#i believe espio is quite strong due to his training

[astra-terrapin]

Some Espio doodles because why not.

[sonicforcesau]

Forced AU: The Fall of the Hero Arc, Part 3

“Knuckles!”

The loud call of his name has startled the Guardian of the Master Emerald right out of his sleep. Groggily, he sat up and blinked his eyes rapidly in the attempt to focus them, as he noticed that it was already late morning, and that somehow; a familiar white hedgehog currently floating towards him.

“... Silver?” he questioned drowsily, shaking off the sleepy state he was in. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you go back to the future already…?”

“I have bad news! And I need your help!” replied the white hedgehog - panting - as he landed on the altar of Angel Island. “Do you-”

“Hang on, hang on; I’m not awake yet...” grumbled the red echidna as he stood up, taking in a few deep breaths while stretching his muscles. “... Tell me your story again, from the start.”

“Well, after I’ve returned to my future after the time-eater incident,” Silver began. “I saw that my world had been replaced by Eggmanland!”

“Wait; Eggmanland?” the new piece of information had completely snapped Knuckles awake. “How?”

“I don’t know the details specifically, but Sonic was somehow defeated.” replied the white hedgehog. “The Tails from that future had left me a message asking me to save them in Sunset Heights, tomorrow!”

“Sunset Heights, huh…?” Knuckles mumbled, lightly scratching his head. “... I don’t really know specific places - you do know I don’t live down there, right?”

Silver sighed - that was what he was afraid of.

In a sudden instant, both mobians found themselves being harshly pummelled onto the ground, and their bodies to become very, very wet.

Recovering from the shock, Knuckles pushed himself up from the ground, while his eyes widened at the recognition of exactly what had attacked them: Liquid, blue, and a weird, humanoid form creature.

It was Chaos!

What in the world was it doing here? It shouldn’t be here!

“Look out!” shouted the red echidna, as he pushed the white hedgehog - who was attempting to get back on his feet - aside from another attack from the creature.

“What is that, Knuckles?” Silver inquired loudly as he stabilised himself, floating in the air using his psychokinesis.

“I’ll explain later - aim for the brain!” ordered Knuckles, as he dived for a hit.

Since Chaos was being hostile - they had no choice but to take it down first; before it could do any harm. The creature had predicted the guardian’s movements, and quickly dodged to the side; successfully avoiding the punch.

In retaliation, Chaos extended his arms, and attempted to grab a hold of the echidna.

However, Silver saw it. With quick, trained reactions of being a psychokinetic, the white hedgehog stopped the monster’s liquid arms in mid-swing; and a bright, cyan glow surrounded the creature, holding it firmly in place.

“Now, Knuckles!”

The call to action was answered instantly, and Knuckles swung his right fist with all his strength, directly aimed the head of Chaos. It would take down the creature in a flash.

Except; it disappeared.

Knuckles blinked in confusion, as Silver stared; both mobians unsure of the current situation, or what exactly happened that caused Chaos to vanish.

“Where did it go?” asked the white hedgehog, as he frantically looked around in search of the liquid monster.

“I don’t know; but let us leave before it comes back.” Knuckles suggested, also wary of his surroundings due to the surprise attack moments before.

“But, we both don’t know where exactly Sunset Heights is located!” reminded the psychokinetic hedgehog.

“Then, let’s go find someone that could help us.” he added before Silver could attempt to pull all of his own spines out of his head.

“Right!” Silver exclaimed optimistically.

Knuckles began to walk to the edge of the floating island, fully expecting the white hedgehog to follow him.

“Wait!” Silver stopped him before he could jump off the ledge. “Where are we going?”

“You said that Sonic will be defeated, right?” Knuckles responded with a question. “Whatever that did it must be really strong - so; we’re going to find the Chaotix - they pack quite a punch.”

And the red echidna led the white hedgehog to Green Hill after they jumped off of the floating island; with Knuckles gliding in the air, and Silver flying - thanks to his psychokinesis abilities.

The destination in mind was the Chaotix Detective Agency, and it was located specifically in Green Hill Town. It had taken quite some time to find their bearings due to Angel Island’s constantly unknown position around Mobius.

Eventually, they did arrive at the location; it was a small building in the central areas of the bustling town.

They walked in.

“Welcome to Chaotix Detective Agency!” three voices shouted all at once, as Knuckles and Silver walked through the entrance.

And right after, a certain purple chameleon had immediately facepalmed - while, at the same time, avoiding being poked by the horn on his own head.

“Vector, why do you make us do this…?” groaned Espio, loudly, as he walked to a corner of the room to sulk.

He looked as if he wanted to just disappear for a moment.

“Why; to welcome new customers, of course!” replied Vector, cheerfully, as he turned to face the visitors. But, when he realised that the visitors weren’t customers, his mood did indeed waver slightly. “Knuckles? Silver? What are you doing here?”

“Vector said there will only be discounts for new customers!” Charmy chimed in, pointing up an index finger.

“Quiet, Charmy!” hushed the crocodile; while at the same time, Espio finally felt brave enough of his recent humiliation, and turned to face the two visitors.

Knuckles sighed while he folded his arms - he really didn’t want to deal with the Chaotix’s antics right after waking up. Meanwhile, Silver the Hedgehog had taken a step forward, ready to share his story.

“Let me explain-” began the white hedgehog. “-Sonic’s going to be defeated sometime tomorrow. We need all the help we can get in Sunset Heights Square!”

“You look tired, Silver.” stated Espio, noticing the other’s fatigue from their posture and movements. “Did you just come from the future?”

“Yes, that’s right.” the white hedgehog answered with a nod.

“If you wanna rest, we have a spare bunk that you can use.” offered Vector, as he lightly scratched his head with one hand, while the other waved around to emphasise his speech.

“Breaking news alert!”

The sudden spoken words from the news station on the running television set - placed on top of a shelf - had caught the attention of everyone in the Chaotix Detective Agency.

“Doctor Eggman’s forces are currently attacking City. There is a huge threat posed, and the authorities are suggesting that all citizens stay indoors until the situation is dealt with. Currently, Sonic the Hedgehog is resisting the attacks.”

Wait…

“What date is it?” asked Silver frantically, as he looked for a calendar, or at least something that could tell him what he needed to know.

“February 5th!” Charmy provided the information.

Silver felt a sense of dread, followed by impending doom. No - it couldn’t be; he was very sure that he definitely keyed in February 4th on his device!

Something had gone wrong…

“I don’t know how, but somehow, I’ve been brought to the wrong date!” stated Silver, as his eyes looked more serious than ever. “We have to get there immediately!”

Espio’s brows - if he had any - furrowed.

“I believe Charmy and I can follow you there first, since we have the speed.” suggested the chameleon, causing the white hedgehog to focus his attention on him.

“I’m going to need you guys to bring me there - I have no idea where Sunset Heights is.” stated Silver honestly, as Espio began to lead them out of the establishment.

“Vector and I will try to catch up as fast as we can.” added Knuckles.

And moments later, the Chaotix Detective Agency was closed.