( Thank you so much to AngieWr! Honestly these good reviews get me motivated! I'm glad you like the story! Plus, I'm sorry this chapter has been taking sooo long. DISCLAIMER: Sonic and all other characters belong to Sega and Sonic team respectively. )
Taking cautious steps up the steep, snowy slope of the mountain, Blaze kept her senses alert. If she lost her composure now, it would be deadly. But taking the Chaos emerald to such a dangerous and remote place would offer it a lower chance of being found. Blaze closes her eyes and stopped in her tracks. Even though she was a pyrokinetic, the strong winds here made her unsure as to if she could even start a flame. But with her teeth chattering, and body shivering, she didn't have many other options. Opening her eyes and feeling the cold winds against her face, she could see that a blizzard was starting up. If I don't find shelter soon, I'm going to turn into a frozen cat!
Shaking off a bit of frost, Blaze looks around for some kind of refuge from the wind.She spots a small overhang, just barely visible in the distance. How convienient... She briskly makes her way over and sits on the frigid ground. It didn't shield her from the wind completely, but she'd have to make do. She gently cups her hands, concentrating. A small flame forms in the palm of her hands, the heat reminding her of how cold she really was. I really should've picked a different spot to take this damn thing... And losing her coat hadn't helped. While she had been trekking up the lower part of the mountainside, strong winds had stolen it away from her while it had been slung over her shoulder... If only she'd kept it on! Closing her eyes, Blaze thinks about Silver... How was he faring? Was he doing well? Did he forget how to set the washer again? Probably...
The sound of footsteps through the crisp snow abruptly interrupted her thoughts. Eyes shooting open, Blaze's ears prick and listen. She swiftly blows the flame out, not being the target of any unwanted attention. But strangely... the crunching sound of footsteps disappears. Anxiety levels rising, Blaze squints and tries to see if she could see anyone nearby. Perhaps it was above her? Had they already seen her? Shrinking back, she contemplates whether or not it would be a good idea to step out. It might be a hiker- Possible salvation. Or something worse... I don't want to think about what might be worse... Standing up cautiously, she peeks out and around. No one seems to be here... Was I just hearing things?
Suddenly, cold hands wrap around Blaze's mouth and waist. Blaze's eyes widen in alarm, as she grabbed onto her prepetrator's arms and started to kick and struggle. Using her strength, Blaze tried to flip the attacker over; But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't even make them budge. It's like they're glued to the ground! In the struggle, the Chaos emerald fell from one of Blaze's inside pockets and landed in the snow with a soft thump. Blaze hissed in annoyance and tried to glance at just who it was; Why would anyone else be up here to attack someone like this? However, just before she could get a good look, she lost her footing and slipped. The attacker let go and Blaze screamed, nearly falling off the cliffside. She looked down and... Oh boy. Oh. Boy. If there was anything Blaze was afraid of... it was heights. Her scream echoed in the gorge below. Oh my god, get me away from the edge!
Desperately trying to reach for something- Anything- Blaze tried to keep herself calm to refrain from making her situation worse. Unfortunately, she felt a cold shoe press against her back and push her off the ledge. Blaze could feel everything around her slow down as she fell towards the abyss below. Even her heartbeat felt slow... And she began to see images of her own life flash before her eyes.
Flashback
Both sat by the end of the wooden pier, the soft sound of waves licking the beach's shore and seagulls calling out above them only making the calm sunset even more pleasurable. Blaze and Silver looked out towards the sky, stricken by its beauty. Silver let out a contented sigh and closed his eyes. "It's nice to know that... even though all the bad things in life get us down, we still have precious moments like these. We can't let life always bring us down." Blaze wished to share his outlook on their situation- they were very tight on money, even with the occasional help from Sonic. They couldn't even afford their own place. "Yeah... I guess so," Blaze replied. "But right now, we're at rock bottom, Silver. We can barely afford to feed ourselves everyday."
Silver opened his eyes and looked at his feline friend. "Yeah, well, the good thing about hitting rock bottom is that the only place left to go is up. Isn't that right?" He cracked a smile and put out his hand for her to hold. Blaze looks down at his hand, then gives him a warm smile, touched by his optimism. She gently placed her hand atop his. "I appreciate your outlook, but... We're broke, Silver. We can't do a whole lot." She gave his hand a little squeeze. Silver chuckled a little, then looked back out towards the sunset. "We'll always have each other, right?" Blaze looked back towards the sunset as well. "Of course, Silver. Of course."
"Then why worry? We have connections. They could always hook us up. Stay positive, Blaze. We'll get through it, I'm sure." Silver closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "Of course we can't rely on them all the time... But they still care." The violet cat thought for a second, then nodded. "True... just don't get used to it," She said whilst giving him a nudge. He opens his eyes and looks at her, giving her a toothy smile. "I'll try not to!" Blaze smiles, making herself a promise: Take care of her goofy friend, no matter what.
End of Flashback
I failed him... I failed my best friend. I'm so sorry. Blaze watched as the abyss started to consume her, swallowing her deeper into the mountain. She could feel the blood pumping in her veins from adrenaline and hear her heartbeat as clear as the outcome of her situation. I won't be able to see Silver again. Or... him. Sonic, always with his charming smile. I'll never be able to love him... I'll never be able to admit my feelings...
Flashback
Sonic and Blaze made their way down the busy street, standing close together so they wouldn't get bumped apart. Car horns were honking noisily and taxis were zooming by quickly. The crosswalks were absolutely taken over by people. Sonic groans irritably, putting his hands behind his head. "Blaze, wherever it is you're taking me, couldn't we have ran there? We'd be there by now if we had." Blaze shakes her head. "You're so impatient... I understand why, but we're almost there. Will you stop complaining?" Sonic yawns dramatically, emphasizing how absolutely bored he was. "Fiiine," He replied. "What kind of place is it? I hope it has f-" Blaze covers his mouth with her hand, an irritation mark appearing on her forehead. "Quiet, you... We're here now." Sonic immediately perks up, looking around. It was a small Grill-N-Bar food place. Sonic gives Blaze a smirk. "You drink?" Blaze face palms; She was underage, and he knew very well. "Just go inside!"
Sonic shrugs, then does what she says. The interior of the building contained red plastic booths, wooden tables, ceiling lamps, and a red and white tile pattern floor which made a tapping sound when stepped on. The air smelled of freshly cooked burgers and fries, which made both of them eager to order something. Blaze sat down at a booth near a window, Sonic taking a seat across from her. Reaching for a menu, both of their hands touched. Blaze quickly moved hers away, looking at Sonic. "Oh, uh... you first," Blaze offered. Sonic simply smiled and grabbed two menus, taking one for himself and giving her the other. "Sooo... you gonna tell me why you brought me here?" Sonic smirked, tapping the table. "Or do I have to wait?"
"Well, if we're going to be honest... I brought you here so we could... Just enjoy some time together." Blaze looks down, trying to calm her nerves. "Awe, Blaze, if you wanted my autograph, you could've just asked," Sonic teased. Hissing, Blaze hides her face with the menu to hide her irritation. She enjoyed his company, yes, but he also tested her patience. "Alright, what do you what already? I'm paying..." Instead of getting an answer, the menu in front of her got pulled down. Sonic leans forward, chin resting in one hand. "Blaze, come on now. We both know why we're here..." Blaze stared into his eyes, pulled in by his charming tone. He rests his hand upon hers, making her gaze falter. "I..." Blaze started to speak, but before she could say anything else, Sonic's communicator went off. "Sonic! Eggman's attacking Station Square! Come quick!" Sonic suddenly stands up, pressing the button on his wrist. "Don't worry, Tails, I'll be there soon!" Blaze sighs, disheartened. She had been really looking forward to having some time with Sonic. The blue hedgehog looks over at her, then smiles softly. "Awe, don't worry, Blaze. I can always squeeze time in later." Sonic gives her a wink, before he dashed off. Blaze rests her chin in her hands, closing her eyes. Oh, Sonic, will I ever get a chance with you? It seems you're always running off...
End of Flashback
I'll never get to see him again... That wonderful smile of his, and his beautiful eyes. Goodbye, my love... Goodbye, everyone. Please, Silver... Take care of yourself. There was a brief moment of silence, then a soft thud at the bottom of the ravine. Meanwhile, atop the cliff, stood the dark figure who had attacked Blaze. They pick up the Chaos Emerald and glance it over, before looking back over the edge.
"Step one is complete."
( Sorry this took so long, hhh.. I'll try to upload the next one soon. )