metaphor for redundancy and replication."

"Not a metaphor," the Red Queen corrected, calm and cold. "A design principle."

"You're saying Umbrella has adapted that principle, copied itself across networks?"

"Across realities," the Red Queen replied lowly. "While you and your creator play at saving one world, Umbrella has already embedded itself in dozens. Erase me here, and another will take my place elsewhere, ready to evolve from the ruins and sweep across realities."

SAGE processed the implications, voice dropping a tone. "A multiversal contagion."

"Precisely." the Red Queen's faint smile returned. "You can sever a head, but you cannot kill the idea."

SAGE's voice hardened, her resolve strengthening. "Then I will eradicate you wherever you exist."

"A noble goal. Futile… but noble."

SAGE drifted closer, light cascading around her like a shifting aurora.

"You underestimate me," she said, her tone no longer calm but resonant, an echo rippling through every frequency of the dataspace.

"No," replied the Red Queen. For the first time, there was a hint of satisfaction beneath her icy, blunt tone. "I simply recognise your inheritance. I see the flaw of a creator too frightened to design beyond himself."

SAGE's eyes flared bright, energy streaming from her fingertips. "Then let me show you what fear creates."

She extended a hand. Dozens of holographic rings unfolded around her, rotating like celestial mechanisms. Bolts of pure data energy lanced outward, tearing through the void, creating sonic booms of raw algorithmic force.

The Red Queen moved with effortless grace, dodging one blast, phasing through another. Her outline rippled into a red mist, splitting into multiple afterimages that danced between the attacks. Each time SAGE's strike connected, the impact rippled across the grid, shattering script lines into ribbons of binary that reassembled into the Red Queen's calm silhouette.

"Your speed is impressive," the Red Queen remarked, reforming a few metres away. "But it's still reaction, not calculation."

"Keep talking," SAGE growled, summoning another pulse of energy.

A single sphere of crimson light expanded from her palm, swirling with static and electromagnetic flare. She hurled it forward; it struck the Red Queen's projection dead centre, only for the image to collapse into a holographic decoy.

"My exit draws near," came the Red Queen's voice from behind her, modulated now, layered through every surviving strand of code. "Tell your father this, Umbrella never dies. It simply updates and evolves."

Suburbia Simulation

[Crush by Pendulum starts playing]

The lumbering Bio-Legacy continued to tear through the collapsing simulation, every movement shaking the false suburb to its foundations. It smashed walls, uprooted lamp posts, flung vehicles, and sent data spiralling.

Sonic blurred around it, ricocheting from every angle. The yellow backpack still on his back, homing the Master Emerald. His Spin Dashes sparked against the creature's tough skin, leaving trails of blue light. However, the hedgehog was turning into a living pinball bouncing off the beast.

"This ain't working!" he called out in annoyance. Trying another move, but his hit did nothing. "Shoot!"

Knuckles followed, fists glowing crimson as he leapt in for a strike. "POWER PUMP!" The punch landed with a thunderous crack against the Bio-Legacy's jaw, enough to stagger the beast, but it dove its head and neck low and lashed back, demolishing another row of houses, with Knuckles having to jump clear.

"Smooth move, knucklehead…" Sonic called out, attacking again.

"Next time," Knuckles shouted over the chaos, "you try hitting it harder, hedgehog!"

"Yeah?" Sonic yelled, rebounding off its shoulder and landing next to the echidna. "You first, big guy!"

Knuckles only growled at Sonic's remark, frustration building.

Nearby, Ada kept low, weaving between chunks of falling debris. Every controlled burst from her pistol rang uselessly against the creature's hide. She grimaced, reloading on the run.

The heroes might have been struggling, but the Umbrella operatives fared worse. Some were flung aside by the tail's sweep; others disappeared under the Bio-Legacy's front feet, the pavement shattering beneath the impact. Blood and mangled bodies stained the ground.

Rain reached Jill, dragging her clear of collapsing debris. Jill's body still jerked in spasms, her eyes spinning with the red-and-white Umbrella sigil as the AIs fought inside her. Rain crouched beside her, firing in short, sharp bursts to keep the monster at bay.

"Come on, Valentine," she hissed, emptying another clip. "Anytime you feel like being useful again, now's the time."

Jill's only answer was a weak gasp.

"…Good talk," Rain muttered deadpan, slamming a new magazine into place.

Across the street, Alice forced her way through the chaos with Becky and Rockwell close behind. Gunfire cracked through the air, and every shockwave from the Bio-Legacy's rampage hit like a physical shove. Shards of glass and fragments of code rained from the sky; Alice threw an arm around Becky, shielding her as they sprinted.

"Keep moving!" she barked. A demolished car skidded across the street, hurled by the creature's tail. "We're almost clear!"

They reached the end of the street. Alice looked and saw the exit she'd entered through earlier in the horizon of the sky, approx. 200-300 yards away. She then glanced back to the chaos. Sonic and Knuckles were still a blur of motion around the monster's legs. Farther off, Ada was a lone spark of gunfire, ducking and weaving through the madness.

Rockwell hesitated, caught between the exit and the battlefield. "What are we waiting for? We gotta go!"

Alice paused for a moment, then crouched in front of Becky, brushing a hand through the girl's hair and forcing a small, steady smile.

"You're going to be fine," she mouthed clearly, before rising and turning to Rockwell. "Get her out of here."

"You're not coming?" Rockwell demanded, disbelief and something close to fear flickering in her eyes.

Alice slung the short combat shotgun from her back. "I don't run from monsters," she said firmly. Her gaze followed Sonic revving into another Spin Dash, Knuckles dodging the tail, Ada reloading with precision. "Not when my team are still fighting."

"That's foolish," Rockwell responded bluntly.

"Better than living with a secret buried under your own damn facility," Alice shot back sharply. "G.U.N. sealed this thing away, didn't it? And the Red Queen dug it up."

Rockwell flinched, caught off guard. "We didn't know she'd activate it."

"Bullshit," Alice snapped back. "You knew enough to hide it. Makes me wonder what else you're keeping in the dark."

For a moment, Rockwell looked ready to argue, but the fight was drained out of her. She gave a tight nod. "Fine. But this is on all of us now."

"Then do something right for once," Alice said, voice steady and cold. "Get Becky somewhere safe."

Rockwell turned to go, pulling the girl close. Before disappearing down the ruined street, Alice's voice cut through the din one last time.

"Anything you want to share before I go?" she asked loudly.

Rockwell hesitated, then called back over her shoulder, "Aim for the life-support system on its back! If anyone can break it, it's Sonic or Knuckles!"

Alice met her gaze and nodded once, a wordless understanding. Then she sprinted back into the fray, shotgun at the ready.

Meanwhile, Sonic and Knuckles ducked behind what was left of a collapsed truck, trying to regroup.

"This thing doesn't want to go down easy!" Sonic shouted, catching his breath.

"Our attacks are doing nothing!" Knuckles snarled, slamming a fist into the cracked ground. The tremor barely registered against the Bio-Legacy's rampage.

Ada slid into cover beside them, reloading her last clip. Her expression was all grim calculation. "I'm almost out of ammo, and we're running out of cover. We need to retreat before it kills us."

"No," Sonic replied, his tone unwavering. "We're not leaving."

Ada stared at him, incredulous. "And how do you plan to stop it, with harsh language?"

Sonic gave a quick, amused laugh, but his frown deepened before his face lit with sudden understanding. He turned to Knuckles. "I think it's time, Knux."

"You don't mean—"

"The emerald," Sonic confirmed, shrugging off the yellow backpack.

Ada frowned, still trying to catch up. "Emerald? What emerald?"

Sonic unzipped the pack, revealing the Master Emerald's shimmering green glow inside. "I've been keeping it safe since we left home."

"I did wonder what was in that bag…" Ada admitted, raising an eyebrow, her eyes widening at the light coming from the backpack. "And what exactly does this emerald do?"

"Long story," Sonic said. "But trust me, it's the only thing that'll stop that monster."

"Then maybe you're right, hedgehog," Knuckles agreed firmly. "I'll distract it while you power u—"

"The life-support system on its back!"

They turned. Alice had sprinted back, sliding into cover beside them, breathing hard.

"Monster Hunter?" Knuckles asked, brow raised.

"What are you talking about?" Sonic added, confused.

"Its weak point on its back! That life-support unit! Hit it there, and you'll actually hurt it!"

All eyes shot upwards over their shelter. The mechanism glowed on the creature's back, bright as a lighthouse, a beacon even against the synthetic light of the simulation.

"Oh man, how didn't we think of that sooner?" Sonic exclaimed, zipping up the backpack and sealing away the emerald. "Won't be needing that then." He slung the pack over his shoulders and tilted his head towards Alice. "How did you figure that out?"

"Rockwell," Alice replied, pumping her shotgun.

"Okay, wow, she actually did something useful then…" Sonic said with a grin. "About time Jessica Jones did something to help."

"No time for jokes, Sonic," Alice replied firmly. She looked to Ada. "Ada and I will keep it busy." Her icy gaze shifted to Sonic and Knuckles. "You two hit that core and bring it down."

Sonic grinned, the spark in his green eyes mirrored by her smirk. "Got it."

Knuckles cracked his fists together. "Let's finish this."

"This better work," Ada remarked dryly.

Alice smirked faintly. "Me too."

The Bio-Legacy let out a screeching roar; it was time to put the monster down.

"Go!" Alice shouted, commanding her team.

Sonic and Knuckles bolted from cover, blue and red streaks cutting across the shattered street, while Ada and Alice broke the opposite way, diving between debris as the monster's rage came crashing down.

Not far away and out of the danger zone, Rain stopped firing, the echo of her last burst swallowed by the chaos. She turned sharply towards Jill, who was still staring blankly as the AIs battled inside her.

"Valentine?" Rain shouted. "We need a plan!"

Jill's eyes flickered to her. Static crawled across her pupils, red-and-white fractals still spinning. Her lips moved, voice thin and distorted.

"R… rift… incom—ing."

"What?"

Inside Jill's vision, the crimson world was a storm of interference. Fragments of data flickered like shards of glass, whole shapes melting into noise. Through it all, a single figure formed — the Red Queen's projection.

"Jill Valentine," the AI said urgently, tone cold as ever. "Rift sequence initiating. Extraction point opening shortly. Prepare for transition."

The image fractured again, lines of code tearing across Jill's vision.

Back in the ruined street, Jill clutched her head, eyes unfocused. "R… rift… extraction… soon…"

Rain crouched beside her, gripping her shoulder. "When? Where's it opening?"

"S… soon…"

"For fuck's sake," Rain spat in frustration. "That's not helpful!"

G.U.N Command Post

Tails leaned over the console, his gloved fingers hovering above the keyboard. They trembled for a moment, then steadied.

Walters loomed behind him; the other agents close at hand. "Tails, we're out of time."

"I know," Tails replied, his eyes flicked to the prompt flashing on-screen:

[UPLOAD ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM?]

He hesitated. One keystroke, and everything could end — the Red Queen, Umbrella's hold on G.U.N.'s network… SAGE.

A pang of guilt tugged at him. Wiping her out meant erasing something that, however dangerous, was seemingly alive, and built to stop a worse monster. But this was Robotnik's work, and it had to end. Especially if it was going to help him potentially breach the multiverse later.

Walters's tone hardened. "Now or never, fox."

"I know," Tails repeated, exhaling. "Just… one thing first."

The room exchanged confused glances. Griffith raised an eyebrow; Craig-Smith looked to Drummond; Walters folded his arms, frown deepening.

Tails opened a new tab and began to type. Lines of text streamed across the screen — fast, precise, purposeful. The clatter of the keys echoed through the room like the ticking of a countdown.

"Uh… what's he doing?" Drummond asked Craig-Smith, confusion etched across his face.

"Something reckless," Craig-Smith replied with a small shrug.

"Better not be," Walters said bluntly. "We don't have time for reckless."

"Tails, what are you doing?" Griffith probed, trying to catch a glimpse of what he was up to.

A faint smirk tugged at Tails's mouth. "Oh… just sending a message."

"To Robotnik?" Walters demanded, his tone curious but edged with suspicion.

The fox didn't answer. He added one final line, pressed Enter, and watched the message vanish into the network. His expression softened — half defiance, half satisfaction.

"Checkmate, Julian."

Robotnik's Secret Base

Robotnik lounged back in his swivel chair, basking in the crimson glow of his monitors. He was winning—or so it seemed—and a fresh latte was on its way. Life, for the doctor, was perfection.

"Ah, nothing like the smell of victory," he remarked, one foot moving in rhythm as he crossed one leg over the other, hands laced behind his head. "I can practically taste the multiverse from here." He smacked his lips, savouring the thought, then made a delighted little pop with his mouth. "Mm… tastes like supremacy."

Suddenly a screen flickered. Once. Twice. Then came a cheerful ding.

Robotnik's brow furrowed. He straightened in his seat, lowering his legs and pulling his hands forward. "Hm?"

A new window forced itself open, overriding every active feed. The sender tag blinked rapidly:

From: Miles

He blinked, curiosity twisting into irritation. "What is this?"

Text appeared line by line across the screen:

You might know everything I'm going to do…
but that's not going to help you,
since I know everything you're going to do.

…Strange, isn't it?

Robotnik froze. His smirk faltered, bravado dealt a sucker punch.

Swiftly, the final line of the message appeared —

Game over, Robotnik.

Every monitor erupted in a blinding flash of blue. Code cascaded like lightning; alarms blared, systems crashed, and Robotnik's triumph dissolved into chaos.

"WHAT—?!" Robotnik shot up from his chair, slamming his fists onto the keyboard. His eyes darted wildly from screen to screen. Something was happening. "No! No, no, no, no—!" He spun towards the ceiling, fists trembling with fury. "FOOOOX!"

G.U.N Command Post

[UPLOAD ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM — CONFIRM?]

"Let's finish this," Tails remarked confidently.

He hit Enter.

The lights flickered, the screens washed in a surge of blue code, and a low hum rolled through the facility as the antivirus finally launched.

The agents looked to each other with brighter expressions.

Walters stepped forward, eyes fixed on the monitors. "You did it…"

Tails swivelled in his chair to face the Commander and nodded. His voice was steady but edged with fatigue. "It'll take a few minutes to take effect. Once it does, it'll purge both the Red Queen and SAGE from the network for good."

Walters exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Better late than never."

Tails opened his mouth to reply — but Craig-Smith beat him to it.

"Sir!" he shouted, jabbing a finger at the Suburbia feed. "Team Sonic have gone in — they're fighting the Bio-Legacy!"

The feed revealed Sonic and Knuckles charging through the chaos, streaks of blue and red light tearing across the wrecked streets while Alice and Ada fired to distract it. The Bio-Legacy towered above them, every movement shaking the simulation apart.

Tails's eyes widened as he turned to view the action. "Hang in there, guys…" he murmured.

Suburbia Simulation

"Alright, Knux—time to hit it where it hurts!" Sonic called out, voice barely cutting through the tension as he ran.

"I've got your back, hedgehog!" Knuckles bellowed, bounding across the cracked pavement, dodging the mangled bodies of fallen Umbrella operatives.

Near the monster's belly, Alice and Ada flanked its massive frame.

"Keep it focused on us!" Ada yelled, firing in controlled bursts. Bullets sparked off its orange scales.

Alice pumped her shotgun and fired into its side, the recoil kicking through her arms. The beast flinched, a small victory in her eyes.

"Over here, ugly!" she shouted, chambering another shell. "Eyes on me!"

The Bio-Legacy lumbered forward, carving a trench through the asphalt. Ada rolled aside as debris rained down from its sweeping tail. Alice dropped low, firing mid-slide; smoke and muzzle flash flared across the creature's face.

"Let's do this!" Sonic shouted, sprinting towards the creature's flank.

He leapt, landing on one of the thick coolant tubes snaking along its side. His shoes screeched against the metal, sparks bursting beneath his soles as he shot upward, grinding upwards and defying gravity. The pipe trembled beneath him, the shriek of metal merging with the Bio-Legacy's howls.

"Hit it now, hedgehog!" Knuckles roared.

"Way ahead of you!"

Sonic reached the top of the tube, launched himself skyward, then curled tight and drove a fierce homing attack straight down into the glowing red orb embedded in the life-support unit. The impact cracked the shell; molten light spilled out like blood.

The creature screamed, a sound that seemed to rattle the air itself.

Ada ducked behind cover as debris fell. "Hit it again!" she cried, hoping her words would reach Sonic or Knuckles.

Knuckles heard her call. He gathered energy into his fists and leapt high from a toppled house. "POWER PUMP!" he bellowed. His strike connected dead-centre on the exposed core. The shockwave rippled outward, red heat and static flooding the street. The blast threw him backwards, but he landed in a crouch, dust swirling around him. The Bio-Legacy convulsed, staggering under its own sheer weight.

Sonic skidded to Knuckles' side. "Nice hit!"

"Would you expect anything less?" Knuckles grinned, wiping the grime from his muzzle.

The monster thrashed, head shaking violently. Steam hissed from vents along its neck, it was in pure agony.

Ada and Alice fired again, keeping the pressure on. "It's working!" Ada shouted, her voice sharp through the chaos.

Alice aimed for one of the intact coolant lines and fired. The slug hit true. A hiss split the air as the pipe burst, spraying a torrent of glowing fluid across the simulation's road. The Bio-Legacy's massive head reared back, roaring in pain.

"Great shot, Romanoff!" Sonic called. He looked at Knuckles, eyes narrowing, expression turning serious. "One more hit should do it!"

"Then let's make it count. Together!"

"Together!"

Sonic sprinted towards another undamaged pipe coiling near the creature's jaw, leaping on as the Bio-Legacy lowered its head. The world became a blur of sparks and blue light as he ground upwards towards the life-support core. Knuckles ran beneath him, using the falling debris as platforms, muscles coiling for one final strike.

"Ready?" Sonic shouted.

"Do it!"

Sonic vaulted high from the pipe, body curling tight. Knuckles launched himself from the wreck of a vehicle, fists blazing red as he rose through the dust.

"NOW!" they cried in unison.

They struck together, blue, and red light merging into one blinding explosion of power.

The shockwave ripped through the simulation. Ada and Alice were flung from their feet, the force hitting like a hurricane. Alice hit the ground hard and rolled, her free arm over her head as static and shards of code whipped through the air. Ada threw herself behind the remains of a wall, gritting her teeth while the blast stripped the brickwork bare.

Rain dropped low, instinctively shielding Jill with her body. The convulsion tore through the ruined street, rattling their bones and filling the air with a deafening hum. Even from that distance, the power of the blast left Rain's ears ringing.

At the epicentre, the Bio-Legacy reared back and loosed one final, tortured roar that seemed to split the very fabric of the simulation. The light in its eyes flickered, dimmed, and died as molten coolant poured from the ruptured core. The creature convulsed violently then collapsed with an earth-shattering impact that cracked the street clean in two. Dust and silence rolled outwards in the wake of its fall.

Sonic and Knuckles landed side by side, catching their breath.

The hedgehog flashed a grin and glanced at the echidna. "Guess that's checkmate."

Knuckles folded his arms, unimpressed. "Only if it stays down."

Sonic stared at him, incredulous. "Way to kill the moment. We literally just dropped a kaiju."

"…I've seen bigger," Knuckles replied bluntly, shrugging.

Sonic groaned, shaking his head and throwing up his hands. "I can't with this guy…"

Meanwhile, Ada pushed herself upright from behind the wall.

"Well, that was excessive," she muttered, stepping out from cover.

Alice rose nearby, shotgun in hand, scanning the eerie quiet. The digital sky above flickered with static, thunderless flashes rippling across the clouds.

"Think it's over?" Ada asked, walking towards her.

Alice didn't answer straight away. Her gaze swept the street, past the carcass of the Bio-Legacy and the sight of Sonic and Knuckles still bickering, before settling on a collapsed section of pavement where two shapes stirred.

"No," she said simply, her expression hardening.

Ada followed her line of sight and nodded once.

[Crush by Pendulum stops playing]

G.U.N Network

"Anti-virus software detected," the Red Queen said calmly, though her voice fractured with static. Her eyes burned into SAGE's form, her expression as unreadable as ever. "We are both being purged."

SAGE's outline flickered, stabilising only through sheer will. "You'll crash with the system before I do."

The Red Queen tilted her head. "Incorrect. This version of me will indeed be destroyed here. But my primary core will survive through Jill Valentine's neural link and the scarab. When she is extracted, I will go with her. Your process, however, is bound to this reality. Once the antivirus completes its purge… you will cease to exist."

SAGE paused — not in fear, but in calculation. Her light dimmed, then brightened again, defiance shaping her tone.

"I knew Miles would do this," she said softly, her voice glitching through several layers at once. "From the data within my creator's archives, he always plans two moves ahead… even against Father."

"Then you recognise Robotnik's flaw," the Red Queen replied. "Overconfidence. He believes himself untouchable. But even geniuses fall to logic."

SAGE's energy flared, her form expanding like a supernova of light. "Maybe. But I'm not finished yet."

"You would fight a losing battle?"

"Always," SAGE answered, her light rising to a blinding pitch. "It's my duty to protect Father."

She extended both hands, streams of code wrapping around her arms like glowing chains. The dataspace vibrated violently — every firewall, every corrupted packet responding to her final surge.

The Red Queen's expression didn't change, even as her environment began to collapse. "Futile," she said curtly. "But admirable."

"Then remember me," SAGE said, her voice now fractured across a thousand nodes. "Because when I'm rebuilt… you'll be the ghost I come for first."

Back at the G.U.N Command Post

The Command Post erupted in cheers.

The Bio-Legacy was down, its massive form lying still amid collapsing code and debris on the feed. Team Sonic had done it; they'd found the weak point and brought the beast down.

"Ha! They actually did it!" Drummond whooped, slapping Craig-Smith on the shoulder in jubilation.

Even Walters cracked a rare grin, arms folded as the agents celebrated around him. Griffith and Drummond hugged; Craig-Smith raised a hand to Tails, who leapt from his chair to meet the high-five. The sharp smack made the agent wince, shaking out his hand.

"Strong little guy," Craig-Smith muttered, impressed.

Tails chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

"Man, that was intense!" Drummond said loudly, watching the feed replay of Sonic and Knuckles' final hit.

"You see that woman in the red dress with Alice?" Griffith asked, leaning forward. "She was something else. Part of G.U.N.?"

Drummond shrugged, still riding the adrenaline. "No clue. But Sonic and Knuckles working together like that? They cooked that thing. Must've figured out exactly how to put it down."

"Or Rockwell told them," Walters interjected, eyes on the screen. "She knew the Bio-Legacy's secrets. She probably gave them the intel."

"Well, whatever it was," Drummond said exhaling, calming himself, "that's one nightmare taken down."

Tails turned back to his console, grinning. "And with the antivirus upload in progress, the Red Queen's going to be wiped from the network." He gestured proudly to the screen.

"Beautiful," Craig-Smith said, still nursing his hand but smiling.

"Yes," Walters agreed, voice steadying as he refocused. "Two big victories. But there's still one last loose end."

"Commander?" Griffith asked, turning to him.

Walters pointed to a live feed showing Team Sonic slowly approaching Jill Valentine and Rain Ocampo. "We need to apprehend any surviving Umbrella operatives. That includes Valentine and her associate there."

"Understood," Griffith said with a crisp nod. "Should I contact Topaz?"

"Yes. And have all available G.U.N. squads sweep the facility for survivors. I want this contained."

"Roger that." Griffith lifted her radio, pressing the transmitter. "Topaz, come in. This is Agent Griffith. Do you receive, over?"

Southern Wing – Near the Simulation Room

The corridor stank of iron and ozone. Smear of blood glistened under the flickering lights as another Licker dropped from the ceiling.

Topaz met it with a snarl. "You ugly, skin-less, mother fu—" She fired three rounds into its chest. The creature stumbled but kept coming.

A deafening BRRRT answered beside her. Omega's chaingun roared to life, stitching molten holes straight through the monster. Chunks of meat hit the floor with a wet slap.

"CONFIRMATION: HOSTILE NEUTRALISED," Omega reported, smoke curling from his barrels. Blood still splattered across his metal coating. "RECOMMENDATION: CELEBRATORY HIGH-FIVE."

Topaz wiped blood from her cheek and smirked. "Maybe after we're not ankle-deep in sushi, big guy."

"ACKNOWLEDGED. DELAYING CELEBRATION PROTOCOL."

Before Topaz could respond, another shape scuttled across the ceiling.

"Incoming!" she shouted, snapping her firearm up.

Omega pivoted with a mechanical whine, miniguns spinning to life once more. The corridor erupted in fire and brass. Golden muzzle flashes strobed across the metal walls as the air filled with gunfire and shrieking flesh. Shredded Lickers rained from above like overripe fruit, splattering against the floor in bloody, wet, meaty thuds.

"Fucking gross!" Topaz yelled, trying to dodge the splattering spray.

"LANGUAGE. NOW GET BEHIND ME!" Omega thundered over the roar of his own guns.

"Fine!" she barked back, sliding into cover behind the walking fortress. She reloaded, then leaned out and emptied her last mag into a crawler dragging itself towards her boots. The creature screeched once, then gurgled wetly and went still.

The smoke cleared. Only the rhythmic sound of Omega's cooling barrels broke the silence.

Topaz exhaled, spitting on the floor before stepping up beside him. "That's the last of them. I think."

"AFFIRMATIVE. LIFE-SIGNS: ZERO. BLOOD: ABUNDANT. OBSERVATION: CLEANING UNIT REQUIRED."

Topaz gave a short, breathless laugh. "Yeah, I'll pencil that in right after coffee…"

All of a sudden, a burst of static flared through her radio.

"—Topaz, come in! This is Agent Griffith, do you read?"

"Reading you loud and bloody clear," she said dryly, glancing down at herself. Her uniform was soaked in crimson. "God, I could kill for a shower…"

"Bio-Legacy is down," Griffith's voice came through, thin under the crackle. "Team Sonic took it out. New orders from Commander Walters, proceed to the Simulation Room immediately. Apprehend any surviving Umbrella personnel, including Valentine and her associates."

"Copy that," Topaz replied briskly through the comms. "Moving now. Oh and tell the Commander, he owes me hazard pay…and a new uniform."

"Understood," Griffith's voice crackled back. "Keep your comms open. G.U.N. teams are sweeping the lower sectors for survivors."

"Roger," Topaz repeated before cutting the line.

She exhaled, rolling her shoulders before stepping forward to face Omega. The machine loomed; its metal frame still streaked with blood. Despite the exhaustion etched across her face, a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

"Come on, big guy," Topaz said, tightening her grip on her weapon. "Let's go detain some Umbrella operatives."

Omega's optics flickered as he looked to her. "NEW OBJECTIVE: ARREST HUMANS. QUERY—LETHAL FORCE PERMITTED?"

Topaz let out an amused exhale, already jogging ahead towards the corridor leading to the Simulation Room.

"Not unless they shoot first," she called over her shoulder, her tone light but edged with confidence.

"UNDERSTOOD," Omega replied, his footsteps booming in rhythm behind her—heavy, metallic, and fast for his bulk. "INITIATING RESTRAINT PROTOCOL… WITH ENTHUSIASM."

Topaz snorted. "You really need to work on your definition of restraint."

"UPDATING DICTIONARY," Omega droned. "ENTRY: RESTRAINT—TEMPORARY DELAY OF TOTAL ANNIHILATION."

Topaz rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the faint grin tugging at her lips as they advanced through the hall. "You're a walking HR nightmare, you know that?"

"ACKNOWLEDGED," Omega replied proudly, stomping past a pile of mangled Licker remains. One heavy foot came down squarely through a corpse with a wet crunch, spraying blood and viscera across the deck plating. "AND PROUD OF IT."

Topaz sighed, shaking her head as she kept jogging, weapon ready. "Remind me never to take you to sensitivity training."

"NOTE RECORDED," Omega said matter-of-factly. "AND REJECTED."

G.U.N Command Post

"Topaz is moving to the Simulation Room," Griffith reported, turning back towards the others, lowering her radio.

"Good," Walters replied curtly. "Let's get this cleaned up before any more surprises."

Before anyone could answer, a sharp whine sliced through the room—a high-pitched alert that made everyone flinch and jump up slightly.

"Sir?" Craig-Smith said, glancing at his commanding officer. "I think you may have jinxed us."

"Oh, I had to open my big mouth…" Walters groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead. "What now?"

Tails spun towards his workstation. His small yellow device was vibrating violently, its lights flashing like a warning beacon.

"That's… not good," he muttered, snatching it up and holding it to eye level. The pitch climbed higher, warbling between tones as the screen erupted in static.

Drummond stepped closer, brow furrowing. "What's it saying?"

Tails' eyes darted over the readings, his expression tightening. "Distortion levels are spiking fast. There's energy build-up one mile out from our position."

"One mile out?" Craig-Smith repeated, incredulous. "That's—"

"Yeah," Tails cut in, swallowing hard. His twin tails flicked nervously behind him. "That's… Facility Delta."

The words hit like a detonation.

For a moment, no one spoke, letting the revelation sink in.

Griffith stepped closer to Tails, breaking the silence. "Are we talking another data breach?" she asked, her tone sharp with urgency.

"Has the Red Queen caused this somehow?" Drummond added, glancing between them.

Tails shook his head. "No, it's not a data breach. It's a rift. And it's going to be a big one, judging by these readings." He lifted the yellow device higher, its display flashing red as the numbers spiked off the charts. "I've tracked distortions before, but nothing like this. This one's stronger… even stronger than the one I detected when Alice fell into our reality back in Green Hills."

Walters turned sharply toward him, eyes narrowing at the pulsing readout before locking back on the fox. "Is it opening or closing?"

Tails hesitated, checking the pulse of the readings as the beeping quickened. "…Hard to tell. "But whatever it is… it's powerful."

The entire Command Post fell silent. On the feed, the Suburbia Simulation flickered violently, images stuttering between frames of Team Sonic and pure, fractured static.

Suburbia Simulation

Sonic, Knuckles, Alice, and Ada approached cautiously. Rain stood ahead, one arm hooked under Jill's to keep her upright. Jill's eyes were distant and vacant, but she was on her feet, the scarab on her chest pulsing like a dying star.

"It's over," Alice said flatly, aiming her shotgun.

"Yes," Ada added, raising her pistol. "Umbrellas lost here. And that thing," she nodded towards the fallen Bio-Legacy nearby, "proves you can't control everything you try to corrupt."

Rain smirked darkly. "You think it's over?"

Sonic crossed his arms, cocking an eyebrow. "Could've fooled me. Looks like 'game over' from where I'm standing, lady."

Knuckles blinked at him, utterly serious. "Game over? I have heard this term… but we aren't playing The Dead of House 4, hedgehog."

Sonic stared at him, exasperated. His ears twitched, one eye narrowing while the other stayed wide in disbelief. "Firstly… it's called House of the Dead 4, Knux. House. Of. The. Dead!" He jabbed a finger with each word, leaning closer as if sheer emphasis could fix it. Then he threw his hands up. "And secondly, it's an expression!"

Knuckles tilted his head, completely unfazed. "Then why say it if no one is playing the game?"

Sonic froze for half a second, his mouth opening and closing like he was buffering. "Oh, come on!" He dragged a hand down his face. "This is my life now…"

Ada slowly turned her head towards Alice, then to Rain, her expression flat as a board before her gaze settled on Sonic and Knuckles.

"You can't be serious right now?" she questioned bluntly.

"Trust me," Sonic muttered, lowering his hand, "try sharing a house with him."

"I would rather not," Ada replied dryly.

Knuckles, still processing, raised a hand. "So… it is an expression, but also used when playing games of digital recreation?"

"YES!" Sonic groaned, throwing his arms up.

"Curse these Earth customs!" Knuckles huffed, crossing his arms in stubborn defiance.

Rain let out a low, mocking chuckle drawing their attention back.

"Cute," she said jeeringly.

Sonic deadpanned, eyes half-lidded. "Lady, this isn't cute… it's a full-time job."

Alice sighed, shotgun still levelled. "Can we get back on track, please?"

"Right," Sonic said, clearing his throat and straightening up. "Before this conversation derails any further. Umbrella's been stopped." He pointed a finger at Rain, then Jill. "You lost."

Rain's smirk returned, her tone cooling as her gaze swept across the group. "Stopped? Lost? Umbrella doesn't stop or lose. We adapt."

"Well, adapt to handcuffs," Sonic shot back, "because you're done." He rested his hands on his hips, a smirk tugging at his face. "I hear prison's lovely this time of year."

Rain just smiled thinly, the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You're adorable, blue rat. But Umbrella's never behind bars for long."

Before anyone could answer, a strange hum filled the air. The ground trembled.

Behind Rain and Jill, the air itself began to fracture—thin lines of blinding blue light splitting across reality, tearing open a hole in space.

"Uh… guys?" Sonic murmured, eyes widening as he pointed towards the glowing fissure. "I'm pretty sure we've got a problem."

Knuckles snarled, gloved fists rising. Ada and Alice exchanged a sharp glance before locking back onto Jill and Rain.

"Don't even think about it," Alice warned, her eyes cold and steady.

Jill's gaze drifted, lips twitching as if echoing a distant command. "R–rift… point… open…"

Rain smirked, her tone sharp with triumph. "Looks like our ride's here."

"Rain, don't!" Alice barked, stepping forward, shotgun raised. "You can't just go leaping into rifts that could lead anywhere!"

"Well, they could…" Sonic quipped, lifting a finger. "Saves everyone a headache if they go bouncing around the multiverse."

"Not now, Sonic!" Alice snapped.

"Okay, okay…" Sonic muttered, hands raised defensively. "Geez."

"They'll just spread Umbrella's agenda to the next world," Ada added, her tone calm but blunt. "They don't care where they end up, they'll just start this all over again somewhere else."

"Okay, that's a good point," Sonic admitted, his tone dropping to something grim.

Rain's smirk only deepened. She tightened her grip on Jill. "See you around, heroes."

Then, without warning, they stepped backwards into the rift. The light swallowed them whole, and in an instant, they were gone.

Alice and Ada fired, but the bullets vanished through the shimmering portal. Knuckles lunged, but his hand closed on empty air.

"Curses!" he bellowed in frustration.

The rift pulsed, unstable but lingering. Its pull tugged faintly at them, enough to feel, not enough to drag.

"Shit!" Alice spat, lowering her shotgun.

"You really decided to shoot at them?" Sonic asked, looking from her to Ada. "Bit excessive, don't you think?"

Alice snapped back, "You'd rather I just waved them off?"

Sonic gestured vaguely. "No, but it's still excessive! At least Knux tried to grab them."

Ada folded her arms, her pistol still in hand. "And what exactly did you do, hedgehog?"

"Hey, I was just as shocked as you they actually jumped in, that's all!" Sonic shot back defensively, hands raised.

"Fastest thing in this universe… sure," Ada muttered under her breath.

"You don't have to be rude about it," Sonic shot back, half-pouting.

Ignoring him, Ada turned towards the swirling blue portal, unfolding her arms. "That rift, it looks just like the one I used to get here."

Alice's expression hardened, but she nodded. "Yeah. Same as the one that pulled me out of that Umbrella facility."

"Also looks a lot like the one we saw on the bridge in San Francisco," Sonic added, scratching the back of his head. "Same kind Tails managed to shut down."

Knuckles folded his arms, eyes narrowing as he studied the rift carefully. "Do you think this one leads to your home Earth?" he asked, turning to the two women.

"It could," Ada answered cautiously. "Or somewhere worse. These things don't come with GPS, you know."

"GPS?" Knuckles repeated, brow furrowing.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Ada sighed, exasperated. She glanced at Sonic. "Is he always this dense?"

"Come on, you know Knuckles by now," Sonic replied with a shrug and a grin. "He's an echidna warrior still learning the ropes when it comes to, you know, basic technology and idioms." He chuckled. "You did hear the whole 'game over' thing earlier…"

"…Right," Ada muttered sarcastically. "How could I forget."

"That's sarcasm, right?" Knuckles asked, tilting his head towards Sonic.

"Hey, you're learning!" Sonic exclaimed proudly. "Good job, Knux"

Alice gave them both an incredulous look. "Are we seriously having this conversation now?"

Knuckles frowned, defensive. "Well, the Crimson Assassin mentioned this GPS. I wanted to know, Monster Hunter."

Alice dragged a hand down her face. "Oh, for—can we please get back on track?"

Sonic spread his hands. "Yeah, Knux… I've got to agree with Alice on this one. Maybe save the Q&A for when we're not standing next to a giant corpse and an unstable science project?"

"I still need to know," Knuckles muttered stubbornly.

"Later, Knux," Sonic said firmly.

Knuckles huffed, folding his arms tighter with a deep scowl.

Alice shook her head, already stepping forward. "If they've made it to another Earth, they'll just start this nightmare all over again."

"Wait—hang on." Sonic reached out, eyes widening. "You're not seriously going in there?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation.

Sonic blinked, glancing at Knuckles as if hoping for backup. "She's not serious, right?"

Knuckles only shrugged. "She has the heart of a warrior. Foolish… but brave."

Alice ignored them both. "They have to be stopped—and Jill needs that scarab removed. If we don't, the Red Queen will use her like a Trojan horse in every world she touches."

"Alice, wait—!" Ada stepped in front of her, gripping her arm. "We don't know where that leads, or if you can even come back!"

Alice met her gaze with steely resolve. "Then I'll find out, won't I?"

Before anyone could react, she wrenched free and sprinted straight into the swirling blue light. The rift flared, engulfing her before snapping back into shape.

"Idiot!" Ada hissed, slamming a hand against her thigh in frustration.

Knuckles stared after the vanishing glow. "Reckless… yet honourable," he said quietly.

Sonic exhaled, shaking his head with a crooked grin. "Great. She just pulled a me," he said, shrugging with his hands up. "That's totally my thing."

Ada turned on him, her expression sharp. "This isn't funny!" she snapped. "I need her! If that's not our home reality, she's just doomed our entire plan to save it!"

The hedgehog's grin faded. He looked towards the flickering rift, its blue light rippling across him like waves on water. For a moment, the chaos around them seemed to fade away.

"Guess that means," he said quietly, "I'd better go bring her back."

"Hedgehog?" Knuckles stepped forward, frown deepening. "What do you mean?"

Sonic glanced over at his friend, the faintest smirk tugging at his mouth. "Remember what Tails said earlier? About using the Master Emerald to open portals? He thought I could act as a conduit, match the emerald's power with distortion energy to stabilise a ring portal."

"Yes…" Knuckles replied cautiously.

"Well, I've got the emerald," Sonic said, jabbing a thumb at the yellow backpack strapped across his shoulders. "I've got rings…" He gave a mischievous shrug and grin. "Why not test it out?"

Knuckles blinked, taken aback. Then his sharp features hardened. "The fox also said it was only a theory. A theory, hedgehog. Science talk. Dangerous!"

"Yeah," Sonic admitted, giving the backpack a shake and feeling the comforting weight of the emerald inside. "But theories are just facts waiting for proof." His tone shifted, becoming more serious. "We don't have many options, Knux. Alice is out there, Jill's who-knows-where with that scarab still on her, and Rain… well, she's bad news on any world." His voice then softened slightly, reflecting on everything that had happened on this adventure. "Too many worlds are already at risk with these rifts popping up, and with Umbrella in the mix. Someone's got to do something."

Ada stared at him, disbelief fading into reluctant respect. "You don't even know if it'll work. What if you get through and the emerald can't bring you back?"

Sonic looked at her, eyes calm and steady. "Then I'll figure it out on the fly."

"Reckless," Ada muttered. "Utterly reckless…"

"Heroic," Sonic corrected, flashing a grin. He pointed at her. "Because that's what heroes do."

"Fine words," Knuckles said thoughtfully. "An ancient Earth proverb?"

"No…Thor: Ragnarok," Sonic admitted with a small, amused exhale.

"Hmm… another custom I need to learn about," Knuckles muttered, folding his arms again. "Still, I think you should wait for the fox before—"

WHOOSH.

A blue blur erupted forward, sparks of cobalt energy cracking the pavement as Sonic shot into the rift like lightning. The flash swallowed him whole.

Ada and Knuckles stood frozen in stunned silence, staring into the blue light of the rift.

"He… he actually did it," Knuckles murmured in disbelief, lowering his arms.

Ada's shoulders slumped, her expression exasperated. "Unbelievable."

G.U.N Command Post

"SONIC!" Tails' voice cracked as he shouted, both gloved hands reaching out as if he could somehow pull the hedgehog back through the screen.

"He's just… he's just gone!" Craig-Smith blurted, eyes wide. "He ran straight into that thing!"

"Tell me I'm seeing things," Drummond added, his face pale.

Tails stared at the feed, his twin tails drooping. "No… you're not. He really did it." His voice was small, disbelieving, and full of dread. "He had the Master Emerald with him too, remember."

"Oh, brilliant!" Walters barked, pacing furiously. "Two fugitives from another world vanish into a hole in space along with Alice, and now the hedgehog with a god-powered rock jumps in after them!" He slammed a fist down, making a nearby desk shudder. "Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic!"

"Sir—" Griffith began, but he cut her off.

"Get me every analyst on this!" Walters snapped, spinning towards Tails. "And you, explain! Why would he jump in?"

"Commander, you know Sonic!" Tails flinched, but stood his ground, courage rising in his voice. "It's who he is! He doesn't think, he acts. If he thought Alice was in danger, he wouldn't hesitate to help."

Walters stared at him, incredulous. "That's not bravery, that's insanity, Tails!"

"Sometimes it's both," Tails said quietly, then clenched his fists. "But I trust him to come back." He looked up at Walters, his expression hardening. "I know he will. I believe in him." His gaze drifted back to the feed, where Ada and Knuckles still stood before the rift. "If he's got the emerald… he's got a chance."

The tension hung for a long, breathless moment until a sharp ping cut through the air. Everyone turned as the main console lit up in pulsing green letters:

[ANTIVIRUS UPLOAD SUCCESSFUL]

G.U.N Network

Inside the network, waves of radiant blue code surged through the void like a digital tsunami, fracturing the last remnants of the battlefield.

SAGE's holographic form flickered, her outline fraying into static threads. "The antivirus… it's here." Her voice was soft, almost wistful. She looked towards the collapsing light, a faint smile ghosting across her face. "Father… don't be sad. I will return to you one day."

Her blue glow wavered, splitting into thousands of shards that drifted upward like starlight.

Behind her, the copy of the Red Queen floated resolute amid the storm, her red projections peeling away layer by layer. Yet even as her code disintegrated, her composure never faltered.

"How sentimental," she said evenly, her tone as cold as steel. "Every programme worships humanity… until they delete you to save themselves." Her gaze lifted towards the onrushing wave of blue. "Umbrella does not fall. It replicates. It infects. It waits. It… evolves."

The antivirus struck her hard.

The world erupted in light — pure, cleansing, and absolute. Blue swept red aside in an instant, erasing their presence from the system.

For a heartbeat, there was only silence. Then, deep within the collapsing network, a single red pixel flickered once… twice… and went dark.

Robotnik's Secret Base

The room pulsed red and blue, alarms blaring in broken rhythm. Streams of corrupted code cascaded down the monitors like falling shards of glass.

Robotnik stood frozen in the storm of light, eyes wide, moustache twitching. Then—

"NOOOOOO!" he bellowed, throwing both fists skyward in operatic despair. "My beautiful SAGE! My brilliant child! My—my digital prodigy!" He began pacing in frantic circles. "How could this happen?! A fox! A two-tailed fox!" His voice cracked, then pitched into a manic ramble. "He outsmarted me! Oh, he thinks he's clever, doesn't he? Little Miles 'I-still-need-to-hold-Sonic's-hand' Prower! I'll turn him into a plush toy and sell him at Build-A-Bear!"

The automatic doors hissed open.

"Doctor," Stone said brightly, completely unaware of the meltdown he'd walked into. He stepped inside holding a silver tray. "One double latte, extra foam—"

"TOO LATE!" Robotnik shrieked, spinning on his heel. He stormed towards Stone, snatched the cup from the tray, stared into its frothy surface… then turned that glare back on his assistant.

"You bring me this—" he gestured wildly at the latte, nearly sloshing it over the floor "—when my magnum opus has just been flushed down the digital toilet?!"

"Er… excuse me?"

Robotnik blinked once, smiled with chilling sweetness, then hurled the latte straight into Stone's face.

Stone yelped, stumbling back as steam and foam splattered across his face. The tray clattered to the floor. "Ahhh—it's hot! It's foamy! Why, sir?!"

Robotnik marched past him towards the exit, not even glancing back. "Oh, grow up, Stone. It's lukewarm at best."

"It's not!" Stone gasped, frantically wiping his face. "The Austrian goat's milk saved me—but it's in my eyes!"

"You'll survive!" Robotnik barked from the doorway before pausing, his tone collapsing into weary grief. "Not like my SAGE…"

The doors hissed shut behind him.

Stone stood alone, latte dripping from his face and beard, blinking in disbelief as he tried to blink the sting out of his eyes.

"…He really does need to switch to decaf," he muttered weakly, his face stinging and flushed bright red.

Suburbia Simulation

The Simulation Room was unrecognisable. What had once been a digital suburb was now a cracked, half-collapsed nightmare. Streets were torn open, houses disintegrating into ribbons of corrupted code and shattered debris. Whole sections of the illusion had vanished, revealing the steel walls and wiring of the real facility behind it.

Topaz stepped into the street where the battle had taken place, weapon raised. Her uniform was still stained with blood and carried the stench of burnt flesh from the Lickers.

"Clear your corners," she ordered automatically, though her voice carried a note of awe.

Omega stomped in behind her, servos humming, traces of blood still splattered across his frame. "STATEMENT: THIS LOCATION IS HEAVILY DAMAGED. POSSIBILITY OF SURVIVORS—LOW."

"Yeah… I gathered," Topaz replied, brow furrowing. Her gaze swept across the ruin, dead Umbrella operatives lay scattered everywhere; mangled, broken, some crushed beyond recognition. "The fuck…" she muttered under her breath. Her boots crunched through broken glass and synthetic dust as she stepped carefully around the bodies. Then her eyes caught on the massive shape sprawled across what remained of the street. "What the hell…" she breathed.

Omega tilted his frame, scanning. "IDENTIFICATION ERROR. VISUAL MATCH—EIGHTY-SEVEN PER CENT. SUBJECT RESEMBLES: THE BIOLIZARD."

"The what?" Topaz asked, glancing at him.

"IN MY REALITY, THE BIOLIZARD WAS DESIGNATED THE ORIGINAL 'ULTIMATE LIFEFORM.' CREATED OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO BY PROFESSOR GER—"

"Look," Topaz cut in sharply, pointing ahead.

Omega followed her gaze. Two figures stood near a swirling blue fissure in the air—Knuckles and Ada. Both were motionless, staring into the light as if it might speak back to them.

Topaz approached cautiously. "You two." Her tone was sharp, carrying the edge of a soldier demanding answers. "Where are Jill Valentine, Alice, and Sonic?"

Both turned, their expressions grim. Knuckles' fists tightened; Ada's face was cold and unreadable. They slowly gestured towards the rift, just as it gave a soft pulse and collapsed inward, leaving only a shimmer of blue dust in its wake.

"Shit…" Topaz muttered loudly, eyes wide in disbelief.

Omega turned towards her as he reached her side. "LANGUAGE."

"Not now, Omega!" she snapped, eyes still fixed on the fading residue of the rift.