Disclaimer: Sonic and co. don't belong to me. They belong to the dudes and dudettes at SEGA.

Author: And here is Chapter 11. Wow, that took a while didn't it? Sorry again folks, but I wanted to take my time with this one. You can pretty much tell from the previous chapter and the title of this one that something bad's gonna happen between some certain individuals. But will it actually happen? Or not? Dunno, so go ahead and read to find out! Right then, enough of me. Read on!

Brief Note:
"_" indicates a character's speech
*_* indicates that the character is speaking through thought
(_) indicates an action between a speech or thought

Nocturnus Reborn

by Sol

Chapter 11: Lighting a Short Fuse

Somewhere, in a place where opportunity came in abundance to those who can afford it, a figure stood as he focused with steeled determination. His left eye twitched, his nostrils flared, and his fingers itched in anticipation as he slowly gauged his prey. He slowly breathed in, furrowing his brows as he readied himself... This was it... If there was ever a time to DO IT, this was IT.

With a near feral and mad grin, he lunged forward, his hands positioned carefully, the muscles tensing as the strength behind them could very well rip the jaws off of a crocodile. ...Which was ironic, since he was one...

"Rraaaagh!" Vector roared, as his hands clasped and tightened around his prey. But even though his triumph was at hand, he was not alone... there was another who dared try to take his prey...

"Get your hands off the darn can! You brute!" The shrill voice of a withered old goat woman said, as she took hold of the other end of the can.

"Listen, lady. This is the last can of Spagonian Sausages! And I saw it first!" Vector said angrily, but not above a yell.

Being a Saturday, Vector had to do the grocery shopping. He would've argued with Espio not to go. But they had a deal that the trio of friends would take turns each week. And it was Vector's turn this time around. Which Vector did not like at the very least... But fair is fair...

Vector prayed and hoped that things would go smoothly this time and be home by lunch. Unfortunately for him, he encountered his most vile nemesis... Mrs. Hackdirt...

The old lady was as stubborn as a... well, a goat. She and Vector have always been locking horns whenever they met at the Central City grocery store. At least whenever it came down to the last can of Spagonian Sausages. Which for some odd reason happened quite often.

The two struggled against each other for a while, neither giving up the prize that they believed was solely for them. And although Vector knew he could easily knock the old lady back, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if it came to that. He was a gentleman after all. ...Although he was not above being immature and stubborn...

"Listen, lady. (Grunt), You're probably somewhere above the age of sixty. (Grunt), That being said, you're probably not allowed to eat this sort of stuff anyway!" Vector said, still tugging on the can with as little strength he could control himself with, as he tried to coerce the old goat to give him the can.

"No way, sonny! I may be old, but that will not stop me from having my favorite sausages!" Mrs. Hackdirt yelled, though not quite loudly, as her voice was not up to the task.

Vector looked over his shoulder and towards the store clock. It was already twelve fifteen.

"Darn it!" Vector cursed with gitted teeth. He was already late for lunch. He needed to get home quick before Charmy starts to make a tantrum.

"Alright, fine, take it!" Vector said, as he let go of the can and dash off towards the pay counter. Unaware that in doing so, made Mrs. Hackdirt fall over on her back.

Hearing the loud thud that the old goat made when she fell, Vector stopped and turned to look at her. To his surprise, however, she was sitting on the floor and waving the can up in the air as she laughed triumphantly. With a frustrated grunt, Vector turned around and continued back towards the pay counter. All the while scowling as he angrily thought of him losing to Mrs. Hackdirt.

"Next time, Mrs. Hackdirt... Next time..."

After the little incident at the Central City grocery store, Vector had paid and left with what groceries he had. And although he had all of the necessary stuff he needed for him and his boys for the next week, he was both sad and angry at the fact that he didn't get his favorite snack of Spagonian Sausages.

"Darn that old goat..." Vector muttered, as he chewed his bubble-gum a little too roughly than usual.

As much as he wanted to bitterly gripe about his loss, he couldn't waste any more time. Stopping a few seconds to ask a young couple that passed by what time it was, he found that it was already twelve thirty two. Which meant that Charmy was probably whining his head off, and Espio was probably trying his best to calm the annoying little bee as best he could.

*Better hurry up.* Vector thought, blowing a little bubble and making it pop briefly.

As Vector continued to walk down the street towards the apartment building where Team Chaotix HQ was, his attention was caught by a small group of five people who were walking towards him. One of them waving his hand in the air and yelling out his name.

"Vector!" The individual said, trying his best to stand out from the group, who was surrounding him like a wall.

Vector squinted his eyes a little to try and focus on who it was. He couldn't recognize him, since he was mostly hidden from view by the ones in front. But for some reason, the man's voice was quite familiar...

Curiosity getting the best of him, Vector stopped and waited for the group to walk up to him. He wasn't sure whether that was a smart idea or not. But if they really were bad people, they wouldn't be walking in broad daylight. Right? Either way, the group was headed towards him anyway. Vector took the opportunity to get a better look at them, squinting his eyes to try and focus.

From what Vector can see of the group, they were wearing some kind of black skin-tight suits with armor plating. Along their armor were inlays of neon light, each of a different color. Though most of them were light-blue. Vector knew of something that had a similar description, but couldn't quite put his finger on it... It was only when the group was in front of him that Vector recognized who they really were.

"Hey, aren't you guys the Marauders?" Vector said, pointing at them with his free hand, and feeling a little proud of himself for being able to figure it out. The group in front of Vector looked at each other, exchanging some confused looks for a bit before realizing what he meant.

"Marauders? (Chuckle), Are we still being called that?" One of the soldiers in front said, a female from what Vector could tell.

"I'm guessing some people are still a tad bit misinformed." Another one of the soldiers said, this one a male.

"No, no, this man is obviously the type that doesn't read the news." Another one of the soldiers said, also a male.

"You got that right!" Another said, this time coming from the man whose voice Vector could recognize from earlier. "Move aside guys, I gotta talk to the big guy."

On the man's command, the group opened up to let him walk forward and meet face-to-face with the crocodile. Vector looked at the man, who was quite shorter than he expected, and studied his features. It didn't take long for Vector to recognize who he was.

"Sonic?" Vector said, his eyebrow quirked questioningly as he leaned forward a bit. He knew it was Sonic the moment he saw his sharp blue quills, his emerald green eyes, and the broad smirk he always carried. It was then that Vector also recognized Sonic's new look.

"What's with the get-up? And why are you with the Marauders?" Vector asked, taking into account Sonic's gold battle-suit and purple robes. Sonic's entourage chuckled at the crocodile's confusion. Obviously confirming their suspicions of him not reading the news.

"(Chuckle), What's wrong? Purple and gold don't do it for me?" Sonic asked jokingly, trying to keep the big guy in the dark for just a little bit longer.

"Uh... Right..." Vector answered, looking thoroughly confused. "Um... What's going on here, Sonic?"

"That's LORD Sonic to you." Someone from behind Sonic said, saying the word lord a little louder than that person intended, as that person walked out from behind Sonic and moved to his side.

"Don't worry, Shade. You know how I feel about formality between friends." Sonic said, turning to look at his Procurator with a smile.

"Lord Sonic, please. I can understand the lack of formality between friends. But when we are in public, such things must be upheld properly." Shade said, putting her hands behind her back as she nonchalantly shook her head.

Vector simply looked at the two, even more confused than he was earlier. Vector couldn't understand what was happening... Sonic? Imperator? With the Marauders? Did he just enter some strange twilight-zone-like place? Or perhaps his lack of knowledge of recent events are finally biting him back in the ass...

*I should definitely start reading the paper...* Vector thought to himself, rubbing the back of his neck as he watched Sonic and Shade exchange words. And although the two were arguing, the way the conversation was going was a little too... playful... It almost seemed cute...

"Uh, listen, guys..." Vector said, catching Sonic and Shade's attention. "As cute as it is to watch you two talk, I'd like to know why you guys are here?"

After hearing of Vector's comment on them talking seemingly 'cute' to watch, both Sonic and Shade blushed lightly. Shade looked away and coughed a little, covering her mouth. While Sonic chuckled nervously and scratched his cheek.

"Right... Well, Vector, we kinda need to go see Knuckles about... something..." Sonic began, first with a nervous smile, before he looked down at the ground looking a little sorry.

"Is that all? Why didn't you say so! Right then! Let's all head to Team Chaotix HQ." Vector said, as he joyfully patted Sonic on his left shoulder, his strength nearly toppling Sonic over. This made all of the Nocturnus soldiers, including Shade, go into combat positions as they swiftly moved and readied themselves. Two moving to Sonic's sides and three surrounding Vector, with Shade in front of Sonic.

"Whoa, chill people." Sonic said quickly, gesturing his bodyguards to stand down. Shade and her squad stood down immediately, going back to their old positions, as they carefully eyed Vector.

Vector for his part was very shocked about the sudden action and looking both nervous and scared as he clutched tightly on his grocery bag.

"Okay... remind me never to make any sudden movements." Vector said, still clutching the bag.

"Sorry about that, Vector. I'll tell you about all them and my new, um... life, as we head over to your place." Sonic said, gesturing to Vector to lead the way.

With a small and nervous nod, Vector humbly lead the way, with Sonic and Shade following by his side and the rest of Sonic's bodyguards behind them. The big crocodile occassionally glanced behind him, seeing the guards eying him dangerously. Vector didn't know what was going on, but he knew that he was going to be extra careful not to do anything to Sonic that seemed harmful to them...

As the small group made their way to Team Chaotix HQ, with Vector leading the way, Sonic explained everything that has happend to him recently. From his short encounter with Shade back at the Blue Ridge Zone, to being greeted by his people in New Nocturne, the meeting with his friends, and of course the big crowning ceremony just yesterday. Overall, Sonic's explaination of the events were pretty clear to Vector. Save for one thing...

"Why didn't you include ME and the rest of Team Chaotix on the day of your meeting?" Vector ranted, sounding a little angry.

"Sorry, Vector, I wasn't really the one who sent out the invitations..." Sonic explained, bringing his hands up defensively.

"Indeed. I'm responsible for summoning Lord Sonic's friends to New Nocturne for the meeting." Shade butted in, walking a little ahead of Vector in order to catch his attention.

"And you didn't think to invite me?" Vector said, turning to Shade and sounding both angry and hurt.

"That is because I don't even know you, let alone you being Sonic's friend. I merely gathered those who were initially present in Sonic's group at the time I met them." Shade said, as she leered at Vector for his tone of voice to her.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever... Still, I never would have guessed, Son- I mean, Lord Sonic." Vector said, changing his mood rather quickly. "You, leader of the... Uh, what was it? Nocturnus Clan, right?"

"Yeah, I know. It's all a big change for me." Sonic said, turning to look ahead of him. As he did, he couldn't help think that if Vector and the rest of Team Chaotix didn't know, then maybe some of the others didn't know either.

*Mrs. Vanilla and little Cream probably don't know either... And I can bet that Jet and his crew have no idea as well...* Sonic thought to himself, listing down everyone he knew that should know about his new life as Imperator. And as he listed them down, one name he knew all to well came up... and it sent a violent chill up his spine...

*Eggman...* Sonic thought, his eyes widening as he did. The doctor definitely didn't know about all of this... or does he? The good doctor does have a way of gathering information...

"Alright, here we are!" Vector exclaimed, which made Sonic almost jump in surprise. "Welcome to Team Chaotix HQ!"

"Oh..." Sonic said, looking up the rather shabby looking apartment building as he saw a small wooden sign on the third floor window with the words 'Team Chaotix HQ, Detectives and all-around Good Guys'.

Honestly, Sonic has never been to Team Chaotix HQ before. He knew they detectives from what Knuckles had told him of them before. And he assumed that perhaps their HQ was a little... well, something like a small police department. Instead, here he was looking at an old apartment building that looked as if it was ready for demolition.

"I've never been here before, Vector..." Sonic said honestly, still looking at the building. "And I was kinda expecting something a bit more... HQ-ish..."

"Hey now! The old base may look a little run down, but we've been living here ever since the whole Carnival Island incident a few years back!" Vector said, walking up the front steps as he stood proudly at the top.

"And I'm sure the place has some sentimental value for you and the other guys." Sonic said, still looking at the apartment building.

"It sure does! Aside from the landlord, this place feels like home for me and the gang." Vector said, turning to face the door as he set the grocery bag down and looked around the cuffs on his wrist for the key. "I just hope I can make the rent this month."

"Make the rent? Why? Having money problems, Vector?" Sonic asked, focusing his gaze at Vector.

"Well, to be very honest, me and the gang are broke... And having Knuckles around made the situation a little bit more difficult... Especially with his new attitude." Vector explained, which made Sonic scowl.

*What have you been doing, Knuckles?* Sonic thought, angry at the prospect that Knuckles was making life hard for his friends. "Hurry, Vector. I want to have a word with Knuckles as soon as possible."

It didn't take long for Vector to usher in Sonic and his entourage. They walked through the lobby, met up with Vector's landlord, who angrily reminded Vector of his rent, then went up and made their way to the third floor and walked towards the end of a rather small hallway. It was near the end of the hallway that Vector showed them his humble little home. Team Chaotix HQ was written on the glass of the door.

Vector opened the door and lead them to the living room, which was their make-shift office of sorts. Setting the groceries on the office table in front of him, Vector yelled out Charmy and Espio's names, which the duo quickly responded, and went to greet Sonic, Shade and the others.

"It's nice to see you again, Sonic." Espio said, bowing to him.

"Ditto from me!" Charmy said happily, as he buzzed about the room.

"Hey guys, show a little respect! It's LORD Sonic now." Vector said, getting in between Espio and Charmy as he placed his arms over the two's shoulders all buddy-buddy like.

"My apologies, Lord Sonic." Espio said, bowing once more. To which Shade nodded in an accepting manner.

"I like this one, Lord Sonic. He knows well to show respect." Shade made mention, crossing her arms as she walked to her Imperator's side with a tiny smirk.

"Lord? Sonic? What's going on?" Charmy asked, turning towards Vector questioningly.

"I'll tell ya about it later, Charmy." Vector said, bringing his hand up to ruffle the kid's head and made his helmet fall over his eyes. "In the mean time, Espio, why don't you get lunch ready?"

"Will do, boss." Espio replied, slipping off of Vector's grasp and grabbing the grocery bag. He then made his way to the left side of the room towards the kitchen.

"Wait up! I wanna cook too!" Charmy yelled, escaping Vector's onslaught of his head and chasing after Espio.

"You don't have to cook lunch for us, Vector." Sonic said, waving his hand in front of him.

"Nonsense! You're guests! It's only proper!" Vector said, giving a broad smile.

"But there's so many of us." Sonic said, turning to look behind him and towards his soldiers, before looking back at Vector. "I wouldn't want to make your already hard lifestyle harder..."

"Don't worry about it so much, Lord Sonic!" Vector said, walking up to the blue hedgehog's side and putting his arm around his shoulder. "You can always make it up to us later! Like, dinner or something!"

"(Chuckle), Alright, alright. After our business here, you guys can come with us to my citadel for dinner." Sonic said, grinning a little.

"Alright!" Vector exclaimed, as he removed his arm over Sonic and jumped a little. "I'll go tell the boys!"

"Wait, Vector, about Knuckles..." Sonic said, his arm outstretched as he watched Vector run off to the kitchen.

"He's over by the guest room, right next to mine over to your right. You can't miss it..." Vector yelled, his voice trailing off as he left Sonic, Shade and the others alone.

Left alone, Sonic looked over to Shade and nodded. Shade knew what he was thinking, and followed him to go and look for Knuckles as the others followed behind. The right side of Vector's place was a small lounge with two couches and a TV in the middle. Over to the walls within the lounge were doors, five of them, with names on each one. From left to right it was; Charmy's, Espio's, the Bathroom, and Vector's.

The fifth door didn't have a name. Which Sonic can only assume was the guest room where Knuckles was staying.

"Alright guys, I want you to stay here in the lounge while me and Shade go over and talk with Knuckles." Sonic said, facing his soldiers.

"And if anything happens, be ready to protect Lord Sonic." Shade added, to which everyone nodded in unison.

Sonic wanted to say to Shade that nothing bad would actually happen since this was his friend Knuckles. But he didn't want to delay anymore, and simply wanted this issue to be done. And so, he walked towards Knuckles' room with Shade by his side.

Standing in front of the door, Sonic knew Knuckles was there. He could feel the Master Emerald's aura behind the door. Raising his hand carefully, Sonic knocked on the door. No response. He knocked once more, hearing a loud crash and heavy stomping sounds coming towards him. The door swung open, the Emerald's light illuminating the room a bright green and blinding Sonic and Shade for a bit.

"What is it! I said I didn't want to be distur-" A loud voice yelled from the door, which Sonic recognized immediately even though the Emerald's light was still blinding him a bit.

"Knuckles? Is that you?" Sonic asked, despite knowing exactly who it was. Silence was his only reply, aside from a rather low growl. It was then that Sonic's eyes adjusted to the bright light and saw his ever so hot-headed friend.

"Yeah, yeah, it's me..." Knuckles replied, sounding a little angry about something as he moved aside a bit. "Come on in."

With that said, Sonic and Shade made their way inside. The room was fairly small and empty, just a bed and chair was in the room. And the Master Emerald, of course, which was propped to the wall on the right and next to the chair. Knuckles readied to close the door behind them, but Shade cut him off and held the door open. The two stared down for a brief moment, before Knuckles turned his head aside with a grunt and left the door open.

"So, what do you guys want?" Knuckles asked in a growl as he took his place on the chair next to the Master Emerald.

Sonic stood next to the bad, originally going to sit but changed his mind. There was a lot of anger in Knuckles' voice. More so than usual anyway. It wasn't such a bother most of the time, but Sonic is getting this strange vibe that Knuckles' anger is being directed at him...

"How have you been, Knuckles?" Sonic asked, putting his hands behind his back as he spoke calmly. Sonic thought that perhaps a casual conversation would calm the hot-head a little.

"Let's skip the pleasantries, Sonic. Just say what you have to say and go. I'm in a rotten mood..." Knuckles growled, as he leaned against the chair, propping one leg up on his knee and crossing his arms as he put on a glare at Sonic.

"But I really want to talk with you first." Sonic said, a genuinely concerned tone in his voice.

"Thanks. But I don't need you messing with my life any more than you already have..." Knuckles said, mumbling the last part a bit as he sulked in his chair.

"What do you mean, Knuckles?" Sonic asked, hearing the last part despite the mumbling. "Have I done something wrong?"

"No... I... Forget it..." Knuckles said, trying his best to avoid eye contact.

"If there's something wrong, Knuckles, I-" Sonic began, but was cut off as Knuckles nearly yelled sternly.

"No! I said forget about it!" Was Knuckles' reply.

Sonic's reaction to his response was at first shock, but then he felt a little hurt that one of his friends wouldn't let him help with whatever was bothering him. But also, at the same time, he felt angry... Sonic furrowed his brow and readied a response. But Shade answered first.

"I'd watch your tone, Knuckles." Shade threatened, glaring down at the red echidna, as her Leech Blades flickered briefly. Although Shade said nothing else afterward, her eyes sent enough of a message to Knuckles that she was serious.

"(Hmph), Whatever..." Knuckles replied, turning his head away even further. "Just tell me the reason for your visit and get going. I wanna be alone..."

"Well, Knuckles, if you must know. We came here to talk about your tribe." Sonic began, no longer feeling himself cautious or nervous as he felt a little ticked off.

"What about my tribe?" Knuckles asked, turning to Sonic with more interest, but scowling as he did.

"I understand that the previous Guardian told you of your clan's duties, correct?" Shade asked, her face not showing any emotion.

"Of course he did. Why do you think I'm guarding the Master Emerald in the first place?" Knuckles replied, turning his attention to Shade.

"Then I guess you should know this: Your right to guard the Master Emerald is a right that was never yours to begin with." Shade explained, in a tone that was both stern yet calm.

"What!" Knuckles exclaimed, shocked as he sat up from the chair.

"I'm afraid she's right, Knuckles." Sonic continued, and although he wanted to speak casually with Knuckles, he changed his mind when Knuckles started acting like an ass.

"The war between your clan and the Nocturnus Clan that happen centuries ago ended with your clan losing. Basically, your clan pretty much gave everything they had to the Nocturnus Clan." Sonic continued, and although he was feeling a bit pissed about Knuckles attitude a while back, he couldn't help feel a sense of pity for his red friend.

"What!" Knuckles said once more, a little louder this time, as he turned towards Sonic. At the same time, Knuckles clenched his fists audibly. As he seemingly seethed with rage.

"After the Argus Event that took the Nocturnus Clan to the Twilight Cage, your clan probably took advantage of our absence to reclaim their possessions." Shade said, moving forward slightly after noticing the growing anger within Knuckles. "Regardless, documentation shows that the Nocturnus Clan owns everything your clan owns, despite the time that has passed."

"So what does this all mean, exactly?" Knuckles asked with a deep growl, half-way standing from his seat.

"It means that everything within the Mystic Ruins, along with Angel Island, the Master Emerald and the other Chaos Emeralds belong to Imperator Sonic and the Nocturnus Clan." Shade said, her expression growing into a scowl as she watched Knuckles slowly rise a little from his seat as he visibly gritted his teeth.

"Are you saying that you'll be taking the Master Emerald from me!" Knuckles said, almost yelling as he was now in a crouching position. His fists at his side, and visibly shaking with rage.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Knuc-" Sonic began, concerned by his friend's growing rage. But he was cut off by Knuckles once again.

"Don't take this the wrong way! Everything you just said to me is wrong!" Knuckles yelled, his rage finally pouring out as he moved slightly to his side where the Master Emerald was. "The Master Emerald is my clan's legacy! MY legacy! And you're saying that I have no right to have it!"

"It's not like that, Knuckles!" Sonic yelled, trying to calm him down and talk some sense into him. "You're blowing this out of proportion!"

"You have some nerve, Sonic. You're already Imperator of the Nocturnus Clan, and now you want MY Master Emerald!" Knuckles yelled, even louder than before.

"But Knuckles-!" Sonic began, but was cut off once more.

"Shut it! If you want the Master Emerald, you're going to have to fight me for it!" Knuckles yelled, louder than anything else he's done, his voice making the room shake.

Sonic was afraid of this. He knew Knuckles was going to blow his top when they tell him. Sonic brought his fists up, getting ready to fight. But as much as he needed to, he didn't want to fight Knuckles... Because he knows that fighting him in this state can only make things worse... And somehow, deep down, Sonic could feel that Knuckles wasn't actually angry about all this... No. Sonic could feel that Knuckles was more hurt than angry. He's just reacting in the only way he can...

*Don't make me do this, Knuckles...* Sonic thought, looking at his friend, who was simply standing over the Master Emerald and doing what he was supposed to do. Protect it.

Sonic knew that things are going to end badly, one way or another. But what Sonic couldn't figure out was why he was reacting like this... He knows that Knuckles can be such a hot-head sometimes, but he wasn't one to just burst into rage like this for no reason. It's as if he's been holding back a lot of pent up rage. And this news was what triggered it to burst.

Noticing the distressed look in her Lord's face, Shade knew that Sonic wasn't up to fight his friend. And so, Shade took hold of her lord's arm and pushed it down.

"I'll take care of this, my Lord." Shade said, glaring deeply at Knuckles as she did.

"Shade, please-" Sonic protested, but Shade simply shook her head.

"There's no time! Your safety is more important to me than anything else!" Shade said, taking her hand off her Lord as she took a step forward and her Leech Blades began to glow.

Although things didn't go the way they had hoped, Shade would never forgive herself if her Lord came to harm... Nor would she ever forgive Knuckles if he brought harm to him, either. Shade will do what she can to protect her Lord, even against those she considers friends and allies. But there was no time for regrets or second thoughts...

A battle was about to ensue...

To be Continued...