Hollow Bastion: Second Visit - Part 2

After the perplexing events inside The Hobbit, Sora remerged into Merlin's house, his thoughts swirling with confusion. Whatever had happened to Bilbo inside the book wasn't normal, and he was counting on the wizard's expertise to help make sense of it.

The Keyblade wielder stepped out of the glowing novel, which now rested quietly atop the white-and-green drawers. The room was alive with conversation—Merlin was in discussion with Sonic, Caliburn, who floated beside the hedgehog with a regal poise, Donald, and Goofy. The sound of Sora's shoes hitting the floor drew their attention, and they turned to see him return.

"Couldn't be bothered to wait up for an old wizard, eh?" Merlin chided, his tone dripping with mock annoyance.

"Sorry about that…" Sora replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"Well then, tell me, how are things in there?" Merlin asked, his expression growing serious. "The others mentioned something strange occurred during your first visit."

"Strange is an understatement, Merlin," Sonic interjected, crossing his arms.

"Indeed," Caliburn added, his voice resonating with authority. "But I believe Sora the Squire may now have more clarity from his second venture."

Sora approached the group, his expression a mix of concern and confusion. He couldn't shake the memory of Bilbo—lost, scared, and forgetful. Whatever had happened inside that book wasn't natural, and Sora knew Merlin might have the answers.

"Well…" Sora began, exhaling deeply. "When I went back, Bilbo didn't just forget me—he forgot why he was in the forest at all. Worse, he didn't even remember his friends."

Donald and Goofy gasped, their eyes widening in shock. Sonic and Caliburn exchanged puzzled glances, both clearly unsettled by the revelation. Merlin, however, didn't look surprised. His expression darkened, and he let out a heavy sigh.

"I was afraid this might happen," Merlin said grimly, walking over to the now-closed book. He opened it carefully and began inspecting its pages, his eyes scanning with a practiced intensity. It didn't take him long to uncover the issue.

"It seems we are dealing with missing pages," Merlin said, his tone heavy with certainty.

"Missing pages?" Donald echoed, his voice rising in alarm.

"Gawrsh, do ya think the Heartless stole them?" Goofy asked, tilting his head.

"But the book looked fine when we took it back," Sonic pointed out, rubbing the back of his head in confusion.

"Hmm, it seems the forces of darkness caught us off guard," Caliburn said, his voice laced with grim resolve.

"Indeed," Merlin agreed, his fingers brushing over the torn edges of the pages. "The Heartless must have taken them during their retreat. Without these pages, the story's magic cannot function properly. The characters lose their memories, and the tale begins to unravel."

He closed the book and turned to face the group, his tone as serious as ever.

"To repair the story and restore the memories of its characters, you must recover the missing pages."

Donald, Goofy, and Sora exchanged determined looks, ready for the challenge ahead.

"This book is incredibly powerful," Merlin continued, holding it aloft. "The magic it radiates is unlike anything else in this world. It is one of our most cherished treasures, and ensuring its restoration is of the utmost importance." He paused, placing the book back on the drawers. "I had intended to inform Leon about my discovery, but things have been… quite hectic. Particularly with the arrival of Caliburn."

The mention of the sword drew everyone's attention to the regal blade, which floated effortlessly beside Sonic, its glowing green eyes calmly observing the conversation.

"Well," Sora said, nodding firmly, "if finding the missing pages will fix things, then that's what we'll do."

"That's the spirit!" Sonic said, flashing Sora a confident thumbs-up.

"Quite," Caliburn added, his stern voice cutting through the moment. "And remember, a knight should always be prepared for such a task. Hesitation only gives the enemy the upper hand."

"We'll find them, Merlin," Sora declared, determination lighting up his face. "I just hope Bilbo will be okay on his own for a little while."

"Yes, we can only hope," Merlin replied solemnly. He turned his gaze toward Caliburn, his expression thoughtful. "But now, there's another matter that requires discussion. Our esteemed guest here—this remarkable sword. I believe a proper explanation is in order regarding how he arrived in Hollow Bastion."

"That's a great question," Sora said, his interest piqued. "I didn't even get to meet him until I got back from the story the first time."

"Yeah," Goofy chimed in. "We met Caliburn when you were in The Hobbit, but we didn't exactly get the whole story about how he came to this world."

"Why's that?" Sora asked, his eyes darting to Donald and Goofy.

Donald sighed, his feathers ruffling slightly.

"Heartless…" he muttered.

"There were some problems in the Market," Sonic explained, turning toward the floating sword. "I went to deal with them using Caliburn while Donald and Goofy kept an eye on things here with Merlin."

"Sonic and I fought our way through the Heartless causing a ruckus in the Market," Caliburn added, his voice steady but carrying a sense of pride. "Afterward, we made our way back, only to discover the book being stolen by those same dark forces."

"Right," Sora said, nodding. "But I've got a ton of questions—like, how do you even know Sonic? How did you end up here? And… I guess more about you in general?"

"Very well," Caliburn replied, his tone shifting to one of thoughtful recollection. He floated higher, his glowing eyes meeting Sora's. "Let me share my tale—both of my past with Sonic and how I came to this world."

The room grew quiet, the group leaning in slightly as the ancient sword began his story.

Caliburn's Story

Knave the Hedgehog and an Oversized Letter Opener: Sonic and the Black Knight Begins Playing

"My origins," Caliburn began, his voice resonant and proud, "lie within a realm born of Arthurian legend. It is a world shaped by tales of knights, valour, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness—a realm where Merlin himself was said to guide the great King Arthur."

Merlin's eyes widened, his hand stroking his beard.

"Another realm of Arthurian legend, you say? Remarkable. To think such a world could exist—an alternate telling of the same story. Pray, continue."

Caliburn hummed softly, floating slightly higher as he recounted the tale.

"It was within this realm that King Arthur, corrupted by darkness, ruled with tyranny. He wielded Excalibur not as a symbol of justice but as a weapon of oppression. Yet, the truth was far more sinister. The one calling himself Arthur was no longer the true king, but a shadow consumed by the scabbard that granted him immortality."

"Wait," Sora interrupted, his eyes wide with curiosity. "So, the King Arthur there wasn't even the real Arthur?"

"Correct," Caliburn replied. "And it was then, in the kingdom's darkest hour, that Sonic arrived."

The group turned to Sonic, who leaned casually against a desk, arms crossed and a playful grin plastered on his face.

"Yup, that's me," Sonic said, pointing a thumb toward himself. "Just doing my thing, saving worlds when they need it."

Merlin raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"And what exactly were you doing in this Arthurian realm, might I ask, Sonic?"

Sonic shrugged, the grin never leaving his face.

"I got pulled in through a portal. One minute I'm running through Green Hill with my chili dogs, the next thing I know, I'm face-planting in the dirt of Camelot. Then I find my pointy friend here stuck in a stone."

"You… pulled him out of a stone?" Merlin asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Indeed," Caliburn confirmed, his tone regal. "The Lady of the Lake decreed that only one worthy of becoming king could draw me forth from the stone in which I rested. Sonic, against all odds, succeeded."

Goofy's jaw dropped.

"Gawrsh, that means—"

"Technically," Sonic interjected, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin, "that made me King Arthur in that world."

"WHAT?!" Sora, Donald, and Goofy exclaimed in unison.

Even Merlin seemed momentarily dumbfounded but quickly recovered.

"Well… if the legends hold true, anyone who pulls the sword from the stone would indeed be deemed worthy of kingship. Fascinating."

"Indeed," Caliburn said, his tone laced with amusement. "By pulling me from the stone, Sonic inherited the mantle of Arthur. Though, his skills with the blade… left much to be desired."

"Knave this, Knave that," Sonic said, laughing. "Yeah, my first impression wasn't exactly knightly."

"But through trials, battles, and his, shall we say, unorthodox methods," Caliburn continued, "he earned the title of Sir Sonic, Knight of the Wind. He faced and defeated the knights of the Round Table—Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival—and uncovered the truth behind the kingdom's plight."

"And what was the truth?" Merlin asked, leaning forward, his fascination growing.

"The true threat to the kingdom was not the corrupted Arthur but his advisor, Merlina—granddaughter of the Merlin from my realm," Caliburn explained.

Merlin's eyes widened, his hand faltering on his beard.

"My granddaughter? Preposterous! I have no such descendant!"

"Relax, old-timer," Sonic said, holding up a hand. "It's not you-you. It's another Merlin, from that storybook world, remember. And to be fair, Merlina wasn't exactly evil. Just… misunderstood."

"Misunderstood?" Sora asked, tilting his head.

"She wanted to create a kingdom that never ends," Sonic explained, his tone softening. "She didn't want her world to fall apart. But her plan? Using the scabbard's power to freeze everything in time forever? Yeah, that wasn't gonna fly."

"Her heart was in the right place," Caliburn admitted, "but her methods were flawed. Eternal stasis is a fate worse than destruction. Sonic saw the truth and fought to stop her."

"And we did," Sonic said with a grin, crossing his arms. "Saved the day, freed the kingdom, and even got Merlina to see the error of her ways."

Merlin sighed, his fascination tinged with exasperation.

"To think… an alternate version of myself had a hand in such folly. It is both remarkable and humbling," Merlin murmured, stroking his beard, his expression a mixture of awe and reflection.

"So wait," Sora said, his brows furrowing in confusion. "You pulled Caliburn out of a stone, fought knights, and saved the kingdom? And now you're here, reunited. How did you come to our realm, Caliburn?"

Caliburn's voice grew thoughtful, the glow of his eyes softening as he floated slightly higher.

"My realm, much like 'The Hobbit', is a magical storybook, young squire. Its magic does not confine itself to a single plane but instead bridges realms through its tales."

"So… you're saying the book's magic brought you here?" Sora asked.

"Not exactly," Caliburn replied. "While the magic of my world does connect to others, my arrival in this realm was rather… abrupt."

"So, how did you get here?" Donald asked, his tone pressing but curious.

"I was with the Lady of the Lake," Caliburn explained, his voice calm and measured. "We had returned to a state of peace after Sir Sonic's triumph. Yet, one day, I was drawn through a rift of energy, the likes of which I had never encountered before. In an instant, I was no longer in my world but in this town."

"That must've been jarring," Goofy said, tilting his head. "Gawrsh, bein' pulled out of your home like that."

"Indeed," Caliburn said, his voice carrying a tinge of somberness. "But I do not lament my journey. My purpose remains unchanged—to aid those who would protect the light and strike down the forces of darkness. It seems fate has brought me to another knightly task."

"Glad to have you back again, buddy," Sonic affirmed giving a smile to the sword.

"You said earlier Tails and Aerith found you, right?" Sora interrupted, still having a lot of questions.

"Indeed they did," Caliburn replied. ""They found me near the Bailey..."

Caliburn's tale turned into another story on how he came to Hollow Bastion.

[Knave the Hedgehog and an Oversized Letter Opener: Sonic and the Black Knight Stops Playing]

[Merlina's Request - Sonic an the Black Knight Begins Playing]

Tails knelt near a half-finished contraption on the ground, his twin tails flicking idly as he tinkered with a glowing sphere of light.

"Almost got it," he muttered, tightening a small bolt.

In front of him, a group of Claymore orbs hovered in a neat formation, their faint hum growing steadier with each adjustment.

Aerith stood nearby, her serene gaze scanning the perimeter.

"Cid's going to love these upgrades," she said with a smile, brushing her hair behind her ear. "It's amazing how quickly you can put things together, Tails."

Tails grinned without looking up.

"Give me a challenge, and I'll meet it. These upgrades should pack more of a punch and recharge faster. They'll come in handy next time the Heartless show up."

Aerith nodded, but her expression shifted, her body tensing as she sensed a faint ripple in the air.

"Speaking of which… do you feel that?" she asked quietly.

Before Tails could respond, a shimmer of light appeared behind them. It grew into a swirling vortex, humming with energy until it solidified into a portal. Both of them froze, staring at the strange sight as something emerged from within.

From the portal, a sword floated out, its elegant form gleaming in the Bailey's light.

"A floating sword?!" Tails exclaimed, stepping back instinctively.

"Where… am I?" the sword murmured, its regal tone carrying both confusion and authority.

"And it talks?!" Aerith added, her eyes widening in surprise.

The sword's gaze—marked by two glowing green eyes—fell upon Tails. It tilted slightly as if scrutinizing him.

"Blacksmith? Is that you?" it asked. "Have I been summoned here by this fair lady at your side?"

Tails blinked, completely thrown off.

"Wait… what? Blacksmith?"

Aerith stepped forward cautiously, her voice calm and kind.

"This is Hollow Bastion. I'm Aerith, and this is Tails." She gestured towards the fox.

The sword hummed, floating closer.

"Hollow Bastion, you say? This name holds no meaning to me. And yet… your face, Blacksmith—it is unmistakable. Surely, this is your handiwork." It gestured toward the Claymores still hovering nearby.

"Uh… thanks, I guess?" Tails replied, scratching his head. "But you've got me mixed up with someone else. I'm no blacksmith—I'm an inventor."

The sword tilted again as if re-evaluating him.

"Curious. You bear an uncanny resemblance to the Blacksmith who aided Sir Sonic and I in our trials."

"Wait… Sonic?" Tails' ears perked up. "You know Sonic?"

The sword's glowing eyes sharpened, its tone growing eager.

"Sir Sonic? You know him?"

Tails nodded quickly, excitement in his voice.

"Yeah! He's my best friend—more like my brother, really. Wait a second…" His eyes widened in realization. "I remember now! He told me about you! You're Caliburn—the talking sword! You called him a Knave!"

Aerith looked at Tails, her curiosity piqued.

"Before all the trouble with the Heartless started," Tails explained quickly, "Sonic told me the whole story! About the time he got pulled into a magical storybook world. He fought knights and stopped a plan to freeze time. And you were there!"

Caliburn floated slightly higher, regaining his composure.

"Indeed. It is as you say. Sir Sonic wielded me to restore balance to my realm. And now I find myself here, in his world, it seems."

Aerith's expression softened.

"Then perhaps you've been brought here for a reason," she said kindly. "The magic connecting our worlds is mysterious… but it's never without purpose."

"Perhaps," Caliburn murmured, tilting slightly as if in thought. "But if Sir Sonic is here, then I must speak with him. Though I must say, the tables have certainly turned. It is I who now find myself a guest in his realm."

Tails grinned as he spoke.

"Sonic's going to get a kick out of this. We should head back and check in with Merlin—Sonic might already be there."

Caliburn's glowing eyes brightened.

"Merlin? He is alive here?" the sword questioned.

"Very much alive," Aerith replied with a reassuring smile. "Though he might not be the Merlin you know."

"Perhaps not," Caliburn said, his tone thoughtful. "But still, hearing his name brings comfort, somewhat. And… what of Merlina? Does she exist in this realm?"

Tails shook his head.

"No Merlina here—just Merlin."

"Good," Caliburn said firmly.

Aerith and Tails exchanged amused glances before Aerith gestured toward the exit.

"Let's get you to Merlin. Something tells me he'll want to meet you—and Sonic's definitely going to be thrilled to see you, Caliburn."

"Indeed," Caliburn replied. "Lead the way, fair lady, and young Blacksmith—"

"Inventor," Tails corrected with a grin.

"Very well," Caliburn said, his regal tone unwavering. "Lead on, young Inventor."

The trio departed the Bailey, leaving the now-quiet portal to fade behind them as the mystery of Caliburn's arrival deepened.

[Merlina's Request - Sonic an the Black Knight Stops Playing]

Merlin's House - Flashback

Sonic, Donald, and Goofy stood in stunned silence, staring at the spot where Sora had been moments before. Now, he was gone, drawn into the glowing pages of 'The Hobbit'. The three exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to make of what had just happened. With Merlin gone to find Leon, they were left to figure things out on their own.

"Where did he go?" Sonic asked, scratching his head, his tone dripping with confusion.

"I think he got drawn into that book," Goofy replied, tilting his head as he peered at the still-open novel.

"Really?" Sonic said, folding his arms. He leaned closer, eyeing the glowing pages sceptically.

"Yep," Donald confirmed, holding the book steady as it faintly pulsed with magic. "This book's gotta be powerful."

"Well, that makes sense," Sonic said with a shrug. "One minute he's reading it, and the next he's gone. And here I thought I was the only one who gets sucked into stories..." He smirked, though the unease in his eyes betrayed him.

Donald waddled toward the white and green drawers, carefully placing the open book on top. The magic from its pages began to settle, the glow dimming slightly as if it were waiting for Sora's return.

"I'm sure Sora will be back soon," the duck mage said, trying to sound reassuring.

"Yeah, but how long could he be gone?" Sonic asked, pacing slightly. "Minutes? Hours? What if time works differently in there?"

"That's a good point," Goofy said. "Gawrsh, what if he's in there for days, and it only feels like a few seconds to us?"

Donald's feathers ruffled slightly as he frowned.

"Let's not think about that right now. Sora's been through weird stuff before. He'll figure it out."

"Sure hope so," Sonic muttered, glancing at the book once more. "Still, I don't like sitting around when we don't know what's going on. What if something happens to him in there?"

"We just gotta trust Sora," Goofy said with a nod. "He's always come through for us before."

Sonic stopped pacing and looked at the book again, his expression softening.

"Yeah, you're right. I just wish there was something we could do to help him right now."

"Maybe there is," Donald suggested, tapping his staff against the floor. "We can make sure this place is protected. If the Heartless come sniffing around again, we can't let them get near that book."

Sonic's smirk returned, and he cracked his knuckles.

"Now that I can do, Donnie. If those Heartless show up, they'll regret messing with us."

"Right!" Goofy said enthusiastically, raising his shield. "We'll keep the book safe while Sora figures things out."

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and in walked Tails and Aerith.

"Yo, Tails! Aerith! How's it going?" Sonic called out with a small wave, his usual grin spreading across his face. "Good to see you guys again!"

"Nice to see you all again too," Tails replied with a smile, walking up to the group with Aerith. But his curious gaze swept the room. "Hey, where's Sora?"

Sonic, Donald, and Goofy all gestured toward the book resting nearby. Tails and Aerith followed their gaze, their expressions growing puzzled.

"A book?" Tails asked, tilting his head.

"He's in the book, pal," Sonic confirmed with a shrug.

"Wait, what… how?" Tails exclaimed, his tails flicking behind him in confusion.

"Seems Merlin's little find in the Zero District is a magical storybook," Donald explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

"And it sucked Sora in," Goofy added, motioning to the glowing pages. "Talk about stories hooking you in, huh?"

"I'll say…" Tails muttered, walking closer to examine the book. "Well, it's happened to Sonic before, so I guess magical literature isn't all that weird, right?"

"Got that right, pal," Sonic said with a chuckle. "If it's not saving genies or stopping some evil plot from a sorceress, it's something else, right?"

"Right," Tails nodded with a small chuckle in his tone.

"Speaking of which," Aerith interrupted gently, her serene voice drawing their attention. "Sonic, we found someone—or something—that knows you."

"Someone who knows Sonic?" Goofy asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Who is it?" Donald remarked, squinting toward the door.

"Yeah, who is it, Aerith?" Sonic asked, his brows furrowing as he turned to Aerith and Tails.

Without a word, they both gestured toward the open door leading outside. The group's attention snapped to the doorway as something began to float into view. Its movement was purposeful, almost regal. Gleaming in the light, with a polished silver blade and golden guard, it hovered into the room like royalty gracing an audience.

"Caliburn!" Sonic gasped, his eyes widening as he recognized his old ally. "No way!"

"Ah, greetings, Sir Sonic," Caliburn said, his voice carrying a regal tone of familiarity. "It has been some time."

"Quack! It talks!" Donald exclaimed, his feathers ruffling in surprise.

"And it floats too!" Goofy added, his jaw practically dropping as he pointed at the levitating sword.

Sonic couldn't help but grin as he approached Caliburn, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt.

"Man, it's good to see you again, buddy. How'd you even get here?"

"That is a tale worth telling," Caliburn replied, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "But first, I must say, you seem to have gathered an unusual band of allies, Sir Sonic."

"Unusual is kind of our thing," Sonic quipped. "Welcome to the club, Caliburn."

Aerith stepped forward with a gentle smile.

"We found Caliburn near the Bailey. It seems he was drawn to this realm by the magic connecting the worlds."

"Well, isn't this turning into a story for the ages," Sonic said, still grinning as he gave Caliburn a light tap on the hilt. "Guess it's just like old times."

"And yet, much has changed," Caliburn noted, his glowing eyes narrowing as he glanced at the softly glowing book resting on the drawers. "It seems there is much to uncover in this new realm."

Donald crossed his arms, his beak twisting in disbelief.

"I still can't believe it talks and hovers in the air."

Caliburn turned to Donald, then shifted his gaze to Goofy, his tone contemplative but measured.

"Tell me, you two carry a sense of purpose and duty to a degree. Who are you?"

Donald straightened up immediately, his chest puffing out with pride.

"I'm Donald Duck, the Royal Mage of Disney Castle!"

"And I'm Goofy, Captain of the Royal Guard!" Goofy added with his usual cheerful demeanor.

Sonic smirked and gestured toward the duo.

"Yep, these two are the real deal. Donald's got the magic, and Goofy's the shield of the King's army. Pretty good team, if you ask me."

Caliburn floated closer, inspecting them with what could only be described as regal curiosity.

"Ah, I see it now. Your aura carries the weight of royal responsibility. A pleasure to meet you both—Donald, the Royal Mage, and Captain Goofy of the Royal Guard."

Goofy grinned, tipping his head with a slight bow.

"Pleasure to meet ya too, Caliburn!"

Donald gave a small nod of acknowledgment, though he still seemed unsure about conversing with a floating, talking sword.

Sonic chuckled, motioning toward the book still sitting open on the drawers.

"Shame about Sora not being here right now. He's, uh… in the middle of a story of his own at the moment."

Caliburn let out a low chuckle, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Oh, how the tables have turned, Sir Sonic. It seems he is the one embarking on an unexpected quest within a tale. Poetic, wouldn't you say?"

Sonic smirked, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, it's kinda ironic, huh? I'm usually the one getting sucked into these wild adventures. Sora's probably having the time of his life in there—or, knowing him, trying to figure out how to fix things."

"Well, if anyone can figure it out, it's Sora," Goofy remarked.

Donald huffed but nodded.

"As long as he doesn't cause too much trouble before we can get him back."

Caliburn turned toward the book again, his eyes narrowing as if he could sense its magic.

"Let us hope his journey is fruitful. Stories such as these often test the heart as much as the mind. But with allies such as yourselves, I trust he will prevail."

Sonic gave Caliburn's hilt a light pat.

"He's got this. And in the meantime, it's good to have you back, buddy."

"Indeed, Sir Sonic," Caliburn replied, his tone steady. "It seems our paths are entwined once more. Let us see what fate has in store."

Present - Merlin's House

"And that, my friends, is how I came to Hollow Bastion, reunited with Sir Sonic, and met his remarkable new allies," Caliburn concluded, his tone regal and composed.

"Yep," Sonic added with a grin, crossing his arms. "After Tails and Aerith brought him here, we got an alert from one of Tails' and Cid's gadgets. Seemed like some Heartless were causing a problem in the Market, so we figured we'd deal with it."

"Yes, Sonic and I took care of those troublesome Heartless swiftly," Caliburn chimed in. "Though I must say, Sonic's form was… rusty. Still, he has the heart of a knight, and with proper practice, he will soon reclaim his title as the true Knight of the Wind."

Sonic smirked, scratching the back of his head.

"Hey, I still got the job done, didn't I? Anyway, after that, we came back here and found the three of you in need of some assistance."

"Boy, it's been a busy day!" Goofy remarked with a chuckle.

"So, wait," Sora interjected, his curiosity piqued. "Caliburn, are you coming with us on this journey?"

"Indeed, young squire," Caliburn replied, his voice rich with certainty. "A knight such as Sonic requires a weapon of my calibre. To leave him unarmed would be a grave disservice to both his skills and his honour."

Sonic grinned, gesturing toward his friends.

"He's got a point. You guys—" he motioned to Sora, Donald, and Goofy, "—have your own melee weapons. It's about time I had mine again."

"But what about the Wisp Bangle and the Fire Ring?" Donald asked, his feathers ruffling as he glanced at Sonic's wrist.

Sonic raised his hand, showing off the gleaming orange and cyan bangle. The faint glow of its energy radiated in the room's light.

"Oh, these are coming with me too. Who says I can't make a cool combo? Imagine mixing Caliburn's finesse with the power of the Wisps."

Caliburn hummed thoughtfully, his tone taking on a cautious edge.

"While the idea is… unconventional, I must warn you, Sir Sonic, that knighthood is not simply about power. It is about precision, restraint, and honor. Though I must admit, your proposal sounds intriguing."

Goofy chuckled, holding his shield up with a broad grin.

"Well, if Caliburn's comin' with us, he's gonna have a fun time for sure! We get into all kinds of adventures."

"Fun, perhaps, Captain Goofy," Caliburn replied, floating slightly higher. "But I assure you, my purpose is not amusement. I shall guide Sonic as he reclaims his knightly poise and lend my strength to our cause."

Merlin nodded approvingly as he chimed in.

"A fine addition to this quest, indeed. I must say, it's not every day a talking sword of noble lineage joins a band of heroes. A fascinating development."

"And we've got plenty to do," Sonic said, gripping Caliburn's hilt confidently. "We need to find those missing pages to help Bilbo, track down more Chaos Emeralds, and save more worlds along the way. Sounds like a full plate to me."

"Yes," Caliburn said firmly. "A noble quest lies ahead. To protect this realm and its stories from darkness is an endeavour worthy of any knight. And to see what your group is capable of shall be… enlightening."

Sora laughed, stepping forward with a grin. "Well, welcome to the team, Caliburn. Let's get to work!"

"Ah, not so fast before you rush off again," Merlin interrupted, his tone firm but kind.

"What's wrong, Merlin?" Sora asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

"I have something to give you for your journey," the wizard replied, his expression calm but purposeful. "Put out your hand, my dear boy."

Sora extended his gloved hand. Gently, Merlin placed something into his open palm. As Sora glanced down, his blue eyes widened slightly at the charm now resting there. The charm was shaped like a sleek, miniature boomerang, its surface crafted from a material that appeared to be both metallic and organic, with the rich, deep grain of Ironbark wood subtly visible beneath a glossy finish. Etched into the charm were intricate patterns that spiralled outward like a whirlwind, mimicking the grooves of natural bark while exuding a sense of crafted precision. The edges gleamed with a faint silvery sheen, giving it a balanced, polished look. It felt sturdy yet lightweight, exuding an energy that seemed to hum faintly in his hand.

"What is it?" Sora asked, looking up at Merlin, then back to the charm, his curiosity piqued.

"Simple," Merlin said with a knowing smile. "Concentrate on it with all your heart, and when the time comes, say the word to summon an ally. They will come to your aid in times of need."

"Oh, like AiAi, Vyse, and the others from last time we were adventuring?" Goofy chimed in, his interest immediately piqued.

"Precisely," Merlin confirmed with a warm nod. "The ally bound to this charm is loyal and resourceful. Use it wisely, and it shall aid you well."

"Thanks, Merlin," Sora said, closing his hand around the charm before slipping it into his pocket. "It'll definitely come in handy."

"Hmm, summons, you say?" Caliburn remarked, his tone curious. "Such magical assistance is uncommon in my realm. I am intrigued to witness this power in battle."

"Yeah," Sora said, his face lighting up. "Last time, we had AiAi with his monkey ball, Vyse with his swords, Billy Hatcher rolling his giant egg around, Axel and his Crazy Taxi zipping in to help, NiGHTS flying around enemies, and even Charizard breathing fire everywhere. They were all really helpful."

"Quite the roster, young squire" Caliburn said, his voice laced with amusement. "I must admit, I am curious to see what ally this charm will summon. Tell me, are all these allies as eccentric as they sound?"

Donald chuckled, puffing his chest out.

"Eccentric or not, they were powerful, and they helped us out of plenty of tough spots!" he confirmed.

"Sounds like this new ally will fit right in," Sonic added with a grin. "Can't wait to see what they bring to the fight."

"Nor can I," Caliburn said. "Summoning allies in battle is a clever tactic. It seems your group has more tricks up its sleeve than I imagined. A knight must always be prepared for the unexpected, after all."

"Exactly," Merlin said, his tone cheerful yet wise, looking to Sora one last time. "Now, go forth, my dear boy, with your friends by your side. Adventure awaits, and this realm will not save itself."

The group nodded in agreement, their resolve stronger than ever as Sora gave Merlin one last grateful smile. With the Boomerang Charm safely tucked away, the party was ready for the next step in their journey, bringing new allies and their unshakable determination into the fight ahead.

Caliburn Joins the Party

The Boomerang Charm

The Boomerang Summon Charm grants the aid of a heroic protector from the Rainbow Cliffs, a land brimming with vibrant wildlife and untamed beauty. This ally wields trusty boomerangs, delivering swift justice with a casual "G'day!" Their charm lies not just in their precision, but in their spirited Aussie flair.

Character File - New Entries:

Bilbo Baggins
Voiced by: Martin Freeman
First Appearance: The Hobbit (1937)

Bilbo Baggins is a Hobbit of Bag End, in the peaceful land of the Shire. Hobbits are small, unassuming folk who treasure a quiet life free from adventures or unexpected events. Yet, Bilbo's world was turned upside-down when he joined a company of thirteen Dwarves on a grand adventure. Despite his humble beginnings, Bilbo has shown incredible courage and resourcefulness—qualities he never realized he had. His sharp wit and newfound bravery make him an invaluable companion, even in the darkest of places like the treacherous forests of Mirkwood.

Likes: A good meal, a warm hearth, and his peaceful home in the Shire.
Dislikes: Giant Spiders, being unprepared, and forgetting where he put his pocket-handkerchief.

Fun Fact: Bilbo's sword, Sting, glows blue in the presence of danger, particularly when Orcs or Goblins are near. Despite his modesty, Bilbo wielded it bravely in his first battle and even named it after vanquishing a Giant Spider!"

Caliburn

Voiced by: Casey Robertson

First Appearance: Sonic and the Black Knight (2009)

Well now, Caliburn is no ordinary sword! This sharp-tongued blade hails from the storybook world of Camelot, where knights and chivalry reign supreme. Once wielded by Sonic in a quest to save that magical land, Caliburn takes his duties very seriously—he's all about honour, discipline, and being a proper knight. Though he can be a bit stern, Caliburn has a good heart (well, metaphorically speaking) and offers his wielder guidance in times of need. Now reunited with Sonic, Caliburn's lending his strength to protect the realms from the darkness spreading across the worlds. He's one mighty impressive blade, if you ask me! Always floating around, looking regal… I'll bet he could teach us all a thing or two about courage and honour!

Likes: Chivalry and knightly virtues, a well-executed strike in battle, seeing Sonic prove himself worthy.

Dislikes: Careless fighting, knights fleeing a dual, disrespect (especially toward knights or himself!), and being mistaken for an "ordinary" sword.

Fun Fact: Caliburn once called Sonic a "knave," but after many trials, he officially dubbed him "Sir Sonic, Knight of the Wind!" Caliburn may not show it often, but he holds a lot of respect for the blue blur's unique approach to heroism—even if it's not exactly "by the book."

Another chapter down, marking the completion of the second visit to Hollow Bastion!

This also happens to be the final chapter update of 2024. What an incredible year it's been for writing and storytelling. What started as a simple idea of Sonic teaming up with the Kingdom Hearts crew has now evolved into an expansive universe of stories. The original Kingdom Hearts: Blue Blur Edition has surpassed 110 favourites and gathered 96 follows—astonishing numbers! I'm beyond grateful for your support. Thank you so much for following along on this journey!

Special thanks to Aragorn II Elessar for his invaluable input and creativity throughout these two parts. His contributions, including the writing of Bilbo's Character File, have been instrumental in bringing this story to life.

This chapter served as a recap and a way to reintroduce Caliburn, the regal sword from Sonic and the Black Knight, as he reunited with Sonic in Hollow Bastion.

A few fun references and highlights from this chapter:

Tails as the Blacksmith: In Sonic and the Black Knight, Tails appeared as the Blacksmith, so it's only fitting that Caliburn mistakes him for his counterpart.

The Boomerang Charm: This charm replaces the Baseball Charm, and the summon will take over for Chicken Little. Any guesses who the first summon of this story will be? (Hint: Think boomerangs and Australia).

I've been thrilled to see such positive reviews of both The Hobbit and Caliburn's inclusion in this story. Seeing your enthusiasm means the world to me!

Looking ahead, the next world's storyline is going to be massive, spanning multiple chapters. Without giving too much away, it'll feature not just a favourite Final Fantasy character but also characters from Virtua Fighter! Any guesses on what's next?

The next chapter will drop in late January 2025, as I'll be taking a brief hiatus to catch up on some other stories. Consider it a small break before diving back into the next arc of this adventure.

Thank you again for your support, reviews, and comments. This has been an unforgettable year for writing, and I couldn't have done it without this incredible community.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to an amazing 2025 filled with even more adventures!