[Mini Story : Night Discussion]
No one's POV
It was nighttime at Sabertooth. Shadow was peacefully sleeping when he suddenly felt something enter his mouth, waking him up instantly—it was Sonic's finger.
Sonic: Yo!
Shadow: What the hell are you doing in my room at 3 AM?
Sonic: I'm just wondering about some things.
Shadow: Are you serious right now?
Sonic: Yes, very serious. I have questions, and I can't sleep.
Shadow: Wait, wait, wait… You left your house all the way from Magnolia to come here just because you have some probably dumb questions?
Sonic: Yes.
Shadow: Get out!
Sonic: No.
Shadow: What do you mean "no"?! Get out of here before I wake everyone up and we beat you until you turn from blue to blood red.
Sonic (pouting): You could at least ask what my questions are.
Shadow: I don't give a damn about your questions. Get lost so I can sleep in peace.
Sonic: Can't you be nice for once and help me out a little?
Shadow: If I answer you, will you leave?
Sonic: Yes.
Shadow: (Sighs) Alright, what are your questions?
Sonic: I don't feel like telling you.
Shadow (shocked): …W-what?
Sonic: I don't feel like telling you. I have the freedom not to share my thoughts. We live in a free world, don't we? Liberty, equality, fraternity…
Shadow: But you were the one who asked me to ask you! Otherwise, I'd be sleeping right now! I don't know, go to church, drink some holy water, do whatever you want as long as you stay away from me.
Sonic: No, wait, let me explain. I didn't say, "Ask me, and I'll answer." I said, "Ask me." Makes sense!
Shadow: GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!
Sting burst into the room.
Sting: What's all this noise, Shadow? Are you talking to yourself at 3 AM?!
Shadow (pointing at Sonic): No, I'm talking to this idiot!
He noticed that Sonic had disappeared.
Shadow: Where did he go? (Gets up and searches the room) Wait, I'm sure he's hiding somewhere.
Sting: Shadow, do you smoke?
Shadow: Uh, no.
Sting: Do you drink alcohol?
Shadow: No, no.
Sting: Do you do drugs?
Shadow: No, no, no.
Sting: So, you don't smoke, you don't drink, you don't do drugs… Shadow, are you schizophrenic?
Shadow: What? No!
Sting: Because only schizophrenics talk to themselves in the middle of the night.
Shadow: I'm not schizophrenic! Sonic was here, he kept annoying me!
Sting: Shadow, Sonic is miles away from here. Even if he had come, we would have noticed. Stop messing with us and go to sleep!
He slammed the door as he left. Shadow lay back down, but he fell off the bed in fright when he saw Sonic reappear as if nothing had happened.
Sonic: Yo!
Shadow: What the hell are you still doing here?!
Sonic: I'm just wondering about some things.
Shadow (hand on his forehead): I don't know who's more annoying—an obsessive love hunter or a blue pervert.
[End of The Mini Story]
Shadow's POV
I woke up in a hostile place. It looked like an ancient city. In front of me, I saw a wide road with a massive looping structure.
Me: Looks like I underestimated that alien. But I feel like I know him… Why does his voice sound so familiar?
I started running along the looping path, then jumped high into the air to get a better view of the surroundings. The ancient city was vast.

I could also see a great battle taking place between GUN soldiers and the aliens. I decided not to get involved and to explore on my own when, suddenly, the star-shaped alien appeared.
???: You're finally awake, Shadow.
Me: Where am I?
???: You are inside one of our ancient temples. I wanted you to help the Black Arms, but now I have another mission for you.
Me: (If I want to understand what they're plotting and uncover the truth, I'll have to play along.) I'm listening. What do I need to do?
???: There are switches that will reactivate our sacred temple, allowing it to return to the skies. I want you to activate them. This eye will follow you wherever you go.
Me: (Looks like I can't make any false moves as long as this thing is watching me. Well, let's see what happens when I activate those switches.) Understood.
[Meanwhile in Westopolis]
Chelia's POV
It had been five hours since we treated Sonic, and he was still unconscious. Mephiles had pierced through his stomach while he was in his hedgehog form, making the wound even worse since his body had slightly shrunk. Wendy was sleeping beside him while I stood watching towards the forest. We had moved to the rooftop of a tall building, and dawn was approaching.
I heard someone stirring. I turned around and saw Sonic waking up.
Sonic: What happened?
Me: Mephiles stabbed you. It was hard to heal you because you were in your hedgehog form.
Sonic (confused): Mephiles?
I explained my journey with Shadow and what had happened with Mephiles and Iblis.
Sonic: But from what you're telling me… he's supposed to be dead, isn't he?
Me: He truly lives up to his name, "Infinite Darkness." He survived and is determined to get his revenge.
Sonic: But why go after me?
Me: I'm still trying to figure that out.
The sun began to rise, bathing us in its light.
Sonic: Anyway, we should hurry and find Shadow before he becomes the next target.
Wendy woke up and immediately jumped into Sonic's arms, crying.
Wendy (sad): Sonic… you're okay… I…
Sonic: Don't worry, I'm fine—thanks to both of you.
Wendy: I don't know what I would've done without you.
Sonic: And you'll never have to find out. Stop crying.
He gently stroked her cheek, making her dry her tears and smile.
Sonic: So, our next destination is the forest, right?
Me: Yes, we better get moving!
Sonic summoned a ring and threw it, opening a portal leading to the forest. After stepping through, we found ourselves in a vast, open woodland.
Wendy: Do you sense anything?
Me: No aliens in sight!
Sonic: Strange… We were supposed to find them here, or maybe they didn't stop in this area.
We continued walking.
Wendy: By the way, Chelia, how did you meet Shadow?
Me: Oh, right! I was supposed to tell you about that.
I explained my feelings for him and how I had expressed them to make Shadow notice me.
Sonic (laughing): I never thought Shadow would set his ego aside to devote himself body and soul to someone.
Wendy (blushing furiously): Especially body…
Sonic (laughing): The funniest part is that Chelia never left his side for a second!
Me: And how did you two meet?
Sonic: Oh, now that's a long story.
Sonic told me about his encounter with Mystogan, Edolas' counterpart of Jellal, his meeting with Roubaul and Wendy, how they got separated, and how they reunited.
Me (eyes teary): Wow, that's beautiful!
Sonic: Really?
Me: Sounds just like the kind of romantic comedy I love!
Wendy was about to say something when a sudden earthquake put us all on high alert.
Sonic: Looks like we found the aliens.
We moved forward and saw a section of the jungle covered in strange, slimy liquid.
Wendy: What is this goo?
Sonic: Guess someone really needed to relieve themselves… Better to do it in nature, I suppose.
Me: They could have at least held it in.
I noticed something strange about Sonic—or rather, about the shadow behind him. It looked round, as if Sonic didn't have his signature quills.
Sonic (noticing my stare): What is it?
Me: Your shadow…
Sonic looked at his shadow, which had mysteriously returned to its normal shape.
Sonic: What about my shadow?
Me (confused): …Never mind.
That was odd. We were about to keep moving when monsters suddenly fell from the sky, surrounding us.
Sonic: Looks like the janitors have come to clean up.
Wendy: They don't look like janitors.
Me: You're not stopping me from finding Shadow.
We engaged in battle against the 20 monsters encircling us.
[Meanwhile at Glyphic Canyon]
Shadow's POV
I finished activating the six switches that looked like glowing orbs. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the area. I climbed onto the highest tower in the zone and saw that we were rising into the sky. A few minutes later, we were about 5000 meters above ground, moving westward. I wondered where we were heading.
Leader's Eye: Thanks to you, our invasion can continue into other worlds. Good job, Shadow!
Me: I've done my part. Now answer my questions—who are you, and why do you need me?
Leader's Eye: It saddens me that you've forgotten me, but I was the one who taught you everything you know.
What? What does he mean by everything I know? Don't tell me that it's…
Me: Black Doom!
Leader's Eye: Hm, it seems you're starting to remember.
Black Doom? My dragon, the one who taught me anti-Chaos Dragon magic? Impossible! When I knew him, he was a dragon, not an alien!
Me: That's impossible! You were a dragon! Why and how did you become an alien?
Doom's Eye: The answers will come in time, Shadow. I'll explain everything once this is over.
The eye left, and I saw hundreds—no, thousands—of ships heading toward us. I had a feeling I knew who it was. I spotted the logo and then saw Dr. Robotnik's face. He was undoubtedly coming to attack us.
Me: If I want more answers, I'll have to take care of them myself!
I rushed to the front of the temple and began my raid against Eggman's ships.

[Meanwhile at the Green Forest]
Sonic's POV
We had eliminated a total of 325 aliens in the forest. We were exhausted and about to continue when, in the distance, we saw a giant island rising into the sky.
Chelia: What's that now?
Wendy: It looks like an island!
Me: I know islands that rise into the sky, but I've never seen that one before.
Wendy: We should go check it out.
Chelia: Sonic, can you transport us there with your rings?
Me: No, I've never seen that place before, so I can't visualize it perfectly in my mind.
Wendy: And Chip and Carla aren't here to send us there either.
Me (snapping my fingers): The Tornado!
Chelia & Wendy: Huh?
Me: When I was little, I built a plane to travel and explore sky islands more easily. If I remember correctly, it should be at my place on Angel Island.
Wendy: Your island? But is it far from here?
I threw a ring that opened a portal showing another forest.
Me: Wait for me here!
I was about to jump in, but Wendy grabbed my hand and looked at me insistently.
Me (understanding): Alright, fine, come with me.
After venturing through the forest, we found my plane, which was strangely intact. We headed toward the unknown island, which was 10 km away. Suddenly, a giant winged monster with a single eye and an ant-like mouth appeared in front of us.

It was about to swallow us when I veered the plane to the left. Wendy and Chelia, who were on the wings, were lying flat and holding on while I spun through the air.
Me: You guys okay?
Wendy: I'm gonna throw up!
Chelia: My head is spinning!
Me: So, you're fine! Find a way to take it down!
They got up as soon as I stabilized the plane and charged straight at the winged monster. They started with a combined roar, but it didn't affect it. I wanted to use my lightning, but I was piloting. Then, Chelia had an idea.
Chelia: Guys, do you trust me?
Me & Wendy: What are you gonna do?
She pulled out something I didn't expect—a red Chaos Emerald!
Me: Where did you find that???
Chelia: I went on an Emerald hunt. I could only recover this one near my city.
Wendy: Do you even know what you're doing??
Chelia: Don't worry, Shadow taught me what to do.
Okay, now I'm even more worried if Shadow was the one who taught her.
Chelia: Chaos Control!
She slowed time, allowing us to dodge the monster.
Chelia: And to finish, Chaotic Sky God's Roar!
She unleashed a massive pink blast that obliterated the monster as time resumed. Wendy and I stood there, mouths wide open.
Me: Let me guess… you forced him to teach you?
Chelia (smirking): He can't resist me!
Me: But we have a problem.
Wendy: What problem?
The plane started smoking and losing altitude.
Me: The Emeralds cause malfunctions… including in planes.
Chelia: Don't tell me…
Me: Yep, we're gonna crash.
The plane began plummeting at high speed.
Chelia: Hold ooooonnnnn!!!
Me: I have an idea!
I grabbed Wendy and Chelia and jumped high into the air—but not high enough to reach the island.
Me: Your turn!
I flipped them upside down while I kept looking upward.
Wendy & Chelia: Sky Dragon's Howl! / Sky God's Roar!
Their roars propelled us high enough to land on the island. We all got up, and I took a hit to the head from Chelia.
Cherrya: Are you crazy?! You should've warned us!
Me: It was fun though, you guys launched me like jetpacks.
Wendy (pouting): I had vertigo!
Me: Let's do it again anytime!
Wendy & Chelia: ABSOLUTELY NOT!
We observed our surroundings and saw a massive ancient city full of monsters. After fighting through them, we entered a secluded cave. Darkness surrounded us, but my Lightning Aura automatically activated in low-light conditions.
Chelia: This brings back memories.
Me: Huh?
Chelia: Shadow glowing in the dark, touching me in the dark, pinning me against the wall… (her expression changed) just to open a secret base.
Me: I would've been surprised if he actually kissed you.
Wendy: And I doubt he actually touched you in the dark.
The rest of the cave lit up automatically, leading us to an altar where a swirling, living flame burned in the center.
Chelia: Wait, this flame looks familiar.
Me & Wendy: Huh?
Chelia: It's Iblis!
Me & Wendy: Iblis?
Chelia: I remember fighting this Fire God with Shadow in Soleanna's future.
Me: Oh yeah, you told me about that.
Wendy: Really?
Me (patting her head): Don't worry, I'll explain later.
The flame glowed and suddenly entered Chelia's body. She screamed in pain.
Wendy: Chelia, are you okay?!
She calmed down, looking relieved.
Chelia: Guys, we need to go. I can feel that Mephiles isn't far.
Wendy: Mephiles?
Me: Alright, but are you sure you're okay?
Chelia: Yes, don't worry. I've been chosen by the Flames of Disaster.
Wendy: The Flames of Disaster?
Me: We'll explain later. Let's go!
As we exited the cave, an earthquake shook the ground. We looked up and saw a fleet of ships being destroyed one by one by a yellow streak. I sniffed the air and recognized Shadow's presence. After obliterating the fleet, he descended like a comet, landing in front of us.
Us three: Shadow!!!
Chelia was the first to jump at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. But he didn't react. Instead, he placed his right hand on her stomach. A red light shone and pierced through her. We were too shocked to react until she collapsed.
Me & Wendy: CHELIA!!!
I rushed at full speed to get her away while Wendy hurried to heal her. I launched a lightning-powered kick at Shadow's stomach, but he didn't even flinch. He teleported and countered with two spinning kicks, sending me crashing into a wall 20 meters away.
I struggled to stand, my vision blurry, but I saw something horrifying—Shadow raised his hand toward Wendy, preparing a Chaos Explosion. I tried to slow time and rush in, but I tripped, and the worst happened.
A blast sent Chelia and Wendy flying off the island.
Still on the ground, I watched as Shadow stared at me and said something I couldn't make out. Then he vanished.
I stood up, looked at where they had fallen, and leaped into a free fall toward them.
[Mini Story : Joke or Dark Humor ? (April Fool's Day Special)]
No one's POV
It was April 1st, and everyone in the guild was worried because Sonic was surely preparing some huge, crazy prank.
Erza: Does anyone know where Sonic is?
Lucy (worried): He's probably lurking in the shadows, planning something nasty like every year.
Gray: It'll probably be like last year when he set up rope traps, tied up all the girls in the guild, and messed with them.
Carla (sipping her tea): We should expect anything with that guy!
Natsu: Don't worry, I've got a plan against him this time!
Sonic entered the room.
Sonic: Hey guys, happy holidays to everyone!
Team Natsu: Happy holidays, Sonic!
Natsu: Perfect timing! I have a little gift for you.
Happy: Yeah, and you're gonna love it!
Natsu placed a neatly wrapped gift box in front of Sonic. It was sky blue with flower patterns.
Sonic tore it open at lightning speed but jumped back before opening the box, as if expecting something to jump out at him.
Natsu (smirking): Relax, it's not an April Fool's joke. We actually got this gift this morning.
Sonic noticed a letter inside. He started reading it and suddenly burst into tears after a few lines. Everyone was shocked, while Natsu and Happy looked proud.
Sonic (crying): Is… is this real?
He looked inside the box, only to find it empty.
Natsu & Happy: April Fool's!!!
Sonic was stunned for a moment before he started laughing.
Sonic (laughing): Oh, I see. Nice one, you got me good this time. Alright, I have a mission to do before I pull my pranks on you.
Sonic left.
Lucy (shocked): Natsu, what the hell did you do?!
Natsu: Hehe, I'm a genius.
Gray picked up the letter and read it, his face turning pale.
Gray: Oh no.
Erza: What do you mean, "oh no"?!
Wendy grabbed the letter and read it aloud.
Wendy: "Dear Sonic, we're so sorry for abandoning you after all these years. We should have considered you instead of rejecting you like nothing. That's why, to make it up to you, we're giving you this gift. We hope you can forgive us. Signed, Mom and Dad."
A heavy silence filled the guild.
Everyone except Natsu and Happy: WHAT?!
Makarov (furious): Natsu, do you realize what you've done?!
Natsu: What? It was just a joke, right?
Team Natsu: THAT WAS DARK HUMOR!!!
Natsu: So what? Whether it's light or dark, a joke is still funny, right?
Wendy: You know full well Sonic never knew his parents and grew up alone his whole life! Did you even stop to imagine how he felt?!
Natsu: Uh… no.
Gray (grabbing Natsu by the collar): Listen, flame-brain, you better fix this mess before Sonic decides to take revenge on all of us!
Happy: Why would he take revenge?
Sonic returned.
Sonic: Turns out I didn't get the mission I wanted. What are you guys doing?
Team Natsu: Uh, nothing, nothing!
Erza: Sonic, we need to talk!
Sonic (smirking) : I'd love to, but first, I need to figure out how to fix Happy's fish that Natsu burned.
Sonic showed Happy's bundle, but Happy suddenly realized it was gone and panicked.
Happy (crying): Natsu, why did you do that?!
Natsu: Huh?! But I didn't—
Gray: Listen, Sonic, Natsu's prank went a little too far.
Sonic: Oh, really?
He placed two suitcases on the ground.
Lucy: What's this?
Sonic: Oh, I grabbed your stuff before your apartment burned down. By the way, you owe 5 million jewels to your landlady.
Lucy (shocked): WHAT?!
She fainted, turning pale.
Erza: You burned her apartment?!
Sonic (smirking) : What? No! But tell me, why did you sell all the armor you kept in your room?
Erza: Huh? I never did that… OH NO!
She ran off toward Fairy Hills, realizing Sonic had sold all her belongings.
Wendy: But why are you doing all this?
Sonic: I keep telling you, it wasn't me! (Smirking ) Oh, but Gray, why are you still here? Didn't you book a hotel room with Juvia?
Juvia, overhearing from a distance, appeared instantly.
Juvia: Mr. Gray really did that for Juvia?!
Gray (panicking): WHAT?! NO!
Juvia (dragging him outside): Let's go, my love! Juvia will show you what a real woman is!
Gray struggled but couldn't break free.
Wendy: Don't tell me you have something planned for me too?!
Sonic: Of course not! You have nothing to worry about.
He gave her a mischievous look. She blushed hard, realizing that after tonight, she probably wouldn't be able to walk properly. Overheated, she fainted.
Carla: Are you serious? You just looked at her.
Natsu: Why are you punishing everyone else when I'm the one at fault?
Sonic: Oh, don't feel guilty. By the way, don't you feel a draft?
Natsu touched his neck and realized his scarf was gone.
Natsu (angry): Where the hell did you put my scarf, you spiky freak?!
Sonic (smirking) : Have you checked the river flowing toward Mount Ivor? You should hurry before the fish start using it as a winter scarf.
Natsu wanted to attack him, but imagining his scarf's fate panicked him more, and he rushed out, screaming in rage.
Sonic: Oh, by the way, Carla, looks like you're really enjoying the tea I made for you.
She stopped drinking, sensing disaster.
Carla (trembling): W-what do you mean?
Sonic: Wendy told me you loved my "special" milk last time, so I thought it'd be better if I used it as an ingredient in all your tea bags. Don't thank me—I only used two liters, just for you.
Carla immediately spat out the tea in her mouth, while Sonic walked out of the guild wearing sunglasses, under the stunned gazes of all the other guild members, their mouths hanging open.
Sonic (raising his arms and shouting): I love April Fool's Day!
[End of Mini Story]