(Realm Sagas: Story Five: Double Trouble) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legal junk: Sonic & Knuckles, and all related characters are copy-right of Sega and Archie comics. KTE, and Jack are copy-right of KTE. Moon the Echidna, Gabriel Shadows, k.a. Echidna, The Chaos Knight, Selene, ETK, Sailor Evil, Kit Fox, Ember Hedgehog and all other original characters are copy-right of Chandra Rooney. All the characters and ideas presented are my own, unless otherwise noted. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One: Rainbow Valley, The Floating Island Realm Location: "Archie Realm" "Okay," KTE said. "I know Knuckles, so let me go on ahead into Echidnolopis and tell him what's going on." Moon the Echidna regarded the 13-year-old red echidna thoughtfully. It was interesting how the young bounty-hunter (and guardian-look-alike) so easy took control of the situation. She looked down at the other red echidna with them. The small, dark blue-eyed five-year-old k.a. The little echidna that was really the seventeen-year-old Knuckles Ash, guardian of the Floating Island in his respective home realm. Then she looked back at the other member of their party. The tall, nineteen-year-old green-eyed, black-haired boy. The one who looked all too human until hunger prompted his true vampiric nature to show. "Moon?" KTE was asking. "Did you here me?" Moon shouldered her long silver dreads, and looked at KTE with eyes the same color as k.a.'s. "Yeah, I heard you, KTE. If you want to go ahead and tell Knuckles; we'll wait here." She told him. Although Moon wasn't too happy with the thought of being left alone with Gabriel. She feared the conversation would turn to that incident by the power-ring pool. "I wanna go too," k.a. announced. "Can I come, mista KTE? Can I?" Moon looked down at him. k.a. had not been too happy when she had told him that they were leaving Knothole. Mostly because it meant he was leaving his parents again. "Only if KTE wants you along," she replied. Arguing with k.a. was an exhausting ordeal. One she tried to avoid. "Sure," KTE shrugged. "But you stay quiet and don't get in trouble." "I can do that," k.a. replied happily. "I'll be back soon," KTE told them. "Just hang here." Then, he walked off towards the echidna city, with k.a. energetically bounding along side. "Awful quiet," Gabriel remarked. "I always imagined the fable Floating Island would be louder." Moon tried to ignore him. The tension between them was too evident already. She didn't need to have his constant sarcasm to aggravate it. "You sure they're coming?" the pink female echidna with the purple tipped bangs asked. A metallic dread-lock caught the sunlight. She absently chewed on a wad of bubble-gum as she awaited an answer. "They're coming." The other female replied. Yet, this one was not an echidna. She was a silver-haired, dark blue-eyed human. She was also ridiculously dressed in a sailor scout outfit. Black scarf, skirt, bows, and high black boots. "Look, Sailor Evil," the pink echidna began. "I know youse guys busted me out an' everythin, but I still don't understand why I'm here." "My dear Julie-su," Sailor Evil began patiently. A master manipulator such as herself knew that you didn't win someone over by yelling at them. "Your...expertise with Knuckles Ash will be very helpful to our mission. And, seeing that you perform well, no doubt her majesty Hecate-Chaos will add you to the Realm Destroyer team." "And tell me again why I want to be on the team," Julie-su said. "Because, my dear, just think how pleased your daddy, Kragok, will be with you. His only heir, partly responsible for the downfall of all that is good and just." Sailor Evil paused. "Why that's sure to impress him." Julie-su nodded, and was silent again. Sailor Evil congratulated herself on another victory over the simple-minded. Julie-su was too easy. Her inferiority complex, caused by having a father who constantly looked down on her simply because she was female, made Julie-su a perfect pawn in her game. "Now keep a level-head about you," Sailor Evil advised. "KTE and the little brat of Dimitri are coming up the path. You remember what to do?" "Sure, send KTE off, and offer to care for the brat." Julie-su snapped a bubble. "Don't refer to Knuckles Ash as a brat, and don't let on that you know who he is." Sailor Evil blended back into the shadows. "Oh, and one last thing Julie? Lose the gum." "Where we goin' again?" k.a. asked KTE. "To see my friend, Knuckles." KTE replied. "And what's his name?" k.a. asked. "Knuckles." KTE repeated. "What?" k.a. asked, he seemed confused. "Knuckles." KTE repeated. Damn, did the kid have to play mind games all the time? "What?!" k.a. cried. "Knuckles! Are you deaf or somethin'?" KTE demanded. "No, I ain't deaf!" k.a. exclaimed. "Whatcha keep sayin my name for?" KTE stopped, feeling stupid. Of course the kid was confused. He'd forgotten k.a. stood for Knuckles Ash. "My friend's name is Knuckles, k.a." KTE explained. "Oh." k.a. was silent for a while. Then: "what's KTE stand for?" "It doesn't stand for anything. KTE is my name." KTE stopped, and looked ahead. "Hey, Julie-Su! Can you tell me where Knuckles is?" The pink female waved for him to come closer. "C'mon, kid," KTE gave k.a. hand a little tug. "Come and meet my other friend." "Hey, KTE," Julie-su smiled. "Who's your little friend?" "Julie-Su, this is k.a." KTE nudged the little echidna forward. "Well, isn't this a surprise?" Julie-su said oddly. "How are you k.a.?" "Just fine thank-you, ma'am." k.a. replied. "What a polite little charmer. Where ever did you find him, KTE?" Julie-su smiled, and patted k.a. head, just a tad too roughly. "Can you tell me where Knuckles is?" KTE asked Julie-su. "Yeah, I sure can." Julie-Su smiled. "He's over in the Sandopolis zone." "Ain't that where the Dark Legion's being hanging out?" KTE asked, suddenly concerned. "Yeah....he's uh, keeping an eye out..." Julie-su said. "He's going be out there a while. But he did say when you came by to tell you to head out there and see him. There's something he needs to talk to you about." "How did he know I was coming?" KTE asked. "He didn't. He just told us to keep an eye out for you. In case you came." Julie-su paused. "So, you gonna head on out there?" "Where exactly in the Sandopolis is he?" KTE asked. "Near the ruins." Julie-su replied. "Thanks, Julie-Su." KTE knelt down by k.a. "How good are you at gliding?" "You can't be serious!" Julie-su exclaimed. "You can't take a child out into the desert!" KTE blinked. "Why not? He's a hardy little brat. He could take the heat. We'd only be there for a while." "But..the sun is almost at high point," Julie-su protested. "It'll be simply unbearable out there. Why don't you leave him with me?" "I been to the desert before," k.a. announced. "There's lots of sand, an' it gets in your shoes and dreads, 'an you gotta come home an' take a bath." "I don't know Julie-Su." KTE began. "I'm responsible for him." "I wanna go to the desert an' play in the sand with mista KTE," k.a. announced. "He's lookin' after me." "KTE, with him it'll take twice as long." Julie-su said. "I think it would be best for him to stay here with me. I can take care of him." "Well..." KTE couldn't argue. k.a. would slow him down. "All right, Julie-Su. k.a., you stay here with Julie-Su, and I'll be back soon." "You're supposed to be takin' care of me!" k.a. protested. "Yeah, well, Julie-Su's gonna take care of you for a while. Be good." KTE nodded to Julie-su. "Thanks." "Hey, the pleasures all mine." Julie-su nodded back as KTE walked away. She waited till he was gone to snatch up k.a.'s arm. "Heya, *Ash*. Long time, no see." "How'd ya know my middle name?" k.a.'s large eyes grew even wider. "Well, you told me once, Ashy." Julie-su smiled. "Oh, Sailor Evil...c'mon out and meet my old boyfriend, Ashy." Sailor Evil walked out of the tree's shadows sneering. "A little young for you isn't he?" "Oh, but the best kisser this side of the Great Beyond." Julie-su snickered. "And the most gullible too." "Seems that didn't change with age." Sailor Evil snickered. "You're the bad lady that took me!" k.a. exclaimed. "And you're the little brat that bit me!" Sailor Evil rubbed one of her hands. "But...I'm willing to let that go. You see, Ashy, I'm going to offer you something very special." "I don't like you callin' me that." k.a. said. "But wouldn't you like to see your daddy?" Sailor Evil asked in a cutesy voice. "I could take you to him." "Really?" k.a. asked. "You'd take me to Daddy?" "Oh, yes." Sailor Evil smiled. "I'll take you right now." She extended a slender, gloved hand. "Whaddya say, Ashy?" k.a. put his large, knuclawed hand in hers. "Don't call me Ashy." Sailor Evil smiled. "C'mon Julie-su. It's time to put part two into action." Chapter Two: Sandopolis Zone KTE removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his brow. Then he replaced his hat and looked around. No sign of Knuckles. And he was getting awful close to Dark Legion territory. He sighed and turned back towards the Echidna ruins. He needed to get out of the sun and find some shade. KTE walked under the overhang of one of the stone buildings. "Any luck finding Knuckles?" a voice asked. He spun to see a silver-haired girl with dark blue eyes leaning against one of the pillars. She was dressed oddly. In a...sailor scout outfit? "What is this? A freak show?" KTE demanded. He had never cared for Sailor Scouts, and tried to avoid their realms at all costs. "Awful bright out here," she replied. Raising a gloved hand to shield her eyes. "Why don't we step inside. I have some information on where you can look for Knuckles." "Make this quick, Sailor chick," KTE muttered. "I haven't got all day." He followed her inside. It was dank and musty inside. "Yeah, okay. Now what's this about Knuckles?" he demanded. "Oh, didn't you hear?" the sailor smiled. "Enerjak has taken siege of the island. Knuckles is...detained...for a very long time." "What?!" KTE eye's narrowed. "You're kidding?" "Fraid not, *Jack*." the Sailor smiled as his jaw dropped. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sailor Evil. Leader of the Realm Destroyer team. And I know all about you *Jack*, and Selene, and The Chaos Knight." KTE took a step forward. "Yeah, well they told me a few things about your team. And let me tell you no sailor scout scares me. I eat sailors for lunch." "Maybe Sailor Scouts. But you've never seen one as clever as me." Sailor Evil smiled. She made a downward sweep with her one hand. The floor underneath KTE gave way. He tumbled downward. Sailor Evil's merciless cackle echoed above him. Chapter Three: Rainbow Valley "They've been gone a long time." Gabriel remarked. "Hmm." Moon offered in reply. Pretty bad when two who could once fill the night with chatter had to offer statements of obvious information to pass the time. Gabriel sat down. Stood up, paced for a while. Then he sat again. There was a noticeable restlessness to his movements. A barely contain savagery in his eyes. "What's wrong?" Moon finally asked. "The obivious," Gabriel replied in a half-snarl. With his face turned to hers, she could she the delicately fatal fangs protruding from his mouth. His face was like white marble, that pale, and his eyes burned a liquid silvery-green. Anyone else might have shunned him now. Demanded to know why he had to change into this... thing at such an inappropriate moment. Ask why he hadn't eaten earlier. But Moon didn't have the heart. He was suffering. And Mother Goddess forgive her, she was starting to remember what it had been like those years ago. That time when she'd known exactly what path her life was taking. When she'd found promise of security and eternal... "How long has it been?" she asked. "A day or two since my last." he paused. "And you need to again already?" "Some feed two or three times in one night." he replied coldly. "Once every two days is nearly starvation." Moon sat down. "How much do you need?" "Not much.." Gabriel's eyes were too bright now. Moon nodded, and waited for him to come. It took all her will not to bolt from the clearing. Vampires had taken her twin sister when the two of them were babies. Vampires had been suspected when her mother had disappeared without a trace. To allow herself to be a victim to one of them... even one that was an ally and former companion was unthinkable. But it was happening. Gabriel was down beside her now. Gently sweeping back her long dreads, and lowering his mouth to her neck. Then came the sharp sting. His fangs had pierced her skin. <> Gabriel's mental voice soothed. <> Such a statement rang true for more than just this situation... Memories flashed back to her. A summer day. Her and Gabriel talking by a small stream. As they chatted, their mothers also spoke. But of matters of more significance. "Can you deny that the bond is there?" Gabriel's mother, Myst had asked. "No, I can see it as easily as you." Her own mother, Belladonna had replied. "They are joined. The soul cord bonds them. The mother Goddess herself wishes for them to be together." Myst had said. "Yes. Son of Vampire, Daughter of Pure Energy. It would work out this way, wouldn't it?" Belladonna had remarked oddly. Oddly then, for Moon had not understood what her mother had meant. That had been before she'd known that 'Pure Energy' referred to her father, Dimitri. But the memory was fading. She'd slumped against Gabriel in the process. His lips were on her neck now, healing the small puncture wounds. Something was wrong. She shouldn't be laying in his arms this way. What would someone think if they were seen? But it still felt *right*. Her mother had told her that the soul bond couldn't be denied. If so, then why fight it? The reason came to her slowly. Because he was a *vampire* now. The soul bond had died when his echidna side had died. Moon opened her eyes, and tried to push him away. "Gabe, it's wrong," she began. "I know." He said, and stopped the rest of her protests with a kiss... Chapter Four: Enerjak's Citadel (formally the Echidna Council-buildings & Jail-house) Echidnopolis The pink echidna snapped another bubble as she and the purple hedgehog entered the Citadel. "So, Ember, you got a man?" Julie-su asked, trying to make conversation. Ember rarely spoke. "Why would you think such a thing?" Ember asked, as the two of them passed through the cell-blocks holding all the prisoners. "Well, you're always with that green fox, Kit." Julie-su shrugged and blew another pink bubble. "Kit is not my boyfriend." Ember replied emotionlessly. "What cell did we put the little brat in again?" Julie-su asked. "Was it 22-3 or 22-4?" "It was 14-9," Ember replied. "Are you sure? I was certain there was a 22 in there somewhere..." "It's 14-9. The same one as your *good* twin." Ember turned to the left, ignoring the cries for help coming from behind so many of the steel cell doors. "Oh, yeah. I guess 22-3 must be someone else's cell." Julie-su shrugged. "Say, Em, do you know what's going on? I mean Sailor Evil and Lord Enerjak talked for nearly an hour after she got back from the Sandopolis zone...and never told anyone what was said." "I don't know," Ember shrugged. "All I know is now Lord Enerjak wants to see the little red brat." "You...you don't think He'll hurt Ash do you?" Julie-su asked, hesitantly. "Why do you care?" Ember asked. "I thought you hated him." "I do." Julie-su snapped. "It's just...if anyone is going to hurt him...it should be me." "Well, you'll find out what He wants soon as we get the brat back to Him." Ember stopped. "Here we are Block 14, cell 9." "Good old 14-9," Julie-su muttered as she slide a key-card through the numerical pad on the door. The first steel door opened to show a small gray stone room. Two cots were built into the walls. On one, a unconscious female echidna who looked exactly like Julie-su, only a couple years younger, lay. The other was empty. "Okay, where's the brat hiding?" Ember demanded. Julie-su was about to reply she didn't know, until she saw the tip of a red tail in the corner of the door's window slot. "Well, well. Tricky little one aren't you, Ashy? Your daddy must've taught you well." Julie-su muttered. She slid the door open. The small red echidna bolted out of the room and slammed right into her. She reached down and grabbed him. "Well, well. Thought you might get away, did you?" k.a. glared at her with his eyes. Gee, thought Julie-su. If looks could kill... "C'mon, brat," she said instead. "There's someone very important that wants to see you." "Where ya taking me?" k.a. demanded to know as Julie-su easily scooped him up. "Oh, you'll see." Sailor Evil looked up and smiled. "Julie-su, and Ember. I hope you've brought a visitor with you. Enerjak doesn't like to be disappointed...and neither do I." Julie-su walked by Sailor Evil. "I would never disappoint my Lord." She continued into the deeper chambers. Where Enerjak was no doubt waiting. "It's not fair," Julie-su said. "That sailor witch isn't even a member of His following. How can she just walk in her and become His right-hand-girl? It should be me. It should be me." k.a. shifted in her arms again. The little echidna hadn't stopped squirming since she'd picked him up. "Knock it off, kid," Julie-su hissed. "Just sit still." She pushed open the heavy wooden door and walked into the chamber. Inside it was twilight darkness, even though it was still the afternoon. "My Lord?" Julie-su asked, as she set the small echidna down. "I have brought the child to you, as you commanded." "I don't like the dark..." a little voice whispered. Julie-su realized that the kid had spoken for the first time since they'd left the cell block. A faint greenish-glow directed her to the back of the chamber. Seated in a chair at a desk was Enerjak. At least Julie-su thought it was Enerjak. He had his back to her, and his mask was off. He looks a lot like Ash right now, Julie-su thought guiltily. She looked down at k.a. who was clinging tightly to her hand. I guess it's true that this one looks nearly identical to his father. "My Lord?" she repeated. "Damn those infernal guardians," Enerjak spoke softly, but far from gently. "Do they really think they can stop me this time?" "My Lord...have I come at a bad time?" Enerjak stopped. "Julie-su. I trust you have an important reason for interrupting me." Julie-su gulped. "My Lord, I brought you the child." Enerjak did turn now. Turn and look down at k.a. "Well, well." "Is my Lord pleased?" Julie-su asked. "I am most certainly am." Enerjak smiled coldly. "Then I'm happy," Julie-su gulped. "For it is my duty as daughter of Kraggok, and member of the Dark Legion to serve my Lord." "And serve me well, you do Julie-su." Enerjak shifted his pupilless green eyes to her. "You were wise to assist my cause Julie-su. So much wiser than your counterpart in this realm. You may leave us." Julie-su nodded. "As my Lord wishes." She struggled to pull her hand out of k.a.'s grip. Once free, she turned and left the room. "So," Enerjak looked down at k.a. "You are the child that will wear the mask for me." "You're not my daddy!" k.a. yelled. "The sailor lady said I would get to see my daddy!" "And what is your father's name, little one?" Enerjak asked, unmoved by the child's cries. "My daddy's name is Dimitri and he's the guardian of the Floating island!" k.a. announced. "And you're not 'im!" Enerjak paused. "A world where I am a guardian? What a disgusting thought. Now, come here, little one. I assure you that I will not harm you. What are you called?" "My name's k.a." k.a. told him. "What's yours?" "I am Enerjak." Enerjak waved the small echidna closer. "And what does 'k.a.' stand for?" "Knuckles Ash," k.a. answered. Enerjak smiled. "*Knuckles* Ash, you say? Well, this is indeed a most interesting development. Come here, Knuckles. I have a present for you." "Present?" k.a. asked. "Oh, but Mommy told me not to take presents from strangers.." "But we are not strangers, son. Not now that we have exchanged names in a proper introduction. Surely your mother would agree." Enerjak held out a mask similar to the one he often wore to the little child. "What is it, mista Nenerjak?" k.a. asked, taking the mask. "Something very old. Something very special. Just for you, Knuckles." k.a. shifted the golden mask from one hand to another. "Go on," Enerjak insisted. "Put it on." "Why?" k.a. asked suddenly. "Why, because it is magickal. Once you have it on, you will see things as you have never seen them before." Enerjak smiled. "Magick?" k.a. asked. "Ooooooooo." Enerjak smiled once again. He watched the little echidna bring the mask up to his face.... Chapter Five: Somewhere in the Sandolpolis Ruins KTE opened his eyes and gasped. His entire left side was a intricate web of pain. He looked up. Inky blackness was all he could see. Somehow that sailor chick had made the floor open up and swallow him whole. It had closed over top of him. Now he was trapped. With no way out! KTE gasped. It was too hard to tell how far down he'd fallen. But one thing was sure. If he was trapped with no way out...he was as good as dead. If he didn't die of starvation, or thirst...surely sooner or later the air was going to run out. He slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position and looked around. There...faintly off to his right...was a small light. Light! It had to be a way out...it had to be. KTE groaned and made his way blindly towards the faint glimmer of hope. He cursed himself for being so stupid. Surely that meeting with Julie-Su had all been a set-up to get him out here. No doubt, she probably wasn't even the *real* Julie-Su... And he'd left k.a. with her! Great. Now the kid was probably up to his dreads in trouble. He had to get out and find k.a. And Moon and...Shadows. Enerjak was in control of the island...and they were all in very real danger. to be continued.... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cast: Moon: What is going on between her and Gabe? Gabe: What does he think he's doing? KTE: where is he? Will he be all right? k.a.: What's going to happen to him? Julie-su: What's her problem? Sailor Evil: She seems like she's the one in charge...but is she? Enerjak: ooooh! What's he doing to k.a.?