Episode 21: The Tobor Mystery Part 1

It's been two days since the attack at Echidnaopolis, and everything on the island seems to be calm. In the city of Echidnaopolis on a bright morning, the Mobians, mostly Echidnas and Dingoes are fixing the damage that has been done during the invasion. Leaving the city at top speed is Eve. She has Shun in a carrier and Jazz sits on her head. Eve is holding her backpack and Shun's baby bag.

"Alright you two,, we're going to meet Julie-Su at the clearing close to the Chao Garden," Eve says.

Baby Shun giggles with glee.

Jazz happily says, "Chao Chao."

"I know. I'm excited too. It's been a long time since we saw your friends. I hope Julie-Su remembers where we're meeting," Eve says as she speeds through the forest.

Meanwhile, on the grounds of Mobius, a reddish brown echidna wearing a worn out dark green tunic, green boots, and white gloves come out of the forest. He looks up with strange yellow eyes.

He surprisingly thinks, "Above me… after all this time?"

He then jumps up and flies in the air as he thinks, "Can it be?" I have to know!"

The strange Echidna flies closer and closer.

He finally sees Angel Island a he thinks, "It is! The one place I never thought I'd set foot on again!"

He then lands on the ground close by. He is amazed to see this island. To him, it's been years or decades. He begins to look around when he hears some strange steps.

"Wait! I hear footsteps," The echidna says.

The strange sound comes closer and closer.

"No! Make that… hoofsteps!" The echidna says.

The echidna turns around to see what looks like a white horse with a silver mane and red eyes. It has a bridle strap in it's mouth. The horse like creature panics as it's owner, Julie-Su pulls the straps.

"Hold Thunder!" Julie-Su panics.

The moment the echdian sees Julie-Su, he panics and falls to the ground, "A Dark Legionnaire!"

Then thinks in a panic, "I must be going mad! Fate couldn't possibly be so cruel to me!"

"Hello? I'm sorry if I scared you? Is everything alright?" Julie-Su asks.

He then glares at Julie-Su and thinks, "Then again… maybe this is fate's way of giving me one more chance…"

The mysterious echidna begins to stand up as Julie-Su asks, "Is something wrong? You don't look very well."

"One final opportunity… to make amends!" The echidna thinsk, and pounces at Julie-Su.

Julie-Su screams, "Hey!"

The next moment, Julie-Su is laying on the ground with her attacker on her.

The echidna angrily says, "Why don't you do us all a favor and be gone from our sight. You bionic freak!"

The echidna clutches his hand together and is about to strike at Julie-Su. Julie-Su moves out of the way and grabs his fist before he strikes.

"Sorry. That's not my game plan today," Julie-Su says.

Then kicks him off, "Now get off of me! I didn't do anything to you!"

The echidna grits his teeth in anger, "Lying wrench! Your kind can never be trusted! Not after what you did to us! Not after what you did to me!"

"I'm going to make you pay!" He shouts in rage and grabs Julie-Su by her neck to knock her down.

Julie-Su struggles as she tries to get the attacker from strangling her. Suddenly, someone grabs the echidna to a headlock causing him to let go of Julie-Su. Julie-Su quickly sits up to see Eve trapping him in a headlock. She then grabs his arm and pins him to the ground.

"Eve!" Julie-Su surprise says.

"Hey Julie, glad I got here in time," Eve says. On the carrier on Eve's back, Shun giggles to see Eve fighting the echidna.

The echidna struggles and shouts, "Get off!"

"Not until you tell me why you're taking Julie-Su," Eve says.

"He recognizes me of being a Dark Legionnaire," Julie-Su says.

"You mean former because you left them," Eve says.

Then turns to the echidna, "Okay. I'm going to let you go, now, but promise that you won't attack us."

"Fine," the echidna says.

Eve lets go of the Echidna and stands up. The Echidna stands up and turns to see the two girls. To his surprise, the hedgehog is able to interact with the Dark Legionnaire with no problem.

Eve turns to the Echidna, "Alright, are you calm now?"

The echidna nods his head in reply

"Okay. You see, my friend, Julie-Su is not with the Dark Legion anymore, and is not a threat. Understand?" Eve replies with a calm smile.

The echidna nods his head.

"Okay. I'm Eve. And this is my baby Shun," Eve says.

Jazz flies over to them, "Chao Chao."

"And this is my Chao. And you already met Julie-Su," Eve says.

"That's putting it mildly," Julie-Su mutters.

Then Eve asks, "What's your name?"

"Torbor… my name is Tobor," The echidna answers.

"It's nice to meet you. Is there something you need?" Eve asks.

"Yes. There is something. I need help finding the current guardian of the island," Tobor says.

"You mean Knuckles. He's in Echidnaopolis right now," Julie-Su says.

"So you do know him?" Tobor asks.

"He's a friend of ours. Well, he's Julie-Su's boyfriend too," Eve says.

Julie-Su blushes and shouts, "He's not my boyfriend!"

"That's not what the others said," Eve says with a smirk.

Julie-Su groans and walks to her horse, "Let's just get him to the city."

Eve, Shun, and Jazz begin to giggle while Tobor looks a bit confused.

Meanwhile, Knuckles is meditating. He sits down with his legs crossed and his hands placed close together. Just then, Archimedes appears on Knuckles' shoulders.

"Hey Knuckles, How i your training?" Archimedes asks.

"Just trying to think about what happened. The Dark Legion attack. Mogul's powers and such. Especially how Jazz can super form the way she did. I never knew a Chao can do it," Knuckles says.

"Well… hmm, you did told me that she was different than the others. You said that she is one of the Chaos that lived for thousands of years. Back when the Knuckles Clan existed," Archimedes says.

"Yeah. I think Jazz is different from other Chaos. I also suspect because of Eve," Knuckles says.

"I remember. Chao can pick up special traits from those who have special connections to. Since Eve and Jazz have been together. So maybe, since Eve is able to super form, Jazz picked up that kind of trait," Archimedes says.

"Maybe," Knuckles says, and stands up.

"I'm going to see Eve and see if she has any ideas," Knuckles says.

"Alright. I'll see you later," Archimedes says.

"Later," Knuckles says.

Then Archimedes disappears. Knuckles then begins to walk out of the park he meditating at and walks down the sidewalk.

In the secret room, Locke is watching the monitors to see Knuckles walking down the road.

One of the previous guardians, Sojourner walks over and asks, "How's our boy, Locke?"

"Very well. I can tell he is still deep in thought about what has happened two days ago," Locke says.

"I can understand. Still, I'm a bit surprised by what happened," Sojourner says.

Just then, walking into the room is Tobor, he asks, "And how is Eve and her family?"

"They've been doing well so far," Locke says.

Then Tobor notices on the monitor, "Who's that approaching Knuckles?"

"Oh, it's Knuckles' friend, Julie-Su, and Eve is with her as well. They appear to have someone with them…" Locke says.

Suddenly, the monitors and lights goes off.

"What happened?" Locke asks.

"The Power's out! The circuit must have shorted out at the generators!" Sabre says.

Then turns his head, "Locke and I will see what the problem is in the power core."

Locke and Sabre leaves the room to check out the problem.

Tobor thinks, "That was too close. They almost saw him. However, it's bad because Knuckles and Eve did."

Meanwhile, Knuckles, Julie-Su, and Eve are talking with the mysterious visitor, Tobor. They are having lunch at one of the cafes in the city.

"You say you're who?!" Knuckles asks.

"Tobor. My name is Tobor… or at least I was," Tobor says.

"Oh yeah?! How come I never heard of you? Where's your proof?!" Knuckle says, disbelief.

The next moment, Eve concks him on the head.

Knuckles viciously glares at Eve, "What the heck was that?!"

"You're being rude," Eve says.

"It's okay," tobor says.

"You need proof, youngster?" Tobor says standing up.

He then lowers the collar to reveal the white crescent collar on his chest.

He says, "Then here it is… for I bear the mark… the Collar ring that serves to identify only those of our station, such as yourself!"

"He didn't tell us much, just that he was a guardian. He said we should find you to explain his story," Julie-Su says.

"Okay. we're all years," Knuckles says.

Just then, the waiter comes over and places some drinks on the table and walks off.

Tobor says, "Allow me a moment to collect my thoughts, as it's been so many years."

"It's okay. Take your time," Eve says.

"Thank you. I was a mere lad of twenty, not much older than you. I imagine, when my father, Hawking, had appointed me Guardian in his stead…" Tobor says.

Flashback:

Decades ago, Tobor is sitting with his father, Hawking when they're young age. Back at the time, Tobor has blue eyes and his clothes aren't worn. He is with two female echidna and a baby echidna.

Hawking says, "Tobor, it's time you became guardian. You've proven yourself worthy of the title. I have to return to the Floating Island. It'll be up to you to look out for our people while I'm away."

"But father, the floating island was destroyed by the Dingoes. If it wasn't for you, we'd all be goners," Tobor says, concern.

"The floating island was devastated, Tobor… but not destroyed. It's my responsibility to restore it," Hawking says, taking his jacket from his wife.

He puts it on as he says, "I won't rest until Echidnaopolis and it's people have been restored to its former glory."

"That means…" He then removes his hat.

Then places it on Tobor's, "You're the man of the house."

Tobor looks to see himself wearing his father hat as Hawking says, "Wear it proud."

While Tobor is seeing one of the female echidnas who is holding a baby, a fire ant appears on his hand.

Hawking hugs his wife and says, "I'm coming back to you, Sonja-Ra… no matter what."

"You do what you have to, dear. The kids and I will be fine, just make sure you do come back to me," The echidna, Sonja-Ra says.

Sometime later, Tobor and his family watch Hawking fly in the air and headed off to the Floating Island.

"After one last kiss, father departed to begin his task, and my life as a guardian began," Tobor says.

"I guess being the guardian isn't just watching the Master Emerald, huh?" Eve asks.

"No it's more than that. It's about protecting its people from harm," Tobor says.

"But the way you reacted towards Julie-Su, I suspect that you had a run in with the Dark Legion too," Eve says.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he did at some point," Knuckles says.

"What happened after your father left?" Julie Su asks.

"Well, it didn't take long before I experienced my baptism of fire. Outside the city limits where the Hydroponic gardens has been constructed to replace the vast tracts of farmland, left behind on the floating island. On one quiet afternoon, a rip of the dimensional barrier opened and they swarmed like locusts," Tobor explains.

Years later, in an echidna city, everything seemed quiet. Until, a portal opens on the outskirts of the city. Tanks, robots, and hovercrafts with hooded figures come out of it.

"Echidnaopolis, where I grew up, was invaded by an enemy believed long defeated, the Dark Legion," Tobor says.

The Legionnaire are flying in hovercrafts, holding blasters, and driving tanks around the area. Soon, one comes out and is slightly different from the others. This echidna is wearing a green tunic that also seem to look like armor. It has a white M on it, He also wears a cape, gray boots, white gloves, and some metal gear around his eyes.

Tobor adds, "Led by their leader an evil Legionnaire who called himself, Moritori Rex."

The Dark Legionnaire leader shouts, "Citizens of Echidnaopolis, accept your birthright! Reclaim the technology created by our forefathers! You've already taken the first steps towards doing so, now finish the job."

However, Tobor and the citizens stand in front of Moritori Rex and his Legionnaires.

Tobor denies, "NO! Our people supported the decision to renounce technology! It's not your place to force your views upon others."

However, Morotiri and his Legionnaires begin to attack the people. The citizens battle against the Legionnaires while Tobor deals with Moritori Rex.

"I have to agree with you on that. My friends and I do use Technology, but not all the time. We even have a friend who is an A.I. Of course, that's our own choice," Eve says.

"That's what you and your friends do, but the Echidna didn't want to get involved with technology after what happened with our ancestors," Knuckles says.

Eve then asks Tobor, "And I assuming the Legion didn't like your decline so much.."

"They didn't. I was pointless to argue, Moritori Rex regarded any opinion, save his own words, as insignificant. The result was a battle of epic proportions, the likes of which few had ever seen or experienced, for the very hearts and minds of echidna populace. Little did I realize it would soon turn personal," Tobor says.

Tobor and Moritori Rex continue to fight with each other. Moritori Rex then grabs Tobor by the collar of his shirt, but Tobor is able to rip a piece off. Moritori then sees the mark of the Guardians on Tobor's chest.

"That mark! You must be a Guardian! A Descendant of Steppenwolf You have a lot to answer for, villain!" Moritori says in rage.

Tobor says, "I haven't a clue what you're yammering about, so why don't you just shut up and fight!"

Tobor and Moritori continues to fight against each other. The Legionnaire punches the guardian. The guardian then kicks the Legionnaire in the face.

Tobor explains, "We fought… the mother of all battles… with neither side asking or giving a quarter. And just when Moritori Rex stared into the Jaws of Defeat. He took matters into his own hands…"

Tobor has Moritori into a headlock and is on the verge of defeating him. Just then, the legionnaire brings out a remote and presses the button. Suddenly, the whole area begins to shake and sends the two away. Suddenly, the pair find themselves somewhere in the floating island. Suddenly the ruins collapse and falls right on top of them. Tobor loses his hat in the process.

Time goes by and Tobor hears someone screaming his name. He opens his eyes to see his father, Hawking. However, he is holding Moritori Rex, thinking he is Tobor. Tobor can only watch as he takes Moritori away, thinking he is his own son. Tobor can't say a word, not even a yelp. Instead he remains silent. More time has gone by and he is finally free from the debris. He then decides to leave and walks through the desert. He feels shame, overwhelmness, and depression. Most of all, deep sadness.

Flashback Ends:

"And at that moment, I lost everything that day," Tobor adds.

Knuckles, Eve, Julie-Su, and Jazz sit down quietly in sadness.

Eve says, "That must have been so terrible."

"I know. I can't believe your father think a Legionnaire was you," Knuckles says.

"How come you didn't return home and tell them what really happened?" Julie-Su asks.

"I wanted to… it was my first instinct. But the same I felt was overwhelming. My first crisis as a guardian had left me feeling I was a total failure. Unable to face anyone, I ended up wandering aimlessly on Mobius, for what seems like decades…" Tobor says.

"Until you found your way to Angel Island, where Julie-Su and I found you," Eve sadly says.

"Yes," Tobor says, sounding upset.

Then continues, "I thought I wanted vengeance… but all I really want… is my life and family back!"

Tobor covers face with his hands as he begins to sob. Knuckles and the girls look at each other in sadness. Tobor lost his family and his identity, and feel ashamed about coming back to them.

Knuckles hugs Tobor and says, "I may not be what you had in mind, but I am family, Tobor. We'll help you sort everything out. You're not the only ones with questions."

"And how do we suppose we do that?" Julie-Su asks.

"If we can find out what really happened then we can tell my father and Athair about the truth," Knuckles says.

"You're right. Let's go back to your mom's house. My parents are there, and my dad might give us an idea what happened," Eve says.

"How so?" Tobor asks.

Eve nervously laughs and says, "Yeah. Truth is, my father was a former Dark Legionnaire before a lab accident sends him to Mobius from the Twilight Cage Zone."

Then says, "But I'm sure he knows something about this."

"Wouldn't hurt to ask. Let's go see him," Knuckles says.

Sometime later in Lara-Le's home, Knuckles, Eve, and Julie-Su explain to Knuckle's mother and Eve's parents the whole story. The babies and Chao are simply sitting on the floor between the two sofas playing with toy blocks, dolls, and other toys for them to play.

"And that's what happened," Knuckles says.

"Oh dear. I'm sorry sorry to hear it Tober," Lara-Le says.

"Yes. I imagine it must have been hard for you," Obsidian adds.

"Yes it was," Tobor says.

Eve turns to her dad, "That's why we came to you. Since you're a former Legionnaire, we like to know if you have any knowledge of it."

"Sadly, I don't have much clue about the invasion you speak up. It must have taken place long after the lab accident. However, I know exactly who Moritori Rex is," Cloud-Ra says.

"You do?" Eve asks.

Cloud-Ra nods his head, "Yes. He's my father."

"Your father?" Eve says, confused.

"Yes. He was the head of the Legion before my brother took charge. Before the accident, my father announced that it's Luger's time to take over the Legion, and said that he had to be away," Cloud-Ra says.

"Do you have any idea why?" Eve asks.

"No. I think this was one of those secret information. Ones that can only be informed by Dark Legion Leaders," Cloud-Ra says.

"Then our hands are tied. At least we know who Moritori Rex is," Julie-Su says.

"True, but that isn't enough to reveal what really happened," Knuckles says.

"But that does give me an idea. Dad just said that the secret might be for only Dark Legion Leader's knowledge. Lucky for us, we happen to have the leader locked up behind bars," Eve says.

"Kragok!" Knuckles says, realizing this.

"Isn't he in the EST prison? No way he helps us," Julie-Su says.

"Got any better ideas," Eve questions.

"I think talking to Kragok is our best shot. I'll head over to the station right now, and see if Remington will let me see him," Knuckles says walking to the door.

Eve then follows Knuckles, "I'll come with you too. I want to know what all this about."

"Alright. You can come, but make sure you stay with me," Knuckles says.

Eve nods her head.

"Tobor, you stay here and our parents and Julie-Su will look after you," Knuckles says.

"Okay," Tobor says.

Knuckles and Eve leaves the house and begin to head off to the police station.

"I sure how they'll find out something," Tobor says.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll figure out something," Obsidian says.

Lara-Le stands up, "I'll go make some tea and some snacks."

"I'll come with you," Obsidian says.

The two women leave to the kitchen together to get some snacks.

Meanwhile, in Haven, Locke looks through the power box to figure out the mysterious power failure. He is weary safety goggles just in case.

Locke picks up a piece of circuit and says, "Amazing as it is, this fried little circuit appears to be our culprit."

Sabre says, "Now that you've found the problem, we should be back to full power in no time."

"I'm afraid it's not that easy, father. This circuit appears to be an original," Locke says, removing the goggles.

Just then, the echidna who appears to be Tobor and Sojourner walk into the room.

Sojourner asks, "Ah, gentlemen, have you discovered what the trouble is yet?"

"Locke believes so, Grandfather Sojourner," Sabre says.

"Go ahead, Locke, we're all ears," Sojourner replies.

"I'm not sure if we have a replacement part. We may have to reconstruct a new one from scratch. And if so, that's going to take a bit of time before the power is back online," Locke says.

In the halls of the EST Prison, Knuckles and Eve are with Constable Remington. After discussing about the situation, the Constable decides to let them give it a try.

"We're glad that you allows us to see him," Eve says.

"And thanks for helping us," Knuckles says.

"Well, we haven't been able to get anything out of him… so you're both more than welcome to try," Remington says.

"He hasn't try to escape or anything, has he?" Eve asks.

"No, and that's a good thing," Remington says.

He then turns to the guard, "Alright, Murphy, open it up!"

"Yes sir," The echidna, Murphy says.

He unlocks the door and opens it. Knuckles and Eve are the first to see the prison and the prisoner inside.

Just then, a familiar voice says, "So you finally decide to see me, eh Guardian? And you even brought the hedgehog girl."

Knuckles and Eve sternly walks inside the cell to see Kragok sitting on a prison bed and he is the only one in the cell.

Kragok says with a bitter tone, "Well, you're wasting your time if you think I have anything to say to either of you."

"We wouldn't bet on it, Kragok," Eve says.

Knuckles then says, "We want answers."

Then turns the guards, "Lock us up, Murphy. We'd like to be alone with our… 'cousin.'"

Knuckles and Eve sternly stares at the Dark Legion leader as he gives them a scowl expression on his face. Knuckles and Eve are determined to get answers, and they're planning on getting it no matter what."