Total Eclipse Saga Episode 9: Water Way To Go!

Somewhere in the tunnels, the Hooligans are riding the bike through the tunnel. Bark holds Yacker in his hands as the little Wisp holds the Chaos Emerald.

Nack laughs, "Nya-Ha-Ha! We got the Chaos Emerald! We got a bonus hostage! We escaped the mole robot! And best of all, bury the Chaotix alive!

Then turns to the Wisp, "You do still have the goods right?"

Yacker nervously nods in response.

"Good!" Nack says, "Eggman's going to pay a fortune!"

However, Nack notices that Bean is not too pleased, and is actually pouting.

Nack questions, "What's your problem? This job went off without a hitch!

Bean crosses his arms with a huff, "Hmph! Exactly! Where was the zaniness? Where was the echaden-dreude?"

Nack rolls his eyes in response.

Bean continues ranting, "Sure there were a couple of scuffles and joyous explosions, but where was the heart?! Where were the adorable antics?! Where was the pizza I ordered an hour ago?!"

"Nope," Nack quickly says, "I'm not letting you ruin this for me. We had a job, we got it done, and best of all… we eliminated the competition!"

Still trapped in the mines, the Chaotix continue to scramble for their lives while trying to fight against the mole-bot. At the same time, they are trying to find a way to escape from the mine.

Charmy flies to Knuckles, "There's no way out! Saffron and I checked! Every way is caved in!"

"When I get my hands on that duck - !" Knuckles says, cracking his knuckles.

Soon, Espio notices a tunnel, "There's a tunnel in the floor here, but the water's not moving . . ."

"I remember that tunnel!" Julie-Su says.

"Yeah, but even if the other end was open, it's too long to swim underwater! We'd never make it!" Knuckles says.

Vector soon notices one of the star balls next to him. He then remembers what Knuckles said about what it is and what it can do.

He smiles and snaps his fingers, "Bingo!" It means that he has a plan.

Vector then dodges the drills of the mole robot, causing the drill to get stuck.

Vector calls out, "Everybody get next to the sunken tunnel! I've got a plan!"

The group then rushes over.

Vector point to the switch and says, "There's a switch across the room -"

"I see it!" Espio says.

Then Vector says, "On my signal, hit it!"

This has the Chaotix shocked.

"That's your plan? Drown us faster!" Knuckles exclaims.

"Are you crazy?!" Julie-Su exclaims.

Chatmy hugs Vector, "I don't wanna drown!"

"That sounds way too dangerous!" Saffron adds.

Soon, the mole robot is able to free its hand from the wall and comes up behind Knuckles and Julie-Su.

"Trust me! Everyone, take a deep breath and . . ." Vector says.

With no other choice, everyone takes a deep breath, and Vector signals to Espio. Vector then throws his kunai at the switch and it hits. Soon, the water starts to spiral down into the tunnel. Everyone begins swimming under the water as fast as they can, the tunnel is longer, and are starting to show signs that they're running out of air. However, Vector sees a light at the end.

Arriving at the upper level where there are machines around, the Hooligans fly out on their bike and make their way to the exit.

"This is where we came in! We're home-free boys!" Nack says.

Just then, the hatch opens, and the water flows out, splashing all over them. The Chaotix also washes out of the tunnel as well, and the Hooligans are washed up

Bean laughs in excitement, ". . . Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about!"

Nack however, feels utterly defeated, "It's not fair . . . We'd won for once . . ." He quickly grabs his blaster and points it at Knuckles and Julie-Su, "No . . . We're not done yet! I won't . . ." but when he fires his gun, all that comes out is water.

Nack screams, "IT'S NOT FAIR!"

Soon as he realizes he's out of Bark's grasp, Yacker slips away, picks up the Chaos Emerald, and makes his way back to Knuckles and the others.

Knuckles stands up and angrily glares at Nack, "All right. Yacker and the Emerald are coming with us. Walk away now or so, help me . . ."

Suddenly, a rumbling sound appears, catching everyone's attention

"Um . . . Knuckles?" Espio says.

And suddenly, a familiar pawed drill bursts through the wall, revealing the mole-bot.

Bean laughs harder in excitement, "Wha-ha-ha! Yes! Now, let there be clowns! With balloons! BALLOON CLOWNS!"

Nack however, is not amused. Mainly because of the washing water, Nack is nearly sent over the edge.

Nack cries out, "HELP ME UP!"

Soon, Yacker flies off with the Chaos Emerald.

Noticing it, Nack shouts, "No! No! Grab the Emerald!"

"Nuh-uh. You didn't say Simon-says-Mother-may-I-Ollie-Ollie-oxen-free," Bean says.

Yacker talks in his language and presents the emerald.

"Good job, Yacker," Julie-Su says.

"Now all we have to do is get out of here alive!" Knuckles says.

Back on Angel Island, Relic and Fixit have been going through the data through the flying battery wreckage, from one of Eggman's machines.

Fixit types on the computer and says, "I was able to reroute the last of the power here!

Relic is pleased, "Marvelous! I couldn't even get the beastly thing to turn on.

She walks to the screen and asks, "Is the computer systems here able to analyze the samples we took from Mushroom Hill?"

"Yes, madam," Fixit says, "It would appear Dr. Eggman was using this Flying Fortress as both a battleship and a research station."

"And?" Relic asks.

Fixit answers, "...Apologies, madam, but the database can't identify the sample."

"I would expect Eggman's databases to be quite extensive," Relic says, adjusting her glasses. She then says in concern, "I shudder to consider…"

"Consider what, madam?" Fixit asks.

"I'm hoping it's just a buggy system but this seems to suggest… that they're not of this world," Relic says, showing deep concern.

And Relic couldn't be more right.

Somewhere on the Red Mountains, Eclipse's shuttle is shown to be a complete wreck.

Inside the shuttle, Eclipse has a large mushroom cap and is dragging it inside with the fruit picked from the tree.

Eclipse struggles, "Rrrrgh… forget trying to harvest the life on this planet. We should have just blown it up and been done with it."

Finally, Eclipse mananges to get the mushroom cap to the center of the room and places it down.

He then says as he walks to the monitor, "Feeding time my Dark Arms. It's not breathing, but it's the best we've got for now. I need you to grow big and strong."

As Eclipse looks at the monitor as it status, four mysterious creatures walk towards the bowl and eat the bears. When the monitor started working, some parts revealed Shadow, and another showed Eve.

Eclipse says with strong resentment, "...So we can take our revenge…"

And Eclipse leaves hard scratches over the screen, meaning after wha happened, Eclipse has a strong desire for revenge.

Back in the mine, the group turns to see the mole monster.

"So . . . I've got another idea, but I need a minute to explain it. And that thing ain't gonna cooperate," Vector says.

And with that, Charmy has an idea, "Ooh! Ooh! I got this!" He turns to the Hooligans and calls out, "Hey, Bean! That monster says your bombs are wimpy! It says it's seen bigger explosions in a microwave! It says it's heard more bang from a sheet of bubble-wrap!"

Bean then slowly turns to the monster and has a crazy look in his eyes. Seeing this has Nack and Bark worried.

Uh . . . Bean?" Nack asks.

And something in Bean snaps, and begins throwing the bombs at the robot like crazy.

Bean screams, "WORDS CAN HURT, YOU JERK! I'LL TEACH YOU FOR SAYING MEAN THINGS YOU MOUTHLESS FREAK!"

Vector turns to Charmy, "Nice work, Charmy! Listen up, here's what we're gonna do . . ."

Everyone gathers around to hear the plan.

Bean continues to throw the bombs at the robot, "DO I COME TO YOUR PLACE AND TELL YOU HOW TO DO YOUR JOB!? NO! IT'S CALLED 'PROFESSIONAL COURTESY'!" The robot begins to make metallic sounds. Bean continues throwing his bombs, "DON'T SASS ME!"

All Nack and Bark can do is watch as Bean goes ballistic.

"Look at him. Who couldn't he have done that when we got busted on that job in Empire City? Or when we were going for that vault. You remember that one?" Nack says.

Bark nods.

He then asks, "Why do we put up with him again? And why am I having a conversation with you?" He then lets out a sigh, "C'mon. Let's get that Emerald back while everyone's distracted.

However, while Nack and Bark look at the event, invisible, Espio sneaks over to Nack's bike and presses a button.

Once that's done, Espio takes his leave without anything being a miss.

Nack and Bean get on the bike and fly towards Knuckles and Julie-Su.

Bean continues his rampage, "AND ANOTHER THING - !"

Distracted, Knuckles calls out, "Yacker! Jade! Where are you?"

Suddenly, Bark pins Knuckles and Julie-Su to the ground.

"No more nonsense," Nack says and points his blaster at them, "Tell me where the Emerald is, and you both keep your brains in your heads."

"Rrrgh! We don't have it!" Julie-Su says.

Then Knuckles says, "And you made us lose Yacker and Jade!"

Saffron and Charmy rush over.

"Let them go!" Charmy calls out.

"Not until I get the Emerald," Nack says.

Then Saffron says, "But we don't have it! It's not here! The wisps must've took it!"

"Wisps? You mean those little guys?" Nack asks.

"Yep," Saffron says with a nod.

"Whaddayamean it's . . ." Nack questions as he heads to his bike. He soon sees the blip on the Emerald tracker, "GAH! He's telling the truth! The tracker shows it's on the move again!"

Nack and Bark then get back on the bike.

"Looks like your buddies abandoned you!" Nack says, "Don't worry, I'll run them down soon enough. As a consolation prize, I'll let you deal with the monster!

They soon take off in the bike and head towards Bean.

Bean continues his rampage, "SO YOU CAN FIND ME IN THE ALPS, PAL!"

Bark then grabs Bean as they fly away.

"We're done here, Bean!" Nack says.

The Hooligans take off and make their way to the exit.

Nack laughs, "BWA-HA-HA! Sayonara, suckers!"

"Well I, for one, feel spiritually cleansed. Don't you?" Bean says, finally calmed down.

Soon, the Hooligans are gone.

Charmy laughs, "They're almost gone.

"Yes. Now all have to worry about I'd the giant mole badnik to deal with," Espio says, making himself visible again.

"Not for long . . . " Knuckles says.

He then jumps towards the monster and begins punching away at it. The Mole robot shakes Knuckles off and tries to attack him. Jade and Yacker, who's been hiding behind some rocks, notices it.

Jade panics and rushes to Knuckles. With that, she fuses with Knuckles and activates the ghost power. Knuckles looks at himself and is shocked. Knuckles the flies up into the air. Then Jade separates from Knuckles. Then Yacker flies to Knuckles. And fuses with Knuckles, activating the boost. Knuckles smirks and takes the opportunity to deliver a power punch to the Mole robot and sends it flying, crashing into the wall, and shatters it into pieces.

"That's my man," Julie-Su says, excited

"Sure. After Bean softened it up for you," Espio says.

"And thanks to the Wisps, they gave Knuckles powers," Saffron says.

"We're clear. I'll get the Emerald," Charmy says, and heads off to get the emerald.

Knuckles turns to Jade and Yacker, "Thanks you two, for helping and saving my tail."

Jade and Yacker hug Knuckles in response.

Knuckles chuckles, "Okay okay, I get it."

Soon enough, Charmy brings out the Emerald, "Ta-da! See? Saffron and I hid it real good!"

"You kids did great," Julie- Su says.

Knuckles then turns to Espio to ask, "The Hooligans won't be back, right?"

"I scrambled their tracker so badly, they'll be chasing fake Emeralds for days," Espio says.

Knuckles laughs, "Nice work, Espio."

Later on, the gang make their way out of the mine and are relieved to see daylight again, especially now they're out of the mine.

"What a beautiful sunrise," Julie-Su says.

"Yeah. It's hard to forget that we're fighting to stop Eggman and his robots and Dark Egg Legion," Knuckles says.

"Well, our mission sure is done, and we can deliver the Chaos Emerald to Sally and the others," Vector says, excited, "Ooh, I can't wait to collect the finder's fee!"

But Knuckles says, "You can have the cash, but you should give me the Emerald."

"What'coo talkin' 'bout, Knuckles?" Vector questions.

Knuckles then explains, "Think about it. The Hooligans will figure out they've been duped eventually. If they're looking for the Emeralds, you'll cross paths soon enough. You run the risk of them stealing this Emerald again. But Angel Island is secure. And Nack should know better than to come onto my turf. Su and I'll hold on to the Emerald for now. You can deliver all the ones you find to Sally at the same time and we won't charge you for anything."

"Knuckles has a point, it's best to keep it on the island," Julie-Su says.

"Alright, I'll trust you two with it for now. But you'd better keep your word, 'cause I know where you live," Vector says, giving Knuckles the Emerald.

Sometime later, Knuckles and Julie-Su return to Angel Island

". . . And then we caught the strongest updraft I could find and made our way back to the island. So, yeah, that was a bit of an ordeal. You really sent us on an adventure… Tikal," Knuckles says.

"You could say that again," Julie-Su says.

Tikal apologizes, "I am sorry to have troubled you both. Truly. But I'm relieved to know that it's been in the hands of a kind species."

Yacker and Jade float to Tikal and become well acquainted with her.

"It was wise of you to bring the Chaos Emerald back with you, and to bring the Wisp as well. I'm sure the island will help them feel more at ease," Tikal says.

"Yeah. Didn't expect to meet any friends of Sonic and Eve, "For now, I just want to sleep…"

"Yeah. I could really use some rest," Julie-Su says.

They both are about to close their eyes.

Suddenly, Relic's voice interrupts their sleep, "Knuckles! Julie-Su! Oh, good! You're back!"

"Yeah, and very tired. So if you -" Knuckles says.

"I found something while you were . . .!" Relic begins to explain, but then notices Tikal, "Hello. I do beg your pardon. But you appear to be an apparition."

"Yes. I am Tikal. A spirit bound to the Master Emerald," Tikal says.

Relic looks at her clothing, "Judging by your clothes . . . From one of those long-lost indigenous tribes."

"Yes. Before Angel Island took to the sky," Tikal says.

Just then, Relic squeals in excitement.

She then shouts in excitement, as she holds Tikal's hands "You simply must tell me everything about everything!"

Knuckles then tries to get her attention, "Relic? Hello? You had something really important to tell us.

"Oh. Right. How silly of me," Relic says, calming herself. Then says in a serious tone, "Listen, my evidence is limited, but I fear Angel Island is in the middle of an alien invasion!"

"ALIEN INVASION?!" The two Echidnas exclaim in shock.