Check chapter 1 for the disclaimer.
I don't really have much to say, except, thank you all for the reviews, and, on with the fic. On a final note, the "" signals indicate singing.
Sonic Tales Chapter 4
After a long 35 minutes, the ride ended. Sonic was awakened by the slight shaking, and quickly woke up Amy and Tails before anyone could see them. The three got off the ride, and waited for the others. One minute later, Rouge and Knuckles came out. Rouge had a grin, and Knuckles had somewhat of a blissful look in his eyes.
Sonic noticed this and grinned. "Hey Knux. I see 'something' went on, if ya know what I mean."
The echidna quickly responded. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. All we did was talk."
"And then some." Added Rouge. "We didn't go past second base, though."
"Couldn't do it, eh Knuckles?" Asked Sonic.
"It's just way too soon." he answered. "By the way, how did 'your' little ride with Amy go?"
"Nothing much."
"Then why does Amy look so happy?"
"She's always like th-
Amy quickly interrupted him. "We're going out!"
Both Knuckles and Tails nearly bust a gut laughing. Rouge just grinned.
"Is that true, Sonic?" asked Tails.
"Yes," Sonic answered, "but only for a week! We made a bet. After that, she'll be out of my life forever."
Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's wise, Amy? Chances are that he'll win this bet."
"I know," Amy said, "but it's worth a try."
Before anyone could say anything else, a dark chao flew above them.
"Only one more hour before this park closes." It said.
"But it shouldn't close for six more hours." Rouge complained. "Why is it closing so early?"
"Come back here tomorrow to find out." It answered. "And if your patience is too small for that, read this flyer." The dark chao then handed the bat a flyer, then flew off.
Rouge read the flyer aloud. "Ahem! Come to Twinkle Park tomorrow to celebrate a new renter's generosity. Games will be held, prizes will be awarded, and there will be lots of contests. To make it more special, all of the staff gets the day off, and chaos will be substituting for the employees just for today. And if that's not enough, any type of heroes that saved the world gets in free. So come to Twinkle Park tomorrow, and have a blast."
"That was odd." Tails inquired. "This renter person must be rich or something."
"Hmm, sounds fishy." Sonic said aloud. "We'll go, but everyone, keep your eyes peeled."
"I know we'll have lots of fun, Sonic." Amy beamed. "Just you see!"
"I had plans anyways." Said Rouge. "(I have checks to write and bills to pay)."
So the group left the park, and went to their homes.
(A little later: Rouge's apartment)
After mailing in all of the checks that were written to the bills she needed to pay, Rouge relaxed, and sat down to watch some T.V. As she was watching, her conscience was sinking in. She was feeling kind of guilty about stealing the master emerald and then selling it to Eggman, who no doubt had evil intentions for it. She flipped through some more channels to find something that might rid her of her guilt. Unfortunately, nothing good was on, except for a music channel, which wasn't helping since a rap song was on at the time.
She just decided to turn off the television, and go to bed. However, the guilt didn't leave her. She was now thinking about Knuckles. About how she led him on, and how he responded. She didn't like feeling this way, especially for someone other than herself. And deep down inside, although she wouldn't admit it aloud, she actually felt something for the echidna. What else would explain these feelings she was having? After a couple of hours, she finally gave in to her conscience, and decided to go ahead and steal back the master emerald.
The thought of doing this put her mind at ease, and she was able to go to sleep.
(Meanwhile: At Angel Island)
Knuckles was back to his usual duties of guarding the master emerald, or what he thought was the master emerald. As he was looking at the stars, he was thinking about Rouge. He wondered if he could trust her, and if he could, what might that mean between them? And what were these feelings he was having? Could he actually have certain feelings for his rival? What if she was just using him to get to the master emerald? And why was he asking all these questions?
His thoughts were cut short by something coming in his direction. He looked closer, and saw that it was Omochao. The little robot landed right next to him.
"Hi. I'm Omochao. I'm here to help you."
"Look, I already know who you are, so could you just get to the point?"
"Cubic zirconium is a crafty rock."
"What? What is that supposed to mean?"
"The bats are in the belfry."
"What belfry?"
"I was helpful, bye-bye!" Then it flew off.
"(Annoying little robot)!" thought Knuckles. "(Just what does he mean by cubic zirconium being a crafty rock, and bats being in belfries)?" He pondered the thought for a while. After a few minutes, he realized something that Omochao once said to Sonic, who was about to throw it off a cliff. "I remember it saying, 'I'm not a weapon to be thrown at bad guys. I provide hints to help you.' I wonder what it meant by that?"
After a few 'more' minutes of thinking, he finally came to a conclusion, but then grimaced at the thought. Hoping that he was wrong, he approached the master emerald. He looked at it very closely, and tapped it a few times. When it made a different sound from before, he realized what had happened.
"I knew it!" he exclaimed. "Somehow, Rouge must've found a way to get here without anyone noticing. She took the master emerald, replaced it for a substitute, and now has it! And to think I was about to trust her! First thing in the morning, I'm retrieving 'my' emerald!"
Now furious, the echidna had some trouble going to sleep, but eventually succeeded in doing so.
(Morning: Sonic and Tail's home)
It was 8 in the morning, and Tails was cooking some breakfast. The smell instantly awoke Sonic. In a flash, he was already at the table.
"So what's for breakfast?" he asked eagerly.
"We're kind of low on money," Tails answered, "so we could only afford to get pancake mix."
"Works for me."
"That reminds me of something weird."
"And what would that be?"
"Well, neither of us have jobs, so how is it that we can afford this place? I know that we sell the rings we collect, but how is it enough?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe it has to do with those mysterious checks we get in the mail."
"Yeah, you're right! I forgot about those!"
"That answers one question, but who do you think sends them?"
"Well, Omochao once noted something about Sega, but I couldn't comprehend on the subject he was insinuating."
"Um, Tails? In a language we all can understand?"
"In other words, I had no idea what he was talking about."
"Oh."
"Anyways, are you ready for your date with Amy?"
Sonics eyes narrowed. "It's not a date, not a real one anyways."
"Uh-huh, sure. Whatever you say."
(Meanwhile: Some random place)
Rouge was flying around, looking for Eggmans secret base. For some strange reason, her transmitter wasn't working. After a long while, she finally found it. Of course, it wouldn't be that hard to spot an underground base with symbols of Eggman on them. She flew close to it, and then hid behind a rock.
Noticing that the security was at its maximum level, she threw some mud at the security cameras, then flew towards the top of the roof. She stopped when she noticed the laser lights surrounding it.
"(The docs really gone all out, hasn't he)." She thought. "(Breaking in isn't going to be as easy as I thought)."
Being very careful, and thanks to her agility, she was able to make it past the lasers, and inside the base, and then hovered to safety around the ceiling. She didn't want to make a scene, so she quietly flew way above the many robots that were guarding the area. When she reached a door leading to another room, she pulled out a spark grenade (think Metal Gear Solid), pulled the pin, and dropped it in the middle of the robot crowds. When the grenade went off, the whole room resembled a snowy evening, with white shards all over the room.
The robots and the cameras were temporarily shut down. Rouge quickly flew into the next room, and then threw another spark grenade in there, also temporarily shutting down the robots in 'that' room. Much to her surprise, the master emerald was in the next room she was about to enter, encased inside a machine that somewhat resembled a furnace, except it reached all the way to the ceiling. She quickly entered it while readying another spark grenade. However, no robots or lasers were there, only two security cameras, which she quickly shot some spray paint on. Without thinking, she reached for the master emerald. However, her hand went right through it.
"Oh no, a trap!" she exclaimed. Before she could run, the door locked itself, and sleeping gas poured in from the vents. Rouge tried to cover her nose, but it was too late, and she lost consciousness. Evil laughter could be heard from the speakers.
Wearing a gas mask, Eggman entered the room. He approached the unconscious bat, looked for the chaos emerald, and found it, of course. He laughed again.
"You heroes are so predictable!" he gloated. "I knew you would try to take back the master emerald. As I've stated previously, no one, and I mean NO ONE, is going to stand in my way! Now that I have what I want, I can't have you interfering and telling that hedgehog of my schemes. I shall put you to good use."
He then picked her up, and brought her to another room. This one had a lot of smaller incubator like machines in them. He threw her inside of one, closed the door, and activated it.
"I hope you sleep well. In exactly 24 hours, you will become a robot, and not just any robot. You will become an android that is 100% obedient and efficient. I 'do' thank you for bringing the chaos emerald to me. One down and six more to go! I will rule this world with my master plan!" Then he laughed some more.
"My schemes are perfect in every way, and soon to be my uprising, and Sonics demise!" He laughed a bit more, and then went to his main quarters. When he reached it, he entered his eggwalker, boarded the eggmobile, and flew it out of his base. He was looking at the files that he copied.
"It was expensive, but that theme park idea should be enough to distract that hedgehog long enough for me to collect the remaining emeralds. Well, enough talk. Time to put my search into action!" Then he continued his search.
(Meanwhile: Station Square)
Knuckles was busy searching Station Square for Rouge. He checked her apartment, but she wasn't there. After a while of searching, he spotted Big, who was fishing at the beach with his froggy. He flew down right next to him.
"Um, excuse me." Knuckles started. "Have you seen a white bat around?"
Big gave no response.
"Hello? Are you awake?"
Still no response.
"This is getting me nowhere! I need to ask someone whose mind won't shut down."
Just then, Omochao flew right next to him.
"Did you know that Big's reaction nerves rival that of a brontosaurus?"
"I guess that wouldn't surprise me."
Finally, Big responded. "Duhh, yeah. I seen pretty white bat."
"Told you." Said Omochao.
"Good." Said Knuckles. "Now, where is she?"
No response was given.
The echidna shook his head and turned to Omochao. "Do 'you' know where she would be?"
Omochao just shrugged its shoulders.
"How is it that you can know what's going on all the time, but not know the location to someone?"
Omochao just shrugged its shoulders.
"Is there 'anything' you can tell me?!"
"The jewel has been shifted from one hand to another."
"And what does that mean?"
"Bye-bye." Then he flew off.
"He was very little help."
Big finally responded. "I seen pretty bat girl. She just came here this morning."
"Oh, I see you're back with us. Well, where is she?"
"Hmm, it so long ago..Let me remember.....duhh.." Then his mind spaced out again.
Frustrated, Knuckles sat down. He was thinking about what Omochao was talking about, and why did the one who last saw her have to be Big?
"It's too bad parables aren't my forte. This is something Sonic and Tails would know. I think I'll go find them. Knowing Sonic, that won't be easy. I'll just have to wait at Twinkle Park."
He got up, and flew there. After ten minutes, Big finally responded.
"Duh, I know! Pretty bat girl said that she go to fat guys fortress!" Then he looked around. "Froggy? Froggy? Where is Froggy?" He got up and proceeded to search for his froggy.
(Later: Twinkle Park)
We could see a blur of blue, followed by a blur of orange heading to Twinkle Park. When they stopped, Sonic looked around. After a couple of minutes, he responded.
"Well, it looks like Amy isn't coming. I guess we could go home."
Before he could think another thought, a pink automobile swerved in front of him. It stopped right next to him. The door opened, and from it exited a pink hedgehog with a red dress. Sonic sighed in grief. Of course it was Amy, only one minute late.
"Sorry I'm late, Sonic." She said. "My car ran out of gas, and I needed to refill it."
"Well, let's get this over with." Sonic said while smiling a little.
Tails pretended not to see that, and spoke up. "What kind of games do you think there are?"
"Not sure." Answered Sonic. "Only one way to find out. Let's go."
Taking Sonics arm into hers, Amy entered the park with them.
(Outside of Shadows apartment)
Shadow was outside, increasing his speed by doing sprints to the store and back. He continued to do this until someone called out to him. He looked up, and saw Knuckles. He stopped running, and waited for the echidna to land. When he finally did, Shadow approached him.
"Well, what is it?" he asked a bit impatiently.
"I was wondering, have you seen Rouge anywhere?" the echidna asked. "She stole my master emerald, and I'm trying to get it back."
"Oh really. I never would've figured 'that' out."
"Now is not the time for sarcasm! My emerald is gone!"
"It's your own fault for trusting her."
"Have you seen her or not?"
"Not since yesterday. Why don't you try asking Sonic? That is, unless he's hiding from Amy."
"That's where I was headed."
Just then, Omochao entered the scene.
"Did you know that Sonic and Amy are going out for a week?"
Shadow grinned. "Now 'this,' I gotta check out!"
"Oh." Replied Knuckles. "They have a bet going on. I'll fill you in on the way."
"Why don't you fill me in right now? I would end up there faster than you anyways."
So Knuckles told Shadow all about the bet. This made Shadow laugh.
"I don't know who is more foolish! Amy for making that bet, or Sonic for agreeing to it!"
"Say what you will." Said Knuckles. "All I care about is getting my emerald back. I'll meet you there." Then he flew off.
"Would you like me to help you?" asked Omochao.
"Yeah, sure. See that garbage can?"
"Yes."
"Inspect it for me!"
"Okay." Then it flew over to the garbage can, and just stared at it.
Shadow used chaos control, and was at Twinkle Park. He looked at his watch. It was 10 in the morning, but it was night at the park. He wondered why this place never received daylight, but shrugged it off, and went inside.
It took him a while, but he finally found Amy and Sonic. They were in line for something. He looked at the sign that read "Karaoke." He ran up to them, but was stopped by a dark chao that was posing as a guard.
"No line cutting!" said the dark chao.
"I'm not even in line!"
"Look mac, if you wanna speak to the singers, then you gotta wait until 'after' it's done! The seats are in that direction. Now git! I don't want to have to repeat myself! I already had to deal with a bratty fox boy!"
"Fine, fine. I'll go. I don't feel like pounding your brains in."
He walked to the seats. He kept searching until he found the seat the Tails was sitting in. However, there was already someone in it. He kept pestering Tails about his, well, tails. He kept asking annoying questions like, 'why do you have two tails', 'were you a freak or somethin' and 'how is it that you can talk.'
The black hedgehog simply walked up to the guy, threw him across the isle, and sat down. The guy was dazed.
"Sorry if this seat is taken, but it's mine now."
"Thanks, Shadow." Said Tails. "That guy was really annoying."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Why are Sonic and Amy in line for karaoke?"
"It's something that Amy wanted him to do. Personally, I'd never do it, no matter what."
"Yeah, karaoke sucks."
"I don't know about that. Sometimes you can find a good singer, but that's only 20% of the time."
"Well, at least I'll get to see Sonic make a fool of himself." He then took out a camcorder.
"Um, Shadow? Where did you get that?"
He looked at the still dazed guy. "I borrowed it."
"Isn't that stealing?"
"Only if I don't return it."
"Oh."
"Now be quiet. It's starting."
So the two watched many people sing to various tunes. There were a couple of good ones, but most of them were really awful. After some several grueling minutes, Amy was up.
"Time to cover my ears." Said Shadow.
"If she sings like she cooks, we're in trouble." Added Tails.
Amy got up on the stage. She adjusted the mike to reach her size, and then she spoke.
"Um, testing, testing, one two three? Testing, testing, one two three? Um, hello everyone! Rather than sing someone else's song, I'm going to sing one of my own. I hope you all like it." Then she cued the disk jockey to start.
"This won't end well." Sonic said to himself as he was watching from the sides.
Amy started to sing "My Sweet Passion."
"I got out my map and chose a place I wanted to go to
...Packed up my stuff, set out for adventure...
I know that your lucky color is that cool shade of blue
...Won't mind painting myself blue for you..."
Shadow uncovered his ears. "Hey, she's not so bad."
"Yeah, she's actually pretty good." Tails added.
"I do understand the feelings of a Persian Cat ...But the Sphinx looked so cute I had to shave it... He reminds me of parsley when he's standing there all alone ...Makes me wanna be his specialite..."
"I don't know what Persian cats have to do with a Sphinx," Sonic said to himself, "but at least her singing is pretty good."
"Sweet sweet you're so sweet - So many things I want
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - I wanna be a wonderful girl
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - I'm not simple-minded
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - And I won't be a pearl
You probably need me just as much as I need you"
After the song was over, everyone cheered, including Sonic. When he heard his name being called, he gulped, but then gave his 'cool' look, and approached the stage. Shadow readied the video camera, grinning evilly. Sonic introduced his song, and began to sing "It Doesn't Matter."
"Well, I don't show off, don't criticize,
I'm just livin' by my own feelings.
And I won't give in, won't compromise,
Coz I only have a steadfast heart of gold..."
Shadow rolled his eyes at the last statement.
"I don't know why. I can't leave though it might be tough,
But I ain't out of control, just livin' by my word.
Don't ask me why, I don't need a reason.
I got my way. My own way!!!"
Amy cheered Sonic on.
"It doesn't matter now what happens. I will never give up the fight!!! Long as the voice inside drives me to run and fight, It doesn't matter who is wrong and who is right!"
When Sonics song was over, everyone cheered wildly, except for Shadow, who was a bit upset that the crowd didn't mind his somewhat off-key voice, but was cheered up by the fact that he can now make fun of his singing voice whenever he wanted. He put the camcorder away. Just as he was about to stand up, he saw Knuckles land on the center stage.
"Listen everyone!" he exclaimed. "I have a question for Sonic! Where is he?"
"We have a special entry!" shouted the DJ, who was a light chao, not to mention a Knuckles fan.
The crowd cheered wildly, all while chanting his name. The echidna had a bewildered look on his face, but just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, if you guys really want a song, I guess I could. I have to make it short, since I'm in kind of a hurry."
The crowd cheered again.
"I wonder why Knux is so popular?" asked Sonic.
"Probably because people think he's cool." Answered Amy. "Not that you're not cool or anything. I guess people prefer rappers over rockers, or something like that."
So they took their seats, and watched the echidna as he introduced his song titled "Kick the Rock."
"This is Knuckles, and I'm back!
I been away for a while, but I'm back to kick some butt at Wild Canyon!
I shall find all the lost pieces of the Master Emerald here.
I'm gonna get those fools.
They wanna play with my Emeralds?!
They playing with the wrong guy!"
"Looks like 'someone's' a little angry." Whispered Sonic.
"Rouge stole his master emerald." Shadow answered.
"Figures. He shouldn't have trusted her, though."
"That's the same thing 'I' said."
"Echidna, that's what I'm representing,
Never seen a mic-hog spit like a menace.
Wild Canyon fun? I gotta chase a bat, huh,
Yeah, Rouge, she's sexy and smooth!
A double cross spot-thief, that's out for my jewels,
I'm feelin' her in mysterious ways.
That's why I stay on point like every single day,
I gotta protect this place, I do it for my race, uh, uh."
"Well 'someone's' having mixed feelings here." Whispered Shadow.
"I'll have to agree with you on that one." Answered Sonic.
"Okay, guys. That's enough." Tails whispered back.
"Ain't nobody gonna come here and eat my plate, no!
Yo what happened, my Emeralds' gone!
Somebody gonna get their's quick, my word sworn,
Who could'a did this, that stitch named Rouge!
When I catch her, I'm gonna get her with these tools,
There you are, come here you little thief!
Think you gon' fly and get away quick? Uh, uh!
Give up the Emeralds or die, I don't love you!"
"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but it looks like Knuckles has some major issues over that emerald being stolen." Sonic said.
"Good thing I got it on tape." Said Shadow as he grinned evilly. "Along with 'you' singing."
"You better be glad I don't mind that."
"Oh, we'll see about that."
"Poor Knuckles." Said Amy. "I feel so sorry for him. I hope they make up."
"I guess this is why he wanted to find us." Inquired Tails.
When the song was over, everyone cheered. Knuckles gave a bow, and then flew towards Sonic. When he landed, he spoke.
"I assume none of you has seen Rouge either."
Everyone shook their heads.
"Sonic, I need your help solving the hint Omochao gave me. It said that the jewel has been shifted from one hand to another. What does that mean?"
But before any of them could think about it, the announcer shouted the next introduction. Everyone was surprised that the name that was called was Omochao, and a group of normal chaos. Everyone turned to hear them sing "e.g.g.m.a.n."
Omochao started singing.
"The story begins with who's gonna win
Knowing the danger that lies within
Aboard the ARK, a genius at heart
Wanting to unlock the mysteries of life"
The group of chaos were singing as chorus.
"I am the Eggman, that's what I am
I am the Eggman, I got the master plan.
I am the Eggman, that's what I am,
I am the Eggman, I got the master plan."
Then it dawned on the echidna.
"That's it! She must have sold it to Dr. Eggman!"
Sonic narrowed his eyes. "Gee, I could've told you that."
"I'm plotting my schemes,
Wherever I go,
They're perfect in every way.
I'd love to destroy,
The blue one you know,
He's an obstacle who always gets in my way."
"You know," Sonic started, "I think I'll join you, Knuckes. It's been a while since I've kicked some eggbutt."
"I'll go too." Said Tails.
"So will I." Said Amy.
"I don't think so." Sonic told her. "You'll only get in the way, again. Shadow, you watch her."
"Give me a good reason why I should?" he asked irritably.
"Amy told me about the Marias you were hanging out with the other day. Guess what? The mother is going to be singing next. We saw her standing in the lines."
"On second thought, I guess I could watch her for a 'little' while. Just hurry up! I'm not a babysitter!"
"But I wanna go!" whined Amy.
"Sonics right." Said Knuckles. "If Eggmans really involved, then we need to get that emerald back quickly. C'mon Sonic! Let's go!"
"To my house!" exclaimed Tails. "I have some equipment that'll make searching him out much easier."
So the three of them rushed off to Sonic and Tails' home. Amy tried to follow them, but Shadow grabbed her wrist.
"I am the enemy, I will succeed
My mission, yeah, I must complete
My name is Eggman, don't forget my name
If you ask me again I'll tell you the same"
"You stay here. The song is almost over." Said Shadow.
When the song had ended, the crowd cheered. Finally, Sr. Maria was introduced. She first gave a small speech.
"Hello everyone." She said. "I'd like to dedicate this song to a friend I met recently. Well, here goes."
She started to sing "Throw it all away."
"Everybody tries to be straight,
But things are still unchanged,
It's useless to resist,
Their effort will be wasted.
Head straight for your goal by any means,
There is a door that you've never opened,
There is a window with a view you have never seen,
Get there, no matter how long it takes."
"That songs kinda-"Amy started to say, but was shushed by Shadow.
"Oh dark, the darkness that dozes in the dusk,
Throw it all away.
No-one can break you, nobody can tear you,
You live an endless life forever.
Oh dark, the darkness that dozes in the dusk,
Throw it all away.
You see a light wherever you go,
You have to face it again and again."
When the song ended, people cheered, especially Shadow. Amy couldn't understand what was so exciting about it. She wished that she was with Sonic, not having to stay here with someone as gloomy as Shadow.
The light chao announced the winner of the Karaoke contest.
"And the winner is, Omochao and his group!"
Everyone was surprised as to how "they" could win, but cheered on anyways.
"And second place goes to, Amy!"
Everyone cheered, and Amy ran to the center stage to accept her prize, dragging Shadow along with her.
End of chapter 4
Well, I hope you liked it. Did you notice the characters songs? I figured it would be nice to see some of the characters singing their own songs. What did you think? I thank you all for the reviews. Remember, review me if you can.
Once again, my email address is rubynall@hotmail.com
I don't really have much to say, except, thank you all for the reviews, and, on with the fic. On a final note, the "" signals indicate singing.
Sonic Tales Chapter 4
After a long 35 minutes, the ride ended. Sonic was awakened by the slight shaking, and quickly woke up Amy and Tails before anyone could see them. The three got off the ride, and waited for the others. One minute later, Rouge and Knuckles came out. Rouge had a grin, and Knuckles had somewhat of a blissful look in his eyes.
Sonic noticed this and grinned. "Hey Knux. I see 'something' went on, if ya know what I mean."
The echidna quickly responded. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. All we did was talk."
"And then some." Added Rouge. "We didn't go past second base, though."
"Couldn't do it, eh Knuckles?" Asked Sonic.
"It's just way too soon." he answered. "By the way, how did 'your' little ride with Amy go?"
"Nothing much."
"Then why does Amy look so happy?"
"She's always like th-
Amy quickly interrupted him. "We're going out!"
Both Knuckles and Tails nearly bust a gut laughing. Rouge just grinned.
"Is that true, Sonic?" asked Tails.
"Yes," Sonic answered, "but only for a week! We made a bet. After that, she'll be out of my life forever."
Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's wise, Amy? Chances are that he'll win this bet."
"I know," Amy said, "but it's worth a try."
Before anyone could say anything else, a dark chao flew above them.
"Only one more hour before this park closes." It said.
"But it shouldn't close for six more hours." Rouge complained. "Why is it closing so early?"
"Come back here tomorrow to find out." It answered. "And if your patience is too small for that, read this flyer." The dark chao then handed the bat a flyer, then flew off.
Rouge read the flyer aloud. "Ahem! Come to Twinkle Park tomorrow to celebrate a new renter's generosity. Games will be held, prizes will be awarded, and there will be lots of contests. To make it more special, all of the staff gets the day off, and chaos will be substituting for the employees just for today. And if that's not enough, any type of heroes that saved the world gets in free. So come to Twinkle Park tomorrow, and have a blast."
"That was odd." Tails inquired. "This renter person must be rich or something."
"Hmm, sounds fishy." Sonic said aloud. "We'll go, but everyone, keep your eyes peeled."
"I know we'll have lots of fun, Sonic." Amy beamed. "Just you see!"
"I had plans anyways." Said Rouge. "(I have checks to write and bills to pay)."
So the group left the park, and went to their homes.
(A little later: Rouge's apartment)
After mailing in all of the checks that were written to the bills she needed to pay, Rouge relaxed, and sat down to watch some T.V. As she was watching, her conscience was sinking in. She was feeling kind of guilty about stealing the master emerald and then selling it to Eggman, who no doubt had evil intentions for it. She flipped through some more channels to find something that might rid her of her guilt. Unfortunately, nothing good was on, except for a music channel, which wasn't helping since a rap song was on at the time.
She just decided to turn off the television, and go to bed. However, the guilt didn't leave her. She was now thinking about Knuckles. About how she led him on, and how he responded. She didn't like feeling this way, especially for someone other than herself. And deep down inside, although she wouldn't admit it aloud, she actually felt something for the echidna. What else would explain these feelings she was having? After a couple of hours, she finally gave in to her conscience, and decided to go ahead and steal back the master emerald.
The thought of doing this put her mind at ease, and she was able to go to sleep.
(Meanwhile: At Angel Island)
Knuckles was back to his usual duties of guarding the master emerald, or what he thought was the master emerald. As he was looking at the stars, he was thinking about Rouge. He wondered if he could trust her, and if he could, what might that mean between them? And what were these feelings he was having? Could he actually have certain feelings for his rival? What if she was just using him to get to the master emerald? And why was he asking all these questions?
His thoughts were cut short by something coming in his direction. He looked closer, and saw that it was Omochao. The little robot landed right next to him.
"Hi. I'm Omochao. I'm here to help you."
"Look, I already know who you are, so could you just get to the point?"
"Cubic zirconium is a crafty rock."
"What? What is that supposed to mean?"
"The bats are in the belfry."
"What belfry?"
"I was helpful, bye-bye!" Then it flew off.
"(Annoying little robot)!" thought Knuckles. "(Just what does he mean by cubic zirconium being a crafty rock, and bats being in belfries)?" He pondered the thought for a while. After a few minutes, he realized something that Omochao once said to Sonic, who was about to throw it off a cliff. "I remember it saying, 'I'm not a weapon to be thrown at bad guys. I provide hints to help you.' I wonder what it meant by that?"
After a few 'more' minutes of thinking, he finally came to a conclusion, but then grimaced at the thought. Hoping that he was wrong, he approached the master emerald. He looked at it very closely, and tapped it a few times. When it made a different sound from before, he realized what had happened.
"I knew it!" he exclaimed. "Somehow, Rouge must've found a way to get here without anyone noticing. She took the master emerald, replaced it for a substitute, and now has it! And to think I was about to trust her! First thing in the morning, I'm retrieving 'my' emerald!"
Now furious, the echidna had some trouble going to sleep, but eventually succeeded in doing so.
(Morning: Sonic and Tail's home)
It was 8 in the morning, and Tails was cooking some breakfast. The smell instantly awoke Sonic. In a flash, he was already at the table.
"So what's for breakfast?" he asked eagerly.
"We're kind of low on money," Tails answered, "so we could only afford to get pancake mix."
"Works for me."
"That reminds me of something weird."
"And what would that be?"
"Well, neither of us have jobs, so how is it that we can afford this place? I know that we sell the rings we collect, but how is it enough?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe it has to do with those mysterious checks we get in the mail."
"Yeah, you're right! I forgot about those!"
"That answers one question, but who do you think sends them?"
"Well, Omochao once noted something about Sega, but I couldn't comprehend on the subject he was insinuating."
"Um, Tails? In a language we all can understand?"
"In other words, I had no idea what he was talking about."
"Oh."
"Anyways, are you ready for your date with Amy?"
Sonics eyes narrowed. "It's not a date, not a real one anyways."
"Uh-huh, sure. Whatever you say."
(Meanwhile: Some random place)
Rouge was flying around, looking for Eggmans secret base. For some strange reason, her transmitter wasn't working. After a long while, she finally found it. Of course, it wouldn't be that hard to spot an underground base with symbols of Eggman on them. She flew close to it, and then hid behind a rock.
Noticing that the security was at its maximum level, she threw some mud at the security cameras, then flew towards the top of the roof. She stopped when she noticed the laser lights surrounding it.
"(The docs really gone all out, hasn't he)." She thought. "(Breaking in isn't going to be as easy as I thought)."
Being very careful, and thanks to her agility, she was able to make it past the lasers, and inside the base, and then hovered to safety around the ceiling. She didn't want to make a scene, so she quietly flew way above the many robots that were guarding the area. When she reached a door leading to another room, she pulled out a spark grenade (think Metal Gear Solid), pulled the pin, and dropped it in the middle of the robot crowds. When the grenade went off, the whole room resembled a snowy evening, with white shards all over the room.
The robots and the cameras were temporarily shut down. Rouge quickly flew into the next room, and then threw another spark grenade in there, also temporarily shutting down the robots in 'that' room. Much to her surprise, the master emerald was in the next room she was about to enter, encased inside a machine that somewhat resembled a furnace, except it reached all the way to the ceiling. She quickly entered it while readying another spark grenade. However, no robots or lasers were there, only two security cameras, which she quickly shot some spray paint on. Without thinking, she reached for the master emerald. However, her hand went right through it.
"Oh no, a trap!" she exclaimed. Before she could run, the door locked itself, and sleeping gas poured in from the vents. Rouge tried to cover her nose, but it was too late, and she lost consciousness. Evil laughter could be heard from the speakers.
Wearing a gas mask, Eggman entered the room. He approached the unconscious bat, looked for the chaos emerald, and found it, of course. He laughed again.
"You heroes are so predictable!" he gloated. "I knew you would try to take back the master emerald. As I've stated previously, no one, and I mean NO ONE, is going to stand in my way! Now that I have what I want, I can't have you interfering and telling that hedgehog of my schemes. I shall put you to good use."
He then picked her up, and brought her to another room. This one had a lot of smaller incubator like machines in them. He threw her inside of one, closed the door, and activated it.
"I hope you sleep well. In exactly 24 hours, you will become a robot, and not just any robot. You will become an android that is 100% obedient and efficient. I 'do' thank you for bringing the chaos emerald to me. One down and six more to go! I will rule this world with my master plan!" Then he laughed some more.
"My schemes are perfect in every way, and soon to be my uprising, and Sonics demise!" He laughed a bit more, and then went to his main quarters. When he reached it, he entered his eggwalker, boarded the eggmobile, and flew it out of his base. He was looking at the files that he copied.
"It was expensive, but that theme park idea should be enough to distract that hedgehog long enough for me to collect the remaining emeralds. Well, enough talk. Time to put my search into action!" Then he continued his search.
(Meanwhile: Station Square)
Knuckles was busy searching Station Square for Rouge. He checked her apartment, but she wasn't there. After a while of searching, he spotted Big, who was fishing at the beach with his froggy. He flew down right next to him.
"Um, excuse me." Knuckles started. "Have you seen a white bat around?"
Big gave no response.
"Hello? Are you awake?"
Still no response.
"This is getting me nowhere! I need to ask someone whose mind won't shut down."
Just then, Omochao flew right next to him.
"Did you know that Big's reaction nerves rival that of a brontosaurus?"
"I guess that wouldn't surprise me."
Finally, Big responded. "Duhh, yeah. I seen pretty white bat."
"Told you." Said Omochao.
"Good." Said Knuckles. "Now, where is she?"
No response was given.
The echidna shook his head and turned to Omochao. "Do 'you' know where she would be?"
Omochao just shrugged its shoulders.
"How is it that you can know what's going on all the time, but not know the location to someone?"
Omochao just shrugged its shoulders.
"Is there 'anything' you can tell me?!"
"The jewel has been shifted from one hand to another."
"And what does that mean?"
"Bye-bye." Then he flew off.
"He was very little help."
Big finally responded. "I seen pretty bat girl. She just came here this morning."
"Oh, I see you're back with us. Well, where is she?"
"Hmm, it so long ago..Let me remember.....duhh.." Then his mind spaced out again.
Frustrated, Knuckles sat down. He was thinking about what Omochao was talking about, and why did the one who last saw her have to be Big?
"It's too bad parables aren't my forte. This is something Sonic and Tails would know. I think I'll go find them. Knowing Sonic, that won't be easy. I'll just have to wait at Twinkle Park."
He got up, and flew there. After ten minutes, Big finally responded.
"Duh, I know! Pretty bat girl said that she go to fat guys fortress!" Then he looked around. "Froggy? Froggy? Where is Froggy?" He got up and proceeded to search for his froggy.
(Later: Twinkle Park)
We could see a blur of blue, followed by a blur of orange heading to Twinkle Park. When they stopped, Sonic looked around. After a couple of minutes, he responded.
"Well, it looks like Amy isn't coming. I guess we could go home."
Before he could think another thought, a pink automobile swerved in front of him. It stopped right next to him. The door opened, and from it exited a pink hedgehog with a red dress. Sonic sighed in grief. Of course it was Amy, only one minute late.
"Sorry I'm late, Sonic." She said. "My car ran out of gas, and I needed to refill it."
"Well, let's get this over with." Sonic said while smiling a little.
Tails pretended not to see that, and spoke up. "What kind of games do you think there are?"
"Not sure." Answered Sonic. "Only one way to find out. Let's go."
Taking Sonics arm into hers, Amy entered the park with them.
(Outside of Shadows apartment)
Shadow was outside, increasing his speed by doing sprints to the store and back. He continued to do this until someone called out to him. He looked up, and saw Knuckles. He stopped running, and waited for the echidna to land. When he finally did, Shadow approached him.
"Well, what is it?" he asked a bit impatiently.
"I was wondering, have you seen Rouge anywhere?" the echidna asked. "She stole my master emerald, and I'm trying to get it back."
"Oh really. I never would've figured 'that' out."
"Now is not the time for sarcasm! My emerald is gone!"
"It's your own fault for trusting her."
"Have you seen her or not?"
"Not since yesterday. Why don't you try asking Sonic? That is, unless he's hiding from Amy."
"That's where I was headed."
Just then, Omochao entered the scene.
"Did you know that Sonic and Amy are going out for a week?"
Shadow grinned. "Now 'this,' I gotta check out!"
"Oh." Replied Knuckles. "They have a bet going on. I'll fill you in on the way."
"Why don't you fill me in right now? I would end up there faster than you anyways."
So Knuckles told Shadow all about the bet. This made Shadow laugh.
"I don't know who is more foolish! Amy for making that bet, or Sonic for agreeing to it!"
"Say what you will." Said Knuckles. "All I care about is getting my emerald back. I'll meet you there." Then he flew off.
"Would you like me to help you?" asked Omochao.
"Yeah, sure. See that garbage can?"
"Yes."
"Inspect it for me!"
"Okay." Then it flew over to the garbage can, and just stared at it.
Shadow used chaos control, and was at Twinkle Park. He looked at his watch. It was 10 in the morning, but it was night at the park. He wondered why this place never received daylight, but shrugged it off, and went inside.
It took him a while, but he finally found Amy and Sonic. They were in line for something. He looked at the sign that read "Karaoke." He ran up to them, but was stopped by a dark chao that was posing as a guard.
"No line cutting!" said the dark chao.
"I'm not even in line!"
"Look mac, if you wanna speak to the singers, then you gotta wait until 'after' it's done! The seats are in that direction. Now git! I don't want to have to repeat myself! I already had to deal with a bratty fox boy!"
"Fine, fine. I'll go. I don't feel like pounding your brains in."
He walked to the seats. He kept searching until he found the seat the Tails was sitting in. However, there was already someone in it. He kept pestering Tails about his, well, tails. He kept asking annoying questions like, 'why do you have two tails', 'were you a freak or somethin' and 'how is it that you can talk.'
The black hedgehog simply walked up to the guy, threw him across the isle, and sat down. The guy was dazed.
"Sorry if this seat is taken, but it's mine now."
"Thanks, Shadow." Said Tails. "That guy was really annoying."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Why are Sonic and Amy in line for karaoke?"
"It's something that Amy wanted him to do. Personally, I'd never do it, no matter what."
"Yeah, karaoke sucks."
"I don't know about that. Sometimes you can find a good singer, but that's only 20% of the time."
"Well, at least I'll get to see Sonic make a fool of himself." He then took out a camcorder.
"Um, Shadow? Where did you get that?"
He looked at the still dazed guy. "I borrowed it."
"Isn't that stealing?"
"Only if I don't return it."
"Oh."
"Now be quiet. It's starting."
So the two watched many people sing to various tunes. There were a couple of good ones, but most of them were really awful. After some several grueling minutes, Amy was up.
"Time to cover my ears." Said Shadow.
"If she sings like she cooks, we're in trouble." Added Tails.
Amy got up on the stage. She adjusted the mike to reach her size, and then she spoke.
"Um, testing, testing, one two three? Testing, testing, one two three? Um, hello everyone! Rather than sing someone else's song, I'm going to sing one of my own. I hope you all like it." Then she cued the disk jockey to start.
"This won't end well." Sonic said to himself as he was watching from the sides.
Amy started to sing "My Sweet Passion."
"I got out my map and chose a place I wanted to go to
...Packed up my stuff, set out for adventure...
I know that your lucky color is that cool shade of blue
...Won't mind painting myself blue for you..."
Shadow uncovered his ears. "Hey, she's not so bad."
"Yeah, she's actually pretty good." Tails added.
"I do understand the feelings of a Persian Cat ...But the Sphinx looked so cute I had to shave it... He reminds me of parsley when he's standing there all alone ...Makes me wanna be his specialite..."
"I don't know what Persian cats have to do with a Sphinx," Sonic said to himself, "but at least her singing is pretty good."
"Sweet sweet you're so sweet - So many things I want
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - I wanna be a wonderful girl
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - I'm not simple-minded
Sweet sweet you're so sweet - And I won't be a pearl
You probably need me just as much as I need you"
After the song was over, everyone cheered, including Sonic. When he heard his name being called, he gulped, but then gave his 'cool' look, and approached the stage. Shadow readied the video camera, grinning evilly. Sonic introduced his song, and began to sing "It Doesn't Matter."
"Well, I don't show off, don't criticize,
I'm just livin' by my own feelings.
And I won't give in, won't compromise,
Coz I only have a steadfast heart of gold..."
Shadow rolled his eyes at the last statement.
"I don't know why. I can't leave though it might be tough,
But I ain't out of control, just livin' by my word.
Don't ask me why, I don't need a reason.
I got my way. My own way!!!"
Amy cheered Sonic on.
"It doesn't matter now what happens. I will never give up the fight!!! Long as the voice inside drives me to run and fight, It doesn't matter who is wrong and who is right!"
When Sonics song was over, everyone cheered wildly, except for Shadow, who was a bit upset that the crowd didn't mind his somewhat off-key voice, but was cheered up by the fact that he can now make fun of his singing voice whenever he wanted. He put the camcorder away. Just as he was about to stand up, he saw Knuckles land on the center stage.
"Listen everyone!" he exclaimed. "I have a question for Sonic! Where is he?"
"We have a special entry!" shouted the DJ, who was a light chao, not to mention a Knuckles fan.
The crowd cheered wildly, all while chanting his name. The echidna had a bewildered look on his face, but just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, if you guys really want a song, I guess I could. I have to make it short, since I'm in kind of a hurry."
The crowd cheered again.
"I wonder why Knux is so popular?" asked Sonic.
"Probably because people think he's cool." Answered Amy. "Not that you're not cool or anything. I guess people prefer rappers over rockers, or something like that."
So they took their seats, and watched the echidna as he introduced his song titled "Kick the Rock."
"This is Knuckles, and I'm back!
I been away for a while, but I'm back to kick some butt at Wild Canyon!
I shall find all the lost pieces of the Master Emerald here.
I'm gonna get those fools.
They wanna play with my Emeralds?!
They playing with the wrong guy!"
"Looks like 'someone's' a little angry." Whispered Sonic.
"Rouge stole his master emerald." Shadow answered.
"Figures. He shouldn't have trusted her, though."
"That's the same thing 'I' said."
"Echidna, that's what I'm representing,
Never seen a mic-hog spit like a menace.
Wild Canyon fun? I gotta chase a bat, huh,
Yeah, Rouge, she's sexy and smooth!
A double cross spot-thief, that's out for my jewels,
I'm feelin' her in mysterious ways.
That's why I stay on point like every single day,
I gotta protect this place, I do it for my race, uh, uh."
"Well 'someone's' having mixed feelings here." Whispered Shadow.
"I'll have to agree with you on that one." Answered Sonic.
"Okay, guys. That's enough." Tails whispered back.
"Ain't nobody gonna come here and eat my plate, no!
Yo what happened, my Emeralds' gone!
Somebody gonna get their's quick, my word sworn,
Who could'a did this, that stitch named Rouge!
When I catch her, I'm gonna get her with these tools,
There you are, come here you little thief!
Think you gon' fly and get away quick? Uh, uh!
Give up the Emeralds or die, I don't love you!"
"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but it looks like Knuckles has some major issues over that emerald being stolen." Sonic said.
"Good thing I got it on tape." Said Shadow as he grinned evilly. "Along with 'you' singing."
"You better be glad I don't mind that."
"Oh, we'll see about that."
"Poor Knuckles." Said Amy. "I feel so sorry for him. I hope they make up."
"I guess this is why he wanted to find us." Inquired Tails.
When the song was over, everyone cheered. Knuckles gave a bow, and then flew towards Sonic. When he landed, he spoke.
"I assume none of you has seen Rouge either."
Everyone shook their heads.
"Sonic, I need your help solving the hint Omochao gave me. It said that the jewel has been shifted from one hand to another. What does that mean?"
But before any of them could think about it, the announcer shouted the next introduction. Everyone was surprised that the name that was called was Omochao, and a group of normal chaos. Everyone turned to hear them sing "e.g.g.m.a.n."
Omochao started singing.
"The story begins with who's gonna win
Knowing the danger that lies within
Aboard the ARK, a genius at heart
Wanting to unlock the mysteries of life"
The group of chaos were singing as chorus.
"I am the Eggman, that's what I am
I am the Eggman, I got the master plan.
I am the Eggman, that's what I am,
I am the Eggman, I got the master plan."
Then it dawned on the echidna.
"That's it! She must have sold it to Dr. Eggman!"
Sonic narrowed his eyes. "Gee, I could've told you that."
"I'm plotting my schemes,
Wherever I go,
They're perfect in every way.
I'd love to destroy,
The blue one you know,
He's an obstacle who always gets in my way."
"You know," Sonic started, "I think I'll join you, Knuckes. It's been a while since I've kicked some eggbutt."
"I'll go too." Said Tails.
"So will I." Said Amy.
"I don't think so." Sonic told her. "You'll only get in the way, again. Shadow, you watch her."
"Give me a good reason why I should?" he asked irritably.
"Amy told me about the Marias you were hanging out with the other day. Guess what? The mother is going to be singing next. We saw her standing in the lines."
"On second thought, I guess I could watch her for a 'little' while. Just hurry up! I'm not a babysitter!"
"But I wanna go!" whined Amy.
"Sonics right." Said Knuckles. "If Eggmans really involved, then we need to get that emerald back quickly. C'mon Sonic! Let's go!"
"To my house!" exclaimed Tails. "I have some equipment that'll make searching him out much easier."
So the three of them rushed off to Sonic and Tails' home. Amy tried to follow them, but Shadow grabbed her wrist.
"I am the enemy, I will succeed
My mission, yeah, I must complete
My name is Eggman, don't forget my name
If you ask me again I'll tell you the same"
"You stay here. The song is almost over." Said Shadow.
When the song had ended, the crowd cheered. Finally, Sr. Maria was introduced. She first gave a small speech.
"Hello everyone." She said. "I'd like to dedicate this song to a friend I met recently. Well, here goes."
She started to sing "Throw it all away."
"Everybody tries to be straight,
But things are still unchanged,
It's useless to resist,
Their effort will be wasted.
Head straight for your goal by any means,
There is a door that you've never opened,
There is a window with a view you have never seen,
Get there, no matter how long it takes."
"That songs kinda-"Amy started to say, but was shushed by Shadow.
"Oh dark, the darkness that dozes in the dusk,
Throw it all away.
No-one can break you, nobody can tear you,
You live an endless life forever.
Oh dark, the darkness that dozes in the dusk,
Throw it all away.
You see a light wherever you go,
You have to face it again and again."
When the song ended, people cheered, especially Shadow. Amy couldn't understand what was so exciting about it. She wished that she was with Sonic, not having to stay here with someone as gloomy as Shadow.
The light chao announced the winner of the Karaoke contest.
"And the winner is, Omochao and his group!"
Everyone was surprised as to how "they" could win, but cheered on anyways.
"And second place goes to, Amy!"
Everyone cheered, and Amy ran to the center stage to accept her prize, dragging Shadow along with her.
End of chapter 4
Well, I hope you liked it. Did you notice the characters songs? I figured it would be nice to see some of the characters singing their own songs. What did you think? I thank you all for the reviews. Remember, review me if you can.
Once again, my email address is rubynall@hotmail.com