Classic Tails paused as they crested a hill.
"I know this place," he said excitedly.
Enthusiastic nods from Modern and Archie.
"Emerald Hill Zone," Modern stated.
Classic laughed joyously.
"Come on, let's go!" he jumped, collected three rings, and continued.
The others followed, taking different paths.
Each ended at a different time, with Classic first and Lego last.
The next act was similar, and ended in a boss battle.
Both Modern and Classic thought it seemed familiar, but neither showed it, so neither said anything.
X Universe
The Miles Electric turned on, and the screen fuzzed, then showed an empty landscape. The four people watching, two rabbits and two Chao, were confused. The oldest rabbit pressed a button and the screen fuzzed again. The same scene was shown.
"Where did the Tails go?" The younger rabbit asked.
The older one noticed a sign on the hill that read "past".
"I think I know," she said, "but where they are, they'll be safe."
"Chao Chao!" one of the Chao had noticed something.
Two blue blurs crossed the screen and went past the sign. It spun around, then read "future". The two blurs disappeared in swirls of small stars.
The older ones immediately went to the AoStH Universe, while the younger ones went to the Boom Universe. Their suspicions were confirmed. Now how to tell the others that Boom and AoStH Sonic were missing?
Classic Universe
As Modern progressed through Chemical Plant Zone, he noticed small stars forming around him. He knew what had happened.
"Guys, stop," he said over the communicator, "we're in the past."
"Wait, that's possible?" Boom asked.
"Very," Modern said, "we need to accelerate to 75 mph, and have the Village- the destroyed Village- in your mind. Ready? Go!"
_______________________________________
Modern Orbot pressed a button, finishing his counterpart's reprogramming. Boom Orbot powered on.
"Is the final weapon complete?" Modern asked, looking through the one way glass to the workshop, where Classic Robotnik was putting the finishing touches on the 'Super Weapon'.
"Almost," Boom answered.
"Good," Modern said, turning from the nearly complete robot, "you know what changes to add. You know how to do it. Have it done by morning."
Boom bowed his head submissively.
"Yes, sir," he said, then left.
Modern turned back to the workshop. Classic Robotnik har left , locking the door behind him. A button changed that, leaving the room open for Boom Orbot and Cubot to add some moderations. They weren't noticeable, but they were enough.
They had to be.