Speedway


An adaptation of Sonic R by Green Gibbon!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonic the Hedgehog and all related characters and locations are registered trademarks of and copyright © Sega Enterprises and parent company CSK. Original concept of "Sonic the Hedgehog" copyright © Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. Original Sonic R game concept, design, and plot copyright © Traveller's Tales, Sonic Team, and Sega Enterprises. Used without permission. Don't sue me, "R" else! Hee, hee, hee! "R" else! Sonic R! Get it? Hee, hee, hee...heh, heh...heh....*ahem*..... 
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: Make it Real


The sun's final rays slip below the mountainous horizon, as the stars slowly fade into view in the clear, night sky. In the middle of a mountain lake, the lights of Radical City flare on. Consisting primarily of long, twisting highways going in endless circles, dotted with occasional urban areas, the Radical City Zone is highlighted by a tower in the middle. All of the twisting roads meet at this point, and it is here that Dr. Ivo Robotnik pulls to a halt in his Egg Typhoon. Metal Sonic rockets up shortly behind and hovers several feet above the road. 

Looking briefly at the cityscape around him, Robotnik picks up a speaker off of the Egg Typhoon's dashboard and flicks on a receiver. 

Robotnik: "Come in, Metal Knuckles. Respond." 

A metallic version of Knuckles the Echidna's voice crackles in through the receiver. 

Metal Knuckles: "Reading, Dr. Robotnik. Your command?" 

Robotnik: "Are the Chaos Emeralds prepared for moving?" 

Metal Knuckles: "Preparations have begun, your Eggness. I arrived a little late here in the Reactive Factory, but things have been going very smoothly so far." 

Robotnik: "Excellent! How will they be arriving?" 

Metal Knuckles: "One by rocket, another by submarine. If one should get detained by something, the other should make it through." 

Robotnik: "Good thinking. A Ferron is in the Metropolis Zone right now awaiting their arrival, and things are going very smoothly on this end as well. I'll call back later for a progress report. End of transmission." 

Metal Knuckles: "Yes, sir. Over." 

Robotnik shuts off the receiver and puts the speaker back onto the dashboard. Turning around in the Egg Typhoon, he opens a compartment right behind the seat, out of which hovers Tails Doll. The stuffed, semi-mechanical Tails plush hovers in front of Robotnik's Mobile, as the Eggman points his finger into the air as if giving instructions. 

Robotnik: "You know what to do, right?" 

Tails Doll doesn't say a word but hovers motionless and lifeless, except for the strange red jewel dangling from its forehead. 

Robotnik: "Hahahahaha! What a stupid question! Of course you know what to do! Just wait for the signal." 

Tails Doll hovers off to an unknown location as Robotnik leans forward in his round hovercraft and fingers the controls. 

Robotnik: "Metal Sonic, you wait here. I'm going to do a little pre-race Emerald hunting..." 

Metal Sonic nods as Robotnik flies off down the road. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower stroll into a pizza parlor. It's a small establishment, appropriately decorated in red and white checks. There are only a few small tables, all of which are empty. There are two people seated at the bar...a gray rabbit who is reading a newspaper, and Knuckles the Echidna. Sonic and Tails seat themselves on either side of Knuckles and grab menus. 

Tails: "Hi, Knuckles! Didn't expect to meet you here before the race." 

Sonic: "Yo, Luigi, bring on the pie! The hedgehog is hungry!" 

A pig who is popping a pizza into an oven behind the counter looks over his shoulder with a rather unamused look. 

Picky: "What'll it be? And my name's not Luigi..." 

Knuckles: "Don't bother. These two will share mine." 

Picky: "Thanks, I think..." 

Sonic: "Arigato, Knuckles-san! How much do we owe ya?" 

Knuckles: "Forget it, it's on me." 

Sonic: "Glad you said that, 'cause we don't have any money..." 

Tails giggles at that last comment while munching on a bread stick. Sonic tosses the menu over the counter and after several futile attempts to kick his feet up on it (he's sitting on a stool), puts an elbow on it and rests his head on his hand. 

Knuckles: "Glad I met you here, because I forgot to ask...where does the 'race' start at?" 

Sonic: "That big tower in the middle of the city. The road the track is down has been flooded over in a couple of places, so it's been closed to traffic." 

Tails: "Atleast we know Robotnik can't roadkill us all..." 

Sonic: "True, but if I know the Eggman he's got a few more aces hidden up his mustache." 

Knuckles rubs his chin in thought, then hops up off the stool and heads towards the exit. 

Knuckles: "I'm gonna head over to the tower early and have a look around. You guys can have my pizza." 

Sonic: "See ya there, Knux." 

As Knuckles exits the parlor, the pig places the pizza down in front of Sonic and Tails. The duo eagerly reach for the pie, but stop short as they try to identify the small, purple spheres on top. The hedgehog and fox glance at each other, then Sonic turns to the pig who is cleaning the top of the oven with a rag. 

Sonic: "Yo, hog boy! Exactly what did he order on this pizza?" 

Picky: "Grapes." 

Sonic and Tails drop their slices and leap off the stools. 

Sonic: "Figures. Remind me never to accept a dinner invitation from him." 

Tails: "Burgers?" 

Sonic: "Race ya there." 

With that, the duo dash out of the pizza parlor. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the center of the city, Knuckles glides onto the large central tower and climbs down to the first roadway that runs through it. Looking around, he notices Tails Doll hovering with its back to him...Knuckles appears to be unnoticed. Leaping quietly into the air, the red echidna glides over to get the jump on Tails Doll, when the stuffed toy, without turning around, floats higher into the air. Knuckles glides right under him and drops to his feet, then whirls around to face this unusual new nemesis. Now, Dr. Robotnik is right behind the Tails Doll in his Egg Typhoon, smiling contentedly. 

Robotnik: "How do you like it?" 

Knuckles: "I'll hold judgement until I find out exactly what it's supposed to be." 

Robotnik: "The latest evolution of my experimental hover technology...meet the Tails Doll!" 

Knuckles: "You gotta be kidding me. So what's it do, float its opponent to death?" 

Robotnik's lips curl into an evil smirk as he peers over his dark-tinted spectacles. He chuckles quietly. 

Robotnik: "Would you like to find out?" 

Knuckles narrows his eyes suspiciously and cautiously steps back, when a screech catches the trio's attention. Sonic has just run onto the scene followed closely by Tails. Tails Doll dashes out of view before he's noticed by the duo. 

Robotnik: "Well then, I guess we're just about ready to start the race!" 

Sonic: "So what are we waiting for? A special occasion?" 

Robotnik: "If that's what you call Metal Sonic. Can't begin the running until all the drivers are present." 

Tails: "Hey, I think that's him." 

Metal Sonic flies from over a hill in the road ahead and stops in front of Robotnik. 

Robotnik: "Did you find it?" 

Metal Sonic: "Yes, down a long, narrow roadway." 

Sonic leaps forward as his smirk flips into a frown. 

Sonic: "Found WHAT?!" 

Robotnik ignores the question and pulls a checkered flag out of his Egg Typhoon. He waves it in the air with a toothy grin and flies over to the starting line. 

Robotnik: "Gentlemen, start your engines!" 

Knuckles quickly pulls Sonic aside and points toward Robotnik. 

Knuckles: "Just before you guys showed up, I had a close encounter with some new Badnik-thingie of Robotnik's..." 

Sonic: "So? He's got a million of 'em." 

Knuckles: "No, this one was different." 

Sonic: "How so, bro?" 

Knuckles is about to continue, when he feels something cold touch the back of his head. Robotnik has sneaked up behind the echidna and currently holds some sort of laser gun to his head. 

Robotnik: "Something you care to share with the rest of the class, Mr. Echidna?" 

Knuckles gulps, while Sonic grinds his teeth, unable to do anything without certainly sacrificing his friend. Robotnik points toward the starting line with his other hand. 

Robotnik: "Living in the city, you know you have to survive." 

Knuckles takes the hint and reluctantly takes his place in the starting line, while Sonic and Tails do the same. The countdown begins, and the five racers -- Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Robotnik, and Metal Sonic -- rocket down the track. Rather than speeding into the lead, which he could easily do, Sonic deliberately paces himself behind Robotnik. Tails, realizing Sonic is not going at his full speed flies up to him. 

Tails: "What's up, Sonic? Are you throwing the race?" 

Sonic: "I wouldn't say that, because there's no way this whole 'race' can be legit to begin with." 

Tails: "So you're gonna keep an eye on Robotnik, huh?" 

Sonic: "That's the plan." 

Tails looks straight a while longer, then back over at Sonic. 

Tails: "I think I'll do a bit of exploring around the track...maybe I'll find something." 

Sonic: "Good idea. We can split info at the finish line." 

With that, Tails flies ahead. Shortly after passing through a tunnel, he notices a strange looking break in the railing alongside the road, so the fox leaps off the byway and lands in the middle of an empty city street. There are a few lights on in the tall buildings, but that's the only apparent sign of life. 

Tails: "Whoah...this place reminds me more than just a little of the Spring Yard Zone. It's almost spooky..." 

Then, something catches his eye. It's a brightly colored doorway, but it's already been opened. He walks closer to investigate, and can make out the number "50" on either side. 

Tails: "Weird..." 

Through the doorway, he finds himself in a small lot between two buildings, but it's completely empty. 

Tails: "Hm...you'd think such a fancy gate would have something a bit more exciting behind it. I wonder what the '50' stood f-" 

Tails perks up and slaps his forehead. 

Tails: "Of course! Fifty Rings! And that magic number can only mean...a Chaos Emerald!" 

Tails looks around at the empty lot. 

Tails: "Shouldn't that doorway have lead to a Special Stage? Whatever the case, Robotnik has his hands around the Chaos Emeralds, and obviously has atleast one already. I gotta tell Sonic, NOW!" 

The young fox flies back onto the track and races the laps at full speed. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metal Sonic flies across the finish line...in first place. Robotnik comes up shortly behind, and Sonic and Knuckles run in third and fourth, respectively. 

Robotnik: "Metal Sonic is the winner!" 

Sonic picks up a stone and throws it on the pavement in anger. Knuckles folds his arms and shakes his head. 

Sonic: "Nothing. Not a stupid thing!" 

Robotnik smiles contentedly and strokes one end of his mustache. 

Robotnik: "Did you expect to find something?" 

Sonic: "I dunno...but I didn't expect you to play fair!" 

Robotnik laughs and looks around. 

Robotnik: "Where's your fox friend?" 

Sonic: "Tails! Where is he?" 

Knuckles: "He knows, Sonic." 

Sonic bursts into a Sonic Spin, then is about to charge right into Robotnik when Metal Sonic holds him back. 

Sonic: "Lemme go! Lemme GO! What have you done with my best friend, Eggboy?!" 

Robotnik: "Why, are you accusing me? You had your eye on me throughout the entire race, I couldn't have done anything and you have yourselves as witnesses. I'm certain I don't know where the little brat has run off to." 

Sonic: "Yeah, like you don't know what happened to Amy Rose, either..." 

Knuckles' eyes widen as he leaps up and points to an orange spot a ways down the road. 

Knuckles: "Hold it, there he is!" 

Sonic loosens up and Metal Sonic frees him as Tails screeches across the finish line. He runs up to Sonic, gasping for breath. 

Tails: "S-Sonic! *gasp* Ro- *gasp* Robotnik has-" 

Sonic: "Easy there, bro. Take a breather before you hit the pavement!" 

Robotnik pulls Metal Sonic off to the side. 

Robotnik: "The fox knows. I think now would be an ideal time to introduce my latest creation into the picture." 

Metal Sonic nods, then flies off. Tails is just catching his breath and about to spill the beans when Robotnik flies over to the group in the Egg Typhoon. 

Robotnik: "Not to break up the party, but we have a new guest!" 

Sonic: "I don't like the sound of that." 

Robotnik: "It's a shame you don't have a choice, now isn't it?" 

Sonic: "I'll be the judge of that. Bring him on, I'm feelin' lucky!" 

Robotnik: "Don't get ahead of yourself! It is another one-on-one challenge, but you're not one of the 'ones'." 

Sonic: "Say what?" 

Robotnik: "He is!" 

Robotnik points to Tails, who is still catching his breath. 

Tails: "M-me?" 

Tails looks up at Sonic, who looks at Robotnik. 

Sonic: "Let me see his opponent." 

Robotnik: "Of course! Sonic, Tails, Knuckles...meet the Tails Doll!" 

Robotnik backs out of the way to reveal the stuffed toy floating lifelessly several feet off the ground. Sonic smirks, then chuckles, then breaks out into a belly laugh. 

Sonic: "Hahahahaha! Oh, this is rich! I never figured you to have such a sense of humor, Robotnik! See your opponent, Tails? All you need is a pillow and a blanket and you'll be able to take a nap during the race! Har, har, har, har!" 

Tails: "Hahahaha! Yeah, I can do this!" 

Knuckles: "Don't underestimate him! If I know Robotnik, and I think I do, then there's more to this 'Tails Doll' than initially meets the eye." 

Robotnik seems to be enjoying the conversation as he leans over the Egg Typhoon's dashboard to listen in. Metal Sonic has floated over to the edge of the highway and gazes out across the city. Tails Doll hovers limp near the starting line. 

Sonic: "You're right, but...heeheeheehee...I'd like to know exactly what that thing does..." 

Tails: "I'll take the race, Sonic. This should be fun!" 

Sonic: "You heard the kid, Eggman." 

Robotnik: "Excellent! Tails versus Tails Doll! Take your positions!" 

Knuckles: "Are you sure he can handle this, Sonic?" 

Sonic: "Sure! Hey, look at his teacher!" 

Knuckles: "My point exactly." 

Sonic: "Ha-ha-ha, funny, Echidna. Chill out." 

At this moment, the countdown reaches "GO!", as Tails and Tails Doll race down the track. Knuckles walks over to the nearby tunnel where the highway crosses through the giant tower and reclines against one of the walls. Metal Sonic continues to gaze out across the cityscape as Robotnik reclines in the Egg Typhoon and apparently commences to take a nap. Sonic impatiently taps his foot for a few moments, then breaks out a videogame magazine and starts reading. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a few minutes, Tails and Tails Doll have already whizzed by twice, Tails in the lead both times. The group now stand awaiting the racers to cross the finish line...but the only one who comes across is Tails Doll. 

Robotnik: "Tails Doll is the winner!" 

Sonic and Knuckles watch the road awhile longer, anticipating Tails' arrival. But he never arrives. After another two or three minutes of complete silence, Robotnik finally says: 

Robotnik: "Hm...I guess he isn't returning." 

Sonic watches the end of the highway for a few more seconds, then finally whirls around and saws right through Robotnik's Egg Typhoon with a Sonic Spin faster than Knuckles and the others realize what happened. Robotnik jumps out just soon enough to avoid ending up in two pieces, but the remains of his hovercraft crash the ground. 

Robotnik: "You've ruined it! It'll take days to repair this!" 

Sonic: "Yeah? Well, I'm glad you like it, Curly, because I'm just gettin' started. You're next..." 

Knuckles: "Be careful, Sonic, you don't want to fool around with him." 

Sonic cracks his knuckles and narrows his eyes, gazing at Robotnik with a fury rarely associated with the usually cool hedgehog. 

Sonic: "Who says I'm fooling?" 

Robotnik: "Hm...I'd love to stick around for the festivities, but I've got to prepare for the third race." 

Sonic is ready to lunge forward, but Knuckles holds him back. 

Knuckles: "You can forget it, Robotnik. If you're planning on a third race, it's going to be against nobody but you and your own Badniks." 

Robotnik: "Why, are you declining my invitation?" 

Knuckles: "In a word, YES!" 

Robotnik strokes one end of his large mustache and enjoys a hearty belly laugh. Sonic is now nearly as red as Knuckles, who is having a doozy of a time holding the infuriated hedgehog back. 

Robotnik: "It makes no difference to me whether you appear at the race or not, but if you'd ever like to find out what has become of your two young friends, it's your only chance!" 

Knuckles: ".................It's at the Regal Ruin Zone, is that right?" 

Robotnik: "Hee, hee...see you there!" 

Sonic finally struggles free from Knuckles' grip and makes a lunging spin at Robotnik. 

Sonic: "I can't wait that long!" 

The Eggman snaps his fingers, and the next moment he, along with Metal Sonic, Tails Doll, and the remains of his Egg Typhoon, disappear into thin air once again. Sonic lands on the empty pavement and lets out a growl of frustration. 

Sonic: "He did it again! That fat butt with a mustache freakin' disappeared again! I don't believe it!" 

Sonic goes into a spinning fit, until he begins to tear away at the pavement on the road. 

Knuckles: "Get control of yourself, Sonic! Now is not the ideal time to freak out!" 

Sonic: "My best friend could be lying dead in a gutter for all I know, and you say this isn't the time to PANIC?! I'd like to see you think of a better time, hotshot! I should've never let him accept the race! It's my fault! My best friend may be DEAD and it's my fault! And what about Amy Rose?! Can you think of a BETTER time to panic?! Hehehehehehe..." 

Knuckles stares at Sonic, who laughs insanely for a few more seconds, then gives him a firm belt to the chin. Sonic grabs his head and takes a deep breath. 

Knuckles: "PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!" 

Sonic: "Not feeling very subtle tonight, are you?" 

Knuckles: "Well, it isn't a very subtle night." 

Sonic: "C'mon, we need to search for Tails." 

Knuckles: "Or what's left of him." 

Sonic: "Another comment like that and we'll be searching for you, next." 

With that, the two speed demons split apart and begin a thorough search of the Radical City Zone, which takes up the remainder of the night, without any luck. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * End of Part 3 * * *


http://www.videogamers.com/ggibbion

ggibbion@talons.com