==============================================================
Toni: you KNOW Reed Shelly??? YOU ROCK!!! I would so love to meet Reed... and Bruce too! I admire them, and I love their work! :D
==============================================================
CHAPTER 12: Sewers and Dungeons and Rats - Oh my!
A few minutes later, I found myself again staring up at Robotnik's formidable fortress - though this time, from the rear. Surprisingly, Robotnik had reset the golden statue back into place alongside the fortress - though from my vantage point I could see it still needed repairs.
Coconuts knew of a way in through the back that he and I could go through while everybody else kept Robotnik busy at the front of the fortress. Unfortunately, Coconuts forgot to mention that the secret way in went right through the sewer system. I should've known better.
A huge rusting pipe poked out of the back of the hillside which the fortress sat on. A drainage ditch carried the sewage-filled water down to a pond below us. It carried with it a distinct smell - one that if you haven't experienced before, you don't wanna know. Even when I worked at the zoo cleaning animal exhibits it didn't smell this bad... Okay the rhinos were pretty bad, I decided; but it took an extreme amount of mind power for me to keep myself focused off the smell.
I wondered if robots had a sense of smell? That would explain why Coconuts hates his sewer patrol job so much. I thought about mentioning the smell to him, but decided against it. I didn't want to upset him - just in case he was somehow emotionally attached to this place.
He leaped over the flowing river of sewage onto a concrete platform that went into the pipe and into the total darkness of the sewer system. He turned around and waved for me to follow. I took a step back and leaped with all my might. I barely made it on, and Coconuts grabbed my hand before I fell backwards into the gunky water.
"Thanks."
"Welcome," he twisted around the lightbulb on his head until it glowed brightly, then we entered the pipe, "Watch out," he added, "There's lots an' lots of wild rats. Big, big ones! So big they could bite your head off!"
Great, now I felt really confident. I'm not afraid of rats - thank God for that - but big rats that could "bite your head off", that didn't sound too pleasant.
I stayed close behind him as we made our way through the intricate sewer system. We climbed ladders and traveled through pipes so narrow we had to crawl on our bellies to fit. I eventually got used to the stench that radiated the pipes and focused more on keeping myself as dry as possible. My sneakers squeaked and water sloshed out of them like a sponge. A few times, I slipped on the piping - Coconuts always ready to lend a hand. He slipped around a bunch too - it felt good to know I wasn't the only clumsy one in the universe.
We were walking when I heard some loud squeaks. We stopped and listened. The squeaks weren't coming from our feet. They got louder and louder until they became ear piercing. We turned and saw about a dozen of the most disgusting, huge rats I'd ever seen. Coconuts wasn't kidding. Their yellow eyes reflected in the darkness and glowed when they looked towards Coconuts' headlight - they must have been attracted to it. I bet that they don't get a lot of light down here.
The biggest rat suddenly stood up on his back legs, "Well, well, here's ol' Bothead again, boys!" The rats started growling, "I thought I told youse to get outta here and stay out," he frowned at Coconuts.
Coconuts moved between me and the rats, "Ah, Vinny, you know I work in here. It's Dr. Robotnik who-"
"Shut up!" he silenced him, "Who's the chickie?" He eyed me suspiciously, "I ain't seen her 'round here before."
"No one, Vinny-" he said, "We're just passin' though, alright?"
"We're just passin' through!" he whined, mocking Coconuts, "I'm tired of you gettin' in on our territory," he folded his arms, "You, numskull, 'ave crossed Vincenzo Manicotti for the last time... and I do mean last," he smiled wickedly, his eyes flashing with rage, "Sic 'em boys!"
"Wait!" Coconuts called, but they started chasing after us. He grabbed my hand and we tore down the pipes, dodging rats as they leaped at us. We jumped across the flowing water to another platform and ducked into another pipe. I was glad Coconuts knew where he was going. At least, I hoped he did.
At one point, we arrived at a cavern type room with a waterfall flowing down from our pipe leading down into a volumous pool. Beside the pool was a concrete floor and stairs leading upwards. That had to be the exit.
"There it is! Over there!" Coconuts shouted, pointing to what I had seen.
"They're over here, Vinny!" A rat called out, barrelling down the pipe after us.
Vinny pushed him aside, "Ha, we got 'em cornered now!"
"But how do we get down there?" I said as I looked behind and saw the rats gaining on us.
"We jump- duh!" He said and grabbed my hand, "The water's pretty clean here - it's alright!" he said nervously.
"Okay!" I replied and we leaped off the platform, and down the waterfall into the rumbling waters below.
I tumbled forward into an awkward dive and hit the water hard. I sunk deep down into the somewhat clear water. For a moment, I was experiencing some vertigo. I blew some bubbles to figure out which way was up and followed them up towards the surface, kicking with all my might - my lungs crying out for some air. I broke through the surface, and gasped, taking in a long breath.
I quickly scanned the area and saw Coconuts splashing around awkwardly - he obviously couldn't swim. I swam to him and grabbed onto him before he sank under the water. I dragged him to the concrete's edge - the fact that he had a metal body wasn't helping any. I then helped him up out of the water and I pulled myself up beside him.
Above at the waterfall, I could see the monsterous rats look at us, look down the falls, then backed up and scampered away. Vinny poked his head out, "And if we ever catch ya in here again - we will get 'cha!" he yelled and then disappeared back inside the piping.
We sighed and catched our breaths. I wiped the water dripping off my face and wrung out my hair. So much for keeping dry, I thought.
"Heh,heh," Coconuts said, "I forgot that I don't know how to swim..."
"Thanks for telling me," I said sarcastically, wringing out my socks as well, "Just who were those guys, anyway?"
"They're just some rats... They used to own these tunnels down here until Robotnik built his fortress and then put in the sewer system. He flooded their homes and now they run around angry down here. They don't really like nobody, so don't take it personally."
"Don't worry, I won't," I replied, "It's kind of sad isn't it. That they just run around in here..."
He looked at me, "Now that ya mention it... I guess. Those guys have always picked on me and they always try to block up the system so's I have more work to do..."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"Nah, it's alright. Besides, I don't work here anymore!" he smiled, "No more yucky sewer patrol for this bot! Nah-uh! Nah-uh!" He hopped to his feet.
I stood up and followed him up the stairs to the door. Coconuts opened up a cabinet in the wall and pulled out two hand towels from the menagerie of cleaning supplies and we quickly dried off our feet so we could sneak around quietly. We tossed the towels onto the floor and opened up the door. It creaked a little as we poked out our heads to check around. The hallway was clear.
"Okay, the dungeons are about three hallways over from here," he whispered as we darted into the hall, "At least, that's where they were last time..."
"What do you mean last time?" I whispered as we headed down the hall.
"Everytime the fortress blows up, Robotnik rebuilds it - sometimes he gets everything mixed up..." he answered, laughing a bit.
We passed by more egg-shaped paintings of Robotnik and his "interesting" family before we arrived to the dungeons. Two tall bots stood guarding the heavily locked entrance. One looked like a pile of boulders and the other like a stack of blocks.
"Okay," he whispered, "I'm gonna be rough with ya, so they think I'm bringing you in."
I nodded, and he started pratically dragging me down the hall. I struggled, though not too much.
"Coconuts, my friend! Long time - no see!" The cubed one said as we approached.
"Hey, Blocky, Rocky," he greeted them, "I gotta drop off this prisoner off in Cell 45."
"We could do it for ya, Nuts," the one Coconuts called Rocky said. He stepped forward to grab me.
"No!" he said, "Or, I mean - this girl's dangerous! I can do it."
I tried to make myself look what I thought was insane and kicked and struggled, "Let me go, you freak!" I yelled.
He clapped a hand over my mouth. Okay, so I went a little too far. I hoped that the bots would let us pass. They looked at each other, shrugged, and opened the door.
"Hey, if she gets to be too much for ya, Shorty," Rocky said as we entered, "Just holler!"
"Quite! We're so incredibly bored - any excitement would be greatly appreciated!" Blocky commented as he shut the door behind us.
Coconuts released me as soon as it shut, "Did you have to call me a freak?" he asked.
"Sorry, it's the actress in me... I got carried away..." I smiled.
Coconuts shrugged, "Well, now we gotta figure out what cell they're in. I have no idea... You?"
I looked around. The dungeon halls were lit by fluorescent lights and they stretched to the left and right - with cells on both sides.
"Left always works for me," I said, starting that way. He followed beside me, "I'll check the left side, you check the right side," I said.
"Okay," he replied.
We walked pretty fast by the cells. Most of them were empty.
"TAILS?" I yelled, "ELECTRA?"
Coconuts stopped, "Hey! Hey! Hey! Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"How else are we going to find them! This will take forever... Sonic, Scratch and Grounder can't keep Robotnik occupied all night."
"SWEETS?" a voice echoed in the hallway.
"It's her!" I yelled excitedly and chased after the sound, "Electra! We're coming! Where are you?"
"OVER HERE!" it echoed again.
We kept running, and she kept calling to us. Finally, we ran right past her.
"COME BACK!" She yelled.
Electra had puttered up to the bars and waved her pinchers at us, "Here!"
We rushed back and greeted her, "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!" I gave her a hug through the bars, "Let's get you out of here."
Coconuts brought his tail forward and flipped the top back, revealing a skeleton key. He took it out and unlocked the door. It took the both of us to pull back the heavy jail cell door. Electra came out and gave Coconuts a crushing hug, "My hero!"
He blushed, "Ah, gee..."
"Come on," I said, "We still gotta find Tails!"
"I know where he is!" Electra said, "Follow me!"
She took off down the hallway and we followed breathlessly behind her. Soon, she had located Tails' cell. He was chained to the wall and looked really depressed. He perked up as soon as I called out his name.
"Tails! Are you alright?" I said, as Coconuts unlocked the door and we pulled it back.
"Where's Sonic?" he asked a tone of worry in his voice, "Is he okay?"
"He will be when he sees you," I said as Coconuts unlocked his shackles.
I caught Tails as he wobbled a bit, "Thanks... my arms are sure tired," he sighed, shaking his arms, trying to get the feeling back in them again, "Why are you soaking wet?" he asked and then sniffed the air, "Umm... Maybe I don't wanna know, huh?"
"Yeah... you don't," I assured him as we took him out of the cell, "Let's go," I said.
Coconuts spoke up, "Okay, but we gotta head out the other way. We can't go back the way we came in... I know the way." I figured it couldn't get an worse than a smelly sewer.
"Wait!" Electra pulled out a container of air freshener and sprayed me and Coconuts. We coughed through it and wiped it away. She put it away, "That's much better!" she smiled and held onto Coconuts hand.
They rushed down the hallway with Tails and I chasing after them. I knew we had taken quite a long time to get this far - I hoped the others were keeping Robotnik at bay. At least we had Tails and Electra back now. I had a feeling that we were going to need all the help we could get to escape.
TO BE CONTINUED...
================================================================================
A/N: Summer is almost here for me! (Thank the Lord!) But, as before, these projects are killers... It might take me a while to crank out the next chapter... :D
================================================================================
Toni: you KNOW Reed Shelly??? YOU ROCK!!! I would so love to meet Reed... and Bruce too! I admire them, and I love their work! :D
==============================================================
CHAPTER 12: Sewers and Dungeons and Rats - Oh my!
A few minutes later, I found myself again staring up at Robotnik's formidable fortress - though this time, from the rear. Surprisingly, Robotnik had reset the golden statue back into place alongside the fortress - though from my vantage point I could see it still needed repairs.
Coconuts knew of a way in through the back that he and I could go through while everybody else kept Robotnik busy at the front of the fortress. Unfortunately, Coconuts forgot to mention that the secret way in went right through the sewer system. I should've known better.
A huge rusting pipe poked out of the back of the hillside which the fortress sat on. A drainage ditch carried the sewage-filled water down to a pond below us. It carried with it a distinct smell - one that if you haven't experienced before, you don't wanna know. Even when I worked at the zoo cleaning animal exhibits it didn't smell this bad... Okay the rhinos were pretty bad, I decided; but it took an extreme amount of mind power for me to keep myself focused off the smell.
I wondered if robots had a sense of smell? That would explain why Coconuts hates his sewer patrol job so much. I thought about mentioning the smell to him, but decided against it. I didn't want to upset him - just in case he was somehow emotionally attached to this place.
He leaped over the flowing river of sewage onto a concrete platform that went into the pipe and into the total darkness of the sewer system. He turned around and waved for me to follow. I took a step back and leaped with all my might. I barely made it on, and Coconuts grabbed my hand before I fell backwards into the gunky water.
"Thanks."
"Welcome," he twisted around the lightbulb on his head until it glowed brightly, then we entered the pipe, "Watch out," he added, "There's lots an' lots of wild rats. Big, big ones! So big they could bite your head off!"
Great, now I felt really confident. I'm not afraid of rats - thank God for that - but big rats that could "bite your head off", that didn't sound too pleasant.
I stayed close behind him as we made our way through the intricate sewer system. We climbed ladders and traveled through pipes so narrow we had to crawl on our bellies to fit. I eventually got used to the stench that radiated the pipes and focused more on keeping myself as dry as possible. My sneakers squeaked and water sloshed out of them like a sponge. A few times, I slipped on the piping - Coconuts always ready to lend a hand. He slipped around a bunch too - it felt good to know I wasn't the only clumsy one in the universe.
We were walking when I heard some loud squeaks. We stopped and listened. The squeaks weren't coming from our feet. They got louder and louder until they became ear piercing. We turned and saw about a dozen of the most disgusting, huge rats I'd ever seen. Coconuts wasn't kidding. Their yellow eyes reflected in the darkness and glowed when they looked towards Coconuts' headlight - they must have been attracted to it. I bet that they don't get a lot of light down here.
The biggest rat suddenly stood up on his back legs, "Well, well, here's ol' Bothead again, boys!" The rats started growling, "I thought I told youse to get outta here and stay out," he frowned at Coconuts.
Coconuts moved between me and the rats, "Ah, Vinny, you know I work in here. It's Dr. Robotnik who-"
"Shut up!" he silenced him, "Who's the chickie?" He eyed me suspiciously, "I ain't seen her 'round here before."
"No one, Vinny-" he said, "We're just passin' though, alright?"
"We're just passin' through!" he whined, mocking Coconuts, "I'm tired of you gettin' in on our territory," he folded his arms, "You, numskull, 'ave crossed Vincenzo Manicotti for the last time... and I do mean last," he smiled wickedly, his eyes flashing with rage, "Sic 'em boys!"
"Wait!" Coconuts called, but they started chasing after us. He grabbed my hand and we tore down the pipes, dodging rats as they leaped at us. We jumped across the flowing water to another platform and ducked into another pipe. I was glad Coconuts knew where he was going. At least, I hoped he did.
At one point, we arrived at a cavern type room with a waterfall flowing down from our pipe leading down into a volumous pool. Beside the pool was a concrete floor and stairs leading upwards. That had to be the exit.
"There it is! Over there!" Coconuts shouted, pointing to what I had seen.
"They're over here, Vinny!" A rat called out, barrelling down the pipe after us.
Vinny pushed him aside, "Ha, we got 'em cornered now!"
"But how do we get down there?" I said as I looked behind and saw the rats gaining on us.
"We jump- duh!" He said and grabbed my hand, "The water's pretty clean here - it's alright!" he said nervously.
"Okay!" I replied and we leaped off the platform, and down the waterfall into the rumbling waters below.
I tumbled forward into an awkward dive and hit the water hard. I sunk deep down into the somewhat clear water. For a moment, I was experiencing some vertigo. I blew some bubbles to figure out which way was up and followed them up towards the surface, kicking with all my might - my lungs crying out for some air. I broke through the surface, and gasped, taking in a long breath.
I quickly scanned the area and saw Coconuts splashing around awkwardly - he obviously couldn't swim. I swam to him and grabbed onto him before he sank under the water. I dragged him to the concrete's edge - the fact that he had a metal body wasn't helping any. I then helped him up out of the water and I pulled myself up beside him.
Above at the waterfall, I could see the monsterous rats look at us, look down the falls, then backed up and scampered away. Vinny poked his head out, "And if we ever catch ya in here again - we will get 'cha!" he yelled and then disappeared back inside the piping.
We sighed and catched our breaths. I wiped the water dripping off my face and wrung out my hair. So much for keeping dry, I thought.
"Heh,heh," Coconuts said, "I forgot that I don't know how to swim..."
"Thanks for telling me," I said sarcastically, wringing out my socks as well, "Just who were those guys, anyway?"
"They're just some rats... They used to own these tunnels down here until Robotnik built his fortress and then put in the sewer system. He flooded their homes and now they run around angry down here. They don't really like nobody, so don't take it personally."
"Don't worry, I won't," I replied, "It's kind of sad isn't it. That they just run around in here..."
He looked at me, "Now that ya mention it... I guess. Those guys have always picked on me and they always try to block up the system so's I have more work to do..."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"Nah, it's alright. Besides, I don't work here anymore!" he smiled, "No more yucky sewer patrol for this bot! Nah-uh! Nah-uh!" He hopped to his feet.
I stood up and followed him up the stairs to the door. Coconuts opened up a cabinet in the wall and pulled out two hand towels from the menagerie of cleaning supplies and we quickly dried off our feet so we could sneak around quietly. We tossed the towels onto the floor and opened up the door. It creaked a little as we poked out our heads to check around. The hallway was clear.
"Okay, the dungeons are about three hallways over from here," he whispered as we darted into the hall, "At least, that's where they were last time..."
"What do you mean last time?" I whispered as we headed down the hall.
"Everytime the fortress blows up, Robotnik rebuilds it - sometimes he gets everything mixed up..." he answered, laughing a bit.
We passed by more egg-shaped paintings of Robotnik and his "interesting" family before we arrived to the dungeons. Two tall bots stood guarding the heavily locked entrance. One looked like a pile of boulders and the other like a stack of blocks.
"Okay," he whispered, "I'm gonna be rough with ya, so they think I'm bringing you in."
I nodded, and he started pratically dragging me down the hall. I struggled, though not too much.
"Coconuts, my friend! Long time - no see!" The cubed one said as we approached.
"Hey, Blocky, Rocky," he greeted them, "I gotta drop off this prisoner off in Cell 45."
"We could do it for ya, Nuts," the one Coconuts called Rocky said. He stepped forward to grab me.
"No!" he said, "Or, I mean - this girl's dangerous! I can do it."
I tried to make myself look what I thought was insane and kicked and struggled, "Let me go, you freak!" I yelled.
He clapped a hand over my mouth. Okay, so I went a little too far. I hoped that the bots would let us pass. They looked at each other, shrugged, and opened the door.
"Hey, if she gets to be too much for ya, Shorty," Rocky said as we entered, "Just holler!"
"Quite! We're so incredibly bored - any excitement would be greatly appreciated!" Blocky commented as he shut the door behind us.
Coconuts released me as soon as it shut, "Did you have to call me a freak?" he asked.
"Sorry, it's the actress in me... I got carried away..." I smiled.
Coconuts shrugged, "Well, now we gotta figure out what cell they're in. I have no idea... You?"
I looked around. The dungeon halls were lit by fluorescent lights and they stretched to the left and right - with cells on both sides.
"Left always works for me," I said, starting that way. He followed beside me, "I'll check the left side, you check the right side," I said.
"Okay," he replied.
We walked pretty fast by the cells. Most of them were empty.
"TAILS?" I yelled, "ELECTRA?"
Coconuts stopped, "Hey! Hey! Hey! Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"How else are we going to find them! This will take forever... Sonic, Scratch and Grounder can't keep Robotnik occupied all night."
"SWEETS?" a voice echoed in the hallway.
"It's her!" I yelled excitedly and chased after the sound, "Electra! We're coming! Where are you?"
"OVER HERE!" it echoed again.
We kept running, and she kept calling to us. Finally, we ran right past her.
"COME BACK!" She yelled.
Electra had puttered up to the bars and waved her pinchers at us, "Here!"
We rushed back and greeted her, "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!" I gave her a hug through the bars, "Let's get you out of here."
Coconuts brought his tail forward and flipped the top back, revealing a skeleton key. He took it out and unlocked the door. It took the both of us to pull back the heavy jail cell door. Electra came out and gave Coconuts a crushing hug, "My hero!"
He blushed, "Ah, gee..."
"Come on," I said, "We still gotta find Tails!"
"I know where he is!" Electra said, "Follow me!"
She took off down the hallway and we followed breathlessly behind her. Soon, she had located Tails' cell. He was chained to the wall and looked really depressed. He perked up as soon as I called out his name.
"Tails! Are you alright?" I said, as Coconuts unlocked the door and we pulled it back.
"Where's Sonic?" he asked a tone of worry in his voice, "Is he okay?"
"He will be when he sees you," I said as Coconuts unlocked his shackles.
I caught Tails as he wobbled a bit, "Thanks... my arms are sure tired," he sighed, shaking his arms, trying to get the feeling back in them again, "Why are you soaking wet?" he asked and then sniffed the air, "Umm... Maybe I don't wanna know, huh?"
"Yeah... you don't," I assured him as we took him out of the cell, "Let's go," I said.
Coconuts spoke up, "Okay, but we gotta head out the other way. We can't go back the way we came in... I know the way." I figured it couldn't get an worse than a smelly sewer.
"Wait!" Electra pulled out a container of air freshener and sprayed me and Coconuts. We coughed through it and wiped it away. She put it away, "That's much better!" she smiled and held onto Coconuts hand.
They rushed down the hallway with Tails and I chasing after them. I knew we had taken quite a long time to get this far - I hoped the others were keeping Robotnik at bay. At least we had Tails and Electra back now. I had a feeling that we were going to need all the help we could get to escape.
TO BE CONTINUED...
================================================================================
A/N: Summer is almost here for me! (Thank the Lord!) But, as before, these projects are killers... It might take me a while to crank out the next chapter... :D
================================================================================