Breaking Point

Chapter 8

AN: Yes, Aleena could have poofed him home, but the journey is meant to give him time to think how to approach.

Chapter 8

Three days later, Sonic and his Freedom Fighters were doing a routine patrol of the city. Cyrus looked around as they stopped at a chili dog stand. "I can't believe we finally won. It was so easy..."

Manic nodded. "Yeah. The city is free. The people are happy governing themselves. I mean we will need something eventually. To deal with those like Robotnik but for now, this is going great..."

Cyrus frowned. "Yes... We will need to do that soon. We need to deal with Robotnik. He's being allowed to simply get away with all of this. He has to be punished."

The blue hedgehog shrugged. "No he doesn't. He has no power now, Cyrus. He lost."

"But what about what he did to us. He made us slaves. He took away our families and friends. He took away my father. I can't just forget that." The lion protested. "We have to punish him."

Sonic didn't know how to respond to his query. They had all lost someone. He looked at Manic as he knew they were both thinking about their adopted families. "I just don't want to rock the boat. He's leaving us alone. He cannot hurt us. My mom and dad were good people. They taught me to never seek revenge. Mom said it would change me. I don't know what she meant by that but... she's one of the smartest people I ever knew so..."

Cyrus nodded. "But see, you'll never know what she meant because of him. It's not revenge. It's closure. When you do something wrong, you have to pay for that wrong. He needs to pay..." They looked up as a single-person plane flew overhead and into the castle. "Especially since it looks like he may be up to something."

Sonic and Manic pulled out their medallions while the citizens got their weapons ready. Several minutes passed as they allowed themselves to continue their daily lives but prepared to fight. The children were swiftly evacuated by a designated team of lionesses. There were none more suited to guarding their most precious treasures.

The doors of the palace opened and light streamed out as the people abandoned their stands in favor of joining ranks. They would not so easily surrender their independence and freedom again.

Robotnik approached the people, bracing for their vitriol. "People of... Mobotropolis..." He forced himself to say the words. "I wish to make an announcement..."

Together, Sonia and Bartleby looked at the ultrasound. Sonia giggled at him as they imagined their treasures. The greatest treasures any man could own.

Finally, Bartleby looked at the clock and turned on the news. The Acorn Citizens Network was now constantly in Robotropolis. He sat up straight. "Robotnik!"

Sonia sat up. "It's okay Bartleby. He's in Robotropolis now, he can't hurt you. I can't believe mom in charge of the club... but he cannot hurt you. We can turn it off if it troubles you." She went to change it but he stopped her.

He shook his head. "No... I don't know why... but it's like a train wreck. I have to see it... In case your brothers end up needing help..." Bartleby trembled. He didn't know why he had to see it but his reasoning was sound.

Sonia's hand moved comforting up and down his chest. "You're so brave my Bartleby. Let's see what the jackass has to say then..."

"We don't want to hear one word you have to say!" Cyrus shouted, the crowd roared in agreement. "We don't listen to devils like you!"

Robotnik stood firm as he threw his weapon into the crowd, disarming himself. "I only ask you to allow me a few minutes of your time... I shall not be long then you'll never have to deal with me again." He promised. He had been on the fence about which way he would take but he knew now that there was only one way to make this right.