John Victor Foxfire: That error… Yeah that was on me. I thought I finished the thought, but obviously not. I corrected it, and thanks for pointing that out while it was still fresh in my mind. There wasn't a lot to add, but I still wouldn't have finished the thought. To the next point, the memories are there for a bit of context, and there is some implied learning, but it isn't always relevant. Sonic knew from the bow that Fiona met him when they were little, but for her it was probably no different than simple courtesy. Still, I want memories to carry history along with emotional connections.

Speed is a very powerful stat. Johan is able to deal with it because of patterns, but a chaotic opponent who didn't have a set style would be difficult for him to fight, simply because of hit-and-run engagements. Metal Sonic, being designed to counter Sonic, was naturally able to hit them hard when they had no counter, especially with Johan away. I'm not quite sure how you came up with the idea of A Metal Johan from an arm, but the arm did serve to replace Metal Sonic's, and perhaps give him something to deal with tougher targets. The idea of a Metal Johan would have a lot of potential, for it to harm Eggman, it would need a lot of autonomy, which means giving it a personality.

Lastly, the old-world rifles were based on the SMLE, British bolt action rifles. The ammo is raised by a spring, but the bolt actually loads into the chamber. Cuts a lot of time from reloading, but also reduces a burst rate of fire.

MerendinoEmilano: More ATMOSPHERE INCOMING!

/*-*/

Sonic returned back to Freedom HQ. Sonic had technically put his mansion a few weeks behind, but he still had a spot at Freedom HQ, so it wasn't so bad. He had almost forgot that a certain Skunk had stunk the place up.

"Oh… You've been gone for a while… and what are you doing back?" Geoffrey asked, confused.

"Where's Sally?" Sonic frowned, not expecting himself to be alone.

"Where ever the front is. The Idea behind a "grand offensive" is that it is going to take time. Did you really think they were going to take a city and then come back?" Geoffrey snorted.

"Why are you here? Just to eat our food?" Sonic snarled, before taking a step back. He was noticing a habit, where he was becoming more aggressive. That wasn't right.

Geoffrey raised his knub, "I'm not exactly good in a fight anymore."

Sonic's mind went to how easily he could pummel Geoffrey. Sonic shook his head, "I guess that's fair."

Geoffrey shrugged, "I guess you could just go to that city they were going to… I don't remember, and I don't really care anymore."

Some spy he was. Sonic nodded, "Yeah… Or I could handle things here." Sonic proposed.

Geoffrey shrugged, but Sonic really didn't care what he thought anymore. Sonic hit the town.

There was work to be done, and plenty to do. Sonic only realized just how much he had sped up housing with his speed, running planks to job sites, getting nails and plaster. Sonic's mind had occasionally wandered to wonder how well he would succeed in the world if Robotnik never happened. The past few months have proven that he would have been a heck of an employee.

Sonic zipped back and forth, get a few waves and cheers from builders who were working on the new barracks for the guards. Sonic actually made a note. The shoddy wood buildings that loomed over the Freedom Fighter HQ looked bad. They stood out as glorified shanties, while Sonic's barracks was going to be a nice, new official guardhouse.

Maybe he should go and build some nice barracks for the troops. Sonic nodded to himself in agreement, but it would have to wait until after he finished building the city stuff. He ran back and forth with his stuff as the world seemed to speed up.

Sonic stopped, finally out of breath after carrying what must have been a hundred planks. He was cold, and tired. Winter was being itself, and he hadn't brought his coat.

Sonic felt someone tug his arm. He turned over to see a little wolf, holding up something. It was like a knot of dough, but it dripped with a thick golden liquid. Sonic could see steam rising off it.

The wolf child smiled, "It's a honey knot."

Sonic picked it up with two fingers and took a bite out of it. The honey knot tasted like someone had twisted a breadstick into a knot, and instead of covering it in butter and salt, they covered it in honey. Still, Sonic smiled, and felt his inner child that never went away but instead took long naps when he needed to be serious. You couldn't go wrong with sweet bread.

Sonic smiled down at him, "That was awesome." It warmed him up inside. Then Sonic felt a sudden stinging on his nose. Sonic wiggled it and looked up. The sky was letting out small white puffs. It was snowing.

Sonic heard movement stop, and he saw all of the builders setting things down. What, they were stopping?

The head builder saw the confusion on Sonic's face, "It's too cold to ask them to work in this weather. We'll get it done, trust me."

Sonic did trust him, but he still wondered why snow was enough to stop him from getting his house. Sonic sighed as walked down the streets. Everyone seemed to be heading inside.

"You look depressed, what's wrong?" a raspy voice asked cheerfully.

Sonic turned around to find Sticks standing proudly as snow fell on her.

"I won't have my house complete until later. This snow is messing everything up." Sonic groaned.

"Why not just finish your house in the snow?" Sticks asked curiously.

"I don't know how to build houses. I made shoddy ones for people to live in out of desperation." Sonic cried as he continued walking.

"… You run fast right? Why not just stay with us?" Sticks asked softly.

"I don't your dad will like that." Sonic sighed.

"He'll have to accept you as an honored guest. It's forbidden to turn away anyone who comes to us in need." Sticks smiled. She was enjoying the thought for some reason.

Sonic weighed his options. He could take his chances going with her and try to work on his house from there, or go back to Freedom HQ and deal with Geoffrey.

"Alright, I guess I'll go, but I'll pay you all back." Sonic stated.

Sticks smiled, "It won't be accepted, but very well."

Sonic followed her back out of the city. He should have grabbed his coat.

Sonic trudged with Sticks over the frozen field, "How are you not freezing?" Sonic asked, pointing out that she only had a cloak and her tribal top and skirt on.

"I'm a badger, we don't feel much of anything." Sticks slapped her side to prove her point.

Sonic nodded, "right." He was still freezing. As they walked, the snow really started to wear on Sonic. He felt really cold. Part of him wondered if it was bad taste to zip to the mountain. He felt his teeth start to chatter. It was time to go.

Suddenly, Sonic felt some warm cover his body. Sonic looked up to find Sticks giving him a happy smile. He realized he was covered in her cloak. "Don't you need this?" He asked, really grateful for the extra warmth that was stored in it.

"I'll be good. It's just a symbol anyway." Sticks smiled, walking down the road as they approached the forest.

Sonic picked up his pace, and met her, "A symbol?" He tried small talk that he was never going to remember.

"Yeah. A freeman's cloak." Sticks smiled. They passed the trees, now glistening with ice and snow.

"Ok, how is a cloak a symbol?" Sonic asked again.

"A freeman's cloak. It's big, so that if his chief violates him, he can pack all the things he needs and leave." Sticks proudly stated.

"Ok." Sonic grumbled. It was also pretty good at keeping him warm. Sonic noticed Stick's tail wagging.

"Well, you're in a good mood alright." Sonic smirked as they ascended up the mountain.

"It's snowing, why wouldn't I be in a good mood." Sticks skipped up the incline.

Sonic followed behind. They finally arrived at the gates of the settlement. It's wooden walls glistening with snow. Yet everyone seemed to be happy.

Even as he walked in, he only received a few glances. Granted, those glance came with some whispers, but he assumed that if there was an issue, they would let him know.

Sonic continued to walk up through the mountainous village. He arrived at a long house, and Sticks opened the door, giddy with excitement, "Here is your room!" She practically shouted with glee.

Sonic walked in and looked around. The walls seemed to have been coated in wool. The ceiling still had its wooden structure, but Sonic was fine with it. There were sleeping furs next to an unlit fireplace, and small, brown specs. Sonic looked down.

"Cinnamon. Keeps the pests away." Sticks smiled, standing in the doorway.

"Oh… thanks." Sonic mumbled. Were they expecting him? Sonic realized he still had her cloak. Sonic took it off, "Thanks."

Sticks grabbed it, and pulled it over her back so naturally. She must have done it a thousand times. "I'll go tell Da you're here."

Sonic walked out, "Wait! I'll go with you." He called out as she started to run. Sonic needed to be ready to leave if he was uninvited.

They walked through the village, and noticed how much life it lacked. The air was a lot colder, so they probably spent their days inside.

Sticks and Sonic arrived at the large hut, which housed the other Wolverine. Ceawlin was curled up, seeming to guard something.

"Um… Da?" Sticks spoke softly.

Ceawlin unculred slowly, "What?" Sonic saw there was a small blue fox face coming out of Ceawlin's side. Her ears dopped, and even through closed eyes, Sonic could tell she was not feeling great.

"Brythling is ill." Ceawlin explained, "I am keeping her warm, as best I can until dinner is ready."

"You aren't supprised that I am here?" Sonic asked, nervously.

"Sticks was preparing a room for you for several days. She has taken a liking to your company. Perhaps you might even be a friend of hers. Regardless, she has been planning a visit for you." Ceawlin grumbled, his head jerking when the little fox squeaked with a cough.

Sonic looked over at Sticks, who found a great deal of interest in the setting sun.

"Dinner!" a call went out. Ceawlin growled at Sticks.

Sticks slumped, "Alright, I'll be back shortly."

She walked off, leaving Sonic alone with Ceawlin… aside from the sick fox.

"Did she really get a room ready for me?" Sonic asked, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

"She prepared a guest room, and asked about your ability to stay with us. She believes you are troubled, and in need of peace." Ceawlin spoke lower, and Sonic got the memo. The fox needed her rest.

Sonic nodded, "I… I have been having dreams. I don't remember everything, but I would like to talk to you about them." He whispered, feeling uncomfortable.

The wolverine eyed him. Ceawlin was probably thinking about how absurd Sonic's request was. Then he nodded, "I will speak with you."

Sonic went off to the dinner table, passing Sticks as she carried three bowls of soup to the long house.

He noticed how the large table was empty, and instead, the mobians were gathering, grabbing bowls and heading into their long houses. Sonic did the same, walking up to find Tumble handing out bowls of brown soup.

Sonic took one, and Tumble smiled down at him, "Oh hey, it's you."

Sonic smiled up at the big guy, "Yep, Sticks invited me here."

"Oh yeah, she think's your speed is really cool. She also thinks you're a good guy." Tumble smirked, before looking over Sonic.

Sonic realized that he was holding up a line. He quickly moved out of the way, and headed back up to his Long house. Sonic opened the door, and realized just how important the fireplace was. Sonic ran over to it, and noticed there was plenty of logs next to it. He just had to figure out a way to get it lit.

He looked around for something to start the fire, but only saw a rock on the mantle. He needed a new plan, and decided to try rubbing two sticks together. He pulled out two smaller logs and made a sawing motion. He sped it up the best he could, however, the only thing Sonic achieved was a mess of splinters on his furs.

The door opened and Sticks walked in, "Hey, how are you doing- oh… you don't know how to start a fire?"

Sonic blinked at her. Sticks walked over to the fireplace, and picked up the rock that rested on it. Sticks then drew a knife, and put the rock close to the thatch within the fireplace. She struck the rock a couple times, until sparks flew out. Sticks then blew on it, until a puff of smoke appeared. Sticks turned back to Sonic.

"Thanks… You really are something else, you know that Sticks?" Sonic smiled, thoroughly impressed.

Sticks beamed back at him. The two ate together. Sonic got to learn a little more. Apparently Rough was out trapping. Tumble was in charge of meals, while Ceawlin kept their settlement safe. Sticks was happy enough, although she still wasn't allowed to join the Freedom Fighters, "I don't know how I am going get him to stop being so stubborn." Sticks groaned.

Sonic smiled, "Hey… You don't have to join us. You're amazing, but things are getting intense down there." Sonic tried to reason.

"That's why I want to join. The action is going on. Legends will be written about you, but not me." Sticks sighed.

Sonic finished up his soup, "I don't think I want a legend. Trust me, you helping people here, is more than most of us have done."

Sticks frowned.

After finishing up dinner, Sonic walked out, and went up to the large stone building, which was now pleasantly shaped, with thick walls and a large door.

Sonic pulled the door open with some force. There, Ceawlin waited inside. The room was heated, better than Sonic's house, and Ceawlin stroked the fire.

"Tell me of your dream, and then we can both sleep." Ceawlin stated, firmly.

Straight to the point. Sonic nodded, "I've been having dreams… about Johan… the man Johan."

Ceawlin stopped, and turned his head to look at Sonic. There was a dangerous glare which told Sonic that he was touching on a dangerous subject.

Sonic clarified, "I don't remember much about them, but Johan is a big part of them. I don't know if they're real or not though. I've never seen Johan… at least not the human."

Ceawlin clarified, "Saxon. He is a Saxon."

Sonic nodded, "Right." He didn't see the big deal, but Ceawlin apparently knew that.

"We were born in a land harsher, and strong than this. We are strong, fast, and incredibly durable. We were born on a world with far more dangerous gravity than this one. My body was stronger than this one I have now by several times over. We are not "Humans"."

Sonic nodded, "I don't know why I am seeing him though."

Ceawlin sat down in silence. He finally said, "It might be a warning. Giving you time to prepare. God often warns our enemies of our coming, demanding that they improve themselves, or we, his wrath, will be cast upon them."

Sonic snorted, "I think I've lived a good life."

Ceawlin looked down at Sonic, his face unreadable. Sonic felt uncomfortable alright.

Ceawlin growled, "If you value your life, and the lives of your loved ones, I would advise you heed a divine warning. If God is warning you, I would listen, and prepare yourself."

Sonic frowned, "How do I know if your god is warning me?"

Ceawlin sat there. It was quiet as the flame between them crackled. Ceawlin finally nodded, "I will tell you of my God. Perhaps you might embrace him, but if not, you will respect his warnings."

/*-*/

Fiona found herself on the red brick road again. The signs were to her back. Fiona found herself walking down the path, unable to stop or slow down. Fiona's dress seemed to be holding up, so the dream wasn't going to be embarrassing, at least, she hoped not.

Fiona continued walking. There were trees up ahead, and Fiona found herself approaching a fork in the road. The right path would take Fiona deeper into the jungle, the left path would take Fiona into the forest.

She saw on her right, a sign, green and faded. "Fun and Freedom, a life of never-ending excitement." Was what it ready. It pointed down deeper into the jungle.

To her left was a blue sign, severely damaged and falling apart. It read "Faithful companions, love and friendship". The blue sign led deeper into the forest.

Fiona looked deeper, and saw two shacks. One in the forest, neat and decorated. It was painted read and white. The house seemed to shine in the sunlight, peaceful and quiet. A perfect place to take a nap.

The other shack, was worn and run down. It was deep in a swampy marsh that resided in the jungle. The house lacked any paint, and looked like it was struggling to even keep its shape. It floated on four pillars, which looked like they were partially rotten. But the light in the house, and the sound of laughter and crashes made Fiona intrigued about what was inside.

She approached the fork in the road, when she saw two figure step out of the wooded area in front of her. One wore a dark cloak, and the other wore a white cloak. The dark cloaked figure walked onto the dark jungle road, and gestured for Fiona to come. The other figure, with their white cloak, simply walked over to the light forest road, and glanced at Fiona.

She found herself able to finally stop, catching her breath.

The dark figure chuckled, "Come on, have a little fun with your life. You know how great it is." Their voice seemed to be obscured. Fiona couldn't place a finger on it, but it sounded familiar.

Fiona turned to looked at white hooded figure. She saw how their posture looked so beaten and defeated. The silence only made her want to listen in and learn what ever secrets were under that hood.

"THE TIME HAS COME! CHOOSE!" a harsh, angry voice came from behind Fiona. She bolted awake. That dream was… what dream? Fiona found it quickly disappeared from her memory.

"ARE YOU READY! YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE!" A feminine voice shouted.

Fiona quickly got dressed and went outside. It wasn't hard for her to find the source of the noise. A young mongoose stood on the good section of the wall that overlooked the city center. She appeared to be with a rock band, which was kind of cool.

More cheers erupted from the soldiers and the mongoose smiled, "ALRIGHT, LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!"

An electric guitar strummed through the air, and drums quickly followed. After a moment, they struck a rhythm. Three high notes, then a low note on the guitar, before a drum blast.

"Late at night, you're going out to fight, all the demons, you keep out of our sight." The mongoose sang pretty good. She seemed to be confident alr- was that Mina?

The Mongoose continued, "You never let me see, but I know it's true, you never seem to breathe, and I want you-to tell me what you need from me, what I can do to ease your suffering?"

Fiona rocked her hips to the beat as the Mongoose burst out, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE, I AM HERE TO LIST-EN. I WILL STAND BY YOUR SIDE TILL THE END OF MY LIFE!"

Fiona bobbed her head to music, closing her eyes. "YOU ARE NOT ALONE, I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU! I WILL GO WHERE YO NEED ME TOO! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" That was definitely Mina. What was she doing there?

"How do you keep up the fight? I see the scars you hide, when I held the knife not looong ago." Fiona slowed down her dances. This was a song… was about regret.

Mina continued, "Give me a second chance, mark up a perfect ten, I know I ask a lot-but if you will beside me, I'll give you my everything."

Mina shouted through the mic again, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I WILL STAND WITH YOU. I WON'T YOU CRUMBLE INTO DUST! YOU ARE NOT ALONE, I WON"T GIVE UP YOU, WE WILL STAND WITH ME NEXT TO... YOU!"

Her voice closed out, and Mina bowed as cheers erupted from the soldiers… followed by the sound of something dragging.

They turned. Johan stood in the city, with a sled full of goods.

Mina called out, "I'm going to take an Intermission. In the mean time, that song is courtesy of our Dear Princess Sally! Give her a round of applause."

Fiona found herself looking at the Wolverine, who seemed mildly annoyed at the presence of Mina and her band.

Sally walked up to Johan, looking slightly embarrassed by the outcry, "So… what is all of this?"

Johan opened one of the boxes on the sled. From it was a large rectangular plate of steel. The sound of vibrations rippled through the air.

Fiona felt her back shiver as her heart jumped. Sonic appeared in the gateway.

Fiona's eyes looked into Sonic's distracted, weary eyes. He seemed torn by something.

"Greetings, Are you finally recovered?" Johan's voice growled in the back of his throat.

Sonic shook himself, "Y-Yeah. What's this?" Sonic looked into the box.

Johan cleared his throat, loud enough to draw the rest of the men, "This is my gift to all of you. Armor for your protection, and new weapons for your enemy's destruction!"

Johan tore open the other box. Rifles fell across the ground. These rifles had a single barrel, and a strange lever on the side.

Fiona walked over and picked one up, as did several other soldiers. It was strange, she pulled the lever up and back, and looked inside the chamber. It looked like it was able to hold several rounds of ammo.

Fiona's eyes wandered to the armor that laid on the ground. It seemed to just be a rugged plate with two straps that went over the shoulders. Still, It was better than nothing.

Several soldiers started running over to grab the chest plates. Fiona would rather stay light on her feet.

Johan cleared his throat, "I want you all to remember, no life was ever saved by armor. It is your courage that will save your life."

The soldiers didn't seem to hear.

Sally called out, "Alright everyone, Mina Mongoose is here to perform for you, the soldiers of the kingdom, and you're all focusing on a shiny pile of steel."

Fiona felt the mood change. She saw Sally walk over to Mina and apparently start talking with her.

Fiona saw Sonic walk over to a little place in the center of the road to the outside gate. She decided to walk over and sit down with him. He didn't seem to notice her. She waved her hand in front of his face. Sonic snapped back to reality.

Sonic looked over at her.

"Hey…. You good?" Fiona asked, resting her forearms on her knees.

Sonic nodded, "I'm just… thinking."

Fiona leaned in. Sonic remained quiet. The silence was painful.

"About?" Fiona asked, smiling with the hopes he'd give her an answer.

"My place in the world… Ceawlin, Sticks' dad, he told me we all have moments where we have to decide how we want our lives to go. We can't just resign ourselves to fate, we have to make decisions. I'm just thinking about what I want, and how I'm going to get it." Sonic sighed, looking up as the electric guitar strummed through the air.

"Well… That's rough." Fiona muttered, not really sure how to respond.

"Be real with me, be completely honest, don't lie." Sonic stated, and Fiona nodded. Sonic sighed, "Why are you here? Are you trying to hurt me. If so, just get it over with."

Fiona recoiled slightly. She understood the suspicion, but she was tired of the open antagonism. "I want to see the world. I'm not going to say that I'm your friend forever. I'm not going to go on a goody two-shoes adventure and come back a new person. But I'm here now, and I'm helping out. Stop goading me on." Fiona growled.

Sonic actually smiled at that. Strangely, Fiona found herself smiling as well. It was strange, but they both seemed to find the situation funny.

Fiona felt a malicious glare from one of the buildings. She scanned and angry pair of blue eyes watching her. Tails didn't seem amused.

Sonic whispered as Mina sang over them, "So, how have you actually been?"

Fiona smiled. Did she have a couple tales for him.

/*-*/

Johan felt somewhat humiliated… no… dishonored. He had come with gifts to secure the lives and prevent the terrible waste of manpower, yet they would rather listen to the squaks of a ferret shouting about nothing.

Still, Johan could understand the idea… somewhat. It was like a rally, where elders and children would sing songs as the warriors left for battle, with a firm reminder of why they fought. Granted, the Saxon songs were of glories won, valiant heroes, and praises to the gods which granted victory… and in some cases, taunts to those who didn't. Not what ever ramblings and harsh affronts to nature that this ferret shouted out.

He disliked their musical tools as well. They produced the most harsh and raspy songs, not like the spruce drums and wired lutes.

Johan simply walked out of their walled city, and into the forest, where he laid down. He was not tired, but there was no point in doing anything within the forest. The snowy ground felt good on Johan's belly. He liked it a lot.

His ears twitched as something moved under the snow. Johan slowly rose, and crawled ever so gently across the snowy cap. The scurrying continued, which gave Johan the chance to track it more effectively. His nose told him it was a hare. A sweet, savory hare.

Johan had to calm himself to keep from alerting the small creature to his presence. He crept closer, and closer to the sound. The hare was close to an…oak? Yew? Johan couldn't tell. It didn't matter.

He jumped onto the snow, smashing through and smacking the hare against a tree that had been behind him. It soared through the air, before smacking its body against the wooden trunk, snapping its back and neck.

Johan restrained the little dance he wanted to do as he approached. Something stopped him from eating the small creature. It was dead, and there was no mercy, nor was it the loose connect between the hare's appearance and Cream's. He was no stranger to raw meat, but hares were a treat, and were very good for warrior bodies. To eating it all alone would be selfish.

Johan sighed in defeat. He dug a hole, and hid the hare in the snow. He set to work, find more hares. It was surprisingly easy to catch them. The snow must have made them slow, while it only invigorated Johan.

After collecting roughly twelve hares, Johan returned to the hole where they were stored. His ears listened as he began to suspect he was not alone in the forest. Something tingled inside him. Johan was being watched.

He picked up a musty scent. Someone had not been bathing or cleaning. Johan also noticed the sharpness of the smell. Who ever it was, they were very young. The sound of light tapping on wood told Johan they were moving through the trees…away from him. Perhaps they were curious, perhaps an enemy, but Johan was not ready to get ambushed, when there were more pressing matters at stake… like food.

He stuffed the hares in his armor and returned to the city, where the loud and atrocious banging that was the "music" had stopped. Johan entered the square, surprised to see many of the soldiers smiling and laughing. Perhaps the music had done them some good. It was still terrible.

Johan approached each of the pots that housed the stew, earning a look of caution from his men. Once Johan dropped the hares in, their looks subsided. He also noticed several of them walking around in the plates he had made. Perhaps they needed to get used to wearing them?

He still wandered over, to what appeared to be a collapsed wall, and sat down. The Princess's voice greeted his ear, "Hey…I guess I should say thanks for the armor… and the new guns."

Johan nodded, but remained quiet.

"Why did you make that stuff for us?" Sally pried.

"I hate waste. I don't want men's lives to be wasted because of poor equipment." Johan grumbled, scratching up and down his body, picking out any twigs and bark that might have gotten stuck in his hide while hunting.

Sally nodded, and remained quiet but close. Johan was getting irritated at her wasting his time.

"What do you want?" Johan asked clearly, snagging a branch from out of his back.

"You were right." The warrior princess mumbled. Of course he was. Johan had more experience in his first century than this girl would probably ever have in her lifetime. He didn't necessarily know what she was talking about, but chances were, Johan was right.

"He used to be so close to my heart, and now I can't even keep him in arm's reach." Sally sighed, slumping down. Ah… that again.

"You chose cleverness to manipulate him. You invited his enemies to his territory. Why did you do that, and why would you be surprised by his response?"

"I needed him close." She growled in frustration, "It's not like the other times. Sonic and I always came back to each other when things got tough. Fiona though… she was different. She screwed up that relationship. Those two were happy together… or Sonic was. He was never going to break it off. Now she's back, and I'm fighting an uphill battle."

Johan took her words in carefully. Then he responded clearly, "You need more to worry about. Where I come from, there is no guarantee you will live another day. We don't have time for romantic troubles. And you aren't fighting up hill, you are fighting in a trench that you have dug yourself." Johan snapped. He was tired of the courting drama. Could they not see there were more important issues at stake? They were at war.

The girl seemed stunned at his points. She slumped down in such a weak, pathetic, defeated state, "Yeah… Ok, that's fair. No one cares about my problems anymore." She turned to walk away.

Johan felt… ashamed. Not because he had spoken the truth, but because he had allowed his emotions to once again rule him. Johan stated clearly, "Princess, I have told you what you need to do to amend your relationship. I can't promise a… courting relationship… but honesty will only improve your situation."

The princess stopped, and walked back to Johan. She sat down, "You aren't going to apologize?"

"Why would I apologize for speaking the truth?" Johan snorted, feeling his stomach start to rumble.

The princess looked down at the ground. She waited in silence.

Johan shifted ever so slightly, getting just right.

Sally finally spoke clearly, "I'm going to give Sonic an honorable discharge."

Johan flicked his ear. It sounded good, honoring someone was important to keeping their loyalty. Discharge was an odd word. Johan pondered it for a moment. It must have been an award, like a sword or mask. The context only seemed to make sense.

"I'm dismissing him with honor. He doesn't owe us anymore. I don't want to be his boss, because now he thinks I want to control him. I don't." Sally smiled, and gestured for Johan's thoughts.

That was a terrible plan. Absolutely horrible. No warrior would ever want that. Johan growled, "Why would you even think of that? Where I come from, men hang themselves with shame. To be dismissed…" Johan shuddered at the thought, which was strange, considering he was Konigunderr, so he would be the one dismissing. It's not like he was a foot soldier.

Sally sighed, "Well, what am I supposed to do? He thinks I'm trying to tame him. I don't want him to hate me, so I'll let him help when he wants to!" Some eyes were wandering over to them.

Johan sighed, "Give him freedom. Let him move and be. Don't dismiss him, because that carries shame, even placing the word "honorable" in front of it." He found himself growing more agitated by the minute.

The princess looked at him, and Johan turned to look at her. She sighed, "Is that all?"

"He wants freedom, not isolation. Let him be, and trust him to make good decisions. If he is a good warrior, Sonic will protect his allies. If not, he'll be dead quite quickly." Johan clarified, standing up for food.

"Alright, we'll try it your way." Sally conceded. It took far too long, but she finally showed some wisdom. At least, Johan considered it wise. They both went to get some of the sweet stew which awaited them.

Morning came, and Johan set off. They were attacking… some city. Ostar, Ostlar?

It meant little to Johan. At the end of the day, it would be rubble. He helped heard the soldiers onto the road which led east. The road followed the winding, frozen river. Why they wouldn't just walk across evaded Johan.

He did notice a white fox talking with Sally, despite her clear attempts to get closer to Sonic. He seemed desperate, but the princess was upset by his words. It wasn't Johan's business, but he had a slight curiosity.

It would not be sated as the fox bowed his head in defeat and rejoined his cluster.

They continued to march all day, which was nice and cool, perfect for such activities. Or apparently, it was cool to Johan, and freezing to the soldiers.

Still, the camp they set up that night was pleasant. Johan almost found it disturbing how quiet the night was, but a few black birds overhead reminded him of the tales of old. Were the gods watching him? Was Christ favoring him?

Johan did not know, and for the most part, found it an irrelevant question. His strength was his first tool, the gods covered handled what it could not.

Two more days of marching, and they arrived at the city of Ostwear. Johan grew antsy in anticipation… Right as racketen flew overhead.

/*-*/

So… I am tired. Defensive programming is fun, but it is also time consuming and exhausting.

Let me know what you though of and from the chapter. If I missed anything or made a mistake, let me know so I can fix it, or just hear your thoughts on the future.