Sonic: Rise of the Iron Dominion

One Shall Stand..

The eye contact between Elias and Geoffrey felt as if it lasted a millennia. The rightful king couldn't even utter a single blink. His sore muscles froze him in place where he lied.

Geoffrey could already feel what time he had left quickly dwindle. He started to feel lighter. Like millions of pounds were removed from his shoulders. Dozens of emotions ran through his head at one time. But for the first time in days, there was no more pain. There no longer was an overbearing agony that made him feel ill. He had many regrets from the past week, and he happily accepted the fate of what he thought he deserved.

"For the kingdom.." He weakly spoke, his jaw feeling heavier. "For the family of Acorn.."

His legs finally fell from below him. Elias watched in mental slow motion as the skunk's body collapsed into the war torn field. Within that moment, Elias found himself crawling over towards him with what energy he had, rolling him over to his back. He places the skunk's torso against his own, his head in his arms.

"Geoffrey—Geoffrey stay with me." Elias tried to shake the dying Mobian. "Hey—look at me Geoffrey!" His voice rose, hiding a tremble that would make Naugus chuckle. The skunk's eyes lied half open, using the last of the strength he possessed.

"Elias.." he choked out. "I'm.. so sorry. For everything." His body shook as the last of his energy was brought to his lips.

Elias had no more words. There was no point in begging Geoffrey to force through it and stay on this mortal plane. He knew the skunk wouldn't even make it to a nearby medic had he tried. He truly was about to lose the Mobian who worked by his side. By his father's side.

"You're a great king... a great man.." His voice was beginning to fade. "But above all.. a better friend." Elias felt his body get heavier. His head began to sink in Elias's arms. His eyelids were coming to a close for the final time.

"Forgive me... my king."

And with that final statement, the last of the skunk's living spark had been extinguished. He was gone.

Elias clenched his jaw, holding back any sobs he had brewing inside. A single tear made its way down his dirtied cheek. He knew now wasn't the time to mourn, that would come later. But after working alongside the advisor for so long, and knowing him much longer, he was losing a big part of his life, rather he knew it or not.

The only peace he would have, was knowing Geoffrey was no longer hurting. The agony of his actions would plague him no more. He could finally be free of his burden.

"What a waste.." Elias could hear the wizard's disgusting voice. His head slowly rose from the fresh corpse of his friend, shooting daggers at the large creep with pure hate.
"Quite a useful one he was. Wouldn't you agree, Elias?" Naugus snarked. "Though I must say, had I known he would betray me I would have put him down days ago." He smiled, showing no remorse for his fallen temporary aid.

From that moment, Elias felt a newfound strength find its way through his body. His muscles no longer aches. His ribs no longer throbbed. His busted bottom lip no longer stung. A new, deeper fire had been created inside him. One foot came out from under him, then the other. He used his hand to force himself back up, standing tall as if he hadn't just been beaten down by the tyrant.

"There he is!" Naugus cracked, laughing at anger that coursed through Elias's veins. "Well I hope that woke you up!" He smiled.

Elias stood straight, staring directly ahead. Silent. Though Naugus really hated to admit he was moderately impressed with Elias's grit, he also did find his raging silence a bit disturbing. He'd never seen the oh so stoic Elias Acorn at a loss for words. Sure he didn't run that mouth near as much as the blue quickster, but the last time they stood in this very situation he wouldn't stop spouting about 'tyranny' and 'the people' and all that malarky.