Bound by Music

An Unexpected Visit

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update! I hope this chapter makes up for it. I know this one probably isn't one of my best, but I needed something to keep the plot rolling a bit. Please review! I am desperate for input!!!!

Location Unknown

"They sang together for the first time as a family," Aleena whispered as she watched her children from the Oracle's viewing pool. The wizard nodded.

"Yes, their bond has grown quite close in such a small amount of time. And with Sir Charles joining their group, I believe the time is drawing closer than ever before. Although, how your brother-in-law was reverted back to his natural form after being robotocized still bothers me. Regardless, I must speak to the children tonight."

"Yes, of course," the queen answered slowly. It was painfully obvious how much she wished to see her children again. The old anteater offered a small, comforting smile before disappearing in a flash of light.

Knothole

The four hedgehogs had returned just in time for supper, and the entire group gathered in the center of the village, where a large table carved from a fallen tree displayed a variety of foods. And to Sonic's delight, a mound of chili dogs had been prepared.

However, before they could begin their meal, a sudden blast of light blinded them.

"What on earth was that?!" Bunnie exclaimed, and Antoine held her closer to himself, even though he knew she didn't need the extra protection.

All eyes turned to the new arrival, a scaly green anteater wearing a deep purple robe. The triplets grinned, and Shadow nodded in recognition. Uncle Chuck even sat up slightly.

"Friend of yours, handsome?" Rouge asked as she nudged his arm, earning a classic eye roll.

"Hiyah, Orc!" Sonic greeted, and the wizard smiled fondly.

"Greetings, everyone. I apologize for interrupting your dinner, but I must speak to the four in private."

"Sure thing, Orc," Manic agreed and fired a finger gun.

Sonic stood up and turned to the group, "Don't worry, guys. We'll be right back."

The blue blur led his siblings and the wizard to his old homey shack a good ways away from the others. While the four hedgehogs made themselves comfortable on the small couch, the Oracle took a seat in the roughed up arm chair.

"So what's this all about, Orc?" Sonic piped up. Sitting still in silence never was his strong suit.

"The time for Robotnik's final defeat is near at hand. You have found the fourth voice, but there is still work to be done before you are ready to defeat Robotnik once and for all."

"What kind of work?" Sonia asked, "We're back together again. What else needs to be done besides finding Mom?"

"I had a question about that," Shadow interrupted, "Why is their—I mean our mother still forced into hiding? How do we know for sure she's alive? We've been following your word blindly, and I think it's time we had a little proof that listening to you is a good idea."

The triplets gawked at the older hedgehog, who was crossing his arms with suspicious glare aimed in the mage's direction.

"Dude!" Sonic chided, "He's the one that helped us escape."

"He's also the one that forced our separation, and while I vaguely understand the purpose of that, I do not know him. Therefore, I don't trust him."

"It is all right, Prince Sonic," the Oracle stated and held up a hand to stop the blue hedgehog from arguing back, "It is wise to not trust everyone at face value. I shall honor your request."