Chapter 10: The Mephiles Confrontation

[See Writer's Note at the bottom of the chapter]

Professor Gerald Robotnik's Journal Entry No. 30

I have finally returned from the Mystic Ruins and Angel Island, and the mural my team and I discovered has inspired a renewed vision for Project Shadow. The golden hedgehog depicted in the mural appears to have been revered as a deity, an embodiment of perfection and power. This figure could serve as an ideal template for the new form of the Ultimate Lifeform.

As I reflect on our discoveries, I find myself increasingly tempted by the offer made by Black Doom. His DNA could significantly accelerate the development process, potentially preventing another failure like the Prototype. The alien DNA could provide the necessary enhancements to bring my vision to fruition.

However, the balance of darkness introduced by Black Doom's DNA could pose a significant risk. I've hypothesised that the heart requires a correct balance of light and darkness. It seems the light may also need to outweigh the darkness to maintain stability and prevent corruption.

If I can create a failsafe for the new model, it should be able to keep Doom's darkness in check. But where can I source this 'light' from? If only it were as simple as ordering a sunbeam with my morning tea!

This dilemma leaves me pondering whether I should reach out to Ansem once more. His insights into the nature of the heart could prove invaluable. Perhaps he can assist in developing a failsafe to ensure the success of Project Shadow. I must carefully consider my next steps and the potential consequences of this collaboration.

MEPHILES

Battle Music: Mephiles Boss Theme - Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic 06)

Mephiles floated above the warped landscape, his voice dripping with malice. The once serene woodland and lake twisted into a nightmarish, apocalyptic wasteland. Trees were contorted into grotesque shapes, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The water in the lake had turned into a dark, black, viscous liquid, reflecting the twisted reality around it. The ground beneath them cracked and shifted, revealing deep chasms filled with swirling shadows.

Jagged rocks jutted out at odd angles, and the sky above was a swirling vortex of dark clouds and crimson lightning. The air was thick with an oppressive darkness that seemed to sap the very light from the surroundings, casting everything in an eerie, otherworldly glow.

"So heartwarming, your belief in each other," Mephiles taunted, his form shifting and distorting the reality around them. His eyes gleamed with sinister delight as he relished the fear and uncertainty he had created.

Aqua and Shadow stood side by side, their eyes locked on Mephiles.

"Stay focused, Aqua," Shadow muttered, his crimson eyes narrowing. "We can't let him break us."

Aqua nodded, her grip on Master's Defender tightening.

"Together, Shadow. We fight together!" she declared.

As the battlefield continued to twist into a chaotic nightmare, Mephiles levitated ominously, his crystalline form glowing with a dark energy. His head eerily rotated 360 degrees, a disturbing display that only heightened the sense of dread.

"Let's see how you handle this!" Mephiles sneered, his voice echoing as multiple clones of himself materialised from the darkness, each one identical and equally menacing.

Aqua and Shadow immediately braced themselves, the sheer number of clones overwhelming. The clones moved with a sinister grace as they advanced from all sides.

Aqua raised her Keyblade and called upon the power she had regained through her resurfaced memories.

"Meteor Shower!" she cried, summoning a barrage of star-like projectiles. The sky lit up with her magic, the stars streaking towards the clones with relentless precision.

The clones were hit from all directions, each projectile exploding upon impact and dispersing the shadowy figures into nothingness. The nightmarish landscape glowed with the light of Aqua's attack, creating brief pockets of brightness amidst the darkness.

Shadow, meanwhile, focused on pinpointing the real Mephiles among the clones.

"Chaos Control!" he shouted, freezing time around him.

In the suspended moment, he scanned the battlefield, his sharp eyes locking onto subtle differences that hinted at the original.

With time slowed, Shadow moved with calculated precision, leaping towards the true Mephiles.

"Chaos Spear!" he roared, launching spears of concentrated energy at the target.

The Chaos Spears cut through the air, glowing with an intense light as they homed in on Mephiles.

Mephiles reacted with surprising agility, twisting his body to evade the first few spears, but Shadow's assault was relentless. A spear grazed Mephiles's arm, causing him to hiss in pain, the dark energy around him flickering.

"Impressive," Mephiles snarled, his voice dripping with contempt. "But you won't defeat me so easily."

The foe unleashed a wave of dark energy, dispelling the remaining clones and forcing Aqua and Shadow to regroup. The energy rippled through the landscape, warping reality further and creating jagged spikes of darkness that shot up from the ground.

Aqua cartwheeled out of the way, her movements fluid and graceful. She aimed her Keyblade at Mephiles, determination burning in her eyes.

"Absolute Zero!" she shouted, cloaking herself in ice and rushing towards him with blinding speed.

Mephiles barely had time to react as Aqua struck, the icy assault freezing his limbs momentarily. Shadow seized the opportunity, appearing beside Mephiles in a blink and delivering a powerful Chaos Uppercut, sending Mephiles staggering back.

Mephiles's form shimmered, his body momentarily destabilized by the combined attacks. He reformed quickly, a sinister glare emanating from his lime-green eyes.

"You think this is enough to stop me? You are mistaken," Mephiles sneered.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned dark energy, creating illusions that materialized into figures from Aqua's past—her parents.

Aqua's blue eyes widened in horror as she saw the familiar faces of her mother and father. They stood before her, their expressions twisted with malice.

"Aqua," her mother Willa taunted, her voice dripping with contempt. "It's your fault that the calamity came to our home. If only we hadn't protected you, maybe we would still be alive."

"Yes," her father Erik added, his tone equally cruel. "Black Doom was right. We sacrificed everything for you, and look what you've become—a broken husk wandering through darkness."

Aqua clenched with pain, her broken memories and the weight of their words overwhelming her. She hesitated, her resolve faltering. The illusions took advantage, their dark auras glowing as they fired blasts of dark energy at her. One blast hit her squarely, sending her skidding backward across the ground.

Mephiles laughed, his voice filled with malevolent glee.

"See how easily you crumble, Aqua?" he mocked. "Even your own parents are ashamed of you."

As Aqua struggled to rise, Shadow acted. He teleported behind the illusions, delivering swift and powerful roundhouse kicks. First, he struck Erik, sending the illusion reeling back, and then Willa, dispersing her dark form.

"Aqua, they're not real!" Shadow shouted, his voice cutting through the fog of her despair. "You have to snap out of it!"

But Mephiles was relentless. He created more copies of Aqua's parents, each one taunting and attacking with dark energy. The illusions targeted Shadow, their voices mocking and cruel.

"You think you can save her, Shadow?" Erik's illusion jeered. "You're nothing but a failed experiment."

"You're just like Aqua," Willa's illusion added, her voice filled with venom. "Lost and broken."

Shadow gritted his teeth, dodging the dark blasts and countering with Chaos Spears. He teleported rapidly, hitting the illusions with precision strikes, but their numbers seemed endless.

Aqua, still reeling from the emotional assault, struggled to focus. Her parents' words echoed in her mind, a cacophony of doubt and pain. She saw Shadow fighting desperately, his determination unwavering despite the relentless onslaught.

"Aqua," Shadow's voice reached her through the chaos, firm and unyielding. "You are stronger than this. We are stronger together. Remember who you are."

Aqua's eyes filled with tears, but she felt a spark of determination reignite within her. She tightened her grip on her Keyblade, forcing herself to her feet.

"No more," she whispered, her voice growing stronger. "I won't let you control me, Mephiles!"

With renewed resolve, Aqua launched herself back into the fight. She used her Shotlock ability, Lightning Ray, rushing towards the illusions with lightning speed, breaking through them with a fierce determination. The illusions shattered under her assault, their taunts fading into nothingness.

Mephiles watched, his expression darkening as Aqua and Shadow stood side by side, their unity and strength unbroken. In a sinister move, Mephiles transformed into his gaseous form, merging with the warped darkness around them. The eerie silence was shattered by his reappearance, launching dark energy blasts toward them.

Aqua deflected the blasts with her Keyblade, each strike resonating with determination. Shadow used Chaos Control to dodge and counter, his movements a blur of speed and precision. The two heroes fought in perfect sync, their attacks complementing each other as they pushed Mephiles back.

Shadow, sensing an opening, attempted to use Chaos Control to slow down time and deliver a decisive blow. However, Mephiles anticipated the move, his eyes gleaming with malevolent glee. He countered with his own time-manipulating abilities, causing time to warp and slow.

"Foolish hedgehog," Mephiles sneered as he moved through the slowed time effortlessly.

The Erased One struck Aqua and Shadow with dark energy, his attacks precise and brutal. When time resumed its normal pace, the two heroes were sent flying backward, crashing into the ground with a thud.

Mephiles stood tall, his form radiating with dark energy.

"You see? You cannot defeat me," he gloated, his voice echoing with triumph. "I control time, darkness, and your very fears. You are nothing but pawns in my game."

Aqua struggled to her feet, her body aching from the impact. Her gaze met Shadow's, and despite the pain, she saw the unwavering determination in his eyes. She drew strength from their shared resolve, knowing they couldn't afford to give up.

"We're not done yet," Shadow growled, his voice filled with fierce determination.

Mephiles's laughter echoed through the twisted landscape.

"You still don't understand, do you? Your light is weak, your resolve meaningless. Embrace the darkness, and you might survive."

"We'll never give in to darkness," Aqua declared, her voice resonating with unwavering resolve as he held onto Master's Defender tightly. "We'll fight for the light, for our friends, and for our worlds."

Mephiles sneered, his eyes narrowing, "Very well. Then let this be your end."

The foe gathered dark energy, preparing for a devastating attack that would obliterate them.

Shadow and Aqua, battered but not broken, stood together. They exchanged a determined glance, their bond stronger than ever.

As Mephiles unleashed his dark energy, Aqua and Shadow moved in perfect harmony. Aqua used her Shotlock ability, Meteor Shower, sending a barrage of star-like projectiles toward Mephiles. Simultaneously, Shadow activated Chaos Control, creating a temporal rift that amplified the impact of Aqua's attack.

The combined force of their assault caught Mephiles off guard, the dark energy dissipating as the projectiles struck him with relentless force. Mephiles staggered, his form flickering as he struggled to maintain his composure.

"This... cannot be," Mephiles muttered, his voice filled with disbelief and anger. "You will not defeat me!"

Aqua and Shadow pressed their advantage, their attacks becoming a seamless dance of light and dark. Aqua used Lightning Ray, rushing at Mephiles with blinding speed, while Shadow unleashed Chaos Spears, each strike imbued with the power of Chaos.

Mephiles, reeling from their combined assault, realised he was losing control. His form began to destabilise, the darkness within him unraveling. Desperation flickered in his cold eyes as he decided to throw the dice in this final act. With a malevolent glare, he activated his version of Chaos Control, reappearing behind Aqua and Shadow with a dark energy shockwave.

The sudden assault caught them off guard, the shockwave sending them both stumbling forward. Aqua quickly regained her balance, her Keyblade glowing with intense fire. With a swift motion, she cast a powerful Firaga spell, the flames roaring to life and engulfing Mephiles in a searing inferno. The dark entity groaned in agony, his form flickering as the intense heat consumed him.

Seizing the moment, Shadow tapped into the depths of his power, drawing every ounce of chaotic energy coursing through his veins. His eyes blazed with determination as he prepared to unleash his most devastating attack.

"CHAOS BLAST!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the twisted landscape.

The red light of Chaos energy erupted from Shadow, expanding rapidly and illuminating the entire area with a blinding intensity.

Aqua instinctively raised her arm to shield her eyes from the overwhelming brightness, feeling the raw power of the blast pulsate through the air. The ground beneath them trembled, and the landscape around them groaned under the force of the explosion. The wave of destructive energy surged toward Mephiles, striking him with a force that rocked the very foundations of the realm.

Mephiles staggered, his form flickering as the combined attacks took their toll. The impact of Chaos Blast sent ripples through his dark essence, destabilising his very being. He struggled to maintain his form, his lime green eyes burning with a mixture of rage and desperation.

"You think you've won?" he snarled, his voice laced with dark fury.

"You're finished!" Shadow declared, his eyes blazing with determination as he prepared for the final strike.

However, Mephiles, ever cunning, had one final trick up his sleeve. From the shadows, a tendril of dark energy shot out, blindsiding Aqua and knocking her off her feet. She cried out in surprise and pain as the force of the blow sent her plummeting into the dark lake with a loud splash.

"Aqua!" Shadow shouted, his heart pounding as he saw her disappear beneath the black water.

"She's gone, Shadow. Just like your precious Maria," Mephiles taunted gleefully, his voice dripping with malice.

Fury ignited within Shadow, his body trembling with rage. A red aura began to envelop him, the intensity of his anger amplifying his Chaos energy.

"You won't get away with this!" he roared, his voice echoing through the distorted realm.

Mephiles sensed the surge of power and realized he had awakened something formidable within Shadow.

"Oh, have I bitten off more than I can chew?" he mused, his mockery tinged with a hint of apprehension.

With a burst of speed, Shadow lunged at Mephiles, their final confrontation reaching its peak. Shadow unleashed a flurry of attacks, each strike fueled by his anger and determination. His punches and kicks were swift and powerful, each one crackling with red Chaos energy.

Mephiles, though weakened, countered with his own dark energy, the two forces clashing in a violent display of power. The air crackled with energy as they fought, each blow resonating with the intensity of their wills. The ground beneath them trembled, and the very fabric of the Realm of Darkness seemed to warp around their fierce battle.

In a desperate move, Mephiles attempted to use Chaos Control again, his form flickering as he tried to teleport away. But Shadow, anticipating the tactic, intercepted Mephiles mid-teleport with lightning-fast reflexes. He delivered a devastating Chaos Spear that pierced through the darkness, striking Mephiles in the chest.

"Gah!" Mephiles cried out, his form convulsing as the Chaos energy surged through him.

Shadow's attack had hit its mark, and the dark entity's body began to disintegrate, unraveling into tendrils of shadow.

"This... isn't... over..." Mephiles gasped, his voice a fading whisper as he dissolved into the shadows, leaving behind a lingering sense of malevolence.

RANK: A

Shadow stood victorious, but his triumph was overshadowed by the urgent need to save Aqua. He turned toward the lake, his heart pounding with worry.

"Aqua!" Shadow called out, hoping she would respond.

However, there was nothing but silence. Shadow had to go in and save her; there was no doubt about that.

But, before Shadow could leap into action, he heard a voice call out from behind him.

"Leave this to me!"

Shadow looked back in surprise to see a mysterious figure rush past him, heading towards the lake.

The figure was a mouse with black fur, round ears of the same color, and a thin, long, black tail. His outfit was distinctive—a short-sleeved jacket with white lining. The top half of this jacket was black, while the bottom half was red, with two yellow straps dangling in front. His pants were red, featuring zippers down the front of each leg. Each leg also had a yellow pouch with a black strap that partially covered the zipper, as well as a blue strap on the outer side of each pant leg. He wore very large, yellow shoes with grey backs and two orange, intersecting straps attached to the front of each shoe.

The mouse's swift movements and determined expression left Shadow momentarily stunned. Without hesitation, the mouse dove into the dark liquid of the lake, looking to save Aqua from the darkness.

Aqua felt herself falling deeper into the lake, but it wasn't water that surrounded her—it was pure darkness, dragging her into an abyss. She kept her eyes closed, the weight of despair pressing down on her heart.

"Now I can be... one with darkness..." she thought, her broken memories seemingly becoming dark as well. The shadows twisted around her, threatening to consume her entirely.

As she descended deeper into the abyss, her blue Wayfinder Charm slipped from her pocket, floating away in the darkness. Suddenly, a gloved hand reached out and caught it, the white glove stark against the surrounding shadows.

"Aqua, are you okay?" a voice called out, clear and comforting.

Aqua's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself gazing up at a mouse with black fur, round ears, and a kind expression. He was floating above her, his presence a beacon of light in the oppressive darkness. He placed the Wayfinder Charm back into Aqua's hand, its familiar warmth bringing her a sense of hope.

"Mickey...?" Aqua whispered, her voice weak but filled with relief.

Mickey smiled at her, his grip firm and reassuring.

"Don't give in to the darkness, Aqua. We're here for you."

With gentle strength, Mickey took Aqua's hand and began to guide her back towards the surface. As they ascended, the darkness around them seemed to push back, unable to withstand the combined light of their hearts.

Aqua's mind began to clear, the shadows receding as memories of her friends and their shared strength resurfaced. The image of Terra, Ventus, and even Shadow filled her thoughts, their faces reminders of why she had to keep fighting.

As they broke through the surface, Aqua gasped for breath, the air sweet and refreshing. Mickey helped her to the shore, where Shadow stood waiting, his eyes filled with concern.

"Are you alright?" Shadow asked, his voice tense but relieved.

Aqua nodded, her voice steady but weak.

"Yes, I'm alright," she replied.

Shadow folded his arms, his expression as stoic as ever.

"Thanks for jumping in and saving Aqua," he said, his tone gruff. "But who are you?"

Mickey extended his hand for a shake, a warm smile on his face.

"I'm Mickey, nice to meet ya."

Shadow glanced at the hand but made no move to take it. Aqua, getting to her feet, chuckled softly.

"Shadow isn't much of a handshaker," she explained.

Shadow huffed, his arms still folded tightly across his chest. Mickey withdrew his hand but kept his cheerful demeanor.

"So, you're the one they call Shadow? I've heard about you."

Shadow's eyes narrowed slightly, turning his head to the mouse.

"Explain. How do you know about me?" Shadow demanded, his tone cold but curious.

Mickey tilted his head, his expression thoughtful.

"Well, your name is pretty famous across many worlds," Mickey explained. "But, I heard Sonic mention you and that Aqua was here with you."

"You spoke with Sonic?" Shadow asked, his interest piqued.

"When did you speak with him?" Aqua added, eager to find out more.

"Well, I made contact with Sonic recently," Mickey replied. "He was with Merlin and his buddy, Tails. Although, it seemed Sonic got himself into a spot of bother."

"What's he done now?" Shadow retorted, his tone showing a lack of concern but an underlying hint of curiosity.

"Well, it looked like he was stuck in his Werehog form," Mickey affirmed.

"Werehog form?" Aqua asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

Shadow sighed, clearly exasperated.

"It's a long story. Sonic has a tendency to get himself into the most peculiar situations. So, he's in his Werehog form again? What's he planning to do about it?"

"Well, I'm not sure," Mickey revealed. "I used my light to get a message to him. Before I could find out more, I disconnected."

"Your light?" Shadow asked, unfolding his arms. "Like, the light of your being?"

"Pretty much," Mickey confirmed. "The light in my heart allowed me to appear back in Traverse Town to speak to him."

"What was it about, Mickey?" Aqua inquired, looking to the mouse king.

"And why speaking to Sonic about it?" Shadow added bluntly.

"Gosh, there is a lot to explain," the mouse king remarked, looking to his old friend and the stubborn hedgehog. "Ok, here is what you need to know."

Mickey began to explain why he communicated with Sonic and why he was in the Realm of Darkness. The details were intricate, but the urgency in Mickey's voice was clear. Their mission had just become even more critical, and the fate of their worlds hung in the balance.

Professor Gerald Robotnik's Letter to Ansem the Wise

Dear Ansem the Wise,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you with a matter of utmost urgency and delicacy, one that I find myself unable to resolve without your esteemed guidance and wisdom.

My recent expedition to the Mystic Ruins and Angel Island was indeed a success. The mural we discovered, depicting a golden hedgehog battling an entity for a green emerald, has provided the inspiration needed for the new form of Project Shadow. This hedgehog, seen by the Echidna Tribe as a deity, embodies the balance and power I seek to instill in the Ultimate Lifeform.

However, there is a grave matter I wish to discuss, one that I hesitated to bring up during your recent visit. The entity known as Black Doom, an alien overlord of immense power, has become a pivotal factor in my research. I made contact with him, hoping his DNA could provide the breakthrough I need to perfect Project Shadow. Doom's DNA promises unparalleled strength, but it comes with an overwhelming darkness that could corrupt the very essence of the Ultimate Lifeform.

My concern lies in finding a way to balance this darkness with an equivalent light. The heart of Project Shadow must not be consumed by the malevolent influence of Black Doom. It is crucial that I find a source of pure light to counteract this darkness.

Your research and understanding of the heart, as well as your encounters with the balance of light and darkness, make you the perfect confidant for this dilemma. I seek your assistance in identifying and procuring this source of light. Moreover, I value your friendship and advice on how to proceed with Doom's offer. The Chaos Emeralds, which Doom seeks as part of his deal, might hold the key to this balance, but their acquisition is fraught with peril.

Ansem, I beseech you to lend me your counsel and support in this endeavor. The future of Project Shadow, and perhaps the safety of our world, hinges on the decisions we make in the coming days. I eagerly await your response and hope you can shed light on this predicament.

With deepest respect and sincerity,

Professor Gerald Robotnik - Space Colony ARK

[WN: I have had a review from Kejax Xashy I'd like to respond to. Firstly, thank you for following my stories and this arc, it really means a lot.

I think this rewrite is so much better than the original. I found the first attempt was going in a circle and not going anywhere. So, I looked at it and planned a different strategy. Aqua's story in KH has always been my favourite, but her past is rather unknown. Why not look deeper into this and get creative. Shadow has stayed mainly the same and with the new Sonic x Shadow Generations game coming out, I thought the chapter with Doom fitted that well. Aqua has had it rough, but her story in the KH series is one of sorrow, darkness and tragedy, similar to Shadow. I feel they bounce off each other well and they gel. They both have dark pasts that needs to be explored. I hope in KH IV - they might look more at Aqua's lore and canon, but I fear this is not the case. But, we never know.

You brought up Starfall Super Sonic in KH FM BBE and I have an answer for that. So, it was a between Super Sonic 2 or Hyper Sonic. I'm a huge Dragonball fan and too me, Super Sonic 2 / Starfall Sonic is below Hyper Sonic - with Hyper Sonic being Super Saiyan 3 or perhaps even Super Saiyan God. Which makes more sense for Sonic in the battle with Ansem. I thought the idea of his heart allowing him to go one step beyond was a nice feature, with the next stage being Starfall Super Sonic. I say keep an eye out for future titles - Hyper Sonic is certainly in my plans. But with the timeline of events, something or someone has caused it to change, allowing Starfall Super Sonic to appear early. Who or what, it's not known, but it's something I'm trying to plan and work on. Watch this space.

Sage and the Ancients, I would love to put them in the arc. Keep an eye out for these to be implemented. It's finding where to place them, but I have an idea, especially for Sage.

Hope this helps. Sorry for the essay, but it was a great question on the review and wanted to break down my thoughts and works on this story arc. Let's hope Shadows of the Past and Chain of Generations goes well. Be nice for one of them to reach over 70 likes, like KH FM BBE!]