MerenDinoEmilano: I am trying to keep everyone relevant. I enjoy making discussions and advancing the plot forward. I honestly have a hard time writing fighting scenes, especially with strong characters. I want to convey that strength, but not have them overpower every enemy they meet.

/*-*/

Sonic was ready to pound Johan into the ground. Alister, the little kid was crying from his punch. Sonic knew he pulled it, but he still hit the poor kid over maybe a small slice of pie. Sonic felt his mind struggle with how selfish someone would have to be to be so harsh.

Yet Sally was defending him for some reason. Her eyes were cautious. She didn't seem to eat a lot of food, which was weird. Sonic knew she had an appetite, or at least more than she was eating.

He sat down, "What's going on? You can't seriously say that he's ok after doing that!" Sonic whispered aggressively.

Sally whispered back at him, "I think he might have saved Alister's life. I'm not sure about that pie."

Sonic blinked, "The pie?"

"Yes. I think there was more than almonds in that pie." Sally whispered back, eyeing the fox suspiciously.

"Like?" Sonic was getting impatient.

Sally growled, "Poison. I think the pie was poisoned."

Sonic wanted to laugh, "You think someone would poison him with a pie? At a public event? Why would he eat it if it was poisoned?" Sonic acknowledged the possibility, but he still found it weird.

Sally let out a pained breath, "I'm still working on that." She also seemed to be a little colder towards Sonic. He was left wondering what he did to upset her.

Nagus stepped out, "I see that you have been handling my noble's quite well." Nagus smiled from across the room. His sharp teeth were always so nerve racking. His face was also so punchable, but Sonic tended to avoid talking about that.

Nagus grabbed a glass from the alcohol table and poured himself a tall drink of champaign. He drank the glass completely, before his shoulders slouched somewhat, and he relaxed, "So… I suppose I shall address our Kingdom's efforts. We have successfully reconquered most of our old territories thanks to my approved efforts." Nagus held out his arms as if to gesture for success.

Rosemary walked inside, and sat at a special table that was reserved. Apparently the republic electors had been sitting there as well. They looked seriously concerned.

Sonic heard the claps and looked around the room. Most of the nobles had skeptical looks on their faces, but their clap seemed to be in agreement. Sally was nervous. Sonic probably should have been as well. He wasn't, because he knew that what ever Nagus decided, he could oppose and protect everyone from.

Nagus cleared his throat, "My adept leadership and decision to free the Wolverine has allowed us to completely dominate Eggman's forces, and force him out of the region." Nagus smiled a smug grin as more applause sounded, this time with less skepticism.

Sonic kept his guard up, as Nagus continued, "I feel as though our kingdom has emerged stronger from the recent policies put in place. And our nobility has certainly done their part to promote our fully resurrected kingdom." Sonic was thrown off by that statement.

Was Nagus not fully taking credit for their win? It messed with Sonic to say the least. It was troubling, from how unnatural it sounded. Still Sonic felt slightly appreciated from the statement. He nodded in agreement.

Nagus took a deep breath, "Our kingdom is now prospering in several cities. Eggman is now afraid of our military power, and our stability has been well maintained by your king." There was the glorification bit Sonic was expecting.

Nagus let out a light laugh, "So I have done some thinking. My policies… they are very limited by constraints. I am hardly a king in the current government." The room went silent from its applause.

Nagus sighed, "So… I have decided to make a grand decision. I will not share power with the electors to be ignored by the people… so I will-"

Sonic got up, and prepared for battle. This was it. Geoffrey was right, Nagus was about to take power and attack the nobles. He stretched out.

"-Abdicate." Nagus finished. Sonic pulled himself back as Sally's eyes widened in horror.

The room erupted into outrage. Sonic couldn't hear over the absurdity of the noise, but he made out, "Don't be a fool!" and "That is a child's move!".

Sonic leaned down at Sally, who's breathing became stressed. "What's "abdicate" mean?" Sonic asked, as Nagus using a word that would expand his vocabulary was as shocking as the statement apparently was.

Sally licked her lips, and gripped the table for support. Sonic walked around and placed a hand on her shoulder, barely making out Nagus's leaving form from the doorway. "Are you ok?"

Sally panted, her eyes foggy. She seemed scared. Sonic gently rubbed her shoulder, "Sal?"

She slowly turned to Sonic, trying to calm herself with breathing techniques. She was horrified, and stressed.

"What's abdicate mean?" Sonic asked again, feeling more nervous as the Sally seemed to worried.

Sally gulped, "He just left the throne. He's no longer king."

Sonic blinked. Her reaction made it seem like he was threatening to roboticize everyone. "Isn't that good? Like, don't we want him gone?" Sonic asked, very much confused. It seemed so weird, that Nagus would give up his throne after fighting so hard to get it.

Sally grit her teeth, and Sonic flinched. She seemed to notice, and closed her eyes, "Sorry… I'm not being fair to you. It's terrible, because the throne is now empty."

Sonic felt even more confused, "And?" He didn't see any problem with that.

Sally shook her head, "You don't get it! Nagus didn't have any Heirs. Anyone can theoretically claim the throne now!" Sally grit her teeth.

Sonic flinched, "Doesn't Elias want to be king?" Sonic wasn't understanding the issue.

Sally sighed, and nodded, "Yes… but this way… if we try to take the throne, we'll be usurpers. It will lead to civil war… Sonic… this is worse than if he took power for himself."

Sonic didn't really understand the issue. She needed a dance, and to feel better.

"Lord Sonic… Might I have a word?" Sonic turned to see Rosemary Prower, normally so stoic… now cracking. She tapped her hips through her formal business outfit. Her breathing was clearly upset.

Sonic looked at Sally, who nodded aggressively.

Sonic followed Rosemary to the corner of the room. "It has occurred to me… that we have not always… been fair to the Freedom Fighters." Rosemary started, "I am sorry… truly."

Sonic blinked, "It's… ok I guess." Sonic wasn't sure how to feel.

Rosemary licked her lips, "I know I've been hard on you, and I haven't been fair to you or your… escort tonight. I am sorry for that as well."

Sonic shook his head, "Look, I'm thankful and all, but Sally's not feeling well, and I think she need my help right-" As Sonic turned, Rosemary grabbed his arm desperately.

"Please," She pleaded, Sonic saw the terror in her eyes. He took a brief moment to look around, and saw it. They eyes of the nobles, some looked hungry… starving despite having eaten.

Sonic stayed, "What do you need?"

Rosemary closed her eyes in gratitude, "New Mobotropolis can field an army of about four thousand men if we prepared for two weeks-"

Sonic heard enough, he turned around. She was out to collect more power for herself… same as always.

Rosemary quickly explained, "A noble coalition could field an army of twenty thousand in that same time."

Sonic stopped. She wasn't out trying to get power… "What do you want?" Sonic asked, getting annoyed, and anxious.

"I want your support. Official support. We need a public Alliance with the duchy of Roja." She pleaded.

"Why?" Sonic asked. He didn't even have enough guards to protect the city.

"You are a powerful noble, Sonic. You may not realize it, but Roja was the fourth largest city within the kingdom, and it grew drastically over the few months you ruled it. You have the power to change this kingdom, whether we like it or not." Rosemary explained, before licking her lips again.

"Why do you need my help?" Sonic still didn't get it.

"Any noble can claim the throne." She sighed, slumping down. She didn't want to tell him that for some reason, "IF they have the troops, our constitution allows a noble to claim the throne in vacancy. I can't help but feel some of the younger nobles might get the idea to do so… with war."

The dots began to connect. Rosemary slumped her head, "I know we have had our differences, but Miles loves you. He trusts you, and I know you are… young, impulsive, and quite uncivilized…. But also honest, and not particularly ambitious toward power. We as a republic have been cut off from the nobility due to the king. We don't have influence outside of new Mobotropolis. So this is my first attempt at getting an ally."

Sonic heard her finish off. He frowned, "I'll… I'll think about it."

Rosemary looked like she wanted to protest, but she nodded. She was still scared, but her stoicism returned, and she held out her hand, "I hope we can discuss this in the future… if the republic still exists after the ball."

Sonic took her hand, and nodded, before returning to Sally.

She, however was talking a noble down, "Lord Fennec, if things were to turnout as you predicted, we would be ousted within the month. You can't simply rule by force."

The lord seemed depressed instead of outraged by her statement, "I understand. I am just worried the younger ones might try to make a name for themselves."

Sonic cleared his throat, "Uh… Lord…" He looked at the older highland Fox

"Fennec. Lord Sonic, you may find it important to know the lords of the realm. Especially now." The Older Fox sounded serious… but not outraged. Sonic should have taken his role as a lord a bit more seriously. He was slowly coming to that realization.

"You mind if I borrow Sally." Sonic asked with a nervous smile. He would ask her about who he needed to know about later.

Lord Fennec, looked at the Leader of the Freedom Fighter, then to Sonic and smiled, "I don't see why not."

Sonic grabbed Sally's arm and pulled her away, knowing full well she was very reluctant, but it was for her own good.

"Sonic, what are you doing? I am trying to keep the peace, and you're pulling me away. There better be a good reason!" She growled, somewhat flustered, somewhat angry.

Sonic pulled her into the center of the room as the band began to drown out the shouts of the nobles. He looped his arm around her back, pulling her in so that she was super close to him. Close enough that her head was on his shoulder.

Sonic whispered, "You looked stressed. I though we could dance… o-Or I can get you a drink." Sonic felt a little embarrassed, after realizing how out of the blue he sounded. Then again, he was blue.

Sally's anger only flashed for a moment as she smiled, "Alright… I guess I can spare time for a dance. Then you get us a drink. I know you've been stressed too."

Sonic smiled back at her as they rocked back and forth. Maybe it wasn't a hundred mile run, but he at least had something to focus on to drown out the noise of everyone being so angry around him.

Sally smiled as they rocked, and moved her fingers on Sonic's back, scratching the inside of his back quills that were hard for him to reach. Granted, she was trying to scratch through the suit, but it still felt great. Sonic let out a gasp of approval.

Sally let out a soft giggle, "You still have that spot you can't get."

Sonic nodded, "Yeah, but you're doing great." He let out another gasp, feeling better as tension left his back.

Sally's smile turned softer, "You really have been stressed out lately. You aren't built for stress."

Sonic redirected her to go back towards the center. Eyes were very clearly on them, but the arguing had stopped, which was good. A few nobles took their wives onto the floor to join them. "I'll get through it. Don't worry about me."

Sally frowned, "You definitely need help. If you need anything… anything, let me know." She hugged him tighter.

Sonic smiled down at her, "I don't think I'll need help. I just need to catch a rhythm. I'll be good Sal."

Sally smiled, "Well… The offer is on the table… if you need it." Sally scratched his back some more.

Sonic felt his willpower dissolve, "I might just hold you to it."

Of course he kept dancing, until they got tired. He felt guilty… a little. He had been nervous about Fiona, but he went with Sally no problem. Then again… He still felt like Fiona was hiding something. He wanted to know what it was.

A couple glasses of Champaign those thoughts vanished. Eating and drinking and forgetting about the world. He'd earned that much… right?

/*-*/

Fiona tried to not feel… jealous of Sally. Fiona knew she'd have any uphill battle attempting to befriend the freedom fighters, but she still felt something burning within her as the two broke up.

Sonic seemed to go on his way to get a glass of something stout. Maybe Fiona would grab one or two along with him.

She felt Alister's hands wrap around her tightly as he seemed to whimper in his sleep. She stroked his head, ignoring the smell of his vomit that was around her. The poor guy didn't even want to be there.

Frederick stroked his son's cheek, "Oh Alister… I'm so sorry."

Fiona glared at the Wolverine. She imagined shove a blade in his hide, skinning him alive. Oh she wanted to make him pay.

Alister seemed to calm down from his father's hands, and Fiona stroked him as well. How selfish did he have to be to hurt little Alister over two inches of pie?

She'd ask him… in private.

Fiona stoked Alister's face, before turning to Frederick, "I'm going to take Alister to our room… do you know where we are going to be sleeping?"

Frederick nodded, "Of course, We'll be sleeping in the third room on the right of the fourth floor of the second hall."

Fiona blinked, "What?"

Frederick even seemed confused, so he finally asked, "Perhaps find a servant and come back to us. I don't fully understand it either."

Fiona sighed, but kept her exhausted nephew on her back and left the room temporarily. She would be back to dance… or maybe just sit down and mope.

She carried her nephew down the hall, way, and then took a left. She continued walking down until she reached the wall that split again. She decided to take a right, where she heard grumbling.

"GRRR, That idiot. Does he not realize all of the pain I went through to get my position?" Fiona saw a door cracked, and peaked inside. There was Nagus gripping his bed, snarling, and frothing at the mouth.

Nagus's head twitched, "Am I… no, He'll do right by me, and I'll reward him by not ripping out his heart!" Nagus suddenly smashed his fists into the springy bed, resulting in jiggling and bouncing.

Nagus then shouted, "I AM NOT A FOOL! I AM IN CONTROL!" Nagus screamed, smashing the bed more. More jiggling and bouncing.

"He… He won't betray me… He WONT!" Nagus clutched his head, scratching at his scalp, scrapping off dandruff. The scratches turned to deep clutches, and He gripped his head tighter.

Fiona felt very uncomfortable standing outside the doorway. His posture and nature was rough to say the least. He seemed… unstable. How he became king was a mystery to Fiona. Fascination, however, took hold, and Fiona glanced deeper at the angry man, who seemed hopeless and self-destructive.

Nagus finally threw his hands up, "FINE!... I'll make him talk to me. He will tell me his plot, and I'll do away with him. I'll take my throne back, and I'll get rid of those pesky nobles, those stupid republicans, that filthy hedgehog."

"No… He's out to take power for himself… That what he wants. He's only out for himself." Nagus seemed to convince himself. His claws seemed to dig into his scalp… before Nagus stopped, "Someone is… watching? Now?" Nagus sat up.

Fiona immediately turned around, walked back over to the entrance, and made a U-turn right as the door opened, and Nagus peaked out.

"Oh… My king, I didn't know you were still here." Fiona blinked innocently.

Nagus shook his head angrily, "Why wouldn't I be here? I reserved a room as retirement for my fine work as king."

Fiona tried her hardest to keep her skepticism inside herself, "Of course."

Nagus snarled, seeming to have no trouble being rude to who ever he felt like, "What do you want?"

Fiona smiled innocently, "I was wondering where the noble rooms were? I am with Frederick of Apalsa, and His son wishes to retire for the evening." Her smile weakened as Nagus groaned, clearing a mucus filled throat.

He grit his teeth in annoyance… before taking in a deep breath, and sighing, "Very well… It is on the eastern end of the building. An attendant should be there to handle your incompetence."

Fiona pretended she didn't hear that part, "Thank you, good king." She carried Alister that way. While in the hallway, she finally had the nerve to say, "Asshole." Out of earshot of course.

Fiona made her way with what felt like a marathon, she finally found the clerk. She explained her case, and the clerk quickly explained that her room was on the second floor. It was third right door down. She made her way up, and opened the door. Inside was…a room alright…

It had two bunkbeds, in a small room, with a nightstand in the center. There was a bathroom, with a fairly normal sized bathtub. Fiona couldn't help but feel slightly upset over how cheap that felt. Then again, the other nobles would probably have an even more outraged response. She set her nephew down on the right bed, and left the room.

She returned to the party, feeling slightly miffed, but ready to maybe feel more inspired. She walked in to find Sonic… dancing with Sally. The room certainly had been quite explosive with the yelling, so the two of them dancing slowly seemed to calm everyone down, or at least led to the nobles forgetting about the crazy announcement they had heard.

It still did nothing to quell a burning excitement and jealousy that raged within her. The Worst part about it: Sally had her eyes closed, pressed up against Sonic, probably feeling warm and welcome. It wasn't a ploy or cheap attempt to hurt her. They just decided to do that.

Fiona stopped by the bar and poured herself a tall glass of champaign, watching the foam bubble for a bit, before going to sit down. She wasn't even sure why she sat down, as the glass quickly vanished. It was more like medicine than alcohol… in more ways than one. She forgot to pour the glass diagonally, which meant the foam built up in the champaign. Fiona winced at the surprisingly bitter taste of the drink.

She looked around the room, and finally saw Frederick dancing with Olivia. Fiona smiled at her brother, who was too enamored with his wife to pass attention her way. Fiona… did not feel good. Not ill, but just… empty… pointless.

She stood up, and walked over past a couple of tables. A she passed a gold chain which hung on the edge of a seat. Obviously, the noble woman hadn't been allowed to learn. Fiona decided to teach her a lesson.

A couple passed, and another trip back to the bar. This time, she poured herself a glass of finer wine, that didn't need the fancy pour to taste good. She also deposited the jewelry underneath the table for pick up later.

Fiona made her way back and sat down. She sipped the wine, gently to avoid having to make another trip so soon. She spotted the republic members talking closely, seemingly nervous about the situation that had unfolded.

Fiona wasn't quite sure what they were worried about, but she also wasn't around for the legal jargon. Still… part of her was a little worried. The worry was disappearing from the alcohol, but the idea still remained that if the kingdom was unstable… what would could come Nagus's little stunt was hard to say.

Fiona thought more about what she saw within his room. Nagus didn't seem to have all of his marbles in the right box. He also seemed to have a conspirator… and was planning something. The whole thing was a front, but why? Why give up power? It made no sense, like Nagus was going to run around the globe to try to get to his finish line, when it was in front of him. Only Sonic could do that.

There he was again. Her mind wandered back to the hedgehog. She'd really messed up. She'd hurt him bad, and he was reacting appropriately. Maybe she really was just a bad girl? Maybe her specialty was hurting people who wanted something real.

Fiona slumped down, and drank more of her wine. She really sucked. Johan's talk about his God seemed to ring out… in her head. She'd ask him about maybe talking to the God. Maybe he… with his mighty power (as Johan described it) could maybe fix her. Maybe he could fix this whole situation. Fiona's skepticism was drowned out by a cynicism: what did she really have to lose?

Fiona shook her head, and stood to get some food. Nice poultry would make her feel better. Fiona grabbed a thigh, and returned to her seat, her eyes landing on Johan, who seemed to shift uncomfortably. The big guy was actually looked like he was irritated.

Fiona walked up to him, "Hey… you hit my nephew… what's up with that?" She blinked a couple times as she glared at the beast.

Johan cocked his head curiously at her, before nodding in amusement, "A lesson about taking from those who can hurt you."

Fiona shook her head, "I got it for him… what's wrong with you?" Her eye lids were getting heavier. Was she on her… third… fourth glass of wine?

"Then you should have paid attention. Your people are cowardly, and rather foolish." Johan stated firmly.

Fiona felt herself getting agitated, "Watch it-"

"You would be wise to retire. I believe you are not clear headed." Johan growled at her.

Fiona blinked, a couple times, feeling exhausted. "How do I talk to your god? I think… I think I want to ask him something."

Johan snorted, "He sees everything. Simply ask of him, and what he decides is what he shall." Johan stated.

That was it? Fiona had to be sure, "Is that all?"

Johan snorted out of his nose, "Simply call on him, and he will work. Be warned though, he is dominant, and works within his own ways. He will ultimately decide how your request shall be dealt with."

Fiona nodded slowly, "Well I-"

Johan snarled, before breathing out, "It is not for me to know. Only you, and God."

Fiona slowly nodded, her head feeling heavy, "I think I am going to take your advice and… retire for the night." She walked out of the room, and found her way to the room they were staying in. She climbed up to the bunk, and sighed, "Listen… God… or what ever your name is… I don't know if you are real, or just some superstition, but if you are… could you fix me?" She asked, desperately as her eyes closed. She'd asked, hopefully, things would turn out.

Of course, she was there, back at that road with her dream. It was pouring a dark red liquid. The dark-hooded figure snarled, "Come on, You'd better come on over here. Look at all of that red on you."

Fiona saw her dress covered in the bloody liquid. She gulped, looking for the white hooded figure… only to find them running towards the house. Fiona also noticed how the rain seemed to avoid the figures, only landing on her.

Fiona walked down the lighter brick path, watching the red seem to flow down towards the swamp… before she found herself back at the cross roads.

The Dark hooded figure laughed, "Face it, you can't deny your nature. You belong over here with us." The figure gestured down to the shack in the swamp, now deep red and blood stained.

The wail came from the house in the forest again. Fiona jerked and felt her heart squeeze. It ached purely from the sound of utter anguish. A sound she knew as a child.

The Dark figure snarled, "Forget about him. It was a delusion, a fantasy."

Fiona jerked around, "I've had it with your stupid lies. Leave me ALONE!" She shouted.

The dark figure went silent… trembling. The form seemed to shudder uncontrollably, before a humorous tone came with the obscure voice, "My lies? That's funny… really funny."

Fiona felt what ever confidence she had vanish, as she backed away.

"Face it… you're the bad girl, the exile, the forgotten wannabe." The dark hooded figure laughed, "That's how you've always gotten by, and it's all you'll ever be."

Fiona grit her teeth. The swamp seemed to be rising… until it touched her feet.

Fiona jerked awake, feeling Alister tug her leg. Right… just a bad dream.

/*-*/

Johan walked down as the feast's energy declined to a level of softer, less exciting noise. He returned to his flying fortress. Perhaps it was time to rest. There was work to be done, however. Johan came to the fortress to find the moon high in the sky, and his slaves asleep.

No matter, he returned to the steel seat which supposedly commanded the entire airship. He gazed up at the large screen which held the language of the dark, vile machine known as the "Roboticizer". Johan found himself staring at vile machine, its language proving harder and harder to not get frustrated with.

Yet as he examined the machine language, he decided upon something. There were so many letters and numbers, why not simply try to discover what they meant? He took an apple, and placed it within the chamber. Johan then returned to the steel seat, and pressed the firing button which caused the entire fortress to whirl to life. Johan turned the chair around and saw the bright flash of light as the energy descended down on the apple.

What emerged from the smoke, was a chrome, red glimmer of steel in the shape of a fruit. Johan nodded, feeling strangely disgusted by the nature of the machine, and turned on the machine again. This time, he used the [invert] function, which seemed to be the opposite function, from the limited understanding Johan had of the machine.

It worked, revealing the apple, once again. Johan crawled inside to inspect the fruit. He walked inside, and pressed a claw into the skin of the apple, opening it and looking further. It seemed to be softer after the transfer. Was it intentional? To ensure that freed mechanical slaves would not be a threat? Was it a simple accident that occurred from a lack of testing? Johan did not know, but there was room for improvement.

Johan approached the screen, when he felt a shift in the air. Johan bared his teeth, and stood, ready to attack the intruder. He eyed the doorway, and saw the brown female fox, walk in as though she was capable of defending herself.

Johan growled, "Before I crush your skull, tell me who I am about to kill?"

The Female fox looked upset… but she looked like that before she arrived. Clearly, he needed to kill more people to re-enforce his reputation. The Fox simply stated, "I am Rosemary, a representative of the Republic of Acorn."

Johan understood now why she was at the feast. She seemed to be isolated from the nobles, which was odd, and far more concerned with the king of their kingdom's abdication.

"What do you want?" Johan growled, not interested in her. She had nothing to offer him.

"I know you are impatient, so I will be quick." She stated, shifting as though distracted. If she was truly going to be quick, she would have stated her request immediately. " We are a simple republic, and we don't have many allies. If the nobles wanted to attack us… we could not keep them off for long, and we could not prevent the republic from regressing back into a kingdom."

Johan supposed he could clarify some question, "You will not find a replacement?" The decision might complicate his plans.

"We will discuss it in the near future, but I do believe we will attempt to maintain the republic." That was good. A new king might complicate the future potential of the kingdom.

"Why are you here?" Johan decided it was time to end the conversation.

"We want to hire you as a defensive protector. Your brutish, barbaric nature has created a reputation that would deter the nobles from attacking us. We will pay double your contract with Sally." Rosemary stated.

Johan pondered for a moment. On one hand, the kingdom would have increased stability, and Johan would not need to concern himself with Civil wars. On the other hand, it might also deter dissidents. Ultimately, it did not matter.

Johan growled, "No."

Rosemary blinked, "What? How about triple?"

"It does not concern the payment and supplies. It is a matter of honor. I am bound to Sally Acorn. I can not absolve a contract purely for wealth or status." Johan clarified, "However, should any conflict arise, I shall remain neutral. Who sits on the throne at the end of this period of strife will deserve it."

"Honor? This isn't the time for sentiment. Our kingdom is about to rip itself to pieces. I need powerful supporters." Rosemary growled, "What would it take for you to join us firmly?"

Johan found himself getting angry, "Leave, now." The fact that she did not see the importance of honor then of all times was enough drive him angry.

Rosemary shrunk down, "Please consider us when your contract comes up for renewal." She left, and Johan did not need to consider. The one who sat on the throne would be the one who deserved to rule indeed.

Despite the fox's departure, Johan still felt the presence come closer. It was angry to say the least, chaotic in nature… but oddly familiar.

Nagus stepped out of the shadows, "So… You are working for the republic?"

Johan found him to be mildly annoying. His accusation was not a very wise one considering Johan's current anger. Still, Johan has used for Nagus, "I only serve Sally Acorn, a princess."

Nagus smiled a bright array of teeth. Perhaps he was dealing with madness? It seemed more and more likely as Johan stood with the old troll, who's eye was twitching with his head jerking. "So you admit it, you don't care about me? You aren't here to help me. That's right isn't it?"

Johan thought for a moment, "I do care about you. You are a useful piece of this kingdom, more essential for its future than you know."

"And yet you conspire with my enemies!" Nagus's veins seemed to bulge, "You're out for yourself, aren't you! Do you deny it? Reject it? Perhaps I am blind?"

The Un-enlightened masses, They cannot make the judgement call

Johan nodded, "I do work for myself. I work for my goals alone. Part of that involves destroying the weak republic."

Give up freewill forever, their voices won't be heard at all

This seemed to throw Nagus off, as he stumbled upon hearing those words. His face began to twitch, before he shook his head, "W-What?" The madness that consumed him seemed to vanish in confusion.

Display obedience, while never stepping out of line

Nagus shook his head, "Then make a deal with me. That you will serve me forever." He seemed cautious and watchful.

And blindly swear allegiance, let your country control your mind!

Johan growled, "I will not swear or deal with you, as you have seen fit to avoid dealing with me. I serve only myself, and a leader worthy of my time."

Don't let your country control your soul!

Nagus glared at Johan before an arrogant smile spread to his cheeks. "Then serve me."

Live in ignorance and purchase your happiness

Johan growled, " I aide you now, do I not? If you can not trust me, I cannot help you rebuild this cursed lands."

When blood and sweat is the real cost

Nagus growled, "I should trust an idiot… I suppose you won't deceive me."

Thinking ceases, the truth is lost

Johan shook his head, "Perhaps. All I can do is advise you on the situation."

Don't you worry, you'll be told exactly what to do

Nagus paled for a moment, "Your last advice made me lose my rightful position."

I give my people the lives they need.

Johan smiled, "A republic only functions while there cannot be a tie. In the end you people will demand your return. Then you'll have the power to solidify your place, and remove the unnecessary shackled."

The Righteous will succeed!

Nagus smiled as though thinking about the possible outcome, "I know that." He growled, as though he was frustrated, "You still believe that it will fail? You don't understand these foolish mobians."

Johan ignored his arrogance, " The people will seek who ever can effectively protect them."

The Fires of greed will burn the weak.

Nagus smiled, "And I will take full power, as I deserve with my spectacular job as king."

And We'll make freedom Obsolete.

Johan nodded, "The People will be united by the most fit one to lead this kingdom." The republic needed to go, or the kingdom would continue to be dragged down by its own politics.

Making whole, the fabric of society

Nagus growled, "I suppose I can wait sometime. Perhaps my decision and brilliance will yield better results."

Johan saw the old troll turn around. There was no doubt in his mind that Nagus was incapable of keeping stability. Which why he was perfect to carry the reforms the kingdom needed to defeat and infinite enemy.

Collective consciousness controlled as you will see.

/*-*/

Alright, do I am doing a little field test with font formatting. If it doesn't show, then I guess I'll have to figure out something else.

Another thing, you all might be receiving a bonus chapter this Friday, as it coincides with my birthday. I'll also post a little one shot involving a certain tenrec who got my friend into the comics.

Leave a review and tell me what you thought of the chapter, and what you think will come in the future.