Hi hi! Another great morning and another chapter completed! Still going strong with this story and won't be letting it go. Thank you for reading it this far as well and I hope you are enjoying it! Here's a fresh one! ^u^
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.
Chapter 7: Out of the Shadows
"Come to think of it, the shape of this island is similar to Angel Island… but the real Angel Island is still there, right? So this one's got to be a fake… Argh! I just don't get it! Hey, isn't that Shadow over there?! He might know where Eggman is! Hey Shadow! Did you find Eggman?"
Shadow looked at the person shouting. "Heh… looks like the doctor got away from you again…"
"Shut up! I was this close to catching him! Anyway, doesn't seem like you've found him either!" the angry individual replied.
"Maybe not, but at least I'm not as clueless as you. I'll see you later!" Shadow then ran off.
"Hey, wait! There's no way you're gonna beat me to him!"
…
…
…
A large temple was seen sitting within the mountains at a high altitude, various clouds hiding it from the outside world. Its intricate designs laid upon its architecture showed of a rich history passed down through generations with several halls and gardens running through a forest mixed within. A large courtyard was present in front of the temple with a smaller mausoleum-like structure in between, also made of the same type of architecture. The day itself was a peaceful afternoon with the sun setting within the distance, giving a soft hue of orange up above the sky where it was clear and letting anyone know within the vicinity of the closing day.
Ironically there was no one around the temple. Small gusts of wind brushed through several flowers within the gardens along with the leaves that connected onto tree branches, their natural arms flowing along with the air. Leaves that were not part of the tree danced around the ground in gentle swirls within the courtyard as the large, bricked area was devoid of any life.
WHOOSH!
Save for the flash of light the instantly appeared in the middle and disappeared just as quickly, revealing a black hooded figure that stood tall and looked around quietly. The mysterious being noted how silent it was save for the wind, said wind making their ebony scarf flow along with it from behind the individual. Another scan around the temple and the figure began walking forwards.
"HIYAH!"
Only to block an incoming roundhouse kick thrown at him by a mobian pheasant. The attacker then threw another leg, only for it to have the same outcome with the figure blocking it with their other hand. With the same hand he grasped the foot and started spinning them; apparently causing the pheasant to scream in a high pitched. The hooded individual released the pheasant who flew several feet away, only for the latter to place their hands on the ground and do several black-flips and landing back on their feet in the end.
WHOOSH!
Sidestepping the figure avoided a scaly fist coming at them. Jumping up they also knew of the teal-green scaled tail swiped from beneath. Spinning in the air the hooded figure threw an overhead kick which fully connected upon their head.
"OW!" the mobian dragon cried in pain but couldn't react quick enough to the figure's own punch landing within their gut, sending them flying back and colliding on the ground with a soft thud.
SMACK!
A wooden staff hit the ground where the black-covered individual was standing and turning around quickly they began blocking a series of attacks by a small light green mobian tortoise. Using their arms they expertly deflected each of the staff's impacts with the tortoise sometimes using it as leverage to deliver their own punches and kicks to the opponent. It all happened lightning-fast, appearing as blurs to the naked eye and ironically for tortoises they are normally slow and steady.
Placing the staff horizontal to their back the tortoise spun to strike with both ends but the hooded figure grabbed each end. However that was the idea: the tortoise flipped backwards and threw both legs into their face.
It was foiled however with the figure raising the staff instantly to block their feet and pushed them off. The tortoise slid a few feet away on their own feet and raised their hands in a battle stance, watching them with a calm expression as the black-clothed person began expertly spinning the staff at high speeds and stopping after a few seconds to their own stance.
A shadow appeared next to the tortoise who looked next to them and see a white mobian tiger cracking their knuckles. The tiger grinned at the figure who silently watched the two as they looked towards the tortoise, the latter smiling at them as well. The two then looked back at the hooded person and less than a second, bolted off towards them.
POW!
SMASH!
CRACK!
It was two versus one battle with both sides evenly matched. The figure parried and countered each of the attacks thrown by the tortoise and the tiger, the latter two countering with their own attacks as well. No fatal blows were successfully delivered as fist met fist and kick met kick. The figure had no trouble fighting the two, their being producing small afterimages as he dodged all their attacks at lightning speeds. Apparently even with an extra person the tortoise and the tiger weren't able to deal anything to them, their punches and kicks being countered or striking then air.
Growling the tiger had enough and quickly spun around the figure as they grabbed the scarf behind them and pulling. The hooded person began losing their balance while dropping the staff, the tortoise seeing this as an open opportunity and running towards them as fast speeds.
Jumping in the air the tortoise dived forward and threw their palm towards the figure; their hand began glowing a soft yellow as well. The tiger grinned again knowing what's coming next as they watched the figure fall backwards.
Feet turned into inches.
Inches turned into centimeters.
Centimeters turned into millimeters.
…
…
The figure blocked the incoming attack with a raise of their foot. A pulse of golden energy rebounded through the area with the tortoise flying back in shock. The tiger was also stunned at this and looked back down.
Only for thin air to greet them.
And feeling two sharp points graze at their neck.
…
…
"Awww we lost again~!" a high pitched shout was heard from the side of the courtyard, the same mobian pheasant running towards the center happily. "You're too good you know!"
"Cinder not so loud! You'll disrupt the master's meditation! Remember what happened last time?" the mobian dragon introduced as they walked to them clutching her stomach lightly as they turned their attention to the figure. "Also… please hold back on the punch more."
The tortoise landed back on their feet and jumped towards them, smiling with the same expression. "I knew you were a right fit for the shrine. To think after five years you'd be able to hold your own against one of us but now you're able to stand your own against all of us hehe."
The white tiger shivered a bit and turned their head towards the figure who lowered their fist. The former sighed in defeat, their jade green eyes looking at them in annoyance. "And would it kill you to take that off dude? You don't have to be all mysterious you know." they said.
A low hearty chuckle was heard from the figure, raising their arms to take off the hood.
Violet eyes, long red quills, a tan muzzle with a small black nose, and a sharp face greeted them with a smile. "You know I have to lay low when I go out right? And I'm not one to get that much attention."
"At this point we've been hearing news about a so-called "Shadow Hero" doing good things around the nearby cities and towns. Not only was this hero saving the day, but they ended fights very quickly according to what we heard. I supposed you don't know anything about this "Shadow Hero" right?" the white tiger asked teasingly.
The tortoise laughed softly. "Knuckles would definitely know about this, ahem, "Shadow Hero". I mean his clothing does look similar to what they described."
"Ooooo Knuckles you know who they are?! Please tell me tell me tell me tell me tell MMMMMHPHGPPHH!" Cinder's mouth was instantly covered by a scaly hand yet she continued to cheerfully muffle.
"I swear after this much time you still act like a child hehe. Don't mind her Knuckles, apparently she still doesn't know who they are." the teal dragon said with a wink. The red echidna grinned in response. "It's fine Dulcy, she'll find out eventually."
Soft footsteps were heard from behind them along with light clapping. The group turned to see a middle-aged man smiling at them while clapping their hands together.
"Well done my students. You have improved dramatically and I am very proud." the man said as he looked at them. "You've grown much over the years."
"How did I do Master Shuifon~?!" Cinder chirped at him. A small laugh came out of him in response. "Ah my young Cinder you are getting better! Just remember not to do a battle cry as to be an efficient kung fu warrior, one must be silent like the wind."
"Woaaahhh… okay Master Shuifon~!" Cinder cheered with a bow. Shuifon nodded then turned to Dulcy who gulped in nervousness.
"Do not be afraid Dulcy, you have performed excellent as well. You almost caught our friend Knuckles off-guard with that tail sweep which was very creative. For you I would say to improve on your surroundings as one must focus not just on the opponent, but on what the opponent's next move will be." he informed.
"O-Of course Master!" she stuttered bowing as well. Shuifon smiled in return. "Do not worry, you still lead the Shinjin Warriors very well and provide them with impeccable character." he said. This caused the teal dragon to smile even wider, her tail wagging in delight.
"As for you Bunker and Jian, that was a very good display of teamwork amongst you two. Fast and powerful with swift and steady do give a nice combination to turn the tide in battle. I have not many issues with you two, just to continue your training with your teammates so they can be just as efficient." Shuifon stated.
"Yes Master." Jian bowed respectfully while Bunker nodded her head. "As you wish Master Shuifon." the tortoise added.
"Very good my students. Now training is officially over so why don't the four of you head to dinner as tomorrow, training will start once the flowers bloom." Shuifon said.
"Yes Master!" the girls replied as they walked into the temple talking amongst one another.
"Knuckles is so cool~! Hopefully I can be just like him one day~!" the sound of Cinder radiated from the hall as the group disappeared from sight, leaving Knuckles and Shuifon.
"Walk with me Knuckles. I would like a nice talk." Shuifon said to the echidna. Knuckles nodded as the two headed towards a path next to the courtyard that led into one of the gardens, the sounds of running water through a small stream being heard.
"So how are the missions going my dear friend?" the middle-aged man asked.
"It's all going well Shuifon. No major trouble has been happening in the cities and the people are safe. If anything I'm not even breaking a sweat hehe." Knuckles grinned raising his fist. "These missions are way too easy."
"That is good to hear Knuckles, but remember your training. You must keep an open mind as overconfidence will lead to clouded judgement." Shuifon replied. Knuckles nodded in a response. "Yeah I know. I learned to keep that open mind so far as back then I just fought recklessly, 'they' thought I was stupid."
Shuifon looked in concern at Knuckles' saddened expression. "You are not stupid my friend. You only needed to learn more on how to effectively preserve peace with a calm mind. Ever since you came here I have not seen you as such and only saw you as a lost wanderer."
"Well that doesn't make me feel any better…" Knuckles mumbled.
"Hehe I apologize for that. Either way you only needed guidance to free you of your clouded mind. And to free you from your burden…"
"Yeah… I'm surprised you knew of that for some time." Knuckles said in a low voice. Shuifon looked at him with the same sad expression. "I apologize for it my friend. Zonshen knew that you were the Master Emerald guardian and I myself was surprised that you would let go of such a powerful relic."
"I wish to forget about it and just move on with my life. I want to find meaning of why I exist and not to remind myself on the pointless duty I was entrusted with since birth." Knuckles said irritably as they continued their walk on the path. "Just sitting their watching the emeralds… is not something I agreed to. I was… I don't even know why I was destined to protect them…"
Shuifon looked at his conflicted state and sighed looking ahead. "We all have a destiny we can choose Knuckles. For you, you were chosen to protect the emeralds but because it was a destiny that wasn't of your own choosing, and it caused you to reflect on what you truly wanted. Now that you let go of that destiny you started off as how others were when they came into the world. The simple question in everyone's mind: what is my meaning?"
Knuckles nodded to that in response. "Yeah, that's the way I've asked myself this whole time even when I guarded the Master Emerald. Now that I'm free and for so long, I still do not know what my destiny is."
"You will find it in time my dear friend." Shuifon said as they headed into a smaller temple. "For now, it is time for your final teaching."
Knuckles raised his eyebrows in surprise. "S-So this will really be…"
"Yes, this is the final lesson I will teach." Shuifon said as they stopped in the middle of a large room with the walls decorated with ancient history; depictions of dragons and other mythical creatures were painted on them with intricate design. "You have mastered the art of Linshao kung fu and achieved inner peace by sensing and channeling the flow of chi within you and your surroundings. I have found a worthy successor within you to continue the legacy of the art and saw that you have a pure heart that will use it for good my young apprentice."
The red echidna watched in awe at him, looking down at his gloved hands.
'So this is what it feels like to be somebody. To be spoken as an actual person and not just a clueless idiot… thank you Master…" Knuckles thought looking back up with a wide smile and bowed. "It'll be an honor to learn your final lesson master. I am ready."
Shuifon smiled as well. "Very well Knuckles. Let us begin."
…
…
…
"Incredible… you have done it my dear friend!"
Shuifon watched Knuckles in excitement, the latter grinning just as happy. "You have exceeded my expectations Knuckles and have achieved it! Now that you have learned and mastered it." Shuifon's expression turned serious. "Be careful when you use it my apprentice. It is to be used as a last resort and if you exceed beyond it… the consequences can be severe for you and you may perish from it."
Knuckles looked at his hand in thought, closing it into a fist. "I will take your advice master. As you have said, I must keep an open mind and stay calm as you have taught me."
"Very good, now that your final lesson is complete you can continue your journey on your own Knuckles. Your destiny is of your choosing: either you can remain here at the temple and learn more on your own, or you can travel and find what it is that you are looking for." Shuifon explained. "Either choice, it will be up to you Knuckles. I am just very happy that I found a pupil in you to pass my knowledge to."
The red echidna was pleased himself, the grin on his face never leaving. "I will take some time to decide on it Master-."
"Please call me Shuifon my friend. Now that you have completed your training you and me are one in the same." the man replied pleasantly.
"Shuifon, of course. I will need some time to think about it, since even after five years… I still have not sought out well on what I mean to this world."
"It is natural Knuckles. Some choose to live a quiet life, others seek adventure, and others merely wander around and explore what they can with no purpose. Whatever you seek Knuckles, follow your heart and mind and they will lead you to true happiness." Shuifon explained.
'He's right… if I want to find out my purpose, I have to go outside the temple. But… the friends I made here… it feels like… the family I've never had but always wanted…'
"MASTER SHUIFON! KNUCKLES COME QUICK!" a loud yell was heard outside the doors which suddenly opened, revealing Dulcy who looked frightened as she breathed heavily.
Shuifon raised his eyebrows in surprise. "What is it young Dulcy?"
"We have a visitor but they're in terrible condition! Please come!" she replied.
Shuifon and Knuckles looked at each other as they nodded, running alongside the teal dragon towards the bigger temple. Going through the side entrance they burst through and ran within the halls, feet pattering quickly on the flooring until they arrived at a set of sliding doors. Opening it they were greeted by the other three Shinjin warriors who had their backs to them as they surrounded a bed in front of them.
"We found him outside the courtyard in bad shape and unconscious. They were bleeding heavily but luckily we stopped it." Dulcy informed as Shuifon and Knuckles made their way in. "Right now he is resting and still alive since he's breathing."
The other three watched Shuifon approach with concerned looks: Cinder looked like she was ready to cry while Jian did her best to comfort her as Bunker bowed her head in respect. Shuifon examined the individual's body.
"He indeed is in terrible shape and will need Zonshen's healing. Unfortunately it'll have to wait until tomorrow." he said standing up and turning to the five. "Right now get some rest. He will be fine."
…
…
…
Knuckles could not believe what he was seeing.
Shuifon took notice of his stunned expression as well.
"… I believe you happen to know this young fella?"
The red echidna didn't respond, violet eyes fixated on the person laying on the bed in a bad state…
…twin tails ruffled heavily with blood stains and a beaten-up fox face.
End of Chapter 7
Well that was one heck of a surprise in the end. OuO
Wonder what'll happen? Stay tuned to find out and til next time! ouo/