The Guardian

Even with everything else within the city lit up like a Christmas tree this place was still quite difficult to miss. Had the name not given it away Knuckles would would still have only one guess on who was running this place.

“Huh, my Rouge has talked about opening a club before.“

Given just how his alternate spoke about her he doubted that this would be on their list of stops for the day. But given how most Rouge alternates tended to be he was more than fine with that.

“If you feel that bad let’s hurry on then.“

     Knuckles didn’t know what the bat did in that building but he didn’t think it was anything good. And probably not LEGAL either. He didn’t know if Rouge would even recognize him but he was going to stay as far away from that club as he could. If he didn’t there was no telling what might happen. 

    “Yeah, let’s get out of here. There are better places to be.”

    Casting one last glare to the building he walked past it without looking back. Once they were out of the lights and the thundering music had faded enough that they could have a REAL conversation, the echidna’s good mood seemed to be back. There were better things ahead of them and he was going to show his alternate everything. 

“Oh believe me, I know how rowdy crowds can get on the weekend. Can’t say I’ve never had to deal with a full blown riot though. People back home generally keep a cool head, even in the face of the world ending. Sometimes people wonder why they have security like me patrol all over.”

He quickly realized that his alternate most likely had absolutely no idea just what he was talking about. He was so used to everyone back home knowing that sometimes he forgot that those from other zones did not. But this was supposed to be a fun little get away, not a time to bring up bad things. Still Knuckles figured that they would want to know.

“I can explain later, after we’re done having our fun, if you really want to know.”

     “Better to have you out there just in case one idiot decides to start something than not have you out there at all.” That was the way Knuckles saw it anyway even if he didn’t fully understand what his alternate was talking about. It seemed like a safe bet no matter what. To have that presence. He wanted to know more about it but he nodded at the settlement. 

     “After then.” He was fine with that and he continued to lead the way for a few minutes until coming to a stop. It wasn’t because they were at their destination but it was because of the large building they were about to pass. Covered in pink and purple neon signs, and a crowd outside the luxurious looking building, the echidna's eyes passed over one of the bright signs that read ‘Club Rouge’ and Knuckles groaned at the sight of it.

Now that was an interesting question, certainly was a subject he’s never given much if any thought to.

“I suppose it’s much the same way I feel about alcohol. Got no problem with the thing itself, it’s when people let it take control that I start having problems.”

He did take note of the higher amount of people walking the streets now. Figuring that most businesses were in the process of closing down for the day and letting people out. He hoped that the streets would not become too crowded.

     That was a good way to think of it, and Knuckles found he had to agree with it. The act itself could be fun as long as people kept their heads and didn’t go CRAZY, which he had seen once or twice during his time in the city. It usually lead to a mess and he had gotten good at making himself scarce during those moments. 

    He didn’t think anything like that would happen today but with the city being what it was he couldn’t be sure. ANYTHING could happen.

Despite not knowing how large this city was that still seemed like quite a walk. As well as made him so curious about what his alternate would believe was worth that kind of trip after everything so far. He could hardly wait to see just what it was.

“I can keep on going, don’t worry about me.”

Knuckles would not want his alternate to put their self through something they did not like just for his sake and this place has been bothering them. Even without them saying as much it would have been obvious. Concern beat out curiosity any day.

“I think the real question is if you’re up for this?”

      That was all the Guardian needed and he waited until he was sure the other was ready to go to start walking again. Seemed they were doing that a lot today. Good thing Knuckles NEVER minded the exercise. Although it did make him wonder why the hell the city didn’t offer some kind of transportation service from one game to the next. It seemed logical to him but he wasn’t the one calling the shots.

     “If I wasn’t up to it, I wouldn't have suggested it,” he said to the other, raising a brow as they exited the building and stepped back outside where nothing had changed. “How do you feel about gambling, by the way? It might not be optional where we’re going next.”

As much as Knuckles was enjoying this game he did not want to cause his alternate to have to stay here any longer than was necessary. Launching his last ball he let it fall all the way down, making not attempt to stop it, ending the game. Quickly cashing out his points after hoping out of the controls.

“I can always come back to it, just a game after all.”

He wondered just where his alternate would lead them both to next, though with that comment about getting a headache he doubted that it would end up being another game, fun as the two so far have been.

     The Guardian wouldn’t have cared if his alternate spent a little more time playing the game. It would have given him a chance to look around from their vantage point and think of WHERE they could go next. There were a few more games they could play, but one place he thought they both would like over the others. 

    Hopefully the other liked a LITTLE gambling. 

Compared to his alternate, Knuckles’ score was one digit longer and he was still racking up points pretty quick while still on his second ball. Seems that this game agreed with him. While he did notice the other echidna speaking up he actually did not catch just exactly what they said.

“Hold up.”

Good as he was getting he was not able to keep this up forever. It too suffered the same fate as the first, hitting a bumper, and being sent on a path where none of the flippers could touch it on its way down. He waited before launching his next and last ball.

“Sorry, I was focusing on the game. What did you say?”

     Knuckles noticed the score and scoffed but deep down he was impressed. He would almost like to see his alternate and brother go head to head on the game if ONLY for the sheer competition but maybe next time. He was just going to shake his head now, a toothy grin on his muzzle.

     “Nevermind. Did you want to do another round when you’re done here or move on? I’d play again but all those lights are going to give me a damn headache. I forgot how bright this game was.”

If the hedgehog was honest, he would have said that he actually would like the company, even just a day or so alone in this van made him uncomfortable. But he was not about to say something like that out loud. After all, they both had people they needed to get back to.

“Thanks again. And come back any time, dude. Hopefully we can do something more meaningful than you lifting some heavy stuff for me.”

While a few ideas of what those things could be did come to him, Manic quickly pushed them out of his head. He needed to focus on the trip to come and could not be distracted.

“Maybe next time you can bring a spare warp ring with ya, could be handy.”

     “Hopefully next time we won’t have to run from those...Swatbots.” What a dumb name, but Knuckles looked like he had enjoyed himself at least even if they hadn’t done that much. It was better than doing too much though and he’d be back, someday. Whatever they did next time he has sure it would be just fine. Couldn’t be any worse than lifting cars.

     Getting ready the throw his ring into the nearest empty space, the echidna stopped to consider Manic’s suggestion. Knuckles didn’t have many spare rings, but he DID have one or two left than he hadn’t given away so he nodded, turning to look at the hedgehog. 

Mean spirited as it may have been he could not help but chuckle at his alternate’s misfortune right at the beginning of this game. Due to living in an environment full of distraction and having learned how to be selective, filtering out what he did not need, he was able to go much longer before losing his first ball. It coming right down the middle where none of the flippers could touch it.

“Dammit!”

Nothing he could do about that now, all he could do was focus on keeping this next ball in the game longer. He can certainly see why people liked this game, trying to predict how physics will play out was actually fun and exciting. Perhaps he’ll pick one up for himself some time.

“How you doing over there, Alt?”

     It wasn’t Knuckles’ type of game. Maybe if it had fewer lights and sounds it might be, but as it was he didn’t really like it. He could appreciate the skill it took to keep the ball going and stack up points, he just didn’t see WHY it had to be so damn loud. It was that and his lack of skill that caused his second ball to die not long after the first.

     The good news was he was able to keep the third alive for at least a few minutes and stack up some more points before it joined the others. Scoffing, he watched as his score was displayed and then shook his head before turning to his alternate.

Leading back inside he attempted to start the van up, with the hedgehog’s fixes it did so right away. It was nice to have something work out for a change. Letting the van idle he checked everything just to be sure there weren’t any more problems about to pop up on them. Everything seemed fine, even if this was technically just a patch.

“Thanks my rad red dude.”

He thought for a moment on if he had already called him that, but quickly decided it didn’t matter. The van was working and they could get the hell out of here.

“I know a place I can get her a more permanent fix. You’re more than welcome to ride along, even if it’s just till you’re able to warp back to your zone, man.”

     Knuckles would admit that he was impressed. He didn’t think something in the state of the van would ever start up again but the hedgehog had proved him wrong and he nodded in approval. Maybe there was MORE to the green one than the echidna originally thought, but that didn’t keep him from snorting at the gratitude. 

     “Just call me Knuckles.” 

     That nickname was pushing it, and he had never been a fan of them to begin with. Manic’s word choice was colorful, but not up the echidna’s alley and he shook his head before pausing for a moment. After it, he pulled out his warp ring, noticing the full charge.

“Got it.”

Getting his hands on the controls he was quick to figure out exactly what each one did, granted it was far from difficult given how few controls pinball typically had. Paying from his winnings he started up the game, launching a ball, sending it ricocheting around on the board.

“You know if there’s a multi-ball?”

While unsure if he was able to handle that Knuckles still wanted to take on the challenge, assuming this pinball game even had that mode. Surely it could not have been that difficult, especially compared to all the other things he’s done.

     Knuckles followed his alternate’s lead, starting his own game and turning to focus on it until the question. He actually didn’t remember if there WAS such a function since he had never been good at pinball and only played it when Sonic brought the suggestion up, but he shrugged anyway.

     “Probably. If it’s a regular part of the normal game, I’m sure one of these buttons does that. Just don’t ask me which one.” He paused, turning to the other. “And I’m not saying that to make you lose, I really don’t know. I’m not good at this game.”

“And the last thing ya want is for the memories to fade…”

Which was why, despite so many people telling him to replace it with something bigger or better, he hung on to it. Plus with all the modifications he’s done to it over the years he knew that van just like the back of his gloved hand. Replacing it would mean relearning a whole new one from scratch.

“Hopefully one last lift and we’ll be done, dude.”

Rushing back over to his van, once Knuckles lifted it back up he’d be able to get in there and put the ‘new’ part in. Hopefully this will be all he’ll have to do to it today.

“Alright man, lets get this baby down and see if she’ll start up!”

     Knuckles didn’t reply to that last part, mostly because it was true. Nobody wanted to forget good memories so they clung onto whatever random item held those good times, it was something EVERYONE did and he wasn’t going to deny that or ridicule anyone who did. Manic especially. Things had to be hard for the hedgehog, so if the van brought him comfort, more power to it. 

     It almost made him glad to be helping since the van was so important even if he didn’t feel any more useful than a carjack. Yet he still lifted when the hedgehog needed it, and held steady as they fixed whatever needed to be fixed. He assumed that the hedgehog knew what they were doing and that he had no reason to think it wouldn’t work in the end. 

He wondered just what this place looked like to the hedgehog when they were running at super speed. Was everything a bright blur or were they still able to make things out, did they ever crash into anything? The mental image of him going splat into a wall like one of Cream’s or Charmy’s cartoons got him laughing a little bit.

“This place does seem to fit Blue, yeah.”

After living in the city, granted one that was no where near as bright as this one, so long himself Knuckles figured that he would have a much easier time adjusting to life in a place like this than his alternate. However since his alternate had an emerald to guard he would most likely never get to chance to live anywhere but the floating and, as far as he could tell, empty floating island. Still he wondered as he continued to look down at the city below.

     Though he didn’t understand why the other laughed so suddenly, Knuckles wasn’t going to ask about it and hardly looked away from the city laid out before them. Deep down he could see the appeal, but it just wasn’t for him. He LIKED his island, liked the quiet and liked all his home had to offer. He would never survive in the city. It would drive him crazy.

     Like he said, he only came for two reasons and he was feeling a little short on one of them at the moment. Nice as the view was they still had a few things to do BEFORE they went home so he started walking again, assuming his alternate would follow. He kept leading the way to the pinball hall and just like the last they would be greeted with stunning decor and the same layout as the last game. It made things easier and after finding another empty room for the two of them Knuckles pointed past the glass wall that kept them from getting too close to the neon board that seemed to be floating in midair maybe a quarter-mile away from them.

“The council’s supposedly gonna be formed after he’s beaten.”

Getting into the vehicle’s undercarriage he was quickly able to find just what he was looking for. The odds on finding the exact stuff in the first one was some math a bit beyond him.

“Sonia, Sonic, and I lived in that thing for years. I wanna keep it ready for if… when we find them, dude.”

Having what was needed he moved out of the way, taking a step back just in case the echidna had any problems putting it back down.

“Sometimes it feels like they’re around when I’m in there. Ya know? I don’t… I don’t think I’d get that feeling any more if I replaced it.”

     Before or after, Knuckles didn’t see how any council was supposed to solve the world's problems just because some oracle said so but he just shook his head to express his disapproval. He KNEW that complaining about the circumstance of that Zone wasn’t going to help anything, he just hoped that things got better before they got worse.

     While the hedgehog was under the van he wouldn’t see that the echidna had a more sympathetic look on his face when Manic mentioned his siblings. Family was IMPORTANT and anything that reminded a person of them was significant in his eyes so keeping the van, no matter how beat up, made sense.

He did take a moment to stop and enjoy the view, plus it seemed like a nice little spot to chat.

“And I’m guessing they’re not some little table you sit in front of like regular pinball, they’re some big light show built into the entire place. Like that bingo game earlier.”

On the very off chance they got separated he took note of all the land marks, big and small, that this vantage point let him see. Even when trying to relax he could not help but prep it seems.

“You know from all the way up here the lights are not as overpowering. Even with my fake eyes it’s a bit much.”

     “Yeah, pretty much. If there’s one thing this place does well, it’s sticking with the whole ‘bigger is better’ mentality. I guess that’s part of the draw for most people but I’m just in it for the money, and whatever rare artifacts get gambled away here from time to time.”

     At least Knuckles was honest but he was ALSO there for the fun, just not as much as everything else. He liked coming to the casino for the prizes and the chance to earn easy money that was his only real source of income. Occasionally he traded goods but he found this to be a lot easier.

“I don’t get why anyone would want it, man. And yeah, that prophecy or whatever says the three of us and mom are supposed to form some council that’ll rule. But even that sounds like too much power to me, it being all in just one family like that. Doesn’t make sense.”

Or at least it did not make any to him. Only reason he’d want to even join something like that would be to give a voice to the least fortunate within society, the kinds of people that raised him.

“It was considered a classic even before Robotnik took over, if that tells you anything. But it’s been modified like hell dude. Probably the only original bit left of that old thing is the look.”

Making his way over to the closest candidate for parts he motioned for the echidna to do his thing, while staying out of their way.

     “Not to rain on your parade but if that’s all this prophecy says, just forming a council won’t defeat Robotnik. It’s not like he’s going to sit and talk things over, no matter who you guys are. Even if you guys are going to fight, just four people against an entire army? The odds aren’t good.”

     Knuckles was sure Manic already knew that but it didn’t change that it was a fact. The odds WEREN’T in the hedgehog’s favor. Maybe something would change that in the future but the echidna wasn’t going to hold his breath and occupied himself with looking the van over. It definitely looked like a classic but it was hard for him to really tell. He didn’t know anything about cars.