Author's note: Everyone seems to be begging for more. I guess I have an obligation, so…
Segment 4: Board Brains
Chapter 7: Two On Two
(Kim)
"Leo," I told my brother, "I can't believe you're so sure you know where the atrium is. You could've at least stopped for directions, but you didn't!"
In response, Leo pointed out a small sign on the wall marked "ATRIUM". Looking at this, I felt a little foolish. I had not noticed it before now, and now I realized that these small signs were all over the hallways.
It took a matter of minutes for us to arrive at the door that led into the atrium. The door wasn't locked. (Thinking about it now, I find it funny that the doors were always locked when it seemed like we should explore the area first, and not when it didn't.)
The lights inside had been turned off, but the light switch was right there, so Leo hit the lights. The atrium's two occupants, D-Jet and D-Wave, both flinched at the sudden exposure to light, but they recovered immediately.
"So you came," D-Jet taunted. "Is it the Black Emerald you're looking for?"
"What else?" Leo shot back. "Did you think we were here for a pleasant chat?"
While Leo and D-Jet exchanged words, I looked around at the atrium. It was a very large place, as large as a gymnasium in all dimensions. Several chairs and potted plants littered the edges of the area, and there was even a skylight in the ceiling, which had a curtain over it.
"Sure, I've got the Black Emerald right here," D-Wave interrupted, holding up a gem I recognized. "You're not going to get it just by asking me for it, though!"
Leo chose this opportunity for a surprise attack. It must've been a surprise attack; it certainly surprised me. He whipped me forward in an attempt to clock D-Wave, who blocked me by using her own Extreme Gear board as a shield. It worked well.
As I recovered, D-Wave turned the Type W on, jumped on it, and rode away from us. D-Jet followed suit with his Type J. Leo gritted his teeth as he pushed me forward, turned the Gemini Dash on, and zoomed through the air in hot pursuit.
Right now, I'd like to say a few things about being under the Gemini Dash like that, since Leo didn't give me a chance to tell about it earlier. Being in that position with Leo riding on top of me was a little scary, but a little thrilling at the same time, like skydiving.
I kept thinking that I'd go deaf from the wind rushing into my ears, but I never did. I don't know why that was. I guess it was the way the Extreme Gear was designed.
"Boost it, Kim!"
Hearing this command from Leo, I snapped to my senses and slapped the boost button on the Gemini Dash, causing us to boost forward. I noticed that Leo was clutching the board tightly so he wouldn't fall; I don't blame him.
We missed D-Wave completely, and knocked over a potted plant as we zoomed around. Not deterred at all, Leo turned and aimed at D-Wave again. This time, I reached out and slapped the Type W's boost button.
D-Wave yelped as her board boosted right out from under her feet, but this wasn't over by a long shot. Right as she lost her footing, she threw the Black Emerald into the air, and D-Jet caught it and fled.
I don't even know what happened next, but somehow D-Jet ended up behind us. Leo was ready. With a sudden burst of zeal, he spun the Gemini Dash in circles, creating a small whirlwind in its wake, just as the real Wave had taught us.
Somehow, D-Jet did not see this coming, and was thrown into the air. When he hit the floor, sans Type J, Leo deactivated the Gemini Dash, and he and I ran over to search him for the Black Emerald.
Yes! I took the emerald and put it in my handbag. "So long, sucker," Leo taunted D-Jet. "Next time, the least you can do is try a little!"
(?)
"Is the plan progressing?"
"Yes, Z, it's progressing perfectly."
"And nobody suspects a thing?"
"To my knowledge, everyone is absolutely clueless, including that girl Amy Rose."
"Excellent. Remember, those two conjoined foxes are priority one."
"I remember that, Z. Don't worry. In a matter of days, the demons will rule all. I can't wait to see the looks on those foxes' faces when they find out!"
"Well, don't blow your cover until our plan has progressed sufficiently."
"You know I won't."
"Good. That is all. If any issues come up, you know where to find me."
Hm, interesting twist at the end there, don't you think?