John Victor Foxfire: Sonic's sickness did come from the other dimension, but his infector didn't necessarily intend for him to get sick .And ah… so many what could have been, what could be? Of course, would Sonic be so famous without Robotnik? Would he have ever broken through the barrier between being a peasant boy and a nobleman? Sonic might have been nothing more than a lowly farm boy his whole life…
Sally was reasonably on edge after realizing how she was acting. It also brought some unpleasant memories back to the forefront of the two's mind. Sonic was already in a bad state, and her scolding him wasn't helping.
Johan is about to start real change in the Kingdom of Acorn… maybe for the better, maybe for worse?
/*-*/
Sonic's eyes were closed as he tried to get some more sleep. He felt weak, but there was a piece of him that felt like he was forgetting something. Sonic couldn't figure out what it was, but the feeling was keeping him awake.
The air on Sonic's face felt cold, but not nearly as bad as it had felt. His nose had certainly started working. Biscuits were coming straight out of the oven. He was starving. Of course, not literally. Starvation had been with him while he was completely delusional, and couldn't eat.
Maybe he could put off sleep until after breakfast…. Mmm a skillet with biscuits, eggs and sausage… maybe topped with gravy.
Sonic cracked his eyes open, and felt the light thump against his skull. He was still a little sensitive to light, but his hunger was getting the better of him. Sonic looked around the room and felt…. Kind of lonely.
He was alone in a hospital, all because of some stupid tiny bacteria. Sonic wasn't a great hero anymore, he was an average joe, until this infection stopped. Still, Sally and the other's not being there, the quiet nature of the room… it was driving him mad.
Sonic thought for a moment. Maybe he could get out and do a quick little run around the room. Something to get his legs stretched out and tingly. Sonic shifted the covers and moved his legs, out into the air, right as the door opened.
Several things happened. Sonic got to see his legs for the first time since he got to the hospital. Doctor Quack was carrying in two plates, and stopped. And Sonic felt stunned as a light burning sensation coursed through his legs.
"Mr. Hedgehog, get back in that bed!" Doctor Quack shouted.
Sonic looked down. There were light patches of where skin had been. Instead, there appeared to be light burns on his legs, pink flesh from where skin had been seared.
"W-What happened?" Sonic asked as slowly pulled his legs into the bed.
"First of all… it will heal." Doctor Quack explained setting the tray on Sonic's legs, "So do not panic, ok."
Sonic licked his lips, but nodded, "Ok, what happened?"
"The bacteria appeared to be spread throughout most of your body. It also layered itself in between tissue levels. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria flowing through your body, but the interlayered tissues needed to be removed or cured with heat. Hence, we don't have laser technology here, so we had to cut open the skin with a scalpel, and manually heat the inside layers." Doctor Quack was certainly on guard, incase Sonic was about to act crazily.
"It will heal…right?" Sonic wanted to confirm.
"Of course. You might have a little scarring, but given your quick recovery nature, you will be fine."
"Ok… good." Sonic stated, before raising his arms to eat biscuits and sausage patties. They were really good, but then again, Sonic wasn't exactly well fed.
Then he drank a glass of orange juice, and then a couple glasses of water, before laying back down to sleep.
Doctor Quack cleared his throat, "Ahem… Sonic…. Do you have any business you might want to take care off?"
Sonic opened his eyes. He came to the staunch realization that he needed to pee… really bad.
Sonic jumped out of the bed and ignored the burns on his legs. He ran straight down the hallway to the bathroom, and sat down on the toilet.
Relief finally came over him, and he ran right back to the room, to find Doctor Quack looking not amused.
"Oh… right, I can't leave the bed." Sonic smiled nervously.
"I'm going to give you an antibacterial pill to help with your infect." Doctor Quack explained, setting a large white pill that was about the size of a pinky fingernail.
Sonic frowned, but took it and drank it with some water. It felt like a brick going down his throat.
Sonic then laid down to go to sleep. He couldn't wait to get out of the hospital, and get back to fighting Eggman, helping Roja…
Sonic realized what he had forgotten. He couldn't be there for the Noble Council. The Assembly of Nobles where they voted on laws… and he would be absent.
Sonic felt himself get frustrated as a chipmunk came in.
"Sonic… are you alright?" Sally asked as she sat down next to his bed.
Sonic sighed, "I'm… going to miss the Council of nobles. I have to be there according to you."
"-If you can make it." Sally smiled softly at Sonic, "You're sick, no one is going to hold it against you if you sit this one out." Sally caressed Sonic's face with her smile.
Sonic sat up, much to the annoyance of Doctor Quack.
"Lay back down! You need to sleep." Doctor Quack shouted, Raising his wings in outrage.
Sonic slumped back down. Doctor Quack rubbed his temples, "I get you are an energetic force of nature. That being said, I do not want to risk re-infection."
Sonic frowned, "Am I safe to be around?"
"For the most part yes. The bacteria appears to survive on dead cells, but you still run the risk of stronger bacteria emerging. So nothing stressful, nothing active, and nothing outside this building." Doctor Quack firmly stated, growling at Sonic.
Sonic frowned.
Sally smiled, "How about I go in your stead. I will be a substitute for you in the council."
Sonic blinked but shook his head, "Heck no… I'm going, so Doc, what do I have to do to be safe?"
Doctor Quack grit his…teeth? Beak? He grit his mouth part before sighing, "You'll need to stay warm, wrap up tight. You should be allowed water, so make sure to stay hydrated. You will need to keep up antibiotic treatment, so I will give you a pill which should help. Keep your wounds hidden from air, and warm."
Sonic frowned, but nodded. He'd have to dress heavy. The good news was he was in Mobotropolis, so he wouldn't need to run very fast.
Sonic smiled, "I knew you'd see it my way." Sally was shaking her head. Sonic thought she loved his confidence.
Doctor Quack chuckled a dangerous laugh, "I know I can't stop you, but one of these days, you'll have to answer to someone. That's going to be a fun shock."
Sonic sucked his lips in and nodded. He'd made the doctor mad. He probably shouldn't have made that joke.
Sally sat down and smiled, as if trying to move past the moment, "Amy is finally back at one-hundred percent…. Physically at least."
Sonic looked up at Sally, ignoring the mild headache he was feeling, "What's wrong."
"She's having nightmares… a lot. She's not getting a lot of sleep. Her body has healed, but coming that close to death… I think it broke something in her." Sally sighed before shaking her head, "But this is Amy we are talking about… She'll bounce back once you show up."
Sonic nodded. Johan… was still a dangerous monster. He had been undeniably helpful the past few weeks, but he was still dangerous. He'd saved Sally's life if Sonic was to believe his story.
Sonic looked up at Sally, "How's Tails?"
Sally blinked and smiled, "He seems fine… don't you two hang out a lot?"
Sonic frowned, "We haven't hung out as much as we used to. I think I've upset him… but I can't figure it out?"
"You need to talk to him." Sally sighed, "You remember what happened last time you two got like this right?"
Sonic nodded slowly, before laying his head back, the light thumping in it making him sleepy.
"I'll be back in a few hours to help you get ready." Sally smiled, walking over and kissing his forehead, rubbing a hand down his quills.
Sonic felt comfortable, and slumped down.
He didn't really dream before he was shaken awake. Sonic's eyes made contact with Sally.
"Sorry! I got lost ok. Let's get you ready." She muttered quickly. Doctor Quack came in with a very thick jacket and pants.
Sonic smiled at Sally as he changed into the thick cloths, "You got lost in New Mobotropolis? Come on…"
"Sonic…." Sally didn't seem amused, as she slipped his arm through a sleeve, shielding it from the frigid air.
"Alright, sorry… sheesh." Sonic laughed, and felt her tie a belt around his waist pulling him closer.
She smiled at Sonic, and leaned forward, but Sonic leaned back.
Sally stopped, and blinked, "What?"
Sonic looked at Doctor Quack who shook his head, "I would advise against any exchange of fluids. The bacteria doesn't like our outside, but inside the body it thrives."
Sally nodded, "Ok… good reason."
"I'll make it up to you when I'm better." Sonic smiled, flashing a thumbs up, "But trust me, you don't want this."
Sally smiled, "Oh alright…"
Doctor Quack cleared his throat, and pulled out a small baggy, that had the large pill inside, "Now… you'll need to take this in about two hours. Try not to miss it."
Sonic nodded. He'd felt bad for long enough. Sonic would most certainly take the medicine on time.
Sally smiled, and they walked out of the Hospital room. Sonic found it kind of hard to run in his new outfit, so he just walked along side Sally.
"So… what were you doing today?" Sonic asked, mildly nostalgic from being able to move his legs.
Sally stumbled a bit, and a pang of guilt rose in her heart, "Oh, nothing big. I was out looking for a few friends in the city."
Sonic blinked. What was wrong with her, "Is everything ok. I got the purple Chaos emerald."
Sally sighed, suddenly becoming agitated, "I don't want to talk about it."
Sonic nodded slowly, picking up his pace as he had been slowing down.
They arrived at the Royal Palace, when Sonic realized that Sally was still walking with him, "Are you coming in too?"
"I was given an invitation." Sally smirked softly, but was still upset somewhat.
They walked inside, went to the courtyard, before entering the noisy auditorium. They were technically on time, but Sonic would have preferred his legs be free to move.
Sonic saw the seat by Frederick was open and went down. Sally remained at the top. Sonic sat down next to his friend, and whispered, "Hey, sorry I'm late."
"Are you well my friend?" Frederick whispered, somewhat surprised.
"Kind of." Sonic whispered back, "I'm sick, but I can't spread it."
Frederick nodded, "Very well. Can I ask your help, I meant to ask for it during the ball, but things got complicated."
Sonic whispered, "What can I help with?"
"I would like you to support a bill I drafted." Frederick shifted nervously.
Sonic's interest was piqued, "What, a bill?"
"I made a deal with his highness to secure my sister. This is my end of the deal." Frederick explained nervously.
Sonic looked at Frederick suspiciously, but how bad could it be? Sonic nodded his head, "Alright, I'll sign off on it."
The herald walked on stage once again, "Introducing his Royal Highness, Master Wizard, King Nagus of Mobotropolis. Please lay forth attendance."
Something was different about this time. The nobles stood up and introduced themselves, and their lands. Sonic did so as well.
In the shadows, the republic representatives sat, but Sonic saw the glint of Rosemary's eyes, filled with hope and anticipation. She was nervous, and excited.
As the last nobles finished the role call, Nagus walked out onto the stage. He seemed…frustrated, as if something had already happened.
Nagus looked down at the last nobles who finished, and pulled out a piece of paper, "Thank you all for gathering at our traditional Assembly of the kingdom. It truly means a lot to me and the citizens that you have taken time out our your lives to attend this very important institution for stability through the realm." His voice sounded so empty, and bland. He did a mock bow which seemed so half-hearted.
Sonic saw the other nobles' faces. They didn't buy it for a second… but they seemed mildly amused all the same. Of course, at least Nagus was somewhat pretending to respect them… or maybe they weren't his words.
Nagus growled and sighed at the same time, "I would like to present some house keeping matters, if the Council of Nobles will allow me."
Silence filled the air, as nobles looked around and seemed to nod.
Lord Ramston stood up, "You have the floor."
Nagus slowly nodded, a vein popping out of his head as another disinterested speech came out, "In light of recent events, and the efforts of the leader of the Freedom Fighters, Sally Acorn… I have… I have decided-" He seemed to choke on the words, "I have decided to-…. I have decided to grant…. Her a viewing of the council, and permit her all of the rights of a nobleman… with the exception of a vote."
The nobles nodded their heads in approval. Sonic finally got the idea. Rosemary had pressured Nagus… to at least put up the guise of a respectful king, and do some things to keep the nobles…content.
"I would also like to announce that due to the efforts of a valiant mercenary, whom many of you have made clear should be rewards… I shall grant the Wolverine… a royal pardon." Nagus growled, before smiling, "But I do not assume responsibility for the beast's actions. That falls to the former princess."
Sonic frowned. What? Johan was pardoned?
"Does anyone object to this pardon?" Nagus asked, looking around… as if to hope someone would oppose it.
Sonic staggered to his feet, "I object…" He called out, coughing slightly.
Nagus looked over at Sonic, "You do? Does anyone further object?" he seemed mildly eager. Strange, both Sonic and Nagus had no desire to see the Wolverine walk free. They had that in common.
"I will not object. The beast is strong, and capable of discernment. We were there first hand. As all mercenaries go, if we keep paying, he will fight. His destructive nature is foreign, but perhaps that is why we have been losing the war with the vile doctor. We need someone to come and teach us how to properly wage a destructive war. Thus, I support his release." Ramston stood up, "I find your conditions to be acceptable."
The other nobles nodded in agreement. Not good.
Sonic remained standing, but as he tried to speak, he felt Frederick tug his jacket. Sonic looked down to see him shaking his head. Sonic got the message, 'There is no point in arguing.'
Sonic frowned, and slumped down.
"No one is going to oppose?" Nagus tested, frowning, "Very well, a pardon shall be given. I want to say again that I take no responsibility for the Wolverine's actions."
The room remained quiet.
Nagus nodded slowly, clearly upset by the outcome. He then turned to a small smile, "Very well, let's get to the meat of this assembly. I have drafted a new tax, and mobilization protocol for the kingdom of Mobius."
The nobles began to murmur among themselves.
"Indeed, I believe the name "Kingdom of Acorn" no longer fits, as the Acorns no longer hold any substantial power within the kingdom." Nagus proclaimed.
A murmur of displeasure rose, and if Sonic had been feeling better, he'd have gotten really loud.
A Rosemary's voice interjected, "We are working on the transition, though it has yet to be officialized."
The nobles seemed to quiet down slightly. Nagus reared his head at her, but sighed, "Yes…I am indeed trying to get support for the new name. That being said, I will leave you all to review a draft of the new tax law which I have proposed. You should find one on your desks."
Sonic leaned over to Frederick, "You wrote this right?" He saw tons of fancy words within the document…that was ten pages long.
"Indeed. I did so for the sake of finding what would be agreed to. This law will expand the Freedom Fighter's institution, and give the commander of the Freedom Fighter access to a large funding base." Frederick explained, "This was what everyone could agree on."
Sonic blinked, "But the commander is…Sally…" Sonic's head was starting to hurt.
Frederick gave a soft smile, "I was not intending to support her necessarily. The other nobles, however, don't believe that Nagus is capable of leading a large standing army. The only leader they could agree on after some pestering was Sally, or Elias Acorn."
Sonic nodded getting a soft smile, and set down the document, "Alright. I'll support it."
Frederick gave a nervous thumbs up. Judging from the looks on the other nobles' faces, they approved of it too.
Sonic opened the small bag with the large pill, and put it in his mouth. He grabbed the chalice of water that was in the cup holder of the desk portions, and drank it down. He would never not hate the feeling of the pill in his throat.
Sonic stretched out, as if to hope that would stretch his throat out. As he looked up, Sonic saw Sally… talking with a skunk… a very smelly, very problematic skunk.
Sally appeared to be slightly annoyed by his presence, but also appeared to be considering something.
Nagus re-entered the room, "Now… Does anyone need more time to review my lovely new law?"
The room remained quiet.
"Very well. I will now pass out the confirmation form. I think you all should sign wisely." Nagus smirked.
The sheet of paper started at the other end of the auditorium. It made its way through the rows, and Sonic signed in for the Approved section.
The paper finally arrived at the last noble's desk, and he finished signing it.
The paper was taken to the herald, who quickly counted up the tallies, "Two Hundred sixty-seven approvals, Fourteen rejections, Thirty-four Abstains."
NAgus smiled, "I am proud to proclaim the new army to protect Mobius in the Freedom Fighters place."
A murmur of reasonable confusion rose, where Ramston finally spoke, "The Freedom Fighters have been expanded in this bill. A good thing too, as most of us would not have approved it otherwise."
Nagus blinked, before a vein popped out of his head, "What?"
"You would never receive funds and manpower after your display against the vile doctor Eggman. You remained out of the fight, while the Former Princess and current commander of the Freedom Fighters rallied our troops, and helped defend the realm." Lord Firston spoke, his tail sticking straight up as the wolf glared down.
Nagus began to breathe heavily, "What?"
"You did read your own tax law, correct?" Demanded Lord Ramston.
Nagus frozen, and grit his teeth, "Thank you all… for attending this event. Please find safety on your way home." His jaw was locked, and his form frozen through each word forced out of his mouth.
Sonic stood up, and saw Frederick walk down. He followed.
"My.. my king… I got them to agree to a standing army… It was all the nobles would commit resources to." Frederick mumbled.
Nagus's head shook as it slowly turned, "You truly are worthless. Get out of my sight."
Frederick's tail and ears drooped, and he walked up the stairs.
Sonic found Sally and she seemed happy to see Sonic, "So… you took your medicine… right?"
Sonic held up the empty packet, and they walked towards the hospital. Sonic decided to break their quiet walk after five minutes, "SO… I saw Geoffrey talking with you. I figured you'd rather be roboticized than ever speak to him again."
Sally turned to be mildly outraged by Sonic's comment… before she puckered her lips, and nodded in agreement, "Yep…I don't like him… but…" Her voice trailed off.
Sonic blinked, "But?" He leaved over to listen closer.
"He wants to rejoin the Freedom Fighters." Sally stated, and sighed, because she knew full well what Sonic was going to say.
"Oh wow, Yeah… sure… we'll let him back." Sonic laughed.
Sally was quiet., she wasn't meeting Sonic's eyes.
"Hello… Mobius to Sally." Sonic waved his hand in her face.
"He's had a rough life Sonic… Nagus seems to be using him, and he wants out. He Says Nagus is sick in the head. I told him I would think about it." Sally pleaded.
"We know Nagus is crazy. We've seen his wardrobe. I'll think about it…. Here's my response, "Hell no. Thank you for the offer, good bye." Sonic growled, feeling his blood start to pump hard.
"Sonic… Look, calm down. I'm just running through our options. He has a lot of skills, I just think we might need him in the future." Sally proposed.
Sonic took a deep breath, as pain began to erupt from his chest, "I can't believ-" He burst out coughing. His chest started to hurt.
Sally caught Sonic, and kept him from collapsing, "Sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. I'll tell him no. ok?"
Sonic looked up at her weakly smiling face, "Ok..."
They set of back to the hospital. That would hopefully be the end of that story.
/*-*/
Johan trudged around in his cell. He'd been in there long enough. He wanted out.
The doors flew open, and the angry troll stormed down the stairs. Johan caught his scent well before the building was entered.
He stopped at Johan's cell. Johan crawled towards the bars.
"Here's you pardon you vile, disgusting, savage creature, sign it." The Troll growled.
Johan saw him place a paper of sorts in front of him. Johan could not read… this was a problem.
Johan growled, seeing the small fear with black liquid. Johan took the black liquid, which appeared to be a marker, and poured it on his hand. He then pressed his hand against the paper.
The troll seemed to be in a bad mood, "At least you can't betray me… savage."
"People listen to charitable, and wise rulers." Johan growled as the cells opened, "If you want others to follow you, you should make the people like you. Then those who depend on the people for power have no choice but to support you."
The troll snarled, but slowly began to realize Johan's words. "Interesting… you can speak… nothing intelligent of course, but still."
Johan left him. Johan did not see him as a ruler… but he was far from useless… and Johan did not waste.
He remembered the path to the Princess's fortress, and set out.
/*-*/
So… A little early, not by much.
I am going to be on the road, so I can't really post much like normal. That being said, I'll try to keep up to date even while on vacation.
I love reading all your theories and thoughts. I do welcome criticism as well, and it all helps me improve the writing.
So please leave a review to keep morale high, and improvements coming.