Victor John Foxfire: Does Hamlin have something to do with the fog? Are you sure? So, Rosemary was more upset that Sonic was "wasting their time". No one knew about the new Kingdom, until that moment.
Sonic and Sally have been living together for a bit. Being blocked by Tails once doesn't necessarily mean they haven't been… having fun. I just have to keep it rated teen.
Merendinoemilano: Glad you loved it.
Daedriel: You might like what I'm planning to do with Sally, but yeah, the situation kind of slows everything down. Johan finally does have someone who will work with him in the field, and Gewis is finally starting to see things… differently. Now you have to wonder what could be so dangerous that it warrants both of the Wolverines being so skittish? So much Danger looms on the horizon, and it keeps building, even behind the scenes.
/*-*/
Sonic woke up in his bed, and saw Sally, still asleep. She seemed numb to the creeping feeling that Sonic felt outside the city.
Sonic stood up, and walked back to the guest room and went to the window. He was going to check it out today. He knew something wasn't right out there. Sonic couldn't see anything out of the ordinary in the forest. What ever it was, it was hiding.
Sonic walked down stairs and saw the pastries and sausage being cooked. Sonic shifted as Christina seemed to hum to herself while the pastries started to turn golden.
Sonic sat down, and waited patiently. Christina continued to hum that little tune to herself, clearly in a good mood.
Sonic finally asked, "So what has you in such a good mood?"
Christina jumped up as she stirred the sausage in the pan, "Ah my lord-a?"
Sonic blinked at her, "Did you forget I was here?"
Christina shook her head, "I'm-a sorry. I'm-a working on-a breakfast as-a right now."
Sonic smiled, finding it a little funny that she was so startled by his presence, "Everyone seems to be on edge, but you're in a good mood."
"I have a lot-a to be grateful for-a." Christina smiled, as she resumed her work on breakfast.
Sonic smiled. He liked that positive attitude. The sun had just crept over the hill when they ate breakfast. Sonic allowed himself a brief break from feeling nervous to eat jelly tarts and enjoy a cup of expresso.
Sonic also prepared a plate of treats for his beloved who was still asleep. Sonic didn't really mind that she was sleeping so late now that he knew she was fighting infection. He set the food down by her bedside, before working his way outside.
Sonic saw a small crowd outside his manor, which Sonic walked down to greet, "Um… hello?"
"Lord Sonic, there is a murderer out there!" Cried one of the citizens. A Bear, who actually looked familiar to Sonic.
Sonic recoiled, "What? Where?"
The Bear pointed to the west gate. Sonic zipped over to the Gate, and the Crowd followed. Sonic skidded to a halt as he saw a terrible scene.
A goat, with his intestines torn out across the ground. The blood splattered all over the gate. Someone enjoyed doing this. Nothing was eaten, and as Sonic walked over, he could see mobiums inside the coat Sonic dared to feel the inside of the coat for a pulse. Perhaps it was just hopeful thinking, or rejecting reality. It was probably that last one.
Sonic knew the goat was dead, and pulled away with a sigh. He nodded, feeling a burning anger rise within him. Sonic couldn't help it. He felt something primal emerge within his heart. That goat expected Sonic to protect him, and yet Sonic couldn't.
He grit his teeth, feeling the vile presence almost laugh at him by making itself even more sinister. Sonic growled, before shouting and running into the forest. His vision blurred as he ran, losing all peripheral sight as he screamed.
Sonic felt the vile presence get stronger as he moved deeper into the forest, until it was practically suffocating him. Sonic jerked around, looking at the tree line. He could feel the evil nature all around him. Sonic only realized how important a calm, collective head was.
Sonic placed a foot back as his quills began to move from the air. Sonic jerked around as a black, barbed tail flew at him. Sonic tried to lean back, but he couldn't avoid it as the barb glided across his chest, creating a cut which immediately began to burn.
Sonic staggered back as a tall re positioned itself to attack him. Sonic turned around, feeling a little nervous and ran back, although, he couldn't run as fast. His body was sluggish and panicked. The wound seemed to sting worse and worse as he rushed to the edge of the forest, before Sonic felt himself trip.
He face planted into the ground, struggling to rise to his feet. Sonic growled in frustration, before he realized his arms were shaking from pain. Sonic flipped himself over, for reason, all of his courage seemed to abandon him. The world seemed to get dark and broody.
Sonic could feel his heart racing as a hand grasped him. Sonic flailed about throwing his fists at the movement before he saw a feminine figure standing over him. She wore a metal mask over her face, along with a hood over her head.
Sonic began to pant as she held him down, but didn't do anything further. Sonic saw movement within the dark parts of her mask, and then… black tiny legs crawled out of the eyeholes, with spiders rushing down her mask and vest.
Sonic picked himself up and threw himself around, "Ah… ah!"
"Sh-SH. Question all you see and hear." She whispered at him.
Sonic then heard movement from behind her. He saw the darkness leap at him and his protector. She jerked up and around, and Sonic saw the long metal rifle which must have had a barrel twice as large as the standard rifle out, with her right hand raising it up by the base to rest the bipod on her knee, and the left hand pulling the trigger, tearing the monster's left leg clean off.
His protector pulled the massive bolt back, and grabbed a massive bullet from inside her cloak. Sonic saw the black, shiny figure swing its tail around as she pushed bullet in and fired, knocking the gun out of her hand, before the creature leapt on her.
Sonic growled, and forced himself to his feet, before seeing the gilt of a revolver from the figure as pain continued to grow in his body. He felt small prickly spiders crawling all over him as Sonic heard gun shots from his protector, along with a small explosion and a puff of light, and the creature flew off her.
Sonic collapsed and saw the three limbed black creature snarling at his protector. She unclasped her cloak and revealed that she was a mobian wolf, who wore a hide vest that had two wooden handles coming out of it.
The Creature snarled at the wolf as she grabbed the handles and pulled two long knives while walking towards the dark creature.
It took a step back, squeaking in fear. Sonic was amazed as its eyes followed the blades. They seemed… like Johan and Ceawlin's shorter blades. She was like them?
Sonic staggered to his feet, getting ready to move in as the black monster snarled at her. Sonic saw it stand, the black mist coming from the leg seemed to reform around the stub, rebuilding the leg.
Sonic saw a snake in his protector's hair, as she staggered back. The snake swayed as his protector got low and ready to attack. It seemed to open its mouth at Sonic.
The black creature held out its hand, and the smoke began to materialize in its palm, fashioning itself into a spear. The Creature lunged at Sonic's protector with its spear. His protector stepped back, trying to defend herself by swinging her swords, which intercepted the spear.
Sonic felt the pain shooting through his chest as he staggered towards the fight. He saw his protector dive in to stab her opponent, the blade gliding across the rib area. It cut into the side slightly. Sonic staggered over to her, feeling his arms and legs crawling with something.
Sonic saw the black figure bring his spear down on her, however she attempted to roll out of the way. Unfortunately, His protector didn't account for a change in direction, and the spear stabbed her leg.
Sonic jumped and curled into a ball at his attacker. He slammed into the creature, which staggered back a little, only to screech and fall back. Sonic landed and clutched his chest wound. It stung so bad. He could feel his brain collapsing with the sheer amount of pain he was enduring.
Sonic felt himself picked up by his protector, who carried him over her shoulder she staggered away from the monster, which seemed to thrash around on the ground. Sonic felt another sharp pain shoot through his body into his brain. Sonic cried out in pain as his chest felt like it was struck by lightning.
Sonic felt her drop down for a moment, and then she moved slower. He saw the forest on fire one moment, then perfectly fine the next. He gasped as he felt them move forward, and heard the shrill shriek from the forest. He saw men moving into the forest with gun.
"S-stop." Sonic whined as his chest seemed to burst open with blood and pain.
Instead, She kept going, carrying Sonic out, around the city walls instead of through them. Sonic felt himself bounce, but he felt weak. Sonic was actually worried he got cut pretty bad. He felt so bad, and terrified. He couldn't explain why as the ground seemed to get moist underneath them.
Sonic began to pant as the running continued to push his body up and down. He dared to look at the gash, which was practically flowing with blood. Sonic felt like he was about to die.
He gaped as they passed a bridge, Sonic could see his blood dripping down her back, as she set him on the banks. Sonic began to gasp in pain. He then saw her get low, and saw her arm and leg gushing with blood.
Instead of flinching, Sonic saw his protector pull behind her head, and he saw the mask rise. Before he could see her face, Sonic saw her lower her head as the mask blocked his view. He felt something cold and wet climb his chest gash.
Sonic heard the roaring of the river. He turned, and saw the water rising horribly as he began to cry out. Sonic then saw his protector lift her head and the mask to cover her face. Then she put the mask back on, and bowed her head at him.
Sonic saw the water rise over his head, and he screamed for help. Sonic screamed and screamed for help. He felt his head get directed at the reattached mask, and blue fire burned within the eye holes as the demon that stood in front of him caressed his head.
"Protect him, oh Lord, this righteous warrior. Deliver him from Satan's hound, deliver him from cowardice, oh Lord. Guard his heart, and grant him clarity." Her voice was beautiful, but quiet.
Sonic gasped, trying to breath as the water swirled all around him. Sonic thrashed as he felt himself lifted over her shoulder once again. She didn't say anything to him as she seemed to run under the water.
Sonic saw the bridge underneath him, and turned to see the water moving around him. He saw… movement. Sonic saw lines begin to form, making hills to the right of the bridge.
Sonic curved his back to look upward as two glowing triangles float in the sky. They developed yellow spots in the center, and Sonic realized they were eyes… which the hills were…teeth.
Sonic began to gasp, when he suddenly hit the ground. Sonic blinked… and the world was normal. He still felt immense pain, but the world was pretty clear… save for a few movements in the darkness.
Sonic looked at his mysterious defender, to find her laying face down on the ground. Sonic staggered to his feet, and began to walk over to her. He rolled her over and saw her left forearm was cut up pretty bad from the claws of that monster. Her leg was also bleeding horribly from her spear wound.
And yet, to Sonic's shame, he wanted to lift her mask. The solid white mask with only eyeholes left Sonic to wonder what this mobian wolf was hiding. Sonic looked down at her injured form. She'd fought to keep him safe, the least he could do was respect her privacy.
But curiosity gnawed at him. Sonic's hand crawled up his protector's body, and grabbed the bottom of the mask. Sonic felt himself hesitate, thinking about how it could be a breach of trust if she didn't want him to look.
Sonic just couldn't let it go. Who was this mysterious woman who came to his aid. She felt… familiar. Sonic steeled himself. One peak wouldn't hurt. He'd pull the mask back over her face after a single second. Part of him wondered if she was horribly scarred, the other part of him wondered if she had other reasons to keep her face a secret.
Sonic gulped as he grabbed the mask, with his chest burning with a fire. Sonic gasped as his chest hurt and began to lift the mask. It crept up her face.
A hand suddenly grabbed his arm, gripping tight and firm. Sonic saw his protector's hand grabbing his forearm with her bloody arm. She gapped, but was adamant. She didn't want him to see her face.
Sonic nodded, panting as his chest burned. He let go of the mask. His protector pushed herself up, and Sonic gasped as she tried to carry him, raising him up with her shoulder as she staggered.
Sonic felt the shadows moving around him, his skin crawling with little things on his back. Sonic felt them rise up the mountain, as he kept his eyes closed. He could hear roaring water, and as it came around him.
The sound that pierced his ears was a cry…. A cry from Sally. "Sonic, help me!"
Sonic turned around, causing his protector to trip. Sonic opened his eyes and saw the burning woodlands and city. He saw Sally, sitting inside a flaming building… the orphanage as she tried to rescue the kids.
Sonic saw the hovering pod with Eggman laughing over him, "I've won, hedgehog. It's over!" Sonic felt his heart race as his pain shot up.
Sonic heard a slam, and turned to see wooden walls around them. He saw the mask of his protector sitting on a table. She pulled out an incredibly small nail, like for small cupboards, and tied a threat from a sheet on a second table. Was she living in there?
Sonic gasped, catching his breath, "C-can I help you?"
His attacker looked up at him, and shook her head as her hair turned into a snake once again. She then pressed the nail into the cut on her arm, which continued to drip blood on the ground. Sonic saw the blood morph into a bomb at his feet.
Sonic couldn't explain his terror. He stumbled back, "What's wrong with me? I can't move, I can't run!"
His protector gasped as she pulled the nail upward, closing the cut on her arm, "Venom."
"Venom?" Sonic asked, his body seemed to calm down, right before flaring back up again.
His protector nodded, and she continued to work on herself… in a very disgusting, stomach wrenching way. She pulled out wood tongs, and raised her leg on the table. Sonic watched his protector pull out a bottle of alcohol, scotch, and poured it onto the tongs, then poured a little on the wound she had sewn up.
Sonic turned his head as he heard her cry out, with the squelching of blood filling the air along with the horrible smell. Sonic heard the sound of metal touching metal, along with more squelching and pulling.
Sonic heard the sound of his protector panting as she set what looking like a giant arrowhead on the table, and caught her breath. Sonic closed his eyes as the arrow began to change. He heard the sound of the wolf groaning in pain, before growling once again.
Sonic looked up and saw the wound sewn shut, but then closed his eyes as the world began to shift. Sonic felt the lady-wolf's hands on him, and she pulled him with her.
"Where are we going?" Sonic asked, keeping his eyes closed. He felt himself picked up and thrown over her shoulder. Sonic knew she didn't want to hurt him, but her quiet nature made him a little uneasy. "You don't talk much, do you?" Sonic groaned while she carried him.
She remained silent, and they went upwards. They were climbing a mountain… the mountain. Sonic knew where they were, even if the forest looked fogy and the trees looked… menacing. Sonic felt the air get thinner, and water rose over his head again. Even if it was him mind playing tricks on him, Sonic couldn't help but feel slightly panicked.
He then felt himself dropped at the gate.
"Hey, get back here! We just want to talk!" Sonic heard, before he saw feet and movement. Sonic slumped back. When he came to, he was in a massive stone structure… the temple that Ceawlin was building.
Sonic looked around, and saw Sticks standing there, and he raised up. He was… fine.
Sonic looked around the room, "I'm… well of course I'm alive… what?"
Sticks held out a cup of something. Sonic took it and drank, it was a sweet beer, different form the barley beer he had enjoyed at the feast. It was a golden color, but it wasn't terrible on his throat.
Sonic looked down at his chest. The gash was healed. "Wha…What happened to me?"
"You were brought here by-" Sticks started but was cut off by Ceawlin's growl.
Sonic gasped, "I was bleeding a lot…. She helped me…"
"You weren't bleeding that bad, it was a graze." Sticks mumbled at Sonic. Sonic looked at her and could tell she wasn't lying.
Sonic frowned, and looked down.
"You were struck with a Dark Guard's tail. You were infected with the venom." Ceawlin grumbled at the by the fire in the building. The stone was honestly a nice touch.
Sonic looked around, gazing at the minimalist design of the temple, "I'm not dead, though?"
"The venom does not kill. It hurts immensely, it makes illusions and partially slows its victim. The venom is there to give the Shadows energy. Your terror feeds their accursed magic, your sinful nature gives them power." Ceawlin growled, holding up his sword.
"Sinful?" Sonic asked, realized they were going to start talking about their god once again. He groaned at the thought.
"Your fear, your greed, your lies, they are the foundation of the Dark energy which feeds these wretched creatures." Ceawlin growled, balling a fist as he stroked the flame with his long sword.
Sticks nodded, looking up with fierce determination in her eyes," I want to join your hunt, Da."
"No." Ceawlin growled, jerking his head, "You will not."
"I can fight!" Sticks complained and Sonic shook his head as he listened a little more.
"Yes, you can fight. I do not deny your prowess. But this enemy is beyond your strength. STAY HERE!" Ceawlin shouted at her, and she shrank down.
"That thing… My city… I need to go che-"
Ceawlin stood up as Sticks sighed, "Your city is fine. I found you in here on my way back. The Dark Guard was wounded by the talk of the city."
Sonic caught his breath, before nodding, "So… how do we get rid of it."
Ceawlin stopped at the door, "Host a celebration. Create joy, and the Dark Guard has no power to draw from." Ceawlin then stepped out.
Sonic nodded slowly. This all sounded insane, but that was kind of Sonic's territory at that point. Sticks smiled at Sonic, "It's good you are not dead. I wouldn't be happy if you were."
Sonic laughed, and the two talked for a little bit. Then, Sonic went down the mountains and returned to his city. A day hadn't even passed, so Ceawlin must have been really good at healing the wound. Now… he wanted to find his mysterious protector, who Sticks must have known.
Sonic ran down the mountain and back to His Manor.
Sally was waiting there for him. Sonic gave her a weak smile as Sally growled, "What happened? I heard the guard and the Garrison mobilize after a shoot out, and then you disappeared!"
Sonic gulped before laughed, "Well… I was kind of attacked."
Sally gasped, and pointed to the scabbed over cut on Sonic's chest, "Is that from the attack?"
Sonic grabbed her hands and gave her a kiss, which seemed to calm her down, "Hey I'm alright, ok. It'll be over soon. Why don't we have a party, a big festival?"
"A festival? Why?" Sally asked, confused and clearly concerned with Sonic, "What would we even celebrate?" She sounded almost nervous.
Sonic frowned. Festivals typically did have a big reason or celebration behind them. Sonic started, "Well… There_"
Sonic remembered Ceawlin's words. Better not to start a panic or scare Sally, especially with the Doctor's orders. Sonic smiled, "Our baby! That's what we'll celebrate."
"O-Our baby?" Sally locked up, looking shocked.
"My one-day brother-in-law having a kid." Sonic smiled at raising his thumbs with a hopeful smile.
Sally paused for a moment, before nodding and smiling, "Yeah, I think it would be good for Elias to feel like royalty again."
Sonic lunged forward and kissed her before running off to Freedom HQ.
/*-*/
Johan sat in the chair of his ship, a box sat next his feet. Nagus paced back and forth. "Why did you even call me here you miserable savage?"
"You will see." Johan growled, growing agitated with the old fool's constant complaints.
Nagus grumbled, "You've said that for the last hour." He then resumed his patrol.
Gewis stood with Johan as they waited, "You think he ran off?"
"He was summoned by the king, alone. He would not run off, he would come because he believes the Republic can use this meeting to remove the king." Johan growled, sitting back, scratching his claws against the floor.
Gewis nodded, before tapping his feet in place while they waited.
Johan's nose lit up when he smelled the pig enter the ship. Johan stood up, "He is here."
Nagus groaned, "Finally, we can stop wasting time." He growled and snorted. Johan was growing tired of his insults as well.
Johan waited as he could smell the pig getting closer. Finally, the pig entered the hallway, and Johan called out, "Enter!"
"Yeah, Yeah, I'm coming. What's the point of this stupid meaning, there are laws to be made, and money to be collected." The pig growled pulling his most likely fine suit as he walked in.
Johan gestured to the seat the appeared to control the rocket pods.
The pig sat down, and pulled on his suit again. He sat there with an arrogant look on his face. Johan growled at the sight of the miserable soft creature, "You have kept me waiting."
"Well, I don't work with your time." Hamlin growled at Johan. Gewis moved and held up his hands as if Johan was going to attack. The pig was protected by the laws of diplomacy.
Johan growled, walking towards the foolish pig, "I called you here to ask for your loyalty to the king." Johan stood over him, gazing down at the fool.
"Ha, that's funny, what are you offering?" Hamlin seemed to mock Johan, laughing at him, Johan let him laugh.
"Your life for your allegiance." Johan growled, balling a fist. Gewis shifted nervously. Did he not witness Johan in the desert? Did he not have any faith despite what he had seen?
The Pig snarled, "You dare threaten me? I am a prominent voice in the Republic, I am a valued serviceman of the political sphere, I am-"
"Evil." Johan finished, balling his fist even tighter as he turned to the pig, his anger burning. "Where I come from, we value the boar. It is a symbol of strength and endurance. A boar, in many ways, is greater than the bear. A bear is stronger, yes, but that bear flinches and flees when it fights a worthy enemy." Johan growled, walking back to his chair.
Hamlin snarled at Johan, "I've heard enough, this was a waste of time. Don't call me here again." Hamlin stood up.
Johan continued his story, "A boar, however, was is strong, and stubborn. He will not flee from an opponent like a coward. He will endure every blow in exchange for victory."
Gewis walked up to the pig and held out one of the letters, "Before you leave thinking this is story time, you may want to read this." Gewis sounded actually rather confident.
Hamlin looked at the fox with a harsh scowl, before opening the letter.
Nagus walked over to Johan, seeming to be confused, "What's in the letter?"
"Power, redemption, and prosperity." Johan growled, "Power for you, redemption for him, prosperity for this kingdom."
Nagus nodded with a grin, "Well, I do like power." Hamlin's face turned from confident to concerned. As he got further down the letter the realization was worn on his face.
He looked up at Johan, clearly panicked. He tried to hide his fear as the terrified scent left his body, "Bah… so you made some letters and are going to try and frame me? That won't hold up in court, no judge would ever approve it. Two of you are criminals, and one of you has a vested interest in my fall. It's all slander."
Johan had to admire his confidence, even if it was to build a lie, and misplaced.
Hamlin then laughed, "You know what? I'll pay all of you handsomely to shove those letters up your hindquarters and we'll all forget this meeting happened."
Johan laughed, before standing up, "Court? Judge? I am going to kill you, and then tell the world about this."
Hamlin's confident face held for a moment, before he turned around. Johan closed the distance before he could flee and Johan pinned the Pig against the wall.
Hamlin cried out, "You can't do this! You're a mercenary! You have to work for me! You took an oath to protect us!"
"I work for the princess and I took an oath to protect this kingdom from its enemies. You have been corrupted, and have become an enemy of this kingdom." Johan closed his hand tighter around the pig's throat, "I only have to kill you, and show why I did it. Even if they believe your lies, you will be too dead to be saved."
"W-wait! I can give you money… a lot! Please." Johan began to tighten his grip, and the pig gaped at him.
"Hahahah." Nagus laughed, "A republic member out of my hair. Go on, beast, finish him."
Johan growled at the pig, "You are vile, a servant of greed and corruption. But my God believes in redemption, and those who have gifts, should use those gifts for good, and forsake their selfishness for something greater than themselves."
Johan released Hamlin, who dropped to the ground and looked up at him, terrified still. Hamlin nodded, "I'll… I'll line your pockets with gold laces and diamond zippers. I swear it!"
"Money is a tool, and like all tools, it has its place and time." Johan growled, before punching the chest by his seat, "But that tool has its limits as well. I have plenty of wealth."
The golden coins, scales and plates spilled out. Johan turned to Nagus, "Take." He turned to Hamlin, who was panting, but also kept his eyes on the gold, "Take."
Hamlin looked at the box then up at Johan. Johan explained himself, "I have no need for wealth. But your king needs support. You will use your gift, your wealth, to draw support for the king. You will use your abilities to sway the nobles where they are needed. You will support your king, and then, you will be allowed to retire a changed boy." Johan growled at the pig.
The pig nodded slowly, panting, "A-Alright… I'll leave, I get you. You'll get your support."
Johan nodded. He hoped the pig might learn from this, but if not, then he would die another day. Johan saw the pig scramble out of the room. Johan turned to Nagus, "You have all of the support you need."
"Hmmm, yes, I do. I think I propose that militia idea you had. The two hundred men one? And maybe I'll draw up a census… oh the possibilities." Nagus cackled, "I have work to do, go back to laying in your own waste or whatever you savages do." He left, leaving Johan almost laughing. How quickly the imbecile changed from being helpless to all powerful.
"Why do you take that from." Gewis asked.
"I asked the same thing," Ezra walked in, yawning, "He always gives some vague answer. The new Legionnaires are settling in to their new life… fairly."
Johan nodded, and walked over to his armor.
"You would have never taken that from Jack." Gewis stated, angrily.
"I did endure Jack's insults, and you know where he is now." Johan growled, and put on his armor.
Gewis blinked at him, but kept quiet.
Ezra asked, "You're going? You just got back."
"I have a hunt I must attend to. An enemy of my world has come to destroy everything. I will see to his death first." Johan growled, grabbing his axe and walking to the door.
"How's that any different from you?" Ezra asked, perhaps growing too comfortable with her position.
Johan stopped at the door, before sighing, which prompted both her and Gewis's attention, "If I fail, you will find out."
/*-*/
Alright, our first encounter with the dark looming threat… It's a Shadow Dark Guard. Very Dangerous, and most definitely not native to the universe….
I'll say, and maybe make use of Dramatic Irony, Sally is pregnant. Sonic is the papa.
Leave a review and let me know what you thought. I love hearing from my readers, and it keeps morale high. See you all next week.