SONIC RESURGENCE

Chapter 4

Altar of the Emeralds, Sky Palace, Angel Island

In the center of the planet, miles high in the heavens resides a floating island that seemed to be paradise. On the surface, it had many different natural environments, such as jungles, deserts, volcanos, and frozen landmasses. All of them at their distinct locations that somehow coexisted in perfect harmony.

Sitting at the center of the island were ancient ruins that were composed mostly of pillars that were all a weathered yellow in color, and vines grow unrestrained everywhere, and towers that resembled Roman's style of architecture. The ruins had bridges and beams connecting them. There were stairs that led to the top of the structure's holy ground.

On it, two flights of stairs led to an altar, which was surrounded by a giant wall built upon large pillars. The inner sanctuary consisted of seven pillars, intended as a place for particular items to rest on. The central shrine hosted a low-set pedestal on which a large green gemstone with indescribable power rested.

And standing in front of the large gem was a red Mobian echidna, which is currently a minority among the world of Mobius.

The echidna stood at least three inches taller than Sonic and possessed red fur, peach skin, with his muzzle being a bit longer than Sonic's, a white crescent-shaped birthmark, and dark purple eyes. He also had seven dreadlock-like spines around the sides and back of his head and a medium-sized, tri-crooked tail. For his attire, he wore red and yellow shoes, each with green cuffs and a gray, sextuple-bolted plate on top. He also had on large, white, mitten-like gloves with sock-like cuffs and two spiked knuckles on each hand to cover his natural knuckles.

This was Necalli, the last of the Yaotl clan. Otherwise known as the last guardian of the Master Emerald, Knuckles the Echidna.

"It's been peaceful these past three months... too peaceful." Knuckles muttered as he stood on guard. "Time and time again, my skills as the guardian of this island and the Master Emerald have been up to the test."

Since the events of the Space Colony ARK nearly collapsing into the planet up until Nazo's defeat, Knuckles anticipated a world-threatening crisis that kept him on his feet. Relaxing was barely an option, given his past naivety that led to the Master Emerald getting stolen and or broken.

"...First, it was Eggman, then there was Chaos, and then that Nazo creature as of recent. All of those who've sought after and or emerged because of the Master Emerald and its power to supercharge and nullify the Chaos Emeralds." Knuckles spoke to himself as he looked at himself being reflected by the Master Emerald. "Now I'm starting to understand what my father was preparing me for, why I was given this mission. Thanks to those endeavors, I now have more experience to fulfill my duty."

Knuckles then looked at his left hand as he clenched it, saying, "...Even still. I can't shake off the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. ...Maybe I can gain insight with the assistance of the Master Emerald."

Extending his palms above the giant diamond-cut emerald, Knuckles began to chant.

"...The servers are the seven chaos. Chaos is power. Power enriched by the heart. The controller is the one to unify the chaos. O, Master Emerald, I call upon your power! Please show me a sign, show me a glimpse of the foreboding darkness that I sense!"

The Master Emerald gleamed its green hue, sending mental images to the guardian's mind. Within violet darkness, piercing red and green demonic eyes peered directly at Knuckles for a few moments. Around him was nothing but a hellish background with buildings destroyed and corpses lying around. But before Knuckles could react, the being flew straight at him while a full-blown wicked laugh escaped from the shrouded being. Knuckles woke from his trance, utterly horrid at what he witnessed.