Chapter Six : Dark Alliance

Ever since Lara-Le had left the house, make it a few hours ago, Wynmacher had been sitting on the sofa, silently plotting. Arms crossed on his chest, eyes glued to the floor, the brown echidna was playing the last two days in his head over and over, trying to figure out where it went wrong.

Well, first, you broke into Haven to beat that bastard Locke up, did you really think it would go unoticed? a nagging voice said in his mind. He shook his head but the voice refused to go away. Then you come home drenched in blood, how could Lara ignore that? Still wondering what went wrong?

Wynmacher swatted a hand in the air, annoyed. "I don't give a damn, he only got what he deserved. There's no need to feel sorry for him."

Ah, but there is a problem here: Lara does. She's left you because she cares for him, maybe more than she cares for you.

At this, Wynmacher growled, but he knew it was probably true. If you got her started, Lara could talk non-stop about this cold-hearted jerk, how he had changed over the past few months, how she wished he were like this when they were still together, and such. But Wynmacher could easily forgive her; she was a gentle soul and couldn't really hate someone at heart. The fact that she gave birth to that bastard's son only added to that.

And why do you think she would go back to him now? Why would she go back to the one who hurt her instead of staying by the one who cared for her after she was abandoned?

Realization struck Wynmacher as lighting would have done. "She still loves him," he muttered. "After all he did to her... she still loves him as if nothing ever happened." He growled. "She loves him and... and not me. Maybe she has never loved me at all... That sick, bastard, son of a bitch..." Wynmacher buried his face in his hands, closing his eyes.

Maybe she does love you, but she just has to be shown the right way.

"And how do you expect me to do that?" the brown one snapped. "Now I can't just waltz in there and talk her back into coming back." Wynmacher sighed; he had really done it this time. There was no way in hell Lara would be coming back to him now that he had nearly killed her ex-husband – not that he was sorry about it, mind you.

I can give you your wife back, the voice muttered in a almost sensual way.

At this Wynmacher's head shot up, and he frowned. Speaking to himself was a fact, but receiving answers and even offers was definitely not normal. The young male quickly got up and scanned the room, growling softly. "Where are you hiding?" he asked to no one in particular. "And most of all, who are you?"

I bear you no ill thought, therefore there is no use in me hiding away from you. You can't see me because I'm not someone who likes to be seen. Who I am is of no importance.

"Oh, excuse me but I think it is, actually," Wynmacher said, slightly freaked out. "How come I can hear you but I can't see you? You have to be here somehow."

You are right, Wynmacher, son of Voltan. I am here somehow, as you put it. Hearing me will be the only thing you will be able to do unless I see fit to reveal myself to you. The voice was sweet and Wynmacher could have sworn the one speaking was grinning. Now, I recall I offered my help, am I right?

"How can I trust you enough to let you help me while I can't even see what you look like?" the brown echidna snapped back. "And how come you know my name? And my father's?"

I know a lot more things than what you think. If I didn't then I wouldn't be there offering you my help, if only you would listen to me. The voice, that had become quite hard, once again dropped to a sweet whisper. But I trust you are going to listen to me. After all, we both have something the other wants, now, haven't we?

"Want? What could I possibly want from you?"

Well, first I possess power enough to have your wife back with you. Then I couldn't help but notice the way you think of the son of Sabre, Locke is it? Wynmacher heard what could have been a sadistic chuckle. I can make him suffer, bring him to his knees, even kill him if you want me to, and you would get away with it. I can change him in a way that will drive your wife, Lara-Le, as far away from him as humanly possible. I am able to give you what you want, but to avenge you as well.

Wynmacher put a hand to his chin, deep in thoughts. This was just too easy; he would get Lara back and witness his enemy's suffering, and possible death, without having anything to do with it. No, there was a catch, there just had to be a catch. "And what do you want in exchange?" he asked, suspicious. "Surely you wouldn't help me for nothing, would you, especially when it's involving powerful Guardians?"

Regardless of what you think, I too have some unfinished business with the Guardians. The person speaking seemed to get annoyed by Wynmacher's question instead of the answer he awaited – because he was a male, by the sounds of it. I intend to make them pay dearly for things you would not like to know about. Now, do we have an agreement? When Wynmacher hesitated once again, the voice stifled a growl. Do I have to say it another time, or can I take my leave?

"You said I had something you wanted," the brown one said. "What is it?"

A sigh. Then the voice came back. In order to carry out my plans, I have to know where my enemies are. Therefore, I only ask you to tell me their location and to give me the entrance code.

Wynmacher nearly startled. "How do you know there is an entrance code?"

I know it, this is a fact, and if you managed to break into their lair then you have to have it. I only ask for that. Wynmacher didn't answer right away, and that only served to irritate his mysterious helper. Fine then, if you're happy brooding here all alone, I will leave you to it.

"No, wait," the brown one suddenly said before he thought. "I... I can give it to you. If you promise you will bring back Lara unarmed, I'll help you."

Ah, you are finally seeing things my way. So, do you have a deal?

Wynmacher took in a big breath. "Yes... we have a deal. But I'd like to know one more thing."

Which one?

"Could you tell me your name?"

My name is Enerjak.

Lara-Le was sitting in a chair near Locke's bed. To her it felt like she had been there for hours, just caressing the back of the male's hand while waiting for him to wake up, or at least, to move.

She had been quite shocked by the words he had cried out in his sleep. Guardians were known to have visions in their sleep, and she definitely hoped her ex-husband was not having one of those when he had spoken. It was unbelievable, really, Wynmacher would never hurt her, let alone kill her; although he had harmed lately, but not in a physical way.

Sighing, Lara looked up at Locke. He would have seemed to be sleeping peacefully if it wasn't for the thin tube in his nose, helping his abused lungs to breathe. His cheek supported a few stitches where flesh had been slit open, and there were some scratches on his face, but other than that he looked fine. His bare chest, freshly bandaged, was slowly rising and falling without a sound with each breath he took. His arms were laid out at hi sides, on the snow-white cover; a perfusion had been set on his left hand, while the right one was being held and softly caressed by both of Lara's hands.

Jenna-Lu nearly had a seizure upon seeing her son. She had run to the bed, startling Sojourner who had been standing there and hadn't expected a female to run by. And when Jenna-Lu had asked the red echidna how her son was doing, he had been too shocked to blurt out anything else than: "He may be dying."

The female swayed and had to use Sabre's arm as a support so she wouldn't fall. Locke's father had thrown Sojourner the darkest look ever while patting his wife's hand soothingly.

Now Jenna-Lu was in Sabre's quarters, probably sleeping. She stayed up all night, taking care of her son, watching over him and, mostly, crying silently. Sabre had been there too, but standing still as he watched his desperate wife, inwardly wishing he could do something about it. But there was nothing he could do, so he just allowed Jenna to deal with the pain the way she wanted. Often that night, she would come to him, feeling like she couldn't take it anymore, and he would just wrap his arms around her wordlessly and hold her as she cried in his shoulder, or simply suffered without a sound.

Lara-Le had marvelled at how much Sabre cared for his wife and son. He was a man who understood Jenna's pain and was able to share it, because he was Locke's father, because he loved him. If something like this ever happened to Knuckles, Lara-Le knew Wynmacher wouldn't be able to understand; the only one that could share her pain in watching her child suffer would be his father, Locke, but she doubted she would allow herself to share it with him as openly as Jenna-Lu did.

In the morning, Sabre had noticed just how worn out his wife was. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, and her face was tear-stricked as she was looking at her son. The dark brown echidna had taken her to his quarters despite her protests for her to rest a few hours. That had been half an hour ago, and since then Lara-Le had been alone with Locke.

The brown-furred female's head shot up when she heard a distant gurgling sound. She watched Locke worriedly, but her ex-husband looked like he hadn't moved an inch. On closer inspection, Lara noticed his upper lip had slightly curled up, revealing some of his teeth which made his sharp canines stand out.

Lara-Le didn't have time to register what had happened because it did once again. Locke opened his mouth a little and emited a faint strangling sound, as if he were choking on his own saliva. Lara got on her feet just as the red echidna swallowed, which was followed by even more gurgling sounds. "Locke?" she called tentatively. "Can you hear me?"

The male only choked somemore, and when she heard a whine amongst the noises he was making Lara-Le panicked. Gods... what if he is... "Help!" she cried out as she took off running towards the door.

But she hadn't reached the metallic panel before Athair came flying at top speed through it. He had kept a mental connection with Locke in case there was a problem, and there seemed to be one right now. Sabre had asked him to keep an eye on Locke for him, but the flying one would have done it anyway.

Athair flew right to Locke's bed and only stopped when he was above it, looking down at the still choking male with calculating eyes. By the time he decided on what he would do, Lara had gotten back to the bed and was watching with worried eyes as Athair reached for Locke's face.

The brown echidna cupped Locke's cheek to prevent him from moving, and when he was still enough, Athair reached for the tube. As slowly and carefully as he could, he slid it out of the younger male's nose, still holding him with a hand on his cheek. Locke grunted a little, but otherwise didn't struggle, and once the tube was entirely removed he released a big breath and leaned back against the pillow.

Athair put the thin tube aside and turned to Lara-Le, his smiling face brightening the dull room. "He can now breathe on his own," he answered Lara's question before she asked it out loud. "This is a great improvement! Now all we have to do is wait for the drugs to wear off and he'll wake up then."

Lara-Le, whose hand was back upon Locke's, looked up from the red male's face. "How long will it take?"

"I don't know for sure, maybe a day or two, or just a few hours. The shock was quite hard, it'll take him time to come back but he'll eventually manage, all in due time." Athair gave his second-son's head a gentle pat. "He doesn't need anything to breathe on his own now, that alone gives more hope than anything. Locke is strong, young Lara, but he is also someone who hides his strenght, and shield his heart, although he has gotten better at showing feelings lately." Athair then looked at her right in the eyes. "He needs you, young Lara. More than ever."

And with that, he was gone, out of the door, leaving a distraught Lara-Le in the room.

"Where is he?" Knuckles barked, fist clenched at his sides. "Where is my father?"

"Fifth-son, please stay calm," Sojourner pleaded. His head was throbbing and his grandson wasn't helping matters. He sighed as he rubbed a temple. "This is no moment to-"

"I don't give a damn! Where is he?"

Sojourner sighed once again as his headache won him over and he didn't answer, tired as he was. Be it Thunderhawk, Sabre or even Spectre, he was going to kill whoever informed Knuckles of what was going on. The youngest Guardian had just stormed into Haven, demanding where the hell his father was to the first one he met. Said one being Sojourner.

"Just say it, dang it! Or do I have to force it outta you?" Knuckles growled, raising a clenched fist.

Sojourner groaned, annoyed at the way things were getting, and turned heels to go away but Knuckles grabbed the front of his vest and pulled his fifth-father to him, their noses almost touching. "Wanna play games? Well I can play too."

"This is enough," a snarling voice said from behind Sojourner, who inwardly sighed with relief when he recognized his father. "Put my son down, boy, he hasn't done anything to you."

Thunderhawk came up to them and put a hand on Sojourner's shoulder, pulling him back as Knuckles finally released him. The red echidna mentally muttered his thanks to his father and winced as his head pounded even more.

Knuckles was still furiously growling. "Part of the game too, eh? Now, Grandfather, will you tell me where my father is before heads start coming off here?"

"No one's head is coming off, boy, except maybe for yours if you keep this up," Thunderhawk rumbled. "I wouldn't like sending you to your father in pieces, but if there is no other way then so be it."

It was times like now when Sojourner was glad his father was the way he was. The grumpy echidna wasn't going to yield; he was going to hold his ground like he always did when having an argument with someone, and if Knuckles wanted to engage a battle of wits, then Sojourner pitied him. Plus, his father's hand upon his shoulder was doing a great job in steadying him.

It took a few minutes, but after some growls and a few snarls that only made Thunderhawk's frown deepen, Knuckles's anger dissipated slowly. He knew there was no going through his ancestor. "All right," he sighed after a while. "All right. I apologize, Grandfathers, I acted out of anger."

Thunderhawk nodded and spoke in a softer tone. "Much more pleasant when you show some respect, my boy. It wouldn't do for you to act like this in front of your mother, now."

"Mom is here?" Knuckles asked as his fists unclenched, surprised.

Thunderhawk nodded once more, his hand never leaving his son's shoulder. "Lara-Le came to Haven yesterday."

"Yesterday? Just how long had this been going on?" Knuckles growled softly. "Since when has Dad been hurt? And who did it? The Dark Legion?"

Thunderhawk raised his eyebrows as he tried to register the questions and find answers to them at once. "Your father has been found injured yesterday morning, we suppose he was attacked sometime in the night. And as for who did this..." The lavender Guardian paused and seemed to be debating whether he should tell him or not.

"So? Come on!" Knuckles urged him.

"I'm not sure I should be the one telling you this, I'd rather let your mother do it. But our culprit certainly is your stepfather."

The young Guardian stared at his granfather without making a sound for a few seconds, utterly taken aback by what he had just been told. "You.. you can't be serious!" he exclaimed. "I know Wynmacher doesn't like Dad, maybe he really hates him, but... he wouldn't try to kill him, would he?"

"There are proofs," Thunderhawk said, his voice firm. "Your stepfather wasn't home the night the attack took place, and your mother says he came back to the house drunk and bloodied. We also found a black ring that looks like those Wynmacher wears on his spines. Then when she arrived this night, Lara-Le told us Wynmacher had admitted having attempted murder on Locke."

When Knuckles just stood there, his eyes widened, his sixth-father put his free hand on his shoulder. "How about going to the medical aisle? You too, son, you could use a good aspirin." Sojourner just nodded as Thunderhawk began to lead the two red echidnas in Haven's corridors.

Thunderhawk sighed to himself as he closed the door of his son's bedroom and walked in the corridor. Sojourner, who was suffering from a massive headache, had taken his father's advice and was resting in his room.

Locke's health hadn't improved, but it hadn't gotten worse. Thanks to Athair's supervision, they would be informed if that changed; Lara-Le, Knuckles, Sabre and Jenna-Lu were also watching over Locke.

Thunderhawk stopped. That left only one echidna wandering in Haven. Father? he mentally called out.

Yes, son? How can I be of help? came Spectre's deep voice.

Oh, well, I was just wondering where you were... That's all, he half-lied.

He received a mental chuckle. I'm outside, Thunderhawk, and yes you can join me if you want.

Thunderhawk smirked to himself when Spectre answered his non-existent question. The black male knew his son wasn't one to want company every moment of the day, but he gladly offered it if needed. With the others worrying over Locke and filling the medical room, and Sojourner lying asleep on his bed, Thunderhawk was feeling quite alone and he was the first one surprised to find he didn't like it. He didn't really want to talk, or to walk, he just wanted someone to be with.

Amazed at how dull Haven was without Athair's happy-go-lucky behavior and Locke's cries of joy over a newly-built invention, Thunderhawk made his way to the elevator room and punched his code in. Soon enough, he found himself in Haven's cave and making his way to the forest where he knew his father liked to spend time every now and then.

And sure enough, Spectre was here, his back to a rock at the entrance of the cave. His expression was unreadable, from what Thunderhawk saw his father was deep in thoughts. He didn't dare speak up and interrupt Spectre's line of thoughts, so the lavender echidna just sat on another rock and leaned against the stone wall.

Spectre acknowledged his son by turning his head to him. "What time is it, son?"

"It was eleven when I left the sick bay, then I brought Sojourner back to his room," Thunderhawk mused. "I'd say eleven thirty."

Spectre nodded in thanks and his blood red eyes once again turned to stare off into nothing. Thunderhawk couldn't help but frown as he looked over at his father. The black Guardian's arms were crossed, and his whole body seemed tense as if he were ready to pounce at any moment. He was standing perfectly still and the light breeze was making his dark robes sway; to Thunderhawk he was looking like a pillar of security, a safe shelter, that's why he was puzzled to find him tense. "Nervous about something, Father?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," Spectre mumbled. "I felt some bad Chaos waves, a bit sooner. They were short, but strong, and they had negative energy attached to them. I only know of one echidna able to create them."

Thunderhawk frowned. "Enerjak?"

Spectre nodded gravely. "He is happy about something. Those were waves of joy, and I can just imagine what is good for Enerjak means trouble to us."

"What do you think he was happy about?" the lavender echidna asked.

"I don't know... my best guess is that he somehow learned what happened to Locke, and what's not to be happy about from his point of view? One of his worst enemies is maybe dying, no wonder he is overjoyed." Spectre frowned. "But still... I find it strange that he allowed me to catch those waves. He knows better than to do that, he usually hides everything."

Thunderhawk shrugged. "Maybe he was so happy upon learning what happened to Locke that he actually forgot to hide his feelings, and you caught part of it. Don't worry so much, Father, there are already so much things on our minds."

"Don't you feel it, Thunderhawk?" Spectre asked. "Can't you feel how thick the air is? Can't you hear the Island?"

Thunderhawk decided to give it a try and let his Chaos abilities overcome him to the point where he could feel every leave falling from the trees. To his surprise, he actually heard the ground muttering fearfully, and the wind was bringing him agressive and frightening feelings. It seemed like the Island was watching something it didn't like and was whispering it in his ear.

The lavender echidna cut off this connection and shook his head. "I heard, Father," he spoke up. "However I don't know if it has anything to do with Enerjak. I doubt it; he doesn't know where Haven is, and even then he would have to find a way in, which isn't exactly a piece of cake."

"May Aurora have heard you, Thunderhawk. Chaos knows I wouldn't like to have to deal with Enerjak and his Legion right now, especially with Knuckles here, the Emerald unguarded and Locke in the medical aisle. We are much too weak right now, and I don't like it. I don't like it one bit."

Thunderhawk only nodded and slightly shivered as a stronger gust of wind engulfed him. Clouds hid the sun, and the forest took in a darker shade as the wind became colder. It was as if Chaos were telling them to find shelter quickly, and Spectre wasted no time in doing that. "It's getting cold. Come, son, let's get inside."

The lavender Guardian gladly followed his father in the cave as the black male went for the elevator.

It was decided that Lara-Le was to sleep in Locke's quarters that night, and Athair happily gave up his own room to Knuckles. "It isn't like I need it," the brown echidna had said. "I will be watching over Locke."

Lara had almost laughed when she had left her freaked out son in Athair's room. From what she had seen, there were plants of all sorts crawling up the walls and hanging off the ceiling; there even was a little fountain in a corner of the room. When she had walked away, she had heard Knuckles saying: "Boy, a hammock!"

Now she was finally reaching Locke's bedroom. She felt awkward sleeping in her ex-husband's bed while he was lying in the medical aisle, she thought as she opened the door.

The room was medium-sized and quite tidy, expect for a metallic desk upon which computer parts and papers were scattered. The bed was also medium-sized, and next to it there was a nightstand with a lamp. Lara put her bag on the ground at the end of the bed and sat on the mattress, running a hand on the covers. Just what time was it? She looked around for a clock, and found a digital one on Locke's desk. Eleven p.m.

She hadn't realized how late it was, and became aware of how tired she was after spending a day watching and worrying over Locke. The female quickly changed into her nightgown and crawled into the bed, smiling as she recognized Locke's smell on the pillow. It was a sweet mix of the lemon soap he used and a smell that only Locke owned and that Lara would recognize anytime.

Lara buried her head in the pillow, suddenly wishing none of this had happened, that Locke wasn't hurt, that Wynmacher wasn't so jealous. Wynmacher... what was she going to do now? She didn't want to go back to him after what he had done, but they were married, she couldn't very well walk away so easily.

Her mind was so flowed with these worries that she didn't even register falling asleep, snuggled up to the pillow as if it were Locke holding her and comforting her.

It was near midnight that Spectre was jolted awake by a mental cry. The black male rolled and fell off his bed, landing gracelessly on the floor, tangled in his covers. He cursed silently and once he was untangled he managed to get up, holding his throbbing skull. "I'm so going to kill whoever did that," he mumbled while rubbing his side of the head that had hit the floor.

Locke couldn't have done that, and Athair was watching over him so he would have averted the others if there was a problem with his second-son. Sabre was too serious for this, and Lara-Le and Jenna-Lu didn't possess Chaos powers. Which left him with... Sojourner! You think this is funny, Second-son? Spectre mentally growled.

But the only answer he received was Sojourner's snoring. It seemed like his second-son was deeply asleep and had been for the past few hours.

Oh, well... Thunderhawk! What do you think you are doing, son?

Spectre heard a yawn through the mental connection. Father? came Thunderhawk's sleepy voice. What's going on? What did you wake me for?

You mean you were sleeping?

Well, that's usually what we do at night, Father, his son replied, slightly sarcastic.

But Spectre hadn't registered it. But then, if Sojourner was asleep and you too, who could have...

Then a very familiar and close-sounding voice whispered into Spectre's mind, and it only took a few words to send shivers down the black male's spine.

Why, hello there, Spectre.