Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[INTERMISSION ARC] Chapter 48: Woke

He slept in a deep slumber, unable to feel anything. It felt as if he were sinking deeper, oblivious to his own consciousness. Drifting further into a lonely space, his thoughts were elusive. Then, a glimmering light appeared in his mind, not taking any definite form, but emitting a luminous voice. It spoke, "You must continue your journey. It's not too late. Don't let yourself sink."

The hedgehog gasped upon hearing those words, as they reminded him of his past adventures. However, this experience felt different, as if he faced an opponent beyond his league. The depths of his sinking felt like the path his life was heading, with problems piling up. Yet, the resonating voice filled him with newfound hope, and he opened his eyes to find himself in the real world.

From Sonic's perspective, he woke up and surveyed his surroundings. He realized that this wasn't his house or any of his friends' homes. After careful observation, he concluded that he was in a bedroom. Examining his bandaged body, he sighed, "Even so... it's still great to be alive."

Sonic mustered the strength to move, but as he took a step, he triggered a sound that startled him. Suddenly, a bucket fell from the ceiling, drenching him. Frustrated, he exclaimed, "What kind of house is this?!"

The door opened, revealing Aeon, who approached Sonic. "I see you've awakened. That's great news. But it seems you acted rather naively."

"Naive?" Sonic heard the comment but remained silent, understanding the reason behind it. "Yes, I suppose I am. I never expected them to be so powerful."

"The people you encountered are the Uni-Balancers. They are different from your friend, Dijon. Their skills and strength are beyond reckoning," Aeon explained, taking a seat on the couch.

Sonic looked at Aeon with a tinge of sadness. "And... what makes them so special? They feel like they're from a different dimension altogether. There's something about them that I can't comprehend." The hedgehog's gaze dropped, feeling inferior to these adversaries in every way.

"They have more experience than you, my friend," Aeon replied, as he had grown tired of standing.

Sonic's eyes met Aeon's, filled with a sense of despair. "Now what, Aeon? If I can't even save my family or protect my friends, is this my limit?"

"This is not the end for you. But first, you must rest and recover from your wounds. There's no need to rush," Aeon reassured him, sensing Sonic's impatience.

Sonic sat down as well. "I think you're right. It seems you know me well. I really need to clear my mind and take some time to relax."

Suddenly, a loud banging noise came from the door, and a voice called out, "Please, come in."

Knuckles entered the room, appearing just as injured as Sonic, both covered in bandages. "Long time no see, Sonic. Our problems aren't over yet. The Master Emerald has been stolen again!"

"What?!" Sonic was shocked. No matter how many times the fate of Master Emerald hung in the balance, Knuckles always seemed to be caught up in it. They discussed the events of the previous day, both recounting their encounters with the same powerful opponent. It seemed they had shared similar experiences. Knuckles concluded, "That's what happened. Now, how are we supposed to get the Master Emerald back? We have no leads, nothing!"

"I'm out of ideas, Knuckles," Sonic admitted.

Aeon, who had been silently observing, spoke up. "Regarding what you mentioned, Master Emerald is no longer in our world. It now resides in a place where all souls gather, a place known as the Uni-Centre, where the so-called Uni-Balancers reside."

"Uni-Centre? I've never heard of it. Where can we find it?" Sonic's curiosity was piqued.

"It's too early for you two. The power you possess isn't enough to reclaim that majestic gem, at least not yet," Aeon replied. He seemed to have something on his mind, but without further questioning, he changed the subject. "Why don't you two focus on recovering first? We'll have a discussion with all of you, the current residents of Emerald Town."

"That sounds fine to me. Even if my parents are in danger or if Dijon's friend is in trouble, it's a good opportunity for personal growth and improvement, don't you think?" Sonic smiled cheerfully, regaining his optimism.

Aeon closed his eyes, appreciating Sonic's resilience. "Everything is in order. I'll give you two days to rest, and then you'll return to me. We'll discuss this further, alright?"

"I'm fine with that. We'll see you again," Sonic waved as he left the house with Knuckles. Looking back at the building, it appeared to be an ordinary, ageing bungalow. Sonic glanced at Knuckles, a question forming in his mind. "So, hey... how did Aeon rescue you?"

"He knew that the Uni-Balancers were targeting Master Emerald, so he was nearby when I collapsed. He brought me to his house and then went to find you, assuring our friends to remain calm while he took care of us," Knuckles explained.

"I'm grateful for that. Hey, what are you planning to do now? Since there's nothing left for you to protect, are you going back to Angel Island?" Sonic inquired, raising another question.

"No, I'll stay here for a while, considering whether I should remain with Aeon," Knuckles replied.

"Then I'm glad to have you around, Knuckles." Sonic waved as they bid farewell. Sonic carefully made his way back home, where he would spend the next two days in total comfort despite his wounds.

-Chapter End-