Ok, I know this is going to make near zero sense for those who don’t follow the Sonic series, but still, try to follow.
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Since all crises have died down and none of them have anything to do, Knuckles and the Chaotix have gone to Newtrogic High Zone for some downtime.
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“Wow,” said an awestruck Charmy as he laid eyes on the new Chao Coaster, followed by with an excited yell of “This is sooo super-AWESOME!...Huh?” He noticed a blue and pink blob rising into the air; his enthusiastic fist pump had inadvertently sent his cotton candy flying from its cone. “Whoa!” he exclaimed as he rushed off to recover it with a lightning-quick dash.
“You said that, like, five times already!” nagged Vector. “I know!” Charmy replied, turning to reveal his successful rescue of the cotton candy. “Isn’t this place great?” Digging in to his sweet treat, he hovered ahead to take in all the sights. “I swear, that kid can be really irritating sometimes…”
“Leave him be,” said Knuckles. “He’s just enjoying himself, which everyone here seems to be doing except you. Even Espio’s getting in on the fun.”
“Espio’s here?” Vector asked. “I thought he couldn’t make it.”
“Yeah? Well, you thought wrong!” came a voice from above. The group looked up just in time to see Espio jump from the top of a climbing wall, with a toy hammer in hand. He ran across the top of a shooting gallery, leapt from the awning and landed in front of the group. “Whoa!” exclaimed Mighty, who was scarcely more than six inches away from him when he landed. “Impressive,” said Knuckles as the group began to walk again. “Where’ve you been?”
“Well, I thought about what you guys said – you know, coming to the new park an all – and I figured I could use a bit of fun,” Espio explained as he fell into line with the group “I’ve actually been quite busy – I rode the Chao Coaster, went up to White Mountain, won a prize at the –“
“Wait a minute, wait a minute.” Mighty commanded as he came back up to Espio. “You – Espio – out in public socializing, riding rides, playing GAMES? Something’s not right here.”
“Yeah, and since when are you such a show-off?” Vector added “You sure you’re feelin’ okay?”
“Never better,” Espio said. “I’m not a total stick in the mud, you know.”
“Yeah, well, you could’ve fooled me,” Mighty sniped, playfully putting his arm over Espio’s shoulders. “You, shut up,” he retorted, pushing Mighty away. “I’ve got an inflatable hammer and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Hey, guys!” came a cry from far away. “Hey guys, hey guys, hey guys!” It was Charmy, flying swiftly towards them. “What’s happening?” asked Knuckles. “Well, you remember that launch pad thing that we used to use a long time ago to get to different places on the island fast?”
“Yeah, I remember!” said Vector. “That thing was pretty cool,” said Mighty. A general murmur of agreement issued from the group. “Well, guess what?!” Charmy said. “I found Mal, and he said that he kept it! It’s just not on the map. It should still work!"
“You came just in time!” Vector said. “I was looking through the event schedule, and the races are going to start in the Stadium in 15 minutes! If we use the launchers we can get there in time to get some seats! And look -- Marine’s going to be a guest challenger!”
“What are waiting for then? Let’s go!” The company followed Knuckles to the old plaza tower.
~~~
After a brief elevator ride, they are back at the place from which they launched their assault against Robotnik
“This place is just like I remember!” said Espio. “Hey, it even still has the clock with Eggman’s ugly mug on it. Broken, of course.”
“Hey,” Charmy called from the next room, while fiddling with some panel controls. “The old Combi Catcher still works! There’s nothing in it though.” The large metal arm moved to the center of the room.
“Come on, let’s go while there’s still tickets!” Mighty and the others began to run toward the launch pad. However, before they could reach the door, it inexplicably slammed shut and locked. “What?” Espio said, bewildered. They heard a scraping noise and turned around to witness the other door sealing itself as well, trapping them in the room. The colored flashing lights all around the room darkened and turned red, washing the room in an ominous crimson hue.
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