John Victor Foxfire: There was one problem with the last chapter. The "Collective Conscious" lyrics were supposed to be a duet, with different fonts representing "Johan" and Nagus. Unfortunately, doesn't allow multiple fonts. That's a pain. With all of that being said, things are tense in the kingdom, and Johan knows how civilized people want stability, as opposed to ambition. We will see how the plan progresses. Johan does trust Rosemary to act the way he wants, which is to attempt to keep unity. He doesn't necessarily want some random noble taking the throne. Ceawlin has a devotion to Johan, but there is a bit more to the dynamic that aspires a radical loyalty as opposed to a gripping terror. Rosemary has been rather careful, attempting to keep the peace between the nobles and the crown. Now however, she is alone, and the sacred nature of the throne is lost when it is empty.
Now for Fiona. She is having a hard time, with indecision and uncertainty. Her nature has been self conditioned to be evil, but the motivation for that conditioning is now lost… right? The Dark hooded figure is laughing at Fiona because she doesn't seem to understand herself, or so it believes. As for the scream, it is less of a memory, and more of an understanding of what the scream was. A cry of utter despair, someone who has lost so much in so little time.
I am tired of stories not having consequences. Ian Flynn is a great writer, but I don't really think he grasped cause and effect relationships. I didn't like Fiona's defection, I thought it was shoehorned in to make Sonic get back with Sally. I think more set up was necessary to make it believable, and it needed motivation. Basically, I am taking what I critique about Ian Flynn, and I try to fix those mistakes within my own work.
Fiona is still regarded as untrustworthy by most of the freedom fighters. Sonic is attempting to mend things, because he really doesn't want her to go back to Scourge. He feels like she had a rough start in life, and wants to help her. That one person might be the thing that changes the outcome of her life. With regards to your desire for all three of our love triangle characters to get together, the thought has crossed my mind, but I'm not fully sure I'll push it. I'll think about it a little more. Will Sonic do well with that style of relationship? I am not sure, but he has been through a lot…. And that might not be the end of his suffering…
MerendinoEmilano: Politics is a major player in this section of the story. How a kingdom runs, how it operates, and how people react are all important features to world building. I am also setting up a big shift with politics. It's another reason for people to fight. Also, I am glad you enjoyed the conversations.
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Simon Foxtrot
Day 1/2/3
My father, I hope you should not find this Journal, but if you do, understand my defiance of your wishes was not done out of hatred for you, but love for myself. That I must leave our estate, and join with the Freedom Fighters, and to drive back this terrible scourge which plagues our kingdom. I do hope that Father does not punish Gumpton. His tales inspired me, yes, but my actions are my own. I hope I do not come to regret them.
I find the City of Roja to be far greater than many could imagine. Its reputation as being a rather lowly town if far from warranted. The growth has been exceptional despite the short time that new nobleman has ruled over it. I should meet my peer and congratulate him on his success. The city seems to be taking advantage of its position within the kingdom to facilitate trade. The city is full of well-to-do people, all seeming to be busy.
I found the attention of the Freedom Fighter's detail to be rather lacking. They do not seem to care who joins, checking for neither status nor criminality. I suppose my disguise will hold up quite nicely. I shall enter as Beauregard Wallace. I must confess, the princess, though stripped of her title, does not disappoint. She spoke clearly, and concerned, as though concerned about a friend. She is still a princess, quite graceful and calm.
I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting Sonic the Hedgehog, wounded from campaign. It was for a brief moment, and my curious about his legend was sated. He is far faster than I originally believe. It is perhaps unnatural, but he seems quite aware, as when he almost collided with me, he slowed down, perhaps to calm me, or perhaps to make better use of turns.
I met a peculiar vixen. She seems to be of higher status by her speech, but she does not seem to be revered or loved. She views herself as a problematic follower. She is quite glum in nature, and does not seem trustworthy. I should best avoid her.
There is one last thing I should note. There is a beast prowling around the base of the Freedom Fighters. He is quite large, and seems to avoid large numbers. He sticks to himself, and rarely returns to the main group. Many among the army are afraid of him. I share their concern.
Day 4
We have received orders to reclaim the lost territories which the vile Doctor occupies. The Princess has allowed us to travel In whatever group we should choose. This has led to disorganized clusters of men walking around. Despite this, the Wolverine seems to herd the men as though they are cattle.
The Winter presents itself quite fiercely. I wish I had not left my coat at home, and perhaps I would maintain a few other amenities to help life be bearable.
Day 6
Our marching ceased outside of our capital city of New Mobotropolis. Many are concerned about their safety with the coming battle. Most of the soldiers are cold, growing furious with the lack of resources.
We were met with donations from various citizens. The coats and drinks improved spirits, but the Wolverine seemed to keep the men from truly deserting. His size creates fear in their hearts, and he has expressed his fortitude to pursue those who desert. We remain on the march diligent and watchful for our enemy.
Day 8
Today was a scary day. Our clash with Doctor Eggman's forces proved to be the true test of our mettle. That being said, our men performed admirably. They held their ground against the enemy forces. The Princess leading the way, we were able to overwhelm the enemy.
I wish we could claim full credit, but the Wolverine is to thank. This fight could have been devastating, but his strength and courage undeniably secured our victory. I confess, I am fascinated by the Wolverine's power, his fortitude. I would not say I view him positively. Something happened today which was unexplainable. I wish to explain it.
Day 10
I saw Sonic the hedgehog return. Mina Mongoose, who is liked to that of a noblewoman, has come to praise us for our hard work. Little has been done, but the Princess wished to wait for Sonic's return. We received new weapons, armor and equipment. The Wolverine provided them.
I spoke with the Wolverine. He is less a soldier and more a zealot. He fights with a conviction for his "God" and for himself. He speaks of nature, and its undeniable beauty, but also of freedom and strength. He seems quick to tell us of his "God", who is Strong and Mighty. I find it strange to believe something I can not see. He is clear to despise the ability to see it.
Day 14
The Wolverine is fascinating. Terrible and impressive in all of the ways that captures the hearts of the men. His evangelism is accompted by fortitude. The Princess had him charge into the battle, and without question he did so. Our Enemy fortified themselves, but he continued to attack, undeterred by their weaponry.
I confess, that I am terrified by what I have seen. The Beast endures damage that most would not dare survive the proximity. Our Enemy has fired their greatest weapons at him, which he endured with a strength that can only be described as unnatural.
Day 20
Our Campaigning has been troubling, but successful. The Princess has maintained organization, and helped keep the men ready and able for combat. The Drills we have undergone have been exceptional. There was an attack by strange badniks which were unique from the others we have seen. I am concerned that we may soon fight enemies we can not hope to beat.
Day 28
The Wolverine is a beast within the title of itself. He endures without suffering, fighting divine conviction. Many of the Penal Soldiers which were so questionable with their loyalty hold a reverence for him. He is not always loved, but he is respected. The Soldiers spoke of how his reputation has forced the enemy to surrender without fighting. There is so much we have to thank the beast for. Where morale wanes, he is there to inspire. His strength and endure can only be described as supernatural. He is the first to fight the enemy, and the last to stop. The Soldiers describe a feeling of invincibility around him, that by his mere presence, death can not come close.
Day 32
The Wolverine broke the spine of the vile Doctor's army. They seem to run endlessly. We have seized many weapons and supplies. Their fear motivated them to flee without rest. The Wolverine Despises this. His description of a Warrior and how things should be… they are disturbing. He speaks of a land of complete warrior history. He talks about warfare not as a destructive force, but as a glorious means of growth. He speaks of surrender as though it were unforgivable, that one should forgo the sacred code of battle to preserve their own life.
I find myself questioning, "What kind land could produce such a monster?" My questions go unanswered.
Day 36
Our campaign came to a close. Our enemy seemed to leave traps within cities, hoping to harm us in our victory. Sir Sonic the Hedgehog was among the casualties. He was mildly injured, but he survived.
We owe much to the wolverine. I do not know what to think. The God he describes, the way he lives… there is much about him that stirs something within me. The men share my sympathies. His courage, the fact that he is with us all of the time, and that he endures to prevent our suffering, we find him to be at least honorable, if not admirable.
The Wolverine seems to be quite simple, and with an unnatural Endurance that has allowed him to handle the traps of the city without and major damage. He seems only mildly annoyed by the traps, as though what they represent was more painful than the explosions around him.
What is it about this beast which seems to stave off death that any normal man would fall to?
Greggory Willow
Day 1
I confess, I may look farther than my arms can reach. Maybe I am a little old, but here I am. My boy should never fight when his old man can swing with the best of them. I guess that might be why I'm here. I don't want Richard to have to do what I am about to. As someone who fought in the last war, I hope that no one has to fight in one again. Then again, I know that's little more than hopeful thinking.
I simply must say I do not do well in cities. I'd rather be at home, with my sweat heart and my boy. But I felt that damn machine, it took my body, my free will, and it made me a monster. I can't let anyone go through that, not after the horrible things I had to do, even if they weren't my fault. That doctor has given us more poison than he has medicine.
I met the strangest little feller. A coyote boy, Anty or something. He certainly loves to talk about himself. I guess the Freedom Fighters wouldn't be the same without him. He claims to have done most of the rough stuff that made the Freedom Fighters so great. Maybe, my memory ain't what it used to be.
I saw the princess today. She seemed quite busy with well-to-do things, so we didn't talk, but I suppose that's life for you. Never much room for air when you're young, even at 40 I still don't have much time.
I guess that should do it for the night. I suppose the lack of beds and buildings was odd, but I see the princess is holding all she can. We got a roof, and that's enough.
Day 2
I admit, we don't seem to have much here. Our guns are the same guns I used back in the day. I guess I look a little strange, holding a rifle properly and standing up straight. It's all natural for me. I guess I never got over my days in the war. Our rifles don't come with much bullets. The Princess looks tired, the kind of tired that comes with a slice of humble pie.
I know she tries her hardest, and leads the best she can, but we can't fight without the right tools.
I saw Sonic the Hedgehog. I suppose I owe him almost everything. He beat down Robotnik, and made me a free man again. I never imagined the boy would be so young. He can't be half my age, and still fighting. I hate that. A boy that young, he needs a life, not a war.
I saw the meanest looking fella you'd ever meet today. A big boy, looked like a bear and a wolf. He seemed to have a temper, and had no problem letting us know what he thought of us. I suppose I should be respectful. He's honest, and that's hard to come by. He mostly sticks to himself, doesn't seem to use a rifle or any gun.
Day 4
We set out marching today. Everyone moved without any structure. The prison boys stuck to themselves, and the men seemed to do the same. Our Princess seemed to stay in the middle. The big boy followed behind, herding anyone who wandered off back to the company.
I suppose I should be afraid of the coming fight. I'm not, it's all in the mindset. I know whatever happens, I've made a better world for Richard, and that's enough. The big guy seems to love the idea of war. He wants to fight; I see it in his eyes. He's not brainless though, I see it. He's sizing everyone up, looking for the toughest boys. I don't know why, but I feel like he's planning something.
Day 6
We saw some fighting today. I guess the old doctor decided to keep some people around. They were tough, and dug in tight. I doubt we would have won, much less survived, but the big boy seemed to have no trouble tearing through the hard points. Back in the first war, we would have called his charge suicidal. I see that we are in a time of extraordinary men. The foot soldier may soon be outdated.
The big beast seemed to have no trouble from wire that could cut off a finger, or bombs that would tear any normal man a new one. He saved my life, I know that much. When we charged the city, I almost took a blast in my face. The big boy simply moved in front of me, and destroyed my attacker. I guess I am grateful. He's a rough one though, We'd better watch ourselves around him.
Day 11
Marching and fighting certainly leave their marks. The boys finally got to settle down, and I'm not sure it's for the best. Your mind likes to go places when you're sitting still. The boys are antsy, they're getting nervous.
You sit still long enough, you'll hear voices, and they'll tell you all the best and worst of you. I try to keep them out, look around, dig a trench or so. Just doing what I can
I saw a beautiful Fox today. She seemed lost. I hope she finds her way. Maybe she'll be better, because if not, she might only get more lost.
Day 14
Sonic rejoined the Army yesterday. I know he is extraordinary, but I find myself questioning my purpose. If Sonic could face the vile Doctor's army, why are we here? That question has been asked by the men over and over again. I don't have an answer.
The men have another observation. The large boy, a "Wolverine" seems to be unkillable. He fights like no one's business. He's impressive, but I get the feeling that he's not quite right.
Day 20
This campaign has been slow. I feel the frustration that the boys seem to feel. I wish we would keep pushing forward. Instead, Our princess seemed to think splitting us up was a good idea. We will hold the front, and the convicts will fight north and south. I suppose we are holding the line, but we find ourselves resting, waiting.
Most of the men don't like waiting. I share their concern.
Day 25
The Wolverine is incredible. We all had our doubts about him. He's a big boy, with plenty of muscle to scare even the toughest guys on the planet. But he has save our lives more times than I care to count. He's always up front, where ever the fight is, he is.
He doesn't seem to give orders, he don't seem to care much about a plan. He sticks to us, keeps us out of trouble, and buys us the time we need.
He has an interesting view of the world. I can't say I agree, but I find his beliefs harder to deny. He's strong, and courageous.
Day 28
We smashed through the city with the biggest tower you ever seen. They fought like badgers trying to keep us out. The Wolverine didn't much care for their defenses. I wish I could say I was proud of our work.
The fact is, We've sent home a few bodies, and that makes a guy think. What are we really fighting for? The king says we're fighting for our home, but I don't think he cares about us. I suppose we're fighting for existence, but I want more from life.
My boy shouldn't grow up in a world full of danger. I want him to go and live like a kid. Somedays I wonder if that'll ever be a thing.
Day 32
We're done marching. We are heading home. I can't tell you how many lives were saved from the beast. He stood his ground, and kept us safe from the Doctor's weapons. I hear the boys talk about him with a sense of reverence. He's made the impression to last.
Most of the boys give him a look of utter respect. Even the convicts seem to give a nod when he walks by. The Wolverine either doesn't see it, or doesn't care.
He saved us, disarming the traps in the city. I guess we all owe him a lot. For whatever reason, he keeps himself at arm's length. He doesn't seem to talk with us much, He still watches though. Makes you wonder what he's thinking about.
I'm just happy we can finally go home. We've been promised a month of vacation. I return to my life of being a papa. I hope Richard recognizes me.
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So… not a real chapter, but I didn't want to lose my buffer….so I worked on this and another short story instead…. Not a great plan.
Just some stuff to help the world building, maybe a different style to read.
I hope you all enjoyed my little birthday present from me to you.