Chapter 2: Manic

When they woke the next morning, Shadow was leaning against a tree. He was snoring loudly, and yawned.

"Morning," Shadic said.

Shadow opened his eyes and looked at his son.

"Hey," he said.

"Breakfast sound good to anyone?" Sonic asked.

"Sure," Shadic said. "What are we having?"

"No idea."

"Let's head to the nearest town, then," Shadow said.

A few minutes later, they were walking into town. They went to the market and bought some food. All of it didn't need cooked, so they walked while they ate.

"How much longer us Riften?" Shadic asked.

"Not much if we keep moving," Sonic said. "We could be there before nightfall if you want."

"Sounds good."

Sonic smiled, and they continued on. They reached Riften before dusk.

"He hasn't moved since we last saw him, right?" Shadow asked.

"Not that I know of, no," Sonic said. "His house should be in the center of town."

They walked around Riften to Manic's house, making sure to be cautious of thieves.

"Isn't your brother in the Thieves Guild?" Shadow asked Sonic.

"Last I knew he was."

Shadow nodded and they soon got to Manic's house. Sonic took a deep breath and knocked on the door. It was a few moments later and after a second knock that the door opened. A green hedgehog stood in the doorway, and grinned when he saw Sonic.

"Haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?" Manic moved and motioned for the three of them to come in.

"We've been good, bro," Sonic said as he and his family walked in. "You?"

"I've been okay."

"That's good."

Manic smiled and sat down, looking at them. "What brings you here for a surprise visit?"

"Our home was destroyed by a dragon," Sonic told his brother. "The entire city of Whiterun is in ruins."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. We need a place to stay."

"You can always stay here."

"Thanks, Manic. We appreciate it."

Manic grinned, and Sonic thought he saw fangs for a second. "I should have enough space here. Might have to move a few things."

"Great," Shadic said.

The green hedgehog smiled and stood up. "Would you like anything to eat or drink?"

"Sure thing," Sonic said. "But I know my way around your kitchen. No need to get it for me."

"Fair enough." Manic looked out the window. "I'll be going out for a while, but I'll be back before dawn."

"Shouldn't you check your rooms before running off?" Shadow asked. "You said you might have to move things."

"Oh, yeah. I'll do that."

He walked off, and Shadow turned to Sonic. "Your brother's as hopeless as ever."

"Hopeless?" Sonic asked. "What makes you say that?"

"You know how I feel about your brother."

Sonic sighed. "Look, I know you don't like him, but..."

"I won't pick any fights with him."

"Alright."

Shadow smiled, and Manic came back into the room a few minutes later. "Everything's all worked out," he said. "Pick whichever room you want. Both have only one bed, but I'm sure you'll manage."

"Great," Sonic said, standing up. "Come on, Shads, let's go."

He ran down the hall. Shadow smirked and followed him. Shadic chuckled. "He's more excited than I was when we left."

"My brother can be that way," Manic said, smiling at Shadic. "Anyway, I'll be going out for a while, but I'll be back before dawn."

Shadic watched him leave, then shrugged and went to Sonic's room. "Guess I'll take the other room then."

He left and went to the room next to his parents'. Shadic sighed and sat on the bed. Despite his excitement when they had left, he was tired now. He heard voices coming from the next room and sighed. Shadic went to the door his parents were in and put his ear to it.

"How come you don't like my brother, Shadow?"

"This again? It isn't that I don't like him. I just don't like the trouble that always follows him."

"Why?" Sonic asked. "Because he's a thief?"

"Because your brother attracts trouble. It isn't just being a thief."

Sonic nodded. "I see." There was a knock on the door, and Sonic opened the door and saw Shadic standing there. Sonic blinked. "Hey, Shadic. Is there something you want?"

"Just wanted to say good night before getting in bed."

Sonic smiled and gave his son a kiss on the cheek. "Night, Shadic."

"Good night." Shadic looked past Sonic and smiled at Shadow. "Good night!"

"Good night, son," Shadow said.

Shadic gave Sonic a hug and went back to his own room. Sonic and Shadow climbed into bed, gave each other a kiss, and fell asleep.