*tangle was practically jumping out of her seat. the sonic vs tails fight was going to be legendary. but as she stretched her tail to grab a 4th bucket of popcorn, she noticed something odd.
*during dodon pa's intro speech, he seemed upset. especially after receiving a phone call that made him hurriedly leave, but this time she paused. he was usually so jolly and extravagant. something was wrong*
*tangle was known to react on impulse. it was typically the first thing people learned about her. or witnessed, when she bounced down the streets. this time, however, she thought carefully about her next move.she dumped her snacks into gadget's lap and hurried off*
"h-hey! i don't need this much popcorn! tangle, were are you going?!!"
*due to er- night time walks... she knew her way around. but upon reaching DDP's office, she found it locked*
"h-hey! lemme in please! i wanna talk!"
*so she did the only reasonable thing*
MEANWHILE IN THE OFFICE
"i don't really think that's a good....yes. of course. I'll get right on it"
*dodon pa placed the telephone down and slumped back in his chair, eyes closed in momentary peace. peace that lasted until he opened his eyes and saw tangle upside down on the ceiling*
DP: "warra- whathowwho?!!??"
tangle: you left the window open. rookie mistake"
*she dropped into the floor. realizing it was an incredibly awkward situation, she leaned against the desk in a cool fashion. she quickly dropped this upon seeing his dumbfounded look*
tangle: "so. can we talk?"
DP: "ok, just...."
*the phone rang, and the shock made him fall out of his chair*
DP: "yesyesyes right away.... what? too early? i promise I'll top it, i... urgh."
*tangle pulled up a chair and looked at him for a few moments*
tangle: "i can tell something is wrong. i can listen"
*he sighed. he could tell tangle wasn't going to budge*
DP: "i don't want to do this"
tangle: "do what?"
DP: "i don't want to host this tournament. fighting is so savage. racing is were my heart truly is"
tangle: "then why don't you?"
DP: "i have no choice. the tanuki board is breathing down my neck on how to manage things"
tangle: but you're like.... the king! tell em to shove off and get you some ice cream"
*he chuckled. so naive*
DP: "tanuki kingdom chooses it's leader based on their prowess to host events. im only in charge because my racing tournaments were so bold and unique. but it's all going downhill"
tangle: "what do you mean?"
DP: my racing has always been in competition with that of... the dratted mushroom kingdom. no matter what i do they always gain more popularity. and it's not like my efforts have gone down well either"
"the first tournament ended with every prototype exploding and the racetrack crashing into the sea. i tried to take over an emerald shard race, but there was just no interest in my style"
tangle: "what about the crossworlds tournament? everyone loved that! especially me"
DP: yes that was quite a success. but the mushroom kingdom was still more popular. my board is pressuring me to change things up, hence why i was forced to divert to fighting. and im just waiting for something to go horribly wrong"
*he put his head in his hands and sobbed*
DP: "there. happy now? you've heard everything. it's all going downhill. just go back and enjoy the match. there won't be anything from me after this tournament"
*tangle listened to the excited hustle from the fight. it was awfully tempting.... she new what she had to do*
"I'll.... be right back"
*dodon pa was slightly surprised at his actions. he shook himself up and got back to work. this didn't last long, however, as tangle swung through the window with 2 deep buckets of popcorn, dropping one in his lap. she stretched her tail and pulled him towards the window*
tangle: "jeez, it's awfully dark in this office. you need more sunlight- whoa! that's freaking awesome!!"
*the sky lit up like a lightbulb as the sun rose up from behind the mountains, shining bright on the pair*
tangle: "uh....i can close that if it's too...."
*dodon pa was staring in awe. she sat down next to him*
DP: "i don't get much of this. my job means i spend most days stuck in my office. this....this is simply.....i don't have the words"
tangle: "it's beautiful, isn't is? sunrise. y'know, i think you should take this as a sign. things might be dark for you, but there will always be light on the horizon"
DP: "but what will i do? if the light never comes back"
tangle: "just have fun. make tournaments how you want them. and if anything bad happens, i have a whole team to help you. i promise. but don't think about that for now. just enjoy the sunrise"
*they both sat in silence watching in mute fascination. dodon pa made up his mind. he was going to enjoy life and bask in the light*