So… I guess I lost Mr. Milano as well. That sucks.
/*-*/
Sonic met up with Frederick in the morning, who staggered out sleepily. Sonic looked at the poor guy, who was woozy, and by the looks of his nausea, probably hung over.
Sonic felt a mild chuckle rise in him, but then again, he had a slight headache. They both went a little far with last night's drinks.
"Hey, how are you doing?" Sonic asked, looking concerned. Poor Frederick was rubbing his head. Judging by the smell, Sonic assumed that he had vomited last night.
Frederick slumped, "I am suffering. I should not have drank so quickly."
Sonic nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you probably want to slow down next time. So what can I do now?" Sonic asked, seeing that they yard was cut and the fountain area was clean.
Frederick slowly rubbed his eye lids, pulling his face down. He mumbled, "I am going to bathe, Then we shall clean up the West wing of my father's mansion. I hope it has not been terribly looted."
Sonic saw Frederick walk outside the crumpled walls, and presumable down to the river. He gazed at the west wing of the manor. It's wall still stood, despite the scorch marks on the side, the door, despite being made of wood, still seemed solid after years of neglect. Sonic walked up and ran his fingers along the tall stone building, before resting his hands on the door.
He twisted the knob and pushed. The door didn't budge, but it wasn't locked either. He pushed again. Something was on the other side. Sonic stepped back, and walked around to the completely devastated parts of the manor. The walls had crumbled, and scorched logs and stone pilled where there had once been a house full of people and families.
Sonic saw scorched picture frames from where there had probably been family portraits. Sonic had never been one for history, as he loved to live in the moment, but seeing all of the destruction made him feel terrible. Frederick wasn't exactly a natural, snobby noble. Heck, he didn't even didn't even seem like a confident person. But Sonic knew that history was important to people like him, and it was lost from a war.
Sonic imagined the massive families that probably lived in the walls, how devastating and terrifying it must have been for them when bombs dropped.
Frederick returned, his fur wet and matted from the fresh bath he had taken. Sonic ran up to him, "I don't think the place has been looted. The door wont budge, and the house doesn't seem to have any other entrances."
Frederick frowned, and nodded, but he walked up to the door, and tried to push it open. He then turned around, "Lord Sonic, could you help me?"
Sonic hated that title but he came over, and rested against the door.
Frederick counted, "One, two, three!" The slammed into it, and the door skidded slightly.
Frederick rubbed his shoulder, clearly agitated or in pain, before counting again, "One, Two, three!"
They slammed again and Frederick swore, "DAMN IT! OPEN YOU STUPID DOOR!"
The door was cracked open, but not enough for them to get through. Sonic walked up to Frederick, "Hey, Calm down. It's not too bad. We can get what ever is on the other side with some help."
"I DON'T WANT HELP!" Frederick shouted, panting. His shoulder looked rough, and was probably going to bruise.
Sonic raised his hands like Sally did when she would try to calm someone, "Hey, come on man. I'm helping you."
Frederick was panting, and his voice was strain, "I am not going to be incompetent! My father had a plan for everyone except me. I was a waste, worthless. I can't be worthless anymore."
"You aren't worthless." Sonic tried, "You're a good man-"
"I Don't want to rule." Frederick was crying, "I can't rule. I'll mess it up. I want my brothers back. I want my sisters back. I WANT MY FAMILY!" Frederick shouted, kicking the door. It skidded open. Not a lot, but enough to let Sonic slide in, and he saw what was giving them trouble.
A one foot by three foot brick, was up against the door way. Sonic pushed the brick to allow the door to open up. Then he turned to see the room.
On the wall was a massive portrait of a red fox, in a colored uniform dotted with medals and ribbons. His gaze was cemented stoically and fiercely at the entrance, seem to hold the sword, ready to defend the treasures of this place. On the other side of the room stood a faded painting of another fox, who held a wooden hammer in his hand, as if he were a great builder.
The room's ground level had several display cased, which were cracked, but not opened. A few small picture frames dotted the floor, face down. In the center of the room was a staircase that led up to an upper level. Below that level were several bags that gave a light yellow and silver glint.
It was the treasure room.
Sonic heard a slump, and turned around to see Frederick on his hands and knees, His body quivering. As Sonic approached the red Fox, and could hear Frederick panting, "I made it, dad. I made it."
"Hey, um… are you ok?" Sonic asked, seeing how excited the Fox was.
Frederick stood up, and clasped Sonic's hand, "Thank you. Thank you for all that you've done. This is me." He gestured to the room, "All of this. The history, the effort and wealth. This is who I am."
Sonic shook his head, "No, You're just your history. You're your own man. Stop thinking like that. You are impressive. So, Now do you want to start moving things?"
Frederick shook his head, "No. This building is perfectly fine. I will build the manor around it." Frederick ran his fingers along the walls. His eyes glistening with a joy Sonic hadn't seen before.
Sonic wasn't sure if it was ok to leave if they were done… or if he still needed help. Sonic shrugged. If he needed anymore help, Frederick knew where to find Sonic. "Alright, I'm going back to Freedom HQ."
Frederick perked up, "WAIT!"
Sonic stopped from the sound of Frederick's desperation. What else could he want?
Frederick took a breath, "So…. When Robotnik first took power, he captured a lot of the nobles who were stationed at the capital." Frederick's hands made this seem important. For Sonic, it was an annoying history lesson.
"We were so shocked that a week later he firebombed our manor, and killed or captured a lot of the nobility in other provinces." Frederick raised his garb to reveal thin fur from where he had endured a burn.
Sonic looked down at his feet. Sonic understood, Frederick was another he'd failed to save.
Frederick continued "I was captured three days from the rubble. I had suffered, only to suffer an endless march from a Swatbot brigade. Most of the family retainers were there."
Sonic nodded softly, feeling guilt swell, "I'm sorry."
"But we weren't roboticized, or killed." Frederick smiled, "We were saved by a cobalt flash, a blue blur."
Sonic raised his head, blinking a couple times.
Frederick continued, walking over to a display case that had broken, "You stopped just for a moment, to taunt in the most arrogant of fashion. Then you vanished, and my retainers and I escaped into the forest."
Sonic wasn't sure what to say, but Frederick was on a roll.
"I have a wife and son who wait for me in the capital. I have my family lands, and my legacy. All because you were there, at the right place, at the right time. So when you say you are not a hero, I get angry." Frederick turned around, holding something with a cloth. He paused, as if unsure of something, his frowning for a moment. Frederick then smiled, "You are a hero. You saved me and my entire legacy. A noble line with decades of history, preserved by you. SO I give you this."
He uncovered the cloth, to reveal a silver blade, which glimmered even in the limited light. It was a small sword, a Falchion, curved and thick.
Sonic gapped, "Um… I don't need a swor-"
"This is Steelbane. It was used by my great grandfather in the first mobian war. Legend has it, he led a calvary charge through enemy lines to break up the force, and encircle both with his wit and cunning." Frederick narrated.
Sonic shook his head and held up his hands, "Then I really can't take it from you. It's your history."
Fredrick held it out again, "It will serve you better. Though I hope it may never need to, it could save your life one day. If not, think of it as an eternal symbol of my friendship. You will always have a place in my house, once it is finished of course."
Sonic wasn't sure what to say. He took it, but even as the hand let go, it felt like he was robbing Frederick. He didn't miss the look of sadness in the Fox's eyes.
"You don't have to give this to me." Sonic tried.
"I want to." Frederick put up a smile, "I am not a soldier like my father, nor am I an excellent builder or strategist like my ancestors. But maybe I can save your life with this choice. Please do me this comfort."
Sonic's chest felt heavy, like the build had collapsed on him, but he nodded, "Ok, I'll keep it save."
Frederick put up the smile, and began to pick up the ground. He started with a picture frame while Sonic cleaned up the glass. Were set on display cases, until Sonic saw Frederick starring at one.
Sonic walked up and tapped Frederick's shoulder, "Hey, are you alright."
"I wish they were here to see this." Frederick muttered.
Sonic looked over his shoulder at the picture. Frederick was easy to spot, being the smallest guy in the picture, looking awkward but happy. Beside him were two increasingly large Foxes, muscular, grinning a face that made Sonic think they would have been his best friends or worst enemies depending on how they met. Behind them was a fierce, stoic fox. He was big, but looked so serious and stiff.
The girls all had colored bows. The eldest had a purple bow, probably the mother. The daughters were in identical cream dresses. The oldest daughter had a blue bow, the next had a green, and a red bow… and an orangish yellow bow.
Sonic stopped… wait a minute. That bow looked familiar… those eyes looked familiar… a pleasant innocent smile, but make it sly and cunning….
A knock was heard, and Sonic turned around. A messenger wearing a purple cap stood in the doorway.
"Um, I have delivery for Sir Frederick of Apalsa." The messenger said looking at the letter, as if to reaffirm the target.
Frederick walked over, and took the letter, handing a silver coin to the messenger. It Had Nagus's seal.
Frederick opened it with a slight smile. His reading quickened, as did his breath. His hand's began to shake.
Sonic walked, "What's up buddy?"
Frederick dropped the letter and ran out of the building. Sonic picked up the letter. And read it.
To Sir Frederick of Apalsa
Through great struggle, your lands have fallen into disrepair. Your territory is critical to the kingdom, and is vital to maintain order and security. Through repeated attempts, I have told you to repair your lands, but you have failed to do so. I have attempted to maintain reasonable standards with, yet you have consistently under delivered. Thus, You leave me no choice but to make a formal declaration. Your lands will be seized along with your estate. An attempt to refuse will be seen as an act of treason. Leave, or prepare for battle.
Your king,
Ixus Nagus.
Sonic gasped. Frederick had just recovered his family history, and Nagus was about to take his land. Frederick was really going to leave?
Sonic ran inside the shed, only to find Frederick frantically writing letters. He had already written three. Sonic saw the desperation in the Fox's eyes, mixed with pain and anguish of betrayal and fear. Where could he go?
Sonic felt his heart burn. He Grabbed Frederick, "We are going to Nagus, and He WILL back off."
Frederick looked so terrified, but held up the letters, "Please, send these to the post office."
Sonic received a bag of silver, and ran to the post office, dropping the letters and payment on the counter. The clerks seemed shocked, but realized what he wanted and nodded.
Sonic then ran back to Frederick. The young man was running his fingers through his hair. Sonic was going to help him… but Sonic also realized that he didn't know how. What could he do?
He needed advice, advice on royal and noble court. He needed someone with experience and history. Sonic knew someone who had all of that experience. Sonic grabbed Frederick, "Do you trust me?"
Frederick looked at Sonic, desperate and hopeless at the same time. He seemed afraid to even hope for something good. But the Fox nodded.
Sonic ran back to Freedom HQ, make sure to slow down enough to not nauseate the already tragic noble. He arrived back at the bunker-headquarters with the sun still high in the sky. He walked into the door, and set Frederick down in the hall, and ran into the Command center.
Sonic saw Sally sitting, strumming through paperwork in the corner.
"Sally, I need your help." Sonic pleaded, causing Sally to recoil slightly in shock, the concern plastered on her face becoming more and more serious. Sonic rarely asked for help, so she would take this seriously… he hoped.
Sally stood up, "What do you need?" The screen flashed a couple times.
"Ms. Acorn, we are currently in the middle of a very serious discussion." A Familiar voice growled.
"We will continue this in a moment, Lord Ramson." Sally replied, putting the transmission on mute, cutting the power to the screen.
Sonic stood there, and Sally turned back to him, "What's the problem?"
Frederick walked in, and Sonic gestured to the slumped, teary-eyed man. "Nagus is going to take his land. He's revoking it. I need to stop it, is there anything, anyway I can help him."
Sally looked tragically at Frederick, opened her mouth…. Then closed it. Sonic saw it, a brief flash of her cunning mind going to work.
"I'll talk with my brother, we'll be quick, I assure you." Sally smiled a weak smile, that Sonic could tell was hiding something.
"Hurry." Sonic muttered as Sally ran into the hall.
Sonic sat there, and place a hand on Frederick's shoulder, "Hey, You'll keep your land. I promise." Sonic's promise was empty, and he knew it. He didn't know what to do. That's why he went to Sally.
They waited there, and Sonic muttered words of encouragement to Frederick, trying to keep his spirits high.
About ten minutes had passed, and Sonic had enough waiting. He walked over to Elias's room, and was about knock, when he heard them talking.
"He's not going to be happy about this. He'll hate us both." Sally's voice pleaded.
Elais's voice growled back, "I don't care if he hates us. We'll all get what we want. Nagus has over stayed his welcome, and the nobles agree."
Sally's voice muttered, "I care if he hates me. We can work another way."
"Why? This is a good opportunity. It's fallen right into our laps. Take it." Elias growled.
Sally's voice got low, and mumbled something.
Sonic saw the door open and Sally looking shocked once she realized he was there. Sonic realized he was wearing a curious face as well.
Sally's smile twitched up as she blinked, "H-How much of that did you hear?"
"I won't like something." Sonic clarified.
Sally opened her mouth, and looked back in the room at her brother. He looked at her and nodded.
Sally walked with Sonic down to the Command center and looked at Frederick, sighing, "So I have bad news and good news. Sonic, I need you to work with me on this."
Sonic nodded, "What do we need to do?"
"Let Nagus take the land. Elias is writing letters to nobles to get support for you." Sally started.
"How does that help Frederick?" Sonic demanded, noticing Frederick's eyes widening in horror.
Sally raised her hands, to calm the distressed hedgehog, "After he takes the land, You will go to him and say, "I invoke right of council." Frederick will get his land back. I promise."
Sonic looked down at Frederick, who's face had shifted. It was …hurt, and betrayed, but he nodded.
Sonic, however, was not content, "You aren't telling me something. What is it?"
Sally lowered her hands again, " It's the best way. Nagus can't refuse right of council."
Sonic growled, looking down at Frederick, who slump.
Sonic raised his voice, only for Frederick to interrupt him, "Take me home… please. I want to spend one last night in my father's home before it is looted and given away." He sounded so defeated. Sally looked tragically at the fox, and then somewhat worried at Sonic.
Sonic saw Frederick… and realized what he had to do. If this "Right of council" was so powerful… Sonic could use it to shake off Nagus.
Sonic picked up Frederick and ran towards the door. Instead of going to Frederick's estate, Sonic bolted to the capital, still trying to keep Frederick from getting sick.
When Sonic stopped Frederick realized they were at the capital and looked at Sonic confused and disturbed, "What are you doing?"
Sonic smiled reassuringly, "I Promised I'd help you keep your land. I won't break another promise." He turned to the guards, "I want to speak with Nagus, Lord Frederick is here to discuss his lands."
The Hetorians looked each other, before running inside.
A few moments later, they opened the door, and Sonic and Frederick walked inside.
They entered the Throne room with Nagus and the Republican council standing. Everyone with influence was there, along with a few shop owners by the looks of things. The windows were open, carrying a cooling breeze.
Nagus sat smugly, "Ah… Sir Frederick. I trust you have come to relinquish your lands." Nagus gestured to the republic's representatives, "As you all can see, the Nobility are not going to be and issue."
Sonic shook his head, "Actually, you are going to leave his lands alone. He is going to keep them, and you are not going to threaten him again."
Sonic felt Rosemary's eyes on him, burning with an anger. Nagus' chuckled, "And why would I do that?"
Sonic smiled. He didn't exactly know what things meant, but if it would keep Nagus off Frederick, it was worth a shot, "Because if you don't I will invoke Right of Council." Frederick's face lit up, he looked at Sonic with an emotion He had wanted for a while: Hope.
Nagus roared, "Look at you, making up Phrases." Rosemary, quickly pulled out a law book and began to strum through it.
Sonic smiled, "It's real, your republic is looking it up now."
Nagus, still smug, turned around, to Rosemary, looking horrified. Nagus became impatient, "Well… On with it!"
Rosemary quoted, " Should a king be deemed tyrannical, unfit, or incapable of ruling effectively, the Nobility have the power to convene to replace the king, and put a proper ruler on the throne. Should the acting monarch refuse the will of the council, all actions taken by nobility are permitted, including execution."
Sonic blinked. Replace a monarch? With wh-. Sonic felt a rage build inside him. Sally was going to leave Frederick out to dry so they reclaim their throne. Sonic was their puppet. Sonic had to play along.
NAgus's face burned red, a reared around, "Traitor! Seize him!"
The Guards stepped forward, but also seemed hesitant. Sonic prepared to bolt. But his salvation came from somewhere else.
Frederick's voice bellowed, far beyond even the palace, "YOU WILL NOT TOUCH HIM! I WILL INVOKE RIGHT OF COUNCIL IF YOU DARE TO LAY A FINGER ON HIM. I HATE YOU SO MUCH. YOU PUSH ME AROUND LIKE I AM NOBODY. NOT ANYMORE. I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD. NOW BACK OFF!" Sonic saw tears flowing from the Fox's eyes. The council was shocked.
Frederick's meltdown continued as the guards seemed nervous and backed off, "AND YOU!" Frederick pointed at the business owners, influential members of the city, "WHEN HE'S DONE WITH US? DO YOU THINK HE'LL STOP BEING A TYRANT? NO, HE JUST TAKES AND TAKES, AND NEVER GIVES BACK. ARE YOU GOING TO STAND FOR IT? I WON'T, NOT ANYMORE. YOU WANT MY LAND, I'LL BE THE SPARK THAT IGNITES THE CIVIL WAR. I'LL FIGHT YOU IN EVERY FEILD."
Sonic wasn't sure what to say. Frederick was glaring tear filled eyes at the council. They seemed nervous as the murmurs ran among the business owners. Oddly enough, they seemed to agree with Frederick.
The council seemed uncomfortable, being put in such a position. They had to choose between Nagus and the people. It was a fine split that even Nagus could see.
Sonic decided to make one last push, "You're choice Nagus? Either leave him alone, or be the spark that starts a civil war."
Nagus looked around, and growled, "You may keep your stupid lands."
Frederick let out a breath of relief. They turned to exit, and Sonic heard Nagus growl, "You've made a powerful enemy today, hedgehog."
"A few." Rosemary's cold voice muttered in agreement.
Sonic knew this wasn't over, but he'd take it as it came. He picked up Frederick and took him home. Sonic set him down on the door, only to feel his arms wrap around Sonic, "Thank you, my friend. Thank you." He was crying.
"Sheesh buddy, calm down." Sonic muttered, pulling himself away.
Frederick bowed his head, "You have my truly unending gratitude."
"Hey, you stood up for me as well. So thanks." Sonic scratched his head, nervously.
Frederick nodded. And with that, Sonic returned to Freedom HQ, ready to eat and sleep easy. He'd saved the day yet again. He'd be sure to have a little talk with his royal "friends" one of these days. He couldn't help but feel horribly betrayed.
/*-*/
Fiona slumped in her bed. She was… lonely. The guards offered no sense of conversation. She just did her work out routine. Sit ups, push ups, and stretches. When she got out of here… there'd be hell to pay.
Fiona hated Sonic. She did, she hated him without an end. The little fox freak… she didn't really care about, but he was in the cross fire area.
Speaking of the devil. The little Fox appeared at her room's door. His face was… fierce and angry. Fiona was actually a little afraid, but she wasn't going to show it.
The door opened, and Fiona smirked, "So, come to visit an old flame?"
Tails growled, "Stay away from Sonic. Tell him to leave you alone. You aren't going to hurt us again. If you do, I'll hurt you."
Fiona snorted, "I want him to stay away. But sure, I'll be scared of a little boy." She taunted him with a smirk. Did he really think-
She felt her legs give out as his tails whip around, causing her to fall back on her butt, almost hitting her head.
His voice was furious, "I'm warning you."
The Guy was pissed and dangerous. Fiona had underestimated him, and now, she was somewhat scared. She saw a foundation of Scourge's darker side, his angrier side. The side that was dangerous and destructive.
She nodded, "Alright. I'll tell him off."
The yellow fox left, leaving Fiona to wonder what just happened. The guy was suddenly really strong. The warning was heeded, and she needed to watch her step.
/*-*/
Alright, Frederick, alright…. I'll lay off you for now…
Ok, so feel free to review, critique or message me about any questions and predictions. These keep morale up.