Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[INTERMISSION ARC] Chapter 67: The Charge

"The gang walked side by side when Sonic kept talking while they were on the walk. ''So... do we use the Fission-Z, or not?''

''Now... if you mention it, we shall,'' Knuckles said as he cracked his fingers.

Tails disagreed. ''No. It's best to use it when we are in a serious situation.''

Amy nodded. ''That's right. It's best to surprise our enemies like that!''

''Well... I'm going to do it anyway. I will go first.'' He entrusted himself and pressed a switch on this Fission. He transformed and now wore a ragged cloak. His shoes got torn, but in exchange, they had bronze plating. His gloves underwent a massive overhaul, now wrapped for an easier way to attack opponents. He went ahead without hesitation, got spotted by enemies, took an Axe from his back, and was ready to face them.

''So... what do we do?'' Amy questioned.

As they contemplated their next move, a voice came through their earphones. It was Rouge. ''Oh... how are you doing? Since it's the beginning, I doubt you'll have wounds. Anyway... I think our fox friend will be on the same path as you, Amy, and Sonic. So, the way you get inside is through a different entrance. Right at the entrance, there's a hut. It's not an ordinary hut; there's a hidden tunnel in it. This will be the safest way to get inside, got it?''

Sonic nodded in response. ''Well... we're mostly figuring it out by now, Rouge...! Just wait till we're going to enter, like nomads!''

Back to Knuckles, it seemed the main entrance was open. The echidna looked at them. Although he was surprised to see Nocturnus in great glory, he swung the weapon and easily obliterated the marauder group with a couple of swings. He didn't break a sweat.

''What...? What... is a Knuckles Clan member doing in our base? Eliminate him immediately!''

''Hmm... so they already know what I am...'' He twisted his handle and executed an opening swing, creating a mini-torpedo tornado technique that blasted them away. For a few minutes, he kept knocking them down one by one until he got a little bored and sighed. ''This is taking forever... well... I should do my job.''

''Well... I think we should head for the hut now,'' Amy cheerfully said.

Sonic stopped her. ''I don't think so. We need Knuckles to clear out the enemies first. I think we just have to wait a little longer.''

Tails agreed with Sonic's reasoning. ''Well... you're right, Sonic. With Knuckles clearing out most of the Nocturnus Clan members, we'll have the upper hand to get there.''

But with a single swing, he was caught off guard as he was blasted away by a hidden blast from the shadows. Knuckles flew off, but with his stamina and durability, he stood up again, looking angry. ''WHO... DID...?!''

An intimidating Marauder emerged from the shadows, taller than the other soldiers. He was a third-seat commander and looked down at Knuckles. ''I'm surprised to see that you people still exist... shame.''

Knuckles brushed off the wound on his shoulder. ''Well... It's not like my clan exists anymore. It's all in the past. The only thing I'm suspicious of is you people... how many centuries have you been hiding in plain sight? I need an answer.''

''I would answer if you weren't a member of what we despise. Now, as I reveal my name, Hastatus... I'll be the one to put an end to you.''

As they exchanged words, Sonic found himself caught up in the situation. He gestured for everyone to stay quiet while Knuckles picked up his axe and faced Hastatus. ''Well... It's not like you're my target now. I'll be the victor.''

He charged at Hastatus with the axe. As he charged, Hastatus used his speed to gain the upper hand and drew energy-wrist blades to cut through Knuckles's waist. Knuckles fell, injured and bleeding, but he managed to stand up with determination.

''You're slow.''

''Uuurgh...'' He looked at him with pain but also determination.

''You're still standing, so full of determination. You really have that blood, don't you? It's not like you'll beat me anyway, slowpoke.''

''Is... that so...?'' Knuckles grinned.

''Whatever the case, it's over.'' Hastatus began charging an energy blast from his wrist, but then Knuckles smiled again. With a surge of power, he increased his speed and used his axe to slice the cannon in half. An explosion followed, blowing Hastatus away, and he screamed. ''AGH...!''

The Nocturnus member looked in tear pain, gazing at his destroyed weapon. ''Such a powerful weapon, and yet it's not this strong... now I recognize that shape... It's a Sub-Weapon. How did you get one?''

''None... of your business...!'' Knuckles swung his axe, and the member escaped. Using one of his last tricks, he jumped high into the sky, charged his energy blade, and triggered an intentional malfunction, turning it into a projectile. The projectiles split into small-wave blasts. Knuckles blinked once, easily evading all of them. He appeared beside Hastatus, menacingly holding his axe to the Nocturnus Echidna's throat. ''You're a tough one, aren't you? Thanks to the training I underwent in the last week, I've become much stronger than before. This battle could have continued, but now, what do you say, HASTATUS?''

Hastatus backed off, fear in his eyes. ''Are... you... trying... to kill... ME? DO IT!''

Surprisingly, Knuckles dropped the weapon and punched Hastatus in the gut, subduing him. He then looked at his gang. ''You're all clear. Go.''

As the three began to run, Tails noticed Knuckles' injuries and stopped. ''Knuckles... what about your injuries? You can't keep going in this state!''

''What... about them? They'll gather the Chaos Emeralds with their influence. We don't need to waste time.''

''Please, Knuckles. You can't fight in your current state. You're stronger than most of them, but if your wounds worsen, who knows what might happen!''

Knuckles looked angry at them, and then his expression softened. ''Fine... does any of you have medicine or something?''

Tails answered. ''If you go to my plane, Tornado 2, you'll find a special medic kit on one of the passenger seats. There, you'll find treatment for your wounds.''

''Fine... but who will cover my position?''

Then the earpiece rang, and a black hedgehog's voice came through. ''Leave it to me, Knuckles. Let's switch roles.''

The call ended, and Shadow arrived within seconds, standing in front of Knuckles. ''Now... go. Everyone deserves a break.''

Knuckles nodded and ran off. The other trio followed their plan and headed for the hut. Shadow looked ahead, noticing a new wave of enemies approaching. ''It's time to strike."

-chapter end-