Sonic Series ❯ Trip to Universal Studios ❯ Heading back to the rental house ( Chapter 11 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

They all made it to a section that was designed to look like Hollywood in the forties.

 “It feels like being in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Manic said, looking around.

 “It’s so cool.” Sonia said, grinning. “Oh, I wish we could stay here longer.”

 Shadow noticed a security guard (who was a Mobian mole) looking at them. “Why’s he watching us?”

 “Manic hedgehog?” The security guard asked.

 Manic grinned. “Yeah, dude.” He replied. “It’s me.”

 Sonic’s eyes widened; he looked at Sally. “He got recognized before I did?”

 Sally shrugged.

 “You made my day, hardly anyone ever recognizes me.” Manic said. “It’s happened twice today, but this is so rare.”

 Manic took a picture with the guard. 

 “Thanks, enjoy your afternoon.” The guard said.

 “You too, dude.” Manic replied. He turned to face his family. “Alright, let’s get moving.”

 Everyone started walking toward the gate.

 Sonic shook his head.

 Manic glanced at Sonic. “Hey, you live in the limelight, let me have my moments.”

*

 The group huddled together and made their way to the gates as a heavy downpour started.

 Thunder roared in the distance.

 “Was that thunder?” Sonia asked.

 Lightning flashed and struck something nearby.

 Tails grabbed Sonic and screamed.

 Sonic picked up Tails and rubbed his back as he carried him.

 “Did you just scream, Tails?” Surge asked.

 “He’s afraid of thunder and lightning, babe.” Manic replied. “He was caught in a bad storm once when he was three and it traumatized him.”

 Surge winced. “Ooh.”

 “Too bad I left my hydro pack at the house.” Kit said. “It would help Sonic get traction.”

 The group reached a sheltered walkway and stood there so Sally could check the map to find the gate. 

 Tails shivered. “How much further?”

 “It’s not too much further, Tails.” Sally said. “But we gotta make a run for it.”

 “So to speak.” Shadow replied. 

 “Right.” Sally said. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Let’s do it.” 

 The group hurried to the gate in front of the parking garage.

 As soon as they reached the parking garage, they slowed down.

 Manic and Surge shook out their spines. 

 “We should’ve packed towels.” Maria said, rubbing her arms.

 Shadow unlocked the door.

 Everyone got in the car.

 Sonia checked the route. “Apparently, there’s a traffic jam on the freeway, we’ll have to take the backroads.”

 “Maybe we should get takeout while we’re out of the house.” Sonic said.

 Shadow started the van and pulled it out of the space.

 “Couldn’t we just make dinner at home?” Tails asked. “Please?” He asked. “I’m scared and wet.”

 “We’re all wet, Tails.” Surge said. “Hedgehogs and tenrecs hold more water in our spines than you do in your fur.”

 Maria covered Tails with her jacket. “He’s scared more than anything.”

 “I really want to get home too.” Sonia said. 

 “But this is the only place in Mobius that still has the McPizza.” Sonic replied.

 “I think they still have the McHotdog too.” Shadow said, pulling the van out of the garage. “I’d swear I saw a billboard of it when we’re heading home from the airport.”

 “That thing is probably nasty, boys.” Sonia replied. “Shadow, why would you want to try it when you’re so careful about what you put in your body?”

 “Sick curiosity.” Shadow said. “It couldn’t be as nasty as that Sonic ice cream bar.”

 “Ugh.” Sonic muttered. “Don’t remind me. I think I’m still sick from that thing.”

 Manic ran his hand through his spines. “So… uh… did anyone else-”

 “Shut up, Manic.” Sonic said, smacking his brother’s arm. “We’re about to eat dinner soon.”

 “I just lost my appetite.” Sonia replied.

 “Me too.” Shadow said.

 “You mean to tell me you couldn’t google it, 

Manic?” Surge asked.

 Manic pulled his phone out of his pocket. 

 Aleena shook her head. “You remind me of your dad, Manic.”

 “So they never grow out of that?” Sonia asked. “I feel bad for you, Surge.”

 “She has her moments where she can be as gross as you accuse me of.” Manic said, glancing up from his phone.

 Surge and Kit nodded.

 Sonia sighed.

 *

 Shadow glanced at the McDonald’s as they drove by. “It’s too crowded.” He said. “We’ll eat at home. We already spent a fortune on dinner for Medieval Times anyway.”

 “Oh, and make sure we’re all ready to go at five because Shadow wants to sit in the black section.” Sonia said.

 “You take longer to get ready for anything than us, sis.” Manic replied.

 “The showers are low flow at the house.” Sonia said. “Trust me, it won’t take long here.”

 “Sorry about that.” Aleena said. “It wasn’t mentioned in the listing.”

 “It’s better than any place we ever rented, Mom.” Sonic said, glancing back at her. “For real, this has been the best vacation I’ve had in a while.”

 “It’s the best vacation Kit and I've ever had.” Surge said, leaning forward. 

 Aleena glanced back at Surge and Kit. “I’m glad you two could enjoy it.”

 *

 They finally arrived home.

 Shadow pulled a frozen pizza out of the freezer and turned the oven on.

 Everyone, except Kit and Tails headed to their rooms to dry off.

 Kit and Tails went to the downstairs bathroom to dry off with their towels.

 Sonic walked in. “Go dry off, I got this.”

 Shadow handed Sonic the box, then walked away.

 Sonic glanced over his shoulder at Shadow. “You’re welcome.”