Chapter 22: Echoes of Truth and Uncertainty

[See bottom of page for Writer's Note]

With Classic Sonic dealing with the Olympus Coliseum hub, Modern Sonic had returned to White Space after his intense encounter with Silver. The battle had been tough, but in the end, Sonic had managed to defeat the time-traveling hedgehog, leaving him buried beneath a pile of debris in that radiant world. As he left, he couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events—particularly the encounter with a young Kairi, who had surprisingly handed him the silver Chaos Emerald.

Back in the eerie, colourless void of White Space, Sonic reunited with his friends. Modern Tails, Classic Tails, and Leon were waiting for him, their faces filled with concern and curiosity. Vector and the now-freed Espio had already ventured deeper into the void in search of Charmy, determined to bring their team back together. Leon, meanwhile, was eagerly awaiting the return of Classic Sonic, who was currently engaged in freeing the Olympus Coliseum and, in doing so, releasing Yuffie from her frozen state.

"So, you got the silver Chaos Emerald, thanks to a young version of Kairi giving it to you?" Leon asked, his arms crossed as he looked at Sonic, his tone both intrigued and slightly skeptical.

Sonic nodded, holding the gleaming silver emerald tightly in one of his gloved hands. The encounter with Kairi had been one of the more surreal experiences in his already bizarre journey.

"Surreal, right?" Sonic replied, a faint smile on his face. He was still trying to wrap his head around the whole situation. Meeting Kairi in her younger form had been unexpected, to say the least, and yet, it had felt strangely familiar.

Modern Tails furrowed his brow as he pondered the implications.

"But, Sonic, don't you think there could be complications from interacting with Kairi from the past?" he questioned. "I mean, we've already seen how unstable things can get with time and space here. What if—"

Sonic cut him off with a reassuring wave of his hand.

"Tails, relax. I get where you're coming from, but I don't think we've got much to worry about," he replied. "To be honest, this whole place is full of surprises, and we're way past the point of worrying about every little thing that could go wrong."

"But messing with time…" Tails started, his voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, I know," Sonic acknowledged, his tone turning serious for a moment. "But nothing major happened. Kairi never got my name, and I didn't exactly tell her anything she wouldn't figure out in time. She's still going to grow up to be the same Kairi we know."

Leon, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement.

"Sonic's right. In this place, we're dealing with the complexities of time and space every minute we're here. The key is not letting it overwhelm us," he affirmed.

Tails sighed, his tension easing slightly.

"I guess you're right. It's just… this place messes with your head, you know? One wrong move and…"

"And we'll deal with it," Sonic finished for him, his voice steady. "We've handled worse, and we'll handle this too. The important thing is that we've got another Chaos Emerald, and we're one step closer to setting things right."

Tails nodded, finally reassured.

"Alright, Sonic. I trust you. Just… let's be careful, okay?" he said with concern.

"Always," Sonic replied with a grin, his usual confidence shining through.

As the group settled into a brief moment of calm in the midst of the chaotic White Space, Classic Tails gazed at the silver Chaos Emerald in Sonic's hand, his young mind racing with curiosity.

"You know, I wonder how the Chaos Emeralds ended up stuck in White Space," he mused aloud, his voice tinged with wonder. "And how they're connected to the events you and my Sonic have travelled to."

Modern Tails, Sonic, and Leon exchanged thoughtful glances, each of them turning the question over in their minds. The Chaos Emeralds had always been mysterious, their origins and true nature often shrouded in uncertainty. But this situation added a whole new layer of complexity.

"Surely it's Terios's doing," Leon suggested, though his tone indicated that he wasn't entirely convinced. "He's been manipulating time and space, pulling in past events and memories. It would make sense for the emeralds to be part of that."

"Or is it something more?" Modern Tails wondered aloud, his brow furrowing as he tried to piece together the puzzle. "The Chaos Emeralds have always had a sort of… will of their own. They seem to appear when they're needed most, like they're guided by something beyond us."

"Great, another complex theory," Sonic joked, though there was a hint of seriousness beneath his light-hearted tone. "But you're right, Tails. The emeralds do have a knack for showing up at just the right time, like they know where they're needed."

"So, these aren't emeralds of the past?" Classic Tails asked, his mind was still pondering the emeralds' nature.

"I don't think so," Sonic affirmed. "Take the red Chaos Emerald I found, for example. Shadow, from the past, found it just lying around. But there was already a red emerald in his time. So, it's pretty clear these emeralds are from the present."

Leon nodded, absorbing Sonic's explanation as he replied.

"That makes sense. It's like the emeralds are responding to the current crisis, wherever that crisis happens to be."

Modern Tails crossed his arms, still deep in thought.

"So, the emeralds are here because they're needed to fix whatever's wrong in White Space. Maybe they're key to restoring everything and stopping Terios, or whatever force is really behind all this."

Sonic turned to his best friend, his usual confident smile tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

"Could be, Tails. But there's something else. The emeralds are also helping me bridge those gaps in my memory—especially memories of Sora, Donald, and Goofy. And Sora… I feel like I'm starting to remember him more clearly."

"Come to think of it, more memories of Sora are starting to come back to me too," Leon revealed. "It's like they're just beneath the surface, waiting to be unlocked."

"Me too," Modern Tails added, his eyes lighting up with realization. "Maybe because they're from our time, they're helping us remember things we were made to forget."

Classic Tails smiled, a sense of clarity washing over him.

"Sounds like we've debunked that theory," he said with positivity. "The emeralds aren't from the past—they're from your present, here to help us put things right."

The group exchanged satisfied looks, their theory seemingly solid. The idea that their memories—recent, yet hazy—were intertwined with the emeralds of their time made sense, providing them with a clearer direction amidst the chaos of White Space.

Leon, still intrigued, turned his gaze to Sonic. There was a deeper curiosity in his eyes now, a need to understand the significance of what Sonic had recalled.

"Sonic, care to share what memory came back to you?" he asked, his voice gentle but probing.

Sonic paused, his mind drifting back as the others waited. The world around him began to blur as he searched his thoughts, trying to pull that memory into focus. The edges of White Space seemed to waver, the emptiness around them shifting and fading as Sonic's mind was drawn inward. The silver Chaos Emerald in his hand pulsed slightly, as if resonating with the memory itself.


Sonic's Memory

Sonic's memory pulled him back to Hollow Bastion, where a pivotal battle was unfolding. Sora had just confronted Riku, who was under the dark influence of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness. Sonic could vividly recall being there with Sora, Knuckles, Silver, and Kairi, who lay in a deep slumber, her heart separated from her body. The memories surged back, the weight of the moment pressing on him as he remembered the intensity of that adventure—a time when Sora proved he would go to any lengths to save his friends, even at great personal cost.

Sonic's green eyes focused on the pulsating giant heart at the centre of the Grand Hall in Hollow Bastion. The swirling colors inside the heart wavered and shimmered, the giant mechanism intensifying with each beat. The rhythmic thumping echoed through the chamber, catching the attention of Sonic, Sora, Knuckles, and Silver. A loud whooshing sound filled the air, and crackles of energy emanated from the vortex of swirling colors surrounding the massive heart-shaped device, sending a shiver down Sonic's spine as he braced himself for what was to come.

"What is that thing doing?" Knuckles questioned, voicing the shared curiosity of the group.

The swirling vortex seemed to pulsate with an almost sentient energy, the colours shifting and merging in a hypnotic dance. Each pulse sent out waves of power that reverberated through the air, making the very ground beneath them tremble. Sonic focused his gaze towards the swirling colours inside the Giant Heart. He felt the energy pulsating from within, a powerful force that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the worlds interconnected. Sonic recognised the significance of this moment – the Giant Heart could be the Keyhole, the focal point where the connection between worlds was vulnerable.

"It must be the Keyhole," he declared with a mix of curiosity and determination.

The blue hedgehog then turned to Sora, recognising the responsibility that rested on the Keyblade wielder's shoulders.

"Sora, you need to seal it!"

"Sonic's right, Sora" Silver added, now looking towards the Keyblade wielder, with concern in his golden eyes. "It's the only way to save everything."

Sora, sensing the urgency, nodded in agreement. He walked over to the Giant Heart and aimed his Keyblade, expecting it to respond to the call for sealing the Keyhole. However, to his dismay, the Keyblade remained unresponsive, and the noise emanating from the heart grew louder, the energy within becoming increasingly unstable.

Silver, with his psychic abilities, assessed the situation and delivered a disheartening revelation.

"It's no use!" Silver cried out in frustration and concern. "The Keyhole must not be finished yet!"

Sora, frustrated, sheathed his Keyblade as it dematerialised in his hand. The Grand Hall vibrated with the ominous noise of the unstable heart, creating an atmosphere of impending crisis.

"What can we do?" Sora questioned, concern etched on his face.

Sonic, ever the strategist, proposed a solution, turning his attention to the slumbering Kairi nearby.

"Maybe we've gotta go wake Kairi up?" Sonic suggested.

"Also, taking out the Chaos Emerald might help control the energy of this giant heart," Knuckles said, adding another suggestion whilst turning his gaze to the Purple Chaos Emerald close by in a console.

Sora considered their options, realising the interconnected nature of Kairi's slumber and the chaotic energy emanating from the Giant Heart. He placed his hand on his chest, contemplating the situation.

"If we can free her heart... But... But how?" Sora voiced his internal struggle, his eyes shifting to the dark Keyblade left behind, where the possessed Riku once stood before vanishing into the darkness.

With a determined expression, Sora walked over to the dark Keyblade left behind by the vanished Ansem-Riku. Sonic, Silver and Knuckles watched with a mix of concern and trepidation, sensing that Sora was about to embark on a dangerous course of action.

"Sora?" Sonic called out, his voice laced with worry.

"What are you doing?" Silver inquired, his golden eyes narrowing as he observed the unfolding scene.

Sora, however, remained focused, picking up the dark Keyblade. He could feel the power coursing through it, resonating with something deep within him. Yet, there was an unsettling determination in his gaze, and the other heroes could sense that Sora was about to undertake a perilous endeavour.

"Sora, now hold on a second!" Silver urgently pleaded. "Let's talk this through first!"

"No, wait!" Knuckles added, recognising the potential danger.

"Sora, don't do what I think you're about to do…" Sonic's voice trailed off, a hint of desperation in his tone.

But Sora, wearing a small, reassuring smile, held the dark Keyblade in both hands. Without hesitation, he stabbed himself in the chest. A radiant glow enveloped his body, and the Keyblade floated out of him. Closing his eyes, Sora began to fall backward, the weight of his actions reverberating through the silent hall.

The other heroes looked on in shock and disbelief, unable to comprehend Sora's drastic decision. The dark Keyblade, influenced by Sora's self-sacrifice, fragmented into six ethereal hearts that drifted away into the other room, where the other heroes were engaged in their desperate attempts to free the slumbering princesses from their capsules. A surge of power emanated from Sora's chest, and another heart separated from him, floating back to Kairi, who lay nearby.

As the heart reached Kairi, her eyes fluttered open. The room seemed to shimmer with a renewed energy as the barrier to the Dark Depths of the Giant Keyhole shattered, allowing a radiant glow to spill forth. Sora, now glowing brightly, descended slowly, his actions leaving an indelible mark on the unfolding destiny of the interconnected worlds.

Sonic, filled with urgency, dashed toward Sora, calling out his name with a mixture of concern and desperation.

"Sora... Sora!" the blue hedgehog cried out, as he ran towards his falling friend. It felt like time had slowed again, trying to reach him in time.

Kairi, now fully awake, jumped to her feet, sensing the profound shift in the atmosphere.

"SORA!" Kairi called out.

She ran towards Sora, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

However, when she touched him, Sora burst into a million points of light. The ephemeral particles floated into the air, disappearing into the unseen currents of the universe, leaving Kairi in stunned disbelief.

"Sora!" Sonic shouted, his voice echoing through the hall with a sense of loss and sorrow.

Silver, bewildered, could only stare at the fading lights, trying to comprehend the sacrifice made by the young Keyblade wielder.

"What?" he muttered, unable to find words to express his emotions. "What just happened?"

Knuckles, his usually stoic demeanor giving way to a sombre tone, addressed Sora with a heavy heart.

"Kid..." he muttered in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Kairi stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief. The weight of Sora's sacrifice settled upon her, and a profound sorrow washed over her. The heroes, united by their common struggle against the forces of darkness, now faced the painful reality of losing a friend and ally.


Out of the memory now, Sonic blinked, grounding himself back in White Space.

"So, it was the moment in Hollow Bastion when Sora plunged that dark Keyblade into his own heart to rescue Kairi's," Modern Tails said, piecing together the memory Sonic had just shared.

"That's right," Sonic confirmed with a nod, the weight of that moment still lingering in his thoughts.

"Wow, your friend Sora sounds brave!" Classic Tails exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration. "To do that to save someone, that's really heroic."

Sonic, Modern Tails, and Leon exchanged glances. They were still piecing together more about Sora, but each memory that returned painted a clearer picture of who he was. The more they remembered, the more they realised just how selfless and courageous Sora truly was.

"Sora… he's not just a good person," Leon said, his voice filled with respect. "From everything we're recalling, he's someone who would do anything for his friends. That kind of loyalty and bravery is rare."

Modern Tails nodded, deep in thought.

"Sonic, do you think the silver Chaos Emerald brought that specific memory back because of Kairi?" the fox questioned. "You know, meeting her in the past, her giving you the emerald she found—it feels like more than just a coincidence."

Sonic pondered that, his brow furrowing slightly.

"It is strange, isn't it? Maybe these emeralds are more than just tools to help us with Terios and the time and space issue. Maybe they're linked to our connection to Sora, bringing back memories that we need to remember."

"That makes sense," Leon affirmed. "From what you guys have told me, the emeralds have always had a way of showing up when they're needed. If they're connected to Sora somehow, they might be guiding us, helping us reconnect with our lost memories and pushing us in the right direction."

"Then we need to find the remaining three—Cyan, Purple, and Green," Modern Tails said with determination. "They've got to be hidden somewhere in White Space. Maybe they'll help us uncover more about Sora and figure out how to stop Terios."

"Maybe Mini Me will bring one back," Sonic added, glancing toward the hub of Olympus Coliseum. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. "But man, he sure is taking a long time in there."

They all turned to look at the glowing hub that connected to the Olympus Coliseum. It was still lifeless and void of colour, an eerie reminder of the challenges within. Sonic couldn't shake the feeling that something big was happening inside, something that could change everything. He began to move toward the hub, his instincts pushing him to act.

"Maybe I better go in and check it ou—" he began to say, but before he could finish, a voice rang out behind the group. It was sharp, almost cutting through the stillness of White Space with a certain confidence.

"My my, haven't you been busy since I left," the voice remarked, a hint of pride lacing the words as it observed the progress made across White Space.

The group spun around to face the source of the voice, and there, striding toward them with a slow but commanding gait, was the mysterious man with the red bandages wrapped around his face. His hands were tucked behind his back, his posture composed and deliberate.

"Hey, where have you been?" Sonic asked, his tone demanding an explanation as he locked eyes with the enigmatic figure.

The man, however, seemed to brush off Sonic's question, his gaze sweeping across the restored hubs and freed friends with a sense of satisfaction.

"It's good to see so many past adventures and hubs teeming with life once more," he said, as if speaking to himself as much as to the group. "Also, I see you have saved a number of your trapped friends. This is an excellent development indeed."

Sonic narrowed his eyes, his impatience growing.

"Yeah, but that doesn't answer my question," he retorted. "What have you been up to while we've been doing all the heavy lifting?"

The man finally turned his full attention to Sonic, his expression unreadable behind the bandages.

"I've been observing," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "And I must say, you've exceeded my expectations. But there is still much to be done. The challenges you face are far from over."

Modern Tails stepped forward, his curiosity piqued.

"But why didn't you help us? If you knew what was going on, you could've made things a lot easier," he asked.

The man's eye seemed to glint with something unspoken.

"Some battles are meant to be fought without interference. You've grown stronger, more resourceful because of it. But don't mistake my absence for indifference. I've been guiding you in my own way."

Leon, always suspicious of those who played their cards too close to the chest, crossed his arms.

"Guiding us? That's a bit vague," Leon scoffed bluntly, his skepticism evident. "What's your game here?"

The man let out a soft chuckle, his demeanor unfazed by Leon's probing questions. He seemed to relish the mystery he was cultivating.

"My game, as you call it, is simple," the man replied, his tone calm yet filled with underlying purpose. "I want to see you succeed and stop the Organization's plans. Your success is the key to restoring balance. But be warned, the forces you're up against are not so easily defeated. The Organization is beginning to fold, but desperation drives them to more dangerous measures."

Classic Tails, who had been silently absorbing everything, finally spoke up, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"What is going on?" he asked, his eyes locked on the man.

The man turned to Classic Tails, his gaze softening slightly.

"My young fox friend, there is much to detail," he began, his voice carrying the weight of the complex situation. "For one thing, the girl Naminé is now free from the clutches of Terios and the Organization."

"That's great news," Sonic replied, surprised by the unexpected development. "But, where is she now?"

"Naminé is currently trying to help another friend in need, someone who is seeking answers through the web of deception and false memories implanted by the Organization's meddling," the man explained, his tone growing more serious.

"That friend, it's Sora, right?" Sonic asked, piecing together the clues.

The man nodded as he continued, "Indeed. Naminé, while trapped by the Organization, was forced to manipulate Sora's memories and, of course, the mind of Terios."

"We established that Terios is just as much a victim as Naminé," Leon said, though his mind was still brimming with questions. "But why is Sora involved in all of this?"

The man's expression grew more serious as he explained.

"As I mentioned to Sonic when he first arrived in White Space, this is the highest level of the Organization's stronghold. However there is more I need to discuss with you. This castle, known as Castle Oblivion, has many layers—each one more dangerous and deceptive than the last. The lower levels are where the true manipulation of memories occurs. Sora has been caught in this web, just like you."

Sonic's frustration bubbled to the surface as he replied.

"Why didn't you mention this earlier? It could have helped us piece together our memory issues sooner."

The man sighed, his tone carrying a hint of regret.

"Sadly, my blue friend, I was trying to understand this place myself," he affirmed. "This castle, where White Space is situated, is full of mysteries and deceit. I had to investigate further to better understand its nature and how it's manipulating not just time and space, but memories as well. I didn't want to mislead you with incomplete information."

Sonic crossed his arms, still not entirely satisfied with the answer.

"So, this whole place is a setup? A trap meant to mess with our heads?" he asked.

"Partially, yes," the man admitted. "Castle Oblivion is designed to disorient and manipulate those who enter, twisting their memories and perceptions. It's why you and your friends have struggled to remember certain events and why Sora is caught in this web. The Organization uses this place to control and confuse, keeping their enemies off balance."

"If Sora is trapped in the lower levels, then we need to find a way to reach him," Classic Tails remarked, his voice filled with determination.

"No," the man said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"No? What do you mean, no?" Sonic asked, frustration clear in his voice.

"Sora and his friends must go it alone to stop Marluxia, the Lord of this Castle," the man explained, his voice steady and unyielding. "Their journey is separate from yours, and their battle is one they must face on their own. Just as Sora has his destiny, you, Sonic, have yours. You need to stop Terios and whoever is pulling the strings behind him within the Organization."

Sonic clenched his fists, struggling to accept the man's words.

"But if we worked together, wouldn't we have a better chance of taking down the Organization? Why separate our efforts?" he questioned.

"Because the paths you walk are intertwined but distinct," the man said, his voice filled with a wisdom that seemed to transcend the immediate situation. "Sora's journey through the lower levels of Castle Oblivion is crucial for him to uncover the truths hidden in his heart and to confront Marluxia's schemes directly. Interfering with that would only hinder both of your missions. You must trust in Sora's strength, just as he must trust in yours."

"I see… By handling different aspects of the Organization's plans, we cover more ground and prevent them from consolidating their power. But it means we have to trust that Sora can handle his part while we focus on ours," Leon said, nodding in agreement.

"Exactly," the man confirmed. "Terios is a threat that only you can neutralise, Sonic. His actions are tearing through time and space, and someone in the Organization is using him as a pawn in their grander scheme. Your task is to stop him and ensure that the balance of reality is restored."

Sonic took a deep breath, his frustration giving way to a renewed sense of purpose. He didn't like the idea of leaving a friend to fight alone, but he understood the necessity.

"Alright. We'll trust Sora to handle this Marluxia guy. But we're not going to sit around and wait. We'll do whatever it takes to stop Terios and whoever's behind him."

"A wise choice, my friend," the man said with a nod, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"Do you have any ideas on who is behind Terios?" Modern Tails asked, his analytical mind already working through possibilities.

The man's expression grew sombre, his voice tinged with slight disappointment.

"Sadly, I don't have that information," he admitted. "Terios's true master remains hidden, even from me. However, I will continue my search within this castle. There are many secrets still buried in its depths, and perhaps I will uncover the answers we all seek."

Sonic nodded, appreciating the man's honesty despite the lack of concrete answers.

"We'll keep moving forward and do what we can on our end. If you find anything, anything at all, let us know," Sonic remarked.

The man gave a small, respectful bow as he responded.

"I will. We are all fighting the same battle, even if our paths are different. Stay vigilant, and trust in the bonds you've formed. They will guide you through the darkness."

With that, the man turned and raised his hand, summoning a dark corridor to take him back on his search for answers. But before he fully stepped into the swirling darkness, he paused and glanced back at the group.

"Oh, one more thing," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet tension.

"What is it?" Sonic asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It seems another friend of yours is also deep within this castle," the man revealed, his tone carrying a hint of mystery.

"Another friend? Who?" Sonic asked, his eyes lit up in surprise, the prospect of more allies in this chaotic place giving him a surge of hope.

The man tilted his head slightly, as if recalling a distant memory.

"I didn't catch his names, but he was a rather dark and brooding individual," the man explained.

Sonic's mind raced, and then it clicked.

"Shadow?!" he exclaimed, the realisation hitting him. "Shadow's here, in Castle Oblivion?"

"Indeed," the man replied. "He seems to be seeking his own answers. His presence is unmistakable, even in a place as disorienting as this. He's on a path of his own, driven by questions only he can answer."

Sonic took a moment to absorb this information.

"Classic Shadow," he said with a mix of admiration and understanding. "I trust him to find what he needs to find. Shadow's always been able to handle himself. Heck, the last time I saw him was when we closed the Door to Darkness and used Chaos Control. Maybe he'll even find his way to White Space."

The man's expression remained unreadable, but there was a faint hint of something akin to respect in his voice as he replied, "One can only guess. Shadow's path is as unpredictable as it is inevitable. Whether he finds his way to you or uncovers the truth he's searching for, time will tell."

With those final words, the man turned and stepped into the dark corridor, his form quickly swallowed by the shadows. The portal vanished, leaving the group alone once more in the vast emptiness of White Space.

"Wow," Modern Tails murmured, still processing the news. "Shadow is here… somewhere. Our Shadow, not a variant from another time or place."

Leon nodded, the news adding a new layer of complexity to their mission.

"If Shadow's involved, it means the stakes are even higher than we thought. But it also means we're not alone in this."

Sonic, despite the gravity of the situation, couldn't help but feel a flicker of confidence.

"Shadow's tough. If anyone can navigate the twists and turns of this place, it's him," he affirmed. "And if he's here, that means we've got another ally out there, working towards the same goal."

The group exchanged determined looks, their resolve bolstered by the knowledge that they weren't the only ones fighting against the Organization's schemes. With Shadow somewhere within the castle, seeking his own answers, they knew that the battle for White Space—and for reality itself—was far from over.


Meanwhile...

On one of the many levels of Castle Oblivion, Doctor Robotnik moved with a determined stride, his mind focused on the critical task at hand—the deployment of the Replica. His thoughts were consumed by calculations and strategies as he navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the castle. He knew time was of the essence, and every second counted.

As he entered one of the floors, his pace slowed slightly as he noticed someone standing at the other end of the hallway. The figure was tall and slender, dressed in the familiar black coat, boots, and gloves of the Organization, their hood pulled up, obscuring their face. They stood with their back turned to Robotnik, seemingly lost in thought.

Robotnik frowned, momentarily puzzled. The figure's presence wasn't entirely unexpected—after all, the castle was one of the Organization's strongholds—but something about the way they stood there, almost casually, gave him pause.

Before he could say anything, the figure turned their head slightly, still keeping their face hidden beneath the hood, and spoke in a soft, polite voice.

"Excuse me, could you tell me which way it is to White Space?" they asked.

Robotnik was taken aback by the tone of the question. They were so… polite. Not at all what he expected from an Organization member.

"Uh, White Space?" Robotnik repeated, momentarily caught off guard. But then he quickly composed himself. "Yes, it's at the highest point of the castle. A few more floors up should get you there."

The figure nodded, the motion almost graceful, and responded with a simple, "Thanks." Without another word, they turned and walked off, heading toward a set of doors at the end of the hallway.

Robotnik watched them go, a faint sense of confusion nagging at the back of his mind. Something about the encounter didn't sit right with him.

"They seem too nice and polite to be an Organization member," he muttered to himself, scratching his head. But then he shook his head, dismissing the thought. "Eh, I'm sure it's fine. They've got the same coat on as me, so they must be one of them."

He stood there for a moment longer, as if considering whether to pursue the thought further, but then he shrugged it off.

"We have bigger issues to deal with," Robotnik decided, turning on his heel and continuing on his way, his mind already shifting back to the task of deploying the Replica.

As Robotnik disappeared down another corridor, the figure he had encountered reached the doors at the end of the hallway and slipped through them with quiet ease.

"That was easier than I expected," the hooded figure murmured, a small smile playing on their lips.

The deception had worked perfectly, thanks to the disguise provided by the mysterious man earlier. It had worked like a charm, and now they were one step closer to their goal. The figure moved swiftly through the dimly lit corridors, their steps light and purposeful. Beneath the shadow of the hood, a pair of determined eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any clue that might lead them to the answers they sought.

There was someone important they needed to find, someone whose safety weighed heavily on their heart. They had been searching for him for what felt like an eternity, and every step brought them closer to the truth. White Space, that strange and disorienting void, might hold the key to unravelling the mysteries that had plagued them for so long.


WN: I'm currently going through this story to edit errors and mistakes. Currently Chapters 1 to 18 have been updated. The idea is to improve the flow of the story, but edit continuity errors I have noticed. This means also the 2nd Secret Chapter in Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix - Blue Blur Edition has been edited also. Apologies on any issues caused.