Knuckles' Spark – Chapter 7: A Need for Speed
The echidna was well on his way across the dusty plains. As his vehicle drove, waves of dust flew behind them, warning none to come to him. He was on a quest, like he had been multiple times in the past. There was no turning back now, but why would he?
Nothing could stop Knuckles the Echidna. He was in control of this quest and he felt the glory days return to his mind. Then, those friends of his had come along and helped him out, changing his attitude and mindset. It was an improvement, regardless of what anyone said. However, out alone with Lightning on the open road meant that he would get to the inventor friend this car mentioned. He was unwavering, untiring, resolute.
However, thanks to a flat tire, that was short-lived.
Within the next few minutes, the power of this echidna managed to push Lightning to the nearest gas station. "Ok, so how do we repair you? We need to get back on the road soon, and you need a new tire."
"Oh, uh, can you change it? I think there should be a hydraulic jack somewhere in the shop."
"A what?"
Lightning sighed internally, and explained, "Basically, something to lift me up on one– WOAH!" Knuckles thrusted Lightning McQueen up into the air with one fist holding on carefully.
"Like this?"
"Yeah, but on one side, now can you put me down?!" shouted McQueen.
He gently lowered his friend, and only ride, down, and apologised. He lifted his right side that had gotten punctured up this time, and carefully inspected the tire. "Well, I think we'll have to change it. Lemme just get it off…" He started pulling and straining to get it out as gently as he could.
His gloves started glowing, but his eyes were closed in concentration, and he didn't notice what was happening until it was too late. Lightning bolts flew off his fists onto the tire.
And there was an explosion.
Knuckles was sent whirling back to the shop wall. Fortunately, the male forklifter inside heard nothing, but if he would bother to look, his window was currently cracked and wall dented permanently. Knuckles looked up and expected to see an angry car staring at him.
He could not have been more wrong.
Lightning was eyeing his tyres, which were now repaired and intact, with no punctures, and decorated with lightning bolts too, instead of the original "LIGHTYEAR" words printed on. There were small crackles of electricity over his body, which soon faded, plus, his engine sounded a lot quieter. Lightning revved the engine, and a thunder-like crackle came out. Sparks of red-orange light came out with it. In fact, his whole body seemed to have that faint glow.
"This… is… AWESOME! My tank's no longer gas, it's electric! My tires look sick! And I'm all fueled up, past the maximum! Wait until Mater hears about this! Ready to go, buddy?"
"Wow. Sure, let's go! We have an appointment with a mechanic!" cried the echidna, getting up, and gliding onto the car's roof.
Knuckles expected the trip to still take around five to ten minutes. Even he knew life wasn't always fast. But, surprisingly, maybe thanks to the souped up engine Knuckles had given Lightning, they were there faster than you could say "two hundred and twenty two trampolines".
"Whoa! That was a whole new kind of fast." Lightning shook his tires. "I think that boost's over though. Feels odd being electric… Well, here we are!"
Knuckles read the silver sign. " 'Rusteze Training Centre'. No thanks. I'm already trained."
"No, in there, there are a few guys I know who could help. They've got some of the smartest inventors in the country. Hopefully, we'll find the right person here." Lightning clarified. Knuckles stepped in, and looked around this massive centre, rubbing his hands.
He had work to do.
A/N: I have updated a few chapters with minor edits, and will continue until the final week of updating until the pause. I may continue in late April, but during January and February, any chapters I've worked on will release.