So it has come to my understanding that Fanfiction is having problems with Cloud fire. The only way I've found around this bug is to use my phone, and even then it doesn't work all of the time.
/*-*/
Sonic slumped on the bathroom counter. He had a suite on that Sally had gotten him when they started officially dating. He looked up at himself through the mirror. He looked terrible. Why was he even going to this party? Sonic wasn't even sure he remembered.
You need to relax, why not go to a party, have some drinks, laugh a little. Sonic's inner voice laughed so innocently.
Sonic shook his head, "I don't feel like going tonight." Sonic groaned to himself. Of course, that would mean his entire time spent getting ready would be wasted. Maybe he would just go, sit down, and have a drink.
"Sonic, are you ready?" Sally's voice came from the other side of the door.
Sonic turned on the water, and splashed his face. He looked up to find he was…. Less terrible looking. He opened the door, "Yep, I'm ready to go? Do we need to bring anything?"
Sally's skeptical face made Sonic a little nervous, "Sonic…" She sighed, "Are you ok?"
"Great, what do I need to know so I don't embarrass you?" Sonic tried to wave it off. He didn't want her to slow down for him… Oh gosh, he was not ok.
Sally grabbed his arm as he walked by, and pulled him around to face her, "Alright, we should stay back."
Sonic blinked, "What… no…"
"Sonic… you look almost sick. We can go to another party any time." Sally smiled, trancing her arm across his back, and pulling Sonic into a hug. He immediately felt warmer.
"I'll be fine." Sonic tried to back off, "I'm good, just a little down from… stuff."
Sally held firm, and continued to hug Sonic, which made him start to feel better, "I understand. Do you really want to go? We can stay back."
"Yeah… Of course. I mean, this is Frederick's party. I think it'll be a lot of fun." Sonic smiled, "Besides, I am feeling a lot better." Sonic pulled back and gave a confident… well, really it was quite weak. He didn't feel very right.
Sally slowly nodded, "Alright, you're old enough to know what's wrong with you, so we can go. Just tell me when we are leaving. I would like to not walk four days in this dress."
Sonic finally looked down and saw what she was wearing. A purple silk dress that was held up by straps on the shoulders. She had diamond earrings in, and a gold necklace with sapphires cut into it. Gold chain bracelets wrapped around her wrists. Sonic felt… plain around her.
Sonic gaped a bit. Sally smiled, "I'm glad I can still render you speechless."
Sonic felt sheepish, and smiled, "I… Guess we should go?"
Sally held out her hand, "Please escort a lady to the door." She commanded in mocking snobby voice.
Sonic chuckled and took her hand. They walked down the hall, passing the Wolverine who watching Cream. They finally reached the exit door. Once they walked out, all gloves were off. Sonic scooped Sally up, and bolted onto the road. He made the trip to Apalsa in six minutes.
Unfortunately, it took everything out of him. He staggered, panting.
Sally leapt out of his arms, "Are you ok?"
Sonic nodded, between pants saying, "I'm good, just… wow, I ran as fast I could. I'm a little tuckered out, I'll take you dancing though."
"Sonic…I've never seen you really tired. Are you physically ok?" Sally asked, testily.
Sonic felt… a little winded, but the cool air would probably do him some good, "Yeah… I'm sure I'm good. I don't know what's going on."
"Sonic…" Sally started, her voice so full of concern. He should have been touched. He was annoyed instead.
"I'm fine, let's go enjoy the party." Sonic forced a smile, despite feeling exhausted for some reason. Sonic held out his elbow, and Sally locked her arm with his
They walked around the hedge, and saw the open yard full of snobby folk sitting around and talking.
Sonic walked up past the hedges and onto the yard. A wolf smiled, "Ah, Lord Sonic, I was wondering if the southern lords could have your ear for a moment."
"I like my ear attached, but thanks for asking." Sonic smiled at his joke.
The wolf forced a laugh, "Ah, that is a good one. Still, I would like to speak with you regarding some matters." He certainly seemed to be demanding.
"Look, I can talk with you in a little bit, let me get something to eat, and I'll talk with you and your friends." Sonic promised, feeling pretty uncomfortable at how pushy this guy was being.
Sally released her arm from his, "Listen, I'm going to go make us known, you should go grab something to eat. Sit down if you aren't feeling well."
Sonic wasn't about to protest. Why was the air so cold? Was Johan screwing around again? Sonic walked over to the white clothed table, and grabbed a silver plate. He looked around, and saw soups, fine cuts of meat that he was pretty sure cost more than his outfit, vegetables and weird yellow pastries, with a label "YK-pudding". Then Sonic laid eyes on it, the sweetest sight for a hedgehog.
Hot dogs in water, and next to them, a tray of chili. Sonic scooped up the dogs, and placed them on some bread, then topped them with chili. He then walked over to one of the benches and sat down. He took a bite out of the chilidog, which was more of a chili-hotdog-sandwich.
It tasted… bland. It just didn't give him the rush like normal. Was he alright? Sonic was starting to think something was wrong with him. The air was really cold, the food wasn't tasting good…
He still tried to eat, when a figure sat down next to him. A Feminine voice sat down, "You look terrible, Sir Sonic."
Sonic looked up to find the brown fox looking down at him, "Rosemary? What a way to say hi."
"Well lord Sonic, I am not in the mood for pleasantries." Rosemary spoke in such a haughty manner, Sonic found it kind of hard to not get mad.
"Can we be a little less formal? Please." Sonic groaned. She wasn't wrong when she said he looked terrible. Well maybe not terrible, but he wasn't feeling great, "You're my best friend's mom."
She seemed a little caught off guard, "Is that how you see me? As Miles' mom?"
"Yes." Sonic sighed, a little annoyed at how defensive she was being, "I'm not exactly thrilled about hurting my little buddy by arguing with you."
Rosemary hummed in agreement, "Indeed. I suppose that means I can work with you."
Sonic sighed, "Please just tell me what you want."
"I want this kingdom to stay together." Rosemary clarified, "Which I admit is becoming harder due to our king's efforts."
"I don't like him. Plain and simple." Sonic laid out. Just thinking about Nagus was giving him a headache.
"There are many who share your sympathies, and are more prone to rash action. Why do you think everyone is here?" Rosemary asked haughtily.
Sonic looked around, "To have a good time, and celebrate winning?"
"A happy sentiment, but politics is omnipresent." Rosemary stated.
Sonic sighed, "Look, things would be better if Naugus would let us do our job. The freedom fighters were beating Eggman long before the kingdom and politics got in the way."
"The Freedom Fighters are dangerous." Rosemary calmly stated, and quickly raised a hand to calm Sonic down when she saw his obviously angry face, "That's what Nagus believes. That the freedom fighters will eventually gain enough popularity to push for the house of acorns to return."
"Well, his plan of keeping us locked up isn't really doing much for his popularity now, is it?" Sonic asked sarcastically.
"Which is why I am here. If the nobles rebel, a civil war will give Eggman all he needs to conquer our kingdom. We need unity. I want you to keep the nobles happy, and I'll work on getting you your campaign." Rosemary proposed.
Sonic slumped, feeling kind of tired, "I can say they'll listen to me."
"I can't promise Nagus will listen to me. All ask is that we do what we can to keep the kingdom unified." Rosemary stood up, "I have done all I can here. Please work with me, for everyone's sake." She sounded… worried.
Sonic wasn't her biggest fan after the little stunt she and Tails pulled with Amadeus, but she actually sounded like she wanted to keep the kingdom safe. Even as she disappeared, Sonic found himself surprised. He finished the bland dog, and stood up.
No sooner than he was at his feet that the wolf came over once again, "Ah…. Lord Sonic, might I have that word with you."
Sonic was half tempted to shout at him to go away, but Rosemary's words rang in his ears. These were serious plots at work. He needed to pay attention, despite how much he hated politics.
"Sure." Sonic smiled, "Who am I talking to?"
The Wolf pointed over to a Cheetah, a Bobcat, an Ox and a Badger, "They are currently awaiting your presence." The Wolf seemed excited.
Sonic walked over, and the lords looked at him, with the Badger smiling, "Ah… Lord Sonic, duke of roja. You look quite… ill, are you fairing well?"
Sonic scratched his forehead and nodded, "Yeah, I'm good. What's up, you want to talk?"
The Badger looked at his companions, who nodded. The Badger smirked, excited, "Tell me, Lord Sonic, what do you think of how things have operated?"
"I mean, we're alive." Sonic shrugged, not really sure what he was asking. Sonic gestured to explain.
The Ox growled, the annoyance in his heard was painful, "What do you think of our king. He's an imbecile, and a fool, right?"
That's what they were looking for? Sonic frowned, "I don't like him, I won't lie about that. I think he might be one of my least favorite people in the whole kingdom."
The nobles looked at each other and nodded. The Cheetah smiled, "I think we might be better off without him leading us."
Sonic thought about it for a moment, before nodding, "Yeah, he's not exactly been a great guy."
"Would you consider leaving the kingdom? Perhaps to find a… more suitable ruler?" Asked the Badger, stroking his beard.
Sonic frowned. They were up to something.
Clearly seeing Sonic's confusion, the Badger continued, "The Southern kingdom emerged for a brief period after the King of Acorn tried to impose… unfair laws on us. We were reconquered with a brutal attack, and forced back into a kingdom that does not value us."
Sonic frowned, "And you want to… break away? Now of all times?"
The badger nodded, "It is clear that King Nagus can't lead us in a way that would secure anything other than defeat. We need a new king. Young… like Lord Frederick… or his sister, whom I hear is still without a husband." The Badger explained, "We would like Roja's support in our independence claim. That would dissuade Nagus from opposing us militarily."
Sonic frowned, "But… I spent years… Fighting to restore this kingdom. Why would I just… throw all that away? I fought for Sally, for Elias and them."
"They aren't on the throne. Instead, we have a foolish old decrepit troll on the throne." The Ox growled again, "Are you in or out?"
Sonic closed his eyes. He wasn't ready for this, and Rosemary had made a good point. Still, they seemed adamant in this. Sonic decided to do something he hadn't done in a while, stall, "Give me sometime to think about it."
The Ox seemed to get really pissed, but the Bobcat held out an arm, and spoke for the first time, " We will give you your time. But understand, something has to change in this kingdom."
Sonic nodded, but he didn't really want to talk much more. There was a lot to think about.
Sonic instead walked toward the crowds of nobles, all standing around and talking. He was looking for Sally, who was probably talking to someone and being a nice pleasant guest. She was pretty polite.
Sonic looked through until he saw her robed dress. She was talking with the goat guy… Ramston?
Sonic wormed his way through the crowd, feeling his head start to really hurt from all of the noise.
As he finally pushed through a couple noble clusters, Sally looked off somewhere, and walked with an angry determination. Sonic was kind of hoping she'd notice him and ask to leave but no luck.
"Ah, Lord Hedgehog, the Princess and I were just hoping to speak to you." Sonic stopped, as Lord Ramston walked over, "I was hoping you would meet with some of my fellow nobles from the kingdom."
"I already talked with them. I asked to wait." Sonic explained looking around for Sally.
"I don't believe you have. I believe you were speaking with people from outside our circle." Ramston clarified, "I would like you to follow me."
Sonic couldn't find Sally, so what did he have to lose? "Alright? I guess I'll talk with you guys." Sonic was about to hear the same spiel all over again.
Lord Ramston led Sonic around the party to a circle of nobles, where A Sheep, A lion, a boar and an elk stood. They made eye contact with Sonic and smiled.
Ramston spoke first, "So…. How do you feel about our kingdom's current state."
"I said before, I don't think we are in a bad spot, but Nagus isn't exactly making things easy." Sonic groaned, really just tired of these long conversations.
Ramston seemed a little miffed at Sonic's complaint, but cleared his throat, "Then you would consider supporting us in a vote against the usurper Nagus?"
Sonic blinked. Did he misunderstand something, "You aren't working with the southern nobles?"
"The Southern Nobles? We are the king's party. All we ask is your support in the noble assembly." Lord Ramston explained, somewhat disturbed by something Sonic had said.
"What would I…. be supporting?" Sonic asked, raising an eyebrow. This was getting weird.
"We would like to bring back the rule of Acorns. King Max, though well into his years, is wise and shaken the naivety of his youth." Lord Ramston proposed.
Sonic blinked. Last he saw, Max was still hot blooded and easy to rile up. His injury…. Sonic felt guilty just thinking about it, probably didn't help his mood. "Why not Sally? She led us through good and bad times at knothole."
A rumble of laughter came from the circles, except for the elk, who growled, "It'll be warm day in Artika before I am led by a woman."
Sonic tried not get upset over that comment. So he decided to just focus on what he needed to accomplish.
Rosemary wanted stability however. Sonic wanted the Freedom Fighters to start moving and doing again. They could work with Max. But would Nagus back down?
Sonic frowned, "Give me a little time. Just to weigh my options."
The Elk balled a fist, but Ramston nodded, "That is a wise choice. Evaluation your opportunities, and when you decide, please make it known. I would appreciate a response quickly, though, as our kingdom needs some change to survive."
Sonic looked around, where was Sally?
/*-*/
Fiona wasn't quite listening as another gazelle rambled on and on about his son.
Alister tugged her hand, "Can we go?" He whispered looking very uncomfortable.
Fiona nodded, "Yeah, I got to go do something really quick." She took Alister by the hand and dragged him into the crowd of nobles, who all stood in their circles talking and discussing. Fiona had heard a couple talks that sounded quite interesting.
Alister, however, was slowing her down. She turned and saw him completely on guard, and very uncomfortable. He seemed to be slow and nervous.
"Come on, just a few hundred more people." Fiona joked, hoping to get a laugh.
Alister looked even more nervous.
Fiona sighed.
"Ah, madam, you look quite ravishing." An Ox interjected, causing Fiona to turn around to face an ox with a young chameleon, looking around, quite disturbed.
The Ox gestured to the chameleon, "This is Francis de Buan. I can not express his talent for bringing the real world to a canvas."
Fiona forced a smile to hide the microscopic speck of care she had, "Oh… that's nice."
Francis seemed to lock onto Fiona in a very unnerving gaze, "Pardon me, madam, who's beauty is so far reaching as the sky. Alas, my stay in the capital has kept me from meeting such a fine lady."
Fiona blinked at the empty compliments, "Right, nice to meet you."
"Madam, you… say, those pearls, fine as silver, where did you get them?" The Chameleon looked suspicious.
Fiona shrugged, "I've had these for a while." She lied, but she couldn't exactly say she pilfered them from a home.
"Ah… forgive me, I have misplaced my grandmother's pearls, and I had hoped someone had acted rashly and given them as a gift to such a fine flower." Francis complemented.
"Right…. Ok well, It was nice meeting you. Alister?" Fiona started.
Alister looked stressed but nodded, "My Name is Alister. My dad made this party."
"Ah… I see." The Chameleon nodded.
"I am Lord Festus. It is good to meet Frederick's son." The Ox smiled down, which seemed to scare Alister.
Fiona smiled, "Ok, I have to introduce Alister to the rest of the guest, so I'll see you around." The Ox and Chameleon both seemed a little upset, as if they for some reason deserved more time than Fiona wanted to give them.
She unfortunately turned around to find an angry chipmunk walking towards her. The Former princess seemed to have a problem already.
Fiona was not the type of girl to back down, however, so if Sally wanted a fight, Fiona would give her one.
"Aunt Aria, can you let go of my hand please." Alister mumbled. Fiona looked down to realize that she was trying to ball a fist while Alister's hand was in her's.
She let go, "Go introduce yourself, I have to take care of something." Fiona stated.
Alister looked up at her, "Is everything ok? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, you've been great, I just need to talk to someone privately." Fiona urged on.
Alister got the message, kind of, and walked off. Fiona turned to face her challenger.
"What are you doing?" The Former Royalty growled, already jumping to hostile. Fine, Fiona liked it fast.
"I'm enjoying the party? What are you doing?" Fiona smiled innocently.
"Where is your brother? Isn't he supposed to be watching you?" Sally snarled, and Fiona saw between words the locked jaw Sally had. This was great.
"Oh, I'm fine, he trusts me." Fiona shrugged, making Sally even angrier. This was so easy.
"You aren't a noble, you're a prisoner, and you don't have the freedom to do as you please." Sally fumed, balling fists.
"I know." Fiona got in Sally's face, pushing up against her in a show of strength, "But you can't tell me what to do either. You don't exactly have any royal influence anymore, now do you?" Fiona wasn't going to be told what to do, not by some dethroned royal.
Sally growl, "Alright, you want to play like that? Fine, but you stay away from Sonic or any of my freedom fighters. You've caused us enough pain."
Fiona snorted, "I'll do what I want. You can't stop me."
Sally snarled, before smiling, "You won't trick any of us again. Good luck." With that, the chipmunk spun around and stormed off.
Fiona wasn't sure if she won or lost that one, but Sally was upset, which was good enough for her. She looked around, Alister wasn't anywhere to be found, which was weird, as she was pretty sure he'd be close by.
Fiona walked through the crowd as violins filled the air. A hand pulled her shoulder, and she faced her brother, "Aria? Where have you been?"
"I've been hanging out, introducing your son to some of your guests. Where have you been?" Fiona snorted.
"I have been… discussing things…. With the other nobles." Frederick muttered nervously, "I was hoping to introduce you to some-"
"-fine nobles to marry me off for an alliance. I figured." Fiona snorted, "Sonic is here, have you said hi to him? Or have you been too busy with your other guests?"
Frederick suddenly got defensive, "Excuse me?"
Fiona snorted, as they walked to the stand of food, "You really are playing politics huh?"
"I'm doing my part as a nobleman." Frederick clarified, still upset, "You should stay away from Lord Sonic. From what I understand, he and the freedom fighters have trust issues with you, and I –"
His voice was droned out as Fiona saw the blue hedgehog sitting on one of the chairs one the wall.
Fiona interjected, "Yeah, sure, ok. Now, I just saw something I need to go check out."
Frederick was about to call out her name, so she moved quickly through the crowd as many nobles and their wives began to slow dance.
Fiona reached her target, who looked… pretty bad. Sonic was pale, and seemed to be rubbing his head. He didn't even notice her.
Fiona smirked, "So, you came here?"
Sonic blinked slowly. He looked tired, and kind of sad. He took a deep breath, "Oh, hey Fiona. Nice party."
"Are you alright?" She asked. She had never seen him look so exhausted.
"I'm good, just a little cold." The air actually felt quite warm tonight. Still Sonic was a little odd.
"Right, so… thanks for helping us out after the whole ghost thing." Fiona smiled.
Sonic simply nodded. He remained quiet. The violins rose to a higher point, speeding up the dance process.
"I'm not used to seeing you in a suite." Fiona smirked, "It's looks good on you."
Sonic smiled and actually looked up, blinking a little bit once he recognized her, "Wow… you look amazing yourself."
Fiona smiled, feeling a bit of pride shine out, "Care to ask me to dance?"
"You want me to ask you to dance. Why not just ask me to dance?" Sonic snorted slightly.
"It's not proper." Fiona taunted in her flirtatious fashion.
"Alright, will you dance with me?" Sonic asked, clearly not in the mood to dance, but also not going to pass up the opportunity.
"I would be honored." She held out her hand, and he took it.
They walked out onto the grass, and Fiona guided Sonic's hand to her waist. They began to rock back and forth.
Sonic smiled, "You seem to really like this new life. Is this a new you, or an act?" Sonic laid out a playful accusation.
Fiona wasn't quite sure. She had the hesitation in her heart, "Maybe it is the real me? Or maybe I'm playing games. You'll never guess."
Sonic smirked, "Well, with Scourge…gone, I don't where else you could go. I'm kind of happy you are stuck with us."
Fiona blinked. Wow, blunt and without remorse. Still she felt kind of bad that she had lied to him. Maybe it was time to start telling the truth.
"Sonic…. Scourge is alive." Fiona confessed.
Sonic blinked, "What?" He straightened up, on guard.
"He met up with me in the village." Fiona cleared up.
Sonic frowned his forehead scrunching.
Suddenly a cry came from the surrounding nobles.
Fiona looked over to find the small form of Alister, shrunk down, tail puffed up. An otter woman clutched her finger, "How rude!" Her finger looked swollen from a bite.
Fiona walked over, and Frederick appeared, "I am so sorry! My son did not mean to. Apologize!" Frederick demanded.
Alister looked frozen in fear.
Fiona stepped in, "He's sorry ok! Alister, let's go." Fiona grabbed her nephew and began to pull him away. He looked up tragically at her.
"I demand a sincere-!" The otter's husband wasn't going to get another word out.
Fiona whipped around, "You got an apology! That's all you'll get from him!" Fiona looked at Frederick, who looked torn.
"Alister, please give them a nice apology." Frederick asked.
Fiona couldn't believe it. These nobles where handling his son, and he asked for an apology.
Fiona grabbed Alister and took him inside. They walked to the center of the house, which was an open area where flowers were growing. The mansion was a square shape, so a section at the center was completely outside. It was quiet, which Alister seemed to appreciate.
"I'm sorry. I just got scarred. There was so much noise, and every was moving around, and-"
Fiona patted him on the back, "You're fine. I guess it was a little much for you."
"I guess I don't get the watch." Alister sounded so disappointed.
Fiona reached under her dress, and pulled out the gold watch, "You've earned it."
"That was pretty cool Fiona, not gonna lie." Sonic rested his arm on the door way, taking a deep breath.
Fiona smiled as he came and sat down, "You of all people should know I don't get pushed around."
Sonic smiled, before slowly frowning, looking up at the moon.
"What are you so worked up about?" Fiona asked, half joking, half curious. He was distracted.
"I lost a friend recently." Sonic sighed, "He died, right in my arms. I couldn't do anything."
Sonic reached behind him, and lifted the suit and quills to reveal scabbed claw marks on his back.
"He begged me to save him. I couldn't do anything." Sonic sighed.
Fiona sniffed out her nose, trying to think of the best way to handle this. "You did what you could. You're Sonic the Hedgehog, you always do. We have to move forward, all of us. I'm sure your friend would have wanted that as well."
Not her most inspiration speech, but she'd manage.
"Mmmhhmm." Sonic hummed, slumping against the wall of the house.
Fiona went to give him a nudge…. When she felt him. He was hot, burning up. Something was wrong.
/*-*/
Johan trudged through their inground fort. Such a burrow was not uncommon to Saxons who lived in mountains, but still, it presented it's own issues.
The rabbit had gone to sleep, and Johan trusted that the rashness of the creatures from the city would not follow him here.
He instead found his target. The Sea Boar, which gazed at him with an angry face and malicious heart as Johan approached.
"What do you want?" The Sea Boar demanded.
"I wish for armor." Johan stated bluntly, "I am to go into battle, and you have created fine armor, with good mobility. I would like such equipment."
"Why would I help you?" The Sea Boar growled.
"I am in your services. I can provide the materials." Johan bartered.
"You killed my family. They are gone because of you." The Sea Boar growled.
"Family?" Johan thought back, who was this man's family? Johan had killed and eaten so many. There was no point to thinking on it any further.
"Yes, my father and mother, and little sister!" The Sea Boar balled a fist.
"And?" Johan's ears echoed with the roars of his first great conquest… the main kingdom. The glory and justice worked out.
"WE SERVE THE TRUE KING!"
"LONG LIVE JOHAN THE MIGHTY!"
"DEATH TO YOU, PUPPET KING!"
"I killed my family, all but my nephew and sisters." Johan snarled, asserting his ability to fight should the need arise.
The Sea Boar understood, and unclenched his fist, "You took my family away from me. I won't ever get them back."
Johan cocked his head. This would require some diplomacy, "They are not gone."
The Sea Boar perked up, "What?"
Johan stood on his hind legs, and flexed his muscles, "Feel my strength."
The Sea Boar hesitated, but walked over, and felt his muscles under his thick hide.
Johan Continued, "They live on. When I walk I carry them with me, in every battle. I ate them, probably, and thus, they strengthen me. When I fight, they fight along side me, as my strength. They are not truly gone, just transformed to serve a higher purpose." Johan stated. Surely now the man would see his mistake.
Instead, the Sea Boar looked disgusted, "What kind of-" he did not finish the though, much to Johan's angering, "You know what? No, I am not making you armor."
Johan growled, but there wasn't much he could do. He was still bound to protect this kingdom. Still, as he walked though the halls back to the small Rabbit's room, Johan began to think, and evaluate his alternatives.
He would have his armor and weapons.
/*-*/
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