SONIC RESURGENCE

by DarkShadowGames451

AU! Elements of the games, SatAM, Underground, OVA, and the Sonic X Anime apply into one separate universe. The villainous Dr. J. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik has teamed up with a powerful sorcerer that plans to take over the world of Mobius. Sonic must team up with a group of Freedom Fighters under the command of a royal princess straight from Sonic's mysterious past.

30. Chapter 27

Review Response:

To Campcrystallake11: Thanks for the morale boost, man. I appreciate it. As I said before, I will write what my friend and I envisioned the story will be. But I am always open to constructive criticism and suggestions.

To Lavagolem: There is at least two confirmed relationships going on, with Bunnie and Antoine and Sir Charles and Rosie. However, there are a few possible relationships that might be seen expanded upon later down the line. The more ideas my friend and I come up with, the longer this story seems to be getting.

To Zeon Paralysis Crystal: Incredible analysis, bro. I didn't even think about the Erazor Djinn parallel but I see where you are coming from and I like it a lot! Please, feel free to keep commenting. I love it when people like you think more about what's being said and what other characters think.

To Boss Teal: No, Sally and the other Freedom Fighters are kind of played as second fiddles at the moment and had little to no involvement with Sonic's bitterness/depression. No, its a combination of his own mistakes, Metallix, Eggman, and Naugus. But, Sonic's friends (as in Knuckles and Amy) did not help his situation either. And Sonic being kicked out of the Freedom Fighters was ultimately his fault.

To Void Reader: Sonic, in this continuity, has never fought with the intent to kill because he's never fought another living breathing being that wasn't of alien or ancient origin. And besides, Sonic never killed Chaos, he freed it of its hatred using Super Sonic's positive aura. Chaos then found peace with Tikal and ascended to heaven with her. He did kill the Biolizard with Shadow, but Sonic saw the thing as an "it", a monster. A creature with no heart. The same philosophy goes to Nazo. In this war within the RESUREGENCE continuity, Sonic will be fighting other Mobians, his own kind in a life or death situation. So, its a different experience for him then fighting robots, monsters, and godly entites.

---

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.

---

Cobalt-Hedgehog Cabin, Never Woods,Christmas Island

Two days had passed since Sally's previous adventure with Team Rose. Witnessing Amy and her friends in action and having that heart-to-heart with the pink Mobian hedgehog had not only strengthened the girls' bond with one another, but Amy's growth in maturity had caused Sally's respect for her to increase.

Upon returning to Jules' and Aleena's family cabin, it had been revealed by Wendy that she had summoned the fire spirit from another dimension, shocking the three girls. When questioned about it, Gwendolyn the White stated that her summoning the fire spirit, the Fire Djinn (Red Maa Djinn), was a test for them to see if they could overcome an obstacle together. And since they passed, Wendy would honor their agreement and help train Sally and Amy. Meanwhile, Cream was told that there was something pure about her. So, as a gift for the girl, Cream was given a small terracotta toy Wendy found on a pilgrimage Wendy was on somewhere far away. She told Cream to give it to her Chao friend as a gift as it would strengthen both her and the connection she had with Cheese.

Within the last two days, Wendy began work on reforming Amy's Piko Piko Hammer to create something mighty and fierce for her goddaughter along with other things for Sally and her friends.

Over in the library, Cream was reading a book that she had recently found interesting. The book held tales of the ancient past. Given that she learned of Sonic's connection to Azuron being its prince in blood, the girl decided to educate herself on the lost nation's first king, Arthur Cobalt I.

"...With the Sword of Light in hand, King Arthur defeated the Black Dragon, Null, and with the assistance of the Guardian Dragon Sage, sealed the beast in stone, saving Mobian-kind." Cream read before placing a bookmark on the page she stopped reading. "Wow, it's like reading those old fantasy books Momma would tell me. No wonder why Mr. Sonic is so brave, it must run in his family!"

"BURN!" A familiar voice shouted outside, which was then followed by a small explosion that caused Cream to yelp and jump five feet in the air.

Looking outside of the nearby window, Cream watched Amy standing in front of various targets while on the training ground outside of the cabin. What was interesting about this was that Amy was surrounded by tarot cards through mysterious means.

She takes another card into her hand telepathically, then concentrates her fiery passion on the card until it is covered in a reddish-orange aura.

Then, Amy tossed it at a nearby target and shouted, "BURN!"

When the incantation was cast, upon impact, the card combusted to flames at the target, reducing it to ash.

"THAT WAS AMAZING!"

Amy turned around to see Cream skipping over to the training area where he had been practicing.

"Hiya, Cream. Didn't see you there." Amy said casually.

"I've never seen you do that before!" Cream pointed out, "How did you do it? And how are your fortune cards floating around you like that?"

"It's magic," Amy simplified. "Uncle Kingsley told me that our family has a history of inheriting the affinity for magic. Because of this, those who have this potential are expected to learn the magic of our ancestor, the Sage of Light, Viviane."

"Sage of Light?" Cream echoed back.

"Yes. She was a part of a band of heroes that saved Little Planet centuries ago. I think my cousin said that they were called the Warriors of Light." Amy said, pondering aloud before showing seven cards that represent an archetype of warriors. "My ancestor was Viviane Rose the Sage, and she went on a pilgrimage with her beloved, Sir Pellias the Paladin, her companions, Sir Beduier the Dragoon with his wyvern companion, Elizabeth the Gaia Trigger, Morrigan the Enchantress, Sir Tristan the Archer, and Galeas the Disciplined (Monk). All that I know about them was that they each had a Time Stone with them to protect."

"That sounds like one of the fairytales my mother would read to me." Cream commented. "What kind of magic do you have?"

Amy told Cream, "What I used was called Vibe Shifting. It comes from my ancestor's school of magic called Pathos Magick. My mother, Ingrid, was the last person to be a master of it."

Cream then asked, "That's neat. Did you always have it?"

"Well, of course I did!" Amy answered happily. "I just store all of that magical power into my hammer! It is already super strong as it is, but adding Pathos Magick is what gives it its extra strength! I didn't learn other stuff until I started traveling on my own after meeting Sonic for the first time."

"Oh! I didn't know that!" Cream admitted. "I don't have magic or anything like that myself. I thought Cheese's was the one that had the powers and I helped train him how to use them. but Ms. Wendy said that my bond with Cheese helps me do amazing things with him together."

"I believe that. You're a wonderful Chao trainer. There's no donut in my mind that if anybody could bring out a Chao's full potential, it would be you, Cream."

"Aw, thanks, Ms. Amy!" Cream said, hugging her best friend before letting her go. "Can you tell me how your magic works?"

"The key to Pathos Magick is the heart," Amy explained, now showing Cream a queen of hearts card telekinetically. "Since I'm empathic and full of passionate energy, I can draw raw magical power from my emotions. The only problem with that is that my body can only handle so much magic before I strain myself. That's why I stored most of my magic in the Piko Piko Hammer. I can send that magical power into other things like my tarot cards, too."

"A magic that's powered by emotions…" Cream pondered aloud. "I wish I could learn that,"

"I wish I could teach you, kiddo, but I promised Uncle Kingsley to keep our family legacy a secret. That, and many people outside of Little Planet aside from territories of the Mobian Alliance don't particularly find magic users appealing these days, so I stick to reading people's fortunes."

"...Right," Cream glumly nodded before her head snapped back upward. "Wait, what about Vibe Shifting?"

"Vibe Shifting is an application of Pathos Magick. It allows me to cast hexes and spells based on my emotional state." Amy told Cream. "Essentially, I can appeal to the elements by projecting emotions, thus turning words into magical spells. With Vibe Shifting, I can light fires through rage, and send plagues if I want to when disgusted. I have a sixth sense of sorts that can detect danger, and do other things! Oh, and that's how I can use the Mystic Melody so well."

"All of that from one magic? No wonder you're so incredible! You're like a magical superhero, Ms. Amy!" Cream gushed.

Amy smiled and said, "I still have a long way to go before I'm any better than my mother or the Sage. Say, care to watch me practice?"

"Oh boy, would I!" Cream beamed before she continued to watch Amy cast combustible flames onto her tarot cards through Vibe Shifting and aimed it at her targets, except she fired multiple cards at once.

Meanwhile, back at the library, Princess Sally was in another part of the area, sitting down at a table across from Gwendolyn the White. They were discussing something important to the Mobian teenager that puzzled her mind.

The Deep Power Stones.

"So, tell me, Sally-dear. How exactly did you defeat Naugus?" Wendy questioned.

"It wasn't easy, I can tell you that," Sally started, recalling back to the Day of Reckoning. "While I led a frontal assault on the castle in Old Mobotropolis with several other factions of the Freedom Fighters. Naugus, at the time, had the entire reserve of manufactured Power Rings at his disposal. We were forced to fight an endless wave of ethereal Phantoms. Some didn't make it out alive. When I managed to make it to the throne room, I fought him with everything that I had with nothing but my wits, the few gadgets that Rotor made me, and my Ring Blades."

"But…" Wendy spoke.

"...Naugus' power was ungodly." Sally recounted, feeling a chill up her spine. "Even with everything I had, he was wiping the floor with me. …If I hadn't decided to put the smooth ends of the Deep Power Stones together, that monster would have torn out my heart from my chest, crystalized it, and worn it as a trophy… Like he did to Mother."

"Oh, gods… He did that to Alicia?" Wendy gasped. "I'm so sorry, dear child."

"It is okay, I appreciate the gesture…" Sally muttered with a frown. "When I put both stones together, I felt a sensation that I still cannot even put into words. I was stronger, and faster. It was like nothing could touch me, and I could do anything! When I fought Naugus with the Deep Power Stones' energy, I knew I had a chance. One chance, but that was all I needed. It was a struggle, but I forced him to retreat before I could finish the job, and shortly after, I took back my homeland. It took me eight years, but with the help of my comrades, we made the impossible possible."

"And you'll do it again, child," Gwendolyn reassured the girl. "The tides of fate are ever-churning. And the reign of evil does not last forever. Your people will find peace, and I will help you get there however I can."

"Wendy, what are the origins of the Deep Power Stones?" Sally questioned, not beating around the bush. "What are its secrets?"

"Shortly after the unification of Mobians which led to Aconia's foundation, the Original One had conjured a pair of sacred treasures that had the power of one hundred thousand Power Rings. These treasures were left hidden. Waiting for the right person within the Bunyip's chosen line to inherit them and uncover its true power."

"...And it chose me?" Sally presumed.

"I believe that you are an excellent choice," Wendy smiled. "But I am not the Original One, so I wouldn't know that for certain.

"How strong am I with this power?" Sally inquired.

"Hmm," Wendy uttered as she verbally pondered. "Well, if the Deep Power Stones have the power to either grant great power or cause mass destruction, and Naugus is powerful enough to cause mass genocide, I'd say that in the state those stones are given you, I believe that you could level a large country at the bare minimum, maybe a continent. But you can get stronger with better control and the more Power Rings you absorb."

"...Wait, I can absorb Power Rings into my body?" Sally said, absolutely stunned.

"You didn't know? You're the scion of the Source for Gaia's sake! Didn't Max teach you anything after his return?" Wendy exclaimed in outrage.

"...We have a decent relationship, but Daddy's still recovering from being trapped in the Void of Silence for nearly a decade." Sally revealed. "I try not to bother him unless it's of the most importance."

"...I see." The Overlander muttered. "The reason why you managed to put them together in such a way to grant untold power is that the stones would compel the user to unite each part based on instinct, revealing their true nature. And when you absorbed them into your body, their ancient energies bestowed strength, speed, reflexes, and perception by one hundred thousand fold."

"Y-You're joking!" Sally cried. "By that much!?"

"This isn't a laughing matter, princess. You were given the raw power of the Source. But instead of seeing controlling matter, the Deep Power Stones gave you a unique gift. One that reflects your heart."

"Really? What would that be?"

"What is one of your desires that you yearn for the most right now?" Wendy questioned.

"...To find a way to combat Ixis Magick."

"And didn't you say that you've fought the Ixis Warlock with this new power?" Wendy mused.

Sally gasped, recalling her battle against Naugus, and her.

"...Oh my gosh," The chipmunk gasped.

"Yes, Sally. Those stones had granted you that desire." Wendy confirmed.

"All this time I had it all along, and I never realized it." Sally said. "But how is that possible?"

"The Source Of All is the root of nearly every magic and all matter," Gwendolyn explained. "But the Deep Power Stones resonate with the heart of those that it chooses. And so, it grants you your instinctive desire. Purging impurities."

"I just need to find a way to control it, and then I can take Naugus down for good! But how…?"

"When its chosen wielder is found, the Deep Power Stones enter their body and become one with them. Therefore, its power is yours, now, Sally." Wendy explained. "You just need to learn how to use it in small instances before tapping into that awakening you had years ago. And that would require dedication, meditation, focus, and rigorous discipline."

"Please, teach me!" Sally implored with a dedicated expression. "I will be the best student that I can be!"

Wendy smiled and said, "Very well, dear. Let's get to work, shall we?"

---

Lake of Rings, Forest Clearing, Great Forest, Acornia

Sonic, wearing his tracksuit, sat against a tree adjacent to a pond as Espio moved on to the next step of the hedgehog's training. This would be Natural Sol Energy, or specifically, anchoring the spiritual power of nature to his body through his own soul.

However, Sonic had a tiny…problem. He couldn't sit completely still. Whenever he tried, one part of his body would shake, be it one of his ears, legs, or arms. Hell, his body would vibrate itself due to the teenager being filled to the brim with kinetic energy.

After an hour of failing, Sonic let out an exasperated sigh as he stood up, saying, "Chaos, damn it! Why is this so hard!?"

"...It has only been an hour, Sonic-san. Apotos was not built in a day," Espio said, sitting three feet apart from him.

"Yeah, but it's been, like, an eternity to me!" Sonic groaned, folding his arms. "I can't sit still!"

"And why is that?" Espio questioned.

"Cause, this is work me, man!" Sonic answered, holding one hand. "Ya can't just tell me to relax and expect me to lounge about. That's not how that goes. I have to decide when it's time for R&R."

"Because it is natural for you," Espio concluded. "You're not the type to follow orders normally. You go about things your way, and it pays off the most part."

"Yeah! now you're gettin' it!" Sonic confirmed with a smirk.

"...I see. Regardless, Sonic-san, stillness is a requirement for your soul to pull in Natural Sol Energy from your surroundings. That energy will circulate within your body until that energy is expelled."

"Well, what do you want me to do about this problem?" Sonic questioned as his leg moved vigorously. "My body just won't settle down."

"Your body is not the problem, Sonic-san." The Mobian chameleon pointed out. "It is your state of mind."

"...Explain," Sonic said, frowning in seriousness.

"Answer me this, Sonic-san, what do you think of when you want to relax?"

Sonic was about to immediately respond, only for Espio to clarify, "-That doesn't involve motion."

Thinking back to his adventure within his dream world with a certain purple Nightmaren and their owl friend. He recalled that a certain area of his dream utopia existed. A place that he could never forget and continues to linger in his heart.

The tropical paradise of South Island, Green Hill.

Sighing, Sonic honestly answered, "...I think of a beach. The one that my old house was next to. When I lived in Green Hill."

Espio nodded, then said, "I want you to try again. Could you sit down?"

Sonic nodded, trusting his friend as he sat down and crossed his legs in a lotus position.

"When Otou-sama lived, he told me to have a sound mind and an open heart during meditation. That was key to connecting heaven and earth-"

Hanzō (Espio) stopped mid-sentence when he noticed that Oliver (Sonic) had a deadpan and plain expression, clearly not fathoming the shinobi's parable.

"-harmonize your soul with nature to attract its energy to your body." Espio specified after sighing. "Getting to the point, what helps me find peace is that I imagine playing the shamisen with my father beside me. It took me some time but I managed to take in Natural Sol Energy within my body. Sonic-san, I want you to visualize the place that makes you the most comfortable."

Sonic nodded and took a deep breath. At first, his body began to move as lingering thoughts of doubt bombarded his mind. Attacking his confidence.

But these thoughts were interrupted by Espio's voice.

"Sonic-san," The purple-scaled reptile spoke. "You're standing on the beach. Sand is beneath your shoes. Visualize the ocean's waves brushing against the shoreline, and the cries of wildlife that lived there. Remember what it was like to be there... and the wind that blew in your face."

With these words soundly ringing through Sonic's mind, the doubtful anxiety-driven thoughts were banished. This caused the anxious vibrations to stop.

Espio took notice of the change, then instructed, "Breathe, Sonic-san. You are still present at the beach. Focus on it, and your breathing,"

Sonic found himself entering a meditative trance, sitting completely still as he breathed and found himself relaxing. After twenty-five minutes, something extraordinary happened. A faint golden hue surrounded Sonic. From that occurrence, several streams of green energy were drawn from multiple directions before swirling towards Sonic's body.

'...Unbelievable! It took me two years to understand and perform cultivation efficiently, and Oto-sama five years. This is…' Espio pondered before smirking. 'Interesting. His skills are already inherently strong, but I wonder what Sol Energy could do for them through an enhancement?'

"Keep breathing, Sonic-san. I will tell you when to stop." Espio said, marveling at the Natural Sol Energy accumulation that the blue hedgehog caused.

Little did Sonic know, Espio would end up letting Sonic meditate and sit still drawing Nature Sol Energy for four hours straight so his body could get used to having Natural Sol Energy frequent his body.

---

Glyphic Canyon, United Federation

Shadow sits on a plateau, with one leg lying flat on the ground while the other curled up against the black hedgehog for him to rest his arm and head. While his normal eyes were closed, his third eye, his Doom's Eye, remained wide open and glowed a singular red color.

-Shadow's Mindscape-

Shadow returned to his mindscape in the form of a grassy field within a void. This void was then turned into a battleground within Glyphic Canyon with pillars surrounding them. This was one of his many battles with his soul-self, the sentient and mysterious Hollow Raven - the ethereal representation of his dormant powers inherited by his evil extraterrestrial father, Black Doom.

While Shadow wanted to learn the true extent of the new path that had been offered to him, the Ultimate Lifeform was much more curious about the being itself, its intentions, and most of all, his name.

For some reason, he couldn't hear the Hollow Raven when it uttered its name. And that bothered Shadow to no end. Perhaps the dark circumstances of his creation, Gerald's tampering with his memories, gaining amnesia twice, and Black Doom's attempts to manipulate him had resulted in Shadow's dislike for secrets and mysteries.

Regardless, if it took battling his own shadow, then the Black Wind of GUN fight like he's always had.

Currently, Shadow, still sporting his green flak jacket, green Inhibitor Rings, and green Jet Shoes, backflipped as a means to recover from a physical attack inflicted by the large Hollow Raven that was the size of the Biolizard.

Shadow cursed under his breath as he charged at his soul self. Engaging Raven in physical combat, Shadow tried punching at the ethereal bird's exposed abdomen which went through his opponent. Growling, he tried to burn him using the thrusters of his Jet Shoes to no avail.

As a result, Shadow was knocked back through several pillars before recovering in a somersault and planting his feet on the ground.

"D-Damn it! I cannot harm him this way!" Shadow growled.

Hollow Raven screeched and showed off its enormous wingspan. While flapping its wings to remain airborne, the three-eyed ethereal avian spoke to Shadow.

(ShAdOw ThE hEdGeHoG. It CaNnOt Be SeEn, YeT eXiStS. It Is ThE DaRk ReFlEcTiOn Of SuN. NoThInGnEsS gIvEn FoRm. WhAt Am I?) Shadow's spiritual counterpart asked in a riddle.

Shadow pondered this for a moment before making his next move. Shadow gathered crimson Chaos Energy from his left hand, and used Chaos Snap to get close enough to throw a Chaos Lance at the Black Arms being. But to add to this, Shadow used Chaos Control to slow the flow of time to get behind the being and fired several dozen yellow Chaos Spears from behind it.

Jumping several feet away from his opponent, Shadow resumed the vestige's time, causing a large explosion of orange.

"...My shadow." Shadow answered calmly.

(CoRrEcT,) The avian spoke, emerging from the smoke as it blew it away with the beat of its wings. (...BeCaUsE wE aRe LiNkEd, bEiNg YoUr SoUl, I cAn Do WhAtEvEr YoU cAn.)

Spreading its wings, the Hollow Raven fired Chaos Spears in the form of dozens of ethereal "feathers" raining down at Shadow.

Shadow saw this, then snapped his fingers and summoned multiple rifts in space-time through Chaos Magic. When they entered the rifts, Shadow moved the rifts above Raven's head before redirecting its Chaos Spears and then throwing a Chaos Lance.

The Hollow Raven saw this and smirked. Its third (Doom's) eye flashed, and as a result, dissolves the attack before it could touch him.

Shadow's eyes widened in shock, then the agent asked, "...What was that?"

The bird laughed Shadow's expression and flew forward with its claws ready to rip Shadow to shreds. As Shadow jumped around, his soul self began to lecture him.

(YoU aRe NaIvE, ShAdOw. HaS tHe BlUe HeDgEhOg'S mEmORiEs NoT tEaCh YoU AnYtHiNg?) The being lectured as it kicked Shadow away. (ThErE aRe mOrE pOwERs wItHiN tHe CoSmOs ThAn tHe DiViNe TrInItY tHAT cOmPoSes ExIsTeNcE.)

Shadow recovered and used the hover feature of his Jet Shoes to fly straight to the avian-like ethereal with both hands burning with Chaos Energy.

During its exchange with the Ultimate Lifeform, The Hollow Raven stated, (ThE BlAcK ArMS hAs a sEcReT tHaT wAs LoSt To EvEn FaThER.)

Shadow transferred the Chaos Energy from his gloved hands to his feet, then landed a roundhouse kick to the bird's head, shouting, "What secret!?"

The bird turned its head back and opened up its beak. It quickly charged and fired a stream of black flames at the Black Arms/Mobian hedgehog hybrid.

Shadow protected himself by creating an aura of orange Chaos Energy. Once the attack subsided, the Hollow Raven continued its explanation.

(...ThE BlAcK ArMs aS wE kNeW tHeM aRe MeReLy oFfShOoTs tHaT cAmE tO tHiS dImEnSiOn TeN tHoUsAnD yEaRs AgO.) Shadow's spiritual counterpart revealed.

"Offshoots? Offshoots of what? And where did they come from?" Shadow questioned, getting back into his fighting stance.

(OfFsHoOts Of ThE JuDgE oF SoUls.) The ethereal being answered which further confused the hedgehog. (ThE BlAcK ArMs, OuR kInD, wE'rE tHe dEscEnDaNts Of SeRvANts ThAT lIvEd In ThE TwIlIgHt CaGe. YoU kNoW iT aS tHe VoId Of SiLeNcE.)

"...Impossible! That's an entirely separate dimension. One said to be where the damned dwells!" Shadow exclaimed, shaking his head in denial. "How could life exist there?"

(BeLiEvE mE, iT's pOsSiBlE. SoMe Of OuR AnCEsToRs EsCaPeD ThE cAGe tO LiVe FrEely. ThE oNe WhO mAdE iT tHaT wAy Is ThE gOd Of ThAt DiMeNSion. ThE aRcHoN oF NuLl, ArGuS.) Said the Hollow Raven.

Shadow used positive Chaos Energy to access his Hero Mode and used Chaos Control, getting in front of the ethereal bird once more. From there, Shadow tried to attack his opponent with a drop kick, but the being wasn't budging. Instead, the bird began to glow chaotic crimson through its entire body, giving a split second for Shadow to react before it unleashed a devastating Chaos Blast, leaving the battleground.

Fortunately, a rugged Shadow warped out of the attack in the nick of time.

He approached his soul self on foot while inquiring, "What does this god have to do with your power?"

(...I aM UnIfOrM, a FoRm WiTh StRuCtUrE. a DiReCtiVe WiTh PuRpOsE, a MeThOd ThAt AnSwErS tO cHaOs. WhAt Am I?)

Shadow remained silent, pondering his soul self's words. It took him fifteen seconds before the answer came to him.

"...Order."

Accepting the answer, the Hollow Raven explained that Argus was birthed from the epicenter of the depths of the Void of Silence shortly after the banishment of the Great Neutrality. In need of controlling the influx of souls, Argus created an invisible force that nullifies all of the forces of creation in exchange for him being forever trapped in the Void. Black Doom became too engrossed in himself, and his ambitions, and wasn't pragmatic enough to inherit Argus' power. But Shadow was different. With his indifference to humans but dutiful nature and practice, he was the best host of the Arcane Eye.

(...ShAdOw, ToGeThEr, We CaN rEaLiZe YoUr FuLl PoTeNtIaL.) The Hollow Raven concluded.

Shadow took his left gloved hand's index and middle fingers on his forehead and said, "...So, this eye, our eye, has Order Energy? And I can use it by suppressing my emotions?"

The Hollow Raven nodded.

Shadow took his hand off the center of his forehead and clenched it tightly.

"...Then I will do it," The hedgehog stated with confidence and determination.

The Hollow Raven nodded once more before taking to the sky while flapping its wings.

(PrEpArE yOuRsElF.) Was all that Shadow's spiritual counter stated.

The ethereal bird then spread out its wings and fired a dozen Chaos Lances in the fork of feathers at Shadow.

(OpEn YoUr EyE, aNd ReLieVe AlL eMoTiOnS, ShAdOw.)

Clearing his mind, a gray aura surrounds Shadow. Suddenly, Shadow's third eye opened and a blank expression appeared on his face.

Looking at the large twelve red-colored arrows, Shadow held out his hand and quietly uttered, "...Order Unbound".

Despite it being the first time using his new power, Shadow had stopped a dozen lances and caused them to dissipate as if nothing had been fired at Shadow.

With that, Shadow fell down on one knee before the gray aura that surrounded Shadow faded. This was followed by his Doom's Eye closing.

(WeLl DoNe, ShADoW.) The black hedgehog stated.

"...W-Why am I…so weak?" The GUN agent gasped as he caught his breath.

His soul self explained, (It WaS yOuR fIrSt TiMe UsInG oUr PoWeR.)

The Hollow Raven proceeded to provide further explanation regarding the Eye of Order, one of many ocular abilities they both possess.

Much like Chaos Control, Order Unbound will be the foundation of Arcane Eye. Its primary function, much like Argus' job, is the judgment and subjugation of souls and the cosmic empathic force using Order Energy, the opposite of Chaos Energy. Because it is the antithesis of Chaos Energy, Shadow will have a hard time using it compared to his natural powers. If we were to overuse his eye, the strain on his body would be thrice as draining compared to him taking off his Inhibitor Rings.

"...I see. I cannot continue." Shadow understood, retiring from battle formally.

(A wIsE cHoIcE,) Hollow Raven said wise choice and stated that he'd learn their name at this rate. (At ThIs RaTe, YoU wIlL sOoN lEaRn My NaMe.)

---

Underground Tunnel Network, Mobian Badlands

Naugus left Dr. Robotnik's Egg Carrier, telling the scientist that he had other matters to attend to. Using the yellow Chaos Emerald, he warped to the Badlands. Or specifically, the entrance to a secret tunnel beneath the area.

Currently, the sorcerer walked within the twisting tunnels. He used his Ixis Magick to light a violet fire in his only hand After fifteen minutes of enjoying the silence of the void. However, this silence was cut short by the sound of footsteps that didn't belong to him.

Within a minute, a figure holding a white light was seen coming toward Naugus. Facing four feet away from Naugus was a lean fully grown male Mobian echidna that stood three feet and six inches tall. The echidna was clad in armor; sporting silver and black bands on his stark white dreadlocks and massive chrome claws on the backs of his hands. The echidna also wore a large cape (black with a violet interior). Additionally, the armor seemed to have robotic features such as cables that ran to his arms and within his dreadlocks, and his right eye appeared to be mechanical. At the center of the chest plate was an icosahedron magenta ruby acting as its power core or conduit.

In the flesh was the Technomancer, Vi'Chama.

The echidna kneeled before the larger troll while holding the white flames in his right hand.

"...Greetings, Master." The pale-furred Mobian respectfully greeted.

Naugus quickly put away the Chaos Emerald and glanced at his groveling alumni indifferently before telling the echidna, "Rise, apprentice. This is a matter of business. Not a social call."

Vi'Chama rose to his feet, while his and Naugus' capes lightly flew along the gentle breeze.

"Master, not that I am not honored to be in your presence, is there a reason why I have been summoned here?" Vi'Chama questioned.

"You have yet to give me a report on the assignment," Naugus spoke evenly, sending a shiver down the echidna's spine.

"F-Forgive me, Master. I have no excuse for the delayed report," The echidna bowed in forgiveness as he cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, Lightning Lynx had failed the assassination attempt. As it turns out, the Quickster was protected by a member of the Hiyashi clan."

"Damn that Azurite and his accursed allies!" Naugus hissed. "If I had known Cobalt was in contact with one of the most formidable assassination clans, I would have wiped out all shinobi clans in Shinto!"

'...To think he somehow bests Wizeman within the Dreamscape! I swear, the moment the war reaches its climax, I will wipe him and the rest of these filthy mortals out of existence!' Naugus thought to himself.

The troll then questioned, "Why couldn't you summon those Prelates? I would have provided the souls you needed."

"...You must understand, Master! The Prelates while incredible and useful, are still experimental." Reasoned Vi'Chama. "They are indeed under my command, they lack the power needed to take on more complex tasks-"

Vi'Chama's words failed to appeal to Naugus' sense of reasoning as he was yanked in the air by Naugus, who held the armored echidna with his crustacean-like claw.

"-Enough of your excuses!" Naugus growled, emanating his Ixis Magick which placed the fear of God in the echidna adult. "Lately, I have received nothing but failure amongst my subordinates! And I draw the line with my own former apprentice! I made you a demigod! There would be no NRJK without my guidance! Tell me why I shouldn't rip the Phantom Ruby from your chest and make you watch your precious nation burn to the ground?"

'Shit! I cannot let it end this way! I haven't become the title of High Chancellor yet! I must find a way to appease him before all that I worked for crumbles! Think…! Think!' The younger Mobian sorcerer panicked.

Vi'Chama instantly used the Phantom Ruby to create a red mist, allowing him to phase out of his master's clutches as he floated back down to the floor.

"Apologies, Master, but the both of us are busy people. We both know that my research benefits the both of us, and without my resources, you wouldn't be able to find Dr. Robotnik's whereabouts. And even now, you still come for my services." Vi'Chama pointed out, causing Naugus to scowl.

"You best to watch your tongue, boy!"

"The point, Naugus the Dark, is that you need me. I'm an invaluable asset. And as far as we know, I am the only person on this planet aside from that witch in hiding who could stand against you." The echidna evenly stated as he unleashed a bit of the Phantom Ruby's ominous magenta energy. "Never mind my power, just imagine what I could do with the information I have as your alumni alone. Now, let me ask you, Master. Would it be wise to threaten me and my little pet project?"

Naugus growled at the younger lifeform, but ultimately let the situation go.

"...You are to provide some of your supply of Megatal and special ammunition to Dr. Robotnik." Naugus commanded in a low voice with a venomous undertone.

"...Is there a reason why you couldn't have him talk to me when I'm at my day job?" Vi'Chama questioned.

"Do not take me for a fool, tycoon. I know your ways, so I'm taking the liberty of ensuring that you wouldn't compromise my alliance with the man by making this an order. Like yourself, Robotnik is of use to me." The Ixis Warlock said with a hard demonic glare. "If you haven't been aware, the Mobian Alliance has been discussing a possible bloc with the United Federation."

"...So these aren't mere rumors?" The Technomancer thought aloud, flabbergasted at the concept. "By the Walkers, I cannot believe this! There hasn't been an attempt at peace between the Mobian Territories and the Overlands in hundreds of years. This is unheard of! Absurd!"

Naugus chuckled at the echidna's comment, stating, "As you can see, my former student, I have been making progress. I even managed to recover something which I lost decades ago."

"While I am content that your search for the Flames of Hope has come to an end, Master, I fail to see where you are going with all of this." Vi'Chama stated, crossing his arms. "What is your aim in all of this?"

Naugus cackled as he said, "War is on the horizon, child. A war on a scale that this world has never seen. My visit to GUN's headquarters and involvement in the Quickster's island sinking has solidified the unlikely unification between Mobians and Overlanders. They will bolster their forces and recruit some of the world's finest, all to stop the coalition of myself and Dr. Robotnik. With my help, the doctor is enlisting a small battalion to lead the charge for world domination. What I aim for, my apprentice, is the Second Great War."

While the mask of Vi'Chama hid his expression, inwardly, the echidna was blown away. The Great War was one of the most bloody and gruesome wars that ever took place. The casualties surpassed all previous battles with the rival factions. The battle was so severe that both the United Federation and the Mobian Alliance agreed to a cease-fire so that both sides could heal. To think that the war was on the verge of ending due to the threat both Dr. J. Ivo Robotnik and Naugus the Dark posed together.

'...This is not what I had expected. I need to ensure the safety of Aurora and expedite the Siphon Project. Just in case I have to deal with Master later down the line.' Vi'Chama thought to himself.

The Technomancer said, "I don't understand. This decision is drastic, even for you. Are you siding with Dr. Robotnik in this so-called Second Great War?"

"No. He and the Quickster are merely important pawns in my plan. Your resources are a means to pacify Robotnik's need for power and vengeance against the Quickster and his little merry band of misfits. With them, the Mobian Alliance, and GUN all coming together, it would be in our best interest if the scientists had new materials to toy with. After all, with my magic, I can control his entire army with a mere thought." Naugus explained.

"Ah, so you are playing both ends for your gain." The masked echidna concluded.

"The illusion of control is a powerful asset to have, my former student." The older wizard mused. "And before you ask, you don't have to directly involve yourself in the battlefield. All that I require is your support and resources. Nothing more or less, and Aurora will remain uninvolved."

"I will, Master. And, thank you. Still, I would like to reiterate that this is a drastic choice. You've destroyed many kingdoms that existed for hundreds of years. Razed countries to the ground. Wiped bloodlines off the face of Mobius for decades. Why settle to build up another Great War when you can take the world by force right now with a snap of your fingers?"

Naugus smirked at his former apprentice and said, "...You're right. With my power, I can end the world or bring everybody under my heel. It's not a problem for me. Hell, I let that foolish King Acorn's daughter think she defeated me because of the idea you gave me to contact Robotnik. But over the years, I grew to appreciate war as an art form. You can say that I am something of an artist, myself, slowly adding strokes of death and destruction to the canvas that is my opposition. In my eyes, war and the suffering it brings to those in its path is an unfathomable beauty. And I desire to ignite a Second Great War! It shall be my magnum opus."

This explanation makes Vi'chama uneasy. The echidna knew deep down that his master craved destruction, but he was never certain how deep that rabbit hole went until today. It was here where the Technomancer sought to learn where he stood in the vision of his former teacher.

"Master, when you are victorious after this Great War, will Aurora be left unscathed?" Vi'Chama questioned in an even tone.

"Why of course, child." The warlock lied, which the Technomancer immediately caught. "The land of Rune will be the capital of my new world order and your precious Aurora will be one of my crowning jewels within my new empire."

Vi'Chama was not relieved by this answer, recalling that Naugus never expressed conquest aside from his rule in Acornia. Naugus had an interest in two things, power and destruction. Nothing else. The echidna did not buy his former master's reassurance one bit.

"Thank you, Master." Said the pale-furred armored echidna.

Naugus turned around and said, "You can thank me by speaking with Dr. Robotnik in one week's time. And give him Clutch Opposum's contact information while you're at it. He may need a veteran's guidance before coming to a decision."

"Of course…" The echidna nodded in a falsely dutiful tone as he stared at the back of his former teacher with loathing.

Naugus began to walk off before stopping and threatened, "...Oh, and if you oppose me like this again, I will rip your soul out and feed it to Ifrit."

With that, Naugus walked away into the darkness while the white flames of Vi'Chama diminished.

The echidna's single mechanical eye glowed gold as he thought to himself, '...We'll see about that, Master.'

---

Burnt House, Old Mobotropolis

Three weeks have passed since Sally, Amy, and Cream went to Christmas Island. Since then, Sonic has balanced his new training regimen with his time with Tails, time with his uncle (and Rosie), and his group therapy sessions. It was a different experience for him, not being able to run around freely as he used to, however, he compensated for this restriction by putting more time and effort into healing his mind, mending his relationship with his best friend, and getting to know the people and the culture of his new home, New Mobotropolis.

Speaking of which, there were times when he did errands for Mike at the pet store and aided in restocking items for Tiara at his uncle's chili dog stand. This helped Sonic practice how to be sociable towards the Acornian people while they learned more about Sonic himself.

As for his power, Sonic managed to increase the reserve of kinetic energy but used the K.A.R. Sir Charles made to stabilize that energy within his body.

Now, Sonic and Sir Charles were journeying from New Mobotropolis to the original capital that had been destroyed twelve years ago. This was ordered by King Max with the Council's approval since King Max learned the truth behind Sonic's mental state and considered the pilgrimage to be crucial to the mental and emotional healing process.

Because of this, Sonic and Sir Charles made their way to the abandoned settlement on foot. Professor Hedgehog wore a green sleeveless green sweater under a brown vest, brown gloves, and brown boots.

Sonic had a change of clothes. Much like his uncle, the azure hedgehog wore a pair of brown gloves and boots, but instead of wearing a sweater underneath a vest, Sonic wore a brown scarf around his neck and kept a bare chest which exposed the scars that dragged across his torso. Sonic had a sleeveless vest, not too different from Sally's except tailored to a male Mobian and it sported a hood.

"...Hey, I don't mind new stuff, but why am I wearin' this again?" Sonic said, pointing to his new clothes.

"It's traditional male Azurite apparel, lad." Sir Charles explained. "Your father and I had to wear these for quite some time. That was until we were knighted. That scarf was Jules', believe it or not."

"It's quite comfy," Sonic commented as he walked by his uncle's side. "Where'd he get it from, anyway?"

"Your mother knitted the scarf as a present for him upon his ascension to knighthood," Sir Charles chuckled. "He wasn't aware of it at the time, but Aleena, while shy, was over the moon for the knucklehead. He didn't notice that he felt the same until the suitors started to come along. Jules was such a jealous boy."

"Is that right?" Sonic said softly, slowly contemplating what his parents were like. "That's cool, I guess. Hey, where are we goin' anyway?"

"...You still don't remember, eh?" Sir Charles sadly inquired before flashing a soft, solemn, and guilt-ridden smile towards his nephew. "We're returning to where it all began for you."

"What?" Sonic blinked.

Sir Charles then looked straight ahead and said, "Just keep a move on, Sonny-boy. Hopefully, it'll come back to you."

Sonic did not like the foreboding nature of his uncle's words, but he trusted the older Mobian man. He was family, so he did as he was told.

By the time they were nearing the desired destination, Sonic began to notice the putrid smell of what could only be described as decay. From there, he noticed that the area up ahead had a concerning lack of trees, vegetation, and wildlife.

Sonic also noticed the way Sir Charles was walking. He was stiff, robotic even. He never took his eyes away from what was ahead. Yet, for some reason, there was this eeriness that the teenager could shake off even if he tried. In the back of his mind, he somehow knew the road which he was walking on and his body was telling him to turn back now while his mind argued to press on.

Despite these mixed signals, Sonic ultimately continued to walk down the path with his only living relative. Soon enough, as a breeze swept through the desolate area, Sonic heard a voice brushing against one of his ears.

"Just a little further," A pleasant and feminine voice said to him, causing Sonic to jump and turn around to find nothing behind him.

"Who's there!?" Sonic shouted, not like anybody creeping up from behind.

"Sonic, there's nobody there." Sir Charles said, trying to calm his nephew down.

"...Heh heh heh!" Sonic chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry about that. Thought I heard somethin'. Must have been the wind."

"It's okay, son." Sir Charles said, placing a gloved hand on one of the teenager's shoulders. "Come. We're burning sunlight."

As the uncle and nephew duo made it to Old Mobotropolis, Sonic gasped what had become of the once large city. Firstly, it was in ruin. The ground was filled with crystalized remains of the dead used by Naugus. Presumably during the battle against most Mobian resistant groups led by Princess Sally. Sonic saw the overgrowth of vines piling on varying broken and scorched structures that resemble older versions of buildings found in New Mobotropolis. A statue of Naugus laid toppled and broken into pieces, and several craters were found with burnt marks, indicating that

"...Uncle Chuck, is this-?"

"-Yes. This was Mobotropolis." Sir Charles grimly announced. "Your parents and my second home. Your birthplace."

Suddenly, a massive sensation of throbbing in his mind caused him to stagger back and kneel to the ground as he loudly groaned in pain.

"NGH!" Sonic let out, which got the attention of a concerned Sir Charles. "ARGH!"

Flashes of burning buildings and violet and red flames in the background ran through Sonic's mind as he felt his breath quicken.

'...It hurts! IT HURTS! MAKE IT STOP!' Sonic screamed in his mind as he gritted his teeth.

"Sonic, Sonic, calm down!" The knighted hedgehog said as he brought his nephew to his feet. "You're okay, son. You're okay."

Sonic eventually was relieved of the headache once he focused on his uncle's words. Seeing this, Sir Charles took the semi-disoriented Sonic by the hand and took his time ending through the wasteland that used to be Acornia's proud capital.

'...W-What's happenin' to me?' Sonic pondered as sweat poured down his face.

'This isn't working out. All that this is doing is hurting the boy.' Sir Charles thought before sighing. '...Maybe sending him here was in vain, Max.'

While walking a mile, another voice spoke to Sonic. This time, it was deeper; a masculine voice that sent a shock to the azure hedgehog's system.

"Proceed. It's straight ahead."

Sonic immediately stopped, now seeing glimpses of two people being stabbed while the eyes of Naugus burned in the back of his mind.

"...Oliver," Sir Charles spoke softly. "We're almost there. Do you need to catch your breath?"

Sonic nodded, so the two stopped walking for a moment. Sir Charles knew that reliving the night of the coup was going to destroy the adventurer. In many ways, it already had. Therefore, Sonic had to unknowingly prepare himself mentally for what he was about to experience.

Once Sonic was ready, the two proceeded to walk for another three minutes until Sir Charles and Sonic stopped at their destination.

"...We're here," Sir Charles spoke impassively, hiding the anguish of being in the location requested by his king.

Sonic and his uncle stood in front of a compound, or rather the remains of a compound. When talking about his old home before the fight with Metallix on South Island, the Mobian Professor explained to Sonic that it was once a beautiful house made of oak that had a luscious garden his mother had grown near the porch. Currently, all that was left was a large pile of debris that had been charred, withered, and changed colors due to being in the elements for so long.

Sonic felt a strange sensation coursing through his body. It made the teenager feel heavy, like bricks were weighing on his back and an anvil was caving his chest in at the same time.

"W-Where are we?" Sonic managed to choke out, fearing the answer he was going to receive.

Sir Charles stared directly into his nephew's eyes and said, "Oliver, this compound held both my old home and your parents' home. Your home. You, your mother, your father, and I lived here a long time ago. Don't you remember?"

Sonic shook his head profusely, but said nothing as he turned his body way from his uncle and the building.

"...I-I can't…" Sonic said, barely whispering as he felt the floodgates of his emotions and memories nearly breaking to contradict his response.

Sir Charles took one hand and gently grabbed Sonic's left wrist, and said, "Look at me."

Sonic did so, allowing the mustached elder to gaze upon the fearful and confused youth.

"...Don't run." Sir Charles stated. "I know it's not an ideal place to be. And it isn't easy for me, returning to this place after all this time. But I believe His Majesty sent us here for a reason. You might never get your entire memorie back, and I accepted that possibility. But, it means everything to me that we finish this journey together. And it would mean the world to your parents. So please, stay with me awhile, son."

Sonic nodded to his uncle's pleads. With that Sonic was taken around the destroyed house.

While walking, Sonic softly asked, "Where are you takin' me, now?"

"There's a place that I want you to see…" Sir Charles answered as he held Sonic by the wrist.

"Find us," Both the male and female voices spoke, with one and the other speaking on his left and right side.

A moment later, Sonic and Sir Charles approached two gravestones. The headstones were made of granite while names were etched on them. If someone were to peer closely at them, they could find the sames, Sir Jules Manuel Hedgehog-Hurst and Queen Aleena Bernidette Cobalt-Hurst IV.

Sonic stood there, too shock to move, blink, or make a sound. The voices that he heard? Seemingly gone. The flashes of images in his head? Stopped. The weird feelings his body had been dealing with? Disappeared. Hell, all previous issues regarding his strained relationships with Knuckles and Amy, the distance between himself and the Knothole Freedom Fighters, that state of the world and its opinion, everything was cast aside for this moment.

All he could do was stare at the final resting place of his parents. He didn't know how to react to the revelation of being brought there inspite of avoiding anything related to them.

After a full minute of being silent, Sonic opened his mouth and said, "...Why bring me here?"

Sir Charles, instead of answering the teenager's question, he began verbally reminiscing the past saying, "Did you when Jules and I found out about Aleena's pregnacy, I was jealous of your father?"

Sonic glanced at his uncle in confusion.

"Yes, I was extremely envious of my brother. I've been infertile for a long time. That's why I've dedicated my life to my work. At the same time, I was happy. For my brother and sister-in-law since the Cobalt line was continuing, and because I was to be an uncle. But you parents were ecstatic at the news of being parents. Excited, even."

Sonic said nothing as he let his uncle continue speaking with a bittersweet smile.

"Jules and I decided to help in the construction of your room to the compound during the nine months. Your mother, she would sing a lullaby to you every night while you were still in the womb. Rosie would assist to Aleena's needs, just as excited for your arrival." Sir Charles smiled fondly. "Soon enough, the day came, and Queen Alicia delivered you to the world, and you brightened our lives. We were so happy to have you with us. So happy."

A few stray tears began to fall from the older hedgehog's face. He wiped them off his face with one arm, the pulled out his wallet from his vest pocket and took out an old picture and gave it to Sonic to look at.

"I took this around your father's birthday." Sir Charles mentioned. " We were having a barbecue at the time with family, friends and guests. During a toast to peaceful times, he said on that day that marrying your mother and having you were the best things that ever happened to him."

When Sonic apprehensively grabbed the picture and looked at it, he saw himself as a toddler, holding a small chili dog while being held up by his mother while his father was standing beside her with his arm around her waist. He had a proud and cheesy grin that contrasted his usual stoic "Relentless" persona, making him resemble Sonic more.

Sonic could feel a cold presence washing over him as his breathing became more pronounced as the faces of his parents began to unleash something from deep within the confines of his mind. Snippets of old memories returning, but now, with the faces of Sir Jules and Aleena bleeding in. This prompting Sonic's body to tremble as he held his face with his free gloved hand.

"...It's such a shame that you don't remember this. But I suppose its for the best." Sir Charles sighed. "It was a few days before the coup."

"...Remember us!" The masculine and feminine voices spoke before something in his mind had been unleashed, causing Sonic to gasp as everything in his perception had gone white.

-Flashback, Hurst-Cobalt Residence, Twelve Years Ago-

A dark cloud loomed over the heavens on the day of November 21st. Naugus had unleashed hell on Mobius in the form of a violent coup d'état. Once the wizard had shown his true colors, with he had access to the supply of Artificial Power Rings, massive waves of undead crystalized soldiers and his Phantom Army of Underworld forces poured onto the streets of the entire city, torching houses, slaughtering the Acornian citizens, and made quick work of the kingdom's line of defense.

In the middle of the slaughter, a lavender-furred Mobian hedgehog mother was carrying her baby in her arms, running her and her child's lives. The baby, in question, was too scared to utter a scream or wail, so he buried himself into his mother's bosom.

This was Bernadette Hurst, born Queen Aleena Cobalt, and a four-year-old Oliver, later known as Sonic.

While running through the burning streets of Mobotropolis, Aleena turned around to see three Phantom Homunculi approaching her and her child rapidly, Specifically, Crystal Knights riding Phantom Horses while carrying blades that were oozing with Ixis Magick.

Out of desperation to preserve herself and the life of her only child, Aleena channeled the Chaos Energy from within the Chaos Force itself and unleashed a chaotic wave that wiped out the enemies that aimed to slay her and her son.

As she continued to dart off, Aleena heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"ALEENA? ALEENA!"

Aleena quickly whipped her head and found a younger Sir Charles running up towards the two holding dual revolver that could fire lasers while he had a broadsword that was sheathed.

"Charles!" The lavender furred Azurite called out before lightly embracing her brother-in-law. "Thank heavens, you're okay!"

"How is he?" Sir Charles questioned, looking at the trembling toddler, who peaked his small spiky blue head to see his uncle.

Aleena wiped the tears that ran down her son's face and said, "Shaken, but better than most people at the moment. What on Mobius is going on?"

Sir Charles adopted a grievous expression and answered, "Walter Gaunsun has deceived us."

"What!?" Aleena cried out in shock. "It can't be true-"

"I've seen it for myself, Mi'lady." Sir Charles clarified before spotting flying demons descending upon their direction and killing them with his firearms. "Walter revealed his true colors at the town square for everybody to see. And he was none other than Naugus himself."

"No…! No, no, no, no!" Aleena began to panic, recalling the horrors of the Great War's final years where herself, her husband, and brother-in-law had to flee the destruction of their nation. "Not again…!"

"Aleena!" Sir Charles shouted, grabbing a hold of her shoulders. "Now's not the time to waver. Think about your husband, your child!"

Aleena quickly snapped out of her panic attack when she heard the wimpers of her four-year-old son, allowing her maternal instinct to calm her child by stroking his back and kissing him on his forehead lightly.

"...Y-You're right." The mother whispered. "Where's Jules?"

"I don't know. But knowing him, he's fighting his way back to the compound." Sir Charles assumed. "We should do the same for Oliver's sake."

The mother nodded in agreement, prompting the two adults to fight their way through hordes of Phantoms and crystallized Mobian soldiers until they made it to the compound.

When entering Jules and Aleena's home, Aleena ordered Sir Charles to lock the door physically. Once he did so, Aleena used magic to create a reinforced barrier that prevented outsiders from entering. Little did other people know, there was another way inside of the house that only Jules, Aleena, Charles, and King Max had access to which either one of them could use in case of emergencies.

Aleena, who was carrying Oliver, and Sir Charles ran across the single story house until they made it to the living room. From there, Aleena approached a mirror that stood vertical.

She channeled a bit of magic onto the mirror's surface, causing it to glow brightly. This allowed Aleena, Sir Charles and Oliver to step through.

From there, the three jumped when they heard a large explosion that came from the front of the house. From there, a foul and cool mist quickly enveloped the rooms within the house like a flame.

"Jules…Charles…Aleena…COME OUT!" The sound of the traitorous troll said as sounds his footsteps. "Your time in this world has run out!"

Oliver began to whimper, showing signs of crying, only for Sir Charles to quietly hush the toddler. Aleena rocked him back and forth to help come the hoglet down.

"Charles, I need you to follow one last order. Not just as a mother, but as your Queen," Aleena said with an air of authority and dire urgency.

"Anything, Mi'lady," The knight said while kneeling.

Aleena told a hold of her child, gave him a kiss on cheek before handing him off to Sir Charles, much to the shock and dismay of the older brother of Jules.

"W-Wait! Aleena, what are you-"

"There's an emergency exit straight ahead on you way downstairs. Use that and follow the road. The route is a shortcut to the Great Forest. Take my boy out away from this place and get to Rosie and the other children. He'll need you to be there for him in The Sanctuary."

"Mi'lady, I cannot let you do this! Can you not see he needs you now more than ever?" Sir Charles refuted in a quiet yet harsh tone. "Please, you must see reason! Let me lay my life for-"

"Charles, you I cannot do that, as much as I want to be there. Naugus' hatred for my family and his grudge for Jules are far too great. Jules or my inclusion will ultimately spell ruin for the children and Acornia's future," Aleena stated, causing Sir Charles to frown at her points. "This isn't how I wanted our new lives to be, but I fear the worst has yet to come and there is no man on this planet that I can trust with my son more than you. So, I must ask of your service a final time."

"What about you?"

"I will buy you some time. Once I close the mirror portal, it will act normally from my end while eliminating your presence in proximity within the compound. Naugus will not suspect a thing. Wait for an opening and take the path as instructed." Aleena responded. "Understood?"

Sir Charles' solemn expression turned hardened as he nodded. "As you wish, My Queen. It's been honor serving you, Your Highness."

"Thank you," The woman said before hugging him, "It has been an honor having you has one of my knights, and a prelievge to be your sister-in-law. I will never forget you, Sir Charles. I love you, brother."

"And I you, sister." Charles nodded, shedding a few tears.

As the sounds of the Ixis Warlock's footsteps continues to get lower with each door getting destroyed, emerald green-eyed Mobian mother kneeled down to her four-year-old hoglet son and give the teary-eyed boy the warmest smile to reassure him.

"...Momma?"

"Oliver, my beautiful baby boy," Aleena said as she held the sides of his face one last time. "Its okay. All will be okay. But you have to be strong."

"Where are you going?"

"Mommy is going to wait here for Daddy, luv," Aleena said, knowing well that she may not survive. "Uncle Chuck will watch over you, so listen to him and be good for Mommy, okay?"

"Okay…"

Seeing the toddler frown, Aleena brightened her smile and said, "No matter what happens or how far we may be, do not forget that Mommy and Daddy will always love you. Always."

Aleena embraced her young for the final time, kissing Oliver's cheek and forehead.

When she got up, Aleena waved left to two fourths of her family goodbye without looking looking at them. If Sir Charles or Oliver woul have seen her face, they would have saw the stray tears of Aleena cascading. But she did not want Oliver's last memory of her crying.

She bravely headed back to inside the house by crossin through the mirror and sealed the entry way off with her magic right before Naugus entered the living room. As far as she knew, there was no going back.

This was her last stand.

Meanwhile, Oliver was placed near the mirror portal and was instructed by Sir Charles to wait where he was until he came for the boy. The light blue hoglet did as he was told, but longed for his mother. So, he went back to the mirror portal and watched her encounter with the horrifying Ixis Warlock.

From within the house, the furious emerald green-eyed sorceress bravely stood up to the mutated troll. His presence created a light mist that made the area slightly obscured but visible enough for the silent toddler to make out the event.

"...You're time has come, Queen Aleena." Naugus the Dark, who wore a black, dark gold, red and brown body armor with a hot pink cape. "It all ends here, with this!"

With his only hand, Naugus carried a large broadsword that was metallic burnt orange down the middle, with purple around the metallic burnt orange. Finally the edge of the blade was black and had six bumps on each side.

"...The Sword of Light." Aleena growled, disgusted by the state of the once legendary weapon of her people. "Your blightful magic has corrupted it!"

"Heh, heh, heh! Do you like it? I've spent the last few years bending it to my will after I took it from your father's cold dead hands. I call it, Deathcalibur."

"Hear me, Warlock. I may die today, but someday, all of the evils you have unleashed upon the lives of the innocent you purged will fall upon you a thousand-fold." Aleena swore as she summoned her magic in the form of blue energy obscuring her pawed hands. "But I will refuse to leave this world timidly!"

"...Spoken like a true monarch. Ashame that your beloved husband isn't here to see what's about to happen next." Naugus cackled before raising Deathcalibur.

"HAVE AT YOU!" Aleena charged, readying to fire her spell at the troll.

Unfortunately, the battle was short lived despite the foreign hedgehog lasting longer than he had expected. Aleena fired orbs of her magic at Naugus. However, he cut through them with relative easy. He would have cleaved the woman in half, but Aleena created illusions that somehow deceived the Ixis Warlock with illusions. Aleena cursed herself for not trying to improve her offensive spells and/or diversifying her arsenal of spells in general. Naugus, irritated with such basic tricks, channeled his Ixis Magick through Deathcaliburn and emitted electrified beams to destroy all of the illusions while Aleena created a shield that barely managed to

Running out of options rather quickly, Aleena channeled every bit of magical power she had and fired it as a beam of energy. Naugus humored her by firing a beam of his own with Deathcaliburn. The blast concluded with a small explosion, and then silence.

When the smoke cleared, Aleena seemed to have been the victor. From overexertion and her lack of stamina, the women fallen to her knees as she caught her breath.

"...Fool, the battle was over before it began." Naugus' voice spoke from all over the room.

A loud stabbing sound echoed throughout the room as Aleena gasped in pain. From below the woman, most of Deathcalibur stabbed through the lavender Azurite's chest via a dark portal.

From there, Naugus revealed himself to have never left his intital area and had kneeled down to strike his opponent with one of his Shadow Meld portal spells with his blade.

"...H-How…?"

"You were but a child fighting a god." Naugus coldy stated before raising the blade upward, inadvertently taking the blade out of the woman, causing her to collapse into her own pool of spewing blood.

The scene had been observed by the four-year-old Sonic, who's mouth had parted as near tears began to pour out uncontrollably. Yet, he not dare utter a word.

"ALEENA! NOOO!"

Oliver and Naugus' attention then turned to Sir Jules Hedgehog who charged into the room with one of his semi-automatic pistols in one hand while he carried a black and gray greatsword strapped to his back.

The male hedgehog had Egyptian blue-colored fur, quills that slant upwards and possessed chocolate brown irises. The knighted Azurite had a scar acrossed his left eye and a uniquely darker tan for his skin tone. His quills and spines appearing more wild, the male hedgehog's had a larger upper body and thicker arms that were developed and well tone from exercise and years of combat experience. Finally, the muzzle of the brown-eyed warrior had tufts on each side which showed his age.

For his attire, Sir Jules wore an opened red vest that exposed his dark chest fur, a brown belt with gun holsters on them, fingerless brown leather gloves with his wedding ring on the left hand, and brown boots.

Jules ran to his wife's side and kneeled before the woman, panicking as he saw Aleena gasping in pain, feeling the remainder of her life slipping away further. But Aleena flashed a smile at the sight over her husband and first love.

"Aleena? Aleena! Stay with me! STAY WITH ME!" Jules screamed, holding her hand while putting the gun he held back in the holster to cover the stab wound to stop the bleeding.

Naugus said nothing but had the biggest grin on his face as he watched two of his most hated adversaries suffer.

"...Y-You…came home…" Aleena croaked, barely mustering the strength to caress the man's cheek. "I-I'm sorry…he's…t-too strong…"

"Save your strength, okay? You'll be alright, just stay with me!" Jules urgently said, but the tear-stricken Aleena shook her head as she took a hold of his hand that was soaked in her blood.

"I-I…lov-" Aleena stuttered before finally passing on with her body gone limp.

Jules' heart stopped, now having lost the love of his life. He felt cold, angry, solemn, confused. All of these sensations, these emotions brewed within the body of the unreadable Jules.

"...And so the Queen falls in the arms of her beloved knight. How tragic." Naugus mocked, which caused the male Mobian to let go of his wife's corpse with his back away from the warlock.

Jules asked in a low, "...Why?"

"Oh, whatever are you asking about? Why am I attacking Mobotropolis? Why did I strike your wench down? Or why I lay ruin your precious kingdom?" Naugus inquired, staring at the unreadable expression of Sir Jules.

"WHY? HER!?" Jules gritted, placing his right hand on the hilt of his greatsword, named Timoría, the Sword of Retribution.

"You should have joined me when you had the chance." Naugus answered with his smug grin never leaving his face. "You could have had power beyond imagination. Through me, you could slain King Nicholas, seize his throne and his daughter. But you denied it all for what? Blind loyalty?"

"...I would not dare betray my fatherland nor would I do so to this country. I am a man of chivalry!" Sir Jules proclaimed.

"Oh? T'was it not your chivalry that put your wife to the sword?" Naugus questioned.

In a matter of seconds, Oliver watched his father lunge at Naugus while he was airborn with Timoría had been swung overhead. This was quickly countered as Timoría met with opposition from the bewitched Deathcaliburn.

Naugus relished every second of meeting the enraged expression of Sir Jules Hedgehog. With little effort, Naugus the Dark pushed Sir Jules back, causing the hedgehog to flip back and land next to the couch of the living room.

"...I had uses for you, mortal." Naugus revealed before pointing his blade at the hedgehog. "Now, you shall regret the day you raised your sword against me!"

Naugus used his blade to fire four spheres of Ixis Magick at the knight. Sirr Jules' responded was to cleave these spheres in half, dispelling the attacks with a single swipe. Naugus snorted and fired electric beams from Deathcalibur to which Sir Jules had dodged. Seeing a nearby chair, Jules kicked it at the warlock. The warlock used his raw magic power to shatter the wooden chair to pieces, only to be seemingly split in two by the male Mobian hedgehog…

…Only for black mist be released.

"Rage alone will not defeat me, boy!" Naugus spoke from behind as Jules turned around.

However, Jules was met with a boot to his ribs, sending Jules to a nearby wall. Fortunately, the Egypian blue Azurite was too angry to give up and quickly got on his feet, only to find five more copies of Naugus the Dark surrounding him. This caused Jules to silently think of his situation, and eventually sheath Timoría.

"That's right, mortal. Give up!" The trolls cackled as Jules eyed the chandelier, then a dining table before looking at the multiple sorcerers. "You never stood a chance. You're in the presence of a god!"

"A god? No," Jules coldly replied as he slowly put his hands behind him where the warlocks couldn't see them. "All I see behind that conceited hauteur is a dead man!"

Naugus one-through-six laughed at Sir Jules, then said, "Jules… You couldn't fathom the amount of dead men behind me."

The warlocks all cast portals and plunged their blades within them, and they would have skewered Jules if he hadn't jumped onto of the table. Next, Sir Jules the Relentless jump onto the chandelier and swung on it clockwise with his dual magnums in both hands. He had then proceeded to shoot them all until the real Naugus deflected the bullets fired, letting Jules know where his target was located.

Sir Jules jumped off of the chandelier, unsheathed Timoría and prepared to swing with exceptional force. Of course, Naugus saw what he was about to execute and planned to counter accordingly.

However, much to the warlock's stupor, Naugus managed to fall for a feint, courtesy of The Relentless Knight of Azuron. With two swift swings, Naugus let out an agonizing scream.

As it turned out, Sir Jules' improvisation and quick thinking allowed him the one and only chance to injure Naugus. This cost the warlock the horn on his mutated head, and the crusteacan-like claw on his left arm.

"AAARGH!" Naugus hissed as he back away and cradled his arm after dispelling Deathcalibur.

Jules stood across from the panting warlock, adopting a hardened expression.

"...YOU!" Naugus venomous hissed.

"That was for my wife, and our kingdom!" Jules in a cold tone.

Utilizing his Ixis Magick, Naugus reformed both his horn and claw out of crystal before creating an energy blade out of his hand, stabbing Sir Jules through the chest, unknowingly killing baby Sonic's father right in front of the boy.

"D-Daddy…!" A tearful Oliver whispered, not having the energy to scream.

Naugus held the dying Jules by the energy blade as he stared into his archenemy one last time.

"I waited years for this moment. Though, we both have King Max to thank for this. I'll be sure to repay him in full." Naugus cackled with a hate filled smirk. "Farewell, Sir Jules."

"...Y-You…will…p-pay for…t-this!" Jules gasped as he spat his blood on the mutated troll's face.

"Unlikely," Naugus smirked as he watched the Mobian's life leave him.

Naugus tossed the body of Sir Jules the Relentless towards his wife's dead body, then retracted the energy blade.

"To think that the one foretold to stop me would come from their line." Naugus the Dark scoffed. "Good riddance."

With that being said, Naugus summoned Ixis Flare, and began setting the house ablaze, much to the toddler Sonic's horror.

"NO!" Oliver screamed from the sealed side of the mirror portal as he placed his hands on its surface. "MOMMA! DADDY!"

"Oliver? Oliver!" Sir Charles said, finally returning for the wailing child. "Hey, hey! We have to go!"

"NO!" Oliver screamed at the top of his lungs frantically. "NO! NO! NO! NO!"

Sir Charles could only put up a brave face before picking up the hoglet and running down the hallway as the fire he smelt from the smoke began to eat away the entire house.

The last thing Sonic could remember was the sound of thunder booming and the rapid footsteps of his uncle as his screams for his parents fell deaf to anybody who could have heard it.

-Flashback End-

Snapping out of his memories, Sonic dropped to his knees, trying to catch his breath from what experienced mentally. Sir Charles saw this and rushed to his nephew's side.

"Sonic, what's wrong?" Sir Charles questioned.

Sonic had his hands on the ground, heaving forward but used to hold him in place. The adventurer's breaths quickly turned into hicks as his glassy emerald-green eyes become glassy. Charles kneeled beside the quivering teenager and noticed teardrops falling from Sonic's face.

"Hey, hey, it's okay…" Sir Charles tried comforting the younger hedgehog, rubbing his back. "Let it out."

After nearly a decade of suppressing his emotions, Sonic finally broke down in tears. And this time, his cries were audibly heard. From there, Sonic placed his hands to his face, letting everything flow naturally.

Sir Charles didn't know what to make of the phenomenon, but the Mobian Professor understood that his nephew needed him. So, he embraced Sonic, allowing the boy to cry on his shoulder in silence. The two would stay this way until Sonic could night shed any more tears and fall asleep.

Sir Charles took his nephew and gave him a piggyback ride back to New Mobotropolis while mentally vowing to protect Sonic as best he could.

---

Julayla Memorial Park, New Mobotropolis

With Sonic recovering his memories, the teenager was given a full week to himself after being given permission by both his primary doctor and therapist two days after visiting Old Mobotropolis. Sir Charles and Rosie managed to briefly inform his friends what happened and requested to hold up on approaching him, now that the Quickster was in a fragile state his emotions were at the moment.

Everybody present did as they were instructed, awaiting for Sonic to approach them or get well again.

The Chaotix were allowed to guard Sonic from afar, but Sonic was granted time off from training with Espio.

Early in the morning, Sonic decided to walk his dog, Muttski, in solitude. The Azurite Sonic eventually found a familiar location to sit on. It was the same bench that had a large water fountain on it which was next to a tree. Yes, the same place where he was attacked by Lightning Lynx.

Of course, Sonic had nothing to worry about this time, for his training with Espio allowed him to detect the spirits of other living creatures regardless if they were cybernetically enhanced, synthetically created, or naturally born lifeforms.

Sitting down, Sonic decided to toss a stick several yards away, causing Muttski to scamper over to fetch it for the adventurer. Sonic resumed to wear his sweatsuit and hood, but not out of self pity or self loathing, but grief over the past. Now, all that he could ever think about was the loss of his parents, or rather the fact that Naugus purposely killed them.

Merely mulling over the troll's treacherous repeatedly increased the ever growing personal rage he had towards the Ixis Warlock. Suddenly, he started to think about the other crimes Naugus had had a hand in. Acornia's hostile takeover, the Azuron Kingdom's fall, the collapse of Westopolis, South Island's destruction, the potential millions of people wiped out by his hand, these tempestuous thoughts fueled the rage building up inside of Sonic to the point where it borderline fueled his Negative Chaos Energy.

"Hey, Sonic!"

Sonic blinked with his ears perking as he heard a voice of a person he hadn't seen in a while. Looking up, Sonic found Knuckles the Echidna standing before him, carrying a small box and a small bag.

"...Knuckles?" Sonic uttered, speaking for the first time since he woke up.

"Long time no see, Hedgehog." The echidna said, slightly smiling. "Mind if I take a seat?"

Sonic looked at the older Mobian impassively, but gave him a shrug.

"...Go right ahead, man." Sonic answered indifferently, not opposed to seeing his friend.

Sonic watched as the red echidna took his seat before proceeding to hold out the small box he brought with him.

"Here," The echidna said.

Sonic gazed at the warm cardboard rectangular prism while sniffing aroma, only glancing at the older echidna with a surprised expression.

"...Is that what I think it is?" Sonic questioned.

"...Thought I'd bring a peace offering." Knuckles muttered.

Sonic chuckled before the two watched Muttski run up to the legs of the Fastest Thing Alive with the stick he caught in his mouth.

The blue adventurer petted the Mobini's head as he praised, "Good boy, Muttski."

Sonic took out a bag of treats from his pocket and gave one to Muttski, which the Mobini mutt happily consumed. The blue hedgehog then threw the stick again, causing the hound to take off after it.

Sonic then fell silent as Knuckles took out a grape from the brown bag he had and ate one. Knuckles momentarily stared at Sonic, noticing that the shimmer of adventure and whimsy that he had in his eyes were gone. Instead, they were dull. His expression had hardened, making Sonic resemble Shadow more than himself. To say the least, it concerned Knuckles.

Not that he'd directly say in front of the not-so typical speedy hero.

"...Your uncle told us what happened, you know." Knuckles said, breaking the ice, only to be met with silence. "...What do you remem-"

"-Everything." Sonic in a curtly tone, catching Knuckles off guard. "I remember everything."

"...Right." Knuckles nodded, then tried asking another question without completely derailing Sonic's current state. "...Are, uh, okay?"

Sonic turned away from Knuckles, silently shaking his head without looking at the powerhouse of a Mobian.

"...I'm sorry about what happened before," Knuckles apologized, causing Sonic's eyes to widen and his ears to point up. "-And what happened to your parents. We-, I assumed the worst because your history of doing whatever in disregard of your surroundings. Sometimes, I envy your ability to freely travel. But none of us thought that how you acted and what the sorcerer did were connected."

'...Except Shadow.' Sonic thought to himself as Knuckles sighed.

"I don't know what it was like during the coup, or to be torn from my birthplace, but I understand how it feels to lose a parent." Knuckles empathized, causing Sonic to finally look at Knuckles again. "Tenochtitlan, my father. Watching him pass on from illness haunts me to this day. I was five, and from my perspective, I was the last of my kind on that day forward. All I was left with was my life, the island, and my duty."

Sonic listened, not seeing Knuckles open himself up in such a way before. Not even his feelings about Aurora compared. But the hedgehog silently let the echidna continue.

"Though I was a child, I trained myself to be accustomed to solitude, even if it was meant to last a lifetime. And I accepted my role as the guardian of my father's home. But deep down, I hated what kind of burden being alone brought." The purple eyed echidna expressed with a growl before a toothy grin appeared. "But that all changed the day you and Tails came along."

"...You mean the day you decked me in the face?" Sonic dryly reminded Knuckles cheekily smiled a little.

"Yes, my life changed after that day," Knuckles halfheartedly joked before talking seriously again. "I never would have imagined that I'd find friendship among strangers, but the loneliness I had since childhood slowly faded the more we traveled over the years. I suppose learning how to trust in others gave me a new responsibility. Protecting those close to me."

Knuckles clenched his fists tightly, and then said, "...I'm trying to say that I owe you, Hedgehog. I owe you a lot. And I give you shit because I give a shit."

Sonic chuckled at the echidna's disgruntled nature and said, "I figured as much a while ago. I never blamed you guys for how you all felt. I ain't got an excuse for what I tried to pull, and I'm sorry for doing that to you and, and for hurtin' Tails."

"But why try it? Could you not stand healing naturally?"

"...I don't have a lot in my life. And the good stuff that I do have are fewer. But every time I do get somethin' good in life, one way or another, it gets taken away from me." Sonic answered bluntly, rendering Knuckles speechless. "...I don't think I can handle losin' something good again. So, I keep my distance. But since ya'll treat me well, I help you guys out as a way to show my thanks. …Yet, I screwed up by losin' South Island. I let everybody down that day…"

TWACK!

"Ouch!" Sonic yelped, feeling a sizable knot immediately form on the back of his head after Knuckles bopped him with one of his fists.

"What was that for, Knucklehead!?"

"For being an idiot," Knuckles answered casually. "Most of what you did was with our help. Why would you think that everything rests on your shoulders?"

"Because everybody expects me to!" Sonic finally snaps back, glaring at Knuckles. "Look, you may not agree or notice it, but for the past couple of years, most people on Mobius have treated me like I'm their guardian angel or some crap! I'm not Sonic the Hedgehog to normal folks, I'm Sonic, the Hero! Sonic the Good Guy! The go-to person when the world's at stake! And I don't mind helpin' people out if its my choice, but it's another thing when the president of an entire nation dumps a whole world-threatening problem on me in front of the world on television without my say in it!"

Knuckles winced, remembering how Tails showed the echidna the broadcast with the Miles Electric.

"I'm not a superhero, Knux! I'm an adventurer! I wanted to travel the world growin' up!" Sonic ranted, finally expressing his frustration. "I shouldn't be expected to clean up somebody else's mess! Apparently, I've been doin' that for eight years of my life for GUN since nobody's capable of fightin' Eggman! …Even you guys do it to me!"

"What?" Knuckles responded in shock.

Sonic sighed, "...Look, you, Tails, Amy, ya'll are the best. There's no doubt about that in my mind. But lately, it feels like every time Eggman's on the scene to try and conquer the planet, I'm the first one to move, and if you decide join in on the action, it's because I'm already pursuin' the Egghead."

"Sonic, you know that its-"

"-Dude, you guard a giant stationary rock on a floating island that moves." Sonic planely stated. "Unless you're Rouge or Eggman, nobody's touching it. And another thing! You could literally hire the Chaotix, your pals, to guard it when you're off the island doin' other stuff like stopping Eggman with me and Tails."

Knuckles blinked, never considered the possibility before.

Sonic shook his head an expressed, "Point is, Necalli, you guys don't mean to do it, but for whatever reason, ya'll put a lot on me by not takin' the initiative in dealin' with Eggman when I know for a fact that you guys are all capable enough to stop him yourselves. And again, I get it! I know everybody's got lives to live, but I never wanted this for mine! I wanna live my life too, ya know!"

After a full minute of silence swept the area. In between the time, Sonic tossed the stick Muttski collected away, allowing Sonic and Knuckles to be alone with the mutt running away to get it. The hedgehog looked directly ahead, breaking eye contact with his hands.

Knuckles took Sonic's criticism, contemplated it while tightening his gloved hands, and said, "...You're right. You're exceptional, but you're still one person. No one should have a burden like that pushed on to them, no matter how gifted they are. I know how that feels."

Sonic looked at Knuckles, who grew determined as the echidna beat his chest with one of his hands and said, "I'll just have to turn up the heat and train harder! That way, I can take some of that baggage off of you!"

"Huh?"

"What? You said it yourself! People these days rely on you too much to solve their problems. Us included. I wasn't much use against Nazo…and I probably would have lost against Metal now that he's got that horrid magic." Knuckles admitted in shame before his confidence returned with full vigor. "But that's why I'm training with Shadow, so I can be of use as a better fighter and guardian. …Now, I'll work on being a better friend."

Sonic's eyes widened, but said nothing.

However, Sonic found Knuckles pointing at Sonic's chest, saying, "Don't think that you're off the hook, though, Hedgehog! We still need you for the plan against Naugus and that Rotten Egg, so get your tail in gear."

Just then, Knuckles formed a coy grin as he teased, "...Unless you can't keep us with the rest of us."

Tch! Dontcha know who I am?" Sonic asked, forming his signature toothy grin.

Knuckles nodded with a knowing smile, thinking, '...There's the reckless moron I know.'

Knuckles held out his hand toward the Speed Type Mobian, querying, "We're good?"

"Always," Sonic said, answering the Power Type Mobian halfway before shaking Knuckles' hand.

Of course, a few pops came from Sonic's hand before the azure hedgehog began whining.

"Ow, ow, ow! That's my hand! Knux, knock it off!"

"Hahahaha!"

With that, the friends' hand reconciled and their bond grew even stronger.

To Be Continued…

---

Author's Notes:

Scene 1:

Pathos Magic/Vibe Shifting- Fanmade magic exclusive to this continuity. It was made for a way to explain Amy's Magic.

King Arthur Cobalt (Sonic's ancestor) and Trip's ancestor from Sonic Superstars was the reason why the Dark Dragon was sealed away, with the two creating a pact that links Azuron (Aleena's kingdom in this continuity) to dragons.

The Sword of Light (Pre Genesis Wave weapon from the Archie Comic run of Sonic) is the Sword in the Stone that King Arthur Cobalt wielded, which was passed down through his bloodline until Naugus stole it after killing the last king of Azuron/Aleena's father.

Wendy found a Koco, but it's not one from the Chaos Dimension (Prime Dimension) but one from another dimension. This will be important when Cream gives it to Cheese.

Sally's magic from the Deep Power Stones does not make her immune to Ixis Magick, but it does make her immune to being turned into crystal. She's just highly resistant to the magic itself and it gives her an immunity to secondary effects despite lacking control now.

Scene 2:

Like in the anime/manga series, Bleach with the state of Jizen, Shadow is battling his soul self to learn how his Arcane Eye works.

The Twilight Cage and the Void of Silence are the same thing. It serves as not only a place where damned souls are judged, but it was the ancestral birth place where the Black Arms originated.

Argus, a planned entity for the sequel of Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, is the God of the Dead in RESURGENCE. I REPEAT, Arugus the God of the Dead, not death. He judges souls and either damns them to eternal suffering or could allow them to ascend.

Order Energy is the Opposite of Chaos Energy that is exclusive here and only can be drawn from those blessed with the Arcane Eye/Argus' Eye who can then draw it from the Void of Silence. Black Doom never inherited it because he wasn't worthy, but Shadow was. He had the potential of unlocking it and did so after certain conditions were met. Though, it cannot be used in tandem with Chaos Energy as they are opposing forces. And it can negate almost any power but takes a toll after repeated usage.

Scene 3:

Naugus hid the Chaos Emerald from his student so that Vi'Chama won't figure out what he is planning on doing in the future.

Vi'Chama, while weary of his former master, is not afraid to challenge him due to his own pride as a well rounded dark sorcerer himself.

Hints of Vi'Chama's identity have been shown through their interactions.

The Phantom Ruby will play a big role in the second half of this "season".

Enerjak was mentioned, but spelled as "NRJK", signifying that it may be adapted as something else rather than a person.

Naugus reveals that he allowed Sally to win during their final bout in the old Castle Acorn walls since she didn't have great control over her magic and decided to relocate to find Dr. Eggman's whereabouts.

Vi'Chama is shown to be a schemer, like his former master and plans to deal with him since he can sense that all Naugus the Dark cares about is destruction.

Scene 4:

Sir Charles implies that he hadn't been to Old Mobotropolis since his brother and sister-in-law were buried next to their old home.

There may be spirits of the dead that linger within the ruins of Old Mobotropolis.

Charles and Jules' choice of weapons were loosely inspired by Devil May Cry's Devil Arms, given that both are brothers that handle firearms and a sword as knights.

During the night of the coup, Sonic was too scared to talk for the most part, utterly traumatized by the events. The physical recollection of events were so intense that Sonic didn't start more until he met Tails and Knuckles later.

Aleena revealed that while she had an aptitude for magic, she didn't hone her skills and laxed on what she had due to becoming a stay-at-home mother like she dreamed of, stagnating her growth as a sorceress.

The mirror portal Aleena created works this way. The mirror's glass acts as a gateway. From a normal person's point of view, it's just a mirror. But when the glass is touched by a magic user that coats their hand in magic, it activates. So, until the caster seals the pathway shut, one could cross through with ease. After its closed by the caster, from the other side, the mirror is actually a window where they could see through and watch what's happening on the inside. But on the inside, its a normal mirror.

Deathcalibur was the sword of the King Arthur illusion in Sonic and the Black Knight. In the RESURGENCE continuity, this blade is the Sword of Light corrupted by Ixis Magick before being converted into Deathcalibur by Naugus the Dark. The armor and abilities of Naugus had been carried over from King Arthur as well.

Timoía means Retribution in Greek.

Jules' death is based on Sonic's death from Sonic The Hedgehog (2006).

Scene 5:

Sonic remembers his past, but still sticks with who he is since he was raised on South Island by his adopted grandparents.

Sonic's self loathing is so powerful that he could access both phases of Dark Sonic without the need of a Chaos Emerald subconsciously. However, he's never fully changed and reaped the physical benefits of it.

Knuckles' father's name in this continuity is Tenochtitlan. He is named after a city-state in ancient Mexico.

Sonic's rant comes from the frustration he has with his life as of current, but remember that he chose to accept King Max's request in Chapter 3 willingly.

DO REMEMBER, RESURGENCE SONIC IS NOT GAME/SEGA SONIC! HE'S A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE CHARACTER! SO DO NOT GIVE HIM THE SAME EXPECTATIONS AS YOU WOULD FOR GAME/SEGA SONIC OR OTHER VERSIONS OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG! EVERY SONIC IS NOT THE SAME, WHETHER YOU ARE FROM JAPAN, EUROPE, OR THE UNITED STATES! THANK YOU!

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! Happy New Year!

-DarkShadowGames451