Chapter 7 - The Next Guardian Issue 7 Two worlds collide part

The Next Guardian issue # 7



Archimedes and Knuckles were working together on some mysterious ancient echidna history when Ekyt ran in. His hair was tassled and out of place, hand on his side from running the long distance from Knothole to the former Floating Island. He gasped out a few words as Knuckles and Archimedes ran to his side.

“Wait, slow down, what?” Archimedes asked. “Sonic (huff-puff) kidnapped. “I heard that,” said Knuckles. “Who did it?” “Don't know, just heard, (Huff-Puff) from King Elias. This note…” He tried to catch his breath as Knuckles and Archimedes read it.:



To the Guardians:

Echidnapolis is doomed unless you surrender the chaos emeralds.

As for Sonic, well, you have one day to rescue him.

Fools, trying to deal with me. This riddle is the only clue to my identity. Figure it out,

If you can:

Speed meets power,

Best of the best,

No mind of my own,

No contest

Me vs. you,

The one and only,

Or so you may think,



Figured it out? We've met before.





“Well, this rules out you, me, Archimedes, Sally, the freedom fighters. That leaves only Shadow in this universe.” Ekyt shook his head at Knuckles offer. No, Shadow wouldn't bother. All indications of his past behavior tells us that he's in business for himself. Besides, he has a mind of his own. There is really only one person left. And they are out of this universe. Me.”

“Wait, are you talking about that cheap knockoff, screwed up version of you? What does he stand to gain?” Knuckles inquired. “Revenge. Remember, you and Sonic helped clear my name. So, Knux, I know you can handle yourself, but if I know me, then I'd go after you, too.” Knuckles narrowed his eyes. “Are you suggesting that you do this alone. Because, frankly, you are an excellent fighter, but that parallel universe is an upside down world. You can have all the ethics and morals in the world, but that doesn't mean you counterpart will.”

“He's right,” said Archimedes, but his voice was not the only one. Linda and Julie-Su came in. Both Ekyt and Knuckles blushed. The two female Echidnas smiled and walked deeper into the chaos chamber. “No way you guys are gonna go this alone. It's going to have to be just us.” Both Knuckles and Ekyt began to protest, but when they set out, along with Archimedes, they weren't alone.

As they were walking toward the cosmic interstate, a sai (Three- pronged martial arts weapon) hit a tree as the group ducked. There was a note attached. The group took a moment to recover. Ekyt walked over and untied the note:



So, you figured it out, did you.

Meet me at olive grove in my universe.

We'll settle this the only way I know:

Duel

See you there, if you want to save your home,

And Sonic.



Ekyt



“Olive Grove? But that's were. Oh man.” Knuckles shook his head as Linda-Su finished his sentence. “That's where the gravest of challenges are settled. There is a one on one duel, no weapons duel. There is an impartial judge designated by the chaos emerald. But it's incredibly dangerous.” “Well, it's settled then.” Ekyt rose fast, kicking up a cloud of dust near the entrance. “I'm not putting any else in danger. I want you all to stay here.” “You're whacked if you think that's gonna happen,” said Knuckles. “Yeah,” said Linda-Su, “Besides, It's more dangerous to leave us all unprotected, don't you think?” Ekyt froze. He sighed. “You're right. On all counts. Let's just get to the Olive Grove. BUT BE CAREFUL.” He turned and walked, a worried expression on his young face.
He listened intently as the rules were explained by Archimedes. He soaked in the landscape. He took it all in. Knuckles, who was leading the group, stopped. He moved aside some thick leaves as he said “Here it is. The Olive Grove.”



Next Issue: Two Worlds Collide Part 3: The Duel

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