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"submission_left_submission_id": "3665123", "submission_left_file_name": "5643487_MidnightMuser_manegg.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/5643/5643487_MidnightMuser_manegg.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/5643/5643487_MidnightMuser_manegg.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/5643/5643487_MidnightMuser_manegg.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "300", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "200", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "description": "[i]After the citizens of Mobotropolis return to the world from a four-year evacuation to Mobodoon, Prince Manic Hedgehog is sent to find out what the War for the Planet was all about, and locate this 'Hero of Mobius' people are speaking of.\n\nHe doesn't expect to discover that a lot has happened in the last fifteen years while Mobotropolis was closed off. Dr. Robotnik is still alive, and goes by Dr. Eggman? He has a daughter? There was a Metal Virus? He's caring for the hero, who has memory problems? And why can't he meet him? And... why is this strangely caring version of the doc so... intriguing?\n\nAs Manic searches for answers, he finds himself questioning more about himself and what he truly wants out of life.\n[/i]\n\nChapter 2: Modern Connections is here! This one starts to dive more into Manic's past and personality, as I wanted to give a little more time just for him before things start moving. I'm having a lot of fun with this, and I hope you enjoy!\n", "description_bbcode_parsed": "After the citizens of Mobotropolis return to the world from a four-year evacuation to Mobodoon, Prince Manic Hedgehog is sent to find out what the War for the Planet was all about, and locate this 'Hero of Mobius' people are speaking of.

He doesn't expect to discover that a lot has happened in the last fifteen years while Mobotropolis was closed off. Dr. Robotnik is still alive, and goes by Dr. Eggman? He has a daughter? There was a Metal Virus? He's caring for the hero, who has memory problems? And why can't he meet him? And... why is this strangely caring version of the doc so... intriguing?

As Manic searches for answers, he finds himself questioning more about himself and what he truly wants out of life.


Chapter 2: Modern Connections is here! This one starts to dive more into Manic's past and personality, as I wanted to give a little more time just for him before things start moving. I'm having a lot of fun with this, and I hope you enjoy!
", "writing": "Waking up with the sun was a pretty normal thing, but it was so nice to not be dragged to any sort of appointment or rudimentary classes. That was his biggest gripe of royal life. The classes. He wasn't exactly the best at them, having to repeat a few to get a `satisfactory' mark, and he was technically not done even still... Fifteen years of schooling was murder.\n\nHe stayed by the window, sipping a hot coffee as he took in the morning. It was even colder now than it was in the evening, as the sun had yet to replace all the heat lost overnight, giving everything outside a light sheen of frost. It was so pretty... But if it was too cold, not a lot of people would be out. And that wasn't really ideal. But, alas, he had to get to work somehow.\n\nHe opened the closet to grab the least garish outfit he was given, doing up his buttons before trudging down the hall. In his eagerness, he hadn't really checked the map of the hotel, so it took him a minute to find the dining hall. The smell of fresh breakfast already had him drooling! He happily took a seat and waited patiently for a server, while enjoying the view once more. Gods, this place was nice. Why couldn't he just live here instead of the castle?\n\n``Pardon me,'' a chipper voice interrupted his thoughts, and he turned to give a grin to the woman in the apron. ``Um, are you... Prince Manic Hedgehog...?'' it sounded less like she knew of him and more like she'd been told... He gave a sigh, pinching his nose.\n\n``If it was an old dog, d`mind him,'' he tried to assure. ``He's up in his ass `bout `respect' n' `appearance' when I'm just here t' find someone t' interview. Jus' call me Manic.'' If he noticed her eyes widening, he didn't show it, instead flipping through the menu. ``Could I g'some Eggs Benedict n' o-j, please?'' He gave his best smile, hoping to appear more casual and friendly than his title would suggest. Once she parted with his order, he took a look at the little television showing the weather. It looked like it was going to be warm-ish, at least for now, so he could go out as he was... Well that was good. Sadly, it wasn't the girl returning with his orange juice he first saw, but rather the old dog, who looked as if he was going to have a coronary. He took no small amount of pride in the way he looked shaken up, but hid his smirk. ``Mornin'.''\n\n``Your High - ''\n\n``If ya don't stop fuckin' doin' tha' I swear t'th gods Imma blow,'' Manic narrowed his eyes dangerously. Gods, why was he so stubborn?! ``Yer as bad as Bartlebutt wi'at hoity-toity shit. We're in a [i]hotel[/i], fer fuck's sake.'' He kept his voice low; he didn't want to attract attention. ``You wanna protect me so fuckin' bad, then keep a low profile, capiche?'' Seriously, with how this guy wanted to cry out, he was gonna be the one [i]causing[/i] problems, not preventing them! With a disgruntled scoff, he turned away visibly, staring hard out the window. He gently rested his fingers on the glass, missing the way the dog's eyes widened. It was blaringly silent for several minutes, until his food was delivered, and he allowed himself to pull back.\n\n``So, what is your plan?''\n\nManic tapped his fork on the table a couple times. ``Well, more or less what I did back home, y'know? Ask around, see what people can share deets. Stores, vendors, popular tourist spots...'' Anywhere there were plenty of people to talk to, or places that got visited often, surely someone would know who the Hero of Mobius was. ``Gotta scope out as much as I can.''\n\n``Did you write down your questions?''\n\n``Got `em in my suitcase...'' Ugh, that had been AWFUL. It was a group effort, thinking what they wanted to ask this person, as well as finding which questions wouldn't be good. And then the ambassadorship papers... It was basically just a fancy way of saying `We'd like to call you for problems and will pay you, as long as you can represent us as well.? With so much fancy jargon it made his brain burn. ``Once it warms up I'll head out.''\n\nHe sighed in bliss once he took a bite, the hollandaise sauce perfectly prepared and nice and warm over the eggs and muffins, along with the thick slice of ham. They really made sure it was a hearty meal to start the day!\n\n``...You're not going to traipse about in that, are you?'' the dog questioned, and Manic had to pause in confusion. What was his assistant bitching about now? He had his shirt, his pants, his gloves... Oh.\n\n``Actually, y'know what? Yeah. It's not too cold. Plus it'll help me look like less of a stuck-up dick.'' After all, if he wanted people to talk to him, he had to be approachable! Barefooting was seen as an almost universal language of honesty and vulnerability, if in some cases a bit flirty... And, well, he could do that too, if needed, he supposed. Though as if sensing a rebuttal, he continued. ``It's why I told ma I wanted som'm simple. Peeps don't wanna talk if they feel there's some... gap.'' He wasn't best sure how to say it, but that was the reality of it.\n\nThankfully, his assistant seemed to calm down, maybe actually listening for once? He sipped his orange juice, pulling out a small writing tablet. He'd be using this plenty, that was for sure. Whatever leads he got he'd be sure to write down, at least... After his breakfast was finished, he decided to start with the humans he'd talked to already. Luckily he'd already had his standard question down, approaching the first with a smile.\n\n``Sorry t' bother ya, ma'am, you got a quick sec?'' He piped up, clicking a pen. The server looked rather surprised, but she seemed to collect herself, giving a quick nod. ``I'm looking fer someone called th' `Hero o' Mobius...' Uh, ya wouldn't happen t' know anything about where he is?''\n\n``Hero of... Mobius??'' the answer he got was definitely not one he was expecting. ``Is that like some sort of area of Eurish?'' He had to pause. What people didn't know the name of the planet?? Or was it like... did not everyone call it the same thing? Then again, perhaps it was because humans and Mobians had their own terminology.\n\n``Uh... it's what m'kingdom calls th' planet... Y'know, planet Mobius, and us uh... animal folk are Mobians... And th' Kingdom is in Mobotropolis...?'' Gods, he really hoped he wasn't sounding like a total idiot right now...\n\n``I didn't know of any other names of the planet aside from Earth, to be honest, Sir Manic,'' she replied with a more understanding tone, but the way she crossed her arms and looked to the side, lips pursed, it didn't seem like he was gonna get any further. ``But, everyone's worked hard for the Restoration here after the war, sapients and humans. It'd be rude to only call one person a hero after all that. So it's hard to say who you heard of...''\n\nWell, fuck.\n\n``Well... tha' uh... tha' makes sense... I got told he lives near here, but tha' makes it sound like it coulbe anyone...'' He frowned.\n\n[i]Note: Humans refer to this planet as Earth, apparently our education system is fucked. Gotta ask for ``Hero of Earth,'' but first lead suggests it could be anyone in the city due to Restoration being a Wide-Scale effort.[/i]\n\nWith that scribbled down, he gave a nod. ``Well, tha'll at least help me ask around! Thanks, ma'am!'' After all, it wasn't her fault if he was using some old, outdated term... Though perhaps he should turn his focus to other... sapients? He also scribbled that down, before sauntering back to the table. ``Apparently we are like, culturally cut off bad, dude,'' he sighed. ``Turns out outside o' our territories, no one else calls th' planet Mobius... Guess'a's why we got no leads. Hero o' Earth is a safer bet, but `parently tha' title ain't given' t' just one person cuz o' that Restoration stuff.''\n\nGods, he really felt like an asshole for being so ignorant. But really, it wasn't his fault, it was the damn Oracle's again. Seriously, he felt like everything bad was attributed to that so-called clairvoyant weirdo. His whole `Council of Four' was scrapped, turned to ash when...\n\nNo.\n\nHe shook his head, blinking away tears. This wasn't the time to think of that. He had work to do, and it had been so long ago.\n\n[i]Not long enough[/i], a scathing voice echoed in the back of his mind, and he bit back a curse before standing up. He'd have to kill a few more hours before he could take his questions to the streets, so with nothing else to do, he made his way back to his room. Maybe a little nap to give the sun some time...\n\n---\n\n[i]Bright. \n\nAll he could see was a huge bright dome of light in the distance, a harsh thrum rocking their tour van nearly off of its wheels. \n\nHis ears rang with the force of the blast, even from this far back, nearly eclipsing his sister's screech.\n\nCold, a sensation of cold dropped in his gut, the dome filling with smoke and fire that dissipated as quickly as it shot into the sky.\n\nPanic set in, even as he was forced to hunker down, tears stinging his eyes. His sister beside him, her expression mirroring his...\n\nBecause their brother was OUT THERE, and not IN WITH THEM. The medallion around his neck felt cold, as if the glass had turned to ice...\n\nHe couldn't sense him. They couldn't sense their brother, their hero, their leader...\n\n``SONIC!!''[/i]\n\n---\n\n``Fuck!'' Manic yelped as he shot up, nearly tipping out of the chair he'd decided to use, his fingers digging hard into the fabric of his seat while his heart hammered in his chest. Sweat beaded in his messy green bangs, bangs he slowly used his free shaking hand to run through. There was no point in taming them; it was only to try and relax his frizzled appearance overall.\n\nThe clock on the stand nearby reflected it had been a mere hour, and he snarled weakly at himself. Again, another nightmare... Though who could call it that when it was more a memory that played like a movie on a skipping disk?\n\nGroaning deeply, he pressed his palms to his face, shaking in his seat as he fought off the urge to sob. Gods, it had been fifteen years now... Why couldn't his brain just... accept it? Why did it have to remind him over and over of that fateful day? The day his family was torn apart and put back together in a way that'd never be the same. ``Fuckin' dammit...! I ain't had tha' dream in two months... now'is is twice in a week!'' It was almost like now that he had some peace, his subconscious decided to play bully.\n\nHe stayed put until he felt his body relax, looking in disgust at how damp his gloves were. How weak was he, to be still acting like this after so long? He tossed the pair into the provided basket, slipping on a fresh one and standing up. He took a cloth to his face, hoping to ease the redness around his eyes, as he made up his mind. To hell with waiting, he'd deal with the morning chill for a bit. He'd have to scope out the city anyways, see what places had the most traffic and when.\n\n---\n\nAs he stepped out on the street, the first thing that greeted him was of course the chill on his soles. He actually shivered a bit, but he'd rather deal with that than what he was dealing with a bit ago. He shook himself and decided to start down the sidewalk. It was definitely quiet, but not empty. He was also seeing more anthro-sapients about the area as well, but there was a handful of humans too, which was a bit odd... he understood that humans tended to prefer the mainland while their kind stuck to the islands of the globe - which were still in no way small either.\n\nMaybe some humans moved away from the mainland continents due to some reason or another? Apparently a lot of stuff had happened over the years... But as much as he wanted to just ask anyone, the royal workers insisted on hearing it straight from this hero guy... Ugh, why did they have to complicate everything by insisting on a single source? Sure, he was apparently the one most involved, but he was still prone to bias. Hell, he'd probably over-embellish some minor details and leave out the important bits!\n\nSuch was his life, though, always listening to his superiors, trying to be the prince he was meant to be. Even if Sonia had a much easier time of it, he couldn't just let her handle everything. Plus she wasn't good at dealing with random folks the way he was. She always preferred to talk with businessmen, other nobles, and people that seemed to have `status.' She couldn't even fathom trying to just chat up a store clerk without sounding awkward as fuck. He allowed himself a bit of a giggle at his own thoughts, before he noticed a bit of a crowd standing around what looked like a corner store that was still closed...\n\nHe could see what looked like a taller human standing closest to the door, as if guarding it, and that definitely got his attention. He made his way over, gradually picking up the excited murmurs until he could make out something about `Knuckle Death Strike' and he had to pause. Was there a fight?! His steps were more cautious now, as he approached, ready to buck and run at a moment's notice. But it didn't seem like anyone was ready to throw hands, rather they were eagerly bouncing in place.\n\n``Uh... yo, is som'm happenin' here?'' he questioned, hoping to get at least some attention, but unfortunately it seemed the gaggle of sapients and humans standing about had no clue he was even there. Which... hey, he'd honestly take some anonymity. He was recognized way too much back home. He stood at the back, but walked side to side, hoping to see anything beyond the windows, but no such luck... Man, did he look like an oddball though, compared to the others. Everyone else was bundled up, and here he was in a dress shirt, slacks, and barefoot, and his toes were definitely feeling it now. Still, he reminded himself, it was worth it.\n\nMinutes ticked by until there was the sound of a latch, and the doors came open. He yelped at the unexpected motion, jumping a bit back while the crowd poured into the store. He blinked owlishly for several moments before he noticed the guy now, and holy [i]damn[/i] he was struck. The human was built like a tank, and dressed professionally, complete with dark sunglasses, but that tuxedo did not hide his muscles one bit... His eyes traced over every inch he could make out, from that barrel chest down his abs, and... gods, what was he doing...? He always knew he preferred guys over girls - Sonia knew he was gay since they were thirteen years old - but this stranger was giving him butterflies no other mobian - sapient, he had to remind himself - had ever done!\n\n``Uh, sir??'' the gruff voice made him realize he'd been staring, and he yelped before coughing. ``Are you... going in?''\n\n``Oh, uh... I guess...? What was goin' on here?'' he tilted his head, hoping he wasn't caught being a peeping tom. He didn't wanna embarrass his family like that! ``I heard `Knuckle Death Strike' an' got a bit... uh... worried...'' Apparently that was enough to make the door guard quirk a little confused grin, as he gently ushered the green prince inside. It was only then Manic realized it was a [i]music store[/i] and the gang was surrounding some sort of particular booth. There at the top was an album cover made of cardboard. Five Knuckle Death Strike... so it was a band album. ``Ooohhhh... gods I am out o' touch.'' It definitely looked heavy, probably just his style of music too.\n\n``You don't know Five Knuckle Death Strike?'' a crow behind the desk looked dumbstruck. ``That rooster tail on your head coulda fooled me, dude.''\n\nNow it was Manic's turn to give the guy a dumbfounded stare. Was he serious? Yeah, his neon green fur and his wild, untamable bangs gave `metalhead' vibes, but... ``Dude, ya see `ese ironed threads? I ain't been able t` listen t' metal since I was like fuckin' ten when we got our castle back!'' He tugged at the uncomfortable frills of his collar for emphasis, which prompted both of them to look him over again. Was he really that good at seeming less of a noble, or was their kingdom just... forgotten?\n\n``Wait, are you... Prince Manic of Mobotropolis...? I heard the city turned into a ghost town until a couple years ago, what happened?'' Or it was just the fact not many knew what he looked like...\n\nManic turned to the bouncer, who thankfully kept his voice low, ready to give the usual reply, but... his eyes were locked onto that huge chest, and he fumbled as he tried to explain. ``M-M-Mus...'' Chaos, he was NOT going to go gaga over muscles! ``Must be slow news, heh... Yeah, uh... we were forced t' evacuate cuz a clairvoyant had a vision o' th' world goin' up in smoke. Guess it was like... a little `fore some big ass war broke out? But we were stuck `ere fer four years, so...'' He sighed. ``Got a lot t' catch up on, but my ma's advisors want me t' interview jus`is one dude peeps in our area are callin' th' Hero o' Mobius, Earth, whatevah... Can't use news.'' His expression went flat at how fucking dumb it sounded, hoping his annoyance was broadcasted properly.\n\nAnd based on the way the two exchanged wincing glances as if watching a nasty fall, apparently it worked... Sadly it looked like they, too, had no idea who he was talking about, but the crow sapient did say something that perked him up.\n\n``Well, if you're gonna be here a while, we'll be happy to have ya! Get your feet warmed up a bit and stay a minute. Boss would shit himself if he got to re-introduce hot bands to a metalhead. What's the last one you remember?''\n\n``Oh, I used t' listen t' th' shit outta Mercian Ice when I still had a CD! Got anyone up'at alley?''\n\n---\n\nManic ended up spending far longer in there than he intended, but when he left, his mood was definitely better, and he had a new music player tucked in his pocket and a fancy clip-on wireless earbud to jam out. Tech had gotten so much nicer in the last decade! The deep, mysterious vocals were nostalgic despite being a modern band, and he knew he'd be playing that on repeat for hours. \n\nIt was crazy just how much more popular metal had gotten too, compared with what he used to hear. And damn, some of it was [i]raunchy[/i]. The kind of lyrics that'd make his sister blush and his mother probably pass out. The Death Strike band was pretty good too, but he found a band just like Mercian Ice with its dark and mystic tones and ended up going for that. Safe to say, he definitely felt like he'd made some friends with all that.\n\nHe also managed to get out a compliment to the large human's physique without making a dumbass of himself, and he felt pretty proud at the way his face seemed to light up. It was funny to see how they were surprised to learn he was twenty-five, as if somehow his behavior made him seem younger.\n\nWell, hell, that was a compliment, really.\n\nIt also got warmer too, so this time the concrete was much more merciful, and more people were out as well, meaning more chances to talk. Leaving the jacket behind was really a good call. People weren't staring at him... cuz gods they definitely would if he did. It was so... ugh, he didn't even want to think about it. \n\nBut also, he really needed to find a way to talk to more of the common sapients, because every human he tended to pass by was just... fuck. The height, the musculature... Sure, some rare sapients could be bulky - Dingo came to mind especially - but most of them, you couldn't tell how strong they were just by looking. Something about that soft, fleshy form being so anatomically [i]revealing[/i] was just giving him all sorts of feelings. Feelings that, as much as he enjoyed them, were being a distraction.\n\nNext stop would definitely have to be the local grocery store... Not because he needed anything, but because the farmer's market was closed for the season. Which, again, why did they have to do this interview in winter and not at least spring, when they could get better leads?\n\nHe immediately stopped himself, as he knew then that walking barefoot would be even more difficult with the summer heat on the sidewalks. He didn't have heat resistant skin, and that outfit could get [i]toasty[/i] after a while. So why complain about the chill?\n\n``Yo, fancy boy!'' his ears perked at the sound of another voice from not far off, and he turned around to see what looked like a street punk and a couple of his pals. Normally, this would be cause for alarm for most, but Manic wasn't exactly a typical `fancy boy.' Stifling a chuckle, he made his way over, ignoring the way a couple people across the street paused.\n\n``Ey-hey! Got a good word, bro?'' The moment he was in arm's reach, he happily put out his fist, with the thumb and pinky out, his free hand coming up to his chest with the same gesture. While maybe they wouldn't know [i]exactly[/i] who he was, surely thief guild callsigns were common knowledge. After all, if you wanted to be known on the street, you had to know who was an easy target and who you didn't want to fuck around with. And, being in his situation... \n\nInstantly, the three froze up, with one actually rocking on his feet. ``Waitasec, that's... How the hell do you know that callsign?''\n\nWell, it was good to know that his `dad' had some influence out this way too, it seemed. ``C'mon, man, just cuz I got a suit like `is don't mean I left my roots! I mean, he DID raise me fer my first eight years o' life.'' The announcement stunned the would-be thugs who'd clearly been looking to either harass him or pickpocket him, but who would try to pickpocket the once best pickpocket of Mobotropolis? Farrell had even called him his protege, and that was a lot considering his place in the criminal underground.\n\nWith a gesture from the leader, the two seemed to back down, and there was definitely more... respect in his tone, but for once it wasn't because of his obvious regal attire. They shared a quick fistbump, and Manic dropped his callsign.\n\n``Well shit, bro. Sorry about that. With that outfit, thought you might be like...'' the leader waved a hand, and Manic scoffed.\n\n``Pfft, nah, all good. Got a place we can hang?'' If there was one thing he hoped would work, it was getting intel from street guys like this. Anyone who tended to make their lives outside always got good information, or knew where to get it. Especially considering he was very much lacking information, hooking up with his fellow delinquents would be his best shot.\n\nLuckily, they seemed apt to accept, and soon he was heading down a little alleyway, and a rather basic door gave way to what looked like an abandoned backroom of a shop. Small, but not cramped, and the boxes were perfect for sitting on. He stretched and leaned back, a wave of nostalgia coming over him as he thought back. Damn, he really did miss this... But he didn't want to waste their time.\n\n``So, guess I don't need introductions, huh?'' he teased, almost laughing when the other three shook their heads. Even if they didn't know him as Prince Manic, his reputation worked in different ways. But the three were happy to introduce themselves, the leader calling himself Lightning Lynx, proudly showing off the lightning like style of his fur.\n\n``So, you asked for a good word, how much of a word you need?'' Lightning rose a brow. There was an unspoken rule of trust among thief guilds and street punks, and if Manic was honest, he had no reason to hold out. And thankfully, Manic was eager to talk. He went over as much as he could - the city closing itself off after the dictatorial Robotnik was defeated - but he refused to talk about HOW that happened. Chaos knew he didn't need to start bawling in front of them - how they'd spent eleven years reforming the city, and then another four in exile to escape a fiery tragedy of some kind. How they just now started getting news in, and how he was now on a ridiculous mission.\n\n``Damn, you missed [i]everything[/i],'' one of the lankies muttered, causing Lightning to smack him upside the head.\n\n``Well, sad to say I don't know any `Hero of Earth' either, but if this guy already agreed to an interview, shouldn't be hard to ask some of the bigger names... Only problem is one of our more famous guys isn't even in town.'' Manic perked up at that, though. That was still something!\n\n``Deets?''\n\n``Miles Prower,'' the lynx addressed. ``He's a two-tailed fox who saved Station Square from a massive bomb back when he was just eight years old. He's eighteen now and has an equipment shop now in Westopolis. Dude's a genius, has an IQ of like 300 or something. He was up in the Starfall Islands earlier this year, but went back to Westopolis for business affairs a few months ago.''\n\nWell that was definitely news for Manic. A fellow prodigy, huh? And if he saved that whole city from a bomb, maybe...? It was a start. But if he wasn't in town, he couldn't be the one, right? Unless he was coming back soon...\n\n``It's a maybe... we had `is appointment set months ago, maybe things changed and he forgot to write us back?'' Dammit, this was why they needed to get cellular infrastructure! Holodisks were fancy and all but they still had to be sent. And snail mail? Ugh, that was the worst to wait on, especially with distance. But he couldn't complain now. Maybe he'd find the store number and give them a call from the hotel phone if it came down to it. ``Well, hey, if you're able to get more word, think you can gimme a pass?''\n\nLightning hummed in thought, crossing his arms. Clearly, it was kinda rude to be asking favors on the first meeting, especially since information was highly coveted. But he was no stranger to making deals, and was ready to negotiate. He watched in silent expectation for a moment before Lightning posed a unique question.\n\n``I might have a deal... but gotta ask, you just showing off or you any good with those?'' Lightning pointed to his feet, and Manic paused for a few seconds before bursting into giggles. And here was the first example of some folks taking bare feet as a flirty gesture!\n\n``Mmmm, much as th' latter is som'm I thought o' dabblin' in, I'm just showin' off, sadly. Helps me look nicer. Plus uh, after this morning, I think I need some... bigger meat fer prime time, if ya catch my drift,'' he remarked with a wink, while Lightning went into cackles. \n\n``Damn, you're [i]freaky[/i] freaky!'' the feline guffawed, but there was nothing but mirth in his voice. ``Hey, I get it. You wanna save yourself for a good human man, I ain't gonna push. Just testing waters, y'know? Castle life has to be a blueballing experience.'' Oh, Manic knew. And if he hadn't really come to the conclusion he had with the bouncer, he'd happily have practiced whatever Lightning wanted to offer, as he was [i]definitely[/i] correct. If it wasn't for the toys he'd snuck in, who knows where he'd be? And Lightning had some gorgeous feet himself. He had to admit he was envious, as a cat like him was built for the cold, and would never worry about chilled soles.\n\n``Hey, I appreciate it, really. Been a hot minute since I had a handsome guy ask fer anything fun... Tell ya what, if ya gimme info on `is Hero directly... I'll give ya my coat. Thing has gold and armor in th' chest, you're gonna make a killin' on th' market.'' He leaned in as he revealed the approximate value, causing all three to have slack jaws.\n\n``Holy SHIT, deal!'' \n\nAfter a round of more candid conversation, he made sure to write in his notepad while he left.\n\nFirst lead. Miles Prower, currently in Westopolis, is one of the more commonly known names in this city. If needed, call his equipment shop and ask if he set up an interview or knows anyone who did.\n\nTo think he'd get that kind of a lead on his first day! It really felt like his luck was coming around. But before he could decide to head off, his stomach decided it wanted food. Surely it hadn't been that long since breakfast, so... One look at a digital clock hanging from a bank sign alerted him it was indeed much later than he realized.\n\nDamn, he needed to get back to the hotel for lunch!\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Waking up with the sun was a pretty normal thing, but it was so nice to not be dragged to any sort of appointment or rudimentary classes. That was his biggest gripe of royal life. The classes. He wasn't exactly the best at them, having to repeat a few to get a `satisfactory' mark, and he was technically not done even still... Fifteen years of schooling was murder.

He stayed by the window, sipping a hot coffee as he took in the morning. It was even colder now than it was in the evening, as the sun had yet to replace all the heat lost overnight, giving everything outside a light sheen of frost. It was so pretty... But if it was too cold, not a lot of people would be out. And that wasn't really ideal. But, alas, he had to get to work somehow.

He opened the closet to grab the least garish outfit he was given, doing up his buttons before trudging down the hall. In his eagerness, he hadn't really checked the map of the hotel, so it took him a minute to find the dining hall. The smell of fresh breakfast already had him drooling! He happily took a seat and waited patiently for a server, while enjoying the view once more. Gods, this place was nice. Why couldn't he just live here instead of the castle?

``Pardon me,'' a chipper voice interrupted his thoughts, and he turned to give a grin to the woman in the apron. ``Um, are you... Prince Manic Hedgehog...?'' it sounded less like she knew of him and more like she'd been told... He gave a sigh, pinching his nose.

``If it was an old dog, d`mind him,'' he tried to assure. ``He's up in his ass `bout `respect' n' `appearance' when I'm just here t' find someone t' interview. Jus' call me Manic.'' If he noticed her eyes widening, he didn't show it, instead flipping through the menu. ``Could I g'some Eggs Benedict n' o-j, please?'' He gave his best smile, hoping to appear more casual and friendly than his title would suggest. Once she parted with his order, he took a look at the little television showing the weather. It looked like it was going to be warm-ish, at least for now, so he could go out as he was... Well that was good. Sadly, it wasn't the girl returning with his orange juice he first saw, but rather the old dog, who looked as if he was going to have a coronary. He took no small amount of pride in the way he looked shaken up, but hid his smirk. ``Mornin'.''

``Your High - ''

``If ya don't stop fuckin' doin' tha' I swear t'th gods Imma blow,'' Manic narrowed his eyes dangerously. Gods, why was he so stubborn?! ``Yer as bad as Bartlebutt wi'at hoity-toity shit. We're in a hotel, fer fuck's sake.'' He kept his voice low; he didn't want to attract attention. ``You wanna protect me so fuckin' bad, then keep a low profile, capiche?'' Seriously, with how this guy wanted to cry out, he was gonna be the one causing problems, not preventing them! With a disgruntled scoff, he turned away visibly, staring hard out the window. He gently rested his fingers on the glass, missing the way the dog's eyes widened. It was blaringly silent for several minutes, until his food was delivered, and he allowed himself to pull back.

``So, what is your plan?''

Manic tapped his fork on the table a couple times. ``Well, more or less what I did back home, y'know? Ask around, see what people can share deets. Stores, vendors, popular tourist spots...'' Anywhere there were plenty of people to talk to, or places that got visited often, surely someone would know who the Hero of Mobius was. ``Gotta scope out as much as I can.''

``Did you write down your questions?''

``Got `em in my suitcase...'' Ugh, that had been AWFUL. It was a group effort, thinking what they wanted to ask this person, as well as finding which questions wouldn't be good. And then the ambassadorship papers... It was basically just a fancy way of saying `We'd like to call you for problems and will pay you, as long as you can represent us as well.? With so much fancy jargon it made his brain burn. ``Once it warms up I'll head out.''

He sighed in bliss once he took a bite, the hollandaise sauce perfectly prepared and nice and warm over the eggs and muffins, along with the thick slice of ham. They really made sure it was a hearty meal to start the day!

``...You're not going to traipse about in that, are you?'' the dog questioned, and Manic had to pause in confusion. What was his assistant bitching about now? He had his shirt, his pants, his gloves... Oh.

``Actually, y'know what? Yeah. It's not too cold. Plus it'll help me look like less of a stuck-up dick.'' After all, if he wanted people to talk to him, he had to be approachable! Barefooting was seen as an almost universal language of honesty and vulnerability, if in some cases a bit flirty... And, well, he could do that too, if needed, he supposed. Though as if sensing a rebuttal, he continued. ``It's why I told ma I wanted som'm simple. Peeps don't wanna talk if they feel there's some... gap.'' He wasn't best sure how to say it, but that was the reality of it.

Thankfully, his assistant seemed to calm down, maybe actually listening for once? He sipped his orange juice, pulling out a small writing tablet. He'd be using this plenty, that was for sure. Whatever leads he got he'd be sure to write down, at least... After his breakfast was finished, he decided to start with the humans he'd talked to already. Luckily he'd already had his standard question down, approaching the first with a smile.

``Sorry t' bother ya, ma'am, you got a quick sec?'' He piped up, clicking a pen. The server looked rather surprised, but she seemed to collect herself, giving a quick nod. ``I'm looking fer someone called th' `Hero o' Mobius...' Uh, ya wouldn't happen t' know anything about where he is?''

``Hero of... Mobius??'' the answer he got was definitely not one he was expecting. ``Is that like some sort of area of Eurish?'' He had to pause. What people didn't know the name of the planet?? Or was it like... did not everyone call it the same thing? Then again, perhaps it was because humans and Mobians had their own terminology.

``Uh... it's what m'kingdom calls th' planet... Y'know, planet Mobius, and us uh... animal folk are Mobians... And th' Kingdom is in Mobotropolis...?'' Gods, he really hoped he wasn't sounding like a total idiot right now...

``I didn't know of any other names of the planet aside from Earth, to be honest, Sir Manic,'' she replied with a more understanding tone, but the way she crossed her arms and looked to the side, lips pursed, it didn't seem like he was gonna get any further. ``But, everyone's worked hard for the Restoration here after the war, sapients and humans. It'd be rude to only call one person a hero after all that. So it's hard to say who you heard of...''

Well, fuck.

``Well... tha' uh... tha' makes sense... I got told he lives near here, but tha' makes it sound like it coulbe anyone...'' He frowned.

Note: Humans refer to this planet as Earth, apparently our education system is fucked. Gotta ask for ``Hero of Earth,'' but first lead suggests it could be anyone in the city due to Restoration being a Wide-Scale effort.

With that scribbled down, he gave a nod. ``Well, tha'll at least help me ask around! Thanks, ma'am!'' After all, it wasn't her fault if he was using some old, outdated term... Though perhaps he should turn his focus to other... sapients? He also scribbled that down, before sauntering back to the table. ``Apparently we are like, culturally cut off bad, dude,'' he sighed. ``Turns out outside o' our territories, no one else calls th' planet Mobius... Guess'a's why we got no leads. Hero o' Earth is a safer bet, but `parently tha' title ain't given' t' just one person cuz o' that Restoration stuff.''

Gods, he really felt like an asshole for being so ignorant. But really, it wasn't his fault, it was the damn Oracle's again. Seriously, he felt like everything bad was attributed to that so-called clairvoyant weirdo. His whole `Council of Four' was scrapped, turned to ash when...

No.

He shook his head, blinking away tears. This wasn't the time to think of that. He had work to do, and it had been so long ago.

Not long enough, a scathing voice echoed in the back of his mind, and he bit back a curse before standing up. He'd have to kill a few more hours before he could take his questions to the streets, so with nothing else to do, he made his way back to his room. Maybe a little nap to give the sun some time...

---

Bright.

All he could see was a huge bright dome of light in the distance, a harsh thrum rocking their tour van nearly off of its wheels.

His ears rang with the force of the blast, even from this far back, nearly eclipsing his sister's screech.

Cold, a sensation of cold dropped in his gut, the dome filling with smoke and fire that dissipated as quickly as it shot into the sky.

Panic set in, even as he was forced to hunker down, tears stinging his eyes. His sister beside him, her expression mirroring his...

Because their brother was OUT THERE, and not IN WITH THEM. The medallion around his neck felt cold, as if the glass had turned to ice...

He couldn't sense him. They couldn't sense their brother, their hero, their leader...

``SONIC!!''

---

``Fuck!'' Manic yelped as he shot up, nearly tipping out of the chair he'd decided to use, his fingers digging hard into the fabric of his seat while his heart hammered in his chest. Sweat beaded in his messy green bangs, bangs he slowly used his free shaking hand to run through. There was no point in taming them; it was only to try and relax his frizzled appearance overall.

The clock on the stand nearby reflected it had been a mere hour, and he snarled weakly at himself. Again, another nightmare... Though who could call it that when it was more a memory that played like a movie on a skipping disk?

Groaning deeply, he pressed his palms to his face, shaking in his seat as he fought off the urge to sob. Gods, it had been fifteen years now... Why couldn't his brain just... accept it? Why did it have to remind him over and over of that fateful day? The day his family was torn apart and put back together in a way that'd never be the same. ``Fuckin' dammit...! I ain't had tha' dream in two months... now'is is twice in a week!'' It was almost like now that he had some peace, his subconscious decided to play bully.

He stayed put until he felt his body relax, looking in disgust at how damp his gloves were. How weak was he, to be still acting like this after so long? He tossed the pair into the provided basket, slipping on a fresh one and standing up. He took a cloth to his face, hoping to ease the redness around his eyes, as he made up his mind. To hell with waiting, he'd deal with the morning chill for a bit. He'd have to scope out the city anyways, see what places had the most traffic and when.

---

As he stepped out on the street, the first thing that greeted him was of course the chill on his soles. He actually shivered a bit, but he'd rather deal with that than what he was dealing with a bit ago. He shook himself and decided to start down the sidewalk. It was definitely quiet, but not empty. He was also seeing more anthro-sapients about the area as well, but there was a handful of humans too, which was a bit odd... he understood that humans tended to prefer the mainland while their kind stuck to the islands of the globe - which were still in no way small either.

Maybe some humans moved away from the mainland continents due to some reason or another? Apparently a lot of stuff had happened over the years... But as much as he wanted to just ask anyone, the royal workers insisted on hearing it straight from this hero guy... Ugh, why did they have to complicate everything by insisting on a single source? Sure, he was apparently the one most involved, but he was still prone to bias. Hell, he'd probably over-embellish some minor details and leave out the important bits!

Such was his life, though, always listening to his superiors, trying to be the prince he was meant to be. Even if Sonia had a much easier time of it, he couldn't just let her handle everything. Plus she wasn't good at dealing with random folks the way he was. She always preferred to talk with businessmen, other nobles, and people that seemed to have `status.' She couldn't even fathom trying to just chat up a store clerk without sounding awkward as fuck. He allowed himself a bit of a giggle at his own thoughts, before he noticed a bit of a crowd standing around what looked like a corner store that was still closed...

He could see what looked like a taller human standing closest to the door, as if guarding it, and that definitely got his attention. He made his way over, gradually picking up the excited murmurs until he could make out something about `Knuckle Death Strike' and he had to pause. Was there a fight?! His steps were more cautious now, as he approached, ready to buck and run at a moment's notice. But it didn't seem like anyone was ready to throw hands, rather they were eagerly bouncing in place.

``Uh... yo, is som'm happenin' here?'' he questioned, hoping to get at least some attention, but unfortunately it seemed the gaggle of sapients and humans standing about had no clue he was even there. Which... hey, he'd honestly take some anonymity. He was recognized way too much back home. He stood at the back, but walked side to side, hoping to see anything beyond the windows, but no such luck... Man, did he look like an oddball though, compared to the others. Everyone else was bundled up, and here he was in a dress shirt, slacks, and barefoot, and his toes were definitely feeling it now. Still, he reminded himself, it was worth it.

Minutes ticked by until there was the sound of a latch, and the doors came open. He yelped at the unexpected motion, jumping a bit back while the crowd poured into the store. He blinked owlishly for several moments before he noticed the guy now, and holy damn he was struck. The human was built like a tank, and dressed professionally, complete with dark sunglasses, but that tuxedo did not hide his muscles one bit... His eyes traced over every inch he could make out, from that barrel chest down his abs, and... gods, what was he doing...? He always knew he preferred guys over girls - Sonia knew he was gay since they were thirteen years old - but this stranger was giving him butterflies no other mobian - sapient, he had to remind himself - had ever done!

``Uh, sir??'' the gruff voice made him realize he'd been staring, and he yelped before coughing. ``Are you... going in?''

``Oh, uh... I guess...? What was goin' on here?'' he tilted his head, hoping he wasn't caught being a peeping tom. He didn't wanna embarrass his family like that! ``I heard `Knuckle Death Strike' an' got a bit... uh... worried...'' Apparently that was enough to make the door guard quirk a little confused grin, as he gently ushered the green prince inside. It was only then Manic realized it was a music store and the gang was surrounding some sort of particular booth.  There at the top was an album cover made of cardboard. Five Knuckle Death Strike... so it was a band album. ``Ooohhhh... gods I am out o' touch.'' It definitely looked heavy, probably just his style of music too.

``You don't know Five Knuckle Death Strike?'' a crow behind the desk looked dumbstruck. ``That rooster tail on your head coulda fooled me, dude.''

Now it was Manic's turn to give the guy a dumbfounded stare. Was he serious? Yeah, his neon green fur and his wild, untamable bangs gave `metalhead' vibes, but... ``Dude, ya see `ese ironed threads? I ain't been able t` listen t' metal since I was like fuckin' ten when we got our castle back!'' He tugged at the uncomfortable frills of his collar for emphasis, which prompted both of them to look him over again. Was he really that good at seeming less of a noble, or was their kingdom just... forgotten?

``Wait, are you... Prince Manic of Mobotropolis...? I heard the city turned into a ghost town until a couple years ago, what happened?'' Or it was just the fact not many knew what he looked like...

Manic turned to the bouncer, who thankfully kept his voice low, ready to give the usual reply, but... his eyes were locked onto that huge chest, and he fumbled as he tried to explain. ``M-M-Mus...'' Chaos, he was NOT going to go gaga over muscles! ``Must be slow news, heh... Yeah, uh... we were forced t' evacuate cuz a clairvoyant had a vision o' th' world goin' up in smoke. Guess it was like... a little `fore some big ass war broke out? But we were stuck `ere fer four years, so...'' He sighed. ``Got a lot t' catch up on, but my ma's advisors want me t' interview jus`is one dude peeps in our area are callin' th' Hero o' Mobius, Earth, whatevah... Can't use news.'' His expression went flat at how fucking dumb it sounded, hoping his annoyance was broadcasted properly.

And based on the way the two exchanged wincing glances as if watching a nasty fall, apparently it worked... Sadly it looked like they, too, had no idea who he was talking about, but the crow sapient did say something that perked him up.

``Well, if you're gonna be here a while, we'll be happy to have ya! Get your feet warmed up a bit and stay a minute. Boss would shit himself if he got to re-introduce hot bands to a metalhead. What's the last one you remember?''

``Oh, I used t' listen t' th' shit outta Mercian Ice when I still had a CD! Got anyone up'at alley?''

---

Manic ended up spending far longer in there than he intended, but when he left, his mood was definitely better, and he had a new music player tucked in his pocket and a fancy clip-on wireless earbud to jam out. Tech had gotten so much nicer in the last decade! The deep, mysterious vocals were nostalgic despite being a modern band, and he knew he'd be playing that on repeat for hours.

It was crazy just how much more popular metal had gotten too, compared with what he used to hear. And damn, some of it was raunchy. The kind of lyrics that'd make his sister blush and his mother probably pass out. The Death Strike band was pretty good too, but he found a band just like Mercian Ice with its dark and mystic tones and ended up going for that. Safe to say, he definitely felt like he'd made some friends with all that.

He also managed to get out a compliment to the large human's physique without making a dumbass of himself, and he felt pretty proud at the way his face seemed to light up. It was funny to see how they were surprised to learn he was twenty-five, as if somehow his behavior made him seem younger.

Well, hell, that was a compliment, really.

It also got warmer too, so this time the concrete was much more merciful, and more people were out as well, meaning more chances to talk. Leaving the jacket behind was really a good call. People weren't staring at him... cuz gods they definitely would if he did. It was so... ugh, he didn't even want to think about it.

But also, he really needed to find a way to talk to more of the common sapients, because every human he tended to pass by was just... fuck. The height, the musculature... Sure, some rare sapients could be bulky - Dingo came to mind especially - but most of them, you couldn't tell how strong they were just by looking. Something about that soft, fleshy form being so anatomically revealing was just giving him all sorts of feelings. Feelings that, as much as he enjoyed them, were being a distraction.

Next stop would definitely have to be the local grocery store... Not because he needed anything, but because the farmer's market was closed for the season. Which, again, why did they have to do this interview in winter and not at least spring, when they could get better leads?

He immediately stopped himself, as he knew then that walking barefoot would be even more difficult with the summer heat on the sidewalks. He didn't have heat resistant skin, and that outfit could get toasty after a while. So why complain about the chill?

``Yo, fancy boy!'' his ears perked at the sound of another voice from not far off, and he turned around to see what looked like a street punk and a couple of his pals. Normally, this would be cause for alarm for most, but Manic wasn't exactly a typical `fancy boy.' Stifling a chuckle, he made his way over, ignoring the way a couple people across the street paused.

``Ey-hey! Got a good word, bro?'' The moment he was in arm's reach, he happily put out his fist, with the thumb and pinky out, his free hand coming up to his chest with the same gesture. While maybe they wouldn't know exactly who he was, surely thief guild callsigns were common knowledge. After all, if you wanted to be known on the street, you had to know who was an easy target and who you didn't want to fuck around with. And, being in his situation...

Instantly, the three froze up, with one actually rocking on his feet. ``Waitasec, that's... How the hell do you know that callsign?''

Well, it was good to know that his `dad' had some influence out this way too, it seemed. ``C'mon, man, just cuz I got a suit like `is don't mean I left my roots! I mean, he DID raise me fer my first eight years o' life.'' The announcement stunned the would-be thugs who'd clearly been looking to either harass him or pickpocket him, but who would try to pickpocket the once best pickpocket of Mobotropolis? Farrell had even called him his protege, and that was a lot considering his place in the criminal underground.

With a gesture from the leader, the two seemed to back down, and there was definitely more... respect in his tone, but for once it wasn't because of his obvious regal attire. They shared a quick fistbump, and Manic dropped his callsign.

``Well shit, bro. Sorry about that. With that outfit, thought you might be like...'' the leader waved a hand, and Manic scoffed.

``Pfft, nah, all good. Got a place we can hang?'' If there was one thing he hoped would work, it was getting intel from street guys like this. Anyone who tended to make their lives outside always got good information, or knew where to get it. Especially considering he was very much lacking information, hooking up with his fellow delinquents would be his best shot.

Luckily, they seemed apt to accept, and soon he was heading down a little alleyway, and a rather basic door gave way to what looked like an abandoned backroom of a shop. Small, but not cramped, and the boxes were perfect for sitting on. He stretched and leaned back, a wave of nostalgia coming over him as he thought back. Damn, he really did miss this... But he didn't want to waste their time.

``So, guess I don't need introductions, huh?'' he teased, almost laughing when the other three shook their heads. Even if they didn't know him as Prince Manic, his reputation worked in different ways. But the three were happy to introduce themselves, the leader calling himself Lightning Lynx, proudly showing off the lightning like style of his fur.

``So, you asked for a good word, how much of a word you need?'' Lightning rose a brow. There was an unspoken rule of trust among thief guilds and street punks, and if Manic was honest, he had no reason to hold out. And thankfully, Manic was eager to talk. He went over as much as he could - the city closing itself off after the dictatorial Robotnik was defeated - but he refused to talk about HOW that happened. Chaos knew he didn't need to start bawling in front of them - how they'd spent eleven years reforming the city, and then another four in exile to escape a fiery tragedy of some kind. How they just now started getting news in, and how he was now on a ridiculous mission.

``Damn, you missed everything,'' one of the lankies muttered, causing Lightning to smack him upside the head.

``Well, sad to say I don't know any `Hero of Earth' either, but if this guy already agreed to an interview, shouldn't be hard to ask some of the bigger names... Only problem is one of our more famous guys isn't even in town.'' Manic perked up at that, though. That was still something!

``Deets?''

``Miles Prower,'' the lynx addressed. ``He's a two-tailed fox who saved Station Square from a massive bomb back when he was just eight years old. He's eighteen now and has an equipment shop now in Westopolis. Dude's a genius, has an IQ of like 300 or something. He was up in the Starfall Islands earlier this year, but went back to Westopolis for business affairs a few months ago.''

Well that was definitely news for Manic. A fellow prodigy, huh? And if he saved that whole city from a bomb, maybe...? It was a start. But if he wasn't in town, he couldn't be the one, right? Unless he was coming back soon...

``It's a maybe... we had `is appointment set months ago, maybe things changed and he forgot to write us back?'' Dammit, this was why they needed to get cellular infrastructure! Holodisks were fancy and all but they still had to be sent. And snail mail? Ugh, that was the worst to wait on, especially with distance. But he couldn't complain now. Maybe he'd find the store number and give them a call from the hotel phone if it came down to it. ``Well, hey, if you're able to get more word, think you can gimme a pass?''

Lightning hummed in thought, crossing his arms. Clearly, it was kinda rude to be asking favors on the first meeting, especially since information was highly coveted. But he was no stranger to making deals, and was ready to negotiate. He watched in silent expectation for a moment before Lightning posed a unique question.

``I might have a deal... but gotta ask, you just showing off or you any good with those?'' Lightning pointed to his feet, and Manic paused for a few seconds before bursting into giggles. And here was the first example of some folks taking bare feet as a flirty gesture!

``Mmmm, much as th' latter is som'm I thought o' dabblin' in, I'm just showin' off, sadly. Helps me look nicer. Plus uh, after this morning, I think I need some... bigger meat fer prime time, if ya catch my drift,'' he remarked with a wink, while Lightning went into cackles.

``Damn, you're freaky freaky!'' the feline guffawed, but there was nothing but mirth in his voice. ``Hey, I get it. You wanna save yourself for a good human man, I ain't gonna push. Just testing waters, y'know? Castle life has to be a blueballing experience.'' Oh, Manic knew. And if he hadn't really come to the conclusion he had with the bouncer, he'd happily have practiced whatever Lightning wanted to offer, as he was definitely correct. If it wasn't for the toys he'd snuck in, who knows where he'd be? And Lightning had some gorgeous feet himself. He had to admit he was envious, as a cat like him was built for the cold, and would never worry about chilled soles.

``Hey, I appreciate it, really. Been a hot minute since I had a handsome guy ask fer anything fun... Tell ya what, if ya gimme info on `is Hero directly... I'll give ya my coat. Thing has gold and armor in th' chest, you're gonna make a killin' on th' market.'' He leaned in as he revealed the approximate value, causing all three to have slack jaws.

``Holy SHIT, deal!''

After a round of more candid conversation, he made sure to write in his notepad while he left.

First lead. Miles Prower, currently in Westopolis, is one of the more commonly known names in this city. If needed, call his equipment shop and ask if he set up an interview or knows anyone who did.

To think he'd get that kind of a lead on his first day! It really felt like his luck was coming around. But before he could decide to head off, his stomach decided it wanted food. Surely it hadn't been that long since breakfast, so... One look at a digital clock hanging from a bank sign alerted him it was indeed much later than he realized.

Damn, he needed to get back to the hotel for lunch!

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