FicWad

Fourteen year old Manic and fifteen year old Shadow sat on the bench by the cemetery as they waited for Gerald’s grandson, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, to bring the car around.
“Can we trust this guy?” Manic asked.
“I don’t trust anyone.” Shadow replied.
“Right.” Manic said.
“Heard anything about your brother?” Shadow asked.
Manic shrugged. “We couldn’t find anything.” He replied. “Mobians are such a low priority, so of course no one is looking for him.”
Shadow nodded.
Manic sighed. “I can’t even remember his name now.” He said. “I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”
Ivo, along with Maria, pulled the car around.
Shadow and Manic got up and headed to the car.
*
Manic sat down in an old computer chair in Ivo’s lab, quietly waiting for Ivo to finish up the hoverboard that Gerald didn’t get to finish before he died.
Ivo glanced at Manic. “Either talk or wait outside.” He said. “You’re freaking me out.”
“Gerald said he’d help me find my brother.” Manic replied. “He’s still out there. Can you help me?”
“Maybe.” Ivo said. “What’s his name?”
“I can’t remember now.” Manic replied. “I had just turned three when he ran away from the orphanage. All I remember is that he’s got blue spines and fur and green eyes.”
“I see.” Ivo said. He stared off for a moment as if he was thinking of something. “So he ran away? Why didn’t he take you?”
“I was scared to leave, but I was going to try.” Manic replied. “He just ran off and left me because I couldn’t keep up.”
“He’s not a great brother if he’s willing to abandon you.” Ivo said.
Manic nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
“He’s not worried about you, so (if I were you) I wouldn’t worry about him.” Ivo said.
“You’re right.” Manic replied.
“Your board is done.” Ivo said, handing the hoverboard to Manic.
“Thanks, dude.” Manic replied.
“Now, would you like to do the same therapy as Shadow?” Ivo asked.
Manic raised an eyebrow. “Therapy?” He asked. “Is that why Shadow is so strong lately?”
“Yes, it is.” Ivo replied.
“Sign me up.” Manic said, smirking.
Ivo nodded. “Alright, meet me here after lunch.”
Manic got up, sliding his board under his arm.
“Oh, what about your girlfriend?” Ivo asked. “Would she be interested in a job in my company?”
“I think Surge would love it.” Manic replied. “She really needs to get away from her parents anyway.”
“Alright, tell her she can come over as soon as she can.” Ivo said. “Now go on and test the hoverboard out.”
“Thanks, Robotnik.” Manic replied.
*
Fifteen year old Manic obliterated a bunch of training robots with his bare hands as Shadow finished target practice.
Surge was practicing short circuiting a few training robots with the rings Ivo had made her.
Ivo stepped in. “Good work.”
Shadow, Manic, and Surge walked over to Ivo.
“Shadow, Surge, you two have the night off.” Ivo said. “Manic, you have a mission.”
Manic grinned. “You’re finally sending me out?”
“Yes, but there’s one problem.” Ivo replied. “You can’t use your real name.”
Manic raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Because the jerk I’m sending you after has been trying to track you.” Ivo said. “Apparently, he doesn’t like it that Surge never gave him the time of day, but chose you.”
Surge shrugged. “Probably because I don't have a clue who it could be.”
“Alright, I can use my online name.” Manic said. “When do you want me to go?”