-Chapter 95-
Hocus Pocus
Westside Island
In the area separating the Wood Zone from the Oil Ocean Refinery, a swirling pinkish-purple vortex with yellow rings radiating inward opened up, sucking in numerous trees and plants before a figure materialized from it. The figure was a bizarre Mobian, resembling a hybrid between a bat, lobster, and rhinoceros. His body was covered with a coat of peach/light brown-colored fur and his eyes were red. His right hand was completely normal, but his left resembled a lobster claw, though both were covered by gray gloves. These were matched by a pair of boots, and included a black cape and a plain blue suit underneath. He also had a horn sprouting from the top of his head, a long white beard, sharp teeth and large, pointed ears. He took in his surroundings, cackling.
"After ten long years, I am free," he mused. "Free to exact vengeance upon he who has imprisoned me."
He looked around, getting his bearings. Once he realized where he was, he summoned a long staff into his hand and began walking.
"Let no joyful voice be heard!" he declared. "Let no one look to the sky with hope! And let this day be cursed for those who witness the return of... Ixis Naugus!"
He laughed as he continued on his way.
Robotropolis
Eggatha was in her lab, eating a bowl of cereal. Snively was scrubbing the floor as Metal watched him.
"You missed a spot," Metal informed him.
"Excuse me?" Snively asked.
Metal kicked over a can of oil. "Right there."
Snively grumbled as he continued his work.
"I think you're developing a petty side, Metal," Eggatha mused.
"Is that bad?" Metal questioned.
"Yes!" Snively snapped.
"Shut up," both Metal and Eggatha spat in unison.
Before the conversation could continue, Eggatha's computer began rapidly beeping and flashing red. She abandoned her cereal bowl to go check, her eyes going wide.
"Oh, Aurora..." she gasped. "It's finally happened. He escaped!"
"Who?" Snively questioned.
Rather than answer, Eggatha bolted for the door.
"Uncle Ivo!" she screamed, bolting into his throne room.
"What is it, Agatha?" Robotnik questioned, already on edge.
"My scanners just registered interdimensional activity," Eggatha informed him. "Uncle... Ixis Naugus has escaped the Zone of Silence!"
The blood drained from Robotnik's face before he jumped to his feet.
"He dropped out near the Oil Ocean Refinery," Eggatha went on. "He'll head here first, I know it. We need help."
"Yes, you're right," Robotnik agreed. "Get in contact with Sonic by any means necessary. I'll mobilize every Badnik and security measure I have."
Eggatha nodded. "Bokkun!"
Station Square
Back at the Kent household, Keith and Kat were still fast asleep on the couch. The two began stirring around the same time, looking to see their arms around each other. At first, they thought nothing of it, leaning in and starting to drift off again... before their eyes snapped wide open and they pulled away from the other with a yelp.
"What the-?!" they both exclaimed at the same time.
"Ah, you're awake."
The two stiffened, slowly looking up to see Laura at the stove making eggs. Keith looked between Kat and his mother several times, dread sinking in.
"Uh…" Kat let out, "it wasn't what it looked like."
"Yeah!" Keith insisted. "Nothing happened!"
"Absolutely nothing!"
"Calm down, you two," Laura insisted. "I'm assuming Kathryn took advantage of your open door policy and just fell asleep."
They exchanged looks before shrugging.
"...Okay, yeah," Keith admitted. "Guess that is what it looks like."
"And you're okay with it?" Kat asked.
"Of course. Keith hasn't told me everything, but I know that your home life isn't ideal. So, know this: you're welcome anytime you need to get away."
Kat took that in before nodding.
"Now that we have that out of the way, do either of you want some eggs?" Laura asked.
Before either could answer, a Warp Ring opened up. All three turned, seeing Knuckles hop through.
"Knux?" Kat asked.
"Let me guess, Locke wants her back for another day of torture at his little Guardian training room of horrors?" Keith questioned.
"No," Knuckles shook his head. "He's got a mission for us."
"Uh-oh…" Kat let out.
"Can it wait until she's eaten, at least?" Laura questioned. "No point fighting evil on an empty stomach."
Knuckles nodded. "I'll let him know."
That was when Locke himself stuck his head through the ring.
"No time," he insisted before grabbing both Kat and Knuckles and yanking them through.
The Kents watched as the ring disappeared, Keith sighing.
"He's so delightful, isn't he, Mom? Like having a stand-up comedian during King George's Folly (1)."
Laura gave him a reproachful look. "You are aware that joke is in very bad taste, right?"
"I won't deny the truth," Keith insisted. "Believe me, Mom, it describes Knuckles' dad perfectly."
Echidnaopolis
Once they were out of the Warp Ring, Kat yanked herself free.
"What the hell, Locke?" she demanded. "Last night, you couldn't reem me out hard enough, and now suddenly you need me?!"
"I need as many able bodies as possible for this," Locke explained. "More dangerous beings keep coming back to Mobius due to the Phantom Ruby's effects, and one of the worst just resurfaced."
"Worse than the Dark Legion?" Knuckles asked.
"At least as bad as them," Locke clarified. "Have I ever told you of the Forgotten War of Albion?"
Knuckles shook his head. "Never heard of them."
"News to me," Kat added.
Locke sat them down before beginning the tale.
"Hundreds of years ago, there was a society of magic users calling themselves the Order of Ixis. They worshipped a dark entity known simply as Ixis, and through their study of the dark arts, produced the Ixis Magic, a form of mystic arts centering around controlling the natural forces of Mobius."
"Like… magic?" Kat asked. "Legit magic? With spells and incantations?"
"Exactly," Locke confirmed. "They planned to dominate the world, but were opposed by the ancient Echidnas of our ancestral home of Albion. While their magical prowess was mighty, our people's advanced technology and science won out, and the Albion Knights of Aurora crushed the Order, leaving its few remaining members scattered to the winds. It's because of the Knights' efforts that the other societies on Mobius were able to flourish and become what they are today."
"And what does this have to do with us?" Knuckles questioned.
"The information I know comes from an account King Max presented to me during one of our meetings," Locke went on. "One of their former members, Ixis Naugus, served him for a time as Royal Wizard to the Kingdom of Acorn. However, he was plotting to seize the throne to himself, and was banished to the Special Zone, specifically a barren region called the Zone of Silence, by then-Warlord Julian Kintobor."
Knuckles and Kat perked, turning to one another.
"Julian Kintobor…" Knuckles repeated. "You mean…"
"Yes," Locke nodded. "The man you now know as Dr. Robotnik."
"Well, I fail to see the issue here," Kat said flippantly. "He'll go for Eggman and take out the biggest issue plaguing Mobius."
"I'm just wondering what he's gonna do afterwards," Knuckles said.
"The 'issue', Kathryn, is that he won't merely stop with vengeance on the doctor," Locke told her. "Once he's finished with Robotnik, who or what do you think he'll turn on next? The Kingdom of Acorn where your Freedom Fighter friends live."
"...Oh," Kat said after a few moments of silence.
"We need to warn them," Knuckles insisted. "Now."
"Agreed," Locke said. "Naugus must be stopped. No matter the cost."
Mobotropolis
At Castle Acorn, Sally was with her parents enjoying breakfast when Bokkun came flying in.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" he exclaimed, dropping onto the table. "I have an urgent message for you from my master, Agatha!"
Max and Alicia exchanged looks, while Sally approached Bokkun.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"See for yourself!"
Bokkun pulled out his TV, holding it up as Eggatha's face came onscreen.
"King Acorn, I've come with a message of dire tidings," she began. "Ixis Naugus has escaped the Zone of Silence."
"What?!" Max exclaimed.
"When the Phantom Ruby exploded in the spring, it set off a chain reaction that weakened the barriers between various realms of reality," Eggatha explained. "The Zone of Silence is the latest casualty. He's currently headed for Robotropolis, seeking revenge on my Uncle Ivo for his role in his banishment. But we all know that once he's done here, he'll be heading your way next."
"What are you suggesting?" Max asked.
"A truce," said Eggatha. "Naugus is more dangerous than my uncle and you know it. If you agree, have Sonic collect me. I'm to act as the middle man for my Uncle. Keep this in mind before you decide: Mobius' fate hangs in the balance. And at least with Uncle Robotnik, you know the devil you're getting."
With that, the message ended. Bokkun then shut off the TV and sat down cross-legged on the table.
"Got anything sweet?" he asked.
-X-
It didn't take long for Max to make his decision. In record time, Sonic arrived at the castle.
"Is it true?" he asked. "Is he really back?"
"Eggatha wouldn't lie," Sally insisted. "And she sent her robot."
She pointed to Bokkun, who was eating some chocolate strawberries. Sonic still had an eyebrow raised.
"Bokkun?" he asked.
"Hi Sonic!" Bokkun greeted.
"Be honest, is this legit?"
"Very. She's been monitoring the Zone integrity for months now and she flipped when she saw the barriers break down, allowing him to come through."
After a minute, Sonic nodded.
"Okay. I'll go get Eggatha. Between the two of us, Naugus won't stand a chance."
"You judge yourself against the adversaries you've encountered so far, my boy," King Max warned. "Robotnik, his machines, the Drakon Empire you fought on Flicky Island... Naugus is unlike any of them. He has magic beyond your understanding."
"Your Highness, no offense, but you have no idea what my team can do," Sonic said flippantly. "Trust us. We got this."
He sped off at that.
"Wait!" Max shouted, but Sonic was already gone. He sagged into his seat.
"Cocky fool…" he muttered. "Just like his father."
"We best make preparations ourselves, Max," Alicia insisted. "Now might be a good time to bring it out."
"Yes, of course," Max rose from his seat. "To conquer a mystical foe, we need a mystical weapon."
Robotropolis
Robotnik was pacing nervously, Eggatha sitting on his throne, kicking her legs.
"He'll take the deal," Eggatha assured. "You know he will."
"If he's smart enough to recognize the severity of the situation," Robotnik replied.
"Uncle, it's Sonic," Eggatha reminded him.
At that moment, the door opened, revealing Sonic.
"Well, you took your sweet time," Robotnik said flatly.
"Hey, you're the one who didn't deactivate your damn Badniks," Sonic shot back.
"You didn't destroy all of them, did you?" Robotnik demanded.
"Only the ones stupid enough not to get out of my way."
"You do realize that my machines are all that's protecting my city from Naugus?" Robotnik spat. "He could be here any minute!"
"Then next time, remove the 'Hedgehog Priority One' thing," Sonic shot back.
"Stop it!" Eggatha screamed. "We don't have time for this!"
"No, you don't."
They stiffened, slowly turning to see Naugus materialize from the shadows behind them.
"In fact, you don't have time for anything at all." the evil wizard continued.
"Ixis Naugus, I take it?" Sonic asked casually. "Wow... you fall down the ugly tree and hit every branch?"
Naugus spared him a glance. "Ah yes. Sir Charles' nephew. It seems his impudence runs in the family."
Sonic shrugged. "Guess so. Now, as much as you want to kill Eggman, I can't allow it."
Robotnik was slowly backing up as Naugus' eyes fell back on him.
"Julian Kintobor... Ivo Robotnik…" he mused. "Whatever you go by these days, it matters not. I haven't forgotten who's hands cast me into the Zone of Silence."
"N-now now," Robotnik began, "I'm not the same man I was. I'm a villain, rotten to the core. Just like you."
"You are nothing like me," Naugus spat. "You are little more than an insect to be crushed under my heel."
"And I thought you gave over the top speeches," Sonic scoffed.
Naugus glared at him.
"Stay out of my way, hedgehog," he snarled. "This is between me and the doctor. Besides, you should be thanking me. I'm going to get rid of him."
"Oh yeah? And then what?" Sonic shot back. "Retire? Take a cruise? I'm not gonna stand back and let you take down Eggman just so you can take his place."
"Well, I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter."
Naugus snapped his fingers, and Sonic was suddenly encased in crystal up to his neck.
"Hey, what the-?!" Sonic let out.
"Just stay put and enjoy the show," Naugus told him.
Robotnik held out his hands in a placating gesture. "Naugus, come now. Be reasonable."
Naugus ignored him, looking him up and down. "Hmm... I'm not sure it's the right look for you, Doctor."
He snapped his fingers, and Robotnik's head suddenly became that of a slug.
"Nah, color doesn't match your eyes,"
Sonic and Eggatha watched in horror as Naugus snapped his fingers repeatedly, shifting Robotnik's head into that of a gorilla, then a crow, and finally a pig. He snorted and oinked, while from Eggatha's lab, Snively watched from a monitor and laughed himself silly.
"Now that is definitely you," Naugus mused, smirking.
"Uncle Ivo!" Eggatha shrieked.
Naugus perked.
"'Uncle' Ivo?" he repeated. "Well now, you didn't tell me you had a niece, Julian. This makes things much more interesting."
"Hey, your beef is with Eggman, not her!" Sonic shouted. "Leave her alone!"
He strained with all his might to break out of the crystal, before Metal suddenly plowed into him, breaking it. He then charged at Naugus, pinning him to the wall.
"Take Agatha and go!" he ordered Sonic. "Keep her safe, or I'll kill you myself!"
"Count on it," Sonic assured before scooping up Eggatha and taking off.
By this point, Robotnik was rooting around in the dirt with his pig head, snorting as Naugus smirked at his humiliation. Trapping Metal in crystal himself, he snapped his fingers, reverting Robotnik's head to normal as the doctor backed off.
"Well, I've had my fun," said the wizard. "Now let's play hide-and-seek. You hide, and I'll seek."
He began counting to ten, and Robotnik immediately took off running as fast as his legs could carry him.
"Ready or not, here I come," Naugus declared before looking over the crystallized Metal. "Hmmm… perhaps this wind-up toy of Julian's could come in handy."
Wood Zone
Sonic and Eggatha made it to the Wood Zone before stopping to rest. Eggatha was panicking, breathing heavily.
"He… he just snapped his fingers," she let out. "We never stood a chance."
"Damn it… King Max was right. I've never faced anything like him." Sonic shook his head. "But it doesn't change what we gotta do. I'll find a way to stop him."
"How?" Eggatha stood up, spreading her arms out wide. "How will we beat that?!"
She was shaking now, struggling to breathe. She clutched her chest at this point, and Sonic decided to step in.
"Eggatha…" He grabbed her shoulders. "Agatha, look at me! You've gotta calm down!"
Eggatha turned to him, the use of her real name breaking through the haze somewhat.
"I don't know how yet, but we will stop Naugus," he promised. "But to do that, I need you at full strength. So breathe, get your senses in order, and let's stop this psycho."
"Right…"
Eggatha took slow, deep breaths, regaining her composure
"You good?" Sonic asked, getting a nod. "Okay. Now let's get to Knothole and work out a plan."
"Right," Eggatha nodded before perking. "Oh, hang on."
She removed her glasses and undid the cloth belt of her dress. She then tied it around her eyes.
"Deniability."
"Thanks," Sonic told her.
He scooped her up and took off at that.
Author's Note:
(1): Taken from Archie. To make a long story short, King George Acorn, King Max's grandfather from seven generations back, was a spoiled brat who, under the delusion he was flawless, started a war with the Overlanders/humans, costing the lives of all of the knights in the Kingdom of Acorn. In the aftermath, George was sanctioned by the court and stripped him of his authority as king, leaving him powerless to act in any capacity until he died. His son Abraham spent much of his reign seeking to repair the relationship between the House of Acorn and the people, which led to the foundation of the Southern Baronies. To this day, King George is regarded with near-universal contempt, and many view his reign as the dark age of the Kingdom of Acorn.
Well, more Archie and SatAM stuff here. Can Sonic and co. stand against the wicked sorcery of Ixis Naugus? Stay tuned to find out.
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Ixis Naugus - D.C. Douglas (Gharnef from Fire Emblem, Albert Wesker from Resident Evil, X Drake from One Piece)
Please R&R. Until next time!
