Darn computer lost it again! I keep trying to post this, and it keeps losing it! Oy... Anyway, this is the long-promised fanfic I have been trying to post all week. It isn't anywhere near being done, not even halfway through the first chapter. But maybe by posting this, I will feel more inspired to keep writing it.

Without further ado, I present to you...

A Sense of Serenity

by Violet Whirlwind

Chapter 1: Wedding Bells

There was a festive feeling in the air that day in a little village hidden deep within the Great Forest on the planet Mobius. The war was over; had been for about ten years now. No creature had seen hide nor hair of the evil dictator who had ruled the planet with an iron fist for eleven long years. The city he had held in cold metallic slavery all those long years had finally been returned to a blissful state of prosperity, the creatures living within going about their daily lives as they had before Robotniks coup. King Maximillian Acorn, due to his failing health, had abdicated the throne to his more than capable daughter, Princess Sally. She, along with the other original Freedom Fighters of old still lived in the now famous Knothole Village. This was purely a result of habit; the secret town had been their only refuge during the long years of oppression, and now it seemed more like home to them than any rebuilt palace ever could. Plus, there was the added security that it was still hidden, and could once again be converted into a rebels stronghold should the need ever arise.

It was true that the days of danger and adventure were in the past, but in these days of peace, one needed only to look around them to find their own drama and adventure if they so desired. Simply living, it seemed, could be an adventure. Life was never boring for long in Knothole. At that moment, a fairly large spectacle was about to unfold.

A brief walk through the secret village, and the infectious spirit of festivity would have permeated even the most uptight soul, leaving them free to frolic in the many games and contests found scattered around the town. Mobians were everywhere, laughing, talking, participating in games and contests, and generally having a good time. It was the eve of the ten-year anniversary of the evil tyrants defeat, and Knothole was alive with music and bright colors; morale was high and spirits were light. Even the trees seemed to get in on the act. It was early autumn, and the trees had begun dropping their red-gold leaves like fiery confetti.

This year, the Mobian Independence Day Festival was to be an even more joyous event than in previous years. The princess was to be married the next day to none other than the hero responsible for the planets liberation those ten years ago. Sonic had proposed - nervously - three months ago under the light of an early summer double-moon. Sally had accepted readily, and the two of them had agreed that it would be most fitting for the wedding to take place on the tenth anniversary of the day the Freedom Fighters had finally won their liberty from Robotnik.

Creatures from all over the planet were gathered in a brightly lit meadow adjacent to Knothole. The town wasnt usually this crowded, but, then again, it wasnt everyday that a well-known princess was betrothed to a hero known the world over. The guests of honor were seated at a heavily ornamented table, under a canopy of paper lantern bearing, russet-clothed tree branches. Princess Sally seemed to be enjoying herself, but her soon-to-be king seemed a little out of it. He tried to hide it behind a cocky grin, but inwardly, Sonic was beginning to feel claustrophobic. The feeling worsened as the evening wore on, each well-wisher that came up to wish the couple luck in their new life getting more and more on the retired blue heros nerves. It didnt help matters that the occasion had become an impromptu autograph signing.

Sigh. Here ya go. he said, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice as he handed the book back to its owner. She floated off on cloud nine.

Ahem. Sign mine. It was more of a command than a request. Sonic found himself looking into a familiar - not to mention extremely annoying - pink face.

Ahhh! Amy, youve already got seven! he exclaimed exasperatedly.

I know. I want another one. Sign it. Now. she commanded, shoving the book in his face, thinking, If I cant have you, at least I can get another autograph for my collection...

That was the last straw. Sonic jumped up, knocking over his chair in the process. Arraaaagggghhhhh! I cant stand it! Im outa here!

Before Sally could even say anything at all, she was knocked over by the force of his departure. She stood up, brushing herself off and staring off in the direction he disappeared. Oh dear...she thought to herself, sighing and walking off in the direction of the ring pool.

What? Was it something I said? Amy Rose was left alone by the now vacant picnic table.

*****************
Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhh!

The Blue Blur sped around the entire perimeter of Knothole a total of four times, yelling at the top of his lungs. It felt good to finally let out all the feelings of irritation and annoyance he had been storing up inside himself for some time now and just run. Midway through his fifth circuit, he skidded to a halt. He surveyed his surroundings, recognizing the place immediately.

The setting sun glinted off the crystalline surface of the small lake, making it sparkle with the colors of the last rays of daylight. Several haphazardly placed boulders, smooth and shiny from age and running water and covered in a patina of soft green moss were scattered around the sand-strewn edges of the pond. A diminutive waterfall entered the pool near the rear, splooshing and splashing softly. An ancient log jutted out into the center of this small body of water, rotting and partially submerged. The hedgehog looked at it and all the memories came flooding back. It was this very chunk of wood, now not much more than floating detritus, incapable of supporting any weight whatsoever, that he used to stand on while waiting for a power ring to surface so that he could go rocketing off on some sabotage mission in Robotropolis. He sighed heavily, plopping down on the bank, his spiny blue back resting against an ancient willow tree. Those were the days when life was easy. No, not easy, he corrected himself, But they sure seemed a whole heck of a lot less complicated...Now...now his life was about to change drastically. After tomorrow, he would no longer be just plain Sonic, he would be King Sonic. He wasnt sure he was comfortable with that. He closed his eyes, sighing as he let the serenity of the place wash over him, his worries gradually drifting away.

I knew Id find you here.

The familiar voice startled Sonic into wakefullness. Huh? What? he lept to his feet, looking around defensively. It was an instinctual response resulting from the many long years spent in geurilla warfare with the tyrant of old. He relaxed when he realized who it was. Hey Sal. he said distractedly. Did I fall asleep? he thought absently as he watched a couple of fireflies as they danced above the darkened surface of the ring pool.

Theres something bothering you. It was a statement, not a question.

What? N-no theres not. Ev-everythins cool. he stammered, trying to hold on to that attitude of nonchalant bravado.

Sonic Hedgehog,, The princess had her hands on her hips now. Ive known you long enough to be able to tell when youre hiding something. she said with mock severity. You dont usually stammer like that, either, she mentally added. Now out with it.

There was a long pause.

Oh, okay, he said finally, sighing in surrender. The thing is, Im not really cool with this being king thing. I mean, I love you an all that, but whyd they havta go an make me a king? Im not...I mean... he trailed off, looking at his future mate with searching eyes. The ground squirrel was decidedly plumper than she had been durring the war, as a result of the child she carried. Thats another thiing Im not too sure about, the hedgehog thought to himself. Im not sure Im ready to be a father.

Its tradition. And, its your responsibility. By preposing to me, youve already accepted the crown. Dont tell me youre backing out on the eve of our wedding!

Sal, you know me too well. Id never do somethin uncool like that!

Good. I didnt think you would. her tone softened as she put a hand on his shoulder. And I also know youll get used to being king. It just takes time. Heck, she thought, I bet youll actually start to like it before too long, knowing you. I have faith in your resiliancy.

Uh, thanks.

Now come on. Lets get back to the party before our guests start to get suspicious.

As long as I dont have to sign any more autographs.

Thats your call, not mine. the princess replied, chuckling, as the two of them walked back through Knothole toward the sounds of merriment.

**************
Please to be standing still, Son-eek.

This thing chafes, big time. Do I really havta wear a tuxedo? It makes me look sooo stupid!

After the war, Antoine DCoolette had set up shop as a tailor in Mobotropolis, specializing in formal attire. When not serving his duty as a royal guard, he could be found fitting Mobians with specially made gowns and suits for special occasions, which included weddings. This shop was where he and the hero of ten years ago were currently, as the coyote tryed desparately to make sure everything on the blue hedgehogs tux was in purfect position.

I am thinking eet is making you look quite dashink.

Yeah, well, Id rather be dashink out of here. Forget the tux! The Blue Blur was getting more and more impatiant by the minute.

But eet is part of ze royale protocol!

I dont care! Cant I just have a simple little weddin an get it over with? This is way past annoying!

Tradition indictates-

Indicates, Antoine!

Hmm, yes, weel...As I was saying, tradition indicates that ze marriage of ze future king to ze preen-cess-

Can it Ant! And would you hurry it up already, Im gettin bored! Sonic was mentally screaming, I dont wanna be king! I do not want to be king!! He began pacing, the french coyote still trying to put various finishing touches on his suit.

Come back ere! Your tie, eet is crook-ed!

Like I care. How long do I havta wait? he asked irritably, plopping down in a nearby chair and crossing his arms.

About une hour.

Sonic groaned. Wonderful.

So, what do you think of my little gem?