Chapter 2
Chapter 2
The day had arrived. Camelot’s grand hall was filled with a sense of anticipation as Sonic, along with the knights of the Round Table, prepared to meet the other rulers of the surrounding kingdoms. This would be Sonic’s first major diplomatic meeting as king, and the pressure weighed heavily on him. He had learned a lot in the past week, but the reality of his new position was now sinking in. As the knights filed into the grand hall, Sonic took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He had faced dangers before, but this? This was a whole new challenge.
Lancelot stood at the forefront, his eyes sharp and focused as he addressed the group. “We’ll be meeting with King Harold of Chaotix first. Remember what we discussed. Be respectful, don’t make assumptions, and maintain a strong presence. The king respects strength and intelligence.”
Sonic nodded. “Got it. Play it cool, show I’m not a pushover, and don’t make any weird assumptions.”
Galahad, always the serious one, gave a small, approving nod. “Correct, Your Majesty. The first impression matters most.”
With that, the group moved to the grand courtyard, where the visiting rulers had begun to arrive. King Harold, a large, imposing figure in a royal robe of deep purple, was the first to approach. Behind him, Sir Rowan, his trusted knight, walked with a confident stride. And beside them stood Zane, who wore an expression of quiet calculation.
King Harold’s voice boomed as he greeted them. “Ah, the famous Sonic the Hedgehog. I’ve heard much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
Sonic extended a hand with a confident smile. “Likewise, Your Majesty. I’ve heard a lot about you, too. It’s an honor to have you here.”
Harold’s piercing gaze softened a fraction, and he accepted Sonic’s handshake. “I hear you’re quite the leader, Sonic. I must admit, Camelot is in good hands with you at the helm.”
Sonic chuckled, trying to ease the tension. “Well, I’m doing my best. So, what’s the latest from Chaotix? I hear your kingdom’s got some interesting trade routes.”
King Harold’s eyes sparkled with a hint of pride. “Indeed. Chaotix is rich in resources. We control many trade routes, especially when it comes to gems and precious metals. And I must say, we’ve been eyeing a partnership with Camelot. I believe there’s much we could accomplish together.”
Sonic’s ears perked up. He could already tell Harold was a practical man, someone who valued mutual gain. “Sounds like a good idea. I’m sure we can find a way to make that work.”
Sir Rowan, who had been silent up until now, gave a small nod. “The kingdom is always open to solid alliances. Chaotix has no time for weakness. I trust you understand that, King Sonic?”
Sonic grinned. “I’m all about strength, Rowan. Don’t worry about me.”
Zane, the spy, spoke up, his voice low and careful. “Strength is important, yes. But so is knowledge. A strong kingdom is one that knows how to use its resources, its information, and its people.”
Sonic raised an eyebrow. “I like your style, Zane. You remind me of someone I know back home.”
Zane’s lips twitched slightly. “I’m sure we share some similarities.”
After exchanging pleasantries, the group moved on to the next arrival. Queen Victoria of Morningstar, draped in a gown adorned with shimmering gems, entered the courtyard with an air of grandeur. Her long, raven-black hair flowed elegantly, and her presence seemed to draw the light of the sun toward her. At her side, Princess Maria walked gracefully, her eyes full of warmth and kindness. Maria had an almost otherworldly glow about her, a stark contrast to the icy, commanding presence of her mother.
Sonic couldn’t help but admire Maria’s aura as she approached. She seemed so much like someone who cared deeply for her kingdom. Queen Victoria, however, was a different story.
Victoria’s sharp eyes assessed the group as she approached, stopping before Sonic. “Ah, so this is Camelot’s new king. I must say, you look much younger than I expected. But perhaps that’s a good thing. Youth brings vitality,” she said, her voice smooth and elegant, but with an underlying tone of calculation.
Sonic gave a polite bow, trying his best to match her regal tone. “Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Queen Victoria gave a small, knowing smile. “I hope you will live up to your reputation. Camelot must be led by one who can show strength in both body and mind.”
Sonic nodded. “I’m ready for the challenge.”
Maria, stepping forward with a soft smile, added, “I’ve heard much about you, King Sonic. I look forward to working with you.”
Sonic smiled back, feeling more at ease around Maria. “Same here, Princess Maria. I’m sure we’ll get along great.”
Galahad, ever the watchful knight, stepped in. “Queen Victoria, Princess Maria, we are grateful for your visit. I trust you find Camelot to your liking?”
Victoria’s gaze swept across the courtyard, pausing for a moment on the emeralds that decorated Camelot’s treasures. “It’s… lovely,” she said, her tone both pleased and calculating. “But I do wonder if your treasures are as grand as those we have in Morningstar.”
Sonic glanced at Gawain, who had been silent since their meeting began. He caught the tension in the air, knowing all too well that Gawain’s protective nature around the emeralds would make this a sensitive subject.
Gawain spoke up, his voice low and firm. “I’ll have you know, Your Majesty, that Camelot’s treasures are protected. No one here will be taking anything for granted.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the underlying challenge. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But as I said, let’s see how we can work together, hm?”
With that, the formalities continued, and the conversation moved from Queen Victoria to the next kingdom. But despite the political pleasantries, Sonic couldn’t shake the feeling that the real test was just beginning. The weight of his responsibilities as king wasn’t just about ruling Camelot—it was about managing alliances, dealing with tensions, and keeping an eye on those who might want to take advantage of his kingdom.
Finally, as the last ruler arrived, a figure in black armor strode forward, his presence commanding attention. The knight’s cloak swirled behind him, and his dark gaze was piercing, his arms crossed firmly across his chest. This was King Shadow of the Black Arms. Sonic’s heart skipped a beat the moment he saw him, his chest tightening as memories of his past battles with the Black Arms flashed before him.
Lancelot, sensing Sonic’s unease, stepped forward to introduce King Shadow. “Your Majesty, King Shadow of the Black Arms.”
Sonic’s breath caught in his throat. The mere mention of the Black Arms sent a wave of panic rushing through him. He knew this Shadow was different from the one he knew, but the name alone stirred up old wounds. His fists clenched instinctively, and the memories of war, destruction, and endless fighting resurfaced.
Eclipse, King Shadow’s son that is colored mostly gray with red stripes on his head and arms with black-colored scleroses with gold irises, stepped forward seeing the tension, and bow to Sonic “Greetings King Sonic. It is a pleasure to be meeting with you.”
Sonic was a bit weirded out that this Eclipse is friendly with him but kept it to himself, give him a genuine smile “It’s also a pleasure to meet you as well Prince Eclipse. I hope we can het along well.”
Shadow’s cold eyes locked onto Sonic’s, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. The tension in the air was thick, but Shadow’s gaze softened just a fraction. “So, you’re the new king of Camelot,” Shadow said, his voice low and steady.
Sonic struggled to keep his composure, forcing a smile. “Yeah, that’s me. Sonic the Hedgehog. Nice to meet you, King Shadow.”
The knights noticed Sonic’s unease and exchanged quick, knowing glances. Lancelot, trying to steer the conversation away from the heavy tension, spoke up. “King Shadow, we welcome your presence here. It’s an honor to have you with us.”
King Shadow’s expression remained unreadable, but his posture was relaxed. “The honor is mine. As long as Camelot remains strong, we shall have peace.”
Sonic’s eyes darted from Shadow to the other knights. This would be a meeting of critical importance, one that would shape the future of Camelot. He couldn’t afford to let his past with the Black Arms cloud his judgment, no matter how hard it was.
With a deep breath, Sonic steadied himself. “Yeah, peace sounds good to me. Let’s see where this goes.”