Sir Swift (A Sonic the Hedgehog story)

Chapter 19 - Eye of Lee-ana

  Chapter 19 Eye of Lee-ana

With the situation sorted in Ja'ching, it was time for Swift and Calasear to venture back to Galotum. But before that, the residents had to celebrate the Iron Dominion's defeat and their freedom. Even Ken's people came out of hiding for this occassion, word quickly spread to every corner of Ja'ching of the trio's triumph.

For Swift this was the first time that so many people were thanking him, surprisingly all the praising and thank you's made him a little bashful. This especially caught Calasear off guard, being some-what accustomed to his apprentice's obnoxious side.

And celebrating at the moon festival was the perfect time to interact with everyone. When the M.A.-Sonic asked Ling-ling about this festival, he came to two conclusions. One, he and his partner were the first foreigners to participate in something so important in Ja'ching culture. Two, Swift learned he had skipped two of his birthdays based on the moon calendars which meant he had aged two years since starting his quest.

"I'm 15 now... wow."

And as soon as the sun rose, the Hedgehog and sword duo prepared themselves for departure from Ja'ching. When Swift silently slipped out of the inn he found Ling-ling standing in his way. They soon walked together while chatting. It wasn't long before the sword masters came outside.

"So you two are leaving." Ling-ling stated the obvious.

"Ummm, yeah." The M.A.-Sonic confirmed, while awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck with right hand while his left gripped Calasear. "I know it's sudden but we have to get back to Galotum."

"I understand, considering your enemy has been around for centuries and all I can see why you two wish to return as fast as possible." The She-Tiger joked. But then she fully turned to Swift with a more serious posture, a smile and an open hand to him. "Until we meet again, Swift the Hedgehog."

She nodded respectfully to the sword, "Calasear."

The Hedgehog took Ling-ling's hand as both foreigners echoed. "Until we meet again."

Swift turned away and dashed towards the sun while leaving a gust of wind.

                                                        *                   *                     *

As the duo came closer and closer to the outskirts of Galotum, images of friends, enemies and familiar places flashed into their minds. Adding to this was what they had learned from the foreign kingdom; from defeating the Dominion to Ling-ling's teachings all these experiences fuelled their inner fires, as the swordhog sped even faster.

"Time to show Galotum what I'm made of." Swift determinedly thought with the image of Blackess appearing in his mind.

Castle Town

It was some-what good to be back home for Galotum's most-wanted. If one was to look aside the Monster knights; large number of criminals; and the kingdom's current ruler's lack of ruling. But it was still their home, despite being classified as a criminal himself there with Bounty boards of Calasear and Swift painting the town. They were going to set it all straight.

The first thing the duo did was to head to the Prowles, determined to not get side tracked from their original purpose but also enjoying the idea of paying his childhood friends a visit. But when they reached their destination the sight greatly shocked them.

"What... in Galotum?"

And what stood before the Hedgehog was not a house but a burned down building. The question of what happened kept repeating in his mind. Another thought crossed his mind that struck him with worry.