.:Chapter 6:.
The Guardian
As daylight broke over the lush peaks of the Emerald Mountains, a movement could be detected amongst the great pines that quilted the land in a dazzling green. He moved without a sound through the brush, even at the quick jog at which he was traveling. Suddenly, as he crested a ridge and the massive valley of the Emerald Lake yawned before him, he paused, standing in full view within the sunlight.
He was a strong, well-built creature, standing with very much the same posture as Sonic, the neck arched and chest out. He was a full four inches taller than Sonic, and broader in the shoulders. His muzzle was long, and the eyes slanted and bold. He was of the most striking color for his species -- a bright, blazing scarlet red that shone brilliantly even in the fog of early morning. The only thing that disturbed this flaming red was a white ring that wound around his neck. But what was more noticeable than his stunning color were his enormous fists, covered in thick, spiked boxing gloves. He was an echidna, but not just any echidna . . . He was the Guardian.
Silently his violet eyes scanned over the territory below . . . He knew he had seen them -- the same two thieves that had made off with the Master Emerald just the other night. And if it weren't for the speed of one of them, they wouldn't have escaped his wrath. All day long yesterday he had tracked them for miles across the Floating Island, using nothing but his knowledge of the island and his inate senses to find them. At last he had spotted them near the edge of the Emerald Mountains -- an enormous mountain chain that stretched across the center of the island, holding more treasures than anyone could ever find from ancient ruins to great caves littered with gems. He knew this area well, so there was no escape for the two thieves now.
Suddenly there came a movement below. The Guardian's eyes locked onto the valley floor. There! There was something dashing across the grass . . . Moving at incredible speed! Then his eyes suddenly widened. Could that be who he thought it was? As a cloud drifted away from the sun, and the light shead down on the valley, there came a sparkle of cerulean blue. Yes. It was him.
Quickly the Guardian turned and raced down the ridge.
Jessica and Sonic walked side by side through the forest just as the first silver streaks of daylight stretched across the sky. They had been talking nearly all night long, and weren't even aware of how time had flew by. In fact, only once did the girl rest that night near the forest. Sonic, however, couldn't relax long enough to sleep, plus he knew he had to keep an eye out for Kaligarr or Shadow if they appeared again -- as well as the Freedom Fighters. So he roamed about the valley, ever vigilant, pausing to doze every now and then, but otherwise never closing his eyes. Around three o' clock Jessica awoke and ever since then the two of them had been strolling together, back toward the camp, talking quietly together.
"I'm just trying to see how it's possible that Naugus may have returned," Jessica was saying. "I know he's a wizard . . . But Vren and the other Night Demons took care of him long ago. Wouldn't only his mind be back?"
Sonic shrugged. "Beats me, Jess. That's what I'd think. And that's probably all that it is."
"Do you think, then, that's why the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald have been stolen? So he can regain his true form?"
"Most likely," Sonic shook his head. "But it seems to me that that wouldn't be enough, as powerful as they are. He'd need the essence of life . . . "
Jessica's brows furrowed. "You mean -- like he'd have to inhabit someone's body?"
"Exactly." Sonic nodded.
"Can he do that?" the girl asked.
"Heh, there's no telling what that guy can do, Jess."
The two fell silent for a moment. Then, suddenly a ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds overhead, spreading a magnificent golden light out across the landscape. And for the first time, Sonic and Jessica realized the incredible beauty of the valley and the mountains that surrounded them. As the light hit the verdant mountainsides and the trees, the land shone in the most mystifying green. Even the water roaring down the cliffs in the distance, and the crystal waters of the lake glowed green it seemed. A powerful gust of wind blew through the trees then, and leaves and flower petals swirled about their feet almost in a dreamlike fashion. And as the sky continued to clear, the two of them could see more and more of the breathtaking mountains that spread for what seemed like eternity all around them.
"Wow," Jessica gasped as she looked around in wonder. "Sonic, isn't it beautiful?"
"Awesome," he replied, a new sense of life flowing through him as the wind blew through his quills. "C'mon!" he said suddenly, trotting forward. "Let's get a better look!"
He and Jessica raced up the hill that lead into the massive valley, this time aiming for the highest vantage point possible. Faster and faster Sonic sprinted through the dew-beaded grass, the wind calling to him, the wild beauty of this place filling him with spirit. Jessica hurried after him, making short leaps up the steep hillside, a wonderful feeling of freedom consuming her as well. Soon both were dashing up to the crest of the ridge, as if some wonderful surprise awaited on the other side. Sonic gathered himself and leapt up the side of a steep grade, and with two or three effortless steps he finally made it to the top, standing tall with his head high, fitting in with the world around them so perfectly.
"How is it?" Jessica asked, clambering up the grade.
Sonic smiled and pulled her up beside him. "Take a look for yourself."
The minute Jess laid eyes on the majesty that surrounded them, her jaw dropped and her mind reeled with wonder. All around them, in every direction, were the most beautiful mountains anyone could ever lay eyes on. From peak to base they were shawled in glowing emerald forests and sparkling streams. On and on they rolled, never ending, disappearing only into the skies that were constantly growing clearer, bluer. Within seconds there were no more clouds to be seen -- nothing but the richest blue stretching on into forever. Slowly the blue faded into the green of the lush mountains and valleys, so that the land seemed to glimmer like a jewel. And adding to this glistening spectacle was the mist that hung low over the valleys nestled within the mountains, including the one just below them, glittering golden in the gentle sunlight. Far, far in the horizon, Sonic and Jessica could make out an ancient temple, wrapped in vines and moss and crumbled from centuries of weathering, rearing toward the heavens. Close by there were other remnants of ancient structures -- structures that once had been great symbols of religion and history -- stone columns, great marble fountains, huge statues of gods and deities, stone stairways that disappeared into caves and other temples, and some many other treasures forgotten in the course of time.
For the longest time Jessica couldn't speak -- this marvel around her was simply too beautiful, too sacred to behold. Then, at last, she found her breath again.
"It's amazing. . . " she breathed.
Sonic nodded slowly. "Wow . . . I've never seen anyplace like it . . . Not even the Great Forest!"
"It just goes on and on," said Jessica. "And look at how it glows! Even the sky looks bluish-green. Oh, it's incredible!"
"Past cool." Sonic smiled, the emerald shine of the serene land below reflecting beautifully in his eyes, emphasizing their brilliance.
Together they stood, marvelling at the beauty, the wildness around them that nothing on any other planet could ever equal. Both them felt as if their souls had been set free, as if they were soaring now over this paradise. And as Jessica looked out across the dazzling green hills before her, she couldn't help but feel that sense of familiarity again. Why did these mountains seem so familiar to her? Why did they speak, no, call to her? What was it about them, other than their remarkable majesty, that made them so special?
"You know, Sonic," she said, "For some reason, these mountains feel and look so familiar to me . . . Even though I've never seen anything like them before. Isn't it strange? . . . Sonic?"
But Sonic hadn't heard her. When she looked over at him, she discovered that his eyes were fixed on the ridge to their right, ears pricked and alert.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Shhh," came his answer. "We're being watched . . . "
Tremors ran down Jessica's spine as she listened to his words, his low, grave voice. Shivering she moved closer to him, looking to the right, trying to see what it was that he had seen. But she could see nothing -- nothing except the rolling green grass.
"Stay back," Sonic told her, and then stepped forward boldly. "Who goes there?" he called.
At first there came no answer, and Sonic's quills bristled. He knew he had seen something -- just beyond that boulder over there -- two eyes watching them. Then, suddenly, deep, strong voice answered him.
"Don't get your quills in a ruffle, Sonic. It's me."
Then a very familiar face appeared from a smaller boulder just to the right of the one Sonic had had his eyes fixed on. A red echidna was striding toward them.
And the moment Jessica saw him she knew instantly who he was . . . And it was the first time she had met him ever since they had come to Mobius!
"Knuckles!"
Sonic relaxed when he saw his friend slash rival. "Well, well, long time no see, buddy. Figured we'd run into you sooner or later. What's up with spying on us like that?"
"I wasn't spying," came Knuckles' reply. "Just had to make sure it was really you, what with all the weird things that have been going on lately." Then his violet eyes turned to Jessica. "So, this must be one of those 'human' creatures that everyone has been talking about -- the ones that appear as Overlanders, but are from a different planet completely."
Jessica couldn't help but smile, thinking of how much Natalie was gong to enjoy this. "H-hello, K-Knuckles."
Knuckles perked an eyebrow. "Is that how you address the Guardian?"
"Oh, sorry, Guardian." She bowed her head respectfully.
Knuckles chuckled. "Hmph. Relax, kid, I'm just playin'. At least someone shows some respect around here, though." He glanced sidelong at Sonic who just snorted.
"So what's been going on around her, Knux?" Sonic asked. "We've received all kinds of word -- stuff 'bout the Chaos Emeralds being stolen, the Master Emerald disappearing, two fiends named Kaligarr and Shadow running around--"
"Them," Knuckles interrupted suddenly. "The griffin! And the other one. . . Have you seen them?"
"Yesterday we ran into 'em shortly after arriving," Sonic replied. "Ran off with a Chaos Emerald."
"Another one?" Knuckles exclaimed angrily. Then he clenched his sharp teeth. "That makes four now. Five counting the Master Emerald."
"Four?" Sonic asked, eyes widening. "I thought they only had two now!"
"They've been moving quick," the Guardian replied. "I've been tracking them all over this blasted island, but haven't managed to catch up. One of them -- the black one -- is incredibly fast. . . Faster than you even."
Sonic pinned his ears and tossed his head, remembering the race. "He's not faster than me. His name is Shadow, and he uses a special power called Chaos Control that allows him to warp time and space."
"Chaos Control?" Knuckles gasped. "But . . . I thought no one could control that power!"
"Apparently he can." came Sonic's reply.
Knuckles grunted and clenched his fists. "We've got to do something . . . Now. I don't know what they're up to, but we've got to stop them! Whatever they're using the Chaos Emeralds for is not good!"
"We were heading back to the others now -- they're just about a mile off or so. Beyond the plain. Let's find them, and then we can get started."
"All right," said Knuckles. "And let's keep an eye out for that griffin and this 'Shadow' character. I saw them not too long ago in the Emerald Mountains."
"The Emerald Mountains?" Jessica asked curiously.
"The name of this mountain range." Knuckles explained.
"And for good reason." Jessica smiled.
"By the way, Knuckles," said Sonic. "This is Jessica. Jessica, I'm sure you already know all about Knuckles." Wink.
"Natalie'll know more." Jessica grinned widely.
"Who's Natalie?" Knuckles asked, tilting his head.
"You'll see." Jessica snickered, hardly able to contain her excitement. She knew her friend would -- to put it simply -- get the biggest kick out of this.
Back in camp, the Freedom Fighters were just beginning to move around now, trying to get an early start on their investigation of the island. They had noticed that Jessica went missing at about twelve o' clock, and had sent Dulcy and Nihara scouting for her, but had seen nothing and now that she and Sonic still hadn't returned, they were growing frantic.
"I'm hoping Naugus or his two little minions are having nothing to do with this . . ." Uncle Chuck murmured as he paced.
"Don't worry, Chuck," said Natalie. "We have a pretty good idea of where Jessie went. Whenever Sonic goes off, she goes to find him. And a hundred per cent of the time they come back together."
"Yes," said the older hedgehog. "But there's still a possibility she could have been captured or that they're in danger . . ."
"Shall I go search for them again?" Nihara asked, crouching on the branch of a nearby tree to keep lookout.
"You've been out nearly all night looking for them, Nihara." said Kimberly.
"I know," the warrioress replied. "but I'd risk anything for my brother a fellow Freedom Fighter." Nihara bowed her head. Ever since she had realized that Sonic's parents had taken her in when she was young, she referred to him as her "brother." They weren't related at all, but Nihara had been abandoned during the Great War and so Jules and Bernie had saved her. For this, Nihara dedicated her life to serving the Freedom Fighters and repaying her debt to Sonic.
Suddenly Dulcy appeared overhead, quickly winging her way down to camp. "Hey!" she called, and was about to say something else when suddenly her left wing caught on a treetop, causing her to lose her balance and come crashing down to the forest floor, sending the others scattering. There was an enormous crash, and then the Freedom Fighters cautiously emerged from their hiding places.
"You OK, Dulce?" Uncle Chuck asked.
"Never better, Ma." the dragon muttered, eyes crossed.
"Did you see anything?" Nihara inquired.
"Oh, yeah, I saw some mountains, trees, a few birds, and--"
"Did you see Sonic or Jessica?" Uncle Chuck exclaimed.
"Uh...oh! Oh!" Suddenly she rose to her feet, quickly regaining her senses. "I saw them! Just about a mile off! They're headed our way! And they got a friend with 'em!"
"A friend?" Natalie asked, but before the dragon could explain anything else, Jessica suddenly came running up to them from the plain.
"Guys!" she grinned, her eyes lit up like starlight.
"Jessica!" Kimberly, Natalie, Chuck and Nihara called happily, running over to meet her.
Jessica slid to a stop, panting from her run, and her friends gathered around her, clamoring excitedly.
"Where've you been?" they asked. "Are you OK? Did you see Sonic?"
Instead of answering any of their questions, Jessica turned directly to Natalie. "You won't believe what we found!"
"What!" Natalie asked.
"See for yourself." suddenly came Sonic's voice.
All at once they looked up. Standing just on the edges of the camp was Sonic -- the Guardian at his side.
"Hi," Knuckles waved.
Natalie's eyes went huge. "KNUCKLES!" All of a sudden the girl was flying through the air and poor Knuckles never had a chance to get away. With rather surprising force Natalie tackled him to the ground and clung to him. "Knuckles! Knuckles! Knuckles!"
" . . . I'm guessing this is Natalie?" Knuckles asked, a startled look on his face.
Jessica nodded, laughing hysterically at her friend along with Kimberly. Sonic and everyone else laughed too.
"Gee, we never could've guessed you had a thing for the guy." Sonic winked.
"Um . . . Could someone get her off?" Knux asked, trying to pull himself away from Natalie as gently as possible.
"We couldn't get her off of you even if we tied all the forces of the universe to her and tried to drag her away with 'em," Jessica laughed. Then she leaned over to Sonic. "Told ya she'd like 'im."
"I think 'like' is an understatement." Sonic snickered.
Now Natalie's mind was in the same mode that Jessica's had been the day she first discovered that Sonic and his universe were real. Her thoughts buzzed, whirled with happiness and disbelief, and she didn't know what to do -- jump for joy, run around happily, faint, or just tackle Knuckles repeatedly. After all those nights of longing just to meet him once, after all the years she had waited to know if he really existed or not, she now couldn't believe what she was holding in her arms!
Then suddenly she jumped to her feet. "I can't--this is--I--you--WHOO!" She ran around in circles, hysterical with happiness.
Knuckles climbed to his feet, gasping from breath. Then he just stared at Nat as she dashed back and forth. "Uh . . . She seems a little . . . hyper."
"To say the least." Nihara grinned, watching Natalie with amusement.
"Humans are weird . . ." Knuckles muttered, carefully edging past Natalie as she ran by again. "OK, back to business. Shouldn't we be getting a move on--OOF!" Suddenly Natalie flew by and tackled him again.
Sonic doubled over laughing. "This is entertaining."
The others giggled, watching their friend happily. Suddenly Uncle Chuck pulled Sonic aside.
"Well I see you found the Guardian." he snickered and winked.
"How could you tell?" Sonic grinned.
His uncle laughed. "I had no idea she was so crazy about him. It's kinda like Jessica is with you."
Sonic smiled.
Then Chuck's face sobered. "I was worried about you, m'boy. It's not quite like you to run off. And usually when you do you don't go that far. You OK, Sonny boy?"
"I feel better now that I've gotten some air," Sonic answered. "Don't worry. And I'm sorry for the whole takin' off thing . . . I had too much on my mind. Felt like I was gonna short-circuit."
"I know the feeling," Uncle Chuck replied. "and I don't blame ya. But are you sure you're OK, Sonny?"
"I'm fine, Unc," Sonic assured him. "Honest. I've cooled off. Maybe I did jump the gun a little -- even though I'm still ticked off at St. John. Tell ya what. I'm gonna go find Sal and have a talk with her. She's forgiving. She'll understand. Everything'll be cool. Promise."
And before Uncle Chuck could say anything else to his nephew, Sonic was off, running through the camp to find Sally, disappearing within the forest in a matter of seconds. Despite the happiness around him, and the joy of having Sonic and Jessica safely back, a bad feeling suddenly filled Chuck -- and he didn't like it at all . . .