Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Freedom or another prison ❯ The meeting ( Chapter 3 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Surge and Kit trudged slightly behind Dr. Starline as he led them to the Mobotropolis palace’s conference room.

 Kit smiled weakly at Surge.

 Surge sighed and patted Kit on the head.

 Kit frowned and hung his head.

 Surge nudged his shoulder, then signed that it wasn’t his fault once she had his attention. 

 Kit signed that he was sorry anyway.

 Dr. Starline noticed them. “Knock that off and stop slouching.”

 “Yes, sir.” Surge and Kit said, rolling their shoulders back.

 “Good, he still doesn’t know sign language.” Surge thought.

 Surge, Kit, and Dr. Starline entered the room and sat down at the large oak table.

 Finally, Queen Aleena made it to the room along with her adult children.

 Princess Sonia (the only one of the royal children that Surge knew the name of) stood there along with her spouse Shadow, the captain of the Mobotropolis army. 

 One Prince, a blue hedgehog, walked in with Princess Sally. He stood there, looking bored out of his mind and softly tapping his foot.

 “Oh, I’m glad I didn’t get stuck with him.” Surge thought. “He looks like he would be obnoxious.”

 Finally, the other prince (a green hedgehog with long spines and wearing an all black outfit) shuffled in as if he was being led to his execution.

 “At least he’s cute.” Surge thought.

 “Princess Surge.” Aleena said.

 Surge fought her gag reflex upon hearing that title.

 “This is Prince Manic, your fiancè.” Aleena said, nudging Manic closer to Surge.

 Manic snapped out of his thoughts. “Wait, she’s my fiancée?” He asked as he motioned to Surge.

 “Yes, she is.” Aleena said.

 Manic shrugged. “Alright.”

 Aleena looked at her children. “Take your seats. The sooner we do this, the sooner we have dinner.”

 The triplets, Sally, and Shadow sat down.

 Manic sat down beside Surge and smiled. 

 Surge gave him a weak smile.

 Manic slowly nodded. “I know.” He said softly.

 “Alright, let’s begin.” Aleena said.

*

 Surge barely listened as the terms were being read over. She already knew most of what was in there, so this was just a formality. She looked over at Manic. 

 Manic seemed to be barely listening as well. He stared at the treaty as he drummed his fingers on the table.

 Surge finally snapped out of her faults when Manic sighed. 

 “Well, that gives us the entire afternoon to get to know each other.” Manic said.

 Aleena gave Manic a look. “Don’t do this now.”

 Manic just glared at her, then turned his attention to the paper. “Where am I supposed to sign?”

 “You’ll get to sign it in a minute.” Aleena said. She signed the document.

 One by one, everyone signed the paper with Manic and Surge being the last ones.

 Neither of them seemed to be happy about it.

 “Okay, you two can spend some time together before dinner.” Aleena said to Manic. 

 Manic nodded.

 Aleena gently ruffled Manic’s spines. “I know, just… remember what I said?”

 “Yes, Ma.” Manic replied. He turned to face Surge. “Come on, the garden’s nice this time of year.”

*

 Manic walked Surge through the palace gardens. “Well, I guess we already know each other’s names.”

 Surge nodded. “We already know what’s expected of us.”

 Manic rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh… you’re really pretty.” He said. “I hope they didn’t make you wear that. I know how that goes.”

 “This is the first time I was allowed to wear something I was okay with.” Surge replied.

 “Tashistan must be stricter than Mobotropolis.” Manic said. “Ma will let me wear black, spiked wristbands, and my combat boots for the most part. She just won’t let me get piercings, tattoos, or dye my spines.”

 “I can’t get those either, but at least this is a step up.” Surge replied. 

 Manic sat down on one of the benches by the rose bushes and a little fountain.

 Surge sat down beside Manic. “It’s nice.”

 Manic nodded. “Ma had this made for us before we were born.” He said. “It’s got every variety of plant on Mobius.”

 “She did a great job.” Surge said. “We don’t have a garden back home.”

 Manic leaned back in his seat. “So I’m a drummer.” He said. “I can sing. I’ve written songs and I do a little drawing. What do you like to do?” 

 Surge sat there wide eyed for a second. “I don’t even know anymore.” She replied. “I was adopted when I was four and trained in etiquette and what not until now. I wasn’t able to do anything fun unless it was somehow productive.”

 Manic laughed nervously. “Uh… you still don’t act like a princess.” He said. He cleared his throat. “I mean, I like that. I’d rather you act normal if we’re gonna be married.”

 Surge smiled. “Thanks.”

 Manic sighed. “Aw, man, we’re getting married tomorrow.” He said. “We just met.”

 Surge slumped in her seat.

 Manic slid his hand over Surge’s hand. “Hey, I promise I’ll be a good husband.” He said. “You can wear what you like. It’s not going to be like your old home.”

 Surge looked at Manic.

 “Definitely not getting you pregnant right now.” Manic said. “So not ready for that yet aside from everything else.”

 Surge smiled weakly. “Thanks.”

 Sonic raced out. “Dinner’s almost ready.” He said. “She must really feel bad to have the entire menu be your favorites.”

 Manic sighed. “I know.” He replied. He got up, then helped Surge up. “Alright, let’s go.”

 Sonic ran back into the palace.

 Manic walked Surge to the palace. “I hope you like sushi, steamed buns, and green tea mochi.” He said. “Since it’s a special occasion, Ma will probably have every variety of sushi you can think of.”

 “There’s something we have in common.” Surge replied.

 Manic laughed. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”

*

 After dinner, Manic and Surge sat on the palace balcony and leaned against the palace wall. They stared at the stars.

 “I really like you and I think I’d marry you one day anyway.” Manic said. “But….”

 “Getting married the day after we’ve met is too soon.” Surge replied.

 Manic nodded. “Yeah, but it’s not like we have a choice.” He said. “Well, Sonia did. She isn’t next in line, so she got to choose her consort as long as Ma approved and he showed himself worthy to be part of the royal family. Sonic was lucky he was able to marry a girl he’s known and loved his whole life.”

 Manic scoffed. “Man, I hate this royal stuff.” 

 “So do I.” Surge replied. She fought the urge to say he had no idea how much worse it was on her end than it was for him.

 As far as she could tell, Aleena seemed infinitely kinder than Starline ever had the day to be. She at least let Manic have a good childhood and seemed to actually hate having to more or less use Manic as a pawn in political affairs.

 But that wasn’t Manic’s fault. He had no clue what was going on and he was being incredibly kind to her. 

 Manic yawned.

 “I guess we should go to bed.” Surge said, getting up. “Staying up won’t stop this.”

 “You’re right.” Manic replied. He got up. “See you in the morning.”

 Surge and Manic exchanged uneasy smiles, then headed to their rooms.