Can I Have This Dance?

Chapter 18

Manic managed to slip out of the hideout in the middle of the night. He couldn't take waiting anymore. He needed to see the Oracle.

The Oracle looked up as Manic entered his cave, anxiety in his eyes. "Ahh, young Manic, so good to see you. You look troubled."

Manic nodded. "I… I think my sister… She hasn't said anything but… the signs are there. She disappears and then comes home at all hours of the night… We are both lucky that Sonic doesn't see anything that he doesn't want to see." He sat down and took a deep breath. "I need you to tell me I'm wrong. That I'm misreading it and she really is just hanging out with Mindy…"

The Oracle conjured a cup of hot tea for the boy. "Drink Manic, your body needs to relax. Now, as for your sister… I'm going to put your mind at ease. What is going on with her is her business, not yours. However, what's most important is that she is safe and happy. Which she is. Moreover, I can tell you that this is good for Mobotropolis as well. It needs to happen."

Manic nodded and took a drink of the tea. He felt his mind and body calming. "What should I do?"

The Oracle sighed. "Say nothing. Since it is not your business to say anything. Don't tell her and don't tell your brother." He waited as Manic continued to drink as he prayed. Several minutes later, the cup was empty. Manic's eyes seemed to clear. "Do you feel better now?"

Manic nodded and smiled. "Yes I do… I can't even remember why I came. I guess I was just…"

"Tired?" The Oracle suggested. "Considering the hard work you and your siblings put in everyday, it can be understandable. The best thing for you would be to go home and sleep."

Manic hopped down from the chair. "Thanks Oracle. Talking to you always helps…" He left the cave while the Oracle took a seat.

The Oracle buried his head in a hand. "Now I'm drugging them… Oh Aleena… my love for you is leading me to drive a wedge between your children… I can only hope their love for each other will survive this…"


A few days later, Manic led them quietly to a warehouse. Sonia looked at a small handheld computer. "According to this, the coast is clear. We need to find the plans for that portable roboticizer."


As they entered, they had no idea that they were being watched. "It worked… we got them here." Robotnik said. "This has to work. Do you have it Sleet?"

Sleet nodded and showed him what appeared to be a blue Hedgehog baby. "I sure do sir." He offered the baby to Robotnik.

Robotnik carefully cradled the baby, struggling with the emotions that wanted to break out. He turned the baby over and removed a panel on the back, revealing that the baby was just a toy. He pressed a button inside the panel. "When the hedgehogs hear you, they won't be able to resist helping you." He handed back the baby.

Sleet nodded. "And Dingo is going to be our baby basket…" He held up the orange basket and swaddled the baby so he could lay comfortable inside. "Just in case."

Robotnik nodded. "Put him in place. He will be our eyes and ears and with him, they will lead us to Sanctuary…" I will get to Sanctuary… I must get to Sanctuary… Hold on just a little longer…


The Hedgehogs hurried out of the warehouse with the information they needed. Only Sonia wondered how it was they were able to get in and out so fluidly.

As they were passing an alleyway, her attention was grabbed by a very distinctive sound. "Wait guys." She went into the alley and gasped. "Oh my gosh!"

Sonic peaked over her shoulder. "Wow! What is a baby doing here?"

Sonia shook her head. "I don't know… poor thing…" She cradled the baby tenderly. "We have to take him home with us."

Manic looked at her. "But he stinks Sonia. We don't know anything about taking care of a baby."

Sonia nodded. "Hmm, no we don't… but maybe… perhaps… Bartleby might be able to help."

"Bartleby?" Sonic asked. "Yeah, he's going to take in a baby."

She shook her head. "He might know if someone lost a baby. Sonic, you can check with the Underground. And if not… well… Bartleby might be interested in adopting him."


Robotnik froze as he watched and listened. She was going to take the baby to Bartleby. He saw the look in her eyes. That was the look of a woman in love, envisioning the future. It was a look he'd seen in Maria's eyes before. "If she takes him to Bartleby… if they adopt him… I'll not get to Sanctuary…" He hoped Bartleby would realize they weren't ready for a baby.


AN: I know it's short but it feels like this chapter is at its end. Please if you read, constructive critique is highly appreciated.