Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[INTERMISSION ARC] Chapter 43: New Touch

"The chase started. Sonic, as always, headed in the direction the airship went, harnessing his incredible speed to run through the forest. Along the way, he destroyed incoming missiles and a couple of Badniks until he reached a point where a descending ship could be seen. The blue blur followed it, with Shadow trailing behind. Sonic leaped across a large rocky structure and spotted Dr. Robotnik standing with his army. Surprisingly, the doctor didn't seem interested in fighting Sonic and started speaking.

''I see... It looks like that hedgehog has begun destroying my robots again. He never cuts me any slack, does he?' Robotnik seemed to be aware of Sonic's presence but didn't want another fight.''

Sonic jumped into the action and confronted him. ''Eggman, we need to talk.''

Robotnik silently stared at him. ''I'm sorry, am I yet another one to blame?''

''This is not the time for jokes. What happened to the residents of Emerald Town, including our families?'' Sonic took a step forward, determined to get answers.

''I wasn't planning to eradicate everyone from every dimension, anyway...''

''Then what does it mean?'' Sonic's aggression towards him remained.

''You already noticed how I was held captive by some entity. I still can't fathom how someone like him could appear out of nowhere and take control of me, the greatest scientist in the world!''

Sonic paused for a moment. ''You're saying... that guy who appeared at the altar used you to carry out his nefarious plans, leading to the destruction of most dimensions?''

''Yes, that was essentially it. Although my original plan was only to set up a game involving you all... due to my lack of control over The Master Emerald, I caused the population of the entire continent to be split into separate dimensions, including the one you've been in.''

''Eggman... just tell me, what was that person's name? I want to know.'' Sonic looked down, realizing that the mysterious person was responsible for that event.

Robotnik stood there for a moment and coldly replied, ''He never gave a name.''

''WHAT...?! He never gave his name? That's strange...'' Sonic expressed his curiosity about the person's identity.

Shortly after, Shadow arrived but simply stood there, observing the scene. Sonic and Robotnik continued their conversation. ''I think that's what you should know by now. I was merely manipulated by that Spider, and it seems... I'm an innocent guy now. Now, get lost!''

''Fine, I'll leave you be.' 'Sonic made it clear and turned around, leaving Robotnik unharmed. Shadow jumped down to join him. 'So, that's where you've been. It seems like you've made a significant discovery.'

''It appears so, but we now know that Eggman wasn't entirely at fault. It was that guy who appeared after Gemerl's defeat, remember?''

''I do. That guy has some secrets. He definitely had some enigma up his sleeve,'' Shadow replied.

Eggman shouted, clenching his fist. ''I can hear you! Don't call me by those foolish nicknames, Sonic!''

'Yeah, and make sure to pack an eggplant lunch, Mr. Doctor!'' Sonic snarked back.

Robotnik felt irritated, while Shadow simply looked at Sonic. ''Don't engage in pranks, Sonic. Let's get back to our discussion with the group.''

They returned to the building, and Sonic shared everything he had learned from Eggman. It seemed their target was the Spider Mobian entity, but there was little they could do for now except wait and see what would happen to The Master Emerald, which had been used by this entity. The afternoon settled in, and they began arranging their plans.

Sonic glanced at the group but didn't say goodbye. He overheard conversations, including Cream's voice. 'Where can I live now? Without Mom, there's nowhere I can call home...' She looked even more saddened by that thought.

''Don't worry, you can stay at my apartment,'' Amy reassured her, trying to maintain a bright smile even in these difficult times.

Sonic turned away, only interested in having some time alone. Instead of running, he took a leisurely walk along an empty path in the town's park area, lost in his own thoughts. He wandered around and spotted Dijon walking. They met each other. ''Dijon...?'' Sonic replied, surprised.

''Yeah, it's me. There's one thing I have to ask, friend. Did I sacrifice my powers for nothing?''

They continued walking. ''You protected one of the people I consider my best friends. Of course, it wasn't in vain,' Sonic said, giving a thumbs-up.''

''I did save them, but... without the use of Satsugai's powers, I'm useless. So, I won't be much help in rescuing our parents.''

''Don't underestimate yourself, Dijon! Even if you think you're powerless, there's a new path waiting for you. And if you keep moving forward, you'll discover your own power.''

''My own power...'' Dijon kept walking, staring at his hands.

''By that, I mean not a physical power, but something that will make us happy. You made a courageous decision to help others.''

''I remember when I used my courage to protect that old guy from those bullies. That's how we first met.''

'It's only been a few weeks since then, and so much has happened.' Sonic looked up at the sky, pausing their walk.

'It was a short but nice talk. But now, I need to get going. I need a proper rest that will shape my future.'

''Just... find yourself, Dijon.'' Sonic smiled, and both hedgehogs bid each other goodbye. Sonic returned to his house and took some time to rest.

As night fell, it seemed like nothing would happen, but it did. A purple opening, reminiscent of a void ring, appeared, and a shadowy figure emerged. The figure had dreadlocks, resembling an echidna, and a tall, bulky form that appeared to be a mech. They were all wearing uniforms similar to Dijon's outfit when he transformed using Satsugai's powers.

The dreadlocked figure peered into the empty town that was once Emerald Town. ''So, we've finally arrived... it's time to clean up this mess once and for all.''

-Chapter End-"