Merendinoemilano: The Trench warfare is a reflection of going fifteen years without tactical updates and the necessary modernization.

/*-*/

Sonic felt the ground beneath his feet. This was the fifth time they were retreating. It didn't feel very good. Eggman was winning. Those words were the worst flavor Sonic could taste. They had gotten to used to winning…

Of course, that was before Nagus, before the nobility business, before the ideas of royal dignity and rules existed. Back when he, Sally and the others were nothing more than simple rebels against a fat man with a robotic arm. But that was then, and this was now.

Sally continued to shout encouragements and justifications at the troops, "We will win this, but we need everyone to survive if we are going to win. We can do this, trust me!"

Sonic waved at her, her eyes were stressed and hurt. She wasn't sleeping well, he knew that. The Creeping fear was setting in. Sonic was… exhausted.

Even as they marched Sonic wanted to curl up and sleep. It was just taunting him… sleep.

If the tornado was here, he'd have hitched a ride and slept on the trip. Unfortunately, Tails had returned to the capital to ask for mobotropolis to send its forces to help. This Sonic wasn't sure if Nagus was being a jerk or stupid. Probably both.

Nagus's decision was going to be interesting, considering they were retreating to Mobotropolis. The evacuation parties were in front of the retreating force, which meant if Eggman attacked, they'd have to take a stand. He was probably busy gloating over his victory.

Which was to Sonic's benefit, as he had a little bit of breathing room. Eggman's fleet was still visible in the distance if Sonic turned around.

The people were reasonably depressed. Sonic believed this was what they called "demoralization". Everyone looked tired and worn. They didn't want to fight anymore, and Sonic was with them. They kept marching though.

Sonic decided to turn around and run up to Sally, "Hey… Listen, we're going to new Mobotropolis. If this doesn't work-"

Sally snapped, "You think I don't know what'll happen. Believe me, I know more than you! We won't lose Mobotropolis."

Sonic nodded and backed off. Her reaction was… angry and reasonable. Unfortunately Sonic wasn't in an agreeable mood. He was just going to run and cool off. Maybe after a nap.

They set up camp in the forest. Two days march from Mobotropolis. These battles felt so long, and Sonic felt so small in them. His confidence was broken, his heart and spirit, not much better.

Gosh… they needed a win, something to flip this whole thing around. Eggman had numbers, and it was almost insulting that numbers were all he needed to win. They were overwhelmed, and Eggman seemed unstoppable simply because he had ship loads of badniks.

Rotor was working on his suit, and Sonic decided to go up and talk with him.

"Hey." Sonic tried awkwardly.

"Hey Sonic." Rotor replied equally as awkwardly.

"So how are things right now?" Sonic asked.

"For me or in general?" Rotor Asked, blinking curiously at Sonic.

"Honestly, would it make a difference?" Sonic joked with a shrug. The moonlight was spreading out over the camp.

Rotor chuckled slightly, "Well, you can at least make jokes. Things aren't looking good, but we are getting the best of Eggman."

Sonic paused, before asking curiously, "The Best of Eggman?"

"He's losing a lot more bots than we are losing men. If we can keep this up… never mind, how are you doing?" Rotor Asked.

Sonic sucked his lip in. How was he? There were a lot of things going through his mind.

"Honestly, not good." Sonic sighed, hoping Rotor would use his big brain to help Sonic fix his slump.

Rotor at least humored him, "What's wrong?"

"Well…. Everything. I'm now a lord, but I don't know what that means. I don't think I'm doing good, heck, I'm pretty sure I'm terrible. I'm a Freedom Fighter, but I feel honestly worthless. Eggman has been kicking our buts for several days now and I don't know how to stop it. Then there is Sally. I don't know how I feel anymore. Part of me wants to chase her, and get her back under my arms, and feel her hugs and-" Sonic rambled, feeling his stress grow as he verbalized all of his unconscious fears.

Rotor held up his hands in mild frustration, "Ok-ok. I don't know much about this stuff. Leading isn't exactly my job. I don't do much. You're a fine freedom fighter though. You've help us out a lot. You're a hell of a friend, maybe a little rash and self-centered, but a good friend to have. And Girls… well you know how I am."

Sonic frowned, but then realized just who he was talking to. Yep… This was Rotor. Not exactly Cassanova. So Sonic laughed, "Yeah… Sorry. I'm just a little down."

Rotor gave his a shoulder pat, "Look, you're alright. You are a great guy, and you are doing what you can. That's all we can ask right now."

Sonic nodded, "Well… Thanks." Did it make him feel better… no, but He supposed that would come eventually.

Sonic walked off. Should he go to visit Sally? They were both stressed right now, and their relationship was not exactly great. Should he go into the city, and hang out with Tails?

Tails was talking with his mother, and that was important. They didn't need distractions.

"WOOHOO KINGDOM TROOPS!" A familiar voice shouted through the camp.

Sonic had to check out who was there. It was Mina, and Forget Me Knot. What were they doing here.

"LET'S GET BACK UP AND WIN THIS!" Mina's roar shook the crowd as she began to sing. Electric guitars and drums followed to heavy rock beat.

Sonic worked his way through the crowd…and saw Tails talking with Sally.

"What's going on?" Sonic asked under the roar of the band playing on a makeshift stage.

"Mom said She'll get the army ready. She sent Mina to keep morale high. Something called a "Rally the Troops" event or something. Mina's getting a tax break and the soldiers are getting a private concert or something!." Tails shouted, trying to be heard over the band and cheering.

Sonic nodded, and looked at Sally. They shared a skeptical look. The Council of New Mobotropolis never really liked them, so help probably wasn't coming. Especially if Nagus was pulling strings.

Sonic decided to stay and listen to the song.

"SO RUN FAST, BLUE LIGHTNING! RIP UP THOSE MACHINES. COME HOME TO ME WITH A TOTAL VICTORY!" MINA shouted through the mic.

Sonic smiled, but took a moment to dissect the lyrics.

"COME ON HOME WITH CHEERS ALROUND, ROBOTNIK WAS FOOL FOR COMING DOWN! YOU ARE THE FINEST I'VE EVER SEEN, RUNNING THROUGH METAL LIKE A RAGING STREAM!" Mina shouted.

The Soldiers were laughing, but Sonic couldn't help but feel slightly…weirded out by the lyrics. Maybe ignorance was bliss with regards to music. Sonic was reading too much into it.

He walked off towards his tent in the forest. When he heard a whimper.

"Is she ok?"

"What's wrong with you?"

Sonic approached a crowd of… people. They weren't soldiers from any nobles. They were citizens who looked familiar. They were from Roja, and surrounded… an orange Badger.

"What are you guy's doing here?" Sonic asked.

The bear jerked around, "Wh-what? Oh, Sonic, it's you."

"What are you doing here?" Sonic asked again, feeling mildly uncomfortable, which culminated into anger.

"Oh… well, you see-" Always a good sign when someone starts with that, "-we heard about Eggman attacking, and that information worked it's way to Sticks. And she…convinced us to come along and follow her to help out." The Bear explained.

Sonic sighed, "Ok, but why is she like that?" Sonic asked, pointing to the Sticks' who had curled up, and plugged her ears with her fingers.

"We don't know. She's been amazing until now. Seriously, she's crazy, but she know how to deal with badniks." The Bear muttered.

Sonic pushed through, and lightly tapped Sticks on the shoulder. She opened her eyes, and made eye contact with him. The badger hoped to her feet, her fingers still in her ears, "We need to talk."

Sonic blinked, "Ok, Are you ok?"

Sticks blinked, "What?"

Sonic grabbed her, and zipped away.

When he landed, Sticks sat down, and gasped, "What are you… an alien… a monster?"

Sonic shrugged, "I'm a hedgehog."

Sticks glared at him. Sonic sighed, "Alright, what's up."

"I need to tell you where the Eggman is moving." Sticks muttered.

Sonic held up his hand, "Hold up, I'll get Sally." Sonic zipped away.

He found Sally sitting out on a log, watching Mina from her tent. Sonic zipped in front of her, "Hey, Listen, Sticks needs to tell you something."

"Sticks? The Badger?" Sally asked, only to yelp as Sonic grabbed her arm and zipped back to Stick's Spot in the woods.

Sticks again plugged her ears. When she saw Sonic she gave a light smile, before her eyes landed on Sally.

Sally shook herself from the rush, before glancing at Sticks, "What? What are you doing here?"

Sticks kept her ears plugged and glared at Sally.

Sally held up her arms, clearly expecting an answer.

Sticks slowly pulled her fingers away as Mina let another riff off. Sticks immediately replugged her ears.

Sally asked again, "Alright, What-Do-You-Need-To-Talk-About?"

Sticks muttered, "Turn off that dreadful noise."

Sally walked up and grabbed Sticks' arms, and pulled them down. Sticks bore her fangs and growled at her, "Don't touch me!"

Sally backed off, "What do you need?"

"Turn off that horrible sound." Sticks shouted.

Sally shook her head, " That's Mina singing. She's playing music for our troops, and they're enjoying it. I can't stop that, so just tell me why you're here."

Sticks muttered, "You call that ruckus music? Bah, I'm here to fight the Eggman. I spotted his forces moving."

"You spotted his forces? How were you not detected?" Sally asked suspiciously, "Why are all of these people here?"

"We moved through the forest and attacked when we could. Then we'd run away. He's splitting his machines up. Three groups, one heading south, one heading north, and the other heading straight east, to here." Sticks growled at Sally.

Sally frowned, "Why would he split his forces up?"

Sticks shrugged, "We're going back to raiding. I'll see ya'll soon." She began to walk off.

"Wait you aren't going to help us? Why even come here?" Sally asked.

"I… don't want the Eggman to attack our home. I also need to prove to my dad that I can fight." Sticks muttered.

Sonic shifted, "Alright, well… thanks for the tip. We could use your help… but I guess you're too free to stick around." Sonic joked.

Sticks' frown turned into a light smile, "We might come by and help out the city, but I'm not your soldier.

Sonic nodded, "See you around."

Sticks waved and ran into the forest.

The bear that Sonic had seen in Roja tapped his fingers, "Uh… I'm still a citizen of Roja, I just came because I didn't want to miss out on the fighting."

Sonic smiled, "You're fine. I'll see you back at the city."

Sally didn't look too happy, but Sonic wasn't ready to ask why. This was both good and bad information. On one hand, this meant there were less to fight in the coming battles. On the other hand, the two new armies were pretty much uncontested with the main army occupied.

Sonic decided this was bad news. Not that he liked to be pessimistic, but he felt helpless right now. If they moved to attack the branching armies, the City of Mobotropolis would fall.

Sally tapped his shoulders, "Hey, we can only do what we can right now. We'll save mobotropolis and hunt down the remaining badniks later."

Sonic nodded, and carried Sally back to her tent. He then went to his and laid down.

"Rough night?" A feminine, cunning voice asked.

"Fiona, why are you in my tent?" Sonic asked, exhausted, and worried.

"I wanted to talk to you. Listen… I'm… well…" Fiona muttered, seeming suddenly so nervous and inexperienced on how to handle the situation.

Sonic sat up, "Look… I'm kind of tired, can we talk… later, after Eggman runs away. I'll be better then. I'm just tired… so tired."

Fiona's hands rested on his shoulders and pushed in slightly, relaxing his muscles. He'd been curling up into a ball, which required most of his muscle to flex, and when he did for a long time, they got stiff. Which was why Fiona's massage felt to so good.

"Are you feeling better? Hello" Fiona voice sounded distant.

Sonic's world faded to black as his exhaustion felt overwhelming. Still he was comfy as he fell onto his sleeping bag.

/*-*/

Fiona slumped back into her tent, her brother was already asleep. The Sleeping bag was cold, and that was fine.

Her eyes closed. Her brain didn't bother to sleep though. Instead it thought it would be funny by putting images of her burning manor in her head.

Fiona tossed and turned all night, restless and worried.

Morning broke, and they set out towards mobotropolis.

"Come on, Move it!" Sally shouted from the hills. Their march was more of light jog. Apparently, The former princess was in quite the hurry.

Frederick muttered, "She seems to be eager to return to Mobotropolis."

Fiona nodded, feeling a little upset from the Princess's constant barking. No… not upset, pissed. She didn't really have a reason to "hate" Sally, but the posturing was always annoying.

Fiona continued with her brother. Honestly, the casualties they had suffered hadn't been terrible. The retreating had ensured that they were always fighting at full strength. Eggman was taking a surprisingly long time to pursue them, which was to the benefit of the army, but it begged the question: why?

Fiona's feet trudged across the dirt road, and the city was in sight. It seemed like the jogging had reduced the two-day march to a single day.

Of course, it was the middle of they day, and the palace tower was the only thing visible, but it was sign they were close to their city.

Clouds were in the distance, rolling in with the sun high in the sky.

Fiona's feet ached from the jog, but the thought of rest in the city reinvigorated her energy. Which was kind of an over estimation of her abilities. Her legs ached as they came down a hill towards the city. Frederick got a horse, she didn't, and it was annoyingly present.

The army arrived at the city gates with the sun setting, everyone panting and exhausted. Fiona found Frederick walking into a hotel. The princess, on the other hand, walked up to the Royal Palace. What to do? Fiona thought. She felt like spying on the princess, but if she was caught, she'd probably never get out of prison.

So she went with Frederick, and saw him ordering at the front desk, "Another room, for my brother."

He was ordering Sonic a room?

Sure enough, the Hedgehog came in from the outside, a little bit of water on his shoulders told Fiona that rain had started to fall. He seemed agitated, and flicked water out of his ears.

Fiona gapped but looked around and went back to trying to appear in conspicuous. Sonic walked up to Frederick, "Any rooms left?"

Frederick smiled as the clerk handed him a key, which he promptly handed to Sonic, "Here you are, a room for my brother."

"Umm… yeah… thanks Frederick. Sally And I'll be sharing a room. Her idea since we have to garrison the entire army in the city." Sonic muttered, before reading the number.

Fiona frowned. The Princess wasn't just sharing a room for the "troop's sake". That was as poor of an excuse as they came. Sally was really choosing this moment to try to get back in with him. Fiona couldn't even get mad or protest. It was a good plan.

Sonic was gone, Fiona realized she'd been standing there. Frederick looked at her expectantly. Fiona nodded, "Alright, let's get to our room."

They walked up the several flights of stairs, always a good thing when you've been marching all day. But when she arrived at the room, it was well worth it. There were sandwiches, meats and pastries. All aligned on the table. Fiona watched Frederick sit down, and carved the food. It was…. Not great.

Maybe her nature had changed, eating fine pork and cakes didn't seem to excite her anymore. She honestly just wanted a burger and fatty fries, with salt. Still, she ate the food.

Frederick cleared his throat as she tore into another slab of pork, "I am glad you are alive. I don't think I've expressed it enough."

"I'm honestly really happy that you're still alive too." Fiona gave a sad smile, "It's a little confusing, though. I spent most of my life hating Sonic for not saving my family, and now, I have him to thank for you being alive." She felt terrible.

"Maybe consider forgiving him." Frederick gave a soft smile.

I already have Fiona thought, but instead smiled, "Yeah… I'll try." She laid down.

They awoke to the sound of air rippling. Rockets were fired, and shook the ground. Fiona shot out of bed and grabbed her clothing. Frederick was in his uniform, and ran out the door. They shuffled down in a disorganized fashion.

"Get those gates closed! MOVE! MOVE!" Sally's voice echoed from outside, "THEY'll BUY US TIME, STOP QUESTIONING ME AND GO!"

The soldiers were still scrambling. How had Eggman caught up so quickly? Fiona ran outside and saw three Egg Carriers flying over the east gate. The gate had closed, but the rockets seemed to be adjusting. The rockets also flew over the city, and struck several buildings.

"What is the Meaning of this!" an old snarly troll shouted. Nagus.

"We are doing what we can. If you don't want to help, fine!" Sally shouted defiantly.

"Get the shields up!" Shouted Nagus.

"Only Nicole can activate the shields, you banished her, remember?" Sally shouted.

Nagus turned red in the face from anger. Before he could respond, however, a cry came out, "South gate is breached!"

Sally turned to her blue knight, "Sonic, can you handle it?"

The hedgehog bolted.

If they failed here, that would be the end of the kingdom. Fiona Balled her fists and ran into an alley. She'd need to work with her skills to save this kingdom.

/*-*/

Johan closed his eyes. The sounds outside… rakketen… fire from guns and movement of metal. He could decipher more, if it weren't for the guards who were talking as though battle was not being fought outside.

"Man, we're lucky, they've got to fight out there, and we get to sit in here, and stare at the walls." The guard on the left muttered. He appeared to be a cat by structure and tail shape.

"Don't count yourself too lucky. We have to keep this demon from escaping. He bit off Geoffrey St. John's left hand." The Guard on the right growled. Ah, a word their languages shared. 'Demon', an unheavenly creature of evil and destruction of the physical and spiritual world. Fitting since he had destroyed a number of them.

"Yeah, but didn't Geoffrey kind of deserve it? Wasn't a manipulative snake or so I've heard." The left appeared to be nervous.

"Watch your tongue. The king hears that and you'll be on dish duty for the rest of your life." The Guard on the right commanded.

The Guard on the left sighed, but remained quiet.

The were getting closer. A few screams were heard.

The Guard on the left sighed again, "I kind of wish we were out there. It sounds like they could use our help."

"I know, but until we get new orders, our hands are tied." Growled the older one.

"Yeah… I know…" The Young one had vigor and spirit. He had a sense of freedom that hadn't been crushed yet. Johan felt a mild sense of sorrow for such a spirit. It would be crushed under the weight of the civilized world, with it's rules and hierarchies.

His kingdom had no such systems. His people were free, free to roam and wander. They lived without a need for laws or prisons. Everyman survived by his own strength, the weak died, the strong flourished.

Johan felt wind flow through the bars as light illuminated the prison. An explosion.

"HOLD STEADY, WE CAN'T LOSE HERE…. FALL BACK TO THE PALACE GATES, MOVE!" A Feminine, command voice shouted.

Suddenly, the stairs that led out of the prison were filled with men in armor, and with rifles. Seven of them, ran in, and got down into a volley formation.

"What's going on out there?" Asked the young guard, with a slight panic in his voice.

"We're getting overwhelmed, that's what." Growled one of the armored soldiers, a wolf.

Suddenly a new figure appeared. The Squirrel. He recognized her and her voice. She was here.

"Is there any way out of here?" She inquired. The way she carried herself. She was in command. The old goblin was not king, at least, not by nature. She was capable of leadership. She was an opportunity.

"Who builds an extra escape point in a prison." Joked the Young guard.

The Old guard slapped his head, "Not the time, but he's not wrong, Princess Sally. You trapped yourself in here. With this Devil, might I add."

This "Princess Sally" made eye contact. Princess…. Like principality…. Ah… Johan understood now. Sally was a royal leader. A warrior queen.

Sally looked at her men, "Alright, we are going to break out of here. We'll link up with the others. Leave the Devil here. We need all hands on deck." Another word they shared.

"We can't until we get-" The young cat started.

"We just got new orders. As you command princess." The old guard stated, getting ready to move.

Johan needed to make his move now.

The Sound of whirling filled the stair well.

The Princess whip around, seeming terrified. Her stubby tail puffed up to re-enforce this idea.

Johan decided now was the time to act, with them desperate, the best deal could be achieved, "Well… This seems quite troublesome for you." Johan smiled, before chuckling slightly.

The Princess, froze, and slowly looked around, "Who said that."

The Soldiers and guards had a terrified look on their faces. Perfect. Sally looked at Johan, "Y-You?"

Johan smiled, "It was me."

Sally panted, mildly freaking out, "When did you learn to talk?"

Johan growled, "I learned, when I was with your guards and prisons. Now, let us discuss how you are going to leave."

The whirling was getting closer. Sally seemed to recognize it, "I'll fight my way out, as I always do."

"And that makes you all the more attractive. If I were searching for a wife, I might seek you. But I know, you know you have lost." Johan smiled, barring his fangs.

Sally shook her head, but conceded, "So what? Come to gloat?"

"I wish to be your mercenary." Johan was tired of the civilized banter. Time for the Saxon direct approach.

"You can't be serious?" Sally turned around as if it were a crazy idea. Johan didn't understand this? Did they not hire mercenaries?

"You seem to have no choice. A mercenary fights for goods or wealth from a kingdom." Johan had to be sure these civilized people knew what a mercenary was, "I will have a pound of meat, a pound of bread, a pound of fish, and a pound of fruit Every day. I will take a portion of the spoils of war, as is my right."

"What am I, a waitress?" Sally growled angrily. A waitress? Apparently, that was a frowned upon job.

"I lay out my contract." Johan explained, "Where I come from, becoming a mercenary is quite common. It seems to be to your advantage."

Sally's eyes flashed something, cunning, "We can fight this out on our own."

"You will die." Johan clarified, "You will lose."

Sally paused. The whirling approached the stairs. She jerked around, "Where are his keys?"

"Upstairs." Muttered the old guard.

Johan smiled, "No matter." He jerked his arms forward, pulling the shackles out of the wall. He then jerked forward with his legs after using his arms to support himself. His legs were now free, and the shackles made a wrist and ankle armor for him.

Sally looked horrified, "W-why would, or why w-wouldn't you just-"

"I saw no opportunity in escape. I now know your language. Now… how about it, care to shake hands with the Devil?" Johan snarled, stretching out his arm.

Sally looked hesitant, but stretched forward and slipper her hand through the bar, "I feel like I am going to regret this later."

"You most certainly will. But today you are saved." Johan smiled, shaking her hand. He bent the bars of his cell open, to the terror of the guards.

The Princess growled, "I want your word that you will defend the kingdom and it's protectors."

"I vow to protect this kingdom, and its defenders. You have my word" Johan bowed his head.

He needed to remind the world that he existed. Johan smiled, and looked up at the princess, "You'd best cover up. I don't know if you'll survive this."

He Arched his neck to get his snout facing the roof, and let out his power and roar. The World would now know of his glorious return.

/*-*/

Please Review to keep morale high and maybe help me with little improvements.