Disclaimer:
I do not own Sonic, Knuckles, or any other characters who appear in this story. They belong to Sega.
Description:
Knuckles isn't exactly sure what to expect when he finally reaches the resistance force base. He is eager to join the fight. He is willing to sacrifice. He is ready to defend everything they have left. He is not prepared however, for the unlikely circumstance that ultimately awaits him.
Authors Note:
Hey hey! It's been a while. I'm back with a new chapter! This one got really long and I eventually realized it need to be split up, so chapter 3 should be along in a few days as well. I hope you all enjoy the continuing adventure! This picks up immediately out of the conversation cliffhanger in chapter one, so a re-read, or even just a glance over the scene would probably be helpful. Slightly different tone here, also not everyone will make an appearance this chapter, but they show up again sooner or later.
Thank you for the reviews and feedback on chapter one! I love hearing from you all. It always brightens my day.
~ Sarilleny
Unlikely
Chapter 2
Knuckles blinks, perhaps several times. He's not sure if the words coming out of Silver's mouth are making much sense. The hedgehog is still speaking, but Knuckles is stuck on, "command the resistance forces."
"Um, Knuckles, are you listening to me? We want you to lead the resistance. Can you say something?"
He blinks again.
"Why," he's asks, genuinely perplexed.
"Uh, why?" Silver repeats, not prepared for the question. "Well… you… seem to have a knack for keeping everyone… focused." It is a weak answer. Silver seems aware of this.
"I thought you were leading the forces Silver."
"Me? No. I mean, I been offering direction where it's needed, but I wouldn't definitively call it command. We've been operating as a sort of makeshift council, but uh… you saw yourself yesterday how well that's going."
"So the conclusion you all came up with was to put ME in charge!?"
"Well, yes."
"I'm sorry, I still don't… Why would anyone pick me? I don't know the first thing about commanding an army. None of these people know who I am. I've been here barely 24 hours, and… Wait, is this a joke? Like, payback for yelling at everyone or something?"
"It's not a joke Knuckles. We need leadership. We need someone who will look at the big picture, and who can rally our makeshift forces."
"I've lived alone my whole life. I don't know how to rally forces. That is the kind of thing Sonic doe…"
They both sort of flinch at Sonic's mention. The pause allows Knuckles the space to notice the undue pounding in his chest. This isn't anything he'd ever expected to hear.
"I really don't understand Silver. You all just decided tha…"
He is interrupted by a beep from Silver's comm. Silver reaches up to tap the speech button. "Yes, I'm here… Again? What's the ETA? Okay, no, just tell them to hold for now. Yes. I'm on my way."
"Knuckles, we've got another situation arising. Sentinels spotted on the horizon near Lost Valley. I'm heading to the staging room now for a briefing. Can you come?"
"Yes. Sure, of course."
"Great, so you're going to accept command then?"
"Wait, what? No. I just told you, that makes absolutely no sense."
Silver frowns at him in a funny way, as though Knuckles is the one who isn't making sense. He sighs and says, "Okay, you know what, let's shelve this for now. We'll have to discuss it later."
Knuckles isn't ready to shelve it at all. He's flustered by the request, and can not fathom what led his friends to come the such a wild conclusion. During the few minutes it takes to cross the base his thoughts continue churning with questions. It isn't until a few paces before they reach the Staging Room that Knuckles finally remembers he is supposed to be planning his departure in search of Tails. It stops him in his tracks with an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.
What is he to do now? He can't just leave with this question of command looming. He can't accept, but the request is too consequential to leave unaddressed. What of Tails though? This one lead Knuckles has is already weak. Another twenty four hours could reduce any chance of success.
A hand at his shoulder stirs him from this line of thought.
"Hey, you okay Knux?" Espio is there beside him.
"Uh… yeah. Fine."
"This briefing is about to start. Come on." He motions toward the door with a nod, where Silver is waiting for them both.
He follows blankly, through the door.
The room it seems was waiting on their arrival. He doesn't recognize anyone among the others who are seated. Five individuals—a mix of soldiers and operatives it seems. Knuckles notes how he really has no sense of who takes on which meetings or shifts. Everyone seems to be juggling a mixed bag of tasks. When the trio take seats at the table, one of the operatives begins.
"Morning everyone. Sorry about the urgent call. As mentioned, we are tracking a pair of Sentinels in the vicinity. We've been able to confirm in the interim that there are no occupied settlements in the area, nor are any of our troops within threat range. Thankfully we're in the clear with his one."
One of the soldiers, a division leader from the looks of her garb, speaks next. "This might be an opportunity as we've discussed, to stage some recon on what these machines are drilling for."
"Alright, thank you for that." Silver says "This does sound like the type of opening we've been hoping for. What forces do we have in the area to field such an operation?
Another operative pulls up a map with the details. Knuckles is watching, but many of the situational details are foreign to him.
Vaguely, he registers when the door opens and someone walks in, but it isn't until they are standing at his side, holding out a folder, that his attention is pulled back to the present moment.
"The files you requested sir." She says to him.
He recognizes her as one of the operatives from the command room. Ella maybe? He's not quite sure. He examines the folder she is holding out to him, and wonders if she is just confused. When he looks up, everyone of course is staring at him.
"Uh… I didn't…"
"Oh. Sorry, it was for labeled for Commander so I thought…"
He stares at her. Then turns to Silver at his left who is wearing an exasperated expression, and then Espio, who jumps in and says, "I'll take it Ella. Thank you. You can go."
Suddenly Knuckles is replaying Silvers words from minutes ago, back in his room. "…quite a lot of discussion overnight… We've come to a unified conclusion…"
Have they already made this decision public knowledge—without his consent? His heartbeat is racing again, and he is honestly not sure if he is angry, or just alarmed. He pushes back out of his chair, stands, and mutters something quickly, "Excuse me… I have to go," then turns heal and walks out.
In the hallway Knuckles is stationary once again, this time hyperaware of the fact that he still has no place to escape to—he can't yet leave in search of Tails, and he has no duties to attend to. He feels small, and lost in a way he hasn't felt in a long time, and also ridiculous for feeling this way.
He needs something familiar. Someone to talk to, and to question.
The only place he knows to check is the command room, so he proceeds down the hall and taps the chime.
The door slides open after a moment to reveal Vector.
"Oh hey, Knuckles. Come on in."
"Hi Vector. Is Rouge in there? Or could you tell me where to find her?"
"No, she's actually out on a mission right now."
Knuckles must have made face, because Vector follows up with "Well don't worry though. It's just reconnaissance. She should be back sometime this evening provided everything goes to plan."
"I see. Alright. Thank you Vector. I'll…" His voice comes out strained.
"Hold it," Vector grabs his bicep as he begins to turn away. "I recognize that scowl Knux. Let's take a walk." Vector turns back into the room long enough to say, "I'm stepping out. If anything comes up, grab Espio or Silver from next door, 'kay?" then starts down the hall, and motions for Knuckles to follow.
"What's going on man?"
There is a lengthy pause while Knuckles tries to work out how to answer this. Vector doesn't wait for him to figure it out.
"You know the others all thought you took off last night when we couldn't find you. Not me though. I knew you were still around." He looks back with a smirk. "You hide when you're brooding."
Knuckles opens his mouth to contest this claim, but is flooded with several memories that may in fact prove the contrary. Vector seizes the moment to continue.
"So what's eating ya? Is it the thing about Tails, or the thing Silver went to talk to you about?" After a moment he adds, "or maybe that super secret thing you're keeping bottled up inside."
Again, Knuckles is hard pressed to answer.
"So, all of them. Alright," he exclaims with mock cheer. Vector steps round in front of him then, and places a hand on each one of Knuckles' shoulders. "Look Knuckles, I've known you a long time, yeah?"
Knuckles nods. "Yeah," he says breathily.
"You're fraying at the edges right now. Stop," he emphasizes with a pointed look. "Take a breath. Don't make any rash decisions." Then he turns back around, and starts to walk away.
He's almost passed into the next hallway before Knuckles calls after, "where are you going?"
"Come on man! I need you to help me with something."
Vector leads him deep into the operational wing, past the hangers, and maintenance HQ. They enter the storage facility and make their way to a room tucked into the back corner. It is stocked with a small variety of lumber supplies—some conventionally cut, and some it appears from the jungle above. There are a few half built structures in the room, and what looks like a bunk bed with a little ladder running up one side.
"What is this," Knuckles asks about the bizarre display.
"Call it a side project." Vector explains with a proud grin. "There are so many refugees housed at the base here, and not enough beds. Bunk beds could double our space. The idea is to get some sort of production going. We have plenty skilled craftsmen among the citizens, and others willing to learn—thing is, we're mostly city folk down here, used to power-tools and assembly lines. That's a resource we're sorely in lack of. I started meddling around in here. Figured I picked up enough skill with you back on the island building traps, and mending bridges, to give it a try. I've got the basic build down, but as you can see…" He grabs a beam and gives the bed a shake. The whole structure wobbles. "It's nowhere near stable enough. I've been messing with it here and there, but haven't really had the time to get it right. It could really use the eye of a master craftsman like yourself."
Knuckles raises an eyebrow at Vector, but takes a step closer and mimics his test of the structure. He circles around it examining its build, and evaluating the joint connections. After a once around he rejoins Vector.
"Well… it looks pretty good actually. I think it could use some cross sections here on the side and there on the base. You could lose the ladder. Just add a couple beams across here," he says pointing out a location at the center of the narrow end. "That should be enough to climb, and will save you some lumber and effort."
"Oh, good thinking. Uh, can you show me how you would attach those side cross sections? I tried something similar, but couldn't get them secured right."
"Um. Sure, I suppose."
"Great! I'm just gonna take some notes while watching."
"Don't you need to get back to the command center?"
"Nah. It's fine," Vector assures.
They work their way through the restructuring step by step. Knuckles helps Vector with the notes and makes adjustments to the blueprints. When they finish tinkering with the bed, Vector pulls out a list of several other items in high demand, and additional designs which he's attempted to lay out. Knuckles helps him complete a simple crib model, which with slight adjustment could also be expanded to create a play pen.
"So many little ones running around." Vector explains. He's hoping to ease the burden on their parents with this design.
Vector enthusiastically almost convinces him to fiddle with another half hatched design, before Knuckles remembers to ask about the time. He's shocked that nearly two hours have passed.
He stops, and joins Vector who is sorting his notes at the table. "Ok, you got me. I suppose I was… I probably needed this." He smiles bashfully, "Thank you."
"No worries man."
"Seriously though, we've been down here a long time. I must be keeping you from something important. Shouldn't we head back?"
"Nah, we're good here."
"I see… So then, is this the part where you try to convince me that this command thing is a good idea?" He feels the first tendrils of anxiety begin to creep back aggressively, through the calm that had settled him.
"Nope. Don't have to. I know you'll work it out."
Knuckles raises brow suspiciously, unconvinced.
Vector dramatically rolls his eyes at that. "Look. All I'll say is this—give it some time. You can stay here all day if you like. Or go grab some lunch, or whatever you want. You're not on anyone's schedule right now, so…"
"Vector, I've already given this more time than…"
"More than what?" Vector cuts him off quickly. "More than it deserves? More time than it's worth?"
"MORE TIME THAN I KNOW TAILS HAS!" Knuckles barks back. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I was about leave. I would have been gone if Silver hadn't sprung this on me!"
"Ok. Is that supposed to shock me?" Vector replies almost lazily.
"Well I don't know! You seem so damn sure I'm staying Vector! I'm not going to sit down here and dabble all day while everyone else is worked to death or fighting!"
Vector grunts a frustrated sort of huff, and mumbles,"And they say I'm the stubborn one," rolling his eyes again. "This—" he says, gesturing to the project pieces scattered around the room, "—is important too Knuckles. That aside, you're not really hearing me. Listen," he pleads with a sigh. "I can't—won't, tell you what to chose. You have all my trust anyway, but I also won't walk away without trying to settle you."
Knuckles stares back, unsure of Vector's intention. He feels unsettled, maybe only because Vector has implied it. He wants to argue back his point about leaving—but Vector isn't even challenging that. He wants to storm out anyway, and not look back, because Vector is tap-tapping away at his fragile veneer of resolve.
"Knux… man, you think we don't know that what you just walked away from was horrible? That it cost ya somethin?" He levels Knuckles with a knowing stare. "I know."
Knuckles can't seem to tear his eyes way from the crocodile.
"I know that gem is… is like a part'a you. And I know that you never give yourself time to slow down, or heal. Don't even try to deny it. The way you're walkin' around—you're an open wound Knuckles. You walked away from somethin' terrible, into somethin' shitty, and the whole world is fallin' apart around us—and whatever decision you make now… that road'll only get harder."
The ache at the back of his throat has blossomed again, his eyes glassy, and Knuckles has to take a few steps back and turn else he'll surely fall apart on the spot. Vector allows him just a moment, before he's there with a comforting hand at his shoulder. It's does nothing for his composure, but is a welcome comfort.
"All I'm asking is…"
In the long pause that follows Knuckles looks over his shoulder meeting Vector's eyes again. The croc seems caught in question, unsure wether to voice his request. When he catches Knuckles glancing up he smiles lopsidedly.
"Heh… Sorry. Man you have no idea what a relief it was to see you show up here the other night. Look—maybe I'm asking to much here, but you mean too much to me not to at least try—just… please wait till tomorrow? If you go, I'll get you anything you need or want. I promise. Twenty four hours—that's what I'm asking. I've got Charmy working a possible lead. Rouge will be back tonight, and… for chaos sake Knuckles I can't watch you walk out… falling apart like this," the croc presses. "If Rouge is the one you need to talk to, talk to her. Please do. I'll respect whatever you decision you make in the end. The others… they will too, but you at least owe yourself this much. Twenty four hours to rest. To level out—level your head to make a decision."
Knuckles, fully facing Vector again takes a long time to lets those words sink in. It's been ages since anyone—'Sonic…' implored him with such a sincere or heartfelt request. It's not something he can tune out or ignore, even though it's difficult to hear. He trusts his friends.
"Okay." The word slips out breathy, quiet, like he's not sure if he really means it or not.
Vector pulls him instantly into a full hug, and Knuckles doesn't fight it—perhaps even melts into it just a bit.
They don't talk much after that, content to simply be for a while. Vector allows him some space. He takes to reading back over the project notes, and occasionally asks for a bit more detail. After a half hour or so, Vector finally does concede that there are a few things he should check up on. He convinces and assures that the wood-shop will remain a quiet haven to Knuckles for as long as he wishes to stay, and leaves only after making sure Knuckles is comfortable, content and every other manner of okay. With a promise to send someone along with some food before long, Vector finally leaves, and Knuckles is left alone with his thoughts for a while.
Someone, turns out to be Espio, carting two hot lunch trays and a big smile about forty minutes later. Espio finds Knuckles laying down in the bottom bunk of the newly completed bed frame model, and motions with a tip of his head and a smirk.
"Scoot."
"Hey Esp."
"Hey you. You hungry? Cause I'm starving. I skipped breakfast again with all the nonsense going round this morning."
"Uh, yeah, actually. I didn't make it to breakfast either."
"Good— well to bad for me cause I'm ready to vanish everything on these trays into my stomach. You're lucky they made it down here untouched. Let's eat. Espio hands him a tray and then plops down beside him.
The main course is a sandwich—grilled cheese, a bit of winter squash, also some reduced greens and zolta fruit, likely both from the local jungle. Espio's tray is similarly assorted, though his appears to have a different sandwich.
"Thanks Esp. This looks good."
"It is usually. We have some pretty decent cooks. Anyway, no thanks necessary. After you stood me up yesterday for our lunch date, I figured I'd just crash your solo party down here instead.
"Oh… crap! I totally forgot we said…"
"Dude, I'm just messing with you. We're good Knux.''
"Uh, ok. Sorry." He stares down at the tray, still feeling a bit off kilter. It looks and smells good, but there is a nagging feeling in his stomach he can't quite contain. It blurs the lines of hunger and stress, becoming something altogether more disagreeable. He takes a long deep breath, and lets it out slowly in the hope it might ease the pang.
Half way through a third or fourth trial breath a hand takes his and squeezes. Espio's grip is firm—it draws Knuckles' eyes down to the slight tremor in his own hand.
"Hey," Espio urges gently. "This is just lunch. Eat. It'll help. Don't worry about the rest of anything for now, 'kay?"
Knuckles' breath seeps out hitched and shaky, but he nods, and then reaches for his sandwich and takes a bite.
They eat in comfortable silence for a while, until Espio eases into light conversation.
He shares how Vector has been enthusiastically planning for and assembling the wood-shop, but has struggled to get a larger operation going, due to their intense schedule.
He shares a bit about the stealth ops he's been running, and the challenges of training civilians, and how his teams and missions differ from Rouge's division.
Knuckles does his best to engage and ask questions. If he's honest with himself, the distraction really helps.
When they've finish eating, Espio looks down at his tray and asks "You remember that time Charmy tired to cook us all breakfast when you first visited our place?"
"Heh. Yeah… all the eggs half raw, bread burnt to a crisp. Is he still banned from the kitchen?"
"Nah. Though sometimes I question that." Espio remarks playfully.
"At least we had plenty of fruit."
"Right? It be a sad day if you could mess up fruit."
"Oh, but you'd be surprised. There was this one time Soni… he… really… mucked up breakfast…" A sigh escapes him, and he drags his hands down his face. "Chaos. Esp I… I'm a mess."
Espio looks over at him and then away. "Honestly Knux, I'd be more worried if you were fine, or just pretending to be." His eye drop to the floor, and he states more than asks, "you're going to go after Tails?"
"Yes," Knuckles snaps back immediately, but then falters, "maybe—I don't know. I haven't…" After a moment he decides, "I should be the one to do it…"
"Maybe. I think… that's a sentiment we're going to see tagged on you a lot Knux."
"That I should get Tails?"
"No. That you're the man for the job. Every job. Any job. You're a lot of things to a lot of people."
"A lot of people? You mean the… the six people who know me here?"
"It's more than that Knux. But sure, if that's how you see it. To the six of us, here and now, you're the one."
Espio emphasizes his comment by pointing a finger right at the crest on Knuckles chest. "Ask us what exactly that means though—you'll get six different answers."
"But I don't know if I can… be this thing you all are asking of me…"
Espio doesn't reply right away, allowing those words to linger. Knuckles can't help but wonder if it's a sign of disappointment.
"I don't think you have to become anything," he says suddenly.
Espio glances down at a tick from his watch, then looks up at Knuckles with an apologetic smile "I'm sorry. I'm running short on time. Look… I'm not sure how much Vector told you, but Charmy is following up on a lead on Tails' location. No confirmation yet, but I think the kid is on to something. He's easily the most familiar with Tails' tech. He's on a transport headed to one of our outposts to scan for known energy signatures and channels that Tails tends to operate from. Charmy already had one ping west of Sunset Heights where we last tracked Tails to, but our local scanners are too weak to pick up anything so nuanced that far away. A few hours and we should have an update."
"That's… good. Thank you. Vector mentioned something about it, but I didn't know the details. That's much better than… Thank you. Thanks."
The news leaves Knuckles feeling lighter than he has all day. His relief is greater than expected. There might be a trail to follow. Perhaps Tails even left one for them intentionally.
"Of course," Espio says. "As soon as I hear more I'll let you know." He stands and extends an arm offering to take Knuckle's empty tray. Knuckles hands it over.
"Are you heading back to the command center?" Knuckles asks.
"Yeah after I drop theses trays off. You wanna come with?"
He considers, but decides, "no, I better not. Not yet, but… I'm not sure I know my way out of here either."
"Oh, okay no worries. You got your comm?"
"Uh, no…"
"Well here, take mine. I'll just grab another on my way up. You need anything, ping me or Vector on line four. Everyone else is sort of in the thick of it right now."
Knuckles can't help but feel a swell of guilt at hearing that, and it must show on his face.
"Don't do that man, It's fine."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Thanks Espio. Really."
"Yup. Line four if you need anything 'kay?"
"Got it."
After Espio leaves Knuckles takes a some time just to collect himself. He reflects back on each encounter of the morning—Silver, Vector and Espio—and tries to make sense of the collective mayhem.
Vector's words in particular stick with him. He's been carrying around an enormous weight of guilt.
It's been like navigating a whirlpool that draws strength from the misfortunes which befall him—when he didn't come sooner for Tails, when he committed the forbidden rites, when… he wasn't there at Sonic's side. He's been drowning in its wild current, but Vector's words seem to have pulled him out—as if to grant permission to stop, to accept these failings, and to grieve them. He can pause finally, and catch his breath now, while they shield him. He must ready himself for the next wave.
He thinks back to when Silver asked him the question, and wonders for the first time if he could accept command. He questions if he must.
With a clearer head, he can freely admit that he is afraid—afraid of all that has happened, and that yet to come. But the day won't be lost by him alone. He isn't alone.
'But Tails is.'
The whisper is like knife to his resolve.
'Sonic was.'
He spins this conflict round and round again until he's tugging at his spines in frustration. Each time he thinks he's found his resolve a smidgen of doubt is there waiting for him. He'll choose wrong, it says. He'll ruin it, like he ruins all things…
He begins to meddle with the lumber and vines after a while. He takes stock of the supplies, and decides that he felt much better while he was being productive. At least, if he's goin to stay until tomorrow, he can do something that will help someone. Finds Vector's note at the desk, and flips through the designs. He settles on the cribs. Between the available supplies, and a limited time frame, he figures he'll be able to knock out more of those.
It remains quiet while he works, and though the big questions still loom on his mind, they have quieted behind the calm thrum of thoughts that accompany building with his hands.
In a number of hours he manages to complete eight of the baby beds, and sides for another. He's run out of enough vine to continue. He wanders back and plops down into the bottom bunk, for a break. He'd rather not leave one unfinished, and wonders if he could just grab what he needs from he jungle. There are security risks to consider. He ponders them for a minute before deciding it would be easier just to ask.
He retrieves the comm from where he tossed it on the desk, and toggles the channel button to four.
"Uh, hey Espio… you there?"
At first there is static on the line, then, "Nope. Sorry to disappoint you again. It's just me. What's up?"
"Vector. Hey. Uh… Is there an exit out into the jungle that I can use access without causing trouble?"
He get's a couple more seconds of static, then, "…you're not bailing on me are you?"
"What? No. I gave you my word."
"We'll actually you just said okay, but—"
"It's not that. I'd like to grab some more vine to finish some… work."
"Oh, hey now. Okay," Vector says with a hint of cheer. "Uh… closest exit to you is same wing, Alpha deck, uh… northeast corridor. I'll call ahead, make sure you don't get any trouble.
"Got it… I think. Thanks."
As evening draws near, Knuckles decides to make his way back to his quarters. He has completed three additional cribs, and has come to no ultimate decision. He can breath easier, but feels the creeping of the clock as the hours dwindle away.
Out in the jungle he'd lingered a long time, high up in the treetops. He felt light and free there, and had almost been able to put the anxieties out of his mind.
Now it is time to face reality. He's in the dormitory wing, almost back to his hallway, when his comm beeps. He stops and reaches for the button.
"Knuckles here."
"Knuckles, hold up a minute. I'm almost on your location. I need to talk to you."
It's Espio.
"Alright." Knuckles waits just over a minute, then the chameleon appears from around a corner. He feels a buzz of anticipation as Espio approaches, on the assumption that it will be news about Tails.
"You heading back to quarters?" Espio asks. "I'll walk with you."
"Okay. Do you have an update?"
"Yeah. Let's get inside first."
They walk back in silence. Once inside, Knuckles settles perched against the bed frame. Espio takes the desk. He place down a tablet, on it surface, then levels a frown at Knuckles.
"It's not what we were hoping for Knuckles. Charmy didn't pick up anything else. He's been scanning all day."
Nothing. All this time waiting, and he has nothing more to go no. One fist clenches at his side.
Espio picks up the tablet, taps the screen a few times as he moves closer to Knuckles, then hands it over. It shows a map display, with a side bar listing several data points. He recognizes their base location right away, and then makes the jump to Sunset Heights. There is a highlighted point shown a short distance away.
"This was the last ping?"
"Yes. It was approximately six kilometers away.
Knuckles nods taking note. "How far do Charmy's scans extend from that location?"
"Twenty five kilometers."
"So, he's either not there or—"
"Or he's not running any tech. This isn't definitively bad."
"I suppose…"
"We're just getting started Knuckles. So here's the deal. Charmy is going to stay through tomorrow, and will run continuous scans. If you do choose to go out there, he'll rendezvous with you, and set you up with a tracker that would allow you to monitor these channels on the go. You'd be able to track them without limit. There is a transport vessel that is scheduled to head out for Sunset Heights at 6am tomorrow. We've also prepared you a month long ration of supplies."
That is unexpected news to Knuckles. He hadn't even imagined the possibility of such technology to aid his search. And to discover they've prepared all he might need to make the journey—he is surprised, but realizes he really shouldn't be. The Chaotix have always operated above exceptional. They have carried him through this day, and he can hardly contain the swell gratitude he feels, to count them as friends.
"That's… amazing. Thank you Espio."
"I'm sorry we don't have something more. Have you… made a decision?
Knuckles sighs and shakes his head.
Espio pats his shoulder. "It's alright. We still have some time."
As if the counter this statement, Espio's comm beeps, and he rolls his eyes, before answering. "Espio here." He listens, then sighs. "Yeah, I'll be right there." He looks over at Knuckles and says, "I'm sorry man. I've gotta…"
"It's fine. Go."
Knuckles offers an encouraging smile to which Espio gives a curt nod, and then he rushes out the door.
Knuckles takes a seat on the bed, and ponders over this new development.
He's been alone in his room all of five minutes, when he is interrupted again.
There is a beep at the door, then it slides open before he has a chance to react.
Rouge walks in. She seems aggravated.
"Rouge, what are you… uh, hi. You're back."
"Are you staying or going?"
"What?"
"Are you staying or going? It's not a hard question."
"…It's not exactly a simple one either. I don't know wha—"
"Yes you do."
"No I…" He drops off realizing she's intentionally trying to push his buttons. She want him to talk, and she'll force the issue if necessary. "Rouge… don't mess with me right now. Please. I…" Everything he wanted to ask he in the morning starts flooding back. Why in the world… How did this even come up… asking me to lead? You can't think this is a good idea."
"You think it's a bad idea?"
"Yes."
She sighs despite a smile. "I'm not going to lie hun. You're the… unlikely choice—but despite that, you're actually quite good at it."
"Rouge I haven't done anything! I… I blew my top because Tails is missing and somehow everyone thinks that'll make me a good leader?" He looks at Rouge genuinely confused and frustrated, pleading for an explanation.
"Oh Knux... You're selling yourself short don'ch'ya think? Come on, the way you came in and settled that nonsense between Vector and Silver yesterday already had a few heads turning. But then last night—I haven't seen you that angry in a long time. Was it a little extreme? Maybe. It was the way you did it though, that made an impression. You were direct, focused, throwing about orders. Angry? Yes, but justifiably so. You dressed everyone down, but didn't once sink to insults. I saw the exact moment you realized you were losing control, and you brought it back.Talk about moral high ground." she ends with a wink.
"Rouge! Please."
"What? You think I'm joking? Let me quote you." Then in a mock deep voice she says, "Perspective is fighting a war without giving up what's important. We need to hold on to what we still have—it was most inspiring. Really."
"But there must be someone else better suited to command."
"Like who Knuckles?"
"Well Silver seemed to be doing an alright job."
"Ok sure… Silver has done a lot to keep us organized, but for all his prophetic future knowledge, he's still out of touch with our time in some ways. Maybe he has other reasons too. I'm not sure. The prospect has been broached, but he's very hesitant to own the role. Beyond that, he's our only advanced chaos manipulator, we need him available in the field as a last line defense."
"Well how about you Rouge? All your G.U.N. experience… You must understand command structure and needs. Why aren't you leading? You're probably in a better position than any of us!"
She smiles at him again, and it is infuriating.
"I appreciate your confidence, but leadership is more than knowing command structure. I am a spy. I have my role to play."
"Okay, well, what about Vector? He actually has leadership experience."
"He does. And?"
"And!? And it's more than I have…" He leads off frustrated.
"Vector outright refused. He's been arguing for weeks that you would come, and that no one else would get his support as independent leader unless you told him otherwise."
And that in itself is a shock. He has no idea what to say.
"Hun, let me stop you before you run down a list of everyone we know. Why are you even fighting this?"
Knuckles meets her eyes, and struggles to find the words. Several answers surface, but some how each one seems an inadequate defense. In the end, he settles on, "I was going to go search for Tails."
"Okay." It is spoken with more care than before. "That's understandable. I honestly thought you might have gone last night when we couldn't find you."
He frowns pitifully, "I… didn't know where to search."
"Look, we screwed up not keeping a better eye on Tails. We ALL realize that. I know how important it is to you that we find him…You probably don't want to hear this Knuckles, but Tails is more than capable. He'll be alright out there. I think you know that."
She is right. He wants to yell at her for saying it, but it's a relief too, to hear it from somewhere other than the unreliable voice in his head.
"Knuckles…" She moves a few steps closer. "Can you stay? Can trust us to make it right? It feels urgent I know, but given some time and resources, we will find Tails."
He settles on, "maybe…" because he's not ready to promise anything.
She accepts that with a nod. "Now what about all those reasons you didn't admit to out loud? What are you afraid of?"
Moments pass by, but he is unable to voice his fears.
"I know you don't see it yet, but you are meant for this."
"You're right Rouge. I don't see it at all." He snaps. "How? Again, I haven't done anything."
Rouge sighs. She seems a little frustrated with him, but proceeds gently anyway. "No… Knuckles. Not how. It's who. WHO. YOU. ARE. Of those of us left standing… you've been a player in this awful game against Eggman the longest. You know the cost better than the rest of us, and we trust you… more than you'll probably ever let yourself believe. So trust us. Sonic's absence has left a huge void." She continues. "You least of all need to be told that, I'm sure, but I'm not certain you recognize how much you ease that void for the rest of us."
With each word she speaks, he is loosing ground to argue. She knows him too well—knows he won't walk away from this. He makes a feeble attempt nonetheless.
"Someone else would do it better. Silver, or Shadow even, and Tails… they are all more like Sonic."
"No they aren't… Or, fine. Maybe they are, but not in the ways that matter here."
"Okay but… my presence might make a difference to you, but what about this whole resistance army who has no clue who I am!?"
"Some of them do know you Knuckles—it's not just us. And the rest of them want to know you. We got so many questions after your little firestorm."
"Firestorm?"
"Call it what ever you like. The room was in awe of you last night. You certainly scared a few people into submission, but the rest just wanted to know who you were, and if you were staying. It was a performance to behold. You shook them to the core."
He frowns at her. "You say that like it's a good thing."
"Everything in the world is terrible right now!" She throws her arms up loosing patience. "Everything out there is terrifying and awful, so maybe it's reassuring to think that there is a leader scary enough too, to meet those terrors head on. You should probably just embrace it. This place is swirling with rumors now about who, and what you are—and who you are to Sonic. Maybe that's a good thing."
"Okay well thanks Rouge for that barely veiled insult." With a scoff he adds, "Sonic didn't require fear to lead."
"Knuckles, you don't have to be Sonic," she shouts, arms flailing again in frustration. "And for the record, I rather think you are actually far better suited to this than Sonic would be."
He frowns in doubt, and raises an eyebrow because that is pure nonsense.
"I'm not kidding Knuckles. Yes, Sonic is a leader. He leads through action, and heroics, and surely if he were here he would be the front runner in this war, leading the charge in his own unique way. But Sonic's brand of leadership doesn't spare much thought for what an army of resistance forces is meant to do. It doesn't account for logistics, and refugees, and… To him it would be an afterthought, I think. Something that just happens while he's out there taking down the biggest gun. I know this isn't something you've done before, but I know you can do it. For every bit that our Sonic is chaotic, and… and free, you MATCH him in discipline. In endurance. We need that. Desperately. Your whole life you have been bound to a purpose…"
She breaks off then, seemingly unsure of her next words, but Knuckles has a feeling he knows what is coming. He steels his defense, but knows by virtue of Vectors words before, he is about to lose this fight.
When Rouge speaks, she's dialed it back—the epitome of gentle. "I… I don't know what it is you've done to protect the Master Emerald… I can see it has left you hollow." She tilts her head watching him tenderly—knowingly. "Let this be your purpose now, so that when the time is right, you can restore that part of you."
The place at the back of his throat, feels painfully tight. He wonders as he's done often before, how Rouge always sees his truth.
Silence lingers for a while. He's not sure if Rouge is waiting for him to speak. He finds he simply can't. Eventually she breaks the silence.
"I'm surprised to hear you refer to Sonic in past tense. Has he really lost your faith Knuckles?"
He looks up, stunned by the question.
"Sorry Gem," she whispers. "I know you're hurting. Don't get lost in it. Chin up. Okay?"
She turns away, probably to leave, but he reaches out for her hand, and pulls her back, into a hug. She seems surprised, but leans into it easily. It's neither short nor long. Just a precious moment between friends, holding together through the storm.
The evening rolls on, and time seems to slow around them.
Knuckles takes Rouge by the hand. They crawl onto the bed, settle into the back corner against the wall, with knees pulled up, and Knuckles lets his head fall to her shoulder. He tells her of the past weeks; the things he saw, the things he feared. They talk about the time before; the months since they've seen each other, and what they miss from those days gone by. She admits her fears about Shadow, why he hasn't come yet. He tells her the last thing he said to Sonic—all snark to Sonic's quips, and how he's glad it was lighthearted. He tells her everything short of his darkest day, and the secret that is his alone to protect. They are lost, and found, and broken but perhaps not irreparably so.
In the end, she simply asks.
"Please stay?"
.
.
.
"…Okay."
They gather in the morning. 5am. Knuckles is nervous, but finally resolute.
Once everyone is seated and Charmy is connected via the sat-link they begin.
All eye's are on him. They are waiting for his answer.
He was planning to ask them all—to give each of them a chance to change their minds, but with a glance around the table, he already knows.
"The offer stands?"
"It does." Silver replies.
"Alright then. I accept. What's the sit-rep?"
TBC