Act II: REVELATION

Chapter VI: Paradigm Shift

"I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." – Revelation 6:2

THE FIRST SEAL

It had been four days since Eclipse arrived at Westopolis.

The number of townsfolk who had the mark on their foreheads began to skyrocket. Eclipse's people had bought buildings, held town parties, spread their doctrine all across town.

Walking through town square, Sonic saw Eclipse sitting on the fountain where Mephiles used to sit. He was laughing at something, and townsfolk were all gathered around him, laughing as well.

Sonic ducked behind the building, inspecting closer. Feeling a tug on his shoulder, he turned around, seeing Tails begin to talk to him about something random.

Sonic held a finger to his mouth, gesturing behind him. Tails scowled, peeking around the other side to see where Sonic was gesturing too.

Both saw Eclipse, standing on the fountain and preaching and preaching. It gave Sonic uncomfortable flashbacks to Robotnik – yet he could understand it was much, much worse.

"What's he talkin' about?" Tails muttered.

"Not sure. Let's get a little bit closer."

The two scaled a wall of a real estate building, leaning on the wall. Sonic leaned forward slightly, attempting to decipher what Eclipse was talking about.

"All I am saying is – why let your lives be dictated by some sort of government? Aren't you all capable? The idea of living and giving into everything you could ever desire is somethin' frowned upon these days! An outlaw goes to get some money – and maybe not in the most legal way. But what do we know about this outlaw? Nothin' more then what the powers that be tell us! They tell us he's just some low-life, greedy, and violent man! Though, when he's caught giving bread to his family, or even to some lower-class citizens – is he the bad guy?! Why do we fall on every word that they tell us?! Why shouldn't you get what you deserve to have? We're all people here – should we truly be puttin' people like Vector in charge – when he clearly doesn't have our best interests at heart?"

"Why is he attackin' Vector? He's only been here for three days! What does he know?" Tails whispered venomously.

"Great question, pal. I'd like to figure that out myself."

Footsteps approached, Sonic lighting up when Amy approached with a basket of sweets. He greeted her quickly, placing a kiss on her head. The pink hedgehog turned towards the fountain, nodding at the spectacle.

"What's goin' on over there?"

"Eclipse is holdin' some impromptu church-session it feels like. He just went on about Vector not havin' our best interests at heart – and how he's shacklin' us all and what not. He's tellin' them to give into whatever they desire."

"Sounds like temptation," Amy muttered.

"Exactly," Sonic said, refusing to take his eyes off the darkling.

Suddenly, a woman approached, clasping her hands together. She was a younger mink, pushing some stray black hair from her eyes.

"So, what are you saying? Are you saying we shouldn't have a government?"

People began to raise the same question, to which Eclipse snickered calmly.

"Well, what say you? Do you all like how you're bein' treated? Don't think how they want you think. Be honest with yourselves! Do you feel you're bein' treated well in a society that stifles your freedom by making you follow rules that only give them power?"

The townsfolk all conversed with one another – clearly hanging onto his words.

The mink shrugged. "Maybe…you're suggestin' a different kind of government?"

Eclipse shrugged, licking his lips. "Perhaps. I cannot keep sittin' by while Vector mooches off of y'all! Why not just take your own power back? That's what's fair."

The townsfolk considered his proposition. They looked at each other curiously, all reading each other's expressions. It was becoming clear and evident that they were agreeing with him.

"Well, I'm all for it!" One young rabbit shouted, holding his fist in the air as he trudged forward. "I agree with him! Heck, when's the last time we all had some excitement in our lives?! Don't y'all wanna give into what you desire most? I've been feelin' stifled myself – maybe this is just what we need!"

Eclipse hollered, holding the rabbit's arm up with him. "This is the energy we need! This is how we live our lives for ourselves! No one else's misgivins' matter – your deepest desires are all you need!"

"I want the mark!"

"Me too!"

"How do we get the mark? I want it too!"

Eclipse put his hands up, faking exasperation. "Wee-hee-hee! Hasty y'all are! You can get the mark on your forehead whenever you'd like! Form a line if you want it! Mimic, bring the thingssss for them."

A younger octopus stepped forward, dragging some supplies. People began lining up, as Mimic painted the mark onto their foreheads. They cheered with one another, accepting their newfound place in a brotherhood.

"Let's hear it for these new men and women! How lovely their lives will be now that they free themselves from the rule of other's!"

Sonic couldn't stand the cheering, storming away. Tails and Amy followed, stealing glances back at the crowd.

"This is insane," Amy spat, "Do you see what he's doin'? We need to tell Vector right away! If he keeps it up, we're lookin' at a coup!"

Sonic sighed, rubbing his face in frustration. "What the hell do we even tell him? 'Oh, hey Vector, that crazy fuckin' darkling is gonna throw you 'outta office!'. How do you even prepare him for that?"

Tails sighed, rubbing his head. "If we don't tell him, he could get hurt, or even killed. Shadow was right, this is very, very bad."

Sonic turned around, putting his hands on their shoulders. He offered them a smile – even if it was horribly forced.

"Look, we are not gonna let it get to that point. We can get a hold on this – just like we did with Robotnik."

"This is different, Sonic. Robotnik preyed on their fears to control them. Eclipse is manipulating them by convincin' them to overthrow the systems by preying on their wants. The townsfolk knew deep down Robotnik was using them, but Eclipse is truly playin' them for fools. It wasn't extremely hard to snap people out of Robotnik's daze, but it will be hard to snap them out of Eclipse's."

Sonic sighed, staring at the cheering crowd in the distance. He knew Amy was right. He could act like doing this would be easy all he wanted – it was far from the truth. They loved Eclipse, and they didn't love Robotnik – they feared him.

Sonic bit his lip, before nodding incessantly.

"Round up as many people as you can. Let's warn Vector that Eclipse may be makin' an attempt at his throne."

Espio stopped his horse, sighing as he slid off the back. He placed his hat on, checking his pocket-watch momentarily.

Mighty approached behind, twirling a revolver. "So, what's the tip?"

Espio pursed his lips, staring at the watch. "Someone said they heard a scream inside here on their walk. People say they hear stuff all the time – we'll check it out. I'm not too sure what else it could be."

Sally crossed her arms, tapping her foot. "Well, after what Shadow said about Eclipse, it might be a tad more sinister than we're thinkin'."

"I don't wanna play into hysteria," Espio stated dryly, "If it's somethin' to do with Eclipse, he's only helpin' us arrest him."

"If that's even possible. Do y'all see how much they love him?" Rotor said, removing his hat and brushing dust from it.

"More and more people are wearin' that damn mark day-by-day," Bunnie said.

"Let's focus," Espio said, inspecting the building, "We need to be at the Town Hall soon."

It was on the outer skirts of the booming Westopolis. An old building that was used here and there for dubious reasons. It was recently bought by one of Eclipse's men – and Espio wasn't exactly sure what they bought it for.

In fact, now that the chameleon thought about it, every building on this one block had been bought by them. The mark they wore had even been painted on a few of them.

Some sort of callsign, perhaps?

Nicole stepped forward, followed by Antoine. The lynx placed a hard knock to the door, cupping her mouth.

"Police! If you're inside, open on up!"

No response.

A few moments went by, before Antoine placed a knock himself.

"Police! If you don't open the door, we'll come in ourselves!"

No response.

Espio groaned quietly, stepping forward. "That's enough warning."

Fiddling with the door, he pushed it open, allowing the natural light to peak inside. They poked around inside, inspecting the building for anything out of place.

It was still empty. They had purchased the building, yet they hadn't done anything with it yet.

As they poked around, Ray hollered, pointing at the wall. "There! Look!"

The force gathered around the squirrel, seeing a large angel-like figure painted on the wall.

"That's the mark," Mighty said. Sally stepped forward, running her finger across it. Putting her fingers to her nose, she took in the scent, shaking her head with closed eyes.

"It's blood."

"Good Gaia," Espio whispered, biting his lip. Turning to the left, he saw yet another symbol painted in the ground.

A pentagram, clearly in blood as well. The chameleon bent down, inspecting the unlit candles, the palm branches, as well as the bowls.

"What the hell is this stuff?" Antoine muttered.

"Found our problem," Bunnie said, pointing ahead. Espio looked up from the pentagram, before feeling bile fill his throat.

He could swear his heart had stopped. Approaching carefully, Espio took in the scene, having to look away at moments.

A headless corpse, with a pitchfork shoved right where the head should be.

"Oh my Gaia…" Rotor muttered, shielding Ray from the sight. Mighty followed behind Espio, the two bending down to inspect the body.

It was a man – a jackal to be exact. Mighty shook his head, ignoring the racing in his heart.

"What kind of monster does this?"

"That's who."

Mighty looked at Espio inquisitively, before following his gaze to the wall. His eyes widened, beginning to read the three phrases painted in blood.

"BEHOLD THE BREAKING OF THE FIRST SEAL."

"THE HORSEMAN, THE CONQUEROR."

"THE CHAIN HAS BROKEN. ECLIPSE SPEAKS FOR HELL."

Espio immediately stood up, turning around to the police.

"Get ready to head to Vector's office. Tell him this town hall is not happenin' while we find that goddamn darkling."

Vector scowled at the group, scratching his head passively. He chuckled softly, fixing his loose tie.

"So, you're tellin' me, that Eclipse is tryin' to usurp me from my chair? He realizes I was elected, right? We'll just throw him in jail – see how far he gets."

"It's not like that anymore, Vec," Julie-su spoke up, "He's got hundreds of citizens hangin' on his every word. They're denouncin' you and everyone in power 'round here daily."

"Denounce me all they'd like – they can't just take me from office."

"They can if they do it by force, Vector," Amy said, wiping her eyes.

"And y'all will let that happen?"

Sonic sighed, taking off his hat. "We'll do what we can to prevent it, but that don't mean it'll work. Soon enough he'll just turn them on us too."

Vector scoffed, rubbing his stomach. He spoke up, before Tangle cut him off.

"Look, we know you ain't takin' this seriously – but we all know Eclipse is dangerous and unpredictable! His charisma is spreadin' Vec. We're worried about you gettin' hurt! You got a family now!"

"I understand that-"

"I'm not sure you do," Rouge said, leaning over his desk, "Eclipse could kill you. Robotnik was never one to go and shoot and kill a public official, but Eclipse is. You could be in some serious danger."

Vector reclined, considering their words. He wasn't sure what to say, fiddling with the chain around his neck.

"Let us help you, Vector. That's what we're here for," Honey muttered, hanging back.

The crocodile leaned forward, crossing his hands together. "What do you want me to do? Leave before he kills me?"

"That's a start," Whisper added.

"You can even stay in the workshop if you want," Tails said, hand linked with Cosmo's.

"Yeah! We have an extra room you, Vanilla, and Cream can stay in!" The seedrian suggested.

Vector shook his head. "Mighty kind of you – but I still have a town to run. If y'all hide me, he'll just take over – if that's his plan anyways."

Suddenly, the door flung open – Espio storming inside.

"Call off that Town Hal- What are you all doin' here?"

Sonic scowled, raising an eyebrow. "Warnin' Vector that Eclipse might be after him. What's goin' on?"

"Why do y'all need to call off the Town Hall?" Tails asked.

Sally stepped forward, hands on her hips. "We found a body. Mangled with a pitchfork, as well as Eclipse's mark painted up on the wall. We have to call the Town Hall off, find him, and arrest him."

Vector groaned, holding his hands on his head. "Good Gaia, as if my job couldn't get any harder."

"You're sayin' he killed somebody with a pitchfork?" Amy asked, fear in her eyes.

"Looks like it. Do y'all have any idea where he could be?" Mighty asked.

"Don't go looking for him. It's too late."

The voice in the doorway caused everyone to turn around, with Shadow, Silver, and Knuckles standing together. Shadow wore a face of rage, and Sonic could see the slight tremor in his fist.

"Shadow, what's goin' on?" Nicole asked.

Vector stood up, thudding his fists on his desk. "A'ight look – y'all are drivin' this old crocodile mad. I'm not goin' anywhere, and I ain't doin' anything! We're havin' that Town Hall – and we're tellin' every son of a bitch in there that Eclipse just killed a man. That'll be the wakeup call they need."

"It's not gonna go over how you think," Knuckles said, sauntering inside. Vector groaned, plopping in his chair.

"Why not, Knux'?" Sonic asked.

Knuckles sighed, removing the fur from his head. He looked at Sonic long and hard, his lips pursed and tight.

"He broke the First Seal. He's already conquered Westopolis – it's just a matter of when he takes Vector out."

Every eye immediately went to Vector, who only wore a look of confusion. He scoffed, yet the fear in his eyes began to creep in.

"So – I'm in danger now?"

"That's what we've been sayin'," Whisper croaked, hiding behind Tangle slightly.

"What the hell do you want me to do? I'm not foldin' to no one! We're holdin' that Town Hall and I'm exposing Eclipse for what he is. We'll see how he likes that!" Vector exclaimed, standing up and pulling his jacket around him. He began storming out, ignoring the protests they sent his way.

Espio attempted to stop him, yet Vector only shook his arm off. "Espio, we're havin' that goddamn Town Hall! Put some officers outside to guard if you need too! I'm not foldin' to nobody!"

The crocodile stormed out, earning a frustrated sigh from Espio.

Sonic shared the sentiment, biting down on his lip.

There was only one way this was going to go – and it wasn't going to be good.

When Vector took the stage, Sonic only felt an extreme sense of dread.

He took a look at the packed Town Hall – and he was shocked to see the clear divide.

Less than half were unmarked – normal citizens who were going on their lives as normal.

More than half wore that mark proud on their foreheads, and they were clearly not happy with Vector. Overnight, Eclipse simply turned their perception of the mayor on its head.

It was despicable.

"I had a lot to talk about tonight, but I've decided to talk about somethin' else tonight. I'm sure y'all can see a stark difference here already."

Vector's eyes floated to the marked citizens, who only returned annoyed glances.

"I'm here to nip this in the bud. This bullshit that the new guys are tellin' y'all to do is not the type of community we need around here. It's fostering a community of separation – and one that gives into lawbreakers everywhere."

"Of course you'd say that!" One man shouted, earning some hollers.

"You don't want us to listen to him because he's showin' you for what you are!"

They cheered and hollered, earning a growl from Vector. Sonic watched in horror, holding onto Amy's hand tightly, and sharing fearful looks with Tails.

From his right, Mighty snuck up to Espio, a look of terror in his eyes.

"Hey – we went back to check on the buildin' like you said, and – and it's gone. All of it. Gone."

Espio immediately sucked in a breath, eyes wide with fury. "What do you mean it's gone?"

"I mean what I said, boss. They must have gone in there and taken it all down. Got rid of all the painted shit, the pitchfork, the body – all of it. Gone."

Espio facepalmed, turning around to Vector – yet the crocodile was headstrong in taking on this slowly-frenzying crowd.

"Look! Y'all wanna trust Eclipse so bad? Fine. I'm not sure how much you'll trust him when y'all find out what he's been up to lately!"

Espio attempted to get Vector's attention, whispering his name through gritted teeth. Vector paid no attention, taking on the crowd still.

"What could he possibly have done besides get us to see the truth?!" A woman shouted, earning more hollers from the crowd.

Sonic noticed Espio attempting to get Vector's attention. He turned to Sally, waving to get her attention. When she met his gaze, he pointed over there – mouthing "What happened?"

Sally shrugged big for him to see, shaking her head. Sonic sighed, attempting to peek a look towards the chameleon.

"Your favorite person Eclipse is a murderer! The police saw it today – and are in the process of arresting him right now!"

The townsfolk were confused, all speaking to each other in hushed voices. One rabbit hopped up, pointing towards the mayor.

"Prove it!"

Immediately, the crowd hollered, as Vector grabbed his head. He turned to Espio, leaning over to speak with him.

"Do y'all have any proof?!"

Espio leaned forward, hissing into his ear. "It's gone, Vector. Mighty went to check out the building again and it's emptied out."

Vector's eyes widened in fear, shaking his head. "No – No! That cannot be true."

"It's true."

The crocodile sighed, yet before he could address the crowd again, the door flung open – and in stormed Eclipse, with a young armadillo in his grasp.

The townsfolk looked at him, and his grin mouth was hard and cold.

"Care to explain what your officer is doin' plantin' this where my friends are staying, Mayor?"

"What the hell is the meaning of this, Eclipse?" Vector cursed, leaning over the podium.

Eclipse pushed the young officer forward, gesturing towards the crocodile. "Go on – show him what you were doin'."

The officer swallowed, turning to the crowd. He reached into his bag, before pulling out the head of a jackal.

The townsfolk gasped – all looking at one another with confusion. Vector immediately stormed to the edge of the stage, pointing an accusatory finger towards Eclipse.

"He's lyin' through his goddamn teeth!"

Eclipse scoffed, shaking his head. "You protectin' killers, huh? That's what you do, mayor? I didn't like you before, but now I know you have to go."

"We have done no such thing!"

"Save it," Eclipse spat, turning to the crowd. "Your mayor would rather pin a senseless, tragic, and violent murder on me then pursue the true perpetrator. I tell you this – he'll only do the same if one of your loved ones end up dying too. Why the hell do we trust this murderin' psychopath with runnin' this town? Are y'all tired of it as well?!"

The marked crowd all cheered, and Sonic could see some of the vigor travelling to the unmarked townsfolk. It terrified him how Eclipse could lie and get away with it.

Knuckles was right.

He had conquered Westopolis.

Eclipse rose his fist in the air, licking his golden teeth. "What are we waiting for, children? It's time Westopolis had a system that cared about its people! Down with this coward!"

The marked cheered, rushing forward and grabbing onto Vector, ignoring the yells and cries of the crocodile.

"What the hell?! Let go of me!"

When the police tried to intervene, the marked only pushed back – cornering them into the hall. The marked dragged Vector through the pathway, leading him to the door.

Sonic leapt into action, with the crew following behind. They raced towards Vector, fighting through the crowd. It was total mayhem – and Vector was being dragged to his doom.

Through the streets, in the backdrop of the moon, Vector was dragged through the streets, wrangling, and fighting as hard as he possibly could.

"Vector!" Amy cried, overtaking the crowd. Sonic and Tails followed, shoving through the crowd and crying his name.

It was pointless. Once they reached the stagecoach, they practically threw him inside, his large frame causing the stagecoach to buckle for a moment. Vector scooted towards the back of the cargo bay, as Eclipse hopped up, leaning inside.

He sneered at Vector, a harsh and cold glare staring through his soul – with a wicked smile that could devour him from the inside.

"Enjoy your stay, Mayor. Don't you worry, I'll take excellent care of your town."

The darkling hopped from the back, planting a kick into the back of the stagecoach. Vector attempted to crawl towards the mouth of the coach, reaching forward.

"Vector! Stop that damn coach!" Sonic exclaimed, fighting through the crowd and attempting to grab onto his hand. He missed, and as the stagecoach lurched forward, the horse-led wagon veered off from its resting place, hurtling quickly into the distant night.

The marked cheered, as did some of the unmarked. Sonic fell to his knees, feeling his mouth dry.

The first seal – the conqueror.

And that was exactly what Eclipse did.

The darkling approached Sonic, placing a cold, vile hand on Sonic's shoulder as the hedgehog stayed on his knees. Eclipse gave his shoulder a squeeze, giving him a devilish glare.

"Ah – don't be so sad, Sonic. It's been a long time comin' for some changes 'round here."

Sonic scoffed, as Eclipse snickered, walking off.

The hedgehog stared at the spot where the stagecoach once was, shaking his head in anguish. He failed to save their mayor. Now Westopolis was without a leader, Vanilla was without a husband –

They were without a friend.

Sonic turned back to Amy, sharing a pitiful glance.

What has he done?