MerendinoEmilano: This is an angst story, which I have come to interpret as long, drawn out emotional conflict. Still, I do enjoy writing these, they are a lot of fun.

/*-*/

Sonic knew immediately that the Fair wasn't going to be complete success. He had passed by a couple of times to see which kids were being looked at. Most were the younger ones, usually seven or younger. Sonic didn't like it, but he couldn't force them to look at the older ones.

Sonic rubbed his eyes as the time was closing in at five. The fair was going to be over. Granted, hopefully half of the kids would get nice homes. What could he do for the other half?

His options were limited, as Sonic couldn't force a family to take care of kids they didn't want. He also wasn't too keen on rewarding people for taking kids. That tended to result in people taking on kids just for the benefits.

Sonic saw the older kids; some were almost his age. He realized just how much that life could have been his. Sonic fit the bill to go to an orphanage. He wasn't too old, which was both horrifying, and relieving at the same time. Horrifying, because he had spent much of his young and would continue to spend much of his youth fighting Eggman. Relieving, because Sonic realized just how lucky he was that he didn't have to sit in an orphanage.

Sonic found himself wanting to thank Sally over and over again for the skills she helped teach him, along with the skills he learned along the way.

Skills….

Sonic had an idea. Perhaps an odd idea, one that the kingdom hadn't been experimenting with, and might get him into trouble… but it was worth a shot.

Sonic ran to the head Carpenter, who was looking over his mill, "Hey, You got a moment?"

The Fox perked up, pulling away from the large saw blade, "For you, lord? Of course."

Sonic zipped over to the Quarry, where the boar seemed to be sharpening pickaxes… with a rock. There was an irony in there somewhere. Sonic didn't have time to waste on it, "Yo, You got a minute?"

The Boar turned to face the lord of the city, "Why not?"

"Come with me to the city." Sonic said, running back to the city, admittedly annoying the boar.

He lastly found the Master builder and Hunter, who seemed to be in a disagreement.

"Look, I Don't speak for lord Sonic. I ju- Oh there he is." Hunter growled, as a guard had come over.

Sonic smiled, "Hey Builder guy, Meet me by the mill."

The master builder cleared his throat, "My lord, I was hoping to begin construction on an aqueduct to imp-"

"Yeah, Sure, that works. I'll get you what you need. Just meet me by the mill, both of you." Sonic ordered. He didn't really mean to be bossy, but he was in a hurry.

Sonic arrived back at the mill, and wait for his guests to show up. Everyone except the Mason Guild master showed up.

Sonic looked around, wondering where the guy was, only to see him aimlessly walking into the city. Of course, once he saw Sonic, he quickened his pace, "Hello lord, You could have specified the location."

Sonic blinked, and nodded. He thought he said the mill, but it didn't matter, "Ok, so we have a lot of orphans in the city. Several of the older ones aren't really being looked at for adoption."

The Carpenter Guildmaster frowned, "I'm old, lord. I've had my kids. I don't think I'm ready to raise another."

The other Guildmasters nodded in agreement. Even Hunter snorted.

Sonic spoke up, "No, I wasn't asking you guys to adopt. That would be nice though." Sonic looked around for any possible contenders, but it was clear they had their minds made up. Sonic continued, "So… what I had in mind was maybe hiring some of the older kids. Teach them some skills, maybe set up a job for them in the future?"

The Guildmasters looked hesitant for once in Sonic's life. They weren't quite as enthusiastic as he was hoping for.

Finally the boar spoke up, "I get the gesture lord Sonic, but we couldn't hope to pay full price for new kids who don't know nothing. If I am going to hire them, I'll pay lower until they actually pull their own weight."

Sonic didn't like it, but he nodded, "I… Guess that's fair." He couldn't strong arm them into paying the kids everything, and He understood why it wasn't fair for the experienced workers.

"I don't believe we need any extra hands." The Carpenter Guild master frowned, "I can't guarantee a job for them."

Sonic nodded, "Fine, I can't help that."

Lastly came the Master builder, "I'll put them to work and the new project will be great for getting them trained up."

Sonic looked at Hunter, "So?"

Hunter scowled, "What, you want me to make guards out of them?"

Sonic nodded, "Yeah, just some people to take the role and help out the community."

Hunter sighed, "Fine."

Sonic looked back at the group, "So, Is everyone in agreement? Then let's make these kids lives better." Sonic smiled, and walked back into the square… where he saw the badger trading with the fisher.

Sticks was talking with… what was his name? Oswald?

Sonic decided it was best to at least say hi to her. He would mind talking to her more, if Sticks would ever decide to sit down and talk long enough.

He quickly zipped over to her, which caused her to jump up, "AH! Oh… it's you."

Sonic smiled, "Hey, I just sort of left, but I wanted to know how you are doing."

Sticks scowled at him, before sighing, "I apologize for being disgraceful. My Da told me it was not proper to release someone from a ball, and that it could mean I don't like you. I do like you." She explained, "I did not want you to see me humiliated."

Sonic shook his head, "No, I get it. It sucks losing, and you want to be left alone so no one else can see what happened. Totally understand."

Sticks smiled weakly at him, "Thank you."

Oswald cleared his throat, "So… lord, I heard you had some sort of function planned?"

"Actually, it is going on right now." Sonic smiled nervously.

Oswald blinked, "Um… Right now? I was hoping to sell some extra fish… oh dear. What was it over?" Oswald asked, nervously tapping his foot.

"I was hoping to get some of the orphans adopted. I kind of want the orphanage empty, but I know that's probably not realistic, so I'll settle for what I can get." Sonic smiled nervously. He felt bad that the guy had worked extra hard, but didn't quite make it in time.

Oswald nodded, "That's a good cause. How do you think it is going?"

Sonic frowned, "Well, the younger ones are getting most of the attention. I've worked out a deal for the older ones to at least get some experience at a job or some place."

Oswald blinked, smiling, "Well, we can take a few more at the village. A few extra hands wouldn't be too bad."

Sonic nodded, "Alright, well I guess if the village is looking to adopt them, just let orphanage know."

Oswald smiled and nodded. Sonic felt a little less stressed about the children. Maybe that was good, or maybe he was getting docile, but at least he wasn't focusing on that.

Sonic frowned, and sighed as he felt another wave of guilt wash over him. Why couldn't he just let it go? The answer was quite simple: he had called his dad there, which Sonic was partially responsible for his death. Sonic balled a fist.

"What's got you so angry?" Sticks asked, her eyes seeming to pierce his soul. Right… she wasn't there to talk to him.

Sonic opened his mouth, then closed it, before deciding to say, "C-Can you follow me?"

She nodded, and Sonic walked with her back towards his manor.

Sticks walked with rigid posture, as if marching somewhere. Sonic almost found it tense and sad. She didn't need to be so tense around him.

Sonic showed her through the manor, and Sticks relaxed a little, looking around the Manor with a sense of displeasure.

Sonic finally asked as Sticks came to the end of the house which led outside, "What's up? You don't like my house?"

"Why is it so big?" Sticks asked, scowling.

Sonic blinked, "I wanted it smaller, but if I have parties, or feasts, I need to have rooms for people to stay in."

Sticks nodded, "I suppose that makes sense." She sighed. Sonic didn't like the size of his house either. It felt empty most of the time.

When they arrived outside, Sonic gestured to the stone, which had flowers placed on it. From his mom, probably.

Sticks blinked at the stone, "What? Who is it?"

Sonic sighed, "My dad. He died coming to visit me. I wanted him to come, and one of my enemies killed him." he didn't have tears, just a depressed sigh, "I feel guilty."

Sticks blinked, "Did he die fighting?"

Sonic nodded, "Yes, but-"

"Well then don't be sad. He was glorious in his last moments of life." Sticks puffed her chest out with pride.

Sonic shook his head, "That's not the point, I miss him, and I feel responsible for his death."

Sticks nodded, "You are responsible."

Sonic felt slightly shocked that she would say that, "What?"

"You are responsible for his death. You had lands to protect, and their security falls to the chief of those lands. If the chief can not protect the lands, he's not a good chief." Sticks pointed out plainly, "You need to ensure no one dares disturb the peace on your lands. Pound your enemies into submission, and no one will challenge your hold."

Sonic blinked, and opened his mouth to protest, but she was right… in an odd, horrifying way. He needed to make sure the duchy was safe.

Sonic slumped down, "I miss him."

Sticks was quiet. Sonic looked up to a cocked head, as if she was confused by his statement. Sonic nodded, "Sorry."

"Why do you miss him?" Sticks asked, blinking a couple times.

Sonic stood up, frustrated, "BECAUSE I LOVED HIM! HE WAS MY DAD!"

Sticks frowned, "So live for him."

Sonic felt his anger vanish. The sudden understanding hit him. She was… right. He was so bogged down, so sad, that his dad wouldn't be proud of him. Sonic was letting his feelings tell him what to do. Johan's words echoed inside of him. are you simply a slave to your emotions?

Sonic frowned, "I do miss him so much. I wish I could tell him how much I loved him, how much he meant to me."

Sticks sighed, "You will." She slumped, as if ready to reveal a big secret.

Sonic recoiled slightly, "What?"

Sticks smiled, "This world will burn. The entire universe will burn. Then… the end of days will appear. God will come down, and line up the valiant, righteous people, and the wicked, vile people. He will judge them all on the final days. The righteous shall be with him eternally, and the wicked shall be cast away. You will see your dad then… though maybe not as you knew him now."

Sonic blinked, "You actually believe that crap?" Then again, how could he say otherwise. He'd seen powerful forces, supernatural gods and other things.

Sticks' fur bristled, and he realized he had really pissed her off, "It's not crap! It's justice, the judgement of those who chose wrong in their lives, the reward for those who were righteous in a world of cowards!"

Sonic raised his hands, "Sorry!" He was pretty sure she was going to get violent, if her reaching to grab a spear or something off her back was anything to go off.

Sticks panted, angrily, "You don't understand the power of Da's God! He can split mountains! Shatter Seas! He can mend the broken souls like you, or break the strong ones!"

Sonic raised his hands, "I'm sorry! Sheesh!" He felt the smack of a spear shaft on his head.

Sonic clutched his head, wincing, "OW!"

Sticks panted, clearly still angry, "You need to search your soul." She growled at him, before controlling herself, "You… You'll learn."

Sonic saw her leave him. She left him alone. He really made her mad, with that one statement.

/*-*/

Fiona watched as the hopefully new parents left the Fair. They would probably have to wait and let the kids decide who they wanted as their parents. That was a sweet idea.

Sonic had been absent, which made Fiona a little concerned. Still, he ran off with the badger, who made Fiona feel threatened. Sticks was…fierce, and dangerous. She was also hot headed, which made approaching her dangerous. She also seemed to have a lot of respect from Sonic.

Fiona looked around, and wondered the obvious question: Where was Sonic?

She knew he wasn't in the market square. She also noticed that he wasn't where the adoption fair occurred. She walked around, aimlessly. If Sonic wanted to, he could run off in any direction for miles, and she wouldn't be able to find him.

Fiona shook her head at that thought. He probably wouldn't just leave a fair that he started. Fiona ran her mind through the possibilities, before running up on the only conclusion she could muster. Fiona returned to the house, and went to get dinner prepared.

She went to check Sonic's cabinet, only to find that heh ad very little stored away. Then again, his house had been built in the winter. Sonic didn't exactly have grain taxes, so he didn't have a lot food just sitting around.

Still, Fiona grabbed some chili and cheese. And placed it over the stove. It was going to take a while to start simmering.

Fiona saw Sonic walking down the halls, seeming to be distracted. She called out to him, "Hey, Sonic! I'm making chili with cheese for dinner."

Sonic blinked, a smiled, before he nodded, "Thanks."

Fiona asked, "Alright, What's up?" She smiled at him, and Sonic blinked, before walking into the kitchen.

"Nothing… I just said something." Sonic sighed, slumping down.

Fiona examined Sonic closely, "What did you say, come on slow poke."

Sonic blinked from whiplash, "What? What did you call me?"

Fiona smirked, and gave Sonic a sly, flutter of her eyes, "Come on, You take so long just to tell me what's wrong with you. I think you are getting slower."

Sonic scrunched his eye brows, but laughed a little, before his face got serious, "Ok, that's fair. I made Sticks upset. I said what she believed was crap, and she got really mad."

Fiona blinked, before feeling a heavy weight on her heart. In her experience, it was most certainly not crap. "Ooohhh.." She breathed out, the glowing figure appearing in her mind.

Sonic growled, "I mean, it's crazy. She believes that some god will actually raise the dead. That we will see all our loved ones again. She seems to think having to struggle for life is something cool. It's dumb!" Sonic's shout stopped, and he panted, before noticing her face, "What?"

Fiona wore a skeptical look on her face, "I… I've seen things. I've had dreams. I don't think their god is crap. Maybe they don't really understand him, but I think he's real. I asked for help to be a better person, and he told me to come here. He said you were going to suffer, and needed help."

Sonic growled, "So he didn't stop… it from happening? Why? Why do I have to suffer?" he was tense, and angry.

Fiona grabbed him, and pulled him into a hug, "I don't know. But I know he didn't want you to suffer. He wouldn't have sent me." The idea crossed her head. Maybe… maybe that was why Sonic's dad died: so Fiona would make the right choice.

Would she have gone with Scourge if he had burned down an empty building or kid napped a child just have them get rescued? Would she have changed for the better?

The world was so confusing as it was, adding supernatural only made the world more confusing.

Fiona sighed in Sonic's ear, "Maybe it was to help me make the good choice."

Sonic blinked, and pulled away slightly. Fiona quickly moved to explain, "I don't know… If I would have stayed something else had happened. Your girlfriend makes my life harder than I want, and I don't feel like I'm doing anything… I was ready to leave."

Sonic's face was… unreadable. It wasn't stoic, if anything, it was over burdened with emotion. Before he whispered back, "I'm glad you didn't."

Fiona looked into his eyes, and saw a tired smile. She hugged him once again, "There is a plan behind all of this. I know it's hard to believe, but if God wanted you broken, he wouldn't have sent me."

Sonic held her tighter.

The two went into a rather simple dining room, where they ate their savage meal together. Sonic smiled at her, when the door opened.

Sally walked inside, seeming to wear slightly more casual clothes. A black top with her blue jacket, and blue short-shorts. "Sonic… Oh… you're still here?"

Fiona flashed a peace sign, to remind the princess that their truce was still up.

Sally nodded, which was a good sign to Fiona. At least the thought so. The chipmunk sat down next to Sonic, ignoring the precedent Fiona had set of sitting a seat away to give him space.

"Hey… I know this has all been tough on you Sonic. I'm… I'll try to be there for you." Sally caught herself. That was good, because Fiona deduced that She had offered to help Sonic, and fallen short.

Sonic smiled at her, a soft, happy smile, and pulled Sally into a hug. The chipmunk gasped, before purring into the hug. Fiona felt like a third wheel, and a spring on agitation come on.

The two pulled away, and Sonic asked, "Want to eat?"

"Old chili and cheese with my favorite hedgehog, why not?" Sally smirked.

Fiona held in her groan, but served up the bowl. They all ate in peace, before Sonic yawned, and went to bed. Fiona had made herself at home in the room next to Sonic's.

She laid back in the sheets, feeling them engulf her, hugging her body with each curve and dip. Closed her eyes as the wind rattled against the window.

She found herself, standing by a river in a forest. The trees seemed so peaceful, providing nice shade and cover for her to stay cool and out of sight. But Fiona wasn't going to stay there.

She wondered where the path was. Why was she somewhere else? Fiona looked around walking between the shadows of the trees. She continued to skip and hop around, despite the mud on her dress.

Fiona saw the place where the ground rose beyond the riverbed. IT seemed to elevate, and if her memory served correctly, the house where the knight lived was on a hill. There were several trees in between the hill and her, giving plenty of shade to move through.

Fiona skipped through the trees, hoping from trunk to trunk. She stopped, just at the edge of the shady area. She would have to cross into the light if she wanted to reach the base of the hill.

Fiona hesitated for some reason. She just felt nervous about it. Then… the white hooded figure came out. They came down the hill, with a basket in hand. The figure seemed to notice Fiona, and gave her a wave. Fiona waved back.

The white hooded figure seemed to walk towards Fiona, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable. She didn't like the idea of needing help. Besides, it was just a little sunlight, right?"

The white hooded figure stepped onto the grassy ground where the sun kissed the dirt. A shadow passed overhead, sharp and violent, radiating danger.

The figure responded appropriately, with a recoil, and seemed to scan the skies. The shadow passed over again, and the Figure turned to run to Fiona's left.

The Shadow plummeted, and revealed itself to be a large, powerful owl. Its eyes burned with a deep blue hatred. Its feathers were golden, but tarnished, and a bit of cloth was wrapped around his leg, as if torn from a shirt or piece of clothing.

The owl raised its wings in a threatening, angry manner. Fiona wanted to rush in to help, but her legs were Frozen. The owl was probably smaller than she was actually seeing, but he was aggressive, and looked bigger.

The white hooded figure stumbled back, tripping on a rock of sorts. The owl took that very aggressively, and screeched at the figure. Fiona wanted to rush in, but it was clear it wasn't a mental barrier keeping her in place. She was supposed to be there, not any further.

The owl raised his sharp claws and went air born. The claws were easily long enough to pierce the hood, and the owl seemed to want no prisoners. As He went airborn, however, a fist flew into his face. The owl landed in the dirt, rolling over, until he was inches away from Fiona.

Fiona looked up and saw the Golden Knight, fists balled with his armor, standing between the owl and the hooded figure. The knight loosened his hands, as if to try to calm the owl, but the owl screeched and tackled the knight.

Fiona watched as the claws cut at the armor, and the knights fist rose and struck the owl. In the brief spat, Fiona lost sight of the hooded figure, before spotting them in the trees. They were fast, as if used to climbing.

Fiona's eyes wandered back to the fight between the Knight and the owl. The knight seemed to pull the owl, controlling where they fought, but the Owl seemed to be fiercer, clawing and snapping that golden warrior.

The knight threw his fist at the owl, and knocked it back, before once again trying to negotiate. The Owl hissed at the knight, moving a little slower. Fiona hoped they would stop, before the Owl once again soared at the knight.

Fiona felt glowing light on her shoulder. She saw a glowing arm stretched out. "Well, stop them, please!"

The Saxon God held his hand out. It was so strange, Fiona shook her head, "Come on, help us, please!"

Fiona then saw something out of the corner of her eye. Where had the river gone? It seemed to have completely drained…

Then she looked at the blue wall rapidly approaching. Fiona tried to move but couldn't. Both the knight and Owl noticed the blue wall, but the owl refused to evade with the knight in his claws. The knight then punched the owl, and threw it straight up, out of harms way.

The Wall of water slammed into Fiona.

She bolted awake, panting. She looked outside, and saw the sun had just barely made itself known. Time to start her day.

/*-*/

The racket that rose from the ship was truly a melody of innovation. Johan knew that there was a lot to be removed and reused, never wasting old rooms.

The slaves worked hard, and Johan was happy to participate…. Well, perhaps not happy. He would like the project to be done sooner, but first came destruction of the old before the rebirth in the new. Metal was being cast and cooled, making soft shapes before the actual tempering began. It was extra work, but Johan did not want the gun to break.

At the same time, the new weapons Johan had asked for were broken apart and placed in boxes to be stored outside. Anything that could be moved was moved.

The roboticizer was improved, but Johan still wanted to work on it. There was more to be unlocked, more to be gained and unshackled. Johan made it very clear that the machine needed to work as a requirement.

The slaves seemed to work well with him, heeding his orders and wills effectively, although angry at some of the more difficult tasks. A fair issue in Johan's head, but Ezra would keep them in line.

Johan had grown to care about her, a piece of his life that was rather nice to have. Not as an equal of course, as that right was reserved for those who could force him to accept it, but her presence was… comforting.

"How do you feel within my service?" Johan asked her when Ezra was sitting down, eating stewed meats and large red fruits.

"What do you mean? It's not like I have a choice." Ezra spoke cautiously, as if not to provoke him.

"You will when you are done. I will release you from your enslavement when you complete my ship. What will you do then?" Johan asked, curious for her response.

Ezra looked down, pinching her chin as if to focus on something else. Johan waited patiently for her to complete her thought, though his patience had its limits.

Ezra sighed, "I don't know. I would honestly like to stay here, with you." She slumped down.

Johan nodded, "I understand."

Ezra groaned, "It's safer to be under you than to be your enemy. I would rather live through this war. I can't go back to the Legion, They'll probably kill me for treason. So… if it is ok with you, I'd like to stay under your care."

Johan nodded, "I do not mind your subordination. If you wish to fall under my care, then I will welcome you into my service. I will tend to you as I have been."

Ezra smirked, before looking down at her food, "It's funny, I would have ran off a few months ago if I didn't know you would track me down. Now I don't want to leave."

Johan scratched himself, "It is simple, you know I am capable of protecting you. Civilized peoples desire security, so much so that they would devalue their freedoms to attain it."

Ezra smirked, "Fair enough."

Johan would like for that to be the end of his day, but it would not come to pass.

Johan smelled the presence on his ship, and removed himself from the area that was being worked on. They did not need help lifting anything as it stood.

He was greeted by Rosemary, who seemed angry. Johan saw it only fit to warn her, "Mind your words when you speak, I offer no protection to you."

"Did you incite a protest outside the palace?" Rosemary accused.

Johan answered swiftly, "No, I have not stirred anyone up. I have told the people the truth about the crown, and to make their choices."

Rosemary growled, "Did that include rebelling or treason?"

"It includes all. IF you will not be stopped, then you may do as you please. All things are permitted if you are prepared to deal with the effect of your actions." Johan stated clearly. It was how Saxons worked. Violence was rare, because while no laws existed to prevent murder, no laws existed to prevent revenge.

"Did you tell them to rebel? To shout out praise for the monarchy?" Rosemary growled, balling a fist.

"Mind your temper." Johan snarled, slamming his hind leg into the ground. She seemed shocked by his actions, but calmed down. "I told them to do as they pleased. That is all. Everything is under that name."

Rosemary growled, "Men are rebelling because of your words!"

"These are not rebellions. They are expressions, issues brought before the guards of the future. If you continue to attempt to ignore their requests, then you will deal with a rebellion." Johan pointed out, firmly. He was growing agitated with her attitude.

Rosemary glared at Johan, her teeth grit, but she conceded, and sighed, "I see, I apologize. Please do try to help keep the peace."

"I will do as I please." Johan asserted firmly.

"I hope you will consider helping this republic stabilize. There is a lot of good we can do." Rosemary proposed.

Johan shook his head. He did not need to deter truly powerful men from taking what was theirs, "If you are the voice of your people, then you will give them the leader they need. Otherwise, you will burn for your belief in such a failed system."

Rosemary growled, "We are not a failed system."

"You are, and time will show it." Johan asserted.

Rosemary threw her hands up, "You aren't going to work with us. Just know that I hope you are wrong."

Johan smirked. They imprisoned men for bring their issues to the Republic. The course was now set. A fool will destroy themselves faster than any plot.

/*-*/

So, my other story is getting a lot of attention. Apparently Surge has made a big impression, not just with me. So some of you are probably asking: Will Surge and kit be in this one.

No, they won't.

I'll leave their plot for what I had planned here, but I'll probably go over the missed plot points as a last chapter to show what I could have added.

Surge and Kit:

-Starline approaches the freedom Fighters about a manpower issue.

-The wolverine and Sally meet him to find he has engineered clones to replace

-The Wolverine reacts, regarding the clones as a crime against nature and the laws of war.(Starline is rejected)

-Starline vows to demonstrate the effectiveness of his clones by making two to beat Sonic and Tails.

-Johan engages the two clones( Surge and kit) and kills them after a light struggle.

-Johan taunts Starline, regarding them as a "wife and child", taunting with a rhetorical question about the pain Starline felt watching them die twice.

-Starline is permitted to leave in exile.

Why did it change:

I ultimately came up with the idea in issue 1 of imposter syndrome. As I learned more about them, it feels like a crime to have them in here as disposable baddies, when they are supposed to be characters who undergo the Vegeta/Zuko arc of redemption. So I won't add them, just to simplify their characters where an OC could do.

Leave a review and tell me what you think.