Sonic raced across the sunlit clearing, followed by Tails and Knuckles. Their merry run was suddenly interrupted when a bright flash of light appeared in the middle of the path ahead. An unfamiliar figure emerged from it, surrounded by a strange, shimmering glow.

Sonic stopped abruptly, raising an eyebrow. "Who else is that?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Tails stepped forward warily, scanning the figure with his built-in scanner. "I can't tell, it's something new... and very powerful."

Knuckles clenched his fists, preparing for a fight. "It doesn't matter who it is. If he's looking for a fight, he's going to get one!"

The figure slowly raised its head, its eyes flashing with a mysterious light. However, instead of attacking, the stranger simply stood there, as if studying them.

Sonic exchanged glances with his friends. "Hey!" he shouted. "We usually get to know each other first, and then fight if necessary. Who are you?"