AHHHH! WE'RE FINALLY HERE!
Well sort of… Whatever, I'm counting it. Reviews first then we can move on.
ultimateCCC: I haven't, but Halo has. It sounds interesting, but…
StarlightSparks: Awwn… you're nice. I'm glad you enjoy Sonic's personality. Sonic is rather withdrawn, and Halo and I have tried to keep that mysterious personality.
MeowthKitty: Yay! Cuteness!
Autumn: Egh, not good. Sorry you didn't feel well. BROTHERLY.
SonicBoomFan4000: Hi! Thanks, I really enjoyed 'Miles from Home' and glad you enjoyed it. I'll have to look at yours sometime (if I get the time…). YES. Someone read 'Hedgehog or Tails'! You have made me happy! I'm actually planning on adding onto that thing with more parodies off comedy sketches. Oh, I can't wait to see yours. I'm glad you've read part of this- hope you finish it. BROTHER RELATIONS. LOVE THEM.
Agent BM: THANKS!
Wafflesbelike-NYANCAT: Depends on your definition of 'heart-wrenching'.
Quantum27: Sorry. It's going to get longer. And we're all busy in life.
karygarcia21: (;
Iamsoexcitedforthisnextchapterandcan'tbelieveit'shereandIwanttoscreaminhappinessandjoyand- (*Deep Breath*) ACTION!
Sofia's POV:
When I got to my apartment, I passed out on the couch. My mind was exhausted and I felt as if it was about to implode from the new overload of information. So I decided to forget about the situation for a second and sleep.
My mind was too numb and too freaked out to do anything else, so don't judge me.
Waking up was difficult. Getting out of bed was even harder. My breakfast was simple and quick. I had places to be.
I threw on a clean dress and called my boss. When she didn't answer I left a message on the answering machine, while pulling on my boots and coat, "Hey, Boss! It's Sofia. Something's come up and I'm afraid that I have to leave town. I'm really sorry, but the situation is very important. Thank you for the experience, and please send my last paycheck to my apartment by the end of today. I'll be leaving town very soon. Thank you very much and have a great day."
My phone snapped shut and I threw it in my purse. I locked the door and hurried down the elevator to my bike. With the helmet strapped on tight, I whirled out onto the street. It was time to do something I should have done two months ago.
I parked my bike on the street, and then locked it with four bike chains. One was a word combination, another was a number, one was auditorial and the last was a simple lock and key. One could never be too careful.
Two guys to my left watched, their faces sinking slightly. I glared at them and pulled out my gun. They were down the street before you could say, 'hedgehog'. To the right, sat a woman wrapped in a thin shawl. She was hunched over with a tin cup in her hand, shaking slightly.
After a brief hesitation, I slipped out a few coins and dropped them in. She didn't even look up but quickly pocketed the money then hobbled down the street, probably to the nearest drug store.
I sighed and began to walk down the dirty street. It wasn't as bad as Westopolis, but that didn't mean much. Trash still lined the gutters, the smell of smoke was heavy and dozens of shady people hung out in the alleys. My grip tightened on my purse and gun.
I hated places like these. It was so depressing and creepy to see how low some people had sunk in life. The thought of Manic spending the past six years in a dump like this gave me shivers.
My eyes scanned the store shop signs, searching for anything with the word, 'Strike'. If these guys were as dumb as before, then it wouldn't be too difficult to find. I actually got farther than the last time I walked into a gang territory. No one tried to pickpocket from me for half a mile.
Unlike last time, it wasn't a kid who tried to mug me. It was a biker gang. And this time, they were actually armed. You can imagine their surprise as I stepped aside and hit the leader with my purse. He flew off the bike and skidded onto the ground where he came face to face with the barrel of my gun. I almost felt bad for him. Almost.
Three minutes later, his girlfriend kindly directed me to Lucky Strike pawn shop. Then she and her friends got the heck out of dodge. Or Dodger. I'm beginning to like this nickname.
The bell jingled when I walked in, alerting the cashier. This cashier was a little more friendly than the last one. The fox asked if I was looking for anything and if he could help me. I politely declined and looked around the shop for anything useful.
Last time I went in guns blazing, I had to deal with an uncomfortable situation. I really did not like holding a gun to someone; unless they were trying to harm me or my property (then they're going down). I wasn't that kind of person. This time, I decided to do things a little differently. I was going to go in smart. First, figure out if Manic is even here. Then I'd try to ask politely to see him. And if they weren't willing to cooperate… then I'd pull out the gun.
After combing the whole store (everything was not very useful or in good condition), I finally found a faded book of ancient runes, including some of the symbols from Angel Island.
What? I'm a history geek.
The book cost only ten dollars, which I willingly handed over. The fox rung up the purchase and handed me the bag. "Here's your stuff, lady."
I smiled and nodded thanks, then left. Might as well get used to the layout of the store before I try anything. This was going to be a pain and test my patience.
The next day, I went to the same part of town. No one tried to pickpocket me this time. I walked in again to find a different man behind the register. Inwardly, I groaned. I was hoping Manic would just be at the register, and then I wouldn't have to do this. I could just kidnap him and pound some sense into him in private that way.
I didn't buy anything this time, but asked to see their jewelry selection. While looking through, I casually asked if a green hedgehog still worked in the establishment.
The rabbit's ears went flat against his head, "Who's askin'?"
"I just remember a green hedgehog working in here about two months ago. He, um, helped me pick out a gift for my boyfriend and I wanted to thank him for it." I fingered a gold locket, "This is pretty."
I guess he bought the bait. "Uh… he's busy. But I'll let him know."
"Thank you." The locket fell back onto the counter, "I need to think about it. I'll be back tomorrow."
Rabbit boy nodded distractedly as I left the shop again.
The next day, the auburn fox was back again. He looked worse than the last time I saw him. His hair wasn't brushed and he looked as if he hadn't slept in days. No wonder he didn't notice me 'til I was up at the counter.
"Yeah? Can I help you?"
"I think you can. I'm looking for someone."
He took in my outfit (purple skirt and white blouse- one of my classier ensembles, if I do say so myself) and raised an eyebrow. "I know a good plumber on 24th street."
"No, I'm looking for someone who works at this establishment."
Now that got his attention. "Um… well, I don't know everyone here, so maybe-"
"Then let me narrow it down for you. My name is Dodger. I'm looking for Maniac."
The color drained out of his face. "... Ferrell!" He turned around and ran into the back. "Dodger's out front!"
"WHAT?" Some other voice yelled in shock. The back seemed to suddenly erupt with noise and I heard doors open and slam shut while several voices jumbled together, unable to be heard clearly.
A sudden, "SHUT UP!" left a dead silence.
The next thing I heard was whispering and the rustle of paper.
I crossed my arms and stared at the door. After a few minutes, I finally lost my patience, "It's not polite to leave a lady waiting!"
The whispering stopped. The fox poked his head back out and gave a nervous laugh, "Um… yeah. One minute."
"You had a minute. Move." I walked around the counter and marched into the back room, trying to calm my pounding heart. Act tough, and they'll believe it. Show no weakness.
Only three people were in the back room, at least right now. I suspected that there had been more, but had left as soon as the fox had cried warning.
Not counting the blundering fox, a large insect-looking creature stood in the center of the room. He wore a large trench coat and was whispering to a frantic looking echidna with short, spiky red dreads tied back with a bandana, who appeared to be on the verge of panic. (This would make
Were these boys really that scared of little ol' me? Correction: how did these boys know about little ol' me? That snitch back in Westopolis must have ratted me out. If Manic was hiding in the back room, I was going to kill him.
The man hushed the dog and turned his attention to me, "Good afternoon...Dodger." He looked a tad nervous, but his gaze was steady and even. I suspected he was used to people threatening his gang members. Obviously he was the man in charge.
I nodded a greeting, but decided to cut straight to the point. "Where's Maniac?"
The fox stepped around me and joined the other two, as if seeking shelter, "Farrell, she's not going to-"
Farrell held up his hand and silenced the fox, "Curtis, let me handle this."
The now designated, 'Curtis' closed his mouth and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"He's not here," Farrell finally replied to my question.
"Right… and I'm Mina Mongoose." I took slow steps around the room, glancing behind furniture and down halls, "I know for a fact that he's a Striker and I know that he's in Station Square."
"That is all true, but he's not here." Farrell emphasized the point and motioned around the run down shop.
Okay, I'd buy that. "Will he be by anytime soon?"
Curtis rocked back and forth on his feet, "We're not exactly sure when he'll be back." Then is the mumble he added, "Or if he'll be back."
"What did you say?"
Farrell interrupted again, "Maniac is a little… tied up at the moment. We're not exactly sure where he is or when he'll come back. Perhaps if you give me a way to contact you, we can let you know when he'll be back."
Oh no. I was not falling for that con. "I'm not leaving until I see Maniac. I have some unfinished business with him."
Curtis suddenly surged forward a few steps, "Whatever Maniac owes you, I'll pay you it! Just name your price!"
I raised an eyebrow, "I didn't ask for a fox. I'm asking for a hedgehog. So unless you're Maniac in a very, very, good disguise… back off."
"Look lady, Maniac's missing and if you want your money then you're just going to wait, kay? Or we could pay you right now and all your problems are solved! Easy as that!"
"Wait…" I said, trying to process this. Manic was missing… This was just like him, going missing right when I was about to find him.
"Whaddaya mean he's missing?" I shouted.
"He's missing! Gone with the wind! Whaddaya think I mean?" Curtis was yanked back by Farrell who gave him a look that clearly told him to shut it.
The boss rubbed his hands together nervously, "What Curtis says is unfortunately true. Maniac has been missing for a week now. Not sure when or if he'll be back to pay ya. How much does he owe you? We look out for our kind."
My mind went sort of numb. "You can't pay me back," I replied softly.
"Sure we can. How much does he owe you?"
"A lifetime's worth."
No one spoke for a minute. A soft knock came from the back and in popped the Rabbit from the previous day, "Uh, Farrell. I was wondering if…" he trailed off when he saw me. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, Ears. We were just telling Dodger that Maniac isn't here." Curtis emphasized the name with a raised eyebrow.
'Ears', apparently, glanced at me again, "Well, she doesn't look so tough. This gal dodged bullets?"
I smiled. It never reached my eyes. "You want me to prove it, bunny boy?"
He grinned, "Well, someone's feisty."
I raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Ears winked at me and I clenched my fists. Just who did this idiot think he was?
Farrell motioned for the rabbit to back off, then continued the conversation, "Are you sure we can't just give you the money?"
"Positive."
This was turning into a very awkward situation. Apparently, Manic was missing, there's a rabbit who was flirting with me (what the heck?), a quiet echidna in the background, a determined boss, and a flustered fox.
And just like every other awkward situation, there was that awkward silence that follows. Everyone shifted around nervously, looking at the ceiling and floor as they resisted eye contact. Mouths opened as if to speak, but quickly closed and hands fell back to their previous positions.
I fingered my purse and dug through it, trying to find a lifesaver. What? I was nervous and sometimes you need to think while eating candy. I found a grape one and popped it into my mouth, turning my thoughts over in my head.
Obviously, these guys were not telling me everything. Yes, Manic was missing, I could tell that much. But no one would give me the specifics. That either meant they were twisting the truth, or something very, very, bad had happened.
Finally, I spoke, "Do you know when he might be back? Like an estimated time?"
Curtis shrugged, "We have no idea. We're still trying to get a lead…" his voice trailed off and he seemed to go a shade paler. "I mean, I'm sure he's somewhere around town. We'll let you know when he's back. Do you have any contact information we could use?"
No way was I giving a cell phone number to a gang. "How about I just stay here for a few hours and see if he gets back? If not today, I'll be back tomorrow."
Farrell reluctantly agreed, but the quiet echidna finally spoke up, "Look, Miss Dodger. I'm going to be blunt with you here, if I may. I'm sorry, but it's not like he's just going to walk in here out of the blue and-"
"CURTIS! YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED!"
The echidna and Ears shared a startled look and Curtis jumped in shock as a green hedgehog burst into the room, this huge, goofy grin on his face. His bright blue eyes shone beneath the shock of the scruffy, way-too-long green bangs that fell in his face. His left ear was pierced with two gold hoops and on his wrists were black cuffs with long, sharp white spikes. The ratty dark red vest he wore over a black and purple t-shirt shockingly looked nice in comparison to his torn gray cargo pants with a black chain reaching from his front pocket to his back with a red fanny pack of all things slung to the side of his hip. A pair of drumsticks stuck out from his back pocket; his dark red sneakers at first glance looked like he had acquired them from a dumpster; Chaos, all his clothes looked that way. But that joking grin, the bright blue blue eyes I used to know...
It didn't take two seconds for his identity to click in my mind. My eyes narrowed.
After everyone got over their shook, Curtis began to glance back and forth between myself and Manic. He nervously walked over and took the hedgehog by the arm and dragged him over to the corner and began to whisper to him frantically.
Manic seemed to notice me for the first time and very loudly asked, "Who's the chick? Another one of Ear's girlfriend?"
Curtis frantically hushed him and began to whisper again. My eyes narrowed even more.
This was going to be very interesting.
Cliffhangers! Don't you love/hate them?
PS- If you want to get a visual image of our version of Manic, search 'deviantart haloessence manic' and click on the first thing that pops up. A picture's worth a thousand words, after all.
That's certainly true. And just a side comment... I felt the flow of this chapter was kind of awkward. What do y'all think?
Manic is going to get killed by his sister next chapter, and we all know it. XD XD XD
Please review!