Sonic the Hedgehog II (WIP)

Chapter III: Code

A large room full of tribe members set their weapons in respect of the leaders presence. Wearing masks to hide their faces, hunters vowed to not show emotion when they are tasked to hunt. It is the sole responsibility of an Echidna to be prepared to do what needs to be done, and to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve victory even if it meant crossing some moral lines. Although to most Echidnas it is an honor and mutual understanding, some felt otherwise. The system was brokered into two separate forms of belief, there is the Echid Clan which is compiled of warriors who will do whatever it takes to do what must be done, dividing their morality into loyalty to the one who leads them, and then there is the Chid Clan. A much more drowned out belief of recent times due to their mellowed philosophy of peace and honorary moral code. Too many other worlds, this is a typical two-sided way people live, one who commits to peace and the other, to the opposite. However their two-sided way is much more complicated up close.

In the large room stood pillars that held the room together, custom sculpted pillars depicted warriors fighting against the monarchy, the craftsmanship upon these pillars did not go unnoticed, personally requested by the leader of the Echid Clan for these pillars to highlight the best parts of their history, these caught the eyes of the leaders clan of warriors, blessing them with remembrance. However the time to admire and be blessed has passed, what brought them here today was no mere training session or task.

"It has come to my attention," the leader of the tribe spoke to his many followers announcing news that he himself had been waiting a long time to hear, "that the creature hidden from us ten years ago, is on a planet called... Earth. Far away from this side of the universe." The tribe members, ones who are older remembered the mission where they tracked down the little one's location and attempted to take him. "As most of you know this kid is important for what he can do. The power he possesses is the key to many things and with his reemergence on our radar, it is essential we find him." The hunters clung their weapons to the ground in response, an acknowledgement of a mission that best suited their capabilities. "And as such, a group of our best will be sent to find him and bring him here." Among the many hunters who showed such promise were the younger ones; being in their prime and with the most success and obligations to their responsibilities it is almost widely known among the Echid Tribe that those who are taught from birth are the ones who are most valuable to future generations and the legacy among families. Those who stray from it will be exiled or worse.

Rising to the center of attention, the ones who were young instinctively stepped out in full view of the leader. Their agility, endurance and stamina outweighed the older ones and ensured that they will be best picked for the mission. "Ah, yes." The leader took a sharp look among the handful of young agile warriors who stood in straight formation. "You learned much from your fathers. I expect no failure in this mission." The warriors nodded, jabbing their weapons onto the floor in perfect sync to the other. "Then among you, shall be the pack leader one who will lead you to succession." Examining the handful of warriors who stood before him, the leader took notice of the warrior behind the others, his mysteriousness shined upon the orange orbs of the leader. "You," he pointed toward him, "Come forth." There was a short pause before the others gave him a path to walk straight through and by. The leader gave him an inquisitive look, taking notice to the mask that conceals his face, "I see you developed a bond to your mask, the inscriptions are from your heritage." The warrior stood straight, allowing the leader to examine his mask and determine whether he is best suited to lead the mission. "Clan... Knuckles. I see you belong to one of the oldest of our kind."

The warrior pondered what the leader must be thinking as he awaits his next words, the thought that he is unqualified to lead slightly worried him. He was raised and taught to be the best he can be, by his father, his mother and the rest of his family. In a way, he wouldn't deny that they did this to give him nothing else to do except to prove them right. At times he felt hopeless as he trained with his other fellow brothers, what if he doesn't succeed in real battle? Of course what matters in the long run is his family, and if he lets down his family then he might as well say he lost them too. Especially his father who had been more of an Echidna than he'd ever be, it is the way of things, for a son to look up to his father and push to do right by them.

"Your Clan is respectable, and committed to our code. I will not deny your family that," the leader began to speak, and the words, underneath the mask he wore slid through and entered his head as if he had just been in a situation where his body is helpless to do anything but stay and watch as those around him judge him. His self-esteem went low, the mere chance the leader will openly mock the descendant of Clan Knuckles in front of other warriors who were better equipped than he rose high, he masked his fear as best he could. "And you who bares the name and appearance of your late father, should not be denied either."

"Really?" He wanted to exclaim, surprised to have been given such an opportunity, to prove his loyalty and commitment to the Echid Clan is something he has wanted to do for years. "Knuckles, I believe you are best qualified. Clan Knuckles are always quality, I expect the offspring of the legendary warrior Locke to lead with example." Honored and welcoming this chance to prove himself, a reaffirming confident look rose back and although no-one can notice due to his mask, his perked up posture was hint enough.

Kneeling down in honor, the red Echidna looked up to his leader, the man who he must succeed in his mission for. "I will not fail you."