Y'all wuddup!

Okay so up to this point this will be the tenth chapter to this story. It may feel slow at the beginning but don't worry it'll pick up soon enough and already this one will pretty much start some action so a bit of a spoiler there hehe.

Also before we dive in, I have gotten feedback on why our favorite red echidna is basically acting the way he is towards his former friends. Well don't worry he won't be like that for long and as he said before in the story, he no longer wants to reflect back into the past which includes his former friends. If he wants to ensure he follows a new future without being restricted to his former guardian duties... well he basically had to act that way to them as they remind him of the memories he no longer wishes to remember. Do not worry though he won't stay that way for long! ^u^ (Another small spoiler lol.)

Anyway here's the tenth chapter whooo! Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.

Chapter 10: The Encounter I

"Enough of this, Eggman! You'd better start explain what's going on!" a rough voice barked at the old round man.

"Fine! If you want know so badly, I'll tell you! I turned the Master Emerald into a car using my camera by taking a picture of it from the future Angel Island. Since the Master Emerald is a unique object that exists across the time-space continuum… When the future emerald was turned into a card, its existence in all the time frames vanished as well." Dr. Eggman explained.

"So that's why the Master Emerald disappeared from right in front of me!" the voice said.

"So you finally understand. Using the power of the emerald, I brought all of Angel Island here, into this time frame." Eggman replied.

"So I see… all this is your fault!"

Eggman grinned evilly laughing. "Ho ho ho ho! I have nothing more to say to you! Go play with Metal Sonic now!"

…

…

…

"Tag your it!"

"No fair come back here!"

Two small children, a boy and a girl, ran across the bricked pavement of a long stretch of path known as Dragon Road. The kids were currently playing a game of tag, the girl having poked her finger on the boy's shoulder just as the latter gave chase. The two laughed upon playing near the entrance of the near endless road, its shape very unique compared to other bridges in which it follows several spirals and twists to mimic natural movement. It is due in part that the bridge itself had reptilian scales on the bottom and sides which were similar to a certain mythical creature, hence the name 'Dragon' Road. The side scales flair upward to display vibrant red designs which shined prominently in the daytime and any people traveling across the road will be marveled by its vast beauty which stretches a good distance. All in all, the entrance led to Chun-nan which was a town hidden in the mountains and where these two children are currently at playing their game.

"A-Almost got you!" the boy reached out to tap her shoulder, but instantly did she sidestep and the boy almost fell forward. Turning his head he looked in anger at the girl who stuck out her tongue as she ran the other direction laughing. "C'mon you gotta do better than that!"

"I'll get you this time, I swear it!" the boy took off in pursuit, the two heading further away from the town as their feet pattered on the brick pavement rapidly. The girl looked back giggling to see the boy almost getting closer to her.

'I'll do the same thing again. Big brother should fall for it like always heehee~.'

The boy however thought differently. 'Knowing her she'll do the same thing again, but aah I need to figure out whether it'll be left or right!'

A hand was very close to tapping the girl's shoulder, indicating that she'll be 'it' if it touches her. She can hear his heavier footsteps right behind her as she grinned widely.

'Now to the left!'

'The left!'

She sidestepped…

… and he followed it correctly.

"H-Huh?!" the girl gasped, feeling a finger poke into her shoulder. She looked back in shock and saw the triumphant smirk of the boy. "You're it sis."

"Aww you got me big bro! You finally were able to catch me after losing that many times haha!"

"Hey don't make fun of me! I'm not that good in tag and that's the only game you're good at anyway!" the boy shouted.

"Yeah yeah but it's a game that you can't win against me much. I'm just glad that you got me heehee~." the girl replied. The boy sighed shaking his head. "Alright anyway that should be enough for today. We went too far from the house and need to get back."

"Okay big brother!" the girl cheered as the two made their way back to the entrance.

…

…

Until a huge rumbling around them interrupted their walk and almost causing them to lose balance. The two screamed from this as the girl ran to her brother's side. "W-What's going on?!"

The boy clenched his teeth hugging his sister. "I don't know but c'mon!"

The two bolted off with the boy holding the girl's hand. They saw the entrance not that far and within a few seconds they made it.

However the rumbling continued.

THUMP!

THUMP!

Along with monstrous stomps being heard from behind them.

With trembling bodies the two shakingly turned their heads, blue and brown eyes gazing in fear at the sight.

A pink-purple mist hanging overhead covering the sky in the distance… and on the road…

An army of robotic beings led by one with glowing red eyes flying in the air with a blue and yellow surface. The very noticeable aspect of it was the red light above its head and a star symbol on its chest.

…

…

…

Knuckles teleported inside the temple he was in before within the Shinjin Shrine, fury etched onto his face.

'I can't believe they tried to get me to help them. I don't care if they look like that, the past stays behind me and I'll never look back!' the red echidna seethed in his mind. His violet eyes displayed immense anger with teeth clenched tightly. His hands were currently balled into electric fists as just the meeting made him feel enormous hate towards his former friends.

'Tails should have never come here, now they'll know where I have been the whole time. Especially that damn blue hedgehog. The fact that he lost his legs… well that's what he gets anyway, always being cocky and a showoff to everyone.' Knuckles rage slowly went away however, his mind calming due to the training he did during the five years on suppressing his emotions. Instead of hate, he now felt a bit of guilt noted by the solemn expression. "But… I was the same way too… gah, I need to meditate to balance myself."

"I see that everything has gone well Knuckles?" the voice of Shuifon echoed within the temple. Knuckles was startled a bit turning his head, violet eyes seeing the middle-aged man making himself known as the latter walked towards the echidna. "I can sense your chi has gotten out of balance and your emotions are in conflict. Did you encounter your past?"

Knuckles looked down with a stern looking, sighing regrettably. "Yes Shuifon, I have met my former colleagues. I wasn't surprised by any of them and they tried to bring me back into their group, but I refused. I said it many times and have accepted that I will no longer dive into what has haunted and brought turmoil to me almost my entire life. I plan to look forward into the future to search for my true destiny."

Shuifon kept a smile and nodded. "If that is what you wish then I will not discuss more of it. However since you have returned without the two-tailed one, have you made your choice on what you will do?"

"Do what Shuifon?" Knuckles asked. The Linshao kung fu master laughed softly. "Do not tell me you forgot my disciple. That you will choose a path for which your future will take you?"

The red echidna blushed at this averting his eyes. "O-Oh umm not yet ready… but I do have something in mind."

"What would that be Knuckles?" Shuifon asked.

"Well I've been thinking. For the last five years I've been here I have really enjoyed it, far better than my entire life guarding the Master Emerald. I have found something that I thought I would never have… a family. The warriors treat me differently compared to my former colleagues: they are kind, respectful, helpful, and above all see me as one of their own. We aren't just a group of fighters to protect the peace and good in everyone. We aren't just people that seek glory in all of this. The way I see it… they really are that close to me, especially you Shuifon." Knuckles' eyes traveled back to the older man. "I've found the special part of my life where I can be myself without anyone else judging, where I can hone my skills to be better than what I am now, where I actually breathe and feel calm… where I can call everyone here family."

Shuifon smiled at his explanation, walking to Knuckles and placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will always have a place here at the Shinjin Shrine, Knuckles. The warriors are like sisters to you and you are their older brother. You watch out for them just as they do for you, seeing you and the others get along very well during your time here. If anything your stay made the warriors become more happy and cheerful, especially during training sessions where they get to learn and such. I'm very glad that you see us that way Knuckles, and we won't ever change the bond we have to you as well. You have our eternal gratitude." Shuifon finished with a bow.

Knuckles was amazed at this yet did the same gesture with a smile. "Thank you Shuifon and you have my gratitude as well. For my answer however, I do plan on taking a short leave into the far mountains. I want to feel and see the serene nature within them so I can focus more on what I really want. I will meditate first before my leave however to balance my emotions."

"That is fine with me Knuckles and I have no issue with that. Now that you say that why don't you take the warriors as well? They haven't been able to get out much and I'm sure a change of scenery would be in order for them hmm?" Shuifon suggested. The red echidna pondered into this and it didn't take long with a grin forming. "I guess your right, I can bring them along as well and it'll make the time go by far better."

"Alright then Knuckles, you may leave whenever you wish. Chun-nan has not seen any threat for years now and I believe it will stay that way for many more. In the meantime I think I will pay our dear old friend Zonshen-."

BOOM!

A loud explosion was heard from outside as Knuckles and Shuifon felt it, almost losing their balance.

"What was that?!" Knuckles questioned looking towards the entrance. The older man followed his direction as he rushed towards the doors. "I don't know Knuckles but let's see what the cause is!"

The duo burst through the doors towards the outside and gasped upon seeing it: a dark purple-pinkish mist hovered above the sky onto the town in the distance with several fires coming off rooftops and smoke rising into the air. The screams of people can also be heard within Chun-nan as several more explosions echoed along with the sight of missiles and lasers being fired at by small moving beings.

"What are they?" Shuifon asked. The red echidna beside him simply clenched his teeth and tightened his fists. "Those look like Eggman's robots! To think I wouldn't see him again after all these years and he tries to hurt our people!"

"Be calm my disciple, do not let your emotions cloud your judgement. Now get the warriors ready and we shall repel this evil away." Shuifon informed.

"Way ahead of you master!" the voice of Dulcy became known as she and the other three ran towards the Linshao kung fu master and Knuckles.

"Those robots look scary!" Cinder said with some fright in her tone. Bunker patted her shoulder as the tortoise looked on with calm. "We will quell this enemy Cinder, do not be afraid."

Jian cracked her knuckles along with the joints in her neck. "It looks like we don't have much time until the town's lain to waste, and I'm itching for a fight!"

Shuifon nodded once. "Okay my students remember what I taught you: fight to protect and do not let your anger overtake your judgement. Think before making any rash decision and above all, save the people. I will go find Zonshen and see that the Gaia Temple is protected along with its guardian."

"Yes Master!" they all responded with a bow. The middle-aged man nodded once again. "Very well, now go! For Chun-nan!"

The five immediately jumped high into the sky towards the direction of the town, gliding towards it like diving peregrines. Knuckles flew in the center of the group with Jian and Bunker on his left and Dulcy and Cinder on the other.

"What's the plan Knuckles!" Jian shouted to the red echidna.

"You and Bunker search the north and west side!"

"We get dibs on the south and east side right?!" Cinder asked as the group felt the wind hitting them at intense speeds.

"Looks like it Cinder, just stick by me and we'll defeat these enemies easily!" Dulcy said with encouragement and a thumbs up. Knuckles smiled looking at the two then faced forward. "And I'll take the center of town. Just like Shuifon said, fight to protect and save the people!"

"RIGHT!" the Shinjin warriors finished off as the group began separating with Dulcy and Cinder going one way and Bunker and Jian going the other. Knuckles sped towards the center, everyone starting to see the smoke and fires more clearly with almost half the town destroyed. The ambient light was darker as well hence the mist covering the sun with its ominous presence. In everyone's minds however was one thing only: save Chun-nan.

…

…

"Someone save me!" an elderly lady yelled at the top of her lungs in which her leg was trapped underneath wood that got stuck. Her declining strength was not enough to pull herself out of the wedged plank and to make matters worse, she was exposed near the streets of the town with several others running for their lives and various buildings caught on fire or badly damaged. Her own home was also being destroyed as several missiles made impact on its surface, causing debris to fall to the ground and almost hitting the lady which caused her to yelp.

Panic was evident in her eyes as she noticed the fleeing people become less and less, all running towards one direction away from where the missiles were fired from. She tried pulling her leg once again but to no avail since the wood was really wedged and wouldn't budge.

BEEP!

THUMP!

A harsh sound came from behind her along with heavy pounding radiating off the ground. Her eyes were wide with fear, suddenly feeling a chill in the air and not just on that but also noticing the scenery becoming darker.

Shaking tremendously she turned slowly over her shoulder.

Large, metallic glowing red eyes stared at her.

A large metal energy gun aimed at her.

A piercing scream coming out of her, watching the gun starting to glow and emit a red light which grew stronger and stronger.

The elderly lady thought on the peaceful life she had during her time in Chun-nan. She grew up in the town her whole life, raised a family, and started a business selling flowers and trinkets to the townsfolk. She assumed it would stay like this the entire time due to their location within the mountains and that nothing bad would happen. She assumed that she would live a quiet life, watching her family grow and move on as she settles in her own way until she goes to the next life. She assumed a lot of things to be honest and for something like this, it was something that she thought would never happen in her lifetime.

It almost happened once, but not at this magnitude where she would stare at death in the face.

In this case it's a menacing looking weapon almost ready to fire.

…

…

POW!

The gun that in front of her… was no longer there. Time slowed down to which while in real time everything moved so quickly, but her frightened expression was able to pick it up. The monstrous glowing eyes that she saw before which scared her beyond belief… were no longer there.

Instead, it was an electric streak of red lightning that pummeled the evil being into the ground. Hazel eyes watched the person that did this, well in this case echidna. Raising his body up with the black scarf flowing behind him did Knuckles make himself known as he looked behind towards the old lady.

"Just in time hehe." he said with a grin. His violet eyes looked at the plank stuck on her as he knew right away. "Let's get you out of here."

"Oh thank you thank you!" the elderly lady cried tears of joy as she watched the red echidna pick up the plank with no issue, his immense strength making it child's play essentially. Now that her leg was free the woman was able to get up with assistance from Knuckles.

"Since you look like you may not be able to travel much I'll Chaos Control you to a safe place. Do you trust me?" Knuckles asked her. With no second thoughts she nodded, only wanting to escape the destruction being done.

"Alright." Knuckles then extended his hand towards her and a faint green glow appeared on his palm. The glow itself also imbued around the lady as she watched in surprise.

"Chaos Control!"

Just like that she disappeared in a flash of light, Knuckles sending her to a safe place as he thought where the other people were going. The echidna turned again and looked at the downed enemy he defeated.

A twitch came to his eye, seeing the heavily damaged egg-shaped robot laying there on the floor.

"Of course it'll be Eggman. This is a low blow for him to attack Chun-nan, but how did he know where to find us?"

THUMP! THUMP!

Knuckles looked up and saw several more of the same robots, the same red eyes and weapon at the ready and aimed at him. Pumping his fists together he readied a battle stance. "You messed with the wrong town Eggman and I'll see that you never come here again!"

The robots didn't say anything back, simply standing there with weapons aimed at him. Knuckles grunted and was about to engage.

WHOOSH!

Yet he stopped however upon seeing a silhouette hovering down towards them. Its shape looked different than the robots standing below with fiery orange jet thrusts keeping it in flight. It floated in front of all the others and upon getting close to the ground did it start hovering forward, red eyes appearing just like the others.

Except this was different…

And Knuckles knew, his eyes widening at the revelation…

"No, it can't be… you were destroyed… then that means… Eggman isn't…"

…

…

…

"We have found the echidna."

"At last, we know of his location. Capture him and bring him here so we can extract his power. The plan cannot be executed without his latent abilities. Soon no one will be able to stop us and the universe will be ours. That hedgehog was but a thorn in our plan… the echidna will be much more difficult… but he is what we need…"

End of Chapter 10

Aaaand that's the chapter! Apologies if it was a bit short as I want to ensure they're reasonably long without going TOO long and that the suspense stays in place hehe. As promised though there will be action action so there will no longer be waiting. ^u^

Looks like Chun-nan has been discovered after been hidden for so long. Will Knuckles and the Shinjin Warriors repel the attack or will the town fall under this new threat? What does our favorite echidna mean when Eggman isn't? What is that ominous voice in the end?

Stay tuned for more next time! ouo/