A Tale of Two Brothers
Hey Peeps, I don't own anything related to Sonic or his universe, that's SEGA and all other companies relevant to the creation of his various back-stories, and even though most of them have tanked it now that is beside the point. Honestly, I actually own very little in this fic (next to nothing apart from some background alterations) but this is my story and even though I am using characters from Archie, DiC and SEGA I will be fleshing many of them out because they were only 2-dimensional so in some ways they will appear very OC hopefully you'll bear with me! Anyway, I've bored you to tears with this disclaimer so enjoy and let me know what you think! X
Review Replies:
Slayer 666: Haha, yeh you got me on the bat couple, although personally I didn't think it was too hard to figure out. And thank you, I figured it would be more realistic for Locke to be quite naïve about modern mobian-culture, there's a little more about the echidnae-couple mentioned and a hint to a couple of the next generation starting too! Funnily enough I have got an idea for a one-shot but it's not Aleena I had in mind, it's Alice and Jules' prom night (there's a little memory brought up in this chapter) that idea seemed more fun to me. And I'd be honoured to see any artwork you have that relates to this fic although you don't need to send it to me you can just tell me where to find it.. I have a profile on deviantArt under DitzyMinx, the stuff I have on there is mostly related to my other fics. I have artwork of my own to post when I finally get around to buying a new scanner so I'll keep you posted on that front.. X
Kirby-Chan263: Wow, a new reviewer… Now you've made my new year! I'm glad you like the story and hopefully I'll hear some more from you soon. x
Chapter Eighteen:Well, It Tis The Season..
…Just over one year later…
The winter evening's sky over Mobotroplis was clear and despite the freezing climate there was no wind. Perfect conditions for the beginning of the Festival of Lights and according to Locke the Master Emerald would be out at midnight when the winter-sun would angle against the northern ice-caps and project the light across to the Master Emerald. Mobius was two hours behind Angel Island this meant that since it was already nearing ten it was almost time…
Main Street was quiet as a navy and cobalt-blue blur shot down the road almost faster than the naked-eye could follow. Everyone must already be down in Monument Square where Jules could already hear the amplified voice of King Ogilvie the Third as he gave his yearly king's speech to Mobius. The cobalt-blue hedgehog immediately swerved down a right turn off leading to Palace Way and up to Fountain Square towards his older brother's studio-lab. Within a matter of minutes he'd pushed his way through Charles' front door to find the mild-blue twenty-one year old hedgehog scientist arm-deep in the wires of a robotic droid that was to become the digital blue-print for his robotic-transformation-machine. His holophone invention had given him national acclaim and made him some-what of a local celebrity. It had been deemed the greatest invention since Nate Morgan's holovision and had even earned him an audience with King Ogilvie himself. The King of Mobius had shaken his hand warmly and congratulated him on a fine piece of work. It seemed like everyone in the whole of Mobius wanted one and this meant that Charles had had more than sufficient funds to continue with the next stages of the plans for his robotic-transformation-machine. If this hadn't been enough to keep the young scientist's time occupied he had also been given the position of undersecretary to the Minister of Science. This meant that Charles got a say in everything that was discussed from university grants to scientific research and technological arts. Being in such a position at his age was such a tremendous achievement and he would've been mad to turn it down.
'Hey Charlie you ready to go?' Jules had asked but realised this was a stupid question upon seeing that his brother was still in his lab-coat and wearing microscope-goggles while carefully soldiering a couple of wires into place.
'Just give me a minute Jules..' The twenty-one year old hedgehog sounded offhandedly as he completed the delicate procedure of connecting the droid's chest wiring. When he finally pulled his arms out Jules was stood directly behind him and immediately hauled him roughly away from the droid.
'We don't have a minute Charlie!' The eighteen year old younger Hedgehog-brother scowled as he dragged his older sibling away from his workbench. 'I was already running late when I called and now we're seriously late!' Jules huffed crossly, letting go of his brother's arm and yanked off his white lab-coat. 'C'mon get your jacket on the king's already started his speech.' He added as he dumped Charles' white lab-coat on the laid out wall-bed behind him and grabbed the brown jacket off of the coat-hanger, throwing it roughly at his brother. Charles rolled his pale-blue eyes at his little brother's impatience but didn't argue back; now that his concentration had been broken he could faintly hear the king's voice proving Jules' words were true.
'Sorry, I got distracted..' Charles uttered as he pulled off his goggles and set them down before slipping on his coat and immediately Jules' expression softened at his brother's guilty face.
'No I'm sorry. I should've got here earlier.' Jules sighed reluctantly, shaking his blue-quilled head which then caused the quiff of quills that flopped down over the gap between his brows to move lightly. 'Am I forgiven for snapping?' He added with a persuasive glint in his warm-hazel eyes.
'Well, it is the season brother.' Charles said lightly as he picked up his studio-lab keys and put them in his right-side pocket then opening the door and setting his own-made security alarm. 'Now c'mon, we don't want to be any later than we already are, do we?' Charles' added kinking his brow.
'No we don't.' Jules grinned widely then exited the studio-lab so his brother could shut it, automatically locking the door behind them. The moment it was shut Jules gripped his brother around the waist and threw Charles a solemn look. 'You better brace yourself Charlie-Boy, it's gonna be a slippy ride..'
Jules hadn't been kidding.
The freezing weather meant that the snow had hardened and the slush on the road had turned into solid ice, even the salt laying on the road-surface wasn't enough to melt it properly. Because of this not even the well-designed snow-tread on Jules' bright-red winter-combat-boots could stop his feet sliding as the cobalt-blue hedgehog zipped back down Palace Way and onto Main Street heading downtown to Monument Square where most of Mobotroplis was gathered for the beginning of the Festival of Lights.
'Jules… take it easy. The ice is covered in water and the last thing we want is for you to break a leg.' Charles gasped out in slight panic as Jules skidded around a corner, nearly overshooting the turn as he came dangerously close to the curb. The tiny strings of multi-coloured light glittering along the buildings of Main Street, leading towards Monument Square and to the crowd of mobians. The enormous square of metropolitan was where the Mobian Council Building stood and on the opposite side of the massive square stood Mobotroplis Clock Tower which displayed the time and dictated the time for the zones all over the mobian world. In-between the two the palace of Hedgington Hall could be seen as the bridge crossing the Aviva River and leading to the royal stately home and the ritzy area of Emerald Avenue lay beyond the waters running through Mobotroplis.
'Ah.. Quit worrying Charlie, I'll be fine..' Jules responded lightly, not particularly bothered by his momentary loss of traction as he'd slid far worse than this running down from Knothole to collect his brother. The moment the two Hedgehog brothers skidded into Monument Square Jules immediately dug the heels of his boots into the ice and slid to a halt. The enormous plaza was jam-packed with mobians who had all come out for the same reason as them, to see the mystical lights of the Master Emerald and celebrate the end of another year. The second the cobalt-blue hedgehog's feet came to a jerking halt he set his older brother down on the pedestrian precinct. The moment Charles set foot on the ground he pulled out his small round specticals that he'd been keeping safe in his pocket while his brother had been speeding them to Monument Square.
'My, there's a lot of mobians here.' Charles murmured as his eyesight improved dramatically and he was able to clearly see the large throng of mobians gathered in the plaza while high above their heads were huge holovision screens in front of the Mobian Council Building, Public Library, Mobotroplis Clock Tower and the Mobian History Museum. On these building-wide screens was the face of King Ogilvie the Third as he continued his speech.
'…and so as we end another year I ask that we remember our lost brethren across the seas in Mercia. We are lucky that most of our boys were able to make it home safe and spend the Festival of Lights with loved ones but let us remember that there are others who aren't so lucky..' The King of Mobius was now talking about the on-going war with the Overlanders and the lives that had been lost as the Mercians struggled to keep hold of their lands.
'Where will we find your friends?' Charles added as Jules scanned the crowds before his warm-hazel eyes turned to his older brother.
'Hey, it's the Festival of Lights everybody comes out for that, even dad used to bring us down from Knothole when we were kits and let me sit on his shoulders..' There was a sad pensive look on the cobalt-blue hedgehog's face as he thought about their father. However before Charles could say anything Jules' face suddenly changed into a bright smile as he pointed towards the statue nearby. 'Anyway, our friends are over there. Let's not keep them waiting any more..' He put particular emphasis on the word 'our' and scowled slightly as he said it. Jules knew that even though most of them were mobians he had befriended and grown up with over the years they did care about Charles too. The next second he gripped his older brother's arm and zipped them swiftly through the crowd towards the huge stone monument of King Thomas the First King of Mobius and Alexander Acorn his First Minister establishing the Liberty Bill.
The King's Speech finished just in time for the bells of the Mobotroplis Clock Tower to chime ten. As their ringing filled Monument Square the mobians that were gathered there held their breath as one waiting for the mystical lights to shine over the stars. Then after only the bells' third chime did thin streaks of luminous pinks and greens streak through the night sky. As they blurred the neon light faded upwards, creating a smudging effect into the night that left only small pockets of darkness that rippled with the lights' natural movement. From the make-shift podium King Ogilvie the Third's deep maroon eyes gazed up at the mystical lights in the sky before a serene smile curved his regal clean-shaven muzzle. Instead of his usual white uniform suit the King of Mobius was wearing an ornate red and gold jacket with large white frilly collar and sleeves with matching red pantaloons and high-polished black shoes. His eyes turned away from the sky and King Ogilvie smiled warmly at his subjects in the public square who began to sing, pour drinks and be merry as the bells of Mobotroplis Clock Tower continued to chime.. The Festival of Lights always brought out that warm fuzzy feeling of happiness and joy was shared by every one of the king's subjects...
'It's so beautiful..' A soft female voice sounded drawing the middle-aged King of Mobius' eyes back around to his only child. The seventeen year old princess was gazing upwards at the brilliant emerald-borealis high above them with her mother's sparkling green eyes. She resembled her aunt Princess Sybil much more than Queen Bernadette with her long silky golden quills and dainty features. Her lilac fur-colour came from their mother long-deceased Queen Sylvia of Mercia. Dressed in her Anais-period deep-violet and silver ballgown with ruffled collar and cuffs Princess Aleena looked every bit the royal Mercian princess her mother had been before the two kingdoms had joined when Prince Ogilvie of Mobius had married the firstborn Princess of Mercia. There was barely any resemblance of the King of Mobius in his daughter and after the dreadful loss of his wife this had become a comfort to King Ogilvie as he raised the girl without his queen.
'It is indeed dearest..' The green-quilled middle-aged hedgehog said to his daughter lightly then his free arm swung out in front of them to their jubilant subjects as his other white-gloved hand held Princess Aleena close to him. 'Such a rare and awe-inspiring sight that brings with it the power to bring out the heart in all our mobians. It seems almost unbelievable that the Mobian Council wanted to put a stop to these entire proceedings..' He murmured softly and immediately the lithe female hedgehog turned her green eyes to her father. They widened with incredulity at his words.
'Really father?' She exclaimed with a gasp of shock escaping her pink-painted lips. 'But why?'
'Many of them were afraid that this would be in bad taste, disrespectful to those fighting what has now been dubbed 'The Great War' over in Mercia. I disagreed, if anything our mobians owe it to our brothers overseas to celebrate this time..' The green-quilled King of Mobius' eyes turned upwards as his face set in a stony, contemplative manner as he gazed upwards at the sky and the mystical lights above. 'Especially since we know that they will not be able to celebrate.'
'Mon majeste..' The sound of General D'Coolette's voice interrupted causing both King Ogilvie and his daughter Princess Aleena to turn their heads to the light-tan-furred coyote with neatly parted, short blonde head-fur and a thin moustache. He smiled lightly at the royal pair before addressing them again. 'Tu must be coming, oui? Ze Duke of Velcomia's boule de mascarade will be beginning shortish.' King Ogilvie the Third smirked slightly at his oldest friend's words in slight amusement but nodded in agreement.
'Of course Armand..' He then turned to his daughter and smiled warmly at her as he guided her over towards their private royal automobile which bore an emblem of the Royal Hedgehog coat of arms. 'Come along, I daresay that the duke would never forgive us for being late.' He murmured in Princess Aleena's lilac pointed-ear and she smiled in silent agreement as her father passed her and boarded the royal carriage. The lilac-furred royal hedgehog turned her green eyes towards the crowd of partying mobians that were basking in the emerald-borealis above them. She loved the annual masquerade ball that the Duke of Velcomia held every year, there was nothing more freeing than wearing a mask to conceal one's identity and have to figure out the identity of those around you. Before knowing Jules it had been the most freedom a princess like her had been privy to but now this celebration had lost a little of its original appeal to her. With the rich upper-class it was the same old routine, the same circle of familiar faces and the same expectations that came with her royal title. When Princess Aleena was with Jules she felt truly free to be herself knowing he wouldn't judge her just for her royal status like most of her peers would. The blonde-quilled well-dressed female hedgehog sighed slightly as she couldn't see Jules or any of his friends.
'Pip-pip Aleena my dear, we mustn't keep the duke waiting. You know how testy the old boy can get..' King Ogilvie's voice sounded as the green-quilled middle-aged hedgehog said as his head poked out of the carriage. He was already wearing his golden mask and had removed the crown of Mobius from atop his head-quills, his green fringe-quills curled and parted neatly.
'Princess!' The sound of a female voice called at that moment giving Princess Aleena an excuse to stall her father as she spotted Mayor Acorn's new wife Alicia moving swiftly in her direction.
'Just one moment please father.' The lilac-furred princess sounded and this caused King Ogilvie the Third to roll his eyes with a slight tutting sound. As Alicia Acorn approached the carriage the Royal Guards on duty instantly impeded the young chipmunk's way by crossing their swords in front of her. The red-headed chipmunk winced and stopped dead in her tracks.
'Oh alright my dear..' King Ogilvie sighed, pinching his nose then signalling the guards to lift their swords. '-but do make it quick.' He added as he retreated into the carriage. The Royal Guards lowered their swords and moved away, allowing Alicia to approach the Princess of Mobius.
'Alicia, aren't you and Maximillion heading up to the masquerade ball?' Princess Aleena queried politely as she noticed that the chipmunk before her was not in her period costume but still wearing her 'street-clothes'.
'Huh? Oh yes but Max and I wanted to greet a few of our friends and family that aren't invited to the event first.' Alicia replied with a smile. 'My outfit is waiting for me in his private car.' Alicia added with a mischievous wink, hinting that she would be changing in the car.
'Oh. How clever.' The blonde-quilled princess replied brightly before her voice dropped so the guards nearby wouldn't hear her. 'Will you be meeting Jules by any chance?'
'Sure. He's celebrating with the rest of our school crew by the statue of King Thomas and Prime Minister Acorn, I'm going to meet up with them in a moment.' Alicia replied in a hushed voice before pausing then adding in the same tone of voice as her brow kinked upwards slyly. 'You need me to pass something on your majesty?'
'Yes. That would be wonderful. I feel like it's been an age since I've seen him..' The blonde-quilled princess tailed off as her green eyes glanced at the guards nearby who were stood perfectly still. 'Socially I mean.' Princess Aleena qualified to the red-headed chipmunk beside her. She had seen Jules on am almost daily basis at the palace but the cobalt-blue hedgehog had to keep things strictly professional to avoid any of his palace superiors from becoming suspicious of the true extent of their relationship. This meant the princess could not always talk to him as freely as she'd like. They'd been secretly seeing each other for just over a year and the sneaking around just for those few stolen moments had been fun and exhilarating at first but now Princess Aleena just longed to be courted by him more freely. Hiding the truth from her father was putting massive pressure on her and causing some strain in their relationship, she hated keeping secrets from him. She knew that if King Ogilvie could have the chance to get to know Jules he would approve of him. Jules was attentive and brave, a little dim but his songs and music reflected his true poetic brilliance. Most importantly he was loyal and he liked her simply for being her, her title of 'princess' may intimidate him a little but it meant nothing to him when they were alone together. However without any social standing behind him this would always remain just a fantasy as her father would never see Jules for who he truly was.
'Have you not seen him since Max and I got married a few weeks ago?' Alicia sounded curiously, taking one of the princess' pale-skinned hands in her light-tanned furry one and petting her gently with the other. When the Acorns had gotten married Alicia had invited Jules as he was one of her closest friends while Max had invited Princess Aleena as she was part of his social circle. This meant that the two hedgehogs had been able to socialise with relative ease as the two separate classes had been forced to mesh together at the reception. Although they had to keep the full nature of their relationship under wraps as the princess had been gotten a few disapproving looks for just socializing with 'the riff-raff' they had at least been able to talk and share a dance with each other.
'Unfortunately no..' Princess Aleena sighed as she and Alicia let go of each other and the lilac-furred female hedgehog sighed. '-but father has been keeping me very close to him. I think he's worried about our family in Mercia. He wanted my Uncle Robin to send Aunt Sybil and Cousin Robert over here where they'd be safe and out of the war-zone. But apparently Aunt Sybil had already had Robert sent away with Friar Buck and she is refusing to leave Prickingham Palace in the centre of Lundun as she won't go anywhere without her husband. No-one has heard word from either of them for a week or so now and father fears the worst.' The Princess of Mobius glanced at the multi-coloured lights in the sky and made a silent prayer for her family across the Sapphire Ocean. Alicia's sapphire eyes softened at the lilac hedgehog's words.
'I'm so sorry, I know how you feel. My older brother Elias is fighting in Mercia right now and Max's cousin Cadmus lost his life just last week.. this war is affecting everybody.' Her eyes filled with a gleam of sadness before it melted back into curiosity. 'So what you want me to pass onto Juice?' She leant in closer as she whispered this with a smile. Ever since Princess Aleena had discovered that Alicia Acorn had once dated Jules she'd been curious to find out what the red-headed chipmunk was like. Then after getting to know her over the last year Princess Aleena had found her to be very genuine and nice, something that was rare amongst the upper-class and once she learnt that Jules had entrusted her with their secret Alicia proved to be a valuable friend to have.
'Could you tell him that..' Princess Aleena hurriedly whispered into the red-headed chipmunk's ear before pulling back adding, '-and come find me at the ball and let me know what he says, I'd be terribly grateful.'
'Of course I will..' Alicia replied earnestly and Princess Aleena gave a little sigh of relief.
'Well I mustn't keep father waiting much longer. I'll see you soon.' Immediately the princess hitched up the many petticoats of her Anais-period dress and scurried over to the carriage and allowed a couple of guards to help her into the cart. She turned and gave a polite little wave to Alicia before disappearing inside. The moment the lilac-furred hedgehog seated herself on the opposite side of her father the driver of royal carriage began its silent engine and they were now moving away from the street-party. They were not leaving Green Hill Zone, just heading in the direction of the Duke of Velcomia's estate which was a little way out from Mobotroplis itself.
'Aleena child, I fear I must apologise for my actions towards you recently. I have kept you closer to me than you may have liked these past few weeks..' King Ogilvie the Third spoke in a soft voice causing his blonde-quilled daughter to turn her brilliant green eyes to him. His own deep maroon eyes heavy with the emotions that his voice smoothed over. The blonde-quilled hedgehog unsteadily got up from her side of the carriage and slipped into the empty space beside her father, holding his hands tenderly.
'Father, I understand. You've been concerned about our family in Mercia. It is only natural that you seek to hold me close.' She responded gently but King Ogilvie gave an involuntary shudder which caused his green-quills to momentarily bristle.
'Yes, yes but it does not excuse me from controlling your movements so rigorously. What's happening in Mercia should not be affecting you my dear..' He paused from his words as his grip tightened momentarily on hers. 'At least, not until it has to. So enjoy your freedom tonight.'
'Thanks daddy..' Princess Aleena sounded as her arms flew around her only parent and she hugged him tight as her eyes closed. King Ogilvie the Third held his daughter close as his white-gloved fingers ran through her blonde-quills gently, careful not to ruin the elaborate tall bun Marie D'Coolette had combed it into. As her emerald-green eyes opened the princess was about to pull away from her father when she noticed a large box sitting behind the king.
'What is that?' Princess Aleena asked curiously as she pulled back and looked curiously at her father.
'Ah yes!' King Ogilvie replied as he turned slightly, picking up the large jewellery box with both hands and setting it in his lap so it faced his daughter. 'I almost forgot. Since we are on the topic of freedom Aleena dear, this is for you.' He lifted the lid to reveal a pretty silver mask which was decorated with a couple of violet swirls and amethyst-like gems studded around the brow.
'Oh. It's beautiful.' Princess Aleena exclaimed, her fingers entwined together as her father picked it up gently letting the silk ribbons fall. 'Thank you father.' She added flushing slightly in her small lapse in lady-like manner. Marie D'Coolette would never forgive her for such a social faux-pas.
'Here. Let me my dear..' King Ogilvie sounded with a warm smile as Aleena turned away with a smile od silent consent and the green-quilled hedgehog carefully covered his daughter's upper-face..
'I was sorry to see your brother's name on the list of war casualties posted in front of the Council Building.' Jules Hedgehog was saying gently as he patted Amadeus' shoulder compassionately. 'How are you holding up?' The cobalt-blue hedgehog's warm hazel eyes welled up with sympathy towards his commanding officer. He had separated from his friends and managed to flag down the golden-furred fox-mobian. Amadeus had just been wandering through the crowds, greeting mobians with false cheer as they spoke out to him, he would then sigh heavily and his head drooped a little in mourning when he thought nobody was paying attention. On the surface the twenty-six year old fox-mobian seemed to be holding himself together but Jules could see the pain of a grieving mobian hidden behind his sky-blue eyes.
'Just taking it one day at a time Hedgehog.' Amadeus uttered softly, a slight tear welling in his right eye as he spoke flatly, his shoulders sagging slightly. It was then that Jules' words fully sunk in. 'But tell me, why were you looking at the Casualties of War listings in the first place? Your brother is not in the army and you have no other family left.'
'Oh. I was looking for one of Old Sheldon Turtle's youngest sons Torquil. He hadn't heard anything from him in a while and the old coot was starting to worry.' The cobalt-blue hedgehog gave a small smile and added softly as if trying to be gentle with the next bit. 'He wasn't on the list.'
'He was fortunate then.' Amadeus replied flatly as he stuck his blue-gloved hands in his pockets.
'Yeh..' Jules sighed. 'Old Sheldon lives next to Buck and was an old friend of my dad's, think he knew my granddad too. He's certainly old enough to have. The guy's gotta be near a hundred-odd and has twenty kits in total.'
'Really?' Amadeus replied, his eyes widening in disbelief at the large number of offspring. 'I couldn't imagine having that many kits.'
'Me neither and that was just from three clutches of eggs too.' He then smirked widely at the mobian-fox. 'Makes you glad that we come from species that can't reproduce that many at a single time, huh?' The cobalt-blue hedgehog said lightly and Amadeus gave his first genuine chuckle since learning of his oldest brother's death.
'Indeed. Speaking of kits Jules, did you here General D'Coolette is expecting one now?' A slight smile was playing about the older fox-mobian's neatly-trimmed white-furred muzzle.
'Wait, what? Is that why he's been so tightly wound these last few days?' Jules asked thinking back on how the light-tanned coyote had been acting even more moody than usual. 'Huh, you think the guy would just be happy he's gonna be a dad.' The hedgehog shrugged dismissivesly.
'I don't think Armand ever really pictured himself as a father.' Amadeus said and this caused the cobalt hedgehog to kink a brow in confusion. This made the twenty-six year old fox to smile lightly then add to qualify his words. 'At least not now while there is a war on, I mean. He has just agreed to transfer over into the army..'
'He did?' Jules looked further perplexed. 'Why?' His attention was so focused on the fox-mobian next to him that he could barely notice his brother and friends who were laughing, and drinking nearby while the festive band were now playing on stage as confetti and streamers fell from the rooftops, dusting them like the snow had been doing the last few nights.
'Kodos needs a General to replace Cadmus and he doesn't have the time or officers to train one up.' Amadeus replied as he brushed some of the confetti off the shoulders of his black jacket. 'General D'Coolette reasoned that it would be irresponsible and insensitive to send me as a replacement so he offered to go himself. Of course he found out afterwards that Marie was expecting..' The fox-mobian sighed as pity for his now ex-commanding officer welled inside him.
'Wow. That really is heavy..' Jules sounded softly as he took all this new information and he suddenly felt a pang of pity for Armand D'Coolette. He then frowned slightly and turning his cobalt-quilled head to his commanding officer. 'So what happens to us? Who's in charge of the Royal Guard?'
'I am.' Amadeus replied. 'By the start of next year I will be the new Royal Guard General and I will be appointing a new captain and a new corporal as well.' He added with a sly edge twisting his smile. Jules rolled his warm-hazel eyes at this, recognising it for what it was. He was going to promote one of his corporals to captain and replace them with a new corporal.
'I suppose you wouldn't tell me if I asked who was up for the jobs?' He kinked a brow curiously, not expecting an answer but merely wanting to bait his commanding officer.
'I have a short list of possible candidates but I won't make my final decision until I am officially in charge.' Amadeus replied not giving away anything in his tone or expression.
'Am I in this short list?' The Grounds Patrol Corporal replied with a smirk, still fishing for clues as to who was top of Amadeus' list of potential candidates. Seven months ago Jules had been promoted from a private to corporal of the grounds section. This meant that he was now primarily based in dealing with grounds security and in charge of dictating duties to the rest of those under his charge. As a corporal Jules now had more responsibilities than before and his working hours fluxed as he could be summoned to the palace at any moment outwith of his usual hours. Despite these slight draw-backs the cobalt-blue hedgehog enjoyed the challenges and respect his new position had brought him while his pay had increased handsomely too.
'You'll find out after the Festival of Lights..' The golden-furred fox-mobian added in the same pokerfaced expression that gave nothing away.
'Well, you can't blame an officer for trying sir..' Jules shrugged casually in a flippant manner before grinning widely and grabbing Amadeus' arm. '-and since Rose is busy covering the Festival of Lights for MNN why don'tcha come join me and my friends for a couple of drinks?'
'Oh no. Thank you for the offer Jules but I don't want to intrude-' The fox-mobian started to say but the eighteen year old cobalt-blue hedgehog interrupted him.
'You're not. This time of year is about hanging out with others and celebrating what we have.' Jules flicked his long quiff of blue quills out of his hazel eyes as he spoke and placed his red-mittened hands on his navy jacket-covered hips.
'I know but after losing Cadmus I just don't feel up for celebrating anything.' Captain Prower replied glumly and a slight sigh escaped his white muzzle.
'Then what are you doing here?' The cobalt-furred hedgehog scowled at his commanding officer and friend.
'My wife refused to let me sit in our home alone. She said I needed to get out and interact with mobians..' Amadeus' sky-blue eyes narrowed with irritation now as he folded his own arms tightly across his chest.
'Sounds to me like Rose will take my side then..' Jules declared as his expression brightened at this information and he immediately seized Amadeus Prower by the arm and began hauling him roughly in the direction of his large group of friends.
'Jules!' The sudden sound of his name gave the older golden-furred fox-mobian a moment of release as the cobalt-blue hedgehog's attention was suddenly diverted to Argus and Jasper as they moved swiftly through the packed crowd in Monument Square. Judging by the fact that the pair were still dressed in their navy-blue and red Royal Guard uniform they must have only just been dismissed by General D'Coolette.
'Armand let you away early I see..' Amadeus said conversationally trying to smile despite the ache of loss still burning inside of him.
'Yeh.' Jasper replied though the black cat-mobian's smile seemed a little uneasy at the false smile his commanding officer was giving him. 'He said that since the duke is using his own private security to oversee the masquerade ball we could just go.'
'Very generous of him.' The fox-mobian said amiably with a slight nod of approval.
'How are you holding up sir?' Argus asked gently, flicking some stray longish red-fur fringe out of his dark-green eyes. Amadeus sighed slightly, dropping some of his previous ridged stance with a slight sag of the shoulders.
'Coping. One day at a time.' He replied allowing a little of his true feelings seep through to the surface and Argus nodded pityingly.
'What about your other brothers sir?' Jasper asked curiously causing both Jules and Argus to throw Amadeus a curious look. 'How are they?'
'Miles is stationed in Mercia with the Mobius Airforce, he's the one who contacted me about Cadmus. He's also bringing his body home along with the other poor souls who've perished at the hands of those heatless beasts.' The fox-mobian ran a blue-gloved hand through his short light-brown head-fur and his sky-blue eyes rolled to the side thinking before they returned to his younger officers. 'As for Merlin; he has been in contact but he's very secretive about his doings in Mercia. I suspect that he might have a hand in concealing young Prince Robert's true whereabouts from the Overlanders brutal rampage.. He's a mobian of mystery that brother of mine but I do know he used to be on friendly terms with Princess Sybil.' The golden-furred Captain of the Royal Guard gave a faint smile of amusement at this point. However before any of the younger officers could say anything else they were interrupted by the presence of two more mobians. The first was a light-brown-furred fox-mobian with a pencil-thin moustache and kind blue eyes. He wearing a fancy period-Anais jacket in dark-navy and embroidered light-blue swirls, a white-ruffled shirt and black pantaloons completed by highly-polished shoes. Next to the elegantly dressed fox was a petit chipmunk with tightly-wound copper-red ringlets dressed in her usual black overcoat with pink ear-muffs and white faux-fur snow-boots.
'Amadeus!' Mayor Maximilloin Acorn declared warmly, embracing his cousin enthusiastically. 'Good to see you out and about. Rose was able to convince you to leave the house then, eh?' He nudged Amadeus good-naturedly and the golden-furred fox forced a smile at his slightly older cousin.
'I didn't get much choice in the matter Max.' He responded in a slightly gruff manner, frowning slightly at the thought of his wife and wishing she had just let him mope in peace.
'Oh. Come now cousin, she's only got your best interests at heart.' Maximillion replied as his gaze softened towards Amadeus.
'I know, I know…' The golden-furred fox sighed, relenting a little. 'But that's not the point..' While the two cousins were conversing together Argus and Jasper slipped away towards Cocoa and her friends who were making their presence known to the rest of Jules' friends. Isabelle Mungisi was carrying cups while the female cat-mobian had a large bottle of champagne. They were welcomed in amongst the group with open arms and hugs from Missy before Ginger and Emma began to divvy up the bubbly while the boys seemed content to stick with Buchanan's specially brewed hooch. The festive band was still playing on the make-shift stage far behind them, all the mobians around seemed to have relaxed and the good-tidings of the festive season was spreading as quickly as the snaking emerald-borealis above them. This time of year truly had a magical effect on Mobius..
'Juice..!' Alicia's excitable voice suddenly pulled Jules' attention away from the two fox-cousins. He only caught a flurry of hand movement and a mane of copper-red head-fur as Alicia Acorn wrapped her arms enthusiastically around her ex-boyfriend's neck in a friendly manner.
'Alice..' The cobalt-blue hedgehog sounded startled before a grin broke his pale-skinned muzzle and he hugged her back. 'It's good to see you darlin' but, uh-' He pulled back to look into her pretty sapphire eyes and added. '-what are you and Max doing here? I thought you were invited to the Duke of Velcomia's masquerade ball.'
'We are, we just wanted to see some folks before setting off first.' Alicia said brightly as she removed her hands from the cobalt hedgehog's shoulders.
'Oh really?' Jules kinked a brow at her before giving the light-brown-furred chipmunk a crooked smirk of amusement. 'So where's your fruity li'l number then?' Jules' white-gloved thumb gestured over his shoulder towards her husband's period-attire as he casually shifted his weight onto one hip.
'My outfit isn't so little, it's got ten petticoats and it's waiting for me in Max's limo as I was not going to wander Monument Square and ruin it before I got to the ball.' Alicia replied smartly as she folded her arms across her chest primly and looked pleased with herself.
'Alright. Fair enough, wouldn't be the first time..' Jules replied raising his hands and accepting her answer easily. He distinctly remembered how Alicia had changed into her dress in the back of their hire-car on the way to their high school prom as she'd been running late when he'd picked her up.
'Heh, yeh I know. 'Classic Alice' right?' She smirked slightly in amusement at herself before continuing on. 'Anyway, I come baring a message..' The red-headed chipmunk leaned up slightly to his cobalt-blue pointed-ear then whispered her next words. '-from Bernadette.' Jules' warm-hazel eyes widened for a second as Alicia pulled back then he grinned slightly at her.
'Ah right, ok, can we walk and talk? I don't want everyone here to find out what's going on.' The eighteen year old hedgehog responded in a hushed voice as he ran his warm-hazel eyes around their friends and the other mobians surrounding them.
'Sure, no problem Juice. Let me just tell my husband.' Alicia replied with a smirk before whipping around to her husband who was still chatting with Amadeus, both had pretty grim expression which showed their subject was still on family matters. 'Max, we're just going to check out the band, ok?' The light-brown-furred fox-mobian whipped around at the sound of his young wife's voice.
'Alicia, we don't have long-' Max began only to find himself cut off.
'I know sweetie but we'll be real quick, trust me.' Alicia forestalled his words and winked playfully before linking arms with Jules and disappearing off into the crowd with the cobalt-blue hedgehog in tow.
Maximillion Acorn sighed heavily with a shake of his head, raising his light-furred fingers to his brow in slight disbelief at being brushed off so quickly, once again.
'Is that normal?' Amadeus asked curiously, not able to miss the fact that Alicia had linked arms with Jules before leaving the two cousins alone.
'When it comes to Jules?' Mayor Acorn replied with a slight weary smirk. 'Yes, that's perfectly normal. They do it all the time.' Amadeus' brow kinked curiously at his slightly older cousin.
'Really? That's interesting..' The Captain of the Royal Guard mused curiously as he scratched his white muzzle.
'How so?' The light-brown-furred fox replied with a curious look to her younger cousin.
'He does it with the princess too..' Amadeus replied before shrugging dismissively. 'It's probably nothing to worry about, it's just curious is all.' He replied offhandedly but his sky-blue eyes clouded over in thought…
…The night moved on swiftly and the party in Monument Square dissipated. Once the band left the stage the dozens of mobians who had been crowding the public square splintered off either home or to whatever 'after parties' were being held in the nearby area. Charles disappeared off with those from the Mobian council to have a drink or two with them in a nearby bar while Jules' friends disappeared off to Macey's who was holding their annual festive entertainment. They had tried to convince the cobalt-blue hedgehog to go with them but he merely shook his quilled-head saying he had somewhere else to be. When his large group of friends couldn't get any more out of him and had exhausted their pleading for him to join them they eventually turned away, heading off to the underground club without their comrade.
Instead of joining his friends in continuing the night at their favourite club Jules hung around Monument Square, watching the very last of the mobians leave until he was finally alone. His eyes travelled across the public square which was littered with paper streamers, polibindum cups and other bits of litter that the street cleaners would have to clean up tomorrow. The dull glow of the dual power-stone street lamps on wrought black-metal stands which sat in opposite corners of Monument Square were overpowered by the brightness of the millions of multi-coloured neon string-lights that ran around the buildings, making their renaissance period features glow in the dark of night and the eerie glow of the emerald-borealis above. Jules' hazel eyes gazed upwards at the bright pinks and greens as they meandered through the sky, moving like slow multi-coloured tides in a sea of stars. The cobalt hedgehog soon found his gaze settling on the three brightest stars in the night's sky. While the green one, Manus, and the pink one, Sonori, where dulled down by the similar colours in this year's emerald-borealis Sonus was still shining brightly, it's blue starlight glittering against the opposing colours of the borealis below it. This star had always been Jules' favourite in the cosmos and the one he felt most connected to. He wasn't sure if it was because it shone blue like his fur and quill colour or because it was associated with speed and he was naturally gifted in that department but he just seemed drawn to its influence.
He'd been laid back across the stone-throne arm of the statue of King Thomas and Prime Minister Alexander. The two stone founders were leaning across the opposite side of the throne with the Liberty Bill which meant Jules could stretch out comfortably. His cobalt-head turned so he could look up towards the glowing clock-face of the Mobotroplis Clock Tower to see it was almost time to go and meet Princess Aleena at her private balcony as he'd agreed earlier with Alicia. A wide grin split his pale-skinned muzzle that flashed the chip in his right-side premolar. Without even considering it the cobalt-blue hedgehog jumped off the throne-arm of the stone monument and dropped down the huge ten foot monument and landed snow-booted-feet first on the tiled stone paving slabs of the public square. A cocky edge twisted his smile as his red snow-boots began to blur as he took off over the bridge over the Aviva River and off towards the palace…
'It really is something to behold, isn't it?' Princess Aleena uttered softly as she gazed up from the darkened palace grounds towards the multi-coloured lights that were slowly fading from the sky meaning that the sun must almost be out of angle of the Master Emerald on Angel Island. Since the lilac-furred princess was still dressed in her Anais-period costume from the ball earlier it meant that it was way too risky to leave the safety of the palace without someone recognising her for who she truly was. So instead the two hedgehogs had headed off to a secluded area of the large palace gardens and sat side by side on the cold frozen grass. They were surrounded by shrubbery which not only shielded them from open view but also protected them from the slightly chilly wind that was making the winter temperature drop further.
'Yeh..' Jules murmured softly as he wrapped an arm around the blonde-quilled princess' shoulders and pulled her closer to him, allowing her to press herself up against his own body for warmth. '-I never get tired of seeing it.' His red-mittened fingers flicked her shoulder affectionately as Princess Aleena leant her head comfortably against him, keeping her green eyes focused on the emerald-borealis above them as it faded away. They sat in silence as the light eventually vanished from view and the stars of the night began to twinkle brightly again.
'So you've spoken to Locke..' The princess eventually said as she turned her eyes to look up at the cobalt-blue hedgehog she was leaning against.
'Yup. I still can't believe that they're expecting an egg.' Jules said as his own warm-hazel eyes turned around to Princess Aleena. Lara-Le and Locke hadn't even been married a year before expecting a kiton. 'I didn't even know echidnae laid eggs, I nearly fell off my seat when Locke told me that.' He smirked in slight amusement to the blonde-quilled hedgehog who giggled slightly at his naivety. The princess then nuzzled into him, her pale-skinned fingers slipping inside his open navy jacket and encircling his middle for warmth and comfort.
'Really? Well I guess it's not really common knowledge; how echidnae reproduce. But Lara seemed happy about it.' The lilac-furred royal hedgehog ran her fingers up and down the red-fleece zip-top Jules was wearing under his navy jacket as she continued. 'Although it's beginning to sound like they can't agree on how to raise the kiton when it's hatched. Lara wants them to move to Albion to be with the other echidnae in Echidnaoplis but Locke is adamant that they should remain on the island.' Jules' red-mittened fingers tightened on her shoulder for a moment before relaxing and he resumed rubbing her shoulder to project a little warmth into the female hedgehog.
'Hmm.. Locke never mentioned anything like that to me.' Jules frowned slightly, not that the red-quilled echidna ever told him much about his personal affairs. The only thing the Guardian of the Master Emerald had told him was that he was expecting an egg and that he was nervous about being a father as he had a lot to live up to. They were guys, that was more than enough sharing for them and Locke seemed more interested in Jules' relationship issues than his own. 'I guess that since this kit is technically gonna be the next guardian he's just concerned that he won't be able to train it right if he's away from the Floating Island. Anyway, I'm sure they'll figure it out before the kit hatches..' He concluded and stopped rubbing her shoulder and let his arm move further down her body and slipped his red-mittened fingers around her lower-back, turning her slightly so she faced him and his other arm could slip comfortably around her too.
'I do hope so..' Princess Aleena sighed lightly as her fingers trailed back around his red fleece top and she stroked his chest with gentle caresses as her eyes narrowed.
'They will Al, just have a little faith.' The eighteen year old hedgehog smiled and replied lightly. He then moved his cobalt-quilled head closer to hers and tilted it slightly so their black noses wouldn't bump before his lips made contact with hers, kissing her deeply as his eyelids rolled shut. One of the princess' small pale-skinned hands raised upwards and touched the side of his face, her thumb gently tracing the semi-circle of cobalt fur that lined the pale-skinned cheek of his muzzle.
'I wish we didn't have to hide this way..' Princess Aleena sounded in a slightly breathless whisper the moment that their lips parted and this caused Jules to give an inward sigh at her words.
'I know you do but this is the way it has to be just now if we want to see each other.' Jules uttered back as his eyes remained narrowed in sympathy.
'It's just so hard and I hate lying to my father.' The lilac-furred seventeen year old hedgehog said in a hushed and frustrated tone. 'He doesn't deserve it..'
'You're right, he doesn't but you know as well as I do that his inner-circle would split into chaos if we were ever discovered and they could sway his judgement of me with their influence.' The cobalt-blue hedgehog added as his warm-hazel eyes narrowed.
'And then you would be instantly discharged and we'd never be permitted to see each other again. I know this dear..' Princess Aleena sighed sharply with a slightly disapproving roll of her eyes as she pulled away from him and folded her arms across her chest. 'But even a princess can still wish to be openly courted by the one she feels is truly worthy of her affections. It's why I envy all the other girls in Mobius, they have it so easy.'
'I know Al, I wish there was something I could do to help but I can't do that until I figure out how to prove myself to your father..' Jules scratched his clean-shaven muzzle thoughtfully before suddenly breaking his train of thought as the bells of the Mobotroplis Clock Tower could faintly be heard chiming midnight. 'In the meantime though, I better sneak you back inside before they discover your gone.' He added bouncing to his feet then sweeping her off of the grass and speeding off towards the palace.
'I really shouldn't be in your dressing room Ali.' Jules uttered as his stood uncomfortably inside of Princess Aleena's own private chambers. 'What if I'm caught?' He added as his hazel eyes looked anxiously around to see the royal lilac-furred hedgehog sitting on a stool in front of a mirror pulling the pins out of her elaborate bun.
'Relax. You will not get caught.' Princess Aleena's emerald-green eyes glanced at him from through the reflection of her mirror before she pulled the last few pins out and her bun and her blonde-quills fell loose, curling down her quill-free lilac-furred back. 'Besides, I cannot allow you to go just yet. I need you to do me a favour and then you may leave if it pleases you so.' She added primly as she got up again and moved behind a nearby screen and began to peel off her Anais-period dress off.
'What favour?' Jules asked as his warm-hazel eyes flicked uneasily around the room. He knew it was not gentlemobian behaviour to be inside a lady's dressing room but the princess had hauled him inside despite his hushed protests.
'I need you to unbind my corset for me.' She replied matter-of-factly as she removed yet another petticoat and dumped it with the others then kicked off her high-heeled shoes.
'Oh..' Jules intoned casually before her words truly hit his cobalt-pointed ears a second later. 'Wait.. What?!' His hazel eyes bulged almost comically in shock before he swivelled around towards the screen where the princess was stripping off behind it.
'Jules, keep your voice down. Do you want to wake my father?' Princess Aleena tutted disapprovingly as she finally ripped off the last petticoat and threw it down on the floor with the rest of them.
'Sorry..' Jules uttered apologetically as his pointed-ears dipped momentarily before they pricked up again and he frowned. 'But how else did you expect me to react to being told to take off your clothes?' He added, keeping himself turned in the opposite direction of the screen she was behind.
'Well I apologise for startling you but like I said; I need you to loosen the back for me.' The lilac-furred hedgehog added shortly.
'Why?' Jules replied with a slight shake of his head. Of all the things to ask him why would she ask him to undo her clothing?
'Because, I cannot summon one of my handmaidens to do it, it's far too late in the night and it would only arouse father's suspicions.' The princess replied in the same direct tone. 'So would you please be so kind as to help a lady out?' She added sweetly, hoping her tone would entice him into agreeing.
'Alright, fine..' Jules sounded reluctantly, giving in to her pleas but still in disbelief of what it was he was about to do. Princess Aleena smiled graciously from behind the screen before stepping out to face him. Before the teenage hedgehog could see anything more than her blonde-quills he covered his eyes with his white-gloved hand so he wouldn't see her undergarments. 'Whoa! You could've warned me you were coming out of there..' He added tersely in disbelief at her lack of modesty.
'Oh will you get a grip on yourself Jules.' Princess Aleena rolled her bright-green eyes and placed her hands squarely on the hips of her white-bloomers. 'These are renaissance-style under-garments. I'm well covered, you can look.' She added gently as her hands slipped from her hips and clasped together in front of her. The lilac-furred hedgehog felt a sudden flutter of butterflies hit her stomach as she'd never stood in front of a male in just her undergarments before, not even her own father. Even though she was well covered her situation was just unheard of in upper-class society as the only one who saw a lady's undergarments was her husband.
Slowly Jules removed his white-gloved hand from in front of his eyes then they opened and focusing on her face as a nervous smile curved her pale-skinned muzzle. He focused on her face before his eyes gingerly took in the rest of her. The princess was indeed well covered. She was wearing a cream whale-bone corset with a frilly white vest-top underneath it, a set of knee-length white bloomers with frills at the ends and a set of long white tights. Even though she wasn't wearing anything skimpy or overly-revealing, in fact the only thing on view was the high cleavage the corset had created, Jules still felt his cheeks grow hot at the fact she was stood in front of him in essentially just her underwear.
'Are you blushing Corporal Hedgehog?' Princess Aleena asked with a slight edge of teasing in her timid voice, after all she was also feeling a little exposed despite this being her idea.
'Heh, I… uh..' Jules stammered awkwardly as the pink tint in his cheeks suddenly deepened to a shade of rouge and he scratched his cobalt-furred head uneasily. 'C-can we just get this over with?' He asked as his embarrassed grin widened a little at her and the princess closed her eyes and nodded coyly. She then turned her back on him and pulled her long blonde-quills into her hand and moved them over her shoulder and exposing the ribbon-back of the corset to him. Jules let his hazel eyes travel over the weaved ribbon in the bodice before he looked confused towards Princess Aleena.
'H-how do I take this thing off?' He sounded sheepishly, still feeling the heat of his cheeks burn as his voice wavered a little nervously.
'You just have to undo the bow at the bottom and loosen the ribbons for me and I can do the rest.' The lilac-furred female hedgehog said softly she too felt a little flustered now but she managed to rein in her blushes. Jules' white-gloved fingers trembled as he slowly raised them to the princess' quill-free back and took hold of the end of the silk ribbon that was tied in a bow and pulled it so the loops fell apart. He instantly let go of the ribbon-ends and it dangled over her lower-back and brushed the curve of her pert rear. The cobalt-blue hedgehog then grimaced as his cheeks flushed slightly pink again as his eyes rose back towards the corset and his brow furrowed in bemusement.
'S-so how do I loosen it now?' Jules faltered slightly as his hands sat frozen in mid-air now, having no clue how a corset worked at all.
'Oh.. Right. Of course..' Princess Aleena's brilliant green eyes widened for a moment before she flushed a little, realising that it was obvious he wouldn't know what to do. 'You just, sort of, need to slip your fingers, uh, underneath the sides and pull it out slightly..' The lilac-furred hedgehog said, her tone coming out a little timid due to the nerves building up inside her as her pink flush deepened at the thought of him touching her lilac fur and skin. Jules kinked a brow as his own embarrassment dissipated at the sight of hers.
'Now who's blushing princess?' He lent in and uttered in a soft teasing tone as his eyes narrowed playfully.
'Jules..' Princess Aleena sounded as she turned her blonde-quilled head around to look over her shoulder coyly. The pupils of her emerald-green eyes were slightly dilated as her small fingers held her blonde-quills in front of her chest.
'Heh, just teasing darlin'..' The cobalt-blue older hedgehog smiled lightly before turning his eyes back to the ribbon that was weaved up the back of her corset. The lilac-furred princess smirked briefly then turned her head back around and closed her eyes with a soft sigh. Gingerly Jules' fingers moved towards the ribbon-weaved edge of her cream corset, quivering with nerves just like his trembling heart. His touch was feather-light as he laid his white-gloved palms on either side of her waist before his fingers gently curled around the edge of her corset. Princess Aleena kept her eyes shut but her neat eyebrow twitched as her own heart fluttered at the gentle pressure of his moving fingers on either side of her spine as he slowly prized the corset loose. His warm-hazel eyes continually glancing over to her, checking for some kind of sign that he was to stop. After a few moments Princess Aleena's eyes snapped open, her pink-painted mouth opened with a tiny gasp as her hands instantly let go of her quills and gripped her now loose corset. Jules automatically pulled his hands back and away from her as the lilac-furred lithe female hedgehog turned back around with her long blonde quills laying over her shoulder and her hands still resting on the bust of her corset.
'Thank you.' She murmured softly as her eyes blinked slowly.
'Heh, yeh. Your welcome Al..' Jules could feel the heat of his cheeks beginning to rise once more as he grimaced uncomfortably. 'Just don't ask me to do it again anytime soon, ok?'
'Heh, ok.' Princess Aleena replied as the heat in her own cheeks was still warm as they gazed at each other with a slightly bashful edge to their smiles. A small awkward silence before the younger lilac-furred hedgehog broke it. 'I meant what I said earlier Jules..' She paused and moved in a little closer to the taller cobalt-blue male hedgehog in front of her, her emerald-green eyes were warm and purposeful as she gazed up at him. The princess then pushed herself up onto the balls of her feet and kiss him sweetly. Immediately a white-gloved hand moving up to stroke the side of her lilac-furred head gently as his lips moved in sync with hers. The kiss deepened quickly until they finally pulled apart, clinging to each other while trying to control their ragged breathing and raging hormones.
'I love you..' Princess Aleena muttered idly as she gazed deeply into his narrowed warm-hazel eyes. A small tender smile curved Jules' pale-muzzle at her words.
'I know..'
Little Notes:
Hey peeps, unfortunately I had hoped to have this chapter posted right after the New Year but unfortunately I had to move house so that put updating the story on hold. Anyway, it's here now so that's all that matters..
Ok, as you can guess by a few things the whole Festival of Lights celebration was supposed to be my take on a kind of Christmassy and New Year chapter and the serious time jump was necessary to get the ball rolling for the next story arc which starts in the next chapter. This chapter features the war a little more heavily with the pang of loss and how it's beginning to really affect Mobius now..
I won't ruin anymore for you yet but the next chapter will stir things up a bit..
See you soon…
~Ditzy xx