MerendinoEmilano: Things are coming to blows soon. You might say this is the road to chapter seventy.

/*-*/

Sonic woke up with the sound of ceramic clinking. He opened his eyes and saw Fiona standing there, with a mug of coffee. If his heart wasn't fully awake before, it was then. He saw her smiling, holding out a cup of coffee. Sonic's eyes were a little slow to fully wake up, so he saw… Fiona. Old Fiona, in her white and orange body suit, smiling at him.

"Hey blue, good morning"

Sonic blinked and shook his head, Fiona was back to her normal aire, "Hey."

"Hey, thought I would make you some coffee." Fiona smiled, setting the cup down next to Sonic's bed. He sat up and picked up the mug, looking into the coffee cup. The brown liquid seemed to swirl in the cup, mixed with milk and hopefully sugar. Fiona sat at the end of his bed, smiling softly at him.

Sonic frowned, which prompted Fiona to frown, "It's not poisoned." She joked.

"I know, just making sure you want to give this to me." Sonic smiled at her, before cracking a grin, "You know how much energy I have as it is."

Fiona seemed to smile, realizing his joking nature, and also seeming to be relieved, "Well, you're in a better mood. Is everything alright after…. What happened?" Fiona's mouth twitched back into a frown, as she seemed to be mentally beating herself up over the statement.

Sonic reached and grasped her hand, prompting a shiver from the vixen, "It's alright… I'm going to move forward." Sonic smiled at her, pulling her into a tight hug as he sat up, "I'm sorry I haven't been… welcoming, at least fully with you. I know you've been trying to be good, and I was scared if I trusted you-"

Fiona pushed away from Sonic, scowling, "Stop! I get it, you didn't trust me. You did stick up for me though. I don't blame you for not trusting me, I would have been the same way." That should have been the end of it. But the shameful question worked its way back up Sonic's throat, as he looked down. Sonic forced the question back down.

"Go ahead. You might as well ask it. I know you need to hear it again." Fiona stated, sighing in annoyance.

Sonic forced his wide smile, "Are you really back with us? This isn't a trick or a trap?"

Fiona stretched out a hand, and caressed Sonic's face, "If it was a trick, I wouldn't tell you. I'm back though, and I'll be here, with my family, and loved ones."

Sonic smiled at her and threw his arms around her. Fiona tensed up again, before returning the hug. The way her hands caressed his back felt… odd. Her cheek ran up and down on him, her face settling under his chin, seeming to give submission. Sonic felt a piece of his head telling him to take it.

Sonic instead opted to keep hugging her, holding her close and tight. Her hands ran up his shoulders, and the two pulled away to look in each other's eyes. He saw her sorrow, and regret. She was really sorry about everything. Or maybe she was good a lying. Sonic wanted to believe the former.

Sonic heard a door shut down the hall, and Fiona jumped away, leaving Sonic to stand up. The two exchanged a glance, and Sonic was getting signals… signal which were probably being misread.

A figure huffed into the doorway, Sonic's beloved chipmunk, who seemed to be in a hurry. Her face was strained, and she was panting like she ran a marathon. She stopped for a moment to look at the two, "Am I interrupting something?" She seemed to direct the question at Fiona, who looked away.

Fiona seemed nervous, "Just trying to wake up the lazy hedgy. He'd rather sleep all day than do anything."

Sally smirked, "Yes… he is a lazy hedgy now isn't he." She was teasing him. Sonic sighed, but smiled. It was nice to get back to normal.

I'll do better, Dad… don't worry.

Sonic playfully groaned, "Do you have any idea how hard it is, being a noble with nothing to do? I have to be lazy or else everything would get done in a day."

Sally's face became serious, and she shook herself, "Something happened, Sonic. I'm going to tell everyone at the Headquarters, but you need to know, it's…scary."

Sonic slipped on his shoes, and felt himself getting serious, "Is… well I guess everything isn't alright. I'll be up there."

Sally nodded, before glancing at Fiona, "Are You going to be there?"

"Am I invited?" Fiona asked, split between snarky and surprised.

"While the truce is up, yes." Sally glared at the vixen.

Sonic blinked, feeling oddly confused. The two were quite… catty, so what was going on?

Fiona nodded, showing actual concern, "I'll be there. You look like you're going to need all hands on deck."

Sally nodded, closing her eyes in exhaustion, "Things are getting tense. Please… think about everyone, and make sure nothing you don't leave anything to decipher."

Sonic watched her leave, seeming to rush out. Sonic almost felt bad for her, but Sally knew what she was doing. Sally wasn't attacking Fiona, which was good, but Sonic was a little curious about what they said. "So what's this "Truce" that's going on?"

Fiona smiled slyly at Sonic, "Don't worry about it. Just focus on getting ready, and we'll take good care of you."

"Yeah…" Sonic rolled his eyes at her flirt. Fiona was still trying her charm, which Sonic would be lying if it wasn't working.

He went to eat breakfast, some nice eggs and buttered bread. Fiona was spoiling him. "This is amazing." Sonic loved it all. It was so simple and tasty.

"Well, don't tell anyone. I've got a lot of talents tucked away." Fiona smiled, tapping her foot nervously. Sonic smiled at her, but still noticing her cautious look she threw him.

"I'm moving on, don't worry. I'll miss him, but you… you aren't the one I'm blaming." Sonic smiled, but felt his anger growing in his heart.

Fiona's hand wrapped around his, "Just… don't become Scourge to beat him."

Sonic saw her concern, which sent off red flags in his head. Did she still care about Scourge? Or maybe she was warning Sonic?

There were things to do, so those thoughts were pushed to the back of Sonic's head. He ran up to Freedom HQ. There wasn't a guard fox stopping him this time.

Sonic walked in, and saw Geoffrey, who looked nervous. He was actually uncomfortable, which was a nice change of pace for Sonic. He went to his old room, still empty… or almost…

Sonic saw the slumped shadow in his room. Two Tails thrashed angrily. Snarling and squeaking came from the figure. Sonic left him without a word. The punk could work through it himself.

Those thoughts cut into Sonic. He really shouldn't have said those things, but he was angry. That wasn't an excuse, and Sonic wanted to Apologize. But if he did, Sonic would be the weaker one, or he'd bring up a wound and they wouldn't heal. No, it was better to just keep moving forward.

Sonic found his way to the Command room, and took a seat, with Antoine, Bunnie and Rotor looking cautiously at him. Sonic guessed they hadn't forgotten what he'd said to Tails.

Speaking of the little fox, he walked in, and immediately laid eyes on Sonic. Tails' face was contorted with the anger and pain within his eyes. The fox's tails bristled up, "NO! YOU AREN'T WELCOME HERE!" Tails shouted angrily.

Sonic held up his hands, but Sally walked in the door before he could respond to Tails, "Tails, Sonic is welcome here. You don't decide that."

Tails opened his mouth, angry and ready to object, " But-"

"I am the leader of the Freedom Fighters. We have to work together, especially now. He is still a Freedom Fighter." Sally stated, her tone firm and able to stop the Fox's protest.

Tails slumped down, and sat three seats away. Should Sonic apologize? He was tired of the two being at each other's throats. He loved the little guy, and Sonic wanted him to come back and hug him.

Sally cleared her throat as the Freedom Fighters sat down. Fiona sat on Sonic's right, where he was between her and Tails, who left a couple empty seats. "So… I have news. There was a capitol protest, no one was hurt, but a few people were arrested for monarchy sentiment."

Sonic frowned. That didn't seem right. If they were upset, and they weren't hurting anyone, then it really wasn't a crime. Sally saw the twists of discomfort from the Freedom Fighters. Sonic wasn't alone, everyone seemed to share the trouble with that approach.

Tails, however, growled, "Serves them right! Everyone wants their way, but they'd better just accept it."

Sonic turned to Tails, "Your dad tried to lead a violent revolution, and you got mad at me for saying that. Your dad actually destroyed stuff."

"So!" Tails barked angrily at Sonic, "He was fighting for freedom and rights!"

Rotor cleared his throat, his face flush with concern, "Tails, this isn't about politics, this is scary because people are being thrown in prison for simply having different beliefs."

"Their beliefs are-" Tails started angrily, frustrated with tears in his eyes.

She interrupted with a neutral tone, "I'm not here for politics. I'm here because tensions are already rising. Tails, your mom wants you to come to the capital. She's worried about your and the republic's future, so she wants to keep you close."

Tails growled, "Fine, I'll go."

Sally cleared her throat as Tails rose, " Tails, You might not see us for a while, is there anything you want to say? Maybe something to clear up so we don't leave with hard feelings?"

Tails glanced at Sonic, his eyes burning with anger… no, hatred. Sonic could feel the burning rage in the Fox's heart radiating towards him. "… No." Tails scowled.

Sally opened her mouth, but then closed it, looking sad and tired, "Alright, I guess, we'll talk later."

Tails stormed out of the room. Sonic didn't want him to leave so soon. Sonic felt terrible, but his pride held him there.

Sally looked down tapping her foot, "I guess…. I can bring up something else, perhaps a little happier. Megan is Pregnant again."

Sonic saw Elias, who blinked at his sister, seeming to be slightly shocked by her statement. Sally immediately responded, "Look, they were going to find out sooner or later."

Sonic flashed finger guns at Elias, "Nice going pal."

Elias shook his head, seeming to be embarrassed by Sonic's statement.

Rotor cleared his throat, "Sally, we really need to talk about it."

Sonic's sly grin fell apart, "What?" he was both curious, and afraid from the tone of Rotor's voice.

Sally nodded slowly, and sighed, "Two days ago, Nicole picked up a dimensional wave. Something entered our world, and this was it's energy signal."

The large screen behind her lit up with a wavy line that rose up and down. Sonic felt lost, "Ok, so…"

"Ten minutes after the scanner picked up this signal, a town was devastated. We don't know much, but it looks like a rocket or something might have struck the town." Sally sighed, seeming to be troubled and sad by the news. Sonic felt the same.

But he was the positive upbeat role-model, " Alright, let's go help everyone out."

The room looked at him surprised. Sally smiled softly, "It's nice to know you are back to normal."

Sonic blinked a little, and catching Fiona flashing him a thumbs up. He smiled back at them, "Yeah, well, we got to help everyone. We can't just stay on the ground, we got to pick ourselves." The room slow began to nod, smiling at Sonic.

Sonic smiled back at everyone, "Let's get this done."

Sally sighed, but kept her smile, "That's not what needs to happen."

Sonic blinked, feeling confused and a slight frustration at the time it was taking for figure out what was going. "Ok…"

Sally played with her hands, "This is… odd, and I might be wrong, but we need to pay attention to this. This is the energy waves coming from the town two days ago." Sally gestured to the image that hadn't changed at all.

Elias nodded, "I see, I don't understand it, but I can see the chart."

Sally nodded, "Nicole, pull up the other picture."

"On it, Sally." Nicole's voice echoed through the room.

The screen pushed the image to the left side, and a new chart appeared… looking nearly identical. Sonic blinked, "Ok, So what is that? Why does it look so close to the other picture?"

Sally smiled at Sonic, "That, is the energy signature of two days before the snow storms Johan made started appearing."

Sonic blinked, "But… what does that mean?"

"They have the same energy signature, and if we believe Johan's story about coming from another dimension, this would have been the time he appeared." Sally explained, before gesturing to the charts. She seemed nervous, and terrified.

Sonic blinked, "So they look alike? Do you think that mean's they are the same?" Sonic's mind went to the implications of what would happen if another Johan appeared. His mind quickly understood what was so scary.

Sally shook her head, "I don't know, but I want to investigate it. We won't investigate it alone. We will have a buddy system. I'm worried that there might be more coming our way than we can handle."

Sonic nodded, and looked at Fiona, who shared his slight fear. She knew first hand how Dangerous Johan was, so what ever came from that burst would change the world.

Sonic dared to make the statement, "Maybe it's a coincidence?" Even he didn't believe that statement.

But Sally didn't dismiss it, "There is a lot we don't know about the energies of the world. Maybe we got a misread, or maybe something else happened. Still, I want to find out what happened."

Sonic nodded. Things were changing and getting terrifying. It was almost exciting. Almost…

/*-*/

Fiona knew there was going to be trouble, the Southern duchies were unstable as it was, but the destruction was all it took to reignite tensions. Of course, that came with the implication that there wasn't already tensions.

Fiona marched along, and could feel the ground under her feet. Her gaze wandered to Sonic and Sally, who were talking. She wasn't too proud to admit she was jealous.

Fiona had screwed up, and burned her bridge. The distance that she would have to walk to recover that relationship was already difficult, but the danger that someone else would come in and swoop Sonic away made it seem impossible. A truth that was strangely exciting, the idea of winning him over despite all of the problems.

Fiona, picked up the pace, and caught up with Sonic, "So, what do you all think happened? Outside of a fit from a new Wolverine?"

Sally shook her head as they continued towards the southern duchies, "I don't know. It's too strange to say anything for certain. I know that what ever it is, I don't want Johan here. If there are more of him, we could find ourselves in a very bad spot."

Sonic scowled, his eyes brows wrinkling as he kept pace, "I don't know either. I think We'd hear a little more if it was Johan or someone like him. Or maybe we wouldn't hear anything. Maybe we should have brought him, he might be able to handle the new guy a little easier."

"My, is the great Sonic the hedgehog nervous?" Fiona taunted, feeling the smirk plastered on her face. His eyes seemed to follow her with a mock outrage.

"Me, nervous. My dearest lady, you misspeak with thy fine voice, but of utter foolishness." Sonic gave the haughtiest tone to his voice, mocking her noble status. She actually wanted to laugh at the statement, but came up with a better idea.

"Wehl, I'm sorreh that I din' grow up in tha boonies like you." Fiona did her most outrageous accent as the others came closer.

Sonic snorted, struggling to keep back the giggles, "Wow! Just, Wow! No respect for the little man."

Fiona smiled slyly, and winked at Sonic, "Come on, we both know you aren't a "Little man"."

Sally interrupted, "Come, we are trying to stay serious." She seemed to get more than agitated at the two flirting around. Fiona felt herself glaring, which she promptly stopped for the sake of the truce.

Sonic smiled, "Aw Sal, are you jealous. I'm a big boy and you know it too." Sonic wrapped and arm around her. Fiona rolled her eyes as the former princess quickly became flustered. He stroked her arm, rising up to her shoulder, barely brushing the zipped-up vest.

Sally tried to growl, clearly enjoying the attention, "S-stop it. Come on, we aren't alone here."

Sonic turned around, and Fiona did the same, seeing the freedom fighters smirking and clearly whispering and plotting behind the two's back. Probably enjoying the sight of the group healing.

Fiona probably should have been happy for the hedgehog, but that would mean she… what was she doing? Fiona took a moment, perhaps falling behind Sonic and into the other freedom fighters with her slower walk.

Sonic was such a point of hatred for her life… but in those few moments where she met her lost brother, found her family, and met Sonic, the young noble man out to reunite them all. She found his noble courage, his good will, and his trust. And she loved him for it.

She loved him, not a simple favor or fleeting attachment. She wanted to claim Sonic, to have him be hers forever. She hadn't even seen it developing until she found the time to look at herself.

"Fiona, you coming?" Sonic called out to her. Fiona realized she had fallen behind, and ran up to get closer to them. She was going to start playing for him.

They ate dinner, and went to bed. Fiona hoped to have another mystical dream, something to help her on her little journey. Instead, all she saw was a black gate behind her, broken down and busted. A pearly gate stood in front of her, with Frederick and Sonic waiting on the other side.

She dared to walk through, feeling the warm wash over her as the sun seemed to make itself known, and a smiled danced on her face. Sally was there, for some reason, and flashed a two finger salute, seeming to be slightly down, but accepting enough.

Fiona awoke, and the journey continued after breakfast. They continued on their way to the town, following the forest along the road. The road dipped down and rose up a hill.

Fiona was ready for a town that was wrecked or deserted. Fiona was even ready for a ghost town. But when Sonic froze over the hill, Fiona felt herself getting scared.

Sally's face of regret and pain made Fiona brace as she walked up the hill. What she saw made her soul quiver. The town was gone. All that remained was a crater, and walls that hadn't been destroyed, making a fence around the area.

Sonic licked his lips nervously, "W…what could have done this?"

Sally was silent, her face full of horror. Fiona shared the horror. The town had been blown away, there weren't even bones. The forested area was charged with coals, trees were scattered on the ground. Fiona felt her heart squeeze at the sight of the town.

"Sal, what's going on, you're the smart one." Sonic panted, sounding almost desperate.

"It.. it's all gone, and I can't tell you why." Sally muttered, dropping to her knees. Sonic placed a hand on the chipmunk princess's shoulder.

"Hey… Hey… It's alright. I was just a little scared." Sonic stroked her head. He was still shaking, but Fiona could see he was trying to comfort Sally. Fiona saw the rubble and devastation, and could say for certain she was shaken to her core. The idea resurged in her head. Something did this.

Her mind went to Johan, as he tore through the Destructix. Something this devastating was loose in the world.

"Sal, we're going to be fine. Come on, give us some direction." Sonic pleaded, as he had hugged her, and stroked her head.

Fiona found herself ready to actually follow something. Her mind was racing as her heart seemed to bleed for this town.

"You're right. Thanks Sonic." Fiona found a focus point as Sally kissed Sonic's palm while panting in fear, rising to her feet. Fiona kept her jealousy in check, but still made a note.

"Bunnie, Antoine." Sally spoke up, her voice becoming more confidence with every syllable, " Check the south side. Rotor, Sonic, Check the west side. Fiona, You and me are going to look for clues on the east side."

Antoine blinked, "But what are we of lookings for?"

Sally growled, "Anything, tracks, an identity of our mystery person. Something to help us figure out who has messed up our town."

Fiona was honestly more shocked that she was going with the princess as opposed to Sonic, who seemed to be her partner. It raised some suspicions as the team split up. Sally walked down the hill, and headed towards the edge of the destroyed trees. Fiona followed behind, keeping an eye on Sally as she walked behind.

Once they got there, Sally looked at each tree that had fallen over, crouching down to get a closer look. Fiona was still trying to figure out her angle.

Sally groaned, "Can you help, please. We need to figure out what happened, I want to find out why these people died."

Fiona began looking in the other direction, getting down to look at trees. Fiona was pretty good at tracking, but there was nothing there. Fiona decided to pass the time as she looked around, "So… why am I your partner?" She tried not to sound so upset, but it was bugging her.

"Would you have wanted to be someone else?" Sally asked, clearly not in the mood for a dispute.

"I want to know your game. Why didn't you go for Sonic?" Fiona's mind then answered it for her. It was obvious, "You don't trust me, do you?"

"Should I?" Sally asked, the bored tone in her voice slightly rubbing Fiona the wrong way.

Fiona growled, "Why don't you trust me?" She looked under a log, nothing found.

Sally sighed, "Every time you get close to us, we get hurt. You go around, lulling the boy into fighting, and do a sway of your chest and they forget it. I'm not ready to let you hurt the boys again." Sally felt around the dirt, clearly getting frustrated at the lack of signs.

Fiona actually smirked. The way she said that… "You're jealous. You aren't exactly bad looking, but you aren't me, so you have to take second place. And you're worried I'll take the boys out from under you."

Sally's fist gripped the dirt, before her response, "Sure, if that's what you tell yourself."

"Is the truce off?" Fiona glared, over her shoulder.

"…No. I think you are up to something. I've got a question for you." Sally growled, making Fiona feel uncomfortable with the situation.

"Shoot." Fiona shifted nervously, actually looking back at Sally.

"Did you have something to do with Sonic's dad? Or… how he died." Sally growled, "There was Anarchy Beryl at Sonic's home."

Fiona actually felt relieved that that was the question being asked, "I guess I did. Scourge was going to make a distraction. I was going to escape."

Sally sounded curious, "Why didn't you?"

"You'd have liked that, huh?" Fiona snickered.

"We still have a truce." Sally countered.

Fiona almost snorted. A one sided truce.

"I decided I liked it better with the Freedom Fighters. You guys win a lot more." Fiona smirked, keeping her heart hidden.

Sally snorted, "Is that all?"

"I… have had dreams." Fiona explained, feeling uncomfortable. She expect Sally to laugh, but instead Sally stopped searching and looked at Fiona.

Fiona shook her head, "They keep tell me to stay here. To do some good. I want to keep that up."

Sally was quiet for a moment, before sighing, "I don't think we are going to find anything here."

"Why not check the big crater where the town used to be." Fiona proposed. Anything was better than wasting their time in the dirt.

Sally nodded, "That was my next thought."

They headed back to town, where everyone else was already there. Apparently, they had the same luck. Nothing left, or left anything behind at least.

"I'm checking that crater. Maybe whatever caused this is still in there."

Fiona followed Sally, but Sonic raced down into the crater. He was quiet for a few moments.

Sally called out, "Sonic? Everything alright?"

"Guys… there's something down here." Sonic sounded confused. Fiona and Sally dared to look into the hole. There was a large, pink shiny stone, about as tall as Fiona. A meteor.

"What is it made of?" Sally asked, curiously.

"Carbalite." A deep voice growled.

The Freedom Fighters turned to the north to see the sight of the angry wolverine standing before them.

Sally panted nervously, "W-What's that?"

"It is a steel component for Saxons. It's from our homeland. How it got here… no matter." Johan crawled into the crater.

Sally called out, "What do you think you are doing?"

Johan growled as he approached the rock, and grabbed it, "Taking what is mine."

"Yours?" Sonic sounded confused, "We found it-"

"It is a Saxon, it belongs in the hands of Saxons." Johan growled, raising the rock over his head with a huff, actually seeming to strain from the metal.

"You can't just take it!" Sally shouted, running down.

"Will you fight me to take it from me?" Johan snarled, the rock still over his head.

Sally stood back, "… no. But we have a right to examine it."

"You may gaze on it when I have used it." Johan growled as he walked towards the edge of the crater.

"It destroyed a town." Sally explained.

"It is mine! It belongs to Saxons. It is not your project or property. It is mine by birthright." Johan snarled, baring his fangs.

Sonic moved up, but Sally held out her arm, "Fine. But I will expect some form of compensation."

Johan snarled… but nodded after a moment, "I Suppose that is fair. I will tend to your needs later."

Fiona was shocked that they would allow him to take a piece of metal like that away. Then again, Johan struggled to lift it, which meant their ability to lift it was probably nonexistent at best. Still, Fiona couldn't help but feel like they were making a big mistake.

The whole trip had been a waste.

As they were walking back, Sally allowed Fiona to catch up. The two walked in silence, leaving an awkward air between them.

Sally finally spoke, "I still feel like you are going to betray us… I know it in my bones."

Fiona almost laughed at that statement. It sounded superstitious at best. Then again, superstition was quickly becoming reality in her world. "But?" Fiona asked.

"But… I can see you are trying to be better… So, I'll try to be better too. But if and when you betray us, all bets are off." Sally stated with a glare that made Fiona shiver nervously. She could be scary alright.

But Fiona had her chance in the freedom Fighters once again. She just wished that She wasn't technically a prisoner, "Deal."

/*-*/

Heaving and walking, Johan felt the weight of the large mass of metal. Four days of carrying his claim was proving to stress his strength. Good, He would come out stronger from the metal. His hunger was ever present, but branches and leaves were hardly fitting food for himself.

Johan saw the ship insight. He allowed himself the brief approach of pure joy, and the desire for relaxation. For once, rest was a welcome. The moon was rising as Johan entered the ship, weary from travel.

He left the Carbalite outside, and found himself some meat. There was no reason to cook it, he merely tore into the chunk of red meat, replenishing his strength as he drank his ale. The Mercenary Contract was good, providing all he needed.

A yelp caused Johan to perk up, and growl at Ezra, who recomposed herself," Oh… It's you."

"Indeed. I have found Metal which needs to be smelted and forged, Prepare my forge." Johan growled, denying himself the right to be exhausted.

Ezra nodded, "Um… sir, the Crystal changed color." She sounded worried.

The Green Crystal he had gathered? He sensed something had changed. It would be best to examine it. "Show me."

Johan finished his food while she returned with the Crystal, "The Anarchy Beryl is supposed to be green, but this one…" She held up the deep blue crystal.

Johan picked it up, and felt it in his hand. It seemed to call to him, to listen and heed his presence. Anarchy.

There many meaning behind the word. The Saxons lived without rulers, the chief and Konigundrr serving more as unifiers than men of authority.

It would require deeper thought.

"Where are you, you stone age savage!" The Angry rasp of the old troll rang throughout the walls.

Johan stood up, his nose seething in anger. His patience had worn thin from exhaustion.

The door burst open as Johan walked through the halls.

"There you are-" Nagus growled.

Johan slammed his fist into the stone floor, and roared in the man's face, causing him shrink in shock, "DO NOT TEST MY IRE! SPEAK!" Johan roared in his face, displaying his teeth and claws.

The man panicked, his breath rapidly rising and falling. Nagus then calmed down, "My supporters are being locked up. When will my Power be restored."

Johan sucked in a deep breath, producing a gargling south through his mouth. It was a fair question, one where a skeptic would be suspicious. "It will come. Patience is a virtue." Johan hypocritically spoke. Of course he hated waited.

Nagus growled, "My people are getting locked up. Patience seems to be destroy any hope I have of getting what is mine! I was a fool to trust you!"

"You are a fool to trust me. You would be wise to trust what I will serve my ideas." Johan stated, but saw fit to explain his plans, "Those who support you will be targeted. They will be martyrs, symbols of courage which mark the world."

"A fanciful title, but nothing more. I want my throne!" Nagus shouted in Johan's face. Johan snarled back at him, baring his teeth once more.

"They will be praised by the people, and show the weakness of the republic. It will crumple under its own weight, and you will be restored to your place." Johan growled, growing frustrated at the troll's inability to understand.

"So I am supposed to sit here?" Nagus snarled, "Nothing is happening that helps me."

Johan listened carefully. Perhaps some wisdom would enlighten the fool, "A king must show fortitude. He must able to endure small defeats to ensure large victories."

Nagus opened his mouth to protest, but his voice fell silent, "I hate that. I hate it so much."

"Endure for time, remind the people that you favor them, and wish for their prosperity. They will flock to you." Johan asserted, growing tired on the conversation.

Nagus growled, "They had better. I will get my throne back, one way or another. You will either help me or be destroyed."

Johan let him leave with those words. The fool understood nothing of leadership or ruling. No matter, time would tell. He had learned all of the lessons… His mind was blank. He could not draw an image up.

Exhaustion must have been taking hold. Sleep, then complete his ambitions.

/*-*/

Another piece of Johan's world, inside of Mobius? Will this be the last?

So, I've completed Chapter 70, and I will say it is by far the largest chapter I have written for this story. It is only beaten out by Band of Liars in terms of size. A lot will happen in this glorious chapter "Blood and Water".

I will also be uploading either a chapter this Friday, or next week as scheduled. Some stuff is going on, so I might have to upload early. Just know if one is out Friday, one will not be out next Wednesday.

Please leave a review and tell me what you think. I do welcome criticism and praise equally. Thank you.