Victor John Foxfire: Sonic is absolutely dealing with the issue of logistics, trying to move an entire army at his speed, when everyone is slower than him. Sonic also has to react in time to keep his men safe, which means he can't really make use his speed except in combat. Once again, however, Johan hindered Eggman's plans. The Storm he summoned froze communication towers and block roadways, which allowed Sonic to get there before the citizens could be roboticized, not that Johan knew or cared. The Mobility issues were poorly distributed, but Sally doesn't know who to trust with men, so she goes with reliable soldiers.
Now for Dark-Sonic. He doesn't exist because hyper Sonic exists in this universe. I know the integration sounds cool, but I'm very mechanical when I examine media. I think dark Sonic is cool, but it's more than Psychological effects mixed with Chaos emeralds. When we see it, Chris and Cosmo are hurt, but there's another key factor in the transformation: The fake emeralds, or rather, the quantity of them. The fake are described to have similar, but slightly weaker, power to the Chaos emeralds. Sonic falls on what is probably a hundred of them. The Reason I explain this is because I can now explain Dark Sonic. Super Sonic is a star, bright and radiating energy. Dark Sonic is a blackhole, filled with so much dense energy that light does not escape his quills. The fake energy might also be a factor in the form, but I think that I will add fake emeralds… or I thought that before I typed that sentence. Just had a thought, won't elaborate until I can think of a good way to integrate it into the story.
Now for Sonic's dream. What Sonic saw were Shadow thralls. Johan exists in my other stories, and he plays the role of general, peace maker, and konigundrr. Most of my other stories deal with the Saxon-Teskan conflicts with the Shadows. There is a lot to talk about there, a story's worth, but I don't know how many people would read my own story without fandoms to incentivize reading.
Sally does not trust Fiona, and it is corrupting her character, but… not entirely unwarranted. She over some of Fiona's conversations. The difference between Fiona and Geoffrey is that Geoffrey can make Sonic jealous, Fiona on the other hand…
Johan obviously doesn't like Antoine. It's a bit of history joke I made, but Antoine's personality doesn't help his case. Johan real frustration comes from something deep in his soul, a belief that burns brighter in him…
MerendinoEmilano: Ok, don't stop reading for a few chapters, because I am a few chapters ahead. I am going to try to add some agility to Sally and Tails.
/*-*/
Sonic felt the snow under his feet crumple as he marched on the road. They had one more city before the front line was secured. Then it was out to stop Eggman once again. Sonic would like to say that the White Wolf commander was sent to Sally, but Sonic couldn't decide who to send him with.
SO the wolf followed along, staying quiet as they marched through the wooded area. Sonic found the ammo that they carried to be surprisingly well stocked. Then again, he was doing most of the heavy lifting when it came to taking hits.
Sonic looked down at his burns. They were healing, slowly and surely, but they still stung. Sonic honestly… felt like sitting the next fight out. But he couldn't do that… unless.
Sonic walked up to Tails, who smiled at Sonic, "Hey… how are you doing? You look a little hurt."
Sonic smiled, "Well… I am pretty beat up. And Normally I would go smashing but… I don't think I'm in the best shape to lead everyone. So I was thinking, maybe you want to lead this one?" Sonic tried to sound as convincing as possible.
Tails squinted at Sonic, "I do… are you sure you're ok?"
Sonic nodded, "Yeah, I know you wanted to lead, and I'm kind of sore from yesterday. I'll be back up soon. So you get your big brain working when we get to the city." Sonic's eyes wander over to the wolf. It all seemed too easy. He put a big fight, and then he just surrendered.
Sonic carefully watched him. The wolf seemed to walk with them, he didn't try to escape, he didn't try to bargain, heck he barely spoke unless spoken to. Sonic's guard was up. They marched out until they set up camp for the night. Sonic was beginning to believe that there was more than just a two-day march.
Tails couldn't sleep. He seemed so excited. His tails were wiggling around in anticipation. Sonic smirked as he paced around in their tent. "What's on your mind?" Sonic asked, eating a meat pie that he had been saving. It didn't quite heat up as easily in the pot, but Sonic didn't mind.
"I'm just thinking about how we can get into the city. Maybe I can fake my death. And then the troops ask is I can buried in the city… then blam! I burst out, and let everyone in." Tails jumped up at the though, shivering with excitement.
Sonic flinched, "Don't you think that's kind of mean? They're trying to be nice in that plan."
Tails frowned, "Bah, it probably wouldn't work anyway. What If I carried some soldiers inside the city and then started the fight from there? Then they'd get confused and freak out!"
Sonic frowned, "Can you carry all of the soldiers you need? That's a lot of guys."
Tails waved a hand at Sonic, "I'm a lot stronger now… but… no-no. I'll think on it some more."
Sonic smiled, "Alright, just don't stay up too late." He closed his eyes.
When they awoke, the army ate breakfast, eggs and toast. Then they set out once again. Only then did Sonic realize they were a fifteen-minute march from the target city.
Sonic saw the city gate keeper immediately spot them on the road. An alarm went out, and the men scrambled to cover.
Sonic dove into the forest with Tails, "So… You got a plan figured out?"
"I thought we were pretty far off?" Tails growled.
Sonic pulled the map out of his shoe… and flipped it. Right, that was a mistake. He wasn't used to using maps, and his blue form stuck out in the snow. Sonic quickly hid the map in his shoe, "I guess the map makers were a little lazy with their units." Sonic deflected.
Tails growled, but kept his eyes focused. He then smirked, "I have an Idea."
Sonic felt a tug as Tails continued to talk. Sonic turned and saw one of his men, looking kind of nervous.
"What?" Sonic snapped.
"…Remember how you wanted me to watch the wolf-guy?" He mumbled nervously.
Sonic blinked, "Yeah?"
"He's… over there." The bear mumbled.
Sonic turned and saw the wolf halfway on the open road into the city. They couldn't go and tackle him without getting in the line of fire.
Sonic grit his teeth in anger. It was hard to not get frustrated.
The Wolf approached the gate, and seemed to chat with the gate keeper. Tails finally noticed, "Oh great…"
The Gate keeper paled, and ran quickly, leaving a guard at the gate. Sonic waited, and Tails gestured for everyone to get ready.
Then… the gate opened, and the legionnaires stepped outside, throwing out badniks which seemed to have been deactivated.
The Wolf turned to the forest as the Legionnaires held their weapons over their heads, and marched out.
Sonic carefully walked out of the forest. The Wolf Gestured for him to come over. Sonic zipped to the Wolf, and asked the obvious question, "What's going on."
"They have surrendered." The Wolf answered.
Sonic blinked, "What? Why?"
The Wolf smiled, "I told them that even if they defeated you here, they would have to fight through the monster that is the Wolverine and the Freedom Fighters to get supplies. The only alternatives were to starve or surrender. They know I am terrible bluff."
Sonci felt relieved, "SO they just… are done."
"They aren't idiots. They know the stories, and have seen my Cousin's footage. If the beast is still alive after the blast it took… Then they can't do anything to it." The wolf stated clearly.
Sonic sighed in relief, and wore as grin. Everyone would probably be happy that no one had to die.
Sonic ran back to Tails, "Congrats on your win little buddy."
Tails blinked, "What?"
"They surrendered." Sonci grinned, hoping for an explosive reaction.
Tails slumped slightly, "But I didn't… I didn't even get to…" He just sighed, not even bothering to finish the thought. Tails nodded glumly.
It was a good day, to say the least.
/*-*/
Fiona found sleep to be difficult. The idea that Sally had something that could completely screw her over wasn't something she found calming. Needless to say, a couple nights without much sleep made Fiona's eyes look terrible. Her aim was probably worse, as her vision was blurring at times.
Thankfully, Eggman seemed to be preoccupied, doing something else. What ever it was, Fiona was glad that she didn't need to see action. That limited Sally's chances at having her conveniently left behind.
Despite her efforts, Fiona's body forced her sleep at times. Thankfully, the mobian army didn't seem to have drills or anything. They just stood around and maybe practiced their marksmanship if they felt like it.
Fiona could disappear if she felt like it, for hours. She slumped in the alleyway and closed her eyes. Unfortunately, a trail was waiting for her in her dreams.
"Aria of Apalsa, you are found guilty of lying to the kingdom of Acorn, and conspiring with enemy traitors!" A crown said. It was strange, but the crown had a face, and seemed to magically move a gavel.
Fiona shouted in Agitation, "You have no Proof!" She snarled.
A haughty laugh interrupted Fiona's thoughts. Fiona turned and saw Sally approaching, with a handful of photos, the white edges seeming so sharp. They were strewn across a table that seemed to magically appear in front of her. The photos captured everything. Her meetings with Scourge, her disguise in the village near Roja.
Fiona paled. She saw the Crown slam the gavel down, "Aria Fox, also known as Fiona Fox, I sentence you to death via impalement!" He slammed the gavel, but the gavel struck the wood, her entire world shifted.
Fiona was tied up to a pole, she stared directly in front of herself as guards parted to reveal a large lance. Fiona jerked left and right as a form emerged from the ranks. Blue spikey quills.
Fiona shook her head, "Please no… Not him… please not him" Why was she crying suddenly.
Sonic turned to face her, picking up the lance. His eyes were cold and angry. A feeling of betrayal lurked underneath them, and pain.
Fiona shook her head, "I didn't do it!"
Sonic remained silent as ever. His leg stretched forward, and he leveled the lance.
Fiona jerked more, "You have to believe me! Sonic PLEASE!"
Sonic grit his teeth, and she saw his back foot leave the group.
Fiona jerked awake in the alleyway. Fiona rubbed her eyes as dusk loomed overhead. Her dreams were pretty clear: If she stayed there, she would absolutely get hurt. Fiona had to leave. She was still so drowsy, tired, but she could get into the woods, and lay low until Scourge got her.
Fiona walked out of the alleyway, and carefully made her way toward the northern gate. They wouldn't expect her to escape through the northern gate, as there were so many people between her building and there. Of course, Fiona knew how to avoid untrained peasants with nothing to do but talk and eat.
Fiona worked her way through alley ways, and carefully crossed the main streets with surprising ease. Of course, everyone was eating at that time.
Fiona heard plates being carried, so she made sure to double check that no one was walking through the alleyways to find her-
Fiona slammed into a solid mass. She turned to see… Johan, walking through the city, or at least he was before she bumped into him. She staggered back, clearly, he was back, which meant… escape…
Fiona blinked and panted as her heart rate rose exponentially. She'd been caught… or maybe not.
The Wolverine seemed to finally register that she was there, "Mind your movement." He growled, and simply walked forward. Right… he didn't actually know much about her. Of course that did little to help her because the rest of the army followed him.
Fiona slumped down as Antoine seemed to skip through the city, jolly and proud of what ever he took credit for. Of course, he would notice her and stop, "Oh… Fiona, you are out here, no? you should be back with the dinners."
Fiona ignored his accent, and put up a brave face as she walked back to dinning area. The Wolverine smelled like blood, which was grounds enough for her to keep her distance. Then again… he seemed to be very neutral towards her, despite killing most of her friends.
Fiona sat at the table closest to the Wolverine, which he seemed to notice all too quickly. Of course, he was too busy eating his barley bread, Cheese and meats in the strangest burger Fiona had ever seen.
Of course, that night, they were also eating burgers, prepared over coal fires. Fiona should have been grateful, but of course, that would require she be calm enough to stay still.
Fiona still ate the burger and closed her eyes, taking a breath.
"Why are you so skittish?" Johan's voice growled, and Fiona turned to see the Wolverine baring his teeth at her.
"I'm… just thinking." Fiona stated, trying to find a way to escape.
"What about? Your skittishness draws too much of my attention to eat. Stop it, or figure it out!" Johan growled, and went back to chewing on his large burger.
Fiona nodded, and ate her own. It was somewhat soothing, or rather, the act of eating took her mind off of the dangers of Sally leading her. Sally wouldn't even give Fiona a chance… then again, why should she.
Fiona starred at her situation from an overhead view for the first time. She was flirting with Scourge, and claiming to try to change… Was she really capable of change? She once told Sonic that she was a "Bad Girl". That was her nature, and perhaps it always would be.
Fiona finally mustered the courage, "Johan… big guy…"
Johan perked up, clearly annoyed at her presence.
Fiona asked it clearly, "Do you think someone can be…better?"
Johan snorted, "There are always ways to improve. Train your body to be faster and stronger."
Fiona shook her head, "I mean morally. Can some be redeemed? Changed for the better?" Fiona hadn't seen much of that.
Johan let out an agitated snort through his nostrils. Fiona waited for his answer. "My God, Jesus, believed men should be redeemed through belief. If they believe in him, they can be saved. I dislike this idea. Their soul is saved, but if belief is redeeming, what is their reason to change? I would have men work to achieve salvation. Then again, I might damn myself to Hell." Johan almost seemed… to laugh at that last thought.
Fiona blinked, "Your… god?" Fiona didn't have good experiences with gods. Chaos was just one example of gods making the world suffer.
"Indeed!" Johan stood up with pride, "My God, the Strongest God, who chose to die to battle Death himself, and won. He returned after three days of glorious battle, where Death conceded!"
Fiona smiled, almost laughing. Johan seemed oddly joyous about that. She hadn't seen him smile or laugh very much, but this seemed to make him happy. "So, your god will forgive me?"
"Yes… but you must make the effort to be better in this life. He will not make you better, but he will temper you like good steel, with tests to grow your strength." Johan growled, before looking back at his burger, and finishing it up.
Fiona felt oddly relieved. She was skeptical of course… but the idea… Fiona did need to face reality, however. If she died because of Sally, she'd never earn redemption. Fiona had to escape. She carefully discarded her plate, and made her way to the south gate.
Fiona went straight for gate, not even bothering with the alleyways. Of course, she wouldn't outright run, that was too suspicious, but Fiona walked with determination.
Which was why she would of course run into the open gate as Sonic and Tails came in.
Fiona staggered at the sight of them. Sonic made eye contact, and a number of emotions flashed on his face. Happy, confused, suspicious, angry. Fiona avoided his eyes, and thus looked lower. The guy had burns all over his chest, and scar to prove his most recent attack.
Fiona saw Tails, who actually looked relatively fine compared to Sonic. Of course, his face seemed to boil at the sight of her, just to remind Fiona that she was far from off the hook.
If she turned around, it would be suspicious. If she stopped, it would be suspicious. If she ignored them, it would be suspicious. So Fiona caught herself, and put up a smile, "So… I see everyone's back and accounted for."
Sonic growled, "What are you doing? Where were you going?"
Fiona smirked putting up a fake, calm smile, "I was getting some air, that's not a problem, is it?"
Sonic let out a nasal breath, "I'm not playing games with you. I'm tired and still sore. I've got a lot of work to do." He then started walking. While Fiona hoped that he had just given up, she also had to recon with the possibility that Sonic was on his way to tell Sally, which would cause her to send out Johan and the army.
Fiona quickly walked up to Sonic, only starting to notice that in addition to the troops he was given, there were a lot of… civilians and prisoners. Fiona pushed the thought to the back of her mind. "Ok! Can I talk with you after you are done. Please?"
Sonic stopped, and looked at her. She saw his emotions go from somewhat angry, to tired, to a soft smile of relief, "Alright, but you are going to be completely honest with me."
Fiona nodded, and Sonic walked off. Fiona just set herself up with another delay, but hopefully, it would cover her tracks. Maybe she could actually convince Sonic to let her go back to Frederick.
Fiona stood outside the head quarters, and watched as more meat was fried up into patties. She sat there, cross armed against the large brick building next to the mess hall. Sonic walked out about thirty minutes after he entered, and went over to the prisoners, who were all sort of just… herded into a cluster. The mobians didn't have a lot of chains or cuffs lying around.
Still the prisoners seemed to nod respectfully, and somewhat terrified. They began to move into houses. Then Sonic went over to the crowds of mobian citizens, probably freed after the attacks. Sonic waved his hands around and put up a massive grin. It was fake, but Fiona got the idea: to comfort them after dealing with hard times.
Then Sonic turned to face her direction, and walked past her. He grabbed a burger, and then finally returned to her, "Alright, let's talk."
They went for a walk towards the South Gate. Once they were alone, Sonic asked, "So were you trying to escape?" He didn't sound accusing per-say, but his voice was on edge.
Fiona smirked, but then remembered how well Sonic responded to head games, "Yes, but please listen to me before you just go and send me off to prison."
Sonic took a bite of his burger as they got to the gate. Fiona looked at Sonic expectantly. He gestured up the stone stairs to the top of the wall, "I'm listening."
The two walked up the wide stairs, and Fiona explained her situation, "I think Sally is going to try to get me killed. She's not exactly been the most open to my…return. I'll go back to Frederick, and you'll never see me again, how's that?" Fiona smiled hopefully.
Sonic scowled, swallowing another chunk of his burger, "You think Sally is really going let you get hurt? Come on, she doesn't like you, but she's not a monster."
Fiona blurted, "But If she thinks she killing a traitor she might."
Sonic stopped, and blinked, turning to face Fiona, "Why would she think you're a traitor?"
Fiona realized how the logic was going to go. It was not great, but she could Salvage it, "She told me she had proof that I was a traitor. She hasn't done anything yet, but I think she's going to try to hurt me." Fiona was playing up the victim card a bit, but Sonic seemed to soft. Of course he still had some suspicion.
"Does she have something on you? Have you been talking to anyone, like Scourge?" Sonic asked, cocking his head.
Fiona shook her head with the lie that would save her trouble, "Of course not."
Sonic growled, "Fiona."
Fiona snapped at him, "Look, if we are going to work together, there has to be some trust. You can't say I have to be good, and then antagonize me when I try." She realized the hypocrisy of calling on trust for a lie, but who was it hurting if Sonic didn't know she had talked with Scourge?
Sonic slumped down, and seemed to giggle slightly, before looking up, "You make it hard sometimes. Yeah, I'll talk with Sally, and see what's going on. But if she tries anything against you, I'll come and save you in a Sonic Second."
Fiona snorted, and they hung their feet over the walls. For the first time in what seemed like forever, the stars were out and the sky was clear. Cold, but clear.
Fiona felt Sonic move over, shivering a little. Fiona moved closer to him, thankful for her thicker fur. They looked up at the stars.
Sonic cleared his throat, "You know, the Saxons… where Johan is from, they believe in a God who protects people, and helps them change for the better. I don't know if I believe that, but… maybe he's worked on you?"
Fiona snorted, "Maybe."
She decided… maybe it wasn't time to leave just yet. Of course, it was impossible to leave, because she woke up, being tucked in her bed. Sonic smiled as he walked out of her door, Fiona watching through tiny slits in her eyes. He was too nice.
/*-*/
Johan gazed up at the moon. It was a beautiful, almost full moon. Perfect for the fishing and late night raids.
Still, as Johan gazed up at it, his nose smelled the fear of young men, who didn't know him. For the first time, Johan was conflicted about his presence there. His ambition required that he stay with these… "Mobians", but if his presence made them skeptical to fight, then he wasn't helping his cause.
Regardless, they should slow their offensive. Several of the new soldiers lacked the proper equipment that Johan had provided the old soldiers. Johan needed to gather more supplies and bring them to the front.
He turned and walked back to the large building, which housed their commander. Johan entered, walking past the two large stairs which flanked the entrance. Johan continued deeper into the building, to find the princess…. Asleep on her desk.
Johan growled, and stamped his foot. Sally shook herself awake, "Uh.. What? What time is it?"
"The moon is high." Johan growled.
Sally nodded, "Right… what's up?" She sounded exhausted.
"Do you not have a bed?" Johan asked, cocking his head. She was asleep at a table, which was odd. Even Saxons slept in beds or on the ground.
"Ye-yeah, I have a bed. I just finished….was finishing some stuff up." Sally yawned. She was overworking herself.
Johan cleared his throat, "Go to bed. I am leaving, and I will return with more weapons."
Sally blinked, "What? No, we need you for the next assault!"
Johan growled, "Halt your offensive. There is no need to rush. Your men have terrible equipment, and need to be prepared."
Sally shook her head, "The council wants us to retake our old territories."
"It will be hard to do that with poor quality soldiers." Johan argued, getting frustrated.
Sally sighed, agitated, "No… I don't approve your return. We are going to finish this fight. "
Johan growled, "It will only be harder to provide new equipment for your men the further we go."
Sally lowered her head, before sighing in defeat, "Fair enough. How do I justify slowing our attack?"
Johan cocked his head, "You are the commander. You need not justify anything, only show results."
A very Saxon way to handle the issue, but it was effective. Of course, civilized nations had a problem with effective solutions if they required more time or anything, but that was not Johan's problem.
Sally nodded, "Alright. I guess I'll see you in a few days."
Johan left immediately.
/*-*/
Yes, this was a little short, but I thought it would be better than wasting your time. This chapter could have been part of the last one if I cut some stuff out. Too small to be real chapter, too large to be an extension.
Let me know what you thought of my glorified abstract. I am really sorry for the length of this chapter.