It was finally time. For Sonic, to defeat Caspian.
Since his last encounter with Caspian in J-City, where a freak gust of wind sent his exploding shurikens hurtling back at him, Sonic had been pushing his training to the limits. He needed only needed several more days in order to master the new techniques he had devised in order to overwhelm Caspian.
But Sonic couldn't wait. The urge to defeat his fated rival consumed him, and he had just developed a new weapon that he couldn't wait to test out today.
Tracking down Caspian proved easy. After the incident with the monster called 'Lord Great White,' Caspian's address had been leaked online, likely by some disgruntled hero.
Given that he lived in Z-City Ghost Town, Sonic doubted anyone dared to venture into the rumored danger zone. Excellent. No distractions, no interruptions, no way for Caspian to luck out of his destined ruination.
Unluckily, or luckily, depending on perspective, Sonic spotted Caspian dashing out of Z-City Ghost Town. He seemed in a rush, as if he had lost track of time and now desperately raced to make it.
Sonic chased right after him. No matter how far you run, you can't escape me!
Caspian's speed was somewhat impressive, though nothing Sonic couldn't surpass.
As he trailed Caspian, they passed several mountain ranges and multiple cities before reaching what seemed to be their destination.
K-City? What business could he have here?
Sonic knew the city well, often training in the large forests surrounding it.
Caspian slowed to a walk as he entered the city's nature park, stopping near the lake. His gaze swept the area.
Sonic perched on a branch of a large tree at the forest's edge, where the trees gave way to the clearing around the water. Is there something hidden deep in this lake?
Caspian shook his head, then turned and began following the water's edge.
No, this must be a strategy to throw off pursuers. How foolish of you to believe I would fall for such an amateur tactic.
Sonic stalked behind Caspian as they moved through the bustling city, passing suburbs and backstreets until they reached K-City's wealthy district.
What's with all these people? This city is usually quiet.
Caspian rubbed the back of his head, glancing around before turning and walking straight toward him.
Sonic darted into a winding alley. A backtracking anti-surveillance technique! I underestimated you, Caspian, but this won't stop me.
As Sonic followed Caspian back to the nature park, he noticed streams of people flowing down a paved sidewalk into a wide-open section of the park.
The city's usual rhythm faded, replaced by a distant, unfamiliar jumble of noises.
He paused, ears twitching at fragments of sound out of place in the city's usual soundtrack. Faint laughter drifted on the breeze, mingling with bursts of music — a guitar riff, a drumbeat, something lively and celebratory. His nose caught multiple scents, too, rich and savory, like frying dough, and a sugary sweetness.
Sonic blended into the crowds entering the park, his focus on Caspian up ahead.
A crowded festival? To go to such lengths... I hadn't realized you were so diligent.
It didn't take long before he spotted the entrance to the festival grounds ahead. A towering archway, adorned with strings of glowing lanterns and fluttering banners, marked the threshold. The banners swayed in the breeze, their vibrant hues of red, gold, and blue catching the sunlight. Each one bore designs of various blooming flowers.
Beneath the arch, the ground transitioned from pavement to a softer, well-trodden path lined with straw mats and scattered flower petals. However, Caspian didn't travel down this path, instead he stood off to the side looking around, as numerous pedestrians flooded through the entrance.
Sonic slipped into a large shrub, hiding as he watched and waited for the right moment to strike. He gripped his ninjato's hilt, the minutes ticking by, until he noticed Caspian's expression brighten.
A woman? She looks familiar… It doesn't matter. If necessary, I will defeat her too.
Caspian embraced the woman, her green hair curling at the ends. The hug only lasted for a short while. Sonic missed whatever they said to each other, and afterward, she pulled away, seeming either panicked or embarrassed.
The two stopped at the entry booth. After Caspian paid, he and the woman extended their hands, and the attendant wrapped a pink slip around each of their wrists. They then disappeared into the bustling crowds lining the many food stalls and game booths within.
Sonic glanced to the sides of the entrance, where portable metal fences stretched out in both directions, even extending into the adjacent forests.
They call this security? K-City seems to be heading downhill. If it reaches the same tragic state as Z-City, I'll need to find new training grounds.
Sonic darted forward, easily bounding over the metal fence and into the forest on the right. With the grace of someone who had spent their entire life in the woods, he breezed through the dark thicket, weaving effortlessly between trees. Above, sunlight barely filtered through the dense canopy, but it didn't matter to Sonic. He hooked a sharp left, reaching a section of the metal fence near the center edge of the festival grounds.
Like a rush of wind, he slipped into the festival undetected, hiding behind a large red-and-white striped tent.
Sonic's eyes flickered through the crowds as he searched for anything that rebounded off the sunlight. In no time, he found the pair he was searching for, but not for the reason he had expected.
"It's the S-Class Rank 2 Hero, Tatsumaki, the 'Tornado of Terror!'"
"Who's the guy she's with? Is she on a date?"
"Wow, she's so cute in that outfit! I've only ever seen images of her online in her signature black dress."
"Kyaa! She's holding his hand!"
Cries from multiple people rang out as some of them pointed toward Caspian and the Tatsumaki, who stood in line waiting for their turn at the ring toss booth.
I knew she looked familiar. The 'Tornado of Terror.' Perfect. I can deal with her after. A sadistic grin spread across Sonic's face. When you least expect it, Caspian. Your downfall will arrive!