Merendinoemilano: Things are going to continue to develop.

Daedriel: Sally is struggling with several pressures. She is still leading, all while dealing with mood swings of being pregnant, and the pressure of lying ton Sonic. As for Sonic, he's just happy Sally is safe, and she would never lie to him. They're too close for that… right? Sally has her reasons for lying to Sonic. They might not be good from an objective standpoint, but they are believable. Her actions will have a cost, of course.

Olivia and Fiona didn't exactly get off to a good start. Olivia didn't believe Fiona was Aria of Apalsa. That being said, Frederick does not want Fiona gone. I'm actually going to pat myself on the back for this(And I feel arrogant for doing so), but Frederick has a consistent motivation throughout all of the previous chapters, and the chapters to come: keeping Family safe and together. With that in mind, Frederick is acting as a noble lord would. He's trying to marry his sister off for an alliance. If Robotnik hadn't risen to power, Fiona probably would have been fine with that purpose, but she got a taste of Freedom and self-sufficiency, so now she's opposed to being a glorified contract. Everyone is trying to make Fiona what they need, without thinking about what she needs.

Johan is very passionate in everything he does. After all, if you aren't passionate about what you do, then why do it? Why settle for being lesser when you can be the best if you put in the effort? In Faith, in battle, in work, this is the belief the Saxons.

/*-*/

Sonic could feel the tension in the air. In hindsight, it should have made sense that the nobles arrived in the city at roughly the same time, given that they were all coming from the same place. It was still a slightly overwhelming, especially for the carriage system, which was used to having six or seven carriages and a handful of carts, now having to store roughly a hundred and fifty… or so Sonic counted. He wasn't sure.

That was an unnerving thought. Only half of nobles were here, meaning the others just didn't come because they didn't respect Sally. Sonic found his heart frustrated at that thought. She had lost some of her cool nature due to how emotional she had become over her infection, but Sonic still knew she could still lead.

That thought sounded hollow as Sonic remembered her emotional outbursts. He was not used to being the voice of reason, and he didn't like it. She had turned away Hamlin, and he knew it was because she was emotional. Sonic could only hope for a miracle that she would be able to compose herself at the council of nobles tonight.

The Sun was halfway below the horizon. They would begin when they were certain no more nobles were coming.

Sonic rushed down to greet several old nobility who were dismounting their carriages, "What's up guys."

He was met with a series of scowled, which reminded him about formalities and stuff. Sonic gave them a polite bow, or his best version of it, "I'll… Uh, show you where you'll be staying." Sonic tried to give them a good smile as he led them to his mansion.

Yes, they had already been there, but Sonic was hoping to hear some of the noble's thoughts on the meeting before they even started. Granted, they didn't really know what the meeting was about, even Sonic wasn't sure, but he wanted to check and see if he could sway anyone. Sonic was still new to the diplomacy department.

Sonic arrived at the door steps, only to find Many of the nobles stood back cautiously. Sonic looked up and saw Whisper standing guard at the door, her long rifle resting at her side.

"Oh… that's just my… bodyguard." Sonic explained with a laugh, still not seeing the nobles relax. The Hedgehog saw Whisper standing there, stoically with her mask on her face. Sonic saw how she seemed to scan the entire crowd of nobles, unnerving everyone including himself.

Sonic coughed, "Hey, Thanks for the good work, Whisper, I think we're safe." Sonic smiled at her, and she seemed to understand, walking inside. Sonic let out a light chuckle, and led the nobles inside, holding the door open.

Sonic began to list off the nobles who he knew. Sonic let in a few rams, a couple of oxen, several sheep and then he turned to see-

"Frederick?" Sonic blinked. He wasn't sure why he was surprised, but Sonic knew that he wasn't expecting Frederick there.

"Hello my friend." Frederick smiled, looking a little nervous.

"Uh, yeah, I'll show everyone to their rooms real quick." Sonic smiled, and let everyone in. stood on the balcony and watched over the nobles as they came in.

Once everyone was in, Sonic led them up the stairs, "Ok, so this is where you'll be staying, You can pick out your rooms, I have the furthest down on the right."

Sonic heard some talk of confusion between two nobles as they set their stuff in the rooms. Sonic listened carefully.

"So, the old princess seemed to have called us out here for a noble assembly. Why do you think that is?" Asked a wolf, sounding mildly annoyed that he had come.

"I must assume the nature of this meeting will be private. I believe she wishes to discuss restoring their family to the throne. Nagus has quite ambitious plays, and she seems to believe that the nobility are disgruntled with the current kings recent aggression." An older wolf grumbled. He sounded grizzled and rough.

"I thought we wanted Nagus gone? Are we not going to support them, Father?" The younger one asked.

The older one thought for a moment, "It depends on her argument. I won't trade one tyrant for another, and I won't fight for some princess to sell the kingdom to a different one."

Sonic backed away from the conversation. Sonic frowned as he realized that if the Acorn sibling did make their play, there was no going back.

As everyone got situated at his manor, they moved to the back to the front of the manor, where Sonic saw Whisper actually looking quite nervous. Her head jerked around at all of the people.

"Alright, I don't believe any more of us are coming. We are ready for the noble council." The ox growled, looking up at Sonic.

Sonic walked down the stairs, and nodded, "Very well… Thank you all for coming. Follow me." Sonic led the nobles up the hill to the area that they had prepared.

Sonic had shuffled the chairs for nothing, as the wind seemed to drag the simple seats around where ever it pleases. Still, they held some formation, which was good enough Sonic guessed.

He turned and saw many of then nobles sneer at the simple seating arrangement. Sonic laughed, "Yep, this where we'll be hosting everything. Grab a seat and we will call roll." Sonic zipped into the base itself and ran to get Sally.

As he opened the door, Tails jumped up, only to slump down a little, as if he was expecting someone. Sonic smiled, "Hey is Sally ready?"

Tails winced a little, and that told Sonic all he needed to know. She was still stressed. Sonic zipped inside her room, and could hear her talking from the bathroom.

"I feel that it is within our best interests… no…no too weak. We need to do… no sounds demanding." Sally's voice grumbled, Sonic could hear her breathing aggressively as she seemed to struggle with her stress. Sally took a deep breath, "It's ok… remember breathing techniques."

She took a deep breath, before letting it out.

Sonic decided now was the time to knock on the door as he peered inside. Sally was still dressed up nice, but the counter was a mess. She usually wasn't so messy, so Sonic had a feeling that she had a panic attack.

"Hey, you'll do great. Just go up there, and speak your mind." Sonic hugged her, which caused her to tense up. Sonic then remembered how much trouble she had working on her hair. He made sure to avoid her hair and gave her the most awkward hug possible.

Sally sighed and leaned into him a bit, "Thank you for always being there for me… This is the first time I'm really going to present something to the nobles… as Queen or leader."

"Come on, Sal, you've led the Freedom Fighters. It's just like your inspirational speeches, just to a larger crowd." Sonic tried to reassure her, before smiling mischievously, "Would you like Elias to do it?"

"Don't you even threaten that!" Sally scolded playfully.

Sonic smiled, and he heard the base door open, and close. Sonic perked up, "Are you ready?"

"Just a minute. Sonic, thank you for sticking by me. I know I've been difficult, but I have to ask something of you." Sally smiled up at Sonic. Sonic felt warm but also unnerved.

"What is it, Sal?" Sonic asked, feeling his throat tighten a bit.

"We've been through this so long, we always come back to each other… can we get married after all of this is done?" Sally asked, smiling up at Sonic.

Sonic felt the spotlights on him. He wasn't sure how to respond, because he felt nervous about the whole idea. At the same time, Sonic didn't want to tell Sally "no".

"It's ok, you don't have to answer right away, but just think about it… please?" Sally asked, grabbing Sonic's hand, "I think I'm ready to go."

The two walked out into the darkened sky, where the nobles had waited so patiently in their seats.

Sally clutched Sonic's hand, before she let go and began to walk up the steps of the stage. Sonic zipped over to the seat by Frederick.

Sally walked along the stage and stood in front of the audience, "Greetings… my fellow nobles." Sally started, sounding nervous and awkward.

Sonic felt the noble's already losing interest in Sally. Sally quickly got frustrated, before sighing, "I've called you here because our kingdom is at a crossroad. Nagus has made several changes to the kingdom, sometimes good, sometimes problematic." Sally growled, grabbing the noble's attention back to her.

Sonic nodded, before he heard an worried grunt from his left. Sonic turned and saw Frederick looking mildly… upset. Not necessarily worried, but uncomfortable.

Sally continued, "Now, Nagus has expanded his power far beyond the scope of a monarch. Now, With his expanded power, he and exhibited traits of tyrant, with little regard for the rights of the commoner or the noble."

Sally closed her eyes and lowered her head, trying to keep calm. "He has enriched himself, and pushed the boundaries of respectable power in such a way that it would not be fit to call him a worthy king."

Sonic could hear a low murmur among the nobility, which he hoped was a good sign. If history was anything to go off of… well Sonic didn't know. They would discuss it, but it was still anyone's game.

Sally, unfortunately looked like she was out of plays, "So… I propose… The removal of Nagus as our king, and reinstate the House of Acorn as the rightful rulers of our namesake kingdom." Sally gulped at that last statement.

The nobles were especially loud and talkative at that statement. They seemed be arguing with each other.

Sally shifted nervously, before clearing her throat, "Um… I guess I will leave the floor for discussion."

She walked off the stage looking hollow and tired. Sonic watched the nobles assemble into little clusters. Sonic walked over to Frederick, hoping to try and be casual about how Sonic was handling the speech.

"So… Uh…. How are you voting?" Sonic asked. He nailed it.

"I… I have my principles with this…situation." Frederick frowned with that vague answer.

Sonic felt his spines shudder as he realized what Frederick was saying, but he needed to be sure, "Are you… not voting to replace Nagus?"

"I… I don't see a civil war benefitting anyone. Nagus is very powerful." Frederick horribly explained.

"I… I understand, and I think you're right…" Sonic frowned. In reality, the only reason he was voting for Sally was… Because the Wolverine wanted them to, and Sonic wanted to be supportive of Sally.

Elias came over as Frederick explained, "Nagus has been good to me, and I owe him a lot."

"Lord Frederick… Nagus is not a legitimate ruler. He didn't earn his place at that palace. Furthermore, he's abusing his power." Elias growled, balling his fist at his side.

"Nagus has reunited me with my sister. I won't give that up, not for power or threats." Frederick stated, his voice shaking slightly.

"You have to think about the good of the kingdom!" Elias growled, raising his hands expectantly.

"I won't lose my family for your power gain!" Frederick stated adamantly.

"We aren't trying to split up your family, Right Elias." Sonic pleaded, elbowing Elias.

Elias went rigid, "Of course not, all we want is Nagus gone. Once we do that-"

"If you do that. I have too much to lose by even being here." Frederick sighed, "I can't vote for a civil war, I'm sorry."

Sonic frowned. If they were on different sides, Sonic wasn't sure what would happen to Frederick, win or lose.

"What if I…" Elais growled, in his throat as he dared to say it, "What if I pardoned Fiona. Completely, no record or anything. She would be free and re-recognized. All I ask is that you keep her out of trouble."

Frederick's eyes widened, "You would… Are you promising me this?"

Elias scowled. He did not like Fiona, but he nodded, "Yes."

Frederick took a moment, looking like a deer in headlights. Frederick nodded, "Then you will have the support of Apalsa."

Sonic blinked that moment, before feeling a relieved grin rise to his face. Frederick then walked off to a cluster of Nobles, hopefully to convince them to vote Sonic's way.

Sonic looked at Elias, "Thanks. I think Fiona's earned a pardon anyway."

Elias slumped slight, and groaned. Sonic and Elias walked around, trying to sway the nobles their way. Sonic would like to believe they had some success. Of course, when they sat back down, Sonic couldn't hide his nervousness.

Sally walked up onto the stage, seeming to get very angry all of the sudden, probably from an emotional swing, "Before wee begin to vote, does anyone have anything to say?"

The Noble council was silent as Sally glances across the rows of mobians.

"I would like to make a statement." A voice from the front spoke up. Sonic saw a Green Bear stand up, and Sally walked off the stage.

The Bear took the stage, "I believe in the rightful balance of the kingdom. That the King must be regulated by his Nobles for the sake of everyone involved. Nagus has broken this balance with the dissolution of the official council. I do not, however, support this act of ambition and treason."

The Bear walked along the stage, "This is not an act of noble courage, but a simple act to reclaim a throne which the young Acorns have coveted for a long time."

Sonic did not like this guy. Sonic sucked in a breath, and grit his teeth.

The Bear continued in spite of Sonics frustration, " The outcome of a civil war, with the rejuvenating Egg Empire on our border would be catastrophic. The attempt to transition power peacefully, would be catastrophic. I propose that we put our faith in our King!" The bear stated, raising his hands and walking off the stage. He was greeted by a loud applause.

Sally took the stage, sharing Sonic's anger at the guy who just insulted their work of the past decade, "Does anyone else have something to say?"

Sonic looked around as many of the nobles seemed to look more determined. Sonic looked at Frederick, who actually seemed hesitant towards the situation. Someone had to say Something.

Sonic stood up, "I have something to say!"

Frederick jerked up to look at Sonic. Sonic zipped down to the stage. He suddenly understood why Sally was so nervous when asked to come on the stage. He could feel their eyes scanning him, judging and evaluating him.

Sonic cleared his throat, "Hi…Uh… I'm Sonic… Sonic the Hedgehog." Sonic felt his back straighten at the sound of his name leaving his lips. It was just like talking to the towns folk or the Freedom Fighters. "I know I have cool stories always going on about me. I know some of you have heard a few."

Sonic scanned the crowd. He didn't seem to be winning them over, but Sonic at least found his footing, "And You all probably know that I've been fighting Eggman a long time."

A few heads nodded, but it was more acknowledging that he said it instead of agree with him. Sonic quickly moved along, " And the Acorns were there throughout all of it. Sally led the Freedom Fighters. She's the reason most of you are free from Robotnik's roboticizer. Yeah, I can throw down with the best of them…" Sonic turned and saw Sally, smiling up at him, her eyes glistening.

Sonic felt rejuvenated at that sight, "But Sally was the brains of it all. She led us through hard times, she did her best to make sure each of us got our share of work and rewards. She's gone sleepless nights trying to plan every battle out. So don't count her out!" Sonic shouted up at them, causing the nobles to jolt in surprise as Sonic walked along the edge of the stage.

As he looked up… he couldn't tell in with the moon rising behind them, but it looked like three foxes stood at the top of the hill. Sonic didn't have time to let himself get distracted, "And Elias, don't count him out either."

Sonic's eyes turned to the prince, who gave Sonic a light cynical smirk. He was tired, but Sonic was going to give him what he deserved, "Elias did compromise to make the republic. I'm not going to say I like the idea anymore than you all do."

Sonic actual heard a few laughs from that. Some were bitter, a few were serious. "But He did so because of what you're doing now. He didn't want to split the kingdom, and it cost him his throne, and any real peace he'd ever get."

The Nobles actually seemed to look at each other, and a few nodded. Sonic was making progress, "He did it because he meant well! I know none of you can say the same thing about Nagus!" Sonic growled, "Nagus is a jerk, a bully, a-"

"An Asshole." One noble offered modestly.

Sonic paused. That wasn't the word he was looking for or expecting, but he took it, "Thanks. Nagus only serves himself. We can't have him lead us, because it will be just as bad as if Eggman were." Sonic raised his hands, hoping for some applause. It didn't come.

"Well Spoken Hedgehog." The Feminine Vixen's voice came down the rows. Sonic looked over and saw Rosemary Prower walking down the center aisle, with many nobles looking at her and giving her a sneer.

She walked up to the stage, and turned to Sally, then to the nobles, "I would like to say something here, if you will allow me?"

The Nobles seemed to murmur with each other. Frederick stood up in the back, "Say what you must."

Rosemary nodded, and gave a respectful head bow. Sonic zipped back over to his seat, and sat next to Frederick, "Thanks for that."

"Do you think it's wise having her speak in front of the nobility. I can not think of anything good coming from her words that my peers would accept."

Sonic almost laughed, "It can't be worse than what I said."

"You were actually very powerful. I did feel a few nobles change their vote, I believe." Frederick muttered as Rosemary walked onto the stage.

She gazed throughout the crowd of nobles, before sighing, "Many of you know who I am. You know that I was a member of the council of Acorn. I was a member of the republic, and I know that most of you do not like me. Not that I can fault you, as we both had our moments of anger and passion, and we have both seen each other as an enemy." Rosemary sighed again as many nobles kept their angry gaze at her.

Wounds were cut pretty deep between the republic and the nobility. Rosemary, continued on, "I am not your enemy, despite my posturing. I did not run for the seat to oppose the nobility, I ran because I love my country, my people and my Family. I wanted to help build our kingdom back stronger. I failed."

Sonic watched as several nobles perked up, and began to listen a little closer.

Rosemary slumped her head in defeat, "The purpose of the republic was to close the distance and the people, to give our people the power to make the best decisions for themselves."

Her fist shook in anger, "I failed in that regard as well. In the name of peace, we made a compromise, and I broke that compromise to give the people what they thought they needed. I, nor my husband, understood the balance of power that was already in place. It was so delicate, the breeze could break it, and we shook it to the very core." Rosemary raised her head, with the odd mix of determination and guilt.

"My hope was that our people would be represented and free. Now, that hope is gone. It is clear that the republic is no more, and will likely not return. But we have a choice to make, to right our wrongs, and fix things that we broke. I helped give Nagus this power that he is using to abuse his subjects. I made a mistake." Rosemary admitted, and Sonic saw both her and Elias lock eyes. A silent understanding passed between them.

"Nagus has turned the republic on the very people it was made to protect and help. He has turned my dreams into my greatest nightmares. The republic has become a tool for decadence in a way that nobility has not been. Now, Nagus has dissolved the republic, and the noble council. Even before he had, I found myself at moral quandry." Rosemary gulped, closing her eyes for some sort of clarity.

" 'Must I choose between a republic led by a tyrant, or a reluctant despot?' I thought on that for some time. Now I have to ask you to think of it as well, not just for your personal sake, but for the sake of your people that you protect. I will say this, I would rather the republic not exist than have it be a tool for Nagus to oppress good people. I support Elias and his claim, not as republican, but as a hopeful citizen of the kingdom." Rosemary stood up straight and glared into the noble's eyes, before once again landing on Elias.

The two exchanged more silent, motionless words, before Rosemary nodded, and bowed, "Thank you." She walked off the stage, and up the rows of nobles… where she was greet by some standing, and bowing their head respectfully to her.

Sonic couldn't believe it, but he did the same, along with Frederick. Rosemary Prower, enemy number one on the noble's hate list, had earned the respect of quite a few.

A wolf rose, and spoke, "While those words were very powerful, we must ask ourself, are we willing to commit to a conflict while Eggman's empire is rested. Nagus has repelled Eggman on several occasions, and to turn against while Eggman is well prepared would be suicide."

Sonic's joy was crushed when he realized that many of the nobles flipped again at those words.

The wolf continued, "If we are to pursue any form of change, we must do so in a civ-"

"STOP! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" A cry came from far behind the rows. Sonic saw a limping Parrot in royal robes being pushed forward at revolver point by… Whisper?

Sonic jumped up and ran over to Whisper, "WHISPER, WHAT THE HE-"

She raised the revolver to the Parrot's head once again.

"B-By order o—o-o-o-" The parrot's tongue began to fly out of his mouth as he choked on the words. Sonic saw a pool growing underneath him.

Whisper cocked the revolver.

Sonic shouted, "Whisper, STOP!"

The Parrot quickly nodded, "B-by order of K-k-k-king Nagus…y-you are t-t-t-t-"

Whisper pressed the barrel to the Parrots head. Sonic grabbed her arm, and pushed up. Whisper looked at Sonic, clearly annoyed.

"T-to turn o-over your armies to the Royal army… F-failure to comply… w-will be seen as…t-t-treason." The Parrot then turned to look at Whisper.

She then turned around, and started walking back towards the manor. Sonic was about to rush after her, when he saw several more carriages being docked. Several more nobles worked their way up the hills.

Sonic then heard the outrage behind him, "HE IS A TYRANT, OUT FOR ABSOLUTE POWER!"

"HE MUST BE STOPPED! FOR THE SAKE OF OUR PEOPLE AND OUR CHILDREN!"

"WE CAN NOT LET THIS STAND!"

Finally, it was Frederick who stood up and spoke the words, "I move to vote to remove Ixus Nagus as king, and vote in a new king upon his ousting!"

Sonic saw the other nobles approaching, and they all looked angry and disturbed as well.

The votes were cast, and Sonic's gut told him the outcome: war.

/*-*/

Johan sat on the stump with his eyes closed. He was rethinking the events that had just happened. Nagus had taken his men. Johan was not angry; he could not be angry. He needed to be composed.

Johan's fists shook as he growled in his throat. His eyes shot open as his fist flew into the air. He let out his anger in a fury of stomps and snarls, before Johan finally began to feel better.

Johan let out a sigh in frustration before steadying himself. Anger would not help him in this situation.

"I suppose you aren't surprised, but the nobles have voted to remove Nagus from power." The republican Fox spoke behind Johan, her voice sounding firm and mildly upset.

"Hmmm, So be it." Johan growled.

"You aren't upset. He was your puppet, wasn't he?" The Vixen sounded curious.

"He was a tool to give power to the throne. He was never going to remain king." Johan growled, before glancing up at the moon, "He will empty the throne, and I will be there to decide the fate of the kingdom."

"Why are you telling me this?" The vixen asked, watching Johan carefully, "Do you intend to kill me?"

"I am telling you because there is nothing you can do to stop me. While there have been some… small problems, I have won." Johan growled, his face betraying his feel confident.

Rosemary scowled, "You won't have the throne, We'll resist."

Johan sighed. She didn't understand, but it didn't matter. Johan stood up, " Do what you will, it is too late to change the outcome."

The fox backed away as Johan walked past her. He climbed the hill and gazed up at the moon. Johan growled, before roaring up at the moon.

He saw the Nobles looking at him from their chairs the next hill over. Johan shouted up at the moon, "THE GREAT KING RODERIC LANZ ONCE SAID, "I HAVE VOWED NEVER TO WAGE AN UNJUST WAR, BUT NEVER TO END A JUST ONE EXCEPT BY THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF MY ENEMY!" He raised his fist as the moon dropped behind him.

Johan would not sit this fight out. It was time to finish his plan.

/*-*/

The Declaration was formalized, and Johan was explosive… Yet I honestly loved writing Sonic and Rosemary the most. I wanted to write passionate and elegant speech, along with some dispute. Not everyone agrees that Nagus needs to go, or that the risk is worth taking to remove Nagus. But my Favorite part I wrote was Rosemary's speech. I had so much fun with that part.

Me Very sleepy too…

Please leave a review and tell me what you thought. I welcome criticism, and humor.