Chapter 11! Omaigawd! I think that I'm to the point that, while I'm STILL not satisfied with my work so far, I can finally start to feel confident with what I'm writing. I've accepted the fact that it's not perfect... But really, what is? This story's finally in full-swing, and it's getting FUN to write! From now on, I'm gonna try to not be so hard on myself. If it sucks, I'm just gonna have to deal with it! Anyways, here's Chapter 11!

For the rest of the walk, the three of them were silent. They were just glad to finally talk to Silver. To know from him that everything was going to be okay. Tikal and Shadow held hands, and Blaze walked to the left of the two, secretly wishing that that was her and Silver. They continued this all the way until they reached the restaurant.

Once they got settled inside, Tikal excused herself to the restroom, and Blaze and Shadow were given some time to talk.

Shadow was the first to speak. "So, do you really think that this is... Well... A good idea?"

"What is?" Blaze said, confused.

"You know... You offering to take care of Silver..." Shadow explained.

Blaze tilted her head, "Why would that be a bad thing?"

Shadow shrugged, and shifted in his seat. "I mean, I don't know... You were pretty upset the other night... Do you really want to put yourself through having to nurse him back to health? Seeing his wounds day-in and day-out?"

Blaze scratched her head, "Oh... Gosh... I suppose I didn't take that into account..." She sighed. "I accepted the job somewhat out of reflex. Not really thinking."

Shadow crossed his arms, "Ah, you'll be fine. I'm sure of it."

"Yes... I suppose... I think I'll be able to overcome my emotions... I seem to be quite good at that... But on the other hand, I also thought I wouldn't get caught by Eggman..." Blaze let out another sigh. "And look where that's gotten us."

Shadow held up his hand. "Good God, Blaze! Don't blame yourself for this! It's bad enough that you had to go through watching the whole thing; you don't need to get down on yourself!" Shadow chuckled, "You think it's your fault Egg-head got lucky and walked in on you? Even if he knew you'd be there, it still couldn't possibly be your fault."

Blaze looked out the window, at the semi-busy road. "I suppose you're right... Given that, I'm not at fault for the situation... But in my own mind, I am. There's no changing that."

Shadow sighed, "Well, you shouldn't feel that way."

As Shadow finished his sentence, Tikal sat back down at the table, and the waitress came by, ready for their orders. Since they were regulars, they all ordered "their usual", which was a plate of crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast with a side of hash browns. Coke to drink, except for Blaze, Diet Cherry.

After the waitress wrote all of it down and walked away, Tikal looked to Blaze. "I don't think I ever got a proper chance to ask you this... But what exactly happened on the ship?"

Blaze blinked, "I wish I could tell the whole story... But it went somewhat like this. I was sneaking around, and finally was able to find the control room. There was a gentleman there, so I compromised him, temporarily, at least. After that I remember being snuck up upon, strangled, and dragged away." Blaze took a sip of her drink, which the waitress had placed on their table. "When I awoke, I was a bit delirious, but I recall being strapped to a table, Eggman laughing, with a gun pointed at me. Right as I came to my senses, the trigger was pulled... But Silver was there..."

Tikal interrupted, "Wait... What do you mean he was... there?"

Blaze took another sip of her beverage, "I mean he was... There. Literally. Diving in front of me. I'm not quite sure how to explain it... But he appeared. Our of thin air. It still doesn't make good sense to me, but I'll speak with Silver about it later. But he appeared in between me and the bullet, and the outcome is obvious. However, Silver got up, apparently on a broken leg, and killed Eggman. Silver collapsed... And by some manipulation of physics, I was able to use my powers to heat myself to the point where I melted through the table. I ran to Silver, and wrapped up his wound. As far as I'm concerned, now I'm here. I don't particularly recall what happened after that."

Tikal sat back in her chair, "Wow... That's... Amazing! Must've been absolute hell to go through, though..."

Shadow raised his index finger, "Exactly what I said!"

When their food came, they ate like they had never seen food before. They were starving, from being on a mission all day yesterday to being out late last night, they hadn't even thought about food for a full 24 hours.

Once they were done, they still sat to talk about "how amazingly awesome", as Tikal put it, Blaze was. When their conversation was finished, Shadow paid the waitress, and they were on their way.

They were now heading back through the forest, way past the streets, in silence once more. Tikal decided to break the quiet, "Sonic was saying something about Amy and him going into town today, probably shopping... Amy's crave for shoes takes no days off... We were thinking about going, do you want to tag along, Blaze? It would take your mind off this whole thing."

Blaze stopped, and looked in the direction of the hospital. "No, thank you. I think I'll just head back towards the hospital..."

Tikal and Shadow stopped as well, "You sure?" Shadow asked.

Blaze answered, "Yes. I'm quite sure. I'm not one for shopping, anyways..."

Tikal shrugged, "Alrighty, suit yourself! If you need anything, just call."

With that, they said goodbye, and parted ways. Now that Blaze was alone, she walked somewhat faster than normal through the forest, anxious to see Silver again.

Well, I hate to cut you guys off again, but this seemed like a pretty good stopping place! While I'm thinking optimistic, I must say I believe my dialogue of Blaze has improved ten-fold from when I started this story. This was another hard chapter for me, for whatever reason... But, I know EXACTLY where I'm going from here! Thanks for reading! Love you all!