31 Days of Sonic Prompt 8: Royalty.
Globetrotting
The world was, finally, at peace. After more than a decade of battling, the Freedom Fighters had defeated Robotnik. The air was fresh, and the waters were clear. Not a scant trace of pollution existed, allowing Sonic to see the natural blue shade of the sky. Foliage replaced metal and decaying trees in the forests, and new civilizations substituted monochromatic factories with living Mobians rather than roboticized minions.
It was paradise, one that Sonic could finally explore. With the wind blowing through his quills, he had the chance to see what the planet had in store for him. Whether it was speeding through rocky canyons that spanned miles or relaxing on beaches with golden shorelines, Sonic wanted to experience everything Mobius now had to offer.
But he didn't want to go it alone. While he enjoyed his private time, he wanted his best friend to take in the beauty of the world they had saved. With Mobotropolis in the process of being rebuilt and the king restored to power, he knew they were both ready to take the plunge into the beautiful unknown.
After all, Sally had carried the Freedom Fighters on her back for years. She deserved a break to enjoy the fruits of her labor. He had remembered how Rosie, gathering the children around a campfire, told them stories about Mobius before Robotnik's invasion. Catching glimpses of the fascination and longing on her face while she listened to every detail, Sonic knew Sally wanted just as he dreamed.
Sonic darted into the castle decorated in the finest marble. He weaved through the halls he remembered from childhood, now with a new coat of paint. Coming to a short stop in front of large double doors, he slicked his quills back and pushed them open, not bothering to knock. He was already more than welcomed by the Acorns.
"Yo, Sal, are you in here?" he called, shutting the door behind him.
He surveyed the royal meeting room, which consisted of a circular table draped in fine linen, oak furniture, and a tea set spread on a cart. King Acorn and Sally sat together at the far end, their attention on a map. Ari and Lupe sat adjacent to them, the ram pointing at one of the continents while Lupe sipped her tea. They looked over at Sonic, evidently surprised by his appearance.
Sonic paused, then broke into a grin. "Oh, mind if I cut in? Or are you guys busy with drawn-out diplomacy?"
Sally rolled her eyes. "Such decorum, Sonic Hedgehog. Haven't you heard of knocking?"
"Well, I would have knocked, but I seem to recall being allowed to come and go as I please," Sonic said, strolling toward them and giving a friendly wave to the others. "Ari, Lupe, Majesty, sup?"
As Ari and Lupe greeted him, King Acorn chuckled. "Hello, Sonic. You made a fair point." He folded his hands on the table. "So, what is on your mind?"
"Well, I'm about to take off." Sonic hitched his thumbs over his shoulders. "Y'know, globetrotting. With Robuttnik gone, I can finally explore Mobius without any of that grody grime." He snapped his fingers and aimed his index fingers at Sally. "And I know my main squeeze definitely wants to tag along after those plans we made last night. Ready to blow this chili dog stand, Sal?"
As soon as he asked, Sally's expression fell. Her shoulders tensed. She peered between Sonic and her father, uncertainty touching her features. She hesitated, humming, her brows knitting together, and Sonic's confidence dipped.
"Oh, Sonic, I would if I could," she began, rubbing her arm, "but I have to help my father. We just started coordinating relief efforts in rural parts of Mobius recovering from Robotnik's rule. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting here for me." She offered him a weak smile, the corners of her lips wilting downward. "You go on ahead. I don't want to hold you back. Duty calls, after all."
Sonic let her words sink in. He hadn't expected her gentle rejection. He had wanted to experience what the world had to offer with her, but she was a princess. She had her commitment to her people, especially with order restored. Everyone looked to her for guidance, for she had led the Freedom Fighters ever since she was a young girl, sacrificing her childhood in the process. (Sonic had, too, but he understood her burden reached an unfathomable depth.)
King Acorn shot out of his seat. He stared at Sally with an expression Sonic couldn't place. When Sonic looked at Lupe and Ari, they donned similar visages with knowing grins. A jolt of irritation ran through him, prompting his foot to tap when Sally questioned her father.
"Daddy, what is it? Are you okay?" she wondered, but he slowly shook his head.
"I'm fine, perfectly so," he said, "but you aren't."
Her voice came out as a squeak. "Me?"
"Yes, you." He lightly tapped her nose, but his humor quickly faded. "I'm surprised at myself, though. I should've realized this was the case after I mentioned the relief effort this morning. You seemed surprised, sad, but I didn't make a question out of it."
Sonic was unsure how to access his comments. He approached Lupe's side, saying, "Whoa, hey, Sire, no need to get all self-reflective. You haven't done anything wrong."
King Acorn smiled at him. "I can see why you think that way, but I have a good understanding of my daughter's feelings." He ruffled Sally's hair. "My little girl has been working tirelessly for the kingdom and the world. She's still selflessly putting everyone ahead of her own wishes."
Sally shook her head. Threading her fingers through her hair, she fixed her coif. "No, Daddy, I'm - I want to help you and everyone whenever I can. It is what I want."
"Hence the selfless part, Princess Sally," Ari added. "You've been a leader for years. Maybe it's time you let your father take over."
"Not that you're being replaced," Lupe corrected, raising her hand. "We all think it, but Sonic's offer allowed us to say it. You should be out having new experiences." She rested her hand over her chest. "Enjoy the peace you've won, princess, with the one who helped you through everything. "
Sonic agreed. They precisely said what was on his mind. Sally was a source of admiration for everyone in the kingdom and worldwide, but she needed time for herself. The world she wanted to see, the world she wanted to live in, was in her grasp, and he wanted to share it with her, which was a dream they had held dear since they were children.
"Sally, my only Sally," King Acorn said, kneeling in front of her and cupping her left shoulder, "you've ruled with honor in my stead. You've carried that burden far longer than any child should. It's time for you to live your life-" He gestured for Sonic to come closer, and when he did, he held Sonic's right shoulder. "-with someone you love."
Sally gasped. Sonic could have sworn he saw a tear in her eye, but she would have denied it. She nodded, slowly becoming more vigorous, and she threw her arms around her father. As he embraced her, Sally thanked him, and Sonic and the king shared a thumbs-up, their happiness assured.
Sally gave Sonic her full attention. He took in the twinkle in her eyes, a trait she had once lost in childhood. She was just as thrilled as him. Sally offered him her hand, and he cradled her smaller palm.
Sally lowered her voice. "Ready to see the world, Sonic?"
He grinned. "I've been waaaiting for years, Sal."
"Oh, brother," she murmured without a hint of annoyance.
Sonic scooped Sally into his arms, marveling at her warmth. Without another word, he shot off, a blue streak speeding out of Mobotropolis to see the world. As long as they were together, Sally laughing as the wind brushed through her hair, Sonic knew their future was brighter than ever.
