Shocked Again
Chapter 4
By Jason Winter
Benten-cho
"Alright, Sonic, first thing's first." Hotwire began, waving his arms "If you want to be a Noise Tank, you need to dress like a Noise Tank... Unfortunately, we have nothing in your size yet so you're going to have to deal with the bagginess."
"I feel ridiculous." Sonic said, sweatdropping. The Noise Tank uniform bunched up on him, the top going down to his knees, and the pants bagging like crazy over his shoes.
"Don't worry about it." Nucleus said "If you get in, we'll have something tailor-made for ya, no questions asked."
"What about the headgear?"
"That will present a problem for the time being." Hotwire replied "Those spikes of yours wouldn't be able to fit in the helmet. Besides, this is a test run, so no worries. Alright, Sonic, let's get to step 2."
Golden Rhino Hideout
Eggman brushed his gloved hand against his mustache and looked at the Golden Rhinos.
"Hmm, you thirty... one look like a very reasonable bunch so tell me... What's the most problematic thing you're dealing with at the moment?"
All of them responded at once.
"Rudies."
"Hmm. So, what are these 'rudies' and how are they causing you trouble?"
Jason responded.
"They're the ones responsible for Goji's death and our current undernumbering. Many of our kind are in prison or hiding out."
"Mmhmm, I see. As my new investment, your problems have just been put on my 'bad' list, and I will make sure that they pay the price for undermining the newest part of the Eggman Empire. You want to get rid of the Rudies? Very well then, let's get started on our game plan!"
"Yes. We underestimated them the last time, but this time, Doctor, with your leadership, things are going to turn in our favor... revenge will be ours..."
Benten-cho
"OK, are you ready for step 2?" Hotwire asked.
"Ready, willing, and able." Sonic replied, showing off his trademark grin.
"Alright, you know how to grind with those shoes of yours, so this should be a piece of cake! Just copy what I do, and you'll almost be in!"
Hotwire started by dashing down the alleyway, and jumping onto the left handrail down a stairway, switched to the right at the break, and switched again, jumped and landed on top of the ticket booth.
"Now, you try!"
Sonic zipped to the rail in a mere blink of an eye, jumped across all 3 rails at lightning speed, and used his spin attack to land on the top of the booth.
"Like that?
Hotwire was grinning behind his mask.
"Exactly, Sonic. Good job." This is going to be an easy recruitment, I'm sure...
Love Shockers' HQ, Deep Under Shibuya-cho
"Cass, I don't see how the hell you consider that little graffiti blitz as revenge..." sighed one of the other Love Shockers "The GGs are just gonna paint right back over them AND up their guard."
She was responded to with a slap.
"Don't question me, Lacey." Cassandra snorted "I know what I'm doing so just shut up and proceed with the next part of the plan."
"That's what you said the first time when the GGs kicked our asses!" Lacey protested, blood mixing with blue lipstick "And besides, I'm just voicing my opinion, and the other girls would definitely agree with me that you're being a Grade-A bitch!"
Cassandra responded by kneeing Lacey in the gut.
"You think so?! Any of you others agree with Lacey here?!"
The others looked back at Cass and shook their heads in fear.
"Come on you guys, stand up to Cassandra, we could kick her ass and take over the Love Shockers without trouble..." Lacey said, coughing. She got kicked in the face.
"Heh-heh, they wouldn't even dare question me... You're the one being stupid, Lacey... get the hell out of my sight. You're out of the Love Shockers."
"Fine by me..." Lacey hissed, spitting blood and teeth, before dragging herself out of the HQ, not noticing another figure going in.
"Now then..." Cassandra cackled "An more questions on how I'm doing my job?"
No's all around.
"It's a shame. Lacey was one of our best and yet she made a big mistake today. Let that be a lesson to anyone who messes with the Love Shockers. Now, it is time to begin phase 2! Huh? There's someone else here... Show yourself, NOW."
The figure stepped out of the shadows a pink hedgehog in a red dress and boots.
"Um, hi..." she sighed.
"Okay, kid, what's your business?" Cassandra asked the newcomer.
"I'm new in town, and I had my heart broken a little while ago... And I hear you could help..."
Cassandra grinned. Pure luck for a replacement to come by so fast.
"Come on in sweetie, we'll help you the best we can... What's your name, kid?"
"Amy."
Benten-cho
"Well, Sonic, you've passed all the tests with flying colors." Hotwire announced "Welcome to the Noise Tanks. Remember, if you feel that you've had enough of a vacation, you're free to leave."
"Thanks, Hotwire." Sonic said, bowing "This may seem silly but being a Noise Tank and all... You think you could give me a name that suits you more?"
"How about DSL?" Tia said "It makes sense with his speed and all."
"DSL? I like it."
"Well then, welcome to the Noise Tanks, DSL!" Hotwire chuckled, patting Sonic on the back. You'll have so much fun here that you'll never want to leave... I'll make sure of it.
To Be Continued
