Chapter 11: Emerald Coast & Leaf Forest
Classic Tails explained to the group what Classic Sonic had told him when he returned from dealing with Doctor Robotnik. The young two-tailed fox detailed that Classic Sonic had defeated Big Arms, but Doctor Robotnik was kidnapped by Terios when the mech was defeated. This brought concern to Modern Sonic, Modern Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, who listened intently.
"So, Eggman got kidnapped?" Modern Sonic remarked, slightly surprised.
"Eggman?" Classic Tails asked, his face etched with confusion. He turned to Classic Sonic, who just shrugged at the name. "Why do you call him that?"
"It's a nickname that stuck. Even he uses it now," Sonic explained with a chuckle.
"A bit odd, don't you think?" Classic Tails retorted.
"Now's not the time to go into details about silly nicknames," Knuckles moaned, his arms crossed. "We have to stop Terios and save our friends."
"Knucklehead is right," Modern Sonic said in agreement. "We have a lot to do, plus we need to gain our memories more clearly of this Sora and his pals."
"And find this past variant of Eggman?" Amy interjected, looking to Modern Sonic.
"I guess so," Modern Sonic sighed. "We can't let him suffer at the hands of Terios and the Organization...even if it is Eggman."
"We also don't want to create any branching timelines or paradoxes either," Modern Tails added, his voice becoming urgent. "We have to get these past events and our younger versions back to where they came from, or the consequences could be catastrophic."
"Consequences?" Knuckles asked. "Like, everything could change if we don't get everything back to normal?"
"It's hard to say," Modern Tails said, his voice deep with concern. "Time is fragile, and altering the past could indeed have dire consequences."
"Then we have to run and save the trapped hubs like there is no tomorrow," Modern Sonic said, looking to his Classic counterpart. "Or there won't be a tomorrow!"
Classic Sonic nodded and clenched his fist, determination showing on his face. He knew he and his variant were the only ones who could save these trapped hubs.
"We'll stay behind and investigate the restored points in time," Amy suggested. "We need to make sure nothing else is out of place."
Knuckles nodded in agreement, turning his gaze from Amy to the two variants of Sonic.
"Amy is right. We need to cover all bases and I wouldn't mind checking out the Sky Sanctuary for any clues," Knuckles explained. "Sonic...and Sonic, you two save the remaining hubs."
Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic shared a nod, understanding the gravity of their mission.
"We will come with you guys," Classic Tails said with a smile.
"Agreed, we can help you two piece together anything we find when you race through the past adventures of Sonic's past," Modern Tails added.
"And Sonic's future," Classic Tails interjected with enthusiasm, looking to Classic Sonic. "It would be great to get a sneak peek of what's to come, right?"
Classic Sonic nodded with a smile and gave his pal a thumbs-up in agreement.
"Great, then let's get moving," Modern Sonic remarked with a firm nod. His eyes gazed to the distance of White Space. "Looks like I see two hubs up ahead. Come on, let's get moving!"
The two Sonics and Tails looked to Amy and Knuckles, who nodded at the variants before they rushed off to complete their set tasks. The hedgehogs and foxes then turned and walked towards the next two hubs appearing in the void of White Space. The two lifeless and colorless hubs were close to each other, and as they reached them, they could see what was next on their adventure through time and space.
"Say, the nearest lifeless hub looks like...Emerald Coast," Modern Tails said, getting closer to the distorted and broken hub.
Indeed, it was the Emerald Coast. The once vibrant archipelago of small, tropical islands off the coast of Station Square was now a ghostly version of its former self. The clean, light blue sky with various clouds was replaced by a blank, white expanse. The sandy beaches stretched out, leading to the iconic hotel connected to Station Square. The sea, usually a brilliant blue, was now a motionless white expanse, devoid of its usual sparkle.
Piers jutted out into the colorless sea, and the rocky terrain with loops and small islands stood eerily still. The beacons that once guided travelers were now frozen in time, adding to the lifeless scene.
"Oh, I remember this place," Modern Sonic said, his voice filled with nostalgia as he turned his gaze to Modern Tails next to him. "I saved you from your crashed plane, remember?"
Tails chuckled and looked embarrassed, scratching the back of his head.
"Oh yeah, how could I forget," Tails mumbled.
As the Modern duo remembered old times, Classic Tails and Classic Sonic looked at the hub in awe. Even without colour or life, they could tell this place was full of adventure. The faint outlines of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and looping paths hinted at the excitement that once filled this place. However, something caught Classic Sonic's eye to the right of the hub. He approached another statue of a trapped friend, curiosity and concern etched on his face.
Classic Tails noticed Classic Sonic's sudden movement and turned to see what had caught his friend's attention.
"Hey, it looks like Sonic has found another friend to save," Classic Tails called out, pointing to the statue nearby.
Modern Sonic and Tails, still reminiscing about their past adventure at Emerald Coast, turned to look where Classic Tails was pointing. Their expressions shifted from nostalgia to surprise.
"Wait..." Modern Sonic exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Is that... Big?!"
Modern Tails had to do a double take, his eyes blinking rapidly.
"Big? What is he doing here?" he muttered, gesturing in confusion.
The Modern duo moved towards the statue where Classic Sonic and Tails were investigating the trapped friend. Somehow and someway, Big the Cat was here in White Space, trapped as a lifeless statue. The sight of their massive, gentle friend caught them off guard, and they exchanged bewildered glances.
Big was frozen in mid-action, his usual cheerful expression turned into a blank, lifeless stare. His fishing rod, normally a symbol of his laid-back nature, was clutched tightly in his hands, now cold and colorless. The large, round body that once radiated warmth and friendliness was now a stark white, devoid of any hue.
Modern Sonic reached out, touching the cold, lifeless statue of Big.
"I can't believe it. How did Big end up here?" he said, bewildered.
Classic Sonic looked up at Modern Sonic, his eyes filled with determination. He gestured towards Big, then mimed breaking the statue, indicating they needed to free him. Modern Sonic and Classic Tails nodded in agreement. However, Modern Tails examined the statue closely, his mind racing with theories.
"As Big wasn't at the party, Terios must have dragged him here also by his time manipulation," Modern Tails explained.
"Was Big even invited to my suprise party, Tails?" Modern Sonic asked, looking to fox with concern.
"Well, I sent him an invitation, but I never heard back..." Modern Tails explained.
Modern Sonic shook his head and gave a small chuckle.
"Same old Big. He must have been too busy fishing or looking for Froggy," he exclaimed.
"Regardless, he needs saving and so does the Emerald Coast," Modern Tails affirmed, turning his gaze to Modern Sonic.
"You're right, Tails. We can't stand around chatting all day," Modern Sonic agreed, his tone serious. "I'll take care of this hub and rescue Big. We need to move quickly."
Modern Sonic turned to the classic duo, his expression determined.
"Guys, go with my Tails to the next lifeless hub," he said, showing leadership and organization. "If we split the work, we'll be able to save our friends and restore these past adventures in no time."
Modern and Classic Tails nodded, their resolve clear. Classic Sonic gave a thumbs-up to the idea.
"Be careful, Sonic," Modern Tails added, his voice filled with concern. "Terios is bound to have more tricks up his sleeve."
Modern Sonic flashed a confident grin as he replied, "Don't worry about me. Let's get to work and save our friends!"
With their plan set, Modern Sonic headed towards the shimmering portal of the hub to take him to the Emerald Coast, his mind focused on freeing Big and restoring this past event. The Blue Blur entered the portal and left White Space to begin his mission.
The Classic Duo and Modern Tails watched Sonic leave, and then turned their attention to the next hub needing saving, which was close by.
"Come on," Modern Tails said to the classic duo. "Let's see who and where needs saving next."
"Right," Classic Tails replied. "You ready, Sonic?"
Classic Sonic nodded, his face etched with determination. With that, the trio moved towards the next lifeless hub, their steps quick and purposeful. As they walked the short journey, the hub before them mirrored the others—lifeless and drained of colour, a white void blending into the expanse of White Space. The three heroes stopped, turning their attention to Classic Sonic's next mission.
"Say, this looks like Leaf Forest," Modern Tails remarked, his voice filled with recognition.
"Leaf Forest?" Classic Tails asked, seeking confirmation from his counterpart.
"Yes," Modern Tails replied, nodding as he spoke. "It's usually vibrant with greenery and full of life, but now..."
"Trapped like all these other locations?" Classic Tails said, his tone
"Right," Modern Tails affirmed, still looking at the hub infront of them.
The Leaf Forest hub, now white and lifeless, was a haunting contrast to its usual state. The towering trees, normally lush with green leaves, were now stark white skeletons, their branches frozen in mid-sway. The once lively pathways, where Sonic would dash through loops and over bridges, were now rigid and colorless. The intricate network of vines and foliage that used to weave through the forest canopy was now a pale, unmoving web. The forest floor, usually teeming with colorful flora and fauna, was reduced to a blank, featureless expanse.
Classic Sonic turned to see the next trapped friend—or friends in this case. The two Tails variants turned as well, and there, stuck in their motionless states, were Cream and Cheese.
Cream the Rabbit was frozen mid-hop, her usually cheerful and energetic expression replaced with a blank, lifeless stare. Her dress, normally vibrant orange, was now a dull white, and her long ears drooped without their usual bounce. Beside her, Cheese the Chao was similarly trapped, hovering in the air with his small wings outstretched, his typical blue and yellow colors replaced by a ghostly white. Both looked like spectral remnants of their lively selves.
"So, it seems Cream and Cheese need rescuing from this trapped place," Modern Tails explained, his attention turning to the rabbit and Chao stuck in that frozen limbo.
"I don't think we've met these two yet," Classic Tails said, turning to Classic Sonic, who was studying the statue closely. "Right, Sonic?"
Classic Sonic shook his head, indicating he hadn't met these two future friends yet.
"That would make sense if you haven't met Cream or Cheese before," Modern Tails affirmed. "Sonic first met them in Leaf Forest, rescuing them both from Eggman."
Classic Sonic gave a determined nod, ready to free these new friends. He stepped closer to the statues, examining them closely.
"We need to act fast," Modern Tails urged. "We can't afford to lose any more time."
Classic Tails nodded, stepping up beside his older counterpart, looking toward Classic Sonic, whose attention moved from the statues to his friends.
"You can do this, Sonic!" Classic Tails remarked with encouragement.
Classic Sonic clenched his fist, his resolve stronger than ever. He glanced at Modern Tails, who gave him a reassuring nod. The smaller version of Sonic then noticed the shimmering portal, the entrance to Leaf Forest. With quick feet, Classic Sonic dashed forward and rushed through the portal, ready for action and to save this trapped location and save Cream and Cheese. The two Tails variants watched as he disappeared into the portal, their expressions filled with hope and determination.
EMERALD COAST
Music: Azure Blue World - Sonic Adventure
Entering from the shimmering portal from White Space, Sonic found himself on the golden sands of Emerald Coast, the salty breeze ruffling his blue quills. Station Square's hotel loomed behind him, but his eyes were fixed on the horizon. Memories flooded back—racing through these very sands, feeling the wind against his face, and the heart-pounding chase with the Orca.
"Man, it feels like just yesterday I was here," Sonic mused, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips.
But today was different. Heartless shadows flitted in the distance, and the unmistakable cackle of Kiki Badniks echoed through the air. Sonic knew this past adventure needed saving, and he was the only one who could do it.
"Let's get to work," Sonic remarked, his voice filled with determination. "I've got to save this place and Big!"
With a burst of speed, Sonic shot forward, his legs a blur. The familiar Kiki Badniks, with their mischievous grins, began tossing bombs his way. Sonic deftly dodged them, his reflexes as sharp as ever. The Badniks were no match for his speed; he took them down with a series of well-placed spin attacks, leaving a trail of sparks and debris in his wake.
"These guys never learn," Sonic muttered to himself, dodging another bomb.
The beach soon gave way to a series of platforms leading to a smaller island. Sonic leapt from one to the next with precision, landing gracefully each time. Ahead, the first loop-de-loop loomed. Sonic grinned, feeling the rush of nostalgia. He sped up, hitting the loop with perfect momentum, the world spinning around him as he completed the loop and was launched by a Jump Panel ramp to the next island.
"Just like old times," Sonic said with a chuckle, the wind whipping past his ears. "Can't beat the classics."
As he landed on the next island, the landscape changed to a vast beach with sparse vegetation. Heartless began to materialize, their yellow eyes glowing ominously. Shadow Heartless and Neoshadow Heartless advanced, their dark forms contrasting starkly with the bright surroundings. Sonic charged into the fray, his Homing Attack taking out enemies left and right. The Red Nocturne and Blue Rhapsody Heartless hovered nearby, casting fire and ice spells. Sonic expertly used his Homing Attack to navigate through them, each hit propelling him closer to his goal.
"Heh, I didn't expect company. Terios's doing I presume," Sonic quipped as he spun through the Heartless. "Too bad for them, I'm the fastest thing alive!"
Rushing forward once more, Sonic was launched by another Jump Panel onto a wooden platform with an unstable bridge. The planks creaked and swayed under his weight, but Sonic had no time to worry. The familiar sound of an Orca's cry filled the air, and Sonic's heart skipped a beat. He turned just in time to see the enormous whale crashing through the waves, its powerful body smashing through the bridge behind him. However, something was off. The Orca's eyes glowed a menacing yellow, and a dark aura surrounded it. Sonic could feel the oppressive darkness emanating from the creature.
"Here we go again!" Sonic exclaimed, adrenaline pumping through his veins. But as he dashed forward, a chilling thought crossed his mind. "Wait, is that... Darkness?"
The Orca, now possessed by the Heartless and under Terios's manipulation, was more relentless than ever. Its massive jaws snapped mere inches from Sonic's heels, its movements faster and more violent. The bridge fell away beneath them, but Sonic's feet never missed a beat. The memories of his first encounter with the Orca flashed before him, mixed with a new sense of urgency. This wasn't just a chase; this was a battle against a twisted version of his old foe.
"That thing's not just after me... it's corrupted!" Sonic thought, his eyes narrowing as he pushed himself to go faster. "Terios, you really know how to mess things up."
The bridge continued to crumble, but Sonic stayed focused, the Dash Panels propelling him at breakneck speed. He could feel the darkness of the Heartless-infused Orca closing in, its malevolent energy pressing down on him. Despite the chaos, Sonic's determination only grew stronger. He wouldn't let this twisted version of a familiar challenge defeat him.
As the final section of the bridge collapsed, Sonic was launched onto another island. He landed on a sandy stretch leading up to a tall, plateau-like mountain with a white beacon on the left. The chase with the Heartless-possessed Orca left his heart pounding, but Sonic didn't have time to catch his breath. He sped up the ramp, hitting a series of Springs that propelled him higher and higher. At the peak, floating Heartless blocked his way.
"Man, these Heartless really know how to ruin a beach day," Sonic said, shaking his head. "But nothing I can't handle!"
Seeing these foes once more, Sonic knew what he had to do. He launched into a series of Homing Attacks, each hit a blur of blue. The Heartless dissipated into dark wisps, clearing the path for him. The hedgehog paused for a moment, looking back at the sea where the dark Orca had disappeared. The sight of those yellow eyes and the dark aura still haunted him.
"Terios, you've really crossed a line this time," Sonic muttered to himself.
Refocusing, Sonic took off once more. He sprinted towards the beacon, running along the walls with ease. First the right, then the left, his speed and agility allowing him to defy gravity. The second wall led him into a cave, where he was launched towards another cave filled with Heartless. Sonic barreled through them, his Spin Dash carving a path of destruction.
The cave opened up to another island, dominated by a large ramp that ascended steeply. Sonic could see the end in sight but knew it wouldn't be easy. He expertly navigated the platforms, avoiding spiked bars that threatened to knock him off course. With a well-timed Spin Dash, he bypassed a particularly tricky section, launching himself high into the air and landing smoothly on the next platform.
"Almost there," Sonic muttered, determination etched on his face. "Can't let up now."
In the final stretch, Sonic had a choice: take the Springs or use the Jump Panels. He opted for the latter, knowing it would be quicker. He leapt from panel to panel, dodging the last of the spiked bars, and was launched onto the final island, a pristine beach stretching out before him.
The large goal ring stood in the center, shimmering invitingly. Sonic grinned and dashed forward, feeling the rush of victory as he passed through the ring. The familiar sound of success echoed around him, and he skidded to a halt, catching his breath. Sonic looked back and knew it was another past adventure and friend saved, hoping his memories of this place would return, probably in time. Suddenly, before Sonic could return to White Space, he heard a strange, but familiar sound.
"Ribbit, ribbit," came the unmistakable croak.
Sonic turned to see none other than Froggy nearby, seemingly lost in this past event.
"Froggy!" Sonic exclaimed, walking up to the frog. "Looking for your pal Big, huh?"
Froggy jumped up and down in response.
"Don't worry, little buddy. I'll take you to him," Sonic said, picking up the frog gently.
Suddenly, everything began to shine in a glowing white light, enveloping everything. Sonic knew he was returning back to White Space. As the light grew brighter, he held Froggy close, determined to reunite him with Big.
RANK: S
LEAF FOREST
Music: Leaf Forest Act 1- Sonic Advance 2
Classic Sonic burst through the portal into Leaf Forest, greeted by an explosion of color and life. The vibrant green of the trees, the lush foliage, and the bright, clear sky contrasted sharply with the lifeless void of White Space. The air was filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, creating a symphony of nature that invigorated him.
He took a moment to marvel at his surroundings. The fresh scent of pine and the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the canopy made him feel more alive than ever. The sounds of a distant waterfall and the gentle hum of the forest enveloped him, filling him with determination. Classic Sonic's heart raced with excitement as he prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
Without wasting another second, he took off at full speed. His first obstacle was a group of Shadow Heartless that appeared in his path. With a swift Spin Dash, he barreled through them, scattering the dark creatures like leaves in the wind. He felt a surge of satisfaction as he cleared the path and continued forward.
Ahead, a ramp loomed, and Sonic leaped onto it, using its momentum to propel himself to the next ledge. He landed gracefully and quickly jumped across a pit, his agile movements seamless and fluid. A series of spikes lay in wait, but Sonic expertly hopped over them, his reflexes sharp and precise.
He reached the top of a loop and ground along the rail with ease, the sensation of speed and control thrilled him. Spotting another rail ahead, Sonic made a calculated decision and jumped below it, landing in a lower area filled with NeoShadow Heartless.
The darker, more menacing Heartless were a formidable challenge, but Classic Sonic was undeterred. He used his Spin Attack and Drop Dash to dispatch them, his movements a blur of blue and white. Each strike was met with the satisfying disintegration of the Heartless, their dark forms dissolving into nothingness.
With the enemies cleared, Sonic noticed a blue spring nearby. He hopped onto it, feeling the powerful thrust as it launched him back to higher ground. He landed on a path occupied by a monkey robot, its mechanical clanking echoing through the forest. Sonic swiftly dealt with it, his Spin Attack sending the robot flying into pieces.
The path ahead included a loop and a twisted bridge, and Classic Sonic navigated both with ease. The exhilarating loops and the twisted bridge tested his balance and agility. The vibrant colors, the sounds of wildlife, and the fresh air filled him with renewed energy. Classic Sonic felt a deep connection to this place, even though it was his first time here. The beauty and life of Leaf Forest contrasted sharply with the challenges he faced, but it only fueled his determination to save Cream and Cheese.
After crossing the twisted bridge, Sonic jumped over another pit and sped through another big loop, his red and white shoes a blur as he navigated the terrain. The loop led to another twisted bridge, but this time, Shadow Heartless blocked the way. Sonic swiftly spin-dashed through them, leaving a trail of defeated Heartless in his wake.
The hedgehog then hit a speed booster, propelling him forward with even greater speed. He zoomed through two more loops, the wind rushing past him, and hit a spring that launched him onto a new platform. From there, Sonic ground along a rail, feeling the thrill of the ride beneath his shoes. He hit another spring and shot through another loop, landing gracefully on a lever. With a powerful jump, he landed on the ground below, where more NeoShadows awaited him.
Classic Sonic quickly dealt with the NeoShadows, his Spin Attack cutting through them effortlessly. He dashed forward and went through another loop, then jumped onto the next ledge, skillfully avoiding the spikes along the way. He hit a spring, launching him to a higher ledge with a ramp. Using the ramp, he got on top of a big loop and continued right, grinding another rail before jumping and landing on a launcher. The launcher propelled him to the next ledge.
Sonic raced through another loop and used a ramp to get on top of yet another loop. He jumped off the loop, then went through it again, gaining even more speed. Running through a boost pad, Sonic felt an exhilarating surge of energy. He jumped off a ramp and soared into the air, high above the forest.
As he flew through the sky, Sonic spotted a rail below. He adjusted his trajectory and landed perfectly on the rail, grinding along it until it came to an end. He jumped off the rail and landed on the ground, immediately rushing forward with unwavering determination.
Sonic dashed through the final stretch, his eyes locked on the goal post ahead. He hit the goal post, skidding to a halt with a triumphant grin. Classic Sonic knew he had done it.
As the hedgehog came to a stop, he could sense the positive impact of his speed and efforts. The vibrant colors and life of Leaf Forest began to flicker and fade, replaced by the white void of White Space. The transformation signaled his return, but it also meant he had succeeded in restoring this hub.
RANK: S
