Change in Management

(Theme song - Pokemon Journeys: The Series (Season 23) - English Dub Opening)

(Third-Person POV)

*It's been a few days since the defeat of Dr. Eggman. Everyone in New Mobotropolis & Knotehole were gathered in the Coliseum for a big celebratory concert by the Forget-Me-Nots. Sonic & Sally were walking arm in arm to their seats*

Sally: Come on, you. This concert is for you as much as the rest of us, and you've moped enough.

Sonic: I'm not mopping! I'm just . . . Y'know . . . *they found two empty seats next to Tails* Okay, so I've been out of sorts.

Tails: Hey, Sonic! I saved you a seat!

Sonic: Thanks, bud.

Sally: Are you worried about Robotnik? This isn't the first time we've thought we defeated him.

Sonic: It's not that. I know we got him this time. I saw him snap. Me and Abby both. Dude totally fell apart right in front of us. *they both turned to Abigail, who was sitting next to Lacey, who was sitting next to Mighty, in the front row with Huck on her lap, with worried looks* I've beaten him plenty of times before, but this felt . . . Different. Like I did something to him worse than just kicking his butt. It's like things went to far this time. Never mind all the unspeakable things he's done. I'm not making any sense, Sal.

Sally: We'll talk more about it later, okay? For now, Mina's music should put you both in a better mood.

(Abigail's POV)

*I sat in my seat next to Lacey (with Huck on my lap), trying to push down this knot in my stomach & ignore the warning bells in my head. Lacey turned to me*

Lacey: Are you still feeling guilty?

Abigail: I can't help it. It was because of my vision that Eggman failed in destroying Knotehole. And because of that, Eggman completely lost his mind. I just don't think anyone deserves that, not even someone like Eggman.

*She took my hands*

Lacey: Abby, I get what your saying. But don't forget that you saved so many lives that day. It wasn't for you and your vision, Knotehole would probably be a giant crater right now & we'd all be burnt to a crisp.

*I smiled at her*

Abigail: Thanks, Lacey.

Lacey: Hey, what are friends for? Now, let's get back to the concert.

*Soon, Mina & her band stepped on to the stage & the crowd went wild*

Mina: Hello, New Mobotropolis and Knothole! We're the Forget-Me-Nots! We're back from our world tour and ready to rock! Are you!? *the crowd cheered* Let's get this party started!

*Suddenly, a bolt of lighting hit the stage, knocking Mina away. I looked up & saw a brown male monkey with caucasian skin & blue eyes wearing a Power Ring crown & a red & turquoise vest adorned with yin yang symbols & holding a staff, riding on a cloud*

Monkey Khan: "Party!?" The beacon of hope for Mobius and you're playing like children at a time like this!? *Ash went to help Mina* What kind of lazy self - congratulatory jerks revel when the rest of the world suffers!? Where are these so - called "Heroes" of Mobius!? I want you charlatans to look me in the eye and tell me why you're so great!

Sally: Monkey Khan?

Sonic: And just when I thought post Robotnik life would be boring. *he got out of his seat & did a spin dash at Monkey Khan, but he blocked it with his staff* Nice to see you're still the same old jerk as always, Khan. I still haven't paid you back for the trouble you caused me a year ago.

Abigail: What happened a year ago?

Sally: Long story.

Monkey Khan: And you're still the same ego - driven, short - sighted idiot I remember. How you won these people over is beyond me.

*Sonic got ready for another spin dash*

Sonic: Blah - Blah - Blah, this is for wrecking Mina's concert!

*Monkey Khan raised his staff*

Monkey Khan: You arrogant -

*They were about to charge at each other, but stopped short when Sally stepped in between them&

Sally: CUT IT OUT! *she turned to Sonic* Jumping into a big fight does not help the situation. Cool it.

Sonic: Fine, fine. You talk to the hot - head.

*She then turned to Monkey Khan*

Sally: And if you've got a grievance with us, you can do it civilly . . . And without the light show.

Monkey Khan: I . . . Suppose . . . I could've handled introductions better. But to see you all playing around when the Eggman Empire is . . .

Sally: We defeated Dr. Robotnik a couple days ago. The Empire should be in collapse.

Monkey Khan: Collapse!? All you did was change who's in charge! The Doctor may be off his throne, but now she's in control.

Abigail: Who's she?

Huck: Chao-Chao?

*He turned to me. I had gotten up from my seat & ran down to join them. Huck was on my shoulder*

Monkey Khan: The Iron Queen.

*Later, Monkey Khan explained everything to us & King Acorn. Antoine had also joined us*

Monkey Khan: . . . And that's where it stands. Most of the ninja and their clan leaders are still in the Dragon Kingdom. But she's moved a large force to cement her take over.

Antoine: Mon dieu . . .

Sally: Khan . . . I'm sorry. We didn't know.

King Nigel Acorn: Antoine, if you would help me gather the Council? We need to discuss how we're going to handle this new threat.

Monkey Khan: "Handle?" You did the same thing you did with Robotnik! Nothing has changed for you. Your fight isn't over yet . . .

Sonic: . . . It's just beginning.

*I looked at Sonic & saw an excited twinkle in his eyes*

Abigail:*in her mind* I know that look.

Tails: Sonic?

Sally: Easy, Sonic. We need to plan our next step. But Khan's right - we have work to do.

Monkey Khan: Thank you, Sally. I'm sorry for my actions earlier.

Sally: We'll deal with apologies later. Right now, we have the Iron Dominion's invasion to worry about.

Sonic: Yeah, and we've had plenty of experience with invasions lately.

Sally: Right, and what worked before can stand to work again. We need to coordinate with the Freedom Fighters in the Dragon Kingdom. I'm sure there were a few in Stormtop village. If you've been fighting the Iron Dominion. You must know other resistance groups, right? *Khan looked down, sad* Khan?

Monkey Khan: There aren't . . . Any others . . . Least not at the moment.

Sonic: In that case, me and Khan can zip over to New Megaopolis and just kick them out now.

Sally: Absolutely not!

Sonic: Come on, Sal! I've tangled with these jokers. They're not all that tough.

Sally: They can't be totally pushovers, Sonic, if they control the Dragon Kingdom and took over the whole Empire!

Monkey Khan: No. If he thinks he's so mighty, I'd be happy to show him just how out of his league he really is.

Sonic: Big words, little man! Think you can keep up?

Sally: EURGH! Honestly! Okay, go. But this is for recon only.

Sonic: And if we happen to liberate Mobius along the way, it's a happy bonus. Got it!

Sally:*facepalm**sigh* Sonic!

Sonic: Follow me, M.K. I'll show you how this despot toppling thing is done.

*He & Khan raced out of the Coliseum*

Abigail:*in her mind* Please be safe.

(Third-Person POV)

*Sonic & Khan left the city*

Sonic: Hey, do I get an apology for all the crud you've said and done to me?

Monkey Khan: Only if I get one in return.

Sonic: HA!

*They were now going through the Great Forest*

Monkey Khan: I will never understand how the Princess could be with you.

Sonic: Of course, you wouldn't.

Note: I've put a new Poll on my account. Check it out. I've also made some changes to my "Little Mermaid 2" story and my "Swan Princess" stories.