MerendinoEmilano: I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Guest: First of all, I'm glad you've read some of my stories. I hope you've enjoyed them. As for the OC's, some have implemented into my stories. You'll find most of them in my Pokemon and Zelda Stories. I had a Xenoblade-Skyrim cross-over that I burnt out of quickly, and an Attack on Titan Fanfiction that I also burnt out of quickly, both of which were going to address certain characters I had planned.

While I originally intended to have these characters that I made with a friend appear in an original work that my friend and I never got around to doing. That being said, they still have purpose, and some might(definitely will) be referenced. I have like seven books of lore in my head about this world, I am just worried I'll start writing it, get burnt out, and leave it half finished.

/*-*/

Did Sonic rush home and eat a bountiful feast that was probably waiting for him? No. Instead, Sonic got out of the hospital, and stretched out in the sun. His legs felt weaker, which was not a good time, but Sonic just needed a good run. First, though, he wanted some actual solid food.

Sally ran a hand along his back, pulling her spikey boyfriend closer. Sonic caught what she wanted and leaned down to kiss her. He went with a light kiss, nothing overwhelming. Sally returned the kiss all too passionately.

Sonic leaned his forehead down to rub up against her own. They smiled at each other as He pulled away, laughing slightly at the spark that burned in his heart. It normally raged hotter, but Sonic was exhausted, so he assumed he probably wasn't able to feel everything just right.

"Alright, I've got lunch planned." Sally smiled at her boyfriend, and Sonic felt his cheeks burn ever so slightly. She was baiting him into asking a question.

"At a fancy place?" Sonic raised a funny, suspicious eyebrow.

Sally laughed slight, her grin rising up to her cheeks as he imagined her cheeks burning as well, "Come on, we both know you don't want a fancy steak. I know your chilidog addiction is going crazy right now."

"It's true, I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I'm getting antsy, and tickly." Sonic faked a pant as Sally began to laugh, clutching her stomach.

"Tickly, what's that look like?" She chuckled, her cheeks seeming to puff up even more as Sonic got lower.

Sonic slipped his hands behind Sally's back, and struck the spot where her elbow met her back Sally's eyes widened as she let out a light, playful shriek. Sonic grinned, "It looks like that."

He watched as she thrashed about, jerking tightly as Sally succumbed to the tickling.

"Alright-Alright, We need to go before the stand owner thinks I made him waste a bunch of dogs." Sally gasped. She was right, they couldn't afford to waste the precious foot long hotdog with a half cup of chili with diced onions.

Sonic let off, and held out his arms. Sally was a little heavier than he remembered, but again, he hadn't used his muscles right in a couple weeks, and being dead wasn't great for body building.

They zipped all the way over, where his favorite chilidog master stood, "Alright, I was worried your lady friend set me up."

Sonic laughed, "And you think I wouldn't come back from the dead to eat your dogs? Come on, man, you know me."

"That I do, spike-pig. Alright, here's your dogs." Sonic saw it. The Class, the finesse. The hotdog lathered with chili topped with bits of onion, placed in a white and red cardboard carry box for ease of transportation.

Sonic held his five dogs and Sally took her meager one. They sat down, and the wave of joy Sonic felt as solid food graced his stomach was only matched by joy of feeling the wind and sun in his quills once again.

Of course, Sonic tore through two of his chilidogs without much thought. The flavor was fantastic, and Sonic's hunger and time away only made them better.

Then He noticed Sally's somewhat smug, somewhat embarrassed smile on her face.

Sonic dared to ask, "What?"

"You know, sometimes I see you acting so smooth and suave, and think you are high class upstanding citizen. Then I watch you swallow a chilidog whole, and am reminded that manners are a suggestion to you." Sally laughed slightly.

Sonic felt a little embarrassed, "Sorry, but I don't eat a chilidog whole. Even you see me taking bites."

"With how fast you eat them, you might as well swallow them whole." Sally shook her head with a sigh. Sonic rolled his eyes.

"Alright, I'll try to be better about it." Sonic smiled. Deep down, if he was alone, the chilidogs would vanish in seconds, but, Sonic was willing to compromise with Sally just for a little bit.

He ate slower, and Sally scooted over to him. He felt her tight hug that she wrapped around him, and Sonic wrapped his arm around her.

As Sonic finished up his last dog, Sally ran a finger along his cheek, "Was it good?" She asked, half sarcastic.

Sonic smiled as she scrapped some chili off of Sonic's cheek and stuck in in her mouth.

Sonic leaned against her, feeling slightly tired from the food, "Thanks, Sal". Sonic sighed and rubbed up her back to place a hand on her shoulder.

Sally shuddered in his touch, and she leaned against him. Sonic probably needed to get back in shape. Who knew what was going on. Still, he really felt like taking it easier. A day wouldn't hurt to get back into the groove of things.

"Ahh… Sir Sonic, healthy and well I see." A raspy voice practically sang out.

Sonic turned looked up and saw Nagus, standing over him with the most pleased grin on his face. Sonic felt his guard rise as Nagus seemed to look ever more sinister with each passing second. Sonic noticed the gold crown on his head, all of its jewels casting an eerie glow across Nagus' face.

Sonic smiled, "I've been better, But I might be down sometimes, but I'm never out." Sonic was at least somewhat nice. There was no sense in causing more problems.

"Right, I know that first hand." Nagus seemed to laughed. Ignoring the scary smile he gave, Nagus almost seemed… normal. "I heard you had some interesting political opinions." Nagus' smile told Sonic that there was a trap in place.

Sally was sense, seeming both angry, on guard, and scared. Sonic couldn't exactly blame her. Sally spoke up though, as if standing in Sonic's defense, "Why are you here?"

"I asked the duke a question." Nagus simply deflected.

"I'm not really much for politics." Sonic sighed and shrugged. He wasn't nervous per say, but uncomfortable was an understatement. Nagus being confident was either hilariously good, or terribly bad.

"I heard you pledged your support to the Republic during my… holiday." Nagus's grin never wavered.

"Yeah, I did. I didn't exactly want us fighting among ourselves." Sonic tried to calm him down. Sonic was pretty sure no nobles were coming to his aid if Nagus threw a fit.

"Well… thank you." Nagus kept his grin with the firm gratitude.

Sonic blinked, "T-Thank you? Didn't I'd ever hear that from you." Sally made a gesture for him to cut it out.

Nagus laughed, "I never thought I would ever feel a need to say it. But, I suppose I owe my throne to that little stunt, both of you. If you hadn't supported the Republic, then some bright eyed noble boy would have likely scared the republic with enough support, and they would have given him the throne."

Nagus seemed to chuckle before continuing, "But you two? You two gave the republic just enough support to continue believe that they could ever manage without me. Then other nobles drew up armies, and the Republic couldn't simple chose a noble to make king, because the others would have simply attacked. No, they needed me back." Nagus salivated at those words.

Sonic licked his lips, feeling the chilidog work its way back up his throat, "So you're saying-"

"That I'm here because of you." Nagus cackled, with Sally looking mildly horrified as well. Nagus continued his statement, "And all the good things coming from my reign, that will be thanks to you, Hedgehog."

Sonic grit his teeth as Nagus turned around and left. Sonic almost missed Geoffrey, who looked finally nervous about the things unfolding.

Sonic slammed his fist on the table, "I screwed up."

"No, We did the right thing. It just had… bad outcomes. The lesser of two evils." Sally mumbled to herself.

Sonic sighed, feeling a hole in his barrel of joy "Well, Want to head back?"

Sally turned to him, "Sure, Let's go back to Freedom Headquarters, I know everyone will want to see you again."

Sonic smiled, and climbed out of the seat. If he got to see one of his fellow Freedom Fighters, then it would all be worth it. He held out his arms and Sally climbed in. Sonic burst out of the city.

He felt off, slower, not quite up to speck. He'd have to go on a few runs to get back in shape. Sonic not being on his A-game added a whole fifteen Seconds to the trip. That was absurd.

They got there, and Sonic set Sally down, "Sorry for the long trip."

"Oh come now mister," Sally smiled, "You know now is not the time for jokes."

Sonic laughed a little, but wasn't exactly joking. He was really falling out of touch. He needed to get back up to speed. Then again, he had plenty of time to do so.

They entered in, and Sonic was surprised by a ball of yellow fur which slammed into his stomach, slightly hurting him, but most importantly, telling Sonic that he had nothing to worry about. Tails was right there, not in jail, not in a grave. Alive, and free.

Sonic stroked his head, the younger fox, burying his head into Sonic's stomach.

"SUGAH TWAIN, HE's BACK!" Bunnie called out, giving Sonic walking over to give Sonic a hug. Sonic leaned into Bunnie, only to have Rotor come in and jump on Tails, giving Sonic a hug. Antoine came in with a basket of bread and red wine.

"OH-ho-ho, Mister of Hedgehogs, I haves a wonderful basket of goodies for of yours likings." Antoine held them out as Sonic was weighed down by the feeling of several people hugging him at once.

Sonic's eyes passed to Elias, who gave him a soft smile, but still kept his discipline. While Sonic liked Elias, that would have been kind of weird for him to jump on Sonic. They weren't quite that close.

Then, Sonic's eyes passed to the Red Fox, who stood there, her face with a soft, concerned smile. Sonic returned her smile with a confident grin. She seemed to turn from concerned smile to confident smirk.

"Oh, hey, you're not dead, that's cool!" Tangle's voice called out as she ran to give Sonic a hug. That pressed on him even more.

Sonic laughed at the pile of friends who latched on to him, "Alright guys, I missed you all too, but I kind of need to move."

They detached, with Tails gasping as he could finally breath. Tails, however, didn't detach from Sonic, and instead seemed to pull closer, "Thank you for coming back." He whispered, as if Sonic might not be real.

Sonic held him closer, "I'm never down, buddy." Sonic kissed Tails on the head. His little brother was here, and that was what mattered.

Fiona and Sally both passed some interesting looks at Tails. Sonic was worried about Sally. Fiona had made him a promise, and despite their history, Sonic had faith that she wouldn't break that promise. For Sally, it would be a matter of principle, and one of the few things they disagreed on: Justice.

Sonic was partial to mercy, he wanted everyone to learn and get better without ruining their lives. Sally, she didn't care. The law was the law, and it was her duty to uphold it. It wasn't even personal, it was a fundamental belief. Sonic knew this, and he knew how much Sally would have put Tails on trial, along with Johan.

The two were tied, and that was the only reason Sonic didn't want to restrain Johan. Where was the beast anyway?

Sonic was jarred out of his deeper thoughts with a call from Antoine, "I will of prepare a great feast for yours returns. Not of some savage's noodles and soft cheeses." Antoine proudly exclaimed, making no attempt to hide his jab at Christina.

Sonic was immediately reminded he had just eaten Lunch, "N-no thanks Antoine, I had a very big lunch."

Antoine looked at Sally with betrayal, "YOU! I of tolds you that I was makings the lunches!" Antoine called in outrage.

"You think Sonic would enjoy that over a chilidog." Sally replied with a confident smile.

"No… no." Antoine lamented.

Elias cleared his throat, "Welcome back, Sonic, apparently to the land of living as well as the headquarters."

Sonic nodded, "Well, being dead was boring." He flashed a confident grin.

Elias snorted, "Right. Well, I'd like to fill you in on the recent events, but that can wait until you've settled in."

Sonic shook his head, "Might as well just get started, I've had plenty of time to get back to normal." Sonic smiled.

Elias shrugged, "Very well." He began to explain everything that had happened. Johan was out, and Sally had sent guards to watch him. They apparently volunteered for the job. Johan was heading to the desert.

The Republic conceded to Nagus, something Sonic already knew, but they separated the army from the Government. This at least meant Nagus would have a harder time touching them. Sonic was injured, and that was being investigated, but no leads. Sonic wasn't worried.

They had received new equipment from Johan, and were hoping to test the equipment, but the soldiers were on leave. Sally made the point that "A standing army that isn't standing isn't much of an improvement than levies."

Sonic was just happy to be back, and that maybe they could enjoy a little bit more peace before Eggman came.

They were happy to eat bread and drink wine for the rest of the day. Sonic should have been out, running and regaining his leg muscles. But the company was fine.

After a couple glasses of wine, and a duck wing dinner prepared by Antoine. They were absolutely delicious, fried in just the right way.

Fiona was actually welcome at Sonic's request, because he still cared about her. He didn't have to love her to care for her. He did love her… just differently.

When dinner was done, Sonic actually found it relaxing to clean the dishes. Tails was there, with him, "Sonic… thank you… for being there for me."

"Don't mention it. We're family, I'm sort of stuck with you." Sonic laughed, elbowing Tails slightly.

Tails Snickered, nodding his head.

After they were done washing the dishes, Tails went to bed, and Sonic walked to the door to go to his house and visit Christina.

"Sonic… Could you stay here for tonight?" Sally's voice asked him. They were alone in the hallway.

Sonic was about to say no, but Sally gave him… those eyes. Sonic couldn't even work the words out of his throat. "I guess I can stay one more night away." Sonic sighed, "But where would I sleep?"

Sally's face was oddly sly, "Oh I've got the perfect spot."

Sonic knew where the spot was before he got to her room. He climbed under the covers and snuggled closer to Sally, who had slipped into a night gown.

"You really wanted some one-on-one time, huh." Sonic grinned at her, starring at her beautiful features in the darkness.

Sally smiled back at him, "Well, It's been a little too long for me and my cuddle-hog."

Sonic leaned closer and kissed her. The kisses quickly became more passionate, as the two got closer. Sonic's hand rubbed her face, and the two briefly pulled away to gasp.

"Sally, I need to tell you something." The soft voice of Tails spoke at the door.

Sally locked up, as did Sonic. Sonic really did not feel like Tails seeing him like this. She cleared her throat, "Right now?"

"Yes ma'am. I need to confess Something."

Sally looked at Sonic, and he got the message. Sonic shifted around to avoid any incidents. Sally re-adjusted her nightgown. "Alright buddy, come on in."

"S-Sonic?" Tails opened the door. His tails were puffed up, and the little guy looked tired.

"Yeah, Sally and I were just talking. I think I'll spend the night here." Sonic explained, laughing nervously.

Tails squinted, "I… can wait." Tails seemed uncomfortable, making all three of them officially awkward.

"You already killed the mood, what's up." Sonic groaned, perhaps a little harsher than he meant.

"Well… I had a nightmare, and… Well.." Sonic groaned internally and pulled the covers up. Tails blinked a bit, before crawling in.

Sally was now, definitely not pleased. Sonic apologized, "Sorry, he needs a little comfort."

Tails Scooted up behind Sonic, and wrapped an arm around him. Was he a little too old for this? Probably, but it always helped him calm down.

"There's no problem. Just me and my boyfriend… and his little brother. Nothing awkward here." Sally sighed dryly. Sonic shared her dryness, but there wasn't a lot he could do now.

"Sally… I-…I tried to do something-" Tails started.

"I know. Sonic told me." Sally sighed. Tails clenched up closer to Sonic's back.

"Then… You think I should be in jail?" Tails asked, softly. He sounded almost hopeful for a "yes".

"I do, but I won't push it. If Sonic is upset, then it is his place to push it, he made that very clear." Sally growled, glaring at Sonic.

Sonic smiled at her, "I think Tails just made a slight mistake. I did too. He's grown up, and I tried to keep him a kid."

Sally gave Sonic a skeptical look as the hands pulled tighter into the hug.

"I can't sleep. I feel terrible about it Sonic." Tails mumbled into his quills, which was probably not a good place to be.

"Tails, it's not a problem. I get it, we all were a little off that night." Sonic frowned, stroking Tails' hand.

"No, you insulted me. I tried to kill you. Those aren't the same Sonic." Tails growled, actually tearing up, "I should be punished. I deserve something."

Sally looked at Sonic with a bit of discomfort and licked her lip, "It sounds like you want to be punished to clear your conscience. I can punish you."

"Please do!" Tails begged, "Let me sleep easy with everything fair."

Sally nodded, and rubbed Sonic's nervous face reassuringly, "Alright. Tails, you will be expected to clean the weapons, and wash the clothes of all of the soldiers for three months. That will be your punishment."

Sonic sighed in relief. Tails seemed to perk up, "Really?"

"Yes. Should you be in jail? Probably, but neither of us want that. So I'll have you work for your clean conscience, and we will move on." Sally sighed.

Sonci smiled at her, grateful that she showed some restraint with his punishment. Sonic knew it was hard for her to let it go.

The day had gone great, It certainly could have gone worse.

/*-*/

There was not a lot that could have disrupted the day any worse. Johan had hoped Jack would respect Sonar's wishes. Instead, Jack had blown their surprise attack, and now fought, pinned down with several cars full of men who were trading fire with the defenders.

Sonar was not seen anywhere, and the other half of the Sand Blasters hesitated to join in. Johan saw no point in waiting any longer, so he jumped over the dune and charged at the gate.

The Sand blasters who hadn't joined the stupid charge followed behind Johan, along with his men. Gewis called out from one of the cars, "Move around the corners, try to limit their range to shoot!"

Johan made sure to notice Gewis. The young man was surprising him, even now. Still, there were walls to be broken down, and Johan could do that job very well. He pushed passed the cars as the mounted guns fired up at the defensive battlements.

Johan collided with the gate, and pushed inside. His nose caught a scent of Sonar. Johan dug two small pits with two strokes of his paws into the ground. He would return after dealing with the defenders at the walls.

He ran up the large stairs that were built as the siren rang out. They were annoying. Johan snapped, and smashed into one of the siren towers, pulling it out. He then ran along the walls as they Legionnaires turned to face the large beast.

They cried out and began to fire desperately. Johan felt the singeing energy against his body as he smacked two Legionnaires off the walls. More continued to turn, which gave the Sand Blasters plenty of time to move in past the destroyed gate.

Johan cleared the wall up to the gate easily. These men were hardly worth his time. His opinion shifted when a large blast of energy hit Johan knocking him back. Johan actually felt that one, it actually stung beyond a surface level burn.

Johan sat up and saw the Anti-air battery on the other side of the gate turning to fire again, but it seemed to be steaming. They could only fire so fast when using their lasers. Johan ran faster at the battery as the crew began to panic.

Johan smacked the commander into the gun and flipped the gun off the wall. Johan roared before looking at more of the battlement gunners before gun fire rang out from below. Gewis commanded, "Watch the towers!" he seemed to be focused with his rifle.

Johan saw that they were able to handle this section of the refinery, so Johan moved to the towers. He broke down the door of the closest one to find Sonar, standing over a valve, trying to force it one way.

"You?" Johan growled, slightly disturbed by her presence and disappearance. He noticed the corpses of Legionnaires on the ground.

"Help me shut this valve!" She cried out, pulling on it. Johan grabbed the metal handles and twisted. It was hardly a problem for his strength.

"You left after the fool attacked." Johan growled. He did not think of her as a traitor. She was still here, perhaps too weak to be useful, and the plan would have had problems, but still, she was loyal.

"They thought Jack was chasing me down after capturing Spike. He honestly helped out." Sonar mumbled with a slightly surprised smile. She was certainly thrown off.

Johan was also surprised, but, in the end it worked for the better. Jack continued to prove himself to be more useful than Johan believed. Johan turned the next valve, "Your friend is injured. I do not know if he is alive."

She froze at those words, stopping at the final valve. "Spike?"" Sonar sounded distant. Johan realized that it was a mistake to bring up his injured state during the battle.

"Yes. He is at the gate, and he is not well." Johan affirmed. There was no sense in hiding it now.

"I should go… but we need to finish this first. I can't do a lot for him now." Sonar grit her teeth. Her voice was strained. She was fighting her emotions, and staying focused. Johan would listen to her after the battle.

They pushed open the next door, and ran along the walls to the second large pipe. The men had moved in, and were working surprisingly well. They were not Saxons, but they moved enough to make themselves useful.

The door to the next pipeline was sealed. That seal did nothing to stop Johan, who pried the door from its socket. He tossed the door aside, and jumped in the room as Sonar fired her revolver at the team that was trying to stop them.

Johan noticed one grabbed what appeared to be a red axe and ran at him. Johan caught the axe, and the Legionnaire tried to kick him. He was ready to fight to the death, so Johan decided to fight for his life. Johan pushed down on the axe, and smacked him in the face with the handle.

The Legionnaire continued to struggle, which meant Johan needed to be a bit more forceful. He slammed the handle of the axe continuously until the Legionnaire was dazed enough to let go. Johan then smacked him against the wall. He hoped the boy would not die. It would be a waste.

Johan then went to help Sonar with the valves. The first valve felt tighter, like it had not been closed in a while. They moved to the next Valve, and Johan growled, "Is this all we need?"

"This should be the last pipeline. The other base isn't exactly in operational condition." Sonar nodded, her voice rigid and locked up. Johan turned the second valve.

"Are you capable of fighting still?" Johan growled. She was clearly not well.

"I'll be fine. I just… need to think." Sonar mumbled. The valve sealed shut.

The Final valve was there, and Johan grabbed the handles, "I do not need you thinking while we are fighting. I need you focused."

"Don't worry about me, I will do what needs to be done!" Sonar barked at him.

Her determination was strong, So Johan pressed no further. Johan closed the last valve. The outside had gone silent.

He exited to find the Remaining legionnaires mostly dead, although, a few were being dragged to the walls and chained up.

Sonar Johan saw some of the men pushing up the stairs of the main citadel.

He joined the warriors down below, with Sonar rushing past him to the gate entrance. Johan allowed her to go ahead. He had little care for Spike, but Sonar was clearly disturbed by any idea of Spike being injured.

Johan approached as she held up his limp body. He wasn't dead, he was breathing, and actually conscious.

"Spike, come on, are you ok?" Sonar begged, holding him close to her chest.

Spike gasped, "I'd be better if I wasn't run over." Johan saw the marks on his arms and legs, those were their cars. Then again, they had no time to worry about one man. Johan would have though.

Jack came over, "Well, shoot. Gonna might as well put ya out of ya misery." Jack drew his pistol. Johan snarled and Sonar drew her own and aimed it at Jack. This was getting fun.

"NO! NO! HE CAN LIVE!" She shouted. The men around drew their weapons. Johan stood between the two, perhaps eager to see which one would pull the trigger first. The other men saw his stance, and stood down.

"We don't have the supplies to waste on him!" Jack shouted, "Stand down, ya dumb bitch!" Jack turned his gun to her.

"They have a medical station here! We can get him treatments… probably!" She shouted back, cocking her revolver back.

The two were at a major conflict, but neither seemed to inch towards the trigger. Johan watched carefully. Who had the greater will? Who was willing to assert their dominance by any means necessary? Johan felt all too eager to hear the shot ring out.

Then… Johan felt a wavy of frustration as Sonar turned to him. Was she asking his support?

Jack gulped, and also turned. "Come on, Help me out here. She'll listen to ya. Most of 'em will apparently."

"Please, we can get him help!" Sonar pleaded.

Neither was willing to kill to prove their claim, the cowards. Still, Johan had a debt to settle.

"It takes twenty years for a boy to become a man, and assert his reign. It takes a twentieth of a second to end that reign. Manpower is the hardest resource to keep. Let us try to save him." Johan growled firmly.

Jack looked frustrated, but holstered his revolver. Sonar looked up with gratitude, along with her copper garden defender. She lifted her friend up as Gewis came over to help.

Johan turned and walked over to the walls. They should prepare for a counter attack.

Jack came up to him, "I don' think ya understand how this works." Johan glanced down at the hare. "Ya see, ya'h with the republic, and I work with the republic. Ya'h supposed to help me in these little… issues. Ya aren't supposed to give the little miscreates a win."

Johan sighed, "I do not work for the republic. I work for the princess. I came here of my own will, to secure what is mine. I do know why you lose, however."

Jack seemed surprised, "Oh, and why's that?"

"You. You have grand visions, but when the time comes to achieve them, you fail to pull the trigger." Johan smirked, "You are a coward, unable to seize your glory for fear of disrupting the ants that will surpass you."

Jack snarled, "Ah'll remember that."

Johan almost laughed. He was greeted ten minutes later with two Foxes to his back, "Gewis, prepare a defense, give the order to who ever will listen. Plan for an attack, our enemy will not let us keep their prize without a fight."

Gewis shuffled off.

Johan then growled, "I don't remember asking for you."

Sonar shifted as Johan gazed over the sand, forsaken land, "Thank you. He means a lot to me, and I could live with them killing him."

Johan growled, "Call our debts settled. You came for me when you did not know if you could save my life, and I came for your friend when I am uncertain of his future."

Sonar nodded, "Well, thank you all the same." She gazed out with him. Johan decided that now was the time to clear her head.

"What troubles you?" Johan growled, firm and decisive.

"Nothing, I am good." Sonar dismissed, lower her gaze.

"You are not "good". You are hiding your emotions in a wall. God gave you those emotions to flow, and be free. Walls, they exist to break." Johan growled, gazing down at her.

Sonar's chest rose and fell faster, "Alright, fine. I hate myself. I led Spike here only to get him hurt. We ended up charging the gate anyway. I am a terrible friend, he has always been there to help, and I didn't even turn around when things got bad. I am terrible!" She stomped her foot.

Johan smirked, "Yes, the plan did not work." Johan paused. He allowed her to continue panting and getting angry. Better now then when they were under attack. "But you did nothing wrong. You planned acted on what you knew. You are not responsible for Spike's state. Jack defied the plan, and chose to attack, and Spike was weak, and did not move when the slightest injuries hurt him."

Sonar frowned, snarling, before closing her eyes, "I can't call out Jack. He's the boss. And Spike did all he could, he was just hurt."

Johan growled, "If pain makes him freeze, then he should not be a warrior. He should make bread, or make armor. The battlefield is no place for the weak-hearted."

"He wants to help." Sonar growled, clearly upset.

Johan frowned, and nodded, "Preparing food and equipment is helpful. His lack of mobility combined with your shock made him less than worthless. He hindered you. It would be better if he were to stay back."

Sonar didn't have an argument for that. She looked at her feet, but nodded. She probably had those thoughts, but was hesitant to give her friend the advice he needed. Look at what it cost him.

Johan cleared his throat, "As for Jack, I settled my debts with you. I assure you, I will settle my debts with everyone before I am done here."

She looked up at him, a nervous look in her eyes. Sonar was nervous, but she pulled away. Clearly, she was not eager to learn more.

Johan listened as Gewis ordered the movement of large guns and equipment around. Their enemy would be upon them eventually. They would be prepared.

/*-*/

I'm pulling the pin that I left last chapter. I realize in hindsight I could have incorporated both this and the previous chapter's Johan parts into last chapter. I didn't because I thought it would be funny end with "This day couldn't have gone better" and then have Johan point out "This plan could not have gone worse".

Alright, more conflict in the desert. Conflict, terror and pain all mix together to rip the land apart. Meanwhile, Sonic got blocked by his own little brother. Both Johan and Sonic are truly being tested to their limits.

Yes, this chapter went a little mature, I know. Then again, this whole story deals with mature topics. Relationships aren't going to be excluded, but they will not be graphically depicted. This is a rated T story, and I won't push it past that.

That being said, Tell me what you thought, either of the chapter or the story as a whole.