A Miracle

Six years have passed since the declaration of Silver and Blaze's best friendship, and the two continued to support each other over the long, welcoming years. Now at age fourteen, Blaze's knowledge and royal duties have become more complex and crucial; while Silver at the same age, continues to be the princesses' jester.

Blaze lounged lazily on a cushioned chair, writing down information regarding the people's taxes. The cat was dressed loosely in a blue, dressy shirt and a black, frilled skirt. Her eyes nearly fell until soft thuds against her door snapped her out of a dreamy trance. "Yes?"

"Parcel for the Princess!"

Blaze set down her feathered pen, got up, and opened her door. "Parcel?" she questioned, "Really?"

A pelican, dressed in fine attire, set down a large, brown box at the doorstep and bowed before her. "Princess," he greeted, "How are you?"

"Busy, as usual… thank you for the parcel!" the cat thanked the loyal bird, who nodded.

"Of course, Princess, it's no trouble."

He waved goodbye and gently closed her door, leaving the cat to wonder who could send her such a large parcel. A small button was towards the bottom corner on the front of the box, and it said: "PRESS HERE."

Puzzled, Blaze crouched to her knees and pressed it lightly. To her surprise, Silver popped out of the box and yelled, "Good afternoon, Blaze!" The bells on his quills rang as he waved his head foolishly, holding a smaller box.

"Silver- you take your job a little too seriously!" Blaze chortled as she threw her arms around her best friend, "It's good to see you this fine afternoon!"

Silver embraced the hug and chuckled, "Yes; now, you do have a package besides me."

"Really now; am I to expect another jester?"

"No, no, no; it's more of a gift."

"A gift… is it from you?"

Silver's cheeks were tinted with red as he handed the small, delicately wrapped box to the cat. Blaze's eyes flashed with slight confusion as she took it and started to unwrap it. As she opened the small flaps, a bright smile grew on her face as she pulled out a charm bracelet with only one dangling charm; which represented a jester.

"Oh, Silver! Did you have this made? Blaze asked with beaming eyes, placing the bracelet on her wrist.

"Yes… I had two made."

Silver lifted his own wrist and showed her the same bracelet, but his charm was of a princess.

"They're precious…"

"To me, they represent our friendship… today marks the sixth year since the royal banquet."

"Six years have already passed? Oh my goodness… that was the day we assured each other of being best friends."

Silver nodded sheepishly as his eyes wandered about aimlessly. Blaze pursed her lips into a smile and hugged the hedgehog once more. "It means a lot to know that you've been keeping track… you're truly a close friend."

"Aw, it's nothing, Blaze. I just think it's important to remember that… because it's pretty important."

"Yes... but goodness, I feel horrible now!" the cat exclaimed dramatically.

"What, how?"

"I didn't give you in anything in return!"

"Yes, you did… you gave me your friendship and your hospitality, Blaze! I wouldn't be here to give you a charm bracelet if you didn't let me stay!" the white hedgehog kidded frivolously.

"That is true…" Blaze chuckled humorously, "Still…"

Blaze paused a moment, musing for quite some time. Silver patiently waited for her to begin, and began whistling a small tune.

"Ah, I got it!" she suddenly acclaimed, taking Silver by the hand and dragging him out of her room.

"B-Blaze?" he stammered, chuckling at the same time.

"Shush! It's my turn!" Blaze snapped quietly at the quivering hedgehog, leading the way through different hallways.

It didn't take too long before Silver realized where they were going. "We're going to the garden?"

Blaze nodded gleefully as she pushed open the white doors that led to the infamous courtyard. "You were the one to bring me here six years ago; and now its time to return the favor." She exclaimed.

"What? Return the favor?"

"Just trust me."

The princess led the ivory hedgehog through the several paths of the garden, a flurry of different flowers greeting Silver's nose unpleasantly. Silver sneezed into his other arm, rubbing his itching nose.

"Bless you!"

"Thank you!"

After minutes of walking, a gate became visible through a thicket of bushes. "We're here." Blaze informed as he turned to him excitedly.

"Where are we?"

"You'll see…"

The cat used a small key hooked on her necklace to unlock the gate, and opened it slowly. Silver heard trickling water as they entered through the gate. "That's… beautiful." He whispered in awe; Blaze smiling warmly at her best friend.

A large fountain was centered amongst bushes that surrounded it, and on the fountain was a statue of both of her parents and the princess herself when she was a baby, cradled in their arms.

"That's you, isn't it Blaze?" Silver asked the blushing cat, who nodded slowly.

"Yes… a long time ago; when my mother was healthy."

"I see…"

Blaze approached the fountain and sat at its ridge, near her mother, and smiled at the inanimate statue. Silver seated himself next to her, and chuckled; "You must've been a fluffy baby."

Blaze punched his arm playfully, "That's not funny."

"Yes it is."

Blaze rolled her eyes, looking up at the queen's statue thoughtfully.

"How is she?" Silver asked, taking up all his guts to ask that simple question.

"She's been better… my dad says she has the strength to surpass anything."

"Really… so she's strong, huh?

"Strong doesn't begin to describe her. She's a very passionate woman, Silver, and her will is something to comment on. She doesn't like to express weakness… which is why when people come to visit her, she always uses up all of her strength to show her people that she is fine and won't give up on her prayers and will."

"That's very bold of her."

"Well, that's when I get mad…"

Silver's eyes widened at the comment. "You get mad at this?"

"Yes," Blaze snipped sharply, "She can't do that to herself! The way she uses all of strength just to put on a show! She's weak, she needs to rest… but instead she… I-I just don't understand."

"Blaze… may I?"

The princess nodded, a spark of fire forming on the palm of her hands.

"Your mother's willpower expresses this kingdom's strength and passion. That's nothing to look down upon, it's something to admire of. Her ongoing drive simply means she has faith and trust in God…"

Blaze looked up to Silver curiously, listening intently to his words.

"A strong justice is something I see in you even, Princess. You have the charm, power, and elegance of your mother, and the kindness, gentleness, and wit of your father. A good combination, I must say." Silver remarked, smiling at the cat.

Blaze chuckled, shyly twiddling her fingers. "I suppose… ah; now I feel guilty."

"Why?"

"Well, your point makes a lot of sense, and now I feel responsible for being hostile towards my mother."

"No, Blaze, you just needed a small faith check is all."

"I really don't know what I could do without you, Silver. I can see why my dad picked you to be the jester."

"Was it because I cracked a joke about my little sense of humor?"

"No," Blaze chuckled, "it was because of your nobility, justice, and honesty, Silver. I don't think your wit was going to be strong enough to allow you into the castle… even though you are a funny person."

Silver snickered while he looked up at the statue, smiling at the stone, little kit in the king and queen's hands.

The cat stared at the hedgehog in a new light from that moment on, a small spark of interest touching her heart. Blaze had not only realized his honesty and will, but that he was also a very dependable person in any situation. That's when she realized, then and there, that she formed a crush on the ivory hedgehog.

"Well, Blaze, I don't want to keep your time." His voice racked into her ears, jolting her awake from her daydreaming.

"Uh, yes, indeed!" she blurted, "Uh, did you enjoy your visit?"

"Oh, more than anything, Princess; it is certain that God has blessed me with a true friend like you!"

"I'm glad... and yes, I agree!"

Without much of a warning, Silver embraced her in a warm hug, causing the cat to blush madly. Blaze returned the hug and smiled; a small purr rumbling in her throat. Silver noticed this and flinched, hesitantly breaking the hug.

"Um, sorry-"

"Its okay, Silver, I don't mind; you're my best friend, remember?"

Silver nodded, his insecurity fading with that knowledge.

"I must be off, now." Blaze sighed as she stood to her feet, "I need to complete an assignment my father has given me earlier today. Could you possibly tell him I'm almost done?"

"Yes, of course!" Silver assured the cat, who was now relaxed.

"Thank you, Silver."

The ivory hedgehog nodded, standing to his feet next to her.

Blaze gave a rather impish smile as she approached the hedgehog quickly and kissed his cheek, which became warm after about three seconds.

"B-Blaze what are you-!"

"Bye!" she quickly intruded before rushing off, smiling to herself with encouragement.

Silver placed his hand on his rosy cheek, blinking in astonishment. 'Did she just…kiss my cheek?' The ivory hedgehog stood in bewilderment for a small while, soaking in the moment. After a few moments, the hedgehog proceeded out of the garden with only one word passing his lips; "Wow."

Upon reaching the throne room, the only thing that greeted Silver's golden eyes was two, empty thrones. This puzzled Silver, because the king was usually found seated there; conversing with his fellow guards and advisors.

"Where is he?" he murmured quietly, turning around and proceeding back the way he came. He caught sight of two guards speaking with one another, almost in a mourning way.

"Is the queen okay?"

"No, the woman nursing her to health told the king she's not likely to make it by the end of the day."

"That's awful… it pains me to know how the princess might feel about this."

Silver gasped, a strike of fear panging his soul as he darted down the hall in search of the resting room of the queen.

Racing away through the corridors of the unbelievingly large castle brought weariness to the hedgehog, but his overbearing curiosity kept him moving quickly past guards and doors alike as he ventured into places he's never seen before.

A small burst of light shone across the hallway, where a door was creaked open. Silver figured that room was where the king and queen were currently inside. He slowly approached it, while heavily panting, and peeked inside.

The king was found knelt by the bed, grasping the hand of his beloved wife with tears streaming down his eyes. The settled atmosphere caused Silver to feel nearly sick with anxiety.

The queen herself seemed to be breathing uneasily, her eyes squeezing shut every now and then. After opening them for a small moment, her eyes rested on the ivory hedgehog, and smiled faintly. "Come in…" her voice called softly with extreme weakness, breathing in very hard.

Silver quivered as he walked inside, biting his lip.

The king's head turned and faced Silver, his drained, red eyes looking helplessly at him. "My princess…" he muttered nearly inaudibly, "Please, find her."

Silver nodded without question, and darted out of the room.

Author's Note: Yikes! What's gonna happen? D: R&R!