Episode 8: Echos of the Past Part 4
Starting to regain consciousness, Knuckles lets out a groan to feel the pain he has. His eyes slightly open to see Vector, Mighty, and Moritori unconscious and have their hands shackled behind their backs and their ankles as well.
"Mighty…? Vector? Moritori?" Knuckles questions with a groan.
He tries to turn his head to see the Dowununda Freedom Fighters, Fiona, and Nic are in the same condition as the boys.
"And the Freedom Fighters. Wonderful," Knuckles mutters.
Knuckles turns his head a little more and is able to see Eve who is unconscious and like the others, she also has been shackled, but also notices a strange ring-like collar around her neck.
"What's that thing around Eve's neck?" Knuckles says in thought.
Suddenly, a bandaged hand reaches Knuckles and grabs him by his dreadlocks, and forces him to sit up.
Suddenly, the voice of Finitevus says, "At last! For a moment, I feared the Legion had finished you off."
"No such luck," Knuckles answers, bitterly.
With an evil smirk, Finitevus says, "Of course. You wouldn't be a guardian if you didn't stubbornly delay the inevitable!"
Knuckles angrily glares as Finitevus as the white Echidna lets go of his dreadlocks. He also notices that a Platypus is with him, and is wearing an outfit similar to Eggman, but the top is purple and wears goggles on his head. Knuckles suspect this Platypus is Bill, Grandmaster of this Legion and a Former Freedom Fighter. He also notices that he along with the others are trapped in a large room, suspecting to be this Legion's base of the Great Grater.
Knuckles turns to Finitevus and says, "So you are in league with the Dark Egg Legion. I should have known you were playing us for saps, Finitevus.
"Yes, you should have," Finitevus says.
Then says to Knuckles, "I ran into this local chapter of the legion while investigating the very ruins that lead you to me. Lo and behold, we had a common interest. While I have no love for Dr. Eggman or his successor… the 'Iron Queen' was it? We all desired the Master Emerald. I agreed to provide information and my Warp Ring Technology to ensnare your precious Angel Island. In return, I am free to study the Master Emerald at my leisure."
"You already hexed it and used it to turn me into Enerjak. What else do you need to know?" Knuckles asks.
And soon, the rest of the Freedom Fighters, excluding Eve are reigning their consciousness as well.
Finitevus lets out a laugh and says, "Oh, Knuckles! There's so much more to discover."
Just then, the door opens and two of the Legionnaires step in. One of them also has Eve's sword tucked in her scabbard.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm to oversee the last of Angel Island being reeled back into its place here in the Great Crater. Of course, I'm going to need a little assistance," Finitevus says.
The other Legionnaire walks into the room and picks up the unconscious Eve in their arms, making the others become shocked.
"Eve!" Fiona worriedly says.
"Hey! What do you want with her?! If you hurt her I'll…" Knuckles angrily says.
"The girl will be unharmed. I just need her to answer a few questions. After all, I need to study the Master Emerald sword, and the only way to do so if to also have its wielder," Finitevus says.
Then leaves the room as the Legionnaires take Eve and her sword with them.
As he walks past Bill, Finitevus says, "A word of advice Grandmaster. Have your men come to the crater for the female Echidna and the squirrel child. They have to be here somewhere."
Finitevus then uses his Warp Ring to create a portal in front of him. He then takes Eve and the sword from the Legionnaire's arms and takes them through the portal. Soon, it closes behind him. Once the white echidna is gone, Bill then walks back inside the room.
He says to his men, "I have business with the prisoners. I do not want to be disturbed."
"Sir!" The Legionnaire says.
Bill then closes the door behind him and locks the door.
He then brings out a remote, "I've been waiting a long time for this."
The Freedom Fighters become confused as Bill presses the button on the remote. Surprisingly, the shackles open and fall off, freeing the Freedom Fighters.
"Wait… we're free?" Knuckles says, confused.
Mighty stands on his feet, "Not like they could hold me, but boy does that feel good."
"I'd rather you stayed locked up, Vector. But I need all I can get at this point," Bill says, glaring at Vector.
Vector does the same as he rubs his wrist, "Like you're in a position to judge anyway, Bill."
Fiona turns to Walt, "What was that about, Walt? You said he turned on your team."
"That, and helped conquer Downunda for the Eggman Empire," Walt says.
Barby crosses her arms and says, "You have a lot of explaining to do Bill, especially to me."
"I'm so sorry, Barby. I wanted to tell you… all of you… but I never had the time," Bill says.
"Well then, now that we have time. How about you tell us what is going on?" Nic says.
"That's why I decided to tell you now. When Dr. Eggman put new pressure on the Region , my people saw an opportunity for you. They came to me since I know Eggman very well. I couldn't dissuade them, so I tried to manage the crisis. I volunteered myself to Dr. Eggman to maintain control. I guess he liked the idea of me turning traitor. We were… 'upgraded' with cybernetic and made a new chapter of his growing 'Dark Egg Legion.' We set up base here in the Great Crater's basin, and you know the rest. There wasn't any way to get word to you and tell you my plan. I've tried to mismanage things, but I had to make some progress or Eggman would figure out my real motives," Bill says, explaining what is really going on.
He sadly sighs and says, "I'm so, so sorry."
Hearing Bill's story, the Freedom Fighters understands what Bill is really up to. He risked joining up with Eggman because of the other platypuses so that he can help take Eggman down, even if it means going against his team. Barby soon hugs Bill and is glad that Bill hasn't betrayed them at all, and takes a big risk for the team.
Walt says to Bill, "That's one of the stupidest, most reckless things you've ever done… thanks, mate."
"Thank you for understanding," Bill says.
Then says, "But we still don't have time for this. Finitevus already has taken Eve and the sword to the island. You have to act now while you have me unguarded and with their guard down."
"Too right," Walt says.
Then turns to Guru, "Guru, if he tries to escape, show him your trademark ruthlessness."
"You're still a pacifist, right?" Bill asks.
"Sha, dude," Guru answers.
"But since you freed us, wouldn't Eve's shackles have broken off as well?" Nico asks.
"No. Finitevus has Eve's shackled that is connected to that strange restraint collar he had placed on her," Bill says.
"You mean that strange right?" Knuckles asks.
"I don't have all the details, but he said that the strange ring he made was to give anyone who wears it an electric shock, and prevent them from having any movement. However, Eve's mind will still be active. It's just so Eve won't be able to move and limit her powers. But it can still leave Eve unconscious for a while," Bill says.
"So in other words. If we can remove that collar, the rest of Eve's restraints will be disable," Mighty replies.
"Yes. It's the only way to free her," Bill says.
"Still, I should have known he still wanted Eve and her sword," Fiona says.
"Don't worry, we'll stop Finitevus and get Eve back," Knuckles says.
Then asks with a calm smile, "Everyone ready to get some payback?"
"Oh yes. Let me voice my complaints first," Thrash says, with a smirk.
Outside the Legionnaires are watching over the door. Suddenly, the door is pushed out of its hinges with a powerful scream.
Turns out it's Thrash as he lets out a powerful, "RAAAAAAAAHH!"
With that, Knuckles and the Freedom Fighters charge out as Knuckles calls out, "Chaotix! Freedom Fighters! Charge!"
With that, the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix begin to fight off the Legionnaires. The Legionnaires fire at them with the blasters, but Nic counter attacks with her own. Then Fiona and Barby punch some in the face.
Walt turns to Knuckles, "Let us take care of our home, mate. You go take care of yours."
"Good luck!" Knuckles says.
As the Downunda Freedom Fighters fight off the Legion, Knuckles and the others arrive to see the island still chained up.
"Yeah, about that. The island is still a few miles up there, and we're fresh out of Warp Rings," Vector says.
"We do have a Warp Ring, but we only have one left in order to get home, and Eve is the one who has it," Fiona adds.
Vector looks at the Dingo-bot, "Maybe I could jury rig one of those winged dingo bots…"
"We don't have time for that! Finitevus is already on the island!" Knuckles says.
Moritori says, "And has taken Eve with him!"
Suddenly, Mighty says, "I'll get you there."
"What do you…" Knuckles asks.
But then says, "Wait. You're sure?"
"Positive," Mighty says.
Then cuffs his hands together and says, "As Sonic might say: 'Let's do it to it'"
"Please don't. It's bad enough when he does it," Knuckles says.
"Moritori, Fiona, and I will try to get those launches disable and free Angel Island," Nic says.
"Thanks," Knuckles says.
With that, Knuckles places his foot on Mighty's cuffed hands. Then Mighty launches Knuckles high up into the air. Knuckles continues to fly up and is able to land on the small island where the shrine of the Master Emerald is. He soon sees Finitevus is where the Master Emerald is and Eve is still unconscious next to it. The white echidna is holding the scabbard that has the sword and prepares to take it out.
But Knuckles shouts, "Finitevus! Stop!"
"Knuckles?" Finitevus says, a little surprised and turns to see the red echidna.
He sighs as he puts the sword down, "Oh, why should I be surprised?"
"Let's make this quick," Knuckles angrily says, and walks up to him.
Finitevus walks down the stars and says, "Let's not rush to violence. I apologize for using you before, all right? I didn't think a devout Guardian like yourself would be able to see the world's situation clearly. But now that you have seen through my eyes, now that you see what you can do."
Then holds his hand out to Knuckles, "Will you join me in saving this world?"
But Knuckles won't hear it and swings his fist at him, "All I'm joining is my fist at your face!"
And the white Echidna dodges the attack.
But Knuckles is able to land a punch at his stomach, "The last thing this world needs is another Enerjak.
Finitevus laughs with a malicious grin and says, "You poor, naive boy. There has always been an Enerjak throughout the ages. Granted, I may have rushed the scenario with you. But what is science without it's trial and error?"
"Wait… Dimitri was the first Enerjak. That was only a few hundred years ago?" Knuckles says, confused.
Finitevus then walks towards Knuckles as he says, "My boy, you've only scraped the surface of our history! I can provide you with all the answers your forefathers could not and would not give you. The answers to the strange ruins on both this land and below. All the secret sins of Albion. The Truth of Enerjak and the 'Goddess' Aurora."
Knuckles is feeling skeptical about answers of his people that Finitevus is willing to provide, but knows that he shouldn't believe him.
He then notices the white Echinda's hand on his shoulder as he says, "And then we cleanse this world that is like a garden gone wild. We're so much alike… we don't need to be enemies. Clarity and purity is what I'm offering Knuckles. Anything you want."
Knuckles clutches his fist in anger, "Anything I want?"
Then punches Finitevus in the face, "I want the Brotherhood back!"
Then gives him another punch, "I want to be able to face my mother again!"
"I want to be able to face my people again!" Knuckles adds, punching him.
Soon, he gives Finitevus multiple punches as he says, "And I want… You… Off… My… ISLAND!"
Knuckles then begins to put the final blow, but Finitevus grabs his fist.
"Child," Finitevus says, bitterly.
Then punches Knuckles, "Spoiled with power!"
Then throws another punch, "Blind to reality…"
"With no vision for the future!" Finitevus yells in rage.
Knuckles and Finitevus throw their fists and they collide with one another, releasing strong Chaos Energy. Soon, both Echidnas begin to emit chaos energy from their bodies. Knuckles is bright green while Finitevus' is black.
Knuckles angrily says, "You call me ignorant all you want. I'll show you how much I know!"
"Is your command of Chaos Energy supposed to impress me? Your lack of control gave me my connection to the Master Emerald. Fitting that I used it to destroy you, don't you think?" Finitevus says with an evil grin on his face.
Knuckles angrily says, "Keep talking. I've got all the reasons I need to shut you up?"
Both powers of the Chaos energy begin to arise and the Master Emerald begins to glow. Soon enough, the sword also begins to glow, and Eve slowly regains consciousness. She slowly opens her eyes and still feels dazed. She turns her head to see the two Echidnas.
Eve softly mutters, "Knuckles."
As they both power up their Chaos Energy, each of the Echidnas perform some rite to gain power.
Knuckles: "The servers are the seven Chaos… Chaos is power, enriched by the heart… The controller exists to unify the Chaos!"
Dr. Finitevus: "The servants are the seven Chaos… Chaos is power, controlled by my will… The controller exists to enslave the Chaos!"
With that charged up energy they collide their power from their fist and create a powerful explosion of Chaos Energy. Soon they both are pushed back on the ground as they glare at each other.
"Magnificent! But enough is enough!" Finitevus says, and brings out a Warp Ring.
Suddenly, the Warp Ring appears under Knuckles feet,
He says, in shock, "Wha-?"
And ends up falling though. However, this time his lower half is the only thing that is pulled in. Knuckles then grabs the ring and struggles to get out of it.
"One last experiment, Guardian, and we're through," Finitevus says, walking towards Knuckles.
Then says, "Let's find out what happens when I close one of these when you're only half-way through."
Before he can close the ring, someone peeks out from behind the altar and blasts Finitevus at his arm, and the Warp Ring disappears. What;'s more, a remote also falls out of the white Echidna's cloak and onto the ground. Luckily, Knuckles' bottom half is able to come out safely.
The one who has made the shot is Julie-Su, holding her blaster.
She holds it as she says, "Just watching your back, hon."
"I knew I could count on you," Knuckles says.
Then grabs the white Echidna by his cloak and drags him to the edge of the island.
"Now, like I said before…" Knuckles says.
Then drops the enemy off the island, "... Get off of my island."
Knuckles then walks away and finds Jazz holding a remote.
"Chao," Jazz says.
Knuckles takes the remote from Jazz. Then turns to Eve who is barely conscious. He and Jazz rush to Eve to see Eve and the sword are still here.
Knuckles brings out the remote, "I just hope this will do it."
Knuckles presses the button that makes the ring open from around Eve's neck, same as with the chains. Knuckles quickly removes the collar and chains from Eve as she is gaining more of her consciousness.
"Kn-Knuckles…" Eve softly says.
"Are you okay?" Knuckles asks.
Eve groans as she begins to sit up, and Knuckles helps her up.
"I'm… I'm okay.. Feeling a bit dizzy. What happened to…" Eve answers, still feeling dazed.
"Don't worry, I took care of him," Knuckles says.
Shortly after, the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix meet together. Fiona and Nic are relieved to see that it is alright and are able to get her sword back.
"And that was the last of the chains. Your island is free to fly again," Walt says.
"We couldn't have done it without you and your team, Walt," Knuckles says.
"Likewise, mate," Walt says.
Mighty asks, "What about Bill and the Rest of the Legion?"
"The Legion's routed for now, but they'll be back. And when they are, we won't try so hard to crush Bill," Stu says, and laughs a little.
Soon, Barby and Vector shake hands
"You… did good work, Vec, Thanks." Barby says.
"Yeh. Sure. you, too.," Vector says.
"Dad would be proud," Barby says.
But Vector says, "Meh. Never could please the old man."
"What was that all about?" Ray asks.
"Aw for the love of…! Drop it, Ray!" Vector says, annoyed and knows he's never going to let it down.
The Freedom Fighters then take their leave. The last is Thrash.
"So… back up to Angel Island with all your Echidna friends?" Thrash asks.
"Not, actually," Knuckles answers with a frown.
"Not exactly? Oh, right. I remember you sayin' all that's left work for the Iron Queen now," Thrash says.
"Half of them, yeah. But still…" Julie-Su says.
"The other half are hidden away for safety," Knuckles says.
Thrash places his hand under his chin, "'Course! Sure would be a terrible thing for the last of your kind to get wiped out."
Hearing that, makes Eve even more confused. Then remembers the confrontation Thrash has with Finitevus.
"And what's next for you, Thrash?" Julie-Su asks.
"Me chums here have things under control. I guess I'll take up me old quest. Ta!" Thrash says, and leaves through the Warp Ring. Soon, the ring disappears.
All is left are Eve and her friends to head home as well.
"I'm just glad that little mess is over," Fiona says.
"Yeah. I'm just glad that Bill is still on our side and that we were able to stop the Legion for a while," Eve says.
"And that Finitevus is stopped for now," Nic says.
Eve turns to Knuckles, "Knuckles. Grandfather. I feel that I might be worrying for nothing, but maybe you both can try and keep an eye on Thrash or maybe find any information about those ruins."
"I suppose we could. Why?" Knuckles asks.
"I'm not sure, but Finitevus said something strange to Thrash. He said something about, 'The mongrel his kind perfected,' and called Thrash a remainder of a failed experiment," Eve says.
Shocked Moritori asks, "You heard him say that?!"
"Yeah," Eve says.
"It sounds almost like these ancient ruins that Finitevus was investigating and Thrash are somehow connected," Fiona says.
Knuckles then says, "I wonder if the pyramid made from Albion were also connected to the strange settlements as well."
"But what's the connection?" Julie-Su asks.
"It won't be easy because it's been centuries since anyone set foot here. Of course, in some cases, there are things in history that they think are best left alone. If Albion civilizations were here before the island was created, then it's possible there was something that happened that they preferred to be erased from history," Moritori says.
"That's kind of deep. Still, I think it will be best to keep an eye out on Thrash and Finitevus. They might have an answer to this," Eve says.
"Speaking of something deep. I was able to gain some 'information' about why the Iron Queen wants Rouge and your mother," Knuckles says.
"Wait, you know?" Eve asks.
"Yes. From a special source, the Iron Queen discovered a small fragment of Obsidian's old clan and wants to use her to gain power over them. And shocking as it is, Rouge was actually supposed to be named heir to the Yagyu Clan, and was taken as a precaution," Knuckles says.
This shocked the girls, even Jazz.
"Wait, Rouge is actually part of the Yagyu Clan?" Fiona asks, shocked.
"In a way. The source told me that she was supposed to be named the next heir to the clan, but her parents died and was abducted when she was a baby. I don't have all the details, but those are the reason why the Iron Queen wants them," Knuckles says.
"Then we'll have to get them back," Eve says.
Nic then throws the Warp Ring and it opens, "First, we'll report to Sally about our mission."
"Thanks for the information, Knuckles. We'll be in touch if you need anything," Eve says.
"Same with you," Knuckles says.
With that, the three Freedom Fighters and little Chao go through the Warp Ring and close.
Vector says, annoyed, "It's gonna bug me forever that we never found Doc F's body."
"You know better, Vector. He'll be back," Ray answers.
"Yeah? Well, he can bring it," Vector says.
Locke turns to Knuckles, "I'm proud of you Knuckles.
Julie-Su walks to Knuckles, "I am too, y'know. I know how much your heritage and history means to you. Finitevus' offer had to be tempting."
"Not really. Finitevus likes to twist things to his point of view. Besides, even if he told nothing but the truth, it's not worth everything I have now," Knuckles says.
Julie-Su hugs Knuckles," Good to know, handsome. 'Cause I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I know," Knuckles answers.
Knuckles and Julie-Su continue to watch out to sea to see the sun rising up.
Down below at the Great Crater base, Finitevus has served the 'drop' Knuckles has given to him, and is now walking around of what's left of the base.
He says in his thoughts, "You baffle me, Guardian. Is your thinking so simple that you're actually protecting something of worth? How sad. If that's the case, you're truly beyond saving. But that doesn't mean you can't be useful. I have many more plans, and your life is a sacrifice I'm willing to make."
The white echidna continues to look up as he sees Angel Island drifting away from Downunda in the air.