THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO MY STORY "TRICK", WITH MINIMAL CALLBACKS TO IT.
ENJOY!
Chapter 1: The Crusher
After losing his brother's Medallion over a year ago, Manic the Hedgehog has finally tracked it down: Casino Night Zone.
But Sonic's old rival Scourge currently has possession of the Gem and he's been using it's abilities for profit, taking what he wants and destroying everyone whose tried to stop him.
While receiving news of Scourge's attacks, Miles "Tails" Prower decided to join Manic, given that the fox has a long history with Scourge which goes back years.
They both dated Fiona Fox and things didn't go well for Tails.
This is his chance to settle the score.
The Green Hedgehog and the 16 year old Fox arrive in town around Noon and it doesn't take long for word to get back to Scourge.
Sleet, former associate of Dr. Robotnik, walks into the bar his new employer is drinking at and sits across from him at a back table.
"Sonic's brother Manic just showed up. You know he's lookin' for that Gem" Sleet starts off "...he'll be coming atcha with everything"
The Bright Green hedgehog downs a shot of Tequila and the Gem around his neck lights up the entire bar room for a moment, then he speaks.
"I keep forgettin' Sonic's baby brother can't run as fast as him, but I did know he was on his way here. Took his time, too... I'm gonna whoop that ass just as easily as I whooped Sonic's"
"He's got Miles Prower with him"
Scourge bursts into laughter "What, are those two looking to run me outta town, now? Shiiit.. I think they wanna make this fun for me"
He stands up, finishes off his bottle of alcohol and burps loudly on his way towards the door
"Alright. Lets go say hi"
Sleet signals for the rest of the crew inside the bar room to follow the boss. Scourge has assembled male and female MMA fighters from the local gyms into his gang. Not because he needs protection, but to help with bank and demolition jobs. He wants everyone in his crew to be tough, but not too smart. He's the brains of the operation, and he gets the biggest take from each job.
So far he's paid everyone handsomely, so they stick with him.
Meanwhile, Manic buys two energy drinks and walks back to the table Tails is sitting at. The duo have stopped at a local pub and take a seat on the outside patio.
"Want a Rockstar?" Manic asks
"Yeah, I'll take one" Tails replies
"They're on sale, 2-for-1. Better grab some before they're gone"
Manic tosses a can to the fox and laughs "Just kiddin, bro. Here"
"Yeah, well, I got your Vodka. You weren't joking when you said they'll sell anyone alcohol"
Manic mixes the energy drink into the glass of Vodka "Yeah, man. Legal drinking age in this zone is 16. That's why I moved here when I was your age. I even remember going to school wasted a few times.
Tails opens his can "Sounds fun"
"Indeed it was, young Prower. There was this plump girl in my class, she liked me a lot, the other girls didn't really. One day we skipped class, picked up a bottle and found a nice back alley to f-"
"PLEASE - don't finish that story. I can only handle so much"
Manic laughs "Just a history lesson. Hey, you said you could find this foxy felix, right? Got anything, yet?"
Tails types on his A.I program "...facial recognition pins him across town, south west. He's with a crew-"
"What do they look like?"
"Weird, there's more girls than guys with him"
"How's that weird? Girls can't be in street gangs, now?" Manic asks
"What? No, that's not what I meant"
"Okay. I was worried there for a second, T. Here, lemme see that"
Tails hands the touchscreen device to him and he zooms in on them
"...these chicks look like they could whoop some ass. Ooh, that ones kinda butch lookin'... shit, I recognize one of the dudes. Sleet. Total prick.. Thought he was retired? What's he doing with that bag of dicks Scourge?"
Tails takes a drink "I don't know"
"And why would those girls wanna chill with King dipshit?"
"I don't - Know!"
Manic downs his mixed drink in one gulp "Grab your gear, it's time to kick some ass"
Tails tries to say something but the green hedgehog is already up and moving. The Fox throws his garbage out, swings the gymbag strap over his shoulder and races to catch up with Manic.
They follow the SAGE program across town and get ready for a fight.
They turn one last corner and come face-to-face with Scourge.
"...the loser brother is finally here. Oh, and Manic is with you, too" Scourge says sarcastically
Tails glares at him "Asshole"
"So, I heard you boys were looking for me. Figured I'd meet you halfway"
Manic's Jade Medallion lights up and his hands shake uncontrollably as he feels Scourge's energy pulsing through the Sapphire Medallion he stole.
Scourge looks down at his necklace "Oh, right, you came here for this. Well, I can assure it ain't goin' NOWHERE. So, you can take the virgin and go back to whatever shit hole you call home. Leave the work to the professionals, kid"
"Yeah, I don't think so. See, you stole that from me, pal. That's my dead brother's Medallion, the one my mother gave to him before she died. Now, hand it over and I'll forget everything you just said to me" Manic warns
"I just said this is MINE. Go home, unless you want a free trip to the hospital"
Manic steps forward "Alright, nothing is stopping me from kicking your arrogant little ass, you greasy, wannabe punk-rock douchebag!"
Scourge puts his fists up "You really wanna risk the safety of all these folks out today? Because I got a feeling we would destroy this whole town in a battle. I mean, I could give less of a shit about these morons, but I know you two gay boys would cry a river if you killed innocent people"
Tails stops Manic from attacking "...bastard is right, this place would explode. We need to get him outta the city-"
"Something tells me he's not one for sight-seeing, T.."
Scourge smirks as he looks at the street, thinking about this situation.
He looks up "How about a round of Canyon Crush?"
Manic raises a brow "What, now?"
Tails scoffs "It's one of those stupid Battle Royale type games. Bunch of idiots enter and fight each other until only one of them wins. We're not gonna play a video game for Sonic's Medallion!"
Scourge grins "This ain't no game, it's the real deal! The locals run it near the Canyon, far from any police activity. Pays very well, and we can fight in there. But if I win, I take your Medallion, and that Pink one you got in that box, too"
Manic's eye widen and he looks at Tails, Scourge isn't supposed to know he has Sonia's Medallion with him.
Tails looks up "What're you talkin-"
"Don't gimme that bullshit, I know you have it. Wager those Gems and I'll fight. But, of course, you don't have to play my game, no ones forcing you to join the contest..."
"Why'd you say it like that?" Manic asks
"Say it like what?"
"Like - that. All mysterious and shit, you've tickled my curiosity"
Scourge shrugs "Hey, I'm just saying, man.."
"Manic, don't do it, he's trying to sucker you into something he knows he can win" Tails warns
Scourge crosses his arms "Hey, if you're too chicken, it's cool. No shame in bowing out.."
"Well, now I wanna do it. I can beat you at anything, punk!" Manic says "I'll put the Gems up, you bright green slimball!"
Scourge grins evilly and extends his hand to shake Manic's.
"You got yourself a deal"
Manic shakes it as quickly as possible while Tails looks on in disapproval
"This won't end well, I can already feel it.." The Fox says
"Wait, nobody actually dies in these things, right?" Manic asks
"No, of course not! We just beat the shit out of each other until there's a last man standing"
"What happens if you lose?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't lose" Scourge responds as he turns to the south "...follow me to the battlefield. Oh, and know this: Once you're in, there ain't no way out until the contest is finished. After that, you're someone else's problem"
Manic spits on the ground "Just take us there so I can wipe that grin off your face and be done with this"
Scourge chuckles "Oh, I'm gonna enjoy this much more than you will"
The duo follow Scourge down a long dirt road and the rest of his crew walk close behind them. Manic turns around and starts waving at the MMA girls, and one of them waves back. Tails uses The SAGE Program to scan the area for any traps. It's all mostly dirt hills, dried up river beds and dead grass.
Tails leans over and whispers "I don't like this, dude. Something feels wrong, I'm telling you"
Manic brushes this off "Bro, you don't gotta fight in there if you don't wanna. I can do this myself"
"...yeah, last time you said that, a 14 year old girl damn-near killed you and your hometown"
"You're always bringin' up the past, man. I got this, alright? I promise"
After another 10 minutes of walking through the hot river bed, The group start to hear voices getting louder, like a crowd or audience cheering.
Scourge walks up one last dirt hill and crosses his arms confidently.
"Here we are, boys. The Crusher"
Manic and Tails look at the arena, 5 square miles of underground bunkers, rundown houses, stolen vehicles, sinking sand traps, a few water fountains and a nearly invisible Dome overtop of the battlefield. Hundreds of spectators stand outside the Dome to watch the action, most of them betting lots of money on the winner.
"Holy Shit" Manic and Tails both say
Scourge points over to the main gate "Better sign in before the contest starts! Today is Squad day, but if only one of you wants to fight, that's okay"
Manic takes off his grey vest and black hoodie, sporting a Black/Gold tank top, and does his best to flex whatever muscles he has.
Tails looks at him "You're trying to show off your tiny muscles for those girls, aren't you!"
"Hey, I actually might get some action outta this little get together, so chill, bro!"
Scourge signs the waivers and gives the paper back to the Gatekeeper, then puts the stolen Sapphire Medallion in a holding box.
"Put all non-regulated weapons inside this box. The Gatekeeper will return them to you once the contest is finished" The Arena Boss says
Scourge enters the arena and looks at Manic "Well, come on, then! Lets rumble!"
The Green Hedgehog turns to Tails "Last chance, T. Wanna join me in battle, or do you wanna be a light-roast weenie and stay out here?"
Tails throws the Gymbag to the ground and sighs "..it's times like this where I seriously question our friendship"
Manic laughs and lightly punches the fox's chest
"I knew you wouldn't let me down. This is gonna be great, man! Think of it as a training exercise of sorts"
"This is one hell of a training exercise.."
The duo sign the waivers, walk through the gate and Manic puts both Medallions inside the holding box before he enters.
Manic points to the Gymbag "Hey buddy! Hang onto that bag for us, we won't be long"
The Gatekeeper says something in an unknown language, and not in a polite manner.
"Hey, bro, there's $20 for ya if you do-"
The Gatekeeper snarls angrily at Manic and he jumps back to avoid the attack. Once he and Tails are inside, the Gate is shut and electronically locked.
A countdown clock starts off from 20 and the other 16 teams get ready to fight.
Manic turns to Scourge "Wait, you never told us how to eliminate other players!"
"Eliminate 'em by tap out or knockout!" He shouts back
An electronic voice starts speaking
MATCH BEGINS IN 10 SECONDS
Tails notices Scourge doesn't have any partners in his squad
"Where are your team mates?"
Scourge grins "They're around, but you won't see them coming"
"What?"
5, 4, 3, 2, 1-
A massive bullhorn sounds out and everyone takes off running for weapons. The strongest weapon available is the Compact Stun Gun, but it's hard to come by. The weakest weapons are the cardboard boxes, scattered all around the arena.
Tails picks up a box and uses it as a shield from incoming attacks, while Manic fights head-on against the competition. He's able to get 3 players to tap out to strikes, and puts another in a headlock submission until he taps out.
Everytime someone is eliminated, a loud buzzer sounds out to score these.
On the other side of the arena, Scourge digs through the abandoned houses for the stun gun but another team has already found it.
The leader fires the gun at Scourge but he narrowly dodges the two electric barbs. While the leader tries to reload the stun gun, Scourge sweep kicks his legs out from under him and punches him until he's unconscious, then takes the weapon for himself.
Tails is overwhelmed by a big group and knocked to the ground, forcing Manic to race in and knock them back so the fox can get back up.
The duo stand back-to-back and wait for more attackers.
"How long has it been? 20 minutes?" Tails asks, inhaling and exhaling heavily
"Dude, it's only been 20 seconds"
"..well, it feels like 20 minutes.."
"How ya feeling? Can you fight?" Manic asks
"Gettin' tired" Tails answers
"But you ain't hardly do anything!"
"This shit hurts, man! These guys are taking this way too seriously!.."
"Yeah, I guess they are. Stay on your feet, fight smart. We didn't come here to lose"
The Fox sees a gang of 15 heading their way and circling on all sides.
"Talk to you in a bit, trouble's coming in hot"
"Alright bro"
Manic races towards the first group, kicks dirt in their faces to briefly blind them and throws powerful roundhouse and spinning kicks at each attacker.
Tails, however, flies above his attackers and swoops in, smashing one at a time. He uses a cardboard box to protect himself as well as to shield-bash them.
"This way is much easier!" Tails shouts
He's so busy flying around the arena that he doesn't see Scourge aiming the Stun Gun at him. He lines up the shot and fires, both barbs perfectly hitting Tails in the chest. He falls to the ground as 5 000 volts electrify his entire body.
"Shit!" Manic shouts
The green hedgehog runs over to help his friend, only to be shot with a tazer by another player. Manic grunts and strains, doing his best to fight off the pain.
He looks back to see who shot him, and instantly recognizes his attacker.
Stone, the last lieutenant for The murderous group, The Wulf House.
Several months ago, Manic ruthlessly beat Stone down and had a chance to save him from an angry mob, but he left him to die.
Scourge saved his life and made a deal to bring Manic here so Stone could kill him.
"Son - of a BITCH!" Manic says through gritted teeth
"It's time to die, freak!" Stone growls
Manic is able to rip the barbs out of his back and kneels down to catch his breath, while Stone throws the tazer away and walks towards him in his fighting stance.
The lieutenant lands a combination of fast, yet powerful punches on Manic while he recovers from the overflow of electricity that just went through his body.
Meanwhile Scourge kneels down next to Tails and locks him in a Sleeper Hold submission.
"Just like old times, eh" Scourge gloats
The Fox does his best to escape the hold but nothing works and he starts to black out from the lack of oxygen.
Manic looks over "Hang in there, Tails, I'm coming! Don't give up to that piece of shit!"
Stone swings wildly and Manic dodges the punches, then races to save his friend
Until Scourge fires the Stun Gun at him.
He holds the Submission, while electrifying Manic at the same time.
Tails is the first to go unconscious so Scourge releases him, then steps towards Manic.
"Argh!.. You chump! You couldn't beat me fair!" Manic shouts
Scourge smiles at his downed enemy and knocks him out with a left hook to the jaw. Manic lays face-first in the sand and the elimination buzzer sounds out for him and Tails.
Stone rolls him over and lifts his leg up to stomp on his head, but Scourge stops him
"What're you doing?" Scourge asks
"You promised me I could kill him!" Stone shouts
"No, no, no! ...he fought well, he deserves another day. Besides, where they are going, they'll wish they were dead"
Scourge and Stone leave the area and head back to the front Gate.
Manic and Tails are picked up by hooded figures and carried out of the Dome in a Silver truck.
The Arena Boss enters the Dome "Your winners, and still undefeated champions - these no-name bastards!"
The roar of the crowd is enough to wake Manic, and he looks out the window as his enemy takes The Jade, Sapphire and Crystal Medallions from the holding box.
"You motherfuc-"
A hooded guard whacks Manic in the head with the butt of his machine gun, and the green hedgehog goes back to sleep.
Scourge watches with a smile as the Silver truck drives into the distance, disappearing over the horizon.
"Have a nice trip, you dumb, stupid fucks"
The MMA girls join their boss and his entire gang jumps on a large Bus, heading back to Scourge's hangout.
"Get my girl on the phone, tell her The Man has won again" Scourge laughs "And he's coming back with gifts"
The bus rides back into the Casino Night Zone, while The Silver Trucks ride far away from civilization.
Scourge steps off his party bus and enters a 4 story high Blue Building. He enters, walks up a spiralling staircase illuminated by Purple Neon lights, and he sits in the V.I.P lounge.
Scourge's girlfriend Chavele joins him and sits on his lap. She is tall, wears a short Red dress and Black heels. She has long, dyed black hair and smokes a cigarette.
"How was it, baby?" Chavele asks
The Bright Green hedgehog pulls out all three Medallions and smiles
"This dipshit named Manic came down here to stir some shit up, so I shut him down and took his Medallions"
The Black hedgehog looks at the Gems for a moment, studying them while butting out her cigarette.
"Manic, huh... was he alone?"
"Might as well have been. He brought this punk Tails and he got his ass kicked! I think he would've done better if the kid stayed home, know what I mean. Liabilities are the worst"
An electronic wristband on Chavele's right arm flashes twice, forcing her to jump up and head into the washroom.
She types on the small display screen for a moment, then Scourge enters the washroom as well.
"Baby, this is the girls' washroom!" Chavele says, face turning red
"Don't worry, I'm friends with the owner. We're good... what's wrong with your wrist-thing?" Scourge asks
"Um, it's nothing-"
The Bright Green hedgehog leans against the wall beside Chavele to keep her here
"You know him, don'tcha"
"..I met him in Metropolis about a year ago. That's all"
"He was nice to you, that's why you don't like what I did to him, right?"
"Look, nothing happened between us, we were just friends. I could care less about him.." Chavele says dismissively
Scourge looks into her yellow eyes "...you seen these before?"
She looks at the Gems hanging around her boyfriends' neck
"Just that Green one"
"These are pretty rare, Chevy. And I intend on keeping them with me, nobody else. No exceptions. Got me?" He asks
"Y-yeah, I got it, chill out"
Scourge smiles "Great. Lets go grab a bottle and celebrate. Drinks on the house all night, right Zak?"
A voice on his walkie-talkie speaks
"For you, absolutely, my man" Zak answers
The Green hedgehog puts his arm over Chavele's shoulder and they walk back into the V.I.P lounge. The DJ puts on loud Trap Music as more and more guests arrive in the club. By now, everyone's heard what Scourge did, so they're here to celebrate with him.
This bunch will look for any excuse to get drunk and party.
Unfortunately, It's not quite the same for Manic and Tails.
It's been over an hour since the duo were picked up, and the first thing Manic notices are the chains around his wrists and ankles.
"The hell is this?"
Tails groans slightly as he wakes, chained up as well
"...I told you this was a bad idea"
"Can you bust my chops after we get outta here? That's the last thing I need to hear, right now.."
The Fox looks around, they are currently inside a dark room with several other contestants from the Canyon. Every single one of them are shackled together, with Manic and Tails being at the front of the line.
A masked guard slides a metal door open and smacks his baton against the steel interior, making a loud CLANG sound echo throughout.
"Up! Now!" He orders
Manic walks forward "Why don'tcha take it easy, you Mowgli-lookin' bastard-"
A second guard whacks him in the gut with his baton, dropping the green hedgehog to both knees. He coughs up blood and glares at his captor.
"Don't try anything, you stupid prick!"
"Yeah, you're real tough, aren't ya! Take these chains off and do it again, I dare ya!"
Manic lunges at the guard but the shackles only let him get so far, giving the guard a chance to backhand him across the face. Tails holds his friend back to stop the assault
"Come on, you're not winning this one, man.."
"Enough! You move out right now!"
Manic grudgingly starts walking outside and the rest of the captives follow. They walk through the front gate of a community surrounded by a massive wall. Armed guards stand in towers and the top of the wall is covered with razor wire.
"Where the hell are we?"
A set of heavy footsteps approaches the captives, so Manic looks forward to see who it is.
"Manic?! Son of a bitch, how are you doing?"
Sargent Simian, a former Destructix enforcer, looks down at the green hedgehog with a friendly smile.
Simian is a 300 pound Warthog wearing clothes a little too tight for someone as big as he is. His shirt can't cover his entire torso, revealing a pink belly that's exactly face-height with Manic.
"Simian, you're running this shit show?" Manic asks, leaning back to avoid the massive belly
"Oh, hell yeah. I run a good operation, little man. Frankly, I'm surprised you're here, though" Simian says "...you got suckered into doing Canyon Crush, huh"
"Yeah, and obviously I shoulda just kicked Scourge' ass when I had the chance..."
The Fat Warthog crosses his arms "Yeah, that guy never loses inside The Crusher... you here by yourself?"
"No, a friend of mine got dragged into this shit, too"
Simian takes a moment to think, then makes up his mind "...we go back a long time, Manny. I hate to see ya in such a shitty spot.. I ain't supposed to do this, but I'm gonna get you guys outta this line. You don't wanna end up where the rest of these poor bastards go"
"That'd be just amazing if you could get us outta here, Sim! We didn't sign up for this, bro" Manic says
The Warthog unlocks Manic's shackles and lets the Green hedgehog exit the line.
Simian goes to unlock the next set of shackles "And your friend is - oh...Tails"
The Fox makes eye contact with the Fat Warthog and immediately feels the anger boiling inside him
"Hi, Sarge" Tails greets with a nervous smile
Simian turns his back to the fox "I can't help you. Guards, take the workers down to the Brig"
Tails' eyes widen "What?! Workers? The Brig?! No, wait! Please! Hey, let me out! Manic! Hey!"
A guard punches the Fox in the gut and pushes him forward
"Move! Now!"
Manic tries to change Simian's mind but the Warthog dismisses his words and orders him to follow.
Manic looks at Tails "Bro, I'm sorry, I can't-"
The teenage Fox spits out blood and shakes his head angrily, then faces what waits for him.
"Come with me, little man. He'll be alright. Lets go get caught up" Simian says
The Green hedgehog quietly curses to himself and follows the Warthog into a fairly old building. Manic wishes he listened to Tails and never entered this contest.
He's managed to lose all three Medallions, his best friend, and now he's at the mercy of an overweight warlord.
But the Green hedgehog's always enjoyed a challenge, so this will be fun for him.
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