Still a Need for Heroes

Undermined: A "Still a Need for Heroes" Special – The Life and Death of Antoine

I had to do this. Antoine D'Coollette was is one of the bravest Freedom Fighters in all of Mobius. He may not have started out that way but if there is one thing I have to commend Ian Flynn for it's the character development of our favorite French coyote. I was in shock and in utter denial after witnessing Sonic 234. I didn't even know I could be so attached to a fictional comic book character but with Antoine's supposed death (I say that only for the slightest hope he is still alive), it wasn't just a devastating turn of events in a story; it was a blow to our childhood. We grew up with the Freedom Fighters and in some cases have been inspired by them. But with this almost beautiful portrayal of war – death, loss of loved ones, and widowed family members, we also see the honor, duty, service, sacrifice and love of one single heroic act. Faithful to the righteous king, a king of a people who succumbed to an anarchist's propaganda, he dove on the grenade to save the monarch he swore to protect. That kind of honor and service is respected among all peoples. There is no greater love than to give up one's life for a friend. He didn't just give his life for the king and his family, or for the fight against tyrannical oppression and terrorism, he did it for us all. So even though he's a fictional character, let's give a toast to Commander Antoine D'Coollette and his honorable sacrifice.

However, let us not get wrapped up a false reality. For the real heroes are the men and women of the armed services who are fighting, living, and dying every day so we can have our freedom, for they are the true Freedom Fighters. To them the real toast is given, for through this fictional character all their heroism, service, and sacrifices are embodied. We thank you all.

Ok, so I might have made this prematurely and probably sounded a bit corny up there ^^ but whatever. It's still a good story so I'm going to keep it up. Honestly, I am glad Antoine's not dead but I am anxious how the rest of the comic plays out.

But regardless, let's still not forget the real heroes of America's military. Because Antoine is still alive, that doesn't mean those that gave their lives in real life are too. They made the ultimate sacrifice so let's honor them everyday. Not just on the 4th of July, or on Veteran's Day, but everyday. Cheers to our men and women of the military.

And onto the story.

*o*

'Ah can still remember it as if it just happened.' A saddened and widowed rabbit thought as she laid on a king size bed that was dwarfing the size of its now single inhabitant who remained curled in a ball on her side, her head just barely resting on one of the pillows. She continued to play the final scenes of her husband's life in her head.

…

"Antoine! What are you doing?" A frightened and worried king shouted from his lightly armored convoy which was leading him to safety and refuge from a city unknowingly under siege.

"Hrrgh…" The commander responded, struggling with the automated being that was set to explode at any second. "What I have always been doing…serving my king and country!" A few short moments accumulating to a small instant when suddenly a large explosion occurred right in the hands of the grappling hero.

…

Bunnie shrieked in the bed as she reenacted the play like a plague that would not leave her be. Her sobs were muffled by the fact that her face was buried in the bed sheets. Tears and snot were staining the already tarnished bed.

He was there to accept her regardless of her half-roboticized body. He saw her beauty beyond her appearance and disabilities. He truly loved her, he was her only one. She then thought of her little fling with Sonic. She wanted to drive a knife in her chest. How could she betray him just like that? And now he was gone for good. She felt like she wasn't worthy, that she does not deserve the love he gave her. But she knew this was just the depression creating these thoughts for she loved him more than anything. She was distraught when Patch claimed his identity and ended things between them but now she wished that was still the case. The pain she felt then was nothing compared to her pain now. For then, he was still alive.

"Antoine…" She whimpered in amongst numerous sobs. "…Antoine…"

…

She saw the images again as her husband flew back in the explosion, landing on the ground with a limp body and a heavy 'thump' but continued to bounce and roll for a few more yards. His sword must have been thrown from his sheath in the blast and landed straight in the ground next to his motionless body. The world seemed to stop as Mrs. D'Coollette's world seemed to end. Everyone stood there in shock and disbelief. The Eggman's forces were called back as if mocking the team and especially her, leaving as if all they wanted was his life; it seems they have got what they wanted.

Everything was a gut wrenching blur from then on for the worried wife. She felt like throwing up as she held his limp body in her arms. She screamed his name to no avail. She doesn't even remember what was going on, what she was thinking, feeling, or saying.

Sonic slowly approached and spoke with a light and calm voice that seemed to have more acceptance of the matter and sadly, more pity. "Bunnie…There's still time. He's breathing. I'm fast enough. I'll get him to Doctor Quack." If his short choppy sentences did not add to her discomfort, his soft tone sure did.

"Doctor…?" She said in a confused state. She was in shock, but as the moment passed rapidly, she came to understand just enough. "Right. Yes. PLEASE. Oh, please. Hurry!" She pleaded with the blue hedgehog as he took off in a flash.

The next time Bunnie saw her husband was on a gurney, wrapped nicely in a large plastic bag. Doctor Quack slowly unzipped the bag and the coyote's scared and marred face was displayed. She cupped her mouth trying to keep her soul from escaping her body. Everything was lost at that moment. Everything ended for her.

…

A few more sobs before she turned around onto her back and stared at the popcorn ceiling of her and Antoine's bedroom. She wiped away her tears with her left arm. The contact between her hand and face was vacant of the cold metal that was just recently a common thing for her. She was fully flesh and bone so shortly before Antoine's mishap. Before his death. The time they spent seemed like a moment's pass in a love life of bliss. He was too young. Their love was just merely a toddler in its own lifespan but now it was all over.

It was a few days since the events. The Freedom Fighters were coping with the loss in their own way especially now that Naugus disassembled the organization. Sally was roboticized, Nicole was in a self-imposed exile from the citizens of New Mobotropolis, Elias was removed from power revoking everything the Freedom Fighters spent their entire lives and childhood to achieve, and now the Freedom Fighters were no more. It seemed the entire world was in hell right now. The Eggman seemed to have the upper hand in the war that until recently was so close to being won. And now in the even more frightening world, she had no one to comfort her.

She rolled over wanting to rest her arm on Antoine's torso as she has done so many nights before but his warmth would never be there to comfort and love her again. She couldn't get any sleep and the dark insolence of night just seemed to haunt her more.

"Why…" She begged. "Why Antoine…don't leave me…" She pleaded to herself, to him, to anyone who would listen and make things right but there was nothing that could be done.

She tried to cry herself to sleep; to escape the torturous and cruel world for even a few minutes would bring much comfort. But even the weariness brought by constant grieving was not enough to ease her mind. Her love was gone. Her man was dead. Her hero…

She could almost hear his accented words, so gentle on his tongue, whisper in her ear, 'Stay strong, mon amour' as another hallucination caused her to feel his hand brush through her hair. Another fit overcame the widow and she broke down again in her bed, crying out her late husband's name to a vacant room and bare walls.

…

The next day the city was having a Memorial Ceremony for him. Naugus was presiding over the ceremony. A slap in the face to the man who gave his life protecting the real king.

Bunnie was barely able to control her composure in public from complete bedridden wreck to a wreck just able to walk, but she managed. As she approached the ceremony, a statue of Antoine was displayed, a knee placed on an elevated rock while his torso leaned forward to have one elbow rest on the extended knee. His sword was in the other hand and was placed down right to prop up the valiant figure. The statue was beautiful and gave off the image of what Bunnie saw in her man every day.

She slowly walked up to entirely nanite constructed statue and lightly rubbed a hand on the figure. Tears formed in her eyes under her black veil and a small sorrowful smile formed. "Thanks Nicole. It's beautiful." She whispered, hoping the AI would respond to her acknowledgement but she knew she was still secluding herself. Knowing she heard it was good enough for everyone needed comfort these days.

She took her seat in the front next to Sonic. Her dark black dress swayed in the gentle breeze of the day. The birds were singing, and the sun was shining. It was not too hot but the cool wind was soothing. It was a perfect day except for one obvious thing.

A large crowd eventually formed where seemingly the entire city came out to give their respects to the latest fallen hero of the war. "Today, we honor a great hero." Naugus sounded off to a somber crowd. His long and drawn out speaking almost appeared to draw more attention to himself than the fallen hero they were commemorating. "Antoine Depardieu."

"D'Coollette" The evil wizard's right hand man, Geoffrey St. John whispered, quickly corrected the current king as he obviously didn't care enough to even get the name right.

"Right." He mumbled before continuing. "Antoine D'Coollette was a great warrior. One of the best I've seen and it was an honor to have him under my court."

"Bastard's lucky he disarmed me. Ah'd uh shot his head off by now." Bunnie said with hints of rage in her sorrowful and still whimpering voice.

Sonic heard this and wrapped his arm around her. "And he'd be no match for you either way." He said with a limp smile. Bunnie did not respond but rested her weary head on her friend's shoulder. How she missed Antoine right then. She still remembered the first time she laid eyes on him.

She was being terrorized by a swatbot in her field when suddenly a rock smashed the machine. She looked up the hill that was the obvious origin of the rolling rock and saw a soldier in a brilliant uniform. Maybe it was her youth at the time or the fact that her live was just saved but seeing him up their sparked a fairy tale dream of a soldier saving his women and sweeping her off her feet. Off course like all fairy tale dreams, this was not the case. He gave a quick heed, "Watch the out! Ze swatbots have new laserz." before leaving the scene, most likely heading back to Freedom HQ.

Bunnie chuckled a little in her head. 'Not the most romantic thing to say.' But then again, he was performing his duty at that time. He had no interest in the lonely southern belle he just saved. She snapped out of the flashback and returned to the funeral service.

"It takes great courage to…" Naugus' words were being ignored by the widow. She figured he was reading from some thoughtless preparation cards anyway. But her attention drifted to the people in the scene.

The first one to catch her eye was surprisingly Geoffrey St. John. Sitting in front of the crowd next to the podium that Naugus was currently speaking from, his head was buried in his hands. She stared at him for a while and when finally his face departed from his cupped palms, she saw tears soaking his fur and covering his signature gloves. He tilted his head up toward the sky almost trying to reconcile himself. He had lost his spouse in the line of duty as well. Bunnie felt slight pity for the man for now she knows what he was going through. It's hard to receive pity when you hide and suppress how you feel as the skunk had apparently been doing since Hershey's supposed death. But her pity for him quickly ended as she remembered that if it were not for him, her Antoine would still be alive.

Her mind slipped back into the coma of memories that were now beginning to become nightmares. Antoine had just stormed off into the forest after confronting Geoffrey when they were preparing their attack on Robotropolis with the Wolf Pack. She knew what he was going through and as she explained it to an ignorant young Tails, she knew he needed some comfort.

She headed into the forest and thought about what they both were going through. They both had lost so much, had been through so much, and he needed her just as much as she needed him, even if he didn't know it yet. She finally caught up with him. "Antoine, no matter what's happened in the past, I want y'all to know, I think you're very brave!"

"Merci, Bunnie, it's nice to know someone cares!" His voice was still a little stressed but Bunnie didn't seem to care. The timing was finally right.

"I care…" The two locked eyes but before Bunnie would let him move away, if he even wanted to move away at that time, she moved in and kissed him on the cheek. Antoine's shock made her giggle a little as the lighter fur around his muzzle glowed red from the blushing skin below. He quickly grabbed some composure and returned with a smile and another kiss, this time right on target.

Back at the funeral, Bunnie licked her lips a little to try and live her recent memory just a little bit longer. She noticed her head was still on Sonic's shoulders. She gently raised it up but noticed her friend's expression in the meantime. Sonic sat there motionless. If it wasn't for the constant stream of salty water coming from his eyes, someone could easily mistake him for a manikin. He was not sobbing like most of the crowd, or in a complete bawling state like Amy Rose a few rows back, yet he sat in a silent solemn anguish. A sorrow that was too powerful for normal reactions. She decided to rest her head back on his shoulders for not only because both of them needed some solace, with both of them experiencing the loss of loved ones, but also she was beginning to feel lightheaded from all her crying.

Everyone at the funeral was experiencing their own torment. Sonic recently lost Sally to the Eggman's roboticizer and now he lost one of his best friends. His spirit was slowly breaking at the will of the Eggman and it was getting to him. He wouldn't let it show, that was to give in to the weakness, but he knew it was there. He had to fight it because if he didn't, who would? He thought back to the times in their youth when he would pick on him. He didn't try to be harsh, that's just who he was at the time and Antoine, at the time, was an easy target. For the first time in a while, Sonic bowed his head, ashamed to call himself Antoine's friend. But in reality, he was exactly that. He was one of Antoine's best friends and even his best man at his wedding. He would have gone to the end with Antoine, just as he did with him a few days before.

Tails was crying in a regulated rate. He was still a bit younger than the others but he matured greatly in the past years. He seemed to see Antoine different than everyone; whether it was as a friend, a battle buddy, or even an uncle kind of figure.

Rotor was just as distraught as anyone. He too lost a close friend and a comrade in the field. He reflected over the numerous missions they had together since childhood. A small smile arose on the walrus' face as he was reminded of all the antics Antoine seemed to display. But whether it was good times or bad, he was always there.

Mina was clenching Ash like her life depended on it. She never really knew Antoine intimately but she knew who he was and his relation with everyone present. It was difficult to even imagine any of the Freedom Fighters with a premade epitaph; they were like an unstoppable force, a beckon of hope, a symbol that as long they were around everything would be alright. That was how she viewed the entourage but now, it all seemed so shattered.

The crowd echoed of whimpers, sniffles, and sobs. It was the general mood across the entire area. But a peculiar silence fell, starting from the back and made its way to the front as whom else but Nicole decided to show her face for the first time in days. Her body was still an advanced holographic and synthetic digital coding but tears were obviously formed in the bed of her eyelids. She closed her eyes a bit longer than a standard blink, causing the tears to fall from her face and onto the ground. She looked up at Bunnie who gave a weak smile to her. She returned with a similar one and found a seat next to Espio who immediately embraced her to console her. The cries and moans started up again. Thankfully for Bunnie, and especially for Nicole, every one dismissed her arrival. It seemed as though because of her tears, the people finally saw her more as a mobian rather than a ticking bomb as they previously pictured.

Bunnie turned back to Naugus who was still going on some rant that most likely was not sincere. It was a good thing everyone present was in their own state of reverence for the hero because otherwise the king's words might as well be spitting on Antoine's grave. But again, Bunnie was immersed in memories.

It was a beautiful fall season. A few months after Sonic's supposed death to the Xorda and before his apparent kidnapping by Patch. The trees were a vivid yellow, orange, and red; a beautiful scene in Knothole. The air had the smallest onsets of winter but the sun was still comforting with its warm embrace. The smell of the forest at that time was intoxicating as it emanated a natural fall spice kind of scent. But as Bunnie was walking alone down a path around the village, she picked up another scent – another familiar and intoxicating one.

"Ah know you're here sugah'twan." She spoke out with a smile broadcasted across her face.

"Zut." He said as he stepped out from beyond a tree. "I was hoping of de chance to be ze scarer not so much ze scared." He said cheerfully and jokingly as he approached her.

"Y'all know that ain't true hun. Ya the bravest I ever did see."

Antoine gave a seductive chuckle as he wrapped his arms around her. "Bonjour mon amour."

Bunnie smiled and responded, "Bonjour." before diving right into an involved kiss. When they finished she pulled back and gave her boyfriend a loving yet surprised look. "What's got you all in the lubby-dubby mood? Not like my Antoine to be so straight forward." She smiled.

"Oui, but ze colors, ze feeling in de air. I cannot be of help to myself." He said with his improving broken English and landed an extra quick peck on her lips. They broke apart and locked their fingers in clenched hands as they continued the walk together.

"Can't help yourself to a little more?" She said jokingly with a hint of seduction as she gave her man a few soft jabs in the side from her elbow. She liked to toy with him about the subject because she knew he was too much of a gentleman and of a chivalry mindset to engage in such activities out of wedlock. But that didn't stop her from trying.

"Non, my apologies mademoiselle." He said a bit more serious. And with a sigh and the same tone he continued, "You might 'ave to wait for this man to, how you zay, rock your world?"

Bunnie caught on to his humor immediately as his serious tone just added to the effect. A few laughs aside, she moved closer to Antoine to the point of where there arms were completely intertwined and her torso and head were leaning heavily on the coyote. "And ah am willin' to do so." She said in complete honesty, respecting his ideals. Besides, she was in it to be with the one she loved and that's exactly what she was doing. "I love you Antoine."

"And I love you Bunnie." He said as they continued their autumn stroll.

Not long after, Antoine was abducted by Patch unknown to the rest of the group. To go what he went through during that time must have been unlike anything she could have ever imagined. She still remembered explicitly what he explained to her and his diary notes he took while there.

Waking up beaten and bruised in a dark and cold stone room which faintly resembled his room at Freedom HQ to the Anti-Rotor, or Boomer, busting in to look for some weapon, "Damn it Patch, got enough beauty sleep?"; Antoine was able to connect the dots pretty quickly especially after the memory of his quarrel with the real Patch slowly faded into his memory banks. The walrus got another look at who he thought he was talking and noticed his beaten state. "Ha, looks like you could have used it. What happened to you? Buns beat you up again for that goofy accent of yours?" He chuckled as he pulled a small blaster from a broken drawer of the dresser in the corner, finding what he was looking for.

"What? Why would she ever do zat?" Antoine asked completely serious.

Boomer stared at him with a strange and baffled look. "Are you serious? Whoever did you up hit you one too many times. She hates you man." He said before taking his leave.

Bunnie remembered Antoine saying he immediately closed the door behind him and let loose the panic he was successfully covered up. Fearful thoughts ran through his mind, 'What would they do to me if they found out who I was?' 'How do I get back to the real Mobius?' 'Will I ever get back?' and the question that struck him the most was of course, 'Will I ever see Bunnie again?'

He had to become accustomed to the aggressive and demeaning ways of the Anti's, he had to live a life with values completely against everything he believed in, and he had to keep up a constant character just in order to survive. It was a whole new world and if he was going to get through it, he had to kick into survival mode on a daily basis. Everything he said and did, down to the last detail, had to be perfect. He couldn't slip up, sound soft, or even wimp out when it came to beating up innocent youngsters in the streets. In that time away, he regained the strength and courage he once had before his father was captured but luckily he held onto all the same ideals instilled in him. When Bunnie asked him how he managed to do it, he simply smiled and said "I just had to see ze face of my Bunnie Rabbot again."

More tears and sobs erupted from Bunnie as Naugus was concluding his words back at the service. Each person was to go up and give their respect to their friend and comrade. Sonic was of course was first.

"Antoine D'Coollette." Was all the hedgehog and famed hero could muster before breaking down into inaudible slurs. "Ant was a best friend of mine. We've known each other for as long as I can remember. I mean hell, we even fought over the same girl." He let out a light huff trying to lighten the mood just enough for him to have the ability to continue speaking. "Of course that was before Bunnie joined the team. After that, she was all he could think about." Sonic gave a quick nod to her not wanting to tarnish at all the extreme love they had for each other. "Antoine was…the bravest man I've ever known. At first it seemed like jumping at shadows was a favorite pass time of his but…it takes real courage to continued doing what he did, to go into battle with us every day, and to fight regardless of his fears. If that isn't true bravery, I don't know what is…" He paused again. He looked up a slightly before dropping his head in another light chuckle. "I remember this one time, we were doing recon at Robotropolis and this swatbot was approaching us. I kept saying we had to juice but he was too busy, or completely oblivious, I don't know, but either way he was persistent in saying we had to stay and report to Sally…" Sonic stopped and looked down at the podium for a moment, regaining his composure. "to Sally as we were planning an attack and we needed to see if there was anything new and unexpected. Anyway, this swat bot came up and gave the normal spiel, "You are under arrest, prepared to be roboticized!" And he jumped so high, he landed on the thing's shoulders! I kept shouting at him to use his sword and after a few screams on his end, he finally did so taking the thing down. I told him good job and said we should pack it up but this guy wanted to stay! It might have been the confidence he got from taking the swatbot down but whatever it was, it was his service and duty that kept him there. And that was a characteristic he held onto until the very end where he, and him alone, saved King Elias." Naugus gave a small snort. Sonic shot him the evilest of glares before returning to his speech. "So here's to Commander Antoine D'Coollette. The bravest man out there, the best of friends, and a true and loving husband." He concluded as he wiped the runaway tears on his arm. He moved away and sat back down.

Next to speak was Rotor but Bunnie was caught in those final words, 'a true and loving husband.' He really was a true and loving husband. Their wedding was the happiest day of Bunnie's life and it wasn't even a full year since. His 'cold feet' about the whole thing were just so cute to her. His nervousness didn't even subside that evening in their now joint bedroom at Freedom HQ. She remembered how much he was shaking in both nervousness and anxiety, making sure he did everything right or didn't wrong her in anyway. Which again she thought was cute. There was nothing he could do to wrong her at that point. Their love was too strong. Another smile blipped across her face as she thought how thankful she was his chivalry in the premarital case didn't bleed over. Proof of his everlasting love for her and her for him. And just like that, she skipped completely over Rotor's contribution. But it was alright, she was paying her respects in her own way, through the memories of her late husband.

Tails was up next. But her mind was still absent. Memories seemed to jump at her so rapidly, she couldn't sort them out. Not only but a few months ago they were on a mission. Normally it is Sonic to rush into the field headstrong with no plan of action but this time Antoine must have had some kind of adrenaline boost as he darted into an array of charging legionnaires. His swordsmanship was awe inspiring as he danced through the battlefield, dicing his way through. Bunnie recalled standing there in admiration almost long enough to miss her cue for her part of the attack plan. After the battle, the team met up and just like a soldier, Antoine engaged in playful jokes and verbal exchanges to contribute to the already strong camaraderie.

Another recent time, they had just destroyed the Egg Phoenix, where he also played a vital part in taking down that menace, and were charging to take down Robotnik for good, or so they thought at the time. But before they could set up an FOB (Forward Operating Base) a shield generator had to be taken out a bit of a distance off. He solely volunteered for the mission. Bunnie was quick to join him in heavy cover. Again, she was taken back at the skill and courage he had. So many times he came across enemies or obstacles that would have had even some of the other Freedom Fighters retreating or at least calling for back up. But the two were able to get to the objective and take out the generator.

Tails finished and then Amy went up. It was not long before there was one more speech to give and it was Bunnie's turn. No words of hers could go over the life and death of Antoine. Besides, her bawling state was in no way able to give a speech at that time, but she was able to hold her own. She spoke completely of the heart and let go of everything about the fallen hero for she knew him better than anyone. She remembered fighting alongside him in the battle field, sitting next to him on gorgeous winter days and beautiful summer nights. She remembered his humor, his movements, his voice, event he dimples on his furry cheeks. She remembered his care, his loving touch, and his comforting smile. His dedication, his courage in the field, and his overall being that brought him to be the love of her life.

She sat back down after her words, not entirely sure herself what those words were, and the ceremony concluded. The crowd slowly departed, most people were still wiping their nose or eyes with handkerchiefs as they left the scene. But Bunnie remained in the same chair her black gown dragging a little in the grass. People came up to her and gave her their respect and well wishes but she was unfazed by them all.

"Bunnie…" Sonic said as he came up to her. "I'll make this right. I promise." He said before leaving her to herself.

The ceremony was long over and she was all by herself in her self-sorrow. Tears continued to flow down her cheeks, making noticeable wet spots on her lap. "Antoine…" She quietly stated. "I have always, will always, and will never stop loving you."

Author's Note:

I really hate that Antoine got killed. Well... I honestly don't think he's gone forever though. I most definitely hope he is not. But I think he will either not really be dead (finger's crossed) or that he will come back like the other characters that have 'died' in the comics. He's too big and important to be killed off especially since this si supposed to a much less somber comic.

Not only that, Jacques and Belle exist according to canon. I say this for the same thing as I said in 'Still a Need for Heroes,' MxYL might not be canon, but the mural in 215 showed the future freedom fighters which included Antoine and Bunnie's kids. And Silver's distopia is supposed to be Mobius Prime. I'm hoping Silver will tell Sonic and the others in 235 that he will come back or something, but idk.

I am going to add another chapter of this for those who want a happy ending which includes a comic-related way how he could come back. If you like the tradegy to stick, don't read the second chapter but if you want a happy endind, feel free to.