MerendinoEmilano: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I wanted to highlight everyone's skills and abilities.

/*-*/

The soldiers walked into the city with little resistance. The gates were thrown open, and the enemy guards laid down their guns. Sonic loved it, not having to fight anyone made him feel happy. Of course, they also had to bury several of their own.

Whisper was the only one who didn't seem too excited, but then again, she was never really excited by anything as far as Sonic knew. As the army walked in, many of the people moved inside their homes. Sonic expected to met with a rumbling cheer, but instead, a lot of the people gave Sonic and the Freedom Fighters worried looks.

Sonic waved at a kid. The young goat almost raised his hand, but was quickly pulled away by his mother, who gave sonic that nervous look.

"Don't take it personally, we're the enemy right now." Fiona muttered, walking by Sonic. She seemed to walk with Sonic as they headed towards the noble manor.

"I just thought people would see me, and they'd realize everything is alright." Sonic mumbled, walking along with her, "I'm not a monster."

"They'll forget about it soon enough. We really haven't done a lot worth a vendetta, believe, I would know." Fiona mumbled as they continued into the manor, with its large size and bright windows.

Sonic saw what looked like a golden wolf, along with two golden pups waiting at the entrance of the large house.

Sonic, Sally and Elias approach.

"My husband has ordered me to throw open the gates and surrender. We are at your mercy." She bowed her head at Sally.

"We not be here for long." Sally stated firmly, "Rest easy."

They entered the manor. The men rolled out sleeping bags or took beds as Sally set up a table with the nobles.

"We could continue our push north and seize the lands of Nagus' loyalists. We could break down his support and force the foolish king to surrender." One noble proudly stated, his mouth practically drooling.

Several Nobles nodded in approval. Sonic leaned over to Frederick, "Why are they so eager for that?"

"When this is over, if we win, the nobles can be stripped of their lands with just cause." Frederick leaned back.

Sonic blinked, still not really understanding why they'd want to waste time going north, "But we could get this over quicker."

"I agree, but if they take the land, the nobles will be easier to dislodge. Then, the loyal ones can get pieces of the land." Frederick filled out for Sonic.

Sally growled, "We are heading west. This civil war needs to end, fast."

"Surely we could risk less lives breaking down the enemy's resolve. Why rush and lose men?" asked another Noble, who sounded very confident in his argument.

"NO!" Sally barked, angrily, "We are going to-"

"I propose we take a break." Elias stepped in with a smile, holding up his hands, "My sister and I will discuss our future strategy."

Sally glared at her brother, but they walked into the hallway, and moved outside the room. Sonic walked along the walls.

"You know, you look more suspicious by hugging the walls, just walk like you need to be here." Fiona's voice spoke from behind Sonic, sounding amused by Sonic's actions.

Sonic looked at the beautiful vixen and blinked, before straightening his posture and walking along.

"I'd advise you to temporarily resign." Elias's voice was very composed.

"NO! I am not going to let some idiot take over my job. I lead the Freedom Fighters! I have always led the Freedom Fighters!" Sally snapped at her brother.

"You aren't capable of leading us anymore. It's just temporary, until you-"

"Please don't bring it up." Sally growled. They were talking about the infection, right?

"You need to address it." Elias seemed to back down a bit, "You aren't acting normal. You are getting more emotional than I've ever seen you. it would just be for a little bit."

"And what about everyone who would get hurt in my absence." Sally… whined, as if she was suddenly sad.

Sonic listened closer, with Fiona sitting on the other side of the door. Sonic felt a little dirty, eave's dropping on them.

"You are not a perfect commander." Elias stated flatly, "You need to put some faith in others. You need to focus on telling him."

"I can't tell him! He'll run away and disappear!" Sally whined at her brother. Sonic blinked, and felt like they were talking about him.

"If you don't tell him, how do you think he'll react?" Elias asked bluntly.

Fiona elbowed Sonic, "Time to go." She started walking down the hall casually. Sonic blinked at her, but nodded and followed along. He didn't understand until the door opened behind them and Sally stepped out.

Sonic passed a glance behind him and Sally looked worried at him. Did she know he was listening?

Sonic didn't want to be suspicious of Sally, and so he chose to believe that Sally would tell him soon enough.

As they returned, the nobles stood together, "Good evening, Princess, do we have a better answer?"

Sally went cold, "No, we will continue on the capital. We are going to end this civil war quickly.

The nobles looked around, clearly not happy with the answer that wouldn't give them land. Sonic stepped in, "Alright, I trust you, Sal'." Sonic smiled at her.

She gave a weak smile back, and nodded at the other nobility.

An ox stepped forward, " We've heard they believe the Wolverine has three thousand men. They are likely moving to re-enforce the capital."

"Then we will force them to surrender there." Sally stood firm, taking a deep breath, "Your ambitions are showing. The fact is that Eggman is still a threat, and if he descends on us, we are finished. How is that for needless casualties."

Many of the nobles blinked at Sally, clearly frustrated by her statement. Sonic nodded, "I can rush in and knock out the guards. Sally has a good idea, just trust her." Sonic smiled, trying to give thumbs up, but it was clear that the other nobles were not happy with him. He'd worry about that later.

"Sonic, I don't want you throwing yourself in harms way for nothing." Sally sighed, as if losing her fire.

"It's not for nothing. People are out there fighting for you. I've got do my part." Sonic smiled as he scratched the scabbed up wound on his shoulder.

Sally frowned before shaking her head, "I've made my decision. We will end this civil war soon, no time wasted on pointless glory or profit. We will win, and we will decide how to proceed from there."

Sonic smiled at her. He did kind of love it when she put her foot down, at least for good reasons.

The other nobles seemed to nod, albeit not in a pleased way, and they were probably going to be a problem later, but that was for tomorrow.

"Rest up, We will march towards the capital tomorrow." Sally ordered and they adjourned.

Sonic walked up next to her, "Hey Sal', You know I'm with you till the end right?" Sonic smiled at her, hoping for a bit of honesty.

Sally forced a smile, "Right, I've never doubted… I've rarely doubted you."

Sonic kept up his smile, "So, if you need to tell me something, anything, I'll be here to listen." Sonic didn't want to press any further. That would have been awkward to have to explain to Elias and her that he was eavesdropping on their very private conversation.

Elias seemed to walk off, leaving Sally with a very annoyed look on her face, "That's nice, and I might take you up on that offer after a while. For now, everything is fine." She growled, clearly not ready to talk about anything with him.

Sonic nodded as Sally walked off, before going to the dining room to get something to eat. He was having a rough time alright.

/*-*/

Fiona had begun to notice some odd things about the princess. For all Fiona could hate about Sally, her intelligence was never to be undersold and her logical thinking was always the Freedom Fighters' strongest trait outside of blue-boy's speed and inability to die.

Yet there was clear difference now. Sally was hardly being calm or intelligent, ordering a charge up a hill and costing pointless lives. She seemed more emotional than usual, and Fiona had noticed her odd eating habits, like eating pickled eels and cheese, or carrots dipped in chocolate. Her mind had made a few theories.

Sally was pregnant. This was the most supported theory Fiona had, and would explain Sally's eating habits. She'd also put on a bit of weight, which would be explained if her body was growing little babies. Fiona, however, couldn't accept that theory just yet. Sonic wouldn't let her fight if she was pregnant, and more over the implications would mean a few things for Fiona that… she'd rather not accept.

Another theory was that Sally sick or not getting enough sleep. That would explain her crazy decisions. She could have had odd eating habits before, and Fiona never noticed. Fiona liked that option better.

She sat down with her brother at the dining table. Frederick seemed cheerful as if the news of his city being safe had changed his world.

As they ate, Fiona watched Sally carefully, ignoring the talks around the table. Or rather, She tried to watch Sally, but her eyes kept drifting to the blue Hedgheog. He was taken, she couldn't swipe him. Fiona had already tried, albeit, unconsciously.

"We will rest up, and gather up supplies to move in for a siege. The Wolverine will likely already be laying siege. We are going to wear down the defenses of the capital." Sally exclaimed, "Our soldiers will hopefully be able to enter the city without too much trouble once the defenders are worn down."

Fiona's eyes remained on Sonic, who smiled, "I'll be there to take care of any defenses inside."

"And what of after the civil war?" Asked an older noble Bear, who seemed clearly unhappy with the current situation.

'What about it?" Sally growled, clearly annoyed, as both She and Fiona knew where he was going.

"What about the traitor's lands? How will we split them up? I think we are entitled to a portion of the new lands." Growled the bear, and a few nobles nodded in approval.

Sally shook her head and sighed, "Everyone will receive sensible portions where it is deemed appropriate." Sally sighed, and Elias nodded.

Sonic seemed to also catch the obviously self-centered point that the noble bear was trying to make, "Look, we've got a lot to deal with. Not everyone is going to get what they want, but we'll try to be good to everyone." Sonic gave two thumbs up.

It became abundantly clear that Sonic had no idea what he was talking or how to handle the nobility. Yet Fiona didn't find that ignorance… bad. She saw Sonic was trying to be a decent young man in an indecent world.

Of course, the nobles looked at him and laughed bit, with a few passing off some snide looks. Fiona found herself loving Sonic's idealism, even if it was a fool's game.

"You are a young man, Mr. Hedgehog." The bear insulted with a smile, "I understand that you are not yet experienced enough to know our concerns."

The Princess rose as Fiona grit her teeth. Sonic didn't seem to catch the insult, but that didn't make it better. Sally growled, "You are out of line, lord Chesquire!"

Sonic seemed confused and stood up, "Sally, calm down. He's right, I'm still new to this nobility thing."

Sally shook her head and Fiona herself silently cheering for the princess, hoping to put the jerk in his place.

Lord Chesquire stated, "All I wish to say is that we risked a great deal to side with this rebellion. We should receive a form of compensation for our risk, should we not?"

Several nobles around the table nodded. Fiona looked at Frederick, who seemed to grit his teeth nervously. He was aware that they were about to all demand some form of land, far from connected to their main lands, simply for the sake of having power. Or they would demand their relatives be put in control the controlled lands.

Sally frowned, before nodding and cutting into a pomfret and eating a piece , "We will provide rewards for loyal and valuable nobles once this civil war is over. However, there is not enough land to go around for everyone. That is what this is about, is it not?"

"We all have our reason for fighting in this civil war. Many of us just wish to be compensated for our troubles." Lord Chesquire grabbed an éclair from a servant and shoved down his pink gullet, acting more like a pig than a bear.

Fiona sneered at him and he smirked towards her. She didn't like him one bit.

Dinner was wrapped up, and they went to bed. Fiona laid in the room with her brother, her eyes closing with the hopes of getting some form of rest.

Instead, she awoke on the path once again. That stone path, which had merged together. A golden light shined overhead and Fiona bowed her head. As she bowed, however, she saw that the shadows from the trees in the forest had eyes. People were lurking, but not watching her or the light.

Fiona saw the golden knight walk past her, and saw the eyes turn to follow along as the knight walked forward. Once his back was turned, Fiona saw the tree shadows stretch out in a jagged path going straight towards his back.

Fiona tried to cry out, but her voice failed to give any noise that could save the knight.

Fiona's eyes forced themselves open in the bed. Was that a vision? A warning? She climbed out of bed, with Frederick asleep in a small bed next to her own. She opened the door and walked into the dimly lit hallway.

Her throat was parched, and Fiona entered the kitchen and drank some water. It helped as Fiona struggled with the possibility that there was more to that nightmare than she understood.

She walked down the halls with a cup of water, trying to clear her head.

Yet, as she got to the end of the hallway, Fiona noticed a door towards the back of the manor cracked. Fiona investigated, and saw that the back of the mansion.

There was a large garden in the back, one that Olivia probably would have loved. It was separated by hedge rows and beautiful flowered vines. Fiona remembered her dream, and wondered if God was trying to tell her something.

Fiona decided that, if nothing else, she could enjoy some fresh air. As she walked through the hedge rows, she overheard a few voices.

"He is a problem." One voice, deep and frustrated explained. Fiona didn't show herself yet.

"Indeed, but what can we do?" Another voice, higher and younger, but also frustrated asked.

"Nothing… Officially. The hedgehog is very powerful, and a duel would be problematic. That being said, an ambush from our enemy would be dangerous." The deep voice growled.

"Yes… I understand." Lord Chesqiore's voice was unmistakable. Fiona kept herself hidden.

"I do not. How can we predict an ambush. More so, would we betray our own men for by hiding such a fact?" the younger voice protested.

"Both our armies use the same type of ammo. It would impossible to distinguish between an enemy rifle and our own." The deeper voice growled, frustrated at the younger one's ignorance.

"I… I see." The young voice mumbled.

"I will send forth a… scouting party of my most trusted men to handle our problem." The deeper voice growled.

"Very well, tomorrow we shall one less noble to share the spoils with. In fact, more land will be available, as I don't believe the hedgehog has an heir." Chasquire mussed.

They were planning to kill him? Fiona thought quickly. She could get the information to Sally, that Sonic needed to be protected.

Fiona crept in the door with the hopes of not waking anyone. She ran up the stairs to the Royal quarters. She knocked on the door. Fiona didn't hear anything. She knocked again. Nothing.

Fiona looked around to Find… She didn't know where Sonic's room was!

That Damn princess just couldn't make time for Fiona now? Of course not. And Now…

Fiona shook her head. She needed someone she could trust. Fiona could try and take on… she didn't know how many soldiers. She could try and ambush them.

It would look like she was deserting, but if she trusted the wrong person, then she would waste her time, or worse, get targeted herself. If she did nothing, then Sonic might…

Fiona elected that she had to do something, so…even if they turned against her, she would save Sonic. She might even be able to get a nicer prison with Frederick's help.

As she walked out the main door, Fiona groaned at the realization that she was actually doing something selfless for once. She was really different, and the worst part was, she liked her new self.

Fiona walked out towards the gate as she saw fourteen soldiers packing their things. She kept her distance as they left, before she walked over to the gate.

Click

Fiona heard the sound of a revolver's hammer being pulled back. She held her hands slowly, and grit her teeth. She could reach for her gun, but she definitely wasn't fast enough to avoid it firing once. She waited for words, or a demand or something. Anything to clear up why she wasn't dead.

"You are deserting." A whisper came from a feminine voice behind Fiona.

"I'm not." Fiona looked over her shoulder to find Sonic's… honor guard, standing there with a revolver pointed at Fiona's head. The Irony was not lost on Fiona, and she felt the strangest smile working its way onto her face.

The wolf didn't respond… But Fiona felt like, in a odd way, she could be certain the wolf wasn't working for the nobles. She seemed a little too… different for them to work with.

"Those men are going to try and kill Sonic. I don't know who I can trust." Fiona admitted, in another strange twist of honesty.

The wolf still kept the gun up to Fiona's head.

Fiona groaned, "Just shoot me already if you are going to. Otherwise, help me save him."

There was a silence in the air. The Wolf finally growled, "Go back."

Fiona was about to protest when the Wolf walked past her.

"I can watch your back." Fiona muttered, "We need to work as a team."

The wolf stopped, before continuing to walk, and pulling her hood over her head.

Fiona returned to the manor and opened the door. She worked her way up the stairs, back to her room… where she found Lord Chesquire walking along. Fiona knew better than to stop, that only made her look more suspicious. So she kept walking, or at least, tried to.

Unfortunately, he moved in front of her, "Greeting, Lady Aria, whom I've heard so much about."

Fiona was really going to have to play this game, "I hope my brother has not told you too much about me. There are somethings even I do not want the world to know."

"Oh rest assured, I have only heard of your beauty. I am honest enough to say they were not exaggerating." Chesquire spoke with a light bow.

"Well, Mister Chesquire, I'm sure you will find that there is so much more to me than a pretty face." Fiona smiled at him.

Chesquire definitely noticed, as he cleared his throat, "I see. I am a Lord, you are aware of that, are you not?"

"Lord Hedgehog is a Lord as well." Fiona smiled at him and attempted to walk past, "He and I have a history of highs and lows, but I certainly know him better than I know you." Fiona allowed that bitterness to seep through her words.

Lord Chesquire was quick to recover, and bow his head, "I see, I apologize for… the misunderstanding with my words. Perhaps we could discuss our future work in the kingdom together in… private."

Was he flirting? Fiona had to briefly hide the slight belch in her mouth, "Perhaps another time, I must retire for the night."

She pushed past him.

"I see. Bear in mind, as you sleep, that our kingdom is moving forward, and things are changing. Alliances would be beneficial for all parties involved, especially if a change in leadership should come about." Lord Chequire stated with a hint of pride in his voice.

Fiona stopped, and turned to face, "I see, and I understand. I will remember that, I assure you." She would, and she would break him down when the time was right.

She slumped down, and slept through the night, trying to ignore her nerves. Why was Sally asleep at the worst time? Fiona would tell her tomorrow, and hope that she wouldn't be petty enough to ignore Fiona's words.

Fiona closed her eyes and went to sleep.

She awoke to Frederick shaking her. As her eyes opened, Frederick explained, "We are heading out, I grabbed some bread and sausage for you."

Fiona shot up, "WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP?" She jumped out of bed and quickly got dressed.

Fiona ran out the door to the mustering forces, before running at Sally. Sally immediately jumped on guard, "Fiona, back off!"

Fiona stopped as several soldiers looked at her, and she approached closer, "I need to talk to you, now!"

Fiona realized that Sally might have been in on the conspiracy. There was a possibility, but Fiona also had to dismiss it. She loved Sonic, to Fiona's disadvantage in most situations, and to her benefit in this one.

Sally growled, "We are about to begin our march towards the capital, you will have to wait." She was cold towards Fiona, and Fiona had a feeling that old grudges were dying hard.

Still, Fiona had to shovel down her feelings for the sake of everyone, "It's about Lord Sonic's safety."

The Princess locked up slightly, and glared at Fiona, as if trying to read her motives, "I beg your pardon."

"You heard me." Fiona growled back.

"Very well, We'll talk alone. This had better be worth delaying our advance." Sally growled, and walked down from the stand. Fiona felt the eyes of the soldiers on her, some annoyed and some looking at her gratefully.

She supposed that was the trade off with delaying an assault.

They moved into the garden, which Fiona found funny.

"Alright, spill it." Sally growled at Fiona.

"You could afford to show a little respect. I woke up last night, and noticed a door open in the back of a manor. I went outside and overheard three nobles talking about an assassination attempt on Sonic." Fiona explained quickly.

Sally blinked for a few moments, processing what she had just said, before asking, "Can you identify these nobles?"

"I can tell you one, Lord Chesquire was among the nobles talking." Fiona explained, before growling, "I don't know the other two."

"How exactly was this assassination plan going to be carried out?" Sally asked, looking angry and stressed before taking a deep breath. She seemed to calm down a bit.

"They had sent out men to pretend to scout the area ahead." Fiona muttered, "They were going to kill him in a cross fire. They want him gone and his lands up for grabs."

"I need the other noble's names. I can't risk a defection so close to victory. We just can't let Sonic ahead." Sally muttered in a frustrated voice. Fiona was honestly surprised Sally believed her, but she would take the win.

They went back and pretended that everything was fine. Sally got to make a jab at Fiona being paranoid, and they set off. Sally stuck close to Sonic, and the two talked while moving in the formation.

They kept marching, until…

"BODIES, UP AHEAD!" The cry went out.

Fiona looked forward and saw fourteen bodies, hanging from trees, cut in several places. There, looking at them, was the wolf, seeming to admire her work.

Fiona blinked as the men approached cautiously.

Sally pushed forward, "Were they ambushed?" She asked the wolf.

The wolf turned, and gave a nod.

Sally turned back to the men, "Alright, stay Alert! They know we're out here!"

Fiona watched the wolf go back, and walked beside Sonic. Fiona passed under the strung up assassins as they made their way to the capital.

They arrived two days later at night, with a bell ringing, and gunfire being heard. The capital city was already under assault.

/*-*/

Johan watched the orange glow from the village, the light burning as it's occupants gazed hopelessly at their homes.

It was upsetting to Johan, that he would have to allow the people to leave, but he did promise to cause unnecessary casualties. His men seemed to like his decision to take the food and supplies, but spare the disgraceful "civilians".

They would simply leave their homes without fighting, which in some sense, did not allow Johan to waste his men. Johan saw it as making cowardice a virtue.

"Thank you." Lanolin mumbled at Johan, sounding rather quiet. She was content, looking at the villagers walking towards the nearest

"If I had my way, they would be strung up for their cowardice." Johan growled, angrily.

"Why are we out here if you are going to be angry about what you can't do?" Lanolin sighed, looking down at the blue-green grass.

Johan stopped for a moment. Her question was valid, and she did deserve some form of explanation.

Where were they? They were north of the capital, deep inside enemy territory, burning down small villages to increase their presence.

"We are here because the nobles will move to stop me from destroying their cities." Johan explained, with a smile.

"But we aren't attacking the cities… but they don't know that." Lanolin began to piece his plan together, "You're going for the capital… soon?"

"Now." Johan had wasted enough time. The nobles would be in the north soon, and Johan would already be gone.

As they walked, Johan allowed Lanolin to remain close to him. She seemed to not be offended by his actions, and her diligence was something that any Saxon could respect. Still, her actions when Johan had met Gewis made him curious.

"Why are you terrified of Oscar?" Johan asked curiously.

Lanolin seemed to trip over those words, panting before shaking her head, "I have my reasons." She seemed closed off, as if refusing to answer any further.

Johan continued along, "If you do not trust me, leave my presence. I will not have you failing my men."

"W-what? You can't send me away over that?" Lanolin protested, her arms shaking.

"I can do as I please, and I will force you to go home if you will be a problem." Johan growled, as they continued to move along.

Lanolin kept up, but Johan could feel her hesitation. She growled, "I will tell you… but you must swear that it stays between us!" She whispered angrily.

"I will swear nothing. If the offense is grave, I will punish him accordingly." Johan growled, before stressing, "If you do not tell me, I will have you sent home, to remove you as a threat to our attack."

Lanolin groaned in frustration, but in the corner of Johan's eye, he realized she was crying. Johan felt himself growling, " Stop crying."

Lanolin seemed to shudder even further, and Johan continued to get frustrated.

Johan growled again, "Never cry out of helplessness. It shows that you surrender your fate to other powers, and hope for pity." Johan spat.

"I'm angry, I don't want to talk about… what happened." Lanolin pleaded again, but her fists shook.

"I see. Carry on then. Crying in anger is a sign of frustration, that you are losing control of your heart. Cry as you need. I will demand that you tell me later-" Johan started before he heard Lanolin scream.

"HE- He…. He." She stuttered and her body began to shake. Johan still pressed, "He… He… He V-v…. He…"

The sheep was clearly torn up about what ever Oscar had done. Which was why she needed to confront the reality.

"What did he do?" Johan demanded as they came to stop.

Lanolin shouted, "HE TOOK ME! HE TOOK MY INNOCENCE, HE TOOK ME AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!" She screamed, as tears rolled down her face.

The Soldiers around looked uncomfortable, before the sheep covered her face and turned away.

Johan grabbed her head and forced her to face him, "Is your family among the living."

Lanolin tried to hide her face from Johan again, but he would not allow it, "Speak to me, I do not begrudge you. Perhaps your father or brothers for failing you, but not you."

She mumbled, "I don't know."

The soldiers were looking away, as if uncomfortable by truth being spoken.

"I will handle him after the attack. You will have justice, I promise you." Johan growled, before turning back to continue the march.

They marched down for several days, and Lanolin became distant. Johan would crawl over near her, and she would move away. Johan did not want her to be alone. Time alone and angry was not time well spent.

"Why are you following me? Haven't you humiliated me enough?" She whined, frustrated.

"You should not be alone." Johan growled. Perhaps her shame was warranted, if she did not have the will to try and fight off Oscar. But if she attempted to fight him off, then there was no shame in what happened to her, except for what belonged to Oscar.

"I feel alone." She growled, curling her legs into her chest under a tree, "You just couldn't let it go, could you?"

Johan frowned, but threatening her would not likely work. She needed something else, "There is no shame in your past. You fought, no?"

Lanolin shuddered as cool breeze flew by. Johan turned around, and dropped his tail on her, Serving as a thick, tough blanket, "Stop. I don't want to talk you ever again."

"If you fought, you did all you could to protect yourself. He is the one at fault. Bear your head with pride that Justice will be done." Johan growled, laying on his paws.

"You really don't get it do you? Everyone is going to look at me different." Lanolin stamped, trying to kick his hind quarter… or perhaps not, Johan did not feel much. Lanolin groaned, "I've tried so hard to reinvent myself, and you messed it up!"

"You can't reinvent yourself, or escape your past. You must face your past, and destroy it, if you want to change your future." Johan growled back at her, before closing his eye, "You are incredible. Your strength and will impress me. Your valor is great and your diligence is respectable. Do not concern yourself with the thoughts of others. I know you are great."

Lanolin remained quiet, though Johan felt a shift if her tone and stance.

Eventually, Johan's army would reach the capital at night. Johan remained in the woods of the north gate. Gewis saw him as his men set up for the night. The two made eye contact, and Gewis seemed to… panic.

Johan's men were tired and wouldn't be assaulting… unless Johan mistook an enemy soldier for Gewis.

BONG!

Johan perked up. That was Gewis…. He call for the bells… the bells to bring about the end.

Johan returned to his camp and shouted, "GET UP! We are attacking now!"

The men scrambled, "We're tired, there's no way we'll-"

"GET MOVING NOW!" Lanolin's voice barked at them, "He's led us through worse, and he's promised to keep us alive. Put your trust in him!" She gazed at Johan before growling fiercely, " I know he'll keep his word."

Johan found himself grinning like a child. How simple he had become. No matter, Johan charged the walls with his men.

/*-*/

Johan has some promises to keep. The assault has begun, with the Freedom Fighters and the Wolverine converging on a single point. The race might not be as it seems, however, with many forces lurking in the shadows.

I'm thinking of renaming all of the chapters to coincide with the arc's I've set up. Instead of unique names, I might call them "Fate of the kingdom(I)" or "Fate of the Kingdom(2)". I am running out creative strings. I don't know.

Please leave a review and tell me what you thought of the chapter. Your reviews help keep morale high as things start to get hectic. I welcome criticism as well, but I love to hear from my readers.