Glimmer:
Chapter Two
She was planning to leave that evening, after checking with the guards at least several times.
She was tired of disappointing him, and tried to convince herself that it would be okay- just for a day. Still, she worried. What if the one day she left, was the one day that Nega was waiting for? What if this was all just a weakness that he had exploited?
She could give the guards weapons in over abundance, she could bring the Sol emeralds with her, she could tell the citizens to evacuate for the day, taking every valuable thing with them, but all this could not ease her mind.
When evening came she almost persuaded herself not to go, but the guards encouraged that she take a day off.
In the end, she found herself in the outskirts of town, ready to use the Sol emeralds to warp.
The Sol emeralds orbited around her, crowning her as the one in charge of this choice. They sparkled in the dying light of the sun, as Blaze stood there; without decision. This is foolish of me, and if anything happens I will be the worst princess ever crowned… The sun was setting on her decision. But, it is only one day. Only one day.
The kingdom she had abandoned lay in wreckage before her. Flames that were unquenchable destroying everything that was left. The dead bodies of her guards and citizens lied before her; all staring at her, blankly, as if all blaming her.
She screamed. Mostly at herself. Mostly at the disaster she had created; the disaster she had become.
The salty tears rained down her face, her strength raining down to nothing with it.
Nothing was left but her. Nothing but the disaster known as her.
All this a consequence of one day.
The scenario was all in her head; she knew this, but she feared its actuality. The possibility that it could happen.
There was a chance that it wouldn't happen.
But, in another corner of her mind, she thought of Silver. He had missed her for so long; waited for her for so long. Hoped that one day they would meet again. If she were completely honest, she would admit that she had missed him, she had waited, she had hoped, too. But she wouldn't admit it, not to anyone; not even herself.
In that other part of her mind, she remembered the days when years ago she was in his presence. Unaware of the future they would spend, apart. Blissfully oblivious of it all.
"Blaze?"
"Hmm?" she looked to him, turning from her window-gazing.
"Why do you always do that?"
"Do what?"
"Stare out the window at night, like that?"
"Well…I like to look at the moon."
"Why is that?"
She sighed. "You are so nosey."
"I'm sorry…It's just you always look so…lonely, looking out there."
She softened towards him. The way he was concerned for her, despite knowing she was strong.
"Oh, I see… I watch it, because…I know that millions are looking at the same moon; lives of people I'll never know. But I look at it...to-to remind myself-"
"That you're not alone?" Silver chimed up.
She raised her eyes at him. "Well, I mean, not exactly…"
"Are you lonely, Blaze?" He was sincere in his question; sincere in caring for her well-being.
"I-"
"It's okay. I'm lonely sometimes, too. But, you know, you really aren't alone. I'm here."
She could think of no words to respond. But she said," Thank you."
There was silence for some time, and they both stared up at the moon above.
"Whenever you're lonely, will you look at the moon and the sky and think of me?"
She was startled for a moment; surprised at his question. "Yes-yes, I-I will if you will."
"Of course."
They spent most of the night, cherishing each other's presence. Never lonely with each other.
She looked up at the rising moon in the sky. Thought of him.
She let it ease her mind, as she warped. She left the worry behind, if only for a moment.
Her heels echoed around the room as she paced.
"I just can't figure out why I keep having these nightmares…and they're really starting to worry me."
"They're only dreams, though." He, in contrast, stood completely still, listening to her problem.
"I know. But I feel like-like-"
"They're getting vivid. You fear that they mean something."
"As crazy as it sounds, yes."
"What was this one about?"
She shuddered. "I wish I could tell you, but-"
"Did it have to do with….me?"
"Yes. It wasn't the best dream I've had of you…"
"Oh." He raised his eyes.
"Have you ever had dreams like that- that were just so vivid you had to just…wake up?"
"Yeah." He wasn't outwardly displaying any change in emotion, but he felt the visions try to take him over. "Awhile ago…"
She ran from him, just far enough to be out of his reach. He'd chase after her in vain, trying to save her from the danger ahead. It was always too late. She'd tumble over the edge of the cliff, lost every time.
He'd reach out; tried to grab her pale hands. It never worked.
A heart-wrenching scream would resound. And it was always hers before his.
"I was always losing her. The nightmares went on for six months, after that I gave up sleep for awhile, when I slept again they were gone."
She stopped pacing and turned to him, concern in her eyes. "Really?"
"Yes, it wasn't-"
"Oh, my…Why didn't you tell me?"
"I handle things on my own."
"Oh. I suppose I don't then?" she mimicked anger well.
"That's not what I meant. You know that, right?"
"Relax, I know. I'm really rather concerned now, though. My dreams are about, well, losing someone."
"That's strange- that we would dream of similar things- I mean."
"Very."
They both paused, cautiously.
"I don't suppose you'll go without sleep?"
"No. I'll figure something out. I just thought I should tell you, since it was about….you."
You fear you'll lose me. He nodded. "I appreciate that you tell me. I wish I could be of help…"
"I'm feeling better, just talking to you about it."
"Really?"
"Yes. I suppose you're very therapeutic."
"No one's described me as that before…"
"Then I'll be the first."
"You usually are."
"I'll see you later, Shadow."
"See you."
She flew from their meeting place, sighing to herself. Wishing, yet again.
Wishing that she knew for sure, that it really was nothing.
She sat at the windowsill, the one in the living room this time, one gloved hand reaching for the phone, one gloved hand holding up her head. She seemed to find herself by this window a lot, lately. It was, perhaps, her spot to rest. Her spot to think. Maybe, her spot to look out upon the world; as a means of escape from her little, wrecked life.
Maybe today would be the day she called for help. She knew, deep in her soul, that she couldn't keep silent forever. Eventually that would only lead to her imprisonment; in debt, in depression, in tears.
Today had to be the day she called, or it would be too late.
What would she ever tell her mother?
I'm sorry- I'm running low on money.
I'm sorry- I'm having trouble paying the rent.
I'm sorry- I got divorced four months ago.
But I'm sorry I haven't called.
A silent tear threatened to run down her cheek.
She grabbed the phone, violently, and dialed without mind. The tears blurred her feelings; anger with herself became her bravery to call, blindly.
It all fled away from her when her mother's voice answered.
"Hello? May I ask who's calling?"
All knowledge and language became a slur of which she couldn't comprehend.
"Hello?"
Breathing heavily, shakily. I-
"Is anyone there?"
Swallowed, audibly.
"Yes."
The mother instantly recognized the voice, and smiled, with worry drenching her tone," Cream?! Oh, Cream, are you well?"
"Yes- I-I suppose…."
"I haven't heard from you in so long, dear! I wasn't sure what to think, anymore. Is PJ alright? Oh, my dear, my dear-" the rest was a long line of worried Mother- speak.
"Well- Well, I'm okay, mother. It's just-"
Her mother listened, attentively. Waited, anxiously.
No words answered.
"What is it, dear?"
Cream's voice broke through in a sob. "I've been in trouble for awhile now. I just couldn't bear to tell you- to tell you…I got divorced. It's been four months. I've been trying to get by with what I have- I've been working as best I can. It's not going to be enough for the next few months. I just- I don't know what to do."
A scream of "I'm sorry!" followed this outburst.
Vanilla held the phone close to her, as if holding her dear daughter.
The silent nature around him spoke to him like never before. Because for once it didn't speak to him at all.
He struggled to maintain a cool composure. He reminded himself that this was a weakness he would overcome. With more time, oh just a little more time.
He closed his eyes; mimicking tranquility, panicking inside. He let himself drift between illusion and reality, vaguely. Vaguely, it came to him.
It was late night, the chilliest one he could remember. But the stars brought him warmth, as did the full moon, and so did someone else….
They stood there, watching him for a few minutes longer. If only they'd stayed a little longer.
"You'll be fine up here, by yourself, now?"
"Heh. When have I ever been in need of company?" Now.
Sonic had winked at him, thumb up. "Sure…Well, see ya, Knuckles."
Tails waved good bye as well, descending down the stairs with Sonic.
It was him alone, again, and he appreciated it.
Then she came; flying down from the night sky like a silhouette of the moon.
She landed, elegantly, on the edge of his altar. "Hi, Knuckie."
"Hmph, hey. I thought I'd finally be alone."
"Never make such assumptions…Especially on such a beautiful night. I just thought I'd pay you a visit."
"It never really pays much." His gruff voice never frightened her off, but this was the last time he'd ever spoken to her like that.
"Right…" He couldn't see it, but he knew she rolled her eyes.
"I really wish you'd have better things to do, than guard that gem of yours…"
"Ha. You're the reason I have to guard it."
"You know that's not true."
She bolted around and faced him, something like strength in her eyes.
"Even if you had never met me, you know you'd still be here. Day after day, watching that thing like it's flesh and blood."
His anger boiled inside of him, spilling out from his tongue. "This gem, you know, is the only thing keeping this island afloat, the only thing controlling the emeralds! I've been bred from a long line of echidnas who gave their lives doing this job! And if that's what I'm called to do, I'm sticking with it to the end!" All of these things, he knew, were right.
She strode over to him, till they were separated only by inches. She put a hand under his chin.
"Don't get so worked up, Knuckie. You know that I know that. I've just always wondered…is there a way to still live a life and guard this, as well?"
His breathing almost hitched; his heart pounded in his chest, but he wouldn't let any of it show. No, it was all a weakness to be fought and forgotten. Right?
"Well- well…For now, this is my life. I-I can do with it."
She withdrew from him, walked to the edge of the altar. "That's why I visit you."
"Huh? Wh-what are you talking about?" He couldn't help but be vulnerable now; however much he hated it.
"I visit you- because I worry about you. You're separated from the rest of us, and only see us when you're looking for that gem…and so I want to be that piece of life that you miss, really."
He stood, blushing and gaping, ultimately he sat down beside her, legs dangling onto the next step.
"You mean that?"
"Of course I do. It's not just the gem I want…"
He was speechless for a few moments; the chilly breeze blowing in this new feeling; he couldn't describe it.
"You-you care?"
"I'm not heartless." She looked forward to the moon- never did turn to face him, but he knew she meant every word.
"I do have interest in that gem. I am a treasure hunter, after all. That doesn't mean I don't care about you."
He wanted to sit with her in silence forever. He wanted to hug her; maybe kiss her. He wanted to do so many things- all in one moment. He let go of the "weakness" and embraced it, at the same time. Maybe it wasn't such a weakness?
"I-I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. I just wanted to let you know."
His hand landed on top of hers, as if involuntarily.
"I-I care about you, too." Why were the words so hard to say, when he felt them?
He didn't remember how long they sat there, but she eventually left into the night. He never saw her again.
He knew it was because of her missions at GUN, but he still felt stupid for ever thinking it could be so perfect.
But he wasn't mad at her; only mad at himself for never realizing it sooner.
He thought back on it; didn't cry, didn't laugh, didn't scowl. He didn't feel anything, as if he were dead. Maybe he was.
"You've got the invitations?"
"Yep. All signed and sealed."
The fox spun his tails, happily, as he walked with him to the mailbox, envelopes at hand.
"I hope they'll all be able to make it." Was his stated wish.
Sonic took the envelopes from him, and went through them a final time. He paused when he saw a particular name, written in pink ink.
"You think she'll come?"
"I sure hope so." The fox twiddled his thumbs, anxiously, as he said it.
Sonic slipped the notes into the box, turning promptly.
"Let's go back inside. It's getting cold."
Surely it was, but Tails knew it was an avoidance.
They walked back in, shortly.
"Oh, Sonic!" Her warm arms wrapped around him, and he shrugged her off, politely.
"Amy…"
She laughed, a small girlish sound. "Oh, I'm so happy to see you right now! I thought I'd never see you again! I'm so relieved…"
It was a common phrase, but he took it with gratitude. He had no clue how significant it would seem later.
She squeezed him into her embrace again, shortly this time, but snugly.
"You can let go, Amy. I'm not-" he paused, trying to think of a sensible reason. "I'm not leaving you."
He regretted it the second it uttered from his lips.
"Oh, really, Sonic?! You'll- you'll stay with me and-"
"Come on. Let's get off the battle site." He interrupted.
Even though no danger of Eggman's machines was left, the ground was still scorched and the grass ripped up from the soil.
She nodded at this, and they walked off together. He regretted it at the time; later he would come to almost cherish it. Almost, he supposed.
"Sonic, can I ask you something?"
"If it's to marry you, date you, or anything like that then no. I won't mind anything else."
She tried to look slightly insulted. "Right. Well, actually, I wanted to know- What are you going to do when Eggman is finally defeated?"
He raised his eyes. Finally defeated? He realized that this girl believed wholeheartedly that Eggman, someday would really be defeated. He realized that he hadn't thought about it at all. Somewhere along the lines, he let himself believe that this was his life; his past, his present, his future. To think of it all ending shocked him. Of course he wanted Eggman defeated, but at the same time…Who would he be?
What would he do, when it was all over?
"Well?" He realized that he had left her waiting.
"Um…well- I think I'll-"
She giggled. "Do you plan to settle down…?"
"Uhh…No. You know me, I have to have adventure in my life; wind in my quills. You know that, right?"
She realized it, too. Even if Eggman never existed, he would be out on adventures; stopping evil and causing mischief, at the same time.
Their lives would never really interlock.
She was in a separate world than him, and unless she suddenly changed she might never be part of his. He would always be part of hers, but only for fleeting moments. Briefer than she wanted it all to be.
He didn't know it, but the realization shocked her as much as it shocked him; if not more.
The last time he saw her. The last time she saw him.
"Hey, you okay?"
Sonic looked up from the kitchen table, startled.
"Y-yeah."
Tails watched him, concerned. "You've been sitting there, watching your chili dog for awhile. I've never seen you hesitate to eat one like that."
"Oh, really? Oops. I guess I have a lot on my mind." He began to scarf it down.
Tails sat down at the other end of the small, round table.
"Actually, me too. I mean- when was the last time we had a party, right?"
Sonic nodded. "Yeah…It seems years ago- I guess it probably was. Funny how time works."
"I don't really understand it, still."
"I don't think anyone can."
They exchanged a glance; unreadable to outsiders. One that they had learned over time.
Time- it can bring us together. Time- it can easily tear us apart.
But those aren't the only deciding factors. Who decides Time?
"I'm glad we've stuck together."
"Me too."
"I don't know where I'd be, if-"
They weren't going to say it, think it, feel it…but it haunted them anyway.
Those few years ago….
A/N: I have few notes to make: PJ was a name suggestion from my sister. I am required by her to note it. Also, all characters and such belong to SEGA. I own the story. That is why it is called fanfiction. (And I just remembered to write this).