Chapter 1: Happily Ever After

Sonic laughed as he dashed through the forest with Sally riding Nicole next to him. It had been a month since they had defeated Bernadette and Sonic was loving life in Norrerus.

Tomorrow the kingdom would be holding a ceremony to officially make him a prince of Norrerus.

"Catch me if you can Sal!" He called as he ran ahead. Sally just laughed as she cracked the reins to make Nicole run faster. But Sonic frowned when he herd the thundering of horseshoes behind them.

He looked over his shoulder and gasped when he saw three men on horse chasing them.

"Their gaining on us!" Sally called as they sped up.

"It'll keep things interesting!" Sonic grinned as he lead her through the thick forest. They had to dodge logs, animals and other obstacles until they finally lost the men.

They came to a stop in front of a 40ft, stone wall.

Sonic quickly climbed up and bent down to lift Sally up as well. They sighed contently as they admired the bright sun shining over the lush countryside beyond the wall.

"Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" She smiled.

"Yes, I have." He smiled back as he took her hand. The two turned to each and leaned in for a kiss.

"The game's over your highness." A man called down from the ground. The two teens looked and saw the three members of the royal guards who were chasing them.

"The welcoming ceremony is about to begin." Another said.

"Well, that was fun." Sally giggled. "Now how about we make you an official prince?"

"Oh, that's today?" He grinned.

"Haha, very funny." She laughed as they climbed down. "Now come on, we better get you back to the castle."

"Fine, race you back!" He shouted before they both took off, leaving the guards in their dust...

Back in the village at the foot of the palace everyone was getting ready for Sonic's coronation. Banners were hung, children were laughing and everyone was gathering their gifts for the prince.

It sorted reminded Sonic of the time he first came here for his 16th birthday.

Knuckles growled as he walked through the village, looking for Sonic. Ever since the lost prince had returned the King and Queen had instructed Knuckles to be his guardian, along with half the royal guard.

His job was to protect Sonic and to make sure he adjusted to his new life as prince.

Knuckles was an 18 year old red echidna with purple eyes. He had a white crescent mark on his chest and he's slightly taller than Sonic. He wore a simple, dark amber shirt and black pants with white gloves similar to boxing gloves and had two spiked knuckle-claws on each hand.

He glared when he saw Sonic running into the village with a few soldiers and Sally.

Before the hedgehog could do anything Knuckles grabbed the prince by the arm and started to drag him to the palace. Sally sent the guardian a glare before taking Nicole to the royal stables...

As they walked through the castle all the servants kept crowding Sonic, trying to get him ready for his coronation. Once he saw how stressed the prince was getting Knuckles shooed the servants away.

"So how you holding up?" Knuckles grinned as he fixed Sonic's shirt.

"Busy, but busy is good." He chuckled nervously.

"I'm glad you think so, Sonic, 'cause this welcoming ceremony is just the beginning." He warned. "Tomorrow's the festival, followed by the royal banquet and that's all before the actual coronation in a week on Sunday."

"Oh, come on, really?" Sonic groaned.

"Look, Sonic, I know this prince thing is new to you, but you've got to at least try to act the part."

"Trust me, Knuckles, I know how important this is to my parents on brothers." Sonic smiled as he looked at the painting of his brothers and parents that they were standing next to...

Meanwhile, Prince Shadow was in the throne room, meeting with the Captain of the Royal Guard.

King Campion had trusted Shadow to manage his little brother's coronation. He did this because since Shadow was his heir to the throne he wanted his son to understand the responsibility of leadership.

"As you've requested, your majesty, we've doubled security on both the main gates and the south towers." The Captain reported.

"Good job Captain." Prince Shadow smiled. Ever since Sonic had returned the eldest prince had been smiling more and more. "We have guests from all over the world, I want them to know that they are safe; everything for my little brother's coronation weekend must be absolutely perfect."...

King Campion sighed happily as he walked down the halls to Sonic's room. Ever since their son had been returned to them he and Sapphire had been making up for lost time.

When he entered the room he saw Knuckles measuring Sonic for his coronation outfit.

"Hi Dad." Sonic smiled when he saw the king. Campion smiled as he walked to his youngest son. Knuckles quickly moved out of the way with a respectful bow to the king.

Father and son shared a quick hug before Campion put on his serious face.

"Now Sonic, as a Prince, you are not only representing yourself and the family, but all of Norrerus." He explained firmly as his walked over and shut his son's windows.

Even though they wouldn't admit it, he and his other sons were still worried about Sonic's safety.

"Don't worry Dad, I won't let you down." He promised, but then he frowned slightly. "But while we're on the whole Prince, coronation thingy, I mean, all these royal activities are great, but do you think I might be able to catch a little downtime soon?"

"I know this is all new, but you'll adjust. After all, your friend seems to be getting on just fine."

Sonic laughed and looked at his bed. Chip was currently sleeping on one of his giant pillows with cookie crumbs on his stomach and around his mouth as he snored loudly.

Yep, he was loving the royal life...