(Sonic Adventure 2 - Character Story/Select)
My name is Big the Cat, but everybody calls me Big.
After the dangerous Survival Race, A few of my friends have second thoughts on this kind tanuki named Dodon Pa. Even I don't think that way.
Amy and Omochao have been supporting me as the powerhouse of Team Rose and I'm happy for that.
As we're approaching another race, I better be prepared in case I need it.
I'll show Dodon Pa that I have something in me. Just wait.
(/)
CHAPTER 1: A MYSTERIOUS INVITE
ACT III: I - CASINO PARK
[ROULETTE ROAD, CASINO PARK]
Dodon Pa's spaceship entered the United Federation airspace bound for their next race. Where they were going was unfamiliar to the host in contrast to the heroes. The racers' perception on the tanuki's forthcoming new racing mode merely gave chills to how dangerous this whole ordeal was. Amy, Knuckles and Tails especially suspected the worst to come out of this, but kept their opinions a low profile. The ship landed on a flat bingo surface as the door hinges rotated from the top to reveal the crew to the sights of the popular neon-coated location.
"Welcome to Casino Park - perhaps the most grandeur arena of my tournaments, hohohoho!" The tanuki introduced the racers to the familiar area in which he was unware of their past adventures here.
Even for Dodon Pa, he was taken back by the colourful neon signs, casino architecture and slot machine noises of the whole place. However, he felt the need to withdraw his awestricken emotion to remain professional, despite how suspicious he was receiving from some of the racers.
"Well... we meet again, Casino Park!" Sonic responded with enthusiasm. "It's been a while since we stepped foot in this place!"
"Isn't this place remarkable, blue hedgehog! I see you have already stumbled upon the bargain, but my eyes sure do deceive me on how beautiful this place is!"
"Man... Seeing this without Cream by my side once again is something I never knew could be worked around so easily." Amy commented as she disembarked the spaceship.
"How is your friend, Amy. I haven't seen her with you." Tails queried.
"I always chaperone her while we're here since her home is far from here."
"It's probably for the best in case she gets lost here." Sally added, easily noticing the pitstop beside the starting line. The chipmunk was too taken aback from the colourful signs of the mise en scene. "I've never actually been here before, but this looks gorgeous to look at."
"This place is huge, so you have a point."
"I agree with Sally." Honey added. "I've been here many times on a business trip for my own brand and the Chaos Emerald Championship and you have to admit, it is stunning, especially at night."
"Well whatever it may be, young racers and mechanics. I'll will be sure to not get distracted by all of those pretty lights." Dodon Pa stopped, staring at them. "We'll be visiting this place quite a few times solely for the tournament."
"I think we can manage not getting distracted." The blue hedgehog swiftly responded enthusiastically, ensuring the host the benefit of the doubt.
(Team Sonic Racing - Casino Park)
"Hello there!" A kind, modest businesswoman walked up to Dodon Pa as if she was a friendly acquaintance to him. She wore a white business suit with a white undershirt and yellow buttons, red high-heels and gloves that were held together by yellow cuff rings on her wrists. The mobian stopped right in front of the tanuki, showcasing her purple eyelids merely hidden by her eyes.
The tanuki turned behind him towards this businesswoman. What did she have in mind for her to walk over to a stranger like Dodon Pa?
"Oh... why hello there, modest hedgehog." He responded elegantly. "What can I do for you?"
She took a quick glance at the Roulette Road racetrack behind the racers and continued, intrigued.
"Is this another race that happens to be in Casino Park?" The amiable mobian asked.
"Why of course it is!"
"This could be an opportunity for me to put my business empire out there to the rest of the world. Greetings, my name is Breezie the Hedgehog and I own Breeze Media, one of if not, the largest entertainment complex on the planet."
"It's lovely to meet you ma'am. I am Dodon Pa, the host of my racing tournaments."
"I would be keen to sponsor your tournaments held in my capital of Casino Park if you like. I am the CEO of the network alongside business management and public relations. The goal of this sponsor is to put your tournament on the map so everybody will be aware of it."
"Hohohoho! That's a lovely gesture!"
"And..." Breezie continued. "I have reliable sponsors of my own that will sponsor your tournaments for them to make a profit from. I must say, working with someone like you might just be the key ingredient to put Breeze Media on the map!" Breezie stated. "Casino Park has always been the primary hub of my media empire, so it'll be a nice deal to branch out into other zones."
"Hohohoho!" Dodon Pa chuckled with delight. "How very kind of you, ma'am!"
"The option is there, if you want to take it." Breezie hid a cunning smirk behind her organised façade. What Dodon Pa didn't know that she can be quite crafty in the way she runs things.
"That would certainly be a treat for the two of us!" He chuckled.
"What is this, then?" A strange figure walked up to Breezie out of curiosity. He was apparently willing to assist on this deal.
"Oh...!" Breezie noticed her colleague, a wise and cunning mobian weasel adopting the unscrupulous nature of his persona. He sported a plaided brown and tan coat, a white shirt, large black and white glasses, a red bow tie and a small hat. He stopped just in speaking distance from the tanuki host.
"And who might you be, my fine gentlemen?" Dodon Pa asked the wise salesman.
"I am Wes Weasley! Salesman by nature!" The weasel shook his hand without hesitation. "I heard something about you wanting to look for sponsorship deals."
"Ah yes..." Breezie responded, securing an already established partner. She was willing to be loyal and get her colleague involved too. "We can certainly profit of some merchandising for your racing tournament. Wes is just the guy that will sell them to everybody."
"Figurines. T-Shirts. Mugs. You name it, anything with your likeliness on it will profit from your tournament." The salesman stated.
Dodon Pa chuckled.
"Hohohoho! That would be a so kind of you to meet those accomplishments if I do say so myself, keen weasel! I'll gladly accept on the basis of filing out the paperwork for us to confirm the deals!"
"Then it's agreed." Wes simply shook the tanuki's hand. "Meet us in Breezie's office after the race, and I'll gather everything that will make our deal firm."
"And while you're at it, Wes." Breezie added, eying the tanuki from the corner of her eye. "I think Breeze Media would want to endorse that deal too, since I'm also sponsoring his tournaments. This is a perfect opportunity for us to work together to help Mister Pa."
"Exactly!" The weasel draped his chin, immediately sprouting a marvellous idea. "Oh! How about if I handle of the merchandising while you handle the sponsorship deal?"
"If it helps both of us, then yes. That is a great idea!"
"Well if that's the case, I may have to consider having sponsorship deals for each racing team if that's the case." The tanuki replied hesitantly.
Breezie held her finger against her chin, pondering about this method. It could work as a stepping stone for his tournaments.
"You are your own boss, Mister Pa." She stated as part of her resolution. "But that is a great idea!"
"Each team having their own sponsor is a better way than Breeze Media having the sponsor the racing area individually!" Wes responded with enthusiasm. "How many teams have you got right now?"
"Only two so far. I'm looking to branch out and create new teams. There is already one in the planning stages." The tanuki referenced the forecoming inclusion of Espio's team.
Breezie cupped her hands with ecstatic.
"Excellent! I'm already liking how you plan your projects, Mister Pa!"
The tanuki chuckled in delight. With Breezie and Wes on board to sponsor his races, his viewership on Breeze Media would skyrocket to become a mainstream hit. However, there was still much more work to be done if the deal was going to be officially confirmed. Right now, the host just wanted to checkup on his racers, granting his exit from the two business mobians in favour of Team Sonic and Team Rose.
(/)
[ON THE RACING TRACK]
"Listen up, racers!" Dodon Pa hovered over to the starting line, the racers discussing in a group about the host's trust issues. All of them responded by staring at him out of curious intentions.
"What is it, Dodon Pa?" Sonic, despite how fearless he was could not predict what he was about to say next.
"There is a new gimmick I must show you, racers!" Dodon Pa stepped away from the Roulette Road track and towards the inhabited pitstop, holstering a new mode within his mind.
Neither of the racers, nor Sally and Honey knew what this crafty tanuki was going to pull out next. Even with the Survival Race, his tournament was getting risky in all forms of ways. Was he about to make his races even more riskier at the possible chance of injury?
"I've added a new mode to my tournaments!" He continued, pacing back and forth between the racers' position. He thus eyed his direction towards the Roulette Road track. "I've added something on the racetrack. Call it a surprise, you will."
"What is it supposed to be?" Tails asked as he curiously set his gaze on the mysterious star post-like structures placed sporadically on the track.
"You see those Star Posts? Each Star Post has two arches on either side of them. One of them is red while the other is yellow. The red arch grants points and increases your team's score while the yellow arch only grants you points." He explained.
"Oh... that sounds less dangerous than the Survival Race..." Amy was keenly intrigued despite her mere angered views on him.
"And... I've also modified the rewards specifically for this type of mode. The highest isn't the gold, it's the platinum medal."
"Like the S Ranking...?" Sonic broke the fourth wall.
"Like that, blue hedgehog. I call this type of mode the 'Daredevil Race', as to signify the type of racers willing enough to test it out for future races, hohohoho!"
Sonic thought this new racing mode seemed riveting, but he overlooked the initial capacity in favour of motivating his team to return to winning ways again.
"Well... it sounds like me, Tails and Knuckles will smash this Daredevil race then." He seemed enthusiastic about the nature of this situation.
"Hohohoho! Who said anything about racing as a team in this mode? I, for one scale back the capacity of the race just for this mode to two racers, one from each team."
"Hmmm... you have a point..." The blue hedgehog draped his muzzle, something about racing solo rubbed him the wrong way slightly.
"It's' certainly a break from team races, isn't it Dodon Pa?" Omochao responded, the tanuki nodding his head in satisfaction.
"Indeed, my fine chao... Sally and Honey will have less vehicles to inspect after the races."
"It's better to inspect the other cars alongside whoever is willing to compete in the Daredevil race. " Sally understood, showing her disposition to expand upon her role.
Sonic glanced toward the chipmunk, showing his rising nerve and spirit to enter.
"Yes it does, Sally. I'm going to enter this race from my team.". He fist bumped in confidence before turning to Team Rose. "Amy, you better have someone ready for this race, otherwise it's a general forfeit."
"Now hold on a minute, Sonic!" Amy pouted. "Who said we were going to forfeit? I for one am interested in this race too."
"Hohohoho!" Dodon Pa chuckled at Sonic and Amy's aggression. "I like the way you team leaders butt heads with one another. Okay, it's settled. You two can represent your teams in the Daredevil Race!"
"That's a good thing too." Tails stated. "I was going to install a GPS tracker in my vehicle for safety protocols."
"We'll still need you in the pitstop when you need us." Sally stated as she and Honey slowly embarked on their podiums. Sonic and Amy both gestured a thumbs up at both mechanics to signify their importance to the race. The tanuki began to hover over to the starting line, but not before he abruptly turned around to deliver one last thing.
"I forgot to mention to both of you. There is a set time limit which ends the race once it runs out." He stated. "You get a minute and 5 seconds to beat your opponent. Good luck!"
The tanuki therefore departed away as quickly as he was with Sonic and Amy. Neither of them hadn't even fathomed the possibility of a set time limit to this specific racing mode, but were curious to figure this out. Both hedgehogs lept into their respective vehicles, eagerly eying each other competitively, the pink hedgehog fixated on slipping home another gold for her team.
"I'll get you another victory, Honey...I promise." She thought wildly.
"Now is the time to make the princess proud." Sonic thought, his frown the result of focusing exponentially on the neon road ahead of him.
The host was stationed in his flag post on top of the starting line, acting as the fine conductor for the races. With a slow and steady countdown, and with s asingle swoop of the black and white checkered flag, Sonic and Amy whizzed past him rapidly as both hedgehogs had their foot on the gas.
(Team Sonic Racing - Roulette Road)
Both hedgehogs sped down the casino-esque track with competitive spirit, eager to outperform each other in compassion. Amy sought to put her issues with Dodon Pa behind her and focus on overtaking Sonic. With her mind solely focused on the race now, she pressed hard on the acceleration and drifted into a star post, accumulating her first batch of points. Sonic noticed this trick by her through the rear-view mirror.
"Oh ho! You really wish to take the crown again, Amy?" The blue hedgehog chuckled, swerving the Speed Star to the right as it hit the curve near the starting line.
"Why? Because you want to end my winning streak so badly?" She roared ahead, swerving toward the first star post.
"If you want me to." The blue hedgehog drifted inside of the second Star Post right after the first. "You need to do better than this if you have a chance to beat me."
He veered ahead of the Pink Cabriolet, expanding the distance between the two racers as he swerved the Speed Star, rapidly controlling the steering wheel to perform a quick manoeuvre to stop Amy's incoming missiles from reaching him.
"Hehe, what's the matter, Amy? Try to keep up." He cocked an expression of competitive spirit that was buried deep in the hedgehog's soul.
The Speed Star whizzed past another star post, failing to drift within the required radius to gain points. This merely infuriated the heroic icon as he merely snapped out of his cocky attitude, aiming for the power-up boxes, whipping out a Cube Wispon for Amy. He lay it down behind him, awaiting her sudden jolting only for the pink hedgehog to guide her vehicle past it.
Time was running out, and the Pink Cabriolet had only drifted past six star posts as opposed to Sonic's ten. Amy retained her focus, whizzing right into an item box and hastingly throwing a Rocket Wisp towards the Speed Star.
"Not on my watch!" An irritated tone emanated through the pink hedgehog as she guided the Pink Cabriolet through a red gate, giving her some more points to catch up to the blue blur as the timer ticked to ten seconds. This was the moment Amy had to attempt to snatch up another Team Rose victory. Her plan was creating another winning streak for not only her, but for Big and Omochao too. Sonic's cockiness resulted in drifting through another star post, following an item capsule that homed a Cube Wispon. Noticing the Pink Cabriolet gaining on him, he threw it behind the Speed Star for Amy to successfully get hit by.
"See you in the rear-view mirror!" He jolted away from her.
The distance was now expanding exponentially as Sonic drifted one final star post that was cleverly placed near the finish line, the tanuki plus all of the other racers spectating the Speed Star cross the line, announcing his victory. Amy would soon drive the Pink Cabriolet to the finish line in disappointment and mere anger.
(/)
"The winner is Sonic the Hedgehog with 1,500 points accumulated!" The tanuki proclaimed. "Therefore he achieved the milestone for a platinum medal!"
"Urrrggghhh!" Amy, being mildly annoyed by her sudden dip within the race only managed to accumulate 1,000 points for a silver medal. Despite this, she slipped into a sportsmanship spirit and leapt out of the parked Pink Cabriolet towards Sonic and his Speed Star. Soon afterwards, Dodon Pa descended his mobile towards the racers to congratulate them.
"You two did good out there, but I'm especially proud on how well you've performed the task so flawlessly, blue hedgehog." He spoke, garnering attention from the two hedgehogs.
Sonic switched off the Speed Star's engine and hopped out, appreciated.
"You know me. I learnt how to drift in a vehicle many years ago. I'm starting to get the hang of matching my best while on foot."
"Hohohoho! That's the kind of racing spirit I'd always love!"
"I will get my revenge, Sonic." Amy merely scoffed at his bragging rights. "You're not going to win every race after breaking our streak."
"Yeah, we'll see about that, Amy." The blue hedgehog smirked, challenging Amy to see who could win the next race.
"I think I'm going to head off back to my workshop in Mystic Ruins to try and get this mechanism working." Tails walked forward, carrying his Miles Electric. The kitsune turned to Sally nonchalantly. "Do you want to come with me, Sally?"
The chipmunk had though about this while on the pitstop, not least cheer on Sonic from afar.
"I guess I could..." She answered. "But I'm cautious about when the next race will be."
"You don't have to worry about the next race, my fine chipmunk." Dodon Pa hovered over, gifting her mere blushing. "I'm still working on the logistics on it."
Sally smiled, so did Tails. The kitsune retreated to his plane.
"It's not problem. As long as we can get back in time for the next race, we'll be fine." He stated.
"If you ever need me, just call me, okay Tails?" The blue hedgehog put assurance into him.
Tails smiled gleefully.
"Thanks Sonic. I think I can manage piloting my plane. I'm a natural at that." The fox turned to the Team Sonic mechanic. "Alright Sally, shall we head off now?"
"We best be on our way out of here too, young kitsune." Dodon Pa proclaimed, gathering up the rest of the racers enroute to Lost Palace. That is where the next race will be.
He lifted his finger and pushed it against a button located on his mobile, the ship's cargo hatch opening to store all of the vehicles whenever they weren't in the warehouses. The tanuki had a feature that allowed them to be teleported to each warehouse however, so there wouldn't be any margin for error. Dodon Pa turned to the racers, allowing them to hop on early. The loyalty for that sponsorship deal was way too fathomable for him to ignore.
"I got to do something real quick while I'm here! Feel free to hop inside the spaceship and wait until I return."
The tanuki therefore hovered toward the direction of Breeze Media's headquarters in a scurry. Neither racer had an idea about where he might be traversing. The only logical thing for them to undertake was loading up the ship's capacity as they entered and waited.
[TAILS' WORKSHOP, MYSTIC RUINS]
(Shadow the Hedgehog - Professor's Fault)
Tails and Sally could see the workshop up in the distance as they flew from Casino Park. Holstering his ambition and blueprint ideas firmly like a storage unit allowed him more time to think of new ideas to bring to the table. Propelling for a safe landing, he and the chipmunk merely braced for any rare occurrences of turbulence on the descent, the only cause for concern was the rocky terrain of the location. As the X Tornado was gradually slowing down towards the workshop, Tails held in his focus, repeated those other times he flew his massive planes, both old and new. He opened the hatch and jumped after there was no movement from the plane, Sally following him towards the garage as he opened the double doors with the single press of a button.
"Good to be back here again..." The princess spoke to herself.
She could see Tails walking over to his workbench, still organised and unscathed from any outside attacks recently. He laid down a blueprint of the GPS mechanism on the bench and pondered over where to start off. Sally walked over to him curiously.
"So... what needs doing Tails?" The chipmunk asked hesitantly as to not break the kitsune's full concentration on his specialized field. She took a quick peek at what the fox was achieving and stepped back. With his laptop beside him to use for the GPS software, he responded while simultaneously fixating on his project.
"This is going to take a while, Sally..." The kitsune was hesitant to rush this tracking device in the event of the thing malfunctioning. By assembling the relevant boards together to make a working executable version of the GPS Tracker, he turned on his laptop ready for the second part - programming the chip. Turning around to the accommodating chipmunk, he held out his palm to showcase the mechanism, Sally staring at the device.
"Is that...?"
"A GPS tracking device to install in the Speed Star and Land Breaker vehicles so that Sonic and Knuckles will check the Whirlwind Sport's location automatically without calling out my name everytime." Tails explained the purpose behind the mechanism. "It's super handy for when Team Sonic is on the track about to cruise to victory. You wouldn't see Honey use this to her advantage though."
Sally tilted her head in response.
"She wouldn't want to dabble in that tech as much as you do."
"I'm aware of that. It's only for my safety and their perception." The young kitsune made his way towards the X Tornado.
"I see..." Sally pondered a little. She knew how well Tails keeps within his specialism, always keeping him safe as well as Sonic and Knuckles, alongside the other crew. Even she didn't have a clue at what the fox had made, but she would be risking getting confused at the mention of his technical jargon behind all of the little nooks and crannies that aids the development of the GPS mechanism. The chipmunk followed him to the plane, awaiting to rejoin Sonic, Knuckles and the rest of the gang. Strapping herself behind Tails' drivers' set, she gave a thumbs up at the kitsune, the GPS mechanism still in his palm.
(/)
"I need to keep this little guy safe, like I did with the button for the jumpsuits." The fox set the small mechanism inside the X Tornado's dashboard storage unit for close security.
"I have to admit, you always make sure to keep your gadgets safe." The princess stated as the kitsune jumped on board.
Tails pressed the on-board garage controls inside of the dashboard, the double doors of Tails' workshop closing to reveal its metal texture adorned with the double-tail symbol synonymous with the owner.
"Alright, Sally. Are you ready to head back to Sonic and Knuckles and the others?" He slightly looked behind, to which she nodded. "Let's go!"
He thrusted the ignition forward, directing the plan in the direction of the runway. The fox kept close eye on the wings, ensuring that they avoided getting damaged by the row of palm trees dotting the overhanging cliff-edge. Without any moment's hesitation. Tails pressed the gas, piloting the X Tornado away from the workshop and into the air, bound for Seaside Hill's Lost Palace racetrack.
[BREEZE MEDIA HEADQUATERS, CASINO PARK]
Dodon Pa hovered over to a large neon building that acted as the centrepiece for Breeze Media's dominance over the area. His purpose was seeking to complete the delicious sponsorship deal that he was fond off, despite the tanuki's mindless view on contracts himself. This was offer he couldn't pass up on, even if it involved boosting the ratings of what he longed to achieve later down the line. He stopped right outside of the headquarters, peeking the intercom speakers perched on the wall outside the entrance. Keeping within his morals, he pressed the button that allowed him to speak.
"Hello! Breezie the Hedgehog here! How may I help you?"
"I would like to complete that sponsorship deal we were discussing earlier, if that's okay." The tanuki was mindful of his words.
"I thought you'd never show some loyalty. Be right down!"
The speaker went silent, only the hustle and bustle of the Casino Park pinball tables and chatter from casino folk kept the nightlife busy with its endless entertainment. Dodon Pa was patient, hovering over his watch as the wind whooshed around him in a sea of serenity. Breezie stumbled down the elevator in her large headquarters from the top floor and made a beeline towards the front double doors that the tanuki was halted by. Opening up to a moral-abiding Breezie led a contrast to his in-experienced nature of his deeds, the tanuki was merely captivated since the last time they've crossed paths and began to speak.
"How lovely of you to come down for me..." He spoke in a way that made her perceive something.
"Ah... About the sponsorship. Why don't we discuss this in my office. We'll take the elevator up to the top floor."
"Hohohoho! That is more than welcoming if I do say so myself!"
Dodon Pa followed the business hedgehog inside of the fancy headquarters full of gold statues and TV equipment strewn across sporadically for the Breeze Media TV crews to collect later. Taking the elevator up to the top floor, the tanuki wore a surprised visage at how well maintained her workplace was, only Wes couldn't keep a firm grasp on a spotless office, even from his own. Speaking of, the weasel was situated behind Breezie's desk, acting as a chaperone for Breezie's lavish executive job. Taking a seat facing Breezie and Wes, Dodon Pa couldn't wait to hear the news that lay before him.
"So... about that scrumptious deal..." Dodon Pa was excited to hear what news could emit from the CEO's mouth. However, she silently nodded and rested her cupped hands neatly on her wooden desk.
"I want to reconsider something..." The businesswoman cupped her hands on her desk, the index fingers pointing at the tanuki. "Instead of Breeze Media sponsoring this one area of your tournament, how about doing the entire thing."
"You want to sponsor my tournament?" Dodon Pa was taken aback a little.
"Sure. The prospect of you finding some organisation to sponsor each of your teams while I get set on making huge cash from broadcasting your racing tournament will put Breeze Media's recognition outside of Casino Park and across Mobius."
"I'll get to ordering some Dodon Pa merchandising to stores across the United Federation!" Wes stated. "You will be remembered as the one that put the concept of racing on the map!"
"Wes is absolutely right, Mister Pa!" Breezie added, lowering her hands to rest on her desk. "A sponsorship is always great when merchandising is on the cards. What do you say?"
"I think it's a wonderful idea for both of us to accomplish, Hohohoho!" He chuckled.
The businesswoman thus added with extensive zeal, proud for her proposal to head in the right direction.
"I was hoping you would say that!"
She rummaged through her tidy desk drawers, whipping out a piece of paper and a pen. From second glances - it appeared to be the contract papers for the deal to be confirmed. Dodon Pa glanced at the missing signature ready to be signed.
"All you need to do is sign your name on the bottom of the paper and we are all set to go!"
"We will seek out some funding and boost our commercial prospects, setting us outside of Casino Park itself." Wes repeated. "Me and Breezie will be hard at work promoting your business, while you work on what you achieve best."
"I have never worked with folks like you before, Hohohoho!" Dodon Pa chuckled while signing the contract papers.
Breezie dragged her gloved fingers across the desk, willing to pull the signed papers in her position. Emboldened by his determination to put on a show for the residents of Casino Park, the businesswoman stood up and offered a kind hand, to which Dodon Pa took.
"Very good! The deal is done!" She announced, smirking with hidden intent. "I will happily broadcast your races regardless of location. This will boost the sales and profit of our empire, and allow our broadcasting team from our own local area to travel by funding for them!"
"Hohohoho! I know you will love what I have planned for the blue hedgehog and his pals." The tanuki chuckled, enchanted.
"Of course we will! We'll watch your Casino Park races as VIP- me and Wes, and see how your teams react to the competition!"
"I'll tell them the good news on my return to them." The tanuki nodded as a result.
He was free to leave, dubious of the sponsorship deal being done. Breezie nodded, smiling at his easy-going attitude and willingness to oblige to a kind promotional deal quite like Breeze Media. Wes was also enlightened too, as Dodon Pa kindly dismissed himself, gradually walking out of the executive office and soon out of the building for his spaceship. With heads held up high, he closed the hatch, the racers discussing the tanuki further with minor trust issues inbound.
[SEASIDE HILL WAREHOUSE, SEASIDE HILL]
Things were looking calm inside the warehouse as Espio was leaning against a wall that ran the perimeter of the large room where the team vehicles were being lined up for inspection. Sally Acorn and Honey the Cat were stationed around the vehicles and at the workbenches respectively, making any breakthroughs with discovering any faults within their team's racing cars. Despite following through their fairly new roles, Honey had the thought of a feature so far unused in the tournament, thus asking in hopes of a satisfying answer.
"Do you think we should start asking Dodon Pa for the mods since I'm curious what they actually do?" Honey pondered as she turned away from the stationary Chao Pod, Sally and Espio staring for an answer.
"Well. We probably don't need the vehicles to look basic and plain so that's an avenue to explore". The princess answered.
"Mods are a thing? What's a mod?" Espio scratched his forehead with a single finger, destined to search for a conclusive answer by himself. Fortunately, the two mechanics heard the chameleon and turned his way.
"We can use mods to enhance our racers' vehicles. Right now, we have zero mods brought. But we're going to ask Dodon Pa to exchange some to use to our advantages."
"Aah, now that you explained it, it makes more sense for you to use them within the teams." Espio concluded.
Somehow, he would have to scout out the concept a bit thorough when apart of Vector's new team as the mechanic. Even though Sally and Honey were still new to the idea of Mod Pods, the perks of having authority over teams sounded riveting to pass up on. Suddenly, the warehouse door burst ajar as Dodon Pa, in his mobile hovered inside.
"Aah, there you are, purple chameleon!" He initiated as the chameleon glanced over at him from Sally and Honey. His perception was hidden despite merely showcasing how Amy gave an impression on him. He kept a calm, pensive impression on him from behind his back merely to avoid getting too carried away. The three watched as the tanuki stopped right in front of them.
"Just the guy we needed." Sally came forward, bearing the question she was given by Honey. "I need to ask you something, Dodon Pa."
"Why yes, what is it, my exquisite chipmunk?"
She stopped briefly, confused that the tanuki would even describe her like that. Granted she just met him, but she soon answered her concerns.
"Want us to get starting with the mods we buy from the Mod Pod or should we save that for later?"
"It's entirely up to you and Honey and the rest of the soon-to-be mechanics, Hohohoho!" The host chuckled. "I was just coming in here for something completely different, but I'm glad you've asked."
He made a beeline towards a quiet chameleon, leaning against the wall pondering over who Vector's team-mates would be. Retracting away from the wall as soon as he caught Dodon Pa, he faced him anticipating his words.
"I will give you the basic run-down on the team mechanics role, cunning chameleon." The tanuki brushed his mustache briefly, preparing his obligatory explanation to Espio.
"I'm ready..." He folded his arms in an intriguing manner, patient enough for the host to start.
Dodon Pa hovered his gloved hand to clear his throat. The Chaotix member didn't mind his demeanour as much as Amy did, but he kept his cool.
"A team mechanics' job is as simple - you will make you your team's vehicles are worthy enough to race by inspecting their fuel and fixing any faults that you may come across. There are plenty of tools for you to test your might with. Sally Acorn and Honey the Cat will help you when you are unsure of what your job is."
Espio's eyes raised a little - Vector didn't always have to remind him of what needs doing at the agency. He was always too comprehensive for both Vector and Charmy to keep pushing him around. Did this Dodon Pa really mean this or was he being vague like always?
"I see..." He answered with simplicity.
"It will surely give you something to work with once you get the team together, hohohoho!" The tanuki blatantly chuckled.
"Vector can be a bit 'pushy' with how he handles things." The chameleon stated regarding his trustworthy boss, referencing his behaviour back at the agency. "I don't suppose he may be looking for a team right now."
"Well in that case... He better choose one soon, or else I'm going to fill his team up."
He soon departed from the chameleon that interpreted the rum nature of the host, exiting the warehouse as Ally and Honey stood aside spectating the exchange like they were ready to assist if needs be.
"Dodon seems... kinda peculiar." The ninja walked forward. "Now I resonate with Amy after talking to her about it."
"To be fair, he only cares about the 'Basics' of the team mechanics. If we want to go beyond, it's up to us." Sally draped her chin in mere suspicion. However, that quickly evaporated with mirth upon her own realization.
"He is a harmless tanuki after all." Honey stated. "He only wants Sonic, Amy and the rest of the racers to perform well."
"Hmm..." Espio pondered a little on Sally and Honey's interpretation and perception of him. "Yes... He is mysterious, but we gotta follow the boss' orders."
"He is quite the mysterious fellow." Sally stated, preparing to analyse the chameleon's presence. "So you're still working for Vector?".
"Yes." He only granted a slight nod. He has given his explanation before when speaking with Amy, but at the risk of not knowing whether or not Sally or Honey were within that group at the time he briefly recapped. "Charmy is spending some time at my boss' friends', so she can keep a close eye on him."
"I wouldn't picture Charmy being careful while stationed in this garage." The chipmunk responded, cautious of how he behaves, especially involving an occupation that required full knowledge and concentration on automobile maintenance.
"He wouldn't have the knowledge anyway... That's why I'm here instead..."
That was when Honey suddenly gasped, remembering an urgent detail she almost forgot to undertake.
"While we're here..." Honey rummaged behind her and pulled out a measuring tape. Walking over to the chameleon, she expanded the tape down from his head down to the foot, much to the Chaotix member's confusion.
"What are you doing?"
"You're going to need something to wear while being a mechanic for your team." The fashion designer stated. "I'd rather not let you risk having oil or any other substance on your fur. Because if you don't look sweet, you're not wearing honey!"
"Hmm..." The chameleon retracted to his pondering state, agreeing to wear something for this occasion. "If it helps both you and Vector, I'll do it."
"I think Vector will like Dodon Pa." Sally stated, merely lifting the wrench upwards to avoid hurting herself. "But then judging by my friends experiences..."
"Yes... That is a point of concern."
"Getting used to him is going to be the hardest part." Honey stated, retreating from the two mobians, holstering a wrench. "Anyway, I have to work on getting my team's vehicles fixed up for the next race."
"Well... if you need anything Espio, we're always here." The chipmunk responded, attempting to keep his spirits alight.
"That is better than nothing."
The cynical chameleon pondered over his boss - whether he would be able to fulfil his new team in time for the next race and beyond. Without the crocodile's word beaming in his direction for a while now, he was starting to feel a paltry sense of brood about this whole shebang. Neither Sally or Honey suspected that Espio would be unhinged by this, as they were only working under the sachem of Dodon Pa. The fashion designer soon parted ways with the two of them to begin on a third mechanic jumpsuit, Sally picking up her wrench and walking towards the Land Breaker to analyse any potential faults. Espio, meanwhile just watched, as any word from Vector was an update to his findings. All the chameleon could do was wait for now and spectate the mechanic role he was about to enter into.
[WHALE LAGOON, SEASIDE HILL]
The scenery of the Seaside Hill landscape was calm and breezy, only the gentle wind took its time to merely interrupt the notion. It was otherwise a pleasant feeling for a coastal Adabat location to be meteorically friendly to its surroundings. The faintest of chatter from mobians and humans were the only ones who breathe life into the location. A mysterious glow encompassed a random hillside that overlooked the Whale Lagoon racetrack that was a result of the entry way for Blaze, Marine and Gardon to enter the scene as each had two Sol Emeralds they took responsible of. As they landed, they gazed at the surrounding beauty of the Adabat archipelago, admiring its natural landscape.
"Where are we, your highness?" The concerned guard spoke of this new locale he has never visited before.
"Fret not, Gardon..." The princess was still calm from before she was transported. She was staring out into the familiar horizon "We are in Seaside Hill - a familiar sight of mine. Stick to my side and I'll guide you anywhere in this world."
The princess turned around to the two of them quickly.
"Gardon. Marine. This may take me beyond what either of you were expecting." Blaze closed her eyes, imagining a possible way for the two of them to stay in this world. "I may need to go alone to enter the race."
"But what happened to us sticking by your side in this dimension?" The guard pondered.
"Then I must require someone to take you in to refuge while I race with this 'mysterious entity'. They'll perhaps have better directions that match my own."
"But who?" The raccoon asked, leaning behind Gardon as the guard scratched his head pondering. She was right. She hadn't known any other mobian besides Sonic, Blaze and Gardon, so it would be awkward for her to picture the scenario of introduction.
"Tell me, Gardon. Is this host nearby?" Blaze requested her number one guard. He provided some shade by shielding the sun with her hand.
"I don't see anyone else around here, sire." The guard promptly stated, scanning the landscape for someone to no avail. "Do you think he's hosting a race somewhere else? Is that a part of his tournament?"
"Hmmm..." The princess draped her chin with her finger, attempting to decipher Dodon Pa's location alongside the crew. "You could be right, but if it's that serious for him to invite me..."
"Wh-what's going on, mate?" Marine was unsure of Blaze and Gardon's exchange. As carefree as she would be, she didn't quite understand why Blaze would get invited to this strange meeting.
"It's nothing, Marine." The feline princess responded. "I'm just as baffled why he would contact me from a different dimension."
"It's weird..." Gardon added, the pondered thought reaching through his mind too. "He said he will be here, but he isn't."
"Another busy mobian, perhaps?" The princess closed her eyes once more, thinking beyond the tanuki's strategy of getting things done quickly. "I guess I'm not needed after all. He is just wasting my time."
"Blaze, take a gander at this." Marine, somewhat quieter than the two royalties noticed something on a nearby cliff-face. It appeared to resemble some sort of stand overhang, with its bleachers nicely tucked inside within its yellow roof and red exterior. The three mobians rushed over, peeking over from the cliff to spectate an empty racetrack, its inhabitants watching the Roulette Road Daredevil challenge about to commence. Even the racers weren't there. Blaze would've thought any racer would practise using this track, but there wasn't anybody in view from their perspective.
"Huh... Whale Lagoon, an un-scathed gem." The feline cat reminisced. "I remember Sonic racing on this track years ago when we had visitors entering Mobius."
Neither Gardon or Marine had no idea what the princess was talking about, hence they stared at her with puzzled looks painted across their faces.
"But... that's not important now. It seems as though Dodon Pa isn't here right now, which is mystifying."
"Where do you think he might be, Blaze?" Marine pondered too. Compared to the seven seas, this was a mystery to the pirate girl also.
"When I received that invitation, he was missing the vital figures of his passage. But I know for sure he wants me in the race for sure."
"Does your friend Silver know about this too?" Gardon asked, much to Marine's confusion.
"No idea, but we must wait here in the familiarity of Seaside Hill for him."
"Sounds good enough to us."
Blaze, despite being calm knew that something was afoot surrounding this invitation. She wasn't sure of its existence, or rather how she was a chosen figure in Dodon Pa's plan to include more racers into the fray. How would this even add up? Did this build up to something much greater than just a measly racing invitation? What was the purpose behind all of this? Her mind generated all of those questions. But as the proud and brave ruler of the Sol Dimension she was, had no worry for her safety. Was that all about to change however? The purple feline walked over towards the Whale Lagoon track to inspect more of the surrounding landscape as Gardon and Marine both joined her.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Dodon Pa's Tournament - Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, Tails Miles Prower, Amy Rose, Big the Cat, Omochao.
Team Mechanics - Sally Acorn, Honey the Cat, Espio the Chameleon.
References:
Sonic Heroes - Amy's response to Casino Park references the original Team Rose that includes Cream the Rabbit.
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog/Archie Comics Sonic - Wes Weasley's character is based off of his incarnation in the television series. His appearance is based off the Archie Comics version of the character. Breezie meanwhile retains her businesswoman persona in the Archie Comics.
Sonic Drift 1/2 - After the race, Sonic remarks on how he learnt how to drift years ago, alluding to the Sonic Drift spin-off games in the mid 90s.
Archie Comics Sonic - Honey utters the slogan for her brand while measuring Espio's height for a third mechanic jumpsuit. She also mentions the Chaos Emerald Championship that was the main focus in the Champions' Arc towards the beginning of the chapter.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing - Blaze reminisces about Sonic racing in Whale Lagoon alongside AiAi, Billy Hatcher, Ryo Hazuki and more. Whale Lagoon was also a racetrack from the game.
Figuring out how sponsorships work allows me to adapt this information into Breezie's subplot, effectively starting it. I think I have an idea about what this plot is going to be about, but there's always time to think about it before I eventually get to resuming the subplot. Bare in mind that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adapting this whole entire Team Sonic Racing game into something interesting to read, so I shall consider other elements to enhance the Breeze Media subplot.
Please Review.