Episode 24: The Children of the Web
One afternoon in the training room under Acorn Castle, Sonic, eve, and the others are training hard to sharpen up their abilities. Eve and Antoine sharp up their sword skills along with Sally who is fighting with her ring blades. Sonic, Tails, Bunnie, Manic, and Sonia fight with their physical strength. They're training along with Geoffrey and Hershey and along with their new colleges of the Royal Service, Heavy and Bomb.
Watching from the stands are King Acorn, Uncle Chuck, Amadeus Prower, Armand D' Coolette, Obsidian, and Rotor who is at the controls.
"They are working very hard lately," King Acorn says.
"Well with Dr. Eggman still threatening our home, it's important to get some training for when they need to go on missions," Amadeus says.
"I heard recently that Sonic and Eve got into a fight with Mammoth Mogul and barely defeated him," Uncle Chuck says.
"Yes. They figure that they need to train extra hard. Apparently there has been more villains so they need to train in case they ever return," Armand says.
"I have to agree. But still, it wouldn't hurt for them to get some rest after their training," Obsidian says.
"I understand. However, our children continue to grow more than we can keep up with them," King Acorn says.
"They all are. I must admit, your Royal Services are also well trained as well," Uncle Chuck says.
"I know. They all seem to learn a lot from each other," King Acorn says.
The adults continue to watch the training. How they used weapons or their physical strength and powers to fight. Rotor then presses a red button and the fighters come to a stop.
Rotor says, "Alright everyone, that's all for now. We'll continue training tomorrow."
"Thanks Rotor," Sally says.
With that, the group then begins to leave the Training Room
"That was some training we did. I could use some relaxing after that," Sonia says.
"I could do training all day if you ask me," Sonic says.
"Of course, you will. You don't get tired easily," Manic says.
"Well the rest of us do," Sonia says.
"Don't worry Sonia, we're going to get a nice relaxing rest after that training session," Bunnie replies.
"So what are you guys going to do?" Sonia asks.
"I promise mom and dad I watched the little ones," Eve says.
"I need to Rotor's lab to check out my limbs. They need to be upgraded," Bunnie replies.
"Don't worry Bunnie, Rotor, Uncle Chuck, Cloud-Ra, and I will give you better limbs that are stronger than before," Tails says.
"Thanks sugar," Bunnie happily says.
Sally says, "Looks like we're all going to be busy after training. I'm going to be well, taking care of the kingdom while my parents are away for the night."
"Oui. Tails' father and my father will be accompany them for security reasons," Antoine says.
"If you want, some of us can help you," Eve says.
"Don't worry, Geoffrey and the Royal Service will be helping, but it wouldn't hurt to have more backup," Sally says.
"Cool. We'll meet you at the castle later today," Eve says.
Everyone happily nod their heads agreeing to the idea.
Sometime later, Eve walks into her parents' home. She walks to the living room to see the little ones playing with their toys.
Eve looks in the pen and says, "Hi Dimitri. Hello Ichigo. Hey Shun."
The little babies see their sister and are very happy to see her, and they continue to play with their toys, except for Shun. He walks to Eve and raises his arms up towards her, all six of them.
Eve smiles, "Okay Shun."
Eve then picks up Shun and holds him in her arms. She then brings out the ninja like toys Shun's birth mother has left for him.
"Alright Shun, how about I show you how to throw this kunai," Eve says, holding the rubber kunai.
Shun takes it and looks at it with interest. Eve then places Shun on the ground and brings a pillow. She then puts it at a short distance and sits next to the baby.
"Okay Shun, time for your training. Espio has been teaching me and now it's time to teach you," Eve says.
She holds another kunai, "You hold the kunai by its handle. Then you need to be sure you to throw it almost like your flick it, but not to hard. Be sure to throw your arm when you throw the kunai."
Eve then throws the toy kunai and it hits the pillow.
Eve then turns to Shun, "Now you try."
Shun then throws the toy kunai, but it doesn't go that far.
Eve giggles, "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get better when you get older. Until then, just have fun playing with the toy kunai."
Then next moment, Shun ends up throwing the toy kunai at Eve's forehead and it lands on the ground. Baby Shun begins giggling after that. Eve then begins to giggle as well. Eve then turns her head to notice Shun is beginning to crawl away from her and begins to climb up the wall.
"Um Shun, you need to be careful," Eve says, quickly getting up.
Then uses her Chaos Energy to fly up in the air, "You'll get hurt."
Eve then flies up and uses her Chaos ability so she can crawl on the wall. Shun smiles to see Eve crawling with her.
"Alright Shun, I think it's time for you to get down," Eve says.
Shun simply turns around and crawls back to Eve. Eve takes Shun in her arm and is glad to see him safe.
"Alright Shun, I think we had enough training for now. Let's walk back down," eve says.
Suddenly, someone says, "Uh Eve, why are you and Shun upside down on the ceiling."
Eve turns her head and looks down to see Cloud-Ra holding a bag of groceries. The twins, Dimitri and Ichigo giggle to see Eve and Shun on the ceiling upside down.
"Sorry dad, Shun was climbing on the wall. I think it's a spider ninja's instinct or something," Eve says.
"Sounds understandable, but you better get down. I don't want the twins to start attempting it," Cloud-Ra says.
"Okay," Eve says.
Eve then uses her Chaos Energy to fly back on the ground and continues to hold Shun in her arms.
Eve turns to the twins and says, "Kids, don't attempt to climb on walls without a grown up and with powers that can catch you if you fall."
Dimitri and Ichigo simply giggle and reach their arms out towards Eve. Eve sighs with a smile on her face. Shun climbs on her head while she picks up the twins in her arms. Eve then sits on the ground and sighs.
"Sometimes taking care of children is just as challenging as fighting Dr. Eggman and his robots. Not to mention the Dark Legion," Eve says, feeling a little tired.
"Maybe, but I think you'll have better understand if you're a parent," Cloud-Ra says.
"I guess so," Eve says.
"Where's your mother?" Cloud-Ra asks.
"She's upstairs doing her meditations. I think she'll be doing it for another hour or so," Eve says.
"Somethings never change," Cloud-Ra says.
"I guess," Eve says.
Just then, Eve feels something on her lap. She looks down to see a green book. It has a picture of what looks like a flower garden with one big red one. It shows a small human girl inside. The one who placed the book on her lap is Ichigo.
Eve smiles and asks, "You want me to read it for you? Okay."
Eve then takes the book as she places Dimitri and Ichigo on her lap.
She then opens the book and begins to read, "Once upon a time there was a lonely woman who long to have a child of her own. One day, she paid a visit to a king witch who gave her a barley corn. She said to plant the seed in a flower pot, water it carefully and wait. The woman did as she was told and by and by, it begins to grow. Finally, a beautiful red flower grows from the pot. She gently kissed the bud and it blooms. Inside the flower is a tiny little girl…"
Eve continues to read the story to the babies. Unknown to her, someone is secretly spying on her from a tree top close by. The being in the tree is a spider mobian dressed in a ninja outfit, and is closed to Cosmo's age. The ninja then hops from the tree and leaves the scene.
The spider ninja lands on the ground and says in a raspy male voice, "It is as it's spun, our youngest brother is with the Freedom Fighter Girl who is the child of the Hayai Kaze Clan."
A gentle female voice says, "As it is meant to be. Our mother has passed on and our youngest brother has been saved."
"That is true, but still must carry Naugus' order. We must continue with what is spun in the web," A young boy's voice says.
"Correct. We invade Acorn Castle tonight and retrieve the Sword of Acorns," A grown male's voice says.
Later in the evening, Sally is walking down the halls of the castle when she feels a strange pain in her head. She grits her teeth as she holds her head.
"What was?" Sally says, feeling pain.
Suddenly, her eyes glowed a strange yellow glow, and suddenly sees something. She sees six spiders are in the castle halls. Then sees them sneaking around until they have the Sword of Acorns in their position. A few moments later, Sally's eyes changes back to normal and her head stops hurting.
Suddenly, she hears someone, "Sally, are you okay?"
Sally turn her head to see her mother, Queen Alicia walking down the hall.
"I-I think so, but… I don't know why, but I feel that we're going to have some uninvited guests tonight with the Arachnis Ninjas" Sally says.
"How do you know?" Alicia asks.
"I-I don't know… I just do. My head hurts and then I saw a vision," Sally says.
"Hmm, sounds like it's the Sword sending you visions of an upcoming event," Another voice says.
Sally and Alicia turns to see King Acorn walking down the hall towards the two females.
"The Sword of Acorns? Is this one of its powers?" Sally asks.
"I believe so. If it is the sword's magic, then we need to make sure the Sword of Acorns are safe from these Arachnis. I'll have Geoffrey's team and the Royal Guards to be on their guard," King Acorn says.
"Right. I'll see if Sonic and Eve can help you, and I think I'm going to need Obsidian's help on this one as well," Sally says.
Sometime later, Sonic, Eve, and Obsidian meet with the Royal Service and the Royal Guard. Of course, Eve has to bring Jazz and Shun along.
"Remind me why you had to bring your little spider along?" Sonic asks.
"Shun really wants to come and spend time with me. The twins are sleeping back at home with dad," Eve says.
Concern, Geoffrey asks, "Are you sure it's a good idea to bring a baby on guard duty?"
"I'm sure we won't have too much trouble with whatever comes our way. Besides, this isn't the first time Shun was exposed to Eve's Freedom Fighter Work," Sonic says.
"He what?! When?!" Hershey asks, shocked.
"It happened because the Dark Legion captured us and weren't planning on letting us leave so easily," Eve says.
"I see," Hershey says.
Eve then turns to the robots, "So you're Heavy and Bomb. Knuckles and the Chaotix told me a lot about you."
"A pleasure to meet you Eve Hedgehog and little Shun the Spider," Heavy says.
"It's a blast to meet you," Bomb replies.
"Nice to meet you too," Eve says.
"Cool that you two decided to come to the forces," Sonic says.
"We are honored," Heavy and Bomb says.
Sonic then turns to Sally, "So Sal, what's happening,"
"I know it sounds strange, but I got a strange vision, that a group of ninjas called the Arachis will be infiltrating the castle to steal the Sword of Acorns," Sally says.
"Really?" Hershey asks.
"I know it's surprising, but I think the Sword showed it to me for some reason, "Sally says.
"Either way, we can't let them get the sword. On the account of what happened last time," Geoffrey says.
"Don't remind me. Mogul almost made mincemeat out us," sonic says.
"That's why I called you all here. We need to have you all on high alert. I already have Tails assigned back up just in case," Sally says.
"Of course Princess Sally, we'll keep a close eye on the Arachis," Obsidian says.
"Thank you. I also called you here since you're a ninja, we can use some help with this one," Sally says.
Obsidian nods her head.
"Alright. Guard, you all will look out from the palace walls and around the city, The Freedom Fighters and the Royal Service will guard from the inside," Sally says.
The guard bow and carry on their royal duties to keep an eye out on the intruders. Sometime later, Sonic, Eve, Obsidian, and Sally are with Queen Alicia and King Acorn who is holding the world of Acorns in his hands. Geoffrey and his team are searching around the castle.
Sonic taps his foot as he says, "I'm waiting."
"Sonic, we only been here like an hour and who knows when they're going to show up," Eve says.
"Still, they sure are taking their time," Sonic says, annoyed.
"They're ninjas Sonic. They always stealth quietly and always take their time wisely to prepare their attack. If they plan to take the Sword of Acorns, then they need to move quietly and swiftly," Obsidian says.
"Sal sure make a good call sending you here," Sonic says.
"Well, my mom said that she used to live in a village of ninjas so she's very well experienced," Eve says as she rocks Shun in his baby chair.
"Of course, but not even I know everything about being a ninja of my clan," Obsidian says.
"Do you um, think those ninjas could have some connection to the Gossamer Clan?" Eve asks.
"Possibly," Obsidian says.
"Too bad we can't just ask, but we can after we take them down," Sonic says.
Sally sighs, "You always want to fight first ask questions later."
"Eggman always do that to us," Sonic says.
"That's true," Eve says.
Just then, Shun begins to yawn and is feeling drowsy.
"Can see the little guy is calm," Sonic says.
"Shun is a baby. I doubt he can stay up late like we can, but it doesn't seem that Shun wants to sleep," Eve says and sits next to the chair
Obsidian sits down next to Shun on the other side.
"I know a song that might help him sleep. I used to sing it to you and Shadow when you both were little back on the ARK," Obsidian says.
"I think I remember it, but it's a long time ago," Eve says.
Obsidian then begins to rock the chair itself.
"It's alright if you don't remember. It is a very long time ago. Maybe singing it will help you remember it," Obsidian says.
Sally and Sonic sits with Eve and Obsidian. Soon enough, Obsidian begins to sing a lullaby, but in a different language.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Natsuhiboshi, naze akai?
(Summer Star, why are you red?)
Yuube kanashii yume wo mita
(Because, I had a sad dream last night)
Soon baby Shun begins to yawn to hear the lullaby.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Naite hanashita
(My eyes are red from the tears I shed)
Akai me yo.
(Swollen as I cried)
Eve, Sonic, and Sally feel relaxed of the lullaby.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Natsuhiboshi, naze mayou?
(Summer Star, why've you lost your way?)
Kieta warashi wo sagashiteru
(I'm searching for a child who has gone afar)
Soon, Shun begins to fall asleep from the lullaby.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Dakara kanashii
(He can't be found, though I search all day)
Yume wo miru
(My sad dreams come once more)
Soon, Eve begins to remember the song from years ago.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Natsuhiboshi, naze akai?
(Summer Star, why are you red?)
Flashback:
Years ago on the ARK, Maria, Abraham, Alice, and Ben are laying on the bed. Shadow sits next to Obsidian while she rocks young sleeping Eve in her arms.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Yuube kanashii yume wo mita
(Because, I had a sad dream last night)
Shadow then places his hand on young Eve's head as she is sleeping peacefully.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Naite hanashita
(My eyes are red from the tears I shed)
Akai me yo.
(Swollen as I cried)
Sometime later, Maria, Abraham, Ben, and Alice has fallen asleep on the bed. Each of them are tucked under the covers. Even Shadow has fallen asleep on the bed with them. Obsidian smiles a she has Eve rocked in her arms.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Natsuhiboshi, naze mayou?
(Summer Star, why've you lost your way?)
Kieta warashi wo sagashiteru
(I'm searching for a child who has gone afar)
Obsidian then places little Eve on the bed as well and tucks her in the covers.
Obsidian Hedgehog:
Naite hanashita
(My eyes are red from the tears I shed)
Akai me yo.
(Swollen as I cried)
Obsidian then kisses Shadow and Eve on their foreheads and decides to leave the room to let them all sleep for the night.
Flashback Ends:
Sonic and Sally look to see Shun has fallen asleep, but Eve has also fallen asleep on Obsidian's lap as well. Sally then brings a blanket and places it on Eve so can sleep for the night. The rest decide to stay on guard duty.
Later in the night, the guards are stationed around New Mobotropolis and are being extra vigilant tonight. Unknown to the two guards, six Mobian spiders dressed as ninjas are standing over the tree where they're standing under. With that, they strike the two guards with a smoke bomb. They then hurry over to the castle wall. They are silent and catch the guards by surprise and knock them out. They sneak into the castle wall and knock out some of the castle guards. They strike when they gain the chance, swift, silent, and deadly.
In the castle, they hear a strange sound. It's enough to wake Eve up from her sleep.
Eve yawns and asks, "What's going on?"
"Did you hear something?" Sally asks.
"Big time," Sonic says.
Just then, the doors burst open and six spider ninjas holding swords, kunai, shurikens, and other weapons come bursting through the door.
"Oh, it's the Arachis," Eve says concern and quickly brings out her sword.
"Can't we all just stop and talk about this?" Sonic asks.
The next moment, the Arachis begin to throw arrows, kunais shurikens, and other weapons at Sonic, Eve, and Sally.
Sonic shouts, "Hey! Didn't your mother tell you, never to play with sharp objects!"
"I'm starting to think if that their mother who I think it is, then they're taught to throw weapons," Eve says, using her sword to repel the weapons.
Sally brings out her ring blades while King Acorn holds the sword they seek.
"Be ready in case they come this way," Sally says.
King Acorn turns to his wife, "Alicia, stay back."
Sonic and Eve continue to fight off the spiders. Eve then takes Shun's chair and takes it to Alicia. Obsidian joins them.
"Everyone stand back! Sonic plans to use his Whirlwind Spin!" Eve says.
"Looks like it's time to crank things up a level of two… or three!" Sonic says.
With that, Sonic begins to spin fast like a tornado.
"Sonic's Whirlwind spin isn't having any effect on them!" Sally says.
"I gotta admire your stick-to-it attitude!" Sonic says.
But then, the Arachis hit them with wooden sticks and give him a headache.
Sonic falls on his knees and says, "Okay.. which one of you just hit me?"
"That is enough!" A voice calls out.
The Arachis turn to see King Acorn holding the sword.
"I figured out what you want, children…" King Acorn says.
He then creates a magical aura around him, "So come and get it!"
The ninjas then throws their weapons at King Acorn. Sonic and Eve hurry in front of King Acorn.
"We've got yer back," Sonic says.
Suddenly, Tails calls out, "So do we!"
The Arachis children turns to see Tails, Bunnie, Fiona, Nic, Amy, Rotor, and Antoine hurrying to help out.
Before they can stop, King Acorn shouts, "Stop!"
Everyone stops before they can attack. The aura around King Acorn disappears and approaching the Spider Ninjas.
"I know why you all have come. They want the sword like their mother before them. Even though they worked for an enemy, I can tell it will be in good hands," King Acorn says, passes the sword to the eldest Spider Ninja.
"Thank you, your majesty," The eldest Arachis says.
"Now, I believe there is another reason other than the sword. You were hoping to see someone. The sword told me so," King Acorn says.
Then turns to Eve, "Eve, could you bring Shun over."
"Um okay," Eve says.
She picks Shun from his chair and allow him to sleep in her arms. Then brings him over to show the Arachis. The eldest one is surprised and yet, very relieved to see him.
He then rubs the baby's head, "Young Shun, we're glad that you are safe and sound."
"You know him?" Sally asks.
"Yes. My name is Shang and Shun is our brother," The eldest Arachis says.
This shocked Sally and the others, especially Eve.
"He's your brother?" Eve asks.
"That's correct. We are the children of Uma Arachis. Sadly, our mother, has passed on sometime after leaving our brother in your care, Eve Hedgehog," Shang says.
Eve saddens, "Oh no."
That cause everyone to feel sad as well.
"Yes. However, we carry on our mother's legacy," Shang says.
Then says, "We shall depart, and Eve, take good care of Shun."
"Okay," Eve replies.
"Thank you, and goodnight," Shang says.
The Spiders then leaves with the Sword of Acorn in their heads. Eve holds Shun in her arms and a tear falls from her eye about the death of Shun's mother. Now he will never know who his birth mother is. Obsidian walks to Eve and hugs her. She can understand about the news. Sonic and the others can't help but feel sad about the news. Even though the Sword of Acorns is in their possession, the fact that Uma is dead well it's understandable a shock. They all went home and head off to bed for the night. All except Eve who is still holding Shun in her arms. She then looks out the window and wonders if she'll see the children again.
Natsuhiboshi: Naruto