FicWad

The group finally made it to the little Alpine village.

The town looked the same as it did before Robotnik’s coup. Trees surrounded the valley, the valley had lush emerald green grass and brightly colored wildflowers. The buildings were freshly painted and had clean, unbroken glass. The streets were free of potholes.

It looked absolutely nothing like the other cities in the Robotropolis realm, which were polluted and rundown.

Sonic parked the van in the nearest gas station parking lot at Lake Valley. “Here we are.”

Manic looked out the window at the little alpine village. “I could get used to this.”

Surge looked out the window. “It looks dull.”

Manic laughed. “You’re definitely a city girl.” He said. He kissed her. “I love you.”

Surge laughed. “Love you too.”

Everyone got out to stretch their legs.

“I’ll fuel up the camper.” Uncle Chuck said, catching Sonic’s arm as he walked by. “You check things out.”

“Sure, Unc.” Sonic replied.

Sonic caught up to Manic and Farrell.

“Don’t try anything, Manic.” Farrell said in a low tone. “We have enough trouble without you swiping junk.”

Manic sighed. “‘Kay, Farrell.”

“Don’t be flip about it.” Farrell said, smacking Manic on the back of his head. “Did you forget who you have with you?”

Manic shook his head. “No, I’m sorry.”

Sonic put his arm around Manic. “You want me to keep an eye on him, Farrell?”

“I got him; keep an eye on the girls.” Farrell replied.

Sonic saw Sonia and Surge (who was carrying Glitch) through the window and open door of the little market/convenience store and ran over to them.

Sonia barely glanced at Sonic as she walked around the store

Surge walked out. “Maybe you know what you’re doing, blue.” She said, leaning closer to Sonic. “Something’s odd with this guy over here.”

“Which one?” Sonic asked.

“That tiger guy.” Surge replied. She subtly pointed at the Mobian tiger in front of the city hall across the street from them.

The tiger was talking to someone who sort of looked like a robot while occasionally looking at the group.

Sonic nodded. “Yeah, not liking the looks of this guy either.” He said. He motioned in Sonia’s direction. “What did Sonia have to say about him?”

“That he was cute.” Surge replied.

Sonic shook his head. “Then he’ll be trouble.” He said. “It seems like Sonia has a bad taste in guys.”

“Tell Sonia I’ll be in the camper.” Surge replied.

Sonic glanced from Sonia to Surge. “I’ll walk you to it.”

Surge waved Sonic away. “I can take care of myself.”

Sonic caught up to Surge and gave her a blank stare. “I never said you couldn’t.” He said flatly. “You have a baby and you’re still recovering. You need help.”

Surge sighed. “Fine.”

Sonic walked Surge to the camper. “Are you this… uh… independent with Manic?”

“Sometimes.” Surge replied. “All of our fights are centered on him wanting to help me and me saying he doesn’t have to help. That’s the only thing we fight about.”

Sonic chuckled. He glanced around. “Where is your husband anyway?”

“I don’t know.” Surge replied. “Probably stealing something.”

Sonic and Surge reached the van.

Uncle Chuck turned away from the gas pump. “Well?”

“We’re leaving as soon as Sonia gets the supplies.” Sonic said. “Something’s not right. I’ll need you to stay with Surge and Glitch. As soon as Sonia gets in the van, head out of town. I’ll find Manic and Farrell, then catch up to you.”

Uncle Chuck nodded. He headed back into the camper.

Sonic glanced around as he walked toward the store. “Where are they?”

Sonia came out of the store with an arm load of bags. “Where’s Surge?”

“Get in the camper.” Sonic said in a low tone.

“What?” Sonia asked.

“Something’s not right.” Sonic replied. “I’m going to find Manic and Farrell.”

Sonia glanced around. “Is it because Surge is being paranoid about that boy?”

“Who cares if she is or not?” Sonic asked. “We have our nephew with us. We can’t risk his life.”

Sonia nodded. “You’re right.”

Sonic picked Sonia up and raced off to the camper.

*

Sonic ran around the town, searching for Manic and Farrell. “Manic probably got them busted.” He said to himself. “Wouldn’t be a surprise.”

Sonic skidded to a stop as soon as he saw two Swatbots in the distance.

One Swatbot was holding Manic and the other was holding Farrell.

Manic and Farrell were fighting as best as they could.

Behind the Swatbots was a portable roboticizer.

Sonic ran over and spin dashed the Swatbot holding Manic.

Manic hit the ground.

Sonic helped Manic up.

“Don’t worry about me.” Manic said, brushing Sonic away. “Go help-”

The Swatbot threw Farrell into the machine and immediately started it up.

The machine started hovering off the ground, slowly transforming into an airship.

“Dad!” Manic cried.

“Sonic, get him out of here!” Farrell ordered.

Manic shoved Sonic back. “No, I-”

“Manic, go!” Farrell yelled. “Now!”

The roboticizer activated and flew away, toward Robotropolis.

Sonic grabbed Manic by his arm and dragged him along as he ran for the countryside.

Sonic set Manic down, then flopped down on the floor of the van and tried to catch his breath.

Sonia breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

Uncle Chuck knelt down and ruffled Sonic’s spines. “I knew you could do it, Sonny boy.”

Surge hugged Manic, then looked around. “Where’s Farrell?”

“Swatbots got him.” Manic said, voice shaking. “I could’ve saved him. Sonic-”

“He was already in the portable roboticizer and he told us to run.” Sonic said. “He specifically said to get Manic out of there.”

“Then you couldn’t have done anything, Manic.” Surge said, sitting down beside Manic. “I’m sorry.”

Manic hugged Surge.

Surge rubbed Manic’s back.

Manic started crying.

Sonia and Sonic stepped aside.

“We need to get moving.” Sonic said. “I’ll drive, you sit with Glitch.”

“Alright.” Sonia replied.

Sonic sat down on the couch beside Manic, who was laying down and letting Glitch sleep on his chest. “I’m so sorry about Farrell.”

“I’m sorry.” Manic said, rubbing Glitch’s back. “It wasn’t your fault. I think the whole town was suspicious of newcomers and they just happened to catch us off guard.”

“It’s okay, I understand.” Sonic replied.

Manic half smiled as Glitch woke up and started playing with his dad’s long spines. “I understand why he told me to leave.” He said. “I wouldn’t want Glitch to risk his life to save me.”

Sonic nodded.

Manic laughed weakly. “Farrell rarely let me call him Dad.” He said. “In our line of work, it was better that everyone thought I was some random kid he used for jobs that required someone small to climb in or out of instead of his kid. I mean, aside from the Thieves’ Guild discouraging anyone from forming attachments due to loved ones being a liability. You know how it is.”

“Makes sense.” Sonic replied.

Manic gently moved Glitch’s hand when the baby started pulling his spines too hard. “At home, he was exactly like a dad to me.” He said. “He gave me a long lecture when I told him Surge was pregnant and her parents were trying to blackmail us. He could’ve kicked me out for bringing in two more mouths to feed, but he didn’t. He was the closest thing to family Surge and I had.”

Since Sonic couldn’t reach Manic’s shoulder to pat it, he settled on ruffling his brother’s spines.

Glitch looked around and started whimpering.

“Sorry, little dude.” Manic said, gently patting Glitch’s back. “We’re gonna try to rescue Grandpa. Won’t we, uncle Sonic?”

“We will.” Sonic said. He checked his watch. “It’s time for dinner.”

Manic got up. “I bet you’re hungry.” He said, ruffling Glitch’s spines. “Let’s check on your ma.”

Manic headed to the bedroom.

Sonia parked the camper. “I hope you all like chili dogs.” She said, getting up. “I couldn’t find anything but that and a bunch of frozen meals.”

Sonic grinned. “You’re an awesome sister.”

Sonia walked over and hugged Sonic. “You’re so sweet.”

Uncle Chuck looked up from his computer. “You got him his favorite food.” He said. “I’d swear that boy would think Robotnik was awesome if he gave him chili dogs.”

Sonia smacked Sonic’s arm.

Sonic shook his head. “That’s like making a deal with the devil, Unc.” He replied. “Chili dogs aren’t worth it. Oh, and I really meant it, sis; you’re great.”

“Then you won’t mind making dinner?” Sonia asked.

Sonic held up his hand. “I-”

“Thanks, bro.” Sonia said, sitting down on the couch.

Uncle Chuck laughed.

Sonic half smiled. “You’re welcome.”

*

Sonia sat down in the driver’s seat by Sonic as he drove that night. “Thanks; dinner was great.”

“You’re welcome.” Sonic said.

“Something on your mind?” Sonia asked.

“I don’t know what to think of Manic.” Sonic replied. “I’ve heard that he’s this brutal guy you don’t mess with. I still kinda think he is. Then I see him with his family and he’s normal. Well, I wasn’t expecting him to have a family when I finally met my brother, but still.”

“That surprised me too.” Sonia said, stretching out in her seat.

Sonic glanced behind him.

Uncle Chuck was holding Glitch and giving him a beanie baby penguin.

“Is Manic still in the shower?” Sonic asked.

Sonia sighed. “Him and Surge.” She muttered. “They’re gonna use all the hot water.”

“What do you think of her?” Sonic asked.

Sonia shrugged. “As long as they’re happy. She does seem to really love our brother.”

Manic walked over. His spines were damp and stuck together in sections. “Need me to drive?”

“I’ll get Uncle Chuck to do it.” Sonic said.

Manic rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

“Is there any warm water left, Manic?” Sonia asked.

Manic grinned nervously. “Maybe a drop.”

Sonia sighed. “I guess I’ll just wipe myself off with a washcloth later.”

Surge walked over with her damp spines down and matted together. “I can drive if you need me to.”

“We’re trying to let you rest.” Sonia said.

Surge huffed. “Uh-huh, sure.”

“You can drive tomorrow.” Sonic said.

Surge sat down on the couch.

Manic sat down beside Surge and rubbed her shoulders. “Chill out, Babe.” He said. “Don’t you want to relax a little?”

“Yeah, but I hate that stupid excuse.” Surge muttered. “I’m not getting that much rest and you’re the only one offering to help.”

“I’ll babysit Glitch for you and Manic whenever you need it if you’re that overwhelmed.” Sonia said, turning to face Surge.

Surge got up and hugged Sonia. “Thank you.”

Sonia furrowed her brow. “You’re welcome…?”

Manic got up and touched Surge’s shoulder. “Ah, Babe, I try to do as much as I possibly can.”

“Yeah, you do more than your fair share.” Surge said, letting go of Sonia. “He’s adorable and a sweet baby, but I’m better with older kids than babies. Remember Kit?”

Manic bit his lip. “Yeah… poor guy.”

Surge sniffled. She headed over to Glitch and Uncle Chuck. “It’s his bedtime.”

Uncle Chuck tickled Glitch’s tummy. “Good night, little guy.” He said. He handed Glitch to Surge.

Surge headed to the bedroom and closed the door behind her and Glitch.

“Kit was her adopted little bro.” Manic said. “Sweet kid, one of my friends. Got killed by Swatbots while trying to help Terios save us from them. She’s still traumatized from it.”

Sonia got up and hugged Manic. “I’m sorry, bro.”

Sonic glanced back at Manic. “Sorry, bro.” He said. “I knew Kit too. He was a brave kid.”

Manic nodded. He blinked back tears. “G’night.” He said, voice shaking. “I gotta check on her and all.”

“Good night.” Uncle Chuck and Sonia replied.

“Good night, bro.” Sonic said. “We can talk later.”

“Thanks.” Manic replied. He headed back to his room.

Sonia sat down again and waited for the bedroom door to close. “I think the tough guy persona is an act, Sonic.”

“It’s a great one if it really is.” Sonic replied.