As Bliss continued to command the stage, the lights flashing and the crowd cheering wildly, You couldn't help but notice two familiar figures standing behind her. Silver and Blaze, both looking every bit as confident and powerful as Bliss, were part of the band. Silver was rocking out on guitar, his silver fur glimmering under the lights as he skillfully played. Blaze, with her fire-like presence, was on drums, her fiery eyes focused and intense, keeping the rhythm of the song as the beat pulsed through the cavernous space.

The trio worked seamlessly together, the chemistry between them undeniable. You had seen Silver and Blaze before, but seeing them now, in this world, as part of Bliss' band, was strange. The world had changed them, just like it had changed Bliss. They were no longer the same individuals you had known.

"Silver... Blaze..." You murmured under your breath, a twinge of recognition in your voice. It was hard to believe how far they had fallen into this world ruled by Nazo. They were on stage, in the limelight, but what did they really remember? Did they still know who they were before?

Knuckles, still trying to avoid letting his admiration for Bliss show, was more focused on the fact that Silver and Blaze were also here. “So those two… are with her now?” he muttered, not sure what to make of it.

"Yeah," You said, your eyes fixed on the band, watching them closely. “This world is a strange one, Knuckles. Even Silver and Blaze seem... different. They’re part of Bliss' band now. But that doesn’t explain everything.”

Sonic, looking back and forth between you and the stage, frowned. "I don't get it. Bliss' got this whole band, and it looks like they're all in on it. But this isn’t the Bliss I know. And those two... they were supposed to be fighting against Nazo, not performing for him."

You nodded, feeling the weight of your thoughts. "We need to find out what's really going on here. Something’s off. Bliss, Silver, Blaze—they’re all a part of this world’s twisted version. But we can't give up. We have to reach them, somehow."

Knuckles finally gave in to his curiosity, though his expression was carefully guarded. "I don’t trust this whole ‘secret concert’ business. It’s too... planned. If Nazo’s behind it, it’s all part of his game."

Just as the thought crossed your mind, the music shifted, and the crowd began chanting once again, urging Bliss to continue her performance. Silver and Blaze picked up the pace, playing faster, while Bliss moved with a confidence that almost felt unnatural.

The concert was about to get even more intense, and you knew they couldn’t afford to waste any more time. You had to get closer—there were too many questions, and too many things didn’t add up. The real Bliss, the real Silver, and the real Blaze—could they be saved from Nazo’s influence? You had to find out.

As you, Sonic, and Knuckles made your way through the crowd, eager to get closer to the backstage area, a large guard stood at the entrance. His muscular frame blocked the doorway, and his steely eyes surveyed the trio. He didn’t seem to be intimidated by them at all, standing tall and unmoving as they approached.

You were undeterred, stepping forward. "We need to talk to Bliss, Silver, and Blaze. It's important."

The guard's gaze hardened, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "No one gets backstage without permission. You’re not going through here."

Sonic, ever the cautious one, glanced at you and then back at the guard, his voice hesitant. "We’re just trying to make sure everything’s alright. We—"

The guard raised a hand, cutting him off. "I don’t care who you are. No one gets to the band unless they’ve been invited."

Knuckles, growing impatient with the situation, took a step forward, his tone mocking. "You really think you can stop me, pal?" He cracked his knuckles as if preparing for a fight, though it was clear he didn’t want to make a scene. "I can get through here whether you like it or not."

The guard didn’t flinch. "You can try. But you’ll be escorted out if you cause trouble."

You looked between Knuckles, Sonic, and the guard, considering their options. They couldn’t afford to start a fight here, especially with Nazo’s presence looming over everything. But you weren't going to give up either. You needed to find out what had happened to your friends—Silver, Blaze, and Bliss—and what their involvement with Nazo really meant.

"Look," you said, taking a deep breath and trying to stay calm, "I’m not here to cause trouble. But Bliss, Silver, and Blaze—they know me. Please, just let us speak to them for a minute."

The guard’s expression remained stern. "You’re wasting your time. They’ve got their own agenda. You should leave now."

Sonic, still feeling unsure but not wanting to back down, stepped in, his voice a little firmer than before. "She’s right. You can’t just shut us out like this. We need answers, and if you won’t let us through, then you’re just part of the problem."

The guard eyed them all for a long moment, and for a moment, it seemed like he might relent. But then his eyes narrowed, and he gave a slight shake of his head. "I told you, no one gets through. That includes you."

Knuckles rolled his eyes and sighed, clearly annoyed. "Fine. We'll find another way in."

You felt a mixture of frustration and determination building inside you. They couldn’t afford to waste any more time. You glanced at Sonic and Knuckles, who both seemed ready to turn away, but you weren't ready to give up just yet.

"We can’t leave," You said, your voice steady. "There has to be another way around. We just need to keep looking."

Knuckles crossed his arms, clearly annoyed, but he gave a half-grin. "I don’t know about you two, but I’m not giving up on getting what I want. So let’s find that other way."

Sonic, despite his cowardice, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I may be scared of getting caught, but I’m not backing down now."

You smiled, feeling a sense of solidarity for the first time in a while. "Let’s do this."

As the trio moved away from the guard, they began scanning the area for another route. They couldn’t be stopped—not by a guard, and certainly not by Nazo’s influence. They were going to get answers, no matter what it took.

What's gonna happen next? Find out on Chapter 13. Have a wonderful day! Author out ❤️ ❤️ ❤️