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Chapter Text

[Options Menu - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Not long had passed since our heroes defeated Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness. With the Door to Darkness sealed—thanks to Sora, King Mickey, and Super Shadow's Chaos Control—a fragile peace had begun to settle across the many worlds. Sonic and his friends returned to Mobius, a world slowly healing from its encounter with darkness.

Since returning home, Sonic hadn't slowed down. Peace had returned, but one mystery still gnawed at him: Dr Eggman was missing. Orbot and Cubot—his robotic assistants—had come to Sonic with a request. Eggman had last been seen in the Realm of Darkness, but Metal Sonic claimed he'd been terminated. Strange as it may sound, the hedgehog couldn't accept a world without his eternal rival.

And so, the Blue Blur began aiding the robots in their search—determined to uncover the truth. Perhaps it was foolish, perhaps noble, but that was just who Sonic was: a golden-hearted speedster, even if it meant chasing the man who'd tried to destroy him for years.

Elsewhere, Tails eagerly returned to his workshop, diving back into his tinkering, while Amy joyfully reunited with her friends Cream and Cheese, and Big and Froggy. They had returned from a world called Twilight Town—a charming place known for its golden sunsets, towering clock tower, and delightful Sea Salt ice cream.

Knuckles resumed guarding the restored Master Emerald on Angel Island, and Rouge the Bat and E-123 Omega continued their duties with G.U.N. However, their responsibilities now extended beyond Mobius, protecting other worlds within the Lanes Between.

Princess Elise was warmly welcomed back to Soleanna. She had been rescued alongside the other Princesses of Heart during Operation: Radiant Retrieval, led by Sonic, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Tails, Knuckles, Silver, Rouge, and Omega.

Yet not all friends returned home. Team Chaotix remained in Hollow Bastion, assisting the Restoration Committee and delving deeper into the mysteries left behind by Ansem. With continued support from Soleanna, G.U.N., and the United Federation of Mobius, Hollow Bastion gradually began reclaiming the life it had lost to darkness. Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, and Cid worked tirelessly to restore their home from home after nearly a decade in Traverse Town.

Meanwhile, Shadow the Hedgehog had vanished, using Chaos Control to teleport the Door to Darkness away. In doing so, he rescued Aqua, the Nobody Keyblade Master, from the Realm of Darkness and brought her safely to Master Yen Sid's mysterious tower. While Aqua struggled with her weakening connection to her Keyblade, she remained determined to reunite with her sleeping friend, Ventus. Shadow, meanwhile, sensed a growing turmoil within himself—a connection to Black Doom and the Black Arms that drew him towards answers waiting aboard Space Colony ARK.

Silver the Hedgehog also went missing after bravely aiding his friends. He had crossed through the Door to Darkness with King Mickey, Riku, and Super Shadow, sealing it from the other side. While it's believed Silver eventually returned to his future, there's hope he found it safer than when he left it.

Kairi returned safely to Destiny Islands, where she patiently awaited Sora and Riku's return. Reflecting deeply on her journey, she learned she was a Princess of Heart—her heart once sheltered within Sora, a key part of Ansem's dark plan to open Kingdom Hearts.

For Sora, Donald, and Goofy, their quest continued. Searching for Riku and King Mickey, they followed a winding path lined with lush green hills—only for Pluto to surprise them with a green Chaos Emerald clenched in his mouth. Chasing Pluto led them into Castle Oblivion: a dangerous place where finding meant losing, and losing meant finding.

Though the Ansem, Seeker of Darkness saga had concluded, heroes across the worlds knew all too well that darkness never slept for long. As Sonic's suprise birthday approached, so did a sinister new threat—one determined to erase the Blue Blur from history itself.

[Options Menu - Sonic Generations - stops playing]

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - Begins Playing]

History, like memory, is never without distortion. But sometimes, in its fragments, truth may yet be salvaged.

Years ago, in my pursuit of knowledge and scientific frontiers, I had the privilege of meeting a brilliant—if flawed—man: Professor Gerald Robotnik. Our encounter took place aboard the Space Colony ARK, a marvel of Mobian engineering suspended high above the world. It was there I first laid eyes on Gerald's prototype of the so-called Ultimate Lifeform—a colossal, lizard-like creature, sustained only by constant monitoring and an intricate life-support system embedded in its back.

Despite its imposing form, the creature was hostile. Unstable. Yet I recognised the dormant potential locked within its biology. With refinement, enhancement… discipline… it could become more than a failed experiment. But Gerald was disinterested. I believe, even then, he was already envisioning something else. Something sleeker. Something perfect.

In time, I came to understand the true reason.

Maria—his beloved granddaughter—was seriously ill. In desperation to save her, he sought an alliance with a dark entity: Black Doom, warlord of the Black Arms. I warned Gerald. Urged him to consider another path. Even suggested returning to the lizard prototype as a foundation. But he would not hear it. His passion had become his blindness.

So he created Project Shadow—a cure masquerading as a weapon.

Our disagreement severed what was once a productive partnership. I hoped—perhaps naïvely—that he might one day rediscover the light.

Years passed. I immersed myself in my own work. Using salvaged fragments of ARK data, I forged a new creature—an obedient lizard guardian, unlike Gerald's original. It now protects the heart of my former home-world, far beneath the surface… a silent sentinel against the darkness that encroaches from beyond.

Yet fate has a way of repeating itself.

Years later, Project Shadow was invoked once more—this time by two scientists from another world. Desperate to save their world from collapse, they unearthed Gerald's forbidden journals and, like him, sought out Black Doom. I warned them, as I once did Gerald. And once again, my warnings went unheard.

Their world fell.

Their replica was placed into stasis by various bureaucratic factions—each more concerned with control than salvation.

But what struck me most—what hollowed something out within me—was the truth they shared: that Gerald Robotnik, once the brightest mind of his age, had died a broken man. Executed on Prison Island. Driven to madness after Maria's death and the ARK's violent shutdown.

I never had the chance to say goodbye.

These words are not written for sympathy. They are a reflection—of choices made, of paths diverged. After my exile into the darkness, I wandered the abyss for years. Cast out by those who claimed to serve me, I learned well: darkness is not always born from malice. Sometimes, it seeps in through disillusionment… through heartbreak.

And so, I escaped the Dark World. I embraced darkness—just enough to open the corridors I once vowed never to tread. Now I dwell in a forgotten refuge, far from my former world—watching, waiting, calculating.

Whispers reach even here.

Of an Organisation—formed of Nobodies. Empty vessels. Beings that should not exist. They plot something disastrous. I have intercepted fragments of troubling data. Their machinations intertwine with the same heroes who once sealed the Door to Darkness—a feat worthy of respect.

But I digress.

More disturbing still, the Organisation has acquired a weapon. One not meant for mortal hands. One tied, I fear, to experiments beyond comprehension. If my suspicions are correct, then time is a luxury we no longer possess.

And that is not the end of it.

Black Doom lives—resurrected from the void. And with him, an erased being whose very nature defies order. But even these pale before the greater threat: the Organisation's newly "acquired" enforcer.

Something is coming.

I believe the target is the Blue Blur. The hedgehog they call Sonic.

And if I am right… he will need to know what lies ahead.

Before it's too late.

Unknown Location

In the pristine confines of a sleek, modern research lab, bathed in the clinical glow of sterile white lights and humming with the soft whirring of machinery, a hooded figure stood before a large, foreboding pod. The figure's silhouette was shrouded in a voluminous black coat that billowed around a rounded frame, hinting at a substantial presence beneath.

With deliberate steps, the figure approached a nearby control console, fingers clad in long, gloved hands tapping deftly across its illuminated surface. The console responded with quiet beeps and holographic displays that shimmered into existence, casting ethereal glows against the stark walls.

"It is time," the figure intoned, their voice a low murmur that carried a weight of purpose and secrecy.

As the figure spoke, the pod emitted a faint hiss, wisps of ethereal smoke curling lazily from its edges. The atmosphere in the lab grew tense, charged with an air of anticipation as the mechanisms of the pod whirred into motion, its metallic surfaces parting slowly to reveal the obscured form within.

"Awaken!" the figure commanded with quiet authority, their voice resonating with a mix of resolve and urgency. "It is time to correct the wrongs of the past and forge ahead into a new dawn."

The lab reverberated with subdued mechanical sounds as the pod's awakening continued, echoing the imminent revelation of the figure's creation—a creature poised to redefine their destiny and confront past failures.

"The past is riddled with mistakes," the figure's voice resonated with a blend of determination and quiet resolve, barely audible above the hum of machinery. "It's time to wipe the slate clean and rid myself of that persistent blue pest once and for all!"

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - stops playing]

Elsewhere

[Naminé's Theme - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - starts playing]

In a white room with no windows and no doors, a girl sat alone, the soft scratch of pencil on paper echoing in the stillness. Her blonde hair draped gently over one shoulder, catching the faintest shimmer of light from nowhere. Dressed in a plain white lace dress and star-emblazoned sandals, the girl lowered her gaze, her blue eyes distant.

Beneath her delicate hand, a drawing came to life—a small blue figure racing across green fields beneath sunflowers and checkerboard cliffs. A peaceful memory… not hers, yet somehow familiar.

In the corner of the room, suspended from the ceiling in a hanging cage, sat a small doll made in her likeness—watching silently.

The girl paused, staring at her sketchbook.

"He is always running…" she said softly, her expression to one of concern. "But… will he be able to see he's heading towards danger?"

The Past - Green Hill Zone

[Green Hill Zone Act 1 - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Sunlight sparkled cheerfully across the iconic checkered hills as a young blue hedgehog blasted forward in a blur of speed. Sonic's red and white sneakers drummed a rhythmic beat against the lush grass, his momentum unbreakable. It was just another carefree day, and Green Hill was as welcoming as ever.

A Moto Bug moved lazily along the path ahead, and Sonic didn't even break stride. With a perfectly timed leap, he curled into a tight spin, ricocheted off the robot's shiny red casing, and landed smoothly. He shot a cheeky glance skyward, spotting a Buzzer hovering above. Sonic bounced upward, spinning in midair, effortlessly dispatching the buzzing nuisance with a satisfying pop.

The lush scenery opened into multiple pathways ahead, offering Sonic the freedom he craved. Without hesitation, he launched himself onto the higher route, racing along the vibrant green hills. Sunlight warmed his fur as he flew around loops at dizzying speeds, the world spinning joyously around him. Leaping across gaps with casual precision, Sonic laughed to himself—this was his element.

Diving onto a corkscrew-shaped track, he felt gravity tilt and tug as the scenery blurred into vivid streaks of green and blue. His momentum propelled him upwards, onto sturdy wooden platforms swaying gently between cliffs. Sonic hopped swiftly across them, his heart racing with excitement as he navigated each swaying step with playful ease.

Spotting an opening in the ground, he decided to explore a lower route. Sonic dropped gracefully, plunging into the dimly lit tunnels beneath the sunny hills. Cool shadows wrapped around him, and spikes glistened menacingly from every corner. With split-second timing, he bounded between ledges, dodging traps with casual expertise. Soon enough, he emerged into sunlight again, taking a lungful of fresh, vibrant air.

The path ahead stretched flat and inviting—a final straightaway. He felt the adrenaline surge as he accelerated, becoming nothing but a blur of determined blue fur, red and white shoes, and spinning feet. Ahead, the iconic Goal Plate stood with Doctor Robotnik's mocking visage spinning slowly.

Sonic smirked confidently, closing the distance in mere seconds, and leaped into the plate with a satisfying ping. It spun swiftly from Robotnik's mug to Sonic's triumphant peace sign design.

The hedgehog dashed onwards, adrenaline still pumping from his flawless run through Green Hill. He wore a carefree grin, feeling unstoppable as the landscape stretched endlessly ahead.

Suddenly—BOOM!

[Green Hills Zone Act 1 - Sonic Generations - stops playing. Cutscene: The Time Eater - Sonic Generations starts playing]

A powerful explosion shook the air, echoing sharply through the peaceful hills. Sonic skidded to a startled halt, shoes digging firmly into the grass. Wide-eyed, he scanned his surroundings for any sign of danger.

Everything appeared normal. The hills were peaceful, the breeze gentle once again. Sonic blinked, baffled. He tilted his head, wondering if he'd imagined it. After a cautious pause, he simply shrugged it off—whatever it was, it clearly wasn't here.

But as Sonic started to run again, behind him something shifted. A strange violet tear began forming silently in the clear blue sky, growing larger with unnatural speed. Reality itself seemed to ripple and bend around the anomaly, distorting the once-familiar backdrop of Green Hill.

Feeling an odd chill run down his spine, Sonic stopped once more, glancing uncertainly over his shoulder. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the mysterious rift hovering ominously above. He froze, unable to look away with a surprised expression.

Without warning, the tear flashed violently, consuming everything in brilliant white.

Green Hill vanished, and with it, Sonic himself.

Chapter Text

Modern Day - Mobius - Meadow

[Cutscene: Sonic's Birthday OST - Sonic Generations Plays]

A picturesque green meadow stretched beneath a wide blue sky, the air buzzing with excitement as preparations for Sonic's surprise birthday party reached full swing. Sunlight filtered through a leafy canopy overhead, casting shifting dappled patterns on the grass below. The air was sweet with the scent of fresh blooms, and the distant chirping of flickies added a cheerful melody to the scene.

Amy, Knuckles, Cream and Cheese, and Rouge moved about with a shared sense of purpose and mischief, their voices mingling with the rustling leaves. Laughter and last-minute tasks danced in the warm breeze.

Knuckles, usually the stoic guardian of the Master Emerald, now faced a different kind of challenge today—wrestling a comically oversized Ansem, Seeker of Darkness-themed piñata. Its papier-mâché form was alarmingly accurate, capturing Ansem's signature long coat, orange eyes, and perpetual sinister grin.

"From battling Heartless to setting up an Ansem piñata," Knuckles muttered with a wry smirk. "Sonic better appreciate this."

He grunted as he knotted the rope through the piñata's back, hoisting it into the tree with some effort.

"At least it's well made," he added, tilting his head to admire the disturbingly detailed craftsmanship.

Nearby, Rouge ended what was clearly a private call—her voice low and clipped in the earlier exchange. The words "free food" had floated over to the group, earning a few amused looks, but no one pressed her on it. With a teasing smirk, she slipped her communicator away and sauntered over to the echidna, her mood lighter than it had been moments ago.

"Knuckles, you sure you've got that under control?" Rouge quipped, crossing her arms with a sly smirk. "I'd hate to see you lose to a papier-mâché villain."

"Ha. Hilarious," Knuckles muttered, shooting her a mock glare as he gave the rope one final tug. The Ansem piñata swung gently in the breeze, its amber eyes locked in a frozen sneer. "Who even came up with this idea?"

Amy—efficient as ever, clipboard in one hand and party streamer in the other—beamed as she chimed in.

"Tails did!" she said brightly. "He figured since Sonic helped defeat Ansem, we could celebrate with a... themed twist."

"'Themed twist'?" Knuckles echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Usually that means something like… Hawaiian. Y'know, actual themes?"

"Loads of ideas there, Red..." Rouge teased, giving him a playful elbow. "You're a natural."

"It's been a long couple of weeks. Let me off," Knuckles groaned, adjusting his gloves.

Amy just shrugged. "Again—it was Tails's idea, not mine. I'm just here to make sure everything stays on schedule." She tapped the clipboard for emphasis.

Nearby, Cream and Cheese giggled as they hung up the final decorations. The rabbit beamed as she stood beneath a shimmering banner that read "Happy Birthday, Sonic!" in bold blue lettering trimmed with gold.

"We just hope there's no darkness inside!" Cream exclaimed cheerfully, glancing up at the piñata. Cheese nodded beside her with a chirp.

"Chao chao!"

"I hope you're right, Cream," Knuckles said with a grin. "If one Heartless pops out of that thing, I'll clobber it straight back into the shadows!"

"Such tough guy bravado," Rouge cooed, fluttering her lashes behind a sly smile. "My hero."

"Oh, shut up," Knuckles scoffed, a faint red flush creeping across his cheeks.

The rest of the group laughed, with Knuckles letting out a dramatic sigh as Rouge giggled behind her glove. Amid the cheer, Amy scanned the scene one last time, her clipboard in hand.

"Everything looks perfect," she declared, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Now all we need is…"

She trailed off, eyes sweeping the tables laden with snacks, drinks, and festive party favours.

"Wait… we're missing something."

"Missing something?" Rouge echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"What could we be missing?" Knuckles asked, arms folding.

Suddenly, Cream's long ears twitched. Her eyes widened.

"The cake!" she gasped. "There's no cake!"

"Chao chao!" Cheese squeaked, raising its little arms in shared alarm.

"What?!" Knuckles blurted in disbelief. "We can't have a party without cake!"

Before anyone could respond, a voice rang out from nearby—booming with energy and just the right amount of showmanship.

"Did someone say... cake?"

The group turned in unison, eyes lighting up as more familiar faces approached.

Striding across the meadow came Team Chaotix: Vector the Crocodile—loud and proud as ever—alongside the composed Espio and the ever-energetic Charmy. Close behind them were their allies from Hollow Bastion—Leon, Cid, Yuffie, and Aerith. The latter held a white cardboard box with a soft smile, its contents no doubt the missing centrepiece of the celebration.

"Hello, everyone," Aerith greeted kindly as they came to a stop.

"Yo!" Yuffie added with a cheeky grin, throwing a two-fingered salute.

"Hey, you guys made it!" Amy exclaimed, waving enthusiastically. Her voice echoed across the sunlit field. "We're so glad to see you all!"

Vector gave a toothy grin, as he planted a fist on his hip. "You kiddin'? We wouldn't miss this for the world! After all that detective work in Hollow Bastion, we're overdue for some good vibes!"

Espio nodded solemnly. "Indeed. After everything that's transpired… it's good to walk on Mobius soil again."

"Yay! It feels amazing to be back home!" Charmy buzzed, zooming excitedly around Cream and Cheese in circles. "And just in time for Sonic's birthday bash!"

Yufie and Aeirth looked excited to be here. However, Leon stood there arms crossed like he just lost a game of Triple Triad, whilst Cid had his hands on his hips, contemplating why he should not be here.

Rouge arched an eyebrow. "Still not the talkative two, are you?"

Leon didn't miss a beat. "Didn't realise this was a mandatory feelings party," he said flatly, eyes flicking to the piñata. He unfolded his arms, nodding at it. "That thing supposed to be Ansem?"

"Sure is," Knuckles replied proudly. "Looks just like him, doesn't it?"

"A for effort…" Leon muttered.

"Oh, I think looks like fun," Aerith said with a light, cheerful tone.

"Dibs on the first swing!" Yuffie grinned, already looking for the bat. "I owe Ansem one anyway!"

"Me too! I want a go!" Charmy buzzed in, wings fluttering with excitement.

"I think we all owe him a hit," Knuckles smirked, then turned toward Cid. "What about you, Cid? Thoughts?"

Cid snorted. "Meh. Needs more melodrama."

"Maybe a little more darkness," Leon added dryly.

"Wow, buzzkill much?" Vector chuckled. "It's a party, not a philosophy seminar, guys."

Espio exhaled softly. "I see their spirits remain as cheerful as ever…"

"They were grumpy all the way here," Charmy said, deadpan.

Espio shook his head. "Don't remind us," he replied flatly.

"Oh, Leon… Cid… always the life of the party," Rouge drawled, clearly amused. "You remind me of someone else I know—moody, broody, and allergic to fun."

"We are not like Shadow," Leon said firmly, folding his arms—only to realise a second later that Shadow would do exactly the same. He hesitated, then reluctantly lowered them. Rouge just raised an eyebrow, smirking.

Cheese whispered something into Cream's ear. The rabbit giggled and nodded.

"I think they do remind me of Mr Shadow, Cheese," she said, her tone jolly.

"Chao!" Cheese chirped in agreement.

"We ain't like that pri—" Cid began, only to be cut off by Yuffie.

"C'mon!" she said brightly, hands on her hips. She turned to both men, fixing Leon with a knowing stare as he awkwardly resisted the urge to cross his arms again. "Liven up! It's Sonic's birthday! What's not to celebrate?"

Aerith gave a gentle laugh, stepping forward with the cake box still in her hands.

"She's right," she said warmly. "Let yourselves relax, even if it's just for today. Be social."

Leon sighed, but the edge of his mouth twitched—almost a smile. "I'll try."

Cid muttered something unintelligible under his breath, which might've been agreement... or a complaint about the layout of meadow.

"Meh, close enough," Yuffie shrugged, elbowing Leon with a cheeky grin.

Vector turned to Cream and Cheese, his big crocodile grin widening.

"And it's great to see you two again, Cream and Cheese!" he exclaimed. "Heard you landed somewhere decent when Mobius went dark. You were with Big, Froggy, and your mum, right?"

"That's right, Detective Vector," Cream replied sweetly, hands clasped in front of her. Cheese flitted beside her. "We ended up in a place called Twilight Town. It was a lovely few weeks... we met some wonderful people, but we missed home—and all our friends."

"Chao!" Cheese added brightly, mid-twirl.

"Good to see you made it back to Mobius safely," Espio said, his voice calm but kind.

"Agreed," Amy added, her smile softening. "I met them at Station Square's station... there may have been tears."

Charmy buzzed closer. "Oh, I bet there was definitely tears!" he said with a grin. "Big ones!"

Vector chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Ain't no shame in that. Homecomings'll do that to ya."

"They sure do," Aerith added warmly, her hands still cradling the white cake box.

Rouge turned toward the towering crocodile with a sly smirk. "So, Big Green—how goes your work at Hollow Bastion?"

"Yeah," Knuckles chimed in, folding his arms. "How's the whole restoring the world thing going? Especially now the committee have got you guys roped into it."

Vector let out a long sigh, but his grin never faded. "Hard work, no lie. But we're happy to help. Hollow Bastion deserves a second chance."

Espio gave a nod of agreement. "The damage runs deep, but reconstruction is steady. We're making progress."

"Yeah!" Charmy buzzed as he zipped back to the group. "There's still Heartless clean-up now and then, but the streets are clean and the food stalls are back!"

Leon finally spoke, his voice as calm and grounded as ever. "It's not easy. But we're getting there. Bit by bit."

Cid let out a grunt. "I had to recalibrate half the power grid with ancient tech patched through junked gummi parts. Even managed to reroute the eastern lift system through a compressed ether core."

Everyone just stared in bewilderment.

"…What?" Yuffie blinked.

Rouge raised a brow. "Anyone get that?"

"Nope..." Knuckles replied, confused.

"Uh… Tails probably would've," Amy offered with a chuckle. "But he's not here right now."

"Figures," Cid muttered. "Bet he'd have backed me up."

"Where is he anyway?" Leon asked, looking around slowly.

"He's out luring Sonic this way,2 Amy explained. "They shouldn't be too long now."

Cream looked up sweetly, then turned to Cheese. Both turning to face Vector.

"Detective Vector," she asked politely, "we heard you're working on a case over on that world. How's that going?"

"Chao chao?" Cheese added, tilting its head.

"That's right—the Ansem case," Rouge chimed in, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You dig up anything interesting on your end?"

"You bet we did," Vector replied, flashing a toothy grin. With a bit of dramatic flair, he reached behind his back and produced a bundle of yellowed pages as if by magic. "We've been onto something big. Turns out Ansem might be hiding more than just darkness. A lot more."

"Hiding?" Rouge asked, tapping her chin. "Well, if there's intel we can use, G.U.N. would be very grateful…"

"I'm happy to share," Vector said, leaning in with a wink, "for a price. We can't be working for peanuts, y'know."

"Yeah!" Charmy chimed in, buzzing in midair. "No peanuts!"

"We can discuss payment after the party," Espio cut in firmly.

"Fine…" Rouge said with an exaggerated sigh. "Let's talk business later. But—you could share just a little something now…?"

"Well, what do you wan—" Vector started, but his words caught in his throat.

Aerith, now carefully holding the cake box in one hand, gently placed her other hand on Vector's arm. The crocodile blinked as he turned to see her smiling kindly.

"Let's enjoy the celebration first, Vector," she said softly. "You promised. No work today."

Vector's green face flushed a deep red, his usual bravado crumbling in an instant.

"Uh—right, of course, Aerith! No work, nope. Just... y'know, making sure everything's in order," he mumbled, scratching behind his head, utterly flustered.

The others stared, amused by the sudden shift in his tone. Leon and Yuffie exchanged a glance—her smirk said it all, while Leon gave the faintest nod of amusement. Even Cid cracked a small smirk and muttered under his breath.

"Oh, brother," Charmy groaned, rolling his eyes as he floated next to Espio.

Espio shook his head slowly, arms folded in silent judgment. His expression was equal parts exasperated and resigned.

"Unbelievable," he muttered. "Every time…"

Vector, still flustered, waved his hands slightly. "Whoa, hey—don't get the wrong idea!"

Aerith gently chuckled, shifting the cake box to her other hand. "We're just good friends," she said warmly. "Really."

"Yeah!" Vector added quickly. "She's been through a lot, and I've just… been there, y'know? Ever since Cloud decided to do his usual thing—show up, brood, and disappear without saying much."

Yuffie snorted. "Classic Cloud."

"Vector's helped me a lot," Aerith continued. "We've gone on long walks through the town, planted new flowers, and... talked."

"Lord, help me," Cid grumbled under his breath, dragging a hand down his face. "This group gets weirder every day."

Amy, Rouge, and Cream all exchanged puzzled looks.

"Cloud?" Rouge repeated, one brow raised. "Wait... as in THE Cloud Strife?"

"And you guys know him?" Knuckles asked, blinking in surprise as he looked between Leon, Yuffie, and Cid.

"Known him for years," Yuffie replied casually. "Especially me, Cid, and Aerith. He's...well... complicated."

"Complicated?" Cid blurted out. "Kid's like a walkin' cryptic poem with a sword."

"That's one way of putting it..." Yuffie agreed.

"I remember him from the Phil Cup," Knuckles added thoughtfully. "Back on Olympus. He and I were both kinda... manipulated by Hades." The echidna rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "That was a weird day."

"I've only seen his name in G.U.N. files," Rouge said, glancing from Knuckles to Amy, Cream, and Cheese. "You three know anything about him?"

"Nope," Amy replied without hesitation.

"No, sorry Miss Rouge," Cream added politely.

"Chao…" Cheese said, giving a soft shrug in midair.

"That's Cloud," Leon spoke up at last. "More questions than answers."

"I'll say…" Amy murmured, then pointed toward the box in Aerith's hands. "So... anyway, that box—you've been carrying it long enough, Aerith. That has to be the cake, right?"

Aerith smiled gently. "It is. Here, take a look."

She opened the lid with care—and the group collectively leaned in.

Inside was a beautifully decorated cake: white frosting with blue trim, a sugar-crafted image of Sonic's iconic face emblazoned at the centre.

"Whoa!" Knuckles exclaimed, eyes wide. "That looks incredible!"

"Oh, it's brilliant!" Cream clapped happily. "Right, Cheese?"

"Chao chao!" the little Chao nodded excitedly.

"Nice work, Restoration Crew," Rouge admitted, folding her arms with a nod of approval. "Who baked it?"

"It was a team effort," Aerith replied modestly.

"No way—you baked it," Vector piped up, pointing a finger. "You were the brains of the cake operation, Aerith!"

"I had help," Aerith insisted with a small laugh.

"Does Charmy super-sizing it count as help?" Cid deadpanned, glancing sideways at the bee.

"CID!" Charmy shouted, wings buzzing in outrage.

Yuffie immediately swatted Cid on the arm. "Way to ruin the moment, gramps!"

"Gah! Dammit, Yuffie!" Cid yelped, rubbing his shoulder.

"Super-sized?" Amy echoed suspiciously.

Knuckles narrowed his eyes. "Care to explain that part?"

Charmy scratched the back of his head, trying to look innocent. "Uh... well…"

"He used one of Merlin's books," Espio said flatly, arms crossed.

"The page was supposed to cut time," Leon added dryly. "Instead, the spell doubled the size."

"Quadrupled," Espio corrected.

Charmy held up his hands. "In my defence, the frosting stabilised the structural integrity, so... it didn't explode?"

"That might be the most Charmy sentence I've ever heard..." Vector muttered, shaking his head.

Everyone burst into laughter—except Cid, who grumbled under his breath, "Magic and desserts never mix… someone get me a tea or a smoke..."

Aerith smiled softly as she closed the box once more. "Regardless... it's ready. Now all we need is Sonic."

Right on cue, the tranquility of the meadow was shattered by Tails' breathless arrival.

"Guys… he'll be here… any second!" he panted, glancing over his shoulder before rushing into the clearing.

"It's showtime, everyone!" Amy declared, her voice brimming with excitement. "Quick, gather around the main table and get ready to surprise him!"

The group sprang into motion, forming a loose circle around the table. Aerith carefully set the cake in the centre, opening the lid. Cream and Cheese stood close together, eyes wide with anticipation.

Yuffie scanned the gathering quickly, spotting Leon and Cid still making their way across the grass—at a very unhurried pace.

"Leon! Cid! Get your butts over here!" she called out playfully. "Don't make me hit you!"

"I've had it once already, not again," Cid grumbled, pulling a face as he picked up the pace.

As the pair approached, the rest of the group finished arranging themselves. Amy stood proudly at the front, one hand raised, ready to signal Tails the moment Sonic came into view. Rouge and Knuckles stood off to the side, sharing a quietly amused glance. Vector and Espio positioned themselves near the back. Charmy zipped around Cream and Cheese like a kid who couldn't sit still, wings buzzing with energy.

Leon slid into place with a calm nod, arms crossed as usual.

"This is going to be interesting," he remarked cryptically, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Cid groaned, settling in next to him. "I hope there's tea at this party. I'm damn sure gonna need one."

As Sonic sped into view, he caught sight of the group gathered around a decorated table in the meadow. To his surprise, it wasn't just his friends from Mobius—his allies from Hollow Bastion were here too. Slowing his pace, he skidded to a stop and approached cautiously.

"Hey guys… what's going on?" he called out, curiosity lacing his tone. "You throwing a party or something?"

There was a moment of hushed silence—then, with wide grins and uncontainable excitement, everyone turned toward him.

"Surprise!" they shouted in unison.

Vector lifted the cake just enough to reveal the elaborate frosting—Sonic's face captured perfectly in blue icing.

Tails, Knuckles, Yuffie, Rouge, and Espio fired colourful party poppers into the sky, ribbons of confetti bursting like celebratory fireworks. Aerith clapped her hands gently, her smile radiant. Leon gave a small, approving nod; Cid offered a grunt—and his own reluctant nod.

Charmy zigzagged through the air while Cream held up a handmade card glittered with the words "Happy Birthday, Sonic!" Cheese twirled midair in time with the excitement.

Sonic blinked, visibly stunned, his expression shifting from shock to warm, grateful disbelief.

"Aww, you guys..." he murmured, stepping towards them. His voice carried more emotion than usual.

With the guest of honour finally arrived, the celebration kicked into high gear, each friend adding their own flair to the festivities.

Tails grinned mischievously as Sonic approached him. Amy charged in, arms open for a hug—but Sonic, ever the showman, sidestepped her.

Rouge and Knuckles leaned against a tree, enjoying their chilli dogs as they chatted. Nearby, Charmy launched three chilli dogs into Vector's open mouth in rapid succession, prompting a startled but delighted reaction from the crocodile.

Espio, standing not far off, rolled his eyes at their antics—but even he couldn't hide a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Cream and Cheese zipped between guests with trays of drinks in festive cups. Cream handed Aerith a tall glass of sparkling lemonade, garnished with a floating lemon slice. Aerith accepted it with a bright smile and a warm thank you.

Meanwhile, Cheese fluttered over to Leon, presenting him with a vibrant fruit punch in a neon cup decorated with tiny umbrellas. Leon accepted it with a slight bow of the head, his expression softening.

Yuffie, grinning mischievously, snuck up behind Cid with a party hat in hand. She made several dramatic attempts to plop it on his head, dodging his half-hearted swats and muttered complaints.

"Hold still, old man!" she teased.

"Damn party hat's got a mind of its own," Cid grumbled—but the flicker of amusement in his eyes betrayed his fondness for the chaos.

Nearby, Sonic and Tails were talking.

"It's kinda impossible to surprise you," Tails remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Sonic chuckled, still dodging Amy's latest attempt to pull him into a hug. He raised a hand playfully, gently pushing her back, his signature grin widening.

"You totally got me this time. I had no idea!" he admitted, lifting his free hand in exaggerated disbelief.

"Yeah, right," Tails replied with a knowing smirk. "Happy birthday, Sonic! Hope you like this."

With a flourish, Tails revealed a plate—on it, a perfectly grilled chili dog wrapped in a festive red-and-gold bow. Sonic's eyes lit up instantly.

"Like it... I love it!" he said, snatching the plate and taking a hearty bite. "You really know me."

"Too well," Tails teased with a smile.

Sonic gave his friend a thumbs-up, his mouth still half-full, as the sound of laughter and chatter continued around them.

Knuckles—still munching on his own chili dog beside Rouge—called out with a grin.

"Hey, Sonic! You seen what I set up?" He gestured towards the tree with his free hand.

Sonic turned to follow the motion… and froze slightly.

There, swaying gently from a branch, was the papier-mâché Ansem—orange eyes, flowing coat, menacing grin and all.

Sonic let out a low whistle, clearly impressed.

"Wow. That's something you don't see every day." He looked at Tails, raising an eyebrow. "Who came up with that idea, I wonder?"

Tails shrugged, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Guilty as charged. Figured it'd be fun to sock it to Ansem one more time."

Sonic grinned wide. "Good call, little bro." He took another bite with gusto. "I'm definitely up for that."

Just then, Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, and Cid—still wearing his party hat, now seemingly unbothered by it—strolled up to join Sonic and Tails. The lively chatter of the celebration swirled around them like the breeze through the meadow. Sonic's face lit up at the sight of his Hollow Bastion allies.

"Well if it isn't the Restoration Committee," Sonic grinned. "It's great to see you guys again—thanks for coming all the way to Mobius."

Leon gave a small nod, his usually stoic expression softening just enough to show warmth. "Happy birthday, Sonic."

Yuffie raised an eyebrow at him. "Seriously, Leon? That's the most emotion I've seen from you since we got here."

Even Sonic chuckled. "Didn't think parties were your thing, pal."

Leon smirked faintly, arms crossed. "Maybe it's grown on me. Being here helps."

"Happy birthday, Sonic," Aerith chimed in with a gentle smile. "It means a lot to be here—celebrating with everyone like this."

Sonic gave her a thankful nod. "I appreciate it, Aerith. Really."

"Happy birthday, Sonic! This party is great!" Yuffie chimed in, bouncing on her heels.

Cid, arms crossed and hat still perched on his head like it belonged there, gave a gruff huff—but there was a glint of humour in his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. Happy birthday, Blue. Make it a good one," he remarked.

Sonic tilted his head, eyeing the party hat. "Gotta say, Cid… the hat kinda suits you."

"Tch," Cid snorted, but didn't take it off. "Don't push your luck, hedgehog."

"I thought it'd be great to have everyone who helped us last time come celebrate," Tails said, stepping beside Sonic. His blue eyes were bright with pride, but also tinged with hope. "A day like this felt right for a reunion."

Sonic took another bite of his chili dog, glancing around the friends away from the group—Team Chaotix chatting by the tree, Cream and Cheese buzzing around with drinks, Rouge laughing with Knuckles and Amy.

"You did good, Tails," he said between bites, grinning. "Great job."

The hedgehog's tone shifted slightly—becoming more thoughtful. "Say... did you manage to get hold of anyone else?"

Tails rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, twin tails flicking behind him.

"I tried, believe me. Sent out invites across half the Lanes Between… but a lot of people were off-world or tied up. I guess peace doesn't come with free time."

Sonic nodded, chewing slowly. "Yeah... makes sense." He paused, eyes drifting toward the horizon. "I was just hoping we might see Ulala, or NiGHTS... maybe G… or Kairi..."

His voice trailed off, low and distant, a flicker of something uneasy creeping into his expression. One hand rose to his chin, the gesture automatic—as if chasing a thought just out of reach.

The surrounding group quieted. His tone, normally quick and confident, was uncharacteristically hesitant.

[Cutscene: Sonic's Birthday OST - Sonic Generations stops playing]

"Sonic?" Tails asked, tilting his head, concern knitting into his features.

"What's wrong?" Aerith added gently.

"Weren't there… others?" Sonic murmured. "Friends we made… people who helped me stop Ansem at the End of the World—and close the Door to Darkness?"

"Sonic, don't you remember?" Tails asked carefully. "Lucina, Wally, and his Gallade were the ones who helped you close the door. I reached out to them—they just couldn't make it."

But Sonic shook his head. His frustration was palpable.

"No, Tails. I mean... three other friends." He looked up, eyes narrowing. "I can't explain it, but they were right there with me."

He turned to Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, and Cid—searching their faces for even a flicker of recognition.

"Do you guys remember anything?" he asked firmly.

Leon's arms slowly dropped to his sides, his usually composed demeanour giving way to a slight crease of worry.

"Sonic's right," he said slowly. "There were more."

Yuffie's head snapped towards him, her brows tightening.

"I... I can't remember!" she said, her voice cracking between disbelief and distress. "There's something missing, but it's like… it's just out of reach!"

Aerith's gentle gaze faltered, her expression shadowed by growing unease.

"I'm sorry, Sonic," she said softly. "I don't remember either. But... I feel like I should."

Cid scratched his chin, his brow furrowed deep in thought.

"Damn..." he muttered. "This ain't right. Feels like someone cut a page outta my memory and stitched the rest back together."

"Something's not adding up," Sonic murmured, eyes narrowing. "We shouldn't forget people like that."

Tails glanced towards Leon, the concern in his eyes mirroring Sonic's.

"It's strange… like there's a gap in all our memories," Tails said slowly. "As if something—or someone—wants us to forget."

But before anyone could respond, the air split open with a sudden, violent rip.

[Cutscene: The Time Eater - Sonic Generations starts playing]

A jagged tear of darkness burst into existence in the heart of the meadow, warping reality like shattered glass under pressure. A pulse of violet energy exploded outward—silent at first, then roaring to life with a thunderclap. The shockwave tore through the celebration with brutal force.

Decorations lifted into the air in a cyclone of colour and streamers. The festive table upended—drinks flying, plates crashing, Sonic's cake exploding in a mess of blue icing and broken dreams.

The Ansem piñata, once a harmless gag, was ripped from its perch with a violent crack, its papier-mâché body shattering as it slammed against a tree. Candy and confetti exploded into the air, caught in a cyclone of distortion as the once-still meadow erupted into chaos.

Sonic's chili dog was yanked clean from his hand, flung into the wind like everything else around them.

The hedgehog barely had time to react before a guttural force ripped through the field.

"What the—?!" Sonic shouted, shielding his eyes against the sudden gale as the sky dimmed overhead.

A swirling vortex of darkness expanded from the heart of the meadow, its core warping and bending the world around it. Jagged pulses of violet rippled outward from its centre, the edges of the rift flickering like the frayed border of a fraying screen.

Amy shrieked as the ground trembled beneath her boots. Cream and Cheese dashed to her side, trembling as wind buffeted them from all sides.

Charmy was knocked off-course in midair, buzzing helplessly in the gale. "Waaaah!"

Vector surged forward, grabbing the bee just before he was swept into the swirling dark. "I got you, Charmy—hold on!"

Cid's voice barked above the wind, sharp and alarmed. "What the hell is going on?!"

Yuffie stumbled, barely keeping her footing. Cid's arm shot out, catching her by the elbow and steadying her.

"Steady there, Yuffie!" he remarked. "You ain't flyin' off on my watch!"

No one moved. They couldn't. Their instincts screamed that whatever had come through was not of this world.

Leon stepped forward, his jaw set and eyes narrowed. His hand instinctively moved to summon his gunblade, the weapon materialising in a shimmer of light.

"Everyone—stay back," he ordered, calm but fierce.

Knuckles was already lowering into a ready stance, fists tight. "You don't have to tell me twice," he growled.

"This isn't right," Aerith murmured. "Everything feels… wrong."

Sonic turned just in time to hear Tails's voice cut through the storm.

"Sonic! Look!"

He tore his gaze from his lost chili dog—only for his green eyes to lock onto the nightmare stepping through the rift.

A tall, broad, indigo-blue–furred hedgehog entered the scene. His markings were sharp and stylised, edged in powder-blue lines like war paint. One eye burned red, pulsing unnaturally. The other was clouded—scarred by a cataract that stretched across the bridge of his muzzle like a memory of war. A crimson scarf trailed behind him, tattered and wind-whipped. His gloves and boots gleamed with dull gold trims, their cuffs stained with soot and dirt.

Yuffie stepped closer to Sonic, her brow furrowed in disbelief. "Uh… Sonic? You got a long-lost cousin we don't know about?"

Sonic didn't blink. "No. I've never seen him before."

"Figures…" she muttered.

Sonic stepped forward, shoulders squared. "Hey! This is a private party. Who the heck are you, and what do you want?"

The indigo hedgehog didn't answer. He simply raised his hand—flat and commanding. The moment he did, the air collapsed inward with a sickening pulse. More portals tore open above, the seams of reality ripping like fragile fabric.

And then it began.

The wind surged tenfold as each rift unleashed a gravitational pull of impossible strength.

"Brace yourselves!" Leon shouted, but it was already too late.

Team Chaotix were the first to go. All three were dragged into separate rifts, their cries echoing through the storm as they vanished.

Rouge and Knuckles clung to the picnic table. But the pull was too strong—their grips gave out, and they were flung backwards into the unknown. Amy shrieked as she too lost her footing, swept into a swirling portal alongside them.

"Hey! Not cool!" Sonic snapped, fury boiling in his chest. He surged forward into a Homing Attack, rocketing towards the other hedgehog.

The indigo intruder's aura reacted instantly. Darkness surged around him, forming a shimmering shield of raw energy. Sonic struck it full force—and was flung backwards like a ragdoll.

The world spun around him.

He tumbled across the grass, skidding in a trail of torn earth before slamming into the ground with a heavy thud. Pain exploded through him as he came to a stop.

Cream and Cheese vanished next, their frightened cries loud and piercing as they were swept away into another portal.

Leon held onto a tree root with one hand and Aerith with the other, teeth gritted as the wind howled around them.

"Aerith, hold on!"

"I—I can't—Leon!" she cried, her hands slipping through his grasp.

Her pink ribbon trailed in the wind as she was ripped away, vanishing into the rip of reality.

"No!" Leon shouted, eyes blazing—before the strong wind tore him free as well. He disappeared moments later.

"Leon!" Yuffie screamed, voice cracking with fear.

Another portal seized her next. Cid lunged forward, catching her hand just in time.

"Hang on, dammit!" he barked.

"I'm trying!" she cried—but her grip slipped.

She was torn from his hand, her scream cut short as she too vanished.

Cid gritted his teeth, planting his boots. "No, no, no—!" But the force was too great. He was pulled upward, limbs flailing.

"Son of a—!" was all he managed before a portal claimed him.

Only Tails remained.

He clung to a splintered branch, twin tails flailing in the violent wind, his eyes clenched shut.

"Help us…!" he shouted, voice raw with panic. His grip slipped.

"SONIC!"

His scream echoed as he was yanked into the last portal—his terrified face the final image before the rift snapped shut.

Sonic lay still, unconscious amidst the grass and shattered remnants of his suprise birthday party. A single streamer fluttered down beside him, drifting gently to the ground.

Suddenly—everything went white around him and the green meadow.

There were no voices, no answers. Just one question hanging in the void.

What the hell just happened?

[Cutscene: The Time Eater - Sonic Generations stops playing]

Chapter Text

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories - starts playing]

"Awaken, blue hedgehog. We must act in haste!"

Sonic groaned as consciousness returned. His eyes fluttered open to a flat, white surface beneath him.

He pushed himself up with a wince, every limb aching from the blow he'd taken back at his party.

"What happened...?" he muttered, holding his head. His thoughts swam in a fog of disorientation.

Getting to his feet, Sonic scanned the horizon—if it could be called that. There were no walls, no sky, just infinite white stretching in every direction. But something had spoken. That voice had been real.

"Who... where...?" he murmured, turning in a slow circle. "That voice..."

Then, he saw it.

A figure, standing a few metres ahead, back turned. Cloaked in red and black. Their head was wrapped in crimson bandages, two thick black belts crossing over them. The long red cape fluttered faintly, though there was no wind. From what Sonic could see, the figure stood perfectly still.

Curious but cautious, Sonic began to walk. His footsteps echoed faintly.

As he stepped closer, the figure turned swiftly, making Sonic halt. The stranger's face was mostly obscured—only his right eye and mouth were visible through the red bandages. Two intersecting belts secured the wrappings. Around his neck was a grey scarf, and his chest bore a dark shirt with an oblong white symbol exposed beneath a cross-cut red cape with yellow trim. Armoured plating hugged his sides and waist, and a yellow sash hung loosely over three small brown pouches with green-and-yellow flaps.

Still, the figure kept his hands behind his back, gaze steady.

"Well... aren't you just a sight," Sonic quipped firmly, raising a brow. "You know Halloween's still, like, four months away, right?"

"I see that even in the face of the unknown, the great Sonic the Hedgehog can still find a sense of humour," the man replied, his voice deep, gravelly, but composed.

"You know who I am?" Sonic asked, his stance shifting—more defensive now.

"Of course," the man said. "You're the Blue Blur. A legend across many worlds. Your actions have rippled far—especially the role you played in closing the Door to Darkness recently."

"News travels fast, huh?"

"Indeed it does."

Silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Sonic couldn't read him—his face partially hidden, his posture reserved. But he didn't feel like a threat. Not yet anyway. Still, Sonic kept his instincts sharp. This place could easily be a trap.

The man began pacing slowly, his boots silent against the white floor. "You must have questions. Especially after what just transpired."

"Well—no duh," Sonic said, one hand resting on his hip. He kept the other ready, should things go south. "Last thing I remember, my party got hijacked by that… other hedgehog."

The man's pace slowed. His voice dropped.

"Terios."

Sonic turned his head, frowning. "Terios?"

"A hedgehog forged through forbidden science, manipulation, and darkness," the man intoned. "One who can bend time and space to his will."

Sonic's expression tightened. "So he's the one behind those portals? The rifts that sucked everyone away?"

"Correct," the man replied, slowing his pace. "He's bound to powers even he does not fully understand."

"Huh?" Sonic tilted his head slightly, confusion creeping into his voice.

"Let's just say he's a walking arsenal," the man clarified, gaze drifting across the white void. "And he doesn't even know the full extent of his own strength."

"Okay..." Sonic said slowly, raising a brow. He stepped forward, hands relaxed but ready. "And you're not behind this, right? Because you've got the whole 'mysterious villain who likes to monologue before we fight' vibe going on. I've dealt with Eggman for years. This ain't my first rodeo dealing with weird."

The man turned sharply, halting Sonic in his tracks. His voice dropped lower—more serious. "I am not the enemy." Even through the layers of red, Sonic felt the weight of the man's gaze. His tone was like iron—measured, but sharp enough to cut stone as he continued. "Terios and his faction—The Organization—are responsible for hijacking your party… and abducting your friends."

"The Organization?" Sonic echoed, frowning.

"A group of Nobodies," the man said darkly. "They're the ones behind Terios. They use him as their enforcer."

"Nobodies? Sounds like they're still somebodies to me..." Sonic replied, puzzled.

The man's mouth curved ever so slightly. "You're unfamiliar with the term?"

"I guess so," Sonic admitted, scratching behind his ear. "I know what Heartless are. Fought a bunch on my last adventure. But… Nobodies? That one's new to me."

The man studied the hedgehog curiously, perhaps even cautiously. Then he nodded, lifting a gloved hand and gesturing towards the endless white horizon around them.

"When a strong-willed person loses their heart, the darkness gives birth to two things. The Heartless, who act on instinct..." He paused, letting the words settle. "And the Nobody—what remains. The body and mind, stripped of soul."

Sonic frowned, absorbing that. "So... they're like, hollowed-out versions of people?"

"Precisely." His voice never lost its calm intensity. "Lacking a heart, but clinging to the echoes of who they once were. Some lose everything. Others… remember too much."

Something clicked. Sonic's brow furrowed. He stepped back, gloved hand rising to his chin, eyes cast to the white ground beneath his shoes. His posture shifted—bravado dimmed by dawning realisation.

The man watched with a quiet scrutiny. "You've made a connection."

Sonic looked up, expression hard.

"If what you're saying is true..." he began, voice low, "then that means... one of my friends is a Nobody."

The man gave a slow nod. "The lost Keyblade Master, yes?"

"Yeah... Aqua," Sonic confirmed, the name heavy on his tongue. "She said something about having 'another half'... but if she's what you described—then she's one of them."

"You are correct," the man replied—his voice turning sharper, almost surgical. There was no sympathy in his tone. Only cold judgment. "She is a Nobody. An anomaly. A walking contradiction within the natural order."

"Bit harsh, don't you think?" Sonic snapped, his voice tense. "She helped me in the Realm of Darkness—saved my friend. That doesn't sound like a contradiction or a bad person to me."

"That depends on how much of her former self remains," the man said curtly. "Nobodies may wear familiar faces... but their intentions, their loyalties—they are fractured, unstable. Echoes wearing masks. Cursed fragments pretending to be whole."

Sonic bristled at that. He clenched a fist, wanting to snap back—but stopped himself. This guy clearly had history with these Nobodies. Deep, bitter history. And right now, arguing wouldn't bring back his friends or stop that dark hedgehog.

"Whatever grudge you've got… leave Aqua out of it. Right now, the real problem is this Organization." Sonic's voice was steady—defending a friend who wasn't there to do it herself.

The man nodded once, just enough to acknowledge the point. "Indeed. The Organization remains our main focus. Terios is their instrument—unstable and steeped in temporal power."

Sonic cocked his head. "So this freaky white limbo is his fault?"

"Partly," the man confirmed. "Each time Terios unleashes his powers, he distorts the fabric of space and time. He burns through temporal energy… and what's left behind is this lifeless void—White Space."

Sonic blinked, finally taking in his surroundings. The sky, the ground, the distant horizon—if there even was one—were all the same endless white. A blank nothing.

"Yeah, 'White Space' fits," Sonic muttered. He turned back to the man. "Let me guess—it's their domain? The Organization's personal playground?"

"You are half correct," the man replied.

"Half correct?"

"White Space is a realm caught between time and space," the figure explained calmly. "But also a place where to find is to lose… and to lose is to find."

Sonic sighed loudly. "Fantastic. A void full of riddles. Just what I needed." He threw a hand towards the man. "Look, level with me, spooky. I don't have time for guessing games. I've got friends to rescue and a hedgehog freak to punch square in the jaw."

With a crack of his knuckles and a confident smack of fist to palm, Sonic's cocky edge returned.

The man didn't flinch. "This place you see before you is indeed a realm in-between. But it is connected—intimately—to the Organization's stronghold."

"Which is?"

"Castle Oblivion."

Sonic exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "Wow. Real original..."

"You jest," the man replied, unfazed, "but this place is no mere base of operations."

He turned slightly, his gaze distant—calculating. "Castle Oblivion warps the mind as much as it does space-time. Here, memories can shift… twist. Allies you fought beside, bonds you forged…" He paused. "They may start to slip through your fingers."

Sonic blinked, his earlier snark fading as something unsettling stirred in his chest. "What are you saying? That I'll start forgetting?"

The man didn't answer right away. Instead, he tilted his head, watching Sonic carefully.

"Maybe... or perhaps," he said at last, "you already have."

That hit harder than Sonic expected. Back at the party, he had struggled to remember certain people from his last adventure. And it wasn't just him—Tails, Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, even Cid had shown the same gaps. The more he thought about it, the more it felt deliberate, like the memories had been stolen.

But now, what really bugged him was how this guy knew about it.

"...How do you know that?" he asked quietly, voice taut.

The man chuckled softly—dry, but not cruel.

"I have my ways," he answered cryptically.

Sonic raised a brow, folding his arms. "Figures you're not gonna make this easy and actually tell me."

The man nodded once. "I'm still piecing it together myself. But what I do know is this—" He motioned towards the horizon of endless white. "The Organization is moving against not just you, but others as well."

Sonic tilted his head. "Busy bunch, huh?"

"You could say that."

"So let me get this straight," Sonic said, unfolding his arms and ticking points off on his gloved fingers. "You told me who crashed my party. Dropped that Nobodies exist—and that my friend is one. You know I've got memory issues. And now you're throwing around the name of a place that sounds like it belongs in a haunted hotel chain…"

He paused, then jabbed a finger toward the man. "Okay, mystery guy—who are you, and why are you helping me?"

The man turned toward him slowly. His voice lowered. "My name… is of no importance."

Sonic rolled his eyes. "Of course it's not. Because that would be too easy."

A flicker of amusement, barely there, crossed the man's visible features.

"What is important," he said, "is that I intend to fix what's been broken. The Organization's interference must end. Their plans—erased. Balance must be restored before more fall into their grasp."

Sonic gave a low whistle. "Gotta say… that's one heck of a moral compass you've got there."

"I do what must be done," the man replied flatly.

Sonic smirked. "You and Shadow would probably get along."

The man froze for just a fraction of a second—subtle, but Sonic noticed. When he finally responded, his voice was cooler, more clipped.

"Let us hope not," he muttered, his tone laced with quiet contempt.

Without another word, he turned and strode off, his cloak sweeping behind him with swift, deliberate motion. There was no pause now—only urgency.

"Come. I must show you what Terios's power has wrought before time twists further out of reach," he called out, his tone firm.

Sonic blinked at the sudden shift in tone. He scratched his head, watching the figure move with sharp purpose, hands folded behind his back. "Okay... not a Shadow fan. Got it."

With a sigh, Sonic hurried to catch up, following the man deeper into the unknown—the white expanse stretching infinitely before them.

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories - stops playing]

Meanwhile...

[Disquieting - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - starts playing]

The girl with blonde hair sat quietly near the white room's centre, her pencil dancing across a sketchbook page. Each line shimmered faintly, as though tugging on an unseen thread. Though her expression was calm, her hands trembled—betraying an exhaustion no amount of rest could ease.

Just then, Terios emerged from a corridor of darkness, black wisps swirling around his boots before vanishing. His expression was blank, his red eye hollow with wear—but it softened the moment he saw her.

He took a step forward.

But before he could speak, another voice sliced through the silence.

"Back so soon?" came the familiar drawl—smooth, sarcastic, and hollow of heart. A hooded figure stepped from the far corner, bulky beneath his black coat, posture theatrical and self-assured. His movements were precise, like a stage actor hitting well-worn marks.

"You've done your part, yes?" the cloaked man asked, voice dangerously jovial.

Terios nodded. "Yes. It's done."

"Exquisite." The man clasped his gloved hands together with a mock flourish. "Another domino falls in our elegant little operation. Ah, the beauty of entropy—with just a dash of rewritten fate."

The girl paused drawing, lifting her gaze.

"He'll still come," she murmured. "Sonic always finds a way."

The hooded figure's tone soured instantly, the velvet stripped away.

"You will keep those thoughts to yourself, girl," he snapped. "You have a role. Draw. Manipulate. Shape memories as instructed."

Naminé flinched, fingers tightening around her pencil. Her body obeyed, but her emotions ached.

Terios stepped closer, voice uncharacteristically gentle. "It's alright… Naminé."

She looked up. Her smile was faint but wounded.

The cloaked figure sneered beneath his hood. "Touching. Tragic… but touching."

He turned his back, muttering under his breath, "Just like her…"

"I'm protecting her," Terios said flatly. "That's what they would've wanted."

"You protect her by obeying," the man spat. "White Space must remain strong. Sonic must be removed—permanently. You know what the prophecy said."

Terios's eyes narrowed. "The Blue Devil..." He faltered. His jaw clenched.

"And what you saw was truth, wasn't it?" the hooded man pressed, his voice lower now, insidious.

Terios looked back at Naminé. "I just want to start over. For both of us."

Naminé didn't answer. Her hand returned to the page.

"Then do your part, Terios," the man growled. "Maintain control of White Space. Let it erase the meddlers. End their story—and she'll be safe."

With a final flourish, he vanished into a dark corridor.

Silence returned to the white room.

Terios lingered a moment longer. Then he knelt by Naminé's side, their eyes nearly level.

"You're tired," he said softly.

She resumed drawing, not saying a word.

"I know it's hard," he murmured. "But once this is done… we'll be free. I'll take you somewhere safe. Somewhere they can't follow."

Naminé didn't look up. Terios gave a small nod, then turned, vanishing into another dark corridor.

Alone now, Naminé paused, staring at her sketch. Her sigh echoed faintly in the room's stillness.

"…Please forgive me," she whispered.

The drawing showed Sonic from behind, racing through the lush greenery of Green Hill. A winding path curved ahead through a towering loop. Bright trees and chequered hills basked in golden light, while flowers danced in an unseen breeze.

Naminé closed her eyes.

"You're not the monster they say you are."

But she didn't say it aloud.

The birdcage beside her gave a faint metallic rattle. The tiny doll inside—crafted in her likeness—sat motionless within.

[Disquieting - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - stops playing]

Back in White Space

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories - starts playing]

The blank void stretched endlessly around them, its silence so complete it seemed to swallow their footsteps. Sonic and the man in red continued deeper—each step lighter for the hedgehog, heavier for his companion. Sonic's green eyes narrowed as a flicker of familiarity appeared ahead.

And then—he stopped cold.

"…No way."

It was a hollowed landscape, bleached, and frozen in time.

A place once vibrant with life and loops now stood eerily still. The iconic chequered cliffs were pale stone, leached of their colour. The flowers didn't sway. The palm trees looked carved from ash. Even the waterfalls were silent, frozen mid-cascade. Not even the wind dared pass through.

"Is that… Green Hill?" Sonic murmured, dashing forward to take a closer look.

He reached the edge of the pale lake and looked around, his expression caught between disbelief and pain. "But… it's empty. Like a ghost of itself."

The man in red finally approached, his hands folded calmly behind his back, face solemn beneath the heavy red bandages.

"This place was taken—ripped from the flow of time," he explained, voice level but grave. "Terios's powers has begun corrupting fixed points."

"You mean… he's messing with my past?" Sonic asked, incredulous. "My old adventures?"

"Yes," the man replied without hesitation. "He has bound moments from across space and time—locking them in this realm, drained of colour, life, and purpose. The result… is what you see before you."

Sonic turned back to the landscape. He could still make out the familiar loop-de-loop, the old totem poles, even the arch-shaped cliff he used to spin through as a shortcut. But here, they were monuments to stillness.

"Why?" he asked, fists tightening. "Why mess with this?"

"Because memory and the past shapes identity," the man answered coolly. "If he unravels the foundations of who you are—what you've done, the choices you've made—he gains control. Not just over you, but over those linked to your journey."

"…This is more than just locking me away in a lifeless prison," Sonic realised. "The guy's rewriting history."

"Exactly, trying to trap and erase you from it," the man remarked gravely.

"Damn..." Sonic muttered under his breath, hands on his hips. "I've dealt with a lot—giant monsters, metal copies, you name it. But a time-draining hedgehog and a bunch of husks? Yeah, that wasn't on my bingo card."

The man didn't respond. Instead, he turned his head slightly—his lone visible eye narrowing at something. "You may want to see this."

Sonic frowned and followed his line of sight—only to stop dead in his tracks.

His breath caught.

"Wait…?!"

There, standing motionless near a warped rock outcrop, was the unmistakable form of his best friend.

But something was horribly wrong.

Tails was grey and lifeless. His entire body petrified in monochrome stone. His two tails were frozen mid-swish, like caught in the middle of motion. The expression on his face was one of pure terror—mouth open, eyes wide, an arm outstretched in silent desperation.

He looked less like a statue and more like a trapped moment in time.

"TAILS!" Sonic shouted, rushing toward him.

The man remained silent, watching as Sonic stared in horror at what had become of his friend.

"Come on, buddy, it's me!" Sonic pleaded, grasping the statue's arms. "Snap out of it!"

He shook him—gently at first, then with growing urgency. But the fox remained cold, still, and silent. Sonic's reflection flickered faintly across the colorless surface of the statue's eye.

Behind him, the man in red approached slowly.

"I'm afraid your friend is trapped," he said solemnly. "Frozen in time. A casualty of Terios's manipulation."

"But… why?!" Sonic barked, his voice cracking as his gloved fingers tightened around the stone. "Tails hasn't done anything wrong!"

The man lowered his gaze. "This isn't about justice. Or guilt. It's about control." He stepped beside Sonic, gesturing lightly at the still form of Tails. "Terios knows the strength of your heart. He understands that your will is built on the bonds you've forged. So he targets them. Weakens you by erasing what you stand for."

Dropping his arms, Sonic's fists clenched at his sides, his breath trembling.

"Well, guess what?" he growled, eyes locked on the stone fox. "He messed with the wrong hedgehog. I'm not letting him—or the Organisation—win. Not now. Not ever."

The man gave a subtle nod. "If you wish to restore your friend, you must re-enter this moment in time. Rekindle the energy Terios drained when he froze it. Return colour to this memory—restore the flow."

Sonic blinked, glancing up. "Okay… but how exactly am I supposed to do that?"

The man offered the faintest smile. "By doing what you do best."

"Wait—running?"

"Correct."

Sonic folded his arms, giving the man a sceptical look. "You believe that'll work?"

"I think so."

"That's not the most reassuring answer…"

The man's gaze didn't waver. "I sense the light in your heart. The speed you wield is tied to more than motion—it's tied to momentum, to memory, to friendship. That power can mend what's been broken… if your will remains strong."

Sonic turned back to the statue of Tails, his expression and tone softening. "Hang tight, little bro. I'm gonna fix this—I swear."

The man in red gave a small, respectful nod, his eye catching the flicker of Sonic's determination.

Suddenly, without warning, a shimmering portal sparked open at the centre of the hollowed Green Hill. It pulsed faintly—like a heartbeat—its swirling edges laced with flickers of static and pale light.

Both Sonic and the man turned to it in sync.

"I'm guessing that's my ticket inside?" Sonic asked, glancing towards the anomaly.

The man observed the portal, arms folded behind his back. "Yes. This gateway will take you into the heart of the Green Hill Zone. But be warned—this timeline has been corrupted. What lies within may be more than echoes of the past… threats may bleed in from other points in time."

Sonic drew a slow, steady breath. The weight of the moment pressed down on him—but so did the call to act.

"Alright… here goes nothing," he murmured, stepping towards the portal. Then, pausing with one foot forward, he looked back. "Any last advice?"

The man's voice lowered, calm and firm. "Trust your instincts and your heart. The bonds you share with your friends… that's your anchor. Use it."

Sonic nodded—once, sharply.

Without another word, he darted into the portal, ready to save Tails—and the Green Hill Zone—from the grip of White Space.

The man in red remained still, watching the hedgehog vanish.

"Now… let's see if the past can be outrun."

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories - stops playing]

Unknown Location...

[LEMMiNO – Firecracker begins playing]

There was nothing but darkness.

If White Space was a void of pure white, then this place—this Limbo—was its shadow.

Tails walked slowly, each step cautious, eyes adjusting to the absence of… anything. His mind raced to make sense of what had just happened—how he got here, and why.

"This place… it's like nothing I've ever experienced," he murmured, his voice small beneath the weight of the void.

He pressed on, footsteps steady but tense, eyes flicking left and right in hopes of spotting something—anything. A landmark. A shape. A light.
Nothing. Just darkness stretching on forever.

"Could this be… limbo?" he wondered aloud. "A place between places?"

He paused, brow furrowing, tapping his chin thoughtfully, twin tails swishing behind him.

"That hedgehog…" he muttered. "His power levels were off the charts. Even without my Miles Electric, I felt it. That aura was just... wrong."

He let out a frustrated sigh, throwing his hands up. "Great. Now I'm monologuing in a pocket void. Get it together, Tails. Sonic might be here. The others, too."

Suddenly, his ears twitched—he could hear footsteps.

"!"

They were faint at first. Distant. But growing louder.

Tails turned sharply, eyes narrowing.

A voice drifted through the dark—strained, but familiar.

"Tails? Is that you?"

"Amy?"

She stepped into view, blinking in disbelief, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. A second later, Knuckles emerged beside her, his face set in a stern frown.

Then came Rouge, her gaze constantly shifting, analysing this strange location.

Team Chaotix appeared next—Espio tense and alert, Vector lumbering forward with grim purpose, and Charmy fluttering just above them, visibly rattled.

Cream clutched Cheese tightly, both looking frightened as they moved into view.

And finally, from the shadows at the far end, came Leon, Yuffie, Cid, and Aerith—walking together, their expressions a patchwork of worry, resolve, and disbelief.

One by one, the scattered party converged at Tails's position in the void, drawn together by the instinctive pull of familiarity. In a place with no up or down, no sky or floor, gathering felt like the only sane response to the impossible.

There was a long silence, but Cid was the first one to break it.

"Okay," he said, breaking the hush with a sharp grunt. "What the actual hell just happened back at that party?!"

Yuffie threw up her hands. "You're asking us? I blinked, and suddenly I'm stuck in some horror movie—minus the set design!"

"We were pulled in," Leon said simply, his voice low and calm. "All of us. Through those… rifts."

"They weren't normal portals," Aerith added, glancing around the black nothingness. Her hand reached up to touch her ribbon out of instinct. "The energy coming off them felt... wrong and twisted."

Tails nodded slowly. His twin tails flicked behind him, more from nerves than thought. "It was that hedgehog. The one that appeared from out of nowhere. He raised his hand and… everything just broke."

"I remember that aura," Knuckles said, voice tight. "Like Chaos energy—but wrong. Not wild like Sonic's, not balanced like Shadow's. It was something else."

"He didn't even speak," Rouge muttered, arms crossed, eyes focused on a distant point. "Just showed up and—bam—we're sucked into some kind of dark void."

Vector grunted. "I didn't even get to finish my joke..."

"What was the punchline again?" Charmy asked, blinking.

"Focus!" Espio snapped—more sharply than usual. His usual calm was cracking. "This is serious."

Vector groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, you're right, Espio. My joke about Cid's Gummi Ships can wait..."

"You said what, Croc?" Cid growled. "Care to explain what's wrong with my ships?"

"Cid..." Leon sighed. "Not now."

"But—"

"Cool it, gramps!" Yuffie cut in, half-smirking.

Cid let out a long, gravelly sigh. "Man… a smoke would hit just right about now..."

Nearby, Charmy hovered closer to Cream and Cheese, wings buzzing nervously.

"Do you think we're… dead?" he mused.

"Dead...?" Cream repeated, horrified, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. Cheese let out a heart-wrenching "Chao…" and clung to her as both began to whimper.

"Way to go, Charmy," Amy said bluntly, giving the bee a sharp look.

"What? It's a genuine question!" Charmy defended, flitting back slightly. "I mean, look around!"

"Charmy, maybe save the existential dread for later," Vector muttered, arms crossed. "We've got enough problems without triggering a full-on meltdown."

"Try to stay calm," Aerith added gently, kneeling beside Cream. "If we were gone… we wouldn't still feel so scared."

"And I don't know about you," Yuffie chimed in, hands on hips, "but if this is the afterlife, it sucks!"

Charmy sighed and drooped in the air. "Okay, okay… sorry, everyone."

Cid huffed, then turned toward Tails, eyebrows raised. "So, fox… are we—"

Say the D-word, and you'll find out what happens in the afterlife when I punch you there, gramps," Yuffie snapped, her tone teasing.

"Wow. Even here, you're still threatening to punch me. That's… oddly comforting," Cid muttered bluntly.

Yuffie just smirked.

Nearby, Aerith remained kneeling beside Cream, gently calming the shaken rabbit while Cheese fluttered anxiously overhead. Team Chaotix looked on, visibly perplexed by it all, while Leon scanned the surroundings, his gaze sharp and analytical.

Knuckles glanced at Rouge, then stepped toward Tails, arms tense.

"Tails. Just get us up to speed on your theory," he said firmly. "What's going on in that brain of yours?"

"No, we're not dead..." Tails answered quickly—too quickly, like saying it aloud might tempt fate.

"Well, that's a relief," Vector exhaled with a loud pheew.

"Okay, then where do you think we are?" Leon asked, tone probing but even.

Tails glanced around at the endless blackness. "This place... it feels like some kind of limbo. Not an afterlife—more like a waiting room trapped between places."

"Because of that party crashers energy?" Amy mused, looking to the fox.

"It seems so," Tails confirmed grimly.

Leon folded his arms, shifting his stance slightly. "And that hedgehog—was he Mobian?"

Tails hesitated. "I don't think so. I've never seen him before."

"Sonic said that too," Yuffie added, arms crossed. "Figures, right…"

"But… I could feel something," Tails continued, his brow furrowing. "His power wasn't just off the charts—it was unstable. It was bending space around him."

"But you got no proof...?" Yuffie asked quietly.

Tails shook his head. "Nothing concrete."

"Then how do we get out?" Knuckles snapped, frustration edging his voice. "If that freak can toss us into the void like this, he could do anything."

Tails drew a breath—steady, but uncertain. "I don't know yet. But we're not staying here."

"Damn right we ain't, fox," Cid grumbled.

Aerith rose from beside Cream, slowly turning in place, scanning the shapeless dark. "If there's a way out, we'll find it. Together."

"Right," Leon echoed, voice resolute.

Cream's ears twitched. She looked up, eyes wide.

"I think someone else is coming..." she said, pointing into the dark gloom.

"Chao..." Cheese whimpered, clinging tightly to her shoulder.

The group shifted, eyes turning toward the sound. In the vast silence of Limbo, the approaching steps rang louder than they should have—like each footfall echoed not just through space, but through time itself.

"Sonic?" Tails called out, his voice cracking the quiet like glass. "Is that you?"

But the steps didn't match Sonic's fast, confident stride. They were heavier, slower, and multiplying.

Knuckles took a defensive step forward, fists rising instinctively. "I don't think that's Sonic."

Leon summoned his gunblade with a shimmer of light, holding it low but ready. "Stay sharp."

Then came the light.

It started as a shimmer—like a tear in the blackness. A soft glow bled through, bending the shadows as if even the void didn't dare touch it. The figure that emerged floated inches above the unseen ground, radiant and controlled, like a living star.

The void seemed to tilt slightly around her. Space distorted, gravity shifted. Her presence meant something.

From either side, two others followed her out of the dark. One was lean, a red-furred wolf with a green headset blinking softly over one ear. His stance was firm but nonthreatening.

The other…

"Big?!" Amy gasped, a mix of joy and confusion cracking her voice.

Sure enough, the massive purple feline waddled forward, beaming.

"Hi, everybody!" Big said cheerfully.

"Big?! What are you—how did you—?" Cream broke into a run to meet him, Cheese flitting after her.

"Oh, I was fishing," Big explained, scratching his belly. "Then poof—I'm here. Kinda weird." He looked around vaguely. "Hey, has anyone seen Froggy?"

"Sorry Big, we haven't..." Cream said gently, looking up to the gentle giant.

"Oooh…" Big sighed, drooping. "I hope he's okay..."

"Ok, what... is happening?" Yuffie asked, her voice flat in disbelief, mouth half-open.

"Forget what—how," Rouge muttered, eyes narrowing.

Knuckles stepped toward the red-furred wolf. "And who exactly are you, anyway?"

The wolf gave a silent nod in greeting, calm behind thick-rimmed glasses. His gear was scuffed but functional, his posture steady. A stylised insignia gleamed faintly on the tan belt slung across his waist.

"Silent type, huh?" Knuckles mused.

The wolf—Rookie—nodded once, quickly.

"Do you know who he is, Vector?" Charmy asked, turning to the croc.

"No clue," Vector shrugged. "But he looks like he's seen his fair share of fights."

"There's a quiet strength in him," Espio murmured, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Someone who's been through war... and made it out the other side."

The wolf didn't speak. He didn't need to.

Just then, the glowing woman landed, gently but with force, like the dark void had to agree with her descent. Her short red sash rippled behind her, and a golden starburst shimmered on her chest plate. She crossed her arms as her helmet dissolved into flickers of golden energy, revealing bright blonde hair tipped with light.

Her eyes scanned them—piercing, precise. She radiated authority like it was second nature.

"Alright—who here's responsible for this migraine?"

A silence fell. Everyone stared—some wide-eyed, some squinting, all confused.

The woman cocked an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Yeah, I get that look a lot."

Cid narrowed his eyes, unimpressed. "You're glowing. That a fashion choice or a side effect?"

"Bit of both," she shot back without missing a beat. Then her gaze settled on him—cool, measured, but just sharp enough to sting. "And judging by your tone, I'm guessing you're the team's officially certified grumpy old man?"

A few scattered chuckles broke out. Even Leon looked vaguely amused.

Cid folded his arms, grumbling. "Tch. And here I thought I'd finally met someone who couldn't out-snark me."

"Trust me, you're not the first to try—and fail," The woman replied, the woman shot back, her tone laced with sass.

Leon glanced at Yuffie, who looked openly impressed.

"Oh, I like her," she whispered to him.

That got a few chuckles—nervous, but genuine.

Cid scowled, but the edge of it faded. "Who the hell are you, anyway?"

The woman stepped forward, her voice calm, firm, and final.

"Name's Carol Danvers. Captain Marvel." She looked around at the group gathered before her, then gestured towards the wolf and Big. "I got dumped here like the rest of you. Found these two wandering around this place not long ago." Her gaze swept the void surrounding them. "Wherever this place is..."

Tails stepped forward, his tails twitching. "Captain... you might want to hear us out."

Carol arched a brow. "And you're the smart guy—fox-person—right?"

Tails nodded. "I'm a fox. And I do try."

"Don't sell yourself short, Tails. You're pretty much a genius," Knuckles added, folding his arms with a nod.

"Probably the smartest person here," Rouge chimed in, smirking as her gaze slid to Cid. "Sorry, grumps."

Cid scoffed, clearly annoyed. Yuffie snorted, nearly bursting out laughing. Aerith covered a smile. Leon stayed composed, though his eyes flicked toward Carol again—quietly curious.

On either side of her, Rookie and Big turned to look at her in sync—one with silent focus, the other with blank cheer.

Carol crossed her arms again and looked down at Tails.

"Alright, fox. I'm listening."

[LEMMiNO – Firecracker stops playing]

[White World - Casino Night Zone - Sonic Generations starts playing]

After being torn from his place in time, Classic Sonic found himself somewhere... strange.

The terrain stretched out endlessly in every direction—blank, white, and silent. The young hedgehog had landed in White Space.

Classic Sonic moved through the void, his pace light but cautious. He looked around—nothing but a flat sea of white. A confused frown creased his brow. He scratched his head, shrugged with a half-grin, and kept moving, his feet picking up a quicker rhythm.

Then he saw it.

A shimmering outline took shape ahead, materialising like a corrupted memory loading wrong.

Casino Night Zone.

But not the one he remembered.

Its colours had bled away, the neon lights now little more than flickering ghosts. The once-vibrant skyline loomed overhead, silent and hollow—more like a shadow than a place.

Classic Sonic slowed, eyes wide. His foot tapped in hesitation. He flicked a nearby bulb with a finger. Nothing. Not even a spark lit up.

Then, at the heart of the drained district, he saw it—a swirling portal, pulsing with static.

He glanced back—still nothing behind him but the vast, blank void.

He turned back to the portal. A beat passed.

Then he nodded, face steeling into resolve.

With a steady stride, Classic Sonic stepped forward and vanished into the portal—his body swallowed by static and light.

[White World - Casino Night Zone - Sonic Generations stops playing]

Chapter Text

[Green Hill (Modern) - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Sonic skidded to a stop on familiar terrain. His eyes lit up instantly as he saw the checkered soil, the signature looping hills, and the rhythmic sway of palm trees. The emerald grass shimmered under a perfect sky, waterfalls crashed with energetic blue, and the air carried that unmistakable scent of freedom.

"Green Hill…" Sonic murmured, taking a moment to breathe it all in. "Heh, still looks as gorgeous as ever."

But something tugged at the edge of his senses. It wasn't wrong, exactly—more replaying. Like a stage from his memories on loop, perfect yet hollow in some way he couldn't put into words.

"This place... it's alive, but not living," Sonic said, furrowing his brow as he stepped forward. His green eyes scanned the vivid landscape, unease creeping into his expression. "It's like I'm stuck in a memory reel. Everything's moving—but nothing feels right."

Before Sonic could get another word in, that familiar calm, authoritative voice echoed around him—the mysterious man in red. It flowed through the air like a breeze.

"This version of Green Hill has been disconnected from the flow of time. Terios's influence has anchored this memory to White Space. The colour you see is real, but the life... it's borrowed. And fragile."

"Figures..." Sonic muttered.

"To restore this place—and your friend—you must rekindle the moment. Run it. Feel it. Make it real again."

A grin slowly stretched across Sonic's face. He cracked his neck, then bounced on his heels with the practiced ease of a pro stretching before a show.

"Heh. Don't gotta tell me twice," Sonic replied. "If I've gotta make this place real again, I'm all in."

The voice spoke again, slightly more urgent now, "Be warned—distortions may twist the terrain. I'll guide you when I can. Trust your instincts. Sonic."

"Trust my instincts? C'mon, I could run this place in reverse. But sure, throw in a tip or two—beats listening to Omochao's lectures!"

He smirked at the thought, imagining that overly helpful bot sneezing somewhere in White Space. The voice remained silent—maybe confused, maybe just unimpressed. Sonic liked to think the man in red was blinking behind those bandages, trying to figure out what an "Omochao" even was.

With a cocky thumbs-up to the sky, Sonic locked his gaze on the first loop ahead. The breeze picked up, like the world itself was waiting for him to start.

Without another moment's delay, Sonic launched forward in a streak of blue energy. The roar of his Boost echoed like thunder. The vibrant grass shimmered in his wake, rippling under the sudden gust like a living wave.

The terrain ahead unfurled into a long, winding path that cut through sunlit hills and breezy valleys. Sonic shot down the straightaway, a cyclone of speed and motion, his quills catching the light as dust trailed behind him. The curves came fast, banking left and right with rollercoaster grace—but to a hedgehog born for speed, it was all second nature. He leaned into each turn effortlessly, the world around him a dazzling blur of greens, golds, and sky-blue motion lines.

Running ahead, Sonic didn't need to see it to know it was coming—the first loop-de-loop. It rose ahead like a monument to momentum, its checkered corkscrew shimmering beneath the sun. Sonic's grin widened.

"Now we're talking!" Sonic remarked, voice full of bravado.

He hit it full speed, feet hammering the earth as inertia pulled him vertical. For a moment, upside-down at the loop's apex, he caught a flash of the waterfalls below, glittering with sunlight, the mist catching a rainbow arc in midair.

And then he was descending—down the other side, wind in his quills and a whoop of exhilaration on his lips. The sheer thrill of the loop sent a jolt of energy through him, pure and electric. For just a second, Sonic swore the flowers lining the path bloomed a little wider. The grass behind him shimmered just a shade brighter.

As Sonic blazed onward, he spotted a series of wooden bridges and platforms zigzagging through the landscape. He dashed across the first bridge spanning a shallow ravine, the planks rattling beneath his rapid footfalls. Below, crystal-clear water shimmered between smooth stones, catching glints of sunlight.

Out of the corner of his eye—splash! A small Chopper badnik burst from the stream, its metallic jaws snapping toward him like a wind-up toy with an attitude.

"Whoa!"

Sonic jumped on instinct, just in time for the Chopper to miss his tail by inches. It dropped back into the stream with a disgruntled kerplunk, spraying droplets behind it. Sonic landed on the far side and laughed.

"Heh. Some things never change." Even in a world twisted by memory and time, Eggman's machines were still giving it their best shot to stop me."

Just ahead, a Dash Panel gleamed in the sunlight, embedded at the edge of the next platform. Its familiar arrow pulsed, practically begging to be hit. Sonic didn't need a second invitation.

He slammed into it at full speed—WHOOSH!—and was launched forward in a vibrant streak of motion. The world whipped past as springy ledges came into view. He bounced from one to the next, each launch sending him higher into the blue sky.

"Wahoo!" he cried, flipping through the air like a fireworks display in motion.

Tucking into a mid-air roll, Sonic couldn't resist showing off—throwing in a stylish flip, then striking a quick pose as he twisted through the sky. No audience. No fanfare. Just Sonic being Sonic. Still, he could almost hear a phantom announcer in his head shout, "Cool!"

The hedgehog landed in a crouch on a rocky outcrop, immediately transitioning back into a sprint. The terrain dipped, guiding him into a wide cavern carved into the hillside. The shift from sunlight to shadow was jarring—the open skies replaced by a hush of stone and mist. Pale beams of sunlight streamed through cracks in the ceiling, casting shifting patterns across the cave's shimmering walls.

Stalactites dripped from above, and shallow pools mirrored the ceiling with an eerie calm. The cave floor was slick beneath his feet, with a cool subterranean river weaving through it. The soft-lap-lap-lap-of water echoed faintly—the first natural ambience Sonic had heard since entering this fragment of reality. It grounded him, motivating the hedgehog forward.

Up ahead, spanning the flooded cavern, three gleaming grind rails hovered just above the water's surface. They sparkled under the stray beams of light, practically daring him to jump on.

With a nimble leap, Sonic landed on the leftmost rail, his friction-proof soles sending a trail of blue sparks flying behind him. The familiar sensation surged through him—momentum, balance, speed. He crouched low, the wind hissing past his ears. The rails curved and twisted through the cave, crisscrossing and looping like they were custom-built for him.

Sonic grinned and sprang between rails just for fun, feet landing clean every time.

Midway through the ride, a line of golden Dash Rings appeared in sequence. He flew through them, launching him forward in pulse-quickening bursts. The spray of water on either side caught the golden glow, throwing dazzling reflections across the cavern walls.

Adrenaline surged. His heart pounded.

"Now this… this was fun."

For a moment, he could forget about frozen timelines and gapped memories—this was a perfect loop, a pure moment of motion.

And then the moment broke.

The man in red's voice echoed through the cave, sudden and sharp.

"Be vigilant, Sonic. I sense something… large, moving in the water!"

Sonic's ears twitched at the warning The water beside him began to ripple—no breeze, just rising waves in still air. A deep, low rumble echoed through the tunnel walls, the kind that prickled the back of his neck.

Realisation struck. His eyes widened.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Sonic groaned.

With an explosive splash, something massive erupted from the underground river behind him. Razor-sharp teeth flashed in the dim light as a monstrous shape burst from the water — a Mega Chopper, an absurdly oversized version of the old-school badnik. Its red-and-white metal plating gleamed, and its hinged jaws snapped open and shut with a series of menacing metallic clangs. Its crimson eyes were locked onto Sonic like he was the day's main course.

"Yikes! I'm not on the menu!" Sonic yelped, crouching low and pouring more speed into his grind.

The Mega Chopper let out a mechanical roar — or was that a revving engine? — before diving, then breaching the water again in a blur of mass and momentum. Its jaws clamped down just behind Sonic, shearing the rail he'd been on into sparking shards.

CRUNCH!

The impact trembled through the structure — Sonic felt it buzz through his soles. A half-second slower, and he'd have been fish food.

Water exploded around him as the robotic leviathan zig-zagged through the flooded cavern, leaping and snapping at Sonic with terrifying persistence. The hedgehog gritted his teeth and stayed focused. This overgrown scrap heap wasn't going to ruin his run.

The rail twisted upward into a spiral. Sonic rode the curve, then chanced a glance over his shoulder — and instantly regretted it.

The Mega Chopper was still there, its dorsal fin slicing the water like a torpedo. With each leap it snapped closer, jaws missing him by inches.

"Too slow!" Sonic taunted, masking the tension in his chest with a cocky smirk. He flipped to the center rail just as the creature bit through the one he'd vacated—CRACK! Sparks flew and metal groaned.

The beast snarled—or did something that sounded like it—and dove again.

The rails ahead split into multi-tiered paths. Sonic made split-second calls, leaping between them to dodge debris and broken segments. A row of nasty overhead spikes loomed ahead—he sprang, tucking into a roll mid-air and landing clean on the next rail. The spikes scraped harmlessly beneath him.

The Mega Chopper? Not so nimble. It bulldozed through the spike cluster, shattering them like matchsticks. The entire cave trembled. Stalactites cracked and splashed into the water, echoing through the chamber.

"Hang on, Sonic!" the voice called out, strained but trying to stay calm. "The exit is just ahead. You must—"

"Little busy right now!" Sonic shouted back, ducking as a low-hanging rock zipped overhead.

Up ahead, the rail veered sharply upward, beginning a steep incline into a narrow tunnel — a vertical chute. Light gleamed at the far end.

There it was — the exit!

Sonic leaned forward, coaxing every drop of speed out of his grind. The Mega Chopper groaned again and lunged upward, forcing its mechanical bulk into the rising shaft, water blasting behind it like a geyser. The tunnel walls rattled. The grind rail sparked and Sonic's muscles tensed.

The rail shot upwards through a jagged hole in the cave's ceiling, and Sonic rocketed along it like a rollercoaster cresting a final hill. Just as he reached the top of the tunnel, the rail abruptly ended, flinging Sonic into the open air outside. He had cleared the cavern! A gleam of daylight – real, warm daylight – greeted him as he soared out of the hole.

Below him, the Mega Chopper made one last desperate leap out of the tunnel, its jaws snapping inches from Sonic's heels. The great metal fish sailed out into open air, flailing as it realized (perhaps too late) that it could not fly. Gravity soon had its say. Sonic heard a metallic screech of frustration as the Mega Chopper fell back down the hole, defeated, and landed with an earth-shaking splash in its watery domain.

Splash!

Rivulets of water and drops of oil rained down around the exit of the cave, but Sonic was already long gone, sailing toward solid ground.

He landed on a grassy plateau, skidding a bit before regaining full balance. Sonic took a moment to catch his breath, his heart still pounding from the thrill.

"Hah… so much for Catch of the Day!" he quipped, unable to resist a cheeky remark now that he was safely out of the badnik's reach.

The man in red's voice chimed in, equal parts impressed and relieved. "Your reflexes never cease to amaze. That creature was no simple adversary."

Sonic brushed off some dust from his shoulders and smirked. "Piece of cake. Though next time, maybe give me a heads-up before the giant robo-fish tries to eat me," he said with a laugh. "Your tips are still way more useful than Omochao's, for the record."

One could almost hear the faintest hint of a deep chuckle from the man in red's voice at Sonic's comment.

The hedgehog didn't rest for long as he sped off once more.

The path ahead beckoned Sonic, weaving through valleys and cliffs of Green Hill's higher elevations. This part of the Zone was trickier, designed to test skills rather than pure speed. Rocky spires rose around him, and sun-bleached totem poles from long-forgotten tribes jutted out of the ground, their faces carved in stone. Sonic leapt across a row of crumbling platforms that spanned a wide chasm. The moment his weight landed on them, the platforms began to wobble and crack. He had to move quickly – each platform tumbled into the abyss just a heartbeat after he jumped off it.

"Better keep moving," he told himself, feet a blur as he bounded from one unstable perch to the next.

Pebbles and debris rained down into the void below as the ground gave way behind him. It was a stark reminder that this timeline was indeed fragile; it wouldn't hold together unless he succeeded.

Halfway across the crumbling path, a familiar darkness swirled on one of the larger stone platforms ahead. Inky black puddles of shadow formed, completely out of place under the bright sky. Sonic's eyes narrowed as small creatures began to emerge from those shadows with an eerie, liquid grace. Heartless – those dark creatures with glinting yellow eyes and antenna-like horns. Several Shadow Heartless pulled themselves up from the ground, their expressionless faces turning towards Sonic. Alongside them, a couple of larger, armoured Soldier Heartless popped into existence.

Sonic skidded to a halt on a stable ledge just short of the Heartless-infested platform. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Heartless? Here?!" he exclaimed, eyebrows shooting up. "They only showed up on Mobius recently—no way they were ever in Green Hill back in the day!"

The calm voice of his mysterious ally echoed promptly in response.

"White Space is causing timelines to bleed into each other," he explained, his tone serious. "Creatures of darkness like the Heartless are drawn to the destabilised energy here. Stay on guard."

Sonic's ears flattened slightly; he didn't need a reminder of how irritating the Heartless could be—he'd faced more than enough on his last adventure. Still, there was something oddly comforting about the man's voice. It had that steady, all-knowing quality… like a mission control that actually knew what it was doing. (Sorry, Omochao...maybe.)

One of the Soldier Heartless lunged forward, spinning like a top with a wild kick – clearly impatient to brawl.

"Alright, you want some? Come and get it!" Sonic challenged, planting his feet.

The instant the Soldier closed in, Sonic sprang into action. He launched himself in a fierce Spin Attack. He collided with the Soldier mid-spin, the impact shattering the Heartless into black vapour with a single hit. The remaining Heartless swarmed, claws outstretched and eyes glowing with malice. But Sonic was already a step ahead – literally.

He dashed into their midst, zigzagging so rapidly that he left after-images.

WHAM!

A swift roundhouse kick dispatched a Shadow that tried to pounce at him from the right. A quick somersault dodge and an upwards Homing Attack took out another that had leaped from above, his homing energy guiding him squarely to its mark. Sonic was a flurry of motion – to an observer, it looked like chaos, but he was in total control. One by one, the Heartless fell to his strikes.

"Hmph. You guys fold quicker than a bad hand of cards in Wonderland," Sonic said, watching the last wisp of darkness evaporate.

"Good. Keep moving," the man in red encouraged. "The integrity of this world improves with every step you take."

Sonic nodded, already on it. The confrontation had barely slowed him down. With a running start, he leaped off the last solid ledge, clearing the now-empty platform where the Heartless had ambushed him. He landed on a spring pad embedded in the ground on the other side. The pad reacted instantly, compressing under Sonic's weight then launching him straight upward like a catapult. Sonic yelped in surprise as he shot up alongside a vertical rock face. It wasn't an unwelcome surprise – he did need to go up, after all.

Propelled by the spring, Sonic ascended a narrow shaft between cliffs, flanked by rocky walls peppered with jungle foliage. He bounced off another spring pad midway, sending him further up and through a break in the cliffside. At the top of the shaft, he caught the edge of a ledge and pulled himself up. He was now high above much of Green Hill, atop one of its iconic plateaus. From here, he could see a panoramic view of the Zone's features: the winding rivers, lush grasslands, and loop structures were laid out below like a giant playground. Overhead, blocky floating platforms hung in mid-air, defying gravity. In the distance, he could even spot the towering totem that marked where the Zone would normally end. And just beyond that his eyes fixed on a gleaming, circular object rotating slowly in a field of flowers. The Goal Ring! It shimmered golden in the light, beckoning him to finish the act and set things right.

"All right, the finish line's in sight!" Sonic declared, feeling a surge of excitement.

However, getting there wouldn't be straightforward. A series of suspended platforms and narrow ledges formed the only path forward, and they looked ready to crumble at a moment's notice.

Sonic took a deep breath. "No sweat… I've handled worse after a heavy chili dog lunch." With a light chuckle at his own expense, he dashed ahead.

The floating platforms tilted under Sonic's rapid steps, some beginning to descend once his weight left them. He hopped between them in quick succession, barely touching each one for more than a second. The final platform was set to glide horizontally. Sonic landed on it and felt it moving – it was sliding along a track in the air, ferrying him toward the last landmass.

"Always convenient!" Sonic joked.

He rode it as it carried him over a wide gap. Halfway across, however, a loud crack sounded from above. Sonic's eyes darted upward just in time to see a large chunk of rock, likely dislodged by all the recent commotion, tumbling straight toward him!

Reacting in a split second, Sonic quick-stepped to the side of the moving platform, the falling boulder smashing down where he'd stood and breaking the platform in two. The makeshift ride lurched and began to drop. Sonic didn't hesitate – he sprang off the collapsing edge and spin-dashed towards the solid ground ahead. He landed rolling and transferred smoothly back to his feet. Behind him, the broken platform and boulder plummeted into the gulf below. Sonic let out a short sigh of relief.

"That was close. This place is literally coming apart at the seams," he murmured, then looked forward once more. "Just a little further to go!"

The final stretch lay out before him as a sunlit meadow that sloped gently downhill. It would have been a leisurely run under normal circumstances, but Sonic could already spot obstacles dotting the path. The terrain was scarred with the remnants of distortion – cracks in the ground, stray chunks of debris, even a couple of Eggman's Motobug badniks roaming mindlessly. It was as if Terios twisted this world to make absolutely sure Sonic didn't get an easy victory.

"A straight road with some bumps? Now that's more my style!"

The hedgehog kicked into high gear, sprinting down the lane with the Goal Ring glittering in the distance. Almost immediately, two Motobugs revved their engines and sped toward him. These ladybug-like robots might have been threatening to a slower foe, but to Sonic, they were just moving target practice. Without even breaking stride, Sonic activated his Boost once more. A surge of blue energy enveloped him as he became a near-unstoppable blur. He barreled straight through the Motobugs like a bowling ball through pins.

CRASH!

The two badniks went flying off the sides of the road, exploding into scrap metal that rained down onto the grass.

"Outta my way!" Sonic whooped, the thrill of speed building in his chest.

He deftly swerved around a bend, the Quick Step ability allowing him to make lightning-fast lateral moves. Good thing, too – up ahead the path suddenly narrowed between rocky outcroppings, and several large cracks formed low arches that blocked the way. They looked just barely high enough for Sonic to slide under. Spotting the first crack in time, Sonic dropped into a slide, legs extended forward, and slid under the stony overhang like a baseball player stealing home. He slid out the other side, popped back onto his feet, and immediately side-stepped to dodge a jutting tree root that threatened to trip him. The run had become a makeshift obstacle track, but Sonic was in the zone now.

He continued this way down the homestretch: ducking under another fallen column, weaving around a half-buried totem pole, and hopping over one oddly-placed step in the ground. He nearly stumbled on that – the small ledge caught the tip of his shoe and he had to windmill his arms comically for balance before regaining momentum.

"Phew, not today," he laughed, privately thanking his excellent reflexes; and maybe luck.

As if the Zone was making one last attempt to stop him, a cluster of darkness erupted on the final approach to the Goal Ring. More Heartless sprang forth, forming a line of opposition. Shadows writhed and clawed at the air, and Soldiers brandished their sharp limb-armour, ready to cut Sonic off mere meters from victory.

Sonic narrowed his eyes at the creatures. He could take the time to brawl, but why bother when he had a full head of steam?

"Sorry, I don't have time to play with you right now!" he shouted.

Pouring on every ounce of speed he had left, Sonic boosted straight towards the Goal Ring, plowing through the line of Heartless like a runaway train. The impact was tremendous – dark figures were flung aside in an instant, dissolving into black mist almost before they hit the ground. Sonic left them no chance to recover; the wake of his speed tore them apart. When the blue blur cleared the swarm, nothing remained of the Heartless but fading motes of darkness.

"Outstanding," the voice remarked in a rare moment of open praise. "Now, finish it!"

Ahead, the terrain opened into a circular grassy clearing, surrounded by gently swaying flowers. A low wooden fence encircled the area, and at its centre hovered the giant Goal Ring, slowly rotating in mid-air – a beacon marking the end of Sonic's trial.

Sonic could feel it in his heart: once he touched that Goal Ring, Green Hill would be freed from Terios's grip and Tails would finally be saved.

The hedgehog dashed into the clearing at top speed.

"Here we… GO!" he shouted triumphantly, leaping up to grab the Goal Ring as it spun.

The instant he brushed the ring's surface, a wave of energy rippled out from it. A warm, golden light washed over the clearing like a sudden sunrise. Sonic felt a familiar ching sound reverberate – a signal that the act was cleared.

"YES!" Sonic punched the air in victory, a huge grin on his face.

[Green Hill (Modern) - Sonic Generations - stops playing]

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

[White Space - Green Hill Zone - Sonic Generations starts playing]

Sonic stood amid the gently swaying grass of Green Hill Zone, breathing in the nostalgic scent of wildflowers and sunshine. Though the wind still carried warmth, something in the air felt thinner now.

A soft hum echoed behind him as a corridor of darkness opened across the field. From it stepped the man in red, hands clasped behind his back, posture regal and deliberate as he approached with unhurried purpose.

"Excellent work," the man said, his voice as smooth and composed as ever. "But our task is far from complete."

Sonic gave a sharp nod, glancing around. "Yeah, I know. But still... it was good to run through Green Hill again. Felt like the old days—even if it did seem like it was falling apart."

The man offered a measured nod. "Your presence has helped stabilise space-time. This moment is beginning to restore itself. A ripple undone."

"That's great to hear," Sonic replied, planting his hands on his hips with a faint grin. "Guess I am making a difference after all."

The man turned slightly, casting his gaze towards the blue sky. "Come. It's time we returned to White Space. With your success here, the chances of rescuing Tails from stasis have improved."

Sonic clenched a gloved fist, eyes full of resolve. "Then let's make it happen. I can't wait to see the look on his face when I explain all this."

"You think he'll be surprised?" the man asked, almost amused.

Sonic chuckled, rubbing the back of his head as he followed the man toward the portal. "Actually… nah. He'll probably already have his theories lined up."

The man said nothing—but Sonic could've sworn he caught the faintest smirk as they stepped together into the swirling corridor.

Green Hill faded behind them—its colour lingering for just a moment longer—before the corridor snapped shut, leaving the zone in silence once more.

Limbo

[LEMMiNO - Firecracker starts playing]

"So let me get this straight," Carol said dryly, arms crossed as her boots tapped lightly against the formless, weightless, dark surface beneath them. "A mysterious hedgehog crashes your buddy's birthday party, casually tears open reality like it's wrapping paper—and now we're stuck in this pitch-black purgatory?"

"Pretty much," Tails said, a little more cautiously this time. "When the portals opened, I caught glimpses of locations—places I know. They looked like moments from the past. Or at least, mine and Sonic's."

Carol exhaled slowly through her nose. "Right…" She scanned the unfamiliar faces surrounding her. "Well, for what it's worth, I don't know any of you. And I've never met this Sonic before."

Leon folded his arms. "I've never seen you before, Captain," he said to Carol, then glanced towards the large purple feline. "I have heard about you, Big."

"Oh,  hope they were nice things?" Big asked sweetly.

Leon gave a small smile. Even Big had that effect on him.

Then he turned to Rookie. "But the wolf…" He nodded to the silent hero. "I don't know anything about you."

"Yeah, those two are new to me too," Knuckles added, giving Carol and Rookie a quick once-over. "Not that I'm great with names, but I'd remember a woman who glows like a firework and a wolf who never says a word."

Rookie merely shrugged—but his ears twitched at the mention of Sonic. His expression, usually unreadable, softened at the sound of the name, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

Tails noticed. "You… know Sonic, don't you?" he asked gently.

Rookie gave a firm nod.

"That's strange," Amy murmured. "He knows Sonic—but Sonic hasn't mentioned him. Not to us, anyway."

"Could it be possible he hasn't met these two yet?" Rouge suggested, folding her arms. Her tone was calm, but probing.

"You mean… they're from another point in time?" Tails said, eyes narrowing as the idea clicked.

"You mentioned snapshots of the past," Rouge continued. "But what if some weren't all just memories… But some glimpses of what's to come?"

Tails blinked. "You mean… fragments from the future?"

She nodded, gesturing towards Carol and Rookie. "Exactly. Others we're destined to meet—but haven't. Yet."

"That… makes sense, I think," Yuffie chimed in, scratching her head. She glanced at Aerith.

"Maybe," Aerith replied with a soft shrug.

"Great," Cid muttered. "Now the future's involved too. What's next—get Silver and call it a reunion?"

"Silver?" Carol asked, brow raised.

"Another hedgehog," Amy answered.

"He has psychokinesis," Aerith added softly.

Carol blinked. "Okay… but don't tell me he's from the future too," she said, giving the group a skeptical look.

"About that..." Espio replied, perfectly deadpan.

"Figures."

"Hey, you asked..." Charmy remarked, buzzing next to his Team Chaotix team mate.

Amy tilted her head, looking to Tails. "So… that hedgehog is pulling from more than just the past?"

"It would make sense," Tails agreed, hand on his chin. "If this is a space outside time, then time itself likely doesn't apply."

"Like a temporal junk drawer," Vector added, stepping into the conversation. "You don't know what's gonna fall in—just a bunch of stuff you forgot existed… or haven't even seen yet."

Carol raised a brow. "Thanks for the poetic breakdown, crocodile."

"You're welcome," Vector replied with mock pride. "I moonlight as a philosopher between detective gigs."

"You should see him rehearsing his lines," Charmy buzzed happily. "He's a natural!"

"And to woo Aerith, right?" Yuffie teased, shooting a glance at Vector—then at Aerith.

"Hey now—!" Vector sputtered, but it was too late.

Aerith giggled. The rest of the group groaned or chuckled.

"I knew it…" Yuffie teased.

Leon stepped forward toward Tails, cutting through the banter. "Back to the problem at hand. Tails, what else are you thinking?"

Tails tapped his foot, deep in thought. "Carol and our mute friend could've been pulled in because their connection to us—past or future—is strong enough to register here."

Cream looked between them all. "Then… they might become our friends later?"

"Chao Chao!" Cheese chirped, nodding enthusiastically.

"Or enemies," Cid muttered. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, rabbit and, uh… whatever that is."

"Cheese is a Chao," Espio clarified calmly.

"And you're a ray of sunshine, Cid" Yuffie sighed.

Cid shrugged. "Can't be too careful."

Carol didn't speak, but her eyes practically carved into Cid. Rookie, too, was staring—not unkindly, but unblinking.

"…Did it get hot in here, or is it just me?" Cid grumbled, shifting uncomfortably.

"I don't know," Carol replied, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "You tell me."

Knuckles grunted, stepping back into the conversation with arms folded like iron bars. "Still, it doesn't explain why we didn't land in one of the places you saw, Tails. You said you recognised snapshots of the past. But this?" He gestured at the black, depthless void around them. "This doesn't look like anything. Unless one of us passed out watching a late-night infomercial for sensory deprivation tanks."

"You have a TV on Angel Island?" Rouge asked dryly.

"No. But I know what an infomercial is," Knuckles replied, slightly offended.

"Can we not drag bad programming into this?" Vector grunted, hands on hips. "This place already feels like a void with a subscription to awkward silences."

"Not the worst analogy I've heard," Leon said with a stoic smirk.

Carol rubbed her temples. "Look, I don't care when I'm from—or if this place is some memory dump or cosmic loading screen. If that weird hedgehog you mentioned is responsible, I want to punch them in the jaw."

"Subtle," Vector sighed.

"Efficient," Carol countered.

Rookie stepped up beside her with a quiet nod, his expression calm but serious.

Yuffie tilted her head at him. "Still not gonna talk, huh?"

Rookie shook his head.

"…Cool. Mysterious," Yuffie muttered. "I guess it's growing on me, dude."

Tails sighed, his expression grounded. "I really wish I had more answers. But for now, all I know is this: the places I saw in the portal—those were familiar. They had colour and shape. This…" he gestured with one gloved hand, "doesn't. It's like we were intercepted. Landed somewhere in-between."

"Limbo," Amy echoed. "You said that before, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I did" Tails nodded. "A place stuck in-between places."

"So basically… a waiting room of some kind," Vector groaned. "Awesome."

"I miss Froggy," said Big, his tone sombre.

Carol looked sideways at him. "You're going to say that again shortly, aren't you?"

"…Probably."

"Still, I think there might be clues here… somewhere," Tails said, scanning the empty expanse. "Something to support everything. Maybe even an exit…"

Cid threw his arms up. "Look around us, fox!" he barked. "You see anything that tells you where we are or where to go? I just see darkness!"

Tails hesitated, taken aback by the outburst. "Well… I…"

"At least he's trying, Cid!" Yuffie snapped, stepping forward with her hands planted on her hips.

"Tails is doing his best," Cream added, her voice small but firm as she moved to his side.

"Chao chao!" Cheese chimed in angrily, glaring at Cid with surprising intensity.

Amy folded her arms. "Seriously. Maybe try helping instead of yelling."

"Take it easy, I was ju—"

"No!" Yuffie cut him off, voice rising. "All you've done is complain since we got here! You're out of tea, out of smokes, and out of patience—but so's everyone else!"

Cid opened his mouth to argue—then paused, his eyes scanning the group.

Amy. Knuckles. Rouge. Vector. Espio. Charmy. Leon. Aerith. Cream and Cheese. Even the newcomers—Carol, Big, and that silent wolf Rookie—were all watching him now, half-expecting another grumble, half-daring him to keep going.

"…Damn," Cid muttered, exhaling like he'd just downed motor oil and pride in one gulp. "Alright. The fox is tryin'. Sorry. I'll shut up."

"Good idea," Aerith said softly, but firmly.

"Best thing you've said all day," Yuffie added sharply.

"Well, that's one way to shut Cid up," Leon admitted, looking to the ninja.

Yuffie nodded, hands on hips. "Now if only we could shut this place up and get the heck out of here."

"This Limbo has all the charm of an unplugged arcade machine," Vector muttered, rubbing his temples. "No noise, no lights, and definitely no high scores."

"Yeah, it's too quiet…" Charmy added, clearly unsettled.

Big blinked and looked around, concerned. "I still miss Froggy…"

"And there it is…" Carol groaned, casting a look at the gentle giant. "That was like... sixty seconds."

"He's my best friend," Big mumbled, shoulders drooping. "I'm worried about him, that's all…"

Carol sighed. "Yeah. We'll find him," she said—less annoyed now, more genuine. "I promise."

Suddenly, the group fell silent.

The air—if it could even be called that—shifted. A low hum built from nowhere, like the static charge before a storm. Every hair stood on end. Something had changed.

Tails staggered, with everyone turning sharply.

"Whoa—Tails?" Amy called out, alarm creeping into her voice.

Tails clutched his head, then his chest. His form pulsed faintly, edges rippling like a mirage. A pale light shimmered around him—thin at first, but steadily growing.

"I… I feel strange…" he whispered. "Like something's pulling me."

"Pulling where?" Knuckles stepped toward him, fists clenched.

Leon instinctively drew his gunblade. "Is it that hedgehog?"

"No…" Tails's voice was tight. "But it feels… familiar. Like a signal cutting through the dark. I think… someone's calling me."

Amy's heart skipped. "Sonic?"

"I don't know," Tails admitted. "But it feels… warm and hopeful. Like him."

The glow around him brightened in pulses—steady, rhythmic. It wasn't harsh—it was almost peaceful, like the world was gently peeling him away.

Cream stepped forward, Cheese floating next to her. "Please don't go!"

"I… don't think I have a choice," Tails said through gritted teeth. "Whatever this is… it's not hurting me. It feels like a hand reaching out. I think… someone's pulling me free!"

Cid scowled. "Then tell 'em to grab the rest of us while they're at it!"

"Please..." Charmy added.

Carol furrowed her brow, arms folded. "This is like a corrupted spatial tether… like something's reeling him in through a frayed connection."

Yuffie blinked. "...And that means what, exactly?"

"Means he's getting out," Carol said bluntly. "And we're not."

Rookie didn't speak—but his ears twitched. His eyes narrowed slightly, tracking the rhythm of the light. Something about it felt expected.

"TAILS!" Amy cried, reaching out towards him.

Tails turned, his expression strained but determined. "I'll try to find a way to help you all! I promise!"

There was one final surge of light—bright, gentle, silent.

Then, he was gone.

No flash. No sound. Just a ripple in the dark where he had stood, and then… nothing.

Silence pressed in.

"…Well," Vector said, breaking the hush, "that happened."

Cream stared at the empty space, eyes wide. "Why did he disappear and not us?"

"Chaooo…" Cheese echoed, curling tighter in her arms.

"Because he's the smart one," Rouge murmured dryly.

"I'm standing right here," Cid growled.

"And you just proved my point," she said, not even glancing at him.

"She got you good there, Cid," Yuffie teased.

"..." Cid grumbled.

Carol let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. "So we've got confirmation—extraction is possible. Just about as stable as a cardboard raft in a hurricane."

"Assuming he was rescued," Knuckles muttered. "It could've been something else."

"No," Leon said, voice firm. "He didn't resist it or looked scared. He trusted it."

Aerith stepped forward, gazing at the dim space where Tails had vanished. "It could have been Sonic. Their bond is strong enough to break through whatever this place is."

Big slowly looked around the group. "I hope Tails finds Froggy…"

Carol gave him a deadpan stare. "You're gonna say that again in five minutes, aren't you?"

"…Maybe."

Yuffie let out a shaky sigh. "Okay…but what now?"

Leon turned to her, resting his gunblade on his shoulder. "Now? We wait. We stay sharp. If someone can pull us out, we'll be ready."

"And we don't give up hope," Amy added quietly, placing a hand to her heart. "Not ever."

Chapter Text

[Casino Night Zone - Act 1 - Sonic Generations starts playing]

After leaving the white void behind, Classic Sonic found himself overlooking a familiar yet eerie sight. He had stepped into Casino Night Zone. The sprawling casino city he remembered from a past adventure was here, but its vibrant colours were washed-out and dim. Neon signs that once blazed "SONIC" and "CASINO" now barely flickered, casting weak glows across the dark-gold architecture sonic. The festive starry night sky was silent, and the upbeat music that usually hummed in these streets was replaced by an unsettling hush.

Sonic's eyes widened as he took in the carnival around him. He tapped a giant unlit neon palm tree with a gloved finger. Not a spark. This place was like a memory running on half power. The young hedgehog furrowed his brow in confusion but didn't falter. With a determined nod, he decided he'd bring this place back to life the only way he knew how: by racing through it and smashing anything in his way.

Taking a deep breath, Sonic leapt down from the ledge and onto a red-and-blue striped pathway. The zone immediately responded to his presence. Lights along the path glimmered faintly with each of his footsteps, as if awakening from a long sleep. In the distance, he could make out all the classic features of Casino Night Zone scattered about: towering pinball flippers, gleaming bumpers, gaudy slot machines embedded in walls, and spring-loaded catapults poised to launch him like a pinball. It was a playground of chance and velocity – just how he remembered.

Classic Sonic grinned; a good run was a good run. He kicked into a light jog that quickly became a full sprint, streaking through the zone. The faster he ran, the more the environment seemed to stir. Dull neon panels flickered to life in rainbow hues as he passed, and a distant jingle of slots echoed as if cheering him on. The zone was waking up – and Sonic was more than happy to be its alarm clock.

Sonic barely made it a hundred yards before the ground dropped out beneath him. With a silent, surprised expression, he tumbled into a wide pinball chamber below. He landed deftly on his feet atop a springy platform, knees bending to absorb the impact. Above him loomed a pair of giant neon flippers on either side of a U-shaped pit– just like a real pinball table. High walls studded with bumpers surrounded him, each bumper marked by a five-pointed star. Sensing an opportunity for fun, Sonic curled into a ball and bounced off the nearest bumper.

Boing!

Suddenly, a joyous chime rang out and a cascade of golden Rings burst forth from the bumper he'd hit. Sonic uncurled in mid-air, eyes widening in delight. From his last adventure at Casino Night Zone, bouncing off bumpers would only rack up points; here they showered him with actual Rings. The hedgehog snagged the floating Rings out of the air with a quick spin.

"Hey, I'm not complaining!" he thought, flashing a satisfied smirk.

Every bumper or drop-target he hit in this version of Casino Night gifted him Rings instead of points, a welcome surprise that made him feel like he'd hit the jackpot.

Grinning, Sonic dashed around the pinball pit, deliberately springing into bumpers and drop targets. The small drop targets changed colour each time he touched one – green, then yellow, then red – until they vanished in a poof, releasing a ring or two as reward. Sonic whirled about, collecting the loot in the air. With each ring added to his total, he felt a bit more confident, a bit more grounded. The once-silent hall was now alive with the cheerful-ding-ding-ding-of bumpers and the rustle of Rings being collected.

However, as fun as bouncing around was, Sonic had places to go. Spotting a series of green-and-white flippers at the bottom of the pit, he knew exactly what to do. He rolled into a ball and dropped onto one flipper's broad surface. The neon green flipper reacted instantly – ping! – launching Sonic upward at an angle. The hedgehog whooshed through the air and ricocheted off a wall bumper, adjusting his trajectory toward the opposite flipper. He hit it just right, and whoosh! – the second flipper sent him soaring even higher, right towards a ledge in the upper wall of the chamber.

At the peak of his jump, Sonic uncurled and reached out. His fingers just caught the edge of the ledge, and with a quick acrobatic flip he pulled himself up and out of the pit. He landed on solid ground in a mid-level pathway, shaking off the dizzy pinball experience. The path ahead split into multiple routes. One route veered upwards along a glowing conveyor belt, while another sloped downward into a tunnel lit by flickering red lights. Sonic paused, tapping his foot as he considered. High routes usually meant speed; low routes meant tight tunnels and maybe more hazards.

With a shrug, Sonic jumped onto the upward-moving conveyor belt. The belt whirred under his feet, carrying him towards an upper platform. He had to hop off quickly to avoid being dumped backward by the fast-moving belt. Now on a higher ridge, he blasted forward again, thrilled by the neon scenery whipping past. Flashing signs overhead read "SONIC" and "MILES", their lights growing steadily brighter the further he progressed. It was as if his sheer energy was powering the zone's revival, brining back much needed energy to power this place.

Moments later, Sonic encountered a row of giant slot machines built into the backdrop. One particularly large slot machine stood accessible, its entry hatch open and blinking invitingly. Sonic skidded to a stop, curiosity piqued. He knew these machines well – jump in as a ball, jostle the mechanism, and maybe win a prize. With a playful smirk, Sonic stepped forward and leapt into the slot machine's chute.

Inside, everything went dark for a second as Sonic curled up and rolled into the machine's guts. Then the iconic slot reels appeared in front of him, spinning rapidly with a whirring sound. Three windows showed symbols zipping by: Rings, bars, the face of Robotnik, and even Sonic's own face. The machine's handle automatically pulled, and the reels began to slow.

Ding-ding-ding!

The first reel stopped on a Ring icon… the second on another Ring… Sonic crossed his fingers inside his spinball form, bracing for a potential jackpot. The third reel clicked slower… slower… stop. Three Ring symbols!

With a triumphant musical flourish, a jackpot of Rings burst out of the machine's payout slot in a golden fountain. Sonic uncurled in surprise as he ejected out of the top of the slot machine, along with dozens of Rings raining around him. He landed on his feet atop the slot machine cabinet and laughed silently, overjoyed. Rings clanged to the ground around the machine's base like a metallic rain. Sonic wasted no time diving down and zipping around to snatch them all up before they could vanish. Lady Luck was on his side today. The hedgehog gave the slot machine a cheeky salute for its generosity before racing onward.

Sonic ventured into a narrower alley of the casino city, where towering blue blocks created a corridor that led deeper into the zone. Here, the lights were dimmer again; only a few wall-mounted bouncy plates glowed faintly, reflecting off rows of razor-sharp spikes lining parts of the floor. Sonic slowed down, weaving between the spike traps with little hops and twirls.

Partway through the corridor, he hopped onto a small elevator platform – a blue, glowing square that began rising as soon as he set foot on it. It lifted him up a vertical shaft, past flickering billboards and dormant speakers. As he ascended, Sonic tapped his foot impatiently; elevators were never as quick as he liked. He was tempted to wall-jump or spin dash up the shaft instead, but the walls were too far apart and slick. So, annoyingly, he rode upwards, arms crossed, with one finger drumming in boredom.

Suddenly, without warning, an inky black shape slithered out from the wall's shadow above. Sonic's ears twitched – something was moving just overhead. He looked up to see two glowing yellow eyes peering down at him from a dark, amorphous creature clinging to the wall.

"That's not a badnik…"

Before Sonic could fully react, the creature lunged off the wall and landed on the elevator platform in front of him. In the dim neon glow, Sonic got a clear look at it: small, humanoid in outline but entirely pitch-black, with twitchy antennas and eerily emblematic yellow eyes. It was a Heartless – though Sonic didn't know that term.

The Shadow Heartless skittered low to the ground, then pounced at Sonic with its claws out. Sonic instinctively dodged back on the platform, narrowly avoiding a swipe that left scratch marks on the metal. He countered in a flash – rolling into a quick spin attack, he struck the creature dead-on. The Heartless burst apart in a puff of dark smoke, a wispy black vapor dissipating where it stood. No explosion, no scrap metal, no animal freed from a capsule – nothing. Sonic uncurled, blinking in bewilderment as the last traces of dark mist faded. This certainly wasn't one of Robotnik's robots.

He toed the spot where the creature had been, scratching his head with confusion.

"Where did it come from? And what was it?"

Sonic had fought his share of bizarre baddies, but a living shadow that vanished into thin air was new. Unfortunately, he had no time for deeper contemplation – a chittering sound echoed from below. Peering down the shaft, Sonic saw more of those shadow creatures climbing up the walls, drawn by the commotion. There were three, four… five of them, their bright eyes dotting the darkness as they ascended towards him.

Sonic gulped and crouched, readying himself. The elevator platform had reached the top of the shaft, locking into place with a clunk and providing a stable foothold. As the first two Heartless leapt up onto the ledge, Sonic launched into action.

He spin-dashed forward in a blur of blue, knocking one Heartless off the platform entirely. The second one swiped at Sonic's back, but the hedgehog vaulted into the air, curling into a protective ball. The creature's claws whiffed beneath him. Sonic then stomped down from mid-air, crushing the shadowy fiend against the platform. It too vanished in tendrils of darkness.

The remaining Heartless hesitated, clinging to the shaft walls just out of Sonic's immediate reach. They seemed to have a primitive caution, perhaps reconsidering their prey now that two of them had been dispatched with ease. Sonic landed back on the platform and shot them a challenging smirk, waving a hand as if to say, "Come on, is that all you got?" Provoked, the trio of Heartless surged in unison.

What followed was a blur of classic speed and precision amid the flickering neon. Sonic zipped up one wall and rebounded off it with a tight Spin Attack, catching a Heartless mid-air with a clean hit. Without missing a beat, he landed and crouched—revving up with a high-pitched whir. With a Spin Dash, he rocketed forward, crashing through the second creature with a sharp zip of motion and sparks.

The third Heartless lunged, only for Sonic to leap and Drop Dash back down, a mid-air spin that slammed into the platform with force. The impact rippled outward, flinging the final creature backward into the others. All three tumbled together in a tangle of limbs before vanishing into smoky wisps as they hit the platform's edge.

With the threats gone, Sonic surveyed the now-empty shaft, he couldn't hide the perplexed frown on his face. Those bizarre enemies left no trace except the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Their appearance here, in a Zone that Robotnik had once occupied, made no sense.

"What do they want?"

Sonic shook his head. Answers would have to wait – first, he needed to get through this Zone in one piece. The emptiness of the world was beginning to weigh on him, despite his brave face.

Exiting the elevator shaft, Sonic now stood in a more open area of the Zone – a grand hall with a high ceiling, crisscrossed by moving platforms and giant suspended structures. The neon lights were brighter here, casting vibrant blues and purples across the space. Directly ahead stretched a series of loops and tunnels outlined in shimmering blue light. Sonic recognised the setup: he'd need serious speed to clear those loops. Conveniently, a Spring Catapult was installed at the tunnel entrance – a large spring mechanism that looked like a pinball plunger.

Sonic hopped onto the Spring Catapult's platform and quickly understood its operation. He ducked down into a Spin Dash stance and revved in place, pushing the spring backward with his spiky blue body. The spring compressed with a creaking tension. After charging up enough power, Sonic released with a pew! The spring catapult launched him forward like a pinball, unleashing all that stored momentum.

The hedgehog rocketed into the first loop at blinding speed. The world swirled around him in neon streaks as he ran upside-down and around the automated loop, gravity momentarily taking a backseat. Exiting the loop, he shot through a straight tunnel section, busting through a line of small star-marked targets like they were paper. Each target shattered and showered him with more Rings, adding to the gleaming trail following in his wake.

The tunnel spat Sonic out onto a raised platform. He skidded to a halt to reassess his surroundings. Up here, suspended high in the hall, was a network of platforms moving in quick patterns. Some were purple conveyor belts that spanned across wide gaps, forcing anyone on them to keep moving. Others were strange green blocks that blinked in and out of existence, cycling from one position to another. Sonic watched one green block appear, slide along a track, then vanish, only for another to appear further ahead in sequence.

Below these speedy platforms yawned a deep gap studded with more bumpers. Falling would likely mean getting caught in another bumper maze and losing precious time. Sonic steeled himself – this section demanded precision. He jumped onto the first moving conveyor. Its rubberised surface zoomed rightward, carrying him along. Sonic had to sprint at top speed just to avoid slipping off the back end. He leaned forward, quills slicing through the air, legs a blur as he matched the conveyor's pace. The moment he reached the end of the belt, he leapt to the next platform.

Now a blinking green block materialised ahead of him, moving upward. Sonic timed his jump and landed on it just as it started to disappear – without panic, he kicked off again to the next solid ledge. The instant his feet hit stable ground, a trio of Badniks scuttled out from behind a column to ambush him.

"Finally – something from Robotnik's playbook!" Sonic thought.

These looked like the classic Casino Night badniks: plump, mechanical bugs known as Crawls crawling on the ground. They had rotund grey bodies and red insectoid heads with nasty metal mandibles. Normally, they'd be low-threat distractions – but with the Heartless around, Sonic was almost relieved to see an enemy he recognised.

The Crawls shot small projectiles from their vents as they approached, trying to corner Sonic on the platform. But the blue hedgehog was already in motion. He jumped over one shot, then spin attacked the first Crawl in one smooth motion, busting it to smoking scrap. A tiny animal popped out of the wreckage and scampered away – a little rabbit, freed from being a Badnik battery.

Sonic allowed himself a grin; "Robotnik's robots, check. Still the same drill."

The second Crawl lunged, extending a hidden claw, but Sonic dodged and spun directly into it, dismantling it in a shower of sparks. The final Crawl wised up and tried to retreat, inching backward. Sonic was having none of that – he dashed forward and kicked the Badnik like a soccer ball. It slammed into a wall and exploded, freeing a flicky bird that quickly fluttered off. With that, the hall was clear once more.

Sonic took a second to catch his breath. Between weird shadow monsters and familiar Badniks, this zone was throwing everything at him. Still, he felt energised. He twirled one of the Rings he had collected around his finger and gave a confident thumbs-up to no one in particular. He was back in his element, showing off his cocky bravado.

At the far end of the grand hall, Sonic came face-to-face with a spectacle straight out of Casino Night's wildest attractions: a giant rotating roulette wheel platform, hovering over a bottomless pit. The wheel was enormous – easily the size of a small building – and emblazoned with the grinning face of Dr. Robotnik at its center. Around the edges of the wheel were various symbols on different panels: golden Rings, Sonic's own face, and of course the Doctor's smug mug repeating like a bad pattern. The wheel spun slowly, suspended by some unknown force. It was the only way across the gap; there was a similar ledge on the opposite side, but far too wide to jump without some kind of intermediate step.

Sonic approached the edge and eyed the spinning wheel warily. It looked like a trap, but also an opportunity. There was a narrow window to jump on safely. Timing himself with care, Sonic took a running start and leapt onto the roulette wheel. For a moment, he balanced at the rim as the platform continued to spin under his feet. He ran in the opposite direction of the wheel's rotation to stay roughly in place, a trick he'd learned long ago with moving platforms. As he did so, the roulette wheel's lights lit up and it began to accelerate, as if sensing a participant.

Suddenly, with a loud ding, the wheel's rotation slowed – Sonic realised it was about to stop on a symbol, just like a real roulette. He braced himself, curious which panel would end up under him when it halted. The massive wheel clicked past an Robotnik panel… then a Ring… then another Robotnik… clack-clack… ding! It stopped. Sonic looked down to see his own face painted on the platform beneath his shoes.

In that instant, a fanfare of triumphant casino music blared to life. The Robotnik face at the centre of the wheel briefly displayed a frown, and then dozens of Rings erupted out of hidden compartments on the wheel's edges. Sonic was suddenly surrounded by a glittering halo of golden Rings raining through the air. It was like he'd struck gold – landing on the Sonic symbol rewarded him a whopping hundred Rings, far more than any jackpot he'd seen so far. He couldn't help but let out a silent chuckle, rubbing a finger under his nose with pride. Even the casino itself acknowledged his skills with such a generous prize.

Wasting no time, Sonic bounded around the rim of the roulette wheel, scooping up the Rings as they fell. He darted in zig-zag patterns, collecting each one in a blur before they could scatter off into the abyss. With his ring count now through the roof, Sonic felt untouchable. The whole zone seemed to come alive in celebration. Neon signs ignited fully, spelling out "Casino Night" in brilliant lights across the background skyscrapers. Fireworks popped in the distance, showering confetti-like sparks. Sonic took it all in for a split second – it felt like the Zone was thanking him for restoring its spirit.

The roulette wheel gave a sudden jolt, indicating it wasn't going to remain still forever. Sonic took that as his cue to leave. Spotting a safe platform ahead on the far side of the gap, he sprinted and jumped off the roulette wheel with all his might. Behind him, the giant wheel revved up again, its lights dimming slightly now that the game was done.

Sonic sailed through the air and landed in a graceful somersault on the other side of the pit. Just ahead, he saw the familiar sight of a Goal Plate – the spinning signpost that marked the end of a zone. Robotnik's face was on it, taunting as always.

Sonic grinned; "time to fix that".

He dashed the last few steps, momentum still high, and leaped into the Goal Plate.

Ping!

The signpost spun like a top, the face of Robotnik blurring and then flipping to display Sonic's own logo, complete with his signature finger-wave pose. Sonic skidded to a stop beyond the sign, catching his breath and taking stock of his run.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Before Sonic could bask any further in his victory and find his way back to that white void, a familiar voice called out.

"Sonic! Sonic, is that you?!"

The hedgehog whirled around to see a small, orange furred two-tailed fox sprinting towards him from behind a row of slot machines.

"Tails!" thought Sonic, his expression one of suprise.

The young fox was alive and seemingly well, his face lit up with relief and excitement. He leapt over a low bumper and nearly tripped, but recovered, his twin tails whirling in joy as he closed the distance. Sonic's face broke into a huge grin. He opened his arms just in time for Tails to practically tackle him in a hug.

"Sonic, oh, am I glad to find you!" Tails exclaimed, squeezing his friend.

Sonic ruffled the fur on Tails' head playfully and gave a silent laugh. The two pulled apart and shared a moment just taking in that they'd both made it here in one piece. For Sonic, seeing Tails safe lifted a weight off his shoulders he didn't realise he'd been carrying. He placed his hands on the fox's shoulders and looked him up and down – Tails was a bit scuffed and frazzled, but unharmed.

Tails' eyes were wide as he began to ramble in his high-pitched voice, words tumbling out in a rush.

"I was working on the Tornado back home, and then everything just… flashed white! Next thing I know I'm here, in Casino Night Zone of all places," he explained, gesturing around at the gaudy surroundings. "It's just like our adventure on West Side Island, except… empty. I've been wandering around avoiding badniks and these weird dark creatures—" he shuddered, remembering, "—and trying to find you. I saw the lights come on just now, and I had a feeling it had to be you running through!"

Classic Sonic nodded enthusiastically, pointing to himself with a thumb and giving a wink as if to say, "who else?" He then made a sweeping gesture towards the area behind Tails, where the portal back to White Space crackled faintly into life. With a series of animated motions – a running gesture with two fingers, an explosion with his hands, and a mimic of being sucked backwards – Sonic tried to explain what happened to him: running through Green Hill, the abduction, and waking up in the strange white void before finding Casino Night Zone.

Tails watched Sonic's pantomime, nodding slowly as he parsed it.

"So you were in Green Hill Zone when some kind of giant… portal attacked, and it pulled you into a white limbo?" he interpreted, ears perking as Sonic gave him an affirming finger-gun point. "I didn't see anything like that when it happened to me. One minute I was tightening a bolt on the plane, the next minute wham! Everything went dark and I blacked out." the fox held the back of his head. "When I came to, I was lying over by some slot machines. This whole place was dim and weird, like it was… broken. I'm guessing your run just now 'fixed' it somehow – the lights, the colour, everything came back when you hit the Goal Plate."

Sonic rubbed his chin; that seemed to line up. Restoring the zone by clearing it – that was familiar, like undoing Robotnik's effects on a region, or perhaps undoing whatever that strange light had done.

Tails then frowned, his expression turning more serious.

"Sonic, those creatures of darkness I ran into… I've never seen anything like them. They weren't Robotnik's robots. I hit one and it just evaporated into dark smoke. No animal came out or anything," he said, voicing exactly what Sonic had been thinking.

Sonic nodded vigorously and pointed to his eyes, then made a scary wide gesture to indicate the creatures' yellow eyes and creepy form. He then mimed a puff of smoke.

Tails got it immediately. "Yeah! They're like living shadows. I don't know what they are, but they give me the creeps. They also seem to pop up out of nowhere." The fox pondered a moment, then managed a small smile. "At least Doctor Robotnik's badniks are predictable, huh?" He continuing to ponder over it all. "I know how to deal with those. But these shadows… could they have something to do with what's going on?"

Sonic shrugged, uncertain. Whoever or whatever threw them into this mess clearly upended more than just time – it introduced entirely new threats. He gently patted Tails on the head, then gave a confident thumbs-up and flexed an arm in a "we can handle it" pose.

Tails couldn't help but grin. "Heh, you're right. We've beaten worse. At least we're together now!"

The portal still shimmered at the far end of the zone, arcing like a doorway of static in mid-air. The two friends turned to face it. Beyond that portal lay the mysterious White Space where Sonic had first found Casino Night Zone in a colourless state – and likely where more broken fragments of their world floated, waiting to be restored. Tails's tails twitched as he mustered his determination.

"So, that weird white place… you found Casino Night from there, right?" he mused. "Maybe… maybe other parts of our world are out there too, trapped like this one was."

Classic Sonic nodded. That seemed like a safe bet. He pointed at the portal, then motioned as if grabbing something out of the air and setting it down – indicating pulling pieces of their world back. Tails nodded, catching his drift: they would have to venture back into the void and search for the next zone or clue, piece by piece rescuing their reality from whatever had shattered it.

"Alright," Tails said, stepping forward. He balled his fists with resolve. "Let's go explore that place together. There's gotta be a way to fix all this – and maybe find whoever did this to us."

He gave Sonic a determined look. The young hedgehog responded with a grin and put out his fist. Tails met it with his own in a small celebratory fist-bump. As strange and dire as the situation was, Sonic felt a surge of optimism now that his best buddy was by his side. They had overcome countless adventures together – this would just be a new twist.

Side by side, the duo walked towards the swirling portal. Sonic paused only to give one last glance over his shoulder at Casino Night Zone. The neon city was fully awake now, twinkling in the distance like a reclaimed star in the void. It almost seemed to wink at him in thanks. Sonic gave a two-fingered salute, silently vowing they'd restore every place like this, one by one.

Chapter Text

With Green Hill saved, Sonic stepped through the swirling corridor and returned to the vast, silent void of White Space.

But something was off.

The man in red—his mysterious new guide—was nowhere to be seen.

Sonic blinked, glancing over his shoulder and around. "Huh? Thought he was right behind me…"

He scanned the endless expanse, one brow raised, unsure whether to be confused or mildly annoyed. "Seriously? Spooky plays shadow guide and now decides to vanish without saying goodbye?" The tension in his voice lightened with a smirk. "Guess he's the strong, silent, and mysterious type. Great combo."

The hedgehog turned to survey the hub, expecting the same blank nothingness that greeted him before. But then, something shifted. A faint shimmer pulsed across the space where Green Hill was trapped. Sonic's breath hitched.

It was changing.

The once-washed-out world glowed at its edges. First in flickers, then in sweeping waves, colour began to return—grass regaining its lush green, waterfalls flowing once more. The trees rustled as wind breathed into them again. Rings sparkled in midair. Even the signature checkered terrain looked alive, as if waking from a long, cold sleep.

Sonic stepped closer, eyes wide.

"Whoa…"

The transformation rippled upward from the base of the memory like sunlight rising through deep water. Within moments, Green Hill stood vibrant once again—suspended in the White Space like a living relic, full of motion and sound.

Sonic placed his hands on his hips, letting out a low, and satisfied breath. "Now that's more like it. Guess all that running really did something."

He allowed himself a proud grin. For the first time since waking in this strange place, something had gone right.

"Good to see you back to normal, Green Hill," Sonic said softly, giving the vibrant landscape a respectful nod. "One zone down… who knows how many to go."

But his smile faded as his gaze shifted to the nearby statue—his best friend still frozen in time.

Sonic took a slow step forward, hope rising in his chest. "Come on, Tails..."

Suddenly, a light shimmered at the statue's base. It began to rise.

Bit by bit, colour returned—first the white socks and the familiar red shoes with white tips. The glow crept upward, wrapping around his legs as golden-yellow fur began to shine once more. It swept along his arms, over his chest, up his twin tails—until finally, it reached his face.

Tails came to life.

He gasped, his body trembling slightly as he looked around in dazed confusion. He stared down at his gloved hands, flexing them as if trying to confirm this wasn't another dark limbo. Slowly, one hand pressed to his chest. His breathing steadied as a small smile broke through.

"Tails!" Sonic called out, voice full of joy and overwhelming relief.

The fox turned at the sound, his eyes lighting up. "Sonic!"

He smiled warmly, but shadowed with lingering fear. "Thanks," he murmured, voice tinged with weariness. "That was... awful. It felt like I was stuck in some kind of nightmare, trapped in the dark."

Tails hugged himself, shivering slightly as he spoke. "I'm probably gonna have nightmares for weeks..."

Without hesitation, Sonic stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"You're safe now, buddy," Sonic said, voice soft but steady. "And that's what matters."

Tails took comfort in his words, the warmth of Sonic's hand on his shoulder grounding him. As the hedgehog pulled away, Tails's blue eyes wandered across the strange, featureless void.

His sharp mind was already ticking.

"Where are we, anyway?" he asked, brow furrowing as he gestured around. "This place looks like someone sucked all the life and colour out of it."

"You could say that," Sonic replied, watching as Tails began to move and examine the space behind them.

"Is that… Green Hill?" Tails asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

"Sure is," Sonic said with a nod.

Tails turned to face him, the confusion in his eyes shifting into urgency. "What happened, Sonic? One minute we're at your party—then the next, we're attacked by that indigo hedgehog and thrown into some kind of dark limbo."

"I didn't end up in some dark limbo, Tails," Sonic said, gesturing to the endless white around them. "I landed here—White Space. Alone… at first."

Tails tilted his head, intrigued. "Alone?"

Sonic folded his arms. "Until I met someone. A guy in red."

"A man in red?"

"Yeah. He's like… a walking cryptic message board," Sonic said with a half-grin. "But he's helped me make sense of what's going on. Including what— and who—crashed my birthday."

"Oh?" Tails perked up. "What did he say?"

Sonic's expression turned serious. He began to pace, his green eyes scanning the void as he spoke.

"He told me the hedgehog's name is Terios," he said. "He's part of a group called the Organization. A group of… Nobodies."

"Nobodies?" Tails repeated, brow furrowed.

"Basically husks without hearts," Sonic explained. He turned to face his friend, his voice steady. "There's a lot to unpack, but here's the short version—Terios has the power to mess with time and space." He gestured around them at the empty void. "He created this place. White Space. It's connected to the Organization's home base… some place called Castle Oblivion."

Tails nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "And I'm guessing it's trapping places like Green Hill in this temporal void?" He pointed towards the restored zone. "Terios is dragging moments in time here—pulling them out of reality."

"Correct," Sonic confirmed with a nod.

"Any idea why?" Tails asked, frowning. "What's their endgame?"

Sonic shrugged. "I'm not completely sure. But trapping you… and Green Hill…" He trailed off, fists clenching. "Feels like they're trying to erase me from history."

"You mean… erase you completely?" Tails said, voice quiet but grave.

"Looks like that, bud," Sonic sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. But in the next breath, his voice regained its usual fire. "But we're not gonna let that happen!"

"Darn right we're not!" Tails agreed, pumped up by Sonic's confidence. "We'll figure it out—one step at a time. And we've got more zones to save."

"Exactly," Sonic said, his grin returning. "We've dealt with weirder stuff. I certainly have anyway."

"You do have a complex history," Tails quipped, smirking slightly.

Sonic chuckled, then resumed pacing, his gestures animated as he pointed towards Green Hill. "This is nothing compared to saving genies from magic books… wielding a talking sword in Camelot… or going up against Ansem and the Heartless." He stopped, turning to face Tails with determination in his eyes. "But what does matter is stopping Terios—and finding our friends."

Tails nodded, but his smile faded. Something still lingered in his expression.

Sonic noticed instantly. "All okay, pal?"

Tails hesitated, then nodded slowly—though his blue eyes still looked haunted.

"Before you saved me, Sonic... I was trapped in that dark limbo I mentioned," the fox said quietly.

Sonic's ears perked, his expression sharpening with concern as Tails went on. "But I wasn't alone there. Everyone from your birthday party—they're all stuck in that place too."

"What, really? You mean everyone?" Sonic asked, eyes wide.

"Yeah. Amy, Knuckles, the Restoration Committee… the whole gang," Tails confirmed. "But that's not all."

"Of course it's not," Sonic muttered with a grim exhale. "Alright—hit me. What else?"

Tails's brow furrowed, his voice dropping. "There were others. People I didn't recognise. Entities you—we—haven't met yet." He turned slowly to face Sonic. "They're here too. Pulled into this White Space, just like the rest of us."

Sonic's face darkened. "You're saying there's more to all this?"

"Exactly," Tails replied, gesturing around the colourless void. "If White Space is where moments, places—physical things—get frozen and dumped, then that Limbo… it's the opposite. The yin to the yang. A world of pure darkness. Perhaps, where the essence of people ends up. Hearts, minds, even memories maybe."

Sonic folded his arms again, absorbing every word with a thoughtful frown.

"And if people from future events are being dragged in too," Tails continued, his voice heavy, "it means this isn't just about the past being rewritten. Time itself is breaking down."

A tense silence lingered before Sonic exhaled through his nose.

"Terios isn't just rewriting the story…" he muttered darkly, unfolding his arms. "He's trying to erase the whole book."

Tails gave a solemn nod. "And we've only just turned the first page."

"Who didn't you recognise back in Limbo? Anyone give you a name? Was Silver there?" Sonic probed.

Tails shook his head. "No Silver. He wasn't in the group I saw." He paused, brow furrowing. "There was a wolf, wore glasses. He was a quiet type—barely spoke a word."

"Right…" Sonic scratched his head. "Can't say I know any mute wolves with eyewear."

"I didn't think so," Tails agreed. "Then there was this woman—called herself Captain Marvel. Red and blue suit, glowing like she ran on star power."

Sonic blinked, eyebrows rising. "Well dang, sounds like a real character."

"She was. And her attitude matched her strong power," Tails added, a small smirk tugging at his mouth despite the situation.

"Impressive," Sonic nodded, then added with a shrug, "Still not ringing any bells though. I've never met a 'Captain Marvel' before."

Tails looked thoughtful. "Then I guess that confirms it. My theory's right—Terios is pulling in people from across time. Not just our past, but our future. People we haven't even met yet."

Sonic whistled low, his gaze turning distant. "So… places and moments from things that haven't happened could show up in White Space?"

"Most probably," Tails affirmed.

Sonic exhaled and gave a small, confident chuckle. "Well, looks like we've got a bigger job than we thought—rescue our friends, and maybe some we haven't even made yet."

Tails nodded, then turned slowly, scanning the horizon. His eyes narrowed.

"Hey, over there," he said, pointing out into the distance. "Something looks… familiar."

Sonic followed his gaze. Across the endless white, a faint outline began to shimmer.

"Is that… the Chemical Plant?" Sonic asked, puzzled.

Tails tilted his head, focusing. "Yeah, lit looks like it. But it's hard to tell from here."

Sonic clenched a fist and tugged his glove tight with a grin. "Only one way to find out."

Without another word, he dashed ahead.

"I'll be back in a flash!" he called over his shoulder, his voice echoing with energy.

Tails watched him go, the blue blur shrinking into the distance. The fox stood still, gaze lingering on the horizon.

"…Time, space, past, future," he murmured, deep in thought. "Whatever this is… it's only just getting started."

Meanwhile...

After exiting the Casino Night Zone hub, Classic Sonic and Tails turned back to look at the vibrant landscape behind them. What had once been cold and colourless was now lit up like a neon dream — bouncing lights, vivid architecture, and the hum of restored life. Sonic placed his hands on his hips, nodding with pride.

"Job well done," he thought proudly.

"So… it really was just white and grey when you found it?" Tails asked, breaking the silence of White Space around them.

Sonic gave a firm nod.

"That lines up with what you said earlier," the fox continued, eyes scanning the shimmering void. "When you ran through the zone, it brought everything back to life — like you hit a reset switch when you reached the Goal Plate."

Again, Sonic nodded, then puffed out his chest slightly and grinned. He struck a pose, hands on hips, soaking in the glow of their first big win.

Tails rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed. "Then we'd better find other places that got pulled into this place. If more zones are stuck like the casino, it might be our way back home."

The hedgehog responded in his usual silent way — a raised brow, a nod, then a glance across the white horizon. He placed one gloved hand above his eyes like a visor and scanned the shapeless distance. Something ahead caught his attention. He pointed sharply.

Tails followed his gaze. "Huh… what's that?" he murmured. "Could it be a clue?"

Sonic dropped his hand and gave a sharp thumb in the direction. In unspoken agreement, the two friends dashed ahead — their footsteps echoing across the void, the emptiness warping their sound like a broken speaker.

As they neared the source, they came to a skidding halt — surprise flashing across both their faces.

Before them stood a strange golden arch, spiralling with clockwork gears and shimmering strands of light. Suspended inside the arch was a spinning violet vortex, pulsing gently like a heartbeat. The centre of it shimmered like shattered glass, fragments of movement swirling within as if the portal peered into time itself.

But it wasn't the gate that made Sonic's ears twitch or Tails' twin tails bristle.

It was the figure standing beside it.

Metal Sonic.

His blue chrome frame gleamed like new, polished to perfection, with burning red eyes locked forward like sensors seeking a kill. He stood perfectly still — silent, unmoving.

Tails instinctively moved closer to Sonic.

"That's him, isn't it?" he whispered. "That's Metal Sonic… right?"

Sonic narrowed his eyes, gaze sharp. No nod needed. His stance said it all — tensed legs, clenched fists, unblinking focus.

The hedgehog had told Tails about Metal Sonic — this version, anyway. The fox had seen other robotic knock-offs before: clunky, aggressive machines like Silver Sonic, or the hulking Mecha Sonic unit Robotnik cobbled together in a rush. But this one was different.

This was the Metal Sonic from Little Planet. The one Robotnik poured everything into — speed, intelligence, mimicry. Not just a machine meant to fight Sonic, but one designed to be him. The ultimate doppelgänger.

Tails hadn't met this one himself. Not yet anyway. He'd only heard the stories. And seeing him now, it was clear this wasn't just another robot.

The metal doppelgänger didn't attack. Instead, with a soft mechanical whirr, Metal tilted his head. His eyes scanned them like a predator sizing up its prey. The silence thickened.

Then the bell above the gate chimed once — low and echoing. The sound cut through White Space like a blade.

"I don't think this is just any old portal," Tails murmured, shifting back half a step. "It might be a test… or a trap."

Sonic clenched his fists tighter. He stepped forward, footfalls steady, eyes locked on the figure ahead.

Suddenly, Metal spoke — voice cold, distorted, robotic.

"SONIC, MY LOATHSOME COPY." His red eyes burned like coals. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEFEATED. BUT I KNEW YOU WOULDN'T STAY DOWN FOREVER."

Sonic raised an eyebrow, a touch confused — but his expression stayed serious. This version of Metal wasn't just rebooted… something was off.

Tails frowned and glanced between them. "Sonic, what's he talking about? I thought you defeated him — back on Little Planet, right?"

Sonic turned slightly toward Tails, careful never to show his back to Metal. He gave a small shrug. He didn't know either.

Whatever Metal remembered, it wasn't his memory.

Metal Sonic stepped forward — slow, deliberate. Each footfall echoed like thunder in the silence.

And then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped. "YOU REMEMBER A VICTORY. I REMEMBER A DIFFERENT HISTORY."

Sonic's brow furrowed. His fists clenched again, tighter this time.

Tails blinked in suprise. "A different… what?"

But Metal didn't explain. He simply stepped aside, revealing the full face of the swirling Challenge Gate behind him. The vortex pulsed with growing energy.

"FACE ME," Metal intoned, spreading his arms slightly. "IF YOU SEEK REDEMPTION… AND WISH TO CLAIM THE CHAOS EMERALD."

That made Tails' eyes go wide. "Wait — a Chaos Emerald?!"

Metal gave a slow, deliberate nod.

That was all Sonic needed to hear.

Tails turned to his friend, urgency in his voice. "Sonic, you've got to race him! Just like you did back on Little Planet. If he really has an emerald, we can't let him keep it."

Sonic didn't hesitate. He nodded once and stepped forward, eyes locked on Metal Sonic.

Metal turned without a sound and, with the weightless grace of a machine built for speed, leapt into the vortex and vanished into the light.

Sonic narrowed his eyes, crouched low — and launched forward in a blur of blue. He disappeared into the gate in a flash.

"Wait — Sonic!" Tails shouted, stumbling forward. "I'm coming too!"

With his twin tails spinning, the young fox jumped — diving into the gate as it shimmered and sealed behind them with a final, echoing chime.

STARDUST SPEEDWAY - BAD FUTURE

METAL SONIC

Music: Stardust Speedway - Bad Future - Sonic Generations

Classic Sonic raced along the ruined highway of the dystopian Stardust Speedway, his quills flattened by the wind and the electric sky racing overhead. The infinite road stretched out under neon debris and crumbling skyscrapers, steam rising from the broken asphalt at every pounding footstep. In the distance, Metal Sonic suddenly burst from the haze, roaring overhead. Sonic skidded to a halt for only a heartbeat; the next moment, Metal Sonic's turbo-strength swung down like a freight train, shredding the road beneath Sonic's feet. The ground began to cave in around the hedgehog.

Debris exploded everywhere. Sonic wobbled in the air as giant chunks of highway rained down around him in a fiery cascade. Instinctively, he curled into a spin, using the rock slabs like a springboard; he catapulted upward, one hand pushing off the jagged pavement and the other spinning like a drill bit. With a swift blur, Sonic landed squarely on Metal Sonic's head. Metal's optics flickered wildly, sparks flying as Sonic's heels crunched into the robot's chromed cranium. Metal stumbled, gears whirring, and then with a choked mechanical growl, he whirled around to strike. His fist swung down, but Sonic had already sprung loose, flipping backward in a perfect acrobatic twist. The first attack had missed.

As the battle truly began, Sonic's legs pumped without pause – he couldn't stop running. His feet drummed the road like pistons. When Metal Sonic hurtled low and hard at him, arms outstretched like lethal steel talons, Sonic reacted on instinct. He pushed harder, skimming inches above the pavement in a blur, and dove forward. The blazing attack whooshed past overhead. Instantly, Sonic responded with a spinning jump of his own. He coiled into a tight ball midair and burst upward with lightning force, aiming a spin attack at Metal's underside.

The whirling spin clanged into Metal's torso, and for a moment the robot stuttered, gears grinding in protest. Metal tilted in the air as sparks danced across his glossy blue frame. Sonic landed nimbly back on the road, feet perfectly on target, and slammed into a sprint again before Metal recovered.

Metal Sonic powered up instantly with a sinister whine. Surging with energy, he ignited a pulsing halo of electricity around his body – the dreaded Ring Spark Field. The air crackled and arched in brilliant blue arcs. The sky above flashed as Metal descended from his hovering position, floating in midair while the field intensified.

Sonic veered into a zigzag to avoid the first spiraling bolts. Electricity snapped at the cracked asphalt. The glow beneath Metal's silhouette pulsed, sending concentric rings of energy down into the road. Sonic felt the heat and sidestepped just in time as arcs of lightning slammed behind him. He darted between the sparks, adrenaline flaring. His eyes narrowed, but he didn't flinch.

Just before the road erupted, Sonic crouched low and revved up a Spin Dash. He launched straight at Metal's exposed core. The timing was perfect—Metal's field faltered and collapsed mid-charge as Sonic slammed into him. Blue sparks scattered as Metal stumbled and crashed sideways towards the ground. Sonic rolled out of the landing impact seconds later, still on his feet. Metal was stunned. Sonic grinned—hit number two.

Recovered, Metal Sonic blasted into the sky, streaking back toward the city ruins. Sonic didn't stop—he kept running, always forward. The background blurred into motion as Metal reappeared in the foreground, now ripping a towering streetlamp from its base. Sparks rained down as he flung the heavy lamp like a spear.

Sonic skidded to one side, dodging it cleanly. Streetlights lined the highway ahead like teeth, and their shadows stretched over the road. He watched for those shadows—two from the left, two from the right. A warning before impact. One lamp cracked down inches from his heels. Another he dodged with a side-jump. A third was snapped in half and hurled like twin blades. Sonic twisted midair, barely clearing the edge.

Metal didn't stop throwing. But he was tiring.

As the last lamp cracked behind him, Metal crossed his arms and hovered—charging again. Sonic saw the pause. He ducked and surged forward, launching an upward spiral straight into Metal's chest cavity. Chrome shimmered from the blow. Metal staggered midair and dropped lower, sparks spraying. Sonic landed, breathing hard.

With a synthetic roar, Metal activated his last move. His chest pulsed brightly and a golden glow enveloped his body—a swirling storm of energy. This was the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack. Spinning at supercharged speed, Metal howled forward like a possessed turbine.

As Metal drew closer, Sonic caught sight of the broken platforms ahead—chunks of ruined highway floating midair. He leapt from one to the next, bounding upward just as Metal rocketed past underneath. Sonic spun, aiming down. With full force, he crashed into Metal's head once more.

The impact shattered the golden shield. Sparks shot upward in an arc of destruction. Metal's attack collapsed, the overdrive sputtering out. He fell fast, chest dented inward. Sonic landed softly and bolted forward for one last hit.

With a wild spinning leap, he delivered a roundhouse kick to Metal's jaw. The robot flipped through the air, wires and shards bursting from his limbs before he exploded in a shower of chrome and light.

Sonic skidded to a halt, dust settling around him. Suddenly, his ears twitched—he recognised the whir of twin tails rotating.

He looked up to see Tails descending from the dark sky, his tails spinning like helicopter blades. He landed lightly on the ground, shoes clicking against the surface.

"You did it, Sonic!" Tails called, beaming. "That was incredible!"

Sonic gave a confident thumbs-up. His expression glowed with pride, but his eyes focused ahead.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

[The Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

The two friends stood amid the quiet aftermath of the battle. Smoke curled from the broken remnants of Metal Sonic, his scorched parts scattered across the crumbling speedway like metallic bones. The oppressive red sky loomed above, casting long shadows over the cracked road.

"You defeated Metal Sonic... but where's the emerald?" Tails asked, glancing around with furrowed brows. His voice was steady, but uncertainty crept through the edges of his tone.

Sonic crossed his arms and tapped his foot rhythmically, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness. But even the comforting beat of his impatience offered no answers. He looked to Tails, who scanned the terrain with narrowing eyes.

"It has to be around here somewhere..." the fox murmured, his mind already racing through possibilities.

Suddenly, a glint of light caught Tails's attention—high above, among the jagged remnants of twisted platforms suspended in the sky. His ears perked.

"Hey, Sonic, I think I found it!" he called out, pointing skyward.

Sonic followed his gaze. Perched atop the crooked platforms was the unmistakable shimmer of the Blue Chaos Emerald, softly glowing with energy.

"You'd better grab it quick," Tails urged. "Before something else does."

Sonic gave a firm thumbs-up and turned to face the challenge ahead. Tails watched nervously as his friend took off, dashing toward the first platform with a burst of speed.

"Sonic, be careful! Those platforms look unstable!" he called out, voice tight with concern.

The rusted platforms swayed slightly in the wind, but Sonic moved with flawless confidence. He leapt from one to the next with pinpoint accuracy, his form a blur of blue against the bleak skyline. The wind whipped past as he soared upward, eyes locked on the floating gem.

"Sonic, you're almost there!" Tails encouraged, his heart pounding in his chest.

At the summit, the emerald pulsed with light. With one final, spring-loaded jump, Sonic landed cleanly and snatched it from its perch. Energy shimmered through the air as the gem's power pulsed in his hand.

"Way to go, Sonic!" Tails cheered as the hedgehog dropped back down, landing beside him with a soft thud. Sonic presented the blue Chaos Emerald with a slight smirk and a proud nod.

They both stared at the gem as it glowed in Sonic's gloved hand.

"I guess we're gonna need all seven," Tails said quietly, the weight of the truth settling between them.

Sonic nodded solemnly. He knew exactly what that meant—if they were going to fix this mess, he'd have to become Super Sonic. And that was just the beginning.

Before either of them could speak again, a new voice cut through the silence. Low, calm, but unmistakably commanding.

"Well, well," the voice drawled. "This has indeed become interesting."

Both Sonic and Tails froze. They turned sharply towards the sound.

A man stood at the edge of the ruined speedway. Cloaked in dark colours, his face was wrapped in red bandages, save for one sharp, discerning eye and a glimpse of his mouth. Two belts strapped across his head like markings of burden or authority. His hands rested calmly behind his back, posture rigid, as if carved from stone.

"Who… are you?" Tails asked, narrowing his eyes. "How long have you been watching us?"

The man in red didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on Sonic, unreadable, as if measuring something deep within. Sonic returned the stare, his expression cautious but unshaken.

"You…" Tails began, his voice more defensive now. "You're not from around here, are you mister?"

Finally, the stranger stepped forward, his footsteps slow and deliberate. There was no hostility—only gravity.

"It looks like the past is catching up with us in more ways than one," he said cryptically.

[The Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Back in White Space

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Modern Sonic came to a skidding halt, his shoes sparking faintly as he stopped just short of the next frozen memory: Chemical Plant Zone.

The towering facility loomed ahead, ghostly and drained of colour. What was once a bustling, vibrant industrial labyrinth of bright yellows, piercing blues, and dangerous pink waters, now stood silent and monochrome. The metal towers were pale grey husks. No steam hissed from the pipes. The signature chemical ooze was gone, replaced by a frozen shimmer of white static like a corrupted glitch in reality.

Sonic narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight. The skyline—twisted scaffolding, looming cranes, rounded domes, and container tanks—felt all too familiar.

"…It is the Chemical Plant," he murmured, voice tinged with memory. "Been a while since I raced through this place."

Images of the past flooded his mind—jumping from platforms with Tails close behind, dodging pink liquid rising too fast for comfort, and sprinting through loops inside glass tubes filled with pressure and chaos. He remembered the biting sting of the fumes in his nose, the thunder of industrial life all around him. It wasn't his favourite place—but it was iconic. A staple of his earliest adventures.

"Terios sure is picking the big ones," Sonic muttered, stepping forward. "First Green Hill… now this. What's next? Angel Island? Emerald Coast?"

He exhaled through his nose, placing a hand thoughtfully on his chin, the other resting on his hip. "Feels like he's not just pulling locations at random. He's going for turning points. Places that mean something…"

His ears perked up suddenly. A presence. Not one moving—but waiting.

Turning his head toward the edge of the hub's platform, he saw her.

Amy.

A frozen statue of the pink hedgehog stood just outside the main structure, as colourless and still as the Chemical Plant itself. Her posture was locked in terror—hands clutched tight to her chest, mouth mid-scream, eyes squeezed shut. The fear etched on her face pierced him deeper than he expected.

"Amy…"

He walked over slowly, his breath catching as he took in her petrified state. Her body shimmered faintly with the same aura that clung to Tails before he was restored.

"Aims…" he said softly, voice trembling with quiet emotion. "Don't worry. I'll save you. Just like I did with Tails."

Sonic rested a hand near her stone arm, not quite touching her, afraid he might disturb something fragile. He gave a faint nod, then turned away to scan for the entry portal.

And that's when it hit him. A sudden spike of pain lanced through his skull like a thunderbolt.

"Gahh!"

Sonic staggered, one hand clutching his head as the world twisted around him. The whiteness of the void warped—static burned across his vision, lines bending and snapping, the ground quivering beneath his feet.

A low hum echoed in his ears as the white void peeled away—replaced by dim orange street lamps, the buzz of neon signs, and a dark, starry sky above.

Traverse Town. Second District.

The night Mobius had been consumed by the Heartless.

Sonic and Tails stood together, weary but alive. Around them, shadows flickered under lamplight. Nearby were three familiar faces—Leon, Aerith, and Yuffie, speaking in low, urgent tones.

And then… three other figures. Blurred at first. But now, they came into focus.

A boy with wild brown hair stood confidently in a red jumpsuit with a long silver zipper, black hoodie, and white gloves. A crown-shaped pendant dangled from his neck, his shoes oversized and coloured yellow and black.

Beside him stood a duck—short and animated. He wore blue and silver attire, with gold bangles that glinted under the lamplight.

And next to him was a tall dog-like figure in a green turtleneck, a black vest, and yellow pants tucked into oversized metal shoes. A yellow hat with red goggles sat atop his head.

The five of them—Sonic, Tails, and the trio—stood with Leon and the others, deep in discussion. The air buzzed with urgency, yet somehow, the memory was comforting. These three… they weren't strangers. They were allies.

The memory burned clearer now. Sonic had just defeated a hulking, metal Heartless—the Guard Armor. The battle had been intense. And the trio… they'd fought alongside him.

The clothes, the faces, the gestures—they'd been there. Right from the start.

And somehow, Sonic had forgotten them.

"Ughh…" Sonic groaned, blinking as his vision returned to the dull greys of the Chemical Plant. He was back, still kneeling and recovering.

He stood up slowly, rubbing the side of his head. "The heck was that?"

Bits of the conversation still rang in his head. Traverse Town… after Mobius fell. That was after I beat the Guard Armor. But those three… He narrowed his eyes. "They were fighting with me. Right beside us. Why didn't I remember that?"

He thought about them. Something about their presence had felt right.

"I've been having those memory problems," Sonic said aloud. "Foggy bits, things not lining up. But this… this was real."

He stared down at his gloved hands. "Were they allies? Friends I forgot? Or—someone wants me to forget?"

His thoughts returned to the man in red—the mysterious figure who first explained White Space. "Maybe he knows more."

Sonic looked towards the shimmering portal, the entry point to the Chemical Plant. He clenched a fist tightly. "Later. For now… Amy needs me. The Chemical Plant needs fixing."

He exhaled, refocused, and gave one last glance over at Amy's frozen form.

"I'll be back soon."

With that, Sonic charged towards the portal. His figure blurred into a blue streak, vanishing into the next corrupted fragment of time—ready to reclaim another piece of his broken world.

Chapter Text

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts RE:Chain of Generations starts playing]

Castle Oblivion

In a pure white chamber of Castle Oblivion, the sterile glow of the walls cast sharp shadows beneath two black-cloaked figures. Axel stood at the centre, tall and lean, his flame-red spiked hair jutting outward like a blazing sunburst. Emerald green eyes shimmered with mischief and calculation as he gazed into a crystal sphere. His long black coat, zipped nearly to the collar, trailed slightly at the hems as he shifted his weight.

Beside him stood Larxene, arms folded with theatrical boredom. Her slim frame was poised and agile, the very picture of volatile elegance. Twin antenna-like bangs framed her sharp, angular face, and her icy blue eyes gleamed with a wicked edge. She lazily tapped her gloved fingers against the sleeve of her Organisation coat, which split slightly at the front to reveal swift, confident movements even in stillness.

"You seem pretty intrigued by this Sora kid," Larxene teased, a mocking edge in her voice. "Aren't you supposed to be handling him carefully?"

Axel smiled smoothly, eyes fixed on the orb. "And you're not interested?"

Larxene scoffed lightly. "I find it entertaining enough. But why are you wasting so much time on him?"

Axel turned, his voice lowering with quiet seriousness. "Because unlike the others, when Sora became a Heartless… he didn't lose himself. His feelings remained intact. You know how rare that is."

Larxene tilted her head slightly, intrigued despite herself. "You're hoping to figure out how that happened?"

Axel smirked, a spark of interest in his emerald eyes. "There's only one other man who's managed to pull that off."

"It's the strength of his heart… That's what's got you hooked," Larxene replied, her expression sharpening. "Why the Keyblade chose Sora's heart in the first place."

"To unlock the mysteries of the heart," Axel said, voice calm but layered with meaning. "Isn't that what the Organization's really after?"

Larxene snickered, but her amusement faded as a dark corridor opened across the chamber.

From the swirling shadows, Terios stepped out in silence. His red eye glowed faintly—tired, cautious—but it sharpened the moment he saw Axel and Larxene watching.

"Well, if it isn't Naminé's little shadow," Larxene sneered mockingly. "Aren't you supposed to be glued to her side?"

Terios bristled, his posture stiffening, but his voice remained steady—measured and composed. "She's safe. But what you're doing here affects more than just your Keyblade wielder. This little memory game of yours… it's spiralling out of control." His red eye narrowed, and a deep frown settled across his face. "Naminé's already stretched too thin—manipulating Sora's memories while trying to monitor Sonic at the same time. Keep pushing her like this, and she'll break."

Larxene rolled her eyes in theatrical exasperation. "Relax, little hedgehog. Naminé's got plenty of backup if things get… messy." A cruel smile curled across her lips. "Or didn't you notice that moody Replica lurking around?"

Terios's gaze sharpened, voice edged with protective frustration. "Another puppet won't ease her burden. It'll just weigh heavier on her."

"Funny," Larxene countered venomously, eyes narrowed dangerously. "I was about to ask her the same thing about you."

Terios met her stare defiantly, stepping forward. "I'm no puppet. At least I have a heart. My goals mean something—they're not just games played by bored Nobodies."

Axel let out a low chuckle, shaking his head lightly. "Careful, Terios. Hearts are fragile things. Having one doesn't mean it can't be broken."

Terios paused, his fists clenching slightly. "You wouldn't understand."

Larxene smirked wickedly, lightning flickering briefly at her gloved fingertips. "Understand what? That you're just a pawn protecting another pawn?"

"Says another pawn..." Terios replied coldly, his tone like steel.

"You wanna say that again?" Larxene snapped, electricity crackling more violently around her.

Before things could escalate, Axel placed a calm but firm gloved hand on her shoulder, holding her back.

"Let him have his convictions," he said evenly. "We all need something to fight for."

Terios turned away, visibly irritated but restraining his anger. He spoke quietly, bitterness creeping into his voice. "You manipulate hearts because you lost your own. I protect her because I still have mine. It's my promise to keep her safe."

With one final glance, heavy with suppressed anger and quiet resolve, Terios stepped back into the shadows.

Larxene scoffed, clearly annoyed, eyes blazing with barely-contained frustration. "He's really pushing his luck. He should stay in White Space, the little playground he created with those freak powers of his, and butt out of our business."

Axel watched the spot where Terios vanished, thoughtful amusement playing on his lips. "From what I hear, Sonic's already freed one trapped point in time. Whispers say it might even be two..."

Larxene clenched her gloved fists, electricity crackling faintly at her fingertips. "Then he definitely needs to butt out, before he ruins everything."

Axel chuckled softly, turning his attention back to the crystal ball. "Relax. Let's just keep watching and see who breaks first."

The room grew silent once more, tension hanging thick and unresolved between them.

CHEMICAL PLANT ZONE

Music: Chemical Plant Zone - Act 2 - Sonic Generations

The moment Sonic burst onto the scene, his red shoes were already pounding against twisted metal pathways that surged ahead in two parallel routes. A pungent odour of burning oil and rusted steel assaulted his senses, instantly triggering nostalgia from deep within.

"Smells just like the Chemical Plant back home," Sonic muttered, speeding forward.

Choosing the higher pathway, Sonic surged ahead, effortlessly flipping and spinning off ramps that hurled him skyward. With every mid-air trick, sparks danced off his heels, highlighting his flawless agility. Below, on the lower pathway, darkness swirled ominously. Shadow Heartless jittered from the shadows alongside Soldier Heartless, their armour clanking menacingly—a stark reminder of Terios's dark manipulation.

"Looks like Terios invited his new pals to the party," Sonic murmured, narrowing his eyes. "Time to send 'em packing."

With an explosive burst of speed, Sonic shot forward, his body enveloped in brilliant blue energy as he initiated a Homing Attack. He slammed into the nearest Soldier Heartless with pinpoint accuracy, obliterating it into wisps of darkness before immediately chaining into the next enemy, then the next, each strike precise and relentless. Clangs echoed through the metallic maze, blending with the ever-present hum of distant machinery.

The Shadow Heartless darted aside, attempting to evade his wrath, but Sonic was always one step ahead. Zigzagging between them, he dispatched each creature with masterful precision. As the Soldier Heartless rallied, forming a defensive blockade with their clanking armour, Sonic flashed a confident grin.

"You're too slow!"

Curling into a fierce Spin Dash, he crashed into the group, scattering their armoured forms in all directions as they dissolved into darkness. Without pausing, Sonic vaulted effortlessly onto a higher platform, observing more Heartless amassing below.

He didn't hesitate—speeding onward, Sonic vaulted over pipes, executed rapid flips, and landed precisely on narrow ledges. Another wave of jittering Soldiers emerged, but Sonic merely accelerated into them, turning into a whirlwind of blue streaks and powerful strikes that obliterated them before they could even react.

With the immediate threats dispatched, Sonic quickly spotted his next path—a massive transparent tube, glowing ominously with streaks of neon-blue energy. Taking a deep breath, he dived headfirst inside.

Immediately, gravity seized him, plunging him into a breathtaking freefall. Sonic spiralled downward through the shaft, streams of luminous chemical blobs rushing upward around him like deadly projectiles. His muscles tensed with excitement, narrowly dodging each volatile globule. Memories of countless previous adventures with Tails flooded his mind.

The shaft widened abruptly, revealing a chaotic chamber filled with intricate arrays of airborne chemical clusters and shifting metal platforms. Every nerve in Sonic's body was electric, hyper-aware as he twisted through the maelstrom, narrowly avoiding disaster at each turn. The rhythmic, thunderous pulse of the Chemical Plant machinery surrounded him, corrupted but still eerily alive—a stark reminder of Terios's dark interference.

"This place used to be dangerous enough already," Sonic remarked, gracefully evading another cluster of bubbling hazards. "Leave it to Terios to make it worse."

As he finally neared the bottom, he braced himself, hitting the floor with a graceful roll, his instincts on high alert. An ominous feeling of déjà vu swept over him—and then, from below, came the dreaded, unmistakable sound of rising pink liquid.

"Oh great…" Sonic groaned, his emerald eyes widening in recognition.

Pink waves of Mega Mack surged up from the depths with frightening speed. The sinister substance quickly bubbled over his shoes, snapping him from nostalgia back into urgency.

"Not this stuff again!" Sonic hissed, springing immediately into action.

Scanning the slick metal walls above, Sonic swiftly launched himself into a series of rapid, desperate wall jumps. The Mega Mack rose with alarming speed, churning violently, each surge bubbling closer to swallowing him whole. Its toxic stench burned his nostrils and clouded his vision with watery tears.

"This nightmare never gets old!" Sonic growled, heart pounding, muscles straining.

He propelled himself upward, bouncing swiftly and precisely from wall to wall. His pulse quickened, every jump more desperate as the Mega Mack followed relentlessly, its sickening gurgle echoing around him, growing louder with each passing second.

"Not today!" Sonic shouted defiantly, soaring through the final leap.

He landed heavily onto solid metal ground just as the sinister liquid peaked inches below, roiling angrily as if cheated of its prey. Sonic exhaled sharply, his chest heaving, eyes narrowing in triumph. "Close… but not close enough."

But before he could savour his escape, a shrill alarm blasted throughout the plant, its piercing wail shaking him to his core.

"What now?" Sonic exclaimed, scanning for danger.

His answer came immediately—a chilling, mechanical voice echoed throughout the entire facility, cold and indifferent:

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 60 seconds."

"Oh, shi—!" Sonic's startled curse was drowned by a deafening explosion nearby, flames erupting and debris flying through the air.

"No time to hang around!" he shouted, immediately sprinting ahead, adrenaline spiking as chaos erupted around him.

The plant trembled violently beneath him, explosions bursting pipes open and sending clouds of steam hissing through shattered metal seams. Sonic dashed onward, the landscape collapsing around him, fiery explosions lighting his way through the smoke and rubble.

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 45 seconds."

Sonic's shoes blurred, racing against the clock. Shadow Heartless materialised ahead, but Sonic bulldozed through them effortlessly with his Boost ability, scattering the dark creatures like leaves caught in a hurricane. The Heartless disintegrated into mist, unable to withstand his blistering speed.

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 30 seconds."

Cracks raced ahead of Sonic, floors buckling dangerously underfoot. Leaping over a chasm that opened before him, he skidded onto a rapidly collapsing platform, eyes darting urgently, searching for any safe route.

Ahead, he finally saw salvation—the gleaming Goal Ring, surrounded by a barrier of protective energy amidst the catastrophic destruction.

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 20 seconds."

Flames erupted around Sonic, heat licking at his fur. He surged forward, dodging crumbling metal and plunging through clouds of smoke and debris. A cluster of Soldier Heartless was obliterated instantly by a piece of falling machinery, vanishing into nothingness.

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 10 seconds."

With one final, desperate burst of speed, Sonic leapt towards the Goal Ring, debris raining all around. Another explosion ripped through a group of Shadow Heartless, scattering them spectacularly as Sonic soared overhead, untouched by the destruction.

"Warning: Plant Meltdown. T-minus 5 seconds."

He plunged through the shimmering Goal Ring at the last possible moment, the protective barrier snapping into place behind him. He skidded to a halt, gasping as the Chemical Plant erupted in a fiery inferno of explosions, shockwaves shaking everything in sight.

Heartless flew wildly in the blast, their forms disintegrating. Sonic watched, breathing heavily, as the chaos finally settled into smouldering ruins. A Shadow Heartless comically spun through the air, poofing away amidst steam clouds.

"Phew," Sonic sighed, running a gloved hand through his quills. "That was way too close."

Sonic straightened, his green eyes blazing fiercely as he gathered himself. The echoing alarm, the surging Mega Mack, the crumbling chaos—all stark reminders of the dangers he'd faced and overcome. His resolve grew stronger, his heart steadier.

Another zone down. But the path ahead still stretched perilously onward.

"Hang tight, everyone," he vowed firmly, eyes narrowed in determination. "I'm coming."

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

[The 13th Floor - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories Starts Playing]

Continuing to glance back at the smouldering remains of the Chemical Plant, Sonic scratched his head in confusion.

"Funny... I don't remember it exploding like this last time," he muttered. He dropped his hand, placing it thoughtfully on his hip. "Well, regardless—another place saved. Hopefully, Amy too!"

Yet Sonic's thoughts drifted back, recalling the moments before he entered this corrupted version of Chemical Plant. That sudden, sharp headache, bringing back the strange, fragmented memory from Traverse Town. It puzzled him deeply. How could he have forgotten something that important from his last adventure? And those three individuals standing alongside him, Tails, and the Restoration Committee—who exactly were they?

"There's gotta be a reason why those memories resurfaced like that," Sonic mused quietly.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the familiar whir of spinning tails overhead. Looking up, Sonic saw Tails flying down towards him, waving enthusiastically.

"Sonic!" Tails called out warmly, touching down softly in front of his friend.

"Tails!" Sonic exclaimed, stepping forward with a relieved grin.

Tails looked around, his eyes widening at the devastation. "Whoa, what happened to the Chemical Plant?"

"Yeah..." Sonic began sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "It kinda decided to go boom."

"'Go boom'?" Tails repeated incredulously.

"As I was running through, alarms went off, and a countdown started," Sonic explained, gesturing at the surrounding debris, smoke, and broken machinery. "I had sixty seconds to reach the Goal Ring. Barely made it in time."

Tails appeared surprised at first, then quickly grew serious. "Well, another past event saved, right?"

"Right," Sonic agreed, though his tone quickly turned uncertain. "Hey, buddy... can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Did... you also have some memory suddenly pop back?" Sonic asked carefully.

Tails hesitated, briefly looking down as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "Now that you mention it, yeah… it was really strange—like my brain was bridging gaps between moments I'd forgotten and things I should've remembered clearly. That fog I felt back at your party… it's starting to slowly lift." He let his hand fall to his side and met Sonic's gaze. "I'm guessing it happened to you too?"

Sonic nodded. "Yeah. Right before I entered this place, I had a splitting headache." He placed a gloved hand against his temple. "Next thing I knew, I was seeing the night we arrived in Traverse Town. There was you, me, Leon, Aerith, Yuffie… and three others."

"I had the headache and saw it all too, Sonic," Tails confirmed, his tone laced with confusion. "But I still have no idea who those three are."

"Sounds like we're getting the same memories back," Sonic said, frowning slightly as he tried to piece it together. "Could be a link. Some kind of connection, maybe?"

"Maybe," Tails replied, sceptical. He took a few steps away, nudging a piece of debris with his foot as he thought aloud. "I wonder if Leon, Aerith, and Yuffie are experiencing the same thing. They were in that memory too."

Sonic shrugged. "No clue. We can't ask them—not yet, anyway. Guess it's wait-and-see until we find and rescue them."

Tails turned back and nodded. "True…" He scratched his chin again. "Well, I'm guessing with the Chemical Plant 'saved'—"

"To a degree," Sonic cut in with a small laugh, gesturing at the ruined remains of the zone.

Tails chuckled and shook his head. "I meant this point in time, Sonic."

"Oh. Right… I knew that."

Rolling his eyes with a smirk, Tails continued, "This area should be returning to colour back in White Space. And with that, Amy should be restored too."

"Maybe she'll have a memory come back as well," Sonic mused, glancing at the broken skyline.

"I think she will," Tails said with confidence. "Call it a scientific hunch I'm willing to bet on. If both of us remembered those three strangers, Amy might've too."

"Maybe…" Sonic replied. His mind drifted briefly. "Could be tied to when I saw her in Wonderland. Maybe those three were part of that too."

"They could be," Tails agreed. "But we won't know by standing around here."

"Then let's get back to White Space, pal," Sonic remarked confidently, starting to walk off, Tails beginning to follow. "Let's see what other mysteries we can solve."

Meanwhile - Castle Oblivion

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts RE:Chain of Generations starts playing]

Terios emerged from a swirling corridor of darkness, his heavy footsteps breaking the silence of the ethereal white room. The soft, ghostly glow seemed out of place amid the storm of emotions brewing inside him. Immediately, his eye found Naminé, quietly sketching at the room's centre, her slender fingers trembling slightly with exhaustion. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing how hard the Organization was pushing her.

As he stepped forward, another figure shifted from the shadows beside her—a familiar face, yet entirely unwelcome.

"You again," Terios said coldly, eye narrowing sharply at the silver-haired replica standing protectively near Naminé.

Replica Riku crossed his arms defiantly, glaring back at Terios with an intensity that rivalled his own.

"Naminé needs protection," he stated bluntly. "Especially from those who would push her too far."

Terios bristled, his fists clenching involuntarily. "I was created to protect her. I don't need some second-rate creation interfering."

The replica's eyes flashed angrily. "Funny you should say that. If memory serves me right—how did your protection go last time? Oh, that's right, your whole world was destroyed. Some guardian..."

Naminé flinched visibly, her pencil freezing above her sketchbook, eyes wide with anxiety.

"Please... stop," she pleaded quietly, her voice frail. But both were too caught up in their conflict to notice her distress.

Terios took a tense step forward, his voice dangerously low. "At least I have real purpose, puppet. I'm not some hollow copy clinging desperately to someone else's life."

Replica Riku scoffed bitterly, shifting his stance, the dark aura rippling around him. "You're one to talk'. How much of what you believe is even real, hedgehog?"

Terios hesitated, eye flickering briefly towards Naminé. A wave of doubt surged through him, but he buried it quickly beneath anger. "At least I have strength. I'm not weak like you, constantly manipulated by others, scrambling to find meaning."

Replica Riku's gaze hardened, his voice strained with suppressed rage. "Meaning? Look who's talking—an experiment playing hero. You're more manipulated than anyone here, Terios."

"Stop it!" Naminé's voice cracked through their hostility, loud enough this time to draw their full attention. Tears shimmered at the corners of her eyes. "Both of you... please. Just stop."

Terios took a deep breath, slowly regaining his composure, guilt creeping in. He softened visibly, stepping back slightly as his voice lowered. "Naminé, Sonic is breaking through the trapped points in time, his memories slowly connecting. I need your help, but not at the cost of your wellbeing."

Naminé looked away sadly, gently lowering her pencil. "I'm doing everything I can..."

"You shouldn't trust him," Terios warned, nodding towards Replica Riku. His voice was quieter now, tinged with genuine concern. "He's unstable. He'll only bring you pain."

Replica Riku glared back sharply but stayed silent, visibly stung by the words yet unwilling to provoke Naminé further.

Naminé shook her head gently, her blue, emotional eyes pleading with Terios. "He's here because I asked him to be. He's struggling just like we are—please understand."

Terios hesitated again, frustration and confusion warring within him. Finally, he turned away, moving towards a shadowy corridor. "I'll keep watch from White Space. But if he steps out of line—"

"He won't," Naminé assured softly, her tone firm despite her exhaustion.

Terios paused at the edge of darkness, glancing back once, regret lingering in his gaze. Without another word, he vanished into the corridor, leaving a thick, tense silence behind.

Replica Riku lowered his head, fists trembling at his sides, his own anger mixed now with uncertainty.

Naminé resumed her drawing, but her movements were slower, her burden heavier than before.

"We all deserve a chance to find our truth," she whispered softly, her words barely audible, yet echoing gently in the silence.

Chapter Text

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

After leaving Stardust Speedway, the trio—Classic Sonic, Classic Tails, and the man in red—returned to the colourless void of White Space.

The man walked ahead in silence, his crimson cape trailing behind him, boots tapping in a steady rhythm. Behind him, Sonic strolled with casual ease, hands tucked behind his head, while Tails stayed close, his twin tails flicking uncertainly as his eyes darted left and right, scanning the nothingness. His gloved fingers fidgeted nervously at his sides.

Suddenly, the man stopped.

He placed his gloved hands neatly behind his back and turned halfway, his one visible eye—cold and amber—locking onto the duo. The rest of his face remained concealed beneath the bandages, but the weight of his gaze alone made the void seem heavier.

Tails's ears perked slightly as he and Sonic came to a halt. The hedgehog dropped his arms and tilted his head, one brow raised, tapping his foot with a faint thup-thup-thup.

"I expect you two have a lot of questions," the man said at last, his voice composed and grave, like a lecturer who'd grown tired of repeating the syllabus.

Tails nodded quickly, glancing to Sonic, who simply gave a lopsided shrug—more curious than concerned.

"You could say that, mister," Tails replied, his hands rising in an open, exasperated gesture. "One moment Sonic's running through Green Hill, I'm elbows-deep in fixing the Tornado, and the next... bam—we're here." He threw his hands outward to indicate the blank void around them. "Wherever here is?"

Classic Sonic lifted his shoulders and threw his palms out, lips pursed in a muted 'you tell me' expression. He scratched behind one ear, his usual smug confidence giving way to visible puzzlement.

"This place," the man began, "is known as White Space. A realm severed from reality—caught between time and space, fragmented by the manipulation of one entity..." He let the words hang, dramatic and deliberate before answering. "...Terios."

The name drifted into the void like a tremor.

"Terios?" Tails echoed, his brow furrowing as the name settled like a chill on his fur.

Classic Sonic glanced at his friend, then back at the man. He tilted his head slightly, arms folded and one brow raised—a silent, unimpressed "who?" written all over his face.

The man in red didn't smile. But the faintest tilt of his head betrayed a grim kind of expectation. He'd seen this confusion before.

"You wouldn't know him," the man said, voice low, touched with the weariness of someone who'd explained this one too many times. He raised a hand and swept it across the pale nothingness surrounding them. "He is the Organization's enforcer. A weapon cloaked in engineered purpose." His fingers curled into a sharper gesture, like he were gripping something fragile. "Every time Terios unleashes his power, he tears holes through the fabric of time itself. Reality buckles. And what's left behind..." He paused, letting the stillness hang like fog. "White Space. A graveyard of trapped timelines."

Tails instinctively inched closer to Sonic, his namesake tails twitching with unease. The little fox glanced around again, seeing the void through new eyes—this wasn't just some blank world. It was the corpse of time itself.

"But why?" he asked, voice tinged with innocence and fear. "What have we done to get dragged into this?"

The man's expression softened—barely. But his tone remained grave. "He seeks to erase Sonic from existence."

Sonic literally jumped with a surprised hop, eyes wide and mouth open in disbelief.

Tails stared, stunned. "Erase Sonic?!" he remarked, horror freezing the words on his lips.

Sonic slowly placed a gloved hand over his chest, feeling the sudden thump of his heartbeat—faster now, sharper.

The hedgehog's usual confident bravado was nowhere to be seen. His eyes dipped halfway, half-lidded with unease, and his mouth hung low. The look on his face said it all.

Turning, the man in red continued forward with slow, deliberate steps. His red cape trailed behind him.

"Not this Sonic, per se…" he said, voice echoing faintly. The man halted, glancing over his shoulder, his single eye gleaming. "...an older variant."

"Really?" Tails murmured, still trying to shake the weight of the revelation from his thoughts.

Sonic, hearing this, slowly lowered his hand from his chest. His expression shifted—his sad, shaken features giving way to a more puzzled, intrigued look. He raised a brow, head tilted slightly.

"Yes," the man answered, his tone clipped and serious. Now turning towards them fully. "Terios interrupted that Sonic's birthday party," he gestured towards the hedgehog, then folded his hands behind his back once more. "The Organization sees the older Sonic as a threat—one that must be erased from existence." He turned his head slightly, addressing Tails directly. "Along with his allies."

"Wait—allies?" Tails asked, pointing a thumb toward his chest, ears twitching. "You mean like… friends?"

The man gave a single, grave nod. "The Sonic of the modern era has begun to repair the damage caused by Terios. In doing so, he's not only restoring history... but rescuing friends trapped within it. Friends waiting to be saved."

"Like… me?" Tails asked softly, his voice almost cracking—part hope, part disbelief.

"Indeed, young Miles Prower," the man confirmed with a respectful nod. "He has already restored Green Hill—rescuing your older self."

"He… saved me," Tails breathed, the words small, but powerful.

He jolted slightly, hand instinctively pressing to his chest as if he could somehow feel the moment happening across time. His expression was wide-eyed—stunned, overwhelmed.

Classic Sonic looked to his friend, concerned. Tails stood frozen in place, his shoulders tense.

Without a word, Sonic stepped closer and placed a gloved hand gently on Tails's back, giving it a slow, reassuring rub. A small gesture, but it said everything.

The man in red watched them quietly, his gaze lingering on the smaller, quieter Sonic. There was something that piqued the man's interest. He tilted his head slightly, studying the hedgehog.

"I'm okay…" Tails murmured after a moment, glancing up at Sonic with a weary but warm smile. "Thanks, Sonic."

Sonic stepped back, just enough to give his friend space, then flashed a wide, earnest thumbs up.

"Interesting…" the man mused aloud, voice low but curious. His one visible eye narrowed as he addressed the hedgehog. "You don't speak, do you?"

Classic Sonic offered a casual shrug, like it wasn't a big deal. Tails stepped in, smiling as he explained.

"He doesn't need to," the fox said proudly. "I can understand him just by the way he looks at me, the way he moves. We've got this—…"

He trailed off, searching for the right word.

"...connection?" the man offered, tone sharp but intrigued.

"Ri—right! Exactly."

Sonic nodded with a grin. It wasn't just teamwork, but something deeper.

"Connection is a powerful thing," the man said, turning his gaze between them. "Especially to the heart. Don't lose it."

"We won't," Tails replied, stepping closer to Sonic. "We're best friends. Right, Sonic?"

Sonic gave a confident nod and flashed a bright smile.

The man nodded back—just once—but the warmth quickly shifted to focus.

"So," he continued, turning slightly, "while your older self continues to restore trapped moments elsewhere, you two have been doing the same, yes?"

Sonic nodded again.

"Yeah," Tails chimed in. "Sonic saved Casino Night Zone. We stopped Metal Sonic and retrieved the Blue Chaos Emerald."

At that moment, Sonic raised his hand, and in a shimmer of light, the Blue Emerald appeared in his palm—glowing faintly, pulsing with energy.

"Very good," the man said, eyeing it carefully. "The Chaos Emeralds will be crucial in our mission. Keep it safe."

Sonic nodded, spun the Emerald once in his hand before pocketing it away safely.

The man turned and gave a small nod of his head towards something in the distance. Through White Space, a shape could be seen.

"There's another trapped moment ahead," he said firmly. "Let's see what place in time needs saving next."

Without waiting for a reply, the man turned and strode off into the distance.

Classic Sonic and Tails exchanged a glance—Sonic with a grin, Tails with a nod—and then followed close behind, their footsteps steady as they moved forward.

After a minute or so of walking through the pallid void, the trio came to a stop. Before them stood another fragment of time.

The man halted, his hands still neatly behind his back. His gaze lingered on the sight ahead, but he didn't turn to the duo beside him.

"Do you know this place?" he asked, his voice low, one visible eye gleaming with muted curiosity.

Tails stepped forward slightly, eyes widening with recognition. "Sure we do," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgic warmth. He swept his gloved hands outward as if to welcome it back. "That's Mushroom Hill!"

Sonic nodded in quiet agreement, but his expression was serious.

Before them stood a warped recreation of Angel Island's iconic zone—but drained of colour. The vibrant greens of the hilltop meadows were now an eerie monochrome. Giant mushrooms sagged under their own weight, their caps pale and brittle like paper left in the sun too long. The foliage had lost its shimmer, and the air—normally thick with pollen and drifting spores—hung motionless.

Even the ring-shaped hedgerow that once framed the valley's entrance now stood wilted and grey, its curve distorted like a corrupted save file. Leaves fell but never touched the ground.

"Once a place of vibrant growth and energy," the man said, almost to himself, "now another victim of temporal collapse."

Tails stepped forward, voice quieter now. "Heh… we used to bounce off those mushrooms for hours."

His words carried a faint wistfulness, a nostalgic echo of simpler times. But the cheer in his voice didn't quite reach his eyes.

Sonic glanced at him, then returned his focus to the scene—his expression shifting. His gloved fists clenched slowly at his sides, the faintest hint of tension in his shoulders.

The man turned slightly, his gaze catching the hedgehog's expression. "It seems you are ready to proceed," he noted firmly.

Sonic blinked, startled from his thoughts. His eyes widened and his mouth formed a perfect "O"—a look of comical disbelief, like someone had just told him the chili dog stand was out of mustard.

"You seem surprised?" the man mused.

Tails gave a small chuckle. "That's his 'Wait, no mustard?' face."

The man gave a rare, amused hum. "A curious reaction to destiny… but fitting."

He turned fully now, gesturing towards the pale husk of the zone. "Like that casino, you must run through the trapped world to restore its rhythm—to breathe life back into its memory. The corrupted echoes will resist, of course. But each step will draw you closer to restoring what Terios tried to drain and erase."

The whiteness of the void shifted slightly ahead—thin ripples forming, as if the world were beginning to remember itself.

"This was once a sanctuary of the natural world of Mobius," he added. "Now it's your next trial. The Mushroom Hill Zone awaits, Sonic."

Sonic cracked his knuckles and shot Tails a confident smirk. The uncertainty was still there, buried deep—but he was Sonic. And Sonic ran towards danger, not away from it.

Tails nodded back, already stepping up beside him.

"Let's fix this trapped place," Tails said cheerfully.

Sonic gave him a thumbs-up, then turned towards the faded landscape—and ran into the hub's portal.

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing]

Mushroom Hill Zone

Music: Mushroom Hill - Act 1 - Sonic Generations

Sonic stepped through into Mushroom Hill, where colour and life instantly blossomed around him. The sky above was a warm late-afternoon orange, and golden leaves drifted down from a canopy of gigantic trees. Tower-sized mushrooms with red and russet caps dotted the landscape like umbrellas, some so springy that simply landing on them could send Sonic bounding upward. The crisp air smelled of earth and mushrooms, a welcome change from the sterile void of White Space. Sonic grinned and took off in a blur, eager to restore this lost fragment of Angel Island.

Zipping through the autumn-hued forest, Sonic leapt over gnarled roots and between towering mushroom stalks. He hopped onto a seesaw-like mushroom, using its recoil to catapult himself over a thorny thicket.

Boing!

The maneuver launched him skyward, where he snatched a trail of golden Rings mid-air.

As he landed, a squat Badnik suddenly popped up among the toadstools – a Mushmeanie, one of Robotnik's mushroom-shaped robots. It had been hiding among the regular mushrooms and now began bouncing around erratically at his approach. Sonic smirked, unfazed. In one swift move, he jumped and stomped on the Badnik's mushroom cap, popping its helmet off and leaving the panicked robot exposed. With a whir, Sonic delivered a quick Spin Attack that shattered the Mushmeanie's metal shell. The Badnik exploded in a puff of smoke and springs, and a little bird (a trapped Flicky) fluttered out and away, free at last. Sonic gave a satisfied thumbs-up.

Further ahead, the ground was blanketed in creeping vines that snaked between mushrooms. Sonic sprinted across, but the moment he touched the vines, they snagged at his feet, clinging like living tar. He jumped in surprise as his momentum died; the sticky vines had pinned him in place. With an annoyed eye-roll, Sonic revved up in place and unleashed a charged Spin Dash, tearing himself free in a flurry of leaves. He skidded back into a run, only for a sudden gust of wind to blast him head-on. Above, a Cluckoid badnik – a mechanical chicken on a weather vane – cackled while generating a miniature whirlwind. Sonic dug in his heels as leaves and spores swirled around. Not wasting a second, he dashed up the trunk of a nearby mushroom and launched himself at the cackling robot.

SMASH!

His spinning jump cracked the Cluckoid to pieces, silencing its windstorm and scattering its broken parts across the forest floor. Another small animal was freed—this time, a Pecky: a tiny penguin.

Sonic landed and paused, ears twitching. Despite the lively forest around him, he sensed something amiss – a creeping darkness seeping into this vibrant shadows beneath the mushrooms seemed to quiver unnaturally. Suddenly, inky black creatures with gleaming yellow eyes melted up from the ground. These were not Robotnik's robots, but Heartless.Shadow Heartless scuttled towards Sonic. The hedgehog's brow furrowed as one Shadow leapt at him, but he was ready – he sidestepped and swatted it with a swift spin-kick, the impact dissolving the creature into black vapour. Another Heartless lunged from behind, and Sonic dropped flat, letting it sail overhead. He sprang up and spin-attacked the assailant in a blink, dispersing it in a flash. A stubborn Shadow lunged from the side, but Sonic curled up, sprang into the air, then uncurled mid-jump and drove his red-and-white shoe down in a sharp stomp. The weak Heartless crumpled under the blow, bursting apart in a puff of darkness.

Sonic stood tall, scanning his surroundings for any lingering threats—until he looked up and spotted a winged Heartless diving toward him from above: an Air Soldier, red claws extended. He backflipped just as the Heartless slammed into the ground where he'd stood, its dive attack kicking up a spray of dirt. Without missing a beat, Sonic sprinted up the trunk of a nearby tree, rebounded off a sturdy mushroom cap, and launched himself into the air. He met the Air Soldier mid-swoop, striking it head-on with a powerful aerial spin attack. The creature let out a final shrill cry before bursting into dark wisps. Sonic landed in a three-point crouch, panting ever so lightly. The clearing around him was littered with fading shadows and scorched grass—but no Heartless remained. He stood, brushed off his gloves, and flashed a confident smirk into the empty air. These interlopers were no match for the speed and skill of the Blue Blur.

With the last of the dark creatures vanquished, Sonic refocused on his mission. He dashed deeper into Mushroom Hill, following the familiar winding paths, loop-de-loops, and springboards. Each step he took seemed to breathe life into the world around him – colours grew richer, and the once-still air now danced with falling leaves and drifting spores. Sonic could feel the zone's rhythm returning.

Up ahead—just beyond a hill covered in giant toadstools—Sonic spotted it: the Goal Plate, spinning slowly in the breeze.

"There!"

Without hesitation, Sonic accelerated into a blur of motion, racing up the hillside. The wind rushed past him as the autumn canopy blurred overhead, but ahead, a final cluster of Badniks blocked the path.

A pair of Mushmeanies, bouncing erratically across a narrow platform of mushrooms. Sonic zigzagged between their lunges, leapt into the air, and spin-dashed straight through the first one. Its metal shell shattered on impact, and a tiny Flicky burst free with a chirp of joy, fluttering skyward into the trees. The second Mushmeanie tried to retreat, but Sonic rebounded off a nearby mushroom stalk and smashed it from above with a swift spin attack. Another puff of smoke—and another grateful Flicky escaped from the wreckage.

There was no time to celebrate. Overhead, a Cluckoid perched on a swaying branch, squawking as it unleashed gusts of wind in his direction. Sonic dug in, shoes skidding across the slope. To avoid the attack, he launched himself sideways, sprinting along the edge of a tilted toadstool before vaulting upward. Mid-air, he curled into a ball and slammed into the Cluckoid with a spinning kick.

The wind-blaster burst apart in a spray of gears and springs, its weather vane toppling and clattering against a mushroom cap below. From the wreckage, a small pig tumbled out, squealing softly as it scrambled to safety—another freed critter thanks to Sonic.

Suddenly, there was a sudden rustle—movement to the hedgehog's right.

A Buzz Bomber darted from the underbrush, locking onto Sonic with its stinger charged. Before it could fire, Sonic wall-jumped off the trunk of a mushroom tree, twisting mid-air and delivering a rapid spin attack right between its eyes. The drone short-circuited in midair, burst apart, and sent a small squirrel tumbling free with a squeak of surprise before landing safely in a leafy patch below.

Sonic skidded to a halt at the edge of a wide chasm. The Goal Plate shimmered in the distance—just out of reach. But he'd come prepared.

With a confident smirk, he hopped onto a nearby parachute mushroom, its surface bending beneath his weight before launching him skyward. The spore-filled air whooshed past as he soared across the gap, arms outstretched, body twisting slightly to catch the breeze. The mushroom slowed his descent just enough—he flipped mid-air, landed cleanly on the far ledge, and dashed the final stretch.

The Goal Plate spun wildly as he rocketed past it, the image of Robotnik flipping to reveal a grinning Sonic, finger raised in trademark victory.

Sonic skidded to a halt and turned back. Rising onto his tiptoes, he shaded his eyes with one hand, scanning the distance behind him. After a brief moment of inspection, he dropped back down and lowered his hand.

The hedgehog was satisfied with his work.

With a cocky smirk, he brushed off his gloves, placed his hands on his hips, and stood tall.

"Mission complete," he thought, his inner voice humming with pride.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Sonic turned to look for an exit back to White Space; he needed to get back to Tails and their mysterious new ally. But as he began to walk away, his pace slowed instinctively. Something felt off. His ears perked slightly, his quills bristling as a sensation of imminent danger prickled at the edges of his senses.

"Stop right there," commanded a stern voice, masculine and sharp with a stoic seriousness.

The hedgehog spun quickly around, his clenched gloved hands raised defensively, eyes narrowed in readiness. But the scene before him instantly dropped his guard, his eyes widening in exaggerated disbelief—the classic 'no mustard?' expression etched comically across his face.

[SeeD - Final Fantasy VIII starts playing]

Approaching him cautiously, with wary yet determined gazes, was a group unlike anything Sonic had seen before. Teenagers—clearly human—with varying styles and unmistakably unique energies. Their presence alone screamed of another world.

"What the...?" Sonic thought in bewilderment, watching them approach.

The one in front, clearly the leader, had unruly brown hair that partially shaded a pair of intense blue eyes. A long, thin scar cut diagonally across his face, lending him a permanently serious expression. He wore a distinctive black leather bomber jacket with a fur-lined collar, three red belts strapped across his black trousers, and an unusual weapon in hand—a gunblade, part sword, part firearm.

Beside him walked a dark-haired girl whose long, sleeveless blue sweater fluttered gently. Her eyes were curious, yet kind, scanning Sonic cautiously.

"Yo, that thing's not some kind of Guardian Force, is it?" said the spiky-haired teen with a bold cheek tattoo, coming to a stop alongside the others a few feet from the stunned hedgehog.

"I don't know," added a cheerful girl in a bright yellow overall dress, her eyes sparkling. "But he's definitely cute! We could use him as Balamb's new mascot!"

"Mascot?" Sonic thought, his eye twitching slightly. His face twisted into a look of offended confusion—as if someone had just suggested putting him on a cereal box.

"Focus," chided another softly, with calm authority. The blonde teenager had a sophisticated air, her salmon-colored attire neat and pristine, eyes sharp but cautious. "We need to stay alert. No messing around."

"Right..." the girl in bright yellow replied sheepishly, though her eyes remained locked on Sonic, who was visibly baffled.

Sonic was completely at a loss for how to respond. His eyes flicked rapidly between each face, every moment increasing his confusion. The silence hung thickly, charged with awkward anticipation.

"Where are we?" the stoic leader asked, his weapon no longer visible, arms crossed with rigid authority. His eyes locked onto Sonic."Start talking."

Sonic pointed to himself, raised a gloved hand in a wave, and gave them a cheerful thumbs-up. He then began miming exaggerated running in place, complete with spin dash poses and rapid foot-tapping. With a flourish, he struck a confident pose—finger raised high, classic grin beaming across his face.

The group just… stared.

Brows creased in silent judgment, the leather-clad leader didn't move—clearly unimpressed.

Next to him, the girl in the blue sweater tilted her head, squinting as if Sonic had started speaking a foreign language.

Arms folded, the blonde in salmon blinked slowly—once, then twice—her expression unreadable but far from sold.

A sparkle lit up the eyes of the girl in yellow; she looked halfway between "aww" and "is this performance art?"

Meanwhile, the tattooed blond leaned back slightly, mouthed, "What the hell?" and glanced at nobody in particular, throwing his arms up in the air.

"…Is this supposed to mean something?" the leather-clad teen asked, deadpan.

Sonic threw his own arms up, clearly exasperated. He jabbed a finger at his throat sharply, then gestured wildly with a wide-eyed shrug, his mouth half-open in disbelief. His expression practically screamed: "Seriously? Are you guys this dense?"

He mimed zipping his mouth shut, rolled his eyes, then twirled a finger beside his head in dramatic annoyance before planting his hands on his hips in the most exaggerated "can you believe this?" pose imaginable.

"…Is he mute?" the girl in yellow asked, brow scrunching curiously.

"I think he's trying to say… he's fast?" offered the dark-haired girl in blue, tilting her head slightly, her voice gentle but unsure.

"No, no—what if this is, like, some kind of interpretive dance?" the blond guy with the tattoo said, eyes lighting up as he threw out a couple of his own mock dance moves. "You know, like one of those old Dollet street performances?"

Sonic groaned and facepalmed—hard. His gloved hand slid slowly down his face. "You gotta be kiddin' me…" he thought.

"Can you not talk?" asked the blonde in the salmon-coloured outfit, her tone measured and analytical, like a teacher trying to understand a struggling student.

Sonic lowered his hand, gave a tired nod, and sighed quietly.

"Great," the stoic teen muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's just what we needed."

"He's kind of cool though, Squall," the tattooed one said with a grin. "Little dude looks like a lot of fun."

"Don't even think about it, Zell," Squall replied without missing a beat, not even looking to him.

"And we're not here to have fun," the blonde haired member of the team added sharply, arms crossed. Her tone had the clipped authority of someone who'd had to wrangle this group before—likely more than once.

"Easy, Quistis," Zell said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just tryin' to lighten the mood."

"Lighten the mood?" Quistis threw her arm out, gesturing around the surreal landscape. Her voice climbed an octave with disbelief. "We're in a forest full of mushrooms bigger than the Dollet Comm Tower!"

Zell raised an eyebrow. "Bit of an exaggeration…"

"ZELL."

He flinched slightly, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Kidding. Mostly..."

Squall exhaled through his nose, barely hiding his exasperation. Quistis just closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, the mental checklist of how this day had gone spiraling further out of control.

Sonic observed the back-and-forth silently, brows raised. He wasn't sure who they were, but one thing was certain—this was definitely not his crowd.

The girl in yellow rocked on her heels, hands behind her back, taking in Mushroom Hill with wide eyes. "Y'know, it kinda reminds me of Timber… if Timber went on vacation to a mushroom planet."

"Timber?" the brown-haired girl repeated. "Pretty sure Timber doesn't grow mushrooms the size of airships, Selphie."

"Okay, yeah," Selphie admitted, twirling a lock of hair. "But still—it's got that overgrown, weirdly quiet vibe, Rinoa. Like nature's holding its breath or something."

"It's not even close," Rinoa said, brushing her hair behind her ear with a faint sigh. Her gaze drifted to Sonic again—softer now, more curious than cautious. She stepped forward slightly. "Hey… I know you might not be able to speak, but can you try to explain where we are? Please?" She hesitated, then added quietly, "Also… have you seen my dog? Her name's Angelo."

Sonic looked up and met her gaze. He appreciated the calm in her voice, not like the others who treated him like some glitchy Saturday morning cartoon mascot.

Also, she had a dog?

Sonic shook his head gently. No dog here. He mimed the idea as best he could, and Rinoa seemed to understand.

"Oh…" she murmured, the worry creeping into her voice.

The others fell quiet.

Selphie's playful bounce stilled. Zell scratched the back of his head and looked away. Quistis folded her arms a little tighter, her expression unreadable but thoughtful.

Squall watched, his gaze fixed not on Sonic, but on Rinoa.

He didn't speak, but the way his eyes lingered, the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly—it said everything.

They'd find her.

Rinoa looked to Squall—only for a moment, but it was enough. Then she turned to Sonic, offering him a small, thankful smile.

Sonic started to raise his hands again, maybe to offer help in finding Angelo, but before he could make a move—a voice sliced through the moment like a cold wind.

"Interesting," said a deep, composed voice from behind them. "More guests… dragged into this mess."

The group spun around instinctively, stances tightening.

[SeeD - Final Fantasy VIII stops playing. Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

From a swirling corridor of darkness stepped the man in red—his face obscured beneath bandages, a single amber eye glowing. Each step he took was deliberate, his long crimson cape trailing behind him like spilled ink on blank parchment.

Beside him, Classic Tails jogged forward, his twin tails moving lightly behind him as his eyes lit up with relief.

"Sonic!" he called, grinning wide. "You did it! You fixed Mushroom Hill!"

Squall narrowed his eyes, looking at the fox running towards the hedgehog.

"Sonic…? That's his name?" He said nothing aloud, but his mind was already running through a checklist of everything wrong with this situation.

"OH MY HYNE!" Selphie squealed, hands clutched to her cheeks. "The blue guy's little buddy is so cute!"

Zell leaned in slightly, confused. "Wait, are those… two tails? He's got two freakin' tails!"

Rinoa tilted her head, eyes narrowing with quiet curiosity. "They're… real," she murmured. "Not mechanical... I'm sure of it."

Quistis said nothing, but her eyes were sharply analysing the scene. She was mentally noting the way the fox moved, the way he spoke, how familiar he seemed with this so-called Sonic.

Tails skidded to a stop beside Sonic, beaming at him with wide-eyed admiration. Sonic returned the smile and threw him a thumbs-up, then tilted his head towards the group of newcomers. He gave a lopsided grin and an exaggerated shrug that practically screamed, "Any idea what's up with these guys?"

Tails blinked and followed his gaze. He looked at the humans—five teens who looked like they'd just stepped out of a completely different reality.

"Uh…" Tails said slowly, tails twitching. "Who… are they?"

Sonic gave his most dramatic shrug yet—arms wide, one brow raised high, expression pure "don't ask me."

The man in red stepped forward. "Travellers," he intoned solemnly, his amber eye sweeping across the five unfamiliar faces. "Brought here unwillingly."

Quistis stepped forward, firm but calm. "And you are?"

"Yeah, and what's with the whole mummy-with-a-belt vibe?" Zell added, cocking his head with a squint.

"My name—and my appearance—do not matter in the grand scheme of things."

"Cryptic…" Squall muttered, unimpressed. "Go figure."

"You five were pulled here across spacetime," the man continued smoothly, ignoring Squall's sarcasm.

"Pulled?" Rinoa echoed, the word tightening in her throat. She took a quiet step closer to Squall, her body instinctively aligning with his.

"Spacetime…" Quistis murmured, eyes narrowing with clinical intensity. "Then we've been displaced—not just geographically, but chronologically."

Squall let out a loud sigh. "Great."

"No freaking way!" Selphie gasped, nearly bouncing in place. Her fingers clutched her cheeks in theatrical disbelief. "Like, is this 'oops, the timeline's scrambled' weird… or, like, 'end of all existence' weird?"

Quistis gave her a look—equal parts "not now" and "please stop talking"—but held her tongue.

Zell, meanwhile, crossed his arms, lips pressed tight. The bravado had slipped from his face. He wasn't built for this kind of existential mess. Fights? Sure. Dealing with Seifer? Fine. But new timelines and talking animals? He shook his head slowly. "This... this is nuts, man!"

Squall's arms remained folded, but his eyes had lost their glare—now distant, analytical. "No mission. No orders. No Garden..."

Just this fractured dream of a forest and the creeping sense that everything familiar had already slipped too far out of reach.

Rinoa glanced between Sonic, Tails, and the mysterious man, her hand drifting towards her waist, like she expected trouble at any moment. Sonic noticed the movement but didn't react—his stance was open, yet alert. Tails stood beside him, brow furrowed, equally unsure if this group was friend or something else entirely.

The man in red's voice broke the silence once more—low, measured, final.

"Perhaps… it's best we start from the beginning."

Chapter Text

Another Rescue, Another Surprise Or Two

Deep in Castle Oblivion...

[Thirteenth Discretion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Axel and Larxene entered a sleek, white, technologically sophisticated room humming softly with electric tension. Rows of data screens lined the walls, bathing the space in eerie blues and greens, their displays scrolling with endless streams of cryptic information. At the center stood a rotund, hooded figure—The Doctor—his gloved fingers dancing over a glowing console, completely absorbed in his work.

"Hey, Doc," Axel called, tone casual but edged with challenge. "We've got a problem."

The Doctor didn't look up. "Then solve it," he replied curtly.

Larxene's heel clicked sharply on the pristine floor as she advanced, her irritation sharpening with each step. "The problem is your little Frankenstein hedgehog," she snapped. "We've already got our hands full with Sora—we don't need your pet project screwing everything up."

The Doctor turned slightly. The shadows of his hood concealed most of his features, save for the cold glint of round dark glasses catching the flickering lights behind him.

"Is that supposed to be a threat, Larxene?" he asked, voice low and cutting.

"Wanna find out?" she snapped back, lightning crackling at her gloved fingertips.

Axel raised a hand, the usual smirk tugging at his lips. "Easy, Larxene. We're not here to start a boss fight."

Larxene rolled her eyes and stepped back with a sharp huff, the sparks fading as quickly as they'd come.

Axel turned his attention back to the Doctor. "We're just pointing out that Terios is making waves. That protective streak over Naminé? It's starting to interfere with our objectives."

The Doctor chuckled—a low sounding noise that barely resembled amusement. "His protective instincts were the very reason he was chosen."

Larxene's eyes narrowed, her suspicion sharp. "Chosen? Wait, aren't you his creator?"

The Doctor turned fully now, arms folding across his chest as he leaned back against the console.

"Creator?" he echoed, his tone laced with disdain. "No. Terios wasn't mine—not at first. I merely… improved him."

Axel arched an eyebrow. "So you're saying he was just lying around somewhere, and you what—upgraded him like an old toy?"

The Doctor exhaled as if explaining something obvious to children. "He was a remnant. Confiscated illegal research and cryogenically stored. A failed imitation of the true Ultimate Lifeform."

Larxene cocked her head, curiosity briefly flickering beneath her irritation. "Ultimate Lifeform… You mean Shadow. That moody hedgehog pulled into the other side of White Space?"

"Correct." The Doctor's voice was flat, clinical. "The Lumarians attempted to recreate Gerald Robotnik's design using stolen data and theories. Desperate beings worshipping prophecy while their world collapsed. They tried to build salvation… and brought darkness instead."

A smirk tugged at Axel's lips as he leaned forward slightly. "So let me guess—you just happened to stumble on this frozen science project and thought, 'yeah, I'll make it worse'?"

"Hardly stumbled." The Doctor's tone turned sharp. "Several members of the Organization recovered the specimen from containment. I was tasked with repurposing it."

Axel's eyebrow twitched. "Really? Must've missed that mission memo." He glanced sideways. "Were you in on that job, Larxene?"

Larxene recoiled with a sharp scoff. "Don't insult me. Like I'd help haul that freak into our ranks."

"Could've fooled me."

"You're not funny."

"Wasn't trying to be," Axel replied coolly, before turning his gaze back to The Doctor. "So, when exactly did you convince everyone to pick up the frozen fuzzball like takeout?"

"Right after XIII joined us," The Doctor said, his voice neutral but with a trace of calculation. "And shortly before Rank XIV arrived."

That earned a look between Axel and Larxene. Neither spoke, but the air thickened.

"Our leader gave me the authority," The Doctor continued. "Through my work, Terios was gifted temporal distortion, synthetic memory manipulation, and neural conditioning. The perfect tool to erase Sonic the Hedgehog from time—at the roots."

Larxene rolled her eyes. "So basically, you slapped a time bomb together using someone else's blueprint."

"Wrong." The Doctor's voice turned icy. "I refined a failed copy. I gave it purpose. Structure. Control. And despite his imperfections, Terios has proven... usefully devoted."

Axel rubbed the back of his neck, a half-smirk on his face. "Devoted's one word. Obsessive? That's more like it. Especially when it comes to Naminé."

"Let him believe what he must," The Doctor replied, voice cold and measured. "Conviction breeds control, Axel. And illusion—when crafted correctly—is more effective than truth."

Larxene scoffed at the remark. "So the hedgehog thinks he's her knight in shining armour. Cute. And here I thought delusions were Sora's thing."

The Doctor turned slightly, the glow of the console casting light across his hooded features. "Blame the witch," he sneered. "Her power is memory. I simply guided it—redirected her influence to overwrite his original purpose. A few tweaks to his neural code, and she slid into place as the center of his world."

Axel raised a brow, exchanging a glance with Larxene. "So… he was meant to protect someone else?"

The Doctor's tone grew dismissive, as if discussing a failed experiment. "An irrelevant detail. A girl long lost. The Lumarians built him to protect their salvation, not ours. But now? He clings to Naminé. And that... works better for us."

Larxene's lip curled, her voice sharp with venom. "So what if I tell him the truth?" She smirked coldly. "Let him know his whole purpose is a lie. See how devoted your little Frankenhog is then."

The Doctor paused—then laughed. A soft, mirthless sound. "You could. But you won't."

"Try me," Larxene snapped, lightning crackling along her fingertips again.

"You're cruel, Larxene—but not stupid," The Doctor said smoothly. "Tear away his illusion, and you risk turning him from a loyal tool into a rogue anomaly. He breaks now, and so does the entire equation keeping Sonic locked in place."

Besides, if you wreck him, you're the one stuck explaining it to him," Axel added, turning his gaze towards Larxene.

He didn't say their leaders name—but the weight hung in the air.

"And waste such pure, misguided devotion?" The Doctor added, his voice like silk over ice. "Let Terios protect her, burn himself out trying. He thinks it's love. It's programming. Either way—it keeps him moving."

Before Larxene could offer a retort, a corridor of darkness unfurled with a hiss—and from it stepped Vexen. His presence was immediate: precise, clinical, and commanding. His black Organization coat swept behind him like the trailing edge of a scalpel, and he walked with the cold assurance of a man used to speaking only to equals.

"Doctor," he said crisply, his tone cutting through the room like frost. "We need to speak... privately. Away from the interference of uneducated minds."

"Oof..." Axel muttered, placing a hand where his heart should be. "Got me right in the feels with that one."

Next to him, Larxene stiffened, electricity crackling at her gloves. "Excuse me?!"

"Agreed," The Doctor said, turning back to his console without hesitation. "I've heard enough from the both of them. Their grievances are as unproductive as they are predictable. Axel, Larxene, Leave us."

"But—" Larxene began, her voice sharpening.

The Doctor snapped, louder this time. "I said leave! This meeting is no longer for your ears."

Axel raised his eyebrows and let out a low whistle. "Well. Guess we've been dismissed, huh?" He placed a firm hand on Larxene's shoulder before she could erupt. "C'mon. Let the grown-ups argue over which science fair project wins first prize."

Larxene glared daggers at both of them, then vanished into a corridor of darkness, lightning trailing behind her. Axel followed with a two-finger salute and a grin.

"Don't blow up the lab while we're gone," he taunted smugly.

The moment the portal sealed shut, Vexen stepped forward, lowering his voice.

"I've had word back from our leader. XIV is progressing. Slowly, but she's stabilising." He paused meaningfully. "It seems Number XIII is... assisting her in missions."

The Doctor's hands paused above the console. His voice came out clipped. "Assisting? If she had been my creation, she'd be independent by now. And stable. Not a hollow puppet masquerading as a girl."

Vexen's eyes narrowed. "She was of my design."

The Doctor chuckled under his breath, dry and venomous. "Yes, I remember. And yet, for all your so-called brilliance, she clings to emotion like a lost pet. Useful, perhaps. But hardly impressive."

"She can do things your constructs can't even conceive," Vexen snapped, stepping forward with purpose. "She's more than data. She's adaptive."

The Doctor leaned back, clearly amused. "My old assistants were adaptive—and they were idiots. But at least they followed instructions." A ghost of a grin tugged beneath his hood. "And didn't cry about their purpose."

Vexen's jaw tightened. "Mock all you like. But our plan still requires a backup."

The Doctor's amusement cooled, his tone sharpening. "Yes. And that's why we build another."

A moment of silence hung between them—dense with unspoken ambition.

"If Terios breaks," Vexen said, voice lower, more deliberate, "the ripple effect will shatter more than timelines. The same could happen with XIV and the Riku Replica. But I believe both will fulfill their functions."

"You'd hope so," The Doctor murmured, returning his focus to the console. "Let XIV collect hearts, while the replica of the boy plays his part with Sora. My focus remains where it matters most—Terios." He tapped a new series of commands. "He must erase Sonic, collapse his timeline, overwrite everything. That buys us the time we need."

Vexen watched, brow furrowing. "For control, you mean?"

The Doctor's fingers danced across the console, symbols flickering in rapid sequence. "Of the Organization," he said. Then, more softly, more sinister—"One puppet at a time… until the board belongs to us."

[Thirteenth Discretion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing]

Back in White Space...

[Just Wondering - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

With Chemical Plant Zone restored, Sonic and Tails stood just outside its hub—now glowing with colour and pulsing with restored temporal energy. The area around them shimmered with a faint warmth, but their eyes were fixed on something far more important.

Amy Rose.

Frozen in time only moments ago, the pink hedgehog's stone-like form now shimmered with light, a soft glow crawling up her body. Her once-terrified expression began to soften as colour slowly returned to her, life seeping back in like sunrise over a frozen world.

Her green eyes fluttered open.

Amy gasped quietly, clutching her chest as she staggered slightly, blinking rapidly. She glanced down, checking her arms, her legs, twisting left and right in disbelief. With a small, almost theatrical spin, she turned towards Sonic and Tails—her lips curling into a grateful smile.

The duo exchanged a look, each raising a brow at her dramatic recovery. But behind their look to one another, they were clearly relieved.

Amy stepped forward, folding her arms behind her back and leaning towards them with a warm gleam in her eyes.

"You saved me, Sonic!" Amy said, her voice filled with genuine joy. She pressed her hands to her chest, eyes locked on the blue blur. "I'll be sure to return the favour next time around!"

Sonic rolled his eyes and turned slightly, placing a gloved hand on the back of his head with a slow shake. His tone was flat. "Not really worrying about that right now, Amy."

Amy's smile faltered, her expression dipping into a frown.

Sensing tension, Tails stepped forward with a nervous chuckle, sliding into the spotlight like a true middleman keeping the peace.

"What Sonic means to say," Tails said, shooting a side glance at him, "is that he's glad you're okay. But we've still got more to fix—and more friends to save."

Hearing the fox's words, Amy's expression shifted—moving from annoyed at Sonic's deadpan remark to something more thoughtful. She turned to Tails, her voice quieter now.

"You're right," she admitted. "Everyone's counting on us… back in that black Limbo."

Tails perked up, his ears flicking. "Is everyone doing okay?"

Sonic finally refocused, placing a hand on his hip, his voice laced with dry sarcasm. "Bet they're having a blast…"

Amy hesitated, clearly torn on how to answer. "They're hanging in there," she said slowly. "But I think it's starting to get to some of them."

"Let me guess…" Sonic quipped. "Cid, Yuffie, Cream and Cheese?"

Amy smiled faintly. "Well… Cid did curse when I started fading."

"Classic Cid..."

"But," she added, her tone sobering again, "I think it's the waiting that's hardest. Not knowing when—or if—we'd be saved. After Tails got pulled out of that place, we all agreed it had to be you, Sonic." She gestured gently to him. "You're the one bringing us back."

Sonic blinked, his smirk fading a little. "How could you tell?"

Amy shrugged with a soft smile. "Call it a… hunch. Or maybe faith." She turned to Sonic, her eyes warm and grateful. "You always find a way."

"That's Sonic for you," Tails said proudly, glancing at his best friend.

Sonic's grin faltered, just slightly, as something tugged at the edge of his thoughts.

"Hey, Ames..."

Amy tilted her head. She caught the change in his tone instantly and matched it, her smile softening into something more thoughtful.

"Yes?" she answered.

"Did you and the others… when you were in that Limbo—" he paused, his brows furrowing, "—did you have any weird headaches? Like… gaps in memory suddenly closing? Old stuff coming back clearer?"

Amy blinked, then brought a hand to her chin, thoughtful. Sonic glanced at Tails, who gave a subtle nod. They were hoping it wasn't just them. After a moment, Amy lowered her hand. "Actually... yeah. Some of us did."

Sonic's ears perked up. "Really?"

"Knuckles mentioned it first, but… we thought it was just the stress. But now that you say it..."

"What did you see?" Tails asked eagerly. "Sonic and I both saw the same memory and people. Faces we couldn't make out before, but now…"

Amy's eyes narrowed slightly, thinking hard. "Three people…" she murmured, then looked back at them. "That's strange. My memory took me back to that ridiculous trial in Wonderland, where you helped gather evidence.

"Ugh… don't remind me," Sonic groaned, rubbing his temples. "That world was so backwards, I nearly lost my brain trying to argue with a playing card solider."

Amy let out a small laugh, but it faded just as quickly as it came. Her tone shifted, eyes narrowing slightly as the memory resurfaced.

"But during that trial…" she continued, slower now. "I remember seeing three people too. Not clearly—just shadows at first. But now?" Her gaze flicked to both of them, more serious. "They were standing there. Watching."

Tails tilted his head, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Y'know… I remember reading about your Wonderland adventure, Sonic. But not from you." He paused, brow furrowing. "It was in a journal. Someone else's. I think it belonged to… uh…" His words trailed off. Frustrated, he clicked his fingers. "Ugh, it's right there. On the tip of my tongue."

"It'll come back to you," Sonic said, offering a supportive smile as he gave Tails a quick clap on the shoulder. Then he turned to Amy, expression softening. "Go on, Ames. You said I was there?"

Amy nodded, her green eyes warm but clouded with uncertainty. "Of course you were. That part was crystal clear." She smiled faintly. "But then there were those three. One of them had wild, spiky brown hair. His shoes were… huge. Like clown shoes, but somehow they worked."

Sonic's eyes widened. His posture shifted—attention locked.

Amy went on. "And with him… a duck in a blue hat. And a tall dog with a shield. They didn't say anything. Just… watched. But they felt familiar, like they were supposed to be there."

"The same guys from our shared memory," Sonic said, glancing at Tails, who was already nodding.

"Yeah," Tails agreed. "It's strange though. We're all remembering the same three people. But only in pieces." He looked towards the glowing Chemical Plant. "You think restoring these lost moments is triggering something? Like, saving these places is helping us bridge the memory gaps?"

"Maybe," Sonic said with a slight shrug. "I dunno. But we can't stand around talking forever—we've got more friends out there. If chasing memories helps us fix everything, great. If not, we still run forward."

Tails grinned. "Sounds like a hypothesis to me."

Sonic gave him a sideways smirk. "Sure. Let's call it that."

Amy chuckled under her breath but soon grew thoughtful again. Her eyes lingered on the restored Zone one last time, then drifted across the surrounding nothingness of White Space.

"I know we've got urgent work to do," she said, her voice quiet but steady. "But… can one of you explain where we are, exactly?" She gestured around at the formless void. "Because this place? It's seriously unsettling."

"This is White Space," Tails explained. "It's caught between time and space. When timelines are drained of life and colour, this is where they end up."

"Like that Limbo?" Amy asked.

Tails nodded. "Sort of. But more tangible. That dark place we were trapped in? That was more spiritual—where our hearts and minds were stuck. This…" He swept his hand across the blank horizon. "This is physical. You and I were statues here—frozen in time—until Sonic restored us."

"What? Really?" Amy said in surprise, her expression a mix of bewilderment and intrigue.

"My speed's bringing back temporal energy… I think," Sonic added, though his tone carried a hint of doubt. "Some cryptic guy in red has been guiding me—when he feels like showing up."

"Guy in red?" Amy echoed, raising a brow.

"I'll explain later," Sonic said, brushing it off. "He told me what I had to do, so I just kept running—racing through old adventures," he gestured toward Chemical Plant. "Bringing back colour, life… the works."

Amy turned once more to the restored Zone, visibly impressed. "Your speed saving the day—what else is new?"

Sonic gave a casual shrug. "Heh. Guess some things never change."

He turned and started walking toward the vast, pale stretch of White Space—if you could even call it a horizon.

"Let's walk and talk, Ames," he called over his shoulder. "Tails and I'll give you the full lowdown. Especially on who's behind all this."

Amy nodded and quickly followed, her expression now more serious. Tails fell into step beside them, already diving into his analysis.

Together, the trio moved forward—ready to find the next trapped moment in time… and the next friend waiting to be saved.

[Just Wondering - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing]

Castle Oblivion – Naminé's room

[The Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Naminé sat hunched over her sketchpad. Her pencil moved shakily, colouring scenes that refused to settle into anything solid.

A sudden sharp heel-click broke her focus.

"Ugh, I'm so done with this!" Larxene snapped, pacing the room like a caged predator. "That smug lab rat thinks he runs the place just because he stitched together a broken freak with time powers and some spare parts."

Axel leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, wearing a crooked smirk. "Still hung up on the Doc?" he drawled. "Thought you were over your mad scientist phase."

"Don't test me, Axel." Larxene spun on her heel. "He lets Terios run free in White Space like it's some sacred playground—and for what? The hedgehog's getting sentimental. We're supposed to be dealing with Sora, not watching some knockoff Ultimate Lifeform play house with the witch."

At the word, Naminé visibly flinched. Larxene noticed and smiled coldly.

"Aw, did I say something wrong? Poor little memory girl." She walked closer, electricity crackling at her fingertips. "Tell me, which broken knight do you think will come save you? The freak with the glowing red eye or the brooding Replica? They're both puppets—just like you."

Naminé clutched her sketchpad tighter, her eyes fixed downward.

Axel sighed. "Easy, Larxene. We need her functional."

"Barely," Larxene muttered. "Look at her—she's burning out. Trying to rewrite Sora's memories and handle Terios's delusions? No wonder everything is a unravelling." She leaned in, her tone icy. "You're not the girl in the freak's memories, you know. No matter how many times you draw yourself into his story."

Naminé didn't respond. Her hands trembled, but she said nothing.

"Maybe I should clean this whole mess up myself," Larxene continued, straightening and turning towards the swirling darkness forming near the chamber's edge. "Take care of Sonic personally. If he falls, Sora crumbles with him. It means also Terios can go back to being frozen. And I'll get all the credit. Win-win!"

Axel uncrossed his arms, finally serious. "You step into that fight and screw it up, and it won't be credit you get—it'll be erasure. The higher-ups still need Sonic chasing his past. It keeps Terios in play. It keeps you in play."

Larxene scoffed. "Don't act like you trust that thing. He's not even real. Not anymore."

Axel shrugged. "Doesn't matter what he is. He's doing what we need him to do. Same with her." He nodded towards Naminé.

Larxene let out a sharp laugh. "So this is the grand plan? Let the witch collapse under the weight of fabricated memories and hope something useful falls out the other side?" She sneered down at Naminé one last time. "Don't get your hopes up, Naminé. No one's coming to save you. They don't even know who you really are."

With a final crackle of static, Larxene vanished into a corridor of darkness, her spite lingering like ozone in the air.

Axel rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Girl's got issues," he muttered.

He turned towards Naminé. She sat hunched at her seat, coloured pencil still in hand. Her newest sketch sprawled across the page—Sonic, frozen mid-grind on a curved rail, his form slightly blurred, as though his speed distorted even memory. Around him stretched floating ruins and gleaming towers, ancient yet impossibly suspended in the sky. Wisps of cloud drifted beneath cracked marble bridges, and broken spires reached toward an endless blue.

In one corner of the drawing, a faint, barely defined figure stood on a platform—Naminé. Her hand stretched outward, reaching towards Sonic.

"You hanging in there?" Axel asked softly, moving closer to the girl.

Naminé didn't look up. "I'm trying," she murmured.

Axel stared at the page for a moment longer, then nodded.

"Good. Keep doing that." He stepped a bit closer. "So… where is this?" He gestured at the scenery. "Looks like a floating island or something?"

Naminé finally looked up, her blue eyes tired but focused.

"Sky Sanctuary Zone," she said quietly. "It's part of Angel Island… a place buried deep in Sonic's memories. Somewhere important to him."

Axel tilted his head, studying the ruins in the sketch more closely. "Looks peaceful. Weirdly… sacred."

"It usually is," Naminé replied. "But now… it's trapped. Just like the rest of his adventures." Her pencil lingered at the page's edge. "I don't know why I drew myself into it. Maybe… maybe I just want to believe he can hear or see me."

Axel didn't answer right away. He looked at her, then back to the image on the page. Slowly, he turned to leave.

At the doorway, he paused. "We're all trying to hold onto something," he said. "Just make sure what you're holding onto… doesn't pull you under."

With that, Axel stepped through the doorway of the room, vanishing into the halls of Castle Oblivion.

Naminé remained alone, her white room glowing softly around her.

She stared down at her drawing. The lines trembled as her emotions felt hollow.

"I need to warn him," she whispered gently, though the weight of fatigue blurred her thoughts. "Sonic needs to know."

[The Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing]

Back in White Space...

The walk through White Space was anything but quiet.

"So let me get this straight," Amy said, squinting slightly as she tried to follow Tails' explanation. "That shadowy hedgehog who crashed Sonic's party is named Terios, and he's working with some creepy cult called the Organization, and they're using… what, time powers? Sci-fi nonsense?"

"Spacetime distortion, draining temporal energy, and—" Tails began to explain, but Amy cut him off with a groan.

"Yeah, yeah—exactly what I said," she muttered. "Great. I'm gonna need flashcards."

Sonic snorted, shaking his head. "Told you not to let him get into full science-mode."

Amy shot him a flat look. "And you've been so helpful!"

"Hey," Sonic said, raising a gloved finger, "I laid it out nice and simple."

He held up one hand and ticked off each point with dramatic flair.

"Terios plus time powers? Bad.
Organization? Super bad—no hearts, all drama.
Guy in red? Creepy, cryptic, but sort of helpful. When he appears.
Terios plus Organization? Mega ultra bad.
Our job? Foil 'em all and save our friends. Boom."

"…Honestly? That helped," Amy admitted.

Tails sighed loudly. "I hate that it helped."

They shared a brief laugh—an odd, but welcome, slice of normalcy in a place where life and energy was drained to nothingness.

They finally came to a stop. The air ahead shimmered, thinning just enough to reveal another hub—faint outlines giving shape to a grand courtyard in the clouds. Towering pillars. Curved bridges. Faded trees growing from floating islands. It was like walking into a dream remembered halfway through waking.

[White World - Sky Sanctuary Zone - Sonic Generations starts playing]

"Whoa…" Sonic remarked, eyes widening.

Amy gasped softly. "Is this... floating in the air?"

"Sure is," Sonic replied, his voice quiet. "It's Sky Sanctuary Zone."

"It's so quiet," Amy murmured, hugging her arms. "Like the world's holding its breath."

Sonic stepped forward, his green eyes narrowing as he scanned the ruined and colourless architecture.

"This place used to shine," he said. "It was where everything changed for us."

"Sonic and I were at Sky Sanctuary right before the Death Egg relaunched," Tails said, eyes scanning the ruins. "We were chasing Eggman… while Knuckles was trying to stop us."

Sonic let out a short laugh, smirking at the memory. "Yeah. Good times."

Amy arched a brow. "Good times? Didn't Knuckles punch you off a platform?"

"He tried," Sonic said, flicking a thumb toward himself. "And he would've pulled it off too, if he didn't get backstabbed by Eggman a few minutes later."

"It was the first time we really teamed up with him," Tails said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "After all the chaos, he finally saw the truth—Eggman was just using him to get to the Master Emerald."

"And that was the start of everything," Sonic added, his tone softer now. "Knuckles standing by our side. The three of us, finally fighting as one."

Amy turned her head and pointed to the right side of the hub, her tone dry but fond. "Speak of the devil…"

Sonic and Tails followed her hand—and there he was.

Knuckles.

His body was frozen mid-lunge, spiked fists clenched and legs braced in a fighting stance. His dreadlocks swept backward as if caught in a sudden gust, and his expression was locked in grim resistance. The statue gleamed in cold white—another victim of Terios's temporal powers.

Amy's voice caught in her throat. "He looks like he was... trying to punch his way out."

Sonic approached slowly, placing a gloved hand on the statue's stone shoulder. "Of course he did. That's Knuckles. Stubborn to the end."

He stepped back, his expression now unreadable.

Amy glanced at him. "This place means a lot to you, doesn't it?"

Sonic nodded once. "This is where I proved to Knuckles that we weren't enemies. Where we earned each other's trust." He turned back toward the whitewashed ruins, the wind lifting his quills slightly. "And now it's nothing but a trapped memory."

Tails stepped closer to the hub, scanning the suspended sanctuary. "The colour's drained, and the temporal energy's gone… but structurally? It's all still here. Like it's waiting for someone."

"Waiting for Sonic," Amy said, soft but certain.

Tails nodded. "Exactly. Just like the other zones."

"Whatever I'm doing," Sonic said, a bit of bravado in his tone, "it's working. I'll keep running until we've got everyone—and everything—back."

Amy smiled faintly. "That's our Sonic."

Tails turned. "I'll stay here and monitor the hub's integrity. If that guy in red shows up, maybe I can finally ask him what his deal is."

"You do that," Sonic said, his tone more serious now. "And keep an eye on Amy, too."

"I can handle myself, Sonic..." Amy shot back, though her voice was light with amusement.

Sonic grinned at her, but his expression shifted as he turned back to Knuckles' statue—eyes narrowing with quiet determination. "Hang tight, Knux. I'll get you out of that Limbo."

He looked back to his friends—Tails focused as ever, Amy smiling warmly, a spark of hope flickering behind her eyes.

Then, without another word, Sonic faced the hub's portal. It shimmered like heat above cracked stone.

"Let's go save the past."

In a flash of blue, he vanished—his form streaking into the trapped world of the Sky Sanctuary Zone.

[White World - Sky Sanctuary Zone - Sonic Generations stops playing]

The emptiness of White Space stretched out again, vast and unnerving.

"…He'll be fine," Tails said at last.

Amy nodded with quiet certainty. "Yeah. He's Sonic after all."

Tails turned his attention back to the nearby statue of their trapped friend. "Knuckles is next. Finally."

"About time, too. He was getting really grumpy back in Limbo," Amy revealed.

Tails glanced over to her, one brow arching. "More than usual?"

"Way more. He flat-out told me that if Cid complained one more time, he was gonna clock him."

"…Wait, seriously?"

"Dead serious." Amy held up a hand in mock solemnity. "Swore on the Master Emerald—or close enough."

Tails laughed, but Amy wasn't done, "And Knuckles wasn't the only one losing it. That Captain Marvel looked like she was five seconds from throwing cosmic hands. Yuffie was pacing so hard she nearly wore a hole in the ground. Vector wouldn't shut up about 'air quality'—whatever that means—and even Espio's eye was twitching."

Tails stared at her, incredulous. "Espio? Twitching?"

She nodded with exaggerated gravity. "You know it's bad when Espio cracks."

"Wow. That's… honestly kind of terrifying."

"Yeah. We better hurry up saving everyone before that black Limbo turns into a wrestling ring."

"Did Leon say anything?" Tails mused.

Amy rolled her eyes, mimicking his body language. "He folded his arms and lowered his head. Eyes closed. Classic Leon brooding..."

"Yep, same old Leon..." Tails said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of his head.

Amy grinned, about to reply— when a sudden sound cut through the stillness.

Woof.

They both froze. Amy's smile faltered. Tails lowered his hand slowly, ears twitching.

Woof!

[Blue Fields - Final Fantasy VIII starts playing]

Amy turned towards the sound. "…Did you hear that?" she asked Tails, her voice low.

From the far edge of the trapped hub, a shape bounded into view. It was fast, four-legged, and unmistakably alive.

"A dog?!" Tails exclaimed in utter suprise.

"No way!" Amy added, equally taken back.

It was, indeed, a dog—mid-sized, sleek, and brimming with wild-eyed energy. Its fur was a thick swirl of black, white, and tan, with folded ears bouncing with every graceful stride. They skidded to a halt in front of them and barked once—loud, sharp, and unmistakably hopeful.

"Whoa," Tails said, holding out a gloved hand slowly. "Hey there…"

The dog sniffed the air, then darted forward, circling Amy once before sitting and panting excitedly. Their eyes scanned them both, tail-less rear half wagging back and forth with barely restrained joy.

"It's… happy to see us," Amy murmured, kneeling. "But something's off."

The dog whimpered, pressing their head against Amy's leg, then backing away with a low whine, gaze drifting across the broken white horizon of White Space.

"They're looking for someone," Tails said quietly. "Their owner, possibly?"

Amy nodded slowly. "You can tell. This dog's smart… loyal. But definitely lost."

"Strange," Tails added, placing a hand on his chin in thought. "This dog didn't come from Sky Sanctuary Zone. They just… appeared."

The dog circled again, then trotted a few steps—only to pause, look back at them, and let out a soft whine.

Amy stood, brushing her gloves off. She moved closer to the dog. "Alright. We'll look after you, girl."

Tails glanced towards the canine, one brow raised. "Wait—how do you know she's a she?"

Amy shrugged, looking back to Tails. "Call it a hunch."

Just then, a voice echoed across their location, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"This place is givin' me a serious case of 'nope'—all it needs is a tumbleweed!"

"Huh?!" Tails yelped, whipping around.

"!" Amy gasped, eyes scanning the horizon.

From seemingly out of nowhere, a figure stepped into view—tall, lanky, and moving with the relaxed swagger of someone who'd just strolled out of a dream.

He wore a long khaki coat draped over his shoulders, a black hat low over striking blue eyes. Silver earrings glinted in the lightless air, and the bead necklace around his neck bounced gently with each step. His boots echoed softly with each stride, hands tucked into his pockets like he had all the time in the world.

"Well now," he drawled, his voice smooth with that unmistakable country charm. "Didn't think I'd find company out here."

The dog's ears perked. Amy and Tails both turned as the figure approached, lips curving into a roguish grin.

"Sorry to drop in uninvited. Was followin' the trail of some friends… and figured I'd bump into some new ones."

Before Amy or Tails could respond, the dog suddenly barked—loud and joyful. Her entire body sprang to life as she bolted toward him.

The man blinked, taking a surprised step back. "Whoa, hey—what the—?"

She skidded to a stop right in front of him, her whole body trembling with excitement—tail wagging (or it would be, if she had one). With a soft, relieved whine, she rose onto her hind legs, pressing her front paws and head firmly against his chest.

Recognition bloomed across the stranger's face. "Well, I'll be…" he murmured. "Angelo?"

Tails' ears perked as he glanced toward the man. "Wait—you know her?"

"Sure do," the young man replied warmly, gently easing Angelo back down to all fours as he ruffled the fur behind her ear. "She's a good girl. Been through a lot. If she's here…" he paused, the fondness in his voice deepening, "then Rinoa ain't far away."

Angelo leaned into his touch with a soft chuff, clearly loving every second of it—then gave his gloved hand a quick, happy lick and let out a low, contented bark.

Amy glanced sideways at Tails, one brow raised. "Rinoa?"

Tails shrugged helplessly. "No clue. But this guy's definitely not from Mobius… or any world that makes sense."

The stranger stood to his full height and tipped his hat with a roguish grin. "Name's Irvine. Irvine Kinneas. Galbadian sharpshooter, SeeD marksman, and certified ladies' man—present and accounted for."

Amy blinked in confusion. "Galba-who now?"

Tails tilted his head, equally puzzled. "Seed? Like... garden seed?"

"Is that a job title or a landscaping service?" Amy added, trying to make sense of it all.

Irvine chuckled, clearly enjoying every second of their confusion. "You two've got questions, huh? Good—means we're off to a great start." He gave them both a wink and a lazy smile."'Cause somethin' tells me we've got a lot to talk about."

Chapter Text

Sky Sanctuary Zone (Modern Sonic)

Music: Sky Sanctuary Zone - Act 2 - Sonic Generations

A flash of golden light tore open the air, and out of the portal from White Space came Sonic—already grinding at full speed along a curving red rail suspended in the sky.

Wind roared past as he raced downward, sparks trailing from his shoes. The rail twisted through the clouds like a ribbon through a dreamscape, cutting through crumbling marble arches and weaving past gleaming towers.

Sonic's quills rippled with momentum. His silhouette blurred in motion, almost as if reality itself struggled to keep up with him.

Around him stretched the floating remains of Sky Sanctuary—ancient and overgrown, yet impossibly suspended in the endless blue. Vines curled around fractured columns, and wisps of cloud drifted beneath broken bridges that stretched into the horizon.

"Wow…" Sonic muttered as he sped down the rail. "I forgot how beautiful this place is."

He leapt clean off the rail as it dipped, flipping midair before landing smoothly on a circular platform below. His shoes skidded with a soft screech, and for a moment, he simply stood—taking it all in.

But the tranquility was deceptive.

From far off, Sonic heard it—that low, familiar mechanical hum.

"Eggman..." he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Beneath the machinery's drone, a deeper presence lurked. A darkness that didn't belong here. Sonic could feel it clawing at the edge of the air—like shadow stretching just out of sight.

His smile faded, replaced by something sharper.

"No time for sightseeing," he said, crouching slightly. "I've gotta get moving!"

In a blur of motion, he shot forward.

Almost instantly, three Eggrobos dropped from the sky, blasters charging. Sonic tore through them with a trio of precise Homing Attacks, their remains clattering across the marble.

"Eggman's tin cans," he thought wryly. "They never take a hint."

He knew Eggman's robots usually came in droves – there were bound to be more ahead. Sure enough, an alarm blared deeper within the ruins, and Sonic heard the clanking of additional Eggrobos foot soldiers mobilising. Without hesitation, he sprinted onward, following a winding pathway that snaked between the levitating structures.

The route led Sonic through a large archway into the inner halls of the sanctuary. Inside, sunlight struggled to pierce the cracked ceiling, illuminating faded murals of an ancient echidna tribe on the walls. Sonic felt like he'd stepped back in time. He even remembered how he and Knuckles had put aside their differences here once to take down Eggman.

Just then, the ground beneath him trembled, snapping Sonic out of his thoughts. A low rumbling echoed from the shadows ahead. Sonic skidded to a halt, ears perked up. From the dim corners, darkness pooled and gave rise to more enemies: Shadow Heartless – along with a handful of Soldier Heartless. In moments, the corridor swarmed with Heartless, blocking Sonic's path.

"Looks like you guys don't give up either..." the hedgehog remarked, his confident bravado shining through. "Alright then, let's do this!"

Sonic dropped into a battle stance. The horde of Heartless rushed him, but Sonic became a blur of kicks and spins, tearing through the darkness until none remained.

"That takes care of you creeps," he muttered, keeping his guard up. As the last wisps of darkness evaporated, he remained wary, knowing more could pop up if he lingered. Without further delay, Sonic dashed forward again, weaving through the rest of the corridor.

Up ahead, the passage opened out to the sky. Sonic emerged onto an exposed ledge on the side of one of the sanctuary's great towers. From here he was greeted by a breathtaking – and daunting – sight.

Sky Sanctuary stretched out around him in all directions: countless pillars and fragments of marble flooring floated in midair, connected by precarious bridges and staircases that led higher into the clouds. Sonic took a deep breath, adrenaline thrumming in his veins. High above, he could make out a distant platform where a golden light twinkled – the Goal Ring that would take him back to White Space once he cleared this zone.

"That's the exit", Sonic thought, zeroing in on it. But first, he had to reach it in one piece.

He landed at the start of a rickety bridge of ancient stone. The moment his shoes hit the bridge, it began to crumble. Cracks snaked along the stone slabs and pieces started falling away into the sky.

"Whoa!" Sonic yelped, immediately breaking into a headlong dash across the disintegrating path. He pumped his legs furiously, activating his Boost, the wind whipping at his quills as the bridge collapsed behind him. With barely a second to spare, Sonic leaped off the last solid plank. The instant he launched into the air, the final stones of the bridge gave way and tumbled into the blue abyss.

Sonic soared forward and managed to land safely on the next stable area – an expansive circular platform adorned with mossy statues. He skidded to a stop, heart pounding from the narrow escape. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed the bridge was completely gone. There was no turning back now.

Wasting no time, Sonic moved onward. In the middle of this platform stood a curious device: a large round pedestal with an engraved top that looked like a giant spinning disk. Sonic recognised it from past adventures – an anti-gravity spinning top.

"Let's see if this still works," Sonic mused. He hopped on, and his weight set the mechanism into motion. The disk began to rotate faster and faster, humming with energy. Sonic kept his balance as the platform spun wildly and then suddenly launched upward along a vertical track carved inside a nearby column. Riding the spinning top like an elevator, Sonic was whisked up through a vertical shaft at high speed. The walls became a blur of ancient glyphs until, with a final jolt, the top reached the end of its track.

Sonic sprang off just as the top flung him out of the shaft and into open air once more. As Sonic flew out of the shaft into open sky, a trio of flying Air Soldier Heartless lunged at him in ambush. Sonic quickly reacted, homing in on one, then the next, then the next, shattering each flying Heartless in turn. He landed in a somersault on a broad terrace flanked by tall pillars.

"More Heartless..." Sonic sighed, shaking his head. "Terios seriously needs to freshen up his material on bad guys..."

At the far end stood a towering round structure, its upper levels partly collapsed. This seemed to be the central hub of Sky Sanctuary's ruins. A grand set of double doors marked the entrance, left slightly ajar. However, guarding those doors was a daunting assembly of Eggman's robots and Heartless mingled together. A squad of Eggrobos hovered in formation, laser blasters at the ready, and alongside them shambled a pack of Heartless – Shadows and Soldiers prowling at ground level. Towering over the lesser foes were two burly Big Body Heartless. These lumbering brutes had enormous round torsos and thick arms, and now they waddled forward like living barricades, each pounding its fists as if itching for a brawl.

"I remember those big ones," Sonic affirmed, cracking his knuckles and shaking off his hands. "Looks like I've got the full welcome committee here now."

Without further ado, the hedgehog charged. The Eggrobos reacted first, opening fire with a flurry of red laser shots. Sonic zigzagged at high speed, the lasers whizzing past to scorch the ground. In a blink, he closed the gap, forcing the robots to hold their fire for fear of hitting their allies. Sonic homed in on the nearest Eggrobo, delivering a spinning kick that smashed it into a nearby Heartless. In the same motion, he vaulted over a Big Body's sweeping arm and brought his heel down on another Eggrobo's head, crushing the robot into sparking scrap.

The battle in front of the tower became a hectic blur. Heartless lunged from all sides while Eggrobos tried to target the swift hedgehog. Sonic was everywhere at once – ducking under one robot's laser so it struck a charging Soldier Heartless instead, then unleashing a Homing Attack to take down another robot from above. One Eggrobo managed to clip Sonic's shoulder with a laser blast, singing the edge of his fur and drawing a wince.

"Ow!" Sonic snapped, his face tightening as pain flared through him.

In retaliation, Sonic curled into a Spin Dash and plowed straight through that Eggrobo's midsection, splitting the machine in two.

One of the Big Body Heartless hurled itself forward in a belly-flop slam. Sonic darted aside, and the massive Heartless crashed into the ground with a thunderous quake, cracking the marble beneath its bulk.

Sonic's eyes narrowed. A head-on attack wasn't going to cut it. That thing's belly was basically a brick wall with attitude—and he knew from experience that charging straight in would bounce him back like a pinball.

"Alright," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Let's try this another way."

As the Big Body lumbered up for another charge, Sonic dashed straight at it—only to sidestep a wild swing at the last second. In one fluid motion, he unleashed a Phantom Rush combo, a flurry of kicks, punches, and spinning strikes hammering into the creature's exposed back. With a final rising kick, Sonic sent the hefty Heartless reeling. It let out a distorted groan before erupting into black mist.

The second Big Body roared and lunged, swinging both arms in a wide arc.

Sonic met the charge with cunning over power—sliding low between the creature's legs in a blur of motion. He popped up behind it and launched a precise Homing Attack straight into its back. The lumbering brute stumbled, then burst into dark vapor just like its twin.

Any remaining Heartless were no match. Sonic swept the area clean with one final burst of speed, scattering darkness into mist.

As silence returned, he exhaled, dusting off his gloves with a satisfied smirk.

"Okay," he said casually, "that was entertaining!"

Without wasting time, Sonic slipped through the partly open doors into the tower's interior.

Inside, it was dim and cool. Sonic found himself in a lofty circular chamber. Faded mosaics decorated the floor, and high above, a domed ceiling had a massive crack running through it with daylight pouring in.

Sonic sprinted across the chamber, but he'd barely made it a few steps when the ground rumbled ominously. The earlier chaos had taken a toll on this unstable structure. With a deafening crunch, parts of the ceiling began to collapse.

"Time to go, time to go!" Sonic exclaimed, bolting forward.

He zigzagged as debris rained down, narrowly avoiding a massive slab of stone that crashed behind him. A pillar collapsed across his path – Sonic vaulted over it without slowing. Smaller chunks of rubble pelted the ground like deadly hail as the chamber came apart around him.

In the center of the chamber stood another spinning top mechanism aligned with a vertical shaft leading upward. Sonic didn't need an invitation. With the tower literally crumbling, he leaped onto the device. It whirred to life and shot him up the shaft just as the floor gave way beneath him. Sonic held on tight as the platform rocketed upward, bits of rubble flying past. In a few dizzying seconds, he was launched clear through the top of the shaft.

Sonic stumbled out onto an upper exterior ledge of the tower—the very summit of Sky Sanctuary. Just ahead, spanning a short gap, floated the Goal Ring. It shimmered like salvation—his exit from the zone at last.

Only a few crumbling platforms and popping spike traps stood in the way.

"Piece of cake," Sonic muttered.

He dashed forward, hurdling over each hazard with ease. A flip here, a roll there—smooth, stylish, clean. Sonic landed on the final platform without a scratch. He exhaled, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow.

"Almost too easy," he smirked.

Then—WHOOSH.

A heavy rush of air and the thunder of beating wings from above.

Sonic's expression fell flat. "…Ughhh," he groaned. "Of course."

A huge shadow swept across the platform, followed by a heavy thud as something landed behind Sonic. He whirled around, instantly on guard.

Dropping from the sky was an enormous Air Soldier Heartless—far larger than the ones he'd shattered earlier. Clad in jagged black armour and clutching a spear crackling with dark energy, it loomed over the platform like a nightmare made solid. Its glowing yellow eyes fixed on Sonic with malice as it stalked forward, cutting off any escape.

"Well, if it isn't the last guest at the party," Sonic said, rolling his shoulders. The Goal Ring spun just a few paces behind him, humming with golden light—but he wasn't about to leave a monster like this at his back. The hedgehog cracked a grin. "Sorry, pal. I've got a date with that Goal Ring. But if you wanna dance... let's dance."

With a guttural roar, the Heartless lunged. Its spear stabbed forward with shocking speed.

Sonic vaulted high, flipping over the strike—the spearhead slicing the air just beneath his shoes. In mid-air, he curled into a ball and launched a Homing Attack straight into the creature's chest. The hit landed with a crunch of shattering armour, sending the brute stumbling.

It snarled in fury, swinging its spear in a wide arc—but Sonic was already gone, a blur of motion. He zipped behind the Heartless and unleashed a flurry of Phantom Rush blows: punches, kicks, spins—each strike faster than the last. The rapid assault cracked through its armor like glass under pressure.

Before it could retaliate, Sonic surged forward with one final, full-power strike. "Let's wrap this up!" He rocketed straight through the Heartless's core in a burst of blue light.

The creature let out a warped howl as it disintegrated into a swirling mist. Its spear flickered out like static, vanishing with it.

Sonic exhaled, turned, and faced the Goal Ring. Its gentle hum was a welcome sound.

He took a running start—and leapt through. A wave of shimmering light washed over him. The chaos faded.

Sonic landed back on solid ground, skidding to a halt.

"Hang tight, Knux," he said under his breath. "You're almost free."

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Sonic stood at the edge of the restored Sky Sanctuary, breathing in deeply. Familiar sights and sounds tugged at memories from long ago, and for just a moment, he allowed himself a brief pause, soaking in the nostalgic calm.

However, a soft, gentle voice shattered the silence behind him, almost causing him to jump.

"It really is beautiful here, isn't it?"

[Naminé's theme - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Sonic spun instantly, eyes wide, heart skipping a beat. He hadn't sensed anyone approach—impossible, given his instincts. Yet there she was, standing mere feet away: a young girl with blonde hair in a simple white dress, her gaze warm yet somehow burdened. She seemed entirely out of place against the marble ruins and endless blue sky.

She took a slow, cautious step forward, carefully observing the ancient architecture. "I can see why this memory stands out so clearly in your heart," she murmured softly, a wistful longing in her voice. "I'd love to visit it for real, someday…"

Sonic's mind raced, suspicion immediately flaring. "Who was this girl?" He'd never met her, yet something about her felt unsettlingly familiar. He narrowed his eyes, taking a guarded stance, muscles tense. His voice came out sharp, wary, but not cruel.

"Who are you?" he demanded, eyes locked onto her every movement. "You lost in White Space or something?"

She stopped pacing, meeting Sonic's eyes directly—earnest, but anxious. She clasped her hands nervously in front of her, gathering her courage.

"I'm Naminé," she said softly. Her voice shook slightly, but she kept her gaze steady. "I've been waiting for a chance to speak to you."

"Naminé…" Sonic repeated the name slowly, testing it out. He'd never heard it before, and that didn't reassure him. His expression darkened further. "Ok...why's that? This isn't exactly a great spot for a friendly chat, you know."

Naminé shook her head quickly, urgency flooding her voice. "No, you don't understand—I came because I needed to warn you. Sonic, you're in terrible danger."

Sonic's eyes narrowed skeptically. "Tell me something I don't already know," he retorted dryly. He folded one arm across his chest, gesturing dismissively with the other. "Look, if you're here to be cryptic, you can save it. I've had enough mind games."

She flinched visibly at his words, her voice pleading. "Please, listen! Something terrible is unfolding inside the Organization, and Terios—"

At the mention of Terios, Sonic's eyes flashed, anger and distrust flaring openly. He took a step closer, jabbing a finger accusingly towards her. "So you know them, huh? You sure seem familiar with my 'terrible danger'. That makes you part of it, doesn't it?"

Naminé recoiled, eyes widening in panic. "No! It isn't like that—"

"Then explain it," Sonic snapped, his voice cutting like a blade. "Because right now, you're looking a whole lot like one of Terios's pals."

"Sonic, please," Naminé pleaded, her voice trembling. "I swear—I'm trying to help you!"

The hedgehog scoffed, turning slightly away with a bitter shake of his head. "Playing the sweet and innocent routine, huh? That's new."

Naminé flinched. "S-Sonic? What do you mean by that?"

He glanced back over his shoulder, eyes narrowed. "I've been around long enough to know looks can lie. You're with the Organization—or close enough. Far as I'm concerned? That makes you part of the problem."

Naminé took a hesitant step forward, reaching out without thinking. "No! There's more at stake than just you, Sonic. You don't understand—"

Sonic spun back around fiercely, green eyes blazing, cutting her off, "I already know what's at stake! My friends, my past—my whole world's being ripped apart by Terios!"

"But there's more, Sonic—so much more," she pleaded. "It's not just your past or memories—it's..."

But before Naminé could say another word, the air behind her suddenly warped, swirling violently with darkness. A corridor of shadows erupted into existence, billowing dark mist. Sonic turned back, every nerve ending screaming danger. His eyes widened, his quills bristling.

A familiar voice, dark and commanding, snarled from the corridor. "Naminé! What do you think you're doing here?"

[Naminé's theme - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing. The Force in You - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Naminé turned pale, panic washing over her features. "No—please, not now!" she cried, stumbling back.

Sonic stared into the swirling darkness, heart racing with instant recognition. His fists clenched, breath catching in his throat. "What the—Terios?!"

The voice snapped again, harsh and cold. "I warned you to stay safe in your room!"

Two black gloved hands shot forth from the darkness, seizing Naminé's shoulders in a vice-like grip. She cried out, struggling desperately as the hands dragged her backward.

Despite his distrust, Sonic reacted instantly—instinct overriding skepticism. "Wait!" he shouted, lunging forward with outstretched hands, but he was already a fraction too late.

Naminé twisted towards Sonic as she was yanked into the shadowy void, desperation blazing in her eyes. "Sonic, you need to keep going! Save your friends, your past—and the memories of Sora!"

The portal slammed shut like an extinguished flame, leaving Sonic grasping at nothing but empty air.

"Sora?!" The name burst from Sonic's lips, his heart skipping painfully. An image flashed vividly in his mind—a spiky-haired boy holding a key-shaped blade, the same boy from Traverse Town's fragmented memories. Sonic staggered, disoriented by the sudden mental jolt.

"Wait!" he shouted again, desperation cracking his voice. "Who's Sora?!"

Silence answered him, leaving only echoes to fade into the endless blue. Sonic stood trembling with a rush of confusion, adrenaline, and frustration. Hearing that name had cracked open something buried deep in his memory—a door to forgotten faces and lost battles—but it remained maddeningly just out of reach.

His fists clenched tight, jaw set stubbornly. He hated being toyed with, and now Terios and the Organization had another secret to hold over him. But no matter how cryptic or suspicious Naminé had seemed, one thing was clear: she'd been afraid, and her warning felt genuine—even urgent.

As the Sky Sanctuary began to shimmer and fade back into the blank void of White Space, Sonic braced himself. He knew now, more than ever, he couldn't afford to slow down. Whoever Sora was, whatever Terios and the Organization were plotting—he would find the truth and put a stop to it.

White light enveloped Sonic, whisking him away from Sky Sanctuary. But deep down, he felt certain his journey back wouldn't be quite so straightforward this time.

[The Force in You - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories stops playing]

Back in White Space...

[Timber Owls - Final Fantasy VIII starts playing]

As Sonic confronted the mysteries of Sky Sanctuary—and the enigmatic girl named Naminé—things remained equally strange back in White Space.

Tails, Amy, and Irvine stood together near the edge of the hub, their eyes occasionally drifting to the frozen form of Knuckles nearby. Angelo sat quietly beside Irvine, ears perked, eyes scanning the endless expanse as if waiting for another lost soul to wander in at any moment.

"So let me get this straight," Irvine said slowly, as he took in the surreal white void around them. "This place… it's called 'White Space'?"

Tails nodded confidently, arms folded as he slipped into explanation mode. "Right. It's a place trapped between time and space, a blank void drained of temporal energy thanks to Terios's interference."

Irvine rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And this Terios—he's that indigo hedgehog who crashed your friend's birthday, right?"

Amy nodded, eyes narrowing slightly. "That's him. He's pulling in past adventures from our world into this void—taking their life and colour away."

Irvine exhaled softly, glancing down at Angelo, who simply tilted her head back at him. When his eyes returned to Amy, confusion was still visible beneath his casual charm.

"Don't worry," Amy reassured him, smiling slightly. "This whole thing threw me off too at first—until Sonic simplified things for me." She glanced sideways at Tails, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "No offense, Tails."

"Hey!" Tails protested, his twin tails flicking indignantly. "My explanation was clear! Detailed and to the point!"

Amy put one hand on her hip, smirking knowingly. "Yeah, and it also gave me a tension headache."

Irvine chuckled lightly, brushing his fingers through his long bangs. "Figures. Guess the fox is the brains of this outfit?"

Amy shrugged, smiling warmly. "Can't argue with that."

Tails puffed up just a little, pride sneaking onto his face despite himself.

Irvine gave a low whistle, his gaze drifting back towards the strange architecture of Sky Sanctuary Zone. "Well, gotta say, your explanation wasn't bad at all, fox-boy. My friend Quistis would've found it fascinating—real educational."

Amy raised an eyebrow curiously. "Quistis?"

"Oh, another member of my team," Irvine replied casually, counting off his fingers as he spoke. "There's me, Rinoa, Zell, Selphie…and our ever-stoic commander, Squall."

Tails and Amy shared a quick glance, eyes widening in recognition.

"Squall?" Tails echoed quietly, eyes narrowing slightly. "Why does that name sound familiar?"

Amy nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah… we've heard that before, haven't we?"

Irvine caught their hesitation immediately, his curiosity piqued. "Something wrong, folks?"

Amy quickly waved it off. "No, nothing bad—it's just… we've definitely heard that name somewhere before."

"Really?" Irvine asked, scratching the back of his head thoughtfully. "Well, that's interesting. This place just keeps gettin' weirder and weirder…"

His eyes drifted again to the frozen figure of Knuckles nearby. The echidna stood encased in stone, mid-punch, his expression locked in eternal defiance. Irvine's brow furrowed deeply as he struggled to comprehend the bizarre sight.

"Alright, lemme recap," he said, gesturing towards Knuckles with a bewildered expression. "Your pal—Sonic, right?"

"Right," Tails confirmed.

"He's gotta race through all these broken zones, fixing time, and returning life and color? And somehow, when he does that, frozen folks like this… wake up?"

"Exactly," Tails said with a firm nod.

Irvine squinted suspiciously at the statue. "Is he supposed to be an… armadillo or something?"

Amy swiftly clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh. Tails winced and shook his head emphatically.

"Echidna," both corrected him simultaneously.

Irvine tipped his hat sheepishly. "Right. Guess I need a Mobian field guide or somethin'," he joked, glancing between them. "You two said you're from a place called Mobius, right?"

"Yep, that's our home," Tails confirmed brightly. "We're Mobians."

Irvine chuckled, clearly relieved. "Well, glad I got one thing straight, at least. Can't say I've ever heard of Mobius, though."

"Funny," Tails said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin, "because I've spent plenty of time scanning other worlds, and I've never heard of places like…what did you call them? Galbadia? Balamb?"

"Really?" Irvine's eyes widened slightly. "You sure?"

"Never," Tails said definitively.

Amy shook her head gently. "Me neither. Maybe the Restoration Committee know something?"

"The Restoration Committee?" Irvine echoed, clearly intrigued. Angelo let out a curious bark, as if also questioning the unfamiliar name.

"They're based in Hollow Bastion," Tails explained calmly. "It's a world that was lost to darkness, but we helped free it, and now they're restoring it piece by piece."

Irvine's expression grew thoughtful, even a bit somber. "Sounds kinda depressing."

"Oh, it definitely was," Tails admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But they're doing better now. There's light, there's hope… it's coming along."

Irvine gave a respectful nod. "Glad to hear it. They a good bunch?"

"Very," Tails replied, his voice filled with admiration. "Each of them is an expert. Cid's a gifted pilot and engineer."

Amy gave Tails a playful nudge. "Competition for you, Tails."

"Yeah, yeah," Tails laughed softly, waving her off. "It's good to have competition."

"Cid, huh?" Irvine asked, folding his arms with amusement. "Interesting..."

"What's interesting, the name?" Tails asked, puzzled.

"Yeah," Irvine smiled. "I know someone called Cid back home. Guess it must be a popular name across worlds."

Amy smirked, shrugging lightly. "Feels like every world has one. Do we have a Cid on Mobius?"

Tails shook his head thoughtfully. "Not that I'm aware of..."

"And the others on this Restoration Committee?" Irvine asked, curiosity deepening. "What they like?"

Amy counted them off with her fingers. "Yuffie's a ninja—energetic, sneaky, fun. And Aerith's sweet. Gentle. She loves flowers, and there's something warm about her you'd feel instantly if you met her."

Irvine nodded approvingly. "Solid crew. Who's the leader?"

"Leon," Tails and Amy answered simultaneously.

Irvine's relaxed expression flickered suddenly, replaced by something deeper—something troubled. Amy caught it immediately.

"Is something wrong, Irvine?" she asked softly.

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "No, not exactly. Just… funny coincidence. Déjà vu, I guess."

Tails leaned in closer, suddenly alert. "Déjà vu how?"

Irvine sighed softly. "Our leader—his full name's Squall Leonhart."

Amy's brow furrowed deeply. "Leonhart?"

"Squall Leonhart…" Tails murmured, tasting the name again. His eyes grew distant, lost in rapid thought.

Amy turned cautiously toward him. "Tails…?"

The fox blinked once, snapping back to reality. "We call our friend Leon," he said slowly. "But… he's never mentioned his full name. Never talks about his past at all. Keeps that part of himself locked up tight."

Amy's voice lowered, realization dawning. "Wait… you don't think they're the same person, do you?"

Irvine straightened, intrigued. "What're you saying, fox?"

"I'm saying," Tails began carefully, eyes darting between them, "maybe they're not exactly the same person. But they're connected somehow. There's too much overlap to ignore." He turned directly towards Irvine, his gaze sharp and serious. "Tell me about Squall. What's he like?"

Irvine raised an eyebrow but answered openly. "Quiet. All business. Big on responsibility, even when it's not needed. He carries the world on his shoulders, sometimes literally. Wields a gunblade. And, honestly? He broods enough to power a thunderstorm just by sighing."

Amy laughed gently, a knowing look in her eyes. "That… kinda sounds like Leon."

"This Leon of yours," Irvine pressed curiously, "same kinda deal?"

Tails nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "Very similar. But older and more grounded. Yet, it's like something's missing from him..."

A long moment of silence hung between them.

Tails stepped forward, eyes drifting across the endless expanse of White Space. Suddenly, realisation flashed across his face like lightning.

"This isn't just about trapped points in time anymore," he murmured, urgency growing in his voice. "White Space isn't only drawing from our past—it's pulling from other realities entirely. We're dealing with alternate timelines."

"But… how?" Amy questioned, bewildered.

"Yeah," Irvine chimed in, intrigued yet clearly uncertain. "How does something like that happen?"

Tails exhaled thoughtfully, arms crossing as his mind raced. "Terios's interference—it's not just limited to our own world. His powers seem to be expanding, affecting multiple realities throughout the multiverse." He lifted his gaze firmly toward Irvine, expression serious. "And you—you're not from our timeline at all."

Irvine blinked slowly, absorbing the implication. "Which means…?"

"You're a variant," Tails explained gently, "someone from an entirely different reality altogether."

Irvine adjusted his hat, clearly taken aback. "…Well, damn." He glanced down at Angelo briefly, then back at Tails. "You sure about that?"

"I'm positive," Tails replied confidently, beginning to pace as he laid out his reasoning. "Think about it logically. You mentioned coming from a place called Balamb Garden—somewhere we've never heard of, despite our extensive travels between worlds."

Irvine raised an eyebrow, uncertain. "And?"

"Did you ever encounter the Heartless, or travel the Lanes Between?" Tails pressed.

Irvine furrowed his brow in confusion. "Heartless? Lanes Between?" He shook his head slowly. "You're throwin' around terms I've never even heard before, partner."

"Exactly!" Tails exclaimed, gesturing emphatically. Amy, Irvine, and Angelo watched closely as the fox continued. "Plus, you mentioned your commander—Squall Leonhart—who sounds remarkably similar to Leon."

Amy's eyes suddenly lit up. "Now that you mention it… Leon never really talked about his past, not to me anyway. All he ever shared were bits about Hollow Bastion—nothing before that."

Tails nodded vigorously. "Right! That further supports the idea that Leon might be our world's version of Squall Leonhart. Two people, same name, same general personality—but different histories and memories. That makes you," he pointed directly at Irvine, "and Angelo here definitive proof of my theory. You're not from our universe—you're from another reality entirely."

Irvine straightened slowly, eyes wide, his casual charm briefly faltering into genuine astonishment. "Well… that's somethin' I didn't exactly have on my bingo card."

Amy released a weary sigh, rubbing her temples gently. "And if Tails is right about this multiverse thing, that's another headache to deal with on our quest to save everyone…"

Irvine crouched down quietly beside Angelo, scratching gently behind her ears with a resigned chuckle. "You said it, little lady. You said it."

Tails opened his mouth to reply—but before he could utter a single word, the ground beneath their feet suddenly pulsed with a gentle vibration.

All eyes turned instinctively toward the center of the Sky Sanctuary platform. A warm, golden light began to bloom, threads of shimmering energy unfurling like sunlight piercing through early morning fog. Vines curled to life, pulsing with vibrant colour as the faded marble regained its luster, breathing life into the once-muted ruins.

Irvine stood up straight, whilst Angelo jumped back with a startled bark, ears flattening as her gaze darted nervously around the shifting platform.

Amy gasped softly, eyes wide in wonder. "He did it… Sonic really did it."

Tails nodded, excitement brightening his face. "This entire section of Sky Sanctuary—it's fully restored!"

As they watched, the golden glow spread outward, inching towards the stone figure of Knuckles. Ribbons of golden light gently wrapped around it, climbing upwards. Crimson fur blossomed back into existence, the Echidna's dreadlocks regaining their familiar rich red. His fists tightened instinctively before the colour even touched his purple eyes.

Then, suddenly—

"—I swear to Mobius, Cid, if you moan one more time, I'm gonna—!"

Knuckles lurched forward mid-sentence, voice cutting off abruptly as his eyes blinked open in shock. He stumbled slightly, arms flailing briefly for balance, confusion etched across his face as he looked around wildly.

"...Wait a second," he muttered, squinting at the endless whiteness surrounding him. "This isn't that dark place."

Tails smiled warmly, taking a step forward. "Welcome back to your body, Knuckles. You're now in White Space."

Knuckles turned slowly, still blinking, still slightly bewildered as he scanned the featureless horizon. He glanced at the restored platform beneath his feet and gave an exasperated sigh. "Great. So I went from a pitch-black nightmare with everyone arguing… to endless white nothingness." He folded his arms, scowling slightly. "Fantastic upgrade."

Amy rolled her eyes with a playful smirk. "Oh, come on. At least you're whole again. That's gotta count for something."

Knuckles flexed his gloves experimentally, loosening his arms with a grunt. "Guess it does. But tell me you brought Cid back too."

Tails shook his head, an apologetic tilt to his ears. "Not yet. We're still working on it."

Amy gestured toward the void stretching beyond the restored zone. "He's out there somewhere—along with everyone else. We'll find them."

Knuckles snorted, folding his arms. "Better make it soon, then. Not 'cause I'm worried about the guy or anything—after all that noise he was gassing on about..." He rolled his shoulders, already irritated at the memory. "But if we leave him there too long, someone else is gonna lose it."

Amy raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Knuckles said, deadpan, "Captain Marvel looked one more complaint away from vaporising him. That wolf with the glasses? Looked like he was about to actually speak." He paused, then added with emphasis, "And even Aerith—especially Aerith—was giving him that smile. Y'know, the kind that says, 'Keep talking, and I'll plant flowers on your grave.'"

Tails blinked. "...Wow."

Amy sighed, shaking her head with a chuckle. "Yeah, we better rescue him. Not for his sake… for theirs."

Knuckles nodded, unfolding his arms. "Exactly. Cid might survive Limbo, but I don't like his odds against Aerith's passive-aggression. Guy's tough, but even he can't punch his way out of polite disappointment." He let out a short chuckle, shaking his head— then stopped cold. His gaze had landed on Irvine and Angelo, still standing slightly apart from the group. The echidnas posture shifted in an instant, his smile vanishing. "Okay... hold on a second." He narrowed his eyes, fists instinctively tightening. "Who are they?"

Irvine gave a casual wave from behind Angelo, who was staring unblinkingly at Knuckles. Her ears twitched uncertainly.

Tails quickly stepped between them, holding out a calming hand. "Relax, Knuckles—they're not enemies. This is Irvine, and his friend Angelo. They appeared here recently, just like us."

Knuckles narrowed his eyes skeptically. "You from Mobius? Hollow Bastion? Traverse Town?"

Irvine smiled and tipped his hat lazily. "Nope. Name's Irvine Kinneas. I'm from Balamb Garden. Soldier, sharpshooter, occasional hat model."

Knuckles blinked. "…Hat model?"

Irvine grinned slyly. "Yeah, pays better than you'd think."

"Right..." Knuckles raised a brow, stepping forward cautiously—only for Angelo to let out a sharp, defensive bark, her fur bristling in warning. The echidna froze, instinctively lifting his fists. "Hey, easy there, mutt!"

Irvine's hand shot to the rifle slung over his back, eyes narrowing fast. "Wanna try sayin' that again, Red?"

"Guys—seriously?" Amy groaned, stepping firmly between them, arms spread wide. "You haven't even known each other two minutes!"

Knuckles scowled, fists lowering—slightly. "I'm just being cautious. You know me Amy, I don't like surprises."

"You called Angelo a mutt." Irvine's tone was sharp.

"She growled at me!"

"Because you raised your fists at her!"

"She barked first!"

"She's a dog!"

Tails swiftly intervened, stepping between them both, hands up calmly but firmly. "Alright, time-out! Everyone relax. Knuckles just got back from Limbo, and Irvine's clearly not looking for trouble." He turned pointedly towards Knuckles. "Let's not throw punches over misunderstandings."

Irvine took a deep breath, carefully releasing his grip on his rifle, relaxing his posture. "Fair enough. No harm done—as long as Mr. Red here minds his manners next time."

Knuckles grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, relaxing his stance reluctantly. "Fine. My bad," he muttered, looking away sheepishly. "Guess being trapped for who knows how long put me a little on edge."

Angelo gave a small, satisfied chuff, trotting confidently back to Irvine's side. She flicked her ears, clearly feeling vindicated.

Taking a slow breath, Knuckles began pacing, his attention shifting towards the familiar marble pillars and floating arches above them. He paused, expression darkening thoughtfully.

"…Sky Sanctuary," he murmured, tone filled with confusion and quiet awe. "How did it even end up here?"

"Terios dragged it into White Space," Amy explained gently. "You remember him—the hedgehog who crashed Sonic's birthday party?"

Knuckles grimaced instantly, crossing his arms. "Ugh. That guy. What's he up to?"

"Turns out he's tearing apart timelines," Tails said soberly. "He's pulling places like this one into White Space, draining their energy. Sonic's been running through each one—restoring them. First Green Hill, then Chemical Plant, now here."

Amy nodded confidently. "And he's the reason we got out of Limbo. He's been working non-stop to rescue everyone."

Knuckles gave a small grunt, still pacing restlessly. Angelo's eyes continued tracking him warily.

"Yeah, we kinda figured it'd be Sonic saving the day again," Knuckles admitted grudgingly. He paused, glancing at Tails again, clearly unsettled by everything he'd missed. "Alright, Tails, since you're the brains—what else have I missed?"

Tails opened his mouth, ready to dive deeper into his multiverse theory—but before a single word could escape, a gruff, irritable voice sliced through the stillness, echoing sharply across the platform.

"Alright! What the absolute hell is going on here?!" the voice barked. "White everything, floating ruins, talking animals—and is that a goddamn cowboy?!"

[Timber Owls - Final Fantasy VIII stops playing. Cid's Theme - FFVII Rebirth starts playing]

Every head snapped toward the source of the outburst.

Standing nearby were two distinctly human figures, staring at the group with expressions caught between disbelief and annoyance.

The first was a rugged, broad-shouldered man in a navy-blue flight jacket and weathered cargo pants, heavy boots firmly planted on the marble. A white pilot's scarf hung loosely around his neck, goggles pushed up carelessly into his messy ash-blond hair. His tired blue eyes scanned the scene warily, one gloved hand resting instinctively near the spear strapped to his back.

Beside him was a younger girl, her dark hair cut short and windswept, dressed head-to-toe in tan-and-green ninja attire complete with fingerless orange gloves and a lightweight armored pauldron. Her keen eyes darted excitedly around the area, sneakers squeaking quietly as she bounced slightly on her heels.

Tails inhaled sharply, eyes wide. "Cid? Yuffie?!"

"You made it out of Limbo?!" Amy gasped, stepping forward eagerly.

Knuckles frowned, crossing his arms. "Hmph. About time."

But the tall man—Cid—took a defensive step forward, raising his palm sharply. "Whoa, hold it. I dunno what a 'Limbo' is, and right now I don't much care. One minute we're headin' north with the others, then the next thing I know we're spat outta some broken-down tunnel that smells like burnt circuits, and we land here. Wherever 'here' is."

Yuffie tilted her head curiously, waving at the confused group with a bemused smirk. "Uh… hi? You guys act like you know us or something."

An awkward silence fell instantly. Tails, Amy, and Knuckles exchanged baffled looks.

Amy narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. "Hold on… when did you two change your clothes?"

Cid scowled harder, glancing down at his worn flight jacket. "Change clothes? Look, kid, this ain't the time for fashion—this is all I've been wearing for days."

Tails slowly shook his head, realization dawning. "Wait. You… don't recognise us at all?"

Yuffie squinted, studying the three Mobians with visible suspicion. "Should we?"

"We were just trapped in Limbo together," Amy explained cautiously, her voice tight with uncertainty. "We all got pulled in after Terios crashed Sonic's birthday party."

"Sonic?" Yuffie repeated, confused. "What's a Sonic?"

"Sonic the Hedgehog," Knuckles snapped. "Blue blur. Talks fast. Runs faster. Ringing any bells?"

Yuffie shook her head firmly. "Nope. Doesn't sound familiar."

"And we definitely didn't go to any party," Cid added with a scoff. "Last one I remember involved a busted airship and half a bottle of Mako whiskey. Not exactly cake and candles."

Yuffie snickered beside him. "Yeah, no birthday bashes lately. Though sounds like we missed one heck of a weird one."

"You could say that…" Knuckles muttered, gesturing around them. "As you can see, the afterparty sucks."

"The red porcupine has a point," Cid grunted.

Knuckles narrowed his eyes. "Porcu—hey! It's me, Knuckles! Echidna! Guardian of the Master Emerald! I nearly decked you in Limbo!"

Cid gave him a flat look. "Yeah, well, we don't know you. Or any 'Sonic.'"

He turned to Tails, already sizing him up. "You—two-tailed fox. You look like the smart one. What the hell's going on here?"

Tails's eyes narrowed. "You're not from our timeline," he said simply and to the point.

Yuffie blinked in suprise. "…Excuse me?"

"Better start explaining fast," Cid growled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Amy sighed, pressing a gloved hand to her temple. 'Here comes another existential headache…'"

Irvine looked down at Angelo, shaking his head. "Looks like we're not the only ones hopping realities, girl." Angelo barked once, ears twitching.

Knuckles stared at Tails, utterly baffled. "Tails, what's happening?!"

"They're variants, Knuckles," Tails replied evenly.

"Variants?" Knuckles repeated, brow furrowing. "Like… knockoffs?"

Yuffie recoiled like she'd been slapped. "Knockoffs?! Rude!" She placed both hands on her hips, eyes wide in disbelief. "This outfit is limited edition! You think this face is a knockoff?"

Cid gave a grunt of disapproval. "I ain't some bootleg action figure, pal."

Irvine shrugged from the sidelines, casually leaning back. "Hey, if I'm a knockoff too, at least I'm a handsome one."

Yuffie shot him a look, somewhere between thanks and not helping.

"Alternate versions," Tails clarified, raising his hands in a peacekeeping gesture. "Not copies. Not fakes. Just… different branches of the same person from different timelines."

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Yuffie asked, now visibly unsettled. Her cocky demeanor faltered as she glanced sideways at Cid.

"Please get to the damn point, fox," Cid groaned, rubbing his temples like he already regretted waking up today.

Tails's expression shifted, his voice calm but precise. "You sound like our Cid and Yuffie—but your gear, your behaviour, your memories… none of it lines up. You're not the ones we know."

Cid let out an exasperated grunt, running a hand through his messy blond hair. "So… multiverse BS?"

"I'm afraid so," Tails replied with an apologetic nod.

"Wait… all that stuff is real?" Yuffie asked, her voice full of bewilderment.

"Sure is…" Amy sighed, already bracing for the next headache.

"Of course..." Cid muttered, dragging a hand down his face with a loud, irritated sigh. "We were headin' north—then BAM. Flash of light, ears full'a static, wind howlin' like a busted engine—next thing I know, we're spat out into this blinding white wasteland. No signs, no coordinates, just a bunch of talkin' animals and some cowboy-lookin' bastard like he stepped offstage from a damn Gold Saucer dinner show. What the hell is this crap?!"

"Oh, he swears like the Cid we know," Knuckles muttered, unimpressed. "How original..."

"I heard that!" Cid snapped.

Irvine shrugged easily, unfazed, his gaze drifting towards Cid. "Trust me, partner—it's not even the strangest thing you'll see today."

"No shit..." Cid grumbled.

Angelo padded up beside Yuffie, cautiously sniffed her sneakers, then backed away with a confused whine.

"Even Angelo senses it," Amy murmured, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as the dog backed away once more, ears twitching.

Yuffie, by contrast, looked thrilled. "So, you're saying there's other me's running around out there? Awesome! I always knew the world needed more of me."

Cid shot her a sideways glare, tugging off his scarf like it personally offended him. "Figures you'd find multiversal chaos entertaining…"

Tails nodded slowly, his tone more grounded. "Exactly. White Space isn't just a dumping ground for drained points in time. It's bridging realities." He looked to Yuffie, Cid, and Irvine. "You're proof of that."

Cid groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Great. So what's the plan, genius? Wait for the next cosmic joke to drop?"

Amy crossed her arms and gestured toward the still-glowing portal to Sky Sanctuary. "We regroup once Sonic gets back. Then we plan our next move."

Irvine scratched the back of his neck, brow raised. "Might not be a bad idea to bring us newbies up to speed. Feels like we jumped into Act 2 of a play without reading the script."

Tails sighed, shoulders slumping. "Yes… alright. I'll explain everything... "He trailed off mid-sentence, his tails twitching. His gaze drifted—uneasy—towards the shimmering hub at the far end of the platform.

Amy noticed first. "Tails?" she asked softly. "What's wrong?"

Tails bit his lip, voice low. "It's Sonic. He should've been back by now."

The moment hung heavy in the air. Even Yuffie stopped grinning.

"Wait," Yuffie asked, glancing at the glowing portal of the hub. "How long's he been gone?"

Tails hesitated before answering, ears twitching. "Too long."

Cid grunted, folding his arms. "He get lost in there or somethin'? Took a wrong turn at ancient ruins?"

Irvine squinted toward the shimmering remnants of Sky Sanctuary. "Could he be in trouble?"

"I don't know," Tails admitted, his eyes locked on the light. "He should've returned minutes ago. Something's not right."

Knuckles huffed, arms crossed—annoyed, but visibly uneasy. "Great. That idiot probably stopped to sightsee… or pick a fight with a version of Mecha Sonic."

No one laughed.

"…Tough crowd," Knuckles muttered.

"I don't get it," Yuffie said flatly.

Knuckles shot her a look, then sighed. "It's one of Eggman's older models. Looked like Sonic, but bulkier—sleek chrome armour, glowing red optics, built like a tank. Fast as hell thanks to those jet boosters in his feet, but no personality. Just pure programming—relentless, quiet, and mean."

"And more explodey," Tails added, almost to himself.

"Explodey?" Irvine mused.

Knuckles nodded grimly. "Last time I saw him? He'd taken control of the Master Emerald's shrine. Upgraded himself using the Emerald's energy. That thing—he didn't just fight like Sonic, he went super—literally. Golden aura, levitating, faster than ever. And no hesitation. He came at me like a missile."

Yuffie blinked. "…So, killer chrome Sonic with god powers. Great..."

"Pretty much," Knuckles muttered. "It took everything I had just to slow him down. He didn't stop until he overloaded himself trying to go Super again—and even then, he nearly wrecked the entire sanctuary going out."

Cid raised an eyebrow. "And you're worried your blue speedster ran back in to throw hands with that?"

Amy's voice was tight. "If Mecha Sonic—or anything like him—is there… then yeah. Sonic might be in serious trouble."

Angelo gave a low whimper, ears pulled back, while the silence of the others thickened around them like fog.

Knuckles finally exhaled, muttering to himself. "Great... me and my big mouth."

"You said it, Red," Irvine replied with a smirk, arms folded.

"Shut up!" Knuckles snapped, but with no real heat.

Chapter Text

Classic Sonic - White Space

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

After exiting Mushroom Hill and returning to the white void, Classic Tails and the man in red did their best to explain what was going on— who they were, how White Space existed, what Terios had done, and why everyone here had been dragged across time and space. Classic Sonic chimed in with exaggerated gestures and wild expressions, but his silent 'mime routine' only confused the new arrivals. Luckily, Tails was there to translate, filling in the gaps with what Sonic couldn't say out loud.

When the man in red finally finished his explanation, Quistis rubbed her temples and looked to her perplexed looking teammates.

"Okay… let's try to piece this together," she said, her voice brisk and teacher-like. She pointed to Sonic and Tails. "We've been pulled across time and space, tossed into a void, and there are older versions of these two running around out there?"

"You are correct," the man in red replied, curt and firm.

Zell threw up his hands. "You're also telling us this whole blank nothing is called White Space?" He glanced around, eyebrows climbing high. "No offense, but it feels more like a bad dream than a place."

"This is indeed White Space," the man in red confirmed simply, gesturing to the endless void around them. "A trapped realm linked to Castle Oblivion, born from Terios tearing apart time itself with his temporal powers."

Squall folded his arms, his stare hard and sharp. "And he's not just ripping holes in time—he's trapping moments. Draining them of energy, stripping away their life and colour."

The man in red gave a solemn nod. His presence was calm yet weighty, like a teacher breaking bad news he'd delivered too many times before.

Squall exhaled slowly through his nose, an annoyed sound barely masking frustration. "Figures..."

Rinoa shifted uneasily, glancing between her group, the strangers, and the man in red. "And this Organization you mentioned… they're made up of Nobodies, right? People without hearts?"

"Yes," the man in red replied, his voice low, sharp with contempt. "Empty husks… parading as if they have hearts, as if they have the right to be. They claw at borrowed power, desperate to imitate life, yet remain nothing but echoes of what they once were."

Zell did a double take, rocking back on his heels. "Dang, man… that's cold."

Selphie gave a nervous laugh, twirling a strand of hair. "Yeah, uh… kinda harsh there, mister Mummy-Man…"

Rinoa tilted her head, soft but probing. "You really… don't like them, do you?"

The man in red's lone amber eye flared, his next words slow and deliberate, every syllable dripping disdain. "Like them? I've seen what they leave in their wake. They wear the faces of the living… but every breath, every step, is a lie. A mockery of existence itself."

Zell whistled low, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right. Mental note: do not tick you off."

Quistis' brow furrowed, her analytical side already working. "But if they're only 'echoes,' then how do they… function? How can something without a heart still… move?"

Squall's arms crossed tighter, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp. "…Life without a heart. It doesn't add up."

Tails piped up then, ears twitching, his voice small but earnest. "So… wait, if losing your heart doesn't end you… doesn't that mean you're still alive somehow? Just… different?" He looked to Sonic for guidance.

Sonic just shrugged with an easy grin, hands behind his head. The unspoken, "Don't look at me, buddy—I'm as lost as you are" hung in the air.

Tails muttered under his breath, scratching his head. "Oh wow… that's just… weird. Like, really weird. How do you even know if you're you anymore?"

The man in red's gaze slid to the fox, his tone clipped, deliberate. "A Nobody remembers fragments of who they once were—faces, voices, the hollow echo of emotions they can no longer truly feel. Memory and will alone carry them forward; the heart that once made them whole is gone, leaving only a shell that functions out of habit, not life."

"So… it's willpower alone keeping them moving? That's… unsettling," Quistis replied.

Selphie gave a nervous little laugh, glancing at Zell. "So not zombies or ghosts, then… and no, they don't live off Phoenix Downs either."

"Hah, I wasn't gonna say it…" Zell muttered, hands up defensively, but the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him.

Tails kicked at the ground, his twin-tails twitching. "Still feels weird. Like… walking around with a piece of yourself missing."

"Weird is putting it way too lightly," Selphie said, her sunny tone wobbling but not quite breaking. She bounced on her heels, clapping her hands together like she could shake off the gloom. "Buuut hey—look on the bright side! Mushroom Hill's all colourful and happy again!" She pointed toward the newly restored fragment, colour spilling across its landscape like fresh paint on a canvas. "I mean, that's a total win in my book! Yay for not-everything-being-gloom-and-doom, right?"

"That's one way to put it," Quistis murmured, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

"Selphie finding the positives as always," Zell said with a light chuckle, shaking his head.

"Someone's gotta do it!" Selphie shot back, throwing him a playful grin.

Squall sighed softly, rubbing the back of his neck as his eyes turned to the man in red. "Anyway… when Sonic runs through one of these zones, it brings the energy back? Gives the place life again?"

The man in red inclined his head, a slow, deliberate nod in agreement.

Squall dropped his gaze to Sonic, his tone more dry than commanding. "So… you're basically the key to fixing this whole mess?" It wasn't accusing, more like he was already trying to do the math on how much trouble this meant for everyone involved.

Sonic blinked, gave a modest shrug, then flashed a cocky little grin that all but said, "Guess so."

Squall muttered under his breath, arms crossing again. "Figures… whole universe balancing on a silent hedgehog with an attitude."

"Don't forget his other self is out there too," Rinoa reminded gently, resting a hand on her hip.

"Does he at least talk?" Quistis asked, one brow raised.

"He does," the man in red replied, measured as ever, with the faintest trace of dry amusement. "And let's just say… words aren't the only thing he's fast with. That Sonic never stops running, never stops talking, and never stops believing he can win—even when every logic says he shouldn't."

Sonic puffed up proudly at that, arms folded, chest out just a bit. Tails grinned wide, clearly proud of his friend.

Squall glanced out towards the blank horizon. "We should at least try to find him. See what he's figured out."

"That'd be the smart play," the man in red agreed with a nod, pointing towards the distant depths of White Space. "He and the friends he's saved shouldn't be far."

The group followed his gesture. Far ahead, a gleaming white island drifted in the air, ancient ruins bathed in pale light.

"That looks like… Sky Sanctuary Zone," Tails said, standing on tiptoes, squinting hard. "Yeah—I'm pretty sure that's it!"

"Sky Sanctuary Zone?" Rinoa repeated, narrowing her eyes as she tried to follow his gaze.

"It's this really old place," Tails explained eagerly, tail swishing. "Sonic and I… yeah, we've been there before."

Sonic jabbed a finger toward the ruins, grinning with determined confidence.

"These places," the man in red said, voice calm but edged with meaning, "are not chosen at random. They are moments in Sonic's life, pulled here by Terios. He is not simply destroying time. He's trying to erase the hedgehog—one past adventure at a time."

"Damn..." Zell muttered.

Selphie's nose scrunched up. "Okay… officially calling that mega creepy."

Quistis folded her arms, expression tense. "Targeting someone's past… that's not just tactical. That's cruel."

Squall stared at Sky Sanctuary, quiet for a moment before sighing through his nose. "Let's go find this other Sonic and get some answers… before this mess gets worse."

Zell smirked faintly. "Man, you always gotta know what's what, huh?"

Squall glanced back at him, deadpan. "No one else is stepping up. So yeah."

Zell's grin widened, just a hint of admiration behind it. "Fair enough, boss."

"Maybe Irvine's with them… and Angelo. I really hope so..." Rinoa said, her tone hopeful but anxious.

"Angelo's your dog, right?" Classic Tails asked warmly.

"That's right."

"And Irvine's one of your friends?"

"Yeaaah!" Selphie chimed in a little too quickly, then winced, waving her hands as all eyes turned her way. "I mean—yeah, he's a friend-friend, you know? Just a… really cool, nice, kinda-handsome friend."

Zell grinned, elbowing her lightly. "Uh-huh. Sure, Selphie. Just a friend."

Selphie stuck out her tongue playfully. "Shut uuup."

Classic Sonic nudged Tails, then pantomimed an exaggerated heart over his chest, complete with a dramatic swoon before pointing at Selphie.

"What is Sonic saying, Tails?" Rinoa asked, looking to Tails.

Tails snickered behind his gloved hands. "He says Selphie's totally got a crush on this Irvine guy."

Selphie's face went pinker. "A-again… shut uuup!" She waved her arms frantically, bouncing on her heels like she could bounce the embarrassment away.

Quistis bit her lip, trying and failing to suppress a chuckle behind her hand. Zell wasn't even trying—he burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.

Rinoa just shook her head, smiling softly at Selphie's flustered display.

Squall groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose with a long-suffering sigh. "We don't have time for schoolyard crushes. Finding the other Sonic comes first."

Selphie crossed her arms, cheeks still blazing, muttering under her breath, "Ugh, party pooper."

The man in red stood statuesque, arms folded behind his back, gaze locked on the horizon. When he finally spoke, his tone was firm and commanding. "Come. We must move with haste."

The group had only just begun to walk when, after a few yards, he froze mid-step. His head snapped to the side, his lone amber eye narrowing, sharp with intrigue.

"Hold," he said, low but carrying weight.

Everyone stopped in their tracks. "What is it?" Quistis asked, instantly alert.

The man extended a gloved hand towards the left. In the endless white void, a strange, gear-like structure shimmered faintly, floating in the nothingness. Its enormous cogs turned soundlessly, surrounding a core that pulsed with ominous purple light.

"What… is that?" Zell asked, his voice uncertain now, his earlier swagger replaced with unease.

The group instinctively drew closer, step by cautious step, their determination faltering under the strange weight of the construct.

Even the man in red couldn't immediately explain it. He murmured under his breath, "This… was not here before."

The gear-gate pulsed once, static cracking through the void. Then came a high-pitched peel of maniacal laughter, sharp and mocking.

Classic Sonic jumped in suprise, quills bristling. Tails froze beside him, ears stiff as shock washed over his face.

"Doctor Robotnik!" Tails shouted, pointing straight at the construct, his young voice cracking.

Sonic stomped his foot, looking thoroughly unimpressed—as if to say, "Great, he's here too."

"From that reaction, this Robotnik guy sounds like bad news," Rinoa said, glancing at the now clearly ticked-off hedgehog.

"Must be one of Sonic's villains, maybe?" Quistis suggested, brow furrowed in thought.

Selphie tilted her head sharply. "That's not a villain name, though. That's, like… a cranky science teacher you're stuck with after a heavy lunch!"

Zell cracked up immediately. "Seriously! What's next, Professor Screwdriver? Lord Wrench-Nut?" He elbowed Quistis with a grin. "C'mon, you gotta admit that's funny."

Quistis didn't even blink, eyes still locked on the gate "Funny or not, that laugh didn't sound like someone we can afford to underestimate."

Classic Sonic shot Zell a glare sharp enough to peel paint. Arms crossed, foot tapping at lightning speed, he jabbed a finger towards the gears with all the silent frustration of someone saying, "You'll stop laughing when he shows up."

"Quistis is right," Tails said, his tone serious. "Doctor Robotnik's bad news. He's Sonic's biggest enemy. He builds robots, tries to take over the world, kidnaps small animals… and he never quits."

Zell blinked, hands raised. "Alright, alright, got it. Evil science guy. My bad."

Rinoa tilted her head, voice soft but uneasy. "So… you think Robotnik being here has something to do with Terios?"

"Possibly. This is no mere fragment of time—it's a hallway, a doorway into another moment, ensnared here by Terios." His gaze shifted to Sonic and Tails. "Perhaps a point where you crossed paths with this… Doctor Robotnik."

"Like a boss fight stuck on repeat?" Zell muttered, half awed, half unnerved. "Man… that's like living through a nightmare over and over."

"Or unfinished business that refuses to fade," Quistis added, folding her arms, tone grim.

Classic Sonic nodded firmly, smirk gone, fists clenched as if he could already hear his nemesis' taunts.

Squall had been quiet until now, his eyes fixed on the strange construct. Finally, his voice came low but decisive: "If this Robotnik is a threat to the mission, we deal with it. Standing here won't change anything."

The man in red inclined his head, approving in silent agreement.

Rinoa stepped closer, tone hopeful. "And maybe… maybe it connects to the others. Irvine, Angelo… we might get a lead."

Tails gave a soft, anxious nod. "Yeah… let's hope so."

The gear-gate pulsed again, laughter echoing faintly like a challenge.

Classic Sonic stepped forward, shoes tapping lightly against the empty white floor. He glanced back over his shoulder, brow cocked, arms spread in a silent, cocky, "Well? You coming, or do I gotta do this solo?"

Zell snorted, shaking his head. "Blue's got guts, I'll give him that."

Selphie pumped her fists, grin bright despite the tension. "Like we're gonna let the fastest fuzzball go in alone? Not happening!"

"You can count on us, Sonic!" Tails chimed in, his voice eager and certain.

Quistis sighed, tone brisk and steady. "It's reckless. But standing here debating won't help either."

Rinoa glanced around at the others, managing a faint, nervous smile. "We stick together, right?"

Squall's gaze stayed fixed on the ominous construct. After a beat, he exhaled slowly. "Right. Let's get this over with."

The man in red's coat shifted as he strode forward to stand beside Sonic, his voice carrying a low, deliberate warning. "Stay sharp. Whatever waits beyond this gate, Terios may have already twisted it. And time rarely plays fair."

Classic Sonic grinned, fists clenched, stance ready. With a blur of speed, he dashed toward the gate, the others right on his heels as grinding metal and mocking laughter promised trouble ahead.

To Modern Sonic - Somewhere in Castle Oblivion...

[Disquieting - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

Sonic expected the familiar nothingness of White Space—the endless pale horizon he'd gotten used to after each fractured memory was restored. Instead, he stumbled into a room.

The walls rose high and stark, carved from flawless white stone that shimmered faintly, almost like polished marble. Patterns were etched into the surfaces—delicate, symmetrical motifs that reminded him of broken snowflakes, their meaning long forgotten. The corners of the room stretched upward into ornate columns, too pristine, too perfect, as if the place had never known dust or time.

Two pedestal-like stands sat on either side of the room, each crowned with empty carvings where something important should've been displayed—but wasn't. A single door stood at the far end, pale gold and glowing faintly, like it was daring him to reach for it. The floor beneath his shoes was so smooth it almost felt unreal, reflecting his movements in a dull, ghostly blur.

The silence wasn't just quiet—it pressed in on him, like the room itself was holding its breath. Every tap of his shoes echoed back too sharply, bouncing off walls that felt wrongly hollow.

Sonic came to a stop and rubbed the back of his neck, his instincts prickling. "This definitely isn't White Space," he muttered. "Feels more like some creepy waiting room for bad news… Could at least throw in a plant, or maybe a rug..."

He took a cautious step forward, every movement echoing louder than it should. The silence pressed against his ears like a weight, making his quills twitch. He didn't like it. Not one bit.

Then, like lightning splitting a silent sky, she appeared.

A flash of static—there one moment, gone the next—and standing a few paces ahead was a woman. Blonde hair slicked back with two sharp antenna-like strands framing her face. Her black hooded coat swaying like it had its own will. Heeled boots clicking with a predatory grace. And in her gloved fingers, eight thin, deadly knives. Her green eyes found him instantly, gleaming with a cruel amusement.

"Aww," she drawled, voice dripping with mock sweetness, "are you lost, little hedgehog?"

Sonic's eyes narrowed, his foot tapping in that impatient rhythm that usually preceded something fast—and reckless. "Oh great," he sighed dramatically. "A creepy stranger in a black coat. Let me guess—you're here to offer me a totally fair deal or try to wreck my already chaotic day?"

Her lips curled into a smirk, dangerous and playful all at once. "Oh, I'm much more than trouble, Sonic the Hedgehog," she purred, savoring every syllable of his name like it was a weapon.

"And of course you know my name," Sonic muttered, crossing his arms. "My fan club's really getting out of hand. So... you after an autograph? Maybe a selfie before I get back to, y'know…" He gestured vaguely, his tone dry as sandpaper. "…fixing the timeline and saving my friends?"

"You're hilarious," she said with mock admiration. "But see, I'm not here for your friends. I'm here for you. Or rather…" Her grin widened, eyes glinting like green glass. "…for the problem you're trying so hard to stop."

"Huh?" Sonic tilted his head, arms crossed. "Come again?"

She gave a theatrical sigh, rolling her eyes. "You really are clueless, aren't you? Fine, let's make this simple. I'm Larxene. Yes, that Larxene. Member of the Organization, agent of real power." She smirked, tilting her head.

"Never heard of you…" Sonic admitted with a shrug, the corner of his mouth tugging into that trademark smirk designed to annoy bad guys everywhere. "You must not be that important."

Larxene's grin froze. A spark popped from her fingers, loud and sharp. "…What did you just say?" Her voice was low, calm in the way a lightning storm is calm just before it tears the sky apart.

Sonic leaned lazily back, unfolding his arms and pretending to inspect his gloves. "Look, don't take it personally. I meet a lot of villains. Spiky hair, dramatic speeches, big plans to ruin everything… kinda blends together after a while."

One of Larxene's knives flashed through the air, slicing past Sonic's quills close enough to leave a faint static tingle in its wake. It embedded itself in the far wall with a hiss of electricity.

Sonic tilted his head at it, unimpressed. "So you've got throwing knives. Neat party trick. Wanna show me something original?"

Larxene's eyes narrowed to slits, her grin returning but laced with venom now. "Oh, you are going to regret running your mouth, rodent."

"Ha, I've been hearing that my whole life," Sonic quipped, tapping his foot impatiently. "So, Larxene, what's the deal? You drag me here just to throw a tantrum and talk cryptic? Or is Terios sending his pals from the Organization after me now?"

"Terios…" Larxene spat the name like it burned her tongue. "That reckless little wannabe? Don't you dare lump me in with him. The Organization has real plans, bigger than that defective experiment's obsession with you."

Sonic arched a brow, filing that 'defective experiment' line away. "So, you're saying even you guys think he's a problem? Good to know I'm not his only headache."

Larxene hissed through her teeth, a mix of fury and something that almost sounded like agreement. But it vanished behind her wicked grin as she crouched slightly, ready to strike.

"Keep talking, hedgehog," she said, voice buzzing like a live wire. "I like my targets loud. Makes frying them so much more satisfying."

Sonic dropped into a ready stance, smirk unwavering. "Oh, I'll keep talking. But you're gonna have to be really fast to shut me up."

LARXENE

Battle Music: The 13th Struggle - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories

With a flash of lightning, she lunged, knives swiping like electrified claws. Sonic sidestepped, barely feeling the static tickle his fur as she passed. "Close one," he said with a grin before curling into a ball and launching a Spin Dash, ricocheting off the floor towards her.

But Larxene vanished in a blur of static, reappearing behind him with a snicker. "Too slow!" she taunted, voice like a whipcrack.

Sonic pivoted sharply, springing into a Homing Attack. The collision clanged against her knives, a shockwave of raw electricity rippling through the room. Sparks danced along Sonic's quills as he disengaged, skidding across the slick white floor.

"Nice trick," Sonic said, shaking off the static sting. "But I'm just warming up."

He shot forward, a blur of blue energy, sending a Sonic Boom arcing towards her. Larxene casually summoned a lightning bolt to meet it, the impact filling the white room with a violent flash that left ghostly afterimages dancing in the air.

She smirked, knives twirling lazily. "That the best you've got, rodent?"

"Not even close!" Sonic replied, a sharp glint in his eye.

He disappeared in a burst of speed—Phantom Rush activating, his form splitting into afterimages as a flurry of rapid-fire strikes hammered towards her from every angle. Larxene snarled, blocking most with flashing knives, but two solid hits slammed into her guard, forcing her back a step.

"Ugh, you're really becoming a pest," she spat, aura flaring as she launched into Voltic Rush, her body blurring with sheer speed as lightning-laced slashes sliced through the air. Sonic twisted and weaved, but a grazing strike sent a jolt of pain through his arm.

"Okay, that stings," he muttered, shaking it off with a grin. "Guess I'm not the only one who plays fast."

"Fast and lethal," Larxene hissed, her form sparking violently as she darted past him again, leaving a streak of electricity that scorched the floor.

Sonic caught his breath for half a second, eyes tracking her movements—blindingly fast, unpredictable, relentless. "You're quick, but…" He grinned, legs coiling like a spring. "…let's see if you can keep up with this!"

He launched high, coming down in a Stomp Attack that forced Larxene to blink-teleport away. The impact left a spiderweb crater in the smooth floor, throwing her off balance for a split second. That was all Sonic needed.

He revved up a Spin Dash, launching into her guard and smashing her backward into the wall with a mighty crash. Larxene grunted, rebounding midair, eyes blazing fury.

"You little pest!" she screeched, raising both hands as a storm of lightning bolts ripped open the air above. The strikes came down like divine punishment, every impact threatening to swallow Sonic in raw energy.

But he wasn't stopping now. His body glowed faintly cyan as he unleashed Sonic Wind, the spiraling vortex of energy ripping the lightning apart, sending static dispersing harmlessly around him.

"You really need to work on your aim," Sonic teased, wagging his finger.

Larxene's composure cracked. She screamed in frustration, summoning all eight knives at once, each humming with dangerous voltage. She hurled them in a deadly arc, but Sonic blurred into motion, weaving between them, the knives clattering harmlessly into the walls.

"Come on, Larxene!" he called, grinning over his shoulder. "I thought you were supposed to be an 'agent of real power'!"

Her rage detonated, rattling the walls as every spark of power in the room ripped toward her. Lightning wrapped her body like a living storm, flickering and snapping with murderous intent. With a banshee scream, Larxene blurred into a jagged bolt of light. "I'LL END YOU!" she shrieked, vanishing in a blinding flash.

Sonic's ears twitched, instincts flaring an instant before she reappeared behind him. "There!" His muscles coiled, energy blazing down his quills like wildfire. Phantom Rush erupted, turning him into a living blur of blue.

Larxene barely had time to gasp—How the hell did he sense me?!—before he was on her.

The hedgehog struck everywhere. Fists, feet, elbows—a relentless torrent that felt like the air itself was ripping her apart. Every blow cracked like thunder, slamming through her defenses, scattering sparks and jagged bolts. Larxene tried to counter, knives of static lashing out, but every attack met nothing but a blue afterimage before another hit slammed home from a different angle.

The world fractured into snapshots of motion—her body jerking under blow after blow, teeth gritted against the onslaught, the sound of her own grunts drowned out by the deafening percussion of strikes landing faster than thought.

Then, Sonic dropped low, twisting on his heel. A final roundhouse kick ripped through the air with a concussive BOOM, slamming into Larxene's ribs and blasting her across the room. The wall cratered under the impact, dust and electricity bursting outward.

Larxene barely drew a breath before a sharp whine cut the air—a pinpoint Homing Attack drilled into her midsection like a meteor, folding her in half and ripping the air from her lungs. Static hissed and fizzled off her frame as she crumpled, disbelief burning in her glare.

She slid down the cracked wall, breathing hard, sparks sputtering and dying around her. The room hummed with fading energy, the aftermath of their clash hanging heavy in the air.

Sonic straightened, casually brushing dust from his gloves before wagging a finger in classic fashion.

"Aw, don't feel bad," he said, tone light but edged with triumph. "You didn't really think a few sparks and some sharp sticks could stop me, did you?"

Larxene shot him a venomous glare, too winded to bite back, though the promise of payback burned in her eyes.

"Next time," Sonic added with a cocky grin, stepping closer just enough to twist the knife, "you might wanna bring a little more juice to the fight." He leaned forward, smirk widening. "…Because this was shocking…" a deliberate pause, "…ly easy."

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

[Thirteenth Discretion - Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories starts playing]

The air still crackled with residual static, faint sparks dancing across the scorched floor. Larxene staggered upright, breaths sharp and uneven, rage simmering beneath every twitch of her fingers.

"You… think…" she wheezed, fighting to get the words out.

Sonic leaned forward with an exaggerated gloved hand to his ear. "Sorry, what was that? Kinda hard to hear over the sound of me winning." Larxene growled, trying again, but Sonic cut her off with mock sympathy. "Ohhh, wait—I get it. You're out of breath! No worries, happens to everyone who can't keep up with me." He tapped his chin, pretending to think. "Want me to slow down next time? Maybe bring you a water? Or, ooh, a lightning-shaped fan to cool off?"

"Ugh!" Larxene snapped, finally catching her breath enough to spit, "You think you're so funny and clever, don't you?" Her words dripped with venom.

"Nope. I know I am. Big difference."

"God, you're so annoying!"

Sonic, completely unfazed, leaned on one foot and wagged his finger with a grin. "Annoying? Nah, entertaining. Big difference." He tilted his head, smirk widening. "But hey, credit where it's due—you really lit up the room. Shame it fizzled out faster than your temper, Sparky."

"Don't. Call. Me. That." Her green eyes narrowed, electricity snapping violently around her gloves.

"Fine," Sonic said with a shrug. "How about loser? That one feel better?"

Her snarl could've melted steel. "You're lucky I don't turn you into roadkill right now."

"Yeah, yeah, keep whining," Sonic said, voice dripping sarcasm. "I'll just make sure to pull the plug on your little light show if you start acting up again."

"Enough with the stupid puns already!"

"Fine…" Sonic let out an exaggerated sigh, though a smirk still tugged at his mouth. Then his tone shifted, sharp and cutting through the tension. "So tell me—what's the deal? You drag me here, try to fry me, and for what?" He stepped closer, his green eyes narrowing. "And Terios… what's his actual angle?"

Something flickered across Larxene's face—anger, amusement, maybe even hesitation—but it was gone in an instant, replaced by a wicked smirk. "Oh, wouldn't you love to know."

Sonic's patience snapped like a snapped rubber band. "Look, either you talk or we go for round two."

Larxene's tone turned mocking, but there was an edge there now, sharp and deliberate. "Terios… let's just say the little shadow-knight's running on borrowed purpose."

Sonic blinked, confusion cutting through his anger. "Borrowed purpose? What's that supposed to mean?"

Before Larxene could answer, the shadows in the room shifted. A corridor of darkness unfurled, and a tall figure stepped through, flame-red hair spiking like a living bonfire. It was Axel.

"Larxene," Axel drawled. His emerald eyes glinted with something between amusement and warning. "Seriously? Didn't I tell you not to go picking fights with the hedgehog?"

"Relax," she snapped, glaring daggers at him. "I had it handled."

"Yeah, I can see that..." Axel said dryly, eyeing the sparking scorch marks across the floor. "You handled him so well you're one step away from being a burnt-out fuse."

Sonic tilted his head, brow arched. "Oh great. Another trench coat weirdo. Let me guess—you're with the Organization too, right?"

Axel smirked, tapping a gloved finger to his temple. "Name's Axel. Got it memorized?"

Sonic groaned, unimpressed. "Please tell me that's not your catchphrase."

"Hey, it works." Axel shrugged, his tone turning more serious as he glanced at Sonic. "But let's cut to the chase—you're having a little trouble holding onto your memories, yeah? Friendships slipping away?"

Sonic stiffened, eyes narrowing. "You know about that?"

Axel gave a lazy half-smile, but there was no humour in his eyes. "Let's just say this ain't the first time the Organization's toyed with hearts and memories. You're not the only one caught in our game."

"Not the only one?" Sonic pressed.

Axel twirled a finger towards Sonic's. "C'mon smart guy, think. What do your memories whisper? Someone with a Keyblade. Someone you shouldn't be forgetting."

Sonic's breath caught as a flash of light and a boy with spiky hair flickered at the edge of his mind. A name slipped out before he could stop it. "…Sora."

Axel's grin widened slightly, like a teacher hearing the right answer. "Bingo."

Larxene scoffed, electricity snapping around her. "Don't give him hints, Axel. The less this rodent knows, the better."

"Maybe," Axel replied, his voice oddly calm. "But a hero's memory doesn't stay buried forever, Larxene. And from the looks of it, this one's starting to dig up the answers."

Sonic took a step forward, determination blazing through the fog of confusion. "Whoever this Sora is… whoever Terios thinks he is… I'm not stopping until I save my friends, my past, and anyone else you psychos have tangled up in this mess."

Axel studied him for a long moment before a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Big words for someone running out of time..."

"Try me," Sonic shot back. "Saving the day—and keeping memories, time, and space safe from you and your crew—that's what heroes do!"

Larxene's lip curled in frustration, but Axel raised a hand, stopping her before she could lunge again. "Enough for now. Orders are changing—we've got bigger fires to put out."

A dark corridor unfurled behind them. Axel glanced back at Sonic, his expression unreadable. "We'll meet again, hedgehog. Maybe next time, you'll remember more than just a name."

Larxene sneered, throwing one last parting shot. "Enjoy your little victories while you can, rodent. They won't last."

The two vanished through the dark corridor, leaving Sonic alone in the empty white room.

"...Sora," Sonic muttered, fists clenching tight as fractured images flickered at the edges of his mind—fleeting glimpses of the Keyblade wielder, and two other whose voices felt so close yet impossibly far. "Whatever the Organization has done… whatever they're hiding…" His eyes narrowed, determination blazing. "I'll set it right. I have to."

Creeeeak.

At the far end of the sterile room, the mysterious door opened with a blinding white light seeping through. The void beyond pulsed faintly.

"Finally," Sonic breathed, relief slipping into his voice. "Way outta this madhouse."

He glanced around one last time—the scorched floor, the lingering tang of ozone from Larxene's rage, the faint echo of Axel's cryptic words—and then fixed his gaze on the luminous threshold ahead.

"White Space… here I come," he said, dropping into a runner's stance. His grin sharpened.

With a burst of speed, Sonic blurred forward. The door stretched wide to meet him, its light engulfing everything. But just as he thought escape was within reach, a new presence stirred on the other side—another mystery waiting to trip him up before he could return to Tails, Amy, and, hopefully, a now-rescued Knuckles.

To Classic Sonic - Mirror Hallway

Classic Sonic and his group slowed their walk, footsteps dull and soft against the polished floor of the Mirror Hallway. The space was surreal—endless, reflective walls towering high above them, glittering chandeliers suspended in the oppressive silence. The air itself felt… wrong.

Classic Tails walked close to his friend, twin tails twitching nervously as his wide eyes scanned the long mirror lining the corridor. They weren't perfect reflections—the glass was almost frosted and uneven, blurring their outlines, bending their shapes.

"This place…" Quistis murmured, her voice low and sharp, "it doesn't follow logic."

The man in red strode a few paces ahead, his long coat brushing the floor, his amber eye narrowing as it swept over their warped reflections. His tone was flat, but it carried weight. "This is the Mirror Hallway," he said simply. "Every step taken here walks the line between what was… and what could have been."

Selphie tilted her head as her own image rippled and stretched unnaturally. "Okay… that's not creepy at all," she muttered, edging closer to Zell.

Zell grumbled, fists clenching as his reflection warped in the glass. He jumped back slightly, unease crawling up his spine. "Yeah… I don't like this one bit."

Rinoa slowed slightly, her eyes flicking nervously before edging closer to Squall. She reached for his arm without thinking, clutching his sleeve like a lifeline.

Squall stiffened, instinctively ready to pull away—but stopped. His brow furrowed as he glanced at her, voice low, almost guarded. "What are you doing?"

"Just…" Rinoa's voice wavered, quiet but honest. "Making sure you're really here. Because in this place, I'm not sure I'd believe it otherwise."

Squall's eyes lingered on her for a beat, old walls rising out of habit. Part of him wanted to tell her he was fine, that she didn't need to hold on. But after everything—Deling City, the ice through his shoulder, the war waiting outside this strange place—he couldn't bring himself to let her go.

Finally, his voice came out rough, quiet: "…Yeah. Me neither."

Behind them, Classic Sonic suddenly slowed to a stop. Something about his reflection wasn't right. The glass blurred his features, but the outline staring back at him… wasn't the same.

"Sonic?" Tails mused, turning back. The group also stopped and looked over their shoulders, apart from the man in red, who had walked a bit further before noticing the hesitation.

The hedgehog tilted his head, blinking in confusion. The figure in the mirror looked taller and leaner. A Sonic that wasn't him—but still was.

[Cutscene 4 - Mirror Hallway - Sonic Generations OST starts playing]

Classic Sonic stepped closer, one gloved hand to his chin, as though silently asking himself what he was seeing. He shifted side to side, testing the image. The reflection mimicked his movements perfectly.

"What's he doing?" Rinoa asked, her voice low but uneasy.

"Checking out his reflection, it seems?" Quistis replied, arms folded, though her sharp gaze lingered on the glass.

Zell glanced at the mirror, his reflection blurry but otherwise fine. He gave it a casual thumbs-up. "Looks normal now."

Selphie leaned closer to her own, puffing out her cheeks and crossing her eyes in a goofy test. "Mine too. Well… as normal as I ever look."

The man in red finally turned fully, his posture shifting just slightly in alert. He might have already guessed what was happening, but he said nothing.

Sonic then hooked his fingers into his mouth—thumb pressing his bottom lip, index finger hooking his top lip—checking his teeth with exaggerated confusion. Again, the reflection copied it exactly.

Zell blinked, tilting his head. "Uh… you got something stuck in there, little dude?"

Selphie piped up quickly, her grin a little too forced. "Maybe he's just making sure his reflection remembered to brush? I mean, eternal bad breath? Totally a void problem!"

Quistis sighed loudly. "Focus, please. Something isn't right here."

Squall ignored them all, stepping closer. His gaze slid over his own reflection—normal. Rinoa's too. But when his eyes landed on Sonic's… something was wrong.

For a fleeting second, a pair of vivid green eyes stared back—not the wide, dark eyes of the young hedgehog beside him.

"…That's not his reflection."

Zell blinked, all trace of humour gone. "What?"

The man in red stayed silent, his lone amber eye glinting like he'd been waiting for this moment all along.

Sonic hesitated, then crept closer to the glass. He tilted his head one way, then the other, clearly puzzled. Finally, he lifted one gloved fist and gave the mirror a couple of light knocks, his quizzical look almost cartoonish.

The reflection copied the gesture… but not perfectly. A fraction too slow, like it wasn't really following, just pretending.

And now, up close, the stance was slightly wrong. The figure in the mirror stood taller, shoulders looser, weight shifted in a way Classic Sonic never carried himself. This wasn't his usual cocky-but-bouncy posture. It was… older.

Squall's gaze sharpened, his voice cutting through the silence. "Look at it. The timing's off. The posture doesn't match."

Tails' twin tails twitched nervously. "This is getting weird!"

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Selphie leaned closer to the mirror, eyes wide. "Okay… that is so trippy…"

Quistis folded her arms, staring hard at the warped image as though trying to solve an impossible puzzle. "It's copying him, but not really. Like there's someone else behind the glass."

The man in red opened his mouth to speak—when a sudden voice boomed from somewhere further down the mirrored corridor, echoing eerily between the endless reflections.

"Take a good look at yourself, Sonic!"

"Doctor Robotnik!" Tails gasped

Before the others could react, another voice rang out, this one sharp, defiant, bursting with energy and confidence: "Doctor Eggman!"

Classic Sonic's eyes flew wide.

Tails gasped, ears shooting up. "Wait… what the—?"

Quistis froze, her lips pressed into a thin, uncertain line, eyes flicking between the mirror and the long corridor as though she was bracing for a threat she couldn't see.

Squall's brow furrowed hard, jaw tightening, his stance shifting subtly like a soldier preparing for a fight without knowing where the first strike would come from.

Rinoa gripped his sleeve tighter, her eyes darting around, face pale with unease as if the voice had reached straight through the hallway and rattled her bones.

Zell blinked rapidly, breaking the stunned silence with confusion lacing his tone. "Eggman? I thought it was Robotnik?!"

Selphie threw her hands in the air, spinning on the spot towards Zell. "Forget the name—who the heck was talking right now?!"

They all turned back to the mirror just in time to see it change. The taller hedgehog's movements were no longer synced to Classic Sonic's at all. The reflection stood at an angle now, tense, eyes locked on something further down his side of the hallway.

That's when Squall stepped closer, Rinoa's grip on his sleeve slipping free. His tone was flat but firm. "See it now? That's not him. It's someone else."

"We… we see it," Rinoa muttered, taken aback.

The voice roared again, booming from the far end of the corridor. "It's the last thing you'll ever see in this world! Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!"

"Damn… that laugh's a bit much…" Zell muttered under his breath.

Classic Sonic's face hardened, quills bristling as his determined glare locked on the distant open doorway at the end of the Mirror Hallway Without a sound, he kicked off, sneakers striking the polished floor with sharp taps as he blurred into motion down the hall.

"Wait, Sonic!" Tails called out.

"What the hell is going on?!" Zell exclaimed, eyes darting around.

"Look!" Rinoa cried, pointing sharply at the mirror where the taller hedgehog now stood sideways, his gaze fixed down the corridor on their side.

"Another Sonic?!" came a bewildered shout from beyond the glass. "What—wait a second!"

Selphie's jaw dropped, eyes wide as saucers. "It's another Sonic!"

Squall's thoughts flickered sharp and quiet. "Could this be the older one we're meant to find?" he thought to himself.

The group—apart from the man in red—stood frozen in disbelief as the taller hedgehog suddenly broke into a sprint on his side of the glass.

"Oh, this is nuts…" Zell muttered, both hands gripping the back of his neck like he was trying to keep his head from spinning off.

"That's gotta be the older Sonic!" Rinoa said, voice tight with amazement.

"Has to be…" Quistis agreed, eyes narrowed as she tracked the mirrored figure's movements.

The man in red stayed utterly still, arms folded neatly behind his back, lone amber eye glinting faintly in the hallway light. Whatever this was, he understood it—but chose silence, letting the others speculate.

"Look!" Tails suddenly shouted, pointing towards the far end of the corridor.

All eyes snapped to where Classic Sonic was already in motion, sprinting flat-out towards the glowing door ahead. In one fluid motion, he leapt high and shot upward like a blue comet. The portal inside the doorway pulsed once before swallowing him whole in a burst of white light.

"Whoa, he just—!" Selphie gasped, bouncing on her toes.

"Jumped straight in!" Rinoa finished breathlessly.

"Go, little guy!" Zell hollered, pumping a fist in encouragement.

Moments later, the taller hedgehog—Modern Sonic—appeared at the far end of the long mirror, sprinting flat-out towards the glowing portal as its twin doors inched inward like a trap ready to snap shut.

"Oh Hyne—don't close on him!" Rinoa shouted, her voice sharp with panic, one hand half-reaching toward the end of the hallway where the doorway was.

Squall's voice was low, tense. "At this rate… he's not making it."

The older Sonic kicked into an even faster gear before launching himself into a soaring leap—

The doors slammed shut.

"Oh no—he's gonna—!" Selphie squealed, throwing both hands over her face.

"Brace for impact…" Zell muttered, already wincing.

WHAM!

"OOF!"

The sound thundered through the hallway as Modern Sonic slammed full-force into the closed doors. The impact sent him rolling backwards in a chaotic blur of blue, tumbling end over end like a runaway wheel before coming to a rough, bouncing stop on the polished floor.

The entire group winced in unison, a chorus of sympathetic groans echoing down the corridor. Even the man in red's posture stiffened, a faint flicker of discomfort slipping past his otherwise stoic expression.

"…Ouch," Zell muttered at last, pulling a face. "That looked painful."

Selphie peeked through her fingers, grimacing dramatically. "Mega ouch…"

[Cutscene 4 - Mirror Hallway - Sonic Generations OST stops playing]

Modern Sonic stayed on his backside for a moment, gloved palms flat against the floor, eyes screwed shut. With a low groan, he gave his head a hard shake, trying to knock the stars loose, before cracking one eye open and muttering: "…Nailed it."

The group moved towards him quickly. The man in red strode with calm, deliberate steps, his tone dry as he spoke first. "Seems you weren't quite fast enough this time, Sonic."

Sonic let out a long, dramatic sigh as he pushed himself upright, brushing himself off with exaggerated annoyance. "Yeah, yeah… laugh it up, spooky." He waved a hand towards the man in red as if swatting away the jab. "You got some expla—" He spun around mid-sentence—and froze. His words died on his tongue as his eyes swept over the group moving towards him: the man in red, a young looking Tails, and five strangers. But his gaze locked on one face in particular. "Wait, wait, wait… Tails…? And—Leon?!"

The group halted a few feet away, exchanging puzzled glances.

"Leon?" Squall's brow furrowed instantly, his tone flat but edged with irritation. He glanced sideways at his team.

"Leon?" Zell echoed, shooting Squall a sideways look. "Wait… isn't that just, like, the start of your last name?"

"Yes..." Squall muttered curtly, clearly not in the mood.

"Interesting…" Quistis murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"What could it mean?" Rinoa added softly, curiosity lacing her tone.

Selphie giggled into her hand, eyes sparkling despite the tension. "Maybe he's just concussed from smacking into that door?"

Sonic shook his head rapidly. "No, no, no—you don't get it. I know a guy called Leon." He jabbed a gloved finger towards Squall, voice rising with disbelief. "Looks just like you, but older. He's head of the Restoration Committee over on Hollow Bastion. A close friend—he was at my birthday party before…"

He trailed off, jaw tightening as the memory soured, his usual energy dimming for a moment.

Rinoa caught that flicker of pain in his voice, her own tone softening. "Before… what?" she asked gently.

[Tell Me - Final Fantasy VIII starts playing]

"Before this whole White Space mess," Sonic muttered, gesturing vaguely around them. "Before Terios kidnapped my friends and started trapping moments in time." His eyes snapped back to Squall, scanning the younger face with disbelief edging into unease. "And now here you are—a younger Leon." He swung sharply toward Classic Tails, pointing a finger. "And Tails looks like he's been hit with a reverse time machine! What the heck is going on?!"

The group exchanged silent glances, tension and confusion knitting between them, but none of them spoke.

Squall's expression barely shifted, but his thoughts churned beneath the surface. "He knows me. Or someone like me. Leon… Hollow Bastion… what kind of life do I have in his reality? How many years apart are we? How different am I there?" His arms folded tighter across his chest, shielding his uncertainty behind his practiced wall of calm detachment.

Classic Tails took a hesitant step forward, twin tails twitching nervously, wide eyes glimmering with a mix of awe and disbelief. "Hi, Sonic."

"Dude… what happened to you?" Sonic asked, blinking rapidly. "Did someone hit rewind on you or what?"

"About that…" Classic Tails began, but the man in red cut in, voice calm and deliberate.

"This version of Tails is from the past."

"Wait, what?!" Sonic whipped back to the small fox, staring like he'd grown a second head. "Is that true?!"

"Sure is," Classic Tails said, nodding eagerly. His excitement built until the words tumbled out all at once: "And you're the older version of my Sonic!"

Sonic blinked hard, utterly floored. He jabbed a finger at himself, then swung it towards the now-closed door where the younger blue blur had vanished through. "Older version? As in me-me? You're saying that little guy who jumped into the light… was a younger me?!"

"Yes," the man in red interjected smoothly, stepping forwards. His lone amber eye glinted as he addressed Sonic. "A younger variant of you, pulled from your own past. I found him, this variant of Tails, and these other allies not long ago—dragged here through space-time itself."

"Space-time?!" Sonic exclaimed, the very concept leaving him reeling. He looked around at the five teenagers, as if one of them might have a manual for this insanity.

Selphie gave an awkward little wave, fingers wiggling like a malfunctioning lightbulb. Zell scratched the back of his neck, offering a lopsided grin that screamed, "no idea what's happening". Rinoa tried a soft, reassuring smile, while Quistis straightened, silently demanding answers. Squall just stared at Sonic—silent, unreadable, like he was seeing a ghost from a future he couldn't comprehend.

"Leon… Hollow Bastion… another me?" Squall thought, the name gnawing at the edges of his composure. "Is he truly me—or just another version?"

Sonic gestured vaguely towards Squall. "So what's the deal? Is this guy supposed to be a younger version of Leon… or are we talking full-on doppelgänger?"

"That's something I'd like to know myself," Squall said firmly, his tone sharper than his Gunblade's edge.

Quistis chimed in, her voice clipped but deliberate. "If this Sonic knows a version of Squall who calls himself Leon, then we need to know more."

"Yeah, what she said!" Selphie piped up, bouncing with nervous energy

"It feels like we're missing a lot of pieces," Zell muttered, eyes flicking between Sonic and Squall.

Rinoa's voice was quieter but just as insistent. "What else has this White Space pulled in?"

"Who knows…" Classic Tails admitted, giving a helpless shrug. His twin-tails flicked uneasily. "At this point, nothing would surprise me anymore."

Zell muttered under his breath, throwing his hands up. "Yeah, between time travel, double hedgehogs, and mystery white voids, I'm about tapped out on what's 'normal' today."

Selphie piped in, half-joking, half-nervous. "Honestly, I'm just waiting for chocobos or like... space whales to drop in next. Feels like that kind of day."

"Wouldn't rule it out," Sonic said dryly, but his tone carried no real humor this time.

"Agreed..." Quistis added.

"All in due time," the man in red said, his tone precise and unshaken. He turned towards the corridor's exit. "For now, let your younger counterpart handle Eggman, Sonic. We return to White Space. There are truths we must all understand… but answers often come with a cost."

Sonic dragged a hand down his face. "You know, you could just say what's going on instead of doing the whole mysterious mentor thing."

Zell nodded vigorously, jerking a thumb towards the man in red. "Yeah, seriously! Guy talks like he's auditioning for the 'Cryptic Guide Hall of Fame.'"

Selphie grinned. "You mean like those old movies where the wise dude only explains stuff after the hero almost dies?"

"Exactly!" Zell said, smacking his fist into his palm. "Bet this guy's got a whole handbook for it."

The man in red didn't break stride, only replying with cool finality: "Some truths are best earned, not given freely."

"Well... that's unsettling," Rinoa admitted.

Sonic groaned under his breath. "Oh, fantastic. He's doubling down on the cryptic."

"Feels like that's the running theme with this guy…" Zell muttered, earning a few nods and an awkward chuckle from Selphie.

Classic Tails glanced up at Sonic nervously, voice small. "Sonic, you ever figure out how to deal with people like this?"

Sonic sighed, giving the young fox a shrug. "Yeah. Usually by running faster than the explanation can catch me..."

That earned a soft laugh from Selphie, but the unease in the group remained thick as fog.

Sonic hesitated, staring one last time at the now-closed portal. His fists flexed, his mind a whirlpool of questions he didn't dare voice yet. Younger him. The Organization. Naminé. Terios. Teenage Leon? Nothing added up, and every passing second made the knot in his chest tighter.

As they fell into step behind the man in red, Sonic's eyes darted across the group—Squall's guarded stare, Quistis's sharp curiosity, Selphie's energy, Zell's baffled tension, Rinoa's quiet unease… and Classic Tails, glancing up at him like he wanted answers Sonic didn't have.

The hedgehog swallowed hard, muttering low and incredulous, more to himself than anyone else: "Great. Time-travelling me, weird hedgehogs ripping holes in reality, Eggman running loose, Organization creeps pulling strings, alternate versions of my friends popping up outta nowhere..." He exhaled slowly, his gaze narrowing as the hallway stretched ahead of them. "If this is only the beginning…" he murmured, a sharp edge of determination cutting through the doubt in his tone, "…what the hell else is waiting for us out there?"

Chapter Text

Castle Oblivion - Naminé's Room

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Generations starts playing]

Naminé sat slumped in her chair, pale and trembling, fingers locked together on her lap. There were no pencils, no drawings this time—just exhaustion written in every line of her posture.

The corridor of darkness tore open beside her, swirling like a jagged wound. Terios stepped through, boots striking the floor with heavy, deliberate thuds. Shadows coiled faintly around his frame, his red eye blazing like an ember barely held in check.

"Why were you with him?" The words tore out of his throat, sharp and low but burning with restrained fury. "You promised me you'd stay in this room!"

Naminé flinched, guilt flickering in her blue eyes. She glanced down, her voice trembling. "I just… needed to talk to him. He doesn't deserve—"

"Doesn't deserve what?!" Terios snapped, his voice rising, bouncing harshly off the sterile white walls. He prowled back and forth like a caged predator, hands flexing, boots scraping in short, sharp bursts of movement. "He's tearing everything apart! Every step that hedgehog takes unravels everything I've fought for—everything I've done to get us out of this hell!" He froze mid-step, turning on her suddenly. For a heartbeat, the fire in his glare flickered into something raw, almost pleading. His voice cracked low. "I can't let him destroy our peace… not again."

Naminé looked up, biting her lip, her throat tight. "Terios… this isn't what you think it is. Sonic—he's not—"

"Don't defend him!" Terios barked, his eye flashing a sickly lime-green for just a heartbeat before dimming again. Shadows licked at his form like restless flames. He turned away, raking a gloved hand over his face, breathing hard. "I was made to protect you, Naminé. I already failed Aetheris and our people." His voice cracked on the name, jagged and painful. "I watched our home lost to the darkness because I wasn't strong enough. I… I can't lose you a second time."

Her lips parted in shock. "Aetheris…"

He crouched suddenly in front of her, voice dropping to a throaty, ragged tone—the desperate edge of a wounded soldier clinging to his last mission. "Once Sonic is gone, we leave this place. We leave the Organization. I'll find them." His gaze softened, aching but resolute. "Your parents. My creators. We'll bring them back to us...we can be a family again."

Something twisted in Naminé's stomach—a guilt sharper than knives. She wanted to tell him the truth, to undo the lie she had drawn into his memories, the false bond that tethered him to her. But looking at him now—this weapon shaped to protect, teetering on the edge of breaking—she couldn't.

Instead, she whispered, barely audible, "You promise?"

Terios closed his eyes, trembling, his gloved hand covering hers. "I swear it."

For a long, fragile moment, there was silence. The shadows seemed to still, the room holding its breath.

Disturbing their moment, a faint static crackle hissed from the corner of the room. A dark corridor shimmered to life. A cold, clinical voice—the Doctor's voice—slipped through like a knife. "Terios. We have need of you for an urgent retrieval mission. Move it."

Terios's jaw tightened. He squeezed Naminé's hand once, hard, before standing, his aura flaring dark around him. "I'll be back," he said, tone softer now but hollowed with resolve. His eye flicked once more toward that lime-green shade as he added, almost to himself, "I won't fail again."

Before Naminé could speak, he vanished into the dark corridor, swallowed whole by the mission that waited for him.

Left alone in the white silence, Naminé buried her face in her hands. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, trembling. "I'm sorry for all of it."

[Scent of Silence - Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Generations stops playing]

Meanwhile...

Classic Sonic fell out of the shimmering light, flipping midair before landing lightly on a wide, circular platform of polished steel. The platform stood suspended high above Launch Base Zone. Around him, the sky churned with dark storm clouds lit by intermittent flashes of lightning, and the colossal sight of the Death Egg loomed ominously overhead. It was a moment Sonic knew all too well—a bad memory returning for a second round.

Suddenly, a roar of thrusters shattered the stillness, and from the upper shadows descended a familiar nightmare: the Big Arms. The modified Egg Mobile lowered slowly, supported by its twin booster engines, its oversized mechanical limbs flexing with an eerie precision. The clawed hands opened and closed, scraping metal with a screech that sent sparks flying. The red canopy glinted under the dim light, spikes on its roof gleaming like fangs. Every movement of the hulking machine screamed one thing: overwhelming force.

From within the cockpit, a deep, self-satisfied chuckle echoed, followed by the voice Sonic knew all too well.

"Persistent little pest, aren't you, Sonic?" Robotnik's words dripped with mockery, his tone laced with irritation masked as confidence. "You just couldn't leave well enough alone. My Death Egg was moments from perfection—until you ruined everything!"

Sonic glared up at the machine, fists clenched, his confident bravado replaced by focused determination. He remembered this fight, how close it had been last time, how relentless Robotnik's attacks had been. The Big Arms wasn't designed to toy with him—it was built for one thing: crushing Sonic once and for all.

"You think you're fast enough to stop me again?" Robotnik barked, his voice booming over the engines' roar. "This machine was made to end you, hedgehog. No tricks. No gadgets. Just brute force!"

Big Arms lunged forward slightly, as though eager to snatch Sonic from the platform. The whole structure felt like it was on the verge of tearing itself apart.

Sonic bent his knees, readying himself for the incoming onslaught. He'd beaten Big Arms once before, and if Robotnik wanted to try again, Sonic was more than happy to knock him down for a second time.

The machine's thrusters roared, its massive hands opening wide. Robotnik's voice thundered one last taunt: "This ends here, Sonic! Let's see you squirm out of this!"

BIG ARMS

Battle Music: Big Arms - Sonic Generations

Big Arms lunged forward, one hand swiping across the platform with frightening speed. Sonic rolled out of the way just in time, the metal floor shuddering as the hand slammed down, leaving a crater where Sonic had been standing.

Robotnik chuckled, smug and cruel. "Oh, how adorable! But tell me, Sonic…" Big Arms' hands flexed with a hydraulic hiss. "How long can you run before I squash you like the bug you are? Ho-ho-ho!"

Sonic glanced up at the four towering pillars surrounding the platform. They were his best bet—just like last time. He bolted towards one, darting between the hands as Big Arms lunged again, nearly clipping him. The mech's thrusters roared, lifting it off the ground, ready for another strike.

"Nowhere to hide, nowhere to run!" Robotnik barked triumphantly. "This time, Sonic, my Big Arms will finish the job!"

Sonic leapt onto a pillar and sprang high into the air. He curled into a Spin Attack, slamming into Big Arms' chest with a solid clang. The machine staggered midair but steadied itself quickly. Robotnik scoffed. "Pathetic! That tickled, you miserable little pincushion! Did you really think that would stop me?"

Big Arms hovered higher, hands snapping like bear traps before it launched a relentless series of swiping and pounding attacks. Sonic blurred between them, ducking, dodging, vaulting over the mechanical arms as the platform rattled from the onslaught. Sparks flew each time a hand struck the metal floor.

Robotnik growled, losing patience. "Enough of this nonsense! You think you're clever? Let's see how clever you are when you're flattened!"

Sonic darted forward, using a pillar to launch himself toward one of Big Arms' rear thrusters. His spin attack connected with a sharp wham, sending the thruster sputtering, smoke trailing behind it. The machine wobbled, struggling to stabilise.

"Wha—?! You insufferable blue pest!" Robotnik howled, his voice cracking with fury. "All speed, no sense—that's you in a nutshell! My masterpiece, sabotaged by a brainless blur who mistakes heroics for mindless vandalism!"

Classic Sonic skidded to a stop just long enough to throw his arms out in disbelief, pointing at Robotnik, then himself, before spinning a finger around his head in a, 'Are you kidding me?! You're the one trying to smash me flat!' gesture.

Big Arms swung in a wild frenzy, massive hands swiping through empty air as the hedgehog blurred past. Sonic's focus sharpened—eyes locked on the last thruster. He coiled like a spring, launched into a perfect Spin Dash, and slammed home with bone-rattling force.

Sparks exploded as the second thruster burst apart, Big Arms lurching violently, its balance thrown into chaos.

Robotnik's voice cracked with outrage. "No, no, no! You infuriating furball! Do you have any idea how much this thing cost to build?!"

The mech wobbled violently, hydraulics whining, alarms blaring from the cockpit. Yet Robotnik refused to surrender, slamming buttons frantically. "If I'm going down, you're coming with me, hedgehog! Prepare for my ultimate attack!"

Big Arms lurched upward, hands raised high before it attempted a final crushing slam. Sonic bolted forward at the last possible second, launching himself skyward with a burst of speed. His Spin Attack smashed directly into the machine's core, triggering a cascade of explosions.

Robotnik's panicked shrieks were drowned out by the sound of sparking wires and detonating fuel lines. Big Arms bucked wildly before crashing onto the platform in a smoldering heap. Smoke rose from its ruined frame as the Death Egg groaned under the strain of battle damage.

From inside the wreckage came Robotnik's muffled, furious voice. "Curse you, Sonic! CURSE YOU! You've ruined everything—again! This isn't over, you hear me?! I'll build something bigger, stronger, and ten times more humiliating for you next time!"

Classic Sonic landed lightly on his feet, brushing dust from his gloves. He gave a quick finger wag and a confident smirk, saying nothing, but his message was clear: "Better luck next time, Robotnik."

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

The crippled Big Arms lay in a ruined heap. Smoke curled into the stormy air as Robotnik's muffled voice crackled from inside the wreckage, thick with outrage and panic.

"Arrgh—cough, cough—! This isn't over, Sonic!" His tone broke into a hacking cough, more fury than threat now. "Not… over!"

Classic Sonic stood on the edge of the platform, breathing steady but alert, eyes locked on the broken machine. Something about the stillness felt wrong.

That's when the air tore open.

A jagged dark corridor ripped through the fabric of space beside the wreckage.

Classic Sonic tensed immediately, fists clenched, his stance coiled and ready. His eyes darted to the swirling portal, every instinct screaming danger.

[Cutscene: The Time Eater - Sonic Generations starts playing]

Terios emerged in silence, boots striking the platform with deliberate, measured weight. His red eye burned like a restrained ember, flickering once with an unsettling lime hue before settling again.

"You…" Terios's voice came low, jagged with disbelief and something almost feral. "Persistent little Blue Devil… I thought I threw you into the depths of White Space." His tone sharpened, venom and confusion lacing every syllable. "Yet here you are, clinging to life like a parasite."

Classic Sonic's brow furrowed, arms spreading in a silent 'what's that supposed to mean?' gesture. His head tilted sharply, mouth quirking in wordless confusion.

Terios ignored the mime entirely, his gloved fists tightening. "Stay away from her," he spat suddenly, a growl under his breath. "I won't let you—or your older self—take anything else from me." His voice cracked low on that last line, a brief tremor of something raw before he masked it with cold fury. "If I have to continue tearing your timeline apart piece by piece to protect what's mine…" His aura flared darkly, shadows licking at his form like black fire. "…then so be it."

Sonic stiffened, stunned, pointing at himself in disbelief, then exaggeratedly drawing a circle in the air before pointing again—as if asking 'What are you talking about?' His silent protest was pure confusion, no swagger this time.

But Terios didn't relent. He turned sharply towards the wrecked Big Arms, stretching one hand out as writhing darkness coiled from his fingertips like liquid night. The black tendrils crawled over the ruined mech, seeping into every seam and gear, pulsing with a malevolent rhythm.

Robotnik's panic was evident behind the cracked glass of his cockpit. "Wh-what is this?! Sonic?! Sonic, do something!" His voice pitched into raw panic as the shadows thickened, forming a living tide beneath the broken mech. The wreckage groaned as it was dragged inch by inch toward the abyss. "No! Stop! I'm—gahhh—!" Robotnik's scream tore through the storm, cut short as the darkness surged violently, swallowing both machine and man whole.

Classic Sonic stood frozen, wide-eyed, every quill on end. His fists clenched unconsciously, and his breath hitched as his gaze darted to the empty space where his nemesis had been only seconds ago. He took a cautious step forward, staring at the dark puddle as it faded, his mind racing. "What the hell just happened? Did… did Robotnik just get erased?" He looked back at Terios sharply, confusion and alarm clear in his expression—a silent but screaming, 'What did you just do?!'

Terios lowered his hand slowly, the last wisps of darkness curling around his wrist before dissipating into the air like smoke. He turned towards Sonic, that glowing eye locking onto him, a mixture of threat and something deeper, almost broken, lurking beneath the rage.

"Consider this your final warning," he said, voice dropping to a chilling calm that cut through the lingering silence. "Stay out of my way. Tell your other self to do the same… or fade into nothingness with his trapped adventures. I don't care which." His gloved hand flexed once, trembling before curling into a fist. "…I won't fail to protect her again. Not this time."

Before Sonic could react, the dark corridor reformed behind Terios. He gave one last look, his expression unreadable but heavy, and stepped backwards into the darkness. The portal snapped shut, leaving only the sound of the storm and the lingering weight of his words.

Classic Sonic stood frozen on the platform, staring at the empty space where Terios had stood. His hands moved slowly, uncertainly—one pointing toward where the portal had vanished, the other tapping against his temple as he pieced it together.

The man in red's words echoed in his mind: "Terios. The Organization's enforcer. A weapon cloaked in engineered purpose."

Sonic's eyes widened, the realisation slamming into him like a shockwave. "Terios… that was him!" He glanced around frantically, searching for a way back to White Space. "I need to tell Tails, the man… everyone!"

The metallic platform shimmered beneath his feet, reality itself flickering like a fading memory. Before Sonic could take another step, the world dissolved into blinding white light, pulling him away. Yet even as the void swallowed everything around him, his thoughts clung to that power, that ominous vow, and the strange, desperate loyalty burning in Terios's voice.

Chapter Text

Back in White Space - Sky Sanctuary Hub

Tails stood a little apart from the group, his twin tails twitching as his eyes darted around for what felt like the hundredth time. Without his trusty Miles Electric—no readings, no data, nothing to track where Sonic was or why he was taking so long—the worry gnawed at him.

Amy was pacing, arms folded tight, muttering under her breath. Knuckles leaned against a pillar of the restored hub, arms crossed, eyes shut, scowl carved deep as if he were trying to intimidate the void itself into giving them answers. A few paces from him, Irvine crouched beside Angelo, his gloved hand scratched behind her ear. Yuffie twirled her oversized shuriken in one hand, throwing it up and down, daring gravity to snatch away. Cid, meanwhile, grumbled under his breath.

Yuffie finally slung her weapon onto her back with a sharp clack and turned to Tails, head tilting like a curious cat. "So, lemme get this straight, little guy. Your blue buddy sprints through these zones, everything lights up all sunshine and rainbows again, and bam—people just unfreeze like magic popsicles?"

"That's the gist," Tails said, voice kind but distracted. "It's… complicated if I explain all the details...again. But yeah, that's basically how it works."

"Complicated's an understatement," Cid grunted, scratching the back of his neck. "Whole damn thing feels like somebody slammed a busted warp core into a snow globe and shook it real hard."

Irvine stood fully, tipping his hat back with a finger, smirking just faintly. "Yeah, but hey—least we've got a hero who knows his way around a broken snow globe." Angelo woofed once as if agreeing, nuzzling into his hand. Irvine chuckled low. "See? Even the lady says your hedgehog's got this."

Amy stopped pacing, glancing over with a wry smile. "White Space is weird, but it's better than that dark Limbo we were in earlier. At least this place has… something. That place felt like it wanted to swallow you whole."

"Cool story," Yuffie cut in, spinning on her heel, impatience written in every bounce of her stance. "But where is the hedgehog? Thought he was your big hero. Been gone a while, huh?"

Tails' ears dipped slightly, his frown deepening. "Yeah," he admitted softly. "Too long."

Knuckles' eyes opened a fraction, voice low and gruff. "He'll make it. He always does."

Before Tails could retort, a familiar, tired-but-cocky voice rang out from behind them: "Yo."

Everyone's heads whipped around.

There he was—Modern Sonic, jogging towards them. His quills were slightly frazzled, his gloves scuffed, and for once, his trademark grin looked a little worn around the edges.

"Sonic!" Tails bolted forward, tails streaming behind him. "Finally! Where the heck have you been?!"

Amy was only a step behind, eyes wide with relief. "You had us worried, mister!"

Knuckles stayed put but called out sharply, "Took you long enough! What, you stop for snacks?"

Sonic smirked faintly, hands on his hips. "I missed you guys too. And no, sadly zero snacks, Knux."

"Dang..." Knuckles groaned.

"So this is Sonic, huh? The blue blur in the flesh," Irvine drawled, tipping his hat slightly as his sharp eyes studied the hedgehog.

Angelo's ears perked up instantly, tail stump wagging before she bounded over with an excited bark. Sonic dropped into a crouch without hesitation, giving her a few quick head rubs, his trademark grin spreading wide.

"Hey there, new buddy," he said warmly, glancing up at Tails and Amy. "Guess you guys made some friends while I was gone."

"They sure did," Irvine replied with an easy, laid-back grin. He walked over to them. "Name's Irvine. And this fine lady's Angelo. She's already decided you're alright."

"Nice to meet you both," Sonic replied with a warm smile at Angelo before glancing up—and pausing as his eyes landed on Cid and Yuffie nearby. His brow furrowed. "Wait a second… Cid? Yuffie?"

Cid gave him a flat look. "Yeah, that's me. What of it?"

Sonic straightened slowly, expression flickering between disbelief and confusion. "…You're not the Cid and Yuffie I know."

"No duh," Yuffie shot back with a snicker, leaning forward, hands on her hips. "Fox-boy over there explained the whole 'alternate versions' thing. Wild stuff, huh?"

Sonic pinched the bridge of his nose, dragging a hand down his face with a groan. "Man, I leave for five minutes and White Space gets weirder."

Knuckles muttered, "Try five hours."

"Five hours?!" Sonic mused, looking over to Knuckles. "Wait, how can you tell time in this place?"

Knuckles huffed, arms crossing tighter. "You don't need a clock to know when you've been stuck waiting this long. My fists are itching to punch something, that's how I tell time."

Sonic smirked, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Same old Knucklehead…"

Tails finally stepped closer to the hedgehog, worry outweighing everything else. "Seriously, Sonic. What happened? You took ages to get back!"

Sonic glanced between them, then threw up his hands with a dramatic shrug. "What can I say? Took an unexpected detour."

Amy crossed her arms, fixing him with the kind of pointed, unimpressed stare that could make even Sonic squirm. "Unexpected detour?"

Sonic exhaled, tugging at one glove like he was trying to shake off the weirdness still clinging to him. "Yeah… let's just say my trip involved a mysterious girl, one very cranky lady in a black coat, and a room with a long mirror." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder towards the group in the distance. "Oh—and I might've bumped into a younger me… and a younger you."

Tails froze mid-step, eyes going wide as saucers. "…Wait. WHAT?!" he yelped, hopping back a full pace like the words had physically hit him. "Younger me?! Younger you?!" His twin tails stuck out like stiff antennae, every hair on end as his brain tried to process the paradox.

Before Sonic could answer, the distant group finally came into view. First came the man in red, his pace calm and deliberate. Behind him trotted Classic Tails, making Modern Tails do a double-take. The rest of the group—teenagers striding together in a loose cluster.

Cid arched a brow, crossing his arms with a low grunt. "Well, I'll be damned… looks like a bunch of school kids wandered off the tour bus."

Yuffie spun on him, jabbing a thumb at herself. "Hey, I'm about their age, you know!"

"Figures. You'd fit right in—trouble magnet and all."

Yuffie huffed, rolling her eyes. "Pfft, like you're any less of one, old man."

"I'm thirty-two!" Cid shot back defensively, throwing his arms out.

Yuffie blinked in mock disbelief. "What?! You're thirty-two?!" She gave him an exaggerated once-over. "Man, I thought you were at least forty!"

Cid groaned, muttering something about, "damn kids with no respect," while Yuffie grinned triumphantly.

From his pillar, Knuckles just shook his head at the exchange, his gaze shifting to the group approaching. "Strange bunch…" he muttered, then glanced back at the bickering duo. "So, our Cid's older than this Cid… how the heck does any of this stuff even work?"

Angelo suddenly froze, her whole body tensing like a coiled spring. In a blur of motion, she bolted forward.

"Whoa, Angelo?!" Irvine shouted. "Girl, where you goin'?!"

All eyes turned to see the dog sprinting full speed—and heading straight for a brown-haired girl in the approaching group.

"Rinoa!" Irvine called out, pure relief cutting through his usual laid-back drawl. Then his eyes swept over the rest of the group, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. "Well, look what White Space dragged in. 'Bout time you folks showed up." He tipped his hat lightly as he moved forward to greet them.

"So, that's Rinoa," Amy remarked softly. "Angelo's owner."

Tails nodded, his gaze flicking between them all before lingering uneasily on his younger self.

Angelo reached Rinoa, practically bowling her over with sheer joy. Excited barks and whines filled the air as Rinoa laughed, stumbling back before dropping to her knees and hugging her faithful companion tight.

"Angelo! Oh, Hyne, I was so worried about you!" she murmured, pressing her forehead into the dog's fur as tears of relief welled in her eyes.

Irvine slowed to a halt nearby, a wide grin spreading over his face. "Well, I'll be damned… I found you all!"

"Irvine!" Selphie squealed, bouncing on her heels as she ran up, waving both arms like a signal flag. "Finally! I thought you were lost forever or eaten by void monsters or something!" She practically launched herself at him for a quick hug before stepping back, grinning ear to ear.

Zell gave a huge grin, punching the air. "Man, it's about time, cowboy! Knew you'd pull through."

Quistis let out a soft breath, relief softening her usually sharp tone. "We were starting to think you'd gotten yourself into trouble..."

Squall's arms unfolded just slightly, his voice low and even but with a flicker of warmth. "Glad you're safe."

Irvine's grin softened into genuine relief as he glanced around at his friends. "Wasn't about to let White Space keep me from the best team I know." He tipped his hat towards Selphie, teasing, "'Specially not with a welcome committee like this."

Selphie's cheeks went pink, her grin wobbling between embarrassed and giddy. "W-well, someone's gotta be excited to see you!"

As the friends reunited, Tails' eyes landed on his younger counterpart.

The little fox stepped out from the man in red's side, offering a nervous grin and a small, awkward wave. "Uh… hi, older me."

Modern Tails blinked once, twice, then practically shouted. "Hi—?! HOW—?! SONIC?!" He spun on his best friend like he'd just been betrayed. "Why is there two of me?!"

Sonic held up both hands defensively, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. "Hey, don't look at me, buddy. Terios is messing with time. We've got doubles of our friends popping up everywhere." He jerked a thumb towards Squall, who was listening to Zell and Quistis bicker. "I present Exhibit A..."

Modern Tails glanced over, eyes widening. "So… Squall really does look like Leon."

"Huh. You already know the name?" Sonic asked, arching a brow.

"Irvine told us about him earlier," Tails explained quickly. "Leon's just… the version of Squall we know."

Sonic blew out a long sigh. "Timelines, huh… always a headache."

"Yep," Modern Tails agreed, nodding once before glancing back at his beaming younger self. Then his eyes shifted as Yuffie strolled casually towards them. "And I guess… Yuffie is Exhibit B."

Amy chimed in, tilting her head thoughtfully. "This Yuffie definitely feels younger than the one we know. Same for Cid."

"Really," Sonic said, his grin widening as his gaze slid towards Cid and Knuckles walking over. "Could've fooled me—Cid still looks fifty."

Tails smirked, Classic Tails mirrored it, and Amy snorted into her hand, trying not to laugh outright.

Yuffie stepped into the circle, hands on her hips, sweeping her gaze over both Tailses and the growing crowd. "Doubles of you guys? Shocking," she said with mock awe, before smirking. "But hardly the weirdest thing here. Feels like this place is just a giant cloning machine for drama queens."

Knuckles grunted, finally joining them. "Yeah, just what we needed—two of Tails. Twice the technobabble."

Modern Tails shot him a glare. "Not helping!"

"Woah, is that Knuckles!" Classic Tails said in awe.

Knuckles crossed his arms, giving Classic Tails a once-over. "Yeah, kid, it's me. Guess even in your time I still look this good."

Amy rolled her eyes, hand on her hip. "More like you still look grumpy. Some things never change."

"Hey!" Knuckles groaned.

Classic Tails looked up at her, curiosity brimming. "And Amy… you look different too."

Amy softened, giving him a warm smile. "Different outfit, different time… same Amy."

Sonic grinned and reached over, ruffling Classic Tails' fur between the ears. "Don't sweat it, little buddy. Doesn't matter what time or place—we're still a team." He glanced at Modern Tails with a knowing smirk. "Ain't that right, pal?"

"You bet," Modern Tails said, his earlier tension melting into a bright, genuine smile. He nodded firmly.

Classic Tails beamed, tails swishing in quick, happy arcs, the weight of the strange situation finally lifting just a little for all three of them.

Cid finally made his presence known with a low grunt, arms folding as he eyed the crowd. "Gaia help me… more weirdos. Thought this circus was packed enough already."

Yuffie groaned, burying her face in one hand. "Cid! Could you not?"

Knuckles smirked, glancing to the variants. "He still acts like the Cid we know—says what's on his mind whether you wanna hear it or not."

"Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it," Cid muttered defensively, glancing between the Mobians. "Talking animals, white void… tell me this ain't weird."

Modern Tails looked up, tone firm but friendly. "We're Mobians, actually. Might not be what you're used to, but yeah—we talk."

Cid shifted his weight, one hand rubbing at his neck as his brow furrowed. "…Right. Mobians. Got it. Was I being… uh, rude just now?"

"Well, you were being rude when you called everyone weirdos!" Yuffie scoffed, looking unimpressed.

"No that rude..." Cid moaned, looking sheepish. "The other kinda rude..."

"...Oh. Ohhh..." Yuffie dragged out the sound, raising her brows. "Cid, you weren't about to go full speciesist on the talking animals, were you?"

"No… hell no!" Cid blurted, holding up his hands. "Just makin' sure I didn't step in it, is all!"

"Little late for that, don't you think?" Amy said, tone sweet but sharp enough to sting.

"Yeah… kinda sounded like you were calling us weird just for existing," Classic Tails added, ears drooping slightly.

"Careful, Cid. I punch first, lecture later," Knuckles remarked deadpan, smacking his spiked gloves together for emphasis.

"Alright, alright!" Cid exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "Point taken. Sheesh—you Mobians don't mess around."

"What would the talking animals on our team say…" Yuffie teased, smirking.

"Leave it out, Yuffie!" Cid moaned.

Sonic grinned, waving it off. "Eh, we've heard worse. At least you're not trying to take over the world…"

Yuffie snorted. "Oh gosh… don't mind him, he's just… permanently grumpy."

Sonic's grin widened. "It's fine. Every crew needs a cranky old guy."

"I'm thirty-two!" Cid barked, glaring at Sonic.

Knuckles chuckled, dry as dust. "Yeah, sure you are."

Yuffie cracked a sheepish smile at Knuckles' jab, but Cid wasn't having any of it.

He threw his hands out, voice gruff and exasperated. "What is with you all?! I just said I'm thirty-two, damn it!"

Sonic leaned casually, a smirk spreading across his face. "Cid, pal, you're fighting a losing battle here."

Modern Tails bit his lip, clearly trying not to laugh but failing, a snicker escaping anyway.

Classic Tails wasn't as subtle—he straight-up giggled behind his hands, tails swishing like crazy.

Amy just shook her head with a fond sigh, her smile soft but teasing. "Guess some things never change… even across realities."

Cid grumbled something under his breath about, "smart-mouthed critters and clueless kids," but there was no real heat in it this time, only a hint of reluctant amusement as the group shared the moment.

Composing himself, Modern Tails glanced towards the group of teenagers lingering a few steps away, curiosity tugging at his expression. "So, Sonic," he asked, gesturing towards them, "are you gonna introduce us to the rest of Irvine and Angelo's team, or are we just guessing who's who?"

Before Sonic could reply, Selphie popped out from behind Squall like a firework, waving both hands high above her head. "Hiiii new people! And talking animals—!"

"Mobians," Cid cut in instantly, tone gruff but just a little defensive. "Mobians. Got it right this time."

Yuffie smirked, elbowing him lightly. "Look at you, learning."

Cid grumbled, "Yeah, yeah… don't want another lecture from the peanut gallery..."

Selphie froze mid-bounce. "Oh, right, Mobians. Sorry!" She zipped closer without missing a beat, eyes wide with delight. "Wow, there are so many of you! Is this, like… the biggest crossover event ever or what?!"

Knuckles smirked, folding his arms. He glanced towards Yuffie, and she caught the look immediately. "Yuffie… I think you and this girl will get along just fine."

"Wait, what? Me?" Yuffie blurted, jabbing a finger at herself in disbelief.

"That energy," Knuckles said, completely deadpan. "It's pure you. Times ten."

Cid gave a single nod of agreement, grinning under his breath. "Red's got a point."

Amy stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Yeah, Yuffie… you've finally met your match."

Classic Tails piped up innocently, grinning ear to ear. "Selphie's totally the fun one in their group!"

Selphie gasped dramatically, pointing between herself and Yuffie like it was fate itself. "See? Instant best friends!"

Yuffie folded her arms with a mock huff, trying to hide her grin. "Tch, don't get your hopes up. I don't do 'matching energy'."

Selphie leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you so do. I can tell."

Sonic looked between them, amused smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh yeah, this is gonna be chaos."

As the chatter swirled, the rest of Selphie's group edged into the circle. Zell grinned, hands laced behind his head like he owned the place. Rinoa stayed close to Angelo, a quiet smile on her face. Squall, of course, just sighed and rubbed at the bridge of his nose, already looking like he was preparing for a very long day of babysitting. Irvine, meanwhile, tipped his hat with a satisfied grin—finally, the two groups had come together.

Through it all, the man in red lingered apart, arms folded behind his back, amber eye fixed on the gathering crowd with that same silent, watchful weight.

Finally, Quistis straightened her posture, slipping into her well-practiced instructor tone. "Alright, everyone—deep breath." Her gaze swept over the mismatched crowd. "This is a lot to take in, yes. But panicking—or getting too excited—won't help us."

Selphie instantly shot her hand in the air like a kid in class, eyes glowing with excitement. "Ooooh, but can we at least all agree this is officially the coolest, craziest, biggest crossover event ever? Like… record-breaking cool?!"

Yuffie gave an exaggerated sigh, but her lips curled into a grin. "Yeah, okay, you got me there. Kinda hard to argue with that argument."

Sonic crossed his arms, smirking. "Biggest crossover ever? Pfft. You haven't seen anything yet, Selphie..."

Knuckles snorted, shaking his head. "Oh great… now he's bragging."

Selphie twirled on the spot, hands clasped. "So! Should we, like… go around and introduce ourselves? Big dramatic roll call? Maybe a theme song?"

Irvine gave her an easy grin. "Darlin', if you're writing a theme song for this mess, you better make it a country ballad about interdimensional chaos. Pretty sure that's the only genre that fits."

Zell pumped a fist in agreement. "Yeah! Throw in some heavy guitar riffs, and I'm sold!"

Amy chuckled softly, glancing at Sonic. "Feels more like a big rescue mission gone sideways."

"Sideways? Try upside-down," Knuckles chimed in bluntly. "This whole place feels like Terios grabbed a bunch of timelines and shoved them in a blender."

Rinoa gave a small, nervous laugh, brushing a hand through her hair. "Honestly? It feels like we all got dropped into the middle of a story we don't know the ending to."

"Story's missing a lot of pages," Squall said flatly, his arms crossed, eyes scanning the chaotic gathering. "And none of them are making sense."

Classic Tails tilted his head, looking between the older heroes. "Does it… always get this crazy for you guys?"

Modern Tails sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, yeah. But even for us, this is a new level of weird."

Sonic smirked despite himself. "Guess that makes it just another Tuesday for us, pal. Weird is the new normal."

Quistis finally let out a long breath, before her instructor voice cut through the noise. "Alright, enough jokes. This isn't a field trip. We don't even know how many others are still missing."

"Well, we do," Modern Sonic said, lifting his hand and ticking off fingers as he listed names. "Let's see… Cream and Cheese, Vector, Espio, Charmy…"

Modern Tails piped up, nodding. "And don't forget Big, that wolf, and Captain Marvel. They are stuck in Limbo too."

"Limbo?" Zell echoed, brows raised.

Selphie tilted her head. "What's that supposed to be?"

Modern Tails shifted uneasily, glancing between the group. "Think of it like… White Space's counterpart. Same weird vibe, but darker. Feels more like a… waiting room for trapped souls and hearts."

Rinoa shivered slightly, voice quiet. "That's… comforting."

"You said it..." Zell added, uneased by the thought.

"Tell us about it," Amy muttered dryly, half-lidding her eyes as she gestured towards herself, Tails, and Knuckles. "We've been there. Zero stars. Wouldn't recommend."

"It sucked!" Knuckles exclaimed, his tone annoyed.

Squall turned towards the Mobians, his voice low but steady. "And that's where this other me is… right?"

Modern Sonic nodded, expression turning serious. "Yeah. Leon's there, same as the others."

"Figures…" Squall sighed, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

Sonic glanced between Cid and Yuffie, his tone softening. "And you two… your other versions are out there too. Statues here in White Space somewhere, but like Tails said… their hearts, their souls, are stuck in Limbo. Same as Aerith."

The name landed like a quiet thunderclap. Yuffie froze, her usual spark flickering out, while Cid's jaw clenched, a shadow crossing his face.

"Aerith?" Yuffie repeated, the usual teasing lilt gone from her voice.

"Yeah…" Sonic said gently, his expression softening as his gaze lingered on Yuffie's face.

Knuckles tilted his head, watching the sudden heaviness settle over Yuffie and Cid. "You guys know an Aerith too, huh?"

For a long moment, neither answered. Yuffie's usual spark dimmed, her hands fidgeting restlessly at her sides, shoulders slightly hunched as if the name had knocked the wind out of her. She stared down at the white floor, eyes unfocused. Beside her, Cid's gaze was fixed on the endless void, his jaw tight, lips pressed into a hard, thin line—the kind of expression that held back memories too heavy to voice.

Irvine took a slow step closer, his usual drawl softened with genuine concern. "You two alright?"

Rinoa glanced between Cid and Yuffie, her tone gentle but steady. "We're here if you need to talk… or just don't want to feel alone right now."

"Talking helps," Quistis added softly, her eyes flicking briefly to Squall before returning to Cid and Yuffie. He shifted almost imperceptibly under that glance—a reaction she knew all too well from trying to coax him into opening up.

Finally, Yuffie looked up, forcing a wobbly grin. "Yeah… yeah, we know her," she said quietly.

"It's fine," Cid muttered gruffly, voice rough and low. "Not your problem to worry about." He gave a small, frustrated shake of his head. "She's… just one of the good ones. The kind you don't wanna see stuck in a place like this..."

The Mobians and the teens exchanged glances, unease rippling through the group. Sonic shifted his weight, the usual smirk slipping from his face. He opened his mouth, ready to offer something—comfort, reassurance, anything—but Cid spoke again, his tone gruff but threaded with stubborn hope.

"We're still missing our team," he said, arms folding tightly across his chest. "Don't know where they've been tossed, but they've gotta be close. They're tough. They'll hold on."

Rinoa lowered her gaze, brushing a hand over Angelo's fur. "They will," she murmured, though her voice wavered just enough to betray her own doubts.

Selphie bit her lip and looked down, shifting on her feet. Zell rubbed the back of his neck, unusually quiet for once, eyes darting between Cid and Yuffie with unspoken sympathy. Even Squall's usual stoic mask slipped, his brows furrowing as he let out a soft sigh.

Sonic's trademark grin had faded, his hands now resting on his hips, gaze fixed on the floor as if willing an answer to appear there. The weight of what they'd heard clearly sat heavy on him.

Modern Tails stood beside him, wringing his gloved hands, twin-tails twitching nervously. He kept glancing toward Yuffie and Cid like he wanted to say something comforting but didn't know how.

Classic Tails was completely still, small eyes wide, the situation sinking in even for him. He quietly moved closer to Modern Tails, a subtle gesture of seeking reassurance.

Irvine tilted his hat forward slightly, his usual smooth demeanour tempered by genuine empathy. "Ain't right seeing friends stuck like that," he muttered, mostly to himself, his tone low and grim.

Knuckles stood with his arms crossed, but his eyes weren't their usual sharp, defiant glare—they were softer, quietly watchful. He grunted under his breath, his way of showing he was listening, even if words weren't his strong suit in moments like this.

Amy stepped closer, her voice softer but firm. "We'll find them," she promised, meeting both Yuffie's and Cid's eyes. "All of them. No one's getting left behind."

Sonic nodded, the determination in his green eyes hardening like steel. "Yeah. We're not stopping until every single one of our friends is back. That's a promise you can count on."

"And the younger Sonic's still out there too… Maybe he's found them already?" Modern Tails suggested, his tone thoughtful.

"Good call, Tails," Sonic admitted with a sharp nod. "We'll catch up to him. No way he's letting anyone stay lost if he can help it."

There was a brief silence, the enormity of what lay ahead settling over the group. Even Selphie didn't try to fill it this time, just glanced around at the circle of mismatched allies, lips pressed tight but eyes full of stubborn resolve.

The man in red strode slowly forward, his red cape shifting with each step, lone amber eye scanning every face in turn. "We walk," he said firmly, his voice cutting through White Space like a blade. "We talk. We regroup. We prepare. The younger Sonic will be found…" His gaze fixed on Sonic as he passed, weight heavy in his tone. "…and when he is, he will need you ready to stand with him."

The group exchanged glances, different worlds and timelines bound by a shared weight.

Finally, Sonic let out a long breath, forcing a grin back onto his face, lighter but no less determined. "Alright, you heard the guy. Let's get moving before White Space coughs up another five versions of me and Terios gets even more desperate."

Selphie raised a hand like a student calling out. "Okay, but if another Sonic shows up, I'm demanding matching t-shirts for the team photo."

Even Squall snorted softly under his breath, earning a quick side-eye from Zell, Rinoa, and Quistis. "What? It was funny."

Yuffie lifted her head, energy slowly creeping back into her voice. "Still kinda hoping to meet a taller, cooler me out here somewhere."

Cid grunted. "One's already more than enough…" but the gruffness lacked bite this time.

"Then let's move," Squall commanded firmly, beginning to walk off. "We can't waste time."

"Aye aye, captain," Sonic teased giving a mock salute, as he followed.

As the group started moving, Cid and Yuffie hung back. The others' footsteps faded ahead, leaving a bubble of uneasy quiet between the two.

"Think she's really out there, Cid? Aerith?" Yuffie asked, her tone gentle.

"Dunno, kid… this place doesn't play by any rules we know. Could be her. Could be…" Cid trailed off, his throat tightening around the next words.

"But… she's gone," Yuffie said somberly, staring down at her feet, her voice cracking as the memories threatened to swallow her. "Our Aerith… Cloud tried, even Shadow… but neither of them could stop him…"

"I know," Cid said quietly, for once no bark in his tone. His hands flexed uselessly at his sides before he rubbed at the back of his neck, eyes dark with something unspoken. "Hell, she was one of the best of us. Even when the world was kicking us all down, she'd just… smile like it was worth saving anyway."

Yuffie swallowed hard. "...I miss her," she admitted, her voice trembling now.

Cid stared into the endless white, eyes lingering on the distant group ahead. His next words came rough and low, meant only for her. "Me too, kid… me too."

Yuffie started walking slowly to catch up with the others, her voice low but sharp as glass. "…One day, Sephiroth's gonna pay for what he did."

Cid watched her go, a flicker of the same old fury in his eyes. "Damn right," he muttered under his breath. "That bastard's got it coming."

Meanwhile...

The shimmering portal of the Boss Gate spat Classic Sonic out like a misfired cannonball. He flipped midair, landing neatly on his feet before skidding to a stop on the endless white floor.

Sonic straightened up and turned, placing his hands on his hips and tapping one foot rapidly, eyes darting around the vast blankness. "Where the heck is everyone?"

Suddenly, something caught his eye—a splash of colour against the stark white emptiness.

There, not far away, sat a small wooden wagon brimming with bright flowers. Vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks danced softly in a non-existent breeze, their colours glowing like little patches of sunlight against the white void. Blue ribbon and pink fabric were tied around the cart's edges.

"…Flowers?"  Sonic rubbed his eyes, leaned forward, and squinted in confusion.

He zipped over in a blur, skidding to a halt beside the wagon. He leaned in, nose twitching curiously. The scent was real. It didn't fit this eerie colourless world at all.

The hedgehog tilted his head, confused, glancing around as if the wagon itself might answer his questions. It didn't. So he gave a small shrug and leaned closer to sniff one of the yellow lilies, letting out a soft "huh" soundless but full of surprise.

"Oh… hello there."

The sudden voice was soft and kind, floating through the white air like sunlight breaking through clouds. Sonic whipped around.

Standing a few steps away was a young woman with long brown hair tied with a red ribbon. She wore a light blue and white dress with a red camisole underneath and simple wedge sandals with pink straps. In this empty world, she looked like she carried a piece of life itself with her—a warmth that didn't belong in White Space.

She moved towards the hedgehog and crouched slightly, tilting her head at him with an easy smile. "I didn't expect to see someone like you here."

Classic Sonic blinked up at her, momentarily caught off-guard. He raised a hand in a small, hesitant wave.

"I'm Aerith," she said gently. "And you are…?" She paused, waiting, her green eyes curious but kind.

Sonic scratched the back of his head sheepishly, glanced around, then pointed at his own throat and shrugged.

"Ohhh…" Aerith's smile widened, a soft laugh escaping her lips like a bell chime. "You don't talk, huh? That's okay. Actions speak louder than words anyway." She winked, as if to say she already liked him just fine.

Relieved, Sonic grinned, nodding quickly. He offered a thumbs-up, which made Aerith laugh again, warmer this time. There was something about her presence that eased the usual tension of White Space. The void felt less lonely.

Aerith stood up, glancing back at the flower cart with a soft sigh. "This is all strange. One moment I was arranging the flowers, and then there was this light—like a flash, pulling me away. And now…" She gestured to the endless white nothing around them, a faint, wry smile tugging at her lips. "I'm here." She smoothed her hands over her skirt absently, as if grounding herself with the familiar gesture before letting out a small, nervous laugh. "This place sure makes Sector 5 feel downright cozy."

Sonic folded his arms as he watched Aerith glance around the white void again, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

"Zack was helping me with the wagon… I hope he's okay." Her voice was soft, but the fondness in the name was unmistakable, a quiet warmth that carried across the empty space.

Sonic tilted his head thoughtfully, tapping a foot as he glanced around. He then pointed at himself, mimed a running motion with his arms, and gestured towards the distance. Aerith watched, intrigued, as the hedgehog finally pointed back to her with a big, encouraging smile—his thumbs-up carrying an unspoken promise: "Come on. We'll stick together. Maybe even find your friend along the way."

Aerith looked surprised, then her eyes softened with gratitude. "You… you'd help me? Even though you just met me?" There was a touch of wonder in her voice, as if kindness from strangers was still something new, even for someone as naturally warm as her.

Sonic just gave her his trademark grin—the kind that said, 'helping's what I do'. He placed his hands on his hips, struck a mock-heroic pose, then pointed towards the distance again.

Aerith giggled, covering her mouth for a moment. "You're adorable, you know that?" She crouched slightly, leaning down to reach him, and patted his head lightly, as if he were a small child or a particularly brave puppy.

Sonic tilted his head slightly in surprise at first, but then his eyes half-closed and a soft, content grin spread across his face. Her hand was warm and gentle, a kind of kindness he hadn't felt much in this strange White Space. He let out a silent, happy sigh, leaning ever so slightly into the pat like he didn't want it to stop.

For a fleeting second, his mind flicked to that girl Rinoa he'd met earlier—she'd seemed nice, maybe the nicest of that whole group of teens. But this woman? Aerith felt different. She was much warmer and softer in her approach. It was like she carried a piece of home with her, even here in the endless white void of White Space.

"Alright, Mister Hero," Aerith said with a warm smile, giving his head one last affectionate ruffle before rising up. She looked down at the little hedgehog, eyes bright with trust. "Lead the way."

Classic Sonic straightened up, puffing out his chest with a proud grin. A quick thumbs-up later, he was already pointing towards the distant shimmer of another trapped moment in time waiting to be set free. Deep down, he was just glad he wasn't alone—but he couldn't help hoping he'd cross paths with Tails, those teenagers, and maybe even that older version of himself.

Chapter Text

The Past - Terios' Memory

[Destiny's Union - Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep plays]

Naminé and Terios sat beneath the shade of a sprawling tree atop a grassy hill, the breeze cool and gentle against them. Their location was a picture of peace—the wide lake below shimmered under the golden sunlight, the sky a flawless, endless blue.

Terios, arms crossed and posture watchful, sat silently beside Naminé. His presence was the same as always: a quiet promise of protection. A sketchbook lay open in the girl's lap; pencils scattered around them on the soft red blanket they shared.

"Look," Naminé said softly, tilting the book towards him with a smile. Her blue eyes shone with warmth. "I thought you might like it."

Terios turned his crimson gaze towards the page. She had drawn them together at a bright coastline—the sand golden, the waves a kaleidoscope of blues that seemed to glow with life.

"The ocean?" he murmured.

"That's right." Naminé pointed at the sketch, her voice lilting. "Mother always takes me when she isn't busy with Father and his work. Maybe… next time, you could come with us."

Terios hummed low in his throat and looked out across the lake, sunlight glinting in his two functioning red eyes. "Sounds nice."

"'Nice'? That's all you can say?" she teased, setting the sketch aside. "You'll love it—the sand, the sun, the waves. And most importantly… ice cream!"

"Ice… cream?" His head tilted slightly.

Naminé giggled softly. "Oh no, don't tell me you still don't know what it is."

The hedgehog gave a small shrug, his expression unreadable. Despite being her sworn protector, despite his strength, there were things about normal life that baffled him. He knew he sounded ridiculous—made by science, forged for battle—yet ignorant of something as simple as ice cream. He had only just begun learning life outside the lab. Naminé was his anchor in this strange new world.

The girl's laughter softened into a gentle smile. She placed her hand over his gloved one. "Don't worry. I'll show you what ice cream is—and more than that, I'll help you understand life itself."

Terios inclined his head. "Thank you." His voice was firm, but not without warmth. His eyes drifted back to the lake, then narrowed with thought. "Do you ever wonder why I was created?"

The question gave her pause. She was young, but her will was strong, as though she already carried the weight of destiny. "The Lumari people needed someone strong." Naminé explained. "A powerful force who could defend the light of this world from any threat. That's why they brought you to life—to protect them… to protect me."

"Hmm."

Naminé moved and brushed her fingers through the emerald grass, tracing little patterns. "They say a great darkness will come. If the light isn't defended, everything could be swallowed."

"Yes." His voice was steady, but beneath it something unsettled stirred. "They believe I am this world's ultimate protector. A weapon against the dark. But…" He trailed off, then shook his head. "I feel there must be more."

"More?" she echoed.

"There has to be more to my existence than orders and duty," Terios murmured.

"Like?"

"I… don't know," Terios admitted, a slight sigh in his tone. But he sharpened as he continued. "But for now… I will keep my promise. To you. To them. To this world that gave me life."

Naminé turned to him, eyes searching. "Terios. You'll always be there, won't you?"

He met her gaze with absolute conviction. "Always. No matter what comes, I will stand at your side. The elders, your parents, the people—they entrusted me with this task. I will not fail them." He placed a hand over his chest. "And I will never fail you, Naminé."

Present - Somewhere in Castle Oblivion

[Disquieting - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories plays]

The room was dim, the air cool and stale, its pale walls dissolving into shadow. Terios stood alone at the centre, arms folded, one functioning crimson eye fixed on nothing as fragments of memory swirled like shards in his mind.

Naminé's laughter, soft and warm. The glint of the lake beneath a sunlit sky. Her hand resting on his. And yet… the silence of Castle Oblivion pressed in, reminding him where he truly stood.

He had a purpose: to protect her. That much was clear. But fate, cruel and binding, had ensnared them both within the Organization's grasp — under the gloved thumb of The Doctor. Worse still, the whispers of the Blue Devil Prophecy clawed at his thoughts.

"Why this Sonic?"
"Did he walk back into the past and tear down Aetheris?"
"Is he merely a reflection? A counterfeit? Phantom of the light?"

The questions gnawed at him. And yet, the answers didn't matter. His path was written; delete Sonic, erase his timelines, and bring peace. Only then could he shield Naminé from the Blue Devil's shadow.

Suddenly, a voice, dry and cutting, slipped into the room.

"Still brooding, are we?"

Terios turned sharply, his good eye narrowing. Vexen stood at the edge of the room; his expression carved into cold amusement.

"Did you deal with that past variant of Robotnik?" he asked.

"Yes," Terios answered flatly.

"Excellent," Vexen replied, lips curling into a thin smirk. "The Doctor's designs move forward… as they should."

Terios's arms unfolded, his posture stiffening. "What do you want, Vexen?"

"You seem… unsettled." Vexen stepped closer, his boots whispering against the floor. "Distracted. Conflicted, even. Curious, don't you think?"

"What is it to you?" Terios snapped sharply. "Don't you have your Riku problem to obsess over?"

"Indeed, Riku is fascinating," Vexen allowed, the smirk deepening, "but you, Terios… you are more compelling than you realise. Your loyalty, your uncertainty. A creature caught between programming and purpose. It is… deliciously instructive."

Terios's eye blazed. "I don't need your analysis. I have everything under control."

"Do you?" Vexen's tone sharpened, laced with mockery. "Your insistence betrays the opposite. Your thoughts betray you. Naminé, perhaps?"

"Leave her out of this!" Terios snapped, his voice echoing harshly. His gloved hand cut through the air, defensive, almost desperate.

Vexen chuckled dryly. "Touchy. Her powers are of value to the Organization. To imagine she is beyond our reach… naïve. You cannot protect her with emotion alone."

Terios's fists clenched at his side, trembling with restrained fury. "I failed once. I will not fail again. I swear it."

"Then you must remain focused," Vexen pressed, stepping into the thin beam of light that cut across the floor. His voice lowered, each word deliberate. "Your turmoil is a weakness. If you truly wish to shield her, then Sonic and his allies must be eradicated. Entirely."

Terios's glare did not waver. "…And what do you suggest?"

"Ah," Vexen's smile widened, savouring his own cleverness. "I bring not orders, but… encouragement. A nudge in the right direction. You rely too heavily on brute force and intimidation. Perhaps it is time to turn Sonic's own past against him."

Terios tilted his head, a spark igniting in his mind. "You mean…"

"I do," Vexen confirmed smoothly.

"…Project Shadow."

"The very one." Vexen spread his hands in mock praise. "Summon the right Shadow, and Sonic will falter. Of course, not the Shadow already circling White Space—no, no. That one has grown troublesome. His… newfound abilities make him more dangerous than ever."

Terios's eyes narrowed. "…You mean the powers he inherits from that Black Doom you and the others spoke of?"

"Precisely," Vexen said, his tone sharp with knowing. "From what I've learnt, his strength compounds by the hour. It would be folly to pit yourself against him directly. He would stop you."

Terios's jaw tightened. "Then what?"

Vexen turned, a dark corridor blooming open before him, shadows spilling across the floor. "Think outside the box, as they say. Search the timelines. Seek the version of Shadow whose hatred aligns with your cause. One who would gladly destroy Sonic."

"Hmmm…"

Vexen paused, glancing back, the green of his eyes cold as glass. "Do not overthink it, Terios. Chaos is not your enemy—it is your ally. Embrace it. Harness it. Let it shape your next move."

Terios lowered his gaze, his mind flickering with half-formed ideas. "Outside the box…" He whispered again, then his eyes narrowed. "Wait…Chaos."

Vexen's smirk deepened, almost wolfish. "Ahh… now you're thinking. You know of it?"

"Not entirely," Terios admitted, his tone careful, "but enough."

"Good. Better to know enough than to know nothing at all." Vexen turned back towards the portal, shadows curling around him. "Why not try both?"

"Both…"

"That, Terios… is what it truly means to think outside the box."

The dark corridor pulsed once, then swallowed the scientist whole, his voice fading into the echoing chamber. "Let the idea fester. The rest will come."

The portal sealed with a hiss, leaving Terios alone in silence once more.

Meanwhile - In White Space - To Modern Sonic

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories plays]

The large group, led by Modern Sonic, pressed deeper into White Space. Their footsteps left no prints, yet the silence was heavy enough to make every movement feel loud. They walked as one—Sonic, his friends, and their new allies—towards whatever broken hub or trapped soul might appear next.

It was Modern Tails who broke the silence. "Hey—over there." He pointed, tails swishing. "It looks like… Emerald Coast."

"Emerald Coast, huh?" Sonic's green eyes lit with both recognition and caution. "That's a blast from the past. Let's check it out."

And indeed, it was.

The archipelago that once gleamed with sapphire waves and golden sand was stripped bare. What should have been a sparkling paradise was now a chalk sketch on a bleached canvas. The Station Square hotel promenade loomed like a skeleton, its arches bone-pale. Wooden piers stretched over a motionless sea the colour of spilt milk. Beacon lamps, once a warm glow for night walkers, hung mid-blink, their light frozen like tears that would never fall.

The group slowed, awe and unease tugging at their steps.

Sonic gave a low whistle. "You were right, Tails. It really is Emerald Coast." His crooked grin faltered just a little. "Haven't seen this place since… y'know."

Tails rubbed the back of his head, tails flicking. "Since you pulled me out of a Tornado-shaped crater. Yeah."

"Hey, I said we'd never talk about the landing." Sonic elbowed him with a grin. "And here we are, talking about the landing."

Cid barked out a laugh, the sound harsh but not unkind. "What happened? Genius fox fell outta the sky?"

"Actually, kinda… yeah," Tails admitted, mortified.

"That's not really an answer, Tails," Quistis muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Selphie leaned in eagerly. "Might need a little more detail there, smart guy."

Classic Tails tilted his head, looking at his older variant. "Wait—other me—what happened exactly?"

Modern Tails sighed, then raised his gloved hands like a lecturer. "Okay, I was testing a new power source for my plane."

Selphie gasped. "Ooooh, dangerous science experiment!"

Zell gave him a thumbs-up. "Respect!"

"Thanks…" Tails grimaced. "…But anyway, there was a small malfunction, and—"

"And I had to race through Emerald Coast to pull him out of the wreckage," Sonic finished, puffing up with pride. He clapped a gloved hand on Tails's shoulder. "No sweat. Ever since then you've been killing it with your upgrades."

Tails's expression softened, tails curling behind him. "Thanks, Sonic."

"Fun story," Knuckles cut in, tone dry. "A real 'Sonic Adventure.' But we don't have time for stories, we've got a place to save!" He stepped down onto the sand, folding his arms.

"Warm as ever, Knucklehead," Sonic sighed. "You're just jealous you didn't get to run here."

"I had shards to find, thank you very much."

Their bickering drew a small ripple of laughter from the group. Rinoa crouched at the shoreline, her fingers brushing the powdery white sand. Angelo whined softly, pawing at the unmoving waves.

"It feels wrong," Rinoa murmured. "Like the heartbeat of the world just stopped."

"Blame Terios for that…" Modern Tails sighed. Then opened his arms wide. "Just like everything here."

"Still, nice spot for a vacation, though," Irvine added, tipping his hat back as he scanned the colourless hub "All it's missing is a bar and some half-decent music."

"Decent?" Selphie shot him a look. "This place looks amazing! I've never even been here, but I can tell it's awesome."

Zell shadowboxed, throwing punches at the still air. "Bet I could run a loop-de-loop here. Easy."

Yuffie wandered towards the frozen boardwalk, hands clasped behind her head. "Beaches mean treasure. Bet there's a chest buried out here somewhere. Dibs!"

"Yeah, not happening," Sonic quipped without looking at her.

"Rude!" Yuffie huffed, stomping one foot.

Cid jabbed a thumb at Sonic. "He's right though. The hedgehog's the only one who can dive in. We're just the gallery."

"Exactly," Squall said flatly, agreeing with Cid. "We don't have Sonic's speed to bring back the temporal energy."

"Oh, come on." Zell cracked his knuckles. "Sure, we can. Not even with Haste?"

Yuffie's eyes widened. "Wait, you've got that spell too?"

Amy frowned, confusion etching her face. "Umm, what's Haste?"

Knuckles threw up his hands. "The heck is that supposed to be?"

"It's time magic," Quistis cut in, her voice sharp. She stepped forward, brushing a strand of blonde hair back behind her ear as her tone shifted into its familiar, precise cadence.

Classic Tails tilted his head, intrigued. "Time magic?" He looked to his older self, then back again, curiosity mirrored in both pairs of bright eyes.

Squall gave a small nod towards Quistis. "You might as well explain it. Less confusion."

"Yeah, you look like the smart one here," Yuffie added, eyeing her up and down. "Total teacher vibes."

Quistis exhaled, resigned. "…I'm an ex-instructor," she confirmed.

"Cool," Yuffie said with a grin. "Now spill before the echidna keels over from confusion."

Knuckles muttered, rubbing his temples. "One migraine's already forming…"

"Make that two," Amy sighed.

Quistis adjusted her posture, crossing her arms like she was standing in front of a class. "Haste is time-altering magic," she began, measured but firm. "It accelerates your body and mind, letting you move and think faster than the world around you. While others are still reacting—" she snapped her fingers, crisp and sudden "—you've already struck again."

Modern and Classic Tails leaned forward, eyes shining.

"Interesting…" Modern Tails murmured, stroking his chin.

"Very interesting…" Classic Tails echoed, tail swishing.

Amy tilted her head. "So… like coffee, but magical?"

Zell barked a laugh, pointing at her. "Way better than coffee, Amy."

"And twice as effective," Irvine drawled, tipping his hat.

Sonic tilted his head, a flicker of recognition sparking in his eyes. "Huh. Sounds kinda like Chaos Control."

That stopped his new allies cold. Yuffie glanced at Cid, who only shrugged as if to say, "don't look at me." Selphie froze mid-bounce; arms stuck awkwardly in the air. Zell scratched the back of his head with an awkward laugh that quickly died. Even Angelo tilted her head with a low whine, ears twitching at the strange term. Irvine looked just as lost as the rest.

Squall's brow furrowed, the name weighing heavily in his silence. Quistis's eyes narrowed at once, sharp and calculating, already trying to dissect the concept. Rinoa looked equally unsettled, her gaze flicking between Sonic and her friends.

"…Chaos what?" she asked carefully — the word foreign in her mouth, like naming something forbidden.

"Is it… Materia?" Yuffie muttered.

"Oh, this is rich," Knuckles chuckled, watching the humans struggle.

"You're not helping…" Amy said deadpan, shooting him a look.

"Actually, I'd like to learn more about it," Classic Tails piped up, raising a gloved hand politely.

Cid folded his arms. "Yeah, hedgehog. You mind explaining that one?"

"Chaos Control," Sonic said casually, waving it off like it was nothing. "It's something I can use the Chaos Emeralds for — warping space, stopping time, teleporting, that kinda thing."

Silence. More than half-dozen humans stared at the hedgehog like he'd just claimed he could rewrite the stars — all except the man in red, who lingered apart, watching with patient stillness.

"So… no Haste?" Rinoa asked slowly. Even Angelo gave a doubtful whuff.

"What about Stop?" Zell asked eagerly. "You got Stop?"

Sonic rubbed the back of his head. "No and no. …I don't think, anyway." His smile faltered. A thought tugged at the back of his mind. "Did that kid in my memories… Sora… use Stop?" His green eyes flickered with unease. "I need more of my memories back."

Knuckles groaned, folding his arms. "Way to open a can of worms, Sonic."

"…Gee, you think?" Sonic muttered, scratching at his nose. "Didn't mean to derail the convo."

Modern Tails shot him a sharp side-eye. "You did anyway."

Sonic sighed and glanced over his shoulder. The man in red lingered behind them, wrapped in silence as always. He'd watched the whole exchange without moving a muscle.

"Fancy saying anything, Spooky?" Sonic called out, hands on his hips. "You've been all statue since we got here."

The man in red finally stirred. His single visible eye locked on Sonic with a weight that made the air feel heavier. Slowly, one gloved hand slipped from behind his back, rising to point toward the far side of the hub.

"That's because," his voice was low, patient, almost cutting through the stillness itself, "I was waiting for you all to see what was already here."

The group followed his gesture.

At first, it looked like a boulder jutting from the pale sand. But as they drew closer, details sharpened: the curve of a round belly, the broad shoulders, the unmistakable silhouette of a fishing rod clutched tightly in one gloved hand.

"Big!" Sonic's voice cracked in shock as he rushed forward.

"Big?" Yuffie repeated, jogging after him, eyes wide.

The others followed, feet crunching over colourless sand that didn't quite feel like sand. The man in red stayed where he was, content to observe.

"Another trapped friend, partner?" Irvine asked.

"Yeah, he's a friend," Sonic explained quickly, spinning to face the others. His fists were tight at his sides, but he forced a crooked smile. "Big the Cat."

Zell squinted up at the frozen figure. "…Wait. His name's Big? Not just… y'know, 'cause he's huge?"

"It's his name," Amy said firmly, though worry thinned her voice.

Classic Tails tilted his head, ears flicking. "Woah… he is… big."

"No shit, kid," Cid muttered with a scoff.

"Cid!" Yuffie elbowed him sharply. "Don't be rude."

Cid grunted and looked away, pretending he hadn't been caught.

Squall studied the statue in silence, his gaze lingering on the fishing rod locked in Big's frozen grip. "Bet he's a handful," he said flatly.

"Actually, you'd be wrong, Squall," Amy replied, stepping forward. Her voice was steady, but there was a softness to it.

"Oh?" Squall glanced at her, eyebrow faintly raised.

"He's a kind soul," Amy responded with conviction.

"Like a gentle giant?" Quistis asked, tilting her head.

"Exactly." Amy smiled warmly at the ex-instructor, nodding.

"Still," Zell broke in with a grin, throwing a quick jab into the air, "I bet he could bench a car."

Selphie clasped her hands and bounced on her toes. "He looks more like a hugger than a fighter!"

Angelo padded up to Big's stone foot, sniffing at the cold surface. The dog whimpered, ears folding back, then pressed her muzzle against the lifeless statue. Rinoa's gaze softened as she looked from her loyal companion to Sonic. "Why don't you tell us more about him, Sonic?"

Sonic hesitated, then stepped close, resting his gloved hand against Big's arm. "Big's… well, Big's awesome. He's chilled. Honest. Loyal. Shows up when you least expect it—usually chasing his frog pal, Froggy."

"Froggy…" Yuffie remarked.

"He has a frog?" Irvine blinked, interest piqued.

"That's right," Modern Tails confirmed with a nod, twin tails swishing gently. "They're inseparable."

"Apart from when Froggy decides to go on adventures without him," Knuckles pointed out dryly, folding his arms.

"You mean he runs—well, hops—off?" Zell scratched the back of his head, confused.

"Pretty much," Knuckles replied with a grunt.

"Ribbit…" Selphie teased, hopping in place.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"…What?" she asked brightly. "I was committing to the moment."

"Could've fooled me…" Knuckles muttered.

"Ha, it was funny," Classic Tails chuckled.

Cid groaned, rubbing his neck. "Kid's off her rocker."

"I might be a little cracked," Selphie said, striking a pose with a grin, "but I can still kick butt with my nunchaku!"

"Really?" Cid deadpanned, looking to her team.

Selphie's friends — Zell, Quistis, Irvine, Rinoa, and even Squall — all nodded in unison.

"Yep," Zell said firmly. "Just let her have the moment."

Selphie beamed, then rocked back on her heels. "See? They get me."

"Shows you, Cid," Yuffie teased, nudging him.

Cid waved her off, grumbling about teenagers and frogs.

The odd tension broke into a few chuckles before Sonic shook his head with a small laugh of his own. It faded as he looked back at Big's frozen form.

"Regardless," Sonic continued. "Big never lets the world get him down. He always finds Froggy in the end. He's helped save the day more than once—even if he never brags about it."

"Sounds humble," Squall admitted, crossing his arms.

Suddenly, a low voice rippled across the still air. "Curious."

Everyone turned slightly. The man in red had not moved closer, but his visible eye gleamed. "A large cat who refuses to let life's river drag him under… stranded in a place where even rivers do not flow."

"Pretty much," Modern Tails said quickly, almost to break the tension. He shrugged. "He's… pretty chilled out."

"All that fishing will do that," Knuckles admitted. "It really is a peaceful life."

Irvine tilted his hat back, walking a slow circle around the statue, boots crunching over pale sand. He inspected Big like an expert shooter sizing up a target, then glanced at the others with a half-smile. "And lemme guess how this plays out. Sonic does his thing—runs fast, races through the weirdness—and saves the guy."

"That's right," Modern Tails said firmly. "Same way he saved me, Amy, and Knuckles. Pulling us free from Limbo. And Sonic's gonna do it again."

"Darn right, Tails." Sonic's answer was quick, confident—but that was the point. He needed it to sound easy, even if nothing in White Space ever was. He pressed his fist gently against Big's frozen arm. "I'll get you out, Big. Promise."

The hedgehog let the fist linger for a heartbeat before dropping his hand. A chuckle slipped out of him.

"Sonic?" Modern Tails frowned.

"What's so funny?" Classic Tails echoed, ears twitching.

Sonic turned back with a grin. "Just thinking… did Big even get an invite to my party?"

Modern Tails winced, rubbing the back of his head. "I sent him one! He just… never RSVP'd."

Sonic barked a laugh. "Classic Big. Probably off fishing with Froggy somewhere and forgot he even owns a mailbox."

"Most likely," Amy remarked with a shrug.

"That's Big for you," Knuckles added. "Free to go where he wants, when he wants."

"Cute friendship energy, love it, ten outta ten," Yuffie cut in, waving both hands dramatically. "But we're also still missing a small blue speedster, remember?"

"Hey, that's right," Selphie piped up, bouncing a little. "We gotta find mini-Sonic!"

"Mini Sonic?" Zell repeated, incredulous. "That's what we're calling him?"

"Well, what else?" Selphie challenged.

Zell threw his hands up. "I dunno… Young Sonic?"

Selphie made a face. "Boring."

"Variant Sonic," Quistis suggested, deadpan.

"Way more boring!" Selphie shot back instantly.

"How about… Classic Sonic," Rinoa said gently, stroking Angelo's ears.

Selphie paused, then lit up. "Okay, that one's not bad."

"Are we really having this conversation?" Cid groaned, glaring at Squall.

Squall exhaled through his nose, arms folded. "Apparently." His tone sharpened as he addressed his team. "But if you're done naming him, we should focus. That Sonic won't find himself."

"Killjoy," Selphie muttered, pouting—earning giggles from Rinoa and even Quistis, though she tried to hide it behind her hand.

"…Whatever," Squall sighed, turning away.

"Best way to look for this other Sonic—" Knuckles began, before Selphie jumped in.

"Classic Sonic."

Knuckles groaned. "Fine, Classic Sonic. Best way to find him is to split up into smaller groups." He gestured broadly at the assembled crowd. "There's way too many of us standing around here."

"Good idea, Knuckles," Amy agreed, scanning the blank horizon. "He is out there somewhere. Hopefully not too far away."

Irvine tipped his hat. "Then we make a sweep. Split the line, cover more ground."

Squall's eyes flicked across the colourless beach, calculating. "Fine. No sense clustering."

"Assignments then," Quistis cut cleanly, her tone like a blade. "Team One: Squall, Rinoa, Selphie, Zell, Irvine, and me. We'll fan out north. If he's found another hub, we'll catch it first."

"Okay, then Team Two is—me, Knuckles, Yuffie, and Cid," Amy added quickly, hands on her hips. She shot the two newcomers a bright grin. "You two good with that?"

"Sure," Yuffie said, bouncing on her heels, eager to get searching.

"Alright. Just means I can keep an eye on her not stealing anything," Cid deadpanned, jerking a thumb at Yuffie.

"Okay, rude!"

"Accurate though."

"…Damn it."

That cracked the tension, pulling a few laughs—even Knuckles scoffed, and Squall's mouth almost, almost twitched into a smirk.

The man in red inclined his head, cape unmoving despite the still air. "I will move alone. White Space answers questions it refuses to ask when addressed in solitude."

Selphie fired finger-guns his way. "Mysterious and vague! Love that energy, Mr. Mummy."

Rinoa pressed a hand to Angelo's fur as the dog barked sharply. "She wants us to hurry. Classic Sonic needs us."

Sonic looked over the group—friends old and new, allies from other realities—and felt the weight of command settle across his shoulders like an old jacket.

"Alright. I'll dive in and restore Emerald Coast. If Terios left traps, I'll spring them." He turned. "Tails—" Both foxes straightened in stereo. "—You two stay out here. Keep watch for Classic me. He might be wandering around."

Classic Tails saluted too hard, nearly tipping forward. "On it!"

Modern Tails folded his arms, gaze steady. "We will keep an eye on Big, too. You can count on us, Sonic."

Knuckles stepped forward and clasped Sonic's shoulder. The squeeze was brief, but years of trust passed in it. "You've got this."

"Bring him back," Amy added softly.

Squall met Sonic's gaze, voice low but certain. "We'll find the other you."

"Thanks." Sonic bounced on his toes, then looked up at Big's lifeless smile. "Back in a flash, big guy."

He let the energy gather in his legs, a familiar hum building in the air. Then, in a blur of blue light, Sonic dashed into the shimmering portal. The hub rippled and swallowed him whole.

When Sonic vanished, the teams scattered: Quistis gesturing forward, Zell already springing into motion, Selphie tugging Irvine along with a flood of chatter, Rinoa calling Angelo as they fell in step beside Squall. Amy, Knuckles, Yuffie, and Cid peeled away in the opposite direction. The man in red moved last, walking alone, his footprints the only marks that White Space didn't erase.

By the statue, Modern and Classic Tails stood side by side. Classic Tails looked up at Big's blank face. "He really just… shows up when you need him, huh?"

Modern Tails gave the smallest of smiles. "Yeah. He has a knack for it."

Inside Emerald Coast, somewhere, the world began to remember how to be blue.

To Classic Sonic

The white horizon stretched endlessly until, at last, something new began to take shape. Classic Sonic slowed to a halt, Aerith following just behind him, her sandals whispering against the blank ground.

Before them, a new hub rose — skeletal trees stretching into the sky, their branches frozen mid-sway, white as bone. Bridges hung stiff in the air, loops and vines petrified in pale silence. The air itself felt like it should have been full of chirping birds and rustling leaves, yet there was only stillness.

Aerith wrapped her arms lightly around herself, green eyes flicking across the pale trunks. "It feels so empty, but…" She trailed off, her voice soft, as though she could almost hear the echo of what had once been.

Sonic narrowed his eyes and stepped forward. That was when they saw them.

Two shapes stood next to the trapped hub — statues carved out of the same drained stillness as everything else. One was a small rabbit, frozen mid-hop, her long ears drooping slightly, her hands outstretched as though she had been reaching for someone. Beside her hovered a tiny creature with wings, its rounded body stilled in midair.

Aerith gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh…" She stepped closer, her voice trembling with sympathy. "They're just children…"

She crouched before the rabbit, brushing her fingers gently along the stone skirt of her little dress. "She looks so young. And this one—" Aerith glanced at the floating creature, her eyes softening further "—so small, like a baby. They don't deserve to be trapped like this."

Classic Sonic's jaw tightened. He had not seen them before — didn't know their names, their story — but it didn't matter. The sight of them, lifeless and pale, was all the reason he needed. His gloved fists clenched at his sides, dark eyes blazing with quiet resolve.

Aerith straightened, looking down at him. "You… you know what to do, don't you?"

Sonic nodded once, firmly. He pointed towards the statues, then at his own chest. Then, with a quick glance at Aerith, he gestured back — palms out, a clear, "stay here."

The flower girl hesitated, caught between wanting to help and knowing she would only slow him down. "…Alright. I'll stay." She forced a smile for him, though her voice softened with something wistful. "Maybe I'll… keep watch. Who knows? Perhaps I'll see Zack wandering by."

Sonic paused, tilting his head at her words, but then offered a reassuring thumbs-up. His grin said everything he could not: "I'll handle this. You're safe here."

Aerith exhaled slowly, placing a hand over her heart. "Be careful, little blue hero."

The portal shimmered into view in the centre of the hub, a ripple piercing through the white. Sonic didn't hesitate. He crouched low, let the energy hum in his legs, and in a flash of blue, he shot forward.

Aerith watched as he disappeared into the glow, the silence of White Space rushing in to fill the gap he left behind. She lingered by the statues, fingertips brushing gently against the rabbit's frozen hand.

"I don't know your names," she whispered, voice trembling with both sorrow and hope. "But he'll save you. I know he will."

Limbo

[Firecracker - Lemmino starts playing]

The small group huddled together on what passed for solid ground. The "floor" was a glossy black surface, reflecting faint, broken images of those who stood upon it. Beyond that, there was nothing — just a vast emptiness stretching into forever.

Cream sat cross-legged with Cheese perched on her head, the tiny Chao giving a hopeful chao! now and then. The young rabbit looked around at the others, her small, gloved hands balled into fists on her knees. "It's been a while since Mister Knuckles was saved," she said softly, her voice carrying in the quiet. "But… I know we will be next. Mr. Sonic and the others won't forget about us. They never would."

"She's right," Big rumbled, voice deep but gentle. He was sitting nearby, his massive frame calm despite the tension. "Sonic's fast. He always shows up." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "…Maybe Froggy's with him right now too."

Yuffie let out a short laugh, though there was an edge of nerves under it. She paced in a small circle, arms folded tight. "Man, I hope you're right. I'm not exactly a fan of being stuck in creepy voids waiting for rescue. Not my style."

Leon leaned against nothing, arms folded, eyes glinting faintly in the dark. His voice was low, steady, carrying that professional calm that had steadied him through worse nights. "The waiting's hard, yes. But someone always gets pulled free. That track record counts."

"Track record, huh," Cid muttered, one hand scratching at his stubble. His voice was gruff, grating against the silence. "Guess that's one way to put it. Feels more like rolling dice in the dark to me." He shifted his weight, letting out a long sigh. "…Got a damn funny feeling some of us will be the last out of here though."

"Hey, don't jinx it," Yuffie shot back quickly, jabbing a finger at him.

"I'm sayin' it like it is," Cid grumbled, waving her off.

Vector leaned back, tapping his chin with one finger. "I like Cream's resolve though," he said, nodding towards the rabbit. "Really like that. Reminds me of a certain hedgehog — always charging ahead no matter what."

Charmy piped up brightly, though his wings buzzed nervously. "She's right! Sonic will save us. Easy!"

Espio, crouched in the shadows just beyond, opened one golden eye. "Easy is not the word I'd use," he said quietly, voice sharp and even. "But… inevitable. They will come."

Rouge crossed her arms, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Big blue's not the type to leave a lady—or anyone else—waiting forever."

Captain Marvel stood with her arms folded, gaze scanning the horizonless dark as if daring something to show itself. "I've been in tighter spots than this," she said, her voice confident. "Patience isn't easy, but it is necessary. If your friend Sonic's fighting out there, the least we can do is keep it together in here."

Aerith, who had been quiet, turned her eyes upward, though there was nothing to see. "Hope is hard to hold on to in a place like this," she admitted softly. "But… maybe that's why we need it most." She looked to Cream and gave a small, gentle smile. "You are very brave, you know. Brave enough for all of us."

Cream blushed slightly but held her head high, ears twitching. "Thank you, Miss Aerith. But I'm not alone. I have Cheese, and all of you too."

"Chao chao!" Cheese squeaked proudly, puffing out his little chest.

That drew a ripple of chuckles through the group — even Leon's mouth curved into a faint smile.

The Rookie, who had been silent throughout, simply raised a hand and gave a firm thumbs-up in agreement.

"See?" Yuffie said, pointing at the Rookie. "That's the spirit. No words, just confidence. I can vibe with that."

Rouge smirked faintly, tilting her head. "Not bad. Sometimes saying less makes you look cooler, anyway."

Charmy's wings buzzed as he leaned forward eagerly. "Ooh! So, if I go quiet, will I be cool like that guy?"

Captain Marvel raised an eyebrow, arms still folded. "Kid, if you went quiet, that'd be a superpower all on its own."

Vector barked out a laugh, thumping his tail against the floor. "She's got you pegged, Charmy. Silence would be a miracle."

Espio cracked the faintest smirk from the shadows. "I'd almost consider it training."

"HEY!" Charmy squeaked, trashing around as his wings buzzed louder.

The others chuckled, the tension in the air breaking just enough for smiles to pass between them.

For a moment, the oppressive weight of Limbo lifted, eased by laughter and small reassurances. The blackness still loomed around them, vast and endless, but they were all together in its centre — not broken, not forgotten.

"Let's just hope someone is rescued soon though…" Yuffie sighed.

"It's like waiting for a bite," Big said simply. "You don't rush. You just trust the line."

Cid snorted, shaking his head. "Well, if that's the case, hope someone brought a whole lotta bait."

Cream giggled softly, eyes bright. "It won't be long. I know it."

Leon's voice cut through, calm and firm. "Keep thinking like that, Cream. We all need a strong resolve — and coming from the youngest here, that means something."

The young rabbit straightened at his words, her determination only stronger, while the others shared a quiet, collective nod.

Chapter Text

Emerald Coast (Modern Sonic)

Music: Azure Blue World – Sonic Adventure

The shimmering white light opened from White Space, depositing Sonic onto the warm golden sands under a pristine azure sky. The salty sea breeze ruffled his blue quills as he took in the familiar tropical coastline of Emerald Coast.

Behind him rose the grand façade of Station Square's beachside hotel, its art-deco architecture, a stark reminder of adventures past. But Sonic's green eyes were drawn seaward, to the endless horizon where turquoise waters met a lighter blue sky. A nostalgic smile crept onto his face as memories flooded in.

"Man, it feels like just yesterday I was here," Sonic mused, his voice almost lost in the gentle surf.

In his mind's eye he saw his younger self tearing across the shoreline, feet kicking up sand, without a care in the world. This beach was the start of one of his most iconic adventures, and the sense of deja vu was overwhelming. Yet something was different now – a tension in the air that hadn't been there before.

Sonic's grin faded as a flicker of darkness danced at the edge of his vision. Out over the water, a distortion of shadows slithered briefly across the waves before vanishing. On the far end of the beach, under the shade of a swaying palm, he spotted movement that wasn't just the local wildlife. His sharp gaze caught the glint of metal: a round monkey-like robot perched on a rock, glaring at him with bulbous eyes. It was a Kiki – one of Eggman's old Badniks. It lobbed a ticking bomb playfully between its mechanical hands, preparing to throw. Sonic cracked his knuckles and got into a ready stance.

Sonic rolled his shoulders, eyes locking on the Kiki and its bomb. "Alright, let's get to work," he said to himself, determination tightening his voice. "Emerald Coast is counting on me… and Big is too!"

With a burst of energy, Sonic shot forward across the sand, leaving only a spray of sand and a blue blur in his wake. The chase to the Goal Ring was on.

Sonic closed the distance to the first Kiki badnik. The cheeky robot flung its bomb with a metallic snicker, but Sonic anticipated the arc perfectly. With acrobatic grace, he sprang into the air, the bomb sailing harmlessly underneath him and exploding in a puff of sand down the shore. Sonic landed in front of the startled Kiki, gave a quick smirk, and launched into a Spin Attack, slamming into the monkey bot. The Kiki erupted in a shower of sparks and scrap metal on impact. A small, frightened sea bird – a flicky- that had powered the badnik – fluttered free from the wreckage and quickly darted away into the palms with a grateful chirp.

"Some things never change." Sonic remarked.

Ahead of him, two more Kikis emerged from behind driftwood debris, each juggling a pair of bombs threateningly. The tropical idyll of the beach was punctuated by the thoomp-thoomp of their explosives landing around Sonic, kicking up plumes of sand. But Sonic zigzagged effortlessly between the blasts, using his momentum to skim mere inches above the ground when needed. A bomb landed directly in his path – he sidestepped and cartwheeled around the explosion, never losing speed.

In retaliation, Sonic veered towards a half-buried wooden board and used it as a springboard. He vaulted high and then dove downwards in a streak of blue light – a Homing Attack locked on the next Kiki.

Crash!

His attack hit home, crushing the Badnik into scrap. Without touching the ground, Sonic ricocheted to the last monkey robot. It barely had time to react before Sonic's spinning form collided with it, detonating its own bomb in a fiery burst. The hedgehog landed on his feet with a triumphant flourish as the final Kiki's remains pattered down onto the shore.

"These guys never learn," he muttered, recalling countless times he'd bested Eggman's mechanical minions.

Sonic took a moment, looking around to ensure no more enemies lurked on this stretch of sand. The waves rolled in calmly again, as if nature itself had hardly noticed the brief skirmish. Further down the beach, the scenery beckoned – low rock outcroppings poking out of the water, a few beach chairs toppled over, and a wooden dock that led toward a little island just offshore. Sonic recognised that route – in his original adventure here, he had bounded over those very platforms.

He dashed forward once more, leaving the splintered badnik parts behind. As he ran, he couldn't resist the instinct to collect a trail of golden rings floating above the sand – the rings chimed pleasantly as he swept through them, a comforting sound that put an even wider grin on his face.

Emerald Coast looked and felt as vibrant as he remembered: the sun was bright but gentle, sparkling off the shallows in diamond flecks; seagulls cried overhead; palm fronds swayed lazily. It was hard to believe anything could be wrong in such a paradise, yet Sonic remained on guard. The faint presence of darkness he sensed earlier kept him focused.

Up ahead, the beach ended at a series of large stone slabs and wooden planks that acted as steppingstones across the water. They led to a small adjacent island jutting out from the shallow sea. Sonic remembered this natural pathway well. Without missing a beat, he leapt to the first platform – it wobbled slightly under his momentum but held firm. He bounded to the next, then the next, each jump precise and controlled. His landings were soft and agile, as if choreographed. Within moments Sonic had cleared the chain of platforms, reaching the smaller island's sandy shore.

The hedgehog paused for the briefest second, surveying the vista. The open ocean stretched to his left, sunlight dancing on gentle waves. Out at sea, a couple of happy dolphins leapt out of the water, their sleek bodies glinting. To his right, in the near distance across a strait of water, Sonic spotted the next landmass – a much larger beach-covered island that sprawled ahead, dotted with a few palm clusters and craggy rocks. Between him and that big island stood something that made Sonic's heart skip in excitement: a loop-de-loop. It rose from the end of this small island like a monumental sculpture, inviting any speedy daredevil to defy gravity.

Sonic's grin returned full force. "Just like old times," he thought.

He dug his sneakered feet into the ground, feeling the traction. Then he bolted forward, accelerating toward the loop. The world became a blur of motion and colour as Sonic hit the base of the loop at top speed. Up he went, the ground curving beneath him as he ran upside-down along the loop's interior. For a moment, the blue of the sky was beneath his feet and the sand above his head as he reached the top of the arc. Gravity had nothing on the Blue Blur – his velocity pinned him to the track. He whooped in exhilaration as he came hurtling back down the other side of the loop, the transition from vertical to horizontal seamless. A trail of dust and sand kicked off the loop behind him as he completed the circle.

Coming out of the loop, Sonic hit a spring-loaded Jump Panel at full tilt. The panel catapulted him high into the air over the sparkling water. Sonic tucked into a tight ball mid-flight, rotating to spot his landing. Below, the landscape rushed by – he glimpsed the large island ahead growing closer, its golden beaches waiting. The momentum of the jump panel sent him soaring clear across the waterway separating the islands. With a whoosh of air past his ears, Sonic descended and landed gracefully on the next island's shore, knees bent to absorb impact. Sand sprayed outward from the force of his arrival. He straightened up, pleased at how natural it all felt.

"Can't beat the classics," Sonic chuckled to himself. It truly was just like old times – or at least it would have been, if not for the prickling feeling at the back of his neck.

As he looked across this vast beach with sparse vegetation, Sonic's instincts screamed that he was not alone. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, the brightness of the day dimming ever so slightly as if a cloud passed over the sun. Then he saw them: shifting shadows pooling unnaturally beneath a cluster of palms, and pairs of glowing yellow eyes appearing in the darker recesses between rocks. The Heartless had arrived.

"Of course…" Sonic sighed, eyes half closed.

From beneath the palms emerged the Shadow Heartless, dozens of them skittered out of the darkness onto the open sand. They moved with jerky, insect-like motions, circling around Sonic as if guided by some hive mind. Hot on their heels came larger forms: Neoshadows, taller and more defined with muscular limbs and whipping tails, their claws digging furrows in the beach as they prowled forward.

Sonic's expression hardened. "Heartless… I knew they'd show up," he muttered, dropping into a fighting stance. "Terios really needs new material!"

The lead Shadow lunged suddenly, its claws aimed for Sonic's legs. Sonic sprang up and over it, executing a mid-air twist. He brought his heel down in a fierce axe-kick onto the creature's head, dispersing it into inky vapor. Immediately, two more Heartless pounced from opposite sides, hoping to catch Sonic as he landed. But Sonic uncorked a rapid Spin Dash on the spot that blasted outward. The shockwave knocked the incoming Heartless off their feet, buying Sonic a moment to press the advantage.

One by one, the Shadow creatures began to melt into the sand, disappearing and reappearing unpredictably around him. This was a classic tactic – surround and confuse. Sonic closed his eyes for a split second, tuning into the sound of their movement. The instant he heard the telltale swish of a Heartless re-materialising behind him, he acted.

WHAM!

Sonic's Homing Attack fired like a shot, zeroing in on the Heartless before it could even fully rise from the shadow. His spin formed a small crater in the sand as he drove the creature back into the ground, where it dissipated into black mist.

He rebounded from that attack straight into another, chaining Homing Attacks from one dark creature to the next in a blur of blue light.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Each impact released a burst of energy, tearing through the Heartless ranks. The Shadows stood little chance against Sonic's raw speed and skill. But as the last Shadow Heartless faded, a sound came from above. Sonic looked up to see two elemental Heartless drifting his way: a Red Nocturne and a Blue Rhapsody, their round bodies bobbing like balloons. The Red Nocturne's eyes glowed as it summoned a spiral of flame around itself, while the Blue Rhapsody spun to gather a swirl of icy magic.

"Uh oh – these ones are trouble. I never liked the magic ones," Sonic muttered, remembering from his recent cross-world adventure.

The Red Nocturne lobbed a fiery orb down at Sonic. Simultaneously, the Blue Rhapsody sent a shard of ice zipping towards him. Sonic exploded into motion, dashing sideways so fast that the projectiles collided with each other instead – the fireball met the icicle in mid-air, resulting in a burst of steam and harmless sparks. Using that moment, Sonic leapt into the air, angling towards the hovering Heartless. The Red Nocturne tried to float higher, but Sonic's double-jump gave him the extra height needed. He homed in and struck the red mage with a powerful mid-air spin, bursting it apart in a puff of embers and darkness.

As Sonic fell, the Blue Rhapsody jittered and released a wave of frost below, intending to make a frigid trap on the ground. Sonic reacted instantly by curling into a ball and Spin Dashing downward like a drill. He punctured straight through the heart of the Blue Rhapsody, its magic sputtering out as it vanished. Sonic landed in a three-point stance, a thin layer of ice cracking under his feet where the Heartless had last attacked. Wisps of dark vapor were all that remained of the ambushers.

He stood and brushed off his hands. "Too bad for them, I'm the fastest thing alive!" he declared with a smirk, finishing the thought he'd left hanging earlier.

However, Sonic knew better than to celebrate too soon. Even with those Heartless defeated, new ones began to emerge further down the beach. A pair of larger Neoshadows slunk forward, and behind them, rippling distortions hinted at more on the way. Sonic tensed, ready to continue the fight… but then an all-too-familiar metallic echoed across the coast.

From somewhere up ahead came a series of clank and crash noises, as if wood were being splintered and pylons knocked over. The ground itself trembled as something huge moved in the shallows just offshore. Sonic's ears pricked – he recognised that sound and the accompanying tremor in his chest at once. His heart leapt into his throat.

"The Orca…" Sonic muttered. "Great…"

In an instant, Sonic's focus shifted from the remaining Heartless to a new danger rapidly making its presence known. He dashed towards the source of the commotion, leaving the bewildered Neoshadows behind. As Sonic crested a slight rise in the sand, the vista opened to reveal the next segment of the level ahead: a wooden boardwalk-style bridge extending over the water, connecting to another island. This bridge was a bit old and rickety-looking, and even now sections of it were shaking apart.

At the far end of the bridge, something erupted from the ocean in a massive spray of foam: the black-and-white bulk of a killer whale launched itself into the air. Water cascaded off its sleek body as it came crashing back down with a thunderous splash. The orca's presence would have been majestic – if it weren't for the unmistakable aura of darkness clinging to it. Sonic's keen eyes caught a glint of sickly yellow in the whale's normal black pupils, and the edges of its form were hazy with dark energy. Tendrils of shadow clung to the beast's dorsal fin and tail flukes like oil. The orca's bellowing cry sounded distorted, angrier, almost pained.

"Wait… is that… Darkness?" Sonic said in alarm as the orca's glowing eyes locked onto him. Terios had corrupted the whale with Heartless influence, turning a simple force of nature into a malevolent threat. "Terios what have you done?!"

The possessed orca wasted no time. With shocking speed, it lunged forward in the surf, ramming its massive head into the wooden bridge supports. Beams snapped like toothpicks. Sonic knew he had mere seconds before the entire structure would start collapsing – and he was right in its path. Without hesitation, he bolted onto the bridge, feet pounding the old boards. Behind him, the orca's huge form loomed, water streaming off its back.

"Here we go again!" Sonic called out in alarm, memories resurfacing, feet moving.

The rickety boardwalk shuddered violently under Sonic's sprinting feet. Planks began to fly upward as the orca slammed against them, each impact destroying the section just behind Sonic. Broken wood and foam sprayed into the air. Sonic didn't dare look back for more than an instant – but in that glance he saw the orca's immense snout burst through the boards not ten feet behind him, splinters exploding outward. The creature was practically on his heels, and it was faster than he remembered. Empowered by darkness, the orca's movements were frenzied and relentless.

"Orca powered by darkness… go figure…"

Sonic's heart pounded in rhythm with his shoes thudding on the hollow wooden planks. Dash Panels mounted on the bridge activated as he passed over them, each one giving him a sudden burst of acceleration. He felt the familiar zing of speed boosters propelling him forward at breakneck pace. With each panel, the scenery blurred further, and Sonic's legs moved almost faster than his mind could keep up with. Yet, incredibly, the orca was still right behind him.

The entire bridge was collapsing in real time. As Sonic dashed across one section, it would collapse into the sea a split second later under the dark orca's onslaught. Looking ahead, Sonic spotted a gap where a portion of the boardwalk had already fallen away. He poured on even more speed, activating his boost, and leapt just as the final plank ended. He soared over a gaping hole where churning waves crashed below and landed on the next intact stretch of bridge. The moment he landed that stretch began to quake. The orca had forced its massive head through the gap Sonic jumped, and now reared up, splintering the edges of the break wider. With a mighty push of its tail, the orca partially launched onto the bridge behind Sonic, its weight utterly obliterating the wooden path beneath it.

"Oh, give me a break!" Sonic shouted out in frustration.

Sonic stumbled at the tremor that sent through the remaining boards. He windmilled his arms to keep balance and kept running. "This thing's possessed!" he realised through gritted teeth as he regained full speed. Saltwater sprayed his back as the orca smashed forward again, its belly sliding on the broken bridge while its tail propelled it. Sonic could feel the creature's hot breath and the whoosh of air from its snapping jaws. Each snap came just shy of Sonic's shoes. The whale's great maw clamped down on empty air with a sound like a bear trap each time, so close that Sonic swore he could see the tiny scratches on its conical teeth.

Despite the chaos and danger, Sonic felt a familiar exhilaration coursing through him. This was one of the moments that had defined his early adventures – the legendary orca chase, now amped up to eleven. It was terrifying, yes, but also a pure test of speed and reflexes that only Sonic could pass. He couldn't let fear overtake him. Instead, he found himself grinning determinedly. "Terios, you really know how to mess things up," he shouted into the wind rushing past his ears, "but you picked the wrong hedgehog to toy with!"

The bridge angled upward ahead, leading to a final stretch before the next island. Sonic's eyes quickly surveyed the situation: at the far terminus of the boardwalk, the path would either reconnect to solid ground or – if it collapsed – dump him unceremoniously into the sea. He preferred the former. Just a little further… Sonic's legs were a blur, every muscle in his body pushing for that last burst of speed. The corrupted orca's roaring grew more frenzied as it sensed its prey might escape. With one last titanic surge, the whale lunged, rising half out of the water and sliding onto the bridge fully. The entire structure gave a deafening crack.

Wooden planks cascaded down all-around Sonic like rain. In that split second, time seemed to slow. Sonic saw an anchor point ahead where the bridge met the island – a sturdier section braced by stone. If he could reach that, the orca might be stopped by the shallow water or at least not be able to follow on land. The gap between him and safety was closing, literally collapsing towards him as the bridge fell apart. Sonic boosted and leapt forward with all his might.

Behind him, the orca snapped its jaws one last time, but Sonic was already beyond its reach. The killer whale's massive head slammed into the sandbank at the bridge's end as the last of the wooden planks crumbled under it. For an instant, Sonic caught the image of the creature thrashing – unable to tell where water ended and land began – as debris rained around it. Then Sonic hit solid ground on the next island, tumbling into a forward roll to bleed off momentum. He came up on one knee, breaths ragged, adrenaline still coursing.

"Damn…" he muttered under his breath.

Looking back, the possessed orca let out a frustrated bellow as it slid back into the sea, the weight of its body breaking the remains of the jetty and pushing it into deeper water. A huge splash drenched the shore, and when Sonic wiped seawater from his eyes, the orca was gone beneath the waves. Only the wreckage of the bridge remained, bobbing in the surf. A tense silence fell, broken only by Sonic's heavy breathing and the distant cries of seagulls startled by the commotion.

Windy and Ripply – Emerald Coast – Sonic Adventure now starts playing

Sonic slowly rose to his feet, muscles trembling from the exertion. That had been far too close for comfort. As the adrenaline ebbed, he felt a slight sting – one of the orca's leaps had grazed him with a piece of wreckage or a fin, leaving a shallow cut on his arm. Sonic brushed a gloved hand over it; it was minor, and he'd live.

The hedgehog kept looking out at the water, half expecting the dark whale to burst forth again. But the ocean had gone calm and cerulean once more, betraying no sign of the recent chaos. Perhaps the orca, having failed its mission, had retreated into the depths… or maybe the act of Sonic reaching the island had lifted its corruption, freeing the creature. Sonic hoped it was the latter – he hated to think of a majestic animal under the thrall of darkness.

"Terios, you've really crossed a line this time," Sonic said quietly, clenching his fists. Corrupting an innocent creature – turning a playful challenge into a life-or-death battle – it was unforgivable. "I wonder what else he has cooking up…"

Yet even in annoyance, Sonic felt a surge of determination. He had outrun the orca and survived. He refused to let Terios tarnish this memory completely. Sonic straightened up and shook off the water. There was still more of Emerald Coast ahead to save, and a friend to rescue by the end of it. Sonic took one last glance at the sun-drenched sea behind him.

"Thanks for the workout, big guy," he said softly, unsure if the whale could hear or understand. With that, he turned and faced inland. The next challenge awaited.

Before him stretched a welcoming sight: a broad expanse of beach leading gently upward towards a tall plateau. Atop that rocky rise, an old white beacon – a lighthouse – stood as a silent guardian over the coast. The beacon's tower gleamed in the afternoon sun, and at its base lay a patch of greenery: Big's favourite fishing spot was somewhere up there, Sonic recalled. In fact, the hedgehog remembered him mentioning he found Froggy near a lighthouse once, which must have been here. Sonic couldn't help a fond grin thinking of the gentle giant cat scouring the shore for his lost frog.

"I'll find Froggy for you, pal," he said to himself, as if Big could hear across time.

Sonic refocused on the task at hand. The path up the plateau zigzagged in front of him – a natural ramp formed by rock and packed sand. He broke into a run, feet splashing briefly through the edge of a shallow pond that lapped part of the path. The water was cool on his ankles, and small tropical fish scattered away as he dashed through. In the distance, further left of the beacon, he saw another potential route: the rock wall had a curious angle to it, almost like a curved track running along its side. Sonic recognized it from his previous run – a wall-running section. There were two walls he could run, one on the right side of the path and one on the left further on. Taking them could provide shortcuts to higher ground, possibly even some power-ups.

Without breaking stride, Sonic veered onto the vertical slope of the first wall to the right. His momentum and traction let him defy gravity once more. He ran sideways along the cliff face, parallel to the ground below, his left hand nearly touching the rock for balance. The world tilted at a surreal angle as sand and water hung 90-degrees askew relative to Sonic's perspective. Halfway across the wall-run, he spotted a series of bouncy Springs alongside the base. Normally, Sonic would take a moment to aim those jumps, but activating his boost, he blazed up the slope instead, opting to run straight up the inclined terrain without needing the springs. Pebbles and sand flew out behind him as his feet became a cyclone of motion, propelling him up the steep incline as though it were flat ground.

In seconds, he reached the plateau's summit, skidding to a halt next to the white beacon. He reached a vantage point, and the view was breath-taking. The ocean sprawled out below, the small islands and pathways he had traversed now forming a beautiful zigzag pattern in the glittering water. Sonic could see the collapsed bridge from which he'd escaped the orca, now a scattering of driftwood in the surf. Beyond, Station Square's hotel was a tiny shape on the horizon. He allowed himself a moment to appreciate how far he had come. With a deep breath, he turned back to the task.

A group of Heartless had been lurking at the top of the plateau, drawn perhaps by the beacon's significance or by Froggy's presence nearby. As Sonic expected, several floated into view as he scanned the area – a pack of shadowy Nightwalkers and a couple of Red Nocturnes. They rushed him the moment he appeared. But Sonic was more than ready. He leapt towards the first foe, chaining a sequence of Homing Attacks so quickly that to an observer he might have looked like multiple Sonics attacking at once.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

In an eye's blink, each Heartless was struck down. The final Red Nocturne tried to retaliate with a fire spell at point-blank range; Sonic nimbly backflipped away, causing the fireball to scorch one of its own comrades instead. He then dove back in with a fierce punch, dissipating the last Heartless in a flash of light.

"Hey, I'll play with you some other time," Sonic taunted.

With the plateau cleared, Sonic dashed towards the opposite edge from where he came. He recalled that after this high point, the route continued through a cave and downward. Sure enough, just past the beacon was the mouth of a cavern leading into the rocky hillside. Bioluminescent lichen coated parts of the cave walls, casting a faint green-blue glow inside. Sonic could hear dripping water echoing from within, suggesting perhaps an underground pool or waterfall.

The hedgehog stepped into the cave, feet splashing into a shallow stream that trickled along one side. The temperature dropped slightly, a cool dampness replacing the sun's warmth. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the floor was uneven with natural steps of rock. Sonic proceeded carefully at first – even the fastest hero can slip on wet stone if not cautious. He maneuvered around a glowing tide pool, noting colourful fish darting within. Suddenly, from the dark recess of the cave, a trio of Neoshadow Heartless sprang out, ambushing Sonic. One lunged low, another high, and the third charged straight on, all coordinated.

"Man, you guys really don't give up, do ya…" Sonic sighed, shaking his head. "Oh well – let's do this!"

The hedgehog reacted instantly. He dropped into a slide, skidding beneath the high jumper and knocking the legs out from the low one. Using the momentum of the slide, he transitioned into a spinning sweep kick that caught the third off-guard, sending it slamming into a cave wall. The confined space made Sonic's usual hit-and-run tactics harder, but he improvised fluidly. The Neoshadows recovered and converged on him with claws flashing. Sonic grabbed a stalagmite protruding from the ground and whipped himself around it, using it to swing into a powerful roundhouse kick. The kick smashed through all three Heartless like bowling pins, hurling them deeper into the cave. They sizzled away into darkness mid-air before even hitting the ground.

The cave trembled slightly after the skirmish, likely from a minor collapse deeper within caused by all the commotion. Taking that as his cue to leave, Sonic sprinted onwards. The end of the cave tunnel sloped upward, and Sonic found himself launched up a natural rocky ramp that acted like one of those Jump Panels. He burst out of the cave's exit, back into the warm daylight, now on a ledge high on another rocky outcrop. Directly across from him was another cave entrance on a facing cliff, and Sonic's leap propelled him cleanly across the gap into that next cavern.

This second cave was short, and Sonic sped through with ease, bolting out of the tunnel's exit onto the next stretch of the island.

"Almost there!" he remarked.

Sonic emerged onto an open area at a slightly lower elevation. This was another small island plateau separated by shallow water from the last section of Emerald Coast. A gentle waterfall from the cliffs he had just departed flowed into a clear pool here, feeding into the ocean. The sun was beginning to dip just a bit, lengthening shadows of palm trees that dotted this area. Directly ahead loomed a steep ramp-like hill of rock and sand, clearly the way forward. At the top of that ramp, Sonic could make out some wooden scaffolding and platforms – structures placed there perhaps to facilitate safe crossing or leftover from old boardwalks. Beyond that lay the final beach and the end of the zone. Sonic's Goal Ring would be there waiting, if this memory stayed true. But getting there would require some skilful platforming.

"Let's get moving!"

The hedgehog dashed towards the big ramp. As he set foot on it, he immediately felt it tilt upward sharply. Sonic leaned in, pumping his arms to maintain speed uphill. The terrain here was tricky: parts of the ramp were broken into tiered ledges with gaps between, requiring quick jumps to ascend. Sonic bounded up each ledge with ease, barely touching them for more than a millisecond. Halfway up the ramp, a series of wooden platforms jutted out, forming a switchback path to the top. Sonic could have just Spin or used Boost straight up the rough slope, and indeed he considered employing that risky shortcut; but he decided against it.

Instead, he hopped onto the first wooden platform. It wobbled under his weight, and immediately a hazard swung into action: a spiked bar attached to a pole swept across the platform, aiming to knock intruders off. Sonic ducked just in time, the rusty spikes whooshing above his spines. Without waiting for it to circle back, he jumped to the next platform, which was slightly higher. Here, two spiked bars rotated in opposite directions – a devious little obstacle. Sonic timed a quick step between their alternating swings and then leapt off before they could touch him. His agility carried him upward, onto a stable rock outcrop.

From this outcrop, he could see the final pathway ahead: a set of springboards to the left and a row of Jump Panel plates to the right, both options leading upward to the same spot. Floating above either route were two more spinning spiked bars, ready to swat at anyone who came too close. Sonic slowed for a split second, evaluating. The springs would bounce him high one after the other, but perhaps slower, giving the spikes more chance to hit. The Jump Panels, by contrast, would fire him like a cannon from one to the next rapidly – more risk if misjudged, but faster. Sonic, being Sonic, opted for speed.

He veered right and hit the first Jump Panel plate at full tilt.

Boing!

The plate launched him upward at an angle. He curled into a ball as he sailed by the first spiked bar, feeling it graze the air beneath him. He hit the second panel mid-air, which ricocheted him even higher in a flash of light. Now the second spiked bar came whirling toward him – Sonic uncurled and twisted his body mid-flight, narrowly evading the bar by inches. It was a hair-raising near miss, but Sonic cleared it. The final Jump Panel caught him and flung him up and over the top of the structure. Sonic emerged from the gauntlet and landed on the soft sand of the last island.

He was here – the final stretch of Emerald Coast, a pristine sun-soaked beach that extended just a short distance ahead to the Goal Ring. Tropical trees framed the area in a loose semicircle, almost like a finish line decoration. Sure enough, in the middle of the clearing swirled a large, spinning ring, shimmering with mystical light, and emitting a welcoming hum. The Goal Ring marked the end, a portal back out of this restored past adventure.

Sonic's face broke into a victorious smile. He took a moment to wipe his brow; though the journey had been long and fraught with danger, he felt great. His shoes left shallow prints in the white sand as he walked towards the Goal Ring, savouring the accomplishment. With each step, he reflected on what he'd just experienced: reuniting with an old experience that felt both familiar and fresh, facing down Heartless and a corrupted version of the orca, preserving not just a piece of his past but the friends tied to it. He couldn't wait to bring Big back and tell him the good news Emerald Coast was safe again.

Sonic broke into a short celebratory run and leapt through the Goal Ring. A chorus of chimes sounded, and the ring's magic washed over him in a burst of warmth and light. He skidded to a halt just past it, throwing up his hands in a V-for-victory pose.

"Yes! That's how it's done!" he cheered to no one in particular.

The tropical breeze carried his voice away across the waves. Sonic exhaled, letting his heart rate slow. Emerald Coast was complete – and not a moment too soon. He could feel the pull of White Space starting to take hold, signalling it was time to return.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Sonic took a few steps, preparing for the familiar sensation of being teleported back, when his keen ears caught a small, soft sound over the gentle surf.

"Ribbit… ribbit."

Sonic's ears perked and he turned toward the treeline at the edge of the beach. Hopping out from behind a hibiscus bush came a little green frog. The frog looked around timidly, then its bulbous eyes fixed on Sonic. It croaked again, louder this time. Sonic's face lit up in astonishment and delight.

"Froggy!" he exclaimed, recognising Big's little friend immediately. The frog bounded towards Sonic in little leaps across the sand. Sonic knelt and gently scooped Froggy into his gloved hands as the amphibian jumped up at him. Froggy let out an excited ribbit and settled in Sonic's grasp, as if knowing this hedgehog was a friend. Sonic chuckled. "What're you doing here, little buddy? Looking for your pal Big, huh?"

Froggy croaked and nodded.

Sonic held the frog securely yet tenderly. "Don't worry, I'll take you to him," he promised with a warm smile. Froggy blinked his wide eyes and let out a contented "ribbit" as if in understanding.

As Sonic stood there with Froggy in his hands, the sky above the island began to shimmer. A radiant white light descended like a soft curtain, slowly enveloping the entire scene. The palm trees, the ocean, the sand – all started to fade into pure white luminosity. Sonic recognised the transition: the world was releasing him, sending him and Froggy back to White Space.

The light grew brighter, washing out all colours. Sonic took one last look at the beautiful beach as it dissolved into whiteness. He felt weightless, as if floating. Froggy snuggled against his chest and Sonic tightened his hold protectively around the small friend. "Hang on, Froggy." Sonic closed his eyes, filled with hope that when they emerged, Big would be there waiting with Modern and Classic Tails.

"Let's get back, little buddy. Our friends will be waiting," Sonic said warmly.

"Ribbit!" Froggy crocked with excitement.

Another adventure completed, another friend saved, and one step closer to restoring everything Terios had tried to steal and drain. Emerald Coast's azure blues and golden sands would forever be a cherished part of Sonic's memories, now free of darkness.

Meanwhile – Naminé's Room - Castle Oblivion

Naminé sat in her chair, sketchbook balanced on her lap, her pale fingers resting on its cover. Her expression was conflicted, blue eyes following Terios as he paced restlessly across the white room. The indigo hedgehog spoke of plans Vexen had seeded in him—schemes meant to force him to "think outside the box." But to Naminé, it all sounded brittle and dangerous.

"…But how do you know it's going to work?" Her voice was soft, edged with fatigue. "How do you know the Shadow you find will even fight Sonic?"

Terios halted mid-stride, turning his good eye towards her. "Hate is a strong motivator, Naminé. The Shadow I saw is drowning in it—hate for Sonic, hate for humanity itself. On the ARK, it nearly consumed him completely."

"But…" Naminé's lips parted, hesitant, before her resolve hardened. "From their history, Shadow overcame those feelings. He worked with Sonic to stop the ARK disaster in the end. It won't work."

"It has to." His tone cut sharp, but his stance betrayed unease. "Bring him to White Space, tear open that wound, and it'll drag the darkness out of his heart. Especially with the Heartless bleeding into that past moment."

Naminé stiffened. "You drew the Heartless there?!"

"Yes."

"That's too far, Terios," Naminé said, her voice raising and suddenly fierce.

The hedgehog tilted his head, confusion roughening his voice. "Too far? The Heartless gnaw through countless moments of Sonic's history. Why does this one disturb you so much?"

Naminé's hands clenched her sketchbook. For once, she didn't hesitate. "Because that's when Shadow changed." Her words trembled with conviction. "He could have drowned in vengeance. He could have let hatred consume him. But he remembered his friend, honoured her wish, and chose life. He fought beside Sonic to save Mobius. That choice defines him. If you poison it with darkness, you'll unravel the very thing that made him more than a weapon."

Silence pressed in. Then Terios exhaled a sound halfway between a laugh and a sigh. "And yet, it is the only way. The Organization, the Doctor—they tug our strings too tightly. If I can't stop the Blue Devil, perhaps the one they modelled me after will."

"You're not breaking the cycle," Naminé shot back, shaking her head, her blond hair brushing her cheeks. "You're just feeding it."

Terios' good eye softened. His voice did not. "Then I'll have to try. Or…" His words dragged, heavy.

"…Or?"

He turned fully towards her, almost reluctant. "Plan B."

The girl's stomach dropped. "…What's Plan B?"

Terios' answer came quiet, deliberate: "Chaos is not our enemy. It is our ally."

Naminé's breath caught. For a moment she swore she heard water drip, echoing against the immaculate white floor. "No…" The word slipped out, raw. "That wouldn't just destroy Sonic—it would destroy everything!"

"If Shadow fails," Terios said, his tone burdened but steady, "then we have no choice."

"No!" She stood suddenly, the sketchbook tumbling to the floor with a dull slap. Her voice rose, trembling with urgency. "This isn't a plan, Terios—it's reckless. It's dangerous!"

The indigo hedgehog's shoulders sagged, as though her protests weighed him down. He turned away, summoning a dark corridor that swallowed the room's sterile glow.

"You'll understand in time," he murmured, never once looking back. The shadows closed, and he was gone.

Naminé stood rooted, lips quivering, blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "…No. You've already gone too far."

She collapsed back into her chair, burying her face in her hands. The whisper tore free, low and exhausted: "Why does he keep pushing like this? These memories… they twist more than I ever imagined." Her nails dug lightly into her skin. But then—one word reverberated, sharp against her thoughts. Chaos. Her head lifted. "Chaos… Chaos Emeralds."

The sketchbook still lay on the floor. She snatched it up as though afraid it might vanish, rifling through pages until a familiar drawing met her gaze: seven jewels, each gleaming in vivid colour—green, blue, red, purple, cyan, silver, and yellow. Her fingertip traced the lines. "They bind what's forgotten… what's lost." Her lips curled briefly in wonder, before fading into grim resolve. "Sonic will need them all. Yet… the yellow Chaos Emerald won't cross his path directly."

She turned the page. Her breath stilled.

A lone hedgehog stared back at her: black and red, his outline heavy with weight no sketch should carry. Gold limiter rings glinted faintly on his wrists; crimson-striped shoes looked poised to burst from the parchment.

Beneath him stretched a streak of light—a rail of wind he ground against, defying gravity, storm-wracked ruins collapsing in his wake. Across the sky, a raven's wings cut through thunderclouds, a dark omen smudged in charcoal shadow.

Naminé's trembling fingers brushed his gaze, etched narrow, defiant, yet burdened. "I'll have to reach him," she whispered, voice steadier now. But as her eyes lingered, doubt flickered—was she seeing the truth, or twisting things again through her sketches? Closing her eyes, she clutched the book against her chest. "Somewhere, beyond memory and ruin… Shadow is waiting."

Chapter Text

Leaf Forest (Classic Sonic)

Music: Target Leaf Forest – Act 1 – Sonic Generations

Classic Sonic burst through the portal into Leaf Forest, greeted by an explosion of colour and life. The vibrant green of ancient trees and lush foliage spread out before him under a bright, cloudless sky – a stark contrast to the lifeless void of White Space he'd just left.

The air here was fresh and cool, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. In the canopy above, sunlight streamed through the leaves in dancing patterns, and he could hear birds chirping melodiously alongside the distant rush of a waterfall. He took a moment to marvel at the serene beauty around him, standing a little taller with his chest puffed out in pride. His new friend Aerith had called him a hero not long ago, and Classic Sonic silently vowed to prove her right. This world's vibrancy filled him with energy and determination, reminding him exactly why he was here. Classic Sonic's heart raced with excitement and resolve as he prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

Without wasting another second, the blue hedgehog took off at full speed down the forest path. Almost immediately, a cluster of small Shadow Heartless emerged from the underbrush in front of him.

Classic Sonic narrowed his eyes and leapt into action. With a swift Spin Dash, he curled into a blur of blue and slammed through the group, scattering the dark creatures like leaves caught in a tornado. The Shadow Heartless stood no chance; each one disappeared in a wisp of darkness as Sonic ploughed through them. When he uncurled and skidded to a halt, only fading dark smoke remained where the Heartless had been. Sonic allowed himself a brief grin of satisfaction, giving a thumbs-up to the empty air in a moment of silent triumph.

He pressed on, dashing deeper into the heart of Leaf Forest. The dirt path under his red and white shoes felt springy with moss and fallen leaves. As he ran, golden rings strewn about the area turning lightly in the breeze. He veered slightly to the side, scooping up a line of the rings – their familiar ching sound as comforting as a favourite song. Each ring's glow seemed to add to his vigour.

Up ahead, the terrain started to rise. Classic Sonic hit a curved ramp at top speed, using it as a launch point. He soared into the air, the forest canopy opening up to reveal a panoramic view of the zone for just a heartbeat. Far below, waterfalls glinted, and tree-covered hills rolled into the distance. Gravity soon pulled him down towards a wide ledge, and he landed in a perfect spin, uncurling smoothly into a run without losing momentum. In one fluid motion, he bounded over the next obstacle – a gaping pit between him and solid ground. Sonic's legs blurred as he leapt across the gap, easily clearing it and touching down on the other side. He skidded for a split second, pebbles tumbling into the chasm behind him, then kept going.

A series of spikes protruded from the ground just ahead, glinting menacingly in the sunlight. Sonic's reflexes were sharp and precise; he quickly zigzagged and hopped to avoid the spiky traps. With acrobatic ease, he bounded from one safe patch of ground to the next, the spikes passing harmlessly beneath him. Not a single quill was grazed. He landed safely beyond the hazard, allowing himself a small sigh of relief.

However, the peaceful sounds of the forest were briefly interrupted by a new noise – a mechanical buzzing that grew louder by the second. Sonic's ears twitched as he recognised the telltale buzz of a Badnik. Sure enough, a Buzzer was zooming towards him between the trees. Its metal gleamed yellow and black, and as it closed in, it fired a round of energy projectiles from its stinger. Sonic deftly slid under the incoming shots, feeling them whiz past his quills. In a split second, he jumped up high and curled into a tight ball. With a homing-like precision, the hedgehog Spin Attacked the flying Badnik from below. The robotic wasp exploded in a shower of sparks and scrap, its parts clattering to the forest floor. Sonic landed back on his feet and kept moving without missing a beat, leaving the smoking remains of the Buzzer behind.

As he moved the path curled into a giant loop-de-loop, one of the iconic course elements winding through the forest. Classic Sonic barrelled forward and entered the loop at full tilt. As he ran upside-down along the loop's interior, the world spun around him in a green blur. Wind rushed past his face and for a moment gravity seemed to loosen its hold – yet his footing was steady thanks to sheer speed. He burst out of the loop with a whoop of exhilaration, the momentum propelling him onto a grind rail that ran along a high ledge. Sonic hopped onto the rail and leaned his weight expertly, grinding with perfect balance. Metal sparks danced from his red shoes as the rail curved downward like a rollercoaster track. The sensation of wind in his quills and the forest zooming by below was thrilling; he couldn't help but flash a big grin. This is what he lived for – high-speed action and the freedom of the open air.

As the grind rail ended, Sonic leapt off and flipped cleanly back onto solid ground. In the distance, he spotted another rail above, part of an upper route through the trees. He also noticed something else: far below, in a shaded clearing beneath the platforms, there was movement. Classic Sonic skidded to a stop at the edge of a drop-off, peering down.

Below him a pack of larger, more menacing Heartless prowled – Neoshadows. They shifted restlessly in the dim underbrush, as if sensing Sonic's presence. Sonic felt a surge of resolve. He couldn't just leave these darkness-creatures lurking in the forest; to restore this world, he would have to clear them out too. Without hesitation, he decided to take the fight to them. He stepped off the ledge, diving fearlessly into the lower area to confront the threat.

Classic Sonic landed in a crouch on the soft forest floor of the lower grove, immediately drawing the attention of the Neoshadow Heartless around him. They emerged from the gloom with a hiss – tall, sleek-bodied beings of living shadow, each with razor-sharp claws. The Neoshadows wasted no time and lunged at Sonic from all sides, attempting to surround him. Sonic quickly rolled to avoid a swiping claw, then countered with a Spin Dash so fast it kicked up a whirlwind of leaves.

Thud!

The hedgehog slammed into one Neoshadow, dispersing it into dark vapor, but two more sprang at him immediately. Sonic pivoted on his heel and launched into a spinning jump, Spin Attacking in mid-air to knock the next Heartless back. One clever Neoshadow tried to attack from behind. Sonic's ears twitched; he sensed the ambush and at the last second he performed a Drop Dash, springing up and then driving downward in a curled ball. He crashed onto the Neoshadow behind him with punishing force, crushing it into nothingness against the ground. The remaining foe attempted a combination of swipes, its claws slicing through empty air as Sonic nimbly backflipped away. Before the creature could recover, Sonic uncorked from his ball form and delivered a swift kick to its head, a move brimming with the momentum of his previous dash. The Neoshadow toppled and dissolved into black mist. In a matter of moments, the clearing was silent again and all that remained of the ambush were a few drifting black particles fading in the sunlight. Classic Sonic dusted off his gloved hands, his eyes bright with triumph. He felt the pride well up inside him again.

With the enemies cleared from the lower grove, Sonic took a quick look around for a way back up. The hedgehog spotted a brightly coloured blue spring was wedged between two tree roots nearby. Sonic ran and hopped atop the spring, crouching briefly to aim himself.

BOING!

The spring recoiled and launched him skyward with powerful force, sending him flying back up through the canopy. Sonic tucked in his arms as he hurtled upward, leaves and branches whipping past. He soared back onto the higher ledges of the main route, landing on a grassy platform with a light thud. He was back on track.

No sooner had his shoes touched the ground than a metallic clatter reached his ears. Ahead on the path was a stubby orange monkey robot, known as a "Mon," built to look like an orange monkey.

The robot had been waiting idly, and now with Sonic in range it began bouncing frantically, its jointed tail swinging as it prepared to attack. The mechanical primate let out a series of shrill beeps, leaping high into the air in an attempt to crash down on Sonic. But the hedgehog was ready. As the Mon badnik descended, Sonic simply stepped aside with a smirk and executed a quick sideways somersault. His spin attack hit the monkey robot mid-drop with pinpoint timing. The Mon exploded in a burst of smoke and scattered circuitry. Springs and bolts rained down, and a small, freed forest animal scurried out of the wreckage into the bushes. Sonic watched the critter escape with a relieved smile.

With the hedgehog picking up speed, the path ahead led Sonic through an exhilarating loop, followed by a narrow, twisted wooden bridge that spanned a sparkling stream below. Sonic slowed just enough to maintain his balance as he dashed across the winding bridge. The planks creaked under his rapid footsteps, and the rushing water below formed a misty rainbow in the air.

Despite the speed of his journey, Sonic felt a deep appreciation for this beautiful world – the vibrant colours of flowers lining the bridge, the lively chatter of distant wildlife, and the sunlit mist from the waterfall all around him. It was hard to believe a place this full of life had been overrun by darkness only moments ago. The contrast between the gentle environment and the fierce enemies he'd been fighting was stark, but it only fuelled his determination further.

After crossing the bridge, Sonic kicked back into high gear. He leapt over another wide pit with ease, then blasted through a massive loop-de-loop that sent him spiralling upwards along its inner wall. The momentum carried him high onto the next section of the zone. Here, the terrain opened into a series of gently curving hills and ramps. Sonic noticed another twisted bridge up ahead, similar to the last – but this time a cluster of Shadow Heartless was swarming directly on the bridge, as if lying in wait. Their heads and antennae bobbed as they prepared to pounce on the speeding hedgehog.

Sonic narrowed his eyes and charged straight ahead. Rather than slow down, he Spin Dashed into the first Shadow at full throttle. He was a blue comet, tearing through the pack of Heartless in seconds. One, two, three – the Shadows on the bridge popped into dark vapor one after another, unable to withstand the sheer force of Sonic's spinning attack. In the blink of an eye, the twisted bridge was cleared, and Sonic raced onward, leaving nothing but shimmering darkness that quickly evaporated behind him.

As he came off the bridge, Sonic felt the ground beneath him change texture – a speed booster pad was embedded in the dirt path. He grinned and leaned forward. The moment his foot hit the booster; it activated with a burst of energy. In an instant, Sonic's already impressive speed doubled. He became a streak of blue zooming through the forest, moving almost too fast for the eye to follow. Trees and rocks blurred past in streaks of green and brown. Fuelled by the booster, he tore through two more giant loops back-to-back, barely feeling gravity as he ran sideways and upside-down through each one. The wind roared in his ears and his heart pumped with adrenaline.

Coming out of the second loop, Sonic hit a perfectly positioned spring at full tilt. The spring coiled and launched him skyward in a high arc. Sonic tucked in as he ascended, then flipped gracefully at the apex of the jump. He spotted his next landing – a wooden platform perched between two tall trees. His trajectory was true, and he landed lightly on the platform on both feet. The instant he touched down, he transitioned into another grind along a downward-sloping rail connected to the platform's edge.

Sonic leaned into the grind, feeling the rail vibrate under his weight as he rushed along it. The rail curved and descended, leading him through a section of the forest filled with looping vines and giant mushrooms sprouting from tree trunks. At the rail's end, Sonic popped off with a well-timed jump, flying forward. He curled into a ball and bounced off a waiting spring that catapulted him through yet another loop ahead. The seamless chain of speed and motion was dizzying and fantastic.

As he exited that loop, he landed with a spin on a seesaw-like lever platform suspended in mid-air. The lever teetered under his momentum. Acting quickly, Sonic used the tilt to his advantage: he sprang upward from the rising end of the lever, getting an extra boost in height. Below him, the lever mechanism clicked, lowering a section of platform toward the ground. Sonic flipped in the air and descended fast, landing on the ground below in a three-point stance. He had dropped into yet another lower area – and, just as before, more enemies were lying in wait.

This time a whole pack of Neoshadows crawled out from the shadows of the underbrush, their yellow eyes gleaming with malice. Sonic found himself surrounded by the tall Heartless once again. One Neoshadow charged, swinging an arm like a club. Sonic cartwheeled to the side, narrowly avoiding the heavy hit, and retaliated with a spin jump that cracked into the creature's midsection. He followed through by chaining a Drop Dash off the landing, the sudden burst of speed bowling over two more Neoshadows that had been closing in on him. The remaining Heartless tried to coordinate, circling and feinting to find an opening, but Sonic would not give them the chance. He became a whirlwind of motion – ducking under one Heartless' swipe and striking it in the back, then ricocheting off a tree trunk to body-slam another. A final Neoshadow launched itself directly at Sonic with a beastly leap, claws outstretched. For a split second, the Heartless' looming form eclipsed the sun above, casting a shadow over the hedgehog. But Classic Sonic met its attack head-on: he revved in place and then shot forward in a devastating Spin Dash, hitting the Neoshadow mid-leap. The dark creature never even hit the ground – it burst apart in mid-air, vanquished by the decisive blow. In mere moments, all the Neoshadows were defeated, fading into black mist. Sonic stood amid the vanishing darkness, his breath coming in quick pants and a determined frown on his face. Bit by bit, the forest was being freed from the Heartless threat. The hedgehog could feel the positive energy returning to the world with each enemy he eliminated.

Wasting little time, Sonic dashed forward from that clearing and sped through yet another loop that rose up to rejoin the main path. Coming out of the loop, he jumped onto a high ledge, staying light on his feet to avoid a row of spikes embedded in the ground there. The spikes jutted upward like the teeth of a trap waiting to ensnare the careless. Sonic, however, was anything but careless – he timed his jumps perfectly, hopping over each dangerous spike cluster in a blur. At the ledge's end, a red spring awaited. Sonic bounded onto it, and the coil sprang him up onto an even higher ledge with a steep ramp. He knew he must be nearing the end of the zone now; his instincts and the gradually sloping upward terrain told him he was ascending towards the final stretch.

He bolted up the ramp, gaining tremendous speed, and used it to vault onto the top of a huge loop structure ahead. Instead of running inside this loop, he had enough momentum to reach the outer edge and land on top of it. For an instant, Sonic balanced atop the circular loop structure, feeling almost like he was riding a giant wheel. From that vantage point, he took a quick leap forward and caught a grind rail suspended in the air. His landing on the rail was precise, and he crouched low as he slid down it, wind whipping at his quills. The rail curved downward and sent him flying off its end with a final burst of speed. He landed on a powerful launcher platform. The moment Sonic's weight hit the launcher, it triggered, flinging him forward with immense force. Sonic rocketed through the treetops, streaking towards the next ledge. He landed with a roll and immediately dashed onward. There was no stopping him now.

The final stretch of the zone unfolded before him in one continuous high-speed run. Sonic raced through one last loop, feeling centrifugal force pin him to the track as he zipped around it. As he exited that loop, he spotted an upward-curving ramp directly ahead and hit it at full throttle. He used the ramp's angle to launch himself high into the sky, taking flight in a long arc above the forest.

The hedgehog soared higher than he had at any point so far – high enough that he could see the entire Leaf Forest zone beneath him, and he could glimpse the horizon where the sun was beginning to dip. Up here, the air was crisp, and the moment felt almost timeless. As he tilted forward, beginning his descent, his keen eyes caught sight of a long rail stretching out below him, glittering in the sunlight. It was perfectly positioned to break his fall. Sonic angled his body and nailed the landing, grinding onto the rail from mid-air without a hitch. He surfed the rail as it gently descended back down towards solid ground, the ride smooth and fast. When the rail finally ended, Sonic jumped off, uncurling from his ball form and landing in a full sprint on the grassy earth.

Now it was a straight shot through the trees. Classic Sonic dashed through the final stretch of Leaf Forest, leaves and dust kicking up in his wake. His eyes were locked ahead, where a goal post stood waiting between two tall palm trees. Sonic could see Dr. Robotnik's face plastered on the sign, taunting him from the goal post's banner.

"Not for long," he thought.

He pumped his legs even faster, squeezing every bit of speed out of himself. The goal post drew closer… WHOOSH!

Sonic hit the goal at top speed, spinning it like a pinwheel as he passed. The signpost rotated rapidly, the image blurring – and when it settled, the pudgy face of Robotnik had been replaced by Sonic's own cheerful likeness, indicating the stage was clear. Sonic skidded to a halt just a few steps beyond the goal, kicking up a spray of dirt and grass as he did. He panted lightly from exertion but wore a triumphant grin on his face.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

Normally, this would be the moment when the world around Sonic shimmered, dissolved, and gave way back to White Space. But this time… nothing. The forest remained vibrant and whole around him.

Sonic tilted his head, tapping one gloved finger against his chin. His eyes narrowed in thought. No shimmering light, no rift opening. For once, it looked like he was stuck here.

He gave a small shrug, palms raised as if to say, "Guess I'll just have to find it myself." With a confident smirk, he crouched into a runner's stance, ready to dash deeper into the forest to search—

"WHOOOOOOAAAAH!"

The cry made him freeze. Sonic's ears perked as he glanced up. High above, the blue sky itself split open with a jagged tear of white light. Something round, yellow, and very noisy tumbled out of it like a dropped coin.

THUD! BOUNCE! BOUNCE!

The object hit the soft grass, rolled, and landed face-first in the dust earth. Sonic jumped back a step from the impact, eyes wide. He stayed frozen in place, taken aback by the strange round creature sprawled ahead of him.

[Pac-Man World 3 – Menu theme plays]

"…Ow…" the strange newcomer groaned. Slowly, the yellow ball pushed himself upright on stubby legs and brushed off his gloves. He blinked, squinting around at the lush greenery, the towering trees, and the waterfalls glinting in the distance. His face twisted into disbelief. "Ugh… Orson must've messed with the teleporter again. That goofball ghost picks the worst times for shenanigans." He placed his hands on his round sides and sighed. "Where am I?"

He turned in a slow circle, squinting at the vibrant foliage. Flicky birds darted overhead, the forest hummed with life. "…No way is this Ghost Island. Looks more like Ghost Garden. And I didn't get the memo," he muttered, crossing his arms with a frown.

Classic Sonic tilted his head; one brow arched in bemused curiosity. With a cheeky smirk, he crouched low—then ZOOM! In a flash of blue he bolted past the yellow stranger, circling around to size him up. The sudden gust nearly knocked the newcomer off his feet.

"Wha—what was that?! A motorcycle?!" The yellow object staggered, eyes spinning. But when the blur stopped and zipped back, it wasn't a machine at all—it was a small, spiky blue hedgehog with big eyes staring curiously at him. The rounded stranger blinked. "…Well, you're definitely not a motorcycle. So, uh… hi there." He raised a hand in a casual wave. "Guess I should introduce myself—name's Pac-Man. Think I might've taken a wrong turn… or ten. You wouldn't happen to know where 'here' is, would you?"

Classic Sonic gave a faint smile and a confident nod.

Pac-Man's round face brightened. "Oh, that's a relief. Thanks, buddy. Uh… so, what's the deal with this forest? I don't suppose you've got a map tucked in those spikes, have you?"

Sonic tapped his foot, then began gesturing—pointing to the ground, tracing circles in the air, miming a run, even sketching out a door-shaped outline with his hands.

Pac-Man followed the pantomime with squinted eyes. "…Uh-huh. Right. Okay… annnnd—nope, lost me. Sorry, pal, I don't speak mime."

Sonic froze mid-gesture, deadpanned at him, then sighed silently.

Pac-Man chuckled, waving a gloved hand at the hedgehog. "Hey, no offense! You're good at it. Just… maybe throw in some subtitles or something."

Sonic rolled his eyes but smirked all the same. He crossed his arms and gave a little nod forward.

"So… is there someone else around here?" Pac-Man asked, perking up. "Someone who can actually talk?"

The hedgehog gave another firm nod, his expression calm but assured. Aerith would probably know how to handle someone this chatty better than he could, but for now his gestures would have to do.

"Perfect!" Pac-Man clapped his hands together. "Lead the way, speedy!"

Sonic smirked, leaned forward, and blasted off again in a streak of blue.

Pac-Man's eyes bulged. "Whoa-ho-ho! You're the fastest thing I've ever seen!" He started jogging after him, his little legs pumping furiously. "Hey—HEY! Wait up! I don't got gears like that!"

Sonic glanced back, slowed into a lighter jog and stopped, letting the yellow orb catch up.

As he finally caught up to the hedgehog, Pac-Man bent over with his hands on his knees, panting hard between words but still managing a grin. "Hahh—thanks, pal… my legs are more—huff—uh… round-trip than express delivery, if you catch my drift."

Sonic gave a soft, silent chuckle and motioned him onwards with a nod.

Pac-Man straightened slowly, still puffing but regaining his composure. He waddled alongside, his deadpan tone snapping back. "Alright, alright—I'm good now. Let's go find this friend of yours."

Chapter Text

Limbo

[Firecracker – LEMMiNO plays]

With two more points in time saved by the Sonics, the dark Limbo was about to grow lighter.

The group of trapped allies clustered in smaller knots across the endless black nothingness, speaking in hushed tones or staring into the void.

Cid stood a little apart from the rest, boots planted firm, hands braced on his hips. He scowled into the blackness like it owed him munny. "Hell of a thing," he muttered. "Nothin' to do but stand around and twiddle our thumbs till the hedgehog finally pulls us out." With a sharp huff, he threw his arms into the air. "What the hell else are we supposed to do here?"

Close by, Yuffie lay flat on her back, arms spread, staring at the ceiling that wasn't there. "Speak for yourself, old man. I'm working on my songwriting career."

Cid turned slightly, eyes narrowing looking down at her. "Don't you dare."

Yuffie cleared her throat dramatically, then sang loud enough for the whole void to hear:
"I am so, so bored, bored out of my brain! If I don't die first, betcha I'll go insane—"

"Yuffie, I swear to Gaia, if you finish that damn song—"

She sat up swiftly, folding her legs beneath her and pouting like a scolded child. "What? You'd rather I die of silence? I'm trying to keep morale up!"

"Morale up?!" Cid barked, now turning fully with his hands thrown wide. "You call that caterwaulin' morale? Sounds more like torture!"

"HEY!" Yuffie shot back, her voice bouncing off the emptiness of Limbo. "At least I'm doing something constructive! You just stand there and sulk like it's your full-time job!"

Cid's brow twitched. "Watch it, kid, or I'll—"

"Enough." Leon's voice cut through the rising noise. The group turned instinctively toward him. His eyes, steady and sharp, shifted from Cid to Yuffie. "Maybe you two should whine less," he said evenly, "and talk more with your allies." He inclined his head toward Vector, who stood with arms crossed in quiet confidence. Espio remained at his side, composed as ever, while Charmy buzzed a few feet overhead. "Vector was just telling me something useful."

Vector grinned, flashing a toothy smile. "You bet I was! Y'know, before all this Limbo mess, we were workin' on something when we were looking into the Ansem Case. But… turns out it went belly-up faster than a flopped flounder—"

"A flopped flounder?" Yuffie repeated, tilting her head in mock confusion.

Charmy chimed in eagerly, wings buzzing. "He means really bad!"

Espio closed his eyes, exhaling sharply. "Vector's storytelling could use… refinement."

"HEY!" Vector huffed, fists on his hips. He glanced down at his team before sighing and turning back to Leon and the larger group. "Point is—back in Hollow Bastion, we dug up ties to shady types movin' in the dark. The kinda thing that doesn't just go away. If you ask me, it might connect to why we're all here and that hedgehog that abducted us. Ain't no such thing as coincidences."

Leon gave the faintest of nods, acknowledging the thought. "Which is why you should listen, Yuffie. Cid. Even in a void like this, information is still worth something."

Yuffie puffed her cheeks like a sulking teenager, then flopped onto her back with a theatrical groan. "Ugggghhh. Fine. But if this story ends with Moogles and tax evasion again, I'm going back to my song."

Vector leaned forward, eyes narrowing in righteous fury. "Oh, you mean the Moogle that wasn't disclosin' their taxes to help with the restoration?"

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Yuffie cried out.

Espio adjusted his stance, voice low and deadly serious. "Tax fraud is no laughing matter. It undermines the integrity of an entire society."

Charmy zipped in a buzzing circle above the group, wings rattling like an overexcited hornet. "Yeah! We all pitched in—rings, munny, whatever we had—to keep the lights on! And we're not even from that world! Everyone's gotta do their part!"

Espio folded his arms, his tone measured and calm in contrast. "Exactly. Support is valuable, but it must be done properly. Aid funds must be handled responsibly, and legally."

"Please stop…" Yuffie pleaded, losing the will to live.

Vector gave a sharp nod, crossing his arms with a detective's authority. "That's the truth. Sure, donations from Soleanna and G.U.N. help, but let's be real—munny doesn't just fall outta the sky. Every bit counts."

"Yeah, and that Moogle's being super shady! Charmy exclaimed. "I'm telling you, the one in market's up to something!"

Yuffie let out an exaggerated groan, dragging both hands down her face like she was physically melting into the ground. "Oh please. For the love of all things Materia, make the finance talk stop before I lose my mind."

Cid muttered darkly, gaze fixed on the endless black above. "Gaia help us all. Trapped in limbo, and I'm listenin' to lectures about a Moogle failing their tax returns. This is hell."

Meanwhile, Cream and Cheese sat beside Aerith. She had been listening wide-eyed to one of Aerith's gentler stories about flowers, the kind that made the void feel just a little less cold and scary. Big sat nearby, though his eyes never stopped glancing around for Froggy.

Meanwhile, Captain Marvel lingered beside Rookie, arms folded, her gaze sharp and expectant. Rouge stood with them, one hand on her hip.

"You really don't like to talk, do you?" Carol asked the wolf, one brow arched.

Rookie gave a helpless shrug.

Carol exhaled through her nose, pinching the bridge of her forehead like she was fighting off a headache. "Most people at least try for small talk. Y'know—hello, weather's terrible, stuck in a void, that kinda thing."

The wolf tilted his head, as if the words were there but jammed in his throat. He rubbed the back of his neck instead, silent as ever.

Rouge chuckled softly, the sound low and knowing. "Don't waste your breath, Captain. I've seen that look before—quiet ones are usually sizing up the room. Watching. Waiting." She leaned closer to Rookie, smirking. "Am I right?"

Rookie blinked, caught off guard, then gave the smallest of nods.

Carol shot Rouge a look. "Oh, so you get through to him."

Rouge shrugged with an easy confidence. "What can I say? I've got a gift." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Besides, in a place like this, silence isn't the worst quality. Means he knows when not to talk."

Carol's lips curled into the faintest, tired smirk. "Alright, fine. We'll stick to charades. But you'd better be good at it."

As the Rookie awkwardly mimed a gesture, trying to communicate, he was cut off by Aerith's sudden cry. "—Cream!"

Her voice carried across the void like a spark. Every head turned. Even Yuffie shot upright at the commotion.

All eyes turned towards Cream and Cheese as a faint glow began to bloom around them, tracing their forms in soft, silvery light.

Big blinked, ears twitching as he tilted his head in confusion. A heartbeat later, his own body started to shimmer, the light crawling across his broad frame. He lifted his gloved hands, staring wide-eyed as they shone brighter and brighter. "Whoa… hey. Uh… guys?!"

Vector's jaw dropped before he jabbed a finger toward them. "It's happening!"

They all knew the signs. The glow meant one thing: rescue. Somewhere beyond this dark prison, Sonic had broken another chain.

"Miss Aerith… it's happening!" Cream gasped, staring in wide-eyed wonder as her small hands began to glow. The light spread across her body, warm and brilliant. She turned to her companions with a trembling smile. "Cheese… Big… we're really being saved!"

The little Chao squealed with joy, looping excitedly around her head in bright, playful spins.

Big rose to his full height with surprising urgency, his glow intensifying. He wobbled on his feet, but his voice boomed with childlike relief. "Froggy…! I'm coming, little buddy!"

The others gathered close, relief and bittersweet envy mixing in their voices.

"About time more of us got outta here," Vector said with a grin, though it faltered as he looked at the still-waiting faces around him.

Yuffie, now on her feet, crossed her arms, frowning. "Lucky them. Guess Sonic's finally picking up the pace then."

Leon's expression barely changed, though he allowed himself a small smile, nodding slowly.

"Good to know Big Blue's still out there fighting for us," Rouge said firmly, arms folded with quiet confidence.

"Means he's actually back at it," Cid grumbled, planting his hands on his hips again. "Still bet I'll be the last one rotting in this hellhole."

"If only…" Yuffie teased with a grin.

"Shut it, kid!" Cid snapped, though his bark carried more weariness than bite.

Cream turned towards the group, her small body glowing brighter with each passing second. She smiled bravely through the nervous shimmer. "Don't worry, Mister Cid. Mr. Sonic will save you too. I'll tell him to keep going fast—for everyone!"

Espio inclined his head, his voice calm and unwavering. "Sonic will not falter. Our freedom is only a matter of time."

"Yeah!" Charmy zipped in an excited loop. "I can't wait to finally get outta here!"

Vector let out a short chuckle with a confident nod. "Heh, same here, Charmy. Not exactly my idea of a fun time—standin' around in a void when there's a case out there beggin' to be solved."

Carol smirked faintly as she looked to the croc. "Couldn't agree more, detective. And when we do get out, somebody had better start giving us some straight answers."

The Rookie gave a firm nod, silent but steady, his eyes catching the glow.

The light swelled, wrapping around Cream, Cheese, and Big like a warm blanket. Big lifted one massive hand in farewell, his face breaking into a wide grin. "See you all soon!"

"Take care!" Aerith called, her voice soft but full of hope.

And then, in a burst of radiance, Cream, Cheese, and Big were gone.

For a long moment, no one spoke. Then, typically, Cid broke the silence with a sharp, bitter laugh, raking a hand through his hair. "Figures. I'm still gonna be the last sorry bastard stuck here, aren't I?"

Leon turned his head towards him, frowning. "Why do you keep saying that?"

Cid snorted, his scowl etched deep. "Why d'you think? Luck like mine's rotten to the core. The hedgehog'll save every last one of ya before they even glance my way. That's just how the universe gets its kicks."

Yuffie let out a loud snort of laughter, earning a low growl and a cold glare from Cid. Leon only sighed, shaking his head, while Aerith covered her mouth with a small giggle.

Carol, Rouge, and the Rookie exchanged a look, then both shrugged in silent agreement—what else could you do?

"Aw, c'mon, don't be so down in the dumps," Vector cut in, gesturing animatedly with both gloved hands as he spoke. "If Sonic's pulling two—heck, maybe even three—at a time now, the wait might not be nearly as long as you think."

"Or maybe," Yuffie cut in, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "he's not doing it alone anymore. You think maybe Tails and Amy are helping? Or Knuckles? Wouldn't surprise me. The hedgehog can't do everything by himself."

Leon's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's possible."

Captain Marvel glanced again at the Rookie. "Teamwork makes sense."

The Rookie shrugged, faint but steady.

Cid spat an invisible curse into the void. "Yeah, well, actions or not, I'm still waiting. Damn hedgehog better hurry."

Aerith looked over at him, her expression calm but firm, hands folded gently in front of her. "He will. Sonic's never let us down before… not when it matters most."

Rouge tilted her head towards Aerith, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Can't argue with the track record. Big Blue's pulled off miracles that make even G.U.N.'s best look sloppy. If anyone's walking us out of this Limbo, it's him."

Carol shifted her weight, one hand resting on her hip while the other tapped absently against her thigh. "I don't know Sonic. But from what I've heard? Sounds like the kind of guy who doesn't quit. If he's fighting for us, I'll put my money on him."

Rookie, standing silently at her side, surprised them all with a quiet "Mhm," his ears twitching as he nodded.

Carol blinked, turning to him with raised brows. "Wait… did you just…?"

The others glanced over too, curiosity cutting through the gloom.

The Rookie rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly but didn't repeat himself.

Carol chuckled, shaking her head as the tension eased. "Guess that settles it. Even the quiet ones believe in him."

To Amy, Knuckles, Yuffie, and Cid...

[Collection Room – Sonic Generations plays]

Amy, Knuckles, Yuffie, and Cid had been wandering the blank expanse of White Space for what felt like hours, when something unusual broke the monotony.

"A door?" Amy murmured, tilting her head.

It stood tall and out of place, a solitary white door with no wall, no frame — nothing but endless void surrounding it.

Cid strode closer, circling it with a sceptical squint. He even checked its back, finding only more ivory wood and hinges. "That ain't right…" he muttered aloud.

"How is that even possible?" Yuffie breathed, eyes wide with disbelief.

"White Space…" Knuckles said, rubbing the back of his head. "Nothing makes sense here."

Yuffie let out a low whistle, then shook her head. "Yeah… guess you've got me there."

Amy took a cautious step forward, her curiosity outweighing her hesitation. She reached for the doorknob— Only for the door to swing open on its own, creaking wide in slow, deliberate invitation.

"Not creepy at all…" Amy admitted as the door creaked wider.

"Looks like something Merlin would conjure up," Knuckles added, fists on his hips, brow furrowed as he tilted his head at the strange sight.

"Merlin?" Yuffie perked up, blinking rapidly. "Like… the wizard-wizard?"

Cid, who had circled back to stand with them, barked a short laugh. "From the kiddie stories? Pointy hat, robe, long beard, that guy?" His tone was sceptical at best.

Amy and Knuckles exchanged a look, then back at the two of them.

"…Guess you don't have a Merlin back home?" Amy said gently.

"We got a Bugenhagen. That count?" Yuffie shrugged.

Knuckles squinted. "The heck is that?"

"Never mind…" Yuffie replied quickly, waving a hand like it wasn't worth explaining.

Cid folded his arms, impatience written all over his face. "Alright then, humour me. Who's this Merlin fella supposed to be in your reality?"

Amy smiled, though it came with a touch of nostalgia. "Merlin is… well, he's a wizard. A good one. Lived in a funny little house with books stacked everywhere."

Knuckles added with a grunt, "Spells, enchantments, summons, all that magic stuff. Powerful help in our last adventure."

"Right…" Cid muttered, lips twisting like he didn't buy half of it.

Knuckles gave Amy a look, one that said, "this isn't going anywhere."

Amy sighed with a small nod. "You're right." She stepped forward with renewed determination and pushed the door open fully, revealing the crimson glow of the strange room beyond.

"What's this…?" she breathed, her voice carrying a cautious hope as she crossed the threshold.

Inside was not more endless white void, but a room — warm, strange, and unexpectedly homely. A velvet-red carpet stretched across the floor, tall shelves groaned under the weight of books and picture frames, and a chandelier swayed gently overhead despite the still air. The faint scent of polish and old paper hung around them, like a library crossed with a lounge. A handful of chairs were scattered throughout — some rigid and high-backed, others cushioned and worn-in — but Yuffie's sharp eyes immediately locked onto one in particular.

"Ohhhhhh," she gasped, darting past Amy before anyone could stop her. "This is my kinda place!" She bolted straight for a padded chair tucked in the corner and threw herself into it with zero hesitation. She landed dramatically, arms and legs splayed out — then popped upright again with wide eyes. "Whoa! It's actually comfy!" She bounced once for emphasis, grinning ear to ear. She then spread her arms wide like she'd just claimed a throne. "White Space luxury, baby!"

Cid followed at a slower pace, boots heavy on the rug as his sharp eyes scanned the room. "Cozy little joint, ain't it," he muttered, scratching his chin. His gaze snagged on a side table. "Well, I'll be damned."

He walked over, pushing aside a stack of books to reveal a squat, boxy contraption. He squinted, rubbed a hand over the handle, then barked out a laugh. "You gotta be kiddin' me. Is that—?"

Amy blinked, turning from the centre of the room. "What is it?"

Cid straightened, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "A coffee machine. Right here in this freaky little dollhouse of a room."

Yuffie's eyes widened. "No way!" She hopped off the chair and dashed across the carpet to his side. "Does it still work?"

Cid gave the side of the machine a solid whack. "If it don't, I'll make it. Ain't sittin' in a place this cushy without a cup of joe."

Amy let out a quiet laugh at their discovery, then wandered around the room slowly, her gaze softening as she took in the details. Velvet curtains framed the walls, and a record player sat proudly atop a pedestal. For the first time since this nightmare began, her chest eased.

"It feels… safe," she murmured, almost to herself. "Like a real hideout."

Knuckles lingered by the doorway, arms crossed, eyes wary. "Safe, huh? I dunno. I've seen enough weird stuff to know nothing's ever as nice as it looks."

Amy turned, offering a gentle smile. "Maybe. But even if it's just for now, we should be grateful. It's better than staring into nothing forever."

Yuffie flopped back into the chair, one leg draped over the armrest like royalty. "Amen to that! I call dibs on this chair by the way. This is officially Yuffie's throne of awesomeness."

Cid grunted, fiddling with the coffee machine's buttons. "Fine. Just don't get too comfy." He paused, glancing at Amy. "About that safe feeling… the hedgehog's got a point." He then turned to Knuckles. "This place could work as a safe house. We don't know what else is lurking out there — especially with Terios stirring up trouble."

"You know… that's not a bad way of putting it," Yuffie said, nodding.

Amy clapped her hands, rallying the group. "All the more reason to tell the others. If this room really is safe, it could be a good place to regroup."

Knuckles's brow furrowed. "Yeah. But someone's gotta go find Sonic and the others."

He didn't miss the way all three heads turned towards him.

"…What? Oh, come on!"

Amy leaned forward, hands behind her back, voice sweet but firm. "Knuckles, you're the best one for the job. You're strong and you can handle yourself."

Cid snorted, straightening from the table with arms crossed. "She's not wrong. Tough guy like you? Those knuckled gloves ain't for show, I bet. You'll be fine out there. Meanwhile, I'll make sure this coffee contraption don't explode in our faces."

"Yeah, Knux!" Yuffie added, now spinning upside-down on her chair to point at him. "C'mon, you're practically built for this. Punch through trouble, sniff out your buddy, drag him back here with everyone. Easy-peasy."

Knuckles threw up his hands. "Why me? Why is it always me?! He gestured wildly at the room. "Look at this place! Velvet curtains! Coffee machines! A record player! Can't I enjoy five minutes of peace before someone sends me off into the void again?"

Amy tried — and failed — to hide her smile. "Knuckles, you're dependable."

"Dependable…" Knuckles echoed bitterly, like the word had personally insulted him. "That's just code for 'we need someone who won't die immediately.'"

"Hey! I wouldn't die immediately!" Yuffie snapped, folding her arms— still upside down.

Knuckles raised a brow. "If you're anything like our Yuffie, she's curious… and sometimes curiosity bites back."

"…Well, I do like sneaking into places and yelling 'surprise!' even when it's wildly inappropriate."

"See?" Knuckles sighed, throwing up a hand. "My point exactly."

Yuffie huffed. "Then that just proves you're the best person for the job!"

Cid shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched the back-and-forth. "Exactly."

"This is a terrible argument," Knuckles groaned, pressing his gloved palms to his face like he could block out the logic. "I'm not winning this, am I?"

"Nope," Amy chimed in cheerfully.

"Hmph…" Knuckles muttered, dropping his hands to his side.

"Oh, come on! You'll be fine. Worst case, you punch something and yell dramatically. That's your whole brand, isn't it?" Yuffie teased.

"Punch away any trouble," Cid added, voice firm. "And if you see that creep Terios—knock him out. Job's a good 'un."

Knuckles tilted his head back; eyes fixed on the ceiling like it might open up and offer divine escape. His fists clenched, jaw tight. "Fine. But you all owe me. Big time."

Cid leaned against the table, one brow raised, voice casual. "How about a coffee when you're back?"

Knuckles turned slowly, his glare flat and unimpressed. "…I don't drink coffee."

"What?!" Yuffie reeled back like she'd been slapped, clutching her chest with mock horror, still upside down on the chair. "What kind of monster doesn't drink coffee?!"

"Me," Knuckles muttered flatly, arms crossed.

Yuffie gasped loudly, pointing an accusatory finger. "You're a menace to society, Knucklehead!"

Knuckles shot her a glare. "Better a menace than bouncing off the walls like you."

"Ok, rude!"

Cid snorted, breaking the tension with a roll of his eyes. "Alright then, what d'you want instead?"

"Grapes," Knuckles replied deadpan.

"Grapes?" Cid echoed, blinking as he looked around the room.

Amy scanned their location, her expression twisting in confusion. "…Don't see any grapes here."

Knuckles groaned, dropping his arms with a sharp exhale and swiping the air like he could erase the thought itself. A moment later, he crossed them again over his chest, sinking into a sulk. "Figures."

"White Space really is cruel," Yuffie muttered, still dangling upside down from the chair, arms folded, head tilted like a disappointed bat.

Knuckles shot her a look. "Don't push it…"

Amy pressed her palms to her cheeks, trying to smother a laugh behind a groan. "Just go already, Knuckles. Please."

With a sharp exhale through his nose, Knuckles threw his hands up and stomped towards the exit. "Fine! But don't blame me if I end up dragging Sonic back here kicking and screaming. You know what he's like when he's adventuring!"

The door slammed behind him, echoing through the quiet like a punctuation mark. Silence settled.

Yuffie flipped off the chair in one fluid motion, landing upright with a grin. "Well. That went well."

Cid chuckled, scratching his chin as he turned back to the coffee machine. "Better than sittin' around twiddlin' our thumbs. Anyways, let's get this thing up and runnin'."

Amy glanced between her two interdimensional allies, then at the machine. "You think that thing can make a latte?"

"About to find out," Cid muttered, scanning the table. He turned, eyes sweeping the room. "Uhh… we gonna need cups though."

"Gotta be some in here somewhere…" Yuffie said, already pacing. Her gaze darted around, like the cups were playing hide-and-seek.

Amy leaned back, arms folded, eyes drifting toward the ceiling. "Maybe White Space is cruel. No cups, no grapes… just existential inconvenience."

Cid snorted, giving the coffee machine a firm tap, as if it might cough up a solution. "Would be a sick joke, wouldn't it? All this fancy gear, and not a single mug. Real twisted."

To Classic Sonic...

[White Space Medley – Sonic Generations plays]

Aerith stood by the frozen, colourless hub for Leaf Forest, arms folded and eyes scanning the stillness. "He's been a while…" she murmured, rubbing her soft arms gently. "I wonder what he's doing in there?"

Suddenly, a shimmering light began to rise from the bottom of the trapped world, travelling upwards like a sunrise in greyscale. Aerith's arms dropped, her expression shifting from concern to awe. Colour bled back into the world—soft greens, warm browns, and the gentle hum of life returning.

"He did it," she whispered, then gave a small fist pump, bouncing lightly on her wedges.

The portal pulsed with erratic light, its edges flickering like static on an old TV. A sudden burst of colour spilled out, and Classic Sonic stepped through, his shoes tapping lightly against the ground. Next to him waddled a short figure with a wide mouth and gloved hands swinging at his sides.

Aerith blinked, her brows lifting as she took in the newcomer. Round. Yellow. Definitely not from Gaia.

"So I was like, 'That's no Ghost, buddy. That's Ms. Pac!'" the yellow creature quipped, his voice dry and sardonic.

Classic Sonic tilted his head with a blank stare that screamed, "I don't get it."

Pac-Man sighed, throwing his hands up. "Geez, tough crowd…"

Sonic rolled his eyes and turned towards Aerith. His face lit up instantly, a grin stretching across his face. He raised a gloved hand in greeting, fingers wiggling in a wave as he picked up the pace.

Aerith's face softened. She stepped forward, her wedges making soft taps against the white floor. "You're back, my little hero," she said, her voice warm and proud. She gestured to the now-vibrant hub behind him. "You brought this place back to life. I knew you could do it!"

Sonic puffed out his chest, striking a pose with one hand on his hip and the other jabbing a thumb toward himself.

Pac-Man squinted at him. "Show off…" he muttered, arms folding across his body.

Aerith's gaze shifted to the yellow newcomer. "And you've found a friend?"

Sonic nodded, then pointed at Pac-Man with the same thumb he'd used to boast.

Pac-Man raised a hand lazily. "Friend is a stretch," he said. "I got dumped out of a portal, and Blue here found me face-down in the dirt. Real glamorous entrance."

Aerith chuckled. "Well, I'm glad he did. What's your name?"

"Pac-Man," he replied, giving a half-bow that looked more like a wobble. "And yours?"

"Aerith."

Pac-Man tilted his head, considering. "Nice. Sounds warm and fuzzy."

Aerith smiled. "Thank you."

Pac-Man leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. "One question though…"

Aerith mirrored the motion, curious. "Yes?"

"What… are you exactly?"

She blinked. "What do you mean?"

Pac-Man rubbed his chin, his gloved hand dragging thoughtfully across the smooth surface. He tilted his frame, eyes narrowing as he gestured towards Aerith with a lazy flick of his wrist. "I'm round and yellow. Spiky next to me is blue, fast, and mute. But you…" His gaze swept her from boots to braid. "I've never seen the likes of you before."

Aerith paused, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes softened, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in them. "Well… I'm sort of… human," she said, voice gentle but steady.

Pac-Man's mouth curled slightly, his eyes widening. "Sorta… human?"

Aerith glanced at Sonic, who responded with a dramatic shrug—arms lifted, head tilted, expression blank but somehow still cheeky.

Pac-Man snorted. "Nope. Never seen anything like you, Aerith. Ghosts, robots, monsters? Sure. Ms. Pac and Junior? Obviously. But you…" He leaned back, folding his arms. "You're a whole new species of weird. Wanna explain?"

Aerith smiled, the corners of her mouth lifting with amusement. "A human is… someone like me. We live on a planet, grow up, learn things, feel things." She tapped her chest lightly. "We're not perfect, but we try."

Pac-Man scratched his head, his gloved fingers making a soft squeak against his dome. "So, you're like… a squishy learning machine with emotions?"

Aerith giggled, her shoulders bouncing. "That's one way to put it."

Pac-Man turned to Sonic, jabbing a thumb at her. "You know what a human is, right?"

Sonic nodded, then gave a subtle eyeroll, as if to say "Obviously."

"Figures you would…" Pac-Man muttered. His gaze slid back to Aerith. "But you said you're 'sort of human.' What's that supposed to mean?"

Aerith's smile faltered. She looked out at the pale horizon, her voice dipping softer. "Well… technically, I'm a little different."

Pac-Man leaned in, brow raised. "Different how?"

"I'm not sure," Aerith admitted, folding her hands gently in front of her. "I've always felt… apart from others. Like there's something about me I can't quite explain."

"Wow, cryptic much?" Pac-Man crossed his arms, one boot tapping. "I've met ghosts who scream, robots who explode, and monsters who chew first and ask questions never. But you?" He gestured at her with both hands. "You're like a flower shop with secrets." He sniffed the air theatrically. "And yeah—you do smell like flowers."

Aerith's lips curved. "That would make sense. I am a flower girl."

Pac-Man tilted his head, conceding with a grunt. "Well, that tracks. Fresh daisies and all."

Aerith winked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Classic Sonic flashed a proud thumbs-up, grinning wide.

Pac-Man groaned, throwing his arms up. "Great. The Flower Girl's got humour, and Blue's got charm. But I still don't know what his actual name is!"

Aerith glanced at Sonic. He blinked once, tilting his head with an amused little smirk.

"Even I don't know his name," she chuckled. "He's not the talking type."

"Oh, believe me, I figured that out fast," Pac-Man muttered. "Guy's got more personality than half the ghosts I've eaten… and not a single word to show for it."

Aerith tilted her head, curious. "Wait… you eat ghosts?"

Pac-Man waved a hand. "Eh. Occupational hazard. Long story."

Sonic gave a cheeky shrug, then pointed to himself with both thumbs, striking a silent "cool guy" pose. It made Aerith giggle even more.

However, Pac-Man rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. You're adorable."

His gaze drifted past them, catching the newly restored hub—its colours vivid against the stark white of the surrounding void. He turned slowly, his expression shifting from snarky to something more thoughtful.

"Don't suppose you know what this place is either?" he asked, voice quieter now.

Aerith shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't speak, but her green eyes said everything: "No idea."

"Great…" Pac-Man groaned, wobbling his whole body like a frustrated shake of the head. "Just what I need. Dumped in a void with a mime hedgehog and a magical lady." He paused, eyes narrowing, tone shifting again—this time to curiosity. One gloved hand rose to his chin, tapping thoughtfully. "Hmmm…"

Aerith leaned over slightly. "What is it?"

Pac-Man didn't answer right away. His gaze swept the blank horizon, then flicked back to the hub. "It's a theory. From someone I know back home."

Aerith tilted her head. "Who?"

"Orson."

"Orson?" she echoed, brow furrowing.

Sonic titled his head, looking for answers as he gazed at Pac-Man.

"Yeah. Brainy ghost. Used to be a pain, now he's just… complicated." Pac-Man waved a hand vaguely. "He's the one who built Toc-Man, tried to steal my identity, cried about it, then helped me save the Spectral Realm. Real rollercoaster of a guy."

Aerith blinked, confusion etched on her face. "He built a robot version of you?"

"Yup. Full-on identity theft. Even threw a party pretending I'd show up. I crashed it. Literally."

Sonic raised a brow, clearly entertained by the story. He knew a thing or two about crashing Robotnik's schemes and breaking his toys.

"Anyway," Pac-Man continued, "Orson used to ramble on about the Spectral Realm—said it had layers. Dimensions between dimensions. He called them 'echo zones.' Places that don't quite exist but aren't empty either."

Aerith's eyes widened slightly. "You think this is one of those?"

Pac-Man shrugged. "Could be. Feels like it. No rules, no colour, no anything. Definitely not Pac-Land, that's for sure. And if Orson's right, there's more of these places out there—hidden, unstable, maybe even alive."

Sonic's brow furrowed, his quills twitching with irritation. He knew exactly what this place was—he'd heard it from the man in red, the one who spoke cryptically. This is White Space. A realm of frozen places in time, drained of temporal energy by another hedgehog called Terios. But explaining that without words? That was going to be a nightmare.

He bounced on his heels, waving his arms to get their attention.

Aerith turned, her expression curious. "What is it?"

Pac-Man squinted. "I think Blue here might know more."

Sonic nodded vigorously, then launched into a frantic pantomime. He pointed at the blank sky, then at the white ground, mimed a clock ticking, then made a dramatic explosion gesture. His hands traced swirling patterns in the air, then flattened out as if pressing against invisible walls.

Aerith tilted her head. "Is he… dancing?"

Pac-Man rubbed his eyes. "No, no—he's doing interpretive mime. I think. Maybe. I don't speak it…"

Sonic froze mid-pose, arms outstretched, then slowly lowered them. His face fell into a blank stare. He threw his hands up in defeat, then crossed his arms and turned away with a huff.

"I wish Tails was here," he seemed to say with a silent sigh.

Aerith laughed softly, covering her mouth. "Poor thing."

Pac-Man rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually. I mean, how hard can it be to decode charades in a colourless void?"

Sonic turned back to them, deadpan. His eyes narrowed, mouth a flat line. He looked like he was reconsidering his life choices.

Then—his ear twitched.

Aerith noticed first. "Hmm?"

Sonic's lips parted slightly, forming a small "o." His eyes lit up, and he stepped forward, gaze fixed past Aerith.

She smiled gently. "Little hero?"

But Sonic wasn't looking at her. His eyes had locked onto the statue nearby.

Cream and Cheese.

Suddenly, a pulse of light surged from the soles of Cream's shoes, climbing upward like a rising tide. Colour bled back into her fur, her dress, her eyes—until she blinked rapidly, confused but alive. Cheese shimmered beside her, his wings fluttering as he zipped around in startled circles, chirping in delight.

"What the—?" Pac-Man muttered. "When did they get here?"

"They've been here since we arrived," Aerith said softly. She turned to her round companion, who looked up at her. "They were trapped in stone. Our mute friend must've saved them… when he saved the forest."

Pac-Man rubbed the back of his dome. "Woah… this plot's getting a bit off the rails. Even for me."

Classic Sonic stared, wide-eyed. He'd heard the story from the man in red—how his older self-had been rescuing friends across White Space. But this was the first time he'd seen it happen. Really happen.

"So this is what happens when I save a future friend…" he thought.

He didn't know Cream and Cheese. Not yet. Their paths hadn't crossed. But watching Cream blink at the void around her, watching Cheese zip protectively near her shoulder—it stirred something warm in his chest.

He'd saved a life. Two, actually.

And he knew there were more out there. Waiting to be rescued.

Cream's eyes shimmered as she looked up at the blue hedgehog, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind. "Thank you for saving me, Mr. Sonic… I was really scared in the dark. But I knew you'd save us. I just… knew."

Classic Sonic blinked, unsure how to respond. Her words weren't just gratitude—they were belief. And that hit harder than he expected.

Cheese hovered protectively beside her, his tiny wings fluttering in uneven pulses. "Chao?" he chirped, tilting his head at Sonic with wide, curious eyes.

Sonic squinted. "What is that?" he wondered. "I've never seen anything like it. Is it a Flicky?" He leaned in slightly, studying the creature.

Cream caught his puzzled look and giggled, the sound light but still tinged with nerves. "Mr. Sonic… you look different. Did you get a haircut?"

Sonic raised a brow, then rubbed one of his quills thoughtfully. Technically… no. But maybe? He gave a half-shrug, unsure how to mime "alternate timeline identity crisis."

Aerith stepped forward, her voice gentle. "You know our little hero?"

Pac-Man's eyes widened. "Wait—his name? Sonic, right? She said Sonic!" He threw up his hands in relief. "Finally, someone who knows!"

Cream turned toward the voice, her expression shifting from joy to surprise. "Miss Aerith? You're here too?!"

Aerith blinked, her smile faltering. "You… know me?"

Cream nodded eagerly, then paused. Her long ears drooped slightly. "Of course I do. You were in that dark, scary limbo place with the rest of us. Don't you remember?"

Cheese floated closer, his voice soft. "Chao chao…"

Aerith's gaze drifted downwards. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. "Rest of us…" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Limbo…"

Pac-Man scratched his head. "Hey, don't look at me for answers. I'm just as clueless as you."

Cream's shoulders slumped. Her eyes welled up slightly, and she clutched Cheese tightly. "How can you not remember…"

Cheese let out a low, worried chirp, nuzzling her cheek.

Aerith stepped forward, passing Pac-Man and Sonic. She crouched in front of Cream and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "It's okay," she said softly. "Maybe being trapped in stone… scrambled things a bit. You're safe now. That's what matters."

Cream nodded, but her gaze lingered on Aerith's face, searching for something—recognition, comfort, anything familiar.

Pac-Man waddled over to Sonic's side and leaned in. "You know who the rabbit and the blue fluttering thing are?"

Sonic shook his head slowly; eyes still fixed on Cream.

"Figures," Pac-Man muttered, arms folding as he glanced at the rabbit and her companion. "Well… she knows you. That's something."

Classic Sonic nodded slowly, eyes still fixed on Cream. "The older me must know her," he thought. "No question about it." He watched the way Aerith crouched in front of her, she was gentle and patient, like warm sunlight breaking through thick fog.

Aerith's hand stayed on Cream's shoulder, her touch light but steady. "Don't be afraid," she said softly, her voice like a lullaby. "You're safe now. And if you're ready… maybe you could tell us what you remember—who you are, how you know Sonic, how you ended up here." She tilted her head slightly, emerald eyes warm and steady. No pressure, only quiet encouragement

Pac-Man stepped forward, his tone more practical but not unkind. "Also… that limbo stuff you mentioned. Might be good to know more. Especially if there were others stuck there. It might help give us much needed answers."

Cream looked at Aerith, her gaze searching. This Aerith felt different, but her green eyes held the same kindness. The same promise of safety.

Cream took a breath, shaky but determined. Her small, gloved hands clenched into fists at her sides, then relaxed. "Okay…" she said, voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do my best, Miss Aerith."

Aerith smiled, her hand giving Cream's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "That's all anyone can ask."

"Chao chao!" Cheese chirped, bouncing in support.

Pac-Man gave a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit."

Sonic stepped forward, his expression soft. He gave Cream a nod, his eyes saying what his voice couldn't: "We're listening. Lead on."

Cream looked at each of them—Aerith, Pac-Man, Sonic—and then at Cheese. Her fear hadn't vanished, but it had shrunk just enough to let courage take its place.

She was ready to speak and help bridge the gaps of this mystery.

To the Final Fantasy VIII crew...

[Area: Tropical Resort - Sonic Colors plays]

After leaving the main group, Squall and his team came to a slow halt at the edge of the new hub, its skeletal grandeur rising from the void like a forgotten dream. A massive archway loomed overhead, its faded 'WELCOME' sign clinging to the last vestiges of colour. Palm trees stood frozen mid-sway, balloons hovered without motion, and a Ferris wheel towered in the distance, its sun-faced centrepiece dulled to a ghostly grey.

"Woah…" Selphie exclaimed, excitement bubbling over.

"Looks like an amusement park," Irvine said cautiously, tipping his hat back as he scanned their find.

"Or what's left of it…" Quistis replied, her tone clinical but touched with unease. She stepped forwards, her former instructor instincts kicking in. The surreal architecture reminded her of something—something meant to inspire joy, now hollowed out.

"Kinda reminds me of the Deling City parade grounds," Irvine added. "Remember that?"

"Less fireworks…" Zell muttered, kicking at the ground.

Selphie twirled in a circle, arms spread wide, her boots skimming the smooth ground. "If this place had music, I'd totally throw a concert here. Like… Trabia-style, but with neon lights and rollercoasters!

Zell raised an eyebrow, looking at her. "You'd need a crowd first, Selphie…"

"Details," she chirped, then paused, her smile faltering as she caught sight of a rusted carousel frozen mid-spin. "Still… kinda sad, huh? Seeing it like this."

Squall didn't answer. He stood a few paces behind the others, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the ghostly Ferris wheel that loomed like a monument to something long gone.

Rinoa crouched beside Angelo, who sniffed the air and gave a low whine. "It's like Emerald Coast," she said softly. "Same emptiness. Same silence."

Squall stepped forward, arms still folded, eyes scanning the skeletal structures. "Another hub. Another trapped moment in time."

"Temporal energy drained…" Irvine muttered.

"Yep," Squall replied simply.

"Still a good find though," Quistis added.

"I bet this place was super amazing before it got… y'know, totally bleached," Selphie said, tilting her head.

"Bet it had churros," Zell added wistfully. "Or hot dogs… ones that don't run out. Not like the cafeteria back at Balamb…"

"Focus," Squall snapped, though his tone lacked any real bite.

"Killjoy…" Selphie muttered under her breath.

Before Squall could fire back, Rinoa's voice cut clean through the quiet. "Guys… over here."

They turned. She now stood near a raised platform, half-hidden behind a collapsed balloon arch. Angelo barked once, ears perked.

The group gathered and saw it.

A statue—lifelike, detailed, and unmistakably human looking. A woman stood frozen in mid-motion, fists clenched, her stance powerful and defiant. Her costume was vivid even in stone: a star emblem on her chest, a sash at her waist, boots planted firmly. Her hair flowed back as if caught in a wind that no longer blew.

"Whoa," Zell gasped, taken back by the find. "That's not one of Sonic's animal buddies, like Tails or Knuckles."

"Definitely not," Irvine agreed, circling the statue slowly. "She looks like… us."

"Stuck in a petrified state," Quistis murmured, brushing her fingers across the statue's arm. "Just like Big was."

Selphie tilted her head, squinting at the emblem on the woman's chest. "That star… she's gotta be a hero, right?"

"Maybe," Rinoa said softly. "She looks like she was fighting. Or protecting someone."

"More likely fighting Terios off…" Irvine muttered bleakly, tipping his hat back.

"Probably…" Quistis admitted, one hand settling on her hip.

Squall's gaze lingered on the clenched fists of the statue. "Whoever she is, she's got to be important."

Angelo whined again, pressing her nose to the statue's leg. Rinoa knelt beside her, stroking her fur. "We need to tell Sonic right away."

"Agreed," Quistis said, looking amongst her team. "This is a big find."

"But what about Classic Sonic?" Selphie asked, bouncing up and down for emphasis. "We still haven't seen him yet.

Squall nodded. "We split up. Cover more ground."

"Smart idea," Irvine said. "We've got two Sonics to track and one mystery woman to report."

Squall took charge, his voice crisp and commanding. "Rinoa, Zell, and I will head back to Emerald Coast. Find the older Sonic. Let him know what we've found."

"Got it," Rinoa said, already turning to leave.

"Selphie, Irvine, and Quistis, go search for Classic Sonic," Squall continued. "He's out there somewhere. If he's found another hub, you'll catch him there."

"Sounds good," Selphie said, bouncing on her heels. "I'll keep an eye out for anything weird. Or cool. Or weirdly cool."

"Just don't get distracted by any frozen roller coasters…" Zell remarked playfully.

"No promises!"

Rinoa gave Angelo a quick pat. "Let's go, girl. Time to find Sonic."

The teams split, boots sounding off the colourless ground. Squall led his trio back towards the way they came, retracing the faint trail through White Space. Rinoa followed close, Angelo trotting beside her, nose to the ground. Zell jogged ahead, scanning the blank horizon for any flicker of blue.

Quistis, Selphie, and Irvine lingered by the statue, its silent defiance casting long shadows across the pale ground. The hub stretched out before them—white, endless, and unnervingly still. The path ahead shimmered faintly, like a mirage waiting to solidify. The air held no scent, no breeze, just a static tension that made even silence feel rehearsed.

Selphie tilted her head, eyes tracing the star emblem on the statue's chest. "You think Classic Sonic would come here?" she asked, voice soft with wonder. "It's got that retro vibe. Like… old-school hero energy. Feels like the kind of place he'd zip through just to say he did."

Irvine adjusted his hat, gaze sweeping the horizon. "If he's anything like the older Sonic," he said, "he'd be drawn to it. Speed chases mystery—and this place hums with it."

Quistis stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied the statue's defiant pose. "From what we've seen, the younger Sonic mirrors his older self. He's saved other trapped moments in time. This one won't be any different."

Selphie gave a small nod, then smiled faintly. "Because that's what small, blue heroes do… right?"

Quistis met her gaze, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Right."

"A real… Sonic Hero," Irvine added with a grin, dragging out the words like he knew exactly how bad it sounded. "If you catch my drift."

Quistis groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Please tell me that wasn't rehearsed."

"Maybe…"

Selphie winced, letting out a small chuckle. "That was awful, Irvine."

He shrugged, unapologetic. "Hey, I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Statues, white voids, and silence aren't exactly my thing."

Quistis turned, already walking towards the path ahead. "Let's go find Classic Sonic before Irvine tries another pun and I start regretting my life choices."

Selphie jogged to catch up, laughing. "Too late for that!"

Irvine tipped his hat and followed, boots sounding softly against the pale ground. "You'll miss me when I'm quiet."

Quistis didn't look back. "I'll miss the silence more."

To Modern Sonic...

[Castle Oblivion – Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories plays]

Emerald Coast shimmered with life once more, waves rolling against the sand. Sonic's speed had restored colour to the world—and freed Big the Cat from his stone prison—but the victory didn't quite shine through the gentle giant's puzzled expression.

Now reunited with Froggy, who perched happily on his shoulder, Big scratched at his head while the little frog gave a cheerful croak. "I don't get it," Big admitted at last, voice slow and uncertain.

"Ribbet," Froggy agreed.

"You said it, pal."

Sonic dragged a palm down his face with an exaggerated groan. Classic Tails tilted his head in confusion, while his older self-pinched the bridge of his nose like he'd aged ten extra years.

They'd explained it all — Terios, White Space, the frozen hubs — in the simplest words they could manage. Sonic had even drawn it out with a stick in the sand nearby. None of it seemed to stick.

"So let me get this straight," Big said, pointing a gloved finger at Modern Tails. "We were stuck in some scary dark place together… and now we're not."

Modern Tails nodded. "Right."

"And the reason is… uh…" Big's face scrunched as he looked out at the surf, like the answer might float in with the tide.

Sonic planted his hands on his hips. "Because Terios is trapping friends and important moments from my life. If I don't get them back, everything we've lived through gets erased."

"Ohhh." Big's ears drooped as though the weight of it finally hit him. Then he blinked, tilting his head. "…I still don't get it."

Sonic's eyelids drooped. "Figures."

Classic Tails tried again, his tails flicking in mild frustration. "Look, think of it like this: Terios is scooping up chunks of Sonic's past and locking them away. Sonic then runs through and unlocks them. That's why you're here now."

Big hummed thoughtfully, one big finger tapping his chin. "So… like when Froggy gets stuck in a drainpipe, and I have to pull him out?"

"Sure," Sonic said, throwing his arms wide. "Exactly like that. Except the drainpipe is a trapped reality."

"Ahh." Big nodded slowly, his face brightening. "That makes sense!"

The two foxes traded looks.

"No, it doesn't," Modern Tails muttered, rubbing his temple.

Big's shoulders sagged. Froggy let out a sympathetic rippet, as if echoing his friend's confusion.

Sonic's smirk softened. He moved closer and gave Big a pat on the arm, like a coach reassuring a player after a fumble. "Don't sweat it, big guy. Just leave the heavy thinking to me, alright?"

Big nodded, his ears drooping but his smile faintly returning. "Okay…"

Sonic spun on his heel, pointing a thumb towards the waves lapping against the brightened shore. "Besides, you got the good end of this deal. Emerald Coast is back—plenty of spots for you and Froggy to kick back and fish. You've got good memories here I bet."

Big's eyes lit up at once, his whole frame perking up. "I sure do, Sonic! Some of my best memories are fishing right there with Froggy." He turned his head towards the frog, eyes soft. "Ain't that right, pal?"

"Ribbet!"

Sonic grinned, pumping a fist. "Great! Then why don't you head in, take five? We'll come find you when this is all wrapped up."

Big nodded, relief softening his usually dozy features. "Okay. Thanks, Sonic. You're… a really good friend."

Sonic's smile softened into something quieter, almost shy. He shrugged, trying to keep it light. "Heh. I have my moments."

Big raised a hand in a lumbering wave before turning towards the glowing portal, Froggy perched happily on his shoulder. Without another word, the gentle giant stepped through, eager for the promise of calm waters and familiar fishing spots.

The trio watched him vanish, the shimmer of the portal fading back into stillness. Sonic exhaled through his nose and turned, folding his arms as the circle tightened around him.

"So," he said, eyes flicking between the foxes, "you two got anything to report?"

Modern Tails hesitated, his tails flicking as he glanced at his younger self. "Well… young me forgot to mention something earlier."

"Oh, do tell." Sonic arched a brow, tapping one finger against his arm.

Classic Tails shifted uncomfortably, tails swishing in uneven arcs. He rubbed the back of his head; gaze fixed on the floor. "Sonic and I… found a Chaos Emerald."

Sonic's eyes went wide. "You did?" He uncrossed his arms, leaning forwards with sudden energy. "You kept that one quiet, little guy."

"I didn't mean to," Classic Tails blurted, his voice small. His shoulders hunched as he stared down at the blank ground beneath them. "So much has happened… I didn't know when to tell you. I…Oh… please don't be mad, Sonic."

Sonic studied him for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. "Don't worry, I'm not angry." His stance eased, one hand settling on his hip. "I'm glad you told me—better late than never."

Classic Tails's face lit up, relief shining in his eyes.

"So, where is it?" Sonic asked, leaning to the side slightly, hand still on his hip.

"About that…" Classic Tails muttered.

"Oh?"

"The other Sonic has it…"

"Right…" Sonic murmured, tapping his chin. He started pacing, steps sharp and restless, like he couldn't stand still with the thought in his head. "Then we'd better move and link up with him and the others. We're gonna need that emerald—all of them, really." He swept an open hand across the endless white void. "Wherever Terios decided to dump them."

"Yeah." Modern Tails's gaze followed him, worry creasing his brow. "We'll need the full set if we want any chance against Terios and the Organization."

Sonic froze mid-stride, then turned slowly with an arched brow. "Wow. Really, Tails? All seven? Since when have I ever needed the full set to take out a big bad, huh?" His tone dripped with playful sarcasm.

Classic Tails blinked, a little startled, while Modern Tails's ears flicked back sheepishly.

"Good point," Modern Tails muttered, scratching the back of his head. "Guess that was… a bit obvious."

Sonic smirked, shaking his head. "A bit?"

Classic Tails giggled, his twin tails spinning in amused flickers.

The light mood didn't last though.

"Ahh—!" Sonic suddenly staggered, clutching his head with both hands.

"Ghh—ow!" Modern Tails buckled at the same time, his knees hitting the ground as he pressed his palms hard against his temples.

Classic Tails froze, eyes wide. "What the—?!" He looked on helplessly, as both older heroes grimaced in pain.

Sonic forced the words through clenched teeth. "Not again… this pain—"

Modern Tails gasped, breath sharp, his voice trembling under the strain. "Memories… something's coming back—"

"Memories?!" Classic Tails cried, his tails flaring in panic.

Both Sonic and Modern Tails winced as another pulse ripped through their skulls, their bodies shuddering with the force of it.

Meanwhile – Shadow's Story – Kingdom Valley

Dark grey clouds loomed overhead as a massive eagle swept through the sky, its talons curled around a familiar passenger. Shadow released his grip mid-dive, dropping cleanly to the soft grass below.

He straightened, red eyes scanning his location. A lone tree bent in the wind. A narrow stone path stretched towards the distance. And there—rising like broken bones from the land—stood the ruins of Kingdom Valley, its fractured towers casting long shadows like the skeleton of a forgotten age.

"Let's get moving," Shadow muttered, voice hard with resolve.

He didn't make it two steps.

A sudden sting lanced through his skull. He hissed through his teeth, clapping a hand to his temple as the ache deepened into a vicious throb.

"Tch… what is this?!" he growled, his irritation sharp against the pain.

Light flickered across his gloved palm. Shadow's eyes narrowed as a familiar weight settled into his grip.

The yellow Chaos Emerald.

It pulsed violently, too bright to look at, each flare twisting the ache in his head tighter.

"The Chaos Emerald…?" Shadow breathed, his voice low, baffled. "I didn't summon you."

The glow throbbed again, and with it came the pull—an intrusive force clawing at his mind. Fragmented visions pushed forward, half-shapes bleeding into focus. Faces blurred, then sharpened, pressing against him with unbearable weight, as if the Emerald itself demanded he remember.

Back to Sonic...

Colours bled in at the edges of Sonic's vision, fractured like shards of stained glass. A boy — spiky brown hair, a Key-shaped blade in his hands — flashed across his mind's eye. The image was fleeting, blurred, but clearer than before.

"Sora…?" Sonic whispered hoarsely, clutching tighter at his head as the vision splintered away.

The pain spiked again, dragging him deeper into that once foggy memory.

Sonic's Memory

Colours bled in at the edges of Sonic's vision. He was back in a crooked corridor of Wonderland, Heartless scattering around him as others fought at his side — the spiky-haired kid, Sora, swinging his Keyblade; the cranky duck, Donald, blasting magic; and the loyal dog knight, Goofy, holding the line with his shield.

It was clearer now — these three had been with him after Traverse Town.

In Sonic's memory, the clash had just ended, adrenaline still buzzing in his chest, a fleeting rush of triumph warming the strange new bond they shared.

Sora lowered the Keyblade, his breath steadying. "That was awesome."

"Not bad for your first real spell, huh?" Donald said with a proud grin, puffing out his chest a little.

Sora smiled at the praise. "Thanks."

"You weren't too shabby yourself, Sonic," Goofy added, looking towards the hedgehog.

Sonic smirked and flexed his hand, the red ember pulsing faintly. "Tails really pulled off something special with this upgrade. Kinda, wish I had this fire boost back when I was chasing down Eggman."

Sora tilted his head, curiosity sparking. "You've mentioned him before—Eggman, or Egghead. Who is he, exactly?"

Goofy rubbed his chin. "Gawrsh… is he a friend of yours or somethin'?"

Sonic snorted. "Friend? Not even in the weirdest alternate timeline."

"Huh?" Donald asked in confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Sonic waved a hand like he was swatting a bad idea. "Look—Eggman's been my arch-nemesis since forever. Picture this: evil genius with a moustache so big it deserves its own zip code. Obsessed with giant robots. Loves monologues. Wants to conquer everything. Bald. Real textbook villain stuff."

"Really?" Sora asked, his eyes wide with genuine surprise. "He sounds kinda mean."

"You're jokin', right?" Donald added, eyeing Sonic curiously.

"Oh, I wish I was," Sonic said with a dramatic sigh, crossing his arms. "Let me put it this way... every time I try to take a break, he turns it into a boss battle with extra lasers and ego."

"So… he's like your enemy?" Sora asked, tilting his head.

"Bingo," Sonic nodded. "Eggman's been trying to one-up me since like... forever."

Goofy leaned in, curious. "What's he done, exactly?"

"Oh, where do I start…" Sonic sighed, now holding up one gloved finger. "First? He started by shoving tiny critters into robots and calling it innovation. Real charming."

Second finger. "Then came the whole Death Egg phase. Giant space station shaped like his head. Subtlety? Never heard of it."

Third finger. "After that, he tried to steal the Master Emerald. Which, side note, really upset my pal, Knuckles."

Goofy winced. "Yikes."

"Wait—there's more." Sonic lifted a fourth finger. "Then he went and released an ancient water creature named Chaos. Thought he could control it. Spoiler: he couldn't. Chaos flooded an entire city called Station Square after turning into a giant monster."

"Flooded?!" Sora gasped.

"Yep." Sonic raised his thumb, making it the fifth point as his gloved hand now fanned out with all five digits extended. "Then there was that time he fired a giant space cannon at the moon—and actually blew part of it off. Just to make a dramatic threat."

"What?!" Donald exclaimed.

Goofy's jaw dropped. "Huh?!"

"And most recently…" Sonic lifted his other hand, holding up a sixth finger with a weary smile. "He split the entire planet into pieces. Like, cracked it apart. Why? So, he could wake up an ancient being called Dark Gaia—and then use its energy to power a twisted amusement park he calls Eggmanland."

The group stood in stunned silence.

Sora looked like someone had just dropped a moon on him. "He… he what?"

Donald's beak opened, but no sound came out. He just flailed his arms and let out a frustrated, "WAK?!"

Goofy scratched his head, eyes wide. "Gawrsh, that's gotta be the worst reason I ever heard for buildin' a theme park."

Sonic sighed, dropping his hands to his sides. "Yeah. He's not exactly subtle. And honestly? That's just the highlights."

"That's…" Sora began, unsure how to even process it.

"A lot," Donald finished flatly.

"Yeah," Sonic murmured, running a hand through his quills. "There's more too. But this chapter doesn't have enough time to go through it all."

Donald blinked. "Chapter?"

Sora and Goofy shared a confused look at the comment.

Sonic didn't answer—he just smirked and started walking ahead, casually brushing off the question.

"…Do you think we'll end up with someone like that?" Sora asked, his eyes drifting down to the Keyblade in his hand. "An arch-nemesis?"

Sonic stopped.

For a moment, he didn't speak. Then he turned slightly, green eyes shadowed but steady.

"Sadly, it comes with the job, Sora."

He turned to face the boy fully now, his usual smirk replaced by something quieter. More honest.

"But why?" Sora asked.

"Someone out there isn't gonna like you," Sonic said. "Not just you, but what you stand for. The light, the hope, the fact that you're willing to fight for others? That's gonna scare 'em. Or tick 'em off."

Sora frowned, eyes searching. "…Just because I want to help people?"

"Exactly," Sonic nodded. "That'll be enough. They'll see your heart and decide it's gotta be broken. Or controlled. Or erased entirely."

Sora looked away, uncertain.

The hedgehog continued, voice calm but firm. "You'll have one. Maybe two."

He shrugged lightly, gaze drifting up.

"Heck. Maybe thirteen if you're lucky."

Sora turned back and blinked. "Thirteen?"

"Gawrsh, why so many, Sonic?" Goofy asked, tilting his head.

Sonic waved it off with a casual shrug. "Meh. First number that came to mind."

Donald narrowed his eyes. "That sounded weirdly specific."

The hedgehog flashed a cheeky grin as he continued. "Again, it just popped into my head."

"Right..."

Sora looked down at the Keyblade in his hand. It felt heavier now—not just in weight, but in meaning. He wasn't used to this… the idea that not everyone would be a friend. That some people, like this "Eggman," would try to hurt others just because they could.

"…Then I guess I'd better be ready," he said softly, the innocence still in his voice.

Sonic glanced back at him. His grin returned.

"That's the spirit, kid. The world's got some bad eggs but trust me… you'll crack 'em."

Donald jabbed a finger forward. "Alright already! Enough heart-to-hearts. This place is only gettin' weirder—and we still need to catch that rabbit!"

Sonic gave a mock salute, then stepped forward. "After you, Feathers. Let's see where the madness takes us."

Sonic and Modern Tails rubbed their temples as the ache finally ebbed away, both of them still a little shaken. Classic Tails stood close, tails twitching with worry.

"What happened?!" he asked, voice sharp with concern.

Sonic exhaled through his nose, shaking off the last of the pain. "A memory came back," he admitted, voice quieter now. "One we… shouldn't have forgotten."

"Forgotten?" Classic Tails echoed, blinking.

"A boy named Sora…" Modern Tails said before Sonic could. His ears flicked in surprise, like the word had slipped free on its own. "Wait… I just remembered his name." He stared down at his hands, unsettled by how casually the truth had come back.

"Sora?" Classic Tails repeated, testing the name on his tongue. "Who's that?"

"Someone we lost track of," Sonic answered with a shrug. But his green eyes carried the weight of it, sharper than his tone. He turned to the older fox. "That memory I just saw—it was Wonderland. What about you, Tails? Did you see Donald and Goofy too?"

Modern Tails hesitated, brows knitting. "…Donald, Goofy?" He narrowed his eyes, the fog in his head peeling back. "Oh—you mean the cranky duck and the big guy with the shield?"

"That's them," Sonic said, snapping his fingers.

Tails thought harder, his gaze distant as another shard of memory slid into place. "Yeah… I saw them too. It was in Traverse Town. After you came back from Venice. That's what I remembered. You four showed up while I was working with Yuffie on the new workshop."

"Traverse Town? Venice?" Classic Tails asked, his tails spinning in puzzled loops. "What are these places?"

"Long story," Sonic said quickly, waving it off with a hand. His grin flashed, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Way too long for this chapter…"

"Chapter?" Classic Tails tilted his head.

"Sonic…" Modern Tails sighed, eyes rolling.

Sonic chuckled but didn't answer. He shook it off, straightening his posture as his tone shifted back to sharp focus. "What matters is the pieces are sliding back into place. First Naminé's warning at Sky Sanctuary, then those Organization creeps I ran into. Now Sora—Donald, Goofy. Feels like they're all connected somehow."

"Wait—Naminé?" Modern Tails questioned, intrigued.

"Who's she?" Classic Tails piped up, blinking in confusion.

"That mysterious girl I mentioned earlier," Sonic said, his voice dropping lower. He crossed his arms, eyes narrowing as the memory resurfaced. "She didn't just talk about saving my friends… or the past. She said I'd have to save the memories I have of Sora."

Classic Tails smirked, pointing a finger at him. "Kept that one quiet, huh?"

Sonic huffed a laugh. He knew the fox was getting how own back from earlier. "Touché."

"And you said the Organization, right…" Modern Tails leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowed. "They mentioned him too?"

"Well, cryptically speaking," Sonic admitted, scratching at the back of his head. "They knew about my memory issues. Made it sound like I wasn't the only one caught up in their game."

"Cryptic indeed…" Modern Tails muttered, hand resting thoughtfully on his chin. His gaze turned distant, pieces slowly slotting together. "If they're meddling with things… maybe they're doing the same with Sora. Maybe… they're the ones scrambling our memories of him, Donald, and Goofy."

Sonic shrugged. "Could be. Either way, we need more to go on."

"Right." Modern Tails nodded firmly, one hand on his hip while the other gestured to the void around them. "We'll need solid evidence before this hypothesis holds."

"Then we'd better get moving," Classic Tails chimed in, twin tails flicking with eagerness. "Saving another world—or linking up with my Sonic—might be the key."

"Or another finding another Chaos Emerald," Sonic mused, then shook his head to focus. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as his eyes sharpened. "Doesn't matter which comes first. "We've got people to save, lost worlds to bring back, and answers to dig out—about Sora, Terios, the Organization, and these memories they're messing with."

Before they could move, a voice rang across the void.

"Sonic!"

The hedgehog turned just in time to see Knuckles jogging up, his usual scowl tempered by relief. "Man, glad I found you still here." He slowed to a stop in front of them. "Tell me straight—did you guys just get hit with a crippling headache?"

Sonic and Modern Tails traded looks.

"Yeah…" Sonic admitted carefully, looking back to the echidna.

"Well, that's convenient…" Knuckles admitted, rubbing at his temple. "Because I had one too. And it wasn't just pain. Names came with it. A kid called Sora. Some angry duck yelling magic at everything. And a tall guy with a shield, holding the line."

Modern Tails's eyes widened. "We saw them also. Sora, Donald, and Goofy."

"We still don't really know who they are," Sonic said, brows knitting, "but they're slowly coming into focus."

"Same here," Knuckles admitted with a short nod. "Clearer, but still distant."

"Where'd your memory take you?" Sonic asked, leaning in, eager to know.

Knuckles' gaze drifted, fists tightening at his sides. "Olympus Coliseum. That beast, Cerberus—we were fighting it together. Sora charged in headfirst, that duck was blasting spells, and the big guy held the line with his shield." His jaw clenched at the next image. "…Cloud almost got flattened under its paw—Hercules dragged him out just in time."

Classic Tails's twin tails flicked nervously as he listened, eyes wide. He wanted to ask—what the Coliseum looked like, what fighting Cerberus had felt like, who this Cloud person was—but the questions stuck in his throat. Instead, he hugged the thought to himself, silent but eager.

Sonic's expression softened, curiosity sparking. "You think Amy might've seen something too."

Knuckles shrugged. "Maybe. Speaking of her—" He crossed his arms, glancing behind him. "She and the others found something."

Sonic arched a brow, leaning forward slightly. "Oh yeah? What kind of something?"

Before Knuckles could answer, another voice cut in—low, measured, and unmistakably familiar.

"We found something too."

The group turned as three familiar figures emerged: Squall, Rinoa with Angelo padding loyally at her side, and Zell striding forward with a fighter's confidence.

"Whoa… talk about perfecting timing," Sonic admitted with a smirk.

"You could say that…" Squall replied, his voice firm as he folded his arms across his chest.

The trio came to a stop.

Rinoa gave a small nod, her eyes calm but intent. "Guess our paths were meant to cross." Angelo barked once, the sound carrying strangely through the stillness of White Space.

Zell grinned, brimming with restless energy as he set his fists on his hips. "Hope you guys are ready—because what we found? You're gonna want to see it."

Sonic leaned forward, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Lay it on us." He shot a glance at Knuckles. "You too, Knux. What have you all found?"

Meanwhile - Shadow's Story - Kingdom Valley

[Kingdom Valley (White Space Version) - Sonic x Shadow Generations plays]

On a large circular grass verge, the ruins of Soleanna stretched around Shadow like the remnants of a forgotten crown. Crumbling towers rose from the cliffsides, their stonework cracked and scarred by time yet still etched with intricate designs — fragments of stained glass glimmering faintly in the fractured light. Once, Kingdom Valley had been the heart of a royal city. Now it was silent, abandoned, its beauty warped by White Space's grip.

Shadow stood motionless, crimson eyes fixed on the impossible waterfalls that enclosed the ancient bridge where he had arrived. The cascades did not fall — they climbed skyward in endless streams, reversing gravity with a shimmer that was both mesmerising and wrong. For a moment, their mirrored light caught against the polished gold of his limiter rings, the red of his stripes, the sleek curve of his air shoes. His features, stoic and unreadable as ever, betrayed only the faintest tightening at the corner of his mouth. A strange nostalgia stirred in him, faint but insistent. Yet no clear memory surfaced to explain it. He exhaled slowly, the sound little more than a growl beneath the roar of rushing water.

"This place certainly has something to it," he muttered. His voice was low, almost contemplative. "But I don't remember ever being here…"

The hedgehog's gaze lingered on the ruins, then shifted inward, his arms folding across his chest. Earlier, the yellow Chaos Emerald's light had reacted — not just with power, but with a vision. A surge of memory, jagged and incomplete, had pierced the haze of his mind. Three figures, their faces sharp yet blurred at the edges, with him in Traverse Town. The image lingered now, heavy as stone.

"The emerald showed me those three," he thought aloud, his tone laced with irritation. "But why here… why now?"

He unfolded his arms, turning towards the path ahead. But before he could take the first step, a voice — soft, almost too soft — brushed against his thoughts like an unfamiliar breeze.

"It's beautiful here, isn't it?" the voice said gently. "The waterfalls are my favourite part. They have a sort of peace to them, don't they? Even if everything else is uncertain."

Shadow turned sharply, his crimson eyes locking onto a girl with blonde hair, a white dress, and blue sandals. Her piercing blue eyes mirrored the cascading waters. Yet, something about her presence felt off.

"And you are?" Shadow asked, his tone edged with impatience.

"I'm Naminé," she introduced herself with a small nod, placing a hand on her chest. "And you're Shadow the Hedgehog, right?"

Shadow's frown deepened as he regarded the girl, his tone blunt. "So, you know my name."

"That's right. You're the Ultimate Lifeform. I know of you," Naminé said simply.

Shadow scoffed, impatience flaring in his tone. "Then let's skip the pleasantries. What do you want?"

Naminé hesitated at his sharp tone but steadied herself. She took a slow breath, pushing aside her initial apprehension. If she wanted to make a difference, she couldn't afford to waver now.

"Shadow, I'll get to the point. Sonic needs the Chaos Emerald you have. It may be the key to fixing everything," she explained, her eyes looking to the brooding hedgehog.

"Sonic? Why?" Shadow replied curiously, his voice low.

"Like you, he too is trapped in White Space," Naminé explained calmly, still focusing her gaze on Shadow.

"Because of Terios, correct?" Shadow replied sharply.

"You… know about Terios?" Naminé asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Black Doom told me," Shadow said flatly. "I also saw him in a vision before I was pulled from the ARK. He's not just another enemy, is he?"

Naminé's expression clouded. "…No. He's worse. But in his own way, he's misguided."

"Misguided?" Shadow snapped, his tone blunt and dismissive.

"All I can say is this: Black Doom is leeching off Terios's power. That's why everything is spiralling out of control for you and your allies on the other side of White Space."

"I already know this," Shadow cut in, irritation flickering across his face. "Get to the point."

Naminé clenched her hands but kept her composure. "I want to stop Terios and the Organization. Their actions are hurting innocent people. You've seen it yourself."

Shadow folded his arms, his crimson gaze drilling into her. "Are you with them?" His tone was sharp, laced with suspicion. Was she a spy—or just another pawn?

She hesitated. That pause was enough for him. With a huff, he turned away.

"I don't have time for this."

"Wait!" Naminé's voice cracked with urgency. "I need your help."

"I don't help the enemy," Shadow said curtly. "Even if they're suddenly growing a conscience." He dismissed her with a flick of his hand, already walking away.

"The emerald could help Sonic fight the Organization—restore lost memories. Don't you want the truth?"

That stopped him. Mid-step, Shadow froze.

"…Memories?" he muttered. Slowly, he turned back, his eyes like blades. "What do you mean?"

"The Chaos Emeralds are helping Sonic and others remember Sora, Donald, and Goofy," she explained carefully. "Piece by piece. Each one brings clarity."

"Those names…" Shadow looked away, jaw tightening. A vague familiarity gnawed at him—he should know them, but the fragments slipped from his grasp. His fists clenched. "I saw them. In a broken memory earlier. But why should I care?"

"Because you have a connection to them," Naminé said softly, cryptic but certain.

"A connection?" Shadow echoed, brow furrowing deeper.

"Even if it's small… you were there with them, Shadow. You just don't remember."

Shadow stepped closer, scrutinising her. "And you know this how?"

Naminé's outline flickered faintly, her voice strained. "It's… complicated. But with the emeralds, the memories will return. For all of you."

"You know a lot about this," Shadow said, his tone sharp. His crimson eyes narrowed. "You're behind it, aren't you?" Naminé's eyes widened slightly, but before she could answer, Shadow pressed on. "I'm the Ultimate Lifeform. I can sense things others can't. And there's something… off about you."

She sighed, conflicted. "I… I'm different, yes. The Organization used my abilities for their own gain."

Shadow's stare didn't waver. "And what abilities are those?"

"I can manipulate and rewrite memories," she admitted, her voice heavy with guilt. Her eyes lowered to the floor.

"So, you've been tampering with everyone's minds," Shadow said, expression hardening.

"I'm trying to fix things," Naminé countered, her voice firming with resolve. "The Organization's hold needs to be broken. Castle Oblivion must be freed. But I can't do it alone."

"Black Doom was right, White Space is connected to Castle Oblivion," Shadow deduced, suspicion settling into certainty.

Naminé nodded. "Yes. And that's why you can help. You can change this."

"By handing over my Chaos Emerald?" he asked bluntly.

"Yes."

Silence thickened between them. Naminé's breath caught as she searched his face for any sign of doubt. But Shadow's crimson gaze remained cold, unwavering.

"…No," he said simply, with finality.

"What? Why?" Naminé gasped, her shoulders tensing. Desperation flickered in her eyes, a silent plea for him to reconsider.

"I have my own mission." Shadow turned, the gold of his limiter rings catching the inverted light of the waterfalls. "Stopping Black Doom comes first. I don't have time for your problems."

"Not even to help Sonic?"

"No." His tone was like ice. "Sonic can have the emerald when I'm finished."

"But the emerald can restore more memories," Naminé pressed, her voice cracking. "It could be the key to stopping the Organization and Terios. Sonic has a date with destiny—if things go as planned."

Shadow paused, just for a breath. Then, without looking back, he muttered: "Well then… he has a date to die for."

The words hung heavy as Shadow walked away, his silhouette swallowed by White Space's glow.

Naminé stood rooted to the spot, trembling. She could feel the Chaos Emerald pulsing faintly from him… but something else too. Another presence, dimmer, weaker, as though muffled. "Two Emeralds?" Her brow furrowed. "Why would he hide another? What is he keeping from me…"

Her fists clenched. "…Shadow, I'll get one of those emeralds. I have to."

But her outline flickered—her time was running out. If Terios or the Organization noticed she was gone from her room, everything would unravel.

"I'll try again," she whispered to herself, her voice steady with fragile determination. "I won't give up. Not now. Not ever."

Chapter Text

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories plays]

The trek through White Space hadn't exactly been smooth. After Sonic agreed to check out Squall and his group's find first, Knuckles had spent the entire walk complaining about how they should've gone to the strange hideout instead, grumbling under his breath about priorities and "being the sensible one."

Sonic, of course, had brushed him off with a grin and a shrug. "Relax, Knux. One thing at a time. Squall and his crew said they'd found something worth checking out, so here we are."

And so here they were.

The group came to a halt as the bleached outline of a hub shimmered into view — a resort frozen mid-celebration. Wide neon arches towered overhead, their signs bleached white but still holding a faint glow, while rollercoaster tracks stretched like skeletal ribs across the sky. Balloons and palm trees were caught mid-sway, all drained of colour, giving the place the air of a party snapped in half.

"…Well, that's new," Sonic muttered, scratching the back of his head as he took it all in.

Modern Tails's eyes widened in open awe, twin tails swishing behind him. "It looks like… some kind of amusement park…"

Classic Tails tilted his head, fascinated. His small hands fiddled with the strap of his gloves as his eyes lingered on the frozen Ferris wheel and coaster tracks, already puzzling out the mechanics behind them.

Knuckles folded his arms tight across his chest and frowned. "And this is supposed to be more important than the 'safehouse'? Hmph."

"Oh, quit your whining, knucklehead." Sonic shot him a grin over his shoulder, which only made the echidna growl. The rest of the group — apart from Squall — sniggered at the jab. "This place is practically begging me to run through it. It needs saving, dude!"

Knuckles rolled his eyes and waved a hand dismissively before turning away, sulking.

"All I wanted was a sit in those fancy chairs…" he moaned.

"And in time, you will…" Sonic sighed, shaking his head with half-lidded eyes. "Priorities and saving the day come first."

"…Fine," the echidna muttered bluntly, turning his gaze back toward the hub.

Squall stood a step ahead, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "Do you recognise this place, Sonic?"

Sonic gave an exaggerated shrug. "Nope. Can't say I've ever been on vacation here before." He tipped his head towards the stone statue standing at the hub's side. "And I definitely don't know her."

Knuckles and Modern Tails traded a glance.

"That's Captain Marvel," Knuckles revealed, his tone gruff but certain. "We saw her in Limbo. She was trapped with us."

Modern Tails nodded. "Yeah. Red and blue suit, glowing like she was running on star power. That's her, no doubt about it."

Sonic cocked a brow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Star power, huh? Sounds like my kind of ally." He rested a hand on his hip and smirked. "Guess she's someone I haven't met yet. Future friend, maybe."

"Exactly," Modern Tails agreed, stepping forward slightly. "Remember what I said earlier? My theory's that Terios is pulling people in from across time. People like Squall and his team—" he gestured towards the trio and Angelo— "from other timelines. And people from the future, like Captain Marvel—" he motioned to the frozen woman— "who we haven't even met yet."

"I remember, little bro," Sonic said with a nod and a small smile. His gaze drifted back to the statue, his features hardening into resolve. "But regardless… doesn't matter when or where she's from. She's trapped, and getting her free is my responsibility."

"You're really just going to charge in there?" Zell asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Zell." Rinoa's voice carried a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"What?" Zell shot back, gesturing towards Sonic. "I'm just saying—this guy doesn't even blink before diving headfirst into crazy."

Sonic smirked and spread his arms. "Come on… you know how this works."

Zell hesitated, lowering his hand, words fumbling. "Yeah… I do, it's just—"

"Just what?" Sonic cut in, one brow arched, grin daring him to finish.

Zell opened his mouth, then shut it again, flustered. "—Never mind. You're impossible."

"Damn right I am," Sonic quipped, tapping a finger to his nose. Then his grin shifted, softening into something steadier, sharper. "But I'm not about to let Terios and the Organization keep winning. Not when someone's counting on me. She needs saving, this place needs saving… and I don't leave friends or futures locked in the bad guys' hands. That's not how I roll."

Squall gave the faintest nod, recognising the steely resolve under the bravado. Rinoa's expression softened, watching Sonic with quiet admiration. Even Knuckles' frown eased a little.

Modern Tails's smile was small but steady. "That's the Sonic I know." He offered a fist, and Sonic met it without hesitation.

With that, Sonic turned and jabbed a thumb towards the shimmering portal at the hub's centre. "Sit tight. I'll be back before you can say 'rollercoaster ride.'"

Then, without another word, he shot forward in a blur of blue, vanishing into the hub's portal with a crackle of light.

For a moment, silence lingered in his wake.

Zell broke the silence first, folding his arms with a wistful sigh. "…Why don't we ever go to amusement parks like this?"

Rinoa's lips curved into a soft smile. "We could. When this is all over."

Zell's eyes lit up. "For real? That'd be awesome!" He punched the air with both fists.

But Squall, predictably, had other ideas.

"No," he said flatly.

Zell froze mid-pose. "What?! Why not?!"

"We've got more important things to do," Squall replied, arms crossed as if that ended the discussion.

"Oh, come on, man!" Zell stomped his foot, glaring. "You're allergic to fun!"

"It's called focus," Squall said, tone unchanged.

"Focus, shmocus. A Ferris wheel wouldn't kill you."

"Distraction kills," Squall countered without missing a beat.

Zell just gawked at him. "…You seriously turned an amusement park into a death trap in your head, didn't you?"

Rinoa giggled, covering her mouth with one hand. "You know, Squall… Zell's right. You could stand to loosen up a little."

Squall shot her a sideways look. "…Not happening."

"See?!" Zell exclaimed, throwing his arms wide. "Allergic. Totally allergic to fun."

"Don't worry, Zell. One of these days, we'll drag him onto a Ferris wheel. Kicking and screaming, if we have to," Rinoa teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Zell grinned. "Now that I'd pay to see."

Classic Tails laughed into his hand. Modern Tails tried and failed to stifle a smile. Even Knuckles let out a small snort of amusement, though he quickly covered it with a grumble.

Rinoa shook her head fondly, lips twitching despite herself. Angelo barked once in agreement, tail wagging like she was firmly on Zell's side.

"…Whatever," Squall responded bluntly.

The portal from White Space spilled Sonic out onto a broad plaza that looked like an intergalactic theme park. Neon lights blazed in dazzling colours, tropical foliage and swaying palm trees lined the walkways, and giant tiki masks grinned down from a massive, flashing WELCOME! sign arched over the main gate.

Beyond it stretched the night sky—or rather, what wasn't really a sky at all. Sonic's green eyes widened. From here he could clearly see the curve of a planet far below.

"Is that… Mobius?" he breathed. Tilting his head, he recognised the familiar oceans shimmering like sapphires and the green spread of continents. He gave a low whistle, smirking at the view. "Well, whatever this place is supposed to be, you can't argue with that view."

He shook himself, stepping onto the polished marble floor of the plaza. Cheerful calypso-like music drifted from hidden speakers, a warm artificial breeze carrying the sugary scent of fried snacks from a nearby stall. For a heartbeat, the festive vibe almost made him forget this could only mean trouble.

Eggman's Incredible Interstellar Amusement Park.

That was the name plastered across every holo-sign and poster, bragging "Five planets for the price of one!"

Sonic's frown deepened as he placed a gloved hand on his chin. "Thought so. This has Egghead's gloves all over it…" But then the thought hit him. His eyes narrowed.
"Wait a sec… If Eggman's running this place in my future… does that mean he's still alive?!" He dropped his hand, scanning the plaza as if the doctor might stroll out at any second. "Did Metal Sonic lie when he said Eggman was terminated? Am I seeing a future event—or something else?"

The questions tangled in his head, but there was no time to unravel them. He rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, and grinned. "Alright—Eggman or no Eggman, there's a job to do. Let's see what's really going on here."

He crouched low, sneakers digging in. Classic Sonic posture: a runner on the line, ready to burst forward. "Let's save this place and Captain Marvel!"

WHOOSH!

In a flash of blue light and speed, Sonic tore down the plaza, Tropical Resort opening wide before him.

[Tropical Resort – Act 1 – Sonic Colors starts playing]

The Tropical Resort came alive around him as he tore past glowing billboards and souvenir stands. Neon signs flashed overhead, holographic mascots waved cheerfully, and streamers of light traced along the rails. Sonic veered through the walkways—only then realising there weren't any real crowds here. No families, no kids with cameras. The only "guests" in sight were Eggman's robots.

Platoons of bulky Egg Pawns trundled along the marble paths, optics scanning. The instant they registered the streak of blue tearing through their turf; alarms flared across their visors.

One Pawn screeched, baton raised and waddled rapidly after the hedgehog. Two more clanked in from a side alley, blocking the route and raising their blasters.

Sonic's grin widened. "Showtime."

He sprang forward, curling into a tight ball.

WHAM!

The hedgehog drilled into the first Pawn, punting it across the plaza and into a cotton-candy cart in a shower of sparks and sugar dust. The other two fired bursts of red energy. Sonic cartwheeled nimbly aside, the beams scorching past him and leaving black smears on the polished floor.

"Close—too close," he muttered, then dropped into a spin. He revved in place then launched like a cannonball.

CRASH!

He ploughed through both Pawns at once, scattering their metal shells across the plaza like confetti.

Uncurling, Sonic dusted his gloves. "Three bots down. Plenty more to go, I bet."

Sure enough, klaxons blared. The fallen Pawns had triggered the park's security alert. Multi-coloured lights strobed along the buildings, and a cheery jingle played.

"Welcome, guests, to Eggman's Incredible Interstellar Amusement Park! Enjoy your stay!" chirped the voice of Doctor Eggman from the PA system.

Sonic laughed. "Heh, guess Egghead's alive and well after all…" His smile faltered. "Unless there's more to it." He shrugged, filing the thought away. "I'll report this back to Tails and the gang when I'm done here."

He crouched, ready to sprint deeper into the resort—when the floor beneath him darkened.

A circular blot of shadow spread unnaturally across the ground, as if a cloud had passed over the neon glow. It rose up like smoke given form—two gleaming yellow eyes and twitching antennae perched atop its head.

"Heartless," Sonic muttered. The creature hopped from foot to foot in a feral jitter. "Guess you slipped in from White Space, huh?"

The Shadow Heartless lunged. Sonic dodged, but more shadows peeled themselves loose from the corners of the plaza. They oozed out from all angles, jittering across the tiles.

Sonic sighed, rolling his shoulders. "Of course there's more of you…" His lips curled into a confident smirk as he slid into a fighter's stance, fists raised, shoes braced against the polished tiles.

"Alright," he said as the Heartless encircled him, claws twitching and eyes gleaming in the neon light. "Bring it on!"

The first Shadow darted low, claws swiping for his legs. Sonic hopped clear and snapped out a swift kick.

WHAM!

The creature slammed into a kiosk, bursting into black mist.

The rest didn't flinch. Two lunged in from opposite sides. Sonic flipped into the air, letting them collide skull-first beneath him. "You guys are a real headache!" he quipped, then came down hard with a stomp that squashed one flat. The other got a sharp kick to the chest, dissolving mid-air.

The remaining Heartless scuttled back, regrouping. Sonic took the pause to glance around. The alarms still screamed overhead, and from beyond the plaza came the unmistakable sound of reinforcements.

"This place is just full of surprises," Sonic muttered.

Sure enough, three Egg Pawns barged out of a shuttered gift shop, batons and blasters primed. At the same time, the Heartless pack grew – two Soldiers dropped in to rally their lesser comrades. For a moment, both sides stared at each other in confusion.

One Egg Pawn cocked its head. The nearest Soldier pounced, raking claws across metal plating. Sparks burst out – clearly, the Heartless weren't picky about their targets.

Sonic laughed at the chaos. "I don't know what's going on, but I bet Eggman's regretting this alliance already!"

The brawl was brutal but brief. The battered Pawn clubbed the Soldier off with its baton—only to be blindsided by a blue blur. Sonic homing-attacked straight through it, sending the bot crashing into its two companions like a strike at the bowling alley.

The downed Pawns twitched, optics dimming. That flicker of energy was all the invitation the Heartless needed. They swarmed the wreckage, hungrily clawing at the fading spark within.

"Yikes," Sonic muttered, but he wasn't about to stick around. The skirmish gave him the perfect gap. "Time to get moving!" he grinned, bolting through the opening as shadows and scrap tore into each other behind him.

Sonic revved up and Boosted. In a split second, he rocketed forward through the brawl. He mowed down the remaining Egg Pawns like an express train, shattering them to scrap. The Heartless were knocked aside like leaves in a gust of wind. Sonic skidded to a halt on the far end of the plaza, checking over his shoulder to ensure no stragglers were following. The Heartless he hadn't destroyed directly were already fading back into dark puddles, retreating for now. The plaza behind him looked like the aftermath of a bizarre piñata party – scattered robot parts and wisps of dark vapor instead of candy.

"Note to self," Sonic mused, "the Haunted House attractions start early around here."

He shook off the residual blue aura from his Boost and took off again down a neon-lit avenue labelled "To Main Resort." The path ahead sloped upward on a gentle incline, flanked by holographic billboards showing Eggman's grinning face advertising various park attractions: "Sweet Mountain – All You Can Eat!" "Starlight Carnival – A Cosmic Delight!"

Sonic rolled his eyes at each cheery Eggman pose. "Seems Egghead's really proud of this place," he muttered.

As if on cue, a loudspeaker crackled to life above Sonic's head. The jovial voice of Dr. Eggman rang out across Tropical Resort:

"Please refrain from foiling evil schemes, plots, and/or plans while inside the park. Foiling is strictly prohibited."

The doctor's tone was mock-polite and self-satisfied. Sonic couldn't help but laugh.

The hedgehog charged onward, leaving the echo of the announcement behind him. The avenue spilled into a vast open-air concourse, brighter and louder than before. Multiple tiers rose around him, crisscrossed with glowing escalators, transparent lifts, and bounce pads flashing like carnival lights.

High above, a colossal Ferris wheel rotated lazily, each passenger car stamped with Eggman's grinning face in blinding neon. Fireworks blossomed in the night sky beyond, scattering rainbow bursts over the park's spires.

"Talk about overcompensating…" Sonic muttered, sprinting along a raised glass walkway. Beneath his feet, he caught glimpses of more Egg Pawns patrolling the plazas and side streets below.

Then something shiny caught his eye—a sleek white hovercar, squat and egg-shaped, parked right in the middle of the plaza.

"Wait… is that seriously a hovercar shaped like an egg?" He couldn't help the snicker that followed. "That has to be Eggman's personal ride." Sonic leaned into the sprint, grin widening. "Maybe I should key-scratch it on my way out," he then thought mischievously.

Suddenly, an uproar ahead drew his attention. In a circular courtyard, Sonic spotted two all-too-familiar silhouettes: Orbot and Cubot, Eggman's bumbling lackeys. The red orb and the yellow cube hovered near a bush, bickering as usual.

"Wait… they're here too?!" Sonic blinked, baffled.

Orbot gestured frantically with his red-gloved hands, digital eyes narrowing. Cubot, meanwhile, was elbow-deep in the shrubbery, his cube-face rotating as he mumbled in a deep drawl.

"I told you to hold onto it tightly!" Orbot snapped, bobbing in agitation.

"I did, I swear, partner!" Cubot protested. "Lil' critter just slipped right out! They're slipperier than a buttered hog at a rodeo—"

"Shh! Quiet!" Orbot slapped a hand across Cubot's "mouth." "Do you hear that—?"

Too late.

With a breezy laugh, Sonic appeared, striking a dramatic pose as he leaned against a lamppost. "Hey there! Lost something?"

Orbot spun around, eyes widening. "Eep! Sonic! Wh-what a surprise to see you here." He forced a nervous grin. "Enjoying the rides, are we? Please keep your arms and legs inside the destruction at all times…"

Cubot dropped the shrub upside-down with a thunk. "Boss is not gonna like this," he muttered.

"Oh I bet he won't," Sonic teased, smirk tugging at his lips. But even as he needled them, questions nagged at him. "Why are they here? Did White Space drag them into this mess too?"

Were these the same Orbot and Cubot the hedgehog knew… or variants? And what was with Cubot's weird cowboy accent?

Sonic scratched his chin, leaning closer with a raised brow. His green eyes studied them like puzzle pieces. "So… what's your deal?" he asked, half-serious.

Cubot tilted his head nervously, voice wobbling through that cowboy twang. "We just doin' our job! Keepin' the boss happy. Ain't no trouble meant."

Sonic blinked, momentarily thrown by the drawl.

Before he could fire back, movement caught his eye. From the bush, something colourful zipped free while the hench-bots were distracted — a tiny glowing alien, pure white, darting to hide behind a decorative mask statue. Sonic's gaze sharpened. "That's what they were after."

And then he spotted another: a small cyan-blue creature, hovering nervously beside its white companion.

"Sooo, you guys on a scavenger hunt or something?" Sonic said slyly, sliding into position between the robots. He kept his suspicions about variants to himself. "Maybe I can help you find what you're looking for… or not!"

Cubot's square jaw dropped open in recognition. "He's helpin' the aliens!"

"Aliens… huh," Sonic mused. "So, that's your game."

"Get that blue varmint!" Cubot blurted.

On command, a pair of Egg Pawns lumbered out from a nearby gate, likely backup the hench-bots had brought.

Orbot sighed, putting a hand to his face. "Why do I even try… Yes, fine. Ahem!" He cleared his throat and pointed dramatically, "Seize the hedgehog!"

The Egg Pawns charged forward in unison, but Sonic was already moving. He vaulted into the air with a confident smirk. "Sorry, guys, but I'm on the clock!" Twisting mid-air, he homing-shot towards the first Pawn, cracking its head with a decisive kick. He rebounded off it and targeted the second, slamming down with a splitting Spin Attack that left the machine in sparking halves. Within a second, both Egg Pawns were scrap metal on the ground. The hedgehog landed lightly amidst the debris, flicking a speck of dust off his glove.

"So, what were you saying about aliens?" he taunted.

Orbot's digital eyes flashed in disbelief. Cubot gulped audibly.

"Uh… time to skedaddle?" Cubot suggested hopefully.

Orbot needed no further convincing. The red orb-bot grabbed his cube companion by the arm. "Retreat!" he yelped, and the two of them zoomed away, disappearing through an archway leading deeper into the park.

Sonic let them go – the lackeys themselves weren't worth the chase.

"Now then," Sonic turned to the spot where the two small aliens were hiding. "Hey there, little guys. It's okay, I won't hurt ya." He crouched down, speaking softly. From behind the statue peeked two sets of big round eyes. Slowly, the creatures floated out, evidently curious about the blue spiky being addressing them.

They bobbed in the air together, chirping at Sonic in odd little warbles and trills.

Sonic tilted his head. "I… have no idea what you're saying." He gave a helpless shrug and a grin. "But those guys were trying to bag you, and that's not cool. So how about you get somewhere safe, huh?"

The White Wisp floated right up to Sonic's face, squeaked sharply, and pointed one tiny appendage in the direction Orbot and Cubot had fled. Then it tapped at Sonic's chest, its eye blinking expectantly.

"You… want me to follow them?" Sonic guessed. "Or… you want to follow me?"

The White Wisp answered with an impatient chirr!

"That's not an answer…" Sonic muttered, rubbing the back of his head in confusion.

But before he could press it further, the Cyan Wisp drifted close, hovering at his shoulder. It gave a soft, eager twitter—almost a purr—then brushed against him with a spark of light.

"Hey, easy there, buddy," Sonic said, blinking.

In the next instant, the Wisp shot forward and dove straight into his chest.

"Whoa—!" Sonic staggered, his body flaring with cyan radiance as the alien's energy merged with him. A surge ripped through his veins—like he'd just snatched an invincibility star while chugging ten espressos at once.

From nowhere, a booming, metallic voice thundered: "LASER!"

Sonic gasped as his hands dissolved into light. His whole body was no longer flesh and quill but a living conduit of crackling cyan energy. "Ahh! What the—?!" he yelped.

Time seemed to stutter. His vision fractured into grids and refracted lines, the courtyard stretching into something geometric, almost digital. He didn't feel his legs anymore—there were no legs—just pure energy, coiled and ready. And in the back of his mind, he felt the Cyan Wisp's presence, steady and focused, guiding him.

Ahead, about twenty yards away, hovered a peculiar diamond-shaped prism, floating in midair. Sonic knew instantly—that was his target.

He leaned forward, instinct taking over. No running, no spinning. Just aim. His glowing body aligned with the prism, weightless, humming with power. For the first time in his life, Sonic felt less like a runner and more like a shot waiting to be fired.

"Here goes nothing!" Sonic thought, and then he let the power loose.

BOOM!

In a split-second, Sonic's cyan energy form blasted forward as a bolt of living laser. The world around him stretched into streaks of colour. He shot towards the prism and hit it dead-on – the laser beam that was Sonic refracted and ricocheted at a sharp angle. Like a lightning bolt, he zig-zagged through the courtyard at light-speed. There was a cluster of five Egg Pawns rushing in from an upper ledge. Sonic's laser form tore through them in an instant, hitting each one before they could even register what happened.

ZAPZAPZAPZAPZAP!

In the blink of an eye, the Egg Pawns exploded into scrap as the cyan beam bounced between them.

Sonic felt a rush of exhilaration. He was the laser, moving impossibly fast. He streaked across the courtyard, smashing through a line of hovering target drones that had just activated. The world was a blur of neon trails. With one final bounce off a reflective wall panel, the beam angled upward and then dissipated its energy. Sonic found himself suddenly back in his physical form, flipping through the air from his last momentum. He landed on his feet atop a high platform on the opposite end of the courtyard. The entire burst of activity had taken mere seconds.

"Holy—ha!" Sonic clutched his head, dizzy from the sudden return to normal speed.

The Cyan Wisp popped out of him, now looking a bit drained but extremely happy, judging by its chipper chime.

"That was insane!" Sonic exclaimed, grinning ear to ear. "I just turned into a giant laser and… and bounced around zapping everything!" He shot a thumbs-up to the little cyan alien orbiting him. "Thanks, buddy! I don't know what you did, but that power rocks!"

The Cyan Wisp trilled happily and spun a loop around his head. Down on a lower ledge, the White Wisp bobbed up and down excitedly, almost like it was cheering.

Sonic took a moment to glance around. The courtyard below was completely cleared—Eggman's reinforcements had been toasted by his laser stunt. Only a few scorch marks marred the floor, with broken bits of robots scattered across the tiles.

"Whew. Remind me to call you next time I need to cut in line," Sonic joked.

The Cyan Wisp raised an appendage in a tiny salute, then zipped over to join the White one. The pair exchanged a flurry of squeaks and trills, like comparing notes.

Sonic tilted his head, curiosity flickering. "I don't suppose either of you have seen a 'captain' lady anywhere around here?" he asked, half-serious.

The hedgehog's thoughts raced. If versions of Orbot and Cubot were wandering around this place, and Eggman's voice was crackling over the PA… then maybe there was another version of Captain Marvel caught up in this too. The possibility nagged at him, enough to make the question worth asking.

The Wisps just cocked their bodies, blank-eyed but endearing.

"Heh, never mind," Sonic said with a chuckle. "I'll handle that part later. You two just stay safe."

The White Wisp bobbed as if nodding, then suddenly darted upward, disappearing into the night sky. The Cyan Wisp lingered a moment, gave Sonic one last appreciative spin, and then it too zipped off in a streak of light. Sonic felt a pang of amazement and gratitude as he watched it go. He had no idea creatures like that existed, but now that he'd met them, he was definitely on their side.

However, it was time to get moving again. Sonic jumped down from the high platform, landing back on the main path. Up ahead, a series of floating balloons in bright primary colours formed a trail leading upwards, likely to another section of the resort.

Sonic took a running start and leapt onto the first balloon – boing! It launched him upward to the next. He bounced from balloon to balloon like a skilled acrobat, each one letting out a festive honk. At the top of the balloon chain, he landed on a rooftop garden area, lush with oversize tropical flowers and glass gazebos.

An empty café with Eggman-themed tables overlooked a sweeping view of the park from here. Grinding his shoes on the metal railing, Sonic hopped onto a grind rail that conveniently snaked from this rooftop down to the next area. With practiced ease, he crouched and zoomed along the rail, sparks flying under his shoes. The rail curved around the giant Ferris wheel structure he'd seen earlier. As Sonic grinded by, the Ferris wheel's lights formed a spinning rainbow – and for a bizarre moment, he locked eyes with a giant grinning Dr. Eggman face in neon that made up the centre of the wheel. It was as if Eggman himself was watching him go. Sonic pulled down one eyelid and stuck out his tongue cheekily at the caricature as he sped past.

"Not impressed, Egghead!" he taunted.

The rail deposited Sonic at another section of the park – this one seemed to be the shopping mall area. Tall storefronts with colourful awnings lined a broad street. Banners fluttered overhead advertising souvenirs and cosmic cotton candy. Despite the cheery setting, the place had clearly become a battleground: a few Egg Pawns were positioned behind knocked-over vendor carts, as though lying in ambush.

Laser fire crackled through the air, scorching past Sonic's quills. He yelped and dove behind a toppled popcorn stand, kernels spilling everywhere. The Egg Pawns had the range advantage, pinning him down with potshots. The plaza was too wide open for him to close the gap without eating a face full of laser fire.

But Sonic had more than one way to scramble an Egg-Robo. His eyes locked on a line of golden rings gleaming across the plaza, leading straight to a cluster of floating prisms. The diamond-shaped mirrors hovered in sequence, perfectly lined up with the Egg Pawns' position.

"Ahh, that looks worth smashing," Sonic muttered, a grin tugging at his lips. If the Cyan Wisp was still with him, he could've ricocheted through those prisms and fried the whole lineup in seconds. But the little guy had already zipped off. Shame.

Still, Sonic wasn't about to sulk.

"No problem," he said. "There's always another trick waiting to show up."

And sure enough, he was right. A flicker of movement caught his eye above the nearest storefront. Perched atop a neon planet-shaped sign, an Orange Wisp peeked out nervously, glowing like a tiny ember in the dark. It seemed to have been hiding, but the chaos of the firefight had drawn it into the open.

Sonic's smirk widened. "Maybe that one can help…"

There was only one way to find out. He just had to reach it.

Timing the robots' volleys, Sonic rolled out from cover and dashed in a wide arc around the plaza. Immediately, two of the Egg Pawns adjusted aim and peppered the ground behind him with red blasts. Sonic zig-zagged, snatching a trail of rings as he went. With a powerful leap, he bounded onto a lamppost, then up to the ledge of the shop where the Orange Wisp hid.

"Hey, buddy!" Sonic called, vaulting up to the sign. "Fancy helping me out?"

The timid Orange Wisp looked at Sonic with surprise. However, it clearly sensed the hedgehog was friendly. A laser shot from below nearly clipped the sign, making it wobble. The Wisp squeaked in alarm and without further hesitation, it dove toward Sonic. Just like before, the moment Sonic touched the alien, it was absorbed into him.

"ROCKET!" blared the announcer voice.

In an instant, Sonic's body compressed, blazing with orange light. He barely registered the change before a surge of force ignited beneath him—like his whole being had become a booster primed to launch.

"Up we go—!" he yelped, just as the power cut loose.

With a thunderous blast, Sonic rocketed skyward in a blazing streak, the resort shrinking away beneath him as he upwards.

Sonic whooped in exhilaration, as he pierced through a cloud of cotton-candy-like nebula fog that hung above the park. For a brief moment, everything was silent and still at the apex of his ascent. He hung in zero gravity, thousands of feet above Tropical Resort. The view was breathtaking – he could see the curvature of the planet below, the gentle greens and blues of Sonic's world far beneath the park's orbits.

To his right, suspended in space, were other anchored planet attractions of Eggman's bizarre park – one looked like a giant sweets-themed asteroid, and farther off, a spectacular spiral of lights which could only be the Starlight Carnival.

But gravity was not about to let Sonic sightsee for long. His upward momentum ceased, and he felt himself begin to plummet back down. As he fell, the rocket power fizzled out, releasing the Orange Wisp from his body. The little orange alien popped out and parachuted away gently; its job was done. Sonic, however, was now free-falling from an absurd height, directly above Tropical Resort. Good news: he was aimed roughly back at the plaza where those Egg Pawns were. Bad news: he was coming in really fast.

"Time to make a supersonic landing!" Sonic shouted against the roaring wind in his ears.

He curled into a tight ball, orienting himself downward. Through the cloud layer he had a split-second to aim. The three Egg Pawns far below were tiny dots frantically scattering as they realised something was inbound from above. Sonic waited until the last possible moment and then uncurled, thrusting both feet down first.

KABAM!

The hedgehog hit the ground like a meteor, a shockwave cracking the tiled floor in a perfect circle around the impact. The Egg Pawns nearest the impact were thrown off their feet from the tremor. One unlucky bot found itself directly under Sonic's landing and was instantly crushed flat into a comical pancake of scrap metal.

As dust and smoke from the landing cleared, Sonic stood up from the small crater he'd made, tossing his head back.

"I give that landing a solid 10 out of 10," he quipped, brushing off some orange soot.

The remaining two Egg Pawns, battered but still functional, tried to recover. One had lost its weapon and stumbled about in a daze. The other still held a laser, though its arms were quaking – whether from damage or sheer fear was hard to tell. Sonic flashed a cheeky grin.

"Boo!" he shouted, lunging forward.

The first Egg Pawn yelped and fired wildly. Sonic sidestepped with ease and spun into a roundhouse kick. Its head snapped clean off, sailing through the air before clattering across the plaza. The rest of the bot toppled in a heap of scrap.

The last Pawn took one look at the wreckage and thought better of it. With a pitiful beep, it spun on its stubby heels and hobbled away, siren wailing in retreat.

Sonic crossed his arms, smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah, you run along. Tell your boss I said hi."

The orange Rocket Wisp hovered down nearby, having gently descended. Sonic gave it a thumbs-up. "Nice one, orange dude!" The Wisp giggled and spiralled around him before zipping off towards the sky.

Sonic exhaled, the thrill of the rocket ride still making his heart hammer. These aliens were incredible. And he had a feeling there were even more colours and powers to discover.

"I could get used to this," he said with a grin.

He continued along the shopping district, which gradually gave way to more utilitarian decor. The bright shopfronts were replaced by metallic corridors and maintenance passages – perhaps leading toward the centre of the resort. Sonic ducked under a half-open shutter door and found himself in a quieter area, illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights. Pipes ran along the walls, and the distant hum of machinery vibrated underfoot. It was a stark contrast to the jovial park outside – this must be behind the scenes.

A series of vertically stacked pathways stretched ahead, almost like fire escapes and catwalks. Sonic hopped onto a moving platform that lifted him to a higher ledge. As he stepped off, a low snarl echoed in the corridor. Emerging from the dimly lit ceiling came another swarm of Shadow Heartless. They dropped down, surrounding Sonic on the catwalk. In the cramped space, Sonic couldn't simply outrun them.

"Back for round two, huh?" he muttered, stance ready.

The Heartless struck with coordinated ferocity: one lunged high, another swept low. Sonic jumped to avoid the low swipe and simultaneously Homing Attacked the leaping Heartless, smashing it into black dust. He rebounded off the wall and landed a spinning kick on another, dispersing it. But as fast as he thinned their ranks, more emerged from pools of shadow in the corners. It was an endless onslaught of inky foes.

One Heartless – shaped like a flying round bat with a creepy smile – dove at Sonic's back and managed to whack him, knocking him forward. Sonic caught the railing to steady himself. "Okay… playtime's over!"

The hedgehog spotted something up on the next level of catwalk: a pink capsule of some sort, nestled between two ventilation pipes. Inside it glowed a pulsating pink light. If he could break it, maybe whatever was inside would lend him power.

Sonic vaulted to the higher railing, evading a swipe from below. With a swift wind-up, he Spin Dashed straight into the capsule. The glass shattered and a pink, spiky-looking Wisp flew out, zipping around in confusion.

"Hey! Over here!" Sonic called, waving at the Pink Wisp while simultaneously ducking another flying Heartless attack. The Pink Wisp paused, turning towards Sonic's voice. Without wasting time, the hedgehog reached out his gloved hand. "Wanna team up, buddy?"

The little pink creature beamed and shot into Sonic's chest. The now-familiar rush of energy flooded Sonic's being.

"SPIKES!" the announcer voice roared.

Sonic felt his entire body compress and change shape yet again. His blue fur flashed hot pink, and his limbs pulled inward until he was essentially a round spiky ball with eyes!

"Whoa, everything's… more spiky," he thought, noticing even his viewpoint was closer to the ground.

Immediately, gravity seemed to affect him differently. One of the Heartless, emboldened, leapt, and tried to tackle the now-rosy hedgehog-ball. But as soon as the creature touched Sonic's spiky form, POOF! The Heartless was instantly obliterated, punctured into nothing by the sharp spikes.

"Ha! You all wanna piece of this? Come and get it!" Sonic shouted, though it came out more like a garbled growl.

He found he could move by rolling, much like his normal Spin Dash, but now he had an uncanny sticky traction. Sonic rolled forward along the catwalk, and as he reached the wall at the end, he didn't fall off—instead, he stuck to the wall, like magnets on metal.

"Alright, this is new!" Sonic marvelled. He "ran" up the wall, which in practice was more of a continuous rolling. The Pink Wisp's power let him cling to any surface effortlessly.

The Heartless on the catwalk below tried to jump at him, but Sonic simply rolled upside- Down. Below the Heartless stared up, baffled, their glowing eyes flickering with confusion. Their prey was defying gravity itself.

Sonic grinned. Sparks crackled from his spikes as he revved in place, then launched himself downward in a blazing spiky spin-dash.

WHRRR-CRASH!

He tore through the cluster of shadows like a living buzzsaw, shredding them into smoke. One after another they dissolved, leaving nothing behind but a few fading wisps of darkness drifting through the air.

Still in his Spike form, Sonic ricocheted off the floor and back onto the wall, sticking there like a spiny pink gecko. He zoomed along the side of the corridor, using the spikes to grip the surface and gain speed. Any Heartless foolish enough to get in his way was instantly skewered and erased. Electrical panels, crates, even steel barricades that had been set up along the path were no match – Sonic's spiky ball form smashed through them all. He was effectively a living wrecking ball, and he loved it.

The Pink Wisp's energy, however, wasn't limitless. Sonic felt the tingle in his body that signalled the power was about to run out.

Up ahead, he saw the end of the maintenance passage – beyond it glowed natural daylight (or simulated daylight, at least). It looked like an exit back into the open. Sonic raced along the ceiling towards that exit. Just before the Wisp power gave out, he vaulted off the ceiling, aiming for the opening. At that exact moment, the Pink Wisp's energy depleted, and Sonic popped back to his normal form in mid-air. He executed a neat mid-air flip and landed on solid ground outside the passage.

The Pink Wisp emerged beside him, its form wobbling a little. Sonic gave it a grateful smile. "Thanks, pal! Pink's not usually my colour, but I gotta admit – that was spike-tacular!"

The Wisp let out a series of amused squeaks and did a tiny bow. Sonic gently fist-bumped the air in front of it, and the Wisp, understanding the gesture, tapped its rounded, spiked head to his fist lightly. With a twinkle of farewell, the Pink Wisp then floated away, perhaps to find its freed comrades.

Sonic finally had a chance to breathe. He found himself now in another large open area of the Tropical Resort. It was a wide terrace-like platform at the very top of the Tropical Resort structure. Above him was a colossal digital display flashing "THANK YOU – COME AGAIN!" in multiple languages.

Around the terrace were large glass capsules and cranes – this looked like a loading area for something. And right in the centre of the platform, atop a short flight of steps, was a tall glass cylinder with a big red button on top – a classic Eggman design. Inside the glass cylinder, Sonic could see dozens of little Wisps milling about, trapped. It was a Prison Capsule, just like the ones Eggman used to capture animals – but now filled with these poor aliens.

Sonic's expression hardened. "Hang on, I'm getting you all out," he called to the Wisps.

The little aliens perked up, tiny faces glowing with hope. Sonic sprinted up the steps, ready to smash the capsule open when a massive shadow fell across the terrace.

CLANG!

A hulking mech slammed down beside the pedestal, shaking the ground. Round and crimson, bristling with blades, it stood on four whirling arms that spun like a demented octopus made of razors. A single red eye glared from its centre.

"Huh, that's new…" Sonic muttered.

The Rotatatron's eye swivelled, locking on. With a metallic roar, one of its blade-arms shot out like a giant fly swatter.

Sonic leapt back—SMASH! The arm cratered the tiles where he'd been a heartbeat before.

"Hmph, you think one big bad is gonna stop me now?" Sonic taunted, crouching low as the mech retracted its arm.

The Rotatatron began to spin, body blurring as its four arms whirled into a deadly carousel. It rolled forward, blades carving the air. Sonic darted left, the gust of wind from the spinning razors whipping past his quills. The weak point had to be that big glowing eye—but how to get at it?

He vaulted into a Homing Attack, aiming for the arm.

CLANG!

Sparks burst as the momentum flung him back, ricocheting him across the tiles. Sonic landed on his feet, sliding to a stop.

The Rotatatron countered immediately, compartments opening in its arms. Shuriken drones spat out, shrieking through the air. Sonic dropped low and weaved, the razor-stars hissing past. One nicked a few hairs off his ear.

"Yikes—watch it!" he grunted, ducking under another volley.

As the Rotatatron charged up a second spin dash of its own, Sonic's eyes darted around the environment for anything useful. Wisps? None free nearby. Rings? A trail of them hovered along one edge of the terrace. Bounce pad? Yes – there was a spring pad on one corner, likely for maintenance workers to access the top of the display. That could launch him high – maybe high enough to strike downwards at the mech.

The Rotatatron came at him again, arms flailing. Sonic raced directly at it, then at the last second, veered toward the spring pad. The boss's blades tore up the floor behind him as he hit the spring – BOING! It propelled Sonic skyward in a high arc.

From above, Sonic had the perfect view. The Rotatatron's top was a flat plate with what looked like a maintenance hatch—but more importantly, its glaring red eye was staring straight up at him, wide with surprise.

Sonic curled into a tight ball. "Hey, big guy! Heads up!" he shouted.

He plummeted like a meteor, uncurling at the last second into a crushing Stomp Attack.

CRACK!

His foot smashed through the glass lens, spiderwebbing it with fractures. The entire mech reeled with a metallic screech, its body lurching as if it had just been punched in the gut. Sparks showered from the broken eye.

Sonic backflipped off the top, landing lightly on the tiles as the Rotatatron staggered, its arms flailing wildly, blades clipping into the ground in erratic, uncontrolled swings. Sparks flew from its ruined eye. His attack definitely hurt it, but it wasn't down yet.

"Alright, one more oughta do it…" Sonic crouched, ready to move again.

But before he could, a cacophony of excited chirps arose from the capsule of Wisps. He glanced over – the Wisps inside were all glowing brightly, watching the fight. Suddenly, through the cracked eye of the Rotatatron, a familiar cyan light gleamed.

"No way…" Sonic thought, grinning.

The Rotatatron began to spin up again, but this time, something was wrong – its central body convulsed as if jammed. From within its eye socket, a Cyan Wisp phased in and out, causing the machine to glitch.

Sonic heard a faint but thrilling echo: "LASER!"

The Rotatatron did not stand a chance. In an instant, a cyan laser beam burst out from inside the mech, ripping through its circuits. The laser ricocheted inside the robot's body again like a pinball in a tin can. The Rotatatron's arms blew off one by one as the beam smashed through them, and with a final bounce, the laser pierced straight out the top of the mech, zipping off into the sky. The Rotatatron froze, a smoking hole through its centre – then it toppled over with a deafening crash, defeated.

Sonic shielded his eyes from the explosion of parts. When the dust settled, he walked over to the smoking shell of the Rotatatron and gave it a light tap with his foot. It collapsed apart, utterly trashed.

"And stay down," he quipped with a smirk.

The Wisps in the capsule gave a collective cheer of whistles and twinkles.

Sonic wasted no more time. He jumped atop the Prison Capsule and stomped the red release button with gusto. The glass tube sprung open, and dozens of brightly coloured Wisps poured out like a flock of freed butterflies. They zoomed around Sonic in a joyous dance.

"Welcome to freedom, folks!" Sonic laughed, raising his arms as the little aliens swirled around him gratefully.

He could pick out the Cyan Wisp, chirping happily as it circled him, and even the Orange and Pink Wisps returned for a moment, nuzzling him in thanks before zipping off to rejoin their brethren in the sky.

Watching them scatter into freedom, Sonic felt a rush of warmth. This was what it was all about—stopping Terios, fixing trapped moments in time, and saving anyone caught in the crossfire… Captain Marvel, these aliens, whoever needed him. And, of course, doing it all with style.

The Wisps scattered off to find their own paths home or aid others, leaving Sonic alone on the terrace, mission accomplished. Then came a familiar sound—the shimmering, harmonic chime of a Goal Ring materialising.

At the platform's edge, a massive ring of light and colour unfurled, rotating slowly, its surface sparkling with energy. This was the exit point, the sign that Tropical Resort had been restored. By stepping through, Sonic knew he'd return to White Space—carrying with him the energy needed to bring this world fully back to life and reclaim the time that Terios had drained.

He jogged towards the Goal Ring, a bounce in his step. Behind him, Tropical Resort's lights flared brighter than ever, as if celebrating his victory.

Then the loudspeakers crackled one last time, and a voice he knew all too well rang out—irritated, flustered, unmistakable.

"Would Sonic the Hedgehog please report to the security office? …Sonic the Hedgehog, please report to the security office. We found your… uh… YOUR KEYS! Yes, that's it, your keys. Definitely not a trap. Just returning your keys!"

Sonic halted and doubled over laughing. "Keys, huh? You're really losing your touch, Eggman!" he managed between chuckles. Straightening up, he gave a shrug. "Think I'll let myself out instead. Better luck next time—I've got friends to save and moments in time to fix."

For just a moment, his grin softened. "Still… good to hear his voice again." He thought. "Maybe in the future… he really does come back. Guess anything's possible?"

With one more shrug and then a cheeky two-finger salute at the nearest speaker, Sonic crouched low and sprinted forward. "Later, Egghead!"

He dove straight through the Goal Ring.

A flash of white engulfed the hedgehog. Weightlessness tugged at his body as Tropical Resort dissolved into light, replaced by the serene, empty glow of White Space once more.

[Level Clear Music - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

RANK: S

[Results - S-Rank - Sonic Generations - starts playing]

[Castle Oblivion - Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories plays]

When Sonic returned and reunited with the group in White Space, the bleached arches of Tropical Resort shimmered as colour rushed back into them. Balloons regained their brilliant reds and yellows, palm trees swayed with fresh emerald leaves, and the rollercoaster tracks gleamed in vibrant carnival hues. The park's music stirred once more—faint but jubilant—as though the place itself had finally remembered how to breathe.

At the hub's edge, the statue of Captain Marvel began to glow. Thin lines of golden light rose across the stone, pulsing brighter with each beat. The radiance gathered, spiralling upwards until it burst in a dazzling flare bringing her back to life.

Captain Marvel—Carol Danvers when she wasn't wearing the mantle—stumbled forward as her body reformed. She blinked twice rapidly, squinting like someone waking from a nightmare. Her gloved hands flexed open and closed, power sparking faintly at her fingertips. She glanced down at them, startled—then instinct took over.

She shot upward in a burst of cosmic light, hovering defensively above the group. Her eyes scanned the hub, wary, calculating. For a moment, she looked ready to fight the entire void.

Then, seeing no threat, she let herself drift down and land smoothly before the others. Her boots touched the blank ground with deliberate weight, shoulders squared.

Zell let out a low whistle. "...Bit dramatic, don't you think?"

"Zell," Rinoa warned, pressing a hand to her forehead.

"What? It was!" He threw up his hands, nodding towards the sparks still crackling off Captain Marvel's fists.

Her head turned slowly. Eyes locked on him, sharp as steel.

Zell froze, grin faltering. "…Uh-oh."

One brow arched, unimpressed.

"…Oh crap."

Rinoa's smirk slipped through at last. "Serves you right."

Zell slumped, rubbing the back of his neck, while Squall folded his arms and released one long-suffering sigh.

Classic Tails snickered behind his gloved hands. "He really walked into that one."

Modern Tails shook his head, trying and failing to hide a grin.

"Glad someone else finally got put in their place for once," Knuckles remarked, a grunt of satisfaction in his voice.

Sonic exhaled through his nose in amusement and stepped forward, hands on hips, his grin warm but steady. "Welcome to White Space, Marvel."

"…Captain Marvel," Carol corrected, voice firm.

"Isn't that what I said?" Sonic asked, brows lifting.

"No."

The hedgehog blinked, then smirked. "Huh. Guess I'm not perfect after all."

Knuckles muttered, "Newsflash."

"Knuckles…" Modern Tails moaned, looking to him deadpan.

Carol's eyes narrowed, but there was the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips as she looked down at Sonic. "Careful. I've only just woken up."

"Oh, don't worry," Sonic shot back, cocky smirk widening. "I can handle a little turbulence."

A collective chorus followed: "Sonic…"

The hedgehog threw his arms wide in mock innocence. "What?!"

Captain Marvel finally let the smile show, if only for a second. Then, after a pause, her voice steadied. "So, you're the one they call Sonic. The one pulling people out of that dark Limbo."

"Guilty as charged." His grin grew wider.

Modern Tails bounded up beside him, tails swishing. "Yeah, he's been saving trapped moments in time—like this one." He gestured around at the restored Tropical Resort blazing in colour.

Turning, Captain Marvel tilted her head, eyes wide at the carnival sights. "…A theme park?"

"Pretty much," Sonic admitted with a chuckle.

Modern Tails turned back to Captain Marvel. "You remember me and Knuckles from Limbo, right?"

Carol's eyes softened with recognition as she looked at him. "Yeah. You're the brainy fox with all the answers." Then, she turned to Knuckles. "And you're the echidna who was this close—" she held up her thumb and forefinger a hair's breadth apart, pinching the air for emphasis "—to punching that Cid guy in the face."

"Yep…" Knuckles huffed, folding his arms. "…He was getting annoying."

"He was," Captain Marvel agreed without hesitation.

That earned a ripple of chuckles—until Rinoa's brow furrowed. She glanced between them, uncertain. "Wait… Cid? There's another one?"

Zell groaned loudly, dragging both hands through his hair. "You've got to be kidding me! How many Cids are we supposed to keep track of?!"

Modern Tails pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath as if repeating a lecture for the hundredth time. "It's a variant of the Cid we know. I swear this has already been explained…"

Zell threw his arms wide, voice rising. "Tails, this whole time-space thing is frying my brain!"

Rinoa exhaled through her nose, shoulders sinking as she rubbed her temple. "…Join the club."

Squall's head lowered slightly, one arm folding across his chest. His sigh slipped out, quiet but telling. "…Same."

"Wait. Even you're confused?" Rino uttered, caught off guard.

Zell's jaw dropped. "No way. Mr. Stoneface actually admits it?"

Squall gave the faintest nod, nothing more.

Angelo barked once, short, and sharp, as if casting her own vote in the growing pile of confusion.

"Um… don't worry. We can always recap later," Classic Tails spoke up, raising a timid hand to draw their attention.

"True!" Modern Tails said, brightening.

Carol tilted her head, eyes narrowing as she studied the smaller fox. "…Another you?"

"Yeah," Classic Tails admitted, lifting a hand in a small, shy wave. "I'm his younger self. Hi!"

"Umm…Hiii," Carol echoed back, the word drawn out, her smile soft but a little uncertain. Her gaze drifted from the little fox across the rest of the group, taking them in one by one. When her eyes settled on Squall, her expression sharpened. "…And you," she said slowly, pointing ever so slightly. "You look like that Leon guy stuck in Limbo."

Modern Tails tapped his chin, twin tails flicking behind him. "That's because he kind of is. Squall and Leon are variants—two versions of the same person, split across timelines."

"Just like the Cid fiasco," Sonic cut in. "Same guy, different reality." He leaned towards Tails with a crooked grin. "I got that right… right?"

Modern Tails adjusted his stance with a small nod. "Right."

Carol exhaled, lips tightening into a line. "Perfect. More multiverse nonsense."

"'Fraid so," Modern Tails admitted, shoulders lifting in a helpless shrug.

Carol folded her arms, a long sigh escaping through her nose. "So… anyone gonna clue me in? Because from where I'm standing—" her eyes cut to Sonic, sharp but not unkind "—all I know is that your friends, me, and that silent wolf got dragged into that dark."

"Yeah, there's… a lot to explain…" Sonic admitted, rubbing the back of his head, grin turning sheepish.

"Of course there is," Carol muttered.

Knuckles jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. "Which is why we should head to the safehouse. We can explain it all there, nice and simple."

"Safehouse?" Carol probed, her brow arched.

The echidna started to answer, gesturing with both hands as if building the explanation in the air—

"There you are, Knuckles!"

Amy's voice rang across the hub, bright and unmistakable. She strode in with her hands on her hips. Her expression balanced somewhere between sharp and fond. "Why are you taking so long to bring Sonic to our find?"

Knuckles groaned like the world itself had turned against him. He flung his arms skyward in despair. "Don't blame me! I was getting to it!" He jabbed a spiked glove towards the glowing hub, then to Carol and the others. "We found Captain Marvel, Sonic saved her, and—boom—here we are!"

Amy blinked, her irritation melting as her eyes settled on Carol. Her tone softened. "…Oh. You're the one from Limbo. Do you remember me?"

"Yes. I remember you too," Carol replied, inkling her head in confirmation, steady and sure.

Zell raked a hand through his hair, groaning. "Man, how many people are crammed into that place?!"

"Too many it seems," Rinoa murmured with a wry twist of her lips.

"Not enough to keep you quiet," Squall deadpanned without even glancing his way.

The snickers that followed were poorly hidden.

Zell's jaw dropped. "…Et tu, Squall?!"

Carol arched one brow at him, unimpressed. Zell froze, swallowing hard under her stare.

"…Okay, okay. I'll shut up."

"Good call," Carol said evenly, the faintest spark of humour threading her voice—as if daring him to test her twice.

"Serves you right, Zell," Rinoa said, smirk tugging at her lips.

"Woof!" Angelo barked, tail giving one decisive wag as if backing her up.

Sonic chuckled, folding his arms, grin easy but warm. "Well, looks like we've got ourselves a party. Guess the safehouse is the next stop."

"But… what about my Sonic?" Classic Tails asked, twin tails drooping as he looked up at the hedgehog with wide, worried eyes.

"Oh yeah!" Sonic's grin brightened; he unfolded his arms and snapped his gloved fingers. "Mini-me. Can't forget about him."

"Quistis, Selphie, and Irvine went to look for him," Rinoa explained, her gaze drifting toward the pale horizon. "Hopefully they haven't gone too far."

Carol tilted her head at Sonic, one brow raised. "Wait. There's another you running around this place?"

"Yep," Sonic replied casually.

Carol gave a short, incredulous laugh, shaking her head. "Of course there is."

"Hey, you asked," Sonic said with a shrug, green eyes gleaming with mischief.

Modern Tails tapped his chin, frowning. "Maybe one of us should go look for them. And the other Sonic. No sense leaving them hanging."

Slowly, almost theatrically, everyone turned toward Knuckles.

"Oh, come on!" The echidna threw his arms up. "Why me?!"

"Because you know the way to the safehouse," Sonic said, infuriatingly casual.

Knuckles jabbed a spiked hand at Amy. "So does she!"

"Excuse me?" Amy shot back, fists planting on her hips, brow arched in challenge.

"You heard me," Knuckles grumbled. "You know the route back. Why can't I take five minutes to enjoy the safehouse?"

"We've been over this…" Amy sighed.

"What, you scared?" Knuckles prodded.

"Scared?"

"You've got that giant hammer," he said, gesturing with both hands. "You can handle whatever shows up while you're looking for younger Sonic and the others."

Amy's frown curved into a sharp little smile. A shimmer of pink light filled her hand, and in a blink the Piko Piko Hammer materialised, heavy and gleaming as she swung it up onto her shoulder with one arm. "Careful, Knuckles. You're starting to sound like you want me to test it out on you."

Knuckles instinctively stepped back, scowl deepening. "Tch. That's not what I said."

Amy let the hammer slide from her shoulder and gave it a playful twirl, the head whistling dangerously through the air before settling neatly at her side.

"Didn't sound that way to me," she teased.

"Put the hammer away!" Knuckles shouted out, his voice cracking with exasperation.

Amy only leaned in slightly, lashes lowering in mock sweetness. "Make me."

Zell threw both hands skyward, eyes wide. "Okay, okay—she's scary. I'm totally on her side."

Rinoa sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple, though the tug at her lips betrayed a smile she tried to suppress. Squall simply crossed his arms, shaking his head in silent judgment.

Modern Tails gave a nervous chuckle, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Zell… does kind of have a point though. Amy's not exactly the one you want to test."

"Yeah! Knuckles, you should know better," Classic Tails added, his voice piping up.

"I like her," Carol chimed in, sparks of approval lighting her eyes as she watched the display.

Amy shot her a small grin. "You've got good taste, Captain."

Sonic half-covered his grin with a glove, shoulders shaking as he failed to hold back a laugh. "Guess that settles it."

"Ugh… fine." Knuckles dragged a flat, gloved palm down his face, groaning like the weight of the White Space had landed on his shoulders. "I'll go. But I'm not happy about it."

"When are you ever?" Sonic teased, grin razor-sharp.

Knuckles shot him a glare. "…Jerk."

The Blue Blur tipped his head towards Amy with a playful grin. "Lead the way, Ames."

Amy rested her hammer across her shoulder and gave a confident nod. "My pleasure." She glanced back over her shoulder at Knuckles as she started forward. "Bye, Knuckles. Try not to sulk too hard—We'll see you back there soon."

The echidna muttered something unintelligible under his breath, arms folded tight across his chest.

The rest of the group began to fall in behind Amy, drifting into step as White Space stretched open before them. Sonic slid easily into the middle of the pack between Rinoa and Modern Tails, his pace light, his energy still buzzing from the run.

Modern Tails glanced up at him, curiosity bright in his eyes. "So… that last hub. Wanna share what happened in there?"

"Oh man, you're gonna love this," Sonic said, bouncing as he walked. "Picture this—an amusement park. Giant neon signs, tropical themed, and the whole thing floating in outer space."

"Outer space?!" Zell's voice cracked.

"Yeah!" Sonic shot back. "And get this—there were these little alien guys zipping around everywhere."

"Aliens?" Modern Tails murmured, curiosity lighting his eyes.

Rinoa tilted her head, sceptical. "You're serious?"

Zell pointed an accusing finger at the hedgehog. "No way. You're lying!"

Sonic only smirked wider. "Cross my heart. Wish I had a camera, 'cause you'd never believe what came next."

Carol and Squall stayed quiet, their focus sharp, listening intently. Classic Tails, though, looked up at Sonic in awe, twin tails flicking with every excited word.

Sonic threw his arms wide, green eyes gleaming. "Turns out those aliens could power me up—laser beams, rockets, spikes—the works. I was bouncing around like a pinball on caffeine. And then Egg—"

His voice trailed into the void as the group walked on, their chatter swelling. Questions overlapped, laughter spilled between them, until the sound blurred into the endless hum of White Space.

Knuckles lingered at the hub's edge, arms still crossed, watching them go. The faint, non-existent breeze of White Space tugged at his dreads. His jaw clenched as he turned and stared out into the horizon.

"…Alright, other Sonic," he muttered, voice low and rough, caught somewhere between a growl and a plea. His eyes narrowed. "Where the hell are you?"