AN: I was confused on Robotnik could rule over the entire planet of Mobius which in my head is Earth after a final nuclear war that changed many animals into Mobian animals. Then I realized, Mobius is NOT the planet. Mobius is a country on the planet. Robotnik could easily rule over one country without much conflict. Acorn is it's own country.

Also, I need to get on an update schedule. I'm thinking 1 update a week. I will upload the rough draft to and DeviantArt. Readers, you can help me make this better. Review, critique, be brutal, be brash, I won't take offense. The revised versions will be posted on AOE and Wattpad. If your suggestions get used, I will mention your name in the revised chapters. Updates will be on Saturdays. Throughout the week, I'll be working on the next chapter and editing the rough draft of the uploaded chapter. Please don't misconstrue this as 'interactive' content. What are reviews for if not to help the writer improve the posted work?

Last time on Man in the Mirror:
"Citizens of Robotropolis!" Robotnik's booming voice was heard from the stage. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have an announcement. Tomorrow, I am leaving the city on a brief sabbatical." He nodded as the nobles looked at him in perplexity. "I'll be gone for a week. In the interim, Bartleby will be in charge and the city will be run his way."

Sonia nodded. " We can take a week off right?"

"Can we afford to?" Sonic asked her. "Bartleby can't fight back. This could be a golden opportunity. And we wouldn't hurt him."

Manic shrugged. "Ehhh, I don't think I'd want to win that way. It seems underhanded to me." He scratched his head. "Mom wouldn't be happy with us if we did that."

"Sonic, let's get out of here before we're caught." Sonia said gently. "Tomorrow, I'll go talk to Bartleby. We don't have to do any overt attacks this week but it doesn't mean we can't try to turn it into something."

"Oh, I love you..." She whispered, a tear dripping down her cheek as they left and falling through the vent.

Chapter 2

Bartleby stood outside the mansion the next morning as Robotnik finished preparing for his sabbatical. He didn't know what to say or do. Could he really lead the city for an entire week? He couldn't possibly be too effective since he couldn't spend too much time in the smoggy metropolitan area.

"Godfather, is this because of what I said the other day? I'm sorry!" Bartleby pleaded with the man.

Robotnik sighed. "Don't apologize brat. I'm not angry at you. I'm going on sabbatical because I need the rest. I'm an old man and I haven't had a break in years. You are going to be fine. You are twenty-five, Bartleby, you're not a scared little boy anymore. You lead Dresden every day. All you need to do is exactly what you've been doing but do it for all of Robotropolis." He saw the young mink was struggling with his anxiety. "Bartleby! Look at me!"

Bartleby snapped to attention like a cadet in the military. "Yes sir…" He trembled.

"Good, now stop with the hysterics!" He ordered. "I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't think you could handle it. Have you ever known me to spare feelings?" When the boy shook his head, he patted his blonde head and turned to board the airship. He stopped briefly to glare at Sleet and Dingo who were standing nearby. "I am expecting you to protect him with your life. When I return there better not be so much as a scratch on him or I will roboticize you both and I will enjoy doing it too. Am I clear?"

The two canines nodded emphatically. "Yes sire, no harm will come to him under our watch." Sleet promised. He didn't know what the week would bring or even what was going on with the old man.

It was small, with just enough room for Robotnik himself to live comfortably. It resembled a dirigible from the steampunk era except Robotnik had built it with the finest Mobitanium he could find. It was strong yet still lightweight enough to allow the airship to lift into the air. When he pressed the button to activate the engines, the envelope inflated within the metal framework and rose into the air. Propellers on either side of the aircraft began turning while another on the back stayed stationary. Robotnik watched out the window as the city unfolded beneath his aircraft. He hadn't left the city in such a long time, not for any real length of time. It was the first time he was leaving his godson and he wouldn't simply be a twenty-minute flight away.

Robotnik didn't know what he hoped to find on this journey. He only knew he had to leave. He was too close to the situation and he needed to get some distance to think. Hopefully, a week would be long enough. Any longer and Aleena might get bold. He could not allow her to get the city back under her rule. He knew that would be a mistake of epic proportions.

Bartleby watched the dirigible depart to the southern skies. He looked to Sleet and Dingo. "Um… I guess it's started… What do you guys typically do?" He asked.

Dingo shrugged. "Hunt the Hedgehogs mainly. Though we also patrol the city and deal with any criminals."

"But this week, our task is to guard you. And only that." Sleet stated. He looked at the gate as he heard a motorcycle pull up. "Sounds like you have company. You go prepare and I will bring whoever it is to see you. Dingo, stay with him." He instructed. He went to the gate. "Gee, what a surprise. Were you waiting for the fat ass to leave?"

Sonia and Manic got off her bike and glared at Sleet. "I'm here to see Bartleby." She wasn't going to explain herself to their enemy.

Sleet noticed they were both ready to fight him and he chuckled. "Follow me, Sylvia… Manic…" He always got Sonia's name wrong out of spite.

Manic looked at him. "Can we really trust you? Or is this some kind of trap?" He asked.

Sleet put a hand on his hip incredulously. "Like I would answer in the affirmative if it were? What kind of bounty hunter do you take me for?"

Sonia shrugged. "A really bad one considering you suck at catching us." She cracked.

He laughed. "Yeah, keep on thinking that. The bozo is on vacation. I'm not going to waste my time on you. And frankly, I don't like working for him. He's an asshole."

"So wait… are you trying to say that you've been letting us win?" Manic asked. "I don't know if I should be grateful or insulted."

"Be skeptical." Sonia stated. "He's just trying to save his pride."

Sleet shook his head. "We caught the Strangler, little girl. Our first job. We've caught many since then. But you are not criminals on that scale and Robotnik's an ass, so frankly we didn't care enough to try very hard." He shrugged. "That and Dingo has a crush on you."

Manic laughed. "You don't say. So where did his royal darkness go?"

"He said something Acorn…." He led them inside where they found Bartleby had tea ready.

"Bartleby!" Sonia ran to him and hugged him when she saw how pale he was. "Oh Bartleby… are you alright?"

He hugged her back. "I am since you're here. I've missed you my darling…" He wondered if this development meant they could be together again.

Sonia smiled at him. "I've missed you too… I just… I was worried about you. We saw the gathering last night."

Bartleby nodded. "I figured you would have heard about it somehow. The… Freedom Fighters… have eyes and ears everywhere… It's only for a week though. I'm sure I'll be okay…." He took her hand and squeezed it.

Her heart felt as though it could burst through her chest as she felt the electricity between them. Would that spark never die? Were they simply doomed to a star-crossed love. "I… I told Sonic to tell them to not run any missions this week. He's giving them their own holiday." She reassured him.

Bartleby heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you… I was kind of afraid that Sonic wouldn't be able to resist. I am a soft target with a very soft, yellow underbelly…" He chuckled, though they both knew it was true.

Sonia giggled and shook her head. "I think you underestimate yourself." She said as she clutched his hand. She gazed deeply into his eyes until they both became aware of Manic and Sleet both watching and looked away.

Bartleby looked at Manic. "Sorry… I prepared tea for us. Come, sit…" He said. "How are you doing Manic?"

Manic shrugged. "Doing alright, just been working on my drums. So, you get to be the big cheese for a week… What brought this on?"

Bartleby sighed as he poured the tea. "Well… I think it's my fault. I ... kind of… ripped him a new one the other day. And… I think he's taken it to heart…" He cringed a little.

"Like he really takes your opinion into account?" Manic asked with raised eyebrows. "Why would he care about what you think of him. He knows everyone hates him right?"

Bartleby nodded. "I guess it's safe to tell you now… Robotnik is my godfather… He raised me…" When Manic visibly reacted with surprise, he continued. "My parents were killed in a fire. He saved my life. So yes, he takes my opinion seriously. Because I know what he's been through."

"What he's been through? Are you sure he didn't kill your parents and set the fire he saved you from?" Manic asked.

Bartleby's eyes filled with a fire as he stood. "No! He would never do anything like that! He was a good man! He and my father were as close as brothers! You don't know a damn thing! How dare you even suggest it!" His breath quickened and he started coughing.

Sonia shook her head while Manic bit his lip. "It's okay, Bartleby. We believe you… Sit down…" She helped him get his medicine and he took a puff to nip the attack in the bud.

Bartleby trembled as he put the inhaler away. "He was married to my aunt and she died in that same fire. He loved her. He loved her more than life. He wasn't born evil. He wasn't always like this. It only started getting bad after you guys joined the resistance. He thought Lady Wyndermere introduced you to them. He thought she betrayed him." Bartleby looked at Sonia.

Sonia nodded. "I get it…" She put a hand on his. "It's okay Bartleby. You don't have to explain yourself. Manic and I won't say anything against him around you anymore." She would never hold anything but disdain for the treacherous bastard but that didn't mean Bartleby needed to hate him too. "But… now you're in charge. For a whole week. What are you going to do first?" She smiled encouragingly.

The mink thought about it. "I think… I'd like to see if… if I can't peacefully end the war before he returns. It would be great if he could come home to a peaceful city. But that's probably a pipe dream."

"You could end it easily by simply giving mom the throne back. Then she can deal with him when he comes back." Manic suggested.

"Or start small," Sonia said as she saw Bartleby purse his lips at Manic's idea. "Think. If your people were in conflict. Remember the feud between the baker and the florist? You handled that with aplomb. What would you do first?"

Bartleby nodded. "Well, I talked to both of them individually first to find out what exactly the beef was. So, I should meet with your mother but not to give her back the crown. To find out what your side would need to stop bombing the factories. To find out what your mother would need to accept a truce."

Sonia nodded. "You don't want anything grand. Or the freedom fighters will feel overwhelmed. We need it to be fun and laidback is no one is uncomfortable. What about simply a cookout and pool party? Everyone can enjoy themselves and get to know you. We can do hot dogs and hamburgers, maybe brats. Low key. You can cap it off with a bonfire and talk to everyone."

He smiled at his beloved. "You are so smart my darling Sonia. I like it. Alright tomorrow night. We will have a huge blowout right here. Invite all of the freedom fighters. And your mother too. And anyone else you think should be there." Maybe he could use this week to rekindle their relationship.

Sonia grimaced. "Mother likely won't be able to make it. It's such short notice but I'll send her an invite via the Oracle. I'll ask him to come in her stead."

"He's very welcome. Thank you my dear for your advice and support…" he took her hand. "With you at my side, I could fly if I wanted."

The pink hedgehog smiled wistfully. How she wanted it. But… she only squeezed his hand and pulled back. "I'm always going to be your friend Bartleby. Always. If you need anything, please, call me." She forced herself to stay cheerful. She couldn't let him know how close she was. "We need to leave though. We need to spread the word. Monster blowout at Dresden Estates…" She looked at her brother.

Manic nodded and they left. On the way out, he looked at her. "You seem sad, sis… You know, if he can end the war, I wouldn't mind calling him a friend...or even a brother." He said supportively.

Sonia smiled at him. "I wish it was that easy Manic. I really do…" She looked at her amulet. As long as she wore it, it would never be that easy.

Crossing over mountains and valleys and even a large river, Robotnik found himself in the nation of Acorn. His goal was the capital city, the castle in the center of the great metropolis of Greater Acorn. The palace featured a landing bay for visitors. When Robotnik landed the airship expertly within it's safe haven, he was welcomed by a middle-aged squirrel wearing a regal blue coat and white slacks and a gold coronet about his brow. At his side, stood a young female squirrel wearing a deep, sapphire blue gown. She and her father shared the same mahogany-red hair.

"King Acorn, thank you for seeing me. I appreciate your willingness to grant me council." The man bowed respectfully. "Princess Sally… I must say you have grown. Has it been that long? How old are you now?"

"I'm twenty-three. It's good to see you again, sir." Sally said with a curtsey.

Her father put a hand on her head lovingly. "Twenty-three and already on her way to being the greatest queen that Acorn will ever have." He said proudly. "And it might interest you to know that she won first prize at her university science competition this year. Just a few weeks ago."

"Good to hear it. She always did show aptitude. She would give many back home a real run for their money." Robotnik praised. "Max… I am sorry that I had to come on such short notice… I'm having some problems back home and I don't know what to do."

Maximillian Acorn nodded and gestured for him to follow them. When they reached a sitting room, with many bookcases and plants, and a large panel window overlooking the gardens, tea was already being served. "I could tell you were troubled when you came down the gangplank, friend. Tell me what is going on back in Robotropolis. The last time you were here, you had successfully beaten the Royal Hedgehogs and was taking your godson home so he could eventually honor his legacy to his father."

Robotnik nodded. "Yes. He needed to inherit Dresden Province. He's a good leader for them. Though right now, he's babysitting all of Robotropolis for me." He sighed as he sipped a hot cup of earl grey. "My problem is… I don't know how he became such a good leader when… I… I may not have… been…"

Max sipped his own tea and looked at Sally. "Dear, didn't you tell me that you needed to practice the track for the next motocross meet?"

Sally nodded. "I do. Sir, before you leave, if you could look at my bike, I'd really appreciate it."

"I will do so with gusto, Sally." Robotnik assured her. Tuning up vehicles was only one of his favorite hobbies. He bid her farewell and looked at Max. "This is hard for me to say…"

The squirrel king's eyes were kind as he interrupted him. "You can tell me, friend… I will not judge you." His expression was calm and confident. "No matter what has happened, I will not think any less of you. I promise."

Robotnik nodded. "I won't hold you to that, don't worry…"

The Freedom Fighters were very open to the idea of a vacation. A few had wanted to take advantage of the situation but they largely agreed with Sonia and Manic. After Sonic explained about Bartleby's asthma, they were especially willing to let things be for the week. Instead they could take the week to rest and recover their strength and plan to face Robotnik head on when he returned.

He was not expecting Sonia to announce that Bartleby was hosting a party at his place for the Freedom Fighters. "Wow! Are you kidding? Why does he want to do that? He knows we don't like him right?"

Sonia pursed her lips. "Oh, because he would like to obtain peace in the city before Robotnik returns. He's under the impression that the old tyrant would like that."

Sonic rolled his eyes. "Well, he's naive. I think Robotnik gets off on the mayhem. The sadistic, maniacal bastard."

"I know, Sonic. I don't like him either. But Bartleby looks up to him. Like you looked up to Uncle Chuck and Manic to Ferrell… and… Lady Wyndermere…" Her lip wobbled as she thought about the mother she had lost.

Sonic hugged her. "I miss Uncle Chuck. And I miss my ma and pa." He let her cry on his shoulder, grieving. "So… Bartleby wants to try and make nice. A party might be a good way to start."

Sonia nodded. "That's what I thought too. It would be a good ice breaker. Maybe we have been going about this all wrong. Bartleby has Robotnik's ear. Robotnik is an expert at war with weapons and chaos. We've been playing a game that he's really good at playing. Let's change the game."

"That makes sense." Manic agreed. "You wouldn't play chess with a grandmaster and hope to win. So let's have a war of ideas instead. Let's get the nobles to understand our side of the story. If we can do that…"

Sonic understood Manic's plan but noticed that Sonia seemed unsure. "Sis… are you alright?" He asked her.

She nodded. "Yes, Sonic, I'm fine. Just a little tired… I'm going to go lay down." She went past him and to her bedroom.

Manic looked at him. "Don't believe her. There's definitely something bothering her. I think… I think she's still in love with Bartleby… but she doesn't think they can ever be together again."

Sonic shook his head. "Nah, she couldn't possibly be in love with that prissy princess. It was just an arranged marriage. We rescued her from that." He rationalized. "But even if she did, she knows she could be with him after the war is over."

"That's what I said…" He looked at her bedroom door. "I think we need to do something. Tomorrow at the party, we'll watch them and come up with a plan."

Sonic nodded. "It's a plan, stan." He pulled out his guitar and sat down to play a favorite song. Manic joined him, playing quietly so as not to disturb their sister. "There must be fifty ways to leave your lover…"

Deep in the darkest corners of Robotropolis, a cloaked figure moved through the streets as rain poured down until it came to an abandoned warehouse. Inside, the figure removed the cloak and shook out her deep amethyst hair that went down to her calves. She hung the cloak on a nail and smoothed out her white armored gown with it's gold trim and belt. She removed her diadem and placed it on table. She couldn't believe it when Robotnik announced he was leaving the city under the care of the Montclair boy. At last, her chance had come. The time was now.

AN: Remember to leave a review. Please, be honest. You won't offend me, you'll be helping me and you'll get a mention in the final run of the chapter.

Upcoming:
King Acorn weighs in on Robotnik's dilemma.

The man visits the home he lived in until he was ready to challenge the royal family of Mobotropolis.

Bartleby hosts his icebreaker party to start peace talks with the Freedom Fighters and Aleena arrives fashionably late.