REUNIONS
Writer: Ken Penders
Penciler: Manny Galan
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Barry Grossman
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Editor: Justin Freddy Gabrie

Lara-Le is in the Aurorium and after a few moments leaves for her apartment. When she gets inside, she's pleasantly surprised to find Knuckles inside and gives him a hug. Wynmacher brings out a glass of water for Lara-Le and then goes back to fixing dinner. Leaving Lara-Le and Knuckles to converse, and she asks the question Knuckles doesn't want her to ask: How did he get back?

Meanwhile, a ship approaches the Floating Island and enters the flight tunnel into Haven. Piloting the ship is Tobor, the last member of the Brotherhood to reach Haven. In the air control tower, two other members are present with Sabre, who says that the Brotherhood has a lot to talk about and decisions to make.

Back in Lara-Le's apartment, Lara-Le asks Knuckles how could he possible create and energy tunnel by himself. Knuckles doesn't know and was hoping that she could tell him figuring that his parents would know more about him. Lara-Le tells him that he was born the same as any other echidna, but Locke would have to tell him what happened between his birth and hatching (real life echidnas lay eggs--a note to anyone who hasn't looked up any info on echidnas). Lara-Le continues to say that Knuckles hatched a day later, when it normally takes three days. It was months later that she noticed that Knuckles was different, because he was spelling words that were very advanced for his age (that she had problems with) before he could even talk (BTW, we see the words "Sega Stud"). When Knuckles was three, Locke was in complete control of Knuckles' life and Lara-Le didn't like that because Knuckles is her son, too. Locke told her that's how he was brought up and so were his ancestors. Lara-Le asked for advice from Jenna-Lu, Knuckles' grandmother. Jenna-Lu told her that relationships are "really a matter of give and take" and that Locke teaches Knuckles his duties, while she can teach Knuckles the person he can be. Lara-Le says that she tried to take her advice, but she couldn't because of how she was raised.

In Haven, the Brotherhood (six members total) is gathered and starts talking, while Archy, Deo, and Semper Fidelis (the Council of Advisors) watch. Tobor says that everything is good in the Dragon Kingdom, except for when Sonic and Tails were around (re: Sonic #60 when they rescued Monkey Khan). Another member named "Thunderhawk" says that Sonic caused trouble in Downunda as well (re: Sonic #61 when they helped the Downunda FFs). "Sojourner" is about to join the Sonic hate list, but Sabre interrupts saying that's enough about Sonic. Sabre says that without Robotnik around things are a bit chaotic since his lieutenants want to take control over their areas, while the Mobians want to rebuild. Thunderhawk mentions that it's easier to stop one person from taking control than to "figure out which brush fire to put out" (meaning Robotnik's lieutenants and the Dark Legion). The Brotherhood then asks its Council of Advisors for a suggestion. Semper tells the Brotherhood "outside interests can affect echidna interests" and that they can "conduct business as usual and allow the echidnas to become an irrelevant force on Mobius" or "become a force to lead the echidnas and the other species on this planet into a new golden age."

Meanwhile, dinner is ready at Lara-Le's apartment. Wyn is serving his specialty "canard ala exquisite," which Knuckles finds to be okay. When Knuckles asks his mother if she always eats fancy, she replies that she normally doesn't but today is special. Wyn says that they're hoping that Knuckles will join in their happiness. Knuckles asks them why are they happy. Lara-Le tells Knuckles that Wyn asked her to marry him and that she said yes. Knuckles first is shocked, then looks sad, then runs out saying "Excuse me." Lara-Le is about to run after him, but Wyn tells her to let Knuckles sort out his feelings on his own.

As Knuckles runs down the street, Mighty calls him, but Knuckles just keeps running. Vector says that they should go after him, but Julie-Su says that just she should. Vector disagrees and we're about to see a rematch, but Espio intervenes. Mighty tells Julie-Su to go and they'll meet up later. Vector thinks this is crazy and that Knuckles could get in trouble. Espio says that if Vector noticed the look in her eyes that he did, Vector would realize that there was no way he was going to stop her.

Back in Haven, Sabre says that the Brotherhood has a bigger problem on their hands, mainly Knuckles. Sabre says the Athair took Knuckles with him and provided a scenario for Knuckles to use abilities that he hasn't matured into yet. Sojourner and Thunderhawk don't see it as anything major, but Spectre (the last member to speak) says differently. Spectre says that Locke shouldn't have tampered with the natural order for any reason and that he speaks from knowledge now, unlike before. Locke is angry, but Sojourner says that if Spectre is concerned, then maybe they should consider Knuckles as a more serious problem.

At a pier in Echidnaopolis, Knuckles is sitting down and is obviously unhappy. Julie-Su walks over and asks if he wants some company. Knuckles says no, but she sits down next to him anyway. Knuckles comments to her that she doesn't listen very well, and Julie-Su says "especially not to you." Before Knuckles can finish his response, Julie-Su kisses him on the cheek. Knuckles rubs his cheek and asks Julie-Su why did she do that. Julie-Su says that she's returning him the favor of when he tried to cheer her up when she was feeling down. Knuckles responds with an "okay" and tells her "don't ever do that again." Julie-Su tells him that she "wouldn't even consider it." However, they're both thinking something else to themselves:

"Oh, yes I would--I wish I understood why!" --Julie-Su
"It really wasn't that bad! Actually, that felt kinda nice!" --Knuckles

And that's what they're both thinking as the full moon shines in front of them as they sit at the pier.

Next Story is in KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA #17