An important message from both DarkShadowGames451 and UltimateDemonBeast65! If you care about anything about our story, DO NOT SKIP!
Now, there have been viewers who do not approve of the direction this story is going in regards to Sonic, his allies, his enemies, and the themes we are trying to express here. RESURGENCE is meant to be a grounded and more serious take on the Sonic mythos, a darker but not grimdark kind of story exploring the horrors of war, PTSD, identity, and the true meaning of freedom. Some people believe they have the definitive answer to the meaning of freedom, but really that is purely subjective, or at the very least it's multi-layered.
There are people who don't want this direction for this story, they want Sonic to be a one-dimensional infallible happy-go-lucky speedster who always pulls through, who never shows weakness or vulnerability, who always beats up Eggman, who flies away each time, and the world is apparently just saved, ignore all the collateral damage and people who were injured or killed during Eggman or the current Big Bad's rampage. You want to see Sonic as not a person like us but some spirit or trickster unbound by human law, like some wind Yokai who moves on the breeze.
Yes, it's true that SEGA at the very least wants this portrayal of Sonic, and given Japan's culture and history, it makes sense. But here's the thing: THAT IS THE CANON SONIC FROM THE GAMES, NOT THE SONIC IN THIS FANFIC, LET ME REPEAT THAT, FAN-FIC, FAN FICTION, IT'S NOT CANON, IT'S THE AUTHOR'S STORY, NOT SEGA'S.
The fact that we have to actually address this again as well as try to spell that out for people is disappointing. We keep getting reviews from people who either don't like the direction we're going in or don't even like how Sonic has character development.
You don't like how Sonic is going through character development? Are you being serious right now? No one in the history of storytelling has EVER said that character development is bad. Yes, there are some characters who either don't deserve it or don't need it, but it is in no way a bad thing to do, it's supposed to be how storytelling works, the character learns from their journey, and the people around them, they change for the better and become wiser and stronger at the end of the day.
So how, in the infinite multiverse and cosmos, is character development a bad thing?
The way that some of you carry on really makes us think you treat this like it's gospel, like it's canon and that anything that doesn't fit your perceived notion of what Sonic is, you hate it, you reject it, you don't want anything new, you don't want nuance or growth, you just want to see some hyperactive hedgehog smash some robots, beat up a bald ginger scientist and collect magic gemstones and go gold and pew-pew laser Death Egg BOOM!
You want the status quo in a fanfiction that is trying to break the status quo. We are trying to actually write a mature and thought-provoking story and the last thing we need is people getting pissy and angry over our decisions all the time. So here's some advice:
IF YOU DON'T LIKE OUR STORY OR THE DIRECTION IT IS GOING IN, THEN STOP READING THIS FANFIC AND GO FIND SOMETHING ELSE. WE HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO EXPLAIN OUR DIRECTION AND WHY WE ARE DOING THINGS THE WAY WE WANT THEM TO BE, BUT YOU DON'T LISTEN, YOU DON'T TAKE THE TIME TO ACTUALLY READ ANY OF THE STUFF HERE ABOVE OR BELOW, AND THAT'S DISAPPOINTING.
Now, obviously, I am NOT TALKING ABOUT ALL OUR VIEWERS, there are many of our readers who have shown their support and love for this story and what it's trying to do. And for that, we are grateful for your support and reviews that aren't just one-dimensional and repetitive criticisms. This story is something we are proud of, we like it when characters grow and change, we like seeing their progress, their struggles, and vulnerabilities, because it's a reflection of us as humans, how we struggle and hurt every single day, and to see that our heroes are in the same boat as us, that makes it seems like we're not alone, that even the strongest of people have weaknesses. AND IF NONE OF YOU UNDERSTAND THAT, THEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE FIRST THING ABOUT STORYTELLING.
Sonic has many different continuities and interpretations, some great and some bad or cringy, but each one has its unique traits and flair. We are simply choosing to use aspects of the different Sonics and applying it to RESURGENCE Sonic. HE IS NOT MEANT TO BE THE SONIC FROM THE GAMES, THE COMICS, THE ANIME, THE CARTOONS, OR ANY OF THAT, HE IS A CHARACTER INSPIRED BY MULTIPLE CONTINUITIES, AND HIS JOURNEY AND DEVELOPMENT ARE HEAVILY INSPIRED BY JUDAI/JAYDEN YUKI FROM YUGIOH GX, WHO IF YOU'VE SEEN THE ORIGINAL SUBBED ANIME, GOES FROM A HAPPY GO LUCKY IDIOT WHO WANTS TO DUEL AND HAVE FUN TO A WOUNDED BUT MATURED PERSON WHOSE HARDSHIPS CHANGED HIM FOR THE BETTER.
He is OUR take on Sonic, SO STOP COMPARING HIM TO CANON, THIS IS NON-CANON, THIS IS A FANFICTION FOR PETE SAKE, WE'RE JUST TRYING TO TELL A STORY THE WAY WE WANT TO TELL IT.
To understand this, our dear viewers: WE ARE MAKING A GROUNDED AND DARKER TAKE ON THE SONIC STORY AND EXPLORING HEAVY THEMES, AND WE ARE NOT CHANGING THAT FOR ANYONE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THAT, THEN STOP READING, JUST LEAVE. WE DON'T NEED VIEWERS WHO CAN'T SEPARATE CANON FROM FANON OR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T ACCEPT OTHERS' TAKES ON A CHARACTER JUST BECAUSE IT'S DIFFERENT FROM THE SOURCE MATERIAL.
Hell, our biggest critic loves to criticize how we portray Sonic, yet they can't write or finish a story to save their lives. I know that sounds mean, but when you have the same person talking shit about our story every single time and refuses to understand or accept how we are doing this, it's hard to not be upset, it's hard to resist the temptation of just losing it. But we won't go that full length. We're being harsh and blunt, but we're not going to fully antagonize or demonize you for it.
Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions, but when all you do is shit talk about another person's opinions and ideas, then that's where things are not okay. Please be mindful of AUs and different interpretations. Thank you.
Review Response:
ToLavagolem: Thank you for sharing your opinion and idea, my good man. Though we have a different idea in mind in regards to Sonic regaining his memories, we have taken in mind some aspects of your idea and applied them in a more suitable plot device. Please, keep on thinking creatively like that. Its a breath of fresh air compared to some of the reviews we get.
What must be done… …The servers are the seven Chaos.
Chaos is power. A power enriched by the heart.
The controller is the one who unifies the Chaos.
…Feel within… The sea of Chaos… And the ancient waves.
May the light of its power shine down eternally and protect us all.
Computer Room, Egg Carrier, Miles Away From the Great Canyon
Saying that Dr. J. Ivo Robotnik was frustrated would have been an understatement. While Metallix had nearly recovered from his grievous injuries from his last battle with Sonic and his allies, he could not find the two remaining Chaos Emeralds for the life of him. It was as if they weren't on Mobius.
So, one could imagine how aggravated he became when he realized that the gemstones sent themselves back to those dreadful pocket dimensions that were the Special Zones. If only he hadn't gone balled in his mid-thirties, he would have torn it all out of his scalp. Bah! Why settle for a head of hair when he had his magnificent mustache? Ivo always thought about the finer things in life that count.
Still, after all the years that he spent studying the Gems of Miracles and its uncanny ability to warp space-time, the doctor should have expected something like this to happen. So, until the remaining Chaos Emeralds returned to Mobius, he could work on a few of his…greater projects.
Speaking of which, the Eggman had so far had two recruits for his Egg Bosses program and recently had been contacted by a middleman from the Eggman Empire of a potential client in need of resources. From studying the client from Holoska, Eggman learned that the client was a revolutionary currently battling a group of former-GUN-operatives-turned-slavers. Needless to say, an enraged and gung-ho revolutionary did pique Eggman's interest. After all, a desperate and determined pawn was a potentially useful paw.
And a potential Egg Boss.
And thanks to the success of the Ixis Magick-laced Power Rings that Naugus the Dark had been providing him, Robotnik had a window of opportunity to look at his previous machines and see how he could improve them using this new source of power.
Returning to the present, Eggman was currently on his computer while continuing to develop a new artificial intelligence to better assist him since he got rid of SNIVELY. Although he found the AI's "personality" to be amusing for a time and the use of a digital copy of his deceased nephew's consciousness had provided him with decent assistance, he knew that with a threat as great as the princess' extremely advanced digital entity NICOLE had displayed, it high time to step up his game. This was one of the many reasons why he kept his activities discreet from the public. After all, he was a large man with even larger master plans.
"This will be one of the most advanced artificial intelligence that I've ever created. Even more so than Metal Sonic's original AI," Dr. Robotnik stated while typing on his keyboard with his large gloved fingers, grinning like the madman that he was. "...Yes! Soon, it will prove to surpass SNIVELY in every way as a proper administrator and monitor for my glorious Egg Network."
'...Perhaps a code name for this project is in order. But it has to be appropriate enough to make sense, but it mustn't lack style. Hm… Autonomous Digital Assistant Manager?...No. Photographic Algorithmic Guide? No, that won't do! …How about…wait! Yes! Strategic Administration Guardian of the Eggnet! Yes… SAGE. I'll call it Project SAGE!' The Eggman thought to himself.
Suddenly, a page with the term "Incoming Call," with the caller ID showing Zero's name below it. Seeing this, Dr. Robotnik paused what he was doing, then switched to one of the side computers to answer the call.
The computer displayed Zero the Hunter (alongside his Devil Arms companion, Nyx), who was accompanied by a large Mobian male walrus within an arctic setting. He had a pale belly and a muscular form and possessed white eyebrows and a matching facial muzzle. The Mobian walrus had green eyes, wore brown gloves, and sported a brown bandoleer on which he carried a spear and a number of other weapons. However, what was distinct about the walrus was the scars on his face and the two chipped tusks that he had.
"Doctor, I have arrived at the designated location." Zero confirmed.
"I see. And who is this fine gentleman next to you?" Eggman inquired, already knowing the answer but kept up his charisma.
"The man can speak for himself." The mercenary said, prompting the older walrus to speak up.
"Greetings, Doctor Robotnik. I am Tundra, chief of the Silver Wind village." Tundra stoically introduced himself on the computer screen while crossing his balled right hand over his chest. "I am also an insurrectionist leader of the Mobian Revolutionary Army of Holoska."
"Yes, I can see that," Dr. Robotnik, folding his hands. "Word on the street says that you're in need of my services. Care to elaborate, sir?"
"My people and other tribes have been fighting an uphill war against our oppressors. For twenty years, we've poured our blood, sweat, and tears in our efforts to liberate ourselves from the evils of the local Overlanders. But in the later years of our conflicts, the enemy managed to cut off our supply chains. Slowly, but surely, my men and I are running out of essentials like food and drinking water. I fear for the future of my people and all of the Mobians in Holoska."
"And you're asking me, an Overlander, to help you free the Mobians from my race? I fail to see the logic behind this decision."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Doctor. Besides, unlike the fools like Maximillian Acorn of the Mobian Alliance and the Overlander pigs of the United Federation, you do not discriminate so long as you receive loyalty."
Robotnik had to repress a malicious smirk as he asked, "What exactly are you trying to convey, Chief Tundra?"
"I offer you my allegiance as well as an entire nation under your empire in exchange for your resources and the power to conquer the enemy." Tundra offered, crossing his right hand over his chest while giving him a slight bow.
The scientist leaned forward from his chair to the computer screen while asking in a serious tone, "...You're willing to sell out your own nation for power?"
"...If it ensures the survival of my men, my people, and the other Mobians in the nation while granting me the power to keep them safe, then yes," Tundra stated with a straight face.
Eggman remained silent for fifteen seconds before his signature villainous smirk turned to a full-blown grin and let out a laugh.
"OH, HO HO HO!" Eggman cackled. "I like the way you think, Chief! You're not afraid to make sacrifices! Alright then, kneel before me and repeat after me. I, Chief Tundra of the Silver Wind village, humbly and graciously swear my allegiance to Dr. J. Ivo Robotnik and serve the Robotnik Empire."
Taking one knee on screen, the walrus echoed back, "I, Chief Tundra of the Silver Wind village, humbly and graciously swear my allegiance to Dr. J. Ivo Robotnik and serve the Robotnik Empire."
"Excellent! Welcome aboard, Chief! I will be sending one of my vehicles filled with supplies and other little goodies to aid you in your war. And not to worry, the instructions on how to use certain tools will be simple enough for your guerilla soldiers to understand. With that being said, your first assignment is to crush the opposition within seven days. And no later." Eggman instructed.
Tundra nodded, saying, "Consider it done, Doctor."
With a quick nod from Zero, the call ended, allowing Dr. Robotnik to resume his work.
'...Three down, four more to go.' Eggman smirked as he continued to program Project SAGE.
Within the shadows, a certain green and red-eyed sorcerer watched the doctor in glee, he thought to himself, 'Yes… I have planted the seeds for an even greater war to blossom on both sides. And I will savor every last second of the shedding of these mortals' blood.'
Lake of Rings, Forest Clearing, Great Forest, Acornia
After finishing another therapy session with Dr. Bartholomew, Sonic, still sporting a baggy sweatsuit and a hood, sat against the tree while holding his guitar as he strummed the strings of the instrument.
With his issue with Breezie mostly resolved, the blue hedgehog began to dabble in an old passion of his.
Music and songwriting.
Right now, he didn't have anything in mind to write down, so the Azurite settled for playing off of how he felt instead. There was no rhyme or reason, but melodies played by a hedgehog struck with sorrow, and utter confusion, but held on to hope.
What did it mean to be free? Sonic originally thought it was to become the wind. To drift from place to place, detached from societal conventions and going where the wind took him. Living every day in the moment like it was his last. An adventure.
And yes, these adventures led to him inadvertently saving the planet a multitude of times, being hailed as a hero in spite of him hating such a label now more than ever, and meeting some of the greatest people in his life.
On the flip side, his "free" lifestyle has not only caused him to develop an ego but to get careless. He had failed to see what his attitude and lack of attachment had caused until the very last minute. Sonic's social development was stagnant, he had missed out on moments with the very small friend circle he had formed, and the fallout of his battles with Eggman and whatever creature dealt with had lasting effects on the people around him. And now, because of his selfishness and lack of foresight, the teenager unknowingly left lasting damage on the precious relationships he had with his friends along with an entire landmass now that South Island had been wiped off the map.
As much as he loved adventuring, all that it seemed to do lately was cause him, his friends, and the world pain. With 10,000 lives taken away and the heavy burden of the world's scorn on his shoulders, Sonic began to put his philosophy and hedonistic lifestyle into question. To reevaluate what was important to him in life. After all, it was his antics that placed the world in a stronger chokehold of fear with his defeat and Metallix's carnage.
…Could King Max be right? Was his original belief regarding freedom merely an excuse for anarchy?
Sonic placed those thoughts to the side and decided to settle that matter for a later date. While he played his somber but hopeful music, his mind wandered to the earlier morning when he spoke with Espio at Julayla Park and reminisced on what he had learned about what would come with his new training regimen.
-Flashback-
Sonic and Espio stood around the place where Lightning Lynx was forced to assault the Blue Blur. The two of them faced each other as they carried on their conversation after midnight.
"Okay, so let me see if I got this straight," Sonic said, trying to make sense of what he learned. "You can use Sol Energy?"
"Hai," Espio answered, nodding. "That would be correct."
"Ya mean the power that the Sol Emeralds got?" Sonic asked, which only brought Espio confusion. "That Sol Energy?"
"Sol…Emeralds?" Espio echoed.
Seeing this, Sonic waved it off and said, "Don't worry about it. What I wanna know is how you do the hand-sign-heal-palm trick."
"As I stated before, the energy that was used was Sol Energy, which can heal physical wounds no better than Chaos Energy. But the method in which I did so was an ancient Shinobi Art or ninpō. The gestures that I used with my two hands were based on methods of prayer which were then used to channel Sol Energy to the desired location that is in need of healing." Espio explained.
In disbelief and awe, Sonic whistled while saying, "That's a neat trick. Still don't know the difference between that and Chaos Energy, though. I'm pretty sure that the Sol Emeralds could probably do the same."
Frowning, Espio crossed his arms while asking Sonic, "Sonic-san, do you even know what Sol Energy is?"
"Beats me, man. I have a friend from another dimension who would know more about the stuff than I do. See, she got these gemstones much like the Chaos Emeralds, but instead of being caught up with this cosmic energy like our Emeralds, she is surrounded by these mystical flames. It's really cool! It's like her Super Form turns her into a solar flare!" Sonic said, recalling the time he fought two Robotniks piloting the Egg Salamander with Burning Blaze.
"...I see. Regardless, Sol Energy, or spiritual power, is what breathes life into all living matter, whether if it's physical or metaphysical. In ancient times, many civilizations believed that the sun's rays provided life to all of Mobius - describing it as a wave of raw living-giving flames, which is where the name comes from." Espio explained.
Sonic nodded as he began to walk around slowly with his arms behind his head, saying, "I guess that makes sense. But where did you learn how to use Sol Energy? And why haven't other folks used it before?"
"Sol Energy isn't as accessible as you'd think, Sonic-san," Espio explained as he closed his eyes to access his earlier memories. "When I was but a child, my father, Hiyashi Satori, had brought me to a sacred cavern to teach me the importance of meditation. He taught me about the relationship between the physical realm, and the spiritual realm. He told me that not only does spiritual energy compose every soul of existence but even the inanimate objects in nature have traces of life in them, binding heaven and earth together."
"Heh, your old man sounded like one of those wise-guru-types. Okay, so you tapped into the power in your soul, am I right?" Sonic inquired.
The shinobi shook his head as he gave his answer.
"That is not how it works, I am afraid. We do not have direct control over our souls. We are merely given them, and like a flame, they burn until it is blown out or it extinguishes naturally."
Sonic furrowed his brows, he queried, "Then how did you do it?"
"...My father, who achieved enlightenment at a young age, had shown me how to become one with nature itself and gather the Sol Energy from our natural surroundings." Said Espio.
Sonic gasped then snapped his right index finger and thumb.
"Oooh, snap! Your dad's one of those sages from those ninja and samurai movies! That's awesome!" Sonic geeked out, which prompted Espio to look upward toward the sky.
This perplexed Sonic, never seen Espio emote in such a manner before he noticed a solemn smile form on the face of the reptile.
"...Hai," Espio reminiscenced, clearly missing his father. "…Otou-sama was an incredible man."
Reading between the lines, Sonic winced, mentally kicking himself for being insensitive as he apologized out of embarrassment. Espio quickly dismissed it, not offended by Sonic's comments, and took his praises as compliments.
Lightly kicking the ground, the awkward hedgehog questioned, "...Anyway, do ya think I can learn how to use Natural Sol Energy like you and your dad?"
"It's possible if you are willing to learn and dedicated enough. Granted, I had never been officially given an official position besides being born as the heir to my clan, nor have I had an opportunity to teach someone. Much like yourself, I will be learning something new." Espio answered honestly.
Sonic scratched behind his left ear as he thought aloud, "Hey, it's fine. This is just another adventure to me! Am I right, Sensei? …Huh. You know, I guess callin' you sensei wouldn't be right. I mean, we're roughly around the same age range."
Espio shook his head, saying, "No. If I was five or even ten years older, calling me Sensei Espio or Hanzō sensei would be more appropriate. If I was twenty years or older and if you were under my tutelage as an apprentice, you would have strictly referred to me as shishō. But getting back to your training, we would have to work on your taijutsu."
"...My what?"
"You taijutsu, Sonic-san." Espio repeated. "It means unarmed combat; a general term for martial arts."
"Oh, right," Sonic nodded, understanding what the lizard met. "Wait, why fix what ain't broken, though?"
"Because from the way that you do battle, you rarely utilize any forms of hand-to-hand combat. You generally rely on your speed and natural abilities as a hedgehog to overwhelm your opponent and sparingly implement any newer techniques to your smaller repertoire."
The Azurite shrugged, facing away from the chameleon, saying, "It gets the job, doesn't it?"
"That attitude and your lack of innovation had cost you your island," Espio said with a straight face, before finding himself tackled to the ground by Sonic, who found himself glaring at the ninja with his fur darkened a bit and eyes faded.
"...Take. That. BACK."
"I will not." The shinobi answered, staring at Dark Sonic (Phase 1) without flinching or flinching from the ominous yet gentle darkness that surrounded the hedgehog.
Dark Sonic let out an audible growl as aura burned more violently, prompting the chameleon to scoff at him.
"Please. Do you honestly expect me to be intimidated by this? Overlander or Mobian, I fear no man." The ninja proclaimed, catching Sonic off guard.
"Y-You…!"
"Unlike you, I grew up with the responsibility to uphold my family's traditions and defend my village. If I had comrades with me, I was to be held accountable for them. Even as a seven-year-old, I carried that weight, and I still do to this day." Espio said, taking Dark Sonic's hand off his throat and standing above him with nothing but conviction. "I find it ironic and insulting that for someone who takes pride in where he comes from, you can be selfishly negligent to those around you. For all the good you've done battling Eggman, your self-serving need to travel has caused you to disregard the very land that took you in. That pride in your speed has made you haughty over the years, something that eventually caught up with you. And let us be honest, the Doctor may have set you up and Naugus may have aided him in creating Metallix, but your attitude and decision to egg Metal Sonic on instead of getting rid of him has inadvertently led to the downfall of your home. And yet you have the gall to call yourself a South Islander."
Dark Sonic found himself unable to move as he processed what had been told to him. This gave Espio the opportunity to hammer down on his point by grabbing Sonic's arm, forcing him to stand up, and dragging him towards him.
"You took what was supposed to be the most important thing to you, spat in its face, and took it and its people for granted. And despite everybody trying to help you, you're still doing it!" The chameleon lectured before forcing Dark Sonic to look at his reflection. "Look at yourself! Look at what you've become, Sonic-san!"
At this point, the verbal deconstruction had forced Sonic back to reality. When he was forced to peer into his reflection, Sonic felt a powerful sense of dread as he transformed into the negative counterpart to Super Sonic. The form that had more in common with Nazo and Perfect Chaos than himself. A form that did nothing against Metallix. And a state that he told his best friend that he'd tried to steer away from but was just about to attack one of his friends with.
Chaos, what is he doing?
With his conscience and common sense returning, Sonic dropped back to his normal state and turned away from Espio, shamefully saying, "...You're right. I'm sorry."
Espio gazed behind Sonic's head, concluding, "You can apologize as much as you like and mean it. You can wallow in self-pity even. But doing that is not going to bring your childhood home back, nor will it change things. Natural Sol Energy takes an individual with an exceptionally refined mind and body. Physically you are fine, but your lack of emotional control has severely weakened your mind. Paired with your lack of a fighting form, you are doomed if you were to ever set foot on a battlefield, let alone face Metallix again. As you are now, you are a liability to yourself and others."
Sonic threw his hands up in the air, reaching his breaking point, saying, "NO DUH! THAT'S WHAT EVERY FREAKIN' PERSON'S BEEN TELLIN' ME SINCE THE KING SENT ME TO THE SHRINK! I'LL EVEN ADMIT IT! I HAVE PROBLEMS! REAL PROBLEMS, OKAY? SO I DON'T NEED TO KEEP HEARING THAT I'M USELESS! I GET IT! I! GET! IT!"
Sonic panted heavily and finally got a bit of pent-up aggression out of his system as he felt a gentle hand clasping his shoulder.
"Did you get that out of your system?" The shinobi questioned, to which a breathless Sonic nodded.
"...Yeah…It kinda…Kinda felt great," Sonic admitted, now finally settled down.
"That's good. All people have a breaking point, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. We all need to vent our feelings healthily. Even you need a positive form of a release." Espio stated. "And in tandem with your training, I will assist you in managing and preserving those emotions."
Sonic nodded, saying, "Right, let's back up to that tai…tai-ji-stu…?"
"Taijutsu," The chameleon corrected.
"Yeah, that" Sonic acknowledged before asking, "What do you have in mind on what are we gonna cover? Do you have some super secret ninja moves that you can teach me?"
"No," The teenage former clan heir denied. "My clan's hidden techniques, or secret traditions, are reserved for members exclusively of the Hiyashi clan. To tell you our clan techniques would be an act of betrayal to my family. Even if I am an exile, I still refuse to divulge such information. Besides, our ancient ways wouldn't suit you."
"What? How come?" The adventurer inquired, tilting his head.
"I was trained in the perfected art of assassination - the way of the silent kill. You, on the other hand, share a similar tactic to the Raijū clan, being a combatant that would ambush a target and overwhelm them with a barrage of powerful attacks." Espio explained, crossing his arms. "Which is why I say we need to develop an all-new taijutsu style for you to use. And one that reflects you."
"A whole new martial art, huh?" Sonic thought aloud, looking down.
"Hai, it would be a challenging task. But I believe it can be done. Think you can handle it, Sonic-san?" Espio asked, approaching to face him before holding out his right hand.
Sonic glanced at Espio's hand for a moment as he recalled all of his mistakes.
'...He's right. I've been goin' about this war all wrong. My speed alone is not gonna be enough to end it. If this step will bring me closer to gettin' me back on track with my friends and the Freedom Fighters, then I gotta do what I gotta do.'
Sonic took the shinobi's hand with his own right hand as he said, "Sure can, senpai."
-Flashback, end-
Sonic let out an audible sigh, shaking his head at the fact that he managed to enter the weaker incomplete darker form out of a horrible emotional state in front of one of his friends.
Sonic knew at this rate, it would be a long time before he could rejoin the rest of the Freedom Fighters, let alone help the nations of the world.
Sonic's ears twitched when he heard a warping sound and a pair of solid footwear.
"...I figured that I would find you here, blue hedgehog."
Sonic turned his head to the right, finding Shadow the Hedgehog standing near the pond just as he had done since the last time they had met.
"Shadow," The blue-furred Azurite acknowledged evenly.
The hedgehog gazed around, sensing a familiar presence nearby as he asked, "Where is the chameleon? I can sense his presence."
Sonic raised a hand casually, stating. "Espio? He's around, he's just hidin' in plain sight. You know, typical ninja stuff. Pretty sure he can see and hear you. Wherever he is."
"Hmph," The green military flak-jacket-wearing hedgehog nodded as he folded his arms.
"What brings you out here? I know you like to be out alone in a quiet place, but as you can see, this spot is currently occupied." Sonic reasoned. "Not that you or Knuckles want to talk to me, nowadays."
"...If you're expecting an apology for me then you're—" Shadow began, only to be cut off by Sonic disregarding the comment with Sonic making a shooing gesture.
"—Pfft! Please, I already know who I'm dealin' with right now." Sonic scoffed before giving Shadow a solemn smile. "And it wasn't like you were in the wrong, anyway."
Shadow's eyes widen, registering the younger hedgehog's last comment before straightening his face.
'...Something is different. Sonic has changed.' Shadow thought to himself.
"Yeah. Havin' a decent percentage of the world and a few of your closest friends avoid you would change any guy, don't ya think?" Sonic responded verbally, catching Shadow off guard.
Shadow immediately recovered, then said, "You've caught on to what I've told you. Hmph, you're not as hopeless as I thought."
Not addressing or responding to the verbal jab, Sonic asked, "What brings you here?"
"We need to talk," Shadow answered, not taking no for an answer.
"...About?" Sonic queried, gently setting aside his guitar.
"The past and the future," Shadow said directly but cryptic enough for Sonic to look at the older hedgehog funny.
"...You're gonna have to be more specific than that, 'cause I ain't followin'," Sonic said, blinking thoughtfully.
"Do you recall what we were pushed to do to kill that negative creature who emerged from the Master Emerald?"
"Ya mean Nazo?" Sonic asked, prompting Shadow to nod. "Shoot, with all that stuff that happened within these past few months, our tussle with that thing felt like ages ago."
"Focus, Sonic!"
"Hey, hey! Relax, Shadow! It was my idea, remember?" Sonic said, holding his hands up defensively. "But yeah, I had us pull off a little unification trick with the seven Chaos Emeralds and Chaos Control. Why'd you ask?"
"I've been experiencing…bizarre effects that came from our fission after everything was said and done," Shadow explained. "And by I, I mean we."
"We?" Sonic echoed with skepticism, crossing his arms. "I'm not too sure about that. I have nightmares and all that peachy junk, but that sounds like a stretch. Just how bizarre are we even talkin' about—"
"—Sonic, we can read each other's thoughts in close proximity." Shadow stated blatantly.
"...Point taken," Sonic relented.
"...What can you recall about life aboard the ARK?" Shadow inquired, staring directly into Sonic's eyes.
Sonic's lids fell halfway as he said, "Okay, man. You're actin' strange, big time. I wasn't even around durin' that time period and you know it. So why are you—"
"Shut up and just think back," Shadow said.
"What do you want me to say? I wasn't there!" Sonic said before holding his forehead and subconsciously began to verbally recall, "All that I know is that there were guys in lab coats looking at me half of the time, which sucked! The professor would come in with Maria from time to time, and she would read me stories while I was suspended in this big capsule while in biochemical fluids. I only got out when Maria's condition got worse and…and…"
Sonic paused in shock as he began sweating from the stress of overlapping memories, "...What the—!?"
"Now you understand the truth," Shadow stated. "When we utilized the Emeralds and used Chaos Control into each other, we ceased having our own existence as individual beings and created a single entity with his own soul to take our places temporarily. But when that creature ceased to be and gave our existence back, the fission caused us to cling to each other's memories and emotions from those memories as a result of technically becoming each other."
"Are you tellin' me that because of Chaos Unification, you got all of my memories?" Sonic asked, now sporting a serious glare.
"Yes. I have all the context behind your decisions and actions from your days on South Island to the confrontation you had with that princess from the alternate dimension." Shadow confirmed. "I even know what your life was like prior to the coup d'etat in Mobotropolis."
Sonic remained silent, now having the greater scope of the residual effects and consequences of such a reckless action Chaos Unification had been.
"Do ya think that we might have to do that again?" Sonic inquired. "Unify to beat Metal?"
Shadow scoffed, saying, "The professor and Black Doom supplied all the power I need to overcome any adversary."
"Yeah, and how did that turn out for ya?" Sonic dryly asked.
"I don't know, how did your leg turn out?" Shadow fired back in the same tone.
Sonic scowled but remained silent as the two remained in a tense stalemate.
"...As I said, I am already as strong as I need to be. The issue lies in how I've been using the power that I've been given. That magic that Metallix of his somehow managed to bypass my abilities beforehand." Shadow continued, thinking back to Metal's Ixis Magitek System. "And while it looked limited, what he managed to tap into was formidable enough to catch me off guard."
"Ixis Magick." Sonic bitterly muttered, still sore about his loss. "There has to be a way to beat it! There just has to be!"
"Don't be foolish, Sonic," Shadow remarked, clenching his right gloved fist. "The wizard's magic is layered and crafty, but Chaos Energy is still the Ultimate Power. You can do as you wish, I could care less. But I will find a way to conquer that troll's magic, and I will do so with my own power!"
Sonic could only nod as he internally admired Shadow's conviction and confidence in his abilities. It was something that Sonic wished he had at the moment. Alas, his current glaring track record did not help his case.
Shadow finally answered, "Nonetheless, if we get stronger and Metallix still manages to overwhelm us one at a time and/or together, Chaos Unification may be our last resort."
"Alright. Is there anythin' else that you wanted to tell me?" Sonic said, crossing his arms.
"There is one other detail," Shadow stated. "Your uncle, GUN, and I have been holding meetings, trying to uncover information about the wizard himself and anything related to him."
Sonic leaned forward with a serious exterior, asking, "What have you found?"
"...A number of things," Shadow said as he held his left hand and signified each answer with a finger. "One, he's either from or was a resident in Soleanna. Two, he was close to the monarch during its final years. And three, he was a part of a project involving the nation's patron god."
"W-w-wait, back up for a moment!" Sonic said, holding out his hands. "You're tellin' me that this guy was in Soleanna before it got wasted? And was also high up on the societal food chain?"
"Correct," Shadow confirmed with a nod. "And he just so happened to do the same thing in Mobotropolis; climbing up the ranks and holding a high position in Acornia's royal court…"
"...Up until the coup," Sonic pieced together. "That can't be a coincidence."
"I don't think so either." Shadow agreed as he began to walk away from Sonic slowly.
The black hedgehog stopped to say, "Neither you nor the chameleon heard this from me, but I had been assigned to investigate missing individuals in the ruins of Soleanna several months ago. My team and a group of GUN agents ended up stumbling in a temple under the castle. We managed to recover bits of important information that became crucial to our research. One thing that recovered was a scepter that radiated a glowing orange and red aura."
"...A scepter? What was special about it?"
"That underground chamber had a stone monster guarding it, and for a good reason. And what I sensed in the Scepter of Light was a sentient aura that craved nothing but complete destruction." Shadow explained, with his head facing Sonic's direction. "And what was once the most protected asset of GUN had been stolen by that wizard."
"...What is Naugus plannin' with that thing?" The teenager questioned rhetorically.
"Nothing good, that much is certain," Shadow said with confidence, ignoring the rhetorical undertone in Sonic's question. "Personally, I theorize that it is related to Solaris itself and that scepter is some sort of key to this mystery. And that goes double for the Chaos Emeralds he and the doctor seek. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for certain. Naugus the Dark, whoever or whatever he is, he's an even greater threat than we thought, Sonic. And we have to be ready for what he has in store for the world. So I suggest that you confront your underlying issue now and get back in shape. "
"How am I supposed to do that if I don't know what's my issue-?" Sonic asked.
Shadow turned away from Sonic as he said, "-You should know. After all, Oliver, it lies in your past."
Sonic gritted his teeth, hating that he was being antagonized by Shadow about his past.
"Oh yeah? What do you know?"
"I know you more than everybody else, blue hedgehog. In fact, I was you as you were me," Shadow said with a smug smirk to get under Sonic's skin, which in turn, kept his words ringing in Sonic's head to make him think. "You can fool everybody all you want, but you cannot fool me nor yourself. You know what happened to you. You're going to have to dig deeper and continue to look inward. Whether you accept reality or not is up to you."
Shadow then warped in front of Sonic with a scowl etched on his face.
Shadow then cooly threatened, "...But if you let your pride jeopardize the lives of innocent people, then the wizard and the doctor will be the least of your concerns, for you're going to be dealing with me!"
With that, Shadow walked away from Sonic and then used Chaos Control to warp out of the area.
Sonic sighed, then picked his guitar back up with Shadow's words echoing throughout his head. Flashes of blurred faces resembling Sir Jules and Aleena came and went while being paired with shouts, shrieks, and a deafening sound of metal piercing flesh. Sonc held his head and shook it, once again rejecting his thoughts as he started playing his guitar again.
Cobalt-Hedgehog Cabin, Never Woods, Christmas Island
Standing in front of the three trapped Mobians was an elderly Overlander woman clothed in mostly white with earthly brown and green for contrast. Her petite frame played off very well with her powerful mystical presence as roots from the ground had sprouted not too long ago and wrapped themselves around Sally Acorn, Amy Rose, and Cream the Rabbit while carrying them off the earth.
This woman was the person they had been looking for the Sorceress of the Never Woods, Gwendolyn the White.
The white-clad sorceress set her sights on the girl she was most familiar with and questioned, "What is the meaning of this, Amelia Rose? The three of you have no business coming here, and you no better than to wander off in places like this!"
Amy sheepishly grinned and apologized, saying, "...Heh heh heh. S-Sorry, Wendy. That's my bad. We weren't looking for trouble, h-honest! My friends and I came here for your help!"
"I see," The woman nodded before snapping her fingers, causing the overgrown magical roots to place the girls down as they returned to the ground below seemingly on their own.
Amy jogged over to Cream and checked to see if she was harmed, and the young Mobian rabbit shook her head. The sorceress walked over to Sally and took a moment to stare at her appearance.
"You wouldn't happen to be related to King Fredrick Acorn, would you?" The woman questioned.
Sally's eyes widened before answering, "Y-Yes, he was my paternal grandfather."
"Ah, so you're Maxy's child." Wendy understood, cracking a small and warm smile filled with nostalgia.
"Yes," Sally said, smiling back while introducing herself. "My name is Sarah Alicia Acorn, but I prefer Sally."
"Sally… short, sweet, and appropriate. I like that," Wendy commented. "You may call me Wendy, darling."
She then turned to Cream's direction, walked over to her, and bent her knees to meet the Mobian child at eye level.
Wendy asked, "And who might you be, dear child?"
Cream flashed a sweet smile, performed a little curtsy, and politely said, "Hello, Ms. Wendy. My name is Cassidy Rabbot, but you can call me Cream if you like."
"Very well, Cream." Wendy accepted as she stood straight up.
"Wendy, the girls and I are in dire need. Without your help, I fear that my kingdom, no, the world may see its last days."
Seeing that all three were serious, Wendy turned to the direction of the cabin and gestured to the others to follow as she said, "Come, let's talk inside."
Glyphic Canyon, United Federation
"Chaos Lance!"
An explosion of red Chaos Energy filled the canyon as the ground shook. Standing in front of yet another destroyed abandoned Black Arm temple was the race's annihilator, Shadow the Hedgehog.
He found himself out of breath as he put on knee down from constantly throwing around his power left and right as a means of practicing his advanced form of Chaos Spear.
"That…makes…eight temples." The black hedgehog whispered before gripping his left hand. "And yet…I know it's not enough."
Shadow's mind brought him back to Metallix and his cursed elemental and dark abilities, he thought aloud, "...I cannot slow down his personal time, nor can I touch him. He even knows all of my older abilities."
"DAMN IT!" Shadow swore before pounding the ground with his clenched fist, creating cracks resembling spiderwebs beneath him. "Metallix is merely a machine running on some second-rate black magic! But I was created to be the Ultimate Lifeform, a shield that protects all living creatures on this planet!"
Shadow then looked at the Inhibitor Rings on his wrists and ankles and snarled at them with contempt.
"These accursed things!" Shadow growled. "I possess all the power that I'll ever need, yet I still cannot realize my full potential without burning out like a star!"
Shadow clenched both of his hands while closing his eyes tightly as he thought of the people who were important to him throughout the years. Prof. Gerald Robotnik, Maria, Robotnik, Sonic, and a few of his friends, Omega, and finally, Rouge.
"...To hell with my body and these limitations! I need more access to my power!" Shadow shouted as stood up and began to take off his green Inhibitor Rings, only to stop when a painful sensation emerged from his head.
(ShAdOw…) A deep and eldritch voice that overlapped with a sweet and feminine whisper both foreign and familiar spoke in Shadow's mind.
"ARGH!" The flak-jacket-wearing son of Black Doom cried as he held onto his head, feeling the greatest headache in his life up to this point.
(I hAvE hEaRd yOuR DeSiReS, ShAdOw…) The angelic yet demonic disembodied voice spoke. (YoU yEaRN FoR pOwEr, PoWeR wHiCh I pOsESs. pOwEr tHaT wAs LoCkeD dEeP iNsIdE oF YoU.)
Shadow could barely listen to the voice(s) that was speaking to him as the searing pain in his head, which was more profound at the top of his forehead, as he started to drool like a madman while dropping to both of his knees and wailed in pain.
(PlEaSe, dO nOt FiGhT tHiS, ShAdOw.) The voice spoke to him, putting more emphasis on the more familiar soothing feminine voice that Shadow compared to that of the late Maria Robotnik while still using the quieter demonic voice in tandem. (WhAt YoU aRe eXpeRiEnCiNg Is SoMeThIng gRaNd...)
It took all of his strength to get up from the ground as it felt like every cell in his body was burning with the intensity of a dwarf star. His heart was racing faster than sound. While holding his head, Shadow's eyes were shot open while the white in his eyeballs reddened. Shadow bowed his head and shut his eyes once more while crouching as he took his head to catch his breath.
'W-WHAT'S H-HAPPENING TO ME!' Shadow painfully screamed.
It was here where the disembodied voice spoke once more.
(...WiTh tHe DeStRUcTiOn oF tHe BlAcK ArMs LeGiOn, thE mEmOrIeS AnD ThE kNoWlEdGe Of ThE LeGiOn NoW hAs oNlY bUt a SiNgLe vEsSEl tO sTorE tHeM. ReJoIcE, ShAdOw ThE HeDgEhOg, For YoU hAvE bEeN SeLeCtEd tO Be tHe HiVe MiNd. NoW, AwAke To BlAck!)
Suddenly, Shadow began to cry tears of red blood as he felt his fur and skin tear from the top of his forehead. Crimson and dark violet energy sparked and surged around his body. From there, the power produced a powerful gale that blew outwards from all directions as the ground started to tremble once more. When the pain reached its zenith, Shadow could not bear the excruciating pain any longer.
Shadow stood upright, then threw his head back and let out a blood-curdling scream as a third eye resembling Black Doom's eye violently opened from the newly formed socket that was formed on top of Shadow's forehead. While the new third eye cried a dark green liquid, Shadow released a pillar of crimson and black energy foreign to Chaos that nearly reached the clouds. From there, the energy took the shape of an avian-like creature with two pupil-less red eyes and one eye that matched Black Doom's eyes and Shadow's third eye. This ethereal creature then spread its wings then let out a monstrous croak.
As quickly as the power came, the being's presence dissipated, receding back into Shadow's being before Shadow's eyes rolled to the back of his head and collapsed to the ground.
Cobalt-Hedgehog Cabin, Never Woods, Christmas Island
Wendy, and the rest of the girls made it back inside quietly, making their way to the living room. The sorceress noticed that there was still a bit of awkward tension in the air so decided to go to the kitchen and prepare some tea for Amy, Sally, and Cream.
She presented them with a tea kettle and smaller cups filled with jasmine tea on a china plate.
"Here you do, children. I do hope you like jasmine tea." Gwendolyn the White said as she sat down on a chair across from Amy and adjacent to Cream and Sally. "I've added a little bit of honey to sweeten it for you."
Both Cream and Sally blow on top of the cup before taking a sip from it.
"Mmm~!" Said the young rabbit.
"I have to say, this tastes lovely," Sally agreed as she continued to drink more of the tea.
"You darn right, it does! She always makes the best tea!" Amy said with pride. "Wendy's also a great baker too! I wouldn't have been so good at baking and cooking if she had never taught me anything."
Wendy giggled while lightly blushing, then said, "Oh, it was no trouble. I sure enjoyed those days."
"Miss. Wendy? If you don't mind me asking, how do you and Miss Amy know each other?" Cream questioned.
"Oh? Did she not tell you anything? I am Amelia's godmother." Wendy answered.
Cream gasped while Sally's eyes widened, both taken back by the truth.
The princess turned to Amy, who sheepishly rubbed her neck, "Yeah…I totally forgot to mention that. Sorry."
"It's fine, Amy. I suppose this topic doesn't get brought up very often." Sally excused, understanding the girl's reasons for not saying anything.
"I think it is lovely that you have someone else that looks after you," Cream said, complimenting Amy and Wendy's relationship.
"Aw, what a nice thing to say. Thanks, Cream," Amy smiled cheerfully.
"Not to get sidetracked, Wendy, but what exactly are you doing here in this cabin?" Sally questioned. "We're aware of your connection with Sir Charles and his family, though I was under the impression that you may live elsewhere in the Never Woods."
"That is understandable, Sally-dear. Truth be told, I live in a castle near this comfy little log home. I took it upon myself to keep the place neat and tidy for Leena and Jules." Wendy answered as she took a sip of her jasmine tea. "Speaking of which, how are they doing? I haven't seen them since that short-tempered knucklehead finally came around to marrying his queen."
Sally, Amy, and Cream all looked at each other and frowned sadly, which Wendy picked up on.
"What is the matter, children?" The sorceress questioned. "Was it something that I said?"
Amy sighed, then answered somberly, "Wendy… I don't know how to tell you this, but Queen Aleena and Sir Jules are gone."
"...What?" The old woman gasped, visibly stricken with grief. "Say it is not so, child."
"I'm afraid that it's true," Sally confirmed. "Jules and Aleena have passed away."
"We're sorry, Ms. Wendy." Cream apologized.
"What happened to them?" Wendy asked, narrowing her eyes while staring directly at Sally.
"... It's a long story, but there was a coup that took place in Old Mobotropolis. We've been betrayed by our former High Wizard of the Royal Court, the one who orchestrated the coup, which led to a massive attack in and through our borders. Many people lost their lives. Family members. My mother…she was killed by the man responsible as punishment for my father's hospitality. The wizard then tossed my father into another dimension during his onslaught where I didn't see him for a long time. By the time we managed to fight back and push the usurper out of our land and give the dead proper burials, we found Jules and Aleena's decomposing charred bodies underneath the burnt ruins of their house."
Gwendolyn swallowed her saliva coarsely, mustering all of her power not to shed a single tear as she nodded in acceptance.
"...I see. And what about Charles?" Wendy questioned, hoping that he had survived at the very least.
"He's still alive," Sally smiled while also adding with a hopeful tone "And fear not, Aleena and Sir Jules live on through their son!"
"...So they did have a child before their passing!" Wendy grinned with joy replacing her grief.
"Yes, well, albeit estranged." Sally smiled sheepishly. "It's all complicated but Oliver, or rather, Sonic is helping us end this war against Naugus the Dark and a new partner. But like the kingdom and my band of Freedom Fighters, he struggled and was eventually defeated by his magic. And we were hoping that your assistance could turn the tide of this war to the rest of the planet's favor."
Amy frowned when hearing Sonic's name, but instead of emoting no-so subtly like how she's prone to do, the pink hedgehog merely crossed her arms sourly and looked elsewhere, much to Cream's light dismay.
"Naugus the Dark…" The older overlander woman echoed in a whisper while holding her chin with her left hand. "Naugus…"
Something about the name rang a bell to her. She remembered hearing about a suspicious man by the same name who may have played a major role in Aleena's nation falling decades ago. But she never thought she'd hear about the same kind of event occurring that centered around such a despicable person. From the way that the name was structured to the first name itself. It vaguely reminded her of herself and another person. And it did not sit well with her at all for some strange reason.
"Sally, tell me more about this Naugus character." Wendy said with a stern expression.
Sally obliged and said "He first appeared before we were born sometime after the end of the great war, masquerading as an Overlander sorcerer from a distant land that saved the recovering kingdom from an army of ethereal crystal Phantoms. While his true intentions were diabolical, he told my father that he would swear his allegiance to the crown in exchange for refuge in his walls."
"I see. And knowing Maximilian, he must have accepted him with open arms." Wendy assumed.
"Yes…" Sally frowned bitterly. "He served as the High Wizard of the kingdom faithfully, earning the favor of the public over time. Little did we know, it was to earn my father's favor to gain access to our supply of Power Rings."
"Right, any Power Ring could enhance one's abilities." Wendy grimly nodded her head before taking a sip from her tea cup. "To have an entire mound of them with an exceptional skill in magic would yield catastrophic results. Yes, I can already imagine the mayhem."
"It was catastrophic. Especially with his Ixis Magick." Sally commented, prompting Wendy to freeze in place.
"...Where have you heard of the name of that magic?" The white sorceress sternly questioned, still holding her tea cup.
Amy and Cream flinched at the tone the woman before they had taken, but Sally remained calm.
"I wasn't aware that you knew of it. When he revealed his treacherous ways, he proclaimed that he was no longer Walter Gaunsun, but the Ixis Warlock, Naugus the Dark." Sally recounted.
Suddenly, the three Mobians watched as the sorceress went into shock as Wendy dropped her tea cup on the wooden floor, shattering it on impact.
"Oh my gods, no," The sorceress muttered. "I-It couldn't be him! It's not possible!"
Amy was the first to react to the noticeable change in Wendy's demeanor as whatever color the old sorceress had in her face had drained.
"Wendy? Wendy! What's wrong!?" The hedgehog said.
Realizing that there may not be a coincidence by the way Gwendolyn reacted, Sally boldly asked with no room for games, "Gwendolyn the White, what is your relationship with Naugus the Dark?"
Amy and Cream stared at Sally in utter disbelief at the way he spoke to the powerful witch. But much to her surprise, Wendy responded honestly. But none of the girls were prepared for Wendy's answer.
"My surname is Gaunsun," Said Wendy, raising her head and showing her glassy eyes that were filled with woe and sorrow. "And Walter Gaunsun is the name of my twin brother."
Lake of Rings, Forest Clearing, Great Forest, Acornia
Right after Sonic had finished his therapy session, Espio and Sonic traveled and arrived beside the Lake of Rings, preparing for their first lesson.
The former heir of the Hiyashi clan wore dark blue pants with a pouch tied to his right leg filled with shuriken, black boots with a white cloth wrapped around the ankles, metal-reinforced arm bracers, white gloves, a dark blue scarf, and an amigasa (wickerwork straw hat).
This time, Sonic wore a red and white tracksuit while his hands and feet were wrapped in white sports tape.
Currently, the shinobi was playing his shamisen, a memento he had inherited from his late father while Sonic was finishing his stretching exercises that Espio had assigned him.
Beside Espio was a blanket with a select few weapons. One was a single-edged tantō, a katana, a kunai, a pair of handmade wooden nunchaku, a sai, a handful of manji shuriken, a bō staff, and a kusarigama.
Once Sonic was done with his exercises, he jogged over to Espio while the chameleon strummed on his shamisen.
"I didn't know you were into music," Sonic said while his teacher played his instrument with a pick. "What kind of guitar is that?"
Espio stopped playing and then corrected, saying, "This is no guitar, Sonic-san. This is a shamisen, which has more similarities to that of a banjo."
"Huh, the more you know. We gotta collab sometime," Sonic quipped as he gazed at the instrument. "Where'd you get it from?"
"I have inherited it from my father. He would play music to my mother every day to serenade her during their days courting one another. And then when I came along, he would teach me how to play the shamisen to pass the skill down." Espio explained before peering into the sky. "I believe he wanted me to find true love the same way he did."
Sonic suddenly thought about a certain chipmunk princess before snapping back to reality
He chuckled then said, "I bet he did. A lot of girls like mysterious types."
Espio suppressed the urge to snort before turning to the array of weapons as he said, "Today we are going to start forming your new taijutsu. This will be based on an existing form of combat, hence why I have laid down multiple weapons here."
Sonic scratched the back of his head while small beads of sweat fell from the side of his head.
'...At least there ain't no guns here. Still…this seems a bit much.' The blue hedgehog thought.
"Hey, I appreciate what you're doin' and all but is this necessary? I mean, I never needed a weapon before."
"False," Hiyashi Hanzō stated, still in a meditative position while his eyes were closed. "Your constant weapons in combat were the usage of your super speed and the power of the Chaos Emeralds."
Sonic was about to open his mouth, only to close it when he thought about the way Espio had phrased the sentence.
"Sonic-san, you are blind to certain privileges that life has given you. Now is not the time to dwell on the past, but to face facts and prepare for any future possibility. Whether you lose access to the Chaos Emerald, or somehow, your speed gets compromised." Espio stated.
Sonic winced, thinking back to Metal brutally shattering his leg.
"Your personal feelings aside, this is a necessity. We are at war, Sonic-san. In war, it is a requirement to be not only trained in unarmed combat but also to be trained in armed combat. And if you want to survive, you must expand your knowledge of how to apply many different tools and utilize them in various situations if and when applicable." Espio sagely stated.
"Wait… How do you know all that?" Sonic said while his arms crossed over his chest. "Aren't you around my age or somethin'? You speakin' like you're a veteran."
Staring directly into the eyes of the adventurer, Espio calmly but coldly stated, "I was born during the time when shinobi clans acted as states, tearing at each other's throats for dominance. I could do nothing but watch my kinsman lose their lives serving our village throughout my childhood. And then, in preparation to send child soldiers, the elders that advised my clan and village had me groomed to learn how to use every single weapon. To perfection. I was made to be a weapon! So do not ever question me about war. You do not know the hell which I have suffered under the ways of the ninja."
Sonic appeared unnerved at this, immediately regretting his skepticism, and said, "...So, about those weapons."
Taking a deep breath, Espio explained, "I am allowing you to select two weapons of your choosing. Once you do that, I will teach you the bukijutsu that goes with them."
"Uh…Bukijutsu?" Sonic inquired, not understanding the former Hiyashi clan member.
"Martial arts centered around the use of weaponry." Hiyashi Hanzō answered while continuing to speak. "Though, there is a condition for your choices. There will be a third weapon you are required to learn. And this tool will be of my choosing."
"So I got to choose two weapons, huh?" Sonic rhetorically questioned, leaning to the tools displayed on the ground.
"Hai," The ninja nodded.
'...Alrighty then. Better to do this now before I piss the guy off any further.' Sonic thought as he browsed the small collection of weapons. 'Let's see what we're working with… We got a hand blade, a large butter knife, a dagger, a pair of nunchucks, a pair of sharp fancy forks, several throwing stars, and stick and a mini scythe attached to a chain and a flail. I'm not going for anything too sharp or long, so that rules the oversized butter knife's out. Throwin' stuff isn't gonna really do me any favor if I run out of them so fast. Carrying those weird forks around would make me look goofy, and that goes double for those nunchucks no matter how awesome the kung-fu action stars make them out to be. …Not that I'm a martial artist, anyhow. The last one seems cool but not my style… And the stick's boring, so that's out. All I need is somethin' light, easy to carry, and intimidating enough for folks to think twice before approachin' me while I still got the speed to act on my threat.'
This led to Sonic approaching the blanket and picking out the standard kunai and the tantō. The hedgehog turned to Espio and showed him what he selected.
"Whatcha think?" Sonic asked, allowing for his signature smirk to return briefly.
Espio got up and looked at the shinobi tools with an inquisitive glance.
"...Interesting. I was expecting you would pick out either the katana or the kusarigama. But nothing this rudimentary." The chameleon assumed. "Do you have a particular reason why you have chosen the kunai and the tantō, Sonic-san?"
"I don't need nothin' too flashy, senpai. My speed makes up for that." Sonic grinned while giving him a thumb's up with his right hand before a frown and a hardened face appeared. "Nah, these two are what I need to get a point across and I can do that in a second."
"I see…" Espio nodded. "In that case, if you're going to use both of them in combat…"
Sonic watched as Espio grabbed the pair of nunchaku and held them in front of Sonic's face with one handle in each hand.
"Then this discipline should help you as well." The purple-scaled Mobian stated nonchalantly..
Sonic's shoulders sagged in disappointment while an annoyed expression appeared.
'...You gotta be kiddin' me!' Sonic shouted mentally before bowing his head in a sulking manner.
"Relax, Sonic-san." The ninja said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are not expected to run onto the battlefield with the nunchaku, but the fundamental practices that come with nunchakujutsu will be beneficial to incorporate in your kunaijutsu and tantōjutsu while he created this new fighting style..."
Sonic sighed in relief, saying, "Oh, thank Chaos."
"...However, nunchakujutsu will be the most difficult of the three weapons to learn and master. And it will be essential for your physical, mental, spiritual, and Nature Sol training."
"Spiritual?" Sonic repeated before quipping. "What are you, a missionary? I don't remember converting to a religion bein' part of our agreement."
Espio corrected Sonic once more, clarifying, "You are misinterpreting my words. In order to use Nature Sol, your mind and body must synchronize with your spirit for it to gather the natural energy for you to use. And that would require extensive mediation…"
It took a minute for Sonic to realize what meditation meant for him, causing him to form as he said, "Nooo…!"
Espio smirked in satisfaction as he concluded, "...Which means that you would have to endure sitting in place without moving a single muscle."
"ARGHHH!" Sonic shouted, dropping both of his weapons as he slammed both of his hands to his face with his fears confirmed.
Espio chuckled to himself, looking at the sulking blue hedgehog as he took out his own kunai from his pouch and told Sonic to grab his first weapon for their first spar.
'...He is rough around the edges. And his attitude leaves much to be desired. But with a few adjustments, discipline, and time for self-reflection, Sonic-san will definitely be ready to face the world and what's to come in the near future.' Espio thought to himself before he and Sonic lunged at each other with their kunai's pointed at each other.
Cobalt-Hedgehog Cabin, Never Woods, Christmas Island
"N-Naugus is your brother?" Cream asked, flabbergasted at what he heard along with the rest of the group aside from Wendy herself.
"...Walter," Wendy swiftly corrected, managing to calm her nerves. "His name is Walter, and he is my twin brother."
"I can't believe this. You have a brother! Why is this the first time that I've heard about this?" Amy inquired with a soft glare.
"The topic of my brother is not one I'd like to bring up in conversation." The elderly Overlander stated while lacing, " I haven't seen Walter in many years."
"Ma'am, were you ever aware of your brother's activities around the world over the last forty years?" Sally grimly questioned while keeping her calm.
"I was aware of an evil lich-like sorcerer laying waste to multiple kingdoms across distant lands, but I never would have imagined that he'd be my brother," Wendy explained. "This feels like some kind of mistake."
"Well, it's the truth," Sally stated with a glare. "Your brother is Naugus the Dark. I've seen him reveal his true colors with my own eyes before summoning his army of demonic crystal homunculi and slaughtering my people. However you knew him before is gone, Gwendolyn. He is a monst-"
"-DO NOT SPEAK ILL OF MY BROTHER IN MY PRESENCE, ACORN!" Wendy thundered while letting her power shake the cabin, prompting the three girls to jump out of their seats out of fear.
The sorceress then instantly came to regret her outburst the moment she glanced at Amy and Cream's fearful expressions. The woman took a deep breath, simmered down and collected herself.
"...Listen to me, and listen well. I know who my brother was." Wendy said with a hardened but composed exterior. "Walter was ambitious but compassionate. Strong, yet gentle. Conflict was the last thing that he'd ever wanted, nor did he wish death upon anybody. Walter spent his entire life learning the mystic arts as a means to prevent catastrophes. Not create them! And Walter's too strong willed to submit to his own magic. I don't know what this Naugus fiend had done for you to believe he and my brother are the same person, but as far as I am concerned, my brother was innocent. For all we know, that madman may have murdered my brother and wore his skin to lure Acornia into a false sense of security."
'...I may have overstepped my boundaries with Wendy, but this still seems too much of a coincidence to reconsider. All of the clues that lead to Naugus and Walter Gaunsun are intrinsically linked somehow.' Sally thought after listening to the old witch. 'If only I had more evidence to confirm it.'
Amy, turning to Cream, whispered something in her ear. The little bunny looked at her older sister-figure and gave her a soft nod. From there, Both Amy and Cream excused themselves and walked out of the living room.
Back to the two eldest people in the cabin, Sally bit her lip for a moment before saying, "...I apologize for what I said earlier. I was out of line. But I wouldn't lie about a subject this dire, nor about events that I was a part of. Whatever the case, the Ixis Warlock possesses a threat unlike this world has ever seen. Even with Sonic's participation and with the energy from the Deep Power Stones, it isn't enough."
"You've found the Deep Power Stones?" Wendy asked incredulously.
"You know about them?" Sally questioned back.
"Yes, I was entrusted with its secrets by an old friend before his passing," Wendy stated before materializing a brown ancient tome seemingly from nothing. "If what you say is true, then I may be able to help you better grasp the power."
"That's great to hear, but what is the secret behind the stones and their power?" Sally further questioned, with her curiosity poking out. "And what is the connection between it and the Source of All?"
"All due in time, dear. I will teach you what I know while you are here." Wendy said with a warm smile. "And for the record, you are forgiven."
"Wendy!" Amy called out, causing both Sally and Cream to turn to see the last two girls bring a familiar container to the sorcerer.
"Girls, where have you run to?" Wendy inquired. "And what do you have there?"
"We have something important to show you!"
After unlocking the book, Cream opened the container, showing the Erebite to Wendy who gasped in bewilderment.
'T-That's the…!' Gwendolyn the White thought before explicitly asking, "How on Mobius did you girls get your hands on this!?"
"The Mobian Alliance and the United Federation have been exchanging resources recently. Our efforts resulted in Acornia receiving small amounts of Erebite from the GUN's private mineral reverses for experimentation." Sally explained.
The Overlander glanced at the Mobians as if they were crazy, stating, "Girls, this is Ancient Onyx; a pure and potent anti-magic agent."
"...Wait. Don't the Felidae people of the Great Jungle have a gemstone of the same name?" Asked Sally.
"I was led to believe that it was just one relic with that name, but this…THIS changes everything!" Wendy said ecstatic at what was in her hands. "Why did you bring this to me?"
"Wendy, we need all the help we can get." Amy added, jumping back into the conversation. "We figure you knew what to do with the Erebite. I was hoping that you can take its power and apply it to my hammer through some kind of enchantment."
Wendy remained silent as she took a hold of the container and stared at the stones.
Feeling the need to say her piece, Cream took her turn to speak, "Ms. Wendy, I don't know if he was your brother or not, but this man has hurt a lot of people. We can't defeat him without your help. And if he is your brother and he's causing harm, wouldn't you want to stop him?"
Wendy looked at everyone, then sighed again.
"...I can't help but feel partially responsible for all of this." Wendy confessed while briefly looking at a picture of Sir Jules and Aleena. "My brother and I had a disagreement one day about an idea he had. The disagreement led to an argument, and that boiled over to a…crass exchange of words. I told him that his ambitions were unrealistic and that he was a naive fool to change fate. We separated from each other after that, destroying our relationship. Perhaps, if I had supported him, or apologized to him, this could have been avoided."
Wendy turned to Sally, Amy, and Cream, she gave them a determined expression while holding the container and said, "Girls, I hope you're prepared to stay here for a week or two. There is a lot of work to be done."
Sally, Cream, and Amy all looked at each other and smiled brightly. Things were finally looking up for them. Hopefully, their hard work will be enough to tip the scales in the war.
Glyphic Canyon, United Federation
-Shadow's Mindscape-
The Mobian/Black Arm hybrid awoke to laying on a grassy hill under a tree in a monochromic void while still staying in the vastness of the space.
"...What the hell?" Shadow questioned as he looked around in the new dimension that he found himself. "How did I get here? And where is here?"
(We ArE iN yOuR mInDsCaPe,) Two voices, one light and feminine and the other distorted, eldritch and masculine overlapping rolled into one, spoke.
Sonic paused before finding himself being surrounded in a circle of black and crimson fire . These supernatural flames rose fifteen feet in the air, then began taking a solid yet ethereal form resembling the shape of a giant raven.
Shadow then found himself facing this avian-like monster with a red beak that looked as if the beast had dipped it in blood, two crimson eyes, and a third red eye with an orange slit pupil.
(aT LaSt, wE fInAlLy mEt, ShAdOw ThE hEdGeHoG.) The black bird-like beast stated. (GrEeTiNgs.)
The black hedgehog gasped as he first heard Black Doom's voice coming at the beast.
"You! I can hear Black Doom in your voice, yet I can hear Maria, too," Shadow the Hedgehog stated while keeping his guard up cautiously, but not without harboring some level of curiosity. "What are you?"
(I rEfLECt YoUr SoUl. I rEpReSeNt BoTh PoSiTiVe AnD nEgAtIvE aSpEcTs, a ReMiNdEr Of YoUr PaSt AnD tHe KeY tO yOuR fUtUrE.) The ethereal black creature answered telepathically.
Shadow narrowed his eyes at the last sentence before noticing the third eye that was on the bird's forehead. This did not go unnoticed by the ethereal beast.
'...That eye!' The hedgehog recognized.
(So YoU hAvE nOtIcEd.) The avian monstrous being announced. (To AnSwEr YoUr QuEsTiOn, I aM ThE pOwEr ThAt YoU sEeK. I aM tHe OtHeR hAlF oF yOuR sOuL.)
"...Explain."
The avian creature that vaguely resembled a Black Arm said, (ThInK oF iT tHiS wAy, ShAdOw. We ArE iNtRiNsIcAlLy LiNkEd. YoU, tHe DoMiNaNt hAlF, iNhErItEd tHe PoWeRs oF cHaOs yEt StRaNgElY, yOu PoSsEs tHe FoRm oF a MoBiAn.)
"But I'm not Mobian."
(No, YoU'rE hAlF mObIaN.) The being corrected. (As FoR mYsElF, I aM tHe MeTaPhYsIcAl EmBoDiMeNt Of OuR fAtHeR's EsSeNcE tHaT fLoWs tHrOuGh YoU. In A sEnSe, I aM yOu; WeLl, YoUr OtHeR haLf As a BlAcK aRm.)
"...I see. You're my latent potential, then." Shadow concluded. "And the mutation that my head had undergone?"
(As ThE nEw HeAd AnD tHe HiVeMiNd oF OuR rAcE, YoU aRe ReQuIrEd To rEcEiVe tHe EyE oF tHe ArCaNe WhIcH yOu'Ve InHeRiTeD fRoM FaThEr.) The being spoke to his Mobian counterpart.
Shadow nodded, then asked, "Do you have a name?"
The ethereal raven-like beast nodded then opened his beak to speak, only for Shadow to hear nothing.
Shadow's eyes widened in surprise both at the aspect that it tried talking to him but was unable to hear anything.
"What?" Shadow the Hedgehog uttered.
The being physically spoke again, yet whatever the Black Arm counterpart said was rendered inaudible to Shadow.
"Whatever you were saying, I could not hear you." The black hedgehog spoke evenly.
(...It ApPeArS tHaT YoU aRe NoT rEaDy To kNoW mY tRuE nAmE yEt.) The avian creature said, lowering his head. (BeInG sUpPreSsEd fOr FiFtY yEaRs aNd HaViNg AmNeSiA HaS cAuSeD uS tO BecOmE dE-hArMoNiZeD.)
"What does that mean?" Shadow inquired, folding his arms.
The avian being explained, (BeCaUsE oF yOuR pReViOuS eXisTeNtIaL cRiSiSeS AnD bEiNg FrOzEn FoR a LoNg PeRiOd Of TiMe hAs iNteRfErEd wItH oUr sOuL's sYnChRoNiZaTiOn. It iS tHiS rEaSon, AnD tHaT oUr FaThEr's ExIsTeNcE wErE pReVeNtInG yOu FrOm ReAcHiNg YoUr FuLl PotEnTial.)
Shadow nodded, admitting, "I suppose that makes sense. I did not know who I was back then. I was lost, with my memories blurred through tampering and my mind set on a dark path. And while I felt my connection to Black Doom, I was always suspicious of his true intentions and his answer to my past. Even now, after everything that has happened, I have rejected the Black Arm within me."
(BuT yOu KnOw BeTtEr, Now) The creature through their telepathic link.
"Yes, I do..." Shadow the Hedgehog nodded in agreement before pausing. "...What do you call yourself besides your given name?"
(I hAvE a TiTlE. The HoLlOw RaVeN. UnTiL yOu LeArN mY nAmE, cAlL mE tHaT.) Said the Hollow Raven.
"Tell me, Hollow Raven, how important is knowing your name when all that I need is your power, which is mine by default?" Asked Shadow.
(I aM aPaRt Of YoU, tHaT mUcH iS tRuE. BuT I aM iNdEpEnDeNt FrOm YoU, wItH mY oWn IdEnTiTy. My oWn ThOuGhTs aNd DeSiReS. WiThOut uNdErStAndiNg Me, YoU wIlL nEvEr UnDeRsTaNd hOw To UsE tHe BlAcK ArMs' GiFts. I cAn DeNy YoU aCcEsS tO tHe EyE oF tHe ArCaNe If I wAnTeD tO.)
'Power or not, this being is still its own person. Forcing my will onto it would make me no different than Black Doom. And I wouldn't want to be controlled either.' Shadow thought to himself.
"Hmph. Alright. What do I need to do to learn about who you are, Raven?" Shadow asked while unfolding his arms.
(Oh, YoU aLrEaDy KnOw WhAt OuR MeAns oF cOmMunIcAtIoN wIlL bE, sHaDoW.) The Hollow Raven said.
Shadow closed his eyes while pondering the being's words for a few seconds, then immediately recognized the answer.
"...I am going to have to fight you, am I?" Shadow rhetorically questioned.
If the Hollow Raven had lips, it would be giving Shadow a mischievous smirk. The bird-like creature had to resort to emoting with his three eyes.
"Very well, then." Shadow said, readying himself to battle his counterpart.
This was where the Hollow Raven raised one of its wings and said, (I wOuLdN't TrY iT nOw. YoUr BoDy's ReStInG fRoM aWaKeNiNg OuR tHiRd EyE aNd ThE eVolUtIoN yOu HaVe uNdErGoNe. To BaTtLe Me RiGhT nOw WoUlD sPelL tHe MeAnS Of OuR EnD.)
Hearing this fact. Shadow dropped his guard and then stared into his mindscape's boundless void.
"What happens now?"
(ReSt, ShAdOW. YoU hAvE a LoNg JoUrNeY aHeAd.)
Nodding, Shadow walked up to the tree at the top of the grassy hill, leaned against it, then closed his eyes.
Rabbot Residence, Suburban District, New Mobotropolis
Within the large backyard of the Rabbot Residence, Beauregard, Vanilla, Charmy, Vector, Tails, Sonar, Amadeus, Rosemary, and Knuckles were enjoying lunch that Vanilla and Beauregard were hosting. The food had finished about forty-five minutes ago. By the time the younger people were done eating, they decided to head outside to be under the sun.
Outside, Charmy was playing fetch with Muttski, who Sir Charles had brought over while Sonic and Espio were out training. Tails and Sonar came over with Tails' parents to not only watch Muttski but to keep Charmy company while the young adults and the elders were occupied with other things inside of the house while eating slower.
Tails and Sonar sat under a tree nearby, enjoying each other's company while watching Charmy play with Sonic's service Mobini.
"Muttski! Come here, boy!" The Mobian bee called, prompting the St. Dane to bark at the boy excitedly as he ran up to Charmy.
Charmy, who held up a large stick, waved around the panting dog as Muttski wagged his tail back and forth while bent low to the ground.
"See the stick, Muttski?" Charmy asked repeatedly. "See the stick? Go…fetch!"
The bee then chucked the stick at least ten feet away from him into the yard. Muttski immediately took off in that direction. To Charmy, it was like watching a beige bullet that was covering the ten feet between where he was and where the stick landed. The bee couldn't let but whistle out of awe.
"WOAH, look at him go!" Charmy beamed as he watched Muttski rub back to the ten-year-old Mobian bee and dropped the stick that was in his mouth.
"Man, you're a lively one, aren't cha?" Charmy said, scratching behind Muttski's ears. "I can see why Sonic brought you home. I'm kinda of jealous!"
Muttski suddenly pounced onto the Mobian bee and began licking the boy on the face, showing affection towards the boy's kindness.
"Ewww! Muttski! You're getting dog slobber all over me!" Charmy whined while trying to get the dog off of him.
Nearby, Tails and Sonar playfully giggled at Charmy's expense, knowing how affectionate and friendly Muttski could be.
"Poor, Charmy," Sonar said, wiping a tear from one of her eyes. "He sure got his hands full."
"Yeah, he does. But you gotta admit, Muttski's a treat to have around." The young Prower said with a smile after settling down. "Don't you think so, too?"
Sonar noticed that there was a way of ease within the fox kit as of recently. The expression of happiness did not have a trace of apprehension. It was as if the invisible bricks that that Tails was burdened with had been lifted off his soldiers.
Sonar felt a light blush appear on her face, forcing her to turn to look at Charmy chasing Muttski before nodding with a small smile, saying, "Uh huh,"
'...I'm glad that you made amends with Sonic. I've missed that cute smile of yours.' The teal and white furred vixen thought to herself.
Indoors, Knuckles stood by the patio door, watching the backyard while his arms were crossed.
"I can't thank you enough for inviting us over to lunch, Mr. Rabbot," Vector said as he took a break from eating his grilled steak. "I've been meanin' to get Charmy out of the house since our last job. He tends to get pretty antsy when he sits around for too long."
"Oh, it ain't a problem. Ahm glad thet we've all found thuh time tuh get together an enjoy a nice home cooked meal." The rabbit councilman said stated with his hat hanging on a nearby rack.
"I agree, Beau," Vanilla said before sipping on her green tea. "Everybody has to rest and relax once and a while."
"Amen to that," Sir Charles said before turning to Knuckles' direction. "Knuckles, my boy! Care to join us at the dining table? You haven't grabbed a plate since lunch had been served."
"Thanks for the offer, Professor, but I'll pass." The red echidna declined politely as he gazed through the patio. "I already had enough grapes."
"Suit yourself, then," Sir Charles relented.
"Don't mind him, Charles. Once his mind is made up, there is no changing it," Vanilla nonchalantly stated before asking, "How is Sonic doing these days? I haven't seen him since he was bedridden?"
Charles smirked as he answered, "Physically speaking, he's doing much better. His body made a speedy recovery after weeks of rest and physical therapy. He was able to walk much sooner than I expected. I even paved the way to regain the speed he lost during his time being wheelchair-bound and removed the excess power that could have compromised his health if left unchecked. Aside from not being too thrilled with the mandates I've given him regarding how he utilize his speed, Sonny boy has handled the situation well and I'm very proud of him on that end."
Everybody smiled at the older Mobian's news, feeling their spirits being lifted from the fact that loved one and key player had bounced back from injuries that could have left anybody else crippled, But this lighter mood quickly went south with Rosemary's comment.
"Be that as may, I'm still concerned about his mental state," Mrs. Prower said. "While I am extremely happy that he and Miles made up and that he acknowledged his faults, I can tell from just speaking to Oliver that there's something wrong with his mind."
"Okay, I'm lost." Vector said, jumping back into the conversation. "I heard some of the gang had fallen out, I haven't heard any details about it. How bad did he screw up?"
"The idiot tried to use Amy, Shadow, and I to fix his leg." Knuckles mentioned over from the patio, still not happy at the memory of the event. "He thought we would get him out of the wheelchair Metal put him in."
"...I don't get it. You guys could have healed him easily. Why didn't you guys do it if the kingdom needs him in the war?" Vector questioned.
"Sonic has been deemed unfit to continue as a Freedom Fighter field operative due to his mental and emotional stability being brought into question. During Sonic's hospitalization, a vote was passed that prohibited him from rejoining the Freedom Fighters until he is mentally and physically qualified by his doctors and was given permission by the Parliament in addition to His Majesty." Tails' father explained, causing Vector to wince.
"Yikes…" Vector commented, imagining what could have gone down between him and the others.
"Add this fact with the combination of his gruesome defeat, the loss of an island with its population, and the pressure of a majority of the world putting the blame of recent events, Oliver's desperation to become physically primed for battle has caused his rationality to derail and ultimately damage his remaining relationships with the people around him." Amadeus added. "If I recall correctly, I believe that Amy was most eager to leave with Princess Sally and Cream if it meant to separate from Oliver."
The crocodile's mouth nearly hit the dining table at the older fox's comment, utterly stunned at the idea of the blue hedgehog's biggest fan wanting to leave Sonic alone.
'...Damn, Sonic. I don't know what you said but you really screwed the pooch on this.' Vector thought while swallowing his dry throat.
"Poor girl," Vanilla sighed, placing a hand on her cheek. "I hope she feels better when the girls come back,"
"U-Um…Okay, that's gonna take some time to process," Vector muttered to himself before continuing to speak out loud. "But this doesn't make any sense! I've never got a strange vibe from the guy before. Sonic has always struck me as someone who can always keep his cool, even when the goin' gets tough."
"It's a facade of sorts," Vanilla suddenly stated, gaining the group's attention. "That's not to say that Sonic hasn't built up any confidence over the years through his accomplishments, but Sonic is still a growing boy. I've noticed the difference between his genuine smile that he gives us and the audacious grin he puts on during dire situations. It's very subtle but when he grins with his teeth, he tends to shudder in fear depending on the stakes of the ordeal."
Knuckles thought about all the times he was on the battlefield with Sonic and recognized the shit-eating grin. When thinking back to it, a faint memory of a trembling Sonic took shape.
'...Maybe my mind wasn't playing tricks back then.' The echidna thought.
"So you reckon that he tends to mask his true feelings?" Rosemary asked the fellow mother.
Vanilla nodded, saying, "Definitely. The Charisma and his outwardly positive attitude he exudes as a buffer, a means to protect himself."
"Be as it may, whatever is holding my nephew back from simply expressing himself and socializing with the rest of the world may be rooted in our shared past." Sir Charles said while stroking his chin. "I just can't pinpoint the exact cause of it for the life of me. It could have been the coup itself, or maybe when he was sent through the portal…"
It was the older hedgehog's verbal brainstorming that led to Amadeus recalling a detail.
"You know, Oliver tensed up and cut our conversation short when I offered to tell him stories about his parents." the councilmen pointed out. "Call it a hunch but whatever Oliver is going through has something to do with them."
"How does that make any sense if Sonic doesn't remember them." Knuckles questioned, now turning to the others.
"Now hold on just uh minute. Aren't some uh ya'll geniuses and an inspector? This isn't some big ol' mystery." Beauregard suddenly spoke up, now folding his hands onto the dining table with a serious expression. "Don't be downin' Oilver's head like he's special. That boy damn well remembers what happened tuh him. And it ain't hard to figure out,"
"Explain," Sir Charles demanded with a hardened exterior.
"Thank, Charlie. Remember when way found chur brother and sister-in-law's bodies durin' reconstruction? Aside frum thuh burns, thayure wuz uh large stab wound through their chest cavities. An if mah memory serves me raht, Oliver wuz sent chur way before none those blasted wizard's forces could touch them."
"Y-Yes! I took him with me that night. I told him to not look back as we ran through the Great Forest to meet up with Rosie and the other children." Sir Charles recalled as he closed his eyes tightly. "I planned on hiding with them in Knothole, but…but…"
"...But," Beau repeated with a hard stare, followed by the others giving Sir Charles an inquisitive glances.
"...But we were followed." Sir Charles said, staring down at his gloved hands. "Naugus' homunculi soldiers managed to track us on horseback."
"Uh-huh? Now, it would color me confused as tuh why Naugus would do this. However, Ah took into account that Jules an thuh wizard never got along since he was accepted in Old obotropolis. So Ah reckoned he had done him an Leena in but ended up bein' one, and later, two family members short. So with all of that to consider, why do ya'll think that boy don't be wanna talk or ask about his folks?"
Suddenly an expression of horror appeared on the professor's face while his skin paled.
"...No…You're not saying that he could have…!" Sir Charles muttered, shaking his head in denial as he began to sweat from him mentally mulling over the scenes of past events.
"What are you implying?" Knuckles inquired, looking at the older male rabbit, not.
"I ain't implying squat. While you and chur other friends were busy pushin' Oliver away, he's been sufferin' over the fact that he watched a terrorist murder his parents as a toddler." Beau said, blankly staring at the echidna.
Knuckles' mouth closed immediately in complete bewilderment. Everybody was taken aback by the former soldier's conclusion, not knowing what to say. But to the Acornians, it made perfect sense in their mind given the shaky relationship between "Walter Gaunsun" and Jules, though they never knew their history before either one of them joined the kingdom.
Knuckles began to feel his cold exterior break with guilt. But the dam of guilt didn't completely shatter until Beaugard continue to speak to him.
"Ah know your type, son. You be more reserved than most. Strong, stubborn, dutiful. I tell ya, you'd make uh great soldier if you were brought up here. You're givin' Oliver uh hard time, not out uh spite but cause ya respect him too much for him tuh be actin' thuh fool. Whutever he said tuh pull on ya must have rubbed ya thuh wrong way, didn'it?"
Knuckles said nothing, but he frowned while staring down at the carpet floor while keeping his arms folded.
"Trust may, Ahv been there. Ah had seven brothers and a sister. Ah tell ya, Them boys did all sorts uh thangs thet grinded mah gears. But guess what, Ah loved them all thuh same." The Mobian rabbit reminisced in a sad sigh. "Life wasn't thuh same when all uh mah brothers wuz taken frum mah baby sister an may after thuh Great War an thuh coup de tat. Thur entire lives, decades snuffed out just like that. Ah can never see them again in this lifetime. Their deaths has taught me tuh value mah time with mah family. Ahm not sayin' tuh simply forgive and forget but tuh learn how tuh appreciate an value thuh peoplel ya'll have around."
Knuckles retreated to his mind, reevaluating his actions as Beau turned to everybody.
"Listen here, it iz clear tuh me thet Jules' boy likes tuh keep tuh himself. So there iz no forcin' him tuh do nuthin' unless His Majesty or thuh doctors says so. But as we can all see, isolation iz thuh last thang that he needs. Oliver iz livin' here now. It may not be uh place that he remembers, but that don't matter. It's home, and he has tuh get used tuh it. An as elders uh thuh kingdom's community, we gotta show him what it means tuh be in uh carin' community. That way, we can give thuh boy somethin' tuh fight for when he jumps back into action." Beauregard Rabbot said in a speech, mainly addressing his sister, the Prowers, and Sir Charles.
With all of the adults nodding, everyone resumed eating their lunch. Back to Knuckles, he came to a realization that perhaps he and the others were being too harsh in distancing themselves from Sonic. Or at least, he felt that way. After all, he needs Sonic to help him with their plan involving the Master Emerald so that they can save his island.
'...Shit, guess I've been a real knucklehead, huh hedgehog?' Knuckles thought to himself, cracking a guilt-ridden smile. 'It can't be helped. We'll sort things out soon...brother.'
Cobalt-Hedgehog Cabin, Never Woods, Christmas Island
Going into the Cobalt-Hedgehog family library, Wendy spent thirty minutes scouring her collection of tomes to obtain what she was looking for.
She knew what Amy needed to enchant her hammer and already had the necessary items to do so, including the pieces of the Ancient Onyx (Erebite). And knowing the secrets of the Deep Power Stones, Wendy could think of a way for Princess Sally to draw out its power from her body.
No, what she was concerned about was for the son of her old friends. She knew the lethal potency Ixis Magick possessed. And given that Nagaus or whoever this lich-like entity was able to bring kingdoms down to the ground, the danger was warranted. If what the girls said was true than as he was now, despite the immense power he gained thanks to his heritage as a Cobalt, even Sonic and his indomitable will was not enough to fight off Ixis Magick. Hell, he was lucky that his foe did not willingly crystalize the teen and drained both his life and time.
As it stood, if Sonic were to fight anybody with the exception of Ixis Magick abilities, he would surely die.
So, she took it upon herself to use the opportunity of experimenting with Ancient Onyx. She had a mission, and that was to create a protection charm of sorts. An item for the last Cobalt to counter Ixis Magick and other curses/dark magics.
Now, she stood in front of the girls with the cabin in the background. She held a list in her hand, reading it aloud to the three Mobians.
"Alright, girls. While I work on enchanting Amelia's primary magical hammer, I need you three to explore the Never Woods to look for a few items that I will need for an important matter."
"Is it bad?" Cream question.
"Oh no. It is quite the opposite. When I'm done, it can hopefully be of great use," Wendy stated before handing Sally the list.
"I take that these are the materials you need?" Sally rhetorically inquired before assuming, "If I hadn't know any better, I'd say you're going to use-"
"-Alchemy, yes." Wendy answered with confirmation. "I'm running low on quite a few of my stocks. And despite my abilities, I cannot be in two places at once."
Amy puffed her cheeks in mild annoyance while placing her hands on her hips, saying, "So you're using us as your errand girls?"
"Come now, child. You know I cannot afford to be making such long trips at my age." Wendy said in her elderly grandmother-like tone, playing the old lady card by hunching back and using her staff as support..
"Who are you trying to fool? You were standing just fine a moment ago!" Amy heatedly pointed out, prompting Cream and Sally to giggle at their antics.
Wendy then explained, "I need a bundle of Marigold flowers east from this cabin. Eight of them would be enough. Next, there's a cave north from here that has minerals. I want you to retrieve three rubies, four quasi-magic stones, six pieces of gold ingot, and five pieces of mithril. Lastly, there's a special ring-like item held within a grotto south west from the cabin."
"What's the ring-like item looks like, Ms. Wendy?" Cream asked innocently.
"It is very similar to a Red Star Ring in colour, but instead possesses fire at the center instead of a star. It may also have similar properties to fire when active so be careful when touching it." Wendy cautioned.
The three girls nodded before Sally placed the list in a backpack she had brought with her.
"Thank you once again, Wendy. We'll be back soon," Sally said right beside Amy and Cream.
"It was no trouble. Now, run along. And do be careful. You never know what dangers lie in this forest." Wendy advised before turning back to the cabin.
"Bye Wendy/Ms. Wendy!" Amy and Cream said, waving her farewell before the three girls began their journey.
Amy lightly tapped on Sally's shoulder while the chipmunk pulled out NICOLE and used her GPS function.
"So~!" Amy began, filled with excitement. "Where are we heading off to?"
Sally couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, mentally noting the shift in her attitude from beforehand.
"You're suddenly in a good mood," Sally said with a grin.
"Why wouldn't I be? I get to embark on a new adventure with my best friend and my newest friend! Isn't that great?" Amy beamed, finding the bright side in her situation.
'Plus, this trip is a great way for me to take my mind off of…other things.' The pink hedgehog thought to herself.
"Right," Sally nodded. "I say we should head in the cave up north. I figure getting the hardest task out of the way with the three of us and NICOLE working together would save us a lot of time."
"Sounds like a plan!" Amy commented before her mind wandered to her past adventures. "Hey Sally, have I ever told you the time where Cream and I broke into one of Eggman's bases?"
Sally stopped for a second out of awe and curiosity as she took a moment to look at her younger friend.
"You two managed to break into Dr. Robotnik's base?" Sally questioned out of shock. "Did Sonic help you?"
"He certainly did not!" Amy answered, frowning at the notion.
Cocking a coy grin, Sally said, "Oh really? So you were chasing after him, right?"
"T-Thats…! Y-You…!" Amy stuttered now blushing red, realizing that her intentions had been found out. "It wasn't just like that! Cream and I, along with another friend, were following him for different reasons. But I figured that the best way to seek him out was to go after Eggman. But we did storm his base together without help!"
"Uh huh…" Sally uttered, still not buying Amy's supposed excuse. "I happen to have plenty of experience raiding bases and fortresses. Why don't you give me some context about this?"
Cream tuned out Amy's explanation and decided to skip ahead of the two older girls. While admiring the journey to the cave north from the cabin, Cream heard a croaking sound, indicating that a certain amphibian was nearby. This was followed by the sound bushes rustling.
"Huh?" Cream muttered, turning to the source of the sounds that her large ears picked up.
Cream decided to skip to the nearest bush and kneeled down. After waiting for a few seconds, Cream was met with a small Mobini frog with primarily green and white skin with white, orange, and red marks.
The rabbit gasped in surprise as the frog happily jumped into Creams hands and croaked as a means to greet her.
"Oh my goodness! Ms. Amy, Ms. Sally, please come quickly! Look who I've found!" Cream called out, prompting Amy and Sally to jog to her direction.
When the princess arrived, Sally titled her head, saying, "...A frog?"
Amy formed a full blown smile while placing both of her hands on her cheeks.
"That's not just any frog! It's Froggy!" Amy corrected with bright sparkles in her eyes. "What are the odds!"
'With a name like that, this Mobini must be a lost pet of some kind.' Sally astutely guessed. 'Most likely owned by somebody these two know.'
"FROGGY!" A low tone yet slightly dopey voice rang out nearby. "WHERE ARE YOU, BUDDY?"
The three girls turned their heads as a large figure emerged from the bushes. Standing before them was a rotund and fluffy purple, violet, and white furred cat with yellow eyes. He wore a green fisherman's jacket, carried a fishing pole, wore brown sandals with gold buckles, a long belt with a gold buckle, brown gloves, and a wide green sun hat.
This was Big the Cat, the third and final member of Team Rose.
Sally couldn't help marvel at the sheer size of the Mobian, comparing him to that of the Felidae people.
Big blinked for a moment, first noticing Froggy in Cream's hands, only to find that he was standing in front of two of his friends that he hadn't seen in a long time.
"Hi friends! Long time no see." The large yet serene cat said, holding a hand up. "Thank you for finding Froggy again."
"IT'S BIG!" Cream and Amy shouted.
Big chuckled in a dopey tone, saying, "Ha ha! Yup, I am big."
To Be Continued…
Hey guys! It's ya boy, DSG451 back with another chapter!
I've decided to approach my notes a little differently and break them down into bullet points scene by scene.
Scene 1:
The red and purple Emeralds are in the Special Stages (Special Zones) to give the plot and me a break on them. This is also to build up to the final arc of the story. Speaking of which, there will be two parts to this next arc. Arc 1 (which you can consider Season 1 to make it easier for you streaming consumers) is considered Chapter 1 to Chapter 20. Arc 2 (or Season 2) is Arc 1 Pt. 1 (or Season 2 Pt. 1).
Eggman is developing SAGE early with a similar purpose to her role in Sonic Frontiers, but will also serve as a foil and antagonist to NICOLE in the future.
Tundra comes from the Post-Genesis Wave Continuity of the Archie Comics as Rotor's abusive father and leader of Arktic Egg Army as its Egg Boss. Here, I'm starting to set that up similarly. Rotor will confront him later down the line.
Yes, Zero the Hunter (Maskless AU Infinite) and Drago Wulfe will both be Egg Bosses in this continuity. One will play a massive role from Arc 2 Pt. 2 to Arc 3 and Arc 3 respectively.
Scene 2:
The reason why Sonic plays his guitar is because he is starting to pick up other ways to subconsciously cope with the stress of his shaky past and the burdens of his past regrets. He might start writing songs and music again in the future to vent his feelings of negativity or positively when he becomes more comfortable with playing guitar.
Sonic continues to think about his past philosophy and how it negatively affected his life. This is to show Sonic's contemplation towards his ideology and is in the process of reapproaching how to unearth a different meaning behind the word, "Freedom".
The Sol Force is a spiritual energy that is generated by the Master of Motion and Stillness, the Light God Saviturn. As long as there is life, be it in nature or beings that have a spirit, there is a source of Sol Energy. With its properties, Sol Energy has an evolutionary and spiritual nature. Sol can breathe life into nonliving things, heal the physically and spiritually wounded, and destroy entities down to the spiritual level. Using one's soul as an anchor, one can draw the Sol Energy of nature to enhance their vitality and enhance the usage of their gifts.
Espio, while never officially acknowledged as one by his village in Shinto (RESURGENCE's Japan), is a shinobi. His personality and discipline are based on Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa in his modern incarnation.
Espio's father was Hiyashi Satori, a RESURGENCE exclusive character and a sage who used Sol Energy to reach enlightenment at an early age.
Espio's fearlessness against Dark Sonic and his verbal dissection of Sonic was to curb the hedgehog's attitude and to show that the chameleon wasn't going to be swayed or punked into allowing Sonic to get his way. Instead, Espio was going to teach Sonic how to adopt the mindset of guerrilla soldiers (which is what shinobi were historically).
Chaos Unification has strange side effects that may be long lasting as to display the consequences of warping two entities together with Chaos Energy.
Shadow was alluded to know Sally, Uncle Chuck, and the Freedom Fighters in previous chapters. The reason why was because of Chaos Unification causing him to retain information suppressed by Sonic's mind. In turn, Sonic managed to unearth Shadow's memories aboard the Space Colony ARK, including Maria and Gerald Robotnik.
Like in both the Japanese and English versions of SA2, Sonic usually is the aggressor in their dynamic of antagonizing each other. However, Sonic is only doing this here to shield himself from dealing with his problems head-on, but Shadow fires back as a means to constantly remind him of said problems, refusing to give Sonic what he wants because he knows that deep down, isn't what Sonic needs and Sonic knows that himself. Mind you, Sonic and Shadow are not rivals
Shadow threatening Sonic was a reference to an episode of EmiEmu's Sonic and Tails R audio series where Shadow makes an appearance. He did so at the last part of the video, which Sonic acknowledges.
Scene 3:
Amy's interest in magic came from Wendy, who is Amy's godmother in this continuity. She also learned baking and cooking from Wendy.
It is implied that Wendy may have met both King Fredrick and Maximilian Acorn when he was much younger.
Scene 4:
Shadow's awakening was not random. It was triggered by combination of three things; the death of Black Doom, Shadow's evolution through the Black Arms' DNA, and Shadow's wanting to access more of his own power caused him to become the new vessel of the Black Arms hive mind and developed an energy or essence that reflects his heritage from Black Doom. The physical manifestation of this takes the form of his third eye which resembles Doom's eye.
Scene 5:
Wendy does not travel much in the present, but had done so in the past. She's become much more recluse and territorial. She's known to be hostile to strangers but kind and caring to who she deems friends. Due to her exclusivity, she was not aware of the coup that took place twelve years ago.
She has heard of Naugus the Dark as she knew what occurred to Azuron through the Cobalt-Hurst family, but believed it was an isolated incident.
Sally's attitude change does seem jarring, but consider that not only is she a tactician, her analytical mind and curiosity causes her to enter a state I like to call "detective mode".
Wendy is related to Naugus, much like in the Post-Genesis Wave, but with an added twist.
Scene 6:
Sonic learning martial arts to create a new one isn't him becoming a ninja. He is not - I repeat- NOT going to be a ninja. Bukijutsu is just weapons training. Will he have a kunai and a tantō on him later down the line? Probably. And he will not carry nunchaku to battle like he's Mikey from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. What's important is to understand the importance of practicality in a war setting and the discipline it takes to be a soldier on the battlefield. Having a kunai and a tantō on him DOES NOT make him a ninja. Though, him being a fast character wielding a kunai and being able to use nature energy may be a nod to Minato Namikaze from the Naruto series and a subtle reference to my old work on Wattpad and Fanfiction.
Espio pointing out Sonic's limited use of tools was to make him aware of there being many ways to broaden his scope of how to apply different tools and methods of using limited amounts of tools in case anything were to happen to his main abilities.
Espio's history in this continuity is mostly shrouded in mystery, but he has lived and grew up during a war between his village and clan and a rival village along with their clan. Thus, this is the reason why he is so calm and reserved for a person near Sonic's age.
Espio's interest in playing his shamisen mirrors Sonic's interest in playing his guitar is purposely set for them to find commonality between each other and to strengthen their new bond as student and teacher along with being closer friends.
Scene 7:
While Sally is mostly guided by logic, she occasionally tends to let her emotions of heavier subjects bleed into her decision-making and work, causing her to make mistakes. Her speaking ill about Naugus, who was Walter in his sister's eyes, to Wendy, is one of them.
Amy reacts to secrets about people who she believes that she knew ties into her issues with Sonic. This is due to her feeling like she doesn't truly know who are the people in her life who left lasting impressions on her, making her seem like she wasn't important to them or left out of their lives.
The Ancient Onyx is the Erebite's true name. And much like the Archie Comics, the Felidae do have a large gemstone made of it, there are mines and mounds of it in other places around Mobius. But in the continuity, it acts as ore that contains anti-magic.
Judging from Wendy's initial reaction to hearing about the Ixis Warlock, Walter Gaunsun may have been an Ixis Magick sorcerer before he became Naugus the Dark. So far, the working theory that Wendy has is that Naugus may have been a lich who had killed Walter Gaunsun and took his identity and magic to be used to commit crimes against humanity and Mobian-kind.
Wendy knows the secrets of the Deep Power Stones, making her much older than
she appears to be.
Scene 8:
The Hollow Raven's form is an original concept, granting Shadow the powers of Black Doom that takes physical form as Shadow's third eye.
Similar to that of a doujutsu, the Hollow Raven/Black Arm powers are tied by Shadow opening his third eye.
The function of the third eye is based on Arrancarrs' take on unleashing their Zanpakuto from the Bleach series.
The aura that the Hollow Raven emits is inspired by the demonic flames that Hiei develops from his Jagan in the HunterXHunter franchise.
Mind you, the Hollow Raven may not be based on any existing character, but its identity or true name (much like a Zanpakuto) does have relations to Shadow the Hedgehog, or rather, extended media. Specifically, television shows and/or comic books. It's obscure enough to keep you guessing. So let me ask you, the readers, a burning question. What do you think is the Hollow Raven's true name?
Scene 9:
Knuckles' epiphany correlates to the group and the audience's lack of knowledge of Sonic's true backstory. It all goes back to his parents. This will give characters another perspective as to why Sonic has a defensive or apathetic attitude towards the notion of his identity and/or past.
Do not worry, we'll get to the finer details behind the murder of Sonic's parents. But yes, Sonic has watched his parents' death. And as it was hinted to all the way back in the earlier chapters, Naugus was the one who finished off Sonic's parents.
No, Sonic does not know what it really means to be a part of a community in the same sense as the others because Sonic usually does not sit in one place. He likes to journey to different locations. So, for him to be anchored into one place for a while will get him used to seeing the same people and getting to know them to form a network of meaningful connections.
Scene 10:
Yes, there is alchemy in the RESURGENCE continuity.
The kind of magic that Gwendolyn the White (RESURGENCE Wendy Naugus) is called Aether Magick and will be explained in the next chapter. I promise.
The Same thing goes for Amy's issues.
I've decided to expand Big's wardrobe and give him a full fisherman's get-up to make him distinct from the rest of Team Rose in the current day.
Big the Cat during the events of Sonic Adventure in this continuity was about fifteen. So I'd say that he's roughly nineteen here where RESURGENCE takes place.
His character will be explored more in the next chapter, but I fully intend for him to not be the dopey and slow cat that others make him out to be.
More elements from different games like the Storybook titles, Colors, and Frontiers will be implemented later down the line.
Please leave your comments, questions, concerns, and criticisms in the Reviews. Tell me what you like, dislike, what could be better, and what you enjoy about the saga and/or story so far by writing a detailed review for me. What are your favorite moments? Who would you like to see more of? Let me know these things, guys! It helps me grow as a writer, and I enjoy reading your thoughts on my work.
Anyway, I'll see you guys later!
-DarkShadowGames451