Chapter 25: The Calm before Hollow Bastion Part 2
"So, you're stuck in your Werehog form again?" Tails asked, looking to his best friend with intrigue.
"Yep," Sonic said disgruntledly, in his powerful Werehog form. "That magic over on Nightopia is powerful stuff, even defeating Reala and sealing the Keyhole didn't revert me back to normal."
The returning heroes of Sora, Donald, Goofy and Sonic (still stuck in his Werehog form) had been guided by Pinocchio to Tails' workshop when they arrived back at Traverse Town, on request of Leon's instructions. Tails' workshop buzzed with anticipation and mystery due to Sonic's predicament, but there was much to discuss from what had been occurring in Traverse Town over the last few days.
"Sure there is nothing you can do, Donald?" Tails questioned. "A royal mage like yourself should have the power to change Sonic back, surely?"
Donald sighed and shook his head, "Sadly not, I specialize in white and combat magic like fire, thunder and ice. This is powerful, dark magic stuff that needs Merlin's attention."
"Oh," Tails sighed, shaking his head. The two tailed fox turned his attention to Sonic with a face of concern, worrying about his friend's predicament. However Sonic was unfazed, he was annoyed about his problem sure, but he saw Tails worried and needed to reassure his best friend everything would be fine.
"No need to worry pal," Sonic said, looking at his friend. "Merlin will be able to help and get me back to normal."
"Tails," Sora interjected. "Why don't you give us news on what's been going on in Traverse Town since we were gone?"
"Sora is right," Goofy added. "We got your messages on the Gummi Ship, but there was way too much information for us to dive into."
"Of course," Tails replied with a smile now on his face. "I'd be happy too."
Tails began to explain the events that unfolded in Sora, Donald, Goofy and Sonic's absence, starting with Alice's unexpected arrival and the valuable information she brought regarding Maleficent's plans. He highlighted Knuckles' is now in Traverse Town to repair the Master Emerald, emphasizing the crucial role it played in the overall scheme of things.
"Wait, Knuckles is here?" Sonic interrupted, his large, furry ears perking up.
"Yeah he is," Tails confirmed. "He went with Leon and Yuffie not long ago to find a spot to start piecing the Master Emerald shards together. He mentioned he bumped into Rouge and Omega on his travels."
"Really?" Sonic said in relief. "Good to hear they are ok."
"Who are they?" Sora asked, looking at Sonic.
"Some friends from home," Answered Sonic. "They are part of G.U.N - the spy types."
"Speaking of G.U.N," Tails interjected. "Seems they are getting involved in some capacity also."
"G.U.N?" Goofy asked, looking confused at the acronym.
"It stands for Guardian Units of Nations," Tails explained further. "They are a military and security organization back home on Mobius."
"You know it's not good when they get involved," Sonic said, looking at Sora, Donald and Goofy.
"How come?" Sora pondered, looking for answers.
"Yeah, what about the World Order?" Donald added.
"I think the concept of the 'World Order' gets thrown out of the window when Mobius was engulfed by darkness," Tails said in response. "G.U.N has a duty to Mobius and now to other worlds in peril."
"It sounds like they're really serious about this," Goofy mumbled, with the gravity of the situation sinking in.
Sonic nodded, "They are. If G.U.N is involved, it means things have gone way beyond the norm. They don't mess around."
The heroes exchanged concerned glances, realizing that the involvement of G.U.N hinted at the severity of the threat they faced. The disruption of the World Order and the need for military intervention emphasized the urgency of their mission.
"So, they are after Maleficent?" Sora asked, looking at Tails for confirmation.
"Yes," Tails said, nodding towards Sora from his work station. "Knuckles mentioned that when he saw Rouge, she said that G.U.N had Maleficent on their radar for a while, monitoring her activities and other worlds across."
"Oh?" Sonic said in surprise, "That's handy to know."
"But I'm afraid that isn't all Sonic," Tails said with a sigh.
"Of course it's not," Sonic said, shaking his head with a sigh of his own. "What else is there to share, Tails?"
"Intelligence suggests that when a Princess is taken from their home world, that world vanishes," Tails replied. "Maleficent's actions have cost a number of world's it seems, with that world fading into the darkness."
Sonic paused for a moment and pondered, his Werehog expression changing from serious to confusion.
"What is it, Sonic?" Sora asked, looking at his transformed friend.
"Does that mean…" Sonic began. "A princess was taken from Mobius? One Maleficent needed for her dark schemes?"
Tails looks perplexed by the question, there could be a probability or a correlation, but this wasn't concrete right now.
"It's unclear Sonic," Tails spoke, trying to answer the question with caution. "There is a theory it could be, due to another Princess going missing and her world disappearing, but it's just a theory."
"But what about the world's Keyhole I sealed with a missing Princess?" Sora said, trying to make sense of it all. "Like Agrabah? That world didn't fall into the darkness when Jasmine was taken."
"I think you may have answered your own question, buddy," Tails replied, ready to break it down for Sora. "Even though Princess Jasmine was taken, you sealed the Keyhole - meaning no darkness could enter and harm the heart of that world."
"So, when Sora sealed the Keyhole the world was safe from the Heartless, even with the Princess missing?" Goofy asked, pondering the foxes words carefully.
"Correct," Tails said with a strong nod.
"And if a world's Keyhole is not sealed and a Princess is taken, that world disappears?" Donald added, trying to make sense of the theory.
"Indeed," Tails again confirmed.
"But, what about my home?" Sora asked with haste. "We don't have princess, let alone royalty!"
Tails gave a small shrug to the Keyblade wielder, he didn't have all the answers for the team.
"Best to speak with Vector on this. He's got the theories and the detective after all," Tails explained.
Sonic scratched the top of his head, trying to make sense of it all.
"This adventure gives me a major headache!" Sonic said with a hint of playfulness in his tone. "No matter, we gotta get back on track."
"Agreed," Donald nodded.
"Yep," Goofy added.
Sora was still puzzled by all these theories and concepts, but he knew that he needed to help save the many worlds out there still and stop Maleficent. Plus, save Kairi and Riku.
"We should go speak to Merlin, Sonic," Sora said, looking at the Werehog. "I need to speak to him also, perhaps some training on flying and gliding?"
"Oh yea, NiGHTS and the power of flying!" Goofy interject, excited by the prospect of practicing their new skills.
"Oh boy," Donald added also in excitement.
"Umm, NiGHTS?" Tails said in confusion, looking for Sonic for clarity.
Sonic gave a small chuckle and turned to Tails, the fox was so bewildered by this comment. The genius fox in his amazing and teched out workshop couldn't fathom who NiGHTS was and the gang's new ability to take flight; with practice of course.
"I'll explain on the way to Merlin's place, Tails," Sonic said with a smile, his big Werehog fangs showing in his grin.
"We'd better see Vector and those Chaotix fellas also," Goofy added.
"Yeah, Knuckles too." Donald said also, knowing it was important to see their friends across town to gather information.
"Ok," Sora began, confirming the plan. "Let's go to Merlin first then and go from there."
Sonic nodded and gave Sora a big thumbs up, his eyes looked towards the Keyblade wielder with confidence and determination.
"Sounds like a plan, Sora," Sonic said.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement to the plan and set off to speak with Merlin. They hoped that the powerful and wise wizard would be able to help Sonic and return him to normal. As Tails locked up his workshop, the night skies above Twilight Town twinkled brightly as the five heroes set off to Merlin's Abode in the Third District, searching for answers on the curse of the Werehog.
Merlin's - Mystical House - Third District
The team had arrived at Merlin's mystical house after traveling through the Third District and through the water ways. They arrived at the small, cozy abode tucked away in the shadows of Traverse Town, eager to speak to the wise wizard about Sonic's predicament. And of course, to practice their flying abilities; thanks to the power of NiGHTS. On the way over through the quiet districts of this safe world, Tails was told about NiGHTS and their ability to fly. This baffled the scientific mind of the two tailed fox, who was taken back by the world of Nightopia and the world powered by dreams. As the team stood outside Merlin's house, Tails wanted to know more.
"That's amazing," Tails remarked. "So, NiGHTS can fly and gave you the powers of flight also?"
"Right you are, Tails!" Goofy replied, his words full of excitement. "NiGHTS is now part of Sora's Keyblade, he can be summoned if we need their assistance."
"Just like Genie powering up our magic spell from under my hat!" Donald added, pointing to his blue hat.
"THAT'S RIGHT!" Came the voice of the Genie under the duck's hat, making it move up and down when it spoke.
Tails chuckled and was impressed by the magical aspects of his friends. The two tailed fox knew magic was out there, but he was a Mobian of science and discovery. As Tails was in awe of all this, Sonic knocked on the door of the house, eager to fix his issue of being stuck as the Werehog.
"Merlin," Sonic said, knocking at the door with his large Werehog fist. "You home?"
As Sonic knocked, the door opened eerily with no one opening it on the other side. However, the inside looked cozy and warm, with candles lit across the room. The heroes stepped in and looked around for any signs of the Wizard. Sora saw the table in the center covered in books and a teapot still steaming from its funnel.
"I think we must have just missed him?" Sora remarked, looking at the teapot on the table.
Goofy wandered up to the table, placing his gloves hand on the side of the teapot. However, the King's Captain realized that was a huge mistake and sharply took it back, waving it up and down rapidly due to the heat.
"Gawrsh," Goofy remarked in pain. "That pot is still hot!"
"Darn," Sonic said with a sigh. "Where could he be?"
Suddenly, a voice echoed around the house, one of knowledge and power; but also familiar to the group.
"Sonic my boy," said the voice. "It seems you have been dealt a rather unusual hand."
The group looked around the candle lit room, searching for the voice of familiarity.
"Merlin?" Goofy said, looking around in haste, still clutching his burning hand.
"Where are you hiding?" Sonic remarked.
Just then in a poof of gray smoke, Merlin appeared sitting in his comfy red chair by the table, with a tea cup in hand. His face had a small smile under his long white beard, after witnessing Goofy handle the teapot on the table.
"Goofy, you should really watch out for warm teapots," Merlin chuckled. "I don't want to be making burn healers late at night."
"You saw Goofy?" Donald asked, looking towards the powerful wizard.
"Indeed Donald," Merlin said, readying himself to sip his pipping hot tea. "I have been practicing my invisibility powers. What do you think?"
"Wow, that's amazing!" Tails said in awe. "You'll have to teach me your secret, for scientific purposes of course."
Merlin chuckled as he sipped his tea, looking at the two tailed fox with glee.
"Merlin," Sonic began, his voice deep but full of optimism. "I was wondering if you could fix this."
Sonic gestured to himself, his hands moving up and down in the air to show his predicament. Merlin's eyes watched and looked over the Werehog form of Sonic, he sensed powerful forces at play keeping his friend trapped in this beastly state.
"Ahh yes," Merlin muttered as he adjusted his glasses. "Leon did say you were having some magical troubles my dear boy. So, this must be your Werehog form, correct?"
"Right," Sonic replied. "That creep Reala did this to me back in Nightopia."
"We defeated him and sealed the Keyhole," Sora explained, looking towards the seated Wizard. "But, Sonic didn't change back."
"We need to help Sonic get back to his normal self," Goofy added.
"Can you help, Merlin?" Donald enquired, eager to aid his friend out of this mess.
Merlin pondered and stroked his long white beard, as he rose from the comfy red chair. Merlin placed down the tea cup and moved over to Sonic, who was standing near the center platform of the room. Merlin looked up and down at the beastly Werehog and then stroked his beard once again, deep in thought.
"I may have something in my books," Merlin explained, still eyeing the creature in front of him. "But this may take some time."
"Really?" Sonic said, hopeful of Merlin's guidance. "Please Merlin, I need to get back to being me."
Merlin turned and headed to the bookshelf near his cozy looking bed. The bookshelf looked like it was packed with magical and mystical books, each one teeming with knowledge and information.
"I will need to go through a few books," Merlin explained, grabbing a book off the top shelf. "Sora, Donald and Goofy - my magic senses you are after some training also, correct?"
"How did you know?" Sora asked in surprise towards Donald and Goofy, who were also perplexed by Merlin's words.
Merlin gave a small chuckle and turned his head to the Keyblade wielder, with wisdom and intrigue in his old eyes.
"Secrets of my magical abilities, I'm afraid dear boy," Merlin explained with a smile. "I sense that you need to practice some flying and gliding, right?"
"Yeah!" Goofy shouted out in surprise.
"We need to be able to take to the skies with ease," Donald added in excitement.
"I thought so," Chuckled Merlin, opening up one of the books he picked up.
Merlin deep into his book, musing over the pages with concentration, used his free hand to cast a spell. The hand of the wizard made the table and chair in the center of the room disappear in a cloud of smoke. The center platform was now bare, but there was a reason why Merlin made his furniture disappear in a blink of an eye.
"Sora, Donald, Goofy. Stand in the center of the room on the platform," Merlin explained, still engrossed in the book in his other hand. "It will take you to the top floor, where you can practice your magic, combat and of course, flying."
Sora, Donald and Goofy looked in awe at each other and in agreement, the three hopped on up on the center platform. As the three stood there, the platform began to rise into the air and headed upwards.
"Take as much time as you need," Merlin spoke, still his eyes glued to a certain page. "I'll be a while dealing with Sonic's mishap."
"We will," Sora said, thankful of the Wizards' generosity to train in his home. "We will be back soon."
"Don't have too much fun without me," Sonic chuckled, his green eyes watching the platform ascend upwards into the ceiling.
The three heroes left the ground floor to begin their training, but Tails was a bit perplexed by all this.
"Hmm," Tails pondered, holding his hand on his chin.
"What is it, Tails?" Sonic asked, looking at the curious two tailed fox next to him.
"I don't remember seeing the first floor of this place?" Tails remarked in confusion. "More magic?"
Merlin moving over to the Werehog and Fox, still with his book in his hand, gave a small chuckle as he was still glued to that page he found.
"Indeed my friend," Merlin confirmed. "It's a place where the trio can practice and time will mean nothing."
"What do you mean?" Sonic asked, now perplexed himself.
"The upstairs is a place where there is no time, meaning that they can train without the pressures of time keeping," Merlin revealed.
"Wow," Tails said in awe. "That must be some serious magic to stop time like that?"
"You should see Sora and Donald's Stop spell," Sonic replied. "It is pretty cool when time stops when we are kicking Heartless butt."
"I guess time stops or slows down when Chaos Control is activated also," Tails added. "Anything is possible, right?"
"Correct," Merlin mumbled, still looking at the words on the page of his book. "I might have found something to help you Sonic."
Sonic and Tails looked at each other in surprise, they didn't expect their magical friend to find the answers they needed so fast.
"Wait," Sonic asked, looking at the Wizard. "You said it could take time?"
Merlin's head peered upwards, taking his eyes away from the words on the page and gave a small smile.
"I did, didn't I," Merlin chuckled. "Well, I do need to speak to you about something important first."
"Ok," Sonic said with slight hesitation. "What is it?"
Merlin closed the book with a snap and looked at the Werehog in full attention, his face becoming serious as he was about to question the powerful beast for some information.
"Before we begin with your issues. Tell me, Sonic," Merlin began, his eyes fixed on the dark blue Werehog. "When you were down in that 'Realm of Darkness', did you see or meet anyone?"
Sonic looked in surprise, knowing what Merlin was trying to get at. Sonic's memories rushed back to meeting Aqua, the Keyblade Wielder who had been stuck in that realm for so long. Her memories were fractured, with her other half needing to be brought back. Tails looked at Sonic, the fox could see his friend's facial expression change.
"Sonic?" Tails asked curiously.
Sonic looked to Tails and then back to Merlin, both of them were eager to know what Sonic saw down in the Realm of Darkness. Sonic hesitated and sighed, he started to pace slowly around the room; readying himself to explain his story.
"Ok," Sonic began. "Yes, I did see and meet someone."
"Really?" Tails gasped in surprise. "Why didn't you tell us?"
Sonic shook his head as he paced around, "I was told to keep it a secret."
"A secret you say?" Merlin pondered, stroking his long, white beard with interest. "Tell me my boy. This person, was it a Keyblade wielder?"
Sonic nodded as he looked at Merlin, "Yep, her name is Aqua. Or was… her memories were totally broken."
"Fractured memories?" Merlin said in wonder. "Why didn't she return with you and Amy, we could have helped her?"
"Also," Tails interjected, wanting to ask Sonic a question. "Is that why Shadow stayed behind, due to Aqua needing help?"
Sonic sighed again and leaned against the wall of Merlin's house, the beastly Werehog folded his long and strong arms as he reflected. He did his best to keep Aqua's location a secret, but he wasn't going to win against a powerful wizard like Merlin and the ever thinking mind of Tails.
"So, basically…" Sonic began, trying to explain the situation to the two. "Aqua helped me and Shadow take down Metal Sonic and Eggman, who's now trapped in that realm also. She also helped us rescue Amy, but the Keyblade wielder is missing her other half."
"Other half?" Tails pondered. "Like a person, or her own self?"
"Part of herself, yeah," Confirmed Sonic with a nod. "Shadow stayed behind to help her piece her memories and self back together. And also rescue Eggman."
"What could it be that left Aqua trapped down there?" Merlin pondered aloud, deep in thought. "She did seem the headstrong type when I met her."
"You know Aqua?" Sonic remarked in curiosity. "When, how?"
Merlin stroked his beard again and began to reflect, "Many years ago, she was in a world called Radiant Garden, my old home." "It was a short interaction, but I could feel her strength and confidence."
"Well," Sonic replied. "It's a small world, huh?"
"A small world indeed, Sonic," Merlin replied, looking intently at the Werehog. "King Mickey and his master had a hunch she could be trapped in that awful place."
"The King knew about this?" Sonic asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"Yes, well he had a theory" Merlin confirmed. "Aqua vanished and left not a trace, after placing her slumbering friend away to safety."
"Slumbering friend?" Tails asked, trying to make sense of all of this. "Who was this friend?"
"The boy's name was Ventus, I believe," Merlin affirmed. "I met him briefly also, a nice boy but something was a miss about him."
"A miss?" Sonic asked. "Like what?"
"I couldn't put my finger on it, but it felt like he missed a part of himself also," Merlin admitted, trying to piece together the complexity of the boy.
Sonic and Tails looked at each other and Sonic gave a shrug. He had never heard the name Ventus before, and Aqua never mentioned him. But then again, her memories were broken like smashed glass.
"Merlin," Sonic spoke, eager to move this conversation on. "What does that have to do with my issue?"
"Sonic's right, Merlin," Tails added, agreeing with Sonic. "Why does Aqua's story interest you?"
Merlin smiled and looked at the beastly Sonic with intrigue and wonder.
"Don't ask me, my boy," Merlin revealed. "Ask my friend over there."
The powerful wizard moved his hand and pointed into the shadowy corner of the candle lit room. Sonic and Tails turned their attention to the darkened corner, wondering who could be lurking there.
Suddenly, stepping out of the shadows, a mouse with sleek black fur emerged. His round ears matched the color of his fur, and a thin, long, black tail trailed behind him. The figure wore a short-sleeved jacket featuring a white lining. The top half was black, the bottom red, and two yellow straps dangled in front of it. His red pants had zippers running down each leg, adorned with yellow pouches and black straps. Completing the ensemble were large, yellow shoes with gray backs and two orange, intersecting straps.
Tails' analytical mind tried to fathom this beings identity, but with the mouse walking nearer, it dawned on him. The two tailed fox stood back in awe and was dumbfounded by who he believed it could be.
"Wait," Tails said bemused. "It can't be?"
"Who is it, Tails?" Sonic asked, looking for clarity from his best friend.
Tails' blue eyes locked onto Sonic's Werehog confused look, Tails became serious and knew who this mouse was.
"That's," Tails said hesitating. "That's King Mickey!"
The Mouse King chuckled and stopped walking forward, now standing next to the towering figure of Merlin.
"You betcha," Mickey revealed. "But just call me Mickey."
"No way!" Sonic remarked in astonishment. "You're the one Donald and Goofy are searching for."
"It's nice to finally meet you both, Sonic & Tails," Mickey said in response. "I have heard a lot about you two."
Merlin, looking down to Mickey beside him, began to explain to Sonic and Tails why the King was here.
"The King has been searching for answers for a while now himself," Merlin explained.
"But why?" Sonic asked in confusion. "What's the reason to get involved in all this mess?"
"Well Sonic," Mickey replied, looking at the Werehog. "I noticed not long ago, the stars in the sky were blinking out one after another. I knew each star was the light of a world's heart."
Tails pondered hard, listening to the King's reasons and then it clicked in his mind, like a light bulb coming to life with warm glow.
"You realized that those disappearing stars were world's being devoured by the Heartless, Right?!" Tails exclaimed, his mind racing with theories and possibilities.
Mickey nodded with sternness on his face and in his eyes, "That's right Tails, I had to get out there and stop the darkness from spreading."
"But," Sonic interjected. "Why the wild goose chase?"
Mickey looked to Sonic, ready to explain his plan of action on how he would deal with the threat of the Heartless.
"I need to seal the Door to Darkness," Mickey explained. "There is a Keyblade in that dark realm you were in Sonic. One that can aid me in my quest to stop the darkness spreading."
"So, what you're saying is that the Key in that dark place can help stop the Heartless threat?" Tails said, trying to piece together Mickey's plan of action.
"Right," Mickey confirmed with a nod. "I was able to find an entrance to the realm earlier, after Sonic, Sora, Donald and Goofy defeated that Guard Armor in town."
"You were in town earlier?" Sonic replied in surprise. "You could have come and told us the plan."
"Sonic is right, your majesty," Tails added, agreeing with Sonic. "We could have helped."
"Sadly, there was no time for explanations," Mickey reveled. "I had to go in alone to find this Key. But I knew the Keyblade in the Realm of Light would be safe with Sora."
"You know Sora?" Sonic asked, wanting more answers from the adventurous mouse king.
Mickey shook his head, "Not personally, but I know he wields the Keyblade of the Realm of Light, the one you are in right now."
"Hold on, you are in?" Tails interjected with bafflement. "But you are here with us now, right?"
Mickey shook his head and looked at Merlin, giving the wizard a nod. Merlin gave a small nod back, and with his hand he swiped through Mickey cleanly. The Mouse was not there in a physical form, but a hologram of some kind.
"Wait, you're a hologram?" Sonic spoke out bewildered. "This adventure is getting too much."
"Not exactly," Mickey began. "I'm using a small piece of my light to reach out to you from the Realm of Darkness."
"That's convenient…" Sonic said with sarcasm. "So, you're now trapped in that realm then?"
"At the moment I am," Mickey confirmed. "But as I stated, I'm searching for the Keyblade on this side which will allow me to close the door and return me back home."
"Well, good luck on the search. If you see Shadow & Aqua down there, tell him I say hi," Sonic said with amusement.
"That's something I need your help with," Mickey said, moving the conversation along. "You said you helped Aqua in this realm, right?"
"Yeah," Sonic said with a nod. "She is trapped down there, for how long I don't know."
Mickey with a stern look and determination in his eyes, looked at the Werehog and the two tailed fox. The seriousness of his tone was about to change.
"My friend Aqua has been missing for over a decade," Mickey revealed.
"A DECADE?!" Sonic shouted out. "You're kidding me?!"
"How can someone survive down there for that long?" Tails exclaimed loudly, in shock of that news also. "That's impossible."
"It's a long story, but my master and I have been looking for her," Mickey spoke, knowing this was getting serious. "She disappeared one night when it seemed the darkness was going to win. Ever since then, we haven't found any clues, until you returned Sonic."
"Your interaction with Aqua has helped Mickey and his master begin their search for her once more," Merlin said with wisdom.
"I got to find her and bring her back," Mickey added with fiery determination.
"Mickey," Sonic said in haste. "You gotta get her out of that place, help piece back her memories and aid Shadow on his escape."
"Also, seal that door you spoke of," Tails said with a nod, knowing that this task would be difficult. "It could be the only way we get our home back."
Mickey nodded but his form was beginning to fade, he was running out of light to project himself from the Dark World.
"Looks like my time is running short, fellas," Mickey admitted, sensing his connection was fading fast.
"Mickey, promise to get Aqua, Shadow and even Eggman out of there - and find that Key!" Sonic shouted out, trying to make contact with the fading Mouse King.
"I will do Sonic," Mickey mumbled with the light of his reflection dimming. "Please stop Maleficent and her schemes… She is jeopardizing so many worlds out there."
"Maleficent.." Sonic pondered, but realized the witch needed to be stopped also. "Mickey, what do I need to do to stop her?"
Sadly as Sonic called out for instructions, Mickey's form disappeared into nothingness. The King's light had faded and his connection to the Realm of Light was disconnected.
"Your Majesty?" Sonic called out, hoping the connection could hear him. "Can you hear me?"
"Sadly my friend, Mickey's connection is limited and he has faded," Merlin explained. "He might come back to us, but it will take some time."
"Mickey's last request," Sonic noted. "It was to stop Maleficent, right?"
Tails nodded and so did Merlin, Sonic began to pace around the room again. He knew time was not on their side and Mickey needed help. He didn't know how long Sora, Donald and Goofy were going to be. The Werehog had a plan brewing in his mind, it was risky but he needed to get to Maleficent; one way or another.
"Tell me," Sonic said with a stern expression and determination in his words. "The intel on Maleficent's whereabouts, where is she exactly?"
Tails looked to his pacing friend, he was eager to know and get going. Tails knew Sonic's mannerisms and attitude could either be a stroke of genius, or his downfall rushing in - even in his bulky and heavier Werehog form.
"Sonic," Tails began. "I know what you are thinking and wanting to do. But you can't rush in without Sora, Donald and Goofy."
"We don't have time, Tails!" Sonic said with eagerness. "The worlds are depending on us to stop Maleficent and help Mickey with his quest!"
Tails sighed and rubbed the top of his head, he knew Sonic was right but he couldn't let him go rushing into this alone. Sora, Donald and Goofy were his allies in this fight, but they had a world to bring back and stopping Maleficent could help Mickey on the other side.
"Ok," Tails sighed. "From the data and all the intel we have, Maleficent's location is in Hollow Bastion."
"Hollow Bastion huh?" Sonic thought aloud, rubbing his furry chin. "How far is that away from here?"
"Far," Tails replied. "You will need a powerful Gummi Ship."
Sonic turned his eyes to Tails, his green eyes glimmering with adventure.
"Please tell me you have a more powerful Gummi Ship at the World Gate?" Expressed Sonic, hoping his friend had the transport they required.
Tails shook his head and sighed, but a smile came across his face.
"You're gonna need a good pilot, pal," Tails said with a chuckle. "The ship is way more powerful than the Tornado."
"Wait a minute!" Merlin remarked in bewilderment, interrupting the scene between Sonic & Tails. "What about your Werehog form? Don't you want to change back?"
Sonic paused for a moment and looked at his clawed hands, he opened and closed them as he felt the power of the beast rushing through him.
"Sorry Merlin," Sonic remarked with a small grin on his face. "I think I'll need to take a rain check on that cure for now. This additional power could be useful to stop that evil witch!"
"But, but..." Merlin responded muttering and stuttering, "What about Sora?"
Sonic sighed again, he felt the guilt of leaving in a hurry without telling Sora personally, but he knew that he needed to get moving and stop Maleficent.
"Tell him to hurry up and meet us at Hollow Bastion would ya," Sonic replied, knowing that Sora, Donald and Goofy would follow. "Say that I'm sorry I've rushed off, but we've got worlds, princesses and a door to seal."
"Very well," Merlin remarked, with a slight huff in his voice. "Did you want me to mention that the King spoke to you and Tails?"
The wizard did have a point, did Sonic or Tails need the others to know about Mickey's whereabouts? Did they need to know about Aqua and her decade trapped in the dark? Also, did they need to know about the other Keyblade Mickey was searching for? Sonic weighed up these options but knew they must be kept from the young man for now. These factors could derail Sora's progress and motivation to continue his adventure, but also could impact Donald and Goofy's connection with him.
"Keep it on the downlow for now," Sonic suggested, looking at Merlin. "Explain that even as a Werehog, I've still gotta go fast!"
"Sonic's right," Tails added. "If they found out about Mickey, Aqua or the other Keyblade - it could jeopardize their efforts. Keep them on their toes and tell them to hurry to Hollow Bastion."
Merlin was not hundred percent on this idea, but he respected the two's decisions to keep most of the issues in the dark. The wizard gave reluctant nod of approval.
"You two best get going then," Merlin remarked. "Time waits for no one, you know."
"Thanks Merlin," Sonic said with gratitude. "Keep searching for my cure and I will be back in no time.
Sonic turned his menacing head towards Tails and looked at his friend with purpose.
"Come on Tails," Sonic ordered. "Let's get moving to Hollow Bastion."
Tails nodded in agreement and the two headed for the door, the exit from the cozy abode of Merlin's home of magic and mystery. As Tails opened and left through the front door, Sonic turned back and gave Merlin one last nod of thanks for his assistance. Merlin gave a stern nod back, their eyes locking onto one another. Merlin could see Sonic's sense of adventure and readiness to stop Maleficent's plan, he couldn't stop his spirit if he tried. Even magic couldn't tie down this Werehog. Sonic turned and chased after Tails who was ahead in the water ways. The final stretch of their journey was upon them and Sonic knew time was not on their side to stop the darkness.
The two friends exited the waterways and headed for the World Gate of Traverse Town, they had to stop Maleficent and her schemes. Princesses needed rescuing and the fate of other worlds depended on them to go forward without fear. Leaving Sora, Donald and Goofy to catch up was harsh and unjust, but Sonic knew he would see them shortly - but more than likely had a lot of explaining to do when they did.
"I'm sorry Sora, Donald, Goofy." Sonic thought to himself, rushing through the districts to get to the gate, with Tails propelling quickly by the Werehog's side. "But Darkness won't wait for you to finish your training."
The two sped on and entered the first district, spotting the wooden gates to where the Gummi Ships were parked. It was time to get this Sonic Adventure moving again, stopping Maleficent's plans to bring darkness and harm to the rest of the worlds out there.
SOMETIME LATER
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY LEFT?" Donald quacked out in frustration, his feathery face turning red.
"We were only gone for an hour!" Sora remarked in annoyance. "He couldn't wait that long for us to finish?"
Merlin gave a small sigh, seeing Sora, Donald and Goofy's reactions to the news Sonic & Tails had left to stop Maleficent. The heroes had returned from their training, but found out that the two Mobians had left in haste to stop Maleficent on their own. Merlin's once comfy and warm home was now frozen over by negativity.
"I'm sorry lads," Merlin replied with regret in his voice. "Sonic was eager to get moving."
"But, we are a team…" Goofy mumbled sadly. "Surely he wouldn't leave us high and dry without a reason?"
"Sonic said it was important to get moving right away and he couldn't wait forever," Merlin revealed.
"Why would he do this?" Sora said, frustrated. "We needed a strategy and plan."
"He must have had a reason," Goofy pondered, placing his hand on his chin thinking of the possible scenarios to why Sonic would leave them.
Merlin's eyes wandered around the room as he made his way to his bookshelf once more. He was biting his tongue on keeping what occurred earlier with Mickey's appearance and the revelation of his quest in the Realm of Darkness.
"Merlin," Donald spoke in frustration. "You sure you don't have anything to say?"
"Afraid not," Merlin replied, looking at his bookshelf in silent guilt. "Sonic needed to get moving and you three were too slow."
Sora looked around the room and his heart sank with disappointment, his shoulder slumped down also in sadness.
"It's not like him to be like that?" Sora remarked in wonder. "He's a team player."
Suddenly a voice echoed around Merlin's home, a voice of stern toughness and resolve that couldn't quit.
"Sounds more like a Shadow move to me," said the voice, his voice toned with irony.
The three heroes looked to the door and there stood Knuckles, the Guardian of the Master Emerald.
"Knuckles," Sora said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Knuckles entered the room and looked around, he was in awe of all the mystic wonders of Merlin's home. However, his purple eyes then moved towards Sora, Donald and Goofy.
"I saw Sonic and Tails dash off and head to the World Gate," Knuckles revealed. "But I didn't see you guys with them, so I came here to find you."
"They ditched us," Donald replied angrily, folding his arms and tapping his webbed foot in annoyance.
"Yeah, I thought we were a team?" Goofy questioned sadly, feeling let down by his speedy friend.
Knuckles folded his arms and turned his attention to Sora, "You feeling let down too, kid?"
Sora nodded and the weight of disappointment pulled him down. The kid's spark seemed to go out with these developments.
"Sonic can be brash, hotheaded and rush head first into things," Knuckles said with clarity.
"I'll say," Donald replied, still ticked off tapping his foot.
"But," Knuckles continued, "He has his reasons. It could be something more than just being impatient."
"What do you mean?" Sora asked, looking at the red echidna.
Knuckles gestured his hands after unfolding them and walked around the room, still observing the sights and wonders of Merlin's home.
"I mean, he had a reason to rush off," Knuckles confirmed. "He didn't even change back to his normal form, he stayed as the Werehog."
Sora, Donald and Goofy turned to Merlin, they sought confirmation on if this was true. Without saying a word, the wise wizard nodded to Knuckles' comments.
"See," Knuckles said with a shrug. "Sonic had something he needed to deal with and he rushed off with no time to lose."
"Well," Donald said bitterly. "He still ran off!"
"Running is his thing, Donald," Knuckles replied back. "Even if he is bulkier and less agile."
Sora pondered for a moment, his mind racing about what Knuckles said. Perhaps there was a reason, but it still would have been nice for him to wait for them to finish their training, leaving together as a team.
"We'd better get after him then," Sora said with a small smirk. "We can't let him have all the fun."
Goofy and Donald looked at Sora and were perplexed at first, but they knew Sora was telling the truth and making sense. Sonic's sense of adventure and attitude seemed to shine with the Keyblade wielder.
"Also, we gotta stop Maleficent and the Heartless...Right?" Sora added, his blue eyes looking towards Donald and Goofy.
Goofy, once saddened by his friends leaving in a hurry, looked to Sora and felt the positivity rush over him. He stood tall and gave Sora a smile.
"You're right pal!" Goofy exclaimed. "And save Riku from himself, and help Kairi!"
Donald too was angry and annoyed by Sonic's actions, his fiery temper took a while to extinguish. However, Sora was right, they had a job to do. Donald sighed and looked at the teen.
"We also need to find the King also," Donald remarked.
"There you go," Knuckles said. "You three have a lot to do, you need to be ready for anything."
"This will make us stronger," Sora remarked with enthusiasm. "Let's get moving and follow Sonic and Tails."
"Yeah!" Donald replied back. "We will shout at them later, once Maleficent is stopped."
Merlin watched closely and gave a small shake of his head, but a small smile appeared on his face. He could see the resolve in the group and their hearts burned brightly to finish their stories.
"I would get a move on then," Merlin said in haste. "Maleficent's stronghold is dangerous and deadly. Sonic will need all the help he can get. His speed will not save him this time, especially in his stronger form."
Sora turned to Merlin, who was still at his bookshelf examining some books.
"Thank you Merlin," Sora said, then turning his attention back to Knuckles. "Thanks Knuckles."
"Don't sweat it kid," Knuckles replied with a smirk. "I actually need to ask you something also, it's important."
"What is it?" Sora asked, looking at the red echidna.
Knuckles began to explain his question to the group, he cleared his throat and detailed what was on his mind.
"My Master Emerald is still missing some pieces and I have a feeling that witch has them!" Knuckles exclaimed, a stern look on his face as he continued. "Would it be ok if I tagged along and joined you guys?"
"You think Maleficent has some of the shards?" Sora asked.
"I can feel it," Knuckles replied in annoyance. "That witch has them on that world she is on."
"Hollow Bastion, right?" Sora said aloud, a sense of certainty in his voice.
"That's the one," Knuckles retorted. "But how did you know that?"
"Yeah, how did you know that Sora?" Goofy asked in confusion.
"I don't remember Tails mentioning that earlier?" Donald said, trying to think back to when they arrived back on Traverse Town and Tails' debrief.
Sora gave a small shrug about his answer, he just felt it call out to him in his thoughts.
"It kind of just came to me," Sora explained. "Like I don't why, but the name came calling to me."
"Well regardless of that," Knuckles interjected. "Rouge is there and G.U.N are sniffing around also, it's best we get going quickly. I can't deal with negotiating with G.U.N on returning my shards, or Rouge's obsession of collecting jewels."
Sora, Donald and Goofy looked and nodded in agreement, the next stop was indeed Hollow Bastion. Having Knuckles with them would bring them an advantage and helping him collect the remaining shards felt right.
"Ok Knuckles," Sora said. "Let's work together and get over to Hollow Bastion."
"Great," Knuckles replied with fiery determination. "Let's catch up with Sonic and sock it to Maleficent's plans. I will discuss in more detail the information I have on our journey."
"We'd better get to the ship," Donald suggested. "We need to get moving."
"Yeah!" Goofy replied, "Sonic and Tails will more than likely be there by now."
Merlin turned from the bookshelf and made his presence known to the group, he was about to hit them with some final words of wisdom.
"My friends," Merlin began. "Look out for one another and be careful. Hollow Bastion is a dangerous place full of darkness. Make sure to work as a team and when you see Sonic, don't be angry with him."
"We won't Merlin," Goofy replied. "We are a team, all for one!"
"And one for all," Sora added in response.
"Enough with the pep talks," Knuckles said with eagerness. "Let's get some supplies and get over to Hollow Bastion."
The team now joined by Knuckles knew that their showdown with Maleficent and her darkness loomed near. What would this involve? How could they save Riku from the shadows and protect Kairi? Also, what would the mood be like when they finally catch up with Sonic in his hulking Werehog form? The addition of Knuckles was a much needed boost to the team morale. With the powerhouse on the team, they could have the advantage they needed when they go face to face with evil herself.
As the group left to get supplies from Cid's accessory shop in the First District, Merlin knew more mysteries lay ahead for the team and what challenges awaited them. It was only a matter of time before Sora would be the one to seal the darkness away and close the door.
To Be Continued!