MerendinoEmilano: I like the conversations to mean something. That's going to be pretty ironic considering this chapter.

So, a Sonic heavy chapter, no Fiona part. She gets next chapter.

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The next few weeks were more tense than Sonic had ever felt. Nobles were moving around and doing stuff, and Sonic wasn't happy. Sally was all too big on pointing out that Eggman being quiet was not a good sign.

"How long do you think He'll be licking his wounds for?" Sonic asked, sitting in the room surrounded by his fellow Freedom Fighter Officers.

"I don't know." Sally admitted, frowning, clearly as upset about the waiting around. The Republic, orf course, rejected their proposal to go out and give Eggman a nice pounding. The problem was, if they were going to fight Eggman, the army would have to leave the republic, which meant the nobles would go nuts.

"Ah think we need tuh take the breathah as it comes." Bunnie smiled, trying to be reassuring.

Sonic gave her a nod, but still frowned, "I'd like to, but the fact is that Eggman doesn't give us breathers. He makes our lives harder everyday, and we just don't realize it. It's not fair." Sonic didn't mean to sound so upset, but that was what came out instead of a joking tone.

Rotor sighed, "Another stalemate, three to three. No tax reforms anytime soon." Several votes were having issues. Sonic growled at the thought of the two sides in the republic, unable to reach a compromise.

Elias was actually concerned for Sonic, "Are you going to be ok? You've been tense. Have you been receiving more messages from the Nobility?"

Sonic nodded, "Yes, and I've told them the same thing. I'm not going to start a civil war. We can't really afford it right now."

Sally smiled, an arrogant, smug smile, "You might be learning from me after all."

Sonic rolled his eyes, but couldn't hide the smile on his face as he came to enjoy the joking and playful manner. Fiona gripped her seat, clearly not enjoying the two's interaction. She was radiating a jealous energy that Sonic was feeling.

He smiled, and gave her a soft, small wave that everyone would probably gloss over.

Sally frowned, "Now, we need to ask ourselves what is going to happen-"

The door opened into the base. Sonic looked at Sally. Everyone was accounted for, except for Johan, and he didn't actually enjoy the inside of the base. The only other person missing was-

Tails opened the door, "Hey, What'd I- Oh… hey." Tails made eye contact with Sonic.

"Hey… Hey buddy." Sonic smiled awkwardly. Did he dare to apologize now? It would be awkward, and almost certainly blow up in his face. His pride was gone, but it was replaced with a sense of self consciousness.

"Tails… I didn't know you were coming back." Sally smiled at the little fox.

Tails frowned, gritting his teeth slightly, "Is it a problem?"

Sonic shook his head and stood up, "Of course not, you're always welcome here buddy." Sonic smiled at the fox, hoping he would sit down and maybe they could move forward.

His olive branch was swatted away with a simple, "Whatever." The Fox sat down a few seats over, and his eyes seemed to glare daggers at Fiona. His heart was angry, and burning.

Sonic didn't like the feeling. He pushed it aside though. Tails had a right to be mad after what Sonic said to him.

Sally coughed, "So, Tails… what brought you back?"

"My mom thought I could more for the republic here." Tails frowned, getting defensive for some reason. He seemed to be agitated by everyone's presence.

"Alright, well… I can see that everyone is tense right now. Why don't we take a break, and meet up again in an hour?" Sally proposed, smiling nervously. She wasn't the only one who found the whole situation awkward.

Sonic stood up and looked at Tails, "Hey buddy-"

"I'm not your buddy. I'm a freak that everyone hates." Tails growled at Sonic.

Sonic frowned, "Look, I'm really-"

"Shut up, you aren't sorry, not yet." Tails growled, and glared at Sonic before shifting his gaze to Fiona, "You're an idiot, you believe everything-"

"Tails, you just came back, and I suppose you had a long trip, so I will let you get away with that. But that is enough. If you are going to start fights, I'll start disciplining you. We need to be unified." Sally growled firmly. Sonic saw the bags that had grown under her eyes, She was really pushing herself to keep the Freedom Fighters up to standard.

Sonic felt bad for her, always working to try and keep the peace when her kingdom was at risk. She was really trying to keep the land unified. Of course, it was a thankless job.

Sonic wanted to go see Tails during the break, but the grudge was still there. Sonic, again, couldn't fault him for being angry. The guy had a right after what Sonic said to him. Still, Sonic didn't know how to make it better.

He sat down in the lunch room, ready to sleep. He was missing Christina's cooking. He wondered if he could rush back to his manor and have her make something up. Sonic stood up, but was stopped by Antoine.

"Hedgehog, where are you of goings?" The Coyote asked, suspiciously.

"I'll just grab a quick bite from Christina. She makes really good food." Sonic smiled at the Coyote.

"Christina?" The Coyote asked, cocking his head, "I am of unfamiliars withs that name."

"She's, my cook. She makes some amazing food." Sonic smiled, feeling his stomach growl at the mere thought of whatever concoction she would come up with next. She seemed to master the art of turning light foods good.

Antoine laughed, "Oh, hon hon, my dear hedgehog. I would of loves to try her foods." Antoine was not exactly making his request so subtle.

"Well, if you would like, you can come with me to get something to eat." Sonic smiled at the coyote's poorly hidden self-invitation.

"I thinks I shall be of doings that." Antoine smiled and stood up, much to the ire of Geoffrey, who seemed to be content to eat his sandwich. Why he was still there was a mystery to Sonic.

They went down to his manor, and Sonic burst through the door, "Christina, I'm back!"

Sonic listened for her response. When nothing came, Sonic found himself worried. She usually gave a cheerful response in a matter of moments.

Sonic zipped down the hallway to the kitchen door, finding it closed. Sonic opened the door, and immediately saw Christina… with a fox from the carpenter's guild. His hands were wrapped around her head as the two were very clearly in a moment of passion. Of course the door opening was loud enough to shake them as Christina pushed away from her lover when Sonic walked in.

"My lord, I am-a so sorry signore Hedgehog." She bowed her head, unfortunately leading to her chef's outfit parting slightly, which warranted her frantically covering up.

Sonic averted his eyes, and smiled, "It's alright, just get ready. I'd like something for lunch, please just… clean up and make something for me and my friends."

She began to frantically confirm, "Si, Si." Sonic turned around, realizing that her lover had developed speed faster than Sonic, and had vanished from the area.

Sonic just wanted to pretend he didn't see anything, and went to greet his guests, "So… Uh, something is coming, just bear with her."

Antoine smiled, "Of course, she is of the inexperienced, no?"

"Oh she's amazing, just… had a delay." Sonic smiled, hoping Antoine wouldn't ask too hard of questions.

Antoine nodded, "No, no, she is of course the delayed." He seemed to laugh, as if to mock her. Sonic wasn't going to play into it.

The food came out. It was grapes on chicken with a creamy sauce over the top of it. Sonic looked down, kind of nervous at it.

The door opened, and Fiona walked in, "Sorry I'm late, what's for lunch?"

Sonic pointed at his plate, and Fiona smiled, "Nice, I'll take one." She sat down, and Christina placed a plate in front of Fiona.

Sonic dared to take a bite of the food that he was somewhat nervous about for the first time. Of course, Christina always proved Sonic's fear of her food wrong. It was fantastic, savory and sweet.

Sonic groaned in his mouth from how good it was, "This is fantastic." Sonic smiled at her, "What's in this?"

"It's a chicken breast with a cream-a and-a wine sauce, and-a roasted grapes." Christina smiled nervously, as if hoping Sonic wouldn't press any further into earlier. He wasn't going to.

"Wine sauce? Are you of beings serious?" Antoine asked, horrified, looking at the plate.

"Yes-a, a white wine with-a heavy cream." Christina smiled, at the nearly empty plate Sonic had.

"Why would you of waste good wines for this?" Antoine growled in horror.

Christina seemed to take offense, "This-a is a good-a wine. Makes-a food better."

"Wine is of taking the years to make, and you ares of wastings it on chicken!" Antoine stood in outrage.

Christina, who was normally shy and calm stood her ground in anger, "You-a do not know-a anything about-a cooking!"

"Wine if for the drinkings!" Antoine shouted.

"Wine is-a for cooking too!" Christina shouted back.

Sonic stood up, "That's enough! Sheesh, it's good food Antoine… just enjoy it."

The coyote frowned, but ate it. He seemed to like it. Not that he would admit it to Christina. The food was good, but Antoine was a little too proud to ever admit he was wrong. Sonic did know one thing, Christina and Antoine were both… passionate… about wine.

Fiona enjoyed the food of course. Sonic was sure Christina could make anything taste fantastic. Lunch was over, of course, so it was time to get back to Freedom Headquarters.

Sonic expected to go back, and start their debriefing. That was the standard practice. Tensions growing in the kingdom meant that a standard was actually pretty nice. Of course, it was never so simple.

Sonic walked in the doorway, and found several mobians inside Freedom Headquarters. They weren't soldiers, Sonic could tell from the lack of uniforms and the number of them in the room. Their panicked faces told Sonic that they were here about something important, and the conversation was already underway.

"-Can't keep getting away with it! If they keep up, they'll do anything they want to us!" The leader Bear shouted in anger.

"I know, but we can't do a lot about it. The republic commands the Freedom Fighters, so we can't just go into the capital and stop them." Sally tried desperately to reason with them, but her voice told Sonic how much she wanted to help. She seemed so torn and stressed.

"You call yourselves Freedom Fighters? What Freedom do you fight for? We would be better under Eggman's empire, at least we don't have to feel the pain in prison!" An old possum growled, his voice full of anger and frustration.

"I don't like what the republic is doing, but the moment we start a violent response, it opens the floodgates for anyone who would violently take power in the republic. I won't break the sacred nature of peaceful power!" Sally tried to sound harsh, but instead, she sounded desperate. Sonic moved in, seeing how close she was to breaking.

"Hey, Hey, come on. What's wrong?" Sonic zipped up and stood between the angry crowd and Sally. He made sure to hold up his hand to make sure they knew that he was not playing around.

"You, Sonic the Hedgehog, are you going to allow them to continue to abuse their power? Aren't you a man who loves freedom?" The old Possum demanded, clearly outraged.

Sonic held his hands up, "Hold up, what's going on? What are you talking about?" He was getting tired of being left in the dark. Things were happening, and if people were getting so upset that they were coming to the Freedom Fighter's headquarters, then Sonic felt like he needed to know what was going on.

"The republic continues to lock up protestors who are simply trying to see change in our government!" A voice growled from the crowd of people.

Sonic thought for a moment. They seemed to So angry and unstable. He needed time to think, "Look, I'll talk with Sally about what has been going on. Just be patient with us."

The crowd began to murmur inside the building, but Sonic flared his quills, "LISTEN, I WON'T HELP YOU IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE MEAN ABOUT IT!"

The crowd quickly shuffled out of the room. Sonic hated pretending to be angry, but it certainly scared enough people into listening when he really needed it. Sonic just had to keep in mind that he would only use it in desperate situations. Sonic was not Scourge.

Sonic looked Sally for an explanation, the poor, ragged girl was panting, "Life never gets easier. People are getting upset."

"What happened?" Sonic asked, getting ready for the next adventure. It wasn't going to be something with an easy fix, but he was ready.

"The republic locked up more protestors, this time, things are getting violent." Sally sighed, rubbing her head in pain.

Sonic blinked, "So… what do we do?" He didn't like not having a solution. This was politics, not the same as a fight. He wished life was so much simpler, but he had to be ready for the problems that were coming.

"There's nothing we can do. If we start a revolt against the republic, then we're the bad guys in the eyes of the republic's supporters. If we try to keep the peace, then things only get worse." Sally groaned, rubbing her eyes.

Sonic frowned, "Are you ok?"

"No, No I'm not. I'm tired, and worn. I can't do anything, but I feel like I have to do something. It's frustrating to say the least." Sally groaned, balling a fist. Her face was contorted in frustration. Her eyes were outraged, but also tired.

Sonic pulled her into a hug, "Don't worry Sal, we'll get through it, like always."

She smiled at Sonic, and rubbed her head against his neck. Sonic felt eyes on his back. He dared to look back at them. Antoine was giving Sonic a mischievous grin, seeing the two getting so close together. Fiona looked like she was grinning at Sonic.

Sonic felt a little awkward with Sally being so affectionate, but Sonic still held her there, and gave in. Something within his heart began to beat. Sally smelled… really nice.

Sonic decided to stroke her head softly. Fiona cleared her throat, and Sonic pulled away from Sally.

"Right, we have to discuss the future of the republic." Sally shook herself, but looked at Sonic with a happy smile.

Sonic returned her smile, and they entered into the Command room, where Sonic sat down on the left most chair, completely opposite from Tails, who's eyes burned with a hatred towards Sonic and Fiona. Sonic wanted to make up for everything, but if Tails was going to resist him at every turn, Sonic didn't know what to do.

Sally cleared her throat as the Freedom Fighters got ready for their next debrief, "The republic is in a state that I now have to ask, what are we going to do? The nobles have begun to muster their armies, and the city itself has been tearing itself apart. I am worried that peace will no longer be an option within the republic."

Sonic suddenly found himself to be a little scared. He was beginning to think that things were about to get so messy, he couldn't hope to save their society, republic or not.

Elias finally spoke, "Let's take our throne back. It's vacant, and the people are outraged by the republic failing to do anything. We can claim the throne and calm the nobles down."

Tails stood up, his face ready to burst in anger, "YOU GREEDY BASTARD! The republic is on the edge of destruction, and you only care about yourself! Give the republic a chance!"

Geoffrey smirked, "I think we need a monarchy to get things done. Clearly the republic has been failing it's job."

Tails jerked around, his face would have turned red if it wasn't covered by fur, "The Republic has been deciding on everything! Everyone gets a voice!"

"But you can not please of everyones. The Monarchy would help us of spendings the focus on Eggman." Antoined interjected, trying not to upset the fox. He failed.

"Ah think some changes need tah happen, but thuh republic needs time tah grow." Bunnie smiled at the fox, who seemed to calm down once someone agreed with him.

Sally sighed, "I'm not taking the throne." She balled her fist, as if holding firm.

Sonic felt shocked, "What? Why not? I actually wouldn't mind supporting you." He shifted nervously. In this situation, where people were having their freedoms taken away, Sonic would absolutely support Sally trying to retake the throne.

Tails' gaze certainly told Sonic all that he needed to know about what the fox thought of him.

"I will not use the Freedom Fighters to take back my throne. It goes against every responsibility I was given with leading you all. I won't abuse my power to sate my personal desires." Sally kept her voice strong and confirming to Sonic that she was serious. He kind of respected her choice as well.

Fiona seemed to nod in agreement, "I can respect that. You've got your jobs and duties. I can't blame you for following your beliefs, just don't get mad when someone else lives out your dream." Fiona seemed to have a smirk that Sonic didn't like. It felt like she was enjoying Sally's discomfort. Then again, the two had bad blood, so Sonic shouldn't have been surprised.

Sally sighed, exhaustion leaking out of her voice, "We still have to decide how we are going to go forward. If we do nothing, I feel like things will only get worse."

Tails growled, "We need to support the republic! Your are a commander for the republic!" He seemed so outraged and angry.

Sonic stepped in, much to Tails' displeasure, "We can't call ourselves Freedom Fighters when people who oppose the republic aren't allowed to speak."

Tails and He exchanged glances of anger, and Sonic realized just how passionate and driven Tails was. He was willing to do anything to please his mom. Sonic found himself wondering where the bright and joyful little kid had gone.

Sally groaned, "Please, both of you!" She sounded angry, and ready to burst.

Elias spoke up, "I think we need to push for the Monarchy's restoration. Not violently, a peaceful compromise with everyone at the table. We might avoid a civil war that way." Sonic and Tails stopped glaring with those words.

Elias had a point. There might have been a way to get everything back to normal. Sonic smiled at the idea, "You know what? That might be the best idea you've had since I've known you, Eli."

Elias glared at Sonic, "Please don't use that nickname again." His groan was perfect.

Sonic looked at Sally, "Alright, what's the plan Sal? We're with you all the way." The two exchanged a smile.

Sally nodded, seeming to be happy with the last idea, "We'll get the nobles here, and try to work out a compromise. If nothing comes to, then we'll side with who ever will respect the rights of the people."

Tails looked like he wanted to protest, but he stopped himself, frowning and scowling all of the way. Sonic looked at Sally with a smile, "That works Sal. Let's hope that everything goes well."

Tails stood up and stormed off, clearly pissed out of his mind.

Fiona smiled softly, "Alright, we live to fight another day. Good enough for me." She stood up, and went to out into the hallway.

The Freedom Fighters began to leave. Sonic knew the drill, though. He stayed behind, and Sally could tell him what she really thought.

Once Geoffrey was out, Sonic walked up to her, "Alright, So… I gotta ask, do you think the plan will work?"

Sally sighed, "No, but it's all we have. I need to try to keep the conflict small if I can't stop it." She ran her fingers through her hair.

Sonic smiled, and put a hand on her shoulder, "And I'll be here to help reign it in if things get out of hand." He watched as she grabbed his hand, and turned around to face him. Sonic saw the look in her eyes, that look of longing and hunger.

She smiled as her posture relaxed, "You'll be here? By my side?"

Sonic realized where this was going. Strangely enough, He wasn't immediately ready to run away. "Of course, We're a team. I'm the cool, fun one, you're the lame, smart one."

"And what I wanted a little more private team." Sally wrapped her arms around his waist, and placed her hands around his back.

Sonic was about to speak, when Sally surged forward and kissed him. Not a light, fluffy kiss, but deep, romantic. No room for debate about the message. And Sonic didn't exactly hate the message either.

He felt her tongue in his mouth, and he returned her feelings. He wrapped his arms around her as he got more passionate. Sonic was tired of dancing around it. He wanted another chance with her. He wanted to be happy with her.

When They pulled away, even Sonic was breathless, " I'll still be here. I think I'm ready to start back up with you." Sonic smiled at her in his best flirtatious tone.

"I'll keep you to that standard, hedgehog." Sally smiled, and leaned in for another kiss.

/*-*/

Johan examined the mysterious color changing jewel. He was curious at least, but his limited understanding of the crystal did not reveal any answered. The dark blue was appealing, it was something that Johan certainly found attractive.

Jewels were always objects of sophistication, elegant and beautiful. Which is why he found them useless in his past life. Johan's mind wandered to the bags of jewels and gold that were placed at his feet in exchange for peace. How he had laughed with his nephew and wives at the sheer lack of understanding that civilized lands possessed.

It was Ironic to Johan that men prized jewels and gold so highly, and dirt and wood so lowly. Gold did not keep people warm in winter, jewels did not fill the belly. Dirt made grass, which drew beasts and bushes of fruits. Wood made fire and armor to protect from threats.

How quickly people put their faith in shiny, pretty lies than hard and sturdy truths.

Johan's eyes peered into the gemstone, which seemed to possess more than looks, however. There was a deep power within it. A dark… heathen power, one of ancient, weakened gods, but also…something more…

He could not understand it, but he would not force an understanding. In a brief foolish thought, Johan believed a life was within the gem that drew his attention.

Johan set the Gem down, his frustration growing, but He dare not lose control of himself over a jewel. There were far more important matters at stake.

"Sir, Nagus is here to see you." Ezra gulped., and presented the former king. The Old troll walked in, his scowl ever present on his face. His hunched form drawing even more attention to the wrinkled man's skin, his frail bones. The arrogant imbecile was nothing more than a bag of dust and wind, but his uses were coming up.

Nagus snarled, but maintained a safe approach, with Johan's previous outburst reminding Nagus to show respect, or maybe he was scared, "The Armies of my nobles are assembling." He sounded like he wanted an explanation. There was no question asked, which left Johan confused.

"Indeed. You surely expected that the ambitious would prepare to take power, no?" Johan firmly asked, fully aware of how the troll expected everything to fall into his lap. Johan knew of the struggles of removing power, and it involved far more pain than most were willing to endure.

But that was why he was Konigundrr, and they were forgotten. Johan chose to suffer in his past, to allow him peace in the future. No life was without suffering, Johan knew that. He had sat down with his nephew Odacier, and told him that message.

"No life is without suffering. Those who would suffer tomorrow will fall under the strength of that suffering."

Odacier's eyes lit up, nodding, seeming to take in every word Johan spoke. Oh how the boy was bright. The boy was quite smart, choosing the role of the Ulfheidnar for the strength training.

The boy returned to the Gothi, and…

Johan's memory turned blank. He knew something happened, but his mind was… not cooperating.

"My nobles are gathering, and I'm somehow supposed to get my power back?" Nagus snarled, clearly angry with Johan, or at least directing his anger at Johan.

Johan took comfort in the fact that their adventure was almost over, "You have been a wise and faithful leader, have you not?" Johan did not pay close attention to Nagus, there were far more important matters that drew Johan's attention.

"I have been there, giving out food and water. It's been costing me a pretty penny." Nagus growled, his neck turning red. His anger was tangible, "How does this help me take power?" The veins on his head threatened to burst from his anger and stress.

Johan let out a nasal breath. There was truly nothing redeemable about this fool. No matter. "Then the people will call on you to return. You brought order and stability, and the weak crave these things. "

Nagus growled, "The Republic still hasn't offered me what I want! When will they?" His tone was getting more and more annoying. The fool lacked… Johan was being hypocritical. He lacked patience as well.

"It won't matter if they offer you the crown or not. The people will demand your return, and if they must kill those who would oppose their desires, they will do so. You will have your throne." Johan growled, hoping that the old Troll would finally stop being such a fool.

Nagus growled, "They had better, or the next target of my wrath will be you, you big buffoon." He slammed his staff into the ground, before jerking around. The old fool was disrespectful, angry, arrogant, and quite the imbecile.

As he left, Ezra scowled, her face becoming both nervous and angry, "Why do you let him talk like that?"

"But I tell you that everyone will give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." Johan growled, taking satisfaction in the comfort of justice.

"Who said that?" Ezra asked, confused, but she was able to clearly spot that those words were not his own.

"My God did. And when the time comes to judge this foolish king, I will not let my God be a liar." Johan growled, before turning to her, "Go forward with the plan."

Ezra nodded slowly, looking somewhat reluctant. Her metal quill opened up to reveal a needle. She began to speak.

"Attention Fellow Legionnaires. I have an announcement to make. Lien-da is not the rightful leader of our brotherhood. She has repeatedly endangered legionnaire's lives in her effort to appease doctor Eggman." She went silent, seeming to be afraid. Her form shivered.

"Do not fear them. They will do nothing against you for I am your protector." Johan snarled. There would be those who resisted, but Johan would deal with them accordingly.

She stood firm and nodded, " She has proven herself unfit to lead our people. I, Talia-ul who is now called Ezra, submit my claim to seize control of the Echidna legionnaires…." Ezra tensed, her form going rigid, "Who is my backer?"

Johan found himself with an uncharacteristically arrogant and proud smile. He needed to temper himself. Pride was fair only after victory.

"The mighty Wolverine, who destroys all in his path." Ezra stated, before sighing. The sound rippled even through the needle. The challenge was ready. Now to see if the Fools dared to answer it.

/*-*/

Alright, so I literally added an OC for the wine war. If you are unfamiliar, the wine war is between Italy and France about who produces the better wine. I, of course, did not answer the question, I only played up the joke.

Fiona missed this chapter, but she'll get the whole next one to herself. Of course… that chapter… you'll see.

Please leave a review and tell me what you thought, or how I could improve.