Welcome back my friends!

I hope you've all enjoyed the darker side saga as much as Ive enjoyed writing it! I feel that this series answers a lot of questions that were asked in regards to the darker side volume one and two. That being said, I'm proud to give you chapter 3 of the darker side volume three simply titled: More Bad News.

Happy reading!

-RTP

* * * * * * * * * *

Manic jolted awake a the knock on his door in the quiet quarters of the Blue Typhoon. His eyes shot open, senses immediately on high alert, and his hand moved instinctively to the knife under his pillow as he approached the door, silent and tense.

A soft blue glow lit up the room as Elektra, Miles' AI assistant, appeared on the small hologram pedestal near the door, her projection flickering to life with a smirk.

"Easy now, Manic. Are we sharpening knives or sleeping? Because if it's the former, I missed my invite," she teased with a chuckle, as a large broad sword materialized in her hand, her eyes glinting. Manic jumped slightly, then scowled as he realized it was just Elektra. She snapped her fingers, and with a smooth hiss, the door slid open.

On the other side stood his younger sister, Sonia, arms folded and looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "Mani, what on earth are you doing?"

The tension in his shoulders released immediately, and he slipped the knife back into its sheath. "You know how it is, Sis. It's been…well, it's been one hell of a time," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I'm still a little jumpy. What's up? How are things with Amanda and Shadow?"

Sonia shrugged, stepping inside and plopping herself down into the chair by the door. "Oh, not too bad. The imperial quarters here are a bit of an upgrade from the cesspool we came from." She glanced around the room with an air of mild amusement.

"That cesspool was our home," Manic replied quietly, looking out into the distance as if staring through the walls, his gaze shadowed by memories.

"Was our home, dear brother," Sonia said softly. She got up and pulled him into a tight hug. "Was. Now, it's nothing but ruins and a bioengineered plague zone…" Her voice trailed off, her face serious as she released him. "Which, actually, is part of why I came to see you."

Manic frowned as Sonia took a small photo off his desk—a picture of Sonic and Tails, arm-in-arm, the faces of a family, a time long gone. Her fingers traced the outline of Sonic's face, a hint of something unspoken in her gaze.

"I'm… I'm going back, Manic," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "With Amy. To West Edensburg."

The words hit him like a punch to the chest. "Are you crazy?" he said, his tone rough with disbelief. "That's a hot zone, Sis. We don't even know who or what's out there! It's dangerous, it's…" He shook his head, searching for words. "We're better off here, with Tails and his crew. Here, we've got defenses, resources…"

Sonia gave a soft, bittersweet smile. "You're better off with Tails, Mani. Me?" She shook her head. "It's nothing against him or what he's building here—it's incredible. But I'm not feeling it here. I don't belong in the safety of fortified walls. Amy and I… we need to be out there, helping those who don't have all this," she said, gesturing to the room around them. "Those who don't have heroes and leaders. I know you understand, deep down."

Manic's pulse quickened as his mind filled with the thought of her out there, in the dangers of that plague-ridden land. He had lost too much, seen too many empty places in the family he cherished. "Sonia… I can't lose you too." His voice broke, his hand clenched at his side, and he blinked hard as tears began to sting his eyes.

Sonia stepped closer, reaching up to cup his face, her hands pressing gently into his cheeks as she squished his face together. "Aw, come on, Big Brother. Don't go soft on me now," she teased, giving him a lopsided grin. "You're about to melt down on me, aren't you?"

He made a sound of protest, yanking his head back as he shook his face free of her grip. "Hey! What was that for?" he muttered, rubbing his cheeks, but his mouth pulled into a reluctant smile despite himself.

"Because," she said, chuckling, "if I didn't snap you out of it, you'd go full panic mode. You were about to lose it!"

The two siblings stood there for a moment, the weight of their bond and all they'd been through hanging in the air like a thread binding them. The road ahead for both of them was uncertain, but they would face it, as always—with love, with courage, and, most importantly, with each other.

Manic's expression softened as he rubbed the back of his neck, letting a hint of his younger self break through the hardened layers of the covert operative he'd become. "I… I can't stop you," he said quietly. "But at least we can hang out a bit before you leave, right?"

Sonia grinned. "I'm not heading out for three more days. I'll leave with Amy, but yeah—of course we can hang. Honestly, it'll be nice to relax with my big brother instead of watching him disappear on some dangerous mission every other day."

She gave him a playful punch on the arm. "For once, maybe James Bond can be the one chilling in the barracks while I take my brother out to dinner."

Manic smirked, adjusting an imaginary tie as he adopted a suave, mock-British accent. "But, Moneypenny, whatever shall MI6 do without me?"

They both laughed, and Sonia, realization drawing on her, was unable to hold back, as she gave him a light punch to the gut. "Hold up—Moneypenny was his love interest, you weirdo!" She wrinkled her nose, shaking her head with an exaggerated look of disgust. "Gross, Manic!"

Manic, the realization dawning on him also let out a dramatic gag, clutching his stomach as if wounded. "Ugh, why'd you have to go and ruin a perfectly good Bond moment?" he said, laughing.

The parliaments private dining area was filled with a strange quiet. Around the table, Shadow, Amy, Amanda, Miles, and Sonia sat across from one another, each of them trying to keep things light. But beneath the calm, a tension simmered; the reality of Amy and Sonia's plan to journey east to Edensburg was starting to weigh on everyone.

Miles leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table, his tone even yet cautious. "Edensburg's a long way off, Amy. I'll make sure some gear is sent along—equipment to help get you set up. But you'll be out of my reach. This far from the coast, my influence is limited. You'll be on your own out there."

Shadow's eyes darkened, and he glanced sharply from Amy to Sonia. "Edensburg was dangerous before the war. It's worse now." He spoke in a low, steady voice, each word deliberate. "Trust doesn't mean much over there. You don't know who's friend or foe. Anyone could be waiting, watching for an easy target. Two young women traveling alone…" He paused, glancing at Amy. "It doesn't make things any easier."

Amy pushed back her chair and rose to her feet, looking Shadow directly in the eyes. There was a quiet, confident strength in her voice. "Shadow, I appreciate the concern, really. But Sonia and I can handle ourselves. We've been through our share of close calls. We're not about to walk into this unprepared." Her tone was resolute, her words an unwavering declaration.

Amanda nodded slowly, clearly torn. "Amy's right—they can't live in fear, not now. But Shadow's got a point, too." Her expression softened as she looked between them. "That region has a reputation. Trafficking and extortion have skyrocketed…you'll need to be on guard, all the time."

Across the table, Manic's gaze had fallen. His hands gripped the arms of his chair, his knuckles white, as though he were holding himself together by sheer force of will. He hadn't said a word, but the tension radiated off him, simmering beneath his silent exterior.

Miles turned his attention to Manic, noticing the subtle changes in his breathing, the tightness around his eyes. Manic's face was an unreadable mask, but Miles could sense the panic stirring beneath it. He sat up, taking control of the room with a gentle authority. "Alright, that's enough for now," he said, his voice steady and calm. "Could everyone give Manic and me a moment alone?"

The others glanced at each other, hesitation flickering in their expressions. But something in Miles's tone made it clear this was necessary. Slowly, one by one, they rose from the table, Amanda giving Manic a worried look as she left. The door slid shut, leaving only the quiet hum of the ship in their wake.

As soon as they were alone, the silence pressed in like a heavy weight, amplifying every beat of Manic's heart. He stayed quiet, his breathing shallow, his gaze fixed on the table as if looking up might unravel the fragile composure he clung to.

"It's too much," he murmured, his voice barely audible, as though saying the words aloud might shatter something inside him. "She's… all I have left."

Miles leaned forward, his voice steady yet laced with empathy. "I know it's a lot, Manic. But Sonia's strong. She's got her own path to walk—just like you. Our role is to support her and give her the tools to succeed, but there are things only she can face."

Manic's fists clenched as frustration surged within him, breaking through his fragile resolve. His voice grew louder, raw and edged with desperation. "You don't get it, Miles!"

In a sudden burst, Manic was out of his seat, bounding over the table and shoving Miles back. Before anyone could react, he had him pinned to the ground, his hands clutching Miles's collar, his face twisted in anguish.

"She's all I have left!" he shouted, his voice hoarse and breaking. "I already lost Sonic! I swore I'd protect her! How the hell am I supposed to do that if she's halfway across the damn world?"

Miles remained calm, his expression unshaken, his gaze steady. He didn't resist or fight back, even as Shadow entered the room, drawn by the commotion. Shadow stood by the doorway, his posture tense, ready to intervene. But Miles raised a hand, signaling him to stay back.

Manic's grip faltered, his breathing ragged as the weight of his outburst bore down on him. His shoulders trembled, his fists loosening, though he still knelt over Miles, caught in the whirlwind of his emotions.

Miles's voice cut through the tension, low and measured. "Listen to me, Manic. You don't have to carry this alone. You have the same strength, courage, and heart that Sonic did." His hands gently rested on Manic's forearms. "But you're not Sonic. You're you. And that's exactly who Sonia needs."

Manic's gaze wavered, tears pooling in his eyes. "But… she's my little sister, Miles. She's all that's left of our family. How can I just sit here and do nothing while she goes out there and gets herself killed? I'm supposed to protect her… I'm the protector now. Sonic's gone…"

Miles tightened his grip on Manic's arms, his voice firm but compassionate. "Don't you see? Sonia's been watching you all this time. You've been her example, her inspiration. She sees you fighting for what's right, risking everything for others. Now it's her turn. She's not running away from you, Manic—she's living up to the same fire that drives you."

He leaned closer, his voice softening but losing none of its conviction. "You don't have to fill Sonic's shoes. Neither does Sonia. You're not supposed to be him, Manic. You're supposed to be the best version of yourself. And so is she."

Manic's hands fell to his sides, the fight draining from him as he bowed his head. Miles's words sank deep, cutting through his doubts and fears. He didn't need to be Sonic—he just needed to trust Sonia to find her own strength.

The doors slid open, and Sonia rushed in, alarm flashing across her face. She stopped short, taking in the scene: Manic kneeling over Miles, his hands limp at his sides, his head bowed in silence.

"Mani…" she whispered, hurrying to his side. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice trembling with concern. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

Miles leaned back on his elbows, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Manic and I were just… clearing the air. Isn't that right, Manic?"

Manic chuckled nervously, quickly scrambling off Miles and offering a hand to help him up. "Yeah… sorry about that, Miles. I—"

Miles cut him off by pulling him into a firm embrace. "No apologies needed, Manic. I get it. I've been where you are. Sometimes you just need to let it out—to cry, to vent, even to throw a punch or two. I didn't resist because I trusted you. I knew your anger wasn't about me. And once it ran its course, you came out stronger for it."

Miles stepped back, brushing off his clothes with a contented sigh. "Never hold back your emotions around the people you trust, Manic. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to vent, vent. That's what family is for."

Manic stood there, silent for a moment, as Sonia's hand squeezed his shoulder. He nodded slowly, the weight of the moment giving way to clarity. "I get it now… I need to trust my family. I'm not Sonic, and I never will be. But I don't have to be him. I just need to be the best version of me."

He pointed at Miles, a spark of determination lighting his eyes. "For you." He turned to Sonia, his voice steady. "And for you."

Sonia smiled, tears glistening in her eyes as the three of them chuckled together. In the doorway, Shadow crossed his arms and allowed a rare grin to break across his face, silently approving of what he had just witnessed.

Later,

Manic and Sonia sat side by side on the rooftop, watching the sun dip low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the city. The sky was a soft wash of pink and orange, and for the first time in a long while, they both felt a sense of peace. Manic took a swig from the bottle of pale, amber liquor in his hand, then passed it to Sonia. The alcohol was light, just enough to take the edge off and help soften the memories they were revisiting.

He chuckled, breaking the comfortable silence. "Remember when it was just us? You, me, and… Sonic." A nostalgic grin crossed his face. "The band…'Sonic Underground.' He always had to be the one front and center, didn't he? Couldn't just let it be 'The Underground,' no. Had to make it his name."

Sonia laughed, her eyes sparkling as she took a small sip from the bottle. "Yeah, always the star. Even back then, he was larger than life." She handed the bottle back, leaning against Manic's shoulder. "But it suited him. I think we both kind of liked it that way."

They both fell silent for a moment, watching the sky grow darker, the first stars starting to glimmer faintly above. Manic's smile faded slightly, and he looked down, his voice soft. "Damn… but do I miss him." The words came out barely above a whisper, weighted with loss.

Sonia turned toward him, her hand reaching up to his face. She gently cupped his cheek, her expression soft and fierce at the same time. "I miss him too, bro. But as long as our hearts beat… he stays alive with us. I'll never forget him." She searched his eyes, her voice resolute. "Will you?"

A playful smile tugged at Manic's lips, the faintest spark of his usual mischief returning. "Only on Thursdays," he replied, his tone warm and teasing.

She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm, shaking her head. "You idiot."

They laughed, and the sound filled the rooftop, carrying out into the night like a reminder of the days they once shared. For now, it was enough.

The day dawned crisp and clear, the early morning sun casting a soft glow over the tarmac as the helicopter blades spun with a rising hum. Manic stood a few feet from the chopper, hands in his pockets, watching as Sonia and Amy made their final preparations. He felt a hollow ache inside—a pressure building up with each second that ticked by.

Henry, the pilot, worked with his usual good-natured grin as he helped them load up the last of the gear. With a tattooed crown on his temple, he'd earned the nickname "King Henry" and lived up to it with his jolly, easygoing attitude. "Alright, ladies," he said, patting a stack of crates he'd just stowed in the helicopter, "you're all set. Nothing here that can't handle a rough ride, but I'll keep it smooth anyway."

Sonia flashed a small smile at Henry, though her usual sparkle was absent. She looked back at Manic, eyes searching his face, but neither spoke. Miles approached, handing Amy a sealed folder. "Reports, updated maps, and everything we know strategically. It's not much to cover that region, but… it's a start," he said, nodding to Amy.

Amy accepted it with a grateful smile, then glanced at Sonia. "It's time, Sonia."

Sonia's face crumbled, and she rushed into Manic's arms. Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly, as if anchoring herself. This time, the tears flowed freely, and her voice was a soft, heartbroken whisper. "Mani… I don't want to say goodbye."

Manic wrapped his arms around her, steady and unshakable, though his insides twisted with the weight of his own heartbreak. "Hey now," he murmured, voice calm and warm. "I need you to be brave, alright? Be strong and courageous. You're my little sister, and I expect nothing less." He gently brushed a tear from her cheek, keeping his own face steady and strong for her sake. "You've got this, Sonia. You're tougher than you know."

She looked up at him, eyes glistening, and took in a shaky breath. His strength steadied her, and she managed a nod. "I'll… I'll check in once we're settled."

He gave her one last squeeze before releasing her, watching as she climbed into the chopper. She turned, their eyes meeting one final time, and in that look was every unspoken promise, every memory, every word they couldn't say.

The rotors picked up speed, and the helicopter began to lift off, carrying Sonia and Amy further and further away. Manic's gaze never left her, his heart pounding as he watched until she was no more than a speck against the sky. And then, when the last glimpse of her disappeared, he felt his knees buckle. He sank to the ground, eyes shut tightly, the storm he'd held back finally breaking. He was left alone on the tarmac, fractured in heart but resolute, with only the silence and the empty sky as his witness.

As Manic knelt on the tarmac, struggling with the hollow ache that had opened up inside him, a gentle hand settled on his shoulder. He glanced up to see Amanda standing beside him, her gaze filled with empathy and warmth. She didn't say anything at first, simply offering her presence as an anchor. Then, her voice came soft but steady.

"She'll be alright, you know. You've given her strength, and that'll stay with her wherever she goes." Amanda knelt beside him, placing a comforting hand over his. "It's okay to hurt, Manic. But don't let it drown you. She's proud to have you as her brother."

Manic gave a small, quick nod, trying to gather himself. Just then, he felt a presence like a shadow cast over him—a weight of something solid and unbreakable. Shadow stood nearby, arms crossed, his voice low and unwavering as he spoke. "Your squad is in the commons area. They're waiting for you."

Manic stood up, meeting Shadow's gaze, which was as hard as steel, yet held a glimmer of understanding. He moved to head towards the commons when Shadow stopped him, leaning in a he murmured, "Draw your strength from them," Shadow continued, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Lean on each other. It'll help you more than anything in a bottle now."

Manic took a deep breath, letting Shadow's words settle. He felt Amanda squeeze his hand one last time before helping him to his feet. Shadow nodded, his way of showing a quiet approval. With his friends by his side, he felt a small, renewed spark of strength.

Manic straightened, his shoulders squaring as he steadied himself. The pain was still there, lingering in his chest, but he knew he wouldn't face it alone. With a final glance at the empty sky, he turned and made his way inside, ready to face his squadand the path ahead drawing his strength from those he trusted most.