Author Notes: Sorry it took so long. Sleeping muses and writers block has been keeping me down. ^^; ..And spring break distracted me with much sleep. Yeth. ^^;;
Special thanks to Katwarrior and Morla La Slayne for just being good inspirations. ^^b Hope you two enjoy.
---------------------------
Chapter Six
Do you remember me?
Lost for so long
Will you be on the other side?
Will you forgive me?
I'm dying, praying, bleeding, screaming
Am I too lost to be saved?
Am I too lost?
-- "Tourniquet", Evanescence
Pale light bathed a crimson creature as it rocked back and forth on a chill, stone floor. Sobs and short wails of distress replaced the silence that usually maintained; they were not moans of pain, but another emotion entirely.
The blood that lay along the bright fur was not his own; this knowledge only created new cries of misery. Tears creased along a furred face; the tears began hours before, and showed no signs of stopping.
Locke could not stop himself from sobbing, could not stop himself from wailing; mourning required tears to be shed.
Enerjak had not lied. Locke had not been able to tell the god of the Legion where Knuckles was hiding for the simple reason that he did not know. The threat against his own father had been carried out.
Sabre had been killed. His father had been murdered before the eyes of the remaining Brotherhood. They had screamed for it not to happen; Locke, himself, had begged for his fathers' life.
It did not matter, had done nothing to help. Legionnaires had all too gleefully tortured the brown echidna for what felt like an eternity; they did everything in their power to draw out his death.
Sabre had screamed that he had loved him, in a last desperate cry for rebellion, before they cut off his tongue.
Locke wailed as the memories continued to play themselves within his mind, refusing to give him a moment of rest; his fathers' brutal death would haunt him for the rest of his life, he believed.
He had been unable to save his father, had been unable to help any of the captive Brotherhood. He hoped the 'rest of his life' would not be too long.
-------------------------
Purposeful strides were taken along steel walls and metal floors, as Enerjak walked along the corridors of Haven. The former home of the Guardians had been taken when the Floating Island had been conquered; Legionnaires had manned the station since.
After the delightful death of one of the Guardians, he had been called to the base, promised with an 'amazing discovery'. Enerjak knew better than to doubt the words of his underlings; they knew better than to make claims that were not true. If they did, the punishment would be severe.
There was no attempt at teleportation; there was no real need. He much preferred to violate what sanctity Haven once had simply by being there, rather than taking the quicker and less scenic route.
"Now, what was this amazing claim that called me away from our guests?" Enerjak purred more than said, still pleased from sating his own lust with the death of another.
"Lord Enerjak!" One of his masked underlings bowed deeply before him. "It seems the Guardians had a satellite system, my lord."
Enerjak raised a brow. "Satellite system?"
"Yes, my lord, one with an amazing range." The same underling stated. "I believe it may have access to the entire planet."
Rare surprise came to the leader of the Legion. "Access to all of Mobius, eh?" A dark chuckle escaped. This was certainly worth the visit. "Perhaps we can find that brat with his family's own systems."
---------------------
The turnout of Freedom Fighters had pleasantly surprised Princess Sally Acorn; with the refusal of several groups, she had begun to loose hope of succeeding with the rescue.
However, as group after group arrived, it was clear that hope could only climb.
The leaders of the various groups met on the first morning that all had arrived, the original intent as simple as discussion.
"So.." Prince Elias looked along the various leaders with slight surprise. "How many do we have in all?"
"Nearly five hundred." Geoffry St. John grinned broadly, clearly pleased with the numbers. "A good number, I say."
"They still outnumber us." Knuckles sighed. "Though, that would've been true no matter how many we brought in. Though, two to one are better odds than I would've expected."
"Assuming there are still only a thousand Legionnaires on the island." Princess Sally Acorn interjected.
"I'd love to say that this was as simple as a normal rescue mission." Elias began, a frown beginning to cross his features. "However, this very well may become a war on the same scale as the one we've waged against Robotropolis for nearly two decades. The Dark Legion has completely overcome Angel Island."
"Enerjak is our biggest problem, and the Brotherhood of high priority." Athair spoke, bringing mild surprise to several people. "I do not want to leave my family there any longer. Aurora knows they've likely all been tortured badly."
"Where are zhey being held?" The leader of the Northern Region Freedom Fighters asked, French accent clear within her voice.
"From what we understand, within the main base of the Legion." Knuckles declared, frowning. "It used to be a large airship, but it was set a few miles north of Echidnopolis. Very high security, and Enerjak himself is likely there."
"Hold a minute." The leader of the Wolf Pack frowned, her eyes wide in surprise. "Our first attack is to be upon the establishment with the highest security and the largest threat?" Several murmurs amongst the other leaders stated disagreement.
"Everyone, relax." Princess Sally raised her hands, hoping to calm her allies. "None of us are leaving until we've established an attack plan. We have hours for this, if need be."
--------------------
Enerjak left nothing to chance, Sojourner realized with a soft sigh. His hands had been bound behind his back, his ankles shackled with chains that barely left room for movement. However, Sojourner was not surprised; the self-proclaimed god seemed to enjoy the misery that came with the chains.
What had surprised him was the torture chamber vanishing from his view, and what had replaced the walls and cruel equipment. There was no mistaking the all too familiar surroundings.
Haven. Enerjak had brought him to Haven. There was barely any time to get past the shocked confusion before being forced to walk along the corridors that had once been his home.
It was a few brief seconds before Sojourner realized why he hadn't simply been brought to where ever his captor originally intended; humiliation and pains' sake. Legionnaires along the halls and rooms laughed and snorted at his misery. Some gave him expressions of disgust; others shared comments he in no way wanted to hear. It still ached simply to move.
After a short while, yet not short enough, they arrived at their destination; Sojourner was not able to suppress a gasp, recognizing the room and equipment.
The watch room. Every member of the Brotherhood has spent some time here, using the cameras and satellite system to keep watch of the world. Suddenly, he knew why he had been brought here.
Enerjak threw him into the familiar chair with a lack of care; the binds around his wrists vanished with a soft green glow.
"You know how to use the equipment. It has a password that, it seems, my men can't bypass." Enerjak glared down at him, eyes dark and tone threatening. "Get past it. Now."
For several shocked seconds, all Sojourner could do was stare at the series of screens before him; he had sat here with such little care so many times before, and the déjà vu left a numbing effect upon his mind.
The armored immortal grabbed at his upper arm with sudden force; reverie was quickly evaporated.
Sojourner trembled slightly, afraid; he gulped once, knowing there would be severe consequence for disobeying, but not willing to betray his family in such a way.
The former Guardian had to force himself to look upon the immortal, and gave his answer.
----------------------------
Scream upon scream echoed upon the walls of Haven, followed by both wails of misery and wicked laughter. Darkness began to cloud the vision of the screamer, only to be chased back by further pain and further screams.
Enerjak had been angry, livid with Sojourner's refusal to obey. There had been a brief glow, somehow visibly tainted with anger, before a shocked lavender echidna fell upon the ground. Thunderhawk had been brought in to suffer for his fathers' disobedience.
The temptation to give in, to surrender completely and save his son had nearly overcome the elder of the former Guardians; if Thunderhawk had not realized through the pain and cried out not to betray what they had lived for over a century to protect, he would have given in.
Sojourner, with Thunderhawk's words being all that kept him from surrender, could only sob in dismay and watch what was happening. There was little idea what Enerjak was doing; all that mattered was that Thunderhawk writhed upon the ground, convulsing and screaming in agony.
Legionnaires laughed from around the room.
---------------------------
Blood coated the forest floor, a macabre parody of the nearby river that fed the foliage. Soft tendrils of liquid death spread along the grass, joining pure water to spread further along the trails. It was likely the only reason it was noticed at all.
"Oh my god! Where's all this blood coming from?"
"Probably some dead animal or something. Leave it alone."
"Hold on a minute. Let's at least check it out. Call it women's intuition, if you want."
Soldiers' garbs marked the two young ferrets as they followed the darkening trail along the river, then along the grass. What they found was not what they had been expecting.
"Oh my god.. Oh my god! Is that a corpse?!"
"Dear lord, this.. this isn't a predator's doing at all!"
"What do you think this poor soul used to be? A porcupine?"
"I.. I think it used to be an echidna.. I.." The ferret gasped suddenly, as he pressed a paw along the corpse's throat.
"What is it?"
"..I think it's still alive."
-------------------------------
"This entire scenario is nearly suicide. Nearly." A bat groaned from the table of Freedom Fighters, rubbing at his scalp in an attempt to steer a headache away. "It's two to one!"
"It's all we have right now, and we can't afford to wait any more." Sally sighed. Maps and schematics lay along the large table, displaying attack plans. "We've waited long enough as it is."
"Did ve ask everyone possible?" The leader of the Northern Region Freedom Fighters sighed. "How many refused?"
"Seven groups." Elias groaned. "There was no helping it. It was their choice."
"Don't ve –"
"Princess! Princess!" A cry of panic interrupted the discussions, causing several pairs of eyes to turn in surprise. "We have a situation!"
The crowned princess of Mobius was quickly upon her feet, concerned worry clear upon her face. "What's the problem?"
"A body was found in the Great Forest, all bloody and beaten! We don't know who it is, yet, but it had a Guardian birthmark on it!"
"What?!"
----------------------------
The soft green glow that brought Sojourner back to the large cell had been a small respite from the misery; worry for Thunderhawk's welfare clouded his mind for several long seconds. That is, until Enerjak himself appeared before him.
Sojourner's immediate reaction was to shudder and back away; there was no place to run and little place to hide, but the attempt persisted under the sheer will of fight-or-flight.
His captor made no attempt to exercise power; an armored hand grabbed at the cloth that was not his own, lifting him several inches above the ground. No attempt at power was made on his behalf; he knew it was futile.
"You thought you could disobey me?" Hissed angrily, cold and dangerous. Livid anger clearly resonated upon the tone.
Sojourner made no attempt to answer. There was no reason to; nothing would help the situation, now.
Suddenly, he was tossed to the ground; a startled cry escaped. Before the former Guardian could lift himself to his knees, he found himself unable to move; the armored immortal had leaned upon his chest, firmly holding the captive down.
Something was held in an armored hand. Sojourner could not see what it was, until it was held in front of his face; a short, small blade.
As quickly as the fear of the blade came, it vanished; a new pain bordered at the edge of his mind. It took a brief second to realize that the direct cause was staring at him with anger.
Images, memories, flashed along his mind; another long second was required to realize what was happening.
Sojourner cried out in alarm and began to struggle anew; Enerjak was literally going through his mind. The growing feeling of filth began to cloud his mind.
New cries filled the air as memories long forgotten came to the surface of recollection, even as the blade came down.
-------------------------
Athair had been first to realize who the near-dead echidna truly was.
As blood was cleared away and life support systems were placed in and around the barely living body, personal features began to become clear. At first, it was merely the shade of fur.
A dark shade of brown; it was all that was required.
Athair had been at the body's side as soon as he knew, releasing a choked sob that quickly became weeping.
Silence filled the air, electrified with shock and fear; they found one Guardian, but it wasn't clear weather or not it would sustain. It was not known if Sabre would survive.
--------------------
Fear overrode all other emotion once the soft glow of emerald green encompassed the small cell. Pain, anger, hate, misery; it all became lost once the fear came.
Locke found himself trembling in complete terror as the small cell vanished around him, replaced with another. For several long seconds, he did not have the power to surpass the fear and recognize where he was; once he did, however, he wish he hadn't.
It was the large cell with the torture equipment; hadn't this been where Sojourner was being held?
"Grandfather Sojourner?" Barely a whisper; he was surprised by his own meekness.
After several long seconds of no reply, the youngest of the captured Guardians lifted himself from the ground; it only took three short steps before he spotted his ancestor.
It was not the blood that surprised Locke, nor was it the eerily blank expression upon Sojourner's face; what surprised him was the gruesome mark upon the elder echidnas' forehead.
The decorative plaque that had been there before was gone; pale furred flesh had once been underneath. Now, carved clearly with blood pouring from the wounds, an intricate symbol lay; the symbol of the Legion, slightly modified to suit Enerjak personally.
Locke swallowed in shock, taking the few extra steps needed to be close to his ancestor. Sojourner lay upon the ground, and did not react to his presence.
"Grandfather?" Louder, this time, trying to obtain attention from blank eyes. After several seconds of absolutely no response, the blank eyes dilated, moved; however, there was still a lack of focus. Locke opened his mouth to call again, only to be interrupted by words he hoped never to hear from one of his relatives.
The voice was soft, tentative, only a little louder than a whisper and completely unlike how Sojourner sounded before.
"Lord Enerjak..?"
---------------------------
The sounds of nearly two dozen people waiting filled the room; not absolute silence, but almost. A single waterfowl stood before the collection of individuals, garbed in medical gear. Near-silence wavered for several seconds more, before Prince Elias forced himself to speak.
"Doctor Quack.. How bad is it?" The tone was fearful and tentative.
"He.." The doctor swallowed once, looking over a clipboard held in one feathered hand. It was obvious he was having trouble speaking. "He was obviously beaten horribly. Marks from whips, bruises and scratches from heaven only knows what.."
Saddened whispers filtered along the men and women.
"Both of his eyes were gauged out. With what, I personally don't want to know."
A broken sob escaped from Athair, who somehow forced himself to listen to the words.
"The same with his tongue. It.. It also looks seems he was castrated."
Gasps of horror filled the room.
"He was also drawn and quartered. It's a surprise he survived for as long as he had."
Soft, shocked whispers filled the room, the only interruption to the new silence. Athair visibly appeared to have trouble simply staying upright, shaken with sobs, unable to take in what had happened to his son. Spectre was silent, eyes wide in shock.
It came as a surprise when Knuckles was first to truly break the silence, voice slicing through the whispers. "Who's going to help us?"
Clear silence filled the air. Not even whispers filled it this time.
After several long seconds passed, every hand raised.
----------------------------
Author Notes: Bwahahaha. Here we go. ^___^
Sabre: …. What did you DO to me!? O_____o
Sojourner: HA! Finally! Someone worse off than me! :3
Sabre: …No, I'm not that bad yet. ._.
Sojourner: Damnit.
Author: Heh. ^^;; Okay, then..
Viva la feedback! My muses feed on criticism and ideas! ^__^
