Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As Sonic stirred within the cave's confines, his senses gradually returned, accompanied by an eerie stillness that enveloped the surroundings like a shroud. The air felt heavy with a peculiar weight, as if the very fabric of reality had momentarily frozen in time.

With a surge of elation, Sonic's eyes swept across the familiar faces of his friends, frozen in suspended animation. Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Rouge stood motionless, caught in a timeless tableau. A rush of emotion surged within Sonic, a desire to reach out and embrace those dear to him, yet his body refused to cooperate, weakened and fatigued from the trials they had endured.

As the world around him began to thaw and stir back to life, Sonic caught fragments of familiar voices, distorted and distant as if echoing from another realm. Tails' voice, in particular, reached his ears, though the words remained elusive, slipping through his grasp like grains of sand. Attempting to move, Sonic faltered, his limbs betraying him as he collapsed to the ground in a wave of exhaustion.

The sound of hurried footsteps drew nearer, someone checking on him, their presence a comforting anchor in the disorienting haze that clouded his senses. But in his dazed state, Sonic struggled to identify the caring presence, their features obscured by the fog of his mind.

"Sonic?!"

"What's wrong with him?! He was fine just a moment ago!"

Suddenly, a familiar silhouette emerged into Sonic's blurry field of vision – Shadow, the enigmatic figure whose presence always seemed to carry an air of mystery and foreboding. Shadow appeared shattered, his usually stoic demeanor giving way to a sense of urgency as he cradled Sonic in his arms, engaged in a conversation with an unseen entity that lingered on the fringes of Sonic's awareness.

Through the haze of exhaustion, Sonic mustered a feeble attempt at a smile, acknowledging the success of their mission – Green Hill restored to its former glory. But the effort proved too much, and with a groan, Sonic succumbed to unconsciousness once more, the world fading into darkness around him.

Meanwhile, Tails gazed down at the unconscious form of his friend, a palpable confusion etched across his features. Sonic's sudden lapse into unconsciousness bewildered him, prompting a concerned glance toward Shadow, who cradled Sonic with an air of impending sorrow.

"Shadow?" Tails queried, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he sought answers in the eyes of the stoic hedgehog. But Shadow remained silent, his gaze shifting between Tails and the Paradox Prism, ensnared in the rocky clutches Eggman feverishly attempted to extract. In the distance, Rouge, Knuckles, and Amy valiantly battled the encroaching hordes of badniks, their determination unwavering in the face of adversity.

In a moment of decisive action, Shadow turned to Tails, his voice carrying a terse yet commanding tone as he issued his instructions. "Stay here with him," he commanded, his eyes betraying a sense of urgency that mirrored the gravity of the situation. Tails, though perplexed by Shadow's cryptic demeanor, complied without hesitation, settling down as Sonic's head came to rest gently on his lap.

With a resolute nod, Shadow darted toward the Paradox Prism, his movements swift and purposeful as he navigated the chaos that unfolded around them. In his wake, a trail of uncertainty lingered, the weight of unanswered questions pressing down on Tails as he watched Shadow disappear into the fray.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as Tails sat vigil by Sonic's side, his mind awash with a tumult of thoughts and emotions. The minutes dragged by like hours, each passing moment filled with a sense of unease that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness.

Then, like a bolt from the blue, Shadow returned, his arms cradling Sonic's limp form with a tenderness that belied his usual stoicism. A flood of questions surged forth from the others, their voices a cacophony of concern and confusion, but Shadow's attention remained fixed solely on Sonic's well-being.

As the others clamored for answers, Shadow's gaze settled upon Sonic, his eyes widening in shock as a chilling realization gripped him. Sonic had turned gray, his once vibrant hues drained away, leaving behind a pallor that mirrored a previous ominous transformation.

Panic seized Shadow as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation, his thoughts racing a mile a minute as he sought to make sense of the inexplicable. "No... No..." he muttered, his voice choked with emotion as he grappled with the enormity of what lay before them.

Sensing the weight of exhaustion and worry that burdened Shadow, Rouge approached him with a discerning gaze, her expression softening with concern. "Shadow, hun. What's going on?" she inquired, her voice gentle yet insistent as she sought to unravel the mystery that surrounded Sonic's condition.

Meeting her gaze, Shadow's features softened marginally, a mixture of weariness and apprehension reflecting in his own. "Follow me," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned his attention back to Sonic, his arms cradling the unconscious hedgehog with a tenderness born of concern and uncertainty.

With Tails, Amy, and Knuckles in tow, the group exited the cave, the cool breeze outside doing little to quell the tension that hung heavy in the air. Shadow's steps were purposeful as he led them onward, his destination unclear yet driven by a sense of urgency that left no room for doubt.

Turning to Tails, Shadow issued a directive, his voice carrying a note of determination that brooked no argument. "Fly the Toronto and follow me," he commanded, his eyes locking with Tails' in silent understanding as they prepared to embark on the next leg of their journey. And as the aircraft took flight, carrying them toward an uncertain future, the group could only cling to hope as they followed Shadow into the unknown.

In the hidden expanse of the cavern, known only to Shadow, the group arrived, guided by the mysterious hedgehog whose actions seemed to be driven by a sense of purpose beyond their understanding. With Tails skillfully landing the Toronto on a rocky outcrop, they disembarked, approaching Shadow with a mix of curiosity and concern etched upon their faces like the lines of an unfinished puzzle.

"Shadow, what's happening?" Tails questioned, his gaze fixed intently on the enigmatic figure whose presence seemed to carry a weight of responsibility that hung heavy in the air.

Shadow sighed wearily, locking eyes with Tails as if searching for answers within the depths of his soul. "I'll explain later. For now, I need you to construct something," he replied, his tone tinged with urgency that brooked no argument.

Perplexed by Shadow's cryptic request, Tails inquired, "Construct what exactly?"

"Create a device capable of extracting a portion of the Prism's energy and transferring it to Sonic," Shadow responded, his words laced with a sense of urgency that left little room for doubt.

Tails, his expression marked by a mixture of confusion and concern, questioned further, "Why?"

Shadow's gaze remained fixed on the ailing Sonic, the urgency evident in his response. "Because Sonic needs it, right now!"

Tails hesitated before responding, his mind racing with the implications of Shadow's words. "I can try to make it, but..." he trailed off, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Interrupting Tails' train of thought, Shadow solemnly acknowledged, "You don't think you can make it on time."

Tails nodded solemnly, his concern deepening as he contemplated the gravity of Sonic's condition and the race against time to save him.

Amy, ever the voice of reason, approached Tails, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and compassion. "What do you need to make it?" she inquired, her voice steady despite the weight of the situation.

Tails began explaining the necessary components to Amy and Knuckles, his hands moving with practiced precision as he outlined the blueprint for their salvation. Meanwhile, Rouge approached Shadow, who held Sonic in a protective embrace, his gaze never wavering from the hedgehog's still form.

She quipped with a playful smile, "Didn't know you were a hugger."

Shadow glanced at her briefly, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips before his expression turned somber once more. "He said the same thing..."

In the midst of this exchange, Tails jumped suddenly, his eyes widening in realization as a plan began to form in his mind. "We had a plan!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a newfound sense of purpose.

Shadow's attention snapped back to Tails, his demeanor shifting slightly as he inquired, "What is it?"

Tails explained, his words coming in a rush of excitement and determination, "They're getting the things I need, and I'll stay here with you, Rouge, and Sonic," he gestured to Knuckles and Amy, who nodded in agreement, their resolve unwavering in the face of adversity.

"Okay," Shadow responded, a sense of hope mingled with concern in his voice as he watched Tails and the others set their plan into motion.

As Amy piloted the Toronto with a steady hand, and Knuckles gripped the wing with a sense of determination, they departed on their mission, leaving behind a trail of determination in their wake. Tails turned to Shadow, his eyes filled with questions as they embarked on the next stage of their journey.

"Where is the Prism anyway?" Tails inquired, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic artifact that held the key to Sonic's salvation.

"Deeper in the cave," Shadow replied, leading them further into the cavern with a sense of purpose that bordered on desperation. As they approached the source of the Prism's radiant glow, Tails scrutinized it closely, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he searched for any clues that might aid in their quest.

Something caught his attention at the top of the Prism shards, a subtle anomaly that seemed out of place amidst the vibrant hues of its crystalline surface.

"Rouge!" Tails called out, his voice tinged with urgency as he beckoned her to his side.

Rouge approached, her curiosity piqued by Tails' sudden exclamation. "Yes?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the Prism's surface for any signs of disturbance.

"Does the top look burned to you?" Tails questioned, his brow furrowed in concentration as he studied the artifact's surface.

Rouge inspected it closely, her keen eyes picking up on the subtle nuances that escaped Tails' notice. After a moment of careful observation, she confirmed, "It does."

Tails and Rouge exchanged concerned glances, the implications of their discovery weighing heavily upon them as they turned to Shadow, who stood nearby with a sense of resignation etched upon his features.

With a gentle touch, Rouge approached Shadow, her voice soft with concern as she asked, "Shadow, honey, what happened?"

Shadow sighed heavily, the weight of his burden evident in every line of his weary frame. "A lot," he muttered, his voice tinged with regret and sorrow as he grappled with the memories that haunted him.

Suddenly, they heard a noise, and all eyes turned toward Sonic, whose eyes slowly fluttered open, confusion etched upon his features as he whispered softly, "N... Nine?"

Confused by Sonic's cryptic utterance, Tails questioned, "Who's Nine?"

Sonic's gaze shifts between Tails and Shadow, silently urging Shadow to reveal the truth that lingered in the depths of his troubled mind. "Sonic, I'll explain, but we need Prism energy for you first," Shadow declares with a firmness that brooked no argument, his voice tinged with a sense of determination born of desperation.

Sonic shakes his head, his expression clouded with concern. "W... What if it sh... shatters a... again..." he stammers, his fear palpable in the air that hung heavy around them like a suffocating blanket.

Acknowledging Sonic's apprehension, Shadow replies with a solemn nod, his gaze unwavering as it meets Sonic's troubled eyes. "I know, but you need it," he says softly, his words laced with a sense of urgency that echoed through the cavernous expanse.

Sonic lets out a strained groan, his eyes fluttering shut as exhaustion washes over him like a tidal wave, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty and pain. Shadow, uneasy with Sonic's discomfort, understands the necessity for rest, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared burden.

Curiosity fills Tails' eyes as he turns to Shadow, his voice tinged with anticipation as he seeks answers to the mysteries. "Who's Nine, Shadow?" he inquires, his words hanging in the air like a silent plea for understanding.

Shadow hesitates briefly, his gaze drifting to the ground as if grappling with the memories that threatened to consume him. "Someone... Someone who looks just like you. I'll explain more later," he finally reveals, his voice tinged with a sense of resignation as he prepares to unravel the tangled web of secrets that bound them together.

As Rouge returns with Knuckles and Amy, who carries the required components for Tails, the group gathers around Sonic, their collective resolve a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf them.

As Tails meticulously assembles the device, his hands moving with practiced precision, Shadow's gaze remains fixed on Sonic, an unspoken hope lingering in his eyes, willing Tails to finish before it's too late.

Knuckles, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, confronts Shadow with a sense of urgency that mirrored the tumultuous emotions swirling within him. "Shadow, we need to know what's happening with Sonic," he demands, his voice echoing through the cavern like a clarion call for truth.

With a resigned sigh, Shadow begins the tale. "In short, Sonic shattered the Prism, creating alternate versions of Green Hill and us," he begins, his voice steady despite the weight of the memories that haunted him. "I got trapped in the void, a place between five alternate worlds, and Sonic went through unimaginable challenges."

Knuckles presses for details, his brow furrowed in concentration as he absorbs the gravity of Shadow's words. "What kind of trouble?" he inquires, his voice tinged with a sense of determination as he prepares to confront the horrors that lurked within the shadows of their shared past.

"In New Yoke, one of the worlds, Eggman ruled, but not just one Eggman—five of them," Shadow explains, his words painting a chilling picture of a world overrun by tyranny and chaos.

"What?!" Knuckles exclaims, his eyes widening in disbelief at the magnitude of the revelation.

"Yeah, and Sonic encountered Nine, an alternate Tails who didn't recognize him. They got into a confrontation, got captured, and Sonic faced a robot version of Amy..." Shadow continues, his voice trailing off as he recounts the harrowing ordeal that had threatened to consume them all.

"I..." Amy is left in shock, her mind reeling from the implications of Shadow's words.

Shadow continues the intricate tale, recounting how Sonic faced tests in alternate worlds, encountered versions of his friends, and navigated through challenges alongside Redel, Rusty, and Knucks. The group's daring escape, the revelation of the Prism shard, and Sonic's realization unfold in the narrative, each word a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"Wow," Amy breathes, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggles to comprehend the enormity of their journey.

Shadow delves deeper into their adventures, detailing their encounters in the Boscage Maze, No Place, and the Ghost Hill, each world a labyrinth of danger and intrigue that tested their mettle in ways they could scarcely imagine.

"And after about 2 or 3 hours of relentless fighting against Nine's robots..." 

"He creates robots too?" Amy questions, her voice tinged with disbelief at the revelation.

"Yes, and after a prolonged battle, Nine undergoes a change of heart. He recognizes the broken state of the shatterverse, understanding that it's partly his fault. There's only one way to save it," Shadow explains, his words tinged with a sense of resignation as he prepares to confront the truth that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

Concern etches Amy's face as she leans in closer, her eyes searching Shadow's face for any sign of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume them all. "What is it?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper as she prepares to confront the truth that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

"A sacrifice is necessary, and Sonic..." Shadow's voice trails off, his words heavy with the weight of the revelation that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

"No..." Amy's voice is barely a whisper as she struggles to comprehend the enormity of what lay before them.

Shadow solemnly continues, his voice tinged with sorrow as he recounts the final moments of their battle against the forces of darkness. "He gives the Prism his energy, and this is the result..."

Tails, overcome with shock and teary-eyed, realizes the completion of the device. "It's finally done!" he exclaims, his voice tinged with relief as he gazes upon the device that held the key to their salvation.

Shadow smiles, a rare moment of warmth amidst the darkness that threatened to consume them all. "What do I have to do with Sonic?" he inquires, his voice tinged with anticipation as he prepares to confront the truth that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

"Seat him by the Prism, but Shadow... I'm not sure if it will work," Tails replies, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he prepares to confront the truth that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

"It's fine. You did your best." Shadow carefully positions Sonic by the Prism, his hands trembling slightly as he prepares to confront the truth that lay at the heart of their shared struggle.

And as Tails activates the device, Sonic, still unconscious, stirs slightly, a faint groan escaping his lips as he begins to awaken from his troubled slumber. A blinding white light envelops them, bathing the cavern in an ethereal glow as the device springs to life, its mechanisms whirring with a sense of purpose that echoed through the chamber like a clarion call for salvation.

After a few intense moments, a groan signals Sonic's return to consciousness, his eyes fluttering open as he takes in his surroundings with a sense of wonder and disbelief. He's back to normal, but the Prism continues to pulsate, now bathed in a mysterious purple hue that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly energy.

Confusion fills the air as Sonic, seemingly recovered, rushes outside, his expression one of shock as he takes in the transformed landscape that lay before him. New Yoke's buildings, the Boscage Maze jungle, and a pirate ship by the beach of No Place all materialize before his eyes, leaving everyone perplexed by the sudden shift in reality that had taken place.

Chapter Text

Nine found himself in his lab, surrounded by familiar equipment and the comforting hum of machinery. Though he missed Sonic, he knew deep down that he had made the right choice in the end. Determined to stay focused, he continued to work, his mind occupied by thoughts of his friend and the events that had led them to this moment.

Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from nowhere, causing Nine to shield his eyes instinctively. Before he could react, he felt himself falling to the ground, a weight pressing down on him. 

"Mangey, let off of him!" a voice called out, breaking through the haze of confusion that clouded Nine's mind.

Groaning softly, Nine slowly opened his eyes to find himself in what appeared to be a lab, with Mangey still perched on him and Sails trying to intervene.

"What the hell?" Nine muttered, his head spinning as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings.

As Sails managed to coax Mangey off him, Nine pushed himself up into a sitting position, his gaze sweeping over the unfamiliar setting. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and bewilderment.

"We don't know, mate. I was with my crew when there was a light, and I woke up here," Sails explained, his brow furrowed in confusion as he struggled to comprehend the situation.

Nine nodded, a sense of unease settling over him as he struggled to piece together the events that had led them here. "Same thing happened to me too, but the question is: where are we?" he mused aloud, his eyes scanning the room for any clues that might provide answers.

Suddenly, Mangey's ears pricked up, and he darted off towards a nearby computer terminal. "You find something?" Nine called after him, curiosity piqued as he and Sails followed in pursuit.

Reaching the computer, Nine and Sails leaned in to examine the screen, their eyes widening in surprise at what they saw—a background image featuring Sonic and Tails.

"We're in Tails' lab?" Nine murmured, a sense of disbelief washing over him as he struggled to come to terms with the reality of their situation.

"I think so, but how did we get here?" Sails asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and concern as he turned to Nine for answers. However, Nine remained lost in thought, his gaze fixated on the picture displayed on the computer screen before them.

'They look so happy. And I almost... I almost destroyed it,' Nine thought, his mind filled with regret as he grappled with the weight of his past actions.

"Nine?" Sails' voice broke through Nine's reverie, drawing his attention back to the present moment.

"Huh? Yeah?" Nine replied, his voice tinged with distraction as he turned to face Sails.

"I opened the door," Sails explained, gesturing towards the now-open door of the lab. As Nine followed Sails' gaze, his eyes widened in shock at the sight that greeted him—a picturesque Green Hill, the place Sonic cherished with all his heart, stretched out before them in all its beauty.

But as Nine's gaze swept over the landscape, his heart sank at the sight of two other familiar locations—New Yoke and the Boscage Maze—materializing alongside Green Hill.

"What the hell?" Nine exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before them.

"You said it, mate. What the hell is going on?" Sails echoed, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he turned to Nine, searching for answers amidst the chaos that threatened to engulf them all.

As Sonic gazed upon the altered landscape of Green Hill, now intertwined with the familiar sights of New Yoke and the Boscage Maze, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides like a persistent whisper of doubt.

Nearby, Rouge's voice broke through the silence, her question hanging in the air like a thread waiting to be unraveled. "What's going on?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and concern as she turned to Tails for answers.

"It looks like the Paradox Prism merged all of those reality worlds into our Green Hill," Tails explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he struggled to make sense of the inexplicable phenomenon that had unfolded before them.

"But why?" Rouge pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion as she searched for clues amidst the chaos that surrounded them.

"I don't know... It might be too weak to hold those in their own reality, and so, it sends them to us?" Tails theorized, his words tinged with uncertainty as he grappled with the enormity of their situation.

Meanwhile, Shadow observed Sonic closely, his keen eyes picking up on the turmoil that churned within the hedgehog's heart like a tempest raging beneath a calm exterior. He could sense Sonic's desire to rush headlong into New Yoke, to seek out his friends and ensure their safety, but he also knew the dangers that lurked within the unknown.

"Sonic, don't," Shadow cautioned, his voice firm yet tinged with a note of concern as he stepped forward to confront the hedgehog.

Sonic turned to face Shadow, confusion etched upon his features as he sought to understand the reasoning behind Shadow's warning. "Don't what?" he questioned, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of frustration at being held back from taking action.

"Don't go there yet. We need to figure out why this is happening, and the Chaos Council might be there too," Shadow explained, his words measured and deliberate as he sought to impress upon Sonic the gravity of their situation.

"And if..." Sonic's voice trailed off, realization dawning upon him as he pieced together the implications of Shadow's warning. "If they found out where the Paradox Prism is, they'll take it..." he finished, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency as he realized the danger.

Knuckles approached the group, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty as he sought guidance in the midst of chaos. "So, what will we do?" he inquired, his voice tinged with urgency as he turned to Shadow for answers.

Shadow cast a fleeting glance at Sonic, a silent exchange passing between them before he sighed heavily, his gaze returning to Knuckles. "You and Rouge, go to New Yoke and see if the people there are okay," he instructed, his voice firm and commanding as he outlined their mission.

"And try not to be seen by Knucks and Rebel," he added, his tone tinged with a note of caution as he warned them of the potential dangers that lurked within the shadows of their reality. "They will ask a lot of questions that we don't have answers to right now."

Turning to Tails, Shadow continued, "Tails is going to stay with me and Sonic, and we'll try to find out why this whole thing happened," he explained, his voice tinged with determination as he prepared to delve into the mysteries that lay at the heart of their current predicament.

"And Amy," he addressed the pink hedgehog, "you can go to the Boscage Maze and see if the Scavengers are okay. But like I told Knuckles, don't let them see you," he cautioned, his words echoing with a sense of urgency as he emphasized the need for caution in their actions.

"What about Captain Black and her crew?" Sonic interjected, his voice filled with concern as he considered the fate of the pirates who had become unwitting participants in their unfolding drama.

"They're still at the ocean, but if they come to the land... I don't know," Shadow admitted, his expression clouded with uncertainty as he grappled with the complexities of their situation. "I didn't think about the pirates," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret as he realized the oversight in his planning.

Sonic's suggestion hung in the air like a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty that gripped them all. Shadow turned to him, surprise flickering in his eyes at the unexpected proposal.

"You want me to go?" Shadow asked, his voice tinged with a note of disbelief as he grappled with the implications of Sonic's suggestion.

Sonic nodded, determination shining in his eyes as he met Shadow's gaze head-on. "Yeah. You're the fastest and the most capable of handling any potential threats that may arise," he explained, his voice steady despite the weight of responsibility that lay upon his shoulders.

Shadow hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he weighed the risks and benefits of Sonic's plan. But as he looked into Sonic's unwavering gaze, he knew that he couldn't refuse the hedgehog's request.

"Alright," he finally agreed, a sense of resolve settling over him as he prepared to embark on this new mission. "I'll go."

Turning to Tails, who stood by his side with a look of determination etched upon his features, Shadow instructed, "Keep an eye on Sonic and the Paradox Prism. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

Tails nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation as he prepared to assume his new role as guardian of the Prism. With a final nod to Sonic and Tails, Shadow turned and dashed off into the distance, his figure disappearing into the horizon with the speed and grace of a shadowy phantom.

Chapter Text

Knuckles and Rouge stealthily entered New Yoke city, shrouded in shadows. As they traversed the streets, the sight of panicked citizens and a group gathered ahead caught their attention.

"Looks like Knucks and Rebel," Rouge remarked quietly, prompting Knuckles to scrutinize the scene. "Rouge, I think we should approach them," he suggested.

"But Sonic and Shadow advised..."

"I understand, but what's the use of hiding if we can assist in calming the people?" Knuckles reasoned.

Rouge regarded him with a curious expression. "Why the sudden concern for others?"

"I... I'm not sure. It just feels right," Knuckles admitted, his gaze flickering with uncertainty.

Rouge sighed. "Alright, fine. We'll approach them, but if Shadow or Sonic are upset, it's on you."

They made their way towards the gathering crowd, who were still in a state of panic.

"What's happening?" one person asked, clutching their child tightly.

"Did something happen?" another questioned anxiously.

"Is it the Chaos Council again?!" someone else speculated, drawing Rebel's attention.

"No, the Chaos Council isn't back. We're not sure what's happening, but we'll figure it out," Rebel reassured them.

"We had an idea. Sort of," Knuckles admitted, catching Knucks and Rebel off guard.

"Who...?"

"I'm Knuckles, and this is Rouge. We have some insight into the situation. But can we speak privately?" Knuckles requested, noticing the exchanged glance between Knucks and Rebel before Rebel nodded in agreement.

"Alright," Rebel addressed the crowd. "Everyone, please return to your homes. We'll provide an update shortly."

The crowd reluctantly dispersed as Rebel led Knuckles and Rouge to a nearby building. Inside, before they could fully settle in, Knucks made a call to summon someone named Ravens.

Once in a private room, Rebel fixed her gaze on Knuckles and Rouge. "You claimed to be Knuckles and Rouge, correct? If so, you're the originals... Is Sonic alright?" she inquired.

Knuckles affirmed, "He's doing okay."

"So, what's the situation?" Knucks interjected.

"Well, Knuckles may have glossed over the fact that Sonic wasn't initially fine. Shadow informed us that Sonic required Prism energy, and Tails devised a solution that worked, but inadvertently caused the Paradox Prism to merge multiple worlds into ours," Rouge explained.

Rebel and Knucks exchanged shocked glances, processing the gravity of Rouge's revelation.

"Merge... multiple worlds?" Rebel echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Knuckles nodded solemnly. "Yeah. It's... complicated. But the worlds of New Yoke and the Boscage Maze have merged with ours, along with some others," he explained, trying to convey the complexity of the situation.

Knucks ran a hand through his fur, a look of concern clouding his features. "And Sonic? Is he alright now?" he asked, his voice betraying his worry for his friend.

Rouge nodded reassuringly. "Yes, he's stable for now. But we need to figure out how to undo this merging and what caused it in the first place."

Rebel paced the room, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. "If this is true, then we need to act fast. We can't let the Chaos Council get wind of this," she remarked, her tone resolute as she contemplated the potential consequences of their situation.

Before they could exit the room, Ravens appeared.

Ravens, a counterpart of Shadow, stood before them, his distinctive red and yellow jacket catching their attention. A captivating sword necklace adorned his neck, adding an air of mystery to his appearance as he directed his gaze towards Knucks. "You called?"

"Yeah. Come with us. I'll explain on the way to..." Knucks trailed off, his attention shifting to Knuckles.

"We... um... I was thinking Rouge and I could head back to Sonic," Knuckles interjected hesitantly.

Knucks glanced between Knuckles, Rouge, and Ravens, a furrow forming on his brow. "And what about us?" he inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Knuckles hesitated, exchanging a hesitant glance with Rouge before responding, "Well... Sonic did tell us that you two aren't supposed to see us, but..."

"So, what are Rebel and I supposed to do?" Knucks pressed, frustration creeping into his tone.

Ravens fixed a piercing gaze on Knucks. "They can leave, and you can fill me in on what's actually happening," he declared firmly.

Knuckles and Rouge exchanged a knowing look before silently agreeing to depart. Without another word, they turned and walked away, leaving Knucks, Rebel and Ravens to confront the looming mystery together.

Knucks and Rebel exchanged a glance, silently communicating their shared concern. Rebel let out a sigh, realizing that they needed Ravens' help to navigate the complexities of the situation.

"Alright, Ravens. We'll fill you in," Rebel began, her tone serious. "It all started with Sonic and the Shatterverse..."

Ravens stood up abruptly, cutting her off. "I need to go," he announced, his tone urgent.

Before Knucks and Rebel could say anything, Ravens turned and swiftly left the room, his departure leaving a palpable sense of unease in his wake.

Knucks and Rebel exchanged a puzzled glance, unsure of what to make of Ravens' sudden exit. 

Chapter Text

I'm sorry I haven't updated a chapter yet.

The reason why is... I've been feeling a little depressed for a few months now and writing things makes me feel a little better, but I can't. I'm sorry if I sounded like a baby but I will try to get a chapter out.. Sometime next month.

Again, I'm so sorry.