Chapter 5

The Beast and the Bat

As Siri made her way back to her cot, she couldn't help but think about her decision. To save the world, huh? Would she get money? Power? Fame? She's like money. She could finally have a home, food, maybe a family? No, no family. She didn't need a family. Her old one had sold her to be a slave. Besides, she wasn't content in being just a housewife. She was a fighter. In the distance, she saw Lannodo Flow, the Head General of the king's forces. She wisely kept her distance. She didn't need that trouble.

In Otherland, on a floating island, Knuckles stared at the small city. It was run by his close ally, Rouge the Bat. Though he was uncertain of her allegiance, he needed her help. If the prophesy about him was true, he'd kill Ivo. His mother Gwen, took his shoulder. The priestess gave him a soft smile.

"I spoke to the spirit, Tikal," Gwen said. She had the same red fur, and green eyes instead of his purple. She wore long brown robes, that of a priestess. "She tells me that your training is complete."

"It is, mother," Knuckles responded. "Mother, do you think Rouge will respond? I do not know if I can trust her ally, Blaze."

"I admit, that she claims she came from the future with her protégé, Marine, is queer," his mother agreed, "But Tikal suggests that their intentions are pure. I trust her judgement."

"My people need to be kept safe," Knuckles faced her dead in the eyes, "And I must protect them. I trust you, but forgive me if I keep my eye on those two." He felt the presence of three coming towards him from behind. He turned around to see Rouge, Blaze, and Marine walking towards them. "Please excuse us, mother."

"Of course," she responded, leaving the same way the trio had come. Knuckles stared at Rouge.

"So red boy," Rouge smiled at Knuckles, "We're thinking of raiding one of Ivo's workshops to help get your tech problem fixed. What do ya say?"

"I say don't call me 'red boy', but I agree," Knuckles said, "For too long my people have used knives in a gunfight. It's time we become equal in power with everyone else."

"Good, meet us outside the small Robotnikland town just west of here," Blaze said to them, "Marine, let's go." The two, cat and raccoon, ran off. Both Rouge and Knuckles stared after them.

"I don't trust them," Knuckles said, "I've never even heard of Solaris, but they claim he took them back from time?"

"Why can't you ever stop worrying, Knuxie?" Rouge chided, "Now, about GUN. I've gotten a small group from the old defense group together. I'm thinking of calling it the Anti-Robotnik Council. ARC."

"How did you get those old geezers back together? I thought Ivo forced them all into hiding," Knuckles asked. Rouge looked down and blushed, an ashamed look on her face. He was sorry he'd asked. He liked the bat.

"I did what I had to do," Rouge replied, instantly deciding to change the subject, "Anyway, I hear that Ivo took another blow. That Sonic character from the Freedom Fighters got one of the Chaos Emeralds that power his machines."

"Hm, it seems Sonic is appearing a lot, lately," Knuckles said.

Rouge nodded, smiling, "I've heard that Sonic is Robotnik's number one pet peeve. He'd make a good ally, don't you think?" Knuckles nodded.

"After we raid the town, can you find me where Sonic lives? I think we could get a good alliance, here." Rouge smiled, taking a notepad and writing the request down. She looked at him after she was finished.

"So," she sighed, "How are the Chaotix? Are they enjoying their stay?"

"Vector's been getting on my nerves," Knuckles said, "Let's meet Blaze." They walked towards the staircase behind them. It led to a teleporter that connected to the ground. "Vector is an old friend, but he's so annoying. Always talking about some Vanilla woman. Charmy is no better. He's been trying to hit on some of the women here, and they're getting annoyed.

"Well that's a thirteen year old, for you," Rouge giggled. "Go on."

"Espio is the only one who's useful. He's been gathering information about Ivo and his subjects. Apparently the people in Robotnikland love him. I don't know why, though." Rouge didn't respond. He looked over to see why. She was concentrating on not stumbling down the uneven, underground steps. "Let's get this done. I hate to steal, but this is for the freedom of many."