I spoke of a fic I planned on writing a while back, and I finally started it. Life sort of got in the way for a while.

I'll be updating it on deviantart.com if you wish to follow it there. The epilogue can be found here: www.deviantart.com/deviation/33401329/

I'll post the story here too, or, at least, some of it. I'm hoping to get a few interested souls and constructive criticism. It's easier to get unbias criticism from strangers than from friends, don'tcha know?

Warnings? Well, it's original characters that I first created when I was a kid. I'm hoping they've improved since I first designed them. I also haven't seem to really pick a Sonic Universe to stick to. I'm just making a lot of this stuff up for the heck of it.

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Epilogue: Language of Treaties

Planet Mobius in the year 3225.

It was a bitter farewell to Mobotropolis for Prince Leonard Reginald Acorn. He kept his pallid blue eyes focused on the passing scenery, deep in thought. His elder brother, King Maximillian Acorn, had dispatched him to the eastern parts of Mobius. He was to act as an "ambassador" to the royalty there. The eastern parts of Mobius were still under the rule of Emperor Masahito Arisugawa, as that part of Mobius rejected the house of Acorn ruling. There had been little success dealing with the eastern parts, but Maximillian had been determined to, at least, create a treaty.

And instead of going himself, King Acorn sent his darling little brother to do the dealing. The man didn't speak a word of the Eastern languages, yet here he was, being shipped off as an ambassador. What a horrid system.

The only bright side was his family was allowed to accompany him. He knew he'd be in the Eastern parts for quite some time, especially if he had to learn the language in order to communicate with the Emperor, so he had his wife, Helena with him, as well as their children. Helena being of noble birth herself, of course. She was the daughter of Sir George and Lady Anne Lemmington, which was a family known for their loyalty towards the House of Acorn. The squirrel turned to watch his wife tending to the children. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into an elegant braid held in place by the finest hair ordiments. Her green eyes sparkled with joy as her two youngest played around her.

The aging squirrel couldn't help but smile as he watched. The two youngest were his daughters, Cordelia and Margaret, ages six and three, respectively. Cordelia Beatrice Acorn took after her mother; it was obvious, sharing the same fine blonde hair and bright green eyes. Margaret Rose, however, took after the Acorn side of the family. She had large blue eyes and auburn hair. It was impossible to deny her relation to the house of Acorn. The two sisters were playing together in the small compartment of the royal car of the train they rode. Helena played referee, making sure the girls didn't get too out of hand.

Leonard turned his eyes to the male sitting next to him. Edward Charles Acorn, he was Leonard's eldest child and only son. Leonard swelled with pride looking upon him. He was no more than twelve, but already acting like a distinguished gentleman. He'd inherited his mother's hair, having it combed back neatly, yet had his father's blue eyes and proud face.

"Mommy, I'm hungry," Cordelia whined.

"Edward," Helena looked towards her son. "Could you be a dear and get out the snacks I packed?"

Edward nodded, "Yes, mother." It was left up to the young boy to maneuver around to grab the basket of food his mother had brought. Helena moved to take the open seat beside her husband as Edward rationed out small portions of food to his younger siblings.

"We should be arriving at the Eastern palace soon," Helena spoke to her husband. "It's going to be quite a change for the children, I'm sure. They've never traveled too far from home. Now, they're picking up to go to a place with a whole new language and set of customs."

Leonard didn't reply to her statement for a long while. "This is ridiculous," he finally scoffed. "I don't even know any of the Eastern languages or anything about their culture. Yet my brother decides to send me to make a treaty? There are tons of other men suited to this job. It makes me question the intent of his decision."

"His intent is rather irrelevant now," Helena told him. "If that's what bothers you, you should have spoken to your brother about it before hand. You have a duty to fulfill now."

Leonard lifted a hand to massage his temples. "You're correct, of course. I accepted this as my duty, and I should honor that. My doubts and questions will have to be saved for another time. My only focus should be to work to the best of my ability."

"I knew you'd agree," The woman lemming smiled. She then reached into her bag pulling out a blue book with black text on it. "That's why I bought you this."

"A language book?" He questioned, looking it over.

"I also bought a dictionary," she told him. "I thought it would help you learn enough of the language to communicate with the Emperor. Unless he already speaks English, at least one of you will have to pick up the other's language quick."

"Thank you," he nodded. " And I take it you've been teaching yourself some of the language as well?"

"I've been trying," she sighed. "It's difficult. I only know a few phrases and numbers. I can't read or write it at all."

"That's more than I can say for myself," he commented, flipping through some of the pages. "Maybe we'll get lucky and the Emperor will speak English."

It's more than- Margaret, get that out of your mouth!" The mother's attention was back on her children. Leonard allowed her to go back to them as he turned his attention to the book in his lap. With each turn of the page it became more and more clear he'd never learn this language.

*********

The royal family stood before the Eastern palace, known as Enikaitamochi.[1] It had an unfamiliar design for the Acorn family. It was nothing like the royal home they were accustomed to. It was elevated on a hillside, surrounded by walls and moats. There were several peaks to the roof, each coming down slanted, curving slightly at the edges. The building itself was white, while the roof was a black color.

They were allowed inside by the guards, yet were not given much time to take in their surroundings. Before them stood a short eastern woman; she was older with her hair pulled into a bun on the top of her head. She wore a strange outfit that looked much like a powder blue robe with a piece of cloth for a belt.

Irasshaimase! She exclaimed, bowing to the family. Welcome to Enikaitamochi, her accent was thick. I am Kyoko. I will guide you as you stay here. The emperor is awaiting you and your family, Prince Acorn. If you would, follow me to the throne room, please. Your rooms are still being prepared.

Thank you, Leonard nodded his head. He and his family followed the small woman. As they moved towards the throne room, the family had time to take in the sights around them. The palace was gorgeous, and beautifully decorated. It was filled mostly with old relics and, what the Acorns assumed to be, heirlooms. There were paintings, but it was unclear if they were of the royal family. There was a unique style to them.

They were led to a large room that wasnt much different when it came to decor. However, there was a throne at the other side of the room from the door. Upon entering the room, they could see the emperor was sitting in his throne. He stood when they came closer, giving them a polite bow. He appeared to be younger than Leonard or Helena anticipated. He was a light blue echidna who couldn't have been passed his early thirties yet. His emerald green eyes were dull in color, staring down at the newcomers.

"Greetings," the echidna spoke with a heavy accent. His slightly muddled tone showed that he had very little practice speaking the language. I am Emperor Masahito Arisugawa. I am pleased to meet you.

And were pleased to meet you, Leonard said, uncomfortably. It was an odd greeting for royals. It seemed so informal. It was understandable, as English was the emperors second language. Leonard wouldnt have been able to ask anything that simplistic in Japanese if he tried. The emperor had the upper hand in that department.

I wanted to greet you in person before sending you to your rooms," he explained. "I wanted to tell you if there is anything you need, simply call for Kyoko. She will assist you. My daughter, Princess Hekikuu, will also be of assistance and help if you need it.

Arigoto gozamasu, Helena attempted, making a mess of the phrase. The emperor gave her a curious glance before he continued. Kyoko will show you to your rooms. I am sure you will want to rest and get your things in order.

Yes, thank you, Emperor Arisugawa, Prince Leonard bowed to him, graciously. He then followed Kyoko once again, with his family, to where their bedrooms would be located.

*********

What?

Mobotropolis has been conquered, Masahito repeated. King Acorn is no longer in power. Robotnik has replaced him. The city is in his control, and the people are being turned into machinery.

Oh dear God! Leonard panicked. He and his wife were speaking with Masahito, alone, in a conference room. The emperor had been the one to break the bad news to them. I have to go back!

But Leonard, what about the children and I? Helena protested. "You can't expect us to go back in times like these?"

Helena, the aging prince took his wife by the shoulders, gently. I must return to Mobotropolis. It is our home, and it is in danger. A madman has usurped my brother, and I have to do something! I want you and the children to stay here, where its safe, and I will return for you.

Leonard, no!

Helena, this is how it must be, he said sadly, kissing her, lovingly. I have a duty to fulfill.

His wife bit her lip, nodding in agreement despite the tears welling up in her eyes. Prince Leonard asked the Emperor if he could set up transportation. He did, quickly, sending the Prince on his way back home to help save his brother's kingdom. He promised he would do what he could, and then return for his family. He set off in the early morning after saying farewell to his loved ones.

Unfortunately, he never returned.

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[1] This literally means "Castle in the Air." This is a Japanese phrase that is equivalent to "pie in the sky."