Episode 36: Guarding a Legionnaire Bloodline

In New Mobotropolis' Hospital, the lobby and offices have been rather quiet. There have been Mobians coming in for their appointments, emergencies, and visiting hours. Of course, it's still rather busy. In one of the hospital rooms, Cloud-Ra is sitting on a chair next to a medical bed. On the medical bed is his father, Moritori Rex. Cloud-Ra hasn't left his side since his father is at the hospital.

He holds a necklace that Moritori is wearing and thinks, "It's been too long since I saw you father. I was hoping our meeting would be in better circumstances."

Cloud-Ra leans his head on the bed with his arms supporting it. He reaches one hand to touch his fathers.

In Uncle Chuck's Diner, Sonic, Eve, and Jazz are having lunch together. As usual, Sonic is eating around a dozen chili dogs. Jazz is slowly eating one as well. Eve however, isn't eating at all. She still has a lot on her mind. Her father has been visiting Moritori Rex, his father for a week now, and his father hasn't woke up.

Sonic turns to Eve and asks, "You okay sis? You don't look so good."

"I'm alright. I'm just a little distracted at the moment," Eve says.

"You still feel a bit bummed about what happened last week?" Sonic asks.

"You could say that. I still can't believe what happened. We dealt with the Phantom Ruby situation and the Dark Legion fiasco," Eve says.

"Yeah. I can't believe you suggest Moritori to be brought here of all places," Sonic says.

"It's temporary. I'm just not sure what to do to be honest," Eve says.

"Yeah. I remember this whole incident like it was yesterday," Sonic says.

Jazz nods her head, "Chao."

Flashback:

A day after the incident in Echindaopolis, the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix are in a meeting room. They also meet with Locke and Remington. Each of them explain what has happened and the results of the both incidents.

"Benedict was a robot?!" Mighty asks.

"Yeah. It kind of shocked us when the place was blowing up," Manic says.

"Who'da thunk? Benedict turns out to be more extreme than the Legion, and leaves us wondering what all the fuss concerning hi-tech is about," Knuckles says.

"I don't think Benedict was a real person. I think he was a robot from the start and was programmed by the Legion," Shadow says.

"I was thinking that too," Eve says.

Cosmo turns to Locke, "Are the other Guardians alright?"

"They're fine. They weren't hurt badly, but Haven is going to need a few upgrades and repairs after this incident," Locke says.

"Let's not forget about the Legionnaires we were able to find. Many of them were actually hospitalized or captured," Sonia says.

"Still, what are we going to do about Moritori. He's still knocked out and apparently he's been blinded," Eve says.

"At least it's temporary," Sonic says.

"So what are we going to do?" Tails asks.

"Well, he and the Dark Legion need to pay for their crimes for the trouble they cause. Including property damages, and kidnapping," Remington says.

"Yeah. I guess," Eve says, skeptic.

"You don't sound so sure about it," Manic says.

Eve then sighs.

Cloud-Ra asks, "Honey, is there something wrong?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm feeling like I'm a bit over my head about a few things. I just mostly have a lot going on my mind," Eve says.

"Like?" Charmy asks.

"I don't know. I guess I just can't get what Dimitri has been telling me," Eve says.

"Hold on, Dimitri? What does he have anything to do with it?" Julie-Su asks.

"I know. I know it might not be the best time to bring him up, but ever since Dimitri returned I've been feeling uneasy, especially about him saying about me being a part of his bloodline. What's frightening is also the fact that he seems to know a lot about me more than I know him. Not to mention what he told us about the Pravda's ancestor and the High Councilor are part of the reason his project was denied and…" Eve says, uneasy.

But Vector quickly says, "Wait… what?!"

"To be honest, that's been bugging me as well. I'm not sure if he was being honest, but he sounded serious. It's like he's saying that the decision for Angel Island to be put back on Mobius was fixed," Knuckles says.

Locke says, "Something tells me that Dimitri told you a lot while being captured."

"He did… he told us… quite a lot about what happened and believe that the High Councilor used his brother to continue so they continue to deny technology. I don't know if what he said is true or not, but… um… part of me thinks he was honest about it. He sounded very upset about it. Even Benedict was talking like all of the situations that happened to them and the Legion was because of the Council. I.. was worried to tell you at first because um…" Eve says, sounding worried.

"I think I know what. If what Dimitri did say is true, then it would end up going against what Echidnaopolis stands for. It will be like, everything the Echidnas of the city knew was nothing but a lie. Plus, you don't know if what he and the Legion are believing is true or not," Remington says.

Eve sadly nods her head.

Knuckles walks to Eve showing concern, "I know what you mean. I'm actually worried about it too. However, even if Dimitri and the Dark Legion believes differently than what the Echidnas in the city believes, you shouldn't allow it to affect you."

"I believe Knuckles is right. What they believe it's entirely up to them. I know it's hard to know what you believe because of what Dimitri told you, but you shouldn't allow what he said make you feel different about what you think," Locke says.

"I guess, you're right," Eve says.

"Plus, we live entirely different than what the Echidnas do. We may live in a forest and have to do a lot of hard work, but we also have technology that can help us with our missions," Sonic says.

Eve smiles, "Yeah. Let's not forget that sometimes, even technology can be a friend. Like Nicole, she maybe an A.I, but we all love her as a friend. Even Knuckles and the Chaotix love her."

"Have to admit, she is good with a computer, even though she is one," Knuckles says.

"And she's very nice," Charmy says.

"And cool," Ray says

"Hmm, who is this Nicole you speak of?" Remington asks.

"She's an A.I who lives in Sally's computer. At first, she used to be an A.I who lives in the computer. Now she has her physical form that she can interact with us outside the computer," Tails says.

"I believe you met her briefly, she's the Lynx who tagged with us with Sally," Eve says.

Remington remembers, "You mean that nice Lynx with Sally? I thought that name was familiar."

"It's true. She is more than just a computer. She helped us in all our missions, contacted the Freedom Fighters around Mobius, and helped construct New Mobotropolis," Sonic says.

"I see. On that note, what should we do about Moritori Rex?" Remington asks.

Eve raises her hand and says, "If you don't mind a request, maybe we can take him back to New Mobotropolis. I know it sounds crazy, but it will keep him from making contact with the Legion, and maybe we can ask him about their intentions when he wakes up. We'll also keep him in the hospital and we can have him monitored."

"Sounds like you got a good idea on how to keep him out of trouble," Knuckles says.

Eve turns to Remington, "I do like to ask your permission if it's okay if I place myself to be in charge of Moritori and I can contact you or Knuckles if he starts to cause trouble."

Remington sighs, "While I'm concerned about you taking in a Dark Legionnaire, but I believe that you and the Freedom Fighters might be able to watch over him. I must warn you… be very careful."

Eve nods her head, "Yes. I will."

Flashback ends:

Eve swallows her chili dog and sighs, "I just hope he doesn't give us any problems when he wakes up. He'll be… shocked to find out where he's currently staying."

Sometime later, Eve walks down the hall of New Mobotropolis' hospital. She also carries a small bouquet of pointy petaled sunflowers and Jazz sits on her head.. Eve opens the door and walks inside to see Cloud-Ra is fast asleep with Moritori Rex still sleeping in his hospital bed. Eve simply shows a calm smile and walks to the bed. As Eve walks to the bed, Cloud-Ra groans and wakes up from his sleep.

Eve smiles and says, "Hi dad."

"Hello Eve, I didn't notice you coming in," Cloud-Ra says.

"Thanks. I brought some sunflowers," Eve says.

She then places the sunflowers in a vase and places some water in it. Eve then notices a locket her father has in his hand.

"What you got there dad?" Eve asks.

Cloud-Ra presents the locket to Eve and says, "It's my mother's locket. She gave it to my father before she passed away."

"Oh… so I won't be able to meet her," Eve sadly says.

"I'm afraid so. However…" Cloud-Ra says, and opens the locket to show Eve the family photo.

Eve is amazed to see the photo inside, "So that's your uncle Luger, grandfather Moritori and i'm betting that's my grandmother."

"Yes. Her name was Misty-Ra," Cloud-Ra says.

"Misty-Ra…" Eve says, astonished to see the photo.

Suddenly, they hear a groan and turn their heads to see Moritori waking up from his sleep.

"Um good afternoon," Eve says, and nervously laughs.

"Good Afternoon," Moritori says.

Then looks around, "Where am I?"

"You're in New Mobotropolis Hospital. You've been sleeping for around a week now," Eve says.

"A week?" Moritori says, confused.

Then places his hand on his head, "All I remember was being attacked by Spectre and Locke and I used a Warp Ring to get to the Command Center."

"Uh about that… the place was blown up," Eve nervously says.

"Blown up?" Moritori asks.

"It's a long story. In short, you were knocked out and Shadow and I had to rescue you. After that, I decided to have you brought here to watch over," Eve says.

"Really now?" Moritori says.

"Yeah. Knuckles and the others thought I might have been crazy, but I um, thought… um… you see…" Eve says, blushing.

Cloud-Ra places his hand on Moritori's hand, causing the Legionnaire to turn his head to see the face he hasn't seen in years.

"Father," Cloud-Ra replies.

Moritori tries to remain calm and says, "Cloud…"

Cloud-Ra calmly smiles and says, "Yes father. It is."

Moritori then slowly wraps his arms around Cloud-Ra and gives him a hug. Cloud-Ra does the same. Eve and Jazz smile to see his father happy to see his own. A little bit later, Eve sits on the other side of the bed with Jazz on her lap, Cloud-Ra sits on the chair close to where his father is laying. Eve and Cloud-Ra explained the situation and how the building blows up.

"I see, so for some reason Knuckles Chaos Energy was able to make contact with your Master Emerald Sword," Moritori says.

Eve says, "Yeah. Locke and the others had to explain it to Knuckles and myself since we were knocked out."

"I'm not surprised. Dimitri wanted you and Knuckles to be unconscious while they carried out their real objective," Moritori says.

"So scanning me and Knuckles wasn't Dimitri's real reason?" Eve says, confused.

"Well, that is the real objective, but it's also more than that. Dimitri wanted to use you two to reclaim his powers. However, that didn't go as planned," Moritori says.

Then Cloud-Ra says, "According to Locke, Knuckles' Chaos Energy was too strong for the Legion's computers to withstand. When it traveled to Eve's sword, it created an even greater power that almost destroyed the entire building."

"Shadow and I found out unconscious and were able to get you out before the building was destroyed. And then well, I kind of convinced Remington that I have you brought here and keep a close eye on you. And that I notify him and Knuckles in case you cause problems," Eve says, blushing and feeling embarrassed.

"Chao Chao," Jazz says, nodding her head.

"You took in a Legionnaire despite of what we have done in the past. I must admit, you are something. When the Legion told me about you being my son's daughter and your special qualities. Well, I was rather surprised by it," Moritori says with a smile on his face.

Then turns to Cloud-Ra, "I'm also surprised to hear that you actually created her and her brother."

"I know it is a surprise, but whether I create her or not, I'm still Eve's father," Cloud-Ra says.

Eve turns to Moritori and asks, "If you don't me asking, what can you tell me about the Legion?"

Moritori becomes confused and asks, "What do you mean?"

"Well, my dad told me a few things about the Legion and I've been told from Kragok…" Eve says.

"And I'm not too fond of him so much," Eve mutters, annoyed.

"Why do you say that?" Cloud-Ra asks.

"That robe wearing cyborg is too aggressive and he's almost as bad as Dimitri. Makes me wonder how we're related," Eve says.

"Well, the Dark Legion takes their cause rather seriously. We've been plotting to bring technology back to Echidnaopolis for generations and someday have Angel Island reach Mobius grounds again," Moritori says.

"I remember Dimitri saying that. He also said that Pravda's ancestor and the High Councilor fixed the protest so that the project he and Edmund worked on was declined. When Locke told us about the project, I thought it might seem a bit dangerous. If they're not careful, the island can crash to the ground. So far, the city hasn't been harmed when the Master Emerald was taken or shattered," Eve says.

"I remember hearing a few reports about Dr. Eggman's intentions to steal the Master Emerald," Moritori says.

"Trust me, Dr. Eggman is nothing but trouble who is always messing with our lives," Eve says.

"Chao Chao," Jazz replies with a nod.

"Seems that you've been fighting Dr. Eggman for a long time," Moritori says.

"You don't know the half of it. Sonic and I have been Freedom Fighters with our friends since we're like seven to eight years old. That's like around fourteen to fifteen years by this point," Eve says.

Moritori says, sounding surprised, "Fifteen years?"

"Yeah. That's just how things were back then. When many of the ground fighters had trouble holding up, it was time for the younger generation to begin the fight. Since then, my brother, cousins, my friends and I were able to do what we can to stop him with any evil plans he came up with. At the same time, we ended up meeting others who wanted to bring harm to Mobius, even aliens from outer space," Eve says.

"I must admit, you had an eventful life," Moritori says.

"Yeah. It's been hard, but we lost so much when we're going, and now we're able to gain our families and friends back and retrieve back the city and fix it before Dr. Eggman comes along," Eve says.

Before Moritori can ask more about Eve's adventures, Nicole digitally appears in the hospital room.

Nicole turns to Eve, "Eve, Sonic told me that you are here. We have a situation."

"What is it, Nicole?" Eve asks.

"Tommy was just kidnapped by the Destructix just outside of city," Nicole says.

Eve and Jazz become shocked to hear the news.

Eve asks, "Tommy has been abducted by the Destructix, but why?"

"I'm not sure. Sonic, Sally, and I received a radio transmission from Tommy saying that an anonymous client hired the Destructix to abduct him," Nicole says.

"Do you know where's he being held?" Eve asks.

"Yes. I was able to get a signal from his location. Sally needs you to rescue Tommy and bring him back,"

"Sonic and I will find him and bring him back right away. And see if you can find out anything about this Client who hired the Destructix, but…" Eve says. Then turns to the two echidna in the room.

Cloud-Ra says, "It's okay Eve, i'll stay here and you go on your mission."

"Thanks dad," Eve says.

Then turns to Nicole, "Tell Sonic that I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Will do," Nicole says. Then digitized herself into the computer to reach Sonic.

Eve turns to her father and Moritori, "Sorry about cutting my visit short, but I need to get going."

"It's okay. I've gotten used to you having to leave on missions and adventures. Not that I want you to stop," Cloud-Ra says.

"Yeah. Feels like that's how I always spend my time," Eve says.

"That what happens when a mad scientist uses his technology to rule Mobius and cause problems for everyone," Cloud-Ra says.

"I know," Eve says.

Then walks to Moritori, "Now you must remember that you still need a little time to recover so you will need to stay here for another few days. Dad and mom will help take care of you in the meantime."

"You're too kind for me to stay," Moritori says.

"Thanks. Don't worry, when I get back I can show you the city and introduce you to my friends. Mom and my siblings are on their way over so you can get acquainted when I'm done. I'm sure you love it here," Eve says.

"Chao Chao Chao," Jazz happily says, flying to Moritori.

Eve giggles, "Looks like Jazz wants you to hang out too."

"I would love to. If only I could you," Moritori says.

"Why not? Can't you stay?" Eve asks.

"It's because I'm still part of the Legion. Even though I know many of us have been captured and are being hospitalized at the moment, I'm still part of the Legion," Moritori says.

"I guess so. Still, I understand that you and the Legionnaires are so devoted to technology, and that's okay. I'm just saying in my own opinion, but maybe you shouldn't try to force your idea on to others. In my case, my friends and I use technology to help with our missions, but at the same time we rely on our own strength. Of course, to Rotor, Tails, and Nicole, technology is part of their strength and that's fine with us," Eve says.

"I understand what you're saying, but that is our mission and it's not easy to forget what happened on the Island. Technology is what brought Angel Island in the sky, and those who became resentful towards technology forced their ideas on others." Moritori says.

"I guess," Eve says, sounding unsure.

Suddenly, they hear someone shouts, "Yo Eve!"

Eve walks to the window with Jazz landing on her head. She opens the window to see Sonic down in front of the hospital from the second floor.

"Come on Eve, we need to get going!" Sonic calls out.

"Okay! I'll be there," Eve says.

Eve then closes the window and says, "I better get going. Jazz, you stay with dad okay."

"Chao," Jazz replies with a nod.

Eve then says, "I'll see you when I get back."

"Goodbye Eve, and good luck," Cloud-Ra says.

Eve smiles and says, "Thanks. I'll be back."

Eve then leaves the room and closes the door behind her. Eve meets up with Sonic and speeds off to go to the coordinates where Tommy is being held. Cloud-Ra and Jazz watch as Eve and Sonic leave on their mission.

Cloud-Ra suddenly hears Moritori says, "She reminds me of you when you were her age."

Cloud-Ra and Jazz to Moritori leaving the bed and walking to the window to see the city.

"I suppose. Eve is very resourceful when it comes to being a Freedom Fighter. I've experienced it firsthand," Cloud-Ra says.

"I have to agree when I saw her, Shadow, Sonic, and Knuckles facing off against Mammoth Mogul. I must admit, I didn't realize how strong she really is. Kragok and Dimitri found out about her origins and her powerful strength and intelligence, they believe that she makes a powerful ascent to the Legion," Moritori says.

"I suppose, but Eve and the Dark Legion are at good terms, especially when they attacked them and held them captive," Cloud-Ra says.

"I suppose, but they also realized that Shadow is the same to Eve in many different fields. Of course, it's not easy since Shadow is almost always in the United Federation," Moritori says.

"Yes. being a G.U.N agent isn't easy, but Shadow is able to handle it with his team. Just as much as Eve is able to handle being a Freedom Fighter," Cloud-Ra says.

Then softly smiles, "I don't think I'll ever want that to change. Being with my family is all I can really ask for ever since what happened at the ARK."

"I felt the same way when I found out you were alive. I was relieved and rather surprised that you ended up with a family of your own," Moritori says.

"Yeah. I've learned a lot when I ended up on Mobius. One of the things that I've learned that life has never been easy, but as long as you have family and good friends by your side, you're able to go through the obstacles that come into life. Eve was able to do just that," Cloud-Ra says.

"You must be proud of all she has accomplished," Moritori asks.

"I am," Cloud-Ra says.

Then thinks, "Ever since I discovered Eve is alive and has become a Freedom Fighter. I've always been proud of her. "

Meanwhile, Sonic and Eve continue to run with their super speed to rescue their friend. They both smile toward each other and continue to run together.