Ch.7: Dark Will

Meanwhile, over at Dr. Eggman's fortress, robotic eyes watched out from the shadows as Orbot observed his master determinedly working on another plan in order to bring Sonic down. The doctor and his mechanical creations were becoming more deadly by the day.

The Dragon-Bot Eggman developed was, so far, the closest one ever when it came to almost ending the hedgehog's life. An uncomfortable feeling passed Orbot's circuits as he thought about how dastardly and sinister his master had become.

The red robot had a theory as to what dramatically changed the doctor's mood, and glanced over to the right side of Eggman's desk, where a glowing, dark emerald lay. The emerald was discovered by one of Eggman's mining operations some time ago. He was so pleased to discover it. Who would have known, that deep in Mobius, there was an 8th Chaos Emerald buried all this time.

"It's become an obsession though," thought Orbot, as he wished the darn thing would just disappear.

While Orbot thought that, the emerald glowed, and Eggman spoke back as if it was talking in words.

"Yes, yes. Tell me more."

Orbot was frightened. What did he just see?

"Of course! That's it!" shouted Eggman, his mind born with a new evil scheme.

Meanwhile, over at G.U.N. Headquarters, Knuckles sat silently in the lobby as he waited for the General to finish talking over what he had translated for Team Dark. Once he had translated it for the three of them, Knuckles dismissed himself while Rouge went to get the General so that he could be informed.

Silently, Knuckles reflected on the interesting things he had read. Dr. Gerald…all his knowledge on the echidna culture…just who was his source? Was it possible that were any echidnas who were still alive, long before Knuckles was born?

Knuckles didn't know, like Shadow, he too had very faint memories about his past. He had to had a family, otherwise how would he be born? How would he know about the Master Emerald and how he was supposed to guard it? How would he know how much danger it would cause if the Emerald was ever used for harm?

These questions had plagued Knuckles every day as the years, and yet, his job was the only clear thing he could remember in his mind. The past was a blur, buried in a mist, forgotten in time.

"Why can't I remember?" thought Knuckles " Why can't…"

Rouge suddenly came in, interrupting the echidna's thoughts.

"Knuckles" said Rouge " we're ready to move now,"

"Eggman?" said Knuckles. A nod.

Knuckles stood up, ready to go on his first mission with Team Dark. He glanced at Shadow as he and Omega suddenly entered the room.

"I'm not the only one with a troubled past" thought Knuckles " Maybe, by the end, we'll both get the answers we seek."