Your fight against Infinite didn't go as expected. You've now seen what the false Chaos Emeralds are capable of and how their powers can be used by someone accustomed to that power. Though Infinite is no longer a threat, Eggman certainly is - and you're in no position to return to Chicago to try to take him down right now.
Focus on recovering and regrouping; you're going to need a plan to oppose Eggman from here on out.
THE VOID
Maybe you've grown complacent over your time in Chicago. You won't be seeing the city this week. Tails is adamant that it isn't safe to go back and insists that you remain here, within the Void between worlds. It is a still, silent abyss of nothingness, broken up only by gemstone-like shards that serve as platforms or obstacles, with very little else to see.
Gravity doesn't work properly within the Void, meaning you can float and even zip around at high speeds once you've figured out how it works. You can also stick yourself to shards no matter what angle you're at, resulting in walking upside down or otherwise getting stuck to one without being able to escape. Thankfully, this wonky gravity only applies to the Void itself, and you'll naturally come to master it as you spend more time here.
There are some shards that are shaped differently from the ones you can use as platforms, however. These are almost hexagonal, with a dark center that may flicker whenever you approach one. If you're lucky, the surface will flicker like water and show you images of another world - usually you will see Chicago and the robots rampaging through the city streets - but occasionally you may see glimpses of your home world or of other worlds. No matter what you do, you cannot interact with these visions. Since they do seem to be water, punching them will do no good; your hand won't even get wet, as it will go through and dispel the image entirely.
Settle in, it seems like you'll be here for awhile. Oh, and try to ignore that unnerving feeling of being watched - there's no escaping it when you're in the Void, after all.
RINGS
There is one bright spot in being stuck within the Void, and that's that your colorful little pals have rings. If you've been diligent about collecting them from whatever ridiculous places they've ended up in, you may even have a good amount! Though it will take a day or so for the rings to actually work, as the week goes on, you'll be able to world hop to your heart's content.
Which yes, means you could absolutely go home. Be mindful of your mission and just how long you spend there, because you will need to return eventually, right? Though time may work differently in the Void, it mostly works the same between worlds. Try not to spend more than a week back home.
But there is something a bit strange about world hopping; you can't really control where or when you'll end up.
You may arrive back in your home world at the wrong point in time entirely, either in the past or the future. You may end up in an alternate reality of your world (canon AU or fanmade AU) or you may even end up in someone else's world entirely! You all aren't used to using rings just yet, so it makes sense that there's some confusion.
Two of you attempting to use a ring together will have more success... but even then, failures can still happen and you can still be sent to the wrong places.
You may visit any world to exist except any Sonic worlds. Worlds where Sonic shows up as a cameo (Super Smash Bros, for example) are fine. Which yes, means I am barring you from visiting Sonic Underground, you'll have to forgive me.
SHARDS
Though you're stronger now than ever before, your power pales in comparison to Infinite's, let alone Eggman's. You're going to need to be much, much stronger if you want to stand a chance of fighting back. Maybe it would be worth it to visit a world full of monsters to practice using your shards.
As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.
It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.
TAILS' TASKS
Rings can only be found in certain worlds, which means your worlds are safe from them. This does mean there are only a limited number of rings, however... so please keep this in mind when world hopping! This week, Tails does not have any tasks for you aside from continuing to train and develop your shard powers. Oh, and to stay safe, of course. Please don't get yourselves killed in some other world.
ENEMIES
Surprisingly, you will encounter none of Eggman's robots this week. The Void remains still and silent for the whole week and your worlds are free from Eggman's influence. You're welcome to beat up any enemies native to your own worlds, of course.
He’s also very pointedly not looking at either of them. He is definitely embarrassed. Don’t look at how pink he is because he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.]
[That's even more cute honestly...how could their old man be this moe...!!
Dorothy chuckles a bit at poor Raven's expense, but...maybe it's the drinking already going to her brain, or maybe it's just the fact that she really doesn't have a brain to mouth filter right now with these two, but almost on impulse, Dorothy reaches across to at least place a hand on his from across the table, and her smile is a little warmer.]
It really isn't a bad thing, you know. Why, it's what makes you so likeable in the first place.
[...That's. Actually surprisingly genuine, hm. She kind of just wanted to make him a little less self concious but. Let's not think too hard about that--]
[This really shouldn't be embarrassing him as much as it is. He does this all the time with the women in Dahngrest, and yet...
...and yet there were never feelings involved. That's what this boils down to, isn't it? But for once, he doesn't feel afraid about this realization. He doesn't feel the need to run away from it.
He didn't think he'd ever let himself feel like this again.]
No, no, let's just focus on Dorothy, not me! She's way more deserving of the cute title than I am!
[He winks at both of them though, all while shifting his hand under Dorothy's to give it a small caress.]
[Oh. Oh this is not going even close to according to plan. Yeager's teasing already gets Dorothy to jolt just a bit, turning instantly to him while her face proceeds to positively flush at that, but...
...But that gentle little caress seems to calm Dorothy's initial fire a bit while her face proceeds to positively burn at the commentary--]
I am not cute in the slightest! You two, I can hardly believe you--
[She's not letting go of Raven's hand in the slightest, but she looks at Yeager with something of a mischievous gleam in her expression while she pours her third round.]
But truly, there's something to be said about how adamant you seem to be about keeping us all together, Yeager. Why, you're being quite endearing yourself--wanting to keep the both of us under your roof to ensure you won't be lonely, either? Why, I'm tempted to ask if you're making plans to make room for us in that manor of yours...
[You're gonna pay for your betrayal Yeager, but despite it all, it comes out...kind of genuine too, but this is absolutely just payback, don't read too much into it--]
[I love the image of Dorothy and Raven with one hand on each other and the other on a drink. They both need a sip or several over Yeager's shenanigans.
Stop looking at him like that!!]
Why'd ya give me crap fer suggestin' it if ya had the same thing in mind?
[it's an absolutely peak mental image. hands occupied by the things that matter most in the world...]
You know, that is an excellent question. It almost seems like you were waiting for an opportunity to invite us, you know...
[Dorothy has no opposition to working for Yeager, granted, but...she does wonder if he's offering solely for business, or if perhaps they could live there without it. Given he's, you know. So enthusiastic.
Dorothy's hand does let go of her glass for a moment, though, and her head tilts rather genuinely for a moment. She's at least not opposed. ...And searching out if Yeager has a free hand--]
[Uh. Wait, this isn't going as planned?? Um?? Just give him a moment to drain the rest of his drink so he doesn't have to look at either of them and can buy himself a few more seconds to come up with an answer—]
The Manor of the Wicked is for members of my guild first and foremost. Besides, why would you want to stay outside of Dahngrest? It is quite the walk, and you'd have to deal with plenty of monsters. So really, no point in considering it further!
[aaaaand he's busying himself getting a refill, let's just move on!!!
...but yeah, here's a free hand after he's done with that, okay.]
We certainly would; we are quite hardworking when push comes to shove. And it would certainly let us all be together, after all.
[Dorothy's look doesn't even quite look smug, though it certainly has a little bit of that in it; in fact, Dorothy's other hand moves to gently lay itself on top of Yeager's, and she seems to smile just a tiny bit softer.]
[He is absolutely commenting on it. It's only fair.]
Hah. So ya can blush.
[But that's the most he'll say, because the more he thinks about how much he likes it, the more confused he feels. Is it just the alcohol making him feel like this? Maybe. Gotta be.
He'd drink more to be sure but his hands are occupied at the moment.]
That settles it, then! Our plans fer the future are further fleshed out.
[Dorothy will rub his hand with her thumb gently, sympathetically almost. If she did not look so smug and satisfied and...honestly, genuinely pleased? Hm. That's...
...This entire conversation has opened up quite the mess of feelings, hasn't it. But it's strange, as Dorothy moves to lace her fingers with Raven's briefly if he'll allow.]
It is quite nice to have a plan for the future all settled now. [There's a lot Dorothy could say, admittedly, but...
(roll resolve: 9)] ...I find that I don't mind it so much now, thanks to the both of you.
[aaaaaaaAAAAHHH no you guys are supposed to think he's good at this—]
Rest assured, it's just the alcohol.
[Which he needs more of but his hand is occupied??? Truly a terrible predicament to be in. He'll let it go with a sigh for now. This is...
(making him feel like he did way back when, when Casey would tease him and he'd never know how to respond or react or recover and she'd let it go gently, just like this.
She wouldn't be proud of the things he's done, who he's decided to be. But would she be pleased that he's at least trying to find a way forward now?)
—Well, it gets his look to soften a bit into something a little less flustered.]
I do hope you'll enjoy your time in Terca Lumireis. For all its flaws, it is home. I hope you'll be able to feel the same way someday.
[If only he could say the booze is the entire cause of his own flush. It probably will be soon, but for now...he's content to let the warm fuzzies stay. He lets himself sink into the comfort of Dorothy's touch, and the excitement of a future with her and Yeager to look forward to.
He nods at Yeager.]
Likewise. I hope ya get everything you're lookin' for out of it. And if nothin' else, you'll always have us ta back ya up.
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no subject
Wha— Cute? This old man? C’mon…
[He can’t pour his next drink fast enough.
He’s also very pointedly not looking at either of them. He is definitely embarrassed. Don’t look at how pink he is because he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.]
no subject
[That's even more cute honestly...how could their old man be this moe...!!
Dorothy chuckles a bit at poor Raven's expense, but...maybe it's the drinking already going to her brain, or maybe it's just the fact that she really doesn't have a brain to mouth filter right now with these two, but almost on impulse, Dorothy reaches across to at least place a hand on his from across the table, and her smile is a little warmer.]
It really isn't a bad thing, you know. Why, it's what makes you so likeable in the first place.
[...That's. Actually surprisingly genuine, hm. She kind of just wanted to make him a little less self concious but. Let's not think too hard about that--]
no subject
Why, you're being just as cute, miss Dorothy! My, I truly am lucky to see you both being so adorable~
[teehee]
no subject
...and yet there were never feelings involved. That's what this boils down to, isn't it? But for once, he doesn't feel afraid about this realization. He doesn't feel the need to run away from it.
He didn't think he'd ever let himself feel like this again.]
No, no, let's just focus on Dorothy, not me! She's way more deserving of the cute title than I am!
[He winks at both of them though, all while shifting his hand under Dorothy's to give it a small caress.]
no subject
...But that gentle little caress seems to calm Dorothy's initial fire a bit while her face proceeds to positively burn at the commentary--]
I am not cute in the slightest! You two, I can hardly believe you--
[She's not letting go of Raven's hand in the slightest, but she looks at Yeager with something of a mischievous gleam in her expression while she pours her third round.]
But truly, there's something to be said about how adamant you seem to be about keeping us all together, Yeager. Why, you're being quite endearing yourself--wanting to keep the both of us under your roof to ensure you won't be lonely, either? Why, I'm tempted to ask if you're making plans to make room for us in that manor of yours...
[You're gonna pay for your betrayal Yeager, but despite it all, it comes out...kind of genuine too, but this is absolutely just payback, don't read too much into it--]
no subject
You vastly underestimate the size of the Manor of the Wicked. Why, it would be no problem at all to bring you both in!
[...hmm, does that make him sound too eager to do just that?? m-maybe he should backpedal—]
Though I can't imagine either of you would be particularly interested in working for me, ja? So it's not important~
no subject
Stop looking at him like that!!]
Why'd ya give me crap fer suggestin' it if ya had the same thing in mind?
[Yeah, Yeager's eagerness has been spotted.]
'sides, do we gotta work fer ya ta stay there?
no subject
You know, that is an excellent question. It almost seems like you were waiting for an opportunity to invite us, you know...
[Dorothy has no opposition to working for Yeager, granted, but...she does wonder if he's offering solely for business, or if perhaps they could live there without it. Given he's, you know. So enthusiastic.
Dorothy's hand does let go of her glass for a moment, though, and her head tilts rather genuinely for a moment. She's at least not opposed. ...And searching out if Yeager has a free hand--]
no subject
The Manor of the Wicked is for members of my guild first and foremost. Besides, why would you want to stay outside of Dahngrest? It is quite the walk, and you'd have to deal with plenty of monsters. So really, no point in considering it further!
[aaaaand he's busying himself getting a refill, let's just move on!!!
...but yeah, here's a free hand after he's done with that, okay.]
no subject
Well, it ain't gonna be easy fer ya ta stay in Dahngrest, so it's the best option. And we'd earn our keep. Right, Dorothy?
[Come on Yeager, join the two hands party.
...even if Raven can't believe he's even thinking of it like that. He's straight...but like...he can hold a guy's hand just this once. It's fine.]
no subject
[Dorothy's look doesn't even quite look smug, though it certainly has a little bit of that in it; in fact, Dorothy's other hand moves to gently lay itself on top of Yeager's, and she seems to smile just a tiny bit softer.]
Would that be amendable?
no subject
...Well. I suppose if the two of you are that eager...
[..........................d-doki,]
no subject
Hah. So ya can blush.
[But that's the most he'll say, because the more he thinks about how much he likes it, the more confused he feels. Is it just the alcohol making him feel like this? Maybe. Gotta be.
He'd drink more to be sure but his hands are occupied at the moment.]
That settles it, then! Our plans fer the future are further fleshed out.
no subject
[Dorothy will rub his hand with her thumb gently, sympathetically almost. If she did not look so smug and satisfied and...honestly, genuinely pleased? Hm. That's...
...This entire conversation has opened up quite the mess of feelings, hasn't it. But it's strange, as Dorothy moves to lace her fingers with Raven's briefly if he'll allow.]
It is quite nice to have a plan for the future all settled now. [There's a lot Dorothy could say, admittedly, but...
(roll resolve: 9)] ...I find that I don't mind it so much now, thanks to the both of you.
no subject
Rest assured, it's just the alcohol.
[Which he needs more of but his hand is occupied??? Truly a terrible predicament to be in. He'll let it go with a sigh for now. This is...
(making him feel like he did way back when, when Casey would tease him and he'd never know how to respond or react or recover and she'd let it go gently, just like this.
She wouldn't be proud of the things he's done, who he's decided to be. But would she be pleased that he's at least trying to find a way forward now?)
—Well, it gets his look to soften a bit into something a little less flustered.]
I do hope you'll enjoy your time in Terca Lumireis. For all its flaws, it is home. I hope you'll be able to feel the same way someday.
no subject
[If only he could say the booze is the entire cause of his own flush. It probably will be soon, but for now...he's content to let the warm fuzzies stay. He lets himself sink into the comfort of Dorothy's touch, and the excitement of a future with her and Yeager to look forward to.
He nods at Yeager.]
Likewise. I hope ya get everything you're lookin' for out of it. And if nothin' else, you'll always have us ta back ya up.