MerendinoEmilano: I'm glad you enjoyed them
/*-*/
The sun was setting outside the manor. Sonic finished folding his cloak, before spinning around to make sure he looked presentable or at least good enough to not send Sally into an angry mood swing. Sonic saw every quill in its place. Sonic wasn't exactly doing anything with his quills, but the noble outfit was well ironed and smooth.
Sonic nodded to himself, "Yep, you look good." Sonic then walked out of his room and saw Sally waiting there for him. She had smile plastered on her face.
"There's my Handsome hedgie." Sally stood up and wrapped her arms around on his neck and leaned in to kiss him.
Sonic returned her kiss, and hugged her tightly. They brushed their heads together and Sonic looked down her body. She was a little thicker than before, but Sonic remembered that Doctor Quack had told him that she would likely gain some weight.
Sonic held Sally there for a moment. She still looked fantastic in her purple dress, Sonic could have danced and smooched on her all night.
Unfortunately, They had things to do. Sally pulled back and smiled up at Sonic, "I'd love to stay and cuddle for all eternity, but we do have to go and take care of Nagus."
Sonic dropped his head, before smiling and laughing, "Come on, the nobles hate Nagus. What ever he has planned, they won't pass it."
Sally giggled, before shaking her head, "You're probably right, but it's not about Nagus or the Nobility. It's about tradition and the need to represent our people."
Sonic hated when she was right… who was he kidding, he knew she was usually right, "Yeah, I guess we need to head out."
"We can't afford to be late. Are you sure you can get us there in time?" Sally taunted with a grin.
Sonic faked an outraged look, "MY LADY! I am the fastest thing alive." Sonic scooped up Sally, "I'll get you there before you even think we left."
Sonic zipped out of the building and bolted straight to the royal palace. Sonic felt the wind split around him as he skidded to a halt in front of the large gate with the Hetorians.
"Sonic the Hedgehog and Sally Acorn, reporting for the Council of Nobles." Sonic smiled with Sally in his arms.
The Hetorian looked at Sally, and gave her a respectful nod.
Sally turned to Sonic and grinned as they opened the gates. They walked into the courtyard… thirty minutes early.
Sonic set Sally down, "See, We're still early."
"Sonic, It's important to be social with your peers." Sally scold and walked off to talk with some foxes.
Sonic sighed and looked around. One Fox who wasn't busy that Sonic wouldn't mind talking to came over.
Frederick smiled at Sonic, "I'm pleased to see that you took my words to heart."
Sonic laughed, "I'm just here to make sure Nagus don't ruin our kingdom." He popped his back, as Frederick nodded his head in approval.
"Indeed. I would like to discuss how you handled my sister." Frederick smiled turned into a forced smirk.
Sonic gulped as he realized what was going on, " I didn't do anything."
"I find that hard to believe. She stayed with you for… a long time." Frederick pointed out.
"Yeah, and we had fun, but it didn't escalate." Sonic Tried to explain.
"I'm not… opposed to your relationship, but I would appreciate some honesty." Frederick sighed, clearly agitated.
Sonic growled, "There is nothing going on between us." Sonic had his fist balled angrily. Something about the accusation was embarrassing. There wasn't anything to be ashamed of though. It wasn't a rare statement to say Fiona was gorgeous.
Still, Sonic felt nervous around that accusation.
Sally walked back over, and Frederick's nose twitched.
"I… Seem to not be very popular." Sally sighed, clearly dismayed at the lack of popularity.
"Might it be because you smell of Garlic? That is a very strong smell, mind you." Fredrick winced and closed his eyes. Sonic could see tears around the edges.
The Hedgehog blinked, "Garlic?" Sonic realized that he had probably spent so much time around Sally that he had gotten used to the smell. Judging by the nobles' reactions, Sonic was inclined to see that she did, indeed smell of garlic.
Sally frowned, "I… Need this. I have my reasons." She shifted nervously.
"Might it be a craving?" Frederick asked, not so subtly.
Sally looked down at her belly which hadn't grown that much, but apparently she was very self-conscious. Still, Sally gave her upfront answer, "I suppose so." She answered coldly.
"I did not mean to offend. You are still very beautiful, I just don't believe I have ever seen you-" Frederick started, before shutting his mouth, clearly understanding what Sonic had learned: Sometimes talking didn't do anything good for your case.
Sally smiled, "It's fine. I know I've let myself go." She stated simply. Sally probably didn't want to spend a bunch of time explaining her infection to him.
Sonic looked up and saw the Herald come out into the courtyard, "Please enter, we will begin Shortly."
Sally and Sonic walked inside to the auditorium, and walked down the stairs behind several of the nobles. They took their seats in the perfect center of the rows and columns of chairs. Sonic was amazed that they had such a fine spot to see everything.
Sonic did notice how the nobles seemed to hesitate when working their way down the row around them. Sally's new diet was clearly keeping some away. Sonic's ears overheard a couple nobles talking about how she stunk. They were younger, and Sonic felt a bit of a need to put them in their place.
Sally's face, however, told Sonic that he needed to stay there and help her feel better. She looked depressed, and Sonic couldn't have that.
"Hey… You're beautiful, and awesome." Sonic whispered as the nobles finally settled on who would sit next to them. Sonic held Sally's hand and she smiled and leaned on his shoulder.
"I know. I just don't like feeling so… Alone." Sally mumbled, sighing.
"You aren't alone, I'm with you." Sonic smiled, and kissed the top of her head, getting whiff of Garlic that he hadn't gotten used to yet.
"Attention! Attention! His majesty will now grace you all with his presence." The Herald walked out on to the stage. The curtains began to roll back, and Sonic saw the Council of Acorn waiting in their chairs. Nagus, however, apparently had no time for formalities and was already on the stage.
"Good Evening, my loyal Subjects. It pleases me that so many of you have come to attend this very historic event." Nagus smiled and Sonic felt a shiver down his spine. Nagus was playing something, and Sonic didn't know what he was planning, or had planned. Sonic's eyes drifted to Hamlin, who looked down nervously.
Something had happened to him, and Sonic's slight shiver turned into outright fear. What was going on?
Nagus continued, "I have come with several reforms which will be passed today. These reforms are necessary for the future of our kingdom, and your continued prosperity." He took a threatening tone with the audience. Sonic was waiting for someone to speak up.
The older wolf stood up from the right side of the Auditorium, "If you have nothing to offer us outside of your arrogant posturing, then I believe we will simply vote to conclude this meeting and return home."
Sonic expected Nagus to explode in anger. Instead, Sonic saw him simply growl. He was calmer, and still very smug, "Yes… I suppose I should speed this along. I am going to pass a new war-tax, to promote the idea of supporting the war effort with manpower. We are going to implement a two percent tax on every household that does not have a volunteer in the army. I call for a vote from the Republic."
"Absolutely not!" Rosemary stated, standing at her post, "There are many who cannot participate in the war because of injuries or defects."
"Like your son?" Nagus gave a smug smile as Sonic's blood pressure shot up along with his desire to jump down there and pummel Nagus within an inch of his life.
"That is uncalled for!" Sally shouted, standing up, "You are expected to resemble some form of composure and dignity as king!" She had her fists balled as the Nobles around nodded in approval.
Nagus growled, but still held his smirk, "I was simply drawing attention to the fact that she is perhaps more self-serving that she attempts to appear."
Rosemary looked flustered. She sat down.
Chuck stood up, "I vote against the bill. Rosemary has made a very valid point, along with the fact that taxes tend to stay long after their original purposes." Charles seemed very angry at Nagus as well, and Sonic didn't really need to figure out why.
Penelope stood up, "I veto the bill, as it completely goes against anything my platform ran on."
Nagus still didn't even seem slightly phased by the Republic votes which were stacking against him.
Sonic overhead a couple nobles.
"This isn't how this is supposed to go. Why are we watching the republic? What do we care of their voting system?"
"I don't know, I imagine this bill must be very new."
Sonic stayed focused on the voting bellow.
Dylan stood up, "I vote against this bill for previously stated reasons."
Isabella stood up, "I vote against this for preciously stated reasons as well. Not everyone is capable of fighting."
That settled everything. Hamlin only served to lose from the bill, probably getting taxed into the ground. He was going to veto it.
"I… approve of the bill." Hamlin gulped, and Sonic had to clear out his ears. What?
"Representative Hamlin, please speak… louder?" Rosemary demanded, sounding shocked as well.
"I APPROVE THE BILL!" Hamlin shouted into the room. That didn't make any sense, why would he approve of a bill that didn't help him. If Hamlin was anything, he was self-serving. Sonic blinked a couple times, trying to make sense of it all.
The republicans seemed to look around at each other as well. Sonic exchanged a look with Sally, one of concern and slight fear. Hamlin's nervous nature suddenly meant a lot more to him. Sonic had no love for the guy, but if Nagus had something on him, was intimidating him, or had set him up for something, then Nagus needed to be stopped.
Sonic saw Rosemary's eyes land on him, pleading for some form of help. Sonic leaned over to Sally, "What can I do to stop this?" Sonic asked desperately. He just had a bad feeling about what ever was going on.
"Nothing, the Republic's business is really its own. What happens in the city isn't any concern of the nobles." Sally explained, not looking any happier than he was.
"If that is all, then I will now pass out generous copies of the bill to the nobility to ratify this bill for the entire kingdom." Nagus smiled as the republicans glared down at the pig who shifted nervously.
Sonic saw the Herald walk around the room, passing out single pieces of paper. Sonic grabbed one as a stack worked its way down the line, and Sonic looked it over.
The paper was very simple, and Sonic didn't actually need any help from Sally to understand it. It simply said that people who didn't have any close family in the army would have to pay the extra tax, while those who did have family fighting did not.
Sonic saw many nods of approval from the nobles. They liked the idea. Sonic felt something fishy with Hamlin's vote, but not with these nobles.
Sonic looked at Sally who actually seemed conflicted.
"Are you going to support it?" Sonic asked, in disbelief.
"We need a stronger army. This will put more funding in our hands. We'll be able to keep up a campaign, and we'll have plenty of soldiers to help us wage this war." Sally muttered, before sighing, "But it's also a blatant attempt at forcing more people to join a fight they don't want."
Sonic blinked, "You're actually considering it?" They didn't need more people, Sonic was there to do everything, "We fight for freedom, your crown stood for freedom." Sonic growled, sounding a bit harsher than his throat wanted.
Sally growled back, "This isn't something I want either, but we can't fight Eggman alone! A lot of citizens think that we can magically beat Eggman back without any real cost. Don't think I support this decision lightly. I would never propose this law, despite its necessity." Sally closed her eyes and sighed with regret, " I don't envy Nagus, the people are not going to like this law one bit. We need it, but the citizens won't forget about this."
Sonic couldn't believe what he just heard. Sally didn't have faith in him? Sonic shook his head, "I'm opposing it."
"Do what you think is right. That's the point of this council." Sally sighed, keeping her frown.
Sonic couldn't believe that she would actually support the law. He also couldn't believe he understood her reasoning. She made a lot of good points, and Sonic understood why she thought they needed it. He also couldn't really find a counter argument.
The room went dark and Nagus returned to the stage, "I suppose We will now begin to collect votes."
Several servants went around, passing out the papers and then the boxes. Sonic wrote his answer on the piece of paper, and slipped it into the box, before passing it along. Sally put hers in and then continued the chain.
Once the boxes worked their way down the aisles, the servants came and collected them. The boxes then went down as Nagus smiled, still smug.
Strangely enough, Sonic realized they hadn't even taken role of the nobles. It looked like everyone was there, and so Sonic guessed there was no need for role call.
Nagus then growled, "Now, I have come with another proposal. We have maintained a constant idea of noble supremacy, that only those of noble blood can lead." He gestured to the auditorium.
There was a murmur of approval and several nobles nodding. Sonic shifted uncomfortably as Nagus continued, "This worked for a time, with great leaders arising to handle many of the challenges our great kingdom faced."
More nobles murmured in approval came, louder and stronger.
"But that time is over." Nagus clarified, smiling as the room went quiet. The supporters of the last few statements hesitated, "We must acknowledge that there are many from the lowest background who have valuable skills to offer. Thus I propose we dissolve this law of foolish leadership, and promote a wiser environment, where our command will be chosen by merit, not blood."
Those words were very out of character for Nagus. Sonic's mind went to Geoffrey. The Wolverine…
Still, Sonic also had to point out that Nagus was not of noble blood. He was a wizard, and kind of had a stake in the bill he was proposing.
The nobles were quiet, but there was something else different about the air. Some were acting differently.
"You can not be serious!" the old wolf shouted, "Leave our fates to the hands of Peasants? Preposterous!"
"That is for this council to decide, but first, a vote from the republic." Nagus smiled, and turned around.
Rosemary frowned, and tapped her finger, "I reject this bill."
Sonic frowned, why did she not like it? It was actually good for the lowborns. She was one of them, right?
Chuck seemed to nod, and gave his vote, "I reject this bill."
Nagus still was smug, and as the rejections rolled in Sonic understood why.
"I approve." Hamlin sighed, and Sonic blinked.
"The republic was stone walling Nagus." Sally came to the conclusion, and spoke to Sonic, "They'll reject anything he proposes because they don't want him to gain anymore influence… but Hamlin… something's not right."
Sonic could agree on that.
Nagus turned around, "And now, to let you discuss before we bring it to a vote."
Sonic and Sally received the papers. Sonic looked over the bill, and noticed a particular piece of information that made him hesitate. The bill had an [Integration Claus]. The Freedom Fighters would become the formalized army of the Kingdom. It seemed like window dressing, as Sonic was pretty sure that was basically their role already, but he then had to ask: why bother with it?
Sally frowned at the law, "He's increasing his control of the Freedom Fighters."
"How? All he's doing is making us official, right?" Sonic asked, hoping for clarification.
"No, we'll be put directly under the government. We'll be apart of it, not beside it. He can order us to do things, and we can't say no." Sally's eyes widened as she got angrier, "He can remove me from command."
Sonic blinked, "What? Then we vote against it." Sonic did not feel like losing Sally.
"Yes, and I think most of nobles will vote against this as well. Most don't want to share with the peasantry." Sally grumbled, sounding angry at that too, "Nagus is making some bold plays, and it will come back to bite him."
Sonic Chuckled at that thought, before the harsh reality set in that Nagus was getting bolder with his plays, and if they weren't careful, he could destroy them. "Alright, we know what to do when he passes the paper around."
Sally nodded solemnly at Sonic, apparently really tore up over the state of the kingdom. Sonic found himself getting more and more suspicious as well.
Nagus ultimate came out after the time had passed and gave his proclamation, "Now, shall we begin voting on the new bill?"
Sonic waited as the next box came down the aisle. He put his vote in, and passed it along to Sally. She put her vote in, and the boxes worked their way down the aisles.
Sonic watched as the boxes were then collected and Nagus stood up, "Now… With those votes being tallied, I suppose we formalize the passing of the first bill, which will increase enlistment and income for the kingdom."
The herald seemed to be skimming over the votes one last time.
Nagus cleared his throat, "TELL US THE VOTES NOW!"
The herald fumbled with the papers and cleared his throat, "Yes, Three hundred and twelve votes in favor, one hundred and fifty two votes against, fifty-two abstaining."
Sally's eyes widened for a moment as Nagus did his victory lap.
"Ah yes, I see the nobles finally realize the value of my wisdom. This law will improve our chances of destroying my old apprentice." Nagus grinned, before looking at the tallies.
The herald walked over as they seemed to speed up with the pressure. Finally the herald cleared his throat, " Three hundred and eight votes in favor, one hundred and fifty-eight votes against, fifty abstaining."
Sally blinked and shot up, "Absurd, I demand a recount!"
Sonic blinked and pulled her down, "Hey, Wait a minute, what are you doing?"
"There is no way that many nobles voted for something like that." Sally growled down at Sonic, and he backed off. She was clearly in an emotional mood swing.
"But maybe times have changed?" Sonic asked, giving a weak smile.
"Can't you feel it? Something is very wrong here. The republic and nobles aren't acting normal." Sally growled, before scanning the room. Sonic Followed her eyes as Nagus groaned.
"Of course, let's waste everyone's time. I still have another bill to get to." Nagus seemed to try and turn the room on Sally. Instead, the nobles were quiet, and that told Sonic something.
Some were quiet in support or disbelief, but others were guilty, as though they had done something wrong. Hamlin was scared, some nobles were guilty. Sonic's mind put the pieces together, and judging from Sally's face, she had too.
"What are the odds that someone could have been bribed?" Sonic asked, leaning in and whispering to Sally.
She sighed, balling a fist in frustration. Sonic felt her anger, and hopelessness coming onto him. Sonic shook of the last bit, but the rest was contagious, "Very likely. I have a feeling that none of our votes are going to matter this time around."
Sonic gulped, "So Nagus can do what ever he wants?" Sonic found the idea to be utterly terrifying.
"No, as long as the councils continue to exist, his laws can be revisited. Let's hope the nobility can wake up before it's too late." Sally mumbled, still feeling tense.
"The votes have been re-tallied and evaluated. The result is three hundred and eight in favor, one-hundred and fifty-eight against, fifty abstaining. There was no error in the previously established count."
Nagus smiled and took the stand to talk about his new bill. Sonic didn't even bother listening. It wouldn't matter.
/*-*/
Fiona walked around the city, giving a wave as she passed a family of otters who were selling pumpkins on the street. They returned her wave, and Fiona gave them a soft smile.
Frederick was out, attending an noble meeting, leaving Olivia, Alister and Fiona to wait around at the manor. Not the Fiona was complaining.
The old wolf waved at her as he stood outside the bar, in an older, dusty suit. He had gotten a job as a bouncer. Even with his limp, Fiona saw he was doing pretty well.
She passed by the smith's forge and saw several nails being made, with a several mobians watching the smith.
Fiona also passed an ammunition forge, which was growing quite busy for some reason. Fiona imagined it was because they were preparing for an assault from Eggman.
She continued to walk down the street, before she approached the forest near the Carpenter's guild. Fiona had pushed the memory of the monsters out her mind. She was terrified of them, yet she found some form of peace around them. She couldn't explain why she wasn't frozen, and how she found the courage to face the monsters.
Fiona pushed forward and into the carpenter's guild hall. As She walked in, a beaver came over and gave her a bow, "Hello, my lady. What brings you here?"
Fiona smiled, finally being treated like a noblewoman, "Just checking on everything. Have you seen anything? Any guild members go missing in the forest?"
"I just started, but no one seems to be worried about anything like that. Everyone seems ok." The Beaver smiled up at her.
Fiona shook her head, " Stand up, please." It was annoying talking down to someone and having to strain to hear them.
The beaver rose, "Right, sorry ma'am. Everything has been quiet lately. Nothing out of place as far as I can tell."
Fiona nodded slowly. What ever those creatures were, they were gone now. That mysterious marksman made short work of them. That was good… Fiona hoped. One less problem for her to deal with one less threat to screw her life over.
Fiona sighed, "Look, if anything weird happens, come to the manor and tell me. Don't cover it up, don't try to pretend everything is fine, if something seems wrong, you come and tell us."
"O-Ok miss, is everything alright?" the beaver asked seeming so ignorant to the problems of the world.
Fiona frowned, wondering how much he needed to know. She ultimately decided that there was no point in telling him about something that was dangerous and has likely been dealt with, "Just… tell us if you see anything out of the ordinary."
He nodded slowly, nervously, "I will… notify you if anything changes."
Fiona nodded, and returned to the manor. The city was doing well, and Fiona only had to help a few of her fellow mobians. Part of her wanted a reward. The other part of her could feel the God's wrath on her for demanding something.
Fiona instead walked in the manor, feeling nervous once again. She couldn't explain it, but she had a feeling that something was coming for her. Fiona took a deep breath, and shook it off. No sense in worrying about it yet.
She was just being paranoid.
/*-*/
Johan continued his laps around the ship, and his mind drifted to the wolf warrior who was out dealing with his enemy. He found her nature to be disturbing. Quiet ones were not usually trustworthy.
She did seem dedicated, however, and Johan could not deny her marksmanship. She was useful, and for that he simply need to be on guard.
Johan then found himself wondering how the Dark Guard had got to this world. There were no gateways, as far as Johan knew, and if there were, there was little movement he could detect. That left the option to summoning.
Johan's mind went to the fact that there were summoners in this cursed world. He knew of one specific summoner who was prone to creating problems.
Johan dismissed the thought. He would not be able to summon anything accurately, because Nagus knew nothing of the old world. Of course, he could have blindly reached out, and that would have brought the Dark Guard.
Johan returned to his seat as the smell of abundant joy and pride. Speak of the dark one and he shall appear.
Nagus seemed lighter on his feet as he bound into the room, "Oh yes, they fell right for my plan. The army is now stronger, the Freedom Fighters now serve me, and I am going to be quick. The kingdom will finally be mine to rule."
Johan knew he needed to be careful approaching this. The fool was in a trance of power, and that was the most dangerous time. He believed he was untouchable, "Indeed, you seem strong now. Do not allow it to make enemies of your nobles."
"You are hilarious. I own the nobles, I have their votes in my pocket." Nagus laughed, still in his delusion.
"Those votes are only from your gifts. When the gifts run out, so will your support." Johan explained, hoping that the fool would listen.
Nagus's smile dropped, and his body became defensive. Instead his trance was broken, and replaced with anger, "Then I'll dissolve the noble assembly."
"That will push you into war, and you can not afford it. You will be fighting your own kingdom and you enemy." Johan growled, attempting to calm the troll down.
Instead, Nagus got angrier, "You believe I can't crush those minor bugs."
"They have the Blue Garden Defender, and the support of their lands." Johan explained, growing angrier as well.
"He is a bug for me to squash as well!" Nagus shouted, slamming his scepter into the floor of the ship.
Johan roared at the king, "He is a worthy enemy, you would be wise to acknowledge that!"
Nagus snarled, and growled, "I … I do not need you. You have been useless this whole time! You are trying to hold me back, to prevent me from achieving my desires! NO MORE!" the fool stomped.
Johan realized that he was done. There was no more use for him. He had been useful, but now he was fully guided by arrogance. There was no reasoning with him.
Nagus continued, "I have more to contribute to this kingdom than you ever have. I will dissolve these stupid councils, I will take what is mine, and no-one will stand in my way! Not some hedgehog upstart, and most certainly not some brainless savage! BEGONE, I AM DONE WITH YOU!"
Johan blinked, thoroughly surprised. And enraged. Surprised and enraged. This fool was going to accelerate his plan, and now the kingdom would not be at its full strength when the throne was with its rightful owner.
Johan realized that foam had dripped down his mouth in anger. He was loosing composure. Damn his lack of patience and will. He was pathetic… no he was acting pathetic. Johan took a deep breath, balling his fists, before slamming them into the floor, letting out a thunderous roar. He needed a way to salvage this, to repair everything.
Gewis burst in the room, along with Ezra as Nagus held up his scepter in a defensive pose.
Johan finished his roar, panting. It felt good. Nagus was done with him? It did not matter. Johan would personally see to the kingdom's re-enforcement. It was Johan's job to keep Nagus in check, and he had failed.
"So be it." Johan sighed calmy, "We will be gone by the morning." Johan felt… unworthy to leave just yet. Nagus had been useful for so long, and that worth something, "For the sake of our alliance, I will leave with one last bit of advice."
Nagus eyed Johan cautiously.
Johan did not wait for another foolish line out of his mouth, "Where I come from, we have an understanding. A king may do as he pleases, so long as he is willing to pay the price. You would be wise to learn this. Perhaps your reign might be longer." Johan waved him off.
Nagus opened his mouth.
Johan saw no point in listen and waved the king off, "I do not care what you have to say about my people, my knowledge, my history. Your insults are childish, as are you. You are arrogant, selfish, and truly disgusting in both character and body. You are the king, but not a king. I will not come to your aide anymore. Begone from my sight." Johan growled down.
Nagus fumed, but said nothing, storming out of the ship.
"Was that wise?" Ezra asked, sounding very fearful.
"He does not matter, he will do nothing. The fool was a means to end from the start." Johan growled, walking over to his seat, before sitting down.
"We need to leave." Gewis mumbled, tapping his rifle on the ship's floor.
"No, I need you to go and gather chief Sonic and the Princess Sally. Tell them I request their presence tonight." Johan growled firmly, but smiled at Gewis, "We will be gone when I am done."
/*-*/
Ominous and Dangerous. The world is shifting, and lines are being drawn. Time will tell what the future will hold.
Please leave a review and tell me what you think of the chapter. I love to hear from my readers, as it helps keep my morale up. And If you are a big fan of Compromise, well… :)