Episode 34: Dark Alliance Part 2

The next day, a news report appears on the television saying 'Special Bulletin.'

Suddenly, a voice says, "This is an ENN Special Bulletin!"

Suddenly, the TV chances to reveal Pravda sitting behind a desk with a microphone next to him.

He says, "My fellow citizens! As you know, the election season is upon us, and although a large number of you have expressed support for this administration. After much consideration, I have decided not to run for the position of High Councilor ever again! Our society stands at a crossroad, and I believe only new leadership can provide the new ideas necessary to see us through. Therefore, I will announce my recommendation for the candidate to succeed me at a rally in Guardians' Park at noon tomorrow! I look forward to seeing all like-minded fellow citizens come out and show their support! Thank you and goodnight!"

Just then, someone presses the dial and the TV turns off. Turns out, General Stryker and the dingoes are watching.

One of them asks, "What do you think it means, General?"

"Further Echidna treachery, most likely Gerbil. We'll know for certain come tomorrow," Stryker says, still bitter.

Meanwhile, Remington has seen the news as well and turns off the TV with his remote.

He places his hand under his chin and thinks, "Now this was a development I hadn't anticipated. I better schedule extra troops just in case."

In the room of a hotel in Echidaopolis, Eve dresses in one of her other outfits. She's wearing a black no sleeve leather jacket, a red tank top, black pants with stripes on the bottom, her usual shoes, headband, and necklace. Eve looks at herself in the mirror to adjust her headband. She then turns to the small black box on the table. She opens it to reveal the red ribbons Moritori Rex has given her. Eve then takes out the ribbons and place each one on her two dreadlocks. After that, she looks at them with a calm smile on her face.

Eve says, "They actually look very nice. I hope the others think so too."

"Chao," Jazz happily says with a nod.

Sometime later, everyone arrives at Guardians' Park for this special announcement today. There is a big stage that has a microphone, speakers, and a few workers setting it up. They see the Echidnas and many other mobians show up. Even the Dingo protestors are here. They continue to circle around as they hold picket lines. At a different part of the park, Eve with her father, brothers, and cousins, Tails, Cosmo, Knuckles, and the Chaotix are at the park.

"Wow! There are so many in one place," Cosmo says.

"With elections coming up, all sorts of Mobians show up, especially the Echidnas and the Dingoes. Given that announcement," Cloud-Ra says.

"I'm surprised to hear that Pravda dropped out," Eve says.

"I'm curious about this as well," Knuckles says.

"I'm surprised you're here, Knuckles," Sonic says.

"I'm a Guardian. I go where I'm needed," Knuckles says.

"I don't suppose a little birdie told you to come here?" Espio asks.

Right on cue, Remington arrives at the scene.

"Knuckles. Thank you for coming," Remington says.

"Constable Remington, it's no problem," Knuckles says.

"Not yet. Speaking of which. After this rally is over, I'd appreciate a bit of your time to work out a better system," Remington says.

"What could be easier than leaving word at my mother's place? Anyway, how come you wanted me here and to bring the others?" Knuckles asks.

"I recently had a discussion with High Councilor Pravda about his re-election plans," Remington says.

"What happened?" Were you able to figure out what happened to him?" Eve asks.

"Is it true he's dropping out of the election?" Sonia asks.

"He expressed his desire to keep everything low-key. Since he was facing only a token battle from the leader of the loyal opposition," Remington says.

"So what changed the status Quo?" Knuckles asks.

Remington turns his head, "An excellent question. And I believe our answer is now arriving."

Knuckles and the others turn their heads to see a yellow limo driving here. Coming out are Councilor Pravda and someone else. This echidna is red with strange blue eyes. He has white eyebrows and a beard. He's wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, green pants with a gray belt, and red and blue color shoes. The buckle is attached to a blue and gold scabbard, and has a sword inside with a gold handle. The group watch as Pravada is with this new character.

"Dig these wheels," Manic comments.

"The High Councilor is authorized to use such a vehicle," Sonic says, confused.

"But I thought he's an Anti-Tech?" Eve asks.

"I agree. Don't you find it kinda' strange for someone who renounced technology?" Knuckles asks.

"That's why we have a system to decide such matters," Remington says.

"Those that have got to make the rules, eh, Constable?" Julie-Su asks, but he doesn't respond.

Vector notices, "Say. Who's that dude trailin' after Councilor Pravda anyway."

Soon, they see Pravda and the other echidna walking on the stage.

"I'm getting some bad feelings, Constable. What's the scoop on Pravda's shadow?" Knuckles replies.

"That's just it! I've never seen that official before," Remington says.

"I sense something off about that guy. Plus, I'm thinking something up with the Councilor. He seems… dazed," Eve says.

"Let's keep an eye out and see what happens," Sonic says.

"We're about to find out. The announcement is starting," Sonia says.

Just then, Pravda announces, "My fellow citizens, I have asked you here today because I believe we stand on the threshold of a new era. An era which requires the leadership of someone more adaptive to the changing times! Ladies and Gentlemen… I present to you… our new High Councilor, Benedict!"

The new echidna gets in front of the stage and the echidnas begin to clap and cheer for him.

"Thank you. Thank you," Benedict says.

He shows a smirk on his face and says, "My friends. Centuries ago, our forefathers were confronted with the threat of Annihilation from the Heavens above! They did not panic, nor did they abandon hope! Instead, they utilized state-of-the art technology they themselves created and developed. A product of their extraordinary intelligence. In saving themselves, the Floating Island became a reality."

Hearing the announcement cause the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, Cloud-Ra, and Remington to become confused.

Benedict continues, "But when the means to restore our home to the mother planet was submitted for consideration. It was at that moment a select few made their agenda to Condemn the majority to the Dark Ages! Having rendered a decision… they took it upon themselves to take action. Expressly forbidding a fellow echidna from showing us the path to salvation. And then, they had the absolute temerity to turn his brother against him."

Hearing the speech makes the Mobians, especially the echidnas confused. Suddenly, Dark Legionnaires begin to come forward holding guns and coming this way.

Yet he continues, "Well, I say to you upon this very day. After so many generations of maintaining the status quo."

Seeing the Dark Legionnaires cause the Freedom Fighters, and Chaotix to be in shock.

"Tonight, you will be given a choice! Your first real choice in ages! Between burning your heads in the sand and listening to the lies of the old, corrupt regime… or embracing our common heritage and utilizing the technology we ourselves created! I therefore say to you…" Benedict says.

He then points his finger forward, "Ask not what the heirs of Dimitri can do for you, ask what you can do for the heirs of Dimitri! Let the word go forth… a vote for me… is a vote for our Freedom! Technology Now! Technology Forever! HAI DIMITRI!"

The Freedom Fighters, Chaotix, Remington, and Cloud-Ra are shocked to hear Benedict's whole speech. He somehow has a connection to Dimitri. Many of the Mobians including the echidnas are concerned, but some are actually supporting it.

Back in Haven, Sabre, Sojourner, and Thunderhawk are watching the broadcast as well. Even, they're confused and not pleased with how this direction is going.

"They never give up do they?" Sabre questions.

"He does have a point, Sabre. We're the ones who are the hypocrites. All you need to do is look no farther than this room," Sojourner says.

"I have, Grandfather Sojourner, and all I see are the means to combat the enemy on a level playing field. Besides, our forefather, Edmund, never meant to suppress technology forever," Sabre says.

"Says who? Where's your proof?" Sojourner questions.

"Go easy, Sojourner," Thunderhawk says.

"Especially when they see the…" Sabre says, but the alarm goes off.

Before they can do anything, the door explodes and the Legionnaires come in with specialized guns. Then they shoot all three guardians on the chest and they are soon knocked out.

Just then, a familiar pair of boots walks in and a familiar female voice says, "Battering ram to eagle four… Haven has now fallen to us!"

Back at Guardians' Park, with the announcement done, everyone is starting to leave and carry on with their daily routine. The Freedom Fighters, Chaotix, and two Echidnas are the only ones who aren't leaving. In fact, they're still shocked about the announcement.

Sonic asks, "What was that all about?"

"I have no clue either. It's like this Benedict not only supports Technology, but also supports Dimitri and the Dark Legion's cause," Sonia says.

"Seems like it. It will be a miracle if anyone actually supports it," Eve says.

"After everything the Dark Legion did, I would be surprised if they did vote for this Benedict guy," Vector says.

Remington has to agree with them. However, he likes to have answers. He walks to the stage to see Benedict walking down the steps.

And Benedict notices him, "Ahh, Constable Remington. Come to show your support for my candidacy, eh? Smart move."

"Only doing my job, citizen Benedict. It wouldn't be appropriate for the Chief Law-Enforcement officer to take side politically." Remington says.

He then crosses his arms and firmly says, "And you are treading on ver-ry thin ice, citizen. I could've arrested you for inciting to riot?"

"On what grounds, Constable?" Benedict asks.

"How about aiding and abetting known criminals for starters? Technically, I still have outstanding warrants for a good many of your ``supporters,'" Remington says.

Just then, Pravda walks in and says, "On my authority, you will do no such thing. What you will do, Constable, is accompany us so we all discuss the matter in private."

Pravda and Benedict begin to walk to the yellow limo. However, Benedict turns his head to see the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix, and the first thing he turns are Eve, Shadow and Cloud-Ra.

Benedict turns to Pravda, "I'll meet you in the car. I like to talk to someone for a minute."

Pravda simply nods his head and walks to the limo. Benedict walks to the group of friends and family while they're talking about the situation. Back at the group, the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix talk about the situation.

"Still, there is a strong chance that the Dark Legion is up to something and might be responsible for Pravda's disappearance," Eve says.

"That definitely can't be ruled out," Knuckles says.

"But we need proof to confirm it," Manic says.

Suddenly, Cloud-Ra hears someone asks, "Excuse me Sir?"

Cloud-Ra turns around to see Benedict. Shadow, Eve, and the others turn around to see him too.

"Yes?" Cloud-Ra asks.

"My name is Benedict, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Benedict says.

"Um yes. Is there something I can help you with?" Cloud-Ra asks.

"I just like to meet you and see if the stories I heard are accurate. You are a descendant of Dimitri, correct?" Benedict questions.

Cloud-Ra and the two black and red hedgehog are stunned to hear Benedict's question.

Cloud-Ra calmly answers, "Yes. I am. Is there a reason for asking?"

"Just to be what I heard is true," Benedict says.

Then turns to Eve and Shadow, "I assume the boy is your eldest son, Ultimate Lifeform and G.U.N top agent."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Shadow sternly asks.

Eve steps forward, "Yeah. How could you even know about my father and brother?"

"I heard things, my dear. I also heard a lot about you. The Ultimate Lifeform and Freedom Fighter of New Mobotropolis. One of the pair of two powerful beings can take on a great evil using the power of Chaos Control and sheer will. The wielder of the Master Emerald Sword that was created by Echidna society, and created by science and the blood of Dimitri's descendant," Benedict says, sounding a bit proud and creepy.

Eve feels a chill up her spin. She really doesn't like the way he's talking about her.

Sonic whispers to Shadow, "Hey Shades, I'm getting an uneasy feeling about that guy."

"I know, and I don't like it," Shadow mutters.

Benedict calms down, "You must forgive my unexpected outburst, but I was quite interested in meeting you and two of your children. I do hope we'll meet again."

Soon, Benedict leaves and climbs into the limo. Then the limo drives away.

"Something fishy is going on here. Remington's agents should be rounding up every Dark Legionnaire in sight. And yet, they're allowed to walk around as if nothing ever happened before," Knuckles says.

"I agree. I don't like the way he's talking about Eve like that. Especially since he seems to know a lot about her when we barely know about him,"

With that, he and the others begin to leave the park.

Then Sonic asks, "Do they not remember what happened the last time they came to Echidnaopolis?"

"Live and let live, I always say," Mighty says.

"I'd rather live and die, Mighty. I owe those guys, big time," Knuckles says.

"So what do you suppose they're up to?" Julie-Su asks.

"That's what we need to find out," Eve says.

"H-how?" Ray asks.

"I'm not sure, but I'm betting I know someone who might give us a lead. Let's just hope he's willing to cooperate with us," Knuckles says.

In a different part of the city, Stryker and some of the dingoes are walking down the street after seeing the announcement at the park.

Stryker grits his teeth and thinks, "Infighting amongst the Echidnas! Now that's an interesting development! The larger question now being… How can I exploit the situation to our advantage? Better to risk everything than continue living in this filth and squalor."

"Gerbil. Gather everyone around!" Stryker says.

Gerbil says, "Right away, General, sir."

Suddenly, a light shines down at the Dingoes catching them by surprise.

Then someone shouts, "Stay where you are!"

Stryker angrily says, "Really? I don't take orders from cowards who skulk in the shadow."

Suddenly, a red eye appears and a robotic echidna comes out of the shadows, "Coward? Xenin has been called many things… Efficient… loyal… even ruthless…"

He then punches Stryker with his robotic hand, "But never a coward!"

Stryker then falls to the ground and rubs his face to feel the bruise on it.

He angrily says, "You'll pay for that effrontery, Echidna!"

"Echidna?! ECHIDNA?!" The echidna, Xenin angrily says.

He then fires a laser at Stryker's shoulder, "I am much more than just an Echidna!"

Then kicks Styker with his robotic foot, "I am an Engine of Destruction of the Highest Order!"

"A terminator who will not be stopped… nor ever conquered by the weak and indigent," Xenin adds.

Stryker is soon knocked out and the Dingoes have been captured by the Legionnaires. Soon, two of them grab Stryker by his arms and take him away.

Xenin says, "Now take this worthless piece of garbage to the Command Center! As for the rest of the vermin… lock them up in the sewers where they belong!"

Sometime later, the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, and Cloud-Ra walk down the street to find the one they're looking for.

"No doubt about it, Knux, things have gotten really nasty around here," Mighty says.

"Tell me something I don't know," Knuckles says.

"We still need to do something before something else happens," Eve says.

"What else can we do? The Dark Legion sounds like a dangerous organization," Cosmo says, worried.

"Don't worry Cosmo, we'll make sure you're safe," Tails says.

"After the announcement, it's proves that the Dark Legion is up to something involving the election and I'll bet they have abducted Pravda and cause him to drop the election so that Benedict can take his place. The Dark Legion is still up to their plans to take over Echidnaopolis so they can have technology welcome back to the city," Vector says.

"Wow! You actually made a good deduction, Vector," Charmy says.

"But he does make a good point," Saffron says.

"The best we can do is to keep an eye out in case anything else happens," Eve says.

Vector notices, "Speaking of happenings… did you catch that?!"

"Catch what?" Mighty asks.

The others look behind to see a hover-truck that has a few dingoes inside the back of the truck.

"That looks like a truck full of dingoes," Espio says.

"And they don't look happy, either," Knuckles says.

"When do they ever?" Julie-Su questions.

"You're right. Something must be going on," Eve says.

Suddenly, someone shouts violently, "HALT! Stay where you are!"

Everyone quickly turns around in shock to see the source of the violent voice.

"Oh no, not them," Eve says.

Julie-Su says, "Now there's a wiched, familiar sound!"

Everyone looks to see three hovercrafts flying over them, and they all have Dark Legionnaires inside, including Xenin standing on the hovercraft in the middle.

Xenin says, "It should be! I've been ordered to bring you back Julie-Su!"

"What?" Shadow sternly questions.

Then Xenin says, "Dead or alive, makes no difference to me, but Great Dimitri has decreed your place is among us once again. And announced that Cloud-Ra, Shadow the Hedgehog and Eve the Hedgehog are to be brought back at once!"

Eve mutters, "He's kidding right? If we expect us to simply come over to him, he has a screw loose."

"Me-Metaphorically right?" Ray asks.

"Let's go with that," Eve answers.

Julie-Su calls out, "Suppose we say, 'Thanks but no thanks!'"

Xenin angrily says, "Suppose I miss and accidently kill you if you refuse!"

Then he fires a laser from his eye at Julie-Su. Shadow grabs her and pulls him out of the way.

Shadow asks, "You okay."

"Thanks Shadow," Julie-Su.

Sonic says, "Hey! Not cool!"

Sonic jump and spin dashes at the cyborg Echidnas. However, Sonic is bounced back and lands on the ground, and Xenin isn't even. He lands on the ground and rubs his head in pain.

"Not even a dent! I was rebuilt to be your superior in every way!" Xenin says.

"Chaos Spear!" Shadow shouts and launches Chaos spears at him.

Eve creates a bow and arrow and fires, "Chaos Arrow!"

Xenin jumps off from the hovercraft lands on the ground in front of the group.

"Listen, we do not want any trouble, but you can't force anyone to come with you," Vector says.

"That's right. We don't want to go with you," Eve sternly says.

"I suggest you back off before you regret it," Shadow says in a threatening tone.

Xenin grits his teeth, "We'll see about that."

The next moment, the Dark Legionnaires throw smoke bombs on to the ground and smoke begins to be surrounded to the area.

"Wh-what's going on?" Cosmos asks, scared.

"Chao Chao," Jazz replies.

"We need to get out of here. They're trying to confuse us," Cloud-Ra says.

"Let's get out of here," Sonic says.

The Dark Legionnaire soon begins to fire tranquilizing blasters and fire into the smoke.

In Haven, it has been taken over by the Dark Legion. The three of the captured guardians are in strong metal restraints and their abilities aren't able to work to get free. The Dark Legionnaires are working on the computers while Lien-Da and Moritori Rex look at see the captured Guardians.

Moritori says, "My former comrades. How good it is to see you once more."

"Excuse us if the feeling isn't mutual," Thunderhawk sternly says.

"That's quite alright, as you'll soon see the error of your ways," Moritori says, walking to the computer.

Then commands the Legionnaire, "Open a channel to Main Base, Trooper."

"Aye, sir," The Legionnaire says.

Then monitor, Dimitri appears on the screen, "Yes?"

"We've taken Haven, grandfather. Except for a couple of loose ends, everything else is secured," Moritori says.

"Loose ends?" Dimitri asks.

"There's no sign of Locke or Spectre within the Complex," Moritori says.

"That is a problem," Dimitri says.

"Yes, it is, Great one. We may have his son, but Locke can be utterly ruthless. As for Spectre. He's a wild card. There's no telling what he'll do," Moritori says.

"For the time being, Moritori, simply proceed according to plan! Dimitri out!" Dimitri says.

Soon the communications cut from the screen.

With grunting sounds, Knuckles soon begins to open his eyes all of the sudden.

Feeling, dazed, Knuckles asks, "Wha-what happened?"

He turns his head to see, Shadow and Eve are beginning to wake up. Then turns to the other side to see Julie-Su and Cloud-Ra. What catches his attention is to see General Styker as well.

"Knuckles… what… what happened?" Eve asks, still feeling dizzy.

"I… I don't…" Knuckles says.

Suddenly, his vision has become clear and exclaims, "What in the?!"

Knuckles, Julie-Su, Shadow, Eve, and Cloud-Ra find themselves upside down and they are trapped in some metal container that goes up to their shoulders.

Shadow struggles, "I… I can't break out of this."

"Me too… we're stuck," Eve says, trying to break free.

"Well, looks like everyone is finally here," A robotic voice says.

Everyone turns their heads to see the robotic echidna who is really Dimitri walking out of the entry and into the light.

"I'm very glad to see you all again. This is the beginning of the Dark Legion claims what is rightfully ours," Dimitri says.