Merendinoemilano: The Battle is on its way. I could use some specification on what you'd like to see elaborated more of.

John Victor Foxfire: Johan certainly leaves an impression. I mostly want to remind people that he exists, because a big change is coming very soon, and that will give him a lot more time on screen, so to speak.

The workers didn't really see a need to get back to work. They had no houses or workshops, so they were essentially on vacation. The problem is that everyone needs a roof over their head when bad weather comes. So Sonic acted accordingly. The Builder's guild leaving didn't help, but they were scared(which is not unreasonable when people are burning the city to the ground).

Frederick is a nice guy, but there is a culture difference between his noble background and the peasantry. He's more trying to live up to the legend of his father. He loves his father, but he feels inadequate to carry on the legend. He compares himself to an experienced noble, when he was an unwanted extra. I'm not saying he's being fair to himself, but it is the view he holds.

Fiona did rob the lazy bear. Although, it was his family's watch, which is a bit of a downer. Fiona is going to be more than a pretty face. I've got plenty of character growth planned for her. But yes, one of her biggest boons is her beauty and charm, which we saw in Archie how she utilizes them.

/*-*/

Sonic stretched out across the fields. The First layer of concrete was set, and his work was done. He was tired. Three days of working hard in the sun darkened his stomach and muzzle, creating a warm feeling in his chest. This feeling wasn't helped by the flashes of Fiona yesterday.

He shifted uncomfortably. Was she wearing that dress on purpose? Trying to tell the world she was single and ready to mingle? She looked good…. Really good. Sonic scowled, and slapped himself in the face, disturbing his almost sleep like state.

This girl had manipulated him, betrayed them. He was all for her redemption, happy that she was with her family and seeming to attempt to be better, but he had to be a little suspicious. Fiona was not a ditz, and he knew that. She was smart, clever, attractive-

Sonic scolded himself again, although it was true. She knew how to play people, and if her past had proven anything, she could keep her emotions in check for the right moment. She would have been a great Freedom fighter.

Sonic's mind went once again to what could have been. He returned to save her from the prison. She'd go back, and go with them on raids. She'd sneak in, plant bombs, and wave dismissively when asked if she set the timer. They'd leave with a laugh.

Sonic's mind was brought back to reality. Would Fiona be like that? Or did that suffering produce the charming girl who'd flirt with one hand and pick your pocket with the next. Sonic frowned and closed his eyes.

"Hey… you seem to be lost in though." Sally's voice woke Sonic from his attempted sleep. She came over, her blue jacket unbuttoned, and flopped down right next to him. She curled over on her side to lean into Sonic with a clever smile.

Sonic raised an eyebrow, "What are you doing?" She was being very forward as she moved closer to cuddle up to him.

"Maybe I'm just trying to sleep." Sally smiled, running a finger down his chest.

"You're really gonna get close to my sweat, unwashed body." Sonic muttered, testing her resolve.

Sally tensed up a little, before muttered, "I like a working man…" She seemed to lose that confidence.

Sonic sighed, "Alright, what's this about? You're up to something. Your vest was the give away."

Sally growled, "Fine. I saw the way you ogled that lying red vixen. I figured-"

"What, that if you came out here, you'd seduce me?" Sonic shifted uncomfortably.

"DO I have to remind you that she-" Sally was going there.

"Sold us out, no I remember. I remember better than you." Sonic snarled, "I remember when she smacked Tails to the ground, and when we had to fight off Scourge and the destructix. I remember really well." He moved away before staring her down.

Sally grit her teeth. Sonic prepared for an argument. Instead, the sound of breath leaving Sally's body filled the air.

"Let's not do this. I don't want to fight with you anymore. I love you, and even if our… relationship… isn't a thing… I don't want to ruin our friendship." Sally sighed, before giving the most apologetic smile he had ever seen from her.

Sonic felt a twinge of shame rise up in him, "I'm sorry. I know that was mean."

Sally smiled, "We get like that sometimes. Can I at least snuggle up to you tonight. The nights get cold."

Sonic was hesitant, but nodded, "Alright."

She scooted back under his arm, and let out a sigh of relief. He really had that calming effect on her. Sonic smiled up at the sky, "Hey… I was just caught off guard. I didn't expect her to wear something… like that."

Sally snorted, "You boys are all the same."

Sonic smiled, "You know there's no one like me."

Sally laughed, "Yeah… I do…" She rubbed her hand down his chest, and the two drifted off to sleep.

Sonic's eyes drifted open, and Sally was practically on top of him. Her body was resting on his, her chest, pressed against his. A low purr emitted from her throat as they shifted slowly.

Sonic stroked her back. She was…beautiful, and strong and most definitely compassionate. Maybe it was time to drop some of the anger and angst towards her. He hugged her tighter. Sally's eyes opened, and she smiled up at him.

They both stunk right now. Sonic smelt like sweat, and Sally had stuck so close in proximity that it had to drift all over her. The two smiled down at each other.

"You know… Maybe we could give it a try…" Sonic muttered, feeling slightly nervous, for reasons he wasn't sure about.

Sally's eyes lit up, but then they faltered, and she shrunk down, "Are you ok with that? Really?"

Sonic wanted to say yes, "We'll do fine."

Sally winced, seeming to be in pain, and the regret in her voice was tangible, "No. You've got issues with me. I think we need to hold off, at least until your comfortable again."

Sonic frowned, what was her deal? "I thought you wanted this."

"I do. I really do. You have no idea the kind of temptations I endured last night." Sally's eyes pleaded as she gave a nervous laugh, "But I haven't been fair to you. I don't want us-" She gestured to Sonic and back to herself, "To fall apart because we rushed things. I think we've both drifted a bit, and it might be better if we took things slow."

Sonic frowned, "I don't like slow. But I'll go slow for you."

Sally smiled, and pushed herself up. Sonic sat up and ran into the city, to see what the day's troubles would be. His response would be a mouse on horse back, looking franticly. He was clearly from out of town, and a crowd had gathered around.

"I am looking for Lord Sonic of Roja? Do any of you-" The mouse shouted, looking around.

The crowd murmured, before Sonic stepped through them, "What's up?"

"Are you Lord Sonic?" The Mouse asked hopefully.

Sonic nodded, "Yeah, that's me, what do you need?"

"We need you on the border. A sizable army of badniks had been amazing. We've sent a call to arms toward the other dukes and counts." The mouse muttered.

"Wait, which border?" Sonic asked, Before the mouse rode off.

"The Eastern border. Bring your retinue and any levies you can muster. We'll need every hand we can get." The mouse rode off.

Eggman was making his move? Or was this just another probe? Sonic didn't care. Action and adventure called.

Sonic ran back to the Small tents that had been set up while they waited for their HQ to solidify in the hill. Rotor blinked and shook himself awake as Soon as Sonic arrived, probably from the sonic boom he had made from running so fast.

"Guys, Eggman on the east border, Let's Go!" Sonic shouted with glee. It was finally time to get back in the action, and if he was being honest, He needed a win. He wanted to be in charge of himself. Everything had been happening regardless of what he wanted.

Tails perked up, "Just like old times?"

Sonic threw a hand up, "You go get the Tornado."

Tails jumped up and slapped Sonic's hand in a high five.

Sally already opened a box of equipment, "Uh, I would have liked to shower before we had an attack, but I guess Eggman doesn't mind stinking."

"Eggman stinks all of the time." Sonic joined in on the joke.

Rotor Grabbed his suit, and they set off. Antoine was surprisingly calm, readying his sword and uniform. Sonic was kind of proud of him. His wife was also there, flying over head.

The tornado was parked in a nearby field, which was one of the perks of it being a biplane.

Sonic bolted on the ground while they flew overhead.

The rush Sonic felt… the Addrenaline he endured, it was amazing. The feeling of the wind was great as he ran from city to city, with the Freedom fighter's tornado flying over head. People were inspired and hopeful once they saw that The Freedom Fighters were still there to protect them. Of course, Sonic hoped this was the case.

When he arrived at the barren city, Sonic felt somewhat lied to. He had been told that badniks had been amassing. What he saw, made his eternal confidence require a new adjective. There was an Egg Fleet on the border. There had to be twenty, thirty, forty egg carriers? The Death egg wasn't around, but still…

Sonic shook himself, what was one or a hundred badniks? Trenches had been dug on the border by mobian militia and the local armies. Some seemed to be to slow badnik's advnaces, while others seemed to be to house the armies and steady their guns.

Sonic noticed the actual ground forces that Eggman had deployed. Hundreds of Swat bots in square formations. Sonic felt a nervousness grow. A lot of badniks. It got worse once he saw a red flash through the sky. Metal Sonic…

Several Metal Sonics, swirling around from carrier to carrier like a swarm of bees. Eggman hadn't been idle, which was not something Sonic could say for the kingdom of Acorn. The militia had dug in, but they seemed to be occupied amongst themselves.

The freedom fighters came in behind Sally, and Sonic asked, "How long has everyone been here?"

"Two days." A voice boomed. Sonic turned to see a Bison with impressive horns, and shiny armor. His armor had engravings on it, and was bowed out in a v formation. He seemed rather agitated, and asked, "Where is your army?"

"I don't really have an army. We're the Freedom Fighters though, so we'll be good." Sonic smiled, but his voice had lost confidence. Those were a lot of bad nicks, knit in a tight formation. A dense square that seemed impervious to all outside forces.

Sonic hated this.

The Bison had no patience with Sonic, "Well look at this. Do you think we don't need an army?"

"We'll do fine." Sonic tried.

Sally stepped in, "Evacuate your territory. If the other nobles don't arrive in time, we might not be able to hold the city."

The Bison snorted angrily, "You think I am a fool. I had my towns begin evacuation the moment one of those ships showed up. Things haven't been easy. A lot zealous defenders live here. No one wants to move."

Sally nodded, "Antoine, Tails, you guys help with evacuation. Sonic, lets get over there."

Tails cried out in protest, "But I want to help!"

"You are helping." Sonic smiled, "You're just a little young to be fighting an army. But you can help out these people."

Tails grit his teeth, "Fine!" His tails whirled to life, and he ran around the town, shouting at people. Sally looked at Sonic with mixed emotions, but she knew the urgency, and nodded at him. They ran to the front, To Await Eggman's attack.

/*-*/

Fiona's ride back was as uncomfortable as the ride toward Roja. The Dress still hugged her, and she stunk with sweat. So when they got back it was nice to get a bath in the river. She was… surprisingly alone.

It was weird, having to deal with ogling guards and then not having to. Still, the cool water dripping across her fur felt nice, and the small specs of oil which washed away in the river made Fiona feel nice.

She returned with a smile, walking back through the town with her prisoner's uniform back to the house which her brother stayed in.

Weird… Where was everyone. Fiona heard shouting and saw her brother over by the manor construction site. It was going incredibly fast, which impressed Fiona. The thing would be complete in a few days, or at least the main areas would be.

Her Brother stood on a barrel and box, "We must go to the defense of our allies in the east! I need my warriors to accompany me, lest the vile doctor push deeper into our lands, and threaten us."

The Citizens appeared with rifles and armor(if they could afford it). Fiona looked up at her brother, who came down to her, "Listen, I need you to stay in your cell. I can't have Naugus take you back because I was on campaign."

Fiona blinked, "What's going on."

"The vile doctor Eggman has appeared on our border once again. I must do my part to defend it." Frederick muttered.

Fiona shook her head, "I'm going too."

"I can't-"

"I can't let you go there alone. I have my family back, and I'm not going to lose it because I had to stay back. I'll be there, I won't run away. I promise." Fiona placed a hand on her chest.

Frederick licked his lips nervously, "You Promise?"

Fiona nodded.

Frederick sighed, "Very well. I had the tailor prepare the outfit you asked for. Please give it a look in the house."

Fiona ran quickly. If Frederick's urgency was anything to go by, they were leaving quickly. Fiona reached into the trunk that was up the stairs. A black top, with golden threads to sew the silk together. It was silk, which was great for warm weather, and light. The black was more of a dark grey than anything, but Fiona still had her agile attire she liked.

It stopped at her belly, and the second piece, a small pair of tight shorts, which barely made it down her thigh. Almost like her old attire, but lighter and maybe a little more prestigious.

Fiona returned to her brother, to find him hugging his son, while an orange fox waved good bye, tearing up. His wife and little Alister might not see him again. Fiona shook her head. She'd keep him safe.

Frederick came back, looking nervous, "I haven't been in an actual campaign before." They walked over to the mustering grounds.

Fiona smiled, "Me neither, but I did some skirmished when I was with the freedom fighters."

Frederick frowned, "I'm very nervous. I don't think I am ready for battle."

Fiona laughed, "You'll do fine. I'll help keep you safe."

Frederick turned to His troops, "We leave immediately, follow me!"

With that, they loaded onto carriages and wagons, and set off. The ride was surprisingly peaceful, at least by Fiona's standards, considering what they were marching to do.

Fiona got to see all of the countryside once again. It was… more beautiful than she gave it credit for. Them, more beautiful than she gave them credit for. She'd actually plotted against the kingdom of her birth. She'd tried to help Scourge destroy it, and almost succeeded( again, by her standards).

All for a grudge a guy who was, by nature, a good person. Now her heart sung a different tune, and Fiona was pretty sure it was broken or malfunctioning. The hedgehog had a new effect on her.

Was he handsome? About as handsome as a hedgehog could get, but not exceptionally. But he was charming, and certainly charismatic when he wanted to be. Was he brilliant? Fiona had seen smarter cattle. But he made up for it with an almost stupid and infectious courage. Was he powerful? Physically, yes, but politically no. But he was loyal to the end with his closest friends and loved ones.

Fiona felt torn, but one thing she knew for certain: he was right. This was her home, her land and her people. She'd pushed it all away, to try and hurt Him, and yet, she here she was.

That left a sour taste in her mouth, and it stuck with her for five days. It made food taste poor and water feel like knives in her throat. Of course, she had to stop feeling sorry for herself once they crossed into the magnificent city of Ossar. The streets were bare, and up ahead explained why.

There were several tents, and deep trenches which housed soldiers. Various banners lined the trenches, from each lord who wanted to claim the glory of the greatest push withstood.

Yet… none from the Duke of Roja.

Everyone dismounted, and A bison walked up, Lord Rumpstion. He was as happy as Fiona remembered from the two balls she had attended. His gruff features soften at their sight, "Hmmm, I suppose I am glad you managed to Arrive, Son of Alister. You brought her along?"

"She is my sister, and she will be at my side for this occasion, as she has insisted." Frederick defended softly.

The Bison Snorted, " The battlefield is no place for a trophy bride."

Fiona felt her confusion get replaced by anger, which she chuckled off, "You never know. I might be the most dangerous person you meet."

The Bison snorted out his nose again, but Fiona didn't listen, as her ears picked up a different, whirling sound. The yellow fox was twirling his tails towards the Trenches.

Fiona followed, earning a, "Hey, wait up." From Frederick.

She knew he would follow her, so she ran into the trench until she saw him. The blue hedgehog, sitting at the pillbox with other nobles, along with the ever lovable princess.

Tails was talking frantically, "I tried to tell them to leave, but they wouldn't go. They're as stubborn as oxen."

"What were they?" Sonic asked, his voice sounding like he was trying not to laugh.

"Oxen." Tails muttered, before chuckling. The two giggled a little.

Fiona's peaceful listening was cut off by the sight of the yellow walking out, and immediately recognizing her, "Fiona! What are-"

"Oh, hey Frederick." Sonic chuckled, "What's up."

"Are we not defending the kingdom?" Frederick asked, seemingly alarmed at how care free Sonic was.

"Nah, we're doing demolition work on Eggman's toys. Hardly "defending" against anything." Sonic chuckled, before his eyes landed on Fiona.

"I asked what you are doing here?" Tails growled, his fur puffed up to assert his opinion of her.

Fiona looked down at the fox haughtily, "Oh, I made a deal. Politics, but you're too little to even get that." Fiona taunted, "Hey, the battlefield isn't a place for children, why don't you go home?" Antagonizing him wasn't a good idea, but it felt great.

Frederick and Sonic both scowled at her. Right… now she was the bad guy once again.

Tails began to wind up his fist to swing at her, but was held back by Sonic, and Frederick stepped in front of her, "Pardon me, I think I will go prepare my men. With my sister." Frederick growled in frustration.

Sonic grunted as he struggle to keep his foxboy in line, but his anger was pretty obvious, "Yeah, I think I'm going to help with evacuation. Always a pleasure, Fiona." Sonic's condescending voice was blatant on how far she'd pushed in that short time.

As he turned around, Fiona wanted to apologize despite the glare from the fox. Her apology was interrupted by the sound of screeching and whirling.

"Is it working…. You told me that last time." The Voice was unmistakable, "It's IMPORTANT!... MY VICTORy MUST- Oh… I see you all can hear me."

Sonic growled, "Eggman's back."

"You all probably know that I have a massive army, so why wait to attack. Well aside from technical difficulties, I needed a glorious speech to mark this occasion. So I wrote it, let's see how well you like it." Eggman's condescending voice caused shivers in Fiona's body.

"Ahem… I congratulate you all on resisting my rule for so long. It truly has been a wonderful game, with all sorts of twists and turns. But alas every game must have it's end. But take comfort, because once I've bulldozed your civilization to the ground, No one will remember your overwhelming defeat at my hands on this day!"

With that, the sound of air rippling made Fiona's eyes turn to the tops of the Egg carriers. Rockets flew out into the sky towards the city.

Sonic bolted away, and once Fiona saw a rocket coming for the trench, She tackled Frederick. The Explosion rang through her ears. She rose and saw Sonic run into a building, She threw out her hands and shouted, but couldn't hear anything, and the building exploded from one of the rockets.

She froze as feeling came back to her ears. Did he really just-

"-Oh man, that was close." Sonic's voice filled her ears, and a family of Oxen sat in the trenches.

Sonic was panting. Fiona's eyes widen, "Y-Your ok?"

Sonic was focused on the Oxen," The Fastest thing alive, at your service. But uh… please try to get out of here."

The oldest ox nodded, and they scurried off.

Fiona looked down at Frederick, who looked unhappy in the mud, but he was alive. That was good enough for Fiona. She turned back to Find Sonic had vanish.

The Sound of whirling rippled across the field, as a swatbot square approached the trenches, and guns fired to repel them. The first battle since the Fall of the Death Egg had begun.

/*-*/

Thank you all for reading this far. I guess my crappy summary is finally being ignored, and people finding that I am putting a lot of effort into this story. But If there is something I can improve on, please let me know. I like to think writing is like any art, it can be improved and refined constantly. Or hey, just say hi and what you felt about the chapter.

Again, thank you all for reading, and thank you to John Victor Foxfire and merendinoemilano for the reviews, ideas and talks. Thank you to EDsonic for the talks about chapters.