The first full day of Eggman's hostage situation began with a knock on the door, answered by Milla. "Is this the residence of one 'Sasha Rizac'" General Gong, who was at the door, inquired." I think it's for you, Lilac" Sonic called, running up to take the letter and checking just to make sure it wasn't a typo. But unfortunately, there was no way to tell, because Sonic can't read Chinese.
"I think he means me" Lilac informed them, as she leaped down from the window she'd broken yesterday and swing down from a nearby tree branch. Looking out the window, Carol took note of the person talking to Lilac and screamed with pure fright. Running as quickly as she could, she yelled to everyone in earshot "We confess, we lied about Lilac's PTSD to avoid the electric bill, just don't hurt us". "Yeah, PTSD, sure, whatever" Lilac quickly replied under her breath.
General Gong stared at them for a few seconds before continuing. "Anyway, the Royal Magister heard about the valley getting turned into a wasteland by some alien demanding something called 'Chaos Emeralds', and saw news footage of you two battling some nudist aliens, one of whom drove Neera to the point of her first vacation day…ever, really." "Say what now" Sonic and Tails freaked out. "Well, yeah, all you wear are gloves and sneakers, sooooo…"
"Enough" Sonic fumed. "Just get me to this 'Magister' so I don't have to deal with this guy anymore".
Soon after, the five were standing before the Royal Magister of Shang Tu, who was eating a chocolate bar as they walked in. "Catch you on your lunch hour" Sonic remarked. The Magister just stared, so everyone took it as a yes. Finally, he spoke. "Welcome. I assume these two must be the second alien visitors this month. I'm certain you know of our world's impending crisis which the Chaos Emeralds may bring salvation to. However, we have no way to locate them, and since you are the only ones on this planet with an idea of what they are, you're also this planet's only hope."
Tails finally decided to speak for the first time since the attack almost a day ago. "I had a device that could locate Chaos Emeralds, but it was destroyed in the explosion. I could rebuild it, but it would take hours of nonstop work, and lots of advanced technology." Considering everything for the better part of like two seconds, the Magister made his final decision on the matter.
"Arrangements will be made to grant you room and board in Shang Mu for no more than three days, due to the time limit this planet is on. The advanced technology there should be enough to rebuild this Emerald locator of yours. As you know, this will be your first mission since your probation began. Unfortunately, Chief Li will not be here to supervise you, as she is staying at a local spa due to stress over recent events. You'll be on your own, but against all odds the Emeralds must be found. Besides, you remember what happened the last time I didn't listen to you. Good luck to you all, and against my better judgement, you may have this golden Timtams for good luck."
Taking the golden chocolate bar in hand, Lilac took in the weight of their mission along with everything else. She looked around the room, and then at the Magister, and worked up the courage to respond. "Your excellency, it will be done." Touched by the raw emotion and dire stakes, the nearby Bird Officer uttered a heartfelt "Weh".
Later still, during the sunset, a military escort train pulled into a government business only platform at the Central Station of Shang Mu. The first to exit were Carol and Sonic, who was intrigued by the sight of such a sprawling city's skyline. "So this Red Panda with the hat is Mayor Zao" he asked, turning to Mayor Zao (+5 OBVIOUS). "And you must be that Sanic the Hotdog guy" responded Mayor Zao.
"Well, we do have time to have some fun before the search begins" decided Carol.
Soon after, the two teams were cruising around town, blasting the Sonic 3 Competition Menu theme from a giant boombox on the top of the limo, in shades AT NIGHT, and drinking Kool-Aid from wine glasses. It almost made them forget about the ominous threat approaching from deep space. And meanwhile, in the skies above, the Kingdom Vortex lit up in certain parts from the radiant power of pure chaos.
After 20 minutes of driving about like it was prom night, the limo finally pulled up at the hotel. "Here", Mayor Zao explained, "you can stay for the maximum time given. A single hotel room with an elevator straight to the hot springs will be provided for you, along with the basement to modify whatever technology you need, and all expenses paid". "All expenses paid" Sonic asked in his SammyClassicSonicFan voice. "Okay everyone, first we'll work on Tails' stuff, then let's head down to the food court and have a drinking contest with ginger ale. Winner gets to break the system and exceed the time limit in the hot springs". "I see this as completely reasonable and not at all an unfair violation of the rules" Mayor Zao agreed (+5 PRIVILEGE).
After the elevator arrived in the basement, Tails spotted the fighter jet and was impressed. With a leap forth he declared "Let's get to work".
Since the fixing up of the plane took literal hours, along with the rebuilding of the Miles Electric to provide an explanation for the new model used in Colors, we'll just end the chapter here and say it happened offscreen.