Daedriel: The Fiona and Scourge scene was actually improv, because I felt like Fiona is getting side lined. Fiona received divine aide to help her deal with Scourge. One wrong word, and it would have been a very different outcome. With the Desert Fox arc, I fiddled with the idea of Sonar and Gewis getting caught in a moment of passion, but I decided to shelve the idea. Instead, I went with a love triangle for extra drama and a bit of reader frustration. As for Gewis, I have plans for him, very big plans.
Merendinoemilano: I'm glad you thought it was awesome.
/*-*/
Sonic smiled as Sally raised her wine glass at Sonic, "See, I told you that being a noble had its perks." He almost laughed as Sally drank sipped the wine with Sonic.
"I know… I just have… freedoms I like, one that comes without having a crown or anything." Sonic smiled at her. He really did not like being tied to an area, no matter how good the food was. Sonic wanted to run, and be free, but now he had to stay with his duchy. Still, the benefits were a nice break from… well… not much.
Sonic realized just how much he'd been neglecting his town. Maybe he should check on the city, and see how it is doing.
"Sonic, are you even listening?" Sally sighed as she cut into the slice of eggplant.
Sonic shook his head, "Wh-what? Yeah, I was listening." Sonic tried to laugh it off.
Sally did not look convinced, "Really, what was I talking about?"
"Oh.. you know, Freedom Fighter issues, like Antoine and Agent Stinky." Sonic laughed, trying to sound convincing.
"Right, the fight between Antoine and Geoffrey." Sally stated with a frustrated smile.
"There was no fight between Antoine and Geoffrey, was there?" Sonic smiled weakly.
"No… No there wasn't." Sally sighed, before placing a hand on his as Sonic moved to scoop up some eggplant, "What's on your mind?"
Sonic looked at her carefully. He could trust her, he knew that. If there was anyone in the world he could trust without ever worrying something would be used against him, it was her… mostly, "I'm just thinking about everything. How much the world is changing."
"I like this change." Sally smiled at him, "Better than living in the swamp with everyone enslaved."
Sonic had to nod at that statement, "I liked the swamp. Maybe not the whole "Robotnik controls everything" but the other stuff wasn't half bad."
Sally nodded, "I'll admit, there was charm to the peace and quiet." She seemed to gaze off.
"What about you? What's on your mind?" Sonic asked, nervously. He hated seeing her so closed off like that.
Sally sighed, before smiling, "I'm just thinking about… freedom. Some of the freedoms I get by not being royalty anymore. Somethings I can get away with that I couldn't before." She smiled at Sonic. She seemed to tap her foot against the chair. Sally finally sighed, "We could… get married."
Sonic felt his heart lurch. His chest compressed and his breath felt… tight.
Sally frowned at his initial reaction, which did not help Sonic's current state. It wasn't that he didn't think of that, the thought had lurked in the back of his mind. But Sonic always thought that day was going to be far… very far off.
Sally frowned, her whole posture slumped, "I… I see. I Understand."
Sonic realized how he came across as Christina brought in the alfredo noodled, "W-Wait, no-no. I mean… it's just, we're a little young… aren't we?"
Sally seemed to eye Sonic, the pain turning into anger, but then being tucked down somewhere inside her, which was not good, "Yes… you are right."
She had shut down, and Sonic felt extra awkward, and extra upset with himself. Christina shook her head as she walked back into the kitchen room.
Sonic knew he had messed up because he knew Sally. She was pushing her anger and frustration down, but Sonic had a feeling he would pay for that. Sonic shifted as she continued to tear into the lasagna, looking down to not look at his face.
Sonic gulped, "I mean, we can get married if you like. I love you, I really do." Sonic tried to make her smile at him. Instead she continued to look at the food on her plate.
"I know." She smiled with a light growl in her throat.
Sonic sighed in frustration as she continued to be closed off. He sighed, "Come on, don't be like that."
"Like what?" Sally asked with a forced smile.
"Like this… Just… I'm sorry, ok?" Sonic pleaded. This wasn't fair to him, at least he didn't think so.
Sally sighed, "I love you too. I get it, we're young, and not really old enough to get married. So We won't, how about that?" She growled, shaking her head.
Sonic was about to plead with her some more when he heard a knock at the door. Sonic looked at Sally quietly, and she seemed… depressed.
Sonic got up and went to answer the door, knowing full well that he was in the dog house.
Imagine his surprise when Rosemary Prower was standing there, looking at Sonic with immense stress on her face, "We need to talk, now."
Sonic opened the door wider, and allowed her to walk in. His guard was up, because she was the one who… provoked Tails to attack Fiona.
"What do you want?" Sonic asked, slightly colder than he probably should have been, but he was not exactly having a great day.
Rosemary sighed, "I need your help." She sounded worried, stressed even.
"My help, after what you did?" Sonic growled, balling a fist, and snarling. He was done with her games.
"What I did? I beg your pardon, I don't have time for games. I have reason to believe the Sand Blasters were wiped out." Rosemary growled balling her fist.
"You almost made Tails a murderer!" Sonic growled at her, "He tried to kill Fiona, and then me! I'm done playing games with you!"
"I never told him to do anything! I would never ask my baby boy to do that." She snarled, pointing a finger in Sonic's face.
"Rosemary, I swear-" Sonic started, balling a fist.
"What's going on?" Sally demanded, walking out from the hallway.
Both of them looked at her. Rosemary sighed, "I came because things are changing on the outside. One of our councilors lost contact with Jack. We've started hearing rumors about a "Demon" in the desert."
"Interesting… What does this have to do with us?" Sally asked cautiously.
"I came seeking help if Nagus attempts to seize power. Ham- One of our councilors is especially worried about the lack of communication. There isn't much else we know, but I am worried that Nagus is doing things outside of the public eye." Rosemary complained, before sighing, "I came to the most reliable noble I could with the hopes of an Alliance. It seems a lot has happened since then."
Sally sighed, "I know, he's always plotting something, but there isn't a lot we can do."
"I simply want support, in the name of peace." Rosemary looked at Sonic, pleading.
Sonic glared at her. She could tell that he was not in a good frame of mind. Still, Sonic wanted them to stay united, "Alright… I'll think about it."
Rosemary gave a soft smile, and nodded, before walking out the door.
Sonic looked up at Sally, "What's going on?"
"Johan wanted to go to the Desert. I couldn't really stop him, so I sent a penal squad to keep an eye on him. I don't know what happened, but I guess he did what he does best." Sally sighed, tapping her feet and scratching the back of her head.
"Freedom Fighters are dead!" Sonic shouted, having Sally recoil defensively.
She then took a moment, before sighing, "I hate it, but there is not a lot we can do about it."
Sonic took a moment to register her words. Was she being serious? Sonic panted slightly, before sighing, "I have things to do. I've got a city to check up on…. I don't know what's going on with you, but I am worried about you."
"Son-" Sally started, but Sonic walked out the door. He went back into the city. To his surprise, there wasn't a lot that needed to be done. Everyone had just sort of gone on with life. Business came and went as usual. If the people had a problem, they seemed to take care of it on their own. It was nice, until Sonic needed a distraction.
He visited the orphanage, and was immediately shocked by how quiet it was. Sonic walked knocked on the door.
The old possum came, and smiled, "Ah… my lord. Welcome." She opened the door. The house was dusty, and about ten children sat in their chairs, eating lunch.
Sonic gasped, "Why's it so quiet?" He wasn't expecting the place to seem so… empty.
"People are adopting kids. Those kids are out, living their lives with their parents." The old possum sighed, before nodding, "Life is good, thanks to you."
Sonic wanted to talk, but he wasn't sure what to say. "Sorry, I wish you had more family-less kids" wasn't exactly a good message.
He left, and returned to Freedom HQ, the only place that he could possibly think had issues or something to do. Sonic felt nervous, a deep gnawing inside his body. What was Eggman doing? Sonic didn't know, and he was really worried about the possible answer.
Sonic walked inside Freedom HQ and saw Elias, sitting down with Meghan, the two of them eating a sandwich. She was glowing in her pregnancy, and was seemed to stroke her husband's face lovingly.
Elias noticed Sonic, "Hello." He mumbled Flatly.
Sonic smiled weakly, "Hey." They sat there in a bit of awkwardness.
Sonic finally spoke, "Nagus is doing a lot of stuff right now…."
"I've heard him trying. The republic has been adamant in making sure nothing gets passed." Elias sighed. Meghan rested her head on Elias' shoulder, and whispered something in his ear. She then stood up, and gave Sonic a smile before moving out of the room.
"Any word on Eggman? Anything that he's doing?" Sonic asked, hoping for something to get him away.
"Nothing so far. It's disturbing how quiet he has been. Still, Nagus has us stuck here. We'll do training exercises, and be ready when things come." Elias leaned back, exhausted.
"Would you go back and change it? Giving up the crown to Nagus?" Sonic asked, feeling very bummed out.
Elias thought for a moment, "Yeah… I'd take it back if I could. But we can't do anything over. I think that might be the Wolverine's purpose: To teach us to make the most of every chance that comes our way."
Sonic looked down. There was a do over, but Sonic didn't want to deal with it again. That Super Genesis wave… it was wrong. He was starting to sound like Johan, but it felt so true. To reset the universe… that was awful, terrible.
Sonic finally asked something to take his mind off thing, "How's your dad?"
Elias looked down at his plate, "He's… still not happy. He doesn't think Nagus is a good King." Sonic could agree. "Dad is… frustrated physically as well. He still… isn't your fan."
Sonic slumped down. He felt bad for what happened. Sonic knew it was his fault that Max wasn't able to stand. He hated it, but he didn't know how to fix it, except maybe the Chaos Emeralds, but they were reserved for extreme situations. While Eggman was a threat, the Freedom Fighters couldn't waste their power.
Elias sighed, "Look, We've all got our problems, but don't beat yourself up. That's my sister's job." Sonic looked up at Elias, who had a smirk. Was that Joke? Elias, telling a joke? That had to be new.
Sonic smirked, and nodded, "She does her job well… I guess I shouldn't leave her waiting." He stood up, and ran back to the Manor.
/*-*/
Fiona approached the gate guards, who squinted at her suspiciously. As Fiona got closer, they shuffled and opened the gate into the manor, looking at the flowers that had been planted. She took a deep breath and walked up the pathway.
Fiona knocked on the door, feeling shame in her heart. Why? She couldn't tell. Was it because she had come back because she was hurt? Possibly.
You'll be back.
Fiona shook her head, and the door opened. A butler looked at her, scanning her up and down, before frowning and squinting. Fiona looked down before realizing how she looked. She still had her black top, and short black shorts.
"I'm Fiona." Fiona muttered, sucking in her cheek.
"Madam… Fiona?" The butler asked, seeming surprised by her.
"Yeah, that's me. Tell Frederick I'm home." Fiona sighed, having a feeling that things were going be complicated from now on.
The butler shut the door, and seemed to go inside. Fiona did not miss this. She did not miss the pointless frivolous spending or the needless waiting that came with being rich and having hundreds of attendants.
The door opened up, and Frederick was standing there, "Oh, my dearest sister, I am so sorry. Yes, Damian, this is my sister, Aria, or as she prefers to be called, Fiona."
"Forgive me, madam Fiona." The grey wolf bowed his head.
"It's fine… It's all fine." Fiona sighed, entering the cooler house.
Frederick seemed to notice how sad she was, and made the comment, "Is everything well? Why have you returned?"
Fiona sighed, "Sonic is better. That's all. He doesn't need me there anymore." She put up a smile, and Frederick nodded.
"Well… I am happy to have you back in my company." He pulled her into a hug. Fiona smiled and leaned into the hug. She felt… happier, in the household.
The sun was setting past the door, and that seemed to be the perfect time to get dinner. Fiona sat at the table as meat pastries were brought out, along with cucumbers and a brown gravy. She ate with her brother, and saw Olivia eating with Alister.
Alister looked so happy to see Fiona, and it was mutual. The little fox sat across from her, his little tuff of hair barely peaking over the table. He sat on his knees to get a better height to reach over the table.
"The Kingdom remains in a state of tension. Many nobles are still pushing for the removal of Nagus and the destruction of the republic aspects." Frederick sighed while at the table. Fiona hadn't exactly been listening, but she understood the basic idea from that one statement. People still wanted power.
"And you want to stay neutral? We could use this to our advantage. Your friend, Lord Sonic has already achieve an equal rank to you. That isn't fair." Olivia sighed. Fiona felt the room shift. Olivia wanted something.
"I pushed for him to get that land." Frederick flinched, and scrunched his face up. Fiona could see that he was not ignorant to what she was trying to do.
"I know, but your seniority and noble history should not be something that can be easily obtains by any country peasant who has no history outside of an uncle." Olivia explained firmly.
Frederick frowned, before shaking his head, "No… No, we stay out. We side with the kingdom if needed. Sonic is a good man. If not for him, I wouldn't be here. He is an honorable man." He sounded nervous.
Fiona watched him closely, before nodding, "Sonic doesn't need a pedigree. He's saved the world a number of times. I think that gives him a pass."
Olivia realized she was caught between them, before nodding, "Alright… I am sorry. He is your friend. But we could secure a better life for our kids by seizing these nobles' ambitions."
Frederick slumped down at her firm words. Fiona interjected, "But Eggman is still a threat. If he sees any point where he can exploit the kingdom, he will."
Frederick nodded, "Yes… While Eggman is a threat, We can't afford a civil war. We need to remain strong, and abstain from internal conflict."
Olivia looked down, seeming agitated from his statement. Fiona felt angry with Olivia. Wasn't she a lowborn? How was she so quick to turn on Sonic?
Olivia nodded finally, "Very well, I see your point, and Alister has a good life ahead of him."
They finished up diner and Fiona went to her room. She stared out across the forests and trees. Fiona could see that hills were beautiful under the moon.
"Fiona… Might I come in?" Frederick's voice came from her door.
"Yeah, come on." Fiona called out while she looked over the vast horizon as the moon rose.
"I am… happy you're back. I… I… I am not good with being coy, or clever. I would like you… to start considering suitors… perhaps just for the sake of finding someone to pull you out of this depression you've been feeling." Frederick proposed, looking down.
Fiona looked at him carefully. He wasn't being mean, just voicing his thoughts. Fiona couldn't blame him for that. She nodded, "I will… I think I'll have to give someone a chance, right?"
Frederick nodded, smiling at her, "Thank you. I am sorry that you… were unhappy with Sonic."
Fiona shook her head. She wasn't unhappy with him. She just didn't know where to go.
Frederick cleared his throat, "I've… been trying to pull you from the army. I think your record should vanish, and I am trying to get rid of it."
Fiona was once again reminded of how she was still a prisoner from her actions. She had made a call, and paid for it. But her life was better than most. She sometimes forgot that she was still a penal soldier.
She wanted the fights to come back. She wanted to go and do something, anything to keep her thoughts from creeping back in.
Frederick was there, smiling at her still. Fiona shrugged, "It's not so bad. I mean, the food here is better than at the front, but we're all making a difference."
Frederick nodded and smiled at her, "I wish I could do more for you." He sighed as if he hadn't already done a lot for her.
Fiona turned and gave him a hug, "You've done a lot for me. I… I was not a good person. I've been changed though. A lot has happened."
Frederick smiled and gave her a hug, tighter and warm, "When I was in the forest, all I wanted was my family back. I am glad, that in spite of all our history, pain and division, I have that."
Fiona leaned into the hug. Frederick pulled away, before huffing a breath, "Well… I suppose I shall let you sleep. You have taken a long trek to come home, and are likely tired."
Fiona nodded at him, "Yeah, I'm a little tired."
Frederick walked out the door, but stopped, "Damian shall take care of anything you need. Do not hesitate to call him for something."
Fiona nodded, and Frederick shut the door. Fiona walked over to her bed, and turned off the lamp, before climbing in. She closed her eyes.
Fiona felt herself stand up inside a large city. She saw a massive palace that looked like… she was in New Mobotropolis. Fiona knew she didn't go to sleep in the Capital, which meant this was a dream. Of course, she'd learned to start taking dreams more seriously.
Fiona couldn't hear anything. She looked around and saw the streets empty. No one in sight. Fiona walked closer to the palace. There was nothing out here. It was quiet, eerie, and most definitely not right.
Fiona saw the buildings, and they looked perfectly fine, except for the color. Something about the colors were… darker, less pronounced.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you in all things.
Fiona looked around, the boom yet soothing voice called to her as the wind blew. Fiona frowned. The words were comforting, but the tone was disturbing. Something was coming, she had a feeling.
Fiona walked towards the palace. As she got closer, she heard chanting. A growling, angry voice speaking in a language she never heard before, and one that unsettled her to no end. Fiona felt her fur sticking up as the chants came, and bubbled.
Then she heard words that were different, but she had heard before. Johan… some of the chant was in Johan's language. The deep and angry voice then went back to the strange language he was chanting in.
Fiona stepped walked inside the palace gates as the chanting became more intense. The voice growled louder and louder. Fiona could see a dark mist coming from the sewer drains. Every fiber of her body told her to run, that this was unnatural.
The voice chanted back into Johan's language, growing louder and louder. Then with one shout that made Fiona want to run for cover, the sky seemed to darken. The chant went Silent. Fiona could see the clouds covering the sun.
The Black mist came out of the sewer drains, and Fiona gulped, steeping back as a shriek filled the air.
Fiona's eyes bolted open as she shot up from her bed. It was a nightmare…. That's all it was. She knew that just a comfort. Fiona felt the dangerous aura all the way from Mobotropolis.
/*-*/
Johan's head perked up. Something was very wrong. Even as they made their way through the mountains, Johan was not expecting this sudden feeling of anger and dread. He snarled, as the men set up the camp, with their prisoners tied up at posts.
Gewis recoiled as Johan walked towards the dreadful feeling. He stopped, before returning to the camp to check and make sure everyone was accounted for. Then he went back to walking towards the feeling of dread, snarling and growling.
Oscar cleared his throat, "So… is this normal?" He sounded on edge, as he should be.
Gewis was also nervous as Johan made another pass around the camp, growling and snarling, raising is voice to assert his domain.
"No… I don't think I have ever seen him like this." Gewis frowned, sounding scared.
Johan began to scratch the ground. Perhaps his mind was still on guard, and perhaps his sight was dulled. But the presence didn't stop. It was not an illusion, nor was it a minor miss read. He had no idea how they got here, but he would not let them stay.
"Pack up, we move!" Johan snarled, slamming his paws into the ground, and roaring again.
"Now? We just set up camp and we've been walking all day." Gewis complained, with the other men nodding in agreement.
"No, We move now!" Johan roared, and continued to snarl in the direction of the threatening presence.
"O-ok. Let's pack it up, and get moving." Gewis sighed, sounding worried. Johan grabbed the large sled which carried oil and gold, before dragging it along.
The men packed up and dragged the prisoners along. Johan's considered kill them and moving faster. They had to move.
Johan made them run till the sun came up, allowing them to follow. Was he exhausted, yes, but there was no time. They ran even as the sun crept over the hills.
Gewis called out to Johan, "Stop, We have to stop…" Gewis growled, panting as he struggled to stand.
Johan snarled at him, "Do you wish for this world to become barren? Do you desire the destruction of everything you hold dear?"
Gewis stepped back, afraid of Johan, "What's wrong with you? You can handle anything in this world."
"This isn't from your world!" Johan snarled, "It will destroy everything, and leave the planet barren, lifeless." Johan stomped his feet into the ground.
Gewis held up his hand, "Ok, Ok, I get you are very serious about this. You still can't run us ragged. We need sleep, to eat, some of us need time to think."
Johan snarled again. He didn't have time for such luxuries. Still, looking at his men, they were struggling to stand. The Children of Ceawlin were stronger, but they looked weakened.
"You need sleep too." Gewis held up his hands. Johan did not need sleep, he need to move and stop this monster before it became a much larger issue.
Johan thought carefully for a moment, before setting down the sled. Gewis smiled, before nodding, "Alright, we'll go faster in the afternoon, after some food and sleep."
Johan shook his head. Gewis had good intentions, but he was brainless with the threat that loom over the land.
"You must return the siblings to their mountain, with their justly earned loot. Move at your own pace. I will go on ahead." Johan growled firmly, shaking his head to wake himself up.
Gewis frowned, "What? No, you need sleep as well."
"I must be faster than my enemy. You will lead the men back to my ship." Johan growled, before walking over to the tied up prisoner, "I am leaving my army. You will follow Gewis's words. If you should flee or escape, I will find you, and I will not be merciful a second time. Do you understand?"
The Prisoner at the front nodded aggressively.
Johan then turned and began to run, deeper into the hillside. He had to move faster. He kept moving as the sun rose higher in the sky. He knew he needed to stop and sleep, but that would only add time to his enemy.
Johan eventually succumbed, and laid down on a hill at the edge of the forest. He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to relax for a moment. The Sun had started its downward stride, so Johan felt warm. He did not dream, as he was too exhausted, but he also did not let himself sleep for very long.
He opened his eyes a few hours later, and continued running. Johan would push his body to its limits, but that was part of being a Saxon. Johan did not know how it got here, but he would solve the problem, and not let it cause any more issues ever again.
Dark powers were at work, and they would only grow stronger if not dealt with. And through it all, Johan was excited. He wanted to fight this terrifying creature, and send it to hell. He would be pushed to his limits, but Johan had no choice.
He also needed to warn the princess and other warriors. Johan slammed through a tree as he ran, angrier and more agitated. Perhaps he could navigate better, but he was tired.
Johan continued to run, pushing past his exhaustion more than once. Perhaps it was self-destructive, but he could not afford to wait any longer.
/*-*/
A new threat has emerged, with mystery and terror surrounding it.
So I am back, and I hope the week break didn't make you all unhappy with me. My life has been busy, and I have been stretched a bit. I needed to find a new groove with this new schedule.
All this being said, please leave a review, whether for the last chapter/arc, or for this chapter. I love hearing theories, or simple criticisms on how to improve.