{ "submission_id": "963219", "keywords": [ { "keyword_id": "6719", "keyword_name": "amputation", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "927" }, { "keyword_id": "9109", "keyword_name": "anal fingering", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1974" }, { "keyword_id": "2071", "keyword_name": "anal sex", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "35785" }, { "keyword_id": "378", "keyword_name": "bondage", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "73449" }, { "keyword_id": "1057", "keyword_name": "gag", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "11082" }, { "keyword_id": "1108", "keyword_name": "gore", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "10824" }, { "keyword_id": "1008", "keyword_name": "hedgehog", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "76097" }, { "keyword_id": "38057", "keyword_name": "lancelot", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "104" }, { "keyword_id": "10308", "keyword_name": "male/male", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "125332" }, { "keyword_id": "274840", "keyword_name": "sad ending", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4" }, { "keyword_id": "20724", "keyword_name": "shadow the hedgehog", "contributed": "t", "submissions_count": "17272" }, { "keyword_id": "19902", "keyword_name": "sonadow", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "8969" }, { "keyword_id": "7252", "keyword_name": "sonic the hedgehog", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "60434" }, { "keyword_id": "80650", "keyword_name": "sonic uke", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "692" }, { "keyword_id": "14378", "keyword_name": "tragedy", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "213" } ], "hidden": "f", "scraps": "f", "favorite": "f", "favorites_count": "48", "create_datetime": "2015-11-04 04:35:03.924732+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "04 Nov 2015 05:35 CET", "last_file_update_datetime": "2015-11-04 04:25:58.403181+00", "last_file_update_datetime_usertime": "04 Nov 2015 05:25 CET", "username": "bleedingopal", "user_id": "291606", "user_icon_file_name": "94775_bleedingopal_elodieicon.gif", "user_icon_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/94/94775_bleedingopal_elodieicon.gif", "user_icon_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/94/94775_bleedingopal_elodieicon.gif", "user_icon_url_small": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/94/94775_bleedingopal_elodieicon.gif", "file_name": "1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "files": [ { "file_id": "1319518", "file_name": "1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/1319/1319518_bleedingopal_honor_duel.doc", "mimetype": "application/msword", "submission_id": "963219", "user_id": "291606", "submission_file_order": "0", "full_size_x": null, "full_size_y": null, "screen_size_x": null, "screen_size_y": null, "preview_size_x": null, "preview_size_y": null, "initial_file_md5": "ec484cf834d96f7b1c910700713bb518", "full_file_md5": "ec484cf834d96f7b1c910700713bb518", "large_file_md5": "", "small_file_md5": "", "thumbnail_md5": "", "deleted": "f", "create_datetime": "2015-11-04 04:25:58.403181+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "04 Nov 2015 05:25 CET" } ], "pools": [ { "pool_id": "29930", "name": "Sonadow", "description": "Sonadow Stories", "count": "33", "submission_left_submission_id": "949284", "submission_left_file_name": "1299827_bleedingopal_five_hours_prior.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "990297", "submission_right_file_name": "1359496_bleedingopal_peppermint_mocha.doc" } ], "description": "@SonadowLover123 requested some Lancelot and King Sonic!\n\nI really tried to give this a happy ending. But when I wrote it, it just seemed so wrong. I couldn't picture this scenario ending well. I don't usually write endings like this, but, well...if the shoe fits.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "@SonadowLover123 requested some Lancelot and King Sonic!

I really tried to give this a happy ending. But when I wrote it, it just seemed so wrong. I couldn't picture this scenario ending well. I don't usually write endings like this, but, well...if the shoe fits.", "writing": "Sonic lounged on his throne, listening intently to the woes of his people and granting kindness upon them whenever possible. He was a King that cared for his subjects from the depths of his heart.\n\nThat wasn’t to say he lacked any other temptations. He wanted to aid his people, truly, but he also wanted his most loyal knight that was standing a little too closely for comfort.\n\nLancelot stood straight and proud at his King’s side, hands clasped behind his back and legs shoulder width apart. His helmet obscured his eyes, but Sonic knew they would be darting around the room, searching for any hint of danger that may threaten his royal majesty.\n\nHe seemed mostly relaxed as he stood, but Sonic could see the tension in his body. He was poised to fight, as he always was.\n\nWell, Sonic cared deeply about his subjects, and Lancelot was his most loyal of subjects. As his King, it was his duty to ease Lancelot’s tensions.\n\nIt was a secret to the entirety of the court. Their affair had only been going on for a few months, but it burned hot between them. They’d come to know one another’s bodies thoroughly, and Sonic had memorized every dip and curve and how each of them tasted on his tongue.\n\nNone of them could know of what they got up to in bed. It was impropriety of the highest order for a knight to bed a King, especially for a knight to dominate his ruler. If they were ever caught, Lancelot would be shamed and stripped of his position, and Sonic would lose the respect of his people.\n\nDespite the risk, the pleasures they engaged in were worth the danger. Lancelot was an attentive and talented lover, and the sight of his battle hardened body over him was burned into his mind for all time. If Sonic was being honest with himself, he would confess that he had fallen for his knight, who was so proud and dedicated. But sex was dangerous enough between them. Love was out of the question.\n\nSonic was expected to marry a highborn lady and father an heir and a spare, and Lancelot had forsworn emotional pursuits in favor of swearing an oath of loyalty to his King. Neither of them were in a position to fall in love.\n\nYet, that’s what Sonic had done. But he would never tell Lancelot of his feelings. He would not ask for Lancelot to bear that burden. He wouldn’t make it that much harder when they inevitably had to end their intimacies.\n\nBut before that day came, Sonic would take his pleasures at every opportunity.\n\n***\n\nLancelot came to the King’s chambers in the dead of night, taking hallways that few ever traversed. No one saw him slip into the most opulent bedroom of the castle.\n\nSonic was waiting for him, lounging on his bed in a dressing gown made of the softest of silks, fit only for a King. \n\nLancelot dropped to one knee, and Sonic rolled his eyes.\n\n“Come over here already, you know I don’t like it when you start bowing before you fuck me.”\n\nLancelot flinched at his crass language, but rose as his King ordered.\n\n“I only wish to show you proper fealty, my Ki-Sonic.” Lancelot corrected himself at Sonic’s raised eyebrow when he nearly used his title.\n\n“Just get over here, Lance, and lance me.”\n\n“That wasn’t amusing the first time you said it. It still isn’t.” Lancelot commented wryly, a spark of his personality making its way past his constant veneer of servitude to the crown.\n\nThe knight strode his Sonic’s bedside and crawled onto the sheets, moving slow and catlike so his King could watch his hips sway and his muscles flex.\n\nAs he reached Sonic’s relaxing body, he slid a slow hand up his abdomen, letting the blue fur run through his fingers. The prick of his claws reached past his pelt and stimulated the King’s skin, gentle yet dangerously sharp.\n\nThe other hand reached up and removed his helmet, letting it fall off the bed and roll away forgotten. Sonic cupped Lancelot’s face and pulled him in for a kiss.\n\nSonic had mixed feelings about Lancelot’s omnipresent face-obscuring helmet. He wished he could see Lancelot’s masculine beauty at all times, but he also wanted to keep the sight for himself. He almost feared someone else would be captured by his good looks and steal him away. It was an absurd fear, as Lancelot was beholden to none but his King, but it hovered in the back of his mind nonetheless.\n\nLancelot explored Sonic’s mouth with his tongue, sucking his King’s tongue into his own mouth and letting them taste each other deeply. They parted, and a string of saliva connected them until it fell into Sonic’s fur.\n\n“What can I do for you, my King?” Lancelot asked in low tones.\n\n“You can pin me down and fuck me hard.”\n\n“I think I can manage that.”\n\nLancelot smirked and let his hands run up Sonic’s sides, running along the underside of his arms. He lifted the King’s arms over his head and held them there with a hand clamped around his crossed wrists.\n\nHis other hand gripped the sheets as he leaned over, pecked a kiss on Sonic’s shoulder, then he clamped his sharp teeth onto the blanket. With a single quick yank, a strip of silk had been torn off.\n\nSonic flinched at the sound of his bed spread being ripped apart. He hadn’t been expecting the sudden display of animalistic violence on Lancelot’s part. His surprise faded to pleasure when the torn strip was tied tight around his wrists, binding them together.\n\nLancelot was the only person Sonic respected enough to allow being tied up by. The knight was loyal to a fault, and no matter what compromising positions they got into during the throws of passion, no matter the filthy kinks they got up to together, Lancelot’s loyalty and high esteem for his King would never waver.\n\nThe knight finished binding his majesty to the bed with another torn up strip from the sheets. That would cause some strange looks from the maids when they came in the morning to clean his chambers, but they wouldn’t ask questions. Discretion was a requirement to serve the King.\n\nSonic writhed like undulating waves under Lancelot as his body was stroked and fondled, his knight making his way down his body to his sheath. Lancelot rimmed the small slit in his groin with the pad of his finger before leaning in and kissing it. He licked it teasingly and far too gently for Sonic’s liking.\n\n“Come on, you can do better than that.” Sonic challenged, hoping the light stab at his pride would prompt Lancelot into touching him more firmly.\n\nHis gambit failed, and the knight continued his taunting and tender licks and strokes, driving Sonic slowly insane. Still, his cock began to emerge slowly from the sheath. It slid into Lancelot’s mouth until it sank into his throat, and the knight lovingly sucked on it and licked it as best he could with his mouth thoroughly stuffed.\n\n“That’s it. Damn, that’s good…” Sonic mumbled. \n\nLancelot let Sonic’s cock slide in and out of his throat, pressing the length with his tongue to create whatever friction his moist cavern would allow. Sonic rewarded him with satisfied moans, but was patient enough to not thrust upwards and choke him. His knight always delivered pleasure to his King, Sonic trusted him to make them both feel good despite his frustratingly slow pace.\n\nThe glorious sucking came to an end when Sonic had to push Lancelot away, not wanting to cum too soon before his knight was deep inside of him. \n\n“Let me kiss you again.” Sonic requested softly.\n\nLancelot obeyed and let his King taste himself, the bitter flavor of pre-cum filling both their mouths. But somehow Sonic enjoyed the taste of it, and enjoyed the taste of it on his knight’s lips even better.\n\n“Mmm.” Sonic hummed happily once they parted. “You should let me suck you too.”\n\nLancelot vigorously shook his head. “No, my King. Sonic.” Lancelot quickly corrected at Sonic’s arched eyebrow. “I cannot allow you to debase yourself like that. I only want to provide pleasure for you. I can’t ask for you to pleasure me.”\n\n“You aren’t asking, I’m offering.” Sonic stubbornly insisted, but Lancelot stubbornness far outranked his own.\n\n“I have already been given the honor of being inside you, of reaching ecstasy together with you. Anything else is too much, especially something that has no benefit to you.”\n\nSonic gave in, letting this conversation slide for the night. It bothered him to make the difference in power between them so obvious, but perhaps it was for the best. Keeping boundaries between them made things simpler, made it easier to suppress his own adoration of his knight.\n\nIt had taken begging to convince Lancelot to take him in bed, and even more begging to have him tie his King up. Asking any more of Lancelot may push him away out of fear.\n\nHe let it be and spread his legs.\n\n“Well, get inside me, then, and let’s reach ecstasy together.”\n\nLancelot smiled, an earnest expression rarely seen on his perpetually serious face, and circled Sonic’s anus with a finger, as he had done with his sheath before.\n\n“Why are you so damn slow tonight?” Sonic grumbled, and the finger disappeared from his ass.\n\nLancelot tore another strip away from the sheets and pressed it over Sonic’s mouth, tying it behind his head. Sonic gave a muffled yelp of surprise.\n\nThe knight seemed to realize what he had just done and immediately tried to undo the knot, but Sonic shook his head and prevented his fingers from reaching it. Lancelot gave him a searching look.\n\n“I didn’t mean to take such liberties with you, my King.” He shamefully hung his head, but Sonic only responded by thrusting his hips upwards to call attention to his erect cock and empty ass in need of pleasuring.\n\nLancelot got the hint and inserted a finger into his King, drawing a moan from his throat.\n\nSonic was proud of Lancelot for finally taking some initiative in bed. He needed permission or explicit orders for everything, so it made the King happy to see Lancelot grow bold, if only for a moment. He took it as a sign of good things to come between them.\n\nThere was a dash of fear along with the pride. Not of Lancelot, but of what he was to Sonic. If he did as he pleased in bed rather than doing only what Sonic wanted, they would become closer to true lovers, a true relationship. That was a dangerous thing to be for them, even if it was something Sonic badly desired. \n\nBut the state of their relationship could be considered later. For now, he had a finger penetrating him and preparing him for much better things. That was more deserving of his attention at the moment.\n\nLancelot prodded his insides, twisting his finger in circles and thrusting in and out before adding a second appendage. He scissored Sonic carefully, taking care with his King’s body.\n\nSonic wanted to order Lancelot to hurry up and fuck him, but his silenced mouth was the first gesture Lancelot had ever made by his own will that disrupted the power balance between them. He would respect that and keep silent as Lancelot wanted of him.\n\nSo, he endured Lancelot’s pleasurable and slow torments on his body even though his mind was begging for more. \n\nLancelot kept him entertained by playing with his cock and balls with his free hand. The soft fur of his palm slid over his shaft, but his grip was firm enough to create delicious friction. His hand sometimes traveled down and cupped his sack to rub his thumb over the sensitive balls.\n\nSonic groaned into gag and pulsed at his bindings, but Lancelot had done an effective job with tying him down after so much practice with it.\n\nThe fingers were removed, and something wide was pressed to his hole. Sonic shuddered with anticipation, pushing his hips towards Lancelot’s tip.\n\n“Please, Sonic, I don’t want to hurt you. Be still for me.”\n\nLancelot’s voice was pleading, wanting nothing but pleasure for his King and did not want his impatience to bring him pain. Sonic felt tears well up in his eyes. He sounded so nearly like a lover rather than a loyal vassal.\n\nLancelot thrust into him slowly, pushing his hips in gently to allow as much time as possible for Sonic to adjust to his girth, which stretched him wide open. He’d taken Lancelot inside of him many times, but his body never tired of the feeling.\n\nSonic tightened his grip on his own hands as Lancelot increased his pace steadily, never moving faster unless Sonic gave a nod of approval. He moaned with every thrust that hit his pleasure spot with practiced accuracy. Lancelot knew his body well, and knew exactly how to play with it.\n\nLancelot braced himself against the bed above Sonic’s shoulders and used the leverage to fuck him harder with an angle that stimulated his insides in all the right places. He brought his face close to Sonic’s and hovered over him.\n\nSonic wished his mouth was uncovered so he could kiss his knight, but he would have the opportunity to do so at another time. For now, he gazed into Lancelot’s eyes and listened to his body’s ecstasy.\n\n The door was thrown open with a loud bang.\n\n“My King, there is a matter-My King!”\n\nGawain had entered the King’s chambers without knocking, something that would normally only mildly annoy Sonic but now filled him with terror. Lancelot threw himself off of the King, but the damage was done. Gawain had seen his King tied and gagged, being fucked by his most loyal and strongest knight.\n\nThe echidna knight gaped in shock for only a moment, before launching himself at Lancelot, who did not resist as Gawain punched him hard across the face and knocked him down to the ground. He swiftly untied his King while Lancelot laid still and silent on the ground.\n\n“My King, if you would have me do so, I would execute this cretin right now for violating you so heinously.”\n\nSonic opened his mouth to deny the accusation, to say that this had been consensual, but Lancelot shook his head with a stern look in his eye.\n\nIf Sonic accused Lancelot of rape here and now, his own pride would be saved. This incident would not be publicized and Sonic would go on ruling, respected and loved as he always had been. And that small shake of his head communicated very clearly Lancelot’s wishes. He wanted Sonic to condemn him so the King would lose nothing. He was willing to die and be buried in an unmarked grave for the sake of his King.\n\n“No, Gawain. There was no violation.”\n\n“My King-” Lancelot attempted to interrupt.\n\n“Hush, Lance. This was consensual. Lancelot is my lover by choice.”\n\nGawain passed his gaze from his majesty to the Knight still huddled on the floor, hanging his head shamefully.\n\n“My King, my loyalty to you is unwavering. If you wish me to be silent about this affair, I will be. But I cannot accept my brother in arms placing himself above the crown in such a...an intimate manner.”\n\nLancelot rose from the ground and stood tall and proud, knowing what Gawain was about to say. Gawain turned to his brother knight and removed his glove, then slapped Lancelot across the face with it.\n\n“I would duel you in fair combat. If you are to defeat me, you will have regained your honor by the oaths we have both sworn.”\n\nThe gesture touched Lancelot in an unexpected way. Gawain knew full well Lancelot could best him in a duel. He was far above his fellow knights in skill, and they all knew it. He did not wish for Lancelot to die over a consensual affair, but their shared code of honor wouldn’t allow nothing to be done. Gawain was offering him a way to put this incident behind them in the eyes of their sacredly held beliefs. \n\nLancelot accepted the duel with a short nod, then turned on his heel and left.\n\nHe appreciated Gawain’s offer of forgiveness, but it was something Lancelot couldn’t accept. He had reached for something far above his station, and let his secret love for his King corrupt his better judgement. He should have ended this affair before it began, and now he had to pay for what he had done.\n\nGawain hadn’t demanded a duel to the death, but Lancelot swore to himself that he would fall to his brother knight’s sword in penance.\n\n***\n\nThe entire court was in attendance for the duel between two of the Knights of the Round Table. It was sure to be a spectacle.\n\nNobody knew why the knights were dueling. No reason was given for the combat about to take place between them. No one but the combatants and the King were privy to the reasons behind the event.\n\nThe court figured it was a private matter, something personal between Gawain and Lancelot. Most cared little for the reasons behind the duel. They only wanted a show.\n\nGawain had no intention of losing on purpose to Lancelot, even if he did want his brother knight to win so they could leave this mess in the past. But he would not disrespect Lancelot’s skill by going easy on him. He would fight his hardest, for his own pride and for his own respect for the greatest of their order.\n\nLancelot’s thoughts were in a very different place than Gawain’s before the duel. His mind was on his King, on his regrets and his shame. He still wished, however, that he had told Sonic he had fallen in love with him. At least then, perhaps, Sonic would remember him fondly rather than as a slave to his own carnal desires.\n\nIt didn’t matter now. He was proud to die as atonement for the violation of his oaths. And Gawain was a worthy man to die to.\n\nHe entered the courtyard they would be fighting in with his head held high and Arondight in his grasp. He faced Gawain, equally proud and clutching Galatine. \n\nSonic watched them approach each other and bowed, wanting to pull his quills out he was so wracked with nerves. He didn’t want either of his knights hurt, especially because of an affair he had started. Lancelot had been so resistant to being with him, but Sonic had pushed. They would both be much lonelier, but if he hadn’t propositioned Lancelot at least he would be safe. \n\nHe trusted them both, however. This duel would end in Lancelot’s victory and this all would be put behind them. Maybe they would never be together again, and the thought pained him, but so long as Lancelot stood at his side he could be content.\n\nSo why was Sonic still terrified for his lover?\n\nThe knights both raised their weapons, and charged at one another.\n\nGawain lashed out doubly fast as Lancelot with his twin swords, but Lancelot parried each strike. His greatsword cut through the air at speeds that should have been impossible considering the strength needed to heft it, but Lancelot accomplished the impossible.\n\nBetween the rapid strikes, Lancelot managed to return with a few slashes of his own, and managed to force Gawain backwards to avoid the long reach of Arondight. \n\nLancelot would fall to Gawain’s sword, but he would put on a good show first so that his death would have some honor to it.\n\nHe took advantage of Gawain stumbling backwards lashed out at his abdomen. He knew Gawain would manage to block the attack. He had no true intention of cutting his brother knight in half. \n\nGawain didn’t disappoint, and managed to push Arondight away from himself, exposing Lancelot as his sword’s weight forced him to adjust his grip to avoid dropping it. He went for the offered hit, but Lancelot struck him in the gut with a hard kick.\n\nThe echidna didn’t fall, but he did stumble just enough for Lancelot to take advantage. He took the brief moment to charge Arondight with Chaos Energy, and launched it at Gawain.\n\nHe managed to dodge, but the blast of energy caught him in the side and he flinched in pain. Lancelot pressed his advantage and launched at Gawain, his considerably longer sword allowing him some distance from Galatine.\n\nGawain struggled to get within range again, but Lancelot didn’t allow him. He bided his time until he saw an opportunity to allow Gawain a killing blow.\n\nThe fight raged on, and the King was on the edge of his regal seat and gripped the arms tight, nearly cracking the wood under the strain. \n\nLancelot was doing well, and had the obvious upper hand in this fight. He hoped it stayed that way and this ended without incident. Sonic wished he could see Lancelot’s face, but it was hidden behind his helmet as always.\n\nIf Sonic could see his face, he would have seen the tears blurring Lancelot’s vision. He tried to blink them away, but he saw the end approaching. This farce was coming to its conclusion.\n\nGawain saw Lancelot’s brutal attacks wane, perhaps from exhaustion, and moved in close within Galatine’s range. He raised his right blade high and swung downwards.\n\nHe expected Lancelot to parry or block his attack, but instead his sword fell away, exposing his abdomen to the sharp blade. Gawain realized with horrifying clarity what his brother in arms intended.\n\nGawain had no desire to kill Lancelot. They were comrades, and Lancelot was the strongest and most loyal of them, most beloved to the King. In more ways than one, Gawain now knew all too well.\n\nLancelot did not deserve to die. That was not Gawain’s intention when he issued this challenge. He would not be the one to fell him.\n\nBut his downward swing already had too much momentum for Gawain to stop it. In the split second before the blade sliced into Lancelot’s exposed chest, he readjusted his grip just enough to redirect the attack.\n\nIt wasn’t enough. Blood splattered over Gawain’s helmet and mixed with his fur, a red much deeper than his own pelt.\n\nThe King let out an undignified scream as he launched himself out of his seat and tried to run to Lancelot’s side, but Percival stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. The duel wasn’t over yet, as neither of them had kneeled before the other. The King could not interfere.\n\nLancelot did not kneel. He fell to the ground on his back, shoulder spewing blood. His vision wavered and even the pain began to fade as darkness edged in on his vision.\n\nUnexpectedly, Lancelot did not feel peace. He felt a fire ignite in his gut, a will to fight on that he had thought died when Gawain had discovered them. He believed his life was over, that death was his only forgiveness.\n\nBut had been wrong. He wanted to live. He wanted to fight for his beloved King in whatever capacity he would be allowed. He wanted to serve his Kingdom, even if he was shamed and cast out for what he had done. He wanted to live, no matter what the future held for him. Even if his King never forgave his trespass, he would always love him and live on for him, fight on for him.\n\nGawain had backed away from him in horror and was no longer attacking despite the fact that the duel had not ended. Lancelot would not yield, would not kneel to Gawain. He respected his fellow knight, but they both knew Lancelot was stronger. He deserved to win. He would win. He would live.\n\nLancelot hauled himself to his feet and kicked away his right arm from his sword, and hefted it with his remaining limb. With a single downward swing, a copy of the strike that had severed his arm, he brought Gawain to his knees after a wild and desperate block from Galatine. But the force of the blow was too much for Gawain, and he was forced to yield.\n\nPercival allowed Sonic to run to Lancelot, but the knight never saw his King come to him. Consciousness left him and he collapsed to the ground.\n\nSonic caught Lancelot just before his body hit the dirt. He wailed his knight’s name desperately, but Lancelot did not respond. He put his hand in front of Lancelot’s mouth and felt breath coming from between his lips, and let loose a few relieved tears.\n\nBut Lancelot would not remain alive for long. Gawain approached and kneeled at Lancelot’s other side.\n\nThe knight was more familiar with battle wounds than the King was, and knew that the lost limb was not necessarily fatal. He inspected the amputation site he had inflicted upon his brother knight, and cringed at what he had done.\n\nGawain could see the white of his bone within the gore and viscera of his stump. Torn muscle hung limply. Only a small fleshy mass remained of the arm, his blade having cut very near the shoulder. Blood spurted from the wound with every heartbeat. He dared to glance at the fallen limb, which he immediately regretted.\n\nRagged flesh oozed from the bloodied end of the arm, already attracting flies to the soon to be rotten tissue. The copper smell of blood made Gawain want to gag.\n\n“Let me carry him, my King.” Gawain offered, and Sonic nodded.\n\nGawain lifted Lancelot into his arms and hurried into the castle, Sonic close on his heels as he headed for the knight’s quarters and the infirmary within.\n\nNo one in the crowd could deny that Lancelot had honor and bravery to spare. He had fought on and brought his opponent to his knees even after he had been mutilated. \n\nGawain had been mistaken in his condemnation of Lancelot’s and the King’s relationship. There was no shame in inviting a man such as Lancelot into the King’s bed and submitting to him.\n\nLancelot was transported to the knight’s infirmary in Gawain’s arms, with Sonic and Percival close behind. The knight was wrapped in bandages and had medicine forced down his throat, but it was unknown if he would manage to survive.\n\n***\n\nLancelot was feverish and hallucinating for several days after losing his arm once the infection set in. The fur on his shoulder had to be shaved away for a better view of the wound, and his tan skin was mottled and discolored. Whenever his bandages were changed they were stained with pus along with blood.\n\nA rigorous treatment put Lancelot through hell, forcing him to purge his illness by vomiting his sickened stomach. His body was leeched and bled until his humors balanced again and the infection vanished from his body.\n\nHe was so weak after his treatment he could barely move or talk, but he always managed to hold tight to Sonic’s hand whenever the King managed to visit.\n\nHis strength returned slowly, but he eventually stood on his own feet again without assistance. More time passed, and he was wielding Arondight again in his left hand.\n\nGawain and Percival both challenged him to duels much more friendly than his combat with Gawain many months ago, and Lancelot soundly beat them and reestablished himself as the strongest of the Knights of the Round Table. \n\nThe loss of his arm was nothing to scoff at, but Lancelot managed and fought hard and proud once again in his King’s service.\n\nThere was only one matter remaining that went unspoken since Lancelot’s duel. Sonic wouldn’t allow it to go unspoken any longer.\n\nHe summoned his most loyal knight to his chambers, and Lancelot came to him as he always did.\n\n“Lance, because of me, because of this mess I got you into, you nearly died. I understand if you refuse me, but I want you to know…”\n\nSonic took a deep breath to brace himself for his confession, and Lancelot watched him with his face inscrutable behind his helmet.\n\n“I love you. I am deeply, completely in love with you. I won’t stop you if you walk away from me, but I can no longer look at you and keep this to myself.”\n\nThe King waited nervously for any reaction. Even rejection would be better than Lancelot’s silence.\n\nThe knight took a few steps forward, placing himself before his King. But he stood tall before him without kneeling, something Sonic appreciated. They needed to have this talk as equals.\n\n“I love you as well, my King. But we both know this affair cannot continue. I do not regret losing my arm in your service. I would do so again without hesitation. But it will not be someone as understanding as Gawain the next time we are caught.” \n\nThe helmet couldn’t hide the tears streaming down Lancelot’s face as they fell onto the floor. Sonic was in the same state as his knight.\n\n“I will not be the reason you lose the respect you have deservedly built for yourself. I am unashamed to love you, but the common people will not accept us and you know this to be true.”\n\nSonic let out a quiet sob, and Lancelot cupped his cheek with his only hand.\n\n“I will always be at your side, my King. I will always protect you, and I will always love you.”\n\nThe hand fell away from the King’s face and lifted the helmet enough to expose Lancelot’s muzzle, and a final, gentle kiss was pressed to Sonic’s quivering lips. Sonic grabbed Lancelot and held him tight, making the kiss last as long as it could until their lungs screamed for air.\n\nThey parted, and Lancelot kneeled before his King.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Sonic lounged on his throne, listening intently to the woes of his people and granting kindness upon them whenever possible. He was a King that cared for his subjects from the depths of his heart.

That wasn’t to say he lacked any other temptations. He wanted to aid his people, truly, but he also wanted his most loyal knight that was standing a little too closely for comfort.

Lancelot stood straight and proud at his King’s side, hands clasped behind his back and legs shoulder width apart. His helmet obscured his eyes, but Sonic knew they would be darting around the room, searching for any hint of danger that may threaten his royal majesty.

He seemed mostly relaxed as he stood, but Sonic could see the tension in his body. He was poised to fight, as he always was.

Well, Sonic cared deeply about his subjects, and Lancelot was his most loyal of subjects. As his King, it was his duty to ease Lancelot’s tensions.

It was a secret to the entirety of the court. Their affair had only been going on for a few months, but it burned hot between them. They’d come to know one another’s bodies thoroughly, and Sonic had memorized every dip and curve and how each of them tasted on his tongue.

None of them could know of what they got up to in bed. It was impropriety of the highest order for a knight to bed a King, especially for a knight to dominate his ruler. If they were ever caught, Lancelot would be shamed and stripped of his position, and Sonic would lose the respect of his people.

Despite the risk, the pleasures they engaged in were worth the danger. Lancelot was an attentive and talented lover, and the sight of his battle hardened body over him was burned into his mind for all time. If Sonic was being honest with himself, he would confess that he had fallen for his knight, who was so proud and dedicated. But sex was dangerous enough between them. Love was out of the question.

Sonic was expected to marry a highborn lady and father an heir and a spare, and Lancelot had forsworn emotional pursuits in favor of swearing an oath of loyalty to his King. Neither of them were in a position to fall in love.

Yet, that’s what Sonic had done. But he would never tell Lancelot of his feelings. He would not ask for Lancelot to bear that burden. He wouldn’t make it that much harder when they inevitably had to end their intimacies.

But before that day came, Sonic would take his pleasures at every opportunity.

***

Lancelot came to the King’s chambers in the dead of night, taking hallways that few ever traversed. No one saw him slip into the most opulent bedroom of the castle.

Sonic was waiting for him, lounging on his bed in a dressing gown made of the softest of silks, fit only for a King.

Lancelot dropped to one knee, and Sonic rolled his eyes.

“Come over here already, you know I don’t like it when you start bowing before you fuck me.”

Lancelot flinched at his crass language, but rose as his King ordered.

“I only wish to show you proper fealty, my Ki-Sonic.” Lancelot corrected himself at Sonic’s raised eyebrow when he nearly used his title.

“Just get over here, Lance, and lance me.”

“That wasn’t amusing the first time you said it. It still isn’t.” Lancelot commented wryly, a spark of his personality making its way past his constant veneer of servitude to the crown.

The knight strode his Sonic’s bedside and crawled onto the sheets, moving slow and catlike so his King could watch his hips sway and his muscles flex.

As he reached Sonic’s relaxing body, he slid a slow hand up his abdomen, letting the blue fur run through his fingers. The prick of his claws reached past his pelt and stimulated the King’s skin, gentle yet dangerously sharp.

The other hand reached up and removed his helmet, letting it fall off the bed and roll away forgotten. Sonic cupped Lancelot’s face and pulled him in for a kiss.

Sonic had mixed feelings about Lancelot’s omnipresent face-obscuring helmet. He wished he could see Lancelot’s masculine beauty at all times, but he also wanted to keep the sight for himself. He almost feared someone else would be captured by his good looks and steal him away. It was an absurd fear, as Lancelot was beholden to none but his King, but it hovered in the back of his mind nonetheless.

Lancelot explored Sonic’s mouth with his tongue, sucking his King’s tongue into his own mouth and letting them taste each other deeply. They parted, and a string of saliva connected them until it fell into Sonic’s fur.

“What can I do for you, my King?” Lancelot asked in low tones.

“You can pin me down and fuck me hard.”

“I think I can manage that.”

Lancelot smirked and let his hands run up Sonic’s sides, running along the underside of his arms. He lifted the King’s arms over his head and held them there with a hand clamped around his crossed wrists.

His other hand gripped the sheets as he leaned over, pecked a kiss on Sonic’s shoulder, then he clamped his sharp teeth onto the blanket. With a single quick yank, a strip of silk had been torn off.

Sonic flinched at the sound of his bed spread being ripped apart. He hadn’t been expecting the sudden display of animalistic violence on Lancelot’s part. His surprise faded to pleasure when the torn strip was tied tight around his wrists, binding them together.

Lancelot was the only person Sonic respected enough to allow being tied up by. The knight was loyal to a fault, and no matter what compromising positions they got into during the throws of passion, no matter the filthy kinks they got up to together, Lancelot’s loyalty and high esteem for his King would never waver.

The knight finished binding his majesty to the bed with another torn up strip from the sheets. That would cause some strange looks from the maids when they came in the morning to clean his chambers, but they wouldn’t ask questions. Discretion was a requirement to serve the King.

Sonic writhed like undulating waves under Lancelot as his body was stroked and fondled, his knight making his way down his body to his sheath. Lancelot rimmed the small slit in his groin with the pad of his finger before leaning in and kissing it. He licked it teasingly and far too gently for Sonic’s liking.

“Come on, you can do better than that.” Sonic challenged, hoping the light stab at his pride would prompt Lancelot into touching him more firmly.

His gambit failed, and the knight continued his taunting and tender licks and strokes, driving Sonic slowly insane. Still, his cock began to emerge slowly from the sheath. It slid into Lancelot’s mouth until it sank into his throat, and the knight lovingly sucked on it and licked it as best he could with his mouth thoroughly stuffed.

“That’s it. Damn, that’s good…” Sonic mumbled.

Lancelot let Sonic’s cock slide in and out of his throat, pressing the length with his tongue to create whatever friction his moist cavern would allow. Sonic rewarded him with satisfied moans, but was patient enough to not thrust upwards and choke him. His knight always delivered pleasure to his King, Sonic trusted him to make them both feel good despite his frustratingly slow pace.

The glorious sucking came to an end when Sonic had to push Lancelot away, not wanting to cum too soon before his knight was deep inside of him.

“Let me kiss you again.” Sonic requested softly.

Lancelot obeyed and let his King taste himself, the bitter flavor of pre-cum filling both their mouths. But somehow Sonic enjoyed the taste of it, and enjoyed the taste of it on his knight’s lips even better.

“Mmm.” Sonic hummed happily once they parted. “You should let me suck you too.”

Lancelot vigorously shook his head. “No, my King. Sonic.” Lancelot quickly corrected at Sonic’s arched eyebrow. “I cannot allow you to debase yourself like that. I only want to provide pleasure for you. I can’t ask for you to pleasure me.”

“You aren’t asking, I’m offering.” Sonic stubbornly insisted, but Lancelot stubbornness far outranked his own.

“I have already been given the honor of being inside you, of reaching ecstasy together with you. Anything else is too much, especially something that has no benefit to you.”

Sonic gave in, letting this conversation slide for the night. It bothered him to make the difference in power between them so obvious, but perhaps it was for the best. Keeping boundaries between them made things simpler, made it easier to suppress his own adoration of his knight.

It had taken begging to convince Lancelot to take him in bed, and even more begging to have him tie his King up. Asking any more of Lancelot may push him away out of fear.

He let it be and spread his legs.

“Well, get inside me, then, and let’s reach ecstasy together.”

Lancelot smiled, an earnest expression rarely seen on his perpetually serious face, and circled Sonic’s anus with a finger, as he had done with his sheath before.

“Why are you so damn slow tonight?” Sonic grumbled, and the finger disappeared from his ass.

Lancelot tore another strip away from the sheets and pressed it over Sonic’s mouth, tying it behind his head. Sonic gave a muffled yelp of surprise.

The knight seemed to realize what he had just done and immediately tried to undo the knot, but Sonic shook his head and prevented his fingers from reaching it. Lancelot gave him a searching look.

“I didn’t mean to take such liberties with you, my King.” He shamefully hung his head, but Sonic only responded by thrusting his hips upwards to call attention to his erect cock and empty ass in need of pleasuring.

Lancelot got the hint and inserted a finger into his King, drawing a moan from his throat.

Sonic was proud of Lancelot for finally taking some initiative in bed. He needed permission or explicit orders for everything, so it made the King happy to see Lancelot grow bold, if only for a moment. He took it as a sign of good things to come between them.

There was a dash of fear along with the pride. Not of Lancelot, but of what he was to Sonic. If he did as he pleased in bed rather than doing only what Sonic wanted, they would become closer to true lovers, a true relationship. That was a dangerous thing to be for them, even if it was something Sonic badly desired.

But the state of their relationship could be considered later. For now, he had a finger penetrating him and preparing him for much better things. That was more deserving of his attention at the moment.

Lancelot prodded his insides, twisting his finger in circles and thrusting in and out before adding a second appendage. He scissored Sonic carefully, taking care with his King’s body.

Sonic wanted to order Lancelot to hurry up and fuck him, but his silenced mouth was the first gesture Lancelot had ever made by his own will that disrupted the power balance between them. He would respect that and keep silent as Lancelot wanted of him.

So, he endured Lancelot’s pleasurable and slow torments on his body even though his mind was begging for more.

Lancelot kept him entertained by playing with his cock and balls with his free hand. The soft fur of his palm slid over his shaft, but his grip was firm enough to create delicious friction. His hand sometimes traveled down and cupped his sack to rub his thumb over the sensitive balls.

Sonic groaned into gag and pulsed at his bindings, but Lancelot had done an effective job with tying him down after so much practice with it.

The fingers were removed, and something wide was pressed to his hole. Sonic shuddered with anticipation, pushing his hips towards Lancelot’s tip.

“Please, Sonic, I don’t want to hurt you. Be still for me.”

Lancelot’s voice was pleading, wanting nothing but pleasure for his King and did not want his impatience to bring him pain. Sonic felt tears well up in his eyes. He sounded so nearly like a lover rather than a loyal vassal.

Lancelot thrust into him slowly, pushing his hips in gently to allow as much time as possible for Sonic to adjust to his girth, which stretched him wide open. He’d taken Lancelot inside of him many times, but his body never tired of the feeling.

Sonic tightened his grip on his own hands as Lancelot increased his pace steadily, never moving faster unless Sonic gave a nod of approval. He moaned with every thrust that hit his pleasure spot with practiced accuracy. Lancelot knew his body well, and knew exactly how to play with it.

Lancelot braced himself against the bed above Sonic’s shoulders and used the leverage to fuck him harder with an angle that stimulated his insides in all the right places. He brought his face close to Sonic’s and hovered over him.

Sonic wished his mouth was uncovered so he could kiss his knight, but he would have the opportunity to do so at another time. For now, he gazed into Lancelot’s eyes and listened to his body’s ecstasy.

 The door was thrown open with a loud bang.

“My King, there is a matter-My King!”

Gawain had entered the King’s chambers without knocking, something that would normally only mildly annoy Sonic but now filled him with terror. Lancelot threw himself off of the King, but the damage was done. Gawain had seen his King tied and gagged, being fucked by his most loyal and strongest knight.

The echidna knight gaped in shock for only a moment, before launching himself at Lancelot, who did not resist as Gawain punched him hard across the face and knocked him down to the ground. He swiftly untied his King while Lancelot laid still and silent on the ground.

“My King, if you would have me do so, I would execute this cretin right now for violating you so heinously.”

Sonic opened his mouth to deny the accusation, to say that this had been consensual, but Lancelot shook his head with a stern look in his eye.

If Sonic accused Lancelot of rape here and now, his own pride would be saved. This incident would not be publicized and Sonic would go on ruling, respected and loved as he always had been. And that small shake of his head communicated very clearly Lancelot’s wishes. He wanted Sonic to condemn him so the King would lose nothing. He was willing to die and be buried in an unmarked grave for the sake of his King.

“No, Gawain. There was no violation.”

“My King-” Lancelot attempted to interrupt.

“Hush, Lance. This was consensual. Lancelot is my lover by choice.”

Gawain passed his gaze from his majesty to the Knight still huddled on the floor, hanging his head shamefully.

“My King, my loyalty to you is unwavering. If you wish me to be silent about this affair, I will be. But I cannot accept my brother in arms placing himself above the crown in such a...an intimate manner.”

Lancelot rose from the ground and stood tall and proud, knowing what Gawain was about to say. Gawain turned to his brother knight and removed his glove, then slapped Lancelot across the face with it.

“I would duel you in fair combat. If you are to defeat me, you will have regained your honor by the oaths we have both sworn.”

The gesture touched Lancelot in an unexpected way. Gawain knew full well Lancelot could best him in a duel. He was far above his fellow knights in skill, and they all knew it. He did not wish for Lancelot to die over a consensual affair, but their shared code of honor wouldn’t allow nothing to be done. Gawain was offering him a way to put this incident behind them in the eyes of their sacredly held beliefs.

Lancelot accepted the duel with a short nod, then turned on his heel and left.

He appreciated Gawain’s offer of forgiveness, but it was something Lancelot couldn’t accept. He had reached for something far above his station, and let his secret love for his King corrupt his better judgement. He should have ended this affair before it began, and now he had to pay for what he had done.

Gawain hadn’t demanded a duel to the death, but Lancelot swore to himself that he would fall to his brother knight’s sword in penance.

***

The entire court was in attendance for the duel between two of the Knights of the Round Table. It was sure to be a spectacle.

Nobody knew why the knights were dueling. No reason was given for the combat about to take place between them. No one but the combatants and the King were privy to the reasons behind the event.

The court figured it was a private matter, something personal between Gawain and Lancelot. Most cared little for the reasons behind the duel. They only wanted a show.

Gawain had no intention of losing on purpose to Lancelot, even if he did want his brother knight to win so they could leave this mess in the past. But he would not disrespect Lancelot’s skill by going easy on him. He would fight his hardest, for his own pride and for his own respect for the greatest of their order.

Lancelot’s thoughts were in a very different place than Gawain’s before the duel. His mind was on his King, on his regrets and his shame. He still wished, however, that he had told Sonic he had fallen in love with him. At least then, perhaps, Sonic would remember him fondly rather than as a slave to his own carnal desires.

It didn’t matter now. He was proud to die as atonement for the violation of his oaths. And Gawain was a worthy man to die to.

He entered the courtyard they would be fighting in with his head held high and Arondight in his grasp. He faced Gawain, equally proud and clutching Galatine.

Sonic watched them approach each other and bowed, wanting to pull his quills out he was so wracked with nerves. He didn’t want either of his knights hurt, especially because of an affair he had started. Lancelot had been so resistant to being with him, but Sonic had pushed. They would both be much lonelier, but if he hadn’t propositioned Lancelot at least he would be safe.

He trusted them both, however. This duel would end in Lancelot’s victory and this all would be put behind them. Maybe they would never be together again, and the thought pained him, but so long as Lancelot stood at his side he could be content.

So why was Sonic still terrified for his lover?

The knights both raised their weapons, and charged at one another.

Gawain lashed out doubly fast as Lancelot with his twin swords, but Lancelot parried each strike. His greatsword cut through the air at speeds that should have been impossible considering the strength needed to heft it, but Lancelot accomplished the impossible.

Between the rapid strikes, Lancelot managed to return with a few slashes of his own, and managed to force Gawain backwards to avoid the long reach of Arondight.

Lancelot would fall to Gawain’s sword, but he would put on a good show first so that his death would have some honor to it.

He took advantage of Gawain stumbling backwards lashed out at his abdomen. He knew Gawain would manage to block the attack. He had no true intention of cutting his brother knight in half.

Gawain didn’t disappoint, and managed to push Arondight away from himself, exposing Lancelot as his sword’s weight forced him to adjust his grip to avoid dropping it. He went for the offered hit, but Lancelot struck him in the gut with a hard kick.

The echidna didn’t fall, but he did stumble just enough for Lancelot to take advantage. He took the brief moment to charge Arondight with Chaos Energy, and launched it at Gawain.

He managed to dodge, but the blast of energy caught him in the side and he flinched in pain. Lancelot pressed his advantage and launched at Gawain, his considerably longer sword allowing him some distance from Galatine.

Gawain struggled to get within range again, but Lancelot didn’t allow him. He bided his time until he saw an opportunity to allow Gawain a killing blow.

The fight raged on, and the King was on the edge of his regal seat and gripped the arms tight, nearly cracking the wood under the strain.

Lancelot was doing well, and had the obvious upper hand in this fight. He hoped it stayed that way and this ended without incident. Sonic wished he could see Lancelot’s face, but it was hidden behind his helmet as always.

If Sonic could see his face, he would have seen the tears blurring Lancelot’s vision. He tried to blink them away, but he saw the end approaching. This farce was coming to its conclusion.

Gawain saw Lancelot’s brutal attacks wane, perhaps from exhaustion, and moved in close within Galatine’s range. He raised his right blade high and swung downwards.

He expected Lancelot to parry or block his attack, but instead his sword fell away, exposing his abdomen to the sharp blade. Gawain realized with horrifying clarity what his brother in arms intended.

Gawain had no desire to kill Lancelot. They were comrades, and Lancelot was the strongest and most loyal of them, most beloved to the King. In more ways than one, Gawain now knew all too well.

Lancelot did not deserve to die. That was not Gawain’s intention when he issued this challenge. He would not be the one to fell him.

But his downward swing already had too much momentum for Gawain to stop it. In the split second before the blade sliced into Lancelot’s exposed chest, he readjusted his grip just enough to redirect the attack.

It wasn’t enough. Blood splattered over Gawain’s helmet and mixed with his fur, a red much deeper than his own pelt.

The King let out an undignified scream as he launched himself out of his seat and tried to run to Lancelot’s side, but Percival stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. The duel wasn’t over yet, as neither of them had kneeled before the other. The King could not interfere.

Lancelot did not kneel. He fell to the ground on his back, shoulder spewing blood. His vision wavered and even the pain began to fade as darkness edged in on his vision.

Unexpectedly, Lancelot did not feel peace. He felt a fire ignite in his gut, a will to fight on that he had thought died when Gawain had discovered them. He believed his life was over, that death was his only forgiveness.

But had been wrong. He wanted to live. He wanted to fight for his beloved King in whatever capacity he would be allowed. He wanted to serve his Kingdom, even if he was shamed and cast out for what he had done. He wanted to live, no matter what the future held for him. Even if his King never forgave his trespass, he would always love him and live on for him, fight on for him.

Gawain had backed away from him in horror and was no longer attacking despite the fact that the duel had not ended. Lancelot would not yield, would not kneel to Gawain. He respected his fellow knight, but they both knew Lancelot was stronger. He deserved to win. He would win. He would live.

Lancelot hauled himself to his feet and kicked away his right arm from his sword, and hefted it with his remaining limb. With a single downward swing, a copy of the strike that had severed his arm, he brought Gawain to his knees after a wild and desperate block from Galatine. But the force of the blow was too much for Gawain, and he was forced to yield.

Percival allowed Sonic to run to Lancelot, but the knight never saw his King come to him. Consciousness left him and he collapsed to the ground.

Sonic caught Lancelot just before his body hit the dirt. He wailed his knight’s name desperately, but Lancelot did not respond. He put his hand in front of Lancelot’s mouth and felt breath coming from between his lips, and let loose a few relieved tears.

But Lancelot would not remain alive for long. Gawain approached and kneeled at Lancelot’s other side.

The knight was more familiar with battle wounds than the King was, and knew that the lost limb was not necessarily fatal. He inspected the amputation site he had inflicted upon his brother knight, and cringed at what he had done.

Gawain could see the white of his bone within the gore and viscera of his stump. Torn muscle hung limply. Only a small fleshy mass remained of the arm, his blade having cut very near the shoulder. Blood spurted from the wound with every heartbeat. He dared to glance at the fallen limb, which he immediately regretted.

Ragged flesh oozed from the bloodied end of the arm, already attracting flies to the soon to be rotten tissue. The copper smell of blood made Gawain want to gag.

“Let me carry him, my King.” Gawain offered, and Sonic nodded.

Gawain lifted Lancelot into his arms and hurried into the castle, Sonic close on his heels as he headed for the knight’s quarters and the infirmary within.

No one in the crowd could deny that Lancelot had honor and bravery to spare. He had fought on and brought his opponent to his knees even after he had been mutilated.

Gawain had been mistaken in his condemnation of Lancelot’s and the King’s relationship. There was no shame in inviting a man such as Lancelot into the King’s bed and submitting to him.

Lancelot was transported to the knight’s infirmary in Gawain’s arms, with Sonic and Percival close behind. The knight was wrapped in bandages and had medicine forced down his throat, but it was unknown if he would manage to survive.

***

Lancelot was feverish and hallucinating for several days after losing his arm once the infection set in. The fur on his shoulder had to be shaved away for a better view of the wound, and his tan skin was mottled and discolored. Whenever his bandages were changed they were stained with pus along with blood.

A rigorous treatment put Lancelot through hell, forcing him to purge his illness by vomiting his sickened stomach. His body was leeched and bled until his humors balanced again and the infection vanished from his body.

He was so weak after his treatment he could barely move or talk, but he always managed to hold tight to Sonic’s hand whenever the King managed to visit.

His strength returned slowly, but he eventually stood on his own feet again without assistance. More time passed, and he was wielding Arondight again in his left hand.

Gawain and Percival both challenged him to duels much more friendly than his combat with Gawain many months ago, and Lancelot soundly beat them and reestablished himself as the strongest of the Knights of the Round Table.

The loss of his arm was nothing to scoff at, but Lancelot managed and fought hard and proud once again in his King’s service.

There was only one matter remaining that went unspoken since Lancelot’s duel. Sonic wouldn’t allow it to go unspoken any longer.

He summoned his most loyal knight to his chambers, and Lancelot came to him as he always did.

“Lance, because of me, because of this mess I got you into, you nearly died. I understand if you refuse me, but I want you to know…”

Sonic took a deep breath to brace himself for his confession, and Lancelot watched him with his face inscrutable behind his helmet.

“I love you. I am deeply, completely in love with you. I won’t stop you if you walk away from me, but I can no longer look at you and keep this to myself.”

The King waited nervously for any reaction. Even rejection would be better than Lancelot’s silence.

The knight took a few steps forward, placing himself before his King. But he stood tall before him without kneeling, something Sonic appreciated. They needed to have this talk as equals.

“I love you as well, my King. But we both know this affair cannot continue. I do not regret losing my arm in your service. I would do so again without hesitation. But it will not be someone as understanding as Gawain the next time we are caught.”

The helmet couldn’t hide the tears streaming down Lancelot’s face as they fell onto the floor. Sonic was in the same state as his knight.

“I will not be the reason you lose the respect you have deservedly built for yourself. I am unashamed to love you, but the common people will not accept us and you know this to be true.”

Sonic let out a quiet sob, and Lancelot cupped his cheek with his only hand.

“I will always be at your side, my King. I will always protect you, and I will always love you.”

The hand fell away from the King’s face and lifted the helmet enough to expose Lancelot’s muzzle, and a final, gentle kiss was pressed to Sonic’s quivering lips. Sonic grabbed Lancelot and held him tight, making the kiss last as long as it could until their lungs screamed for air.

They parted, and Lancelot kneeled before his King.", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Honor Duel", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "4", "name": "Sexual Themes", "description": "Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal", "rating_id": "2" }, { "content_tag_id": "5", "name": "Strong Violence", "description": "Strong violence, blood, serious injury or death", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "11", "views": "1174" }