Blaze the Cat: Monster Outbreak

Chapter 10: A Calm Talk About Deep Desires

It was a few hours since Blaze and Kathy got back from Birth Island. Kathy was exhausted both physically and emotionally. After Kathy got wrapped up in some white bandages given by the Coconut Crew, she then went to a secluded part of the island and stayed there for the rest of the day. She went there to get some sleep by napping there. She also stayed there to be alone to herself for a while to ponder to herself about what had happened today. Blaze told Marine that Kathy needs some deserved rest and needs to be alone for a while. Marine was sad that she can't play with Kathy, but she did her best to enjoy spending time with Blaze instead.

"Is Kathy going to be okay?" Marine asked feeling worried. She and Blaze were walking alongside a river.

"I'm sure that she'll be alright. She's just tired is all. She had a tough time today it seems," Blaze answered calmly although she still felt worried for her.

"Hmmm...what had happened to her that made her want to be alone? I know that she got injured, but I think that she would still be in high spirits despite it. Do you know the reason why, Blaze?" Marine asked innocently while looking up at Blaze with big, worried eyes.

Blaze gasped as she saw Marine's big, puppy-dog eyes. Blaze then felt guilty again. Blaze knows the real reason why Kathy wants to be alone. It was due to how hurt her self-esteem was by Blaze and Battra. True, they may have hurt her in different ways, but they still hurt her the same way. Blaze looked away from Marine and grimaced. I really got to talk to Kathy at some point. I can't stand this guilty feeling any longer. It really is tearing my soul apart. I hope that Kathy will understand and forgive me for what I had said to her today. Blaze brooded while looking at the river.

"Uh, Blaze? Are you okay?" Marine asked feeling worried for Blaze now.

"I'll be fine, Marine. Also, I do know the reason why Kathy wants to be alone, however, I can't tell you. It's private to Kathy, and I can't reveal her secrets out in the open like this. She's sensitive like that. Please understand Marine and drop the issue. Please..." Blaze replied in a monotone voice.

"Oh...okay, Blaze," Marine replied feeling sad yet understanding. Blaze and Marine continued having their walk until sunset. Eventually, Blaze told Marine that she is going to go look for Kathy and talk privately with her. Marine nodded her head in understanding. Marine then left to go join with her crew instead. Blaze then left to go looking for Kathy.

After running around the island for ten minutes, she soon found Kathy sitting on top of a cliff while holding her legs close to her body. The cliff is above a vast ocean below the island. The view of the sunset can be clearly seen from the cliff. It was a rather gorgeous sight. Blaze could see that Kathy still looks depressed. Blaze frowned and then she walked closer to her.

"Kathy..." Blaze said gently. Blaze soon sat down next to Kathy. Kathy then looked to her left to see Blaze and frowned at her. She looked away from Blaze and looked at the ocean instead. Blaze frowned further as she saw that Kathy isn't willing to talk. Blaze then looked to the ocean as well while holding her knees closer to herself. Both girls kept watching the beautiful sunset in silence.

…...

...

…...

"Blaze...what do you want? Why are you here?" Kathy asked in a sad tone breaking the silence first.

Blaze flinched slightly as she heard Kathy speaking to her. She grimaced as she tried to answer her, "Ummm...listen, Kathy. I...I need to talk to you".

"Oh? What is it then?" Kathy replied quietly while lowering her eyes.

Blaze sighed as she looked down on her knees in shame. She really needs to get this off her chest. She can't hold onto the guilt any longer.

"Kathy...I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I said those hurtful things to you," Blaze said in a sad tone.

Kathy looked to Blaze again as she continues to apologize. "I was being insulting to you by telling you to stop acting like a child. I really had underestimated you. I know that you can think for yourself just fine. You just chose to trust me and follow me. It was your choice. The same thing with you walking or flying around. I'm sure that you know what you're doing. It's just that I'm not able to see it. I'm sorry that I yelled at you and insulted your intelligence. Please...forgive me," Blaze apologized with her eyes closed.

Kathy's eyebrows were lifted as she heard Blaze's apology. She then lowered her eyes as she looked down on her own knees. Kathy sighed as she replied quietly, "No, no. You're right. I'm the one who should be sorry here".

Blaze quickly turned her head at Kathy in confusion. "Huh?" Blaze asked in surprise.

"Yes, you heard me. I'm the one who should apologize to you. I was the one acting childish today. I was just feeling exhausted, and I complained about it. It was my fault that we started this fight in the first place. I'm...I'm sorry, Blaze. I forgive you," Kathy apologized while still looking down on her knees feeling depressed.

"Oh, uh...um...I uh,… I forgive you too. Your apology is accepted," Blaze replied looking away from Kathy feeling awkward.

"Thanks..." Kathy muttered while looking at the ocean now.

…...

...

It had gotten quiet again. Blaze was relieved that the guilt was gone, and that Kathy forgave her, however, she knows that there is still some things left unsaid. Blaze decided to confront Kathy about it.

"Kathy. Why do you still feel the need to apologize here? I mean I get that you had also yelled at me, but at least it was understandable considering your feelings were hurt first. Why did you feel guilty, Kathy? Why?" Blaze asked feeling curious but also worried.

Kathy looked even more sadder as she looked at the ocean while grimacing. Without looking at Blaze, Kathy answered solemnly, "It was because you were right about me, Blaze. I...I really am still a child inside, am I?".

Blaze's eyes went wide as she looked back at Kathy in shock. Her eyes were blinking while her mouth was agape. She continued to listen to her carefully.

"I mean just look at how I handled today. I first complained to you, next, I argued with you over a trivial thing, then I relied too much on you to lead me to anywhere we go, I yelled at you, and I ran away trying to prove a point to you that I can do things by myself. Those actions were very selfish and childish. I can't even fight Battra myself without someone saving me. If that isn't proof of me being a weak, defenseless child, then I don't know what is," Kathy said in shame.

Blaze was speechless about that. She can't disagree with her of those things that Kathy did, but is blaming herself for failing to beat Battra alone one of them?

"I really am a terrible guardian. I can't do many things all by myself. I'm supposed to protect this world even though I don't know very much about the outside world. I'm supposed to protect this pendant, and yet, I almost lost it today while fighting Battra. I allowed you to plan where we go to find the Sol Hearts even though I should do my part here find them myself since the Sol Hearts belong to me! I should be able to work hard and help you save your dimension faster, but here I am wallowing in self-pity and not out there searching for the next Sol Heart! I'm only stalling for time here! I'm just procrastinating in doing my duties! I'm still a child even though I grew up into my adult form! Nothing about me had changed! I just wish that...that...I was more useful to you," Kathy continued while gradually feeling more upset. Kathy then shed some tears after she finished talking.

Blaze swallowed as she saw Kathy starting to cry again. Blaze lowered her eyelids as she stared at Kathy crying softly. Blaze then put a hand on Kathy's shoulder and rubbed it gently. Blaze then replied quietly, "Kathy...don't say that. You are useful to me. Don't say that you're not. Besides, I think you're doing fine as a guardian. Just because you can't do everything doesn't mean you're not an adult. I mean a lot of adults are unable to do things by themselves and require assistance from others. You're not a failure. You're doing just fine. Just be yourself, and we'll do just fine".

"Are...are you sure about that? You probably get things a lot more done if you did things by yourself," Kathy spoke softly.

"Ah. Uh, um...well..." Blaze replied awkwardly. Kathy did had a point on that. If she had more resources, she would have gone on this journey by herself. She is used to saving the world without help from anyone. She may have gotten help from Sonic before, but those were like the only two times that happened. So, in other words, Blaze isn't the right person to be saying that. Blaze looked down feeling ashamed about being a hypocrite.

"See? I told you that I'm not very useful. I've always had been and...I'll always will be," Kathy said as she sulked.

Blaze frowned. She let go of Kathy's shoulder and looked towards the sunset instead. As the summer cool air started to blow a little, the two girls still stared into the sunset in silence.

...

After three minutes of silence, Kathy spoken up saying, "You know. I had always wanted to be a guardian when I was little".

Blaze blinked in surprised and looked at Kathy again. She stayed quiet as she listened to Kathy opening up about herself.

"I always had admired my mother. She would do anything to protect this world from Battra. She will do anything to protect me! She was a hero in my eyes, and I wanted to be helpful to her by fighting monsters and Battra as well. One day when I was very young, I begged my mother to train me to become the next guardian of the Sol Pendant. My mother did ask me if I was serious in making that decision. She knows how important that pendant is. She was planning to guard it for a long time. She would never make me learn how to use the pendant or make me learn how to fight. She said that she wanted me to make my own choices in what I wanted to do in the future. I was very confident in my choice. I sincerely wanted to be a guardian so that I can fight right alongside of her. I truly wanted to help her and be the one to protect her this time instead of her protecting me. I didn't want to be a burden to her anymore. I loved her that much. She had done so much for me despite having difficulty in raising me while fighting Battra at the same time. She was the best mother that I could ever ask for. That was why I wanted to be a guardian. I only became one for her and only for her. No one else. It might have been a childish reason to do, but I can't help it. I really was a child at the time, and I still hadn't changed my mind over it now. I suppose it was because...I'm still a child. It's just part of my personality. Nothing more. So, yeah, I had that deep desire for years and years. I wanted to be a guardian so bad that I wanted to be one once I grew into my adult form by the age of 13. Well, I did become a guardian. Although..." Kathy spoke solemnly before she paused a little until she finished her sentence ominously, "...it was too late by then. My mother...was gone from this island...permanently".

Blaze gasped as she heard that last statement. Even though it's clear that Kathy won't say it out right, but she finally confessed the truth of what happened to her mother. Apparently, in Blaze's mind, Kathy's mother had died once Kathy turned 13 years old. So, she died on her birthday. That's...that's tragic. Blaze brooded as she looked sad. She looked down on her lap as Kathy continued talking.

"I didn't see it coming. I thought that my mother would've survived, but I guess it wasn't enough that time. It really crushed me that day. One of my deepest desires got crushed by that day. After all those years of training under my mother, I thought that I would be able to pay her back. But...it seems that I couldn't save her in time. So, the only thing that had kept me going was fulfilling my promise to her. That was another deep desire of mine. I wanted to clear my mother's name about being a 'betrayer to the people of the Sol Dimension' just as Battra had claimed her as. My mother deserved justice. Even if she isn't here now, I want to clear her name at least. I wanted to prove to others that the main line of the Mothra Clan isn't evil. I wanted to prove to others that my mother and me are good monsters. Nobody has to fear us. We can be trusted if others gave us the chance," Kathy spoke while having a longing look in her eyes as she stares at the sunset.

Blaze still didn't say anything. She kept on staring at her lap while Kathy kept on opening up to her.

"How sad would it be if Battra had my pendant right now if you didn't step right in to save me? I would have practically failed in fulfilling that promise if I let Battra get that pendant. The islanders would've hated me for allowing Battra to steal the one thing that would have saved them. True, there are some communities who would be thrilled if Battra had completely taken over the kingdom just like the Odo islanders did. However, there were some people who were waiting for me or my mother to save them from Battra's tyranny. If they heard that Battra had my Sol Pendant, they would resent me for life. I can guarantee it. And...it almost happened today. I was so close to having another of my deepest desires be crushed again," Kathy said in a depressed tone.

Kathy sighed as she soon released her legs and let them stretch out on the ground. She then put her hands behind her back by putting them on the ground behind her. Kathy took some deep breaths as her tears went down. She blinked so that she could remove them. She was still staring at the sunset in silence. Meanwhile, Blaze kept being quiet for a while as she also looked at the beautiful sunset.

…...

After a brief period of silence, Blaze then said quietly, "So...you're still...planning to leave this dimension, right?". Blaze figured that it would be best to change the topic a little. Although she couldn't believe that she was the one who chose this topic of all things.

"...Yeah. I am still planning to do that," Kathy answered in a soft voice.

Blaze frowned as she heard that.

"I...I really don't belong here, Blaze. Kaiju monsters are obsolete in this day and age. I had already decided to leave this dimension the moment that your kingdom is saved. I'm going to take Battra with me so that he won't harm your dimension anymore. I'll go to a different dimension and protect that place from Battra instead. …...The people in this dimension wants a hero, Blaze. Not a monster like me. Not a childish monster as their hero. But someone who will take care of them and work hard to protect them from any threats. Not me. They want someone like you, Blaze. Someone who gets things done. Someone who is more dedicated in their job than I am. I'm...I'm not the type of hero they were looking for or expecting. So...I think I am making the right decision to leave," Kathy spoke while looking sad.

"Kathy...I..." Blaze muttered feeling upset on the inside while trying to look understanding on the outside.

"No...I'm sorry, Blaze. But you can't convince me to stay. I've already made up my mind a long time ago before you came here. Sorry," Kathy replied gently while shaking her head.

Blaze looked at Kathy with sadness in her eyes. She had wished she could convince her to stay, but she knew that there won't be any point in doing that. She knows that Kathy is right. She should leave this place and be happy with her new life in a new dimension. Kathy could make her own decisions. Even though that she disagrees with Kathy's choice, she at least respects her choices no matter how painful it is to her. So, the very least that Blaze could do to support Kathy is suggest to her a dimension that she knows that Kathy will be respected and wanted by others. That's what a good friend does. Helping each other live better and happier lives.

"When it is time for you to leave, I suggest that you go to Sonic's dimension, the Chaos Dimension. I was sent to that dimension once since my Sol Emeralds and the Chaos Emeralds share a connection to each other. I'm not sure if you could teleport there since you had said you never been there, but if you could command the Sol Emeralds to do that, then I'm sure you'll get there in no time," Blaze said calmly with some resolve.

Kathy looked at Blaze in surprise. She didn't think that Blaze would help her go to a different dimension. Not to mention, Blaze also had suggested that she allows Kathy to use the Sol Emeralds in some way to do that! Blaze...why would you help me by doing that? Kathy pondered looking confused.

Kathy had asked softly, "Are you sure, Blaze? Do you really trust me to use your Sol Emeralds for good?".

Blaze turned her head around to look at Kathy in the eye. She had a solemn expression on her face. Slowly, she then gave Kathy a small, gentle smile as she looked caringly towards her. She answered quietly, "Yes. I do trust you. I know you won't do anything wrong with them. Believe me when I say this, out of all of the people that I would give the Sol Emeralds to or allow them to use in any way, I would choose you, Kathy. You're innocent. Too innocent in fact. If I had told you 'no', then you would have respected me and my decisions. You listen to when being told to, which by the way not many teenagers are willing to do at your age. You re very respectful to others and their feelings. You are also very sincere in your feelings and thoughts. Why should I have any doubts towards you? I will let you know that I don't trust others very often or let them in...".

"Oh?" Kathy muttered while looking at Blaze with curious eyes.

Blaze nodded and finished saying, "...However, with you, you're like one of the few people that I could trust completely. Perhaps you're sheltered. Perhaps you're a little naïve. Perhaps...you're a little childish. But I think your honest and genuine character outshines your weaknesses. You're basically an exception to my 'don't trust others' rule I had placed over myself. I'm sure that you won't be harmful to me".

Kathy gasped as she looked at Blaze with big, sparkling eyes. She...she trusts me? Me? A monster that could destroy her kingdom if I chose to do so? Kathy pondered in awe of Blaze's complete trust in her.

"R-Really? Even though you know that I'm...I'm...a monster," Kathy replied sadly.

"Yes. I do. Because...I know you won't hurt me even as a monster. I never met a monster who is so sensitive about harming others or their property. Since I know that you are self-aware of your power, I know that I could trust you. You take responsibility for your actions. That is what a good friend does. Being responsible to your own actions. I know that I could count on you to apologize and adapt your behavior so that you can please others. You like to make others happy, and I think with that attitude that you would be conscious on your choices when dealing with others. That is why I trust you, Kathy," Blaze explained gently.

Kathy still stared at Blaze in awe. Her mouth was open wide, and her eyes were wide. Slowly, Kathy then gave Blaze a genuine smile. The first smile when she got back home. Kathy looked a little relieved at that which Blaze was grateful of. Blaze smiled back at her in a calm demeaner.

Kathy then said gently, "Thank you, Blaze. I needed that".

"Anytime, Kathy," Blaze replied gently too.

Kathy smiled a bit wide until she looked back at the sunset. She breathed deeply as she continued staring at the sunset. Blaze looked at the sunset again. The sunset was halfway over since it's getting lower in the horizon. Blaze decided to get comfortable by releasing her legs and placed her hands behind her just like Kathy was sitting.

…...

The silence this time was peaceful. All of the guilty feelings or heavy topics are gone now. The two girls could rest in peace.

Blaze commented, "This is such a beautiful sunset, Kathy".

"Yeah. Everything on this island is beautiful, Blaze. Even the places where you see the sunsets more clearly," Kathy replied calmly while smiling.

…...

"Say Kathy. I know now that you had some of your deepest desires had been crushed. But are there some desires that you want to see fulfilled? I know that you want to clear your mother's name and protect the Sol Pendant faithfully just like you had promised your mother that you would do so. But is there something else that you would like say out loud? I'm certain that there's more to you than that. You're a deep thinker Kathy, and I want to hear what you have to say," Blaze said after a few minutes of silence.

Kathy blinked as she looked at Blaze for a bit before looking at her lap before her. She frowned a little as she thought. She wondered what she could say to Blaze. Then, an idea came to her. She knows what she wants to say, but to her, it's a little embarrassing. So, Kathy started to smile a little until she started o chuckle a lot. Blaze's eyes went wide as she turned to see Kathy giggling silly.

"What? What's so funny?" Blaze asked in a confused tone.

"Hehehehehehehehehe! Ah! Nothing! Nothing! Hahahahahahaha! It's just too embarrassing to say! Hehehehehehehe! It's just silly! No reason to tell you," Kathy replied while gigging cutely.

Blaze smirked as she replied, "Well, when it comes to you, something considered 'silly' means that it's very important to you. Am I correct?".

Kathy gasped as she blushed. Blaze smirked further as it looked like she was correct. Kathy looked sheepish at Blaze until she began laughing again.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha! Okay! Okay! You got me! Hehehehehehe! You're right. It is important to me. Hahahahahaha," Kathy laughed happily while blushing a little.

"So, what is it then?" Blaze asked curiously.

"Do I have to say it out loud? Hehehehehehe! You do realize that it's one of those 'girl talks' you know? Hehehehehehehehehe!" Kathy replied while giggling a lot.

"What are talking about? Haven't we been talking as girls though?" Blaze replied while pretending to be clueless.

"Ahahahahahahahahahaha! Oh Blaze! You can't be serious! Hehehehehehehehe! Do you really not know what 'girl talks' are?" Kathy replied as she giggled harder.

Blaze knew that she could make Kathy laugh by pretending to not know. She said playfully, "Why no Kathy. Tell me more about these 'girl talks'. It sounds to me that you get embarrassed easily by them".

Kathy just laughed out loud while shaking her head "no". Blaze was happy that Kathy was laughing again. She had missed her cheerful laughter.

"No! No! No! No! Ahahahahahahahahahahaha! I can't tell you! It would sound stupid to you!" Kathy replied as she laughed.

"Really? Then try me. I'm serious," Blaze said while looking sincere.

Kathy stopped laughing and looked at Blaze in surprise. Blaze was looking serious at her. Blaze then smiled as she said, "Yes, you heard me. I'm serious here. Go ahead and tell me. Besides...I already know what 'girl talks' are. I was just pulling your leg".

Kathy blinked for a few times before she laughed cutely again. "Hahahahahahah! Alright, fine. I'll tell you. I'll tell you. Hahahahahahaha," Kathy replied as she laughed and turned around to face the sunset.

After she calmed down, Kathy then looked up a little to the sky and smiled a longing and sad smile on her face. She then said, "Well...how do I start this? Hehehe, this is getting kind of weird, but...fine. I'll just say it".

Blaze waited for Kathy to continue. Blaze was staring at Kathy's calm and composed expression. She could see Kathy's gentle smile and longing eyes as she stared up into the darkened sky above. Kathy then spoke in soft, longing voice.

"I was very lonely when I was little. My mother couldn't always stay at home and play with me because she had to go out and fight Battra very often. So, I was often alone at the island. I would often play by myself and always stay in my imagination a lot. I was just daydreaming a lot to pass the time. There were many times that would daydream of having a good friend to play with me right by my side. I wished that I had a friend who was willing to play with me and listen to me. But that dream will never happen because I'm too strange and a monster to boot. I felt like it was a desire that wouldn't be fulfilled anytime soon," Kathy said with a sad smile.

Blaze's eyes widened at the statement. She had forgotten for a bit that her mother and Kathy were the only two people on this island. It would make sense for Kathy to feel lonely sometimes.

"Still...I would often keep on daydreaming about having a friend who is very interested in me despite my weirdness and my monster powers. Even right now I wanted to have a...um...a friend...who is a...a... boy," Kathy continued while feeling shy in the end. Kathy blushed as she felt embarrassed confessing on of her most secretive yet deepest desire of all.

Blaze then looked surprised. So...this is why Kathy felt so embarrassed before? Because she was thinking of a boy who could possibly be her friend? Why would she feel...Ah, now I know why. Heh. I wonder if Kathy gets a little shy when talking about boys? She does look like she's being shy right now by how much she's blushing. Blaze pondered until she smirked as she realized why Kathy feels this way.

Blaze can't help but tease her a little by saying, "Ah, so it's about a boy, isn't it? That's rather...adorable, Kathy".

"Hehehehehehehe! Blaze! Stop! I told you it's embarrassing! Now quit it! Hehehehehehehe!" Kathy said as she giggled again while blushing some more. Her cheeks were glowing pink in embarrassment.

"Heh, heh, heh. Well, I can see now that you have another weakness, Kathy. Apparently, you can't help but think about boys, can you?" Blaze replied still teasing her.

"Hahahahahahahaha! Aw, come on, Blaze! It's not like that! Ahahahahahahahaha! Honestly!" Kathy giggled some more while covering her cheeks with her hands to hide her blushing face.

"Are you sure? Because it sounds like it to me, especially since you daydream about having a boy as your friend when you're a little girl," Blaze said teasingly while looking devious at her.

Kathy just kept on laughing happily as she covered her face with her hands. She would like to get Blaze back for teasing her on this sensitive topic. She decided to be playful right back at Blaze by saying, "Oh? As if you don't think about having some guys to be your closest friend!".

Blaze gasped and blushed at that. She answered awkwardly, "Uh...um. I-I uh, don't think about guys like that. …...Um...no. Not at a-all".

"Ah! You're blushing, Blaze! So, you too wished that there is some boy who could pay some extra attention to you!" Kathy responded with a teasing tone.

"Oh, shut up. …...Heheheheheh," Blaze replied quietly while chuckling a little at the end.

"Hehehehehe! So, you do think of boys sometimes! Good to know that I'm not the only one!...ACK!" Kathy replied happily before she yelped in surprise as she realized that she admitted to what Blaze had said. Kathy quickly covered her mouth with her hands as blushed even more now.

Blaze simply smirked at her. "Hmph. Looks like you dug your own hole, Kathy. That's what you get for trying to get back at me".

Kathy and Blaze stared at each other until they both laughed together.

"Hahahahahaha, okay, now, tell more about why you wanted a boy as your friend back when you were a child. If you ask me, it's perfectly normal if you wanted a boy as your friend. There's nothing wrong with that nor is it silly like you claim it was. Please tell me. I'm listening," Blaze said as she was calming down from her laughter.

"Hahahaha, okay, fine. I'll tell you. …...You see. Before I thought about having boys as my friend. I wouldn't mind having anyone as my friend. It was just that...when I was 8 years old that I started to daydream about having a boy as my friend for the first time. It's strange, but suddenly, at that moment I thought that, I just knew if I had met this boy...I think that I'll be the happiest moth in the world. I'll always be a child forever no matter how old I get, but I just want to have a friend that I could feel free to be a child again without any reprimands or weird looks from others. I like myself the best when I'm being silly and play like a child would. Sadly, as I get older, people are easy to judge me when I act childish in public even if it's for pure, innocent fun. I honestly would feel more comfortable with others if they are okay with my childish antics. It would be even better if that person was a...boy. I could be allowed to play rough with him as a way to practice my fighting moves. I could easily impress this boy by showing my monster powers. I mean I would doubt that this boy had seen a monster like me. A flying bug monster isn't your usual monster to deal with. It would be very great if he was accepting of me as a monster and as a child. Not only that, but if he wanted to experience having a second childhood like I do with me...then...then...(sigh)….." Kathy answered as she calmed her laughter down to and talked while feeling whimsical. She sighed wistfully.

Blaze can't help but smile at Kathy's apparent wistful behavior. She sounded very warm when describing what she wanted from this boy. It's almost as if...she's like in love with the boy she had never met before.

Blaze responded gently, "Ah, so that's why you wanted a boy specifically to be your friend. You see yourself as a tomboy, right?".

"Hmm...if that's how you call it, then yes. I'm am a tomboy at heart. I just think that it would be fun if spend our time together roughing it up a little and then do things that children would take for granted. You know like playing sports, playing at the beach, making arts and crafts, playing with toys, exploring the wild together, and go to any places where kids normally go to have fun. If kids go there, then I would want to go there! I...I just want to experience my childhood again this time with him at my side. I just want to do things that make us both happy. If I had that, then I would be perfectly content with my life if we stay together forever, having childlike, innocent fun all the time," Kathy said with a longing look on her face.

"...Wow. I never knew you had that as one of your deepest desires. .…...I suppose that explains why you wanted to have fun while you interacted with Marine. You just wanted to have someone to play with. Isn't that right?" Blaze replied calmly as she understood Kathy a bit better now.

"Yeah. That's why I love kids so much, Blaze. They are never afraid to act silly and playful with anyone. The only time that they would stop acting this way is because of the many times that their parents had reprimanded them of their behavior. It is easier for to connect with children than do people like my age group or adults. It feels...so awkward to behave normally with them," Kathy replied calmly.

"Oh! Uh...oh...um...s-sorry that you feel that way, Kathy," Blaze replied awkwardly as she looked away feeling ashamed.

"No, it's okay, Blaze. It's not your fault. I just couldn't help the feeling. This is why I would love it if I had met a teenaged boy who doesn't care if I act silly or childish around him. If I'm able to make him feel happy by doing that, then I would be happy with myself," Kathy said gently.

"Hmmmm...I see," Blaze said quietly.

…...

"You know what's so strange about that, Blaze?" Kathy spoke quietly after a few minutes of silence went by.

"No. What's that?" Blaze replied curiously.

"Well...I don't know why nor can I explain it, but I...have dreams about playing with the boy I had never seen before, " Kathy confessed while blushing a little.

Blaze turned her head to Kathy in confusion. How is that possible? Blaze pondered curiously.

"Oh? Really now?" Blaze asked.

"Yes. Quite often I have to admit. The dream is a little strange, but I guess all dreams are like that. Anyways, the boy looked red while wearing a...um...how do I describe this...um...an octopus-like head," Kathy said as she tried to describe this strange boy that she sees in her dreams.

Blaze quirked an eyebrow at her as she thought. What...the...heck? Why would a boy be wearing an octopus as a hat or would look like having an octopus for a face? What kind of dreams does Kathy have? Blaze pondered in confusion.

"Yeah. He was red, has an octopus for a head, and...oh! This boy could also fly without wings!" Kathy said until she exclaimed in joy for what she remembered in her common dream.

"Wait! What?!" Blaze asked in confusion. How could a boy without wings could fly? Unless you count using Chaos Emeralds or my Sol Emeralds to fly then I wouldn't believe that a boy without wings could fly! Blaze pondered in shock.

"Oh, wait a minute! Maybe he was more like gliding or floating. Either one of those is correct in what I saw in my dream. I would see the boy gliding to places and to trees a lot in my dreams. He would also gladly take me on his back and glide me to places together for fun. He would often be pleased of my presence whether I go near him. It's almost like we were best friends in those dreams. …...(Sigh)…...If only we could meet together. It's been six years that I had those dreams. I wish that those dreams are my reality now," Kathy said wistfully.

"Hmmm..." Blaze hummed to herself. She looked down on her lap. Man, Kathy really does sound like she wants to be friends with this strange boy she has in her dreams. I wonder if she is planning to date this boy in some far-off future sometime after she becomes friends with the boy. It does sound like that she would be interested if that was the case. If she does meet with this boy, then I just hope that the boy would treat her well. After all Kathy had been through, she does deserve someone who would love her with all their heart. She is such a sweet, kind girl who is very affectionate and caring. I'm sure that the boy would respect her and love her dearly if he likes those character traits. As a friend, I would hope that he would make her feel like the happiest girl on the planet just as she said earlier. She deserves that kind of happiness despite her painful childhood. Blaze brooded while staring at her lap solemnly.

…...

It was now nighttime as the sunset was over. The two girls are still staring off into space absent-mindedly. Blaze soon broke the silence.

"Hey, why don't we go to the Sacred Garden to eat our dinner? Okay?" Blaze said while looking at Kathy now.

Kathy looked back and genuinely smiled at her. "Yes. Let's go already. I'm starving," Kathy replied happily. The two girls nodded and got back up to their feet. They soon walked back to the Sacred Cavern to eat there with Marine.

After their usual meal, Blaze soon checked with the electronic map to see where the next Sol Heart is. She soon found a place. It was Lagos Island. It was 45 miles southeast from Central Southern Island. So far, this was the quickest route to an island ever. Blaze was glad that this trip was shorter. She could only handle heights for this long. After she told Kathy, Marine, and the Coconut Crew on where they are going tomorrow, they got ready to go to bed. They want to be well rested for tomorrow, especially for Kathy. Kathy is still feeling sore. She believes that a good night rest is all she needed to tackle tomorrow. Blaze felt a little worried for her, but she believes that Kathy would be fine. Blaze and Kathy soon got to their hammocks in Kathy's room. Before either of them will sleep, Kathy then spoke to Blaze for a little bit.

"Hey Blaze?" Kathy said quietly.

"Hmmm? Yes?" Blaze muttered sleepily.

"Do you...do you wish that you had a boy who is your best friend too?" Kathy asked innocently.

Blaze blushed a lot as she awkwardly answers, "Ummm...why would you say that?".

"I don't know. Honestly, I think you would be happier if a boy you like becomes your friend. I think it would fit you since he will be like your prince," Kathy said looking wistful again.

"D-D-Don't be ridiculous! I...I'm fine. I don't need a prince to help me rule my kingdom," Blaze replied sternly while blushing.

"Heh. You sure don't sound fine to me. Maybe you do need someone who could lighten the mood like I do and make you smile and laugh as you do your duties. I'm sure by then that you will find that your princess and guardian duties are fun," Kathy said while joking a little and while being sincere at the same time.

"...! S-Stop that! I...I don't need someone like that! Why would I want a boy who could distract me from my duties?!" Blaze yelled in embarrassment.

"Who knows?" Kathy responded simply before she turned her head to her right to look at Blaze. Kathy continued joking while grinning at her, "Maybe you also daydream about a boy who could 'rescue you' from the 'evil dragon' called Duties".

Blaze blushed even more while turning her head over to look at Kathy right in the eye. Kathy merely wiggled her eyebrows while grinning teasingly at her. Blaze in turn narrowed her eyes at Kathy as she replied in a dead-pan voice, "Don't make me come over there".

"Hahahahahahahahahahaha!" Kathy laughed cheerfully at that. Blaze can't help but smile as she watched Kathy laugh innocently. Heh. You're luckily that I respect you Kathy. Otherwise, you would've regret teasing me like this. Blaze pondered while smiling at Kathy.

"Hahahahah, okay, Blaze. I'm done teasing you. If you feel embarrassed talking about that, then I understand. It's a private matter to you, and you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Understand?" Kathy said while giggling a little.

"Right. I understand. Thank you, Kathy, for understanding me. Now, let's get some sleep, alright?" Blaze replied quietly.

"Alright, fine. …..(Yawn)…..Goodnight, Blaze," Kathy said as she stretched her arms and went on her left side to sleep. Her right wing is like a blanket to her as she does this.

"(Yawn)…..Goodnight, Kathy. Sweet dreams," Blaze said sleepily. Blaze soon turned to her right side to sleep. They both closed their eyes and dreamt.

-Blaze's Dream-

Blaze can't help but keep walking through some ruined cities. Everything is on fire. She somehow felt determined to stop whatever threat is in the burning city. She started running to the main threat of the city. She never been to this city before, yet she knew her path to the center of the burning city. She was soon confronted by a huge, fire monster. The monster was destroying the city with its magma body. The monster lifted some debris to throw at Blaze. She tried to dodge and attack the monster back by hitting the debris back at it. However, the monster threw more debris towards her. Blaze was running back and forth until she tripped.

By tripping, the monster had more time to attack her. Blaze grunted as she tried to get up from the ground, but she realized that she sprained her ankle when she tripped. Blaze got back down to her one knee as she clutched her sprained ankle. She heard the monster roar at her. Blaze looked back and saw a giant ball of debris is coming towards her. Blaze closed her eyes tightly preparing herself to get crushed by it.

"Not today, you evil monster!" said a young, male voice.

Blaze opened her eyes and saw the monster get attacked by its own debris. The rocky debris hit the fiery monster multiple times. Blaze saw that the debris is glowing neon blue as they were thrown at the monster. Blaze looked more to the left to see a flying, silver, male hedgehog attacking the monster with the debris with his...psychokinesis? Blaze was surprised that a hedgehog could have psychic powers. She wondered why this hedgehog had saved her even though he doesn't know her. Regardless, she was grateful that he is saving her from this fire monster. In a way, he was like her angel giving her a second chance to live. After a few minutes of fighting, the silver hedgehog had beaten the monster. The fire monster went down to the lava below where he came from. The silver hedgehog floated down to the ground in front of Blaze.

He then yelled, "And stay out!".

Blaze shook her head and carefully got up. She was careful to not to lean on her injured ankle too much. She then looked at the hedgehog curiously. The silver hedgehog turned around and saw Blaze staring at him. He soon walked closer to Blaze and put out his hand as he said, "Are you okay?".

Blaze blinked as she took his hand and carefully walked closer to him. She replied, "Yes. I'm fine. Thanks for saving me".

"Hey, anytime. By the way, what's your name?" the young male hedgehog asked politely.

"My name is Blaze the Cat. And who are you?" Blaze answered and asked back.

"Well, that's an easy question. My name is..." the silver hedgehog said with a warm smile. Blaze sees the hedgehog say his name, but she couldn't hear it for some reason.

"Uh, hey. I didn't quite catch that. What is your name, please? I didn't hear it the first time," Blaze asked again politely.

The silver hedgehog smiled as he said again,"Oh? That's okay. I'll say it again. My name is..."

-End of Blaze's Dream-

Before Blaze got to hear his name being told again, she soon woke up from her dream. Blaze opened her eyes while still lying down on her right side. She blinked a few times before she groaned. Ugh. Kathy...I blame you for this. You just had to make me think about having a partner, do you? Sigh. Ever the romantic, aren't you, Kathy? Whatever. I'm going back to sleep. Blaze brooded as she closed her eyes again and snuggled into her hammock. She went back to sleep.

-Kathy's Dream-

Kathy was in her larva form again. She is a brown larva with light-blue eyes with a light-blue dress and shoes to match. She was happily walking in the forest. She was looking at the trees and grass in the forest. She was nearing the end of the forest. Once she got to the end of the forest, her heart skipped a beat when she saw the strange red boy again. He was standing in front of a cliff with his arms crossed as he looked around the view in front of him. Kathy smiled widely once she saw him. She happily ran to him and gave him a hug from behind his back. She snuggled into his back as she said, "Hehe, I found you!".

The strange boy with an octopus-like face sounded pleased as he said, "Hmph. You sure did, Kathy".

Kathy giggled as she kept on hugging him. The boy didn't mind her hugging him. Instead he dropped his arms and put his hands over hers. Kathy was glad that the boy is receptive to her affection. Kathy soon let go of him. The boy let her go once she stopped hugging him. He turned around and looked at her. Kathy was smiling silly at him as she put her hands behind her back and looked up at him. The boy was slightly taller and slightly older than her. The boy smiled as he said, "Are you going to keep smiling at me or are you going to say something?".

Kathy giggled as she blushed. "Teehee, I just came here to find you! I...I missed you. I felt a little lonely without you," Kathy answered meekly.

The boy looked sincere at her as he said gently, "Hey...I missed you too, Kathy. Don't be afraid to come to me when you need me. I'll be waiting all day for you to see me. I know you had to be with your mother today for your training, but you know that she would want you to spend time with me. And...I don't mind your company, Kathy. I honestly can't wait to be with you once you've finished your training. You are planning to become a future guardian, right?".

Kathy nodded as she cheerfully replied, "Yep! I'm going to be the Guardian of the Sol Pendant when I get older! My mother is the current guardian, and I want to be strong enough to help her! I'll...I'll make you proud, buddy!".

"Hmmm...I'm sure you will," the strange boy replied while smiling gently and rubbed Kathy on her head. He stroked Kathy's head, and Kathy closed her eyes as felt the warm, affectionate feeling of his hand rubbing her head. She smiled wider as she was being petted.

He soon stopped petting her and held onto her head for a while. He knelt down in front of her as he said softly, "You'll be a great guardian someday, Kathy. I believe in you. You have what it takes to be one with that pure, gold heart of yours".

Kathy blushed as she beamed at the kind, strange boy. She replied as she giggled, "Aw, you're so sweet, my little Troublemaker. Are you being nice to me? Hehehehehehe!".

The boy smirked as he replied, "Look, I'm just saying. 'Every angel gets their wings', and you are about to get your wings when you get older, isn't that right...my little Angel?".

Kathy just laughed happily as she blushed some more. She eventually ran into him and hugged him again on his neck. The strange boy hugged her back tightly with his big hands on her head and back. Kathy snuggled into him as she said, "Hehehe, I will! I will get my wings when I'm an adult! But by then, you won't be able to recognize me since I'll look like my mom when I get older".

"Hmm...that may be true, but the only way I could recognize you is through your silly, childish behavior. Your body might change, but your heart will still be the same. Besides, you are already cute, Kathy. If you become your mother, then...I would be at a loss for words by how beautiful you had grown into," the red boy said gently while still hugging Kathy tightly in his arms.

Kathy kept on smiling brightly while giggling and hugging the boy very tightly. She can't help but feel the bubbling joy and warmth that she has in her heart. Whenever she's around this boy, she would feel like that she's the happiest little larva that she's ever been in her life. She enjoys having him around and make her feel loved and wanted. It's like she's this boy's entire world, and she is always happy to make him feel happy. She gently let go of him and looked into his eyes . She exclaimed, "Awwww, thank you for saying that, buddy! Say, can I ride on your back again? Let's go gliding through the air again!".

"Heheheh, you would like that, don't you?" the red boy chuckled a little. Kathy was like the one person in this boy's life who could make him laugh so freely.

Kathy's eyes twinkled, and her mouth went wide as she exclaimed happily, "Uh huh! Uh huh! I want to ride you again! Hehehehehe, it's so much fun!".

"Hahahahaha, okay, okay. You can ride on me again," the strange boy chuckled some more before he turned around and offered Kathy a ride on his back. Kathy quickly wrapped her arms around the boy's neck, and the boy grabbed Kathy's legs and wrapped them around his waist. Kathy held her legs onto the boy's waist as he walks a little to the tall cliff. After a few seconds, he soon jumped off the cliff and glided through another part of the forest. Kathy soon held onto his shoulders as she quickly sat on top of the boy. She had a broad smile on her face and began laughing again.

"This is so much fun! You're the best, Troublemaker!" Kathy exclaimed innocently.

"Heheheh, anytime, Angel. Anytime," said the red, strange boy gently with warmth in his tone. They soared together in the forest as long as they went in the dream.

-Meanwhile Outside of Kathy's Dream-

Kathy was smiling contently as she slept. She snuggled closer into her hammock on her left side. While having her arms wrapped around her, Kathy was comfortable as she was having the familiar, pleasant dream.

While sleeping, Kathy muttered softly and contently, "Mmmmmmmm...Troublemaker".

It was a pleasant night for the girls as they slept. They will be ready for to go to Lagos Island the next day.

Wooo! Another part done! And it's a quick one! Two chapters done in the same week! Well, that should make up for the two weeks of hiatus! Of coarse, things are going back to regular scheduling by getting a chapter done once a week. So, hey, at least there's that. Please R&R if you had enjoyed this!

Also, it's a little easy as to who the boys are from the dreams. Blaze's dream is a dead giveaway to who was talking to her. Just understand that it's non-canon. The dream isn't referencing something specific in the game (that game being Sonic 06). It's just what I thought how Blaze met that boy in the game since they haven't given us a clear reason on how that they became friends anyway. For the boy in Kathy's dream, well, just give me about five more months to give you the answer if you hadn't figure that out. (P.S. If you had read "I Want To Be Alone For Valentine's Day", then congrats! You already know the answer!). Anyways, see you next chapter!