Chapter 71 - The Next Guardian Issue 71

The whole of Knothole gathered around. Waiting. Hoping. Had yet more heroes fallen? The fire roared and seemed to kill the hope.

Some people cried. Some couldn't move. No one dared go near the building. Then a cough was heard.

Ekyt, carrying Linda-Su, walked forcefully out of the building. He barely noticed as it exploded behind him. Sonic raced up, along with Shadow, Kirita (Lady_Ayame316) and Star (Violet_Rose). “Let me take her, Ekyt. I'll get her there quicker.” Ekyt handed her over gently to Sonic, his face stoic, giving nothing away. Star went with Sonic, but Shadow stayed behind. “She'll be fine.” He skated away. It barely registered with Ekyt.

But Shadow had been there before. He knew what it was like. He could see the pained look in the kid's eyes. He was struggling with the past. Shadow had been there. He finally reached his hut. Violet Rose (Violet_Rose- surprise, still working on the real gift!) was waiting. She had been one of those fighting the blaze. “Did everyone get out, Shadow?” she asked. She was exhausted. “Yeah. But Linda-Su's hurt.” Shadow looked away again, this time anger showing through. “It's not fair, is it?” Shadow turned back toward Violet, who had her head bowed. She raised it, eyes angry. “You know what I mean. The past haunting people. The loss. You know, Shadow. You know better than anyone. I just hope this story has a happy ending. The kid deserves it.” Shadow nodded slightly.

Elsewhere, Locke stroked his beard. “Interesting, the path fate takes. No more need to check his constitution. He wants to be good at what he does.” Archimedes returned. “I hear that, Locke. He's been through enough for now. Let's just let him train normally.” “Agreed.”

For most, this was a success. Ekyt, however, was already planning. They needed to rescue the real princess. But Ekyt was distracted. The doctor had barred him from the exam room, to be on the safe side. He was worried. He tried to concentrate, but finally swore and gave up for the time being.

Tails and Amy were sitting by the power ring pond. Ekyt walked by. “Ekyt!” Tails called to him. “Oh, hey buddy.” Ekyt jogged over to the two. Amy Rose hopped up and hugged him, drawing a jealous look from Tails. Ekyt and Amy both laughed. “Relax, just friends.” They both said. Amy giggled, then frowned. “I'm sorry about Linda.” She said. “Yeah, me too.” Tails chimed in. “Thanks. It means a lot. I wish I could do more… Wait, not for her, but, if you two are game, how about a mission?” Tails and Amy jumped at the chance. “Wait, what is it?” The two youngsters asked eagerly. “Rescue the princess.” “I'm in!” “Me too!”

Dr. Quack took notes as Rotor performed the tests. “Concussion…no fracture, though.” Rotor called out. “Thank you, Rotor.” Dr. Quack filled a needle with a sedative, and was about to put it in the echidna when she woke up. After a slurred attempt, she managed a “what happened?”. “You have a concussion, Linda. You'll be fine.” “Ekyt?” she asked. “Right here. Are you all right?” His eyes showed only concern. “Peachy.” She said. She got out of bed. “Hold it!” Both Ekyt and Doctor Quack called. “Where are you going?” the frustrated Doctor asked. “On a mission. You heard him.” The doctor sputtered, he was furious. “Fine, what do I know, I'm just a doctor.”

Ekyt walked Linda-Su to her home. “Are you sure? You can rest, if you want. I mean…” She laughed, then punched him playfully. “Ekyt, with your track record, I can't take a day off.” He frowned, then chuckled. “Point taken.” She hugged him around the neck. He returned her embrace gingerly. She kissed his cheek. God, the kid was blushing so much he was practically smoking. “What is it you always say? I'll be fine, I always am.” Ekyt rolled his eyes. “Allright. I'll get Tails and Amy and we'll go.”

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