Chapter Text
Well, this throne doesn't feel right. It's big, it's cold, it's too... grandiose. Sonic doesn't want to be sitting here! He wants to be running free, through the trees, over water, across mountains and hills.
But he has "kingly" duties to attend to. He lets a somewhat disgruntled look come across his face. He was brought here to destroy the evil in this world. By all accounts, his mission was completed! King Arthur is long gone, Merlina neutralized, dragons defeated, what could be left? Why is he sitting here, in this cold room, surrounded by cold stone? He starts to tap his foot. The sound echos across the chamber, deep and hollow.
"My king, what troubles you?"
Sonic is snapped out of his thoughts, now focused on the red echidna in front of him. He didn't even hear him approaching. "Oh, yeah, just testing the, uh, sound dynamics of this room! You know, if we wanted a big party. We should throw a party, right? Start an era of peace. Let the people know..." His mind fuzzed over for a second. "...The people know that, you know!" Sonic tried to not let worry come across his face. What was that little hiccup he had? He's never felt anything like it before.
Even with the armour covering his face, Sir Gawain's frown of worry still caught Sonic's attention. He focused on the glint of Gawain's armour. The light shining through the stained glass tinted him even more red, like a blood soaked warrior after battle. Sonic wonders how many times Gawain was sent into battle, to come out in true red. Blood red...
"Well, my king, we could certainly host a ball. There is a ballroom adjacent to the west wing, though it has been unused for years." Gawain spoke, once again pulling Sonic out of his mind.
"Yeah, sounds great! We'll have chili dogs and a big band, and the room should be filled with streamers and flowers... make this depressing castle feel somewhat homely." Sonic finished with a bit of snark. Gawain nodded and went off, no doubt to tell the other knights the king's plans. His first real plan since becoming king. Yes, it's been only a couple days. Days, right? The word had to be spread across Camelot that the tyrant has fallen and replaced with a true hero, the true King. Sonic wishes he could be the one to spread the word, he could get it done in under an hour for sure. Stretch his legs, meet the locals. But kings aren't supposed to leave their keep, or shake hands with the lesser class. What dumb rules! He should abolish those codes too.
Wait, he's king, why can't he just go out right now?
Yes, perfect! Sonic's face lightens up, his head raised, and he blasts off out into the courtyard, past Gawain, and into the town. Even though he's been here before, everything seems so much more bright and warm. The relief from the residents could be felt even in the stones themselves. They are happy, children are playing, the smell of fresh bread permeated through the air. Sonic takes a deep breath and smiles. This is where he belongs! Out with the people! He chats with some of the locals, tells them about the upcoming ball (date still pending. Sonic should think things through a bit more) and to spread the word. He runs to other villages dotted across the land, and in just under an hour, like he thought, everyone knows about the ball. He zips back to the front of the castle, looks at the watch that isn't on his wrist, and smiles confidently. What a great run! And what great time! In his time here, Sonic learned how to tell time from the position of the sun. How fun it is to learn these little tidbits of information!
The sun has sunken, the castle's shadow now enveloped Sonic, sending a chill through his body. Sonic's smile wavers, as he turns to face the building. Was it always this... alive? It seems like it will eat him up at any moment. This is his home, for now. He can think about prettying up the place later, right now he's got a ball to plan. Walking in he is greeted by his loyal knights. It seemed like they were talking to each other, perhaps about where their king could've gone. Ah, yes, he should've told them he was out for a run.
"You're back, and safe!" Said Sir Percival, relieved. Her expression hardened. "You can't run off without telling anyone. You have a kingdom to attend to."
"I was attending my kingdom." Sonic snarked. "Meeting with the loc-als, telling them the plans, all within an hour!" He proudly put his hands on his hips.
"You are more than just a messenger boy! If we have to drill this sense of responsibility into you, we will." Percival meant every word.
A silence fell between the knights and the king. A strange feeling fluttered through Sonic's mind, a TV static, almost. He pushed down a wave of rage. Anger? Anger at what? Percival was right, Sonic knows he has to do better as king. But yet...
"No need to pull out your drills." Sonic put up a smirking facade, squashing his feelings. He started walking towards one of the many castle halls. "I'll think about your words, Sir Percival. Later you can tell me more about this kingly stuff." He walked away with a wave.
Once he was out of sight, his expression tired. His brow tensed. His gait stiffened, hands balled into fists. He just feels... angry! "Ugh, how tiring. A run would be great right about now." Sonic stared down the massive hall. It stared back. Sonic felt a rush of energy. These halls are huge! Should be perfect for running in, as long as he doesn't wreck the pristine red carpet. He bounces on his feet, smile coming back to him, and starts running. Zip, dash, jump, around this corner, hop over this castle maid... back where he was. It's like a circuit! Sonic feels good knowing there is at least a place to run inside. It isn't the same as flying through the trees, death defying jumps over crevices, but oh well.
Something strange though. He doesn't feel any better. His mind is still muddled. Why can't this darn feeling go away? He kicks some dust on the carpet, watching it flit in the air. Each particle illuminated by the drab castle candlesticks. He focused on it for a bit. It reminded him of how insects move, almost like a frantic dance in the air. For being winged, flies sure don't know how to fly in a straight line. He walks along the halls, still wound up. Eventually he reaches his room, made with the same cold stones that seem to absorb any light the candles struggle to put out. The two deep red stained glass windows that framed his bed glared at him with a hunger. Is he going crazy? Everything in this darn castle feels ready to pounce! Maybe that's why he's so on edge, it's the castle itself.
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In the deepest, darkest pits of the castle, a wretched presence pulses. It's many forms bloom, like some demented flower. It's tendrils dig deeper into the cracks in the stone, slithering. It knows there is a knew power here. One it must overtake, break. The deep dark of this power, however, is buried so deeply in it's mind, so thoroughly, it might as well be a grain of sand. Clearly forced into hiding by this new power's strong will. But this deep dark, oh, it is delicious. The presence cackles in delight. What an incredible challenge! A tough while will be required to break this power's mind, but the payoff will be immense. How it cannot wait.