The Knothole Mobotropolis Exploits: New Teams Arise

(A/N: Depending on how much time I have, there will be three put up today. If not, then just this. It's not particularly exciting, and I won't work with these groups much, but it opens up questions and secrets that will be revealed in a later chapter. Enjoy.)

Team Knothole And Team Shield

Maximillion Acorn paced back and forth in the throne room. Alicia watched quietly. After a time, she asked, "What's on your mind dearest?"

"I feel as if I should be doing more," Max bluntly replied.

"What can you do? Aleena and her children have Eggman in their sights. They shant let him get away," Alicia said soothingly.

"I know, Alicia, but I can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen. I know he hasn't attacked for a while, but that doesn't mean he won't," Max said.

"The Freedom Fighters remain on the alert," Alicia reasoned.

"Why should our children be forced to protect us all? Is it not the parent's job to protect their child?" Max asked.

"Yes, it is," Alicia admitted.

Max looked out the window. After a moment, he began, "As I recall, my dear, there are parts of the past that our children don't yet know. Parts that we ourselves have long forgotten."

Alicia gasped, saying, "Darling, surely you can't mean…"

"I'm not saying things should go back to the way they were before our children were born and before we sent them away. I'm not saying we should take over them. I'm just saying we must protect them, try to help them all we can, soften the blow, or be always ready to step in, if nothing else," Max stated. "I've almost lost you, I've almost lost Elias, I've almost lost Sally, I refuse to fail my family again."

Alicia rose, concern in her eyes, and took her husband's face in her palms. "Max, no, you have never failed us, ever. You have done everything you could to protect us."

He managed a smile, then took her own face. He kissed her then said, "Thank you, but everything apparently isn't enough. You won't change my mind." He turned to a nearby guard, ordering, "Summon Amadeus and Rosemary Prower. Bring in Chuck, Jules and Bernadette the Hedgehog as well."

"What is your purpose for this?" Alicia questioned.

"You'll see soon enough," Max replied.

Soon enough the Prower's and Hedgehog's came into the throne room. "Your majesty," Amadeus said, kneeling. Jules and Chuck followed his lead. Rosemary curtsied with Bernadette. They all looked confused.

"Rise up, I'll have none of that," Max declared. The group rose.

"Why have you summoned us Max? It has been years since you have called us with the words you told your messenger to tell us," Jules questioned, getting straight to the point.

"You have children of your own. Do you not long to protect them, to lessen their burdens?" Max questioned.

The group looked confused. "Well, this don't concern me," Chuck finally declared.

"Oh no? I called you with that old summons for a reason Charles. I want you to go to Mobotropolis. Gather together two of the most talented men you know of. I think you realize who I have in mind," Max said.

Charles' eyes widened. "Now? After all this time? Why Max? I don't understand. None of us do."

"We'll discuss my motives later," Maximillion brushed off.

Realizing he'd get nothing more, Charles replied, "Back in Mobotropolis? That means Argus and Titus, but should I really go back?"

"There's no danger there anymore, remember?" Amadeus said; uncertainty mixed with understanding in his eyes.

"I suppose…" Charles hesitantly agreed. "What do you want me to do?"

"Form a team once more," Max simply said, with a mysterious smile. Charles would figure out the rest on his own.

Charles seemed confused, but why question the king? It was a good idea, now that he thought about it. "Yes your majesty," Chuck finally agreed. With that he dashed off to begin the voyage into Mobotropolis.

"Why are we here, then, sire?" Jules questioned as Charles disappeared.

"Do you love your children?" Max asked.

"How could you even ask?" Amadeus vehemently replied, nodding firmly.

"I love Sonic," Jules confirmed.

"Then join me, and once more let us form a team. We can watch over our children, protect them, help them," Max declared.

"Only now you think of a revival?" Amadeus questioned, eyes lighting up with excitement, tail perking up. He looked so much like his son in that moment.

Max smiled. "What will we be called?" Jules asked.

"Knothole," Max replied.

"Team Knothole… Of course. Why would it be anything else? So be it," Jules said. "I suppose I am the power member."

"Yes, and I the speed," Max confirmed.

"That leaves me as flight. I can still manage to swing that somehow," Amadeus said with a smile.

"Excellent. Come you two, let's talk," Max said, beckoning the two men to follow him. They obeyed.

"Alicia, you agreed to this?" Rosemary asked.

Alicia looked out the window quietly. After a moment, she replied, "Whenever the thought of my daughter in danger hits me, I do wish I could do more."

"Alicia, answer," Bernadette said.

Alicia sighed. She then replied, "It's been so long. I've almost forgotten all I once knew about… about the things we used to be capable of."

"So you did agree," Rosemary pressed.

"Are you against it?" Alicia questioned.

Rosemary and Bernadette exchanged looks. After a moment, Bernadette replied, "No."

"There's no rule saying we must fight. We can investigate instead, look into Eggman's older and newer robots, find his coordinates, defend them like a shield, not used in combat, but for protection. If the time comes to fight, we will, as always," Rosemary said, growing slightly excited.

"Yes, why should the men have all the fun? You likened us to a shield. Team Shield can again be our name," Bernadette chimed.

"Play defense, so to speak?" Alicia asked, smile broadening. "Why not? We won't be young forever. So, Team Shield will ride again."

"Perfect," Bernadette said. "Me power, Rosemary flight, you speed."

"Where should we start?" Rosemary questioned.

"Let time reveal what will happen for itself, as always. Until then, we can research the swatbots and history of the Robotnick family once more," Alicia replied.

"They could be trouble, from what Sonic said," Bernadette agreed.