Sonic the Hedgehog: The General's Son By Jesse Nelson The sun shone high over head. Cools winds blew in from the north, causing a green lawn to wave. In the middle of the lawn laid a granite walkway. The walkway led a two-story white house. Every door and window on the house was outlined in blue. Walking down the pathway was a fox. He wore a blue uniform and brown boots. His uniform had golden buttons and cufflinks. The cuffs and collar were red with a thin black outlined. Golden epaulets hung over his shoulders. The right epaulet held a short red cape that draped over his upper arm. On the base of the cape had three thin gold stripes. On both epaulets were four stars each indicating he was a general. On the upper left side on his uniform had an insignia. This showed that he served under the House of Acorn. The fox general opened the door to the house and entered. "I'm home, Anna," called the fox with a slight French accent. "I'm in the den, Benton," came a female voice. Benton walked through the house to the den where a female fox sat. "What are you doing dear," asked Benton? "Organizing my recipes," replied Anna. "Where's Antoine?" "Playing with his friends." "I'm surprised he has time to play with them. I mean between his school, training with you, and his cooking lessons with me." "He's a good boy. He'll be a good fighter, and not to mention a good cook." "Why does he need to be a cook when he's going to be part of the royal family?" "I don't know if he wants to be part of the royal family, but if he does, he's going to need a hobby." ******** Antoine was on guard duty. He was at one of the look out towers near Knothole. He was very uncomfortable. He eagerly waited for Tails to come and take his place, hoping nothing would happen, this time. "Hey Ant," called Tails from above. "Ahhh," shouted Antoine. "Do not scare me like zat Tails." "Ok, you're off duty now." "Good." Antoine began to climb down the ladder as Tails landed on the tower. Antoine was halfway down the ladder when shots fired hitting the tree and his hand. Antoine fell the rest of the way. When he hit the ground the shooting stopped and Tails could see something more in the through the forest, but couldn't see who or what it was. Tails quickly took off towards Knothole to get some help. Antoine soon woke up and immediately felt his hand burning. He clenched it gritting his teeth as he did. Sally, Sonic, and Tails soon came by. "Antoine, what happened," asked Sally? "I was shot at, again!" replied Antoine. "Zis time he hit me zen I fell." "Where?" "My hand. Nothing serious." "Why don't you go to the medical hut and check it out." "Yes, my princess." Antoine walked back to Knothole still holding his hand. "I'm worried Sonic," said Sally. "Why," asked Sonic? "This is the third time Antoine's been shot at." "Yah, I can't believe they missed." "This is serious Sonic," Sally hits Sonic in the shoulder. "I know Sally," said Sonic as he rubbed his shoulder, "but who would want to whack Ant? There are some things I want to do to Ant, but not kill him." "I know. Why and who is what we need to know." "You got a plan?" "Maybe." Elsewhere in the Great Forest was small tent. Inside was a raccoon looking over some photos. He holds one photo in his left hand gazing and remembering when it was taken. The photo was picture of a mother raccoon and her son. The raccoon laid down the photo on the ground. Then a metallic hand reached and touched the picture. "Someone will pay for what happened," said the raccoon. "Someone will pay." ******** The moon and stars shown brightly over the skies of Mobotropolis. Benton D'Coolette had decided to go out for dinner with his family. He took them to an outdoor fancy restaurant. "What's the occasion?", asked Anna. "No occasion," replied Benton, "can't we just go out and have dinner as a family?" "We could have done that at home." "But at home we wouldn't be able to see the stars over our heads." Benton turned to Antoine, "Antoine, why don't you go wash up?" "Ok, Papa," said little Antoine before walking off to the restroom. Benton's attitude quickly changed. "Benton," called Anna, "is there something wrong?" "Anna," began Benton, "Warlord Julian told me, this afternoon, to go to the southwestern region past the mountains tomorrow. He wants us to negotiate a peace talk between the rivals, to settle down the conflict." "Do you sure it will work?" "I don't know, but if it can stop the senseless fighting then I'll do it. I just hope that neither side thinks were helping the other." Antoine came back from washing his hands and sat at the table. Benton's attitude quickly changed again. "Antoine," called Benton. "Yes, Papa," answered Antoine. "I'll be going somewhere tomorrow." "Another mission?" "Yes, in a way. I'll be coming back in about a month." "You promise?" "I always do." "Would you like to order sir," asked a waiter who was standing next to the table. "Oh," said Benton. "No, not yet." The waiter left. Benton and Anna both picked up a menu. Antoine was about to pick his when he saw someone moving around. The figure Antoine was watching was trying to stay under the table. The figure would stop every now and then behind some then move on. "Antoine," Benton, "are you ready to order?" Antoine didn't answer. "Antoine?" Benton looked at Antoine. "Antoine what are you looking at?" "Someone eez walking under zee tables," said Antoine. Benton looked in the direction Antoine was looking. He also saw someone walking around trying to stay under the level of the tables. One of the customers noticed the stealthy animal when he felt something tug on his dress coat. The moment the customer turned and looked the pickpocket took off. Benton quickly got out of his chair and began to chase the criminal. "Stop!", shouted Benton, "Royal Mobian Army!" Benton chased the pickpocket into an alley next to the restaurant. When Benton turned into the alley he found an animal. The animal was raccoon. He stood against one of the walls of the alley breathing heavily but acting cheerfully. Next to him was a young boy, also a raccoon, about Antoine's age. He had a fearful expression on his face. His hand though were behind his back. "Is there a problem?" asked the animal. "A pickpocket just ran in here," said Benton, "have you seen him?" "I didn't see anything. Too dark." Just then Antoine and his mother came in with a few other animals. "Benton," called Anna. "It's all right dear," said Benton. He turned the little boy, "Did you see anything." The boy remained quiet. "He didn't see anything," said the adult raccoon. The boy's expression changed. He wasn't afraid instead he seemed angry. "I saw him," said the boy. The adult raccoon looked down at the boy. "Where did he go?" The boy looked at the adult next to him, "Him." The boy brought his hands in front of him. His hands were full of money. "He told me to hold it." "Alex what are you doing?" asked the now pointed out pickpocket. Benton reached out and took the pickpocket by his arm and pulled him out of the alley. "Alex what the hell are you doing," shouted the pickpocket as he struggled, "I'm your father damn it!" "Watch what you're saying," said Benton, "there are children present." ******** Another afternoon in the Great Forest. Antoine was on his last day of guard duty for a while. He was glad for that. "Hey Antoine," shouted someone on the ground. Antoine looked down and saw a large bear. "You're off duty." "I weel be right down." Antoine began to climb down the ladder. Again, blasts fired out at him. He wasn't hit, but the suddenness of it caused him to fall. The bear below caught Antoine. Just as he did a blue blur streaked out towards the bushes. Sonic had been waiting for this to happen. Not to see Antoine get shot at, but to catch his shooter. Sonic raced out to where he saw the blasts come from. He quickly saw someone and tackled him. They struggled and rolled around. Every time Sonic got the shooter on the ground, he was quickly over powered. They struggle around a little more. Then the shooter decked Sonic in the face. To Sonic, the hit felt like a rock smashing into him. Sonic fell, shocked from the hit. The shooter took advantaged of the stunned hedgehog and ran off. Suddenly Antoine comes running past Sonic after the shooter. Antoine caught up to the shooter and pushed him. The shooter crashed into a tree then to the ground. "Why are you shooting at me?!" demanded Antoine pointing his sword at him. The hood he wore over his head prevented Antoine from seeing who the shooter was. "Why?!" The shooter turned around. He hesitated, but spoke, "General D'Coolette killed my father." He coldly stared at Antoine as he lowered his sword, "I'm just returning the favor." The shooter jumped up and charged at Antoine throwing the fox to the ground. Then the shooter, again, ran off. Antoine stood up and stared as the shooter ran away. ******** A large, heavy man walked down the granite walkway and gently knocked on the door of the general's house. The door was opened by Anna who was startled for a moment. "Warlord Julian," she said, "what brings you here?" "Ms. D'Coolette," said Julian slowly. He observed her facial expression change very quickly. "I bring sorrowful news of your husband." "Mother," came a small voice from behind Anna, "is Papa, home?" Anna turned around to find young Antoine, "No, honey. Why don't you go back to the kitchen. I'll be along shortly." "Ok." Antoine left his mother while she turned back to Julian. "I'm sorry," said Anna, "what happened?" "General Benton D'Coolette was on a political mission in the mountainous region. Sadly, he and his men were caught in an avalanche. We have reason to believe that the avalanche was not cause naturally. I give you my deepest regrets, for it was I who sent him and the men." "No, Benton knows what he must face everytime he leaves our home." "I am truly sorry about your loss." "It's alright. It will take some time to get over." "I'm sure it will. Good day." Julian turned and left. As Julian left, he slowly and quietly grinned. Anna slowly closed the door then leaned against it and began to cry. In the kitchen near the door, was Antoine who had listened in on the conversation. ******** A few days have past at Knothole. There were no signs of any other shootings or of the shooter. Things have calmed down, but Antoine was still troubled from what the shooter said to him. Antoine finally had some free time on his hands so he decided to go to the library. He carried a large package with that he had gotten in the mail. Some more books for me to read, thought Antoine as he entered the library. Antoine went to the front desk. "I would like to look at ze files of General D'Coolette," asked Antoine politely to the clerk. The clerk went to a filing cabinet and pulled out a thick manila folder. The clerk went back to the desk and handed the folder to Antoine. Antoine took the folder and headed to a small desk. Antoine wasn't really watching where he was going a bumped into Bunnie. "Hey, watch where yuh goin'," said Bunnie. "Sorry, Bunnie," said Antoine. "Antoine, is there something wrong?" Bunnie noticed the plain emotionless expression on Antoine's face. "No, zere is nothing wrong." "Are you sure?" "Oui." Satisfied Bunnie walked off to a bookshelf. Antoine continued to the desk and sat at it. He laid the package and folder on the desk. He opened the folder, but found the package to be in the way. Antoine picked up the package then looked around. He noticed a table behind him and laid the package there. He went back to looking at his father's files. Tails came into the library. He didn't come to get a book he was just showing a large wolf behind him, where it was. The wolf was real built and wore light brown pants with black boots, and a drab green vest. The wolf followed Tails in the library, but hesitated as he took the first step. He sniffed the air for a moment then continued to follow the young fox. Tails showed the wolf a card-catalog then walked off. He noticed Antoine and is curious as to what he is looking at. "What are you looking at Antoine?" asked Tails as he looked. "Files," replied Antoine. "On what?" "Ze General of ze royal army." "Oh. Ok." Tails walked off again, but spotted the package. "Is this yours Antoine," asked Tails? "Oui," replied Antoine not looking back. "There's no return address." "Yes." Tails got the feeling Antoine wasn't really listening to him. "Can I open it?" "Oui." Antoine was to busy looking at the file to listen to Tails' questions. Tails bought the package to the side of the table and began to open it. The wolf was looking through the card-catalog when a got a whiff of the air. He sniffed around. The odor he was smelling was coming from Tails' direction. He recognized it and knew it wasn't good. "Everyone get down!!!" shouted the wolf as he ran towards Tails. He got to Tails just as he opened the package. Bunnie was leaving a bookcase looking in a book when she heard something. She lowered the book then heard an explosion. She quickly brought her arms up covering her face from a blinding flash. In doing so she tore the book she was reading. The package Tails had opened exploded. The wolf managed to get Tails down before he fully opened the box. After a moment on the floor the wolf stood up. He looked around and noticed that pieces of metal were stuck in everything he looked at from where he stood. "Is everyone ok," asked the wolf? Just then several screams came out. Most were from fear, but the wolf recognized one that was from pain. Antoine had covered his head when he heard the wolf. He raised his head and leaned back on the chair, but the back of the chair had pieces of metal through it poking into Antoine's back. Antoine got up out of his chair and looked around. "Sacre bleu," Antoine was shocked at what he saw. There were a lot of animals hurt. He heard a lot of moaning and screaming. He went to the closest sound he heard. "Tails!" "Ow, my hand," said Tails. Antoine looked at his hand, and saw a nail stuck in it. It could be seen on both sides of Tail's hand. Sonic came through the door of the library, "What happened here?" "Sonic," called Antoine. "Antoine, what happened?" "I do not know what happened. Zere was a boom, zen zis." Sonic looked around and saw many of the people hurt. "I'm going to get Kathy. You try to keep everyone calm." Sonic left, having a bad feeling that he left Antoine in charge to calm things down. "Tails stay here," said Antoine. "Ok." Antoine went to help the others. "Are you hurt?" asked Antoine as he came up to someone. "No," said the animal. "Please leave zen." The person did as he was told and left. "Listen," shouted Antoine, "if you are not hurt zen please leave ze library." The uninjured Mobians in the library slowly left. This made it easier for Antoine to get to the wounded. The wolf gave a sigh as he left a dead body. He went to another Mobian and help. Antoine soon came up to a rabbit which he quickly recognize. "Bunnie." He saw that her real arm was bloody. Her abdomen was also bleeding. "Antoine," said Bunnie weakly, "please help me." "I weel." Antoine picked her up and carried her out. ******** It was another beautiful day in Mobotropolis. Rosie sat in a park watching Sally play with her friends. They were all having a good time except one. Antoine sat under the shade of a tree keeping to himself. "Rosie," called Sally, "do you know what is wrong with Antoine?" "I'm afraid I do Sally," replied Rosie. "Is it bad." "Yes. His father went on a trip to mountains to talk to some animals. He didn't reach them because an avalanche." "The avalanche stopped him from getting to the animals he was suppose to talk to?" "It is more than that. It. Oh I'll explain it to you when your older" "Oh, ok." Sally went off to join the rest of her friends. Rosie continued to watch the children. She noticed Bunnie trying to talk to Antoine, but he kept quiet. Then she saw Antoine turn away from Bunnie. Rosie knew Antoine was friendly, even though he has a tight schedule, but would never turn his back to any of his friends. ******** An hour had past since the bombing in the Knothole Library. The medical hut was filled with injured patients. Questions were being thrown about the explosion with nothing to answer them. Sally, Sonic, Antoine, and the wolf stand outside the medical hut. "How could anyone do something like this," asked Sally? "Someone with a sick mind," answered Sonic. "We were lucky that you were around Dirck," said Sally to the wolf. "I'm just a small time traveler," said Dirck. "Use to work for the bomb squad in Mobotropolis." "Princess," called Antoine, "ze bomb, I believe it was for me." "How do you know?" "Misour Dirck." "Just call me Dirck," said the wolf. "Dirck, ze pipe bomb is in a package, yes no?" "Yah." "Well I receive a package today." "I guess the guy hasn't given up yet," interrupted Sonic. Nearby, a figure hid and watched as the four outside a hut talked. He slowly raised his right arm pointing it at the group. "This is getting serious," said Sally. "Antoine I would like you to stay at your hut until we can find out who's after you." Antoine nodded and began to walk. Just as he did a blast was fired barely missing Antoine's back , but striking Sally in the shoulder. "Sally!!" shouted Sonic. "Princess!!" shouted Antoine at the same time. Antoine looked around as Sonic went to Sally. "Zere, zere," Antoine pointed at something moving behind the huts. Sonic enraged moved after the shooter. He was followed be Dirck as Antoine helped the princess into the medical hut. Sonic quickly come up on the shooter. Instead of tackling him he brought up his fist hitting the shooter in the face while at full speed. The shooter received Sonic's hit in his face and flipped over once before landing on his stomach. He slowly got to his feet as he did Sonic came up and grabbed his shirt slamming him against a tree. "You are sick, you know that?" shouted Sonic, "sick!" "Well if the general's son would have just died, then none of this would had ever happened," said the shooter. The shooter brought up his right fist and hit Sonic in the gut, knocking the wind out of him. He knocked Sonic to the ground. He brought up his right fist again, ready to slam it in Sonic's face. Just before the shooter dropped his fist Dirck ramed him. The shooter stumbled over before turning around to his attacker. Dirck brought his huge fist towards the shooter. The shooter avoided the punch then upper-cutted Dirck. The shooter stood up and aimed his right arm at the wolf. Dirck quickly regained his senses and glared at the shooter. "You're a robot," said Dirck as he looked at the arm. "No," said the Shooter, "just partially roboticized." A blast came from the arm, hitting Dirck. The shooter saw Sonic get up, and blasted him as well. Antoine came rushing out of the medical hut at the sound of the blasts. He saw the shooter, but no sign of Sonic or Dirck. Antoine acted without thinking. He was too angry to be scared. He had seen too many friends hurt. Antoine drew his sword and charged at the shooter. Anger and only anger could be seen on his face. The shooter saw Antoine charging at him and began to shoot. Antoine used all his skill to block each blast that would hit him with his sword. Antoine finally reached the shooter and tackled him. They both get on their feet, but Antoine knocked him back down. "You have tried to kill me," shouted Antoine as he kicked him in the side. The shooter beck to back away, but Antoine followed. "You accused my father with a crime he never did," Antoine kicked him again. "You hurt Tails," Antoine swung his sword striking the right arm. "You hurt ze princess," He hit the shooter in the face. "You almost killed Bunnie." Antoine raised his sword over his head with both hands. Sonic managed to get up just as Antoine raises his sword, "Antoine, don't!" Antoine thrust the sword downward. He released it letting it stand upright. He ran off into the forest. Sonic was almost petrified at what he saw Antoine do. He ran up to where the sword was and saw what had happened to the shooter. Sonic saw some sparks flew from the right arm. What shocked Sonic was how close the sword came to hitting the assassin's head. It stood right next to his face. "You are one lucky bastard, you know that?" said Sonic as he picked him up. ******** Young Antoine stood in front of a building. He stared at it as if he were waiting for someone to come out. This building was a training area for soldiers. This was where Antoine went with his father. "Antoine," called some as she touched his shoulder. Antoine jumped a bit, then turned to see who it was, "Bunnie." "Whatcha doin'?" "Nothing." "Your waiting for your dad, huh?" Antoine nodded. "Sally told me what happened to him," continued Bunnie, "she also said he won't be coming back." "No," shouted Antoine as he pushed Bunnie to the ground. "He weel come back. He promised to come back from every mission! He weel come back!" Antoine quickly turned around and ran off, but unaware of what he did. ******** The sun had just disappeared over the horizon. The shooter, now known as Alex Coon, was behind bars. Sally, Sonic, and Dirck were handling their injuries well as the interrogate Alex. "General D'Coolette was responsible for my parents deaths," said Alex, "his son is the only one left on whom I can enact my revenge." "In the process to get revenge you injured dozens of animals," explained Sally, "including myself, and killed one other." "I want the general's son dead." "Be glad you're in a cell," said Sonic, "because that's the only thing keeping me from tearing you apart." "Sonic," Sally put her hand in front of him, "I want to know the whole story." "You want to know?" questioned Alex. Sally nodded with a mean look on her face "My father Travis Coon was a poor man trying to survive while taking care of his family. He had to go picking pockets and stealing food to provide for me and my mother. He only took what was needed no more. "One night, a week before Robotnik took over he was caught, by General D'Coolette. He was off duty at the time. Well, my father was sent to prison. Before he could get out Robotnik rook over. He roboticized everyone he caught, including all the prisoners." Sonic listen closely as he could relate to him. "Me and my mother had to live on our own. We were fine for a couple years, but we attacked. My father was good at fighting, but not my mother. She tried to protect me, but was captured. "I've lived on my own since then. I was caught too about a year ago. I would have been totally roboticized if some weird robot hadn't stopped the machine. He told me about Knothole. That's how I knew about Antoine D'Coolette. I've wanted to kill him since then." "Don't you know that the roboticization process can be reversed," asked Sally? "It doesn't matter. They're both dead." "They can be." "You don't get it, they're both terminated, destroyed. You can't bring them back." Unknown to the others someone was watching them and listening. ******** Anna D'Coolette went front door of her house and opened it. She was surprised to find a young brown rabbit standing in front of her this late at night "Bunnie," said Anna surprised, "what are you doing here this late?" "Ah just wanted to know if ah could talk to Antoine," said Bunnie. "Yes. Wait a minute." Anna went out of sight for a moment then Antoine came. "Bunnie," said Antoine surprised, "what are you doing here?" "Ah just wanted to talk to you." "About what?" "Why you pushed me today?" "I did?" "Yes, you did." "Zen I guess I did." "Why did you?" "I don't know." "Bobby said that only a coward would push a girl." "Zen maybe Bobby is right." "No, he's not. You're not a coward. Are you?" "I do not know. Maybe I am." "I still like you." Antoine lowered his head "Antoine?" called Bunnie "I, I have to go now goodbye Bunnie." Quickly leave Bunnie leaving the door open. Slowly Anna came around a corner with a sad look on her face. She came up and put her hand on the door then looked at Bunnie. "I think it's time for you to go home," said Anna. "Mrs. D'Coolette, what's wrong with Antoine," asked Bunnie? "He, he just misses his dad." ******** Early morning. Kathy was exhausted from treating all the injured patients from the bomb blast. Most of the injured went back to their huts. Only those who hadn't woken stayed in the medical hut. Most of which were out from shock. Antoine hadn't come back, but his sword was missing. There were some that were worried about Antoine. Sally being one of them. Elsewhere in the Great Forest, Antoine practiced with his sword on a tree. He mixed emotions in his head. Anger, fear, sadness, guilt. Antoine was confused on how he felt. His father was a great general, thought Antoine as he continued to cut into the tree, he would never kill unless he was forced to. Zis raccoon wants to kill me. He has hurt many of my friends. Tails, Sonic, Sally, and Bunnie. He almost killed Bunnie. "Eeeeyaaaa," shouted Antoine as he swung his sword through the tree trunk. The tree began to slide on the cut then fell. The crash of the tree sounded through the forest loudly scaring nearby woodland creatures. Antoine watched the tree. He didn't know how to act. Suddenly he heard something behind him. He quickly turned around with his sword straight out at who ever was behind him. "Whoa, hey," said Sonic as he backed off, "it's me, Ant." Antoine drew back his sword and placed it in it sheath. "What eez it Sonic?" asked Antoine. "I was looking for you. You've been here all night?" "Oui." "Sally's been worried. We caught the guy." "Yes, I knew. How eez everyone?" "Well I'm ok. So is Sal. Tails' hand is patched up. Bunnie's still out , but she's alright." Antoine nodded. "Come on Ant, lets go back to Knothole. Sally woke me up early because of you." "No. I am, how you say, sorting out my problems." "Look I'm..." "Go. Leave me." "Ant..." "Leave me!" Antoine drew his sword pointing it at Sonic. "I'm gone." Sonic left. Sonic returned to Knothole. He was quickly met by Sally. "I suppose you didn't find him," said Sally. "Oh I did," said Sonic, "he was totally different." "How different?" "Way different. He cut down a tree then he threaten me." "Sonic look." Sally motioned Sonic to look behind him. Sonic turned around and saw Antoine. He face was straight no one could tell what he was thinking or feeling. He just walked steady toward the medical hut. Antoine entered and stopped. He turned his eyes toward Bunnie. So beautiful, thought Antoine. "It was wrong of me to." said Antoine trailing off. "Sleep well." He slowly brushed the side of her face then slowly left the hut. Antoine stood in front of the medical hut door for a moment. After he drew his sword and marched to where Alex was being held at. Sonic and Sally followed him, but stayed back so that he wouldn't notice. "Coon," said Antoine as he stood in front of Alex's cell. The raccoon looked up from where he sat. Then he stood up as he saw Antoine. Antoine quickly pointed his sword at him to keep him back. Sonic and Sally watched but couldn't make out what was being said. "I remember you," said Antoine, "and I remember when your father was taken. Zee story you told zee princess and hedgehog was a lie." "How do you know," asked Alex as the expression on his face turned mean? "I was zere when your father was taken. You are zee one who sent him to prison." "I didn't send him, your father did." "My father did not. You did. You were angry when you did. You look zee same now as you were zen." Alex didn't say anything. "I remember zee day clearly," said Antoine. "Why," asked Alex? "Because it was zee last time I saw my father." "Should I feel any sympathy?" "No." "Then what?" "Maybe you an I will know in a later time. As of now, we are enemies." Antoine placed his sword back into its sheath. "Fine by me. When I get the chance I will get you." "And I weel be ready." Antoine slowly turned around and walked off. "Remember one thing, soldier boy," said Alex as Antoine walked away, "one night you'll go to sleep and never wake up." Sonic and Sally watched Antoine leave the area and enter his. Antoine entered his hut and moved directly to his bed knowing everyone was going to wake Antoine went to sleep. He was too tired to think about anything now. Slowly everyone woke as Antoine slept from his long sleepless night. THE END