Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"An original Archive of Our Own fanfiction"

A rough male voice with a street lingo is heard.

???: (Off-Screen) Eggman is no doubt plottin' somethin'.

In the jungle, crows caw as a blue hedgehog is walking around the area.

???: (Off-Screen) Those wolves wouldn't attack him unless he gave them a reason to.

A blur dashes by as the hedgehog is in a clearing and yelps upon seeing it.

Later...

Three pairs of eyes are seen in the dark bushes before steeping out in front of a white squid-like critter.

The first pair of eyes were purple and the figure was a male red echidna.

The second pair of eyes were sky blue and the figure was crouched on the ground as a male amber and white fox with a surprisingly unique genetic mutation that gave him two tails instead of one.

The last pair were turquoise and unlike the others, this one was female. She was a bat with white fur and a curvy figure. She has large pointy ears, two medium-length eyelashes on each eye, a small black nose on her muzzle, a short pointy tail, and a pair of dark purple wings on her back. Only her head appeared to have fur.

The bat held a stone head spear held by vines and the pole was made of wood as the fox and echidna had no weapons.

"Inspired by Sonic Prime, the Sonic the Hedgehog series and Wolfwalkers"

The fox grabbed the squid in front of him and his friends and held him close to his chest before all three of them dashed off.

Hedgehog: Wait!

The blue hedgehog gave chase.

"Led by the maker of Sonic Boom: The Steel-Blue Knight"

The hedgehog then arrives at a hollowed out tree with a cave behind a waterfall. He then enters it to see the bioluminescent moss and glowing crystal formations bathed in silver and green lights as wolves howled out in the distance. He hid behind a rock as he watched the bat howling along with the wolves as her hand glowed green.

The hedgehog hid behind the rock until he heard a rough male voice.

???: You might as well come out now...

The echidna was on the back of a giant pink flicky with a wild smirk and growl as the wolves were at their sides. As soon as the hedgehog was out, he couldn't believe what he saw.

Hedgehog: You... You're...

A pink female hedgehog finished his train of thought.

Pink hedgehog: Wilderwalkers? Yeah...

Later...

The blue hedgehog stood atop a cliff with sharp rocks at the bottom of the waterfall.

The squid was floating and zipping around the jungle's leaves as the blue hedgehog gave the pink one a red flower, a small part of the male's quills in a small braid on the right side of his face. They were both sitting on a large tree root with the bat, fox, echidna and squid.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) I met some wild kids in the jungle...

The blue hedgehog playfully chased the fox before crashing into a pile of leaves, where they tumbled around before landing on their backs.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) Who have magic powers!

The bat applies her powers onto someone's arm as the blue hedgehog made a groan that almost sounded like a growl and put a hand to his face while the full moon started to rise from the seas of the city.

At night...

A red echidna-wolf-like beast is running around in the jungle.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) By night, half of them turn into beasts...

The red beasts leaps a far distance from the cliff before landing on the other side as the wolves with glowing eyes (silver for the males and green for the females) turn one way and dash into the jungle, completely ignoring the blue hedgehog in the middle before the red echidna has a silver glow on his face before it fades away as he slowly opens his eyes.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) They're Wilderwalkers.

Later...

The blue hedgehog is having a restless sleep as his fur starts turning a darker shade of blue and his skin starts becoming light blue and his right arm has faint silver veins of light pulsing just beneath the skin. In his mind, he sees a hedgehog-like wolf-beast looking almost exactly like him with a blue aura in front of him, staring directly into his eyes.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) W-what... What happened to me?!

The hedgehog shivered as the beast's face started to glow silver until the hedgehog woke up with his face bearing a silver glow in the form of a wolf.

Later...

The wolf-hedgehog-beast, now real, is leaping from rooftop to rooftop with his elastic arms in the city while the lights of the buildings turn on.

Echidna: Go wild.

"Sonic and the Wilderwalkers"

Chapter Text

"An original Archive of Our Own fanfiction"

In the dense jungle, a blue hedgehog was singing a soft tune.

Hedgehog: Wolf, wolf, hear them far and yonder

"Inspired by Sonic Prime, the Sonic the Hedgehog series and Wolfwalkers"

???: (Off-Screen) Ever since Eggman came, we've been getting wolf sightings. It's our job to find out what it is Eggman wants from them.

The hedgehog, along with a fuchsia chameleon, is zipping between the trees before they each hide behind one of them. Then, they along with a yellow and black bee and a green crocodile, were hiding behind a tree to see some robots in a clearing with a huge tree setting up a trap under a large tree root.

In the city...

The four, along with a floating white squid, are sitting in a cafe having lunch as they discuss their plans.

Hedgehog: But what if it's nothing? We may have powers, but wolves are just... Plain old animals. Eggman's probably on a wild goose chase.

The squid and bee laughed at that in agreement as the croc and hedgehog laughed before holding one another in a side hug as the chameleon smirked.

"Led by the maker of Sonic Boom: The Steel-Blue Knight"

In the jungle...

A village above the trees that also leads to the ground is seen with a large tree with half of it behind a waterfall in the mountainous area.

The blue hedgehog, along with his friends; sans the squid, are looking over something on the ground when they hear a twig snap. Purple eyes were watching from the shadows of the bushes as the blue hedgehog yelped in surprise.

A male voice is heard.

???: (Off-Screen) Those guys are Wilderwalkers.

Later...

Three pairs of eyes are seen in the dark bushes before steeping out in front of the white squid-like critter.

The first pair of eyes were purple and the figure was a male red echidna.

The second pair of eyes were sky blue and the figure was crouched on the ground as a male amber and white fox with a surprisingly unique genetic mutation that gave him two tails instead of one.

The last pair were turquoise and unlike the others, this one was female. She was a bat with white fur and a curvy figure. She has large pointy ears, two medium-length eyelashes on each eye, a small black nose on her muzzle, a short pointy tail, and a pair of dark purple wings on her back. Only her head appeared to have fur.

The bat held a stone head spear held by vines and the pole was made of wood as the fox and echidna had no weapons.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) 'Wilderwalkers?'

The blue hedgehog watched in confusion, how were there mobians in the jungle and why did they live there? His unanswered questions left him as the fox grabbed the squid in front of him and his friends and held him close to his chest before all three of them dashed off.

Hedgehog: Wait!

The blue hedgehog gave chase.

In a cave...

The hedgehog then arrives at a hollowed out tree with a cave behind a waterfall. He then enters it to see the bioluminescent moss and glowing crystal formations bathed in silver and lights as a calmer female voice is then heard.

???: (Off-Screen) Mobians that can talk to animals with some strange wild magic.

The echidna has a silver glow on his face before it fades away as he slowly opens his eyes. The blue hedgehog hid behind a rock before he yelped and went back to his hiding spot with his hands on his mouth until he heard a rough male voice.

???: You might as well come out now...

He peeked from his hiding spot to see the echidna was on the back of a giant pink flicky with a wild smirk and growl as the wolves were at their sides.

???: We can smell where you are and you stink!

Later...

The squid, along with the flicky and bat, were up in the air with the fox spinning his two tails like fan to fly as they watched the echidna chase after the hedgehog with the wolves.

Hedgehog: (Off-Screen) You're...

A pink female hedgehog finished his train of thought.

Pink hedgehog: (Off-Screen) Wilderwalkers? Yeah...

That night...

The blue hedgehog is having a restless sleep as his fur starts turning a darker shade of blue and his skin starts becoming light blue and his right arm has faint silver veins of light pulsing just beneath the skin.

???: (Off-Screen) You're a werebeast by night...

The hedgehog woke up with his face bearing a silver glow in the form of a wolf as he gasped in shock. Later, he saw himself as a hedgehog-like wolf-beast in his reflection in his mirror.

Hedgehog: W-what?!

He then looked down at his arms, now more muscular and baring sharp claws at the fingers. He later escapes his home as he enters the jungle on all fours.

???: (Off-Screen) ...And a mobian by day.

~All the echoes in my mind cry~

He ran around the forest before he crashed into a red echidna-wolf-like beast and they tumble down into the cave all the way to the main room. A fox-like wolf-beast recognized the newcomer immediately.

Fox: Sonic!

The echidna-beast let the hedgehog-beast, now known as Sonic, up on his two feet.

Sonic: What happened to me?! I'm a wolf-hedgehog-thing!!

The white bat then fluttered around him to look him over.

Bat: Yeah, I can plainly see that...

The echidna had other ideas.

Echidna: This is freakin' great!!

Later...

Sonic is getting used to his new form as he ran in the jungle.

Echidna: (Off-Screen) You're a Werehog now.

Sonic then leapt from a high distance and landed in between the fox and echidna.

Echidna: (Off-Screen) Go wild.

They then ran side by side until the echidna and fox went on ahead with Sonic, the flicky; with the pink hedgehog and bat on her back, and the wolf pack tailing them.

~Blood on your lies and the scars open wide~

Leaves are being flown into the air as Sonic runs with the fox until some robots successfully chop a whole tree down in the daytime.

Sonic: The jungle's getting smaller by the day...

Sonic, the fox, the echidna; all three of them now normal, the squid, the bat and the pink hedgehog watch from the tree root before some ivy is cleared away by the fox's power to show the croc, bee and chameleon leaving the entrance of the hidden village as Sonic holds the echidna's mouth shut with his hand as they, the bat, fox and pink hedgehog watch on.

~There is nowhere for you to hide, the hunter's moon is shining~

Later...

Leaves are falling from the trees as the squid flies around.

???: Those Emeralds will be mine...

That night...

Sonic, now a werehog, is leaping from rooftop to rooftop with his elastic arms in the city while the lights of the buildings turn on.

In the jungle...

He, along with the fox and echidna; now a werefox and werechidna, are running in a clearing while chasing smaller flickies.

In the city, at sunset...

A human man with a wild mustache is making an announcement with his two server bots at his sides; the red orb one being on the left and the yellow cube on the right.

Human: Tonight, we will end the Mobians.

~I'm running with the wolves tonight~

In the Wilderwalkers' village, at night...

Sonic, along with the werechidna, a familiar fuchsia werechameleon; a beast-like chameleon, along with the wolf pack and the flicky are looking from the top of the cliff at the destroyed ivy wall that served as the secret entrance. Down below, the human is riding a hovercraft as his robots observe the village.

On the ground, Sonic and the wolves turn their heads at something as fire burns around them.

~I'm running with the wolves...~

In the city...

The croc holds Sonic close.

Croc: We promised one another to keep each other safe.

~I'm running with the wolves tonight~

Later...

The echidna and pink hedgehog have tears streaming down their eyes as their wolves along with the bat, flicky and fox surround them and a silver glow comes from the ground. Sonic desperately tries to undo the chains on him and his friends; along with a female adult rabbit and her rabbit daughter and little blue pet, that the human's robots put on them.

Sonic: We gotta help them!!

~I'm running with the wolves...~

Later...

Sonic stood tall along with the chameleon, rabbit child and bee in front of a caged older red werechidna as the servant robots took aim with their blasters before Sonic freed the werechidna and got on its back along with the chameleon, rabbit and bee as the beast leapt over the servant robots.

~I'm running with the wolves tonight~

"Listen"

Later...

Sonic the Werehog hugged a familiar green werecrocodile as he nuzzled back.

~I'm running with the wolves...~

"To"

Sonic and the fox tumbled around in a pile of leaves before landing on their backs.

~I'm running with the wolves tonight~

"The Call"

A wolf was running in the forest before the markings around the cliff glowed silver, lighting up the whole area before the younger echidna and pink hedgehog watch a silver glow go up in the air with the wolves, bat, flicky and fox watching on.

~I'm running with the wolves...~

Sonic: (Off-Screen) You guys gotta go!

In the day...

The echidna brushes off Sonic's concerns.

Echidna: No way! I can scare 'em off!

Later...

~I'm running with the wolves...~

The echidna howls like a wolf as the sun sets while the bat watches on in worry. This alerts the wolves and they make a mad dash to their leader's location.

~I'm running with the wolves tonight~

The echidna runs from the civilians, who look at him in fear.

In the jungle...

He stands tall as he rides on some of the wolves while the blue hedgehog watches on before the wolves run through the trees of the forest.

~I'm running with the wolves...~

At the Wilderwalkers' village...

The human takes out a laser sword as he prepares to fight the werecrocodile.

At the large tree...

~I'm running with the...~

The pink hedgehog and young red echidna hold the older werechidna close as the silver spirits of the werechidna's echidna form and the echidna's werechidna form intertwined with one another with the green spirit of the pink hedgehog.

Sonic's forehead touched with the pink hedgehog's own in a tender, grounding touch as they looked at each other with deep care in their eyes.

"Sonic and the Wilderwalkers"

Chapter Text

Justin long as Sonic the Hedgehog (A cocky blue hedgehog with super speed, Yacker's companion and Vector's adoptive son who becomes a Wilderwalker after being bitten by Knuckles, being thrust into a truth darker than he thought)

Iain Armitage as Young Sonic

Mckenna Grace as Miles 'Tails' Prower (An intelligent two-tailed amber and white fox Wilderwalker who is the first to befriend Sonic)

Keira Knightley as Amy Rose (A feisty pink hedgehog omega Wilderwalker with a larger hammer, Knuckles' younger sister, Locke's daughter and Birdie's companion who becomes Sonic's love interest)

Ryan Reynolds as Knuckles Rose (A hot-headed red echidna beta Wilderwalker, Amy's older brother and Locke's son who dislikes outsiders but soon warms up to Sonic after accidentally turning him into a Wilderwalker)

Blake Lively as Rouge the Bat (A strong-minded white bat Wilderwalker and Knuckles' love interest who serves as the head healer of her tribe)

Jack Black as Vector the Crocodile (A tough yet kind hearted green crocodile who is the Leader of the Chaotix and Sonic's adoptive father, who found Sonic alone in the streets and raised him as his son; later, like Sonic; he becomes a Wilderwalker after trying to stop Eggman from killing Locke)

Diego Luna as Espio the Chameleon (A serious yet laid-back purple chameleon who is the Ninja of the Chaotix)

Christian Convery as Charmy Bee (A hyperactive yellow and black striped bee who is the Mascot of the Chaotix)

Peter Dinklage as Dr. Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik (A mad scientist human who desires the Chaos Emeralds from the Wilderwalkers to rule the entire world)

Sam Rockwell as Orbot (Eggman's snarky red orb shaped robot lackey)

Josh Gad as Cubot (Eggman's dimwitted yellow cube shaped robot lackey)

Elizabeth Banks as Vanilla the Rabbit (A loyal cream, brown and orange rabbit who is Cream's mother and Vector's love interest)

Cailey Fleming as Cream the Rabbit (A sweet mannered cream and orange rabbit who can fly with her ears and talk to chao who is Cheese's owner and best friend)

Benedict Cumberbatch as Shadow the Hedgehog (A gruff black furred and red striped hedgehog wielding powerful energy and has a mysterious past, he is later revealed to be a Wilderwalker with powerful Chaos Energy and the Guardian of the Chaos Emeralds who came from a different tribe than the Roses' own that was destroyed by Eggman's robots and later came to Seaside City to find a worthy candidate of assuming his Guardian title; his eye soon being caught onto Sonic)

Gary Oldman as Locke Rose (A serious red echidna Wilderwalker, Knuckles and Amy's father and the Alpha of the pack and leader of the tribe)

Chris Carmack as Jet the Hawk (A prideful green hawk and the leader of the Babylon Rogues, air-traveling merchants, who believes in the existence of the Wilderwalkers after they heal him and his father; the previous leader, when he was a child)

Alan Kim as Young Jet

China Anne McClain as Wave the Swallow (An over self-confident purple swallow and the Mechanic of the Babylon Rogues who also believes in the existence of the Wilderwalkers)

Paul Walter Hauser as Storm the Albatross (A dimwitted grey albatross and the Muscle of the Babylon Rogues who also believes in the existence of the Wilderwalkers)

Dax Shepard as Jet's father

Chapter Text

A long, long time ago, before the place was called Seaside City, there was a tribe with the power to heal, whether they were sick or wounded. When Chaos, the God of Destruction and Creation and Guardian of the Chao, came to tell the people of their new religion, this tribe stayed apart from the others for they would not surrender the old ways.

When the water god preached, they howled from the jungles of the Boscage Maze like wolves to remind the people that there was another, older wisdom in the trees. Some say the god cursed them; others say that Chaos; along with Light and Dark Gaia, the incarnations of day and night; respectively, blessed them. But the result was the same; forever more, while the females had wolf traits such as fangs, claws and enhanced smell; the males would walk as mobians by day and roam as wolf-like beasts by night.

Shedding their mobian forms, any harm or good that befell them as beasts, they felt in their true form, too. They were a proud breed living with the wild animals, keeping the peace between mortals and the wilderness.

But a wicked family craved for the power they had; the mythical Chaos Emeralds that Chaos bestowed the people, took most of the jungles for their creations. With most of Maze gone, the Wilderwalkers dwindled until only a few of their kind remained; a father, his son and daughter as well as their friends.

Then a new leader came to power; he usurped his grandfather, who became leader after falling to insanity after his granddaughter's untimely death, and took the title of Dr. Eggman. He swore to destroy the Maze more thoroughly than his grandfather had ever managed, ordering the last of the forest felled and the wolves destroyed. He brought his robot army to find the Chaos Emeralds and rule the land.

When Eggman arrived, he became ruthless yet the people of Seaside City were unaware of Eggman's true plot and the Chaos Emeralds and some were starting to investigate the mad man's true desires to see if Eggman really was being honest in having the Maze destroyed. Among these people were a crocodile detective along with his friends, a chameleon ninja, a bee child, a White Wisp and his foster son; Sonic the Hedgehog.

Chapter Text

5 years ago...

In an island base, there is the logo of a smiling man with a crazed mustache on it. On the computer was a male human into his late 40s to early 50s, he had a small, bald head, a distinct pinkish nose and a bushy, mahogany mustache. His eyes, were hidden by blue pince-nez glasses, are colored blue. He wore white gloves, he also incorporated googles which sit on his forehead. He doned a red coat adorned with four golden buttons on each side of the chest, each accompanied by white straps running to additional identical buttons on the back. The coat features silver linings down the back, arms, and front, yellow cuffs, and two extensions on the front with large silver buttons. Additionally, he wears black pants with matching boots, which have circular plates on both sides of the ankles and three square ones extending up the shin.

Other than typing on his computer, he had research notes on the side. The screen showed a heavily lush jungle near a coastal village with a city next to it.

Human: The Chaos Emeralds... The gems of miracles... Given to the Wilderwalkers by Chaos, the God of Destruction... They have my chance to make my dream come true. My grandfather; Gerald, was too out of his mind after the death of my cousin; Maria, to finish it, so I had to end him before he harmed himself. But I will chop down the Boscage Maze to the final trees to find the last Wilderwalker pack. Finally, my plans for world domination across the world will be realized!!

The human's two server bots are watching the scene from a far.

The first one was a diminutive robot with a round head composed of a semi-spherical cap with a smaller black semi-sphere under it for a lower face. His lower face can separate to reveal a cover, representing his mouth, and he has two gray-framed and pupil-less eyes. He has also a ball joint for a chest and red gloves for hands. His arms and back consist each of two thin bars that are joined by a ball joint. His lower body is a small semi-sphere with a gray inside and a ball joint connecting it to his back.

He has a red head cap and light blue eyes and mouth, while the rest of him is black and gray with a few red joints.

The second one was a diminutive robot, but slightly taller than the red one. He has a black square head with a flattened, yet wider yellow square cap on top and a larger black square on the bottom, the latter of which resembles a jaw. His jaw can separate from his head to reveal a light blue cover resembling a mouth. He also has two gray-framed and pupil-less light blue eyes. His chest consists of a smaller yellow cube, and he has yellow gloves for hands. His arms and back consist each of two thin gray bars that are joined by a black and yellow ball joint. His lower body is a black open cube with a gray inside and a ball joint connecting it to his back.

The red orb bot peers out from behind the terminal as the yellow cube bot hangs upside-down from it. Both sound very uneasy regarding what their master just said.

Red bot: The boss means business this time!

Yellow bot: *Nods* Mm hm.

Meanwhile...

A dense jungle is saying its goodbyes to the day as the light of the sun is setting. The jungle floor is turning dark, as its vast number of trees prevented nearly all the setting sunlight from penetrating through the canopy. Despite that, the animals could see well enough in certain areas. Flickies softly chirped as they bathed in small watery ponds before flying off into the trees to sleep. Critters: squirrels, rabbits and badgers alike scuttled out of their little burrows and out into the forest floor, in search of their final meal of the day.

A buck emerged amidst the cool mist, standing proud and tall atop a small hill before huffing out a small cloud of hot air from it's nostrils. The wilderness with all it's wild and wondrous glory preparing for a beautiful night was truly a sight to behold. However, the wonder didn't last long as something big descended down from the area.

It was an airship, it was designed like a massive metallic blimp. It possesses a metal-covered oval balloon that is red on the upper half and gray on the bottom. This balloon also has a gray hawk-like figurehead on the front (complete with a yellow beak) and yellow metal lines stretching along the balloon's front section's top, sides and bottom. On each side of the balloon is also a large gray, metal-covered propeller engine with yellow, double-layered propellers facing backwards and the Babylon Rogues' insignia painted on the engines in red. The rear of the balloon is also covered in gray metal, with a horizontal rudder on each side and the bottom. In addition, each of the rudders on the side have a red fin on the bottom, the insignia of al amp sending out mist painted on their midsection, and a red, metal-covered propeller engine on the top with yellow propellers facing backward.

The ship's gondola, which is attached to the balloon by several thick metal bars, is fairly large for a blimp. It is red on the upper half and gray on the bottom, and has windows on both the front and rear. It also has a red, metal-covered propeller engine with yellow propellers facing backwards on each side.

It landed in a clearing as an adult hawk and his son came out. The adult hawk had green feathers covering his body with a yellow steak on his head and white feathers on his front torso. On his wrists there were dark green flame-like markings. He has a golden beak and golden eyes with red and black markings on the sides. His hair is styled like long hair with dark green tips. He also has a three-feathered tail with dark green tips.

He wore a white buttoned shirt with a gold collar over a black jacket with red flame markings and a pin with the same lamp insignia on the left side of the chest, white gloves with gold cuffs, black pants, red and black sunglasses with gold lenses, red and black boots with white cuffs, grey soles and a silver zipper at the front.

His son was almost exactly like his father, but had no yellow streak, bright blue eyes and his hair was styled like a mohawk.

He wore a red shirt with a white cloud on the chest with black shorts, white gloves and red sneakers with gray soles.

The older hawk was going over the rotors as his son looked out at the trees.

Young Hawk: Can I go look around the jungle for a bit?

The man turned from his work to face his son.

Adult Hawk: Just not too deep. I'll call you when it's time to go.

The younger hawk nodded as he went near the trees while his father kept working on the rotor, he only got about a few feet far when he froze with a gasp the moment he heard the soft rustling of leaves. His slightly widened eyes cautiously scanned across the woods that was close to where he was, where he had no doubt the sudden noise was coming from. As the eerie noise continued, a soft yelp escaped his lips when his father came over with a dagger in his other hand; hearing the noise earlier and wanting to protect his son.

Adult Hawk: Jet...?

The young hawk, Jet, merely shrugged as he took out a flashlight from his shorts pocket and held it out into the trees, the light illuminating the shadows the trees emitted. Suddenly, a pair of orbs appeared from within the darkness.

Then came another and another until the two lost count of how many pairs of orbs were starring back at them. It doesn't seem like they needed to investigate any further to figure out whom, rather what those orbs, or rather eyes, belonged to when sharp gasps of horror escaped their trembling lips. In unison, the hawks jolted in terror as Jet was pulled close to his father's chest.

Then from within the shadows of the forest, a pack of wild beasts emerged from out of the trees. Razor sharp teeth glistened as each of them let out a threatening snarl, and their eyes dangerously narrowed down to glare at the three terrified men. And if these ferocious creatures didn't look frightening enough, their fur flared up like a cluster of spikes, making them appear larger than they already horrifyingly were. The two could only know what creatures these were.

Young Jet: W-wolf!

Jet dropped the flashlight in horror as his father held him close.

Jet's father: Chaos save us...

Before either of them could return to their ship, the wolves had already surrounded the father and son, blocking any chances for either of them to escape. As the pack of beasts circled around them, Jet's father held his son close while he resorted to using his small dagger to defend himself from the feral creatures.

Jet's father: Back! Get back!! Back!

He tried to threaten the beasts with his makeshift weapon of choice. But with the frightened Jet close by, he failed to keep the beasts from looking at him as if he were defenseless prey. Their sharp teeth glistened and bared as they growled, ready to attack.

Out of desperation, the older hawk began swinging his dagger at the beasts, hoping that could at the very least keep them from creeping close to him and his son. But it only gave one of them the chance to try and snatch it. It's strong jaws snapping shut, causing the hawk to drop the dagger as it peacefully landed on the ground.

The poor father gasped in horror once more as Jet looked terrified and that gave the wolves the right opportunity to strike, slashing the the adult hawk's left leg with their sharp claws, tearing through the fabric and ripping his flesh till bits of blood spilled out. A bloody claw wound then appeared across his leg and stained his already ripped pants.

Young Jet: Dad!

Jet's father: Just stay close to me...

Jet was held close to his father's chest while the adult, filled with terror accompanied by the excruciating pain, fell back down on the ground. The wolves' growls and snarls were louder and more dangerous this time. And it sent him clawing away, seemingly a last desperate attempt of his to escape these vile beasts with his son; although that seemed almost impossible with his leg wounded.

The wolves treaded ever so slowly towards the poor defenseless adult hawk, it was as if they were enjoying the taste of the hawk and his son's fear and terror, toying with them and savoring every single moment their feathered bodies twitched and trembled. And that alone was enough to convince the father that all hope was lost, he was going to die here with his son. Being ripped to shreds, greedily devoured, leaving no trace of his existence behind. Who knows what will these beasts do to him?

Just the very idea of witnessing a pack of wolves ending his life in whatever brutal way absolutely made him shudder. So he snapped his eyes shut and hopelessly waited and prayed to whomever was listening to him and his son, be it the Chaos or the Gaias that his and Jet's end may be quick and painless at the very least. But their deaths never came. Because all of a sudden, a deep howl was heard as the wolves silenced themselves from their snarls and growls. Their ready-to-attack poses straightened, their eyes brightly glowing in silver for the males and green for the females. In unison, their heads turned to a certain direction and they began running towards it with small barks from their throats.

Gathering up what little courage he had left in him, Jet peeked one eye open before opening the other. It could either be out of either fear or exhaustion but young hawk made no attempt in helping his father lift himself up from the ground. From within the shadows of the trees, five pairs of glowing orbs then appeared. Unlike the glow the wolves had, these were jade green, turquoise, sky blue, purple and blue respectively. With the wolves' silver and green glowing ones surrounding these multi colored orbs. Judging by the height and shape of the silhouettes, it didn't take long for him to realize that those eyes did not belong to a wolf. Jet's father then took a peek for himself and gasped at what his son was seeing. Wolf or no wolf, these glowing eyes shook their cores.

Jet's father: Sweet Gaia below save us...

As the eyes edged closer and closer, Jet's father held his son closer as Jet held onto his father for a lifetime.

Jet's father: Oh, Gaia, please no...

They both closed their eyes shut, not wanting to see the scene that would happen to them. But once again, their ends never came. Noticing a bright silver and green light through their tightly shut lids made them cautiously unfold their eyes open. And just like that, their bright blue and golden orbs slightly widened in shock.

Instead of the worse possible fate they were expecting from them and the wolves, the two watched with wide eyes as a white bat and dark red echidna raise both of their hands and drew them close to his bleeding leg as a red echidna, pink hedgehog and amber and white two-tailed fox watched on. Jet eventually came to realize that the green and silver lights he and his father noticed was in fact coming from their palms, respective green and silver translucent apparitions of what looks to be wolf paws cloaking their two hands. Jet's father opened his own eyes to see the scene as both the bat and the older echidna then began to howl like wolves with the fox, young echidna, pink hedgehog joining in as the so-called beasts behind them howled alongside them.

Gently placing their glowing palms atop his wounded leg, careful not to pain the frightened hawks. The light swirled around their hands and turned the crimson red leaking out including his wounds into a bright green and silver and if the sight of the golden light did not shock and fascinate him enough, the hawks watched as the large wound on the father's leg vanish along with the pain, leaving behind his torn pant sleeve.

Once it was finally over, the two then drew away with the other three. The older echidna held the smaller one and the pink hedgehog close right before everyone turning their attentions back at the hawks before them.

The older echidna had red fur with darker red markings on his head and front dreadlocks with blue eyes, a peach skinned muzzle with a black nose, white eyebrows with a white crescent-shaped patch of fur on his chest on his chest and a small white bread. He wore a a leaf shawl with a hood around his upper body, beige-yellow boxing gloves with the ring finger shown and wood backings with rock spikes on the knuckles, a leafy skirt held by rope and boots made of leafage, he also had white tribal tattoos on the knees, tail and forehead.

The younger echidna was obviously his son, he had red fur that covers most of his body, a black nose on his peach-skinned muzzle, a white crescent-shaped patch of fur on his chest and purple eyes. He also has seven dreadlock-like spines around the sides and back of his head and a medium-sized, tri-crooked tail. His gloves are yellowish in color, with the spikes being made of plant thorns as opposed to his father's wood backings with rock spikes. His shoes are made of leafage with a leafy skirt held by rope not to different from his father's. He has dark red tribal tattoos on his forehead, legs and tail.

The pink hedgehog must've been the older echidna's daughter, she has pink fur with light green eyes and peach skin covering her muzzle, inner ears, and arms. She has a dark pink fading to a lighter gradient fur on her head. Her mohawk-stylized bangs are also light pink and some of her quills are tied back by a yellow hair tie, while the others are loose on each side of her head. She also has a small black nose, triangular flop ears on top of her head, and two medium-length eyelashes on each side of her eyes. She had blue and yellow paint marks on her face.

She wore a brown crop top, a white bandage on her upper right arm, a thin brown headband around her head, a green skirt with a dark green underside held by a blue belt with a pocket, stone bracelets with spikes, white gloves with pink marks on the fingers and wood backsides held by ropes and boots made of leaves and tree bark.

The bat had white fur, turquoise eyes and despite her wild appearance, she was quite beautiful; bearing a curvy figure. She has large pointy ears, two medium-length eyelashes on each eye, a small black nose on her muzzle, a short pointy tail and a pair of dark purple wings on her back. Only her head appeared to have fur, which flared out into six points at the back. She also has teal markings around her eyes and forehead, a tuff of hair on her head and messy fur, with some cowlicks in the hair area and points around the ears

She wore a make-shift black shirt comprised of leafage, brown gloves held together by more leaves, worn-out brown pants and shoes made from leafage, both held together by ropes and having a pouch on each side her waist located around the belt area.

The fox seemed to have a unique genetic mutation giving him two tails instead of one. He possessed mostly amber-orange fur with white fur around his muzzle, front torso, and the tips of his tails which are both messy, with fluffy fur at the tips of his chest and cheeks. He also has large triangular ears with white canals and vermilion tips on top of his head, sky blue eyes, a small black nose, small fangs, and a faux hawk with vermilion tips running from his forehead down to the back of his neck.

He wore white gloves wrapped with leaves, a green belt with brown pockets on the side holding up a leafy skirt, a bandage on his right upper arm and shoes made of leafage held by ropes. He also has brown tiger-like markings across his arms and legs and the sides of his torso. He also has a marking around his eyes and face resembling a mask.

Jet's father soon broke the silence.

Jet's father: You're all Wilderwalkers?

Jet gasped in awe before bowing his head in gratitude.

Young Jet: Th-thank you! Thank you so much!

The older echidna merely nodded before he pointed out towards the airship. Understanding they weren't allowed in this territory of the jungle, Jet's father didn't need to think twice when he quickly picked himself up from the ground and as fast as he could, fled the scene while holding his son close. The five remained there, watching closely and making sure that the hawk father ran straight for the distant airship. As soon as the hawks entered the blimp, it soon started up and arose from the ground and away from the trees before flying away.

Once the blimp was out of their sight, that was their cue to turn back to the woods and flee, the pack of wolves quickly following behind them. Suddenly; outside the jungle, a small army of robots emerged, weapons and machinery in hand as they charged to the jungle with the intent to take it down. The father echidna had a look of fright on his father while leaving with the children and wolves.

He turned to look back one last time before continuing to flee deeper into the forest, their wolf companions quickly following till their forms disappeared into the mist and the shadows of the wilderness. A poster could be spotted ominously hanging upon a tree. Besides the frighteningly sketched image of what appears to be a robotic bee, crab and ladybug, it was the words beneath written in bold and big letters that garnered the most attention.

"$ Reward for downed Badnik"

Something tells me that the robots are not around to make more room for a nearby town.

Chapter Text

???: Wolf, wolf, hear the wolves, hear them far and yonder. Wolf, wolf, hear the wolves, til all the wolves howl out.

A 2 kunai knives then shot out across the room from the singing male figure and landed on the poster of a robot, the tips hitting the right eye and on the head respectively.

The one who shot them was a male 18 year old hedgehog with blue fur that covered most of his body and peach skin that covers his arms, muzzle, insides of his ears and front torso. He has small, triangular ears on top of his head, six long quills on the back of his head, two spines protruding from his back behind his shoulders, and a short tail.

For attire, he wore red shoes with camo pattern coverings in some parts, a vine-like pattern trailed from the swooshes over the back of the shoes to both midsoles on each foot with each end curling around a small light blue light. He wore white socks with gray cuffs and were secured by black shale thorns. His gloves' cuffs were the same as his shoes, his gloves were camo with grey fingers and black banded from the camo and grey. Red bumps were on his knuckles. He also wore a grey shirt with long white sleeves under a red leather jacket, black skin-tight pants held by a white belt with a gold buckle. Each of his ears were pierced with a silver earring.

Hedgehog: *Laugh* Yes! Right in the eye and head!

On the small table was a small, 9 year old yellow-and-black striped bee with yellow-and-black striped antennae, translucent sky-blue wings on his back and orange-amber eyes. He also has exposed peach skin on his muzzle and arms, a tiny black nose and a silver stinger.

He wore an orange vest with a bee emblem on the left, a yellow zipper, and a white collar resembling that of a polo shirt. He also wears a pair of orange shorts with an opening for his stinger, orange-and-white sneakers cuffed with black rings and topped with yellow zippers, white gloves with similar cuffs, small black shoulder pads and a black pilot's helmet with a raspberry and two orange-circulated trims, alongside orange and silver flight goggles with light blue lenses.

With him was a small creature, resembling a squid. His basic shape is that of a sphere with a trio of tentacles, two of which are used as arms. He has a lone dark pink eye in the center of his heads and a pair of very alien-like antennae on top of the head. His most distinguishing is the strand of curly blue "hair" on his head between his antennae. He wore a small red bandana on his neck.

The bee held a small notebook with a pencil.

Bee: Hmm... *Shakes his head* Nuh-uh. You used two and hit the eye and not just using one to hit the head.

The little white squid chittered in disagreement as he nuzzled the hedgehog's face before settling down on his shoulder.

Hedgehog: Yacker's right, Charmy. You gotta get the eyes before the head.

Another person then came over. It was a male 19 year old fuchsia-skinned chameleon with a yellow horn between his gold eyes. His muzzle and the heart-shaped pattern on his torso are peach in color. He has a ridge of three black spikes going down his spine and a coiled tail.

He wore purple shoes with black accents, metal-reinforced arm bracers and white gloves with purple pads with white trims on the backs. He also wore purple pants with a purple ninja gi with dark purple trim and a matching colored sash tied around his body, on the upper left sleeve is the symbol of a half-closed green lidded eye with a white infinity sign in the center of the pupil. Around his wrists and ankles are black bandage-wrapped cuffs with gold studs on the lower bands.

Chameleon: While I admit, it does waste your weapon inventory, aiming for the eye is curial for robots. They require both eyes to see and if one is disabled; they have a hard time figuring out their surroundings.

The hedgehog then gestured to the chameleon.

Hedgehog: See?

Charmy then put down the notebook and pencil as he flew over.

Charmy: Okay, you and Espio win this round, Sonic.

The door then opened as a rough voice was heard.

???: Son?

The hedgehog in question then straightened up as Yacker floated beside his head while Espio and Charmy backed up.

Sonic: Yeah, Dad?

Sonic's father, was in fact, a crocodile; somewhere in his early 30s to late 20s. He had green-skin with spiky red scales down his tail, goldenrod eyes and sharp teeth. He sports a thick body that resembles an S-shape, with his broad upper body getting slimmer towards his tail and legs. By contrast, his arms start out thin and thicken closer to the wrist. His belly, snout, and arms are light green, while the rest of his body is dark green.

He small, black shoulder pads, white gloves with black armbands that possess orange stripes for cuffs, embellished with gold buckles as well as black urban lace-free boots figured with white and orange colors. He also wears a gold chain necklace around his neck, serving as his trademark accessory alongside his pair of black-and-gray wireless noise-cancelling headphones, black pants with a silver chain hanging from his left side held by a black belt with a gold buckle and a black leather jacket that features very short sleeves with a green t-shirt underneath. With the exception of his chain, Vector's complete attire is frequently shown to be made out of leather.

Despite being called a father, there was no resemblance between the two.

He lightly touching the kunai's sharp tips that penetrated through the door with an arched eyebrow.

Crocodile: Finished training, I assume?

Sonic: Y-yeah. Just talking to Charmy about where's the best spot to hit a Badnik.

Crocodile: Well, you certainly haven't been idle.

Sonic: Idle? No-no-no. Charmy's been handful and he's hard to keep up with.

Yacker nodded his head as Sonic's father grabbed a nearby kunai and aimed it to the poster.

Crocodile: I wonder what range that Badnik poster is? 15 feet?

Charmy shook his head.

Charmy: No way, Vector! At least 20!

Espio then covered the bee's mouth.

Espio: Shhhh!

Vector: It's alright, Esp. He's not wrong. He's not the best at using tools, but he's a good tracker. Yacker too.

Charmy then wiggled out of the chameleon's grasp.

Charmy: Yay!!

Vector: In any case, we finally get our chance to check out the jungle as part of our investigation.

The crocodile took out a large board with information on the robots called Badniks and a familiar symbol with a crazed mustache from a corner as he held out a manilla folder.

Vector: Once we have lunch, we'll discuss the recent info we got before heading out to the Boscage Maze.

Sonic merely sighed in annoyance.

Sonic: Just what is it that Eggman wants from that jungle?

Vector: That's why we're here. Ever since we had that new neighbor, Eggman has been roaming around the jungle's edge and chopping the trees down. Now come on, let's go.

Vector then tucked his folder in his jacket as he and the others left their house, Sonic being slightly reluctant.

Chapter Text

Sometime later, the group; known as the Chaotix, were situated at an outdoor cafe having lunch as they gone through the manilla folder.

Vector: ...Which rules out these sightings and the parts where robots are trying to cut down the trees near this time.

Charmy finishes his burger.

Charmy: So we've got robots around after lunch but they only come at that time.

Espio is drinking some green tea before speaking.

Espio: It's unlikely that Eggman would want to clear out the trees so Floral Forest Village could have more space.

Sonic merely groaned, which caught everyone's attention.

Sonic: Everytime we find questions we got more of 'em. Can't we just get the cops to interrogate Eggman on what he wants from the area?

Vector: Nope.

Sonic then deadpanned as Yacker tried to console him.

Vector: 'Cause not even they can deal with the local wolves. Ever since we had that new neighbor, Eggman's been roaming around the jungle's edge and chopping the trees down.

Sonic: But what if it's nothing? We may have powers, but wolves are just... Plain old animals. Eggman's probably on a wild goose chase.

Yacker and Charmy laughed at that in agreement as the Vector and the hedgehog laughed before holding one another in a side hug as Espio smirked.

Sonic: Think on it, that jungle's been untouched for years and its animals are just protecting their home.

Vector smiled before letting go of his son.

Vector: That's why we're here. Eggman is no doubt plottin' somethin' because those wolves wouldn't attack him unless he gave them a reason to.

Sonic sighed, knowing that he can't derail his father.

Sonic: Fine. But if it really is nothing, don't say I didn't warn you.

Charmy: Yeah, I can't wait to tease you.

Yacker made a squeal that made it sound as if he was asking the others or something.

Espio: Yes, Yacker, you too. You're coming with us whether you like it or not.

Sonic: Come on, what are you, Yacker? A Wisp or a chicken?

The white Wisp then squealed in anger as he stood in a heroic pose, showing he wasn't scared of wolves. Vector then stood up after paying for the meal.

Vector: Then it's settled, we'll head to the jungle before Eggman does and find clues. Now come on, let's go.

The group then left the table and headed out for the jungle.

At the edge of the jungle, the Chaotix then looked at the tall trees, some of them at the front looking chopped off. The ground ahead of them had footprints of robots, meaning some of Eggman's scouts were already there.

Vector: Stay close. Charmy and Yacker will be our eyes in the sky as we travel the trees.

His team merely nodded as they entered the jungle, quickly and cautiously; careful not to alert the wildlife of their presence.

With the Wisp and bee keeping a sharp eye on things from high up in the air, Sonic closely followed with Espio and Vector. Sonic and Espio went ahead of Vector, zipping between the trees before they each hide behind one of them with their backs against the trunk. Peeking their heads out to check whether the coast was clear, Espio then looked back and signaled Vector it was clear as they and Sonic then ventured on deeper into the woods.

After a while, they saw light up ahead, meaning a clearing was close. As the croc and chameleon went around a large root that grew out of the ground, Charmy simply flew over as Sonic hopped over it. They then saw some robots in a large glade, where what looks to be an enormous oak tree stood at the very middle. Other than it's large size and bright amber shades, what made the oak tree stand out from all the other trees in the woods was the large branch that formed an arch and grew all the way deep into the ground, making it appear like a root more than a branch. And beneath this arch was where the machines began to seemingly inspect the ground.

The group then watched the crab robots set up an electrical bear trap before the bee bots and ladybug bots covered it with foliage to disguise it. With the trap set, the robots continued their way, possibly to set more of those traps in the jungle.

Vector turned to the others.

Vector: You saw that?

Sonic: Yeah... That doesn't look like proper deforestation to me.

No one argued with Sonic, if it was just deforestation Eggman wanted to do then the traps wouldn't be that lethal. Once everyone was certain that the mech have left the glade, the Chaotix emerged, running straight for the oak tree. Right when Charmy was about to run through the tree's peculiar arch, Yacker suddenly flew right in front of his face. Making him immediately freeze, his foot nearly stepping on the small yet suspicious mound of grass.

Sonic knew what was wrong as he took out one of his kunai knives as he directed Charmy's attention to the ground.

Sonic: Did you forget?

He then used the knife to pick up a small piece of the grass, it showed the open electric bear trap underneath it. Sonic then put it back where it was, careful not to accidentally activate it and made sure it was still hidden.

Charmy: Oh... Okay. I won't step in it.

The bee then skipped over the trap as he and the others went on to find the robots; soon finding them near a small waterfall, the forms of the ladybug ones crouched down and inspecting the ground once more. Then everyone saw the bee bots' heads turning to face their direction.

They then flinched and hid a bit deeper behind the large rock they hid behind as Sonic covered Charmy's mouth to keep him quiet until the bees turned their heads in other directions, making them realize the bees were only making sure of their surroundings. The robots then left, crossing the shallow stream that was connected to the waterfall.

Once they were out of sight, the Chaotix then left their hiding spot to the stream's shore line to see the robots were inspecting paw prints. It didn't take a genius to identify these prints as Sonic touched one of them; wolf, clearly made not too long ago.

???: Help!

The cry made them all turn to hear what was behind them as the voice kept yelling and a bell rang.

???: Wolf! Wolf! Help!

Yacker then came over.

Espio: Wolf?

Vector: Wolf! We get to see what they do in all this!

Sonic quickly turned to Charmy and the Wisp.

Sonic: Yacker, Charmy, quick! Fly! Find that wolf!

The bee saluted as Yacker squeaked a reply.

Charmy: Roger dodger, wilo-roonie!

The two fliers then flew off to do what they were told.

Vector: Gear out, boys. Who knows what they could do.

Vector took out his brass knuckles while Espio took out a shuriken and Sonic clenched his fists which caused four cyan claws to come out from the red parts of his knuckles. They then made a mad dash for the very direction that will lead them back to the edges of Floral Forest Village and Seaside City. With their gear prepped and ready to attack, the Chaotix were ready to face against the ferocious beasts Eggman had been anticipating to hunt down.

As soon as they made it out, everyone gasped in shock at the sight. The local Chao (cute, small creatures that are about the size of Wisps, with gelatinous, pudding-like bodies each. In general, Chao have round, waterdrop-like heads with large eyes but no noses, round torsos smaller than their heads, smooth feet with no legs, and arms with no visible hands. Neither their arms or feet have digits. They also have a short tail, small wings, and a floating dot above their heads) were being attacked by robots who were attacking the wolves.

The one ringing the bell was Vanilla; one of their close friends. She was a tall, cream-furred rabbit with a white muzzle, a small brown nose, brown eyes and a tuft of dark orange hair on her forehead. She has brown eyelids and dark orange markings around her eyes and on the ends of her lopped ears. She wore a long lavender dress with a white trim at the bottom of the puffy sleeves and the skirt, a burgundy-fitted vest with golden buttons, a blue and orange striped ascot, white gloves with gold cufflinks, burgundy low-heeled shoes with a yellow detail and gray soles and pink lipstick.

Vanilla: Run! Get back!! Wolves!

From within the chaos of panicking squeaks of the Chao, there were masses of messy fur and shiny metal slithering across in contrast with the Chao's light blue skin. Hearing Yacker call out made them turn their attention to their Wisp companion, the Chaotix then spotted the Wisp soaring in the air and circling around a particular area.

They then saw Vanilla's Chao companion; Chocola. He had a teardrop-shaped head, yellow markings at the tip of their hands, feet and the top of his head, a yellow ball hovering above him, blue eyes, two butterfly-like wings and a small circular tail. Unlike the other normal colored Chao, however, Chocola has brown skin instead of light blue and has cyan butterfly-like wings instead of pink. He also wears a light blue bow tie.

But that wasn't the only thing, Chocola was hiding behind a rock as a crab bot and a wolf fought with the Chao in the crossfire. Vector then turned to the others.

Vector: One half will help Vanilla, the other will get Chocola!

He and Espio went to the rabbit as Sonic and Charmy rushed to Chocola's aid. The wolf had destroyed the robot and now saw Chocola, the Chao shivered when it turned its gaze at him.

Sonic: Charmy, go high and grab Chocola. I got the wolf.

Charmy: Gotcha!

The bee flew and grabbed Chocola in front of the wolf as Sonic took out a shuriken. Right as he lined his shot, a ladybug bot zipped by and made him trip on his feet. Making him throw the projectile hit Yacker in the right arm.

The Wisp's scream made everyone turn to see what had happened as the little one landed far from where Sonic was; on the other side of the soon ending attack.

Sonic: Yacker!!!

Vanilla gasped in horror while being held in Vector's arms as Espio watched on with wide eyes. Charmy flew over with Chocola in his arms.

Charmy: Oh no!

Abandoning his purpose, he rushed to his little friend's unconscious body just as a loud howl echoed in the area. That made him stop in his tracks and the wolves' eyes glowed green and silver for their respective genders as they raised their heads stopped whatever they were doing. The wolves then passed by Sonic and Yacker as they entered the jungle, leaving the hedgehog and Wisp alone, much to the former's confusion.

Sonic: Huh?

Soon, three pairs of eyes came from the darkness of the brush near where Yacker was at. They then entered the light to get a better glance at the wisp and it exposed their figures.

The first pair of eyes were purple and the figure was a male, 19 year old echidna with red fur that covered most of his body, a black nose on his peach-skinned muzzle, a white crescent-shaped patch of fur on his chest. He also has seven dreadlock-like spines around the sides and back of his head and a medium-sized, tri-crooked tail. He wore a hat made of leaves that is held together by rope. His gloves are yellowish in color, with the spikes found on his gloves being made of plant thorns. His shoes are made of leafage. He has dark red tribal tattoos on his forehead, cheeks, legs, tail, around his eyes and dreads. He also has bracelets decorating his dreads as well as a wooden necklace around his neck. Around his waist was a skirt made from large leaves held by a brown rope belt, leaving his chest bare.

The second pair of eyes were sky blue and the figure was crouched on the ground as a male, 11 year old fox with a surprisingly unique genetic mutation that gave him two tails instead of one. He possessed amber-orange fur with white fur around his muzzle, front torso, and the tips of his tails which are both messy, with fluffy fur at the tips of his chest and cheeks. He also has large triangular ears with white canals and vermilion tips on top of his head, sky blue eyes, a small black nose, small fangs, and a faux hawk with vermilion tips running from his forehead down to the back of his neck. He wore white gloves wrapped with leaves, a green belt with brown pockets on the side with a grass skirt around his waist, a bandage on his right upper arm, and shoes made of leafage held by ropes. He also has brown tiger-like markings across his limbs, the sides of his torso, the back of his head, and similar markings resembling whiskers on his cheeks. He also has a marking around his eyes and face that resembled a mask.

The last pair of eyes were turquoise and unlike the others, this one was female as opposed to the other two. She was a bat with white fur and a curvy figure. She has large pointy ears, two medium-length eyelashes on each eye, a small black nose on her muzzle, a short pointy tail, and a pair of dark purple wings on her back. Only her head appeared to have fur, which flared out into six points at the back. She wore dark green eyeshadow and had no lipstick. She also has teal markings around her eyes and forehead, and a tuff of hair on her head and messy fur. She also wore a midriff baring make-shift shirt comprised of leafage, brown gloves held together by more leaves, and worn-out brown pants and shoes made from leafage, both held together by ropes.

The bat held a stone head spear held by vines and the pole was made of wood as the fox and echidna had no weapons. Sonic was confused, how were there people in the jungle and why did they live there?

Sonic: What?

His unanswered questions left him as the fox crouched down at Yacker and sniffed the Wisp, when he saw the arrow, he whimpered in worry as the bat and echidna saw what the fox was referring to. Sonic knew he had to stop them and began to give chase.

Sonic: No, wait, that's my little buddy! Leave him alone!!

The others wouldn't let him get too far. The fox grabbed Yacker and held him to his chest before all three of them dashed off into the trees.

Sonic: Stop!

Just before he could enter the trees, three wolves blocked his path and began snarling at him, showing the hedgehog how razor sharp their teeth were. With their teeth still bared, the three canines then began slowly creeping dangerously close to the hedgehog. If wolves could talk, then they would be telling Sonic that if he ever wishes to keep his life, then it's best for him to just back off.

Sonic was shaken, he didn't have time to use his claws or grab one of his weapons. He couldn't even dare to look away from the beasts in front of him, afraid that if he were to ever try to turn away from them and flee, the wolves may take that as an opportunity to strike him down dead.

He was then awoken to reality when a kunai shot inches close to the right side of his face from behind, landing on one of the wolves' left shoulder and caused it to let out a pained whimper.

Vector: Sonic!

That made the hedgehog turn to his father rushing up to him as fast as could and saw that Espio had a hand out, meaning the latter was the one who shot the kunai. Hearing the odd howling again made him turn to look back at the forest. And once more, the wolves appear to ignore the young hedgehog in front of them when they turned away and sped off into the trees. With the beasts no longer standing in his way, Sonic was free to run straight for the woods but he was stopped once more. This time, a pair large of large arms wrapping themselves around his smaller form.

Vector: Son!

The hedgehog then tried to get out of his father's grip, pointing at the jungle.

Sonic: Yacker! He's-he's gone! We gotta get him back!

The croc then made Sonic turn to him.

Vector: Forget Yacker! You're more important! You hear me! You could've been wolf dinner!!

Sonic: Yacker will be if we don't get him!

Vector: And we'll be the appetizers if we don't have a plan!

Sonic: Dad, they've got Yacker!

Vector: Son! No. No, you're not going after him. Not alone. Eggman will be on his way by now.

Sonic: But we can't leave him!

Vector: Look, we promised one another to keep each other safe. And I can't do that if you're being reckless.

Once the words had left the crocodile's mouth, just like that, Sonic immediately froze. The hedgehog just stood there, body slightly shaking. He was even beginning to feel moisture slowly building up in his eyes. He didn't realize that going after Yacker alone would mean he'd be in trouble too, the Boscage Maze may be being cut down to size; but it is still being thanks to its super-sized trees, making it easy for people to get lost inside.

Vector gently caressed his son's face as the latter leaned into his touch. Sonic then then leaned against Vector's body, tears falling from his eyes silently.

Sonic: I didn't mean to do that to him...

Vector merely held his son close.

Vector: I know, kiddo. We'll go find him the next time we go in the jungle.

Vector then let go as he put a hand on Sonic's shoulder.

Vector: Come on.

Sonic merely allowed his father to guide him to the others.

Vector: It's going to be okay.

Twisting his head just a bit over his shoulder, all Sonic could do was silently stare with glistening wet eyes at the very forest his little friend had disappeared off to. As the two continued to walk, Sonic silently watched as the jungle shrank further and further away from him until the trees looked nothing more than splatters of paint stuck within a lone canvas.

As soon as Sonic and Vector were out of sight, the same human with the red coat appeared with his two robots in some sort of hovercraft in the air.

Orbot: Oh dear, the wolves really made a mess this time.

Cubot: Yeah, and we've got kidnappers.

Eggman: Still, you can't deny what you saw. They really do exist.

The robots couldn't deny the scene they witnessed, the wolves leaving as soon as they heard the howl.

Eggman: I will chop down the Boscage Maze to the final trees to find the last Wilderwalker pack and their Chaos Emeralds!!!

No doubt that those robots are Eggman's and if he wants those Emeralds, it can't be good.

Chapter Text

As soon as Vector came to the others, Vanilla rushed to Sonic.

Vanilla: Sonic. Sonic, look at me? Are you hurt?

The blue hedgehog merely looked down, still worried about Yacker.

Sonic: No.

Engines humming from above is heard and everyone then turns upwards to see Eggman and his machines come over to the forest.

Vector: Well, I guess that's the end of the expedition for today.

Charmy then crossed his arms with a cute pout.

Charmy: Aw!!! Curse you, Eggman!

Espio merely shurgged his shoulders with a nochalant tone in his voice.

Espio: Oh, what are you going to do?

Vanilla: Still, this is terrible. If we don't solve this soon, the farmers for my village can't work the land for food. And the Chao will want to leave this safe haven because of the wolves.

Vector: Yeah, Eggman may be cutting the trees but it's causing more problems for us than fixin' 'em!

Sonic only half-listened to the conversation. It is only when he felt his father's arm leave his shoulder he turned to see Vanilla, Chocola and the Chaotix leaving to Floral Forest Village and Seaside City. Charmy turned to the blue hedgehog.

Charmy: You comin', Sonic?

Sonic: I'll catch up in a bit.

The bee merely followed his co-workers and friends as Sonic sat on a nearby bench and took out his music player. Playing a song on the playlist he then recalled his past.

Sonic: We all start at the beginning, unsure of who we'll become and try to find a place to belong. One day, you'll make it to your place in the sun.

Sonic, who in the past wore a baggy red shirt with brown cloth held by grey bands as his shoes and dirty white gloves, grew up in the alleys of the city, fighting for survival. Often stealing food and supplies to make the most of it.

Sonic: Sometimes, you feel like you're alone. That's when you learn to find your strength. For every story needs a hero and every hero needs a friend but sometimes, even heroes have to wait.

Despite that, he couldn't find any friends due to being ostracized for being different; him being orphaned, his speed and his blue fur. He recalled how Vector was passing by one winter day and soon realized if he wanted a chance at a better life, Sonic had to take matters into his own hands so the blue hedgehog went after him.

Sonic: You gotta learn to fall before you fly. You gotta leave the ground before you touch the sky. Your dreams are meant for chasing far and wide and that's when you find your way, that's learning to fly.

While chasing Vector; who was in his car, Sonic briefly tripped on his feet and fell onto the snow, losing his target.

Young Sonic: No, wait! Come back!!

Despite that, Sonic knew he couldn't give up. So he stood up on his feet and ran after the car.

Sonic: You gotta learn to fall before you fly. You gotta leave the ground before you touch the sky. Your dreams are meant for chasing far and wide and that's when you find your way, that's learning to fly. When you find your way, that's learning to fly. Ohh... That's learning to fly.

Soon, Sonic got tired and cold and fell on the snow. As his vision blurred, Vector then came over and saw the young hedgehog.

Vector: I got you. It's okay, kiddo.

The croc then picked up the hedgehoglet and wrapped him in his coat.

Vector: Let's get you out of the cold.

Afterwards, Vector adopted Sonic as his son and he's been with the croc ever since. In the present, he was so caught up in his tunes, he never heard voices calling him out.

???: Hey, Blue!

Hearing the voice, Sonic then took out his earbud and looked up to see 3 birds in front of where he was sitting.

The first one was a male hawk; it was Jet. Only he was much older. He wore a red bomber jacket with the sleeves rolled up and matching colored pants, a pair of white gloves that possessed visible lining with red and black cuffs and dark gray bands around each wrist, red, black and white boots with matching cuffs and gray soles, and goggles with yellow lenses, silver frames and dark gray straps.

The second one was a female swallow. She had purple feathers that covered her body and a white patch on her chest. Her hair was styled like a pair of long braids with dark purple tips. On her wrists are light purple flame-like markings. She has a golden-curved beak, light purple eyelids, blue eyes with two eyelashes on each side of them and a two-feathered tail.

She wore a white bandana, white gloves that possessed visible lining with gold bracelets and red lining, a white tube top that revealed her midriff and covered her torso and white-flared pants with dark purple flames at the bottom. She also wore red boots with white accents, silver zippers and gray soles, a white necklace with a red utility gem and gray sunglasses with gold lenses.

The last one was a male albatross. He had a hulking physique with gray feathers and white feathers covering his body. On his arms and near his wrists were dark gray fire-like markings. He has light blue eyes with red and black markings around it, a golden beak and his hair is short, similar to the swallow's.

He wore a full-body brown, orange and tan flight suit with tan gloves that possessed visible lining with black bands, small goggles with yellow frames and white straps, a brown necklace with small gray pieces and black, yellow and white sneakers with sock-like cuffs and gray soles.

These were the Babylon Rogues, merchants who came to Seaside Island after getting treasures from distant lands but after the wolf attacks have been happening, they've started to come to the lands more often.

Sonic: Oh, it's you guys. What do you want?

The swallow then sat beside the hedgehog as she put a hand on his shoulder.

Swallow: I'm sorry you lost your Wisp. I can tell he was dear to you.

Sonic: *Sigh* Yeah...

Jet then knew what could make him feel better.

Jet: Y'know. I saw those three before. It was back when my dad was the leader of the Rogues. They were with a pink hedgehog and another echidna, they're probably the sister and father of the echidna you saw.

This made Sonic sit up from his seat to listen in.

Jet: This is gonna sound crazy. But those guys are Wilderwalkers.

The blue hedgehog then raised an eyebrow in confusion, having never heard of them before.

Sonic: 'Wilderwalkers'?

The albatross then nodded.

Albatross: Yeah, Wilderwalkers! They're Mobians said to be blessed by gods.

The swallow then interrupted.

Swallow: They can also talk to animals without needing a translator. You saw how the wolves came when they heard the howl, that was the Wilderwalkers calling them.

The albatross then pushed her head away.

Albatross: They can also heal wounds and sicknesses with some strange wild magic.

The swallow then got out of her teammate's grip as she stood up.

Swallow: Stop interrupting. I know more on the Wilderwalkers than I do!

Jet then sat down by Sonic as the two watched the other birds argue.

Albatross: Oh, yeah? Well, who's the one who's been reading the stories every night since they've been young?!

The hawk got annoyed at the squabble and stopped it.

Jet: Wave, Storm, stop it!!

Wave and Storm stopped what they were doing as Jet turned to Sonic.

Jet: So yeah, the Wilderwalkers can heal anything. Their dad healed my dad when he got hurt, so who knows? Maybe they'll heal that little Wisp.

Storm: I think they'll just eat him.

Wave then smacked Storm's arm upon hearing that.

Wave: Storm!

Sonic merely ignored Wave's yell as he took a quick glance at the far off wilderness behind him, resting a hand below his chin.

Sonic: Well, whatever they're gonna do, I gotta get him back before it's too late.

Storm: Pssh. Good luck with that. Once Eggman is in that jungle, none o' us is going anywhere near that place.

Jet then looked at the far-off hovercraft as the robots soon left the area and the hawk soon had a look on his face that Wave noticed.

Wave: Uh-oh. I know that look. Jet's got a plan.

Sonic: Does he now?

Jet: You bet I do! Can you keep a secret?

Sonic: Huh?

The blue hedgehog was then grabbed by the arm by Jet as they and the others saw Eggman and his servant bots have fallen asleep on the hovercraft while the sun was setting.

Jet: Okay. Looks like he's asleep. That'll be a good chance for you to go in and get that Wisp while we keep his attention on us.

Sonic: And how are you gonna do that?

Wave then had an idea formed in her head as she took out a marker and a pack of hair ties.

Wave: I think I know...

Storm didn't seem to get the memo.

Storm: H-hair ties? What're we gonna do with those and a marker?

The others just rolled their eyes and went to the sleeping doctor and his robots which was when everything clicked for the albatross.

Storm: Wait. Hair ties and a marker!

He then followed his friends as Wave began tying Eggman's mustache with the hair ties and Sonic and Jet scribbled on Orbot and Cubot's faces. Storm then joined in the mustache tying with Wave while making sure the doctor didn't wake up. After a close call when Eggman stirred, everyone was done with their work.

Wave: Okay. They look great but how are we gonna draw his attention?

Sonic then saw a couple of Nega-Wisps (violet and purple) nearby as well as a bread bag in Eggman's hovercraft.

Sonic: I got an idea. Throw bread to those Wisps and make 'em squeak while I run in and try to get Yacker.

Storm nodded as he grabbed the bread.

Jet: Oh yeah.

Upon seeing the bread the Nega-Wisps squeaked and chittered for food while Sonic soon ran for the jungle and the Rogues threw small pieces of bread for the little critters all around the hovercraft. As soon as the Wisps were close to the vehicle, the birds made a run for it behind the trees as Sonic went to a farther distance from the area, chuckling at the sight.

Eggman and the robots soon awoke to Wisps near him.

Eggman: Wha-? What the?

Cubot: What in the world? Nega-Wisps?

Orbot then gently guided the Wisps away from the area, even slightly pushing on one of them.

Orbot: Go. Shoo, shoo, shoo. Agh, I don't like Nega-Wisps.

Cubot then saw Orbot's face and snickered.

Orbot: What? What's so funny?

Cubot: Your face! It's a piece of art!

The red robot then pointed at Cubot.

Orbot: I could say the same to you.

Eggman: Will you two stop laughing and start getting these runts away from here?

When the robots turned to their creator, however, they were smack jawed at the sight. Behind the trees, the Rogues snickered at the sight.

Wave: Yes.

Jet: It's working.

Eggman, feeling something on his facial hair, felt it with his hands.

Eggman: What? What?

He then took out a hand mirror from out of nowhere and screamed when he saw his mustache. He dropped the mirror but it landed in Orbot's hands, where he and Cubot saw their faces and screamed too.

Cubot: What?! What is this?! Who did this?

Orbot: I know the Wisps couldn't have done it.

Eggman: So how did-.

He trailed off when he saw faint sliver of grey and purple in the trees and pointed at them.

Eggman: Hey!

The Rogues, seeing they were spotted, got on their airboards and flew away from their hiding spot.

Jet: Let's scram!

Eggman then ran after the birds but it was too late as they took off. From his own area, Sonic watched the scene with a laugh as he entered the trees.

Storm: *Whispers* Worth it to help someone.

Wave: *Whispers* Shut up and fly, Storm. Shut up and fly.

As soon as the Rogues were gone, Eggman growled before he went back to his hovercraft to return to base and not do a check on the trees tonight. Before he did, though, he saw a blue quill on the ground and picked it up. Interested, he took it with him as he and his robots returned to base.

Meanwhile...

Sonic heard flickies chirp their nighttime songs as nature's sounds were heard in the Boscage Maze.

Sonic: Yacker? Yacker!

Soon, the noises died down and Sonic felt nervous while searching for Yacker.

Sonic: Wolf, wolf, hear the wolves, hear them far and yonder. Wolf, wolf, hear the wolves, til all the wolves howl out.

As he passed through some vines with thorn, some got in his pants and one of them poked his right leg.

Sonic: Ow! Spikes?

He took out the thorn.

Sonic: I hate spikes.

Soon, he got caught in one and tripped from it. He rolled in a ball with a yell before landing in a clearing. He stood up and looked around. Once he reached the middle, he saw something on the ground. He picked it up and it was a blue piece of hair, by feeling the texture; he gasped and determined there was only one creature who could leave this behind.

Sonic: Yacker?

If his hair was around, then that could mean...

Sonic: Yacker!!

The rustling of bushes were heard and it made Sonic yelp in surprise. Then suddenly, chitters and squeaks were heard as Yacker went straight up to his face.

Sonic: Yacker!

He then held the Wisp in his arms and saw the wound on his right arm was no longer there.

Sonic: Look at that. You're all better. How is that?

Yacker merely squeaked in happiness as Sonic nuzzled his Wisp.

Sonic: I'm just glad you're not hurt anymore.

He then questioned the Wisp.

Sonic: How'd your arm heal? It was those guys, weren't they?

Yacker nodded as unknowingly to the two, a pair of purple eyes silently watched from the shadows. Sonic patted the Wisp's head in relief.

Sonic: Oh, you scared me so bad, bud. I thought they were gonna eat you!

Suddenly, rustling leaves made him turn to the source as he spotted the source. He gasped when he saw a large wolf-like echidna hybrid with a strong figure and purple eyes. It's fur was dark red like blood as a white crescent was on it's chest and it's markings seemed to match it's wild look. It wore a leaf skirt with small rips and shoes with spikes on the soles. It had no gloves which exposed it's knuckles spikes and sharp claws. It had dread beads on it's dreadlocks as its pale red muzzle held sharp fangs in its mouth.

It started to slowly come up to Sonic with a growl as Sonic, realizing this wasn't a normal animal, took out his last kunai knife from his pocket in a threatening manner.

Sonic: Get back, beast. Back!! I will use this!

Suddenly, instead of helping Sonic, Yacker then tried to grab the kunai with chirps and chitters, much to Sonic's confusion as he tried to keep Yacker away from it.

Sonic: Yacker! Dude, what're you doing?!

He tried to keep his stance while taking a small step back.

Sonic: Get back, beast! I swear, I'll-!

The Wisp still tried to steal the kunai from Sonic's hand.

Sonic: Ugh! Yacker, knock it off!!

Too late, Yacker successfully grabbed the knife from Sonic's hand and flew off with it.

Sonic: No! Wha-?

Forget his gear, he had his claws. He took them out and backed up as the beast came closer to him.

Sonic: Get back, beast. Be nice or I'll pummel you with these.

Suddenly, something yanked hard on his ankle. Before he could react, the ground vanished beneath him as his claws went away from the surprise.

Sonic: Whoa!!

Sonic barely had time to yelp before he was yanked up, his body flipping as he was hoisted into the air.

With a harsh jerk, he came to a stop, dangling several feet above the ground. For a second, he just hung there, blinking in confusion until realization hit him.

Sonic: A rope trap? Oh, you have got to be kidding me!!

As soon as the trap settled down, he saw the upside down head of the beast looking at him. Its head tilted as it looked confused at him. If Sonic was gonna be eaten by this beast, he wouldn't go down without a fight as he tried to punch and kick the upcoming beast.

Sonic: Get back, buddy! I'm warning you!

It went up to Sonic, curiously, and reared back a bit when it tried to hit him. When Sonic tried again, it smirked in amusement.

Sonic: Shoo!

It then gave a happy bark as it wagged its tail, like what a playful dog would do. As Sonic swung around, every time he saw the beast, he yelped. He tried his best to kick and punch the beast, which made him flail around in mid-air. The beast then jumped up and tried to bite the rope holding him, but Sonic thought it was biting his leg off.

Sonic: I said, get back!!

That one time, he actually punched it in the face and it whimpered in pain. That made the beast growl in annoyance before trying to bite the rope again. A few more punches, kicks and slaps until he decided to do one more punch to its face with his right arm. That was a bad idea as it swung to not only the rope, but also the beast's jaws!!

With a loud chomp, Sonic screamed in pain as the rope snapped. He and the beast landed on the ground as the latter whimpered in worry. Sonic didn't hear it as his ears rang and he tried to get his bearings now that he was back on the ground. Feeling a stinging sensation on his arm, he saw there was a patch of red that was slowly growing on his sleeve from where his arm is.

He pulled up his sleeve (jacket and shirt alike) as he saw blood pool from the bite marks, the beast bit him! The would may not have been deep but it sure hurt like heck. Sonic could've sworn he saw a silver glow surround his wound and when he turned to glare at the beast, his world went black as he blinked.

Despite that, he saw glowing red outlines surrounding what would be the beast and in its place was the same echidna he saw earlier, looking horrified at the hedgehog's wound. Sonic closed his eyes with a yell and when he opened them, he saw the bright world and the beast was there instead of the echidna. It slowly started to approach him as it whimpered. Sonic clawed away from it with his wounded arm raised to gesture it to stay back. Once his back hit a rock, Sonic shut his eyes, not wanting to see himself get mauled by the beast.

Sonic: No... Please...

Shockingly, the carnage never came. Instead, Sonic felt the beast lick some of the blood off the wound as he opened his eyes in surprise. Was it saying 'sorry'? When he went to come face to face with the beast, it ran off to the very same direction it came from. Yacker then landed on its head when it stopped when it was a few feet from the hedgehog.

Sonic: Yacker?

The Wisp did nothing as he followed the beast as it ran off. Sonic stood up and began to chase after them.

Sonic: Yacker! Wait!! Yacker!!

He found Yacker once, and he didn't wanna lose him again. Little did he know, while chasing after Yacker, Sonic forgot about the dropped kunai knife that near him on the ground that was caused by Yacker.

Later...

Sonic followed the beast as he pushed away some vines, seeing to it and Yacker only a few steps ahead of him. Blinking again, he saw the echidna from before and Yacker was covered in a white aura as the world around him went dark. The two then disappeared in the distance as Sonic closed his eyes and shook his head in confusion. He then tried to chase after the two.

Sonic: Yacker!!!

He pushed his way through the supersized trees and bushes as he ran.

Sonic: Yacker!

Suddenly, he was so busy calling his friend he didn't realize he tripped on a wet rock and fell into some rapids. He screamed as he was dragged by the current, he never learned how to swim and had feared water ever since.

Sonic: Help!!! Anyone!

Every time his head went under water, he gurgled as he tried to get his head out. When he did, he tried to look around for something to grab onto.

Sonic: Help! Someone!! Help me!

He then edged near a waterfall and when he fell off he let out a loud scream before landing in the water.

In a little while, he coughed out water that got in his mouth as he waded down the calm river. He let you a small scream when a bit stronger current pulled him down the river, but he grabbed a large root to stop himself as he coughed. Quickly getting out, he panted as he reached land. His clothes were ripped, his shirt's bottom was ripped to expose his midriff as his jacket sleeves were ripped off to expose his arms. His wound was washed away as the water cleaned it. His pants were also ripped up to his knees. He sighed after the unwanted swim but then looked up to see he was in front of an enormous wall of ivy and large rocks that looked like pillars that appear to serve as the wall's columns.

Looking closely at the ivy, he saw another small piece of Yacker's hair in the foliage. He then made an attempt to grab it. But as Sonic reached out, something in the air had shifted. A strange energy pulsed on his fingertips, like he was touching the surface of a pond without breaking it. The bush shimmered, the ivy outlined with a faint silver and green glow.

Sonic: Okay… That is not normal.

Feeling a sting on his arm, he turned to the wound but his eyes went wide upon seeing it. There were faint veins of silver light pulsing just beneath the skin, the same glow from the bush.

Sonic: What?

The ivy had regained its silver and green glow as it went all around the foliage. Before Sonic could do anything, the ivy wall moved slightly as it seemed to open for him. Unsure if he was welcome or not, Sonic took a step back but the glow wouldn't seem to let him get too far.

The moon then came from the clearing clouds and shone on the wall; more specifically, the glow on the wall and Sonic's arm. All of a sudden, vines wrapped in a silver and green glow then came from within the ivy and wrapped around his arms and waist and began to hold him tight.

Sonic: Wha-? Hey! *Grunt* Let me go!

Before Sonic had the chance to get them off, he was pulled hard into the ivy wall by the vines with a yell. With that, the ivy closed up to prevent anyone else from entering the area.

Chapter Text

On the other side of the ivy wall, it was all peaceful. That is, the foliage started to glow silver and green and parted away for someone. That someone was screaming all the way until some vines that were bundled up then toss away something which then landed on the ground in front of it as the vines went back to the ivy wall as it lost its glow and closed up.

That something was Sonic, who then stopped screaming when he realized it was all over. He then stood up as he regained his bearings and shook his head away from the cobwebs in them.

Sonic: *Flaps his lips* Whew. That was a ride...

He then turned to the ivy wall and took a good look at it. While he was determined to find Yacker, he knew that he was possibly tresspassing on someone's property and had to get out before anyone noticed.

Sonic: Okay, so how do I get back?

Just then, a chitter was heard and Sonic recognized it as Yacker's. He then turned around.

Sonic: Yacker, there you-.

His words turned into a gasp at the sight of not only Yacker, but also a large village made of wood as it also went up to the canopy of the large trees. Even back home, Sonic has seen luscious green forests flourished with healthy plants far too many times. But never in his entire life has he seen greenery as bright and vibrant as this. Large rocks, small waterfalls and deep pools mostly decorating the area. And if one looked closely, Sonic was able to notice that most of the rocks here had intricate carvings that gave off this ancient mystical vibe. The hedgehog even spotted a stone arch covered in moss looming over the path ahead of him, looking as though it had been standing there way before he was even born into this world.

And with the moon brightly lighting up the entire place, the sight was truly breath-taking, like a beautiful painting inspired by a fantasy forest had just came to life. Far beyond the trees and towards the path up ahead, the boy then spotted a tall waterfall flowing from above a large tree.

Yacker then came up to him with chirps and chitters, making Sonic snap out of it.

Sonic: Yacker!

The Wisp then hugged his face as Sonic did the same before they let go and the hedgehog then scolded his Wisp.

Sonic: Bad Wisp! Very bad Wisp! When I said 'stop'. I meant it! Why on Earth would you follow that red wolf-thing and not me?

Suddenly, a growl was heard as about three wolves came out and surrounded the Wisp and hedgehog; keeping them near the ivy wall. Then, more came as a few others stayed near the cliff areas, keeping an eye on them from above.

Sonic then screamed in terror as he placed his right arm near the ivy. Unlike, last time, however, the ivy did not glow and did not part for him.

Sonic: What?! Why now you choose not to work?!

Yacker then pulled his quill as he came up to the head wolf, the one with a yellow streak on its head and spoke to it in his native language. Although the wolf didn't understand Yacker, it did understand what Yacker was trying to convey and it, along with some of the other wolves, began to clear away and make a path for the newcomers

Yacker then came up to Sonic as he pointed at himself and the yellow streaked wolf before pointing to the path.

Sonic: You... Want me to follow their lead?

Yacker then nodded as he went down the path ahead of Sonic, soon disappearing from view. Before the hedgehog had the chance to think, the yellow streaked wolf growled to let it know to follow him. Knowing he has no choice now, Sonic then followed the wolf as a few others walked along his sides and behind as a sort of escort.

The lead wolf guided him up the path and into the village in the trees. The wood was durable enough for even a whole pack of wolves to walk along it. They then reached a wooden hut with a sign bearing two fox tails.

Sonic: Weird...

The lead wolf then howled at the hut and the door opened to a small crack as a pair of sky blue eyes then peered out until their gaze caught on Sonic. Suddenly, the eyes narrowed into a glare as the being pounced out and landed on Sonic. The hedgehog landed on his back and saw that, the owner of the eyes were infact the same eye from the fox he saw earlier.

However, he did not seemed pleased that his favorite wolf had brought company.

???: Are you insane?! Do you have any clue what you’ve just done?!

Sonic: Uh... What?

???: You followed one of my tribe members! And you got through the barrier. A barrier meant to keep outsiders away from here!

Sonic merely shrugged his shoulders.

Sonic: Hey, in my defense, your guys' magic thing kinda pulled me in. It's not my fault.

The fox, however, was not pleased as he looked disappointed at Sonic.

???: You shouldn't have been able to pass through the barrier, though. Our magic repels outsiders the same way a skunk sends out its spray to keep other animals away from it. It's how it keeps the tribe safe from danger.

The fox then got off as the hedgehog stood up.

Sonic: I guess your magic doesn't think I'm an outsider...

The fox then facepalmed upon realizing what Sonic meant.

???: *Groan* I need to redo my calculations...

Sonic then sheepishly smiled at the fox's mistfortune when he felt another pulse of pain flared up his arm. He hissed through his teeth, attempting to grab at the bite mark to make it stop hurting, only to freeze. The glow was brighter now and way more intense. The fox’s eyes flicked to it, and for the first time since meeting Sonic, his expression changed. His anger faded, replaced by something unreadable.

???: Uh-oh...

Sonic: What?

The fox's face looked heavily worried and scared for Sonic.

???: You've been bitten. That's how you got in. The magic got transferred to you.

He then looked like he commited a terrible deed.

???: Oh, my alpha is gonna flip when hears this!

Sonic: 'Alpha'? As in, your boss?

???: Bingo. *Sigh* If only I knew who had bit you, I'd get the head healer to take care of that bite quick.

That made Sonic curious.

Sonic: Why? Why'd you need it healed that fast?

???: Let's just say there are side-effects to being bitten around here and I'm not talking about the kind that make you sick.

The hedgehog went to speak, but choked. Dizziness crashed over him like a wave and he grasped his head.

Sonic: Ugh...

The world seemed to slow down, shadows leaping and twisting around him. The fox seemed to notice as his expression grew concerned, or maybe Sonic was just imagining that because suddenly he was laying on his back and gazing at the night sky. His nose burned, the sweet scent invading his lungs. Why did he feel so sleepy?

Sonic's eyes fluttered as he saw that he was inside of the hut and the last thing he saw was the fox at his side, a large leaf in his hands while he dragged it over the hedgehog until darkness swept everything away.