Chapter 76 - The Next Guardian issue 76

With a heavy heart, Linda-Su, in uniform (She's a police officer) now, made her way Mount Fate. Ekyt was there, and wasn't surprised to see her. “You know the drill,” she said. “I sure do.” Ekyt struggled to his feet, grabbing a crutch. “What happened to you now!” Linda-Su exclaimed. This wasn't there the other day… “Just a small injury. Go ahead, slap `em on. It's just like old times, huh?” The fifteen-year-old echidna did just that. “I'm sorry about this, Ekyt. This isn't right…” Ekyt gave her a rare smile, albeit a grave one. “You're just doing your job, no hard feelings.”

She escorted him before the chief magistrate and the echidna high council. “And what, pray tell, are your reasons for such reckless disregard for the age old rules set by your predecessors?” The chief magistrate gave Ekyt a stern look. Ekyt sighed. “No disrespect intended, chief magistrate, but what I was always taught to protect.” Ekyt shifted, then continued. “Before all else, protect the citizens, then protect the emerald. My defense is just that, your honor. I did what the situation called for.” “Can anyone confirm that?” one elder asked. “A roomful of people witnessed it, your honor. Two of which are in our presence.” Ekyt answered.

“And they are?” the same one asked. “Locke, father of the current guardian, and Linda-Su, constable of the EPD (Echidna police department). The chief magistrate motioned for Locke to come forward.

Locke explained what happened, showing no favoritism to either side. “I see, and constable?” Linda-Su's story matched up. “Protocol traditionally calls for at least three witnesses. However, we can determine that you did indeed act in a manner suiting of a guardian. However…” Ekyt froze. Here it comes… “…However, you are to do community service. Perhaps the constable can suggest something?”

Linda-Su whispered something to the chief magistrate. “Police work? Highly irregular, but suitable.” The chief magistrate turned to Ekyt. “You are to serve as the constable's assistant when you are not in training, or sent on a mission. Clear?” “Yes, your honor.” The elders rose as one and started to file out.

Ekyt let his shoulders drop. Locke put his hand on his shoulder. “You have earned my respect, Ekyt. I believe your actions were noble.” “Thank you Locke. Higher praise I could scarcely imagine.” He shook Locke's hand, then left with Linda-Su.

“Slick move.” He muttered, a smile on his face. “Yeah, I'm gonna work you like a dog.” The two walked on. Ekyt put a hand out to stop her. “Hold it. I heard something…” He pointed his crutch toward the bushes. The two crept cautiously over.

“My God…” Ekyt dove down and untied the two figures. It was Lara-Le (Knuckles' mother) and Luara-Le (Fan char, in this case Locke's adopted daughter.” The two looked weak. Ekyt helped up Lara while Linda assisted Laura. “ A human!” Lara-Le, not knowing Ekyt, immediately kicked his good leg out from under him. He tucked his head and rolled back. “Yup, you are definitely related to Knuckles.” “You know my son?” she asked defensively. “Yes, he trains me. I'm working with Knuckles to be the next guardian, along side him.” He brushed himself off, then hobbled over to his crutch. “I'm sorry, I thought you might be another Dark Legion supporter.” “Far from it, ma'am.” He helped her up again, this time staying on his feet. Linda-Su had the unconscious Laura-Le in a fireman's carry. “I think we should go see Knuckles.” Ekyt said. He exchanged glances with Linda; she nodded her approval.

The group walked toward the chaos chamber. On the way, they got a surprise visitor. Three actually. “So, what happened to your leg?” asked Laura-Le. “I saw you just before and you were fine.” “You were unconscious by the time this happened. I tried a new trick with the emerald, channeling power into the others who were hurt severely. No thanks for it. Just community service.” Ekyt looked over at his girlfriend, who bounced a rock off his head. “He has to be my personal aide. Poor him.” Linda joked. “Um, if I could speak to you, constable?” “Certainly.”

Lara-Le took her aside. “A beautiful young echidna like you with a human?” “Ah, I know what you're gonna say.” She watched Ekyt play with Laura-Le. “Well, I had to arrest him one day, he rescued me, and…that was it.” Linda shrugged. “Hasn't any echidna struck your fancy? Not to criticize, but you offer so much…It seems a waste. Humans and dingoes are echidna's natural enemies.” “I understand. You have to know him. He's not like the others.” “Well, just watch you back.” Linda-Su tapped her. “Watch this. He tries this all the time. It blows up in his face.” Ekyt was showing Laura-Le a self-defense move. She turned it on him. He brushed himself off as she helped him up. The whole group laughed. Including a laugh that was less pleasant.

Lien-Da (sister of Kragok, half-sister of Julie-Su and Linda-Su. Dark Legion supporters.) laughed. “What's the matter, junior? Did this cutie flip you? Too bad. Would've happened if you had chosen me.” She made a false sad face. “Yeah, too bad. Shame you look like a pig instead of an echidna. Then you might've had a shot at me.” She slapped his so hard he hit the dirt. “Now, which leg, I'll…” “No way sis!” Linda-Su flew into her, sending the two sprawling. Lien-Da reached for her pistol, only to find in missing. “That's enough!” Shadow had snapped the gun in two.

“Shadow! Man, am I glad to see you.” Shadow gave a rare grin. “Likewise. Thought you were dead.” Ekyt shrugged. “I live right, what can I say? Hey, where's Violet.” Shadow pointed.

Violet (Violet_Rose) was separating the two fighting females. Lien-Da took a swipe at her, ticking her off in the process. She sent Lien-Da flying with a shot from her hammer. “Man, she doesn't fool around, does she?” Ekyt said admiringly. “Hmmph. Don't get any ideas, junior.” Ekyt shook his head, chuckling. “No worries, Shadow. I belong to the pretty echidna.” “Keep it that way.”

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