Merendinoemilano: Glad you enjoyed the fights. I was setting up that battle for like eight chapters.
/*-*/
Sonic found it so strange how empty each city and village was. They had to fight tooth and nail to get to Eggman's headquarters, and then… nothing. They walked through the first few cities, only to find powered down badniks and abandon legion equipment. That, and half emptied boxes of food. They pulled out so quickly, they forgot most of their rations. At least, that was the closer cities.
As the Freedom Fighter Army got farther, there was less disorganized escaping. The houses were still open, and the legion had made sure to smash windows and doors. If winter hadn't been close to ending, Sonic and the army probably would have frozen. As it stood, they packed enough blankets for the nights.
Johan was increasingly…disturbing. His animal-like nature, combined with his loss of control made Sonic's mind wander. Johan was getting stronger faster than Sonic thought possible. He seemed to ignore pain and any hit he took. A monster in his own right.
Of course, Johan was essential, Sonic couldn't deny it. The Wolverine had managed to tear down some of the heaviest fortifications that would have even hurt Sonic to destroy. He did so without question, hesitation or regret.
They marched again to the next city, then the next. Sally continued making passes at Sonic. Literal passes. She would walk close to him, slump a little, and leave without a word. When Sonic asked what was wrong, all he got was "How are you?", "Are you still hurting?", "You need a break?".
Sonic was partially grateful for her keeping her distance. He wanted to avoid the awkward feeling he felt toward her. He felt so disoriented, like he couldn't tell if he was excited, nervous, or angry. It felt a torrent of everything. So it culminated in an awkwardness.
Then the other part of him felt sad. They weren't trying anymore, just delaying the collapse. Sonic lost his romantic fire, and was replaced with a teenage awkwardness that had avoided him until the past few days. Sonic assumed that was the case, he wasn't really in touch with teenage awkwardness.
Their army continued its march, when Sally finally came up to him, "Hey… I know I've made your life a little harder than usual. I've been a little distant, I'm sorry about that."
Sonic continued walking with her, "Oh-no, It's all good. You've been fine. Nothing I can't handle." That was a partial lie. He felt overwhelmed at times, and the pain was pretty rough. But he didn't want her to feel bad.
Sally sighed, "We've really been pushing each other too hard. What do you say we take a nice long week of vacation once we get to Ossar. Just a nice day to sit back in a field, no city eating monsters or mad scientists out to destroy our homes… at least not for a week."
Sonic smiled, "Like we wouldn't get bored. We'd be back here hoping for some action on day two."
Sally grinned at Sonic, "Arlight, you got me there."
They continued marching, Until Sally sighed, "Hey, can we get dinner after this campaign?"
Sonic blinked a couple times, before smirking, "Trying the traditional route? You're losing your touch Sal."
Sally shook her head with a small smile at his joking nature, "Well, I thought I'd try something unexpected. Was I right."
Sonic playfully rolled his eyes, "Of course you were."
Sally put up a grin, before it wavered, "Hey… I'll be right here if you need anything. I know you've got a lot going on, and despite what everyone says about you, you spend a lot of time thinking. I know that much. If you need me, just ask, and I'll be there for you."
Sonic felt his face getting a little warm, "Sheesh, who do you think you are, making me blush?"
Sally snorted softly, before perking up. The city of Cearar was in sight. Two more cities, then they'd reach Ossar.
"A warm bath? A non-soup meal, sounds like paradise, right?" Sonic asked Sally, who nodded. Unfortunately for them, Tangle broke ranks first.
"SOFT BED, HERE I COME!" She ran forward.
Sonic looked at Sally, "Oh no… I guess we won't any hot water. There's no way I could possibly catch up to-" Sonic mumbled sarcastically.
Sally snapped, "Just pick me up and let's go!" Sonic scooped up Sally and zipped forward with all of his speed. His monologuing and underestimation of Tangle's speed actually meant it would be a close race.
Sonic kept zipping forward, but something felt off. The snow was out in waves, which meant it hadn't been disturbed, but still. Sonic felt himself slowing down, and squinting at some of the darker lines in the snow.
He kept moving, but it just felt… off. He couldn't bring himself to his full speed, because Sonic's head was telling himself to stay away.
Sally tensed up in his arms. She suddenly shouted at Sonic, "STOP HER NOW! TANGLE, STOP RIGHT NOW!"
Tangle whipped around, and jogged backwards, "Oh come on, I want the nice bed this time!" She jerked back around and continued at the gate.
"SONIC, STOP HER NOW!" Sally shouted, panicked. She leapt out of his arms, and rolled onto the ground.
Sonic picked up his speed, but his head was still saying, "Something isn't right here."
Then Tangle tripped, pulling a string? No… a wire. Her surprise was able to be seen even through the back of her head. Sonic zipped forward, and saw her tail strike the ground, pushing her body into the air. He finally caught up to her as a round, rectangular canister flew into the air, and Sonic grabbed her tails. She'd get a nasty bruise, but it was better than the alternative.
Sonic slammed the Lemur into the ground, away from the city entrance. Next, he just had to-
Sonic felt his face land in mud. The sound harsh, diesel engines filled the air as Sonic sat up. He looked around, and saw trucks, tanks and Johan, sitting over the top of his distinctly boxy tank. The armored convey moved forward, and passed right through Sonic. It felt weird of course, somewhat tingly. The Driver of Johan's tank shuddered, "Whew, a chill."
Johan's voice shouted down as Sonic moved through the tank out onto the road to follow them, "Welcome to Naturn, Home of the Natuk northern armies." Johan climbed back inside the tank, earning Sonic's brief anger as he moved back towards it, only for Johan to emerge with ear covers and a microphone, his face stoic and steely, "Attention Convoy, relay to all of my soldiers, 'We have crossed into contested territory. Stay alert, but remain calm. We have friendly contacts here.'"
Sonic continued to float next to the smallest tank, which was Johan's. The others were large, with angled bodies and round turrets. Tails could have probably done the math and told Sonic all about the big things.
The convoy seemed to continue for hours. Sonic followed them. He saw Johan shivering as they stopped and everyone seemed to close up their vehicles. Hale seemed to be falling, but it wasn't doing much damage to the vehicles. Sonic floated inside.
"Come on Jonny, how are you cold. I thought Saxons loved the winter weather." A large, burly man chuckled between chattering teeth.
"I was raid at Pyre-lar. I never endured a Saxon winter. I might as well be a teskan." Johan growled.
"A Saxon raised in the jungle, taught a Prubian Religion, now inside Naturn. You really have travelled the entire continent." The man counted.
"Logan, if you don't shut your mouth, I'll stick your balls in it." Johan grumbled, pulling out a can and a knife.
"Mmm, cold ham and beans." The guy in the gunner's seat grumbled.
"You want to warm it on the engine?" Johan asked firmly.
"Sure."
Johan opened the top hatch, and climbed out. He moved quickly, and placed the can on the grates on the back of the tank. Sonic saw Johan pull a hood over his head as the hail continued to fall.
"Ey, You Teskan friends no?" A burly voice asked.
Johan jerked around, his revolver out. Sonic saw a pale, blue eyed man with almost white hair. The man held a rifle to his chest
Johan holstered his revolver, "You're the Natuk rebels?"
The Stranger gestured to the wooded area on the other side of the road. The small army of mercenaries came out of their trucks and tanks, standing in the cold as hail battered them.
Sonic saw the men approach from the woodlands. All a pale and lighter haired.
Johan cleared his throat, "So, I'll speak with the one in charge."
"That would be me." A Feminine voice spoke as the paler men parted. A woman with crystal blue eyes and pale-blonde hair approached. Her hair was pulled back into a knot, and she wore a tattered uniform with faded markings. The Woman seemed pleasantly surprised to see them.
"Jonathan." Johan held out his hand, "My mercenaries have been tasked with delivering our supplies and helping you fight the Dark Guard forces in the region. In exchange, you'll join Jeez's little alliance."
The Woman's face shifted, from surprise to anger, "Is this a joke?" Her accent wasn't so thick that it was impossible to understand, but it struggled with i's and th-sounds.
"It would be an incredibly expensive joke. We brought you five tanks." Johan pointed to the five tall tanks.
The Natuk woman growled, "The Teskans found one of the last Saxons to send to our aid? Your emperor is insulting me."
Johan sighed, "I do not care. We brought you your equipment. Now We are going to stay and help you." He seemed bored.
The Woman smiled a sinister grin, "It must eat you to serve the men who slaughter your nation. I think you must be the saddest Saxon I've ever seen." Her men seemed to shift nervously.
Johan sighed again, "I don't care."
"About?" The Woman asked, her face slightly confused.
"Either." Johan stated.
Sonic's eyes opened. He could feel his lets in sheets. There were bandages in on his head, and his back felt like it had needles in it. All in all, a good sign. Sonic knew he was hurt, but at least he wasn't on a breather-thingy.
He blinked and looked around the room, sitting up. He hissed when his back stung far worse than he was expecting. Sonic saw that it was a bedroom, with a counter and sink. It seemed to be a small house or apartment.
The door opened up, and a white fox came in, "Hello… Mr. Sonic? Are you awake?"
Sonic blinked, "Y-Yeah, what happened?"
The white fox ignored him and called out in the hallway, "He's awake!" The Fox then turned around and left. He seemed kind of cold, but Sonic was sure he was just getting out of the way.
Sally's head emerged in the room, "What happened back there?"
What? Sonic blinked, "Back where?"
"You slowed down? Why didn't you pull out?" Sally asked.
"I-I don't remember anything. I remember, we were walking towards a city. Tangle ran and hit something…I don't know." Sonic grumbled. He stepped out of bed and walked over to the sink. He was surprised that Sally wasn't on him, but He wasn't going to question it.
Sally sighed, "Tangle tripped a wired mine. They booby-trapped the city. We cleared it out after the first one. Twenty three traps."
Sonic cupped water in his hands and poured it down his throat, before sticking his mouth under the faucet.
Sally continued, "You weren't… too badly hurt. Some shrapnel hit your back and cut through your quills, which shouldn't have happened with your distance, but it did. You didn't seem to suffer any serious wounds."
Sonic pulled away from the faucet, gasping, "How'd you clear out the mines?"
Sally frowned, "We had Johan walk around in the city. Any thing that blew wouldn't hurt him, so We did what we had to."
Sonic nodded, "Alright… SO Am I clear to get back in action?"
Sally nodded, "You can, but take it easy."
Sonic nodded.
Of course, they wouldn't need to fight anymore. Eggman seemed to back to his base in defeat, and leave the area for the moment. Sonic knew as they arrived in Ossar, and de-trapped the city that Eggman would probably comeback.
Unfortunately, Sally said they couldn't push any further. "The Royal Court was specific, and I can't pull any rank to get myself out trouble this time. We've re-conquered our territory, now we have to go back. I'll set up a garrison, and we'll begin resettling once the council finally gives approval.
That was it? They didn't make any progress at all. They just undid all of their losses. Unfortunately, Sonic couldn't argue. At least they'd gave Eggman a good pounding. Hopefully, the kingdom would be nice and quiet for a while.
Of course, Sonic's hope wavered from his history.
/*-*/
Fiona's feet hurt. She wasn't exactly surprised. Several days of marching would do that to her. Fiona didn't mind the marching so much as she minded the orders being barked. But their reward was… nothing, except they made it back to Roja.
Well, perhaps there was a reward. The old shacks that had been hastily assembled were replaced with official looking barracks. They had solid roofs, sealed walls with plaster and brick, solid wood doorways. Fiona's eyes wandered to the manor which stood in the center of the city. IT was completed, and she saw Sonic's posture droop somewhat.
He seemed somewhat… uncomfortable. Fiona walked up to him, "Why so glum? You've got a nice house built. It looks kind nice, although a little older in design." Fiona smiled putting her hands on her hips as she walked.
Sonic sighed, "I didn't want anything flashy or super big. I just wanted something big enough to do everything I needed."
Fiona laughed a little, "You might be only noble I know of who's mad his house is "Too big". "
Sonic shook his head, "It doesn't feel right, living in a house like that. Especially when there are kids who have to sleep on top of each other."
Fiona smirked, "Then help the kids. Sheesh. You got a such a good life, and you seem to mope about the worst things."
Sonic frowned at her, "I don't want to be some pompous noble who goes around waving his wealth and power around like he's something big."
Fiona almost laughed, "You don't have to be like that. You decide how you use your power and wealth."
Sonic kept walking. He seemed to be thinking about something, hopefully what she said. Fiona wrapped an arm around him and smiled, "Hey, cheer up, we won."
Sonic nodded, but pulled away from her, much to her disappointment. He seemed to be treading a line between trusting her and keeping his distance. But… Fiona didn't think it was that bad. There were certainly worse ways their interactions could have gone.
Fiona hitched a ride home, to Frederick. It went without saying that it was nice, to relax in the back of a carriage without having to worry about a rocket exploding in her face. They had pushed Eggman back, with grit and… newer technology.
Her mind wandered to the Wolverine. His strength… she felt she owed their victory to his strength and drive. He was always at the front of the fight, always taking the brunt of the enemy's assault. He seemed invincible.
Fiona had heard the other Penal soldiers talk about their times with him. Johan seemed to have a two-faced reputation: fear and respectful admiration. An odd mix, but Fiona felt it slightly too. He seemed so strong, and he always seemed to protect them whenever there was trouble. That came with the knowledge that if he didn't like you, he could probably rip you in half.
Still, he endured the hardest of battles, and probably earned a nice popularity. Solders had talked about him even in the camps, and Fiona felt that they wouldn't stop talking about him once they went home to their families.
It was a long carriage ride back to Apalsa, but Fiona was happy to be off her feet. Even the bumpy ride of the carriage couldn't strike Fiona's spirit down. She was happy and ready to see her lost brother once again. As the carriage continued on the way to take her home, Fiona closed her eyes.
She found herself once again at the split path once again. She saw the white and black cloaked figures, and licked her lips, "Why am I here again?"
The dark cloaked figure seemed all too cheerful, "You reconsidered?"
Fiona snapped, "I didn't reconsider anything. I didn't make a decision." She hated how she kept coming back to this area.
"Well, you'd be pretty smart to make a decision." The black-hooded figure smoothly stated, "At least before the rains come in."
Fiona looked up and saw dark clouds over her head. The ground began to rumble, and Fiona saw the red bricks…leak. She felt a tap through her dress, and Fiona looked on her shoulder. A distinct red color made her stomach churn.
The house in the forest cracked open, and the shack did the same, with two distinct sounds coming from them. From the Shack, a cackling laughter, which sounded so haughty and cruel. From the house in the forest… a wail. Not a child's, but a man's. A shriek of anger and pain. Anguish.
Fiona's eyes opened as the carriage jerked to a stop. She saw the manor just a few blocks away from the carriage point. Fiona crawled off, and turned arounds, "Thanks for the ride."
The driver waved her off, "Oh don't mention it."
Fiona smiled and walked back to the manor gates, where the guard stood watch.
"Madam Aria? Welcome home." The guard in charge of the west post said.
Fiona sighed, "It's Fiona. I guess tell Frederick I'm back… or better yet, I'll go say hi." Fiona walked up and knocked on the door.
A servant opened the door, "Ah, Madam Fiona, welcome back."
"Is Frederick Home?" Fiona asked, directly.
The Servant nodded, "You almost missed him." She opened the door, and Fiona walked in.
Fiona saw the house so alive and well. Frederick was walking back and forth, nervously.
Fiona smiled from his doorway, "Well, you look rough."
Frederick blinked, "What? Aria, are you alright? Why are you back?" His eyes landed on her.
Fiona sighed, but rolled with it, "We're done, I came back because the campaign is over."
Frederick went still, "That explains his majesty's summons for the royal celebration."
"A royal celebration? Already? Was he planning on a party for a while?" Fiona joked. Still, Nagus didn't seem like the partying type.
"I do not know, I only know that all of the nobles were summoned a week from two days ago." Frederick sighed.
Fiona blinked, "Can I come?"
Frederick seemed almost shocked, "Of Course you can come, you are nobility after all."
Fiona wanted to laugh. She was a prisoner far before she was nobility.
Fiona felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind. She turned to see little Alister smiling up at her.
"He missed you a lot. We all did." Frederick Smiled.
Fiona looked down at her nephew. Despite being a prisoner, there were worse things in life.
/*-*/
Johan crawled around within his flying fortress. It was amazing how the Egg-man seemed to be so foolish to ignore the strengths of flesh. Johan's body was proof that no machine could ever beat a dedicated warrior.
Still… Johan's eyes turned to the dreaded roboticizer. Such an abomination, a crime against all nature that could not be ignored. Johan considered the Egg-man a worthy target of the blood eagle. But all of that would come in time. An Idea birthed itself in Johan's head about the Roboticizer. He would need to understand the system first, but his mind still wandered at the idea.
Johan's examinations of the system would come short when Ezra walked in, smiling slightly, "Johan, the king is here for you."
Johan found himself mildly aggravated at the thought, but his examinations would have to wait.
Johan crawled down into the lower hull, and saw the old troll, sitting with a red Garden Defender, "Why have you come here?"
"Oh… is that anyway to speak to your boss?" Nagus smiled confidently.
"You are not my boss." Johan growled, feeling a growing level of annoyance within his heart.
"No-no of course not." Nagus dismissed, "You savage barbarian types love to be free. No matter. I brought you a gift."
Johan saw his gesture to the bound Garden Defender.
"Yes, we captured him with our campaign. What of it?" Johan had better things to do.
"This once can build a carrier engine." Nagus smiled, confidently. He had good reason, as Johan did have need for such a skill.
"Very well, I am grateful for your gift." Johan bowed his head respectfully. The man had his perks. Still, the future was to come.
"Yes, now I wish to speak about our upcoming party. You are the guest of honor. I am hearing all sorts of reports of how driven you were in the campaign. You were so ferocious and strong, the people love you." Nagus frowned, "However, about our announcement. I don't like it."
Johan sighed, "Then don't do it. If you wish to gain power, you must be direct, and driven. You must be prepared for conflict."
The Troll snarled, "I suppose our partnership has worked out. Your savage mind may be right, but I know I could just play politics for a long time."
Johan let out a low growl, "We are not partners. I aid this kingdom, not you. As of right now, you are useful for securing the kingdom's unity."
Nagus smirked at the challenge, "You seem to think I have a limit to my greatness. I am the king of these lands. You will run out usefulness before I even scratch the surface of my power."
Johan almost smiled at his naivety. The man thought respectful authority was power. If the people despised him, they could over throw him without much trouble. If Johan were king on the other hand… their views of him would not matter.
Johan growled, "I have been honest with you, listen to me, or do not, your decisions are your own."
Nagus frowned, but remained quiet. Johan allowed him to continued and think. There was no point in rushing him
Nagus finally sighed angrily, "Your simple mind lacks tact, but I suppose I will try my plan that you advised on."
Johan nodded his head. He was direct, because there was no reason to lie. Johan was strong, and only a coward would try to hide.
Nagus growled, "I've grown tired of talking to you. I am going back to my castle to enjoy myself with my privileges."
Johan bowed his head, and nodded. Once Nagus had left, Johan turned to his prisoner, "You will build me an engine, and repair my fortress. If you flee, I will kill you. You know that you must make yourself useful to survive."
The Garden Defender nodded aggressively.
Johan turned to Ezra, "Would you take him to the forge to work on the fortress."
Ezra nodded, and unbound the prisoner, "Come on, right this way."
Johan turned to the corner where his armor and mask sat. While he had cleaned the scuffs off while on campaign, Johan still needed to fill in the scratches. He turned around and walked back to the forge.
Ezra seemed surprised when Johan carried in his armor, seeming to jump out of the way… before following him.
"Uh… what's up with you?" She asked, nervously.
"I am here repairing my armor." Johan clarified.
"Can I ask you something?" She seemed nervous, but given Johan's history, he would consider her fear justified.
"Speak already." Johan growled.
"Why do you let him talk to you that way? You are… pretty smart I think, so why do you let him call you a savage?" Ezra seemed somewhat concerned for Johan. Touching, but unnecessary.
"I am Savage. I am barbaric. I am strong. Ask those who are not like me how much they enjoy their lives." Johan clarified, "I do not argue with him about my cunning, because men like him will never see anything else. Their arrogance and foolishness makes them believe they are brilliant, when they are fools." Johan was not angry, he understood it all too well.
"Why do you work with him then? Don't you only have a contract with Sally Acorn?" Ezra seemed to be more confused.
Johan pulled a bucket of molten steel, and opened one of his wounds to pour blood inside. He then began to pour the Iron, "A solid armor requires no crack or scratches. It must be whole and unified without fault. As for why I work with the fool, it is simple, we both have something to gain… for now."
Ezra nodded, "I guess you won't tell me what you're planning?"
"I will tell you. What I am planning, is to make a strong nation with powerful, independent soldiers. Those who will think and act for themselves. I will foster the warriors of this land, I will show them how to rise to greatness. Then… I will have my reward." Johan smiled.
/*-*/
So much is coming, and I hope it lives up to whatever hype you all are feeling.
I could do with some hype too. Tell me what you thought of the chapter… or what you think is coming. I love to hear what you all believe is coming… or just tell me what you thought of the last few chapters.