MerendinoEmilano: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Can you point to some spot I can improve?
Daedriel: In fairness, Nagus didn't have the resources to deal with large quantities of Nobles. Bribes are expensive, and the taxes weren't exactly great for him. For a time, the nobles were more opposed to breaking the status quo between the two powers, but now Nagus has broken all of that down. That being said, even money has its limits…
You summed up the idea pretty well, but something else is that Johan was advising Nagus with stability in mind. Now that Johan is gone, Nagus has no one to perhaps keep his ambitions grounded.
/*-*/
Sonic slumped against the wall of the noble resting room. Sally sat on her bed, sharing in his slump. She looked at the floor as, the disappointment on her face being plain to see. Sonic couldn't fault her for it. He was emotionally battered as well. Sonic wasn't even sure that they needed to be here anymore.
"I mean… we can still make our voices heard. Maybe we can sway the nobles to vote our way." Sonic offered, not even sounding hopeful.
"He has control of the republic, and the Nobles. Sonic, we have to convince over three hundred nobles to reject what ever Nagus told them to do, and try to remain out of sight while we are doing it." Sally sighed, sounding like she was going to cry.
"Hey… are you ok?" Sonic asked, walking over and leaning down. Did he have the energy to fix everything? Probably not but he was there for her. Sally needed him, and Sonic wasn't going to leave her there alone.
Sally sighed, "I'm just emotional right now. It'll pass."
Sonic nodded with a smile, "Right, mood swings… Anything I can do?" Sonic asked, giving her a hopeful smile.
Sally looked up at him, and her smile lit up the room, "You're sweet, Sonic, but I honestly don't know what we can do. Nagus has the crown, it's his turn. Let's just hope he makes a mistake."
Sonic nodded, "He's the only one who can do something. We can't do much." Sonic hated to support that idea, but if she wouldn't help him, then what could he do?
Someone knocked on their door.
Sonic glanced at Sally, who looked curious as well. Who would be coming by at this hour? Sonic walked up and cracked the door. Outside it stood a hooded figure. The figure turned to reveal himself to be white fox, "He needs to talk to you."
Sonic blinked a couple times. Who starts a conversation like that? "Who?"
"The Wolverine. He asked for both of you. Come on." The white fox explained impatiently, "It's about the fate of the kingdom."
Sonic opened the door, " Alright tell her everything."
The white fox scowled and walked inside, "The Wolverine wants to meet you to discuss the fate of the kingdom."
Sally blinked, but she stayed silent. She seemed to be thinking about it, but Sonic didn't need to think about, " Why would we even think about meeting with him?"
"I don't know. I don't even know why he'd even consider talking to you, but if he asked for you, then it must be important." The white fox stated, looking away.
Sally squinted at the fox, "Wait a minute… you were in the penal battalions, right?"
"Yes ma'am. Now can we move?" The Fox looked nervous.
Sally frowned before nodding, "Alright, take us to him. I have a few questions of my own to ask him."
The Fox nodded, seeming to be in relief as Sonic asked, "Seriously?"
"I don't think he'd call us there if it wasn't urgent." Sally mumbled, standing up and walking towards the door.
The Fox flinched and his face contorted as she walked by.
He led them out of the palace, and into the forest where the crashed Egg Carrier lurked.
"So… you've worked with him a couple times now, right? Any dangerous tendencies I should be aware of?" Sonic asked, hoping to make some small talk as they walked.
"Just don't run away. He hates cowards, on both sides." The Fox answered coldly, as if he didn't hav a high opinion of Sonic. They approached the Egg Carrier and entered the docking door.
"I get the feeling you don't like me very much." Sonic joked as they walked inside.
"I don't exactly have good experiences with nobles." The Fox grumbled before flinching again, "Has she been bathing in garlic?"
Sonic blinked and was again reminded of how Sally smelt.
Sally simply gave him a soft, "I have my reasons."
They walked down the corridors, and Sonic had plenty of blasts to the past. He remembered when Chaos attacked Central City, and how he had run down these corridors to get to Amy.
Sonic found himself feeling sad yet again that she was gone. He wondered if she was ok.
Where ever his mind was going, it stopped when he saw the large brown wolverine sitting in the chair that Eggman had sat in so long ago. Johan seemed pleased… not joyful or angry, just mildly pleased that they had shown up.
"Good, you are here." Johan growled, with a pleased nod.
Sally nodded at him, but kept a fierce gaze at him, "Yes, and I have questions for you."
Johan remained quiet, rolling his nose as if he smelled… right, Sally.
"Can I ask my-" Sally started.
"Ask, Do not waste time." Johan growled as his eyes watered, and Sonic could hear his nostril snorting and watering.
"Did you conspire to help Nagus take power from the republic." Sally demanded, keeping her eyes on the Wolverine.
Johan let out another snort, "Yes, I gave him the advice to control the republic, and how to remove the cancer from your lands."
"Cancer?" Sally frowned, "I helped bring about the republic compromise."
"And you doomed your people to a power struggle. I see the future, one of conflict where neither can work with the other, nor can they destroy the other." Johan growled firmly. Sonic really didn't see how that was possible… until he remember the republic's attempt to stop Nagus by rejecting everything.
Some of the things Nagus wanted… weren't bad.
Sonic had to ask, "Did you give Nagus the ideas for the laws."
Johan growled, "I suggested them, in a way I knew he would not defy. He easy to control, his quick anger and arrogance was a useful tool." Johan seemed to grim phis chair in frustration.
Sally asked, "Well, I guess I have only one question that matters: are you still working to help Nagus?"
Johan paused for a moment, and then smiled, "You pay my contract, and have negotiated our deals. I fight for you."
Sally and Sonic looked at each other, before Sally nodded, "Let's say I believe you. What did you want to talk about?"
"The future of these lands." Johan answered simply, "You need to return to your lands and assemble your nobles to decide the future of this kingdom."
"Alright, We'll do it." Sally sighed, leaving Sonic in disbelief.
"Wait, really?" Sonic asked her.
"Sure, we can assemble the nobles and figure out why everyone seems to have lost their minds." Sally smiled, as her fist balled, "And we can confront those that are easily swayed. Once we're done here, of course."
Johan growled, "You must leave now, and send out the messages before tomorrow." He seemed very disturbed.
"What? Why?" Sally and Sonic asked. He was really being pushy.
Johan growled in frustration at their question, but conceded, "Nagus is aggressively pushing my plan forward, and growing beyond it. He will complete destroy this kingdom. I cannot say much more, for you would be incriminated if you act with the knowledge I possess. He will act tomorrow, and he will set in motion this kingdom's destruction."
Sonic blinked at Johan, "That's all you're going to tell us? We need a little more to go off of."
"You will get no more. If you wish to save this kingdom from his child-like foolishness, then listen to me." Johan growled firmer, and more agitated.
Sally squinted at Johan, "Alright, but I need you to answer one more questions."
"Ask them." Johan growled, slamming his foot into the ground. He was very impatient.
"Do you want our kingdom?" Sally asked, squinting at the beast. The accusation hung in the air.
Johan growled, locking up slightly "No."
Sally waited for an elaboration. It didn't come, so Sally turned to Sonic, "Let's go."
"Enlist me as a commander in your armies." Johan growled as well, "And give me the Huskarls."
"The Huskarls?" Sally asked, laying back in Sonic's arms.
"The prisoners." Johan growled again.
"I'll think about it." Sally stated, coldly.
Sonic scooped her up and zipped her out of the room, "Do you trust him?"
"He wants Nagus's crown. I know it. But right now, I think he's told us mostly truth." Sally frowned as they zipped over a bridge. They arrived at Roja and Sally climbed out of Sonic's arms.
They went into the manor, and Sally went to grab paper and pens. Sonic also got down and began to write, asking the nobles to come and assemble for the future of the kingdom.
Time would tell how many actually came.
/*-*/
Fiona sat on the ground as Alister put the gears back in the watch. It was weird, she never figured out how to fix a watch, but he seemed to be able to fix them like no one's business. She saw his face light up when the gears began to turn.
He then put the face back on, and watched it tick, all without a word. Alister then looked up at Fiona, and held up the watch.
Fiona smiled as it began to tick, watching the big hand move when a minute passed, "You know, you got a real talent for that stuff."
"Really? Can't you fix a watch?" Alister asked, and Fiona felt slightly attacked. Of course she couldn't fix a watch. That was never really her job. She just… acquired them.
"Nah, I never needed to before." Fiona waved it off, hoping that he would drop the subject.
Alister nodded, "Ok."
Fiona then felt a little thrown off by the fact that he just dropped the topic completely. He didn't even try to push, instead he just returned to looking at his watch, fiddling with the dials.
Fiona shook her head, and walked out of his room, smiling a bit. He almost seemed oblivious to the troubles of the world… almost. She could see in those eyes he was very, very smart. He knew all about what was going on, but he pretended everything was going to be ok.
Fiona couldn't say why, she could only spot the lie, not its reason. Still, the kit put up a face that could fool almost anyone. Fiona wanted to be fooled.
She had a creeping fear in her heart. It raced, and she couldn't pin down why. Fiona knew it wasn't normal, and it had a very familiar, recent feel to it.
She had thought the feelings of being watched were in her head before, but every so often, she would look and see something move, just out of the corner of her eyes. Fiona hated being the hunted one.
She had a feeling Alister felt it too, but she didn't say anything. No sense in startling everyone until Fiona had some definitive proof.
Fiona stopped outside the kitchen. The sun had turned the sky a dark red, and it was quickly turning purple as time passed. Fiona, however, saw this as a perfect opportunity to get some honey crunches. Honey bread, baked, cut and coated in additional honey made her life all the better.
She ate one off the tray and walked back to Alister's room. He had once again taken apart the watch and was putting it back together when Fiona set the tray down.
"Hey, how about a break and a snack to go with it." Fiona smiled at the little red fox. Alister perked up at the sight of the honey covered slices of bread before frowning and slumping down.
"I'm not supposed to eat in my room." Alister mumbled, looking at the tray.
"It'll be our little secret." Fiona offered, smiling down at him.
"It's against the rules." Alister slumped down.
Fiona grabbed a crunch and held it out, "Come on, I won't tell anyone. Just you and me having fun."
"No! It's against the rules." Alister barked, frowning and almost tearing up.
Fiona recoiled, pulling the honey crunch back on the tray. Alister seemed frustrated and Fiona blinked at him. She finally sighed, "What if we took them to the kitchen and ate them?"
Alister then perked up as if he hadn't just had an outburst, "Ok!"
He jumped up and walked out the door. Fiona felt more confused than ever. Alister clearly did not like it when Fiona decided to bring the food up there. She thought it would be a "cool aunt" moment, where she and Alister could secretly eat treats together.
Alister didn't see it that way apparently.
Fiona found him patiently waiting in the kitchen, with the chefs off duty. The Honey Crunches weren't as good as Christina's, but they were sweet and crunchy. That made them adequate.
After eating, Alister went up to his room. Fiona walked outside, and slumped against the wall. She was still trying to figure little Alister out.
As she slumped down, and licked her fingers, Fiona heard a shuffling noise. Something was scrapping along the ground, around the side of the manor.
Fiona probably should have called for guards. She should have told someone about it. Still, she was curious by nature, so she walked around the corner.
Fiona was right, something had been scratching into the walls. She definitely should have turned back. Her danger sensors were going crazy. Still, something had cut through stone with its claws, and Fiona needed to know what exactly.
She kept looking, up and down to try and see anything that might have climbed up the walls or something.
Fiona then heard a squelching sound. The sky had turned darker, and So Fiona should have grabbed a lantern, but it was starting to rain. So Fiona kept walking, this time across the grass as the lights from the manor windows began to fall behind her. She held her breath as the moon began to rise.
The light cast down and glistened across black shiny skin. An array of teeth glistened as Fiona heard the a hissing noise. Fiona recognized the shape as it stood against the walls. She really should have brought a torch or something with her.
Fiona forced her fear down and slowly began to back away. The Dark Creature began to walk her way, its long, lanky legs stretching out as it began to walk towards her. Fiona began to retreat back around the corner, carefully keeping her front facing the monster which was walking towards her.
Fiona had turned her back on its friends and they had jumped after her. Now Fiona was going to make sure this thing would get her. At least, that was what she thought.
In reality, Fiona realized that the creature was not hesitating at all. It seemed to be stalking her, toying with her.
Fiona growled in frustration as she began to walk backwards faster she got into the light of the windows, only for the lanterns inside to be blown out.
Fiona realized the distance was quickly closing, and she backed away until she saw one lantern lit. It was just outside the toolshed, which meant there was probably someone there, or if nothing else, Fiona had something to guard herself with.
Fiona began to walk outward into the courtyard, stepping away from the safe and protective layer of the walls. The Creature continued its advance on her.
Fiona finally decided to bite the bullet and turn around and run towards the shed. She didn't make it very far. Fiona felt her body collapse against the earth, claws digging into her shoulders a Fiona tried to lift herself. Up.
She was just outside the tool shed! A few more steps and she would have made it! Instead, She was going to die out here… alone… in the grass and dirt.
Fiona grit her teeth. She did not survive being almost being burned alive twice, a Wolverine attack, several battles just to die here! Fiona tried to force herself to her feet. Pushing up, Fiona looked around for anything. Unfortunately, the lawn was very much a nobleman's, meaning it was crisp and clean of anything that might be remotely useful.
Fiona swung her tail around, kicked up her legs, what ever she could to survive and maybe throw the monster off her. It was no use.
Fiona practically felt her will to fight being drained out of her very soul. Fiona growled, "You won't… get me!" She gasped, trying to crawl forward.
The Creature instead continued to pin her down, with the claws cutting into her shoulder blades.
Fiona tried to scream in pain, but her voice was cut out by the lack of air in her lungs. She was going to die here, alone, and helpless.
She heard the air rumble, and air fill her lungs. A snarl came from behind Fiona as she was finally able to move. She turned over and saw a hedgehog, standing over her. It was about time. She knew Sonic's quill patterns anywhere.
She stood up as the dark creature jumped at Sonic, who growled and spun into it. The creature was knocked back, but it grabbed his back quills. Fiona heard Sonic apparently struggle and cry out in his gruff voice.
He needed help. Fiona turned back to the tool shed. She opened the door and ran in to grab a hammer. She ran back out as Sonic was pressed into the ground. The Creature opened its maw to bite down on Sonic's back.
Fiona threw the hammer into its skull. To her surprise, the hammer struck, but only bounced off. Instead, the Creature now turned to face her. Fiona realized she had screwed up, and turned to run.
The Dark Creature closed the distance as she reached the door. Fiona grabbed the handle as claws gripped her shoulders and jerked on her. Fiona couldn't go any further.
She saw the glimmer of the lamp next to the doorway. Fiona didn't see any other way. She reached out and pulled the lantern off, before swinging it around. She broke the lantern on the dark creature, watching the fuel and fire spread across its body as it writhed silently in agony.
Fiona panted, before going to thank Sonic. Instead, she noticed his chest as he walked in the light. The quills were not blue, the chest was had two scars.
"Sup Babe, Sorry I'm late." Scourge grinned at her, panting in slight pain.
"What are you doing here?" Fiona demanded. She could see him bleeding from where the claws had dug into his back.
"That was pretty brutal." Scourge grinned at her, pointing at the burning creature which had gone still, leaving Fiona to be pretty sure it was dead.
"I asked you a question." Fiona glared at the green Hedgehog.
Scourge held up his hands with a smile, "Alright, Alright. I came by to say I was wrong."
Fiona raised an eyebrow at him, "Alright, seriously, why did you come by?"
"To say I was wrong. I pushed the bar way too much, and you called me out on it." Scourge continued his grin at her, which made Fiona want to walk up to him and slap him across the face for lying to her.
"What's your game?" Fiona glared, before almost smacking herself, " You know I was the brains out of the two of us. You think I'm going to come back to you over some halfhearted attempt at forgiveness?"
"I know you were the smart one out of the two of us, which is why I know that you know that you want something you are never going to get." Scourge smiled at her, starring her down.
The two stayed in silence. Fiona knew exactly what he was talking about, and she couldn't really argue against it.
"Alright, congratulations, you pointed out the obvious. If that's all you're here for, go ahead and get lost." Fiona growled, waving him off.
"I'm here, because you're gonna have to make some more hard choices in life, and maybe you can help me make a turn around." Scourge's grin turned into a softer smile, "Like I said, I get, I crossed a line, and I broke your trust. I'm trying to be better, but I'll need some help."
Fiona kept her gaze on him.
Scourge held up his hands, "I know how it looks, but before you act like I'm here to pull your strings, just know I'm not demanding you come back to me right now."
Fiona scanned his face for anything that might be a lying indication. Scourge passed, looking more like the awkward teenager he was than anything else. Fiona shook her head.
"I know you're up to something." Fiona growled, glaring at the hedgehog.
"I'm just saying, consider me an alternative to marrying some prissy boy from the house of-" Scourge then cleared his throat and spat up mucus against the wall. He then held out his hand in a passive gesture, and gave a weak smile.
Fiona glanced at him.
Scourge finished up, "You're my crown jewel. My prize. You should be treasured, not traded to some noble because of some stupid custom. You could be at my side, and keeping me on the right path." Scourge smiled at her.
Fiona growled, "Get out of here, I don't want anything to do with you." She stamped her foot down.
"That's not true, and you know how I know." Scourge's innocent smile turn into a mischievous grin, walking up to her, "You would have already called the guards on me if you were done with me."
Fiona froze at that statement, only for Scourge to be gone a few moments later.
/*-*/
Johan sat in his chair, his eyes closed as he felt the small movements from the metal floor. Men and women rushing to their positions to get ready to leave, even after he had told them to make ready.
It served to anger him about how little they truly prepared, but he saw no point in holding on to that anger. A minor mistake, one that would be of no consequence, as they would still be leaving before the night was up.
Gewis was noticeably distracted. He would look to his hands every so often, before moving around and doing something, perhaps checking a box that was passing through the main hall, or simply checking on someone who was supposed to be doing a task.
Johan grew tired of his silence.
"Gewis, speak." Johan final commanded from his faithful follower.
"I… Why did you call me out? I mean to follow you. There were stronger men out there, men who didn't have records, men-"
"Who were weak by nature. The gave in to their beastly desires, failing to resist temptation. You acted honorably and decisively. You were targeted and shamed for doing right. That is a disgrace." Johan growled, hoping that he would finally cease his doubting.
"Is that all? That's your reasoning?" Gewis asked.
"It is enough for me." Johan growled, "I desired good men, and I was led to you. I only needed a few men capable of making decisions."
"You were led to me? By God?" Gewis asked, again sounding so skeptical.
"You still doubt his power?" Johan asked, "Has my strength not been enough?"
"I don't know…" Gewis grumbled, "I know I've seen you do things that are crazy to understand…"
Johan sighed at his confusion. It was frustrating, "You will see… in time. God brings many troubles and opportunities."
An uproar was heard from the hallway.
"You aren't allowed up there! Wait here- hey!"
"I have to deliver this message!"
Johan stood up as a small rodent burst into the command room. He found himself mildly humored by the small rodent's posture. He seemed so confident.
"I'm sorry, he pushed past me." One of Johan's red Garden Defenders grumbled.
"You did not think to kill him?" Johan demanded, seeing their lack of initiative.
"K-Kill me?" The small rodent squeaked.
"R-Right now?" The Red Garden defender hesitated.
"No, he is here now, which took courage. What is so important that you would risk your life to deliver it?" Johan growled, glaring down at the small creature.
The small rodent shifted, "Forgive me, I don't know how to approach you. Should I bow? Kneel?"
"Speak." Johan growled at the small creature.
The rodent quickly became confident once again, "I am here at the behest of Queen Myra of the Desert kingdom."
The small yellow rodent pulled out a disk which did not look like anything the Sand Blasters used. He pressed a button and what appeared in front of Johan was a sphere made out of light. It had two craters which were evenly lined up, and what appeared to be a large ribbon… or mustache on it.
"The Death Egg." Gewis mumbled, sounding mildly fearful.
Johan finally asked, "What does it do?"
"Well, it is a flying base, but additionally, it houses a city wide roboticizer." The Rodent explained, and seemed to grab the sphere, and made it grow, "We found this while searching Legionnaire bases. It appears they needed the fuel for such a craft. Your intervention may have delayed its completion for some time."
Johan growled, "You should have taken this to the kingdom. Take it to the king or to the princess. I am here on guard." Johan waved the messenger off, "Why would you bring this to me? I am a mercenary."
"Well, Officially, I am supposed to deliver this message to someone of authority in the kingdom of Acorn by the order of Queen Myra. Unofficially, Princess Sonar does not have any confidence in the royal powers of this kingdom. She does, however, believe in you."
"Interesting, and she said this herself?" Johan asked, testing to see if this rodent was lying.
"She said "He is brutal, and definitely not polite, but he gets things done. That's more than the kingdom has in the last few years." Her words, exactly." The rodent stated proudly.
"Hmmm, Very well. Take the message to the princess. Not to the castle." Johan growled.
"B-but her majesty, Princess Sonar gave her command that you specifically were to be told of this. Not the princess, or his majesty King Nagus." The small creature cried in protest.
"I have been told, and now I tell the princess. We will begin to prepare to deal with this. Go and tell only the princess. No one else." Johan growled, before coming to a realization, "Stay here, we will be leaving soon, and we shall take you to the princess."
The Rodent looked around and saw Johan's men, before nodding, "I am…rather tired. I will rest here."
Johan gave the order, "Now, take us the city of Roja!"
The Red Garden Defenders nodded, before going to work. The ship started to rumble as it rose out of the ground. The Entire structure shook…before stabilizing as they rose over the tree tops.
"Are you sure you don't want to tell Nagus, it might straighten him out?" Gewis whispered to Johan as they rose.
"No, it would create fear among the nobles, and hesitation. No, I have no need for Nagus anymore. He has outlived his usefulness." Johan growled, glaring at the moon high in the sky. A new day was coming.
/*-*/
Conflict continues to brew in the kingdom. Eggman's ambitions are now emerging. Johan has Sonic and Sally running errands. Scourge has returned to try a new approach. Problems can only arise from this.
Please leave a review and tell me what you thought of the chapter. Your reviews help keep morale high, and also help me improve the story if you see something wrong.