Preparations for War

(Theme song - Pokemon Journeys: The Series (Season 23) - English Dub Opening)

(Abigail's POV)

*It's been 2 weeks since our latest defeat of Eggman. A lot has happened. Most of the members of the Council of Acorn decided to retire. The only person who stayed on was Uncle Chuck. So, an election was held to choose new members. The winners were Tails' Mom, Rosemary, Mina's Mom, Isabella, Dylan Porcupine, Penelope Platypus, & Hamlin Pig. Soon after the election, Knuckles went back to Angel Island, just to check the safety. I also hoped that he would rekindle his relationship with his Dad, Locke. From what I heard from Rotor, the last time they spoke wasn't exactly pleasant. Julie-Su begged him to at least bring one member of the Chaotix with him, but he insisted that he had to go alone, "Today, Huck & I were taking a walk in the Great Forest. I needed to get away from my Dad. Apparently, he was so proud of the medal I had gotten from the King that he hung it above the fireplace in the living room. He also wouldn't stop talking about it & bragging to his friends & students. "Huck & I had just arrived at the Lake of Rings. A few Chao flew over to us & Huck went to go play with them. I had just sat down under a tree when I heard a voice behind me*

?:*off-screen* Excuse me, young lady. Could please tell me where I can find Knuckles the Echidna?

*I got up & slowly turned around*

Abigail: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid he's been away for that past few day - AAAGGGHH! *right in front of me was a floating metal Echidna head in a bubble* Who or what are you!?

Dimitri: Forgive me for frightening you. But my name is Dimitri and it's urgent that I speak to my Grand-Nephew, Knuckles. Enerjak has returned.

*I had no idea who that was, but from the look on this guy's face, I could tell it wasn't someone good*

Abigail: Well, like I said before, Knuckles has been away these past few days, but I know someone who can help. Follow me.

*I led him back to New Mobotropolis. I dropped Huck off at home, incase things got dicey. On the way there, I called Sally on my holographic wristwatch & told her everything. She called a meeting of the Council of Acorn. We were all in the Council meeting room*

King Nigel Acorn: Now that the Council of Acorn has gathered, you have the floor, Mr. Dimitri. Tell us everything you know about this "Enerjak" person.

Dimitri: Of course, King Nigel.

*Just then, Nicole appeared next to Sally*

Nicole: It looks like Sonic has stalled him, Sally.

Sally: I knew he would. Keep me posted, Nicole.

*Apparently, as we speak, Eggman is trying to attack the wall outside of the New Mobotropolis*

Dimitri: I was Enerjak at one point myself. Understand that ages ago, I was a brilliant Chaos scientist. In my arrogance, I tried to absorb the powers of the Chaos Emeralds and I transformed. I was no mere "person." I was a god. As Enerjak, I thought myself unstoppable I would have conquered all of Mobius! But my power was stolen. Centuries of aging caught up with. I was nearly undone, until the Dark Legion rescued me with their cybernetic processes. It was not a perfect solution however. With my life still ebbing away, I allowed Dr. Finitevus to disassemble me in hopes of finding a way to return me to my former power.

Sally: And you trusted him with your life?

Dimitri: Try to understand, Princess. At this point, I was desperate. I thought he was genuinely loyal like the rest of the Dark Legion.

Uncle Chuck: So if your not going to be Enerjak, who is?

Dimitri: I do not know, Sir Charles. I came looking for aid the moment I realized Finitevus had betrayed me. Yet, I hadn't anticipated that the last bastion of "freedom" on Mobius would be so slow to act.

King Nigel Acorn: My first concern is my people. We're not going to rush to arms without a solid plan.

Sally: As a field leader, I can tell you the Freedom Fighters are ready and willing to go to Angel Island at a moment's notice.

*I nodded eagerly*

Dimitri: Precisely. Stop this madness before it begins.

Dylan Porcupine: But like King Nigel said, we don't want you going without every advantage. We can only spread our forces so thin.

Sally: Dylan, who says we need to be protected?

Dimitri: Then send the Chaotix. They claim Angel Island as their home.

King Nigel Acorn: It's true that the Chaotix are free agents.

Dimitri: But . . .

King Nigel They've risked their lives for my people. They're entitled to our protection as much as anybody else.

*That didn't really seem fair to me. If the Chaotix claim that Angel Island is their home, then shouldn't they be allowed to go & protect it. If it was me, I would have gone without a second thought. After a lot of debating, we all came to a compromise & ended the meeting. Sally & I had just left the Castle when Nicole appeared in front of us, looking worried*

Nicole: Sally! Abby! Trouble at the airfield!

*Sally & I looked at each other & nodded. We both ran towards the King Frederick Airfield, only to find Sonic battling the Chaotix. He dodged a double attack from Mighty & Julie-Su*

Julie-Su: Knuckles is out there and needs our help!

Sonic: Yeah, but -

Julie-Su: And now the Council wants to keep us trapped here while - OW!

*She had tried to karate chop Sonic, but he dodged & she hit Mighty's shell instead*

Mighty: GAH!

Julie-Su:*holding her sore hand* You talk about "unity," but nobody is free to do anything without your say-so. I thought we were your friends, not your pet mercenaries.

*Sonic was quiet for a minute*

Sonic: You got me there, 'Su. I don't think it's a good idea. But I'm not gonna fight you guys over it anymore.

*Sally walked up behind him & put a hand on his shoulder*

Sally: Well said, Sonic. All the same, we need the Chaotix here.

Julie-Su: Is this the part where you bring the Freedom Fighters in to stop us?

Sally: No. This is the part where I try to find a compromise between our plans. It only makes sense . . . Enerjak will attack the most important places on Mobius, and New Mobotropois is one of them. We need everyone we can get right here.

Julie-Su: That doesn't help find Knuckles! For all we know, Enerjak has him already!

Sally: Nicole just sent a probe to Angel Island. We'll know what's going on very soon.

Julie-Su: A nanite-powered camera isn't going to help!

Sally: Which is why I'll be sending my best and brightest on a search and rescue mission.

*Tails flew up to us. He & Sonic did a high-five*

Sonic: I like this plan!

Julie-Su: But the Council of Acorn . . .

Abigail: They voted and gave Sally clearance to command the Freedom Fighters.

Sonic:*to Tails* Better get the Tornado ready to go, Tails . . . If the Chaotix didn't wreck it or something.

*I sent Sonic a glare & he held his hands up in defense*

Tails: I'm on it!

Julie-Su: I'm sorry, Sally. It's just . . . I'm worried. You weren't there to see Enerjak last time . . .

Sally: I understand better than you think. Now let's meet up with the others.

Sonic: Relax 'Su! Knowing our luck, we'll get there just in time.

To be Continued . . .