The Sixth Day - Part 2

As Roxas descended the hidden stairway from the control room, his emotions churned inside him like a storm. Everything around him blurred as his mind wrestled with the confusing swirl of memories and unanswered questions. He gripped his head, trying to fight the overwhelming weight.

And then, through the haze, a voice echoed softly in his mind.

"Hey... you've still got this. Don't let all the noise around you cloud what's right in front of you."

Roxas stopped, his eyes widening as the voice continued. It was familiar—comforting, yet powerful. He could almost see the speaker now, his mind flashing back to what felt like a time long ago, or maybe it was just a dream...

The world around Roxas changed. He was beginning to think back.

Roxas's Memory

Roxas found himself in an ethereal memory, standing in a strange place: a sprawling amusement park set on an oceanic world. Massive glass domes covered sections of the park, with grand East Asian architecture sprawling along the surface and beneath the water. Aquatic life swam peacefully through the water-filled domes, and shimmering vegetation danced with the current.

Roxas looked around, recognising the peaceful scenery, but there was something different this time. He wasn't alone. Nearby, he could see a hedgehog—blue, standing tall and relaxed. It was Sonic. His confident grin and easy-going posture radiated calm even in the face of the massive amusement park they stood in. Beside Sonic, a small, fox-like creature with two tails stood by the Blue Blur. Then a small alien-like creature came into view, buzzing around the fox's head. And standing not too far off was a woman, dressed in a red and blue uniform, with a golden emblem on her chest shimmering with a strong, almost regal glow.

But Roxas's gaze faltered as he spotted a fourth figure, lingering at the edge of his vision. Cloaked in black, standing silently under the shadow of one of the park's domed structures. He tried to make them out, but it was like looking through fog—blurred and indistinct. Whoever they were, they felt familiar, but his mind couldn't quite grasp the memory fully.

Roxas's attention shifted as Sonic spoke, his voice carrying a weight that was unexpected, given his usual playful attitude.

"You know, this place... it's a lot like you," Sonic began, his eyes glancing at the bright surroundings, but there was a hidden depth in his words. "On the surface, it looks peaceful. But deep down, there's a lot more going on. You can't see everything at first glance."

Roxas listened, the memory seeming distant yet vivid. The amusement park faded into the background as Sonic's voice cut through the noise in his mind.

"You've been doing this for a while now, right?" Sonic continued, hands on his hips. "Running around, doing what needs to be done. I get it. I've been there. But sometimes you've gotta stop and really think about why you're doing it. Is it for someone else? Or is it for you?"

Roxas blinked, the question sinking in. Why was he doing all of this? The missions, the endless wandering—was it for the Organization? For Sora? Or was it something else?

Sonic glanced over at him, his green eyes filled with understanding.

"I know you don't have all the answers right now. But don't let that get you down. You're stronger than you think. And when it feels like everything's about to fall apart... trust that you've got what it takes to keep going."

The world around them seemed to blur, like watercolors blending together. Roxas could feel something inside him stirring, something connected to this memory, or maybe to the one who this voice was truly meant for—Sora.

"I may not know all the answers either," Sonic admitted, scratching his head and letting out a small laugh. "But one thing I do know is that you've got people out there rooting for you. And even if they can't be here with you now, you're not alone in this."

The black-cloaked figure seemed to stir slightly, but the memory of them remained out of reach, as if blocked from Roxas's understanding. The woman in the red and blue suit exchanged a glance with Sonic, nodding silently, as if she, too, understood the weight of the journey ahead.

Suddenly, everything began to fade—Sonic's words, the serene landscape of the amusement park, and the strange company around him.

"Just... keep moving forward," Sonic's voice echoed one last time, softer now. "You'll find the answers eventually. You've got this."

And then, the memory vanished, leaving Roxas standing in the stairway once more, back in the mansion. The comfort of Sonic's voice still lingered in his mind, his emotions less heavy than before, though the questions remained.

As he steadied himself, Roxas knew that wherever this journey led, the strength he'd felt in that memory would help carry him forward.

Meanwhile...

Sonic sped through the Mystic Ruins, the wind whipping through his quills as the ancient stone structures blurred past him. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting a soft golden light over the dense jungle that surrounded the ruins. It was peaceful in a way that didn't quite fit the usual chaos of his adventures.

But suddenly, Sonic came to a halt, skidding to a stop atop one of the moss-covered cliffs. He took a deep breath, his sharp eyes scanning the environment. Something felt... off. It wasn't danger—not the kind that usually triggered his instincts. It was more like a pull, a strange connection tugging at him from somewhere far away.

Sonic rubbed the back of his neck, frowning slightly as he looked out across the ruins.

"What is this feeling…?" he muttered under his breath.

It was a sensation he couldn't quite place—like a memory, or maybe a presence, brushing the edge of his mind. He narrowed his eyes, trying to focus on it, but whatever it was stayed just out of reach.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking things," he chuckled to himself, shaking it off. But as he stood there, the thought lingered, the faint sense of connection stubbornly refusing to leave his mind. It was almost as if someone—somewhere—was reaching out.

Sonic took one last look around before shrugging and breaking into a run again.

"Whatever it is, I'll figure it out later. Gotta get to Tails' workshop. He's probably wondering what's taking me so long."

As he dashed away, the feeling followed him, tucked quietly into the back of his mind, waiting for a moment when everything would start making sense.

Back at the Mansion - Twilight Town

Roxas entered the Basement Hall, the air thick with tension as he descended into the depths of the mansion. The moment his shoes touched the cold floor, a rustling sound came from all around him. Dusks—slithering and creeping toward him from every corner, their twisted forms weaving through the shadows.

Roxas didn't hesitate. His Keyblade flashed into his hand, the familiar weight of it grounding him in the chaos. He spun on his heel, slashing through the nearest Dusk in one clean motion. The creature evaporated into nothing, but more took its place. They circled him, closing in, but Roxas was faster. He ducked beneath a swipe from one, rolling forward and striking down another. His movements were fluid, a whirlwind of strikes, dodges, and counters. Each swing of his Keyblade was precise, cutting down the Dusks with ease.

Roxas continued to fight, his breath steady, his focus sharp. One last Dusk lunged at him, and with a quick upward slash, Roxas shattered it into a mist of light, leaving nothing but silence in the hall.

Suddenly, a slow clap echoed from the entrance.

"Simply amazing, Roxas," a familiar voice called out, dripping with sarcasm.

Roxas turned, his Keyblade still gripped tightly in his hand. There, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, stood Axel. His green eyes gleamed with a mix of frustration and something deeper—pain, perhaps?

"Axel," Roxas said, his voice steady, though there was an underlying tension between the two.

Axel pushed off the doorway, uncrossing his arms as he walked toward Roxas, his smirk fading.

"You really do remember me this time? I'm so FLATTERED!"

Roxas's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, the room shifted. Flames erupted around the perimeter, licking up the walls, casting wild shadows that danced across the floor. Axel's expression hardened, his usual laid-back demeanour replaced by something far more dangerous.

"But you're too late!" Axel's voice cracked, his frustration finally boiling over.

His anger fueled the flames, causing the heat to intensify, the fire reflecting in his eyes as he stared down Roxas.

Roxas remained calm, but inside, a storm raged. He could feel the weight of everything—memories, emotions, and this moment—crushing down on him. His grip tightened around the Keyblade already in his hand. He closed his eyes for a brief second, drawing in a deep breath, and when they opened again, there was a new resolve.

Suddenly, the Keyblade in his hand shifted, its form twisting and transforming into the radiant Oathkeeper, a blade shimmering with light. And then, as if summoned by his newfound determination, a second Keyblade—Oblivion—materialised in his other hand, its dark, imposing presence a reflection of the strength and balance he now wielded. The twin Keyblades pulsed with power, their presence a declaration of Roxas's will.

"Two!?" Axel remarked in shock.

He summoned his chakrams, their edges gleaming dangerously in the flickering firelight. The room crackled with energy as the two stood opposite each other, the tension between them palpable. Axel's smirk returned, though this time it was bitter, filled with conflict.

"You really think you can beat me?" Axel asked.

Roxas raised both Keyblades, their weight familiar in his hands, the firelight bouncing off the blades. The words of an old friend, Sonic, echoed in his mind—a lesson he had heard, one that felt oddly fitting for this moment.

"You don't slow down when the world's against you," Roxas said, his voice low but firm. "You push harder."

Axel's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing as the flames danced higher around them, their battle just moments away.

Axel

Battle Music: Th2 13th Struggle - Kingdom Hearts II.5 HD ReMIX.

"Ready for this, Roxas?" Axel asked coldly.

Before Roxas could answer, Axel charged forward, the flames parting in his wake.

"Burn, baby!" Axel roared, throwing one of his chakrams straight at Roxas.

The spinning weapon tore through the air, a wheel of fire hurtling toward him. Roxas leapt to the side just in time, the chakram skimming past him as it embedded itself in the wall, bursting into flames on impact.

Axel was already closing the distance, his second chakram arcing through the air toward Roxas's head. Roxas raised Oathkeeper to block, the clang of metal on metal ringing out, sparks flying as the two weapons collided. Axel's smirk widened as he summoned the first chakram back to his hand with a snap of his fingers, the flames intensifying as he pressed the attack.

Roxas grunted, pushing back with his Keyblade, forcing Axel to retreat a few steps. But Axel wasn't done. With a flick of his wrists, he sent both chakrams spinning toward Roxas in a deadly crisscross pattern, the air around them igniting as the fire fed off Axel's power.

"Feel the heat!" Axel taunted.

Roxas ducked, dodging one chakram as it flew overhead, and spun to deflect the other with Oblivion. The impact sent a jolt up his arm, but Roxas grit his teeth, quickly moving in for a counterstrike. He dashed forward, Oathkeeper and Oblivion flashing through the flames as he swung at Axel with a flurry of strikes.

Axel blocked the first blow with his chakram, but the force of Roxas's attack drove him back. The second Keyblade came down in a wide arc, forcing Axel to twist and parry. The two clashed again, their movements quick, their weapons a blur of metal and flame.

"Not bad!" Axel called out, his tone teasing but with a hint of approval. He leapt back, distancing himself from Roxas, his chakrams spinning in his hands. "But I'm just getting warmed up."

The flames around them surged higher, the heat becoming almost unbearable as Axel summoned his full power. He raised his arms, and the floor beneath them erupted in fire, pillars of flame shooting up toward the ceiling. Roxas felt the heat singe his skin, sweat dripping down his face, but he held his ground.

Axel threw both chakrams at once, the weapons cutting through the flames with deadly precision. Roxas leapt into the air, dodging the first chakram and spinning to deflect the second with Oathkeeper. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he dashed forward, his Keyblades raised for a double strike.

Axel grinned, summoning his chakrams back just in time to block the incoming attack. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, the force of their collision causing the flames to flicker and waver. Roxas pressed forward, slashing with Oblivion, then spinning to strike with Oathkeeper. Axel twisted and turned, his chakrams meeting every blow, the clang of their weapons ringing out over the roar of the flames.

"Burn, baby, burn!" Axel shouted, sending out a wave of fire that exploded outward, forcing Roxas to jump back to avoid being engulfed.

The fire licked at his heels, but Roxas stayed on the move, his Keyblades ready for the next attack.

Axel charged again, his chakrams spinning in his hands like fiery wheels of destruction. Roxas stood his ground, waiting for the right moment. As Axel closed in, Roxas spun to the side, dodging the chakram aimed for his chest and countering with a swift slash of Oathkeeper.

The blade connected, cutting through Axel's guard and forcing him to stumble back, a grunt escaping his lips. But Axel wasn't finished. He summoned his chakrams back to his hands and leapt high into the air, his body surrounded by flames as he prepared for one final assault.

"Let's see you handle this!" Axel roared, diving down with both chakrams aimed at Roxas's head.

Roxas crossed his Keyblades in front of him, blocking the attack with all his strength. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through the room, the flames swirling around them like a storm. Axel gritted his teeth, pushing down with everything he had, but Roxas held firm, the strength of the Keyblade surging through him.

With a sharp cry, Roxas pushed back with a surge of power, forcing Axel off balance. The red-haired man stumbled, his chakrams spinning wildly as he tried to regain control. But Roxas didn't let up. He dashed forward, his dual Keyblades cutting through the air with precision, striking at Axel with a flurry of swift blows.

Axel barely managed to block the first few strikes, but Roxas's speed was overwhelming. Oathkeeper slashed across Axel's defense, knocking one chakram from his hand. Oblivion followed up with a powerful strike to his side, sending Axel crashing into the nearby wall with a grunt of pain.

Axel slid down to the floor, his breath ragged as the flames around them began to die down, leaving only smoldering embers and the crackle of fading fire. He looked up at Roxas, his green eyes flickering with a mix of frustration and... something else—regret.

"Heh... not bad," Axel muttered, a weak grin forming on his face despite the pain. "You've... really grown, haven't you?"

Roxas stood over him, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, his mind swirling with confusion and anger. He didn't know how to respond, the weight of everything crushing down on him. The memories, the lies, the betrayal—it was all too much.

RANK: S

Axel winced as he pushed himself to his feet. His gaze softened as he looked at Roxas, the fire in his eyes dimming, replaced by something deeper—sorrow.

"Roxas..." Axel's voice wavered, barely a whisper.

Roxas stared back at Axel, and for a moment, something stirred in his mind. A memory—faded, distant, yet powerful—rushed to the surface.

"You get on their bad side, and they'll destroy you!" Axel warned, his voice strained.

Roxas kept walking.

"No one would miss me," Roxas said over his shoulder, his tone hollow, as if he believed those words down to his core.

Behind him, Axel reached out, his voice breaking.

"That's not true... I would."

Axel's fading form shimmered before Roxas, like a flame losing its strength, flickering in the air as though it might be snuffed out at any moment.

"Axel..." Roxas remarked, his throat tight, emotions swirling inside him—confusion, pain, and something deeper, something he couldn't name.

Axel's body began to dissolve into dark embers, rising slowly into the air. His eyes, once filled with fiery determination, softened into a tired, sad smile.

"Let's meet again... in the next life," Axel said, his voice growing quieter, like it was slipping away, just like him.

Roxas swallowed hard, nodding, his voice barely steady.

"Yeah... I'll be waiting."

Axel chuckled softly, but the sound was tinged with bitter sweetness, a sadness that Roxas could feel. The red-haired man's form grew even fainter, dissolving into the air.

"Silly... just because you have a next life..." Axel's final words echoed softly, hanging in the air like the last ember of a dying flame.

And then, he was gone.

The room fell into an eerie silence. Roxas stood still, staring at the spot where Axel had vanished, as if expecting him to reappear. But there was nothing—just the lingering scent of smoke and the faint warmth from the flames that had died out.

"Axel..." Roxas whispered, his voice barely a breath.

He stood there for a moment, trying to take in the enormity of what had just happened.

But there was no time to dwell on it. Roxas needed to move forward—needed to find the truth, no matter how painful. The path ahead was still unclear, but it was the only path he had left.

Meanwhile... G.U.N Base

Outside the G.U.N. base, the sky was growing darker by the minute, the deep hues of twilight settling over the landscape. Shadow and Aqua stood side by side, their expressions grim, but determined. The soft hum of the base behind them was the only sound, and the distant horizon glowed faintly with the last remnants of daylight.

Shadow glanced up at Aqua from the corner of his eye. He could sense the weight of her thoughts—heavy, uncertain. Her arms were crossed, and her gaze was distant, lost in memories that had plagued her for far too long.

"It feels like a lifetime ago," Aqua murmured, breaking the silence. "Our first mission together... in the Realm of Darkness. I was broken, a shell of who I once was. You helped me then, Shadow... but ever since Castle Oblivion, I—"

She paused, her voice faltering as she stared at the darkening sky. Her thoughts drifted back to that haunting place, to the endless corridors of memories and forgotten faces. She had been unable to unlock the castle's secrets, to restore it to what it once was—her home. Most of all, she had failed him.

"I couldn't unlock Castle Oblivion… I couldn't turn it back to the Land of Departure. I couldn't help him." Her voice grew softer, tinged with doubt and guilt. "I've doubted myself ever since."

Shadow turned fully to face her, his crimson eyes sharp but understanding. He knew that burden of doubt, the weight of failure. But there was something in Aqua—something strong, resilient, that she couldn't see in herself right now.

"You're not the only one who's faced darkness," Shadow said, his voice low but steady. "You were lost when we first met—stuck in that void, a husk, barely holding on to who you were. But look at you now."

Aqua lowered her gaze, listening, but still unsure.

"You've fought to find answers, to fix the broken pieces of your memories," Shadow continued. "You've come this far. And I promise, just like I helped you then, I'll help you now."

Aqua slowly turned to Shadow, her blue eyes meeting his. There was still uncertainty there, but a flicker of hope, too.

"Your heart will return, Aqua. And so will your friend." Shadow paused, his words hanging heavy in the air. "…Ventus."

Aqua's breath caught. She hadn't spoken his name in so long, afraid that it would break something fragile inside her. But hearing Shadow say it—it was like a jolt to her core. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out her Wayfinder charm, holding it tightly in her hand. The small star-shaped object glimmered faintly in the dim light.

"Ven… Terra…" she whispered, her grip tightening on the charm. "I will bring you back. I swear it."

Shadow nodded, his expression softening just slightly.

"We'll make it happen. Together," he promised.

The silence between them stretched, but this time it wasn't filled with doubt—it was filled with determination. The road ahead was uncertain, the darkness still thick, but they would face it head-on. Like they always had.

Aqua tucked the Wayfinder back into her pocket, taking in a steady breath. She felt stronger, more certain, with Shadow by her side. Whatever came next, she was ready.

"Let's go," she said quietly, but with a new resolve.

Shadow smirked ever so slightly.

"Right behind you."

Back at the Mansion - Twilight Town

Roxas walked slowly down the basement corridor, each step heavy with the weight of what he had discovered, what he had lost, and what still lay ahead. The faint glow of machinery flickered in the dim hallway, illuminating two capsules on either side. Inside, he saw familiar faces.

"...Donald... Goofy?" he said, his voice tinged with surprise.

It was indeed Sora's companions from Roxas's dreams. They floated unconscious within the capsules. Their peaceful, slumbering expressions a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside him.

Roxas turned his gaze to the door at the end of the hall. With a deep breath, he pushed forward and stepped through the door.

The room he entered was blindingly bright, an unnatural light that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere all at once. Standing in the center was DiZ, his red bandages casting sharp shadows across his figure. Behind him, a single large capsule hummed quietly, shrouded in an eerie glow.

"At last, the Keyblade's chosen one," DiZ remarked, his voice echoed through the room.

"Who are you talking to? Me? Or Sora?" Roxas replied in frustration.

"To half of Sora, of course," DiZ replied casually, as if Roxas's very existence was a trivial inconvenience. "You reside in darkness. What I need is someone who can move about the realm of light... and destroy Organization XIII."

"Why? Who are you?" Roxas demanded in anger.

DiZ chuckled darkly, the sound hollow and cold.

"I am a servant of the world." He paused, his laugh quiet but mocking. "And if I'm a servant, then you should consider yourself... a tool, at best."

Roxas's eyes burned, his fists clenched in fury.

"Was that supposed to be a joke?" Roxas asked with fiery anger.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his Keyblade. The weight of it felt heavier than ever in his hands, but the rage within him demanded action.

"'Cause I'm not laughing!" he added.

In a blur of motion, Roxas charged at DiZ, the Keyblade slicing through him with raw, furious power. But instead of feeling the solid resistance of flesh, Roxas's attack passed through DiZ's form, sending a ripple of data through the air.

Startled, Roxas stepped back, breath ragged, eyes wide with confusion.

DiZ's voice was calm, unbothered.

"My apologies. This is only a data-based projection."

Roxas screamed, the sound torn from the depths of his soul. He swung the Keyblade again and again, desperate to feel something real, to release the storm of emotion tearing him apart. But each strike was in vain. DiZ vanished, reappearing casually behind him as if nothing had happened.

"Come, over here," DiZ beckoned, his tone a twisted invitation.

Roxas stood still, chest heaving, his heart—if he even had one—aching with all the anger and sorrow he had kept locked away.

"I hate you so much..." Roxas said, his voice tinged with frustration and annoyance.

DiZ barely flinched, his reply as cold and calculated as ever.

"You should share some of that hatred with Sora. He's far too nice for his own good," he admitted.

"No!" Roxas's voice cracked, raw with emotion. "My heart... belongs to me!"

With one final, desperate attack, Roxas rushed at DiZ, the Keyblade cutting through the projection again. But this time, the room responded. The capsule in the center began to glow, the mechanical petals unfurling slowly, revealing the figure inside.

Roxas stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat.

"Sora..." he whispered, his voice breaking.

Sora, still asleep, floated peacefully within the capsule. The boy who haunted his dreams, the boy who was supposed to be the hero... the boy who was the other half of him.

Roxas stared at Sora's sleeping face, feeling the weight of everything finally crashing down. His existence, his memories, his friendships—all of it was leading to this moment. And now, he knew it was time to let go.

A sad, resigned smile tugged at his lips.

"You're lucky..." Roxas said softly. "Looks like my summer vacation is... over."

And with that, the light in the room grew brighter, washing over him as the final chapter of Roxas's journey came to an end.

Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix - Blue Blur Edition

Angel Island - Mobius

The sun dipped low over Angel Island, casting long shadows across the ancient stone steps leading up to the Master Emerald shrine. The air was thick with the scent of the island's dense jungle, the distant sounds of chattering wildlife blending with the rhythmic hum of the emerald's energy. As always, the Master Emerald pulsed with a faint, green light, radiating an aura that kept the island afloat above Mobius.

At the heart of the shrine, Knuckles the Echidna stood with his back straight, his gloved fists resting on his hips as he gazed at the giant gem. The Master Emerald's glow flickered erratically, casting fleeting shadows across his stern face.

"It's been restless lately..." Knuckles muttered to himself, deep in thought. "Feels like the balance is off... Maybe it's because the Chaos Emeralds aren't around..."

From behind, a familiar voice broke through.

"Hey, Knux, you talking to yourself again?" Sonic teased as he strolled up the steps with Tails close behind, his smirk as playful as ever.

Knuckles turned to see the blue hedgehog and the two-tailed fox now standing at the top of the altar, their usual energy contrasting sharply with the heavy atmosphere around the Master Emerald shrine.

"Very funny, Sonic..." Knuckles replied, his tone serious. He gestured to the massive emerald behind him, its surface glowing erratically with pulses of green light. "The Master Emerald's been acting strange. I can sense it's in some sort of distress."

Sonic shot a concerned look toward Tails, knowing that if the Master Emerald was in trouble, something serious was brewing. Tails moved closer to inspect the giant gemstone, pulling out a small handheld scanner and focusing on the fluctuating energy readings.

"So, when did it start acting like this?" Sonic asked, folding his arms as he kept his focus on Knuckles.

Knuckles sighed, his gaze never leaving the Master Emerald.

"Oddly enough, right after your birthday party," the red echidna revealed.

"But, Sonic's party was ages ago," Tails chimed in, not looking up from his device as he tapped through screens of data. "Why didn't you reach out sooner? This kind of stuff is usually important."

Knuckles huffed, his stubborn pride showing through.

"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle—just minor fluctuations. But recently, it's been getting worse. The energy isn't stable like it used to be."

Tails' two tails twitched thoughtfully as he held his chin, his scanner beeping softly as it gathered readings from the Master Emerald. Sonic noticed the serious look on his friend's face.

"Got an idea what's going on, little buddy?" Sonic asked, leaning casually against one of the nearby stone pillars, his casual demeanor belying his concern.

Tails finally looked up, his expression thoughtful.

"It's hard to say for sure," Tails replied. "The energy signatures are all over the place—like the Emerald's trying to compensate for something. My guess is that it might have to do with the Chaos Emeralds being off-world. They're not resonating like they should, and it's throwing the balance off."

Sonic scratched the back of his head, glancing back at the Master Emerald's erratic glow.

"Off-world, huh? That makes sense. I mean, we haven't seen the emeralds since Shadow took them when we closed the Door to Darkness," Sonic said, remembering back to almost a year ago.

"See," Knuckles chimed in, his voice tinged with annoyance. "I did say I didn't feel comfortable having the emeralds so far away!"

Sonic straightened up from leaning on the pillar and began to walk around the Master Emerald, feeling the strange fluctuations in its energy pulsing through the air. The emerald's glow shifted from a vibrant green to a duller hue and back again, as if it were struggling to maintain its usual equilibrium. Sonic's usual carefree attitude faded slightly as he studied the ancient gem.

"Yeah, I get it, Knux. But we didn't have much of a choice back then. The Chaos Emeralds were the only way to help close and seal away the Door to Darkness," Sonic replied, his tone more serious now, the weight of past events reflected in his voice.

Knuckles crossed his arms and huffed, his frustration clear.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," he grumbled. "Those emeralds are supposed to be here, not scattered across who-knows-where. If their energy is affecting the Master Emerald this badly, we might be dealing with a serious problem. And I've got a bad feeling it's only going to get worse."

Tails tapped a few more commands into his device. The scanner beeped softly, each sound a reminder of the delicate balance that the Master Emerald was struggling to maintain.

"Knuckles is right, Sonic," Tails said. "The Chaos Emeralds are powerful, but they're also unpredictable. Without them here, the Master Emerald might be trying to compensate for the imbalance, and that could lead to some dangerous shifts in energy. If this keeps up, we could be looking at more than just a few weird energy spikes."

Sonic glanced back at Tails, his blue quills ruffling in the gentle breeze that swept through the shrine. The setting sun cast long shadows across the ancient stone platform, adding to the sense of urgency in the air.

"So, what do you think we should do, Tails? Any ideas where to start?" the hedgehog pondered.

Tails put away his device and looked up at the sky, his mind already racing with possibilities.

"The best place to start would be checking out Hollow Bastion," he suggested.

"Hollow Bastion, huh?" Sonic replied, crossing his arms as he considered the idea. "You know what, that's not a bad call."

Knuckles frowned, his face furrowing in confusion.

"Why Hollow Bastion?" he asked, scratching his head. "I know the Restoration Committee is working to fix that world, but I don't think an emerald or two would just be lying around there."

"Well... strange enough, I've got a weird hunch," Sonic admitted, rubbing the back of his head. His expression was uncharacteristically thoughtful, as if he was trying to piece together a puzzle that didn't quite fit.

"A hunch, huh?" Knuckles retorted, crossing his arms tighter. "Okay, I'm intrigued. What's this hunch of yours?"

Sonic started pacing around the Master Emerald again, his mind working over the feeling that had been gnawing at him for days. Something deep inside was urging him to follow this lead, even if he couldn't quite explain it.

"I think starting there will be good," Sonic said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "We can catch up with Leon and the others, see how the restoration is going."

"And?" Knuckles pressed, clearly wanting more from the hedgehog's line of thinking. "What's the point of catching up with them if it's the Chaos Emeralds we're looking for?"

"My point, Knucklehead," Sonic shot back with a grin, but his tone softened as he went on, "is that we might run into our old pals... Sora, Donald, and Goofy."

"You think they might be connected to all this?" Knuckles questioned, curiosity deep in his tone.

Before Sonic could respond, Tails jumped in, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic note of urgency.

"Actually, it's strange, but I feel the same as Sonic here," he affirmed.

Knuckles turned his attention to Tails, looking more puzzled than ever.

"Really? Why would you think that?" the echidna asked.

"It's hard to explain," Tails began, "but... lately, my memory of Sora, Donald, and Goofy seemed to have faded, like they were just distant memories. But recently, it's like they've come back, clearer than ever. Almost like something is calling us to reconnect with them."

Sonic nodded, his expression serious for a change.

"Yeah, that's how I've been feeling too," he agreed. "There's a connection here, I can feel it."

Knuckles let out a long breath, processing what they were saying. He glanced back at the Master Emerald, its glow reflecting his own internal struggle.

"So you're saying that if you find Sora, you might find the Chaos Emeralds? Or at least a clue?" the red echidna speculated.

"Exactly," Sonic replied with a nod. "I know it's a long shot, but those three have a way of showing up right when things get weird. And if we're dealing with a problem that's bigger than just Mobius, we're gonna need all the help we can get."

Tails smiled, sharing Sonic's confidence.

"And who knows? Maybe they're already looking for us too?" the fox added with a hopeful tone.

Knuckles sighed, rubbing the back of his head, clearly torn between his instincts to help his friends and his responsibility to the island.

"Alright, I get it," he remarked, his expression softening. "If you really think this is the right call, then I won't stop you. But be careful out there, alright? And keep me updated on whatever you find."

"Wait, you don't want to come with us, Knuckles?" Sonic asked in suprise.

Knuckles glanced back at the Master Emerald, its soft glow reflecting in his eyes.

"I would, but someone has to watch over the Master Emerald... and Mobius," he replied. "Without you or Shadow around—wherever he is—someone's got to protect this place. And honestly, I trust myself more than I trust G.U.N. or that bat to handle it. It's just how I am."

Sonic gave a small, understanding nod, his usual playful attitude replaced with a rare moment of sincerity.

"Yeah, I get it, Knux. No one does the whole guardian thing better than you," he remarked with a smirk.

Tails stepped back to Sonic's side, his mind already turning to the logistics of their next move.

"We might need a little help getting off Mobius, though," Tails stated. "Our old ship is still in the shop, and it's gonna take me a while to get it up and running."

"Oh, I think I know just the person for the job," Sonic replied looking to his friend. "She still owes us one from that time on Planet Wisp, remember?"

"You mean that space lady you mentioned?" Knuckles interrupted, tilting his head in thought.

"That's the one," Sonic confirmed with a nod. "Let's just hope she's not busy saving another world right now."

Tails tapped a device strapped to his wrist, the small screen lighting up as he sent out a signal. The device emitted a rhythmic series of beeps, the transmission being sent out into the vastness of space.

For a moment, all they could do was wait. The device continued to beep, each sound echoing against the ancient stones of the shrine.

Knuckles crossed his arms, shooting them a skeptical look.

"Not exactly a reassuring start, you guys..." he said bluntly, seemingly unimpressed.

Before Tails could reply, the screen on his device lit up with a burst of light, the familiar colours of red, blue, and gold swirling across the display. A starburst symbol flashed on the screen, signaling that the message had been received.

Sonic's grin widened, his confidence returning in full force.

"See? She's got our back. I knew she'd answer the call," he said proudly.

Tails glanced up, his own expression relieved.

"Looks like our ride's on the way, Sonic. She must not be too far if she picked up that quickly."

Knuckles rolled his eyes, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips despite himself.

"You two and your connections... Just don't go getting yourselves into trouble you can't handle, alright?" he remarked.

Sonic shrugged, the light-hearted energy returning to his posture.

"No promises, Knux, but we'll try to keep the collateral damage to a minimum," Sonic teased, flashing a cheeky grin.

Knuckles shook his head, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. With a final wave, Sonic and Tails turned and headed down the steps.

The red echidna stood at the top of the shrine, watching his friends disappear into the twilight. The ancient island was slowly falling into shadow, the Master Emerald's faint glow casting soft light over the scene. Despite the unease that lingered in his chest, Knuckles knew that whatever lay ahead, Sonic and Tails would face it with everything they had.

"Good luck, you two... And bring back some answers," he muttered to the night air. His voice barely reached beyond the shrine, carried away by the breeze.

As the last rays of the sun vanished beyond the horizon, Angel Island settled into the quiet of the night, its guardian standing vigilant beside the emerald that had always been his duty to protect.

Knuckles remained, a solitary figure against the darkening sky, his gaze fixed on the distant stars, hoping that his friends would find the answers they sought among them.

The Sixth Day and Roxas's story is finally complete!

Wow, that took some time, but I'm so glad I had the chance to tell Roxas's story in my own way.

Thank you all for your incredible support, reviews, favorites, and follows. The main story officially begins now!

This is going to be a massive project, likely spanning the next 18 to 24 months. The amount of planning that's gone into this is huge, and I want to make sure it's a great read—full of fun twists and turns to keep you on your toes!

I'll be on holiday/vacation from tomorrow, so it's likely the next chapter will drop in about a week's time.

Once again, thank you all for the amazing support!

Now, let's dive into Sora and Sonic's story! Onward!