This is my first story (bar any school stuff of years ago) so bare that in mind whilst reading on through, but good criticism is good however.

In this first chapter, it is just a setting up of two key players in the well known Sonic Adventure storyline. But of course since this is my take on the story as well as the Sonic universe itself (in the form of Sonic Unlimited), expect more original arcs and characters down the road, as well as gaming crossovers!

Every story thereafter this one will fit into my SU universe, whether they are full on story arcs or one off character centrics.


Disclaimer: I don't own Sonic, Knuckles, Robotnik and all the rest. The plot of Sonic Adventure is also property of Sega. I only own the original characters, original locations, and original plots within this fanfiction. Yay!

Cue Sonic Unlimited Opening Theme: "Change The World" by ARTIST Dream

CHAPTER 1: Watery Abyss

Unknown Location

Endless darkness… surrounds me like wisps of smoke ascending from a burning fire.

My body remains the same as it was back then but is in reality nothing but a mere illusion of my mind. Looking around it would be easy to tell that around here, the essence of time and light are void of any meaning.

Wisps of eerie subtle green mist seeping along this 'solid' ground of various shades of black to grey is all else that makes up the structure of this frozen abyss.

This is where I lie, and have laid for several millennia since the last cataclysm that shook the world; the cataclysm that I gave up my life for to avert and give the world a better chance for peace.

Yes, that life is over now… In fact I don't remember much of it, except for the flames and screams in those last breathing moments, the moment that my fate was decided for me by the Great Aurora.

All I know is that I did it to save an old friend, whom resides here with me, and whose distorted mind has created this very darkness that we are shrouded within.

Looking over to my left I see that he sits there, still as catatonic and irresponsive as before. Whenever I've tried to communicate with him through the void he'd just be exactly like that, it's like he isn't even here; as if he is but a mere fragment of my imagination.

And it pains my heart that I can seemly do no good, this echidna girl of who thought best to qualm his rage at the world without even his asking and seal us both away.

No… I HAD to do it, that 'world' is far too precious and beautiful to have been torn asunder in blind rage or by war. But then what, I wonder happened thereafter?

I prevented one cataclysm but in tempting fate did I not set a far graver fate in turn?

Looking down at my gloves, I slide them off and looked at my hands beneath them. They are a light peach hue, which I got from my late mother, but yes… I see that they still bear the flames' wrath of that time as they are darkened in places with ash. Seemly time must indeed have no meaning here. No purpose along with those within it…

I've always tried to do what's right for everyone because it made me happy when they were happy too, free from any aching pains but are my hands stained with blood now too?

Did I let my own feelings overwhelm me that day? Did I do the WRONG thing?

I sigh as I cradle myself in my arms and ponder on the billionth or so thoughts I've had since, well I entered this watery abyss. I guess its fitting for this is where I and the water spirit lie but where are we I wonder and what's going to happen now?

As I try to reminisce on happier memories my small worn hands catch a falling tear from my shining large aqua eyes and in that instance I recall again that I've been missing someone.

But who could it be?

This stupid void… I curse silently to myself, clutching my dress tightly with my hands.

I can't even speak here bar my own circling thoughts. And yet no one is here to hear me anyhow. This place has taken a toll on my memories it seems.

I just wish I could remember the good things, and that person of whom I miss.

How could I have forgotten such things? Why always the good and not the bad, I ponder.

A sudden shuffle of movement breaks me out of my thoughts and looking up I now see that Chaos is standing up right in front of me with his shiny oval green eyes, except they look bigger and darker than moments before.

Looking deeper still I can see that the fiery rage still holds strong in his heart but I know that he would never harm me, for we are friends and friends stick together… always.

He turns away from me and raises his light blue watery right arm towards the heavens and turning my head and following the direction to its end I can now see what he is anticipating, and yearning for.

Up above, I see that there is a bright white light cascading down the darkness and whilst at first I feel hope and joy, for this sign above, it is immediately ripped away and all I can feel is a sense of guilt and heightened uncertainly surges through my 'body'.

This emotional tornado of confusion is lost on me when I see that Chaos is ascending into the eye of the light and glancing at me with 'hand' extended outwards as it to say "are you coming?"; and despite the fact that I am afraid of what lies ahead, I gather up my energy, and with my elevated heart I begin to run towards him.

Perhaps now I can see the world again, is it still as beautiful as it was I wonder?

Or has it become something else? Another cataclysm…?

Suddenly I could feel the darkness coming closer even in this onslaught of light, circling me as a bird would its prey; regarding the ones they'd consider 'easy pickings'. Before I could even think of running away I felt myself being propelled from the misty grounds by an unknown force and ascending skyward.

I was just afew mere inches away from Chaos, I just had to reach that… little bit… more, and pull him back here with me! To save him from whatever darkness is coming for us?

What is this and why now?

Alias it was for nothing as his body disperses into green mist and disappears before my eyes.

And then there was light…

XXXXX

Cue Sonic Unlimited Ending Theme: "My Will" by ARTIST Dream

XXXXX

And thus ends the first chapter of this story arc!

What will become of Tikal and Chaos now?

Next time the action begins to warm up in the Knuckles centric, and I do love Knuckles... ^-^

I expect to update by months end seeing as this is a much longer chapter, depending of course on life and the random things it may bring me.