Episode 7: Echoes of the Past Part 3

Not very long ago, Knuckles along with Julie-Su and Mighty are able to find Finitevus, so does Eve and her team who are sent on a mission with the Downunda Freedom Fighters. Before Knuckles can throw a punch at him, Angel Island has been hooked over the Great Crater and has stopped moving, shocking everyone at the ground of the mysterious ruins.

Knuckles ends up letting go of Finitevus to see that his island home has been stopped in its tracks with launchers that have fired harpooned chains and attached themselves on an island.

With an evil smirk, Finitevus says, "Quite a sigh, eh? So… what shall we do now, Knuckles?"

Knuckles becomes furious that he grabs Finitevus by the collar of his cloak and throws him to the wall. Then throws him to the other wall close by. He then grabs the scientist by the collar and lifts him from the ground.

Knuckles says to him in rage, "I know you're behind all this! How did you activate those chains? Why is your lab in a bunch of ruins that shouldn't exist? I WANT ANSWERS!"

The white Echidna sighs and adjusts his glasses, "And yet you ask useless questions. How could I have attacked Angel Island while you were throwing me into walls?"

Knuckles then places the scientist back on the ground, but still ready to punch him.

Finitevus continues, "My choice in locations is none of your business, and I have neither the time nor the inclination to fill in the gaps of your limited guardianship indoctrination."

Knuckles growls in anger about to grab him.

But Mighty grabs him by the arm ,"Easy Knux."

"The real question right now is who did this, and how do we rescue your precious island," Finitevus says.

Julie-Su then holds her blaster towards him, "And we should believe you care… why?"

Finitevus then places his finger on the top of Julie-Su's blaster and pushes it down as he says, "Because I need the Master Emerald to further my research. It is at risk now, and so I am deeply concerned,"

"I've got a team watching the Master Emerald. It's safe… especially from you," Knuckles angrily says.

Fiona whispers to Eve, "Like we'll believe everything he says."

"Yeah. Something's up,"Eve says.

Suddenly, the Warp Ring opens from behind them, and Vector, Ray, and Moritori hurry out of it.

"Dude! We just got ambushed and now the Island is hooked like a trout!" Vector says.

Vector soon notices, "Hey! That's Dr. Finitevus!"

Knuckles facepalms his forehead in reply.

Finitevus laughs and says, "Safe indeed!"

Vector turns to Julie-Su, "Is there a reason we're not pounding this guy to salsa?"

"We're still figuring that out," Julie-Su says with a bitter expression.

"Okay. I said we were jumped by a bunch of robots, right?" Vector questions.

Eve says, "You did, happened?"

Ray flies over and asks, "Hey, do they know you left Downuna as a kid?"

"Ray! Ixnay on my istory-hay!" Vector angrily says.

"Another question, what are you, Fiona, and Nic are doing here?" Julie-Su asks.

"Sally sent us over here on a mission with the Downunda Freedom Fighters," Fiona says.

"We came here when they told us about a Dark Egg Legion being in the aeara," Eve says.

"Chao," Jazz says with a nod.

"A Dark Egg Legion? Here?" Moritori asks.

"That's right. We were trying to find clues here, until we saw Knuckles and the others chasing the 'good' doctor and decided to help you corner him," Nic says, and turns her head to see the white echidna.

"Make a scene. But what's this about the Dark Egg Legion being here?" Julie-Su asks.

Mighty then asks, "And Vector, did your robots happen to look like dingoes with wings?"

"Yeah. Why?" Vector replies.

Mighty points his thumb up, "Because I think they followed you here."

Everyone turns their heads to see the Dingo robots flying down from the island and towards them.

"Oh great. It's those Dingo-bots. Haven't seen them since Tails and I turned Croco-bot into scrape metai," Eve says.

Finitevus turns to Knuckles, "It appears we're comrades for the duration."

"Don't push your luck," Knuckles says, bitterly.

Soon the Dingo-bots are making their way towards them.

"Here they come. Get ready," Knuckles says.

Suddenly, Walk jumps on one of the robots, "Hang on! We're on it!"

Then throws an explosive boomerang that explodes when it hits one of the robots.

Barby then rips one of the robot's head off, "Hardly worth the effort, these things."

Stu then zips through one of them, "Doesn't make 'em any less fun."

"Mind if I take your share, mate?!" Thrash asks, and punches one of the robots.

All yours, dude," Guru says.

Soon enough, the Downunda Freedom Fighters defeat the Dingo bots and some of them end up flying away from the scene.

"Wow, Nice entrance," Knuckles says.

Then introduces himself, "Knuckles the Echidna and the Chaotix."

"Really? I thought I had you pegged! Walt Wallabee of the Dowununda Freedom Fighters," Walt says, and shakes Knuckles hand.

Then says, "We've heard good things about you, mate."

"About him, maybe," Barby says.

She places her knuckles on her hips and turns to Vector, "You've got a lot of nerve coming back here, Vector."

"Not really my choice, Barby," Vector ssys, crossing his arms.

"There sure are a lot of Echidnas all of the sudden," Thrash says, looking at the echidnas.

Julie-Su and Moritori are confused to see Thrash staring at them. Finitevus frowns at the Tasmanian Devil. Eve notices it as well.

Guru steps forward, "I'm feelin' some seriously harsh vibes here, dudes."

"Agreed. Let's take cover and get everyone acquainted," Walt says.

"Good idea," Knuckles says.

Soon enough, the groups duck inside one of the ancient buildings. The groups circled around the fire to discuss the situation.

Knuckles explains, "So Charmy and Saffron took time to check on their people in the Honey Hive Colony. Our investigation led us here, and Vector, Moritori and Charmy joined us via Warp Ring after the robot attack."

Walt laughs and says, "Wow! All the Enerjak business and taking down Eggman! It makes our fight look like nothing."

"Looks like you had more fun than we did," Stu says.

"Come on, now. We've had our share of problems," Barby says.

"Totally. The spirit of the team's majorly suffering. The Dark Egg Legion is throwing off the harmony of the whole land," Guru says,

"Dark Egg Legion?" Julie-Su says, confused.

"Here?" Knuckles adds, just as confused.

Moritori turns to Eve, "I remember you mentioning of them before the Dingo-bots arrived."

"Yes. Apparently, the Dark Egg Legion in Downunda are basically a Platypus army," Eve says.

"What? Walt, the Legion is exclusively Echidnas and based in New Megaopolis," Knuckles says, shocked.

Unknown to him, that peek Thrash's interest.

"Walt told us about what happened and shockingly enough, we found out that a fellow Freedom Fighter named Bill. Someone we know was actually their Grandmaster," Eve says.

"It happened months back. Dr. Eggman made another big push to control the Region. Bill joined his cause again…" Walt says.

"But of his own free well. The platypuses rallied under him and all received cybernetic upgrades. Bill's been leading them… poorly… ever since," Barby adds.

"After that. Walt contacted the Freedom Fighters to help investigate the Legion and sent Eve and her team to help us deal with it," Stu says.

Walt turns to Thrash, "And then Thrash filled in the vacancy in our group a couple of weeks ago."

"Unfortunately for the Legion, they just chained my island down and doubled our numbers," Knuckles says.

"That's the way to be! I was hoping you'd say that!" Walt says.

Then explains, "I figured we'll tackle both problems at once. One team will take out those chains, while the other team will take down the enemy."

"Sounds good to me. Do you want to stick to current teams, or do you have something else in mind?" Knuckles asks.

Walt and Eve turn to each other and agree with a nod. Soon, the both stand up.

Walk says, "Something else. Step out with us for a sec and we'll explain."

Walt Eve, and Knuckles begin to walk out of the building, unknown that Finitevus turns his eyes toward them.

Once outside, Walt asks, "Tell me something, Knux. Just how much do you trust your man, Finitevus?"

"I don't," Knuckles answers.

Walt becomes confused.

"I glossed over some of the details, but he's responsible for the Enerjak situation back on Angel Island and New Mobotropolis. He's only with us out of necessity right now," Knuckles says.

"Good," Walt says.

"Good?" Knuckles says, confused.

"I was afraid I was laying bad news at your feet, mate," Walt says.

Eve then says, "And that's another reason why my team and I were sent here. Walt and the Freedom Fighters have seen Finitevus with the Legion for a few days now. When we learned about that, we figured that we must come here right away," Eve says.

"And I'm willing to bet he's getting ready to double-cross you," Walt says.

Furious Knuckles shouts, "I knew it! I shouldn't have stopped when I…!"

"Easy Knuckles," Eve says.

"She's right. You need to simmer down, mate. The situation is well in hand. I planned for this," Walt says.

Then Walt points to the island, "You take your blokes up to the rim and get your home back on course. We'll take Finitevus with us, but he won't be coming back. Not to steal your thunder, of course…" Then places his fist on the palm of his other hand.

"No, it's okay. Maybe it's better out of my hands. I like that plan," Knuckles says.

"I do not," A mellow voice says.

The three turn to see Guru walking out of the building.

"My nonviolent ways aside, ganging up on someone is bad karma, man," Guru says.

Walt crosses his arms and rolls his eyes, "then you go with the Chaotix and help them free their home. Will that work for you, Guru?"

"Sha," Guru says.

"Guess splitting up is the best tactic. I'll go with Walt and the others, and I'll have the girls go you Knuckles," Eve says.

After joining back in the building, Knuckles says, "Finitevus, you're with Eve and the Downunda Freedom Fighters. Meet us outside."

As Finitevus leaves, Knuckles turns to the others, "Guru, Vector, Mighty, Fiona, Nic, and Moritori are with me when we attack the Crater's rim."

"You're leaving two people out, hon," Julie-Su says.

"No, I'm not." Knuckles says.

Then brings out a Warp Ring, "You're taking Ray and going home to meet my dad at the shrine."

"What?!" Julie-Su exclaims, angrily.

"I need you to watch our backs, and Ray can help," Knuckles says.

"All the way up on Angel Island, huh? I'm not a sniper, Knuckles," Julie-Su says.

Knuckles places the ring in Julie-Su's hand and says, "No, you're one of the best fighters I've ever faced and the best candidate to watch the Master Emerald."

"Flatterer," Julie-Su comments.

Then says, "Alright. I'll keep the island safe."

Eve, Jazz, and the girls can't help, but giggle in reply.

"Since when was 'You can kick my butt' a romantic line?" Mighty questions to Vector.

"Dude, I still think he's trippin' rings to be dating her," Vector says.

Julie-Su opens the portal and goes throw it.

Ray follows as he waves goodbye to Mighty, "Bye, Mighty! See you when you get back."

Fiona says, "Alright. Let's get going."

"Right. The sooner the better," Knuckles says.

Soon, He and his group begin to take their leave.

Moritori turns to Eve and says, "Eve, I know I give you the benefit of the doubt, but be careful when you're around Finitevus, and I'm also including Thrash."

"Okay," Eve says, and nods her head.

Later in the night, Knuckles and his team are able to sneak past the ruins and climb up the crater to reach the rim. They soon see one of the launchers.

"Here's one of the launchers…" Knuckles says.

Then walks to one to notice it has Warp Rings on it, "And they use Warp Ring Tech to cover the distance to Angel Island. Finitevus was behind this from the beginning."

"Pretty cool way of getting around the tension issue," Vector comments.

Fiona rolls her eyes, "I wouldn't complement that if I were you."

Moritori looks at the Tech, "Hmm, this is an usual Tech. I think with some work, I might be able to find a way to disable it."

"I think I can help," Nic says.

"Still, why would Finitevus take part with the Legion. He said that he doesn't like working with Eggman," Fiona says.

"Knowing Finitevus, he's probably doing this for his own ambitions," Knuckles says.

Suddenly, blasters begin to fire at them.

Knuckles exclaims, "Get down!"

"Get down to where, man?" Guru asks.

Soon, they find themselves surrounded by the Dark Egg Legionnaires and the Dingo Bots.

Down at the Basin of the Great Crater, Eve and the others head off to take matters of their own.

Finitevus is looking around and says, "I must admit… being part of a strike team is an amusing novelty."

Suddenly, he is grabbed by the collar and revealed to be lifted in the air by Thrash.

Thrash chuckles and says, "Hope you enjoyed it, chum. You ain't got much left to look forward too."

"Keep this professional, Thrash. Quick, quiet, and we find Bill," Walt says.

Finitevus creates an evil smirk on his face and Eve notices something off about it.

Then Finitevus says, directly to Thrash, "What can you expect from him? His 'breed' is useless next to the rest of the mongrels my kind perfected."

"His kind perfected? What does he mean?" Eve thinks, confused.

However, that statement really ticked Thrash, "You. Shut. Your. Filthy."

"FACE!" Thrash shouts and throws a punch.

But Finitevus uses a Warp Ring to redirect Thrash's fist, and it ends up striking Walt on the head.

"Walt!" Barby says, shocked.

Then turns to the others, "Eve. Stu. We've got to take him down, fast!"

"Right!" Stu says.

"Easy there boy!" Finitevus says.

Then throws a Warp Ring from his side, "Heel."

Stu ends up going through it and slams into the wall when the Warp Ring opens.

"Stay," The white Echidna adds.

Thrash is even more furious, "Shut up!"

"You're just another filthy Echidna!" Thrash says in rage and tries to punch Finitevus.

But Finitevus then uses a Warp Ring to duck down. Then appears on the side and kicks Thrash in the face.

Then says, "And you're just the remainder of a failed experiment."

"Reminder? A failed Experiment?" Eve says, confused.

Suddenly, Barby pins Finitevus to the wall with her arm and is ready to punch him, "Never send a thug to do a mercenary's job."

Suddenly, something strikes at Barby at her back making her scream and falls down unconscious.

"Barby!" Eve exclaims.

"Chao Chao," Jazz panics.

Eve turns her head to see the blasters. Eve quickly dodges the attack, by jumping in the air. She turns to see the Dark Egg Legion of the Region are here as well, and begin to attack her.

Eve turns to Jazz, "Jazz, hurry back to Angel Island, and warn the others."

"Chao!" Jazz says, and flies back to the island.

Eve turns to see Finitevus walking towards her, "Well then, only one more Freedom Fighter to take care of."

Finitevus then releases dark Chaos Energy and uses them to fire at Eve. The energy explodes in the area, but Eve then charges at him. Eve then throws her fist at Finitevus, only Finitevus counters with his own, flowing with Chaos Energy. Then he throws his fist at Eve's stomach. Then kicks Eve. Eve is thrown to the ground, but Eve stands up. Suddenly, Finitevus appears in front of Eve. Eve gasps. Finitevus then continues to attack Eve, but she uses her shields to defend her attacks. When Eve tries to bring out her sword, Finitevus then uses his Chaos energized fist to knock it off her hands, making Eve gasps in shock.

With an evil smirk, Finitevus questions, "Run out of tricks?"

Eve is not going to back down and remembers she has one more idea up her sleeve. She then brings out her Warp Ring as she raises in the air and gives her more speed and power. Eve uses her speed to dodge the attacks the Legion are throwing. She then throws a punch at Finitevus, cursing him to be thrown to the wall. Finitevus then stands and uses his Chaos energy at Eve's punches, kicks, and other attacks. Finitevus then throws a punch at Eve and knocks her down. Eve stands up as she takes deep breaths from her fight with the Echidna and the Legion.

"I see you don't plan on backing down, are you?" Finitevus questions.

"Not if it means having your way. I figure that you are still after the Master Emerald when I saw the island. Since I know you had no intention of helping the Iron Dominion unless you're doing it for your own ambitions. I won't allow it," Eve says.

Finitevus evilly smirk, "I had a feeling you would say that. It's a good thing you did show, so I can test this out."

Suddenly, Finitevus throws some strange ring at Eve. Before she can react, the ring claps on around her neck. Suddenly, it lets out an electric charge around Eve, making her scream in agony. In a matter of seconds, Eve has fallen to the ground and is now unconscious. Finitevus chuckles with an evil smirk on his face.

Meanwhile, Knuckles and the other are having problems as well. They are doing their best to fight against the Dark Egg Legion. However, they are able to knock out Mighty and Fiona.

Knuckles punches the Legionnaire, "Vector! Mighty and Fiona are out! Grab them while I go for the launcher!"

"Sorry Knuckles!" Vector says.

Knuckles looks up to see Vector being carried away by the Dingo-bots, along with Moritori and Nic who are knocked out."

"Blast it!" Knuckles says, frustrated.

Then says, "guru! Go after Mighty and Fiona while I get the others."

"Guru!" Knuckles says, shocked to see he is just sitting with his legs crossed and the two Legionnaires surrounding him.

Guru says, "Sorry, man. But the only way I could avoid violence was to surrender."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Knuckles angrily says, and strikes at the Dingo-bot.

"Violence is rarely the answer. You have to listen to the dream time. Everything is connected. We are meant to be somewhere," Guru says.

Knuckles then punches a Legionnaire, "Fine! More for me! Bring it on you…"

Suddenly, a large group of Legionnaires fire their blaster at Knuckles all of once, causing him to scream and fall to the ground.

Struggling to remain conscious, Knuckles reaches his hand out, "Gu-Guru…"

"You should've gone with the flow, man," Guru says, and Knuckles has fallen unconscious.