THE FORGOTTEN TRIBE, Part 4: JOURNEY'S END
Writer: Ken Penders
Penciler: Manny Galan
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Barry Grossman
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Editor: Justin Freddy Gabrie

Sonic tells Knuckles that it's his call, so this is Knux' plan to save Yanar: Rob has to cut the rope just before the trap door is sprung, Sonic has to grab Yanar and get him to safety, Mari-An leads the tribe out of the way, while he and Tails "get to take out the bad guys." Yanar is saved, but the scene becomes a free-for-all fight between the tribe and the High Sheriff's lackeys. Rob creates a distraction, while Knuckles, Sonic, & Tails get the tribe out the castle. Tails and Sonic have a mini-chat about whether to tell Antoine about the High Sheriff, and the decision is to tell Antoine "zip." Meanwhile, Rob finds some TNT in the castle and uses it to blow it up. Mari-An is worried, but Rob appears and also has her two brothers with him, which makes her extremely happy.

In Haven, Locke tells Deo, Archimedes, and Sabre that Hawking is too weak to pull through on his own. Their conversation about the Dark Legion symbolizing "bad" while the Guardians representing "good" is interrupted by a page from Constable Remington. Remington tells Locke that the Chaotix have accepted their assignment, but are reluctant about Julie-Su (note: now we know how she got out of jail). Remington also tells Locke that Lara-Le is very persistent in wanting to see Locke. Locke tells Remington to tell Lara-Le that he'll be in touch soon.

Back in Deerwood Forest, Sonic and Tails say bye to Knuckles. Yanar tells Knux that, during what he felt might be his last moment in life, he had a vision of a city with echidnas and Rob, who is the "other." The "other" is the one who knows where Albion would be. Yanar tells Knux to ask Rob if Rob's seen a place that matches his vision. Mari-An is telling Rob that she'll help him save his Crazy Kritters (his band), when Knux interrupts. Knuckles asks Rob about Yanar's vision and Rob goes into a trance and starts walking. Knuckles, Mari-An, and Yanar follow Rob, who leads them to a cliff overlooking a beach, which has a city surrounded by water near by.

In Lara-Le's apartment, Wynmacher tells Lara-Le that Remington has a message for her: Locke will contact her soon.

Meanwhile, Knuckles and Rob are leading the tribe on the beach. Rob says that he's never gone to the island but stands watch and only "rightful souls" can get past him, like Knuckles. Yanar tells them that the Tomes say that the last part of the journey "requires a bold heart to pass upon Albion's wake," which means that the leader has to walk on water. Knuckles says that he can't swim, but Yanar tells him it's a matter of faith. So Knuckles walks towards the ocean and begins to put his foot down on the water. Knuckles gets a thumbs up and a wink from Rob and a smile from Yanar as Knux stands in the water and asks, "Is anyone going to follow?" As the tribe starts to follow Knux, Mari-An tells her family she's going to stay in Deerwood Forest with Rob. Her family reminds her to tell them when the wedding is.

When Knuckles and the tribe reach Albion, they are greeted by a violet female echidna named "Gala-Na." Gala-Na tells Knuckles that more than a 1,000 years ago the echidnas of Albion were the most advanced culture above all others and secluded their society from the rest of the world. However, a few echidnas felt the need for greater levels of achievement and created Echidnaopolis in Downunda. Gala-Na then leads the tribe into the motherland. Yanar notices that Knuckles isn't happy and Knux tells Yanar that his home is on the Floating Island. Yanar gives Knuckles a "guiding star gem," which Athair left for him. Yanar leaves to enter Albion and Knuckles crosses the water again as he begins his trek back to the Floating Island. Knuckles doesn't know that Athair and the Ancient Walkers are watching him from above with very pleased looks on their faces.

Next Story is in KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA #13