REVERSE/REBIRTH: ESPIO'S TALE

Tomo the Chameleon © Kiba Sniper

Chapter Fourteen: Twilight, Part 1

Last time on Reverse/Rebirth:

Espio confronted a powerful member of the unknown Order named Erazor. The powerful mystic proved to be a strong contender for the Hero of Darkness and was evenly matched with him. But in the end, it was Erazor who emerged victorious. Before the final blow was struck, Mephiles used Espio's momentary weakness to gain control over the dark chameleon. With Mephiles' powers increasing his own, Espio eliminated Erazor without trying. Espio fruitlessly tried to resist the darkness created by the Heartless leader until Jet reappeared once more. And at the cost of losing his friend, Espio moved on.

The scene opens to the third basement floor within the lower levels of Castle Oblivion. While still suffering from the scars of battle on the previous level, Espio and his thestral partner, Deathwing, continued to climb through the memory castle. They had just reached the next doorway when something unusual happened. A sudden shockwave of explosive power reverberated across the castle walls, leaving the dark chameleon shaken for a moment.

"What was that?" Espio gasped shockingly. "One of the dark scents has disappeared – a really strong one. How could something with that much darkness just vanish without a trace?"

"I believe you have your friend to thank for that." Espio and Deathwing took their guard as a portal of darkness appeared before them, revealing the secretive Oracle. "The former keeper of his castle, Moskdun, has been trapped in the eternal oblivion by the Keyblade Master."

"Keyblade..." Espio repeated before realization hit him. "You mean Sonic! So what I've been hearing is true – Sonic is somewhere in Castle Oblivion, isn't he?"

"Yes." Oracle nodded coolly. "Do you want to see him? But the real question is: can you face him?"

"What's the supposed to mean?" Espio questioned angrily.

"The world of darkness and sense of shadows still nest within your heart." Oracle explained. "Do you plan to face Sonic, who has been chosen by the Keyblade of Light, as you are now? Are you not ashamed of what you have become?" He found amusement at Espio's depressive stare. "It is Sonic's fate is to battle the darkness. He must oppose anyone who holds the power of shadows. In other words...you."

Those words forced a powerful blow to the chameleon's stomach, making him sick. Black Doom had once told him the legend of the four original Keyblade Masters that controlled the four paths: light, darkness, dawn, and dusk. There were stories that told of the Keyblade Masters of light and darkness constantly warring at each other. Was this the same situation?

"If yo don't believe the words I say, take this." Oracle said at the same moment Espio captured the card thrown. "It would be better if you see the truth with your own eyes."

"Wait a minute..." Espio gaped at the card in his hand. "This card...it's..."

"That's right." Oracle said sinisterly. "It is your home."

And with that, the silver jackal faded into the darkness, leaving Espio's path open to him. But the Hero of Darkness hadn't registered his disappearance – his eyes remained focus intently on the card. After what seemed like centuries, this was Espio's chance to finally return home. Would everything be the same? Would everyone forgive him for surrendering their world to the Heartless? As these thoughts ran wildly through the chameleon's mind, Deathwing was growing impatient with his partner's lack of action. The thestral foal nipped his partner's kneecap, breaching the chameleon's trance.

"Yow!" Espio exclaimed as he looked down at Deathwing. "You know, a simple push would be enough."

The thestral foal merely a silent snigger. The dark chameleon returned his thoughts to the mission given to him and stepped up to the platform where the blank door awaited him. Taking one last glance to the card, he raised it to the door and vanished within the blinding light beyond.

The scene alternates to a peaceful world that was once forgotten in the passage of memories. The island paradise echoed with the calming laps of the oceans and the carried the sweet smell of the salty sea. A small, wooden shack rested to the right of a roaring waterfall across from a wooden fortress on the other side of the island. A misshapen bridge connected the mainland to a smaller island, where the Hero of Darkness rested in peace. Espio was staring out into the endless seas, sitting on the bent Paopu tree where he, Sonic, and Amy would always meet at the end of the day. Deathwing was curled on the ground below, snoozing peacefully under the sun.

"I never thought I'd miss the island winds so much." Espio sighed happily. "Hmph. There was a time I couldn't wait to get off this rock and now I'm acting all relieved. What are your comments on this, shadow freak?"

For quite some time now, things have been relatively peaceful for the dark chameleon – something was wrong. Ever since the clash with King Jet, Mephiles has not attempted to persuade Espio to the darkness. Had King Jet truly defeated him or just delayed him long enough for Espio to escape. The Hero of Darkness sighed heavily and jumped off the tree, alerting Deathwing of his intentions.

"You know, pal." Espio said in a board manner. "It's kinda boring around here without someone to talk to. I'd even settle for a chat with Mephiles." He turned his attention to the direction of the docks and spotted three familiar shapes. "Hey, isn't that..."

There was no mistaking them. The dark chameleon hastily charged across the bridge and dropped down to the shoreline, racing to the docks. When he first saw them, he couldn't believe the three of them were here. The first of the trio was a ruby-red hedgehog with six curved quills pointed downwards. He wore a pair of black sneakers with white straps, white bandages wrapped around his arms and legs, steel wrist bracelets, and a pair of white gloves with separate kanji.

The tallest of the group was a silver-grey wolf with unusual black rings around his golden-yellow eyes. He wore a black fighter's gi with matching pants, a silver belt, black fingerless gloves with silver cuffs, black sandals, white bandages wrapped around his right thigh with a small holster strapped to it. With his fighter's appearance, it didn't seem unusual that he carried a metal pole in the back of his belt.

The youngest of them was a pure-white butterfly with ocean-blue wings with an impressive mind despite her age. She wore a pair of scarlet-red sneakers, bright-red shorts with a matching T-shirt, a blue bandanna around her neck, and a light-blue jacket. And he approached them; Espio had expected some sort of greeting from the team. But they didn't even seem to recognize him or react to the fact that a thestral foal was standing next to him. Of course, the latter was most likely because they have never seen death before.

"Hey, what wrong with you, guys." Espio said jokingly. "I don't think I've ever seen the three of you so quiet before."

"....." The trio remained silent.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Espio laughed nervously. "Uh...guys?"

Unfortunately, the reunion was short-lived. Without even sending a single glance to the Hero of Darkness, the island trio vanished from the realm of existence. It took a moment for Espio to remember his previous experiences. Black Doom had warned him about this. The dark chameleon was only able to see creatures who existed in the same darkness as himself, meaning he was the only man on the island.

---Destiny Islands---

The Hero of Darkness continued to wander aimlessly throughout the island, watching his feet with a hollowed expression. All Espio had truly wanted during his time in Castle Oblivion was to return home with his friends. But now that he was home, he was willing to leave at once. What good would it do to return to the islands if there was no one waiting for him? He was just a soldier of the darkness wandering aimlessly in the world of light.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Espio said depressingly. "After all I did, I wouldn't have expected anyone to see me again. Heh! I bet you anything they've probably forgotten me by now."

"Espio..."

"Well, there's nothing much left to do now." Espio said; Deathwing twisted its head left and right as if looking for something. "I say we keep looking until we find a way out of this castle."

"Espio..."

"After that...i don't know what else." Espio sighed in defeat.

"Giving up already?!" A familiar voice echoed.

Espio and Deathwing quickly jumped into fighting position with the chameleon summoned the Soul Eater to his hand. He dark chameleon recognized this voice as the one that had belonged to the silver jackal that had greeted them before.

"Where are you?!" Espio shouted. "Patience, young one. I will reveal myself soon enough, but first I need a small favor from you. Just think of it as payment for allowing you to see you home once more."

"What do you want from me?" Espio question with pure hatred.

"That's right, despise me." Oracle called coolly. "I grow curious of your astounding progress, Espio the Chameleon. It was apparent that you were originally chosen to be the master of the Keyblade until your heart had turned to the darkness. Shortly after, I believed you would be the one who would wield the Keyblade of Darkness. But then the king of Babylon Garden discovered it beyond the Door to Darkness and harnessed its powers."

"So I failed in both categories." Espio said. "What do you want with me?"

"You heart is unusually strong, which makes me wonder why neither Keyblades have chosen you." Oracle proclaimed. "Show me the power of the Keyblade's chosen one!"

All of a sudden, Espio and Deathwing were surrounded by a group of five unknown beasts. The creatures resembled four-legged dog with silver-white skin and a strange symbol on its back: an upside-down heart connected to a pointed cross. The silver founds, which would later be named Guardians, circled the dark duo like a pack of wolves on its prey.

"They don't look like much." Espio commented, raising the Soul Eater. "We can take them."

"Then try it." Oracle challenged. "Show me your true potential."

Deathwing didn't waste time showing what he could do. The thestral foal stretched its wings and jumped a few feet off the ground, gliding swiftly over the beach. One the Guardian raised itself on its hind legs and jumped in Deathwing's path with its claws raised, but the young thestral effortlessly overpowered it. Deathwing and the Guardian brawled in the sand, Espio found himself surrounded by the remaining four beasts. But after watching his partner's momentary struggle, the dark chameleon analyzed that he was definitely the strongest of the opposition, despite the numbers.

"Seriously, is this the best you can do?" Espio smirked. "I thought you were better than that."

"You should never judge an opponent by his appearance." Oracle advised.

The dark chameleon ignored his warnings and dived for the closest Guardian with his Soul Eater reeled back. And that's when Espio learned never to underestimate an opponent. The Guardian raised four hidden flaps that were connected to its neck, releasing a pulse of clear energy. And without warning, the dark chameleon collided with an invisible force and was forced back to the ground. Espio groaned painfully as he sat up, trying to understand what had just occurred. He examined the remaining Guardians, who had also raised the hidden flaps from their necks. The Hero of Darkness decided to experiment for a moment and swiped three cards from his deck before they faded into oblivion. He turned sharply on his heels and threw out his palm, expelling a fireball of pure darkness to the Guardian on the opposite end. As he had suspected, the silver canine remained untouched as the fireball was reflected by an invisible barrier.

"Defensive capabilities." Espio said thoughtfully. "Completely impervious to physical and magic attacks."

"Your tactical skills are impressive." Oracle complimented. "But you have yet to prove yourself as the Keyblade's true chosen master. I must see more of your power."

"Then why don't you face me yourself?" Espio sneered.

The Looming Prophet turned silent as the Guardians hissed lowly with their defenses raised. With their barriers efficiently protecting them, the silver canines made a charge for the dark chameleon on all sides. Once they were at least a foot from him, Espio swiftly back-flipped into the air, allowing the unsuspecting Guardians to collide with one another. And while the silver canines were left dazed by the incident, Espio kicked off the ground upon landing and swiped at the nearest beast. However, the Guardians had managed to retain their force fields and reflected Espio's attack effortlessly throwing the warrior off-guard.

"Their barriers reach in all direction?!" Espio exclaimed as he jumped back. "How am I supposed to beat something that has an invincible defense?"

"The Keyblade Master could easily penetrate this simple defense." Oracle said disapprovingly. "Perhaps you are not as worthy as I had once believed."

"But how can anyone get though this." Espio growled irritably; he stepped backwards as the Guardians approached. "Physical and magical attacks alone can't...." A sudden sense of realization washed over him. "That's it! Physical and magical attacks alone can't pierce their barriers. So I wonder what would happen....?"

As the Guardians slowly crawled their way towards the shadow warrior, Espio swiped three cards from his gauntlet, hoping that his plan would work. The three cards he had drawn were evaporated into the darkness, which drifted menacingly over the Soul Eater. Espio continually walked backwards until his back was to the shack – the darkness surrounding his blade had yet to take any effect. And as two of the Guardian jumped with their shields still raised, Espio did the only thing he could think of at the moment. – He swung. And in a miraculous outcome, both of the Guardians were sliced in half shortly after their barriers were shattered. Espio watched with amazement as the remains of the Guardian's evaporated and looked back to his weapon. The Soul Eater had inherited a new power as the blade was cloaked with black flames.

"Heh! How do you like me now?" Espio taunted.

"Interesting..." Oracle echoed. "Combining the effects of physical and magical techniques to create a new verity of strength. I thought such a power was only available to the Superior."

"So...anyone else want some?" Espio challenged as he faced down the remaining Guardians. "There's plenty to go around."

"I think I have observed enough." Oracle stated coolly. "This information will be sufficient."

And just like that, the silver canine evaporated from the realm of existence. Deathwing had finally pinned his own Guardian to the sand and jabbed his beak for its throat, only to be left with a mouth full of sand. Espio allowed the Soul Eater to vanish from his hand while searching for anything suspicious.

"Ok, what's going on?!" Espio shouted. "What are you up to?!"

"Espio?"

The Hero of Darkness prepared his hand to summon the Soul Eater as he turned, only to fall backwards in shock. Standing only a few feet from him was the last person he would have expected to see in Castle Oblivion. A pink-furred hedgehog at least a few years younger than him with three pointed bangs sticking from her forehead. She wore a simple red dress with white linen on the edges, red boots with white stripes down the middle, and white gloves with golden ring bracelets. Espio was petrified at the occurrence. After being separated from so long, he was reunited with one of his closest friends.

"Amy..." Espio murmured softly before shout joyously. "Amy! It's really you! Man, you wouldn't believe what I've..." However, his happiness was cruelly eradicated once the image of the hedgehog faded away. "What?! No!!"

"Surely you knew this would happen." Espio glared with pure rage as he turned to face the man responsible for his pain: Oracle. "You have been to a number of worlds in your memory before this one. And in those worlds, you have met only dark beings. That is all that's left in your heart: dark memories. Your memories of home are gone – each and every one."

"That's a lie!" Espio yelled furiously. "I remember everything and everyone from the islands: Rector, Howl, Raine, Amy, and Sonic! They're my...my..." All of a sudden, he felt downhearted, which Deathwing appeared to notice. "They're my friends."

"And who threw away those friends?" Oracle questioned harshly. "Maybe it's your own actions that you have forgotten. You destroyed you home!"

Without warning, darkness overtook the scenery. Espio and Deathwing jumped with a start while Oracle remained undisturbed as the new environment began to form around them. The three enemies were discovered to be standing on a fragment of Destiny Islands that had broken off and remained under the menacing black sky. Oracle chuckled under his breathe as Espio began to recall the scene in his memories.

"This is...that night." Espio gasped horrifically.

"All of the islands you grew up on were sundered, scattered." Oracle continued. "Many hearts were forever lost to the darkness because of what you did! You hated being an islander, so you opened the Door to Darkness and destroyed the island. It was your fault that Sonic and his friends suffered as they did!"

"No..." Espio moaned helplessly. "No...that can't..."

"You were pulled into the darkness then." Oracle stated cruelly. "And now you belong to the darkness. And now you will realize what you have become – a minion of the darkness!"

By that time, Deathwing had lost it patients. And before his partner could stop him, the thestral foal had stretched it wings and made a dive for the Looming Prophet. However, both warriors of the darkness failed to notice a sudden transformation in the jackal's eyes. His normally grey eyes turned to a light shade of purple with his pupil shifting to a six-pointed star.

As Oracle extended his hand, Deathwing rolled its body to the left to escape capture. Once in the clear, the thestral foal extended his neck and headbutted the Looming Prophet. This left Oracle momentarily dazed as Deathwing touched ground and kicked off again to tackle the jackal from behind.

"Simple tricks..." Oracle murmured.

Deathwing hissed furiously as he glided over the Looming Prophet momentarily before stabbing downwards. Knowing what was coming; Oracle extended his hand to hopefully capture the winged horse. As he had predicted, Deathwing curled to the left and jabbed its head forward. However, Oracle effortlessly countered this with a sharp slap to the thestrals head. Deathwing shook this off as he touched the ground and kicked off again for a swift tackle. But much to the thestral's surprise, Oracle sidestepped the attack and raised his foot directly over the beast below him. Deathwing barely recognized what happened before the Looming Prophet slammed his heel over the thestral's spine. The sudden impact shocked Deathwing and forced him to a state of unconsciousness.

"Deathwing!" Espio cried.

"And once again, another innocent soul falls because of your mistakes." Oracle said coldly.

Espio was paralyzed by the events. He hesitated to summon the Soul Eater, which Oracle was quick to take advantage of. Unlike the other member who used the darkness to their advantage, Oracle summoned a sphere of pure light in his palm. And in one swift turn, Oracle transformed the light into a thin beam that greatly resembled the light given off by the Keyblade. Espio finally snapped out of his trance and summoned the Soul Eater to his hand just into to shield himself from the light. But unfortunately, the light was too powerful and knocked the dark chameleon off his feet.

"Look at what you have become." Oracle said menacingly. "You have fallen so far into the darkness that the light scares you. Espio....you are now a slave to the darkness within your heart."

"That's...not true..." Espio groaned painfully. "I've...changed..."

"Is that true?" Oracle taunted. "Have you really changed? Then you wouldn't mind proving yourself." He held out his palm and summoned an orb of pure light. "Now, it's time to face the light!"

The Looming Prophet tossed the sphere of light across the fragment, watching as the orb gained mass as it traveled. Espio was too weak to react from the combination of fight the Guardians and the light assault. Maybe this was how it was meant to end. He tried so desperately to escape the darkness, only to become its most potent host. The Hero of Darkness hung his head in defeat and allowed himself to be devoured by the light. The tortured screams of the dark chameleon echoed throughout the memory, but no one cared to listen.

"In the end, he was just a mere pawn." Oracle said.

The light has consumed the darkness. Is this truly the end of Espio's adventure? Has our hero truly become a slave to the darkness? Or is their a guardian angel watching over him? Find out on the next Reverse/Rebirth!

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