Chapter 2: Across The Border
Manic wakes up about 5 hours later, still lying on the main deck of Marine's boat. He yawns as he stands up and takes a look around. He checks his phone for the time
6:08 AM
Where the hell are we?
He looks over the docks and tries to figure out which Zone this is, while lightly groaning as he walks around. His legs are still recovering from all the running he did just a few hours prior.
Manic sees Bark and Farrell passed out on the cushioned seats near the back of the boat, the middle aged hedgehog leans on the polar bear as he snores. Manic quickly takes a photo and then looks inside a mini fridge for anything to drink. All he's able to find are cans of White Ox beer, so he grabs one, cracks it open and leans on the railing once more. He doesn't have a plan of any sort right now, so he tries to put one together as he drinks.
"...you gonna run off on us again, Manny?"
The green hedgehog exhales sharply before turning around to face his father figure
"Well, seeing as I've got nowhere to run, I don't think so. What about you, old timer? Got any plans?"
Farrell sits up "I can't run like you kids, anymore. What's yours?"
"I'm gonna finish this beer then head to the nearest ATM. I gotta pay baby driver the rest of her money, then I'm gonna go see what's what around here. Shit, I don't even know where here is!"
Marine sits up "We're in Mushroom Hill, mate. Nice place, small town feel, y'know. I 'eard the locals were nice. Why don'tcha go make some more friends, Manny, they'll probably show you around"
Manic chugs the rest of the beer and burps "Yeah, because I'm a real people pleaser... I'm going for a walk, are you coming, Pops?"
Farrell stands up "Yeah, I guess so. Lead the way"
"I'm going to find an ATM and I'll be back with your money, Marine. It'll take like, 20 minutes at the most"
The female raccoon yawns "Aw'right, I'll be here. Can't guarantee I'll be awake when you's get back... ah, yeah - here, put this on"
She passes a dark blue rain jacket to Manic
"This thing looks more like a girl's coat, Marine"
"Well, would you rather show off those bruises and skinny arms?"
Manic sighs and puts the jacket on to cover himself.
The green hedgehog leads his mentor off the boat and onto a wooden dock. They step on autumn leaves as they walk through a small grass field and make their way down a sidewalk. They take turns yawning, noticing town locals are up and walking around as well, so they try not to draw attention to themselves,
but two scruffy looking hedgehogs popping out of nowhere doesn't help.
"...didn't expect the whole town to be up and moving right at sunrise. Everybody must work at the same place or something, I couldn've sworn there wasn't a damn soul out here 30 seconds ago" Farrell says
"Well, hopefully these folks mind their business, we don't need anyone blowing our cover. We made it this far, we just need a good hideout and we can rest..." Manic replies
"Now, you're talking, kid"
They give friendly smiles as they pass the townsfolk and finally reach the tiny downtown square.
"Keep an eye out for an ATM, I just wanna get this over and done with as fast as possible"
"What about making friends?" Farrell asks with a slight grin
"I don't think we're gonna make any friends out here, this towns' full of weirdos"
The older hedgehog stops "We might be wanted criminals, but that don't mean we can't ask for directions along the way, Manny. Know what I mean?"
Manic looks around the square while walking "...I think I've got some idea, yeah"
"You start making friends, some smart ones, create a network of contacts and make sure to get on their good side, THAT's how you earn their favor. Show you can help them, and more times than not, they'll do the same for you"
Manic spots the ATM "Cool, why don't you test that theory out, Pops. I'm going to make a withdrawal"
The green hedgehog leaves his father figure in the middle of town square, then turns around as he walks backwards to say one more thing
"...stay outta trouble, I'll be back in a minute"
Farrell waves his arm "You got it, sonny boy"
The green hedgehog slides his card into the machine and navigates through the main menu. He enters a large amount and looks around while he waits for the ATM to dispense the cash.
All hundred dollar bills.
Manic quickly pockets the cash, takes his card and walks back towards the small park he left Farrell at.
He looks over and sees his mentor speaking with a few of the locals, so he signals back towards Marine's boat, but Farrell just waves this off. Manic points down and mouths the words "Stay here", and his father figure nods.
Damn it, old man. Don't get us made out here...
Manic disappears before anyone notices who Farrell is nodding at, then he speed walks back to the docks. He climbs back onto the boat, pulls out some cash and counts out the remaining balance for Marine.
He taps her shoulder with the dollar bills "Here ya go, cap'n. $2500 all accounted for, just as I promised"
The raccoon yawns and takes the money "Oi, 'bout time!"
Manic gives her an annoyed expression while she laughs
"Haha, just joking with ya, Manny, lighten up. So, wha's your big plan now, eh? You got across the ocean, new Zone to act up in, wha's next?" Marine asks
Manic looks down at her "You're not doing anything right now, are you?"
"I got nuthin' planned 'til the next customer rings me up"
He counts out a few more hundred dollars and passes it to her "...$300 if you let my friends sit in your boat for a few more hours, at least until I come up with a plan"
Marine smiles and pushes his hand back "Yer friends are welcome to crash here as long as they like, luv. We're square, Manic"
The green hedgehog nods, then calls his friends out to talk. B.B, Thompson and Mickie walk back up from the interior, while Bark yawns and sits up on the cushioned seat as Manic stands in front of them.
"..Marine's letting us stay on her boat for a little while longer, but I wanted to give you all some pocket cash"
He counts out decent sized stacks of cash and gives everyone $1000 each.
"What's this for?" Thompson asks
"In case you wanted to go out for a walk and you see something you like. But try to hang onto that. Me and Farrell are gonna scope out Mushroom Hill, hopefully put together a plan. In the meantime, you guys are welcome to go out on your own to check out the town. Just keep in contact, alright? We don't need any more trouble than we already have"
Bark stands up "We're free to go, right?"
"...that's what I just said"
"Aw'right, I'm heading into town to get s'more beers, I'm hangin' pretty bad, man!"
B.B grabs his bag "I'll go with ya, big guy. Let's check out Mushroom Hill"
The polar bear and crow jump off the boat and make their way into town, while Manic calls out to them
"Call me if you run into any trouble! Don't do anything stupid, now!"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Manic turns back to his friends on the boat "What about you two?"
Mickie grabs her boyfriends' hand "I think we're gonna lay back down for a little while. It's been a long night"
Thompson looks at him "I'm still mad at you for getting us in this situation, but you're on the right path of making it up, Manic"
"Trust me, I'm doing my best"
The tall hedgehog walks back downstairs, and Mickie gives a somewhat relieved expression to Manic. They go back to their room, and Manic climbs out of the boat.
"I'll call you if anything happens, and you got my number if something comes up here"
Marine nods "Yep. Sure do. Be safe, now"
Manic waves to her as he walks along the dock and back into town. He notices the group Farrell was talking to have left, apart from one auburn haired female hedgehog.
Farrell raises his arm "Hey, there he is! Manny, come over here and meet my new friend"
Great, we're wanted on both sides of the law, and Farrell wants to start giving out our names to strangers. This old man, I swear...
The green hedgehog quickly makes eye contact with the girl. She's wearing some kind of uniform, light brown shirt, dark trousers with tucked in black boots, and a light blue ribbon in her hair. It almost looks like an old train conductor outfit from the 1920's.
She extends her hand "Hi There! My name is Mitzi"
Manic shakes her hand "Hey, I'm uh, Manic"
"Your father here was telling me how you guys are new in town and could use some directions. Well, let me tell ya, I can show you EVERYTHING there is to see in Mushroom Hill! ...Not to toot my own horn, but I'm the city's best tour guide, between you and me, and I would be more than happy to sure you two around!"
Farrell looks at him "We would very much appreciate that, Mitzi. After all, we came here for a fresh start, and knowing the town would definitely benefit us as we get set up"
Mitzi lightly rests her arm on his shoulder "Oh, let me tell you, Mr. Farrell, Mushroom Hill is a very welcoming environment known for it's family friendly values, so I personally guarantee you and Manic will be treated like family here"
Manic gives a nervous laugh before speaking "That's - that's great, I look forward to the tour, ma'am"
"I'm just as eager as you to get started" Mitzi says as she leads the way "Gentlemen, let's start with old town hall. Here's a fun fact for you: The first mayor of Mushroom Hill was also the last mayor of Solace town, a long deserted town in the east"
Manic looks over at Farrell with a confused expression, but the middle aged hedgehog just shrugs and they follow along.
Rosie and Nack have intentionally waited until the next morning to update their new boss, Slayton, on the situation, hoping the repercussions may not be as bad as they would have been, given the mood he was in last night.
Nack parks his blue rental car outside a large property hidden by acres of trees and high gates, and they proceed through the front doors. A butler guides them through the sparkling halls and down a small set of stairs that lead into a back dining room.
("Midnight Rambler" by The Rolling Stones plays through a PA system)
An old hedgehog wearing a fancy black suit excuses himself from the conversation he was having with his guests so he can meet Nack and Rosie in the doorway.
"There my two trouble makers are" Slayton says while handing glasses of wine over to them "Please, have a drink while you fill me in on the Manic sitation. Here, I thought you two would've brought him to me hours ago, what's going on?"
Nack and Rosie look at each other for a second before someone answers for them.
"They let the little bastard get away" a male voice says
Stone, a former lieutenant of the mercenary group The Wulf House, joins the conversation.
Rosie steps forward "Sorry, we haven't met, who the fuck are you?
The tall Timberwolf removes his glasses and pushes his somewhat scraggly hair back so he can make eye contact with the short pink hedgehog.
"The name is Stone. I'm the guy they called in once you and your dipshit friends couldn't get the job done on Manic"
Nack glares up at him "What'd you say?"
Before the weasel can pull out his firearm, Stone draws his titanium pistol and aims a red laser sight on Nack's forehead
"...I said you losers were failures under Hawk, and I'm here to clean up your mess. Did ya get that, or do I gotta go in further detail?"
Nack scoffs "Is that a laser sight on your weapon? You must be a pussy if you need a guide-"
Stone pushes a small button that shines an ultraviolet light in the weasel's eyes, temporarily blinding him.
"ARGH, WHAT THE FU-"
Slayton jumps in between the trio and pushes Stones gun down
"Alright, no more bullshit, I've had enough! Now, we don't have much time, so I need you to stop screwing around and work together on this! You understand me?"
"Yes, boss" Rosie answers
The group look at Nack "...yes, boss..."
Slayton calms down "Good. Now, what happened to Manic?"
"He escaped on a yacht before we could catch him" Rosie says "We think he crossed the border"
"Well, how the hell did his ride know when and where to pick him up?" Stone asks
Slayton nods his head "...he had them waiting there the whole time. He knew he was gonna skip town so he got this boat driver to take him across the ocean. And that's what you three are gonna do"
Stone, Nack and Rosie look at their boss "What?"
"You heard me. I want you three to cross the ocean after Manic and bring him to me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE"
"Hey, why can't Redd do it?" Stone asks
"Because I sent her out to find Sleuth Dogg and Scourge. And more importantly, because I just fucking told you to do it, can you comprehend that, amigo?"
Stone backs down "I got it, boss..."
Slayton turns his back "Off you go, then. I may not be here once you come back because the police are trying to raid all my hideouts, so call me once you have the little prick and I'll tell you where to meet me"
Stone gives a mock salute and The Host leaves the group.
The Timberwolf looks at the duo "Well, shall we?"
Rosie looks around the fancy mansion, and security team, then calms herself before answering
"...of course..."
Nack shoots a dirty look at Stone as he leads the trio through Slayton's mansion and out the back patio doors. A group of gang members sit on the large patio smoking cheap cigarettes and sipping on equally cheap beer.
These are Stone's men, all members of The Chambers, Slayton's very large gang.
Rosie notices a familiar face among the gangsters
"Hawk?! What the hell are you doing here?"
Predator Hawk looks up and sees his former associates Rosie and Nack standing behind Stone.
The Blue Hawk makes his way over to the trio "Rosie, Nack, I wasn't expecting to see you guys here!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's cut the reunion short and get back in line" Stone orders
Nack glares at the Timberwolf and turns to Hawk "What, is he your boss or something? Why're you taking shit from him?"
"Because I'm his superior, and now I'm yours, as well" Stone clarifies
Nack pulls out his revovler "I didn't hear Slayton say that"
"I'm saying it now"
Nack raises his weapon so Stone grabs his wrist, pushes a button to eject the bullets and trips him with a front foot sweep. Nack lands on his face, growls and jumps up.
"You and me, one on one, winner gets to lead the pack, how's that sound?" Nack offers
The Timberwolf rolls up his sleeves "This won't even be a challenge, but it'll be a good reminder for the boys. You're on"
The group makes room for them to fight on the patio, and Rosie cheers on her friend as he squares up with his taller opponent.
Immediately, Nack grabs a handful of Stone's scraggly hair and punches him a few times before the Timberwolf slices his shin's open with his razor sharp claws, drawing blood and a pained scream from the weasel. Stone digs his claws into Nack's wrist and slowly unravels his fingers from his hair, then they break apart.
"Come on, Nack, you can do this!" Rosie calls out from the crowd
Stone smirks at the pink hedgehog, then begins slicing up Nack's limbs with coordinated swings of his claws. The weasel can't do anything except drop to the floor and tap the wood three times, indicating he gives up.
Rosie runs over and pulls out a mini medical kit she keeps in her bag, while Stone's men cheer on their boss.
"Scoop his ass up, he's bleeding all over Slayton's patio!" A gangster says in a raspy voice
"Yeah, pinky, move it!"
Predator Hawk runs over to help lift Nack off the patio and back inside to get cleaned up.
Stone turns to his second in command "Lynx, I want you to stay here and keep the boys in line. Slayton's sending me and these assholes across the border, so I'm leaving you in charge til I get back. Just listen to the boss and don't mess with nobody"
Lynx nods "You got it, bro"
Stone leans into the back door "Don't be too long, girls, the engine's running"
He puts a cigarette in his mouth and lights it, while unlocking his muscle car with his keys. Stone takes a few long drags before blowing out a cloud of smoke and sitting in the driver's seat, waiting on his newest underlings to get in.
Elsewhere in Green Hill, Agent Warwick walks into his rented office at the police station downtown. It's a serious downgrade from his other office in Metropolis, but it'll do for now. After arresting Vector and Espio, and a successful plea bargain with Knuckles to reduce their sentences, Warwick was brought in to do the same with Manic, which he did, but the green hedgehog easily escaped custody soon after.
The Top Brass have hired Warwick once again to make sure Manic faces justice for his crimes over the past decade.
Warwick opens the door and is surprised when he finds other agents inside his office and sitting around his desk
"What's this? Don't trust me to do the job a second time?" He asks
An elder agent steps up "It's not that, Cal. We've reviewed security and traffic cam footage of the chase last night, and you almost had him-"
"Yeah, I almost did"
"...but we saw there were clearly more of them, and only one of you"
Warwick shoots the old man an annoyed glare
"But it gave us an idea. Casey, our newest graduate, she's got a promising future with the agency-"
"She is Director Vondie's daughter, right?"
"Yes. And we think she could learn a lot from you on this assignment"
Clearly pissed off, Warwick crosses his arms and inhales sharply
"Sir, with all due respect, I can't grade a newbie's papers while I'm on assignment. I've already got a lot of work ahead of me, I don't need to babysit one of my bosses daughters"
The other two agents stand up "Callum, you'd be doing the Director a huge favor by showing Casey how to work out there. You're the best agent on the ground, and the kid wants to be just as good. It's a win-win for everyone. Come on"
"No, I've done this dance before and it didn't work out. Not having to watch over someone else's back is a big reason why I took this job, so don't try to tack on this bullshit at the last minute!"
The elder agent stands face to face with him "You don't wanna be taken off two cases in one day, would you?"
Warwick hesitates for a moment "...what're are you talking about?"
The elder turns his back to him "The Chaotix case. We've assigned you full time on this one so you'd have less to focus on"
"What?! You can't do that, I specifically asked to work BOTH cases!"
"It's already been finalized, Cal, ain't nothing you can do about it. Besides, this is more important, getting this menace off the streets for good"
Warwick steps towards the elder "I made Knuckles a promise that I'd take care of him and his family while he's working for us, sir!... don't break that"
"Jonathan is expendable. He knows what he signed up for, and that we have no liability for his actions. We don't owe him a thing. Weren't you the one who made that call in the first place?"
"That was before I knew him, or knew about his situation. Taking me off his case will be disastrous for G.U.N and the chain of events will be unstoppable"
The elder laughs "You're making him out to be Superman, now. He's just Sonic's dumb muscle, nothing more. You need to let this go, and do what's asked of you, what's needed"
Warwick's heart beats faster once he realizes he's being forced to break the promise he made to Knuckles less than 2 days ago, all for these clowns.
"Do you understand me?"
"...yes, sir.."
All three elder agents walk towards the door upon hearing this.
"That's the right answer. Just forget about Knuckles. It's Manic whose the threat. You'll start with Casey first thing tomorrow, Cal. Vondie's expecting stellar results. We want Manic, so work your magic"
The elders leave Warwick's office and he slams the door behind them. He lets out a furious growl as he throws files and papers all around the tiny office. The rest of the department freezes upon hearing the ruckus, then eventually go back to work once they realize Warwick isn't stopping anytime soon.
After 20 minutes of this, Warwick calms down and makes a few phone calls. He's packing up for the day and leaving out the front door when he bumps into his new partner in the hallway.
"Yeah, it's fucked. I gotta babysit Vondie's daughter Casey, now. (Sigh) Another spoiled brat gettin' pushed my way, just what I need"
A tall, athletic looking female hedgehog with long red hair stands face to face with Warwick in the middle of the hall, hearing every word he just said.
Warwick ends the phone call "Oh... hey, there-"
Casey kicks him in the nuts and he drops all his files as he falls to both knees, then she turns around to leave the police station.
Warwick coughs as he lies on the floor "...this is gonna be fun..."
Almost an hour after Mitzi's tour started, Manic's phone vibrates so he quickly checks it. Bark is texting him.
B: Come to Springyard city QUICK!
M: What's wrong?
B: Trouble
As the green hedgehog thinks of a way to leave, Farrell takes the phone from him
"The young lady is speaking, show some god damn respect, boy!" Farrell says
Manic takes his phone back "It's Bark, says he needs a hand with something"
He reaches into his pocket and gives his mentor his credit card
"Take this and rent us a motel or something inconspicuous, alright?"
Mitzi stops "Oh, is everything alright?"
Manic gives a fake smile "Ah, it's just a friend of mine, he needs a little help over at his place and I said I'd go. It was a great tour, Mitzi, I've got the layout of Mushroom Hill down, so thank you"
As the green hedgehog steps away to leave, Mitizi reaches into her over-the-shoulder bag to give him a wrist band and postal card.
"Oh, Manic, just one second! I always give these out to visitors and newcomers to our town, just as a memento. Is it alright if I put this on you?"
Manic nods "Yeah, no problem"
Mitzi rolls up his sleeve and lightly grasps his left wrist with her soft hands, then wraps the light blue band around it, being very careful when sealing it off.
"There we are, and this is for you" She gives a big smile as she hands him the card "Welcome to Mushroom Hill!"
Manic smiles back
"It was nice meeting you, Mitzi. My father will probably ask a million questions, I hope you don't mind"
She blushes "oh, it's okay, I'd probably just be sitting in the main office staring at a wall if you two handsome fellows didn't show up, so it's my pleasure, really"
Manic nods at both "Thanks, again"
Mitizi and Farrell wave to him, and the green hedgehog takes off through the town streets. He pulls out his phone to find directions to Springyard, then uses a GPS app as his map.
One thing I ask of them. DON'T cause any shit. Does anybody listen? No! Damn... I like this place, and I like Mitzi. I don't want them to get dragged into any trouble, so let's try to keep this away from Mushroom Hill...