.:Chapter 19:.

. . . And the Beginning

It was five months after Naugus's defeat, and now winter had once again fallen across the land. But this winter wouldn't signify death and loss . . . for the year was almost at its end, and Mobius would begin a new revolution around its sun. The winds of change were blowing across the planet, and Sonic could sense them more than anyone in the Great Forest. Time and time again, when he had ventured out of the village to roam the endless woodlands, or when he was just standing idly outside his hut, he could almost hear a voice on the breeze, a voice that spoke of rebirth, of renewal, of new beginnings . . .

At first he didn't understand it, but as the seasons changed, and the snows began to fall, it became clearer what the voices on the wind could be hinting at. Uncle Chuck's plan to rebuild Mobotropolis had spread throughout the village, and soon to the other Freedom Fighter groups. With time they grew larger, until they all began to talk excitedly about it and argue over it. Sonic himself began to wonder just what would happen if the city was rebuilt . . . Would Mobius let Sally rule? Or would they rebel, and look for another candidate? And what of the old king, King Acorn? He had been sealed in the Void long ago, and now had no hope of being brought back, for if he ever set foot outside of the portal, he'd turn to crystal. Sonic knew conflict, and possibly war, over the throne was inevitable. There would always be someone eager to usurp the power of leadership--always.

Then, with the last month of the year, the first step forward finally came.

One frigid night, Uncle Chuck found Sonic just on the outskirts of the Great Forest, overlooking the dark city of Robotropolis.

"They're ready to destroy it all, Sonic," he said quietly. "Working together, it could be demolished by early next year, and reconstruction can begin."

Sonic gazed out across the silhouetted buildings in the distance silently, a grave look in his eyes.

"Why do you seem so against the whole thing, Sonny?" his uncle asked. "I would have thought you'd be eager to get rid of Robotropolis once and for all."

"I am, Unc," came Sonic's reply. "Trust me, I want the old ways back more than anyone. But I have a feeling it'll cause trouble . . . lots of trouble. There'll be wars . . . "

Chuck glanced at him, puzzled. "How can you be sure?"

"It's just a gut feeling," said his nephew. "Besides, it's bound to happen. I've heard the others talking in Knothole. Not everyone totally approves of Sal ruling . . . Including me."

"I know there's a variety of opinions floating around . . . But who else could rule?"

"I dunno," Sonic shrugged. "I want someone we know we can trust, someone who won't lie or deceive us, someone who knows an enemy when they see one."

Uncle Chuck fell silent and turned back to the city, a strange expression in his eyes. For a second it looked as if he wanted to say something, but he never did. He only looked through the darkness pensively, as though thinking deeply on something.

"I don't mean to sound disappointed on the whole idea," Sonic said finally. "It's just that I sense war. War's consumed this world for far too long . . . I'd hate to see it flare up again."

"So would I, Sonny," Chuck nodded. "So would I. Well, you think on it, boy. They're awaiting your permission."

And with that Uncle Chuck patted his nephew on the shoulder and headed back to the village, that thoughtful look never leaving his visage. Sonic could only nod silently as a cold wind picked up, its omening voices stronger than ever . . .

Deep within the mountains, several miles east of Knothole, another pair of eyes looked out across what had once been her family's kingdom, with an expression very similar to Sonic's on her face.

"There's been talk, St. John," she said suddenly as another creature, a skunk, stepped up beside her. "Talk of destroying Robotropolis and reconstructing my father's city."

"I've heard, Sally," St. John nodded. "I agree with them. It's time to purge Mobius of all the evil that has inflicted it."

"And bring back the old ways," said Sally. "Do you realize what this means, Geoffrey? I can finally take my place as queen. Together we can change Mobius back into the grand, beautiful place it once was."

Suddenly St. John lowered his blue eyes. "There've been more rumors, Princess. Not everyone wants you to rule . . . We'll gain enemies."

The princess turned and looked hard at him. "But I'm the only heir to the throne, Geoffrey. There's nothing they can do . . . unless they rebel . . . "

Geoffrey nodded. "Which they probably will. It'll be a chaotic time, Sally. We'll need backup if we come to claim the throne."

"You may be right, St. John . . . " Sally sighed. "No matter. By blood it's my rightful place, and the only way they can change that is by force."

"War." said St. John earnestly.

Princess Sally nodded slowly, and the two could only gaze down at the ruins of Mobotropolis, wondering what the future had in store for them, and planning to face it . . .

That very same night Cyan had a dream. She saw her spirit peering at her through the clouds of a dark sky with her hazel eyes . . . At first she just looked at her silently, but then she began to speak.

"Rest easy for now, Cyan. But keep your eyes open . . . for the next three years of your life shall herald your greatest adventure yet . . . "

.:The End:.