Sonic Rovers

Chapter 9: Desperate Search

Disclaimers: I do not own any of the characters in this story(excluding Tekuno, Calina, Stryker, and Eva).

[The Rovers were in Guangzhou looking for the shard. Clarissa noticed that not many people were outside]

Clarissa: Not very lively around here is it?

Colleen: No. I guess not. I once was told that the cities in China are usually crowded.

Clarissa: Guess not all of them. I wonder where everyone else is.

Hunter: Hopefully they're having better luck than we are. We'll just have to keep searching.

Clarissa: You're right, we can't give up.

[In Hong Kong, the Wolfpack, Guntiver, and Hershey were searching all around]

Hershey: This is going to be harder than I thought.

Guntiver: You're telling me, girl. This is the first time I've been to China. And it seems we're already having some problems.

Lupe: True. But we can't stop now. We've got to find those shards before those villains do. If Drago gets his paws on them, there's no telling what he'll do.

Hershey: Whatever comes to that bastards mind, it's never good.

Lupe: I couldn't agree more, Hershey. And don't forget, I hold just as much a grudge against him as you do for betraying us. He's done many unforgivable things. But betrayal is the one thing I cannot forgive him for.

[All of a sudden, Guntiver picks up a signal on his device]

Guntiver: Hey! I'm picking up a faint reading on the radar! I think we're getting close!

Reynard: Really? What is it?

Hershey: It's got to be the Black Emerald!

Guntiver: Holy cow! I think you're right, Hershey! And according to the calculations on this device, it's very close! In fact, we may have no trouble finding it at all!

Lupe: Then let's keep going! Guntiver, you lead the way!

Guntiver: Sure thing, Lupe! Come on, guys!

[And so, the Mobians followed the coordinates to the location of the strong energy reading. All while walking through the streets of Hong Kong. As they did, the people in the streets eye balled them weirdly. Sure, they've seen the Road Rovers several times before. But not these Mobians with questionable fashion. And as a small boy looked at them, he spoke to his mother]

Boy: Mama. You think I can get a costume like those guys over there?

Mother: Maybe, son.

[Back to the Mobians. Reynard noticed some of the people looking]

Reynard: Uhh… Lupe… The humans are staring at us…

Lupe: Never mind them, Reynard. As long as we don't harm them, they won't harm us.

Diablo: It may not be too easy, Lupe. They're looking at us like we're monsters or something.

Hershey: We could just tell them that we're auditioning for a costume party here in Hong Kong.

Guntiver: Let's focus on the task at hand, guys. We're getting close. Very close. I know it.

[In Macau, Sonic and his group were looking for the shard but Sonic was starting to get impatient]

Sonic: Why is this taking so long?

Tails: Sonic, we know your use to things going fast for you but this is going to take time, so please be patient.

Sonic: Awe damn it! I hate it when I have to be patient!

Sally: Well you're gonna have to deal with it!

[He crosses his arms]

Sonic: Humph.

Sonia: And he's supposed to be our big brother.

Manic: Yeah, what a role model.

Sonic: I heard that!

Manic: Well it's true! You're supposed to set an example for us!

Sonia: Seriously. You're just like Lupe's son Marcos. He's the oldest of his siblings but he doesn't act like it.

Sonic: Yeah well, that depends on which one you're talking about.

Sally: Stick to business, guys. We're still on a search for the Black Emerald shards. And this arguing has to end.

Tails: She's right. Let's be serious about this. Okay… Where to start…

[Tails checks his radar device]

Sally: Anything Tails?

Tails: Hmmm… Well, so far, nothing. We'll just have to keep going until we can get an energy reading of sorts.

[Sonic rolls his eyes]

Sonic: Oh great! More waiting! Wow this is SO exciting! What next, are we going to be doing this for the next 2000 years or so? Because I seriously doubt we're gonna be alive my then!

Sally: Shut it! This is not the time for complaining!

Sonic: Well something better happen sooner or later. Because if I have to wait any longer, I'm gonna bust a gasket!

Tails: Shhh!

Sonic: Don't you shush me!

Tails: Wait! I'm picking up a signal! I think we're getting close to one of the shards!

Sally: (sighs) Thank God. You see, Sonic? You really need to learn patience. It's a virtue that can come in handy.

Sonic: Well it's about time!

Sally: So where is it, Tails?

Tails: Well, according to these calculations, the shard is about three miles south from here.

Sonic: I got it!

Manic: But Sonic, we're supposed to…

[Sonic dashed off before Manic could even finish]

Sonia: (sighs) Stay together.

[Sally rolls her eyes]

Sally: That's exactly what I kept telling him. He never changes.

Tails: Come on, we better go after him.

[They chase after Sonic, who was already at the location where Tails said the shard was]

Sonic: All right you little shard, where are you? I know you're close, I can sense you.

[Little did he know that he was being watched by Spot, Fluffy, Snuggles, and Eva]

Fluffy: So what do we do now, Spot? Shall we jump him?

Spot: Don't be stupid, Fluffy! If this guy's a hedgehog, I have a feeling he's just as powerful as that other hedgehog!

Eva: What's the matter with you two? Scared of a rodent no bigger than the size of a five year old kid?

Sonic: Aha, here you are!

[Sonic found the shard. As Sally, Tails, Manic, and Sonia finally caught up with Sonic. And upon seeing him, they also see that he has one of the shards]

Tails: Alright, Sonic! You found it! Way to go!

Sonic: Hah! See what I mean? The faster you go, the quicker the job gets done!

Sally: That may be true. But we still have a lot of work to do. I just hope the others are having better luck than we are.

Sonic: You worry too much, Sal! We've got one of the shards! And it's only a matter of time until we find the rest of them!

Tails: Let's hope so.

[Eva was starting to get impatient]

Eva: I've had it! That shard is mine!

Spot: Wait, Eva! We can't fight him! We don't know how powerful he might be!

[Eva didn't listen and instead jumped down the building and got the Mobians attention]

Sonia: Who is that?

Manic: You got me, but she's definitely not from Mobius.

Sally: Looks like we're not alone. Look!

[They all saw Spot, Fluffy, and Snuggles]

Tails: These must be the canomutants the Rovers told us about.

Sonic: Looks like it. Uh can we help you?

Eva: Yes! You can hand over that shard!

Sonic: And just why should we?

Eva: Because if you don't, you all will suffer! Now, if you value your lives, you will do the smart thing and give us that shard!

Sonic: Hah! You don't scare us!

Tails: You said it Sonic!

Sonia: Yeah, so why don't you get lost?!

Manic: And take your buddies with you!

Eva: (snarling) Maybe you didn't hear me too well. I said hand over the shard, or you will suffer!

Sonic: (sarcastic) Oooh! I'm so scared! I'm being threatened by some crazy bitch and her lackeys in their undies!

Sally: Sonic, this isn't the time for jokes!

Tails: Really! This is serious!

Sonic: Relax, guys. I've got this.

Sally: Oh good.

[Sonic turns towards the villains]

Sonic: Listen, dogs. If you don't want to get hurt, I suggest you turn the other way around and mind your own business!

Eva: The shards ARE our business, Hedgehog!

Sonic: Oh? Then why don't you try and take it from us?

Eva: Why you little! Get him!

[She points one finger at Sonic]

Sonic: Alright then, bring it on!

[Sonic assumes his battle stance]

Fluffy: You aren't so tough!

Spot: We'll make mincemeat out of you!

Snuggles: Essayez ceci pour la taille! (Try this on for size!)

Sonic: Tsk, tsk, tsk. Big mistake, fellas! Guns won't do you any good! Especially against a speedster like me!

[The canomutants fire their blasters, and the Mobians dodge. As they seek shelter, Sonic continues to dodge the canomutants' blasts. And while he's at it, he taunts them]

Tails: (thinking) {Be careful Sonic}

Sonic: Man! You guys are lousy shots! I take it you never had target practice before in your lives!

Fluffy: What did you say?!

[He fires a blasts as Sonic dodges once again, and scoffs]

Sonic: I've seen five year olds who are better shots than you! And you call yourselves soldiers? Hah! What a joke!

Spot: Shut up you little blue freak!

[Spot fires at him but the blue blur dodges it]

Sonic: Oops! Too slow!

Eva: GRRR! Hold still so we can blast you!

Sonic: I would, but that wouldn't be cool. Besides, we have better things to do now then to mess around with the likes of you creeps. Now, if you'll excuse us…

[Sonic then uses his super speed to dash around in a circle around the four dogs, and creates a tornado that blows them away]

Sonia: Well that was easy.

Manic: Not much of a threat are they?

Sonic: Nope, now let's get out here.

Sally: Well, hopefully they won't be giving us anymore trouble. For a while that is.

[Meanwhile, back with Guntiver, Hershey, and the Wolfpack, they were getting close to finding one of the shards of the Black Emerald. But at the same time, their presence in Hong Kong was attracting the attention of the humans in the street. And they could even hear them speaking in Mandarin]

Man #1: (in Mandarin) What are those creatures?

Man #2: (in Mandarin) Are they even human?

Reynard: Umm… Lupe?

Lupe: What is it, Reynard?

Reynard: (nervous) I don't mean to add to the tension, but the humans are still looking at us…

Diablo: (nervous) And not in the good way I might add…

Hershey: I guess not everyone on Earth has seen Sonic and his friends before.

Lupe: Just keep calm, everybody. Don't do anything that would provoke hostility. Otherwise we'll really be in trouble.

Canus: She's right. As long as we don't appear hostile, the humans won't do anything to us.

[All of a sudden, a group of thugs showed their ugly faces in the presence of the wolves. And much to their surprise, these people spoke English]

Thug #1: Hey, hey, hey! What do we have here?

Thug #2: Don't know. Looks like a bunch of Americans in fur suits!

Thug #3: So where's the costume party? And what's with the speedos and sandals? Are you going to the beach or something?

Lupe: For your information, we're not humans in costumes. We're anthropomorphic Mobian wolves, and we're on a very important mission. Now if you'll please stand aside.

[One of the thugs stepped in front of Lupe]

Thug #1: What's the matter, toots? Don't you want to have some fun? (snickers)

[Lupe frowns at the man]

Lupe: Listen, you better back off and mind your own business, or else.

Thug #2: Or else what, baby? What are you gonna do?

Hershey: (hisses) You heard the lady! Back off!

Thug #2: Not until you remove that mask of yours and show us your pretty face, baby!

[One of the thugs tries to grab at Lupe's breasts. But only she does the grabbing, and breaks every bone in the man's hand. A loud crackling sound is heard, followed by his agonized screams]

Thug #2: GAAAAAAHHHH!

Lupe: What is it with men?

[Lupe then throws the man against the wall, and knocks him out in the process]

Guntiver: Well, looks like we have no choice but to defend ourselves!

[Hershey cracks her knuckles]

Hershey: Well, it may do them some good! Come on!

[And so, the Mobian wolves fight off the gang of thugs and beat them all senseless. But their actions soon attract the attention of the police. Upon hearing the sirens, their ears rise]

Reynard: Uh oh. That doesn't sound good!

Diablo: If I didn't know any better, I'd say that's the police!

Guntiver: Then we're gonna have to make a hasty exit! Come on, everybody! To the subway!

[And so, the wolves all race to the subway as the patrol cars circle around the area. They manage to hitch a ride in a train just before the cops could catch up]

Hershey: Whew! That was close!

Canus: (sigh) That sure was one heck of an experience. It seems Earth is not much different than Mobius. I wonder if this world has many of the same problems as ours.

Diablo: Tell me about it. At least we're all in one peace.

Guntiver: Yeah, but we seem to be driving away from the shard! We've got to get off this train!

Hershey: We'll have to wait until the train stops but we'll just have to find our way back.

Reynard: But if we go back, those policemen will be waiting for us!

Diablo: And who knows what their reaction will be when they find out we're not wearing costumes?

Leeta: What are we going to do, Lupe?

Lupe: We don't have a choice. The shard we're looking for is in the city of Hong Kong. We have to go back and look for it. Because if we don't, Drago, or even Geist will find it first.

Guntiver: We can't afford to lose this battle! We have to get that emerald shard by all means! No matter the cost!

Hershey: That's right! We have to go back.

Reynard: But…

Lupe: But nothing, Reynard. We have to go back.

[And so, the Mobian wolves and Hershey finally arrive at their destination as the train stopped]

Canus: Where are we?

Hershey: I don't know I can't translate what its saying.

[Diablo looks at the sign where Hershey was pointing]

Diablo: What language is that?

Guntiver: It's obviously the language that the natives of this country speak. But like Hershey, I can't make it out.

Reynard: If you ask me, it looks like a bunch of gibberish.

Diablo: Well, don't say that to the people who speak the language!

Reynard: I was just saying it looks like gibberish!

Lupe: Let's focus on the mission, everybody. We still have a long way to go. Guntiver, is there anything on the radar?

[Guntiver checks the radar device, and sees a faint signal]

Guntiver: Whew. Thankfully, the train didn't take us very far. We're only like five miles away from where the signal was giving a strong vibe. If we keep heading in this direction, we should return to Hong Kong. And the signals should get stronger.

Lupe: Okay then. Let's go, everybody!

[And so, the team heads their way back to Hong Kong. But as they arrive there, the police were waiting for them. The cops raise their guns. And one of the head officers speaks Mandarin through the megaphone]

Chief: (in Mandarin) Hold it right there, you! Hands in behind your heads!

Lyco: What did he say?

Lupe: I think he's telling us to surrender. Better do as he says.

[The Mobians guessed right, and they place their hands behind their heads]

Reynard: We're in trouble now…

Diablo: Shhh! Quiet!

[As the cops close in on them, they order the Mobians to get down on the ground]

Chief: (In Mandarin) Down on the ground, face down!

Reynard: What?

Chief: (In Mandarin) I said down on the ground, face down!

Diablo: I don't understand!

Chief: (I said get down! Hit him!)

[One of the cops hits Diablo in the gut with the back of his rifle, knocking him to the ground]

Reynard: Hey! What the?!

Guntiver: We didn't do anything to deserve this!

Lupe: We come in peace!

[The Chief of the police then notices that the Mobians are speaking English]

Chief: So, you speak English, eh? Tell me, are you from America?

Lupe: Well, no sir. We're not from this world either.

Chief: So you're illegal aliens huh? Well, do you realize that you've caused a ruckus around here?

Lupe: Please, officer, I do apologize for the disturbance we've caused. But I can assure you there's an explanation for why we're here.

Chief: Save it for the judge! You all are under arrest for disturbing the peace! Once we get to the station, we're going to have you dress up more appropriately for your court room appearances!

Lyco: But we're on an important mission! You can't just arrest us like that!

Chief: I already am, missy!

Hershey: This is not our day.

[One of the citizens stepped forward]

Citizen #1: Leave them alone, they were just defending themselves from some thugs!

Chief: Oh?

Citizen #2: Please, officers! There has been a misunderstanding here! These people didn't start the trouble!

Chief: Really? Well then, can somebody explain to me in great detail on what happened here?

Child: Well these bad men came up to them and tried to do naughty things to the pretty head wolf so she retaliated, and when they tried to ambush her, the others helped her fight them off.

Chief: Hmmm… Is that true?

Citizen #3: Yes, sir! It's the truth! We all saw it with our own two eyes!

Citizen #4: These people haven't done anything wrong officers! You've got to let them go!

[Just then, several police officers arrive with the thugs, who were all bruised and beaten up after their fight with the Mobians]

Cop #1: Chief Han! We've found these hooligans! I think they're the suspects we've been looking for!

Chief Han: Well, well, well. Sounds like you folks just got lucky today. Well then, I'll let you all go this time. You all deserve a medal for this. These people are wanted criminals.

Lupe: No thanks, Chief. We're in a bit of a hurry.

Chief: Okay then. But just remember, these are the streets of Hong Kong. So you guys better watch yourself. Because there's always some kind of criminal activity going on around here.

Lupe: Thank you, sir.

[Before the Wolfpack parts, Lupe turns to the child who stood up for them]

Lupe: Hello there, boy. What's your name?

Child: My name is Kai. What's yours, pretty she-wolf?

Lupe: My name is Lupe. I want to thank you for helping us out.

[She pets Kai on the head)

Kai: You're welcome!

[After that, the Wolfpack moves on and continue their search for the shard. As they moved onto a different section of Hong Kong, Guntiver checks the radar again, and scans for any sign of the shard]

Diablo: Well, that was one heck of an experience.

Lyco: I'll say! Thank goodness those citizens were there for us!

Canus: Just remember, Diablo. This is Earth. The humans of this world are probably not used to seeing Mobians like us walking around.

Guntiver: Wait! The signal is getting stronger!

[Everybody's eyes widen with surprise]

Guntiver: According to the calculations, it's gotta be somewhere in the bottom of Hong Kong bay!

Leeta: We're going to need a boat and some scuba gear!

Lupe: Then let's go! We have no time to lose!

[And so, the wolves all sailed out to sea on a large sail boat with enough room for everybody. And as they arrived to the spot, Lupe, Lyco, Leeta, Reynard, Diablo, Guntiver, and Hershey equip themselves with scuba gear. The girls all wore their signature leotards, while the boys were down to their speedos]

Hershey: Oh dear…

Lupe: Guntiver, can you swim?

Guntiver: Oh, of course! I'm an expert at swimming!

Lupe: Okay, good. And bring the radar with you, I have a feeling we're going to need it.

Guntiver: Roger that, Lupe! Hey, boys, girls, you ready?

[The wolves give a thumbs up sign to show that they're all set and ready]

Canus: Just be careful down there, guys. You go do your thing while I stand here and keep watch. I'll wait for you on this boat.

Lupe: Okay. Everybody ready? One, two, three, dive!

[The wolves all dive into the water, and swim their way down. Back on the boat Hershey was a bit nervous]

Hershey: (shudders)

Canus: What's wrong, Hershey?

Hershey: Nothing, it's just I'm not use to being out this far in the water.

Canus: But… Didn't you undergo training to overcome your fear of water?

Hershey: Yes, but nobody told me I'd be going this far in!

Lupe: Hershey, come on! Dive in!

Hershey: (scared) No! I can't do it, Lupe! I just can't do it!

Lupe: Yes you can! I have deep faith in you!

Hershey: I don't know Lupe…

[Hershey stood silent for she was too scared. But Lupe reached out with one paw]

Lupe: Come on, Hershey. Don't be scared. We can't do this without you. I'll guide you.

Hershey: I'm scared.

Lupe: Hershey, think of your lover, Geoffrey St. John. Think about what he's done for you since you've came to know him.

[Hershey began remembering all the things he did for her after she broke up with Drago]

Hershey: That's right. Geoffrey's been there for me for a long time. I'm not going to let him down!

[She dives in]

Lupe: Good girl! Now, let's go get that shard!

Hershey: Right!

[She dives in and they soon follow, suddenly out of nowhere Shadow appeared]

Shadow: Hey Canus.

Canus: Huh? Shadow? What are you doing here?

Shadow: Just checking up on you guys. Sonic and his group managed to find one of the shards. How about you guys?

Canus: Us? Well, we've appeared to have found one of the shards. But it's somewhere in the bay. Luckily it's within our reach, so my team should have no trouble finding it. How many more shards are there?

Shadow: Not sure, but so far we've found two I hope the Rovers found one.

Canus: Hmmm… I sure hope so too.

[Meanwhile, down beneath the surface, Lupe was holding Hershey's paw as they swam around. Reynard and Diablo searched all around, and Guntiver held the radar in one paw. Luckily it was water proof so they can keep track of its signal]

Hershey: (thinking) {I hope we find this shard soon.}

[Guntiver starts picking up strong energy readings. And then he follows it to the source. He gives a signal to the others by waving one paw. The others see him. And they all follow him. Eventually, they see a strange violet glow just a few miles from where they were swimming. And then finally, as they arrive to the spot, they find the shard. Only there was one problem. It was inside a giant clam. They knew this because they could see the glowing light shining inside the shell. The wolves all look to each other in confusion. Guntiver hands over the radar to Diablo, and swims down to investigate]

Guntiver: (thinking) {Alright let's get this clam opened}

[Guntiver tried to open the clam by himself. He placed his feet on the sides, and placed his paws on the edges of the opening. Then he tried to tug at it in the attempt to get it open. But it wouldn't budge. So, he gives a sign that he needs help. And then the other wolves swim over to Guntiver to help him out. They all tug at the clam in the attempt to get it open. They struggled and struggled.]

Diablo: (thinking) {Damn! This thing's hard to get open!}

[Finally, after struggling for what seemed like an eternity, the wolves finally managed to get the clam open. But they couldn't keep its shell open for long. And as they struggled to keep in open, Guntiver signaled Hershey to reach in and grab the shard, which she does. And as soon as she got the shard out of the clam's shell, the wolves let go of the clam, and it snaps shut. After that, they all swim up to the surface, satisfied that they've finally retrieved the shard from Hong Kong. They remove their oxygen masks and their visors. And breathe a sigh of relief]

Reynard: Wow. That was the longest swim I've ever had.

Diablo: Whew! That sure was fun! I enjoyed that swim!

Guntiver: Me too, Diablo. But what's more important is that we finally got the shard!

Lupe: Alright! Great job, guys! Let's get back to the boat!

[Lupe turns towards Hershey]

Lupe: See? You did it! I knew you could do it! I'm proud of you, Hershey!

Hershey: Thanks.

[They return to the boat and see Shadow with Canus]

Shadow: So have did you find the shard?

Hershey: Yes we did.

Guntiver: Well first, we had to do some searching. And to our complete surprise, the shard was at the bottom of the bay. So we had to swim down to where the signal was. Eventually, we found it. Of course, we ran into some difficulty.

Reynard: Yeah, difficulty with a giant clam.

Canus: Well, I'm glad that you all made it back safely. Now we can move on.

Lupe: Right, Canus, set a course back to shore. Shadow, what brings you here to Hong Kong?

Shadow: To inform you of our progress. Sonic and his group found a shard, as did mine.

[He shows them the shard he found. Lupe looks at the shard Shadow was holding]

Lupe: Alright! Good! I'm glad to hear that you guys are making progress. I just hope the Road Rovers are making progress too.

Shadow: Same here.

[The heroes have good start on finding the Emerald shards but can the Rovers add more to the collection or will their foes get to the rest before them? We'll find out soon]