A crowd of eager visitors gathered outside CoreCoaster, buzzing with anticipation as the line snaked around the entrance. The air thrummed with energy, laughter, excited chatter, the occasional high-pitched squeal from a coaster somewhere deep inside the park.
Above them, neon signs flickered against the backdrop of the towering park gates which, to the surprise of many, were massive stone gates that looked more medieval than futuristic.
However, they were not spared from animated holograms that danced across their surfaces, advertising attractions with looping clips of screaming riders, spinning lights, and glowing pathways. A roller coaster track twisted high above the entrance, its metal frame illuminated by vibrant hues, promising thrills for those daring enough to enter.
The bus hissed behind them as it drove away. Nox and Zee stretched after the long ride.
Nox adjusted his scarf, tipping his hat dramatically.
"Alright, folks, time to see if this place lives up to the hype, or if it's just a big, overpriced scream machine."
Zee rolled her eyes, stepping into the aisle.
"You've been here before, Nox. Don't act like this is your first rodeo."
Chet grinned, towering behind, looking more like a mascot of some sort.
"Still, we're all going together. That's what matters, right?"
Nox smirked, giving Zee a playful nudge as they made their way off the bus.
"Exactly, Chet. Memories in the making. And maybe, just maybe, I'll even scream this time."
The entrance gates loomed ahead, their grand structure a mix of industrial design and vintage charm.
Unlike the metallic look of Coreline, CoreCoaster's entryway was built from aged stone bricks, overgrown with vines and patches of moss. giving it its medieval aesthetic.
Zee took in the sight, her expression softening.
"I've always loved the look of this place. Just old-school and classy, kinda like a forgotten piece of history."
Nox shot her a curious glance.
"Really? No sci-fi tech stuff, no hacking? And you, out of all people, like it? I mean, Chet, sure, but you? Whoa."
Zee smirked, folding her arms, her tail excitedly swirling behind her.
"Hey, even I can appreciate a little charm. Not everything has to glow and beep, Nox."
Nox chuckled, nudging Zee slightly.
"Never thought I'd hear you say that."
She scratched her ear, adjusting her glasses on the bridge of her nose and pushing them up a little.
"Well, don't get used to it. I still like things that glow and beep more."
Ahead, the line slowly inched forward, visitors filtering toward the ticket scanners beneath arching metal beams, where bright holo-displays listed ticket prices and VIP upgrades.
The air smelled like caramelized sugar and hot pretzels, mingling with the synthetic chill of air conditioning spilling out from the park's interior.
Nox patted down his coat, his tail flicking lazily behind him.
"Alright, folks," he announced, his voice dripping with confidence, "quick check on the ticket department, and then we're good to go."
Zee arched an eyebrow, arms crossed.
"You mean to tell me you haven't already checked? Seriously, Nox?"
Nox grinned slyly, producing the tickets with a dramatic flourish.
"What? You doubt me? Of course I've got the tickets! Had 'em ready the whole time."
He waved them triumphantly before slipping them back into his pocket. Zee shook her head.
"You really love making me question my life choices, don't you?"
The trio stepped up in line, inching closer to the entrance. Zee poked Nox's side.
"No tricks anymore, alright? Let's just have fun today."
Nox smirked, rubbing his ribs where she poked him.
"No tricks, just good ol' wholesome fun. Scout's honor."
A sharp female voice rang out over the chatter, shouting,
"Next one, please!"
Nox adjusted his hat, stepping forward while facing backwards to Zee.
"No tricks, Zee. Just ordinary passing. Pinky promise."
As Nox turned around with a smooth motion, he looked at the counter where the ticket lady stood.
Zee smirked, folding her arms.
"Guess I better not get used to that."
At the ticket booth, a tall, brown-furred deer stood behind the counter, scanning tickets with a quick, practiced motion. Nox approached, flashing a charming grin.
"Hello, dear—oh, ugh... deer."
The attendant chuckled, shaking her head.
"Alright, let me just scan the barcode."
She swiped the tickets over a glowing pad, her large eyes flicking up toward Nox's outfit.
"Interesting clothing choice. Are you some sort of private investigator?" she asked, giggling.
Nox leaned casually on the counter, making a swift 'calm down' motion with his hand.
"Designer outfit. Hey, hey, why don't you use your microphone to ask the crowd how they interpret my outfit?
I mean, you could've used it when announcing 'next one in.' Would've spared your sweet voice."
The deer lady bent forward slightly, whispering conspiratorially.
"The damn thing's been broken since I started working here. Why do you think I gotta scream all the time?"
Nox opened his mouth to reply, but...
"Can we move it along, Romeo? Some of us would like to actually get inside today."
Zee groaned from behind him, rolling her eyes.
The deer chuckled, winking as she handed back the tickets.
"Enjoy your day, handsome. Maybe come back later."
Nox tipped his hat, flashing a sly grin.
"Thanks, darling."
He turned back toward Zee and Chet, waving the tickets with a smug expression.
"See? No tricks, just undeniable charm."
Zee snatched her ticket, unimpressed.
"Charm? More like a waste of time."
Chet ducked his way inside, exhaling as he straightened up.
"Can we save the toaster talk for later? I feel like I just squeezed through a ventilation shaft."
Zee marched ahead, calling out over her shoulder.
"Yeah, you're lucky they got extra-big seats in most of the attractions!"
Nox laughed.
"You mean we are lucky. Imagine him sitting next to us, squeezing us in. I'd be more scared of Chet than the rides!"
Chet chuckled, rolling his shoulders.
"Hey, if I'm the scariest thing here, maybe they should hire me as an attraction. 'The Chet Coaster' guaranteed to crush your fears... and maybe your ribs."