Chapter 16: Strangers and Shadows
Terios stepped through the dark corridor, entering the sleek, high-tech research room. The metallic walls gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights, and the hum of machinery filled the air. He was clearly frustrated, his fists clenched in anger.
"Annoying hedgehogs," he muttered under his breath, glaring at the various monitors displaying live feeds of Sonic and his variant's recent victories.
The Doctor, still hooded, stood by a large control panel. He turned slightly at Terios's arrival, his expression hidden but his displeasure evident in his posture. Nearby, a massive pod hummed with a menacing glow.
"I'm losing patience with you, Terios," The Doctor intoned, his voice dripping with cold disapproval. "Every failure brings us closer to disaster."
"The hedgehogs are persistent," Terios replied defensively, but the statement only seemed to rile The Doctor further.
"Persistent? They're both menaces!" The Doctor spat, slamming a fist onto the control panel. "With Sora and Riku advancing through the castle, and Sonic and his variant disrupting our plans in White Space, our strategy to overthrow the Organization is unravelling. And this will not please our partner."
As if on cue, a man with shoulder-length, rose-pink hair and ruffled attire stepped into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. His demeanor was composed, but there was a dangerous edge to his eyes.
"Ah, Marluxia," The Doctor remarked, turning his attention to the newcomer. "What news do you bring?"
"Larxene has been defeated," Marluxia stated smoothly. "And Vexen has been... taken care of, thanks to his loose tongue."
The Doctor nodded, seemingly unsurprised by this news.
"Vexen was always a jealous fool," he remarked. "His envy of my skills was his undoing. His lack of loyalty made him expendable."
"How did they fall?" Terios asked, curious about the other Organization members.
"Larxene couldn't stop Sora, while Vexen's failure to stop the Keyblade wielder led him to nearly expose everything," Marluxia explained coldly, his gaze shifting to the pod near The Doctor's control panel. "With that, I sent Axel to eliminate him, and he succeeded."
"And what of Riku?" The Doctor asked, turning his attention to his pink-haired ally.
"Zexion is dealing with him," Marluxia responded. "Hopefully, his intelligence will slow down the boy's progress."
Terios, listening to the exchange, felt a surge of frustration. He clenched his fists, the dark energy within him roiling. He had failed to stop Sonic and his variant, and now the consequences were unfolding rapidly.
The Doctor, sensing Terios's turmoil, turned to him with a critical eye.
"We cannot afford any more mistakes," he said, his voice cutting through the tension. "Our window to overthrow the Organization is closing, and every failure brings us closer to ruin."
"I understand," Terios replied, his voice tinged with resolve. "I'll do whatever it takes to ensure our success, and protect Naminé."
Marluxia stepped closer, his presence looming.
"You need to channel your energy more effectively, Terios. The hedgehogs are relentless, but they can be outsmarted. Use your connection to Naminé and tap into the full potential of your powers," Marluxia advised, his voice smooth yet commanding.
Terios looked between Marluxia and the Doctor, his jaw tightening slightly before he nodded in agreement.
"Anything to protect Naminé," he muttered, his voice laced with determination and a hint of desperation.
The hedgehog turned towards the exit, ready to leave.
"Concentrate on the hedgehogs!" The Doctor called out, his voice echoing through the sleek lab. "The girl will be safe in Axel's protection."
"Axel?" Terios stopped in his tracks, turning back with visible annoyance. "Why Axel?"
"She is in safe hands," Marluxia interjected smoothly. "Axel is keeping a watchful eye on her. She will be safe."
Terios huffed loudly, his frustration palpable. The idea of Axel being involved didn't sit well with him, but he had little choice. He turned back towards the exit, his shoulders tense.
"For all your sakes, he better be," Terios muttered under his breath, his voice filled with frustration and concern as he walked out of the room, the doors hissing shut behind him.
As Terios left, the Doctor and Marluxia exchanged a glance. The Doctor's expression was inscrutable, hidden beneath his hood, while Marluxia's eyes gleamed with a mixture of calculation and anticipation.
"Doctor," Marluxia said, turning his gaze from the hooded scientist to the pod again. "Is your backup plan nearly complete?"
"Almost," The Doctor responded, his eyes fixed on the monitors connected to the pod. "The Replica has provided invaluable insights. But your suggestion of having a backup was indeed wise."
"Terios might be powerful, but his strength is borrowed," Marluxia commented, his gaze unwavering from the pod.
"Agreed," The Doctor replied, his tone laced with frustration. "That hedgehog's behavior is becoming increasingly... irritable." He began typing furiously on the keyboard, the sound of his gloved fingers clicking rapidly against the keys. "However, with that fragment shard from the Realm of Darkness, I should be able to perfect the Replica I need."
"Ensure it is flawless, Doctor. We cannot afford any more failures," Marluxia said calmly. "If this Replica can harness the power of that erased entity just like Terios can, it might just be the edge we need."
"This Replica will surpass Terios," The Doctor affirmed. "It will be the ultimate weapon against those who oppose us. But, I still have some work to do on it, before it's operational."
Marluxia nodded in agreement, his gaze turning back to The Doctor.
"Doctor -" he began, but his question was interrupted by the sound of the doors hissing open.
"Hey, why do I have to wear this ridiculous black coat again?" a voice grumbled in annoyance.
"I told you once, I'm not telling you again!" The Doctor replied sharply, turning his attention to the newcomer.
Marluxia looked over and was taken aback but smirked at the sight. Standing there in the full Organization attire, black coat and all, was the recently kidnapped Doctor Robotnik, snatched after Classic Sonic's victory over him.
"This coat is uncomfortable!" Robotnik moaned. "It's like a million degrees in here, why am I wearing this thing?"
"Are you going to complain for the rest of the time you're here?" The Doctor asked, clearly annoyed.
"Yes!" Robotnik snapped. "At least turn on the A/C or something!"
"So, kidnapping previous variants, are we Doctor?" Marluxia interjected, his voice cutting through the squabbling.
"Who is this fool?" Robotnik demanded, turning to Marluxia in annoyance.
The Doctor sighed and shook his head.
"He is our partner who will help us take over the Organization! I've explained this to you!" he shouted.
Robotnik's face contorted with irritation.
"I had Sonic where I wanted him you know. I was about to surprise him with an ambush, but that other hedgehog snatched me."
The Doctor shot him a cold glance from under his hood.
"No, you were defeated, and Big Arms was destroyed," he said slightly deadpanned. "I know how that script goes. Trust me, I've been there."
Robotnik's irritation only grew as he replied.
"And what, pray tell, is the grand plan now?"
"The plan is simple," Marluxia replied, stepping forward to the Robotnik of the past. "We leverage your knowledge to further our agenda. Your role is crucial, even if it's... uncomfortable."
"Fine," Robotnik said, huffing in defeat and crossing his arms. "But I expect some level of respect. I am a genius, after all."
The Doctor waved a dismissive hand.
"Just do as you're told. We don't have time for your ego," he blasted.
"Enough of this bickering. We have work to do!" Marluxia remarked, his patience becoming thin.
Robotnik grumbled but nodded, knowing he had little choice in the matter. The Doctor turned back to the control panel, the monitors flickering with data on the various timelines and plans in motion.
"Remember, every move we make brings us closer to our goal. We cannot afford any more failures," The Doctor stated firmly.
Marluxia nodded in agreement as he replied to The Doctor.
"Indeed. Now, let's ensure those hedgehogs don't disrupt our plans any further."
With a final, determined glance around the room, the group turned their focus back to their dark scheming, each of them knowing that the stakes had never been higher.
WHITE SPACE
After stopping Perfect Chaos and receiving the yellow Chaos Emerald from Naminé, Modern Sonic had returned to White Space. He stood with Classic Tails and Modern Tails, recounting the information he had gathered. The trio waited patiently for Classic Sonic to return, piecing together what Naminé had revealed in Station Square.
"So, Terios's memories are all fake?" Modern Tails remarked, somewhat surprised.
"That's what Naminé told me," Sonic affirmed, folding his arms.
"But, why?" Classic Tails asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Why would his memories be false?"
"Naminé told me her powers forced the memories into him, but this was under the Organization's orders," Sonic clarified further. "They wanted to manipulate Terios to destroy me."
Modern Tails frowned, his mind working through the implications as he spoke.
"So, the Organization is using Terios as a pawn. They're moulding him with false memories?"
"Exactly," Sonic affirmed with a nod. "It's all just a pack of lies."
"That means if we can show Terios the truth, maybe we can stop him without fighting," Classic Tails suggested, his voice filled with hope.
Modern Sonic sighed, unfolding his arms and rubbing the back of his head.
"It's a nice idea, but convincing him won't be easy," he admitted. "He's pretty deep in their manipulation."
"I want to know if Terios's powers are also manipulated?" Modern Tails pondered aloud, his mind working through the possibilities.
"Sadly, before I could ask, Naminé had to leave urgently. But she must know more," Sonic explained, his voice tinged with frustration. "Without more information, we're flying blind here."
"At least she gave you an emerald. That must count for something," Modern Tails replied thoughtfully.
"Yeah, having that emerald is a big deal," Classic Tails added, nodding in agreement. "It might be the key to finding out more."
Modern Sonic nodded, appreciating their optimism.
"True. When I received it, a memory came back of Sora, Donald, and Goofy. It was like a piece of the puzzle clicking into place," the hedgehog revealed.
"Maybe the emeralds can help fill the gaps we need," Modern Tails affirmed, his eyes lighting up with hope. "If each emerald brings back a piece of our memories, gathering them might be the way to restore everything."
Sonic nodded and summoned the emerald to his hand. He looked at the yellow Chaos Emerald, feeling its power and the possibilities it held.
"Let's hope so, Tails. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but with these emeralds, we might just have a chance."
Just then, Classic Sonic stepped out of the hub from City Escape, looking proud of himself. The trio turned to see the arrival of the smaller hedgehog.
"Hey, you're back!" Classic Tails exclaimed happily.
"How did it go, Mini Me?" Modern Sonic asked, a grin spreading across his face.
Classic Sonic nodded with a confident smile, giving a thumbs-up. His body language and expressive gestures communicated his success without the need for words.
"He looks pretty pleased with himself," Modern Tails observed with a chuckle.
"Did you run into any trouble?" Modern Sonic inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Classic Sonic mimicked the chase sequence, indicating with his hands the large truck that had pursued him. He then gestured to himself, showing how he had outmanoeuvred it.
"So, the truck did chase you!" Modern Tails remarked. "I'm glad we could warn you about it."
"Good thinking, buddy," Modern Sonic replied, nodding in approval. "That thing was a nightmare for me way back when. But, I'm glad you managed to outsmart it!"
Classic Sonic gave a quick nod and then gestured towards the portal, indicating there was more to tell. He then mimicked a fight, showing how he had taken down a formidable enemy.
"Wait, you fought someone too?" Modern Tails asked, eyes widening.
"Who was it?" Classic Tails added.
Classic Sonic nodded and then mimicked Fang the Hunter, showing off the use of his popgun and his sly, mischievous demeanor, followed by a transformation into a dark, Heartless-infused form.
"Wait, you fought Fang?" Classic Tails remarked in surprise.
"Fang was there, but with a dark twist?" Modern Sonic deduced, his expression turning serious.
"Terios must be using the darkness to manipulate old enemies," Modern Tails affirmed.
"Makes sense," Modern Sonic replied. "First bringing in Shadow, then Perfect Chaos and now Fang."
"And don't forget from our side, Terios brought Metal Sonic and Big Arms to fight my Sonic," Classic Tails added, with Classic Sonic nodding in agreement.
"I feel he will bring in more powerful enemies and foes from our past," Modern Tails warned, his face etched with concern.
"We need to be prepared for anything," Modern Sonic said, his tone resolute. "Each new challenge Terios throws at us means he's getting more desperate."
Classic Sonic gave a determined nod, his eyes filled with resolve.
"Let's stay focused," Modern Tails suggested. "We should prioritise finding the remaining Chaos Emeralds. They seem to help restore Sonic's memories and could be the key to stopping Terios."
"Agreed," Modern Sonic said, turning to his smaller counterpart. "We'll need to keep moving fast. Terios won't stop until he thinks he's won."
"We believe in you, Sonic. Both of you," Classic said with admiration.
Modern Sonic gave a thumbs-up, echoing the same gesture from Classic Sonic.
"Thanks, guys. We're in this together," Modern Sonic remarked.
Suddenly, a voice could be heard, one that was familiar to Modern Sonic & Tails.
"My, my, I never thought I would be stolen."
The four turned to see Rouge, now no longer a lifeless statue, but full of colour and energy once more.
"Rouge!" Modern Sonic exclaimed, happy to see his friend returned to normal.
"Thanks for the save, Big Blue," she replied, her voice filled with relief and gratitude. "I was trapped in a weird place for a while. But it seems your speed saved my soul."
"Don't thank me, Rouge," Modern Sonic said, gesturing to his smaller variant. "You have to thank Mini Me for your rescue."
The bat spy turned to see the classic variant of Sonic. She had to double blink at the sight, her eyes widening in surprise.
"There are two of you?" Rouge asked, astonished.
"We just don't have two Sonics," Modern Tails explained, gesturing to his classic variant. "There is also another me here too."
"Hello," Classic Tails remarked with a smile, waving to Rouge.
"Well... I wasn't expecting this," Rouge said, still in disbelief, now staring at the smaller Tails.
"Trust us, it's been a crazy adventure so far," Modern Sonic replied.
"Right..." Rouge responded, looking around the void of White Space. "So, where are we?"
"This is known as White Space," Modern Tails clarified. "It's a place seemingly outside of time and space."
"And we're here because?" Rouge inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"We're here to stop Terios and the Organization," Modern Sonic explained. "They've been manipulating time and memories, creating chaos across different points in time. We need to restore everything to its rightful place."
"The Organization, huh?" Rouge pondered. "Interesting."
"You know something about them?" Modern Sonic asked.
Rouge began to slowly pace around the now returned City Escape Hub, looking around the now past adventure from Sonic's past.
"G.U.N. was onto something about an Organization," she explained. "Not much was really known, but they were on our radar."
Modern Sonic's curiosity grew.
"So, what have you found?" he questioned.
Rouge turned to face Sonic, her expression serious.
"Sadly, we don't have much intel to go off."
"Bummer..." Modern Sonic sighed.
"But, G.U.N. mentioned some strange activities and people who didn't quite fit in. It's like they have their own hidden agenda," Rouge affirmed.
Classic Sonic and Classic Tails nodded, their eyes narrowing in determination. The pieces were starting to some what come together.
"We need to be extra careful," Modern Tails added. "If G.U.N. is aware of them, it means the Organization is more widespread than we thought."
Rouge agreed, "I'll keep my ears to the ground and gather any intel I can. In the meantime, you guys focus on stopping Terios and saving our friends."
"Thanks, Rouge," Modern Sonic said. "We'll need all the help we can get."
"Keep safe, Big Blue," Rouge replied, giving the hedgehog a sly wink. "We're counting on you."
The team felt a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie, knowing that they had allies they could count on. With Rouge's promise to gather intel, they could focus more effectively on their immediate tasks. The void of White Space seemed less daunting with their spirits bolstered.
Modern Sonic looked around at his companions.
"Alright, everyone, let's get moving. We have more hubs to save and more friends to find."
Classic Sonic gave a determined nod, while both variants of Tails shared a look of mutual understanding and readiness.
With a final glance at Rouge, who gave them a reassuring smile and a nod, the group set off towards to the next hubs.
Meanwhile...
"The coats and clothing will protect you from the Organization and stop them from tracking you," The Man with the red bandages stated, his voice steady.
The two figures nodded in gratitude, expressing their thanks in their own unique ways as they got comfortable in their new clothing.
"So then, why are you here?" The Man asked, looking with his one seeing eye not covered by the bandages.
"Answers," the smaller hooded figure remarked somewhat stoically.
"Answers, you say," The Man replied. "What do you need answering?"
"We need to understand the manipulation happening in this place," the smaller figure explained. "To uncover the truth behind this distortion."
"And I am searching for someone," the taller figure added, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Someone important to me."
The Man tilted his head, intrigued by their missions.
"Who sent you on this quest for answers?" he questioned. "Authority? The Darkness? The Light? Your own sense of duty?"
The smaller figure's response was blunt and unwavering.
"We don't have time for 20 questions," the figure said stoically, folding their arms.
The taller figure, however, looked to the Man, their eyes under the hood revealing a mix of emotions.
"I guess a mixture of everything, really," they explained softly, their voice tinged with a quiet resolve.
The Man nodded, sensing the depth of their commitment.
"I understand," he replied. "The journey ahead won't be easy, but with your determination, we might just stand a chance."
The taller figure's eyes softened, showing a glimpse of vulnerability.
"We need to find him. It's not just about the mission; it's personal."
The shorter figure remained stoic but nodded in agreement.
"We will do whatever it takes."
The Man smiled slightly, admiring their resolve.
"First, you need to navigate the labyrinth of the castle. Gather any information you can about the Organization's plans and report back to me."
The taller figure's hands relaxed slightly, a sense of purpose enveloping them.
"Consider it done," they replied softly. "I thought this would be a lot easier. I tried to unlock the castle when we arrived, but it failed."
"It's as if darkness and chaotic energy are one here," the smaller figure added. "I sense a disturbance and everything is out of sync."
"That would be the properties of the castle and the influence of White Space," the Man explained, his gaze still on the duo.
"White Space?" the taller figure asked.
The Man nodded as he responded, "White Space is a creation of Terios's manipulation. Its purpose is to distort time and space, making it nearly impossible to restore the castle to its original state until he and the Organization are defeated."
"I sense Sonic's presence here through all the deception and clash of energy. Is he in the castle?" the smaller figure asked, focused and determined for answers.
The Man hesitated for a moment before responding.
"Yes, he is. But he's in a secretive part of the castle, where time and space mean nothing. It's a place only accessible by the deepest corridors of oblivion."
The taller figure's eyes narrowed with determination as they spoke.
"Then that's where we'll go."
"Sonic," the smaller figure remarked with a blunt sigh. "Always getting into trouble."
The Man watched them, a mix of hope and concern in his eyes.
"Be careful. The path ahead is fraught with dangers and illusions. Trust your instincts, and remember, you're not alone in this."
With a final nod, the two hooded figures turned and disappeared into the shadows of the castle, their resolve unwavering. The Man sighed, knowing that the battle was far from over, but with allies like these, there was a glimmer of hope.
WHITE SPACE
Back in White Space, the four heroes found the next lifeless hub and friend needing rescuing. The location needing saving was Seaside Hill, a once-vibrant coastal paradise now drained of its colour and life. The normally lush green hills, sparkling blue waters, and intricate stone structures were now stark white, devoid of any vibrancy. The familiar pathways and winding roads were visible but lifeless, with the iconic seaside structures standing like ghostly remnants of a world that once was.
Next to the hub stood Vector the Crocodile, frozen in mid-motion. The lifeless statue showed him with a confused and shocked expression, his mouth slightly agape and his eyes wide with disbelief. His arms were slightly raised as if he had been caught off guard, adding to the sense of his bewilderment. The solid white and colourless form of Vector stood out against the pale backdrop of Seaside Hill.
"Hey, is that Vector?" Classic Tails asked, his voice filled with surprise.
"That's right," Modern Sonic replied.
"And, is he still part of The Chaotix?" Classic Tails asked, with Classic Sonic also gesturing for answers.
"Right again," Modern Tails confirmed with a nod. "They run a detective agency these days."
Classic Sonic and Classic Tails exchanged shocked glances, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"A detective agency?" Classic Tails echoed, almost incredulously.
"Yeah," Modern Sonic said with a chuckle. "They wanted to help give back and solve problems, so they formed a detective agency. They've come a long way since the old days."
Classic Sonic shook his head in astonishment, while Classic Tails tried to process the information.
"That's quite a change," Classic Tails admitted.
"Yeah, but it's for the better," Modern Tails added. "They've helped a lot of people, and it's their way of making a difference."
"They helped us on our last adventure, using their detective skills to help us stop the darkness," Modern Sonic affirmed.
"Wow," Classic Tails said, clearly impressed. "The Chaotix as detectives. That's pretty cool."
"Yeah," Modern Sonic agreed with a smile. "Vector, Espio, and Charmy have been invaluable allies and friends. They always find a way to solve the toughest mysteries."
Classic Sonic nodded, his face reflecting a mix of awe and determination. He turned his gaze to the lifeless hub of Seaside Hill, its once vibrant scenery now a stark white void. The picturesque beaches, lush greenery, and sparkling waters were now devoid of colour, waiting to be restored.
"We need to get Vector back to his usual self," Modern Sonic said, his voice resolute. "And bring life back to Seaside Hill."
Classic Sonic gave a thumbs-up, signalling his readiness to dive into the hub and take on whatever challenges awaited.
"Do you want to take on this hub, little buddy?" Modern Sonic asked, looking to his smaller counterpart.
Classic Sonic nodded eagerly, stepping forward. Modern Sonic and the two Tails variants watched as he approached the portal to Seaside Hill.
"Good to see you're eager, Mini Me," Modern Sonic replied with a smile. "Just remember to be careful and watch out for trouble."
"Look out for Eggman's robots and the Heartless," Modern Tails added with a cautious tone.
"You'll do great, Sonic!" Classic Tails remarked cheerfully. "Trust your speed!"
Classic Sonic gave a confident thumbs-up before dashing through the portal into Seaside Hill, leaving Modern Sonic and the two Tails variants to look for the next hub to save.
"Oh, I see one," Modern Sonic explained, pointing out into White Space's void.
The two Tails variants looked, but they couldn't make out what it was.
"Come on, let's go and see where needs saving next!" Modern Sonic declared, beginning to walk toward the next adventure.
As they approached, the outline of the hub became clearer, sending a shiver down Modern Sonic's spine from his last experience there. The three stopped to see the lifeless hub which needed saving.
"Oh great, not this place!" Sonic muttered, shaking his head.
"What is this place?" Classic Tails asked, looking to his variant for answers.
Modern Tails looked with intrigue at the lifeless and white hub in front of them. He placed his hand on his chin, deep in thought. The hub resembled a rundown city, with grime and dirt visible even without colour. The streets were narrow and lined with dilapidated buildings. The canals were eerily still, lacking movement or life. In the distance, the shadow of the Colosseum loomed, its once-grand structure now a lifeless husk. Even devoid of colour and life, the sight was depressing, reflecting a city that had seen better days.
"This place... it's the place you ended up fighting Goldman, right, Sonic?" Modern Tails affirmed, looking to the blue hedgehog.
"Sure is, Tails" Modern Sonic confirmed, his voice tinged with frustration. "Teaming up with G and those other AMS agents to take Goldman down!"
"What happened here?" Classic Tails asked, eager to know more.
"Long story short, This dude named Goldman created disturbing creatures, thanks to the power of darkness. We managed to defeat him and his most powerful creation, The Emperor," Modern Sonic explained, his voice and expression was serious.
"So, zombies?" Classic Tails pondered.
"No, they were classed as experiments, because they were created. That's what Gary and James told me," Sonic affirmed.
"Gary and James?" Classic Tails asked further.
"They were AMS agents dealing with the case. Alongside Amy Crystal, Harry Harris and their senior agent, G," Sonic explained further.
"Sonic was able to stop Goldman with them and they managed to save their world," Modern Tails added to help clarify.
"This world?" Classic Tails pondered, even further confusing his mind.
Sonic and Modern Tails turned to each other and gave a small smile to Classic Tails' confusion.
"Long story," Sonic said. "It would be best for Tails to explain it whilst I try and save this place...again!"
Modern Sonic turned his attention back to the lifeless hub of Seaside Hill, his eyes reflecting on the past memories of this place.
"You know, it's funny," Sonic said, his voice tinged with confusion. "Everything has been in some sort of order of my adventures. This event of teaming with the AMS was fairly recent, so why did we spot this one before another location from a few years ago?"
"This place is so broken, Sonic," Modern Tails hypothesised. "I feel that either Terios is moving points in time to make you work harder, or his manipulation is starting to affect White Space itself."
Classic Tails was listening closely to Modern Sonic and Tails, but his eyes spotted another statue nearby, one standing to the right of the hub.
"Looks like another friend needs to be saved," Classic Tails pointed, turning their attention to the trapped friend.
Sonic and Modern Tails looked to see Leon, the stoic warrior from Hollow Bastion, frozen in a battle stance. His iconic gunblade was raised, ready for a fight, his expression as determined as ever. Classic Tails moved closer to their trapped friend and was curious about who he was.
"Say, who is that anyway?" Classic Tails asked, eager to know more.
"That's Leon," Sonic explained, moving closer to the colourless and lifeless statue. "We made friends with a bunch of people on our last adventure, and we've all become very close."
"He looks strong!" Classic Tails admitted, studying Leon's imposing figure.
"Leon is one of the strongest and most skilled warriors I've met," Modern Sonic said with admiration. "His skills with the gunblade are unmatched."
Modern Tails nodded in agreement.
"He's a key member of the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee. They've been working hard to rebuild their home world and protect it from any new threats."
Classic Tails observed Leon's frozen form, noting the determination etched on his face. It was clear that this warrior was someone who had faced many battles and emerged stronger each time.
"I'm glad he's on our side!" Classic Tails joked, rubbing the back of his head. "Even as a statue, he looks ready to fight."
"We definitely need to rescue him and bring him up to speed on everything going on," Modern Tails explained. "Leon's knowledge and leadership could be useful."
"Then I'd better go into the hub and save him," Sonic said, turning his attention back to the shimmering portal of the hub.
"Be careful, Sonic," Modern Tails added. "I bet that place is filled with both those experiments and the Heartless. It's not going to be an easy task."
With a nod to the two Tails variants, Modern Sonic turned and headed towards the shimmering portal with speed. He knew he had to face old foes and those experiments, but Leon needed to be saved. The hedgehog picked up speed and dashed through the portal, allowing the powers of White Space to take him back to the streets of Venice.
As Classic and Modern Tails watched Sonic disappear, they turned to each other.
"So, want to explain to me the concept of 'Worlds'?" Classic Tails asked.
"Can do. But, how much time have you got?" Modern Tails teased.
"I think we have a lot of time on our hands," Classic Tails quipped back, gesturing around to the void of White Space.
The two chuckled, knowing they had plenty to discuss and learn from each other.
