Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[ UNIVERSE CENTRE ARC ] Chapter 75: The Centre

So, they had finally reached the heart of the souls, the Universe Center. Everyone was in awe of its immense size, but Sonic seemed the most amused, gazing at the expansive scenery. They also noticed a rather large gate in front of them, with walls that seemingly stretched above the clouds. Dijon stepped forward and asked, "So... is this the place we must go to?"

Tails gazed at the road leading to the mysterious gate and replied, "I believe so. If our friend Alan is leading us here, it must be."

Knuckles crossed his arms and added, "I'm fine with it, but this place is entirely different, and we haven't gotten used to it yet."

Amy chimed in, "I guess we shouldn't be afraid of anything. We are strong people, after all."

Tails looked down and said, "Who knows... maybe that Master Balancer won't do to me what he did to Sonic a week ago."

Sonic chuckled and said, "Expecting me to fall like I did before? Not this time. Anyway, let's proceed. Hopefully, we'll discover something new."

The entire crew continued their adventure, approaching the gate cautiously. They caught a glimpse of an unknown land with buildings, which excited Sonic. "No way! The first thing we discover is this? I want to see it all!" He was eager to step forward and be the first to enter.

Fox gave a sigh and asked, "What's the point, Sonic? It doesn't matter who steps in first."

Amy defended Sonic, saying, "This is Sonic, after all. He's always up for challenges."

Orange replied, "I'm fine with that, Sonic."

Sonic exclaimed, "I guess I'll go first." He stepped his foot forward, but their progress was halted by a shout from an unknown male voice. "HEY THERE! STOP!"

A Mobian, resembling a lynx and wearing a Balancer uniform, blocked Sonic's path. He also wore a turban hat. Sonic greeted him, "Hello!"

The Lynx scratched his head and pointed at Sonic. "I don't accept such a casual greeting. Who are you, and what are you doing near the gate?"

Sonic introduced himself, "I'm Sonic The Hedgehog, and we are just travelers."

The Lynx asked, "Do you have permission to enter our land?"

Sonic replied, "Ah, but I don't know your name."

The Lynx introduced himself as Yusuf and mentioned the need for permission.

Tails whispered to the group, "This may be private land. Did we trespass?"

Yusuf, with exceptional hearing, overheard Tails and sighed. "Seriously? So, you guys are trespassers. I have no choice but to arrest you." He drew his dagger.

Sonic realized they were in trouble and prepared for a fight. "I.. guess we have no choice, but to fight for ourselves.''

Yusuf threatened, "Prepare to get down, you trespassers."

Dijon intervened, blocking Yusuf with his blade. "Hold on, Sonic. It's my turn to fight. You should save your strength."

The Lynx noticed Dijon's uniform and called him an imposter. They clashed with their blades, and Dijon was surprised by Yusuf's strength. "I'm impressed. I thought I could shatter your blade easily. Is this a Soul Weapon?"

Yusuf laughed. "This is a Sub-Weapon. I can easily withstand your Soul Weapon. Besides, I don't even need my Soul Weapon to defeat you."

Sonic stepped back as Dijon and Yusuf continued to duel. Amy questioned their strategy, suggesting they charge together or run away.

Knuckles explained, "This is a duel, Amy. They've found a mutual interest in each other. We should show our progress since the last time; it's our way to succeed."

Amy understood but still felt uneasy. Dijon and Yusuf jumped back, increasing their distance. Yusuf taunted, "You've got nothing, even with your Soul Weapon, Orange."

Dijon remained determined. "Yusuf, you're in for a real challenge today. I hope you're ready."

Yusuf agreed, "I'm always ready. Let's keep this battle honorable, even if you are a trespasser."

Dijon focused his energy and unleashed a powerful strike, creating a shockwave that sent Yusuf tumbling backward.

Yusuf got up, slightly bruised, and warned, "Impressive. You're forcing my hand now." He channeled energy into his Sub-Weapon, lunging at Dijon with newfound speed and precision.

After a fierce battle, Dijon and Yusuf appeared exhausted. Sonic was eager to see the outcome, and Tails wondered if they should intervene.

The battle was evenly matched, but both fighters were showing signs of fatigue. Knuckles admired the fight but noted the toll it had taken on them.

Tails inspected their wounds and asked if they should stop the fight. Sonic stepped aside and said, "I'll end the fight if Dijon falls, but I want to see what happens next."

Suddenly, a mysterious figure interrupted the fight. Tails recognized a similarity to the opponent Sonic had faced before and suspected the figure to be a Master Balancer.

The mysterious figure greeted them, and their presence instilled fear in the group. 

-chapter end-