Act II: DESCENT

Chapter III: Stealing Society

Central City Courthouse, Tuesday 12:43 PM

Sonia tapped her pen against her chin absentmindedly, as the full courthouse had adjourned.

Just one person left to arrive…

Ken "Monkey" Khan. The new District Attorney, Central City's savior…

And her boyfriend.

She sighed shakenly, shooting a glance to her right at the defense.

Sat next to her brother, Manic, was Isa Starline, the platypus who had taken over the mob.

She was confident Ken could put him away – but would he?

If anything was known to Sonia, even after everything that Mephiles had done to expose the elite of this city, in the three-year time span after the destruction of the city, the mob had managed to keep a steady control.

They were able to successfully put Robotnik and Nazo away, so why would Starline be any different?

Manic sighed, tapping his watch as his eyes flickered over to Sonia.

"Can you tell your honey to get here a little faster? I got a burger calling my name down the street."

Starline chuckled, his cold eyes glaring at the magenta hedgehog.

Sonia scoffed. "Didn't mom used to tell you to be patient in all things?"

"I know one thing your mother used to say…" Starline spoke up, earning a harsh glare from Sonia, and a slight eye roll from Manic.

Right – mom had mob ties. Didn't everyone.

"Sorry I'm late, folks!"

The sound of the man's voice and the swinging open of the door caused every head to turn to the back, as Ken Khan sauntered into the courthouse, dressed in a million-dollar suit, and groomed with a fresh cut.

Sitting down next to Sonia, she scoffed under her breath.

"What, afraid I wasn't gonna make it?" Khan asked, a sly smirk creeping on his muzzle.

"Ken, I know these briefs front and back. I would've been fine," Sonia replied, another slight eye roll.

"Huh. Well, you wanna take it, or should I?"

Sonia glared, before a slight smirk appeared on her face. "Nah, I know how bad you want this one."

Khan chuckled, squeezing her hand underneath the table. "What say you, me, and your brother over there get some dinner tonight?"

Sonia chuckled. "After how bad he's about to get beat, I think he's gonna need a break from me."

"All rise, the honorable judge Ixis Naugus presiding."

The courtroom stood to their feet, Khan fixing his blazer, his eye catching Starline turning to him.

"I thought the D.A. just played golf with the mayor. I'm sure you and Shade are very close."

Khan scoffed, smirking wildly. "I shot 1:30. More than enough time to put you away for life."

After the judge provided opening statements, Khan called his first witness.

Mimic the Octopus.

The octopus sauntered up onto the witness stand, dressed in a plaid blazer and an orange tie as he sat back in his chair, reclining with a smirk.

Khan brandished the statement, his eyes meeting Mimic's.

The examination went on for a while, Mimic generally giving vague answers. This stunted Khan's line of questioning, before brandishing a statement from the octopus.

Mimic's eyebrow raised, a slight scoff exiting his mouth.

"Well – with Ivo Robotnik and Nazo the Hedgehog hauled off to Everhold, surely someone must have taken over the Robotnik crime family, right?"

Ken paced around, Mimic giving him a slight nod.

"Is he in the courtroom today?"

Mimic nodded again, the smug grin never leaving.

"Could you identify him for us please?"

"You win, Counselor."

Ken stared at Starline, both smirking at each other.

"It was me."

The courtroom erupted in a fury of gasps, turning around as Mimic sat back with a smug grin – brushing the bottom of his chin.

Manic began checking his notes – his eyes meeting Starline as they shared a puzzled look.

Sonia flipped through the briefs sporadically, her glance moving up to the smug octopus.

Khan cursed under his breath, grabbing the written statement.

"I have a sworn statement from you, saying that this man, Dr. Isa Starline, is the new head of the Robotnik crime syndicate."

"Starline? He's a fall guy! I'm the brains behind it!" The octopus exclaimed, crossing one leg over the other.

The crowd laughed, causing Khan and Sonia to share an infuriated look, the monkey turning to the judge.

"Permission to treat the witness as hostile?"

"Permission granted," Naugus said, writing in his notebook.

Mimic scowled, fiddling in his pocket. "Hostile? I'll show you hostile!"

Mimic pulled out a pistol, aiming it at Khan as the crowd gasped.

Ken froze for a moment, his eyes flickering between the gun and the octopus, before grabbing it – and landing a punch straight into his face.

The crowd gasped again, Sonia's eyes filled with shock and worry.

As the guards began hoisting Mimic away, Khan inspected the pistol.

".28 calibre, made in Moebius. If you want to kill a counselor, Starline, I'd recommend buying Mobian."

Starline smirked, crossing his arms.

"Take him away," Naugus stated.

Khan turned around, cocking an eyebrow.

"But sir – I'm not done."

Following the Preliminary Trial…

Sonia walked cross armed with Khan, sauntering through the halls as the windows looked out on the great city outside.

"Seems you shook 'em up pretty bad in there. Since we can't link the gun to Starline, we don't have anything to charge him with, however," Sonia said.

Khan shrugged, a slight smirk on his face. "One more hurdle to cross, that's all."

"Ah – but the fact they're trying to kill you means we're getting to them."

Khan clicked his tongue. "I'm glad you're so pleased. I'm fine, by the way. If you were wondering, that is."

Sonia rolled her eyes, throwing her arms around his neck.

"You're Central City's D.A.! If someone isn't trying to shoot you, you aren't doing your job right."

"Wish someone would have told me that at the start," Khan said, smiling at the magenta hedgehog.

Sonia chuckled, brushing his nose with her pointer finger. "You know, if you're all flustered, we can just take the rest of the day off? Dinner with Manic sounds nice, after all…"

Khan snorted, rolling his eyes as the pair continued walking. "Ah, can't. Have a meeting with the Commissioner and some of his close crime-force friends – including your newly rich youngest brother."

Sonia stopped, pursing her lips. "Oh, Knuckles and them? They're all friends, so please try to be nice, alright?"

Khan rolled his eyes, sighing as Sonia pecked his cheek before walking off. Khan took a glance out of the window – his eyes scanning over the skyscrapers that stood proudly.

This city took three years to get back on its feet, and yet it still was suffering.

He was here to fix that. No matter what it took.

The District Attorney's Office, Tuesday 1:05 PM

The limo parked to a stop, Sonic huffing a sigh as he fixed up his blazer.

Today was the day they all met the new District Attorney – and Sonic was now riding in style.

Amy sat next to him in the back, finishing jotting down notes on her pad as she sighed, meeting his eyes.

"What's wrong, rich boy? Nervous?"

Sonic scoffed, rolling his eyes with a smug grin. "Me? Nervous? Please. As if I could ever be nervous."

Amy chuckled, opening her door as she stepped out, Sonic following.

In front of the skyscraper was Knuckles, Sally, Tails, Vector, and Espio.

"Hello friends!" Sonic exclaimed, Tails coming up to him as Sonic ruffled his hairs.

"Sonic the Richhog! Man of the hour!" Vector exclaimed with a chortle, earing a gruff chuckle from Espio.

"Please, is that all I am too you guys now? Just a playboy philanthropist?"

Sally chuckled, crossing her arms. "Please, you know we're just teasing."

"So, ready to meet the new District Attorney?" Tails asked, eyes full of inquiry.

Sonic shrugged, stealing a glance at Amy. "Ah – I'm sure he ain't that bad!"

Knuckles scoffed. "He's Central City's 'Knight in Shining Armor'. He is going to be as bad as we think."

"Either way," Amy began, "Let's not keep him waiting."

"Not yet," Espio stated, "We have one more coming."

A few minutes passed before a squad car arrived at a stop, the front door opening as a pink echidna stepped out, tossing her dreads over her back.

"Julie-su! Why are you down here slummin' it with us?" Sonic asked.

Julie-su scoffed, patting Sonic's bad roughly as an 'oof' sounded from his mouth. "What – you still intimidated by me?"

Sonic nervously chuckled, shaking his head as his eyes met the ground.

Knuckles chuckled lightly, Julie taking her side next to him as Espio hung the phone up.

"They're ready for us upstairs."

Inside the D.A.'s Office, Tuesday 1:15 PM

Khan's assistant, a young green fox led them inside the large open-plan office, where Khan's desk was situated by a large window.

Khan nodded to them, sitting down as the police-force gathered chairs.

Knuckles had met him a few times, the rest of them hadn't – however. The vibe was already one of intimidation. Khan seemed stubborn and displeased to have them around, but Knuckles swallowed, taking the lead to see if he could cool the tension.

"I heard you did a hell of a cross today. It's a shame Starline's going to walk," The echidna stated.

Khan sighed, sitting in his chair as he flipped through a book. "Well, good thing about the mob is that they'll always give you second chances."

Sonic clicked his tongue, eyes meeting Tails as the two shared an uneasy look.

"Guys – this is Ken Khan, District Attorney of Central City," Knuckles said to the group.

"Well, a pleasure to meet you Mr. Knight in Shining Armor!" Sonic exclaimed, swiping under his nose.

"Ah, yes. Detective turned playboy Sonic the Hedgehog," Khan said, eyes fixed on the stacks of bills on his desk.

Sonic nodded nervously, eyes glancing over to Amy in nerve.

"Lightly irradiated bills. This is some fancy stuff for city cops," Khan stated, looking at the mob-bills from the last bank heist.

"We try to do our best with everything, sir," Tails spoke up, thumbs twiddling.

"Have any help?" Khan asked, his eyes finally meeting theirs.

"Well, we meet with various agencies…" Amy began, before Khan's glare sliced her off.

"Save it, Chief. I wanna meet him."

Knuckles swallowed, sharing an uneasy look with Vector and Sally. "Official policy is to arrest the vigilante group led by Shadow the Hedgehog on sight."

"Mhm, and what about the husband-wife superhero duo? Is policy to arrest them as well?"

"Well – we believe the city has come to be accepting of them. They've always done great help…" Sally spoke up.

"Why is one vigilante better than the other? Do they have badges?"

Knuckles swallowed. The group had nothing to say for once, Khan sighing to cut the tension.

"I've put all known money-launderers in the city behind bars. Yet, the mob is still getting their money out. Seems like you all want to hit them where it hurts – their wallets. It's bold. Are you gonna count me in?"

"Well, pretty-boy. Smaller the operation, more successful it is. Less people who know, the better," Julie-su stated, fluttering her eyelashes with a smirk,

"Look, I don't like that you work with cops that I investigated at Internal Affairs. After that whole…mess three years ago, your force still has corruption. Yet you keep them around. I'm not okay with that." Khan said, his eyes full of annoyance.

Knuckles rubbed the back of his neck, Sonic lightly whistling until Tails jabbed him in the side, shushing his incessant noise.

"If we didn't work with those cops, we'd be working alone," Knuckles began.

"Look, Ken. We don't like it either, but we don't get political points for being idealists. We have to do the best we can with what we have," Amy added.

Khan sighed, looking down at the desk as he reclined in his chair, his fingers absentmindedly tapping atop the desk.

Sonic stood up, crossing his arms as he walked towards the bookshelf. The forces eyes went to him, Khan's stayed on his desk.

"Yanno, I came from corruption. I came from some discordant family stuff – yet I had too do the best with what I had. I'm sure my sister's told you all about it."

Khan cocked his head, his eyes flickering onto Sonic.

"You may not trust us. You may not trust anybody in this city, and honestly? I can't blame you at all. If I've learned anything the last three years – is that nothing is as it seems. We may not like it, but if we believe in the good this city can have, why sit back, and do nothing? That ain't the way to go either."

Khan sighed, nodding lightly. Tails smiled at his friend's pseudo-speech.

"So, the least you can do for us, and this city? Work with the people who say they want good. Everyone in this room has the same mission. We can't win if we divide ourselves, yanno."

Julie-su smirked at Knuckles, turning back as Vector and Espio nodded with a shared smile.

Khan sighed, silent for a moment – before picking up the bills and inspecting them again.

"You want me to back warrants on the search and seizure of five banks. Yet, I still don't know what we're after. You said you wanted to keep this operation small. Where do I fit in on that?"

Knuckles and Amy looked at one another, nodding. Knuckles turned to Khan. "I can give you the names of the banks."

"That's a start. I want all your trust though."

"You don't gotta sell us, Khan. We all know your Central City's Knight," Sonic stated, smirking at the monkey.

Khan chuckled, a smile on his muzzle. "I heard the cops have a different name for me down at the Crimes Unit. Guess that's what you get for trying to rid corruption through the department, right?"

Knuckles chuckled, his eyes peering. "I wouldn't know about that."

Unknown Location, Wednesday 2:35 PM

Zero walked into the large warehouse-room, two tables set up as the entire syndicate gathered around.

He brushed off his jacket, taking a seat by Starline as he shook his hand.

Across from him, sat Bean and Nack – chatting away as all the mobsters surrounded the tables.

Some sat on chairs separate from the tables, wearing suits, while others wore street-clothes – a mix of oddities all surrounded in one place with one purpose.

Next to Bean and Nack was a new man that had risen to a respective rank in the mob. A large, purple Tasmanian-devil named Thrash, surrounded by his closest group.

A man placed a television down at the end of the table, Starline cocking an eyebrow. "What the hell is this?"

Bean chuckled. "Oh boy – we watchin' reruns tonight?!"

"Don't be stupid, Bean." Zero began, fixing his Ruby.

"Alright, alright. We have a major shipment tomorrow. It's time to get product moving back underneath the city streets. We are very close to re-assuming control over this city, let us not be foolish yet," Starline remarked, as the television flicked on.

The face was Honey, on what appeared to be a private plane.

"Hello, all. I come with some less-than-fortunate news."

Starline nodded, putting his hand up to signal her to go on.

"As you all know, one of our deposits was stolen. A small amount, roughly 50 million."

"Who's stupid enough to steal from us?" Zero asked, earning a chuckle from Starline.

"Two-bit wackjob. Deformed lizard in a cheap red-and-black suit," the platypus remarked, shuffling his feet.

"Yeah, but he ain't the problem. He's a nobody," Nack began, before turning to the television. "Issue is, the money's gettin' tracked by the cops."

Honey nodded, fixing her hair. "Thanks to the cops in the department who still have ties to all of us, we learned the police and SWAT are planning to seize your funds today – since they have identified our mob-marked bills through a source that I'm unsure of,"

"I'm sure of who it is. It's Shadow," Thrash spoke up, his men grunting under their breaths. Starline waved him off, turning to the television.

Elsewhere, Knuckles hops out of the van, following Mighty, Whisper and Tangle as they lead a charge into the banks. Amy has her gun drawn, sticking with Cosmo, Bunnie and Sally – while Antoine stands outside with Scourge and Fiona.

Sonic and Tails are keeping watch from the vans – nodding at Vector as he leads Espio and Omega into the back of the bank – heading right for the vault to find their marked bills and seize the rest of their money.

Silver and Blaze keep watch from a building above, their gauntlets activated and ready for any mob-disturbances.

"So, what do you propose we do, Honey?" Starline asked.

"The enthusiastic new D.A. has put all the launderers out of business. So, we need to move the deposits to one secure place, and not a bank."

"Where?" Thrash asked.

"No one can know but me."

Thrash rolled his eyes, his men cursing under their breaths.

"If the police gain leverage over any of us, our money is at stake. That's why I need to take it upon myself to move the funds."

"Where will you go?" Zero asked.

"I'm currently en route to Westopolis, far from Khan's jurisdiction. For obvious reasons, I couldn't wait for your permission. I've already moved the funds from the bank. They have nothing to get now."

Knuckles rushes into the vault – only to find that it is completely empty.

Vector and Espio scowl, Mighty and Whisper shuffling through the vault as Tangle and Sally begin scans around the room.

Amy scoffs, Cosmo and Bunnie standing outside of the vault on guard.

Knuckles was dumbfounded at how fast the money had been moved. Their entire operation was now a bust.

Knuckles walked towards a table, slamming his fist onto the table.

"Rest assured, our money is safe. We can now begin planning next steps," Honey stated.

Before Starline could speak up, a door slammed shut – a sarcastic, drawl laugh sounding as every man's head moved to the door.

In walked a lizard in a red-and-black suit, his orange eyes cold and harsh as he sauntered into the room.

"Ha – and I thought my jokes were bad…"

"Give me one reason why my boy here shouldn't tear your head off?" Thrash said, his glare hard and volatile.

Eclipse cocked his head, a slight smirk on his face. "Any of you wanna see somethin' cool?"

Fiddling in his pocket, he pulled out a knife, stabbing it into the table. This elicited a jump from everyone in the room, Starline and Zero's face painted in curiosity and irritation.

"I'm gonna make this knife…disappear!"

Thrash gestured to his right-hand, the man stepping up as he began thundering towards Eclipse.

As he closed in, Eclipse grabbed his arm and head, slamming his face into the knife – the blade slicing through his face as the man fell to the ground.

"Ta-da! It's gone!"

The shock in the room was evident, a blanket of uneasiness draped over everyone in the room as the lizard took a seat.

"Oh, and by the way? This suit isn't check. I mean, you oughta know…you bought it."

Thrash stood up abruptly. Purchasing a suit with their money? Thrash was ready to destroy him, until Zero and Starline gestured for him to sit.

"We'd like to hear the proposition." Zero stated.

Thrash's glare stayed on Eclipse, the lizard passively licking his lips as he raised his eyebrows. The devil sat down, feeling his entire body radiate with rage.

"Now, let's wind the clocks back three years. These cops and lawyers wouldn't cross any of you. I mean, hell – they were in your back pocket for Gaia's sake. So…what happened? Did your balls drop?"

Eclipse licked his lips again, eyes peering around the room – his burning pupils meeting the glares of the mob.

"You see – someone like me-"

"A freak," Thrash interrupted, enticing a slight chuckle from the room.

Eclipse growled slighty, before clicking his tongue.

"Look. I know why you choose to have your…ahem, group-therapy sessions, in broad daylight. I know why you choose to meet in places like this instead of that…Chemical Lounge whatever place. Why you don't go out at night."

Starline stared with a smirk, rubbing his fingers together as his eyes glazed with disbelief.

"The crime-force, and their little vigilante friends. Most importantly…Shadow."

Eclipse shuffled, clicking his tongue. "See – they've all shown Central City your true colors, unfortunately. So did my friend that I met in the asylum. He exposed everyone in here for who they truly are. It's…funny now that you think about it. Khan is just the beginning!"

Eclipse smiled, his rows of stained teeth showing, as he pointed towards Honey on the television.

"As for the fashion-designer's so-called plan? They'll find her, and they'll get her to talk. I know the talkers when I see one, and her? Thaaaat's one of 'em."

Honey's face streaked with fear, as she hurriedly turned her camera off.

"So, what do you propose?" Nack asked.

"Oh, it's simple. We just – kill the superheroes."

The mob all chuckled, rolling their eyes as they hopped into side-bar conversations, clearly mocking the reptile.

"If it's so easy, why haven't you done it?" Starline asked, smirking smugly.

"If you're good at something – don't do it for free," Eclipse replied, grinning.

Zero sat back, crossing his arms. "How much would you want?"

Eclipse tapped his chin, pursing his lips. "Hmmm, how 'bout half?"

The mob laughed once again, Eclipse looking down at the table as he squeezed his fists tight. His eyes were filled with fury now – not so much filled with glee.

"You're insane," Thrash spoke up.

"No, I'm not. No…I'm not."

Eclipse clicked his tongue, leaning forward. "If we don't deal with this now…soon? Little, uh – Thrash, was it? Yes, Thrash. Soon, Thrash here won't be able to get his grandma a check."

Thrash shot up, rage filling his eyes as he barked at Eclipse. "Enough from the lizard!"

Eclipse stood up hurriedly, opening his jacket as his thumb pulled out a string, looping it through his thumb – as the inside of his jacket was strapped with grenades and other explosives.

"Ta, ta, ta – let's not blow this outta proportion."

The mob shot back, the sound of chairs scuffing as the entire room's mocking gazes turned to ones of pure terror.

"You think you can just steal from us and get away with it?!" Thrash demaned.

"Yeah." Eclipse stated blankly.

"Fine. 500 grand for this lizard dead. A million alive so I can teach him some manners first."

Eclipse nodded rapidly, waving the string around as he licked his lips. He squinted, pointing at the group before fiddling through his pocket, his thumb still connected to the string.

"Alright, listen. Why don't you all just gimme a call when we wanna take things more seriously. Here's my caaard…"

Eclipse took out a poker card, holding it up as he set it on the table, his eyes meeting Thrash's furious gaze.

Eclipse began to walk backwards, humming a lively tune under his breath as his eyes remained on the group, finger waving around the string connected to the explosives.

He placed a kick to the door, swinging opening as he slipped out of the room – his eyes staying on the mob as he left.

Starline chuckled lightly, looking around as his mob was still stuck in fear.

He scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Guess we better give him a call, huh?"