Sonic: The Tournament of Chaos
Chapter 5: Club Rouge
Nighttime fell upon Central City, the building's neon lights illuminating the air with bright, colourful lights. The war had taken its toll on the chaotic city, no longer filled with the overwhelming noise of party goers and busy streets. The city slowly returned to its prime, business owners and citizens alike eager to experience a sense of normality once more. Deep within Central City's neon-light nightlife district, Night Babylon covered each street with bars, casinos, stores, but the foremost amongst them being Club Rouge.
The heart of the district survived the war, its doors open for business once more. The owner of Club Rouge couldn't be happier. Helping the Resistance save the world had been a taxing experience. Taking a break from treasure hunting and agency duty, she retired back to her club for a few days, ready to bask in the nightlife once again. Still, there was no denying Rouge experienced boredom, missing the thrills of hunting for jewels.
She leaned against the bar, occasionally taking a sip from her drink while studying her club. Classical jazz softly filling the air, paterons trying their luck at gambling, others enjoying themselves after being under control for so long. Everything was slowly moving back to normal.
Her thoughts broke as the door opened. A familiar blue hedgehog entered, accompanied by her former rival. Intrigued by their arrival, Rouge hopped over to greet the duo. "Boys, long time no see. Not often I see you two around here."
"Hey Rouge," Sonic returned the greeting with a small wave.
Knuckles crossed his arms, eyes narrowed towards the bat thief. While they were on much friendlier terms in recent years, he doubted there would ever be trust between them. "Rouge."
"My, someone woke up on the wrong side of the altar," Rouge teased, playfully bumping her leg towards the guardian's foot.
He grunted in return, annoyed with her immaturity. Nevertheless, he restrained himself from getting into further conflict, knowing they were going to be working together for the next few days. Fortunately, Knuckles had since calmed down from Sonic's earlier taunt, the journey venting out his anger.
Rouge turned towards Sonic with curiosity. "So, Big Blue, what brings you over to my club?"
"Came to ask for a favour," Sonic answered. "From both you and Shadow. Is he around?"
"Mr. Grumpy went out on that bike of his, shouldn't be away too long," Rouge replied, placing one hand to her hip as her curiosity grew. "What do you need from little ol' me?"
"The Tournament of Chaos, have you heard about it?" Sonic questioned.
The bat shook her head softly in response. On cue, the blue hedgehog took the opportunity to explain the tournament's rules and the current team they had assembled. Rouge appeared to be partially intrigued in the offer until the mention of the sacred Chaos Emeralds sparked her interest. While they engaged in conversation, Knuckles moved towards the fruit basket nearby, searching for his favourite snack.
By the time Sonic finished explaining, the sounds of a familiar motorcycle echoed from the outside. Recognising the sound as the Dark Rider, everyone's gaze shifted towards the entrance of the club. Before long, the Ultimate Lifeform entered the club, wearing his usual frown of annoyance. Upon noticing his rival standing nearby, he couldn't avoid humming with curiosity. Weeks had longed past since their battle against Eggman and Infinite. Sonic only showed his face whenever he wanted something.
Unfazed by the black hedgehog's intimidating demeanour, Sonic waved his hand. "Hey Shads, good to see you!"
With small reluctance, Shadow offered a slight but noticeable nod. Despite putting aside their differences long ago, there was still a small rivalry between the two. Sonic played on this trait, occasionally goading Shadow into a race. Unwilling to let his pride go, Shadow always accepted without hesitation. Nevertheless, he took zero interest in socialising with their allies, immediately approaching Rouge.
"Is there a problem?" Shadow questioned. "Commander Tower said we were off duty for the next few days."
Rouge waved her hand nonchalantly. "Relax, everything's fine. Sonic and Knuckles wanted to invite us to join their team in the upcoming tournament."
Shadow immediately scoffed. "I'll pass."
"Don't you want to at least hear us out?" Sonic offered while outstretching one hand.
"No," Shadow bluntly replied, disinterested in joining the heroes.
The black hedgehog marched past them, intending to retreat to a quieter part of the club for solitude. Unwilling to give up so easily, Sonic lightly shrugged. "Oh well, if that's what you want to do. Guess we'll have to give those Chaos Emeralds to someone else."
While Shadow's movement didn't shift, Rouge's ears perked up. Without hesitation, she flew over in front of her closest friend, placing both hands on his shoulders to turn him around. "Hold on a minute there, Shadow. We should at least hear Big Blue out."
"Of course you would be interested," Shadow noted. "One mention of jewels and you're onboard."
Not even trying to hide her guilt, Rouge grinned. "What can I say? I am a treasure hunter, after all. C'mon, at least hear Sonic out. Please, for me?"
Realising Rouge wouldn't stop persisting him till he complied, Shadow reluctantly returned to the small group. Crossing both arms with both eyes half closed, he awaited their explanation. "I'm listening."
Sonic smiled. "It's for the Tournament of Chaos. We're putting together the strongest team to compete and win the Chaos Emeralds. We've already got three others with one more on the way. If we win, I'll make sure you and Rouge each have an emerald to take home. Not bad for a day's work, right?"
Everyone fell silent, allowing the club's music to softly breeze through the nightlife air. As the Ultimate Lifeform with access to Chaos energy, he harnessed the Chaos Emeralds in ways others could not. However, Shadow didn't become particularly attached to the sacred gems, only using them when convenient, unlike his partner. Rouge dreamed of holding the beautiful gems between her hands. Still disinterested in helping, Shadow prepared to leave once more, having fulfilled Rouge's request. Before he could do so, Rouge spoke up once more.
"How about you boys have a race around the city?" she proposed. "You haven't had a good run for a while now, Shadow."
Sonic grinned, crossing his arms while forming an arrogant smile. "I'll never turn down the chance to leave Shadow in the dust."
The Ultimate Lifeform hummed, knowing his opponent was once again trying to goad him into a race. Despite this level of awareness, Shadow approached the blue hedgehog with determination. "Even after all this time, you're still the same cocky adventurer."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Sonic replied. "What'd you say?"
Shadow narrowed his eyes for a moment, glancing towards his rival and partner. A small grin crept on the Ultimate Lifeform's face, eager to put the blue hedgehog in his place. "One lap around the city. First one back to the club wins."
"You're on!" Sonic agreed.
The two hedgehogs slowly left the club, returning to the busy streets. Eager to get going, Sonic pressed down on the sidewalk tightly, building up the momentum to charge. Likewise, Shadow adjusted his jet skates tightly, determined to put the blue hedgehog in his place once more. Most of their races ended in draws. The two eyed each other intently, Sonic grinning while Shadow maintained his determined expression.
Without saying a word, the two raced off through the busy streets of Central City. Streaks of blue and orange surpassed the busy streets, startling the many citizens walking through the streets. They ran side by side, their feet kissing the land lightly. Breathing steady, heart strong - the hedgehogs were born to run.
The experience brought out a sense of determination, the kind that emptied the reserve tank of the receive tank. It was the kind of joy that ignored the physical and mental pain in the pursuit of satisfaction. The running was never the distance, but only ever one step that was repeated.
As they continued running at their incredible speeds, they exchanged a brief glance between each other. Arrogantly, Sonic turned around and began running backwards to face his opponent directly. He crossed both arms, showing no trace of concern about losing their race. "Getting slow, Shadow? I'm only at my cruising speed."
The black hedgehog grinned, taking advantage of Sonic's arrogance to boost his own determination. His jet skates flared, the sudden increase of speed allowed him to dash right past Sonic. The blue hedgehog appeared stunned for a split second before turning around, boosting faster to overtake Shadow. He pressed forward, knowing each step mattered. Against someone as fast as Shadow, there were no errors to make mistakes.
With every step against the ground, shockwaves were sent right up to their brain, their lungs heaved like the air was acidic. The two raced side by side, unable to overtake the other. Club Rouge reappeared within the distance, standing out like a needle in a haystack amongst the other buildings. Trying to surpass the other proved challenging, the citizens and cars blocking their way forced the hedgehogs to make sharp turns to avoid injuring someone. Pushing their feet to the very limit, the speedsters crossed through the doors both fast and slow within the blink of an eye.
"Made it!" they exclaimed simultaneously.
Their sudden arrival attracted the attention of the s. Before long, everyone shrugged and returned to their own pleasures. Noticing the sudden return of the hedgehogs, Rouge approached the duo. "Looks like another draw, and you didn't even break anything. I'm impressed."
After regaining his stamina, Sonic offered a supportive thumbs up to his rival. "Good race, Shadow. Maybe I won't have to hold back next time."
Shadow scoffed, calling the hedgehog's bluff. "I will admit, you haven't lost your touch. But don't think this was me at my best. Next time, don't expect me to take it easy on you."
Chuckling with amusement, Sonic couldn't deny he had trouble defeating Shadow, both in speed and in strength. Fortunately, they were no longer enemies who sought to beat the other. Sonic considered them friends, no matter how many times Shadow pushed away his kindness.
"Now, what do you say about that tournament?" Sonic inquired. "Fancy joining?"
Crossing his arms with uncertainty, Shadow once more brushed away the offer. "I don't think so. No offence, but I have better things to do than play with you and the rest of your friends in some game."
Sensing his rival was about to leave, Sonic dropped his trademark smile. A serious expression formed on the blue hedgehog's face. "Shadow, you're one of the toughest people I know. I don't say this often, but there are times where I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for your help. What I'm trying to say is… I need your help."
Admittedly, Shadow was caught off guard by Sonic's sincerity. His usual upbeat demeanour briefly dropped, showing no hint of putting up a facade. There was no doubt in the hedgehog's mind about Sonic's genuineness. He truly wanted his help, willing to put aside their friendly rivalry in exchange. This sparked interest in Shadow, now contemplating joining the team.
He cast a gaze towards Rouge, who offered a hopeful smile. Whether he joined or not didn't matter for the former thief. She was going to join no matter what. At least Shadow wouldn't be alone. Rouge was the only one he considered a true friend, someone who he could turn to even in his darkest moments. As long as one member of Team Dark remained by his side, at least he wouldn't have to engage in social talk.
Exhaling sharply to force out the appropriate response, Shadow answered. "You're serious, aren't you? You want me to help this badly?"
Sonic nodded. "I do."
A small grin formed on the hedgehog's face, finally accepting the proposal. "Very well. Since you asked so nicely, I'll join your team, Sonic."
Beaming with excitement, Sonic fought the urge to jump for joy. With the two members of Team Dark as official teammates, only one more fighter remained. Shadow's experience with Chaos energy combined with Rouge's abilities strengthened their team considerably. As long as Tails' theory proved correct, Silver would be joining in no time.
Before leaving the club, Rouge interjected, raising one finger innocently. "I do have a little request, Sonic. When we win the tournament, can I have the purple emerald? It goes nicely with the rest of my treasure."
"All yours, Rouge," Sonic agreed. Pleased with the results of their two new members, he prepared to lead everyone back to the workshop. "The rest of us are hanging out at Tails' place until the tournament starts. You guys coming?"
"Sorry boys, I got a business to run," Rouge reminded with both arms gesturing towards the paterons. "We'll meet you guys there Saturday morning."
"We'll be there," Shadow assured. "You can count on it."
Trusting the duo to keep their word, Sonic thanked them for their help once more. He grabbed Knuckles' attention, leading the two of them outside to return home. The echidna took one final glance as they left, gesturing towards the bat to let her know he would be keeping a close eye on them. In response to his intimidating warning, Rouge playfully waved him farewell. Knuckles grunted once more, racing outside to escape her gaze.
The duo were immediately basked in the city's neon lights, painting them in more colours than a rainbow. The night sky aglow with bright city lights, a blanket of stars stretched to infinity. The remains of the moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky, reminding the heroes of their adventures in space. The clock turned past midnight, beginning Friday forward. Only one more day until the tournament arrived.
A loud yawn escaped the echidna before stretching his muscular arms with relaxation. "Are we finding a place to crash for the night?"
"You kidding? I'm full of energy!" Sonic said, sparked with determination. "Ready to head back to Tails' place?"
Knuckles waved him away. "Go on ahead, I'll meet you there in the morning. Besides, it's been a while since I visited Central City. Need to see what's new while I've been away."
Sonic nonchalantly shrugged, bidding the guardian farewell for now. He raced through Central City's busy nightlife, avoiding the thousands of citizens walking along the pavement. He loved exploring, a passion he developed since he first started running. But even with thousands of places to visit, the wilderness called for him. Nothing brought the blue hedgehog a sense of relaxation than mother nature.
He raced through the city, arms pushed back as he jetted towards his destination, jumping over the occasional car while pumping his legs as fast as they could go. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, heart racing with the cool air brushing softly through his quills. Running was more than just a hobby for Sonic. It was his way to feel power in a life where he had none.
Sonic lived for running. He loved the power to leave anytime he needed, to escape the confines of a boring life to feel the open world. He ran for it, for then he would find sanctuary in his own self and in this world. The emotions of joy converted into the miles he ran. Till the day he could no longer move, Sonic would always keep on moving.
After some time racing through Central City, Sonic finally returned to the outskirts of civilization. He slowed down as he reached Tails' workshop, treading quietly to avoid waking the others. Small traces of light peaked from the windows. Having a spare key of his own, Sonic slowly opened the front door, gently closing it behind it. He tiptoed into the living room, finding the rest of his team resting.
Tails slouched over the couch, breathing softly with small pieces of rolled up paper notes covering the floor. In the corner of the living room, Espio sat in a mediation position, deep within a slumber of his own. Relieved to see his best friend resting peacefully after the war had ended, Sonic grabbed a nearby blanket and tucked the young fox in, allowing him to rest up comfortably.
Noting there was someone missing from their team, Sonic scanned the rest of the room for Blaze. She was nowhere to be found. Assuming she was resting in one of the bedrooms, Sonic prepared to get some rest himself. As he reached the stairs, he glanced towards the window facing the back garden. He spotted Blaze's outline within the darkness, seemingly in deep thought. Curiously, Sonic opened the back door, approaching the princess.
Blaze sat with her back pressed against the tree, gazing towards the stars within the distance. The bright lights in heaven's black brought a welcoming sight, appearing like magic at each sunset. Sensing the arrival of someone joining her, Blaze turned her head to see the return of the blue hedgehog, greeting him in a low voice. "You're back."
"Hey Blaze," Sonic returned the greeting softly. "What are you doing out here?"
"Back in my world, I enjoy watching the stars at night. It brings me a sense of calmness after a busy day," Blaze explained while raising one eyebrow. "You seem to be missing half of the moon."
Sonic softly chuckled. He joined the princess, sitting down beside her with one arm resting on top of his knee. "That's a story for another day. You can blame Eggman for that."
Unsurprised it was the actions of this world's nemsis to cause such a catagraphic event, Blaze briefly frowned. The two villains of their respective worlds were very much alike. The difference between their Eggman's were their end motives. One sought to conquer all, the other sought to destroy all. It sickened her to the core to know they were still out there, readying their next plan of action.
"That was the first time I met Shadow," Sonic added after a moment of silence. "We teamed up to stop the ARK from crashing into the Earth. We thought he died, but Eggman of all people saved him. It's kind of funny when I think back to that day. That was the first time we teamed up with old Baldy McNosehair."
Curiously perked up within the princess, shifting her gaze towards the blue hedgehog. The mere thought of working with her greatest adversary brought a feeling of nausea. "You… Worked with Eggman before?"
Sonic nodded. "His grandfather set a trap on the ARK for it to collide with Earth when the emeralds were gathered. For all of his flaws, Eggman isn't the planet destroying type. Sometimes we put aside our rivalry when a greater threat is at hand. Don't get me wrong, I know he will never change. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
Silence fell between the two friends once more as they continued to gaze upon the night. The chirps of crickets came in bursts, soothing the cool air around them. Birds within the trees called to one another in that beautiful way they do, the songs coming from different trees along the wilderness. After a few moments of silence, the princess turned towards the saviour of the planet once more.
"Sonic," Blaze whispered. "Can I ask you something?"
"Fire away," Sonic replied.
"How do you do it?" Blaze inquired, leaving her friend to tilt his head curiously. "You've fought Eggman for so long. Just recently you told me how he imprisoned you for six months while the whole world fell under his reign. Despite all that, you can still raise a smile. How do you find the strength to keep going? Do you not wish for it all to be over one day?"
Her question sparked interest within the blue hedgehog. Truthfully, he never thought about it. He saved the world from Eggman more times than he could count. There was no doubt in his mind the good doctor was out there somewhere, preparing his next attack. No matter how many forces he threw his way, Sonic and his friends were always ready to fight back.
Without a direct answer, Sonic lightly shrugged. "It's who I am, Blaze. I'll admit, Egghead has really crossed the line at times. He blew up the moon, fractured the planet into pieces and took over the Lost Hex. I look at the world with a smile to remind myself every day is a new day. No matter what Eggman or any other bad guy throws my way, we keep pushing forward. To the end."
The princess fell silent, unsure on how to reply. She expected a more deep response, something akin to her own personal feelings. Her gaze shifted towards the sky once more, thinking over the blue hedgehog's words of wisdom. Was it so simple? To just smile and keep on moving. It sounded too easy.
Speechless, Blaze struggled to find the appropriate response. Sonic's advice had truly left her tongue-tied. "I… Will try to do that. Thank you, Sonic."
"Anytime," Sonic nodded. "It's getting pretty late. I'm going to get some shut eye, you coming?"
"I will be inside shortly," Blaze reassured.
Standing up, Sonic bid the princess goodnight before retreating inside the house, finally preparing to get a good night's rest after a long day of recruiting their team. Blaze continued to gaze upon the stars, their sparkles painting diamonds within the sky, a sense of warmth springing from the cool fair. No matter how many nights Blaze spent stargazing, she saw each night sky as a fresh gift given anew.
This was the moment her breathing softened and a smile formed. "No wonder Sonic loves this place."
