Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the middle of an island that seemed to be deserted, the Sonic Underground was heading toward a town that was rumored to be on the north side of the island.

 After several minutes of driving, the engine began rattling and smoke billowed out of the engine.

 Manic pulled the van off of the dirt road they were on. He got out and checked the engine. 

 “I hope we don’t have to walk the rest of the way.” Sonia said, fanning herself. “It’s so hot.”

 Manic slammed the hood.

 Sonic and Sonia flinched.

 “That’s not good.” Sonic said.

 Manic walked around to the open door. “Bad news. The thing’s toast.” 

 “You can fix it.” Sonia said. 

 “No, the engine is completely shot.” Manic replied. “I gotta call Cyrus to send us a backup. We gotta walk to the village, it’s just around that turn according to the map Tails sent us.”

 Sonic and Sonia got out, grabbed their bags, and followed Manic since he had the map on his phone.

*

 The triplets wandered into the village which looked like a peasant village in Mobotropolis from a hundred years ago. 

 Sonic happened to notice the glares from the villagers. He leaned closer to Manic. “Manic, did you swipe something?”

 “Nah, what’s to steal here anyway?” Manic asked. “It’s gotta be the poorest city in Mobius.”

 Finally, two humans, an older man and a young girl approached them.

 Sonic flinched. “Robotnik?” He asked. “Wow, I guess pollution can age you quickly.”

 “Oh, you know my grandson?” The man asked. “We don’t have much to do with him if we can help it, though we’re forced into service for him.”

 “Who are you?” Sonia asked.

 The man shook the triplets’ hands. “I’m Dr. Gerald Robotnik and this is my granddaughter Maria.”

 “Nice to meet you.” Maria said, smiling. “We don’t have many visitors here.”

 “Why’s that?” Manic asked.

 “This country isn’t on the map.” Gerald replied. “I’m surprised you stumbled upon it.”

 Sonic nodded. “So is that why your grandson hasn’t conquered it?” 

 “Well, I had a deal with him to leave it alone and I’d give his scientists the info they need, but I’ve been using it as a way to spy on him.” Gerald replied. “We’re willing to join the resistance and I’ll gladly hand over my files, but it’s not my decision to make.”

 Manic crossed his arms. “Then whose decision is it?”

 “Our leader Shadow.” Gerald said. “I’m merely his consultant and ambassador. Maria is his honorary older sister and minister of hospitality. You shall meet him tomorrow. He has some important business to attend to today and I’m sure you’re exhausted from your journey.”

 “Well, we gotta stay here until tomorrow anyway.” Sonic said, shrugging.

 “Come, we’ll have dinner and show you to your accommodations.” Gerald said, leading the triplets and Maria to a small mansion.

 Sonic leaned closer. “We sleep in shifts.” He whispered to Sonia and Manic.

 Sonia and Manic nodded.

*

 The triplets, Gerald, and Maria gathered in the small dining room.

 An aqua fennec boy served their dinner of grilled chicken with pineapple salsa and a salad.

 “Thank you, Kit.” Gerald said. “Tell Bunnie it’s as delicious as always.”

 Kit nodded. “Yes, sir.” He replied. He walked back to the kitchen.

 “So where’s Shadow?” Sonic asked. “Is he preparing for a grand entrance?”

 “No, he has business to attend to and he has been served dinner in his room.” Gerald replied.

 “He takes his duties very seriously.” Maria added. “Ever since he was a child.”

 “How old is he?” Sonia asked.

 “About your age.” Maria replied. “His parents died when he was about ten, after a Swatbot raid, so he’s been ruling since then. Grandfather has been his advisor since Shadow’s coronation.”

 “That’s why you all have a deal with Robotnik?” Manic asked.

 “We used that as an opportunity to gather intel.” Gerald replied. “I hate this whole situation as much as you all do.”

 Sonic and Manic exchanged glances and rolled their eyes.

 “I raised both Ivo and Maria.” Gerald said. “No, they’re not siblings before you ask. Ivo was an orphan while Maria’s family situation wasn’t the best. Anyway, I can assure you I didn’t raise Ivo this way. Maria can attest that I raised them the same way and she turned out well while Ivo, well, you know how that went.”

 “I see.” Sonic said.

 “Well, the food is going to get cold.” Gerald said. “We can discuss everything with Shadow tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

The triplets were forced into separate quarters, to their chagrin. However, they played along as they hoped to try to stay awake for most of the night.

 Sonia was asked to speak with the leader for an hour before bedtime.

*

 Sonic sat on his bed and video called Sally.

 Sally yawned. “Hey, Sonic, I got the files.” She said, rubbing her eyes. “I sent it to you, Manic, and Sonia”

 “Cool.” Sonic said. “So-”

 The door opened. 

 Sonic sat up and raised his spines.

 “Hey, big bro.” Tails said, flying in. 

 “Hey, Tails.” Sonic replied. “Oh, Sal, I’ll look over the files and call later. Love ya.”

 “Love you too.” Sally said, yawning. She hung up.

 Tails sat on the bed. “I suppose the files are on Shadow.”

 “Yeah, what are you doing here?” Sonic asked.

 “Studying under Gerald, he’s one of the most intelligent minds on Mobius.” Tails replied. “That and my parents were killed; the shelter I was in was raided, but I escaped and came here. Oh, and I also do servant work.”

 “Okay, so are they telling the truth about being spies on our side?” Sonic asked.

 Tails nodded. “That’s why Shadow agreed to it. Robotnik killed his parents too.”

 “So what’s this guy’s deal?” Sonic asked.

 “Okay, well, Gerald and Maria fled here when Robotnik took over when Maria was three.” Tails replied. “Shadow was about two months old and suffering from NIDS. Gerald had created an experimental cure with the seven more powerful Chaos emeralds. It had cured Maria, though she had some nerve damage, but it worked for her. So Shadow’s parents were willing to try it.”

 “So it cured him?” Sonic asked. 

 Tails nodded. “But it has caused side effects, basically it’s super powers.” He replied. He yawned and stretched his arms. “Well, I’ll let you read the royal customs. I’m sure Sally sent them, right?”

 “Right.” Sonic said. “Good night, bro.”

 Tails hugged Sonic, then left the room.

 Sonic pulled up the files and started to read.

*

 Manic sat up and read the files for thirty minutes, fell asleep, and repeat until he was woken up by Kit.

  Kit led Manic out to the hallway where Sonic had apparently been awakened by Tails and Gerald.

 “Hey, Tails, nice to finally meet you.” Manic said, fist bumping the little fox.

 “You too, Manic.” Tails replied.

 Sonic and Manic looked around. 

 “Where’s Sonia?” Sonic asked.

 “She’s fine.” Gerald replied. “She’s being pampered a bit before she’s brought out.”

 “That better be all that’s happened.” Sonic said.

 Maria stepped out of the room. “Of course that’s all, Sonic.” She replied. “I know you have no reason to trust us, but we have been honest with you so far. Come now, you can talk to Shadow and Sonia will join you all soon.”

 Manic looked at Sonic and nodded. 

 “Alright, let’s go.” Sonic said.

 *

 Gerald led Sonic and Manic to a small study. 

 Shadow was sitting in a velvet armchair in front of a large bookcase. He stared at Sonic and Manic coldly. His spines slightly glowed reddish-orange.

 Manic and Sonic glanced at each other.

 “This is Shadow.” Gerald said. “He is the leader of Terios island. Shadow, this is Sonic and Manic. They’re in the resistance and are in the band Sonic Underground. Sonic is the leader.”

 “And they’re Sonia’s brothers?” Shadow asked.

 “Where is Sonia?” Sonic asked.

 At that moment, Tails and Kit along with a lighter pink hedgehog girl and a lime green tenrec girl carrying a palanquin entered the room. 

 Sonic smacked his hand over his face while Manic’s jaw dropped.

 Sonia, wearing a satin red and black dress, along with strapped sandals, and a load of jewelry including a silver crown on her head.

 Sonia waved at her brothers, her silver brackets clinking as they slid down her arm. “Hello, dear brothers.” She said as the palanquin was lowered.

 Manic and Sonic gave Sonia dumbfounded looks. 

 Manic noticed the tenrec and eased closer to her while the girl hedgehog stepped closer to Sonic.

 “What is this about?” Sonic asked. “Why is she all dressed up?”

 Shadow stood up and walked over to Sonia. “First, we are willing to align ourselves with the resistance and hand over all the info we have on Ivo.” He said, helping Sonia up. “But according to our laws, there’s one catch.”

 “What’s that?” Sonic asked. “Please tell me you don’t have to sacrifice one of us to some god before we have a deal.”

 “No, nothing like that.” Shadow replied. 

 “That’s a relief.” Sonic said.

 “Agreements are sealed with a marriage.” Shadow replied. 

 “What?” Sonic and Manic asked.

 Manic motioned to Sonia. “Is that why she’s dressed up?” He asked. “You want to marry Sonia?”

 “Well, normally it would only be a political marriage.” Shadow replied. “But this isn’t. I love your sister.” 

 Manic shrugged. “I like you better than her ex.”

 Sonic smacked Manic’s arm. “Dude.”

 “What?” Manic asked. “Just saying he doesn’t seem like a high society jerk.”

 “Can’t we arrange something else?” Sonic asked.

 “Yeah.” Manic said. He looked at the tenrec. “I wouldn’t mind marrying her.”

 Sonic smacked his hand over his face. “How am I the rational sibling in this situation?” He muttered under his breath.

 “Surge is just a servant.” Shadow replied. “I’m the leader of this island; Sonia is the sister of a leader in the resistance. It’s the only way since the loopholes don’t apply to this specific situation.”

 Sonic looked at Sonia. “Sis? Just say the word and I’ll-”

 “I’ll marry him.” Sonia replied.

 “Are you crazy?!” Sonic screamed.

 “Come on, I can finally be a princess and secure a major win for the resistance.” Sonia said. She hugged Shadow. “He’s so cute too.”

 “No.” Sonic replied. “You literally just met this guy.”

 Shadow rolled his eyes. "Sonia, since they're  your brothers, you decide their fates.” He said. Either they can be your personal servants.”

 Sonia's grin got even wider while Sonic and Manic shook their heads. 

 "Or they can be executed." Shadow continued. 

 The triplets' eyes widened. "Personal servants." They said nearly at the same time.

 "Very well." Shadow replied. "Get to work, boys; help carry her to her quarters. Girls, prepare for the wedding.”

 Sonic and Manic reluctantly helped Tails and Kit carry the palanquin out.

 Sonia enjoyed the ride, much to her brother's annoyance. 

*

 Manic and Sonic stood in the lavish room as Kit and Tails slid the palanquin out of the way.

 Kit and Tails left the room.

 Sonia climbed onto her canopy covered daybed. “Thank you so much, you all.” She said, grinning.

 The hedgehog, who the boys learned was named Amy, brought in a female bat. “Okay, Rouge, you prepare her outfit while I style her spines and fur.” She said, “Then you can help me with her makeup.”

 “Yes, Amy.” Rouge said.

 Amy began brushing Sonia’s hair while Rouge stepped over to the large closet.

 Amy glanced at Sonic. “Hi, Sonic, would you like-”

 “I have a girlfriend.” Sonic said.

 “He really does.” Sonia said. “Sally Acorn, daughter of the governor of Knothole.

 Amy nodded. “Lucky girl.”

 Surge looked at Manic. “So-”

 “No, I don’t have a girlfriend.” Manic said. “Wanna go out later?”

 “Can we talk to our sister privately, please?” Sonic asked.

 “As you wish.” Amy said. “Girls, come on. They have twenty minutes.”

 Amy led Surge and Rouge out.

 Sonia sighed. “I wish they had taken my snack order.”

  "I'm not about to feed you grapes or whatever." Manic said, crossing his arms. "You can do that yourself."

 "You're welcome for sparing your lives." Sonia  replied. "Right now, it's a little toasty in here. Fan me." 

 Sonia pointed to a fan on a long stick.

 "You've gotta be kidding me." Sonic said, rolling his eyes upward. "You're really gonna milk this for all-"

 Sonia snapped her fingers a couple of times, then motioned toward the fan. 

 "Fine." Sonic groaned. He did as he was ordered to do.

 Sonia propped herself up on her luxurious daybed, with a satisfied smile as Sonic gently fanned her.

 Manic simply stared off into space as he drummed his fingers on the wall. He couldn’t look more annoyed if he tried.

 "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Sonic asked.

 "What do you think?" Sonia asked.

 "Don't you realize the mess you've gotten yourself into?" Sonic asked. "Did you even think it over before you agreed to this?"

 Sonia swept her hand to showcase the entire room. "Does this look like a mess to you?" She asked. "It's about as close to heaven as you can get."

 Sonic stopped fanning, letting the fan drop on Sonia's head, earning a glare from her. "This little 'heaven' has a price. Wanna know what it is?"

 Sonia sat up, brushing off the fan. "And what is it?"

 Sonic leaned against the wall. "Well, you've only known Shadow for, what, less than a day?"

 Sonia grimaced. "More like a couple of hours, really." She muttered sheepishly.

 Manic gave a low whistle as he sat on the velvet couch.

 "Wow. Two hours.” Sonic said. “Okay, so you're gonna marry a guy you don't know and couldn't seriously be in love with, especially so quickly. Also, I read the laws of the island." 

 “So did I.” Manic added.

 “How do you feel about getting married tonight?” Sonic asked.

 Sonia cleared her throat. “It’s a little early, but we talked over some important things last night and I could love him.”

 Sonic nodded. “So you wouldn’t mind having his babies right away?”

 "Are you serious?" Sonia shrieked.

 "No. I'm messing with you for fun." Sonic said. "Of course I'm serious! Why would I joke about that?" 

 Sonia looked at Manic. 

 Manic nodded. “But, hey, you’d make a great Ma.” He said. “You were great with Hip.”

 “Maybe… maybe he doesn’t want kids.” Sonia said, rubbing her arms.

 “Whether he wants any or not, he’s got to have heirs.” Sonic replied. “The triplet thing could be genetic, so you could have-”

 "You gotta get me out of this." Sonia hyperventilated. 

 Amy and the rest of the servants walked back in. 

 “Okay, we need to get you ready.” Amy said. “Boys, get ready in your own quarters.”

 “Don’t you think arranged marriages are awful?” Sonic asked.

 The girls laughed.

 “What’s funny about that?” Manic asked.

 “We did some digging on you three, Prince Manic.” Surge replied. “Your mother’s queen Aleena and she was in an arranged marriage. Can’t find files on your father. Robotnik did a great job erasing him from history.”

 “You three wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for an arranged marriage.” Rouge said.

 “Huh.” Sonic muttered. “I have nothing to say to that.”

 Amy hurried Sonic and Manic out of the room and shut the door behind them.

 “We can object, right?” Manic asked.

 “Not without causing problems with the resistance.” Sonic replied. He sighed. “I hope he’s good to our sister.”

*

 Sonic and Manic, dressed in nice button up shirts and shoes, were standing under a crimson canopy on a small patio across from Shadow.

 Shadow, wearing a black button up shirt with rolled up sleeves and a crimson tie, glared at Sonic and Manic.

 Gerald, wearing a dark suit, stood between them, ready to officiate the wedding.

 Maria (who was wearing a black collared dress, tights and a lace headband with Mary Janes) stood beside Shadow.  

 Manic leaned closer to Sonic. “You seriously gonna give her away to this guy?” He whispered.

 “I don’t have a choice.” Sonic whispered back. “Shadow stopped me in the hall while you were in the bathroom. He made some pretty harsh threats. It was like being in John Wick and I had crossed him.”

 “He does sound like Keanu Reeves now that I think of it.” Manic whispered.

 Sonia was finally brought out on her palanquin. She was dressed in a black satin dress and sandals. She had a crown of red hibiscus on her head and silver jewelry.

 Sonic helped her off of the palanquin.

 Tails and Kit quickly helped Surge and Amy move the palanquin aside, then they all sat down with Rouge.

 Sonia stood across from Shadow.

 The sound of metallic whirring got everyone’s attention.

 Sonic eased himself in front of Manic and Sonia. “Sounds like-”

 Swatbots charged out of the hedges and surrounded the patio.

 One Swatbot shot Maria before anyone could react.

 “Maria!” Shadow and Gerald screamed as they rushed over to her.

 The triplets helped the servants fight the Swatbots.

 Shadow cradled Maria as Gerald tried to tend to Maria’s injuries.

 “She’s gone.” Gerald said, voice breaking.

 Shadow got up.

 “Everyone back off, Shadows’s got this.” Amy ordered.

 Sonic landed after performing a successful spin dash. “What-”

 Shadow’s spines and eyes glowed reddish orange.

 The servants quickly dragged the triplets to safety in a small shed as Shadow began taking off his inhibitor rings.

 “How is he doing that?” Manic asked.

 “That’s the super powers the files mentioned.” Sonic replied.

 Shadow took out all of the Swatbots with a blast of reddish orange electricity. 

 Manic, Sonic, and Sonia’s jaws dropped.

 The servants led the triplets out of the small shed.

 Shadow dipped his chin to his chest as Gerald carried Maria to the Mortician’s shack. 

 Sonia stepped over to Shadow and touched his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Shadow.”

 “So am I.” Sonic and Manic said.

 The servants offered their condolences as they walked Shadow back to the house.

 Sonic, Sonia, and Manic followed Shadow.

 Manic’s phone chimed. 

 “Cyrus is sending a ride.” Manic said, reading the message. “It’ll be here in an hour.”

 *

 The royal triplets, Shadow, and the servants gathered in the study.

 Shadow pulled a metallic card out of his pocket. “These are all the secrets of the Robotnik regime.” He said. “To make a long story short, Ivo broke the treaty and the marriage doesn’t have to continue now.”

 Sonia hugged Shadow. “I’m sorry, Shadow.” She said softly. “You’re a nice guy. I may marry you one day, just not right now.”

 Shadow nodded. 

 “You can call me whenever you need to talk.” Sonia said. “I’m sorry I can’t stay, but the battle is important and I have to fight along with my brothers.”

 “Understood.” Shadow replied. “You’re welcome to stay anytime.”

 “So you’re leaving, Manic?” Surge asked.

 “Yeah.” Manic replied. “We can call each other. I’ll visit as much as I can.”

 Manic and Surge exchanged numbers before the triplets left for the pickup zone.

Chapter Text

The battle against Robotnik had been finally over for eleven months. The last battle, where Robotnik had been killed in an explosion, took place mere days after Shadow had handed over the vital information.

 The triplets were finally reunited with their mother and started the restoration process for Mobius as soon as they returned to their castle.

 Manic read the morning reports on his tablet as he joined Sonic and Sonia in her bedroom. “Great news, more successful de-robiticizations.”

 “That’s great.” Sonic replied. “What about the counseling sessions for the victims?”

 “There’s help centers in every city now.” Manic said. “Uncle Chuck, Lady Windermere, and Farrell are in the same group as Bernie and Estella.”

 Sonic nodded. “Great.” He replied. He looked at Sonia, who was packing her bags. “You sure about this, sis?”

 “Yes, I’m very sure.” Sonia said, closing her bags. “It may not seem like it, but Shadow has a big heart.”

 Sonic hugged Sonia. “As long as he treats you well, I’m happy for you.”

 “So am I, sis.” Manic replied.

 “Thanks, boys.” Sonia said. “I’m just glad Shadow has changed some of the royalty customs of his island. I like kids, but I don’t think we should be pushed into that so quickly and I’m glad he agrees.”

 “As long as you’re happy, sis.” Manic replied. 

 Aleena stepped into the room. “The guest rooms are ready and the ballroom is prepared for your wedding, Sonia.”

 “Thank you, Mother.” Sonia replied.

 “Oh, and Manic, we still have to discuss details of your wedding.” Aleena said. “We’ll do that after lunch.”

 “Okay, thanks, Ma.” Manic replied.

 “Speaking of lunch, it’s almost ready.” Aleena said.

 “Thanks.” Sonic, Sonia, and Manic replied.

 *

-two days later-

 Sonic and Manic watched as Sonia and Shadow’s motorcycles drove away, leading Shadow’s entourage toward the docks.

 “It’s kinda odd.” Manic said. “No fighting Robotnik, life on the run together. We finally found Ma and now we’re all going our separate ways.”

 “Well, we’re still going to perform concerts and we’ll visit each other as much as possible.” Sonic replied. “It’ll be so much easier now that Tails has perfected his travel rings.” 

 Manic grinned. “Yeah, I’m glad we can travel to Mobodoon easier now.” 

 “Is Surge okay with it?” Sonic asked.

 “Yeah, she’s fine with it.” Manic replied. “Her only demands were that she bring Kit along since they’re adoptive siblings.”

 Sonic nodded.

 “You’ll make a great ruler, bro.” Manic said, patting Sonic on the shoulders. 

 “About that, the monarchy is being abolished.” Sonic replied. “Mom is overseeing the restructuring of the government. Like… she’ll be the leader for a while, then they’ll vote for a new one. At least, that’s how I think she explained it. My mind kind of wandered.”

 Manic laughed. “Well, that suits you fine.”

 “Yep.” Sonic said. “As soon as your wedding is over, Sally and I will take a late honeymoon trip. We’re gonna travel all over Mobius for a while, then settle in Knothole.”

 “When you do, stay for a while in Mobodoon.” Manic replied. 

 “Sure, bro.” Sonic said.