Episode 16: Journey to the East Part 2: High Price for Rich Nights

The Next day, Sonic, Eve, Jazz, Maria, Tails Ken, Sonia, Sally, Shadow, and Topaz travel to find the Yagyu Clan's house so they can break the Iron Dominion Control over them, and hopefully to get Rouge back. The rest of the Shijin Warriors remain in Storm Top village to protect it. However, as they reach an open field with a lake, the Yagyu Bat Ninjas jump out of the water and begin to attack them.

Sonic exclaims, "An Ambush!"

"Where did they come from?" Eve questions.

Sonic says, "I'm still learning about the local lingo…"

Then spin dashes one of the ninjas, "... But I think that means 'beat the snot out of you!'"

Eve and Shadow then spin dash at some of the ninjas.

Ken swings his bat at them, "Stinking Yagyu Scum! I knew we shouldn't have trusted their summons!"

"We'll show them what happens to back-stabbing thieves around here!" Ken says, and lifts one with his staff.

"Yeah!" Tails says.

Tails then picks up one of the Yagyu ninjas and both he and Ken slam them together. Sally, Sonia, and Topaz punch, kick, and attach them.

Sally then dodges the attack, "You can tell this clan isn't as organized or as disciplined as the others. This ambush is sloppy."

"Yeah. The Gossamer Clan got the same kind of ambush on us, and some of you got caught in seconds," Topaz says.

Then Sonia jumps on one of them.

Tails then punches the other one.

Tails then turns to Sally, "If they're such pushovers, why did the Iron Queen bring them over to help the Dark Egg Legion?"

"I don't know, Tails. Maybe they were easier to unroot without upsetting the whole clan?" Sally answers.

"Maybe she just wanted the legion to feel better about themselves," Tails says with a smile.

Sonia says, "Be nice, Tails. Those people have been through a lot."

Sonic stands up and looks at himself to feel very wet, "Man, I'd forgotten how much I hate getting wet."

Sonia kicks the ninja and says, "I don't like getting my hair wet either, but we still got a bunch of jerks to fight."

Ken then knocks the shuriken off the Yagyu Ninja's hand and grabs him by the shirt.

With anger, Ken demands, "Now… are you going to fulfill the invitation to meet with your Lorn, or do I put you back with the rest of the pond scum?"

The ninja hisses in fright, "W-wait… you're the ones he sent for?"

"Do we look like locals?" Sonic asks as he and the others dry themselves off.

The ninja hisses and says, "Pardon! Pardon! We thought you were just travelers! Simple robbery! Honest! Honest!"

"Just shut up and lead the way," Ken says, bitterly.

And so, the Freedom Fighters and G.U.N agents begin to follow the bat ninja to where they need to go, the House of the Yagyu Clan. Of course, some of their concerns are also on Rouge who is being held there.

The ninja hiss and says, "Not much further! Promisssse!"

"The Yagyu Clan has no bride for their house, right?" Sally asks.

"Right. The Iron Dominion killed the Bride of Rich Nights and took the Yagyu as their own," Ken says.

"And let's not forget that they're also using Rouge as a representative for the Clan," Eve says.

"Does that make things easier or harder for us? Without a proper bride, they may not fall back on tradition, but they may not want to give up the Iron Queen either," Sally says.

"I don't know, Sally. If we can't deal with this Lord then we'll just have to play it by ear," Ken says

"Remember, they still have Rouge within the clan, and we plan on getting her back. I do hope she's okay," Topaz says.

"Me too," Maria says.

"I'm sure Rouge is alright. Do you think the Lord will let her go, I mean, what I've been told, the Lord is really her uncle," Eve says.

"Apologies again! We are here!" The ninja says.

Soon, the group arrives at a stone like temple and is surrounded by trees to block most of the sun's light.

"Cozy," Sonic says.

"I think this was a temple from the old days. What the locals call the 'Lost Dynasty' or something like that," Ken says.

Then says, "Keep on your toes, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried another ambush."

"They can try all they want. I'll still run rings around them," Sonic says.

"Let's try to keep this professional before we decide to take any action," Shadow says.

"Let's just get this over with and get Rouge out of that place," Topaz says.

"Yeah," Eve says.

The groups then begin to walk inside the dark temple to visit with the Lord of the Clan.

Ken sternly says, "The next time you invite guests, I recommend informing your cronies that they're coming. Otherwise we might get the wrong idea."

The group sees the Lord of the Yagyu Clan. The Lord of the clan wears a similar ninja outfit, but it's black and purple. He also wears a helmet on his head. He is a purple color bat with red eyes, a scar on over his left eye, and a bit of black on his chin.

"Huhn. You get the Gossamer Clan to roll over and all of the sudden you're high and mighty? Please," The Lord says.

He then picks up a small vine of grapes, "In fact you've returned means you did no better against the Iron Queen over there than you did over here. At least you're consistent, I guess."

He then eats the grapes straight from the vine.

Then turns to the Freedom Fighters, "And what's with all the tourists? Are you trying to impress us with a group of Freedom Fighters you haven't been tricked into attacking?" Then the Lord laughs at him.

The statement really makes Ken steamed.

"Really classy, chief," Sonic comments.

Ken is still growling with anger until he feels a hand gently grab on to his arm. He turns his head to see Sonia holding his arm and giving him a calm smile. Ken soon calms down.

Ken calmly says, but still sounding firm, "All that aside… I'm here to broker the peace between your clan and the Free people of the Dragon Kingdom…"

But the Lord says, "Hold it. There's something we need to get out of the way, first. I'll meet with the Crown Princess of the Republic of Acorn, I'll even meet with the - heh - 'King of the Free People.'"

Then turns to Sonic and Eve, "But I don't feel comfortable with the Sonic and Eve the Hedgehogs in my lair. Along with their allies."

"Nah, I wouldn't think so," Sonic says.

Then turns to Tails and Maria, "And I won't discuss important business in front of mere children."

"'Mere Children'?!" Tails exclaims, feeling insulted.

Sonic then begins to push Tails out as the fox angrily says, "Ask all your guys with headaches back in the Rice Field how 'mere' I am! I helped fight Dr. Eggman."

"Chill out, bud. Save us from listening to more political babbling," Sonic says.

However Shadow is the only one who isn't moving and says, "We're not going anywhere till I know Rouge is alright. You had your ninjas abduct her and we want her back."

"Oh so you're Shadow the Hedgehog. I heard a lot about you. You're one of my niece's teammates, and I assume the human next to you is Topaz, one of the G.U.N agents," The Lord says.

"That's correct. However, I refuse to leave unless we see Rouge," Shadow says with his arms crossed and holding a glare.

The Lord doesn't pay too much and says, "Yes. I'll have them escort you to her location."

"Hmph," Shadow says.

The two ninjas and escort Shadow, Topaz, and the others who are asked to leave to where Rouge is. At least they're able to see her.

Once they're gone, Ken questions, "Happy now?"

"No, actually," The Lord says.

He then brings out a sword, "Back in the good old days, the days before the Brides, 'Yagyu' meant something different. We were assassins, experts with the blade, only after the Bride consolidated the Clan did we stoop to thievery to feed the Traditional Treasure Horde… Those heady days without someone telling us all what to do. I envy the Regional lords of those days."

Before they have a word, Sally and Ken find themselves surrounded by the Yagyu ninjas.

"I think we just got ourselves set up for a tap," Ken says.

"Stay calm… maybe we can talk our way out of this yet," Sally answers.

Meanwhile, The Yagyu Ninjas are walking around the temple so that they can meet Rouge.

Of course, Tails is still angrily calling out on the Lord, "... and I've fought Swatbots, and Egg pawns, and-and-and I built the Tornado from scratch! More Than Once!"

Sonic quickly says, "Dude, will you chill out? That guy is a colossal jerk. Why are you getting so bent out of shape?"

"I'm with Sonic on this one. I've never seen you like this before," Eve says.

Tails sighs in frustration and says, "I've worked really hard to prove I'm just as much a Freedom Fighter as everyone else. He knows who you two are, but I'm…"

"My best bud and the guy I'd pick to have my back anytime," Sonic says.

Eve nods her head, "Yeah. You've done so much, remember that you saved Station Square from a bomb, and the time you build so many gadgets that help us take Eggman's robots down. And remember the time we battled with the Metarex."

"She's right. You've done more in your short life than he's ever going to do. So don't get worked up over one low-life," Sonic says.

"Yeah. The guy's a creep anyway," Eve says.

Soon enough, they find themselves on the other side of the temple. Surprisingly, the place seems calm and quiet. The place still has a lot of bamboo and a few trees and stones around. Sitting under a large tree is a familiar bat. She is wearing a long black dress decorated with a pink heart on the chest, and yellow edges, white and pink arm bracelets, a white tiara with a red gem emblem in the center, white slip on shoes, white mask covering her mouth. The ninjas then leave the scene, leaving the Freedom Fighters and G.U.N agents to see their friend.

Shadow is the first to step forward and calmly calls out, "Rouge."

The bat girl turns to see Shadow, "Shadow…"

The bat girl quickly stands up as Sonic, Eve, and the others walk over to the two.

"Topaz? Sonic? Eve? Guys? It's great to see you guys. What are you doing here?" Rouge says, glad and relieved.

"We're here to get you back, and wonder how you were since you were abducted," Sonic says.

"Yeah. I'm glad you guys are here. As much as I like, I enjoy this place and getting to know my family… it feels weird being her," Rouge says.

"How so?" Maria asks, curiously.

"Chao Chao," Jazz replies.

"Well. For as long as I can remember, I was raised by a famous Treasure Hunter named Catherine the Black Cat," Rouge says.

"Catherine?" Sonic says, confused.

"Yes. She was the one who raised me. I've known her all my life to be my mother, and never had a father. When I got older, around Maria's age, she told me that I was adopted and that she has found me in a hollow tree all alone. There wasn't anything that could give her a clue about who I was or where I come from," Rouge explains.

"I'm guessing when the Iron Dominion and the Yagyu Lord explained to you your true origins, it… became a real shock for you," Shadow suspects.

Rouge sadly nods her head, "It did. I admit, I was extra shocked to learn that the Lord of the Yagyu Clan is really my uncle, and my aunt was once the bride of it before the Iron Dominion disposed of her… it's even a bigger shock."

"Yeah. Ken told us about what happened to her," Topaz says.

"Yes. It was frightening to think about what she could have done to her, and actually became worried about what she could have done to me," Rouge says.

She sadly sighs, "I can still remember what the Iron Queen and my uncle, the Yagyu Lord explained it all. It really turned my life upside down."

Flashback:

After being abducted by the Spider ninjas and shockingly Espio, Rouge has been placed in a room. It has a bed, furniture, a lamp, and a plate of food. She is sitting next to the window still and turns her head to see the clothes similar to the Bride and Rich Nights, and the outfit she is wearing now. Suddenly, the door to her prison opens to reveal the Iron Queen and the Yagyu Lord.

"What do you two want?" Rouge sternly asks.

"Oh, you don't need to get worked up," The Iron Queen says.

"I have every reason to get worked up. You and your ninja clans have the nerve to kidnap me and Eve's mother! If you think I'll be staying here, you're crazy!" Rouge says.

"Hmm, you have a bit of spirit. However, I suggest that you should remain here until you can get properly ready to leave with the Yagyu Clan," The Iron Queen says.

"What's that?" Rouge asks.

"To become a representing Bride of Right Nights for the Yagyu Clan, After all, it was supposed to be your role before you were stolen away as a baby," The Iron Queen says.

Rouge's eyes widened in shock, "What… what do you mean?"

"I'll take it from here," The Yagyu Lord says, stepping forward.

"Who are you?" Rouge asks.

"I'm the Yagyu Lord of the Yagyu Clan. It's a pleasure to know that you are doing well Koyuki," The Lord says.

"Koyuki?" My name is Rouge the Bat," Rouge says.

"Of course, Rouge is the name that your guardian, Catherine, gave you, but your real name is Koyuki. The daughter of the Bride of Rich Night's younger sister, Yukiko and her husband, Ryoga," The Lord says.

Rouge gasps in shock.

"I understand it came to a shock, but it is the honest truth. You are my niece and part of the Yagyu Clan and maybe one day become the next Bride of Rich Nights," The Lord says.

Flashback Ends:

"Then my uncle explained to me the whole story to me about what happened to my parents. When they arrived at my parent's home they discovered my parents dead and I was gone. They suspected rogue ninjas or ninjas from another clan must have done it. They searched for me everywhere and couldn't figure out where I was taken. Of course, I told him my story on how I was found by Catherine and was adopted and raised by her until she passed away when I was sixteen, and I've been on my own until I ended up joining G.U.N and allies with you guys," Rouge says.

She sighs and says, "I must admit, I've always wondered who my real family was and where I come from, but finding out my family died and that I'm possibly going to be the next heir is quite a shock."

"Sounds a lot like how Shadow and I felt when we discovered that we were created with the D.N.A of the leader of the Black Arms," Eve says.

"I suppose so. We were shocked to learn the full truth about our creation," Shadow says.

"Still, it's kind of cool that you have connections with them," Sonic says.

"I guess, but… it still feels weird. I never knew I was part of the clan, not to mention being the possible future Bride of the Yagyu Clan. Whether I wished for it or not, I… I don't know if I can fill that kind of role. I have never been part of the clan my whole life and practically have freedom. I'm… I'm not sure if I'm ready to be part of the clan," Rouge says.

This makes Sonic, Eve, and the others, especially Shadow and Topaz concern. They never seen Roug like this, but it's understandable. Finding out that she could be the future heir and is part of the Ninja clan is a huge blow, and whether she wants it or not, she isn't sure if she's able to fill in the role as the New Bride of the Rich Nights.

Back in the temple, Sally and Ken are having problems of their own.

Sally explains to the Lord, "I think we're getting distracted from the business at hand. If you reject the Iron Dominion, you'll be free to choose a Bride for your clan that you like, and you'll be recognized by the King of the Free People."

The Lord sighs and says, "Weren't you listening? We're not interested in having someone tell us what to do. With the Iron Queen, we're at least able to stand up to the other clans."

"But your people are being used for evil!" Sally protest.

"'Evil' is subjective!" The Lord says.

Then Sally says, "She… she's the only one profiting from this arrangement!"

"So was the Bride of Rich nights. Anything else?" The Lord clarifies.

"Well… uh… I'm sure you don't want Rouge to be a part of this," Sally says.

"You mean Koyuki?" The Lord questions.

"You may know her as Koyuki because she's your niece, but she's still Rouge to us. The only reason why she's a representing bride is because of the Iron Queen. I'm sure that you didn't want her to be a part of the Iron Dominion, whether you didn't want to continue the Bridal Tradition or not," Sally says.

The Lord soon begins to think about it. He remembers Rouge saying that finding out she is part of the clan isn't easy and having the role of bride being brought on her by the Iron Queen, even though she wishes her not to be involved. Of course, getting to know Rouge better and having her stay for the time being is a little bit of benefit on his end.

The Lord answers, "You are correct, I do not wish her to be put on the spot light, of course, that's mostly because she wasn't aware of it. I would let her continue the life she had, but the Iron Queen is pulling the strings of this operation so I didn't have much of a choice. Of course, getting to see my niece after all this time, learning about her, and having her stay is a bit of a reward on my end. Anything else you like to add?"

Ken smirks and says, "Yeah. A different kind of deal entirely."

"He speaks! What's on your tiny mind?" The Lord remarks.

"Reject the Iron Dominion, reject the brides altogether, and go back to the old days you envy so much," Ken says.

Annoyed, the Lord says, "Oh for… I'm wasting my time. You and the other clans would tear us apart."

"Why would they? You'd no longer be a clan and no longer a threat to men. You'd be free to move about the Dragon Kingdom and stake out your claim," Ken explains.

"Yeah, but then we'd be 'free people' and there's no way we'd accept you as our king," The Lord says.

"Who said you'd have to? I'm just a protector of the people. I'm no more their 'king' than you're really married to the 'bride.' I'll be busy keeping the peace between the clans. How am I supposed to keep up with a group of unorganized thieves?" Ken says.

The Lord thinks, "Hmm, back to the old regional lords… no more codes of conduct or ceremony…"

Then the two take each other's hands and shake on it.

"I have your word of honor?" The Lord says with a smirk.

Ken shows with the same smirk, "You do."

"Then in my word of honor I swear to spread the news. The Yagyu Clans is done with this nonsense," The Lord says.

"A leisure doing business with you," Ken says.

After breaking the Yagyu's Clan's tie with the Iron Dominion and freeing Rouge, the group are walking through the Bamboo forest to get to their next destination.

"While I'm glad you got them to break away from the Iron Dominion, don't you worry this is going to spread lawlessness to everyone else?" Sally says.

"I thought of that, but knowing these people like I do, I figure it will break down like this… a third of these guys will want to go back to their ancient ways… and third is going to like the cushy lifestyle the Iron Queen brought them and won't want the good times to end… and the rest will try to profit from this any way they can! They'll be so busy fighting each other over the scrap, they won't have the manpower or resources to bother anyone else," Ken says.

"Wow. Well played!" Sonic says, impressed.

"Yeah, You really turn the tables out on them," Eve says.

"And it ended up helping us get Rouge back," Topaz says.

"Yeah. Thanks for uh, rescuing me," Rouge says, still feels a bit uneasy.

"Are you okay?" Eve asks.

"I'm okay. I just, still feel a bit I don't know, it's not everyday that you ended up being with the clan you have no clue about and ended up getting to know them. I'm at least glad my uncle is able to allow me to live my own life. Give me a life of fun and adventure as a G.U.N agent and a Treasure Hunter any day." Rouge says.

"Good to hear, cause I know the commander would want us on another mission after this mess is sorted out," Topaz says.

Rouge nods her head.

Rouge then asks Shadow, "And I'm glad you decided to come and rescue me, huh Shadow."

"We are well, teammates and comrades. I feel that I must go after you," Shadow says.

Maria giggles, "Oh Shadow, we know that you were worried about Rouge just like the rest of us."

"Yeah. No need to do the serious stuff," Eve says.

Sally laughs, "Let's remember we're on a time-sensitive mission."

"Right. We still need to liberate your city and speak with three more clans," Ken says.

Sonia asks, "Do you think they'll be problematic?"

"Very. The Raiju Clan is more violent and dangerous than the Yagyu ever were. And it will be a miracle if we could actually find a Shinobi Chameleon, let alone talk to their bride," Ken says.

Eve sighs, "Kind of wish we can run into Espio, I'm sure if we talk to him, he'll let us talk to the Bride for sure. He may be part of the Shinobi Clan, but he's also our friend."

"Yeah. He can totally help us if we can find him. And I'm sure you mom will break the clan's connection for sure. Besides, we have two of her kids with us," Sonic says.

Shadow says, "At least we know where she is, and the Bride of Endless Reach gave us the direction on how to find her."

"So which one should we find first?" Tails asks.

"Depends which one is closer," Eve says.

Suddenly, someone grabs Sonic from behind, lifts him up, and slams him to the ground.

"Sonic!" Eve exclaims.

To their shock, they see Sgt. Simian, a member of the Destructix.

"Where did he come from?" Sonia asks.

Tails flies over, "I'm coming Sonic!"

Suddenly, Predator Hawk dives in and attacks Tails. Tails end up falling on top of Shadow and Topaz as they hit the ground.

"You make this too easy, kid," Predator says.

"We have no time to deal with stooges!" Eve angrily says, and spin dashes Simian.

Suddenly, Eve is pounced and pushed to the ground. She looks up to see Flying Frog.

The Frog shows a creepy smile and says, "A bit of grit so the dirt will hurt! Whee hee hee hee!"

Sally gasps, "Oh, my gosh!"

Then says, "Ken, Sonia, get ready!"

"Right," Sonia says.

Confused, Ken answers, "Um… right! Why? Who are they?"

Eve then kicks Flying Frog off of him, "A group of jerks who are in serious trouble."

"And in some cases, we might also be the ones in trouble," Sonia says.

The group joins together and find themselves facing the Destructix, but it only has three members. Whatever the case and reason, they know that they'll have to fight them if they hope to find the other three clans.