Chapter Text
In the middle of a blue void, a castle sits upon a floating platform. Within the castle, a portal opens, causing Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles to fall from it, landing on the stone floor.
Sonic: Everyone okay?
Amy: Yeah, but my dress isn’t! And I just washed this thing, too!
Knuckles: Where are we?
The four look around their surroundings, seeing that they appear to be in a tall tower, where the walls are made of shifting slabs of stone.
Knuckles: Are we… dreaming?
Amy: That’s impossible! How could we all be having the same dream at the same time?
Sonic: Something seriously weird is going on…
Suddenly, small balls of white light begin to fall around the heroes like snow, and a feminine voice greets them.
Voice: Welcome to Maginaryworld!
The balls of light all begin to come together, eventually forming what looks like a fairy dressed in pink.
Sonic: Who are you?
Lumina: I am Lumina. Lumina Flowlight. It’s nice to meet you! You’re all here because you received my message.
Knuckles: What is this place?
Suddenly, the walls of the tower lift upwards, revealing the blue void surrounding the island.
Lumina: Maginaryworld… A world created from the dreams of those from other dimensions. This is the Temple of Light. This is where the Precioustone was. It’s the crystal that created this world.
Sonic: Precioustone…
Amy: Was? Then where is it now?
Lumina: It’s… no longer here… It was shattered into pieces.
Lumina hangs her head.
Tails: What’s wrong, Lumina?
Lumina: Precioustone… a crystal created from everyone’s dreams. The power of the Precioustone makes dreams come true, and is the essence of Maginaryworld’s existence. Illumina, the Goddess of Dreams, and I are the protectors of the Precioustone. We guard the Precioustone so that everyone’s dreams are protected. But one day, darkness draped the Precioustone… and Void… The Precioustone was stolen by the darkness of Void. And the Precioustone was shattered. When the Precioustone shattered, Illumina lost her powers and became a prisoner in a faraway land.
Sonic: Void…
Lumina: Void’s power of darkness is transforming different parts of Maginaryworld. If this keeps up, this world will… Maginaryworld will cease to exist! Please, please help me! I need your help! I need to gather the pieces of the Precioustone!
Sonic: Relax, Lumina, we’ll help you out. Right, guys?
Tails: Yeah!
Amy: Let’s do it!
Knuckles: Well, I’ve got nothing better to do.
Sonic: Just leave it to us, and we’ll fix that Precioustone before you know it! I’m Sonic, by the way.
Tails: I’m Tails!
Amy: I’m Amy. Nice to meet you!
Knuckles: And I’m Knuckles.
Lumina: Thanks, everyone!
Suddenly, a door behind the group opens, revealing a glowing portal.
Lumina: Ok, everyone! Let’s go collect the pieces of the Precioustone!
Lumina flies through the portal, followed by Sonic and the others.
Meanwhile, in a pitch-black abyss, another portal opens, causing a certain mad scientist to land on the ground.
Eggman: What the- where am I?
As Eggman looks around, he suddenly notices someone facing away from him. They look similar to Lumina, but with blue clothes and green hair.
Eggman: I’m guessing you’re the one who brought me here. You’d better give me some answers, or else.
The figure turns to face Eggman, revealing his dark blue eyes.
Void: My name is Void. And I brought you here because I need your help.
Eggman: Really? And why should I help you, hm?
Void: Because if you get me what I want, I’ll make all your dreams come true…
Blizzard of Coast - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Elsewhere, Sonic and the others arrive on what looks like a beach.
Amy: Wow! What a beautiful beach!
Lumina: A tropical island paradise created from the dreams of those who enjoy the sun. But now…
Once they get close enough, the group can see a large iceberg off in the distance.
Knuckles: What’s that?!
Tails: It’s frozen!
Sonic: Did Void cause that?
Lumina nods.
Lumina: The dark powers of Void are changing this paradise into a cold world of ice. If we don’t do something, this paradise is going to be sealed in ice forever! If we can get the Precioustone back, this world should return to the way it was! Come on, everyone! Let’s go get the Precioustone!
Sonic: Ok! Here we go!
With that, the heroes make their way across the beach and bridges to reach the iceberg. As they go, they are confronted by various monsters that try to get in their way, which they are able to deal with. Eventually, they are able to reach the first piece of the Precioustone.
Sonic: Alright! One Precioustone in the bag.
Before they can grab it, however, they are interrupted by a familiar voice.
Eggman: Not so fast, rodent!
They look up to see Eggman flying towards them on his Eggmobile.
Amy: Eggman? What are you doing here?
Eggman: Let’s just say you’re not the only one with a little fairy friend.
Knuckles: Wait, are you talking about…
Tails: You’re working with Void?
Eggman: Perceptive as always, Tails. Yes, we’ve made a little deal. I get him the Precioustone, and he makes all my dreams come true. So I’ll be taking that, if you don’t mind.
Sonic: Yeah, right. You really think you can beat all of us by yourself?
Eggman: No. So it’s a good thing I brought back-up!
Suddenly, the Precioustone transforms into a monster resembling a woman with pale white skin and wearing a deep blue dress.
Sonic: Two-v-four, eh? I like those odds. Bring it!
Over Run - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
The battle begins, with the monster using various ice-themed attacks, such as throwing ice-balls at the heroes which leaves ice crystals behind, calling down giant snowflakes to land on them, and sending ice sculptures sliding across the floor at them. As she attacks, Eggman provides assistance by dropping bombs down on the heroes. Eventually, the heroes are able to defeat the monster, causing her to turn back into the Precioustone, which Knuckles grabs.
Sonic: Looks like your pal couldn’t take the heat. You’d better take off, Doc.
Eggman: Why you… fine! But don’t think you’ll be so lucky next time!
Eggman flies off. As he does, the Precioustone begins to glow, bathing the area in light. As it does, a voice is heard.
Illumina: Please… Help me… You must hurry… The darkness will engulf the dreams… Void is going to destroy the Precioustone… Maginaryworld will cease to exist…
Suddenly, the heroes appear, floating through space. There, they see Void standing before them.
Lumina: Please, stop! Don’t destroy the Precioustone! Please don’t destroy our world made of everyone’s dreams!
Void: The Precioustone will shatter if I touch it. Maginaryworld… My world…The world of my dreams…
Sonic: No way that’s gonna happen! This world belongs to everybody!
Void doesn’t respond before another flash of light envelops the heroes. When they open their eyes, their back on the beach.
Sonic: I guess we made it.
Lumina: Look, everyone!
Lumina points towards the iceberg, allowing everyone to watch as water spouts from the ice, before the whole thing crumbles, leaving the ocean completely ice-free.
Tails: Wow. It’s beautiful.
Amy: It sure is.
Lumina: Thank you everyone! With the piece of the Precioustone brought back to the Temple of Light, this place has been saved and returned to the beautiful world it was!
Sonic: Ok, Lumina. Let’s go to the next world.
Lumina: Ok!
Lumina flies in a circle, creating another portal.
Lumina: Come on everyone, let’s go!
The heroes all enter the portal, with it disappearing afterwards.
Steal Ship - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
The heroes emerge on an airship shaped like a giant bird flying at high speeds.
Sonic: Wh-where are we?
Knuckles: Looks like we’re airborne.
Lumina: This is a world that has lost its wings of freedom. The true form of this world is trapped within this airplane!
Suddenly, the plane begins slowing down.
Lumina: Oh no. We’re losing speed. If we don’t do something, we’re going to crash!
Sonic: Ok, here we go!
The heroes begin making their way across the airship, defeating the monsters and machines that try to get in their way. Eventually, they are able to make it to the hull of the ship, where the Precioustone is. Before they can grab it, however, it transforms into what looks like a robotic phoenix. As it appears, Eggman flies down in his Eggmobile.
Over Run - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Eggman: Impressed? I helped Void design this particular monster. I think you’ll find it much harder to deal with than the last one!
The battle begins, with the monster breathing fire, trying to burn the group with its thrusters, and trying to stab at them with its beak. Eggman also helps out by attacking the heroes with a large hammer. Eventually, the heroes are able to defeat the monster, turning it back into the Precioustone and forcing Eggman to flee, with Tails grabbing the Percioustone. As he does, the ship begins to explode, with the Precioustone glowing as it does. Afterwards, the heroes end up back in the Fourth Dimension with Void.
Lumina: Please… please stop, Void! Hurry and return the Precioustone. Please return Goddess Illumina.
Sonic: Hey, Void! What are you anyway? Where’d you come from?
Void: Where did I come from? I… I didn’t come from anywhere. I’ve always been here.
Sonic: Why’d you destroy the Precioustone?
Void: I didn’t destroy the Precioustone!
Sonic: You’re lying. You’re destroying everyone’s dreams!
Void: Destroying dreams? I don’t destroy them. I am a dream.
The heroes are pulled away from Void, reappearing on a balloon underneath the burning airship.
Lumina: It’s beginning! The Firebird has risen from the ashes.
The metal falls away, revealing the Firebird underneath as it flies away.
Sonic: Wings of… freedom…
Tails: It’s wonderful!
Knuckles: I’ve gotta admit, this Maginaryworld place is pretty amazing.
Amy: Wow, this is so cool!
Lumina: The wings that recovered its freedoms… the freedom to go where one’s heart desires… the spirit of dreams are to travel through air, land, sea, and even between stars. There may be differences, but the spirit is the same… like the phoenix. Now the phoenix can fly freely! The dream to be free has been restored! Thank you everyone!
Lumina creates another portal above the heroes.
Lumina: Come on everyone, let’s go! On to the next Precioustone piece!
The heroes jump through the portal as it closes behind them.
Seven Forest - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
The heroes end up in a forest with odd pillars jutting out of the ground.
Amy: Wow! This was a jungle…
Sonic: But look at these weird pillars.
Tails: Is this Void’s doing?
Lumina: This jungle was created from dreams of those wishing to be one with nature. And these pillars were placed by the dark powers of Void to destroy this world. Their already destroying this place. We have to hurry to save the jungle! Come on, everyone! Let’s go get the Precioustone and return this world to the beautiful jungle full of life!
The heroes begin making their way through the jungle, defeating the monsters that try to stop them. Eventually, they come across a large podium in the middle of the forest with the Precioustone atop it. As they go to grab it, the Precioustone transforms into a large tree monster. As it does, Eggman flies down.
Over Run - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Eggman: You know, I’ve never really been a nature guy, so this is actually really convenient for me. Now, get a load of this!
The battle begins, with the tree stabbing its roots upwards, leaping into the air to try and crush the heroes, and trying to attack them with its trunk. Eggman also helps out by using a laser to try and fry the heroes. Eventually, the heroes are able to defeat the tree monster, with Eggman fleeing as it turns back into the Precioustone. As Amy picks it up, it emits a flash of light, transporting the heroes to a golden space. There, they see none other than the Goddess Illumina herself staring down at them.
Illumina: What is… your dream?
Sonic: My dream?
Illumina: My dream is… to make Maginaryworld a world full of light. Maginaryworld… a dream world filled with beautiful light.
Before they can respond, there is another flash of light which brings them before Void.
Lumina: Illumina wished for a beautiful dream world. But Void was born…
Void: Why are you trying to stop me? Why are you tormenting me? I only want to…
Sonic: The world Illumina dreamed of… the world she wished for… but Void was born…
There’s another flash, bringing the heroes back to the forest.
Illumina: Look everyone. The jungle… it’s regenerating itself.
The heroes watch as the pillars shatter into pieces, allowing trees to grow in their place, with a large tree growing where the large podium was.
Knuckles: The jungle’s been regenerated.
Amy: Wow! Look’s totally different.
Tails: Yeah. It feels alive!
Sonic: Yeah…
Lumina: Nature is so beautiful! You have to respect Mother Nature. Our dreams… a world we want to protect. But sometimes people forget to love Mother Nature… I’m afraid nobody will wish for this world.
Sonic: Relax, Lumina. We won’t let that dream die!
Tails: Yeah, Sonic’s right!
Amy: Don’t worry, everything will be alright!
Knuckles doesn’t say anything, simply nodding in agreement.
Lumina: Thank you… everyone! Let’s go! We have to find the next Precioustone!
Lumina creates another portal, which the heroes use to leave the forest.
With Go V-Train - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
The heroes emerge onto a train moving at high speeds.
Sonic: Now where are we?
Amy: Give me a break! What is this place?!
Lumina: The dream for adventure and travel… this world was made from dreams of those who love adventure. But now we have no destination and we’re out of control!
Suddenly, the train's brakes activate, slowing the train down.
Lumina: This train is very unstable. There’s no way to predict what will happen! Be careful, everyone!
The heroes nod, before beginning to make their way across the train, dealing with the monsters that get in their way. Eventually, they reach the engine, where the Precioustone turns into a large robot with a switch on its head. After the monster appears, Eggman flies in.
Over Run - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Eggman: You’ve made it far, pests. But this is where you get off!
The battle begins, with the machine swinging at the heroes with its fists, trying to charge into them, and using the lever on its head to create an impenetrable forcefield. Eggman also attacks, shooting lightning bolts at the heroes, which they use to disable the robots shield, allowing them to defeat it, with Eggman fleeing afterwards. Once it turns back into the Precioustone, Sonic grabs it, causing the heroes to be transported to Void again.
Lumina: Maginaryworld… the world where everyone’s dreams come true. Precioustone… the crystalized essence of everyone’s dreams. But… There are many different kinds of dreams. Conquest, possession, domination… These are dreams from the dark realm. Is that… Void?
Void: I am a dream. I’m a part of everyone’s dream. Maginaryworld… pieces of dreams… I am a piece of a dream. I am a Precioustone. I am returning to the Temple of Light… to the Temple where everyone waits.
Suddenly, a look of realization crosses Sonic’s face.
Sonic: I get it. Void! You’re-
Before Sonic can finish, the heroes are sent away, reappearing on the tracks in front of the train.
Sonic: Alright! We stopped the train!
Lumina: The smoke is clearing…
After the smoak clears, the black-and-green coloring of the train breaks off, revealing its true white coat of paint.
Lumina: Alright everybody, hop aboard. This train will take us where we need to go!
After everyone gets onboard the train, the engine begins moving as glowing rainbow wings sprout from the sides of the locomotive. The train drives off a cliff, before flying into a portal.
Inside the train, the heroes are seated, waiting to arrive at their destination.
Lumina: OK, everyone! We’re heading into the Fourth Dimension!
Sonic: Is there a piece of the Precioustone there?
Lumina: Yes. It’s the last one!
Tails: This is it, Sonic!
Amy: This is getting exciting!
Lumina: We’re almost there! We’re entering the Fourth Dimension!
Fourth Dimension - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Eventually, the train successfully enters the Fourth Dimension, with the heroes staring out the windows, noticing bubbles with many different landscapes inside them, including a few familiar ones.
Sonic: Look, the worlds we travelled through.
Tails: It looks like they’re projected on a screen!
Amy: They’re beautiful…
Knuckles: Lumina, what is this place?
Lumina: This is the Fourth Dimension, the world Illumina dreamed of. It’s beautiful… but it’s also a very fragile world made of dreams. Can you see? All the worlds exist separately. We don’t have time! Maginaryworld may disappear at any moment!
Sonic: Ok, everyone! Here we go!
The heroes exit the train and begin making their way through the Fourth Dimension, defeating the various enemies that get in their way. Eventually, they come across the final Precioustone, floating in the middle of the Fourth Dimension. Once they get close, the Precioustone transforms into a tall, multiarmed monster with spikes covering its body, with Eggman flying in as it does.
Over Run - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Eggman: I’ve had enough of this! I won’t let you take my dream world away from me! I’m ending this here and now!
The battle begins, with the creature trying to stab the heroes with its limbs and firing energy balls at them, and shooting its spikes out. Eggman also tries to drop a large weight on the heroes to crush them. Eventually, the heroes are able to defeat the monster, causing it to transform into the Precioustone, which Lumina grabs. Afterwards, the heroes turn their attention to Eggman.
Sonic: Looks like you blew it again, Eggman. Don’t worry, we can tell your buddy if you don’t want to.
Eggman: Why you-!
Before he can do anything, however, Void appears before them, turning his attention to the doctor.
Void: You failed, Doctor. Again.
Eggman: Void, listen-
Void: I thought you could help me. But I was wrong. So it’s time for you to go home.
Eggman: W-Wait!
Void: Goodbye.
Another portal opens beneath Eggman, which sends him out of Maginaryworld. Afterwards, Void turns his attention to the Temple of Light, before he flies towards it.
Lumina: Void is heading for the Temple of Light! He’s going to shatter the Precioustone we collected… hurry! We have to catch him!
Sonic: Don’t worry, Lumina. When it comes to speed, I’m unstoppable! Hold on, guys!
Everyone holds on to Sonic as he runs towards the Temple of Light. Once they enter it, they see Void standing before the Precioustone.
Lumina: Stop!
Void turns to face the heroes.
Lumina: Why? Why destroy the Precioustone? Why destroy everyone’s dreams?
Void: Am I alone? I am not alone. My friends, my brothers, I want to be whole.
Lumina: What? What are you saying?
Void: I was looking for everyone so I could be whole. And I found everyone, but everyone ran away from me. I tried to reach them, but…
Sonic: You wanted the Precioustone because…
Void: I am so lonely. You don’t need me? Then why… was I… born?
Heart of Heat - Sonic Shuffle [OST]
Suddenly, a burst of dark energy erupts from Void’s body. When the light clears, the heroes see that Void has transformed into a fearsome monster.
Sonic: Alright, what’s the plan?
Lumina: You’ll be able to hurt Void by stepping on those light switches!
Sonic: Gotcha. Let’s do it to it!
Void begins attacking, firing lasers at the heroes as they make their way towards the switches, avoiding the debris falling from the ceiling. Eventually, they manage to press a switch, causing a large stone to fall and hit Void in the head. In response, Void unleashes four powerful lasers that circle the arena, which the heroes evade and jump over. Afterwards, Void begins pursuing the heroes to strike at them, which the heroes also avoid. He also slams the ground, creating shockwaves that the group jump over. Eventually, after activating enough light switches, a platform rises from the ground along with a staircase, which the heroes use to get on top of the platform. Once they do, it emits a beam of light that causes a large block to fall on Void’s head, defeating him and causing him to disappear. After the battle, Lumina drops to her knees.
Lumina: Why? Why doesn’t the light return to the Precioustone? Why doesn’t Illumina return? We defeated Void, the darkness that destroys dreams.
Sonic: Lumina…
Lumina: Maginaryworld… is finished… the people who once dreamed about this world have forgotten about it.
Amy: Don’t talk like that, Lumina!
Knuckles: Yeah, there’s gotta be something we can do!
Suddenly, Sonic notices something by his feet. He reaches down and picks up what looks like a dark-blue Precioustone. Once he does, he hears Void’s voice in his head.
Void: Illumina… why do you reject me? Lumina… why do you hate me? You and I, aren’t we… the same?
Afterwards, Sonic walks over to Lumina, still holding Void’s Precioustone.
Sonic: Lumina, don’t forget about him…
Lumina: Is that…?
Sonic: Void. Anger, sadness, despair, empitness… aren’t dreams born because of those feelings? Don’t they make our dreams even stronger? Void… he was probably part of the Precioustone. He was part of a feeling that’s needed for dreams to come true.
Tails: Without those emotions, dreams probably wouldn’t even exist. For me, whenever I feel down, I know I have to get back up and try even harder!
Amy: Just because a dream hasn’t come true yet doesn’t mean it never will. Your dreams can help you get through life, no matter how small they are.
Knuckles: The only way for dreams to come true is if we believe in ourselves. If we can’t, they never will. We know that, and you should know it better than us.
In response to these words, Lumina pulls herself to her feet, a small smile on her face.
Lumina: Thank you, everyone. I was probably the one who had lost myself in my dark feelings.
Sonic walks over to Lumina and hands her Void’s Percioustone. Afterwards, she flies up to the remaining Precioustone and tries to add Void’s to it. When she does, however, she is also pulled into the Precioustone. When she is, the Precioustone she was carrying reforms into Void. As it does, lightning strikes the Temple, hitting the Precioustone. When it does, the cracks on its surface heal, and the two beings within it join hands, causing them to merge together and form a new figure: the goddess Illumina herself. Illumina emerges from the Percioustone and looks down at the heroes.
Illumina: Thank you. Now Maginaryworld will become an even better world than it was before. I’m sorry. I’m the one who lost myself and almost lost my dream. Maginaryworld and people’s emotions are fragile. It doesn’t take much to crush them. Even the strongest of people have dark emotions in their hearts. We must be stronger. Emptiness does not conquer dreams. Dreams conquer the emptiness.
With that, Illumina uses her powers to send Sonic and the others back to their world, their mission a success.