(A/N: Thank you to my new reviewers ^_^ Crow T R0bot, Falconess (Hi Joanie!), TJ the Shadow Freak! All of you have been a real self-esteem booster! Sorry about the typos Joanie! *bashes the Typo Faerie over the head* She IS a pain! Almost as annoying as Evil Sally ;p (inside joke!)
Well here's the next chapter! *gets a tissue ready* ya might want to hold on to one of these! *passes out more tissues*)
***
"Come on Knuckles, let's go home. It's getting late in the afternoon and the Acorns will be out in the marketplace soon. I don't want there to be another fight," the kitsune urged, starting to walk in the direction of The House of Hedgehog.
"You worry to much Tails, and besides, who's gonna start a fight?" Knuckles asked.
"If I know you, you'll be the first one to pull out your sword!" Tails put his hands on his hips.
"Me?! What about you! You start fights too!"
"I do not!"
"Is that a challenge?" Knuckles grinned. Tails glared and reached for his sword but stopped himself. Knuckles laughed.
"Stop that! You're trying to trick me!" the fox scolded. Knuckles had a comeback ready but never got the chance to insult his friend. Geoffrey St. John and a group of friends of the Acorns walked up to Tails and Knuckles.
"Speak of the devil..." Knuckles narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
"H'lo mate! Might I 'ave a word with one of you?" Geoffrey asked.
"A word or a fight?" Knuckles sneered.
"If you have a reason to fight!" Geoffrey grinned. The skunk never passed up an opportunity to show off.
"Can't find a reason to fight me yourself, Geoffrey?" Knuckles smirked.
"You're part of Sonic's band, that's reason enough!" the skunk spat.
"Band? What are we, musicians? Well I've got a song for you stinky! Allow me to show you my choice of instrument! It's sure to make you dance!" the echidna snickered as he patted his sword.
"Why must you guys do this now? We are right out in public! You wanna fight? Go somewhere private," Tails suggested, trying to prevent them from getting in trouble.
"If people want to watch mate, then let 'em!" Geoffrey grinned as he unsheathed his blade. But before they started fighting, a blue blur flashed past them. "Well! Here comes my slave now!"
"You're slave? Ha! Think again Geoff!" Knuckles retorted.
"What do you say scum! Will you answer my challenge? Or are you yeller?" Geoffrey crossed his arms over his chest.
"Actually he's blue. Ya color blind Geoffrey?" Knuckles laughed.
"Leave him alone Knux," Sonic then turned to the skunk. "I don't want to fight you Geoffrey, I have my reasons."
"Coward!" the angry skunk shouted with rage. "You've insulted me for the last time Hedgehog!" Geoffrey drew his sword and pointed it at Sonic.
"I never insulted you! Chill, Geoff! I have no reason to fight you! You are not my enemy!" Sonic put his hands up in surrender.
"This is disgusting! Geoffrey! You rat chaser! Here kitty, kitty, kitty! Fight me!" Knuckles challenged, pointing his sword at the skunk.
"What do you want from me echidna?" Geoffrey glared and gripped his weapon.
"One of your nine lives! While I'm at it, I'll cut up the other eight as well!" Knuckles grinned as he lunged at Geoffrey.
The skunk blocked his attack and jabbed at Knuckles in return. The two swords clanged violently against each other as the Mobians fought. This was something Sonic didn't want to see, one of his best friends and his wife's cousin fighting.
"Geoffrey! Knuckles! Stop! What if the Prince sees you?" Sonic stepped between the echidna and skunk. Knuckles stood his ground and lowered his sword, but Geoffrey wasn't through with this fight. With a swift turn of his wrist, the skunk thrusted his sword under Sonic's arm.
"Ha! I win Knuckles! Call me kitty again and I'll do worse!" Geoffrey smirked in triumph. Knuckles froze, the expression on his face was a twist of agony and fear. The echidna clasped his gloved hand over his lower chest.
"Knuckles?" Sonic looked at the blank stare in his friend's eyes. Knuckles slowly glanced down at the spot on his chest he was covering and slowly pulled away his hand. Crimson blood stained the white glove and seeped from a deep gash in the echidna's side. Sonic's eyes grew wide, Tails gasped, and Geoffrey stared at the blood on his sword in shock. The skunk had never meant to actually stab him. Afraid of what would happen next, Geoffrey took off running.
Knuckles looked up at his friends for a second. Then his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed on the dusty road.
"Knuckles!" Sonic and Tails shouted as they dropped to his side. Sonic gently supported the echidna's head while Tails ordered someone to get a doctor. Tears formed in the back of Sonic's eyes as he watched his friend slowly dying.
"Look what you two have done to me.... Curse your families..." Knuckles managed to choke out before he went limp in Sonic's arms.
"No..." Sonic sobbed softly. "Knuckles is gone because Geoffrey insulted me!"
Tails cried silently too but glanced up to see Geoffrey St. John walking towards them again. "Geoffrey's coming back," the fox whispered to Sonic who slowly laid Knuckles head on the ground.
"This is his fault! Knuckles is dead and he lives! This isn't right!" Sonic growled as he rose to his feet. "You'll pay Geoffrey! I'll make sure of it!" the hedgehog threatened as he picked up Knuckles' sword. "Or die trying!"
"No! You'll just die!" the skunk snarled as he produced his own weapon. Instantly the two were at each other's throats. Sonic's rage and taste for revenge gave him a sudden energy boost. Geoffrey soon realized this was a battle he wasn't going to be walking away from. The skunk nervously backed up and tripped over his own feet. Sonic glared down at him, not a single thread of mercy in the hedgehog's eyes. He wasted no time in sinking his sword into the skunk.
Geoffrey howled in pain as the blood seeped from his chest. With one last breath, Geoffrey St. John was gone. The hate in Sonic's eyes suddenly disappeared as he stared down at the dead skunk.
"What have I done..." Sonic whispered softly.
Tails, who had watched the whole scene take place, was in complete and utter shock. "Sonic! Get out of here! Before the Prince comes! He'll kill you!" the fox warned. Sonic, still shocked by what he had done, nodded and broke into a sprint as he dashed out of site.
The disturbance of peace in the marketplace had aroused not only The Hedgehogs and Acorns but also none other than Prince Elias. Lady Alicia nearly fainted at the sight of her dead nephew but instead screamed loudly. It wasn't long till they had found Knuckles' body only a couple feet away. The Prince looked on in anger at the dead Mobians until he noticed Tails standing in front of them.
"What happened here?!" Prince Elias demanded.
Tails sighed and explained what had happened, "Knuckles and Geoffrey started fighting. Sonic tried to stop them but Geoffrey ended up killing Knuckles. Sonic got really angry and killed Geoffrey out of revenge...then he ran. I swear to you I tell the truth."
"We believe you sweetie," Lady Bernadette soothed the trouble fox and pulled him into a comforting hug.
"Don't listen to him!" Lady Alicia snapped. She had knelt down beside Geoffrey and was stroking his long white bangs, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He is family to the Hedgehogs! He's lying! Sonic deserves to die as well!"
"But if what Tails says is true, Geoffrey also broke the law. Who will pay?" Prince Elias questioned the two families.
"Not Sonic your majesty. He was Knuckles friend, the echidna's death triggered his actions." Lord Jules pleaded.
Prince Elias looked from family to family. This whole situation had totally blown out of proportion and he wasn't looking forward to what he had to do. "Even though it was Geoffrey's fault, Sonic has indeed committed murder. His punishment...banishment." The Prince's decision caused Lady Bernadette to start sobbing but he continued. "The next time Sonic is seen in Mobotropolis, it will be his last."
***
Sally Acorn lay sprawled out on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She sighed a contented sigh as she reached over and took her pillow from the head of the bed. The squirrel hugged the pillow and smiled to herself. Everything seemed so perfect to her. Sally was counting the minutes until she could see her love again. But her counting was interrupted buy a troubled looking nurse hurrying into her room.
"Hi Bunnie!" Sally sat up and smiled at the rabbot, until she realized Bunnie didn't look at all happy. Instead, she looked as if she had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy and dried tears stained her face. "Bunnie? What's wrong? Do you have news from Sonic?"
"He's dead suga! Gone! Ah can't believe it's all true!" Bunnie broke into tears, sobbing loudly. Sally's face turn three shades lighter when she heard the words come out of her nurse's mouth.
"W...What?" Sally stammered out, not quite sure if she had heard right.
"Ah just can't believe such a thing! Oh Sonic! Who would have ever thought this would happen!" Bunnie wept as she pulled the dumbstruck Sally into a hug.
"What are you saying?!" Sally pulled away violently. "Has Sonic killed himself?!" she demanded. But Bunnie ignored her questions.
"Ah saw it! I saw the wound with mah own eyes! Right on his chest! Oh the poor dear! Ah nearly fainted at the sight!" the rabbot wiped away some of her tears.
"You mean Sonic IS dead?!" Sally felt the tears start to stream down her cheeks. "No! No it can't be true!" she shook her head in disbelief. Bunnie hadn't seemed to have heard poor Sally and continued to sob.
"Oh Geoffrey! Ah never thought Ah'd see ya'll dead! My dearest friend Geoffrey! Gone!" the nurse buried her head in her hands. Sally looked up from her own crying. Now she was even more confused.
"Geoffrey? What do you mean? Geoffrey AND Sonic are dead? My cousin and my husband? GONE?!" Sally shouted. Bunnie finally looked at Sally, the screaming had caught her attention.
"No! Geoffrey is gone and Sonic is banished! Sonic killed Geoffrey and now he is banished!" Bunnie explained, tears still flowing from her eyes.
"Sonic killed Geoffrey?! But why?!" This was all too much for Sally to take in all at once.
"Curse that Sonic! Ah knew he was trouble from the start! Shame on him!" Bunnie ranted angrily.
"Take that back! Take it back now!" Sally screamed at her, still crying. "Do not talk like that about the one I love!"
Bunnie looked at her in shock. "Ya'll are just gonna sit here and stick up for the murderer who killed your cousin?!" Bunnie scolded.
"And am I just supposed to start talking bad of my husband?! If Sonic hadn't killed Geoffrey, would it have been Geoffrey who killed him? Now Geoffrey is dead and Sonic is banished! Who do I cry over?" Sally choked out between sobs. Bunnie's long ears drooped in sadness. Sally had a point. "Now...where are my parents?" Sally asked in almost a whisper.
"Crying over Geoffrey. Would you like to be with them suga? Ah'll take ya'll if ya want," Bunnie offered.
"No Bunnie, I would rather stay here thank you..." Sally quietly spoke, hugging herself tightly. Bunnie put her arms around the teenager and embraced her comfortingly.
"Ah'll go and get Sonic to come here an' keep ya'll company. Ah know where he is." Bunnie suggested.
Sally sniffed back a few more tears and looked up at Bunnie. "Oh would you? Here..."the squirrel looked down and took off a golden ring that adorned her finger. It was engraved with a fancy S. "Give this to him and tell him I love him. Beg him to come here for me."
Bunnie nodded and took the ring from Sally. The nurse then made her way out of the room and out of the house. She headed strait towards the Mobian church.
***
Friar Chuck entered his cell quietly so as not to disturb the other members of the church. He turned on the light to his own personal room. "Sonic, you can come out now. Now one is here," he whispered loudly.
The blue hedgehog peaked his head out from behind a small couch. The worried look on his face was as plain as day. "What does the Prince say? What's going to happen to me?" Sonic asked nervously.
"Be thankful boy. He has gone easy on you and decided to spare your life. Instead you will be banished," the friar explained. But this didn't relieve Sonic at all.
"BANISHED?! NO! Kill me instead!" Sonic pleaded
"Sonic! Be grateful! The law said you were to be put to death and the Prince has changed that!" Friar Chuck scolded.
"But if I leave I'll never see Sal again! It's not worth it! I'd rather die!" Sonic exclaimed, plopping down on the couch.
"Don't be foolish boy! Listen to reason!"
"Listen to what? You rub it in that I'm banished!"
"Sonic, you don't understand!"
Sonic glared and stood up from his seat. "No! YOU don't understand! I love Sally more than life! To leave Mobotropolis and her behind is torture! I would rather be dead!"
The argument was cut short by a sharp knock at the door. Friar Chuck motioned for Sonic to hide but instead, the stubborn hedgehog threw himself to the ground. The door slowly opened and Bunnie stuck her head in. "Hello? Ah come for mah Lady Sally? Where is mah lady's husband?" she asked the priest. Friar Chuck sighed and stepped to the side to reveal the heart-broken Sonic lying on the ground.
"On the floor...feeling sorry for himself..." Friar Chuck let out another annoyed sigh.
"Oh he's just like Sally Girl! Blubbering and weeping like a child!" she glared down at Sonic and put her hands on her hips. "Get up for Mobius sake and act like a man!"
Sonic's ears twitched at the sound of the Southern rabbot's voice. "You! Sally's nurse! You said something about Sally! Is she all right? Does she think I'm a murderer? Where is she?"
"At home! Where she cries over Geoffrey and you! Both of you evil men!" Bunnie scolded.
"What have I done to her? I can't take this!" The hedgehog drew his sword and held it above his heart.
"Stop this! You killed Geoffrey now you will kill yourself? I thought you had a better temper than that Sonic! Now stop this nonsense and go to your wife! Comfort her at this time. But don't stay long, just till morning. Then you will go into the Great Forest as punishment for your crime. You'll stay there until we can announce your marriage to Sally and stop this whole feud! Nurse! Go and tell Sally to hurry her family to bed because Sonic will be coming." Friar Chuck instructed.
"Right away friar. Sonic, Sally told me to give ya'll this ring. She loves you and wants you to hurry." Bunnie said then scurried out the door.
Sonic gripped the ring tight and held it close to his chest. Friar Chuck laid a hand on Sonic's shoulder. "Now go, and hurry! But remember not to stay long. When you leave her go to the Great Forest. There will be a small cabin you will stay in. I'll send your servant Mighty to bring you any news I have. Good night and good luck!"
Sonic nodded and shot out the door in a blur. He blasted through the quiet streets of Mobotropolis. This was definitely not what he expected he'd have to deal with on his wedding night. "Some honeymoon..." he muttered to himself.
***
Back at the Acorns house, Lord Max and Lady Alicia were discussing Geoffrey's death with Antoine.
"Dear boy this has been a rough time for us indeed. I hope you will understand that with all of the grieving going on, we really haven't had time to talk to our daughter about marrying you. Understand that she loved her cousin and his death has been tough for her to handle. It is late and we should all be sleeping." Max explained to Antoine who nodded in response
"Oui my lord. Thiz ez being a sad time, no? Not a good one for thiz talking of marriage. I will be, how do you say, punching zee sack? Good Night mademoiselle." Antoine bowed to Lady Alicia. The coyote turn to leave but Max was having second thoughts about his decision and called him back.
"Antoine my boy, I think it might be best for my daughter if she were married sooner. It might take her mind off of all this sorrow. I give her to you lad. She will listen to me, I don't doubt it. Alicia, tell Sally all this in the morning. Tell her that come Wednesday...wait. What is today?"
"Monday, dear" Lady Alicia informed him. Max thought for a second.
"Hmmm...Wednesday might be too soon. Make it Thursday! Tell her Thursday she will marry Antoine! We won't make a big deal out of it; we'll keep the ceremony small and only invite a few people. With Geoffrey's recent death I don't want people to think we have forgotten him so quickly. What do you say to Thursday, lad?" Max turned to Antoine.
"My lord, I am to be wishing Thursday waz being tomorrow," Antoine stated.
"That's the spirit boy. Now let us be off to bed, it is far too late." Max yawned.
***
Morning was just starting to peak over the city of Mobotropolis. The golden rays of the rising sun stirred Sonic Hedgehog from his pleasant slumber. Sonic opened his eyes slowly and let out a long yawn. He glanced next to him at the sleeping squirrel. He smiled and wrapped his arm around her chest and pulled her into a gentle embrace. Sonic rested his head on Sally's bare shoulder and nuzzled her lovingly. Sally sighed contentedly in her sleep as she cuddled closer to the hedgehog.
Sonic shut his eyes again and was about to fall back to sleep when a noise from outside Sally's bedroom window caused his sensitive pointy ears to twitch. The sound of the morning lark greeting a new day flowed like music into the room. But Sonic knew that the sound of the birds singing was announcing the morning. Though his mind told him to get moving, his heart told him to stay. The hedgehog sighed and pulled himself out of Sally's bed, causing the squirrel to awaken. Her eyes fluttered open as she rolled over to face her husband. She watched Sonic reach under the bed and pull out his red sneakers with the white strip that ran across the center.
"Must you leave Sonic? It's not morning yet, that was the nightingale, not the lark." Sally tried to convince her love to stay with her.
"It was the lark, Sal." Sonic said as he slipped on his sneakers and carefully tied the laces. "I have to go..."
Sally groaned and sat up, snatching her nightgown off the floor and pulling it over her head. "Please stay!" she pleaded as she put her arms around Sonic's neck from behind. She kissed his cheek and he smiled. They looked into each other's eyes for a second. But a second was all it took to change Sonic's mind.
"Let them find me..." he grinned as he moved closer for another kiss. Sally giggled and fell back onto the bed as Sonic loomed over her, moving closer and pressing his lips to hers. The morning lark let out another beautiful call from outside the window. Sally's ears bent back as they heard the sound. Her eyes opened wide and she gasped, pushing Sonic off her.
"It IS the lark! Oh Sonic, you have to go! They'll find you here and kill you!" Sally practically shoved her husband off the bed.
A knock at the door caused both teenagers to turn their attention to the other side of the room. A second later it opened and Bunnie stepped inside.
"Sally Girl! Yer mother is commin! Hurry up and get a move on SugaHog!" Bunnie instructed, shutting the door behind her.
"I'll miss you Sal," Sonic said as he pulled her into a hug. Sally brushed her muzzle under his chin.
"Write me every day?" she asked.
"Every chance I get!" he smiled.
"Will I ever see you again?"
"You can count on it Sal!"
With one last kiss, Sonic dash out the window. Sally rushed over to it and watched him speed away. She whirled around when she heard the door to her room open.
"Oh good, your awake Sally," Lady Alicia smiled as she entered the room.
"G...Good Morning mother!" Sally stuttered nervously. It had been a close call and she was thankful her husband was faster then the speed of sound. But Sally couldn't help but wonder why her mother was up so early.
Alicia looked over Sally. She assumed that her daughter had a rough night crying over her cousin. "Still upset about Geoffrey, dear? Well crying won't bring him back to us. Grieving shows much love but too much grief shows lack of sense, my dear! You must feel horrible because the villain who killed him still lives"
Sally slowly nodded. She could not show her mother her true feelings for Sonic. She had to play it cool. "Yes mother, I wish that murderer would drop dead and pay for his actions."
"We will have our revenge, my dear," Alicia hugged her daughter. "I will personally send someone into the forest where he was banished. They will take care of that devil Sonic!"
Sally swallowed hard, dreading the thought. "R...Really?" Sally squeaked.
"Oh yes indeed! He will soon be keeping our Geoffrey company!" Alicia assured her. Sally bit her lip nervously and looked down at the floor. "But anyway, there is a reason I have come to you so early."
"Do tell..." Sally said in almost a whisper. She really was in no mood to talk to anyone at the moment.
"Yes! Your father was concerned with your depression from the recent accident. So to relieve you from your sadness he has arranged for you and Antoine to get married on Thursday!" Alicia stated excitedly. Sally's eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped.
"He WHAT?!"
"Isn't that great sweetie? You're getting married!" Alicia beamed, hugging her daughter again.
"NO!" Sally broke free of her mother's embrace. "I will not marry Antoine! You can tell daddy that I refuse!"
"Tell him yourself," her mother gestured to the bedroom door where her father stood. Sally turned to look at Lord Max. Anger grew in her father's eyes and his hands clenched into fists.
"Daddy! I...I..." Sally tried to explain to her father.
"What is this I hear? You don't want to marry Antoine? You should be thankful child, that I have found such a noble husband for you!" Max stated firmly.
"But I don't want to marry him! I can't even stand him! I don't want to get married at all!" Sally protested.
"You WILL marry Antoine and that is final! You will respect my orders and get yourself to that church on Thursday! Do you understand me?" Max raised his tone.
"No Daddy! I won't go!" Sally crossed her arms.
"You ungrateful little wretch!" Max growled. "I find you a good husband and you refuse to marry? This is the thanks I get? I will say it again! You WILL marry Antoine! And if you refuse again, then leave my house! I'll disown you as my child! Starve on the streets for all I care!"
Sally broke down in tears at what he was saying. She couldn't possibly marry Antoine when she was already married to Sonic. Her father was being unreasonable and worse, he was threatening to disown her! "Please Daddy! No!"
"Max! Calm yourself! This is your anger talking! You don't mean what you say," Alicia tried to calm her husband down but he wouldn't have it.
"My word is final! Be at that church you disobedient brat, or I will drag you there myself!" With that said Max stormed out of the room, leaving Sally in tears.
"Oh mother! Please! I beg you! Do not throw me out! Delay the marriage for a month! A week even!" Sally pleaded, but now Alicia was just as angry with her.
"You will listen to your father Sally! He knows what is best for you!" after saying that, Lady Alicia also left the room.
Sally turned to the only other one left in the room. Bunnie had been standing in the corner, staying as silent as she could.
"Oh Bunnie! What do I do? I can't marry Antoine, you know that!" Sally asked her nurse's advice. Bunnie was silent for a minute and then looked Sally in the eye. She took the squirrel's hands in her own.
"Suga, you have to understand. Marryin Antoine is the smart idea. Sonic is banished! Ya'll might never see each other eva again! So Ah think it might be best if you marry Antoine. He's a real darlin Sally Girl! Twice the man Sonic eva was! Ya'll be much happier! Like yer mother said! Sonic is as good as dead!" Bunnie explained.
Sally couldn't believe what she was hearing. She pulled her hand away from Bunnie and took a step back. "Do you mean that Bunnie?" The rabbot nodded.
"Traitor! How could she? Just yesterday she said Sonic was perfect! I can no longer trust her! What am I going to do? I'll ask Friar Chuck! He will know what to do! But how will I get out?" Sally thought to herself.
"Sally Girl?" Bunnie asked, taking a step closer. Sally hadn't said anything and she was now worried what she might be thinking.
"Then I will..." Sally said.
"What? Ya will what?"
"I'll marry Antoine. If that's what you say to do, I will do it. Go, tell my father I have gone to confession for disobeying him." Sally instructed.
"Ya'll are a wise girl Sally! I'll go an' tell him right away!" Bunnie smiled and hurried to give Sally's parents the good news. When Sally was sure her nurse was gone, she rushed into her closet.
"Friar Chuck will know how to solve this! But if all else fails...I will seek death instead." Sally said out loud to herself as she pulled on her blue vest and boots.
Well here's the next chapter! *gets a tissue ready* ya might want to hold on to one of these! *passes out more tissues*)
***
"Come on Knuckles, let's go home. It's getting late in the afternoon and the Acorns will be out in the marketplace soon. I don't want there to be another fight," the kitsune urged, starting to walk in the direction of The House of Hedgehog.
"You worry to much Tails, and besides, who's gonna start a fight?" Knuckles asked.
"If I know you, you'll be the first one to pull out your sword!" Tails put his hands on his hips.
"Me?! What about you! You start fights too!"
"I do not!"
"Is that a challenge?" Knuckles grinned. Tails glared and reached for his sword but stopped himself. Knuckles laughed.
"Stop that! You're trying to trick me!" the fox scolded. Knuckles had a comeback ready but never got the chance to insult his friend. Geoffrey St. John and a group of friends of the Acorns walked up to Tails and Knuckles.
"Speak of the devil..." Knuckles narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
"H'lo mate! Might I 'ave a word with one of you?" Geoffrey asked.
"A word or a fight?" Knuckles sneered.
"If you have a reason to fight!" Geoffrey grinned. The skunk never passed up an opportunity to show off.
"Can't find a reason to fight me yourself, Geoffrey?" Knuckles smirked.
"You're part of Sonic's band, that's reason enough!" the skunk spat.
"Band? What are we, musicians? Well I've got a song for you stinky! Allow me to show you my choice of instrument! It's sure to make you dance!" the echidna snickered as he patted his sword.
"Why must you guys do this now? We are right out in public! You wanna fight? Go somewhere private," Tails suggested, trying to prevent them from getting in trouble.
"If people want to watch mate, then let 'em!" Geoffrey grinned as he unsheathed his blade. But before they started fighting, a blue blur flashed past them. "Well! Here comes my slave now!"
"You're slave? Ha! Think again Geoff!" Knuckles retorted.
"What do you say scum! Will you answer my challenge? Or are you yeller?" Geoffrey crossed his arms over his chest.
"Actually he's blue. Ya color blind Geoffrey?" Knuckles laughed.
"Leave him alone Knux," Sonic then turned to the skunk. "I don't want to fight you Geoffrey, I have my reasons."
"Coward!" the angry skunk shouted with rage. "You've insulted me for the last time Hedgehog!" Geoffrey drew his sword and pointed it at Sonic.
"I never insulted you! Chill, Geoff! I have no reason to fight you! You are not my enemy!" Sonic put his hands up in surrender.
"This is disgusting! Geoffrey! You rat chaser! Here kitty, kitty, kitty! Fight me!" Knuckles challenged, pointing his sword at the skunk.
"What do you want from me echidna?" Geoffrey glared and gripped his weapon.
"One of your nine lives! While I'm at it, I'll cut up the other eight as well!" Knuckles grinned as he lunged at Geoffrey.
The skunk blocked his attack and jabbed at Knuckles in return. The two swords clanged violently against each other as the Mobians fought. This was something Sonic didn't want to see, one of his best friends and his wife's cousin fighting.
"Geoffrey! Knuckles! Stop! What if the Prince sees you?" Sonic stepped between the echidna and skunk. Knuckles stood his ground and lowered his sword, but Geoffrey wasn't through with this fight. With a swift turn of his wrist, the skunk thrusted his sword under Sonic's arm.
"Ha! I win Knuckles! Call me kitty again and I'll do worse!" Geoffrey smirked in triumph. Knuckles froze, the expression on his face was a twist of agony and fear. The echidna clasped his gloved hand over his lower chest.
"Knuckles?" Sonic looked at the blank stare in his friend's eyes. Knuckles slowly glanced down at the spot on his chest he was covering and slowly pulled away his hand. Crimson blood stained the white glove and seeped from a deep gash in the echidna's side. Sonic's eyes grew wide, Tails gasped, and Geoffrey stared at the blood on his sword in shock. The skunk had never meant to actually stab him. Afraid of what would happen next, Geoffrey took off running.
Knuckles looked up at his friends for a second. Then his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed on the dusty road.
"Knuckles!" Sonic and Tails shouted as they dropped to his side. Sonic gently supported the echidna's head while Tails ordered someone to get a doctor. Tears formed in the back of Sonic's eyes as he watched his friend slowly dying.
"Look what you two have done to me.... Curse your families..." Knuckles managed to choke out before he went limp in Sonic's arms.
"No..." Sonic sobbed softly. "Knuckles is gone because Geoffrey insulted me!"
Tails cried silently too but glanced up to see Geoffrey St. John walking towards them again. "Geoffrey's coming back," the fox whispered to Sonic who slowly laid Knuckles head on the ground.
"This is his fault! Knuckles is dead and he lives! This isn't right!" Sonic growled as he rose to his feet. "You'll pay Geoffrey! I'll make sure of it!" the hedgehog threatened as he picked up Knuckles' sword. "Or die trying!"
"No! You'll just die!" the skunk snarled as he produced his own weapon. Instantly the two were at each other's throats. Sonic's rage and taste for revenge gave him a sudden energy boost. Geoffrey soon realized this was a battle he wasn't going to be walking away from. The skunk nervously backed up and tripped over his own feet. Sonic glared down at him, not a single thread of mercy in the hedgehog's eyes. He wasted no time in sinking his sword into the skunk.
Geoffrey howled in pain as the blood seeped from his chest. With one last breath, Geoffrey St. John was gone. The hate in Sonic's eyes suddenly disappeared as he stared down at the dead skunk.
"What have I done..." Sonic whispered softly.
Tails, who had watched the whole scene take place, was in complete and utter shock. "Sonic! Get out of here! Before the Prince comes! He'll kill you!" the fox warned. Sonic, still shocked by what he had done, nodded and broke into a sprint as he dashed out of site.
The disturbance of peace in the marketplace had aroused not only The Hedgehogs and Acorns but also none other than Prince Elias. Lady Alicia nearly fainted at the sight of her dead nephew but instead screamed loudly. It wasn't long till they had found Knuckles' body only a couple feet away. The Prince looked on in anger at the dead Mobians until he noticed Tails standing in front of them.
"What happened here?!" Prince Elias demanded.
Tails sighed and explained what had happened, "Knuckles and Geoffrey started fighting. Sonic tried to stop them but Geoffrey ended up killing Knuckles. Sonic got really angry and killed Geoffrey out of revenge...then he ran. I swear to you I tell the truth."
"We believe you sweetie," Lady Bernadette soothed the trouble fox and pulled him into a comforting hug.
"Don't listen to him!" Lady Alicia snapped. She had knelt down beside Geoffrey and was stroking his long white bangs, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He is family to the Hedgehogs! He's lying! Sonic deserves to die as well!"
"But if what Tails says is true, Geoffrey also broke the law. Who will pay?" Prince Elias questioned the two families.
"Not Sonic your majesty. He was Knuckles friend, the echidna's death triggered his actions." Lord Jules pleaded.
Prince Elias looked from family to family. This whole situation had totally blown out of proportion and he wasn't looking forward to what he had to do. "Even though it was Geoffrey's fault, Sonic has indeed committed murder. His punishment...banishment." The Prince's decision caused Lady Bernadette to start sobbing but he continued. "The next time Sonic is seen in Mobotropolis, it will be his last."
***
Sally Acorn lay sprawled out on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She sighed a contented sigh as she reached over and took her pillow from the head of the bed. The squirrel hugged the pillow and smiled to herself. Everything seemed so perfect to her. Sally was counting the minutes until she could see her love again. But her counting was interrupted buy a troubled looking nurse hurrying into her room.
"Hi Bunnie!" Sally sat up and smiled at the rabbot, until she realized Bunnie didn't look at all happy. Instead, she looked as if she had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy and dried tears stained her face. "Bunnie? What's wrong? Do you have news from Sonic?"
"He's dead suga! Gone! Ah can't believe it's all true!" Bunnie broke into tears, sobbing loudly. Sally's face turn three shades lighter when she heard the words come out of her nurse's mouth.
"W...What?" Sally stammered out, not quite sure if she had heard right.
"Ah just can't believe such a thing! Oh Sonic! Who would have ever thought this would happen!" Bunnie wept as she pulled the dumbstruck Sally into a hug.
"What are you saying?!" Sally pulled away violently. "Has Sonic killed himself?!" she demanded. But Bunnie ignored her questions.
"Ah saw it! I saw the wound with mah own eyes! Right on his chest! Oh the poor dear! Ah nearly fainted at the sight!" the rabbot wiped away some of her tears.
"You mean Sonic IS dead?!" Sally felt the tears start to stream down her cheeks. "No! No it can't be true!" she shook her head in disbelief. Bunnie hadn't seemed to have heard poor Sally and continued to sob.
"Oh Geoffrey! Ah never thought Ah'd see ya'll dead! My dearest friend Geoffrey! Gone!" the nurse buried her head in her hands. Sally looked up from her own crying. Now she was even more confused.
"Geoffrey? What do you mean? Geoffrey AND Sonic are dead? My cousin and my husband? GONE?!" Sally shouted. Bunnie finally looked at Sally, the screaming had caught her attention.
"No! Geoffrey is gone and Sonic is banished! Sonic killed Geoffrey and now he is banished!" Bunnie explained, tears still flowing from her eyes.
"Sonic killed Geoffrey?! But why?!" This was all too much for Sally to take in all at once.
"Curse that Sonic! Ah knew he was trouble from the start! Shame on him!" Bunnie ranted angrily.
"Take that back! Take it back now!" Sally screamed at her, still crying. "Do not talk like that about the one I love!"
Bunnie looked at her in shock. "Ya'll are just gonna sit here and stick up for the murderer who killed your cousin?!" Bunnie scolded.
"And am I just supposed to start talking bad of my husband?! If Sonic hadn't killed Geoffrey, would it have been Geoffrey who killed him? Now Geoffrey is dead and Sonic is banished! Who do I cry over?" Sally choked out between sobs. Bunnie's long ears drooped in sadness. Sally had a point. "Now...where are my parents?" Sally asked in almost a whisper.
"Crying over Geoffrey. Would you like to be with them suga? Ah'll take ya'll if ya want," Bunnie offered.
"No Bunnie, I would rather stay here thank you..." Sally quietly spoke, hugging herself tightly. Bunnie put her arms around the teenager and embraced her comfortingly.
"Ah'll go and get Sonic to come here an' keep ya'll company. Ah know where he is." Bunnie suggested.
Sally sniffed back a few more tears and looked up at Bunnie. "Oh would you? Here..."the squirrel looked down and took off a golden ring that adorned her finger. It was engraved with a fancy S. "Give this to him and tell him I love him. Beg him to come here for me."
Bunnie nodded and took the ring from Sally. The nurse then made her way out of the room and out of the house. She headed strait towards the Mobian church.
***
Friar Chuck entered his cell quietly so as not to disturb the other members of the church. He turned on the light to his own personal room. "Sonic, you can come out now. Now one is here," he whispered loudly.
The blue hedgehog peaked his head out from behind a small couch. The worried look on his face was as plain as day. "What does the Prince say? What's going to happen to me?" Sonic asked nervously.
"Be thankful boy. He has gone easy on you and decided to spare your life. Instead you will be banished," the friar explained. But this didn't relieve Sonic at all.
"BANISHED?! NO! Kill me instead!" Sonic pleaded
"Sonic! Be grateful! The law said you were to be put to death and the Prince has changed that!" Friar Chuck scolded.
"But if I leave I'll never see Sal again! It's not worth it! I'd rather die!" Sonic exclaimed, plopping down on the couch.
"Don't be foolish boy! Listen to reason!"
"Listen to what? You rub it in that I'm banished!"
"Sonic, you don't understand!"
Sonic glared and stood up from his seat. "No! YOU don't understand! I love Sally more than life! To leave Mobotropolis and her behind is torture! I would rather be dead!"
The argument was cut short by a sharp knock at the door. Friar Chuck motioned for Sonic to hide but instead, the stubborn hedgehog threw himself to the ground. The door slowly opened and Bunnie stuck her head in. "Hello? Ah come for mah Lady Sally? Where is mah lady's husband?" she asked the priest. Friar Chuck sighed and stepped to the side to reveal the heart-broken Sonic lying on the ground.
"On the floor...feeling sorry for himself..." Friar Chuck let out another annoyed sigh.
"Oh he's just like Sally Girl! Blubbering and weeping like a child!" she glared down at Sonic and put her hands on her hips. "Get up for Mobius sake and act like a man!"
Sonic's ears twitched at the sound of the Southern rabbot's voice. "You! Sally's nurse! You said something about Sally! Is she all right? Does she think I'm a murderer? Where is she?"
"At home! Where she cries over Geoffrey and you! Both of you evil men!" Bunnie scolded.
"What have I done to her? I can't take this!" The hedgehog drew his sword and held it above his heart.
"Stop this! You killed Geoffrey now you will kill yourself? I thought you had a better temper than that Sonic! Now stop this nonsense and go to your wife! Comfort her at this time. But don't stay long, just till morning. Then you will go into the Great Forest as punishment for your crime. You'll stay there until we can announce your marriage to Sally and stop this whole feud! Nurse! Go and tell Sally to hurry her family to bed because Sonic will be coming." Friar Chuck instructed.
"Right away friar. Sonic, Sally told me to give ya'll this ring. She loves you and wants you to hurry." Bunnie said then scurried out the door.
Sonic gripped the ring tight and held it close to his chest. Friar Chuck laid a hand on Sonic's shoulder. "Now go, and hurry! But remember not to stay long. When you leave her go to the Great Forest. There will be a small cabin you will stay in. I'll send your servant Mighty to bring you any news I have. Good night and good luck!"
Sonic nodded and shot out the door in a blur. He blasted through the quiet streets of Mobotropolis. This was definitely not what he expected he'd have to deal with on his wedding night. "Some honeymoon..." he muttered to himself.
***
Back at the Acorns house, Lord Max and Lady Alicia were discussing Geoffrey's death with Antoine.
"Dear boy this has been a rough time for us indeed. I hope you will understand that with all of the grieving going on, we really haven't had time to talk to our daughter about marrying you. Understand that she loved her cousin and his death has been tough for her to handle. It is late and we should all be sleeping." Max explained to Antoine who nodded in response
"Oui my lord. Thiz ez being a sad time, no? Not a good one for thiz talking of marriage. I will be, how do you say, punching zee sack? Good Night mademoiselle." Antoine bowed to Lady Alicia. The coyote turn to leave but Max was having second thoughts about his decision and called him back.
"Antoine my boy, I think it might be best for my daughter if she were married sooner. It might take her mind off of all this sorrow. I give her to you lad. She will listen to me, I don't doubt it. Alicia, tell Sally all this in the morning. Tell her that come Wednesday...wait. What is today?"
"Monday, dear" Lady Alicia informed him. Max thought for a second.
"Hmmm...Wednesday might be too soon. Make it Thursday! Tell her Thursday she will marry Antoine! We won't make a big deal out of it; we'll keep the ceremony small and only invite a few people. With Geoffrey's recent death I don't want people to think we have forgotten him so quickly. What do you say to Thursday, lad?" Max turned to Antoine.
"My lord, I am to be wishing Thursday waz being tomorrow," Antoine stated.
"That's the spirit boy. Now let us be off to bed, it is far too late." Max yawned.
***
Morning was just starting to peak over the city of Mobotropolis. The golden rays of the rising sun stirred Sonic Hedgehog from his pleasant slumber. Sonic opened his eyes slowly and let out a long yawn. He glanced next to him at the sleeping squirrel. He smiled and wrapped his arm around her chest and pulled her into a gentle embrace. Sonic rested his head on Sally's bare shoulder and nuzzled her lovingly. Sally sighed contentedly in her sleep as she cuddled closer to the hedgehog.
Sonic shut his eyes again and was about to fall back to sleep when a noise from outside Sally's bedroom window caused his sensitive pointy ears to twitch. The sound of the morning lark greeting a new day flowed like music into the room. But Sonic knew that the sound of the birds singing was announcing the morning. Though his mind told him to get moving, his heart told him to stay. The hedgehog sighed and pulled himself out of Sally's bed, causing the squirrel to awaken. Her eyes fluttered open as she rolled over to face her husband. She watched Sonic reach under the bed and pull out his red sneakers with the white strip that ran across the center.
"Must you leave Sonic? It's not morning yet, that was the nightingale, not the lark." Sally tried to convince her love to stay with her.
"It was the lark, Sal." Sonic said as he slipped on his sneakers and carefully tied the laces. "I have to go..."
Sally groaned and sat up, snatching her nightgown off the floor and pulling it over her head. "Please stay!" she pleaded as she put her arms around Sonic's neck from behind. She kissed his cheek and he smiled. They looked into each other's eyes for a second. But a second was all it took to change Sonic's mind.
"Let them find me..." he grinned as he moved closer for another kiss. Sally giggled and fell back onto the bed as Sonic loomed over her, moving closer and pressing his lips to hers. The morning lark let out another beautiful call from outside the window. Sally's ears bent back as they heard the sound. Her eyes opened wide and she gasped, pushing Sonic off her.
"It IS the lark! Oh Sonic, you have to go! They'll find you here and kill you!" Sally practically shoved her husband off the bed.
A knock at the door caused both teenagers to turn their attention to the other side of the room. A second later it opened and Bunnie stepped inside.
"Sally Girl! Yer mother is commin! Hurry up and get a move on SugaHog!" Bunnie instructed, shutting the door behind her.
"I'll miss you Sal," Sonic said as he pulled her into a hug. Sally brushed her muzzle under his chin.
"Write me every day?" she asked.
"Every chance I get!" he smiled.
"Will I ever see you again?"
"You can count on it Sal!"
With one last kiss, Sonic dash out the window. Sally rushed over to it and watched him speed away. She whirled around when she heard the door to her room open.
"Oh good, your awake Sally," Lady Alicia smiled as she entered the room.
"G...Good Morning mother!" Sally stuttered nervously. It had been a close call and she was thankful her husband was faster then the speed of sound. But Sally couldn't help but wonder why her mother was up so early.
Alicia looked over Sally. She assumed that her daughter had a rough night crying over her cousin. "Still upset about Geoffrey, dear? Well crying won't bring him back to us. Grieving shows much love but too much grief shows lack of sense, my dear! You must feel horrible because the villain who killed him still lives"
Sally slowly nodded. She could not show her mother her true feelings for Sonic. She had to play it cool. "Yes mother, I wish that murderer would drop dead and pay for his actions."
"We will have our revenge, my dear," Alicia hugged her daughter. "I will personally send someone into the forest where he was banished. They will take care of that devil Sonic!"
Sally swallowed hard, dreading the thought. "R...Really?" Sally squeaked.
"Oh yes indeed! He will soon be keeping our Geoffrey company!" Alicia assured her. Sally bit her lip nervously and looked down at the floor. "But anyway, there is a reason I have come to you so early."
"Do tell..." Sally said in almost a whisper. She really was in no mood to talk to anyone at the moment.
"Yes! Your father was concerned with your depression from the recent accident. So to relieve you from your sadness he has arranged for you and Antoine to get married on Thursday!" Alicia stated excitedly. Sally's eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped.
"He WHAT?!"
"Isn't that great sweetie? You're getting married!" Alicia beamed, hugging her daughter again.
"NO!" Sally broke free of her mother's embrace. "I will not marry Antoine! You can tell daddy that I refuse!"
"Tell him yourself," her mother gestured to the bedroom door where her father stood. Sally turned to look at Lord Max. Anger grew in her father's eyes and his hands clenched into fists.
"Daddy! I...I..." Sally tried to explain to her father.
"What is this I hear? You don't want to marry Antoine? You should be thankful child, that I have found such a noble husband for you!" Max stated firmly.
"But I don't want to marry him! I can't even stand him! I don't want to get married at all!" Sally protested.
"You WILL marry Antoine and that is final! You will respect my orders and get yourself to that church on Thursday! Do you understand me?" Max raised his tone.
"No Daddy! I won't go!" Sally crossed her arms.
"You ungrateful little wretch!" Max growled. "I find you a good husband and you refuse to marry? This is the thanks I get? I will say it again! You WILL marry Antoine! And if you refuse again, then leave my house! I'll disown you as my child! Starve on the streets for all I care!"
Sally broke down in tears at what he was saying. She couldn't possibly marry Antoine when she was already married to Sonic. Her father was being unreasonable and worse, he was threatening to disown her! "Please Daddy! No!"
"Max! Calm yourself! This is your anger talking! You don't mean what you say," Alicia tried to calm her husband down but he wouldn't have it.
"My word is final! Be at that church you disobedient brat, or I will drag you there myself!" With that said Max stormed out of the room, leaving Sally in tears.
"Oh mother! Please! I beg you! Do not throw me out! Delay the marriage for a month! A week even!" Sally pleaded, but now Alicia was just as angry with her.
"You will listen to your father Sally! He knows what is best for you!" after saying that, Lady Alicia also left the room.
Sally turned to the only other one left in the room. Bunnie had been standing in the corner, staying as silent as she could.
"Oh Bunnie! What do I do? I can't marry Antoine, you know that!" Sally asked her nurse's advice. Bunnie was silent for a minute and then looked Sally in the eye. She took the squirrel's hands in her own.
"Suga, you have to understand. Marryin Antoine is the smart idea. Sonic is banished! Ya'll might never see each other eva again! So Ah think it might be best if you marry Antoine. He's a real darlin Sally Girl! Twice the man Sonic eva was! Ya'll be much happier! Like yer mother said! Sonic is as good as dead!" Bunnie explained.
Sally couldn't believe what she was hearing. She pulled her hand away from Bunnie and took a step back. "Do you mean that Bunnie?" The rabbot nodded.
"Traitor! How could she? Just yesterday she said Sonic was perfect! I can no longer trust her! What am I going to do? I'll ask Friar Chuck! He will know what to do! But how will I get out?" Sally thought to herself.
"Sally Girl?" Bunnie asked, taking a step closer. Sally hadn't said anything and she was now worried what she might be thinking.
"Then I will..." Sally said.
"What? Ya will what?"
"I'll marry Antoine. If that's what you say to do, I will do it. Go, tell my father I have gone to confession for disobeying him." Sally instructed.
"Ya'll are a wise girl Sally! I'll go an' tell him right away!" Bunnie smiled and hurried to give Sally's parents the good news. When Sally was sure her nurse was gone, she rushed into her closet.
"Friar Chuck will know how to solve this! But if all else fails...I will seek death instead." Sally said out loud to herself as she pulled on her blue vest and boots.