Merendinoemilano: I don't like to abandon stories, but I usually end up taking a break, and then extending that break until I can't even remember the original plan for the story.

Victor John Foxfire(Ch58): Johan's constant need for more resources pulls him into all sorts of conflicts. Of course, Hamlin thinks that he can keep the republic away from the desert forever. Rosemary might not even mind a little corruption to keep the republic unified. Of course, if anyone else were to take power, that might be another story.

The Saxon way of life is very fast paced, but also honest. Sonic would absolutely fit in if it weren't for a few disagreements he has with it. He loves how everything feels genuine, it's refreshing when compared to the scheming he constantly has to deal with. As for Fiona, the dynamic with God is kind of interesting, and there is still much to be revealed. Somethings sound off, but might be good at the end of the story. One thing that is certain: it is easy to call out for help, the hard part comes the tests…

Victor John Foxfire(ch59): I though Sonic could use something to lighten the mood. A nice calm before the storm. Of course, it wasn't all great. Sticks was humiliated, although in private, and wanted to be alone to wallow in her "shame". She expected a lot of herself. Ceawlin might have done it out love, but as I was told by others, he's a bit of a big jerk for it.

Fiona also has her tests coming up, one she needs to pass…

/*-*/

Sonic walked in to FreedomHQ, ready to pick up the last bits of his stuff. Geoffrey was sitting there in the mess hall, eating a sandwich with one hand. Sonic kept walking.

The long halls of the Freedom Fighters were home to so many memories. Not this one of course, as it was new, but the resemblance was almost identical. Sonic worked his way down the halls feeling the slight pang of guilt. It's not like he was leaving the Freedom Fighters, but he was moving out, putting up some distance, expanding his horizons.

Sonic walked into his room. The Freedom Fighter's were his family, and he loved them… well most of them. Sonic saw the picture on his nightstand. The Freedom Fighters all celebrating his return. Fiona with her arms around his neck, Sally, with a confused and pained look about said action, Antoine and Bunnie getting all gushy… Tails forcing a smile. Sonic frowned.

She…. Fiona…. She had made him happy back then. She didn't hold back affection, or compliments. She made him feel so confident, and joyful. It was all a ploy. Sonic dated her to get Tails to stop, she dated to hurt him. Nothing was real.

Sonic growled, balling a fist. The door cracked open, and Sonic quickly shoved the picture in a sack, along with some socks and sheets.

Sally stepped inside, and smiled sadly, "So… I guess you're leaving us? For real this time?" Sally's breathing was labored, as if she was terrified… or depressed.

Sonic smiled nervously, "I mean, I'm just getting my stuff. I'm not leaving for good. I'll still be a Freedom Fighter. I'm just… growing up."

Sally nodded sadly, "I guess I pushed a little hard on you. I'm sorry. I know I've been a bit of a roller coaster with… I'm sorry." She slumped down. Her face was so… droopy.

Sonic forced a laugh to try and lighten up the mood, "Sally, come on, I'm just a ten minute walk away. Heck, I can run back and forth twenty times before you even start to miss me." Sonic rubbed under his nose, perhaps a little arrogantly.

Sally shook her head, her voice catching a little, "I'm sorry. I know I pushed you, and tried to use you, and tried to push your new… friends away." She was almost crying.

Sonic smiled awkwardly, "Whah? I'm not leaving for that stuff. I get it, you all wanted to be the best." It was kind of a lie. He didn't like the idea of being a pawn in Sally and Elias's game. But would have made the same choices? Sonic wasn't sure.

Sally growled, frustrated, her fists balled, "Then why are you packing your things? Why are you getting away from me?"

Sonic blinked and closed his eyes. How was he going to handle this? He didn't feel like getting slapp- BAD SONIC! That was way too cynical for him to stick to. Sonic shook his head. How was he going to handle this? He didn't want her to be sad. Sonic quickly spoke, "Well to be honest, I don't have anything at my mansion. It's kind of bare." Sonic laughed afterwards.

Sally looked up and blinked, before her chest started to quiver, her body began to shudder. Sonic put a hand on her shoulder, worried about her. She seemed to be torn-

Sally let out a roar of laughter, "You… You really crack me up some times."

Sonic looked a little closer. Sally had bags under her eyes… her bags had bags. She was not sleeping well. That's why she was so emotional… or that was how Sonic justified it.

He smiled at her, and hugged her. Sally smiled, purring into his ears. She seemed to calm down his embrace, which made him uncomfortable when she didn't pull away from him. Still… she needed this.

Sonic finally cleared his throat after a minute or so.

Sally shook herself, and pulled away, "Can we go for a walk? You and me?"

Sonic was a little hesitant. He didn't want the situation to get any more stressful. So, he agreed, "Sure, I guess we can go for a little trip."

Sally held out her arm, and turned around. Sonic looped his arm through her left arm, and they stepped out. The two walked towards the door, when Tails appeared in it. He seemed to be… unhappy. He had a letter in his hand.

Sonic smiled at the fox, "Hey buddy, hows-" Tails pushed by him, seeming to bump his shoulder, slamming a letter into his chest. Sonic suddenly found himself off balance. His anger began to boil. They were friends, then they weren't, they were friends, then they weren't, they were friends, then they weren't. Sonic was getting really tired of the little dance, especially when he couldn't figure it out.

Sonic turned around, and Sally seemed to notice the look in his eyes because she put a hand on his arm, "Sonic, calm do-"

"WHAT'S YOU'RE PROBLEM?" Sonic shouted, his voice traveling through the hallway, entering the mess hall before seeming to work its way to Tails' ears.

Tails stopped, his fur bristling. His face slowly turned around, and Sonic saw the glares in his eyes. The Fox grit his teeth, "You wanna know what my problem is?"

Sonic pulled away from Sally, causing her to grasp at the air, "Boys, pleas-"

Sonic shouted, "YEAH, YOU'VE BEEN A LITTLE PUNK FOR A WHILE NOW!" Sonic shouted, feeling his blood rushing to his face, his fists and his legs.

Tails walked forward, "OH YEAH, LIKE LOOKING IN A MIRROR HUH?"

The two stood there, glaring at each other. Sonic barely noticed how many people were watching.

Bunnie seemed to tug Antoine away, "C'mon sugah, let's let them work this out."

Cream looked distraught from the sight of the two growling at each other. Other eyes watch in confusion and excitement, not the least was Geoffrey, who seemed to smirk at the conflict unfolding.

Sonic felt his boiling blood double down at the sight of the skunk. Sonic struggled to keep the fist at his side. "YOU'VE BEEN AN ANGRY LITTLE KID FOR WHILE NOW! SO WHAT PETTY REASON IS IT THIS TIME? WHAT'S THE LITTLE GUY GOT A PROBLEM WITH NOW?"

Tails' eyes widened. Sonic smirked as he got the kid riled up. He wasn't expecting to be tackled against the door.

"Tails, Control yourself!" Sally growled, clearly getting frustrated.

"You want to know my problem?" Tails growled and slammed a fist into Sonic's face. "You really want to know my problem?" Tails slammed his other fist into Sonic's face.

Sonic growled and slammed the open button for the door, causing it to… well open. He rolled back, kicking Tails down the hill. He stood up.

Sally called out, "Sonic, Take a breather, calm-" He ignored her. Tails was busy being a little punk. Why should he be above it?

Sonic walked down the hill with an… unexplainable anger. He was frustrated, but he couldn't figure out why… no he knew exactly why. Tails was throwing another hissy fit, being a child and Sonic was fed up with it.

He saw the yellow ball of fur uncurl, which he used at the perfect time to throw a punch directly into Tails' snout. The Fox yelped.

"Y-You hit me?" Tails looked shocked, covering his snout as Sonic a foot into the fox's chest. The little guy skidded back against the dirt.

"Yeah, that's how a fight goes." Sonic growled, balling his fist. He could spindash, he could run around Tails. But he wasn't going to. This was a fist fight, and they would settle it like that.

Sonic stood over Tails, "So, you ready to act like an adult, or are you still going to be a little kid?"

The two tails slammed under Sonic's arms and knocked him backwards, just enough for Tails to scream as he tackled Sonic once again. Tails balled his fist and struck Sonic in the face again.

Sonic raised an arm to block the second hit, and punched Tails in the chest, probably leaving a bruise form the yelp the little fox gave.

Sonic rolled them over and climbed on top to pummel the little fox. Sonic slammed an elbow into the kit's ribs. "TALK TAILS! WHY ARE YOU SUCH A LITTLE PEST?"

Sonic punched the fox in the face. He was not prepared for the fox rear around and bite his forearm. Sonic grunted in pain, locking his jaw and slamming an elbow on Tails' ribs.

The Fox took the opportunity to flip them over. Tails wrapped his hands around Sonic's neck. The little guy was surprisingly strong. It was almost scary as Sonic gasped for air underneath the fox.

If that was how he was going to play it, fine! Sonic jabbed Tails in the throat, causing his tongue to lurch out of his mouth in a gag. Sonic then punched the fox in the stomach, and pulled his legs back to kick the kit back.

Sonic rose to pound the fox, the smaller guy looking furious and rising to trade blows. Two glowing energy blades stopped their fists in the middle of their spat.

Sally was panting, her eyes were watering, "What is wrong with you two?" She muttered lowly, her voice horrified and torn to pieces, "O-Our kingdom is about to rip itself to pieces… and you two… you're fightin-"

"HE STARTED IT!" Tails shouted. Sonic balled his fists and got ready to pummel the fox.

Sally pushed them both back, "I DON'T CARE, WE NEED TO BE A TEAM!" She shouted, tears falling from her face, "What is wrong with you two?" She sighed, rubbing her head.

Sonic growled, "What's wrong with you Tails? You've been acting rude and angry for a while now. What turned you into this little pest?"

Tails began to shake, "What turned me into a pest? You did you cocky, arrogant, helpless jerk! You want to keep me as the little back up guy who does everything and gets all of the credit! You're the punk. You just want to keep me down cause I'm the freak of our group! I'm easy pickings for jerks like you! You want to know the truth? I HATE YOU!"

Sonic felt something inside him break. It was more than just a heart tug. He felt something inside him shift, "Yeah? Is that right?" Sonic muttered, before he felt a strange laugh work its way up his throat. He actually had a hard time stopping. It just flowed and flowed, earning concerned looks from both of them.

Sally gulped a little, "Sonic… calm down. Calm-"

"I'm pretty calm, Sally." Sonic felt the grin on his face. Tails took a step back, as if suddenly realizing everything he just said. Or maybe he realized how much trouble he was in.

Sally whirled around, "TAILS! GO BACK TO HEADQUARTERS! WE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS LAT-!"

Sonic shook his head, "Hey Miles."

The Fox had a worried look on his face.

Sonic felt the grin. The perfect revenge, "Yeah… you may hate me. But everyone hates you. Your parents left you, your girlfriend left you, your own robot dog left you. And you know what, I get why. I'm glad you were abandoned. They didn't deserve a kid like you." Sonic growled with a smile.

Sally was speechless. Tails was speechless. The wind was speechless.

Tails' fists balled up. Then… he frowned, "I don't ever want to see you again."

"Fair enough." Sonic growled back. That was a fitting end to things. The little punk wanted him out? Good, Sonic wouldn't risk a quill for him anymore. Sonic gave so much for the little brat and he couldn't even appreciate it.

Sally looked back and forth, "Sonic…" She was speechless, horrified. Good, Sonic was done playing the good guy just to be walked on like a new rug.

"We need to talk." Sally stated, panting in stress.

Sonic started walking back Towards his city, "About what? The little prick wants to go it alone? Let him. I'm tired of saving him when the going gets tough."

"You've been through so much together! Why would you say something like that… that was horrible." Sonic felt her fist hit his back. Sonic almost raised his quills.

"What was that for?" Sonic growled back at her.

"ARE YOU SCOURGE? IS THAT WHAT THIS IS?" Sally shouted.

Sonic recoiled, "No, sheesh Sal."

"Then apologize to him! make up like normal!" Sally cried.

Sonic thought about it for a moment. A moment.

"No… I'm always the first one to apologize. He'll get an apology when he comes crying for forgiveness." Sonic growled, and walked back into the city.

He stopped to open the letter. It was from Rosemary, or rather the republic, but definitely Rosemary.

Greeting Lord Hedgehog,

I hope this finds you well. After a Semi-unanimous vote, we have elected to remain a republic for the foreseeable future. I trust this will not hinder any pledged obligations that you have made. You have demonstrated a dedication to the republic that I wish we could see in others. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you and your estate.

With Formal Respect,

The Publicly Elected Representatives of the Republic of Acorn

Sonic sighed, He guessed he would see them at the party as well.

/*-*/

Fiona stretched out. She had a feeling Sonic was in trouble. She couldn't prove it. What if it was Frederick? Fiona struggled more with the grasp that she had called out to a God, and he'd responded. That was weird.

Fiona shook herself as she ate with her family. It was so… quiet… peaceful. Fiona sat under the parasol that kept shade over their table. Fiona almost wished an explosion or something would happen. Something to change up how quiet it was. Fiona wanted a life of excitement.

Then Again, she could focus on the cryptic message that the Saxon God gave her. She wanted to say it wasn't Sonic. He seemed beaten down, and didn't seem like he was ready for another crushing blow. Fiona didn't want it to be Frederick either, because he was too nice to survive any real suffering. She was getting more and more stressed, just thinking about it.

Fiona tapped her foot. There was the Freedom Fighters, but what did she care? They were all stupid, uncompromising idiots. If They suffered, it wouldn't hurt Fiona. Or would it? Would Fiona get blamed for any problems that came about? Sally would probably find something to pin on her.

Fiona hated not knowing. But she felt a slight breath of relief wash over her. Scourge would cause his distraction and Fiona would leave. It would all be a distant memory. Fiona should have been happy from that thought. Instead, she found herself worried.

The door into the Garden area opened, and a servant came forward, "My lord, a message from Sir Sonic." She bowed, and placed a letter on the table that they were eating at.

Alister perked up, trying to peak over the table and see the letter. Frederick picked it up, earning an eye roll from his wife. Fiona found herself intrigued. For one reason or another, Sonic made things interesting.

Frederick sighed, and opened the letter. He wore a soft, but concerned smile. Fiona saw his face contort, but start to nod. He licked his lips seemingly confused on certain parts.

Fiona found herself worried; was Sonic alright? Fiona sucked her nose in patiently.

Finally, Frederick looked to his family, "Would you all like to go to another ball perhaps?"

"Is Sonic throwing a party?" Fiona recoiled slightly. It wasn't so much unbelievable from the idea that Sonic was somehow antisocial, but more that he would even consider having a bunch of nobles over when he'd really just eat chilidogs. It was a deserved selfishness.

Frederick nodded, before looking over her belly-top and shorts. It was almost warm enough for them. The snow was all practically gone. "We will need to get you something more…fitting a noble woman."

Fiona rolled her eyes, "No thanks, one dress is enough."

"You look like a… less than trustworthy woman." Frederick hesitated.

"A criminal? Yeah, I'm still technically a prisoner." Fiona smiled, and jiggled her hands in the air.

Frederick sighed, "Please, if we are going to Lord Sonic's party, We need to be presentable."

Fiona almost laughed, "You think Sonic cares what we look like? I doubt he would notice anything wrong with us if we didn't take a bath."

Frederick sighed, and looked at his family, "What would you like to do?"

Alister slumped down, perhaps a little less than thrilled at the idea of another party. Fiona couldn't exactly blame him either. He seemed to like to be a little more isolated.

Olivia looked at her son, before returning to her Husband, "I think we should go."

Alister sat up, "No! please… no." The little guy seemed to freak out.

Frederick blinked, "Ok Alister, We will-"

Olivia interjected, "Frederick, Alister needs to learn to enjoy these parties. There is more than pleasure involved. He needs to understand politics, and how things are discussed."

Frederick looked down at the letter, "It seems he has invited his Parents as guests of honor. I suppose it would be rather small. Alister, I think this would be good for you." Frederick sounded so indecisive.

Fiona smiled. Somethings sorted themselves out. And if things got tough, She could escape and wait for Scourge. It would be easy.

/*-*/

The weapons were fine, and the Ship was all but repaired. Johan just needed to wait for the changes in to take hold. He had been neglecting a different job he had.

Johan kept careful watch as the small rabbit skipped around in the greenfield that had emerged from the snow.

She seemed happy. Johan kept his distance, but was always close enough to respond. It was an odd structure, but he needed to keep watch for any threats. He would not let any harm fall on her. He kept watch, looking for any threat that would dare challenge him.

Still… something stirred inside him. Honor and dignity demanded he watch the rabbit. Something else established a connection. It demanded he guard her.

Johan perked up as a smell filled the air. Something was wrong. He didn't like that smell… it made him angry.

/*-*/

Ok, so I got an idea for a Sonic game. A Sonic First person shooter, based around the wispons. Instead of different guns, it's a different wisp. Reloading is more of a high-five with the wisp or social interaction with the wisp. Each wisp works like a sort of hero, with their own special attributes(block makes vehicles more armored, rocket adds rocket pods to vehicles, etc.), tactical power(Block: make a quick cover, fire: throws a fire bomb, etc.), and mobility(Rocket: turns the user into a rocket that shoots straight up, electric: Allows the player to swing along hooks around the map, etc). It would have Sally, Antoine and Bunnie in the campaign, with the avatar customization for multiplayer. Not revolutionary, but I think it could sell, and people could have a good time.

So with that distraction off my chest(Sega, you can totally use it, I am not Kenny-boy), The unbreakable bond, now broken. Danger lurks around, and the worst is yet to come.

Something… something… review, improvement… something. You get the idea.