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Chapter Text

Welcome to another story everyone. I first thought of this after reading through my friend FanFicHazza's Kingdom Hearts x Sonic stories

And of course after playing Shadow Gens when it got released and seeing all the promotion for my boy Shadow

I thought "Well… what if there was another generations adventure… with totally not Shadow?"

That along with speaking with my friends FanficHazza and theallaroundnerd. Made me lose my marbles to jump on a fic that realistically I believe can be done in shorter amount of time compared to my other stuff

You should read their stuff. I think you'll like them

SO HAPPY YEAR OF SHADOW EVERYONE

Play: Sonic Lost World OST – Sea Bottom Seague

For it had been not too long since Sonic's departure and Merlina's exile. The kingdom looks to be bright with repairs

The sun hung low over Castle Camelot, its golden rays casting long shadows over the rebuilding efforts below. Workers toiled diligently, stacking stones, repairing ramparts, and restoring the grandeur that had been marred during the chaos of Merlina's rebellion. The air was filled with the sounds of hammers striking iron and voices coordinating the efforts to bring the castle back to its former glory. Despite the optimism in the air, one figure stood apart, shrouded in silent introspection

Sir Lancelot, clad in his dark armor, stood in one of the highest towers of the castle, gazing out over the bustling scene. His crimson eyes reflected the fading sunlight, yet they betrayed no joy or relief

His thoughts were heavy, weighted with the knowledge that Camelot now stood without a king. The absence of King Arthur—their anchor, their guide—felt like a wound that no amount of rebuilding could heal. To Lancelot, Camelot's heart had been lost, and he questioned whether its soul could truly endure

"Lancelot," a soft voice called, breaking the quiet

He turned his head slightly to see Sir Percival ascending the steps to join him. Her yellow eyes show an undeniable concern for her fellow knight

"The castle's progress is swift," she began, stepping closer. "The people are resilient, as is their faith in Camelot. But… I can see the weight you bear, even if you choose not to speak of it."

Lancelot turned his gaze back to the horizon, his expression unchanging. "Camelot has no king," he said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion. "We may rebuild these walls and fortify the gates, but without Arthur, the soul of Camelot is lost. What is a kingdom without its king?"

Percival stepped closer, her armored hand resting lightly on the parapet beside him. "A kingdom is more than its king, Lancelot. It's the people who live within its borders, the ideals we fight for, and the bonds we share as knights. Arthur may no longer be with us, but his legacy endures through us. Through you."

For a moment, Lancelot's gaze softened, but he did not turn to face her. The silence stretched between them, heavy and unresolved. Percival's words carried truth, but they could not reach the depths of the doubts festering within him.

"I… appreciate your words," he said at last, though his tone was distant. "But there are things I must reconcile on my own."

Percival's expression tightened with concern, but she respected his guarded nature. "I understand," she replied softly, though the ache in her voice was evident. "But know this, Lancelot—you are not alone. The knights of the round table stand together, even in the face of uncertainty."

Without another word, Lancelot stepped away from the parapet and toward the tower's interior. Percival watched as he disappeared into the shadows, the door closing softly behind him. Alone once more, she remained at the parapet, her eyes fixed on the rebuilding efforts below. Though her heart ached for her fellow knight, she resolved to give him the time he needed.

As he t descended the tower's winding staircase, he passed Sir Gawain, who was ascending with his usual confident stride. Gawain paused mid-step, noting the somber air surrounding Lancelot

"Lancelot," Gawain called, but the dark knight gave no response, continuing his descent without a word

Frowning, Gawain resumed his climb until he reached the top, where Percival remained standing by the parapet, her expression pensive. "Percival," he began, "is Lancelot still troubled by the absence of the king?"

Percival sighed, her gaze never leaving the bustling workers below. "He is. I fear that unless he changes his outlook, he may sink deeper into sorrow."

Gawain rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a glint of inspiration flashing in his eyes. Leaning in, he whispered something into Percival's ear. Her expression shifted from surprise to understanding, and then to a faint smile.

"That might just work," she said, nodding.

Without delay, Percival descended the tower, her pace quick but steady as she caught up with Lancelot in one of the lower halls. "Sir Lancelot," she called, her voice firm but kind.

He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "What is it, Percival?"

"The kingdom still needs its knights," she said, stepping closer. "Perhaps you should patrol the lands. See the people, ensure their safety. It would do both you and the kingdom some good."

Lancelot regarded her with his usual stoic expression, but her words sparked a flicker of consideration in his eyes. After a brief pause, he gave a single nod. "Very well…. For we are knights for a reason..'

Without another word, he turned toward the nearest window. Percival's eyes widened slightly as he leaped onto the sill and, with a fluid motion, dove out. Gasps and murmurs of surprise rose from the citizens below as Lancelot acrobatically grinds down the castle's rails, his movements precise and effortless. He landed gracefully on the ground, his dark figure a blur as he sped off into the distance

Percival, who had followed to the window, watched with a growing smile. Despite his somber demeanor, some things about Sir Lancelot never changed. She turned back to the tower, her heart lighter with the hope that, perhaps, this patrol would be the first step in lifting the shadow that hung over him

Sir Lancelot bounded across the rooftops, his keen eyes scanning the kingdom below for signs of trouble. Yet, despite his efforts, Camelot remained serene, the echoes of labor and laughter filling the air as its citizens continued their rebuilding

As he reached the castle gates, Lancelot came to a halt, standing tall against the setting sun. He crossed his arms and let out a soft sigh. "Nothing," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a faint trace of disappointment. For all his energy, there was no conflict to resolve, no wrongs to right. Just peace.

A castle guard stationed nearby caught sight of him and stepped forward, a mix of respect and curiosity on his face. "Sir Lancelot," the guard said with a salute, "have you come for an inspection?"

Lancelot shook his head, his crimson eyes meeting the guard's gaze briefly. "No," he replied, his tone calm but firm. "Carry on with your duties."

The guard nodded and returned to his post without further question, leaving Lancelot to his thoughts. For a moment, he lingered, staring out toward the horizon where the kingdom stretched far beyond the gates

With another quiet sigh, he adjusted his gloves and turned his attention back to the bustling streets. If peace was all the kingdom had to offer him for now, he would accept it. But deep down, he couldn't help but feel restless

Sir Lancelot stood motionless at the castle gates, the peaceful sights and sounds of Camelot doing little to ease the faint unease gnawing at the back of his mind. It was subtle, like a shadow flickering in the corner of his thoughts. Something felt… off. He couldn't pinpoint why or where the feeling stemmed from, but it lingered, refusing to be ignored.

"Perhaps," he muttered under his breath, trying to rationalize the sensation, "it's simply a longing for the old days… the days when King Arthur sat upon the throne, guiding this kingdom with unmatched wisdom."

Before he could dwell further, the sound of swift footsteps caught his attention. Sir Percival approached, her elegant form moving gracefully through the streets until she stopped beside him. "Sir Lancelot," she said, her voice warm yet slightly concerned, "are you feeling better now?"

He turned his head slightly, his crimson eyes meeting hers briefly. "Nothing's changed," he admitted, his tone steady but distant. "Though perhaps I should take a page from you and Sir Gawain. You've both embraced this new era with such optimism. Perhaps it's time I did the same."

Percival's golden eyes brightened at his words, a small smile gracing her lips. "That's a start," she replied softly. Yet, as she watched him turn his gaze back toward the bustling kingdom, her smile faltered ever so slightly. She could sense his restlessness, the weight of his doubts still lingering

"Perhaps there's more I can do" Percival thought, " He's always been so steadfast for us. Now, it's our turn to be there for him."

For now, she chose not to press him further, walking silently by his side as they both gazed upon the kingdom they had sworn to protect

Little Later

The village bustled with activity, the townsfolk moving to and fro, their spirits high as they worked to rebuild Camelot's glory. Sir Lancelot and Sir Percival strolled through the lively streets, their conversation fading into the lively clamor of the market stalls and chatter. Before long, a familiar voice called out to them

"Lancelot! Percival! Wait up!" Sir Gawain jogged toward them, his armor catching the sunlight as he weaved through the crowd. He arrived with his usual energy, adjusting his gloves. "Thought I'd find you two here. What's the plan?"

Lancelot paused, folding his arms as a thought came to him. "I've been curious about something," he began, his voice calm. "Both of you encountered Sonic in your travels, yes? What did he say to you? Anything… peculiar?"

Gawain tilted his head, pondering for a moment. "Sonic? Peculiar? Oh, right! He called me a… what was it? A knucklehead."

Percival blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Knucklehead? What does that mean?"

Lancelot raised an eyebrow. "A term I've never heard. Perhaps it's some sort of title?"

"Maybe," Percival mused. "If Sonic called you that, perhaps this 'knucklehead' is someone he holds in high regard? He is an odd one, after all."

Gawain rubbed the back of his head, his confusion mirroring theirs. "So… Sonic has a friend called Knucklehead? Huh, guess it makes sense in a way."

Lancelot nodded thoughtfully before turning his gaze to Percival. "And you? Did Sonic say anything similar to you?"

Percival shook her head lightly, her expression softening. "No. Whenever I spoke to him, he never hinted at his past. He was more focused on… the now."

Her curious gaze shifted to Lancelot. "What about you? Did he say anything to you?"

Lancelot's crimson eyes darkened slightly as he remembered. "He said… 'Some things never change.'"

Both Percival and Gawain looked at him, their curiosity piqued

"Some things never change?" Gawain repeated, scratching his head. "That sounds like he already knew you."

Percival nodded slowly. "Indeed. Did you meet Sonic before your travels? Perhaps… without realizing it?"

Lancelot remained silent for a moment, staring off into the distance. "I don't know," he admitted. "But… if I did, it seems Sonic knew far more about me than I knew of him."

The three knights stood in contemplative silence, their shared curiosity growing as the village bustled around them

Sir Lancelot lowered himself onto a stone bench near the bustling market square, his gaze fixed on the ground as if searching for answers in the cracks of the cobblestone. Sir Percival quietly joined him. Without a word, she reached out and gently took his hand, her fingers curling lightly around his gloved ones. The gesture was subtle, but her touch did bring a sense of comfort to Lancelot

For his expression didn't waver, though his gaze briefly shifted to their joined hands before returning to the ground

"I could join you on patrols outside the castle," Percival offered softly, her tone hopeful. "Gawain can keep watch here in the meantime."

Lancelot remained quiet. Percival hesitated, unsure how to reach through the wall of solitude he had built around himself. She squeezed his hand slightly, hoping the small gesture might offer some comfort

Moments later, Gawain returned, balancing a bundle of fresh bread in his arms. "Got something for us!" he said cheerfully, breaking the heavy silence. He handed each of them a piece before settling onto the bench beside them

As they ate, the simple meal bringing a brief sense of normalcy, Gawain spoke up. "You know, Lancelot, if you're feeling down about everything, maybe you should go visit the Lady of the Lake again. She's always been good at helping you see things more clearly."

Lancelot chewed thoughtfully, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the suggestion. After a moment, he gave a slow nod. "Perhaps you're right," he said. "Once my duties here are complete, I shall seek her out."

Percival glanced at him, her golden eyes softening with relief. Though his expression remained unreadable, she could sense a faint resolve in his tone. "Perhaps," she thought, "this might be the first step toward lifting the weight he carries"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warm glow of the bustling village began to fade into the cool tones of dusk. The torches lining the streets flickered to life, casting long shadows over the cobblestone roads. Sir Gawain stretched and stood, brushing the crumbs of bread from his gloves

"Well, it's getting late," he said, rolling his shoulders. "I'd better head back to the castle. Someone's gotta make sure everything's running smoothly."

Lancelot gave a brief nod, his gaze shifting to the dimming sky. "Goodnight, Gawain."

"Don't stay out too long, you two," Gawain added with a grin before heading off toward the castle, his footsteps echoing through the quieting streets.

Percival turned to Lancelot, her golden eyes filled with quiet concern. "Are you coming back?" she asked softly

Lancelot shook his head, his expression as steadfast as ever. "I'll stay out for the night," he replied. "There's still much of the kingdom to see, even in the dark."

She hesitated, her worry clear, but he met her gaze with calm reassurance. "I'll be fine," he said firmly, his voice carrying a quiet confidence

Percival nodded reluctantly, stepping back as she watched him activate his air shoes. With a subtle hum, they lifted him effortlessly into the air. In a single, fluid motion, he leapt upward, landing gracefully atop the castle gates

From her vantage point, Percival couldn't help but admire the silhouette of her fellow knight against the backdrop of the twilight sky. Despite his lingering sorrow, his presence was, a guardian ever watchful over the kingdom

"Be safe, Lancelot," she murmured to herself, before turning to make her way back to the castle

Later

As the night deepened, Sir Lancelot remained perched atop the castle gates, his crimson eyes scanning the quiet kingdom below. The stars above twinkled faintly, and the cool night breeze whispered through his armor. Eventually, the stillness lulled him into sleep, his head dipping slightly as his mind drifted away

Dreams cape

In the silent depths of Lancelot's dreams, the world was hazy and surreal, cloaked in the eerie glow of twilight. The knight stood amidst an endless battlefield, the ground scarred with ancient marks of battle. Shadows flickered and danced across the horizon, shifting and swirling as if alive

A figure emerged from the gloom, walking with calm yet deliberate steps. Lancelot instinctively reached for his blade, but froze as the figure stepped closer, revealing its identity—a hedgehog with crimson eyes and fur as black as the void

"Who are you?" Lancelot demanded, his voice echoing into the endless expanse

The black hedgehog said nothing, his piercing gaze fixed on Lancelot. A sharp wind blew past, carrying a voice that seemed to whisper from everywhere and nowhere at once:

"Is this truly who you are?"

The battlefield twisted and blurred, the skies bleeding into hues of red and purple. Lancelot blinked, and suddenly, the black hedgehog was right in front of him, their faces inches apart. Lancelot staggered back, his breath catching.

"Why… why do you look like me?" he murmured.

But the hedgehog only smirked faintly, his form rippling as if he were a reflection in water. The figure dissolved into a dark mist, surrounding Lancelot. He stumbled, his armor feeling heavier with every step, and found himself standing before an ornate mirror, its frame cracked and weathered.

At first, the glass was empty, showing only darkness. Then, his own reflection appeared—or so he thought. The hedgehog staring back at him was not him. It was the black hedgehog. Shadow

The reflection leaned closer, tilting its head with an unsettling grin. Lancelot raised his gauntleted hand to touch the mirror, and Shadow mimicked the movement perfectly

"Who are you?" Lancelot whispered again, his voice trembling

The reflection spoke, its tone a low, haunting echo of his own voice. "The question is… who are you?"

The glass splintered with a deafening crack as Lancelot descended down into darkness

Dreams cape end

"!"

Lancelot awoke with a jolt, his breath caught in his throat. "Was that… me?" he murmured, his voice barely audible in the stillness. He placed a hand to his chest, feeling a strange, unfamiliar energy coursing through him, something he couldn't quite explain

He glanced around quickly, half-expecting to see something—or someone—out of the ordinary. But the village and castle remained silent, bathed in moonlight, with nothing amiss

Still, the visions unsettled him. If they were more than just a dream, they might be a warning. Something dire could be on the horizon

Trusting that Percival and Gawain would safeguard the kingdom in his absence, Lancelot resolved to investigate. He stood, his resolve firm as he activated his air shoes. With a powerful leap, he launched himself into the air, his body twisting gracefully as the wind rushed past his armor and quills

Landing with precision, Lancelot wasted no time. He dashed forward, his speed a blur against the darkened landscape. The kingdom quickly disappeared behind him as he zoomed into the horizon, determined to uncover the truth behind the visions that now haunted him.

Sir Lancelot raced through the dense forest, his air shoes gliding effortlessly over the uneven terrain. His destination was clear—the misty lake, where he hoped to find Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, and seek the answers he desperately needed.

As he pushed forward, another vision suddenly seized his mind. It was fleeting but vivid: two figures—himself, or rather, the mysterious black heddgehog, and Sonic—clashing in a high-speed battle. The vision echoed with the clang of steel and the electric hum of energy. The memory was disjointed, but the intense rivalry and familiarity struck him deeply.

"The hedgehog that looks like me…" Lancelot muttered as the vision faded. He skidded to a stop, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Is that what Sonic meant by 'Some things never change'? Did he know of this Other?"

Uncertainty churned within him, but it only solidified his resolve. If these visions held any truth, then Nimue would surely have the answers he sought

But before he could reach his destination, he stumbled upon a small village nestled within the woods. Flames licked at the thatched roofs, and the air was filled with the panicked cries of villagers. Demon knights, their armor black and spiked, stormed the village, slashing and destroying everything in their path

Lancelot's grip on his sword tightened, and his crimson eyes burned with resolve. "These fiends dare to harm my people?" he growled. Without hesitation, he leapt forward, landing amidst the chaos with a ground-shaking thud

The demon knights turned, their glowing eyes locking onto him. Lancelot raised his blade, its edge gleaming ominously in the firelight. "Your rampage ends here," he declared, his voice cold and unyielding

The knights charged at him, but Lancelot was quicker. With swift, precise movements, he danced through their ranks, his sword cutting through the demonic armor like it was paper. Each swing was a testament to his skill, honed by countless battles

Lancelot's sword gleamed in the fiery chaos as he charged into the fray. The demon knights, hulking figures clad in jagged, blackened armor, hissed and roared as they advanced on him. Their crimson blades, pulsing with unholy energy, clashed against his own in a shower of sparks

With calculated precision, Lancelot sidestepped the first attacker, delivering a devastating slash that shattered the demon's armor and reduced it to black mist. Another lunged at him from behind, but Lancelot spun, deflecting the blow with ease and driving his blade through its chest

"You foul creatures will plague this land no longer!" Lancelot declared, his voice resonating with authority

Two more knights rushed him simultaneously, their weapons swinging in unison. Lancelot ducked beneath their strikes, kicking one aside before delivering a swift upward slash to the other, splitting it apart. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a shockwave of energy through his sword, cutting down another wave of demons attempting to swarm him

Despite his unrelenting assault, the demon knights continued their relentless charge. Lancelot leapt high into the air, his air shoes propelling him above the chaos. As he descended, he struck the ground with a powerful shockwave, scattering the knights around him

But the battle wasn't over. From the smoke and ash, a larger knight emerged, towering over the others, its blade engulfed in a dark flame. Lancelot's crimson eyes narrowed as he prepared himself

"You will share their fate," he said coldly

The two clashed in a ferocious exchange, sparks flying as their blades collided. The demon knight swung with brute strength, but Lancelot countered with speed and precision, dodging each blow and delivering punishing strikes. Finally, with a powerful horizontal slash, he disarmed the creature and sent it stumbling backward

Lancelot stepped back, his body emanating a fiery red aura. He closed his eyes, focusing his energy as the chaos of the battlefield seemed to freeze for a moment.

"This ends now!" he roared, thrusting his arms outward.

"Chaos Punishment!"

A blinding crimson explosion erupted from him, engulfing the remaining demon knights in a surge of destructive energy. Their forms disintegrated into black mist, the last echoes of their unholy existence fading into nothingness

As the smoke cleared, Lancelot stood alone in the center of the ruined village, his blade lowered but his resolve unwavering. He turned to see a young villager cautiously approaching him, her face streaked with soot but her eyes filled with gratitude

"Are you alright?" Lancelot asked, his voice softer now

The villager nodded. "We are, thanks to you, Sir Lancelot. You saved us all."

"What happened here?" he inquired, his tone still serious

The villager shook her head. "I don't know. This is the first time demon knights have attacked since… since the fall of King Arthur."

Lancelot's expression darkened as he pondered her words. The attack was no coincidence; it was yet another sign that something was amiss in the kingdom.

Without another word, he turned away, his air shoes igniting as he leapt into the air. The villagers watched in awe as he streaked past their homes and farms, a crimson blur against the evening sky.

Many gasped, pointing as he passed, while others whispered in wonder at the knight's sudden appearance. Lancelot, undeterred, focused on his destination. The answers he sought lay ahead, at the misty lake, where Nimue awaited.

Later

Play: Alvedon – Retire (final)

The misty lake came into view as Lancelot approached, the air growing cooler and the faint scent of water lilies wafting through the breeze. Standing at the lake's edge was Nimue, her pink quills flowing gently in the wind. Her serene presence seemed almost ethereal, as though she were one with the tranquil waters behind her

Lancelot slowed to a stop and dismounted from his air shoes, lowering himself onto one knee before her. "Lady Nimue," he began, his voice filled with respect. "I apologize if I have disturbed your peace, but I come seeking your guidance."

Nimue turned to face him, her soft, wise eyes meeting his own. She offered him a gentle smile. "Sir Lancelot, you need not apologize. You are always welcome here. Speak, and I shall do my best to aid you. What is it that you seek?"

Lancelot hesitated for a moment before rising to his feet. "With the loss of King Arthur, the kingdom has been left without its guiding light. I fear for its future. What it needs is a strong leader to carry the weight of its people. I seek answers… How can we ensure the kingdom's survival when there is no king to lead it?"

Nimue's gaze softened as she folded her hands before her. Her tone was as calm and measured as ever. "Every reign, no matter how noble or tyrannical, must come to an end. Such is the nature of time and the way of life. What truly matters is not the fall of a king but the foundation that remains in his absence. The question, dear knight, is this: has the kingdom already begun to crumble under the joint rule of you, Percival, and Gawain?"

Lancelot looked down, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "No, it has not," he admitted. "But I fear that we may not be able to sustain it for years to come. Our people deserve stability. Today, demon knights attacked a village for the first time since Arthur's fall."

Nimue stepped closer, her voice steady yet soothing. "Your fears are not without merit, Lancelot, but you must not let them rule your heart. You and your comrades have held the kingdom together with honor and dedication. You have proven yourselves capable, even amidst uncertainty."

She paused, tilting her head slightly as though pondering her next words. Then, with an enigmatic smile, she said, "True leaders emerge when they are needed most, guided not by title or crown, but by their will to protect and inspire. Perhaps the leader you seek is already among you…"

Lancelot frowned slightly, her cryptic words leaving him deep in thought. "Do you truly believe we can continue as we are?"

Nimue's smile did not waver. "I believe in the strength of those who act selflessly for the greater good. And I believe in you, Lancelot. Trust in your companions and in yourself. The path ahead may not always be clear, but you will find it."

Lancelot remained by the lake, his gaze lingering on her. Though Nimue's words had offered him some solace, his heart still felt heavy, as if a shadow loomed over him. Nimue tilted her head slightly, observing his quiet demeanor.

"Sir Lancelot," she said gently, "I sense there is more troubling you. Is that all the answers you seek?"

Lancelot hesitated, his grip tightening on his sword hilt. "No," he admitted reluctantly, his voice low.

"Then please," Nimue encouraged, "elaborate. What weighs so heavily on your mind?"

Lancelot took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the ground. "During Sonic's time here, liberating the kingdom from Merlina's magic, he mentioned something… peculiar. He said that Gawain and I carried a familiar presence to him. I didn't understand his words then, and I dismissed them as the musings of an outsider."

He paused, his brows furrowing as he continued. "But recently, I've been having strange visions—cryptic and disjointed. I see a hedgehog that looks like me, yet he is not me. He battles Sonic with a ferocity that feels alien to me. And in my last vision, I looked into a mirror and saw him staring back at me."

Lancelot's voice dropped to a whisper. "Lady Nimue… am I losing my mind?"

Nimue stepped closer, her expression soft and understanding. She extended her hand to him. "Give me your hand, Lancelot. Let me see what you have seen."

Lancelot hesitated briefly before placing his hand in hers. Nimue closed her eyes, her serene features becoming tense as she delved into his visions. For a moment, the air around them seemed to still, the mists of the lake thickening

When Nimue opened her eyes, her expression was troubled. "Lancelot," she said carefully, "what you have seen is beyond my understanding. It lies in a realm beyond my sight, one that I cannot touch."

Lancelot's heart sank. "Then… there are no answers?"

Nimue placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Not yet. But take heart, knight. These things will reveal themselves in time. For now, focus on the present and trust that clarity will come when it is meant to."

As she spoke, Nimue suddenly winced, her hand flying to her temple as if struck by a sharp pain. Lancelot immediately stepped forward, concern etched across his face. "Lady Nimue, what's wrong?"

Nimue's breath came shallowly as she steadied herself. "Lancelot… you must return to the castle immediately. There is no time to delay."

Play: Sonic and the Black Knight OST – Molten Mine

Lancelot's concern deepened, but he did not hesitate. He knelt before her, taking her hand and pressing a respectful kiss to it. "Thank you, Lady Nimue, for your guidance. I shall heed your words."

He turned, his air shoes igniting as he launched into the air. As he sped away, the wind whipping against his armor and quills, Nimue's cryptic warning echoed in his mind. Whatever awaited him at the castle filled him with unease, but he resolved to face it head-on.

As Lancelot raced through the dense forest, the wind tugged at his cape, and his thoughts turned to Percival. He trusted her strength, her skill with a blade, and her sharp mind, but the growing unease in his heart wouldn't let him rest.

"Percival…" he murmured under his breath, his grip on Arondight tightening. "She's more than capable, but still… if something were to happen while I'm away…"

Before he could dwell further, the air above him crackled violently, shaking the treetops. Lancelot skidded to a halt, his ears twitching as he looked skyward. His breath caught in his throat as he saw an ominous fissure ripping through the twilight sky. Two glowing eyes, cold and unfeeling, peered down from the crack, their light casting an eerie glow over the forest.

Suddenly, a vision struck him, vivid and jarring. In his mind's eye, he saw the hedgehog from his dreams—dark, swift, and enigmatic—zooming through a cityscape unlike anything he'd ever seen. The buildings were impossibly tall, adorned with strange lights, and the roads teemed with unfamiliar machines

The vision ended as abruptly as it came, leaving Lancelot staggered. He stumbled but quickly planted Arondight into the ground to steady himself. "What… was that?" he whispered, his voice filled with uncertainty

Shaking his head, he forced himself to focus. "This sorcery… it has to be Merlina's doing," he thought, but the idea didn't sit right with him. "No. If it were her, Lady Nimue would have warned me."

His suspicions were interrupted as dark shapes began to fall from the crack in the sky. They landed with sickening thuds, their shadowy forms twisting and writhing as they took shape. Hulking creatures with glowing eyes and malformed limbs emerged from the shadows, their presence exuding a malevolent energy

"Those creatures are different l…" Lancelot muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. "What devilry is this?"

Turning back toward the direction of the village, he sped off with urgency. He reached its outskirts and spotted a woman gathering firewood. He stopped beside her, startling her. "You must warn the others," he said, his tone sharp but concerned. "Gather everyone and seek shelter immediately."

The villager's eyes widened, but she nodded, sensing the gravity of his words. "Y-yes, Sir Lancelot!" she stammered before rushing toward the village center

With the warning delivered, Lancelot turned back toward the forest, his gaze narrowing as he focused on the growing chaos. The creatures continued to pour from the sky, their dark forms creeping toward the village

"What kind of sorcery is this?" he muttered, his grip on Arondight tightening

Summoning his resolve, he zoomed back toward the encroaching shadows, determined to face whatever was behind this nightmarish turn of events. The wind roared around him, but his thoughts remained sharp, a mix of concern for his comrades and a growing determination to uncover the truth

Lancelot's strides tore through the forest, each step faster than the last, but something was wrong. The trees around him began to twist and contort, their branches sharpening into clawed hands, and their trunks splitting open into grotesque faces with hollow, glowing eyes

One lashed out at him with gnarly branches, but Lancelot was prepared. He slashed through it with Arondight, the enchanted blade humming with energy as the twisted tree splintered apart. Another swung its thick roots at him, but he leaped into the air, spinning mid-flight to slice it clean in two

"I will not falter!" Lancelot declared, his voice filled with resolve. Each monstrous tree that dared block his path met the same fate—slashed down, burned, or shattered as he carved his way forward

Then the ground rumbled ominously. Emerging from the corrupted forest, hordes of shadowy creatures surged toward him, their glowing red eyes and malformed bodies radiating a dark energy. Lancelot's grip tightened on Arondight. He assumed these creatures were demons sent by some malevolent force, and he had no time to waste

With a swift spin, Lancelot curled into a ball, launching himself into a spin dash. And using his sword He tore through the creatures like a whirling blade of destruction, cutting a path through the massive army. Dark wisps of energy dissipated in his wake as he burst from the forest's edge

But as Lancelot skidded to a stop and surveyed the horizon, his breath caught. Camelot—his home, his sanctuary—was in ruins. Sections of the kingdom were missing entirely, floating as jagged, fragmented landmasses suspended in the sky. The once-proud towers stood broken and crumbling, the light of the castle's banners nowhere to be seen

"No…" Lancelot whispered, his heart sinking. He clenched his fists as dread set in. "Gawain… the people… Percival." Her name lingered in his mind, filling him with renewed urgency

His thoughts were interrupted by a low, guttural growl that echoed through the air. A shadow loomed over him, growing larger by the second. He turned just in time to see a colossal creature materializing in the distance. Its form was a swirling mass of shadows and energy, with glowing eyes that radiated a malevolent intelligence.

The monster's terrifying smile stretched across its visage as it let out a deafening roar. Its massive arms extended as it flew toward him with alarming speed, its form distorting the very air around it

Lancelot braced himself, his feet sliding across the ground as the sheer force of the roar pushed him back. He gritted his teeth, raising Arondight. "You…" he growled, assuming this was the demon leader responsible for the chaos.

With a deep breath, he dashed forward, meeting the monster's charge head-on. As their speeds matched, the air between them crackled with energy. As is then flew in front of him

Lancelot charged at the monstrous entity, Arondight blazing with light as he struck with unrelenting force. Each slash of his blade tore through the beast's shadowy form, causing bursts of dark energy to ripple and dissipate. The air crackled with intensity as he landed blow after blow, pushing the creature back

But the monster was no ordinary foe. With a guttural roar, it unleashed a massive claw, swiping Lancelot mid-strike. The knight was sent hurtling through the air, crashing hard into the fractured ground. As he stumbled to rise, he felt the searing chill of its shadowy touch

Suddenly, his vision blurred. He wasn't in Camelot anymore but in a darkened, swirling void.

In the distance, he saw Percival fighting valiantly, her blade flashing as she fended off hordes of shadowy creatures. A massive portal loomed behind her, its force pulling everything in

"Lancelot!" she cried, her voice filled with desperation as she was drawn into the portal. Her hand reached out to him, but he couldn't move, couldn't act. The vision faded just as her silhouette disappeared into the swirling abyss, her voice echoing in his mind

"Percival!" Lancelot roared, his anger igniting like a flame within him. Rising to his feet, his body surged with Chaos energy. "You dare take her from me!"

He raised his sword high, gathering his energy into a blazing red sphere

"Chaos Punishment!" he cried, unleashing a devastating explosion that engulfed the monster. Following up, he summoned a rain of Chaos Spears that pierced the beast's massive form, each strike shaking the ground

Despite the onslaught, the monster endured, its form shifting and regenerating. Its glowing eyes locked onto Lancelot with a sinister smirk. Then, with a rumbling growl, it began to manipulate reality itself. The fractured pieces of Camelot warped and twisted around them, spinning in chaotic patterns as the beast's power distorted the very fabric of existence

"I will not falter!" Lancelot shouted, steadying himself amidst the chaos. "For my kingdom, my people, for Gawain, and for Percival—I am Sir Lancelot! You shall fall!"

The monster responded with a deafening roar, unleashing a massive time wave. The world around Lancelot rippled, his vision blurring into streaks of light and shadow. The battlefield seemed to dissolve as reality unraveled, and the knight's body felt weightless, adrift in a sea of white

The last thing he saw was the Time Eater's malevolent grin before the world faded completely

Play: Super Smash Bros Brawl – Bramble Blast

Lancelot stirred, his mind heavy with fleeting, disjointed images. He was no longer on the battlefield but in an endless expanse of white, a void that stretched infinitely in all directions. Rising to his feet, he clutched Arondight, its blade flickering weakly as if exhausted from their earlier battle. His head throbbed, and as he steadied himself, more visions flooded his mind

He saw a hedgehog eerily similar to himself—this mysterious figure fought with ferocity and precision against monstrous adversaries. A dark beast with flaming eyes, an amorphous shadow creature that warped reality, and a metallic titan that loomed over a crumbling cityscape all fell under the hedgehog's relentless strikes. The scenes were brief but vivid, leaving Lancelot disoriented

"Who is this warrior? And why do I see him?" Lancelot muttered, gripping his blade tighter. The visions faded, leaving him alone in the silence of the void

"Where am I?" he demanded, his voice echoing into the emptiness. "What sorcery is this? What magic has wrought such destruction?"

The only response was the faint sound of hooves, a rhythmic clatter that grew louder with each passing second. Lancelot turned sharply, his senses on edge. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure emerging from the fog high in the air—a knight clad in regal armor, mounted on a proud steed. The figure's presence exuded an air of authority and command, yet it was shrouded in mystery

Lancelot's heart raced as he recognized the silhouette. "No… it cannot be," he whispered, his voice trembling. "King Arthur?

He blinked, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. "This is impossible. The king was defeated…."

The knight on horseback made no sound, no acknowledgment of Lancelot's words. Instead, it continued its steady pace, fading deeper into the fog.

"Wait!" Lancelot called out, taking a step forward. "If you are truly the king, then speak! What has befallen Camelot? What is this place?"

The figure did not respond, and as Lancelot began to follow, the fog thickened, swallowing the knight's form until it vanished completely.

Lancelot stood frozen, his thoughts a whirlwind. "Have I gone mad? Am I to be tormented by visions of what once was? Or is there something greater at play here?"

He knelt, planting Arondight into the ground, its faint glow barely illuminating the void. "If this is some trial, then I shall endure it. I will uncover the truth, no matter the cost."

As he rose, the void began to shift subtly. The ground beneath him rippled like water, and faint whispers filled the air. Lancelot tightened his grip on Arondight

Lancelot wandered through the eerie landscape, his boots clicking against the ground as he observed the lifeless structures around him. Buildings and monuments stood tall yet devoid of any color, appearing as though they were carved from the void itself. The air was still, and the oppressive silence heightened his unease

As he pressed forward, a faint mechanical hum reached his ears. He turned sharply, his grip tightening on Arondight. From the shadows emerged a peculiar figure—a red, machine rolling smoothly on wheels on its feet . Its yellow visor glowed faintly as it locked onto Lancelot, coming to a halt a few feet away

Lancelot instinctively raised his blade, prepared for any threat. The machine emitted a series of whirs and clicks before scanning him with a thin beam of light

"!?" said Lancelot staring at his chest where the small beam was pointed at

"Scanning… Subject: Unknown," the machine declared in a monotonous yet commanding robotic voice. "State your designation."

Lancelot narrowed his eyes, his stance unwavering. "I am Sir Lancelot, Knight of the Round Table. And who—or what—are you?"

The machine paused, its visor flickering for a moment. "I am E-102 Gamma, a combat unit. Current status: Unknown. Query: Do you possess information regarding this location?"

Lancelot's brow furrowed as he lowered his blade slightly. "I could ask you the same. What is this place? And what manner of sorcery animates you?"

Gamma whirred softly, processing Lancelot's words. "Observation: You are not a hostile threat. Response: This unit is not 'animated by sorcery.' I am powered by advanced technology created by the doctor."

Lancelot relaxed his guard, though his curiosity remained piqued. "This 'doctor' you speak of—who is he? And why do you suspect his involvement?"

Gamma tilted his head slightly, his mechanical voice carrying a trace of caution. "Dr. Robotnik, also known as Eggman, is a genius scientist and inventor. His objective often involves world domination. Given the anomalies of this realm, it is logical to suspect his hand in its creation."

Lancelot crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "World domination? He sounds like a villain from a bard's tale. Yet I have never heard of this 'Eggman' before. Is he the cause of this calamity?"

Gamma's visor dimmed momentarily as he calculated a response. "Data: Insufficient. I lack confirmation. My systems detect anomalies in time and space consistent with the doctor's experiments. However, no conclusive evidence is present."

Lancelot glanced at the lifeless structures surrounding them, his unease deepening. "Then perhaps he is the one responsible for the destruction of my kingdom... and for the portal that took my comrades."

Gamma observed Lancelot silently for a moment. "Proposal: Cooperation. Our objectives align. Locating the source of these anomalies may yield answers for us both."

Lancelot considered the offer, his chivalric nature urging him to extend trust, even to a machine. "Very well, Gamma. If you prove to be an ally, I shall accept your aid. Together, we will uncover the truth of this place."

Gamma nodded, his systems whirring in acknowledgment. "Acknowledged. Mission: Investigate anomalies. Initiating forward reconnaissance."

As Gamma began rolling ahead, Lancelot followed, his mind racing with questions. The unlikely duo pressed forward into the unknown

A little later

The unsettling silence of the void was broken by faint mechanical buzzing in the distance. Gamma halted abruptly, his visor flashing as he scanned the area. Lancelot followed his gaze, gripping Arondight tightly as he noticed shapes emerging in the sky. Metallic figures descended, their eyes fixed on the duo.

"Scanning…" Gamma's voice cut through the tension. "Hostile units identified. Eggpawn drones detected. Probability of conflict: 97%."

Lancelot's gaze sharpened. The machines were humanoid, though far cruder than Gamma, with bulky limbs and clunky designs. They carried crude weapons—blasters, maces, and shields—all aimed toward the knight and his new ally.

"So these are your 'doctor's' creations?" Lancelot asked, his tone grim.

Gamma's arm cannon whirred to life, energy charging at its core. "Correct. The Eggpawns are combat drones created to serve Eggman. They are programmed to attack on sight. Suggestion: Prepare for battle."

Lancelot nodded, raising Arondight. "They shall fall like the other monsters I have faced. Let them come!"

The Eggpawns surged forward with mechanical precision, their weapons aimed and ready. Gamma fired the first shot, a focused energy blast that struck the nearest drone, sending it crashing to the ground in a shower of sparks.

Lancelot wasted no time. With a swift leap, he closed the distance to the advancing Eggpawns, his blade gleaming in the void's dim light. Arondight cleaved through the first drone with ease, its metal frame crumpling under the knight's strength.

"These metal cans are unimpressive!" Lancelot shouted as he spun into another attack, slicing through two more Eggpawns.

Gamma advanced methodically, his cannon firing precise blasts that dismantled the drones before they could reach him. "Statement: Your combat skills are efficient. Suggestion: Focus on remaining units."

The Eggpawns adjusted their tactics, some opening fire with blasters while others tried to surround the pair. Lancelot dodged a volley of energy shots, deflecting one with his blade before charging into the fray. His movements were a blur of strikes and spins, each swing of Arondight reducing another drone to scrap

Gamma stood his ground, his targeting systems locking onto the drones in rapid succession. His cannon unleashed a continuous stream of energy, picking off Eggpawns wone by one. "Enemy numbers decreasing. Probability of victory: 85%."

An explosion rocked the area as one of the drones self-destructed in a desperate attempt to damage the duo. Lancelot shielded his face with his arm, the blast sending a wave of heat and debris his way

"Are these things mindless or just desperate?" Lancelot grunted as he pushed forward, slashing through the last of the nearby drones

Gamma turned his visor to the remaining Eggpawns, who hovered hesitantly at a distance. "Observation: Hostile units are regrouping. Probability of reinforcements: High. Recommendation: Advance cautiously.

Lancelot stood beside Gamma, his chest heaving from exertion. "Let them come. I care not how many there are. None shall stand in my way."

Gamma's visor glowed steadily. "Acknowledged. Proceeding with mission."

The colorless structures stretched endlessly, their stark, lifeless forms towering over the duo. Lancelot and Gamma moved cautiously, the absence of life weighing heavily on the knight's mind. Every step echoed faintly in the eerie silence, and Lancelot's unease grew. Seeking distraction from the stillness, he turned to Gamma

"Tell me, machine. What sort of realm do you hail from? Surely it must differ greatly from this desolation."

Gamma's visor flickered for a moment as he processed the question. "Response: I originate from the Egg Carrier fleet, a series of advanced vessels created by Dr. Eggman. My initial programming was to serve his purposes, which involved capturing and controlling animals to power his machines."

Lancelot frowned at this revelation. "You served a tyrant, then. And yet, you no longer do. Why?" but at the same time. He sort of saw himself in the machine

Gamma paused briefly, as if reflecting. "Correction: I no longer serve Eggman. I discovered a greater purpose through interaction with a pink hedgehog. She instilled in me the importance of freedom and compassion. This led to my decision to oppose Eggman and free my kind from his control."

The mention of a pink figure stirred something within Lancelot. His mind conjured an image of Nimue, her gentle presence and wisdom guiding him during past trials. He glanced at Gamma, a glimmer of hope in his voice

"This pink hedgehog you speak of… Could her name be Nimue?"

Gamma's visor flickered as he processed the query. "Negative. Your assumption is incorrect. The pink hedgehog I refer to is named Amy Rose. She is not of origin you are familiar with, but demonstrates remarkable resolve and empathy."

Lancelot's hopeful expression faltered, replaced by quiet contemplation. "I see… Then she is not the one I thought of. Yet it is curious—your Amy and my Nimue share a similar light, guiding those around them."

Gamma tilted his head slightly, his movements deliberate. "Observation: Your reference to Nimue suggests a figure of significance in your realm. Question: Is she a source of guidance for you?"

Lancelot nodded solemnly. "She is a beacon of wisdom and strength. She guided us in many trials."

The knight's gaze wandered to the endless void ahead, the weight of his kingdom's plight pressing heavily on his heart. "Perhaps this Amy of yours and Nimue are not so different. Both seem to have a talent for inspiring those who have lost their way."

Gamma processed Lancelot's words, his movements still. "Statement: It is possible. Purpose and guidance can take many forms."

As they continued their journey, Lancelot felt a strange kinship with the machine. Though their origins were worlds apart, both carried burdens of their past and sought clarity in the unknown.

Lancelot's gaze remained fixed on the desolate expanse ahead as they walked. After a moment of silence, he turned to Gamma, his curiosity piqued

"Machine… Gamma. What were you doing before you found yourself in this strange place? Surely your presence here was not by choice.

Gamma's visor flickered briefly before he responded in his usual mechanical tone. "Response: I had just completed a critical mission. My objective was the elimination of E-101 MK II, a more advanced model of my design created by Eggman. The battle was intense, but I prevailed, ensuring the liberation of captive lifeforms within the fleet."

Lancelot raised an eyebrow. "A noble deed, though unexpected from one of your kind. What happened afterward?"

Gamma paused, as if recalling the events in detail. "After my mission, the skies above my location began to fracture unnaturally. My scanners detected significant temporal and spatial distortions. The phenomenon caused my systems to go berserk, unable to process the readings fully."

"Fractured skies…" Lancelot muttered, the description striking a chord. As he recalled the skies fracture in his home

Gamma continued. "During the chaos, a massive entity emerged—a creature I could not identify. Its form was shadowy and incomprehensible, exuding immense power. My logs suggest it used an energy wave to create a blinding flash of light. Following that event, I lost all visual data and found myself in this void."

Lancelot frowned, his grip tightening on Arondight. "This entity… Was it the same as the demon I faced? A massive beast that twisted the very fabric of reality?"

Gamma's visor glowed faintly as he processed the comparison. "Analysis: Based on your description, it is likely the same creature. My records do not match any known entity from my realm. It is an anomaly, highly dangerous and capable of altering its surroundings."

The knight's expression darkened. "Then this demon, or whatever it is, is responsible for the destruction I've seen and the disappearance of my kingdom. It seems to be gathering those from different realms for reasons unknown."

Gamma inclined his head slightly. "Observation: Its power appears to transcend dimensions. Purpose remains undetermined. Current objective: Survive and seek answers."

Lancelot nodded, his determination unwavering. "Agreed. If this beast has caused such devastation, it must be stopped. We may hail from different worlds, but our goals align."

As Lancelot and Gamma ventured further into the surreal, colorless landscape, the sound of faint croaking caught their attention. Both paused, their gazes shifting toward the source of the noise.

Emerging from behind a crumbled, desaturated structure was a small green frog, hopping steadily toward them. Lancelot instinctively gripped the hilt of Arondight, but Gamma's visor flickered in recognition.

"Identification: Subject Froggy. Confirmed as lifeform previously associated with my past encounters," Gamma stated, his tone tinged with mild surprise.

The frog reached Gamma and paused at his metallic feet, croaking enthusiastically. Gamma tilted his head slightly. "Strange. Froggy, query: Is your companion, the large cat known as Big, present in this void?"

Froggy let out another croak but gave no other indication. Gamma's visor dimmed momentarily as he processed the lack of a clear response. "Conclusion: Subject Froggy's current status and whereabouts of Big are unknown. Further data unavailable."

Lancelot observed the interaction, lowering his sword. "This creature knows you. A curious coincidence. Perhaps it is a sign that others we know may also be here."

Gamma turned to face him, his visor glowing faintly. "Analysis: Your hypothesis holds merit. The convergence of lifeforms from different dimensions suggests a pattern. Probability of others' presence: High."

Lancelot nodded, gripping his sword tightly once more. "If this 'Froggy' has survived the chaos, then it is possible that those I know are also here. We cannot afford to lose hope. We must keep searching."

Froggy hopped in place, seemingly content to remain near Gamma. Gamma looked down at the amphibian. "Statement: Subject Froggy appears intent on accompanying us. Tactical analysis: A harmless entity, may prove beneficial in detecting anomalies."

The knight allowed himself a small smile. "Then let it come. If this creature can navigate this void, it may help guide us to others."

With Froggy now hopping along beside them, the duo pressed onward. Lancelot's thoughts lingered on his fellow knights. The vision of Percival calling his name remained vivid in his mind.

Little later

Play: Shadow Generations OST – Collection Room

After some more wandering, they stumbled upon a house standing amid the endless void of lifeless structures. Unlike the others, this house had a distinct design—its walls bore intricate patterns, and its shape suggested it once held purpose, unlike the monotonous ruins surrounding it. Though drained of all color, it stood out enough to immediately capture their attention

Gamma halted, his visor glowing faintly as he activated his scanners. "Initiating scan… Results: Structure is devoid of lifeforms. No detectable movement within or in proximity."

Lancelot eyed the house suspiciously, hand resting on the hilt of Arondight. "It could be a trap, or perhaps an illusion conjured by some foul sorcery. Are you certain there is nothing inside?"

Gamma turned to face Lancelot, his tone precise. "Affirmative. Scan results indicate no organic or artificial entities within the structure."

Lancelot furrowed his brow, the sense of unease not leaving him. "Then the question remains: Should we investigate, or continue on our way? This place reeks of mystery, and mysteries often lead to danger."

Gamma processed the query for a moment before responding. "Analysis: Investigating the structure may yield useful information. Hypothesis: This house, being distinct from its surroundings, could serve as a repository of data or clues regarding this void."

Lancelot glanced at the house once more, then at Froggy, who sat contentedly by Gamma's feet. "Very well. But be on guard. If this is some form of trap, we must be prepared to fight our way out."

Gamma raised his arm cannon slightly. "Acknowledged. Proceeding with caution."

The duo approached the house, its ominous silence hanging heavily in the air. The door, slightly ajar, creaked faintly as Lancelot pushed it open with the tip of his sword. Inside, the house was as devoid of color as its exterior, yet strangely immaculate—no dust, no signs of decay. The furniture appeared untouched, as if frozen in time

Gamma stepped in behind Lancelot, scanning the room meticulously. "Observation: Interior is consistent with the external void's characteristics. Anomalous lack of wear or damage suggests temporal stasis."

Lancelot moved cautiously, his eyes darting to every corner. "Temporal stasis… You speak as if time itself has halted here. Perhaps this house holds answers as to why this land is so lifeless."

As they delved deeper, Froggy hopped onto a table, knocking over a small object. It clattered to the ground, revealing itself to be a faintly glowing shard of crystal—a rare break in the monotony of the void

Gamma's visor flickered as he scanned the shard. "Analysis: Energy signature detected. Origin unknown. This artifact may be tied to the phenomena affecting this realm."

Lancelot picked up the shard carefully, feeling its faint warmth. "If this is a clue, then it may lead us closer to finding Gawain and Percival. Let us take it with us and press onward."

Gamma nodded. "Recommendation: Continue exploration. Further anomalies may provide additional insights."

As they continued looking round the house, the shard in Lancelot's hand seemed to pulse faintly, as though guiding them toward their next step in unraveling the mystery of this strange void.

As the shard in Lancelot's hand began to glow faintly, a faint emerald-green radiance pulsed through the room. Lancelot froze, his grip tightening on the shard as his vision blurred

Suddenly, he found himself in a chaotic battlefield. Two figures stood amidst the fray- one being Sonic brimming with boundless energy mirroring the black doppelganger again mirroring his form but with a sharper, determined aura

Both figures faced a towering threat, their voices ringing out in unison:

"Chaos Control!"

The words echoed in Lancelot's mind, and the battlefield dissolved into a blinding light. Flashes of an enormous green gem, radiating immense power, and the two figures vanishing into the brilliance, left him breathless

When the vision ended, Lancelot staggered slightly, blinking as the world around him returned to focus. He was still in the colorless house with Gamma, but the shard in his hand seemed more alive than ever. "What… sorcery is this?" he murmured

Gamma turned toward him, his visor flickering as he scanned the shard. "Energy anomaly detected. Scanning artifact… Identification complete."

Lancelot steadied himself and glanced at Gamma. "You recognize this shard?"

Gamma nodded slightly. "Affirmative. This shard is a fragment of the Master Emerald."

"The Master Emerald?" Lancelot echoed, his curiosity piqued.

Gamma continued, his mechanical voice unwavering. "The Master Emerald is a colossal gemstone of immense power. It serves as the energy source for Angel Island and governs the balance of Chaos energy. It is capable of incredible feats, including controlling time and space."

Fascinated, Lancelot turned the shard over in his hand. "A gemstone of such grandeur and power…If this shard belongs to such a wondrous artifact, restoring it might aid in mending this fractured realm."

Gamma adjusted his stance. "Logical conclusion. However, retrieval of additional shards may be necessary. Suggestion: rest before further action."

Lancelot glanced at their surroundings. The house, though devoid of color, offered shelter. "You're right. We should rest here for a time. We've traveled far, and I need to gather my thoughts."

Gamma powered down slightly, entering a low-energy state to recharge. Lancelot sat by the window, the shard still in his grasp, its faint glow reflecting in his eyes

After a moment, he broke the silence. "Tell me more of this Angel Island. You said it is the home of the Master Emerald?"

Gamma's voice came online again. "Affirmative. Angel Island is a floating landmass suspended in the sky, held aloft by the power of the Master Emerald. It is guarded by a lone protector, whose purpose is to ensure its safety and prevent misuse of its power."

Lancelot's mind conjured an image of the floating island, a serene yet majestic place. "A lone protector? That sounds like a noble duty. Who is this guardian?"

"The guardian is a red echidna" Gamma explained. "He is steadfast in his mission, dedicating his life to the Master Emerald's protection."

Lancelot leaned back, contemplating the enormity of such responsibility. "This sounds like a valiant soul, much like my comrades who would give their all to defend Camelot. And yet, this Master Emerald… It is a power both wondrous and dangerous. No wonder it requires such vigilance."

Gamma tilted his head slightly. "The Master Emerald's power is indeed both a blessing and a curse. Misuse of its energy has caused catastrophic events in the past. Its balance must always be maintained."

Lancelot nodded slowly, his resolve deepening.

The two companions remained in the house, the glow of the shard a faint beacon of hope in the otherwise colorless void.

As Froggy then began to hop onto a pillow and get in a relaxed position

Trivia

1: My hope for this wpuld be that Lancelot would be traversing levels that are untouched by Sonic and Shadow in the Generations games

So I don't really see myself writing Lancelot running around in Green Hill zone by himself

Of course maybe I'd break that rule if I think of a good plot point for it. But just don't expect them to appear

2: Lately I've been replaying Sonic and the Black Knight and got fascinated with the lore of it and Secret Rings

It's such as shame that the third storybook game got canceled

3: funny enough. My favorite game in the Sonic series is Shadow the Hedgehog follwrd by Sonic and the Black Knight

And yeah they have their flaws, but I enjoyed them a lot since childhood

4: I believe my first ever Sonic Game I ever played was Sonic and the Secret Rings when I was visiting a friend and he was playing it alot

5: I've listened to the soundtrack to Sonic and the Black Knight entirely of writing this

6: Sonic Movie 3 and the Shadow DLC are so close yet so far. I hope there will be more Year of Shadow content afterwards

Bonus Bit

Gamma's perspective or to meeting Lancelot

The remains of E-101 MK II lay smoldering on the deck of the Egg Carrier, its once-imposing frame reduced to lifeless scrap. E-102 Gamma stood motionless for a moment, his arm cannon still warm from the final blast. His red optics scanned the battlefield, ensuring no further threats remained

"Hostile neutralized. Resuming mission," Gamma stated, his tone cold and unwavering.

"NO WAY! I CANT BELIEVE THIS!"

As the wind carried the acrid smell of burning metal, a familiar voice crackled over the comms, dripping with fury.

"You traitorous machine!" Eggman's voice boomed. "Do you even comprehend what you've done? I made you! You're nothing without me! I'll—"

Before Eggman could finish his tirade, the sky above the Egg Carrier began to warp. Cracks spread across the heavens like fractures in a massive pane of glass, pulsing with an unnatural energy. The Egg Carrier trembled beneath Gamma's feet, and even Eggman paused, his tone shifting from anger to unease.

"What… what is happening?!"

Gamma's systems whirred as he began to scan the phenomenon.

"Anomaly detected," Gamma reported. "Analyzing… Unable to retrieve conclusive data. Unknown energy signature. Investigation required."

The cracks widened, and from their depths emerged a massive, shadowy entity, its form amorphous and writhing with otherworldly energy. Eggman's voice returned, but now it was laced with shock and panic.

"What is that?! Some kind of… shadow monster? This isn't one of mine! Gamma, deal with it! Protect the Egg Carrier!"

The shadowy creature shifted its attention to the massive airship, its glowing red eyes narrowing. With an ear-piercing screech, it surged forward, its claws extended. The Egg Carrier's defense systems sprang to life, unleashing a barrage of gunfire and missiles at the intruder.

But the shadow creature was unfazed. With a sweep of its claws, it released an energy wave that warped reality itself. The Egg Carrier's structure began to twist and crumble as if time itself were unraveling it. Alarms blared as sections of the ship tore away, vanishing into the void.

"This is impossible!" Eggman shouted. "The Egg Carrier is falling apart! No, I won't stay to watch this disaster!"

The sound of engines roared as Eggman's escape pod launched from the collapsing ship. "This isn't over, Gamma! I'll deal with you later—if you even survive!"

With Eggman gone, the shadow creature turned its focus toward Gamma. Its claws flexed as it loomed over the lone robot, its intent unmistakably hostile

Gamma raised his arm cannon, his optics narrowing. "Engaging unknown entity. Priority directive: Self-Defense."

The monster loomed over Gamma, its immense form rippling with dark, otherworldly energy. Its cyan, glowing eyes locked onto the lone robot, radiating malevolent intent. The deck of the crumbling Egg Carrier groaned under the weight of the battle ahead, debris scattering into the chaotic winds

Gamma raised his arm cannon, steady and unwavering. His voice was calm but determined

"Target identified. Engaging."

The monster shrieked, a sound that tore through the air like nails on metal. It surged forward, claws slashing through the space between them. Gamma sidestepped with mechanical precision, his servos whirring as he unleashed a volley of plasma shots. The blasts struck the creature's dark form, causing ripples of distortion but no visible damage

The monster retaliated with a swipe of its massive claw, sending a wave of crackling energy toward Gamma. The air around the wave warped, shimmering unnaturally. Gamma activated his boosters, leaping over the attack and landing with a thunderous crash

"Analyzing combat effectiveness…" Gamma muttered, his systems working rapidly. "Conventional weaponry insufficient. Adjusting tactics."

He charged forward, arm cannon blazing. The plasma bolts illuminated the battlefield, striking with precision. This time, he aimed for the creature's glowing red eyes. The monster roared, momentarily recoiling, but it quickly recovered, slamming the deck with a devastating blow

The impact created a shockwave that sent Gamma skidding backward. His metal feet screeched against the steel floor as he stabilized himself, firing a concentrated energy blast. The shot struck the monster's torso, seemingly stunning it

Gamma advanced, his targeting systems locked on. "Enemy destabilized. Continuing assault."

The monster snarled, its form shifting and pulsating. It lashed out with a series of rapid strikes, claws tearing through the air. Gamma ducked and weaved. He countered with a barrage of targeted laser, the explosions lighting up the darkened sky

But the creature had had enough. With a chilling screech, it raised its claws and tore through the fabric of reality itself. The air around them shimmered and cracked as the monster unleashed a pulse of temporal energy

Gamma's systems flared with warnings.

"Warning. Warning. Mass influx of power detected."

The wave of energy engulfed him, his sensors flickering wildly. Gamma raised his arm to shield himself, but the force was overwhelming. His visual data scrambled, replaced by blinding white light

"Critical systems failing. Visual data lost," his monotone voice reported as his consciousness faded.

Little later

When Gamma's systems rebooted, his optics flickered to life, revealing a stark, featureless expanse. He stood in an endless void of white and gray, the emptiness stretching infinitely in all directions

His scanners activated, but there was nothing to detect. No heat signatures, no solid structures, no familiar reference points—only an oppressive silence.

"Analyzing environment… Data inconclusive. No known references detected. Entity origin unknown. Location… unknown."

Gamma stood silently in the void, his systems racing to process the unexplainable. For the first time, the logical machine felt something akin to curiosity—and perhaps a hint of uncertainty. The shadow entity had vanished, but its power and the strange new reality it had thrust him into lingered like an unanswered question.

So like it? Hate it? Got something to say either way?

Cuz leaving a review always gives motivation for its continuation

So until then

Chapter Text

Welcome back to the Year of Shadow in this fic starring totally not Shadow, SIR LANCELOT *insert jazz hands*

FanficHazza – Thanks for reading this man! I cant wait to get on to our crossover bit soon

LadyAstralofBlueRose – thank you for reading, while this may not exactly be the same Arthurian Legends you may already be familiar with. I appreciate your liking to this

So without further adoption UNTO THINE STOWY

Play: One heart- Apathy

After a period of rest, Lancelot rose from his seat, stretching slightly before placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. "We've lingered here long enough," he declared, his voice resolute. "The answers we seek will not come to us in this place."

Gamma, standing near the doorway, tilted his head. "Suggestion: designate this house as a base of operations. It provides adequate shelter and a point of return for regrouping."

Before Lancelot could respond, Froggy croaked loudly, hopping in a small circle as if agreeing with Gamma's proposal

Lancelot glanced down at the frog, a faint smirk crossing his face. "Very well," he said, nodding. "We shall make this our base. Froggy, you are to remain here and guard it in our absence."

Froggy croaked again, seemingly in agreement, before hopping onto a nearby cushion and settling in

Gamma's visor flickered as he turned toward Lancelot. "New task detected. Anomaly registered within scanning radius. Probability high for relevant information."

Lancelot furrowed his brow. "Anomaly? What do you mean, Gamma?"

Gamma's voice remained steady. "Unidentified energy signature detected. Stronger than prior readings. Possible connection to this realm's instability or to additional shards of the Master Emerald."

Lancelot's grip tightened on his sword as his determination grew. "Then lead the way. If it brings us closer to understanding this place—or to restoring balance—we cannot delay."

Gamma turned toward the door, his sensors recalibrating. "Acknowledged. Follow me."

With that, Gamma dashed forward, his mechanical legs propelling him with precision and speed. Lancelot followed, keeping pace with his companion as they left the house behind.

Little later

The two moved swiftly through the desolate, colorless structures, the faint glow of the shard in Lancelot's possession flickering intermittently. The air around them felt heavier, as if the void itself was watching their every move

As they approached the source of the anomaly, Gamma's sensors beeped more rapidly. "Energy levels increasing. Anomaly source near. Proceed with caution."

Lancelot nodded, his hand steady on his sword hilt. "Understood"

The duo followed the growing energy signature, the environment began to shift. The void around them seemed to warp, giving way to a structure composed of floating, fragmented objects—pillars, platforms, and debris, all hovering in a chaotic yet strangely organized formation. At the center of the floating labyrinth were two distinct cracks in time, glowing faintly and pulsing with an ominous rhythm despite the lack of color

Lancelot's eyes widened at the sight. "By the gods… I have never seen such a marvel," he murmured, both in awe and unease.

However, his gaze quickly settled on a peculiar statue standing near one of the cracks. The statue, devoid of color like everything else, was frozen in a pose of terror. Its features were twisted in fear, as if it had been fleeing from something unimaginable.

Gamma approached the statue cautiously, his scanner whirring. "Analyzing… Subject status: indeterminate. Identity: unknown. Condition: anomalous." He turned to Lancelot. "Conclusion: statue exhibits traits suggesting it exists between life and death. Probability high for temporal interference."

Lancelot frowned, gripping his sword tighter. "Between life and death? Cursed magic, no doubt. This realm grows darker with each discovery."

Before either could process further, one of the cracks began to pulse more violently, emitting an unsettling hum. The air around it shimmered with raw energy, and Lancelot felt an instinctual pull toward it.

"Energy surge detected," Gamma said, his scanner beeping urgently. "Potentially unstable. Recommend maintaining distance."

Lancelot, however, stepped forward and drew his sword. "We cannot simply stand idle. Whatever lies beyond this rift may hold answers. Be ready, Gamma."

Gamma raised his arm cannon in response. "Acknowledged. Proceeding with caution."

Without hesitation, Lancelot leapt into the crack in time. The energy engulfed him instantly, and Gamma's scanner began to emit a series of warning signals

"Warning: Temporal distortion ahead. Risk factor high." Despite his caution, Gamma followed, diving into the rift after Lancelot

The crack closed behind them, leaving the colorless structure eerily silent once more. As the duo entered the unknown, the chaotic energy surrounded them, twisting their senses and filling their vision with flashes of light and fragmented images

Lancelot gritted his teeth, his voice echoing through the distortion. "Gamma, stay close!"

Gamma's robotic voice remained steady. "Understood. Maintaining proximity. Scanning for stability points."

Play: Sonic Lost World OST – Honeycomb Highway

As Lancelot and Gamma emerged from the chaotic distortion, they found themselves in free fall, surrounded by a surreal and expansive landscape. Below them stretched the dense canopy of a jungle interspersed with towering trees, their trunks dotted with giant, glowing honeycomb hives. The air was thick with a faint fog, and the entire scene seemed otherworldly to Lancelot as he doubt anywhere in his own realm has this

Lancelot twisted in the air, trying to get his bearings, his cape billowing behind him. "What realm is this?" he called out, glancing toward Gamma

Gamma's scanner flickered as he processed the environment. "Analyzing… Environment identified: Lost Hex. A region of spatial anomaly known for diverse biomes and gravitational distortions."

Lancelot narrowed his eyes. "Lost Hex? That name carries no meaning to me. Elaborate, machine."

Gamma continued scanning as they plummeted closer to the massive trees. "The Lost Hex is an anomaly in the sky. It contains biomes resembling known regions of the world but exhibits unique gravitational properties and ecosystem irregularities. The origin is unknown."

Before Lancelot could ask more, Gamma's scanner picked up a faint energy signal. "High energy source detected near the bottom of this biome. Unable to identify, but energy levels are consistent with earlier readings."

Lancelot's gaze fell upon the colossal honeycomb hives embedded in the trees. Their golden glow radiated a strange warmth, catching his curiosity. "These structures… I have seen no bee craftsmanship like this. The bees must bee something else…."

Suddenly, the sky above cracked with a sinister hum, and swarms of Buzz Bomber badniks poured out, their glowing red eyes locking onto the duo

"Hostiles detected," Gamma declared. "Recommendation: Descend. I will provide cover fire."

Before Lancelot could protest, Gamma grabbed him with a firm metallic grip and thrust him downward, increasing his momentum. "Reach the energy source. I will engage enemies."

Lancelot, now hurtling toward the trees at greater speed, readied his sword. As Buzz Bombers darted toward him, Gamma fired precise shots from above, destroying many in flashes of sparks and smoke. Those that evaded Gamma's fire swarmed toward Lancelot.

With a swift swing, Lancelot cleaved through the first wave, his sword cutting through the mechanical foes with ease. "So, these are the monsters of this strange realm? Pathetic!" he shouted, his knightly pride burning bright.

More Buzz Bombers closed in, but Lancelot danced through the air with grace, slicing through each one with swift strikes. Their remains scattered, falling like shattered stars.

As he descended further, Lancelot's attention was again drawn to the giant honeycomb hives. Their intricate patterns seemed to pulsate faintly, as if alive. "Such wonder… A realm both beautiful and cursed," he muttered.

As they continued their rapid descent, Lancelot glanced at the glowing honeycomb hives again. Amid slashing through the relentless waves of Buzz Bombers, his curiosity piqued. "These honeycombs… Could they be edible, I wonder?" he mused aloud, his knightly stoicism briefly giving way to an almost whimsical curiosity

"Unknown," Gamma responded flatly while firing a barrage of precise shots at the encroaching badniks. "Current priority: neutralize hostiles."

Before Lancelot could respond, a goofball-ish , mocking voice echoed from somewhere unseen.

"Hey…, that's not the blue hedgehog. I wonder if we can cook him into a meal and use his sword as a toothpick"

Another, darker voice answered with a chilling edge.

"It appears this must be two of his friends…. No matter. I'll deal with them."

Lancelot tensed, gripping his sword tighter as he scanned the fog below. A massive, swirling cloud began to ascend, parting the thick mist. From within the cloud, a giant robotic eye opened, glowing with a sinister red hue as it focused on Lancelot

The ominous laughter of the darker voice filled the air as the cloud, now clearly an enormous mechanized construct, propelled itself upward, cutting through the sky with an unnatural speed

"I shall see you soon hedgehog! HAHAHAHA!" said the voice in the cloud

Lancelot pointed toward the strange sight. "What manner of beast is that?" he demanded

Gamma paused in his fire to scan the anomaly. "Analysis inconclusive. Object contains a living organism and a mechanoid component. Threat level: high."

Lancelot scowled, his curiosity replaced with a readiness for battle. "Whatever it is, it appears eager to cross swords with us"

The massive cloud construct shifted, flying ahead of them as the mechanical eye flickered ominously. The fog thickened, and the atmosphere grew heavier, as if the very air was being drawn into this new foe's malicious intent

Gamma's voice rang out "The energy source below matches the signature of the Master Emerald. It is imperative we prioritize the shard over unnecessary combat."

Lancelot hesitated, his knightly pride urging him to face the ominous figure hidden within the cloud. But as the image of Percival briefly flickered in his mind, a pang of duty overcame his stubbornness. Clutching Arondight tightly, he nodded. "Very well. If it leads us closer to answers, I will concede."

With newfound resolve, Lancelot darted downward, his figure cutting through the swarm of laser fire from the relentless Buzz Bombers. The honeycomb hives and foggy terrain blurred past him as he maneuvered skillfully, Gamma providing cover fire from above.

Finally, the shard came into view, its emerald glow radiating with an otherworldly brilliance amidst the gray surroundings. Lancelot extended his hand and grasped it firmly

The moment he made contact, the shard's light flared, and reality began to warp around them. Lancelot felt himself being pulled into another vision,

this time witnessing his doppelganger once again, flying through space alongside a golden Super Sonic. Their forms radiated immense power as they surged forward, seemingly unstoppable

Before Lancelot could process the vision, the chaotic warp of energy surged again, expelling both him and Gamma from the crack in time. They tumbled back into the void, disoriented but intact.

Gamma steadied himself, his mechanical frame humming softly as he spoke. "Lancelot, did you retrieve the shard?"

Wordlessly, Lancelot held up the glowing fragment of the Master Emerald. Gamma's sensors flared, scanning the area as the once-colorless structures around them began to regain vibrant hues. The air itself seemed to hum with renewed energy, but one element remained unchanged—the eerie statue, still frozen in a state of fear.

Gamma's calculations concluded. "Observation: restoring the Master Emerald shard to this realm reactivates life and color within its structures. Hypothesis: collecting additional shards may further restore this dimension. Recommendation: prioritize locating remaining fragments."

Lancelot sheathed Arondight, his gaze fixed on the statue. "If retrieving these shards revives this place… then we may yet uncover the truth…. Let us continue."

Gamma's optic lens flickered in agreement as Froggy's faint croak echoed in their minds, a silent reminder of the strange journey still ahead.

Lancelot's gaze returned to the eerie, colorless statue. This time, however, he noticed subtle changes—the ground surrounding the figure had begun to regain its vibrant hues, as though life were slowly being restored to it. The thought struck him: if retrieving the second shard could fully restore the statue, perhaps it would reveal its identity or purpose

Without a word, Lancelot leaped toward the second crack in time, determination burning in his eyes

"Wait up!" Gamma's mechanical voice called out as he quickly propelled himself after the knight, the crack's energy pulling them both in

Play: Sonic Lost World OST – Desert Ruins 1

The chaotic distortion subsided, and the pair found themselves plummeting once again. This time, they landed with a thud on hot, golden sand, a blazing sun casting long shadows across the dunes. The vast desert stretched endlessly, with a massive pyramid rising in the distance like a monolithic sentinel

Gamma's scanners whirred and hummed as he quickly assessed their new surroundings. "Analysis complete. We are still within the Lost Hex. This area is distinct from the previous zone, characterized by arid conditions and a singular structure of interest." His optic lens focused on the pyramid. "High probability that energy anomalies are concentrated there."

Lancelot shielded his eyes from the glaring sunlight as he gazed at the pyramid. "Then another shard may lie within that structure."

Gamma hovered slightly above the sand, his thrusters adjusting to the desert heat. "Agreed. However, this terrain may present additional challenges. Proceed with caution."

Without hesitation, the duo set off toward the distant pyramid, the vast desert stretching out before them, its secrets waiting to be uncovered

As they dashed across the scorching sands toward the towering pyramid, Lancelot glanced at Gamma. "Pray tell, What manner of structure is that?"

Gamma's scanners whirred briefly before he responded. "It is a pyramid. An ancient construct, often associated with historical significance or as a means to house treasures or secrets."

Lancelot raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Fascinating. And this one... does it also conceal such mysteries?"

Before Gamma could elaborate, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble violently. The sky above fractured like broken glass, radiating streams of light as unfamiliar drones descended from the rift

Gamma's optic lens focused sharply on the machines. "Strange. These are not Eggman's creations." He scanned them further and made a discovery. "Designation: G.U.N drones. Affiliated with the Guardian Units of Nations—a military faction tasked with protecting humanity from significant threats, including Eggman."

Lancelot's grip on Arondight tightened as he surveyed the situation. "They do not appear welcoming. Are they to be treated as adversaries?"

Before Gamma could answer, the tremors intensified, and the sands erupted violently nearby. Massive purple sandworms burst forth, their gaping maws lined with rows of jagged teeth, their size dwarfing the duo

Gamma's sensors flared as he analyzed the new threat. "Warning: hostile entities detected. These sandworms are colossal, predatory, and highly aggressive. They pose significant danger."

Lancelot instinctively stepped back, readying his blade. "Then we shall deal with them swiftly. Keep your wits about you, machine."

Gamma adjusted his cannons, locking onto the nearest sandworm. "Combat mode activated. Priority: neutralize threats and secure safe passage to the pyramid."

The desert erupted into chaos as the G.U.N drones pivoted toward Lancelot and Gamma, their mechanical weapons unleashing bursts of energy blasts. Lancelot darted to the side, narrowly evading the first volley. "I suppose that answers my question," he muttered grimly, slicing through a low-flying drone with a single swipe of Arondight

Gamma returned fire with precision, his arm cannon obliterating two drones mid-air. "Confirmed: hostile intent. Engaging defensive protocols."

Before they could focus entirely on the drones, the ground beneath them convulsed violently, and more massive purple sandworms erupted from the sands. Their monstrous maws snapped inches from Lancelot and Gamma, forcing them to swerve and leap away. The creatures began swimming through the dunes with alarming speed, their sleek, serpent-like forms carving through the sand as if it were water

As they zoomed past the ruins of desert structures, a particularly aggressive sandworm lunged toward Gamma, but he shot a charged laser that struck the beast's exposed underbelly, sending it thrashing away in pain

Lancelot veered sharply to avoid another worm's snapping jaws, only to notice something unnerving in his peripheral vision. Among the sparse vegetation, several cactuses bore faintly human-like faces, their express seemingly contempt and without a care. He shuddered, momentarily distracted by their uncanny appearance

"Focus, Sir Lancelot," Gamma called, his scanners whirring. "We cannot afford hesitation."

Lancelot snapped out of it, nodding. "Right. No time for distractions."

Just then, a sandworm reared up in their path, its gaping maw aiming to swallow them whole. It spewed a jet of purple acid directly at them. Lancelot twisted in midair, narrowly avoiding the corrosive liquid as it splattered onto a nearby ruin, hissing and dissolving the stone on contact

Gamma adjusted his trajectory, unleashing a barrage of firepower at the sandworm. "Acidic properties confirmed. Avoid direct contact at all costs."

"Noted," Lancelot replied tersely, his gaze locked on the pyramid looming ever closer. "We must reach the pyramid. If there's any sanctuary to be found, it will be there."

Then a massive sandworm loomed above them, its gaping maw poised to devour Lancelot and Gamma. Lancelot's eyes narrowed as he focused his energy, summoning chaos from within. "Take this!" he shouted, firing a barrage of Chaos Spears that streaked through the air like blue lightning

The glowing projectiles struck the sandworm squarely, forcing it to writhe and veer off course momentarily. Gamma followed up with a relentless salvo of missiles and energy blasts, the combined assault creating a fiery explosion across the sandworm's armored hide

The beast roared in frustration, but the attack only deterred it momentarily. The ground trembled as more sandworms surged forward, undeterred, their massive forms weaving through the dunes like predators locked on their prey

"Persistent creatures, aren't they?" Lancelot growled, leaping over a snapping jaw as he landed smoothly beside Gamma

"Analysis: hostiles exhibit high resilience and predatory behavior. Avoid prolonged engagement," Gamma stated, firing a series of shots to slow another worm's advance.

As the pyramid loomed larger in their sights, their path was obstructed by a swarm of G.U.N drones. The mechanical sentries hovered ominously, their weapons trained on the duo

"No time for this!" Lancelot snapped, unsheathing Arondight in a blur. He darted forward, slashing through a line of drones with elegant precision, the shattered remnants raining to the sand below

Gamma fired strategically, disabling drones that attempted to flank them. "Proceeding to clear path. Adjusting trajectory to maximize efficiency."

The two moved as a synchronized unit, cutting and blasting through the relentless swarm of drones. Each step brought them closer to the pyramid's base, the mysterious structure now towering over the chaotic battlefield

The sandworms surged behind them, undeterred, their massive forms carving through the desert as they pursued the pair. Acid spatters hissed in the sand, and drones exploded in showers of sparks, the cacophony of battle surrounding them

"Almost there!" Lancelot shouted, his focus unyielding as he carved through one last wave of drones. He could feel the energy of the pyramid pulling him forward, a beacon amidst the chaos.

"Prioritize reaching the structure," Gamma affirmed, blasting another drone out of the sky. "Defensive measures engaged."

The crumbling pyramid thundered behind them as Lancelot and Gamma navigated the chaos. Enormous sandworms erupted from the desert, their massive jaws snapping shut just inches from their heels. Lancelot narrowly avoided being swallowed, using his sword to slice through chunks of falling debris as they dashed forward

The G.U.N drone flew through an opening high on the pyramid wall. Before Lancelot could leap after it, the exit collapsed into a wall of rubble.

"Target has exited the structure," Gamma announced. "Analyzing options."

Without hesitation, Gamma unleashed a barrage of laser fire at the wall, weakening it with precise blasts.

"Leave it to me!" Lancelot shouted. He crouched low, spinning into a blazing ball of energy, and rocketed toward the weakened barrier. The impact shattered the wall, sending shards of stone flying.

Bursting through the opening, Lancelot and Gamma found themselves airborne in the open desert. As they descended, the ground exploded beneath them, and a massive sandworm lunged upward, its maw wide enough to swallow them whole

Lancelot twisted midair, landing on the sandworm's slick surface and using his momentum to slide down its side. He gripped Arondight tightly, dragging the blade along the creature's body to stabilize himself as he descended back to the ground

Gamma hovered beside him, narrowly dodging another worm that erupted nearby. "Warning: multiple hostile entities detected. Pursuit of the shard remains priority."

Lancelot's gaze locked onto the glowing green shard clutched in the G.U.N drone's claw, now darting further into the desert. "I'm not letting it get away!"

The two zoomed after the drone, weaving through the collapsing remains of the pyramid as the sandworms continued their relentless chase. Chunks of ancient infrastructure crumbled around them, forcing Lancelot to leap and slash his way through falling debris

"This place is a deathtrap!" Lancelot growled, narrowly avoiding a snapping sandworm

Gamma's scanners whirred as he calculated a precise shot. "Target acquired." His arm cannon fired a single focused blast that struck the drone, causing it to spark and explode midair

The Master Emerald shard tumbled out of the wreckage, glinting in the sunlight as it fell toward the sand

"There it is!" Lancelot shouted, dashing forward with Gamma at his side

But the chaos was far from over. More sandworms erupted from the dunes, their massive forms creating shockwaves that destabilized the terrain. G.U.N drones appeared in the distance, converging on the shard's location

"We have to reach it before they do!" Lancelot commanded, determination blazing in his crimson eyes

The chase continued, with Lancelot and Gamma racing toward the shard, dodging deadly sandworms and relentless G.U.N drones. The desert seemed to conspire against them, but their resolve remained unshaken as they closed the distance to claim the shard and escape this perilous trap

Lancelot pushed himself to the limit, feeling the wind rush against him as he zoomed toward the falling shard. The chaos around him—the roaring sandworms, collapsing ruins, and relentless G.U.N drones—blurred into insignificance

Just as his fingers brushed the glowing fragment of the Master Emerald, his vision suddenly warped again

Everything went silent and still, the pandemonium replaced by a tranquil scene of stars and the Earth below

Before him stood a black-furred hedgehog with a striking resemblance to himself. The hedgehog's red eyes softened as he spoke to a blonde girl standing beside him

"What do you think of the world below, Shadow?" the girl asked, her voice warm and kind. She looked at him with an expression that spoke of deep trust and understanding.

"I don't know what to think," the hedgehog- Shadow —replied, his tone heavy with uncertainty. "Maybe the world would hate me."

Maria smiled softly, placing a hand on Shadow's shoulder. "You shouldn't assume the worst. Keep an open mind, Shadow. Promise me that."

The name echoed in Lancelot's mind: Shadow. The vision began to fade, the serene stars dissolving into the chaotic desert sands

"So that's his name….Shadow…" thought Lancelot

As they tumbled through the void, Lancelot's mind raced. The vision had given him clarity—not just about the shard's importance but about himself and his strange connection to this Shadow

The crack sealed behind them with a blinding light, spitting both Lancelot and Gamma back into the swirling void of fragmented dimensions. Gamma stabilized himself with his thrusters, turning to Lancelot

"You retrieved the shard," Gamma noted but Lancelot didn't answer

Lancelot clenched the shard tightly, his thoughts lingering on the name "Shadow" and the girl, he could only wonder what her connection to him was

As Lancelot stood holding the Master Emerald shard, the crumbling structure around him began to regain its full color. The dull grays shifted into vibrant hues, the once-decayed walls shining as though newly built. Revealing a structure of a pyramid suspending by trees in a desert

"?" Said Lancelot as he hears sparkles, his eyes turned back to the statue, which was now glowing faintly

Something felt off. The statue's rigid surface softened, and before his eyes, the stone transformed into flesh and fur. A golden-furred cat girl with bright, cheerful eyes emerged, blinking in the sunlight

"Huh?...where am i?..." said the girl putting her hand on her head as she gazed into the white expanse as she then noticed the knight by her

Her gaze locked onto Lancelot, and her expression lit up with joy. Without warning, she lunged at him, tackling him to the ground in an enthusiastic embrace. "Oh, my hero! My knight in shining armor!" she declared, nuzzling him affectionately.

Lancelot, momentarily stunned, carefully extricated himself as they both got back on their feet. "Who are you?" he asked, brushing himself off.

The cat straightened herself with a playful twirl. "I'm Honey! Honey the Cat!" she declared with a bright smile

Lancelot tilted his head. "Honey… how did you end up here?"

Honey's expression turned to one of confusion as she placed a finger on her chin. "I'm not really sure… The last thing I remember, I was shopping in Station Square when this giant shadow monster appeared in the sky. It was terrifying! The next thing I knew, everything went black, and when I woke up… I saw you!" She clasped her hands together, looking at Lancelot with admiration

Gamma's mechanical voice interrupted their exchange. "The description matches the entity we encountered earlier. Likely the same anomaly."

Lancelot nodded, his suspicion confirmed. "The shadow monster… it's connected to all of this."

Honey tilted her head, studying Lancelot with growing curiosity. "Who are you, anyway, my handsome knight?"

Straightening his posture, Lancelot introduced himself. "I am Sir Lancelot, a knight of the Round Table."

Honey's eyes sparkled. "A real knight! Oh, this just gets better and better!" clapping her hands together

Before she could gush further, her gaze landed on Gamma now just noticing that he is a robot created by Eggman. Startled, she yelped and darted behind Lancelot, peeking cautiously around him. "! And eggman robot!"

Lancelot raised a hand reassuringly. "There's no need to worry. Gamma is my ally."

Gamma added in his monotone voice, "I am no threat to you Cat. My purpose here aligns with Sir Lancelot's."

Honey hesitated, then relaxed, stepping out from behind Lancelot. "If you say so…" She eyed Gamma warily before turning her attention back to Lancelot. "So, where exactly are we?"

Gamma scanned their surroundings and replied, "This environment appears to be an anomaly where time and space collide. It is unstable and unpredictable."

Honey frowned, processing his words. "Time and space… collide? That sounds serious."

Lancelot gazed at Honey thoughtfully, the Master Emerald shard secure in his grasp. "There's a safe house nearby where we can take you. You'll be safe there while we resolve this," he said, his voice steady and calm

Honey, however, had other ideas. Her wide, sparkling eyes brimmed with determination as she clung to Lancelot's arm. "No way! I'm staying with you, Sir Handsome Knight!" she declared, her grip firm and her tone pleading. "Please, don't leave me behind!" She tilted her head, her golden eyes shining with the most exaggerated puppydog look Lancelot had ever seen

Lancelot hesitated, feeling the weight of her affection pressing against his composure. His gaze shifted to Gamma for support, the normally stoic knight caught completely off guard by her persistence

Gamma observed the situation and turned to Honey. "Can you fight?" he asked, his voice direct and pragmatic

Honey immediately let go of Lancelot and struck an energetic, confident pose. "Can I fight? I'm great at fighting!" she exclaimed with a wink. Then, with playful precision, she leaned forward and lightly booped Lancelot on his faceplate

"Gotcha!" she teased, giggling as Lancelot stepped back, visibly caught off guard

Gamma processed her display and gave a single nod. "If you are capable of assisting in combat, your presence could be beneficial."

Honey clapped her hands together in delight. "Really!? Yes!" She twirled in celebration before flashing a playful grin at Lancelot. "Guess you're stuck with me, Handsome Knight."

Lancelot cleared his throat, trying to maintain his usual stoicism despite the faint heat rising to his face. "Very well," he said reluctantly. "You may accompany us."

Inwardly, however, his thoughts wandered. "Percival wouldn't like this. Not at all…." He chose to keep that particular worry to himself. As for a moment. He gets an idea of how Percival won't be happy if she hears how Honey spoke to him

"So, where are we off to next?" Honey asked cheerfully, her tail swishing behind her.

Gamma turned his head, scanning the environment. His sensors picked up faint anomalies, the familiar cracks in time and space resonating in his systems. "I detect new temporal distortions. Closing the previous rifts appears to have made others more apparent,"

He turned and began moving. "Follow me. I will lead us to the next anomaly."

Lancelot and Honey followed Gamma's lead, the strange landscape shifting around them as they moved. Honey, walking alongside Lancelot, leaned closer with a playful grin. "Don't worry, Sir Knight. I'll have your back—and your front—if things get dicey."

Lancelot's stoic expression faltered once more as he glanced at her, unsure how to respond. He tightened his grip on the shard and pressed forward, focusing on the mission ahead

The trio moved steadily across the surreal expanse of the void, the space around them shifting and undulating with no discernible horizon. The silence was eerie, only broken by their footsteps and the occasional hum of energy emanating from the Master Emerald shard Lancelot carried. Honey walked between the two, glancing from Lancelot to Gamma with growing curiosity

"So," she said, breaking the silence, "how long have you two been wandering around this place?"

Lancelot, his gaze focused on the infinite void ahead, answered after a pause. "I'm not certain. Time feels distorted here—like it bends and twists upon itself. But it hasn't been long."

Gamma's monotone voice added clarity. "I have been active in this void for precisely two hours, forty-seven minutes, and thirty-six seconds."

Honey chuckled at the robot's precision. "Not long, huh? Guess that explains why you're both still sane. This place would drive most people nuts in no time."

Lancelot raised an eyebrow beneath his helmet but said nothing. Gamma simply pressed forward, his sensors guiding them

The landscape began to shift, and a peculiar structure came into view. Outlined in stark, colorless shapes were towering cactuses, their forms jagged and foreboding. They stood clustered together, the largest of them in the center, rising high above the rest like a sentinel

Gamma stopped and extended his arm toward the central cactus. "Energy signature detected. This is the focal point of the anomaly."

As they approached, the outline of a statue became visible among the cactuses. Its features were frozen and lifeless, as though caught in a suspended state between existence and oblivion

Honey's step faltered as she pointed toward it. "What is that?"

Lancelot stopped beside the statue, studying it with a furrowed brow. The figure was humanoid, its posture rigid and unnatural, devoid of any color or life. "It's someone," he said gravely. "Trapped between life and death. Like you were, before we freed you."

Her eyes widened, and she leaned closer to the statue, her hands on her hips. "Wait, you're saying this is another person? Like… alive, but not alive?"

Lancelot nodded, his crimson gaze fixed on the figure. "Precisely. They are caught in the void's grip, suspended in stasis."

"… then How did you get me out?" she asked, turning to face him

He pointed toward the largest cactus, where a faint crack in time shimmered, radiating an otherworldly energy. "We found a crack in time, like that one. Gamma and I entered it. When we emerged, you were restored, freed from the void's grasp."

Honey straightened, looking between the crack and the statue. "So you're saying if we jump into that crack, we might be able to save this one too?"

"That is the theory," Lancelot replied

Honey placed her hands on her hips and grinned. "Well, aren't you just the hero! A knight in shining armor, running into danger to save the day. You're really living up to the 'heroic knight' thing, huh?"

Gamma interrupted, his mechanical voice flat but urgent. "Time is critical. Cease unnecessary conversation. We must proceed." Without waiting for a response, the robot leapt into the shimmering crack, his form disappearing in an instant.

Honey blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what? You're telling me we have ACTUALLY have to.. just… jump into that thing?" She looked at Lancelot, her confidence wavering slightly. "It doesn't look very… inviting."

Lancelot turned to her, his expression calm but resolute. "It is the only way. If we are to save this one, we must enter it" Without further explanation, he leapt into the crack, vanishing as Gamma had

Honey stared at the glowing fissure, her usual confidence replaced with hesitation. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she muttered, taking a deep breath. "Why does it have to be this?"

After a moment of internal debate, she straightened her posture and took a determined step forward. "Alright, Honey, no turning back now!" With a sigh and a muttered, "Here goes nothing," she leapt into the crack, the light swallowing her whole

Play: Sonic and the Secret Rings OST – Wicked Wild

Honey felt the rush of air all around her as she plummeted through the glowing void, her arms flailing as she tried to make sense of the chaos. "AAAAAAAH! Why is it always falling?!" she shrieked, panic rising in her voice

Before she could fully process her predicament, strong arms caught her midair. She looked up to see Lancelot, his expression focused as he cradled her securely.

"I've got you," he assured her, his grip firm as they descended together.

As they landed gracefully, Gamma's metallic frame touched down nearby with a mechanical thud. The scene before them was unlike anything Honey had ever seen. Towering cactuses grew amidst dense, ancient vegetation. Massive vines hung from enormous trees, and the air was thick with the sound of distant roars and chirping insects

"What… is this place?" Honey asked, her voice filled with awe as she clung to Lancelot's arm

"I don't know," Lancelot admitted, his crimson gaze scanning the unfamiliar landscape. "This is beyond anything I've encountered before."

Gamma stepped forward, his sensors whirring as he scanned the environment. "Analysis: This area is rich in prehistoric flora. Energy signatures indicate the presence of multiple prehistoric life forms. Exact location: unknown."

"Prehistoric?" Honey repeated, her eyes widening. "You mean like… dinosaurs?"

Before Gamma could answer, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble. The shaking grew stronger, and a distant rumble turned into a deafening roar

"What's that?" Honey asked, her grip on Lancelot tightening as the rumbling grew louder

Gamma turned his head toward the sound. "Incoming life forms. Large quadrupedal creatures. Recommendation: run."

Through the thick jungle foliage, a stampede of triceratops burst into view, their horns glinting and their powerful legs tearing through the underbrush. Their eyes burned with fury as they charged, shaking the ground with every step

Honey screamed, gripping Lancelot's arm even tighter. "Why are they coming straight at us?!"

"No time for questions!" Lancelot shouted, pulling Honey close as he turned to run. Gamma's servos whirred as he moved alongside them, his mechanical agility keeping pace with the knight's speed

The trio dashed through the jungle, dodging low-hanging vines and massive roots. Honey clung to Lancelot, her heart pounding. "I can't believe this! How did we end up in a place like this?!"

"This void is unpredictable," Lancelot said between strides, his tone calm but strained. "We must adapt."

"I'd prefer adapting somewhere less deadly!" Honey shot back, her voice rising with each word

Behind them, the triceratops stampeded relentlessly, their massive bodies crashing through the jungle, obliterating everything in their path. Gamma turned his head slightly, calculating the creatures' speed and trajectory

"They are gaining on us," Gamma stated. "Recommendation: seek higher ground or an alternative path."

"Easier said than done!" Honey cried, glancing over her shoulder at the approaching dinosaurs

As they ran, Lancelot's keen eyes spotted a rocky outcrop ahead. "There!" he pointed. "We can use that to escape their path!"

Without hesitation, Lancelot leapt onto the first ledge, pulling Honey up with him. Gamma followed, his mechanical limbs easily scaling the rocks. The trio climbed as fast as they could, the triceratops stampede narrowly missing them as the creatures thundered past, their roars echoing through the jungle.

Breathing heavily, Honey slumped against a boulder, her hands on her knees. "Okay… I'm officially done with this place. Done!"

Lancelot leaned against his sword, his gaze fixed on the path of destruction below. "This place is more dangerous than I anticipated. We'll need to remain vigilant." Which earned him an annoyed look from Honey

Gamma stood beside them, his sensors still scanning. "Energy signature remains strong. The anomaly is deeper within this environment. We must proceed with caution."

Honey looked between the two of them, her resolve slowly returning. "Fine. But the next monster that comes after us? You're both on monster duty."

Despite the danger, a small smile tugged at Lancelot's lips beneath his helmet. "Understood."

Gamma paused, his metallic frame scanning the area as his sensors emitted a faint hum. "Analysis complete," he announced, turning to Lancelot and Honey. "The Master Emerald shard is detected further ahead. Approximately 3.7 kilometers in the direction of the river."

Honey followed Gamma's gaze to the river that cut through the cactus jungle. Her eyes widened in alarm. The water was raging, frothing violently as it cascaded over jagged rocks. "You can't be serious," she said, her voice filled with disbelief. "That river looks like it's trying to eat anything that touches it!"

Gamma turned his head slightly, his unblinking optics fixed on her. "Observation: This route offers a 75% increase in speed to the target. Alternative paths yield a significantly higher risk of failure."

Honey threw up her arms. "So, either we ride a river of doom or risk something worse. Great choices!"

Lancelot stepped forward, already unsheathing his blade. With a swift, practiced swing, he chopped down a nearby sturdy log, which fell with a satisfying crash. He began dragging it toward the riverbank without hesitation.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Honey called after him, rushing to keep up. "You're really just going to go for it? You can't leave me behind!"

Lancelot turned, his crimson gaze calm yet firm. "Then stay close. The choice is yours."

Honey groaned, glancing at the roaring river. She muttered something about regretting her life choices before taking a deep breath. "Okay, okay. Leap of faith!"

She closed her eyes and jumped toward the log. The water rushed up to meet her, but before she could hit it, strong arms caught her midair. She opened her eyes to see Lancelot holding her effortlessly pulling her onto the log

"Thanks," Honey muttered, clinging to him for dear life as the log began to move. The current swept them forward with a sudden jolt, and she let out a startled yelp

Gamma leapt into the river after them, using his mechanical legs to propel himself through the water with surprising ease. "Maintain stability," he instructed, his tone as calm as ever despite the chaotic situation

Honey glanced nervously at the rushing water all around them. "I've imagined surfing before, but definitely not like this!"

"You'll be fine," Lancelot assured her, his stance perfectly balanced as he guided the log with precision. The knight moved with uncanny grace, steering them around jagged rocks and dangerous currents

Honey tightened her grip on his arm as another wave splashed against them. "You're really good at this," she admitted, a hint of awe in her voice. "How are you not falling off?"

"Years of training," Lancelot replied simply, his focus never wavering

The river grew steeper, turning into a high-speed slide as they shot through the jungle. Honey shrieked as they narrowly avoided a massive boulder, her heart racing as the log tipped dangerously to one side before Lancelot expertly corrected its course

Despite her fear, Honey couldn't help but be impressed. "Okay, I'll admit it—you're amazing at this," she said, holding on tightly

Lancelot allowed himself a small smile. "I appreciate your confidence."

As they sped down the river, Gamma kept pace with them, his mechanical limbs propelling him forward with unyielding determination. The three of them raced toward the unknown, the roar of the river drowning out everything else

Honey clung to Lancelot, her heart pounding, as they barreled through the chaos. "Let's just hope this shard is worth all this insanity!" she shouted over the noise

"It will be," Lancelot replied, his voice steady. "It has to be."

The roaring river narrowed into a steep drop ahead, with no visible way to stop. Lancelot tightened his grip on the log, his red eyes scanning the path for an exit. Honey, still clinging to him, glanced ahead and froze

"Please tell me we're not going over that!" she yelled

"We don't have a choice," Lancelot replied calmly

Before Honey could argue, the log launched off the edge, sending them plummeting through the air. Honey screamed as the wind whipped past them, her arms wrapped tightly around Lancelot

In a blur, Lancelot spotted a thick, twisting vine that stretched from the cliffside to the jungle floor. Adjusting their descent, he landed feet-first onto the vine, using his armored boots to grind down its length. Sparks flew from the friction, and the vine trembled under the force, but Lancelot maintained perfect balance

Honey peeked out from her tight grip, her eyes wide as they zipped downward. "Are you always this insane?!"

"Only when necessary," Lancelot replied, his tone calm despite the chaos

The vine abruptly curved upward, launching them into the air once more. Below them was a breathtaking yet terrifying sight: a vast prehistoric jungle, with pterodactyls circling overhead and massive dinosaurs roaming the ground

Honey's breath caught as one of the flying reptiles let out a piercing screech. "Uh, those things aren't friendly, right?"

Lancelot glanced at her. "What are 'those things'?"

"You know, the Dinosaurs! Super old creatures that—" She stopped, noticing the blank expression on his face. "Wait, are you serious? You don't know what a dinosaur is?"

"I do not," Lancelot replied, as matter-of-fact as ever

Honey blinked, momentarily stunned. "I don't even know where to start."

Before she could say more, they landed on solid ground, rolling to absorb the impact. Lancelot gently set her down, drawing his sword and scanning the area

"Stay close," he instructed, his tone firm

Honey didn't need to be told twice. But just as she moved to follow him, a deep, guttural growl rumbled through the jungle. Turning, they saw an enormous horned T-rex emerge from the underbrush, its amber eyes locked onto them

Honey's heart skipped a beat. "Oh no. Oh no. That thing looks very hungry!"

Lancelot stepped forward, gripping his sword tightly. "A wingless dragon," he said under his breath, his voice tinged with resolve. "I'll slay it."

"What?!" Honey shrieked. "That's not a dragon, that's a—"

Before she could finish, Lancelot charged at the beast, leaping into the air to strike. His blade slashed against the T-rex's thick hide but barely left a scratch. The creature roared in fury, shaking its massive head to dislodge the knight who had landed on its back

Gamma arrived just in time to see the commotion. "Query: What are you doing?"

Honey frantically pointed at the thrashing T-rex. "What does it look like? He's trying to fight that thing!"

The T-rex bellowed again, bucking wildly as Lancelot clung to one of its horns. His calm determination was unwavering, but the creature's strength was overwhelming

"Lancelot!" Honey cried as the beast began to charge, trampling the ground beneath its massive feet

The T-rex bolted into the jungle, with Lancelot still holding on. Gamma hovered after them without hesitation. "Pursuing target."

Honey stood frozen for a split second before throwing her hands in the air. "You've got to be kidding me!"

Breaking into a run, she yelled after them, "Hey! You can't just leave a beautiful young lady on her own in a place like this!"

Her protests were drowned out by the sound of the T-rex's roar as it barreled deeper into the jungle, with Gamma and Honey in hot pursuit

The T-rex bucked and roared, finally throwing Lancelot off its back. The knight landed in a crouch, his sword ready as he stood to face the beast once more. The T-rex growled, its amber eyes narrowing on him

Before Lancelot could strike, a thunderous roar echoed through the jungle. From the foliage emerged a massive spinosaurus, its sail-like back towering above them. It let out another deafening bellow, challenging the T-rex

The two prehistoric titans squared off, growling and snapping at each other, their earlier prey forgotten. Lancelot lowered his sword slightly, watching the clash unfold

Moments later, Gamma hovered into view with Honey close behind, panting from the chase. "Query: Status?" Gamma asked, scanning Lancelot

"Still breathing," Lancelot replied, sheathing his sword. "But it seems my opponent has found a greater foe."

Honey stopped to catch her breath, doubling over. "Do you guys ever stop moving?!" She glanced up, her eyes widening as she saw the two dinosaurs clashing. "Okay, I take it back. Let's not stop here."

Gamma turned his sensors toward the horizon. "Directive: Follow. I have detected the Master Emerald shard."

The trio moved past the warring dinosaurs and deeper into the jungle. Eventually, they arrived at a breathtaking scene: a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by vibrant greenery. Dinosaurs of various shapes and sizes wandered the area, giving the trio curious glances before resuming their activities

Lancelot tensed, his hand on his sword hilt. "Are they friend or foe?"

Gamma scanned the creatures. "Observation: The ones currently visible are docile. Recommend non-hostile interaction."

As if to prove Gamma's point, a long-necked dinosaur lowered its head to observe them. Honey hesitated but stepped forward, extending a cautious hand. The creature snorted gently, lifting its neck higher before lowering it again, forming a slope

"Is it… inviting us?" Honey asked, looking to Gamma

"Probability: High," Gamma replied

With a shrug, Honey climbed onto the creature's neck, sliding down its back. "Okay, this is kinda cool," she admitted, laughing nervously

Lancelot followed without hesitation, his knightly composure unshaken even as he landed gracefully beside her. Gamma hovered after them, his sensors continuously scanning the area

As they landed, the sky above them began to distort. Cracks appeared, glowing faintly before tearing open. From the rifts emerged shadowy, monstrous creatures, their forms twisted and jagged

Lancelot's eyes narrowed. "These… I know these. They are the same beasts that attacked my kingdom!"

Gamma analyzed the intruders. "Designation: Gaia monsters. Query: Their emergence is unexpected. They are supposedly permanently dormant far underground. Hypothesis: External forces may have triggered their awakening."

"What do you mean, 'external forces'?" Honey asked, her fists raised in a defensive stance

"Unknown," Gamma replied. "Further analysis required."

The Gaia monsters began to swarm toward them, their screeches echoing through the jungle

Lancelot unsheathed his sword. "It matters not. They stand in our way, and we shall cut through them!"

Gamma deployed his laser gun. "Affirmative. Eliminating hostiles."

Honey cracked her knuckles. "Guess I'm in, too. Let's see if these things can handle a little martial arts!"

Lancelot's blade cleaved through the creatures with precision, his movements a blur of discipline and strength. Gamma's laser blasts rained down with unerring accuracy, reducing Gaia monsters to ash. Honey darted between foes, her agile strikes and well-placed kicks disorienting and dismantling her enemies

The trio pressed onward, the Master Emerald shard now in sight, its vibrant green glow illuminating the chaotic jungle around them. However, as they advanced, more cracks appeared in the sky above, radiating ominous light and unleashing deafening roars of distortion

Gamma paused, scanning the fractures in the fabric of reality. "Warning: Significant otherworldly damage detected. Spatial destabilization increasing. Recommend urgent retrieval of the Master Emerald shard."

Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes bolted in every direction, their instinctual terror driving them to flee as the ground beneath the trio began to split apart. The tremors grew stronger, forcing Honey and Lancelot to leap across widening chasms to stay on course

As they soared toward the shard, flying Gaia monsters erupted from the cracks, their grotesque forms blotting out the fractured sky. Gamma hovered into position, his arm cannon whirring to life. "Engaging targets. Providing cover fire."

Gamma unleashed a barrage of precise laser blasts, taking down several of the airborne threats. "Proceed with haste. I will neutralize as many as possible."

Ahead of them, an enormous Allosaurus emerged from a hidden pool of water, its scales glistening and its eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural hue. The beast let out an earth-shaking roar, its massive body blocking the path to the shard

Lancelot drew his sword and stepped forward without hesitation. "Lady Honey, I shall distract the beast. You must retrieve the shard."

Honey's eyes widened. "Are you serious? That thing could swallow me whole!"

"You must have faith in your own abilities," Lancelot said firmly, already charging toward the Allosaurus

The knight conjured Chaos Spears, hurling them with precision. Though the projectiles barely pierced the creature's thick hide, they succeeded in drawing its attention. The Allosaurus roared and turned to face him, stomping toward the knight with ground-shaking steps

With the Allosaurus distracted, Honey swallowed her fear and darted toward the glowing shard. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she muttered, dodging debris and cracks as she approached

The shard's light grew brighter as she neared it. She reached out and grasped it, the emerald's energy surging through her. But as her fingers closed around it, her vision blurred, and the world around her began to fade

Suddenly, Honey, Lancelot, and Gamma were wrenched violently from the chaotic jungle, their surroundings dissolving into a swirling void

To the Void

Play: LEMMiNO - Cipher

They landed roughly on solid ground, disoriented but intact. Around them, the cactus jungle began to regain its vibrant colors. The cracks in the sky shimmered faintly before sealing shut, leaving the world quiet once more

Honey sat up, holding her head. "Ugh… what just happened?"

Gamma's voice was steady. "Conclusion: Retrieval of the Master Emerald shard corrected localized temporal anomalies. Dimensional stabilization achieved."

Lancelot rose to his feet, sheathing his sword. "The danger has passed, for now…."

Honey looked at the glowing shard in her hand and sighed. "All this for a piece of rock. Next time, one of you grab it."

Lancelot offered her a hand, his expression calm. "You performed admirably, Lady Honey. Your courage matches your wit."

Honey blinked, then smirked as she took his hand with a blush. "Well, if you're handing out compliments, I'll take it. But seriously, can we not do that again?"

Gamma hovered nearby, scanning the area. "Objective complete. Recommendation: Continue mission parameters to restore the Master Emerald."

As the cracks disappeared and the colors of the cactus jungle were restored, the group noticed something unusual happening to a nearby petrified statue. Slowly, the dull gray stone began to regain its color, revealing a small, round creature with large, expressive eyes and tiny wings. The creature blinked in surprise

"Ugh… what happened?... wait… where am I!?" the little creature said with panic

Then he turned his gaze to Lancelot, tilting his head in confusion. "Sonic? Is that you? Why are you wearing armor? Did you decide to join a knight club or something?"

Lancelot stiffened in surprise, raising an eyebrow. "You know Sonic?"

"Of course, I do! He's my buddy!" the creature said with a bright grin. Then his face twisted in confusion again. "Wait… you're not Sonic, are you?"

Lancelot shook his head. "No, I am not. I am Sir Lancelot. However, Sonic and I have crossed paths."

This revelation caught Honey off guard. "Wait—you know Sonic too? When were you going to mention that?"

The creature fluttered closer, introducing himself with a polite bow. "Oh, where are my manners? My name's Chip! Nice to meet you!" He looked around at the strange landscape and scratched his head. "Uh… where exactly am I? This doesn't look familiar at all… it's scary.. I don't like it.."

Lancelot placed a hand on his sword hilt, maintaining his composure. "That is a long tale to tell, however, if you wish to wait this out. There is a safe house nearby. Gamma can take you there"

Gamma hovered forward, scanning Chip briefly before nodding. "Acknowledged. Chip, please follow."

Chip hesitated, looking between Lancelot and Gamma. "You sure I'll be safe with this guy? He looks… kind of scary."

Gamma's monotone voice replied, "Affirmative. I am designated for protection and escort missions."

"Okay, okay, I get it," Chip said reluctantly. "But if you find Sonic, tell him I said hi!" With that, he floated alongside Gamma, heading back toward safety

Once Gamma and Chip were out of earshot, Honey crossed her arms and looked at Lancelot. "Okay, spill it. How do you know Sonic?"

Lancelot regarded her calmly. "He was… a visitor to my kingdom. Sonic has an uncanny habit of appearing wherever there is trouble. I assume his presence was due to his constant pursuit of justice—or simply his knack for disrupting things."

Honey smirked, clearly amused. "Figures. I always hear that He's always in the middle of some adventure. But I only met him once. It was at a fighting tournament for a Chaos Emerald."

Lancelot tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "A fighting tournament? Fascinating. And how did you fare in this… contest?"

Honey puffed out her chest with pride. "Well, I didn't win the emerald, but I gave it my all. Sonic was no joke to go up against, though. He's crazy fast!"

Lancelot nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "That aligns with my own encounters with him. He is a worthy adversary—and ally."

As they stood amidst the rejuvenated cactus jungle, Lancelot turned his gaze to Honey. "Hand me the Master Emerald shard," he requested, his voice calm yet firm

However. Something about his tone struck Honey as odd, as if he sounded like a different person that was more commanding

Honey hesitated briefly but complied, placing the shard into Lancelot's outstretched hand. The moment his fingers closed around it, his vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to fade away

In its place, he saw a dark and foreboding scene—a crimson sky swirling with chaos. Standing in the center was a figure he recognized: Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow was speaking to a strange, otherworldly creature resembling a flying black starfish with pulsating red veins and an ominous, malevolent presence

The creature's voice was a sinister whisper that echoed in his mind:

"The fractures are spreading. You cannot delay any longer. Fulfill your purpose, or this world and the next shall fall."

Shadow's response was unreadable, but his posture was tense, his fists clenched. Before Lancelot could discern more, the vision abruptly ended.

Lancelot?...

Lancelot you ok?...

"Lancelot!" Honey's voice broke through the haze as she waved her hand in front of his face. "Hello? Earth to knight in shining armor? You've been zoning out for a while now."

Lancelot blinked, his grip tightening around the shard as he steadied himself. "I… saw something. A vision…"

Gamma, who had silently approached, analyzed Lancelot with his glowing red optic. "Observation: Lancelot exhibits signs of synchronization with the Master Emerald's energy. Hypothesis: He may possess a latent connection to its power."

Lancelot turned to Gamma, his brow furrowed. "Would this connection prove useful in repairing the damage to this… whole catastrophe?"

Gamma nodded. "Affirmative. The Master Emerald's energy is vital in stabilizing interdimensional anomalies. Your link to it may be instrumental."

Before they could discuss further, the ground beneath them rumbled. The trio stepped back as a massive gate, crafted from interlocking cogs and gears, began to rise from the earth. The metallic contraption whirred and clicked as it assembled itself, revealing an ominous doorway that radiated an eerie, unearthly glow

Honey took an uneasy step back. "Uh, yeah, that doesn't scream 'safe.' We probably shouldn't go in there."

Gamma's monotone voice agreed. "Analysis: The gateway exhibits different anomalous energy signatures. Proceeding is not advised without further investigation."

But Lancelot's gaze was locked on the doorway, an inexplicable pull urging him forward. He tightened his grip on his sword, his voice resolute. "I must go. I cannot explain why, but I feel this is where I am meant to be."

"Lancelot, wait!" Honey called, stepping forward. "You don't even know what's on the other side!"

Gamma hovered closer. "Advisory: This course of action is illogical. Probability of danger: 94%."

Despite their protests, Lancelot's determination did not waver. Without another word, he stepped through the swirling portal, the glow enveloping him entirely

Honey groaned in frustration, throwing her hands in the air. "Of course, he jumps in without thinking! Why does every handsome man do this!?" as she she pulled on her pigtails for a moment in frustration

Gamma hovered beside her, his tone steady. "Conclusion: We must follow. Ensuring his survival is paramount."

Honey sighed, shaking her head but reluctantly agreeing. "Fine… let's help out my knight in shining armor before he can't save me again"

Together, they stepped into the portal, bracing themselves for whatever lay on the other side

Play: Mega Man X 8 OST – Boss Theme

Honey and Gamma emerged from the glowing portal onto a vast, ancient structure suspended high in the sky. A heavy rainstorm greeted them, droplets hammering against the stone surface and drenching the landscape. The skies were dark, lit occasionally by streaks of lightning, casting eerie shadows on the intricate carvings of the mysterious structure

Honey wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly. "What is this place?" she asked, glancing uneasily at the strange floating islands scattered in the distance

Gamma's optic flickered as he scanned the environment. "Analysis: We have arrived in the Lost Hex, an isolated region of—"

"Never mind!" Honey interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. "Forget I asked. I don't need a science lecture right now."

Gamma remained silent, his arm cannon at the ready as he surveyed their surroundings. Honey turned her attention to Lancelot, who stood a few feet away, unmoving. He faced the edge of the structure, gazing out into the stormy expanse of the sky. Rainwater dripped from his helmet, his sword loosely held at his side

Honey approached him cautiously. "Hey, uh… Sir Armor Pants, what are you doing just standing here in the rain? You're gonna rust."

Lancelot didn't respond immediately. Instead, he lifted his head slightly, his voice low and distant. "Do you see it?"

Honey frowned and glanced around, seeing nothing but rain, thunderclouds, and the sprawling, broken landscape of the Lost Hex. "See what? The rain? The gloom? The bad vibes?"

Before Lancelot could respond, Gamma's voice cut through the storm. "Alert: Hostile presence detected. Preparing defensive measures." His arm cannon powered up, emitting a sharp whine as it charged

Honey's ears perked up as she looked around anxiously. "Wait, what do you mean 'hostile'? Is something coming?"

Gamma swiveled his arm, scanning the horizon. "Energy signatures indicate a large, unidentified entity approaching. Threat level: high."

Honey turned back to Lancelot, her concern growing. "Okay, seriously, we need to get out of this rain and figure out what's going on. Are you coming or not?"

Lancelot remained rooted in place, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I cannot leave. Not yet. There is something here, something calling to me."

Honey groaned, throwing up her hands. "Of course there is! Why do you knights always have to be so dramatic?" She stepped closer, tugging at his arm. "Look, whatever 'it' is, we can deal with it after we find some cover."

But Lancelot didn't budge. His eyes, beneath the shadow of his helmet, burned with a quiet intensity. "If I leave now, I may never understand. I must stay."

Before Honey could argue further, a deafening roar echoed through the storm, and a massive silhouette emerged from the clouds. Gamma raised his cannon, his voice steady. "Target confirmed. Engaging defensive protocol."

Honey clenched her fists, glancing between the looming threat and Lancelot. "Great. Just what we needed—a flying monster. Lancelot, if you're staying out here, you better be ready to fight."

Lancelot slowly raised his sword, the rain streaming down its gleaming blade. "I am always ready."

The storm intensified as a flash of lightning illuminated the sky, revealing a massive, menacing figure atop a mechanical dragon. Zavok, his crimson skin glistening in the rain, grinned wickedly as his beast let out a bone-shaking mechanical roar. The dragon's glowing eyes locked onto the trio below, its metallic body humming with power

"I've been waiting for this moment," Zavok bellowed, his voice cutting through the storm. "Ever since I saw you meddling earlier, I knew you'd come here. And now, you will face my wrath!"

The mechanical dragon swooped closer, its cannons glowing with fiery energy before releasing a barrage of laser blasts. Honey yelped, diving for cover behind a jagged piece of stone. Gamma immediately returned fire, his arm cannon lighting up the stormy sky as he aimed for the mechanical beast

"Threat level: extreme. Engaging full combat mode," Gamma announced, his voice unwavering despite the chaos.

Lancelot, however, leaped into action. Channeling Chaos energy, he warped through the air, appearing atop the mechanical dragon in an instant. His blade gleamed as he pointed it directly at Zavok. "Enough of this! Prepare yourself, fiend. You face Lancelot of the Round Table!"

Zavok threw his head back and laughed, his voice echoing across the sky. "Hah! Such boldness! I am Zavok, the most powerful of the Zeti! You think your little blade can harm me? Let us see!"

The two clashed, their battle shaking the air around them. Lancelot's sword swung in precise, powerful arcs, each strike aimed at Zavok's core. Yet, Zavok's tough, armored skin absorbed the blows with little more than a few sparks

"You'll have to do better than that, knight!" Zavok sneered, throwing a massive punch that Lancelot narrowly dodged

The dragon jerked and swerved in response to the combat on its back, making Lancelot steady himself. Below, Honey peeked out from her cover, watching the chaotic scene unfold

"He's actually fighting that guy head-on?" she muttered in disbelief

Gamma, still firing at the dragon's wings to distract it, replied, "Sir Lancelot exhibits unparalleled bravery. However, resilience of the enemy exceeds previous encounters. Strategic advantage is necessary."

Honey rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no kidding! But how do we even help when he's up there fighting a flying tank?"

As Zavok and Lancelot continued to clash, lightning illuminated the storm once more. Lancelot slashed again, his blade sparking against Zavok's thick skin. Zavok retaliated with a powerful swipe, forcing Lancelot to brace himself.

"You'll crumble under my strength, knight," Zavok declared. "Your outdated chivalry means nothing to me!"

But Lancelot stood firm, his blade raised. "And yet, I will not falter. No beast, machine, or fiend shall deter me from my path!"

As the battle raged on, Gamma analyzed the situation below. "Primary target identified: the dragon's power core. Disabling it may create an opening."

The two sprang into action, leaving Lancelot to continue his duel with Zavok atop the mechanical dragon as the storm roared around them

The clash between Lancelot and Zavok intensified as the rain poured harder, lightning illuminating their fierce battle. Zavok lunged forward, his claws striking with brutal force. Lancelot parried with his sword, each blow ringing out like thunder

But Zavok was relentless. With a ferocious swipe, his claws struck Lancelot's blade, sending it spinning into the stormy sky. The knight grunted as he watched his trusted weapon arc through the air, disappearing into the dark clouds before crashing into the ground near Gamma

Gamma's scanners locked onto the fallen blade. "Sir Lancelot's weapon retrieved," he announced, gripping the hilt tightly with his robotic hand as he prepared to aid his comrades

Back on the dragon, Zavok smirked. "Without your blade, you're just another weakling, knight."

Lancelot scoffed, his eyes glowing faintly with Chaos energy. "A true warrior doesn't rely solely on their weapon."

Zavok roared, hurling blazing fireballs from his hands. Lancelot reacted swiftly, weaving through the fiery onslaught with acrobatic agility and retaliating with Chaos Spears that crackled through the air. The bolts struck Zavok, forcing him to step back, but his durable body absorbed most of the impact

"You're persistent, I'll give you that!" Zavok growled, charging forward

With no weapon in hand, Lancelot met Zavok's brute force with his own fists. The two clashed mid-air, Lancelot landing a solid punch to Zavok's jaw while Zavok swung his claws at the knight's armored torso. The strikes were fierce, each hit sending shockwaves through the mechanical dragon, causing it to wobble in the air

Lancelot ducked under another swipe, landing a powerful uppercut that staggered Zavok. He followed with a spinning kick that hit Zavok square in the chest, but Zavok retaliated by grabbing Lancelot and slamming him onto the dragon's metallic back

"You're strong, but I'm stronger!" Zavok declared, raising a claw to finish the knight

Lancelot rolled away just in time, Zavok's claws leaving deep gashes in the metal surface. He countered with a quick Chaos-powered punch to Zavok's side, the impact forcing the Zeti to release a frustrated growl

Below, the mechanical dragon began to veer away from the battlefield, its flying serpent like structure carrying it toward the horizon. Honey and Gamma, standing on a floating structure, watched in alarm

"They're getting away!" Honey shouted

Gamma nodded. "Pursuit required. Structural integrity of platforms analyzed. Probability of success: moderate."

"Great," Honey muttered before leaping onto the next floating structure. "Come on, tin can, let's go!"

The two bounded from one floating platform to another, following the dragon as it soared through the stormy skies. Gamma calculated each jump with precision, while Honey relied on her nimbleness to keep up

Back on the dragon, the fight reached its climax. Lancelot, breathing heavily, dodged another fireball before delivering a powerful elbow strike to Zavok's face. Zavok roared, his fury unrelenting as he charged again

"You fight well for someone who's already lost," Zavok taunted

Lancelot smirked despite the pain. "And you talk too much for someone about to lose."

With one final surge of Chaos energy, Lancelot delivered a devastating punch to Zavok's midsection, the energy exploding on impact and forcing Zavok to stagger back. The Zeti growled, his eyes glowing with renewed rage as the battle continued atop the soaring dragon

The storm raged on as Lancelot and Zavok continued their brutal exchange, their strikes echoing through the sky. Zavok's claws slashed through the air, narrowly missing Lancelot, who countered with a series of Chaos-infused punches that forced the Zeti to stumble back

Below, Gamma calculated his next move. With precise aim, he fired a powerful laser at the mechanical dragon's exposed core, striking its weak point. Sparks and smoke erupted from the dragon as it roared in mechanical agony, its stability faltering. Zavok momentarily lost his focus, glaring at Gamma with seething rage

"Sir Lancelot, weapon delivery," Gamma announced as he flew closer. With a perfectly timed throw, he launched the knight's sword toward him

Lancelot caught the sword mid-air. "Your time ends now, Zavok!" he declared. With a powerful leap, he drove the blade directly into the mechanical dragon's core. The impact triggered a chain reaction, causing the massive machine to shudder violently before beginning its descent toward a nearby floating structure

Zavok roared in frustration as he regained his footing. Before he could retaliate, Gamma fired a barrage of lasers at him. Zavok dodged the shots with surprising agility, but his momentary distraction allowed Honey to close in

"Try dodging this!" Honey shouted as she unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes, her claws slashing and battering Zavok with unrelenting speed. Zavok snarled, his patience wearing thin

"You dare challenge me?" Zavok growled, his claws glowing with fiery energy. With a furious swipe, he aimed a fatal strike at Honey

But before the claws could connect, Lancelot warped to her side in a flash of Chaos energy, blocking the attack with his sword. Sparks flew as steel met claws, the sheer force of the clash sending a shockwave through the air

"Honey, get back!" Lancelot commanded

The mechanical dragon, its systems failing, continued its fiery descent toward the floating structure below. Zavok snarled in frustration, realizing the tide of the battle was turning against him

"This isn't over!" Zavok declared with a guttural growl, his fiery eyes narrowing. With a powerful leap, he jumped away from the crashing dragon, disappearing into the stormy skies

The mechanical dragon finally smashed into the structure below, erupting in flames and debris as Lancelot, Gamma, and Honey regrouped, their breaths heavy from the intense battle

"Is everyone all right?" Lancelot asked, his gaze scanning his companions

"Still in one piece," Honey replied, brushing off debris. She looked at Lancelot with admiration. "You really know how to make an entrance, don't you?"

Gamma, ever analytical, scanned the area. "Zavok's escape trajectory calculated. Probability of his return: high. We must remain vigilant."

Lancelot nodded, gripping his sword tightly. "We'll be ready for him..."after sensing some familiar energy, His eyes narrowed as he felt a familiar, resonating energy within the mangled machine. "The shard… it's here," he said, stepping forward

Honey and Gamma watched as Lancelot drove his blade into the dragon's metallic husk. With a determined twist, he pried open a compartment, revealing a glimmering shard of the Master Emerald. Its radiant energy pulsed, casting an emerald glow across the debris

Lancelot carefully retrieved the shard, holding it in his gauntleted hand. "Another piece," he murmured. "We're one step closer."

Before anyone could react further, the world around them began to ripple violently. The air grew thick, and the ground beneath their feet trembled. A sudden force surged through the area, pulling them upward

"The gate!" Gamma announced, his sensors flashing red. "It is destabilizing!"

Back the void

Play: Erik Satie – Gymnopedie No.1

The trio was thrust out of the crumbling gate and back into the endless void. They landed on an invisible platform, floating in the vast nothingness as the gate behind them fractured and collapsed, its pieces scattering into oblivion

Honey let out a relieved sigh, brushing her hair out of her face. "Well, I can't say I'm going to miss that place." She glanced at the others, trying to mask her lingering unease with a wry smile. "Glad that's over."

Lancelot sheathed his sword, the shard securely in his possession. He gazed into the void, his thoughts clouded with both victory and uncertainty

Honey's voice broke through his thoughts. "So… can we go to that safe house or whatever it was? Somewhere that isn't, you know, this?"

Gamma's red optic flickered as he turned toward the pair. "Affirmative. I will lead the way. Recalculating trajectory to the safe house."

The trio began to move, Gamma taking the lead as his scanners mapped a stable path through the void. Honey walked beside Lancelot, glancing at him curiously

"You seem… different," she said, her tone lighter to ease the tension. "That shard—it's important to you, isn't it?"

Lancelot nodded but remained quiet for a moment, his eyes locked on the distant glow of Gamma's guiding lights. " It is vital to the restoration of this world. But… it also feels as though it's trying to tell me something."

Honey raised an eyebrow. "Tell you something? Like, what, it talks now?"

Lancelot shook his head. "Not in words. In… feelings. Memories, perhaps. I can't explain it."

Honey shrugged. "Well, as long as it doesn't try to zap me, I'm good."

As they journeyed through the void, hopping across invisible platforms and weaving through ruins devoid of color, Honey's pace began to falter. She let out an exaggerated sigh, her shoulders drooping. "Ugh, how much farther? My legs are killing me."

Gamma stopped briefly, his sensors scanning ahead. "The safe house is approximately 3.2 kilometers from this position. Estimated time of arrival: 28 minutes."

"Three kilometers?" Honey groaned, dragging her feet. "At this rate, I'll be crawling there!"

Lancelot, who had been walking steadily ahead, turned to her. Without a word, he sheathed his sword and knelt slightly. "Climb on," he said, his tone calm yet firm.

Honey blinked in surprise, her ears perking up. "You're offering to carry me?"

"You seem weary," Lancelot replied. "It would be inefficient to slow our progress further. And…" His voice softened slightly. "You are part of this journey. We move forward together."

Her face lit up with delight as she quickly hopped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Well, aren't you just the chivalrous knight in shining armor!"

Lancelot stood tall, adjusting her weight effortlessly. "Hold on," he said as he resumed walking

As they continued through the void, Honey rested her chin on his shoulder, a playful smile on her face. "You know," she began, "when I was a little girl, I always dreamed about this kind of thing. Having my own knight in shining armor to carry me around, saving me from all kinds of trouble."

Lancelot glanced at her briefly. "A curious aspiration. Did you not prefer to face challenges on your own?"

"Oh, don't get me wrong," she said, waving a hand. "I can handle myself just fine. But there's something… romantic about the idea, y'know? A brave knight swooping in, sweeping you off your feet. It's like something out of a fairy tale."

Lancelot's lips twitched into the faintest semblance of a smile. "Fairy tales often embellish reality."

Honey chuckled. "True. Like right now, I finally get my knight in shining armor moment, and of course, we're soaking wet from that rainstorm." She wrinkled her nose. "Not exactly the dream scenario."

"You may not find your knight spotless," Lancelot replied, his voice steady, "but he will ensure you reach your destination."

Honey smiled warmly, resting her head against his shoulder. "Well, wet or not, I think you're doing a great job, Sir Lancelot."

Gamma, who had been silent up until now, turned his head slightly toward them. "Observation: Lancelot's efficiency has increased with the additional weight. This may suggest a reinforcement of group morale."

"Aw, thanks, Gamma," Honey teased, sticking her tongue out playfully. "You're not so bad yourself."

As Lancelot carried Honey through the shimmering void, his thoughts drifted to someone he hadn't allowed himself to dwell on for some time—Lady Percival

The memory of her proud, unwavering demeanor played in his mind. Percival would be furious with me if she saw this, he mused, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly in a mixture of amusement and unease

"She would never ask me to carry her, even if she wanted to. Her pride would never allow it. But those subtle hints… she's dropped them before."

He could almost hear her voice in his head, sharp and reprimanding.

"Sir Lancelot, are you not capable of maintaining proper decorum? You're supposed to be a knight, not a pack mule!"

The imagined reprimand made him sigh inwardly, though a faint smirk lingered

However, that smirk faded as another thought crept into his mind—Percival and Honey meeting each other. Lancelot couldn't shake the image of the two women locked in some passive-aggressive exchange, their contrasting personalities clashing like swords in a sparring match. Honey's playful charm would undoubtedly rub Percival the wrong way, and Percival's stern, disciplined nature might provoke Honey

He dreaded the idea. They're both strong-willed, and I can only imagine the chaos they'd bring if they ever decided to direct their energy toward each other

But beneath all these musings lay a deeper worry—a fear for Percival's safety. The last time he had seen her, she was at the castle

He didn't even get to see what happened to her directly. Only a vision of what happened to her during his fight with the shadow monster

And yet, since awakening in this strange world, he hadn't sensed her presence

His mind flashed to the petrified forms of Honey and Chip, their vitality frozen until he had restored them. A sinking feeling settled in his chest. If Honey and Chip were in that state, what if Percival has suffered the same fate?

The thought was unbearable, as he unknowingly began to have a slightly tighter grip as he continued carrying Honey

"Something on your mind, Lancelot?" Honey asked softly, her voice breaking through his thoughts

Lancelot glanced at her briefly before returning his gaze forward. "Simply reflecting on unfinished business," he replied curtly, his tone giving nothing away

"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you'll handle it," Honey said with a yawn, resting her head on his shoulder. "You don't seem like the type to leave someone hanging."

Her words, though casual, struck a chord in him

"I won't leave her behind. Percival… wherever you are, I will find you… and save our kingdom.."

Meanwhile….

Play: LEMMiNO – Blackout

Elsewhere in the endless expanse of the void, Zavok tumbled out of a crack in time, landing with a thud on a dark, shifting surface. He groaned, pushing himself up, and his eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. The void stretched endlessly in every direction, a swirling mass of shadow and faint glimmers of light that seemed to mock his presence

"What is this place?" Zavok growled, his claws flexing instinctively. His voice echoed strangely, bouncing off the void as if it had a mind of its own. "Where have I been cast to?"

As if in response to his question, a deep, commanding voice echoed from above.

"You stand in the realm between realms, Zeti. A place few ever see… and even fewer leave."

Zavok's head snapped upward, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Who dares speak to me?" he demanded

The voice chuckled, low and menacing. "You may call me Arthur. And I have been watching you."

Before Zavok could respond, a figure appeared before him, materializing from the shadows with an aura of regal authority. Clad in ornate, dark armor that glimmered faintly in the void's strange light, King Arthur stood tall, his presence radiating an ancient and ominous power

Zavok's claws clenched as he instinctively took a step back, caught off guard by the figure's sudden appearance. "Whoever you are, you will regret crossing me," Zavok snarled

Arthur smiled coldly. "Oh, I've no intention of crossing you. I merely found your defeat amusing. A mighty Zeti, or so you consider yourself. Pathetic."

Zavok's anger flared, and he stomped forward. "Enough! If you think mocking me will break me, you're mistaken. Whoever you are, take me back! I have unfinished business to settle!"

Arthur tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "Take you back?" He stepped closer, the void seeming to ripple with each movement. "I think not. You've proven yourself entertaining, but I see no reason to grant your demand."

"Then perish!" Zavok roared, charging at Arthur with a furious leap, intending to tear him tk pieces

Arthur remained still, his expression calm as Zavok lunged toward him. With a single, fluid motion, Arthur unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming with an otherworldly light. In an instant, Zavok's fiery claws were deflected, and with a sharp counter, Arthur sent Zavok crashing to the ground

Zavok growled, struggling to rise, but Arthur's boot pressed down on his back, pinning him with little effort

"Is this the extent of your strength?" Arthur taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "Perhaps you are not as formidable as you believe yourself to be."

Zavok thrashed beneath him, but Arthur only pressed harder, forcing the Zeti to his knees. The King loomed over him, his blade now hovering inches from Zavok's neck

"Choose your next words wisely, creature," Arthur warned, his voice icy and unyielding. "For they may be your last."

Zavok glared up at him, his pride warring with the reality of his situation. But the void offered no answers, and the fate of the once-mighty Zeti hung in the balance as Arthur's sword gleamed with quiet menace….

To be Continued…

I thank you all for those who choose to read, if means a lot once again. Albiet now that we in the second chapter. Don't expect the next one to come as fast as this one

So special thanks to FanficHazza for brainstorming sessions

Trivia

1: I always found Honey to be rather fascinating to despite her rather obscure status and cameo appearances. For she is based off a character from the game Fighting Vioers (also owned by Sega might I remind you)

So I guess there are further rights issues that prevent her from having a direct appearance in the video games since she was only ever in the 2012 port of Sonic Battle

Hell, my first knowledge of her was the Archie Comics reboot after the first Mega Man crossover

So yeah, there's that

2: Shadow has always been my favorite character. For the longest time. All because I watched a play through of the Shadow the Hedgehog video game. I thought the idea of him having a gun and choosing his own path whether good or evil was so cool

And while people criticize Shadow's game for it's story, while I do understand. I think they criticize his characterization a little too much

While it is true the writing isn't perfect. The Shadow's characterization in cutscenes are all dependent on the choices of the player

And many of those who criticize tend to leave that part out when they criticize his uncharacteristic moments

3: You can imagine how excited I felt when Shadow has his own spinoff campaign and the whole marketing campaign to the OVA and his anticipated appearance in Sonic movie 3

I already spent I think maybe 13 hours on Shadow Gens and I barely even touched Sonic Gens

While it is true there is a DLC level coming in a little over a week I still wish for more content on Shadow Gens

4: As for the game Sonic and the Black Knight, I believe that's the wii game I spent the second most amount of hours on. Beaten only by smash bros Brawl

I unfortunately still haven't beaten it as I can never get my timing on King Arthur's second boss fight. Sucks though, ah well. Always have YouTube

So until then. Everyone

Like it? Hate it? Got anything to say?

Cuz a review is always motivation for continuation

Chapter Text

Welcome back everyone. And I hope this super long chapter will be enough to satisfy until the next one

Or at least provide something to munch on until then

FanficHazza: I'm glad you liked the previous chapter. And I'm glad you were around for me to babble about anything really

Cyberpolarus: Thank you :D

Play: Undertale – Fallen Down

Back at the safe house, Gamma was in the middle of summarizing their recent escapades to Chip, who was seated comfortably on a chair, unwrapping another chocolate bar. Chip listened intently, nodding along as he polished off the last bite of his current treat.

"That's… a lot to take in," Chip said, licking his fingers. "Mechanical dragons and the void? You guys sure get around."

Gamma's monotone response carried a hint of pride. "Affirmative. Our encounters have been highly eventful. However, the mission remains incomplete."

While the two continued their discussion, Honey decided to seize an opportunity to bond with Lancelot. She approached him, a playful curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"Hey, knight in not-so-shining armor," she teased, nudging him lightly. "Why don't you show me around this place? You know, give me the grand tour?"

Lancelot crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly. "I suppose I could, though I must admit…" He gestured to the odd interior of the safe house. "Whatever we discover will be as new to me as it is to you. I've never been here before either."

Honey raised a brow, intrigued "Really? You've got the whole mysterious-knight vibe going on, and yet you're just as clueless as the rest of us?"

Lancelot's lips quirked in what could almost be called a smile. "It would seem so."

The two wandered into a hallway lined with frames, each housing a blank piece of paper. Honey frowned, tilting her head at one of them. "Okay, that's weird. Who frames nothing?" She tapped the glass of one frame as if expecting a hidden image to appear

Before Lancelot could respond, a sudden movement on the floor startled Honey. With a yelp, she jumped behind Lancelot, gripping his arm

"What is that?!" she exclaimed, peeking cautiously over his shoulder

A small green frog sat in front of them, its wide, unblinking eyes staring back at Honey. It gave a soft croak

Lancelot glanced down, unfazed. "It's just Froggy."

Honey blinked. "Wait—you know this frog?"

He shook his head. "Not personally, no. But Gamma seems familiar with it."

Honey leaned to the side, still using Lancelot as a shield. "What's a frog doing in a place like this?"

Lancelot shrugged, clearly unbothered. "Gamma and I found him wandering the void. And then we found this place"

Honey huffed, stepping out from behind him, though she kept a wary eye on the frog. "This place just keeps getting weirder."

From the other room, Chip called out, "You guys talking about Froggy? He's cool! I shared some chocolate with him earlier!"

Honey facepalmed. "Great. Now even the frog gets a chocolate bar before I do."

Lancelot chuckled softly, and for the first time, Honey saw the faintest flicker of amusement in his otherwise stoic demeanor.

As Honey continued to grumble about Froggy's unexpected chocolate privileges, Chip wandered over with a fresh bar in hand.

"Aw, don't pout, Honey," Chip said with a grin, breaking off a piece of his chocolate. "Here, you can have some of mine."

Honey's eyes lit up as she eagerly took the offered piece. "You're officially my second favorite person here, Chip. Thanks!"

She savored the treat, her earlier frustration melting away with the sweetness. "You know, you're not half bad for a little guy who talks too much."

Chip beamed. "I'll take that as a compliment!"

Lancelot's demeanor would then shift back to his focused and commanding self. "We've rested long enough. It's time to move out."

Honey, finishing the last bit of chocolate, sighed. "Well, back to adventuring, I guess."

Gamma, ever efficient, stood up and powered on his systems. "Acknowledged. I am ready."

Chip followed them to the door, waving enthusiastically. "Good luck out there, guys! Try not to get eaten by anything!"

Honey gave him a thumbs up. "We'll do our best, Chip. Don't let Froggy eat all your snacks!"

As the trio disappeared into the void, Chip turned back to Froggy, who had hopped up onto a nearby chair. Chip flopped into his seat across from the amphibian and rested his chin in his hands.

"Well, Froggy," Chip said, his tone turning wistful. "How's your day been?"

Froggy gave a single croak, staring blankly at him.

Chip sighed dramatically. "Yeah, I figured. Not much for conversation, huh?"

Froggy croaked again, tilting its head slightly

Chip chuckled to himself, leaning back in his chair. "I really hope Lancelot brings more people back next time. You're great, Froggy, but I need someone who can talk back once in a while."

Froggy simply hopped off the chair and onto the table, staring at Chip as if trying to understand him. Chip smiled and reached for another chocolate bar, breaking off a piece and setting it in front of the frog

"Here, buddy. Chocolate makes everything better."

Froggy croaked in what Chip optimistically took as agreement, and the two sat in companionable silence, waiting for whatever would come next

To the others

Gamma's sensors whirred as he halted in his tracks. "New energy signature detected," he announced. His optic light flickered, scanning the horizon. "This path leads to a cluster of structures. Preliminary analysis suggests a design consistent with Eggman Land schematics."

Honey groaned, already dreading what that could mean. "Great, a theme park of doom. Just what we needed."

But Lancelot wasn't listening. His gaze was locked on a distant statue standing amidst the desolate terrain. As he drew closer, his steps quickened until he was sprinting

"Lancelot?" Honey called out, startled. "What's gotten into him?"

Gamma tilted his head as he observed Lancelot's sudden urgency. "He appears to have identified the statue's subject."

Lancelot skidded to a halt before the statue, breathing heavily as he took in the familiar sight. It was her—Percival, frozen in stone, her form as poised and graceful as ever. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and rested it gently on her shoulder

"Percival…" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the void's hum

Then, without hesitation, he turned his attention to the crack in time near the statue. The strange, glowing fissure radiated an ominous energy, and without another word, Lancelot leapt into it, disappearing in an instant

"Wait, what?!" Honey exclaimed, running up to the statue with Gamma close behind

Gamma's scanners analyzed the statue. "Lancelot's behavior suggests he recognized this individual. This may explain his urgency."

Honey frowned, looking up at the frozen figure. "He knows this person? And he didn't even bother to tell us?!"

Gamma turned his sensors toward the crack in time. "Lancelot has already entered. We must follow to provide support."

Honey sighed, glancing back at the statue one last time before nodding. "Fine, I guess I shouldve expected him to see familiar faces"

Play: Sonic Unleashed OST – Eggman Land (Night)

Honey landed gracefully on a cracked metallic platform, glancing around the chaotic environment. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing metal as Lancelot and Gamma tore through waves of Egg Fighter robots. Sparks flew in all directions as Lancelot's blade carved through the enemies with swift precision, while Gamma's heavy firepower sent robots flying with each blast

She cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Where are we this time?!"

Gamma blasted another robot into pieces before responding, "This location is unfamiliar. However, structural design and aesthetics suggest this is an amusement park of Eggman's creation."

Honey blinked, taking in the garish, overly bright, and chaotic décor of the area. "An amusement park? What's with that guy? Who wakes up and thinks, 'You know what I need? A death trap disguised as a carnival!'"

She put her hands on her hips and smirked. "Do you think they at least have food for sale? Maybe popcorn or chili dogs?"

Gamma paused, his sensors scanning the area. "Food vendors are not detected-"

Honey groaned, slapping her forehead in annoyance "-Gamma, I was joking!"

Gamma tilted his head, his optic light flickering in confusion. "Acknowledged."

Lancelot examining the remnants of a destroyed Egg Fighter with the tip of his sword. His voice, calm but resolute, cut through the conversation. "Enough distractions. The shard must be here somewhere. Where is it?"

Gamma's scanners whirred to life once more. He rotated slightly, pointing toward a distant structure that loomed over the park. "The Master Emerald shard is located approximately 700 meters from our position. The signature indicates it is contained within that central tower."

As he and Lancelot proceeded to move ahead

Honey sighed but followed along, muttering under her breath. "I bet even if they did have food, it'd probably be robotic hot dogs or something."

Not to long afterwards, Entire squads of Egg Fighters equipped with chainsaw swords and laser guns began to drop from hovering airships, their mechanical limbs whirring ominously as they landed with precision. The trio barely had time to react as the alarms of Eggman Land blared to life, bathing the chaotic amusement park in pulsating red lights.

"Oh no.." muttered Honey

Lancelot tensed as he began slicing through an Egg Fighter that lunged at him with a chainsaw. The sheer number of enemies descending was too great for them to stand their ground

Honey dashed alongside them, dodging stray laser blasts while trying to keep up. As they passed by a merry-go-round, its cheerful, spinning animals suddenly sprang to life, revealing hidden laser turrets. Honey looked back at it, torn between amazement and disbelief

"Is it just me, or did that merry-go-round just try to vaporize us?" she yelled. "Who even thinks of weaponizing a carnival ride?!"

Gamma fired a precise shot that destroyed the laser turret as they ran by. "Weaponizing amusement park attractions aligns with Eggman's established behavioral patterns."

Honey groaned. "Great, Eggman's got a type."

As they dodged another wave of incoming laser fire, a booming, familiar voice echoed across the park

"What now?! More intruders?!" Dr. Eggman's voice was laced with irritation and disbelief. "First him, and now you three?! How many pests do I have to squash today?!...wait… is that Gamma..?

Lancelot's sharp ears picked up the tone. He narrowed his eyes but didn't break stride. "Him?" he muttered, his mind immediately considering another possible interference.

Eggman's voice continued over the park's loudspeakers. "Bah! Whatever. Attention, all units! Additional intruders detected! Activate every available trap and send reinforcements immediately!"

Ahead, laser grids began to flicker on across their path, designed to block their escape. Gamma stopped for a moment, his targeting systems locking onto the closest laser emitter. A well-placed shot destroyed it, clearing the way for the group.

"Move forward," Gamma instructed, his calm tone belying the chaos around them

"Don't have to tell me twice!" Honey said, sprinting ahead while Lancelot slashed through another Egg Fighter

As they pushed forward, more traps activated, from spinning blade platforms to dart-launching clowns. Lancelot sliced through anything blocking their path, his sword flashing like lightning. Gamma blasted any devices out of reach

Honey stumbled briefly but recovered, marveling at the sheer absurdity of Eggman Land. "Seriously, is there a single thing here that isn't trying to kill us?!"

Lancelot gave her a quick glance as he cleaved through another squad of Egg Fighters "We'll have to see"

Another squad of Egg Fighters appeared ahead, forcing the group to slow. The alarm grew louder, Eggman's reinforcements pouring in from every direction,

The chaos escalated as Honey and Lancelot leapt through a shattered section of the ferris wheel, landing perfectly on one of the ride's massive carts. Before either of them could brace themselves, the cart suddenly roared to life,

"!" said both Honey and Lancelot

Blasting down a track with astonishing speed. Honey clung to the edge, yelling over the wind

"AAAAH! Did this thing just launch itself?!" yelled Honey trying to keep her grip

"Hold tight!" Lancelot commanded, steadying her as the cart sped through the giant slide

The track twisted and turned, careening through ramps and smashing through squads of Egg Fighters that foolishly tried to block their path. Sparks and debris rained down, but the cart kept surging forward.

Gamma followed closely, his mechanical legs propelling him over ramps and obstacles with ease, firing at enemies in their wake

The ride abruptly turned treacherous as the track led them toward a glowing river of molten lava. Honey's eyes widened in horror. "Uh, tell me this thing's got brakes!"

"No," Lancelot replied grimly, grabbing Honey around the waist just as the cart's momentum launched them toward the lava pits. With a powerful leap, Lancelot vaulted them out of the cart, landing safely on a solid ledge just before the cart plummeted into the searing molten flow.

Honey took a moment to catch her breath. "Okay, remind me to never complain about roller coasters again….and make sure I'm always with you on them.." sticking closer to him

Lancelot was about to reply when a low, unnatural hum filled the air. He instinctively raised his sword, scanning the sky as the ominous sound grew louder. The night sky above began to fracture like glass, spreading cracks across the expanse. From these cracks descended grotesque alien creatures with glowing red eyes and armor-like exoskeletons

"What… are those things?" Lancelot muttered, tightening his grip on his blade.

Gamma's sensors whirred as he scanned the descending invaders. "Unknown life forms detected. No data available in memory banks."

Honey's expression darkened as she recognized the creatures. "They're the Black Arms," she said grimly. "They tried to invade our planet years ago I THIUGHT THEY WERE ALL DESTROYED"

Lancelot's eyes narrowed, studying the aliens as they descended in droves. "It doesn't matter what they are. If they stand in our way, they will fall."

Gamma's mechanical frame tilted slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Their physiology is fascinating. Further observation required for analysis."

Honey shot Gamma a look. "Yeah, sure, observe them while they're not trying to kill us, maybe?"

One of the Black Arms snarled, lunging toward them with its claws extended. Lancelot moved like lightning, slicing through it effortlessly. The creature's body disintegrated into dark particles, but more were already swarming from the cracked sky.

Lancelot began stepping forward to face the incoming horde. Honey and Gamma fell into step beside him, fighting their way through swarms of Black Arms and Egg Fighters

Lancelot's sword cut through the alien invaders and robotic soldiers with ruthless efficiency, while Gamma's precise laser fire picked off targets money by one. And Honey used her agility to land surprise attacks, flipping and spinning around her foes to outmaneuver them

Despite their efforts, the relentless waves of enemies kept coming. They found themselves in front of a sealed lever that clearly controlled the next passage. Honey ran to it first and tugged at the lever with all her strength

"It's stuck!" she huffed

Gamma moved beside her, gripping the lever with his mechanical hand He pulled, his servos whirring audibly, but the lever wouldn't budge "It appears more force is required" earning him an annoyed look from Honey

Lancelot approached, observing the situation briefly before stepping in. "Stand aside."

Both Honey and Gamma moved back, watching curiously. Lancelot gripped the lever with both hands and pulled sharply. There was a loud crack as the lever came loose—and then broke off entirely in his hands

Honey blinked, stunned. "Okay, what?! Since when were you that strong?"

Lancelot calmly tossed the broken lever aside. "The strength of a knight is not just for wielding a blade."

Before Honey could respond, the massive ventilation system in front of them roared to life. The vents opened, revealing a steep, winding passage lined with dangerously fast-spinning fan blades

"Looks like we're sliding!" Honey exclaimed

Without hesitation, the trio jumped into the vent. The slippery metal walls sent them careening downward at breakneck speed. Lancelot expertly adjusted his posture to avoid the spinning blades, while Gamma's armored frame weathered the occasional scrape. Honey's nimbleness allowed her to twist and turn mid-slide, narrowly avoiding being sliced

At the bottom of the slide, they landed with a thud in a massive chamber. In the center of the room was a hulking machine, its core glowing ominously. Embedded within the machine was the shard they'd been searching for, its energy pulsating faintly

Several Egg Fighters surrounded the machine, some standing guard with chainsaw swords and laser rifles. One particularly bulky Egg Fighter was tugging at the shard, but it couldn't dislodge it. The robot's attempts were clumsy, and it eventually gave up in frustration

The moment the Egg Fighters noticed the trio, their heads turned in unison, and their eyes glowed red. One by one, the robots raised their weapons and began to march forward

Honey stepped back nervously. "Okay, that's a lot of saws and lasers."

Gamma readied his cannon. "Multiple hostiles detected. Prioritizing elimination."

Lancelot unsheathed his blade, his gaze fixed on the approaching enemies. "Then let's not keep them waiting."

The Egg Fighters charged, their chainsaw swords roaring and laser rifles firing as they closed in on the trio. Honey, nimble and quick, darted ahead to disorient the first wave. She delivered a powerful kick that sent one Egg Fighter staggering backward into another, causing a brief domino effect

Gamma raised his arm cannon, precision blasts taking out several robots in clean, efficient strikes. Each explosion lit the room with bursts of fire and sparks. The mechanical warrior moved methodically, calculating his shots to maximize destruction

Meanwhile, Lancelot moved like a whirlwind, his blade an extension of his will. The first Egg Fighter to engage him didn't even have time to swing its chainsaw before Lancelot's sword severed its weapon arm in a single strike. He spun fluidly, cleaving through the next two in one motion. Another leaped at him, chainsaw aimed for his head, but he sidestepped and delivered a devastating upward slash that tore the machine apart

Honey, dodging a barrage of laser fire, paused to marvel at Lancelot's precision. "Alright, knight guy, didn't know you were this good," she muttered, kicking another Egg Fighter into a pile of scrap

One of the larger Egg Fighters, armed with dual plasma cannons, stepped forward and unleashed a barrage of fire toward the group. Lancelot raised his sword, deflecting some of the shots while Gamma intercepted the rest with precise shots. Honey took the opportunity to flank the massive robot, leaping onto its back and ripping out a handful of wires. The machine sputtered and collapsed, leaving her with a triumphant grin

"Teamwork makes the dream work!" Honey quipped, dusting off her hands.

The remaining Egg Fighters hesitated for a moment, recalculating their odds. Lancelot stepped forward, his sword glowing faintly with a green hue from the shard's residual energy. "If you value your continued existence," he said coldly, "you'll leave now."

The robots had no time to process his warning before Gamma obliterated the last few with a single, multi-shot blast. The room fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of the machine that held the Master Emerald shard.

Lancelot approached the glowing shard embedded in the machine's core. Its energy seemed to pulse, almost like a heartbeat. Without hesitation, he reached out and grasped it.

The moment his fingers touched the shard, his vision fractured. He was no longer in Eggman Land but in a swirling expanse of distorted time and space.

Shadows and cracks stretched endlessly around him

In the distance, he saw a figure—black and red, unmistakable. Shadow the Hedgehog

Lancelot watched as Shadow leaped from one crack in time to another, each jump rippling the void around him. Shadow moved with purpose, his expression a mix of determination and frustration. At times, he paused, as if searching for something or someone, only to leap again, disappearing into another distortion.

The vision shifted. Lancelot saw flashes of destruction—worlds collapsing, battles raging, and Shadow at the center of it all, locked in combat with faceless adversaries. Then, a moment of clarity: Shadow standing before a massive, ominous figure wreathed in darkness. The figure's voice echoed, though the words were incomprehensible. Shadow's response was silent, but his clenched fists and fierce gaze spoke volumes

Another shift, and Lancelot saw Shadow looking directly at him. Their eyes met across the void, and Shadow's voice finally cut through the chaos

"You again….. you're just like me…"

"…I can say the same thing… Shadow.." said Lancelot

But before they could say anything more to each other.. they both sense a giant red eye opened staring down at the two of them

As they both shielded themselves from its view

The vision shattered, and Lancelot was pulled back into reality. He blinked, disoriented, the shard still clutched in his hand

"Hey! Lancelot!"

A soft voice broke through the haze. Lancelot blinked again, realizing he was being gently shaken. His vision cleared to reveal Honey standing in front of him, her hands on his shoulders

"You okay?" she asked, her tone full of concern. "You spaced out again. What's with you and these shards?"

Lancelot straightened, brushing off her concern. "I'm fine. There's no need to worry."

Honey frowned, crossing her arms. "You keep saying that, but whatever those shards are doing to you, it's not normal. If this keeps up—"

"Enough," Lancelot said "We have what we came for. Let's move."

Before Honey could argue further, the crack in time they had entered through began to seal itself. As the distortion faded, the void around them shimmered and shifted

Play: Ghost Giant OST – By The Lake

As the trio jump out of the crack in time, color began to return to the eggman land structures

Gamma scanned the area. "Temporal anomalies have ceased. This location appears stable… for now."

Lancelot pocketed the shard, his thoughts lingering on the vision of Shadow. Though he remained outwardly composed, the weight of what he had seen bore down on him.

Honey gave him a sidelong glance. "You're really not gonna tell us what you saw, are you?"

Lancelot shook his head. "Not yet. But Shadow… he's out there. Somewhere."

"…Shadow?.." said Honey

Gamma and Honey exchanged a glance, their concern unspoken but mutual

Lancelot's eyes immediately fell upon Percival's frozen form. He moved toward it instinctively, color began to bleed back into the statue, spreading like a slow ripple of life. Percival's armor gleamed as her eyes blinked open as she gasped softly as she examined herself before looking around as she eventually gazes on Lancelot

"Lancelot…?" she whispered, her voice trembling as her gaze met his

Without warning, she threw off her helmet, revealing her relieved, tear-filled smile, and rushed toward him. She tackled him into a tight embrace, nearly knocking him off balance. "You're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of joy and disbelief. "I was so worried! I thought you disappeared without a trace, and I thought—"

Lancelot stood still, slightly awkward in the embrace, but allowed it. "Percival… it's good to see you again," he said simply

Not far away, Honey's jaw dropped. She crossed her arms, her expression souring as she muttered under her breath, "Well, isn't that just lovely?"

As Percival reluctantly pulled back, she suddenly took in her surroundings—the stark, white expanse of the void. Her happiness gave way to unease, her hand instinctively moving to her sword. "What… is this place? Where are we?"

Her sharp eyes landed on Honey and Gamma. Her grip on her blade tightened, and she stepped protectively in front of Lancelot. "Who are they? Are they enemies?"

Lancelot raised a hand to calm her. "They're allies, Percival. Honey and Gamma have been assisting me in this journey."

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting suspiciously between the two, but eventually relaxed. "I trust your judgment, Sir Lancelot… but I expect an explanation."

Gamma stepped forward, his mechanical voice calm but clinical. "The current situation involves a temporal anomaly. A creature capable of manipulating time and space has disrupted various worlds, capturing individuals and fragmenting timelines."

Percival blinked, visibly struggling to comprehend. "Time… anomalies? Fragmented timelines?" She shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

Lancelot rested a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. "It's a lot to take in. For now, just tell me—what happened in Camelot? What did the beast do?"

Percival's expression darkened. "After you left to consult with Lady Nimue, the skies began to shift unnaturally. It was as if the day was being torn apart. Then, the Shadow Knights returned, more fearsome than before."

She paused, recalling the chaos. "Gawain and I split up to defend the kingdom. He went to protect the northern gates, while I took to the heart of the castle. We fought valiantly, but… the skies broke open, and the beast descended. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Its presence… it was suffocating."

Her voice faltered as she lowered her gaze. "It stared at me, as I raised my sword at it. Then it unleashed its power, and everything went dark. The next thing I knew… I was here."

Lancelot frowned, absorbing her words. "If it captured you, then it likely did the same to Gawain."

Percival nodded. "I fear for him… but if you're here, Sir Lancelot, then I have hope."

Lancelot met her gaze, his tone resolute. "…Percival, I'm working to restore what's been lost—to save everyone. Will you join me in this fight?"

Without hesitation, she placed her hand over her heart and bowed. "Of course. I will follow you wherever you lead."

Honey, who had been quietly fuming on the sidelines, finally stepped in, slinging her arm around Lancelot's shoulders. "Well, isn't that touching," she said with a forced smile. "But we've got more shards to find, and time's wasting! Let's get moving, Lancelot."

She leaned into him just slightly, her grin mischievous, though her eyes betrayed her jealousy

Percival, clearly noticing, stepped closer to Lancelot's other side. "I agree. We should proceed at once," she said, her tone pointed as she matched Honey's proximity.

The tension between the two women was almost palpable, and Lancelot sighed internally. He had seen this coming the moment Percival returned. their subtle glares at each other not unnoticed by the stoic knight.

"Wonderful," Lancelot muttered under his breath as they pressed onward. "This journey just became infinitely more complicated."

Little later

As the group began walking across the white void, Percival finally broke the silence. "Sir Lancelot, I understand we are fighting to save everyone, but what exactly is our mission here?"

Lancelot stopped, turning to face her, and reached into his armor to reveal a glowing shard of the Master Emerald. Its light reflected in Percival's curious eyes as he held it out for her to see.

"We're gathering shards of the Master Emerald," Lancelot explained. "The emerald holds immense power, capable of stabilizing reality itself. Once we find all the shards and restore it, everything will return to normal—Camelot, the people, the worlds shattered by this… monster."

Percival nodded slowly, gripping the hilt of her sword. "I see. Then we must succeed. I will do whatever it takes."

Lancelot returned the shard to its pouch and turned to Gamma. "Where is the next crack in time?"

Gamma's sensors whirred softly as his optics scanned the void. "Detecting anomaly… Coordinates locked. Follow me."

Along the way, they began to notice more structures emerging from the white void. Fragments of buildings and ruins regaining their color and detail stood out like islands in an endless sea of white

Honey was the first to speak. "Looks like we're not the only ones trying to fix this mess."

Lancelot silently observed the surroundings, his thoughts drifting. The sight of the restored structures stirred a deep instinct in him. Shadow must be out here too… He's doing the same thing

As they ventured further, a distant shape appeared on the horizon—a sprawling network of structures resembling a small city. A shimmering crack in the air hovered above its center, glowing faintly.

Honey's eyes lit up with recognition. "That's Metal City! No way! I've been here before! But… what's it doing in a place like this?"

The group approached cautiously, their attention drawn to a statue near the edge of the city. It stood tall, its features humanoid but unfamiliar to any of them.

"That's not anyone I recognize," Percival remarked, studying the figure

"It doesn't matter," Lancelot said, unsheathing his sword. Without hesitation, he leapt into the crack, vanishing in a flash of light

Gamma followed immediately, his mechanical form disappearing into the anomaly. Honey smirked, giving Percival a sly glance. "Guess it's your turn, knight. Try not to trip."

Before Percival could respond, Honey flipped into the crack, leaving her behind. Percival sighed, placing a hand over her heart as she composed herself. "By the Lady of the Lake… why must everything move so quickly?"

After a brief moment, she leapt in after them as the world bent and shifted around her. It was unlike she ever seen

Play: Sonic Riders OST – Metal City

As the group passed through the crack in time, Percival and Honey found themselves free-falling through a sprawling futuristic city. The air rushed past them as the dazzling neon lights of towering skyscrapers blurred into streaks of color.

"What is this madness?!" Percival shouted as they both flailing their arms

Honey screamed, flailing her arms. "This is not how I wanted to travel!"

Before either of them could fully process the situation, Lancelot suddenly appeared beside them, teleporting in a burst of dark energy. His sharp gaze locked onto them as he extended his arms grabbing both of them mid-air making them both have a subtle blush

In one fluid motion, Lancelot landed on a moving flying car below, using its momentum to leap to another, and then another. With each jump, the wind howled louder, and the trio barely avoided the glowing advertisements and wires crisscrossing between buildings

Finally, Lancelot landed on the rooftop of a tall building and released them. Percival stumbled slightly but quickly regained her balance, while Honey crouched, her hands pressed to the ground as she caught her breath.

"That,…" Honey said, looking up at Lancelot, "was insane… but thanks for saving us." She stood up, brushing herself off. "Maybe we should split up. You know, you and me as a team?" She gave him a playful smile, but her tone had a flirtatious edge.

Percival narrowed her eyes, her hands tightening around her sword stepping closer to Lancelot "That's not necessary. We should stick together for efficiency."

Lancelot shook his head, ignoring the tension between the two. "We can't track the shards without Gamma." Making both Percival and Honey have deadpan looks

As if on cue, Gamma descended from above, his thrusters leaving a faint trail of light. He landed with a loud thud, his red optics scanning the area. "Target detected. Master Emerald shard… approximately three kilometers east."

Honey looked around, her expression a mix of awe and unease. "This city… it looks exactly the same as I remember it. I didn't think I'd see it again."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden blaring of sirens filled the air. Red and blue lights illuminated the rooftop as sleek, silver police drones rose into view

"Attention, unidentified individuals," one of the robots announced in a cold, mechanical voice. "You are trespassing. Halt immediately!"

Percival drew her sword, readying herself. "What sort of magic constructs are these?"

Lancelot's hand moved to the hilt of his blade as he analyzed the situation, but Honey's panicked voice cut through his thoughts

"This is bad! Really bad!" Honey exclaimed, backing away. "We need to run. Now!"

"Why?" Percival asked, confused. "They're just—"

"No time to explain!" Honey interrupted.

Lancelot quickly took command. "Gamma, lead Honey and Percival toward the shard. I'll distract them."

Gamma gave a curt nod. "Acknowledged."

Without another word, Lancelot dashed toward the edge of the rooftop, leaping onto a glowing rail that snaked through the city. His momentum carried him with blinding speed, sparks flying from his armored boots as he grinded the rail.

The police drones immediately turned their attention to him, their sirens growing louder as they gave chase. Lancelot smirked under his helmet, his focus unwavering.

He vaulted off the rail, crashing through the window of a towering skyscraper

Inside, startled workers screamed and dove for cover as he sprinted through the office, shattering glass and overturning desks

"WHOAH!"

"Is that a knight!?"

"WATCH OUT!"

"Aaah!"

"Is that Shadow?"

Before the drones could catch up, Lancelot burst through the opposite window, diving into the open air. He grabbed hold of another rail, twisting around it with fluid precision as he continued his daring escape, leaving chaos in his wake

Meanwhile, Gamma led Honey and Percival through the maze-like city streets below. Honey kept glancing over her shoulder, her ears twitching nervously

"Lancelot better not get himself caught," she muttered

Percival's eyes darted from one futuristic marvel to another. The glowing billboards, neon-lit highways, and hovering cars weaving through the air left her completely awestruck.

"What manner of sorcery is this?" Percival murmured, struggling to find words to describe the sights. Her grip on her sword tightened instinctively, though she made no move to use it. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like a dream…"

Honey glanced over her shoulder at Percival while leaping over an incoming traffic barrier. "Yeah, it's a lot to take in. Just don't stop and gawk, or we're toast!"

Gamma's monotone voice cut through their exchange. "Hostile units are in pursuit. Recommendation: disable them." His arm cannons began to hum with energy as he targeted the police drones and flying vehicles closing in on them.

"Gamma, no!" Honey snapped, her voice sharp. "Those aren't Eggman's bots! They're this city's police. If you fire on them, we'll be the bad guys!"

Gamma paused, processing her words. "Acknowledged. Refraining from engagement."

"Good," Honey said with a relieved huff, sidestepping a startled pedestrian. "Last thing we need is a full-scale city lockdown because you decided to go full terminator"

To Lancelot

on the other highway, the police drones intensified their chase of Lancelot weaving through traffic . A mechanical voice echoed through the air. "Target identified: dangerous individual. Prioritize capture."

Lancelot sprinted across the twisting highways, leaping from one lane to another with incredible precision. He was momentarily distracted by the sheer strangeness of the world around him

"This place…" he muttered, his red eyes scanning the hovering vehicles and towering structures. "It's nothing like Camelot."

As he passed a series of cars, he then used one of the vehicles to gain momentum, however, that sent a few vehicles spiraling out of control. One spun directly into the path of the pursuing police drones, causing a chain reaction of crashes that left sparks and debris scattering across the highway

Lancelot winced slightly but kept moving. "Unintentional," he muttered, pushing forward as more drones swooped in to block his path

The drones formed a tight blockade, their weapons powering up. Lancelot's grip on his blade tightened, and without hesitation, he burst through the blockade in a flurry of dark energy. The drones exploded into pieces, scattering across the sky as he continued his relentless escape

To Honey

"Sounds like he's having fun," Honey remarked as she heard the commotion "I hope he didn't destroy the police forces…"

The trio's high-speed dash through the city didn't go unnoticed by the civilians. Many people hurried to clear the streets, some diving out of the way of Gamma's heavy metal frame.

"Wait a second," a woman with pigtails and the exact same outfit as Honey is squinting at the group. Her face lit up with recognition as Honey seemed to notice her "Is that… Honey?!"

"Is that…CANDY!?" said Honey in surprise "I see you're still rocking my outfit. But I gotta catch you later!"

"Have fun!" said Candy waving as she watched the trio zoom past her "Hmm I wonder what she's up too..-HUH!?" as Candy then noticed the police vehicles driving over after them

Meanwhile

Above the chaos, the sky began to ripple and crack, strange streaks of light cutting through the clouds. Suddenly, a massive fissure split open, and King Arthur, clad in his full black armor, emerged, riding atop his majestic steed

Arthur's horse galloped through the air, defying all logic as it soared without wings. The king's dark cape billowed behind him as he surveyed the futuristic city below.

"This world…" Arthur said to himself, his voice echoing ominously. "Fascinating."

His horse continued its gallop through the sky, its hooves leaving trails of shimmering energy. The sight of a dark knight flying on horseback quickly caught the attention of the city's inhabitants.

"Is that a… knight on a horse?" one person in a flying car exclaimed, pointing upward.

"Whoah... is this some kind of laser show?" another asked, taking out their phone to record the surreal scene.

Arthur paid them no mind, his gaze focused on the unfolding chaos below. His lips curled into a faint, calculating smile. "The pieces are converging. Soon, the true game shall begin."

As King Arthur urged his spectral steed forward, its ethereal hooves blazing through the sky, his gaze on those below as he then spots Lancelot

Lancelot's eyes went wide when he recognized him..

"….impossible" muttered Lancelot slightly slowing down as he heard King Arthur's familiar laugh

King Arthur's deep, ominous laughter echoed across the city, resonating like the toll of a bell. "You never disappoint, my best pupil," he called out, his voice carried on the wind.

With a flourish, Arthur raised his massive sword toward the heavens. Its dark, jagged edge pulsed with an unnatural energy. As he slashed the sky, time itself seemed to ripple and tear apart, creating more cracks that stretched across the horizon. Through these rifts poured an army of his monstrous shadow knights, their grotesque forms spiraling downward to wreak havoc on the city

Lancelot skidded to a halt atop a hovering platform, his hand tightening on his blade as he witnessed the chaos below. His crimson eyes flickered with anger as he growled under his breath. "If you think I'll let this madness continue, you're mistaken." As he began to zoom faster

Despite the destruction, he kept his focus on Arthur, refusing to let his former king escape. With a surge of energy, Lancelot launched himself upward, continuing his pursuit

Meanwhile to the others

Gamma suddenly came to a stop, his sensors flaring with an alert. "Warning. High-level energy detected. Hostile presence approaching." He turned his gaze upward, locking onto the dark figure of King Arthur as the rifts expanded and shadow knights began pouring out

Honey skidded to a halt beside him, squinting at the sight. "What in the world is that?!"

Percival froze in place, her sword slipping slightly in her grip. Her voice trembled with recognition. "It cannot be… That's King Arthur! He was defeated—by Sir Sonic!"

Honey blinked, spinning to face Percival. "Wait, hold up. You know who Sonic is?"

Percival hesitated but nodded, her attention still fixed on the chaos above. "Yes, but this is not the time for explanations! If King Arthur has returned, this place is in grave danger!"

Before either of them could say more, several of the shadow knights descended from the cracks above, landing in the trio's path. Their glowing, otherworldly eyes locked onto the group, their monstrous weapons drawn

Honey cracked her knuckles. "Great. First the cops, now these guys. My favorite knight isn't here… ugh.."

Percival steadied her blade, her stance firm as she prepared for the fight. " We'll have to handle this ourselves."

The shadow knights charged forward, their twisted forms exuding dark energy. Honey launched into action, somersaulting over the first knight and delivering a sharp kick to its head, sending it staggering backward. "Come on, you clunkers! Let's dance!"

Percival slashed through another knight with graceful precision, her movements a perfect blend of skill and speed

Gamma's cannons powered up, firing a controlled burst that knocked two knights off their feet

The three worked in tandem, fending off the relentless wave of knights. Honey flipped and weaved through their attacks, landing blows with her sharp claws, while Percival cut through their ranks with calculated strikes. Gamma's energy blasts provided cover, creating openings for the others to advance

But the shadow knights kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless. Honey gritted her teeth, her frustration mounting. "Seriously, where's Lancelot? This would be so much easier with him here!"

To Lancelot

The air was thick with chaos as more police drones swarmed the city, engaging in fierce battles against the shadow knights. Their lasers and projectiles collided with the dark energies of the knights, causing bursts of light and shadow to illuminate the city's futuristic skyline.

Amidst the growing conflict, Lancelot pushed onward, his focus unshaken as he launches himself in the air land warps, closing the gap between himself and King Arthur

With a burst of speed, Lancelot warped directly in front of his former king, his sword drawn and ready. "This ends now, Arthur!"

King Arthur halted his spectral steed mid-flight, his glowing eyes narrowing as he smirked. "Ah, my loyal knight. You've grown faster… But let us see if speed alone can best me."

Their swords clashed with a thunderous boom, sparks flying as their blades collided. Lancelot fought with unrelenting fury, each strike filled with determination. However, King Arthur parried each blow effortlessly

"You've improved, Lancelot," Arthur said, his tone laced with mockery. "But you lack the power to truly challenge me."

With a sudden shift in momentum, King Arthur knocked Lancelot's blade aside and delivered a powerful kick, sending him hurtling toward the ground. Lancelot crashed onto the rooftop of a nearby building, cracking the structure beneath him.

Gritting his teeth, Lancelot forced himself to stand, his eyes blazing with frustration as he looked up to see King Arthur hovering above him. Arthur laughed darkly, raising his sword once more to tear open another crack in time. "You'll have to do better than that, my pupil. Until next time."

As Arthur vanished into the crack, more shadow knights began pouring out, their dark forms descending upon the city like a plague. Lancelot clenched his fist, his rage boiling over. He raised his sword and slashed it downward, releasing a burst of energy that shattered the ground beneath him. "Coward!" he roared, furious that Arthur had slipped away yet again.

But then he paused, forcing himself to focus. "The shard… I need to find the shard," he muttered, shaking off his anger. With a deep breath, he leapt from the rooftop, heading back toward his companions.

To the others

Honey, Percival, and Gamma skidded to a halt as their path was blocked by towering shadow knights wielding massive axes. The knights' glowing red eyes and dark armor made them an imposing sight, their presence radiating an aura of menace

Honey groaned, throwing up her hands. "Great, more of these creepy things! What are they supposed to be!?"

Percival stepped forward, her grip tightening on her sword. "They are the Knights of the Underworld," she said solemnly. "Dark warriors bound to serve King Arthur…"

As if to prove her point, one of the giant knights raised its axe and brought it crashing down, narrowly missing the group as they scattered

Honey darted to the side, her heart pounding. "Oh, fantastic! That's just what we needed—bigger, meaner versions of the freaks we've been fighting!"

Gamma's sensors flared as more shadow knights began to emerge from the surrounding cracks, their numbers steadily growing. "Hostiles increasing. Tactical disadvantage noted."

Percival raised her blade, her eyes scanning the battlefield. "Stay close and focus on defense. We cannot let them overwhelm us."

Honey rolled her eyes but nodded, crouching into a fighting stance. "Right, because this isn't overwhelming already."

Percival moved with graceful precision, her blade parrying and striking with calculated movements. Honey darted around with agility, striking weak points and evading attacks. Gamma stood his ground, using brute strength to knock back shadow knights

As the trio could then hear what's clearly Lancelot zooming over

Lancelot wasted no time, soaring through the air and raining down chaos spears with deadly accuracy. The glowing projectiles struck several shadow knights, disintegrating them instantly and providing much-needed relief to the group

As he landed, he drew his blade, cleaving through two more knights with a single swing

"Lancelot!" Honey called out, her voice a mix of relief and irritation. "Took you long enough!"

Lancelot gave her a quick nod, then turned to Gamma. "How close are we to the shard?"

Gamma's sensors whirred as he scanned the area, his mechanical voice cutting through the chaos. "The shard is located in a large structure approximately 800 meters ahead." He raised an arm and pointed. "That building."

The group turned to see the building Gamma indicated. It was expansive, its exterior covered in neon lights and massive holographic advertisements

Honey blinked in disbelief. "Wait a minute… that's a mall! And not just any mall—the Metal City Grand Mall! I was just there a while back!"

Percival gave her a sharp look. "This is hardly the time for whatever that was, Honey"

Honey crossed her arms as they began moving toward the mall. "I'm just saying, who puts a shard of the Master Emerald in a mall?!...oh.."

Shadow knights continued to swarm, but Lancelot and Gamma took the lead, carving a path forward. Lancelot unleashed more chaos spears, their energy blasts obliterating clusters of knights, while Gamma's laser cannon provided cover fire, taking down enemies from a distance

As they pushed forward, Honey glanced at Lancelot. "You know, if the universe wasn't in danger right now, I'd probably make you try on some new outfits. Your whole dark-and-broody knight thing? It's getting old."

Lancelot glanced at her, visibly puzzled. "What do my garments have to do with the situation at hand?"

Honey rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Never mind. Fashion's clearly wasted on you."

Percival, who had been quiet, suddenly interjected. "Lancelot and I should focus on catching up on our patrols once this is over. There's much to discuss."

Her pointed tone wasn't lost on Honey, who shot her a brief glare. "Oh, I'm sure he's just dying to hear about that, So let's find this shard and save the world. And maybe pick up a smoothie while we're at it."

Lancelot raised an eyebrow. "A… smoothie?"

Honey waved him off with a laugh as they pressed forward

Lancelot, Percival, and Gamma crashed through one of the mall's large windows, glass shattering in every direction as they landed in the middle of a sprawling atrium. People scattered in a panic, some shouting in confusion, others snapping pictures

Just then, Honey burst through the automatic doors, glaring at them with exasperation. "Seriously?! There's a perfectly fine door right here!" She pointed dramatically at the intact entrance behind her. "You guys ever think about not causing property damage for once?"

Lancelot adjusted his stance, unfazed. "The quickest path to the shard is a straight line."

Honey groaned, throwing her hands up. "Straight through the mall? Do you know how much worse we're going to look when this is over?"

Before anyone could reply, shadow knights began pouring into the atrium, their dark armor gleaming under the artificial lights.

Lancelot was the first to charge, his sword cutting through the first wave of enemies with ease. Percival followed suit, her blade flashing as she danced through the chaos, while Gamma opened fire with his laser cannon, blasting a group of knights to pieces.

Honey sighed, muttering, "This is gonna cost a fortune in repairs," before leaping into the fray herself

As they fought, the battle spilled into nearby stores. Lancelot drove a knight into a clothing boutique, slashing through racks of expensive suits. Percival flipped over a display table in a gadget shop, using it as cover while she cut down another opponent. Gamma stomped through a furniture outlet, blasting apart anything that moved

"Guys, can we not trash everything?!" Honey shouted as she dodged a knight's swing, landing squarely in a home goods store. She retaliated with a swift kick, sending the knight crashing into a shelf of plates, which shattered on impact. "…oops.."

Gamma's sensors beeped suddenly, and he turned to the group. "The Master Emerald shard is located in a jewelry store approximately 50 meters ahead."

Honey froze mid-swing, turning to Gamma with wide eyes. "Wait… it's in a jewelry store?" She looked around at the already-destroyed mall and sighed. "Yeah, we're definitely not explaining our way out of this." She paused before muttering under her breath, "I'll just blame Percival later."

Percival, having overheard, shot her a glare but said nothing, focusing instead on deflecting an incoming strike

As they began to push toward the jewelry store, a new wave of shadow knights materialized, this time larger and more heavily armored. These knights wielded massive axes as Lancelot lunged forward, his blade meeting the heavy axe of one knight. Sparks flew as the two clashed, their strength evenly matched. Lancelot grit his teeth and unleashed a chaos spear at point-blank range, blasting the knight backward into a pillar

Percival faced two knights at once, their hammer strikes shattering the tile floor around her. She weaved between their attacks, her blade flashing as she struck their joints, forcing them to their knees before delivering a final blow

Gamma took on the largest of the knights, his laser cannon firing nonstop. When the knight's massive shield blocked his shots, Gamma switched tactics, grabbing the knight by its arm and using sheer force to hurl it through the window of a nearby electronics store

Honey, meanwhile, darted between opponents, her quick strikes targeting weak points in their armor. "This is not how I planned my day," she muttered as she tripped a knight into a cosmetics display, sending makeup products flying everywhere

Despite their best efforts, the knights seemed endless, and the group found themselves fighting harder with each passing moment

"We're almost there!" Gamma announced, his voice cutting through the chaos

"Then let's finish this," Lancelot growled, slashing through another knight as they fought their way closer to the jewelry store, the glowing aura of the Master Emerald shard now faintly visible behind a shattered glass case.

Lancelot dashed to the front of the group, his sword glowing with a dark energy as he raised it high

"Chaos Punishment!" he bellowed, unleashing a massive shockwave of destructive energy. The chaos blast erupted outward, obliterating the shadow knights in its path and leaving the surrounding area in shambles. Entire storefronts crumbled, display cases shattered, and debris rained down across the mall

Honey threw her hands up in defeat, muttering to herself, "What's the point? I'd lecture him, but it's like scolding a brick wall. A chaotic brick wall." She sighed, stepping back to avoid falling rubble

Lancelot's crimson gaze locked onto the glowing shard of the Master Emerald in the ruined jewelry store's shattered display case

The Instant his fingers closed around it, the world around them shifted. Blinding white light enveloped everything

Back to the void

Play: Shadow Generations OST – White Space

Lancelot stood motionless, his grip on the shard tightening as his eyes glazed over, staring into something far beyond the present. A deep silence settled over the group, broken only by the faint hum of the void itself

"Lancelot?" Percival stepped closer to him, her voice trembling slightly. When he didn't respond, she reached out, her hand hovering uncertainly over his shoulder as she tapped him. But still no response

"Lancelot! Please, answer me!"

Honey frowned, glancing at Percival. "Relax, Percival. This has been happening every time he grabs a shard. It's weird, yeah, but he snaps out of it eventually."

Percival turned toward her, her normally composed demeanor cracking under the weight of her concern. "Eventually isn't good enough, Honey! What if—what if this time he doesn't come back?" She gripped her blade tightly, as if preparing to fight off whatever unseen force had claimed Lancelot's mind

Honey softened slightly, putting a hand on her hip. "Look, I get it, okay? But panicking won't help. He's been through worse and come out fine. He'll be fine this time, too."

Percival's eyes darted back to Lancelot, who remained eerily still. "You don't know that…." Her voice cracked, and she lowered it to a whisper. "I've seen him fight through pain, anger, even despair…"

Gamma's monotone voice broke through the tension. "Subject Lancelot is experiencing a form of cognitive dissonance, likely triggered by interaction with the Master Emerald shard. Analysis suggests that his psyche is intact but temporarily disrupted."

Percival shook her head, frustration bubbling beneath her concern. "What does that even mean? Is he okay or not?"

Gamma turned to her. "He is functional. A reset in his neural patterns is imminent."

Percival dropped her sword slightly, staring intently at Lancelot. "Lancelot… I need you to come back. Please. I can't… I won't lose you."

Eventually, Lancelot blinked, his crimson eyes regaining focus. He looked around the void, confused at first, before his gaze settled on Percival

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with concern

Percival let out a shaky breath, her grip on her sword tightening. "Am I alright?..." Percival let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "You scared me, you fool! Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Lancelot blinked, his brows furrowing. "But Percival, I'm fine," he said softly, his tone meant to reassure her

"That's what you always say," Percival snapped, stepping closer. "...I'm sorry… seeing that beast made me concerned. As if it's different.."

Lancelot's expression softened. "I'm still here, Percival. I won't disappear "

Honey, watching the exchange, crossed her arms and smirked. "Glad to see the touching knightly drama, but can we focus on getting out of this void before something else shows up?"

Gamma scanned the void, his sensors flickering. "The spatial distortion is beginning to stabilize. We must proceed to recover the remaining Master Emerald shards to fully restore balance."

As then. They heard the stature begin to make a noise, The group turned their attention to the statue started to regain color and life. Revealing. Jet the Hawk

"Where... where am I?" he demanded, his sharp voice cutting through the void. Jet the Hawk's piercing eyes scanned the vast expanse around him before narrowing on the group. "And who are all of you?"

Honey raised an eyebrow, her hands on her hips. "Welcome back to life bird brain. Don't worry; it's only the end of the universe."

Jet scowled, clearly unimpressed. His gaze settled on Lancelot, studying him intently. "Wait a second… Are you Sonic's brother or something? You look just like him."

Lancelot's crimson eyes met Jet's. "I'm not."

Jet waved a dismissive hand. "Doesn't matter. I don't have time for this. Wave and Storm are out there somewhere, and they're probably in trouble." He hopped onto his hoverboard, the device humming to life beneath him. Without another word, Jet zoomed off into the void, leaving a faint green trail behind

Honey sighed, throwing her arms up. "Well… that was quick" She glanced at Lancelot. "You sure we shouldn't stop him?"

Lancelot's tone was resolute. "Let him be, whoever he is. He has a flying machine to help him"

Without waiting for a response, he turned and began walking back toward the safe house

As the group followed, Gamma turned to Percival, his monotone voice providing a breakdown of events. "Considering the Master Emerald shards are needed to help restore everything. It may come with potential side effects.."

Percival nodded attentively, though her focus occasionally shifted to Lancelot's back. "What….what do you mean?" Her voice trailed off, concern visible in her expression as she kept glancing at Lancelot.

Gamma continued, "Sir Lancelot's contact with the shards may be eliciting personal effects. Further observation is required. To understand what he is seeing"

Honey moved closer to Lancelot, falling into step beside him. She studied him for a moment before speaking, her voice light but with a hint of playfulness. "You know, you're not the easiest guy to talk to, are you?"

Lancelot didn't look at her, his tone flat. "I wasn't aware conversation was a priority."

Honey smirked, tilting her head slightly to catch his gaze. "It might not be a priority, but it sure would make things easier. Like, for instance, telling me what you see when you grab those shards. I'm starting to think you're hiding something juicy."

Lancelot's eyes flicked toward her, briefly meeting her playful expression, but he said nothing

"Come on," she continued, leaning a little closer, her tone softening. "You don't have to carry whatever it is alone. Besides, don't you think you owe me for putting up with all this chaos?" She gestured around them dramatically before letting her hand brush his arm in an almost casual manner.

Lancelot slowed his pace slightly. "…It's nothing anyone needs to worry about. I am sorry.."

Honey huffed, her smirk fading into a wry smile. "You're impossible, you know that? Fine, keep your secrets. But don't think I'll stop asking." She stepped ahead of him slightly, tossing over her shoulder, "Just try not to make a habit of scaring us all to death, okay?"

"You've seen me do it before… what makes this any different?"

"…well. Naturally your fellow knight friend seemed more paranoid as if she saw you dead. And it made me think something different happened this time"

Percival, who had been walking slightly behind, caught up to them and shot a sharp look at Lancelot. "She's right, you know. Whatever's happening to you—don't think you can just ignore it." Her tone was firm, but concern lingered in her voice. "We've all been through too much to let you fall apart now."

Lancelot's steps faltered again, and he gave her a quiet, almost reluctant nod. "I'm fine," he said softly

And before either of them girls could nag him more. There was a sudden voice that called out

"Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me?" said the voice

"!" said both Lancelot and Percival confusing Honey

Lancelot and Percival immediately froze in their tracks, their eyes widening in recognition. Without hesitation, they dashed ahead, their movements quick and focused

"Wait up!" Honey called after them, rolling her eyes. "What's the rush now?"

They followed the voice, and soon enough, they came upon its source—a sword embedded in the cracked, barren ground. Its hilt gleamed faintly, radiating a presence that Percival and Lancelot both recognized instantly

"Caliburn…" Lancelot breathed, his voice low but filled with relief

The sword stirred, its faint glow intensifying as it spoke. "Ah, Sir Lancelot, Lady Percival. It seems fate has drawn us together once again."

"How did you end up here?" Percival asked, her tone filled with equal parts surprise and concern

"I assume the same way the rest of you did," Caliburn replied, his tone carrying a hint of his usual wisdom. "The shadow beast."

Lancelot stepped forward, placing a hand on the hilt. "Do you mind if I pull you out?"

"By all means," Caliburn replied. "It would be quite undignified for me to remain in such a state."

With a firm but careful pull, Lancelot freed Caliburn from the ground. The sword's glow brightened as it adjusted to its newfound freedom

"There is a safe house nearby," Lancelot said, his grip steady on the blade. "You can stay there until we've restored order to this realm."

Caliburn hummed approvingly. "Spoken like a true knight. Chivalry has not abandoned you, Sir Lancelot."

Honey stood a few steps back, her jaw nearly dropping. "Wait. Hold on. That sword just talked." She pointed an accusing finger at Caliburn. "Is this normal for you guys?"

Percival allowed herself a small smile. "Very much so." As Honey was stunned seeing Caliburn the sword hopping over

"Uh huh…. You know. I may need to see your world for myself" said Honey "…maybe I'll need a guide perhaps?.." giving Lancelot a wink. Earning her an unhappy look from Percival

"I'm sure there are other guides willing to take visitors to Camelot" said Percival passive aggressively

"Well. I'm sure the exotic ones can always drum up more people to come. Like.. I don't know. Legendary Lancelot" said Honey with a slight smugness as she and Percival once again give each other subtle looks of competition

"Perhaps you have found yourself in a rather emotionally precarious position. No doubt Nimue would be happy to hear as well?" said Caliburn with a slight teasing manner

"..don't remind me" muttered Lancelot

Little later

As the group returned to the safe house, the warm glow of its interior lights greeted them. Chip immediately rushed to the door, his small wings fluttering with excitement.

"Hey, you're back!" he chirped, his face lighting up even more when he noticed the newcomers. "Oh wow, more friends! Hi there! I'm Chip!"

Percival gave a small nod. "A pleasure. I am Percival."

Chip's eyes widened as they fell on Caliburn. "Whoa! A talking sword? That's so cool!"

Caliburn gave a polite incline of his blade. "And you, little one, are certainly… energetic."

As they all settled in, Percival took a moment to glance around the safe house, her gaze lingering on its ornate décor. "This place…" she began, her voice curious. "It looks as though it was owned by someone noble. Perhaps even royalty. What is it doing here, in the void?"

"I'm not sure," Lancelot admitted, his tone distant. "It was here when I arrived."

Before anyone could say more, a small green blur hopped onto the table, startling Percival with a loud croak. She instinctively stepped back, her hand reaching for her sword.

Honey immediately burst out laughing, doubling over as she pointed at Percival. "Hahaha! It's just Froggy!"

Lancelot sighed, giving the frog a brief glance before turning to Percival. "Yes, that's Froggy. He's harmless."

Percival eased her stance, though her wary eyes stayed on Froggy. "Harmless or not, a warning would have been appreciated," she muttered, earning another chuckle from Honey

As the group began settling down, Gamma's optical sensors scanned Caliburn with interest. His head tilted slightly, and his monotone voice broke the quiet. "You are an extraordinary anomaly. How is it that you can talk?"

Caliburn's blade gleamed faintly as he answered, his tone calm but proud. "I am no ordinary sword. I am Caliburn, the legendary sword. My origins lie beyond what most would consider commonplace."

Chip, perched nearby, practically buzzed with excitement. "Whoa! So cool! Does that mean there are other talking swords where you're from?"

Caliburn chuckled lightly. "If there are, I have neither seen nor heard of them. My existence remains… unique."

Chip's curiosity only deepened. "Do you want chocolate? It's the best!"

"While your offer is kind, I do not require sustenance. A sword, even one as sentient as I, has no need for food." Said Caliburn

The room grew quieter for a moment before Caliburn turned toward Gamma, his voice now carrying a hint of intrigue. "You, however, are no less extraordinary. What sorcery animates you, machine? What power allows you such sentience?"

Gamma responded in his characteristic monotone. "I am not animated by sorcery. My functions are powered by mechanical engineering, circuitry, and programming. My sentience is artificial, derived from advanced algorithms and design."

Caliburn considered this for a moment, humming softly. "Fascinating. A creation of logic and ingenuity rather than mysticism. Truly, this world—and the void we now stand in—holds wonders beyond imagination."

Chip, unable to contain himself, chimed in again. "You guys are so cool! A legendary sword, a robot, knights, and, uh… Honey! We're like the best team ever!"

Honey smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "Of course, we are. Though I'm the one keeping things interesting" as she turned to Lancelot "And you're the one that makes us click" she said with subtle flirtatiousness

Which earned a subtle grimace from Percival

Lancelot then made his way near the safehouse window, the faint glow of the void casting a strange light on his figure as he turned to Caliburn. "Tell me, Caliburn," he began, his voice calm but firm. "Do you know anything about the shadow monster? Could it have ties to Merlina?"

Caliburn let out a sigh. "I regret to say that I am unsure. While Merlina's actions left scars on our world, I have no evidence to suggest she is connected to this beast. Though, her mastery of magic makes it… possible."

Lancelot's gaze lowered for a moment before he raised another question. "And what of King Arthur? Have you seen him here?"

At this, Caliburn stiffened in shock. His voice, usually steady, wavered slightly. "King Arthur? Lancelot… you know as well as I that Sonic and I struck him down. He should not exist in this or any realm."

Gamma's monotone voice broke into the conversation. "The void in which we exist appears to be outside the normal flow of time. It is possible that fragments of the past, present, and future converge here. Encounters with beings thought lost are feasible."

Caliburn hummed thoughtfully. "A curious perspective, machine. If that is true, this place holds both great danger and potential. But I fear I have no further answers. My apologies, Lancelot—I am not of much use to you at the moment."

Lancelot shook his head, his grip on Caliburn steady. "You're wrong. I'll need your wisdom before this is over."

Turning to the others, Lancelot raised his voice. "Gamma, Honey, Percival—are you ready to move out?"

The group quickly prepared, gathering their weapons and ensuring they had what they needed.

"I'm good to go!" Honey chirped, adjusting her gloves.

"As am I," Percival said, her tone poised yet determined.

Gamma nodded, his mechanical limbs whirring to life. "All systems operational."

As they headed for the door, Caliburn's voice rang out once more. "I look forward to seeing your progress, Lancelot, in restoring the balance of these fractured realms. May your knightly resolve guide you."

"Thank you Caliburn" said Lancelot as he then began leave, followed by both Percival and Honey

"I hope you may answers some inquiries I have once we return" said Gamma

"Then consider it done machine. I look forward to hearing" said Caliburn as he, Froggy, and Chip watched Gamma depart

"So Caliburn. You know. I have a friend that deals with stuff like this" said Chip

"Pray tell, who is this you speak of?" said Caliburn

"His name is Sonic" said Chip

"-?" said Caliburn surprised at the mention of Sonic "So you know Sonic as well?"

"of course. I went on an adventure with him to stop the Gaia" said Chip

"That sounds like a fascinating tale, for jts been a while since I seen Sonic. I would love to hear what he has been up to since I last saw him"

"Wait so you know him too!?" said Chip surprised

"indeed" said Caliburn "Now please. Tell your tale, and I shall tell you mine in return"

This got Chip to smile as Froggy then hopped by as if it were curious to hear about Chip's story

To the group

As they traversed the endless expanse of the void, Honey glanced at Lancelot, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "So… Caliburn. A talking sword. How does that even work?"

Lancelot, walking a few paces ahead, glanced back at her. "Magic, I suppose. I'm not entirely sure myself."

Honey chuckled, placing her hands on her hips. "Magic, huh? Guess that's the catch-all answer for anything weird. Makes sense coming from someone who swings it around like an old friend."

Percival chimed in, her tone light but pointed. "Caliburn is a companion of great wisdom and history. Far more than just a sword. It would honor to wield such a blade." She cast a glance toward Lancelot, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Not that everyone would appreciate the gravity of that." As Percival imagined Lancelot wielding Caliburn to fight the shadow monster

"Oh, I appreciate it," Honey replied with a cheeky grin. "But I think Lancelot's skill would shine even if he were swinging a broomstick."

Percival tilted her head slightly, her calm demeanor masking a subtle sharpness. "True, but perhaps it's the connection between knight and blade that truly matters. Something you can only understand through… shared battles."

Honey smirked, raising a brow. "Oh, I've shared plenty of battles. And I'd say I know Lancelot pretty well by now. Right, Lance?"

Before Lancelot could respond, his steps slowed, and he held up a hand, signaling for silence. His gaze turned upward, his crimson eyes narrowing.

"What is it?" Percival asked, instantly alert.

"I feel it again," Lancelot murmured. "Something's calling me."

The group followed his line of sight to see a massive doorway high above, its frame constructed of interlocking, spinning cogs. Platforms spiraled upward toward the entrance, much like the one they had seen before their battle with Zavok

Honey groaned as she saw the telltale flicker in Lancelot's stance. "Don't even think about it, Lancelot. Don't you dare run off—"

But her words were wasted. In an instant, Lancelot darted forward, leaping effortlessly onto the first platform.

"Of course," Honey muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "He did it again."

Percival, watching Lancelot ascend, folded her arms and said in a measured tone, "He has always acted with decisive confidence. Perhaps you should trust him more." Her words carried a subtle edge, her gaze flicking toward Honey

Honey shot her a sidelong glare, her cheerful tone giving way to a hint of challenge. "Oh, I trust him just fine. It's his habit of going solo that's the problem."

Percival smiled faintly, though her eyes held firm. "A true knight knows when to act alone. It's a testament to his faith in his own abilities—and, perhaps, his faith in us to follow."

Their glares lingered, an unspoken rivalry crackling in the air, until Gamma interrupted in his neutral, mechanical tone. "Recommend cessation of interpersonal conflict. Pursuit of Lancelot is more efficient when conducted together."

The tension broke as Honey rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, I'm going."

Percival nodded and leaped onto the first platform, her movements fluid and deliberate. Honey followed, muttering under her breath about stubborn knights and mechanical know-it-alls

The three of them climbed swiftly, catching sight of Lancelot just as he disappeared through the doorway. Honey stopped for a moment, placing her hands on her hips. "Unbelievable. He couldn't wait two minutes for backup."

Gamma tilted his head. "Analysis: habitual behavior. Lancelot prioritizes objectives over tactical collaboration."

Percival glanced at Honey, her tone calm but unmistakably pointed. "And yet, he achieves results. Perhaps that's why we follow him, despite his impulsiveness."

Honey sighed, suppressing the urge to snap back. "Let's just go"

Play: Super Smash Bros Ultimate OST – Spark Man Theme

As the group stepped through the doorway, they found themselves standing in the ruins of a city unfamiliar to them. Crumbling buildings, shattered glass, and twisted metal painted a grim picture of destruction. The air was thick with tension, and the cold wind carried faint echoes of chaos.

Honey frowned, glancing around. "Where are we?"

"I don't know," Lancelot admitted, his tone firm but uneasy. His crimson eyes scanned the desolate streets, trying to piece together their location.

Percival placed a hand on the hilt of her sword, her posture tense. "This place… it feels like a city, but it's like no city I've ever seen before."

Gamma's sensors whirred softly. "Location unknown. Environmental analysis indicates extensive damage. Suggest heightened vigilance."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden surge of green electricity crackled in the sky above them, drawing their attention. A sleek, egg-shaped pod floated into view, illuminated by the unnatural glow of the energy surrounding it.

Inside, a man stood with an unmistakable aura of arrogance. His lean frame, sharp features, and neatly styled mustache and a shiny bad head. He smirked as his piercing gaze locked onto the group.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Look what we have here. Visitors in my little corner of… let's call it 'unreality.'" He spread his arms dramatically, the green electricity dancing between his fingers. "Welcome! You're just in time to witness my glorious work."

"Who are you?" Lancelot demanded, stepping forward with his sword drawn.

The man's smirk widened. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Dr. Robotnik. Or, as some like to call me, Eggman."

Honey blinked, taking a step back in surprise. "Wait a second! You're Eggman? But… you're not fat! You're supposed to be this big, round guy!"

Eggman's smirk turned into a grin. "Oh really? A sad, bulbous caricature of genius the other me is. But thank you for noticing the obvious superiority of this physique. It's not often I'm complimented by my enemies." He gave an exaggerated bow before laughing ominously

"Enough of this nonsense!" Lancelot snapped. "We're not here to flatter you. Tell us why you've brought us here!"

Eggman raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I brought you here? Oh no, my dear knight, you're the ones who came stumbling into my domain." His tone shifted, becoming sharper. "The better question is, why are you here?"

"We're looking for the Master Emerald shard," Lancelot said, his voice steady. "Where is it?"

Eggman's grin widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "Ah, the Master Emerald shard. Such a fascinating little trinket, isn't it? I both have it… and don't have it."

Honey tilted her head. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Eggman chuckled darkly, spinning the green electricity around him into an orb that pulsed with energy. "It means, my dear interlopers, that you've just stepped into a game far beyond your understanding. The shard's fate—much like yours—is mine to decide."

Lancelot's grip tightened on his sword, his gaze unwavering. "Enough riddles. Hand over the shard."

Eggman floated higher, looking down on them with a condescending smirk. "Oh, I'd love to chat more, but I have far grander plans in motion. If you want the shard, you'll have to earn it."

The green electricity crackled louder as the ruins around them began to tremble, and shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally. Eggman's laugh echoed through the city as he disappeared into the electrified void

"Ladies, knights, and… antiquated scrap metal! Welcome to the new Eggman Dimension—now with bonus chaos insanity!" said Eggman striking a pose

Honey crossed her arms, her usual cheer replaced with frustration. "This guy's way too smug for his own good."

Gamma's sensors hummed. "Recommendation: pursue Eggman's trail immediately. High probability of Master Emerald shard possession."

As the group pressed forward through the ruins of the city, Eggman's electrifying laugh echoed through the air. Hovering above in his egg-shaped pod, he dramatically raised his arms, green chaos energy crackling wildly around him

"Agent Stone!" he called, his voice sharp yet theatrical. "Ready my Austrian goat milk latte. I'll be enjoying a well-earned break after I squash these intruders like bugs."

"Yes, Doctor," came a faint reply from the distance, followed by the sound of hurried preparations

Eggman turned his attention back to the group, his smirk growing wider. "Oh, this is going to be delightful. I've been saving this chaos power for a rematch with that irritating hedgehog, but you'll make fine replacements!"

As he began to sway to an imaginary beat, he broke into a dance, twirling and spinning with uncharacteristic energy. "Let's get this party started with a little… Blitzkrieg bop!" With a dramatic flourish, the green chaos energy surged outward, seeping into the surrounding ruins. Abandoned vehicles, broken machinery, and fragments of technology suddenly twisted and reformed, transforming into Eggman's signature egg drones

The newly-formed army of drones came to life with a chorus of mechanical whirs and blips, their red sensors locking onto the group

"…What sorcery could create such madness?" said Percival

"Madness? No, no, no – this is ART! It's called 'Eggpressionism!' You'll learn to appreciate it… once you are all sleeping in the dirt" said Eggman snapping his fingers chuckling as he began to float away. "Now have fun! I have a mech to prepare!"

To the mech

Far away in the distance, an enormous machine began to take shape. Metal plates snapped into place, gears turned, and glowing chaos energy pulsed through its massive form. In the cockpit, Agent Stone eagerly leaned forward, watching the mech take shape.

"This is incredible, Doctor!" Stone exclaimed, grinning with childlike enthusiasm. "So uh…Where are we exactly?"

Eggman gave a theatrical shrug, his grin almost splitting his face. "Oh, I don't know, Stone. Berlin… or at least what's left of it. Doesn't it just scream chaotic grandeur?"

Agent Stone nodded eagerly. "It's perfect."

"Of course it is," Eggman said smugly. "Now, you'll be piloting this masterpiece until I return. Keep the engine warm, and don't scratch the paint!" With a snap of his fingers, he disappeared in a flash of green light.

"Now Just wait until I turn the Reichstag into a giant robotic disco ball."

Back to the others

Back near the group, the egg drones surged forward, surrounding Lancelot, Percival, Gamma, and Honey

Lancelot raised his sword, his eyes narrowing. "Everyone, focus on the drones. We can't let them overwhelm us."

"Got it!" Honey shouted as she leaped into the fray, her agility allowing her to land precise, powerful kicks that sent drones flying

Percival moved with a dancer's grace, cutting through the drones with sweeping strikes. "These machines are nothing but toys. We'll carve through them."

Gamma's sensors locked onto several drones at once, his arm cannon firing off precise bursts of energy. "Enemy units neutralized. Continuing assault."

a sudden whirlwind of debris formed around them. Torn metal, shattered glass, and chunks of concrete spun in a deadly vortex

Eggman's voice rang out above them as he reappeared, perched on a platform of green chaos energy.

"Oh, don't think I forgot about you! Time for a little weather experiment—how about a tornado of destruction?"

The tornado surged toward them, threatening to tear them apart. Honey leaped back, shielding her face. "He's really not pulling any punches, is he?"

"Threat analysis: ninety-seven percent probability of chaotic destruction. Calculating countermeasures." Said Gamma

"I hope it's a good plan!" said Honey as Eggman teleported right in front of them

"Hello everyone! Or should I say Guten tag!" said Eggman "My mech is still in progress" as he electrifies himself "Now who wants to dance first?"

Lancelot dashed forward with incredible speed, leaping from debris to debris, his sword poised for a decisive strike. As he closed in, Eggman smirked and raised his arms. With lightning-quick reflexes, he caught the blade mid-swing, sparks flying as his chaos-imbued durability matched Lancelot's strength.

"Not bad, knight boy," Eggman said mockingly, pushing back against the sword. "But you'll need more than fancy tricks to impress me!"

Lancelot growled, flipping backward to gain some distance before hurling chaos spears at Eggman. The emerald-tinted bolts streaked toward him, but Eggman countered with crackling green electricity from his palms, causing an explosive clash mid-air

"Hah!" Eggman laughed as he hovered slightly higher. "Whoever you and your ragtag friends are, you're far more entertaining than that stupid blue hedgehog!" His manic grin grew wider as he fired another surge of chaos energy

Lancelot darted through the air, slashing and parrying with relentless fury. The two traded blow after blow, each strike sending shockwaves across the ruined city. The sound of clashing energy echoed, and for a brief moment, it seemed like Lancelot might gain the upper hand

But Eggman anticipated his next move, using a surge of energy to land a powerful blow, sending Lancelot hurtling through the air. He crashed into a pile of debris, the impact creating a cloud of dust and rubble.

"Lancelot!" Honey cried out as she and Percival jumped down from the platform, rushing to his side. Honey knelt beside him, gently shaking his shoulder. "Are you alright? Say something!"

Lancelot coughed, his armor scuffed and cracked but intact. "I've… been better," he muttered, struggling to sit up. As he Honey and Percival supported him

Percival glared at Eggman, her grip on her blade tightening. "…He'll pay for this."

Meanwhile, Gamma took aim at Eggman, his targeting systems locking onto him. "Enemy threat identified. Commencing counterattack." Gamma unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each one precise and aimed at Eggman's vital points

But Eggman remained unfazed, casually zapping each shot with a flick of his finger, the green electricity obliterating Gamma's lasers in mid-air. He even let out an exaggerated yawn, stretching dramatically

"Is this the best you've got? Come on!" Eggman taunted as he began descending toward the group. His smirk grew even more sinister as his boots touched the ground, chaos energy rippling around him. "Now then… who's next?"

Honey stepped forward, her fists clenched. "You're going to regret that," she said, her tone sharp.

Eggman tilted his head mockingly. "Oh, am I? By all means, give me your best shot. Let's see if you can keep up with me!"

Percival's frustration boiled over as flames erupted from her blade. Her eyes burned with fiery determination as she lunged at Eggman, her sword trailing an arc of searing fire.

"You'll pay for your arrogance!" she shouted, her strikes blazing with intensity.

Eggman chuckled darkly, sidestepping each swing with an infuriating grace, almost as if he were performing a dance. "Oh, my dear knight," he teased, spinning to avoid another fiery slash. "All this passion, and yet you still can't touch me. How tragic!"

Percival roared in frustration, increasing the intensity of her attacks, only for Eggman to counter with a burst of green electricity. The energy crackled and struck her directly, sending her flying backward. She collided with Honey, and both girls tumbled into the debris

"Two birds with one zap," Eggman mocked, lowering his hand as he began to charge another attack. "You ladies are entertaining, but honestly, I expected more. Maybe I should call Sonic—oh wait, he's not here!" He laughed maniacally, the green glow around him intensifying.

Honey groaned, helping Percival to her feet as the two stared down the mad doctor. "This guy's insane," Honey muttered

"And dangerous," Percival added, her frustration giving way to determination

Eggman raised his hand, chaos energy sparking wildly at his fingertips. "Now, let's make this interesting," he sneered, firing twin bolts of chaos energy toward the two girls

But before the attack could connect, Lancelot warped in front of them, his sword raised. The chaos bolts collided with his blade, sparks flying as he absorbed the brunt of the attack

"Are you two alright?" he asked, his voice steady despite the strain of holding back the energy

Honey and Percival nodded, their resolve strengthened by his protective gesture

Eggman tilted his head, his expression one of amused disbelief. "How noble of you, Sir Lancelot. Protecting your maidens, even when you know it's futile." He chuckled, descending closer to the ground. "But don't you see? With these chaos powers, I am unstoppable! No sword, no flame, no machine can touch me. You're fighting a god!"

Lancelot lowered his sword slightly, his grip tightening as he stared Eggman "Those who claim to God will always have their downfall.." he said coldly

Eggman's smirk faltered for a brief moment before returning with even more malice. "Oh, I do hope you'll try to prove that," he said, electricity sparking around him. "Because I'm not done with you yet!"

He then raised his arms theatrically, calling forth broken machinery scattered across the battlefield. The debris soared through the air, coalescing into a larger, more intricate machine. Amid the swirling chaos, a faint green glow caught Lancelot's sharp eye

"The Master Emerald shard!" Lancelot exclaimed, his focus locking onto the glimmer of power

Eggman paused, his gaze following Lancelot's. His eyes widened momentarily before a maniacal grin spread across his face. "Well, what do you know?" he sneered. "There it is! Another taste of ultimate power!" He reached out, and the shard flew into his hand, radiating an ominous light

Lancelot surged forward, sword raised to strike. But just as Arondight was about to connect, Eggman made a dramatic gesture. In a flash of green light, the shard vanished from sight. He posed like a stage magician, cackling. "Ta-da!"

"You'll pay for your arrogance!" Lancelot growled, charging again

Eggman raised a glowing hand as chaos energy began to swirl around him. "Oh, I don't think so," he taunted

"CHAOS CONTROL!"

In a flash of light, Lancelot appeared beside Eggman, grabbing his shoulder just as the energy engulfed them both

Meanwhile

"The mech—it's almost complete!" said Honey "Eggy truly is a looney for this!"

Percival 's eyes narrowed. "Then we can't let it activate."

Gamma nodded, his weapons humming to life. "Acknowledged. Priority: Destroy mech."

The trio charged toward the nearly completed machine, cutting through waves of drones that swarmed to block their path. Honey's nimble movements, Percival's pyrokinesis, and Gamma's precision firepower worked in harmony as they fought closer

But despite their best efforts, they were too late

Agent Stone, seated at the mech's control panel, spotted them approaching. His eyes widened in alarm. "Uh, Doctor? They're getting too close!" He frantically pressed buttons, and a barrage of missiles launched from the mech, streaking toward the trio.

"Incoming!" Percival shouted, pulling Honey aside as Gamma opened fire, detonating some of the missiles mid-flight

Back to Lancelot

Lancelot and Eggman appeared in the sky, suspended by the crackling chaos energy surrounding them

Eggman threw his head back with laughter, his green eyes alight with madness. "A battle in the heavens—how poetic! Come, knight! Let's see what you've got!"

Lancelot leveled Arondight at him. "You'll regret underestimating me."

The two clashed in midair, chaos energy sparking with every collision of blade and barrier

"You're good," Eggman taunted, deflecting a strike with a glowing hand. "But not as good as that blue nuisance you call Sonic!"

Lancelot's strikes grew sharper, his focus unyielding. "Your obsession with power blinds you, Eggman. You can't even see your own weaknesses."

Eggman barked a laugh. "Weaknesses? Don't make me laugh! Chaos energy flows through this world—and through me! You're just a moody porcupine in a suit of armor!"

Eggman's words struck a chord. "An abundance of chaos energy…" Lancelot muttered, gripping Arondight tighter

With a fierce cry, he unleashed a powerful upward slash. "CHAOS PUNISHMENT!"

The concentrated blast struck Eggman, sending him spiraling to the ground. He crashed into the debris below, forming a small crater.

Eggman groaned as he stood, brushing himself off. But his grimace quickly gave way to a smirk. "Impressive! But it's time to say goodbye to your little friends."

Before Lancelot could react, Eggman teleported in a flash of green light. Moments later, he reappeared atop the now-activated mech, his laughter echoing through the battlefield. The mech's machine gun spun to life, unleashing a hail of bullets toward the trio below.

"No!" Lancelot shouted, vanishing in a blur of chaos energy.

In an instant, he reappeared beside Honey, Percival, and Gamma.

"CHAOS CONTROL!"

Time slowed to a crawl. The bullets hung midair, frozen like raindrops in amber. Moving swiftly, Lancelot grabbed each ally, pulling them out of harm's way and closer to the mech

As time resumed, Honey and Percival stumbled forward, disoriented

"Wait…what just happened?" Honey asked, spinning around in confusion.

Percival blinked up at Lancelot. "Did you just…?"

"No time for questions," Lancelot said, his eyes locked on the towering mech. "Gamma, do you see any weakpoints?"

Gamma scanned the machine, his voice calm and precise. "Weak points detected. Recommend targeting joints and power source."

Eggman's voice boomed from the mech's speakers. "Touching! Too bad you won't get a chance to use that strategy!"

The mech's machine gun began to spin again, preparing for another deadly barrage.

As the bullets rained down once more, Lancelot gritted his teeth, gripping Arondight tightly. A surge of chaos energy coursed through him, crackling with raw power. With a defiant shout, he unleashed the energy, forming a glowing barrier around himself giving Gamma, Honey, and Percival a moment to get behind him for protection

"Stay close!" Lancelot commanded, lowering the barrier just enough to lead the trio forward

Gamma calculated the situation swiftly, his voice steady. "Targeting mech legs for structural compromise."

Percival nodded, flames sparking around her hands. "I'll back you up. Let's take it down!"

As Gamma unleashed precise bursts of firepower at the mech's joints, Percival channeled her pyrokinesis to scorch and weaken the metal. Sparks flew as the massive machine trembled under the assault

Lancelot turned to Honey. Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms, holding her securely in a bridal carry

Honey's eyes widened momentarily, but a delighted grin quickly spread across her face. He chose me! She thought triumphantly, glancing at Percival to catch her reaction

Percival spared a brief glance upward, her expression tightening in a grimace before she resumes her attack

"Hold on tight," Lancelot said

Honey nodded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Don't have to tell me twice!"

With a powerful leap, Lancelot activated the rocket boosters in his shoes, propelling them upward with incredible speed. The wind whipped around them as they soared toward the mech's head

Lancelot aimed for the glowing eye of the mech, Arondight slashing through the reinforced glass with ease. The two burst into the cockpit, landing amidst a tangle of cables and machinery.

"Time to dismantle this monstrosity from the inside," Lancelot declared, setting Honey down

"Right behind you!" Honey responded, her claws already extended. She darted toward the exposed circuits, slashing through wires and control panels with surgical precision

Lancelot swung Arondight, cleaving through critical support beams and energy conduits. Sparks and explosions erupted around them as the mech's internal systems began to fail

To Eggman

"Sir, I think I just—uh—opened the glove compartment…" said Stone fiddling with the controls in a panicked manner

"STONE! That's not the glove compartment—that's the REVERSE CHAOS STABILIZER! You've just destabilized my face cannon!" snarled Eggman

The Egg Mech's face briefly glitches, shifting into a goofy smile before resuming its menacing look before beginning to glitch even more

Agent Stone's eyes darted frantically over the failing displays. "Doctor, they're tearing the mech apart from the inside! All systems are going offline!"

Eggman slammed his fists on the console, his maniacal grin replaced by a scowl. "Impossible! How did they—?!" He paused, his eyes narrowing in frustration. "Ugh, that infernal knight and his meddling friends!"

The mech trembled violently, smoke and flames pouring from its joints. Alarms blared as the entire structure began to collapse

To Gamma

Gamma and Percival continued their assault on the mech's legs. With a loud groan, the massive machine began to buckle, its weight no longer supported

Lancelot and Honey leaped out of the crumbling cockpit, landing nimbly on the ground below just as the mech collapsed in a fiery explosion

Honey looked up at the wreckage, brushing a bit of soot from her fur. "Now that was crazy!"

Percival crossed her arms, shooting Honey a pointed look. "Don't get too comfortable."

Gamma tilted his head, his mechanical voice calm. "Mission success. Hostile threat neutralized."

Play: Ghost Giant OST – The Cemetary

As the Eggman mech further crumbled into a smoldering ruin, Lancelot's sharp gaze followed Eggman and Agent Stone as they scrambled to safety. Without hesitation, he darted away from the others, his determination cutting through the chaos like his blade

Eggman stumbled as he ran, his face twisting in irritation. "Stone, something's wrong," he hissed. "The chaos energy… it's gone. I can't feel it!"

Stone glanced nervously at him. "Gone? That's… not supposed to happen, right?"

Eggman straightened, a glimmer of intrigue crossing his face. "No, it isn't. And that makes it all the more fascinating."

Before Stone could reply, the pair barely ejected from their failing pod. They hit the ground roughly, tumbling into the dirt

Eggman groaned as he dusted himself off, irritation melting into a calculated smirk. "Well, that was enlightening. And unpleasant. Heh."

His moment of smugness was cut short by the cold, unmistakable glint of steel. Lancelot stood before him, sword raised, his crimson eyes gleaming with unrelenting fury

"You're not leaving here," Lancelot said, his voice low and dangerous

Eggman raised his hands, mockingly brushing off the threat. "Ah, always the persistent one. But I'm afraid you'll find I'm a hard man to pin down."

Eggman's gaze shifted upward, and his expression darkened. "Especially when there are… larger forces at play."

Lancelot followed his line of sight, his breath catching at the figure above

High in the sky… was King Arthur, watching them in silence. His presence radiated power so absolute it seemed to distort reality around him

Eggman chuckled nervously, though sweat glistened on his brow. "I don't know who or what that is," he muttered, his voice quieter now, "but I'd wager even you feel the weight of that presence, knight."

As then… King Arthur began to turn and disappear into the clouds

"Another time, perhaps," he said with a sly bow "Maybe…I'll even get a taste of this power at home.."

As Lancelot raised his sword at Eggman "The shard. Now."

Eggman adjusted his glasses, his tone sharp. " No matter." With a flick of his wrist, he conjured the emerald shard and casually tossed it to the ground

"There," he said flatly. "Take your prize and consider it a parting gift."

Lancelot sheathed his sword but stepped closer, his voice cold and demanding. "You know something about this chaos. Tell me what you've seen."

Eggman's lips curled into a sly grin. "Chaos? Oh, knight, you're merely scratching the surface. The timeline is but a plaything for those who understand its strings. Beings far more powerful than even you or I are reshaping it as they see fit."

Lancelot's expression hardened. "What are you saying?"

Eggman leaned forward slightly, his tone cryptic. "I've seen others meddling in this fragile timeline. Others who can mold worlds to their liking…"

His grin widened as his tone turned cryptic. "And I've seen others meddling—others like you. One of them…" He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with dark humor. "…was a black hedgehog, much like yourself. I saw him briefly. Tokyo, I believe. He seemed just as lost as you are."

"Shadow…" muttered Lancelot as before he could press further, Eggman and Stone's shimmering forms began to destabilize

Stone looked at his hands in alarm. "Doctor! We're fading!"

Eggman glanced down, seemingly unbothered. "Ah, perfect timing. Don't worry stone. We're just going home. And I need your steamed austrian goat milk latte when we get back"

Turning to Lancelot, he gave a final, cryptic warning. "Keep an eye on the sky, knight. For there are many who see you."

As his voice dropped into an ominous chuckle, the two fully vanished, leaving only the faintest trace of their presence behind

Lancelot stood motionless, the emerald shard glinting faintly at his feet. His grip tightened around his sword as he looked skyward, the weight of Eggman's words hanging heavy in the air

Lancelot bent down, grasping the emerald shard in his gauntleted hand. As his fingers closed around the shard, his surroundings shifted violently

The world around him dissolved into darkness, and his vision was consumed by a vast, ominous image: a giant black sphere suspended in an endless void

The sphere pulsed with an unnatural energy, its surface bristling with countless pinwheel-shaped eyes. Slowly, one by one, the eyes began to open, their unblinking stares piercing directly into Lancelot's very soul. He tried to steady himself, but the intensity of the gaze pinned him in place

A deep, disembodied voice echoed around him, low and mocking. "How fascinating… You carry the same spark as my creation. How… similar you are."

Lancelot's grip tightened on the shard as he instinctively unsheathed his blade, sensing an overwhelming danger. He turned to face the source of the voice, but it seemed to come from everywhere at once

"Who speaks?" he demanded, his voice steely

The laughter that followed was cold and resonant, as though the very air around him was mocking him. "You will know soon enough, knight. But do not mistake this for a mere encounter. Your destiny is woven far tighter than you think."

The black void began to distort and glitch, the image of the giant sphere flickering as though corrupted. In the distance, a regal figure appeared, illuminated by a faint, otherworldly light.

"Arthur…" Lancelot muttered, his voice faltering

King Arthur stood far off, his gaze steady and imperious. His voice rang out across the void, commanding and unyielding. "The time is coming, Lancelot. Prepare yourself."

Lancelot..

Lancelot!..

Before Lancelot could respond, the vision shattered, and he was jolted back to reality. He staggered, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he felt hands shaking him

"Lancelot!" Honey's voice cut through the haze, sharp with concern.

"You were unresponsive," Percival added, her tone more stern. "What were you thinking, running off like that? The battle was over!"

Lancelot looked at them both but couldn't summon a reply. The vision lingered too vividly in his mind, rendering him speechless

"Lancelot!" Honey snapped, but his silence only deepened her irritation

Before either of them could press further, Gamma swiveled, his mechanical sensors locking onto a presence nearby. He raised his arm cannon, aiming it toward a pile of rubble

"Hostile detected," Gamma announced, his monotone voice steady as ever.

From the shadows, a small, round robot rolled out, raising its mechanical hands in surrender. Its sleek white-and-black body marked it unmistakably as Orbot, though its usual smugness was replaced by fear

"Wait! Please, don't shoot!" Orbot begged in a robotic tone. "I surrender!"

Lancelot stepped forward, his blade still drawn, pointing it directly at Orbot. "State your business, machine," he commanded coldly

"I got lost in here. And while I was wandering. Amd then I saw you four go into the gateway. And when you all came out. I assumed you can help me"

Lancelot's eyes narrowed. "Help you with what?"

"Well.." Orbot squeaked, glancing nervously at Gamma's cannon. "I assume you guys have a safe place" as he gets in his ball form

The group exchanged glances, sizing up the trembling Orbot. Gamma lowered his arm cannon but kept his sensors locked on the small robot. Percival sighed, clearly unimpressed

"He's harmless," she said finally, crossing her arms. "Probably more trouble than he's worth, though."

"I promise I won't be any trouble at all!" Orbot chirped quickly, rolling forward on his spherical base. "You won't even notice I'm here! I'll be quiet, helpful, and—"

"Annoying," Percival cut in with a dry tone

As the group began walking off, Orbot nervously rolled after them. "Wait, wait! Don't leave me behind! I'll do anything—carry things, run calculations, make coffee!"

Honey stopped and turned back to Orbot, taking notice of his compact ball form "You know, he's kind of cute like this," she said, bending down to pick him up

"Cute?" Percival scoffed, watching Honey hold Orbot up like someone holding a pet

"Why can't we bring him?" Honey asked innocently, grinning as she turned to Lancelot.

Lancelot narrowed his eyes, clearly unamused by the suggestion. "He's a liability."

"Oh, come on! He's tiny, harmless, and maybe even provide good company!" Honey protested, holding Orbot up with a playful smile. "Besides, he's terrified of us. I doubt he'd dare betray us."

Orbot bobbed his screen-face up and down, his voice pleading. "Absolutely! I have no desire nor power to defy"

Lancelot sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine," he relented, his voice laced with annoyance. "But if he causes trouble, it's your responsibility, Honey."

"Deal!" she said cheerfully, cradling Orbot like a pet

Percival shook her head, clearly unimpressed with the decision, while Gamma merely continued scanning their surroundings. The group resumed their journey, heading back toward the safehouse

To be Continued

Special thanks to FanficHazza for brainstorming. And I do apologize for this extra long chapter if it's too much

I can certainly promise the next chapter wont be as long

Trivia

1: I spent more time listening to the same few Sonic OSTs lately when writing this. So believe me. Scrambling for good stuff isn't very hard. Most of what's there is gold

2: One of my favorite things to learn about Shadow's current VA Kirk Thornton was how much voicing Shadow in Shadow Gens and the Dark Beginnings meant to him, for he is a grandfather in real life. That's just adorable. Coming from me as a Griffith enjoyer

3: I played the Shadow Gens DLC and as much as I loved Keanu's voice in it. I have a feeling that he wasn't in the recording booth for very long since he definitely is a very expensive actor

And gameplay wise. It was peak level design. However. The problem was there wasn't more. And sure there was 2 extra challenges and a killer remix of Westopolis. But I'm still disappointed at how little content there was

4: My favorite level in Shadow Gens will definitely have to be Kingdom Valley. It's the level I played the most

5: SONIC 3 IS OUT IN THEATERS WOOOO. I can't wait to see how Shadow and Jim Carrey steal the show

6: the holiday is just about here. And Christmas is where the wallet drains

7: New record for myself. OVER 17 THOUSAND WORDS in this chapter alone

So uh. Like it? Hate it? Got anything to say?... leave a review plz

Chapter Text

Welcome one. Welcome all. To another EXTRA LONG chapter of a little over 22k words. Despite me making a promise it wouldn't have been as long. Oopz

At first I never expected to go this far. But I thought it would be more fun to take a step further

Fanfichazza: I'm glad I was able to entertain you for the chapters so far. I'm thankful to have you on board

Cyberpolaris: well. Here's another monster size chapter for you, and I'm glad you enjoyed Honey and Percival's competitive-Ness

Mando-23: I'm glad you asked. For the lost Hex and Gaia. It's been confirmed that Eggman comes from a family of tech and archeology. So I think any mystical or anomlay things would be on his radar

His understanding of them is another story

So in my own head headcannon Gamma would have some data on the lost hex, gizoids, and even the ancients. But probably in a limited view though

As for meeting Shadow and Sonic and the crew. Whoever is rescued in Sonic or Shadow gens won't be rescued by Lancelot

But I can guarantee that they will pop up from time to time

Guest: thank you :D

Talyllyn the Iron Warrior: I'm glad you've noticed what I am going for in terms of neglected characters. And I'm glad you liked the three chapters so far :D

And indeed. Those artstation scams are annoying as all he'll

Spoonymink8: I'm glad I was able to entertain :D

And special thanks to FanFicHazza on a minor collaboration portion here in this chapter towards the end, I thank you for your patience and your tips

NOW UNTO THINE STOWY

Play: Mega Man 11 OST – Fuse Man (Arranged Version)

It didn't take long for the group to reach back to the safehouse, Chip was the first to greet them. "Hey! You're back!" he cheered, fluttering up to them. His excitement faltered when he caught sight of Orbot. "Wait a minute...I know you! You're one of Eggman's minions!"

Honey quickly stepped in, placing a reassuring hand on Chip's shoulder. "Relax, Chip. Orbot's with us now. He's harmless, I promise."

Orbot floated a little higher, his voice tinged with an attempt at humor. "Quite true. Honey treats me much better than Dr. Eggman ever did. I'm practically a VIP now." Which earned him a happy look from Honey

Chip tilted his head, still skeptical, but decided to trust Honey's judgment. "Well…if you say so. Just don't do anything sneaky!"

Meanwhile, Lancelot approached the corner where Caliburn rested, his grip steady as he picked up the sword. "Caliburn, how have you fared in our absence?"

The blade's familiar voice resonated with a hint of amusement. "I've been fine, Sir Lancelot. Chip here shared tales of his adventures with Sonic. It seems our old friend has been busy."

Lancelot gave a small nod, a faint smirk crossing his face. "If we run into Sonic again, it seems there will be much to discuss." His expression then turned pensive. "Caliburn, have you seen Shadow?"

"Shadow?" Caliburn's tone was puzzled. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Who is this Shadow you speak of?"

"A hedgehog," Lancelot explained. "One who looks exactly like me…without armor."

Caliburn hummed thoughtfully. "Ah, now that you mention it, I do recall seeing a hedgehog who fit that description. I assumed it was you without your usual attire. But if this Shadow is not you…"

Lancelot's grip on the sword tightened slightly as he stared into the distance. "I wonder…if we were to meet face-to-face, what would happen?"

Percival, noticing his introspection, stepped closer. "Sir Lancelot, is something troubling you?"

Lancelot shook his head, his expression neutral once again. "No, Percival. I am simply…thinking. There is still much to piece together if we are to set things right."

Meanwhile Orbot floated curiously around, examining his surroundings. He eventually stumbled into a small kitchen, his sensors lighting up as he scanned the appliances and ingredients. Spotting a coffee machine, an idea sparked in his circuits

A short while later, Orbot emerged from the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee, handing it to Honey. "As a token of my gratitude for your kindness, I present you with…coffee!"

Honey blinked in surprise but took the cup. After a tentative sip, her eyes widened. "Orbot, this is really good! You've got a knack for this!"

"Why, thank you!" Orbot said, puffing up with pride. "Would anyone else like a cup?"

Chip made a face, waving his hand dismissively. "Nah, coffee's not really my thing. Too bitter for me. Chocolate is where it's at"

Lancelot and Percival, meanwhile, exchanged puzzled looks. "Coffee?" Lancelot asked. "What is that?"

Honey's eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity. She grinned and nudged Lancelot playfully. "Oh, it's amazing! It keeps you awake, and it's perfect for sharing." She pushed her cup toward him. "Here, try mine!"

Before Lancelot could reach for it, Percival quickly stepped forward. "I'll take a cup," she said, her voice calm but with an edge of urgency.

Orbot obligingly returned to the kitchen and soon handed Percival her own freshly brewed cup. She took a sip, her eyes widening slightly in approval. "It's…quite good," she admitted, glancing sidelong at Lancelot. With a subtle motion, she held her cup out toward him. "You should try mine instead."

Honey and Percival exchanged competitive looks, each subtly maneuvering to have Lancelot sample their coffee. Lancelot, oblivious to their rivalry, observed the cups curiously. "What is it made from?"

Orbot floated back to the kitchen and returned holding a bag of coffee beans. "These are the source," he explained. "They are ground and brewed to create the beverage you see before you."

Lancelot took one of the beans, sniffing it briefly before popping it into his mouth. Honey gasped. "Wait, no! They're supposed to be brewed first! The taste is really strong like that!"

But Lancelot remained unfazed, chewing thoughtfully. "It is fine," he said simply, showing no sign of discomfort. He reached for another bean, seeming to enjoy its natural bitterness.

Honey and Percival both stared in disbelief, then exchanged another glance—this time more of mutual exasperation. "Leave it to him to like the raw coffee beans," Honey muttered under her breath, while Percival discreetly nodded in agreement, her competitive edge momentarily dulled

Caliburn, couldn't help but smirk watching the two girls

Orbot, pleased with his success, floated proudly. "I'm glad to be of service!"

A few moments later, Lancelot rose to his feet, rolling his shoulders. "These coffee beans seem to have invigorated me," he said with calm conviction. "Are you both ready to proceed?"

Honey and Percival immediately responded, almost in unison, "Yes!" Their unusually quick and eager replies made Percival pause. She noticed her hands trembling slightly and turned to Honey with concern. "Is this...normal?"

Honey gave her a reassuring smile, though she couldn't resist the opportunity for a playful jab. "Oh, totally normal. Unless, of course, you're not used to things like coffee giving you energy." She added with a cheeky grin, "Maybe you should stick to tea?"

Percival's subtle grimace at the comment mirrored Honey's

Lancelot ignoring the tension, turned to Gamma. "Lead the way," he commanded. Gamma nodded and began to march toward the door.

As they left the safehouse, Orbot floated near the doorway, waving to Honey. "I eagerly await your return! Perhaps I'll perfect another drink for you next time."

Honey turned back and waved, beaming. "I can't wait, Orbot! You've got talent!"

Once the door closed, the safehouse grew quieter. Chip hovered near Orbot, tilting his head curiously. "So, what exactly did you do as Eggman's minion, anyway?"

Orbot twirled in the air proudly. "Oh, I primarily served as his assistant—organizing plans, delegating to lesser robots, and providing meals I daresay I deserve better. Maybe a friend would be nice"

Nearby, Froggy hopped toward the bag of coffee beans left on the counter, sniffing them curiously before trying a nibble. A moment later, he spat it out, hopping back in distaste.

Caliburn, watching from his perch, turned his attention to Chip. "You mentioned Eggman earlier. Who exactly is he? His name seems to carry a peculiar weight."

Chip crossed his arms and sighed. "Oh boy, where do I even begin? Eggman's this crazy genius who always has some wild plan for world domination. He's built armies of robots, tried harnessing chaos energy—you name it, he's probably done it. He's also the one responsible for some big problems we've had in the past."

As Chip prepared to delve further into his explanation and Caliburn listened with curiosity and interest

Meanwhile

As Lancelot and the gang traversed the void. Seeing all the structures that regained their color since they began to stick out, however, something irked Lancelot in his own mind

For everything that had been happening. Gamma said that time was being messed up. Was there more to this than he expected?

Lancelot glanced at Gamma, his expression pensive. "Gamma?" gaining the robot's attention "…What will happen if everything is restored? Or…if it all goes terribly wrong?"

Gamma, ever methodical, replied, "It is difficult to say with certainty. From what I have observed, even successful restoration introduces new variables. Consequences are inevitable, regardless of the outcome."

This revelation caused Lancelot's brow to furrow in concern. "Consequences to what extent? Could they be catastrophic?"

Gamma's gaze shifted slightly, as though processing the implications. "It depends. If balance is disrupted, the world could reshape itself in unpredictable ways. But one thing is clear—if the shadow beast achieves its goal, the devastation will be far worse."

The group paused momentarily, Lancelot's grip tightening on his blade. "….Gamma," he said firmly, "is there anything you've learned that you haven't told us yet?"

Gamma hesitated briefly before responding. "Restoring color to these structures seems to have triggered the emergence of foreign energies. Their origins are unknown, and it's unclear whether they are friend or foe."

Honey crossed her arms, her golden eyes narrowing. "Foreign energies? You couldn't have mentioned this sooner?"

"I did not wish to alarm anyone prematurely," Gamma replied "So far, these energies have not manifested physically. But their presence is undeniable."

Percival stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her weapon. Seemingly ready to anticipate any attack that Gamma could warn them of "Should we be worried?"

Gamma's head tilted slightly as he considered her question. "Not yet. But it would be wise to remain vigilant. These energies could manifest at any time—or not at all."

Lancelot took a deep breath, gazing out at the surreal landscape around them. His mind churned with thoughts of uncertainty and responsibility. "Then we press on," he said finally, his voice steady. "Whatever awaits us, we cannot afford to let our guard down."

Honey and Percival exchanged a brief glance, their competitive tension momentarily set aside in favor of a shared determination. Gamma gave a simple nod, and the group continued

Percival felt concerned about what Gamma said. What if something more dangerous is able to wandering here that they haven't seen?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Gamma suddenly paused mid-step, his sensors humming faintly as his gaze shifted to the distance. "I am detecting another fragment of the Master Emerald," he announced. "It is located within that snowy mountain structure."

The group turned their attention to where Gamma indicated. A large, jagged mountain loomed in the distance, its icy peaks piercing the pale sky of the void. Despite the mountain's stark white exterior, it seemed oddly vivid compared to the surrounding emptiness

As they approached, Honey's sharp eyes caught sight of something embedded in the icy path leading to the mountain—a petrified statue of a figure frozen in mid-motion. She leaned closer, her brow furrowing

"Who is this…?" she murmured, her voice tinged with a strange mix of curiosity and unease. The figure was unfamiliar, yet something about it struck a chord deep within her. Not a personal recognition, but as if she knew who this was. But couldn't put her finger on it

Lancelot stepped beside her, his dark armor contrasting with the shimmering frost. "We don't have time to linger," he said firmly, though his own gaze briefly lingered on the statue

Honey straightened but hesitated, glancing at the crack in time that led into the heart of the mountain. A chill emanated from the rift, carrying the bite of arctic air. "It's freezing," she muttered, hugging herself. "Maybe we should think this through before—"

Before she could finish, Lancelot had already leaped into the crack, disappearing into the icy void without a second thought

"Of course he jumps in first," Honey sighed, rolling her eyes

Percival, stepping up next to her, gave a small smirk. "You wouldn't expect anything less, would you?" Without hesitation, she followed Lancelot, vanishing into the frosty depths.

Honey shivered as a particularly cold gust blew past. "Well, guess I'm not sitting this one out." She glanced at Gamma, who simply nodded. "Lancelot would surely keep me warm…"

"You will be fine. I will ensure your safety," Gamma assured her.

With a reluctant groan, Honey stepped into the crack, Gamma following closely behind.

Play: Sonic 06 OST – White Acropolis (Snowy Peak)

Gamma's sensors hummed faintly as he stood on the jagged rock, his crimson optic scanning the snowy expanse of White Acropolis. Below him stretched the base—a fortress lined with cold steel walls, swarming with Egg Gunners patrolling in rigid formation. Searchlights swept across the frosty terrain like ominous beacons, and the faint hum of machinery echoed through the still air.

But the sight that concerned him most wasn't the fortress—it was the absence of his companions

"Lancelot. Honey. Percival," Gamma muttered to himself, his scanners activating as a faint energy pulse rippled outward. His vision shifted to a grid-like overlay, identifying life signs and thermal signals "This presents a problem.."

Within moments, his sensors picked up a figure nearby, standing resolutely in the snow. It was Lancelot

Gamma trudged through the snow-covered forest, the faint crunch of his mechanical feet muffled by the howling wind. Searchlights cut through the dark, scanning the icy terrain for any signs of movement. The cold, biting air swirled around him, but the E-102 unit pressed on, his sensors fixed on the figure ahead. Using the trees as cover, Gamma moved methodically, pausing behind each trunk as the beams of light swept past him

The searchlights moved in rhythmic patterns, but Gamma calculated their timing with precision. His metallic frame glinted faintly under the pale moonlight as he darted from one shadow to the next. The forest felt alive with tension, the groaning branches weighed down by snow seeming to echo his every step. Eventually. Gamma saw Lancelot

Lancelot stood at the edge of a frozen lake, his armor glinting faintly in the moonlight. Snow drifted lazily around him, but the knight seemed unaware of the harsh cold. His sword, still sheathed, rested loosely at his side

Thankfully. This was far from the reach of the searchlights as he hasn't been spotted yet

Gamma paused at the treeline, his green optics focusing on the knight. the sight of Lancelot's slumped posture made Gamma realize Lancelot had something on his mind.. Slowly, Gamma stepped forward with sound of his footsteps softened by the snow

Lancelot didn't move, his gaze fixed on the frozen expanse before him. His thoughts seemingly occupying him and his usually sharp, calculating gaze was lost in thought, staring blankly at the ice below. There was no sign he had noticed Gamma's approach.

As Gamma's mechanical voice broke the silence that Lancelot stirred

"Knight Lancelot. I have found you" said Gamma

Lancelot didn't move, not at first. His eyes remained fixed on the frozen stream, as if Gamma's words had not yet reached him. Only after several seconds did he stir, his head lifting slightly before he slowly turned to face the machine. His face was solemn, his piercing eyes dulled by something far heavier than fatigue, his crimson eyes narrowing

"….Have you seen the others?"

Gamma tilted his head slightly, the faint whirring of his internal systems breaking the quiet "Objective: Assist. Observation: You appear… troubled"

"I am fine Gamma" said Lancelot as he refocus his gaze upon the base "Just tell me where Honey and Percival are"

Gamma stopped beside him, scanning the surroundings once more. "Processing scan… Honey and Percival's energy signatures detected. They are inside the base,"

Lancelot's grip tightened on his blade as he stared at the fortress. "Hmph." he muttered under his breath. "The question is: do we charge in or try to be more discreet?"

Gamma's optic dimmed momentarily, as if he were deliberating. "Consideration of consequences is valid," he said. "However, the primary objective is to regroup with Honey and Percival. Remaining together increases success rates significantly."

Lancelot looked at Gamma, his expression tense. "You said earlier that fixing things brings consequences. What if storming that base causes more problems than it solves?"

Gamma's tone remained calm but firm. "All actions have potential consequences, Lancelot. But fragmentation of our group introduces vulnerabilities. Together, we are better equipped to handle unforeseen outcomes."

Lancelot exhaled sharply, snow vapor rising into the air. "Then let us waste no time"

Gamma nodded, his blaster arm rising slightly as his optic scanned the base's defenses. "Acknowledged. Stealth mode activated. I will neutralize searchlights to minimize detection risk."

Gamma and Lancelot moved carefully through the snow, the sweeping beams of searchlights carving through the darkness around them. With Gamma occasionally pausing to scan the movements of the Egg Gunners. Lancelot kept his blade ready.

A searchlight passed dangerously close to their position, and Gamma crouched low, his crimson optic dimming to avoid detection. Lancelot darted into the shadow of a snow-covered boulder, his breathing steady as he clutched his blade tightly.

When the coast was clear, Gamma gestured toward the entrance of the base. "Pathway clear. Proceeding."

Lancelot nodded, stepping forward. Once they reached the steel-reinforced door, Lancelot gripped his blade tightly. "Hold on," he said, his voice firm. In a flash of light, he warped them both inside the base

Gamma's systems recalibrated quickly, his sensors scanning their new surroundings. "Impressive. Why do you not use this ability more frequently?"

Lancelot exhaled, already feeling the strain in his body. "Because it's draining. If I overuse it, I won't have the energy to fight when it counts."

Gamma nodded in understanding, then directed his attention to the dimly lit corridor ahead. Sounds of heavy mechanical footsteps echoed through the hall as Egg Gunners patrolled. The two observed the machines, which appeared to be investigating something

"Unusual behavior," Gamma noted. "They seem distracted by a disturbance."

As they pressed forward, they turned a corner and froze. Lying crumpled on the floor was Percival, her armor scuffed and her sword resting nearby

"Percival!" Lancelot called out instinctively, his voice echoing down the hall. Before Gamma could stop him, Lancelot sped toward her in a blur, reaching her side in seconds

The sudden noise alerted the Egg Gunners, and searchlights immediately converged on Lancelot's position. The robotic sentries turned their weapons toward him, opening fire

"Lancelot, you have been detected!" Gamma warned, raising his arm and firing precise blasts to disable one of the searchlights

Lancelot scooped Percival into his arms, his movements swift and calculated as he dodged the incoming fire. "I see that, Gamma!" he snapped, his voice tight with urgency

Egg Gunners marched closer, their metallic footsteps growing louder. Lancelot zigzagged through the narrow corridor, using his speed to avoid the barrage of laser fire. Gamma followed, his blaster firing methodically to cover Lancelot's retreat

As the blaring alarms echoed through the base, Lancelot and Gamma moved swiftly, finding a small blind spot tucked between two large structural supports. Lancelot gently set Percival down, kneeling beside her while Gamma stood guard, scanning for approaching enemies

"Percival," Lancelot said, his voice edged with worry, "are you alright?"

Percival stirred, her violet eyes fluttering open. She reached up, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "I'm fine," she said softly, her voice reassuring. "I just…crashed into a few of those drones."

Lancelot let out a small, relieved smile, leaning into her touch briefly before helping her sit upright. "Good…"

Percival chuckled lightly, as she began to shake off her drowsiness . "Im glad for your confidence Lancelot… I probably need more that coffee"

Gamma's voice interrupted the moment. "Searchlight approaching. Enemy units converging on our location."

The three turned their attention toward the flickering beam of light now sweeping dangerously close to their hiding spot. The whirring sound of Egg Gunners grew louder, accompanied by the clank of their heavy metallic footprints

Percival and Lancelot both readied their swords while Gamma revved up his laser gun

As the searchlight locked onto them, a mechanical voice boomed: "Intruders detected. Engage immediately!"

The Egg Gunners opened fire, the corridor erupting with bursts of red laser fire

Lancelot dashed forward, his speed making him a blur as he closed the distance between himself and the first Egg Gunner. With a powerful swing of his blade, he cleaved the machine in half

Gamma aimed his arm cannon and fired precise shots, each one disabling a robot with mechanical precision. "Eliminating hostiles. Proceeding to cover your advance."

Percival, despite her earlier crash, moved with grace. She parried an incoming blast with her sword before delivering a fiery slash that split another Egg Gunner apart. "Take this"

The trio fought as a coordinated unit, each covering the other's blind spots as they pushed through the onslaught. Sparks and shards of metal flew in every direction as the Egg Gunners fell one by one

"Gamma, can you disable the alarms?" Lancelot asked, slicing through another robot.

"Attempting to locate the source," Gamma replied, firing a quick shot to disable an approaching searchlight. "Prioritizing the safety of the team first"

Lancelot turned to Gamma, urgency in his voice. "The where is Honey?"

Gamma's optics flickered as he scanned the base's layout. "Analyzing… Subject identified. Honey is located within a storage unit deeper inside the base." He extended a mechanical arm, pointing toward a dimly lit corridor. "Approximately 300 meters in that direction."

Without hesitation, Lancelot dashed forward

Percival then began to quickly follow, as their footsteps echoing through the cold metallic halls. The corridor narrowed, leading to a reinforced door marked with heavy security locks. Lancelot drew his blade, channeling energy into it. With a powerful slash, the door's locks shattered, and the storage unit creaked open as Lancelot peered inside scanning for Honey

From the shadows of the cramped storage unit, Honey emerged, her face lighting up with relief. She quickly ran to Lancelot, wrapping her arms around him in an emotional hug. "I thought I'd be stuck in the dark forever!" she exclaimed, clinging to him tightly.

Lancelot smiled down at her, placing a reassuring hand on her back

"My Dark Knight" said Honey resisting her urge to nuzzle him "Though I would say you're a caped crusader. But you have no cape"

Percival, standing nearby, crossed her arms, her expression tightening as she watched the exchange. A subtle flicker of annoyance crossed her face that while her helmet covered her eyes. Her mouth having a grimace was clearly there

Honey finally released Lancelot and turned to Percival. "And I knew you'd come too," she said with a grin, though there was a slight competitive undertone in her voice

Lancelot glanced at Percival, his tone shifting to one of strategy. "Percival, your fire is needed"

"Say no more." Said Percival, stepping forward as She raised her blade, summoning her fiery energy, and launched a blazing fireball toward a cluster of ammunition depots visible through a side passage. The resulting explosion lit up the dim corridors, sending a wave of heat and fire across the base

Gamma's voice cut through the crackling flames. "Warning: Incoming Egg Guardian units detected. Hostiles approaching from multiple directions."

The Egg Guardians unleashed a volley of missiles, forcing the group to scatter in the chaos. Explosions lit the base as debris rained down. Honey instinctively stayed close to Lancelot, her acrobatics helping her evade the missile barrages while staying within reach

Lancelot then charged forward, slicing through the Egg Guardians with precision and speed. His blade cleaved through their metallic forms like they were paper, sparks flying with every strike

Honey somersaulted through the air, landing gracefully on top of an Egg Guardian. She quickly manipulated its weapon systems, causing it to aim its missiles at other nearby units. "Oops! Looks like you're helping us now," she quipped, jumping off just as it fired.

The redirected missiles slammed into the Guardians attacking Lancelot, Percival, and Gamma, creating a chain reaction of explosions. "Nice shot, Honey!" Percival called, her tone begrudgingly appreciative as she fended off another Guardian with a fiery slash.

Honey flipped to safety, narrowly avoiding a fresh barrage of missiles. "Thanks, but I think they've got plenty more where that came from!"

More alarms blared throughout the base, signaling reinforcements. Gamma's optics flickered, and he raised his arm, pointing deeper into the base. "The Master Emerald shard is this way. We must move quickly."

"Understood," Lancelot said, slicing through one last Guardian before rushing to Gamma's side. He gestured for Honey and Percival to follow.

The group sprinted through the chaotic corridors, dodging debris and enemy fire. Honey stuck close to Lancelot, her confidence bolstered by his presence. Percival kept pace, her fiery sword blazing as she took out any stragglers in their path. Gamma led the way, his mechanical frame unwavering as he trudged toward the shard's location with the echos of the alarms blaring behind them

The Master Emerald shard glimmered in the distance, casting an ethereal green glow that lit up the metallic corridor. The alarms wailed incessantly, a harsh reminder of the danger surrounding them. Lancelot, Honey, Percival, and Gamma moved toward it until the ominous sound of grinding metal filled the air

A massive vault to their side hissed as it began to open, revealing two piercing, glowing red eyes. A low, mechanical growl reverberated through the space as a hulking, canine-shaped robot emerged. Its sleek, black-and-silver body gleamed menacingly under the dim lights, and its razor-sharp claws scraped the floor as it stepped forward.

Honey gasped, instinctively stepping closer to Lancelot. "What is that thing?!" As Lancelot and Percival ready their blades

Gamma's scanners whirred. "Designation: Egg Cerberus. Head-mounted core detected. Likely weak point identified."

The Egg Cerberus roared, its mechanical growl shaking the chamber as its glowing red eyes locked onto the group. Without hesitation, it lunged, its claws tearing through the ground in a deadly swipe. The group scattered, narrowly avoiding the devastating strike

Gamma raised his blaster, firing concentrated energy shots at its head. The shots grazed its thick armor, barely leaving a mark

Percival ignited her sword, launching a volley of fiery slashes at its legs. "Its hide is strong!"

Honey, still wide-eyed but determined, took a deep breath. "Alright, big guy," she muttered, darting toward the Egg Cerberus with agile flips and rolls. She leapt onto its back, trying to destabilize it by targeting its joints

The Egg Cerberus bucked wildly, shaking its massive head and thrashing its tail, nearly tossing Honey off. Lancelot seized the opportunity to rush in, his blade striking at its exposed head. Sparks flew, and the beast snarled, focusing its attention on him

Percival then ignited her blade, flames swirling around her as she aimed for the creature's hind legs. She swung her sword in a wide arc, a burst of fire erupting and staggering the beast

Lancelot gritted his teeth as he dashed forward, his blade glowing with a bright, otherworldly energy. With a powerful leap, he struck at the creature's neck, but the blade glanced off its thick armor

The beast retaliated, swinging its massive tail and knocking Lancelot back. He rolled to his feet, gripping his blade tightly before dashing forward Closing the distance, he leaped onto the creature's face, plunging his blade into its glowing red eye

The Egg Cerberus howled in pain, shaking its head violently to throw him off. Lancelot held on with one hand, using his other to drive his blade deeper. "Stay still!" he growled

Thankfully. Much of the Egg Cerberus's armor began to break apart due to the groups constant attacks. And Honey, seeing the opportunity, leaped onto the beast's back. She noticed a piece of loose armor as she managed to nudge it off leaving a weakpoint exposed

"Target aquired" Gamma declared, firing a barrage of plasma shots at the core. Making Honey jump off the Egg Cerberus's back

"Hey! Watch where you're shooting!" yelled Honey in annoyance

The beast staggered, sparks flying as it roared in defiance

Percival charged in, flames trailing behind her as she struck the creature's legs. Her fiery assault destabilized the machine, forcing it to kneel

Lancelot didn't need to be told twice. His blade radiated an intense blue light as he surged forward, his focus unbreakable. The Egg Cerberus turned its head, its remaining eye glowing menacingly as it prepared another attack

"Not this time!" Lancelot roared, leaping into the air. Time seemed to slow as he brought his blade down in a powerful arc, slicing through the exposed core

The Egg Cerberus convulsed, its body crackling with energy. Lancelot landed gracefully, his blade still glowing as he turned to face the group. Behind him, the machine let out a final roar before exploding in a blinding flash of light

The shockwave sent debris flying, but Lancelot remained steadfast, his figure illuminated by the fading glow of the explosion

As the smoke cleared, Honey emerged from cover, spotting the emerald shard amidst the wreckage. She ran forward, grabbing the shard and holding it up triumphantly. "Got it!"

Back to the void

Play: Ghost Giant – The Cemetary

Honey, Percival, Lancelot, and Gamma found themselves standing back in front of the colorless mountains as crack in time began to disappear. With the master emerald shard glowing faintly in Honey's hand

But Lancelot's demeanor had shifted—his normally calm yet commanding presence now felt unnervingly tense. His gaze fixated on the shard, his voice low but firm. "Honey. Hand me the shard."

Honey hesitated, clutching the shard tightly remembering how the shards seemed to affect Lancelot. With Percival starting to look with concern

"Lancelot," Honey began cautiously, "are you sure you're okay? You've been in a trance from these before"

"I'll be fine," Lancelot said, his tone resolute. His eyes briefly softened as he added, "Trust me."

Reluctantly, Honey stepped forward and placed the shard into his hand. As soon as his fingers closed around it, the glow intensified, and Lancelot staggered slightly, his eyes widening as a vision overtook him

In his mind, he saw Shadow walking toward a massive, floating eye that radiated an oppressive, otherworldly power. The eye's surface rippled, projecting a dark energy onto Shadow. Lancelot could feel the same force clawing at his mind, pulling him into its depths.

The vision shifted violently, the floating eye turning to him, its gaze piercing through his soul. A sharp, searing pain erupted in Lancelot's head, and he dropped to his knees, clutching his temples

"Lancelot!" Honey and Percival's voices broke through the haze. They knelt beside him, shaking him gently.

He gasped as he snapped back to reality, his breath ragged. The shard in his hand had dimmed, its glow now faint. Honey placed a hand on his shoulder, concern etched across her face. "What did you see? Are you alright?"

Before he could respond, Gamma's voice cut through the tension. "Alert: massive dormant power detected. Source identified within the vicinity."

The group turned their attention to the void, where a colossal, shadowy sphere began to manifest. Its surface pulsated with dark energy, resembling a massive moon. With silver rings surging it as it floated in the air

Honey's eyes widened. "What is that thing? It just… appeared out of nowhere!"

Lancelot's grip on the shard tightened as realization dawned on him. It was the same thing that was staring down at Shadow. His gaze locked onto the ominous sphere, curiosity and unease battling within him.

Gamma's red optic flickered as he analyzed the entity. "Composition indicates unknown DNA. However, further specifics remain unidentifiable."

"The Black Arms…" Lancelot murmured, his brow furrowing. He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the black moon's surface

Honey pulled him back slightly, her voice trembling. "Lancelot, don't. Whatever it is, it's not worth it right now"

Percival also placed her hand on Lancelot. To make sure he doesn't run off anyway "Lancelot. We aren't sure what it will do"

"….fine…" muttered Lancelot making them both have relief

"Observation : the statue appears to be returning to its original form" said Gamma drawing the attention of the others

The group turned to see the statue regaining color to reveal a young woman with short red hair. She stumbled slightly as the last pieces of stone fell, her blue eyes wide and disoriented

Honey gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Wait a second… That's Princess Elise!"

Both Lancelot and Percival exchanged curious looks. "Princess Elise?" Lancelot asked

Gamma's monotone voice answered as his red optic flickered. "Designation: Princess Elise III, Princess of Soleanna. Known as the sovereign of the coastal city" making both Lancelot and Percival widen their eyes

Upon hearing this, Lancelot and Percival straightened, their knightly instincts taking over. With a swift motion, they both bowed deeply before Elise, their movements precise and respectful

"Your Highness," Lancelot began, his tone formal and reverent, "I am Lancelot of the Knights of the Round Table. It is an honor to meet you."

"And I am Percival, of the Knights of the Round Table," Percival added, bowing alongside him. "We are at your service."

Elise blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly as she fumbled for words. "Oh… um… thank you, but—"

Honey stepped forward, giving Elise a friendly smile to ease her nerves. "I'm Honey. Don't worry, they're always this formal. But it's nice to meet you!"

Elise offered a tentative smile back, but her gaze flickered nervously to Gamma, who stood silently a few paces away. Her expression faltered, and she instinctively stepped back.

Gamma noticed her apprehension and tilted his head slightly, his monotone voice cutting through the moment. "Observation: subject exhibits signs of discomfort. Cause: association with Eggman-built machinery."

Lancelot quickly stepped forward, his tone reassuring. "You have nothing to fear, Princess. Gamma is no ally of Eggman. He has proven himself a loyal and trustworthy companion."

Elise hesitated, her gaze shifting between Lancelot and Gamma. Finally, she nodded, though her hands remained clasped tightly in front of her. "If you say so, Sir Lancelot. It's just… hard not to be wary"

Honey placed a comforting hand on Elise's shoulder. "Don't worry, you're safe with us"

Elise's shoulders relaxed slightly as she looked around at the group. Though still clearly unsettled, she managed a grateful smile. "Thank you"

Lancelot turned back to the ringed sphere in sky and had a slight grimace "….let us move. Before that thing... pulls something" as he then turns to Elise "There is a safe haven not far from here. We'll take you there, Princess"

Elise nodded hesitantly. "Thank you, Sir Lancelot."

Before she could say more, Lancelot stepped forward and, without warning, scooped her up into his arms in a bridal carry. Elise gasped, her cheeks flushing as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck for balance

"My apologies, Your Highness," Lancelot said in a calm yet firm tone. "This is the fastest way to ensure your safety. Gamma, lead the way."

Gamma's optic flickered as he turned and began trudging forward. "Acknowledged. Safe house coordinates detected. Follow my lead."

As the group followed, Honey walked beside them, her arms crossed tightly and her lips pursed. She muttered under her breath, "Wow, she gets the royal treatment already… Lucky her."

Percival, on the other hand, maintained a more composed demeanor, but her clenched fists and the brief narrowing of her eyes betrayed her irritation. "It's only for her protection," she murmured to herself, though her gaze lingered on Elise longer than she intended.

Elise, still cradled in Lancelot's arms, seemed flustered but tried to make sense of the situation. "Sir Lancelot, can you tell me what has happened? Why am I here? What's going on?"

Lancelot's voice was steady as he answered. "A shadow monster of immense power has disrupted time and space, merging and consuming realms. At least.. that is my understanding"

Elise's eyes widened as she processed his words. "A shadow monster…" She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "I… I remember something like it. The sky cracked like glass and it came out consuming everything… and then I woke up here"

Lancelot nodded grimly. "You're not the first to have endured such a tragedy. But we are working to fix it. I promise"

Elise looked up at him, her expression a mix of gratitude and hope. "Thank you, Sir Lancelot. I don't know what would've happened to me if it weren't for you and your friends"

Honey, walking just behind them, clenched her fists tighter. "Must be nice to get all the knightly assurances," she muttered under her breath wishing that Lancelot was carrying her rather than Elise

Percival shot her a brief glance, a flicker of agreement passing between them before she refocused on their path. And also hiding a slight grimace

Gamma interrupted the brewing tension with his monotone voice. "Destination nearing. Ensure all remain vigilant. Unknown entities may still be in the vicinity."

Lancelot's grip on Elise tightened slightly as he nodded. "Understood. Let's keep moving."

Little later

As they approached the house, the door swung open, and Chip floated out excitedly, a broad grin on his face

"You guys made it!" Chip cheered, zipping toward them. "I was starting to worry!"

His eyes landed on Elise, and he blinked in surprise. "Whoa! A new face? And… uh, fancy clothes. Who's this?"

Lancelot carefully set Elise down, stepping back with a polite bow. "This is Princess Elise of Soleanna. She was displaced by the same calamity we are fighting against."

Elise, now standing on her own, smoothed her dress and returned a small bow. "It's an honor to meet you. And thank you for your hospitality."

Before Chip could reply, a familiar voice chimed in. "Welcome, Your Highness." Caliburn's regal tone echoed through the room as the talking sword rested against the wall, his blade gleaming faintly

Elise's eyes widened in shock. "Did… did that sword just speak?"

Caliburn tilted slightly, as if nodding. "Indeed, I did. I am Caliburn, the sacred blade. It is a pleasure to meet royalty of whom I was previously unaware."

Elise hesitated, her gaze darting between Lancelot and Caliburn. "That's… incredible."

Orbot waddled in from the back, carefully balancing a tray of steaming cups like a practiced barista. "Coffee's ready! Oh, we have a new guest? Hello there, Your Highness!"

Elise gave a polite smile. "Thank you… and you are?"

"Orbot, at your service!" he said, handing out cups to everyone. "I might have been created by Eggman, but I've been known to make a mean cappuccino. Don't worry, it's safe!"

Elise accepted a cup, still processing the strange sight of a talking robot and a sentient sword. "Thank you, Orbot. This is all so… unusual."

Caliburn let out a dignified hum. "Unusual, perhaps, but it seems we are all gathered here for a common purpose. Princess, I am fascinated by your origins. Royalty from Soleanna, you say? Your kingdom must have remarkable tales to share."

Elise nodded slowly, still marveling at Caliburn's articulate speech. "Soleanna has a long and storied history, though I fear much of it is now lost to the shadow that attacked us."

Lancelot crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "We will do everything we can to ensure that your kingdom's legacy endures, Princess"

Orbot expertly handed out cups of coffee, his movements precise and practiced as he offered one to Percival and Honey. "For you, Lady Percival, and you, Miss Honey. I made sure they were just the way you like them!"

Percival accepted her cup with a polite nod. "Thank you, Orbot"

Honey took hers with a grin. "You've outdone yourself, Orbot! I'd hire you for my café if I had one."

As they sipped their drinks, Froggy suddenly popped out of a nearby container, croaking loudly and leaping toward Elise. Startled, Elise let out a soft gasp, nearly dropping her cup before catching it just in time.

Honey stepped forward with a laugh, placing a reassuring hand on Elise's shoulder. "Don't worry about Froggy! He's done the same to me and Percival before. He doesn't mean any harm."

Percival sighed, shaking her head. "It's true."

Froggy gave another croak, this time directed at Elise, as if to say "hello." Elise blinked at the little amphibian, her initial surprise giving way to a tentative smile. "Well… hello to you too, Froggy."

Chip hovered closer, chuckling. "That's Froggy for you. He just likes to make an entrance."

Meanwhile, Caliburn hopped to Lancelot's side, his tone serious. "Sir Lancelot, what progress have we made on our journey? You've been unusually tense since obtaining the shard."

Lancelot glanced around to ensure the others were preoccupied before leaning in slightly. "Caliburn, Gamma… I've been seeing visions of Shadow. I can't shake the feeling that he's aware of me, just as I am of him."

Caliburn's tone softened, offering wisdom. "Visions, Sir Lancelot, are often messages. Threads that attempt to intertwine unfamiliar fates to resolve a greater conflict. If this Shadow is the key to solving our plight, tread carefully. Should he prove a friend, nurture the bond. Should he prove a foe… be ready."

Gamma's monotone voice joined the conversation. "I have sensed the black hedgehog far off in the distance. It appears he is pursuing his own objectives. However, I cannot confirm if he is aware of our presence."

Lancelot nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Gamma, keep an eye out. If Shadow approaches, whether by intention or coincidence, I need to know immediately."

Gamma's optics glowed faintly as he acknowledged the order. "Understood. I will alert you of any proximity changes regarding Shadow."

Lancelot glanced at the shard in his possession, his mind racing with possibilities before he approached Honey and Percival, his gaze sharp and determined. "Are you two ready?"

Percival straightened, gripping her blade. "Always."

Honey gave a thumbs-up, her characteristic grin on display. "Let's do this!"

With Gamma in tow, the four of them set out into the unknown, leaving the safehouse behind. As the door closed, Elise remained still, her fingers clutching the edge of her dress. Her troubled expression didn't go unnoticed by Caliburn, who leaned slightly toward her.

"What weighs on your mind, Your Highness?" Caliburn asked in a tone that was both formal and gentle.

Elise hesitated, her voice soft. "I wish Lancelot and the others success. I truly do. But… I can't help fearing what will happen if they fail. What if this shadow creature destroys everything? What if there's no way to stop it?"

Caliburn's voice was steady, a tone meant to soothe. "Fear is natural, Princess, but I assure you, Sir Lancelot is no ordinary knight. He has faced countless trials and emerged victorious. With Percival, Honey, and Gamma by his side, they are in good hands. You must trust in their strength."

Chip floated closer, chiming in with his usual cheer. "Yeah! This isn't the first time some crazy otherworldly thing has tried to mess things up. I mean, I've seen it before with Sonic. And he found a way to beat it"

Elise tilted her head, something stirring in her mind. A vague, fleeting memory surfaced—a vision of herself holding a small candle, Sonic standing beside her. She couldn't place when or where it had happened, but the warmth of the moment brought a faint smile to her lips

"Sonic…." she murmured, her voice distant as if grasping at fragments of a dream

Caliburn inclined slightly, his tone filled with quiet conviction. "And Sir Lancelot shares that same unwavering resolve. He will not falter, and neither must we. Everything will be all right, Princess."

Elise looked at the door through which the group had departed. The vague memory, coupled with Caliburn's reassurance, brought her some solace. "Thank you, Caliburn. I'll do my best to believe in them."

"You are most welcome, Your Highness," Caliburn replied

As Chip hovered beside her, smiling brightly "Want some chocolate to go with your coffee"

"Are you sure its ok?" Said Elise

"Of course!" said Chip giving her a piece making her have more of a smile

To Lancelot

As the group moved steadily toward the next colorless structure, the looming presence of the massive black sphere in the sky seemed to grow heavier. Honey glanced upward, a slight shiver running down her spine. "That thing gives me the creeps," she muttered before sidling closer to Lancelot. With a playful grin, she added, "But I know you'll protect me, right, Sir Knight?"

Lancelot glanced at her, his usual stoic expression softening slightly, but before he could respond, Percival stepped up on his other side

"Honey," Percival said, her tone calm but with a subtle edge, "I don't think you need protecting. Between Sir Lancelot and myself, we could easily take on that sphere if it came to it." Her confidence was palpable, but there was a slight emphasis on her own contribution that made her intention clear

Honey shot her a quick glance, her smile tightening as she tried to mask her irritation. "Oh, I'm sure you could, Percival. But you know, having a knight like Lancelot at my side just feels… reassuring."

Percival met her gaze, her own expression neutral but with a hint of a challenge in her eyes. "Of course. But I'm sure Sir Lancelot appreciates having someone equally skilled to rely on in battle."

The subtle exchange of barbs wasn't lost on Lancelot, though he kept his focus ahead. "The sphere is not our concern right now," he said, his voice even

Honey and Percival both fell silent, each hiding a faint grimace as they turned their attention back to the path. Gamma trudged along behind them, unbothered by the tension

"I detect increasing energy signatures near the structure," Gamma stated, breaking the silence. "It may be heavily guarded."

As they marched forward, a sinister shift occurred in the black sphere above them. One of the glowing eyes embedded in the ring of the sphere began to creak open, its gaze locking directly onto Lancelot

Lancelot slowed his pace, his grip tightening on his sword as a faint, stabbing pain began to pulse in his head. He clenched his jaw, refusing to show weakness

Percival, walking just behind him, noticed his hesitation. "Sir Lancelot, are you alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern

Lancelot straightened himself, though the headache lingered. "I'm fine," he replied curtly, keeping his eyes forward and moving ahead

Honey glanced between the two, her lips pursed, but said nothing. Gamma, as usual, remained silent, focused entirely on the path ahead

Before long, they reached the next colorless structure—a desolate, sprawling desert littered with colorless skeletons.

The colorless statue this time doesn't seem like anyone they recognize either

"It's always something eerie, isn't it?" Honey muttered, eyeing the skeletal remains with a mix of curiosity and unease

Lancelot, without warning, dove into the crack in time at the heart of the structure, his form disappearing in an instant

"Could've given us a little heads-up," Honey muttered with a sigh. Shaking her head, she turned to Gamma. "Come on, big guy." Together, the two followed after Lancelot, vanishing into the temporal fissure

Percival lingered for a moment, her gaze lifting to the black sphere above them. The eye that had opened earlier seemed to be observing them still, and her worry deepened. Was it having an effect on Lancelot?

Clenching her fists, Percival steeled herself. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it," she said quietly to herself before stepping forward and leaping into the crack

Play: Sonic and the Secret Rings OST- The White of Sky

Honey tumbled through the crack in time and landed surprisingly close to the ground, her feet sinking slightly into the sand. Looking around, she noticed the desert was eerily still, littered with skeletal remains of creatures she couldn't begin to recognize. However, what caught her attention was the light snowfall, the flakes drifting softly through the cold air.

"Well, this is… something," she muttered, brushing herself off. "Better than that claustrophobic Eggman base, at least." She crossed her arms, glancing toward the skeletal remains. "Though I'm not sure this is much of an improvement."

Gamma landed a moment later, his heavy frame causing a small puff of sand to rise. His scanners immediately activated, sweeping the desolate environment. "Area unrecognizable. No identifiable structures or lifeforms detected within immediate range."

Before Honey could respond, Percival landed nearby, her descent as graceful as ever. She straightened, brushing herself off as she approached. "Did I miss anything?"

"Not really," Honey replied with a shrug. "Just sand, skeletons, and snow. Kind of spooky, if you ask me."

"…that isn't snow.." said Gamma catching both Percival and Honey off guard as they both immediately dusted themselves off "It's just bone particles"

"…of course.." muttered Honey

Lancelot landed moments later with his usual air of precision as he readied his sword

Gamma's scanners whirred again, his head tilting slightly as he processed the results. "Energy signature detected. Chaos Emerald fragment is located approximately 1.7 miles northeast. No immediate threats detected along the route."

Honey stretched slightly before falling in line. "As long as nothing creepy pops out of nowhere, I'm fine with that."

Percival smirked faintly. "You say that now, but you always scream the loudest when something does."

"Hey! That's totally uncalled for!" Honey shot back, pouting as the group began their trek through the eerie desert, following Gamma's lead

Then eerie creaking sound broke the silence. Honey's ears twitched, and she froze.

"What was that?" she asked, her voice laced with unease

Her question was answered as skeletal hands began clawing their way out of the sand. Empty eye sockets glowed faintly as skeletal warriors dragged themselves upright, weapons of bone and rusted metal in hand

"Oh, no, no, no!" Honey exclaimed, her fur bristling as she backed up. "This is just like some horror movies… or maybe one of those over-the-top action movies!" She quickly ducked behind Lancelot for cover.

"Movies?" Percival asked, her expression genuinely puzzled. "What are those?"

Lancelot glanced back briefly, just as confused. "I've never heard of such a thing."

Honey peered out from behind Lancelot, her face blank with disbelief. "Seriously? Seriously? You two don't know what movies are? What rock have you been living under?"

Lancelot didn't respond as he raised his hand with his eyes narrowing at the skeleton warriors

With a sharp movement, he unleashed a barrage of Chaos Spears, the glowing projectiles slicing through the air and smashing into the skeletons. Bone shards flew in every direction as several enemies were reduced to piles of rubble

"Don't fall behind," Lancelot commanded as he charged forward

Percival followed close behind, her blade igniting with a fiery glow as she cleaved through the skeletal warriors with elegant precision. "Stay close, Honey!"

"Yeah, yeah, not like I'm going anywhere!" Honey replied, leaping into the air and kicking a skeleton that had gotten too close. "Ugh, gross! Why do they have to rattle like that?"

Despite their efforts, the sound of shifting sand and rattling bones grew louder. More skeletons began emerging from the ground, forming a seemingly endless wave

"We're not stopping this tide," Percival said as she cut down another warrior. "We need to move!"

Gamma's scanners beeped as he processed new data. "Alert: New energy signature detected approximately 400 meters ahead. Source is significantly stronger than initial readings."

"Then we'll cut our way through," Lancelot said without hesitation, his voice calm but intense. He swung Arondight with precision, carving a path through the growing horde

The group picked up their pace, the skeletal warriors closing in from all sides as they raced towards where Gamma senses the shard

Eventually Lancelot slashed through two particularly vocal ones with a series of precise strikes. As their bones scattered to the ground, the skeletons' skulls rolled slightly apart, and a faint, raspy voice came from one of them.

"That speed… Reminds me of that blue hedgehog."

The other skull chimed in, its jaw clattering slightly as it spoke. "And doesn't he look like him, too? Just… you know, in some foreign knight get-up."

Honey, overhearing, let out a laugh despite the chaos. "Wow, skeletons have jokes now. Great. That's exactly what we needed today!"

Lancelot ignored the comment, his focus sharp as he dispatched another wave of skeletons

Suddenly, the sky above began to fracture with ominous cracks of light, halting the skeletons mid-attack. Their glowing eyes flickered as they turned to look upward, stunned

Out of the widening cracks in the sky came an echoing, maniacal laugh. Lancelot's grip on his sword tightened as the familiar figure of King Arthur burst through the rift, mounted on a shadowy steed. Staring down at them

"Not this guy again," Honey muttered, her ears flattening against her head as she glared at the menacing figure

Arthur raised his blade high, slashing at the air and creating more cracks that rippled through the sky. From these cracks, sleek GUN drones began to pour through, their mechanical hums growing louder as they descended

Arthur's laughter echoed one last time before he spurred his steed toward one of the larger cracks. Without a word, he disappeared into the rift, leaving the chaos behind

Gamma aimed his arm cannon upward, targeting the descending drones. "Threat level increased. Recommending defensive positions."

As the GUN drones began to open fire, their shots peppered both Lancelot's group and the skeleton warriors alike. One particularly unlucky skeleton raised its shield in a futile attempt to block the blast, only for the shield—and the skeleton holding it—to be blown apart

From the scattered bones came a faint, frustrated voice. "I just got that new shield! DAMN IT"

Honey, dodging behind Lancelot, couldn't help but snort despite the tension. "Well, at least someone's having a worse day than us!"

Lancelot ignored the banter, slashing through another drone with a Chaos-infused strike. Slicing through more like butter

Gamma, scanning the area, beeped with a faint urgency. "Power signature detected. Source emanates from within the cave ahead. Advise immediate entry."

They approached the cave entrance, a sudden metallic screech echoed from within. Lancelot stepped in first, his instincts sharp as ever, but he immediately noticed the faint glint of blades protruding from the walls

"Trap!" he shouted, lunging forward just in time to pull both Percival and Honey back by their arms as a massive set of axe blades swung down from the ceiling. The trap narrowly missed slicing them, leaving the two shaken but unharmed

"Thanks," Percival muttered, regaining her composure quickly

"Y-yeah, that was a close one," Honey added, her usual bravado slipping for a moment as she clung to Lancelot

Gamma scanned the trap mechanisms and the cave beyond. "Additional traps likely present. Recommend expedited progress to avoid further delays"

The group advanced deeper into the cave, fending off waves of skeleton warriors that seemed to crawl out from every corner. The echo of Lancelot's sword clashing against brittle bones filled the cavern as he slashed his way forward

"This is no ordinary cave," Lancelot noted, eyes scanning the intricate, man-made walls around them. They were decorated with faded carvings and rusted iron reinforcements, as if this place once had a grander purpose.

Percival parried a blow from a skeleton, kicking it into a spike trap that impaled it instantly. "It feels… familiar. Like an arena of sorts," she said, glancing around at the wide-open chambers and high ceilings

The group darted through a series of traps: axe blades swinging perilously close and spike balls rolling down inclined pathways. Honey yelped as she narrowly avoided one, clinging to Lancelot for balance

"This place sure knows how to keep people out," Honey muttered before her eyes caught the glimmer of gold along the pathway. Treasure piles were tucked into alcoves and chambers, some glinting with gems and others spilling with coins

Her eyes sparkled as she slowed her pace, stealthily pocketing a few gold coins. "I mean, if they're just gonna leave it lying around…"

"Leave them," Percival snapped, cutting down another skeleton as she glanced back at Honey

Honey shrugged innocently, hiding her spoils. "What? I didn't take anything." Making Percival roll her eyes

The group carefully traversed a skeletal bridge, its design resembling a massive serpent coiled in death. The hollowed eye sockets of its carved skull seemed to follow them as they crossed. Honey couldn't help but feel uneasy, but she kept her thoughts to herself as she pocketed another shiny gem from a passing treasure pile

Finally, they came upon an imposing set of double doors. Lancelot pushed them open, and the group entered a grand chamber

A massive throne sat at the center, flanked by tall, crumbling pillars. Upon it was a skeleton far larger than any they had encountered—nearly as tall as Gamma. It wore regal attire, its crown crooked yet undeniably ornate. Its glowing green eyes locked onto the intruders as it rose with a low, creaking sound.

Gamma's scanners flared. "The Master Emerald shard is within this chamber."

Honey glanced over her shoulder, hearing the distant sounds of the GUN drones battling the skeleton warriors outside. "Looks like we've got more time than we thought," she commented.

Before anyone could respond, the massive skeleton's eyes burned brighter. It took up a massive, ancient sword resting beside the throne and pointed it at the group

"Who dares disturb my mines?" it demanded, its voice echoing like thunder through the chamber. The skeleton narrowed its glowing eyes, lowering its sword slightly as it studied Lancelot more closely. Its tone shifted from hostility to curiosity. "You… you remind me of someone. Could it be? Are you Sonic the Hedgehog?"

Lancelot stiffened at the name. "I am not Sonic," he replied curtly, though his grip on Arondight remained steady

The skeleton tilted its head, its glowing eyes flickering slightly. "Not Sonic? But you look so similar. Are you kin? Brothers, perhaps?"

Lancelot frowned, lowering his sword slightly. "No. There is no relation."

Percival stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "How do you know Sonic?" she asked, her tone cautious yet inquisitive

The skeleton straightened up, its regal posture returning. "Ah, Sonic the Hedgehog. He was the one who defeated the Erazor Djinn and aided in recovering the scattered pieces of my body. It was a debt I could never repay, though I would gladly lend him my aid should he ever call upon me."

"You knew him well?" Percival asked, glancing at Lancelot, whose expression remained unreadable

The skeleton nodded, the motion causing his crown to tilt slightly. "Indeed. But where are my manners?" He flourished his sword in a grand gesture, its ancient blade glowing faintly. "I am the great and powerful King Solomon, ruler of this mine and guardian of its secrets. And you, strangers, have yet to tell me why you are here."

"We are here for the Master Emerald shard," Lancelot stated plainly

King Solomon's glowing eyes dimmed slightly in confusion. "Master Emerald shard? I know not what you speak of."

Honey stepped closer to Lancelot, nudging his arm. "Maybe you need to be more specific. Show him one of the shards we've already collected," she suggested

Lancelot hesitated for a moment before retrieving one of the glowing shards of the Master Emerald, holding it up for King Solomon to see. The ancient skeleton leaned forward, his glowing eyes narrowing as he studied the fragment

"This… this shard is identical to the one my knights found," King Solomon said, his voice resonating with curiosity and authority. He reached behind his throne, pulling out a shard of similar size and brilliance. Its green light pulsed faintly in his bony grasp. "But tell me, why do you seek these shards?"

Lancelot met King Solomon's intense gaze, his expression stoic but resolute. "Realms across time and space have been shattered. These shards of the Master Emerald are the key to restoring balance and preventing further collapse."

King Solomon stared into Lancelot's crimson eyes, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Finally, the ancient king spoke, his voice heavy with gravity. "I sense within you great dormant power, knight. Power that is both formidable and dangerous. But beware—your soul will be tested in ways you have never endured before. Choices will come that may define not only your path but the fate of countless others."

Lancelot furrowed his brow, gripping the hilt of Arondight tightly. "What do you mean? Can you elaborate?"

King Solomon shook his head, his crown tilting slightly. "It is not my place to say. The trials of destiny are yours to face, not mine to predict."

Percival stepped closer to Lancelot, her expression filled with concern. "Lancelot, is there something you're not telling us?" she asked softly, though he did not reply

The ground beneath them rumbled, a low vibration that seemed to echo from deep within the cave. Gamma's sensors flared to life, and his monotone voice broke the tension. "Warning: GUN drones approaching. Estimated time of arrival—imminent."

Honey shifted nervously, her ears twitching as she stepped closer to Gamma. "Great. Just what we needed. More bots," she muttered, watching as Gamma readied his arm cannon

King Solomon turned his glowing gaze back to Lancelot, his tone shifting to one of solemnity. "I sense no ill intent in you, knight. You may take the shard, but know this—I grant it to you as a favor for Sonic the Hedgehog, who once proved himself a true hero in my eyes."

He extended the shard toward Lancelot, its green light illuminating the chamber. Lancelot hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and taking it

The moment Lancelot took hold of the shard, a sudden and blinding flash of white engulfed the group. Time and space seemed to dissolve into nothingness as they were pulled back into the white void

Back in the void

Play: LEMMiNO – Melancholy

Percival blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the stark brightness. As her vision cleared, she immediately noticed Lancelot standing motionless, his sword gripped tightly in one hand and the shard glowing faintly in the other. His crimson eyes were distant, locked in a trance-like state

"Not again…" Percival murmured, worry etched on her face as she ran to his side. She stood before him, her hand hesitating for a moment before gently caressing his face. His expression remained unreadable, and her worry deepened

Her thoughts drifted to King Solomon's ominous words about Lancelot harboring dangerous dormant power. She let out a quiet sigh, leaning closer to him. "Lancelot… I don't know what's going on inside you, but I hope you'll trust me enough to tell me. Please," she whispered, holding tightly to his free hand. "Whatever this is, we'll face it together."

As she stood there, her resolve firm, she glanced over her shoulder and noticed Gamma and Honey standing near the colorless statue they had seen before

The statue began to shimmer, slowly regaining its color. Before their eyes, the figure transformed into a radiant woman with long, flowing pink hair. Her form seemed to hover slightly above the ground

Honey's jaw dropped as she pointed at the floating figure. "She's floating! I mean, I've seen weird stuff before, but whoah"

Gamma's sensors flickered, and his monotone voice carried an unusual note of intrigue. "Analyzing… Power signature detected. Source: Unknown. Power level: Beyond measurable parameters."

The woman placed her hands over her chest and spoke, her voice soft. "Oh.. hello, I am Shahra, the Genie of the Ring. Tell me… what has happened? Where am I?"

Honey blinked a few times, still trying to process what she was seeing. "Uh… I'm Honey, and this is Gamma. We're not entirely sure what's going on ourselves. Long story short, the worlds are kinda… broken?"

Shahra's gaze drifted over the endless white void and the fractured realms scattered like islands in an infinite sea. Her expression darkened with concern. "Fractured realms… I can feel the imbalance. The worlds are in chaos." She turned back to Honey, her tone urgent. "Is Sonic here? Is he helping to fix this?"

Honey hesitated, glancing nervously at Gamma and then back at Shahra. "Uh, well… about that… I don't actually know if Sonic is here."

Shahra's expression flickered between hope and uncertainty as she looked at the group. "Then who among you leads this effort to restore balance?"

Honey tilted her head toward Lancelot, who still stood motionless in his trance. "That would be him. Kinda. Sorta. It's complicated," she said sheepishly. "Huh!?" As she noticed he was in a trance again

Honey ran over to Lancelot, who remained frozen in his trance-like state. Waving her hand in front of his face a few times without getting any response, she crossed her arms and tilted her head thoughtfully. Then, a sly grin spread across her face as an idea struck her

Fluttering her eyelashes dramatically, she leaned slightly toward him. "Well, as much as I'd prefer it to be the other way around, maybe giving him the 'Sleeping Beauty' treatment will work," she said with a teasing lilt

Before she could lean any closer, Percival stormed over, her face red with indignation. With a swift motion, she clamped a hand over Honey's face and pushed her back. "That will not be necessary," Percival said sharply, glaring at her

The two butted heads, their foreheads almost colliding as they locked eyes in a silent battle of wills. Honey smirked. "Oh, come on, Percival. It's just a little kiss! It might wake him up."

"That is not proper!" Percival retorted, her voice brimming with irritation. (and slight jealousy)

Shahra floated closer, her calm voice breaking the rising tension. "What is the matter with him?" she asked, glancing at Lancelot curiously

Honey sighed and gestured toward him. "He's in another one of those weird trances from the emerald shards. Happens every time."

Almost as if on cue, Lancelot's eyes flickered back to focus. His body tensed, and in a split second, he had drawn Arondight, pointing the blade directly at Shahra. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice cold and sharp

Shahra raised her hands, startled by the sudden hostility

"Lancelot!" Percival stepped between them, her hands raised to calm him. "She's the one we rescued!"

Honey nodded, putting her hands on her hips. "Yeah, cool your jets. No need to go all dramatic hero on her."

Realizing he had overreacted, Lancelot lowered his sword and bowed his head slightly. "My apologies," he said, his voice subdued. "I acted rashly."

Shahra relaxed, offering a small smile. "No harm done. Tensions seem to be high for all of us."

Percival turned to Shahra. "We have a safehouse nearby. You can stay there until we manage to restore the balance to the realms."

As the group began to make their way back, Percival fell into step beside Shahra. "What happened to you?"

Shahra's expression grew somber. "I was in the Arabian Palace, when a shadowy monster appeared. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. It attacked me, and the next thing I knew… I woke up seeing you"

She glanced at Percival and Lancelot. "Do you know Sonic? Is he here to help fix all of this?"

Percival nodded. "We know Sonic. Both Lancelot and I have crossed paths with him before"

Shahra's lips curved into a small smile, her eyes distant with memories. "He is indeed. If anyone can face these challenges, it's him."

Lancelot walked slightly ahead, his hand gripping Arondight as he listened to the conversation in silence. Though he said nothing, his thoughts lingered on King Solomon's earlier warning about his dormant power. For now, he resolved to keep moving forward, the shard in his possession and his companions by his side

As the group continued toward the safehouse, Honey glanced at Shahra with a mix of curiosity and impatience. "So, if you're a genie, can't you just, I don't know, snap your fingers or something and fix all this mess?"

Shahra floated silently for a moment, her expression thoughtful. She glanced around, noticing a withered, lifeless plant along the path. Extending her hand, she focused her energy, attempting to breathe life back into it. A faint golden glow surrounded her hand, but nothing happened

She frowned, trying again, but the plant remained unchanged. Lowering her hand, Shahra sighed. "It seems I can't use my power much outside my own realm. Whatever has fractured these worlds has also limited me."

Honey crossed her arms, tilting her head. "So, what can you do? Besides floating, I mean."

Shahra shook her head. "I'm… unsure. My connection to my magic feels weak. I'll do what I can, but it may not be much."

Honey pouted slightly, muttering, "Great. A genie who can't genie."

A little later

By the time they reached the safehouse, The door opened, and Chip darted out, his wings fluttering with excitement

His eyes widened as he noticed Shahra hovering gracefully behind the group. "Whoa! She's floating!" he exclaimed, circling her with amazement "Are you like, magic or something?"

Shahra smiled softly at his enthusiasm. "I am Shahra, the Genie of the Ring. Though, I fear I'm not much of one at the moment."

Chip clapped his hands together, grinning. "That's so cool! I've never met a genie before!"

Inside the safehouse, Elise sat in a chair near the fireplace, rising as the group entered. She observed Shahra with calm curiosity. "A genie," she mused, folding her hands in front of her. "How much stranger can this place get?"

Gamma, ever vigilant, scanned the room and began to secure the perimeter. Meanwhile, Honey plopped onto a couch with a dramatic sigh. "First fractured realms, then spooky skeleton kings, and now a floating genie"

Percival guided Shahra to a seat and gestured toward the rest of the group. "We've all been through a lot. Rest here for now, Shahra. We'll figure out the next step soon."

Shahra nodded, her gaze lingering on the fractured landscapes visible through the window. "Thank you. I'm sorry if I'm not much help, but if I am able I'll gladly lend my help I am able to give" making Percival smile

Lancelot stood silently near the doorway, his grip on Arondight firm as he looked out into the distance. He then silently turned on his heel and left without a word. Gamma, always immediately followed after him with mechanical precision as Honey notices the both of them leaving rather suddenly

Honey threw up her hands in exasperation. "Seriously? Again?"

Percival frowned, already heading toward the door. "We'd better go after him. Who knows what trouble he's about to walk into."

Honey rolled her eyes but followed. "Unbelievable. We barely sit down, and he's already off on some lone-wolf adventure. Classic Lancelot."

As the two hurried out, Shahra floated closer to Chip and Caliburn. She tilted her head. "Are they always like this?"

Chip shrugged, flapping his small wings lazily. "Eh, kinda? Usually, they stick around for a little while before rushing off again."

Caliburn, his voice as steady as ever, chimed in, "Do not be alarmed. They are simply continuing their journey. It is their nature to press forward. They will be back soon, as always."

Shahra's nerves were momentarily distracted when Froggy suddenly hopped onto the table near her. She gasped, floating back slightly, her wide eyes fixed on the unexpected visitor.

Elise covered her mouth to stifle a giggle and gently placed a hand on Shahra's shoulder. "It's all right. Froggy just… has a habit of appearing out of nowhere. He's harmless, I promise."

Froggy gave a small croak as if to emphasize Elise's point before hopping off the table and finding a quiet corner to rest

Meanwhile, Orbot approached Shahra, his red optics glowing with polite curiosity. "Can I get you anything, madam? A drink, a snack? Perhaps something to make you feel more at home?"

Elise smiled warmly and gestured toward the small kitchenette. "I'd recommend the coffee. Orbot makes an excellent cup."

Orbot's entire demeanor seemed to brighten. "Oh, how delightful to hear! One genie-sized coffee coming right up!" He floated off to prepare the drink, humming a cheerful tune.

Chip, still lingering near Caliburn, glanced out the window toward the direction Lancelot had gone. "Do you think something's wrong with him? He didn't say a word."

Caliburn's tone was measured. "Sir Lancelot often carries the weight of his thoughts in silence. He is preoccupied, but it is not for us to pry. Let him sort his troubles in his own time."

Chip nodded slowly, though concern still flickered in his expression. "I guess you're right. He seems like a kind of a loner, huh?"

"Indeed," Caliburn replied. "But worry not. Sir Lancelot is resilient. He will find his way."

As Shahra sipped her newly served coffee, the warmth of the drink and the calming atmosphere eased her tension. Still, her gaze drifted toward the door, wondering what lay ahead for the group and the fractured realms they sought to mend

To Lancelot

As Lancelot walked alongside Gamma, the eerie sphere structure hovering in the distance opened another glowing eye, its crimson gaze fixating on him. Instantly, his head throbbed with an unbearable ache, causing his thoughts to scatter into disjointed fragments

He saw Shahra in his mind, but just for a fleeting moment, her image shifted—replaced by Merlina. His fist clenched tightly, frustration boiling under the surface

"Merlina..." he thought bitterly. The sight of King Arthur in this shattered reality had stirred memories he would rather bury. Despite being told Arthur was nothing but an illusion, the encounter had felt too vivid, too real

Even when Arthrur still ruled over Camelot. His journey. His feats. His power. It couldn't have truly been a mere illusion

Lancelot's instincts told him that Merlina had a hand in this madness. The fractured realms, the distorted timelines—it reeked of her machinations. For a moment, he wondered if Merlina could see him through that ominous sphere, her unseen strings pulling at every corner of this strange reality

As if to confirm his suspicion, an echoing voice began to call his name. It grew louder, cutting through the haze in his mind

"Lancelot!"

He snapped out of his thoughts, turning to see Honey jogging toward him, her eyes studying him with concern. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, her tone unusually soft. "You seem even more distant than usual."

Lancelot didn't meet her gaze. "I'm fine," he replied curtly, his voice cold but steady

Honey frowned but didn't press further as they continued onward

Gamma, suddenly stopped. "Detecting energy anomaly. Master Emerald shard detected." He pointed toward a distant structure rising above the fragmented terrain—a gleaming white castle that looked like it was plucked from a fairytale

Lancelot's eyes narrowed. There was something about the castle that stirred a compulsion deep within him. Without hesitation, he dashed ahead, leaving the others behind

As he approached the castle, several Black Arms soldiers emerged from the shadows, their insect-like forms hissing as they aimed their blasters and opened fire

Lancelot didn't falter. With a flick of his hand, he summoned Chaos Spears, red energy erupting from his palms. The spears flew with deadly precision, striking down his attackers as he moved up the castle steps. His sword, Arondight, gleamed in the pale light, ready to strike

The closer he got to the entrance, the stronger the shard's energy became—and the more certain he was that this place held answers. The question was whether he was ready to face them

From the darkness of the corridor, a massive Black oak leaped toward Lancelot, its fists raised high to crush him. Without hesitation, Lancelot vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing behind the creature. In a fluid motion, he spin dashed slamming into the soldier's back and knocking it off balance. Before it could recover, Lancelot delivered a powerful strike with Arondight, sending the creature tumbling down the stairs

The soldier roared in frustration, scrambling to its feet and preparing to charge back up. But before it could take a step, a precise laser blast from Gamma struck its chest, forcing it to collapse and disintegrate into shadowy particles

"Enemy neutralized," Gamma stated as his arm cannon cooled

The commotion attracted more Black Arms soldiers, who emerged from the shadows, screeching and lunging at Lancelot. Unfazed, Lancelot gripped Arondight tightly and cut through them with swift, precise strikes. Each blow caused the soldiers to dissipate like smoke, as though they were nothing more than lingering echoes of darkness.

As the last soldier fell, Lancelot stepped into a dark corridor. The oppressive silence of the castle weighed heavily, the air thick with an unnatural tension

Gamma followed closely, his sensors whirring as he scanned the surroundings. "Warning: multiple foreign energy signatures detected. Proceed with caution."

Before Lancelot could respond, distant voices echoed behind him

"Lancelot! Wait up!" Percival called, her voice tinged with worry

"Are you serious? Can you not just charge in alone for once?" Honey added, irritation laced in her tone

Lancelot didn't stop or acknowledge them, his focus locked on the path ahead. Something about this place compelled him forward, an unshakable instinct that whispered answers

Percival and Honey hurried to catch up, their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. "He's going to get himself into trouble," Honey muttered, glancing nervously around the dark corridor

"Let's just keep up," Percival replied, gripping her sword tightly. "He won't admit it, but he might need us before this is over."

Gamma's red eye flickered as he followed alongside the group. "Further hostiles may be encountered. I recommend remaining vigilant."

To Lancelot

Lancelot's boots echoed through the eerie corridor, the walls on either side lined with what appeared to be endless mirrors. His grim reflection stared back at him, his cold eyes meeting his own. Each step deepened his unease, the sight of himself in the mirrors feeling like a haunting mockery

As he continued forward, a strange sensation began to crawl over his skin. Something was wrong

He paused when he came upon a peculiar mirror. Unlike the others, it did not show his reflection. Instead, the image of another figure stood within it: Shadow, staring back at him with an equally stunned expression

Lancelot froze, his breath caught in his throat. He cautiously approached the mirror, holding out his hand toward the glass. Shadow mirrored the action, their hands nearly touching, though separated by an invisible barrier

Before Lancelot could process what he was seeing, a feminine voice broke the silence. "Shadow, is something wrong?"

Lancelot's head snapped toward the source of the voice within the mirror. A young woman with flowing blue hair ran into view, concern etched across her face as she approached Shadow

For a fleeting moment, Lancelot's vision blurred, and the woman's form was replaced with another—a dark and familiar figure cloaked in malevolence. Merlina

His blood boiled, and his grip tightened on Arondight. The dark sorceress was here. She had to be

Play: Crush 40 – Through the Fire

Before he realized what he was doing, he surged forward, his instincts taking over. The mirror shattered around him as he burst through, shards of glass scattering like starlight. His sword was raised high, aimed directly at the woman

The young woman gasped in alarm, stepping back, but before Lancelot could strike, Shadow appeared in a blur of speed, teleporting between them. The clang of metal rang out as Shadow blocked Lancelot's blade with a swift upward motion of his own hand, red energy sparking from the clash

"Don't you dare!" Shadow growled, glaring at Lancelot

Lancelot's eyes burned with intensity, his breathing heavy as he locked gazes with Shadow. "Get out of my way, Shadow…" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous

"I'm not letting you hurt her!" Shadow shot back, pushing against the force of Lancelot's blade

The tension crackled in the air, the faint remnants of shattered mirror fragments glinting in the light. The young woman behind Shadow stood frozen, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. "Shadow, who is this?!"

Shadow's eyes narrowed at Lancelot as he continued shielding the young woman behind him "I don't know…" he said "but he certainly looks like trouble."

Lancelot didn't respond immediately, his head suddenly throbbing with a sharp, splitting pain. He staggered slightly, gripping his temple as Shadow did the same

"!" said Both of them as they winced, their shared headache like an invisible tether between them

The moment passed as quickly as it had come, and Lancelot growled, shaking it off. His piercing gaze locked onto the woman, who stood frozen behind Shadow. "I know what you're up to," Lancelot snarled, raising his hand as glowing chaos spears materialized around him. Without hesitation, he hurled them toward the pair

Shadow reacted instantly, summoning his own crimson doom spears to intercept the incoming projectiles. The two sets of energy collided mid-air, erupting in a flash of light that shook the room

"What are you talking about?!" the woman shouted, her voice edged with confusion and frustration as she shielded her face from the explosion

Shadow glanced back at her briefly. "Stay behind me Aqua," he ordered before focusing on Lancelot again

Aqua peeked past Shadow's shoulder, her eyes widening as she took a closer look at their attacker. "Wait… he looks just like you!" she said, her voice tinged with disbelief "Could he be… another variant?"

Shadow frowned, his eyes narrowing as he examined Lancelot's armored figure "Doesn't matter. But he is standing in our way.."

Lancelot's grip on his sword tightened, his stance rigid as his voice lowered to a growl. "Step aside Shadow," he warned, his words dripping with menace. "If you don't, I'll slay you too." His eyes glowing behind his helmet

Shadow's crimson eyes flared with defiance as he stepped forward, readying himself for another clash. "I'd like to see you try."

Aqua's gaze darted between the two near-identical figures "Wait! Both of you, stop this! There's clearly some kind of misunderstanding!"

Lancelot and Shadow clashed in a blur of motion, their movements almost too fast to track. The sound of steel meeting energy echoed through the strange corridor, each strike fueled by raw intensity. Shadow's chaos spears collided with Lancelot's rapid sword strikes, creating flashes of light that illuminated the dark surroundings

Shadow darted to the side, firing another volley of doom spears, but Lancelot warped behind him with Chaos Control, delivering a swift kick to Shadow's back. Shadow staggered but quickly recovered, charging forward to meet Lancelot head-on again

Suddenly, Lancelot feinted, spinning past Shadow and closing in on Aqua. He raised Arondight high, aiming to strike her down, but Aqua reacted instinctively. Her keyblade materialized in a burst of light just in time to block his attack. Sparks flew as Lancelot's sword clashed against her weapon

Aqua gritted her teeth, struggling to hold her ground. She could feel the sheer force of his strikes pushing her back, each one heavier than the last. "I… don't know who you think I am!" she shouted, her arms shaking under the pressure. "But I'm not your enemy!"

Lancelot ignored her words, his strikes relentless. Just as Aqua's guard began to falter, Shadow sped toward them, grabbing Lancelot and yanking him away. He delivered a series of punches, forcing Lancelot back. With a swift maneuver, Shadow knocked Arondight from Lancelot's grasp, sending the blade clattering across the floor

"Chaos Control!" Shadow called out, freezing the world around them in slowed time. He rushed toward Lancelot, preparing to deliver a decisive blow

To his shock, as he swung his fist, Lancelot in a split second raised his hand and caught it with ease. Time seemed to ripple unnaturally as Lancelot glared at him, his grip like iron

Shadow's eyes widened. "What?! How—"

Before he could finish, Lancelot twisted Shadow's arm and delivered a powerful punch to his chest, sending him flying backward. Shadow crashed near Aqua, skidding across the ground and leaving a shallow trail behind him

Aqua rushed to Shadow's side, helping him to his feet. "Are you okay?"

Shadow coughed and grimaced but nodded. "I've dealt with worse."

Lancelot strode toward them, his movements slow but menacing. His eyes burned with intensity as he raised his arm with seemingly red energy emitting from it "You won't interfere with me again," he declared coldly

Aqua and Shadow exchanged a glance, silently nodding to each other. "We'll see about that," Shadow muttered, stepping forward as his energy flared once more. Aqua stood beside him, her keyblade shimmering

Lancelot swung his armored fists with precision and ferocity, his strikes forcing Aqua to deflect his attacks with her keyblade, while Shadow warps behind Lancelot shooting multiple Doom spears at him, where Lancelot twists and counters with chaos spears of his own

The further this went on, clearly took a toll on Lancelot as he gains another headache giving Shadow an opening to dash quickly to him and landing a series of rapid-fire punches charged with dark Doom energy

"Take this!" yelled Shadow as he dealt Lancelot final kick striking Lancelot squarely in the chest, sending him crashing into a nearby pillar, Lancelot then dropped to his knees

He gritted his teeth, clutching his chest as he muttered under his breath, "I was…Far too careless… how could I let this happen…"

Shadow and Aqua approached cautiously, both ready to react if he made a sudden move. But before they could ask him anything, Shadow's instincts flared. He immediately pulled her back just in time to avoid a flurry of laser shots

"Get away from Sir Lancelot!" yelled Percival suddenly

Aqua and Shadow dodged again as fireballs and laser blasts rained down. The two looked up to see Gamma, Honey, and Percival running over seemingly ready to fight

Percival's eyes locked onto Aqua, her expression fierce. "Merlina!" she spat, raising her sword. "You will not harm Sir Lancelot any further. I'll make sure of it!"

Aqua blinked in confusion. "Merlina? Again, I'm not who you think I am!"

But Percival wasn't listening. She leapt forward, slashing at Aqua, who barely managed to block with her keyblade

Meanwhile, Gamma's arm cannon whirred as he aimed at Shadow. "Target locked. Preparing to neutralize threat."

Shadow dodged the initial blasts as he couldn't help but feel a familiarity about Gamma

Honey rushed to Lancelot's side, kneeling beside him. "Lancelot, are you okay?" she asked worriedly, trying to help him to his feet

Lancelot shook his head, still regaining his composure. "I… let my guard down," he muttered

The room shuddered as Omega barreled into the fray, his heavy metallic footsteps echoing. He positioned himself beside Shadow and Aqua, raising his arms making miniguns aiming at Gamma and Percival

"HOSTILES DETECTED. OBJECTIVE: ELIMINATE THREATS TO SHADOW AND AQUA," Omega stated coldly, his hands turning to miniguns

Gamma's optic lens focused on Omega, momentarily halting his assault. "Analysis: Unit designation unknown. Another E-series robot? Impossible."

Omega turned his gaze toward Gamma, his mechanical tone carrying a rare note of familiarity. "You are E-102 Gamma. I recognize you as the prototype who defied Eggman's programming"

Gamma hesitated, his arm cannon lowering slightly. "Impossible. I was the last one… No records of E-123 exist in my database."

Shadow seized the opportunity, warping behind Gamma and delivering a sharp kick that sent the older robot staggering backward. Gamma recalibrated quickly but didn't retaliate, his systems struggling to process Omega's presence

Meanwhile, Percival pressed her attack against Aqua, her blade clashing with Aqua's keyblade in a dazzling display of sparks. "You will not deceive us, Merlina!" Percival growled

Aqua blocked another slash, her voice rising with desperation. "Please, listen to me—we're not your enemies! Nor am I Merlina!"

Omega stepped between Aqua and Percival, his massive frame shielding Aqua from further attacks. "STAND DOWN, KNIGHT. YOU WILL NOT HARM HER." As his miniguns began to spin

Percival's grip on her sword tightened, her gaze flicking between Omega and Aqua. But Aqua took a step forward, lowering her keyblade and putting her hand on Omega's arm gesturing for him to stand down as she locked eyes with Percival

"Please," Aqua said, her tone imploring. "We don't have to fight. I don't know who Merlina is, but I promise I'm not here to hurt Lancelot or any of you. Let's call a truce and figure this out together."

Percival hesitated as she searched Aqua's expression. Slowly, she lowered her blade, her voice reluctant but firm. "If you're lying, you will regret it. But… I will allow this truce."

Gamma's cannon powered down as he stood beside Percival. "Acknowledged. Standing down."

Omega lowered his own weapon, his attention shifting back to Gamma. "TRUCE ACCEPTED. OBSERVATION: YOU ARE OUTDATED, BUT YOUR INTEGRITY IS RESPECTED"

Shadow exhaled sharply, his chaos energy dissipating as he crossed his arms. "Hmph…Finally"

The tension in the room began to ease as both sides stepped back, though their guarded stances remained.

Play: Mother 3 OST – Leder's Gymnopede

Percival then began to step back to go and support Lancelot opposite Honey , Percival glanced warily at Shadow, Aqua, and Omega. Her voice carried an edge as she asked, "Who are you? And why does he"—she gestured toward Shadow—"look like Lancelot?"

Aqua stepped forward cautiously, her keyblade still in hand but lowered. "I'm Aqua, a keyblade master," she began, her calm tone carrying a hint of urgency. "This is Shadow, and this is Omega. What I can tell you, is that Lancelot and Shadow are variants. But I promise we mean no harm"

Shadow's crimson eyes flicked toward Percival as he studied her more closely. A faint frown crossed his face. "… is your name Blaze by chance?"

Percival blinked, taken aback. "Blaze? No, I am Percival, knight of the Round Table. Who is this Blaze you speak of?"

Shadow shook his head. "Never mind"

Gamma, standing beside Percival, stepped forward, his mechanical tone steady as he gestured to Lancelot, Percival, and Honey. "Designation: E-102 Gamma. These are Sir Lancelot, Sir Percival, and Honey. Our purpose is to uncover the source of this realm's disturbances."

Lancelot couldn't help but grimace at Shadow still harboring distrust against the new trio, which wasn't unnoticed by Shadow as they locked eyes

"Though… you called me Merlina.. why is that?" said Aqua curiously

"…Merlina was the reason our realm went to pieces at first. And this… whole fractures of realms between space and time. We believe she may have had a hand on this" said Percival as her eyes slightly glowed behind her helmet

"I see…, but I promise you that I am not her, nor do I have any involvement with any of her schemes. We are not the same" said Aqua as once again Percival searched her face

"Perhaps… but your face tells another story. You wear her likeness, and darkness clings to you like a shadow." Said Percival

"Then look closer. I fight against the darkness, not for it." Said Aqua

"Hmph. Words are cheap. Trust is earned, not given. I will be watching you, Aqua." Said Percival still frustrated to see Lancelot hurt while Lancelot chose to stay quiet

"Observation: there is no malice sense from her" said Gamma "It appears she truly means what she says"

"That's good. Though I gotta say, I love your style" said Honey as she then imagined herself wearing an outfit identical to Aqua's. Maybe it would gain Lancelot's favor

"The yellow cat and the outdated model is correct. Aqua means what she says" said Omega "Though if we fought any longer. You stand no chance against me" aiming that comment directly at Lancelot

Lancelot growls as Honey and Percival both keep him form lashing out

"Sweetie, we made a truce remember? No fighting your rather handsome twin, the stylish lady or the robot" said Honey as Lancelot only grunted in response as she gives him a pleading look making Lancelot calm down

As Lancelot then straightened up, he reassured Percival and Honey with a nod. "I'll be fine now, thanks."

"Are you sure?" Percival asked, her tone still laced with concern

"Yes," Lancelot replied firmly, prompting both Honey and Percival to reluctantly release their supportive grip on him

Honey's focus shifted to Aqua, her expression lighting up with excitement. "Hey, Aqua, your outfit is adorable! Mind if I copy it?"

Caught off guard, Aqua blinked. "I… uh…"

Before she could finish, Honey grinned mischievously. "Thanks! I'll take that as a yes," she chirped, already envisioning materials and color schemes for her next creation

Percival took the opportunity to change the subject, though her suspicion toward Aqua lingered. "What brings you and your companions here, Aqua?"

"We're on a journey to stop the darkness from spreading," Aqua explained, her tone steady. "But something pulled us into this whitespace, and now we're trying to find our way back."

"That's so cool!" Honey clapped her hands together, her enthusiasm infectious. "Fighting darkness? I bet you've seen plenty of amazing places!"

Percival's gaze narrowed, her analytical nature taking over. "Your weapon—it's unusual. What exactly is it?"

Aqua held up her keyblade, its intricate design catching the faint light. "This is the Keyblade. It chooses its wielder. And It can cut through darkness and has the power to lock or unlock anything."

Honey's curiosity bubbled over as she poked at the keyblade's end. "Anything? Like, could it unlock my jewelry box? Or… maybe act as a bottle opener?"

Aqua chuckled softly. "Not exactly. It's meant for doors and for creating links between worlds."

Percival tilted her head, intrigued. "So, this Keyblade is how you and your friends ended up here."

"Essentially, yes. But right now, we're searching for a way to rescue a friend of mine. His heart… it's been damaged and lost," Aqua said quietly.

Honey clasped her hands over her chest. "Aw, that's so sweet! You're doing all this for your friend? That's adorable!"

Percival's expression softened. "A noble cause, Aqua. One that speaks highly of your character."

Aqua offered a small smile, feeling a touch of relief in their words. Her gaze flickered to Shadow, who seemed restless, his crimson eyes shifting between Lancelot and herself.

Without warning, Gamma's towering frame approached Aqua, his mechanical whirring breaking the momentary silence. His sensors locked onto her before emitting a low hum. "Scan complete. Subject designation: Aqua. Status: anomaly detected. Classification: incomplete."

Percival frowned, concern lacing her voice. "Incomplete? What does that mean?"

Aqua sighed, gripping her Keyblade tightly. "It's true. I'm missing my heart. That's why Gamma labeled me incomplete. I'm what's called a Nobody."

Honey's ears twitched nervously as she took a step back. "Wait, wait—missing your heart? Does that make you a zombie? Or a ghost?"

Shadow interjected before Aqua could respond. "She isn't dead, nor is she a zombie. A Nobody is what's left behind when someone with a strong heart loses it. They retain their form and memories, but they're incomplete—missing the essence of what made them whole."

Gamma tilted his head, intrigued. "Fascinating. A being without a heart, yet maintaining autonomy and purpose. Such phenomena defy standard parameters."

Lancelot scowled, his skepticism apparent. "No heart, yet she walks and talks as if she were whole. It defies all reason. Such a thing should be impossible."

Shadow's voice was firm. "Strange power always brings strange results. The world doesn't always follow reason."

Lancelot's suspicion lingered as he tightened his grip on his sword. "Regardless, I won't let my guard down."

Sensing the tension, Honey quickly interjected, her tone light. "Heart or no heart, Aqua seems to be doing fine! She's fighting darkness and saving her friends—that's amazing, don't you think?"

Aqua smiled faintly at Honey's words, though the weight of Lancelot's distrust lingered.

Percival's gaze softened further. "A Nobody, yet you've come so far. Perhaps you're not as incomplete as you think."

Aqua's grip on her Keyblade loosened, comforted by the sentiment

"Aqua, is it ok if I ask who did this to you?" said Percival hoping it

Aqua's smile slightly faltered "He is a dark being named Mephiles, he had ripped my heart out. And I'm still trying to stop him"

"Mephiles…" muttered Lancelot

"You know who that is?.." said Honey

"…no.." said Lancelot unsure how to answer as he then turned to Shadow. "Your energy spears—they're different from my own. Why is that?"

Shadow hesitated, glancing at his hand where faint traces of dark energy lingered. "They're tied to my connection with Black Doom—a dark being. This power is both a curse and a tool I've had to use to stop him. However. Its like

At the mention of Black Doom, Lancelot stiffened, recognition flickering in his eyes. He held his tongue, however, hiding his knowledge of Black Doom's whispers "So that's who the entity speaking to Shadow was.." he thought

Omega's sensors hummed as he scanned Lancelot. "Subject Lancelot possesses identical DNA to Shadow. Conclusion: alternate variant of Shadow the Hedgehog."

Lancelot raised an eyebrow, as he and Shadow stare at each other again "Identical DNA? Hmph…." As the any animosity between them left over has faded

"That would explain your knight get up. I have never worn anything like that before" said Shadow

"But what if.. you're actually a variant of me?" said Lancelot

"…wouldn't be much different at all then" muttered Shadow

The thought of alternate realities hung in the air as Gamma suddenly announced, "Energy signature detected: Master Emerald shard nearby. It must be recovered."

Lancelot straightened, his tone resolute. "Then we must leave. No time to waste."

As the group prepared to depart, Honey turned back to Aqua with a hopeful grin. "Will we see you again?"

Aqua's smile was warm, though uncertain. "Maybe. The paths we walk are unpredictable, but I believe we'll meet again someday."

Before leaving, Lancelot paused, his tone softer. "Your friend—what's his name?"

"Ventus," Aqua answered quietly

Lancelot gave a small nod. "A good name. I hope you find him."

He turned to Shadow, his gaze sharp yet understanding. "Don't let Maria down."

Shadow froze, his eyes wide, but before he could respond, Lancelot walked away, joined by his companions

As Gamma disappeared into the distance, Omega stood silently, his optics dimming. Aqua noticed. "Omega? Something wrong?"

Omega hesitated. "Gamma was destroyed long ago. Seeing him… conflicts with my data."

Shadow's voice softened. "Destroyed? Are you sure?"

Omega's gaze remained distant. "Gamma's rebellion against Eggman resulted in his termination. Yet, it was undoubtedly him."

Aqua placed a hand on Omega's arm. "Perhaps this place brings second chances."

Omega stood in contemplative silence

Shadow broke the stillness. "Let's go. The others are waiting for us." As the trio began to walk another path

"Proceeding to the safe zone" said Omega

Aqua takes one last look at where Lancelot and his group went. But she hoped Lancelot would have luck with his journey

To Lancelot

The group moved swiftly through the twisting corridors of the mirror realm, their surroundings warping with each step. Percival broke the silence, her tone cautious but curious. "Lancelot… who is Maria?"

Lancelot's expression tightened for a moment before he responded curtly, "She is of great importance to Shadow. But she holds no significance to me or our journey."

Though Percival nodded, sensing Lancelot's disinterest in elaborating, his choice of words lingered in her mind

Soon, they arrived at a massive, ornate gate that radiated a foreboding energy. Strange symbols glowed faintly on its surface, and the air around it seemed unnaturally heavy

Before anyone could react, a chilling, sinister laughter echoed around them, reverberating off the walls. Lancelot's jaw tightened, and his grip on his sword stepping forward

The laughter only grew louder, a mocking, otherworldly sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. Without hesitation, Lancelot jumped into the gate

Gamma analyzed the area with his sensors. "Unknown entity detected beyond the gate. Probability of conflict: 97%." Without waiting for a response, he followed Lancelot into the gate.

Percival glanced at Honey, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Very well…" She stepped forward, her form vanishing through the glowing threshold

Honey hesitated for a moment, crossing her fingers as she stared at the ominous gate. "Here's hoping this leads to somewhere fancy. Maybe a ballroom or a palace!" She gave herself a little shake to dispel her nerves and then darted in after the others

The four of them land upon an opulent marble floor, the cool night breeze brushing against them. And around was an awesome inspiring Arabian Palace illuminated by the soft moonlight providing a dream like quality

Honey's eyes sparkled as she immediately takes in the surroundings "Oh my gosh this place is amazing! All the patterns! The colors! The fashion! Oh the inspiration is everywhere!" as she then twins with excitement

Lancelot and Percival weren't as thrilled. As they cautiously look around

"this place.." muttered Percival as her grip tightens on her sword "Its… majestic but unnervingly quiet"

And Honey immediately wrapped herself around Lancelot "You know, my handsome knight. If everything stayed like this we might as well call it a date"

Somehow. That managed to get even Lancelot slightly flustered. And while it was subtle. Honey definitely saw it by his mouth's subtle movement

Percival on the other hand grimaced

"Perhaps it's better to be amongst a fellow knight to investigate whatever this is" said Percival as she stepped closer to Lancelot challenging Honey's attempted claim on Lancelot

As Gamma's senses suddenly lit up drawing their attention "Dangerous energy detected. Source identified: the lamp" as he points to a shaking lamp on a pedestal

Before anyone of them could react. A plume of violet smoke resulted from the lamp lamp accompanied by an ominous laughter that echoed through the grand hall. And condemned into a figure of purple skin and red hair as he draws a scimitar

"HAHA! FREEDOM AT LAST!" said the being as he raised his fist in the air "I. ERAZOR DJINN AM FREE TO EXACT REVENGE!" as he then paused and looked at the group, his eyes narrowing at Lancelot "So hedgehog, you've gone for a more European look this time. A bit Western now aren't we?"

It didn't take Lancelot very long to realize who Erazor Djinn just mistook him for. Sonic

"You faced him before, haven't you" said Lancelot protectively standing in front of Honey and readying his blade (obviously referring to Sonic)

"Oh so you admit it! Pretending not to recognize me won't save you. I'll crush you either way as I intended before!" said Erazor Djinn arrogantly as Percival and Gamma readied their weapons

Honey peeking behind Lancelot raises her hand "Uh, quick question. Are you like.. a genie? Can you grant wishes or something?"

Erazor Djinn blinked caught off guard "Wha- Wishes? WISHES!? I'll grant you all your doom!" as he brandishing his scimitar

Honey's face turned to disappointment as her hand lowers "Yikes guess that's a no.." as she muttered

"This insane entity is clearly dangerous, let us finish this swiftly" said Percival as she pojted her sword at Erazor Djinn

"Enemy threat confirmed. Engaging" said Gamma readying his arm cannon

"Ha! You mere mortals are weak. I'll show you defeat you rat!" said Erazor Djinn as he lunged forward, his glowing scimitar slashing down with lethal precision. Lancelot raised Arondight just in time, the two blades clashing with a thunderous metallic ring. Sparks flew as the two combatants locked weapons, their eyes meeting in a fierce contest of wills

Erazor sneered, pushing harder against Lancelot's guard. "Impressive swordsmanship, hedgehog. I didn't know you had it in you!"

"I told you," Lancelot growled, forcing Erazor back with a powerful shove, "I am not Sonic. But if you seek a fight, you'll have it!"

Erazor staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance. "You may not have his speed, but your strength and skill are a surprise. No matter—your fate will be the same!"

Lancelot wasted no time, summoning the energy within him. His blade began to glow with a dark crimson hue as he activated his Chaos Punishment. With a swift and powerful strike, he slashed through the air, sending a shockwave that hit Erazor Djinn square in the chest.

"Gah!" Erazor cried as the force launched him through the grand doors of the palace and into the courtyard

"After him!" Lancelot commanded, leaping out of the palace in pursuit

Gamma's jets roared to life as he propelled himself after Lancelot. "Pursuing."

Percival gave a nod and followed without hesitation, her movements swift and graceful

Honey, who had been momentarily stunned by the sudden shift in the fight, snapped out of it as she saw her companions disappear through the shattered doorway. "Hey, wait for me!" she called, dashing toward the edge and leaping after them

But back in the palace room, From the shadows, a deep, ominous laugh echoed through the room

A tall, armored figure emerged, his footsteps heavy and deliberate. His silhouette, framed by the moonlight, exuded an air of authority and malice. An armored hand reached down, picking up the ornate lamp that Erazor had been trapped in moments earlier

The figure studied the lamp with interest, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "So, the arrogant magician has left his lamp. How amusing…"

To Lancelot

Play: Sonic and the Secret Rings OST – Seven Rings in Hand

The courtyard was ablaze with flashes of light and the ringing of steel as the battle raged on. Erazor Djinn swung his scimitar in wide, menacing arcs, each strike meeting fierce resistance from the swords of Lancelot and Percival.

"Hah! You two are more skilled than I gave you credit for," Erazor sneered, parrying Lancelot's strike before spinning to block Percival's counterattack. "But skill alone will not save you!"

"You talk too much," Lancelot retorted, forcing Erazor back with a powerful downward slash

"Agreed," Percival added, her blade darting forward in precise, calculated thrusts that kept Erazor on the defensive

Erazor growled, frustration flickering across his face. "Enough of this!" In a burst of violet energy, he teleported across the battlefield, reappearing behind Honey

Honey gasped, her eyes wide as Erazor raised his scimitar, its edge glinting ominously. "Say goodbye, little cat!" making Lancelot widen his eyes

"!" said Honey as she braced herself for the slash

Before the blow could land, a crimson blur shot across the battlefield. Lancelot materialized in front of Honey, his sword raised to intercept the strike. The clash of blades sent a shockwave rippling through the air

"You will not touch her!" said Lancelot with Venom in his voice

Erazor snarled, preparing another strike, but a sudden burst of energy from Gamma's arm cannon hit him square in the chest, knocking him off balance

"Hostile target destabilized," Gamma announced, his mechanical voice calm and precise.

Erazor stumbled back but quickly steadied himself, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Then, with an unsettling laugh, he began to radiate an ominous energy. The air around him grew heavy and charged as his power surged

"Fools! No matter how skilled or determined you are, you have no miracles to save you now!" Erazor declared, his voice echoing with unnatural power as dark flames erupted around him.

Lancelot tightened his grip on Arondight, the blade pulsing with energy in response to his will. He glanced back at Honey, his expression resolute. "And you have no miracles to protect yourself from me"

With a surge of power, Lancelot's sword began to glow brighter, dark crimson energy swirling around the blade like a storm

"Warning," Gamma stated, his sensors beeping. "Energy surge detected. Hostile target's power level increasing exponentially. All units prepare for impact."

Percival raised her blade, her stance unwavering. "No matter how much power he gathers, he won't defeat us."

Honey, though visibly shaken, nodded and stepped back, trusting her allies to protect her

Erazor grinned wickedly, his aura expanding as the ground beneath him cracked and trembled. "Come then, knights. Let us see how your blades fare against the power of a god!"

Erazor Djinn's laughter echoed through the air. His form began to shift, growing larger and more menacing as he transformed into his ultimate form—Alf Layla Wa-Layla, the massive, monstrous being with a glowing core of dark power. The once-smug grin on his face now twisted into a monstrous sneer

"Witness my true power!" Erazor roared, his voice booming like thunder. "ONCE I CRUSH YOU. THIS REALM WILL BE MIIIINE" before using his power to summon shadow genies to surround them all

"Ew… that looks hideous" said Honey as she is taken aback the Erazor Djinn's new monstrous appearance

Lancelot clenched his head briefly as a sudden headache surged through him, but in that moment of pain, an idea sparked. His crimson eyes flared as he glared at Erazor Djninn

The dark forms rose from the ground, twisting and writhing as they solidified into humanoid figures with glowing, hollow eyes and jagged weapons

Percival's eyes widened as she surveyed the sudden appearance of these new enemies. "Lancelot!"

Lancelot turned to her, " You and the others handle them. I will deal with that demon myself."

Percival hesitated, her worry evident. "Are you sure you can take him alone?"

Lancelot's crimson eyes glowed brighter as he gripped Arondight, his form brimming with an intimidating aura. "I'm certain….because I trust you Percival" Without waiting for a response, he zoomed forward, his speed leaving a crimson streak in the air as he charged at Erazor Djinn

Erazor, now fully transformed, laughed monstrously as he saw Lancelot approaching. "So bold! Let us see how long you last against me! The new creator!"

The two clashed mid-air, their blades meeting with such force that the shockwave shook the palace grounds

Meanwhile, the shadow genies surged forward, their eerie forms hissing and cackling as they closed in on Percival, Honey, and Gamma

Percival raised her blade, her grip tightening. "Lancelot says we have to hold them off"

"Are you sure?" said Honey as Percival nods, as Honey then takes a defensive stance. "Alright, time for paws of fury!"

Gamma scanned the approaching horde, his mechanical voice steady. "Engaging enemy forces. Priority: Eliminate threats."

The three launched into battle, clashing with the shadow genies as the chaotic sounds of their fight echoed in the background. Above them, the battle between Lancelot and Erazor Djinn raged on

Erazor Djinn sneered, his six arms igniting with a blazing white fire that radiated with an intense, oppressive heat. The sheer power emanating from him was enough to distort the air around them

"You dare face me alone, knight? Such arrogance will be your undoing!" he mocked, his voice dripping with malice. "You could have fought together, but instead, you chose solitude. How very foolish of you!"

Lancelot said nothing, his crimson eyes narrowing as he prepared himself. But suddenly, his vision blurred

For a fleeting moment, the sky seemed to shift unnaturally, and above him loomed a massive, ominous sphere with countless glowing eyes, the same one he saw earlier. All eyes fully opened, all fixed on him. The gaze was suffocating, like staring into the abyss itself

His head throbbed painfully, and his grip on Arondight faltered slightly. Dark energy began to seep into his hands, swirling and sparking with an unfamiliar intensity. His fingers trembled as the power threatened to overwhelm him. For an instant, the world around him seemed distant, his focus entirely consumed by the vision

"What… is this?" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he fought to regain control

The dark energy coalesced in his palms, forming a faint but distinct manifestation of a sinister force-Identical to what Shadow did to him earlier

Erazor Djinn watched Lancelot's struggle, misinterpreting the knight's hesitation. His sneer deepened into a mocking grin. "What's this? Fear? The great knight trembles before me!" he taunted, his fiery aura intensifying as he raised his burning arms. "You should have stayed in the shadows, pretender!"

Lancelot, his breathing steadying, tightened his grip on Arondight. The dark energy now coursing through his veins seemed to whisper to him, urging him forward. He pushed aside the ache in his head and the ominous presence lingering in his thoughts

"You mistake resolve for fear," Lancelot growled, his voice low and cold

Erazor Djinn roared with laughter, his six blazing arms lunging forward in a coordinated strike. At the same time, Lancelot surged forward, Arondight glowing with a fierce light as he met the attack head-on

The clash was cataclysmic. Fire and shadow collided in mid-air, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. Lancelot pushed against the fiery assault, the dark power in his hands lending him strength as Arondight cleaved through the inferno

Erazor Djinn's laughter echoed above the chaos, but Lancelot remained undeterred, his determination burning brighter than any flame

Erazor Djinn gathered a crackling orb of dark energy between his hands, its power swelling with ominous intensity. With a malicious grin, he hurled it toward Lancelot, the sphere tearing through the air with a shriek

Lancelot readied himself, but as the orb approached, his vision blurred once more. The battlefield seemed to dissolve, replaced by a void filled with countless, unblinking eyes. Their piercing stares bore into him, an oppressive weight pressing down on his mind

he growled, shaking off the vision

With a swift motion, he raised Arondight and slashed through the air. A shockwave of power rippled from his blade, catching the dark energy orb and hurtling it back toward Erazor Djinn

The dark genie's eyes widened in shock as the orb collided with him, engulfing him in an explosion of black flames. He staggered back, momentarily dazed by the backlash

Lancelot seized the opportunity, lunging forward with incredible speed. Erazor Djinn recovered just in time, his tail scimitar slashing upward in a vicious arc. Lancelot's reflexes kicked in, and he brought Arondight up to block the strike. Sparks flew as the two blades clashed, their edges grinding against each other.

"You're a persistent one," Erazor Djinn hissed, his fiery aura flaring brighter

Lancelot didn't respond, his focus unwavering. With a sudden burst of energy, he unleashed a flurry of chaos spears from his free hand. The golden projectiles shot toward Erazor Djinn, forcing him to leap back and deflect them with his multiple arms

The genie snarled, his patience wearing thin. "Enough of this charade!" he bellowed, his arms blazing with white-hot fire. He charged at Lancelot with relentless fury, his scimitars slashing in rapid succession and flames trailing each strike

Lancelot met each blow head-on, his movements precise yet strained. The relentless assault pushed him to his limits as he barely managed to parry each strike. Sweat beaded on his brow, and his breathing grew heavier

Then, the headache struck again, sharper and more intense than before. His vision blurred as the eyes from the void reappeared, their unrelenting gaze breaking his concentration

"Not now…" he muttered through gritted teeth, shaking his head as he struggled to stay focused

Erazor Djinn noticed the falter and grinned wickedly. "What's the matter, knight? Losing your edge?"

Lancelot's grip tightened on Arondight as he forced himself to push through the pain. "You'll find I'm far from finished," he growled,

Meanwhile with Percival, she along with Gamma and Honey have been fighting off all the shadow genies that dared attack

Percival fought with precision, her blade slicing cleanly through the shadowy foes. Each defeated genie dissolved into black mist, vanishing into nothingness. Gamma, towering and relentless, fired precise laser shots from his arm cannon, taking down groups of genies in controlled bursts

Honey darted between the shadows with acrobatic grace, delivering swift strikes and narrowly avoiding their retaliatory attacks. "These guys just keep coming!" she exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice

"They're finite," Gamma replied mechanically. "Defeating them reduces their number."

"Then let's keep it up!" Percival said, cutting down another genie with a fiery swing of her blade "…Oh Lancelot…. Please be alright"

As Honey flipped over another attacking genie, her eyes caught something gleaming on the ground—a familiar sword spinning through the air, clanging to the ground not far from her.

"Lancelot's sword?" she muttered, confusion flashing across her face. She glanced over at Lancelot, who was still locked in a brutal fight with Erazor Djinn, unarmed and on the defensive

Erazor Djinn loomed over Lancelot, his six flaming arms striking like a storm. Lancelot dodged and parried with his bare hands, but the relentless assault left him struggling to maintain an edge

Honey's eyes widened "Lancelot!"

Before she could act, a shadow genie lunged at her. With a quick spin kick, she sent it flying, its form dissipating into black mist. Without hesitation, Honey grabbed Lancelot's sword, its weight surprising her for a moment as she looks up with worry seeing Lancelot start to attack back at Erazor Djinn

Lancelot's movements blurred as a sudden surge of dark energy enveloped his fists. His eyes burned crimson, and his strikes became a whirlwind of rapid, punishing blows. Each punch landed with explosive force, echoing like thunder against Erazor Djinn's fiery form

Erazor Djinn staggered, his fiery arms flailing in an attempt to block the onslaught, but Lancelot's speed and precision overwhelmed him. With a final devastating kick, Lancelot sent Erazor Djinn hurtling into the ground, creating a massive crater that shook the palace courtyard

Erazor Djinn groaned, his form flickering as he struggled to rise. "What… is this power?" he muttered, his voice laced with shock and fury

Lancelot, his energy crackling like a storm, wasted no time. With a fierce cry, he unleashed a barrage of chaos spears, each bolt slamming into Erazor Djinn's hastily raised shield of fire. The impact drove the djinn deeper into the ground, flames sputtering and dimming as he tried to withstand the assault

From her position, Honey watched with wide eyes, completely enthralled by Lancelot's display of power. "Whoa… My love's got some serious moves!" she exclaimed, her awe cutting through the chaos of the battlefield

Her admiration was short-lived as a shadow genie crept up behind her, its dark claws reaching out. Before it could strike, Gamma's arm cannon fired a precise laser shot, disintegrating the threat in an instant

Honey jumped, startled, and turned to see Gamma standing steadfast, smoke curling from his arm cannon. "Uh… thanks, Gamma! I wasn't paying attention," she said sheepishly.

Gamma's monotone reply came swiftly. "Acknowledged. Focus is critical in battle."

Honey nodded, regaining her composure. "Right! Back to work!" She darted back into the fray, assisting Percival in cutting down another wave of shadow genies.

Meanwhile, Lancelot leapt into the air, spinning rapidly before crashing down in a devastating spin dash, slamming Erazor Djinn further into the ground. Dust and debris erupted from the impact, obscuring the battlefield momentarily

Erazor Djinn's voice echoed from the crater, a mix of anger and disbelief. "This… this is not the power of that accursed hedgehog! Who are you?"

Lancelot stood over the crater, his sword pointed downward, the dark energy still swirling faintly around him. His voice was calm but firm. "I am Sir Lancelot of the Knights of the Round Table. And whatever your intentions are. Ends here"

Erazor Djinn's eyes glowed brighter, his anger reigniting his flames. "We'll see about that!" he roared, as consumed by rage, hid flames erupted into a massive veil of fire engulfing much of the surrounding area in flames.

"!" said Percival seeing the inferno heading towards them "Gamma Honey get behind me!"

"!" said Honey as she and Gamma quickly did as Percival's sword began glow as she began to chant

"Ignis divinum, protego nos ab flamma maligna!" chanted Percival raising her sword as then it created a protective barrier that deflected the fire from her, Gamma, and Honey

Honey looked in awe as she watched the flames danced and bent harmlessly around them

"CHAOS CONTROL" yelled Lancelot as he vanished in a blinked of an eye

"HAHAHAHA" laughed Erazor Djinn relishing in the chaos then he noticed a flash through his flames "Huh?" before his eyes widened in shock as Lancelot emerged not that scorched at all

Lancelot raised his armored fists radiating in the dark energy wasting no words as at blinding speed he punched Erazor Djinn harder and harder with explosive force sending him reeling

"!" said Erazor Djinn as he watched Lancelot spin for a devastating roundhouse to his side "-AUGH!"

As Erazor Djinn was sent through multiple walls covered in debris causing all the flames to be diminished

Then from the rubble. Erazor Djinn rose up back in his original form as he dusted himself off

"You… you can't defeat me. Now that I'm free from the blue rat's curse. I'll just come back again and AGAIN!" said Erazor Djinn "AND ILL COME BACK A MILLION TIMES IF I HAVE TO! AMD NO ONE WILL STAND IN MY WAY. NOT YOU, NOT EITHER OF YOUR WIVES! NOT EVEN YOUR SORCERY PET!"

The wife comment made both Percival and Honey have a slight blush before they both competitively glared at each other for moment

"Sorcery… pet… does not compute" said Gamma unsure how that description is supposed to fit him

Honey dashed toward Lancelot, clutching his sword tightly. "Here" she said, handing Arondight back to him. Lancelot nodded in silent gratitude, gripping the blade firmly as he turned to face the weakened Erazor Djinn

Erazor growled, still staggering from the relentless assault, as Lancelot readied his blade. But before he could strike, a searing laser beam shot from the sky, hitting Erazor Djinn square in the chest and sending him stumbling back

"!" said Erazor Djinn looking around unsure where the blast came from

Play: Mega Man 11 OST – Torch Man (Arranged Version)

A familiar, chilling laugh echoed through the air, freezing everyone in place. They all turned their eyes skyward to see a foreboding figure cloaked in darkness, standing ominously in the air. In his armored hand, he held Erazor Djinn's lamp

Erazor Djinn coughed as he dusted himself off, his eyes blazing with confusion and rage. "Who dares—?! Show yourself!"

Everyone's eyes widened as the figure came into the light. It was King Arthur—but not the noble king they once knew. His armor gleamed with a sinister sheen, his eyes glowing with a dark crimson light

"I am King Arthur," he declared, his voice dripping with malice. "But not as you remember. I have been reborn."

Erazor Djinn's expression turned from confusion to disbelief. "I know not of you foreign King. You have nothing over me!"

Arthur's laugh rang out once more, sharp and mocking. "No Erazor Djinn. The only impossibility here is your arrogance. You believed yourself untouchable, yet here you are—defeated, weakened, humiliated."

Arthur turned his gaze to Lancelot. "And I must thank you, Lancelot, for wearing him down. You've made my task all the easier."

Erazor Djinn's eyes darted to the lamp in Arthur's hand, realization dawning on him. "No! You can't do this!"

Arthur smirked, raising the lamp high. "You are a fool, Erazor Djinn. Power belongs to those strong enough to take it." He uttered an incantation, and a dark aura enveloped the lamp.

"No! You can't do this!" Erazor screamed, panic overtaking him as his form began to dissolve into smoke. He clawed at the air, desperately trying to resist the pull of the lamp's power. "I am eternal! I—"

With one final cry, Erazor Djinn was sucked back into the lamp, the glow from his core fading into nothingness

Arthur lowered the lamp, his wicked grin never faltering. "And thus, the arrogant are humbled." He then raised the lamp high, a sinister aura radiating from his form as the power of Erazor Djinn flowed into him. The group watched in tense silence as the once-noble king absorbed the dark energy, his presence growing more imposing by the second

Arthur's eyes glowed brighter, he clenched his hand around the lamp, crushing it into glittering dust. He tossed the remains aside carelessly, his voice echoing with malice

"I must admit, Lancelot," he began, his tone dripping with mockery, "you've exceeded my expectations. Perhaps I taught you far better than I ever realized." His laughter was chilling, reverberating across the surreal battlefield. "But don't think for a moment that I am finished with you yet."

With a dramatic wave of his hand, four glowing shards materialized in midair, each radiating a familiar yet ominous energy. The group gasped in shock

"Master Emerald shards…" Percival whispered, her grip on her blade tightening.

"What is he planning?" Honey murmured, her hands trembling as she clung to Lancelot's arm

"It can't be him…it has to be Merlina" said Lancelot holding Honey close to him protectively

The shards began to hum with power, forming a circle around him. "The mere notion that many realities are fractures. Leaves untapped power to hold more potential than you could ever comprehend. With them, I will reign once more! Over new worlds and beyond!"

The world around them began to distort, reality warping under Arthur's influence. The vibrant battlefield dissolved into a blinding white void, erasing all sense of space and time

"WARNING. WARNING. WARNING." Gamma's monotone voice cut through the chaos. "Massive power surge detected. Unpredictable consequences imminent."

Honey's eyes widened as the ground seemed to disappear beneath them. Without thinking, she turned to Lancelot, throwing her arms around him. Lancelot instinctively embraced her tightly, his crimson eyes locked on Arthur even as their surroundings vanished

"You're going to be okay Honey. I promise" said Lancelot

Percival ducked behind Gamma, her fiery blade at the ready. "Gamma, what's happening?" she demanded, her voice edged with worry

"Reality is destabilizing, once again" Gamma replied, his sensors flickering

"Witness the birth of a new power! Where I will be supreme!"

As the white light engulfed them completely, the group could only hold on to each other and their resolve, preparing for whatever twisted reality awaited them on the other side.

To be Continued

Trivia

1: To anyone curious. The crossover section involving Aqua has to do with FanFicHazza's story "Chain of Generation: Re:MiX"

Amd while I did simplify it for those who haven't read it. If you read that story would have a better understanding of Aqua, Omega, and Shadow's end. For it is my favorite story by him

So. I highly recommend reading it if you enjoy a full crossover between Kingdom Hearts and Sonic The Hedgehog

And who knows maybe we totally coordinated a reference to this story on his *WINK* *WINK* *WINK*

2: I watched Sonic 3. And damn. It was WAY better than I expected. The massive jump in quality from 2 to 3 was massive.

Keanu did an amazing job as Shadow and damn. Jim Carrey has the same charismas as ever as both Ivo and Gerald Robotniks

Though the only 2 downsides in my own opinion. Is that Sonic 3 wasn't a bit longer and needed more Agent Stone

3: Writing the entire chapter. I have only listened to 4 songs and they are both versions of "With Me" of Sonic and The Black Knight, "Vs. Shadow" of Sonic Generations, and "Seven Rings in Hand" of Sonic and The Secret Rings

4: Thankfully. I can promise the next chapter won't be as long or as intense as this one. So don't worry about having to need extra time for it

5: To make something very clear. The Shadow that Lancelot meets here isn't the Shadow of this story

He is the Shadow of FanFicHazza's writings

6: man o man. Starting the new year with new record for myself. A little over 22,300 words in this chapter alone

Once again. Thank you all who choose to read. And if there are any mistakes I missed. I hope you can forgive me for them

Bonus bit

Gamma's systems whirred back to life, his vision filled with static before stabilizing. His optical sensors focused on his surroundings—a vast, unfamiliar grassy plain stretching as far as the eye could see. The landscape was peaceful yet eerily quiet, with no signs of life other than the gentle sway of the grass in the breeze

Standing up, Gamma performed a self-diagnostic. His systems were operational, though while it was the second time he's been dropped to an unknown location that wasn't a vision. It felt very odd for him

"Lancelot. Honey. Percival," Gamma called out, his voice echoing across the empty expanse. Silence answered him

He scanned the area, sweeping for any sign of his companions. His sensors picked up nothing recognizable—no data about the environment, no traces of their energy signatures. Wherever this was, it wasn't anywhere Gamma had recorded before

As he expanded his search radius, his scanners pinged faintly, detecting a surge of power far off in the distance. The energy signature was unmistakable: a Master Emerald shard. Gamma recalibrated his systems, locking onto the shard's location

"Priority detected," he said to himself. "Recover shard. Locate allies."

Turning toward the energy signal, Gamma's joints whirred as he began moving forward, his heavy footsteps pressing into the soft grass

Wherever Lancelot, Honey, and Percival had ended up. He trusted they could take care of themselves. But it still felt important to reunite with them as soon as possible and defeat King Arthur

Though he feels he needs to ask Lancelot on his knowledge on King Arthur for this one is clearly different form the stories of his data

With determination, Gamma pressed on, his red optics glowing against the serene backdrop of the grassy plain. The distant shard pulsed faintly, a beacon in the unknown, guiding him toward his next mission

So like it? Hate it? Got anything to say?

Because every review is motivation for continuation

Chapter Text

Welcome one, welcome all to another chapter.

Mando-23: this isn't really inteded to be a full on crossover. As Aqua's appearance (along with the Omega and Shadow of FanFicHazza's writing) are more meant to be a crossover cameo rather than a full on plot point

And I'm glad you liked Gamma, and yeah I bet it was weird for Omega. There are a few voice lines where Omega directly mentions Gamma in Sonic Heroes. But he never specifically mentioned what he thought of him other then wishing he fought Gamma

Arthur's death in Sonic and the Black Knight always felt like a copout to me. I think it would've better if he was an actual person that got corrupt rather than what game explains to be an "Ilusion". And I think it would be nice if he had more fights

Because that is some "illusion" to have a tangible body and seemingly had its own sense of mind to just be a mere trick of the eye

So I like to think it was corruption rather than a faker. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if the illusion part was last minute change as Sonic pretty much killed him RIP that dude Prolly to keep the games E10 rating

Novirp13: why than you :D I'm glad to have entertained you do far

Spoonymink8: thank you. And lol your husband is awesome to sing that. And I'm happy you are invested in this :D

FanFicHazza: Im very glad our crossover went fine. I honestly can't wait to see your counterpart to our bit. And I'm very happy to have you around to babble to on plans and your willingness to read

Cyberpolaris: Thank you :D and the whole coffee beans thing is already trapped using my mind the moment it was mentioned. It pretty says that Shadow likes bitter tasting stuff like coffee

I like my coffee black. The bitterness is great

NOW UNTO THINE STOWY

Play: Sonic and the Black Knight OST – Deep Woods

Gamma moved steadily along the faint path, his sensors humming with activity. The further he went, the more he noticed peculiarities in the environment. The sky, once a serene blue, was marred by faint cracks, jagged lines that seemed to pulse with a strange energy. Gamma paused for a moment, his optical sensors zooming in to analyze them

"Anomalous atmospheric structure detected," he noted to himself

Still, something else lingered in his processors—an inexplicable certainty that both Lancelot and Percival were familiar with this place. His logic systems couldn't explain it, but he couldn't shake the feeling

The path led him deeper into the woods, the towering trees casting long shadows that made the area dim and foreboding. Gamma's scanners remained active, sweeping for potential threats. The chirping of distant birds and the rustling of leaves were replaced by faint mechanical sounds—the unmistakable presence of Eggman robots

Gamma stopped, his arm cannon clicking into position as his optics narrowed. "Hostile forces detected," he said quietly, preparing for confrontation

He moved cautiously, weaving between the trees, each step calculated and deliberate. As he scanned the area, his systems flagged several patrol bots moving nearby, their sensors scanning the undergrowth. Gamma readied himself to engage if necessary, his targeting systems locking onto the nearest bot

But his processors were also occupied with another question. The figure that Lancelot and Percival had referred to as King Arthur lingered in his data banks. Gamma replayed fragments of their conversation, piecing together what he could. The name held a weight of significance he didn't fully understand

"When I find Lancelot, I will inquire," Gamma resolved. "King Arthur: identity and motivations unclear. Potential threat assessment—high."

Gamma's scanners pulsed with activity, alerting him to the presence of multiple Egg Pawns lurking deeper into the forest. He adjusted his course, his targeting systems locking onto their signatures. As he moved closer, he spotted the gleaming Orange and yellow robots patrolling the area, their bulky forms unmistakable

Without hesitation, Gamma raised his arm cannon, a burst of energy illuminating the shadowed forest. The first Egg Pawn exploded into scrap metal as the others whirled around, their mechanical eyes glowing ominously

"Target acquired. Threat level: minimal," Gamma stated, his tone cold and efficient

The Egg Pawns advanced, firing weak projectiles in his direction, but Gamma deftly evaded their attacks, countering with precise blasts that sent them toppling. With each Pawn destroyed, Gamma's path became clearer, though his scanners continued to detect more of the robotic forces ahead

Pressing on, he noticed faint signs of civilization—a worn dirt road, scattered remnants of broken carts, and the faint scent of smoke drifting through the air. Gamma analyzed his surroundings. "Signs of settlement detected. Potential village nearby."

Sure enough, as he moved past the final line of trees, the forest opened to reveal a small village nestled in a clearing. But the scene was far from peaceful. Egg Pawns swarmed the area, their mechanical arms smashing through stalls and chasing villagers. Panicked screams echoed as the townsfolk tried to flee

Gamma's optics flared as he assessed the chaos

He stepped into the village, raising his arm cannon. A salvo of energy blasts erupted from his weapons, striking down several Egg Pawns that had cornered a group of villagers. The robots turned their attention to him, advancing with their weapons primed

Gamma didn't hesitate. Destroying the Egg Pawns one by one. His targeting system ensured no blast went to waste, each shot landing squarely on its mark. The villagers watched in awe and fear as the towering robot defended their home

As the dust settled from one wave of attackers, Gamma's scanners detected more Egg Pawns approaching from the other side of the village. Without missing a beat, he turned to face the new threat, his arm cannons revving up again

"Additional hostiles detected" he declared

Gamma's sensors flared as he fought off the remaining Egg Pawns, their metallic bodies collapsing under the precise fire of his arm cannon. Between volleys of energy, he caught sight of a familiar figure darting through the chaos—a young, fox-like creature with two tails

He looked exactly someone he's seen before. But never knew the name. He had two tails as well. Whoever this familiar figure is, started to approach him once all the Egg pawns were destroyed

As the villagers, who had been hiding during the attack, began emerging cautiously. Their wide-eyed expressions reflected both fear and awe at the towering, seven-foot-tall machine that had come to their aid. Gamma noted their unusual features—long, pointed ears, delicate frames, and an otherworldly aura

"Subjects: non-human. Traits align with fictional archetype: elves," Gamma muttered as he scanned the villagers. "No data available in current database. Anomaly detected."

Play: Sonic Adventure OST – Gamma Theme

The fox stopped in his tracks as Gamma loomed over him, his twin tails twitching nervously. His blue eyes darted across Gamma's towering frame, taking in the intricate design and arm cannon

"What… what kind of sorcery animates you?" the fox asked, his voice filled with equal parts fascination and apprehension

Gamma lowered his weapons and stepped closer, the ground shaking slightly beneath his weight. "I am E-102 Gamma. I am a robot"

The fox blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "A Robot? I have never seen or heard of such a thing"

Gamma's optics flickered for a moment as he processed this response. "Statement does not compute….conclusion. new environment foreign to this unit"

The Blacksmith stepped back, clearly intrigued but wary. " I don't understand most of what you're saying, but… you're clearly not from around here."

Gamma scanned the area one last time, ensuring no remaining Egg Pawns posed a threat. As the villagers cautiously approached, they murmured amongst themselves, their gazes fixed on Gamma. Despite their fear, there was an unmistakable sense of gratitude and curiosity in their eyes

The Blacksmith looked around at the wreckage, then back at Gamma. "Well whoever—or whatever—you are, you saved the village. For that, I thank you. But I have questions… starting with why you're here."

Gamma looked down at the Blacksmith, his mechanical tone steady. "Primary objective: locate allies. Secondary objective: neutralize threats. Query: Can you provide data on this realm?"

The Blacksmith folded his arms, his tails swishing thoughtfully. "I'll tell you what I can, but you're going to have to explain more about yourself first. Let's head to my forge—it's safer there…. I'm the Blacksmith by the way"

Gamma nodded, his sensors still scanning for potential threats. "Affirmative. Lead the way, Blacksmith."

As the pair moved toward the forge, the elven villagers parted, their awe-stricken gazes following Gamma's every step. The Blacksmith couldn't help but glance back at the towering machine, his mind racing with questions about this strange newcomer from somewhere foreign

As Gamma followed the Blacksmith into the forge, he observed the quaint yet well-equipped workshop. Tools of various sizes and shapes lined the walls, and an anvil sat at the center, glowing faintly from the embers of a recently used forge. Gamma's optics scanned the environment, noting no immediate threats

To him. The whole aesthetic reminded him of Lancelot. Maybe this could be his home

He turned to the Blacksmith, his tone steady. "Query: Do you recognize the names Lancelot and Percival?"

The Blacksmith paused, his tails swishing thoughtfully before he nodded. "Of course. They're knights of the Round Table—some of the greatest heroes in this land and current rulers of Camelot.. or at least whats left of it so far."

Gamma's circuits whirred as he processed the information. "Conclusion: This realm may be their place of origin. Hypothesis aligns with current observations."

The Blacksmith tilted his head in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Gamma's optics dimmed slightly as he turned to face the Blacksmith. "Query: What events have transpired in this realm recently?"

The Blacksmith's expression darkened, and he set down his tools. "It was peaceful here until a few weeks ago. That's when it happened—a giant shadow monster appeared, unlike anything we'd ever seen. It tore open cracks in the sky, and from those cracks, creatures began to pour out. Monsters we couldn't understand… like the ones you just destroyed." He gestured to the broken remains of the Egg Pawns scattered throughout the village

Gamma observed as the Blacksmith began gathering pieces of the Egg Pawn remains. "Monsters identified as Eggman creations," Gamma stated. "The cracks in the sky and the shadow entity are consistent with King Arthur's power. Further investigation required."

The Blacksmith paused, looking back at Gamma. "If these monsters came from those cracks… do you think more will come?"

Gamma's tone was matter-of-fact. "Probability high. Query: Have you seen Lancelot or Percival?"

The Blacksmith shook his head, a frown forming. "No. They, along with Sir Gawain, any many citizens of Camelot went missing around the same time the sky cracked. It's like they vanished."

Gamma processed this new information. "Subject Gawain: unknown. Lancelot and Percival: identified as allies. Mission: locate allies and neutralize threats."

The Blacksmith's ears perked up, and his expression shifted to one of intrigue. "Wait. You know Lancelot and Percival? You're… their friend?"

Gamma nodded. "Affirmative. Lancelot and Percival are members of my team. Current status: unknown."

The Blacksmith's tails swished with excitement. "That's incredible! If you're a friend of the knights, then you must be trustworthy." He hesitated, his enthusiasm dampened by concern. "But… do you have an idea on where they are? Are they coming back?"

Gamma's optics flickered slightly as he replied. "Negative. Their current whereabouts are unknown. Mission priority: reunite with allies. Your cooperation in providing data is appreciated."

The Blacksmith crossed his arms, his curiosity evident. "If they're missing, and you're here… then how did you end up in this land? What brought you to us?"

Gamma's tone remained steady as he explained. "The events involving King Arthur have caused dimensional shifts. My team and I were scattered. This realm's connection to Lancelot and Percival is significant."

Gamma stood silently as the Blacksmith's expression turned to one of shock. The mention of King Arthur's involvement clearly unsettled him

"Why are you shocked?" Gamma asked, his tone neutral yet probing

The Blacksmith shook his head, still trying to process. "Because King Arthur was defeated. Sonic defeated him with Caliburn! The thought of him returning, especially like this, is… it's unthinkable."

Gamma paused, the pieces falling into place. "Observation: This explains why Lancelot and Percival expressed shock upon seeing King Arthur. Historical data aligns with your account."

The Blacksmith glanced at Gamma, his curiosity piqued. "You seem to know a lot about them. What about Camelot? What's your knowledge of it?"

Gamma's optics flickered slightly. "Query: What is the current state of Camelot?"

The Blacksmith's ears drooped, and he sighed heavily. "Camelot is in ruins. The kingdom was shattered into pieces after the shadow monster appeared. If you venture beyond this forest, you'll understand what I mean."

Gamma processed this, storing the information for later. "Acknowledged." He then shifted his focus toward the path ahead. "Mission priority requires me to leave." He turned and began walking, his scanners reaffirming the far-off location of the Master Emerald shard.

"Wait!" the Blacksmith called out, jogging to keep up. "Let me come with you! If there's even a chance I can help, I'll do it!"

Gamma stopped, turning his head slightly to address him. "Query: Are you willing to put yourself in danger?"

Without hesitation, the Blacksmith nodded. "Yes. If it means protecting what's left of Camelot and finding the knights, I'll take that risk."

Gamma's optics flickered for a moment as he processed the response. "Statement: Your resolve is noted. However, accompanying me increases your probability of injury or worse." He scanned the area once more to ensure no immediate threats were present. "Recommendation: Remain here and assist your village. I must proceed."

The Blacksmith frowned, his determination unshaken. "I can't just stay here while you're out there trying to fix all this!"

Gamma turned away and resumed walking, his massive frame walking through with mechanical precision. The villagers, still watching in awe, parted to give him space. As Gamma left the village behind, he activated his long-range scanners again to confirm the location of the Master Emerald shard

Unbeknownst to him, the Blacksmith began following him anyway, his pace quick yet cautious as he trailed behind Gamma. He wasn't about to let the mysterious robot go off alone, even if it meant disobeying him

Gamma's systems detected faint footsteps behind him. He halted abruptly, his arm cannon shifting slightly in readiness. Turning his head, he saw the Blacksmith standing several meters back, sheepishly grinning

"I told you not to follow me," Gamma said, his monotone voice tinged with a faint hint of exasperation.

The Blacksmith shrugged. "I figured you'd need someone to watch your back. Besides. If you get damaged, I might be able to help."

Gamma tilted his head slightly, processing the unexpected loyalty. Finally, he gave a mechanical sigh. "Statement: Your stubbornness mirrors Lancelot to an extent. Observation: Remaining unnoticed may prove challenging with your presence."

The Blacksmith grinned. "So, I can come?"

Gamma turned and resumed his path. "Acknowledgment: You may follow. Directive: Stay out of danger. The Master Emerald shard remains the priority."

The Blacksmith hurried to catch up, his tools jingling softly as he jogged behind Gamma. As they ventured deeper into the woods, the cracks in the sky grew more prominent, casting an eerie light over the landscape

As they made their way deeper into the forest, the Blacksmith glanced at Gamma's towering figure. "So… where exactly are we going?"

Gamma's optics glowed faintly as he responded. "Objective: Locating a Master Emerald shard. Signal detected ahead."

The Blacksmith tilted his head. "Master Emerald shard? What's that?"

Gamma paused briefly, his mechanical systems whirring as he formulated a response. "Explanation: The Master Emerald is a powerful relic responsible for maintaining balance across realms and realities. After the emergence of the shadow monster, the emerald was fractured. Its shards are scattered, destabilizing the fabric of existence. Lancelot, Percival, and I have been collecting them to repair the damage."

The Blacksmith's eyes widened with fascination. "That's Incredible. I had no idea something like that even existed." He hesitated before asking, "Is Sir Gawain also helping you with this?"

Gamma's servos clicked softly as he resumed walking. "Statement: I have not encountered Sir Gawain. Observation: Lancelot and Percival mentioned his name during prior discussions. However, I lack sufficient data regarding his current status."

The Blacksmith frowned thoughtfully, his mind racing. "If that is so.. then maybe… maybe he's still out there somewhere, like the others."

Gamma's tone remained steady. "Possibility: Sir Gawain's location is unknown. Priority: Locate Master Emerald shard and regroup with Lancelot and Percival."

The Blacksmith nodded, his resolve firm. "Then let's find that shard. And if Gawain's out there, we'll find him too."

As they walked through the dense forest, the Blacksmith's eyes kept darting toward Gamma, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity. His gaze lingered on Gamma's sleek metallic frame, the glowing optics, and the faint hum of his systems

"I can't help but marvel at your craftsmanship," the Blacksmith admitted, his voice filled with wonder. "I've never seen anything like you before... a robot… it's all so fascinating.. What kind of magic animates you?"

Gamma paused briefly, his head swiveling to face the Blacksmith. "Clarification: I am not animated by magic. I am a machine powered by electricity and advanced engineering."

The Blacksmith stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Electricity? That's what gives you life?"

Gamma turned back to face him. "Affirmative. Electricity flows through my systems, powering my core functions and allowing for operational efficiency. I am not alive in the traditional sense."

The Blacksmith rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his mind racing. "Electricity… so you're saying it's some kind of energy that replaces magic? I've heard tales of lightning strikes, but I didn't think it could be harnessed to create something as incredible as you!"

Gamma's optics flickered. "Statement: Electricity is a controlled form of energy. My design is the result of technological advancements from my origin realm."

The Blacksmith looked Gamma up and down again, his eyes filled with a newfound appreciation. "Incredible… Your world must be filled with wonders beyond imagination. I'd give anything to learn how you were built. Imagine what I could forge with that kind of knowledge!"

Gamma turned back toward the path, scanning for the Master Emerald shard. "Acknowledgment: The technological principles of my construction may be incompatible with your realm's understanding. Objective remains: Locate shard and restore balance."

The Blacksmith chuckled, walking alongside Gamma once more. "Still, I'd like to try. You're not just a machine—you're a marvel."

Gamma's systems hummed quietly in response as they continued forward, the Blacksmith's fascination fueling his curiosity about Gamma's origins

Gamma's sensors began to beep with increasing frequency as they drew closer to the Master Emerald shard's location. His optics zoomed in, detecting the glowing green fragment embedded in the ground within a small clearing up ahead. However, a swarm of Egg Pawns surrounded it, their metallic frames gleaming menacingly under the filtered sunlight

Gamma stopped, raising a hand to halt the Blacksmith. "Warning: Hostile units detected near the shard. Stay back. I will engage."

The Egg Pawns turned their heads simultaneously, their glowing red optics locking onto Gamma and the Blacksmith. They raised their weapons, whirring to life

"Target acquired. Eliminate intruder."

The Blacksmith's eyes widened, and he instinctively gripped his hammer. "Those things look nastier than the ones in the village!"

Gamma stepped forward, his arm cannon whirring as it powered up. "Directive: Do not engage. I will neutralize threats."

Before the Blacksmith could protest, Gamma surged into action, moving with surprising speed for his size. His arm cannon unleashed a volley of energy blasts, each one striking an Egg Pawn with precise accuracy. Sparks flew as several of the robots exploded, their remains scattering across the clearing

The remaining Egg Pawns retaliated, firing projectiles and swinging their weaponized arms, but Gamma's built-in agility allowed him to evade with mechanical precision. He leapt into the air, firing downward and obliterating a cluster of enemies in one powerful blast.

"Engaging additional hostiles," Gamma announced, his voice calm despite the chaos.

The Blacksmith stood at the edge of the clearing, unable to look away as Gamma dismantled the robotic army with methodical efficiency. "By the forge… he's incredible," he muttered, gripping his hammer tightly just in case

As the final Egg Pawn lunged at Gamma, the robot sidestepped and delivered a crushing blow with his reinforced arm, sending the enemy flying into a tree, where it shattered into pieces

Gamma's sensors swept the area, confirming no additional threats. "Hostiles neutralized. Proceeding to secure the shard." As he began to approach it

The Blacksmith approached cautiously, still in awe of Gamma's power. "That was… amazing. You're like a one-man army"

The Master Emerald shard, suddenly began to pulse violently

"Uh oh.." said the blacksmith knowing that whatever it was doing can't be good

Before they could react, the shard emitted a bright green glow, and the very ground beneath them quaked. A crack in the fabric of time and space tore open before them, sucking both Gamma and the Blacksmith into its swirling depths

The Blacksmith stumbled backward. "What in the name of the gods is happening?!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the deafening roar of the rift

Gamma attempted to stabilize himself, his mechanical limbs digging into the ground, but the pull was too strong. As they were dragged into the crack, Gamma's systems detected an anomaly. "Warning: Temporal distortion detected. Hold on."

The two were flung into an endless void, tumbling through glowing debris and distorted fragments of reality. The Blacksmith yelled in terror, while Gamma's calm, monotone voice repeated, "Stabilizing trajectory… recalibrating sensors…"

Play: Sonic Dream Team OST – Guardian Hunter

Just as the chaos seemed unbearable, they landed on a massive, floating chunk of debris, surrounded by a surreal landscape of shattered worlds and swirling energies. Gamma quickly righted himself, his sensors locking onto the shard

But before he could retrieve it, a pink tendril shot out from the shadows, wrapping around the shard and yanking it away. Gamma raised his arm cannon, ready to fire, when the owner of the tendril emerged—a monstrous cyclops being, its single glowing eye glaring at them with malevolent intent

The Guardian Hunter from the distorted realm let out an otherworldly growl as it clutched the shard in one of its five pink, tendril-like hands. With its other limbs, it leapt effortlessly between floating debris, moving with alarming speed

Gamma extended his robotic arm, his claws grasping futilely at the shard. "Directive: Return the shard. Pursuit initiated."

He broke into a sprint, leaping from platform to platform in hot pursuit of the Guardian Hunter. The Blacksmith, still recovering from the shock of being sucked into the rift, staggered to his feet. "You can't be serious—what is that thing?!"

Gamma didn't answer, too focused on the chase. The Blacksmith groaned, gripping his hammer tightly. "Well, I guess I'm coming too!" he muttered, running after Gamma.

The Guardian Hunter moved with unnerving agility, leaping from one piece of debris to another as it clutched the shard tightly. Gamma's targeting systems locked onto it, and he fired a volley of energy blasts. The monster evaded them with ease, letting out a guttural snarl as it retaliated by hurling chunks of debris at its pursuers

"Stay close," Gamma instructed, using his arm cannon to blast away the incoming projectiles

The Blacksmith struggled to keep up, his breath ragged. "This is madness! Absolute madness!"

Gamma's optics focused intently on the Guardian Hunter, calculating its trajectory. "Priority: Retrieve shard. Entity classified as a hostile being. Evasive maneuvers required."

As they leapt from platform to platform, the rift around them began to crack further, its unstable energy threatening to consume everything. Gamma pushed forward, his mechanical limbs whirring with determination, while the Blacksmith followed, his fear slowly being replaced by resolve

The Blacksmith nearly stumbled to a stop, taking in the bizarre and chaotic surroundings: fracture stones suspended in mid-air, a seemingly endless wooden road twisting into the distance, and enormous, pulsating purple vines covered in jagged spikes. He shuddered as the vines swayed ominously, glowing faintly with energy

Gamma, unfazed by the alien landscape, immediately locked onto the Guardian Hunter, who leapt effortlessly across floating platforms, the Master Emerald shard still in its grasp. Without hesitation, Gamma dashed forward, his mechanical legs propelling him with incredible speed

As they gave chase, the Guardian Hunter whipped its tendrils forward, firing a barrage of spiked balls that arced through the air toward them. Gamma calculated their trajectories instantly and darted left, evading the projectiles

The Blacksmith barely managed to dodge a spiked ball, stumbling and nearly losing his balance on the wooden path

Suddenly, more cracks tore open in the air around them, and from these rifts, Egg Pawns began to emerge in droves. Their red optics glowed menacingly as they raised their weapons, targeting Gamma and the Blacksmith

Gamma came to an abrupt halt, scanning the approaching enemies. "Additional hostiles detected. Engaging defense protocol."

He raised his arm cannon, unleashing a hail of energy blasts that tore through the advancing Egg Pawns

"Are they working with that thing?" the Blacksmith asked

"Analysis: the entity is utilizing Egg Pawn reinforcements. Likely coordinated through shared control network," Gamma replied, his voice steady despite the chaos

The Guardian Hunter, now perched on a massive fracture stone above them, emitted a guttural growl. It lashed its tendrils, pulling more debris into the battlefield and launching it toward Gamma and the Blacksmith.

Gamma quickly calculated the trajectory of the falling debris

He dashed forward, weaving through the onslaught of rubble and spiked balls, while continuing to fire at the Egg Pawns. The Blacksmith, though slower, followed closely

"Why do these things keep coming?!" the Blacksmith shouted as another wave of Egg Pawns emerged as Gamma destroyed several of them

With the Egg Pawns thinning out, Gamma turned his attention back to the Guardian Hunter, who was still retreating further down the wooden path. Gamma's optics glowed brighter as he prepared to dash after it.

"Stay behind me," Gamma instructed the Blacksmith

Gamma surged forward, determined to close the distance between him and the Guardian Hunter, while the Blacksmith followed, his arm cannon hummed with energy as he fired rapid shots, obliterating the Egg Pawns swarming around them

The air crackled with electricity as the robots exploded into clouds of smoke and debris. Amidst the chaos, Gamma locked onto the Guardian Hunter's tendril hand holding the shard

"Target acquired," Gamma stated, charging his cannon.

A bright pulse of energy erupted from the weapon, striking the Guardian Hunter's tendril with precision. The impact forced the creature to recoil, its grip on the Master Emerald shard faltering

The Guardian Hunter's single, monstrous eye narrowed, and its head began to spin erratically, emitting a mechanical whir that sent shivers down the Blacksmith's spine

Gamma took advantage of the opening, making a calculated dash toward the shard

Just as Gamma neared the shard, the Guardian Hunter raised one of its free tendrils and snapped its claw-like fingers. A deep, resonant sound echoed through the air, and suddenly, the gravity around them shifted

The shard, instead of falling downward, veered to the side, sliding across the tilted wooden path. Gamma skidded to a halt, his gyros adjusting to the sudden change, while the Blacksmith stumbled, nearly losing his footing

"Warning: Gravity anomaly detected," Gamma announced

The Blacksmith clung to a jagged wooden beam as he felt himself sliding sideways. "What kind of magic is this?!"

Gamma planted his feet firmly, digging into the wooden surface with retractable stabilizers to maintain balance. He extended a hand toward the Blacksmith. "Hold position. Adjust trajectory to counter gravitational shift."

The Guardian Hunter, perched on a floating fracture stone, began climbing along the newly shifted plane, its tendrils latching onto debris to move with unsettling ease

Gamma recalculated the shard's new location. "Shard trajectory recalibrated. Engaging pursuit."

The Blacksmith struggled to stabilize himself as he followed Gamma's lead, sliding along the tilted plane

The Master Emerald shard glimmered as it slipped from its precarious position and tumbled through another crack in time. Gamma, ever vigilant, calculated the shard's trajectory

"Shard location unstable. Immediate action required," Gamma stated, zooming toward the fissure

The Blacksmith hesitated for only a moment before following. "Wait! You're jumping into that?!"

Gamma didn't respond as he leapt into the crack. Without much choice, the Blacksmith followed suit

The Guardian Hunter watched as its glowing eye narrowing. It clenched its tendril hand in frustration, letting out a guttural roar before noticing another nearby crack in time. With an inhuman leap, it vanished through the rift

Play: Sonic Adventure OST – The Air (Windy Valley)

Gamma and the Blacksmith landed on a swirling current of air, suspended momentarily before settling on a floating platform. Above them, the Master Emerald shard was caught in a fierce gust of wind, pulled toward the horizon

"Target detected," Gamma announced, his optics following the shard as it spiraled toward the sky

The Blacksmith stood, steadying himself as he looked around. They were surrounded by floating structures, precariously balanced in the air. Windmills dotted the landscape, their blades spinning furiously as they harnessed the powerful gusts. Below them, an endless expanse of ocean stretched as far as the eye could see

"What is this place?" the Blacksmith asked, awestruck

Gamma's mechanical gaze shifted toward him. "Current location: Windy Valley. A zone characterized by atmospheric instability and wind-generated platforms. This is my second recorded visit."

The Blacksmith blinked, still trying to process their surroundings. "Second time? You've been here before?"

"Affirmative. Initial visit occurred during a prior mission involving… rescue…" Gamma replied keeping it vague of what he was really doing at the time

The wind howled around them, nearly knocking the Blacksmith off balance as he scanned the sky. "How do we even find the shard in all this?"

Gamma's sensors adjusted to the turbulent environment. "Shard trajectory suggests primary wind current. Proceed with caution."

As they prepared to move, a dark rift appeared above them, and the Guardian Hunter emerged with a screech. It clung to a nearby windmill, its tendrils thrashing as it scanned the area. Its singular eye locked onto Gamma and the Blacksmith, glowing with malicious intent

"Warning: Hostile entity in pursuit," Gamma announced, readying his arm cannon

Gamma's optics locked onto the Guardian Hunter as it leaped between the floating platforms, trying to close the distance to the shard. Calculating quickly, Gamma aimed his arm cannon and fired at several nearby structures. Explosions tore through the air, sending debris hurtling toward the Guardian Hunter and forcing it to leap to alternate platforms

"This will delay it. Continue pursuit," Gamma declared, not breaking stride

The Blacksmith struggled to keep up, gripping his hammer tightly as the wind whipped around him. "This place is madness!"

Just as the shard glinted far ahead, caught in the swirling winds of a massive tornado, Gamma froze. His sensors emitted a sharp warning tone

"Alert: Incoming anomaly," Gamma stated flatly

Above them, cracks in the sky rippled, expanding with an ominous glow. From the fractures, more Egg Pawns began pouring through. Some were immediately caught in the tornado's pull, spiraling helplessly through the air and crashing into floating structures. Others landed on the platforms, stabilizing themselves and turning their weapons toward Gamma and the Blacksmith

"Of course," the Blacksmith muttered, as Gamma suddenly bolted toward the tornado

"Wait! What are you doing?!" the Blacksmith yelled, watching in disbelief as Gamma sprinted toward the edge of the platform and leapt straight into the swirling vortex

The Blacksmith gaped. "He's insane…" He hesitated for only a moment before sighing in resignation. "…and now so am I."

the Blacksmith ran to the edge, braced himself, and leapt into the tornado after Gamma.

WOOOSH

Inside the tornado, the winds were deafening, a cacophony of rushing air and flying debris. Gamma's propulsion systems activated, stabilizing his descent as he scanned for the shard

"Shard detected. Trajectory maintained," he muttered, dodging a spinning Egg Pawn that had been caught in the gale

The Blacksmith, tumbling through the vortex, yelled, "You call this a plan?! I call this suicide!"

Gamma reached out, grabbing the Blacksmith mid-spin and stabilizing him with a firm grip. "Remain calm. Focus on objective."

The shard glimmered in the distance, spinning dangerously close to the tornado's eye. Gamma adjusted his thrusters, aiming directly for it as Egg Pawns and debris whirled chaotically around them

"Hold on," Gamma instructed

The Blacksmith clung tightly as they plunged deeper into the tornado, the shard just within reach—and the Guardian Hunter not far behind, leaping from debris to debris in relentless pursuit

The winds howled louder as Gamma stabilized their descent, his optics locked on the shard spinning closer to the tornado's core. But in his peripheral vision, he caught movement—large leaps. The Guardian Hunter, unrelenting, bounded from one chunk of debris to another, closing the distance to the shard with every powerful jump

The Blacksmith, wide-eyed and clinging to Gamma, pointed frantically. "It's going to get there before us! Do something!"

Gamma, focused, was busy targeting smaller egg pawns caught in the vortex. He fired precise shots, destroying the creatures before they could interfere further. "Prioritizing immediate threats. Maintain composure."

"Composure?!" the Blacksmith yelled. "It's right there!"

Before either could react further, a soft glow appeared nearby, cutting through the chaos. A small, radiant ball of light zipped toward them, its glow steady despite the storm. A soothing, feminine voice echoed over the din

"Allow me to assist," the voice said warmly, hovering in front of them.

Gamma's optics focused on the light. "Recognized entity:. Assistance acknowledged."

The Blacksmith blinked, confused. " Who—what is that? A fairy?"

The light ball giggled gently, her light pulsing. "A friend. Let me show you."

Without waiting for a response, the entity's glow intensified as she extended her energy outward. Massive pieces of broken stone roads and debris began shifting, her power pulling them together to form a stable pathway toward the shard. Not completely intact but close enough to play hopscotch on

The Blacksmith gaped in awe. "By the forge… she is a fairy!"

"There we go," she said as the last piece slid into place

Gamma nodded. "Acknowledged. Proceeding."

With a sudden burst of speed from his thrusters, Gamma dashed onto the newly formed path, heading directly for the shard with the blacksmith clinging on

Behind them, the Guardian Hunter roared in frustration, leaping after them with renewed vigor, its tendrils lashing out at the makeshift road while the entity also follows along

As Gamma and the Blacksmith went from one floating platform to another, the violent winds buffeting them at every turn, the Blacksmith couldn't help but glance at the glowing ball of light hovering nearby

Between catching his breath and steadying his balance, he called out to it. "You! The… fairy! What's your name? And what kind of magic are you, exactly?"

The light pulsed softly before responding with the same calm, warm voice. "My name is Tikal. And while I'm flattered by your assumption, I'm not a fairy."

The Blacksmith frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Not a fairy? Then what are you?"

Before Tikal could respond, an egg pawns lunged toward them, Gamma spun on his heels, his cannon already primed, and fired a blast that obliterated the robot mid-air. The Blacksmith flinched at the sound but quickly steadied himself

"How do you know her?" the Blacksmith asked Gamma, as another platform came into view

Gamma didn't answer immediately, his sensors locked onto the horde of smaller Gaia monsters ahead. He systematically fired at each one, clearing the path with precision. Once the immediate threat was neutralized, he finally spoke

"She has appeared to me… in visions," Gamma said, his mechanical voice steady but tinged with something almost reflective. "Fragments of data. Memories. I cannot fully compute the purpose."

The Blacksmith furrowed his brow. "Visions? You're saying she just… showed up in your head?"

Gamma nodded as they landed on another platform. He immediately fired a charged shot at the Guardian Hunter, who was leaping closer, its tendrils lashing at the platform

"Focus remains on securing the shard," Gamma stated as he reoriented his aim

Tikal floated closer to the Blacksmith, her light gently illuminating his perplexed expression. "I was drawn to Gamma because of the purpose he holds. But there will be time for questions later."

The Blacksmith, still baffled, muttered under his breath, "Not a fairy, visions, and energy… you sure you're not a fairy?"

Ahead, the shard's glow intensified, just as the Guardian Hunter let out an enraged roar, leaping dangerously close to intercept them. Gamma's cannon lit up once more, ready to fire

The shard glowed brightly, spinning mid-air as Gamma and the Blacksmith moved toward it. Gamma's targeting sensors locked onto its position. For a fleeting moment, it seemed victory was at hand

But then, a deafening crash sounded, and a massive rock hurtled toward them

"Watch out!" Gamma's monotone voice boomed as he lunged, pulling the Blacksmith out of harm's way. The boulder struck the shard with a resounding crack, sending ripples of chaotic energy through the air

The shard trembled violently, its glow turning erratic as cracks began forming in the fabric of reality itself. Tikal's light pulsed, her voice laced with alarm. "No! The balance is destabilizing!"

The energy spiraled out of control, a massive rupture tearing through the sky. Before anyone could react further, the pull of the temporal crack yanked Gamma, the Blacksmith, and Tikal through it

Play: Undertale OST - CORE

When they reappeared, they were back in the realm where Gamma and the Blacksmith had faced the Guardian Hunter earlier. But now, the landscape was even more chaotic. Nearly all the wooden roads were shattered into floating fragments. Giant thorny purple vines had overtaken the area, writhing as if alive, and countless Gaia monsters were pouring in from all directions

Before they could get their bearings, a familiar, ominous presence loomed behind them. The Guardian Hunter, more enraged than ever, emerged from a swirling rift. Its tendrils writhed maliciously as it ripped a large piece of rocky debris from a nearby structure and hurled it with terrifying force

Gamma acted quickly grabbing the Blacksmith once again and dashing away at high speed. Tikal floated close behind them

"What is happening?!" Tikal exclaimed, her voice tinged with worry.

Gamma responded, his tone cold and analytical. "Time and reality have been fractured"

The Blacksmith, trying to keep up with Gamma's rapid movement and process everything at once, muttered breathlessly, "I wonder how Sonic dealt with things like this?"

Gamma fired a shot behind them, blasting a Gaia monster that had gotten too close

Tikal's light brightened slightly, her voice cutting through the chaos. "I'll create a path forward!"

Her energy surged, pulling pieces of broken roads and debris together to form a tenuous pathway ahead. Gamma accelerated, carrying the Blacksmith as they dashed toward the glowing shard, now floating precariously above a writhing sea of purple vines and ddarkness

The Guardian Hunter's tendrils flailed wildly, its singular eye glowing with unbridled rage. Instead of pursuing the shard, it zeroed in on the group, its massive frame leaping between broken platforms with unnerving speed. Its guttural roar echoed through the fractured realm as it hurled another boulder toward them which they narrowly dodged

Gamma immediately came to a halt, his sensors locking onto the enraged creature. "Its focus is us, I will handle the Guardian Hunter. Tikal, you must lead him to the shard."

Tikal hesitated, floating closer to Gamma. "Are you sure about this? You'll be—"

Gamma cut her off,. "Get going."

Without waiting for a response, Gamma turned and dashed toward the Guardian Hunter, his metallic feet clanking against the shattered platforms. He raised his arm cannon, firing precise shots at its position. The blasts struck true, forcing the creature to stagger back momentarily, but it quickly retaliated by launching a volley of spiked balls in his direction

The projectiles hurtled toward Gamma with lethal precision. He sidestepped one, blasted another mid-air, and leaped over a third, landing on a crumbling piece of road as he continued to close the distance

The Blacksmith watched in awe and horror as Gamma fearlessly engaged the monstrous entity

Tikal floated beside him, her light flickering anxiously. "Come on. He's buying us time—we need to make it count." She gestured toward the shard, still glowing faintly in the distance, surrounded by chaotic winds and tendrils of darkness

The Blacksmith hesitated, glancing back at Gamma, who was now locked in a deadly dance with the Guardian Hunter. With a deep breath, he nodded

Tikal led the way, using her energy to stabilize fragments of the broken platforms, creating a path forward. The Blacksmith followed closely, his gaze constantly darting back to Gamma's fight

As the Guardian Hunter lunged at Gamma, its massive tendrils slamming down with destructive force, Gamma dodged with calculated precision. He unleashed a charged shot directly at its eye, causing it to recoil with an ear-piercing screech

It then roared, its tendrils slamming into the fractured ground as it summoned an army of Gaia monsters. The creatures emerged from cracks in the earth, their glowing red eyes fixated on Gamma and the others

Gamma stood his ground, his arm cannon heating up as he unleashed a barrage of rapid-fire shots. Explosions rippled through the air as the Gaia monsters disintegrated, but their numbers kept growing. The Guardian Hunter, perched atop a jagged structure, sneered down at Gamma with malicious glee, clearly enjoying the chaos it had unleashed

"More hostiles detected. Threat level increasing," Gamma stated, his mechanical tone unshaken as he continued firing

Meanwhile, Tikal led the Blacksmith through the chaos, her glowing form darting ahead and creating small bursts of energy to distract or deter the Gaia monsters in their path. "Stay close to me!" she called out, weaving through the maze of thorny vines and fragmented roads.

The Blacksmith gripped his hammer tightly, his knuckles white. "I'm staying close, all right! No way I'm taking on these things!" He narrowly avoided a swiping claw from one of the monsters, stumbling but managing to regain his footing

One particularly large Gaia monster blocked their path, snarling as it raised its massive claws.

Tikal quickly acted, releasing a pulse of energy that sent the creature stumbling back just enough for them to slip past. "We're almost there! Just a little farther!"

Behind them, Gamma continued his relentless assault, destroying monster after monster. The Guardian Hunter screeched in frustration and leaped from its perch, joining the fray. It slammed a tendril into the ground, sending a shockwave toward Gamma, but he dodged with mechanical precision, retaliating with a charged shot that struck the Hunter's side

"Target remains operational. Continued engagement required," Gamma muttered, shifting his focus to a new wave of Gaia monsters that charged toward him

As Tikal and the Blacksmith reached a crumbling platform overlooking the shard, the winds around it grew stronger, and the crackling energy intensified. The Blacksmith shielded his face from the gale, squinting at the shard's bright glow

"There it is!" he yelled over the roar of the wind. "What do we do now?!"

Tikal hovered beside him, her voice firm yet calm. "You'll need to grab the shard before it causes more damage!"

The Blacksmith's eyes widened. "Me?! Why can't Gamma do it?!"

"Just do it!," Tikal replied, her glow intensifying as she began channeling energy to keep the platform intact

The Blacksmith took a deep breath, glancing back at Gamma, who was still fighting valiantly against the Guardian Hunter and the endless tide of Gaia monsters. "All right… Let's do this!" He stepped forward, bracing himself for the next challenge as the shard loomed tantalizingly close.

Gamma steadied his aim, his arm cannon glowing as he unleashed a final, fully charged shot at the Guardian Hunter. The beam of energy crackled through the air, striking the monstrous being square in the chest. With a guttural roar, the Guardian Hunter stumbled backward, its tendrils flailing wildly as it lost its balance and plunged into the bubbling, sinister purple lake below

The surface of the lake rippled violently, then calmed, as if swallowing the Guardian Hunter whole. Gamma immediately turned his attention to the remaining Gaia monsters surrounding him, launching precise shots that tore through the creatures, reducing them to ash and clearing the area

But before Gamma could move to rejoin Tikal and the Blacksmith, the tranquil surface of the lake erupted with an ominous splash. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the fractured landscape. Gamma's sensors detected a sudden spike in energy as a massive tendril, now grotesquely larger and pulsating with purple energy, burst from the lake

The tendril whipped through the air, grabbing a chunk of shattered debris and hurling it toward Tikal and the Blacksmith. "Incoming projectile," Gamma called out

Tikal reacted quickly, forming a protective barrier around herself and the Blacksmith. The debris slammed into the ground nearby, the force of the impact sending shockwaves that nearly knocked the Blacksmith off his feet

"What in the world?!" the Blacksmith exclaimed

Gamma turned to face the lake as the Guardian Hunter emerged once more, its body now twice as large and glowing with unnatural energy. The creature's single eye burned with fury, and its enlarged tendril hand clenched into a massive fist

Gamma barely had time to react as the Guardian Hunter lunged, its fist crashing down where he stood. He dodged at the last moment, the ground shattering beneath the force of the blow. "Threat escalation detected" Gamma announced, firing several shots at the creature's exposed chest, but its reinforced body seemed to shrug off the attacks

Thankfully due to the Guardian Hunter being preoccupied with Gamma, Tikal and the Blacksmith reached the shard. The Blacksmith hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to the shard, shielding his eyes from its blinding glow

"Got it!" he shouted triumphantly, reaching out and carefully lifting the shard from its perch

But instead of the usual surge of energy that would transport them back to the white space, nothing happened. The shard continued to pulse in his hands, seemingly tethered to the corrupted landscape

"Uh… what now?" the Blacksmith called out, panic creeping into his voice

Gamma, still locked in battle with the Guardian Hunter, quickly analyzed the situation. His sensors confirmed the unusual behavior of the shard. "Conclusion: Dimensional stabilization compromised. Target elimination required"

The Guardian Hunter roared with fury, its tendril arms snapping and stretching toward him. The air filled with the sharp whistling of spike balls as it hurled them with terrifying speed

Gamma's servos whirred as he dashed, narrowly avoiding the onslaught. Each spike ball exploded on impact, sending chunks of debris flying in every direction. "Hostile persistence noted," Gamma muttered as he returned fire, targeting the Guardian Hunter's exposed joints and tendrils

The monstrous being howled in frustration, its body thrashing as it attempted to swat Gamma from the air. With every precise shot, Gamma disrupted its movements, forcing it to adjust and leaving openings for counterattacks

The Blacksmith peeked out from behind the pillar, watching the battle unfold with awe and terror. "He's insane… How is he holding his own against that thing?"

Tikal hovered nearby, her expression calm but focused. "Gamma is strong. Trust him."

Gamma watched as the Guardian Hunter lashed its massive tendrils at him nearly hitting him, but causing deep rouges within the road he stood on as more Gaia monster began to appear from the corrupt terrain

He set his targets on all the Gaia monsters and with rapid fire most were reduced to ash before avoiding more spike balls from the Guardian Hunter

"You persist, but inefficiency is your downfall" said Gamma calibrating another charged shot

The Guardian Hunter let out another guttural roar, it slammed its tendrils into the ground, sending a shockwave of energy rippling toward Gamma. The robot leaped into the air, his blaster charging for a high-powered shot aimed directly at the creature's core.

"This ends now," Gamma declared, his targeting systems locking onto the Guardian Hunter's glowing chest

Gamma charged his arm cannon with significant more power than any other shot he took. The hum of the cannon getting louder and louder as the Blacksmith and Tikal watched in awe

*Blam*

It struck the Guardian Hunter straight in the eye, causing it to roar in pain to a distort ed scream as the monster fell over onto the side and began sinking in the corrupt lake

"Hostile eliminated" said Gamma

"Yeah you did it!" said the blacksmith coming out of his hiding place as he and Tikal came over to him

"Did you get the shard?" said Gamma as the blacksmith nods to him "Hand me the shard"

"Sure, so what exactly do we do now?" said the blacksmith as he puts the shard in Gamma's robotic hand

And within a moment. The next thing the blacksmith saw was everything turn white

*Fwash*

Play: Super Paper Mario OST - Flipside

The three of them are now in the expanse of white that being White Space. The light seemed to come from every direction, with no clear source. The Blacksmith shielded his eyes as he tried to take in the surreal landscape around him

"What… is this place?" he asked, his voice tinged with awe and confusion

Gamma turned to him, his mechanical voice steady. "This is White Space. A nexus where time, realms, and realities converge. It exists outside the normal flow of existence."

The Blacksmith gazed around, spotting strange, floating structures scattered in the void. Some were mere outlines, as if unfinished sketches, while others shimmered with vibrant colors, appearing as small islands in a sea of white. Each structure seemed to come from a different world

"What are those?" the Blacksmith asked, pointing to one of the islands that looked like a fragment of a medieval castle

"Fragments of realms," Gamma explained. "As time and space fracture, pieces of different worlds appear here. Those with color have stabilized. Those without are still in flux."

The Blacksmith frowned. "This is where Lancelot and Percival were, isn't it?"

Gamma nodded. "Correct. Their presence helped stabilize and return the life of many fragmented realms we have went through"

As the Blacksmith absorbed this information, Tikal floated closer, her light dim but warm. "This place is unlike anything I have ever seen…. Like so many unrelated destinies forced to align"

Gamma turned and gestured for them to follow. "We must move. There is a safehouse nearby, for all the people we have encountered. We sent them there"

The Blacksmith hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Lead the way, Gamma"

The group began their journey through the strange expanse. They walked along faint paths that shimmered into existence beneath their feet, connecting the scattered fragments. The Blacksmith couldn't help but glance around

"What kind of safehouse are we heading to?" the Blacksmith asked, breaking the silence.

"A construct reinforced by dimensional anchors," Gamma replied. "It is unknown who created it. As Lancleot and I have compound it vacant but no signs of life or a struggle was found"

Tikal added, her voice gentle, "That sounds so ominous.. But.. I trust you know what you are doing"

A little later

After some more trekking with Gamma the trio eventually found the safehouse not too far away

Gamma turned to Tikal "Query: have you noticed the cracks in the sky or encountered the shadow monster that has been appearing?"

Tikal hovered closer, her light dimming slightly in thought. "I haven't seen the shadow monster you describe, but I did start noticing the cracks in the sky shortly after you and the Blacksmith arrived"

Gamma's mechanical head tilted slightly. "Acknowledged. The appearance of these anomalies may be tied to our presence or the shard's instability"

As they approached the door, Gamma knocked firmly. After a moment, the door slid open to reveal Chip. His bright eyes lit up with excitement the moment he saw Gamma

"Gamma! You're back!" Chip exclaimed, practically bouncing in place a he then noticed that Lancelot, Percival, and Honey are missing as his excitement gets replaced with concern "…where are the others?"

"Lancelot, Honey, and Percival are currently missing. I was separated from them during a dimensional anomaly. I am in the process of locating them." Said Gamma

Chip's smile faltered, his worry evident. "Oh no! Do you think they are alright!?"

Gamma gestured for Tikal and the Blacksmith to go inside. "Their status is unknown. I have reason to believe they are in separate fragments of different realms. I must resume my search shortly"

"you sure Gamma?" said Chip still a bit concern

"Affirmative" said Gamma "This unit has 70% of locating allies"

"If you say so" said Chip though concern lingered on his face. As Gamma turned and zoomed off, presumably to continue his mission, Chip's attention shifted to the Blacksmith

Play: Undertale OST – Home

"Hey, Tails! You look… uh… different. What's with the outfit? Is this some kind of new thing you're trying out?" Chip asked with a big grin.

The Blacksmith blinked, his confusion plain. "Tails? I don't know who that is. You must have me mistaken for someone else."

Chip tilted his head, frowning. "Wait, what? You're not Tails? You look just like him, though! The twin tails, the goggles—well, okay, maybe the goggles are different…"

The Blacksmith shook his head. "I'm the blacksmith. I don't know anyone named Tails."

Chip scratched his head, looking between the Blacksmith and Tikal. "Huh… That's weird" as he then turned his attention to Tikal's light form

"I hope you can forgive Blacksmith" said Tikal as she floated closer to him "At first I thought you were Tails as well. And I was going to ask until Gamma kept calling you blacksmith"

"Really?" said the blacksmith caught off guard

"Yes, though I hope you can forgive me for that" said Tikal

"Its Fine" said the blacksmith brushing that off

Shahra, Froggy, and Caliburn came into view. And upon seeing him. Caliburn immediately recognized him as he and the Blacksmith locked eyes for a moment

"Caliburn!" the Blacksmith exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. "It's been ages!"

The sentient sword tilted slightly, as if examining him more closely. "Blacksmith? By the stars, it is you. It has indeed been far too long."

The Blacksmith stepped forward, looking relieved. "Have you seen Sonic lately? Is he around?"

"Unfortunately, no. I have not seen Sir Sonic for some time. It seems we've all been scattered to different corners of existence." Said Caliburn "I wouldn't doubt that Sonic is running around somewhere as he always does"

The Blacksmith's enthusiasm dampened slightly, but he nodded. "I see… Still, it's good to see you again, old friend."

Tikal then floated closer to Caliburn, her glowing form radiating curiosity. She tilted her head, studying him. "You're… a talking sword?"

Caliburn turned slightly, addressing her with a formal tone. "Indeed, I am. And who might you be, small glowing one? Are you… a fairy?"

Tikal, clearly caught off guard by the question, before letting out a soft laugh. "No, I'm not a fairy."

Caliburn tilted in thought. "Then you must be something very special."

Tikal giggled, her glow brightening. "You're the special one here. A talking sword is quite extraordinary. Here, let me show you my true form so it will be less awkward for you all"

With that, her glow began to shift, her form transforming into her true self—an Echidna girl adorned with traditional markings and clothing with a serene smile

"Then.. may ask what are you?" said Caliburn

Tikal smiled warmly. "I'm simply Tikal. A guardian of the past,.. at least I like to consider myself one"

"Wow.." said Sharha as she then floated by, "May I ask what you can do?"

"Well, I can give people visions of the past. At least the ones I have witnessed. And land where chaos energy is abundance I can manipulate the environment to a small extent" said Tikal

"Visions…" said Caliburn as he then recalls what Lancelot said to him "I hope you can forgive me for asking but was it you who caused Lancleot to have his visions?" which confused Tikal

"No, I'm afraid I don't know who your friend Lancelot is" said Tikal shaking her head slightly "If I did, I would've told you earlier"

"I see" said Caliburn

"it's fine" said Tikal regaining her smile

Then a small hopping sound caught Tikal's attention. Froggy approached her and gave a soft croak, as if to greet her

Tikal's face lit up with delight, and she knelt down, gently petting Froggy on the head. "Oh, hello there, Froggy. I remember you."

Chip blinked in surprise. "Wait, you know Froggy?"

Tikal smiled warmly. "Yes. I've seen him around before. He seemed to be a friend of a friend of Sonic's." She paused, her expression thoughtful

As Froggy settled comfortably at her feet, Tikal turned her attention to Shahra. "And you… Who are you?"

Shahra straightened up, her presence calm but regal. "I am Shahra, the Genie of the Ring."

Tikal tilted her head curiously. "Genie…? That's interesting. I don't think I've ever heard of a genie before. What does that mean?"

The Blacksmith, equally puzzled, leaned in. "Yeah, what's a genie? Can you tell us more about it?"

Shahra offered a small, wistful smile. "A genie is a being of magic. I'm supposed to grant wishes to those who summon me with my ring." She held up her hand, showing the golden artifact she carried. "But my magic… it's very weak right now. I'm afraid I can't do much."

The Blacksmith furrowed his brow. "So… you're some kind of wizard, then?"

Shahra blinked, clearly unfamiliar with the term. "Wizard? What's that?"

The Blacksmith scratched his head, realizing he might need to explain. "Well, a wizard is someone who can cast spells and do magic, usually by learning it or using a staff or something. They're like storytellers in my realm… though I've never actually met one."

Shahra shook her head lightly. "Then I suppose I am not a wizard. My magic is a gift tied to my very being, not something I learned. It is a part of who I am."

Tikal's curiosity deepened. "Magic tied to your being? That sounds fascinating. I'd love to learn more about how that works."

Shahra smiled softly. "Perhaps, in time, I can tell you all I know. For now, though, my focus is on recovering my strength."

Tikal and the others exchanged amused glances, and even Shahra allowed a small laugh

"Say, since you both mentioned of Sonic… Have any of you seen him recently?"

The Blacksmith leaned back slightly, arms crossed as he considered her question. "I know who Sonic is, but I haven't seen him in a while. It's been… some time since I last crossed paths with him."

Tikal nodded in agreement. "The same goes for me. Sonic's a free spirit; he's always on the move."

Before Shahra could respond, the door leading to the kitchen creaked open. Elise stepped into the room, carrying herself with a quiet elegance, and Orbot followed closely behind, holding a tray with a bowl of neatly arranged treats

Elise froze mid-step, her eyes widening at the sight of the unfamiliar faces. "Oh! I didn't realize we had more people," she said softly, her tone filled with curiosity

Chip immediately jumped in, beaming with enthusiasm. "Elise! Meet our new friends! This is Tikal, and this is the Blacksmith." He gestured toward each of them in turn

Elise smiled warmly, stepping closer. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm Elise."

"Princess Elise" added Orbot

The Blacksmith's eyes widened slightly, and he quickly straightened his posture. "Y-Your Highness," he stammered, bowing slightly. "I didn't realize… Forgive my casual demeanor earlier."

Elise blinked, momentarily surprised, before shaking her head with a soft laugh. "Oh, please. You don't have to address me so formally. Here, we are all equals."

Despite her reassurance, the Blacksmith hesitated. "If you insist… it's just that, I've personally never met someone of royalty. Even if from a faraway realm to my own"

Elise's smile grew, her kindness evident. "I appreciate the thought, but really, there's no need."

Orbot hovered forward, extending the tray of treats. "Speaking of formality, might we interest you in some of these? A delightful recipe by Her Highness herself!"

The Blacksmith glanced at the tray, then at Elise. "Are you sure it's alright?"

Elise gave him an encouraging nod. "Of course. Please, try one."

Hesitant but curious, the Blacksmith reached out and picked up a treat, examining it briefly before taking a bite. His eyes widened in surprise as the flavors hit his palate. "This is… incredible! I wasn't expecting it to taste this good."

Elise chuckled, her cheeks tinting slightly. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."

Her eyes drifted across the room, noticing the absence of certain familiar faces. She turned toward the Blacksmith, concern etched on her features. "I don't see Lancelot, Percival, Honey, or Gamma here. Where are they?"

The Blacksmith shifted uncomfortably. "Gamma was the one who brought me and Tikal here. He mentioned they got separated, and now he's gone off to look for them."

Elise's expression grew somber, her worry evident. "I hope they're alright…"

Noticing her unease, Caliburn hopped closer to Elise, his voice calm and steady. "Fear not, Your Highness. Lancelot, Percival, Honey, and Gamma are resilient warriors. They've surely faced countless trials before. Have faith in them, and all will be well."

Elise glanced down at the talking sword, his confidence strangely reassuring. A small smile returned to her face. "Thank you, Caliburn. You're right. I should trust in them."

Meanwhile, Shahra, having just taken a small bite of one of Elise's treats, looked thoughtful as she chewed. She turned toward Caliburn, tilting her head curiously. "Caliburn… were you wished to life by someone?"

Caliburn seemed to hesitate, his tone uncharacteristically unsure. "I… am not certain how to answer that. My origins are tied to a magic long forgotten, but whether it was a 'wish' or something else entirely… even I do not know."

Shahra placed a hand on her chin, intrigued by his response. "Fascinating. It's not often one encounters a sentient sword, let alone one with such mystery surrounding them."

Tikal joined the conversation, her gentle voice curious. "Perhaps your purpose is tied to something greater, Caliburn. Whether through wishes or magic, you clearly have a role to play in guiding those around you."

Caliburn gave a slight bow in acknowledgment. "I thank you for your kind words Lady Tikal. Regardless of how I came to be, my duty now is to aid those who wield me with honor."

To Gamma

Play: Sonic Heroes OST – Follow Me

Gamma skidded to a halt in the endless expanse of white space, his sensors on high alert for any sign of Lancelot, Percival, Honey, or the elusive master shard signal. As he scanned his surroundings, suddenly there was a feminine yell for help

"AAAAH! GET AWAY FROM ME!"

He then turned to the direction of the sound, his optical sensors locking onto a figure sprinting frantically

It was a pink hedgehog, he recognized her as Amy Rose. She was running while a swarm of Gaia monsters pursued her relentlessly

Gamma's optics flickered briefly as recognition set in. Without hesitation, he raised his arm cannon, the hum of charging energy signaling his intent to intervene

He aimed precisely, firing a barrage of shots at the nearest Gaia monsters. Explosions erupted as several creatures disintegrated under his assault. However, the relentless horde kept coming, their shadowy forms twisting and surging toward Amy

Amy sprinted through the endless expanse of White Space, her breath coming in short bursts as the relentless Gaia monsters closed in on her. She wasn't sure how long she could last

Suddenly, Gamma's beams shot past her, striking the creatures with precision. One by one, they disintegrated in bursts of light, and the oppressive weight of pursuit eased

Amy skidded to a halt, her heart racing. She turned toward the source of the laser fire and froze. Standing in the distance, arm cannon raised and glowing faintly, was a familiar figure—a sleek red and white robot

She watched him as he then unleashed another salvo of charged shots, tearing through the advancing monsters. Amy watched in awe as Gamma's precision and firepower turned the tide of the battle

Reducing all the Gaia monsters to nothing

As the last of the Gaia monsters fell, Gamma lowered his arm cannon and turned to Amy. "Are you unharmed?"

But as her gaze lingered, recognition began to dawn. This wasn't just any robot.

Then memories began flooding back—memories of being trapped in Eggman's clutches, of the kind-hearted robot who had freed her, and of the day she'd stepped between Sonic and this very machine to save it from destruction.

Her eyes widened. "M-Mr. Robot? Is that… is that really you?"

Gamma's head tilted slightly, his optics scanning her. "I am designated E-102 Gamma. Yes, I am the same robot you encountered"

Amy blinked, the weight of his words sinking in. "I can't believe it. I thought… I thought… no.. if you were, you wouldn't be here… but it's been so long.." She trailed off, her voice breaking slightly

Gamma's optics flickered faintly. "Is there something wrong?"

"No…" said Amy as she began to regain her smile "But, I'm glad to find a familiar face. After all. Friends in far places are always a treat!"

Gamma inclined his head. "Your safety remains a priority."

"Aww. You're so sweet Mr. Robot!-er Gamma" said Amy as Gamma then bent down and held out his hand as a 'hop on' gesture. She smiled and hopped onto his arm as he then stood up and with the wheels on feet began to whirl and they both zoomed off

After a bit of rolling through the white space, Gamma got curious "What is your objective in this realm?" he asked as he wondered why she isnt a statue

"Well, after my handsome hero Sonic came to my rescue"—she emphasized the words with a dreamy smile—"I've been exploring White Space. Some poor little Chao got lost when that awful monster attacked, and I'm trying to find them."

Even though Gamma fully intended to find his team first. It's just that the presence of Amy may have convinced him to put it as priority 2. Plus. He very much trusted that Lancelot can take care of himself and find Honey and Percival if he doesn't first

In fact. After seeing Lancelot's abilities. Gamma had the most trust in him to find everyone

"Your task aligns with my protocols for aiding life forms. I will assist you in locating the Chao before resuming my primary objective." Said Gamma

Amy's eyes widened, surprised yet grateful. "Really? Oh, thank you, Gamma! You're still just as kind as I remember…. You know…I'm honestly shocked to see you again. My tarot cards said something about a reunion, but I didn't think they meant you! Where have you been all this time?"

Gamma's voice lowered slightly, as though recounting the information required effort despite his mechanical nature. "After my departure from Eggman's control, I dedicated myself to neutralizing his remaining creations. I sustained damage in my efforts, but I continued to operate until I found myself here." He paused briefly before adding, "The shadow monster's attack disrupted my systems and brought me to White Space."

Amy blinked, her expression a mixture of awe and concern. "It sounds like You've been through a lot, haven't you? Fighting Eggman's machines all on your own…" Her voice softened. "I'm so glad you're okay, Gamma. It's like fate brought us back together….say you know what a chao is right?"

"Affirmative" said Gamma

"Ok good. I wasn't sure if you know what they are or not" said Amy "Well.. let's go find some chao"

Gamma led the way, scanning for signs of the Chao, hoping that they find both Gamma's team and the chao Amy is searching for

To be Continued

I do hope you all can forgive if this chapter seems rather rocky. And that solely because I'm not good at writing characters that have a large reliance on a gun

Ah well. I hope it would at least appease a few of you

Trivia

1: I'd say pretty much the entire chapter I've only listened to Gamma's theme. And man I just like it so much

2: Lately I've been gaining a new appreciation for Amy going forward similar to I have been having a new appreciation for Big the Cat

However for Big, I have specific idea in mind on why he hasn't been seen yet (hint. It's because of Froggy)

3: I managed to play Sonic Dream Team for the first time. And while it was fun. It's one of those games that you would have more fun playing with a controller rather than a touchscreen

And also the game couldn't pick a lane with its cutscenes. They should've took advantage of the models and fully animated them rather than just pictures with voice over for the majority of the time

Also. Mah boi Shadow got an expansion for it! YEEEYUUUUH

4: The specific reason I chose the Guardian Hunter as the boss for Gamma had to do eith the fact that, it was the best designed boss in the game. I think they should've done more with it to have be the final boss rather than Eggman partying until he's purple

GAH I LOVE BEING PURPLE!

5: Listening between Scean Schemmel Black Doom and Ben Diskin Black Doom. Its so hard to choose

Though if you ask me. I'd choose Ben. Because he was also Eddie Brock/ Venom in Spectacular Spiderman. SPECTACULAR SPIDERMAN EVERYONE

So naturally I like to consider his Black Doom voice to be an evolution of his Venom becoming more monstrous

6: Considering how Silver had much more effort in his design compared to Jet when it came to their counterparts in Sonic and the Black Knight

I wouldn't be surprised if they chose to cut them both out due to budgetary reasons. After all

Cmon Sega, you have the ability to put more money and effort like Nintendo (mostly): does. Why not fully try?

So then everyone, without further ado, how the next chapter goes will be determined. By you! THE READERS and those who care to leave a review

And by that. I want you all to tell me who you'd rather see have their adventure of where they ended up after the mishap of King Arthur

And the options are

Percival and Honey!

I want you to choose who gets to have their solo venture first.

So if Honey is chosen to get her solo chapter next. Percival will receive hers after

And if Percival is chosen to get her solo chapter next, then Honey will get hers after

Understand? Good.

So Who will it be?

Chapter Text

Hello everyone. It's been a while hasn't it? Yeah sorry. Most of it had to do with writers Block (particularly because of how I wanted this chapter to be)

And since Honey is the winner of the vote. Everyone wanted

For I wanted this to lean more into the silly aspect as there really isn't much on Honey in general an rewatching plenty of the Dreamcast and 4Kids era of Sonic gave me inspiration for the silliness

And Simpsons too lol

FanFicHazza: I appreciate you enjoyed this chapter and I am grateful for your ideas as well :D

Cyberpolaris: He will. And yeah I was legit surprised to see Sean audition again. I hope you like Honey's shot in the spotlight :)

Guest (assuming all 3 reviews are from the same person): thank you :) I'm happy to know that Honey and Percival's rivalry is entertaining enough for a read.

Flowers: Sonic and the Black Knight and our boy Gamma are both very underrated. I'm happy for your interested

ZTCrossoverwriter: Thank you :D I'm glad FanficHazza's writing got you curious to look here and I hope for your continued interest

So without further ado, unto thine stowy!

Play: Sonic Adventure OST – Emerald Coast

"AAAAAAAAH!"Honey the Cat plunged from the sky with a shriek, arms flailing as the wind rushed past her ears. "Lancelot! Save meee—!"

*SPLASH!*

Cold water enveloped her as she hit the ocean's surface, sending a small wave rippling outward. She flailed for a moment before realizing… she wasn't sinking. Her feet touched the sandy bottom.

Lifting her drenched head above water, she coughed and wiped her face, her ears drooping with frustration. "Oh, come on! Seriously?!"

As she took in her surroundings, her eyes widened in recognition. The golden sand, the palm trees swaying in the breeze, the scent of salt in the air—it was unmistakable. "Emerald Coast?" she muttered in disbelief.

She looked down at herself, her soaked clothes clinging to her fur, and let out an exasperated sigh. "Great. Just great. If I knew I was gonna end up here, I would've packed my bikini" A playful smirk crossed her face. "*sigh* I bet Lancelot would've been dazzled by the sight of me in it."

She shook her head, trying to push away the thought. Now wasn't the time to entertain her own vanity—no matter how true it was

With a determined huff, she swam toward the shore, pulling herself up onto the soft sand. As she wrung out her sleeves and tail, she scanned the beach. A few beachgoers strolled by, some playing in the water, others sunbathing, but there was no sign of Lancelot, Percival, or Gamma

Her ears flicked in frustration as she placed a hand on her hip. "Okay… Now what?"

Stranded and unsure of where to go next, Honey crossed her arms and tapped her foot in thought. She wasn't about to just sit around and wait for something to happen. If she was in Emerald Coast, that meant she is home. But at the same time. If she landed here then there should be an emerald shard nearby.

But where?

With a flick of her damp fur, she turned toward the nearest boardwalk and made her way over there

"Alright Honey just think. If I were a giant monster or a magic gem.. where would I be?.." muttered Honey to herself

Honey approached a nearby beachgoer—a young woman lounging under a colorful umbrella, sipping on a coconut drink. With a confident stride, Honey placed a hand on her hip and asked, "Hey, quick question—have you seen any monsters flying around?"

The woman blinked behind her sunglasses, lowering her drink slightly. "Uh… do you mean an Eggman robot?"

Honey shook her head. "Nope. I mean an actual monster."

The beachgoer tilted her head, looking even more confused. "Like… a kaiju or something?"

Honey let out a small sigh. "Never mind." The woman's blank stare told her all she needed to know—Emerald Coast was untouched by whatever that shadow monster was

That was somewhat of a relief, but it also made her think. If the city was still fine, then maybe… her apartment in Station Square was still standing, too. She hadn't been there in a while, but it was worth checking out later

As she turned to leave, her eyes landed on a large poster pinned near the entrance to the beachfront lodge. Speed Dating Event—Find Your Special Someone! It read in bold, pink letters, with hearts and silhouettes of couples beneath it

Before meeting Lancelot, she would've been all over that event, eagerly putting her charm to the test. But now? She just let out a small chuckle and shook her head. "Yeah, no. Not interested"

Just as she was about to move on, something in the distance caught her eye—a faint, eerie green glow shimmering against the horizon. Her breath hitched. She knew exactly what that was

"A Master Emerald shard…" she muttered, eyes narrowing. But something was off. The glow was too strong, too unnatural. It wasn't just a piece of the emerald lying around—it was radiating energy in a way that sent a bad feeling to her

Without hesitation, she bolted toward the glow, kicking up sand in her wake. the sand beneath her suddenly shifted. Two large, beady eyes popped out from beneath the surface, locking onto her with an intense glare

"Wha—?!" Honey skidded to a stop, her ears perking up as the rest of the creature began to emerge. A massive crab-like machine, covered in sand, burst from below, shaking itself off. The most bizarre part? It had a ridiculously familiar mustache sitting below its ridiculous ly familiar nose

"Hmmm. I don't think crabs have human noses… or staches.." Honey tilted her head, unimpressed. "Well, you're a weird-looking one. I think I'll call you… Dr. Crabulous!"

The machine snapped its oversized claws menacingly, as if offended by the name, before suddenly charging at her with surprising speed.

"Whoa—okay, feisty!" Honey flipped backward as the crab lunged, its giant claw barely missing her. It snapped wildly, trying to catch her, but she weaved between its strikes with ease

snap*

"—HEY!"

One of its claws finally caught her, clamping around her waist and hoisting her into the air. At first, she struggled, expecting crushing force—only to realize… this thing's claw felt like a balloon

Honey blinked in confusion "What the heck?"

She pressed a hand against the surface of the claw, feeling how soft and rubbery it was. The machine held her up dramatically like it had just won some grand battle, but in reality… it felt like she was stuck in an inflatable pool toy

A smirk crossed her lips. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. I thought I was about to get crushed, but this is more like being caught in a—what is this? A bouncy castle?"

The machine let out a grumpy metallic chitter, shaking her around as if trying to prove its menace. But Honey just laughed "Buddy, I've fought real threats before. You? You're more silly than scary."

She playfully poked at the claw again. "What's next? You gonna try and tickle me into submission?...You know what—don't answer that," she muttered, realizing that giving the machine any ideas was a bad move

Instead, she reached her other claw up and lightly scratched at the inflated surface of the claw holding her.

Pffffft!

A sudden hiss of air escaped, and within seconds, the claw deflated like a popped balloon. Honey dropped to the sand gracefully as the now-wrinkled claw flopped uselessly to the side

Dr. Crabulous twitched in outrage. Its mustache bristled. Then, in retaliation, it slammed its other claw into the ground

A red shockwave exploded outward, sending beach chairs, umbrellas, and even a lifeguard stand toppling over. Nearby beachgoers screamed as they scrambled to get out of the way

Honey crossed her arms, glaring at the mechanical menace. "HEY! What did I just say? Not so close to the hotel! You're gonna wreck the place!"

Dr. Crabulous did not care. Instead, it leapt into the air, its remaining claw raised for a massive downward smash

Honey sighed, already stepping aside before it even landed. The sand shook as Dr. Crabulous missed completely, its claw buried in the beach

"Okay, clearly you're not the brightest bolt," Honey muttered, tapping her chin as she analyzed the situation

She needed to end this quickly—without causing more of a mess. The last thing she wanted was to get blamed for property damage

Honey gracefully dodged another wild snap of Dr. Crabulous' claw, flipping over the incoming shockwave as it carved a deep trench through the sand

"Really? That's all you've got?" she taunted, easily weaving past its attacks

She darted in close, delivering a quick scratch to its remaining claw. Another hiss of air escaped, and the second claw deflated just like the first

Dr. Crabulous hopped in outrage, now completely clawless but still determined to squash her. It bounced after Honey with frantic energy, slamming its body into the sand in a desperate attempt to crush her, but she quickly dodged it

"Whoops! Too slow!" she teased, leading the angry machine away from the resort

After luring it to a more open space, she pivoted on her heel and darted behind it. With a swift scratch to its back

*PFFFFFT!*

Dr Crabulous began to shrivel up, air escaping rapidly as it rapidly deflated before her eyes. Soon, all that remained was a tiny, pathetic-looking mechanical crab, barely the size of her foot

Honey placed her hands on her hips, a smug grin spreading across her face. "Aww, what's the matter? Feeling a little deflated?" as she smugly raised her brows

Dr. Crabulous gave one last pitiful hop at her as a final attack. And with an easy kick. Honey launched the Dr. Crabulous straight into the air where he exploded like a firework in the sky, bits of scrap metal raining down harmlessly into the ocean

Honey brushed a strand of wet fur from her face before striking a confident pose. "Nya~ Lancelot! Did you see how awesome I—"

She froze, as she then remembered

"Oh… right… my love isnt here.." Her ears drooped slightly as she sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "Tch. I need to find him already."

As Honey reached out to grab the glowing Master Emerald shard, a sudden crack tore through the air

"Uh oh" she groaned as Before she could react, the shard pulsed with a bright green flash, and the ground beneath her fractured. "No, no, no!-AAAA!" she then fell through the swirling rift, the shard tumbling alongside her. The world spun around her, colors blending into a blur until she was out of the rift midair above a peaceful coastal town with charming windmills.

Play: Sonic Unleashed OST – Windmill Isle

"Windmill Isle?!" She said in disbelief As she plummeted toward the rooftops below, she flailed her arms and shouted "Lancelot! Save me already!"

Just before she could brace for impact, a shadow glided through the air. Strong arms caught her effortlessly. Making her blink in confusion, glancing up at her rescuer.

"Oh. Uh… thanks," she muttered, brushing herself off once her feet touched the ground. But her smile faltered as she gave the figure a better look. "Wait a minute. You're not Lancelot," she said, sounding mildly disappointed

Her rescuer raised an eyebrow behind his helmet, looking just as surprised. "Lancelot?"

Honey narrowed her eyes at him. The red fur, spiked fists, and confident glide…

"Huh?" She tapped her chin. "Hold up- Is that you, knucklehead?"

The figure gave a small chuckle. "Heh. Not the first time I've been called that." As He then looked at her with mild curiosity. "…You know this… 'knucklehead' too?"

Honey crossed her arms. "Depends. You look like him, but you've got some fancy armor. So… who are you supposed to be?"

With a slight bow and a smirk, the red echidna replied, "I am Sir Gawain, knight of the Round Table."

Honey blinked. "Sir Gawain?...Wait, wait, wait…. So you know Lancelot?"

"Of course. Sir Lancelot and Lady Percival are my closest friends and fellow knights" said Gawain rather proudly

Honey stared at him for a moment, completely baffled. "You've got to be kidding me," she muttered. "What are the odds?"

As Gawain glided them both to a nearby rooftop, landing gently, Honey sighed. Before gaining a grin "So, Sir Gawain… you wouldn't happen to know where Lancelot ran off to, would you? Because I've got some things I really need to tell him."

Gawain gave a thoughtful hum, glancing toward the horizon. "If Lancelot is here, I'm sure we'll find him"

Honey sighed, brushing her hair back "Yeah, well, I hope we find him soon. He better see how awesome I was back there. Oh—and maybe next time, he'll be the one catching me when I fall." As Gawain gently let's her down

As the breeze gently blew past them, Gawain turned his gaze to Honey, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern

"So," he began, arms crossed, "how exactly do you know Sir Lancelot?"

Honey gave a small smirk, flipping her hair dramatically. "Oh? You mean the ever-dashing, brooding swordsman?"

Gawain stared, unamused. "Yes….Him."

"Relax, relax," Honey chuckled. "Lancelot saved me from this nasty monster a while back. After that, I kinda… started traveling with him and Percival."

"You what?" Gawain's eyes widened. "You traveled with both Lancelot and Percival?"

Honey grinned proudly. "Shocking, right? I mean, who wouldn't want me around?"

But Gawain wasn't focused on her confidence. He stepped closer, "Tell me—where are they? Do you have any idea where either of them are?""

Honey's smug expression faded, and she sighed. "Trust me, I wish I knew. We got separated after running into King Arthur."

The moment she said that name, Gawain froze

"No…" he whispered, his fists tightening

Honey tilted her head, raising a brow. "Hey, what's with that face? Don't tell me you're scared or something?"

Gawain turned away, looking out at the horizon with a grim expression. "If you encountered King Arthur… then my fears may be true."

"Fears?" Honey stepped beside him, arms crossed. "Okay, you're going to have to explain that one."

Gawain took a deep breath. "I believe something has disrupted the balance of our worlds… enough to allow the resurrection of King Arthur. For another potential rain if tyranny"

"Resurrection?" Honey repeated, blinking. As Gawain nodded solemnly as She gained a smirk "Pfft. Please."

Gawain gave her a confused look.

"The ever-handsome Sir Lancelot? He can totally take down King Arthur if he has to," she said, striking a confident pose. "And after that? He'll make me his girlfriend. Obviously."

There was a beat of silence.

Gawain stared at her. "…Girlfriend?"

Honey winked. "You heard me."

Gawain blinked, clearly taken aback. His mind drifted for a moment—Percival's feelings for Lancelot were no secret to him. And now this bold girl was claiming the same?

"Well," Gawain said, clearing his throat and glancing away, "I… hope for the best in what seems like a rather… subtle competition between you and Percival."

Honey grinned mischievously. "Oh? Percival too? Hah! Guess I'll just have to step up my game, huh?"

Gawain sighed, muttering under his breath, "This is going to be more complicated than I thought…" as they both began to hop from roof to roof until they reached the ground

The bustling sounds of merchants, townsfolk, and the gentle creaking of ships filled the air as Honey and Gawain landed on the cobblestone streets of Windmill Isle. The salty sea breeze brushed past them as windmills turned lazily in the distance

Gawain glanced around, taking in the coastal town's lively atmosphere before turning to Honey "So… where exactly are we?" he asked

Honey placed her hands on her hips, looking around casually. "We're at Windmill Isle Obviously."

"Windmill Isle…" Gawain repeated thoughtful "So then.. where are we going? I don't like wandering aimlessly?"

Honey's eyes gleamed as she pointed forward. "Simple. There's a Master Emerald shard somewhere around here. If we find it, it should help lead us to Lancelot and Percival."

"Master Emerald shard?" Gawain raised a brow. "I've heard the name before… what exactly is it?"

"A super powerful gem piece with crazy energy," Honey replied. "And since you're some fancy knight and all, tell me—can you sense powerful energy?"

Gawain placed a hand over his chest, closing his eyes for a moment. "Indeed. I possess such a skill."

"Great! Then get to sensing!" Honey said, waving her hand dramatically. "Chop-chop!"

With a focused breath, Gawain extended his senses. A moment passed before his eyes snapped open

"There…" he pointed toward the far cliffs beyond the town. "I can feel a powerful energy source in that direction. Is that what you're looking for?"

"Bingo!" Honey grinned. "Let's-A go!"

As they began making their way through the lively streets, Gawain glanced at Honey "Before we find that shard thing, is there anything else I should know?"

Honey paused mid-stride, tapping her chin with a sly smirk. "Oh yeah. I forgot to mention—there's one more member of our group."

Gawain raised a curious brow. "Another knight?"

"Nah," Honey said with a wink. "A giant robot named Gamma."

"A… giant what now?" Gawain slowed down.

"Gamma," Honey repeated. "Nice guy. Lancelot met him first. They teamed up for a while before Lancelot saved me and Percival. Honestly, I think Gamma's the chillest out of all of us."

Hearing that Lancelot had saved Percival seemed to ease some tension in Gawain's shoulders. "Hmph. I'm glad to hear that Percival is safe. But…" He tilted his head. "What exactly is a 'robot'?"

Honey froze mid-step. Slowly turning to face him, she gave him a wide-eyed stare before dramatically facepalming.

"Oh no… not this again." She sighed heavily. "First Gamma explaining stuff to Percival, and now you? Ugh, cluelessness must be contagious."

"H-Hey!" Gawain protested as Honey started walking ahead. "Wait up! I am a knight, not some historian of strange things"

"Yeah, yeah, keep up, 'Sir Gawain.' We've got shards to grab!" Honey called back with a teasing grin

"Hmph!" Gawain quickened his pace to catch up. "I can't believe I'm being led by such a bold woman…"

"Hey! Im just that awesome. " Honey laughed "Say…, Gawain," she started, folding her arms behind her head. "How did you end up here anyway?"

Gawain's expression grew thoughtful. "It's… a complicated tale."

"Oh? I love complicated," Honey grinned. "Spill it."

Gawain sighed. "Very well. After Sir Lancelot left to see the Lady of the Lake, a shadowy monster suddenly attacked. It was no ordinary foe; it spawned creatures of darkness that forced Percival and me to split up during the battle."

Honey's smile faded slightly, listening intently.

"I fought my share of the monsters," Gawain continued. "But before I could regroup with Percival, the main creature appeared before me… and abducted me. I don't know what became of Percival after that."

"Yikes," Honey muttered. "That sounds rough."

"It gets stranger," Gawain said, narrowing his eyes. "When I awoke, I wasn't here. I found myself in a realm of white—empty and endless. While I tried to gather my bearings, I saw someone in the distance…"

Honey leaned in. "Lancelot?" eager to hear more of him

"No," Gawain shook his head. "But he looked exactly like Lancelot. Identical in every way."

Honey blinked. "Wait—exactly like him? Are we talking same brooding aura, edgy vibe, and hot?"

"All of it," Gawain confirmed. "But when I called out to him, he didn't stop. He just kept walking away. The only thing he said was…"

Gawain paused, recalling the moment.

"'You can find your friends on your own.' Then, he vanished."

Honey frowned, tapping her chin. "Hmm… broody, mysterious, and leaves vague cryptic lines? Sounds like Lancelot alright."

"Indeed," Gawain agreed. "He acted so much like Lancelot it was uncanny."

Honey's eyes lit up with realization. "Wait, wait—hold up! Was his name Shadow by any chance? And let me guess, total looker too?"

Gawain looked genuinely puzzled. "Shadow? I do not know. He never said his name. Only that one line before disappearing."

Honey groaned, tossing her hands in the air. "Ugh! That sounds so like him!...I wonder if he was the same one from ealier.."

Gawain glanced at her curiously. "You sound as if you know this 'Shadow.'"

"I don't! But I have a feeling he's mixed up in all this just as much as we are," Honey replied with a grin. "But enough about that—your turn to ask."

"Very well," Gawain said, tilting his head. "How did you end up here, Lady Honey?"

Honey sighed dramatically. "Oh, my tragic tale? After I got separated from Lancelot and the others during that whole King Arthur mess, I stumbled across a Master Emerald shard. Figured it could help me find them."

"And?" Said Gawain

"Anddd… when I went to grab it, the thing caused another reality crack," Honey said, waving her hand in annoyance. "Next thing I know—boom! I fall through and end up here. Not exactly glamorous, huh?"

"I guess so.." said Gawain

"That's right, knucklehead!" Honey teased, earning a groan from Gawain

"Must you keep calling me that?" said Gawain

"Hey, you practically earned the title in my eyes" Said Honey

"Did not" said Gawain childishly

"Did too" said Honey smugly

"Impossible" said Gawain

"Yuh huh" Honey still painting her smile

"Preposterous!-" said Gawain

"-That's enough" said Honey now a bit more annoyed which got Gawain to quiet down "Just follow where the damn shard is" as they passed through the bustling streets of Windmill Isle. The scent of sea salt and fresh bread filled the air. Honey had to admit. She liked it

However. She would've preferred if Lancelot were here

But far beyond the town, where the Master Emerald shard supposedly lay hidden, a faint hum began to stir as a thunderous sound echoed across the skies.

Honey and Gawain froze in their tracks. The atmosphere shifted. High above them, the sky began to split. Jagged, glowing fractures appeared as if reality itself were being torn apart

"Oh no… not again," Honey whispered "WHY MUST IT HAPPEN TO THE BEST PLACES!?"

The townsfolk looked up in horror. Gasps erupted as the cracks spread, glowing with an eerie green energy that pulsed ominously. The hum from the cliffs grew louder—almost rhythmic, like a heartbeat

"Everyone, get inside!" a villager screamed

Panic set in. Merchants abandoned their carts. Children were hurried indoors. The once-lively streets became eerily silent as doors slammed shut

"Hey Gawain you're great at slaying monsters right?" said Honey

"Of course lady Honey. Its always part of being a knight" said Gawain

"Good. Monsters are going to come out of the cracks" said Honey

Gawain drew his swords the blades gleaming under the fractured sky

As if on cue, a chilling roar echoed from the direction of the cliffs. The cracks in the sky shimmered, and from the glowing rifts, dark shapes began to materialize—creatures formed from shadow and energy, their eyes burning with malice

The sky groaned as the cracks widened, glowing purple and violet. Suddenly, dark masses began plummeting from the rifts above. Gaia monsters landed with earth-shaking force. Their low growls echoed through the empty streets.

Gawain stepped back, eyes narrowing behind his visor. "What are these foul creatures?"

"Let me try to remember for a moment… oh yeah. Something about a giant laser in the sky" said Honey "

"…what?' Said Gawain

"I know. I'm just as confused as you are. Especially back when it happened years ago" said Honey

A Gaia then lunged toward them "Too slow!" she taunted, flipping over it with agility before delivering a powerful spinning kick into Gawain's blades

"Impressive," Gawain remarked, slicing through a swarm of smaller Gaia Flyers with a swift arc of his sword.

Honey grinned, "Good job, knuckle-head!" Gawain sigh mid-swing as "Now keep up!" as she then began to run towards where the cliffs are "Last one there is a rotten egg!"

"Lady Honey you dare compare me to a spoiled foo-HEY!" Said Gawain "I'll have you know I tolerate your foolishness because you know Lancelot!"

The closer they got to the cliffs, the more gaia monsters fell from the

Gawain leaped, and With a single fiery slash, much of the Gaia that were in the way were destroyed

"Tis not be a challenge that even a knave can." Said Gawain as he slices down more Gaia as he quickly ran after Honey to catch up slicing through more gaia that dared stared in his way

Thankfully. The cliffs were not that far away. So it didn't take very long for the both of them to reach it. Upon reaching the cliff's edge. There, embedded in the ground, the Master Emerald shard glowed brighter than ever—its power causing the sky's cracks to pulse.

"There it is," Honey said, catching her breath. "The shard."

"Wait, lady Honey" Gawain warned, raising his sword again. "You sure this will fix this sorcery? That shard doesn't look very…. Safe"

"Uh…. The shard?" said Honey regaining some confidence as she perked her thumb towards the shard planted into the ground "Onw hundred percent confidence that all this will disappear if we get it"

Honey stepped forward, reaching out toward the glowing shard. The moment her fingers brushed against it, a surge of energy rippled through the

"Uh-oh…" said Honey realizing she probably jinxed it

Before either of them could react, the ground beneath them vanished in a flash of white light, and the world collapsed around them.

"LADY HONEY IS THIS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!?"

"IM ASSUMING YES BECAUSE ITS NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR ME!"

Play: Sonic Mania OST – Press Garden Act 1

As the bright light tunnel faded, Honey and Gawain found themselves descending fast—not falling, but gently gliding down as though gravity itself was unsure how to treat them. The glowing white gave way to a burst of color and motion, like a kaleidoscope twisting into form.

With a soft thud, they landed on cool, metallic flooring. The air smelled faintly of ink and paper, and the walls around them pulsed with shifting panels, gears, and flickering lights. Steam hissed from nearby pipes. Towering machines moved in rhythm, churning and stamping like a heartbeat.

Gawain looked around with wide, curious eyes.

Honey's ears twitched, her eyes scanning the colorful, chaotic environment. Right near her hand, the Master Emerald shard hovered in the air, pulsing gently

"Got it!" Honey declared, reaching toward it triumphantly

But just as her fingers grazed the edge—WHIFF!—a sudden puff of air from a nearby vent blew the shard clean off course

"Wha—HEY!" she shouted as the shard landed with a soft clink on a fast-moving conveyor belt—one part of a colossal printing press system that whisked it down the line with alarming speed.

Honey deadpanned, arms drooping. "I don't got it…"

Gawain blinked, stepping beside her. "What… exactly is this place?"

Honey sighed, crossing her arms. "Looks like we've landed in a giant newspaper factory."

Gawain tilted his head. "What is a 'newspaper'? And what, pray tell, is a 'factory'?"

Honey squinted at him, annoyed and unamused. "Seriously? You don't know what a— Ugh. You know what? Never mind. Just help me find the shard before it gets printed into tomorrow's headline."

Gawain awkwardly looking around "As you wish then"

They then sprinted after the shard, weaving through stacks of paper, dodging mechanical arms, and keeping pace with the high-speed conveyor system that now held their only lead to Lancelot and Percival.

As the shard zipped further down the high-speed conveyor belt, Honey and Gawain exchanged a look, and despite the knight's hesitation, they both leapt onto the fast-moving machinery, boots skidding across the metal surface as they raced after the glowing gem.

Gawain flailed slightly, trying to keep his balance. "By the Lady's grace—does this contraption always move at such an ungodly speed?"

"Nah," Honey said casually, crouching low for balance. "Normally they're smaller, slower, and not trying to turn you into front-page news."

Gawain huffed. "What strange land have we wandered into…"

Before Honey could reply, another clatter echoed from the side. From an adjacent conveyor belt, two figures came hurtling toward them—one small and round with armadillo plating, the other bright and yellow, clinging nervously to the first one's shoulder.

The two newcomers lost control of their landing and crashed right into Honey and Gawain, sending all four flying into a defective newspaper bin with a loud BUMP

Papers flew everywhere.

Gawain groaned, drawing his sword as he stood atop the crumpled newsprint. Before he noticed the two newcomers "Ruffians! Saboteurs!" he barked, pointing the blade dramatically at the pair. "You dare assault us in your twisted domain of chaos? Explain yourselves!"

The red-plated figure, Mighty, immediately took a defensive stance, fists raised. The smaller yellow one, Ray, yelped soundlessly and ducked behind his companion, shaking slightly but peeking out curiously.

Just as Gawain and Mighty tensed, seconds away from lunging into battle, Honey gets up and dusting herself off—quickly stepped in

"Whoa whoa whoa—hold your horses, Sir Shiny!" she shouted. "I actually know these two!"

Gawain paused mid-step, looking baffled. "You do…?"

"Yeah!" Honey gestured between them. "That's Mighty. And the shy one's Ray. They're not bad guys—they just kinda… crash a lot."

Ray gave a tiny wave from behind Mighty, who slowly lowered his fists but still looked cautious

Gawain blinked, then sheathed his sword. "Very well… But if they cause more trouble, I shall not hesitate to declare them foes."

"You say that like you're still in a fairy tale," Honey muttered under her breath as her eyes narrowed slightly as she got a better look at Mighty and Ray. Something about them felt… off. Not in a bad way—just different

She tilted her head. "Huh… weird," she muttered under her breath.

Gawain glanced over. "What's weird?"

Honey leaned closer to Mighty and Ray, who were curiously watching her but with no flicker of recognition in their eyes. "They look younger than I remember…" she whispered. "Like, way younger…"

Her eyes widened a little with realization. "Oh no. We didn't just get thrown to a different place… we got thrown to a different time." She thought

Mighty and Ray tilted their heads, confused by her staring. Honey sighed, slightly annoyed, but then just smiled and waved it off. "Well, no biggie. Guess we'll just roll with it."

Gawain glanced between them, clearly lost. "So are they still allies or not? And what is this nonsense about time—"

"Chill, shiny britches," Honey said, placing a hand on her hip. "I got this."

Turning back to Mighty and Ray, she clapped her hands together and said, "Alright, listen. Me and knuckle-head over here—" she thumbed back at Gawain, who groaned dramatically, "—we're from, uh… very far away."

Gawain blinked. "What do you mean by 'far away'? Far as in distant lands? Or—?"

Honey slowly turned to glare at him with an exhausted expression. "Don't. Start."

He zipped his mouth shut.

"Anyway," Honey continued, redirecting her attention, "we came here chasing something really important—a Master Emerald shard. It's somewhere in this giant printing press nightmare. We saw it earlier, but it took a dive onto one of these insane conveyor belts and—well, now we gotta find it."

At the mention of Master Emerald shard, both Mighty and Ray's eyes widened, clearly stunned. They exchanged a silent, surprised glance.

"Yeah," Honey said, folding her arms. "I was shocked too. Didn't expect a chunk of Chaos bling to be hanging out in a newspaper factory."

She leaned forward slightly. "So… what do you say? You guys in?"

Mighty looked at Ray. Ray looked back. Then, without a word, both gave a firm, determined nod.

Honey grinned. "Awesome."

The scene bursted into frantic motion as the four of them dashed along the maze of conveyor belts, jumping and skidding across enormous rolls of fast-moving newspaper. Each bounce sent them careening to another spinning platform, dodging high-speed sheets of freshly-printed paper that whipped around like oversized blades

"Whoa—" Honey yelped as a paper sheet snapped past her, grazing her ear. She flipped midair and landed beside Gawain

"By the Round Table!" Gawain shouted, barely catching his balance after leaping from one press roller to another. "This parchment is awfully strong to support our weight!"

"It's probably the expensive kind!" Honey hollered back, ducking under a swinging mechanical arm

Ray squeaked and flipped into the air, landing neatly beside Mighty. The larger of the two punched through a nearby Buzz Bomber, sending its parts clattering over the pages like scattered ink. Gawain, reacting swiftly, slashed a Crabmeat that tried to lunge at them from a side-rail, while Honey delivered a spinning kick that knocked a pair of Moto Bugs into a heap of shredded newspaper

The four of them became a chaotic blur—dodging crushing presses, hopping between spinning gears, and dismantling Egg Pawns that popped out of service hatches. Each attack sent sparks flying and ink spilling, staining everything in blue, red, and black smudges

Gawain, breathing hard, skidded to a stop beside Honey. "Surely, this must be some sort of arena trial!"

"This ain't a trial," she snapped. "This is a disaster with pagination!"

Meanwhile…

Dr. Eggman sat behind his large, clunky control desk, gleefully sipping from a mug labeled "Genius Fuel". The room hummed with screens and mechanical chirps. A small robotic assistant—round and panicked—rolled into the office with a blaring alert

"Sir! Sir!" it beeped. "We've got an emergency in the Third District presses!"

Eggman narrowed his eyes. "What kind of emergency?"

"There's irregular movement in the conveyor flow, several shredded rollers, malfunctioning printing lines—and also, um… an unexpected rewrite request for the Miracle Planet story."

Eggman slammed his mug down. "WHAT?! That article was supposed to run top of page one!"

"But sir," the robot squeaked, "someone's tampering with it—also, we think something's moving in the press."

Eggman stood up, nostrils flaring. "STOP THE THIRD DISTRICT PRESSES!"

"Right away, sir!"

Back to Honey

Without warning, the conveyor belts screeched to a grinding halt with a teeth-rattling jolt

"Uh-oh," Honey blinked, standing in place as The sudden stop yanked everyone forward violently.

"HRAAGH—!" Gawain yelled as he was flung headfirst through the air like a javelin arms flailing

CRASH!

He slammed into a tall factory window with a groan. Like a thrown pancake

"Mmfff—!" Mighty followed, spinning like a pinball before smacking into the glass beside Gawain.

BONK!

Ray squeaked as he soared like a tiny yellow comet and thudded between the two. All three were squashed against the glass, dazed and slightly stuck like bugs in a windshield as they then hear Honey

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH—!" came Honey's voice, rapidly growing louder. Making Their eyes widen like dinner plates with cartoonish horror

CRASSSH!*

Honey flew through the air like a blazing red blur and SPLINTERED the window, sending all four of them crashing backward in a tangled heap onto the floor of a large metal storage room filled with crates, ink barrels, and spare machinery

"Why—why does gravity hate us so much?!" Honey groaned, spitting out a screw "Oh thank God I'm ok"

"Ugggh…" Gawain groaned as he peeled himself off the ground, clutching his head. "What devilish trap was that?"

Mighty rubbed his helmeted head, while Ray, shaken, scrambled up and immediately ducked behind Honey, who was already brushing paper and dust off her sleeves with an unamused sigh.

"Well, that was just great. Someone must've shut the whole press down—with us still on it."

The moment she finished that sentence, a dozen security Badniks rounded the corner—Buzz Bombers hovering with electric zaps, Crabmeats clacking their claws menacingly, Egg Pawns wielding stun batons, and one weirdly large Moto Bug with police lights on its head.

"NO AUTHORIZATION DETECTED"

"INTRUDERS DETECTED."

"ACTIVATING RESTRAINT PROTOCOL."

Gawain narrowed his eyes and brandished his swords, spinning them once. "These twisted metal gremlins wish to challenge us? Very well—prepare thy gears to be scattered like rusted bones!"

Mighty cracked his knuckles and took his stance beside Gawain, nodding silently with fire in his eyes.

Ray dove behind Honey with a silent squeal. Honey, rubbing her forehead and clearly done with today's nonsense, sighed deeply

"Okay, one: rude. Two: no, we don't have authorization. And three—" she stomped forward and pointed—"YOU ALL PICKED THE WRONG GROUP TO MESS WITH!"

Ray peeked out from behind Honey with a nervous squeak, while she rolled her eyes

Gawain let out a knightly war cry and charged, swords swinging with knightly fury. "Have at thee, mechanical demons!"

Mighty roared silently, slamming through a group of Egg Pawns like a wrecking ball, sending gears, bolts, and limbs flying in every direction

Honey, meanwhile, ducked under a flying Crabmeat claw and skidded behind a crate, frantically looking around. "Okay… okay, where is it—where's the shard—?!"

Ray trembled behind her, peeking over her shoulder as lasers zipped overhead.

Honey's eyes darted, scanning the crates, floor panels, and conveyor belts—until a glint of green caught her eye below through a grated floor

"There! It's on the lower level!" she gasped, pointing through the grate. "Ray—go! You're small and squishy—grab it!"

Ray's eyes widened. He squeaked nervously, then zipped off like a yellow blur down a ventilation chute

Honey popped out from cover and shouted toward the chaos, "Gawain! Knuckle-head! Mighty! The shard's below! Move it!"

"Understood!" Gawain bellowed, cleaving a Moto Bug in half. "Forward we ride!"

Mighty punched a Buzz Bomber into an electrical panel, causing a short-circuit and a shower of sparks. He gave Honey a thumbs-up and barreled after her. Several Badniks suddenly shifted direction, spotting the shard through the floor and scuttling and hovering toward an alternate descent ramp

"Oh no you don't!" Honey snarled. "They're after the shard!"

"Not while I draw breath!" Gawain shouted, leaping off a ledge and cleaving into a pursuing Crabmeat

Mighty stomped in from the side, flipping an entire shelf of bolts and parts onto a chasing Buzz Bomber squad

Honey launched herself down a chute, spiraling after Ray, skiddimh to a stop at the edge of the platform, her voice echoing through the mechanical halls like an increasingly panicked alarm "Get it, Ray!" she shouted

Ray was still fumbling with the shard, trying to wedge it free from between some metal panels

"Get it, get it, get it, GET IT—!"

The instant Ray yanked the shard loose, a blinding emerald light burst forth, engulfing the room and sending shockwaves through the floor.

Gawain threw his arms over his face, groaning, "Not again…!"

FLASH

Play: Sonic Colors OST – Sweet Mountain (Act 1)

The next thing any of them knew, they were all falling through the air—snowflakes twinkling around them

"AAAAAA-PFMMMFF!" said Honey landing into the suspiciously sweet snow which muffled her voice right before Gawain, Mighty, and Ray landed on top of her, forming a massive rolling snowball that began careening down the peppermint slopes of Sweet Mountain "MMMMPH! MMMMPHHHH!" came Honey's muffled shrieks from the center

Ray's limbs flailed wildly from the side. Gawain's swords spun in the air before getting sucked into the snowball

Mighty's shell poked out the top, making it look like a warrior turtle-ice-cream nightmare as they plowed downhill, gaining size and speed.

Meanwhile

on a candy-cane-themed walking trail, two tourists were snapping photos near a licorice fountain.

"Man, Eggman's interstellar amusement park is incredible!" one said. "The food's got calories in five dimensions!"

"I know, right?" the other nodded, sipping a fizzy rainbow soda. As they both then heard rumbling a a couple muffled screams

They turned in time to see a giant screaming snowball blitz past them, knocking down sugar trees and sucking up two unsuspecting Egg Pawns in its wake.

"Was… was that a snowball with a turtle shell?" one tourist blinked.

"Part of the attraction," the other said confidently, raising their camera. "I think it's the 'Chaotic Avalanche Coaster'. Five stars!"

Meanwhile

Over further into the tourist areas the tourists all around yelped and scattered as the monstrous snowball zoomed through the peppermint peaks, scooping up more Egg Pawns who screamed in digital distress

"RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIVES!" shouted a gumdrop-themed mascot, diving headfirst into a cotton candy stand as dozens of panicking tourists scrambled across the caramel-tiled walkways

A couple pushing a churro-shaped baby stroller leapt aside as the snowball zoomed past, narrowly avoiding a sticky collision

Popcorn buckets flew. Soda cups launched. A family of five dressed as chili dogs screamed as their hats got ripped off by the gust left in the snowball's wake

A group of Egg Pawns, in the middle of a synchronized dance routine for a promotional show, barely had time to beep in surprise before getting completely engulfed into the swirling madness

"BZZT–ERROR–FESTIVAL RUINED–BZZZK!"

They vanished into the snowball, their metallic limbs flailing like mechanical noodles as they were swept up

Meanwhile

Elsewhere in the plaza, a disgruntled tourist with a large mustache and vacation shirt slammed his sugar cake on the counter of a grumpy Egg Pawn vendor

"This is supposed to be Sweet Mountain! This thing has like—zero sugar! What kind of scam are you running here, huh?!"

The Egg Pawn buzzed and reached for a complimentary packet. "Bzzt. Additional toppings available for small charge—"

BOOM!

The giant snowball barreled through the vendor stall like a minty freight train, snatching up the Egg Pawn like a claw machine toy and rolling off into the distance with an electronic scream: "AAAAAAA–I REGRET NNOOTHIIINNNG–"

The stunned tourist blinked and looked down at his sugar cake… now completely buried under a layer of powdered sugar, whipped cream, and frosting that splashed from the snowball's trail of carnage.

He narrowed his eyes and shook his fist at the snowball rolling away "THIS CHANGES NOTHING!...I'm still getting a refund."

Meanwhile

Over near a winding peppermint path, an Egg Pawn wearing a dapper little bowtie and a "Sweet Mountain Tours!" sash buzzed proudly in front of a large, chattering group of tourists.

"And here," it droned in its synthetic yet enthusiastic voice, motioning with a candy cane pointer, "you will find the glorious wonders of Sweet Mountain! From gumdrop groves to our famed Chocolate River—now with 37% more fudge!"

The tourists "ooh"ed and "aah"ed as they passed a scenic overlook showing caramel waterfalls and lollipop trees swaying gently in the artificially sweet breeze

"On your left," continued the Egg Pawn, "we have our planet-famous gift shops, where you can purchase edible postcards, exploding jawbreakers, and collectible Eggman plushies stuffed with sugar dust!"

Everyone clapped politely—until someone pointed ahead, eyes squinting at an odd sight.

"Uh… what about those?" asked a tourist, gesturing toward the looming silhouettes of suspiciously large missile silos, their surfaces frosted with icing, gumdrops glinting on the tips like warheads

The Egg Pawn paused. Its visual sensors blinked. Then, with a cheerful tone

"Those? Oh, uh… totally normal! Our Candy Dispersal Systems! Each silo is filled with… uh… missiles of pure candy! That's right—peppermint payloads! Nougat warheads! Great for large-scale seasonal celebrations!"

Another tourist raised an eyebrow. "…Seriously?"

BOOM!

Suddenly, a roaring snowball the size of a semi-truck blasted past, trailing bits of broken licorice fences and loud muffled screaming. It rocketed by the tour group with the force of a confectionery hurricane, snatching a few gumdrops from nearby trees as it went

The tourists stared in stunned silence, blinking powdered sugar out of their eyes

"…Was that supposed to be part of the tour?" someone asked

The Egg Pawn twitched slightly, clearly processing

"Yes! I mean—no! I mean—technically everything here is made of candy, so… yes?" it replied, nervously straightening its sash. "Moving along! Did I mention our marshmallow geysers are active this season?"

"Hey, uh… if this is Sweet Mountain… why are some of the buildings shaped like hamburgers?"

The Egg Pawn froze mid-stride. Its servo whirred softly. It turned to the tourist slowly, visual sensors blinking.

"W-Well… you see…" The robot's voice glitched ever so slightly, panic building. "In… in some cultures, burgers are sweet! Y'know, ketchup is technically a fruit, right?"

*Awkward Silence*

"…Is that real?" another tourist asked.

Without missing a beat, the Egg Pawn suddenly waved its candy cane pointer toward a nearby neon building.

"WHO WANTS TO GO TO THE GIFT SHOP?!" it shouted enthusiastically.

Several tourists, perked up and cheered, "Ooh! Me!" before the group bumbled down the path behind the clearly-deflecting bot

To Honey

The massive snowball finally slammed to a stop against a stack of marshmallow crates, exploding into a glorious cloud of powdered sugar, taffy chunks, and muffled voices.

From the sugary wreckage, Honey's hand shot out first, followed by a tired groan. She pulled herself free, brushing cotton candy out of her fur. "Okay," she muttered. "If I didn't know any better I would've said that was fun"

Next, Gawain's armored helmet emerged, his eyes spinning slightly in disorientation. "By the kingdom, this infernal sweetness clings like a curse!"

Then Mighty and Ray poked their heads out of the pile, blinking wide-eyed as they took in the whimsical chaos of the candy-coated horizon. Their jaws slowly dropped in wonder

Gumdrops as big as boulders. Chocolate rivers flowing between licorice logs. Gummy bears doing maintenance work. Fireworks shaped like sugar stars in the sky. Ray gasped, eyes sparkling, while Mighty looked like he'd just walked into a dream bakery.

"…Where in the blazes are we?" Gawain asked, brushing candy cane shards off his shoulder.

Honey took a long breath, squinted at the overly sweet skyline, and then smirked. "I know this place. We're on Sweet Mountain—Eggman's interstellar amusement park." She turned to Gawain with a smirk. "Almost everything here is edible."

Mighty gasped and pointed at a massive Oreo half-buried in the soft, sugary dirt

"Yes," Honey said, rolling her eyes, "that's edible."

Mighty didn't wait. He yanked the cookie from the ground with both arms and excitedly chomped into it like a bulldozer

Ray silently pointed to a gigantic lollipop sticking out of the candy snow like a technicolor signpost

"Yes, that's edible too," Honey nodded. "But not the stick!" she added just as Ray yanked it up and started licking it gleefully

Then Gawain squinted at a towering hamburger-shaped building, complete with a pickle slice roof "And what of that meat-looking fortress?" he asked, resting a hand on his sword's hilt. "Dare I assume it is edible as well?"

Honey's ears twitched. She spun to face him with a tired glare. "Can you not tell the difference between food and metal? That's infrastructure, knuckle-head!"

Gawain blinked. "…So it's not food?"

"NO." said Honey in annoyance

"…Disappointing." Muttered Gawain

Honey took a deep breath, letting the surreal candy-coated surroundings settle in her brain. Marshmallow boulders. Cupcake caves. Chocolate geysers. Fine.

But then it hit her like a thrown jawbreaker.

Her eyes widened. "Wait a second…" she said slowly, her ears twitching as she scanned the area. "Lancelot isnt here…"

Then, in dramatic flair, Honey dropped to her knees in the powdered sugar snow. "WHY COULDN'T LANCELOT BE HERE!? WHYYYY!?" she wailed to the licorice heavens, arms thrown skyward in exaggerated agony

Ray blinked, then quietly shuffled up and gave her a gentle pat on the back, nodding solemnly as if to say, There, there, dramatic candy lady…

Meanwhile, Mighty, still munching on his oversized Oreo, turned to Gawain with a questioning look

Gawain didn't even flinch, deadpan expression locked in place "…Women's priorities," he muttered flatly

Honey immediately stopped sniffling, stood upright in one fluid motion, and dusted herself off like her dramatic meltdown had never happened. She then bent down and picked up a half-buried cookie near her foot, inspecting it with casual interest

"Well," she said briskly, "no use moping. We've got a chaos emerald shard, a sugar planet, and a massive sweet tooth to deal with."

She took a dignified nibble of the cookie. "Let's move."

Ray offered a thumbs-up. Mighty gave a cheerful look and ate the last of the oreo

Gawain muttered under his breath, "I miss the dragon-infested forest…" before following after them through the candy-coated hills.

Honey sighed, glancing around the sugar-dusted hills and towering lollipops. "Ugh, why didn't I bring a bag…" she muttered with regret, looking at all the goodies she could've hoarded. But then her eyes lit up. "Wait a second…" she whispered, a spark of mischief dancing in her gaze.

Gawain, still scanning the horizon, snapped her back to focus. "What about the shard?"

"Huh?" Honey blinked, then turned toward Mighty and Ray, who were already eyeing a marshmallow lamppost. "Okay, listen up!" she declared dramatically, pointing to them. "If you see a bag—any bag—grab it. And fill it with as many sweets as your little hearts desire! This might be our only chance to raid this sugar trap!"

Ray squealed in excitement while Mighty gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

She then turned to Gawain. "You. Track the shard."

With an exaggerated sigh and a muttered "Why am I always the bloodhound," said Gawain

"Because you can track energies. Why wouldn't you be doing this?" said Honey smugly as group trekked over frosted candy hills until they reached a bustling tourist hub

Bright lights. Loud music. Gift shops overflowing with taffy, plushies, souvenir mugs, and candy-themed shirts. Children ran around with giant gummy worms, and egg pawns posed for photos.

Honey's eyes sparkled. "Welp! Looks like I 'forgot' a few souvenirs," she said, grinning to herself,

She beelined toward a stand, buying a big striped tote and quickly filling it with treats. She paused at a coffee-flavored candy bin, smirking. "Lancelot seemed to like his coffee bitter…" she said softly, slipping in a few wrapped sweets

Meanwhile, Mighty and Ray zoomed ahead with the pure joy of kids in a candy store, literally. They took turns licking a massive candy cane arch and trying to carry an absurdly large gumdrop, only to fall backward giggling in silence

Gawain trailed behind Honey, eyeing the scene. "So lady Homey… how exactly do you know them?" he asked curiously.

"Hm?" Honey looked up from stuffing her bag. "Oh. Yeah, sorta. Met them once at a fighting tournament. They were competitors, like me. Didn't say a word then either—just smiled, nodded, and then vanished like bubblegum in the sun."

She adjusted her tote thoughtfully. "Honestly, it's weird… they just disappeared after that. But maybe I just wasn't around to see them."

"Hmph," Gawain mused aloud. "No doubt Percival would like this place"

Honey laughed. "Are you kidding? Of course she would. Ha!" as Gawain would then stare into the sky

"…get the boys" said Gawain

"Well," she said, hoisting her snack-stuffed bag over her shoulder, "break time's over. Let's go find our magical green rock before someone else tries to eat it."

Mighty and Ray returned, both with marshmallow cheeks and sticky fingers. They gave enthusiastic nods, ready for the next leg of chaos.

Gawain just sighed. "This mission's getting more ridiculous by the hour." As he then squinted his eyes looking ahead in the sky "Getting that magical green rock is going to be a problem," he muttered grimly

Honey paused mid-bite of a candy bar she snuck from her tote. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Without a word, Gawain extended his arm and pointed skyward. There, floating just above the rooftops and slowly cruising along a winding rail of confectionary clouds… was a flying, candy-themed pirate ship—gumdrop cannons, candy cane masts, chocolate-syrup sails and all. And there, right in the figurehead's mouth, glimmered the unmistakable green shimmer of a Master Emerald shard.

Honey's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me."

Gawain folded his arms. "Nope. It's on that ship"

A slow, mischievous smile crept across Honey's face. "Alright then… it's time to play pirates."

Mighty and Ray, now sitting on a licorice bench with cotton candy stuck to their cheeks, blinked and tilted their heads in sync as if asking if she means it

"Yup!" Honey clapped her hands. "We're going to chase that flying sugar barge, jump off the hamburger building, and land right on it!"

Ray lit up like a firecracker and Mighty grinned wide. They exchanged a glance and nodded—this was exactly the kind of nonsense they liked

"Now, come on!" Honey shouted, already sprinting across the metal roads that wove through the candy-themed park. "Let's move, scallywags!"

Gawain grumbled under his breath, "I'm a knight… not a pirate…" but took off after them anyway

Tourists gasped and scattered as the four charged through the plaza—Honey in the lead with her bag swinging wildly, Mighty barreling through with giddy speed, Ray bouncing between oversized gumdrops, and Gawain somehow managing to look annoyed and heroic at the same time

An Egg Pawn popcorn vendor dropped his bucket in shock. "HUH!? ARE GUESTS SUPPOZED TO BE THAT FAST!?"

A nearby dad filming his child at a taffy stand did a double take. "Was that a raccoon with a sword!?"

As they zigzagged down the main stretch toward the hamburger-shaped building, Honey huffed with a grin. "You know… for once, I really gotta wonder…"

"What?" Gawain called beside her.

"Why didn't Eggman think of flying candy pirate ships sooner?!" said Honey As the group raced down the syrup-sticky roads toward the towering hamburger-shaped building

Gawain narrowed his eyes and asked, "By the way… who exactly is this Eggman you keep mentioning?"

Honey groaned dramatically. "Not now, Gawain! Just run!" she snapped, clearly too focused to dive into a longwinded evil genius explanation

The towering hamburger building came into view—layered with "buns" of hardened cake, "patties" of pressed chocolate, and melted "cheese" made of lemon frosting

But standing at the base of it were several Egg Pawns in glossy red and white uniforms, each holding up a stop sign

"Halt! This area is restricted for guests with platinum wristbands only!" one Egg Pawn announced.

"Guess what?" Honey shouted. "We didn't bring any wristbands!"

In a sugary blur, the four plowed straight through the line of protesting Egg Pawns. Gawain slashed through a few signs without slowing down, Ray zipped under one of their legs, and Mighty shoulder-charged a pair of them into a cotton candy wall

A nearby tourist sipping bubblegum soda watched wide-eyed as they sprinted up the stairs of the giant hamburger tower. "Yo! That's so cool… I wanna do that!"

As they reached the top, the flying candy-themed pirate ship loomed directly overhead

"This is it!" Honey shouted. "Jump on three!"

They all leapt together—landing with a thud on the jellybean deck of the ship. The force made it wobble and sway, and several of the jellybean-shaped robots onboard rolled around like bowling pins

Honey stood tall and dramatically pointed forward. "Alright, jelly-junkies! Hand over the booty!"

But then her smirk faded into visible confusion. All the robots… were built like literal jellybeans. Oval, squishy-looking, and glossy. No arms. No legs. Just round little bean-bots with eyes.

"…Why would Eggman design these? They don't even have limbs," Honey muttered, blinking as one tried to glare at her by bobbing in place threateningly

But then, from the center of the deck, two jellybean bots rolled forward.

One was larger, towering over the others, with stubby candy-armor arms and one arm had a peppermint lolipop sword. The other has the Master Emerald shard

Honey's eyes lit up.

Gawain drew his blade. "Finally. A challenge worthy of a knight."

Mighty cracked his knuckles while Ray licked the side of a lollipop

Honey clenched her fists. "Let's get that shard.." then she blinked, then gasped. "Wait! My souvenirs!"

She quickly spun around and opened her bag, pulling out the small bundle of coffee-flavored sweets and trinkets she had snagged earlier. "Ray, be a dear and hold onto these for me, would you? Keep them safe. Very safe."

Ray, a bit startled, nodded quickly and took the bag. Mighty then casually handed over his sack of hastily grabbed candy. And gave Ray a gentle pat as if to say "thanks buddy"

Ray, now comically overloaded with both their bags added to his own, scurried behind a nearby candy crate and peeked over the top, wide-eyed

Play: Sonic Colors OST – Captain Jelly

Honey turned back to the jellybean crew, rolling her shoulders and cracking her knuckles with a smug grin. "Alright. Who's first?"

Gawain twirled his twin blades and stepped forward beside her. "Let us see what these… confections are made of."

Mighty slammed his fists together with a satisfying crack

At the other end of the sugar-slicked deck, the larger jellybean bot—its gleaming candy shell painted with a skull and frosting crossbones—rose up with a mighty boing. A peppermint eye patch gleamed on one side. Captain Jelly

With a dramatic wobble, Captain Jelly raised its oversized lollipop-shaped sword and pointed it at the group.

"BOING BOING! BATTLE MODE!" it announced in a filtered robotic voice, and with that command, the deck erupted into chaos

Dozens of smaller jellybean bots started hopping toward them in squeaky unison—like gumball grenades with attitude

"Here we go!" Honey grinned, surging forward into the candy-coated chaos, fists ready

Gawain dashed into the fray, blades flashing. Mighty laughed, swinging wide with a fist and sending a jellybean bot flying like a dodgeball across the deck.

Mighty barreled through a pack of jellybean bots, fists flying like pistons. The candy-colored enemies squeaked and bounced helplessly as his punches sent them hurtling across the deck like gumball projectiles.

"Stupid smug faces!" Honey said, spinning and landing a solid roundhouse kick on one bot—WHAM!—launching it through the air. It pinged off the mast and smashed into a large red lollipop-shaped lever near the wheel

CLICK.

Suddenly, the whole ship lurched, and a loud comical horn went off as the candy pirate ship's nose tipped sharply downward

"Uh-oh…" Honey blinked

The deck tilted violently, and several jellybean bots—lacking arms, legs, or any real grip—squeaked in alarm as they slid helplessly across the slick sugar-deck and plummeted overboard, disappearing into the candy snow below

Ray, clutching the bags behind the crate, squeaked while Mighty grabbed the edge of a half-melted gumdrop railing and held tight. "

Honey slammed into a frosting-covered barrel, clinging to it with her legs as the world tilted "WHY MUST THERE BE SO MUCH FREEFALL"

Meanwhile, at the bow of the ship, Gawain narrowed his eyes and advanced up the steep deck, blades drawn. Captain Jelly clung to the deck with its stubby feet, somehow stable despite the chaos

"You're surprisingly persistent for a fruit snack," Gawain growled, slashing forward.

Captain Jelly swung its giant lollipop sword with surprising strength. CLANG! Gawain blocked it with his twin blades, the force pushing him backward slightly. "You… are really pushing my patience."

Captain Jelly spun its sword with a syrupy warble and lunged again

But Gawain wasn't having it. "I've fought dragons, demons, and fools with too much hair gel. You will not be the one to delay me!"

With a sharp inhale, Gawain flipped over Captain Jelly's clumsy strike, landed behind it, and crossed both blades

A brilliant flash as his swords cleaved through the lollipop weapon—CRACK!—shattering it into sticky fragments. Captain Jelly staggered backward, its systems flickering, before Gawain drove one final strike through its candy chest

Captain Jelly erupted in a burst of glittery sugar and fizzing gumdrops, crumpling into a mess of jelly goo and wires

The ship, however, gave a loud groan as it continued its steep dive toward the candy-coated ground

"Captain's gone!" Gawain shouted, stabbing a blade into the deck to hold on

"Yeah," Honey grunted as she swung herself up, now standing sideways on what used to be the floor, "but now we have a whole new problem!"

The candy pirate ship was going down fast and the sweet, sugary crash landing was just seconds away

CRASH!

The candy pirate ship smashed into the ground in a spectacular explosion of syrup, sprinkles, and splinters of sugar wood. Among the chaos, one object shot out of the debris—a bright, gleaming shard of the Master Emerald—twinkling as it flew high into the air.

Honey's eyes widened, her pupils narrowing like a cat about to pounce. "Mine!"

With a burst of speed and agility, she leapt into the air—twisting, flipping, spinning—before stretching out her paw-gloved hands and snatching the shard from the sky in one clean motion.

A single BRILLIANT FLASH of emerald light engulfed everything. And then back in the familiar endless void of light

Play: Sonic Adventure OST – Gamma theme

Honey landed softly in an endless white space, the shard clutched tightly in her hands.

"Hah! Victory~!" she declared with a triumphant grin, standing tall and striking a pose, one leg out and a fist raised. "Who's the best? That's right, moi~!"

Behind her, Gawain groaned as he stood up, brushing some imaginary dust from his armor. "Tch… we're back here again."

Mighty blinked and looked around cautiously, while Ray peeked out from behind him, his tail flicking nervously. Neither had seen a place like this before

Honey turned to them and gestured dramatically. "Welcome to White Space—weird, empty, and full of absolutely nothing! Well, except us. And the shard. And a whole lot of confusing questions."

Mighty and Ray gave her a silent but very clear look that asked Where are we?

Honey groaned and threw her arms in the air. "We're far away, alright? Far from candy pirate ships, far from tourists, and very far from any sort of logic!"

She turned the shard in her hands, its glow pulsing gently.

Gawain crossed his arms. "Now that we have it, what do we do next?"

"That…" Honey began, tapping her chin, "…depends."

She turned back to the group. "There's a safehouse I know about. A kind of… between-place. We might be able to reach it from here."

Ray tilted his head, still silent but visibly curious, while Mighty gave a thumbs-up.

Honey smirked. "Stick close, boys. If anyone can guide you through whatever this is… it's me."

And with that, she began walking through the endless white, her tail swaying confidently—shard in hand, and chaos surely waiting just beyond the void.

Little later

Through the boundless, eerie stillness of White Space, Honey led the trio with an exaggerated sense of confidence in her stride—arms swinging, tail flicking, and chin high as if she knew exactly where she was going.

Mighty and Ray followed closely behind, sticking near her steps, while Gawain lagged just a bit—eyeing the endless white void around them with mounting suspicion.

After what felt like a long while of nothing changing around them, Gawain finally spoke up with a deadpan tone. "…Are you sure we're not lost?"

Honey didn't even slow her stride. "Pffft, me? Lost? Ha! I totally, absolutely, 100% did not get us lost." She then added under her breath, "Probably…"

Before Gawain could press her further, a distant sound began to echo—rolling. Mechanical. Gradual. All four of them halted. The sound grew louder.

A silhouette slowly came into view, emerging from the foggy white. It was large, lumbering, but steady—marked by blinking lights and a rhythmic mechanical whirr.

Mighty tensed up and took a defensive stance. Gawain unsheathed one blade. Even Ray crouched slightly behind them.

But Honey's eyes lit up in recognition.

"Wait!" she shouted, stepping between them and the figure. "Stand down—he's not an enemy!"

The shape stepped closer—metal feet rolling softly against the void's invisible surface. Its form became clearer: a tall red robot, one arm fitted with a blaster, the other jointed like a claw. Its green optics glowed with a dim but steady light.

"Designation: E-102 Gamma," the robot said in a monotone voice. "Current objective: scan unknowns."

"See?" Honey turned with a grin. "It's Gamma!"

Gamma's eye flicked across the three new faces as faint scan lines traced over them. "Subject One: Unknown. Readings similar to Lancelot… anomaly detected."

Gawain blinked. "You—wait… Lancelot?"

Honey smiled slyly and folded her arms. "Yep. He's the Gamma I mentioned earlier."

Gawain looked between her and Gamma, slowly lowering his blade. "I see…"

"Nice deduction," Honey replied with a thumbs-up before letting out a dramatic sigh and flopping her arms to her sides. "Now, Gamma, be a dear and lead us to the safehouse, would you? My legs are getting tired."

Gamma turned and began to roll forward. "Affirmative. Follow me."

With relief, Honey marched behind him. "Now this is how you travel through weird space voids. With style and shortcuts."

Ray and Mighty glanced at each other and shrugged, then followed, with Gawain walking at the rear—still uncertain but trusting Honey just enough.

It didn't take long before the group saw it. as Gamma approached, and without missing a beat, he opened the Honey leapt inside with a dramatic flourish.

She struck a pose mid-air and landed with flair, hands on her hips and her tail swishing proudly. "Guess who's back? Who missed me?"

"Honey!" Chip's voice rang with excitement as he flew in and hugged her cheek. "You're back!"

Orbot floated over next, arms open in robotic glee. "Ah, our resident ray of sunshine returns. The void's been far too quiet without you."

From one hallway, Princess Elise and Shara emerged with welcoming smiles. Elise gave a graceful nod. "I'm glad you're safe, Honey."

Shara bowed politely. "It's good to see you again."

Then a familiar croak echoed through the room as Froggy happily hopped over, bumping against Honey's leg affectionately

Honey beamed, twirling once. "You guys know how to make a girl feel special."

Then her eyes landed on a certain familiar-looking fox in the corner of room "Tails right? You're here too?" she said cheerfully, waving

The fox paused and blinked, clearly confused. "I… I'm not Tails. I'm the Blacksmith."

Honey froze. "…Wait, really?"

Before she could say more, a familiar voice chimed in—Caliburn, who hopped up beside her "I am pleased to see you return safely, Miss Honey," Caliburn said "In your absence, the safehouse has gained two new allies, both brought here by Gamma."

He motioned first to the fox-like Blacksmith, who nodded politely. "Simply 'Blacksmith' will do."

"And the other…" Caliburn turned to a glittering orb of light that floated gently toward them

Honey blinked, tail twitching. "Oooh, shiny."

The light shimmered brighter before it spoke with a calm, echoing voice. "Greetings. I am Tikal. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Honey grinned. "Well that's cool. We've got a sparkle and a hammer-swinging maybe-Tails. Nice."

She turned back to Caliburn and motioned behind her proudly as Gamma guided the others in. "And speaking of cool, I brought us three new people! That's Gawain—he's super dramatic and knightly—Mighty, who's basically a walking brick wall in a good way—and Ray, who's adorable and probably smarter than he lets on."

Unaware that Caliburn recognized the name Gawain. But before he could ask her Gawain stepped inside with cautious grace, eyeing the safehouse surroundings. Mighty followed with relaxed confidence, while Ray peeked from behind him, wide-eyed at the new faces

Caliburn then hopped closer toward Gawain, and the moment their eyes met, Gawain's entire posture shifted

"…Caliburn?" Gawain blinked, stunned. "Is that truly you?"

Caliburn's eyes glowed faintly as he dipped his blade downward in a polite nod. "Indeed, Sir Gawain. It has been some time."

Gawain stepped closer, nearly at a loss for words. "But—how?... How did you find yourself here?"

"I suspect," Caliburn replied gently, "the same way you did. Torn from our realm… and drawn into another. I am embarrassed to admit I was stuck into the ground … until I was found by Lancelot, Honey, Percival, and Gamma."

Gawain's eyes widened further at those names. "Then… Lancelot and Percival are here?" His tone carried a flicker of desperate hope—one Honey instantly picked up on as she leaned closer, ears perked up, eager for the answer

But Caliburn's blade lowered slightly. "…I regret to inform you, they have not yet returned."

That hope in both Gawain and Honey visibly dimmed. Gawain looked down, clenching a fist. Honey's tail drooped, her dramatic spark faltering for just a second

"…I see," Gawain muttered softly. "Then they're still out there."

"We'll find them," Honey said, her tone quieter than usual, but certain. "We've got to."

Meanwhile, Mighty and Ray, having been observing silently, found their attention drawn to the soft, kind presence of Princess Elise. She smiled warmly at them, her voice calm and gentle.

"Hello there. May I ask your names?"

Honey, glancing back, answered for them. "That's Mighty, and the little guy's Ray. They don't talk."

Elise looked intrigued, but not judgmental. "Is there a reason why?"

Honey gave a small shrug. "Dunno. They've always been like that from what ive seen "

Elise bent down slightly, her hand extended with grace. "Well then, Mighty… Ray… it's very nice to meet you."

Mighty looked at the offered hand, then turned to glance at Honey. She gave him a little nod of reassurance, as if to say "she's safe." With a soft breath, Mighty extended his own hand and shook Elise's.

Elise then turned to Ray, who hesitated, then gently reached out to take her hand too. She smiled at both of them, her voice like a warm breeze. "Thank you."

Honey watched with a grin. "You've got a way with people, Princess."

Elise smiled back. "It's the least I can do… for those who have come so far."

Mighty and Ray found their eyes drifting to the shimmering presence of Shahra, her graceful form glowing gently as she hovered slightly above the floor. Her golden eyes sparkled with amusement as she noticed their fascinated stares.

"Have you two never seen a genie before?" she asked playfully, placing a hand on her hip

Mighty and Ray looked at each other, then shook their heads in perfect sync.

Shahra giggled, a gentle, melodic sound. "I suppose I should've expected that..."

Just then, Chip and Orbot floated over, each carrying part of a large tray filled with small, sweet treats shaped like rings, stars, and crescent moons.

"Here you go!" Chip chirped. "Princess Elise made these with Shahra's help!"

"Delicately arranged and warmed," Orbot added in a refined tone, "Just the way they like them."

Mighty and Ray's eyes lit up as they each eagerly took a treat. They both took a bite—and the sparkle in their eyes said it all. They loved it.

Shahra smiled, watching them with quiet joy. "I'm glad you like them."

Suddenly, Gamma turned toward the safehouse door with mechanical precision and began walking out without a word

Honey immediately noticed. "Hey! Wait up!" she called, trotting after him. The others paused what they were doing to watch the two step outside, the door closing behind them

Gawain leaned slightly toward Caliburn, arms crossed, curiosity in his voice. "You know… I didn't expect Lancelot to be a people person. Especially not like this."

Caliburn gave a rare amused hum. "It shouldn't surprise you. Though… it is true. Whenever Lancelot returned here, he never stayed for long. No matter how much Honey or Percival wanted him to."

Gawain raised an eyebrow. "…Always the lone knight, huh."

There was a pause. Then Gawain asked more seriously, "Is there anything else you can say? About how all of this happened?"

Caliburn lowered slightly, as if with the weight of honesty. "I'm afraid not. I was in the void for what felt like an eternity… Only when Honey, Lancelot, Percival, and Gamma found me I was brought here and got small pieces. If there are better answers… they would lie with Lancelot or Percival."

Gawain frowned slightly but nodded. "Then I suppose I'll ask them"

Caliburn hopped beside him. "Indeed. For all of our sakes."

To Honey

Play: Donkey Kong Country 2 OST – Sticker brush Symphony

Honey and Gamma walked quietly through the expanse of white space. Plenty of lifeless structures to go around. And the structures that regained it's color as a result of their previous adventures

Honey sighed dramatically. "Gamma, my legs are tired. Be a dear?"

Without pause, Gamma stopped, turned, and gently lifted Honey up, setting her on his broad, metallic shoulder with practiced ease. She gave a little hum of satisfaction, swinging her legs idly as they continued forward

After a beat, Gamma's calm, synthesized voice spoke. "Query"

"Shoot, big guy." Said Honey patting Gamma's yellow headpiece

"Have you encountered any clues regarding the whereabouts of Lancelot or Percival?" said Gamma

Honey's expression dimmed a little as she looked off toward the ever white horizon. "Sadly… no. I was hoping maybe Gawain would know, but it turns out he hasn't seen them since arriving here either. Still, it was kinda fun meeting another one of their knightly buddies."

Gamma processed the answer in silence for a moment before speaking again. "And the Master Emerald shard?"

Honey blinked, then pulled it out from her tote bag, holding it up to eye level. The green gem glimmered faintly, reflecting against the white around them like a beacon

"You want this, huh?" she said, glancing at Gamma's unmoving face. "You're sure?... those things have a weird affect on Lancelot though"

Gamma paused at that, turning his head slightly to glance at her with one mechanical eye. "I am aware you are concerned. But based on all my calculations, Lancelot… knows what he is doing."

Honey stared at him a moment longer, before slowly sighing and dropping the shard into Gamma's waiting hand. He carefully slid it into a compartment in his chest, which sealed shut with a quiet hiss

"You better be right," she muttered, folding her arms but leaning her head lightly against his metallic helmet. "'Cause I'm gonna kick his butt if he's out there being all broody and not telling us anything."

Gamma continued walking silently, his sensor softly glowing in the dim light. "I will inform him… of your concern."

As Gamma strode silently across the endless white stretch, Honey resting on his shoulder with her arms crossed and head tilted, he suddenly spoke again. "There is… one other absence of note."

Honey perked up, curious. "Huh? Someone else was supposed to be at the safehouse?"

"Yes," Gamma replied evenly. "Amy Rose."

Honey blinked, then squinted as she tried to recall. "Amy… wait! That's the pink hedgehog girl, right? Wears a red dress? Big hammer?"

"Correct," Gamma confirmed with a mechanical nod. "She was present during the early phases of this convergence. However, she chose to jump into a separate temporal crack… in pursuit of several missing Chao."

"Alone?" Honey raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't she wait for help?"

Gamma's voice remained neutral, but with the slightest trace of concern. "She stated she felt confident in her ability to manage the mission… at least in the location she was headed. She believed she could handle the challenges without aid."

Honey leaned back a little, resting her hands behind her head. "Huh… gutsy. But I guess that's kinda her style, huh?"

"She is… determined," Gamma said simply.

Honey grinned faintly. "I respect that. Still, I hope she's okay out there. This white space and all its weirdness doesn't exactly give off the safest vibes."

Gamma continued his pace, each step firm and steady. "If her pattern matches her past performance… she will return."

Honey nodded, growing thoughtful. "Guess we've got more pieces to the puzzle than we thought…"

To be Continue….

So Special thanks to FanFicHazza for some brainstorming sessions. We both have plenty for you all to see when they are ready ;)

Next up is Percival' solo chapter. Obviously it won't be as silly as this one

Trivia

1: the whole idea of making this chapter much more silly qas largely inspired by Sonic Paradox shorts (im sure if you seen plenty you'd recognize a few things in this fic) and while Honey was used in the later videos. I just loved how they portrayed her even if her appearances weren't very often

Oh Sega. Bring her back plz

2: Sega while announcing plenty of new things. I'm kinda disappointed that still no further DLC for Shadow Gens came. It's been over 6 months T_T

But other than that. I'm pretty excited for the new racing game. It seems like so much fun. And I can't wait to see returning locations get a glow up

And knowing how Sega often reused their own assets frequently I hope they are put to good use in the future Sonic games. There's no way they won't

And speaking of reused assets. Did you guys know that the Shadow Tokyo DLC was primarily made with assets from Yakuza? Primarily the city environment.

3: I primarily listened to OST of Donkey Kong Country games. The ambience is surprisingly good

4: id say another big reason for why this took so long was because I found myself getting much more into Spiderman lore, Kingdom Hearts News, and the Klonoa series

You should all check out the Klonoa series if you are able. The games are amazing

5: the Shadow movie spin off is confirmed to be in development. I can't wait to see what they will do. Even if it will be a long time until then

So like it? Hate it? Get anything to say?

Every review is an inspiration for this fic's continuation

Chapter Text

Welcome all to another chapter of Lancelot generations. I know it hasn't been long and I'm glad for all the patience

And we are 3/4 of the operation arc. And something ill mention again is that this story has TV Tropes

FanFicHazza: thanks man. Om glad to have you to bug whenever for brainstorming or just talking to ya in general. And yeah Honey's chapter I feel most proud of her sass aimed at Gawain

Thanks once again buddy :)

And to everyone else. I'd recommend reading his story Chain of Generations Re:Mix. I'm sure you'll see the knuckle-headed knight there

Cyberpolaris: Its always fun to think on who could've been in the amusement park because while the console version of the game didn't really have anyone present

The DS version of the ironically has appearance sof Sonic's friends in the planets. Like mah Boi Shadow

But otherwise I'm glad you like the chapter :D

Guest: Thank you for reading and your kind words, and we shall see ;)

Toantakeri: thank you for your interest in this fic

NOW UNTO THINE STOWY

Percival stood upon scorched stone beside Lancelot and Gawain, the sky above churning with a storm-tossed red. Before them stood King Arthur, holding Excalibur high. The sword gleamed with a terrible majesty, its golden light casting long shadows as the ground quaked

From the circle of light Arthur summoned rose dark figures—twisted shapes with empty eyes, the Knights of the Underworld marching forth to heed their master's call

"No," Percival muttered, stepping forward, eyes wide with disbelief. "This isn't right. We're knights, not conquerors—this power isn't meant to be used this way!"

Before she could reach Arthur, Lancelot's voice stopped her cold

"Enough, Percival," he said sternly, not even turning to look at her. "The king's decision is final."

Then he turned away, cape trailing behind him as he began to walk. Gawain hesitated, but followed in silence.

Percival, desperate, reached out— "Lancelot, wait!" She ran after him, trying to grab his hand.

But then a violent gust of wind slammed into her, making her stumble back. Her arm shielded her face as her feet skidded across the stone

Lancelot and Gawain both turned back toward her, their forms flickering oddly. Confused expressions crossed their faces just before

Percival's eyes snapped open.

Play: Shadow the hedgehog OST – Glyphic Canyon

"!" She gasped as she plummeted down from the sky, arms flailing. Wind whipped past her fur and cloak as she descended toward a strange, canyon-filled landscape. She twisted her body in the air, trying to slow her fall

Below, multiple twisting tornadoes churned through the landscape—violent and chaotic. Before she could brace herself, one of them yanked her midair and spun her wildly

"WHOOOAH!" said yelled as she was dragged cross the canyon's edge. With a final gust, she was flung into a half-buried ruin nestled in the stone

"-Oof-" she grunted as she crashed into the floor of a crumbling hallway, kicking up clouds of dust. Groaning softly, Percival pushed herself up and looked around, her violet eyes scanning the glyph-covered walls and strange architecture.

"This… isn't anywhere I know.." she muttered, brushing dirt from her armor.

A chill breeze drifted through the structure, carrying faint whispers she couldn't quite make out. The place felt ancient.

"Where… am I?" she whispered

She walked toward an archway to look outside, taking in the vastness of the strange canyon around her. Tornadoes raged in the distance, and pillars of rock stretched high into the foggy sky

As she looked up, her gaze softened with worry.

"Wherever you are, Lancelot…" she murmured, "please be safe."

Taking a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to suppress the swirling storm of emotion within. Focus, she told herself, gripping the hilt of her rapier tightly. Her mind replayed the moment she was torn from her allies…..from Lancelot…

"He must've planned it…" she thought bitterly. Seeing how Arthur swooped in to take Erazor Djinn's power at the last moment seemed like he wanted them to beat him. She knew they had to stop him somehow

For now. She knew she had to find Lancelot, Gamma, and Honey before they could continue

But then a shining glint caught her eye

She turned swiftly, hand ready on her rapier, and spotted it caught in the twister. a glowing Master Emerald shard, pulsing faintly with green energy as it was rhrown out of a tornado. but before she could run after it

The sharp crack of ballistic weapons echoed up the canyon caught her attention followed by mechanical buzzing and otherworldly screeches. Percival tensed, ears twitching as she looked over debris to see G.U.N drones and soldiers, exchanging fire with monstrous Black Arms soldiers

"Wherever I am… must be more fragmented than I thought…" she thought before she darted into motion, leaping up the crumbling stairs carved into the rock

From a high vantage point, she crouched beneath a shattered archway and looked down at the chaos below. Plasma rounds lit up the canyon, and drones zipped overhead, attempting to keep the Black Arms at bay

Percival's eyes narrowed as she traced a path. With a breath to steady herself, she turned and broke into a sprint, her boots pounding against the sandstone as she dashed down a winding path carved into the cliffs

Nearby a squad of G.U.N. soldiers were pinned behind crumbling barricades, red lasers from Black Arms rifles scorching the rock around them. One soldier shouted something before ducking for cover—but Percival's eyes locked on a far more immediate threat

A towering Black Oak, was lifting a shattered piece of stone and rearing back to crush two wounded soldiers cowering near a broken stairwell

Without hesitation, Percival flared her rapier to life, the blade gleaming in the stormlight. She launched forward in a blur, flame crackling faintly in her wake as she dashed across the battlefield

"HYAAH!"

Her rapier struck in rapid succession and searing gashes opened across the Black Oak's thick carapace. The beast reeled, letting out a guttural snarl before collapsing under the weight of the very debris it meant to use

She then twirled, dashing past the stunned soldiers and striking down two more Black Arms foot soldiers in a flash of steel and precision. Her every movement was graceful and deadly—like a flame weaving through darkness.

One soldier blinked, still catching his breath. "Is that—? Is she one of Sonic's friends?"

The other, picking up his rifle, shook his head. "Don't care—she made an opening!"

As they scrambled to their feet, more G.U.N. troopers regrouped with them, rallying with fresh purpose. Under the cover of Percival's attack, the squad surged forward, laying down a coordinated volley of fire toward a fortified position where more Black Arms clustered

Meanwhile, Percival sprinted toward a jagged edge, the emerald shard still in her sights—but the wind howled suddenly, unnatural and wild. One of the canyon's tornados surged unexpectedly toward her path.

She leapt just in time as she flipped through the air, landing on a cracked rooftop of another ruin. The tornado spiraled past beneath her, tearing stone from its foundation. And with one last burst of speed, she drew closer to goal

From the cracks in the stone floor, slithering Black Arms worms erupted. Their fangs clicked hungrily as they encircled her, hissing with ravenous anticipation

Percival narrowed her eyes, flame beginning to swirl around her blade. "Then let your hunger be your undoing."

In one swift motion, she dashed into them. She spun, slashed, and danced through the writhing mass—her rapier a blur of fire and light. One by one, the worms fell, cut down and burning to ash

When the final creature collapsed, hissing into oblivion, Percival stood amidst their steaming remains, she then noticed one of the ancient artifacts embedded in the wall was glowing—a green radiance identical to the energy signature of the Master Emerald shard

She approached carefully, her fingers reaching out to touch it

"Wait! Don't touch that!" a voice barked from the corridor

Percival froze mid-reach. She turned as several G.U.N. soldiers rushed in, weapons drawn and armor scuffed from battle. One of them, a young sergeant, held out a hand urgently. "That artifact's unstable—if you touch it, you might activate the entire ruin!"

Percival lowered her hand and tilted her head. "Activate it… for what purpose?"

The soldiers exchanged confused glances. The same sergeant frowned. "Wait… you don't know? The Black Arms—they're trying to use the ruins to open up something. We think it's some kind of power conduit… or portal. That artifact may be part of the mechanism."

Percival's expression darkened slightly, but she gave a small nod. "Then I will not interfere. I only seek the emerald shard."

"Emerald shard what do you me-" said the Soldier as they all watched her leap to a higher platform, landing beside a crumbled archway. But when she glanced out the open side of the opening

Across the broken expanse of Glyphic Canyon, darting between jagged ruins and battling Black Arms soldiers, were two familiar forms of Shadow and Knuckles

But as her heart raced—in a flash—they changed

The shadows stretched, forms shifting in her eyes—and suddenly she saw Lancelot and Gawain in their places. Her heart skipped

"…Lancelot?"

Her instincts overtook her. With a running start, she leapt from the platform,

"Wait!" one of the G.U.N. soldiers called after her. but it was too late. Percival soared through the canyon air that howled like a raging beast as she landed and sprinted across a narrow stone path

Her eyes locked on the Shadow and Knuckles. "Lancelot! Gawain!" she cried out, her voice straining to rise above the roar of the wind and gunfire. "Wait! It's me—Percival!"

But they didn't hear her. She saw as they both took down every Black Arms that stood in their way. Passing by any G.U.N soldiers

Percival pushed harder, leaping across a broken bridge. The wind nearly threw her off balance, but she caught herself as more Black Arms soldiers dove from the sky -winged monstrosities hungry for blood

"I don't have time for you…" she muttered

She spun midair, her rapier igniting in a stream of searing fire. She struck three down in a single motion before landing on the far platform with a roll

"Lancelot! Gawain!" she called out again, louder this time, even as another gust of wind tore through the canyon

Still—no answer. The two kept moving, cutting their way through wave after wave, deeper into the ruins. Percival narrowed her eyes. She didn't know if it was truly a good idea to follow them when she old be looking for the emerald shards. But her heart told her to follow anyway

From behind a half-broken wall, she watched as Knuckles shouted ahead, "Shadow! Wait up!"

Shadow didn't respond—he simply zoomed forward, a streak of red and black vanishing through the next archway of the ruin

Percival slowed, narrowing her eyes. "Hmph… that's exactly the sort of thing Lancelot would do," she muttered with a tinge of dry amusement.

But before she could dwell on the resemblance, danger surged ahead.

A squadron of Black Arms soldiers dropped from the cliffs, surrounding Knuckles, raising their laser guns as they prepared to fire in unison.

"This is gonna hurt…" Knuckles grunted, fists raised.

"Flame Purgación!"

A ring of fire burst to life, spiraling outward as Percival twirled into the scene, becoming a blazing cyclone. The flames struck like lightning as she sliced through the Black Arms with fiery slashes

In a matter of seconds, the threat was gone—ashes and embers marking where they stood

Knuckles blinked, wide-eyed. "What the—?"

Percival landed in front of him, cloak billowing, sword pointed low but ready. She turned to him coolly. "You alright, Knuckle-head? Where is Shadow headed?"

"Wh—Knuckle-head?!" Knuckles recoiled slightly. "That's not my name!"

But his annoyance quickly faded as he took in her regal armor and the strange knightly aura she carried "…Wait. Who… exactly are you?"

Percival sheathed her rapier, looking at him with a soft, earnest expression. "…A knight seeking her comrades," she said. "And if you're not Gawain, then perhaps you can help me find those I've lost."

Knuckles rubbed the back of his head, still trying to process what had just happened. The wind roared around them, dust spiraling past scorched Black Arms corpses

"Alright…" he muttered, glancing at Percival's regal stance. "I'm gonna pretend I know what any of that meant."

He then straightened his posture, puffing out his chest slightly. "But you can stand aside now. I had those aliens handled."

Percival narrowed her eyes and gave a soft, almost knowing exhale. "That's exactly what Gawain would've said…" she mused to herself, the corners of her mouth twitching in faint amusement

Before either of them could say more, a gust of wind kicked up, revealing Shadow speeding along a path far below, weaving through crumbling ruins and narrowly avoiding another spiraling tornado

"There goes your friend," Percival said.

Knuckles nodded. "Yeah. He's not really the 'wait-up' type."

But Percival's focus sharpened again, catching a brief shimmer of green energy in the gusts ahead. "Tell me, Knuckle-head, can you sense it? The Master Emerald shard?"

Knuckles shot her a squint. "It's Knuckles, not Knuckle-head! And that's impossible—the Master Emerald is in one piece!"

He paused. Then blinked. And his eyes widened in alarm.

"…Wait. WAIT!" he shouted, grabbing Percival by the shoulders and lightly shaking her. "WHEN did the Master Emerald shatter?! WHO broke it?! Did Rouge take it?! Was it Eggman?!"

Percival wrenched herself free with a half-step back, frowning but remaining calm. "No one broke it," she said. "Not in your time. But… in mine, it was splintered. I need the shard to repair it."

Knuckles' hands slowly dropped. "…Your time?"

She nodded. "It's… complicated."

"…Great," Knuckles sighed, pinching the bridge of his snout. "Another time-travel situation. I hate time-travel situations."

"Wha-!? Nevermind doesn't matter.." said Percival slightly stunned to hear what he said "Have you or Shadow found the shard yet?"

Knuckles shrugged. "Well, obviously I haven't. And I dunno about Shadow—he's not exactly chatty." He glanced over the ledge, watching the canyon crackle with faint green auras dancing in the dust-filled air. "This whole place is soaked in chaos energy. Feels weird… kinda like the Master Emerald, but off."

Percival sighed through her nose, shoulders stiff. "That makes it harder to locate… can you sense different types of Chaos energy?"

Knuckles shook his head. "I can feel the Master Emerald when I'm close, yeah—but distinguishing stuff? Not really my thing." He jabbed a thumb toward the ruins below. "But Shadow? He's way better at that."

Percival's gaze sharpened, and she nodded with resolve. "Then we need to catch up to him—now."

She flicked her rapier once, letting a small flame trail behind its tip, before leaping from the ledge, fire sparking beneath her boots as she surged forward

"Whoa, hey!" Knuckles shouted as he chased after her. "You can't just leap off platforms when there's—oh never mind!"

Far ahead, through the dust and debris, Percival's keen eyes caught sight of Shadow—twisting mid-air, a red streak as he kicked a Black Arms brute across a broken wall. With fluid motion, he launched a Chaos Spear, blasting another flying alien before landing in front of a pinned G.U.N. soldier. Without a word, Shadow struck down a creature closing in from behind, then vanished into a blur once more.

G.U.N. soldiers shouted in surprise and awe. Just for an instant—just one fleeting second—she saw Lancelot in Shadow's place, his armor glinting silver beneath a fractured sky

Her eyes widened. "Lancelot…"

But the moment passed, and Shadow remained as grip tightened on her rapier as she pushed forward, leaping across broken stone and crumbling platforms. Knuckles followed close behind. But then one of the larger tornadoes began to get

"Look out!" Knuckles shouted only for it to be too late before feeling himself pulled "Help we're being sucked in!"

"!" said Percival as she felt herself being lifted up as they both were swept up into the spiraling gale, tossed like ragdolls across the shattered ruins as they were flung toward a collapsing ledge on the far side of the canyon

But just before either could hit the ground

Shadow suddenly appeared dashing upward catching both Percival and Knuckles mid-air with surprising precision grabbing Percival by the waist with one arm and catching Knuckles by the back of his quills with the other. With a grunt of effort, he landed smoothly on a stable platform and set them down

Percival blinked in surprise, slightly breathless. "You…?"

Shadow narrowed his crimson eyes, standing upright. "What is new energy here?" he demanded "It started distorting right after you showed up."

Knuckles stumbled forward, brushing dust off. "Yeah, this whole place is like a chaos bomb waiting to go off!"

"I don't know how it all works," Percival admitted, brushing debris off her armor. "But the Master Emerald shard, it's here, but it's throwing everything out of balance. I need it to fix what was is broken"

Shadow scoffed and opened his mouth to retort when a guttural roar shook the canyon. All three turned sharply as a massive winged beast flying forward with rather small wings for its size from deeper within the ruins. A Black Bull

"…That's new," Knuckles muttered, fists rising

Shadow would then see a familiar green light at the corner of his eye "…The shard."

"?" said Percival as he turned to face her

"If you're telling the truth, head to the lower levels. That's where you'll find it" said Shadow as he then leaped into he air

"WAIT!" said Percival as she watched him spin dash behind Black Bull making it fly off course

"Well Percival. I'll leave you to the shard. Good luck now" said Knuckles as he leaped in the air to join Shadow in the fight against the Black Bull

She pressed a hand to her chest and whispered, "Good luck, Lancelot… Gawain…" even if those weren't their names

Then, with a swift inhale, she leapt forward—springing from slab to slab, navigating through swirling debris and stone platforms barely clinging to the ruins. A massive tornado spiraled close behind her, tugging at her armor, threatening to yank her into the sky

But she pushed forward, faster and faster until at last, she reached it

The Master Emerald shard hovered within a fractured altar, glowing bright green, the light intensifying the closer she came. Percival's eyes widened

"No—!" she gasped, halting mid-step.

In a split second, the shard flared a blinding light erupting and then everything vanished in a flash

Play: SA2 OST – Pyramid Cave

The sound of rushing wind was replaced by a dry, whistling breeze. Percival landed hard on her back with a muffled thud, sand spraying out in every direction

"Ugh…" she groaned, slowly pushing herself up and coughing

She sat up, her rapier stuck blade-first in the ground beside her, and looked around

Endless dunes. A harsh sun. A winding path that led toward a weathered pyramid in the distance

"…Why couldn't it be somewhere less sandy?" she muttered, brushing sand from her cape and armor with a small scowl

She stood, picking up her blade again. The heat was already pressing down on her, and yet… she could faintly feel it. The familiar pulse of the Master Emerald's energy. She narrowed her eyes toward the pyramid.

"Very well then," she whispered, resolute once again. "Let's see what awaits me there."

She pressed forward to the pyramid's looming entrance, the structure vast and ancient, yet oddly… mismatched. Stone bricks sat beside steel plating. Hieroglyphs adorned the walls, but among them were bizarre, jarring images a grinning man with an exaggerated mustache carved into the stone, flanked by what looked like mechanical snakes

"…What strange iconography…" she murmured, narrowing her eyes as she traced a gloved hand along one of the walls. "What deity has such… questionable taste?"

The Image of the mustached man baffled her his smug grin clashing with the regal or divine depictions she was used to in sacred places. And then there was the serpent… ancient and foreboding, its body coiled around large robotic constructs carved into the stone.

Further inside, Around her were the shattered husks of machines—dented robots, smoking torsos, shattered visors. Gears and twisted arms littered the floor like the aftermath of a silent battle.

Percival subtly reached for her rapier, her expression hardening.

"…I would feel much better if Lancelot were at my side," she muttered under her breath

The corridor led deeper until she reached a sharp drop within the pyramid's heart. Wind howled from the abyss below

"…Here goes nothing," she sighed. Without another word, she leapt. She slid down the slope of stone until she landed on solid ground

What greeted her was not the bottom of a pyramid… but an expansive underground cave network, with illuminated paths and branching roads over seemingly abyss

"…What kind of people built this place?" she asked aloud, utterly mystified

Carefully, she continued into the heart of the caves choosing one of the paths. She kept her hand close to her blade, Eventually her eyes locked onto a familiar sight that made her gasp

A destroyed robot lay crumpled along the path, its red-and-black plating battered, sparking faintly. Her heart leapt

"…Gamma?" she breathed, eyes wide with concern. She hurried to the fallen machine, dropping to one knee beside it—only to hesitate. The design… was off. Similar, yes, but this one was smaller, and had 2 arm cannons rather than one. It couldn't be him… could it?

Then, another wreck ahead. She rose and walked toward it more cautiously this time, studying the broken machine. Its core still fizzled with a dying glow. Really of the same design as the previous one. And a massive hint that neither of them are Gamma

Her brows furrowed. "These aren't Gamma… but they look like they were meant to imitate him. Why?"

Before she could answer her own question, her ears perked to a robotic voice echoing down the cavern halls

"Initiating battle mode."

Followed by the sound of multiple explosions rocked the air. Percival shot to her feet and sprinted toward the sounds, following the winding tunnel until it opened into a massive underground chamber

There amid a firefight stood what appeared to be Gamma, his bulky red form illuminated by the glow of his own shoulder grenade launcher. He fired with precise movements, blowing apart multiple E-1000 drones as they advanced on him from multiple directions

"Gamma…!" Percival gasped, a wave of relief washing over her. She then saw him pivot, as he as he rolled off down another tunnel before she could get close "Wait!" she cried, running after him, cape fluttering behind her. "It's me—Percival!"

As she raced through the winding roads of the underground maze, the air suddenly grew colder, unnaturally so. A chilling presence whispered across the back of her neck. Out of the shadows ahead, several Boo ghosts emerged, their stubby arms floating and their mouths curved into wide, toothy grins. Their weird rainbow eyes glowed faintly as they hovered ominously, blocking her path

She skidded to a halt, startled at first by their ghoulish forms

"Foul spirits," she hissed, drawing her flaming blade. "BEGONE!"

With swift and elegant movements, Percival slashed through the air, her blade glowing as it cut through several of the Boos. A few vanished into puffs of mist with squeals, while others laughed—taunting her—and phased through the walls, reappearing just ahead with mocking grins

Gritting her teeth, she resumed running, swatting at the spirits as they tried to encircle her. Her pace never slowed as she pushed forward, eventually bursting past them and into a new chamber of the ruins

There, she found herself surrounded by strange stone snake statues, their eyes set with gleaming jewels and their fangs bared in a silent hiss

"What sorcery…?" she muttered, unsettled by the unfamiliar imagery

But then, sparks flew as she caught sight of Chaos Gamma, engaging another group of E-1000 drones. His hands surged with crackling electricity, extending like tendrils as he seized two of the drones mid-air and ripped them apart, throwing their remains across the chamber. His green visor glowed ominously in the dark

Percival gasped, both amazed and concerned. "Gamma…? What in the world happened to you?"

She sprinted toward him, finally closing the distance just as he turned toward her, scanning her form "Intruder detected. Potential threat."

"What? No, it's me!" she said quickly, holding her hands out in peace. "Gamma—it's Percival! I'm your ally!"

But Chaos Gamma's visor flickered again, and with a surge of blue light, his hands electrified, and he entered a combat stance "Threat level: unknown. Preparing for elimination."

"Wait!" she cried, preparing to defend herself. "I don't want to fight you!"

Chaos Gamma surged forward like a mechanical predator, his hands crackling with violent electricity, each strike narrowly missing Percival by inches. She twirled and leapt, the flames of her sword casting glowing streaks through the darkness of the ancient halls. Sparks flew as Chaos Gamma's strikes collided with the walls and floor, leaving scorch marks and shattered stone in his wake

"Gamma, stop!" Percival shouted, ducking beneath a sweeping blow. "You don't recognize me—but I'm not your enemy!"

She rolled aside, avoiding a grenade that detonated behind her, flinging dust and bits of stone into the air. Her breath came quickly as she tried to keep distance

"I don't want to hurt you!" she yelled. "Please—calm yourself!"

She gritted her teeth, trying to think—frantically recalling what the Gamma she knew had told her during their talks they did have before their separation. Then a thought struck her.

"Gamma!" she called again, vaulting onto a broken column to get his attention. "What is it you want? Let me help you!"

That gave Chaos Gamma a moment of pause. His arms retracted, electricity fading just slightly as his glowing visor stared her down. A mechanical whirring followed before he responded "Primary Directive: Eliminate rogue weapon… Emerl."

Percival blinked. "Emerl…? Is that another robot? Someone dangerous?"

Chaos Gamma's arms hummed, but his stance relaxed just enough. "Emerl is a threat to all. An unstable anomaly. Must be destroyed."

Percival nodded, speaking quickly to maintain the fragile calm. "Then I'll help you destroy it. Whatever it is."

There was a pause as Chaos Gamma processed her words, his visor flickering again. Then he spoke in a more curious tone. "Subject: Percival. Identified as anomaly. You are not from this time. Not of this data." His head tilted slightly. "State your intent. Why are you here?"

"I'm here for something important," she said earnestly. "A shard of the Master Emerald. I don't know how or why it shattered, but I do know it's the key to fixing everything. If I don't find it… a monster may destroy all of time."

Chaos Gamma's visor flickered in thought. "Your objective… aligns with my data." He paused, his voice low and mechanical. "A temporal anomaly was detected prior to my activation. I awoke within this pyramid base of Eggman's… despite never receiving such coordinates. I was not stationed here."

Percival's brow furrowed. "Wait… this place belongs to someone named Eggman?"

"Correct. Dr. Eggman. My creator." Chaos Gamma said

She folded her arms, glancing warily around the eerie corridor of snake imagery and scorched steel. "So you didn't arrive here naturally either….." She then looked up at him. "If that's the case—will you assist me Gamma? We can stop this if we work together."

Chaos Gamma's towering frame stood motionless for a moment, optics whirring as he processed her words. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Affirmative. Our objectives are now aligned."

Percival allowed herself a small smile. "Good. Can you sense where the Master Emerald shard is?"

"Affirmative. Faint energy signature—unstable. Intermittent pulses. Difficult to track precisely, but possible." Said Chaos Gamma "Query: do you possess information why the Master Emerald in pieces?"

Percival looked down solemnly. "It was already broken when I realized what was going on… and I've been trying to fix things ever since. With Lancelot, Honey, and you, Gamma. Now that we have reunited we can find Lancelot and the others to restore everything"

But Chaos Gamma remained still. As he slightly leaned over "You have made an error."

Percival blinked. "What?"

"I am not Gamma. I am Chaos Gamma." Said Chaos Gamma

Her eyes widened. "What…?"

The large robot took a step forward, his metallic hands crackling faintly. "Gamma is another unit. Model E-102. He was terminated. I was rebuilt from his data… but I am not him. I am something else. Something… unstable."

The silence that followed was thick with tension and confusion as Percival tried to fully grasp what he had just revealed

"Terminated…" she whispered, almost breathless. "No… that can't be true." She looked up at Chaos Gamma "he helped me before we were separated. I know it was him."

The knight's heart panged in her chest as she processed the implications. If Gamma had been destroyed… but also that he had been traveling with her, Lancelot, and Honey. It gave her a concern for him

"Tell me," Chaos Gamma continued, "when was the last time you saw this Gamma?"

Percival took a breath. "He was with me and the team.. we fought a powerful sorcerer before King Arthur used his power to separate us all…"

Chaos Gamma remained silent for a long pause, then slowly nodded

"Understood. If we survive this distortion… I would like to meet him. Face to face." said Chaos Gamma with a hint of curiosity "I do require further data-" as he then immediately sensed something as before Percival could say more, Chaos Gamma turned toward another path

"Where are you going?" Percival asked, stepping forward

"If you seek the Master Emerald shard, then I am following the energy signal" said Chaos Gamma as without another word, he activated his wheels with a mechanical hum and zoomed forward into the darkened tunnels, sparks flying beneath him

Percival quickly sprinted after him, her armored boots clanging against the ancient, sand-coated stone. "Wait for me!"

As the winding cave paths seemed to stretch endlessly, lit only by flickering energy veins in the stone and the occasional sparking ruin of a destroyed E-series drone. Percival's sword gleamed in the dim light as she slashed through more Boo ghosts that emerged from the walls with hissing laughs and wicked grins

"Foul spirits," she muttered, her voice low but firm as she drove her blade through them, their forms vanishing into vapor

Ahead, Chaos Gamma's shoulder cannon sparked, unleashing rapid grenades that tore through the last of the E-1000 drones attempting to ambush them from a crumbled side passage

Then, the ground rumbled beneath their feet making Percival stumbled slightly as she turned to Chaos Gamma

Chaos Gamma's eyes flared, sensors glowing brighter. "Warning. The Master Emerald shard's energy is no longer stationary. It is… rapidly approaching."

Play: Sonic Adventure 2 OST – Egg Golem

Before she could respond, a low grinding noise filled the cave, and from a massive wall of debris, emerged a hulking stone golem, standing at least twenty feet tall.

Percival instinctively raised her sword. "That thing… it's alive?"

"Unclear. It exhibits no organic life signs. Likely a construct." Said Chaos Gamma "According to my data. Thus was already here before Dr. Eggman found it"

The golem's heavy head slowly turned, its emotionless stone face locking onto the two of them. Its massive limbs shifted as it took a lumbering step forward, the impact sending another tremor down the corridor

Percival stepped back. And also creeped out by its appearance "Does it have the shard?"

"Affirmative. Primary target confirmed. Commencing tactical engagement." Said Chaos Gamma aiming his shoulder cannon as Percival's grip tightened on her blade

The golem let out a deep, grinding groan and raised one of its titanic arms as it's other dragged against the rocky floor, each movement shaking the tunnel like an earthquake

"!" said Percival as she leapt backward to avoid a fist the size of a wagon slamming down. The stone floor shattered on impact, a cloud of dust engulfing her

Chaos Gamma then blasted concentrated grenades at the golem's midsection. blackening its chest with seared stone and molten cracks. But the damage barely slowed it. The golem's chest split open momentarily, releasing a surge of green energy like a pulse, knocking Gamma off his wheels and skidding him back several feet

Percival charged in next, darting beneath the golem's legs, slashing at its stone ankles with blazing speed. Sparks flew but the thick stone armor held fast. The golem's leg twitched, then kicked which sent Percival flying into a wall of sandstone. She grunted, her shoulder hitting hard, but she was back on her feet in moments, eyes locked on the golem

"It's too dense!" she growled

"Confirmed. Armor density exceeds standard attack thresholds." Gamma replied as he launched himself upward. Mid-air, he unleashed a barrage of grenades that detonated in flashes of blue and red flame, scorching the creature's shoulder

The golem roared in response. Its eyes glowed a fierce green as it slammed its hands together, creating a shockwave that cracked the floor beneath them. Percival and Gamma were thrown apart again, the explosion ringing in Percival's ears

Dust filled the air as giant chunks of the ceiling collapsed, narrowly missing them. The golem then slammed its arms into the ground, summoning sharp pillars of stone from the cave floor—traps and barriers forming around it like a fortress.

Percival nimbly leapt from one narrow stone spike to the next, keeping her eyes trained on the monster. "We need to find a weakness!" she shouted as she hurled a fiery slash, which left a molten scar on its chest but barely hindered it

She then leap onto the creature's back. She climbed rapidly, plunging her sword into cracks as handholds, flames bursting with each strike to loosen the rock. But the golem began to buck, thrashing violently, slamming its back into cavern walls to knock her off back onto ground

Gamma looked up, eyes flickering with rapid scans as he tried to support. Suddenly he calculated an idea "Wait. Visual confirmation: top of cranium-foreign object detected. Aim for it"

As Percival clung to the monster's upper back, she looked toward its head and saw it. A small device, blinking red amidst the stone

Gamma narrowed his optics. "I will distract it. You strike."

And with that, Gamma rocketed forward once more, unleashing grenades and plasma fire, daring the golem's fury… giving Percival her chance. The golem responded with a stone-fist slam that Gamma narrowly avoided by rolling sideways on his wheels

Percival closed her eyes, holding her sword outward as flames began to dance along its edge.

"Ignis in mea manu, inimicum combure! Flamma purifica—exsurge!"

Her blade erupted in flames, red-orange light searing the air with heat. She dashed forward, leapt from fallen debris to broken column, using the crumbled cave walls as stepping stones as she ascended toward the golem's head

With a final burst of speed, Percival launched herself into the air and slashed through the machine atop the golem's head. The flaming blade pierced the device, which sparked violently before exploding in a burst of light and smoke

A terrible cracking sound echoed through the cave as its limbs began to fracture. One arm dropped, then the other. The creature let out a low groan before collapsing into itself. stone crumbling and shattering like brittle clay

Silence fell once the last echo of destruction faded. Percival landed gracefully, panting, her blade still glowing faintly.

Chaos Gamma rolled to her side, scanning the remains. "Command module destroyed. Combat status: resolved."

Percival lowered her sword. "We did it…"

Between the shattered rubble, the Master Emerald shard pulsed quietly, before Percival's fingers could close around the Master Emerald shard, it began to glow again

"…I spoke too soon." Said Percival bracing herself seeing that the shard flared violently, its light growing unstable

"Warning: localized energy spike detected," Chaos Gamma's voice rang out

Before either of them could react further, the world beneath their feet shifted and broke, as if the cavern floor became fluid light. The sensation of gravity twisted, as the bright light overtook them

Play: Sonic Forces OST – Aqua Road

"-AAAH!" said Percival falling through the moonlight sky as she realized she now seemed to be in some sort of jungle. In her eyes it was WAY better than the two other places.

Though she certainly wished she wasn't falling either

"LANCELOT!" Yelled Percival as to her surprise she felt Chaos Gamma's hand grab her as he activated his rocket boosters, slowing their fall as they descended through the last layer of vines and leaves

They touched down in a clearing, the dirt soft and damp underfoot. Gamma set her down carefully, releasing her once his internal systems confirmed ground stability

Percival stepped away, looking around at the thick emerald foliage, waterfalls cascading in the distance, and the bioluminescent fungi glowing faintly beneath the jungle's shadowy canopy

"Do you… know where we are?" she asked cautiously, one hand on the hilt of her sword.

Chaos Gamma's eyes glowed as he scanned the environment. Whirring and clicking followed before he said "Environmental scan complete. We have landed in the Mystic Jungle."

Percival furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Mystic Jungle…? I've never heard of such a place."

"It exists on a different temporal coordinate. This location is known to be unstable…." Said Chaos Gamma looking around

Percival looked up toward the jungle canopy, green light filtering down like stars. Something about the place felt ancient, as if it remembered more than it should "If the Master Emerald shard brought us here, something must be waiting."

Chaos Gamma's optical sensors flickered as he came to a halt, "…Something is incorrect," he muttered

Percival turned to him, hand still near her sword. "What is it?"

"There is a military presence in this region. Eggman units." His head twitched slightly. "There were none in my prior data scans"

Percival's brow furrowed beneath her helmet. "…Still, it doesn't matter now. We need to press forward. Where's the shard?"

Gamma paused for a moment before raising an arm. "Follow."

They moved forward, following a stone path half-consumed by vines and moss, lit sporadically by strange neon lights embedded into crumbling structures. The walls shimmered with a modern yet ancient design, entirely foreign to Percival.

"These buildings… they don't resemble anything from my realm…" she murmured.

"Architecture contains elements of Eggman technology merged with unknown components. Likely evidence of additional temporal-" said Chaos Gamma stopping as he noticed something "Warning: hostile entity detected."

A deep rustling in the treetops echoed out—then, with terrifying speed, a giant serpent burst forth, crashing down from the canopy with a thunderous hiss. Its mouth opened wide, sharp fangs glistening as it lunged at Percival.

"By the flame!" she gasped, diving to the side as the serpent's jaws snapped shut where she had just been.

Chaos Gamma reacted instantly. Electricity surged through his arm as he delivered a thunderous electric punch straight into the serpent's snout. Sparks flew. The serpent screeched and recoiled violently, its scaled head snapping back. With a furious snarl, it slithered off into the brush, vanishing into the jungle's thick shadow.

Percival rolled to her feet, catching her breath. "That's… was that a wingless, legless dragon!? "

"It appeared to be a giant serpent…this jungle is known for dangerous wildlife…" said Chaos Gamma "Resuming route."

Percival hoped that she wouldn't see another. She really didn't like dragons. And also held out hole that she would find Lancelot here

As they pressed on, they came to a clearing lined with more of the neon-lit ruins, ahead of them stood a patrolling squad of Egg Pawns. The second they spotted the two, alarms blared—and the Egg Pawns raised their laser rifles aiming at the duo as a hail of laser blasts erupted toward them

"Engaging," Gamma stated calmly as he readied his grenade launcher ss Percival readied her rapier sword Was Chaos Gamma fired at the Egg Pawns tearing through them. And thows that weren't blown up were sliced and diced by Percival

"HYA!" Percival shouted, slicing through a heavily armored unit with a swift flaming spin before Chaos Gamma aimed his grenade shoulder canon to set an explosive round that shattered a crumbling stone wall ahead. Debris rained down, revealing two new divergent paths

"To the left—water path," Chaos Gamma scanned. "To the right—cave systems continuing deeper." He paused, his sensors flaring. "Anomaly detected."

Before Percival could ask, she saw it—a sharp green laser dancing across Chaos Gamma's chassis.

"Gamma! Look out!" she cried

Chaos Gamma didn't hesitate. He grabbed Percival and yanked her aside, milliseconds before a barrage of mini-missiles detonated where they stood. The explosion rattled the ruins, dust and fire bursting through the path.

Through the smoke, a shadow descended from the sky—matching Gamma in height and menace. The hulking frame emerged, descending slowly with thrusters flaring green:

E-104: Epsilon.

Though machine, Chaos Gamma's voice shifted "…Epsilon," he said, his optics narrowing. "Designation: destroyed. Terminated during E-102's final purge."

But Epsilon's voice rang out through the clearing, robotic yet filled with scorn: "TRAITOR UNIT DETECTED: MISSION: ERADICATE." As without pause, Epsilon's arm cannons locked forward and began charging another barrage of mini missiles at them

"Take the water path. That road leads to the shard." Said Chaos Gamma as they both dodged

"But—!" she started to object

"I will deal with Epsilon. Go. Now." Said Chaos Gamma as he rocketed forward, intercepting Epsilon launching grenades which Epsilon dodged and fired back at him

Percival shielded her eyes from the force of their clash before turning away, gripping her sword tighter as she sprinted down the water road, her armor boots splashing along the shallow stream

But unbeknownst to her, from the treetops, a pair if green eyes flickered, tracking her every move as he readied his arm cannon

To Chaos Gamma

Within the narrow cave path, Chaos Gamma and Epsilon collided with a thunderous impact echoing through the tight corridors. Sparks rained down as Chaos Gamma's electrified fist connected with Epsilon's armored chassis, sending a ripple of energy through the older unit's frame

Epsilon staggered back only slightly, stabilizing with a blast from his rear boosters. His dual arm cannons locked forward, unleashing a barrage of mini-missiles that screamed through the cave. Chaos Gamma leapt back, his shoulder grenade launcher rotating into place, and countered with a volley of explosive rounds

The walls shook violently, stalactites falling from the ceiling as fire and smoke consumed the tunnel

Chaos Gamma lunged in, his fist crackling with high-voltage energy, and slammed it into Epsilon's side—short-circuiting servos and sending a feedback loop through his systems. Epsilon roared—if such a sound could come from a machine—and retaliated with a spinning barrage of missiles, forcing Chaos Gamma to retreat behind a rock outcropping

Once he stepped forward from cover, grenade launcher rotating again. He fired a round directly at the ceiling, causing a controlled collapse of rocks that forced Epsilon into the open. Seizing the moment, Chaos Gamma charged in again and delivered a two-hit combo—one electrified punch to the chest, another to the cannon arm, disabling one of Epsilon's launchers

"Malfunction… registered," Epsilon hissed

Chaos Gamma went in for another electrified punch that smashed against Epsilon's forearm cannon, temporarily disabling the port. Epsilon responded instantly, launching a point-blank missile from his other arm, the blast forcing Chaos Gamma back into the stone wall and embedding him several inches deep into the jagged rock

Before Gamma could fully recover, Epsilon charged with frightening speed for a machine his size, his twin arm cannons lighting up with energy. A scorching dual-laser beam seared toward Gamma, who narrowly rolled aside, the blast carving a glowing trench through the cave wall.

"You defied the Doctor's will. Your existence is an error!" Epsilon bellowed, voice crackling with corrupted AI.

"Error lies in blind loyalty," Chaos Gamma growled back, eyes glowing as he surged forward, shoulder plating rising. With a mechanical click, his grenade launcher snapped into place, and he fired three rapid explosives at Epsilon's legs.

The blasts tore through the ground beneath Epsilon, forcing the older robot to stumble as the cave floor gave way slightly. Gamma took the chance—leaping through the smoke, he grabbed Epsilon by the shoulder and slammed him into a stalagmite, the stone spear piercing through damaged plating in Epsilon's back.

Epsilon's optics flared in warning. "System integrity… compromised. Lethal force authorized."

Epsilon's missile pods opened, unleashing a wide cluster barrage. Chaos Gamma was blasted backward, his chest armor dented and glowing from the heat. Still upright, he activated his fist coils, and both hands hummed with intense voltage.

And struck Epsilon across the faceplate with a crackling haymaker. The punch sent the robot flying into a cavern column, which exploded in a cloud of debris

But the older unit wasn't finished. He unleashed his remaining laser arm, the beam grazing Chaos Gamma's side—melting part of his plating and revealing circuitry beneath

Chaos Gamma staggered, before he vaulted off the cave wall, spiraling through the air and driving both fists into Epsilon's head, sending him crashing through the tunnel floor into a deeper chamber

The two robots tumbled into the darkness below. As they hit the lower cavern floor, Chaos Gamma stood over his damaged brother, shoulder launcher ready. "This ends here, Epsilon. You are no longer a threat to the mission."

Epsilon's optic flickered as he tried to rise. "The mission… must be completed… destroy traitors… obey Eggman…"

Chaos Gamma stared down for a moment—then aimed his grenade launcher and fired one last point-blank grenade into Epsilon's chest

"G-G-GA-AA-A-Amma…." Said Epsilon as his optics faded permanently powering down

"Incorrect I am Chaos Gamma….brother.." said Chaos Gamma as Epsilon desperately aimed his arm cannon at him. Only to go limp with a soft thud "…Continue the directive. Assist the anomaly. Locate the Master Emerald shard."

He began to march forward and zoomed off

To Percival

Water rushed beneath Percival's feet as she slid down the curving, glistening water road, the moonlight above catching glints of silver in her armor. The Mystic Jungle's neon-lit trees blurred past as she navigated the slick descent, sword in hand, eyes alert. The soothing rush of water was briefly interrupted by a loud buzzing. Moto Bugs

Three of the stubby, wheeled bots wobbled onto the water path in front of her, even for robots on 1 wheel that was very clumsy. One immediately slipped and flipped onto its back, flailing helplessly. The second veered straight toward her but slipped as well, spinning out of control like a toy car on ice

Percival narrowed her eyes and leapt forward, kicking one off the side of the path. It crashed into a mossy boulder below and exploded in a burst of gears. "Clumsy things…" she muttered

Another tried to charge, but she sidestepped with a graceful twirl, sending it spinning into the riverbank. She looked ahead, wiping her brow as the last one harmlessly fell off the road with a pathetic whirl

"If only Lancelot were here," she said under her breath with a soft chuckle

Then, something changed as a soft beep echoed, and a green scanning laser danced across her hand

Percival's eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze upward. In the light of the moon, a dark figure hovered in the sky, suspended by boosters and cloaked partially in shadow.

"Gamma…?" she called out, eyes hopeful

The figure drifted closer. But the moment it fully emerged into the light, her heart sank. It wasn't Gamma nor was it Chaos Gamma. It was purple rather than red

It was E-105 Zeta

Before she could speak again, the figure raised its arm cannon—and a barrage of rapid-fire green lasers shot toward her

"Wha—!" she yelped, leaping back as the blasts tore through the water road, sending steam and splashes flying into the air. One bolt grazed her shoulder, sending sparks from her armor

Zeta's silhouette loomed overhead as he fired again

Streams of green laser blasts carved through the air, searing into the rock walls and spraying steam from the rushing river. Percival swerved, letting her momentum carry her into a side spiral, narrowly dodging each volley. Her shoulder plate smoked from a near hit, but she didn't stop

Zeta dropped lower. His seven foot frame cast an ominous shadow, and likghts in his optics pulsed like a predator's warning

"Relentless machine," Percival growled, planting her feet on the slick stone path and kicking off into a high leap as another blast scorched the road behind her "Ignis coruscans!" she shouted mid-air, her blade igniting in brilliant flame as her Latin fire chant surged power into it. A flurry of embers trailed behind her like a comet

She slashed downward at Zeta, forcing him to jerk back making him spiral for a moment before stabilizing. He countered with a barrage of mini missiles, launched in a clustered volley

Percival kicked off a tree trunk mid-air, flipping gracefully as the missiles exploded below her. The shockwave carried her forward, where she landed hard and fast on the twisting water road again, continuing her descent with sparks trailing from her armor

Zeta, no longer hovering, slammed onto the path ahead, blocking her with a quake. He raised his arm and fired a beam directly in her path

Thinking fast, Percival plunged her sword into the stone beside the water road, carving a molten trench and vaulting herself over the beam. "This ends now!" she cried out, leaping toward his head

Zeta swung his arm violently, but she twisted mid-air, her flaming blade driving into the armor near his optics, sparks and fire bursting out with a sharp crack

The giant robot howled in static, reeling back, but he wasn't finished yet. He activated his emergency boosters, shooting skyward to dislodge her. Percival barely held on, the flames from her sword flickering wildly as the wind roared past them.

Then—she let go, flipping backward through the air, landing with a slide as the Aqua Road finally smoothed out into a wider, glowing stream that split into multiple levels of cascading waterfall

Zeta turned sharply in the air and hovered again, smoke trailing from the gash in his head armor.

Percival panted, holding her sword at the ready. "Come on, then," she whispered. "Show me what you've got left…"

She then lunged toward E-105 Zeta, her flaming sword clashing with his metal frame. Sparks showered with each strike

Zeta fired another laser blast from his arm cannon, narrowly missing her shoulder. Percival ducked low and spun, slicing at his knee joint. Zeta staggered but retaliated with a swipe of his massive arm, knocking her across the slick path

Panting, her armor scorched and dented, Percival rose once more, gripping her sword tight. "You're… persistent," she muttered

As Zeta charged, arm cannons primed

"Flamma finalis!" she roared, flames bursting around her blade as she dashed forward

With a spinning leap, Percival slashed upward, carving across Zeta's chest, then twisted mid-air and delivered a final downward arc. Her sword drove deep into his central core with a searing blast, flames engulfing his upper body

Zeta's optics flickered violently. "Syste—m—fa…il…"

And then, with a rumbling boom, Zeta exploded, the blast briefly illuminating the forest. And at the corner of her eye. Percival turned her head and saw it. The Master Emerald shard—tucked beneath a tree root, now glowing even brighter than before

"!" said Percival with a smile. She stepped forward, brushing away ash and splinters. Her hand reached out. For a moment, the shard shimmered like it would vanish again—but it didn't. which gave her relief

"Got it," she whispered with a relieved smile as her fingers wrapped around it as a surge of energy and the light engulfs her vision

Play: Shadow Gens OST – Collection

Percival and Chaos Gamma were flung into white space. Percival gets up and dusts herself and looks around "…I see nothing much has changed " she muttered

"Scannning…" said Chaos Gamma "Location unknown…"

"We're in White Space, Gamma…er..Chaos Gamma" she said. "A liminal realm… where all realms across time collide"

"Answer corroborates with data.." said Chaos Gamma

She nodded. "Come. I know a place here" as Percival began to lead Chaos Gamma to where she believed the safe house is

"Barely any signs of life detected…anomalous structures detected…" said Chaos Gamma looking at multiple of the 'islands' of white space where some clearly had color restored and others did not "Query.. what where you doing before you encountered this unit?"

Percival glanced down. "My team and I..we were jumping from realm to realm tracking and collecting the Master Emerald shards. Hoping that if we could reassemble the Emerald, we could fix the world… put everything back the way it was."

"…I see" said Chaos Gamma "…what happened to your team?"

"We got separated. Torn apart in different rifts." She looked around the vast void. "But now that we're here… there's a chance. If anything can reunite us, it's this place."

Gamma stopped briefly, gazing upward and scanning it. "There is a spherical object in the sky. Presents unknown energy. Potential danger imminent ."

Percival followed his gaze. To the Black Moon in the sky with its creepy eyes staring down at them

She frowned. "That's… always been there…. Ever since I woke up here and traveled with my comrades. That thing just… floats. I honestly don't like it… Though I do share your concern… it is indeed very suspicious"

But to take her mind off the creepy Black Moon. She then remembered that Theresa chance Lancelot, Gamma and Honey have found themselves here. If they haven't. Everyone at the safe house should still be there

But she wanted to try something

"Lancelot! Gamma!…Honey?" Percival's voice echoed across the white void—firm, but with a hint of desperation. "If any of you can hear me… please answer."

But there was no response

Her voice fell quieter. "Please…"

Still, the void gave her nothing as she sighed

Behind her, Chaos Gamma silently scanned, his sensors sweeping a full radius. "No immediate response signatures," he reported. "But… I am detecting a mass of life signals not far ahead."

Percival then gained a gained a smile hearing what he said "Then we're close…Let us move. We shall not leave everyone waiting"

Eventually the two of them reached the house as Percival approached the door holding her breath, She raised her hand, hesitated and knocked three times before she took a step back, her gauntlet hovering over the hilt of her sword. She stared at the door, breath tight in her chest.

"Please…" she whispered, almost to herself. "Let it be you behind that door, Lancelot…"

From beyond the door, muffled by layers of strange, fused materials, came a familiar voice, and a little too loud.

"Stand back, Chip! I think there may be an intruder!"

Percival blinked, her brows lifting. That voice… "Gawain?" she whispered in disbelief. "Was that…?"

"Would an intruder really knock, though?"

"…Oh... Good point." Gawain's voice dropped in volume, sounding sheepish. Percival could vaguely hear a stifled chuckle behind the door

"Percival!" Chip beamed, wings fluttering. "You're—whoa! You're actually here! You're okay!"

She let out a small laugh of relief. " hello Chip…"

Then Chip's eyes drifted over to the towering Chaos Gamma behind her. "Oh hello Gamma… say… where's your arm cannon?"

Before she could answer, heavy footsteps thundered behind Chip.

Gawain burst into view. "What's all this noise abou—!" He stopped cold as his eyes locked on Percival. Then—without hesitation—he stormed forward, grabbing her armored hand in both of his. "You're here!" he said with open relief. "You're alright!"

She gave his hands a firm squeeze "I could say the same to you," she said. "I've been hoping to find any of you."

Gawain smiled, the tension fading from his shoulders. "Then fate must still favor us, Lady Percival." As he turned his attention to Chaos Gamma, giving him a quick once-over briefly recognizing him… or so he thought

"Gamma! So, you returned already?" Gawain asked, stepping closer. "Where's Honey? Did she make it back with you?"

Chaos Gamma tilted his head slightly. "Correction: I am not Gamma. I am Chaos Gamma—unit designation E-100. A separate entity"

Earning an awkward silence

Then Chip floated next to Gawain and nodded in realization. "Ohhh. That explains the two hands." He points at Chaos Gamma's arms. "Gamma's got an arm cannon, not… you know, actual arms."

Gawain scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "R-Right. Of course. My apologies, Chaos Gamma."

"No hostility detected," Chaos Gamma responded calmly.

Chip clapped his tiny hands and fluttered back inside. "Well, come on! Let's get you both in"

Chip led the way, excited. "While you were away Gamma and Honey actually brought some new people!"

He pointed over where they were. And one of them was clearly some sort of floating light ball

Percival blinked in surprise. "Is… is that a pixie?"

The light ball actually let out an amused laugh "No, I'm Tikal," the Echidna spirit said softly, as she flew closer to Percival in a 'hello' gesture "it is nice to meet you"

Percival cleared her throat. "R-Right. Of course. My mistake."

The Blacksmith stepped out, wiping his hands on a cloth, brow raised in mild curiosity at the growing commotion.

"Oh—hello again, Blacksmith," said Lady Percival, her tone laced with subtle surprise. "I didn't expect to find you here."

"Welcome lady Percival, its good to see a familiar face" said the blacksmith as Before either could speak further, a melodic voice rang out

"Lady Percival!" Shara called joyfully, gliding to her

"Welcome back!" chimed in Princess Elise, hurrying after Shara, a wide smile lighting up her face

Orbot bounded into the scene with his usual mechanical energy, doing a quick mid-air spin beside them. "Are you famished? Might you require a quick bite?" he chirped eagerly

Percival gave a small, amused shake of her head. "I think I'm fine, Orbot. But thank you."

"You sure?" Orbot insisted, tilting slightly as if recalibrating

"Indeed, I am," she replied again with a soft smile, only for a sudden croak to draw her attention downward. Froggy bounced cheerfully by her boot, earning a quiet chuckle from the knight

But the levity faded as Shara stepped closer, her expression sobering. "What of your efforts, Percival? Have you… made progress?"

"We're one step closer," Percival said, her tone steady. "There's still much to be done, but I have faith. With any luck, we'll all be able to return to our rightful realms soon."

"I look forward to that day," Elise added wistfully, her eyes briefly casting downward

"You have my word, Princess," said Percival, placing a hand to her chest with knightly resolve

At that moment, the sound of clinking metal reached their ears. Percival turned to see Caliburn approaching, his silver form gleaming under the flickering lights

"I'm pleased you've returned safely, Lady Percival," he said, his voice noble yet tinged with fatigue. "I know the path has been difficult. But we all endure these setbacks together."

She nodded, but her smile faltered as her eyes scanned the safehouse. A subtle shift in her demeanor betrayed her concern "…And Lancelot?" she asked quietly, voice edged with unease. "Has there been any word of him?"

Caliburn hesitated. "I'm afraid not. While Gamma and Honey made it back, they reported no sign of him. No one here has seen him since."

Percival's jaw tightened slightly. Her breath hitched—but she didn't let her voice break. "It's alright… I'll find him. I know Lancelot. He can handle himself… until I do."

As she steadied herself, a firm hand came to rest on her shoulder. She glanced up to see Gawain standing beside her, his expression a mixture of concern and reluctant admiration

"…Gawain?" she asked, quietly. "Where are Gamma and Honey now?"

"They left not long ago," he answered. "Headed deeper into White Space. I believe they're searching for Lancelot… or perhaps more survivors."

Her body tensed. Even behind her helmet, it was clear something had shifted. Her fingers curled, and her eyes narrowed slightly. The idea of Honey finding Lancelot first sent a sharp flicker of irritation through her chest

"…What direction?" she asked, her tone clipped and devoid of patience

Gawain recognized the fire behind that voice and sighed. "Northwest from here. That's where they went."

Percival gave a curt nod, spun on her heel, and made for the door without another word

As the door slammed behind her, Gawain muttered under his breath, "Women…" Caliburn let out a rare, low chuckle. But the brief amusement was quickly met by two simultaneous glares—one from Shara, the other from Elise

Elise folded her arms. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Gawain stumbled. "Nothing! Nothing, Your Highness! I just meant—Percival's… extra concerned about Lancelot. That's all."

He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck

Elise rolled her eyes. "You better hope she doesn't hear you say that."

"I won't say it again," Gawain assured quickly, while Caliburn quietly enjoyed the spectacle

The door had barely swung shut behind Percival when the distant hum of servos signaled another presence approaching from the corridor

Chaos Gamma noticed Percival's change in demeanor with His green optics gleaming as he paused near Gawain and Caliburn

"I will follow her," Gamma stated in his deep, steady tone. "Probability of target location increases with additional units."

Gawain raised a hand and stepped forward. "Hold on, Gamma. I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Gamma's head turned slightly. "Elaborate."

"She's… better off handling this herself," Gawain said, choosing his words carefully. "Trust me, I've known her a long time. When it comes to Lancelot, she doesn't want anyone else in her way."

There was a pause as the logic core inside Gamma processed that. Then, slowly, he backed down. "Acknowledged," he said, stepping away from the door

Gawain folded his arms and glanced toward the void beyond the safehouse walls. "Honestly…" he muttered under his breath, "…if no one finds Lancelot first, they girls might just kill each other if he's still missing."

*Thunk*

Gawain winced as Elise sharply elbowed him in the ribs

"Ow—okay! Sorry, sorry!" he groaned, rubbing his side and offering a sheepish grin to the princess

Caliburn let out a soft metallic chuckle. "Ah, Gawain. Never change."

Before Gawain could retort, a burst of light zipped through the air as Chip came flitting by, looping once around Caliburn's hilt before hovering in front of him

"So… how long do you think it'll take?" Chip asked curiously, wings fluttering rapidly. "You've got that wise sword thing going on. Got any clues?"

Caliburn's gem pulsed gently with light. "I can assure you, the goals will be met," he replied. "But as for the matter of time… that remains a mystery—even to me."

Chip sighed. "You swords and your riddles…"

Gawain snorted. "Better riddles than being elbowed by royalty."

Elise shot him another glare

"Okay, definitely not saying anything else," he added quickly, hands raised in surrender

To Percival

Play: TCOAAL OST- Guard Tree (Slowed)

As Percival walked the vast nothingness. Her mind, however, was anything but calm.

"Who does she think she is…" she muttered with venom under her breath, eyes narrowing slightly. The image of Honey grinning smugly next to Lancelot filled her with irritation. "Just because she's a little charming doesn't mean she can just… take him."

But as the name Lancelot passed through her thoughts, her steps began to slow, the fire in her stride dimming as a deeper concern replaced it

Her hand drifted to her side, gently brushing over the pouch holding the Master Emerald shard. The fragment pulsed faintly with a glow, warm against her fingers

Her gaze dropped slightly. "He always saw something,.." she thought. "Every time he got a new shard, he would go quiet. Staring… somewhere far away. As if the emerald was whispering to him…"

Percival's memory drifted further—the feel of his gloved hand in hers, the gentle strength of his grip. "I hope you'll tell me what you see one day," she had told him. "You don't have to carry it all alone."

Her fingers tightened slightly on the pouch.

She looked up at the endless pale horizon and whispered, "I wonder… what do you see, Lancelot?"

But another thought crept into her heart—a shadow of fear… What if the Master Emerald, when whole, carries something more than vision? More than power?

Her lips pursed. She remembered what Arthur's Scabbard had done. The madness. The darkness. The way it twisted the once-great king into a tyrant

"If the Master Emerald is anything like that…" she whispered aloud, "…if it tempts Lancelot to darkness… I…"

She couldn't finish the sentence. She didn't want to

All she knew was that she would do everything in her power to make sure that he never fell like Arthur did—even if it meant fighting Lancelot herself. Her march resumed—slower, steadier now, guided not by jealousy or rivalry, but by a quiet, fierce hope

A hope that she'd find him in time. A hope that when she did—he'd still be him

To be continued…

Trivia

1: rewatching the Sonic Movie trilogy is an interesting experience seeing the quality improvement greatly

Its certainly something most live action adaptation brain rot cannot do

LOOKING AT YOU SINGING CHIPMUNKS

And I will say this. Jeff was set up for failure in the first movie. Because any movie set for failure (or minor profits) are put in the Dump Months.

To anyone that doesn't know is January and February here in the US usually has the lowest theater attendance of the year. And that's why movie studios usually "dump" movies they don't expect to succeed and as a result the Sonic Movie franchise nearly crashed before it could get started

And the fact that they reanimated the movie won over the fans practically saved it I think cemented that he definitely was the most qualified person to lead the franchise

2: And can you believe that Kingdom Hearts Missing Link was canned? Yeah me neither but then again. Usually when big budget projects like that go silent means its development hell

And while I think it's a shame the effort went into cancelation. I think the silver lining are 3 things, one being that those kinds of games are notoriously predatory as it was made to be a gacha games. Second is that any game that requires anyone to go outside may still be popular in Japan. It may not be as popular or profitable today in the US as Pokémon GO was in 2016

But I think there's too much effort for all the assets made for the game to go to waste so I'm very sure any Heartless monsters that would've been exclusive to Missing Link will be re-coded and put into KH4

And third. Its full steam ahead for KH4. So we MAY get it sooner-ish. Maybe… but we'll see

3: I've been listening to the soundtrack of Coffin of Andy and Leyley for writing all of this. Id say its really good in ambience and soothing even if the story content of the game is both morbid and hilarious

So lastly without further ado. This upcoming chapter may take a bit. But expect some tonal whiplash for Lancelot's side of things….

So like it? Hate it? Got anything to say?

Because every review is inspiration for continuation

Next up: This Might Sting a Little…

Chapter Text

Welcome to another monster size chapter. Just about a little over 20k words

At first I thought this was going to take longer. BUUUUT. This actually was a chapter I was hoping to write for a long time

Im sure to anyone that writes an ongoing story, there's always going to be a part that is desired to write. But always needed context and other chapters to come first to make it worth it

You know who you are, so stay strong and patient. And when that part comes. The feeling will be awesome

FanFicHazza: glad you're always here my friend. An im also happy to see our coordinated bits together. And indeed. Knuckle-head always is fun to write for his rather stubborn attitude

And Im also happy you liked Knuckles and Shadow's brief appearance there. Because who else would Percival would want to see?

Cyberpolaris: Well thank you for continuing to stick around, it means a lot :) ans it was definitely fun to think of how Percival would react seeing look alike of her friends. I particularly liked writing her meet Chaos Gamma since he is unfortunately a more forgotten character

I hope this chapter is worth it to your interest

Special thanks to FanFicHazza, because Gawain makes a few appearances in his fic "Chain of Generations Re:Mix"

And Fair Warning. This chapter is intended to be more brutal than what came before

SO UNTO THINE STOWY

"Witness the birth of a new power—one where I be supreme."

Now, Lancelot stood in the cold darkness of Arthur's castle, the walls illuminated only by the crimson glow of torches that flickered unnaturally. There, in the center of the room, stood Arthur gripping Excalibur .

Dark energy coiled around his arm, pulsing like veins of molten shadow

Lancelot took a careful step forward, "...My liege?" he had asked, quietly

Arthur's hand slowly reached for his helm resting on the pedestal nearby. Without a word, he donned it. He then turned. The gleam of piercing white eyes shone through the helmet's visor—no longer kingly, as if no longer himself. Lancelot instinctively straightened, posture rigid in the presence of his sovereign

Then Arthur moved towards him, As he approached, Arthur leaned down, close enough that Lancelot could feel the heat of dark power brimming under his skin

He whispered something… something only for Lancelot's ears.

"(…)"

Something that made Lancelot's eyes widen in sheer disbelief. "You… you can't mean that."

Arthur's gauntleted hand rose, forming a glowing spiral of obsidian flame in his palm. His voice rumbled low, accusatory "Are you… questioning me? "

Lancelot immediately stiffened, bowing his head. "Never, my king. I did not mean to offend."

Suddenly, the dream fractured— glitching , cracking like shattered glass

A pair of red eyes stared at him from within the distortion. Eyes that weren't there before. Eyes watching…

Play: Shadow Gens OST – Doom Zone

He awoke.

The dream dissolved in a flash of blue static as Lancelot gasped waking up falling

The world around him was a maze of industrial ruins, towers of steel bending unnaturally in all directions—buildings slanting, structures colliding, like twisted spires breaking the laws of reality. The sky above was a fractured mirror, and gravity seemed to have no allegiance

He twisted in the air, bracing himself,

"What sorcery… is this?" he muttered, eyes narrowing beneath his helm

The dream still clawed at the edge of his mind. The words Arthur had whispered… the red eyes… this strange realm

And he slid down the side of a warped, tilting building, sparks trailing behind his armor. He landed with a forceful stomp on a jagged ledge, as he scanned the distorted, crumbling skyline of this impossible realm

Then a voice echoed across the bending metal and fractured sky

"Ah… so you've awakened, Lancelot…"

It was deep, twisted, and coldly amused. Lancelot's eyes narrowed behind his helm. "That voice…" he muttered. "You're the one who spoke to him… to my double…"

A low chuckle, bubbling with malevolence, answered him. a starfish-like entity with one eye flies to him

"Very perceptive… knight of honor. And now that you've wandered into the heart of White Space… you are no longer free." It began to drift around Lancelot, circling like a predator toying with its prey. "By crossing into this place… you have intertwined your fate with his legacy."

Lancelot's grip on Arondight tightened. "Then allow me to sever it!" With a swift motion, he drew the blade and lunged forward

But before the blade could reach it, Doom's Eye cackled ominously "Then taste the power that Shadow has received!"

Before Lancelot could strike, a pulse of dark energy exploded from Doom's Eye, hitting him square in the face. His eyes burned, a surge of unnatural power invading his vision and mind

"AAAGHHH—!" he cried out, clutching his head, stumbling backward as memories and voices not his own screeched in his skull. veins of corrupt power flashing across his vision like cracking glass. His body trembled as unfamiliar sensations overwhelmed him

"May it haunt you well, knight…" Doom's Eye hissed before flying away, vanishing into a rift of red light.

Then the environment groaned, and suddenly, everything began to bend downwards—the entire world being dragged into a collapsing point. Towers bent toward him like reaching fingers. The sky above cracked like a mirror under strain

"Laaaaancelot…" said a different dark familiar voice

Lancelot's pulse froze. He knew that voice. Every word echoed with regal cruelty. "Arthur…" he breathed

The sky split, fracturing like a broken mirror—and from the jagged tear rode a shadowy figure on a demonic black horse. From the rift, King Arthur emerged, cloaked in an ethereal black mist, his armor now fused with darkness, Excalibur pulsing with blood-red energy

"You would defy me again…?" said Arthur as he lifted his corrupted sword high, and with a booming cry, charged downward from the sky, blade gleaming with deathly power, aiming to strike Lancelot

Lancelot's instincts kicked in—he dove to the side just as the corrupted sword came crashing down, tearing through the metal platform like paper

Rolling to his feet, Lancelot readied Arondight once more with a subtle growl

The sky writhed, dark tendrils of mist and red lightning curling around the shattered realm like the breath of a sleeping titan

Above it all, King Arthur laughed—a deep, metallic roar that echoed with the weight of madness. "So eager to test your will, Lancelot… I am eager to test my new power!"

He raised his gauntleted hand, obsidian armor glowing crimson. With a crack of energy, the world bent again—the warped industrial landscape twisting like a maze in motion. Towers groaned, bridges buckled, and the horizon inverted, revealing an industrial highway spiraling downward, suspended in mid-air

Massive, rusted vehicles thundered down the path as if gravity had lost its meaning. engines roaring, metal grinding

Lancelot snarled, gripping his sword tighter. "Then I will cut through your madness and bring you back into the ground!" he shouted, dashing across the collapsing steel toward the dark king

CLANG!

Their blades met in a flash of light and force, sparks flying as Excalibur clashed with Arondight

"Come now, surely the once-proud Lancelot has more to offer?" Arthur taunted.

Lancelot grunted as he blocked another blow, barely withstanding the crushing strength behind it. He twisted, swinging low—but Arthur leapt back onto the highway ramp, before lunging forward again

They clashed amid the rushing traffic, ducking and weaving between the monstrous, phantom-like trucks barreling down. At one moment, Arthur warped the path beneath Lancelot's feet, forcing him to slide down the slope uncontrollably. As Arthur grabbed his leg

"!" did Lancelot as Arthur shot forward with terrifying speed. Swinging him into one of the incoming phantom trucks

*Crunch*

Lancelot was slammed into the side of a speeding truck, denting the metal with the impact. Lancelot groaned as Arthur raised Excalibur for a finishing blow

Only for Lancelot to roll away, just as the dark blade sliced the truck in half, triggering a fiery explosion that roared like a dragon's breath. Debris and smoke filled the air as Lancelot leapt from the wreckage

He soared toward a nearby structure, landing hard atop a cracked building. The surface buckled under his boots, but it held. Breathing heavily, Lancelot stood up "…No more games, Arthur," he growled as he and Arthur rushed each other again with blades drawn

In a split second, Arondight met Excalibur in a frenzy of blows. Sparks flew with every strike. The clang of metal echoed across the realm as Lancelot ducked, parried, and slashed, only for King Arthur to counter each slash

When their swords locked

Arthur grinned beneath his darkened helm as he raised his left hand, and the air twisted. A spiraling vortex of black energy gathered in his palm as he began to chant:

"Tenebris lux… damnatio aeternam… evocare potentiam regis!"

Lancelot's eyes widened at first—but something in him stirred. Instinct. Or memory

He mirrored Arthur's stance, raising his hand and matching the chant in a deep, steady voice "-Tenebris lux… damnatio aeternam… evocare potentiam regis!"

In unison, the two knights unleashed their power

Lancelot's beam burst forth—a crackling crimson stream of energy, surrounded by swirling doom spears

Arthur's response was a jagged black beam of lightning, roaring through the air like a summoned storm

The two forces collided midair, shaking the world with a deafening explosion. warping the environment even more. Buildings bent, and glass exploded as the opposing blasts cancelled each other in a brilliant flash

Smoke swept across the rooftop where Lancelot landed, breathing heavily, staring at his hand in disbelief. His hand trembled for a moment. He glanced at the faint embers of energy lingering on his palm, but then clenched his fist

He leaped and soared through the smoke and fire, blade raised high, aiming once more to strike down the corrupted king

The sky cracked again, as King Arthur raised his armored hand, and the world twisted violently. The world distorted into a spiraling coliseum of warped clockwork gears, floating platforms, and endless towers, all spinning slowly in a spiral toward a black void

But before the king could even shift his stance, Lancelot warped and reappeared right in front of Arthur

Their swords clashed in a storm of sparks and speed, Arondight colliding with Excalibur in a flurry of brutal close-quarters strikes. Lancelot moved weaving between Arthur's swings, pressing his advantage, pushing the dark king across the floating arena

Lancelot spun low, slicing upward—forcing Arthur back. He pressed again, striking in a tight arc—but Arthur grinned behind his helmet, catching the blow with the flat of Excalibur before twisting his wrist

In a sudden shift, Arthur elbowed Lancelot in the chest, sending him skidding back

"You've grown stronger," Arthur admitted darkly. "But not enough. And yet you were my top knight"

With blinding speed, Arthur charged, slamming Excalibur down like a meteor. Lancelot blocked, but the force shattered the platform beneath them, sending them both falling through the air

They landed on a lower gear. Arthur was faster this time. A slash to Lancelot's shoulder. A boot to his side. And a crushing backhand with the hilt of Excalibur

Lancelot staggered, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth as Arthur now towered over him, sword crackling with corrupt power

"You thought you could stand against YOUR king? Against fate?"

"I won't let you this time….. I made that mistake before… when you changed…" uttered Lancelot as he allowed a dark power seeped through his hands and dashed forward spinning Arondight with repeated slashes each being countered by Excalibur

Every strike from Excalibur cracked the warped air, each blow heavier, more brutal, forcing Lancelot onto the defensive

"Is that all, Lancelot? Where's the fire I glimpsed before?"

Lancelot leapt back, panting, eyes narrowing. "I… won't yield…" as he lunged again but with a flash of black mist, Arthur vanished—then reappeared directly behind Lancelot "!"

Arthur grabbed Lancelot by the throat, lifting him effortlessly into the air. Lancelot struggled, kicking, trying to pry the armored fingers off him, but Arthur's grip was unbreakable.

"You've shown promise," Arthur hissed, his glowing eyes narrowing behind his helmet. "And I know you miss the days of my old rule…. So it gives reason for you go think doesn't it?"

Lancelot's hands trembled as he reached for his sword. Arthur leaned in close, his voice a low growl.

"Should you continue to grow stronger… I may offer you something rare, Lancelot. An olive branch. As my top knight once again. As before. Now under a new empire…"

"No…" Lancelot choked out, fury in his voice

Arthur let out a sinister chuckle. Not even bothered by Lancelot's continued defiance

"You'll see things differently… soon."

He raised his hand, and with a surge of warped energy, a portal tore open behind Lancelot, a swirling vortex of deep blue flame and collapsing stars. With a surge of strength, Arthur hurled Lancelot through it

"Until next time," the corrupted king said with a grin "Grow stronger, Lancelot. I look forward to our next match."

The portal snapped shut

Play: LEMMiNO - Triangular

The wind howled past him as Lancelot plummeted, the sky around him spinning with chaos and fractured stars.

But just before the jagged terrain could greet him below, Lancelot activated his air shoes, shifting his weight with practiced grace. Sparks trailed behind as he glided low over a ridge, slowing his descent until his feet landed firmly upon the ground

He stood slowly, eyes scanning the unfamiliar terrain.

"Where… am I?"

The place was surreal. Rolling green fields stretched between winding lakes, but massive metallic towers loomed in the distance—far too structured and unnatural for any forest or mountain range he knew. Some platforms floated in the air. The ground pulsed with faint neon energy.

Suddenly, a mechanical roar split the air above him.

Lancelot's head snapped upward.

A massive creature flew overhead—a wyvern, unlike any dragon he'd seen. Its body sleek and metallic, streaked in black and white armor, with red lights glowing across its wingspan. Its flight was eerily smooth, precise like a machine rather than a beast.

"A dragon… forged from metal?" he whispered.

The creature made no move toward him. It circled a strange, towering spire in the distance—ignoring him entirely.

He narrowed his eyes. "This must be a dream…"

"No dream."

The voice was sudden, almost soft. Feminine… young. But strangely that voice didn't sound normal

Lancelot spun around, blade drawn in an instant. Before him stood a young girl, glitching in and out of visibility like a corrupted vision. White hair framed her face, and a black dress shimmered with pixel-like fragments. Her red eyes calmly observed him through the flickering static

"Begone, spirit," Lancelot warned, blade forward. "You shan't ensnare me with illusions!"

The girl tilted her head. "Curious. You are not the one I expected….Are you… Shadow?"

Lancelot's eyes widened briefly. "That name… again?" He lowered his blade an inch. "I am not this 'Shadow.' I am Sir Lancelot."

"Your energy signature matches perfectly with Shadow the Hedgehog," the girl replied, stepping forward slightly, flickering again. "Same molecular structure. Same Chaos field. Same… origin point."

Lancelot hesitated, briefly recalling Black Doom's chilling words about shared fate… about legacy

He clenched his jaw. "I don't know what that means… But if you're just here to question me—at least give your name."

The girl blinked. A beat of silence passed. "I am Sage. An AI constructed by Doctor Ivo Robotnik—also known as Eggman."

Lancelot's grip on Arondight tightened and Sage raised her hand gently, as if to calm. Not that Lancelot could do anything to her since she is a hologram

"I see you are currently curious about this location. We are currently on Rhea Island, one of the zones comprising the Starfall Islands. You… should not be here."

Lancelot looked around, eyes narrowing at the monolithic machine rising from the distant mountains and the shimmering sky. It felt like it was taunting him

His eyes tracked the Wyvern's spiraling flight. The mechanical beast soared in wide, commanding circles, its flight seemed like a flying serpent slithering through the sky. But then.. he noticed it

Gleaming within the creature's forehead… a jagged shard. Emerald green. Pulsing.

"The Master Emerald…" he muttered, squinting to confirm. "A shard embedded in its crown… No wonder the air trembles with power."

Sage stepped beside him, glitching faintly

"You see it too," she said, her tone unreadable. "That's likely what's causing the disruption in its programming."

Lancelot's grip on Arondight tightened. "Then it must be slain."

Sage tilted her head. "Slain?"

"It holds a fragment of the Master Emerald, I need that…. And I will cut it down if I have too" said Lancelot

Sage blinked "It is not targeting you. You are not a priority. Confronting it directly would be… unwise."

Lancelot stepped forward, "Then you may watch or assist. But either way—this ends with the beast's defeat."

He braced himself, preparing to surge toward the tower when Sage floated in front of him and lifted her hand, halting him. "There is something I can do," she said softly

"Explain." Said Lancelot cautiously

"I can… redirect its aggression. Recalibrate its threat parameters so it sees you as a hostile anomaly." Her red eyes flickered. "If I do this, it will descend. It will attack. You will have the confrontation you seek."

"….Then do it." Muttered Lancelot

Sage narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you truly so willing to throw your life away for… nothing?"

"indeed. Then simply watch." Said Lancelot though he still didn't trust whoever Sage was

For a moment, Sage studied him in silence

Play: Fennel Seed – Native Faith

"…very well.." muttered Sage as she then she raised her hand toward the sky. A wave of distortion rippled across the air, like a magnetic pulse. The Wyvern's flight stuttered as its red eyes glowed brighter for a moment. As if directly spotting Lancelot where he was. It roared a metallic shriek of fury

"You now have its attention," Sage said quietly. And then—she was gone. Flickered out of view.

Lancelot exhaled deeply, and raised Arondight, its silver blade gleaming in the strange light. "Come, then. Let us test your might."

The Wyvern dove from the sky as Lancelot braced himself lf for whatever it may do. A mechanical whirr echoed through the winds before a barrage of missiles screamed through the air toward him

In a blink, Lancelot warped forward and reappeared mid-air between the incoming projectiles, slicing two clean in half with a single, fluid spin of Arondight. Another missile barreled toward him—too close to slash

"Tch—" muttered Lancelot as he twisted mid-air and kicked the missile, redirecting it with a crack of impact. The projectile flew off-course—crashing into the Wyvern's face, erupting in sparks. The beast shrieked In rage, its flight path faltering for a split-second

Lancelot took his chance and launched himself from another incoming missile, vaulting off it like a springboard. The sky blurred behind him as he rocketed toward the Wyvern

A flurry of slashes struck the Wyvern's armor. Silver arcs of light streaked through the air with each cut. Sparks erupted across the beast's metallic hide as Lancelot ripped through its plating, targeting joints and vulnerable wires

But the Wyvern wasn't done as with a snarl of twisting metal, it raised a massive claw and swiped at Lancelot with blistering speed forcing Lancelot to twist his body in the air just in time the claw narrowly missing him

He flipped mid-air and landed gracefully, sliding backward on his heels across the stone floor before stabbing Arondight into the ground to stabilize. Dust whirled around him. The Wyvern circled once more, smoke trailing from its head

Lancelot stood again as he used his air shoes and an archway to launch himself high into the sky, landing hard onto the Wyvern's back. He clutched onto one of the spikes along its spine as the mechanical dragon let out a warped roar, twisting violently midair

The Wyvern banked hard, spinning and spiraling with unnatural speed, trying to dislodge the armored knight. Lancelot's grip tightened, the wind tearing past his helm as he dragged Arondight behind him, waiting for the perfect moment

Suddenly, the Wyvern stopped twisting and rocketed downward, nose-diving, smashing into the ground and Lancelot was flung off by the force, tumbling through the air before landing on one knee with a skidding halt

He looked up to see more missiles raining down toward him like falling stars. Lancelot's eyes flashed red

He thrust out his gauntleted hand, doom spears erupting in a spread, each intercepting a missile mid-flight. Explosions burst across the sky, filling the air with smoke and fire. Lancelot zipped between blasts, his air shoes leaving trails of crimson light

From above, the Wyvern's chest and throat began to glow—a piercing red light building in its mouth and fired a beam across the terrain. Lancelot darted across the land teleporting from cliff to lake, from rock to tower, the beam trailing behind him like a death sentence

He launched himself upward with a spiraling jump, then fired more Doom Spears, aiming for the Wyvern's neck. Several spears hit near the target, staggering it just as the laser ceased. The beast screeched in pain, body glowing with cracks of red energy

Crackling with white-hot electricity, the Wyvern's frame surged with energy as It rocketed forward, a blinding streak of black and white bolts surging toward Lancelot like a living spear

Lancelot ground his heel into the earth, his power spiraling outward. Dark energy spiraled and pulsed from his body, his eyes glowing a searing crimson

"CHAOS—PUNISHMENT!"

With a furious roar, he unleashed a dome of chaotic energy, an explosive Chaos Blast that erupted outward in a sphere of red and black. The Wyvern smashed into it mid-flight, its armor scorched and circuits frying. It reeled back as sparks danced across its frame, circuits twitching violently

Without hesitation, Lancelot warped, appearing above the beast in a blink. Arondight flashed like lightning as he delivered a flurry of split-second slashes, each strike a blur of red lines across the Wyvern's hide, tearing through plating and exposed conduits

His air shoes propelled him midair and delivered a devastating roundhouse kick, slamming into the Wyvern's jaw and sending the behemoth spiraling back across the broken landscape

Snarling with fury, the Wyvern regained flight and unleashed everything it had with a storm of missiles

"Chaos Control."

Time slowed to a crawl. The missiles, lasers, smoke trails—all frozen in time

He warped from missile to missile, slashing their trajectory with precision and force, redirecting them one by one toward the Wyvern. Sparks and slowed detonations followed his trail. As the redirected missiles hovered in midair around the stunned Wyvern, Lancelot summoned a barrage of Doom Spears towards it

Finally, Lancelot landed atop one of the missiles, crouched with a smirk behind his helm, he allowed time to resume

The redirected missiles and spears slammed into the Wyvern's body as time snapped forward. Explosions ripped through its sides, sending it spiraling in agony, roaring as smoke and fire enveloped it

Soaring high in the air, Lancelot hovered for a breathless moment. He looked to Arondight, its edge glowing with residual Chaos energy, then cast his eyes toward the beast below

He narrowed his eyes tightening his grip on Arondight "For them…" he whispered, thinking of Percival, Honey, Gawain, Gamma, Nimue, and the realm he called home

Without another word, his air shoes ignited, and he launched himself downward—spinning rapidly, cloaked in a vortex of crimson and black energy. His form became a deadly spiral, a living sawblade

He crashed into the Wyvern's back like a meteor

Sparks flew in all directions as he carved a fiery trail along its spine, slicing through reinforced armor, cables, and internal mechanisms. The Wyvern screeched, its systems shorting out

Lancelot's spinning strike reached the back of its skull, tearing through plating as he moved like a crimson comet

With a deafening roar, the Wyvern lost control—its body twisting in the air before it plummeted downward, crashing into the rocky ground with such force that the island trembled. It skidded across the terrain, carving a deep trench in the earth as explosions erupted across its body one after another—missile pods, rods, engines—bursting in a chain reaction of fiery demise

BOOM!

BOOM!

KRA-KOOM!

The Wyvern twisted violently as its central core overloaded. Finally, a massive explosion engulfed it, sending metallic debris falling

And from the fire and dust, Lancelot's figure fell from the smoke-streaked sky, battered and trailing smoke. He hit the ground hard with a loud crash

With tired breaths he pushed himself up from the cracked earth, a grunt escaping his lips as he planted Arondight into the ground for balance. His breath came in slow, steady heaves. Sparks flickered in the distance from the burning remains of the Wyvern as they start to disappear

A distorted, echoing voice cut through the silence that belonged to Sage

"That was… impressive."

Lancelot's crimson eyes narrowed, turning toward Sage as she hovered a few feet above the ground, her form glitching slightly. Lancelot's grip tightened slightly

"So tell me.. how much sway must you have if you managed to make it angry at me…?"

"I have access to many robotic entities on these islands… only to an extent. I know you weren't fond of fighting that. But it was the most I could do." Said Sage

Her answer only deepened Lancelot's suspicion. His shoulders squared

"Should I expect you to turn that ability against me next?" he said sharply. "Is this going to be a game to kill me?"

Sage tilted her head slightly. "If I wanted you dead, you would not be standing." To Lancelot's surprise, there was no arrogance in her tone. Which prompted him to lower arondight slightly. but his gaze stayed locked on her. "However. I hope you do not mind me inquiring for some answers"

"…" uttered Lancelot

Sage's voice glitched momentarily before settling. "How did you arrive here? No ordinary being can breach the boundaries of Chaos Island.."

Lancelot looked away, reluctantly. "A… time monster. It tampered with time and space. I don't know what its goal is—but I know it cast me into this fractured realm. I intend to find it… and end its chaos."

That, at last, seemed to spark curiosity in Sage's otherwise still demeanor. Her holographic eyes flickered with faint light

"Your claim aligns with the anomalies in my records." She said "You are not the first displaced entity. My scans have detected traces of Black Arms DNA in other incursions—biological presences that do not belong in this timeline or location. They arrived through… cracks. Cracks in space-time."

Lancelot's eyes widened subtly at the mention of the Black Arms, a name that pulled at the edges of his memory…

Of Black Doom…

Of Shadow…

"Tch.. I need put of this madness.." muttered Lancelot as he turned away from her. As he followed the energy of the shard. But Sage floated after him

"I am also curious…" she said softly "From all of your similarities to Shadow. What is your relation with him?

Lancelot slowed slightly, but didn't turn. "Besides our appearance?" he muttered. "There is… a dark entity. One that claims my destiny is intertwined with his. To what extent, I don't know."

Sage drifted beside him, her expression unchanged but her voice curious. "Is there anything else you can tell me?"

Lancelot's pace remained steady and clearly still distrustful of Sage "No." making her frown. But she continued to follow him

Eventually. Not too far away. They came close to the shard. Sage seemed to scan it before she hovered in front of Lancelot

"Are you sure you want to touch that?" she asked. "The pulse it emits… is unstable. Dangerous…. The consequences could be unpredictable.."

Lancelot stepped down toward it without no hesitation "…its not the first time its happened…" as He knelt down, hand hovering just above the shard's glowing surface. Before his fingers could grasp it, he paused—just long enough to glance back toward Sage. "Now be gone."

Her holographic form flickered, and for a moment, a subtle grimace crossed her usually emotionless face—uncertainty, or perhaps concern

Then, he touched the shard causing a blinding emerald light erupted from the shard, engulfing everything around them. Sage raised her hand in alarm, eyes wide for the first time. "What—?!"

Play: Sonic and the Black Knight OST – The Cauldron

The green light faded—and once again, Lancelot felt the familiar, unsettling sensation of falling. Gritting his teeth, he growled under his breath. "Damned shard… warped everything before I could even touch it."

He twisted midair, arms tight at his sides, scanning his surroundings. The air shimmered with heat, and the terrain below grew clearer with each second: dark, scorched rock… streams of molten lava… broken ruins overgrown with obsidian vines

Then he recognized it "…I'm back," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "My realm."

And yet, something was wrong. The skies were torn—riddled with cracks in time, jagged like lightning frozen in place. Through them, faint glimpses of other worlds shimmered like mirages. He hadn't been gone long… not at all. The damage was still fresh

As his descent slowed thanks to his air shoes, he felt the growing heat—intense and oppressive. Beads of sweat formed beneath his armor, even with his conditioning.

"Tch… why is it always volcanos?" he muttered as his gaze shifted to the horizon—where plumes of smoke and fire erupted from jagged peaks. The Cauldron Village, long abandoned, lay nestled in the valley of molten rivers

With a short huff, he muttered to himself with a dry tone: "How did Percival walk through here without collapsing from the heat…?"

He waved the thought away with a gloved hand. "…Right. Fire powers."

Touching down on a cracked stone outcrop, Lancelot landed with grace and a light metallic thud. He rose to full height, eyes scanning the area. "Just don't let there be another dragon."

But fate, of course, never listened. As from the heart of the abandoned Cauldron Village, Knights of the Underworld. Began to appear readying their weapons upon spotting him

Lancelot exhaled slowly, lifting Arondight into a ready stance and shot forward, a streak of black and red across the smoldering ground. The first Knight of the Underworld barely registered the movement before the blade sliced through its torso in a flash of silver

Metallic limbs clattered to the stone as Lancelot twisted, blade already in motion—*one slash, two, three— and more of the shadowy knights were cleaved apart in bursts of dark smoke. "Out of my way!"

An arrow whistled past his head—then another. Lancelot ducked low, then zipped sideways, letting the flaming bolts explode harmlessly against the ground behind him. With a narrowed glare, he lifted his hand and shot out multiple Doom spears

The spears pierced the archers on the rooftops and cliffs above as more knights charged from the ruins. Lancelot spun in place, blade arcing in a perfect circle slaying all that got close

Then a strange, shrill buzzing reached his ears making his crimson eyes flick upward

From the cracks in the sky—swarms of Buzz Bombers poured in like hornets from a hive. Their glowing eyes and chrome shells reflected the molten light as they descended upon the skies

"Not those things again…" muttered Lancelot as with a sharp breath, he slid one foot back, and dashed forward once more, ready to cut through the aerial onslaught

Several Buzz Bombers buzzed dangerously close, their mechanical wings humming with aggression. Lancelot didn't hesitate—he thrust his hand forward and doom spears shot out like homing lances, skewering through the metallic wasps. Explosions lit the air as scrap and fire rained down around him

But just as Lancelot landed on the ground. He heard a voice he recognized from before

"Miss me hedgehog?" said the voice that boomed with arrogance

Smoke parted above the volcanic spires—a massive Buzz Bomber, easily several times the size of the others, soared down from the. But what truly caught Lancelot's eye was the figure standing atop it, arms crossed, a fanged sneer on his face…. Zavok

"Still standing, I see," Zavok growled. "But not for long." As he cracked his knuckles "Now that neither of what I assume to be your wives and your robot friend aren't here. That just leaves you here… alone.."

Lancelot narrowed his eyes with a slight growl

"I'll crush you like the insect you are. And this time… I'll enjoy it." Said Zavok as he slammed his fists together with a thunderous clap as the Buzz bomber shoots a barrage of lasers toward the ground below

Lancelot leapt backward, eyes blazing as the air filled with fire and smoke and darted across the molten terrain, narrowly avoiding the scorching laserfire from the colossal Buzz Bomber. Each blast sent plumes of magma and debris into the air

"You'll have to do better than that!" he growled, eyes locked on the giant machine above.

As the next barrage of missiles launched, Lancelot warped onto one mid-air, and then again—and again—using the flying projectiles as stepping stones until he reached the massive Buzz Bomber's side. With a battle cry, he brought Arondight crashing down, slicing through a major thruster in a flash

The mighty machine sputtered violently as fire burst from its side. With its engines crippled, the monstrous Buzz Bomber began to spiral downward, smoke trailing behind like a dying comet. It slammed into the earth, shaking the volcanic valley and kicking up clouds of ash and shrapnel

From the flaming wreckage, Zavok emerged with a thunderous stomp, unfazed by the crash. He hopped down from the wreck, landing heavily on cracked obsidian, steam hissing around his feet

"So you can cut down a machine," Zavok said with a sneer, slowly dragging his claws together with a grating metallic scrape. "Let's see you handle me."

Lancelot lowered into a battle stance, his sword gleaming despite the dark sky above. Sparks from the volcano flickered around them like fireflies

"You've failed before," Lancelot said coldly. "And you'll fail again."

The ground cracked beneath Zavok's foot as he charged, his roar shaking the air. Lancelot then spun in, Arondight blazing with dark energy, landing rapid slashes against Zavok's thick hide—but Zavok was faster than before. He grunted, parried with his spiked forearms, then retaliated with a sweeping punch that sent Lancelot crashing through a half-toppled stone house, blasting it apart in a hail of rubble

Lancelot skidded to a halt and wiping blood from his mouth. He barely had a second to catch his breath before Zavok came barreling through the debris

"I learned from our last fight, knight. You won't find me unprepared again!" said Zavok as he grabbed part of the collapsed tower and hurled it like a javelin, forcing Lancelot to warp aside mid-air, only to be caught off guard by Zavok's speed, who lunged above him and slammed him into the ground like a meteor

The impact cracked the ground, sending molten veins seeping outward. Lancelot gritted his teeth and launched Doom Spears upward, hitting Zavok's shoulder and forcing him to stumble back—just long enough for Lancelot to dash up a wall and leap from the roof, sword poised for a diving strike

But Zavok caught Arondight mid-swing, and with a savage growl, kicked Lancelot through an ancient blacksmith's forge, causing the entire structure to collapse around him.

Lancelot coughed, pushing up from the wreckage, his armor scratched, his muscles aching. Zavok slowly advanced, glowing eyes fixed on him

" You're just delaying your end." Said Zavok "It's fitting that its happening here"

"Then I'll delay it long enough to take you with me." Uttered Lancelot

With a surge of willpower, Lancelot unleashed a burst of chaos energy, warping behind Zavok and slashing across his back. Zavok roared in pain but spun with a backhanded claw that cut across Lancelot's chest plate, sparks flying

Zavok then swung a devastating punch—Lancelot tried to block but was blasted clean through a tall pillar, his body crashing into the stone with a thunderous crack. The tower trembled, and before Lancelot could recover, Zavok lunged, snarling as his burning fist came down

Lancelot warped away just in time, the punch obliterating the pillar's base. Cracks raced up the structure, and with a groaning rumble, the tower began to collapse, raining stone and metal toward both combatants

Zavok bared his teeth and glared upward—but before he could react fully, the top half of the tower slammed down onto him, burying him in a violent explosion of dust and rubble

Lancelot landed nearby, panting, sweat and soot clinging to his armor. For a brief second, the only sound was the roar of the volcanoes and the crackle of fire

The debris erupted outward, chunks of stone launching like shrapnel as Zavok burst from the wreckage, snarling in rage, body smoking from the impact "You can't run from me, knight!"

Before Lancelot could react, Zavok tackled him mid-air, driving him into the ground in a fiery impact that cratered the molten stone floor. The two rolled violently, exchanging vicious blows—Zavok's fists like hammers, Lancelot's sword flashing in desperate counters

Then, with a sudden smirk and a wild gleam in his eye, Zavok leapt back, landing atop a fractured slab of stone jutting from the ground. "Let's have our fun closer to death's door, knight!"

Lancelot narrowed his eyes "We finish this here."

But Zavok only chuckled darkly. With a flick of his wrist, he revealed the glowing Master Emerald shard, pulsing with chaotic energy

Lancelot's eyes widened. "Where did you—?!"

But before he could lunge, Zavok clenched his hand, and the shard vanished in a flash of dark energy, hidden somewhere only he knew. "If you want it back… come and take it."

With a roar, Zavok turned and leapt, vaulting toward the edge of the village—closer to the volcanic rim, where geysers of lava began to erupt violently, painting the sky in a hellish red glow

Lancelot's heart pounded as molten fire rained from above. He gritted his teeth and gave chase, sprinting with his air shoes streaking across the scorched stone, dodging falling debris "Zavok!" he shouted, fury burning in his voice. "Hand over the shard!"

Zavok only laughed, his silhouette framed by the volcanic light. "Then come face me… where even gods fear to tread!"

They charged toward one another at the edge of the molten cliffs. Lava surged and splashed below, a fiery sea that hissed and roared with every eruption. The abandoned village was far behind them now—nothing but rubble beneath a sky torn with cracks in time

Zavok's fist met Lancelot's sword in a flash of sparks, the force shaking the ledge they stood on. The two titans clashed once more, their battle now illuminated by the infernal glow of the volcanoes

Zavok snarled and slashed wildly, claws swiping with tremendous power that forced Lancelot back step by step. Lancelot skidded back, planting his heels in the cracked stone before blasting forward with his air shoes, bringing Arondight down in a series of rapid, flashing slashes

Zavok took a crushing swing, but Lancelot ducked low, spinning to the side and slashing Zavok across the ribs. Zavok roared, but grabbed Lancelot's arm and hurled him across the rocks, sending him crashing through a jagged cliffside

Smoke and ash clouded the air as Lancelot emerged from the rubble, blood dripping from a cut across his cheek. He glared "I've faced worse in the deepest night…"

He held out his hand and summoned more Doom Spears launching them it straight at Zavok. The red beast knocked it aside, but the explosion from its impact forced him off balance

Lancelot seized the moment, warping directly in front of Zavok with Chaos Control. However in nearly a split second Zavok slammed into him with brutal force, sending him crashing through a crumbling rock spire that exploded in a cloud of debris

Lancelot grunted in pain as he tumbled across the molten-streaked terrain, his armor scorched and dented. He pushed himself to one knee, gripping Arondight tightly, but his breath came heavy

Zavok stalked toward him with a wicked grin, embers rising behind him like spirits.

"What's the matter, knight? Running out of steam?"

He raised a claw and launched a barrage of fire-coated punches, each one cracking the earth as Lancelot ducked, dodged, and parried desperately. Despite his skill, Lancelot was being driven back, his footing breaking beneath him as a wave of lava surged nearby

Zavok's fist came down—Lancelot caught it with both hands, but the sheer weight forced him to his knees. Gritting his teeth, he strained to hold his ground, his boots digging into cracked stone

He twisted his body, flipping Zavok over with a burst of Chaos energy, but the red brute landed with a roll and immediately rebounded, crashing his head into Lancelot's chest like a battering ram and sending him skidding toward the volcano's edge

Lancelot coughed, staggering to his feet. The air shimmered with heat. His sword hand trembled slightly

Zavok grinned "Maybe I'll go find your friends and end them when I'm finished with you! Starting with… one of your wives"

Lancelot's eyes narrowed, glowing faintly as he clenched Arondight tighter. "You won't lay a claw on them…"

"We shall see then!" said Zavok leaping again, claws ready to tear through him

The lava beneath them churned violently as the fractured rock beneath Lancelot and Zavok trembled—then, without warning, an explosive geyser of magma shot upward, blasting the rock high into the air like a volcanic missile with both warriors still locked atop it

The world blurred around them—fiery clouds, molten light, and plumes of ash soaring past as the jagged platform rocketed skyward

Zavok skidded back slightly from the force but grinned wildly, blood and heat rushing in his veins. "Perfect! Let's end this with fire beneath our feet and fury in our hands!"

Lancelot steadied himself as the rock plateau began to slow at its peak, Arondight crackling faintly with dark energy. Then they both lunged at once, Lancelot spun mid-air, blade trailing arcs of energy, while Zavok roared, bringing both fists forward with volcanic force

And the shattered remains of the rock platform erupted around them, raining debris toward the lava below

*SLASH*

Lancelot landed first, sliding to a halt on the crumbling stone, Arondight humming with power at his side. Zavok struck the ground a beat later, skidding before falling to one knee. He gritted his teeth, glaring up at Lancelot in disbelief

"You… actually bested me…"

Lancelot ominously turned to Zavok raising his sword as with slow steps he began to approach "Then I'll pry the shard from your corpse if I must." With subtle murderous intent

Zavok let out a hollow, rumbling laugh. "Heh… one last thing… before you try."

Before Lancelot could react, Zavok leaned backward and let himself fall into the lava, his massive form vanishing beneath the molten surface with a loud hiss and splash

Lancelot stood over the edge as then a deafening rumble shook the volcano. The lava bubbled violently before a massive hand—several times the size of before—erupted from the magma, molten fire rolling off it in waves

Zavok's form surged from the depths, now enormous, mutated by the extreme heat and his own dark power. Flames danced across his fists, horns glowing like molten metal, and eyes burning with rage

He let out a beastly roar that echoed across the volcanic cliffs. "Let's see how you deal… with someone this powerful, knight!"

He smashed both flaming fists together, lava sloshing outward in arcs as the ground quaked beneath them, the sky itself darkening under his twisted power

Lancelot narrowed his eyes, gripping Arondight tighter, "Then I'll cut you down… no matter how big you grow." As he lunged toward the towering form of Zavok, his blade shining bright against the oppressive glow of molten lava

Each step forward was met with a thunderous blow—Zavok's massive fists, now wreathed in fire, rained down like meteors, blasting chunks of rock and sending plumes of flame into the sky

Lancelot ducked, flipped, and dashed between each hit, using his speed and technique to avoid being crushed. But even with Arondight carving deep gouges into Zavok's hide, it wasn't enough

Zavok roared and opened his palms, letting loose streams of hellish flame, forcing Lancelot to retreat as the very ground behind him caught ablaze. "Burn, knight!" Zavok snarled. "Let me reduce your legend to ash!"

Lancelot panted, sweat beading beneath his armor as he leapt to the side, barely avoiding a flaming punch that shattered a spire of volcanic rock. He took cover behind a scorched boulder as a column of fire rained past him, and for a fleeting second, his hand trembled

He glanced down at his gauntlet, where a faint black aura shimmered around his fingers.

Zavok, now fully engulfed in flame, charged through the smoke like a burning juggernaut. "Decide quickly, little knight!" Zavok taunted, flame surging in his claws. "You're outmatched. Outburned. Outdone."

Each step the Zeti took shook the very ground, embers rising around him like fireflies of doom. His molten fists cracked boulders like brittle glass, and the inferno spilling from his claws painted the terrain in destruction

Lancelot stepped forward, raising Arondight. A glimmer of darkness pulsed along the edge. "I won't fall here…" more black energy rippled faintly from his gauntlet

Zavok raised a flaming hand and hurled a wave of fire, roaring, Lancelot leapt into the air, flipping above the inferno and extended his arm and, in a flash of black-and-red energy—

A barrage of Doom Spears shot forward, hitting Zavok's shoulder, knee, and chest. The Zeti howled in fury, stumbling back, smoke billowing from the wounds. Still, he didn't fall

Zavok surged forward in a blind rage, swinging his fists like wrecking balls. Lancelot ducked, twisted, narrowly avoiding the flaming strikes as embers danced against his helmet

He slid back across scorched stone, kneeling with one hand pressed against the ground. He then rose to his feet as power surged through his body, a spiraling storm of light and shadow igniting around him. Zavok paused, eyes narrowing, realizing too late what was coming

"Chaos Punishment!"

A colossal explosion of red chaotic energy engulfed everything in a deafening boom.

"NO! IMPOSSIBLE!" yelled Zavok as his scream was swallowed by the eruption as he was flung back, scorched and overwhelmed, his giant body crashing into the side of the volcano, causing a cascade of molten rock to spill in his wake

As the light faded, the smoke slowly cleared and Lancelot stood at the center of a scorched crater with Arondight buried into the ground beside him like a banner of victory

Meanwhile, Zavok lay slumped against jagged rock, his body flickering with the last remnants of his flame. He growled weakly, trying to move, but his strength had left him.

"How?… the dark knight gave me more power..…" Zavok muttered, his voice a rumble of disbelief. As his once-titanic body now rapidly shrinking as a strange green light forced itself from his chest. He gagged and them "PFF…ugh…"

He spat Master Emerald shard from his mouth and struck the stone, humming softly as it landed as Zavok now is in his normal body side

Lancelot approached slowly readying his sword "You challenged to fight at death's door,…..But it's you who was dragged through it." He said dangerously

"Hah…" Zavok rasped, his lip curling into a pained smirk. "So what now, knight? Gonna run back to your gilded halls and pretend this wasn't coming?"

Lancelot didn't respond, only kept walking, his eyes never leaving the shard. But Zavok's words slithered after him

"Tell me, are you going to abandon your kingdom to fate? Or stay here and burn with it?" His tone twisted darkly, mockingly

"The cracks in the sky… they've invited more guests, you know. Every minute you waste, another piece of your precious Camelot is undone."

Lancelot paused. Zavok was right as while they fought, loads of buzz bombers have been flying in from the cracks in the sky.. and he isnt sure how much time has passed here since he, Percival, and Gawain was lost to white space

Slowly, he turned his head and looked beyond the scorched battlefield—toward the distant towers of Camelot

The sky above the kingdom was still torn open. Looking even worse than before as he saw hundreds or even thousand of Buzz bombers flying around. No doubt attacking. Much of the repairs he and his people has done has been reversed

His knuckles tightened as he felt conflicted. Should he run over and help while he can or return to his team?

"So," Zavok muttered through a bloody grin, "will you run? Or will you finally admit that your honor has a cost?"

Lancelot narrowed his eyes, looking back at the shard glowing faintly ahead of him. He exhaled slowly. Then he growled. "I choose… to keep this realm existing," he declared through clenched teeth. "Even if there's collateral… even if I must carve the threat out by the roots."

Every step became increasingly difficult due to the environment they were in. As he forced himself to get to the shard. And when he took a final step. His legs gave out and dropped to one knee, fingers brushing against the Master Emerald shard. Its power surged beneath his touch

Behind him, Zavok let out a low, amused chuckle, coughing between every breath. "Heh… heheheh… so be it, knight… let's see how long you last…"

The moment Lancelot's fingertips grazed the Master Emerald shard, a searing light erupted from its core blinding everything in sight once again

A violent pull yanked at his body, as if the very fabric of reality twisted beneath his beneath. as much as he saw this coming. Lancelot really hoped it wouldn't happen

Yet it did anyway

Play: Sonic Euphoria OST – Sky Sanctuary Zone (Act 1)

When the light gave way to open sky and Lancelot's eyes snapped open, he realized with a jolt that he is falling again

The air rushed past him as clouds parted, and far below, a surreal sight greeted him:

A sacred domain suspended in the heavens. What looked like floating islands of gleaming marble laced with greenery and some energy that keeps it floating in the air

"By the gods…" he breathed, wind roaring past his face as he weakly pivots himself to fall into the floating temples rather than the endless sky below

He braced himself, slamming down hard onto a worn platform, the impact cracking the stone beneath him. The shock left him still—gasping, stunned—staring up at the endless, broken sky above

For a moment, Lancelot lay there, Zavok's words echoed in his skull like poison:

"Tell me, are you going to abandon your kingdom to date? Or burn with it?…"

He clenched his jaw and tightened his fist, slamming it against the marble floor beneath him. "No…" he growled low. "I chose to protect the realm… even if I must protect it from afar."

Slowly, painfully, he pushed himself up. One knee. Then both feet. His body trembled, but he forced himself to get a better look at his surroundings. The floating sanctuary stretched around him in silence, vast and holy. And strangely. A giant metal ball with a mustache on it that's farther away

Yet large enough to clearly be seen here. He shook his head to refocus on what he's he's looking for

"The shard…" he whispered, scanning the shimmering horizon. He could feel it. The Master Emerald shard was here somewhere amongst those floating temple ruins

And as much as he wouldn't like to admit. Camelot may suffer in his absence. But he would try to end this chaos before it tore the realm apart to the point of no return

And then his thoughts are interrupted by a shrill scream pierced the air

"Help! Somebody, please!"

Lancelot's head snapped in the direction of the cry. Across a broken bridge of floating marble, he saw a hedgehog girl (you all know its Amy) sprinting, her arms clutching a small, trembling Chao, while Egg Pawns chased her with plasma rifles aimed and ready

But what made his breath catch in his throat wasn't the machines—it as the girl

For a split second, the light shimmered… and in place of Amy

Lady Nimue.

Without hesitation, he pushed past the ache in his limbs and leapt into the air—soaring high over the abyss with his air shoes igniting behind him, streaking him forward like a shadowy comet. "Hold on…" he muttered, teeth clenched

The Egg Pawns took aim but it was too late

With a fierce war cry, he drew Arondight, the blade crackling with residual energy, and slashed clean through the first two robots, sparks exploding in the air. A spin and a reverse grip cleaved through another three before his boots touched down on the stone with a heavy thud

Amy froze in place, wide-eyed "S-Shadow?!"

As the last Egg Pawn crumpled in a heap of sparking metal, Lancelot turned, breathing heavily. The adrenaline ebbed—and his legs finally gave out, bringing him crashing to his knees

"No—wait!" Amy gasped, rushing to him. She dropped beside him in the shade of a broken archway, cradling the chao under one arm. "Shadow, hey! Are you okay? Stay with me!"

She looked over his body—scorched armor, bruises, and cuts. It looked like he just fought in hell. Though what got her curious is what is with him wearing armor? She didn't take Shadow for that kind

"Why are you dressed like a knight? What even is this getup—?"

Lancelot reached up with a trembling hand, gently brushing her cheek. His crimson eyes softened as he stared up at her.

"Your face…" he whispered. "It's… still so beautiful… Lady Nimue… it always comforts me"

Then his eyes began to shut

"W-Wait—Shadow? Shadow?!" Amy's voice cracked as she gripped his shoulders, gently shaking him. "That's very sweet of you but Come on, don't pass out on me now!"

The chao whimpered softly in her arms, and Amy's expression twisted between confusion and concern, staring down at the dark knight who had fallen from the sky. The one who looked like Shadow…yet spoke like someone else

In the darkness of unconsciousness, Lancelot's breathing slowed, his mind drifting deeper into a dream—a memory, perhaps, or something more distant and strange.

The world around him was shrouded in fog, thick and silver, hanging low over a misty lake. Water lapped at scattered lily pads, and a faint breeze stirred the reeds. A small black-furred hedgehog boy, no older than a child, stood barefoot at the lake's edge, staring into the haze with wide, uncertain eyes.

He didn't remember why he was there…

But strangely, it didn't matter.

He walked slowly along the mossy bank, his reflection broken by ripples, frogs leaping away from his path with quiet splashes. The air smelled of damp earth and old secrets. He hugged his arms across his chest

Then, through the veil of fog, a shape emerged

An apple tree, perched on a small rise above the water. Its fruit gleamed red and ripe, and the boy's stomach growled painfully. Without hesitation, he backed up a few steps, took a breath—then ran forward and leapt

The water splashed beneath him as he barely cleared the edge, his foot slipping for a moment—but he caught himself. Clambering up the muddy hill, he eyed the low-hanging fruit

One branch arched out, just close enough

He climbed, little fingers grasping the bark, branch by branch, inching toward the apple. The moment his hand brushed its smooth skin—

*CRACK.*

The branch snapped

He fell hard, grunting as he hit the dirt, grass and leaves clinging to his quills. As he sat up and rubbed his elbow, he saw the apple had rolled just out of reach…

Then a growl echoed behind him.

The small hedgehog turned slowly, heart racing, as a massive warthog beast stomped out from the trees. Its tusks scraped the ground, and its snorting breaths steamed in the cold air. The boy backed up, trembling. He wasn't fast enough to run.

He braced himself, arms raised, ready for the pain

But then The warthog was suddenly swept off its hooves, carried by a gust of invisible wind into the woods with a distant crash

The boy's jaw fell open as the wind settled into stillness once more

"It's alright…" came a soft, warm voice. "You're safe now."

The fog shimmered as a silhouette began to take shape, stepping toward him with elegance and grace. A flowing dress, gentle blue hue, and a veil that glowed faintly in the mist. The boy froze as she drew near

Her face became clearer as she lifted her veil. A pink hedgehog woman with kind emerald eyes and a serene smile. She knelt slightly, her tone gentle and curious.

"Are you alright, child?"

The boy stared in awe, not running, not hiding. Somehow… he knew she meant no harm

He gave a silent nod

She smiled deeper and held out her hand. In it, was the apple

He looked at it, then at her again—then reached out and took it carefully, hands shaking. Her eyes held his.

"What is your name?" she asked softly.

He hesitated, lips parting for the first time.

"I… I don't know. I…" He looked down, then back up at her. "Who… who are you?"

The pink lady gave a small bow of her head.

"I am Nimue. The lady of the lake" Her hand gently rested on his shoulder. "And you…?"

Just as he opened his mouth to answer—

"Shadow…!"

The name echoed, not from the dream, but beyond it—growing louder, closer, more urgent.

"Shadow, please—wake up!"

Lady Nimue's expression changed, her eyes wide as her hand gripped his shoulder tighter—

"You must wake up!"

And then—

Light.

Lancelot's eyes snapped open, breath catching in his throat as Amy's voice trembled with relief beside him. "You're awake—thank goodness, you're awake!"

He blinked, trying to focus

Amy was right there, kneeling beside him, clutching the small chao and looking at him with near tears in her eyes. "You scared me…" she whispered

A strange, quiet hope welled up inside him

Lancelot reached forward and, without thinking, pulled Amy gently into an embrace. It wasn't forceful—just sudden and sincere

"I'm… so happy to see you," he murmured, his voice low but filled with emotion. "I am in need of your guidance… Lady Nimue."

"Eh!?" Amy stiffened in surprise, caught entirely off guard. She blinked, glancing down at him with a tilted head. "Uhh… Shadow?" she asked hesitantly. "Are you okay? Did you hit your head too hard or something?"

Lancelot didn't respond right away. The voice… yes, the voice was the same. But the tone—lighter, more energetic, almost impulsive. Not serene. Not regal. Not like her. It was enough to snap him out of the haze

Even if she looked identical to Lady Nimue. Albiet the red dress should've been the first giveaway. His crimson eyes widened in realization

Slowly, Lancelot pulled away, gently separating himself from her. He bowed his head in apology "Forgive me… I mistook you for someone else."

Amy waved a hand dismissively, still a little confused, but not offended. "It's okay… just, uh… why are you dressed like a medieval knight? And where's Rouge? And Omega?"

Lancelot's brow furrowed at the mention of Rouge. But he did recognize the name Omega

"Rouge…?" he echoed. "That name I do not know. But Omega—I believe I've encountered him before. A metal warrior… rather large…lots of weapons..."

Amy's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Big robot, serious voice, kinda scary—but in a good way? Wait, if you know Omega… aren't you still on a team with him?"

Lancelot gave a dry chuckle, adjusting his gauntlet. "A team? No. And I'm afraid I'm not who you think I am."

Amy squinted, clearly perplexed. "You're not Shadow?"

Lancelot shook his head with a small, knightly smile. "No, I am not. Though you are not the first to mistake me for him. I am Sir Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table "

Amy blinked rapidly, the realization dawning slowly, like a puzzle piece falling into place. "Wait… wait a second. You're another version of Shadow? From, like, some sort of storybook world or something?!"

He inclined his head in acknowledgment. "…perhaps?... but I hail from a realm different than here…"

Amy rubbed the back of her head, feeling a bit dumb for not catching on sooner. "Wow. Okay, that makes a lot more sense now." She gave a small smile. "Well… I'm Amy. Amy Rose."

Lancelot nodded, his expression softening. As he takes her hand "A pleasure, Lady Amy."

Amy felt slightly flustered but chuckled lightly. "You don't have to call me lady, y'know."

"As you wish,.. Amy" said Lancelot as he then looked toward the distant sky, cracks shimmering faintly above the horizon. Only clouds below. Before he turned toward Amy, his crimson eyes narrowed with knightly focus, though softened by curiosity "Tell me, Amy… where are we? What is this place… and what events have transpired here?"

Amy looked up, brushing a loose strand of quill behind her ear as the wind gently tousled her fur. As the chaos began to fly closer to her

"We're in Sky Sanctuary. It's a place floating way above the world—sort of a mystic temple in the sky. Kind of like how Angel Island is"

Lancelot did not know what Angel Island was. But he assumed its something similar to here

"I take it you probably saw the giant shadow monster from the sky right?." Said Amy as Lancelot nodded in response "Thought so"

"..but what brought you though?" said Lancelot

"There was a party… Sonic's birthday. Everyone was there. But when that thing attacked, so many chao got scattered everywhere and everyone got kidnapped. Well everyone there except sonic. And when I was rescued by him. I realized the chao are still missing and so I've been looking for the ones that ended up here."

Lancelot furrowed his brow. "Time monster…" He repeated slowly, then looked to the small, round creature nestled in Amy's arms. It blinked curiously and gave a soft coo as it floated upward toward him

He instinctively stepped back slightly, sword arm twitching—until Amy smiled and reached up to nudge the chao forward

"Oh, right! This little one's a chao," she explained. "They're like… magical little creatures. Super sweet. There should be two more hiding around here."

The chao hovered briefly in front of Lancelot, tilting its head adorably. Cautiously, Lancelot extended a gauntleted hand—and the chao nuzzled against it, content

"Chao…" Lancelot echoed, his voice thoughtful, almost reverent. "So small… yet they carry peace in their presence."

Then, another detail stood out to him. "You mentioned… Sonic's birthday? Do you mean… King Sonic?"

Amy blinked. "King—?" She tilted her head, momentarily stunned, then gave a little laugh and waved it off. "Oh! Haha—no, not king. Just Sonic. You know… fastest thing alive? Blue guy, cocky grin? I guess in your world, he's royalty or something?"

Lancelot isnt sure how to answer that "Well… he appeared on my realm….liberated it.. and he left soon after…"

Amy chuckled under her breath not even believing the king part. "Uh huh….Gotta love alternate dimensions…"

She turned back toward the ruins, brushing dust off her dress. "Anyway, there should still be two more chao lost in these ruins. Will you help me find them?"

Without hesitation, Lancelot stepped forward. He took her hands gently in his gloved grip and gazed into her eyes with noble seriousness. "By my sword and oath, I shall see this mission through—for you, Lady Amy." As he then kissed her hand

Amy's cheeks flushed a soft pink. She wasn't sure whether to laugh, smile, or be swept away by his old-fashioned charm

"T-Thank you… Sir Lancelot," she said with a sheepish smile. "Really… thank you."

If she didn't know any better. She would have to admit that this doppelganger of Shadow seems to show more manners than Sonic. As frustrating as it is to admit in her head. In fact

Now that she recalled. Shadow actually gave her the time of day whenever he was able… though it made her wonder how much the similarities extended to between him and Lancelot

Lancelot took a step back, drawing his blade in a swift motion readying himself "Lead the way Lady Amy"

Amy nodded and held the chao protectively as she led Lancelot through the temple

As they walked among the drifting pathways of floating stone and ancient architecture, Lancelot paused for a moment, glancing up at the massive metallic sphere hovering even further high up than they are

"That giant ball in the sky…" he said with a hint of suspicion. "It bears the face of a man… with facial hair. Do you know what manner of sorcery that is?"

Amy followed his gaze and made a small sound of recognition, squinting as if the sight of it annoyed her. "Oh, that? That's the Death Egg. Eggman built it—it's kind of his flying space fortress-slash-ego project. And yeah… he puts his mustached face on everything."

Lancelot frowned in distaste. "A most vile design choice," he muttered. "So… he is the source of these machines?"

"Exactly," Amy nodded. "That's why we're seeing Egg Pawns everywhere."

They traversed weathered bridges suspended in air, vines growing between golden tiles and moss creeping over ancient glyphs. Amy kept pace ahead, her hammer at the ready while Lancelot followed just a step behind, his eyes scanning for danger

Whenever an Egg Pawn appeared—eyes glowing, arms raised—they made short work of it: Amy striking with her hammer in practiced sweeps, and Lancelot slicing through metal

At one point, as they carefully navigated a narrow path of crumbling platforms, a loose stone gave out beneath Amy's boot. She gasped as her balance faltered—"Ah—!"

—Only for Lancelot to react instantly. He darted forward and caught her arm just before she could fall into the misty abyss below. His grip was firm, his stance solid despite the floating ground beneath

"I have you," he said calmly, pulling her back to solid footing

Amy stared at him, breathless, cheeks tinged pink—not entirely from the adrenaline. "T-Thanks…"

Lancelot released her with a brief, solemn nod. "A knight's duty is to protect his lady…" however upon realizing he just said that. He was lowkey glad that neither Percival or Honey were around to hear him say that

Amy chuckled nervously, brushing herself off. "Yeah, no kidding…" as she led the way more carefully, hopping from one temple platform to the next, her boots landing with light taps on the aged stone. Behind her, Lancelot moved with practiced precision, the chao floating dutifully between them like a guiding star

They crossed nearly a dozen ruins already, each more fragmented and unstable than the last. Ivy curled around shattered pillars. many of the temples had begun to collapse, crumbling into dust and mist as if time itself had finally lost patience with them

Suddenly, one such ruin began to give way beneath them. A loud crack echoed through the air as a stone platform Amy had just leapt from crumbled behind her, sending shards tumbling into the endless fog below

"Move!" Lancelot barked, his voice sharp as he slashed through two Egg Pawns that tried to block their path on a narrow bridge

Amy gritted her teeth and ran forward, slamming her hammer into another approaching pawn that tried to ambush them near a bent archway. Sparks flew as its metallic body crumpled

The chao squeaked in alarm as more Egg Pawns dropped from above, jetting down from hovering Eggman drones. One landed near Lancelot, raising a blaster arm

Without hesitation, Lancelot dashed forward, his air shoes igniting with a flicker of energy as he skated through the air. His blade glinted as he spun into a horizontal slash—CLANG!—cutting the machine clean in half before it could fire

"Hmph. These are predictable," he muttered as he landed beside Amy

"You're telling me!" Amy said, panting. "We've gotta move fast. If those floating ruins keep falling, we'll lose any chao still hiding in them!"

A thunderous BOOM sounded in the distance as another temple crumbled like a sandcastle under siege. The blast sent a ripple through the air, forcing Amy to steady herself as a gust of wind nearly knocked her off balance

Lancelot stepped beside her and laid a firm hand on her shoulder. "Stay close. And keep your footing light. These structures are as old as they are noble."

They pressed on—leaping across narrow gaps, climbing broken pillars, and skidding down slanted roofs as Egg Pawns continued to ambush them. Which thankfully wasn't that hard to deal with

As they entered yet another fragment of a once-grand sanctuary, the chao let out a cheerful cry—pointing ahead toward a small glowing shape huddled beneath a collapsed altar

Another chao

Amy gasped with relief. "There's one!"

They rushed toward it—but more Egg Pawns dropped in from above, forming a defensive perimeter around the trembling little creature

"I'll clear the path," Lancelot said, stepping forward with his sword at the ready. "Stand back, Lady Amy."

"Be careful!"

Lancelot launched forward like a comet. Sparks and debris flew as he tore through the machines with a fury. And with One final spin-slice shattered the last Egg Pawn, and the chao quickly flew into Amy's arms with a joyful chirp

But then a deep, thundering ROCKET ROAR split through the sky. The clouds trembled. The temple underfoot shuddered, sending cracks webbing through the stone. Dust and debris rained down from above as something massive descended toward them

Amy turned sharply, eyes wide. "W-What is that?!"

With a loud, metallic clang, the Egg Breaker slammed onto the nearest platform ahead—an enormous bipedal mech dwarfing the Egg Pawns they had just been fighting. Hydraulic pistons hissed as its feet locked into the stone. The robot's shoulders turned, plates sliding open to reveal rocket ports still smoking from descent. Its glowing green fixating directly on Amy and Lancelot

Perched atop its broad back, bolted into the armored plating, was a cage. Inside, the last chao clung to the bars, its tiny arms wrapped protectively around something—something glowing faintly green

Lancelot narrowed his eyes. His gauntlet clenched as he took a step forward "That chao… it holds a Master Emerald shard."

Amy blinked, stunned "Wait—what? Are you sure?!"

Lancelot gave a slow, grim nod. "..I would not mistake it."

Amy's heart sank. "But… the Master Emerald was whole again. I thought Knuckles—! This means it's been shattered again?"

Before either could process the implications, the Egg Breaker's optics brightened, its mace-arm swinging forward with a crash against the ground, sending a tremor through the temple. The two chao squeaked in fear and darted behind a fallen pillar to hide

Lancelot stepped in front of Amy, "Lady Amy, take the little ones and stay back. This battle is mine."

Amy gripped her hammer nervously. "Are you sure you can take that thing alone?"

He turned to her briefly "I will be fine"

Amy hesitated—then gave a small nod. "Alright… but if it gets bad, I'm coming in swinging."

Lancelot gave a small smirk. "I would expect nothing less."

He stepped forward, taking his stance as the Egg Breaker raised its massive mace-arm again, power surging through its shoulder joints

BOOM!

The Egg Breaker's mace-arm came down like a meteor, pulverizing stone as Lancelot leapt aside, narrowly avoiding a crushing blow. Chunks of ancient marble exploded into the air, some tumbling off the floating temple and into the endless white clouds below

Lancelot landed in a crouch on a smaller platform, sword drawn and at the ready. He glanced quickly to where Amy was hiding behind a crumbling column with the two chao. Thankfully they were in a safe distance for now

The massive robot turned its head with a mechanical snarl. Green optics locked on him again. With a whir of servos, its rocket boosters ignited, THRUMMING as it surged across the sky after him, smashing another pillar to dust in its pursuit

Lancelot growled under his breath, darting backward across a narrow archway between two temples to gain the robot's attention

He leaped to the next temple's edge as the Egg Breaker gave chase. The ancient stone cracked under the robot's weight as it landed behind him. One wrong move, one missed step… and Lancelot would plummet into the abyss of clouds below

The Egg Breaker spun its mace-arm and lunged which Lancelot deflected the strike, sliding back from the sheer force of the impact. The edge of the temple crumbled beneath his feet—he leapt away just in time

Midair, he twisted—and with a cry, hurled a Chaos Spear, striking one of the robot's exposed knee joints. The blast buckled the metal, sending the giant staggering. It caught itself with its mace-arm—but Lancelot was already behind it

With a mighty leap, he slashed at its shoulder, cleaving deep into the pistons that powered the mace. The robot spun, swinging wildly—only for Lancelot to roll beneath the blow and slice upward, severing the hydraulic tubing

The mace-arm sparked violently… then exploded at the joint with a deafening blast. The severed weapon spiraled into the sky before vanishing into the clouds

The Egg Breaker screamed in garbled binary and fired its rocket thrusters, keeping itself airborne despite the loss of balance. Its damaged leg dragged against the ground, sparks flying, as it hovered unsteadily

"Persistent thing…" Lancelot muttered as below him, more stone began to give way—the temple wouldn't hold much longer

And behind him, Amy cried out "Lancelot! The chao—!"

He turned as the cage holding the final chao still was trapped in the cage. With a final burst of speed, Lancelot leapt skyward, his air shoes blazing. He soared above the robot and came down in a devastating arc

"TAKE THIS!"

He brought the blade down in a crushing blow against the robot's rocket core, sparks flying as the metal gave way. The thrusters misfired and the Egg Breaker jerked violently, trying to stabilize itself

Smoke and fire spewed from its back. It teetered at the edge of the floating temple—its damaged leg unable to find footing

Its rockets ignited in a last-ditch effort to stay afloat… but even that began to flicker

As the Egg Breaker began to lose altitude, its optics flared bright green—its systems desperate, lashing out blindly. Twin lasers fired from its eyes with a mechanical shriek, carving a searing path toward the floating ruin where Amy and the chao were hidden

"Lady Amy—!"

Lancelot's eyes widened behind his visor as the beams slammed into the columned platform. The ancient structure cracked and collapsed in a thunderous cascade, chunks of stone and marble raining down into the endless sky

Without hesitation, Lancelot launched himself forward like a black streak, diving past falling debris

"!" Amy cried out as the ground gave way beneath her—but then Lancelot managed to grab her, shielding her from a jagged slab of stone

For a heartbeat, they were weightless

The world stilled as Lancelot held Amy tight, and she looked over his shoulder—eyes wide—to see the yawning sky below, nothing but roiling clouds and blue void.

"I've got you," he whispered.

And then, like a hawk in mid-dive, he twisted in the air—feet planting on a falling chunk of temple stone. He sprang from one chunk to the next, leaping between the debris as it tumbled through the sky

Amy clung to him, heart pounding as they finally reached a half-toppled pillar still anchored to one of the larger ruins. With one final vault, Lancelot landed and set Amy down safely on her feet

"Are you hurt?" he asked, scanning her quickly

She shook her head, stunned. "No… I'm okay—Lancelot, thank you. But the robot—!"

Lancelot's eyes widened and he quickly looked back.
Below them, the Egg Breaker plummeted, smoke trailing behind it as it shattered through one of the remaining large floating ruins. The cage holding the chao still clung to its back.
And the robot's rocket was reigniting, flickering, threatening to escape

Lancelot narrowed his eyes "Stay here."

Before Amy could stop him, he turned and dove off the ledge—straight down into the clouds, after the crashing machine

Amy rushed to the edge, gripping the stone as she watched him disappear into the mist and falling debris, a lone knight chasing a monster through the heavens. "Lancelot… be careful."

The sky screamed around Lancelot as he descended like a meteor of darkness. Below him, the Egg Breaker flailed, its remaining arm jerking upward in a desperate attempt to swat him away like a gnat

Lancelot vanished in a streak of black light, warping midair and reappearing on the robot's chest with a resounding clang. The Egg Breaker shuddered under his weight, its optics flickering in warning, but it was too late

With a roar, Lancelot drove Arondight down, carving into the metal shoulder joint and then the robot's final arm detached, spiraling off into the sky below

Then Lancelot turned his fury inward. Blades danced, piercing armor, ripping into circuits. He cleaved through wiring, disabling stabilizers and tearing through its chestplate like parchment. The Egg Breaker's frame lurched wildly, smoke pouring from its seams

His eyes locked onto the cage as inside, the final chao trembled, clutching a glimmering green shard

With a powerful upward strike, Lancelot shattered the cage, the door flying free in a burst of shrapnel. The freed chao immediately flapped its tiny wings and soared upward, disappearing toward the sanctum above

But the shard—it slipped through the bars, glinting once before beginning to fall.

Time seemed to slow for him as he lunged—stretching out his hand—fingers nearly getting close enough to touch it

"LANCELOT!"

He heard Amy's voice, but it would be the last he would hear of her as he descended with the Egg Breaker tumbling lifelessly into the clouds

As the Master Emerald shard, still out of reach, began to pulse brightly with energy once again. The glow intensified, momentarily blinding, forcing Lancelot to shield his eyes

Play: Sonic Unleashed OST – Cool Edge (Day)

When the light faded, the air was different. Much colder than he expected. He blinked rapidly as falling further down, clouds parted to reveal a vast frozen wilderness

An endless tundra of cracked ice floes and glacial peaks stretched in all directions, glistening in shades of silver and pale blue. Towering mountains of frost jutted into the heavens, their peaks whipped by snowstorms. Far in the distance, the silhouettes of icy forests and frozen caves blinked in and out of view beneath a dull arctic sun

"This place… its colder than Scotland…It's colder than the northernmost peaks I've ever known…" he muttered as with a burst of effort, he activated his air shoes, slowing his plummet into a controlled descent. The wind frozen mist formed across the edges of his visor

He landed hard atop a jagged, icy summit, the snow crunching beneath his weight. He dropped to one knee, breathing slow and steady, sword drawn as if expecting an ambush.

But nothing moved…. Just him

He slowly stood and looked around. Snow-capped ridges surrounded him, and down below, only more ice structures and glaciers lay ahead… as if there was no real land beneath his feet

"Where… am I?"

His fingers tightened around his sword's hilt, feeling the faint hum of energy from the Master Emerald. Though he hoped he wouldn't have to go digging in all this snow

"It's this way…I can feel it…"

Without hesitation, he kicked off with a force that sent him zooming down the icy mountain like a streak of lightning. The flames from his air shoes flared brightly beneath him, leaving a trail of sharp wind and clouds of frost in his wake

As he descended, the land below blurred in a sweep of white—snowflakes whipped violently around him, stinging his skin, but nothing could slow him. The frozen landscape was nothing but a blur

As he zoomed by. He saw a polar bear staring wide-eyed at him, mouth half open, a freshly caught fish hanging from its jaws. The beast stood frozen in shock as the armored knight whizzed by, leaving nothing but a gust of wind in his wake

The bear blinked, unsure of what it had just seen, and lazily turned back to its meal, unbothered but certainly confused

Lancelot didn't even spare a second glance as the snow, the ice, even the cold water beneath the surface of frozen rivers—nothing could stop him…. At least he wouldn't let anything

Propelling himself forward across the icy tundra, he passed through a sudden flurry of movement—a colony of penguins dotting the frozen shoreline. Their tuxedo-like feathers puffed up in the cold, the flightless birds waddled in tightly packed groups, squawking and sliding on their bellies with no other seeming thoughts

One of them blinked at the blur that zipped by

Another raised its flipper slightly, only to lower it again with a baffled chirp before turning back to its snowfish lunch. The rest, after a few confused glances, returned to their waddling and squawking as though the knight had simply been another gust of the wind

Lancelot spared only a quick glance back. "…They appear unbothered by my presence. Peculiar creatures."

He continued zooming over the icy coastline, his air shoes gliding across snow-covered rocks and frozen water. The terrain began to open into wide, frozen bays, dotted with floating sheets of ice. Lancelot expertly swerved between them, with he sound of the rushing wind drowning out everything else

Then a sound completely unknown to him was heard. A low, mournful bellow, resonating like the horn of a distant warship. The knight looked ahead just in time to witness the surface of the freezing ocean bulge and part—and then rise

From the depths, an enormous creature emerged, its blackish-gray form glistening under the wintry sun. It expelled a great spout of water into the air, its massive form breaking the surface in a graceful arch before slowly descending again with a thunderous splash

Lancelot's eyes widened "…A leviathan?" he muttered, awed. "By the Lady of the Lake… Percival and Gawain would never believe such a tale."

Before the astonishment could fully settle, another whale surfaced, and another, until the icy waters were alive with the majestic movements of the humpback whales—their songs echoing through the crisp air, haunting and beautiful

One of the whales, larger than the others and marked by a long scar across its side, rose up beneath a sheet of ice just ahead of Lancelot. But instead of descending like the others, it curved upward, launching its massive tail skyward

Lancelot's instincts flared. "What—?!"

With a booming slap, the tail smacked the water behind him, sending a wave of force that caught Lancelot mid-stride and hurled him skyward—high above the frozen cliffs that had blocked his path moments before

He twisted his body in the air, bracing for the landing. As he cleared the rise, his air shoes flared again, slowing his descent just enough to let him land atop a towering glacier with precision

Panting lightly, he glanced down at the sea below, where the whale briefly breached one last time, almost as if offering a respectful nod, before vanishing beneath the icy waves

"…My thanks, noble beast," Lancelot said under his breath, a hand to his chest

Without wasting a heartbeat more, he turned his gaze forward and once again blazed across the snowy terrain, dashing through ice

Eventually he dashed into the mouth of a frost-covered cave, lit faintly by shafts of sunlight filtering through cracks in the ceiling

The sound of shifting weight echoed through the cave as Lancelot skidded to a stop as he heard sounds of cracks. Overhead, long icicles loosened by the rumble of his movement snapped free. Without hesitation, he vaulted forward just as several sharp, glistening spears of ice plunged down behind him, shattering on the cave floor like glass

He leaned forward and accelerated, weaving between jagged ice pillars and ducking low beneath frozen arches. The deeper he went, the colder it became, his breath now visible with every exhale

Play: MoonDeity – NEON BLADE 2

But then a metallic blur struck from the side. Lancelot was thrown from his path, hitting the icy wall with a grunt. He rolled and immediately sprang to his feet, sword drawn

Before him stood a sleek, mustard-yellow humanoid robot with glowing crystal blue eyes. The air shimmered as one of its arms morphed, extending into a blade

"Hmph. Whatever you may be. You shall be slain" said Lancelot

The robot tilted its head. Its eyes flashed. And without warning—it lunged

Lancelot met its charge head-on in a clash that echoed through the cave. Sparks flew as their blades collided

Lancelot twisted his wrist, trying to leverage the robot off balance, but it spun with inhuman precision, kicking off a nearby pillar and swinging down from above. The black knight backflipped to avoid the slash, landing on one knee and immediately charging again

Their blades met again causing the ice to crack beneath their feet

"You shall be slain" said the robot in a way like a child imitating an influence. It confused Lancelot for a moment. The robot, otherwise known as Emerl seemingly countered as if mimicking his movements

Emerl suddenly leapt back, skidding to a stop. His arm twisted and morphed with a whirring hiss turning into an arm cannon pulsating a blue light

"!" said Lancelot

As Emerl fired a barrage of lasers that cut through ice and steam as they tore toward the black knight

Lancelot's eyes narrowed beneath his visor. He ducked, rolled, and twisted through the blasts, nearly seared by near-misses. He leapt against the wall of the tunnel, kicking off into a spiraling flip as he raised Arondight

With a swift slash, he deflected several blasts, scattering energy across the icy ceiling like a shattered aurora. Lancelot landed hard, then raised his free hand, eyes flaring behind his mask

"Let darkness bind you!"

With a surge of chaos energy, he launched a barrage of Doom Spears at Emerl

Emerl dashed to the side, barely avoiding the first—only for the second to strike his shoulder, sparking violently as it knocked him off balance. The rest slammed into the ground near his feet, detonating with a chaotic pulse that flung him further down the tunnel

Without hesitation, Lancelot charged through the smoke, his blade trailing darkness and frost giving Emerl several powerful slashes before blocking the last one. Upon pushing Lancelot back. Emerl turned towards where the Master emerald shard energy is sense and began to dash its way

"Halt! Vile fiend!" yelled Lancelot as he dashed after him catching up. But upon getting close to Emerl. He switched and spun his sword arm back

Lancelot's air shoes glided over slick ice as he backflipped from a brutal swing, Arondight slicing through a jagged ice column behind him

Then, suddenly Emerl's right arm morphed with a mechanical hiss, reshaping itself into a long arm cannon. Without hesitation, he aimed and unleashed a hail of rapid-fire plasma bolts

Lancelot's eyes narrowed. He dashed to the side, lasers whizzing past him, melting ice wherever they struck. He spun mid-air and batted one bolt away with Arondight, the impact ringing like a gong. Another blast came—he slashed upward, sending it ricocheting into the ceiling, causing a cascade of shimmering icicles to crash between them.

Lancelot growled, breathing hard. "Then allow me to answer in kind."

His gauntlet glowed with red light. With a swipe of his hand, Lancelot shot out three red Chaos Spears

Emerl swerved to avoid two, but the third sliced across his side, sending him staggering back with a robotic grunt. Before he could recover, Lancelot dove forward, sword clashing against the transformed cannon arm, sparks raining again

Their duel continued while the ground beneath them shifted—the slope descending deeper, the icy path narrowing as they fought downhill, always chasing the pulse of the shard

Ice walls exploded from deflected lasers. Lancelot used a crumbling ledge to leap and flip over Emerl, swinging mid-air. Emerl twisted, parried, and countered with another barrage—plasma bolts cutting through the air like lightning which Lancelot dodged

Then Emerl's arm cannon lit up with a blinding pulse putting more power in its shot

*blam*

A direct hit struck Lancelot in the side, sending him hurtling across the icy cavern, smashing through a frozen stalagmite and skidding to a halt along the slick ground. Cracks split the ice beneath him. Snow and frost scattered in his wake.

"Gh—!" Lancelot gritted his teeth, breath visible in the frigid air. His armor sparked along the seam of the blast. That shot had power. Too much for a standard automaton

Emerl advanced, eyes glowing with focused hostility, cannon still hot as it fired again—rapid shots in a straight line toward the fallen knight before he vanished in a blink, warping him behind a glacier, the lasers scorching the ice where he once lay

Without wasting a breath, he warped again—this time appearing directly behind Emerl and launched into a blistering flurry of sword slashes, Arondight cutting arcs while Emerl tried to block, his arm reverting from cannon to blade—but Lancelot's speed was too great.

Slash to the side—across the torso—up from below—spin, strike, warp, SLASH!

Emerl stumbled back from the relentless assault, metal plating sparking with each blow.

Even so… it adapted. Each second, its movements became more refined, more efficient, as if learning Lancelot's rhythm

Lancelot narrowed his eyes, keeping his stance. He could feel it. The fluidity, the strategy—Emerl wasn't just reacting. It was learning. "A mimic? No. An echo…?"

He parried another strike, then dodged a cannon swipe

"Could it be… that Shadow has fought with this machine before?"

With a flash of violet light from his shoes, Lancelot charged once more, blade drawn, ready to bring everything he had to the fight

CRASH!*

Lancelot and Emerl smashed through a thick column of ice, shards flying like glass in every direction. The shock of their impact sent tremors racing along the cavern walls, icicles raining down from above like frozen spears

Emerl's blade arm collided with Lancelot's Arondight. The knight slid backward, boots carving deep tracks in the ice before he dug in and leapt forward again

Lancelot spun and slashed low, striking Emerl's leg and sending sparks flying. Emerl retaliated instantly, shifting his other arm into a hammer-like shape and smashing Lancelot into the icy floor, sending him through the surface and into a lower tier of the cavern

Lancelot burst from the debris seconds later, bruised but still willing. His sword glowed with violet light as he went rocketing into Emerl with a devastating upward slash that launched the robot into the wall

The cavern then shook violently with cracks webbed across every surface. The glacier walls split, and massive slabs of ice broke free, collapsing into the water below with deafening splashes.

"This place won't hold much longer!" Lancelot hissed, blocking a wild cannon blast from Emerl midair

They smashed through a pillar, then another, and then a third—until an entire section of the cavern gave way. The floor cracked wide open, the ice breaking apart like a sinking island.

A massive chunk of glacier plummeted, and Lancelot barely jumped clear, Arondight clashing with Emerl's blade again midair, locked in a storm of sparks and fury

The last remnants of the ceiling gave way as a flood of blinding snow, freezing wind, and collapsing ice surged into the now-open cavern. The fight spilled outward, into the open frozen wastes of Holoska, amidst a storm of white and shards of sky

The frigid wind howled across the desolate expanse as Lancelot and Emerl slammed into the icy ground, their bodies leaving deep craters where they landed. Steam hissed from Emerl's body, and Arondight sparked with Chaos energy, as both got up

And in a flash, they lunged toward each other, blades clashing with enough force to shake the very ground beneath them

Lancelot twisted mid-strike, aiming for Emerl's joints getting a shallow hit whileEmerl retaliated with a brutal roundhouse, catching Lancelot in the side sending him skidding across the frozen ground. But before he could recover, Emerl dashed forward and unleashed a devastating cannon shot, the blast exploding beneath Lancelot and the ice gave way beneath him

"Nngh—!"

Lancelot plunged into the freezing depths, the shock of the cold biting into him like a thousand blades. Darkness swallowed him for a moment, muffled only by the bubbling chaos of water

Emerl turned, optics glowing, scanning the horizon where the Master Emerald shard's energy pulsed in the distance. Without a word, he turned and dashed across the tundra, blades retracting as he picked up speed

But then a burst erupted from beneath the ice, sending frozen shards into the air like jagged daggers

"You're not getting away!"yelled Lancelot as He swung midair, a flurry of Chaos-infused slashes targeting Emerl's path

Emerl halted, spun, and blocked just in time as he launched himself into the air and slammed down with a crushing stomp, sending a deep fracture racing outward

Lancelot barely jumped back as the ground began to give, chunks of glacier fell away as the two bounded from sheet to iceberg, feet skidding on frost-slick surfaces. Below them, only the freezing abyss of the sea waited

Emerl lunged again, aiming a vicious cannon swipe—

But Lancelot ducked low, spun, and landed a brutal slash to Emerl's side, sending the robot skidding violently across the ice. At this point he decided it was either the robot or the shard

With that, Lancelot took off his eyes locked on the faint shard energy

However ice shattered behind him as Emerl erupted back into pursuit, his arms suddenly morphing into massive drills, spiraling with deadly momentum. Chunks of ice flew into the air as Emerl charged, tearing through obstacles like they were made of paper

Lancelot didn't look back. His air shoes blazed, weaving over icy ridges and leaping from glacier to glacier. He could just about hear the mechanical growl behind him as the shriek of spinning drills grew louder

Then one of the drills struck the ice beside him, sending Lancelot stumbling mid-leap. He barely caught the edge of a snow-covered outcropping, pulling himself up just in time to see Emerl launch himself at him drills spinning as Lancelot quickly used his air shoes to shoot himself forward

Lancelot and Emerl crashing into each other as they ended up smashing through the rusted side of a long-abandoned research base, half-buried in ice and frost. Steel walls buckled as they tore through corridors and slammed into cracked floors coated in frost

Emergency lights flickered dimly—somehow still barely powered by sputtering backup generators. Warning signs in faded text lined the walls, and shattered monitors lined the hallways like ancient ghosts of a forgotten age

Emerl burst out of the rubble, his form reshaping from drills to cannon again—he fired off a barrage of energy bolts, searing holes into frozen computer banks and old research terminals

Lancelot backflipped into a low corridor, his boots skidding on icy flooring. He pivoted and hurled a volley of Doom Spears, each one forcing Emerl to block. His arms transformed again—now twin blades, as he began to match Lancelot's swordplay slash for slash, forcing the knight to go on the defensive. Sparks and steel screamed through the corridors

Their fight caused them to burst into a massive observation chamber, the center of the base, with shattered windows facing the icy sea. There, at the far end, pulsing faintly behind cracked glass was the Master Emerald shard

Lancelot's eyes widened and so did Emerl's glowing optics

With a sudden mechanical feint, Emerl twisted his arm-blades inward and struck upward, knocking Arondight clean from Lancelot's grasp. The dark blade spun through the air and vanished into the shattered flooring, falling into the abyss beneath the ruined base.

Lancelot skidded backward, boots scraping across frost-bitten steel. His eyes flicked toward the dark hole where his sword had disappeared—then back to Emerl, who wasted no time. The transforming machine surged forward, both arms shifting into plasma-charged fists, glowing with crackling energy

WHAM! One punch narrowly missed Lancelot's head, denting a reinforced wall

Another came—WHAM!—but Lancelot ducked, spun, and countered with a full-bodied kick to Emerl's midsection, sending him crashing into a bank of ancient monitors, glass and sparks flying

"I don't need my blade to finish this," Lancelot snarled, baring his teeth. The knight clenched his fists and launched himself at Emerl with renewed fury.

Darting low, unleashing a flurry of martial strikes, his air shoes skimming just above the ground as he weaved through Emerl's counterattacks. He ducked a plasma punch, then drove his elbow into Emerl's shoulder joint, briefly staggering the adaptive machine

But Emerl wasn't idle. In an instant, he flipped backwards and reformed one arm into a bladed whip, lashing out across the corridor. It scraped Lancelot's chest plate with a screech—but he powered through the pain. Even if it was getting exhausting as he saw Emerl lunging at him

Each blow from Emerl struck heavier, faster, more calculated than the last. With every passing second, Lancelot found himself forced back, struggling to match the machine's adaptive learning. Emerl had begun to analyze every movement, mimicking sword strikes, countering kicks, and landing punishing blows that rattled the knight's very core

A vicious uppercut sent Lancelot crashing through a wall of frozen pipes, steam hissing as frost sprayed the chamber.

"Tch…" he gritted through his teeth, coughing into his gauntlet. Emerl stepped forward with machine precision, his optics flashing a cold, calculating orange.

Lancelot's eyes narrowed—this can't go on further. Not after the fight with Zavok and the Wyvern back to back

"CHAOS CONTROL!"

He raised his hand and the world around him froze. Snowflakes stopped midair. Sparks from busted wiring froze mid-arc. Even Emerl, lunging forward with a plasma-coated fist, became suspended like a statue

Within the suspended stillness, Lancelot clenched his fists. Dark energy crackled around them and lunged. With his fist slammed into Emerl's face. And another flurry of punches to the torso and side. The base shook as broken walls shattered further under the force

But then—Emerl twitched

"!"

The robot's body began to vibrate—then, in a blinding flash, he snapped free of the temporal bind, his arms converted instantly—one a shield, the other a massive cannon

The time stop shattered, reality crashing back in with a sonic pulse. Emerl launched a point-blank blast. Lancelot dodged at the last second, the shockwave blasting apart what remained of the corridor. Steel beams and data monitors burst into flame, the base's infrastructure groaning in protest

Lancelot moved like a blur, fists streaking with dark fire, dodging plasma bursts, striking exposed joints. Emerl countered with his sheer adaptability, morphing his limbs into whatever the moment required—blades, shields, blasters, hammers

Each clash echoed through the icy halls. They smashed through server rooms, burst into cryo chambers, tore through security corridors where broken warning lights flickered like dying stars and exposed wires danced like dying serpents. Amidst the chaos, something small and glowing green tumbled out of a shattered containment unit—the Master Emerald shard

It bounced along the cracked tile floor and came to rest in the corner of the room, forgotten amidst the storm of war

Lancelot's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of it—but before he could make a move, Emerl's arm shifted, transforming with a brutal hiss of hydraulics into a multi-barreled grenade launcher

Grenades burst from the weapon in a rapid volley, hissing and blinking with high-density energy signatures. The sheer recklessness of it stunned even Lancelot. "He'll destroy everything—including himself!"

With no time to think, Lancelot warped, vanishing in a burst of violet lightning and reappearing behind Emerl in a flash

Three strikes in rapid succession landed before Emerl could react—one to the back, one to the shoulder, and one across his midsection. Sparks and torn metal erupted from each hit as Emerl staggered forward

But behind them, the grenades found their mark—not on Lancelot, but on the infrastructure below

Some detonated harmlessly against the walls—but others rolled deep, deeper than anyone realized, down into the dormant lower levels of the base. One particularly unstable grenade bounced through a cracked elevator shaft and dropped into the ancient, long-decommissioned reactor core

"!-?" said Lancelot noticing the change in heat

BOOOOOOOM!*

The heart of the abandoned research base erupted in a catastrophic explosion, a blinding flash tearing through the structure from the inside out. Ice shattered, steel split, and fire surged where cold once reigned

The blast launched Lancelot, Emerl, and the Master Emerald shard high into the air, debris spiraling with them like a storm of frozen shrapnel. Lancelot, dazed but still conscious, acted on instinct—grabbing hold of Emerl's body and twisting it between himself and the inferno behind

The explosion ripped through Emerl's frame, scorching Lancelot's armor as well despite the buffer. They both spiraled upward, wounds deep and energy flickering, the emerald shard tumbling just ahead of them

Through the rising smoke and glowing embers, Lancelot reached out, battered gauntlet stretching desperately for the shard

"Almost…!"

But just as his fingertips grazed the emerald's light—their ascent slowed

Suspended for the briefest moment in the pale sky, surrounded by falling ash and ice, the shard hung just out of reach. Then gravity took hold.

"!" said Lancelot as he felt himself descending with Emerl

The shard spun away, catching the light one last time as they plummeted downward, their bodies limp from the toll of battle

*CRASH!*

They tore through the thicker ice below, chunks exploding outward from the impact

*SPLASH!*

They sank into the freezing depths of the Holoskan waters, vanishing beneath the ice shelf. All that remained on the surface was the icy ripple of disturbed water—and the faint green shimmer of the Master Emerald shard, now slowly descending after them

Lancelot's body drifted downward, bubbles escaped his mouth as he weakly reached forward—his blurry vision locking onto the faint, green glow of the Master Emerald shard as it slowly descended just out of reach, glimmering like a distant star in the abyss

His fingers twitched

"…Just… a little more…"

But his strength was failing

The cold bit into him deeper than any blade. His lungs burned. The light in his eyes began to dim. His hand fell limp as consciousness started to fade—his final sight a swirl of emerald green swallowed by the void

And then…Not far from where Lancelot and Emerl drifted, a crimson light pierced the shadows—a single glowing eye opening within the deep

A low, distorted chuckle echoed in the depths, like the grinding of ancient stone mixed with something far more unnatural

"Heh… fate is ever so kind… delivering the double of my son at his weakest…" the voice whispered like poison, dark and smooth, echoing as if from within Lancelot's very mind. "I'm sure the knight won't mind me borrowing you..."

Meanwhile…

Play: TCOAAL OST – Old Fairytales

She wasn't sure how long she had been wandering. Not that it was long. But it felt like an eternity. Percival walked as she saw the ruined structures stood around her

Some fully white and bleached of life, others seemed to have their color bcoloring for the ones she knows she hasn't been to. She wondered if it was Lancelot that went in without her. Or anyone else she knows

And trying again. She wanted to be sure as her voice echoed in the distance, carried into nothing

"Lancelot! …Answer me!" she cried out again, her tone cracking just slightly

No reply

Her grip tightened on her sword's hilt. She didn't want to feel the tremble behind her armor, but it was there—tight in her chest

"Gamma? Honey?" she called more softly now. "…Where are you?"

Footsteps. Soft, precise. Then, a familiar chirpy voice rang through the fog "Percival!"

"!?" said Percival as she turned, her eyes gaining hope

Honey the Cat, was sprinting towards her with a bounce in her step. Behind her, came E-102 Gamma, his green optics glowing softly in the mist

Percival let out a breath of relief before She gave a small nod "You're both all right…" she said, her voice carefully measured, yet still betraying her relief. Though she felt disappointed that Lancelot wasn't with them

Honey tilted her head, her hands on her hips. "We're fine! But you look like you've seen a ghost, heh….Any luck finding Lancelot?"

Percival lowered her gaze. "No. Nothing… we are still separated"

"Aw…" muttered Honey "Well now that most of us are back together. It can't take that long to find him"

"maybe so…." Muttered Percival

"Detecting… familiar energy signature. Direction: northeast. Estimated distance: 0.8 kilometers." Said Gamma suddenly causing both girls to perk up

"Familiar? Could it be Lancelot?" Percival asked hoping it is him

Gamma paused for a moment "Possibility: high. Traces match residual chaos frequency." Gesturing over to the castle afar

"…back over there again? You think we might see that Aqua girl too?" said Honey

"….unknown…" said Gamma

"Wherever it is. It must be the link to further realms even if unaffected by the monster…" said Percival as Gamma lead the two girls to the castle

The grand doors of the white castle creaked open, revealing a vast, hollow hall inside—lined with towering windows that showed only endless white. The walls shimmered with a faint iridescence, parts of them still dull and drained of color. The moment they stepped in, an eerie silence fell over the group

Honey cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, her voice echoing through the hollow interior

"Lancelot! If you're here, pretend it's just me! You know, your favorite girl!"

Percival shot her a sidelong glare, unimpressed. "You're not helping." As Honey stuck her tongue out childishly for a moment

Percival took a step forward and raised her voice "Lancelot. If you hear us—make a noise. Anything."

There was a silence since they heard nothing. But before either Honey or Percival could call out again

A feminine enigmatic echoed softly behind them.

"How strange… You're looking for him here?"

The trio froze and turned on instinct

Standing just beyond the doorway they had entered from was a young girl with snow-white hair and red eyes, and a black dress. The three of them immediately felt something off about her

It was Sage

Honey blinked, puzzled at the sight "Uh… is she… lost? Or is this one of those creepy haunted castle kids?" She squinted her eyes at Sage "Kinda looks like…a ghost.. I like your dress though

Percival, on the other hand, stepped forward with sharp instinct. Her rapier slid into position, the tip pointed directly at the girl's chest. "Spirit," she said coldly. "Begone. I sense no life in you—only something twisted."

Sage didn't flinch. Her expression remained passive… maybe even serene

Gamma, who had remained still, suddenly buzzed and clicked softly. "Scanning… unknown entity. Identity not confirmed. Energy pattern matches: Dr. Eggman residual traces. Minimal hostility detected."

Honey's eyes widened slightly. "Wait—Eggman?! She's not one of those Badnik girls, is she?"

Sage slowly lifted a hand "I mean you no harm," she said, voice like calm code wrapped in curiosity. "You seek your friend... I seek… understanding."

Percival didn't lower her blade but kept her eyes locked on Sage's. "Why him? What do you want with Lancelot?"

Sage stood with her hand still raised "I am not looking for Lancelot," Sage finally said, "I only recognized that you are."

That statement made Percival's eyes narrow. Honey, now stepping forward with her arms crossed, tilted her head in suspicion. "Then what did you do to him, huh? Where is he?"

"Indeed…," Percival echoed, steel in her tone as she raised her rapier again. "If you've harmed him in any way, speak now."

Sage shook her head calmly, unshaken by their accusatory stares. "I have seen him," she said, "but I had no involvement in his current state. His fate… was not shaped by me."

Her voice lingered on the word fate just long enough to make both Honey and Percival exchange anxious glances

Gamma's optical sensor adjusted as he stepped forward. "Query: identity. Clarify objective. What are you?"

Sage finally turned her full attention to Gamma. For the first time, her tone softened by a fraction. "I know you. Model E-102 Gamma. You, too, have strayed from your intended path… I am called Sage. Like you… I was created by Dr. Eggman. But that is all you need to know."

Gamma processed that silently, his optic dimming slightly in thought

Percival, stepping forward with a tinge of desperation behind her composed posture, spoke again. "Then answer me this. If you have seen him… do you know where Lancelot is now?"

Sage's gaze drifted toward the sealed door once more. "I am unsure. His energy signature was present, but there is… interference. A second signature—identical in frequency and power."

Her crimson eyes returned to the three of them. "It may be Lancelot. Or it may be Shadow the Hedgehog…"

The moment she spoke the name. Percival's lips parted slightly, her grip tightening on her blade. Honey blinked, then exhaled through her nose and Gamma's processor hummed louder

Sage tilted her head slightly. "Judging by your reactions… I conclude you all know who Shadow is."

Percival was about to respond—when Honey cut in. "Well yeah, but is there a chance you can help us find Lancelot or not?"

Sage studied her for a moment, as though parsing through every word for deeper intent. "I will allow it. But my presence here is… diminished. My power is limited here.." Her voice faltered, just slightly, at the edges of frustration. A crack in her controlled demeanor.

Percival narrowed her eyes at Sage. Feeling there is still something off about Sage "You're holding something back."

Sage didn't deny it—but she didn't confirm it either. "All of us hold secrets… however what I know would not be of consequence here" as the four of them then began to move

Their footsteps echoed faintly as they moved through the long corridor of warped stone and metallic fragments. The deeper they went, the more the light of the white castle behind them faded, replaced by a quiet, suffocating dark

Gamma led the way, his optic softly pulsing with scanner data. Sage walked behind him and Percival remained close, subtly expecting Sage to pull something on them while Honey was in the back

"Hey," she said, glancing sideways at Sage. "Before Percival asks—when you saw Lancelot… what exactly happened?"

Percival shot her a brief glare but said nothing, awaiting Sage's reply with interest of her own

"….He appeared," Sage replied simply. "No warning.. but possibly from the fractures in time.. Searching for a Master Emerald Shard."

Honey and Percival both straightened at that. "He found one?" Percival asked quickly.

Sage gave a subtle nod "Eventually. He did not speak much... But when his hand touched the shard…A white light—blinding. It engulfed everything. I do not know what it meant. When I regained consciousness, I was no longer in that place… only here, in White Space"

"So I wandered," she continued. "Searching for any data, any landmarks I recognized. But this place holds little logic. Most of it was blank.. and then I found you.."

Honey looked back at Sage, chewing her lower lip slightly in thought "And you're sure you're not leaving anything out?" she asked with a skeptical brow raise

Sage's red eyes flicked toward her—but her expression did not change. "Only what is unnecessary to your current goal."

Honey narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Percival, however, quietly noted that Sage's account omitted whatever trials Lancelot endured to find the shard

What else did she see that she didn't say?

To Be continued

Trivia

1: News for KH4 feels like its around the corner. After the constant drought it made me feel like I'm going crazy. UUUUGHHH

But that's Kingdom Hearts for ya. Lots of drought

2: originally, Lancelot was supposed to fight Emerl in Angel Island. Though I wanted it to be a bit more taxing on both of them. And after rewatching playthroughs of Sonic Unleashed

I thought it would certainly be both more fun and brutal at the same time

Though what always strikes me is how similar Sonic Unleashed is to Mario Odyssey. They even had the same designer. Can you believe that? Me neither

Though, while at the time Sega was very inspired by God of War. I think it would've been better if they relegated the more combat focused parts to Shadow and Knuckles

Because Shadow and Knuckles WERE supposed to appear in the game but they got scrapped with only a subtle reference to Shadow in the hours of content

How much their roles were going to extend to is the question. But considering how Amy was more of a background minimal role, I wouldn't be surprised if the same would've been done to Shadow and Knuckle-head.

Like the world is in pieces and Shadow does nothing!? Cmon Sega

But we have to thank the critics for gaslighting Sega into believing that the extended cast was the problem rather than the notion that the game's are unpolished

An effect we felt for a long time though I think is at its end

3: since I rambled about Sonic movies in the previous chapter. I'll do it again here coz I feel like it.

Long prior to Paramount making the Sonic movies. There was 2 pitched Sonic movies both to Sega by Ben Hurst (RIP) who worked on SATAM and Ken Penders who worked on the Archie comics

And while there are 2 or 3 other pitches. I particularly want to mention these two

Ben Hurst wanted to do a follow up to SATAM, while Penders wanted to project his rather perverted vision of Knuckles (which is an interesting rabbit hole of its own)

And whenever it is talked about. No one ever mentions what Sega would've considered as this was in the early 2000s. When Sega was going in on the modern era of Sonic with the success of SA1,SA2, and Heroes

If Sega said yes to making the movie with whatever studio (possibly would've been Dreamworks). They would've more likely said no to both Hurst and Penders ideas in favor of being more closer to games

That being. We would've more likely heard Jason Griffith or Ryan Drummond as Sonic over Jaleel White

And no Sally Acorn no Bunny Rabbot no whoever else originated from SATAM making a return in favor of the newly introduced characters in the modern era

And as dismissive as it may be of me to say. I would've preferred it that way.

Because if Sonic movie following either of their ideas where we see Shadow, Amy, or Omega appear but all the focus goes to a SATAM character like maybe Antoine. I would've been very pissed

4: Don't believe anyone when they say Sonic's real name is Ogilvie Maurice. That's only Canon to the Ken Penders era of the Archie comics.

While that is rather niche. Some people have gotten confused if that was Sonic's real name without knowing where it originated from

5: If there was a certain YouTuber I would recommend watching to have a better understanding of the development, intentions, and the Japanese side of Sonic

I would recommend a youtuber named Pariah695, and while he can definitely be an opinionated guy (Ironic when its me saying that) He in my opinion has a better understanding of Sonic than a lot of people

Its largely because of him that I began to understand that a reason why Sonic is often so inconsistent with its lore despite much implications

Would be because Sega for decades has been treating Sonic lore similar to how Nintendo treats Mario lore. And yeah that's changing now. But it does give context to a lot of decisions regarding lore to the Sonic series at the time. Oh well

6: Funny enough. While we wait for more Sonic content to come around like the alleged Sonic Heroes remake. I can only wonder how Sonic team will handle Frontiers 2

And while some people like the boost gameplay. I always preferred the Open Zone gameplay that the Adventure Games had. It was way more fun for me

And frankly, now that I think about it. Re-releasing Sonic Gens with a Shadow campaign was legit a good idea in hindsight allowing for all 3 styles

Granted I do hope Sega actually learns this time and puts more money and new assets. And maybe even a few new models or tweaked ones

So what about you guys? You like Boost, 2D, or Open Zone?

Bonus Bit..

Amy stirred with a faint groan, her eyelids fluttering as she slowly sat up on a patch of glowing white grass. Her head throbbed faintly, but the moment she came to, three familiar little faces hovered over her with worried chirps

"Ugh…huh…?" she mumbled, blinking at them

The three Chao fluttered above her with cheerful chirps and giggles, relieved to see her conscious. Amy smiled, sitting up fully "You three okay?" she asked gently brushing off her dress

The trio chirped a unison "Chao!" and did little twirls midair as if to prove they were still full of energy. Amy gave a relieved sigh and stood, brushing off her dress

"Well… back here again, huh…" she murmured as she looked around White Space. That eerie, ethereal void of floating paths, unfinished terrain, and places where color hadn't fully returned

"Lancelot?" she called, raising her voice. "You there!?"

No response came. She frowned slightly, tapping her foot with impatience

"Guess not…. wonder when I'll run into Sonic again," she muttered, keeping her voice soft for the Chao's sake. "Or anyone else."

But even as she said it, a name rose in her mind unexpectedly. Shadow

She blinked, glancing to the side as if expecting him to appear beside her with his usual mysterious-ness

"He wasn't at Sonic's birthday party…" she thought with a frown "He's always doing his own thing, but… would he have been taken like the others?...No, she thought. Shadow's way too strong to get caught up in something like this… right?"

Then her eyes narrowed slightly.

"…Lancelot looks exactly like him. If this place has one version of Shadow, could it have more?"

Before her thoughts could wander deeper, a high-pitched chirp! Caught her attention. The three Chao had started floating away, gliding gently down one of the strange paths ahead

"H-Hey! Where are you three going?!" Amy called, waving one arm

The Chao looked back and chirped as if to say "Just follow!"

Amy let out a breath, rubbing the back of her head with a chuckle. "You better not be chasing snacks again… but fine. I'll trust you."

With that, she began to follow, walking lightly along the glimmering trail, the Chao bobbing ahead like little lights guiding her deeper into the strange world. "Let's see if we can find the rest of your friends. And maybe… some of mine too."

Next up: Cold Reunions

So like it? Hate it? Got anything to say?

Because every review is inspiration for continuation