-Chapter 297-
Shanghaied Sonic
Station Square
It started as a day like any other. Summer had begun for the city of Station Square, now finally free of the Ragnium deep freeze the Einherjar had trapped it in when they invaded that spring. School had been let out early with graduation occurring remotely, and everyone was looking forward to a warm, relaxing summer vacation.
"Crap!"
Everyone except for Sonic the Hedgehog. The normally cool, collected, and cocky Hero of Mobius was fleeing for his life, sweat pouring down his fear-razzled face as he beat feet.
"Gotta keep going! Gotta keep running! Can't let him catch me!"
"Sonic!"
Sonic let out a yelp as he looked over his shoulder, a mass of golden yellow lightning heading toward him and catching up rapidly.
"Eek! Go and run faster! Go and run faster!"
Sonic surged with Chaos Lightning as he picked up the pace. He zipped by several people, startling them and nearly knocking them over from the sheer force of his speed.
"Sorry!" he called out, only to grunt in pain as he felt his leg muscles tense, causing him to stumble before falling over.
"Agh! Cramp, cramp, cramp!" He winced as he clutched his leg in pain. "Okay, pull yourself together Sonic. You managed to lose him, you're gonna be fine."
Sonic froze as another burst of yellow lightning flashed from behind a building.
"Or not…"
Within seconds, the amber flash arrived, revealing the grim, stoic form of Sonic's pursuer.
"Alright, Sonic," Shadow the Hedgehog said. "I have you now, so don't bother…what?"
Shadow looked around, only to find that Sonic was nowhere in sight.
"What the...? How did he…?"
Shadow's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of comm static.
"Hope to Shadow," Hope's voice sounded from the device. "Come in, Shadow. Have you managed to apprehend Sonic yet?"
"This is Shadow, That's a negative. Not only is he fast, but he's crafty. Managed to give me the slip."
"Well, this is Sonic. Still, even he couldn't have gotten too far. He's out of rings and all exits from the city have been walled off by a shield. You'll catch him."
"That was the plan, Hope. Just need to–"
Shadow perked.
"You there!" he shouted, pointing to a man in a long, thick coat, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
"Wh-Who me?" the man asked, pointing to himself.
"Yeah, you." Shadow pulled the front of his jacket open, revealing his GUN badge attached to the inner lining. "Agent Shadow the Hedgehog. Guardian Units of Nations, Team Dark. I'd like to ask you something."
Closing his jacket, Shadow tapped on a high-tech watch on his wrist, which produced a small hologram of Sonic that began spinning slowly.
"Have you seen this Mobian recently?"
"Sonic the Hedgehog?" the man asked, squinting at the image as he tilted his head in thought before snapping his fingers. "Oh yeah! He just ducked into that corner shop. Looked like he had a Badnik on his tail or somethin'."
"Yeah, or something." Shadow killed the hologram. "Thank you for your cooperation, Mister…"
"Bob Beaky, sir!" The man gave a salute. "Always a pleasure supporting our troops."
Shadow nodded and skated off… only to immediately skid to a stop as realization dawned.
"Wait a second… SONIC!"
-X-
Meanwhile, "Bob Beaky" had scurried off into a nearby alley, ducking behind a stack of cardboard boxes.
"Whew, that was close!" He removed his hat and shades, revealing Sonic. "Never thought I'd see the day I'd want to wear this crummy disguise, but I guess there's a first time for everything. Probably should've made a summer version though."
He wiped the sweat from his brow and unzipped his coat, releasing a bit of steam that had built up.
"Much better." He sighed and smiled in relief. "Now, I just gotta lay low for a while until Edgey-Hedgey gets tired of looking and leaves. Then, it's off to Green Hill for…"
"I wouldn't be making travel plans just yet, Sonic."
The color drained from Sonic's face as he turned to the mouth of the alley, where Shadow was casually leaning against the wall. The black hedgehog smirked, tapping on his comm.
"Reduce shield threshold to my current location."
"Copy that."
The shining barrier that had been surrounding the city shrunk down, growing smaller and smaller until all it enclosed was the alley. Sonic already knew it had been fine-tuned that it wouldn't release its set target: i.e. Him.
"Bob Beaky." Shadow chuckled to himself. "You almost had me there."
"Shadow, wait, please!" Sonic pleaded, backing away slowly. "Don't do this! You're a fellow hedgehog! We're practically family!"
"Sorry Sonic, but orders are orders." The Ultimate Lifeform slowly held up a single hand, golden light sparking in his eyes and across his fingers. "Chaos… BINDING!"
Faster than even Sonic could blink, golden energy lashed out at Sonic, wrapping around his chest like a lasso. It tightened to the point that his arms were pinned to his side, preventing him from wriggling free. The other end of that energy cord was quickly grasped in Shadow's hand like a parent holding a baby leash.
"What the…?!" Sonic let out, trying to struggle despite himself. "Since when could you do something like this?!"
"Perhaps if you showed up for Chaos training, you'd know about construction." Shadow tapped his comm once more. "This is Shadow to base. Target has been neutralized. Moving to the extraction point now."
"Copy that, Shadow," Hope replied. "Disabling the shield. See you there."
With that, she hung up and the dome entrapping Sonic died away.
"Uhhhh…I don't suppose this would be a good time to ask for a bathroom break?" Sonic asked hopefully.
"No."
And with that, Shadow began dragging Sonic out of the alley, the blue hedgehog screaming the entire way.
Meanwhile...
Amy looked down at her watch, it was already ten minutes to noon and she was starting to get impatient.
"Ohhh…where are they!?" she demanded as she tapped her foot.
"Please, calm down, Miss Amy," Cream soothed. "I'm sure they'll be here soon."
"We were supposed to leave thirty minutes ago, Cream. There's a difference between fashionably late and just being a horrible guest."
"But, Chris and Keith were the ones who invited us."
"I was talking about Sonic," Amy clarified.
"Don't worry, Amy," Hope cut in as she looked over her tablet. "I just got a call from Shadow. They should be back any minute now. In the meantime, you two wanna watch Deena's new livestream? She's giving a tour of famous Spagonian monuments."
That made Amy and Cream perk.
"Ooh! Spagonia!"
"I'd love to!"
The two girls gathered around Hope's tablet to watch the video, where they saw Deena standing in front of a large, ornate fountain, using her phone as a camera.
"And here, we have the beautiful Fuente Magica," she said, gesturing toward the fountain with her free hand. "Despite its classic era appearance, the fountain is actually only 98 years old, having been built for the International Arts Exhibition as a tribute to the architects and artists of old and their enduring legacy and impact on the world." Her expression turned solemn. "Endurance best seen during the Great War, when the city was devastated by several catastrophic bombing raids and the fountain miraculously sustained only minimal damage."
That brought a smile to the three girls' faces, one that Deena quickly mirrored.
"Today, the Fuente Magica is one of Spagonia's national treasures, as well as it's also its biggest cultural center, having been used as a venue for live musical performances, whether it's traditional orchestra or setting the fountain's many jets and spouts to go off in time to recorded tracks, often with colored lights added for extra visual flair."
"Oooooh…" Cream let out.
"How romantic," Amy sighed longingly.
"That said," Deena continued, her expression growing serious. "While the fountain is open to the public swimming in it is absolutely not allowed."
Deena's eyes widened as a loud splash caught her attention.
"Hey!" Echo the Dolphin shouted as she was dragged out the fountain by a pair of police officers, her clothes conspicuously absent. "What do you think you're doing! Unhand me!"
"Ma'am, please, you can't swim in the fountain!" one of the officers pleaded.
"But they said it was open to the public!" Echo retorted angrily.
"That doesn't mean you can swim in it! Now get out!" the other officer snapped.
"Something I forgot to tell my boon companion." Deena facepalmed as she shook her head in embarrassment and annoyance, her distant audience giving her awkward, sympathetic smiles. "Sorry wetheads, looks like we're gonna have to cut this episode short while I fish Echo out of trouble. But we'll be back tomorrow for more misadventures in the heart of Eurish! 'Til then, this has been Fish Outta Water! Like, subscribe, and stay moist!"
Deena smiled, flashing a small fang as she gave a wink and a peace sign before the video cut.
"Well...that happened..." Hope said.
"Wow," Amy let out. "Sonic and Sally said Meropis was clueless about the surface, but skinny dipping in a public fountain?"
"Poor Lieutenant Echo..." Cream said. "I hope she won't get in too much trouble."
"I'm sure she'll be fine, Cream," Hope replied. "In the meantime, let's try finding something else while we wait for…"
Just then, frightened screaming echoed in the distance as amber Chaos Lightning flashed as Shadow and his passenger skidded to a halt.
"Sorry I'm late," the Ultimate Life-Form greeted.
"Shadow!" Hope smiled before going over to Shadow to give him a hug. "Did you have fun?"
"Honestly, yeah." Shadow glanced down at Sonic. "Dumb question. If I release you now, will you try and run for it?"
"Rollin' around at the speed of souuuuunnnnd…" Sonic slurred out.
"Yeah, dumb question. It stays until we're far enough from shore."
"Sonic!"
Sonic shook his head, snapping back to reality in time to see Amy, Cream, and Cheese running over to him, waving happily.
"Amy? Cream?"
"There you are!" the pink hedgehog said, shaking her head. "Do you know how long you've kept us waiting here? For shame!"
"Amy's right, Mr. Sonic," Cream nodded. "That was very selfish and rude."
Cheese chirped in agreement.
"Cream," Sonic began flatly. "I mean in the nicest way possible, but you two are the last people to talk about being selfish right now."
"Still, Chris and Keith worked really hard to put all this together," Cream retorted. "The least you could do is be there."
"Speaking of…" Shadow looked around. "Where are they?"
Just then, a ship's horn rang through the air.
"Ahoy!"
The others looked out in the distance to see a small cruise ship sailing toward the docks. On the deck, Chris and Keith could be seen waving as Mr. Tanaka manned the helm.
"Hey guys!" Chris called out.
"Chris, Keith, hi!" Amy replied.
"Mr. Tanaka, bring her in!" Keith ordered.
"Right away, Master Keith."
The group watched as the boat slowly pulled up to the dock; the anchor dropping into the water with a loud splash. The entry ramp extended outward as the gates opened, allowing the three passengers to disembark to meet with their friends.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Chris said, flashing a peace sign. "We just got back from the shop."
"Hope you weren't too bored," Keith chimed in.
"Hey guys!" Hope greeted. "Don't worry, you're right on time."
It was then that the trio noticed Sonic.
"Oh…hey Sonic," Chris greeted awkwardly.
"Hey Chris, Keith, Tanaka…" Sonic smiled back. "You guys look…colorful.'
Sonic slightly cringed at the group's choice of attire. Chris and Keith were both clad in matching swimsuits, colored red and green, as well as brightly colored, Big Kahuna Island shirts with warm and cool colors, respectively; while Tanaka wore a pair of navy shorts, sandals, and a tie-dyed shirt of every color of the rainbow, as well as a bit of noticeable patch of sunscreen on his nose (which made for an amusing sight when combined with his stoic demeanor and bowtie).
"Of course," the butler replied, adjusting his glasses. "One must dress for the proper occasion, be it business or pleasure."
"And today, it's all about pleasure!" Chris chimed in.
"Just as soon as everyone else gets here," Keith added.
Just then, several Warp Ring portals appeared, depositing several figures all bedecked in swimsuits and other summer attire.
"WOOOOO! Hello, Station Square! Who's ready to party!?" Tangle shouted and posed energetically, making sure everyone got a look at her orange one-piece and sandy-colored sarong as she adjusted her sunhat.
"Geez, Tangle, settle down will ya?" Knuckles griped (groused!) as he yawned. "Some of us just got up."
"Another late night Emerald Guarding?" Keith asked.
Kat nodded. "We're taking up some extra shifts so we can take a longer vacation in June. I've got plans in my hometown."
"Sounds pretty big," Tails chimed in. "Especially if Locke gave you the green light."
"Funny story about that…" Knuckles began, only to notice Sonic tied up. "Whoa, Sonic!?"
"Hey Knux… how are you?"
Knuckles burst out laughing. "Oh man, I can't believe it! They actually had to drag you out here!"
Sonic glared at the echidna. "Yeah, yuck it up, buddy. Yuck it up…"
"So, is this everyone?" Hope asked.
Tails shook his head. "Not everyone, Sally's supposed to be showing up. This was her idea, after all."
"So, where is she?" Kat asked. "She's usually the first one here."
Sonic looked around shiftily. "MMMMaybe something happened to her?" he offered. "I should…check it out! Better safe than sorry, right?"
"Don't worry, Sonic," Sally said. "I'm perfectly fine."
"Shit!" Sonic whispered. "Haaa…Sally, look, I…Whoa!"
Sonic, along with the others, looked on in shock as Sally stepped forward. While the others all had their swimwear from their trip to Emerald Coast after the Babylon Garden mission, Sally had a completely new ensemble. She was clad in a form-fitting, black and blue one piece with a low, V-shaped neckline that showed a generous amount of skin - fur in her case - especially her legs, hips, back, and chest. She'd also had her hair done, having it tied into a lowponytail and slicked to the side in a wavy, flowing, almost mohawk-looking comb over.
"Whoa…" Sonic whispered, his cheeks bright red.
"Yeah…whoa," Tangle added, nodding dumbly.
"Princess Sally, you look so pretty!" Cream exclaimed
"Thank you, Cream." Sally smiled and giggled at the starstruck rabbit. "Sorry I'm late, everyone. Bunnie was supposed to do my hair today real quick, but she…overslept."
"That's quite alright, Your Highness," Tanaka said with a bow. "We experienced a delay while picking up the ship."
"Speaking of…" Chris cut in, stepping forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, Freedom Fighters of all ages, are you ready for the greatest Summer Vacation of your lives!?"
Loud cheers and "Yeahs!" erupted from everyone (except Sonic).
"Are you ready to kick back to cap off our biggest battle yet?" Keith added
More loud cheers and "Yeahs!" erupted from everyone (except Sonic).
"Well then, get ready!" Chris continued. "Because today marks the maiden voyage of the Thorndyke family's newly repaired and upgraded summer party boat!"
Chris and Keith posed enthusiastically toward the boat, Tanaka pressing a button on a remote he had with him, causing several, small fireworks to go off.
"Ooooooh…so coooool!" Tangle cheered, stars in her eyes. "That's the biggest freakin' non-battleship boat I've ever seen!"
"Pretty impressive, huh?" Keith asked. "Wait 'til you see what's actually on it."
Tanaka stepped aside, motioning for everyone to board. "Please, board the ship in an orderly fashion, everyone."
Chris and Keith watched as everybody walked up the ramp and onto the vessel, except for Tangle, who ran up hooting and hollering "Cruise ship!" repeatedly, and Sonic, who had to be dragged up by Shadow.
"Guys, c'mon!" Sonic pleaded to the boys. "You know I hate boat rides! Remember what happened the last time you took me on one?"
"Yeah, we do," Chris said with a nod.
"It took us months to get those scorch marks off the deck," Tanaka said, his eye twitching imperceptibly.
Sonic winced guiltily.
"Yeah…sorry about that. But! My point still stands! Seriously, why would you think this was a good idea!?"
"Three reasons," Sally cut in. "First, like Chris said, this is to celebrate our victory against the Einherjar and his and other kids' middle school graduation. Second, the Brain Trust outfitted the ship with some new features and they want to take them for a test run. And third…"
She cleared her throat.
"I thought this might be a good opportunity to help you with your fear of water…"
"And show off your new swimsuit," Shadow chimed in, causing Sally to flinch and blush.
"Shadow!"
"What, it's obvious you just bought that."
"A-Anyway…" Hope cut in. "What say we go join the others? We're already half an hour behind schedule."
"Agreed," Shadow concurred. "Come along, Sonic."
With that, Shadow and the others made for the entry ramp, dragging Sonic along with them.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" Chris asked, earning him a round of thumbs ups and "Ready!"'s. "Alright! Mr. Tanaka…"
"Yes, Master Chris."
Tanaka manned the controls and began flipping several switches. The ship's engine roared to life as the entry ramp pulled back and the gates closed. The anchor chain rattled and clanked as the crane pulled it back up to the surface.
"Next stop, the Thorndyke Sapphire Seas Villa!" Tanaka called out.
With that, the ship pulled out of the harbor and headed out for the seas, its passengers celebrating their chance at a well-deserved day of sun, sweat, and fun after a long, hard battle. Little did they realize, however, they weren't the only ones in the ocean that day…
At a glance, all was calm on the Central Sea. But, if one looked closer, they would've noticed the water bubbling and rippling as an unseen figure hovered just below the surface.
"This is Hibiki," a soft voice said. "The target is finally on the water."
"Good work, Hibiki," replied another voice. "I knew letting you join us was a good idea."
"Thank you, sir." They hesitated for a moment. "Should… should we strike now?"
"No, not yet!" the voice shouted. "They're too close to the shore! If you strike now, he might escape! Not to mention, he's still in the Federation. Wait until they're further away from the land. In the meantime, send word to Shroud and the others. If you play your cards right, you can ambush them!"
The figure nodded. "Understood, we will return shortly."
With that, Hibiki dove down, swimming after the ship.
"Sonic the Hedgehog…you will pay for what you've done."
Author's Note:
Poor Sonic...how's he gonna get out of this one? Read the next chapter and find out!
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Hibiki: Elizabeth Maxwell (Sae Niijima from Persona 5, Winter Schnee from RWBY, Caulifla from Dragon Ball Super)
Please R&R. Until next time!
