Episode 43: The Chaotix Connection
One day in Station Square, humans and even Mobians are doing their daily routine. Working, errands, schools, and other activities that go around in a city. At a certain part of the city, the newspaper stands are bustling with people. Each buying a newspaper to catch up with the daily news. A short distance away a boy is holding a newspaper.
The boy calls out, "Extra! Casinopolis Grand Opening Tomorrow! A New Casino!"
Walking this way, are Topaz, Molly, and Rouge having some girl time.
Topaz calls out, "I'll take a paper."
Topaz walks over as the boy hears her call out. Topaz takes the paper and pays the boy for it.
"What you got?" Rouge asks.
Topaz reads the paper and says, "The paper says that this New Casinopolis is supposed to be exciting. It says, 'Come on! Come all to Casinopolis! A Casino where you can have fun gaining cash and have fun! Free chips to the first hundred in the door."
"What is a Casino?" Molly asks.
"It's a place where people can bet and get some cash," Rouge says.
Rouge looks at the paper and notices something odd, "Wait a minute…"
Rouge takes the paper from Topaz and reads, "It said that the owner of the casino is Renfield ."
"So?" Topaz asks.
"Eve told me about that character. He said that this Renfield works for Dr. Eggman. He was in charge of a place called Happyland Amusement Park and is responsible for getting the Chaotix and many children sick," Rouge says.
"So this Renfield might be up to no good," Molly suspects.
"More than that, I bet," Rouge says.
"If that Renfield might be in connection with Dr. Eggman then we need to do something in case he's up to no good. I suggest we get word to the president," Topaz says.
Sometime later in New Mobotropolis, It doesn't take long for the girls to ask the president to contact them. They are on the screen with the president talking to the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix.
"They advised that I should contact you about this Renfield character," The president says.
"She was right, Mr. President. Renfield T. Rodent was jailed for a while. But with Eggman in control of the island…" Mighty says.
"He probably set Renfield free," Knuckles adds.
"The Chaotix have the greatest connection to the case. Knuckles, I'm leaving it up to your team. Eve, Jazz Sonia, Manic and Sonic. I need you to go with them," Sally says.
"Then we better get there fast," Sonic says.
"I agree. With Dr. Eggman involved this could be bad," Eve says.
"Chao," Jazz replies.
Sometime later, the Chaotix, and four hedgehogs are in Manic's special Van, since the ships and Tornadoes are being repaired and maintained. As for the Chaotix, Charm, Saffron, and Ray are not among them.
"I like to know what Dr. Eggman and Renfield are up to this time," Knuckles says.
"I doubt this has anything to do with the last time we ran into him," Sonia says.
"I remember Eve telling me about it. Renfield manages to use Chili dogs for evil and makes everyone sick when they eat it," Sonic says.
"It's not the chili dogs itself, but the sauce they use in it. It has this poison that got all of us sick," Mighty says.
"And almost got Charmy's friend killed," Vector adds.
Sonia, Julie-Su, and Eve angrily scold, "Vector!"
"What? It's kind of true," Vector says.
"Well you don't have to remind us, especially to Charmy. He almost lost his best friend because of Renfield's special chili sauce. You're lucky he's back in New Mobotropolis," Sonia says.
"The doctors even had to give Charmy an operation," Manic adds.
Sonia points out, "Manic! Lookout!"
Manic drives over a large pothole and the van bounces when the wheel hits the ground. The group bounce up and down and land on their chairs.
"What's with you and potholes, cuz. You never get enough of them," Sonic says.
"That was really bumpy," Eve says, rubbing her head.
"Chao," Jazz agrees, rubbing her head.
Sonia rubs her chin, "I don't know how many more my teeth can take."
"Come on you guys, how many have I hit?" Manic replies.
"Thirty Eight!" Sonia, Eve, and Sonic scold, glaring at Manic.
Manic nervously gasps to hear the complaining his sister and cousins are giving him.
Suddenly, the van runs into more potholes. One takes them jumping over it and lands on the ground with a bounce.
"Wrong. Forty two, so button it up with the back seat driving, ah right," Manic says.
"Mow much farther until we're there?" Knuckles asks.
Manic presses the button to show him the directions to Casinopolis.
"Twelve miles," Manic happily answers.
However, Sonic, Eve, and Sonia scream, knowing that this is going to be a long and bumpy trip. Manic continues to drive the car as he drives over potholes and over bumpy areas. Every time he does, everyone in the van screams in fright.
Meanwhile at the back of a building. A blue dingo is driving a truck while a dog security guard goes to check out the supplies.
"I got'cher slot machines here, Mack," The truck driver says.
The guard, Mack says, "About time. Wasn't like this with Von Stryker in charge."
Then turns to one of the employees, "Open the back drive way for the new machines."
The garage begins to open as the truck driver begins to drive in reverse. The driver moves back into the garage with the door open.
The horse employee asks, "What took you?! We open in a few hours!"
"Take it up with Gen. Kage, "The driver says.
He then brings out a piece of paper and says, "Sign here so I can unload."
The employee takes the paper and signs it. Then the truck driver and his partner begin to upload the slot machines and other supplies. As the workers are beginning the slot machines inside the casino, someone is watching from the TV connecting to the security camera.
A familiar voice says, "Finally! At last… we can get on with this. I can pay for my 'early' parole.'
Watching the TV is Renfield T Rodent holding the remote to the TV. He then turns it off.
At the very least, those poor saps will go out with a smile. I can't be faulted for that. Let it never be said; Renfield T. Rodent… didn't put on a good show!"
He then begins to laugh and can't wait for his plan to go without a hitch, or so he thinks.
At Casinopolis' Grand Opening, humans and Mobians walk into the casino to have some fun and get some money and such. At the front, Topaz, Molly, and Rouge are waiting for the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix to arrive.
"I wonder where they can be?" Molly asks.
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Topaz says.
Suddenly, someone calls out, "Molly! Rouge! Topaz!"
The girls turn their heads to see the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix, with Eve taking the lead.
"Hi girls, how are you doing?" Eve asks.
"We're fine. It's great to see you again," Molly says.
"It's been too long," Eve says.
""Don't forget about us," Rouge says.
"I haven't forgotten about you, Rouge. You too, Topaz," Eve happily says.
"Chao Chao," Jazz happily replies.
"It's great to see you. Sorry, you have to come on a mission," Topaz says.
"Anything that can cause us to mess with Eggman's plans is alright by me," Sonic says.
"Well, we better get inside," Topaz says.
"Right," Knuckles replies.
The group then begins to walk inside the building. To their surprise, they can see so many humans and Mobians playing the slot machines, card games, and other activities to do in a casino.
Julie-Su glares at Rouge, "I don't remember you ever like to tag along with us so much."
"I'm just proving I've gone legit. Of course you wouldn't see that…" Rouge says.
She then wraps her arms around Knuckles, "But Knuckles does."
Seeing Rouge hugging Knuckles has Julie-Su furious. She then does her best to calm down, but it's not working. Rouge then lets go of Knuckles as she glares at Julie-Su.
"Alright you two, enough fighting. We can save it when we have someone to beat up," Knuckles says.
Everyone looks around to see so many humans and Mobians. However, there are other Mobians who are wearing suits and formal clothes.
"It looks like Renfield only hired Mobians. Let's work fast, Chaotix. We don't have much time," Knuckles says.
"What do you think we're looking for?" Vector asks.
"Well, if it's like it was last time, we'll have to look into anything unusual where food is sold," Mighty says.
"It's not a bad idea, but we should make sure to look at the slot machines. Dr. Eggman might have put something funny in them," Eve says.
"I agree. We should split up and search around," Topaz says.
"I agree. Split up and check in every few minutes. Let's go," Knuckles says.
Soon, the group begins to split up and head off in different directions.
Sonic, Eve, Jazz, Manic, and Sonia are walking around the casino. They see so many people in one place; humans and mobian alike. They see them play slot machines and practically staring at the screen.
"There are so many slot machines," Sonia says.
"Yeah. I actually like to play some myself," Manic says.
"Search first, play later," Eve comments.
"Alright, alright," Manic says.
The four hedgehogs continue to go walk around.
Meanwhile, Knuckles is looking around the casino for anything suspicious. Suddenly, he notices a slide door opening.
He thinks, "Thanks for getting the door for me."
Knuckles hurries over while the employee leaves the area. He is also to sneak into the room in the nick of time. Knuckles then notices another door ahead.
"Now let's see what we can find," Knuckles thinks.
Knuckles then sneaks into the other room that reveals to be a cargo room. Knuckles quickly hides behind the crates to see a few employees, including the employee from before who is the assistant manager.
Knuckles thinks, "The foreman! He's not Renfield, but I ought to be able to get some answers from him."
The assistant manager says, "Everything is set. Contact Dr. Eggman and tell him…"
"Eggman?!" Knuckles thinks in shock.
He then stands on the crate and calls out, "Hold it!"
The assistant Manager and the two employees turn to see Knuckles.
"Wha?!" The assistant manager exclaims.
The demands, "Get him!"
Knuckles kicks the bear employee and then punches the dog employee with his spiked knuckles. Knuckles then turns to the assistant manager and is going to attack.
Back in the casino, excluding the hedgehogs and the chao, everyone else gathers.
Espio asks, "Anything?"
"Nothing that I can find," Rouge says.
"Everything seems normal," Molly replies.
"We better get a move on. More people are coming in. We better check the food before more get in," Might says.
"Have fun with that. I'll check out the slots," Vector says, leaving.
Espio and Molly follow Vector to check out the slot.
Mighty walks to one of the food stands and says, "One chili dog, please"
The vendor makes the chili dog and gives it to Might. Then the armadillo begins to eat it.
"It doesn't taste like much. Julie-Su, keep an eye on me in case it is toxic like last time," Mighty says.
"I don't think Renfield would try the same trick twice. That, and Knuckles and the hedgehogs are late checking in. We may have to drop this 'gentle' approach," Julie-Su says.
Back to the four hedgehogs and Chao, they look around to see people are having the food and nothing cause them to be sick. Sonic, Eve, and Manic eat the chili dogs and drink some water.
"I have to admit, the chili dogs taste really good," Eve says.
"Chao," Jazz replies with a nod.
"At least the food is not toxic," Manic says.
"Still, I'm doubting that Renfield is using the same scheme," Eve says.
"We should go find the others. We're late checking in," Sonia says.
"I just hope Knuckles and the others are doing better than us," Eve says.
In the cargo hold, Knuckles fights against the assistant manager. When he slams his spiked knuckle at the horse' muzzle, he hears a strange… 'clang' sound.
"'Clang?' You're not Mobian! You're one of Eggman's robots!" Knuckles realizes.
Knuckles throws an upper cut allowing the spike knuckle to cut through the fake skin to reveal metal under it. Suddenly, the robot one spring out and punches Knuckles in the face, knocking him out.
The horse reports, "Renfield… I have one of the Chaotix… Yes, I will prepare for you."
Back at the casino, Mighty and Julie-Su meet up with Rouge with her group, and the four hedgehogs, and of course the little chao.
"I think we can rule out toxins," Mighty says.
"That's true, but what about the machines," Eve says.
"Um guys, something's wrong with those people," Molly worriedly says.
The group turns their heads to see everyone looking at the slot machine and starting to come into a daze.
"I'm guessing that answers your question," Eve worriedly says.
"Mighty and I are going to find Knuckles while the rest see what's going on," Julie-Su says.
"Be careful," Sonia says.
Julie-Su and Mighty nod their heads and leave the scene to find Knuckles. They soon notice Vector in a daze as well and his eyes are getting swirly.
"Oh no! Vector too," Sonia worriedly says.
"There must be something with the screen on the slot machines, "Rouge says.
Everyone turns their heads toward the screen. In a matter of seconds, they all fall into a daze. Except the four hedgehogs and the little Chao, who are shocked to see what is happening.
"Guys, what's going?" Manic asks.
"It has something to do with that screen," Sonic says.
Sonic and Manic look at it, but they are soon hypnotized by it.
"Sonic. Manic. Sonia. We need to do something," Eve worriedly says.
Eve turns her head and becomes shocked to see Sonia and Jazz are looking at the screen with a daze.
"I gotta get them away from the screen," Eve worriedly says.
Suddenly, a long rope comes out of nowhere and ties Eve up.
"What in the…" Eve gasps as she turns her head to see a robot behind her.
Meanwhile, Knuckles groans as he begins to regain consciousness. With a dizzy expression he looks around to find himself tied up to a creature by strong rope and he is too weak to move.
Suddenly, a familiar voice says, "You won't ruin my life this time, Knuckles."
"What…?" Knuckles asks, feeling dizzy.
He then notices Renfield and his robotic assistant standing before him.
"I've been a victim of circumstances, Knuckles. Not that you would show mercy. Tell me… why should I show you and your friends mercy now?" Renfield questions.
He then turns on the TV to see the people being hypnotized, even his friends and colleagues.
Renfield mocks, "Ha! It's too late anyway. They've already been scanned!"
"Scanned? For what?" Knuckles asks.
"Their minds, of course. The data will be used to program the latest edition of Dr. Eggman's latest auto-automations… the Infiltrators! The slot machines hypnotize and scan their victims and transmit the signal to their factory below us. Once Station Square has been turned into Eggman's arm, I will be free to go. Nothing personal-it's just business," Renfield says.
"You… won't get away with this…" Knuckles says.
"And how do you plan to do that? Everyone in the casino, including your friends are hypnotized," Renfield says.
Suddenly, someone shouts on the screen, "Let me go!"
Renfield looks on the screen to see Eve being captured by one of the robots by a strong rope and is hard for her to break from.
"And it seems that one more is going to share their fate," Renfield says.
But notice, "Wait, where are the other two Chaotix?!"
At the casino, Eve continues to struggle to break free from the robot's control.
The robot says, "Now it's your turn to have your mind scanned."
The robot grabs Eve by the back of her head and presents her to the screen.
"Just keep staring at it and allow your mind to be scanned," The robot says.
Eve closes her eyes and tries to resist the screen's hypnotic. The robot then presses her face to the screen, but Eve continues to resist.
"You cannot resist. Give in now," the robot says.
"I'll… I'll never give in.. you… you hunk of metal," Eve struggles.
Her face is pressed to the screen even more, "You little brat. Let the mind of yours be scanned and become Eggman's army."
Eve then begins to struggle as she tries to break free from the robot's grasp. Eve manages to face her foot on the machine and kicks herself back to the robot, knocking it down. Eve soon falls to the ground and drops her music player. Soon, her loud music begins to play.
The music soon lets out a loud and strong beat. Suddenly, Sonic, Manic, and Sonia begin to come out of the trance.
"Wha-what happened?!" Sonia asks.
Eve soon becomes confused and turns to see her music. They soon hear Eve's voice coming from the music player.
Eve Hedgehog:
It's a war out there everyday, you can't hide from it
You gotta play by the rules, play it cool
Sonic turns to see Eve tied up, "Sis."
Sonic quickly kneels down and unties her.
Eve Hedgehog:
Gotta laugh in the face of the sad disgrace
When your friends and foes look alike
After untying her, Sonic asks, "Are you okay?"
"Chao Chao," Jazz says, shocked.
"I'm fine, but you were under the screen control. Until, my music…" Eve answers.
Eve Hedgehog:
On the face of it
They missed their history
Sonia and Manic look at them and help Eve up as Manic picks up Eve's music player.
"This may be a theory, but it sounds surprising," Sonia says.
Eve Hedgehog:
But they fight over place in it
Yeah they fight, over place in it
"Whatever it is, we need to stop it," Manic says.
Sonic notices, "Guys, look."
The four hedgehogs turn to the machines and notice a strange. The slot machines around them are beginning to emit electricity. Soon, the Chaotix and the G.U.N agents begin to snap out of the trance.
Eve Hedgehog:
Hard-hit by the times
That's just how your life goes by
"What happened?" Topaz asks.
"What is going on?" Rouge adds.
Sonia says, "I know it. The music must be affecting the machine somehow and everyone is starting to be released from the trance.
Eve Hedgehog:
I know it's not your fault, you say
But there ain't no other way
"That all it takes… music? Well, that sounds like it's up your alley, Eve," Vector says.
"I agree. We need to plug my music player to the speakers and have everyone listen to it. Only then will everyone be free from this twisted mind control," Eve says.
Eve Hedgehog:
So, step on up to the plate, meet your fate
Walkin' straight on into the lion's lair
"Then we better get going. Eve and I will get the music player to the speaker. The rest of you, be ready to help everyone escape and ready to destroy the machines, permanently," Sonic says.
"Right," Everyone replies
Eve Hedgehog:
Step on up, up to the plate, 'cause this ain't no game
It's time to make history, yeah!
With that, everyone splits up in different directions. Everyone spreads around and ready to help everyone get away from the screen and free them from the trance. Sonic, Eve, and Jazz soon find the security room that has the controls to the speaker.
"There it is, now let's bring down the house," Sonic says.
Eve smirks, "You got it bro!"
Eve then brings out a cord from her bag and connects one end to her music player and the other to the control to the speaker.
"Now, let's put the music on full blast," Eve says, and puts her player up to max.
Eve Hedgehog:
You sink, you fall, you break down
And you think you can't take
In the cargo room, Renfield soon hears the loud music,
"What's that loud sound?" Renfield asks himself.
Renfield grabs the remote and turns the TV on to hear the loud music.
Eve Hedgehog:
One more round
But something almost evil
Renfield looks at the screen to see the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix are out of the trance and soon, everyone else is snapping out of their daze.
"What in the world is that music? If it's too loud, then it will disturb the hypnosis," Renfield panics.
Eve Hedgehog:
Keeps getting you up
Knuckles smirks, and says, "Then it's a good thing my friend is a singer and loves to sing loud music."
Renfield is stunned as he grits his teeth in anger.
Eve Hedgehog:
Something angry Something deep
Something stuck in your gut
Refield then calls on his phone, "Security! Get rid of these Freedom Fighters and Chaotix!"
Eve Hedgehog:
Something telling you
Suddenly, something hits the phone on his hand, causing him to fall and break.
Eve Hedgehog:
You can not give up
You can not give up
Renfield turns his head to see Julie-Su holding a blaster.
Eve Hedgehog:
So you fight the times
That's just how your hours go by
Back at the casino, everyone is beginning to snap off their trace and the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix begin to destroy the slot machines as Topaz and Molly escort the people to safety.
Eve Hedgehog:
In combat we roll & ride
Take your losses in your stride
At the same time the robots who pretend to be Mobians break out of their disguises and begin to attack the people and the rescue team. Sonic and Eve turn to each other and smile in reply.
"Ready to rock sis?" Sonic asks.
"You know it bro," Eve says.
Eve Hedgehog:
So step on up to the plate
And if you fall
Sonic and Eve charge and begin to attack the robots. They both punch and kick the robots. At the same time, Sonia, Manic, and the rest of the Chaotix destroy the machines.
Eve Hedgehog:
Get up, rise like a phoenix - that's your fate
Sonic and Eve then spin dash some of the robots.
Eve Hedgehog:
Step on up - up to the plate
It's your last chance now
Eve then jumps in the air and launches Chaos spears and they hit the robots on the chests.
Eve Hedgehog:
It's time to make history today!
Sonic then spins dashes the robots and knocks them to the wall. Soon, everyone is away as they watch the action from the entrance.
Eve Hedgehog:
Step on up to the plate, meet your fate
Sonic and Eve stand beside to see the robots coming closer to them. Then the two hedgehogs grab hold of each other's hands.
Eve Hedgehog:
Walkin' straight on into the lion's lair
Soon the two hedgehogs begin to super speed as fast as the speed of sound.
Eve Hedgehog:
Step on up, up to the plate, 'cause this ain't no game
Then they bring out their Power Rings and soon they are supercharged. Then, they go super speed.
Eve Hedgehog:
It's time to make history, yeah!
Soon, they ram into the robots and destroy them in seconds. Then the two hedgehogs use their speed to destroy the rest of the slot machines. Soon, all of them are destroyed and everyone is saved.
Sonia says, "Great job guys."
"Yeah. You both really rocked the house," Manic says.
"Thanks, but it's mostly thanks to Eve. If it wasn't for her music, we would have been put under Renfield's stupid mind slot machines," Sonic says.
Just then, Jazz flies to Eve holding her music player.
"Thanks Jazz," Eve happily says, and takes the music player.
"Come on, we gotta find Julie-Su, Mighty, and especially Knuckles," Vector says.
"Right. We need to find them," Espio says.
Meanwhile, in the storage room, Renfield is shocked to see the plan is a failure and is cornered by Julie-Su holding a gun and pointing it to Renfield.
Then Julie-Su says, "Alright Renfield is over. Your slot machines are destroyed and everyone is freed from your control."
"Heroic, but pointless. There's already enough data from the small army of robots," Renfield says.
"Not quite… the data can't be transferred since I pulled the plug," Julie-Su says.
"No! Dr. Eggman will be furious that I failed," Renfield panics.
"Not my problem," Julie-Su sternly says.
Renfield smirks, "It is now! Even without the data, the factory can make mindless, killer robots for me."
"In theory yes. There is no factory anymore, Renfield. We don't have to fight any robot army where it never gets created," Mighty says, holding some rolled up scraps of metal.
The rest of the Freedom Fighters, Chaotix, and G.U.N agents gather and circle around Renfield.
Topaz sternly says, "You can tell me all about it back at the Station."
Renfield grits his teeth as he falls back on his bottom. He clutches his fist as he grits his teeth in anger. Then slams the fist on the ground.
After the performance and stopping Renfield's scheme with Dr. Eggman. All the robots and the slot machines are destroyed along with the factory underground, everyone is freed from the hypnotic machine, and the owner is being taken away by the police along with the broken robot parts, and evidence.
As he is being pulled away Renfield screams, "Curse you Freedom Fighters and Chaotix! You've ruined me for the last time! I will have my revenge!"
"We won't hold our breath waiting," Vector remarks.
"It's good to know that once again, we saved the day and music played a good part of it," Eve says.
"I knew something was up when you didn't check in, Knuckles. I grabbed Mighty and we busted our way through to you," Julie-Su says.
"It was pretty obvious the factory wasn't part of the casino. So I took it out. We listened in until we had enough concrete info to nail Renfield," Mighty says.
"And once we learned that music stops them, Eve and Manic play their song while the rest help everyone out of their trance and destroy the Slot Machines," Sonic says.
Suddenly, someone says, "Great job, everyone."
Everyone turns their heads to see the president walking to them.
"You'll be happy to know that G.U.N will make sure all of Eggman's devices are removed and the remains are destroyed. Renfield will stand trial here in Station Square. And aside from a bit of vertigo, none of the patrons seem to be harmed by the scanning devices. Thank you everyone," The present says.
"Glad we can help. You can always count on the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix to stop any Plan Eggman comes up with," Sonic says.
Time to Make History: Persona 4 Dancing All Night
