Act II: DESCENT

Chapter VII: Wrathchild

Hedgehog Enterprises Tower, Penthouse Ballroom, Thursday 8:35 PM

Stepping out of the elevator, Khan locked arms with Sonia – as the monkey brushed down his tie. Sonia, dressed in a dark-green dress, smiled as she looked around the large room.

It was elite, fancy, and horrifically overpriced – everything her brother had become when he inherited the family fund in just three years.

The room was packed with wealthy Central City elites, all dressed to the nines in expensive suits and gowns. Khan swallowed a lump in his throat, as Sonia elbowed him.

"Ken Khan, the Liberator of the Underworld!" Sonia joked, chuckling as the monkey rolled his eyes.

"That's hardly me – and this seems almost a bit too impressive."

"What? You scared by this group of trust-fund babies? Pleeeease. You're more than that, babe."

Khan chuckled, before Sonia's eye caught Manic, standing with Mina. "Oh! I'll be right back, Ken."

"Sonia, wait!" Khan cried out, but the magenta hedgehog had already darted off to her brother. The monkey sighed, opting to look around the room – only cementing how horribly out of place he felt here.

As Khan looked around, his eye caught the sight of Shadow and Rouge, walking up to him as they were also dressed to the nines.

"Can't say I'm not shocked to see two outlaw vigilantes here."

Shadow grumbled, as Rouge held her hand out. "Well, boy oh boy, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. District Attorney!"

Khan hesitantly shook her hand, his eyes flickering back onto Shadow. "Yeah…you too."

"I am here to support Sonic, and Sonia. I only want the best for them," Shadow said, staring daggers at Khan.

"Shads - this is Kenny's fundraiser," Rouge remarked, rolling her eyes at the hedgehog.

"Then – I suppose you have my support as well."

Khan sighed, nodding. "Well, I'm glad to have your support."

"Thank you."

The pair stared at each other for a while, Rouge's eyes flickering back and forth between the two. The bat yawned, stretching her arms out as a familiar voice called into the room.

"Sorry we're late, everyone! Though it looks like y'all started without us!"

The trio turned around to see Sonic, walking in with Amy and Tails.

The large banquet hall had its attention on Sonic now, as he grabbed a glass of champagne.

"Now – wheeere is Kenny- Ken! There ya are! Man of the hour!"

Khan had his hands on his hips, his eyes narrowing with a slight grin as the entire room was now focused on him.

"And – wheeere is my sister, Sonia? C'mon over, Sonia!"

The room chuckled, as Sonia crossed her arms – suddenly feeling small as she sauntered over.

"Now – when Sonia told me she was dating Ken Khan, I was like 'What? The guy from those terrible commercials?'"

The room laughed, including Manic. Shadow managed a small grin, though his grin fell when Sonia's eyes cut onto him.

"I mean – the dude's slogan! 'Believe in Ken Khan!' C'mon man! But – it certainly caught Sonia's attention."

Sonia stared at the ground, shaking her head.

"That's when I started to listen to Ken Khan. Really listen. All that he's been doing as our District Attorney. And now? I believe in Ken Khan."

Khan watched Sonic carefully, a small smile on his face as the detective-playboy began to praise him.

"I believe that under his watch, Central City can feel safer. It can feel even more hopeful – and Gaia knows that after everything, especially these last three years? Hope and optimism are what we need most right now."

Amy looked at Sonic with a smile, winking as he raised his glass.

"I believe that Ken Khan is the future of Central City. So – let's hear it for Ken Khan!"

The patrons raised their glasses – cheering for Khan as he looked around anxiously. He wasn't used to this praise, or this amount of headache being poured into him. Either way, he did appreciate it.

And he hoped that Sonic was right.

10 Minutes Passed…

Shadow stoop outside – looking down at the city over the railing. The large, sprawling metropolis standing tall under the setting sun gave Shadow shivers – taking a sip from his glass as heeled footsteps approached.

"I saw the looks you were giving Ken, Shadow."

The hedgehog turned around, watching as Sonia took her place by Shadow.

"I really don't think he needs that, especially right now, Shadow…"

Shadow sighed, looking over the railing at the city. He cleared his throat softly, taking a sip before turning to Sonia.

"You know that day you told me about? The day where this city would no longer need me. Would no longer need my mission."

Sonia swallowed, her eyes glazing over as she looked down. "Shadow…"

"It's coming."

Sonia locked eyes with him again, licking her lips slightly. "Shadow, you can't ask me to wait for that day."

"It's happening now, Sonia. Khan is that hero. He locked up half the city's criminals – and he didn't need to operate as a vigilante."

Sonia sighed, her hand resting on her hip. "Shadow – I told you we couldn't be together when you started a mob, and I told you we couldn't be together if you wanted to be a vigilante. You ran the clock out. Now you want me to wait again?"

Shadow swallowed. "I didn't say that."

"Then what are you saying?"

"I'm saying –" Shadow stopped, readjusting his gaze.

"I'm saying that the day is coming. I'm not sure when, but it is. I just wish you could see what I am trying to do."

Sonia stared at him for awhile, before the doors opening snapped her from her thoughts.

Khan approached, his tie flapping in the wind as he brushed his loose hairs into place.

"Hey, Shadow…mind if I borrow Sonia?"

Shadow nodded, Sonia giving him one last glance as she walked towards Khan.

Shadow could only watch as they walked inside, the hedgehog pouring his drink over the edge, watching it plummet towards the ground.

His brow furrowed, before a sigh exited his mouth.

I do want you to wait.

Wait for me, please.

C.C.P.D. Main Precinct, Thursday 8:15 PM

Knuckles finished buttoning up his shirt. They were all running late to the fundraiser, but at this point that was obvious.

Work was piling up, and he needed to make sure his services were wrapped up before he could celebrate all.

Before he could step foot from the building's back alley, Sally and Cosmo stopped him – the seedrian holding a stack of papers.

"Knuckles – the card pinned to the body had three traces of DNA. Forensics just confirmed it," Sally spoke, while Cosmo handed him the papers.

"Were there any matches?" The echidna asked, flipping through the files in the cold night air.

"All three. Judge Nephthys, Ken Khan, and Chief Rotor," Cosmo spoke up.

Knuckles studied the papers for a moment, before his mind dawned in realization, his heart rate picking up slightly.

"Eclipse is telling us his targets."

Sally nodded, sharing an uneasy glance with Cosmo.

"Alright. We'll get a unit over at Nephthys's townhouse. I'll have a unit with Silver and Blaze to find Khan. We need to get them both into protective custody. Where is Chief Rotor right now?"

"City hall, sir," Sally responded.

"Then we need to call Vector and get the building sealed. No one is in our out until I get there. We gotta go, now!"

Sally and Cosmo nodded hurriedly, rushing back inside. Knuckles cursed, changing directions to the garages underneath the precinct.

Central City Hall, Thursday 9:03 PM

Knuckles stepped out of the van, rushing up the stairs as he was met with the core-SWAT team. Various SWAT agents were scouting the building, a helicopter buzzing overhead with a spotlight on the streets.

"How are we looking?" Knuckles asked.

"So far, so good. Building is secured, everything is on lockdown!" Vector responded.

"Rotor is upstairs in the offices. We will take you up," Espio stated, turning towards Mighty and Whisper with a nod as they began heading into the building.

"Tangle is up there now, and Charmy and I will direct all of the forces down here." Vector stated.

Knuckles turned to see many SWAT members standing guard at the front of the building, giving them a slight nod as he followed the trio inside.

As the group ascended to the fifth floor, Knuckles saw a line of SWAT guards standing post outside of the door. Knuckles entered, Rotor leaning against the desk as the room was full of SWAT – all directed by Tangle.

Tangle nodded to Knuckles, who began inspecting the room.

"Knuckles, what are you up to?" Rotor asked suspiciously, the walrus's eyes following him around.

"I want a floor-by-floor search of the building. Make sure everything is secure," Knuckles commanded, earning a nod from Tangle.

"Got it. Get movin', y'all!" Tangle shouted.

"Sorry Rotor, we believe Eclipse has made a threat against your life," The echidna remarked, earning a slight scoff from Rotor.

"Knuckles – I'm not sure how you haven't discovered this already…but being one of the police-force chiefs earns you lots of threats. I'm surprised you haven't gotten a threat made against you yet!"

Knuckles cocked his head. "Well – I have had threats made against me, but nothing has come of it."

"Exactly. See, I found the solution to this a while ago." The walrus stated, before setting down a bottle of vodka and a glass.

Nephthys's House, Thursday 9:16 PM

Scourge looked back at Bunnie, who nodded at him fervently as he placed a knock at the door.

Waiting for a few moments, Judge Nephthys the Vulture opened the door, as Antoine stepped up – showing her his badge.

"Good evening, yer Honor. I am sorry to inform you, but we believe zhat Eclipse has made a threat against your life."

The vulture squinted, before chuckling slightly. "Another one, huh?"

"Y – yes ma'am. We need to move you to a secure location, immediately," Bunnie stated, her eyes flickering towards Sally and Cosmo.

"Uh – okay? Where exactly is that?"

"We ain't sure. Just need to look in this envelope and it'll tell you where to go," Fiona said, handing her an envelope.

Nephthys looked at it for a moment, her brow furrowed. "Yeah…this all seems a bit hodge-podge."

Julie-su stepped up, sighing with her arms crossed. "Ma'am, please don't make this more difficult. You need to follow these directions so you can be moved to a safe location."

Nephthys sighed, stepping out as she began to head to her car. The unit followed behind.

"This is all so ridiculous," The vulture remarked.

"We're sorry ma'am, this is just protocol," Cosmo replied.

"These are very dangerous people, Judge!" Bunnie said, before the vulture shot a look at her from her shoulder.

"Yeah, but you're not giving me a whole lot of information!" Nephthys fired back, opening her car door.

"Look – even we don't know where you're going." Sally stated, handing the envelope to the judge.

"Just open the file and it'll give you the directions to where you need to go," Scourge stepped up, handing her the file as the vulture took it hesitantly.

The judge stared at them for a minute, before scowling as she got inside her car.

Hedgehog Enterprises Tower, Thursday 9:05 PM

Khan trudged through the crowd, holding tightly onto Sonia's hand. Rouge glanced over briefly, conversing with the Rogues as Bark stood by one of the doors.

Khan pulled Sonia into a more secluded part of the ballroom, chuckling as he peered at her.

"You can not leave me alone with these people."

Sonia chuckled, with her eyes wide. "Kenny, the whole mob is after you and you're scared of these guys? They're just old, rich socialites!"

"Honestly? The mob doesn't scare me – but these people give me the shivers."

Sonia chortled again, rolling her eyes as she cupped his cheek. "Well – I'll be sure to let the old people paying for your re-election know."

Khan rolled his eyes. "Well, don't go shooting me in the foot now."

"What is so urgent, anyways? Don't tell me you're getting jealous now?"

Khan scoffed. "J – jealous? Of Shadow? No, I don't think so."

Sonia nodded sarcastically.

"Look – all these…people gunning for us. It makes me see things so much clearer. It makes me think about what I could lose…and what I couldn't stand losing."

Sonia looked at him longingly, brushing stray quills from her eyes.

"Who I would want to spend the rest of my life with."

"That's…a big commitment, Ken."

"I know – I know. If the Mob has their way, then it doesn't seem so big. But that's why I want to trump them."

He grabbed onto her hand, brushing it lightly.

"So I can have that chance."

Central City Hall, Thursday 9:24 PM

Rotor took a seat at the desk, one hand resting on his stomach while the other poured the vodka into the glass.

Vector, Espio, Mighty and Whisper had entered the room – conversing together as Knuckles stared at the ground.

"So, Knuckles. Can you explain to my wife why I'll be late for dinner?"

Knuckles sighed, rubbing his head. "Rotor, the card had traces of your DNA on it."

"Traces of my DNA?"

"That's right, Rotor. This is why we brought out the big guns," Mighty said, entering the room.

Rotor stood up, beginning to pace as he held the glass tight in his hand.

"Big guns…"

"These are dangerous people, Rotor. This is a dangerous man," Espio stated dryly.

"He's the one who was on TV last night, right?" The walrus asked.

"He was. He's made his statement, and we aren't keen on him seeing it through," Whisper spoke up, leaning on the doorframe.

Knuckles flipped through the files, shaking his head.

Hedgehog Enterprises Tower, Thursday 9:15 PM

"Ken, don't do that."

Khan cocked his head, sighing. "Do what?"

"Don't bet our life on the Mob. We can be more then that. I don't – I don't want to joke about this," Sonia replied, looking towards the ground.

"Fine," Khan began, "Let's be serious."

Sonia chuckled lightly, brushing the tip of her nose. "Alrighty."

Khan stared at her for a moment, a slight smile on his face. "What's your answer?"

Sonia's smile fell, her eyes glazing over. She stared at him longingly, a million emotions scrambled on her face.

"Ken, I don't have an answer. I – I just…can't."

Khan's face fell, a sigh exiting his mouth as he shook his head – staring towards the ground.

He still held onto her hand.

Central City Hall, Thursday 9:30 PM

Rotor shook his head, his grip on his vodka glass tightening.

"How'd they get my DNA?"

Knuckles sighed, flipping through the files.

"Someone must have gotten access to your house…"

Rotor nodded, lifting the glass to his mouth.

"Could have lifted it off of a tissue…"

The glass inched closer to his mouth.

"Or a…glass."

Knuckles' eyes followed Rotor's hand – his eye widening as Rotor took a drink.

"Wait, wait!"

Hedgehog Enterprises Tower, Thursday 9:18 PM

Khan shook his head, tears threatening to spill.

"No answer…is still no."

Sonia shook her head, holding his hand tighter.

"Ken, listen-"

"Is it someone else?"

Sonia sighed, her face falling towards the floor.

"Is there someone else?"

"Ken…"

"Just – please tell me it isn't Shadow. On top of being a vigilante, the guy is a total-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Sonic kneed him in the back, as Shadow grabbed him from behind – putting him in a chokehold as he began to drift Khan unconscious.

Sonia's eyes widened, her mouth falling as her eyes were filled with frenzy.

"What are you two doing?!"

Nephthys's House, Thursday 9:21 PM

As the vulture settled into her seat, she watched the squad cars beginning to peel out.

The bird shook her head, fumbling for the envelope as she peeled it open.

Inside – one paper was situated, the vulture pulling it out.

Her brow furrowed when she saw it was blank. Weren't there supposed to be instructions on this paper?

Scowling, she flipped it over – in which the paper only said two words.

Look down.

Nephthys scoffed, before looking down to the floor.

And in a flash, the car exploded, flames billowing from the vehicle as it hoisted itself into the air before the tires were caught onto the curb.

"Shit! Stop the car! Stop the fucking car!" Sally cried, seeing the car explode in the rear-view mirror.

From the car, a flurry of cards was sent into the air, all landing on the street.

Soon, the streets were covered with playing cards – as smoke filled the sky.

Central City Hall, Thursday 9:33 PM

Rotor began to regurgitate, holding his chest as his eyes went wide – as he began to cave to the floor.

"Shit!" Knuckles cried, catching Rotor as he fell to the ground.

"Gaia, get a medic! We need a medic in here now!" Mighty exclaimed, rushing out of the room.

Espio darted over, his eye watching the vodka glass tipped over on the table, as smoke billowed from it.

Poison.

Rotor coughed wildly, Knuckles positioning him on the floor as the walrus began hacking a lung.

"Medic! We need a medic!"

Hedgehog Enterprises Tower, Thursday 9:25 PM

"Guys, what the hell is going on?!" Sonia cried, as Shadow began dragging Khan into a supply closet.

Sonic grabbed a broom – his worried eyes catching his sisters.

"They've come for him. He needs to be kept safe, now!"

Sonia felt her heart drop, turning around as Sonic bolted the door shut with the broom.

Shadow caught Sonia's glance, as Amy, Tails and Shadow's gang began darting into the backrooms.

"Stay hidden."

As the elevator dinged, a man opened it – his eyes meeting an older owl who was holding a badge.

The man cocked his head, before the owl was kicked to the ground, Eclipse standing behind him with an entire gang, as he aimed a shotgun towards the ceiling.

"Ta-da! I made it!"

Stepping out, Eclipse fired the shotgun off into the air – causing the entire party to go silent, as they flurried to stick together.

Eclipse's men began aiming guns at the patrons, forcing them into groups as Eclipse began sauntering throughout the grand ballroom.

"Good evening, everybody! We are…"

The sound of a plate clattering caught Eclipse's attention, the darkling smirking as he walked towards a table – assorted with various foods and goods.

"We are the entertainment for tonight! Here to wow and impress you with all our various tricks and kicks!"

Behind him, a man tried to fight off the assailants, as the masked gang members knocked him to the floor, kicking him while aiming machine-guns towards his head.

Eclipse swiped a muffin, taking a bite as he chewed it quickly, eyes darting about the room.

"Before we get started, I just have oooone question," Eclipse began, his mouth full as his tone was aggressive and coarse.

"Where is Ken Khan."

Eclipse's eyes danced about the room, chewing quickly as he began walking along the line of partygoers, all staring in absolute fear.

Eclipse watched the thugs aiming guns towards the guests, the darkling prancing around as he whipped his shotgun towards people, before grabbing a glass of champagne. Whipping it off the table, a trail of alcohol soared from the glass, Eclipse taking a small sip as he dropped it on the floor.

Walking past two men, he patted them on the face lightly. "Do you know where he is? Do you know who he is? Come oooon now!"

As Sonic, Shadow and the group headed through the backhalls, they saw a group of thugs patrolling, ducking behind the wall momentarily.

"Jesus – how fast can a party turn like this?" Sonic remarked.

"Obviously quickly. Let's get movin' though! I'm getting' bored!" Jet stated, before Shadow took the lead.

Shadow approached the first thug, jamming the butt of his gun into their face – earning a cry as the thug dropped to the floor.

"Hands up, pretty!" Sonic exclaimed, grabbing the thugs shotgun as he whipped it across their face.

Jet, Wave and Storm all grabbed clubs, swinging them wildly into any thugs that stood in their way.

"Like playin' whack-a-mole!" Storm exclaimed.

"'Cept this time it's whack-a-dipshit!" Wave cried, earning a chuckle from Jet.

Eclipse continued interrogating the ballroom, grabbing the face of a man as he shook his head around.

"Do you know where I can find Ken? I just need to talk to him about somethin'. Somethin' little!"

The man's gaze stayed steely focused at the ground, Eclipse chuckling lightly as he pushed the man back slightly.

"No. Alriiiiight now – surely you all would like to go on living! I just need to know where Mr. Kenny Khan is."

Tails took down the next thug, using the butt of his gun into their stomach, as Amy and Rouge planted kicks to the next two men's guts, sending them skidding across the floor.

Sonic turned the corner, seeing the room in question.

"Alright – this way! This way!"

Sonic began picking up the pace, heading down the corridor to the bolted door. The group followed closely behind – the lights flickering in the hallway.

In the ballroom, Eclipse groaned loudly, rearing his head back.

"Hey! I'll settle for his loved ones if not him!" The darkling cried, before an older jackal stepped up towards him. Eclipse grabbed a few grapes, stuffing them in his mouth as he began chewing quickly.

"We aren't scared of you. You and your men are just a bunch of thugs."

Eclipse squinted at him, ducking down slightly as he raised an eyebrow at the jackal.

"You know…" The darkling began, setting the rest of the grapes back down onto the table as he swallowed roughly.

"You remind me of a dad. I mean – the resemblance is just uncanny!"

The jackal glared at him sharply, Eclipse setting a plate down as it clattered loudly on the table.

"Wanna know something about my daddy?"

Eclipse jammed a knife to the jackal's throat, the man looking at him in total fear – eyes wide and anxious.

"I HATED my daddy! Hated, hated, hated him!"

"Alright, that's enough."

Eclipse raised an eyebrow, turning his head slightly as he saw the source of the voice.

Sonia stood with her arms crossed, apart from the rest of the crowd as she glared towards Eclipse. Eclipse clicked his tongue, shoving the jackal back into the crowd.

Eclipse began sauntering towards Sonia, his men following close behind.

"Well! Helloooo lovely lady!"

Eclipse dragged the knife across his scales, licking his lips. He pointed the knife towards her, scowling.

"Youuuu must be Khan's little…honey bunches."

Eclipse straightened his suit-jacket. "You are quite a lovely lady."

Eclipse began to circle around Sonia, inching closer as Sonia winced uncomfortably, keeping her eyes off him.

The hedgehog was terrified, as the darkling circled around her like a predator, examining her fear – feeling it radiate off her body.

He stopped in front of her, staring at her coldly as he began to whimper.

"Awh – you seem nervous…"

Eclipse used the knife to gesture to his face, clicking his tongue once more.

"Is it my face?"

His voice dropped to a lower octave, inching closer towards Sonia.

"Would you like to know why I look like this?"

Eclipse nodded slightly, before grabbing her face.

"Come here- come here."

Sonia writhed in his grasp, shaking violently as she refused to lay eyes upon him. The knife was inching closer to her throat, the hedgehog whipping around as Eclipse tried to hold her still.

"Look at me. Look at me. So…I had…a girlfriend. She was…amazing. Wonderful, and sooo lovely. Quite like you."

Sonia still refused to look at Eclipse, writhing slightly as he held her in his grasp.

"She tells me one day…that I'm too much of a sourpuss. That I'm too pessimistic."

Sonia shut her eyes tight, before opening them – now staring into Eclipse's soulless, golden eyes.

"But…she was in too deep. She got into some trouble with some baaaaad, baaaad people. So? As punishment, they drop her into a vat of acid. She survives – but her face. Oh, her poor, poor face."

Sonia tries to fight against his grasp, her face full of fear as Eclipse grabs on tighter, the knife inching closer to her muzzle.

"Hey, stop stop stop. Look at me."

Sonia's eyes began to well up, her eyebrows quivering as she stared at the floor, feeling the blade slightly graze her muzzle.

"We can't fix it. She is sooo disfigured, and what do I do? What can I do for her!? She can't take it anymore. I…I just want her to be happy! I want her to be okay, you know?!"

He tightened his grip on Sonia's face, shaking slightly.

"I just want her to know that I don't care about how she looks! I just want her to be happy!" Eclipse said, his voice shaking and panicked, his throat thick with tears.

"So…" Eclipse began, as Sonia pulled her head away, before Eclipse grabbed her cheeks – forcing her to look at him.

"I drop myself into the vat of acid, and it does this!" Eclipse said, showing off his face to Sonia as he licks his lips slightly.

"I show her to myself, and guess what? She can't stand it! She can't even LOOK at me!"

Eclipse's voice began to crack, his eyes glazed with hurt as his grip tightened on her face.

"But…now I get it. Now I see the funny side of it all. Now…I feel perfect!"

Sonia had enough, her brow furrowed as she rammed her knee into Eclipse's gut.

The darkling caved backwards, laughing, and wheezing as he clutched his stomach.

Hoisting himself up, the darkling smiled wildly.

"Well well well! There's some fight in you! That…is very exciting! I loooove a good fight!"

"Good, then you and I are gonna get along just fine."

Eclipse turned at the voice, as his eyes met Shadow's.

And in a snap moment, Shadow landed a punch square in his face.