fMarine lay on her front, her head to the side, mouth open and had an arm dangling over the edge of the bed. There was a gentle knock at the door. She opened her eyes halfway and rolled them towards the door. Then, deciding that she had imagined it, she closed them again. The knob turned slowly and the door opened with a slight creak. Blaze peeked in.
"Marine?"
"Mmmf..."
"Marine."
"Oi dan't wanna go to school, today..." she mumbled.
"Marine, get up. It's half-past eleven."
Letting out a big sigh, the racoon opened her eyes and looked at Blaze, "So?"
"Just get up. You're lucky Tails is kind enough to make you some breakfast this late."
"Yeah, oi'm gettin' up," replied Marine unconvincingly, closing her eyes again.
Sensing Blaze still standing there, she opened her eyes and slowly sat up, leaning against the headboard.
"I'll be checking on you in five minutes," said Blaze.
Marine nodded her head, "Yeah..."
"You'd better be out of bed by then."
Blaze turned and left, closing the door behind her.
Moving slowly, Marine gathered her clothes, which she had left on a chair beside the bed, and began to get dressed.
Blaze looked at the clock in Tails' living room.
Two more minutes, she thought.
A few seconds later, she heard movement from upstairs. Not long after, Marine came down.f
"It's about time," said Blaze, "Why do you teenagers always sleep in until about four in the afternoon?"
"Oi've never slept that long," said Marine in defense.
"Me either," chimed in Tails, entering from the kitchen, carrying a plate with a fry-up on it.
"I was exaggerating," said Blaze, rolling her eyes.
"Huh. Loike you never slept in when you were a teenager..." said Marine as Tails put the plate in front of her, "Thanks, mate."
"Exactly. I always got up at seven o'clock every morning. I still do."
"True. She was sitting here reading the paper when I came down after my shower earlier," said Tails, sitting on a high-back chair.
"Oh, yeah. You're a princess. That's the koinda thing they have ya do, innit... Your Highness?" Marine smirked as she said those last two words.
Blaze glared at her.
"Loosen up, mate, I was jokin'," said the racoon and dug in to the fry-up.
Tails smiled as he looked at the two, "I still can't believe you guys are here."
"Hm. Neither can we," said Blaze.
"Heh. D'ya know what oi did when we first got 'ere?" asked Marine, "Oi thought Blaze wasn't breathin', so..."
"Marine, don't."
"Ha ha. Oi almost gave 'er the 'Kiss of Loife'. You shoulda seen 'er face!"
"Really?" asked Tails, smiling.
Marine looked over at him, hearing the tone in his voice.
"You've got that look on ya, again," she said, scowling. Tails continued smiling. Marine's scowl deepened, "Stop it, Tails."
He didn't. In fact, his smile got wider. Marine sighed, "Men..."
Tails laughed and leaned forward, "Loosen up, mate. I was only jokin'," he said, doing a bad impersonation of Marine.
The racoon only shook her head and looked down.
The fox reclined in his seat, "So... Blaze tells me you're into photography? That's why you had your camera with you, huh?"
"Yeah."
"You given up on becoming a ship's Captain?"
"Well, oi was a Captain for a whoile, but... oi got koinda bored with it. Really, what oi wanted ta do was explore everywhere and have adventures loike we did when you and... and Sonic came ta my world. Well, oi explored, yeah, but after that, oi didn't 'ave anywhere else to discover. Weren't willin' ta go sailin' for ages over the sea. Huh. Oi'd probably get lost and never get back 'ome, so oi gave it up. Oi still go out for a sail every so often, but only for fun."
"I see. Good to hear you managed to become a Captain. You got a new goal in life, yet?"
"Dunno. Becomin' a famous photographer would be ripper, though!"
"Well, you're friends with Princess Blaze, here," commented Tails, gesturing to the lilac feline who glanced at him, "I mean, what better start could you get than having exclusive pictures of your world's princess?"
"Forget it," said Blaze, shortly.
"Why not?"
"I don't like having my picture taken. I just don't."
"I'm not saying you have to pose for pictures every day. Just one or two that could help Marine on her way," he blinked, realising he had just unintentionally rhymed.
"Sorry, but she'll just have to find someone else."
"Aw, Blaze, you're no fun..." commented Marine.
Blaze simply sighed, "Whatever," she was silent for a moment, and then said, "Tails, I've been thinking – where is Doctor Eggman?"
"Hm? Why?" asked the fox.
"Well, he could be responsible for bringing us here, couldn't he?"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," replied Tails, smiling.
The two girls gave him questioning looks.
"The reason I say that is because Eggman is finally in jail. For good," he explained, "We got him a few years back. He's being kept in a maximum security prison. He's not gonna be causing anyone any more problems."
"I see..." said Blaze, quietly.
"Well, what about Doctor Eggman Nega?"
"Him? Oh, he..." Blaze closed her eyes and turned her head away, "I'd rather not talk about it."
"See, now I'm curious."
"Have Marine tell you if you really want to know. When I'm not here. In any case, Eggman Nega won't be causing us any more problems, either..."
"Why?"
"I said ask Marine," responded Blaze, more harshly than she had intended, "Sorry. It's just the way... ask her."
Tails looked over at the racoon, who nodded, "Yeah, mate. Oi'll tell ya," she glanced at Blaze, "Later, of course."
"Okay," he nodded back.
They sat in silence for a while. Tails looked at Blaze, "Oh, by the way, Blaze. I called Cream earlier, while you went upstairs to wake Marine. I didn't mention you, but I said I wanted to meet her for something. She sounded a bit suspicious, but she agreed to meet me – or should that be us – later."
The cat's face lit up, "Is that so? What time? Where?"
"About one o'clock. At her house. I managed to get a hold of Vanilla on the phone, too. So she—" he stopped when he saw Blaze's face. She looked like she recognised the name, but couldn't place it, "That's Cream's mother, remember?"
"Oh yes! That's right. Go on."
"Yeah. Well, she knows you're coming. Man, I can't wait to see Cream's face!"
"Er... can oi come?" asked Marine.
"Sure, if you want."
"Great! Oh, you dan't moind, do ya, Blaze?"
"No, it's fine," replied the cat.
"If ya want ta meet your mate by yourself, just say so."
"No, really. I think you should meet this rabbit I've told you all about."
"Orright!"
"Although, it's been a few years. She'll doubtlessly be different from when I last met her. That's what I'm kind of worried about. Tails," she looked over at the fox, "how much has she changed?"
"Huh. Ten years ago," said Tails, half to himself, "Seems like a lifetime. Well, her voice isn't quite as high as it was back then. Um... obviously, she's much more mature, both mentally and, ah... in the physical aspect."
Blaze smiled, "I can't imagine her being anything other than that sweet six year old I knew."
"Yeah, well, she's a sweet sixteen year old, now."
"And Cheese? Is he still with her?"
"He's been gone for a while. Cream isn't worried – she says he's gone to visit some of his fellow Chao. She doesn't know where exactly he's gone, though. None of us do."
"I see."
"Anyway, make sure you're ready to go. We'll be leaving at about ten to one."
To Blaze, it seemed to take forever for time to move forward. She was excited and anxious to see her old friend, again. Her hands were pressed tightly together and her leg bounced up and down constantly. She kept trying to imagine how Cream would look after ten years, but couldn't get a clear image.
Then finally, after what seemed like an age, Tails was telling them it was time to go. She stood up, took a deep breath, and nodded. Tails left a note for Amy on the living room coffee table telling her where they went.
"She's got a house key," Tails explained to Marine, who asked how Amy would be able to read the note if it was inside the house.
When they were outside, Blaze stopped, "We won't be... taking the Tornado, will we?" she asked, shakily
"Huh? Oh yeah, I forgot," said Tails, "You're scared of heights."
"I am not scared of heights! I... I'm not..."
"Yeah... anyway, you don't have to worry; I've got a car of my own, now."
"You build that, too?" asked Marine, following him to the garage.
"Ha. No, this one I actually bought. It's not much, but it gets me around."
"That's all you could ask for, I suppose," said Blaze.
"Look who's talkin'! This is the one with the big, expensive car!" said Marine, jerking her thumb at the feline. Marine's face became thoughtful, "Which we left in the desert..." she said, slowly.
"Great. Just great," muttered the cat.
"Well, it has that GSP tracking thingy, roight?"
"GPS. Yes, it has one," she let out a sigh, "They always have to know where I am," she said in a quiet, almost annoyed tone.
"Well, if it's stopped movin' for a long whoile, they'll come and investigate, won't they? They'll be worried about where we are, but at least the car'll be safe."
"As long as it hasn't been lifted and thrown by the wind that got us... but I'm more worried about what's going on back home than my car..."
"They've survoived without ya, before. They can do it, again, mate."
"...I suppose..."
Tails pressed a button on his car keys and the garage door opened up, revealing a small, plain-looking dark blue car. The girls could guess who the colour signified.
"Um... noice," commented Marine.
"Thanks," Tails smirked over his shoulder.
They climbed in, Blaze at the front, Marine in the back. Tails started the engine and drove out of the garage, pressing the button on the keys as he left, closing the garage door automatically. Blaze took some silent deep breaths and beamed. She was going to see Cream again at long last.
Tails stopped in front of Cream's house. The three got out and walked up the driveway.
"Blaze, Marine, get to the side," whispered Tails.
The girls stood to the left of the door so that they'd be out of sight.
Tails rang the doorbell. There was movement inside and a few moments later, the door opened. Blaze listened anxiously for Cream's greeting, but a much older voice was heard.
"Tails! Well, I haven't seen you for a long while. It's so nice to see you, again."
That must be Vanilla, thought Blaze.
"It's great to see you, too," replied Tails, "Is Cream there?" he looked to the left with his eyes, meaningfully. Vanilla understood and smiled.
"Cream!" she called, "It's Tails, dear! Could you come to the door?"
Footsteps were heard, getting closer. Vanilla stepped back and a sixteen year old Cream stood before Tails, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans; cream coloured, no less. She leaned on the doorframe.
"Yeah, Tails? You wanted to see me about something?"
Blaze smiled and raised a hand to her mouth. The voice was a little deeper, but it was certainly Cream's.
"Kinda," nodded the fox, making a conscious effort to not look in Blaze's direction, "There's... someone here who wants to speak to you."
Blaze removed her hand and took another silent breath. Tails stepped back and looked at her. The lilac princess stepped forward and got her first view of Cream in ten years. When their eyes met, Cream straightened up.
The two only gaped at each other at first, then large smiles formed on their faces, along with tears in their eyes.
"Blaze...?" said Cream, breathlessly.
The feline nodded, doing her best to stop her tears from flowing. The rabbit who stood before her was Cream, but she looked so different. Familiar, but different. Just as Blaze thought, she had grown into a beautiful young woman.
Cream embraced her friend in a tight hug, as if the feline would disappear if she let go.
"Cream," Blaze choked out a laugh, "That's a little tight."
The rabbit loosened her grip and, keeping her arms around Blaze, looked up at her older friend's face.
"Blaze, you're... how...? What...?"
"I'm happy to see you, too," replied the cat, wrapping her arms around the younger girl.
Tails looked at the reunited friends, rubbing his left eye. Marine walked over to him, "Eye botherin' ya, again, mate?" she whispered sarcastically, poking him gently with her elbow.
"Yeah..." Tails chuckled, "It's great seeing them like that."
After a few moments, the two girls released each other. Cream noticed Marine standing next to Tails.
"Who's that, Tails? Your girlfriend?"
The fox's eyes widened. He glanced over at Marine and blushed, "No, no, she's... no. Uh, this is me and Blaze's friend, Marine."
"G'day!" Marine raised a hand in greeting, "And oi am your girlfriend, Tails. Dan't ya remember, mate?"
"What? You're not..."
"Ain't oi?"
Cream looked confused, "Well, is she or isn't she?"
"She's not," Tails said, and sighed, "She's always like this..."
"I really don't get what's going on, but listen, you all shouldn't be standing out here. Come on in," said the rabbit, gesturing with her hand.
The three followed her inside.
Sitting in Cream's living room, Tails felt a little awkward, as he was the only male in the company of four women.
If only Knuckles, or hell, any other guy was here... he thought to himself.
He didn't let his discomfort show and listened to Blaze explain how she arrived in his dimension, with Marine adding in details at various points.
"So, we got in Tails' car and... well, we're here," finished Blaze.
"You sure are," smiled Cream.
Marine lifted her camera, "'Ere, why dan't we get a picture of you two together?"
"Oh, yes," said Blaze, nodding.
Marine stood in front of the two and looked at the camera's LCD screen, "Roight, get closer together. That's it."
Despite feeling uncomfortable at having a camera pointed at her, Blaze beamed. She was sitting right next to Cream, something that made her feel like smiling.
"You ready?" asked Marine, most of her face hidden by the camera.
The rabbit and feline joined hands – Cream's left in Blaze's right – and nodded together.
The racoon pressed her finger down. There was a flash and a small click. Marine admired the image she had captured.
"Oh, yeah. This is good. Look at that smoile, Blaze."
She handed the camera to the two friends. Blaze looked at the screen and sighed happily. Her friendship with Cream had been preserved perfectly.
"Anyone got a printer?" asked Marine.
"Well, we've got one, but we never use it," Cream answered.
"Get it out, so's oi can print this off."
"We don't have any paper for it. Like I said, we never use it. Sorry. I didn't know that's what you were asking for."
"Ah, no worries, mate."
"I've got a printer," said Tails, "One that gets used, too. Once we get back to my place, we can print it off there."
"Oh... about you staying at Tails' place..." began Cream, looking at the feline.
"Yes?" asked Blaze.
"Um... Blaze, would you... like to stay here for the night?" she looked Tails, "No disrespect meant. I just..."
"S'okay," he replied, with a wave of his hand.
"Oh, I don't want to bother you..." replied Blaze, looking at Cream and Vanilla.
"So you're saying you'd rather bother me, is that it?" asked Tails with a laugh.
"I didn't mean that..."
"Yeah, I know."
"Oh, it wouldn't be a bother," said Vanilla, "In fact, it would be a pleasure to have you."
"...Well... okay..." said Blaze.
"I'm glad to hear that. We've got a guest room with a very comfy bed."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Please, call me Vanilla."
"Alright... Vanilla."
The rabbit smiled, then said, "Oh my. I haven't offered any of you tea. Would anyone like some?"
They all accepted the offer and Vanilla hurried off to the kitchen. The four sat in silence for a while.
Cream looked at Blaze, "I was wondering... how will you get home?"
The feline turned her head to her friend and hesitated. Then, she put on a weak smile, "What, you're trying to get rid of me, already?"
"No," said Cream, taking Blaze's arm and leaning her head against it, "Just wondering."
"Well, I..." the smile had gone, "I don't know. But listen, I'm here."
Cream nodded.
Blaze looked at the fox, "Oh, Tails? There's something I need to talk to you about. Privately."
"Uh, sure," replied Tails.
The two got up.
"Be back in a second," Blaze told Cream.
She led the way outside, Tails following with a slightly confused expression. She went around to the side of the house and leaned against the wall, looking downcast.
"Blaze?"
"...Tails, it's about... going home."
"We'll get you back, don't worry."
"No, I mean... we can go any time we want."
"You can?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"By using the Sol Emeralds," she replied, taking one out.
"What do you mean?"
"By inducing Sol Control, I can open a gateway to my dimension."
"'Sol Control'... hm. But how do you know that'll work?"
"The Emeralds don't belong here. They'll open the barriers separating the dimensions for a short while. Once they're on the other side, where they belong, the gateway will close."
"How do you know that?"
"I'm their guardian. It's my job to know everything about them."
"Ah. A gateway, huh? I guess that explains how me and Sonic got home from your world using the Chaos Emeralds."
"That's right."
"Wait. You can open a gateway between our dimensions? Then does that mean you can come back—?"
Blaze cut him off, "No. I said I can open a gateway to my dimension, not between our dimensions. I'm afraid it's a one-way trip."
"Oh..."
"My world needs me. I have to get back."
"Wait, you're not thinking of going now?"
"No, of course not. I'll... stay here for the night, like I said. But Marine and I will have to leave. Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow!?" Tails asked incredulously.
Blaze nodded.
"Blaze, you just got here. We haven't seen each other in ten damn years! You can't just up and leave!"
"I have to..."
"Are our worlds in danger? Like the last time?"
"No, but..."
"Then stay. Cream'll be devastated if you go. Especially this soon."
Those words were like daggers in her heart.
"Tails, I'm sorry. But tomorrow night, we'll have to... we'll have to leave."
"Please... Blaze..."
The princess closed her eyes and sighed.
"I guess I could stay another couple of days"? Right? thought Tails.
But Blaze shook her head, "My friend, you don't know what responsibilities I have over there."
This time, it was Tails who sighed, "I won't say I understand, because I don't. But I don't see any point in arguing with you."
Blaze slowly looked away.
"Will we tell Cream?" asked the fox.
"Oh, definitely not, no."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. But Marine..."
"Yes. She should know. Not here, though."
Tails nodded, "Once we get back to my place."
The sky began to darken and light rain spat down.
"We should get inside," said Blaze, emotionlessly.
The rain had increased, but not heavily. It spattered on the windows, making a rhythmic thrumming sound. It went unnoticed by the five sitting inside the house, talking animatedly.
Blaze smiled as she talked to Cream, but Tails knew she was just putting on a brave face. Seeing Cream lit up like that only made him feel worse about how she would react to the feline's departure tomorrow.
Damn it, Blaze! Why do you have to be like this? he thought, angrily. He looked at Marine, wondering how she would react. She would be happy to be going home, sure. Who wouldn't? But this soon? His gaze lingered on her. She had certainly changed, in more ways than one. He felt something stirring inside him. His eyes widened, Oh, God, I'm not attracted to her, am I? This is just getting better and better...
He looked at Blaze. He found her attractive, too, but since he knew she was out of his league, it didn't bother him. But Marine was more or less the same age as him, so there was a chance. That is, if she wasn't leaving the very next day.
"Great," he mouthed to himself.
The five continued talking until late in the evening.
"Well, I guess me and Marine had better head... home," said Tails, glancing at Blaze as he said the last word. The cat lowered her eyes when he looked at her. The two stood up and walked to the door.
"Thank you for 'avin' us, Miss Vanilla," said Marine, politely.
"It's been a pleasure, dear," replied the rabbit.
Cream and Vanilla waved them off as they stepped out into the rain that was easing up. Looking back at Cream's bright-eyed expression again made Tails feel all the more terrible.
As they walked back to the car, Marine turned her head to him, "You've been dead quiet ever since you and Blaze 'ad that talk. What'd she ta ya?"
Tails sighed and unlocked the car doors, "I'll tell you when we get back. First, though, how about you fill me in on that business with Doctor Eggman Nega? Blaze seemed a bit... I don't know... what happened?"
Marine got in the passenger side as Tails sat behind the wheel.
"Hmmm... well, ol' fuzzface was up to 'is usual tricks, again, tryin' ta steal the Sol Emeralds," began Marine as Tails started the engine, "'E 'ad this big four-legged robot that shot out water, and the metal it was made out of didn't heat up, 'cause it was cooled with... what was it, again... liquid nirogenics or somethin'."
"Liquid nitrogen," corrected Tails.
"Yeah, that's it. So anyway, Blaze was 'avin' a bladdy 'ard toime foightin' this thing. Every toime she got 'er flames up, this thing would just put 'em out with its water guns and if she managed to get a few flames on it, they didn't do anythin' 'cause of the liquid noitra-stuff."
"So how'd she beat it?"
"Well, fuzzface 'ad gotten 'er cornered on this cliff edge over some water. 'E stomped towards 'er and she 'ad no choice but ta jump off. 'E was laughin', but Blaze managed ta get behoind 'im by doin' that thing where she floats. Y'know, when the foire comes out 'er boots? Yeah, she did that ta float ta the cliff face, then she cloimbed up and used 'er foire ta melt the rock under fuzzface's machine. This thing worked in the water – Blaze just wanted ta buy some toime – but under the cliff were some rocks. When the robot hit the rocks, it got all smashed up. We didn't see what 'appened, but we saw the robot gettin' swept away. That's what bothered Blaze – if 'e was still aloive in there, then that means 'e would've drowned. If not... well, gettin' smashed to bits wasn't that pleasant, either. Oi mean, she hated 'im, no doubt, but 'avin' 'im go out loike that..."
"Wait, you mean...?"
"Yeah. Doctor Eggman Nega's body was found washed up on a shore not far from Southern Island."
Tails looked over at her briefly, not only because of the news that Eggman Nega had died, but also because she had actually said his name. He noticed she had a sombre expression, "That's why she didn't want ta tell you, 'erself."
"I don't blame her."
After parking the car in the garage and entering the house, Tails and Marine sat silently in the living room across from each other. Tails read a reply from Amy on the other side of the note he had left her.
Hi, Tails,
Sorry I couldn't come. I had some business to take care of with Rouge. Let me know how it turns out!
Amy
X
He placed it back down on the coffee table. Marine raised her head.
"Tails, you were gonna tell me what you and Blaze talked about, roight?"
"Yeah. I guess I should. It involves you two, after all."
Marine listened carefully.
Tails sighed, hesitating to tell her, but she had to know, "Marine... Blaze can get both of you home."
"Really?" smiled Marine.
"Yeah. She's had the power to do so ever since she got here, apparently. She can use the Sol Emeralds to create a gateway back to your dimension."
"Oh, cool!"
"I guess."
"What's wrong?"
"The thing is... it's one-way and one-way only. Once the Sol Emeralds are back where they belong, that's it."
"Oh..."
"That's not the worst part, either."
Marine braced herself, but wasn't ready for the news.
"She... wants to leave tomorrow night."
Marine gasped, "What?"
"Yeah, I know."
"But... we just got 'ere."
"She said she had 'responsibilities'," he shook his head.
"Oi guess she does. She's a princess, after all."
"But she can't stay for a while longer?"
"Apparently not. But oi dan't wanna leave... not yet."
Tails went over and sat beside the racoon. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. He wasn't about to tell Marine how he felt about her, because he wasn't entirely sure, himself. Instead, he took her hand and said in a quiet voice, "I don't want you to leave, either..."