Chapter 24: The Calm before Hollow Bastion Part 1

"Glad to see you're safe Knuckles," Tails said, happy to see his adventuring friends once more. "Tell us, what did you find on your quest to find the shattered Master Emerald shards?

"Thanks Tails," Knuckles replied, proud of his accomplishments to locate the missing pieces. "However the journey was tough, even for a guardian like myself. The Heartless get stronger and more worlds are on the brink due to these creeps."

In Tails' bustling Workshop, the air was filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity as Knuckles, fresh from his missions to collect the shattered Master Emerald, shared his experiences with Tails, Amy, Yuffie, and Leon. The group gathered around Knuckles, eager to hear about his travels through the various worlds.

"So, Knuckles, have you collected all the shards needed to rebuild the Master Emerald?" Amy asked, curious to understand if Knuckles had now completed his missions.

"From my instincts, I believe all shards have been collected," Knuckles confirmed with a nod, leaning against a workbench. "I believe Sora will have some shards he's collected, which I'll need to fully put it back together again."

"That must be a powerful instinct you have?" Leon said, folding his arms and looking to the leaning guardian.

"I've been the guardian of the Master Emerald for years now," Knuckles replied. "Its essence and power creates a connection, one I can sense from far away."

"You're like a walking emerald radar?" Yuffie questioned, eager to know more from the echidna.

"I guess I am in a way," Knuckles said proudly. "As the guardian, I have a unique aspect on picking up chaos energy, speaking of which…"

The red echidna stopped leaning against Tail's workbench and turned his spiked, gloved hand with his palm facing upwards. Leon and Yuffie were intrigued to know what he was doing, but Tails & Amy had a hunch. With full concentration, Knuckles' summoned the Cyan Chaos Emerald into his grasp. The emerald shone brightly in the well lit room of the workshop, with the chaotic energy pulsing with pure power.

"A Chaos Emerald!" Leon said, in full surprise on what he just witnessed.

"You found another one!" Tails added, knowing the importance of collecting the Chaos Emeralds also, which could bring back Mobius from the depths of darkness.

"Whoa!" Yuffie remarked, taken back by the emerald appearing in Knuckle's hand. "That's some neat trick, you must be hit at Birthday parties!"

Knuckle gave a grin, with his purple eyes focusing on the glowing emerald in his hand.

"I knew Sonic was scouting for the rest of them, but I found this one when I was in a rather mysterious world, deep in the jungle. Reminds me of my home of Angel Island."

Knuckles' eyes looked with intent at the emerald and his thought back to his adventure in that deep jungle, locating the emerald hidden in the depths of that world. It was a tough mission, but the echidna had some help from a group of Gorillas and a warrior who was learning about themselves and his heritage. It reminded the echidna of his home and growing up protecting the Master Emerald, in a way - the stories of the warrior of the jungle and Knuckles was one of the same. Learning a lot about themselves, but also protecting their home from danger.

"Sounds like you had quite the adventure, Knuckles," Tails spoke, walking up to his friend and observing the Cyan emerald glowing brightly. "But tell me, how did you travel around?"

"Yeah, it's not easy to travel between worlds without a vessel," Yuffie added, placing her hands on her hips and looking to Knuckles for answers.

Knuckles gave a small chuckle and looked to the ninja, "I had some help, but sadly that has to stay a secret." Knuckles gave Yuffie a wink and a smile. "I can't give away all my tricks."

Yuffie gave a smile back with a nod, knowing full well about the secrets of being a ninja and some things are better to be locked away and not revealed.

"Knuckles," Leon spoke, arms crossed and staring deeply to the echidna. "Did you manage to find anything more about the Heartless and Maleficent's meddling?"

Knuckles paused and looked at the crossed armed man, his aura was one of seriousness and mystery. Knuckles used his concentration to make the emerald vanish once more as he was about to answer Leon's important question.

"Seems that witch could be plotting something big, which could be a disaster for us all," Knuckles said, with seriousness and dread in his voice.

"What did you find?" Amy asked, concern etched on her face as she looked to the echidna for answers.

Knuckles began to pace around the room full of gadgets, gizmos and machinery, trying to put into words what he knows. He knew it was important and every detail on this urgent matter counted.

"So," Knuckles began. "On the last world I was on before I came to Traverse Town, I encountered Rouge and Omega."

Amy, visibly relieved, replied, "I'm glad to hear they are okay! It's comforting to know that two of our friends from Mobius are alive and out there somewhere."

"I was too," Knuckles added, a hint of camaraderie in his voice despite his rivalry with Rouge. "Even with my differences with that bat, I'm glad she was doing okay."

"What happened?" Leon asked, requesting further information from this encounter.

Knuckles, with a serious nod, started explaining, "Rouge and Omega have been tasked by G.U.N, the surviving officials or those not missing in action, to locate Maleficent and stop whatever she's planning."

"G.U.N? What's that?" Yuffie asked, her lack of familiarity with the acronym led to a confused expression on the ninja's face. Her eyes searched for answers looking towards Knuckles.

"G.U.N stands for Guardian Units of Nations," Knuckles elucidated. "From what Rouge told me, they were onto something before Mobius was drowned in darkness. It's an organization dedicated to protecting Mobius from various threats, especially those involving powerful entities like Maleficent. They've been monitoring other world activities and suspect Maleficent's involvement in the disturbance."

The heroes inside the workshop were taken back by Knuckles' explanation and that G.U.N was still operating, even though Mobius was engulfed by the darkness.

"This is huge!" Tails exclaimed, his analytical mind racing with probabilities and further questions. "What did Rouge and Omega reveal about Maleficent's plan?"

Knuckles continued, trying to perfectly word what he was told by the G.U.N agents, "According to their intel, Maleficent is abducting princesses from various worlds. Strangely, with each world reporting a missing princess, that world vanishes through mysterious means."

"Then that's the connection to what Vector explained earlier before you arrived, Knuckles," Tails said, connecting the dots on Vector's hunch and the information he received from his mysterious source.

"Oh, Vector and the gang are here also?" Knuckles asked, looking at the pondering two tailed fox.

Tails nodded, "Yeah, they set up their detective agency across town."

"The Chaotix have been working on the Ansem Reports," Leon said, revealing to Knuckles what the group were doing. "They have been trying to piece together the reports to Maleficent's scheme."

"They have hit roadblock after roadblock," Amy added. "With Alice turning up out of the blue also and sharing what she knows, this makes perfect sense."

"With this news you've shared, Alice's first hand account and the disappearing worlds, this could help the case become much clearer," Yuffie said, looking towards Knuckles.

"We should get over to them as soon as possible," Yuffie suggested in haste. "The guys need to know and this could lead to this case being solved."

Leon pondered for a moment and looked at the group, he had to take the lead on this.

"Tails," Leon began, looking at the two tailed fox. "Stay here, Sora will be back soon and with Sonic's condition, they will need this information before speaking with Merlin."

"Sonic's condition?" Knuckles questioned with concern. "Is he ok?"

"Sonic is fine, but some powerful magic changed him into his Werehog form," Tails revealed to the group. "He needs to speak to Merlin about changing back."

"Werehog?" Yuffie asked.

"I'll let Sonic show and explain to you all later, but the group is heading back and will be arriving shortly," Tails said in response.

"So, you managed to get hold of the Ship?" Leon asked, looking at Tails.

"Took me a while and a couple of messages to Jiminy, but they are aware of Alice's escape and the other missing princess reported into Team Chaotix," Answered Tails, detailing what the team knows coming in from Nightopia.

"You did mention Vector's theory also, right?" Amy asked.

"Well no, as I already made the call before you arrived back with Vector's theory," Tails responded, caution in his tone.

Amy sighed and shook her head, "And I ran all the way back here with that information."

"Sorry," Tails said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

"It's fine, the team will be back soon," Leon responded, taking authority of the situation. "Tails, explain this to them when they arrive, I will get someone to tell them to come here first."

Tails nodded in agreement with Leon's instructions, he could give a detailed briefing to the group before they went to speak with Merlin.

"Knuckles, Yuffie" Leon said, looking over to the two. "You're with me, we can get Knuckles to set up a space to start building his Master Emerald. Also, we can stop by Merlin's and explain Sonic's issue."

Knuckles and Yuffie looked at each other and gave a nod of approval, they would follow Leon's guidance and leadership on this one.

"Sure thing," Knuckles responded, turning his attention to Leon.

"Right," Yuffie added, willing to aid where she could.

"What about me, Leon?" Asked Amy, eager to help the group.

"Amy," Leon said, "Go back to the Chaotix and explain what Knuckles told us. They need to know, it could help them with their case."

"Understood," Amy replied. "I won't let you down."

Leon nodded to the group and headed to the door, there was no time to lose.

"Knuckles, Yuffie, let's get going," Leon ordered. "You too Amy."

The group, apart from Tails, left the workshop to fulfill their duties. Tails stayed behind and began to ponder further what could it be that Maleficent was truly after. What connection do the Princesses have to her scheme, what was the evil fairy's endgame here?

SOMEWHERE IN SPACE - G.U.N SHIP

In the vast expanse of space, aboard a sleek and military-looking ship, Rouge and Omega navigated the polished corridors with determined strides. The ship exuded an air of precision and efficiency, fitting for the duo on a mission.

Rouge, with her characteristic bat-like grace, and Omega, the imposing robot, conversed as they moved through the vessel's labyrinthine passages. Their conversation touched upon various topics, from the recent encounter with Knuckles to the looming threat posed by Maleficent.

"Seeing Knuckles again was a surprise," Rouge remarked, her wings adjusting subtly as she spoke. "He's as headstrong as ever."

Omega, his metallic visage unyielding, responded in his characteristic robotic tone, "Knuckles' resilience is commendable. However, our primary concern is the threat posed by Maleficent. The potential involvement of the Keyblade wielder and Sonic in thwarting her plans is a noteworthy development."

"I sure hope they can stop her," Rouge replied. "She is a powerful sorceress and cunning, we can't let her succeed."

"Affirmative," Omega responded in his metallic voice .

The two continued their journey to speak with their senior officer at G.U.N, there was a lot to unpacked from what information and intel they gathered. However, something was on Rouge's mind. With Shadow's disappearance to follow Sonic into a dark portal, they were missing their final member of Team Dark.

"I hope Shadow is ok," Rouge muttered. "He has not been heard from in a while. Sonic said to our contacts that he stayed behind to stop and save Eggman."

"Shadow can handle himself," Omega affirmed. "Shadow's adaptability is an asset. His return, when deemed necessary, is likely."

"You're right, he will return when the circumstances are right," Rouge said with a nod, knowing the Ultimate Lifeform would return sooner rather than later.

As they continued their brisk walk, the conversation shifted to the enigma surrounding Alice and the circumstances leading to her presence in Traverse Town.

"Big Green's intel on Alice is intriguing," Rouge mused, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Arriving in Traverse Town after not being recognized as a Princess of Heart, entering the world through a portal. Odd, isn't it?"

Omega, the epitome of logic, responded, "Inconclusive findings on the matter. The entity responsible for her rescue remains unidentified."

The two agents of G.U.N reached the doors of the Central Hub of the ship. They could hear the hustle and bustle of the room, even from outside the metal doors. With their main base of operations no longer available to them, the organization needed to keep their operations going at any means necessary. As they drift through space and the lanes between worlds, G.U.N continues to monitor and observe.

"Let's tell the boss what we have," Rouge said, looking at her robotic ally with fiery determination.

"Affirmative," Omega responded.

As Rouge pressed her palm onto a scanner, the light turned green and access was granted. As the doors flew open, the central hub of the sleek and bustling G.U.N. ship pulsed with activity, a symphony of officers, analysts, and staff working in tandem. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency, and the efficient hum of conversations filled the air.

Amidst the controlled chaos, the figure of the Senior Officer, known only as Commander, stood at the heart of the operation. He was a stern-looking man, his short white hair accentuating the intensity of his heterochromia gaze. His left eye bore a striking green hue, while his right eye held a deep brown. Clad in a gray service dress uniform adorned with four gold stars on red backings, the Commander exuded an air of authority. The G.U.N. emblem adorned his upper left sleeve, and red and blue stripes adorned the lower sleeves and pants. Black combat boots and white gloves completed his formidable ensemble. As Rouge and Omega approached, the Commander turned his gaze toward them, his eyes sharp and discerning.

"Agents, report," he commanded, his voice cutting through the ambient noise.

Rouge, with her usual poise, and Omega, standing stoically at her side, began to relay the crucial information they had gathered.

"Commander, we've received intel from our allies," Rouge began, her tone conveying both urgency and precision. "Maleficent's base of operations is on a world known as Hollow Bastion."

"Hollow Bastion, you say?" The Commander's tone carried an authoritative weight, demanding a thorough explanation for such a significant revelation. His gaze bore into Omega, expecting nothing less than a detailed account.

"Commander," Omega responded, his metallic voice resonating with unwavering precision. "The intel regarding Hollow Bastion and Maleficent's base of operations is derived from the rescue of the supposed Princess of Heart, Alice. She was extracted from Maleficent's clutches through the intervention of a mysterious portal. Alice is now seeking refuge in Traverse Town, collaborating with Team Chaotix."

"Alice? A Princess of Heart?" The Commander said, his expression tightened as he processed this information. The man with authority glanced at Rouge for confirmation.

Rouge, with a nonchalant air, confirmed, "Yes, Commander. Maleficent believed Alice to be one of the Princesses of Heart, but it seems she was mistaken. Alice is now safe with Vector, Espio and Charmy."

"And what of Maleficent's activities in Hollow Bastion? What is she planning?" The Commander pondered, he was known for his strategic acumen and continued to think through the implications of this revelation.

Omega responded, "Our sources indicate that Maleficent is orchestrating a plan to assemble Seven Princesses of Heart. The purpose remains unknown, but it aligns with the findings in Ansem's reports."

The Commander's gaze shifted to the wall-mounted screen displaying a holographic map of various worlds.

"Seven Princesses of Heart... Ansem's reports... I feel the pieces are slowly coming together."

Rouge interjected, "Commander, there's another layer to this. Alice mentioned seeing a grand hall with pod-like structures on Hollow Bastion. Each pod contained an individual, but she couldn't identify them."

The Commander, a figure of authority with a weighty responsibility, sighed and furrowed his brow in deep contemplation.

"Sir?" Rouge inquired, seeking guidance from her senior officer.

"The possibility that Princess Elise III might be inside one of those pods raises questions," he stated with a measured tone, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Could she also be one of those legendary Princesses of Heart?"

Rouge, standing nearby, exchanged a knowing glance with Omega. The weight of their collective knowledge pressed upon them as they considered the potential implications of Elise's disappearance and the fate of their home world, Mobius.

Omega, ever logical, responded, "There is a 50% chance, but further intel is required for confirmation."

The Commander, undeterred by uncertainties, pressed a button on a nearby console. The screen flickered to life, displaying images of the missing princesses – Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ophelia Augusta – and a placeholder for Elise. The room fell into a tense silence as the evidence on the screen echoed the anguish of worlds succumbing to the encroaching darkness.

The Commander's gaze remained fixed on the screen, analyzing the images and processing the profound implications. The missing princesses, each tied to a vanquished world, highlighted a sinister pattern. He spoke with a measured tone, emphasizing the grim reality they faced.

"From intelligence we have gathered, Princess Jasmine, although her world remains intact due to the Keyblade Masters sealing of Agrabah's keyhole, is still missing. However, for the others, their worlds are gone, swallowed by the encroaching shadows."

A solemn acknowledgment filled the room as the Commander continued to piece together the puzzle. His analysis delved into the correlation between a Princess of Light being taken and the subsequent demise of their world.

"This is evidence that we have gathered – a Princess of Light taken and the world's keyhole left unsealed. In these instances, the Heartless invade, seizing control of the once-vibrant realms, reducing them to mere shadows of their former glory."

Rouge pressed further, her curiosity mirrored in the questioning gazes of her colleagues. "But why? What's Maleficent's end goal?" The Commander, determined to provide answers, pressed another button, summoning a document onto the screen.

"This Ansem Report was found recently by one of our agents," the Commander explained, his gaze fixed on the screen. "The wording is rather cryptic, but one line is key to a hypothesis." The screen displayed the text of Ansem Report 12:

Ansem Report 12:

"The body is gone; the heart should have returned to the Heartless. And yet, nothing. This one is unlike any other. Its memories remain, and it has yet to take the form of a Heartless. A close eye must be kept on the situation. Much is still unknown. To get to the realm of Darkness, one must go through the doors of Kingdom Hearts, the place where the world's hearts connect. Beyond this world is a place in which Darkness reigns. (Details shall be archived in a separate report) There are many worlds in existence, some of which we know nothing about. The world in which we live. The realm of Darkness. The realm of Light. And the world in between. Wherein lies true nirvana?"

"That line in bold," The Commander spoke, ready to detail the significance of that passage further. "This could be what Maleficent is planning."

"What do you mean, what is Kingdom Hearts?" Inquired Rouge, breaking the silence that hung in the command center.

The Commander took a deep breath before responding, "Kingdom Hearts is no ordinary realm. It's a place shrouded in legend and mystery, existing beyond the boundaries of our known worlds."

"Please proceed, data gathering in progress," Omega explained, gathering this crucial information from his Commander.

The Commander began to narrate the tale, his voice resonating with a mixture of historical reverence and caution.

"According to ancient lore, Kingdom Hearts is the heart of all worlds, the source of great power and knowledge. It's said to be the convergence point of the hearts of every world, connecting the realm of Light, the realm of Darkness, and the space in between."

As he continued, the Commander painted a vivid picture of the legend—a realm where the hearts of worlds intertwined, a focal point of unimaginable energy.

"If this is the witch's endgame, and if she reaches Kingdom Hearts, she could wield unimaginable power, reshape the fabric of reality, and bring about untold chaos," The Commander Explained. "The balance between Light and Darkness, the delicate equilibrium that keeps our worlds stable, would be at risk."

"I was not expecting this data input," Omega interjected with a touch of humor, as the machine continued to add this information to his memory files.

"So what you are saying is, there is a possibility the Princesses of Heart can lead her to this Kingdom Hearts?" Questioned Rouge.

"In theory, based on our analysis, data and previous accounts, it's a strong possibility," The Commander confirmed.

"We must stop Maleficent, any means necessary!" Omega replied, his robotic voice eager to take on this mission.

The Commander nodded, the pieces of the puzzle coming together in his mind.

"I agree," The Commander nodded with confirmation. The pieces of the puzzle coming together in his mind. "This is now a rescue mission to save the Princesses kidnapped by Maleficent's forces."

"Understood," Rouge replied, knowing she would be leading the charge of this mission to save the kidnapped royals.

"In light of these revelations," the Commander declared, his words echoing with purpose, "we will initiate Operation Radiant Retrieval. Our goal is clear: save the Princesses and prevent Maleficent from reaching Kingdom Hearts."

The room fell into a focused hush, the gravity of the mission settling on each occupant. The Commander's decisive action spurred the team into motion.

"What do you need us to do?" Rouge asked, looking for clarification and orders from her superior.

The Commander pondered for a moment, then outlined the first steps of the operation.

"Agents Rouge and Omega, head to Hollow Bastion and await further instructions. We will apprehend Maleficent, and she will be brought to justice, one way or another."

TEAM CHAOTIX DETECTIVE AGENCY

"You caught us at the right time, Amy," Vector said, sitting comfortably from his desk chair. "We were just about to head over to Tails' place to speak with Knuckles.

"Yeah, we were almost locking up." Charmy interjected, with his usual charming positive attitude. "I had the sign ready and everything.

"Glad I caught you all just in time," Amy responded. "Leon told me to come here to give you some updates on what Knuckles told us.

"Interesting," Espio noted, leaning against the wall nearby.

"What did Knuckles say?" Aerith asked, standing near Amy, eager to know more.

"What did your friend tell you, Amy?" Alice added, also wanting to know further information as she sat with anticipation.

The atmosphere became thick with tension and anticipation as Amy relayed the information discussed at Tails' Workshop. Amy recounted Knuckles' revelations about his adventures, seeing Rouge and Omega and the revelation of G.U.N's involvement in this drama. Vector, deep in thought, began to connect the dots. He pondered further about Knuckles' comments regarding Rouge and Omega's mission from G.U.N.

"So, G.U.N was onto something even before Mobius fell into darkness," Vector mused, his detective instincts kicking in. "If they're after Maleficent and trying to stop her plan, it means this is bigger than just Mobius."

"It seems the threads of this investigation are weaving a larger tapestry," Espio added, crossed arms and still leaning against the wall of the agency. "The missing princesses, the vanishing worlds, and now G.U.N's involvement. It's all interconnected."

"And Knuckles found another Chaos Emerald and saw Rouge and Omega on another world?," Charmy said, buzzing with curiosity. "This is like a big puzzle, and we're trying to fit all the pieces together!"

Alice, who had been sitting quietly sipping her tea listening, joined the conversation.

"It's clear there's a grander scheme at play. The Princesses of Heart, the disappearing worlds, and Maleficent's cryptic plan. It all points to a deeper mystery."

"The Ansem Reports and Knuckles' intel provide valuable insights, but we still need more pieces to understand the full picture." Aerith said with a calm demeanor.

Vector, sensing the complexity of the situation, nodded. "Knuckles' intel about G.U.N and Rouge's mission is a breakthrough. It's all about stopping Maleficent's overarching plan."

"Sora, Sonic, and the rest are coming into town soon. I'm sure you guys will catch up on what they have to say also," Amy said, looking at the crocodile detective.

Vector's response was resolute, "Absolutely. But from what has been gathered and Alice's evidence, this means that Sora needs to get his Keyblade over to Hollow Bastion pronto. If that is where Maleficent's base of operations is, that world needs saving, and so could the imprisoned Princesses tangled up in this."

"Innocent lives need saving," Espio said calmly, still leaning against the wall. "Their absence from their home worlds has caused too much destruction."

"They all probably want to go home!" Charmy added, his innocent nature showing as he spoke.

"We all do Charmy," Vector said looking at the charismatic Bee. "Apart from Alice, we are all refugees, thanks to that witch's scheming."

"I feel for you all," Alice said, she was sincere in her wording. "I hope this nightmare ends soon for all of you."

"Thank you, Alice," Aerith replied, moved by the young girl's words. "We hope so too."

Turning the attention back to Knuckles' arrival, Vector was eager to find out where the Echidna was.

"So, where's Knuckles anyway?" Vector asked, leaning forward from his chair.

"He's gone with Leon and Yuffie to speak with Merlin, before trying to build the shattered Master Emerald," Amy said, answering the detective's questions calmly.

"Merlin huh?" Vector pondered aloud. "Why's that?"

"Sonic needs some advice when they get here," Amy replied. "Let's just say Sonic needs some magical advice urgently."

"Is he ok?" Espio asked, concerned about his blue ally.

"What's wrong with Sonic?" Charmy added, showing concern also for his friend.

"Well he is fine," Amy began. "He's stuck as his Werehog form after dealing with some powerful magic."

"Werehog?" Alice asked, placing her cup down on the table.

"I'm also intrigued by this concept," Aerith added, trying to imagine this beastly creature of Sonic. "What is it exactly?"

Vector, ever the detective, took the lead in explaining Sonic's unique transformation to Alice and Aerith. With detailed descriptions and vivid imagery, he painted a picture of Sonic's Werehog form to them both.

"Alright, so here's the scoop," Vector began, leaning in as if sharing a classified secret. "When Sonic transforms into that Werehog, he undergoes a physical metamorphosis. His blue fur turns darker, and he gains these gnarly-looking claws. But the real kicker is his increased strength and stretchy arms, giving him some serious muscle. It's like Sonic turns into a powerful, nocturnal version of himself."

Alice and Aerith exchanged perplexed glances, seeking clarification from Amy, Espio, and Charmy. The trio of Mobians responded with nods, affirming the validity of Vector's statement.

Undeterred, Vector continued with an animated storytelling flair, "Oh, and did I mention his stretchy arms can grapple onto things, making him quite the acrobat? It's a bit of a wild card, but when the stakes are high, Sonic's Werehog form can pack a punch and then some."

"That must be some powerful magic if he is stuck like this," Espio chimed in, expressing concern for his ally.

"Hope Sonic can return back to normal soon," Charmy added with youthful optimism.

"If anyone can fix a magical mess, it's old Merlin," Vector said with confidence, knowing the wizard would do what he could to fix Sonic.

"I look forward to seeing this version of Sonic, even though it's not his doing," Aerith remarked, intrigued by the unique situation.

Meanwhile, Alice remained puzzled, her eyes were trying to work out how Sonic became this creature.

"Please could someone explain further," Alice asked in confusion. "How did Sonic become this beast?"

"Originally, Sonic transformed due to Dark Gaia, a dark creature released when Doctor Eggman cracked our home world into pieces," Amy elucidated. "A piece of Dark Gaia latched onto Sonic, and he gained the powers of the Werehog. From what Tails gathered from the group, Sonic is stuck in this form due to the darkness he brought back from that dark realm, saving me."

"That dark realm holds many surprises," Vector said. "A realm of pure darkness and mystery."

"Perhaps it's worth some detective work once this case is closed?" Espio asked, looking at Vector from the wall he was leaning on.

"A case for another time for sure," Vector replied, nodding back to his team mate. "Well, we better wait for Sora, Sonic, Donald and Goofy's arrival - I'm sure they will have a lot more to discuss in person.

"Yeah!" Charmy interjected, full of energy and positivity.

"They shouldn't be too long," Amy added. "But like you said, Vector, they need to hurry to Hollow Bastion and stop whatever Maleficent is planning!"

The group in the detective agency knew time was not on their side. With the princesses taken and the world's vanishing puzzle becoming clearer, it was becoming clear that the evil fairy was planning something drastic, which could endanger many worlds across the universe. The power of darkness was a concept the team knew frightening little about at the start of this adventure. However, the amount of times they have dealt with the issues and reading the Ansem Reports they had, it became a subject everyone knew back to front.

TRAVERSE TOWN - WORLD GATE

In the quaint atmosphere of Traverse Town's First District, the group of heroes stepped through the World Gate, Sonic still in his Werehog form, and entered the cobbled streets illuminated by gas lamps. The sound of clicking came from the cobbles as Sonic in his Werehog shoes made sounds against the ground that echoed around the quiet, calming district.

"I hope Merlin can fix this mess," Sonic said, grumbling at his predicament.

"If anyone can help, it's Merlin!" Donald remarked, knowing that Merlin was powerful enough to solve this issue for Sonic.

"Yeah!" Goofy added. "If the King trusts him on our adventure, he can do anything."

"Let's get moving then, time is ticking," Sonic replied, hastily wanting the group to head to Merlin's abode on the other side of this town.

Suddenly, a familiar voice resonated through the air, "Hey Sora, Donald, Goofy!"

The group turned to see a small, wooden boy waving near the postbox. It was Pinocchio! Jiminy, the cricket, leaped onto Sonic's strapping shoulder, looking to see his friend once again.

"Hey, Pinoc!" Jiminy shouted out, jumping up and down waving.

"Let's go see what he wants?" Sora said to the group, taking the lead by walking forwards towards the small puppet.

The team made their way over to Pinocchio, eager to find out what he was after. As they approached the wooden boy, Sonic looked down at the well crafted puppet. This was the first time Sonic had interacted with him, but he heard stories from the group and read Jiminy's journal about Pinocchio's run in with Riku.

"So, you're Pinocchio?" Sonic asked, his deep voice cutting through the quiet Traverse Town first district. "The one Riku tried to kidnap inside Monstro?"

Pinocchio nodded, his wooden head bobbing up and down.

"Yes, that's me!," The puppet replied. "But Jiminy and Sora helped me out of that mess."

"We're a team, you know," Jiminy added, perched on Sonic's shoulder.

Sonic grinned, "Teamwork's always a winner."

"You're Sonic right?" Pinocchio asked, looking at Sonic with wide-eyed curiosity.

"Sure am," The hedgehog confirmed.

"It's the first time I'm meeting a hedgehog. Do all hedgehogs look like you?" Pinocchio asked, curious about seeing Sonic for the first time.

"Pinoc!" Jiminy shouted out. "That's no way to speak to a new friend like that!"

"I'm sorry Jiminy," Pinocchio replied sheepishly and apologetic. "He looks super strong, tall and furry. I thought hedgehogs were smaller, spiky and agile that's all."

Sonic chuckled, "Nah, it's a bit of a special circumstance. Don't worry about it, kid. Long story short, got caught up in some weird magic."

Jiminy chimed in, "Speaking of stories, Pinocchio, Sonic here has been through a lot of adventures. He's not just a hedgehog; he's a hero!"

Pinocchio's eyes sparkled with wonder, "Wow, a hero! That's amazing!"

"So, Pinocchio," Sora said, looking at the wooden puppet. "What are you doing here waving us over?"

"You got something important to share with us?" Goofy asked, looking for answers.

Pinocchio nodded, his wooden joints creaking a bit as he moved.

"Yeah, something big! Leon told me to find you guys and tell you to head over to Tails' workshop. He said there's important news for you."

"Important news, huh?" Sonic questioned, pondering what it could be. "Alright, let's not keep Tails waiting. Lead the way, Pinocchio!"

TO BE CONTINUED