Kingdom Hearts II: Sonic Chronicles
OC's © original creators
Chapter Four: Struggle for Survival, Part 1
The next day came too early for Shadow's taste. The scene had returned to the Keyblade Master's room at the point where the sun began to rise over the horizon. The jet-black hedgehog groaned, instinctively searching in the corner the moment his eyes were opened. He had hoped, in some part of his heart, Kumori would be waiting to greet him with that cheerful smile of hers – she was nowhere to be seen. Shadow sat up in his bed, staring out his window to Soleanna. Today was the big day.
"Right...'promise'..." Shadow groaned. "How do I get myself into these messes?"
The scene alternates to the sector controlled by the Soleanna Signers, which was the site of this great event. The plaza had been modified to hold a square arena and banners announcing the Brawlers Tournament were draped across the buildings. While those watching the tournament were seated above, the participants were clustered around the arena in nineteen separate groups. Every brawling gang in Soleanna had shown up to prove their worth. Shadow walked in from the street and easily spotted Tails, Knuckles and Rouge closest to the bulletin board. Though hesitant due to the echidna's temper, the jet-black hedgehog approached his team.
"Hey, guys." Shadow said nervously.
"You ready for this, Shad?" Rouge smirked excitedly. "We'll finally show everyone that the Kingdom Knights are the best in town."
"As long as we don't get beat up during the preliminaries." Tails commented.
"Why do you always have to be so pessimistic?" Rouge sighed.
The Keyblade Master ignored the squabbling between the youngest member and only female of his team and turned his sights towards his leader. The hot-blooded echidna was stretching his muscles in preparation for the tournament, not even taking notice that his closest friend had joined them. Knuckles stopped stretching once he made eye contact with Shadow – a sense of remorse washed over the hedgehog.
"Listen..." Shadow said hesitantly. "Sorry about what happened yesterday."
"What, you're still worried about that?" Knuckles laughed humorously. "You really need to learn to let that stuff go. I'll admit that I was a bit frustrated at first, but I know you didn't do it on purpose."
"I've had a lot on my mind lately." Shadow said tiredly.
It was true – there were so many things he needed to think over these recent days. From what he has learned so far, the silver creatures and the Twilight Thorn were order to capture him by someone called "The Superior". The silver creatures referred him as "Scion" and answered to him with a respectful tone. Kumori also used the same name and was captured by an unknown group wearing Black Cloaks. Was there some hiding connection to these strange events? Shadow's trail of thought was shattered as Knuckles smacked the back of his head, bringing him back to reality.
"Hey, don't black out yet." Knuckles smirked. "You can fall asleep once I beat in the ring."
"Yeah, I'd like to see you try." Shadow challenged.
With Knuckles back on his side, Shadow felt that he could take on any challenge – even Zeenint. Smoky fireworks exploded across the skyline, signaling the beginning of the Brawlers Tournament. The nineteen Brawler Gangs silenced as the Tournament sponsor entered the arena for all to see. She was a tall and slender human female with vivid-red hair that reached to his shoulders. She wore a silken, white gown with golden lining crossing the chest, elbow-length white gloves, a two dove feathers in her hair. She smiled proudly down to the participants, but more towards the Kingdom Knights.
"Welcome, watchers and fighters, to the 3rd annual Brawlers Tournament!" Elise announced; the crowd cheered. "Today is a monumental day that will go down in history as the greatest event in Soleanna! Not only is the largest number of fighters to compete, but also a chance for the title match!"
"Perfect." Knuckles grinned, pounding his namesakes together. "Now's my chance to show them who's the best in town."
"I'll be sure to give you an autograph." Shadow said mockingly.
"Who will break through the ranks on our reigning champion, Hybrid?!" Elise announced eagerly. "And who will leave as our new Brawler Champion?!"
"Allow me to answer that, your majesty."
The human princess stepped to the side as the current Brawler Champion jumped into the arena. He was a deathly-black hedgehog with six curved quills – a red highlight on each – and a white mane around his neckline. He wore a pair of white gloves, three metal bands on each arm, red boots with black lines down the middle, a grey belt, and a golden locket around his neck. The man known as Hybrid lifted a large, championship belt off his shoulder and raised it in the air, sending his fan in an uproar of admiration.
"I'll take on all challengers!" Hybrid shouted dramatically. "Bring me your best fighters and I will watch them fall!"
"Well spoken, Hybrid!" Elise clapped cheerfully, turning to the audience. "And in addition to winning the chance to face our current champion, the victor will receive this grand prize." She motioned her hands to the trophy standing on the shelf at the end of the plaza. The trophy was made from navy-blue stone and held four crystal orbs: blue, red, yellow, and green. "The summa cum laude of Brawling – the Four Crystal Trophy!"
"Ooh, magnificent." Rouge drooled...literally.
"You really know how to pick them, Knux." Tails sniggered.
"It's finally time to start." Knuckles said excitedly, turning to his friend. "Do me a favor and try not to get knocked out during the preliminaries."
"I was about to say the same thing." Shadow replied.
"And without further any further delays...!" Elise shouted. "Let the Brawlers Tournament begin!"
Just as Zeenint had predicted three days before, the Kingdom Knights and Soleanna Signers soared through the tournament preliminaries. Shadow and Knuckles effortlessly took down their opponents with strategy and brute strength respectively. Tails was unfortunate enough to go against a big-muscled member of the Rumble Racers in the first and was forced to forfeit. Rouge had managed to get through two rounds before being defeated by Zeenint. In the end, only Knuckles and Shadow were able to make it as the four participants in the actual tournament.
The Soleanna Signers proved to be just as successful as their rivals. It came as no surprise that Zeenint was taking down the competition in a flash as he was the favorite to win the tournament. Armand was able to make it to the quarterfinals using his speed and strength until he accidentally tripped out of the ring against Shadow. Damien was only able to make it to the second round, where he was mercilessly slapped unconscious by Rouge. The real shock was Gemini, who was ranked as the weakest member of the Soleanna Signers. He surprised everyone by defeating every opponent he faced with a maximum of two hits. And after four straight hours of combat, the final qualifiers were selected.
"The preliminaries have finally concluded!" Elise announced, sending the crowd wild. "It's time to introduce the Final Four of the Brawlers Tournament!" She waved her hands to the four finalists that were lined up besides her. "Our first fighter has been runner-up in the previous two tournaments and is hoping to win it all! Crowd favorite and leader of the Soleanna Signers: Zeenint!!"
"What were you expecting?" Zeenint smirked.
"Our next contest has come complete out of nowhere!" Elise continued. "He has never made it past the first round in the last two tournaments and is now a semifinalist! Please welcome: Gemini!!"
"....." Gemini was silent.
"The next brawler has made it to the semifinals last year and may just go all the way!" Elise shouted. "Leader of the Kingdom Knights and local attitude problem: Knuckles!!"
"Hey!" Knuckles exclaimed.
"Our last selective brawler is a unique character!" Elise stated. "This is his first time in the Brawlers Tournament and could possibly become the next champion! Let us introduce my closest friend: Shadow!!"
"Did you really have to mention that?" Shadow asked sheepishly.
"The match-ups have already been decided!" Elise finished. "It will be Zeenint vs. Shadow and Knuckles vs. Gemini! So don't let me keep you waiting and let's begin the semifinals of the Brawlers Tournament!!"
The crowd screamed until they were hoarse – Knuckles, Gemini, and Elise jumped out of the arena to leave the archrivals with their match. After many hardships and long training, it was time to find out who was the strongest.
"I told you we would meet again." Zeenint said lightly. "It was fated that you and I would battle against each other."
"Since when have you ever agreed with fate?" Shadow smirked.
"Nice come back, wise guy." Zeenint chuckled darkly. "Let's settle this."
Signer Leader: Zeenint
The emerald-green hedgehog and the jet-black Keyblade Master stood at opposite ends, glaring at each other in a traditional standoff. The crowd was silenced by their expressions – nothing in the world mattered to them except winning. A small feather dropped from the sky and landed in the center of the arena – Shadow and Zeenint dashed ahead. In an instant, both warriors were within inches of one another and throwing a blur of punches and kicks that couldn't be seen by normal standards. Shadow thrusted his fist and his opponent's torso, but the emerald hedgehog sidestepped and grappled his wrist under his arm. As the Keyblade Master struggled to break free, Zeenint jabbed his elbow towards Shadow's forehead. It was only through quick reflexes that the dark Knight was able to capture the attack with his hand in time. As Zeenint tried to withdraw his arm, he found his opponents keeping a firm grip.
"Not bad." Zeenint complimented. "You've definitely improved since our last match. But the end result will be the same."
"I think it's time I took your ego down a few notches." Shadow said.
With a mighty tug, the two warriors threw each other in to the side and released. They twisted in midair for a short moment and landed, only to jump right back into the battle.
"Can you believe this?!" Elise announced to the crowd. "Shadow and Zeenint are going all out! Have you ever seen two people fight with such intensity?!"
"Come on, Shadow!" Rouge cheered loudly, unconsciously punching Tails in the face. "Nail him! Give him an uppercut!!"
"You win this, boss!" Armand yelled. "This guy is a chump compared to you!!"
The two warriors were on equal ground for several long moments with neither showing any sign of exhaustion. Finally, the tide changed once Zeenint swiped his leg at Shadow's feet. The jet-black hedgehog fell on his back, allowing his opponent to thrust a powerful punch towards his face. Thankfully, Shadow pressed his hand into the ground and flipped to the side – his enemy missed his chance by a small margin. It was good fortune that he avoided the strike when he did. Once landed properly on his feet, the dark Knight spotted the area where his head was formerly resting and discovered a deep crack under Zeenint's fist.
"Ok...I don't ever recall you being that strong." Shadow said nervously.
"This is what comes from discipline and focus." Zeenint hissed coldly, flexing his hand. "While you were eating ice cream and taking field trips, I was preparing myself for this tournament since the last competition. I last the chance for the championship two years in a row to that bastard." He glared at Hybrid from a distance. "But now is my turn for revenge."
"All this just to get even?" Shadow questioned confused.
"I should have won that match a long time ago." Zeenint growled, gripping his fists at his waist. "But ow I will prove once and for all that I am the strongest in Soleanna!"
The Signer leader held his hands out to Shadow, which he mistook as a gesture of surrender. But much to the shock of his opponent, Zeenint's hands gained a flashing aura of green energy. The emerald hedgehog focused these energies into small sphere within his palms and thrusted them forward. Shadow looked like a deer caught in the headlights – he remained motionless as the dual energy blasts exploded around him. The crowd gasped in shock and was nearly tossed by the aftershock of the blast.
"Ok, when has he ever been able to do that?!" Elise accidentally screamed into her microphone.
"I have not only been training myself not only physically, but mentally as well." Zeenint grinned wickedly. "While during my training, I accidentally bumped into a wolf carrying a stack of books through the market. He dropped one and I discovered the truth about magic and its existence. Now I have learned how to harness the power of light magic!"
"Magic?!" Tails exclaimed in disbelief. "There is no such thing as magic! Scientific evidence has proven this!"
"Believe it or not, I am still victorious." Zeenint proclaimed, pointing to Elise. "Are you going to announce the judgment, your majesty?"
"Um...In an unexpected comeback," Elise announced hesitantly. "It looks like the winner is..."
"Not decided yet!"
Zeenint and the audience surrounding him snapped their attentions back to the smoke cloud that had formed after Zeenint's attack had landed its target. Without warning, Shadow jumped through the cloud and temporarily soared twenty feet over the arena – his body was untouched. It was faint, but Zeenint could partially see an aura of yellow energy pulsating around the hedgehog's body. Did he learn magic as well? This time, it was the emerald hedgehog that was too stunned to move and left himself wide open for a direct assault. For reasons unknown, the pulsating yellow aura transferred to the Keyblade Master's fist as he pulled it back. Shadow touched ground only inches from his stupefied opened and drilled his fist into Zeenint's chin, releasing all the compressed energy within it. The impact launched the Signer Leader out of the arena and into the far wall behind the Soleanna Signers, leaving a deep imprint.
"Um...I don't know what happened...." Elise announced slowly. "But I think Shadow is the winner."
The crowd was finding hard to absorb the information as they were still surprised by Zeenint's magic. But once getting back up to speed, the audience went wild. Shadow, the underdog of the tournament, had pulled a come from behind victory against the crowd favor. After recovering from his strike, Shadow raised his fist to the air and received his well deserved praise.
Zeenint: Defeated
"You were amazing, Shadow." Tails complimented as his friend jumped down from the arena. "How did you survive that attack? And how did you manage to punch Zeenint all the way across the plaza?"
"I...really don't...know." Shadow excused.
That was in fact a lie. Shadow had been feeling the power trapped inside his chest since the battle against the Twilight Thorn, but had yet to release it until now. Gaining control over the Keyblade had given him increased stamina, endurance, speed, and strength beyond any normal creature. But even with these powers, there was a good chance that Zeenint could have still won if he had not been thrown off guard.
"And now the next match will now commence!" Elise shouted. "This time it will be Knuckles vs. Gemini. The unorthodox hedgehog had managed to make it this far, but can he stand up to the powerhouse of Knuckles?!"
"Not a chance." Rouge scoffed. "My man is going to win this and the Kingdom Knight will bring home the win."
Shadow didn't share the same feelings as his teammate. How is it that someone who has never made it past the first round suddenly increases entire performance by tenfold? The dark Knight had only seen one match and Gemini was able to finish it was a single punch to his opponent's forehead. Something was off about him. The silent hedgehog must have heard his thoughts as he shifted his gaze in Shadow's direction. Knuckles, who was watching the connection, was becoming irritated by Gemini's lack of interest.
"Hey, pay attention to the fight!" Knuckles exclaimed. "I'm gonna take you out in one shot!!"
"...." Gemini remained in everlasting silence.
The hot-blood echidna was now pissed beyond measure. Once given the signal from Elise, Knuckles stampeded across the arena with a furious battle cry and his namesake reeled backwards to strike. Once within range, he stabbed his spiked knuckles at the silent hedgehog's face – he was never able to make connect. Knuckles was barely able to choke out a single word and looked down to his stomach, where Gemini's knee had landed. The silent hedgehog moved his leg, never leaving eye contact with Shadow, and allowed the echidna to fall unconscious to the ground. A long period of silence flooded the crowd.
"In a...um, one-hit KO...Gemini is the...uh, winner." Elise announced feebly.
The crowd showed no reaction, even as Gemini left the arena. Rouge was one of the people to run to Knuckles' aid before the medical team ran over to carry him away for healing. Gemini's eyes followed the jet-black hedgehog for a long moment until they completely passed each other and the silent hedgehog disappeared into the streets.
"When did Gemini get that good?" Tails asked fearfully.
"That's not Gemini." The remaining Knights turned to the left, finding Zeenint being carried by Armand and Damien. "I have been watching Gemini train and he was completely different from yesterday. He could never be able to get that strong in such a short amount of time."
"So you think its an imposter?" Shadow questioned.
"I don't know who he is, but he's going down." Zeenint said as he was lifted away. "Do me a favor: thrash him."
That was the last time Shadow had seen the Soleanna Signer before they left their territory – they were ashamed. But Zeenint's words clinged to the Keyblade Master's mind. If this guy impersonating Gemini was powerful enough to defeat Armand and Knuckles with only one shot, then there was no possible reason he could be the original.
Shadow was in trouble.
The long-awaited tournament leads to a new set of mysteries. How was Gemini able to grow so dramatically? Does Shadow stand a chance against this super powered hedgehog? And what will become of the tournament's final battle? Find out on the next Sonic Chronicles!
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