Dedicated to creepus.

Dear Manic,

I don't know what to say. How do I even begin this in a way that will give you pause before you dismiss me? I don't even know if you'll get this, or when, if ever. Heaven knows how your letter reached me, but it did, eventually. Thank you.

My son, I have so much to say, and yet no way to say it. How can I make you understand? There really isn't a way that will comfort or satisfy you. There is no excuse I can give that will make up for the years we have lost. Oh, how I have longed for you. But please, Manic, just know one thing, I never wanted it to be this way... I never wanted...

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry for leaving you and your brother and sister. I'm so sorry for not being around. I'm so sorry for hiding. I'm so sorry for avoiding you. I'm so sorry for following my head instead of my heart. My duties as Queen ordered me to ignore my feelings, but now I know that that was a decision that I will regret for the rest of my life, because it stole away from me the only things I have ever treasured above all else.

I do not expect your pity or sympathy, Manic, nor do I deserve it. I did this to myself. Please know, though, that I never intended to abandon you so completely. You may not believe me, and it's okay if you don't, but your life on the streets wasn't the fate I originally intended for you. I do not know what happened, but I did leave your basket at the doorstep of a suburban home. That was the last time I saw you for years. You had disappeared off my grid afterwards in a way that Sonic and Sonia hadn't. I looked for you, but I could never linger long enough to find results. In those days, I was still a Queen in my mind; I didn't particularly know how to function outside of the royal principles, and I was often much too noticeable or suspicious to stick around in one place for long in order to search for you.

It's no excuse. Please, I never forgot you. Mercenaries and bandits still search for my face with the high hopes of receiving the bounty that Robotnik has placed on me. And Manic, I know it seems fruitless, but please hang on for just a little while longer. I do remember you. I want to protect you, the only way I know how, but you need to hold on. I do not ask you to do it for me, but for your brother and sister, for Mobius. Please.

I have been absent for far too long. I know this. When Robotnik took over, I lost everything: my home, my husband, my children, my kingdom. I was outcasted from my own people. I had to run for my life for years. I was not in a good place, Manic, the plague of darkness shrouded my every thought and dream with hopelessness and resentment; I could hardly keep myself from the edge. It was not easy being so far from you, being so alone. I was lost. It only strikes me now just how long I've been lost, pointlessly wandering without anywhere to go, while you have been dutifully waiting for me to find you all this time...

I'm ashamed.

My boy, my children, I've let you down. I've betrayed your faith and allowed you to fall. I've failed my entire kingdom. I'm so sorry, please I beg for your forgiveness. This old Queen has no plan, has no purpose. This mother is unworthy of her title. I have failed you. I cannot help you on your quest to overthrow the tyrant, I am no longer capable. This is where I must let you go, once and for all. I am lost. Perhaps someday I will be found, and, if ever that happens, maybe you will find it in your souls to forgive my shortcomings, for the mistake that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Words cannot describe...

Manic, my prince, I love you.

Sonia, my baby girl, I love you.

Sonic, my little rascal, I love you.

Please stay strong, Royal Triplets, your kingdom awaits you to liberate it and bring about a new age free of Robotnik's reign.

I have faith for a better day.

Yours,

Aleena