Victor John Foxfire: Johan is going to give them their just due… maybe… once he gets the time. That being said, he has learned a lot from the recent battles, and the time is coming to test his new found knowledge. Something else I wanted to draw attention to is that Johan is not unstoppable. Enemies who actively treat him with respect can stop him with active efforts. Johan can be stopped if you actually try and use the right tools.
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Johan and his men walked through the tunnel… being followed by Julie-Su and her Team. Johan didn't have time to be defeated, and his body reflected that. This was… a fun battle. Johan's shoulder and chest still felt tingly, and itched in a strange way.
The crystals and red river lit up the cavern as Johan strutted with pride. Their failure to take the city was not a total defeat in the war. It would only make their coming battles more difficult. Johan turned to look at his men as the marched and carried their wounded.
They had suffered, yes, but they had also shown themselves to be formidable warriors, ones who could fight against far greater numbers and succeed.
Ezra walked along Johan's side, "Listen, I don't really care about becoming the head of the Legion. I don't want your promise, ok. I'd rather not have a target on my back."
Johan simply walked forward. She should want to be the best that she could be. Johan didn't like her content nature. Still, she was diligent, and brave, so that counted for more with the wolverine than ambition, "So be it."
Ezra blinked as she walked with Johan, "Wait, that's it? You're not mad?"
"I am angry, but what I want for you is not longer here for me to take… for now. It doesn't matter." Johan growled, and crushed a small rock that was along the pathway, "Still, there are other things you can do to aid me."
Ezra stopped, and fell behind Johan as Julie-Su stepped forward, "Why weren't you allowed into the City Hall? You aren't their enemy."
"I did not come here to aid them. I came here to make Ezra Queen of this city. I was not a liar, I did not hide my intentions." Johan growled, picking up a blue crystal which had risen out of the ground and throwing it against the stone wall, "I agreed to aid the city and recover the pale one. They agreed to discuss the terms of their surrender."
"… This city hasn't been a monarchy since… I don't even know. Why would you try and make it a monarchy? The council works with Gala-Na. It has history." Julie-Su argued, glaring at Johan as if trying to look for lies.
"I don't care about your foolish belief in republics. She would contest the leader of the Legion, and her control over the city would have given her legitimacy. Our enemy would be split, and we would have less to fight." Johan growled, before stopping, "It does not matter, that plan failed, I will consult my generals and make a new strategy…. And deal with the boy-prince."
Julie-Su slowed down, before moving forward and asking, "I could… do a few things. I don't want to challenge her for the role of Grandmaster… but I can challenge her legitimacy in a few other ways. There are some rumors about what she did to my mother … and our father."
She sounded conflicted, and distant at the last words.
"I am not one for rumors and gossip." Johan shook his head.
"They are a little more than rumors." Julie-su growled, balling her fist, "I don't think you should leave empty-handed. I'll do what I can to help you."
It was a gift, a repayment. Johan would not be rude and refuse, "So long as you do not lie. Thank you." Johan growled.
Julie-Su stepped back, and Johan kept moving forward.
Knuckles, the red Garden Defender was waiting at the end of the tunnel, " Julie? What were you doing in the city?" He sounded angry that she would take up arms against her enemy.
She ran up to him with her team following behind. Johan caught up.
"I wasn't going to let the Legion tear the city apart. The Dingoes are back… but I don't think they'll be much of a problem for a while." Julie-Su smiled as she stood in front of her… boyfriend? Not-fully husband?
"You shouldn't have gone without me." Knuckles growled at her.
"I wanted you to come! But you stayed back to Guard your precious rock!" Julie-Su growled, pointing in his face.
The red Garden Defender flinched, and mumbled, "The last time I left the Master Emerald for any considerable amount of time, I lost my father."
Julie-Su's form softened, and she looked down in shame, "Right… sorry."
"I'm glad you're safe." Knuckles smiled. It was good that they strengthened their bond. They should marry soon, and have children.
Johan passed by them and made his way to the large plane, which was resting on the flattened pillar. The Fox pilot and his attendants had emptied out the large box of food that was saved for them, and also had several large seeds around them.
The Fox immediately stood up, "So, How did it go!" He ran over and then saw the men, bloody and limping with their wounds, "Oh no." His voice became small.
"Do not feel saddened for them. They are alive, get us the tools to tend to them." Johan growled at the pilot. He nodded, and a clerk joined him to bring out a large box.
"We stabilized most of them," One of the medics explained, "But we ran out of supplies in the city, and the locals weren't too hospitable." He was angry, and righteously so.
Tails brought his box over, and they went to work on the injured.
Gewis finally approached Johan again, "So… what are we going to do now?"
Johan thought carefully. They would need to be able to break through enemy defenses. They would have had to anyway. Johan had ordered more artillery to help with that. The plan would stay the same.
"We can not fight a death war against our enemies. We need to destroy their will to fight without losing many of our own." Johan addressed, before looking back to the fox, "I a few ideas, but none that we can use currently."
Gewis looked down, "We did really good, didn't we? We sent them packing pretty quick."
"You have become hardened by battle. That is good." Johan growled with pride, "These men are the best trained, and finest. They will be needed for our first offensive."
"So we're still planning on that?" Gewis asked in surprise.
"Yes. I will not wait to be slaughtered like a pig or goat." Johan growled, before smiling, " We will go and take the fight to this… "Egg Man." We will conquer his empire, and butcher him for his evil nature."
Gewis snorted where he sat, "That's a lot of land to take."
"We will take it." Johan assured.
The men finished being tended to, and they boarded the large bomber. Johan sat in the back, same as before. The artillery and cannon were left behind, but that was a small price to pay. Johan had no prisoners, Thrash had ensured that, so they walked away with far less.
Yet, Johan was tired, so as the large bomber began to lift off the ground, he closed his eyes.
"Hey… Johan-" Gewis started, and Johan could feel his eyes turn inside the darker compartment, "Sorry… you need your rest."
Johan agreed, and slept once again.
He stood among the Witan with their noblemen bowing their heads to him. Johan looked across the various kings as his nephew, Odacer came around collecting their symbols of power to be melted down.
The various Saxon kings had submitted, and Johan had gathered the conquered together in a single place to take care of their surrenders in a swift and timely manner. There was no point in long peace discussions for the same end goal.
"You all held doubts that I am rightful Konigundrr of the Saxons. While you have sown division among my people, I have unified them. Now, there I will deal with this act of defiance. I will not tolerate any betrayal of our people." Johan growled as his guards stepped forward, pushing the former kings and chiefs on their knees.
Odacer watched as Johan's axe warrior stepped forward. The axe warrior raised the long axe over the head of the first challenger.
Johan raised his hand, and the signal was passed to the guard. He stepped back, and raised his axe back up. "There will be time for blood later, but our union will be a day of joy. So I forgive your doubts, in exchange for your allegiance. I will show mercy, and raise your sons in my company as a symbol of trust."
The Kings raised their heads at the Saxon Konigundrr as the young boys were brought into the grove.
Johan's eyes opened to the plane landing, the vibrations rippling through the fuselage.
The sealed door to the cockpit had been left open and shouting came from the fox in the front along with his copilots from the front of the plane. Johan's men were strapped into their seats, but that did little to the force pushing them back.
The plane crept to stop. The Injured men groaned, and their brothers attended to their injured forms. The clerk opened the door, and lowered the ladder.
"The Wounded first." Johan growled at his men.
They carried the injured out, followed by Johan. The men carried themselves with exhaustion, and it showed as they rejoined the large army outside the runway.
Johan walked along with his men. Lanolin was waiting there, along with two other commanders.
"How did it go?" Lanolin asked, with a light smile.
"We won the battle." Johan growled, allow the small amount of anger in his heart out.
"You don't sound too happy. You won." Lanolin tried to laugh it off.
"Where is the Boy-prince?" Johan growled, deciding not to waste anymore time. The boy needed to understand how many men would die because of his foolish decision.
The trip was longer than Johan remembered. His wounds were irritating with the thought of having to deal with the boy prince once again.
Johan opened the door and caught the prince's scent. He followed the scent to the command room. The boy was laying back in a chair, trying to seem relaxed but his scent betrayed his fearful energy.
Johan came into view, and the prince turned to face him, but still tried to put up his relaxed form, "I see you're back."
"You sit here while your men fight and do battle?" Johan growled angrily at the boy.
The Boy-Prince Elias sat up and glared at Johan, "We have already pushed Eggman out past the border. Outside of there, he's built a cage around us. Tough defenses all around."
"Have you created a plan to break through them. Have you done anything while I was away." Johan growled, scratching the ground, "Have you done anything to aide your kingdom, or are you content to destroy my work!"
"Your work?" The Prince's smile betrayed his deception.
"You allowed that city to swear to you!" Johan growled, snarling at the lax boy.
"I expanded my father's kingdom, without a need to conquer anyone. I don't see what your problem is?" The boy-prince smiled. He did not like Johan, but Johan was not expecting such a self-destructive effort.
"You know why I desired the city. Now, your people will die fighting enemies you could have used." Johan growled, using his snout to push the prince out of the chair.
Elias collapsed, and started to climb up, but looked at the ground, shame marking his face. Finally, he understood that his petty anger had set in place a cost of lives in the future.
Elias rose from his place on the concrete with a growl. Johan saw his wife standing in the room, hold a small blade in both hands, trying to hide their shaking.
The boy-prince still rose, and growled, "You threatened our allies."
"They are not your allies. They are peoples who wished to have you fight their wars for them. Now, more of your people will die for your pride! What led you to be so self-damaging that you would kill your own men?"
"AND WHAT LED YOU TO STEAL MY FAMILY'S CROWN?" The Boy Barked back in accusation. That brief spark of rage told Johan all he needed to hear.
Johan waited for an apology. The prince continued to challenge Johan with his gaze. Johan growled, "I do not want your gold ring, or your throne. Do not make such claims!"
The boy glared at Johan, before closing his eyes and nodding, "Sorry."
Johan growled softly, before resigning that there was no reason to pursue any more apologies, "Why are you not at the front?"
The boy-prince looked at Johan with doubt, before sighing, "Why should I be? You have your commanders, who can do everything from argue about how to take villages to arguing about how to use their remaining bullets."
"You let them fight amongst each other?" Johan growled, turning back around, to walk outside.
"They all got it done. Our borders are mostly back to normal." The boy prince groaned, as if he were admitting defeat.
Johan ignored him, "I gave you the chance to be greater with conquest and victory. I see I was wrong to put such faith in you." Johan growled and turned around, going outside. His commanders could have returned.
He saw the tent which confirmed that they had. Lanolin was not alone, and Johan saw the banners laid out around the large ten. That meant that the armies were not on the border either. Still, Johan could deal with that issue later.
Johan entered the tent and found his commanders sitting silently. His presence caused many to stand up with excitement, ready to return to battle.
"Marshal, we've been waiting for you to come back." The Wolf commander Johan had appointed came forward, and stood in attention, "We've come to a standstill, once again. I think we should try to go south-"
"That's not fair that you get to present your ideas first!" An otter shouted at the wolf and Johan.
"I was faster, shut up!" The Wolf shouted back, "Anyways, I was saying we shout go north and follow the forest to attack the defenses by surprise."
Johan took the idea with care. A surprise attack from the forest could be a useful advantage. That being said, it was only as effective as they were surprising. If they were spotted or detected at any point, then the attack would fail.
"What is your plan, river-dog?" Johan growled, gesturing to the otter, who perked up from a look of defeat across his face.
"I proposed we go south, and use the river with some rafts to move our troops behind the enemy fortifications, then it's a straight shot to Robotropolis and the Eggperial city." The otter proposed with some lesser views of their enemy, but still a fair plan.
Still, rafts were dangerous for the men. It again relied on their ability to remain hidden. Furthermore, supplies would be strained, as the fortifications would still be there even after the war.
There was no way around the enemy defenses without leaving the homeland and the rear of their force weak to an attack. The defenses needed to be broken.
Ezra walked in behind Johan. Her timing was good for him. Johan growled to her, "Go, tell me if we are ready."
Ezra blinked at Johan. She was not covered in blood, nor was she covered in sweat or stench. Still, She looked tired and confused.
"The artillery pieces. Are they ready." Johan clarified. The Garden Defender quickly nodded and left the room to check.
Johan returned his focus to the commanders who were waiting curiously and patiently. Johan growled, "You both offer capable strategies, but I ask what your plans for the fortifications are?"
The two looked around at the other commanders who made up the two factions. They mumbled around each other, and the otter spoke first.
"I believe it would be better if we just rushed towards Eggman's capitol city, and forced him to deactivate the fortifications." The Otter proposed, smiling as though he knew Johan would reject his plan.
Johan turned to the wolf, "What would you do?"
"We'd surprise attack their weak point, and take the fortifications from the side before they could turn." The Wolf proposed. A daring strategy, but not out of the realm of possibility. The attack could work, provided they could remain covered during the assault.
Johan turned to the boy prince, and looked at him. If he was going to be king, he would have to make decisions and recognize the faults in the commanders' plans.
The boy simple stared back at him. Then the boy finally rose from his daze, "What?"
"Which of these strategies would you use?" Johan demanded from Elias. The room turned to look in his direction, and some began to mumble doubts.
"I… think they both sound good." Elias deflected, without offering any decisive action.
"Which would you chose?" Johan growled, glaring down at the squirrel.
"Why not both." The boy shrugged, but he seemed scared.
Johan remained still in silence. The room followed his lead, as the two commanders looked angry with the decision. They both would have preferred if the prince had made a decision in favor of only one.
Johan decided to try and give some guidance, "You must be able to make decisions, even at the cost of relationships. If we did both strategies, our supplies would be strained, and neither army could support the other."
Elias growled, and slumped down.
Johan felt his patience tested, but he decided to continue to raise the boy, "I find neither to be what we need."
The other commanders looked at Johan, not in anger but curiosity.
Ezra walked back in, "They artillery is ready… along with the ammo you need."
Johan nodded, and walked over to the map which was surrounded by fortification pieces. Johan pointed in between the forests which the wolf had proposed and mountains.
"Open fields? Are you sure?" The wolf spoke in doubt.
The otter protested, "I'll take the forest plan, I don't like whatever you're suggesting." He shook his head.
The wolf nodded, "Yes, please, take my plan over rushing an open field!" The commanders all seemed unified against Johan.
"Now I must explain why I chose here." Johan turned to the prince, who did not seem to bother with paying any attention to Johan, " We must break their will to fight. We can not let any victory be given to surprise or cowardice. They must know we have destroyed them with our strength… and we will do so."
Johan pressed his finger on the map again, "We will break the fortifications…. For now, we will wait."
Ezra leaned into Johan, "What about our scouting party?"
Johan nodded, "Get the plane refilled and ready. Send it out tonight. If they are strong, they will have lived this long. Go now!"
Ezra ran out of the room. The other Generals now looked afraid of Johan's plan. Still, it did not matter, as the plan would work, all they needed was faith in it.
Johan turned around and walked to the exit of the tent.
"Where are you going?" Elias demanded.
"My men and I have been fighting for a long time. Let us rest. I recommend that you do the same. And Commanders, remind your men that they will all die, but how and what they die for is their choice." Johan growled, before walking off to the river.
He crawled into the water, and washed himself. There was too much time wasted in that city. Johan felt a strange bitterness that felt unnatural for himself. That entire time was wasted. Johan found himself realizing it would have been better if the Legion had taken the city.
Then they could have reconquered it and built it in Johan's image, as opposed to the terrible outcome that had happened. Why did he keep returning to that battle. It was over, there was no returning or changing it. Still, he dared to question if he should have kept his plans to himself. If he had done so, then his demands would have taken the Garden Defenders by surprise, and they would have had to yield.
Johan washed his cuts, scrapping off the brown blood which made up clots. The skin underneath was going to scar, a good sign. He was weaker, and his enemy was getting stronger.
Johan felt around under the river, and found a large stone. He pulled with his entire strength to lift it out of the water, and threw it. It did not go far. He was tired, but rest could come when he was waiting for the final days.
Johan walked through the current, and picked up the rock again. He continued for several minutes, feeling his arms ache. He had a youthful vigor that came with how alive he felt in the fight. In that regard, the battle was not a waste.
Johan's body ached by the end of the day, but his time was not wasted. He would be stronger. Johan looked into the current and his still legs had drawn small fish, which in turn, drew larger fish. Johan steadied his hand. He would be faster, stronger. There was no excuse for continued weakness.
Johan finished his training in the river and returned to the medic's tent. He saw his injured men, bandaged and resting. But those who's legs were not damaged moved them. Their bodies were tired, but their hearts were restless. They wanted more, even in their pain.
As he left the building, the Wolverine saw a young rabbit sitting on a rock, holding up a pie. Johan approached her, the little one they called Cream. As he approached, she jumped down from the rock and carried the pie over to him.
Cream smiled up at Johan with a sadness in her face, "I… made you a pie."
Johan cocked his head at her. She sounded strange, sad and weak. Johan leaned down and cut into the small round food. Red and purple leaked out. He brought up half, and handed it to her. The little rabbit took the pie, but didn't eat.
Johan wondered why she was so sad. Johan let out a protective growl next to her, and nudged her.
Cream set her pie down and threw her arms around his head, holding him close. She was lonely. Johan understood it now. Not everyone was content with being alone. Even Saxons, who did not like to live in large numbers, still desired a handful of close friends and family.
Johan had neglected his duty to her. How his heart was torn. Johan needed to be a commander, but also a guardian for the young rabbit. He needed to raise her, but he could not do so on the frontlines. He would have to give her more time while he could.
They sat together and ate pie. It was full of sweet fruits, which Johan could enjoy somewhat. He sat around her, and when she was done, she fell asleep on his side. His scars were angry, but the girl needed her rest, so Johan did not act.
Once she was in a deep sleep, Johan picked her up and moved her back to the house in the city.
He watched over her as she simply played through the night. Johan served her vegetables and bread. He had a mind to offer her some beer, but even Saxon youth were not expected to have beer until they were old enough to wield a spear.
So Johan simply sat down with her, keeping watch, and occasion moving the small cloth figures which she held.
Johan continued to play with her until she fell asleep. She simply slept on the ground, which was cold. Johan did not mind the cold ground, but he did not find it a fitting place for a child to rest. He picked her up and brought her to the small patch of blankets and furs that Johan had set up.
The little girl was too kind for the world. Johan would live long enough to ensure she was married off, and he would demand her future be secured fiercely. She was a good child, even if she was too peaceful.
Johan then stood up and walked outside the house. As he made his way back to the mustering ground where his men were celebrating, Ezra returned to Johan, "The plane is ready, It awaits your order."
"Let the fox sleep for another few hours, then send it." Johan commanded, and the Garden Defender left.
Johan made his way back to… an argument. The otter and wolf were now shouting, and throwing their hands up. They were clearly fighting and arguing, though the soldiers shouting around them.
Johan's form drew a few eyes, but most were intently shouting at one and other.
The prince simply sat at the stool, watching as the two factions continued to shout. Was he content to watch the men tear each other apart?
Johan approached the boy-prince, "Are you not going to stop them? Do you wish for us to fight amongst ourselves."
"Everyone seems to listen and love you, and you seem to know everything, so why don't you sort it out." The squirrel seemed to lean back, showing how little he cared… which infuriated Johan more.
Still, undisciplined, lazy boys could wait in the face of a riot between Johan's men.
He bellowed, "ENOUGH!" his voice rumbled across the open ground that was supposed to be a celebration.
The two commanders stopped, along with their followers. Their faced turned from angry to afraid and ashamed.
Johan growled, "Where did this nonsense begin?"
The Otter shouted, throwing a long finger to point at the wolf, "This hairball thinks that my plan was stupid! He thinks that his idea was somehow so much smarter than mine! He probably also thought we could do a jig past Eggman's forts!"
"Better than you're doggy paddle plan, where we just float down the river singing a folk song about peace. You're probably such a dumbass, that you're idea probably shut him down to us. You make a mockery of us generals." The wolf shouted back, raising his voice and throwing his hands up.
"You'd probably like a Doggy paddle plan, you dog!" The otter drew closer to the wolf.
"ENOUGH! Both of your plans are foolish and rely on our enemy's stupidity." Johan barked, before noticing the fierce looks the two were giving one and other, "Is it too great to ask for a night of happiness that my men are home? So be it. A flyting is needed."
The heads turned and cocked at him, clearly not understanding what he was saying.
"A what?" Demanded the otter, sounding confused while still being angry at the wolf. The boy-prince sat up and glared at Johan.
"A flyting. No words shall lead to fighting. You will all speak, either for anger or for fun." Johan barked at them.
There was silence from the men around Johan. The prince sat up and looked especially interested in Johan's proposal. The Wolf finally asked, "So… I can say whatever I want… and won't get in trouble."
"All that you need or want to say, for the night." Johan growled, giving his endorsement.
The Wolf smiled and turned around, only to find the otter pointing at him, "You are the dumbest, ugliest, arrogant bastard I have I ever met. I think that you are so sure of yourself that you'd walk into spikes if you said they were soft." The otter growled, before smiling in relief as the truth set him free.
"Yeah! Well you're such a waterborne, buffoon with your fancy paddle-feet and your stupid whiskers. You probably think that fish smell good, and your mother probably smelled like them too!" The wolf barked back.
"How is this supposed to help anyone." The boy prince approached Johan and growled.
"Now you take an interest in how your men are taught? Very well. It will let them release their words of anger instead of letting them grow into hatred." Johan growled, explaining the obvious results.
"Really, no consequences for saying something utterly horrible? You see nothing wrong with that?" Elias asked with a strange tone in his voice.
"Men need to speak their mind, and better their fighting come here, than in the middle of battle." Johan growled, before thinking a moment.
"Alright, you've convinced me." The boy growled at Johan, glaring up at him, "You're an brute, and monster. You delight in cruelty because you have no heart in your body."
Johan snorted, "You are a soft, weak boy who can not lead himself, much less an army. You desire your father gaze, but aren't willing to earn it. You demand love and focus but are nothing of note. Your anger and hatred against me only cuts you, yet you cling to it like a boy exacting his father to punish his rivals." Johan then cocked his head at the boy-prince, "Helpless, and pathetic, not worthy of song nor slay."
The boy prince grit his teeth, but turned around and walked away. He was angrier, but he knew he had been defeated.
Gewis approached Johan, "Is this a holiday or something?"
"It is something we would do every month." Johan smiled.
"Do you think Elias is going to be a problem?" Gewis asked, taking a large drink of beer, before offering up the cup.
Johan drank the rest and nodded, "The boy will try."
"Why put up with him? Just send him home." Gewis groaned, glaring at him.
Some laughter came from around. Sonar walked up to Johan.
"The boy will be king one day. He needs to learn how." Johan growled simply, before gesturing to the blue fox who stood in front of Gewis, with her arms behind her back.
"Hey, you loyal pale dog. Are you drinking to hide the fact that you're alone? Or with the hopes that you won't be after tonight?" Sonar smiled at Gewis, and leaned down to look up at him.
Gewis looked at Johan, as if looking for approval. Johan gave the white fox a nod, "Do as you will."
The boy walked off with Sonar, and the two traded playful insults. Johan walked out and found his way back to the rabbit-girl. He looked up as the bomber flew overhead, flying over the city.
Johan gave the large plane a nod, before curling up and going to sleep around Cream. Everything would change tomorrow.
/*-*/
Ok, so I can break up the coming offensive with the coming preparations. I feel like I keep dragging my feet, but I assure you all, that most of these issues are necessary.
Anyways, Work and school are very difficult to balance, but I am able to work little bits at a time.
Ok, please leave a review, or send me a private message. You know the drill. Stuff happens when reviews are made.