Merendinoemilano: It was the technical end of the arc, so I hoped it would be good.
Daedriel: I did want to show Johan and Ceawlin working together as a sort of unifying factor. This enemy warranted their anger against each other being dropped. Sarat's surrender was really to buy time for his horn to heal. I tried to leave it to implication, but he was watching their society, and did come to the conclusion that they were not Saxons by nature. As for Geoffrey's words, both he and Sarat are liars, manipulators. Theirs words don't mean as much.
The Fandom is funny with how passionate they get. I like the passion, I just wish they would turn it into stories and not angry mobs. I've already said my philosophy on if I don't like something, I leave it alone.
I am surprised you and others actually took a liking to Johan. I felt like people wouldn't like him, but I had his ideas and personality fleshed out, so I went with him. Granted, I did not expect this story to go on for this many chapters, but as I've said before, certain ideas need more words than I expected to create. Still, I've also had a lot of fun writing this story, and my other ones.
/*-*/
Sonic stood at the doorway of his manor. He looked at the devastation from the Dark Guard's attack. He could see the darkened ground where Sarat had died. His blood seemed to stain the ground, and no amount of digging got up the stains. It was eerie, like his blood cursed the very ground beneath their feet.
Sonic took a deep breath.
"Sonic, you did what you could… it wasn't all your fault." Sally's voice soothed him from behind, as her hand rubbed down his shoulder.
Sonic nodded and sighed, but that didn't mean that everything. He saw the shrouds being carried through the city streets. The creature had surprisingly only killed four people, but those four didn't need to die.
Sonic actually took the time to dress up for the occasion. He wasn't sure what to say at the eulogies, Sonic didn't even know the dead very well. He was still going to attend though. He owed them that much.
Sonic zipped with the convoy that carried the dead cargo. He simply helped the group of citizens who were struggling with the biggest shroud and helped lift the back. They seemed surprised by Sonic's involvement, but they nodded sadly at Sonic.
They carried the people out of the west gate, into the forest, and further through the forested hills. They finally stopped at the place of the great lake. Sonic bowed his head as the caskets were lowered onto wooden boats.
Sonic then ran and stood in the massive crowd that had gathered to honor the dead. Sonic didn't even hear what was being said about the fallen. His mind turned to their faces, their bloodied bodies. Sonic's mind wandered to the Wolf who'd fought to protect him, but didn't fight to save his people. Sonic wonder where the Wolverines were.
The Bear stood on boxes and finished his thoughts as the shrouds were pushed out by boat, and dropped into the lake.
"Where is the Wolverine? The one who avenged these good souls!" An elderly muskrat cried out.
The crowd began to murmur in approval.
"He's gone." Sonic called out, "I don't know where, but he's out doing something, hopefully important."
The muskrat nodded sadly.
They returned to the city, and Sonic slumped inside his room. It wasn't what was said that hurt him, but the undertones that were. Sonic didn't protect his people, the Wolverines did. He was failing, and Sonic didn't know how to stop.
Sonic growled and kicked his bed frame. He was frustrated! Sonic wasn't Jealous, he was just tired of feeling helpless, useless. Maybe Johan was right. If Sonic had gone for the kill, maybe those people wouldn't have died. But then, how could Sonic say he was any better than the Dark Guard.
Sonic flopped back on his back.
"Sonic… how are you doing?" Sally peaked through the doorway. Sonic turned and saw her looking at him rather pitifully. Then Sonic's nose lit up. She smelled… harsh and sour.
Sonic scrunched his face as the smelled breached his nose and into his brain, "AAHHH!"
"Sonic, what's wrong?" Sally asked desperately, rushing in. The smell intensified as she got closer, putting Sonic's nose in more agony.
"GAAH, how much Garlic have you eaten?" Sonic demanded, feeling his head start to hurt.
"Oh… I've had a few good dishes." Sally smiled, slumping down slightly.
"Have you been bathing in it?" Sonic asked, before realize how mean he was being. He didn't to hurt her feelings.
Sally scowled at him, "I'll have you know Garlic helps deal with infections. You would know that if you weren't such a-" She stopped herself, panting and bowing her head.
"A what?" Sonic scowled at her, feeling all of his pain and regret building up into anger.
Sally raised her hands, "I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry. I know it smells bad, but trust me, I need this."
Sonic wanted to pry further, but he realized that there was really nothing going to come from it. Just more angry words, so Sonic asked, "Is this going to be a consistent thing?"
Sally nodded slowly, "Just until the infection is over."
Sonic sighed, "Well, could you try to at least tone down the smell a bit. It's really strong."
Sally blinked, clearly getting agitated with Sonic, before nodding, "I guess." She sounded exhausted.
Sonic leaned in and kissed her, ignoring the immense burning that came to his nose as up close and personal garlic battled his nose.
Sally leaned back into the kiss, before pulling away slightly, "So… what's wrong with you?"
Sonic sighed, slumping down, "I feel like I failed everyone. I was trying to keep everyone safe, and yet people got hurt."
Sally shook her head, "You can't blame yourself for all that happened. Stuff happens. You can't save everyone. There is no garuntee that when I'm in trouble, you can save me. You tried your best. Don't think less of yourself." She cuddled closer to Sonic.
Sonic smiled and leaned back into her, "I guess."
Sally sighed and pulled away, "Well, Freedom Headquarters needs repairs. If you want something to take your mind off everything, you can go help Elias."
Sonic thought for a moment. He did need to clear his head. So Sonic ran to Freedom HQ and walked inside. The placed didn't look any better than he left two days ago, aside from damaged tables and chairs being pushed up against the wall.
Sonic saw Bunnie pulling out framing equipment in the interrogation room. Sonic saw Elias carrying out chunks of concrete as Bunnie straightened the wiring to the lights.
Sonic approached Elias, "What can I do to help?"
"Get me something for my head." Elias groaned, rubbing his forehead as he set a concrete chunk in a pile, "That monster hit me pretty hard."
"Ceawlin hurt you pretty bad, huh?" Sonic asked, before rushing back into the kitchen and grabbing some mint and whiskey.
"Yeah, but he wasn't trying to kill us, so I guess we're good. " Elias chewed on the mint, and drank a shot of whiskey, "I guess if you want to help, you can mix some concrete with us."
Sonic nodded and saw the bags out. He picked them up and went to work, mixing and setting the concrete around the repaired wires. Bunnie was working to reset the lights.
Sonic then zipped over to the Carpenter's guild, "Hey, I need a new table, can you guys make me one?"
The head carpenter looked at Sonic with hesitation, "You didn't have a lot to say about those good people who died."
Sonic lowered his head. He was trying to move on, but maybe that wasn't fair, "I know… I don't know what to say. All I know is that I'm sorry. I don't want anyone to get hurt in my duchy, so I am… trying..."
The fox looked back at Sonic, but his strong posture changed, and softened, "Ok… I understand. We'll get your table done in a few days."
Sonic nodded, and zipped back to Freedom HQ. He told Elias the good news, and they followed Nicole's instructions as she directed them on how to fix their base. Sonic had Tails fix the areas that were too high to for him reach.
Things changed, however, when at lunchtime. Sonic zipped back to his house, and entered the dining room.
Christina set fish in red sauce on the table with some pasta. Sonic sat next to Sally, who had a weaker garlic smell on her. It was at least bearable. Speaking of Garlic, there was bread with crushed garlic over the top.
Sonic enjoyed some bites of the bread with Sally, who apparently was really craving garlic. Sonic was about to eat his pasta, when he heard a knock at the door. Sonic groaned as he zipped out to the door, and opened it, "What do you-" Sonic realized it was a royal messenger.
"You are called on for the council of Nobles to discuss future laws for the kingdom." The herald bowed, before turning around.
Great, another time for Sonic to put on a fancy suit and listen to yelling for a few hours. Sonic still had to attend, or Frederick would get mad at him. Sonic understood Frederick's reasoning though, so he decided to go, at least later. It was in four days, and to any other noble, that would have meant an immediate trip.
Sally and Sonic had plenty of time.
Sonic returned to the table and at with Sally.
"What was that about." Sally asked, taking a bite of pasta and bread.
"Nagus is gathering the nobles." Sonic took a massive bite of pasta, and swallowed before saying, "I guess he wants more money or laws."
"We have to attend. It's our duty." Sally felt the need to explain. Sonic nodded.
"I know, I know." Sonic repeated, "That being said, You've got the fastest vehicle alive." Sonic grinned at Sally.
She smiled and shook her head, "Well, I guess I have to put my faith in you."
"Awe, you act like I fail often." Sonic feigned looking wounded.
Sally shook her head, "Oh shut up you."
/*-*/
Fiona stood in the strangest place. The air itself was sweeter than pie. She stood at a lake, with a massive tree which sprung into the sky, beautiful apples hanging from it.
She walked across the ground, and she couldn't explain the feeling in her heart. She was so… happy. Unreasonably so. Fiona felt like crying. She wasn't even concerned by the fact that she was naked.
Then Fiona felt the light. It shined, again too bright to see through overhead.
Fiona closed her eyes and bowed her head, "Thank you for helping me with Scourge."
"I have delivered you from evil, just as I said I would." The booming voice proclaimed.
Fiona kept her bow, "Thank you. Scourge is… terrifying."
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you, and I am greater than the things of this world." The voice boomed over her, "I will deliver you from the serpents of forest and the wolves of the mountains. In the nest of the enemy, I shall make a way for you."
Fiona nodded slowly, but had her doubts. The "nest of the enemy"? What did that mean?
"Do not be afraid, I am with you." The glow demanded. Fiona felt herself responding to his words, the deep booming voice, feeling herself relax from the words.
"Y-yes, but what is going to happen? What are you going to do?" Fiona demanded, feeling frustrated with the vagueness of God's command.
"Have faith, I have never abandoned you, and I shall not." The booming voice commanded.
Fiona kept her face down as the booming voice commanded her once again, "You will go forth, and be a testament to my presence. All those around you will see your faith in me, and you will be exalted among them."
Fiona had no idea what he was talking about, but she kept her head down.
"Awaken." The voice commanded.
Fiona bolted awake and looked around the room. It was still dark, and Fiona got out of bed. She walked over to the window and looked out. The sun wasn't even high in the sky yet.
Fiona still got dressed and went outside. She decided to leave the safety of the manor, and go out into the city. She walked the streets with a few jewels in her pocket.
Fiona didn't feel fantastic, but she also didn't feel terrible either. She kept walking, and as she walked. Fiona saw a light blue-almost grey wolf with no leg. He had a wooden bottle in his hand, and was passed out on the side of a building.
She got lower. It wasn't her fault he was like this. He needed to get better though, and something willed her to help him. She leaned down and shook the wolf be his working.
"W-whas tha… oh… Sarah… there you are… come to visit your old man…" The wolf mutter in a dreary haze.
"I'm not Sarah." Fiona sighed looking away from the old wolf who had probably been abandoned by his family.
"Oh… Sorry miss." The wolf grumbled, before blinking, "Lady, I don't have a lot of money."
Fiona raised an eyebrow before looking down and realizing how she looked with her open belly and high-shorts, "No, I'm not one of those people. I just wanted to get you some help." She dropped a ruby into his bowl next to him, before saying, "Come on, let's go to the carpenters and get you a wooden leg."
"Legs are expensive, miss. I don't think I can afford it." The wolf slumped back, clearly hung over.
"I just gave you a ruby, that should cover everything." Fiona groaned, before sighing, "Come on, I'll pay for everything."
She knew to get to the Carpenter's guild early, before they could get too deep into their work.
Fiona practically carried the wolf to the edge of the city, the Sun was still hidden beneath the tree line, but the carpenters were bustling with lanterns and new lights as wiring worked its way through the kingdom, ever so slowly.
"N-No! Not the Monsters!" The old Wolf screams and pulled away from Fiona, falling down.
Fiona groaned as she realized she was dealing quite possibly a crazy person. She growled and walked over to him, "Come on, there's no monsters out there."
Fiona pushed down the strange feeling of dread that began to grow in her heart. She pushed it aside and grabbed the wolf's arm, trying to pull him to his feet.
The wolf frantically shook his head, "The Monsters are in there!"
He sounded actually terrified. Fiona almost believed him, but if he was crazy, everything that was scary would seem real. Fiona growled, "We're going to get you a leg, and then we're going to get you some help. I don't get paid… at all, let alone enough for this." Fiona growled again before pulling him to his feet and carrying him towards the large building.
Then Fiona saw the darkness move out of the corner of her eyes. She froze as the Wolf began to panic and tried to back away, "Please, get them away!" He cried.
Fiona gulped as light began to crack over the tree line which led to bits of light shining through the leaves. Fiona got a glimpse of a humanoid shape. It wasn't a person like she though, there was enough differences that made her very much understand that it was not a human given her limited experience.
She could feel the dark, presence as the words came rushing back. I will deliver you from the serpents of the forest
Fiona gulped, but stood up. She saw the row of teeth open up and glisten against the black shell-like skin. The bright razors at least let Fiona make out the location of the monster. Then two more sets appeared. More light began to rain down in the forest, and Fiona could make out the rounded heads and bodies.
They looked like they had short, blunt tails. Nothing sharp or dangerous, but she could see the ridges from where the tails sprouted and grew. Fiona grabbed the wolf and demanded, " Keep going, calm down."
The wolf struggled but Fiona growled and dragged him forward. She could feel the eyes of the creatures on them as she pulled the wolf. He kept trying to break out of her grip, but Fiona now knew she needed to pull him inside, or they were going to die.
Fiona kept dragging the wolf towards the large mill. The sound of the mill starting up filled Fiona's ears as they got closer. She could feel herself getting more and more panicked as time went on.
The Dark creatures then took their steps out of the tree line. Fiona realized that they were going to chase them down and probably hurt/kill them, and she did not have time to be dead.
Fiona dared to turn her back to try to open the door, grabbing the handle and jerking on it desperately. Fiona ran up the steps, before her ears flicked. She saw the dark form jumping at her.
Fiona pushed the wolf down and rolled out of the way. She threw a kick, into the side of the tall creature attempting to bruise its side or something. Instead, Fiona felt her legs slam into a solid chunk, as if the creature was made of metal.
The momentum of the attack pushed Fiona to the ground, and the black creature stood over her, its serrated, large, white teeth appearing in her view as the sun cast up over the trees.
Fiona reached around as the creature pinned her to the ground. She grasped for anything that could help her. She felt a rock, and pulled against it as the creature dove in to bite her.
She slammed the rock into its throat which prompted a recoil from the creature. It backed off her as it gagged to try and get the stone out of its mouth.
The other two had began to circle the one-legged wolf, who was frequently screaming and flailing his arms about. Fiona couldn't hear anything over the sound of a saw buzzing from the inside of the mill.
Fiona was able to roll backward and pressed her back up against the mill, directly under a lantern. She carefully caught her breath. Her feet didn't do a lot to these monsters. She needed to move in and save The old Wolf before something happened to him. Fiona had no way of stopping these creatures.
She growled, balling her fist, before looking up at the Lantern. Everything that was alive could burn. Fiona watched as the Black creature coughed up the bits of rock, before it focused back on her.
Fiona slowly crept her hand upward to grab the lantern. The Creature snarled at her, and the other two that were circling the wolf gave up and focused on her. That was a bright side. Fiona would die protecting this stupid old wolf.
She'd take one of these monsters with her. Fiona grabbed the bottom of the lantern and lifted it up into her hand.
The center monster jumped at her, and Fiona swung the lantern around, watching it burst against the monster's head. Strangely, the monster dove away as its skin ignited and burned all up and down its hide.
Fiona blinked as it crawled along the ground, screeching and whimpering. Fiona's eyes then turned to the other two. She took a deep breath, and balled her fist, ready to fight once again.
The right creature jumped at her, and Fiona braced. The sound of thunder rippled through the air and the creature's head exploded. Fiona dove out of the way as the last creature turned in the direction of the shot. Its head then exploded with the sound of thunder once again.
Fiona panted and raised herself up. She looked in the distance, and saw the hooded figure with an incredibly long rifle in his/her hands. Fiona blinked as the Figure gave her a two finger salute, before running into the forest where the creatures had come.
The old wolf on the ground panted, "Are they gone?"
Fiona walked over to him, "Yeah, they're gone. A… friend dealt with them." Fiona sighed, not sure if the shooter was on their side, but she didn't have a reason to question it. Yet.
/*-*/
Johan opened his eyes. Johan had no idea of the time, but his belly ached, and so Johan walked over to the storage on the ship. He began to tear into the raw meat, and then into the fruits and cheeses. Johan had put his faith in his wolf-companion, who had asked, not to join him, but to receive a voucher from him.
Johan would give her his support when the time came, but he would probably be good to learn her name. She was a troubled soul, likely seeking redemption with the sword. Johan could respect that.
Johan continued to eat, feeling the food restore some of his strength. Then Johan grabbed a barrel of mead, and opened the top of the barrel. He began to drink from the keg, tasting the sweet liquid which soothed his throat.
Johan suddenly jerked around to see Ezra standing in the doorway, "Oh… its you." She mumbled, "Sorry, I thought someone had broken in."
"A thief would be a fool for stealing from me." Johan growled, feeling exhausted again. He should not have pushed his body so far, but the threat of the Dark Guard nesting was too great to ignore.
With his Wolf companion dealing with the Dark Guard's spawns, Johan finally had time to rest, and prepare for the next battle.
Ezra seemed to be waiting for him to respond to something. Johan focused once again, "Repeat what you have said, I was thinking."
"We've finished fueling the ship. The repairs are complete, ammo is ready, we can leave whenever." Ezra shifted and looked at Johan almost with pity.
Johan growled, "Good, We can prepare to leave when the time comes." Johan felt better, his body felt full, and the mead helped him calm down, and make up for more lost sleep.
"When the time is right? Are you ok?" Ezra asked, sounding actually worried about Johan.
Johan growled, " I am fine… There is much to do in this kingdom…. I cannot leave yet."
"When does your contract expire?" Ezra asked, still worried about Johan.
Johan stopped and thought about his contract. It would expire midday at the end of the month. Johan growled, "Do not concern yourself with it." Johan growled.
Ezra nodded, and Johan returned to his space in the throne room. His eyes wandered to the Roboticizer. He was missing something, a piece he didn't understand. The language blocked something from Johan's sight.
He was frustrated by the lack of progress. Johan slammed his fist into the metal beneath him, before closing his eyes. Perhaps dreams would grant him the knowledge he needed. Instead, there was only darkness.
Johan had truly exhausted himself to go without dreams. It didn't matter though. Johan opened his eyes, and followed the smell of the troll. Nagus was there, ready, cheerful by his scent, and energetic. The vote was coming, and Nagus was confident.
Johan stood up and waited as Nagus finally entered the command room. He let out a long breath, clearing out the morning, or rather evening taste in his mouth.
Nagus grinned, "Ah, there is my faithful brute. Your little letters are going help me change this kingdom. If only you understood what you were doing." He seemed to be laughing, his adrenaline surging with the power he believed he wielded.
Johan let out a growled, before sighing, "You are making your move?"
"Of course, my simple minded… companion." Nagus grinned, clearly giddy from the feeling of power, "The nobles will assembly, and my dearest pig puppet has already paid for most of their votes."
"And your wisdom has led you to promote a war tax, with those who serve being free from it." Johan growled, prying into the old king's head.
"Of course I did. I already told you in our last meeting that I came up with the idea before I even met you." Nagus spat at Johan, as if he was angered by Johan's questioning. Johan was the one who proposed the idea, of course.
"And you will push for martial education among the young?" Johan asked again. He wanted to make sure that the fool had not forgotten any of the necessary reforms that Johan had provided for him.
"Yes, yes, of course. I have the bills written up. The kids will have rifle training. I Know what my plan is!" Nagus snarled, grumbled, "Why did I even come here? You're too stupid to see the genius vision I have. I'll disarm the nobles, and then I'll be free to do as I see fit."
Johan cocked his head, "Disarm?"
"Yes, I'll demand the dissolution of their retinues, that means they have to break up their little armies, and then I'll have all of them working for me." Nagus growled in an insulting way.
Johan shook off the insult and instead focused on the immediate threat, " I would not recommend that. They will need their armies."
"Why? Are they going to attack me?" Nagus growled, suddenly taking a tone of suspicion, " Are you meeting with them?"
Johan growled into a sigh, before groaning ,"I am not meeting with them. Noble like their power, and you will turn them against you if you try to deny them that power."
"And what will they do?" Nagus sneered confidently, "They won't have enough men to do anything against me."
"They will build armies, and unite against you." Johan clarified, getting low, "They will unite behind their hatred of your demands. Your other policies don't harm them much, but this will make you seem greedy and vile." Johan explained these things to the old fool.
Nagus shouted, throwing his scepter up, "What do you know? You aren't king!"
Johan growled, but reminded himself that Nagus still had his used, "I simply assume you wish to rule this land without much struggle."
Nagus blinked for the moment, before nodding, eyeing Johan suspiciously, "Yes… yes, I think I will let the nobles keep their armies for a bit longer. They can be useful… perhaps."
Johan nodded, before presenting his next idea, "There are some ideals that may need to be addressed. There are many good leaders from… unknown births. A wise king would make use of these good commanders, but perhaps that idea is too ambitious for you."
Nagus jeered his head, " What? You dare call me a coward."
"You are scared but no coward for not challenging the idea. There are some who do not wish to see anyone rise to the position to challenge the nobility with their leadership." Johan could feel Nagus growing angrier.
Nagus got angry, before smiling, "I know…. I am about to integrate the Freedom Fighters into the standing army… I'll include a little clause in the bill that establishes the right of promotion for exemplary service, that means good men get promoted." Nagus continued to insist.
Johan nodded. He'd kept Nagus in power for a little longer. Nagus was quick to anger, and proud. That made him rather easy to suggest things to. Nagus in his blind anger and pride would make decisions that he believed was best for himself. The wise councilor could make sure that others benefited from his decision.
Johan bowed his head, "Indeed, your wisdom and power are on display for the world to see."
Nagus laughed angrily, "Yes, you might have a brain in that thick skill of yours yet."
Johan watched him turn around. The freedom to promote peasants would create problems with the nobles, but not enough to turn into civil war. These reforms were necessary for the kingdom's survival.
/*-*/
Alright, Sonic is dealing with the aftermath of the Dark Guard invasion. Fiona has run into thralls, and they're surely wiped out…right? Ideas are being clashed over behind closed doors.
Next chapter brings back the politics of the kingdom… with a few changes in mind.
Please leave a review and tell me what you thought of the chapter.
