Forces of Another Story - Part 3
Starring:
Manik the Hedgehog - Disgruntled Youngest
Sonia the Hedgehog - Protective Middle
Sonic the Hedgehog - Returning Oldest
Forest Out Near Knothole
Manik: ["Its really stupid! Its been real stupid for a while now! But now its especially stupid!"]
*Manik is seen walking down a trail at dusk as he storms away from Knothole, just after Sonic had returned from the Sol Dimension.*
Manik: ["Ever since we met Tails and Knuckles all that time ago, Sonic's been treating them closer to family than me or Sonia! His actual bro and sis! Those shmups have been in way more adventures too..."]
*Memories of the beginning of Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Knuckles, and Sonic Adventure 2 all pop into his mind, two of which he was roboticized in while the last, he only saw on TV and heard from Sonic himself.*
Manik: ["Sonia... She's sweet and as much as I tease her, I do love her, but... The fact Sonic has been in so many adventures and not at least considered to talk with us just...annoys me to no end. And not just Sonic, but his friends too..."]
*More memories, this time of the raid on Eggman's main base of Robotropolis, which Manik and Sonia acted as back up for rather than helping Sonic directly, and when Neo Metal Sonic fought Agatha and Shadow, Sally ordered Tails and Amy to follow, but not Manik and Sonia even though their mother was just help hostage.*
Manik: *Anger starts to fill his face as tears roll down his cheeks.* ["I thought Sonic was dead; I was forced to accept that... But to find out he was on another adventure. And he won't even consider us for this stupid tournament...!"] *Charges up electricity into his palm before punching a tree, instantly knocking it down.* "Why do we even bother existing!? Its like we don't even matter!"
Sonia: "Manik?" *Runs up but slows to a walk as she slowly approaches.* "You okay, bro?"
Manik: "...What do you think?"
Sonia: "Yeah... Dumb question... You're really not liking things, huh?"
Manik: "..."
*Sonia sits down on a stump, offering Manik a spot beside her. Manik sits next to her.*
Sonia: "Look, Manny. Sonic cares a lot about us. I imagine us being turned into Eggman's slaves hasn't left his memory and that...might be why he doesn't take us adventuring as much. He's scared."
Manik: "...And that's supposed to excuse it all?"
Sonia: "Well... No... Look. If it was me and Sonic instead, would you have brought us along adventuring, even knowing what had happened could happen again?"
Manik: "Yes. I would. I'm not scared like Sonic. I'd get over it. If Sonic really is being a wuss over me and you being roboticized, then... Screw. Him." *Stands up and storms off.*
Sonic: "Manik!" *Tries to grab Manik but he shrugs her off.*
*Manik glares at Sonia before just dashing off deeper into the forest. Sonic soon arrives on the scene, looking at Sonia.*
Sonic: "Hey. Where's Manik?"
Sonia: "...I tried, Sonic... Why... Why do you not take us adventuring, Sonic?" *Looks to her big brother for comfort.*
Sonic: *Holds Sonia closely, sitting next to her.* "Its...complicated..."
Ring Lake
*At a lake shaped like a perfect circle, often named 'Ring Lake' for that exact reason, Manik stops by the shore, tossing stones to skip over the water, having one of the angriest expressions he could muster. As he continues tossing stones, a cloaked figure approaches him.*
Figure: "My, such anger in your tosses. Such uneven force... There is clearly doubt and frustration in your mind for such a lad to be this angry."
Manik: *Jumps into a readied stance, his hands sparking as he was ready for a fight.* "I'm not in the mood, man. If you're one of Eggman's goons, then leave."
Figure: "Ah, but I am a friend. Not a foe; I lack the power to go toe to toe. From the storm of your mind, I can see a lot of growing hatred for one you used to admire. A certain blue hedgehog, I'm sure."
Manik: "..." *Lowers his hands.* "Hatred's a bit strong. But I guess its not...completely wrong..."
Figure: "It is alright, my boy. Do not fret. We have all been in doubt before. Me especially, but that was before I had...ahem...well... Let's just say I've had plenty of time to study my follies..."
Manik: "What's that got to do with me?"
Figure: "I can offer you a way to get the blue hedgehog's attention again. Maybe even go on an adventure of your very own. You want the thrills and excitement of one, yes? I can offer it to you...but only if you are willing to help me out... What do you say?" *A mummified hand adourned by rings comes out of the figure's robe, offering a hand shake.*
Manik: "I'd...need time to think about it..."
Figure: "Ah. I see. Very well... I shall give you plenty of time to consider my offer." *Tosses a ring from his arm to the side, opening a portal - a Warp Ring.* "Then I shall take my leave."
Manik: "Wait! What's your name before you leave?"
Figure: *Has one foot into his portal before stopping, smiling with a secret even smile before lowering his hood, revealing an albino Echidna underneath.* "You may call me... Finitevus." *Leaves through his Warp Ring, which closes behind him.*
Manik: *Looks on at where the Ring closed and sees Sonic and Sonia arrive.*
As the trio of hedgehogs reconvene, a seed of darkness is planted in Manik's heart. Who is this 'Finitevus'? And what sort of 'adventures' does he mean? Something seems disingenuous but that'll have to wait... Next time on Sonic the Hedgehog: The race continues on Sonic Riders - Part 2!
