Episode 6: A Hedgehog's Home Is Her Castle
Flying in the skies of Mobius, there is a crane with a long orange beak and long orange legs. He is dressed like a mail carrier and carrying a brown bag. The crane is flying to the Great Forest and seems to be in a hurry.
Back at Knothole in the hedgehog hit, the Hedgehog family are in the living room together doing their hobbies and relaxing. Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door.
Sonia gets up, "I'll get it."
Sona walks over to the door and opens it to reveal the mail crane.
The crane says, "Special letter for Aleena Hedgehog."
Aleena walks over to the door hearing her name, "For me?"
"Yes, and you have a pretty fancy one," The crane says. Then gives the envelope to Aleena.
Aleena says, "thank you."
"Have a nice day," The crane says. Then flies off to deliver more mail.
Manic turns to her mother, "So what you got mom?"
"I don't know," Manic answers.
She looks at the envelope and the other side. She sees a waxed seal that has three roses on it. Aleena gasps in surprise, and quickly opens it. Then reads the letter on it. The hedgehogs become confused, and wonder what is wrong.
"What is it mother?" Sonia asks.
"It's a letter from my older sister," Aleena says.
"You mean Aunt Alexia? I haven't seen her in years," Manic says.
Eve asks, "Um who's Alexia?"
"Of course, you wouldn't know. Aunt Alexia or should I say Queen Alexia is my older sister," Aleena says.
"I didn't know you were royalty," Eve replies.
"Yes, but I don't really talk about it so much. I may be a princess of royal blood, but I like to be treated like a normal hedgehog," Aleena says.
"So what does the letter say?" Sonic asks.
"It said that she has just inherited the Royal Family Summer home, and is inviting all of us to come,"Aleena says, reading the letter.
Aleena happily says, "This is exciting, I haven't seen her for ten years."
"Well, how about we all go on a trip to the castle? I haven't seen Alexia for a while, and I'm sure she'll love to see you again," Uncle Chuck says.
Sonic cheers, "Whoa ho! I say it's time for a Hedgehog Family Vacation!"
Bernadette and Jules look at each other with a smile.
"It's been a long time since we saw her. I say, it had to be at the wedding," Jules says.
Bernadette says, "I think a trip is what this family needs to relax and spend some quality time together."
Manic and Sonic give each other a hi five, and shout, "Road Trip!"
After packing their things and saying goodbye to their friends, the Hedgehog Family is flying in the Tornado making their way to the Castle to meet Queen Alexia. Everyone are excited to see the castle, and Alexia.
Aleena smiles, and says, "It's been a long time since I've seen the castle and my older sister."
"Aunt Aleena, how come you never talked about you being a princess?" Eve asks.
"Well Eve, I believe it all started a long time ago. I was the princess of the Swift Family in Karen Castle. While my sister was crowned Queen and take care of the kingdom, I've decided to travel around the world. I wanted a life outside of the royal and be like normal people. One day, I've decided to go to Mobotropolis and made a home there and soon become a nurse at the hospital," Aleena says
Sonic asks, "Is that when you met Uncle Chuck?"
"Yes. The moment we met, I knew he was the one for me. We fall in love and got married, and soon we had Sonia and Manic," Aleena says.
Uncle Chuck laughs, "You could imagine my surprise and everyone else when they find out Aleena's a princess."
"I could imagine," Eve says with laughter.
Soon, Sonia, Manic, and Sonic begin to laugh too.
Hours has gone by, and everything has been running smoothly in the sky. Soon enough, they land on the ground and look out the window to see the castle. A big tall castle made of stone, and glass colored windows. The place seems very peaceful and beautiful, that it looks like it glows at night. The castle's wall is gray, with some brown roofs. They also have glassed windows, and red flags on the towers and the top of the wall.
"Wow! This castle is beautiful" Eve says.
"I know. Let's head inside and see the family," Jules says.
The Hedgehog family take their luggage out of the plane and walk to the castle. After that, they approach the door to visit the family. Uncle Chuck knock on the door, and the door opens.
Opening the door, reveals a female cat with blue fur, black hair, and green eyes. She is wearing a dark blue maid dress with an apron, black slip on shoes, and a bonnet.
The maid happily says, "Princess Aleena, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"I am pleased to see you too, Madison," Aleena says.
The maid, Madison moves out of the way, and says, "Right this way, Queen Alexia is waiting."
Everyone begin to walk into the castle. In the throne room, there is a magenta hedgehog with dark purple hair, and blue eyes. She is wearing a gold crown on her hair, a royal long sleeve burgundy gown, black slip on shoes, and a gold necklace with a red ruby in the middle. Sitting on the other throne next to him is an orange hedgehog with sharp quills, yellow eyes, and is wearing cap and a gold crown on his head.
Madison opens the door, and says, "Your majesty, Princess Aleena and the Hedgehog Family is here."
"Of course, Madison," The queen says.
Madison walks in the room, and lead Aleena and the family inside. The queen smiles and walks over to Aleena. Then the two pull each other to a hug.
"Oh Aleena, it's good to see you again," The queen says.
"It's good to see you too. It's been far too long since the last time I saw you," Aleena says.
"Ten years no less. Since, that Dr. Robotnik have given us problems," Alexia says.
The king walks over,and says, "Yes. It's nice to know that there are Mobian like us who are willing to protect everyone on the planet."
"Yes Conner, it's great," Alexia says.
Jules and Bernadette walk over to them.
"I hope you remember us," Jules says.
Conner and Alexia look at the Robian very carefully, and still recognize the voice.
"Jules? Is-is that you?" Alexia asks.
"Yes. it is me. Safety, after the attack at Mobotropolis, I was severely injured and roboticized. My wife, who wasn't able to be Robian was imprisoned. My brother and Aleena was able to raise the children during our forced absence," Jules ays.
Bernadette says, "But thanks to our children, Sonic and Eve, we were saved. And with help from the Freedom Fighters, they were able to stop Robotnik and we was gone until he became and still want to take over the world."
"Dr. Eggman? That's a very unusual name," Madison replies.
"You're right, but I don't care what he calls himself. I want him to be stopped," Conner says.
"Now dear, let's not get upset. We have family here," Alexia says.
Conner sighs, "I'm sorry, but Eggman has caused a lot of tragedies among this planet. I just wish there is something I could do, but you and I were focused on helping our people."
"You did what you cold Conner, no one is blaming you," Uncle Chuck says.
Conner says, "Yes. I'm glad that your family were able to do something about it, and you still are."
"You can say that again Uncle Conner, us Freedom Fighters will always be there to help you out," Sonia says.
"I agree. Perhaps you can tell us about your time at Knothole over dinner," Alexia says.
Sonic says, "Now you're speaking my language."
"I can see you haven't changed," Conner says.
Alexia then looks at see Eve.
She smiles, and says, "I'm willing to be this is young Eve."
"Yes. Eve was adopted to our family ten years ago before Robotnik's attack. Since then, she became an excellent Freedom Fighter, and a swordsman," Aleena says.
Eve shyly says, "It's very nice to meet you, your majesties."
"Oh Eve, you don't need to be formal with us. We're family," Alexia says.
Conner smiles, "She's right. You are pretty much a royal as we are because you are also part of our family."
"Thank you," Eve replies.
Conner then looks at Eve with curiosity, and says, "You know, you kind of remind me of someone."
"What do you mean um, Uncle Conner?" Eve asks.
"It's nothing to worry about. You just reminded me of someone. More like seen you in a photograph or something," Conner says.
Then turns to the family, "Now let's head to the dining room and have dinner. You all must be tired from your long trip here."
The family begin to walk to the out of the throne room and make their way to the dining room. Madison opens the door and the family walk out. Madison walks out, and closes the door. However, in the darker part of the throne room is a shadowy figure and looks like they are wearing a cloak. Then suddenly, disappears a second later.
In the dining room, the Hedgehog family are having dinner with the royal couple. Alexia is also feeding a young baby hedgehog. The hedgehog is bright blue color with pine green eyes, and spiky hair. The baby is wrapped in a blanket, but is holding a bottle with his little hands.
Eve looks at the baby with a smile, "He's so cute."
"Thank you. Little Howard is very sweet, and surprisingly quiet for a young baby," Alexia says.
"So how old is little Prince Howard?" Bernadette asks.
"He's just turn one few months ago, and I am very happy to have a child of my own," Alexia says.
"I do to. It's been a long wait, but it was worth it," Conner says.
Sonia asks, "So Aunt Alexia, do you and mother know about the castle?"
"Yes. It used to belong to our grandfather. Now it's been passed down to me. I was thinking of turning it into a summer castle or use it for a secret base," Alexia says.
"Well, I'm the one who thought of the base," Conner remarks.
"A secret base would be cool. Maybe you can start your own branch of Freedom Fighters?" Manic says.
"I wouldn't be a bad idea, but we would have to talk to the court about it, and see if anyone would want to fight against this Dr. Eggman," Conner says.
"Yep. And before you ask, we have no clue why he calls himself that. It sounds stupid if you ask me," Sonic says.
"You can say that again. You and Manic were practically laughing to hear him announcing it," Eve says.
"I know. I think everyone in Knothole was laughing," Manic says.
"Then Eggman attacked us with his robots," Sonia says.
"And you should see two of his dumbots name Scratch and Grounder," Sonic says. Then starts laughing.
"Those two worked for and they are completely weird and complete morons," Eve says.
Manic says, "But you and Sonic manage to take care of them multiple times."
"That's good to hear. I hope those robots don't find their way here," Alexia says.
"I'm sure we're perfectly safe here," Aleena says.
Then Sonic says, "And you got us to stand with you."
"Thanks," Alexia says.
After having dinner and getting their things in their room, everyone are already sleeping for the night. In the room, Sonic and Eve are still sleeping in their room, until Sonic wakes up, and lets out a yawn as he stretches his arms. Sonic gets out of bed, put his shoes on, and begin to leave the room.
Eve begins to wake up to see Sonic opening the door.
Tired, Eve asks, "Sonic, what are you doing?"
"Sorry sis, I just feel like walking around for a little," Sonic says.
Then asks, "You wanna come?"
"Sure," Eve says.
After getting their shoes on, the two hedgehogs begin to walk in the halls of the castle. The halls is dark and the moon light is shining through it.
"The castle sure is lovely," Eve says.
"You're right. Although, I think I remember something Aunt Aleena Aunt Alexia said. Something about being careful," Sonic says.
"Why?" Eve asks.
Sonic think, "She mention about being careful on what you touch because there are trap doors and secret switches that leads to secret passages."
"That's interesting," Eve says.
Then asks, "You have any idea where they are?"
"Nope. This is the first time, I've been to this castle, and I have a clue where they are," Sonic says.
Sonic the leans to a wall, "I'm sure there's nothing to"
"Woah!" Sonic yelps as the wall moves and moving him to the otherside.
Sonic!" Eve yelps.
Suddenly, a female's voice asks, "What's going on?"
Eve turns to see Sonia and Manic walking to them.
"Sonic leaned against the wall and the wall spun around," Eve says.
"It spun around?" Manic asks.
"Yes. He must have found one of the secret passages Aunt Alexia told him," Eve says.
Sonia says, "He could be anywhere in the castle, but where are we supposed to look?"
"Maybe we can take the same way Sonic did?" Eves suggests.
Eve pushes the wall, and part of the wall begins to turn. Soon, the wall is in a vertical position than the rest of the wall. The three hedgehogs look inside to see a slide inside the castle wall that is going down."
"Woah dudes, it's an underground slide," Manic says.
"I wonder where it goes?" Sonia asks.
"Only one way to find out," Eve says.
Eve sits at the edge of the slide and pushes herself to it. Sonia and Manic look down to see Eve is sliding deep in the castle. It's so dark, that they're unable to see her anymore.
Manic sits down, and says, "My turn."
He the pushes himself to the slide and begins to slide down.
Sonai sighs, "If you can't beat them, join them."
Sonia does the same like the others, and slide down to who knows where. Sonic continues to scream as he slides down through the dark. Finally, Sonic goes through a secret door and falls to the ground.
Sonic lays on his stomach and say, "Ow! That really hurts!"
Just then, Eve, Manic and Sonia fall out out of the secret door, and land on top of Sonic. Sonia sits up as she rubs her head in pain.
Suddenly, Manic asks, "Yo sis, do you think you can get off of my back?"
"Well, you guys please get off of mine," Sonic groans in pain.
Eve nervously laughs, "Sorry."
After getting off of each other, the four hedgehogs look around to find an old room full of photographs. Each of them are mobians and all of them are wearing royal attires.
Sonia says, "Wow! These portraits are beautiful."
Manic touches the frame and slides his finger along it a bit. He then removes it to see the dust on it.
He blows the dust from his finger, and says, "Too bad these portraits are dusty."
"Maybe this was left here long before Aunt Alexia inherit this castle," Eve says.
"You're right. Remember, this used to be our grandfather's, so a few pictures must have remain here," Sonia says.
Sonic looks around, "Maybe they're your grandfather's friends. You know, since it's from a long time ago."
"Probably, some of them look older than the others," Eve says.
Manic says, "Let's check this room out, and see if we can find a way out of here."
"Yeah. This place is old and dusty, and I don't seem to see a way out," Eve says.
"Maybe there's another secret wall around here," Sonic suggests.
"Maybe. Let's look around," Sonia says.
Sonic says, "But first, can we find a light switch?"
Suddenly the lights turn on, then hears Manic's voice, "Found it!"
"Good, now let's go find a way out," Eve says.
The four begin to look in different parts of the rooms to find any means of an exit. Manic looks behind the pictures, look on the book shelf, and move some of the books around. Sadly, there isn't a secret passage. Sonic and Eve look around some old pottery and feel the wall for any lever of buttons, but there isn't any. Sonia also moves a few pictures and feels the wall at her end. Sadly, there isn't any way to open a secret passage.
Suddenly, Sonia gasps in surprise and inform the others, "Guys, look what I found."
Sonic, Eve, and Manic rush over to see what Sonia has found.
Sonia says, "It Eve. It's a picture of Eve."
The others look at the portrait to see a hedgehog that looks exactly like Eve. She has black fur with red stripes, long hair like quills with red stripes on it, red eyes, a tan muzzle, white patch of fur on her chest. She is wearing a dark burgundy kimono, a gold tiara with red and black gems on it, white gloves with red and black markings and gold wristbands.
"She looks just like me?" Eve asks in surprise.
Eve looks at the bottom frame to see what looks like writing. She uses her hand to dust it off to read what it says. Once she cleans it, Eve can see the writing on it.
Eve reads, "Princess Obsidian Black of the Hedgehog Clan of the Dragon Kingdom."
"Obsidian? Didn't you told us that was your mother's name?" Sonia asks.
"It is. This is too to big of a coincidence that this hedgehog looks exactly like my mother and has the exact same name," Eve says, in shock and astonished by the photo.
Sonic says, "Do you think that hedgehog could be your mom?"
"I-I don't know. I don't know much about my mother. Frankly, I don't remember her much at all. I was only five when I was seperated of her and my brother," Eve sadly says.
Sonia hugs her, "Don't worry Eve, we all are going to find your mother and your brother,and help you get your memory back. Then we can help you get all the answer about your family."
"Thanks guys, but there's still so much I don't remember. I even started to remember something awful. It must have been the memory before I was separated from my family," Eve says.
"Once you get your memory back, you'll have all the answers and find out what happened to you," Manic says.
"But first, we still need to find a way," Sonic says, placing his hand on the wall and leaning it.
Suddenly, a secret wall pops open making Sonic fall, "Woah!"
Everyone look to see Sonic on the ground and groan. Then they look to see some staircase going up.
"Look, that must be the way out," Sonia says.
"Good work cuz, first you found a way in and now you found a way out," Manic says.
Sonic groans, "Don't remind me."
The four hedgehogs walk upstairs through the dark area. The staircase is old, dusty, and have cobwebs.
"Yuck! I absolutely hate spiders!" Sonia says.
"Better get used to it, there must be a lot in this place," Manic says.
Sonia sternly says, "Very funny, Manic."
The four hedgehogs continue to go up stairs until they reach the end, more like to the ceiling of it.
"Hmm, there must be a secret switch or something that can lead us out," Eve says.
Sonic and the others look around the area of the staircase they are in. Suddenly, the lid opens up and light begins to shine through it. They are confused, but decide to walk out. They climb over a wall, and jump into the room. When all of them are you, they are surprised to find themselves in the throne room.
"Well, at least we know where that secret staircase leads too," Manic says.
Sonia yawns, "Yes, and that we found a way out of here."
"Yeah. Who opened the exist?" Sonic asks.
"You're right. There's no one here," Eve says.
"I think it's time for us to head back to bed," Sonia says.
"Yeah. I could really catch some z's," Sonic adds.
Sonic, Manic, and Sonia decide to head back to the throne room. Eve decides to do the same, until she has the strange feeling someone is watching her. Eve turns around to see a shadowy figure hiding in the shadows.
Eve decides to quietly walk over and hope to talk to this being.
Eve asks, "Hello? Who are you?"
But the person isn't saying anything. Instead, the figure teleports herself away from the area. Eve is shocked to see the person disappears, but feels something familiar about it. Eve begins to wonder who is this Mobian is, and why are they here of all places. Knowing how late it is, Eve decides to walk back to her room with the others to get some sleep for the night.
Eve asks herself, "Could that have been my mom? If it was, why isn't she talking to me?"
Eve decides to let this be and head back to her room with the others.
A few days later, The Hedgehog family, are ready to head back to Knothole. They are outside the castle next to the Tornado giving each other their goodbyes. After saying their goodbyes, the hedgehog family fly the plane off to head back home.
Eve looks out the window to see the castle, and wonders about what Connor says after asking him about the secret room, and the Princess Obsidian..
She remembers Conner saying, "That old picture. I believe it was my grandfather's or great-grandfather. He love having pictures of his friends. Princess Obsidian was a good friend of his, until she disappeared. No one knows why, but I remember a rumor saying she was trying to escape an arranged marriage, and no one saw her again."
"Hmm, I wonder could this Princess Obsidian and my mother Obsidian be the same hedgehog. How am I supposed to find out about that?" Eve asks herself.
Eve sighs, "I guess, I'll have to wait to find you mother, and ask you myself."
The plane continues to fly to the sky as it's making their way to Knothole from their vacation. On the ground below and looking up at the plane is Eve's mother Obsidian. She is glad to see her daughter, but sad about having to leave her like this. She hopes that she will be with Eve again, until her memories have fully returned.