Episode 29: Home of the Echidnas
On Angel Island, it's turning into a very cloudy day. From the looks of the weather, it might be raining in the area. Walking through the forest, Knuckles is leading the way with Sonic, Eve, Jazz, Sally, Tails, and Amy behind him. Julie-Su, the Chaotix, Mighty and Ray tag along as well Knuckles is taking them somewhere special.
"So Knuckles, where are we going?" Sonic asks.
"Yes. You said that you also need tp do a few things as well," Eve says.
"We're going to Echidnaopolis, my hometown," Knuckles says.
"I remember that place. It's where all the Echidnas inhabited," Sally says.
"That's neat," Eve says.
"Yeah. I always thought you lived close to the Master Emerald," Amy says.
"I started living there when I became Guardian and took over for my father," Knuckle says.
"Hey Knuckles, why do you need to guard the Master Emerald anyway. I've always been curious about it," Eve asks.
"I'm curious about it myself," Tails says.
Knuckles thinks, and says, "Hmm, I don't know all the details, but from what my great grandfather explained, he said that it all started with my ancestor: Edmund. There was an incident during the time that involves with my great uncle Dimitir. He didn't tell me what it was, but since then my family have been the guardian of the Master Emerald for generations."
"And you're the next in like to be guardian," Amy replies.
"That's right," Knuckles says.
Eve thinks, and asks, "How come your great grandfather didn't tell you about this incident with your ancestor."
"I'm not sure why, but he said there are some things in our Echidna history that I'm not ready for," Knuckle says.
"Why not?" Sonic asks.
"I don't know all the answers. You think that a lot of my ancestors are around I would know my family history, but they kept it a secret instead," Knuckles says.
Sonic and the Freedom Fights look at each other in concern. Knuckles does look very happy about his family history is being kept a secret from him.
Some time later, everyone arrive at a giant city. The city looks like it's populated by Echidnas, but there are also other Mobians roaming around town.
"Wow! This place reminds me of Mobotropolis," Sonic says.
"There are a lot of Echidnas in one place," Eve says.
"Everyone, welcome to Echidnaopolis," Knuckles says.
The Freedom Fighters are amazed to see the city. Soon enough, everyone begin to walk in the city to look at the city sites. Sonic and the others are amazed to see the large city full of Echidnas and other Mobians. The city reminds so much of Mobotropolis before Dr. Robotnik took it over years ago. It's like a city full of Mobian living together.
"Wow! This place looks amazing. I can't wait to go shopping," Amy says.
"I love to learn about the technology they have," Tails says.
"Well Sally and I like to learn about their history," Eve says.
"Come on, there are lots to do in Echidnaopolis than all that," Vector says.
"Like the great food and running places," Sonic says.
"No. The great music," Vector says.
"The city is great and Knuckles actually used to live here. According to what he said," Charmy says.
Eve turns to Julie-Su, "Hey Julie, did you live in Echidnaopolis?"
"No. I um, used to live somewhere else. A place I like to put behind me, like my past," Julie-Su sadly says.
"Sorry," Eve says, showing remorse.
"It's okay. I didn't exactly have a good past so you wouldn't really know much about it," Julie-Su says.
"So where are we going first?" Sally asks.
"Well, I'm meeting someone who will be coming with us," Knuckles says.
"Who would that be?" Sally asks.
"Knuckles!" A woman calls out.
The gang turns to see a red female Echidna with green eyes. She is wearing what looks like white ribbons in her hair and quills. She is also wearing a yellow dress, robe, and brown flats slip on shoes. The Echidna walks to Knuckles and hugs him. The others are looking confused to see this Echidna hugging Knuckles.
"Hello sweetie, how have you been doing?" The Echidna says. Then gives Knuckles a kiss on his forehead.
Knuckles grumbles, "Mom, not in front of my friends."
"Mom?" Sonic asks.
"Yes. This is my mom Lara-Le," Knuckles says.
Sally walks to her, "Hello Ma'am, my name is Sally Acorn. You probably remember me."
"Sally? You wouldn't happen to be Nigel's little girl. My, you sure have grown since the last time I saw you. You are so beautiful," Lara-Le says.
"Thank you," Sally says.
Then turns to the others, "Right, these are my friends, Sonic, Eve and her Chaos Jazz, Amy, and Tails."
"Hello," The Freedom Fighters says.
Vector walks over, "Hi Lara, it's great to see you again."
"Hi Miss Le," Charmy says.
"It's a pleasure to see you," Espio says.
"Hi. I'm Mighty and this is my little buddy, Ray," Mighty says.
"Hi," Ray says.
"Hello Lara-Le, it's good to see you again," Julie-Su says.
"It's nice to meet you all, and good to see some of you again from Knuckles' last visit," Lara-Le says.
"It's very pleased to meet you Lara-Le," Amy happily says.
Lara-Le smiles, "It's good to meet you to Amy."
"So mom, you said you wanted to show me something," Knuckles says.
"Yes, and it seems your friends will be seeing my special surprise," Lara-Le answers.
Sometime later, the group walk into an apartment of the building and into the home of Lara-Le.
Lara-Le says, "You all go sit in the living room and I'll be back with Knuckles' surprise. Would you all like some snacks?"
"Now you're talking," Sonic says.
"Sonic," Eve says with her arms crossed.
"That's okay. Just let me show you the surprise and then I'll fetch you some snacks," Lara-Le says.
Then walks away to get something.
Eve says, "Your mom is very nice."
"She is. I really love her for it," Knuckles says.
Knuckles sighs sadly, "It's was still not very easy for my mom leaving and well, being with Whynmacher."
"Who?" Sonic asks.
"Long story short, Knuckles is a divorced kid," Vector says.
"Vector, you should say things like that," Espio says.
"To be honest Vector, that wasn't very good to say someone's personal information," Tails says.
Amy glares at Vector, "Yeah. That was really rude."
"It's alright. My parents have been divorced since I was little and I stayed with my dad so I can train to be a guardian. Whynmacher is nice, but it feels weird that my mom married someone else," Knuckles says.
Julie-Su says, "True, but you got used to it. He is actually nice when you got to know him."
"True," Knuckles says.
Just then, Lara-Le walks into the living room and is holding something, it looks like an egg. It's like over a feet tall, and is a bright yellow color.
"An egg? That's your surprise Knux?" Sonic asks.
Knuckles walks up to his mom who is holding the egg, "So, what's inside of it?"
Lara-Le giggles"Knuckles, this is your new sibling. You're going to be a big brother."
"A big brother?!" Knuckles asks in shock.
"That's right. I'm going to have a baby, and I hope you both will get along," Lara-Le says.
"Congratulations Knuckles, you must be very surprised," Amy says.
"I'm surprised alright," Knuckles replies.
"That's cool, you're going to have a little brother or sister of your own," Sonic says.
"Congrats on your new baby Ms. Echidna," Vector says.
Charmy asks, "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"You must be really happy, Lara," Tails says.
"Bet Knuckles is too," Eve says.
Knuckles shakes his head to get his focus, "I am surprised alright, but I don't even know the first thing about being a brother. I've always been an only child."
"So what? I was an only child until Eve and Tails came along. Sure being a sibling has it up and downs, but I'm close to Tails and Eve. I also love Amy like a sister too," Sonics ays.
Amy hugs Sonic, "Whatever you say, Sonic."
Then kisses him on the cheek.
"Amy," Sonic groans.
Later in the day, the group are having lunch at a diner. Knuckles is still deep in thought about becoming an older brother.
Sally turns to Knuckles, and asks, "Are you alright Knuckles?"
"I'm fine, just a bit unsure about having a sibling. My mom and Whynmacher' marriage is still some time getting used to, but having a brother or sister. I'm not sure what to do," Knuckles says.
"I'm sure you'll do fine. Sure you still have your duty as being the Guardian of the Master Emerald, but you should also make time to spend time with your new brother or sister when they hatch," Sally says.
"Thanks," Knuckles says.
Eve turns to Knuckles, "So Knuckles, what else are we going to do while we're here."
"Well, I still need to do a few things, but we're also going to head to the Museum of Echidna History," Knuckles says.
"Great. We're going to a boring museum," Sonic mutters.
"Yeah. Museums are no fun," Charmy says.
"I-I think they're i-i-interesting," Ray says.
"Yeah. there's nothing wrong going to a museum to learn about ancient history," Mighty replies.
"Yeah right, they are boring and they [put you to sleep," sonic says.
Eve rolls her eyes, "Trust me on this one. The last time Uncle Chuck took my and Sonic to a museum, he fell asleep and he had to carry Sonic for the whole tour. He actually snore during the tour."
"Did not," Sonic denies.
Eve remarks, "Did too."
"Now isn't the time to get into an argument. We're supposed to be hanging out together," Mighty says.
"You're right. I just hope Eggman doesn't do anything to ruin it for us," Tails says.
"Sometimes I think Eggman will never get a break from trying to take over the world and or turning Mobian into Eggmanland or whatever he's talking about," Eve says.
Eve sighs, "Sometimes I think Eggman is like so weird, and yet kind of familiar."
"What do you mean?" Julie-Su asks.
"I'm not sure. I felt like I've seen someone that looked like Eggman, but not sure where," Eve says.
"I'm sure you'll figure out when the time comes. Right now, let's finish eating," Sonic says.
The group continue to finish their lunch and are planning on heading to the museum. Unknown to the group, someone is watching them from a different table across the diner. The being is specifically looking at Sally.
A boy's voice asks himself, "That girl. She looks a lot like my mom. I felt that I should know here, but I can't remember."
After having lunch, Knuckles and the others walking into the Museum of Echidna History. As they walk around the museum, The group are interested to see the different figures of Echidnas of the past. Along with ancient artifacts, clothes, gems, and other type of ancient treasures.
"This is a great museum. It must have almost everything about ancient Echidna history," Sally says.
"Almost. There are still a lot about our history that are left to uncover," Knuckles says.
"Like what?" Eve asks.
"That's the mystery. There are a lot about Echidna History that many of us don't know about. Of course, well, my ancestors were trapped in a strange place called the Twilight Zone, but again, I don't feel like talking about it," Julie-Su says.
"That's okay. You can tell us when you're ready," Sally says.
Just then Amy notices, "Hey guys, take a look at this display over here."
Everyone walk over to see the display that Amy is at. What they're looking at is amazing. They see an Echidna that is dressed in a robe and is presenting a sword to a gray hedgehog with a tan muzzle and long quills. He is wearing a crown and a cape, red shoes, and gray armor.
"What's this display?" Eve asks.
"Chao?" Jazz replies.
"Believe it or not Eve, this is the display that explained about the sword you're wielding now. The Echidna was name, Hans-Fa who was the Blacksmith that created the Master Emerald Sword and gave it to Hedgeward. Until you wield it, King Hedgeward was the only one who was able to use the power because it has the exact same powers as the Master Emerald," Knuckles says.
"Wow! I never knew my sword that this special. From what Sally and I dug up, it actually got its power from the Master Emerald so it ended up with the same power," Eve says.
"That is why only those with that power can withstand its power," Knuckles says.
"That is correct, and those who weren't able to ended up bringing destruction upon themselves," A familiar voice says.
The group turn their heads to see Locke walking their way with another male Echidna. This Echidna is bright orange with green eyes, and is wearing glasses. He is wearing a brown suit with a white shirt, and red tie.
"Hi Locke, didn't expect to see you here," Eve says.
"Me either, what are you doing here dad?" Knuckles asks.
"Just discussing with a colleague of mine. This is Professor Urn, he's the owner and curator of the museum," Locke says.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I couldn't help but notice taking quite an interest to this display" Urn says.
"Yeah. Our sister actually have Hedgeward's sword and is able to use it," Sonic says.
Urn looks at Eve with interest, "Really now."
"Um well yeah, I was able to use the sword like how I used my Chaos Sword. I'm good at using it, but I'm not sure if I was able to fully understand its full potential," Eve says, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Aww, don't be modest Eve. you've been using that sword for months and you've been awesome with it," Amy says.
"She's right. You're like one of the best sword wielder in Knothole," Tails says.
"If you ask me Eve ranks number #1 on that meter. Antoine is rank number #2. Even though Eve is a year younger than he is," Amy says.
"And you just turned thirteen because of a wishing ring," Eve says with a grin.
"Very funny," Amy says with her arms crossed.
"That's okay Amy. In the plus side, you ended up a year older than me," Tails says.
"Alright, let's not talk about ages because we all know how old we are," Eve says.
"True. Although, I'll be turning seventeen soon and I still need to wait until I'm coming of age to learn about some secret information from Nicole," Sally says.
"Um what does coming of age means?" Charmy asks.
"It means when Sally turns eighteen," Espio says.
"Oh," Charmy replies.
Sonic yawns, "Alright, this is starting to get boring. I say we head out before I end up falling asleep again."
Eve rolls her eyes, "Oh Sonic."
As the group talk about the ancient history and Sonic wanting to leave, someone secretly peek their head from the corner of the wall to see the group of Freedom Fighters, especially at Sally. Sally feels a strange feeling and turns her head to see the source of it. However, no one seems to be around. Eve turns her head to see Sally looking at the wall with a confused look on her face. Eve and Jazz walk up to Sally.
Eve asks, "What's wrong Sally?"
"I don't know. I could have sworn someone was staring at me," Sally says.
Eve looks to where Sally is looking to see nothing.
"That's weird. There doesn't seem to be anyone now, but we should keep an eye out," Eve says.
"Thanks Eve," Sally says.
"Chao chao! Jazz says.
"Come on, let's head out," Eve says.
The two then walk off with the others. The unknown figure stick looks out again. This time to reveal brown color fur and dark red color hair and blue color eyes. He is curious about Sally and the beings who are with them. He leaves and continues to follow them.
Later in the day, the group have finish exploring the city and are now walking to a shopping center. They walk inside to see many different stores and food places.
"Wow! This is what I called a mall!" Amy says.
"Yeah. I think this place looks great. Maybe I get get some new clothes," Eve says.
"I would like to explore around," Sally says.
Julie-Su walks forward, "I haven't been here long, but I know a few cloth store you should see, but don't expect me to be in a dress or anything too girly."
"If you say so," Eve says.
Amy grabs Sally and Eve's hand, "Come on ladies, we got some shopping to do."
Julie-Su and Jazz follow the three friends.
Sonic rolls his eyes, "Women."
"I heard that!" Eve calls out from a distance.
"Come on guys, we'll have our own fun. Just us guys," Vector says.
"Let's go," Tails says.
The boys head off to the opposite side of the mall to look around while the girls head off to one of the clothing stores. However, the mysterious figure looks to see that Sally and the girls are heading away from the boys. He decides to follow them to Sally. Apparently, he wants Sally for something, really want to know what it is, and see why is she so familiar.
After leaving the boys, the girls walk into a store called 'Glamour Gals.' When the girls walk into the store, they can see all kinds of outfits.
"Wow. They have so many different clothes," Amy says.
"And nice dresses, "Sally says, holding a blue dress.
Eve grabs some boots, "And shoes."
"Wow! I never know you Freedom Fighters are into fashion," Julie-Su comments.
"Chao?" Jazz says, confused.
"I say we try some on. You too, Julie-Su," Amy says.
"No thanks. I'm alright," Julie-Su says.
Eve and Sally grab her wrists and begin to drag her with them as Amy says, "Oh no, you're coming with us. I'm sure there are some clothes for you to try out."
"Chao Chao!" Jazz says, and flies after them.
"Hold on guys, how about we rethink this," Julie-Su says.
"No way!" The girls answer.
"Chao Chao!" Jazz replies, and flies after them.
The girls grab clothes of all kinds; shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, and more. After gathering the clothes, and helping Julie-Su gather some, they all head to the dressing rooms.
Sally comes out wearing a blue vest, a white shirt, and black pants with blue boots. Amy is wearing a black, pink, and purple outfit. Eve is wearing a white shirt with a long sleeve black jacket with red flames on the side with black pants, and boots. Julie-Su is wearing a blue tank top, black pants, and brown boots. Jazz the Chao is wearing a dark purple ribbon around her neck and a black and red striped skirt. The girls look at each other and begin laughing with glee.
The girls then try on other type of clothes; casual, formal, sporty, and other type of clothes. When Sally and Eve come out of the fitting room, they are both wearing royal dresses. Sally's dress is purple with white laces while Eve is wearing a black dress with red laces and blue patterns on it.
"Wow! You both look like princesses wearing these dresses. Of course, Sally is already a princess," Amy says.
Eve giggles, "Well duh, maybe someday Sally will be called Queen Sally Acorn."
"I wouldn't go that far yet. I'm still a princess, even though I'm a Freedom Fighter and don't live like a princess.
Unknown to the girls, the being from before is following the girls and see the girls in dresses. He is shocked to hear about Sally being a royal and her last name.
"Sally Acorn? No. It can't be," The boy says.
"But… she looks a lot like my mom," The boy says walking away.
Just then, he bumps into a few clothes rack and falls to the ground catching the girls attention.
"What was that?" Julie-Su asks.
"It came from over there," Amy says.
The girls hurry over to see a few clothes racks and clothes have fallen to the ground. They also see a foot and a hand sticking out of it.
Jazz flies over to the hand, and says, "Chao Chao! Chao Chao Chao!"
"It looks like someone in there," Amy says.
"He needs help," Sally says, walking to the person trapped under the clothes.
Sally takes the Mobian's hand, "Here, let me help you."
"It's alright. I I think I can help myself up," The boy's voice says.
Sally helps pull the boy and stands on his two feet. Unfortunately, he ends up with a red shirt on him.
Amy asks, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just uh, doing some shopping," The boy says.
Eve thinks, "Hmm, I'm getting the funny feeling that you've been spying on us."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Eve," the boy says.
"And how do you know my name. I never met you before," Eve says.
"Um I just uh heard you while doing some shopping," The boy replies.
Sally says, "Come on, I can tell you're not a very good liar."
The boy sighs, "You're right. I have been spying on you Sally, but I wst want to ask you? Are you really part of the Royal Acorn Family? And is your name really is Sally?"
"Yes. that's my name," Sally answers.
The boy takes the shirt off his head, "Good. I want to be sure I wasn't imagining it."
Sally gasps in shock to see the boy standing before her. The boy looks like he is in his twenties. He's a brown mobian squirrel with blue eyes, with dark red color hair. He is wearing a rolled up long sleeved shirt, gray pants, and brown shoes. For some strange reason, this boy looks exactly like her father.
"Daddy?! But, why do you look like my father?" Sally asks.
The squirrel calmly says, "I wouldn't blame you if you don't remember. It's been years since I saw you. I was only a kid then. Sadly, our mother and I have been lost for a long time."
"Um, if you don't mind us asking, who are you?" Eve asks.
"Yeah. who are you, and how do you know Sally?" Amy asks.
"My name is Elias. Elias Acorn. I'm Sally's brother," The boy asks.
Sally is shocked to hear this. Sally takes a closer look of his eyes and feel that she can see her father's eyes. She also remembers a photo she has of her brother and her mother, before they disappeared.
Sally smiles as she shed tears, "Elias!"
She then hugs the squirrel, Elias with tears of Joy. The boy hugs Sally with a smile on their face. Sonic and the others walk over to see what is going on.
"There you guys are. We were starting to worry," Mighty says.
"Y-y-yeah. We've been l-l-looking for you," Ray says.
They then notice Sally and Elias hugging each other.
Sonic walks to Eve, "Hey Eve, what's going on, and who is that hugging Sally?"
"Sonic… I think we just found Sally's long lost brother," Eve says.
Everyone become shocked and look to see Sally and Elias hugging each other. Sally is happy that she is able to find her long lost brother here of all places.
