Chapter 55 - The Next Guardian Issue # 55

The Next Guardian special 2



It's only a test…For now



“We need to check his morals.” “Agreed, Locke,” said Merlin Prower. “What tests shall we use.” “We need the girl. We need to test his morals first and foremost, and we need to see if he knows when to break the law. For that, we need Constable Remington.

The two constables were summoned before the command. “Remington, you are to arrest the human for charges of theft. Linda-Su, we need you to “disappear.” You both understand your rolls?” Linda-Su knew better than to disagree with the council. “Yes,” they both said.

Ekyt, who was nursing his wounds in Haven, where he lived in one half and Knuckles lived in the other. The door was kicked in and Ekyt immediately sprang to his feet. “Oh, it's you Constable. What can I do for you.” “You can stay quiet, and come with me.” He slapped on the cuffs. “What are the charges?” Ekyt asked calmly. “You stole the spare emerald, that's what. We recovered it last night, under your bed. Now come along.”

He tossed the stunned human in the jail cell. Ekyt hadn't been there long when Knuckle came in. “Constable, Linda-Su and the emerald have gone missing.” “What?!!” Ekyt raced to the bars. Knuckles walked over. “You didn't do it. You couldn't have. You've been here. Linda-Su was kidnapped by the Dark Legion. For treason. She used to support them. Julie-Su is gone to.” Ekyt turned to the constable. “Let me out.” The constable shook his head. “Can't do that, you're guilty.” Ekyt sighed as Knuckles gave him a slight nod. “Sorry, Remington.” Ekyt concentrated on the emerald The door popped open. Remington drew his gun. Ekyt kicked his hand and pulled the gun on him. “I'm going with Knuckles. Now don't move until I'm gone.” Ekyt backed out and then tossed the gun away.

“This started out as a test. But this is the real deal. The Dark Legion hates the guardians. They've captured me in the past. This time they're after both of us. And they don't spare the torture.” They raced along deep into the lush jungles. A stabbing pain hit Ekyt. “I'm…fine…”. He got a telepathic message. This is Sega, Ekyt. You have been poised by the dust banshee. The eel as well as Mount Aquas will soon be in your world. Hurry and accomplish what you can, for even I can't say if you will live or die… Ekyt gulped, but they kept moving. It felt like my ribs were going to crack. What was that? He kept moving. He couldn't bear the thought of Linda-Su being tortured. She was tough, but it tore him apart to think of her in pain. They had grown close.

They arrived at the central location for the Dark Legion. After taking out two guards, Ekyt told Knuckles to go incognito, while he would provide the distraction.

Ekyt walked quietly inside to see Linda-Su and Julie-Su tied up. He forgot all else and tore down the aisle, punching out guards left and right. He reached them and had them untied before he heard a gun click behind him. It was Lien-Da. “Drop the ropes guardian.” Ekyt did and then asked. “Please, you can have me, but let them go.” “Sure.” Ekyt braced himself for the biggest sacrifice of his life. “I love you Linda-Su.” He whispered. “Go!” The gun barked. Ekyt didn't feel it hit him though.

Lien-Da stared down at the human she had just shot. Dead. “Good riddance.” They could perform tests on him without resistance now.

Ekyt was greeted by Aurora. “Well, human, welcome to the afterlife.” She said. “Wha…I'm dead?” Ekyt stammered. “That depends on your outlook, Ekyt. Death is only the beginning, remember? You died a valiant death. Do you know what killed you. It wasn't the gun. The dust banshee poisoned you. The gun simply sped up the process. Now, please step through the portal…” “No! Wait! Is the poison out of me?” Ekyt said. “Yes, the emerald you protect cleansed you upon death. Now, please, do not make this hard…” “I am not going to leave my friends. And for that matter, this death isn't real.” Aurora smiled sadly. “I know you wish this to be a test, guardian. You do not lack courage. But you really have died. At least temporarily. You have earned another life. You are only the third to achieve this. You can go, but we will meet again.” She kissed him on the head. “Take care, human.” Ekyt dove back down to the Island.

“Aurora, I trust the guardian has passed his test?” Locke asked. “Yes, he has Locke. He has the heart of many past guardians put together. I only hope his life is a long one…” “As do I Aurora, we have fallen on hard times here and require his services. Thank you for your trouble.”

Ekyt woke up. Lien-Da had the two girls, plus Knuckles. All looked saddened. He got to his feet. The startled looks made Lien-Da turn around. “No…you were dead. You can't be here… Kragok!” The other Echidna leader came rushing in. “So human, you live still? We can fix that.” Ekyt rushed the side of the gun and snatched it. “Let them go, and we'll settle this. You have your guardians, what use have you for the women? Let them go, and you may escape bruise-free.” Ekyt snarled. He handed the gun To Linda-Su and motioned to her and Julie-Su to escape.

He sat in the chair, but then slid it between his legs and cracked it over Kragok's head. With him out cold, Ekyt and Knuckles tied Lien-Da up. “Your mistake was going after our girls.” Knuckles snarled.

When they returned to the island, all of them were summoned down to the Grand Conservatory. “Ekyt, as you may have guessed, your “death” was once again a test, as was your arrest. Both guardians acted bravely. Ekyt, you still show reckless disregard for yourself. We need you. Please, be careful.” The Locke smiled. “Aurora has never seen a human before, so she is tempted to keep you. Also, I think it's time for your permanent stripe of citizenship. This one will curve like Knuckles' does, to show you are a guardian.”

Ekyt knelt down and took off his shirt. Linda-Su stuck it on, taking her time. She couldn't help but laugh at the human turning red. She also couldn't help but notice his muscular frame. She finished and let him up.

Knuckles and Julie-Su kissed. “Top that!” said Knuckles. Linda-Su grinned at the human and grabbed him and kissed him. “That's for the save.” She kissed him more passionately. “That's for the contest!” Ekyt grinned, and said. “Looks like it's a tie!”



NEXT ISSUE: LOVE DOES STRANGE THINGS- NEXT GUARDIAN SPECIAL 3

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