merendinoEmilano: Was that your rating of my Italian or the chapter? I'm glad you had fun if that was later.
/*-*/
Sonic stirred as he woke up. He stretched his left hand out, hoping to feel something soft and round, or even the fuzzy fur of Sally. Nothing. Sonic scrunched his eyebrows and felt around with his right. Nothing.
He opened his eyes reluctantly and scanned the room. Sonic couldn't see Sally anywhere. He sat up, and looked out the window crack. It was… almost morning. The sun was just starting to creep over the forest in the distance. Sonic stretched out, and climbed out bed.
He looked down, at the floor and stood up. Sonic had to guess Sally was busy and going back to Freedom headquarters. Sonic then remembered someone else was going somewhere.
Sonic zipped over to Fiona's room, "Fiona!" he burst in to find the bed neatly made, and dressers cleaned off. Sonic knew she was gone. She didn't even say goodbye. Part of him got angry and thought she was going back to Scourge just because she didn't get her way.
He pushed those thoughts aside, and scolded himself. He had to have faith that she actually changed for the better. Still, it was a nagging thought in his mind. Sonic wondered if she was truly happy with Frederick and his family. They were family, but Fiona was a free spirit, much like himself.
Was he a free spirit? Sonic found himself stopped up. The grueling thought actually crept into his heart. He had been tamed, forced to become a duke. Sonic felt his hands glide across the comforter of the bed. The soft sheets and smooth compressions made him want to sleep right there. There were perks to being a duke.
There were also trade offs. He couldn't take long runs and leave anymore. He was needed at the noble councils, he had duties to his people. Sonic partially hated everything about it, and partially loved all of the people and places he'd been to. But he also hated the cloak and dagger, backhanded-compliment, lying through their teeth world that the nobles lived in.
Sonic's mind thought to Johan, and how he had such a free energy around him. He didn't hide what he thought about people, he wore it on his shoulder. Sonic wanted that freedom back.
Sonic's mind was cut off by a danger signal from his nose. Something charred and well-over-cooked was filling the house with smoke. Sonic burst out of the room, and followed the tart smell to the kitchen.
Sonic burst in to see smoking coming out of the oven, with Cristina waving a mitt around to fan clear the smoke as Sally pulled out a metal tray.
"Quick-a, quick-a get them-a out-a." Christina called out.
"Sorry, I'm sorry." Sally called out dropping the tray on the marble counter. Sonic was pretty sure those were supposed to be cinnamon rolls, but they looked a little… black.
Sonic cleared his throat as the smoke started to clear out, "So… Having a fun morning?"
Sally shuddered up and looked at Sonic with embarrassment, "I…I… I was trying to make some breakfast for us."
Sonic looked at the black bricks, "Well… it's… tasty…probably. Just needs a little icing."
Sally winced, "These are biscuits." Sonic caught himself at that statement.
He shifted awkwardly, "Well… They probably taste great. I'm sure we got some Jelly or something?" Sonic didn't want her to feel bad about trying something new.
Sally, of course, saw right through Sonic, "These could be bricks in housing. Come on Sonic, I've got to try a little harder next time. I'll keep trying with Christina, and I won't be defeated by an oven and flour." She growled, slightly bitter over the failed experiment.
"Well-a… You shouldn't-a left it. Leave five minutes-a, not-a ten." Christina held out her hands nervously.
Sally looked upset, but nodded, "Yeah… Can you make something for breakfast. I'll watch."
Christina scowled, '"You trust-a skinny chef?" Christina was clearly still bitter over that. Sonic didn't like it, but at the same time, what could he do? Say "get over it"? That wasn't going to help either of them.
Sally closed her eyes, but nodded, "I'm really sorry about that. I thought it was a compliment, and I didn't mean to offend you."
Christina sucked her lower lip in, and the marmot shifted. "Well… I'm-a make breakfast-a. You're-a fine."
Sally walked with Sonic into the dining room. They sat down, and Sally gave Sonic a hug, "I'm happy here, with you."
Sonic returned her hug, his heart beating so fast from her smell, and her touch, " I love you." He mumbled, feeling slightly uncomfortable with how naked he felt.
Sally kissed his cheek, and they pulled back as Sonic adjusted to kiss her lips. He was probably the luckiest man alive. She was there for him, and always would be.
/*-*/
Fiona felt the ground beneath her boots. She looked up at the sky. She wanted to go back. Fiona knew Sonic would be worried about the way she left. It was how she should have left the first time. Not with pain and violence, and a little more than hurtful words.
Fiona shook her head, and kept moving. She a few days to walk. And she was committed. Fiona looked up at the sky, "Alright, God, are you going to help me? You seem to keep me out of trouble."
He'd been quiet. She only had a few dreams. Was it because she didn't move when he said? Or was she in the clear? Fiona wasn't sure. She did know one thing. She felt like she was being watched, all the time.
Fiona kept her eyes peeled as the night drug on. She slept in a tree, avoiding her follower. She saw a red shoe, and a burning jacket.
His smile…. "Hey babe… surprised to see me? Why are you scared?"
"You're stalking me." Fiona growled from her branch, looking down at Scourge.
He smiled up at her, "Come on, I was-"
"You were stalking me. You were literally following behind me, waiting to get me alone. Lurking in the shadows and everything." Fiona raised an eyebrow.
Scourge blinked, and seemed to take a moment to think about everything. He then nodded, "Ok, fair enough. When are you coming back? A king needs his crown jewel and shit."
Fiona recoiled at those words, "What is wrong with you?"
"What?" Scourge asked innocently.
"I'm not a "Jewel". I was your queen! Now you're acting like I'm just some prize to be traded!" Fiona growled, feeling her ears draw back.
"When are you coming back?" Scourge asked again, with an annoyed tone as if she was talking about some random topic.
"Never." Fiona growled, "You did something… terrible, and now it's coming back for you" She smiled at that, looking down at Scourge.
He snorted, "Oh shit, little boy blue is going to throw a temper tantrum. Maybe I'll beat his ass to teach him a lesson." Scourge grinned back at her.
Fiona ran her tongue over her teeth, "You crossed a line."
"We all cross fucking lines. I'm the "Evil Sonic". It's my fucking job to cross lines. You crossed 'em too. You think running from me is going to change anything."
"I think it's a start, a new life for me to enjoy." Fiona smiled as her imagination went to so many happy thoughts.
Scourge's laugh shook her out of her concentration, "You are an actual fucking child. You really think you love him?" Scourge's teeth grinned up at her, "You think he's gonna drop the royal tits and ass for you? Come on, get real."
"It's not about him!" Fiona barked down at Scourge, who in turn growled back at her.
"THE FUCK IT ISN'T!" Scourge shouted and Fiona felt herself falling back as the tree suddenly was cut in half, "You were looking at him, clubbing with him, kissing on him. You are MINE!" He snarled at her, standing on the branch as Fiona scamped back.
Scourge pinned her down, "You are alone and you are mine." He whispered at her.
Fiona felt herself panting, terrified. She knew Scourge had no rules. Then… a wind came over her. A peace.
Fiona looked up at Scourge, who actually hesitated, "I am more than just an object for you. I am loved by something you could never understand." She her fear was suddenly so manageable. Words filled her mouth. "You are scared of Sonic."
Scourge jerked back, and growled, "I'm not."
"You lost to him every time you fought. You pulled every underhanded trick in the book, and lost." Fiona grinned as Scourge stepped back.
"I NEVER LOSE!" Scourge shouted at her.
Fiona smiled, "And now, you crossed a line." Her smile turned to anger, "You did something unforgivable, and now, you are worried that he'll cross that line as well. That's why you never came after me at his estate."
Scourge was panting, before he slammed his fist into the tree, and kicked Fiona in the side. She recoiled. It was definitely going to bruise, "Fine, you dumb bitch. You'll wake up one day, and you'll crawl back to me, and maybe I'll let you lick my shoes you filthy whore."
He zipped off, giving Fiona a sigh of relief. Granted, she was hurt, but alive.
"Thanks." She mumbled. She knew he was there, with her.
/*-*/
Once again, Johan returned to the ravine. Once again, he had been deserted, only to come out stronger. Once again, he was angry, but needed to check his anger. Jack, for all of his cowardice, still had his uses. So he once again climbed the hill side into the hide out.
Johan saw the guard, and the Guard looked at him, surprised, but instead of terror, he just shrugged. It seems Johan had developed a reputation for being unkillable. He should have developed a different reputation. Still, he walked into the cave, with Sonar looking especially angry, as was her right.
"Calm yourself." Johan growled at her, "Be still. Justice will be done."
Sonar looked up at him and nodded. The girl was impressive, strong willed and capable of leadership. Her mother was the same, and Johan had sent Gewis to gather Sonar's family. The man had been rejected by her, for a hostility that Johan did not understand.
As Johan crawled deeper into the cave, Jack sat in his corner, looking especially worried. Then his eyes landed on Johan.
"H-How'd ya survive that?" Jack gulped. Johan noted how his hand dropped to his side, grasping his revolver.
"My God is my Ally, I have no fear, for what can mere mortals do?" Johan growled, spreading his paws to gesture the power of God.
"How did ya win? No superstitious bullshit, just how?" Jack shouted, clearly agitated, and clearly forgetting who was more powerful. Still, Perhaps some light on the topic would help him understand.
"Your men are more capable than you realize. With good, valiant leadership, they can do many things." Johan growled, before snarling again, and stomping on the ground, "I grow tired of this land. We will end this war, soon."
"The Egg Carrier escaped, They'll have extra guards defending the city." Sonar made the comment.
"I ain't going to do a scavenger hunt across the desert for some stupid Legion lackeys." Jack growled at Johan.
Sonar shook her head, "You weren't listening! They fled the battlefield, but the ship was damaged. They didn't go in the direction of the base, because they would be alone, and easier for Johan to pick off." She looked up at him. "You'd know that if you stayed." She muttered bitterly.
She was very smart. Sonar smiled up at him, nervously, "They went to Sandblast city. That's where they'll make their final stand. They'll use the barrier to stop our vehicles."
Jack put up an angry grin, "Well, Someone had to make sure we got our oil."
"Sure, you weren't running away and leaving us to die." Sonar growled, balling her fist.
"He is right. We needed the oil secure." Johan affirmed, Sonar turned to look at Johan surprised, "Still, the oil was safe while we defended."
"There ya are, maybe try learnin-" Jack started.
"ENOUGH!" Johan barked, "Focus on the current enemy we have to face. The city, it has a fence?"
Johan looked at Sonar, then at Jack. Jack was nervous, and swaying as if to avoid Johan's gaze. He was terrified. Sonar sighed, "The city has a shield."
Johan thought for a moment, "Could we proceed on foot?"
Jack nodded, gasping and tapping his foot nervously, "Yeah, we could do that. They'd pick us off as soon as we got past the barrier."
Johan frowned, feeling especially angry at his presence. Still, he was a pillar for the Sand Blasters. Even if they were cowardly.
"We'll have to be smart." Sonar mumbled, glaring at Jack. Johan did not blame her anger, still, he needed a lack of confrontation between them.
Jack growled back, "We ain't suicidal, We'll wait em out."
"No, We will attack." Johan growled, asserting his will. He had no time for pointless waiting.
"What? I ain't dying for you, We could just wait for em to starve." Jack growled in outrage.
Johan growled, slamming his paw into the stone, prompting the other Sand Blasters to look at him. "Are you afraid of death in battle?" Johan asked this question as his anger began to peak.
" Of course I am. I Don't wanna die for some stupid black water." Jack threw his hands out with an angry expression.
Johan growled, having made up his mind, "Do not be afraid of death. Your death has already been decided, and you cannot fight it."
"Oh, more fairytale bullshit?" Jack balled his fists and snarled at Johan.
Johan had the mind to be clever, deceptive. But he would not stoop to the level of evil and dishonor that so many of his contractors had.
"I am going to kill you." Johan growled.
Jack's face contorted to confusion, then shock, then to contemplation. Sonar wore the same shocked expression on her face.
Stoix and Roht both looked surprise, but pleasantly. Touborn seemed disturbed.
Johan repeated himself, "I am going to kill you for your cowardice. I am going to destroy everything that you hold dear, and then, I will leave this land with all that I deserve. You have no choice in the matter, you can not stop me, you can not out run me."
Jack laughed, "Really… is that right?"
Johan glared down at him, his commanders were on guard, with their hands on their weapons. Sonar shifted nervously.
Jack laughed, "Yah a funny guy, making jokes. I got friends who'll pull ya off before ya can even blink. Ya ain't gonna touch me. I guess we can go along with ya plan for a little bit, but I'm in charge."
Johan growled at his arrogance. Still, if he was delusional and refused to see the truth, then Johan would not waste anymore time.
"Gather your men. We will leave immediately." Johan growled, crawling over to gather his armor, which had left a few streak in the stone. Someone had tried to move it, and clearly found it too heavy.
"Right now?" Jack asked, recoiling slightly, before smile, "Ya sure ya don't want to eat and sleep first?"
Sonar also looked upset, "We've been walking for days, let's sleep, at least one night, please." She groaned. She was being a child. Still, he looked at Stoix and Roht, who both looked uncomfortable standing. One night of rest would be annoying, but necessary.
Johan growled, "Very well, We shall rest tonight." He removed his armor and set it by the rugs that he had slept on before they left.
Johan growled at Sonar, "You will sleep next to me. All of you will." Sonar recoiled but the siblings nodded.
They rested, did maintenance on their equipment. Johan licked his armor clean, and wondered how things were at home. His food would be enough for his slaves, and the captures soldiers would be more than enough crew to man his ship.
He did not fear the assault for himself. Johan knew he was strong enough to endure the attack on the city. He was afraid… no, not afraid, but watchful of the enemy unseen. Satan did his work among cowards, tempting them into foolish action.
Johan kept watch over his men. Sonar stayed close to him, but seemed confused by the Johan's stance. She did not understand that cowards and traitors were so close. Deception and lies, those cowardly temptations led to desertion and envy.
He allowed himself a light nap, to sleep and recover. Johan didn't dream, but he was wary of falling into deep sleep.
Johan then awoke with Sonar standing over him. "It's time to eat dinner. Jack insisted you eat up."
Johan rose, not desiring to miss a meal. He walked over to the eatery, and saw that they were being served not fish, but finer red meats. The wine was a dark brown color.
Stoix and her brothers waited. Johan felt bad that Gewis was not here to enjoy the finer foods. He went to drink a cup of wine with his snout, before his nose caught the smell within the cup. It was… off.
Johan turned to Stoix and her brothers, "Give me your wine."
"What?" Roht demanded, and Stoix shifted.
Touborn simply nodded and handed Johan the cup. Johan saw Sonar drinking from the cup. He swung his tail around and smacked her in the back of the head. Sonar lurched forward and spit out her drink by the fire.
"What the hell!" Sonar growled, throwing her hands up at her now damp outfit. She groaned and glared at Johan.
"I was trying to keep you from making a mistake." Johan growled, shuffling a bit out of irritation.
"I'm old enough to decide if I want a drink or not." Sonar growled, as the Sand blasters turned their eyes to them.
"I would share a drink with you, but I believe our wine is not pure." Johan growled at her, before glaring at Jack, who laughed.
Sonar squinted at Johan, before he drank Stoix's cup.
"You seem to have no problem with it." She seemed to be accusing Johan of lying. He snarled, feeling the back of his throat constrain as he struggled to not tear her head off.
"I assure you, I am proving a point." Johan growled at her. He left her his meat after he took a bite, as a an apology.
"It's a date wine." Jack laughed, but his eyes twitched. He was a coward, and would use cowardly tactics. Still, Johan needed to show him the basic truth. So Johan drank Roht's and Touborn's.
Jack laughed nervously, "So… Ya think the wine is poisoned, and ya drink it anyway?"
Johan dropped the cups, and shook his head, "Yes, and Tomorrow I will wake up, and you will still have to deal with me and my men."
Jack grinned through his teeth as the Sandblasters shifted nervously. They ate, the meat was good, but Johan would have preferred that it be saved for the victory feast. No matter, he would feed the men with the stores of the captured city.
Johan curled up, and Sonar collapsed on his side. The siblings came around him, and slept next to each other. The night was calm, and Johan slept.
He woke up when his internal sense warned him about a nearby presence. Johan heard the click of a revoler. His nose told him that Jack was right there.
Johan felt Jack get closer. He opened one eye, to find Jack standing over him, breathing very heavily. His teeth were grit, and the gun shook in his hand.
Johan closed his eye, and attempted to go back to sleep. Still, Jack was trying to kill him, and he couldn't leave that.
"Go ahead." Johan growled.
He heard Jack shuffle backwards, "W-W how are ya alive?" he whispered aggressively.
"I refuse to die to some cowardly tactic. You want to kill me, kill me with a weapon, with courage. Go ahead, shoot me. I will respect you for it." Johan growled, letting out a nasal sigh.
Jack growled, "I'll do it! I will."
"Do it." Johan simply grumbled. He could hear the gun shaking as the terrified scent left Jack's body. He was weak.
Johan heard his panting, "I…I'll shoot ya, ya better get up and move. I'll blow ya brains out right now." Jack continued to shake a shiver.
Johan simple sighed, "Take your shot, claim your destiny."
"I'll do it!" Jack grumbled, the words echoing through the cave.
Johan opened his eyes, and saw Jack aim his gun lower to Johan's forehead. It continued to shake in his hands.
Johan raised a paw, and grabbed the revolver, pressing it further into his skull, "A-Are you crazy?"
"I am fine. You are terrified." Johan growled softly. He was beginning to get angry with how much time this fool was wasting.
"I… I ain't scared of you." Jack growled, shaking his fist.
Johan growled, "Then shoot me. Prove you have no fear of me."
Jack pressed the metal into Johan's head, watching and shaking like a child as he began to pant.
Johan growled, "Shoot me, now." He was tired of this little game. Jack would either shoot him, or leave.
Jack gulped in fear. He seemed to shudder before pulling the gun away. Johan found his anger growing at Jack's pathetic will.
Jack grumbled, "What the hell are ya?"
"He's the whirlwind." Stoix grumbled. They were awake.
Jack recoiled, seeming to forget his fear at the sound of Stoix's statement, "What the hell?"
"For the whirlwind blows away the wicked, but the righteous remain." Stoix mumbled. She knew the words well. Johan was impressed.
"I don't have time for bed time stories." Jack continued to test Johan's ire. Jack put his gun away.
Johan growled, "Have you not killed a man before? Are you so craven that you were shaken simply by me being awake?"
"I've killed plenty-a men before." Jack grumbled, getting angry, and shaking his fist.
"Yet you hesitated with me? You are afraid I will attack once you have fought." Johan growled at the hare. Jack grumbled and walked off.
Cowards were the reason these wars lasted so long. Men refusing to do what is necessary to win, being scared of the idea of being hurt. Cowards, all the same.
Johan allowed his eyes to close, and let himself sleep deeper. Jack was pathetic, and wouldn't do anything. Perhaps he was also arrogant, believing that knowing fools in the kingdom protected him.
Johan awoke, and gathered his armor. His followers gathered their things, and they set off.
Stoix followed behind Johan, " You really are going let him be? Jack that is?"
Johan could see the Sandblasters driving along, "His will is too weak. He cannot hurt me."
"What if he tries to flee?" Stoix asked, scowling.
"If he flees, he will wander in the desert the rest of his life. He will live as a coward." Johan stated. That was a worse fate than death.
"But he has a lot of power over people." Stoix pointed out.
Touborn walked up, "Are you talking about last night?" He seemed especially on guard. He was certainly responsible.
"We're talking about if Jack flees. That fool might be a problem if we just let him go." Stoix grumbled, crossing her arms.
Johan had not considered that. If Jack fled, he needed to be certain that his will was broken, and he would never rise again.
Touborn nodded, actually looking glum, "Yeah… He'll be a real problem if he leaves."
"You are both right. If he flees, I will pursue him until he is a dead in the sand." Johan vowed. There was only one way this was going to end. Johan vowed to assure that.
They continued their march through the cloudy desert. Johan could only imagine how painful the desert would be if they were hot.
Johan walked with the cars as they moved slowly through the desert. They stopped at night, and Johan paid close attention to Jack. The hare seemed to be confident, eating and dining with his men.
Johan kept watch over his men as they slept. Sonar slumped closer to Johan. She seemed to be worried and distrustful towards Jack, not that Johan blamed her.
They set off and continued to move towards the supposed city. The rest of the Sand Blasters met at the base of the city, with a dune overlooking the large blue barrier. The cars resided behind the dunes as Johan merge the two.
Many of the hardened Sand Blasters looked to Sonar, following her rather angry lead. She needed to keep calm, or else they would split, and create more problems. Johan served to mediate the two, as Sonar seemed to listen to Johan, but not to Jack.
Johan saw Gewis, who appeared with the rather large family. They stayed back, with cloaks around them, afraid to approach the large army that began to camp out. Johan looked at Gewis, "Pleasure to see your return. You have told them why they are here?"
Gewis shrugged, "I told them what you've told me. That they need to be here for the last push to knock Eggman out. That a friend needed them here. They know Sonar is the lost sibling of the family."
Johan nodded, "That is all they need to know for now." Johan turned to the city's dome.
Gewis followed his gaze, "So this is Sand Blast city, huh? Eggman and the Sand Blasters have fought over this place for… a long time now."
Johan growled, "The Fighting will stop tomorrow." His observation would be realized.
"We brought the stabilized wounded here." Gewis looked away from Johan, as if knowing Johan would not like that statement.
"Why?" Johan growled. He had neither the time nor resources to reserve for the weakened and injured.
"Once we take the city, we'll have access to the better medical areas. They can get better attention, and get back on their feet." Gewis shifted, licking his lips. Johan instead understood his logic.
"Very well, we will see to it that they are cared for after our victory." Johan affirmed, much to Gewis's surprise. He returned to the bickering commanders.
"I'm just sayin' if ya rush in there, ya and yah men will all be blown to pieces." Jack laughed smugly, sitting on the back of one of the cars.
"Some of us are ready to make that sacrifice. Not that you would-" Sonar growled, balling her fist.
"Enough!" Johan asserted, and the commanders and their officers looked at him. Johan needed a swift plan that would let them win effectively.
The commanders sat in silence. Johan thought carefully. The City was placed on a ravine, its shields provided a secure barrier from incoming large scale fire. The Dark Legion was well equipped, with large weapons that would be a problem for anyone other than Johan.
Johan thought for a moment.
"I will charge the front of the city. They will focus on me, and me alone. You will move along the ravines, and enter through the sides." Johan stated, glancing at Jack. "Together, we will encircle the enemy defense, and wear them down. The city will fall within the first three hours."
Jack laughed, "That's a bold claim, can ya back it up?" He seemed to think Johan was a jester of sorts.
"I assure you, those who have seen my battles, know I will not be stopped." Johan growled, before realizing an idea, "If you are too cowardly to try, then you may leave, and we will take the city without you."
Jack suddenly got angry, and tense. He shifted, snarling in his seat before looking at Sonar. He seemed to expect her to call Johan out as a fool.
Sonar nodded her head, "Less than three hours? I'll bet gold on it."
Jack then saw that the other heads were looking at them. He had no excuse, nowhere to hide. Jack bowed his head, and nodded. There was no running away now. He was committed.
Johan walked over to the cars with the good Sand Blasters in them. Tomorrow, they would attack. Gewis stood with Johan as he curled up.
"So… we have the Sand Blasters separated. What now? You wanted to distinguish the ones who stayed from the ones who fled. What now?" Gewis asked, nervous. He wanted to know more. He lacked Faith in Johan for some reason.
"In the end of days, God shall divide the righteous from the wicked. The Righteous, Valiant and brave, will prosper. The wicked shall be destroyed." Johan growled, closing his eyes, "God told me to destroy the two trees which hoard and fight over the prosperous spring. I will destroy the troublemakers of this land… all of them."
Gewis seemed satisfied with that answer, but slightly saddened.
When they awoke, Johan roused the men with a speech, "Many of you are afraid of this enemy. That is foolish, for they are just men. They are weak. I fight with God as my Ally. He created all things, seen and unseen. He fights with you too! No Enemy can best you, for you are warriors, with his hands around you!"
Some were confused by his rousing speech. Other took to it well. They nodded, and grinned at each other. Sonar gave Johan a soft smile, and a thumbs up. The Operation began.
Johan marched up to the barrier. Cannons were moved into position to fire at him. cover had been made from various furniture and goods. As Johan walked forced his way through the barrier, the Legion began to quiver.
Johan did not catch the scent of many women, and no children. His nose must have been failing, or the enemy had moved them away. No matter.
Johan charged forward, his armor clanking as he let out growled and snarls. There was a solid sixty feet between the edge of the barrier he entered, and the city defenses.
"He's here!" Called out a legionnaire. Johan saw the large laser cannons turn to blast him. Johan quickly closed the distance as his armor began to endure light blasts from lasers. Johan shrugged off one of the larger cannon blasts, and pushed up the sandy trench that was dug.
Johan jumped over it and smashed through the boxes as more Legionnaires continued to fire at him. Two that were close by aimed for Johan's face, and fired. Johan jerked his head to the side to avoid getting hit before swinging his fist to smack them back.
Johan then saw the cannons fire at him, blasting him back somewhat. Johan recovered and picked up a turned over table, and threw it at one of the cannons that were in the second line of defenses. It struck the cannon, but only scared the crew.
The Legionnaires fired from behind him. Johan turned to kill the cowards, rushing them down as they staggered backwards. Johan ripped one's chest open and tossed the other one into a building, cracking the stone.
Johan pushed up the barricade, crushing through the Legionnaires who tried to stop him. Johan found himself impressed with most of their resolve. He tried to leave unconscious those who were not cowardly, but if they died, so be it.
Johan continued to push up, going into the second wave of defenses. Ran straight at the cannon as it charged up and fired at him. Johan pushed through the blast, before picking it up, and throwing it at the other cannon in the set of defenses.
Johan now understood that the Legionnaires had set up three lines of defenses. He tackled on of the legionnaires, and sank his teeth into his neck, before twisting.
Johan then felt something physical hit his armor. He turned and saw a rabbit, "Now ya need to stop right there buddy. Ya'll have been pressin' long enough. Get out now, and we'll let ya live."
Johan snarled, and growled through his throat, "I will leave nothing part finished."
"Well… ah can't leave ya do as ya please. Ah got mah boys to protect." The rabbit grumbled. He tossed his revolver into his left hand, and his right, mechanical hand raised up with a glowing palm.
Johan nodded slowly, "I understand, and I respect you for your will." Johan charged the rabbit, and his men opened fire. He threw a paw at the rabbit, only for the rabbit to duck under the attack, and fire his revolver at Johan's armor's cracks. He was smart.
Johan, however, was aggressive, so the time he needed to take the shots was simply not there. Instead, the bullets bounced off the grooves and slants in the plate. Still, Johan felt the impact through his hide. His retaliation was to swing at this rabbit's head.
He ducked yet again, and opened his right hand to fire into Johan's face. Johan closed his left eye as the burst of heat struck him. It burned slightly, but Johan stayed focused, and tackled the rabbit, forcing him down with Johan's snout.
Johan then loomed over him, and raised his paw to crush the man's skull. The rabbit jerked and rolled away, but his metallic arm was not so mobile, and Johan's claws smashed it.
"GAHH!" the rabbit shouted, clutching the torn wires from his arm.
Johan was impressed, but curious, "Can you truly feel pain from metal?"
"It was once mah real arm." The rabbit winced as he rolled away and staggered to his feet. He was still standing, and that was impressive enough.
"You have impressed me. What is your name?" Johan growled, allowing the man to catch his breath.
"We really doin' this?" the rabbit asked, exhausted, and panting.
"I did not ask in vain." Johan growled, nodding.
The Rabbit nodded, taking another deep breath, "Beauregard. Beauregard Rabbot. ah go by the title 'The Baron' if that's hard."
Johan nodded, "I am Johan the Saxon. I would offer you a chance to serve me. I will spare your men if you should do so."
The Baron, closed his eyes, before smiling, "Ya work with Jack?"
"For now." Johan growled. He realized that several of the Legion's guns had gone silent.
"Then ah can't work for ya." The Baron sighed, "Ah won't work with the bastard."
Johan laughed, "Why? You can't hold this city. I am here, and you know it. Think of your wive-" Then it Johan.
The Baron smiled, "Well… looks like ya got me."
Johan laughed, "You are fighting to delay our approach. You sent them away." Johan then grew serious, as his mind became troubled, "Why? I do not harm children."
"Ya got no problem with women, and ya can't say the same about Jack." The Baron smiled through pants as he stabilized.
"Jack would harm the innocent?" Johan growled, growing angry at the thought.
"He'd kill anyone who was once a robian. Ah didn't want to be legionnized, but Jack left us no choice. It was this or lay down dyin'." The Baron growled, frustrated.
Johan saw the picture clearly now. If Johan killed the Legion, it would only be a matter of time before a new legion formed. If Johan killed Jack, the Legion would eventually die off.
"You are a man with honor in a land without it. You have my respect. You know you will die here, yes?" Johan asked, making sure that there was no hesitation in The Baron's eyes.
"Ah know. Some things are worth dyin' for." He growled, before actually giving a Soft smile.
"GET THE BARON BACK!" A voice shouted out, and he was dragged backwards. Johan growled, at the voice, but The Baron was pulled back by Legionnaires.
Johan leapt at the defenses, and charged the cannons that began returning fire. Johan saw the Large house that was surrounded by thick walls and a gate. The gate would serve no problem, but the defenses on the walls would be an issue. Of course, Johan had the current defensive line to deal with.
Johan charged the guns and ripped them upwards. He tossed them at helpless Legionnaires who were trying to fight him off. Johan could hear the rifles firing in the city, which meant the Sand Blasters were also attacking.
Johan threw another large gun, this time at the walls of the large house at the center of the city. He wanted to rush in to the citadel, but he had men who were pinned down. That would wait.
Johan ran to the right side, where Sonar and her divisions were sent. They had broken through the first wall, but a second barrier held them. Johan came from behind, letting out a roar to alert the Legion of his place.
The weapons turned fast, and the Sand Blasters turned opened fire on the enemy's rear. Johan closed the distance, crushing the line of defenses and they fought, giving everything in their last moments to stop Johan.
He had an admiration for their courage, even if it was pointless. He smashed through the men who dared to stand in his way. Gewis and Sonar led a charge against the barricade to join Johan. They were not prepared for one of the cannons to fire at them.
Gewis went air born as Johan charged that cannon. Johan heard Gewis slam into a chunk of cover, smashing it and crying out in pain.
Johan ripped up the cannon and threw it at the scrambled Legionnaires. The Sand Blasters pushed through. Johan found there were only infantry left, and he made them fall quickly.
Johan finished with the front, and moved to examine Gewis. He hand fallen on a piece of debris, and it seemed quite sharp. He simply rolled off it, and sat up. Sonar pulled him up, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah… the Armor held up. Thanks, Johan." Gewis gestured to the pierced uniform, where the metal plate underneath prevented his hide from being hit.
Johan nodded, before turning to the large building, "Can you clear the path for the other sand blasters? Then, take your men to the medical station. All of them, do not leave any. I would ask that you Tell Jack to bring his men into the citadel."
"So that's it, huh? He's going get to rule over the desert. That bastard didn't do anything." Sonar growled, balling a fist.
"He has left his mark on this desert. I must acknowledge that. Rest assured, you shall be rewarded." Johan growled, fully understanding her anger, "I promise, anything I give him, he deserves."
Sonar, seemed to calm down, but was still bitter, "Alright. Fine. I'll do what I can. Some of the men went out looking for something. They didn't really explain it, but they're still out. Can you send them my way so we don't get mixed up."
Johan growled, "I will see about it." Johan would see why the left first.
His gaze turned to the fractured citadel. The gate burst apart as Johan ran through, smashing the scarce defenders. They fell so quickly, and Johan entered the main citadel. The building was rather large for a house, but not a palace by any measure. Johan walked up the stairs and straight into a long hallway with double doors. Gewis came with him, and fired when a door would open, and killed the legionnaires.
Johan made it to the end, where his scent told him The Baron resided. Johan opened the door slowly. He saw no need to shock this enemy, he was weakened, and couldn't hurt Johan.
Instead of a firefight, Johan found the Baron, sitting in a velvet chair, looking out the window at the rocky cliffside.
He turned and saw Johan, "Ya finally made it?" He mumbled lifelessly.
Johan growled, "Are you going to finish our fight?"
The Baron laughed dryly, "Naw… ah thought about it. Ah thought about settlin this old style. But ah wouldn't do anything. No sense in fightin' anymore. Just get it over with."
Johan growled as Gewis steadied his rifle, "I would like someone of your class to fight for me. Few are valiant and able to do what is necessary. I would not wish to see such a fine warrior wasted."
"ah'd like that... Truly." The Baron confessed, "But even if ah did, Eggman has bombs in me. Ah can't, ah can't defect."
Johan growled, "I know about the bombs." He hated them.
The Baron nodded, "Alright… get on with it."
Johan looked down at the rabbit. He deserved a warrior's death. "How would you settle it, in your old style."
The Baron looked up at Johan, surprised before nodding, "ah got two six-shooters. We walk ten paces, then shoot each other. Faster, better man wins. That simple."
Johan nodded, "Very well, lend the revolver."
"Really? Ya really going to fight me like that?" The Baron asked, surprised.
"You are a man with honor in this land without." Johan explained, "I will not let you die from simple execution."
The Baron nodded and stood up, "Alrighty then." He tossed Johan the revolver. Johan tried to fit his finger through the hole, but the guard got in the way. Johan ripped off the guard. He took off his armor as well. This would be fair, no less.
Johan and the Baron stood back to back, with Gewis simply watching, confused and somewhat tired, "Begin." Shouted the Fox.
One. Johan was about to finish this.
Two. The Baron was an honorable man.
Three. He had courage, and was strong enough to stand his ground.
Four. Johan needed the oil of the land for the kingdom he had been away from for a few months.
Five. The egg man threatened his men.
Six. Most probably would be eager for revenge.
Seven. Only the worthy were deserving of the opportunity.
Eight. The worthy were not given the opportunity, due to the bombs.
Nine. Many of the worthy were forced to become partial machines to carry the bombs.
Ten. Johan needed to cure this mechanical disease.
He turned around to a loud BANG. A bullet striking his chest. Johan felt… pain. The Sharp pain of being pierced. Gewis and Beauregard seemed shocked by the impact. Johan was as well.
Johan laughed, before raising his revolver and firing into The Baron's chest. The fell back, gasping. Johan walked over to him.
"Not many can wound me. You continue to impress me." Johan grinned down at his opponent.
Beauregard gasped. The shot was easily fatal, "J-Jack… he can't… He can't hurt them… promise me…"
Johan was reminded once again of the painful truth that Beauregard had to die. It was a shame, one that enraged Johan. But the man had a dying wish.
Johan nodded, "I promise, after today, Jack will harm no one else. Upon my honor." Johan grabbed Beauregard's revolver, and placed it in the Baron's hand, tightening his grip. Then Johan shot him in head.
Johan then rose over the body. Stoix came in, "We're ready."
"Very well, let them in." Johan growled dropping the revolver not on to the ground.
Jack and his four Officers came in, Followed by Stoix, and her brothers. She passed her brothers a nervous glance.
Jack laughed, and crouched low to Beauregard's corpse, "Well-well-well, Baron, look at ya? I'm alive, and yah dead, with all of the other filthy robians."
Johan found his anger growing at the mere sight of Jack's arrogance. Still, Johan tolerated it for a moment.
Jack raised up, "Well, that's the end of Eggman and his lil' problems." He had a grin plastered on his face.
Johan turned out the window, "Gewis, How long did we take for the city to fall?"
"One hour, forty-seven minutes." Gewis explained from behind the bear, waiting for Johan's commands.
Jack turned, mildly angry from the fact, "Yeah, yeah, good job. I ain't too proud to admit it. I think that's the end of our little arrangement. Ya get yah oil, and I get my desert."
Johan nodded as Jack grinned over his new kingdom.
"Because you did not uphold my holiness, you shall not enter the land I give to the people" Johan growled softly, balling his fist.
Jack turned, a confused, angry expression on his face as he squinted. Johan glanced at him, growing impatient.
"What?" Jack asked squinting at Johan.
"My God will have the last word." Johan growled, balling his fist.
BANG-BA-BA-BANG!
Jack jerked around and saw his officers on the ground
Johan closed his hand around Jack's neck, raising him off the ground. He drew his revolver, and fired at Johan. The bullets skipped off Johan's hide. Jack kicked at Johan as he struggled in the air.
Johan growled, his anger bursting forth from days of listen to Jack's arrogance, "And I shall cast upon you great vengeance, and furious rebukes, and you will Know I am God when I lay my hands upon you!"
Johan tightened his fist, his fingers crushing Jack's neck bone as his face locked with pure terror. Johan let out a sigh of relief, allowing his breath to leave as he calmed down. "A little more than superstition or a fairytale, I would say." Johan dropped the body.
Touborn's target whimpered, the bird squeaked, "P-Please… let… let me go. I'll leave. I won't be a problem… I promise!"
Johan scowled at Touborn, who backed away from the partially dead bird. Johan then turned to the creature. He looked horrified.
Johan growled, and grabbed Touborn's rifle, throwing it to the bird, "Defend yourself." Johan growled.
The Bird grabbed the rifle and tried to stand, readying the barrel at Johan. Johan swung his claws and tore the head off the bird.
Touborn quickly bowed his head, "I-I froze… I didn't want to shoot him in the back."
Johan glared at the rodent, before nodding, "I suppose it would not be honorable. Very well. All is forgiven."
"We found a ton of gold in the town treasury." Roht exclaimed nervously, "Gold cups, gold scales, everything."
Johan nodded, "First, we must finish here before we hold a feast and celebration." He picked up his armor. Johan then turned and walked down the hallway.
He walked out the door to Jack's Sand Blasters. They seemed confused, likely hearing the gunfire from within.
Johan looked at the burst gate, but also saw Olivar operating a machine gun on the walls. Good.
Johan growled at the crowd, "The City has fallen. This place is ours."
The crowd nodded and began to grin and laugh, cheering.
"Jack and his officers are dead for their cowardice." Johan growled.
The Crowd went silent, and began to shift, clearly afraid.
"Now… All of you will be too. Defend yourself, cowards, or die where you stand!" Johan jumped down as the crowd was slow to respond. He smashed the first one into the ground, and cut into the masses.
The Crowd began to react in panic and terror. Firing off at Johan as he cut through them. Blood soaked into his armor and fur as he cut, tore and smashed through these fools. Several begged for mercy as he ripped their throats open.
The Machine gun up top fired off, killing some of the fleeing Sand Blasters.
Johan worked his way into the corners where the last resided. They were cowards to the very end, begging for their lives as Johan ripped through them, letting out a roar as his claws cut across hide and flesh.
He pulled away from the last corner. Hir armor was completely stained, his fur was soaked, and dripping. His hands dripped from the mush of smashing.
Johan looked at his work. The cut up and mushy bodies of the Wicked lay there. Johan nodded, feeling proud of his work. Johan felt the blood dripping off his hands. He leaned his neck to lick it.
Oscar came out of the hall, "HEY! I Got some thing for you!" He held up a gold crown, studded with Sapphires which were surrounded by smaller rubies. Johan cocked his head.
Oscar held out his hands, "It's the crown of the old desert kingdom. I found it in… the town hall."
Johan almost laughed. He was looting before they were done. Oh well. Johan took the crown, "I suppose even the arrogance has its uses."
He walked out of the gate. Now to visit Sonar, and tell her the news.
Johan needed to know where the healing area was. Out of the corner of his eyes, Johan saw a coupel Sand blasters, holding their rifles, looking confused at the bodies.
Johan growled up at them, "Why were you not with Sonar?"
"W-We found them!" The Hippo pointed, and Johan saw several women and children, being herded by Sand Blasters.
Johan growled, but nodded, "Very well, take me to the Healing area." They were not being cowardly, but being thorough.
The Sand Blaster nodded nervously, but led Johan to the building in the city. Johan saw the large red cross over the top. He entered the building, and saw how deserted the lower levels were.
Johan put his nose down and began to smell. He caught Sonar's scent, and began to follow it. He went down three layers of steps, before following the scent up to the door.
Johan pushed it open, and the Sand Blasters jerked their heads. Sonar grabbed her rifle and held it up, "STAY BACK!" She shouted. She was… terrified? Why?
Johan heard his men walk in, and Gewis Called out, "SONAR, stop! Please, don't get yourself hurt!"
"I Know you killed some of us! I don't want any trouble!" Sonar shouted, her family behind her. She held the rifle over Spike's conscious form. The boy was terrified, and confused.
Johan laughed, "I am not here to kill you. You and your men are righteous. You stayed and fought when others fled. You should be rewarded, not punished or purged."
Sonar continued to pant, " How Do I know you are telling the truth?"
"I haven't lied to you before. Jack was given his reward for his cowardice." Johan saw that she was still hesitant, "If you need more proof, you are still alive."
Sonar grit her teeth, but slowly lowered her rifle. Spike gulped, "What…What'd I miss?"
"A lot." Sonar growled, panting.
"Does it upset you that Jack is dead?" Johan asked, curious by her reaction.
Sonar looked torn, but she raised her head, "There are two kinds of Sand Blasters: the ones who stay, and the ones we bury in the desert."
Johan turned to Sonar's mother, "I would speak with you."
"M-Me?" She asked, nervously.
Johan nodded, "Yes, come here." Johan growled firmly.
"W-why?" She asked.
"I did not tell you to ask questions, come here." Johan growled, balled his fist as more blood began to drip out of his hands.
The mother came over, looking back at her children, who seemed to move in to try and protect her, but stopped with Sonar's arms.
Johan growled at the fox woman, "Kneel."
The Woman shook slightly, and the entire room seem… odd. They were no so much nervous with fear as much as sickened or curious.
Sonar's mother knelt down, shaking clearly. Johan took out the crown, "By the power of God and my own strength, I give you the crown of the desert kingdom. May you rule it well." He smeared his bloody hands on her face, leaving stains on her face before setting the crown on her head.
"W-What? Why?" She sounded scared.
Johan looked at Sonar, "You can lead your family… and You have good blood." Sonar looked down. Johan gave one last piece of support, "I also give my support to Sonar to lead the new Sand Blasters. She is courageous and smart. She will be good for this land."
Sonar perked up, seeming to shift at Johan's praise.
"W-What do I do?" She asked her daughter.
Sonar looked up at her. She lunged forward and hugged her mother, "Do it."
Johan nodded, "Good. Now… We need our oil. I would like some of the gold in the treasury for our efforts."
Sonar stood up, "I have something better than gold for you. You're going back to the republic right?"
Johan nodded, "For now. I may return."
Sonar gave Johan a soft smile, before looking at her hands, "I've got something that you'll be very interested in. It's back at the hide out."
They set off, heading back to the Sand Blaster's cave. Johan gave the order to scatter the bodies across the desert while they started their trip back to the kingdom.
While they were marching, Johan Listened to Gewis and Sonar.
"Hey… I don't want you to think…" Gewis grumbled as Johan followed from behind.
"No… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that… You're cool, I get it. I just… I can't hurt Spike like that. We've been fighting together so long… Eventually he'll want to shoot his shot." Sonar grumbled, sounding tired.
Gewis laughed, "Yeah… He'll get there eventually. Besides-" Gewis turned to glance at Johan while still walking forward, believing he had gone unnoticed. "- I think there's more to my story… for better or worse."
/*-*/
Alright, that is the end of the Desert Fox arc. I hope you all enjoyed it, as there was a lot to unpack. I will say that this was a long chapter, so please consider giving some feed back.
Because this chapter was so long, I'll probably wait another week before I starting posting the next arc: Shadow of Doom, which is about 5 chapters long.
Please, leave a review and keep morale high for this story. Tell me what you think, or what you don't like. I'll welcome any criticism.