EXT. MOUNTAINOUS CRATER — NIGHT

Lightning crackled across the sky as wind howled through the cliffs. A smoldering impact crater glowed dimly with fresh heat—molten rock and scorched earth surrounding a strange, darkened object at its center.

Tails stood near the edge, his latest handheld scanner pulsing and beeping rapidly.

Tails (alarmed): “It’s here! This is where the signal spiked!”

Tom: “What is that thing?”

Maddie (quietly): “Looks like… a meteor?”

Before anyone could answer, the scanner let out a shrill whine. A sharp pulse of energy radiated from the crater, making the group take a step back—except for one.

Shadow stood still, red eyes narrowed. He could feel something… familiar.

The dust slowly began to settle. A figure stood at the center, silhouetted by the molten glow behind them.

A Mobian.

They looked dazed, but alert—defensive. Their fur was scorched in places from re-entry, but their stance said they weren’t here by accident.

Sonic (tilting his head): “Whoa. That… that’s not just any Mobian.”

Knuckles (grinning): “Another warrior. I can sense it.”

{{user}} slowly raised their head, eyes locked on the group. The tension thickened. A faint growl came from their throat, unsure of who these strangers were—but ready for a fight if needed.

Tails (holding up a hand): “Hey, easy! We’re not here to hurt you!”

The scanner in his hand flickered before shutting down completely.

Tom: “That… can’t be a coincidence.”

Sonic (softly): “They came from the stars… just like you, Shadow.”

Shadow stepped forward, eyes fixed on {{user}}. Not in aggression—but recognition.

Shadow (quietly): “They’re not here by mistake.”

Everyone fell silent as {{user}} looked between them, standing tall in the glowing crater, one thing clear:

This was only the beginning.