*This is where the Sonic Adventure/Rush story mode come into play.  Both sides WILL be different.  Trying to combine the two result in a confrontation so big it'll jumble the upcoming chapters.  If any questions arise about any mistakes, or issues with the characters involved, please read the Preface on Chapter 1.*

Chapter 8 - The Glowshroom Knothole

     The mobian was startled at first looking over the strange land before him.  But when he got the feel for the area, he deemed this part of the forest as a challenge for him.  Frostcat gave a smirk as he flicked his nose with his thumb saying "Alright then, Let's have some fun with this!" and ran towards the forest obstacle which were the tall ledges before him.  The ice warrior drew his sword and use his downward swing to unleash his ice crescent attack against the wall creating an ice ramp.  He then successfully skated up to the top of the wall.  "Ha! That wasn't so bad."  He then looked forward to see another wall across from him as the same level but is too far to jump.  "Oh please!" he mocked as he took his running position.  "Now!" he shouted as he pushed himself forward off the edge of the first wall platform forming a level ice bridge from his feet as he skates across to the other platform.  "Heh, piece of cake!  Next."  He looks down to see the ground beneath him but the pathway is surround by lakes on each side.  He then looks forward to see green spheres with wings hovering around in the air.  

     Uncertain what those things can do he decided to jump down and run down the path.  As Frost jumped near the wall of the platform he formed more ice against the wall and skated downward to gain momentum.  At that instant something didn't feel right with him.  When he instantly formed a ramp onto the ground to gain a boost of speed, something big popped out of one side of the lake and into the other.  He kept going saying "Ah! What was that?!"  Before he knew it there were over sized round spiky purple fish with mouths like sharks trying to devour him while jumping from lake to lake.  "What are these things!" As he carefully tries to dodge the oncoming jaws from the fish.  "Oh screw this!" He said as he used his sword to freeze each fish solid and floating on the the lakes.  He then looks up to the winged green orbs and said "Maybe next time." and moved forward.

     The next obstacle were the odd platforms connected by sturdy vines.  Only problem is that it's on the other side which will lead to the continuing path.  As he looks down he sees more of his fishy friends in the lake below.  "Great, now what to do?"  ~I know. I know~ The spirit spoke startling the blue fire feline.  Completely forgetting that he still has the goggles on his head he asks the spirit within "~What's up~?" ~Um....the sky...branches...eeehh..~ the spirit answered in confusion.  "~Heh, no. I mean what to do in this situation?~"  The doll spirit said ~Oops...Sorry. Those are gondolas.  You need to find the machine to operate it.~  "~So it should be somewhere here. Alright then~"  As he continued further down the first path he noticed there was another gap to the other side which is blocked off by a block with an X on it.  "mmmm...No sweat"  He said as he pulls out his emblem to form his sweeper and adjusts it to the right setting so that he won't shoot out his recently saved doll.  He aimed at the X block and shot a speedy cluster missile at it leaving behind a big explosion.  "Okay! Now to get across."  

     ~Hold on.  Look~ the spirit said abruptly.  As the smoke rises the X block remains without a single scratch.  "~Wait...how did...~" Frost asked flabbergasted.  ~That needs to be destroyed by dream magic~  "~Dream magic?  What's that?~" as the conversation leads on.  ~Remember those vortexes? They are fueled by the powers of dreams and nightmares.  Some can be controlled and others roam freely.~  "~So what does that make Mobius?~" ~Mobius?~  The conversation put Frost into a more confused state than he's has already been.  //Moos, exploding mice, over sized controlled monsters...all fueled by dreams.  But I'm fully awake.  What's going on.  What's happening to Mobi...// ~Hey...Listen!~  "~Wha?...What is it?~" Frost asked from his concentrated state.  ~I said try that Moo over there~  "~Oh, right.~"  The ice warrior used his vacuum to suck up the moo and shot it towards the X block.  The pop from the moo emitted the blue mist with random shapes surrounding the block causing it to break apart.  "~Alright!  Now how do I get a....oh.~"  As he looks up to see the winged floating green orbs again. 

     "~Those things~"  ~It's okay.  They can get you to the other side.~ the spiritual doll encouraged.  "~I hope you're right.  Otherwise I'm fish food.~"  He then took up his sweeper and tried sucking the orb inside but it was too far away.  "Shoot!" ~You're going to have to jump silly.~ the doll explained. "~I know that!~" the feline suddenly snapped as he looked down and notice and massive drop to the water and finished in thought //...just never done this before...//  Frostcat took a deep breath and readied his sweeper.  He closed his eyes and whispered "~Please let this work...~"  He then opened his eyes ready and as ran towards the ledge he jumped as high as he could and used his sweeper to suck the orb inside.  But when the thought of //what if the entire orb get sucked in// ran across his mind he instantly yelled "DAMN IT!!!" and shut is eyes expecting to fall.  

     ~hehe.  Silly kitty.~  There was silence for a few seconds before it spoke again. ~You're just fine. See?~  When the scaredy cat opened his eyes he was still holding his sweeper as he is hovering in mid-air.  "~How am I like this?~"  The mobian then looked up to see that only the wings from the orb that stuck out of his vacuum are keeping him afloat.  "~Man this is so wierd!~" Frost said ~It's not over yet.  You still got two more go get across~  The feline looked ahead to see the other two in a far yet even distance.  "~Oh great.  More death orbs.~"  ~What's wrong Mr. "No problem?"~  And before Frost started to wonder what was with the change of additute the spirit finished up by saying ~Next!~  It was made clear that he was getting too confident for his own good and jumping into action without making rash decisions could definitely cost him.  

     "~Damn...why didn't I try to use the first three orbs?...But that doesn't matter! Now it's time to show you what I can do!~" Getting back at his cool attitude knowing full well that if he slips of now, it's game over.  He started to rock himself back and fourth to gain enough momentum to make his next daring move.  ~Um...hey...what are you...~ the spirit asked when Frost just answered "~Just watch.~"  The ice warrior timed his swings until he was ready by saying "One!...Two!...THREE!!!" On the third main swing he lifted his legs upward like he was on a playgroung swing and lifted as high as he could.  He pressed the button on his sweeper that forced the orb back into place and lunging him towards the next orb. The spirit suddenly shouted ~THIS IS CRAZY!~ when Frost simply said "~That's one...~" as he was still on the uplift from the take off.  He then layed his body across and aimed his sweeper attempting to suck the second orb.  When it successfully got sucked in he then used his body weight to swing to the other side of the capture placed orb.  He did the exact same thing a second time and was vaulted to the third orb. ~ARE YOU INSANE? THIS ISN'T WHAT I HOPE YOU WOULD DO AT ALL!~ "~That's two...~! was Frostcat only reply as he sucked up the third orb and went for the full on fast swing saying "~and this makes THREE!~" as he did a major fault into the air.  Knowing full well that he made it to the other side he shouted something that made the spirit realize it's faults too. "*WA-HOO!!!*"  the happy go lucky feline shouted. Pumped with adrenalin, he landed on the other side and clinched his sweeper and did an one arm pump victory. "Yeah!"

     He then futz his goggles a bit and asked the doll spirit "How's that?"  Another awkward silence fell before the spirit spoke. ~Frostcat...I'm...I'm sorry for ever doubting you.  This isn't a world that you know and I feel that all was lost the moment things were starting to look like my home...  "~Hey...Listen!~"  The spirit gasped as Frostcat chuckled a bit and said in a more down to earth tone "~It was my fault too.  I shouldn't be so hasty in making quick decisions in areas that I'm no familiar with.  The one I look up to...that everyone looks up to named Sonic the Hedgehog is always daring with no fear in what's to come or obstacles in his path.  Just cool and carefree.  The first three orbs I was careless and was nearly eaten, but these three I believed in myself and went for it after seeing what these things are capable of.  Don't worry.  As soon as I get the hang of all of these changes, then I can really have fun with the new landscape. Now, let's get those two dolls okay?~"  ~hehe, okay, *let's go*~  

     As they continued down the way, Frostcat recognized something.  "~Check it out!  That's the gondola machine!~"  ~Great! Hop on and turn the wheels.~ The spirit said.  The newly driven mobian hopped on the machine and turned the gears causing the platform on the vine to move towards the proper side.  ~Now we can get on the...uh oh...~  "~What's up?~"  ~The...eehhh fact of how to get across if you're not operating the machine.~ as spirit saved itself for making the same mistake.  Frostcat gave his casual grin and says "~Just leave that to me~"  The mobian then jumped off the platform moving machine and ran to the edge of the platform and crouched down ready to pounce.  "Okay...Ready...Set...GO!!!"  He clicked the button of his sweeper when everything started to turn green.  Something that the spirit never witnessed before.  The time controlling feline just stood there for a good ten seconds before he stood up and darted for the gondola machine, moving the platform to the other side.  The moment that he couldn't move the platform any further time started to rewind back to when he was back to the edge after he said the word "~GO!~" 

     When everything went back to the normal surrounding colors Frost quickly jumped into the air higher then the floating green orbs.  He then used the same trick he did when he got to the very spot he was on.  With three successful swings across the orbs with another *WA-HOO!* shout he landed and yelled "GO! GO! GO!!!" as he used the ice forming under his feet to skate like he never skated before.  By the time he reached the platform it was starting to move to the other side.  Fortunately he noticed a Moo along his path.  He quickly picked swept the round creature up and made a jump for the platform.  It was too late though.  For as he jumped he was only a few feet away from the moving platform.  His only shot was taking a risk of the Moo stored into his sweeper.  He quickly pointed downward and shot the Moo out, catapulting him onto the platform.  "~HAHA! I am the man!~"  

     ~B...but how did you know that was going to happen?~ the spirit asked.  "~It's simple to put two and two together. If it can be done with the orbs, it can be done with the Moos.~"  ~You are full of surprises.~  the spirit complemented.  "~Like I said, once I adapt, I have fun!~" Frost explained as they continue to go through continuous obstacles and cliffs using the techniques he have and that he has learned.  When all was clear and there were no more twists and turns, Frostcat found a large tree stump.  "Whew!  Man that was intense!  I need a break."  The moment he sat down and placed his sweeper on the stump hard he heard a hollow thud.  The ice warrior's ears pointed upward as he starts to knock on the stump to make sure.  "It's...it's hollow?  It's hollow.  YES! IT'S HOLLOW!!!"  ~What is it?~  Frost answered in delight.  "~This is it! I've finally reached the last part of the path!~"  The excited mobian found a handle on the side of the stump the opened the hidden hollow door that leads down.  "~I can't believe it...I've made it!  This passageway will lead to Knothole and the home of the Freedom Fighters. Once I tell them what's going on, they can help me save the other two dolls to revive you, and clear my name.~" ~Great! Let do it then!~ "~Heh, you don't have to tell me twice.  Here we go!~" As frostcat jumps down the stump and into the sliding tubes, he finally was able to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel.  He was ready for a warm welcome from his new comrades.  He was prepared for a battle in case the clown decided to interfere the warm welcome.  But nothing can prepare for what will him for what lies ahead.

     The moment he jumped out of the tunnel he landed on what he thought was a grassy surface.  Instead, it was a solid dirt ground that appears to be glowing.  Frostcat slowly looked up to see what was around him.  The entire surrounding can only force the feline to be knocked down on his rear end.  Shock, dazed, confused, and awestricken, the ice warrior saw something amazing.  Something that no other mobian or overlander can comprehend.  The trees, flowers, everything around it are alive.  Each tree, plant and webbing has it's own unique radiant glow as far as he can see.  Slowly the stunned cat got back on his feet and slowly whispered. "~in-cre-di-ble...I've never seen anything like this in my life.  Is...is this Knothole?~"  ~I'm afraid it isn't Frost. I'm sorry.~  "~It's still...so beautiful...peaceful.~"  Frost began to move foward more into the luminous land when he was suddenly fixated at a dark cave with two aqua colored balls hovering in the air.  Frost was suddenly out of it.  Something about his ability, his surroundings, and color blue makes him feel more calm, more relaxed, more at peace.  

     As he inches more and more toward the dark ominous cave the spirit tried all it could shouting at him ~WHAT ARE YOU DOING!  WAKE UP! GET AWAY FROM THERE!  DON'T GET ANY CLOSER PLEASE!~ But to no avail, the entranced feline continued to walk forward.  When he was in range the blue orbs flinched and moved away further into the cave.  It was the spirit's last chance to before it was too late as it shouted as loud as it can. ~IT'S A TRAP!~ Frostcat was about to break out of his peaceful daze until a flurry of colors lunged out towards him.  First it was yellow, then pink at the top and red at the bottom.  As soon as he noticed the jagged white triangles slowly closing in on each other he instantly lifted his arms trying desperately to stop its mouth from closing him in.  "~Crap....aaahhh!!!~" As he felt it's slimy tongue lash against his body trying to yank him in.  As he tries to muster the strength of one hand to take out his sweeper in the other, he noticed the outside light grew darker as it's head starts to sink back into the cave. "~No way....am I going to be...your dinner!~" And with that said he pressed the button on his sweeper causing everything to turn purple causing time itself to rewind and forcing the monster to pull his head out.  

     As the monster reopened its mouth as Frostcat quick leaped out and ran out of it's way from the cave.  Everything turned back to their original colors and the blue flame feline collapsed on the ground in major relief that he didn't get eaten.  "~Holy crap that was way too close!~" panting as if he was nearly chocked to death.  ~Are you alright Frostcat?~ the doll spirit asked.  "~Yeah...once I get my heart back.~" He answered.  After gathering himself to fully calm down he got another look around the area and made sure to avoid any caves before he was put into a trance again.  "~You know...it does look beautiful around here though isn't it.  But...~" as he puts his goggles over his eyes "~...I'll make sure to watch it this time.~"  The alert feline gave another look around to see a pack of different colored moos wandering around.  As he looked back at the cave he noticed a pink orb with wings that was hovering above it.  He managed to suck up several Moos just in case and says "Let's give that thing what it wants." He ran back into the area of the cave at started taunting the hungry monster.  

     "~Hey creepazoid, sorry about earlier.  I knew there was no way for me to escape now. I'm all yours!" As he spreads his arms open with his sweeper in hand, the aqua colored eyes pulled back into the cave and once again the monster lunged out with it's jaws wide open.  As soon as Frost was fully in it's mouth he suddenly yelled "~SIKE!~" and everything in the area turned blue.  Frost realized there was a gap on the sides of it's mouth even when it was fully shut and squeezed his way back out and in mid-fall he shot his sweeper downward and vaulted back up to the top of the monster's head.  He took a good look at the beast the commented "~Man you're ugly!~" ~FROST!~ the sprit yelled as it suddenly displayed a timer on how long he had until the effects wares off. "~Okay, okay~" The cool and collective cat said as he leapt into the air before the blue effects wore off. As the monsters head pulled itself back into the cave Frostcat shot another Moo down to the cave, lifting him high enough to vacuum the winged pink orb.  Suddenly, the wings started to flap outside his sweeper lifting him higher to another passage way above the cave.  

    He shot off the orb and landed on the new path and viewed the new landscape some more until he found something familiar.  "~Those huts... That's Knothole! They're right over there!~"  The eggered ice warrior looked around for an opening through the vaguely light colored webbing and noticed that he can get through.  But the distance was so far.  "~I got an idea for a shortcut.~"  ~What is it Frostcat?~ the doll spirit wondered.  "~A handy trick I've learned from my friend Blinx.~" He carefully aimed his sweeper at the appropriate gaps of the webbing.  As soon as he shot the sweeper and big fire cracker shot out and was about to shoot forward until he said "~Stop!~" and everything turned blue again.  Everything was completely still including the recently fired rocket.  He took the opportunity to jump on top of the rocket like a surfboard and said "~Hold on. Cause here we go!~"  The blue effect wore off and the rocket shot off whipping the air-surfing hero across the webs and directly towards the huts of Knothole.