Chapter 13: Plan C for Cerberus & Knuckles
The semi-final clash between Sora and Cloud unfolded with an intensity that electrified the Colosseum. The clang of blades echoed through the arena as Sora, wielding Redemption's Echo Keyblade, clashed with Cloud and his imposing Buster Sword.
Sora lunged forward with determination, but Cloud effortlessly swung his massive sword, knocking the young Keyblade wielder back.
"That's the best you can do?" Taunted Cloud, with confidence.
Sora, undeterred, retorted with determination.
"I can do this all day!"
"Whatever you say, kid." Cloud remarked, ready to strike once again with his impressive Buster Sword.
On the sidelines, Donald and Goofy shouted words of encouragement, urging Sora to press on. The crowd, caught up in the thrilling spectacle, erupted in cheers and applause. Phil revealed in the excitement, narrating the action to the ecstatic audience.
In the shadows, Hades watched the match unfold, sensing that the time was ripe for the second part of his plan C. The atmosphere crackled with tension as Sora and Cloud continued their fierce exchange.
Sora, driven by the support of his friends, declared, "My friends are counting on me!" He slid forward, striking with his Keyblade, but Cloud evaded with a swift backward dodge, leaping into the air. Cloud, displaying unnatural strength, slammed his sword into the ground, missing Sora by inches. With a powerful surge, Cloud closed the gap, landing blows against Sora.
Despite Sora's resilience, Cloud's experience as a SOLDIER recruit proved unmatched, and he knocked the wind out of the determined Keyblade wielder. Cloud, standing over a kneeling Sora, peered down at him with a mix of superiority and indifference.
"Uh Oh," Donald gasped, knowing Sora was outmatched here.
"Sora's in trouble!" Added Goofy in worry, seeing his friend about to be defeated.
Phil, sensing the one-sided nature of the match, rushed in with a white towel to signal Sora's defeat. However, Hades, the scheming god of the underworld, intervened, halting Phil in his tracks.
"Hades?" Phil remarked in confusion.
"Let this play out, my goat friend." Hades responded with that sinister grin.
Just as Cloud raised his sword, seemingly ready to deliver the final blow, the unexpected happened. A giant black claw descended upon Cloud, startling both combatants. Sora looked up to witness the emergence of a colossal three-headed beast with red eyes—Cerberus. Darkness emanated from its jaws, each razor-sharp tooth bared. Cerberus had stomped on Cloud with such force, it took out the swordsman with ease.
Sora, bewildered by the sudden turn of events, gasped as Hades retreated into the shadows of the gateways.
"Oh, right, there was one other rule I forgot: Accidents happen." Remarked Hades, with a smug grin.
Panic gripped the stands as spectators rushed to distance themselves from the unexpected appearance of Cerberus.
"CERBERUS!" Shouted a panicked spectator, trying to escape from the Colosseum.
"WE NEED A HERO!" Cried out another fan.
The Colosseum, once a stage for heroic battles, now descended into chaos. The monstrous beast, with three menacing heads and eyes glowing a malevolent red, lunged at Sora, prepared to unleash its dark fury upon the young Keyblade wielder.
But then, amidst the chaos, a figure emerged—a silhouette of raw power and indomitable strength. Phil, in awe, shouted a name that resonated with the essence of mythical might.
"HERC!"
And there he stood, bathed in a divine radiance that seemed to push back the encroaching darkness—a Herculean figure with muscles carved from the very stones of Olympus. Hercules, the hero of Greece, whose legend was whispered in awe across the realms. His chiseled features were a symphony of determination and noble grace, crowned by a cascade of dark curls that framed a face both kind and stern.
The mighty Hercules raised his colossal arms, pushing against the monstrous weight of Cerberus. His eyes, a radiant blue reflecting the clarity of the heavens, surveyed the battlefield with a mix of determination and concern.
"Phil, get them out of here!" Hercules commanded, his voice a blend of strength and compassion.
Amidst the turmoil, Phil hastily guided Sora, Donald, Goofy, and himself to the relative safety of the lobby area. Phil's weary breaths punctuated the tense atmosphere as Cerberus' roars echoed through the Colosseum.
"Whew, that was close!" Phil weazed, trying to catch his breath."
"What the heck was that thing?" Donald asked.
"That was Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld." Clarified Phil. "Herc should be able to handle him. But then again, maybe not... This doesn't look good. I hope Herc's okay. Wish I could go in!"
Amidst Phil's expressed concerns, Sora, propelled by the very essence of his courageous spirit, moved to return to the Coliseum.
"Kid, you're not entering the arena, are ya?" Asked Phil in confusion. "This ain't just some match. This is for real!"
"I'm not afraid. You can decide if I'm hero material or not." Declared Sora, with determination in his voice, eager to help Hercules take down that beast.
Phil, torn between admiration for Sora's bravery and the responsibility for his safety, sought to dissuade him. However, before he could make a definitive decision, an unexpected voice disrupted the tension.
"Let me aid Sora and his friends."
The four looked to see that it was none other than Knuckles, entering the lobby area from the shadows. This introduced a new layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. Sora, Donald, and Goofy, still cautious of their former adversary, exchanged puzzled glances.
"Knuckles, you want to help?" Asked Sora, looking at the Red Echidna.
"I do," Confirmed Knuckles with a nod, stepping in front of the three heroes and Phil.
"Hades used me and is using Cloud. We both are after something, and Hades promised to help, but clearly, we've been tricked."
"How can we trust you? Questioned Donald, with skepticism in his voice.
Goofy, always ready with a touch of humor, chimed in.
"Yeah, you do owe me a new shield!"
Knuckles turned to Sora, his expression earnest and sincere.
"Trust me, kid. I've been played too many times, and this time takes the cake. I need to get my own back on Hades, and we can send that dog back to the underworld together."
Sora, sensing the authenticity in Knuckles' words, nodded in agreement.
"You got it. That demon dog doesn't stand a chance."
Phil, after a moment of contemplation, sighed and gave his reluctant approval of these heroes to take on Cerberus and send him packing.
"Alright, go in and help Herc, but be careful!" Phil uttered to the group, knowing this wouldn't be easy.
Making their way back to the arena, The Colosseum quaked with the primal fury of Cerberus, with the monstrous guardian poised to strike. Sora and his comrades re-entered the battleground, their eyes fixed on the chaos that unfolded. Hercules, burdened by the unconscious Cloud, navigated through the relentless onslaught, the three heads of Cerberus snapping hungrily.
"Kid, I got two words of advice for you: Attack!" Ordered Phil, giving instructions to Sora & Co.
Cerberus
(Battle Music: Sonic 3 & Knuckles: Major Boss Theme)
With a battle cry, Cerberus turned its attention to the newly arrived heroes. The arena pulsated with fiery energy as the beast unleashed a barrage of flaming projectiles. Sora deftly danced around the onslaught, Donald retaliated with Thunder spells, and Knuckles, demonstrating his unique skills, burrowed underground only to resurface with a powerful uppercut to one of the heads.
A fireball surged towards Sora, and with swift reflexes, he deflected it using his Keyblade, aiming it right into the center head's eyes. The beast roared in agony, its attention fixated on Sora. As Cerberus lunged forward, attempting to seize the young hero, Sora agilely danced out of harm's way.
Cerberus, undeterred, reared up on its hind legs and crashed down, creating a shockwave that reverberated through the arena. Sora, Donald, Goofy and Knuckles skillfully evaded the seismic assault, their coordination a testament to their growing prowess.
Sora, seizing an opportune moment, downed a potion to mend his wounds.
"This should help." Sora said to himself, as he could feel the potion working on his body.
Cerberus, however, wasn't finished. Dark energy foamed at its jaws as it unleashed a torrent of malevolent energy, casting a sinister pool beneath.
"Watch out, the beast is up to something." Knuckles remarked.
The red echidna took to the skies, gracefully gliding to evade the ominous attack.
As the dark matter spewed forth, Sora rolled with agility, narrowly avoiding the encroaching shadows. Goofy, demonstrating remarkable acrobatics, found his way atop Cerberus and sent his shield whirling towards the menacing heads. Knuckles also made his way up the beast's back and found himself at the top also with the King's Captain.
Knuckles, executing his 'Power Pump' punch, with red sparks coming from his massive fist, delivered a blow of unparalleled force to one of the heads, creating an opening for Sora to advance.
"All yours, kid!" Knuckles declared to Sora.
Sora, harnessing the momentum, launched a relentless assault on the exposed head. Cerberus, battered and reeling, succumbed to the combined might of the heroes. The colossal beast crashed to the ground, defeated, its mighty roar silenced.
Sora, breathing heavily but exhilarated by the victory, looked to his friends.
"Nice moves, Knuckles!" Sora said in relief that this fight was over. "And Goofy, that shield toss was epic!"
"Thanks, Sora! We make a great team!" Goofy declared proudly. "Getting stronger each time."
"Not bad, Knuckles." Panted Donald trying to catch his breath. "Still not sure if I trust ya, though."
"Trust me or not, I'm here to kick some darkness with you guys." Smirked Knuckles.
As the echoes of their triumph lingered in the arena, the heroes readied themselves for the challenges yet to unfold. The Colosseum, once shrouded in chaos, now bore witness to the resilience of friendship and the strength that blossomed in the face of adversity.
"Wow, the kid and his friends did it!" Phil stated in awe, a sense of pride came over the tough trainer. "Maybe that kid has got what it takes to be a hero."
Rank: A
Sora: Sonic Blade Ability Unlocked:
Description: Sonic Blade is an advanced Keyblade technique that allows Sora to execute a rapid series of lightning-fast strikes, closing the distance between him and his target with unparalleled speed. This move embodies the essence of swiftness and precision, taking inspiration from the legendary speedster Sonic.
Activation: To initiate Sonic Blade, Sora must be in a combat situation, armed with a Keyblade. The move is triggered by a combination of precise button inputs and Sora's command of the Keyblade. The activation sequence requires split-second timing and finesse.
Execution:
Keyblade Channeling: Sora focuses his Keyblade, channeling the energy within it.
Rapid Strikes: In an instant, Sora dashes towards the targeted enemy with blinding speed, becoming a streak of light. The move unfolds as a flurry of rapid strikes, each strike seamlessly transitioning into the next.
Target Precision: Sora's precision in targeting is crucial. He can lock onto a single enemy or unleash the Sonic Blade on multiple adversaries in quick succession.
Visual Trail: As Sora executes Sonic Blade, a visual trail of light follows the path of his movements, creating an afterimage effect that signifies the incredible speed of the attack.
Combo Potential: The move can be customized and upgraded, allowing Sora to incorporate variations and additional strikes into the Sonic Blade sequence. These enhancements increase the combo potential and overall effectiveness of the technique.
Key Benefits:
Swift Maneuverability: Sora can close the gap between enemies swiftly, providing both offensive and defensive advantages.
Stunning Effect: Successfully executing Sonic Blade inflicts stunning effects on foes, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Combo Integration: Sonic Blade seamlessly integrates into existing Keyblade combos, enhancing Sora's overall combat capabilities.
Caution:
Precise Timing: Sonic Blade requires precise timing during activation. A mistimed attempt may leave Sora vulnerable to counterattacks.
Strategic Targeting: The move is most effective when used strategically, ensuring Sora targets enemies within his line of sight.
Mastering Sonic Blade requires practice and finesse, but once harnessed, it becomes a cornerstone of Sora's formidable combat repertoire. May your journey through the realms be swift and victorious!
REALM OF DARKNESS
Far away from the Olympic Colosseum and the chaos of defeating Cerberus. In the seemingly endless expanse of the Realm of Darkness, Sonic and Shadow dashed through the void, their paths illuminated by the glinting blue and red streaks of their speed. Their mission: to rescue Amy from the clutches of the darkness that pervaded this desolate realm. As they ventured deeper, the air grew thick with the ominous presence of the Heartless.
"Looks like we have some company." Sonic stated, looking around at the looming darkness of the Heartless.
Always the beacon of boundless energy, Sonic couldn't resist cracking a grin as they faced the first wave of adversaries, the towering and menacing Darksides. These colossal Heartless emerged from the shadows, their glowing yellow eyes fixated on the intruders.
"Well, Shadow, looks like we've got some big fellas to take care of. Are you ready for this?" Sonic asked, looking at the brooding hedgehog.
Shadow, his crimson eyes focused and determined, responded with a nod.
"Let's get this over with."
The duo burst into action, Sonic darting forward with a burst of speed that left an electrifying trail in his wake. He homed in on the first Darkside, executing a series of dazzling spins and flips before landing a precise homing attack. The Heartless staggered under the barrage, but before it could recover, Sonic unleashed his light speed dash, streaking through the Heartless ranks like a comet of blue light.
Meanwhile, Shadow took a more direct approach. He conjured Chaos Spears, hurling them with precision at the Heartless, each spear finding its mark. As the Darksides roared in fury, Shadow executed a swift Chaos Control, momentarily freezing the Heartless in time before delivering a barrage of punches and kicks. His movements were a dance of controlled chaos, a symphony of destruction.
Sonic, never one to be outdone, circled back to the fray. With a triumphant smirk, he activated his Fire Ring, imbuing his next Spin Dash with the scorching power of flames. The Heartless stood no chance as Sonic blitzed through them, leaving a trail of singed darkness in his wake.
Shadow, sensing an opportunity, unleashed a basic Chaos Control to slow down time around him. He maneuvered effortlessly through the suspended Heartless, targeting weak points with surgical precision. As time resumed its normal flow, the Heartless crumbled beneath the combined assault of Sonic and Shadow.
But the battle was far from over. A horde of Shadows, the smaller, nimble Heartless, slithered from the shadows, surrounding the duo. Sonic cracked his knuckles with a confident grin.
"Shadow, fancy a little teamwork?"
Shadow acknowledged with a nod, and the two executed a synchronized combo. Sonic initiated a Spin Dash, creating a vortex of energy, while Shadow followed with a Homing Attack that sent him darting between Heartless, leaving destruction in his wake.
As the duo carved through the Shadows, Sonic unleashed his Thunder Ring, infusing his next move with crackling electricity. With a powerful Spin Dash, Sonic transformed into a living lightning bolt, electrifying the Heartless on contact. The Shadows scattered, their dark forms flickering in the residual energy.
Shadow, never one to miss an opportunity, summoned his Chaos Spears once again. This time, he enhanced them with a touch of darkness, creating a chaotic storm that tore through the remaining Heartless. Sonic, catching on to Shadow's strategy, channeled his Blizzard Ring, freezing the Heartless in their tracks.
In the aftermath, the Realm of Darkness echoed with the triumphant banter of Sonic and the stoic silence of Shadow.
"Not bad, Shadow." Remarked Sonic. "We make a pretty good team when we're not at each other's throats."
"Save the chatter for later." Retorted Shadow. "We have a long way to go."
In the vast emptiness of the Realm of Darkness, Amy's cries for help echoed, a haunting melody in the desolate void. The darkness seemed to stretch endlessly, obscuring any clear path before them. With keen senses, Shadow focused on the subtle nuances of the cries, pinpointing Amy's location amidst the foreboding darkness.
"We are close. We must hurry," Shadow declared, his crimson eyes piercing the gloom.
Ever ready for action, Sonic proposed a swift solution.
"Why not use Chaos Control to zap us straight to Amy? It's gotta save us some time, right?" Sonic suggested.
However, a sigh escaped Shadow as he contemplated the feasibility of Sonic's idea. His eyes scanned the dark surroundings, revealing a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced. Shadow then plucked out the red chaos emerald into his hand and started to explain the issues with that idea.
"Chaos Control has its limits in this realm. Teleporting over long distances is risky, especially with the darkness interfering. It's not as simple as it seems," Shadow explained.
Sonic, a bit frustrated, scratched his head in contemplation.
"So, Chaos Energy isn't at its best here, huh?" Sonic mused.
Shadow nodded in confirmation.
"Correct. We can use it for short bursts, like in our battles, but extensive teleportation is a different story."
Sonic, accepting the limitations, uttered a resigned agreement.
"Dang, that's a bummer. Alright, let's stick to good ol' running then."
With a nod of agreement, the duo started to dash off through the shadowy void. As they made tracks into the darkness, a mysterious figure observed them from a distance. Concealed in the darkness, the stranger's intentions remained veiled in secrecy.
"I wonder if they can help me?" The stranger pondered.
The enigmatic presence lingered in the obscurity, casting an aura of mystery over the unfolding journey of Sonic and Shadow, who, with determination in their hearts, pressed forward to rescue Amy from the clutches of darkness. Unaware of the watcher in the shadows, the hedgehogs ventured deeper into the unknown, their fates intertwined with the secrets concealed in the inky abyss.
Olympic Colosseum
The Colosseum's lobby buzzed with a mix of relief and camaraderie. Hercules, Cloud, and the heroes gathered to catch their breath after the intense encounter with Cerberus. Phil, with a triumphant grin, praised the heroes for their hard work.
"Kid, that was one wild ride! You and your friends really know how to handle yourselves in a tight spot."
Sora grinned back, acknowledging Phil's praise.
"Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"
Donald and Goofy nodded in agreement, proud of their collective effort. As the adrenaline settled, Cloud, leaning against a wall, recovered from the beast's attack. Sora turned to the brooding warrior with a small grin.
"So, Cloud, who won in our little match?"
Cloud, known for his stoic demeanor, cracked a small smirk and shook his head. However, Phil enjoying the banter, chimed in.
"Let's call it a draw. So technically, our echidna friend here," he pointed at Knuckles, "would be the Phil Cup champion!"
Knuckles, who had seemingly found the whole affair a bit too easy, scratched his head.
"Well, that was a breeze. But hey, at least I got my shards."
Sora grinned, seizing the opportunity to share their adventures.
"Oh, speaking of shards, we've been collecting pieces of the Master Emerald on our journey. Sonic's been a great guide, showing us where to find them."
"That's right! We've got quite a collection now." Stated Donald, adding to Sora's statement.
Goofy nodded in agreement.
"Yep, all thanks to Sonic's help."
Knuckles, still intrigued, raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you've been busy."
Sora nodded, eager to elaborate.
"Yeah, they're scattered across different worlds, after your home world was taken by the darkness. Sonic's been helping us track them down. We figure it's the least we can do to help him out."
Cloud, leaning against the wall, listened intently. "And what's the deal with this Master Emerald?"
Donald explained, "It's a powerful gem that keeps Angel Island afloat. Knuckles here is its guardian, making sure it stays in one piece."
Goofy added, "But things went a bit haywire with the Heartless, and now Knuckles is on a quest to gather the shards and fix it up."
Knuckles, appreciating the camaraderie, nodded.
"That's the plan. Gotta restore the Master Emerald to its former glory."
Sora, with a friendly smile, turned to Knuckles.
"Hey, Knuckles, why don't you come with us?" Asked Sora. "We can help you find the rest of the shards, and I guess figure out where Sonic and Shadow went. Plus, we're on a mission to find my friends Riku and Kairi, and, of course, King Mickey too."
Goofy, always the optimist, chimed in, "And don't forget, we need to lock the keyholes of the worlds to stop the Heartless!"
Donald nodded, adding his own perspective, "We've got a lot on our plate, but that's what friends are for, right?"
Knuckles, appreciative of the offer, scratched his head and replied.
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the offer, but I've got to travel alone. I need to find the remaining shards and take care of this Master Emerald business. Besides, Sonic and I have a knack for crossing paths when we least expect it. He will turn up sooner or later."
Sora nodded, understanding the echidna's determination.
"Well, if you ever change your mind or need a hand, you know where to find us. Good luck, Knuckles!"
With a nod to Cloud, who reciprocated the gesture, Knuckles made his exit, leaving the lobby with the purposeful stride of a determined echidna on a mission.
Phil, rubbing his goatee, looked towards the exiting Knuckles. "I can't read that guy at all."
Hercules, chuckling, glanced at Phil. "Reminds me of someone I know."
Phil laughed, gesturing at Hercules. "For that comment, two laps of Greece, Herc!"
"So, what about future games, Phil?" Asked Sora, looking towards the legendary trainer of heroes.
Phil sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit as he expressed his frustratiosn.
"No games for a while, kid. We got a lot of cleaning up to do first. Cerberus made a hell of a mess."
"Once we clean up this mess, Phil will send out a message across the land for the next tournament." Explained Hercules with a smile. "You're welcome to join again!"
Sora grinned, appreciating the invitation. "Okay, we'll be back for the next one."
"Look forward to seeing how much you develop in your skills, kid." Phil responded.
Before leaving, Sora turned to Cloud, who had been leaning against the wall, recovering from the battle with Cerberus.
"Hey, Cloud, you okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Sighed Cloud. "I got into this mess with Hades. He promised to help me find my light."
"I'm searching too," Responded Sora.
"For your light?" Asked Cloud, looking towards the Keyblade wielder.
Sora nodded, a mutual understanding between the two warriors showed in this moment. Sora was desperate to find his friends, with Cloud seeming to want to find someone close to him also.
"Don't lose sight of it." Said Cloud, cryptically.
"Sure thing." Sora nodded, understanding that whatever it took, he needed to find his light.
Cloud began to leave, but Sora couldn't help but throw in a friendly challenge.
"How about a rematch next time, Cloud? No dark powers involved?"
Cloud turned back, giving a small chuckle.
"Sure, why not."
And with that, Cloud disappeared into the shadows of the Colosseum, leaving Sora and his friends to their next adventure. Sora, Donald, and Goofy bid farewell to Phil and Hercules, making their way to the exit also. Phil turned to Hercules with a bemused expression on his face.
"I can't believe that kid took down Cerberus."
Hercules leaned in towards the goat, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Actually, I tired out Cerberus before the little guy jumped in." Explained Hercules quietly to his trainer.
"My lips are sealed" Chuckled Phil.
As they watched the trio of heroes leave for the world's gate, Phil couldn't help but wonder what adventures awaited them beyond the Colosseum. The echoes of battles, cheers, and the camaraderie lingered in the air, a testament to the stories that unfolded in this legendary arena.
Outside the Colosseum, under the vast sky and by the World Gate - Sora, Donald, and Goofy stood facing the infinite possibilities that lay ahead. The question of "where next?" lingered in the air, a decision that could lead them to new challenges, friendships, and perhaps even more chaos emeralds and shards.
"We should see if any other worlds need their keyhole sealing. You know, keep things in order!" Suggested Goofy.
"Yeah, and we need to keep looking for those other chaos emeralds and shards." Donald proclaimed. "Can't let them fall into the wrong hands and we need to help Sonic get his world back."
Sora, gazing at the World Gate, couldn't help but feel a tinge of concern about Sonic and Shadow.
"I hope Sonic and Shadow are okay," Sora mused.
Goofy, offering reassurance, reminded Sora of Knuckles' words.
"Remember what Knuckles said, Sora. Sonic will be okay, and he'll show up when he needs to."
With a nod, Sora gathered his resolve.
"Alright, let's get moving. There's a whole universe out there, and we've got a lot of worlds to explore and help. Who knows what adventures await us!"
"You said it," said Donald in excitement.
"Let's get to the Gummiship, fellas." Goofy replied, eager to help the many worlds needing assistance.
And so, the trio stepped through the World Gate, ready for the next chapter in their journey, the echoes of the Colosseum battles fading behind them as they embraced the unknown that lay ahead.
Realm of Darkness
In the eerie expanse of the Realm of Darkness, where shadows danced in perpetual gloom, Sonic and Shadow pressed forward in their relentless pursuit of Amy's cries.
"Hold on Amy, we are coming." Sonic muttered, as he dashed through this void, with Shadow skating close by.
The echoes reverberated through the dark void, growing louder with each step, until an unexpected interruption brought the duo to a sudden halt.
A dark portal materialized before them, swirling with malevolence, and from its ominous depths emerged none other than the nefarious Dr. Eggman.
"It's the Doctor!" Stated Shadow in confusion. "What the hell is he doing down here?"
"What are you doing here, Egghead?" Demanded Sonic.
The rotund scientist chuckled, his voice echoing sinisterly in the desolate realm.
"I told you back in Traverse Town, hedgehog. The darkness is my new purpose. I am here to build my new Empire."
Shadow stepped forward, his piercing crimson eyes locked onto Eggman.
"The darkness is possessing you, Doctor. You must cease this madness before it consumes you completely."
Eggman dismissed Shadow's concerns with a wave of his hand.
"Oh, Shadow, you need to remember your roots—you are creation of darkness using Black Doom's DNA and the genius of my grandfather. Embrace it!"
Sonic cut through the banter, his impatience evident.
"Cut the cryptic talk, Eggman. Do you have Amy or not?"
A sly grin stretched across Eggman's face.
"Yes and no, you blue nuisance."
Sonic clenched his fists, ready to pounce, but Eggman's laughter echoed once more. With a snap of his fingers, another portal opened beside him. Emerging from its depths was a figure that sent a shiver down Sonic's spine—a darker, more ominous version of Metal Sonic.
"Is that... Metal?" Sonic questioned, his eyes narrowing.
Eggman took perverse pride in his creation.
"Indeed, Sonic, this is my latest masterpiece, infused with the power of the Heartless. Say hello to Dark Metal Sonic."
Dark Metal Sonic stood before them, a twisted reflection of the once mechanical menace. Its metallic form now exuded an aura of malevolence, it's usually sleek design marred by dark energy. Its crimson red eyes glowed ominously, betraying a sinister intelligence that surpassed its predecessor.
"Well, well, Eggman, you've really outdone yourself this time." Stated Sonic sarcastically. "A Metal Sonic with a dark twist? That's a new low."
Eggman cackled, reveling in his creation's malevolent presence.
"You may mock me now, Sonic, but Dark Metal Sonic is the pinnacle of my genius. He is unstoppable, and together, we will conquer this realm and create a new world order."
"Whatever you say, Egghead!" Sonic sighed with frustration, as he has heard this before.
Amidst the malevolent laughter of Dr. Eggman and the looming presence of Dark Metal Sonic, the atmosphere in the Realm of Darkness crackled with anticipation. Sonic and Shadow exchanged wary glances, recognizing the imminent threat that Eggman had become.
"The darkness is already corrupting him," Shadow stated, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Eggman. "We need to snap him out of it before he loses his heart entirely."
Sonic, ever the nonchalant hero, shrugged. "Maybe he's already lost it."
With a snap of Eggman's fingers, Dark Metal Sonic lunged forward, prepared to strike at Sonic. However, the attack was suddenly and effortlessly deflected in a blur of motion. The assailant, standing tall in front of Sonic, was a mysterious woman with long, flowing blue hair. In her hand, she wielded a Keyblade—an unmistakable symbol of power in the face of darkness.
Eggman's expression twisted into bewilderment. "What?!"
Shadow, too, was taken aback. "A Keyblade... Who are you?"
The woman turned to face the hedgehogs, her aquatic blue eyes reflecting both determination and a hint of secrecy.
"No time for names. We need to take down this dark abomination."
Sonic and Shadow exchanged a nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared goal. The trio stood together, prepared to face the impending threat. The woman's Keyblade glinted in the dimness of the Realm of Darkness, a beacon of hope against the encroaching shadows.
Eggman, now clearly shaken, stammered in disbelief. "This can't be... Who are you?"
The woman's response was cryptic, a hint of mystery woven into her words. "Just call me the light in your darkest hour."
As the trio readied themselves for the looming battle, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The clash between Sonic, Shadow, and their newfound ally against the dark forces of Eggman and Dark Metal Sonic was about to unfold, and the fate of Amy, as well as the very essence of the Realm of Darkness, teetered on the edge of uncertainty.
Who is this mysterious woman, wielding a Keyblade? Will Sonic, Shadow and their new allie be able to take down the sinister Dark Metal Sonic? Can Amy be saved in time? Can Eggman be saved also? All will be revealed in the next chapter.
(Writer Disclaimer: The story will now follow Sonic, Shadow and this mysterious woman in the Realm of Darkness. With Sora, Donald and Goofy in the Realm of Light - they will now follow the original story for a few chapters. However, I think this will lead to a fun twist in this Blue Blur Edition).