Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ The risks you take to be accepted ❯ Bad day ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Manic frowned as he shuffled into the house after a long day at school. “I can’t wait until I graduate.” He muttered. “Maybe Ma will let me finish the semester and a half from home for now on. I’m kinda being bullied.” 

 Manic flopped down on the couch and flipped the tv onto Youtube. He clicked on the first video that looked somewhat interesting on the recommended page just to keep from mindlessly scrolling for an hour or more.

 Sonic and Sonia came home a few minutes later, talking amongst themselves.

 “Alright, I’ll make dinner.” Sonic said, walking into the kitchen. “You can have a seat.”

 Sonia walked into the living room and sat down beside Manic. She gave him a confused look. “What are you watching?” 

 “Church singing fails.” Manic replied.

 “Why?” Sonia asked.

 “YouTube recommended it and I was curious.” Manic replied. “Pretty bored, don’t know what I want to watch and don’t want to waste an hour doomscrolling.”

 “Then do something productive like draw or play the drums.” Sonia said.

 “Maybe later, I don’t feel like it right now.” Manic replied.

 Sonia patted Manic on the shoulder. “I’m sorry you had a rough day.” 

 Manic laughed. “Oh, man, I’ve never had my drum kit fall over like that.”

 “You might.” Sonia said. “Why did YouTube recommend this?”

 Manic shrugged. “I dunno, maybe because I watched mascot fails compilations before.” He replied. “Or maybe it was because they recommended this podcast show about crazy youth group stories and I binged it while I was sick last week.” 

 “You do know you don’t have to watch everything YouTube recommends to you, right?” Sonia asked.

 “Oh, I know.” Manic replied. “There’s a lot they recommend that I don’t watch.” 

 “Why is SpongeBob singing hymns?” Sonic called from the kitchen.

 Sonia and Manic burst out laughing.

 “I was thinking that too.” Manic wheezed.

 Sonic walked in. “What the heck are you two watching?” He asked. He glanced at the TV. “Oh, boy, that guy’s mom must’ve told him he could sing and he really bought into the hype and there’s some nepotism going on there.”

 Sonia gave Sonic a look. “Oh, really nice.” She scolded. “I mean, sure he can’t sing, but he was brave enough to get up there and try.”

 “I didn’t say he wasn’t.” Sonic protested. “You two were laughing, not me. I thought you were watching some fan animation or something.”

 “You had to say that.” Manic said, voice shaking from laughter.

 “Yes, it’s because of what you said, Sonic.” Sonia snapped.

 Sonic gave Sonia a dumbfounded look. “But you had to be thinking it to laugh.”

 “Okay, yes, but I don’t laugh at you because you used to sound like baby Bugs Bunny when you sang.” Sonia said.

 Manic fell off the couch while laughing hysterically.

 Sonic slumped his shoulders. “I… I do?”

 “Not now.” Sonia replied. “Like… uhm… about six years ago, you did.”

 Manic, still laughing hysterically, nodded.

 Sonic groaned. “My voice hadn’t changed then, it doesn’t count.” He snapped. “I don’t bring up that you used to sound like Urkel, do I?”

 Sonia threw a pillow at Sonic. “We agreed not to talk about that.”

 Manic rolled into the coffee table, still shaking and wheezing from laughing.

 “Thanks a lot, my favorite sibling might die laughing on top of this.” Sonic said, motioning to Manic.

 Sonia glanced at Manic, who was still shaking with no sound coming out except soft wheezes. “Can he really die from laughing?”

 “Tails said it could happen, but no, he’s fine.” Sonic said. “I was just messing with you.”

 Manic exhaled loudly and slowly sat up. Tears were streaming down his face. “Oh, man, I haven’t laughed this hard since I saw the Amazing Bulk a few months ago.” He said, wiping his eyes.

 Sonic rolled his eyes. “I’m glad you’re amused.” He replied. “Turn the tv off. Chili dogs are almost ready if I haven’t burned the chili.”

 Sonic raced into the kitchen.

 Manic shut the tv off. “I thought that Sonic sounded like that too, sis.” He said. “Never would’ve told him that.”

 “I didn’t mean to.” Sonia replied.

 Sonia got up, then helped Manic up. They walked to the kitchen.

 Sonia and Manic sat at the table as Sonic set a plate of chili dogs next to a salad bowl on the table.

 “Oh, and Mom said you needed to do something besides sitting on your butt and watching videos, Manic.” Sonic said. “She said you did enough of that when you were sick last week. Mom may put you on a diet tomorrow, so enjoy your last good meal.”

 Manic sighed. “Ah, come on.”

 “I mean, not like a full diet; just cut back a bit and step up your exercise routine a bit.” Sonic replied. “She does the same with sis and me because hedgehogs are prone to obesity and she wants us to be healthy.”

 “Besides, you were complaining that you couldn’t wear your favorite shirt this morning, Manic.” Sonia said, sliding her salad bowl closer to her.

 Manic gave Sonia a dirty look. 

 “About what I said, Sonic.” Sonia said, picking at her salad. “I’m sorry.”

 “It’s fine, sis.” Sonic replied. “I’m sorry too.”

 “I didn’t do anything.” Manic muttered.

 Sonic and Sonia exchanged glances, then shrugged it off.

 Manic picked at his food. “I’m not hungry.”

 “Do you want to eat something else?” Sonic asked. “I can make you a salad too.”

 “No.” Manic muttered.

 “I don’t know why you let those shallow girls get to you.” Sonic said. “They’re snobs.”

 Sonia nodded. “He’s right.” She added. “You have so many great qualities. They don’t appreciate you.”

 “That’s sweet, but you’re my siblings.” Manic replied.

 “But we’re being objective.” Sonic said. “Why haven’t you asked the new girl out yet?”

 “You two would be such a cute couple.” Sonia added.

 Manic slid his plate away. “I’m not in a hurry to get humiliated.”

 “I can try to see if she’s interested in you.” Sonia said.

 “Thanks, but that won’t make me look good.” Manic replied. “I’m already not good enough for anyone else.”

 Sonia sighed. “Manic, those girls are being jerks.”

 “Why are you friends with them?” Manic asked.

 “Just because I’m friends with Rouge and Mindy doesn’t mean I agree with them.” Sonia replied. “What happened with Amy? She’s super nice.”

 “I’m not Sonic.” Manic said. “She said she’s always had a crush on him and he’s so cute. At least she was polite about it and tried to soften the blow by saying I was kinda cute.”

 Manic got up and headed to his room.

 Sonia looked over her shoulder. “Manic?”

 Manic closed the door. He laid down on his bed and turned on his music.

*

 Several minutes later, Sonia walked into Manic and Sonic’s room and sat down on Manic’s bed at Manic’s feet.

 “Can you pause that for a minute, please?” Sonia asked.

 Manic paused his music and slid his headphones off. “I don’t feel like talking.”

 “You need to talk.” Sonia said. “Sonic was just going to tell you to ignore whatever any of those girls said to you again. I told him to let me try talking to you.”

 Manic sighed. “You’ll say the same thing or make ignorant remarks.”

 “What?” Sonia asked.

 “My shirt shrunk, sis.” Manic replied. “I accidentally threw it in the dryer. I haven’t gained any weight. I just can’t get in the same shape as my (according to everyone at school) cooler, cuter brother.”

 “I’m really sorry, Manic.” Sonia said. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I was… ooh, yeah, I shouldn’t have said that at all. I’m so sorry.”

 “It’s fine.” Manic replied. “You only stated the obvious.”

 “Manic, you’re adorable and you have a lot going for you.” Sonia said. “You’re a nice guy and-”

 “It doesn’t mean as much coming from my sister.” Manic replied. “Also, it feels a little weird.”

 Sonia groaned. “I’m trying to help you.”

 “I know and it’s sweet.” Manic said.

 Sonia huffed. “Manic, I don’t know what to tell you.” She replied. “You won’t ever know what Surge will say unless you take a risk and talk to her. She seems to have some things in common with you and you’d have a better chance with her than with Rouge, who doesn’t even seem like your type anyway. What did you see in Rouge anyway?”

 Manic blushed as he laughed nervously. “Uh… I… I’d rather not tell you.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

 Sonia rolled her eyes. “Ugh. I get it.” 

 “Oh, and like girls are any better?” Manic asked. “I hear how Rouge and Bunnie talk about almost every guy in school. I really didn’t want to hear what they said about my bro. Amy is… really odd. She’s got a handmade, near life size plushie of Sonic. I don’t care what she says, she has it for creepy reasons. Oh, and I overheard you talking about Shadow to Mindy the other day.”

 Sonia blushed. “Okay… good talk, I guess.”

 Manic nodded. “Thanks, sis. I appreciate it.”

 “Hey, you do need to ask Surge out.” Sonia said. “You’d regret never talking to her. You’ve got nothing to lose, but everything to gain.”

 “Thanks, sis, but it’s not easy to talk to girls.” Manic replied.

 “I understand.” Sonia said. “But… if she’s aware of you and likes you, she may be hoping you’ll talk to her. Just try, okay?”

 Sonia left the room.

 Manic slid his headphones back on and unpaused his music.

*

 Sonic finally walked into his and Manic’s room. “Mom’s on her way home.” He said. “She can’t wait to see us and she bought gifts for us. She’ll be home by tomorrow.”

 “Cool.” Manic replied. He shut off his music and took off his headphones.

 Sonic sat on his bed. “So I’ve been thinking about what to say.” He said. “If you don’t know what to say to Surge, I think I can help you.”

 “How do you do it?” Manic asked. “I’ve been working out for months and nothing.”

 “Genetics, I guess.” Sonic said.

 “You didn’t start looking like that until you went super a few times.” Manic replied.

 “Yeah… that might be why.” Sonic said, running his hand through his spines. “Tails said it causes mutations and could cause some major damage in larger doses. It’s why I don’t use the Chaos emeralds often. They’re only for dire emergencies.”

 Manic nodded.

 “Don’t try to use them to get in shape.” Sonic said. “It’s like taking medicine. Only use it when you absolutely need it, don’t abuse it.”

 “I’m not, bro.” Manic replied.

 “So do you need an idea on what to say to Surge?” Sonic asked.

 “No, I think I’ve rehearsed it in my head enough.” Manic replied. “It’s being able to form a sentence around her without my mind going blank or having a panic attack, that’s the problem.”

 “Yeah, Tails and Knux are almost the same way.” Sonic said. “I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that.”

 Manic adjusted his pillow. “How are you so relaxed?”

 “I don’t know.” Sonic said, laying on his bed. “I don’t understand why it’s hard for you.”

 Sonic pulled his phone out.

 “Oh, I can’t wait until everyone’s asleep.” Manic thought.

*

 Manic slipped out that night as soon as everyone was asleep and headed to Tails’ workshop on his hoverboard. “Sonic uses those stupid emeralds more than I will.” He thought. “He doesn’t get it. He’s always been the cool one.”

 Thirty minutes later, Manic arrived at Tails’ workshop. He propped his hoverboard up in the rack and walked over to the safe. He knelt down and started carefully picking the lock, hoping Tails would stay asleep.

 A few minutes later, the lock opened.

 Manic smirked and pulled the emeralds out. He furrowed his brow. “Let’s see, how do you turn these things on?” He thought.

 The emeralds started glowing.

 “Oh, that’s right.” Manic thought. “They have some kinda neural link… whatever the heck he called it.”

 Manic’s fur and spines started to turn silver as the emeralds seemed to assimilate into him.

 “Sweet, this is a cooler super form than Sonic’s.” Manic said under his breath. He started floating off the ground. “Might as well have fun with this.” 

 Manic flew out of the workshop.

*

 An hour later, Manic made it back to the workshop.

 Manic landed on the ground and shut off the emeralds.

 The emeralds fell out of his spines and clattered to the ground.

 “Oh, that’s where they go.” Manic thought. He put the emeralds back into the safe, locked it, then rode his hoverboard home.

 *

 Manic carefully set his hoverboard back in its spot in the corner of his and Sonic’s bedroom, then stepped into the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror.

 He was a little slimmer than before, but it still wasn’t saying much.

 “I guess I need a few more doses.” Manic thought. He headed back to his bed and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

*

 Manic woke up that morning and shuffled into the kitchen.

 Sonic and Sonia, wearing a guitar pendant necklace and a keyboard pendant necklace respectively, were already at the table.

 “Morning, sweetie.” Aleena said, glancing up from setting a plate of breakfast burritos on the table.

 “Morning.” Manic replied.

 Sonic raised an eyebrow at Manic, but shrugged.

 “Can he sense Chaos energy?” Manic thought. “Eh, play it cool. You’ll freak him out and he may not know jack.”

 The triplets served themselves breakfast and coffee.

 Aleena handed Manic a black leather cord necklace with a silver drum pendant. “I had your name engraved on it.”

 “I love it, Ma; thanks.” Manic said, looking it over. “Great, it’s just my first name.”

 Aleena sipped her coffee. “I know you hate your middle name, but it was your great grandfather’s first name.”

 Manic slid his necklace on. 

 “Aww, I missed you all.” Aleena said. “I wish that retreat would’ve at least allowed an hour phone call.”

 “We missed you too, Mom.” Sonic replied. “Things were kinda boring here. Same ol’ stuff.”

 “They won’t get into mischief without you to try to stop them.” Sonia said.

 Aleena laughed. “Boys.” 

 Sonic and Manic shrugged.

 “I hope you don’t have plans today.” Aleena said. “I was hoping that we could spend the day together, order a pizza or something.”

 “Well, I don’t.” Manic replied.

 “Is it okay for Tails to come by?” Sonic asked.

 “Sure.” Aleena replied.

 “I don’t have plans either.” Sonia said.

 Aleena grinned. “Aw, I’m so glad.” She replied. She looked at Manic. “You look a little different.”

 “I helped him dye the tips of his spines black.” Sonia said. “Doesn’t he look adorable?”

 “‘Adorable’ is not the look I’m going for, sis.” Manic replied.

 “Well, you look cool.” Aleena said.

 Manic laughed. “Thanks, Ma.”

 Sonic half grinned. “Hmm.”

 “He knows something, but he doesn’t have enough to confront me.” Manic thought. “Just keep acting normal. Maybe he’ll forget later.”

*

 Manic breathed a sigh of relief as he got back into bed after sneaking out. He had gone a full day without anyone questioning him.

 He knew Sonic would figure something out eventually, but he hadn’t thought how he’d justify his usage of the Chaos emeralds to get in shape.

 He would think of something though.

 “It’s working pretty good.” Manic thought. “I probably need a few more doses and I’ll be in awesome shape. Then, I’ll ask Surge out.”

 Manic drifted off to sleep.