Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[ UNIVERSE CENTRE ARC ] Chapter 81: The Sewers

After the whole ordeal with Sonic and Knuckles's misadventures, the focus shifted to the orange one, Dijon. He strolled through the streets when he heard a loud commotion nearby. A group of bandits took off, and Dijon turned to see what was happening. ''Robbery...?!''

An old woman desperately reached out, saying, ''Aah! My wallet was stolen by them. What am I supposed to do?''

''Wait... why do they just want to steal your money? Who are they?'' he questioned.

''It's those bandits, the big problem in this town. They're everywhere, stealing our stuff, and worse, our people.''

''They even take hostages, too?'' Dijon asked with curiosity.

''Yes, that's what they do. If they find anyone disagreeable, luckily, it didn't happen. If I had taken any action, they... you know...''

Dijon gestured with his hand. ''This is outrageous. What about the Balancers? Have they done anything, or did they let things go astray?''

She looked down. ''They tried, but the bandit group still persists. They hide in plain sight, making it difficult for the Balancers to take righteous action.''

''I know what I'll do. I'll try to follow the lead they left behind. I've fully recognized the layout now. And you know what? I'm getting your purse, lady.''

''Ah, how generous and brave of you. Can you really do it? They seem menacing and potent... but this is what the youth is nowadays...''

''Then I'll take my part. I'm going.'' Dijon walked off, following the trail where the bandits had escaped.

The orange hedgehog managed to follow the bandits who stole the purse. It seemed they were heading downstairs to the district—an entrance to the sewers. He peered down. ''So, this is where they've gone... interesting.''

Dijon jumped down and entered the underground, resembling the sewers. It looked like a strange camp, and he overheard a conversation.

''So, you got the thing we pickpocketed from,'' the bandit in charge spoke, the other placing the wallet on the carpet. ''Nothing too shabby, just had my ways to steal from an old woman. An easy play for me.''

The other guy chimed in, ''But... the carpet seems a little empty today. There were plenty of people here. What happened?''

The camp's owner, wearing a crown, added, ''Well, you see, I tried to commit thievery too. But I got assaulted by a strange feminine figure in the market. It looked like she poked at me with her strange short blade.''

''Really? That's funny!'' the two bandits laughed.

''No laughing! That figure seemed mysterious and empowering, almost like those white-clothed lackeys trying to catch us!''

''Yeah! What else happened today? I heard one of our camp members got assaulted by some strange figures, one in blue and the other in red.''

''Red? Blue?'' Dijon whispered to himself, recognizing the keywords that reminded him of Knuckles and Sonic.

The crown bandit continued, ''Ah, them... one was a hedgehog, and the other, an echidna. A pity combo, I might say. Now, only a wallet. Let's get back to more thievery, boys!''

''Aw yeah, nothing can stop us!'' The two were excited to continue their job until the orange hedgehog intervened.

''What, you're none of us!'' the crown one-pointed.

''Indeed. If I were, I wouldn't still be part of the idiocy you guys are in,'' Dijon said, acting cold.

'''Wait, you're the guy from earlier! Hey, you really tried to follow us just to get that purse back for an elderly woman, ha!'' one of the bandits mocked.

''It's not the reason I came. Tell me about it. There are rumors about people kidnapped by the likes of you, bandits. Now, where are they?''

''Oh, shoot, he knows our darkest secret. Guess he'll be silenced as well. What do you say, Mr. Crown?''

''I'd say we might not play nice with this kid. Get him, boys!'' The crown bandit ordered, and they took out swords, similar to a Sub-Blade but more primitive.

''These are our weapons, made by our righteous leader, J! Although he hasn't come up with a name, it rivals what Balancers use — the Sub-Blade!'' They surrounded Dijon.

''I guess I'll give it a similar level, then.'' Dijon summoned a sword.

''A Soul Weapon?'' the crown bandit gasped.

Unfazed, the two bandits attacked the orange hedgehog. With skill, he managed to defeat them in half a minute. They ran away, leaving Dijon with barely any leads. He walked off in disappointment and later returned the wallet to the woman.

''Ah, thank you, sweetie. Such courage from you should be remembered. I owe you for that!''

''I appreciate it. It's a good thing I chose to help the right people. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go. It looks like this whole town has more issues than I initially thought.'' he said.

''Your sense of justice is admirable. The way you act is really like those Balancers. Perhaps... are you one of them?''

''No... I never was,'' he responded.

''Ah, what was I even thinking? Of course, you aren't, even if your attire gave me a similarity. Well, guess this is where we say our goodbyes. So long, young one.''

''Farewell!'' Dijon waved, then something seemed off about him. He was truly immersed in people's lives, facing challenges to reveal better qualities in people. He walked off, seeking the next lead for the dungeon, as mentioned by the bandit before he ran away.

-Chapter end.-