Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[INTERMISSION ARC] Chapter 50: Training Begins

Dijon's training began, and his montage started with Aeon's words echoing in his ears. 'At first, it's suggested that you start at the ground level. It's best for you to perform at least 50 sit-ups and push-ups. That will be enough as the first ground rule,' he said. And so, the determined hedgehog gave it his all, struggling to push himself up and complete the tasks. Afterwards, Dijon found himself panting, feeling the exertion. 'That should be enough. I've already done plenty,' he chuckled.

Aeon smiled reassuringly. 'There's no need to rush. You can take a cold drink.' With those words, he tossed a water bottle to Dijon, who caught it with ease. Dijon drank the water, finding it refreshing, although his focus remained on the training at hand. 'That water... it tastes so good. But my main focus is on our training,' he remarked.

Aeon tapped his staff thoughtfully. 'Indeed, it seems you've taken the first step. Now, we move on to the second.'

Curiosity filled Dijon's eyes as he asked, 'What comes next?'

Aeon smiled mysteriously. 'It's quite simple, really. We'll test your willpower. Behold, I shall summon a being who can challenge you fairly.'

Dijon's eyes widened in surprise as Aeon's energy started to glow brightly. He had no idea what was about to happen. Suddenly, a blinding flash appeared near Aeon, and a spirit materialized—a humanoid ladybug-like creature with glasses perched on its head. Dijon couldn't contain his astonishment. 'Soulner...?!'

Aeon nodded, acknowledging the hedgehog's recognition. 'Indeed, a Soulner. It seems you're already familiar with the concept. Your friend, Satsugai, is also a Soulner, just like this spirit.' Aeon watched Dijon intently, waiting for his response.

Dijon confessed, 'I haven't delved much into using Soulner as a fighting method.' Despite that, he held onto his own beliefs and found courage within himself.

Raising his hand high, the old cat shouted, 'Behold the power of a Soulner! Engage, Bichito!'

Dijon listened closely, realizing he needed to call upon Soulner to fight alongside him. Without wasting any time, he charged towards the Ladybug Spirit. Aeon's voice resonated in his mind, 'Even if it's a weak-tier Soulner, I believe you can prevail. Your soul's determination will make it even stronger.'

"GYAH!" Dijon lunged, attempting a dive-kick at the Soulner. Bichito countered, sending him flying, but the bug quickly recovered and flew back towards him.

Dijon braced himself and went into a defensive stance, but the spirit used its wings to deliver a powerful blow, knocking him down. However, Dijon refused to back down. He mustered his strength, stood up, and smiled through his exhaustion. 'Hehehehe.'

Bichito felt a tinge of unease as he witnessed Dijon's unwavering determination. It became evident that this was the hedgehog's advantage. Seizing the moment, Dijon launched himself at the Soulner, delivering a powerful blow that defeated it.

"I... did it." Dijon sat down on the ground, feeling drained from the intense fight.

Aeon praised him, genuinely impressed. 'I'm quite impressed. Even as a powerless hedgehog, you performed remarkably. Your power matches that of Bichito's, although I only utilized half of his strength. You've proven yourself.'

Dijon's thoughts drifted to Satsugai, his departed friend. 'I just want to thank him. He used his powers to protect me, and now it's my turn to express my gratitude. That's my path now.'

Aeon acknowledged Dijon's inspiring words. 'That's a noble sentiment. But enough talk. We shall proceed to the third step—channelling your soul and regaining your powers.'

Dijon was all ears, ready to absorb every word. 'I'm ready for whatever comes next.'

Aeon revealed a pouch containing seven chaos emeralds. They appeared different, crystallized and possessing a transparent, glassy appearance. Placing the pouch in Dijon's palm, Aeon explained, 'This will be your third act of training. You must utilize the chaos emeralds to awaken your latent power and become the one true Uni-Balancer.'

As Dijon looked at the open pouch, he took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm. 'I'm ready for anything.'

-chapter end-