Bound by Music

Singing Together

Manic paused, not really sure how to respond to Shadow's statement, "Uh, is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

    The charcoal agent finally made an outward show of frustration as he gripped the porch railing, and Manic could hear the wood splintering slightly under his grip.

   "How on Mobius could you possibly think that me being in charge of an entire kingdom is a good thing!?"

    "Well, that's how most people would feel," he replied weakly, not quite understanding what the other was saying.

       "I'm a warrior, not a leader. For almost the entirety of my existence, I've either struck it out on my own or said 'yes sir' to my superiors. The few times I've ever had to take point were on missions. How am I supposed to properly take care of a whole nation when all I've done is take orders from someone else? Not to mention how questionable my reputation already is. My name would taint the respectability of my own subjects as far as other countries are concerned. And--"

    "Woah, slow down, dude," Manic interrupted and placed his hands on Shadow's shoulders, "You are way over-thinking things, so much so I could feel it on the way here. You aren't king yet, so don't worry about it. You got plenty of time to figure everything out while we take back Robotropolis. Mom is still out there somewhere too, and as long as she's around, you ain't got nothing to worry about, my man." 

   "You make a good point, I guess," Shadow agreed slowly. Manic grinned. 

    "Course I do, big bro! Now come here!"

  "Uhm, Manic? I'm not much of a hugger."

      "Yeah, but I figured you needed one anyway."

  Shadow rolled his eyes, feeling the worry and stress that had been penting up for the past few hours ebb away. He found this strange, since it usually took a lot longer for him to relax. That's when a new thought developed. 

    "Manic? Are you using your power on me?"

   The green hedgehog broke the hug and scratched his ear in confusion, "I didn't think so, dude. I just wanted you to chill out for a sec."

    Shadow rubbed his chin in thought, which in turn made Manic even more confused. Since the ebony male had calmed down to his normal composure, it had once again become impossible for him to read the other's emotions. 

    "Everything good, man?"

   "Hm?" Shadow looked up, "Oh, yes. Everything is fine for now. Thank you for showing up when you did."

   Manic shrugged, deciding to let the subject change slide, "Sure thing, dude. Any time. I'll see ya around. I'm gonna go check out the place a bit."

    Shadow waved him off before returning to his thoughts. His younger brother did have a point. He had a bad habit of over-analyzing things, but this was a matter of the greatest importance. But he also gave him a momentary distraction. Manic had been able to dial him down from panicked to level-headed with a single act, something that not even Rouge could accomplish. Perhaps Manic was getting stronger without realizing it yet. There was no way of telling for sure, and he knew that the only way to find out was to keep a close eye on him. 

Meanwhile

    Sonic held in a deep sigh as he watched Amy send Sally a death glare as they passed by. The two girls hardly said two words to each other, and when they did, the hostility was thick enough to choke on. He knew it was a bad idea stopping at Knothole. Amy slipped her hand into his and pulled him away, making him feel below miserable as Sally's fierce glare was now aimed in his direction. The princess huffed and strode in the opposite direction they were walking. Sonic was becoming desperate to get out of the stifling situation, and he looked around for an escape route, pine green eyes landing on Sonia and Manic.