Chapter 21: Olympus Coliseum - Part 2

The Doctor and Robotnik stood amidst a sea of flickering screens and complex machinery in their lab. Papers and data pads were scattered across every available surface, their contents a labyrinth of calculations and schematics. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burnt circuitry and the low hum of processing units.

The Doctor, his hooded form a dark silhouette against the glowing screens, furrowed his brow in frustration as he studied a large monitor displaying a series of intricate graphs and data streams. Robotnik, equally engrossed, scratched his bald head, his face etched with irritation.

"This is becoming more complicated by the minute," the Doctor grumbled, his voice edged with sharp exasperation. "Terios's behaviour is escalating beyond control. He's no longer merely manipulating time and space within acceptable parameters; he's actively distorting reality itself, pulling in events and entities that were never part of my plans. This could jeopardize everything I've worked for."

"Don't you mean 'we'... or 'our' plans?" Robotnik interjected.

The Doctor scoffed, barely hiding his irritation.

"You've been here for what, five minutes?" he retorted.

"Yes, well, I didn't ask to be dragged into this freak show you know," Robotnik countered, his tone defensive but firm. "But I have contributed to 'your' plans so far, and I'm working on the Replica project, so give me some credit."

The Doctor sighed, conceding the point with a begrudging nod.

"Alright, fine… our plans. Better?"

"Much better," Robotnik retorted with a smirk. "But the question remains: is Terios losing control because of the girl?"

"Yes," the Doctor replied, frustration clear in his voice. "Terios's original motivation was anchored in his twisted memories of Naminé. He was supposed to use her as leverage to obliterate Sonic and his allies. But now, he's become reckless, and it's endangering the entire operation."

"Do you think it had anything to do with Marluxia's meddling earlier?" Robotnik pondered. "You know, his suggestion to channel Terios's energy more effectively, using his connection to Naminé to unleash his full potential?"

"Oh, that insufferable pink-haired fool," The Doctor snapped. "He's meddled enough. He should stick to his petals and leave the real work to those who know what they're doing."

"I think Marluxia's hair is more rose pink than anything else..." Robotnik replied, trying somewhat to lighten the mood.

"Does this look like a good time to discuss hair colors?!" The Doctor roared, his irritation palpable.

Robotnik stepped back, somewhat taken aback.

"Right, right. Focus. What's the plan now?" he questioned.

The Doctor took a deep breath, regaining his composure as he continued.

"Terios was designed to manipulate time and space within controlled parameters," he explained, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. "His original goal was to erase Sonic and his friends. However, his actions have backfired spectacularly, leading to the return of trapped events and enemies, all thanks to that infuriating hedgehog and his smaller counterpart."

"So, Terios has gone off the rails?" Robotnik asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Exactly," The Doctor confirmed, nodding gravely. "And now he's convinced he's Naminé's protector, but it's all an elaborate deception. Her memory abilities were used to feed him false information, manipulating his actions. He's been pushed too far, and as a result, his behaviour has become increasingly erratic and dangerous."

Robotnik's brow furrowed as he processed the information.

"So what's the next move?" he asked.

"We need to reset the balance," The Doctor affirmed sharply. "The Replica Program, which we have been working on, is our best shot. As you know, it's designed to act as a fail-safe to counteract Terios's destabilising influence. If Terios continues to spiral out of control, the Replica will intervene."

Robotnik nodded slowly.

"And Naminé?" he questioned. "What of her?"

"We need to bring her here," The Doctor said firmly. "She's the only one who can help us rein in Terios. Her presence is crucial for unwinding the chaos he's unleashed."

"Alright," Robotnik said, turning toward the door. "I'll go get her. But you'd better make sure that Replica Program lives up to its promises."

As Robotnik departed to find Naminé, The Doctor returned his focus to the multitude of screens before him. His fingers danced over the controls, his mind a storm of calculations and strategies. A grimace of frustration twisted his features.

"Why does making life have to be so complicated?" The Doctor muttered to himself, his voice tinged with exasperation. "'He' managed to create a living weapon with alien DNA, but when I try to harness a crystallized fragment from an erased deity from another timeline, it all falls apart."

His gaze flickered to a sealed pod in the corner of the lab, its sleek, metallic surface casting cold reflections in the dim light. A smirk of cold satisfaction touched his lips as he regarded it.

"Still, we have our Plan B," he said, his tone resolute. "If Terios proves uncontrollable or too erratic, this backup will guarantee that our objectives are met. No matter what it takes."


Olympus Coliseum

Classic Sonic zipped around the Coliseum's stone arena, a blur of blue speed and agility. His opponents, Ventus and Hercules, were putting up a valiant effort, but Sonic's quickness and Spin Dash techniques kept them on their toes.

Ventus, wielding his Wayward Wind Keyblade, swung with precision, trying to anticipate Sonic's next move. He conjured a flurry of attacks, each strike a blend of light and energy, but Sonic darted between them effortlessly, his small size and unmatched speed making him a difficult target.

Hercules used his sheer strength to try and catch Sonic. His powerful swings were impressive, but Sonic's agility allowed him to dodge every blow, only briefly touching the ground before speeding away again.

Phil, watching from the sidelines, looked on with genuine admiration.

"Those red and white shoes aren't just for show! This kid's got speed and skill!" he remarked.

Ventus and Hercules, panting and slightly worn, exchanged determined glances.

"We've got to combine our efforts, Herc," Ventus panted, trying to catch his breathe. "We need to synchronize our attacks!"

Hercules nodded, his face set with resolve.

"Got it, Ven. Let's show him what we've got!"

The two coordinated their attacks. Ventus began to conjure a flurry of light-based strikes while Hercules charged forward with a powerful shoulder tackle, the ground trembling with each step. Sonic danced around their combined assault with fluid grace, narrowly evading their synchronised efforts.

In a final burst of speed, Sonic unleashed a rapid Spin Dash, catching Ventus and Hercules off guard. The spinning blue streak connected with both, sending them staggering backward with impressive force. The impact left them reeling, struggling to regain their footing.

Just as the battle seemed to reach its peak, a strange ripple of energy pulsed through the Coliseum, catching everyone off guard.

"What in the Hades was that?" Phil exclaimed in surprise, his eyes wide as he glanced around, trying to locate the source of the disturbance.

The heroes turned their attention to the centre of the arena, where two shimmering time holes suddenly materialised across from of them. The air around the portals crackled with unstable energy, and the atmosphere grew thick with tension. Sonic's playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious, almost grim look. His eyes narrowed, and his stance shifted, signalling that he recognised these anomalies all too well.

Ventus noticed the change in Sonic's demeanor and turned to him, concern evident on his face.

"Do you know what these things are?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.

Sonic nodded slowly, his gaze locked on the time holes. His usual light-hearted attitude had given way to a steely resolve, a clear indication that whatever was about to emerge from these portals was no trivial matter.

The first time hole pulsed again, and out stepped a massive, imposing figure. Standing well over seven feet tall, the creature that emerged was nothing short of terrifying. His stocky build was dominated by pure red scales, while his lower body was cloaked in black, ending in two-clawed feet with cyan toes. His hands, large and menacing, had five fingers that ended in sharp cyan-coloured claws, adding to his fearsome appearance.

His head, relatively small compared to the rest of his body, was an unsettling sight. His lower jaw jutted out, revealing a row of spiked fangs that gleamed with every twisted smile. The upper half of his head was black, with red markings around his eyes—eyes that were an eerie combination of purple with yellow sclera. A thick, cyan-coloured unibrow formed a vaguely V-shaped crest above his eyes, adding to his sinister look. From the sides of his head, viciously curved horns, striped in dark grey, protruded, framing a large cyan ponytail that trailed behind him.

Two rows of sharp black spikes jutted out from his shoulders, giving him an even more intimidating silhouette. The only attire he wore was a pair of black bracelets with grey spikes, emphasizing his raw, primal strength.

"Who in the name of Greece are you?" Phil demanded from the sidelines, his voice a mixture of surprise and anger as he eyed the towering red figure.

The creature's eyes narrowed at the tone, his lips curling into a sneer. He didn't appreciate being spoken to like that, especially by someone so insignificant in his eyes. He turned his head slightly, fixing Phil with a cold, piercing gaze.

"Yo, Red, I ain't asking again. Who are you, and what are you doing in my Coliseum uninvited? And where's your pass?" Phil demanded.

"Your Coliseum?" The red monster repeated, his voice laced with disdain. "How amusing that you think this place belongs to you. As for who I am, I'm under no obligation to explain myself to a runt like you."

Ventus and Hercules exchanged uneasy glances before stepping forward, their postures tense and ready for a fight.

"We want answers," Ventus said, his voice firm, though he kept his Keyblade at the ready. "What are you doing here?"

The beast's gaze shifted from Phil to the young heroes, his sneer deepening as he took in their stances. He then turned his attention to Sonic, who stood silently, his eyes narrowed and focused.

"You look like him," he said, his tone mocking. "But smaller… rounder… weaker." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Interesting."

Sonic's expression remained steely, but the insult didn't go unnoticed.

"Answer the question," Hercules demanded, stepping closer. "What are you doing here?"

The towering creature straightened up, his imposing form casting a long shadow over the arena floor. He sneered down at Hercules, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Easy there, runt, no need to pull a muscle," he mocked, his deep voice echoing ominously in the Coliseum.

"Leave Hercules alone and answer the question already!" Ventus demanded, his voice firm and Keyblade at the ready.

With a casual wave of his hand, as if dismissing their concerns, the creature finally obliged.

"If you must know, my name is Zavok, leader of the Deadly Six," he declared, his voice booming with a mix of arrogance and authority. "And as for what I'm doing here, it seems I've been pulled into this pitiful arena by forces unknown. One minute I was about to crush a blue nuisance, and the next, I'm here, surrounded by weaklings."

Phil's eyes narrowed dangerously, his temper rising at the blatant disrespect.

"Weaklings, huh? You've got a lot of nerve. You may be big and ugly, but this is my Coliseum, and I'm not about to let you stomp around here like you own the place!"

Zavok let out a low, dark chuckle, clearly revelling in the tension he was causing.

"You're amusing, little man," he stated bluntly, his eyes gleaming with malice. "But I suggest you tread carefully. I don't take kindly to being ordered around."

Before the situation could spiral further out of control, the second time hole rippled violently, catching everyone's attention. Zavok's grin widened, his interest piqued as he turned to face the new disturbance.

"Ah, another guest," he said teasingly, his voice full of dark anticipation. "This day keeps getting better."

All eyes turned to the portal as the air around it seemed to distort and twist, creating an eerie atmosphere of anticipation. From within the swirling energy, a figure began to emerge, stepping out with an air of cold confidence and dark purpose.

The newcomer was clad in a black and red organic-looking bodysuit that seemed almost alive, the material shifting subtly with his every movement. His muscular build was accentuated by the tight suit, which was intricately designed with patterns that resembled veins and sinews, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. A silver helmet, sleek and menacing, covered his head entirely, with dark glass concealing his face from view.

The atmosphere grew even more tense as the figure fully emerged, his presence radiating an unmistakable aura of malice and arrogance. He looked around the Coliseum with a casual, almost leisurely demeanor, as if he owned the place. His posture was relaxed, but the sinister intent behind his movements was undeniable—this was someone who thrived on darkness and conflict.

"Great, who's this bozo?" Phil scoffed, eyeing the newcomer with irritation. The situation was already spiraling out of control, and now another wildcard had entered his arena.

"Vanitas!" Ventus gasped, his grip tightening on his Keyblade, a mix of shock and anger washing over him.

"Vanitas?" Phil repeated, his voice tinged with confusion and concern. He had no idea who this person was, but the way Ventus reacted made it clear this was no ordinary opponent.

Hercules and Sonic stared at the newcomer, both trying to make sense of the situation. The two heroes exchanged a glance, their expressions reflecting a shared sense of confusion and wariness. Meanwhile, Zavok, standing off from Vanitas, gave him a cold side-eye, sizing him up with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"What are you doing here?" Ventus demanded, his voice firm despite the unease gnawing at him.

Vanitas crossed his arms, his posture oozing arrogance as he replied, "What am I doing here?" He paused, his tone icy and dripping with condescension. "Oh, Ventus, if only I could tell you."

"Quit with the games," Ventus snapped, his frustration mounting. "Tell us."

"Fine. Before I was so rudely interrupted and brought here by some strange and dark forces, I was about to finish off your precious friend, Aqua!" Vanitas replied, his voice was cold, each word dripping with contempt.

"What?!" Ventus shouted, his eyes widened in shock.

Hercules and Phil exchanged stunned glances, clearly taken aback by the sheer audacity of this new arrival. Even Sonic was momentarily taken aback by the cruelty in Vanitas's words. Zavok, however, seemed intrigued, his eyes narrowing as he observed the dark figure with growing interest.

"That's right," Vanitas continued, digging the knife in deeper. "I was about to end her, but then, just as I was about to savour my victory, I find myself here. Stuck with you losers. Talk about the worst timing."

Ventus clenched his fists, anger flaring in his chest. Vanitas had always known exactly how to get under his skin, and this time was no different.

Sonic, though silent as ever, locked eyes with Vanitas, his determination evident. There was something deeply unsettling about this newcomer, something that made Sonic all the more resolute to stop him. Vanitas, noticing Sonic's stare, tilted his head slightly at the small hedgehog.

"And what do we have here? I see we have a shorter and fatter version of the Blue Blur," Vanitas taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Wait, you know Blue here?" Hercules asked, his voice tinged with confusion as he glanced between Sonic and Vanitas.

"That's none of your concern," Vanitas snapped, cutting off any further questions. His tone was sharp and final, brooking no argument. "Let's just say I've had the displeasure of dealing with his kind before. But this one…" He cast a derisive glance at Sonic, looking him up and down with mocking disdain. "…this one's a bit of a downgrade, don't you think?"

Sonic's expression tightened, his eyes narrowing with determination. The taunts from Vanitas stung, but he wasn't about to let them shake his resolve. If anything, the insults only solidified his determination to stand firm against this dark force. He had faced worse threats before, and this was just another challenge he was ready to overcome.

"Whatever you're planning, we'll stop you!" Ventus declared, stepping forward, his Keyblade held firmly in his grip.

"Stop me? You really think you stand a chance?" Vanitas sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.

Without warning, he raised his arm, and in a flash of darkness, his Keyblade, Void Gear, materialised in his hand. The weapon was as menacing as its wielder—dark and jagged. The very sight of it sent a chill through the air, as if the darkness within it was leaking out, tainting the atmosphere around them.

"You think you can stop me, Ventus?" he taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You've always been in over your head."

Zavok watched Vanitas with growing interest, his eyes narrowing as he took in the dark Keyblade wielder's demeanor and weapon. There was something about Vanitas—his cold arrogance, his twisted sense of humor, and the raw power he exuded—that intrigued Zavok.

"Impressive," Zavok rumbled, his deep voice filled with dark amusement. "Perhaps we could work together to crush these three runts. After all, it seems we both enjoy a good fight."

Vanitas turned his head slightly, giving Zavok a sly, sideways glance.

"Work together?" he mused, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Not really my style, Red. But if it means putting these weaklings in their place, I'm game."

"Then let's see what they're made of," Zavok said, his claws flexing in anticipation.

The three heroes stood their ground. They knew they were up against formidable opponents, but retreat wasn't an option. They had to protect the Coliseum, each other, and for Sonic; protect this past event.

From the sidelines, Phil's voice rang out, full of urgency and resolve.

"This isn't training anymore, boys! This is the real deal! If you two," he pointed to Ventus and Hercules, "can work with Blue and kick these guys to the curb and out of my arena, you'll both get a shot at the games!"

Hercules and Ventus exchanged a quick nod, their confidence bolstered by Phil's words. They knew the stakes were higher than ever, and they were ready to rise to the challenge.

"We've got this, Herc. We just need to stick together!" Ventus remarked with fiery determination, his eyes focusing on Vanitas.

"Right. Let's show them what we can do," Hercules replied, the young hero was eager to impress his trainer.

Sonic, silent but resolute, took his place beside them, his eyes locked on Zavok and Vanitas. He might have been smaller and quieter, but his spirit was as strong as ever, and he was ready to face whatever came next.

"You're all so eager to be heroes. Let's see how long that lasts," Vanitas sneered clearly unimpressed.

Zavok, equally amused, flexed his claws once more, ready to pounce.

"Time to crush some dreams," he growled.

The air crackled with tension as the two sides prepared to clash, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Sonic, Ventus, and Hercules stood united, ready to defend the Coliseum against these dark invaders. They knew the fight ahead would be tough, but with each other—and with the promise of the games driving them forward—they were ready to give it everything they had.


ZAVOK & VANITAS

Battle Music: Battle with Zavok - Sonic Lost World

Without warning, Zavok made the first move. With a roar, he charged at Hercules, his massive frame barreling forward like a freight train. Hercules braced himself, muscles tensing as he met the monster head-on. The impact was thunderous, but the young demi-god held his ground, pushing back with all his might. Zavok smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge.

"Not bad, kid. But let's see how you handle this!" Zavok remarked.

With a quick motion, Zavok opened his mouth wide, unleashing a torrent of fire. His pyrokinesis sent a large fireball directly at Hercules, forcing the young hero to leap to the side just in time to avoid being scorched.

While Hercules dodged the flames, Sonic sprang into action, using his speed to flank Zavok. He darted around the giant Zeti, aiming for a quick Spin Dash to his side. But Zavok anticipated the move, swinging his massive tail in a wide arc. Sonic barely had time to react, leaping over the tail sweep with a well-timed Drop Dash that allowed him to keep his momentum.

Meanwhile, Ventus found himself locked in a fierce duel with Vanitas. The dark warrior's strikes were relentless, each swing of his Keyblade infused with the power of darkness. Ventus parried the blows, but Vanitas quickly countered with a blast of Dark Firaga, forcing Ventus to dodge sideways.

"You're as predictable as ever, Ventus," Vanitas taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

Raising his arm, Vanitas summoned another wave of dark energy, but Ventus was ready. With a swift motion, Ventus used Reversal, dodging behind Vanitas and striking back with a flurry of quick slashes.

Zavok, noticing Ventus's struggle, grinned wickedly, his fanged teeth gleaming with malevolence.

"You're all so weak!" he boomed.

Opening his mouth wide, Zavok unleashed a massive energy beam, tearing across the Coliseum's stone floor directly toward Ventus.

Ventus's eyes widened as the beam hurtled toward him. With quick reflexes, he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the searing blast as it scorched the ground where he had just stood. But Zavok wasn't finished. The massive Zeti was relentless, adjusting his aim and firing another beam, trying to catch Ventus in his sights. Ventus continued to use his agility to his advantage, darting and weaving through the arena, trying to stay one step ahead of Zavok's devastating attacks.

Meanwhile, Hercules was now locked in his own struggles with Vanitas. The dark Keyblade wielder's movements were fluid and precise, his attacks coming in quick succession. Vanitas unleashed a barrage of dark energy blasts, forcing Hercules to use his strength and quick reflexes to dodge each one. The young hero's sandals skidded across the sandy ground as he barely avoided the dark orbs that exploded around him.

Amidst the chaos, Sonic saw his opportunity. Ventus was under heavy fire from Zavok, and Hercules was dodging Vanitas's relentless assault. Sonic knew he had to act fast to shift the tide of the battle.

Without a second thought, Sonic pushed off the ground with all his might, attempting his first-ever Homing Attack. If his older counterpart could do it, so could he. He focused his energy, feeling the familiar rush of speed as he propelled himself directly toward Zavok. For a brief, exhilarating moment, Sonic felt the thrill of the maneuver, the wind whipping past him as he zeroed in on his target.

But something was off. The timing, the angle—it wasn't quite right.

Instead of striking Zavok head-on, Sonic's trajectory veered slightly, causing him to miss the towering Zeti by a hair. He crashed into the ground with a thud, rolling awkwardly before coming to a stop in a cloud of dust. The Coliseum floor, already battered from the ongoing battle, now bore the marks of Sonic's less-than-graceful landing.

Phil, who had been watching the fight with growing concern, let out a groan and facepalmed.

"Now's not the time for experimentation, Blue!" he muttered under his breath, clearly frustrated by Sonic's mishap.

Zavok, having noticed Sonic's failed attempt, let out a deep, mocking laugh that echoed through the Coliseum.

"Is that the best you've got?" he jeered, his voice filled with contempt as he turned his attention to the downed hedgehog.

Vanitas, ever the sadistic one, smirked behind his helmet.

"No wonder you're a downgrade," he taunted, his tone laced with icy disdain.

Sonic's eyes narrowed as he pushed himself up from the ground, shaking off the dust and debris. The words stung, but they also ignited something deeper within him—a fierce determination to prove them wrong. He wasn't going to let Zavok and Vanitas walk all over him or his friends.

Ventus, noticing Sonic's struggle, dashed over, using a quick Reversal to dodge another of Vanitas's dark energy blasts.

"Don't listen to them!" Ventus shouted, his voice filled with encouragement. "We've got this!"

Hercules, still engaged with Zavok, threw a glance back at Sonic, his eyes filled with the same resolve.

"Yeah, Blue! Let's show these guys what we're made of!" Hercules called out.

Sonic met their gazes, his confidence bolstered by their support. He might have stumbled, but this fight was far from over. With a quick nod, he refocused on the battle, ready to try again.

Vanitas, sensing the shift in the air, tilted his head slightly, his cold smirk still visible through his helmet.

"Pathetic," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "You think a little pep talk is going to save you?"

Zavok took advantage of the momentary pause. He lunged at Hercules with a thunderous roar, using his immense strength to try and overpower the young hero. Hercules braced himself, pushing back with all his might, but Zavok's sheer power was overwhelming.

Ventus, quick on his feet, rushed to Hercules's aid, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes with his Wayward Wind Keyblade. He aimed for Zavok's exposed sides, hoping to distract the Zeti and relieve some of the pressure on Hercules. But Zavok, with his massive frame and thick scales, shrugged off the attacks with a low growl, his focus still on crushing Hercules.

Vanitas, meanwhile, turned his attention back to Sonic.

"Let's see if you can keep up, Blue Blur," Vanitas sneered, raising his Keyblade high.

In a blur of motion, Vanitas unleashed Dark Splicer, a devastating technique that allowed him to teleport rapidly around the battlefield, striking from multiple angles. One moment he was in front of Sonic, the next he was behind him, his dark Keyblade slashing through the air with deadly precision.

Sonic's eyes widened as he tried to track Vanitas's movements, but the dark warrior was too fast, too unpredictable. Each time Sonic thought he had a bead on him, Vanitas would vanish and reappear in a different spot, leaving Sonic scrambling to dodge the incoming strikes. The relentless assault was overwhelming, pushing Sonic to his limits.

Vanitas's attacks came from all sides, his strikes precise and unyielding. Sonic spun, ducked, and rolled to avoid the worst of the onslaught, but the speed and intensity of Vanitas's assault left little room for error. A flash of the dark Keyblade narrowly missed Sonic's head, forcing him to leap backward in a desperate attempt to gain some distance.

Despite the relentless pressure, Sonic refused to back down. He dug deep, tapping into the very essence of his speed, pushing it to the absolute limit. His movements became a blur of blue energy, each dodge, each spin, a testament to his unyielding resolve. Sonic wasn't just fighting to keep up with Vanitas's relentless assault; he was fighting to remind everyone, including himself, that he wasn't just some weaker version—he was the original. The OG Sonic!

But Vanitas was relentless, and it was clear that he was enjoying the chase. His mocking laughter echoed through the Coliseum, a stark contrast to Sonic's focused silence.

"Is this the best the saviour of Mobius has to offer?" Vanitas taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.

Sonic gritted his teeth, feeling the sting of each taunt, but he refused to let it break his concentration. He knew that Vanitas was trying to get under his skin, to make him slip up—but Sonic wasn't about to give him that satisfaction. Instead, he focused on the rhythm of the battle, waiting for the right moment to strike back.

As Vanitas appeared behind him for another attack, Sonic suddenly dropped low, using a quick Spin Dash to propel himself forward and out of harm's way. Vanitas's strike missed by inches, hitting the ground where Sonic had just been.

Seeing his opening, Sonic launched himself into the air, executing a swift Stomp aimed directly at the ground near Vanitas. The impact created a shockwave that disrupted Vanitas's footing, forcing him to momentarily pause his teleportation.

Vanitas scowled beneath his helmet, clearly irritated by Sonic's resilience.

"You're more stubborn than I thought," he muttered, but there was a grudging respect in his tone.

Meanwhile, across the Coliseum, the battle between Zavok, Hercules, and Ventus was intensifying. Zavok's sheer strength and size made him a formidable opponent, and he was using every trick in his arsenal to keep the two heroes on their toes. Ventus darted around him, his speed and agility allowing him to land quick strikes with his Keyblade, but Zavok shrugged them off, more annoyed than hurt by the attacks.

Zavok suddenly reared back, his body crackling with energy. With a deep growl, he unleashed a massive blast of fire from his mouth—his Pyrokinesis in full force. The large fireball surged across the arena, heading straight for Hercules, who dodged just in time.

Phil, watching from the sidelines, couldn't resist throwing in his two cents.

"Hey, Red! That all you got? I've seen hotter fire from a campfire!" he taunted, his voice dripping with bravado.

Zavok's eyes narrowed, his attention momentarily diverted by the insult.

"You dare mock me, little man?" he growled, clearly irritated. With a snarl, he redirected his fire blast, aiming it straight at Phil, who was now in the direct line of fire.

Phil's bravado faltered as he realized the danger he was in.

"Uh-oh," he muttered, realising too late that his mouth had gotten him into trouble.

But before the fireball could reach him, Hercules sprang into action.

"Phil!" Hercules shouted, using all his strength to leap in front of his mentor.

The young demi-god braced himself, knowing he had no armor or bracers to protect him. The fireball struck him square in the chest, sending him flying backward from the impact. The force of the blast knocked the wind out of him, and he crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain but managing to shield Phil from the worst of it.

Phil's heart skipped a beat as he watched Hercules go down.

"Herc!" he shouted, rushing toward him, worry etched across his face.

Zavok, seeing Hercules on the ground, let out a deep, mocking laugh.

"Is that all you've got? Pathetic," he boomed, his voice filled with contempt. "You thought you could protect him, but look where that got you."

Ventus, spotting Hercules in trouble, refused to let his friend fall. He raised his Keyblade high, summoning a soft, green glow around it.

"Heal!" Ventus called out, releasing a burst of Cura healing magic over Hercules.

The soothing light cascaded over Hercules, mending his injuries and restoring his strength. As the healing magic worked its way through him, Hercules took a deep breath, the pain receding with each passing second. With a grateful nod to Ventus, he pushed himself back up, determination lighting his eyes. He stepped back to Ventus's side, ready to continue the fight.

Zavok sneered at the sight, his eyes narrowing with disdain.

"So you can heal a few bruises. It won't save you from what's coming next!" he taunted.

"We're not done yet, Zavok," Ventus shot back, his voice firm and unwavering.

Zavok's towering form loomed over the two heroes, his dark presence casting a long shadow across the arena.

"Then prepare to be crushed," he growled, his fists tightening as he readied himself for another brutal attack.

But as Zavok prepared to strike, Ventus and Hercules exchanged a determined glance. Despite the odds, their spirits remained undeterred by the massive Zeti's threats. The fight was far from over, and they both knew that together, they could still turn the tide. Ventus tightened his grip on his Keyblade, the green aura fading as he prepared to counter whatever Zavok threw at them next.

Meanwhile, Sonic remained locked in a fierce battle with Vanitas. The dark warrior's Keyblade whirled with deadly precision, each strike forcing Sonic to push his speed to its limits. Vanitas's frustration was palpable as he struggled to land a decisive blow on the agile hedgehog.

"You can't keep running forever!" Vanitas snarled, his voice laced with irritation as Sonic dodged yet another attack.

But Sonic wasn't running—he was strategising. Every dodge, every feint, was bringing him closer to the right moment. He caught sight of Hercules and Ventus gaining the upper hand against Zavok, and an idea began to form.

Ventus, using his nimble speed, continued to harass Zavok with quick, precise strikes from his Keyblade. Meanwhile, Hercules braced himself, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Zavok, growing more frustrated by the second, tried to swat Ventus away, but the young Keyblade wielder was too quick.

Phil, still watching from the sidelines, saw the shift in momentum and cupped his hands to shout encouragement.

"Come on, Herc! Give him a taste of what you've got!" he shouted in support.

Hercules, spurred on by Phil's words, narrowed his focus on Zavok. With a mighty roar, he surged forward, drawing on all his strength for one final, powerful punch. Zavok turned just in time to see the fist barreling toward him, but it was too late to react. Hercules's punch connected with a thunderous impact, sending the massive Zeti hurtling through the air.

Zavok crashed into Vanitas with tremendous force, the two villains colliding in a tangled mess of limbs and dark energy. The sheer power of the impact sent shockwaves through the Coliseum, causing the ground to tremble beneath the heroes' feet. Sonic, seeing the opportunity, knew this was their moment to end the fight.

Ventus didn't waste a second. He leaped into the air, his Keyblade glowing with energy as he prepared to unleash one final, decisive attack. The light around him intensified, swirling in a vortex of power as he channeled all his strength into the move.

"Now!" Ventus called out, his voice cutting through the tension in the air.

Sonic, responding instantly, began revving up for a Spin Dash, his entire body vibrating with the pent-up energy ready to be unleashed. The blue hedgehog's eyes were locked onto the tangled forms of Zavok and Vanitas, his determination blazing brighter than ever.

In perfect synchrony, Ventus unleashed his strongest move—Multivortex. He slashed his Keyblade forward, releasing a storm of slashing energy blades that tore through the air, converging on the two villains. The energy blades whirled and twisted around Zavok and Vanitas, trapping them in a powerful surge of strikes that crackled with light.

At the same moment, Sonic released his Spin Dash, shooting forward like a bullet, his spinning form becoming a blur of blue and white. He barreled straight into the eye of the whirlwind, the combined force of his speed and Ventus's energy attack creating a devastating impact.

The collision sent a shockwave rippling through the Coliseum, the force so intense that it felt as though the very ground was shaking beneath them. Zavok and Vanitas were caught in the epicenter of the blast, their forms battered by the relentless onslaught of light and speed. They struggled against the combined power of the heroes, but it was clear they were overwhelmed.

With one final surge, the energy of Ventus's Multivortex and Sonic's Spin Dash exploded outward, sending Zavok and Vanitas hurtling backward, crashing hard against the Coliseum's walls. The impact was immense, the walls cracking under the force as the villains slumped to the ground, defeated.

For a moment, there was silence, the dust settling around the arena. Then, Zavok, his strength finally spent, let out a low growl of frustration before disappearing in a flash of red energy, retreating into the ether. Vanitas, still smoldering from the combined attack, managed a final, defiant glare before he too vanished, his form dissipating into dark mist.

The heroes stood victorious, breathing heavily but triumphant. The Coliseum, once filled with the sounds of battle, was now quiet, the threat having been vanquished.

Phil, still standing on the sidelines, finally broke the silence with a loud cheer.

"That's what I'm talking about! You guys really showed them who's boss!"

Hercules, Ventus, and Sonic exchanged relieved smiles, the weight of the battle lifting as they realized they had done it—they had won.

RANK: S


"We did it," Ventus said, his voice filled with both exhaustion and satisfaction as he lowered his Keyblade.

Sonic, ever the optimistic hero, gave a thumbs-up to his new friends, his grin wide and infectious.

"That was something," Hercules remarked, rubbing the back of his head. "But we worked together, and that should mean something, right?"

Sonic, though mute, conveyed his thoughts through a series of expressive nods and gestures. His eyes softened as he reflected on the battle, realising that this must have been the reason why the hub to this past event had appeared in White Space. Perhaps it was a lesson in teamwork, a reminder that no hero can go it alone. But Sonic knew it was more than just a lesson. He felt the weight of something bigger calling him back, a duty he couldn't ignore. His friends were waiting for him back in the void, and he needed to report back.

Phil, noticing the thoughtful look on Sonic's face, barked out with his usual gruffness.

"Hey, Blue!" he remarked. "Stop overthinking things or you'll burst a brain cell!"

Sonic snapped out of his thoughts, his smile returning as he nodded in acknowledgment. Ventus, who had been watching Sonic, stepped forward.

"So, with those two gone, can we enter the games now?" Ventus asked, looking to Phil.

"Please Phil," Hercules added, with hope in his eyes.

Phil eyed the two younger heroes, a proud but stern expression on his face. He crossed his arms and pretended to mull it over, though it was clear he had already made up his mind.

"Well, you two really showed what you're made of out there," Phil said, his gruff tone softening slightly. "You earned it, no doubt about that. So yeah, you're in. Both of you."

Hercules and Ventus grinned at each other, excitement lighting up their faces. But before they could celebrate too much, Phil turned his attention to Sonic.

"And you too, Blue," Phil added, his voice carrying a note of respect. "You're more than welcome to enter the games with them."

Sonic shook his head, his smile warm but determined. He pointed toward one of the exits, indicating that he had somewhere else he needed to be.

"What you have to go?" Hercules asked, a bit disappointed. "But what about the games? We could use someone like you around!"

Ventus, sensing something more behind Sonic's decision, stepped closer.

"You've got something important to take care of, don't you?" he asked, his voice understanding.

Sonic nodded, his expression conveying both gratitude and resolve. There was something larger at play, and he knew his journey wasn't over yet.

Ventus looked into Sonic's eyes and saw the depth of his purpose. With a slight smile, Ventus crouched down to Sonic's height and extended his hand.

"I hope we see each other again soon," Ventus said kindly.

Sonic, appreciating the gesture, reached out and shook Ventus's hand firmly. It was a simple, sincere exchange, but it carried the weight of mutual respect and the bond of shared experience.

As Sonic turned to leave, Hercules couldn't help but call out after him.

"Good luck out there, Blue! Hope to see you again soon!" he said.

"And if you ever need a place to train, you know where to find us," Phil called out, saying goodbye to Sonic.

Sonic glanced back over his shoulder one last time, giving them a final nod of thanks before speeding toward the exit. His small, determined figure quickly disappeared from view, leaving Ventus, Hercules, and Phil to reflect on the encounter.

Ventus stood silently, his gaze fixed on the spot where Sonic had disappeared. A deep sense of connection and understanding settled within him, as if the blue hedgehog's departure was only the beginning of something greater. He couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again, in a time and place yet unknown.

"Until we meet again, my friend," Ventus whispered, his voice filled with quiet resolve and hope, knowing that their story was far from over.


The Doctor's Lab

The Doctor stood before a large monitor, his hooded figure bathed in the dim glow of the screen. The room was filled with the hum of machinery and the quiet beep of various instruments monitoring the unfolding chaos. His eyes were fixed on the data streams in front of him, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the next steps. Everything was teetering on the edge of disaster, and the growing instability of Terios only added to the tension.

Suddenly, the door behind him burst open, and Robotnik hurried in, his usually composed demeanor replaced with urgency.

"She's gone!" Robotnik exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.

The Doctor snapped around, his eyes narrowing beneath his hood.

"What?!" he remarked loudly.

Robotnik, catching his breath, continued, "I went to Naminé's room, and she was gone. The place was empty. No sign of her anywhere."

A tense silence hung in the air as The Doctor processed this information. His mind raced through the implications. Without Naminé, Terios, already teetering on the edge of control, would become an even greater threat. His plans—no, their plans—depended heavily on keeping both Terios and Naminé within reach, and now that delicate balance had been shattered.

"Oh isn't this perfect..." The Doctor muttered, his voice low and filled with a rare hint of unease. "With Naminé missing, Terios is indeed a ticking time bomb. If he realises she's gone…"

Then, as if a light bulb had flickered on in The Doctor's mind, the pieces started to fall into place. His eyes widened as he realised who might be behind this sudden disappearance.

"Axel…" he hissed, the name escaping his lips like a venomous curse. "He was the last one with her. Oh that fiery so-and-so!"

Robotnik's eyes widened in understanding.

"You think Axel took her?" he questioned.

The Doctor clenched his fists, his mind now racing with the implications.

"It has to be. Axel's always had his own agenda, and if he's with Naminé, they could be planning something to undermine not just our plans but Marluxia's as well."

"Then we're in deep trouble," Robotnik finished, his voice grave.

The Doctor turned back to the screen, his mind already working through the next steps.

"We have to locate them, and quickly. If Naminé and Axel are together, they could disrupt everything. And if Terios finds out, he could tear reality apart trying to find her."

"Is it time?" Robotnik asked cautiously, his voice low and measured. "Do we deploy the Replica?"

The Doctor hesitated for only a brief moment, considering the ramifications. The Replica was their trump card, a creation designed to be the ultimate failsafe if Terios ever became uncontrollable. It was a synthetic being, crafted with precision and care, capable of mimicking the abilities and power of its target but devoid of the emotional volatility that plagued Terios.

The Doctor turned slowly, his expression unreadable beneath the shadows of his hood. "We may have no choice," he replied, his tone as cold as the steel surrounding them.

"If we can't find Naminé and Axel in time, the Replica will be the only means to contain Terios and prevent him from destroying everything. But know this, once we deploy it, there's no turning back."

Robotnik met The Doctor's gaze, understanding the gravity of the decision. The Replica wasn't just a tool; it was a weapon with the potential to change the course of their plans drastically. But in a situation this dire, desperate measures were required.

"Then we'll prepare the Replica for deployment," Robotnik said firmly, his resolve solidifying. "But we continue the search for Naminé in the meantime. If we can find them before Terios realises she's gone, we might be able to avoid the worst."

The Doctor nodded, his thoughts already focused on the next steps.

"Do it. And make sure the Replica is fully operational," he ordered. "We'll need it at peak performance if we're to stand any chance of controlling this situation."

Robotnik turned and left the room, moving with purpose as he set the plan in motion. The Doctor remained behind, staring at the screen with a mixture of determination and trepidation. The stakes had never been higher, and every decision now carried the weight of their entire operation.

Deploying the Replica was a risk, but it was one they had to take. If it meant preventing Terios from unraveling everything they'd meticulously crafted, then it was a gamble they were willing to make. Yet, as The Doctor stared into the cold, unfeeling glow of the monitors before him, he couldn't shake the weight of what was coming. This wasn't just about salvaging their plans or even maintaining control over Terios; this was about the very fabric of reality itself.


WN: Hope you folks enjoyed this chapter. Question time, well three actually. 1) Which Vanitas do you think this? Where did Terios pluck him from? 2) Anyone seen the new Sonic x Shadow Generations trailer - showing of Shadow's new Doom Powers? 3) Who has seen the New Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Trailer? Keanu as Shadow, yes yes! :)