Rise of the Grandmasters Saga Episode 6: Reigning Cats and Dogs Part 1

One mission of the Freedom Fighters leads Sonic, Eve, and Big to be in trouble. They are surrounded by a feline Mobians tribe known as the Felidae. The large feline guards have spears pointed at them.

Sonic quickly says, "Whoa! Easy with those things! We come in peace!"

"Yeah. There's no need to resort to violence or any of that," Eve says.

Just then, a white cat wearing a black gown, a blue cloak and wearing jewelry and a silver hat with feathers walks to the group. She is actually the leader of the Felidae named Queen Hathor.

The queen says, "Trespassers to the Pais Misterioso are never welcome."

"Ah, but we're not trespassers. We were invited by our buddy Big here," Sonic says.

"The heathen who lives on the outskirts and associates with filthy outsiders?" Queen Hathor asks.

"Yup," Big says.

"Hey, what do you mean by that? What's wrong with Big being around other Mobians," Eve firmly says.

"Chao Chao!" Jazz replies, standing on Eve's head.

Sonic then says, "Look, lady… we're not here to cause trouble. We're here on a mission of mercy."

"And get the 'Ancient Onyx'" Big says.

But the Queen angrily says, "So it is you who stole the sacred artifact! The Ancient Onyx was our since the Forgotten Wars! It is our birthright of our people! It's legendary power is ours!"

"Not what she needed to hear right now, buddy," Sonic says.

"Sorry," Big replies.

"It's okay big, you didn't mean any harm," Eve says.

"Chao," Jazz replies.

Then Sonic says, "Look your regalness, it's like this…"

But the queen listens to us, "Silence! The Felida do not listen to the lies of outsiders."

"We will, however, abide words from the traitor! Bring us a reencounter!" The queen says, pointing to Big.

They soon bring out a large pancho that is covered with red and yellow designs. Then put it on big. They soon have him dressed in a silver pointed hat with feathers and accessories. Even some other garments. Sonic and Eve are a bit confused.

"What's with the sudden game of dressup?" Sonic says, confused.

"It is our way. We used our dress to become our station. Our rank. Our very identities. This one was but a lowly fisherman… but now he is a stately recounter of the truth," The queen says.

Just then, little Froggy hops on to Big's shoulder and goes, "Ribbit!"

"Uh…" Big replies.

"Chao Chao," Jazz says, waving to Froggy.

Froggy answers, "Ribbit!"

"Well, lucky for us, we came dressed as the recounter's interpreter," Sonic says.

Eve groans and says, "Sonic, I don't think that's an actual thing."

"You can't blame a guy for trying," Sonic says.

Then Eve turns to the queen, "So uh, your majesty, maybe it will help if Sonic and I can explain to you what brought us here. Because this is obviously a misunderstanding."

"Oh, very well. Speak," The queen says.

"Okay," Eve says.

Then Sonic explains, "According to uh, Big, Princess Sally, Eve, and I flew down and landed just north of here a few hours ago. We had been invited down so we could become honorary members of the Wolf Pack. Plus, we're also going to introduce Maria to them."

Flashback: Few Hours Ago

Flying in the Tornado, Sonic and Eve are standing on the wings while Sally and Maria are in the plane seats. Sally is of course flying the plane.

Eve says, "It's going to be great to see Lupe again. It's been so long since we saw her."

"Yeah. Things at the Wolf Pack have changed since we last saw them, and are doing well from what she wrote in her letters," Sally says.

"I'm a little nervous. Do you think the Wolf Pack will like me?" Maria says, a little nervous.

"Lupe and the others will love you. Besides, you're a Freedom Fighter. You're one of us," Sonic says.

"I'm sure Lupe and the others will be happy to meet you," Eve says.

Sonic says, "We'll know for sure, we're just about here."

The girls look to see the buildings and structure and many wolves living there.

"There it is. The Wolf Pack Nation," Eve says.

"You're going to love it, Maria," Sonic says.

"I do hope so," Maria says.

Soon enough, Sally lands the Tornado on the ground at the outskirts of the Wolf Pack Nation. After the plane lands on the ground, they walk to the village to see the wold pack and are soon greeted by three wolves.

The first one is a grown male wolf with blue and white color fur, and blue eyes. He's wearing a purple vest, gold wristbands, and sandals. The other two are twin female wolves: pink and dark pink fur, brown hair, and blue eyes. The one one the left is wearing a green leotard, gold belt, gold belt, sandals, and a green headband. The other is the same attire, but her leotard and headband are blue.

Soon, the grown male wolf and Sally hug each other.

Sally says, "It's good to see you, Canus."

"Happy to see you as well, Princess," Canus says.

Eve turns to see the twins, "Leeta. Lyco. It's great to see you."

"You too," The twins answer.

Sonic shakes the hand of one of the twins wearing the green outfit, nervously, and says, "Yeah. Long time no see, L-L-L-L-L-Lyco."

"No. It's Leeta," Eve says.

The Wolf with the green outfit giggles and says, "Yeah. We're Identical twins. We get that a lot."

The group begins laughing.

Then Lyco notices Maria hiding behind Eve, "And this must be Maria. It's nice to meet you."

"Um, it's nice to meet you too," Maria says.

"It's okay. Eve told us about you. And it's good to have you as a Freedom Fighter," Leeta says.

Maria blushes with a smile, "Um, thank you."

"Please come this way, The Chief is eager to see you," Canus says.

"Ditto! It's been just as long since we last saw…" Sonic says.

And soon, they meet another grown male wolf, his fur is brown and gray with blue eyes. He wears a blue and yellow shirt with matching pants and gold wrist bands.

"Lobo?!" Eve asks, surprised.

"We're glad to see you, too, of course…" Sally says, surprised.

"But you're confused. It's alright. It has been a while, hasn't it," Lobo says.

"Yeah. It has. So how are you and Lupe and the kids doing?" Eve asks.

"They're doing fine. Of course, I took back the title of the Pack's Chief when my life stepped down," Lobo says.

He then pulls the draps and walks inside. The others follow.

"'Stepped down?..." Sonic says, confused.

Eve and the others are confused too.

Sonic adds, "Since when did Lupe 'Step Down' from anything?" Sonic asks.

"Why would she do that?" Sally asks.

Suddenly, they hear a familiar voice, "Because my people asked me to step up as the Grand Chief of our New Nation."

The group looks over to see Lupe, Leader of the Wolf Pack Freedom Fighters and Lead of the Pack. They notice her wearing elaborate regalia featuring a large feathered headdress and skirt, as well as a long red cape with gold trim; all of this featured elaborate designs and jewels in reds, blues and golds. Later, she entered battle in her usual outfit with the addition of red and gold shoulder pads, a heavy jeweled necklace, a feathered ornament on the left side of her head, and gold bands adorned with blue gems on her legs.

Sally happily says, "That's wonderful! Congratulations!"

"Congratulations Lupe!" Eve happily says.

"Chao Chao!" Jazz happily says.

Sonic gives Lupe a Hi-five, "Nice, Lupe! But since when you guys are a whole nation?"

"After years of Dr. Robotnik's conquest… the packs were scattered and broken, and our city was destroyed. I helped bring us all back together here… in our ancestral homeland," Lupe explains.

"You made it sound simple," Lobo says.

"Well, this is Lupe we're talking about. Forming and organizing a whole nation must be exhausting," Sally says.

"It is, but…" Lupe says.

Suddenly, they hear loud sounds and crashing sounds.

"What in the… ?!" Eve questions, shocked.

They turn their heads to see two human children who look like twins, one has red hair and the other blonde. Along with two young wolf children. One of them is running with the ball in a wolf boy's hand. Turns out the kids are fighting and arguing over a toy ball. To summarize, the two young wolves are Lupe and Lobo's children Maria, a female wolf who resembles Lupe, and Marcos, a young male wolf, who has a resemblance to Lobo. The two human girls are adopted: Athena and Aerial. The kids appear to be arguing over a toy ball, and it ends up getting worse when they start attacking each other.

Lupe sighs and says, "... my children are the hardest to govern.

After the little incident, Sonic, Eve, Sally, Maria, and Jazz are in the meeting room with Lupe and Lobo to discuss something important.

"I'm sorry that only the four of you could come. All the Freedom Fighters were invited," Lupe says.

"It was a matter of bad timing I'm afraid," Sally says.

"Tails had already headed off with Bunnie and Antoine when we got your initiation," Sonic says.

"Rotor is busy with Uncle Chuck and Nicole setting up new security for New Mobotropolis," Sally says.

"And Amy and the others elected to stay behind and watch over the city while we're gone," Eve says.

Then turns to Maria, "But Sonic and I like to introduce you to Maria, the one I sent in my letter."

Maria happily nods her head in reply.

"And it is a pleasure to meet you, Mara," Lupe says with a smile.

Then calmly says, "Perhaps it is for the best. Your induction will have to be informal since no one can find the ceremonial 'Ancient Onyx' right now."

Lobo growls in anger as he clutches his fist, "No doubt it was stolen by the greedy, savage Felidae."

"Onyx?" Mara says confused.

"The who?" Sonic says, confused.

"Who are the Felidae?" Sally asks.

"Brutal cat tribes to the south who lay claim to the entire continent. Oral tradition tells of their violence against our ancestors generations ago. They rarely bother us these days, however." Lupe explains. Marcos and Aerial hurt inside.

Marcos panics, "Mom! Mom! Felidae warrior!"

"He's marching right into the city!" Aerial adds.

Lupe quickly gets up and hurries to the window, "Who would dare to invade us alone?"

Sonic, Eve, Jazz, and Maria hurry over to see who is coming. Walking into the city is a familiar large blue round cat carrying a fishing pole and has a frog on his head.

The cat calls out, "Hullo? Anyone?"

Familiar to Sonic and Eve, they are actually glad to see him.

"Hey! It's Big," Sonic says.

"Big? It's enormous!" Lupe says, surprised.

Eve giggles and says, "No no, that's Big the Cat. He's actually a friend of ours."

"Big the Cat?" Lupe says, confused.

"Yeah. We met him at Station Square when he was trying to find his frog friend. On his head is his little friend, Froggy," Eve says.

"I see, but what brings him here?" Lupe asks.

"Well, Eve and I can go down there and find out," Sonic says.

"And we better do it fast, cause I don't think Big is getting a warm welcome from this," Eve says, pointing below.

They look down to see some of the Wolf Pack have Big surrounded.

They demand him like, "Stay back! Don't move!"

"Okay," Big replies.

That's when Sonic and Eve rush over to help him out.

"Whoa whoa whoa! I can vouch for this guy!" Sonic says.

Eve turns to Big, "Hi Big, it's nice to see you again."

"Hello Sonic. Hello Eve. It's nice to see you again. You helped me save Froggy!" Big says.

"Ribbit!" Froggy replies.

"That's right. Big was there to help us fight Eggman during an incident with Chaos and helped us get on his Egg Carrier," Sonic says.

"Yeah. He's actually a friend of ours, so there's no need to be hostile towards him. He may be big, but he's also a sweetheart," Eve says.

"Yeah. So no buggy. Any friend of ours is A.O.K," Sonic says.

Eve turns to Big and asks, "So Big, what brings you here. Are you planning on fishing?"

"No. I'm here to get that special black jewel thing," Big says.

"Black jewel thing?" Eve says, confused.

Sonic then asks, "Maybe clarify that a bit?"

"The Felidae are mad 'cause it's missing. So I came to see if the wolves have it…?" Big answers.

Then apologizes, "Sorry."

"That's okay. Let's not make a habit of this, though," Sonic says.

"He's right. You didn't do anything bad. I promise," Eve says

Soon, Lupe, Sally, and Maria walk over to hear the conversation.

"So the Felidae claim to not have the relic, either…" Lupe says.

"Hmmm…" Sally says, tapping her chin and begins thinking.

Sonic turns to Lupe and asks, "No offense, Lupe. but what's the big deal about this rock?"

"The ancient onyx is said to have preserved my people during the days of fury. It is a symbol of our perseverance… and it is ours to rightfully reclaim," Lupe explains.

Sally turns to Lupe and says, "With your permission, Grand Chief, I'd like for us to look into this further."

"Of course you have my support, but why do you want to get involved?" Lupe replies.

"We need that rock to do that ceremony properly, don't we?" Sonic answers.

And mutters, "In addition to all that other stuff you said."

"And we can act as a neutral party between the countries," Sally says.

"Plus, we also need to figure out what happened. I believe Big about being honest, so if neither nation has the gem, then it's possible someone else has," Eve says.

Matia nods her head and says, "You're right. And it will be bad if someone else has taken it and uses it for whatever plan they have."

Sally turns to Sonic and Eve, "Sonic, Eve, I want you to take Big and talk to the Felidae. If Big can't vouch for you, I know you both can handle yourselves."

"Sounds good. What about you?" Sonic replies.

"I want Maria to come with me and follow up on something else first," Sally says.

Maria nods her head, "I'll help in any way I can."

Flashback Ends:

"So Sal took Maria and went off for who-knows-where and then we ran into your welcoming committee. The End!" Sonic concludes.

Then points his thumb to Big, "Or at least that's what the fancy-pants recounter says, right?"

There is an awkward silence, and Sonic nudges Big at the stomach.

Big answers, "Oh. Yup!"

This makes Felidae Quen think and says, "Hmmm… if this is all true, then where is your princess and your comrade?"

"Honestly, tour queenship, we have no idea," Sonic answers.

Eve says, "I just hope they'll be okay and haven't gotten into trouble."

"What's the worst that can happen?" Sonic questions.

Meanwhile, Sally and Maria are somewhere in the forest and soon find an ancient ruin. Sally and Maria look around and soon find a statue that looks like an Echidna Warrior standing in triumph with a foot on a Felidae warrior.

"What is this place?" Maria asks.

"If my research is correct, this must be the ruins of the Failed Echidnaopolis Colony," Sally says.

"What happened?" Maria asks.

"Well, According to Knuckles, this is where his distant ancestors first tried to settle before moving on and reaching what would become Angel Island. But they came into conflict with the Felidae… and then Chaos," Sally explains.

Maria remembers and says, "You're right. Eve told me what happened to Chaos and what happened to Jazz. It was so sad and heartbreaking."

"You're right. This is a place of so much loss… and so much meaning," Sally says.

Then turns to Maria, "Come on, we need to go this way."

"Right," Maria says.

Soon, the two walk to the ruins.

Maria asks, "So why do we need to come here?"

"Well, the Felidae and Wolf Pack are meeting again for the first time in hundreds years… " Sally explains.

Sally then jumps down from the hole to the floor and helps Maria jump down as well. Sally and Maria begin to quietly sneak around.

Sally continues to explain, "Then an ancient artifact sacred to both of them suddenly vanishes pitting the two strongest forces in the region against each other. That's too coincidental for me."

"So you're saying someone stole the gem to cause a conflict. That sounds mean," Maria says.

"Maybe, but I feel that it's more than just putting the two tribes against each other. If someone is orchestrating this, what better hiding place than…" Sally says, as she and Maria walk down the hall.

Just then, Sally halts and looks out the window and softly says, "Bingo!"

Sally and Maria look through the window in the hall, and to their shock, they see hooded Felines and Wolves carrying crate boxes, working on computers and machines.

Maria whispers to Sally, "Sally, those Mobians… are they?"

"Yes. They're another Chapter of the Dark Egg Legion!" Sally whispers.

Then says, "This clinches it… The Eggman Empire is trying to instigate a war here!"

"This is really bad. If we don't do something the Dark Egg Legion could take over the region here," Maria whispers.

"You're right," Sally whispers.

Then asks, "How do you know this is a good place to find them?"

"Well, the Felidae probably wouldn't enter this far into the ruins because it's taboo! The Wolf Pack Nation can't, because it's blocked off by the borders of the pais misterioso," Sally explains.

Maria soon looks up and becomes frightened as Sally explains, "Maybe with this news we can at least broker temporary peace between them and…"

Suddenly, she stops to notice Maria is shaking in fear and has a scared look on her face.

"Mara, what's wrong?" Sally asks.

Maria shakily lifts her hand and points forward, "S-S-S-Sa-Sal-Sally… be-be-behind you!"

"Behind…?" Sally says, confused.

She turns around and is shocked to see a familiar white wolf with an evil sharp teeth grin on his face.

Sally exclaims, "DRAGO?!"

"Hey there, princess. Out sightseeing with your little friend," The wolf says with an evil grin.

"Run!" Sally cries out and takes Maria's hand.

Drago then begins to attack, "Get back here!"

Drago tries to attack, but they both dodge the attack. Sally and Maria know this isn't the time to get into a fight. They need to leave and tell the Wolf Pack on what they discovered. For now, they begin to dodge the attack. Drago continues to try to capture and dodge them. Soon enough, Sally realizes that she is alone and Maria has disappeared as Drago has been caught in thick vines.

"Maria? What happened to Mara? Where'd she go? I wish Sonic and Eve would have come with us. We could really use some help…" Sally says.

Then comes to a halt to see a Felidae wearing a robe like the other Dark Legionnaires. He has orange, black and white color fur and yellow eyes.

Just then, Drago escapes the vines and calls out, giving chase, "Get her, RazorKlaw!"

RazorKlaw then tries to attack Sally, but Sally dodges, making the cat Mobian attack Drago.

Drago shouts in anger, "Not me, you idiot!"

Drago tries to attack Sally, but Sally quickly moves and ends up attacking RazorKlaw.

"Oops…" Drago says.

But quickly says, "I-I-I mean, move!"

Soon enough, the two Mobians end up attacking each other as Sally is able to break free from the conflict, but she needs to find out what happened to Maria. Sally turns to see the two, and is in shock. Both Drago and this Razor Claw have cybernetic claws and legs. They've been Legionized.

Drago says, "Yeah! Feast your eyes on the new and improved Grandmasters of the Dark Egg Legion!"

Sally realizes that this could be big trouble, and doesn't have time for it. Before she can escape, sne turns to see more of the Legionnaires hurrying with their weapons and have Sally surrounded.

Drago mocks, "Ha! Nowhere to run to now, sweetheart! And your little friend has left you! What's it gonna be?"

Sally has her fist up and ready to fight. However, with Maria disappeared and there are too many, Sally feels that she doesn't have any other option. She sighs and raises her arms in the air, surrendering. Then the Legionnaires charge towards her to take captive.

RazorKlaw turns to Drago, "You know that we need to find that hedgehog girl?"

"What can that little shrimp do? We got the place surrounded and there's nowhere else she can hide or escape to," Drago says.

Unknown to them, Maria ends up falling through a hole on one of the floors, and is practically dark that no one can see. Maria looks up and is scared and worried for Sally who has now been captured.

Maria says, "Poor Sally. I… I can't help her from here. I… I need to do something."

She then turns to a tunnel close by, "I… I have to find Sonic and Eve and tell them what we found out. I got to warn them before things get out of hand. I hope I have enough time."

Maria then runs through the tunnel hoping to find a way out, find Sonic and Eve, and tell them what happened.

Meanwhile, Sonic and Eve are doing their best to persuade the Felidae about the situation, at least a way to compromise it.

Sonic says, "So let's do this…"

"You're a barterer now?" The queen questions.

"These are my negotiator shoes," sonic says.

The queen says, "Fine. Go on."

"You don't skewer me and my sister, and we'll help you track down your special rock, free of charge. Then Sal can probably figure out a time-share plan between you and Lupe. Deal?" Sonic explains.

"You'll have my agreement…" The queen says.

Then points to big, "If you dispose of this traitor who willingly caorts with outsiders."

"Hey?" Sonic firmly says.

Eve says, "We're not going to dispose of him. How about you let him come with me when this is finished. Call it exile and such."

"Exile? Aww…" Big sadly says.

Eve says, "Don't worry, you can live in New Mobotropolis with us."

"Yeah. And there's some awesome river fishing up north," Sonic says.

That makes Big happy, "Fishing! Yay!"

The queen soon accepts the proposal and says, "Very well then, Barterer-interpreters. We have an accord."

"Thank you, your majesty," Eve says.

"Good to know, Queenie. Now let's get to it before something else…" Sonic says.

Suddenly, they hear someone shout, "It's an ambush! To Arms!"

"Happens," Sonic concludes, confused.

"Oh, don't tell me," Eve says, worrying for the worst.

Sonic and Eve quickly turn and hurry over to see what is going on. To their shock, they see Lupe and the Wolf Pack are now forming an attack at the Feliade Tribe.

"This is not going to end well…" Sonic says.

"Not at all," Eve agrees.

Meanwhile, Eve continues to walk through the tunnel and soon finds an opening. She runs as fast as she can until she finds the way out. To her surprise, she finds a vine-like wall and some light is seeping out of it.

"That's weird… I wonder…" Maria questions herself.

She then moves the vines slowly and to her amazement, she finds the tunnel that leads her just at the outskirts of the ruins. It's like a secret passage.

"I really made it out, but I need to find Sonic and Eve, and fast," Maria says, and hurries through the forest.

Talk about a mess, first Sonic and Eve end up getting caught in a war between the Wolf pack and the Felidae Warriors. Then Sally has been captured by the Dark Legion Chapter and they are possibly responsible for the stolen gem. Now Maria is able to escape and is on a race against time to find the others before something happens to Sally.