… No reviews. The Sonic movie was awesome. Go see it and support the company

#notsponsered

/*-*/

The morning was tense as Sonic awoke to find Sally was not in her very-small-clearly-not-comfortable bed. Sonic looked around the room, before coming to the most likely conclusion that Sally had gone to the ballroom.

He stretched out, and put on the suit, and left his room. Sonic really wanted to just run to the ball room, but his suit might get damaged, and Sally was clear that he needed to look "presentable". So Sonic left the long corridor, still feeling confused about the stress behind Nagus's resign.

Nagus was out of their hair, so the freedom Fighters would be free to do whatever, right?

Sonic found his way to the ballroom, and opened the door. It was quiet, save for the clicking of forks and knives. There were poached eggs, sausages, bacon, and pretty much every food Sonic could imagine. He got himself a plate, and saw Sally slumped down at the table.

The tension was tangible, and Sonic didn't like it. Sonic tried to lighten the mood, "Wow, you look like you got run over by a hedgehog."

Sally closed her eyes, "I feel like it too."

Sonic actually looked closer at her. Sally was tired, her eyes were baggy. Her hair, while somewhat keeping its shape, was not brushed, and her shoulders seemed to slump down in defeat. Sonic frowned at her, "Do you need some coffee?"

Sally held up a mug, "Politics is frustrating, especially when you can't figure out what's going on. I don't know Nagus's game."

Sonic smiled, and ate his egg on toast, "Do we ever know Nagus's game? Does Nagus even know his own game?" Sonic was trying to get a laugh, but Sally tensed up.

"What if… what if Geoffrey was telling the truth?" Sally sat up, "What if this Nagus making a big play?"

Sonic blinked, "By giving up the throne? No one would ever want him back." Sonic couldn't see a way for Nagus to come out on top from his decision. It made no sense. "Maybe he realized a king had limits, and decided to just ditch the job?"

Sally shook her head, "I don't know. I know I don't like feeling like I am missing a piece of this puzzle. I also don't like how many nobles see the empty throne…. Did intentionally make it public for everyone?"

Sonic sighed, "I don't know, but you're making me nervous, Sal."

Sally looked up at Sonic, "Do you not understand how bad things have gotten. We almost had a fight yesterday over the throne. We need to keep the peace. Hopefully, the republic will elect a new king, and we can move on."

"What about the noble council?" Sonic asked, eager to just be done with the political intrigue, "Can't I call on the "right of council" thingy?"

Sally slumped down, "You would need a majority of nobles to support a candidate, and you need a king to call a royal court."

Sonic blinked, before Sally growled, "What if the nobles reject the republic's decision? Darn it!"

Heads quickly turned as Sally's outburst rang out.

Sonic waved at everyone, before grabbing Sally's hand, "Hey… Calm down. This sucks, but I think we can get through it."

Sally slumped down and nodded, "I just wish we started getting some easier wins."

Sonic could agree with that. She rested her head on his shoulder, and Sonic nodded slowly. All around them, Sonic could feel the hunger from every noble around them. He started to understand Rosemary's fear of them taking the throne for themselves.

It suddenly seemed like a real issue. Surely everyone understood that Eggman was still dangerous? Even Sonic found his argument flawed. Eggman was licking his wounds, which meant that the kingdom could theoretically afford a brief civil war. While Sonic didn't like the idea of ruling what he had, Sonic knew there were more ambitious nobles in the kingdom.

A brief period of war to be king? An easy trade. Sonic frowned at the idea. Sally was right, If Nagus had just come out and said he was taking absolute power for himself, everyone would be united behind kicking his butt, but now every noble had an opportunity, as opposed to an enemy.

Sonic felt Sally's heart beat on his shoulder, and how still she was. He saw her nose softly breathing in and out. She really was tired. Sonic picked her up and began to carry her out of the room. A few heads turned, but Sonic ignored them, and carried her off to the room. She stirred in his arms, but he got her back to the room before she woke up.

He saw her smiling as he set her down on her bed. Her eyes cracked open, and she pulled up, and kissed Sonic on the cheek. Sonic felt himself lock up from the movement, but she quickly fell back down before he could respond. He saw her snuggled up in the bed, trying to stay warm and cozy.

Sonic felt awkward just leaving her there. He wasn't sure how he felt about her anymore. He didn't know how things would go if he tried to make it work. So he did the one thing that would ease his troubled conscious. He leaned down, and kissed her forehead.

With that, Sonic smiled, hearing her groan slightly, with a bit of a purr, before leaving her to take a needed nap. He turned around and left the rather small room. He returned to the ballroom, and saw that most of the nobles were… sleepier than usual.

Many actually seemed to slump in their chairs. Did no one get any sleep the night before? Sonic sat down at his table, before realizing he had nothing to drink, eat or do while he sat there, so He went ot the drink area to hopefully get something nice to start off his morning.

Sonic walked over to the bar, and found some warm tea had been prepared for guests, so he grabbed a cup and filled it with tea. He hoped it was like Bunnie's.

As he turned around the door opened, and Frederick came in, followed by his family.

"Ah, Lord Sonic, I see you are quite awake." Frederick seemed nervous. Maybe he wasn't quite as ambitious as the rest of the nobles. Maybe some of them weren't after the throne?

Sonic nodded, "Yeah, I can't say the same for the rest of these guys though."

Frederick nodded, "Indeed, many of them were up quite late… I was as well, but rather because I couldn't sleep."

Sonic blinked, "That bad huh?"

"I don't think I am ready to participate in a civil war." Frederick whispered as his family moved past him to eat from the wide array of foods.

Sonic nodded, "Yeah… its crazy." It was unnerving to say the least.

Frederick picked up what seemed to be a large brown, rocky egg. Sonic didn't try it because trying food that looked like Dragon poop did not sound fun.

"What is that?" Sonic saw the crispy edges and gulped. He was an adventurous hedgehog, but even he would keep his distance from that.

Frederick smiled, "Oh these? They are scotch eggs. Fantastic breakfast fillers to eat with jam biscuits."

Sonic nodded skeptically, "Yeah… I'll take your word on it."

Sonic returned to his seat, and sat down. He drank some tea. It was not like Bunnie's, at all. It was smooth but bitter. IT wasn't sweet at all. Still, it was oddly calming, and Sonic needed something to calm himself down.

The world had gone crazy.

After finishing his tea, Sonic turned to see Frederick and his family, still eating. Fiona was there, her eyes gazing at Sonic before noticing he was looking at her, and turning away. Was she thinking about their dance?

Sonic made it awkward, but his intuition told him to not make the leap with her just yet, same as Sally. Sonic couldn't explain it, but he felt like one of them was going to stab him in the back by the end of his life.

So, Sonic treaded the middle ground. Make them feel romantic to keep them as friends, right? Romance was just really strong friendship, right? Sonic knew there was a bit more to it, but the emotions felt close enough. He couldn't imagine anything wrong with just being friends.

After Frederick and his family finished up breakfast, and cleaning up Alister's jelly covered face, they stood up. Why? Was there something that they could do to entertain themselves? Could Sonic join?

He walked over there, "So what is there to do during these feasts? What do you do when you aren't eating, more specifically?"

The Family moved towards the doorway, leaving Sonic and Frederick alone. Frederick frowned, "I don't know. We are going outside to get some much needed sunlight. I would be honored if you could join us."

It sounded more like Sonic would be a burden on the Family. Sonic shook his head, "Nah.. I'm good. I got a couple things to do anyway." That was a lie, and Sonic really wanted to do something, but he also didn't want to inconvenience the family either.

Sonic walked over to the large curtains, which kept the light out of the room. Sonic pulled the curtains open after Frederick had left. The sun graced his face, and Sonic felt nice and warm.

He heard groaning from the other nobles, and quickly shut the curtains. Everyone needed their rest, apparently. Sonic instead walked out into the hall and found his way outside. Frederick and his family seemed to be sitting by a tree that was close to the entrance. Sonic saw there was a yard, however, and opted to walk through the snow.

That was where he belonged. Not chained up in a suit talking politics, but out running in the fields… free. It seemed almost like an impossible dream. He was a noble, and he couldn't just leave, so he savored every moment in the field, rolling around in the snowy area with glee…. Until his quills hurts from being froze

Then Sonic headed back, when he stopped feeling the excitement from the field. He saw that Frederick and the others had gone inside… except Fiona, who seemed to be looking at the large tree in the courtyard.

Sonic felt nervous. She seemed to be in the shadow of the castle, as if trying to remain out of sight. Sonic saw the glint from her eyes being focused on him. Fiona seemed to notice him noticing her, and quickly looked away.

Sonic felt terrible. What ever the case they had before hand, he still should try to let her know she was welcome at their place any time. Sonic's mind then went over to a way to approach her. His mind went to talking with her in a suave, taunting, flirty way. But then he realized the kind of message he could send.

Maybe being cautious? Sitting back and letting her come to him? Sonic's mind went to her reaction. What if she just kept her distance? They wouldn't do anything, and the whole attempt at talking would be a waste of time.

Sonic's mouth began to move, "Hey, Fiona, you look good." Sonic's brain immediate sounded an alarm. He was talking to her, and he did not decide on talking to her just yet.

Fiona smiled, "Are you chasing my tail?" her eyes seemed to convey a sly view that lurked within her heart.

Sonic shook his head, "I was just giving you a compliment. Nothing too pushy."

Fiona's chest jerked up in a quiet laugh, "Well, thanks. You look pretty good too. You should wear a suit more."

Sonic had his turn at snorting, and lowered his guard, allowing things to progress naturally, "Nah, it makes me move slow. I want to run around and be free. It's hard to do that when you can't move your legs."

Fiona lost her smile, but nodded, "Fair enough, You look even better when you're running."

She was… flirting with him. Sonic resisted the urge to pull away. Though, he had help from the urge to play into it. He felt so confused.

Fiona shuddered, feeling that last chilling breaths of winter, "Let's go inside."

Sonic had his fill of time outside, so why not. They entered the building and made their way down the long halls, only to hear more shouting in the ball room. Fiona looked annoyed, and also concerned. Those emotions described how Sonic felt perfectly. Couldn't they give it a rest.

Of course not, they weren't on the frontlines. They weren't exhausted, scarred or sore. Sonic was, and it was time to step in.

Of course, when he entered the room, he understood the yelling, as the nobles seemed to have surrounded Rosemary, and were all shouting about something. Frederick looked panicked, and some of the older nobles seemed to have been annoyed, but weren't doing anything.

Rosemary had the stoic fear on her face. A look of terror, covered up by courage. Unfortunately, the fact that Sonic could see it, meant others probably could too.

Sonic stepped into the circle of nobles, where he heard their shouts, "I can do just as good of a job!"

Rosemary shouted back, "The title will be voted on later." Her pupils were shrunk in fear. The rest of the republicans were quiet, but obviously terrified. Mina's mom was trying her hardest to look intimidating.

"Why can't I be king? The position is open, and someone is going to take it!" Another noble shouted.

"If we don't get a new king, I'm taking that throne, one way or another!" Shouted a third noble.

Rosemary balled a fist.

Sonic shouted at the top of his lungs, "ALL OF YOU BACK OFF!"

The nobles went quiet, and looked at Sonic as though he were the one making the greedy, outrageous threats. Sonic took a moment to catch his breath.

Sonic closed his eyes, He needed something that would keep the peace. His mind landed on the only thing that would work, "If any of you try steal the kingdom, my army will be there to pound you all into dust. Roja is one of the richest cities within the kingdom, so I might not win, but we'll all suffer for it, and Eggman will roll right over us."

One of the nobles, the yellow fox, growled, "You can't be serious, you want the throne for yourself!"

"I don't want to be king at all, I know that much. I also know Eggman is pretty smart, and if we start fighting each other, he's coming after us. So yeah, I'm allying the republic. IF you think you're brave enough, try me!" Sonic shouted back.

Many of them looked outraged. Sonic didn't have an army, heck, he didn't even have guards in his city really. But they weren't ready to call the bluff. Sonic saw them back away.

The Musicians had returned for lunch, and started playing their soft tune as the nobles dispersed.

Sonic turned to Fiona, "Well… I guess we can dance now?"

Fiona nodded, and smiled, "I guess."

The two of them swayed, and it was a nice break from the angry glares that Sonic saw whenever he turned around. He just stayed Fiona.

/*-*/

Fiona smiled as they did their dance, moving ever so cautiously. Sonic had stood up in front of three hundred nobles, and scared them all. That was impressive. Of course, Fiona knew that would probably come back to bite Sonic. Maybe it was time to distance herself.

Scourge's distraction came to mind. Maybe the time had come to leave. The campaigning had come to a halt, spring was just around the corner, meaning there would be plenty of areas to hide in. Distance was Fiona's ally, and she was going to make full use of it.

Or… she could commit fully to being a good girl. Her options were limited, and She would probably pay a hard price for sticking with Sonic. There really wasn't a lot there to keep her with them.

"Hey… I… I can see you've made an effort to make some good Choices." Sonic smiled at her. He made her feel very warm inside. He was complimenting her, and that felt good. Really good.

Fiona hid her embarrassment with a sly turn as her hands crossed on the Back of Sonic's neck, "Who knows, maybe I'm just being so bad, that it looks good."

Sonic didn't laugh, not at first. He wasn't preoccupied either. He also wasn't particularly awkward, not like a boy who'd turn to putty in her hands. She'd over stepped. Sonic let out a soft laugh, more out of awkwardness from realizing it was a joke.

Fiona hid her disappointment with a question, "You've had quite the courageous streak, standing up in front of a bunch of nobles, not something I'd expect from you."

Sonic smiled as they continued to rock, "Eh, they're just people like you and me."

Fiona blinked. Was Sonic that stupid? "They are very powerful people. People who can make your life difficult, especially if you aren't careful."

Sonic sighed, quickly losing interest, which was not good, "I'll deal with it as it comes."

Fiona smiled as they continued to move. She pulled in closer, pressing her body against his, resting her head on his shoulder. Sonic tensed up, which meant he was still hesitant about her.

A bright side that came out of it was that Sally was sitting at her table watching the whole affair. Fiona was pretty sure she saw a crack appear in the glass the chipmunk was holding.

Fiona stuck out her tongue, admitted not very noble or sophisticated, but it got the message across. Sally scowled a fierce snarl.

Fiona was surprised when Sonic's hands pulled around her back, and he whispered, "You know, you-" He was interrupted when Rosemary Prower, the female fox( who happened to be Tails' mom, not awkward at all) cleared her throat,

"Might I borrow Sir Sonic… You dear." Rosemary had a forced smile at Fiona. Fiona also caught the dear as a stand in for another word. Fair enough considering her son, Fiona deserved a lot worse probably.

She couldn't really say no, so she stepped away from Sonic. She wanted to know what he was going to say so badly, but if she pressed it, who knew what would happen?

Fiona sat down at the table that her brother sat at. She then promptly stood up, and came to the realization that she should probably start getting a glass of something before sitting down. Fiona walked over to the bar, and noticed something.

The Wolverine was there, he had been eating, and she also noticed that he was on the other side of the food, with the musicians. A piano sat at the back of the room, and Johan seemed to watch the player with immense interest.

Fiona decided not to ask too many questions, and go for another glass of champaign. As she raised the bottle, however, she stopped. Was she drinking to stop the pain and discomfort of rejection? Fiona felt a wave of shame wash over her as she set down the crystal glass, and instead opted for the tea.

She sat down, and faced her reject… which was not fun. Sonic was dancing with a woman old enough to be his mother! Then again, she wasn't exactly bad looking. A few wrinkles under the eyes, but a colorful array in her fur, along with a relatively fine figure. To top it off, Fiona was pretty sure that Mrs. Prower didn't betray Sonic.

Fiona's eyes then saw Sonic's troubled face. Ah… They were dancing for politics. That actually made it hurt less. Rosemary was talking to Sonic, and he was at least concerned about what she was talking about.

Fiona sipped the tea, and recoiled. It was horribly bitter, and definitely needed some sugar, or something. Fiona set down the glass, and ate a bite of salted meat. It was amazing the difference in food between military rations and noble cuisine. The meat was juicy and tender, the bread was soft and fluffy. Fiona loved every bite.

"Pardon me madam, might I join you for a dance." A young voice asked. So confident, so full of life.

Fiona looked up to see a green goat, so young that his horns hadn't even fully come in yet. Fiona resisted the urge to laugh. The guy didn't need to be insulted with all of the issues, but Fiona felt like he would barely be able to keep up with the music, much less her. Then again, she Danced with Sonic.

Fiona decided to give him a chance, "Alright, I'll let you have a dance. Don't disappoint."

The young goat suddenly looked nervous, "R-really?"

Fiona smiled slyly at the nobleman, "Why not?"

The noble seemed to be thrown off balance as Fiona led him to the dance floor. "A-Are you sure madam? I-I understand-"

"Why wouldn't I want to dance?" Fiona asked suddenly realizing just how thrown off the young nobleman was.

Unfortunately she should have understood right away to stop playing around. His movements started off jagged, wide. Where a small step would have done, he stretched his leg out, where a soft nudge would have directed her, a jerk was made. Sonic wasn't great at dancing, but he might as well have been a professional compared to the young Goat who seemed quite rigid, and frankly, uncomfortable.

The Dance was clearly not his idea, and that thought was reenforced when his feet collided with Fiona's. He literally stepped on her toes, and Fiona found herself getting frustrated.

"S-sorry." The Goat sighed, defeated and scared.

Fiona couldn't hide her scowl, but she could control herself. Of course it became harder to maintain composure after the third "sorry". Fiona found herself grateful when the song finally ended, and she returned to her seat without a word. Granted, the word probably would have made him cry.

The goat seemed to understand the message, and went back to his table, defeated.

Fiona saw Sonic now sitting down with Sally, casually talking. The two actually were talking about something serious, judging by the postures and expressions.

They were interrupted when the music stopped. Fiona turned along with most of the heads, to see that the band had stopped playing, and the pianist had moved off his seat, to allow none other than Johan to sit down, and play. It started off with a couple of notes that seemed to be disconnected.

He cocked his head at the instrument, and struck a few more notes. It was at least more entertaining than the past few hours had been.

Then he began to play slowly… and he was surprisingly adequate. Certainly not spectacular, but not terrible.

The soothing sound prompted many noble dancers onto the floor. Fiona stayed put. She knew who Sonic was going to dance with. She saw Sally stand up, and walk onto the floor. Sonic however, remained seated.

He seemed to wave her off, as if to tell her to enjoy herself.

Fiona found herself sitting down, the same as Sonic. The sun was starting to set, and the two of them seemed to eat. Sonic must have been exhausted from dancing with her, and Rosemary. IT was strange to see the difference in energy between attacker-Sonic and dancer-Sonic. Or maybe it was enthusiasm.

Regardless, Fiona felt less lonely, and finished her meal. Then, she did something that she probably wasn't supposed to do. She walked over to Sonic's table, and asked, "How's the food?"

Sonic ate his steak, "I think it's over rated. My chilidogs are much better." He seemed to laugh at the idea.

Fiona nodded, "There is a certain appeal to the simple flavors, and the commoner's foods."

Sonic glanced at her, "Was that a jab at me being a poor boy?"

Fiona suddenly felt her world stop. Right… Sonic was born a peasant. And her comment… Fiona rolled with it, "Maybe?"

Sonic's face became odd. It wasn't so much unreadable, in fact quite the opposite. He seemed to find it funny, but also hurtful, and also a lack of emotion on the whole ordeal. Fiona quickly decided that she did not want that response anymore.

Sonic sighed, "The food is good."

Fiona wasn't sure where to go, from there. She decided that enough damage had been done, and it was time to count her losses.

She returned to her table for the night. She enjoyed orange-champaign drinks called Mimosas, apparently an old-world drink. Tasted fantastic. She had three glasses.

Dinner came around, and Sonic seemed to doze off. Of course Fiona was busy drinking another fine Mimosa, and eating a lovely burger. She was enjoying the food, not eating because she was lonely and scared of the unknown future that was looming over them. No, definitely not.

Yet as Fiona was getting another plate of food, she overheard Rosemary talking to her brother by the drink table.

"I was hoping your answer would be more dedicated." Rosemary sighed.

"I just think that an alliance would be risky, and I don't want to get involved in a conflict like that." Frederick mumbled softly.

Rosemary sighed again, "I understand, but your support might prevent a conflict, as two powerful duchies would provide us the necessary military force to prevent any aggressive nobles from acting on their… ambitions."

Fiona nodded slightly. That logic was spot on. Frederick was… hopefully a very powerful noble within the kingdom. Keeping him at her beck and call would secure their future. Then Again, Sonic alone was probably enough to keep the nobles from trying anything.

"Perhaps if you agreed to a political marriage. My sister and your son are similar ages. That way any condition for our alliance wouldn't be backed out on…" Frederick proposed. That sounded entirely reasonabl-

Fiona realized he was talking about Tails. There was no way Fiona was going back to that mess. The puppy humped her leg practically before doing a complete 180 and now probably wants to murder her.

Fortunately, Rosemary seemed to share Fiona's concerns… or perhaps hated Fiona too much to let her even get close to her kit.

"I don't believe that is a good idea." Rosemary growled, her tail thrashing on the ground.

Fiona really struck a nerve, but it was fine as it provided the perfect excuse for Fiona to back out without having to run away… which was becoming more and more popular as the kingdom seemed to get tense, ready to explode.

Fiona finished grabbing her plate of food as a few nobles seemed to have cornered Hamlin who barked at them, "Back off!"

Frederick seemed to complain, "I don't have any assurance if you aren't going to commit to-"

Fiona quickly moved. They were all pushing the issues. Things were getting tense. Fiona hoped that Scourge would save her soon. She exited to a balcony, with the moon rising high in the sky. How long had they been in there, eating and dancing?

"Sheesh, too rough for you?" Sonic mumbled, looking as though he had just woken up. He was starring up at the moon.

Fiona blinked at the hedgehog, "It was loud. I don't like it here." She mumbled.

Sonic turned to face her, " Here as in the party or…." His voice faded off.

Fiona nodded, which was a lie, but it didn't hurt anyone, "Yeah, the party. I love this kingdom. It's different that being on the road the whole time."

Sonic kept his eyes on her. Fiona felt slightly unnerved by the piercing gaze. "Are you sure? You wouldn't rather be out there with Scourge?"

Fiona laughed, hiding her nervousness behind a mocking joke, "Oh yeah, I'd totally love to be travelling with a guy who outruns me and is self-centered and will probably turn on me when things get tough… oh wait." Fiona glared at Sonic, narrowly avoiding her tongue with her teeth.

Sonic recoiled and mumbled, "Ouch." He seemed to switch to neutral.

Oh that got Fiona, "You listen here, You don't trust me, You don't care about me!" She growled, slamming down her plate on the railing of the balcony, She picked up a roll, "Oh sure, I talk to a couple people and get your full accusations… Oh that's not…" Fiona stopped as her brain went blurry. What was in that orange juice?

Sonic sighed, "Have you been talking to Scourge?" Sonic asked that again? Fiona growled.

"How many times do I have to tell you: no I didn't talk to Scourge, and even if I did, it's none of your business who I talk to." Fiona felt air rise up her stomach. She hickuped and shook herself. Gosh… he was taunting her wasn't he? That's why he wore the suit, to remind Fiona of how suave he was, how cool and charming he was.

Sonic glared at her, "Are you sure?" He really was just looking for his special answer.

Fiona growled, "Yes! Does that help your tiny brain? How's that? I Haven't talked to Scourge in…. in… Forever." Fiona felt… tear. She suddenly felt very alone, "GOSH, THIS IS WHAT YOU DO TO ME! YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE ABSOLUTE DOG SH-" Fiona hickuped again. She got Ready to speak, but was interrupted… by an angry voice, that made her shrink down.

"I CAME OUT HERE TO AVOID YELLING!" He snapped at her. She saw his eyes… they were starting to wrinkle from age. He looked old.

Sonic had his fists balled, and in the moment, Fiona realized that she had consumed Alcohol at some point, had lost her liquid courage at the sight of his mental breaking point. Sonic released his fist, "I'm done… I've had it at this party. I'm going home." Sonic walked through the doorway.

Fiona wanted to stop him, but she her mind and body were working separately.

She tried to shout as the door closed, "Sonic Wait!"

Of course, she was too late. Fiona stared up at the moon. Why was she so terrible?

/*-*/

Johan returned to his large flying-ship with a strong sense of satisfaction. He had learned enough about the strange musical tool that seemed to enamor the people of the land. It's rather soft tune made it oddly alluring, and Johan found it to be pleasant.

Still, the time for pleasure would come once Johan had achieved victory. It was time to work. The fortress which seemed to be fully repaired was idle, quiet. It disturbed Johan to say the least.

He walked into the command room through the door. The whole seemed to be sealed, but cooling with hardening steel. It was a good sign. Yet as Johan walked down the halls of the fortress which housed his slaves, he noticed a door open to his right. The room seemed to be empty before, So Johan was curious as to why someone would occupy it as such.

When he entered, Johan noticed his red Garden Defender resting on a table. He seemed to be asleep. Johan approached, as he notice paper spread out across the table. They appeared to be drawings. Johan was made further curious, when he noticed numbers.

The shape was oddly familiar. It appeared to be a large artillery gun. From the more childish drawings, Johan noticed that it would be fired by three of the "mobians" as they called themselves, and it would be explosive. The drawings seemed to be thoroughly examined.

Johan cleared his throat, jerking the slave awake. He shook himself, "W-Wha I'm up!" He looked around, before his eyes landed on Johan. He quickly became nervous, "Oh… um… sorry, was this your room?"

"What have you drawn?" Johan asked bluntly.

The red Garden Defender, suddenly seemed to realize that his papers were on display, "Oh… uh this…. It's a high… stupid idea." The Garden defender slumped down, seeming to dismiss his own idea.

"Perhaps, but I am curious. Tell me about it." Johan demanded, gazing down at the work.

The red Garden Defender Tapped his foot, before letting out an excited sigh, before quickly explaining "Ok, So what I have is a design for 105 millimeter artillery piece which would be able to crush concrete walls and bunkers." He lifted the design, "I based on an old world shielded artillery, but I increased the size of the shell to deal with heavier fortifications."

He then pushed the papers aside and raised up a drawing of a long cannon with a shield around the front, "This is an 88 millimeter breaching gun, designed to smash through steel doors and seals. I got the idea after Sonic breached on of our compound by simply smashing through the lock." The Red garden defender smiled, seeming to be enthusiastic about his arsenal.

"This sounds useful… why have you not produced these for me?" Johan growled, mildly furious. Indeed, a warrior wanted to fight one on one, but a professional army needed to be well equipped to handle large enemy forces.

"I wanted to… but Talia-Ul said it was pointless. You are strong enough to do anything we could build." The red Garden-Defender sighed. There was truth to that statement, but wanted to fix the army of the kingdom, not simply hand it victory. He would not serve the kingdom forever.

"You have my approval. I want these created. I will discuss this with Ezra." Johan growled, and was about to leave, before a thought crossed his mind, "Tell me, when will we be able to fly?"

The Garden Defender gulped, "Well…. Never."

Johan stopped, his frustration began to boil, "Why not?" He grit his teeth, but acknowledged that there were several possibilities that could prevent his fortress from flying.

The Red Garden Defender mumbled, "Well… There are two reasons. The battery barely has enough power to keep the machinery and lights on for a few more weeks. We need a chaos emerald or a coal plant to recharge the ship. The other issue is fuel. We repaired the damaged fuel tanks… but.." He shuffled his hands in a way that infuriated Johan.

Johan snapped, "Tell me what is wrong, do not waste my time."

"We're out of fuel." The Red Garden Defender sighed, "We used what we could recover from the lower decks to recharge the battery with the engines… Do you understand what I am saying by any chance." He was nervous.

Johan nodded, "Our power supply is limited, and we need fuel."

"We also had to clear out some of the lower decks. Furniture fabric and oil tend to be a fire hazard." The Garden Defender mumbled. Johan hated the submissive personality. It was weak, but… there was wisdom in it. He seemed to acknowledge his place as a follower.

Johan growled, "So I must secure fuel for this fortress to fly?" The Red Garden Defender nodded. Johan grew frustrated with the list of tasks he seemed to be presented, and how there never seemed to be completion, "Where would I secure fuel?"

"Well… The Desert chapter of the Dark Legion and the Sand Blasters have been fighting over an oil lake." The Garden Defender mumbled nervously. "Eggman uses it to power some of his larger robots…"

"So be it. I will secure the oil lake… in time. I will see about securing a "chaos emerald" for our travels. Continue to work, and impress me." Johan left to make his desires known to Ezra. Unfortunately, his craft would not be ready for some time. Johan would present his case to the republic. They would benefit as well, for Johan's plans involved other improvements to the army.

/*-*/

Alright… I'll admit, I'm not confident in this coming arc. You will see a return to the older update style.

The future is falling into place with Mobius.

Please tell me what you thought of the chapter, what you think is coming, or just how I could improve. My charts say that there are about a hundred or so people who regularly read this, so give me some feedback. Or check out "Impressions" give me some feed back for Surge.

Now for the Sonic 2 movie. I'm going to spoil it by saying BLAH BLAGH BLAH BLAH! GO SEE IT, I had fun! That is all.