Victor John Foxfire: Johan doesn't even know them, who can say what will happen? Jack might not even be the focus of this section… *knowing smile*
Tails' Martyr complex was fun. As for forgiveness, sometimes things just sort themselves out.
Merendinoemilano: Well, things are going to get feely on Sonic's end, and harsher on Johan's end. This is a fun but kind of slow section of my writing.
/*-*/
Sonic could feel himself getting better. The tingling became less present, so he could suppose that he was healing. Sonic also felt his breathing become less labored. Doctor Quack was more present in the room, more as a means of keeping other people from entering than anything else. Still Sonic hated being bound to the bed.
Sonic could see the shadows moving from the window curtains. Doctor Quack looked agitated by the distraction, and opened the curtain to see Tails trying to peak into the hospital room.
Quack simply pointed towards the hospital entrance, and Tails slumped, walking off. The little guy wasn't in jail, which was a plus.
Another awesome plus was that he was able to stay awake for several minutes at a time. Fully awake, not a half-sleeping half-awake nonsense that made Sonic feel stupid and terrible. Sonic unfortunately didn't get dreams either, or not a lot of them.
That just left him more time to reflect. Did he do a lot of good? Sonic felt… weird. He felt something tugging at his mind, but it seemed to be in a fog. Sonic couldn't see it, but he could feel it without a doubt. Something was trying to get his attention.
Sonic exhausted himself trying to think, and ended up passing out. He hated being in the stupid bed for what was probably the fourth time in a year. He hated being sidelined, and certainly hated being tied to one place for so long. It was bearably in Roja because he could go for quick runs.
Sonic awoke a few hours later, Doctor quack had gone, which of course meant that Fiona and Tails were in the room.
"Hey…" Sonic gasped, his chest feeling a little heavy, but not hurting.
"Sonic!" Tails jumped up and ran over to his side.
Sonic wiggled his fingers, and stroked Tails' head. Tails gave Sonic a forceful hug, before realizing what he was doing, and lightening up on the hug.
Fiona was quiet, eyeing Tails suspiciously. She still didn't trust him, but the fact that he was free meant she trusted Sonic enough. Sonic hoped Tails had learned from their little fight. Sonic felt sorry for Tails, because he was probably felt guilty despite not hurting Sonic. He also had to deal with his mother, who failed.
Sonic felt bad for her as well. She seemed like she truly believed in the republic. Rosemary wanted to fix problems in their kingdom. She was trying. The other members of the republic had their own reasons, but Rosemary believed in the cause. She just couldn't handle it right.
Sonic sighed in bed, stroking Tails' head more, or rather, the fox held up his head, and Sonic scratched it with his finger tips. Why was his arm in cast? That wasn't broken as far as he could tell.
Tails smiled at Sonic, "I think you're going to be ok."
"Of course I am." Sonic paused. He could speak in bursts judging by the feeling in his chest. Sonic wasn't at one hundred percent yet, but he could speak a little more without breaths, "I'm Sonic the hedgehog. I'll never be… down for good."
Tails beamed at Sonic, and out of the corner of his eyes, Sonic saw Fiona smirk. She knew all too well that Sonic wouldn't stay down. Sonic smiled at her, "You want to talk?"
Fiona snorted as Tails turned to her with a scowl. Apparently, their relationship hadn't improved since their last little encounter. Of Course, Sonic realized just how much he was for when he thought that. They weren't exactly going to improve after an attempt at murder.
Fiona smiled, "I'm glad you didn't… pass on for long. And I am glad you came back to us."
Sonic frowned at those words. She kissed him that night. She kissed him and it actually felt good. She wanted something he couldn't give her though.
"I can't stay down. " Sonic smirked at her, trying to hide his internal frustration. He didn't want to hurt her, but he couldn't exactly give her everything.
Fiona's smile dropped as she nodded, "Get better, blue. Your princess is a little tore up over you. Can you try not dying for a few months, see how that goes?"
Sonic caught the playful tone, "I'll think about it." He whispered at her.
Fiona waved him off, and left the two in there alone.
Sonic stroked Tails' head. "Thanks for not… going to jail." Sonic smiled, and felt the light tingling in his heart, where Tails' low purr seemed to rumble and make give him joy.
"Well, I want to make things up to you. I love you so much." Tails mumbled, folding his ear against Sonic's hand as he rubbed against it.
Sonic scratched a little more, "I love you too, so much… You're a good lit… brother." Sonic wanted to avoid the touchy subject for Tails, who seemed very conscious of that word.
Except he responded with, "I am still little. I'm still learning so much from you. I know I've messed up, but I want to continue to spend time with you. I'm… sorry for everything… again." Tails slumped down.
Sonic smiled and gave him another scratch behind the ears, "I'm sorry I made you… feel trapped and helpless… I did not want… that." Sonic gasped, really wishing his body would be better so he could talk in complete sentences.
Tails frowned and shook his head, "No… I still need to learn. There's a lot I need to work on before I can say that I'm a hero… will you help me?" Tails really needed to ask that?
Sonic was about to speak, before he realized why Tails was asking that. The little guy needed Sonic to live, so if Sonic made the promise, then he would have to live.
"Yeah… I'll help you. Hey… can you tell your mom… I'm sorry things didn't… work out." Sonic gasped almost growling in frustration at the lack of words he could say.
Tails nodded, but he looked stressed. There was more going on than Sonic saw.
"What happened?" Sonic asked, but he could already tell he was going to sleep somewhat. Even with the progress of his healing, Sonic still needed rest. He hated himself in those moments.
"It's… nothing." Tails slumped as his tails came around him and tied themselves together in a sort of knot.
Sonic kept his skeptical gaze, "Did your mom… order the attack… on Fiona."
Tails slumped down, letting silence lead Sonic to believe that she really did something so underhanded. How could she? She was a believer in the good cause, and was ready to help people with the republic. Sonic felt himself getting angry.
"No." Tails confessed, "Not really. She asked me to try and convince the Freedom Fighters to help resolve the conflict in the republics favor. She wanted me to help keep the republic alive. But she never hinted at any… attacks. That was me. I was angry, and jealous, and stupid." Tails growled, beating himself up as hard as he could.
Sonic felt a wave of disappointment hit him. A strange feeling to know your best friend intentionally went out to kill another one of your friends, but it was disappointment. Not anger or sadness. He felt that way because Sonic knew Tails could be a great hero.
Tails slumped even more, "I know, I was terrible, and I deserve to be punished. If you want me to go to-"
Sonic growled, "No, I don't… I want you… to be a hero…" Sonic gasped, feeling his head turn to lead as his eyes got heavier.
Tails looked up at Sonic with somewhat watery eyes. Sonic smiled down at him, struggling to stay awake. "I will. I'll stand as your equal, and I'll keep Eggman away. Don't worry, just get better and come back to us." Tails smiled at Sonic, but Sonic felt his head pull away from Sonic's hand.
Tails opened the door, and left. Sonic was alone once again, or for about two minutes until doctor Quack came in and sat down. The doctor probably went to lunch or something. Sonic should have told him to tell his friends to get something to eat. Sonic had a suspicion that they weren't eating properly.
Sonic drifted off to sleep. Sonic was actually hoping for some dreams or excitement in his life. Of course, it was all the same with him; no dreams, just drifting in and out of consciousness. Sonic couldn't wait to get better.
/*-*/
Who was Fiona Fox? Was she Aria of Apalsa?
Fiona asked herself that as she snuck out in the night. She felt terrible, and bored, so the solution was quite simple: go on a score. She snuck around the city, which was apparently empty for a time. Fiona really shouldn't be doing this, she knew there was consequences for it, but Fiona needed something to calm her down.
Fiona crawled into an open window. She could hear the sound of snores, which hopefully meant the home owner was a heavy sleeper. Fiona crept towards the room with the snoring. There was a bear, sprawled out on the bed, snoring so loud Fiona was pretty sure that he probably got a few complains living in the city.
She carefully stepped across the floor slowly, the sound of the floorboard creaking as her feet pressed down. The Bear's snoring hitched, before he continued to boom with his throat.
Fiona snuck over to the dresser with a black and gold box. When she got there, a lock was on the box, which presented an issue for Fiona, but not one she couldn't fix. Fiona saw the night stand next to the bear's bed. She crept closer to the night stand, and opened the drawer. There was the key, right there on top of a book and some papers which had been crumpled up beside the book.
Fiona snatched up the key, right as the floors creaked in the door way. Instincts kicked in, and Fiona dropped down quietly. Fiona heard a soft moan, "Dad… Dad!"
The snoring stopped, and a groan came from the bed, "Michael? Oh… hey buddy."
"Dad… I had a nightmare." The soft voice mumbled, and Fiona looked under the empty bed as the little feet began to walk her way. Fiona rolled under the bed.
Go away you stupid kid! Grow up! Fiona thought as the stared up at springs that seemed to pressing down from the weight of the bear.
"Oh… that sucks… you, ok?" The deep voice growled as the feet next to the bed seemed to shift back and forth.
He's fine! Fiona mentally thought, but she honestly felt amazing. Heists were great because the rush from the possibility of failure. All they had to do was look under the bed, and Fiona would get caught. The adrenaline from that thought was exhilarating.
"Can I sleep with you?" The soft voice asked, sounding nervous.
Another sigh from the gruff, reluctant voice, "You're getting too old for that."
The feet stayed there by the side of the bed, ever so still. The little cub was probably trying to beg with his eyes.
The bed shifted, and the gruff voice of the father surrendered, "Alright, just for tonight."
The feet climbed up the bed spread and the bed shifted again, making Fiona lay on her back to avoid the springs hitting her.
She sat there controlling her breathing to avoid making any more noise than necessary. She was honestly excited with how things were going.
Fiona waited, hoping to hear the sound of snoring once again.
"Dad… are we gonna get a new mom?" The soft voice asked, sounding nervous.
The deeper voice of the dad sighed, "Why do you want a new mom?" The dad was trying to sound upbeat and hide the pain that Fiona could hear.
"You smiled more with mom. I don't like your face now." The cub mumbled back.
Good grief, can we get a move on? It's midnight, go to sleep! Fiona mentally screamed.
"I…I'm sorry. I know you haven't been getting the best side of me… it's just… your mom was really special." The dad mumbled, his breathing getting a little labored.
"So why don't get a new special mom?" The little cub asked curiously.
"Well… You don't find a special mom. She finds you. One day you'll get it." The dad gasped, as if struggling to verbalize his thoughts while half asleep, "You didn't do this, Michael. You aren't in trouble. Bad things happen. Sometimes it's just bad luck, and sometimes it's bad people."
"Like Eggman?" The cub asked, getting quiet.
"…Yeah, like him. But don't let those bad people bring you down. Your mom told me all about how you are going to do good things. She'd still believed that about you. It's not your fault." The bear grumbled, his breathing getting intense.
The air was quiet. Did the kid go to sleep?
"Believe me, it's not your fault." The dad mumbled, and the bed shifted slightly.
Fiona waited for a few minutes. She was not going to go out and get caught. Still, the cramped space wasn't exactly comfortable.
She sat there, making sure that she didn't give off any breathing or noise to keep them up. The low rumble started up from the dad.
Fiona slowly and carefully crawled towards the edge of the bed. Fiona crawled out, and slowly rose. The snoring began to intensify. She got up and saw the large arms of the dad wrapped around his cub in a tight hug.
Fiona pulled out the key and turned to the black and gold box. She put the key into the slot, and twisted. The box opened, and Fiona saw a couple of rings, gold and emeralds inside, and silver earrings that had blue sapphires and garnets that dangled inside the silver shackles.
Fiona looked over at the two. Their life sucked, but everyone's did. In the end, Fiona was going to look after herself.
She grabbed the jewels and closed the box. She made sure to lock it, and then went to the night stand. She carefully opened the drawer, and placed the key back where she had it.
Then, Fiona snuck out the window. With her prizes in tow. Oh, the beautiful little articles that were shiny and glowing. They made her feel… empty.
Where was the rush? Where was that feeling of success? Why didn't she feel great? It was just like before, taking a fancy jewel and running free with it. Nothing had changed.
Nothing had changed. Sonic was still in the hospital. Fiona was still a leg down. She didn't have a love life, a fun life, and powerful life. She was just… nothing.
Fiona shoved the jewels in her pocket. She'd feel better later, there were more scores to be had. She just needed more. That was it, that was the problem.
/*-*/
Johan and his men marched under the darker sky, they moved down small ravines which provided breaks in the desert. There was no oil in these ravines, but a spring and river seemed to be present. Johan also noted the various nuts and fruits on the trees as they walked along the somewhat hard ground.
The Hare called out to them as he began to climb up another mountain, "Hey ,Yall, come on. We ain't got all night."
Johan understood the urgency, and was quite eager to get rest and begin the campaign in the morning. As they walked up the mountain, Johan saw the break in the stone, which was a cave. Johan turned back as his men staggered from exhaustion. Indeed, they had a long and tough day. They needed rest, despite Gewis' attempt at appearing strong and eager.
The rocks within the came turned to metal the deeper they descended into the cave. Finally, Johan arrived at the stone door, where Jack was quite upset at the time they had taken. Still, he did not voice it again, which was good for his safety.
Jack knocked on the door twice, before kicking it once. The armored door opened, and Johan and his men walked inside. There were several animal people there, with some being all too eager to help out in tasks, and others waiting around. There not just men, but women and children within the base, as if they had to hide everyone.
The underground base was welcomed by Johan's men, who seemed to be chilled as the night began to emerge in the desert. Johan welcomed the cold weather, but not all enjoyed the perfect cold that made life amazing.
The vehicles were especially fascinating. Light fighting vehicles were especially useful when it came to attacking enemies. They seemed to come in through a different cave, and get supplied at a dedicated area, much like the smith stations during Johan's great war.
Jack seemed to take Johan's observance of their vehicles as an opportunity to begin pleading for help, "We've had a rough time. The damn robians captured Sand Blast city after bombing it for a few weeks. We were beginning to think the Freedom Fighters in the north didn't care."
"I came here for oil, and fuel for my ship. I don't care that you are incapable of controlling your city." Johan growled, having already heard the story a hundred times before.
"Straight to the point eh? Fine." Jack grumbled, as if the story was supposed to move Johan. It did, the Saxons history was full of migration. But they became strong, and took land for themselves. These people clearly expected a savior.
Gewis, surprisingly, had much to say, "I've heard a couple tales about you and your little band. Being Forgotten would be a mercy." He growled. Was there a grudge between them? Perhaps, Johan would ask later.
"Keep your man under control." The blue fox growled, not in anger but in caution.
"My man shall speak his mind. If you move against him, you will find that I am more than simple words." Johan snarled, but he remained in control. Johan wasn't going to get scared over some pathetic hare. This boy was weak, that was all there was to him.
"We aren't exactly looking for a fight with our…friends. Trust me, friend, not everyone's honest when it comes to us." Jack was trying to keep the peace, but his smile was clearly overjoyed with their arrival.
"I'll trust what I know." Gewis grumbled. His posture was one of distrust. Johan found himself both frustrated with Gewis, but also feeling a need to learn more. Johan did not pay mind to rumors, which were cheap and devasting when fools heard them, but at the same time, Gewis did not seem like a fool.
"So…uh, I never heard of ya, I was expecting little boy blue, so… where is he?" Jack grumbled, glaring at the blue fox, who seemed to shrink down. She was a coward, scared of her leader.
"He is either dead or recovering from his wounds. Either way, I am who will help or hurt you." Johan growled, not giving the hare anymore time than needed.
"Wow, someone hurt him?" Jack didn't sound distraught over that message.
"I did." Johan growled, waiting for him to stop talking.
Jack seemed caught off guard, before saying, "Well, Sonar will show you to the bunks… we might have a bit of trouble with your size. Don't get too upset, we weren't expecting jumbo fighters." Jack seemed to grumble hastily.
Sonar, the blue fox, led them to a corner with cushions and a few blankets on the stoney ground, "Here's your place. Word of advice, don't upset Jack… people disappear, things go wrong."
Johan responded clearly, "Bring him here, and I will tell him if he tries something against my men, he had best be sure he can kill me."
Sonar snorted, as if to not believe Johan was a man of his word, "Sure… I'll tell him."
She walked off, leaving Johan with his men.
Gewis had waited patiently, "Listen, I've heard stories about this guy. He lies, tricks people into doing things for him, then tries to kidnap or kill them. We shouldn't trust him."
Johan was not one for rumors, but he took Gewis' words seriously, "Very well, I will keep that in mind. I do not fall prey to rumors though, so I will decide for myself if he is terrible."
Gewis shifted uncomfortably, but kept his gaze, "And what if he tries something? Lies to us and tries to get us killed?"
"Then I will cast him aside, and all who follow him." Johan affirmed. That was the fitting response.
Gewis shifted, but seemed satisfied with the answer. He seemed to understand that Johan could not give every rumor the time of day. That promoted lies and deception, and Johan hated liars.
Gewis maintained his eye on the hare, clearly not trusting the man who led desert warriors. Johan Would have scolded him, but why bother? Let the hare know that he was not trusted. He would either prove them wrong, or perish for his lies.
Johan saw a shape out of the corner of his eye, and turned to see his bear follower, standing in attention, as if waiting to speak.
"Speak already, I wish to rest." Johan grumbled, eager to finish the conquest, which meant getting sleep and starting his campaign in the morning.
"Thank you for saving my life on the mountain. I didn't really get a chance to say thanks. Really, I mean it. I thought I was going to die back there, and you could have easily gotten away with it." The bear quickly explained, as if trying to speak his fears.
"I would not waste a man on nature. You follow me, so I will protect you, and make the most of your skill and discipline." Johan dismissed. The fact that he thought being saved was a gift was mildly disturbing, as if the kingdom saw no problem with leaving men behind.
"Still, I owe you my life man." The bear smiled and held his thumbs up, "My name is Olivar, and I am…really glad I didn't die."
"Hmmm, noted Olivar, I will not waste my men. I will not abandon any of you." Johan reassured, and laid down on a rug.
"R-Right, well, thanks again, I'll uh… go to sleep now." Olivar smiled weakly, and walked away and sat against a cushion. The bear was strong and good willed, perhaps, or maybe he simply wished to win Johan's favor through words and cheap symbols of loyalty. He would be surprised surely by the result of his efforts.
Johan curled up and went to sleep. The ground beneath him was solid, and allowed him to sleep comfortably.
The morning came with the base bustling with activity. Johan at least found it better than the lull that the princess's forced had. She, of course, had her own kingdom fighting against her to prevent her from destroying their enemy, but Johan found the preparation for battle to be refreshing. At least, the ones who were working.
There were those who simply stood around, offering nothing for the war effort. Still, Johan found them mildly annoying, but not his problem. His men went and ate within the a circle where food was being passed out. Dried fruits, fish and breads. Food that was either close and easy to obtain, or easy to transport.
Olivar and the men sat in their corner, and ate small sticks of bread and fish. Johan found the food to be…edible, which was fine. It was no feast worthy food, but feasts came after victory.
Jack seemed all too eager to discuss strategy, however, and walked over to Johan, "Alright, are you ready to start this thing?"
Johan finished his food in two swift bites before nodding at him, "Very well. What do we know about our enemies' forts?"
Jack gestured over to a desk that seemed to be surprisingly sturdy. Johan walked over to it, and there appeared to be a map on the table. It was likely of the desert. Johan saw several watering holes on it, along with mountains and a city.
"They've needed resupply points for their Egg Carriers." The blue fox, Sonar, stated, pointing at rocky areas where ravines and ridges formed, "So they've built three big bases to dock and supply them. They are connected to the refinery via a pipeline. "
"Right, now they can't guard the whole pipeline with men, too many men and resources." Jack grinned as bones were placed on the ridges. Each one symbolized a base, judging by the fact that there were three of them. Small rocks connected the bases, and a large building with a black splotch on the map. Where the oil was likely located. "So I'm thinking we blow the pipeline. Create a few problems for the Duke and his boys."
Johan waited for an elaboration. Jack tapped his feet. Was there more to the plan? More purpose for wasting the oil?
"Well… what do ya think? Ya comin?" Jack grumbled, as if Johan had left him without proper guidance or understanding.
Johan cocked his head, "I think there needs to be more to this plan? Why waste the oil? Why simply agitate your enemy without an aggressive goal?"
Sonar seemed to nod her head until Jack turned around to face her. Then she went quiet as the Hare clearly was not happy with him.
"We're taking their oil away from them." Jack smirked, his face clearly upset over being challenged.
"You seem to wish to be an annoyance. I wish to be considered a threat." Johan growled at the hare.
"Alright, what's yah plan big guy?" Jack growled at Johan. He was not one to understand that leadership should be questioned, that much was clear.
"We attack this base." Johan pointed at the base that made in the ravine, it was the closest of the bases. It also seemed to have the greatest distance from the refinery, "We make use of the weapons and mobilize your people, the ones who do nothing. Lure our enemy into an ambush, and cripple them in confusion."
Jack frowned, "Well, ya got balls, I'll give ya that. Empty skull, but balls all the same. They got Egg Carriers, ya don' seem to understand that. They see us, we get blasted to nothin." Jack waved.
Johan growled, "I do not care that they will attack. There are the basic truths of war. We will destroy or capture these weapons, and destroy our enemy. The longer the fight, the greater their ability to re-enforce their army with those damned machines. No, Strike the base swiftly, and create confusion. Within Chaos, there is opportunity." Johan clarified, noticing that the soldiers around were nodding with him.
Jack did not seem to like it, but he quickly realized that he was outnumbered. There were those who wore outfits similar to his, and they seemed to stand with him, but they were quickly outnumbered.
"And what if we all die? You really ready to take that risk?" Jack grumbled with a smirk, as though he would scare or deter Johan.
Then Johan saw the member's support waning. They seemed to be scared of death.
"I have destroyed a Carrier with my bare hands. I do not fear any army or man. I will ensure our victory. Death is inevitable in war, but honor is entirely up to you." Johan growled, "I will fight with honor, and I will not live as a coward." Johan's words reinspired the men around. Sonar was still apprehensive, but Johan had a feeling about her that he was not expecting. She had a good soul behind her.
"Honor, in surprise attack? Sure, ya get buried for your honor and I'll live." Jack grumbled, clearly upset over losing his favored status as the leader. That was not Johan's problem.
"Then stay here. I will carve out my lands, and I will leave you with nothing. I do give land which is rightfully mine back." Johan snarled at him, unnerving the man who was clearly disturbed by his courage and will.
"Ya came here to help us!" Jack growled at him, outrage.
"No, I came here for oil. You are a useful enemy to my enemy. That does not make us allies, merely men that seek the destruction of our enemy. If you are not useful, I will cast you aside." Johan snarled, baring his teeth to demonstrate how ready he was for battle.
Jack seemed to take the message clearly. He backed down, and nodded at Johan, "Fair enough. Can we at least work the plan. Maybe not lose so many men?"
Johan was about to snarl again, but his mind won out. It was important to not throw men at a threat they could not hope to fight. "That is a fair request. We will work and plan. Then we shall destroy our enemy, and secure what is mine."
Jack smiled a smile of cunning and dark plans. There was no doubt in Johan's mind at that face, he was a deceiver, a liar. But for now, he was useful. Johan would make use of him quite well, and if a betrayal came, Johan would punish accordingly.
/*-*/
Lines have been drawn… and crossed, but who can say the future…. I can, because I am ahead. So ahead that I decided to post a second chapter in honor of the one year anniversary of the Wolverine Saga and me returning to the place where I finally decided to start the story.
Please leave a review, and tell me what your thoughts are.