FicWad

Sonic waited until after dinner and Sonia was taking a shower before going out for his nightly run.

He hadn’t mentioned to Sonia what his plans were, but he had mentioned it to Tails.

Sonic skidded to a halt at Manic’s new residence (according to Sonia) at Rouge’s guest house.

Manic and Surge were outside, sitting on the walkway while eating gelato.

“Sonic?” Manic asked. “What are you doing here?”

“Yeah, sorry; I hate to bother you, but I have to talk to you.” Sonic replied.

“I’ll let you do that.” Surge said, taking Manic’s cup. “Call me if you need me.”

“Sure, babe.” Manic replied.

Surge headed back inside.

Sonic sat down where Surge had been sitting.

“Let me guess, you’re suspicious about my story.” Manic said. “What exactly do you want to know?”

“Why are you homeless and why aren’t your friends other than the one who works for GUN and the burrow girl helping you?” Sonic asked.

“After my dad was killed in a car wreck, there was a lot of red tape and I couldn’t keep the house or pay to get it back.” Manic replied. “We weren’t wealthy and even the simplest funeral arrangements were still pretty expensive. While Surge and I were trying to get things straightened out, my locksmith certification lapsed. I lost my job when my boss and I realized that I was working while uncertified for months. Our other friends are single and live in apartments or small houses.”

“That’s all?” Sonic asked.

Manic snorted. “Yes. They try to help as much as they can.” He replied. “Before you ask, I was making a decent living and had insurance when my kids were born. I lost my home and job months ago. Surge and I were in foster care and we don’t want our kids in the system if we can help it.”

Sonic sighed. “I’m sorry, Manic.”

“Besides, you know you owe me, right?” Manic asked. “I could’ve sold that emerald. I’m sure if it’s worth a lot of money if you’re after it.”

“Then it would fall into the wrong hands and your troubles would be over permanently.” Sonic said. “Your kids wouldn’t make it to their next birthday.”

“What?” Manic asked.

“The Chaos emeralds are… well, they’re super powerful and could be used as weapons.” Sonic replied. “Tails can explain it, but he’ll bore you to death.”

“Okay, so they’re that powerful and you have one.” Manic said.

“Two, actually.” Sonic replied.

“How many more are there?” Manic asked.

“Five.” Sonic replied.

Manic sighed. “So why didn’t you lock up those things?”

“I did something stupid.” Sonic said, stretching his legs out. “Sonia and I left our guard post because I wanted to get out of the palace for a minute. I’ve been living in that palace, cut off from the outside world, for ten years. Anyway, the echidna tribe raided the palace and tried to steal the emeralds. The other guardians fought them, but the emeralds were scattered in an explosion. So we’re here and Sonia wants to help you.”

Manic looked at Sonic. “I get it. Your mission is more important than my troubles.” He replied. “I appreciate your help though. I was probably gonna lose my kids. My family means everything to me. I already lost my dad, I couldn’t handle losing them too.”

Sonic bit his lip. “All I had was my uncle.” He said. “He adopted me when I was a baby and raised me for twelve years. When he died, Longclaw took me and Tails to the palace and trained me as a guardian along with Sonia. Sonia’s mom, Queen Aleena, adopted me and Tails, but it wasn’t a typical family.”

Manic laid his arms on his knees. “At least you had someone to adopt you and keep you from being bounced around from home to home.”

Sonic nodded.

Manic and Sonic turned around as the door creaked open.

Surge poked her head out of the door. “Manic? It’s getting late.”

Sonic got up. “I’ll let you all get some sleep.” He said. “Have a good night.”

“You too.” Manic replied.

Sonic raced off.

*

Tails opened the door for Sonic. “Sonia’s asleep.” He said in a low tone.

Sonic nodded.

“So how’d it go?” Tails asked.

“It checks out.” Sonic replied. “I think he’s telling us the truth.”

Tails yawned. “Good.” He said. “That’s good. Because I should tell you that Sonia’s saying he needs a band.”

Sonic groaned. “Let me guess: she roped me into being in his band.”

“You and her.” Tails replied.

Sonic sighed. “This is my fault.”

Tails shook his head. “No, I can’t blame you for getting bored.” He said. “I hated being locked in the palace too.”

Sonic yawned. “Can’t do anything about it right now.” He replied. “Get some sleep, little bro.”

“You too.” Tails said.

Sonic settled into his bunk.

Tails settled onto the couch and pulled his blanket over him.