Episode 18: Journey to the East Part 4: A World Under Constant Vigil

Shocking for Sonic, Eve and the others, they don't have to look for a Chameleon Ninja of the Shinobi Clan, one of them has decided to reveal themselves. Surprisingly, it's the Espio of all people. It looks like Eve has gotten her wish when she wishes Espio can help them, but Ken is not taking any chances.

"You!" Ken angrily says, and has his bat towards Espio.

Then angrily steps towards him, "You dare show your face to…!"

Sonic and Eve quickly block Ken.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Time out!" Sonic says.

Ken angrily says, "He;s a traitor to you and to his team!"

"And he's been a friend much longer," Eve says.

But Ken protests, "He attacked you! He punched Sonic in the face! And may I add that he helped abducted Rouge and your mother!"

"Yeah, he did," Eve says.

Then Sonic says, "And you and I have gotten into a few too many fights. By that logic, I should be stomping you into the dirt."

Ken growls in frustration, "Fine. Have it your way."

"I usually do," Sonic remarks.

Ken crosses his arms and mutters, "First you go soft with Eggman, now this guy…"

"You act as if we haven't been with those who well, give us some stab backs," Eve says.

Sally steps forward with her arms crossed, "Ken raises a good point, though. You've made it clear you're in with the Iron Dominion. Why are you here now?"

"I don't want to debate semantics, but I am with the Shinobi Clan. I am only with the Iron Dominion through… extenuating circumstances," Espio says, and bows with one fist on the palm of his other hand.

"Knuckles mention something along those lines, and my mother told me a bit about her clan sometime ago. Still, we weren't sure what you meant," Eve says.

"I am not permitted to say much. But my clan leader is willing to reveal everything," Espio says.

"She will?" Eve says, confused.

"Chao," Jazz replies.

"Yes. The Bride of Constant Vigil has been observing your efforts in trying to dismantle the clan of Five Houses. I volunteered to guide you to a meeting with her," Espio says.

Sally sighs and says, "I'm sorry, Espio, but your word isn't good enough now."

"Come on Sally, I think the events made it clear that Espio is only following orders. Lightning Lynx, and the Six Arachnis Ninjas siblings were doing the same," Eve says.

"I know, but words aren't enough. We need proof and action, than just statements," Sally says.

Espio is silent for a minute, but then says, "Very well then. No more secrets. I'll give you all I have on each of you, removing any advantage I might have had."

"Secrets? About us? We're the heroes, Es. We're squeaky clean," Sonic says.

"I wouldn't really say that Sonic, even a few of us have a few secrets," Eve says.

"Besides, Espio probably has some secret information about us," Topaz says.

Sonic walks to Espio, "Yeah Right. If he thinks that will warm us up to him, fine. He better hit me with his worst."

"Your fiasco with the beaver triplets," Espio says.

This stunned Sonic to hear him say that.

Then turns walks away in frustration, "That was a one time thing… just for laughs… and Eve had it more handled than I did… how did you even?"

Tails steps forward, "I haven't been a Freedom Fighter very long. What do you know about me?"

Espio chuckles and says, "Captain Super Fox-man."

Tails becomes surprised as his cheeks blushes, "Nobody was supposed to read that! I was just a kid… more of a kid!"

Eve steps forward and asks, "Well Espio?"

"The secret letters you've been receiving and hidden in your room," Espio answers.

Eve is shocked and quickly covers his mouth.

She then whispers to Espio, "No one is supposed to know about them?

Espio removes her hand and says, "I apologize, but I've noticed them because you've been acting secretive towards them. I was able to find the letters."

"Fine, fine, we'll discuss this later," Eve says.

Ken steps forward, "Okay, what do you suppose you have on me?"

"Well, I'm afraid I can only confirm there are other Khans," Espio says.

Confused, Espio says, "No, there aren't. I was an only child and I know how my parents died."

"That's not what I meant," Espio says.

"It's a pretty common family name. I'm sure there's lot of other Khans out there," Ken says.

But Espio says, "Not families! You! Others like you!"

"Wait! Are you saying that there could be Cyborg Mobians like Ken?!" Sonia asks, shocked.

"Yes," Espio answers.

Ken steps forward and demands, "What others like me?! I was the only one Robotnik managed to…"

Sonic grabs Ken's shoulder, "Easy there, Monkey-boy. We've still got a continent to liberate and a city to rescue, remember?"

"So you've proved you've got dirt on you. What makes you think we trust you any more now?" Sonic interrogates Espio.

"Information is everything within my clan. I have left myself entirely prone to you. The fact I know any of these things just comes from doing my job," Espio explains.

"Which is what?" Sally asks, confused.

"As I said, the Bride of m clan will reveal all," Espio says.

Then take out some blindfolds, "Please accept these blindfolds so I may take you to our secret Headquarters."

The group then looks at each other.

Sally sighs and says, "All right, Espio. We'll follow your lead for now."

Sally takes one of the blindfold and ties it over her eyes.

"Thank you, princess. I promise you won't regret it," Espio says.

Sonic and the others agree and decide to have the blindfold tied on their faces, covering their eyes. At first, Shadow doesn't really want to, but Eve is able to convince him, especially since they still need to find their mom.

Later on, the group walks through the cave with Espio taking the lead.

"It's bad enough we're going so slow, but I can safely say I'm totally lost now," Sonic says.

"I'm afraid I'm confused about this myself," Eve says.

Espio then stops Eve and removes the blindfold, "Good, that was the point."

Suddenly, they find themselves in front of a large cavern and a large abyss below. The other side has a ledge and a tunnel.

Espio says, "Welcome to the way of the blind. You will find my master if you can reach the other side."

"Okay cool.." Sonic says.

But quickly look at Espio, "Wait! What do you man 'if'?!"

"I'm sorry. This is our way," Espio says, and disappears.

"Espio, wait!" Eve calls out, but Espio is already gone.

Sonic huffs, "Hmph. Ninja."

"So um, what do we do now?" Maria asks.

"Chao Chao," Jazz says.

Tails spins his tails and says, "Don't worry, guys, I can fly us across!"

But Ken grabs him by the ankle, "No, you can't…"

Ken then uses his bat to light up the ceiling. To everyone's shock, there are crossbows axes, and all kinds of deadly traps.

"Whoa! They had those things hidden in plain sight," Topaz says, shocked.

"Yes. I've had some dealings with the Shinobi Clan. They're experts in hiding traps in plain sight," Ken says.

"And I almost flew into that!" Tails panics.

"Hmm, talk about crafty," Rouge says.

"What do we do now?" Sonia asks.

"'Way of the blind.' Invisible objects… hmmm…" Sally says, thinking.

"Think you got something, Sal?" Sonic asks.

Sally then picks up some dirt and tosses it over the ledge. Suddenly, some of the dirt hasn't fallen down the abyss.

"I thought so! There's a hidden pathway leading across the chasm," Sally says.

"Hmm, talk about an invisible trail, but I doubt this will be easy," Sonia says.

"You're right. It's undoubtedly made or laden with traps… if we take it slow, maybe we can…" Sally says.

But Sonic has other ideas, "'Slow'? What is this 'slow' you speak of?"

He then grabs the dirt and speeds on to the path.

Eve calls out, "Sonic! Be careful!"

"'Careful'? So many foreign words today!" Sonic comments, covering the path with dirt.

Sonic speeds across the cavern fast and only twice he almost falls over the edge of the maze. Soon, Sonic comes back and he is covered with dirt.

"Espio may have had some 'dirt' on us… but now I have dirt on his tricky little path," Sonic jokes.

Shadow rolls his eyes and Rouge facepalms her face. Maria giggles and Sonia rolls her eyes.

Eve says, annoyed, "Bad."

"Let's just get going," Sally says.

With that, the group walks on the path and thanks to Sonic, they are able to walk across the chasm easily.

"I never knew you to play dirty, hedgehog," Ken teases.

"Leave the jokes to those of us with the wit, monkey-boy," Sonic mocks.

"We're about to meet one of the Regions. You can't go in looking like that," Tails says, seeing the dirty hedgehog.

Tails then uses his twin tails to clean the dust off of him.

"Okay folks… focus. We've overcome their first challenge. Let's be ready for anything," Sally says.

Eve turns to Mara, "Maria, you and Jazz stay close to me and Shadow."

"We will," Maria says.

"Chao Chao," Jazz replies.

Soon enough, the gang enters the chamber that belongs to the Bride of Constant Virgil, the head of the Shinobi Clan. She is a purple chameleon with peach muzzle and gold eyes. In fact, she actually looks a lot like Espio, she even had a yellow horn on her forehead like he does. She is wearing a green kunoichi outfit with a red sash and jewelry.

As they walk in the chamber, the Bride says, "Your Trepidation is unnecessary. Come in and we will speak plainly."

Sally and Sally step forward and bow in respect.

"Thank you for seeing us. I am…" Sally says.

But the Bride calmly says, "You can forego the honorifics, princess. I am well aware of who you are."

"Very well then. The Clans of Five Houses…" Ken says.

But the Bride says, "... is Evil, and it's support crumbles. I know you are here to convince us to break away."

"I like your directness lady. So? Will you drop the Iron Jerks?" Sonic relies.

After the bride takes a sip of her tea, she answers, "Yes. You have my word of honor. Of course, you all are aware there is still one more clan you shall break from the Iron Dominion's grasp."

"Sweet! That was easy. Thanks for your time. We know the way out," Sonic says.

However Ken steps forward, "Wait just a minute!"

"You can't let it be simple, can you?" Sonic replies.

"It's not that simple. We spent days traveling here and risking our lives to convince each clan's brides," Ken angrily says.

And continues, "You had to leave your family and friends behind who are either hiding or are in the hands of those monsters!"

"Ken? Take a minute," Sonia calmly says.

Ken is still very furious, but he is able to take a breather and calm down.

Ken then turns to the Bride and says, "I've heard the Shinobi Clan call themselves the Protectors of these lands. If that's true, why didn't you help us fight? Why did you side with the Iron Dominion?"

"Generations ago, we thought as you did. We've fought openly against the other clans. We tried to police the free people of the Dragon Kingdom. We were nearly wiped out for our efforts. So we adopted our shadowy way to survive. We learned to do more with less," The bride explains.

She then holds her cup out and Espio pours her some tea.

The Bride continues, "The Shinobi Clan is small. If we had chosen to stand and fight, the Iron Dominion and its enslaved houses would have wiped us out at once and for all."

"The fate would have also fallen upon your Freedom Fighters proves my thinking was correct. We did as we have for generations: Watch and wait," The bride says, and drinks her tea.

She turns her eyes away, "But…"

Then explains, "Sometimes action must be taken. Espio has shown me this by deviating so greatly from his mission."

"Mission? What Mission?" Sonic says, confused.

"I'm afraid we don't understand. We always thought Espio was a native on Angel Island," Sonia says.

"Are you saying that his mission actually involves him pretending to be a local on the island?" Eve asks, curiously.

Just then, Espio asks, "Well… with your permission?"

"Speak," The Bride answers.

Then Espio explains, "I was the most recent sent to monitor the Guardian of Angel Island."

This really shocked them, especially Sonic, Eve, Sally, Sonia, Maria, and Jazz.

"You mean you were spying on Knuckles this whole time?" Sonic asks.

"More or less," Espio says.

Then explains, "Knuckles comes from a long line of Guardians called the 'Brotherhood.' As you become aware. The Brotherhood took it upon themselves to monitor Mobius for threats against Angel Island. My clan didn't think such a powerful, species-centric organization should go uncheck. Each generation, one of us is chosen to keep track of the active Guardian to protect Mobius. My mentor was Valdez. He was monitoring Guardian Locke and his dealings with the Kingdom of Acorn. He helped me settle in Rainbow Valley and build my identity as just another local. I was meant purely to observe Knuckles and report any dangerous decisions he made. I was only allowed to reveal myself if the situation was dire… such as when Dr. Eggman captured the Echidnas on Angel Island. I wasn't supposed to work closely with him. I wasn't supposed to join the Chaotix. I wasn't supposed to be his friend."

Hearing that is very surprising for them, especially for the Freedom Fighters.

"So what you're saying is that Espio isn't supposed to be friends with us either?" Sonia asks.

"It actually sounds like it. But think of what Espio has done for us. The Meterax invasion, the Black Arm invasion, and everything that happened with Espio's involvement. He helped us despite that he is supposed to remain in secret," Eve says.

"Indeed. Espio has broken the taboo of his station, but I cannot ignore that it has been the right choice," The Bride says.

"Wh-what? Espio replies, not really liking the sound of the statement.

But the Bride smiles and says, "I order you to return to your station on Angel Island. You have permission to act freely and as you see fit."

"Really?! I can? I… you… just," Espio replies, surprised.

He smiles and says, "Yes! Thank you, mo…"

He quickly stops and clears his throat, "Master. Please excuse my outburst."

The Bride smiles again and says, "Before you go, retrieve the Mystical Fan of Fen Xing and bring it to New Mobotropolis, your friends will need its power."

"At once," Espio says, and rushes past them.

"See you back in the city!" Espio says.

Soon he and Sonic give each over a hi five.

"You better you're way behind on your heroism quota," Sonic says.

"It's great to have you back Espio, we'll let the others know that you're back on the team," Eve says.

Espio nods his head and hurry off to pick up the fan and hurry back to the city.

Suddenly, the Bride says, "You may have broken four of the five houses, but your work has just begun. King of the Free People."

"I know," Ken says, removing his crown to have a look at it.

He then uses the ring to channel its power, and places it back on his head.

"With this crown I swear I will do my best to both protect my people and to honor the authority of the Clans. You have my word of honor," Ken says.

Then turns to Sonia, "I just hope I can live up to the hype."

"I know you will," Sonia says.

"You will have my Shinobi Clan ensuring a safe departure to the Hedgehog Clan and will be sure you have a safe departure from the Dragon Kingdom," The Bride says.

"Thank you, Bride of Constant Vigil. We appreciate all you've revealed to us," Sally says.

Sonic then asks, "Are you sure you can spare the extra muscle? I mean, you don't even have guards in here."

"Oh? Did you truly believe I would leave myself totally prone to such powerful outsiders? Especially with the two children of the Bride of Swift Wind," The Bride says.

Tails looks up and becomes shocked, "G-guys! Look!"

Sonic, Eve, and the others look up and are very surprised. What they see are multiple chameleons becoming visible and are standing on the wall.

"Wh-whoa! Okay, I admit it… that's pretty cool!" Sonic says.

"There are so many of them!" Maria says, impressed.

"Yeah. And it is pretty cool," Eve says.

Sometime later, Espio shows them the mountain a distance away from their location, which is away from the hidden headquarters of the Shinobi Clan.

"You just need to head towards those mountains, and that is where the Clan of the Swift Wind live. And Shadow. Eve. This is also where you'll find your mother," Espio says.

"Thanks Espio. We're glad that you're back on our side and got you and your clan to break from the Iron Dominion," Eve says.

"You're welcome. I do hope I can well, make it up to everyone," Espio says.

"Don't worry about it, we're cool now," Sonic says.

"Yeah. We hope that we'll see you at New Mobotropolis to kick the Iron Creeps out," Eve says.

"We'll see. I must be off. Good luck," Espio says.

Then leaves the scene.

"Okay. Now that we got the Shinobi Clan to break away from the Iron Dominion, now we just need to get the Clan of Swift Wind to break away," Sonic says.

"And get our mom back," Eve says.

Sally then turns to Eve and asks, "Eve…"

"Yes Sally," Eve replies.

"Well, I know it's not much of my business and I'm sure you have your reasons, but what does Espio mean by secret messages," Sally says.

Eve sighs, "I had a feeling you were going to ask that. I didn't want to, but I felt like i didn't have much choice, especially since he asked to keep this secret."

She then reaches into her pocket and takes out a folded piece of paper.

"This is the latest letter I got from the anonymous messenger, but I have an idea who it is," Eve says.

Shadow walks over, "May I."

Eve nods her head and gives Shadow the note.

Shadow unfolds the note and says, "Eve, I was given a backup plan by the Iron Dominion about giving rid of the bonds that were in the Dark Egg Legion's cybernetics. However, even though the chips will give us immunity to the detonators, it will make us completely susceptible to her technomagic. We would be her mindless slaves. I tried to find a way to alter the program and modify it, but I only succeeded with this one chip. I feel the situation is becoming dire, wait for any instruction. It is possible I will have to ask you to contact Knuckles and the Chaotix for assistance. You are free to ask your Freedom Fighters for extra support."

Then turns to the others, "That's it."

"Bombs? What Bombs are they talking about?" Sonia asks.

"For the past few times, I've been receiving letters about what has been happening to the Echidnas of the Dark Egg Legion. Dr. Eggman puts bombs in their cybernetics and plans to detonate if their Grandmaster didn't cooperate. He started sending me the letters about what's been going on, and that Snively has given him another option. From what this letter explained, they were given chips from the Iron Dominion that will make sure the bombs will go off, but will end up losing their free will. He is getting desperate and wants me to wait until he let me know what happens, but I haven't received any since this letter. And until now, I was not supposed to tell anyone about it, not even Knuckles," Eve says.

"Did Eggman really do that?" Rouge asks.

"I don't have all the facts, but I feel that it's the truth. This does sound like something Eggman would do," Eve says.

"That's pretty low, even for Eggman," Sonic says.

Eve sighs, "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about all this, but I felt that I didn't have much choice, especially if what he said is true about the Echidnas, half of the remaining of our kind will be close to being wiped out."

"That sounds awful," Sally says, worried.

"Sounds like the situation is only getting worse," Sally says.

"Yeah. But still, who wrote these letters to you?" Sonic asks.

Shadow walks to Eve and says, "Eve, I know you were only doing what the letter told you, but I think this is something you should have told the others about the letters. However, I can understand why."

"I know," Eve says.

Shadow holds out the letter and says, "Now these letters, I have a pretty good idea who it was who sent these to you. It was Dimitri the Grandmaster of the Dark Egg Legion wasn't it. That's why you followed the instructions."

Eve sadly nods her head, "I feel that I didn't have much choice, but if what Dimitri said is true, the Echidnas of the Dark Egg Legion, and well, our people, are in terrible danger. I know they've done bad things to us in the past, but I don't want them to suffer like that."

Sonic places his hand on Eve's shoulder, "It's cool sis, but you still should have told us about what's going on."

"I know, but Dimitri said that I shouldn't let anyone know about it. And now, Dimitri is probably getting desperate and sent me the letter. I was to be his last resort. But I haven't received any letter since this one. I'm scared," Eve says, sounding concerned.

"Don't worry, Eve. After we're done dealing with the last of the Five Houses, head back to New Mobotropolis and stop the Iron Dominion, we'll help you investigate the Dark Egg Legion and detonate the bombs they have," Sally says.

Eve smiles, "Really?"

"Sure. Sure we've been enemies, but they don't deserve something like this," Sonic says.

"Hmph. Maybe, maybe not. They might not want our help, but we're going to do it anyway," Shadow says.

"Alright. Then our next stop is the Clan of Swift Wind and to see their bride, mostly our mother," Eve happily says.

With that, Sonic, Eve and the others begin to make their way to the next and final clan to help break apart the Iron Dominion's support. And to rescue Eve's mother. Question is, what will await them.