Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[ INTERMISSION ARC ] Chapter 71: Heading Out

Sonic and his friends infiltrate the Nocturnus hideout to find and prevent them from acquiring the chaos emeralds, but they are too late and fail. Despite having just learned a new power through training, it remained to be seen if it would be useful. Dijon, who tended to sleep a lot, had developed a habit of sleeping in. Ever since Satusgai's arrest, he kept having a recurring nightmare of being unable to protect someone. He woke up one morning and uttered, "I'm bored."

He went through his usual morning routine, glanced at himself in the mirror, and mused, "Life has gotten quiet and boring."

Entering his bedroom, he sat down briefly. "I still wonder where that Braso guy went. I suppose I'll have to visit Aeon again."

Leaving his house, Dijon headed to Aeon's place. He knocked on the door, and the elderly cat man emerged. "Good morning, Dijon. Why are you up so early?"

"Just wondering if you've seen my friend Braso," he inquired.

"Hahaha! I'm pleased that you're good company now. Well, he mentioned that he would be doing some work on my house. I'm teaching him things to become a better companion."

"That's alright," Dijon replied quietly.

"Is there something you'd like? I have plenty of food that you enjoy," Aeon offered, concerned about Dijon's well-being.

"I need a Void Ring."

"A void ring? But why?" Aeon questioned.

"I need to get to the place where the Balancers reside."

He sighed. "We've already discussed this, Dijon."

"I can't bear it anymore. Every night, I have the same dream about him. So, I'm eager to find him and rescue him."

"Come inside, then," Aeon invited as they moved indoors and took their seats.

"So, you're planning to fight against the Balancers, the entire organization? Don't be foolish, even with my training, you'll be defeated."

"I heard that my friends failed to retrieve all the emeralds, so it's not like teamwork made a difference."

"Well, life is uncertain for everyone."

"Aeon, just give me a chance. If I fail to reach Satsugai, I'll give up and won't risk my life," Dijon said.

"Then go," Aeon agreed, pointing downstairs.

"No objections, nothing?" Dijon seemed surprised by the response.

"I won't keep you from leaving. The town has been lonely, even without mentioning Satsugai. However, I have one request for you."

"What is it, Aeon?"

"Find a friend of mine near the Balancers, in a place known as Universe Centre. His name is hidden, but he goes by Cassius. He's a silver-furred ferret and will be your valuable ally."

"I understand. I'll be on my way," Dijon said, preparing to transform into his Balancer state.

"Are you only planning to find Satsugai and rescue him?"

"I'll do more than that. I'll convince everyone that he's innocent!" Dijon declared, transforming into his Balancer state.

"If you die, it won't be my responsibility," Aeon cautioned.

"No need to worry. I won't die."

"Take care of yourself, Dijon."

"See you around, Aeon!" Dijon stepped outside and began his journey. The landscape had changed, with a massive portal above him. "He's prepared for me already?"