A Tale of Two Brothers
Reviews
Slayer 666: Wel I am glad that someone is happy that the story is back. I admit that I did not expect any reviews for the last chapter so it's nice someone took the time. And your right, to be honest the war will be finishing soon so there isn't much left to write on that.. But there will be some social interaction in the next couple of chapters the war has taken up a lot of the last few chapters and the characters need some new developing to bring them forward more.
Hey everyone! I admit that I have missed you guys a bunch. I want you to know that I am focussing solely on my writing to finish this story. I have even put all my role plays on hold for the moment to help me focus. A big thank you to Slayer 666 for the only reviewer and to Zany the Nerd for the massive welcome back.. This chapter is for you along with everybody who favourited this story while I was on hiatus! I hope to hear from some of you soon! I miss you!
Chapter 28: Two Very Different Plans..
It was almost midnight when Jules Hedgehog finally escorted Princess Aleena out of the hospital wing after convincing her that she needed to rest and offering to take her to her room. The blonde-quilled female hedgehog had gladly accepted, anything as an excuse to spend a little extra time with the male she loved. As they headed across the hallway of the Great Hall the sound of automatic crushing footfalls came from both sides as SWATbots surrounded the young hedgehog couple and immediately the cobalt male lieutenant shielded the lilac-furred princess, squaring up to the metal sentries that now had built in guns pointed at him.
"What the Chaos is this?" Jules sounded refusing to cower or back down.
"Halt..." The mechanical voice of the SWATbot spoke loud and clearly. "Unidentified citizen... Possible threat.. Stand down.." Even though guns were facing him from all angles Jules' hazel eyes glared at the metal sentry in front of him who was addressing him.
"I don't take orders from tin cans.." He hissed as his cobalt quills bristled upwards defensively and his stance crouched slightly as he prepared for a basic spin attack.
"Stand down citizen.. This is your final warning.." The SWATbot stated unemotionally preparing to fire at Jules when the throne room doors swung open at the far end of the hall.
"What on Mobius is going on out here?" The sound of King Ogilvie's voice came as both he and Doctor Ivo Kintobor appeared, no doubt attracted by the commotion. The green-quilled hedgehog immediately gasped seeing his own daughter in amongst the ruckus. "Ivo, call off your guards this instant!" He declared instantly rounding on the six foot human scientist who had been staring at the scene in amazement, clearly stunned yet curious to see what Jules would do. At his king's command however Doctor Ivo Kintobor stiffed and pulled out a large remote from the pocket of his red jacket with golden buttons, yellow cuffs and tailcoats. With the thumb of his white-gloved hand he clicked a button causing the SWATbots to transform their guns back into hands and lower them to their sides.
"My apologies your highness.." Ivo Kintobor sounded before turning to the group of SWATbots bellowing. "False alarm! Back to your posts!" The tall leggy scientist with the large round belly then walked towards Jules as his SWATbots clanked back down both sides of the hallway and resumed their previous posts. "My apologies Sir Jules, my SWATbots do not have your retinal scan so they did not recognise you.. I hope they did not cause you too much alarm my young friend." The human scientist said with what almost sounded like genuine concern as his dark spectacles twinkled at the cobalt hedgehog.
"No real harm done, I suppose.." Jules said a little stiffly as his quills relaxed back into a calm position.
"My deepest and most heartfelt apologies to you too princess.." Ivo Kintobor threw an oily grin to Princess Aleena and bowed low to her. "It shall not happen again I assure you.." He immediately straightened. "I shall have Sir Jules' identity added to the data banks as soon as I return to my quarters..." He flashed the princess a knowing look. "-since he is such a dear friend of yours.."
Princess Aleena frowned at Doctor Ivo Kintobor.
"Be sure that you do.." She added coolly as she folded her arms across her chest. "Jules was merely escorting me from the hospital wing.. That is not a crime.." The twenty year old princess sounded, an air of dislike edging her haughty tone.
"Of course not.." King Ogilvie sounded kindly before adding as his maroon eyes turned to Jules Hedgehog with a knowing smile before returning to his daughter clasping his hands. "It's late, you should turn in and rest. It has been a long day for all of us my dear." The green-quilled King turned to the tall human scientist standing by him. "Ivo, we shall continue our discussion tomorrow.."
"As you wish your majesty.." Doctor Kintobor replied with a nod then turned leaving the three hedgehogs alone and using a remote to summon a sphere-shaped hovercraft, driving it home. Jules glanced curiously at it. He knew that Lionel Lion, who he had not seen in three months had had great success with his 'hover' invention. So much so that Warlord Kintobor been inspired by it and sought the rights to use it in redesigning the armies vehicles and that Ivo had also had Lionel come up with designs for the probe-cameras flying around the city now. Jules wondered though if Lionel was aware that the human doctor has fashioned his own mode of transport using his work too. He supposed that his lion-friend would, he had no real reason to think otherwise.
"Goodnight father.." Princess Aleena said gently. "Sir Jules.." She added with a flirty edge to her smile towards her cobalt blue love interest who flashed a grin back.
"Goodnight princess." His eyes lingered on her as she turned her blonde head and headed upstairs towards her bedroom suite.
"Sir Jules.." King Ogilvie's voice made the cobalt hedgehog's hazel eyes blinked and turned towards the King of Mobius who had addressed him. "I wish to have a word with you before you head out to your home."
"Oh. Well sure your majesty." Jules replied looking surprised following the King of Mobius back into the throne room. "What is this about, if you don't mind me asking?" The twenty-one year old knight asked curiously.
"These are testing times. The war has destroyed most of this once fair city but Warlord Kintobor believes the end is almost in sight. It has got me thinking about the future." King Ogilvie picked his words carefully as his expression remained somewhat emotional now.
"Sire.. Heh, I think everyone is worried about that.." Jules smiled in a light airy manner but it was wiped off his face when the middle-aged hedgehog with green quills turned around and kinked a brow at him.
"I was talking about the future heirs of my throne.." King Ogilvie sounded plainly.
"Heirs?" The cobalt hedgehog sounded confused. "You mean your daughter and-"
"-her husband.." The green hedgehog replied. "Jules. The way this war is turning I may not survive it. Especially if this comes to a one-to-one duel between myself and the Leader of the Overlanders. Doctor Kintobor has already hinted that there is a chance that is what this may come down to.. We both know that my daughter needs a husband and I need to know that it's someone who can take care of her.."
"Your majesty... I.." Jules started but tailed off unsure how to continue.
"Sir Jules, do you still have those feelings for my daughter you once had while as a guard here?" King Ogilvie asked the cobalt hedgehog seriously keeping a firm gaze on him.
"I... do.." Jules replied looking suddenly laid bare emotionally, his eyes watered a little feeling a pull the depths of his heart. "Th-they never died..." At his words King Ogilvie the Third pulled a small box out of his pocket and pushed it into Jules' hands.
"Then take this, Queen Bernadette's ring, with her father's blessing.." The green-quilled hedgehog said softly. "My only request is that you do it soon. I understand that Marie D'Coolette does not have much time, I know it would mean everything to both Marie and my daughter to see her wedding." The King of Mobius sighed heavily at this point. "Although where to marry you both might be an issue, we'd need sanctified ground to perform the ceremony and Emerald Abbey has been destroyed."
"Knothole Temple. It is sanctified grounds and it's where all my family were married right back to when it was built.." Jules replied.
"I will perform the wedding myself.." The green-quilled King replied with a smile. "But Knothole's Community Leader could guarantee my daughter's safety?" His maroon eyes flashed with concern at Jules who's smile widened at the statement.
"Between the Knothole Freedom Fighters and the Knothole Dandies you and your daughter will be perfectly safe.." Jules' smile twisted away into a serious frown. "But sire, as Community Leader I cannot allow any of Warlord Kintobor's robots inside Knothole perimeters. Teddy's supposed final request is that Knothole remains a sanctuary and as Knothole's elected leader I must honour my ancestor's request. Any SWATbot's presence in Knothole would be highly unwelcome to all of it's residents."
"You?" King Ogilvie's face pulled an almost comical look of surprise. "You are Knothole's Community Leader.." The green hedgehog spoke in a stunned voice. "I thought that your brother Charles was the oldest of you both.."
"Even my brother thought I was a better candidate since I still live in our family home and the Knotholer's naturally looked to me for leadership." Jules said with a smile. "You are one of few outside Knothole who knows the truth.."
"Hmph." The King of Mobius smiled looking both amused and impressed. "It seems you are a natural born leader and able to inspire the hearts other mobians. My kingdom will be getting a fine future King.." This time it was King Ogilvie's words that caused Jules' face to drop into comical shock and horror.
"Kuh.. kuh.. King..." The cobalt blue hedgehog breathed deflating..
"Heh, of course my boy.." King Ogilvie sounded amiably with a smile. "Prince Theodore, your ancestor was the rightful heir to the throne of Mobius, you have as much claim to it as my daughter does. Fifteen generations ago our family line was torn and with it the ancient magic that our family is supposed to possess was lost, if there is one thing that I wish to do before my reign is at an end it is to mend our family line and give Mobius the glory and true power it's monarchs were meant to have.."
For a long moment Jules Hedgehog gazed at King Ogilvie the Third.
"This is why you want me to marry your daughter." The cobalt hedgehog slowly responded, frowning a little as comprehension of his situation grew. "This is why you knighted me too? So the Royal Court couldn't argue back when you made the announcement.. Y-you've been planning this for a while, haven't you?" Jules couldn't help but feel some annoyance realising now why King Ogilvie had allowed Charles to find proof that they were Prince Theodore's descendants, why he had been cornered into joining the Mobian Army and why he'd been knighted so quickly... It had all been planned out by the King himself.
"Sir Jules, you earned your knighthood on your own. All I did was give you the means to earn it.." King Ogilvie sighed heavily. "I will admit that in some ways yes, perhaps I have had more influence over your career than I should have given but are you really going to complain? You have already told me that you still hold great feelings for my daughter and Aleena is betrothed to you now. You will be wed by royal command." The green-furred hedgehog regarded Jules with his deep maroon eyes looking older and wiser in that moment. "I am a father who only wants his daughter to have what is best for her and I know that you are.."
The cobalt blue hedgehog sighed closing his eyes, thinking for a moment.
"I will marry your daughter on one condition." Jules opened his warm hazel eyes which had a glimmer of seriousness about them. "This city has become a dangerous place, no-one can be sure of the Overlanders' next move. I would be happier if Aleena would stay in Knothole where she can be protected by the Knothole Freedom Fighters and is safe away from here.."
"Very well. I have actually been considering sending my daughter away to Angel Island where she would be safe from this war but I do believe she may like your idea better.." King Ogilvie smiled widely. "We can begin making arrangements for the wedding in the morning."
"D-don't I have to, you know.." Jules Hedgehog looked confused twirling his wrist. "-propose to her first?"
"You can but it is not necessary. I am king and as such I have the power to give you my daughter's hand in marriage.." King Ogilvie replied lightly.
"Maybe so sire but I respect your daughter's right to refuse my offer of marriage.." Jules said. "I would be more comfortable proposing before planning any wedding. I should head back to Knothole my brother will worry. Goodnight Sire.."
"Goodnight..." The green-quilled King of Mobius watched Jules speed off out of the throne room. "...son." A smile twitched his lips as he considered what had just transpired between him and his knight. His daughter had picked a mobian of strong moral character, it was exactly what Mobius needed.
Doctor Ivo Kintobor has returned to his private laboratory where not only had he been working on the battle plans to get rid of his meddlesome brethren but he had also been working on some side projects that not even the King of Mobius was aware of. Half in the shadows a slight moan came from something covered in wires but the human scientist ignored for the moment as he continued to gaze at the picture of his brother, a grim line of hatred on his face before he pinned the picture up with the rest of his battle notes.
"I shall see you dead before this war is out, brother.." At this point something caught his eyes on the wall of monitors in front of him. Movement from inside Hedgington Hall palace but not from someone he expected. "Well, well Kodos Lion, just what are you doing in the palace this late?" Doctor Kintobor twiddled one side of his long bushy moustache as he watched the monitor curiously, watching the six-foot lion-mobian walk up to the door of Ixis Naugus' palace dwelling. The doctor frowned curiously as his spectacles studied the door for a while. When he had first been made a warlord he knew Kodos Lion had been unhappy but rather than argue he allowed Ivo to conduct the war while he dealt with the wizard and saw to it that the mobians of Mobius were safe and protected. Unless he wanted to know anything specific and they were making decent progress with the war Kodos left him alone. He kept himself busy but Ivo had always wondered what he kept himself busy with. Then there was Ixis Naugus... Just what was he doing now all on his own in that dungeon? Were they planning something together?
At this point he got up out of his seat..
"Why don't we just find out what's going on right now.." Ivo said out loud to himself then turned his head back at the sound of a moan. "Just relax... No-one is looking for you. They think you were killed in the last battle.." The human scientist replied to the moan before grinning with a nasty twinkle in his dark spectacles before leaving and shutting the door on the darkness.
Since Doctor Kintobor had been behind all the changes in security for the palace it was very easy for him to get inside and passed all of the guards, especially since he was their primary user. The doctor casually opened same door that Kodos had entered unconcerned about the probes or SWATbots that were all around, who else would see the footage but him? As he went down the spiral staircase towards the dungeon Ivo Kintobor found it curious that this misshapen troll who had originally been offered a suite would rather stay in the disused dungeons. What a dank, dreary place... Was this what felt like home to him? Ivo frowned around in disgust before his expression turned curious at the sound of voices coming from what must have once been the large torture chamber.
"So you have finally figured out how to open the portal?" Kodos' voice said softly.
"Yes.. It was surprisingly obvious. The mirror is a doorway into the other dimensional zone. Getting inside is not the problem, finding a way out again is the problem.." Naugus' gravelly voice responded. "Which is why this portal will be able to trap both King Ogilvie and his simpering daughter but we'll need to act fast. You know as well as I do that King Ogilvie intends to marry the princess off to that boy he recently knighted.."
Ivo's brows contracted with mild interest as he snuck forward carefully, thankfully there was nothing that his large gut could knock to alert them of his presence... So they were planning a coop, interesting...
"The hedgehog Jules? The city consider him a war hero.. I've seen the boy fight, he's got great skill.." Kodos replied looking curiously at the hybrid bat rhino mobian.
"He's also the key to restoring the ancient powers of the Royal family. We have to act before the King can join them in wedlock.." Naugus stated grimly and it was at this point that Doctor Ivo lay flat against the wall, thankfully the doorway was far enough away to keep his round belly concealed.
"So we don't have much time-" Kodos started before finding himself interrupted.
"You don't have any time.." Doctor Ivo Kintobor stepped out of the shadows and grinned eerily.
"You!" Naugus snarled.
"Ivo!" Kodos declared at the same moment. And the doctor grinned widely at them then clicked his fingers causing a clanking sound behind him and two of his SWATbots blocked the doorway.
"So your planning a coop, eh? Ho ho.. Too bad you'll never see it come to fruition..." His grin widened horribly as he jabbed a long arm and pointed a finger at the two mobians in front of him. "Seize them!" Before Naugus could even lift his staff to properly cast a spell one of the SWATbots had shot a laser causing it to fly out of his hand and fly straight through the glass of the mirror standing behind, vanishing in a cloud of smoke on the other side.
"You'll live to regret this you meddling Overlander!" Naugus declared boldly as he was seized by a SWATbot while Doctor Ivo merely smiled smugly pretending to check the fingers of one gloved hand.
"Oh-hoh! I don't think so!" The doctor turned his gaze to The SWATbot holding the hybrid wizard immediately wrenched him up causing the wizard to cry as he was flung at a hurtling speed through the mirror's surface, vanishing from sight. With the wizard gone the SWATbot merely stood like a silent sentry as Kodos continued to struggle with the SWATbot holding him fast.
"Ivo, think about this.. We could take down the King together, with my brawn and your brain we'd be unstoppable.." The large mobian lion sounded desperately and for a moment the doctor pretended to ponder his words, stroking his long moustache on one side.
"You know.." The doctor turned his egg-shaped frame back towards Kodos. "I do like this takeover scheme of yours, I admit, the idea never came to me. It is intriguing, heh, the possibilities are insurmountable.." Suddenly his face contorted into a confused frown. "There is just one thing I can't figure out... With my army of robots what possible use could I have for you?" He signalled to the SWATbot holding him and with one arm the huge machine threw the enormous mobian lion straight through the surface of the mirrored portal.
"Nohhhh...!" Kodos roared before he too vanished into the polished surface of the portal. At this point Doctor Ivo Kintobor removed his spectacles and grinned evilly revealing his red irises and black sclera.
"When I plan a takeover, it's done my way..."
...Three weeks later...
Charles Hedgehog straightened his little brother's ruby red cravat and smoothed the lapels of his black suit. He then stood back and smiled looking emotional and sighed. Today was the big day and here they were, dressing together in what used to be their parents bedroom.
"I can't believe your getting married.. It's to bad neither mom or dad are alive to see this day. They'd both be real proud of you like I am.."
"Thanks Charlie, that means a lot.." Jules replied, sighing as he glanced at the photo of his parents sitting on the dresser. He then smiled back at his brother as he proceeded to tie Charles' matching cravat for him.
"I don't understand. Why did you not wear your military uniform today?" Charles asked curiously, wondering why his brother had dressed them both in expensive navy armobian suits.
"Eh.." The cobalt-blue hedgehog shrugged off his brother's words. "I've practically been living in that for the last two years and I wanted us to match." He then raised his brows in a cocky manner. "Besides we both know I look better in this suit than I ever could in military green."
"Well, green never was your colour." Charles replied with a smile.
"I know, heh, it's the brown eyes with the bright blue fur, makes colour coordination on clothing kinda tricky." Jules grinned before slicking back his mop of fine quills that usually hung in an unruly fringe. Once he had finished he straightened and smiled at his brother. "So, how do I look?"
"Perfect." Charles sighed looking his brother over. "Now let's go get you married.."
The quaint temple in Knothole had filled up with both Knothole residents and the few Knothole Dandies that were invited and chose to attended. Since this was a Royal wedding everyone had shown up in their best outfits. Lulu Rabbot was sitting with her sister-in-law Missy both southern belles were dressed in soft cream colours while one year old Scarlet was dressed in lavender with matching bows. Beauregard Rabbot was not in attendance due to his personal feelings towards the royal family but he had promised to see Jules and Aleena at the reception afterwards. Coffee Rabbit was sitting in his military best with his fingers entwined with Vanilla Cottontail who was looking pretty in pink. Redford Fox was sitting with his fiancée Felicia who was cuddling Isabelle Mongoose who was alone and sporting a slight baby bump. Arthur Mongoose her new husband had gone missing in the last battle and had been presumed dead, she had been staying with Red and Felicia for the last few weeks. Max Acorn was sitting with Amadeus and Rose Prower, his newly pregnant wife Alicia was acting as a bridesmaid for Princess Aleena and they had been getting ready at the Acorn's new house in Knothole. Old Sheldon Turtle had died in the last couple of months and since Alicia knew how important it was to preserve the tunnel connecting Mobotroplis and Knothole she had convinced her husband to buy the cabin. With the war making the city dangerous and Max concerned about his new child's safety he didn't take much convincing. Simon Simian was with Sherman Walrus and his wife Gladys with their almost two year old son Rudy who seemed unable to pronounce his own name calling himself 'Roo-ta'. At the moment the small walrus pup was playing with a Speedy the Porcupine toy. Lionel and Emma Lion had arrived late and were sitting beside Tiger Stripes with their new baby Cyrus. Near them Argus Fletcher and Coca Cat were fussing over little Hershey who was dressed in red and laughing. Across from them on the opposite side was Armand D'Coolette and his family. Little Antoine was stood up on the pew and gazing with interest at everyone else in the temple especially those who were the same age as him. Marie was looking thin and frail but other than that she looked well as she clung to her husband waiting for the wedding march to start.
Charles was standing beside his little brother as Jules twisted his fingers starting to look very anxious indeed. The cobalt-blue hedgehog could feel the knots building in his stomach as his heart beat heavily in his chest.
"Don't be nervous. You'll do just fine.." Charles clapped his brother on the shoulder rubbing him comfortably as Jules waited nervously for his bride. Jules smiled at his brother opening his mouth to speak before the sudden sound of the organ started. Without another word the twenty-one year old hedgehog turned to the doorway along with everyone else to see King Ogilvie with his arm hooked around his daughter's arm. Princess Aleena was wearing a stunning, svelte lace dress with sheer sleeves and modest cut, her quills were curled and pinned up neat while her make up was natural and demure. Behind her Alicia Acorn was holding her trail smiling happy looking lovely in pale blue.
"Oh. Wow.." Jules muttered staring at Princess Aleena shocked by her beauty, she smiled sweetly back catching his gaze.
"She's beautiful Jules.." Charles said softly.
"Yeh... She is.." The hedgehog smiled in a far off lovestruck fashion.
Little Notes:
Ok, the chapter title is simply referring to the wedding plans and the takeover plot..
Secondly, this verse is Sonic Underground based and the idea of the mirror being the portal for the Special Zone or No Zone came from the SU episode: A Hedgehog and Her Castle where there was a mirror in the creepy old castle where Robotnik set a sting to catch the hedgehogs. They escaped through a mirror shown to them by their mother Queen Aleena and they used it to escape Robotnik.. Everything from Archie is different from this universe so it won't help you hugely to know the pre-Genesis wave details. I did not want this story to go the same way as my sequel depends on it being different.
Hope you enjoyed it! I am going to try and keep the updates regular and hopefully my old reviewers will return because I miss you all..
