Victor John Foxfire: I understand, but I do thoroughly enjoy your theories and comments . Also, thank you for pointing out the sentence, It should be fixed now. And Sonic's intuition came in full swing. I don't want him to be smart, because he's never been "smart", but he's not stupid either, and he had intuition. Sonic's statement about Fiona's beauty was to explain his hesitation about pursuing her as a romantic target. And of course nothing bad will ever come from his tempting of fate… no siree, nothing. Johan's just nature is a scalpel, which he uses to carve out the tumorous sections of his kingdom. That scalpel has plenty of blood on it, but he considers it necessary. As for your interpretation of the song, you'll see.
Victor John Foxfire Part 2, Electric boogaloo: Johan's mentality is that challenge and struggle leads to improvement. He fashions the entire Saxon culture around that individualist mentality. YOU have to improve, YOU have to be the best. If you aren't improving, you are a waste. Now with regards to the Royal court… I think you might actually be at fault here. Eggman retreated, but also set up traps to hurt the freedom fighters as they reclaimed lost territory. He also retreated back into his territory, where he had the homefield advantage, and more defenses set up. While Nagus was playing politics, there were good reasons within the order to stop. And Fiona, she can see so much, but understand so little. But… maybe some good will come out of it, maybe some suffering?
MerendinoEmilano: Everyone has their part to play in the group, but I feel like I forget some characters as time goes on. I guess I should stop using these friendly group meetings to compensate, but it is hard to remember so many moving parts of a story.
/*-*/
Sonic walked up the long street which filled Roja. While the streets were busy considering the snowy weather, Sonic noticed how it seemed relatively quiet compared to the bustling city it was when he left.
Sonic stopped by the Guardhouse that sat near the east gate. Sonic walked in, and saw Hunter Reclining back in a chair. He seemed to be asleep, with a cold cup of something that had lost its steam.
Sonic cleared his throat. Hunter groaned, "Uh… What's the trouble- Oh, Sonic, you're back?"
Sonic nodded, "Yeah, what's up with the city? It's quiet, way quieter than when I left."
Hunter blinked and drank the cold liquid, and recoiled at the flavor, before drinking down the rest of the liquid, and gasping, "They went home."
Sonic blinked, "What do you mean? I made them homes."
Hunter nodded, "They went back to their home town. Not everyone wants to stay here, I guess. It's kind of boring, but I suppose that's a good thing when you're on guard duty. Excitement tends to get you killed."
Sonic nodded, "So I guess nothing bad has happened while I was gone?"
"A few stealing accusations and a bar fight, but that's about it." Hunter grumbled, smirking a little bit, "I've also been looking for a new captain. I think I could train a guy or two."
Sonic mentally kicked himself for thinking Hunter was going to be around forever. Sonic had taken that for granted, but he supposed he'd roll with the punches. Sonic sighed, "So everything has been good?"
Hunter nodded, "Sorry I don't have any interesting stories to tell you. You got something to tell me? Any cool stories from the war?"
Sonic smirked, "I saw… somethings I don't ever want to see again."
Hunter nodded with a frown, "Fair enough. Welcome back."
Sonic nodded and left. He decided to go to the big spot that Sonic had been avoiding for a long time. He walked further up the street, until he arrived at the Manor. He sighed, feeling slightly pompous by merely existing in the proximity of the large structure.
He felt so bashful that he looked both ways down the street, to make sure no one would watch him enter the building. Sonic pushed open the fine doors. Inside, he saw a couple of chests sitting to his right. Sonic also heard something… lower. A low tapping.
Sonic chalked it up to a leak, and went to open the chests. There, in the chests, were piles of mobiums, all crumpled and haphazardly thrown together. Sonic wasn't going to count it, he was tired, and truthfully, he wasn't worried. Sonic just needed enough bills to pay for the new guardhouses. Sonic guessed things would probably be slowing down within the city.
Sonic finally took a break from starring at the small fortune in taxes, and walked towards the stairs, when he noticed something. The dripping had stopped.
Sonic cocked his head slightly, and considered what that meant. He stepped back down the stairs, and walked towards the center path that went in between the stairwells. It made a four-way path, where going straight would lead him to an open area that the manor was built around. It was a nice touch, and Sonic saw little saplings that had sprouted up even with the construction going around it. Sonic listened carefully at the crossing section.
There was a low humming coming from Sonic's left. He walked down the hallway, hearing the humming becoming more labored into panicked breathing. Sonic recognized the direction: in front of him. With the hallway's structure having several pillars, Sonic was careful to look around each one. This time, however, Sonic knew where his intruder was. Sonic continued walking forward.
Sudden, as Sonic was turning around the corner, a small Possum jumped out with his hands up, "Wait, Please don't be mad."
Sonic had subconsciously had his fist balled up in preparation. Sonic relaxed it, "Oh… What's wrong with you?"
Sonic then saw the slip of white in the Possum's hand. The Possum followed his eyes, and jerked, "I-I believe this is yours?"
Sonic took the letter, somewhat confused. It had a seal, but no address, so it was probably from a noble who was used to being well know. Sonic looked back at the Possum, "What were you doing here?"
The child slumped down, "I was… I was just a little curious. I wondered who lived in such a big place. The orphanage doesn't even have this big of space."
Sonic blinked… Right, this kid was from the orphanage. Sonic cleared his throat, "Well, I live here I guess. Alone… I could invite my parents, and uncle. I don't really have a lot of people living here."
The child blinked, "Then why's it so big? It's gotta feel empty."
Sonic had to agree, "Yeah… It's quiet, empty. I didn't want it so big, but I guess it's built now, so I'll just invite people in. Come and stop by sometime, and bring your friends. I really don't mind you guys coming over." Sonic smiled, feeling a little depressed by the truth of the statement. He felt bummed in such a large, empty house.
The Possum smiled slightly, "You aren't mad?"
Sonic shook his head with a forced smile, "No, you all are welcome anytime."
Sonic guided the kid to the door, and let him out before opening the letter. He was a little surprised to find it was a formal invitation to a feast at the capital. Sonic didn't care much, but he decided to go take it to Sally.
Sonic felt himself slow down for the walk. He wanted to include Sally, but he knew her answer before he even asked. "Yes you have to attend. It's an important blah-blah for an established blah-blah blah years ago."
"But it'll be boring!" Sonic would plead.
"You have to deal with boring stuff." Sally would say.
Sonic took a moment to think about that. It was fair to say that even if it was boring, he didn't hate the idea too much. He'd been shot at, hit, burned. Sonic could use "boring" in his life… just for a few days.
Sonic walked up to the HeadQuarters. Sonic was not expecting to hear arguing.
"Please, I think Nagus is under someone's spell." A traitorous voice pleaded.
"Geoffrey, I told you, I am not going there to listen his mindless boasting about how bravely he sat in the capital while we fought!" Sally snapped. She wasn't changed, which was a good sign Sonic might have gotten a pass from the boring event.
"THIS IS DIFFERENT!" Geoffrey growled, raising his hands in defiance, "Nagus is going to seize power from the republic. He's going to become a sole monarch!"
Sonic knocked on the door, "Hey, Sally, I got this letter from the capital."
Sally turned to Sonic, "Me too, I don't expect you to go and listen to Nagus ramble on about his "brilliance"."
Sonic smiled, "Yeah, but he might choke on his own spit during the speech?" Sonic raised his hands with a joking smile.
Sally let out a chuckled, "That would be a sight to see."
Geoffrey raised his voice, "I'm serious something big is going down. That wolverine is plotting something, and you need to get rid of him!"
Sonic blinked at Geoffrey, who maybe wasn't evil, just insane. Sally voiced her thoughts, "First of all, you think Johan, our hot blooded wolverine, is plotting something with Nagus, a pompous jerk? Second of all, you think Johan, with all of his aggressive, hot-blooded nature, can be cold enough to plan something like a coup?"
Geoffrey slumped slightly, "Sally, you know I wouldn't bring this to you if I didn't think it was serious. I've heard Nagus's sleep talks. He's dreamt about how quickly he would rise to power, and cheered himself on."
Sally shook her head, and Sonic stated the obvious, "He's a delusional tyrant. He's dreamt about being a dictator since the day he was born I'm pretty sure."
Geoffrey shook his head, "But he's getting help from the Wolverine now!"
Sally stepped in, "You believe that Johan is smart enough to dissolve a republic, and calm enough to work with Nagus? Do you have any proof?"
Geoffrey's breath hitched, and he tapped his foot, "The Wolverine bit my hand off. He waited until I was just in range of his jaws, and he snapped in off." He held up his wooden case that replaced the hand.
Sally sighed, "There's a big difference between being smart enough to know your body, and being clever enough to orchestrate a coup."
Geoffrey wasn't letting it go, "Please! He doesn't even have to be smart, the beast has the strength to fight off our army!"
Sonic's arrogant smile that had developed lost its power. The more he thought about it, the more Geoffrey's statement had some truth behind it. Johan was a powerhouse, and if he made a deal with Nagus, then Sonic would actually need to go there and try to stop them before they got too powerful.
Sally growled, "That's enough out of you! You know what I think? I think you are angry about Johan taking your hand, just like you were mad when I rejected you, and you want payback. I think you'll happily rile us up to get us to attack Nagus, and then give him an excuse to lock all of us up." She snapped.
Geoffrey slumped, but had one last play, "If I'm wrong, you've attended a party for nothing. If I'm right… what do you think will happen?"
Sonic blinked, and he actually couldn't find a flaw with that argument. He looked at Sally's face, and she seemed to be arguing with herself. Sonic sighed, "Sal, I think he's…right."
Sally turned to Sonic, her eyes wide with surprise, which was mirrored by Geoffrey himself, and Antoine, who had just walked in with a new outfit.
Sally blinked a couple times, before slowly nodding, still slightly disgusted at the idea of going to the party, "I guess so. I mean… the food will probably be good." She smiled.
Sonic nodded, "I think he's just making this up too, but I don't want him to say "I told you so"."
Sally smirked, "Well, let's get changed, and I guess we can head out."
Sonic smiled, "Actually, if you carry my suit… I can run us over to mom's house to stay. I can get Chuck to make chili."
"That actually could be brought to the party as a gift." Sally smirked.
"I can also tell them about my new house." Sonic grinned.
Sally went to get changed. And Sonic turned to Geoffrey, feeling his anger at the skunk rise, "Alright, I'll play your game, and if this is boring, I'll convince Sally to make you clean the toilets for a month."
Geoffrey nodded, scowling back, "That's fair."
Sonic gathered his suite, and returned to find Sally in her purple dress. She looked… good. Sonic compressed his next breath, and smiled, "Hey, are you ready to go?"
Sally smiled at him, "I packed a couple extra sets of clothes. I don't think your parents want to see me walking around naked." She held up a small brown bag in her hand.
They set off quickly, and Sonic arrived at his parents' house in a handful of seconds after his feet left the ground. Sally looked up at Sonic, breathless and excited, judging by her wagging tail.
Sonic set her down and knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal Uncle Chuck, once again at the residence. Sonic jumped up, "UNCLE CHUCK!" He glee fully shouted.
Chuck smiled and hugged his nephew, "Ah, Sonny boy. I'm glad you are alright. Your mother has been worried about you. You never came to visit from the frontlines, you didn't write."
Sonic glanced at Sally, who smiled nervously, "I would have told you if anything happened to him."
Chuck chuckled, "I know, but his mother won't be so understanding."
Sonic walked inside, and felt His mother jump on him. He was expecting a ramble about safety, or concern, but she was so quiet. She hugged him so tight.
Sonic hugged her back, feeling her quills gradually calm down.
She finally smiled, and mumbled, "I'm glad you're home." She seemed so exhausted. Sonic forgot how much she worried about him.
Sonic saw his dad, the metallic, imposing figure seemed to scan him. Sonic felt… uncomfortable by his father's lack of expression. But he still loved his dad.
"I just got my manor completed. You guys should come down and stay. You deserve a better place than a hole in a tree." Sonic smiled at his mother.
She scowled at him, "Sonic Maurice Hedgehog, I am not leaving my home. I told you that far too many times for you to forget."
Sonic nodded with a slump, "Alright… but at least come visit. I'd love to show you the place."
His father asked, "Is it a nice, large house?" His metallic voice seemed to be curious.
"It's big." Sonic forced a smile. Too big he thought.
/*-*/
Fiona saw the snow was getting lower, melting as spring came into view. It went without saying that the lands were beautiful, but cold. Her dress was kept in a safe container to keep it from wrinkling, but Fiona still would have preferred to have kept the dress on. Then again, a dirty dress tended to make her feel greasy, which wasn't comfortable.
The arrival was hectic to say the least. Nobles apparently didn't hear of carpooling. Still, Fiona saw a few children, who were clearly being groomed to be the next lords of their estates. Fiona couldn't help but find the irony, in the two extras of Apalsa being the only ones to survive, but she supposed that was the randomness of the world.
The carriage stopped, and they took turns changing within. four nights was all the four-day trip was for, but Fiona wondered how a royal feast was. She had never attended one, as only her biggest brothers were ever dragged along with Alister.
Fiona climbed in, and put on her grey dress, before walking back out. The lack of sleeves were a brilliant idea on her part, as she had nothing to hurt her mobility. She could bend her arms and shoulders all she wanted. Fiona's last touch was the sapphire bracelet
She stepped out onto the stone road, feeling the solid ground beneath her feet. It felt good once again to get out of the carriage.
The sun was almost completely gone, and Fiona knew that the party was about to start. She saw her brother smile, "I see you brought the fine bracelet that I got you."
"You want me to show it off?" Fiona smirked, semi-taunting her brother.
"I would like to find you a nice husband." Frederick smiled sheepishly. Fiona rolled her eyes.
"Let's just go in and have a good time." Fiona resigned, rolling her eyes.
Nagus… she hadn't really known much about him, but he seemed to be very committed to the idea of quality displays. The halls of the royal palace were adorned with yellowish-orange paints, golden frames lined each painting that resided on the walls, perhaps the last legacy for the Acorn royal dynasty. Each painting was a portrait of an old king.
Fiona almost felt bad that they had lost their throne. If the Princess wasn't the source of most of her current ailments, Fiona would have honestly supported her. It didn't matter.
Fiona almost felt out of place when the doors opened. The ladies all had their hair done up with fashion and complexity that looked…weird. Apparently, the new fashion was to odd and fancy. Everything seemed to be complicated.
The room itself had an ornate thin sun pattern on the floor, with red and yellow tiles, with expanding rings which spread out until it reached the set-up tables which were covered in fine colored cloths.
She scanned the crowd of nobles, barely keeping pace with her brother, who was nervously approaching one of the tables. Apparently, the tables were assembled in the standard of the region, with the southern dukes and counts being positioned in the south. Fiona's eyes landed on the east noble section.
There he was, Sonic the hedgehog… in suite. Fiona almost purred at the sight of the charming hedgehog in his suite. Of course, with him came the fanciful Sally Acorn, although, Fiona wondered if she was invited or Sonic's escort.
"Aria? Fiona?" Fiona blinked and made eye contact with her brother. She shook her head, "I'm sorry, what?"
"Lord Ramston, I am sorry?" Frederick smiled nervously at the old goat.
Ramston smiled, "It's quite fine. I know these balls are quite distracting for new comers. I don't think I'll ever get used to them. Dame Aria, I heard you were with the army as they reclaimed the lost lands from the vile Doctor?"
Fiona nodded slowly, "Yes lord, I was with the main army, however, and not with the detached forces."
Lord Ramston smiled, "My eldest would have loved to meet you."
Fiona blinked, "Could he not make it?"
Ramston frowned, seeming mildly hurt, "No… I am afraid he could not. I will take my leave." The ram left Fiona feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Frederick frowned, "I feel you miss handled that, but I'm not sure how."
Fiona snorted, "Me neither. Shall we get some food."
Olivia was already at the counter. Alister was sitting at the table, looking…ill. He seemed so miserable, and panicked. Fiona would have to bring him something back.
Fiona walked up to the large buffet of food. She saw it… a strawberry tart, with almond crust and slices of almonds on top. Fiona would have to grab a piece for Alister. If he was anything like her, he'd love it. Unfortunately, as Fiona approached, she saw the yellow fox standing guard. The noble seemed oddly defensive of it.
Fiona walked up, "Can I get a slice of that tart? My Nephew is really nervous in the party."
The Yellow Fox looked up and down her, "I'm sorry madam, but this tart, I sole reserved for our guest of honor."
Fiona blinked, and moved an arm to cut a piece.
The Fox grabbed her arm, "It is reserved for the guest of honor." He repeated. Fiona had two choices: back off, and try later, or make a scene."
She returned to the table in defeat, but securing little sausages for Alister to munch on.
Fiona simply needed to make a slight detour. She walked over, just in front of the East Nobles' tables. She passed by them, and was pretty sure she drew the eyes of everyone there… Her left eye scanned for the face she wanted to see. Of course, Sonic was the one guy not starring at her.
Of course, Sally's glare, which made up for Sonic's distracted face. Oddly enough, he seemed to be talking with Sally. But Fiona couldn't wait for him to turn his head. Instead, She made her way back to their table, and presented her nephew with his food. The poor guy almost looked green though his fur.
Fiona asked clearly, "Are you feeling ok?"
She could see it in his face, he was not doing well with all of the people around.
"I want to go home…" Alister mumbled.
Fiona scooted over to sit next to him, "Hey… don't be like that. Just focus on the food and try to talk to some people… There are a couple of kids here your age."
Alister looked at her somewhat defeated, but he nodded, and gingerly took a bite out of the sausage. Fiona smiled larger at him, "Are you feeling better after that?"
Alister still looked quite sick, but he nodded, feeling more like an effort to stop her questioning and less like a genuine response.
Fiona gave Alister a light hug, which he tensed up at, but he leaned into her. Fiona smiled, but ate her dish slowly. White bread with browned roast and gravy.
A band came out behind the large tables of food, and began to play softer, melodic instruments.
It certainly wasn't good for the heart, but it tasted nice. The Gravy was salty, and helped knock any gamey flavor from the beef. Fiona ate a couple of bites, before a strange feeling of excitement hit her. She saw Sonic walking towards the large sun pattern. If Fiona's hunch was right that pattern was a dance floor…
Fiona stood up and walked onto the floor… right as Sonic went to the bar area. He grabbed two tall glasses of white wine. Fiona for her part, remained frozen at the mild humiliation that she hoped no one saw her standing there alone.
Perhaps if she turned around, She could quickly cover it up? Fiona pivoted on her foot, when she heard Sonic's voice, "Fiona?"
She turned around nervously," Hey… What's up with you?" Fiona mentally slapped herself. She needed to seem more confident. Fiona put up her confident, sly smile.
Sonic smiled happily, "I've just been getting adjusted to the party. Sally and I came because Geoffrey thought something was going down. I guess there are free, nice quality drinks and food here that you can't find anywhere else, so it wasn't a total waste." Sonic chuckled, scratching his head nervously.
Fiona caught his eyes scanning her form. She cleared her throat, "Like something you see?" She leaned a little closer to Sonic.
Sonic sucked in his lisp, "You look nice… very nice." Sonic nervous. Fiona wanted to calm him down.
She smiled, "Care to dance with me, big boy?" Fiona batted her eyes at Sonic.
Sonic's breath hitched, "I'll go get Sally her drink really quick."
Fiona blinked as Sonic scurried off. Her tail slumped as She came to the realization, he was still keeping his distance.
She saw Sonic set the drink down, and the two seemed to talk for what felt like an eternity for Fiona. She was about to go sit down, when Sonic turned around and walked over to her. His suite provided a sophisticated look that Fiona very-much liked. Almost as much as his normal attire.
He smiled at her as he got closer, "Can I have this dance, M'lady?" Sonic's voice was the most mocking tone she'd ever heard. She couldn't stop the quick giggle, before playing along.
"I say, as you are so persistent, that I approve." Fiona smiled back at him. He took her hand, and they moved closer to the center of the floor. She saw some of boys' eyes turn to Sonic in a glare. She felt a few pairs of eyes on her as well, angry. Perhaps starting with a public move was a bad idea, but it was too late to back out now.
Fiona felt Sonic's left hand go lower down her back as he slow pushed her along. He was nervous.
"You alright?" She finally asked. She was expecting a much faster pace from Sonic the Hedgehog, one he was clearly not providing.
"I… uh… don't really dance a lot." Sonic mumbled still a little nervous.
Fiona almost laughed. She didn't dance much either, but then again, her mother had taught her when she was little the more advanced parts of dancing. "Just move at your own pace, and keep it steady." She advised, feeling him sway with her.
They danced for what felt like a few brief seconds. Fiona's tail twirled and wagged in excitement, it rose to rub Sonic's arm. He shivered on contact.
Fiona smiled, and placed her hands on his chest, "Don't be so rigid relax, let it flow."
Sonic let his breath out, "I have to keep reminding myself you're dangerous when you're like this."
Fiona rested her head on his should, and whispered, "Like what?"
Sonic's voice became a little more confident, "When you're confident and charming… like right now. I still don't know if you're going behind our back?" His feet almost stepped on her toes, but he caught himself.
"You still don't trust me?" Fiona asked, frowning. She began to push against him, both promoting her rather endowed form, and causing his steps to go back a little as they moved towards the food table.
"I know something is off when you say you're with us all of the way. I want to know who's side you're really on." Sonic asked. He spun them around so that they weren't going to slam into the tables.
"What are you going to do to find out." Fiona whispered in his ear with a taunting voice. Her mind screamed, Come on, make this easy for me. Show me I still have something out here to keep!
Sonic turned his head lead against hers. She could hear his breaths. If she could just keep him going… he might cross that line that he had made.
Sonic's hand left her back, "I… had fun." He smiled softly as he pulled away from her.
Fiona blinked… no… NO! She had been so close! "What?"
Sonic smiled nervously at her, "I enjoyed the dance. I like having you here." He mumbled, and went to sit down… leaving Fiona to feel… angry? Sad? … Confused? She sighed angrily, and went to get Alister a piece of the tart… just a tiny piece. No one would notice.
/*-*/
Johan would say that he was not in favor of being an "honored guest". While his glory should be spread, a title was only that: a title. Johan didn't want the words to distract people from the truth.
Still, he sat within his fortress, starring at the screen, trying to decipher each strange word that glowed an odd color. It was all so… confusing.
"Sheesh, why aren't you at the party? You're kind of the focus of it." Johan turned to see Ezra resting her back against the door frame.
Johan growled lightly in frustration, "There is no rush for me. I do not need to be there."
"You're the Guest of Honor." Ezra blinked with almost a laugh.
Johan snarled, "So be it, let them wait for me. I go at my accord."
"What are you doing that is so important?" Ezra walked over and looked at the screen.
Johan snorted, "I am trying to learn this vile machine's nature."
Ezra blinked, "You need to get out. Take a break. There are probably three people who can understand Robotnik's code."
Johan snarled… but perhaps she was right, "I will go, and I will drink and feast from my victory. I trust you have no needs to stop your progress?"
"Most of the… workers are asleep. We'll get the engines fixed when we can." Ezra smiled at him.
Johan nodded, and left the base. He needed a drink, and something pleasant to eat. So he set off for the feast.
Johan found the city to be rather quiet at night. Then again, back in his cities, things were seldomly loud past a certain time. While Saxons were quiet dedicated to improvement, they also had set times for sleep, which were upheld diligently.
Johan saw the large, extravagant palace. Oh how he despised such a display of status. The level of arrogance it presented was infuriating. The guards appeared to be dressed in fine decorated armors, which again seemed more focused on presenting their status as opposed to effective armor.
The guards parted for him as he approached, and Johan continued on towards the large doors which lead into the large palace. Johan's mind wandered to how incredible it would be to sack such a building. To plunder it, fighting in hallways and corridors.
Johan came to a realization: He had not attended the building, which given its size would make finding the area he was supposed to attend difficult. Or it would have been if Johan could not track the movement with his nose. He followed the familiar scent of the Garden Defender, pushing through doorways.
As he moved, the sound of instruments playing music came to be louder in his ears. Johan judged the sound as a sign that he was getting closer. He pushed open the next set of doors to find a vast room, filled with men dressed in colorful clothing. Johan assumed they were nobles, here at the feast.
A thing of note was how none of them were armed, not with anything that would be considered a weapon at least. Another key difference between their cultures. Another reason to long for home.
Johan entered the room which had gone silent as he walked in. He saw Sonic and Sally, the two nobles which he held in the highest regard. A herald came in from behind, warranting a jerk from Johan to prepare to attack.
The herald panted, "All, Stand for our guest of honor, who by the grace of his Majesty King Nagus the first, has been praised for his courage and drive which achieved our victory over Doctor Eggman. Hence he has been granted the prestigious position of guest of honor. I now present…" The herald leaned in, without knowing Johan's name.
Johan snorted, and simply walked over to the food. Perhaps there would be something good there.
"The Wolverine!" The Herald shouted, embarrassed.
Johan examined the foods, and found there was a fair spread of meals. Eggs, meats, cheesed and vegetables were all present.
"My good Wolverine, my I present a gift for your service, and obvious strength that would impress our dearest king." A yellow fox presented a tray with a tart in it. There was piece missing off the edge, but aside from that, there were several pieces of almond nuts scattered over the top.
Johan cocked his head, "What is it?"
"A strawberry tart, a tasty delicacy, made just for you." The Fox had a smile… one that made Johan's senses stand alert.
Johan pressed his nose closer to the tart. He found his nose in this body was even better than his Saxon nose. He smelled the pie. The First wave he got was Almonds. The second wave was… almonds… no… something that smelled similar to almonds…but muskier. Johan understood. It was almost laughable. No matter, he would play the game.
Johan noticed the missing piece, and turned to the room, "WHO TOOK A PIECE!" What ever eyes had stopped starring returned to Johan. He scanned the room, and saw a table of Foxes… Fiona was there, which must have been her family. A swift gulp made Johan focus a bit more on them.
Fiona Fox, who was technically a warrior in arms, stood up, "Alright, I took a piece of it. It was for my nephew, are you really going to hurt a kid?"
He was going to hurt a kid. Johan approached them with a firm gaze. The male fox stood up, "S-stay away from my so-"
Johan raised one of his paws and pined the fox down. Fiona stood up with a kitchen knife. The small fox that stood in front of Johan seemed locked in place, full of fear. Johan hated fear.
"Did you eat a piece of my tart?" Johan growled, demanding to know.
The small fox nodded slowly.
"LOOK I TOOK THE PIECE. DON'T HURT THE KID!" Fiona shouted. Sonic seemed to have taken interest.
Johan was absolutely going to hurt the kid, "Did you share it with anyone?"
The small fox shook his head. Johan knew all he needed to. He threw his fist forward, and pulled it back halfway through, reducing the force as it struck the child in the stomach.
The fox fell down, and vomited, spewing up a brown liquid as tears flowed down his face.
"WHAT's WRONG WITH YOU!" Fiona shouted.
Sonic got into an attack position, but was kept in check by Sally.
The child would thank Johan later… or not, but it didn't matter.
Johan returned to the yellow fox, who now seemed to be quite nervous surrounding the Tart.
"I-uh…" The Fox stuttered.
Johan grabbed the dish, and removed the pie. He looked clear into the eyes of the fox as he stated, "I will play your game, you coward."
Johan tore into the tart, tearing off chunks and swallowing them after chewing. The Fox wore a horrified, shocked face. Johan walked off to the area with many fine glasses and bottles. He instead grabbed one of the open bottles, and poured the liquid down his throat.
The nobles' eyes remained on Johan, with only a few examining the crying child who had vomited on the floor.
Nagus walked in, and noticed the large displaced nobles, "I see you all are on guard… I suppose we should get down to business." He sighed, mildly annoyed.
/*-*/
Ah, so much has happened, and SO much will happen.
What horrifying demands of selfishness do you think will come of Nagus's feast? The nobles are defenseless and hopeless, how will they endure? What do you think will come of this critical point? How will the world be changed? Let me know what you think of the chapter and the future in a review.
I hope all of my new readers are enjoying this as well.