Lost Hedgehog Tales
CHAPTER 7: KNUCKLES' QUEST PART 4
Nocturne, Twilight Cage
Nocturnus forces were storming the streets everywhere. An all out war was going on as Nocturnus warriors battled the echidna forces of Albion and Dark Egg Legion. There was no place to hide as the war was raging on, destroying everything in its way. From above on top of a building, Knuckles the Echidna watched as echidnas battled these fearsome forces. He, along with Mighty the Armadillo, Ray the Flying Squirrel and Thrash the Devil had been captured by the Nocturnus Clan after they were teleported into Nocturne via warp ring. Luckily, they were able to escape but not before they found out that the ruler of the Nocturnus Clan had a plan to kill their enemies. So the four had set out to find everyone and stop the Nocturnus Clan or they would all die. They had jumped building from building to stay out of sight and had finally made it to the battleground. It was a mess with fiery cannons and brawls and there was alot of bloodshed. Knuckles watched with distaste.
"Well, we found the echidnas. Now we gotta find Lien-Da and Remington", he said. Behind him, the other three watched the war with uneasiness. "Uh Knuckles, that's alot of blood right there. I don't feel to good about this", Mighty said as he gulped when a Nocturnus soldier plunged a Leech Blade through an echidna. "Same mate. I've been in rough fights before, but never this rough", Thrash said. Ray looked at the fighting with nervousness. "K-Knuckles, I don't t-think I-I'm ready for t-this" he said. Knuckles pat Ray's back. "Easy there kid, you're stuttering like your crazy cold. Relax, we're here", he said assuring Ray. Mighty looked in the distance. Near the lava fall, there were four figures duking it out. Mighty immediatly recognized Remington and Lien-Da who both appeared to be helping each other fight two other Gizoids, one being blue and the other being red. He tapped Knuckles on the shoulder.
"There they are, I see them! They're fighting these two robots that look like the ones we encountered while we were escaping!". Knuckles then looked where Mighty pointed and saw the same thing. He nodded. "Right, let's go!" he said preparing to jump off, but Thrash halted him. "Wait, what about this mess?" he asked pointing to the other echidnas fighting the soldiers. Knuckles shook his head. "We fight our way through". And with that, the four leapt off the building and onto the ground below, which was currently swarmed with warriors yelling and screaming. Before he hit the ground, Knuckles spun while holding his fist out and swirled into a fiery tornado before crashing down on the ground, sending various Nocturnus soldiers flying. As soon as the others landed, he took off punching his way through every Nocturnus soldier he encountered. Mighty, Ray and Thrash followed, smashing their way through the massive brawl. Knuckles punched a soldier off an echidna and kicked a gizoid before smashing it. He then noticed a number of Nocturnus warriors had seen him and were charging at him. The red echidna grit his teeth. That was alot of them, but he could still take them on. He charged right at them and threw various punches at them, completly throwing them off him. He then charged right into another group before doing the same thing. But he got cocky when a Nocturnus soldier kicked him from behind and Knuckles went stumbling into five more warriors who started to beat the crap out of him. He tried to move, but couldn't since the mob had grabbed his legs. He raised his arms in the air as they grabbed him and pulled him down.
"Raagghh!" Knuckles cried out before he was pulled to the bottom of the pile. Mighty was busting through warriors and gizoids. Quickly, he jumped on a gizoid's back and leapt up before curling into a ball and slamming down sending them flying. Ray and Thrash were also plowing through like Mighty. Thrash was using his strength and sonic scream to his advantage, while Ray took care of the flying soldiers, kicking each of them down. Mighty grabbed a flying Nocturnus warrior before hurling him into three more grenade warriors. A soldier violently slashed the armadillo across the chest with a Leech Blade causing Mighty to stumble backwards right into the arms of a gizoid. The soldier then started repeatedly punching Mighty while the gizoid held a firm grip on him. The armadillo used his strength to break free of the gizoid's grasp before headbutting the soldier and back handing the robot. He then picked up the gizoid and threw it into a cannon, causing it to explode before running up to another cannon, picking it up and hurling it towards more Nocturnus soldiers. Suddenly, at least two dozens of soldiers went flying in every direction. Knuckles had broken free from the dog pile and was now fiercely plowing through any enemy. He spotted Thrash blasting a dozen soldiers away with his sonic scream. Running up to him, Knuckles shouted. "I guess I was wrong about that! It really does help!" Thrash grinned. "Told ya mate!". He then plowed into a group of gizoids, sending them flying everywhere. Knuckles looked around. He had to get to Lien-Da and Remington. Running up to Thrash, he tapped the devil on the shoulder.
"We got to find Lien-Da and Remington! They'll tell us what to do!" Knuckles yelled. Thrash nodded. "You go mate, I'll cover you!" he said. Thrash then blasted a group of winged flyers out of the way. Knuckles then took off towards the lava. Punching his way through, he spotted the two he was looking for and rushed towards them. Lien-Da and Remigton were having a tough time fighting those two gizoids. Since they were different colored, Knuckles assumed they were some top elites or something. The four were locked in a heavy battle, shouting. Knuckles quickly jumped between them and smashed his two fists into the two gizoids, sending them flying back. He then turned around and looked at the two echidnas, whose eyes were wide with shock.
"Knuckles?" Remington asked. "Guardian? What are you doing here?" Lien-Da questioned. Knuckles shook his head. "No time to explain. We need to get out of here fast before these guys kill you!" he exclaimed. "Um, you're clearly mistaken if you think they're going to kill us. We have this", Lien-Da said. "No, I found out that the Nocturnus leader has a plan to wipe out all of us! We need to find the others and get the warp ring back or else we're all doomed!" Remington and Lien-Da looked at each other in shock. "What? If that's the case, then we have to win this war at all costs!" Remington exclaimed. "I agree. I don't want to die here of all places! My people still need someone to lead them after we left the Dark Egg Legion!" Lien-Da said.
"Well in that case, care to fill me in all the details?" Knuckles asked. "Well, we've been fighting these guys ever since the attack on Albion. Their leader is tough. He and his top commander have been outsmarting us, but we've held our ground. And those two", Remington said pointing to the gizoids who had recovered from Knuckles' assault, "they are the elite soldiers of the army. The blue one is Charyb and the red is Scylla. They have powers of water and fire and are really strong. Their not like the other gizoids. We've been fighting them for so long, but they just won't go down", he said. Knuckles looked at Charyb and Scylla. "Is that so? Well then, leave that to me!" he said walking towards them. "Oh no you don't! Leave them to us, rad red!" Knuckles turned around to see Mighty and Ray running towards him. Remington and Lien-Da looked at them in surprise.
"Mighty, Ray you guys are back?" Remington asked. "Yeah, I found my sister. She's all good", Mighty said smiling. "Well that's good because we could really use the help right now!" Lien-Da exclaimed. "Right", Ray said unsure whether to trust the female echidna or not. Knuckles nodded. "Okay, you guys be careful". Mighty smirked. "Trust me Knux, after training with my master, me and Ray are more than a match", he said before running off with Ray to fight Charyb and Scylla. Knuckles turned to the two echidnas. "Where's Julie-Su and Saffron?" he asked. Lien-Da pointed to the building with the echidna on it. "They both ran to Ix's headquarters". Knuckles nodded. "Alright then", he said. "Wait!" Remington said. "What about us?" he asked. Knuckles pointed to the battlefield. "Go help our people, you two. They need you guys", he said before running off. Remington and Lien-Da looked at each other and nodded before dashing into the war. Mighty and Ray looked at Charyb and Scylla, who were now in a stare down.
"You fools think you can beat us?" Charyb asked. Mighty shook his head. "Not really. We know we can beat you!" he exclaimed cracking his knuckles. Ray nodded. "Yeah! So b-back down!" Scylla burst out laughing. "Oooh! Look at that! The kid is so confident they can win that he can't even speak correctly!" he said. Ray seethed. He had it with people making fun of him like that. "Hey, leave him alone you wuss!" Mighty said. "No it's o-okay Mighty! Let him talk, because karma's g-gonna hit him way faster than h-he thinks!" Ray said balling his fists. "How amusing", Charyb said readying his energy blade. "Let's settle this and then we'll see who karma hits!" he said charging towards Mighty while Scylla went for Ray. Mighty and Ray charged back screaming their battle cries as they clashed.
Castle Acorn, New Mobotropolis
"Order, order!" Geoffrey yelled pounding a gravel. Everyone stopped and looked at him. Team Fighters had been brought to Castle Acorn when Geoffrey had accused them of treason for not rescuing Sally Acorn. Team Fighters stood in front of the council members. Geoffrey sat in the middle of the long curved table. To his right was Sir Charles Hedgehog, Hamlin Pig, Dylan Porcupine and to his left were Rosemary Prower, Isabella Mongoose and Penelope Platypus. Charles or 'Chuck' as many people liked to call him was, along with Rosemary, overjoyed their kids were back. Chuck was Sonic's uncle and Rosemary was the mother of Tails. Isabella was new to the council and had taken Rotor's place when he resigned. She was also the mother of Mina Mongoose. Dylan, Hamlin and Penelope used to be part of the Substitute Freedom Fighters and were led by their friend Larry Lynx who had dissapeared. The three had become council members than, retired from fighting. Geoffrey himself was the former leader of the Rebel Underground and King Max's Secret Service before he officially turned traitor to the Freedom Fighters and was now working for Ixis Naugus. He looked down at Team Fighters and spoke.
"As you all know, recently Princess Sally Acorn had been roboticized while trying to stop the World Roboticizer. She succeeded, but is now Eggman's mindless servant. She has been causing alot of trouble for us lately and not only that, but Elias Acorn dissapeared shortly after these events", Geoffrey said. Tails frowned when Geoffrey mentioned Elias. "Anyway, we had ordered Team Fighters to go on a mission to the Death Egg and not come back until Sally was saved. However, these blokes come back without her and nearly destroyed the princess!" Geoffrey exclaimed.
"Okay, so?" Hamlin asked. Geoffrey looked at Hamlin. "So?! They disobeyed a direct order from the council and disobeying the council is seen as an act of treason!" Geoffrey exclaimed. "With all due respect sir, Team Fighters did manage to get ahold of what might be Eggman's next plan", Chuck said. Geoffrey shook his head. "That has nothing to do with this! Team Fighters were especially tasked with bringing Sally back with them! They disobeyed the order!" he exclaimed. "And by council, you mean you had given them a direct order. The rest of us didn't push the team that far", Rosemary calmly said. Tails smirked. Leave it to his mom to get Geoffrey right there.
"Erm, she's right you know", Dylan said. "We had said to go and try to save Sally and if things were rough, then they could come back". Geoffrey banged his fist on the table. "They disobeyed the council's order! Now because of them, Eggman will build some more upgrades on Mecha Sally and it may be impossible to save her and stop Eggman!" Geoffrey yelled. "No, since they have Eggman's plans, they can plan and know what to do against him since they know what Eggman is going to do!" Isabella countered. Geoffrey glared at her. "You are not in position to talk to me like that, mogoose! Remember, I'm the king here and you cannot disobey the king!" he spat.
"Technically, you may be the king, but the council also controls some of your laws. You need enough votes to pass on laws and those votes come directly from the council itself! And remember, it's the council that passes on the orders here, not you!" the mongoose retaliated. Sonic and his friends looked at each other. This was certainly not the trial they were expecting. Geoffrey and Isabella continued to argue until Penelope's voice cut over theirs. "Enough! Geoffrey you may be king, but Isabella has a point. You can't command everything here, the council first has to discuss this", she said. Geoffrey's eyes went wide and he sputtered. Isabella smirked. "Thank you Penelope", she said sitting down. Penelope looked at Team Fighters.
"Now then, you want to arrest Team Fighters for disobeying the council's orders, am I correct?" she asked Geoffrey. "Yes", he simply said. Penelope nodded. "Well then, in order to do that we need to take a vote". Geoffrey's eyes went wide. "You can't do that! I'm the king here, and I order the council to put these blokes behind bars!" he exclaimed. "According the New Mobotropolis law, you can't directly order the council to arrest someone without an official vote" Chuck replied. Geoffrey fumed. "Fine!" he shouted. "All in favor of Team Fighters being arrested", he said.
"Yeah", Geoffrey said holding up his hand. Sonic grit his teeth. "Nay", Rosemary said putting her fist down. "Nay", Chuck said doing the same thing. "Nay", Hamlin said. "Nay" Dylan said. He was followed by Penelope and Isabella doing the same. "Nay", they both replied. Geoffrey looked with shock. "And that confirms that Team Fighters will not be arrested due to the council's votes", Rosemary said smiling at Tails. The fox smiled back. Geoffrey slammed both hands on the table and stood up.
"No! You blokes all planned this on me! Wait till I tell Naugus! He will set you all straight!" Geoffrey yelled. Hamlin glared at the skunk. "Well we can't arrest them. Someone needs to defend the kingdom", he said. Geoffrey glared back. "I'm here! With my powers I can crush Eggman and anyone! That's why Naugus took over in the first place!" he yelled. Isabella turned to him. "And what if Eggman attacks here and somewhere else? Team Fighters would be in jail, unable to do anything and with Naugus ill, you can't be multiple places at once!" she countered. Geoffrey opened his mouth to say something, but shut it when he had nothing to say. The mongoose had outsmarted him again. She had Nicole welcomed back in the kingdom after her exile and now she along with the other council members had saved Team Fighters. Isabella smirked.
"Case closed", she said before walking out smiling to Team Fighters. Penelope followed along with the other members, who all congratulated them for getting hold of the manuscripts. Chuck and Rosemary stayed behind and talked with Team Fighters. "You rocked, Uncle Chuck! You sure showed Stinky not to mess with us!" Sonic exclaimed hugging his uncle. Chuck laughed. "I'm not too old to fight, son". Tails hugged Rosemary. "Wow, that was awesome! Geoffrey got destroyed, Mom! You were so cool!" he exclaimed. Rosemary smiled back. "Well, I'm not going to see my son behind bars". Amy sighed.
"Well now that that's over with, lets go rest up and try to figure out what we'll do next" she said. Rotor nodded. "I'll have a look at those manuscripts you guys told me about. Since we're going to Spagonia tommorow, we better know what we're going to do!" the walrus said. Rosie and Dr. Quack sighed. "Well, we'd better get going", Rosie said. "Yes, good luck Team Fighters", Quack said before he walked out with Rosie. Sonic then turned to his uncle. "So, how's Mom and Dad? How's dad doing y'know with his health and everything?" Chuck smiled. "Guess what, after you guys left, Rotor and Nicole built a portable deroboticizer with my help and we were able to deroboticize Jules!" he exclaimed. Sonic' face lit up. "So dad's not a robot anymore?" he asked. Chuck nodded. "You better believe it sonny boy!" he said before Sonic had tackled him into a giant bear hug. Tails and Amy smiled. They were happy to see Sonic's day had finally turned good. Tails turned to his mom.
"How's dad?" he asked. "Oh the usual. Amadeus has been training the soldiers more harder with the events going on and currently he's the Acorn family guard since Antoine isn't here right now", his mom said. Tails smiled. "Well that's good since the king and queen have dad as their guard. I'm proud of him!" he said. Rosemary ruffled her son's hair. "Well, I'll be heading on home now. Amadeus must almost be coming home as well. Once you're done with your work here, then come on home. I'll have a very special dinner cooked for you!" she said. Tails nodded. "Okay, bye mom!" he said. Rosemary walked out waving bye to her son. Chuck turned to Sonic.
"Well, I'll be heading home as well. I'll tell Jules and Bernie that your home and your mother will make your favorite chili dogs as well. Muttski will also be happy to see you!" he said. Sonic grinned. "Aw yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" he said as Chuck walked out waving bye. Rotor then turned to the team. "Well, let's head over to Freedom HQ. Nicole's waiting for us as well as Big." Amy then spoke up. "Wait, I'll try to go convince Vanilla to let Cream come as well. It would be better if Team Rose was there as well!" she said. Sonic nodded. "You go on Ames, we'll meet you at Freedom HQ", he said as Amy nodded and ran off to the Rabbits' house. "Come on, I have so much to show you!" Rotor said as he, Sonic, Tails and T-Pup walked to Freedom HQ.
Nocturne, Twilight Cage
"BBOOOOMMM!" The sounds of cannons and gunshots roared on Nocturne as the war raged on. Thrash the Devil along with Lien-Da and Remington were helping the echidnas fight the Nocturnus Clan. Knuckles was running towards Ix's headquarters to find Julie-Su and Saffron while Mighty and Ray were busy fighting Prefects Charyb and Scylla. The duo was having a tough time dealing with the gizoids. Having the elements of water and fire, Charyb and Scylla were nearly untouchable. Nearly. Mighty was able to land a few good hits on Charyb before the gizoid had activated his water shield and was now blasting Mighty with water shot. Scylla had done the same, except that he was dominating Ray. Charyb may have been stronger than Scylla, but he had the stronger opponent to deal with. Mighty dodged a water shot and kicked Charyb back. The gizoid skidded on his feet before charging at Mighty holding his energy blade.
"Mighty Slash!" he roared before slashing Mighty with his energy blade with water . The armadillo was sent hurtling back and landed on his back. Brushing himself off, he charged back at Charyb only for the gizoid to block and counter Mighty's attack sending the armadillo a good distance away. "Your pathetic!" Charyb spat at Mighty before blasting him with another water shot. Scylle twirled his blade around himself, creating a fire streak around the red gizoid. Ray took a step back. Laughing maniacally, he slammed into Ray and sent the squirrel nearly flying into the lava. Using his ability to fly, Ray ascended away from the lava taking a deep breath. Scylla then threw his blade at Ray who dodged and rocketed towards Scylla. However, Ray was hit in the back with the blade since it had come rocketing back like a boomerang.
"What's wrong kid? Too afraid to say something?" Scylla said as he blasted Ray with a fire shot. Ray glared at Scylla. "Not at all!" he shouted before rushing and uppercutting Scylla. The gizoid just back flipped and let Ray have it in the face with both his feet. The squirrel went tumbling back and Scylla rushed at him. Mighty looked at Scylla and knew Ray was in trouble so he charged and body slammed into Scylla sending the gizoid off his feet. "GYAAH!" Scylla shouted as he went slamming into the ground. Mighty then rushed forward ready to smash Scylla to bits, but Charyb stopped him with another Mighty Slash. He then repeated the Mighty Slash over and over again until Mighty was down on his knees gasping. Charyb then kicked Mighty in the face before blasting him with three water shots. He then turned to Scylla who was tossing Ray around like a ragdoll. Scylla punched and spinkicked Ray to the ground. The squirrel got up ready to fight back but stopped when he saw Charyb advancing towards him. He looked at Mighty, who was beaten to submission by Charyb and immediatly knew this was it for him.
"Your done for kid!" Scylla said. Charyb looked at Ray. "Hmph, and I thought you two were actually going to put up a fight". He then sneered at Ray. "Weren't you saying something about karma hitting us? Well, looks like luck is not on your side", he said. Charyb and Scylla both raised their energy blades ready to slash Ray to death and the squirrel was shivering with fear. Suddenly, Charyb was grabbed from behind and tossed away as Mighty then dropkicked Scylla who was about to smack Mighty with his blade. "Ray now!" Mighty said and Ray took off rocketing towards Scylla. Mighty then turned to Charyb who was charging at him. "You'll pay for that you wretch!" he said as he tried to smack Mighty with a Mighty Slash. The armadillo just dodged and sweeped his legs, taking out Charyb. He then grabbed the gizoid and headbutt him before uppercutting him a good distance.
"Karma is gonna hit you!" Mighty shouted as he charged at Charyb. Scylla and Ray were duking it out fiercely. Ray tried to punch and spinkicked Scylla but the gizoid dodged it and delivered a powerful kick followed by a Mighty Slash. Ray hit the ground hard. Scylla sneered at Ray. "Looks like your not in your game, little boy", he cackled. Ray's anger flared. "I'll show you!" Ray screamed before smashing his leg into Scylla's face. The gizoid went stumbling back as Ray lit onto him, swiping his tail and repeatedly launching punches at Scylla. Scylla tried to attack Ray with his blade, but Ray just dodged it. The gizoid kicked Ray hard in the gut, but the squirrel just got up and delivered a powerful blow to the side of the face. Scylla stumbled and dropped his blade. Ray immediatly grabbed it and kicked Scylla again.
"HOW'S THIS FOR KARMA?!" he shouted before brutally slashing Scylla's body apart. "GAAHH!" Scylla screamed as he was slashed open. Ray then kicked the shredded gizoid down. Scylla had been defeated. Now it was Charyb's turn. Ray looked to see Mighty and Charyb struggling to hit each other as both were dodging and launching attacks. Charyb kicked Mighty and rammed into the armadillo with his shoulder. He then gave Mighty a powerful slash and blasted the armadillo with a charged water shot. Mighty had a deep gashed running down his chest and was bleeding. In fact, Charyb's energy blade had Mighty's blood on it. Charyb laughed. "Looks like your time has run out!" he said preparing to slash Mighty's heart open. But the armadillo took this opportunity to jump up and smash his fist into Charyb's face. The gizoid now had a dent on the side. Charyb tried to shoot Mighty again and slash him, but the armadillo just dodged and gave a powerful kick to Charyb's arm. The gizoid stumbled backwards and Mighty gave the killer punch to Charyb's torso, completly smashing through it.
"ARRGGGHH!" Charyb yelled in pain. Mighty twisted his hand, causing more damage to the gizoid. Charyb dropped his energy blade in pain. Mighty picked it up and got ready to finish off Charyb. "Mighty!" he heard Ray yelled and turned to see the squirrel toss Scylla's energy blade. Mighty caught it and grinned at Ray. He then dual wielded the blades and glared at Charyb. "Actually, it's your time", Mighty smirked. "I-impossib-ble..." Charyb said. Mighty then swiftly slashed Charyb apart. The gizoids ripped body fell down. Mighty then tossed Scylla's blade back to Ray.
"C'mon. let's go help the others", he said. Ray nodded and the two took off in the war, swinging the blades at the Nocturnus warriors.
Ix's Tower, Nocturne
Knuckles hid behind a wall and peeked at the entrance. It was heavily guarded. Can't go through there. Guess I have to find another way. Knuckles looked around trying to find a way in without being spotted. He then looked up. There were a few snipers and soldiers on the roof. He could take them. "Looks like I'm going up", he said before sticking his spikes in the wall and climbing up. He climbed halfway, before jumping off and gliding to a nearby building with a sniper on top. He climbed halfway and stopped. The sniper was looking toward the side. Seizing the opportunity, Knuckles swung forward on the building kicking the sniper in the face immediatly knocking him out. Landing softly, Knuckles hid behind the wall quickly. He peeked and saw another sniper walking his way. Thinking quickly, Knuckles slid forward, making the sniper trip and Knuckles grabbed the sniper before slamming him down. Knuckles held the unconcious sniper and dragged him with the echidna. He climbed another wall before hiding. There was another one, walking around.
"Another one? Damn, these guys are everywhere!" he said. He looked at the sniper who was walking around and then looked down at the unconcious one. He threw the unconcious sniper where the other was. The sniper stopped walking around and looked in surprise. He quickly scanned his surroundings holding up his arm cannon. Then he bent down to check. Just then, Knuckles leapt out of his hiding spot and charged towards the sniper who had heard Knuckles and dropkicked him. The sniper fell down unconcious and Knuckles rushed over and hopped over to another building. There were two snipers now, each patrolling. Knuckles hid behind a turret and sighed.
"How many more?" he hissed. He looked over. They were just walking around and looking in every direction. Knuckles cursed under his breath. "Shit! Looks like I won't be able to take these guys by surprise! Gotta make this quick before any one else sees!" he exclaimed before leaping out of his hiding spot and rushing toward the two snipers who raised their guns and fired. Knuckles dodged their lasers and smashed both fists into the snipers' face. He then punched them both before back handing them at the same time, knocking them out. Quickly, he dove behind a spotlight. Glancing under the spotlight, Knuckles could see the tower. He was just a few buildings away. He checked to see if there were any snipers, but there weren't. Rushing out of his hiding spot, Knuckles jumped to a building before leaping off and gliding to another one. He then glided to the next one and using his spiked fists, he climbed up the side of the building before dusting himself off. Almost there.
"That's far enough, guardian". The voice made Knuckles froze as he recognized that voice. He turned around, but saw no one. "Over here", he heard before turning around again. "Show yourself, Shade!" he shouted. "Well, it seems you haven't forgotten me", she said. Knuckles turned around to see Shade standing behind him. He glared at the other one. "I won't let you kill my kind. I'm the last of it and I'm going to protect them", he said clenching his fists. Shade laughed. "The last of your kind? Really, how naive are you?" she said before pulling off her mask. Knuckles stared in shock. Standing before him was an orange echidna wearing a black headband with purple writing on it. She was wearing her black battlesuit as well.
"Y-your an echidna?" Knuckles asked bewildered. Shade smirked. "We all are. The Nocturnus Clan is the rival echidna clan of the Pachamac Clan. We are the superior race. I'm surprised you didn't know earlier", she mused. Knuckles snarled. "The documents don't say anything about you being echidnas. You guys were just some shadowy group trying to steal the Master Emerald for its power". Shade's smirk didn't fade. "We wanted the emerald to create a utopia for all species. To live in harmony. The Forgotten Wars was just an example of how people like Mammoth Mogul needed to be erased from the world. Pachamac didn't understand and he along with his group imprisoned us in this dimension. However, that has only made us stronger. And now, these echidnas have chosen to fight with us just like Pachamac had, but now we're going to kill them. Lord Ix can do that with the power of the Chaos Emerald". Knuckles' eyes widened. Ix has a Chaos Emerald? Not good, not good at all. I have to get it back. Knuckles then narrowed his eyes down at Shade.
"Step out of the way, Shade. I won't have to hurt you, I hate fighting girls", he said. Shade just snapped her fingers and soon Knuckles found himself surrounded by four other Nocturnus warriors, who had orange hair as well, but wearing masks that covered their face only. "And I hate fighting people who say girls can't do anything. Now I'll make you regret those words. Master Ix will be pleased to see you and now you will die. Attack, Nocturnus Velites!" she exclaimed before all four echidnas started running around Knuckles in a circle. The red echidna looked in confusion.
"Now what is this?" Knuckles muttered. He slowly backed away when he noticed the Velites were closing in. Suddenly he was struck from behind by a Velite. Knuckles stumbled forward only to be hit again. Crouching down, Knuckles thought for a minute. Interesting. Their attack style is very smart. I can't even fight my way out. Gotta think. His mind began racing faster when they closed in more, blades ready. Got it. Knuckles suddenly jumped and smashed his way in the ground below him just as the Velites closed in and smacked into each other. Shade didn't move, but closely listened before jumping away as Knuckles tore through where Shade once stood. He looked to see Shade had evaded his attack.
"Damn you!" Knuckles exclaimed before rushing towards her. Shade blocked Knuckles' punch before countering with her own, sending the guardian flying back. Man, she's strong! Knuckles stood up, only for him to be surrounded again.
"You aren't even a challenge, guardian. I can easily foresee your attacks and you simply do not have a strategy. Just surrender and stop making this hard on yourself. Perhaps Master Ix may even show you mercy out of the respect he has for you", Shade said. Knuckles grit his teeth. "I'll show you how strong I am! And I don't need your master's mercy because I won't let him succeed!" Knuckles shouted before lunging forward. However, a Velite blocked his way and punched him back. The other Velites began to strike Knuckles in every direction. The echidna tried to block their hits, but didn't work. He then managed to land a hit on one of the Velites sending it stumbling. He rolled out the way and grabbed the Velite, before chucking him at the others. He turned around only to be kicked back by Shade who then slashed Knuckles with her blade.
"You stand no chance!" Shade yelled. Knuckles took two Velites and bashed their heads together before tossing them aside. They just got up and rushed at Knuckles again before kicking both his arms. The red echidna went tumbling down as the four Velites kicked him repeatedly. Knuckles grabbed one of them before spinning them in a circle taking out all four. He then got up and rammed both fists into two Velites before punching them repeatedly, knocking them out cold.
"Not bad", Shade said before snapping her fingers again. The two remaining Velites teleported beside her. Knuckles got in a fighting stance, ready to fight back. Shade then pointed her finger at Knuckles before the two Velites teleported beside him and kicked both his arms. They sweeped his legs and grabbed them before tossing Knuckles in the air. Both Velites jumped and kick slammed the echidna down hard. Knuckles just got up and struck on Velite hard on the side before grabbing him and smashing him into his partner. He slammed both fists on one Velite knocking him out and the other threw a Stasis Grenade at Knuckles. The echidna just picked up the unconcious Velite and blocked the grenade before tossing him back to the other. He ran towards the Velite that had fired the grenade and dropkicked him before punching him with the spikes. With all the Velites knocked out, Knuckles turned to Shade only to see her vanished. Looking around he walked slowly, fists held to his face like a boxer. Suddenly he felt a draft of wind and turning around he saw a foot rocketing towards his face. Acting quickly, he blocked it only to be pushed far back.
"Finally decide to not play hide and seek huh?" Knuckles said. Shade smirked. "Don't be foolish. You made a grave mistake in challenging the Procurator. I've never lost a fight before!" she said pulling out her blade. "Yeah, well that's about to change!" he yelled before charging at her. Shade dodged Knuckles' punch and kicked him in the side. She then viciously swung her blade, but Knuckles dodged. He tried to grab Shade's hand, but the female echidna just punched him. She then dropkicked Knuckles before spinkicking him a good distance away. "Pathetic", she spat. "You're too easy to beat. I suggest you change your tactics!". Shade rushed at Knuckles with her blade. Knuckles waited for Shade to approach before swiftly moving to the right and smacking Shade in the face with his fist. Shade flipped and skidded on her feet before turning around and seeing Knuckles charging at her. She ducked and sweeped her legs, but Knuckles did the same and both ended up falling. Scrambling to her feet, Shade managed to dodge Knuckles only to be dropkicked. She sweeped her legs again, but Knuckles jumped. Before Knuckles could do anything, Shade rolled over and uppercut Knuckles before rushing at him with her blade.
"Blade Rush!" Shade shouted before feinting left and slashing right. Knuckles cried out as the pain hit him, but Shade didn't stop there. She continued to strike Knuckles from multiple directions and soon she jumped up and gave Knuckles a downward slash that sent the echidna flying away. Knuckles grudgingly got up before smashing the ground with his fist and picking up a chunk of the floor. He hurled it at Shade who just slashed it away. She failed to notice Knuckles sliding under and uppercutting her. Shade rolled up and kicked Knuckles in the head before leaping up and tossing a regular grenade down and prepared to slam the blade down.
"Blade Drop!" she cried as a massive shockwave sent Knuckles off his feet. Shade kicked his face before pinning him down. "You cannot win. Just... stop hurting yourself", she said. Knuckles glared at her. "Never!" he yelled before grabbing her foot and throwing her away. Standing up, Knuckles and Shade stared each other down. Both were not going down without a fight. Shade readied her blade before charging at Knuckles. Knuckles just sharpened his spikes before charging back. Both held their arm back, ready to give the finishing blow.
"Blade Rush!" Shade yelled. "Sharp Knuckle!" Knuckles yelled as both attacks collided, with Knuckles overpowering Shade. Shade was sent hurling back, before skidding to a stop. She tried to get up, but Knuckles held his spiked fist at her throat. "Stop. You lost already. My Sharp Knuckle can tear through anything, and that's why I didn't do this earlier. You left me no choice though". Shade glumly looked down. "You are powerful, Knuckles. Never have I ever lost a fight before, so I must thank you for this opportunity", she said. Knuckles looked with pity. Shade did look defeated. He just didn't know what to do now. "Tell me, did you know someone named Tikal before?" Knuckles asked. He had been thinking about this for a while. Shade looked up in surprise. "Tikal, my friend. Yes she was the one who was the light in my day. We were best friends even though her dad didn't like it. When I had heard how Chaos had wiped out the whole clan, I was heartbroken and had no where to go. So I decided to join Master Ix. He isn't evil, Knuckles. All he wants is for us to live in harmony and for that he just plans to move Nocturne to your world", she said. Knuckles' eyes widened. All they want to do is move into our world? Were these guys even evil or was it my clan that was selfish? Knuckles shook his head.
"He still wants to kill my friends and for that, I must stop him. I won't kill him or anything. I just want the warp ring back home. Can you tell me how to get into Ix's main room without being detected?" he asked. Shade looked at him for a minute, before pointing at a little balcony. "Through there, you can get on the roof, which is made of glass. Ix's main room is on the very top and there is not much security up top", she said. Knuckles nodded. "Thank you", he said before leaping off and gliding towards the balcony. The moment he left, Shade took out a speaker and spoke into it.
"Lord Ix, the echidna is on his way to your room. He will enter from the balcony". On the other end, a loud voice boomed. "Let him come. I look forward to meeting him", Ix said. Shade nodded. "Yes sir", she said before shutting off the speaker and leaping off the building on the ground. The guards aimed their weapons at her, but put them down once they knew who it was. "Don't let anyone inside", she ordered. The guards nodded as their commander walked inside.
"Damn these guards!" Knuckles exclaimed as he fought off the last one. He had taken them out fast when he landed. Knuckles made his way up the roof. Looking in the glass, he could make out a figure in a purple robe. Ix! Knuckles took a deep breath before smashing his fist against the window, breaking it completly. Jumping inside, Knuckles landed on the floor and looked at the other one in the room. "Ix!" he shouted. Ix just smiled.
"Imperator Ix, guardian", Ix boomed. Knuckles glared at the echidna. "So, you're this Ix guy everyone's been talking about", he said, readying his spikes. Ix laughed. "Yes, I am the leader of the Nocturnus Clan. I also know what you are here for, guardian". Knuckles took a step closer. "So you know that I will not let you kill my friends, right?" Ix held his staff firmly. "Correct". Knuckles snarled. "Well, not gonna happen!" Knuckles shouted before charging at Ix. The imperator just created a barrier around himself and Knuckles bounced off.
"Fool, if death is what you seek then I shall gladly give it to you!" Ix boomed before charging up his staff and firing a green energy from it. Knuckles dodged it and charged at Ix again, only to bounce off the barrier. "What is that thing made of?" Knuckles shouted. "Pure Chaos energy, which cannot be destroyed", Ix said as he fired another laser. Knuckles then picked up a chunk of the floor and tossed it at Ix but it just exploded when it hit the barrier. Ix laughed at he fired another shot, this one hitting Knuckles and momentarily stunning the guardian.
"You simply cannot win, Knuckles", Ix said before flying towards Knuckles and smacking him with the staff, sending the echidna flying. "For centuries we have been imprisoned in this dimension and we seek retribution", he boomed before firing three shots that all hit Knuckles. Knuckles struggled to his feet and charged at Ix.
"Quake Punch!" Knuckles exclaimed as he jumped and smashed his fist on the ground creating a massive quake. However due to his levitation, Ix was unaffected by the attack and smacked Knuckles with his staff before firing a charged shot at Knuckles. He cried out in pain as the shot hit him, burning his skin and sending him flying back even more before he crashed into a wall. Ix just looked at Knuckles and shook his head.
"Pathetic, just pathetic", he said. "You are nothing more than a mere fool who acts without thinking and believe you will win". Knuckles' anger flared and he roared in fury before charging at Ix. "KNUCKLES SLAM!" he shouted as he smashed both fists on the ground and created a shock wave that could give anyone a migraine. He was surrounded in a glowing red aura and seemed to be sprouting fire as he ran towards Ix. The imperator just held out his staff and the barrier turned into swirling energy. Knuckles' attack collided with Ix and created an explosion. Knuckles was sent flying back as Ix stood, not even fazed by the attack. He flew over to Knuckles before surrounding the guardian with green energy, immobilizing him. Knuckles was now on his knees as Ix aimed the staff at him.
"You are such a fool. Did you really expect I wouldn't know where you would come from and why?" Ix sneered. Knuckles just glared back not doing anything considering how battered and beaten he was. "I have eyes everywhere, Knuckles. You cannot hide from me", Ix said as Shade appeared behind the imperator smirking. Knuckles' eyes went wide as he suddenly felt betrayed.
"Why?" he whispered. Shade snorted. "Because, you are in our way. Like I said, the Nocturnus will do anything to accomplish their goals. Too bad your friends didn't believe that" she said. Knuckles snarled at her. "What did you do to Julie-Su and Saffron?" he asked. Ix chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. They are currently resting up as we speak", he said before pointing to his friends who were both breathing hard and on the floor, more beaten than Knuckles. Knuckles gasped.
"Julie-Su, Saffron!", he shouted trying to break free, but couldn't. Julie-Su opened her eyes and smiled at him. "K-Knuckles... it really is y-you", she said. She had multiple cuts and bruises along with blood on her. The same with Saffron, who was currently unconcious. Knuckles screamed in anger. "YOU BASTARD! I WILL KILL YOU!" he shouted. Ix just electrocuted Knuckles who screamed in pain. "Silence, your death has come now. Say goodbye guardian", he said preparing to behead Knuckles. Shade looked with uneasiness.
"Oh no, red ain't going down today!" a voice yelled from the door. Ix and Shade turned around, shocked to find Mighty, Ray, Thrash, Lien-Da, Remington, and the Brotherhood of Guardians: Thunderhawk, Sabre, Spectre and Sojourner. "What are you doing here?" Ix boomed. "We came here after the explosion to help Knuckles!" Thunderhawk shouted. Mighty smirked. "Your done for, Ix-xy", he said. Thrash pounded his fists. "Finally, an echidna that I actually can vent my anger out on". Ix roared in frustration before aiming the staff at them, letting Knuckles go who collapsed in exhaustion.
"I WON'T LET YOU RUIN MY PLANS! I WILL KILL YOU ALL! YOU WON'T GET IN MY WAY OF MY TAKEOVER OF MOBIUS!" he roared. Shade was shocked. "Taking over Mobius? But master, our plan was to simply move Nocturne into Mobius and live peacefully!" she said. "Yes, to live peacefully by taking it over!" Ix said. "Yeah, um not gonna happen!" Lien-Da retorted. And with that, they all charged at Ix who charged back, violently swinging his staff. The Brotherhood helped Julie-Su, Saffron and Knuckles. Shade stayed behind, still rendering the words Ix said to her. Taking over Mobius? That's not what we planned at all! she thought.
"Are you okay, Knuckles?" Spectre asked. Knuckles nodded. "Just beat up, but fine. And you guys..." he trailed off. Sabre nodded. "We are okay. We don't age in this dimension. Finitevus had forgotten about that before he imprisoned us here". Sojourner then spoke up. "By the way, we heard about Locke. Sorry for your loss", he said. Knuckles nodded.
"RRAAAGGGHHH!" Ix boomed. He blasted everyone with a Chaos Blast, sending them flying. "YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR ME, INFERIOR MOBIANS!" he said. "Urggh, somebody shut this guy up. I hate his voice", Mighty said rubbing his throbbing head. "He's too strong! We can't even land a hit on him!" Remington exclaimed before he was blasted into a wall. The tower shook with force as the battle raged on. Thrash blasted Ix with a sonic scream, but the imperator stayed his ground before smacking Thrash away. Lien-Da roundhouse kicked Ix before shooting him with her gun. It did nothing however, and Lien-Da was sent flying into a wall. Mighty and Ray charged at Ix, doing their tag team attack with Ray grabbing Mighty and flying him into Ix kicking the imperator before the squirrel let go and spun into a stomp on Ix. Ix just blasted Ray with a laser before doing the same with Mighty who dodged right into Ix's staff. Both members of the Chaotix were sent into a wall. Thrash and Remigton charged at Ix again. Remington flipped forward kicking Ix and Thrash blasted the imperator with a sonic scream at full power. Everyone except Ix covered their ears. Mighty who was going to charge back at Ix stumbled holding his ears due to the sound Thrash was making. The devil eventually tired out and Ix blasted everyone with multiple lasers, knocking them back.
"Looks like you lost!" Ix boomed. Everyone struggled to get up, but couldn't due to Ix's power. "Not so fast!" Shade yelled. She grabbed the Chaos Emerald before shouting to Knuckles. "Knuckles, catch!" she yelled before chucking the emerald at the echidna who caught it. Ix glared at Shade. "So you've decided to become traitor to the Nocturnus Clan I see? For that, you must pay with your life!" he said. Shade glared back. "I'd rather die then follow your twisted plans, Ix!" she said rushing at him. Ix just laughed and blasted Shade away before pinning her to a wall.
"So be it" he said ready to kill his Procurator. "Hold it!" Ix was suddenly blasted off Shade and was sent hurtling to the wall, but he managed to halt himself. He then looked at Knuckles who was floating in the air, glowing in a red aura. He was shining bright due to the emerald, whose power he had absorbed. "This time your done for Ix!" Knuckles shouted before flying towards Ix. The imperator just smiled before flying back. The two collided with each other in their fiery auras and started attacking each other.
"Knuckles Slam!" Knuckles yelled as he smashed his fist into Ix, creating a large shock wave that gave Ix a throbbing headache. Knuckles then flew forward and punched Ix in the face, sending the imperator flying back. Shaking his head, Ix saw Knuckles and launched multiple energy beams. Knuckles just dodged them and kicked Ix on the side. He then tried to punch Ix, but the imperator dodged and smacked Knuckles with his staff. "Chaos Blast!" he yelled erupting in green energy, sending Knuckles back. He recovered and flew back to Ix before launching several punches. Ix just dodged them and blasted Knuckles with a swipe of his staff. Ix then shielded himself with an even more powerful barrier than before.
"You are not going to win at all. I suggest to stop delaying the inevitable Knuckles and face your fate", Ix said before charging up a few green energy beams and launching them at Knuckles who dodged and flew towards him. "Actually, it's you whose delaying the inevitable!" Knuckles roared as he punched through Ix's barrier, completly shattering it and sending the imperator flying. Ix cried out as his main defense was down. Knuckles then launched a series of Knuckles Slam at Ix, but the imperator dodged them and retaliated with a powerful charged shot. Ix then began to channel purple energy within his hand before releasing it.
"Dark Anomaly!" Ix yelled as a large purple void appeared out of his hands and he launched it at Knuckles. The echidna shielded himself from the attack, but it didn't do much and soon he was starting to tire out. No, I can't go down like this. I have to finish this fast before the emerald's power runs out! Knuckles thought as he raced towards Ix. "Still not giving up?" he mused before firing another Dark Anomaly. Knuckles dodged the attack and held his fist out before spinning into a red swirl and crashing into Ix sending him flying back. Ix suddenly roared with rage and channeled green energy in his hand.
"THIS IS YOUR END! DOOM ORB!" Ix shouted before launching a green orb at Knuckles. Knuckles snarled before flying towards the orb and smashing through it with a powered up punch. Ix looked with shock. "HOW? THAT SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU OR AT THE LEAST, MAIMED YOU!" he shouted. Knuckles dodged an energy blst and uppercut Ix before slamming both fists on him. He then launched a series of Knuckles' Slams before holding back his arm and spinning around. His arm started to ignite with fire as so did the rest of his body when he spun. Knuckles roared in anger as his rage was building up to the maximum point. Ix backed away slowly, knowing this was not good.
"KNUCKLES' FURY!" Knuckles boomed as he flew forward while spinning and giving Imperator Ix a massive, fiery uppercut that took Ix's strength away. "NOOOOOOoooo..." Ix cried as he fell down, completly worn out and unable to fight. Knuckles, still spinning slowly stopped and fell down hard. That last attack had really left him exhausted as well. Everyone rushed over to him and helped him stand up.
"Whoa, Knux! That was one sick move you pulled off there!" Mighty exclaimed. "Indeed, Knuckles. I have never seen you that angry", Lien-Da commented. "I don't know what happened", Knuckles said. "The emerald must've given me some kind of boost or something. I'm downright tired right now". Shade looked at Ix, who was out cold and walked over to him, before taking out a warp ring from his pocket. She handed the ring to Thrash, who took it in confusion.
"Although I'm grateful, why'd ya help us, mate?" he asked. Shade sighed. "All I wanted my whole life was to get out of here and live on Mobius peacefully and enjoy life. Ix however, wanted to take that away and live a life of dictatorship. I didn't want that to happen at all costs. Now I'm definitly going to be hunted by the other Nocturnus for treachery, but it was worth it" she said. Remington nodded. "Well thank you. We'll always remember your sacrifice Shade. But you can still live on Mobius. Come with us and you can begin your new life", he said. Shade looked at him in shock. "Really?" she asked. Remington nodded. "Also, it would be great to have another echidna to the world". Knuckles looked at Shade and smiled at her, who in turn smiled back. Julie-Su then decided to speak up.
"Hey... Shade right? How about y-you come to Angel Island a-and help guard the Master Emerald?" she asked. Everyone looked at Julie-Su in shock. Shade looked in surprise. "Oh my, guard the Master Emerald? I don't think I should accept that much. I just want to live on Mobius. Sure it would be great, but I don't deserve it", she said. Julie-Su smiled. "Well, now you d-do. After... what you d-did there, you are my f-friend now", she said. The Brotherhood looked at Knuckles. "How do you feel about this Knuckles?" Thunderhawk asked. Knuckles nodded.
"Sure, we always could use another person. Besides, we need another member for the Chaotix. How do you two feel about a new team mate?" he asked Mighty and Ray. Mighty just grinned. "Hey, I'm always ready to have another Chaotix", he said. "Same here, i-it will be awesome!" Ray exclaimed. Shade smiled, tears swelling up.
"T-thank you people. I will forever be indebted to you!" she said. Julie-Su just smiled and put her arms out and she hugged Shade, who hugged back. Everyone cheered in hapiness. Knuckles then looked back. "Lien-Da, you can stop hiding now", he said. Lien-Da, who was a little far away looked in surprise. "W-what? I'm not hiding I-" she was cut off by Julie-Su. "It's okay, we forgive you too. C'mon, join the hug sister!" she said. Lien-Da shyly smiled before joining in. Remington grinned at her.
"Are you nervous? Wow that's a first. You still look good that way", he said causing Lien-Da to blush. Thrash then looked around. "Uh guys, I think we better get going before Nocturnus forces catch us!" he said before tossing the warp ring and opening up a portal to Angel Island. Soon everyone walked through the warp ring.
"Wow, is this Angel Island?" Shade asked. Julie-Su chuckled. "Yup. I'll give you a tour tommorow after I heal up", she said. While everyone talked, Knuckles and Thrash were having their own conversation. "You know, you weren't half bad out there today", Knuckles said. Thrash grinned. "Same to you, mate. You did well. I'm glad to have gone on this adventure", he said. "So, we're good now, right? No more punishing echidnas and all that?" Knuckles asked. "Yeah, I guess I went a little too overboard. But I'll stop and mend my ways. I look forward to fighting you again Knuckles, this time on a friendlier notice", Thrash said. Knuckles smiled and nodded. "Same. Well, now where are you going to go?" he asked. "Probably rejoin the Downunda Freedom Fighters. It was really fun over there", Thrash said before opening up a warp ring to Downunda. Waving bye, Thrash stepped through and the ring closed. Knuckles smiled and turned around.
"C'mon let's go to Shrine Isle and let the others know we're okay", he said and everyone followed.
Research Facility, Death Egg
The sound of machines whirring and constant banging of robots sounding throughout the Death Egg as Eggman was fixing up a destroyed Metal Sonic.
"Arrgghh! The damage done on him is absolutely horrid! That rotten hedgehog didn't spare Metal Sonic at all!" Eggman said, trying to fix a damaged circuit. "I still cannot believe I lost the manuscripts like that! My plans are now ruined, and that Sonic is celebrating his victory. Not to mention, Mecha Sally isn't even fixed yet", he said. Suddenly, Orbot and Cubot strolled behind him.
"Sir, we have good news", Orbot said. Eggman faced them. "Go on", he said. "It appears that the manuscripts the heroes have currently has been linked to a different location. It appears that Spagonia has an intelligent man who goes by the name Professor Pickle and he might know something about the Gaia Manuscripts. However it seems that Team Fighters also knows this and they are heading to Spagonia tommorow to enquire", Orbot said.
"Hahaha, his name is Pickle!" Cubot giggled, his voice chip finally repaired. "Shut up, you yellow trash can. Don't ruin my mood right now! It seems things are going in my favor now!" Eggman exclaimed. "Orbot, set course for Spagonia at once!" he said. Orbot saluted his master before running off with Cubot in tow.
TO BE CONTINUED
*Author's Note: And that wraps it up for the "Knuckles' Quest" arc! Our favorite echidna has finally been reunited with Julie-Su and the rest of the echidnas as well. And it seems that Eggman is up to no good again. Join us next time as Team Fighters and Eggman head for Spagonia and tangle in "Spagonia Scramble"!
Also, happy new year everyone! I know this is up a little late, but it's still January 1st so it should count. And for the new year I have some news. Around sometime this month or in February, I will be starting a new fanfic which will be a Mario and Sonic crossover in celebration for the new olympics! It will be called "Mario and Sonic: Heroes From Another World". This will feature characters only from the games and will have ideas from other Mario and Sonic fanfics such as "Heroes Unite" by Azurixx. I will definitly take their permission first since it has alot of inspiration from it.
EPIC Out!