-Chapter 202-
Sonic Scared Stupid, Part 1
Station Square
A week after the Pinball Fortress incident, Chris met up with the rest of Team Thorndyne after school.
"Guys!" he exclaimed. "You'll never guess what I got!"
"An invite to the science fair?" Hope asked.
"You kidding?" Kat questioned. "The day he's allowed back in the science fair is the day I'm allowed back on the baseball team."
"I have a good idea what it is," said Keith.
"Bingo," Chris held up four plane tickets. "Invites to the set of Mom's latest film shoot!"
"Seriously?" Hope exclaimed. "That's awesome!"
"We could use a bit of a break honestly," Keith agreed.
"Where's the film?" Kat asked.
"In Sylvania Castle."
They exchanged looks at that.
"As in… the place where Sonic and Eggman stirred up King Boom Boo while we were locked up on the Death Egg Mark II?" Hope asked nervously.
"Relax, Hope," Chris assured. "Breezie had her men sweep the place top to bottom. The Booms are most likely still bugging Egghead."
"God, I hope so," Kat sighed. "Those things were a pain in the ass back in that pyramid thing."
Chris grinned. "Pack your bags, ladies and Keith. We're going to the movies!"
"Sweet!" Hope cheered. "Hey, maybe if I use some of my frequent flyer miles, I could get Sam a ticket too!"
"Yeah!" Keith agreed. "I'm sure Aunt Lindsey would love to have him come."
Kat grinned. "Maybe you can have a little quiet time with him and finally ask him out."
Hope immediately turned beet red.
"W-who said I'm gonna ask out Sam?!" she babbled. "I mean, I got a lot of work to do, then I can ask Sam out! I mean, I'm not asking out Sam!" She shook her head. "I-I mean… shut up, Kat!"
Kat smirked as she held up her hands in mock surrender. Omochao peeked his head out of Hope's bag.
"Hope, I detect a 20% rise in your body heat," he reported. "Are you sick? If so, I recommend you take some aspirin and lie down for about two hours."
Hope just buried her face in her hands and ran off.
"I see now why teasing me with Helen was so much fun," Chris remarked.
"Oh yeah," Keith agreed. "You were just as bad."
Sylvania
The next evening found Team Thorndyke, accompanied by Sam, disembarking a plane at Sylvania's airport. Waiting on the runway for them was none other than Lindsey Fair.
"Chris, darling!" Lindsey exclaimed, hugging her son. "I'm so happy you and your friends could make it."
"Hi, Mom," Chris greeted. "Thanks for inviting us."
"Of course! I heard you all have been rather busy as of late, so I figured you kids could use a nice break. Plus, it's been far too long since I've had the chance to see my son."
Sam gave a two-fingered salute in greeting. "And thanks for letting me join them, Mrs. Thorndyke."
"Of course, Sam," Lindsey assured. "Hope's like a daughter to me, and how could I turn away the boy who makes her happy?"
"Mrs. Thorndyke!" Hope exclaimed.
Sam turned to her as she covered her blushing face in embarrassment.
"Why does the earth never open up to swallow you whole when you want it to…" she sighed before picking up her suitcase. "Let's just get to the car."
"Yes," Lindsey nodded. "I have a limo waiting for us."
"Sweet!" Kat let out. "I've never been in a limo before."
-X-
One limo ride later, they found themselves before Sylvania Castle.
"This is where you're shooting?" Sam asked, looking at the creepy castle and its surroundings. "Huh... must be a horror movie."
"Oh no, it's actually a tragic romance," Lindsey corrected. "Although, I suppose there are some suspenseful elements at play."
As they headed up the trail with their luggage, they talked, discussing things like their favorite movies.
"I'm actually a bit of a horror movie buff myself," Sam admitted. "Grew up watching them with my dad. Any of you ever seen the Malicious Corpses (1) series?"
"Nope!" Kat declared. "Not a horror movie fan. I avoid them like the plague."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "You wrestled a shark with your bare hands and fight all kinds of crazy stuff on a daily basis, and horror movies are too much for you?"
"Yeah, so?" Kat asked defensively.
Chris held up his hands. "Just didn't expect it, is all."
"I'm more into sci-fi," Hope cut in. "Chao in Space is one of my favorites."
"Eh, I'm not a fan myself," Keith remarked. "The horror, I mean. Chao in Space is pretty cool."
As they walked past a tree, Chris perked, sensing something off. Behind him, the tree sprouted a face, scowling and growling, but it vanished as soon as Chris turned to look at it. This went on for a minute before Chris shrugged and followed the others, the tree's face laughing evilly…
-X-
The day passed without incident, the kids watching Lindsey's shoot before eventually being led to their rooms. Chris, Keith, and Sam were led to one bedroom while Kat and Hope were taken to one across the hall. Sam was immediately drawn to the mini-fridge near the bed.
"Ooh, what have we got in here?" He popped it open. "Sweet! Chao Cola!"
He grabbed a cherry one, along with a chocolate bar. "You guys want any? This thing is stocked."
"Nah, I'm good," Keith replied. "Chris?"
Chris was looking out the window.
"Uh… Chris?"
"Huh?" Chris turned to them. "What is it?"
"The mini-fridge has a boatload of soda and candy bars," Sam explained. "You want some?"
"Nah, not hungry."
Keith's eyes narrowed. "Cuz... you okay?"
"Not sure," Chris admitted. "Something just feels... off."
"Off how?" Sam asked, opening the can. "Didn't Miss Breezie say they didn't find any ghosts?"
"No offense to Breezie, but is she really qualified to hunt ghosts?" Chris asked.
"Well... no," Keith admitted. "But ten to one she hired an expert."
"Still…"
"You're not going to be able to sleep until we check it out, are you?" Keith asked.
Chris shook his head.
"Well, guess we better get started, then." Sam decided.
"You sure you can handle it?"
Sam rolled his eyes. "Chris, I'm a black belt in karate, and my dad's part of GUN's special forces. I'll be fine."
"Well, can't argue with that." Keith remarked.
"Think we should get the girls?" Chris questioned.
"Nah," Keith said. "Trust me, you do not want to try and wake Kat up."
Chris perked. "Wait. Is that how you broke your nose last month?"
Keith winced, but nodded.
"Right, let girls sleep," Sam nodded. "Got it."
Grabbing flashlights, the boys went out to check the grounds.
-X-
In their own room, Hope lay awake, trying to sleep, while Kat was already out cold. She perked as she heard bizarre noises above, along with slight laughter. Immediately, she got out of bed, nudging Kat.
"Kat…" she said quietly. "Kat…!"
She got a zombie-like groan in response.
"You asleep?"
"I was…" Kat rolled over, still half-asleep. "What is it?"
"I heard something. Something... off."
Kat was about to talk, but Hope shushed her, gesturing for her to listen as more sounds and laughter sounded above. Kat's eyes immediately snapped wide open.
"Oh crap…" she jumped out of bed. "Where's my bat?"
Hope handed it over. "I really hope it's not what I think it is…"
Hope grabbed a flashlight, drawing a small GUN pistol from her bag as Kat picked up her bat. They headed for the attic, carefully looking around as they stood back to back.
"Keep your light handy," Kat advised as she slid off her bracers, flaring up slightly. "These things don't like it."
They looked around before Hope's foot bumped a box, spilling a slew of moths. Immediately, they began swatting, Hope inadvertently knocking Kat across the room as she did. As the moths flew out, Hope snatched up the flashlight, looking around.
"Kat?!" she let out. "Kat! Where are you?!"
A groan sounded as Kat stood up, her head smashed through the portrait of a Streaking Pasha... and sticking out right where the horse's rear end would be (2). Hope snorted, putting a hand to her mouth to keep from giggling.
"Not. Funny." Kat hissed as she snapped the portrait in half, tossing it aside as Hope composed herself.
"Sorry." she said.
"Right. Just keep an eye out for the Booms."
They were beginning to look around when lightning suddenly flashed, illuminating a huge scary shadow. Hope immediately jumped into Kat's arms, the two screaming in fear for a few moments before Kat looked up at the window.
"Wait a minute… stop!" Hope did so as she pointed. "Look. It's just a toy."
Hope shined the flashlight up, seeing it was a mere jack-in-the-box that was casting the shadow.
"Right…" she laughed sheepishly. "Okay. You can put me down now."
Kat did, her friend falling to the ground in a small explosion of dust.
"Wait a sec…" Hope perked. "This castle's been abandoned for decades... maybe even centuries. So why is there a jack in the box?"
"Maybe it belongs to the film crew?" Kat offered.
The door suddenly burst open. Hope immediately drew her gun, about to pull the trigger when…
"Whoa, whoa!" Sam recoiled, holding up his hands. "Hold your fire!"
"Sam?!" Hope lowered the gun. "Do you have any idea how close you came to getting shot?!"
Sam took a deep breath, feeling his pulse slow down as Chris and Keith entered. "We heard you two screaming from outside, and I panicked."
"Why the hell do you even have your gun here?" Keith demanded.
Hope holstered it. "Shadow's insistence."
"I'm guessing you two decided to look into this place as well?" Chris asked.
Hope blinked. "Wait, you heard weird noises and didn't think to tell us?"
"In my defense, the last time I didn't let a sleeping Kat lie, I got a busted nose." Keith pointed out.
"I said I was sorry," Kat said defensively. "I was in a nightmare, and Tikal hadn't come to the rescue yet."
Keith nodded. "Okay, fair enough."
"Okay, back on track," Chris cut in. "I've been getting weird vibes from the castle all day. I think there might be Booms here."
"Oh, I can guarantee it," said Kat. "I heard them laughing."
"Oh yeah, you and Knuckles got up close and personal with them," Chris recalled.
"Didn't Breezie say she had people check for ghosts?" Sam pointed out.
"Yeah, right," Kat snorted. "Like she has professional ghost hunters on retainer."
"Okay, guys. I think now's the time to hole up in our rooms for the night," Hope decided. "Let's get outta here before something else-"
The door suddenly opened wider before slamming shut with a loud bang. "...happens."
All of them were on the defensive, weapons raised and light sources ready. Sam backed up to the door, checking the knob as spooky laughter sounded.
"Yep, it's locked," He jumped back before kicking the door off its hinges, sending it crashing to the floor. "C'mon, let's go!"
All of them took off, following after Sam. They ducked into the boys' room, turning on every light.
"Okay… so this place is definitely haunted," Sam mused.
"Oh gee, ya think?" Keith deadpanned.
"I'm calling this in," Hope decided, pulling out her communicator. "We can't do this alone."
Knothole
Sonic and Sally entered the lab, where Tails and Cosmo were talking. The minute they entered, Sonic raised a hand to his nose.
"Tails?" he began. "Have you been going on a mint binge again?"
"Uh…" Tails began, "no?"
Sonic raised an eyebrow, seeing there were three empty mint candy tins on the floor around his chair.
"I can see three empty tins right there."
Tails turned around, his mouth full. Cosmo was rapidly scooping up more from another tin.
"Make it five," he corrected.
"Damn it, Tails," Sonic sighed. "This entire place reeks. You really gotta learn to control your cravings."
"Says the guy who scarfs chili dogs by the ton." Sally deadpanned.
"...Okay, you got me there."
At that moment, Nicole popped in.
"Sorry to interrupt, boys, but I just got an SOS from Team Thorndyke."
Everyone exchanged looks at that.
Sylvania Castle
As dawn loomed over Sylvania, the Freedom Fighter Special docked outside of the castle, the founding Freedom Fighters, alongside Amy, Cream, and Cheese, disembarking.
"Never thought I'd be coming back here," Sonic mused.
"My scanners are picking up some very strange readings," Rotor noted.
They entered the castle, where they were greeted by Breezie, Lindsey, and Team Thorndyke.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Sally said. "Had to gather the team for this one."
"I don't understand it…" Breezie insisted. "The ghost hunters I hired said they cleared the place. No ghostly activity."
"Well, clearly you hired the wrong guys," Chris deadpanned.
"I've been trying to reach them since last night, but their number's been disconnected," Breezie went on.
Sonic got a sinking suspicion. "Breeze... what was the name of the ghost hunters?"
"Mr. Tinker's Ecto-Pest control." Breezie held out a business card. "Here."
They looked at the card, which depicted a man in a ghost hunter uniform, a Boom in the middle of a "No" symbol on the chest, with an eerily familiar mustache and an equally familiar girl by his side.
"Ugh… I knew it," Sonic crumpled the card. "Breeze, you got swindled. Eggman literally had you pay to have him dump the Booms back here."
"Eggman?"
"Not only that, but Mr. Tinker is a nickname a lot of us called Julian back in the day. You seriously didn't recognize him?"
"I only spoke to his assistant!" Breezie perked. "Who was his other niece, wasn't she?"
Sonic nodded. "Yep. You got to meet Eggatha herself."
"But… she was so sweet, and so polite."
"Yeah, Aggie's a good actress," Hope remarked.
Breezie scowled, enraged. "That evil, egg-sucking son of a-!"
Sonic immediately clapped his hands over Cream's ears as Breezie went into an enraged, expletive-ridden rant.
"Breezie, please!" Lindsey objected. "There are children present!"
"You kidding?" Kat scoffed. "I've said far worse."
As Breezie stopped, breathing heavily, Sonic slowly removed his hands from Cream's ears.
"Okay, so we have the Booms on the loose," he began. "What's the plan?"
"For now, intel and recon," Sally decided. "We stand by and keep an eye out for anything spooky."
"Have fun with that," Knuckles cut in. "I'm sitting this one out. I've already had my ghost battle, thank you very much."
Everyone turned to him at that.
"Yeah…" Sam began, "say, why don't we take you to Honey Clothing and have you fitted for a Cucky (3) suit?"
"Normally, I'd agree with you, but I've seen the Booms too," Sonic admitted. "Those things are freaky."
"Exactly, and you do NOT want to cross their King." Knuckles added, he and Kat shuddering.
"Well, we didn't come all this way for nothin'," Bunnie said. "May not be what we normally deal with, but if there's trouble, it's our job to fix it."
"Yeah!" Sticks chimed in. "And I even brought all manner of ghost-proof stuff!"
She dropped a bag, pulling out such things as garlic, stakes, silver bullets, hammers, and crosses. Everyone stared at the bag.
"Yeah…" Johnny sighed. "I made the mistake of mentioning ghosts too close to her hole. She was on the Special before we even realized it."
"You just happen to have all this supernatural repellent?" Keith questioned.
"I've got defenses against all kinds-a junk. Meteors, wildfires, floods, people trying to read my thoughts."
Hope raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
Sally pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sadly…"
"The 'people trying to read my thoughts' one is exactly the same as the meteor one, but with tinfoil trim."
Breezie turned to Sonic in bewilderment. He just shrugged.
"Don't ask."
"Anyway!" Rotor cut in. "I can set up EMF Meters. Hopefully, we can pinpoint where these things originate from."
"EMF?" Shorty questioned.
"Electromagnetic frequency," Porker clarified. "Ghosts tend to emit electrical fields. It's why lights and electronics go crazy around them."
"In the meantime, I need to go to makeup," Lindsey decided. "The shoot will begin soon."
"You're still continuing with the movie?" Antoine asked.
"Breezie's sunk a lot of money into this picture," Lindsey pointed out. "Besides, with you kids on the case, what's there to worry about?"
"Don't worry ma'am," Tails promised. "We'll get to the bottom of this."
"I'll keep an eye on the shoot," Knuckles decided. "That way I don't have to be part of this damn ghost hunt."
With that, they headed off.
Author's Note:
(1): Mobian Evil Dead.
(2): Twofold reference to Family Guy and MouseHunt.
(3): Mobini chicken.
There we have it. An adaptation of "Sonic's Scream Test" just in time for October. The title comes from the movie Ernest Scared Stupid, as well as Balena Productions' YouTube video series of the same name.
Also, before anyone says anything, I consider Bunnie, Shorty, and Sticks part of the founding Freedom Fighters alongside the original seven who joined as part of Sally's Initiative because they joined during the Westside Island incident, their first mission as a team.
Next chapter, Sonic and the gang look into the threat of the Booms, and just might get their pants scared off.
Please R&R. Until next time!
