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SONIC CHAOS 3: UNDERGROUND ARC - ALEENA
(A/N: Second Up Today.)
Growing Flame
The King watched out the window with a frown as his daughter tangled determinedly with her tutor, keeping up with him spectacularly. She had come a long way since her lessons had begun, he noted, but now her progress was not his main concern. It was the man teaching her that he found himself worried about.
"Something the matter Maurice dear?" Sonya questioned.
"She's really been spending quite a lot of time with him over the last year, hasn't she?" the King warily said.
"With who?" the queen asked, approaching to look. She peered out the window and smiled a bit. "Ah," she said. "Her young tutor. Little wonder. She is very young, and he very handsome."
"One woman's opinion," the King dryly replied. "When did they begin their lesson?"
"They've been at it some time, so likely since shortly after he left the throne room," the Queen replied. The King's jaw clenched ever so slightly. "She chose to have her lessons with him in the daylight, in plain sight of the castle, rather than at night," the Queen said.
"When did she last see Jules?" Maurice wondered.
"She spends time with him every day dear. Always right after her lessons and often with Charles and Bernie," the Queen said. "Don't worry. There's nothing going on between Aleena and her teacher. A girl can take in the sights without sampling the merchandise."
"Sonya!" the King exclaimed in appall.
"Darling, you've seen how they get along. Miserably," the Queen said, smirking. "But neither can deny the other's good looks. You can think a man handsome or a woman beautiful without having any desire to actually be with them. Even if something does spark, so what? He's just another suitor among many, no guarantee of anything."
"I do not approve of a vagabond soldier courting my daughter," her husband flatly said.
"Well it isn't a matter of what you approve now, is it?" Sonya said, frowning sternly at him. "Don't worry, my love. Jules is still strong in the running. Even if his attentions are turning to Bernadette as of late."
"What?" the King asked.
"They've gotten quite close," the Queen said.
"And Jules and Aleena?" the King demanded.
"Thick as thieves," the Queen answered. "At this rate the man is destined to become family whichever one of them he ends up choosing."
"He must choose Aleena," the King said, frowning at her.
The Queen frowned as well, puzzled. "Maurice, what's gotten into you? You know full well love doesn't work like that," she said. "You gave her a choice, so give her a choice."
"If she doesn't choose Jules, what's to stop her from picking her teacher?" the King asked.
"Every one of her other potential suitors?" Sonya dryly replied.
"She's barely looked at any of them since fixing her sights on Jules, and now she's barely looked at him since the wolf came into the picture!" the King said.
"You're exaggerating Maurice! She's spends just as much time with Jules as she does with Sleet, if not more. I've been sure of it," the Queen replied.
"Sonya, do something," the King begged. "Aleena can't run off with some vagrant son of a dead nation!"
"Maurice really," she chastised a bit testily. "She has no interest in Sleet! But fine. I'll speak to our daughter if it eases your mind."
"Thank you!" the king said. Shaking her head hopelessly, the queen left to go to her child. Aleena's lesson should be finishing soon anyway.
The King sighed, bowing his head. Sonya didn't need to know that Sleet may well have been one of the men who had taken their girl. He would sort that matter out for himself, one way or another. Until it was confirmed beyond doubt that Sleet had been behind it, though, he would spread the rumor no farther than this.
SU
The Queen approached Sleet and Aleena, who were just winding down their battle together. Aleena looked somewhat concerned, so doubtless she had noticed Sleet's distraction after the conversation in the throne room. It seemed she hadn't asked, though, and that was probably for the best given the nature of it.
"Aleena dear!" she called out. Aleena and Sleet stopped, looking towards her curiously. "A word please," her mother said. Aleena looked to her tutor questioningly. He nodded and tucked his sword away. They were as good as finished her lessons for the day anyway. Aleena turned back to her mother and approached the woman.
"What is it mother?" the princess asked.
"Oh, nothing important. I just wanted to know how things are coming along with Jules," the Queen said. She wasn't blind to the fact Sleet was suddenly paying much more attention to their conversation. Aleena shifted uncomfortably and bowed her head. Sonya frowned in concern. "Aleena?" she asked worriedly.
"Well, mother. They're coming along well," Aleena said, not meeting the woman's eyes.
"Hmm…" Sonya said. Aleena was quiet. "It seems they're coming along very well between he and Bernie as well," she soon added. Aleena looked quickly at her mother, eyes wide, then bowed her head again, hands folded in front of her. "Darling, I'd like you to take a trip to Knothole for me. There are some invitations I want you to deliver to Max and Alicia and some of your other Knothole friends. I thought that instead of sending them by post, you might like the opportunity to get away for a while and see them in person."
"Truly?" Aleena asked, looking hopefully up at her.
Sonya smiled. "Of course dearest. Be on your way now. I shall smooth things over with your father," she said.
Aleena grinned at the woman, but then looked concerned. "Mother, how have you been feeling?" she asked worriedly. Over the passed year it seemed the Queen had been getting weaker and weaker. She suffered frequent bouts of illness, and it was more than a little concerning to her family.
"I'm fine dearest. I promise," Sonya said, squeezing her daughter's hands gently. "Go on now. Don't worry about me." Aleena smiled carefully and nodded. Sonya turned, walking away, and Aleena looked ponderously back at Sleet, who was watching her warily. Carefully she approached him.
"No," Sleet bluntly said. "I have no intentions of following you off on a pilgrimage to Knothole. Particularly not starting late in the afternoon. By the time we even arrived there, it would be dark," he said.
"I won't ask you to come if you don't want to come, Sleet, but this will be my first time outside Mobotropolis or the woods next to it in almost a year. I have no intention of squandering the opportunity. The trip will be a welcome relief and afford me the opportunity to sort through some things I've been trying to work out," she said.
He glared at her, eyes narrowed. "Fine," he bitterly replied, standing up after packing away the last of the equipment they'd been using for their training session.
"Sleet, Aleena!" a little voice suddenly cried out. Both turned quickly.
"Dingo!" Sleet exclaimed as the boy darted towards them. Sleet 'oomphed' as the pup tackle-hugged him, bringing him down. Aleena winced, putting her fingernails to her teeth before drawing them away in a measure of concern. Sleet, growling, shoved Dingo roughly off. "Muffin brain!" he snapped, standing and brushing himself off in displeasure.
"Sleet, the Queen saw me playin' outside and told me to come say goodbye 'cause you and Aleena was leavin'. Where are you goin'?"
"We're on our way to Knothole, Dingo," Aleena answered with a smile.
"Why?" Dingo asked.
"To deliver some letters," Aleena said.
"And perhaps meet some of those eligible soldiers you sang about so long ago in the courtyard," Sleet added with a smirk.
"Didn't she already get promised to the Commandah?" Dingo asked. Aleena and Sleet both tensed up. Dingo frowned, puzzled. "Wh-what's wrong?" he asked.
Aleena bowed her head. "I wasn't promised to the Commander, Dingo. He just… expressed a desire to marry me. As did others."
"Oh… Don'cha wanna marry 'im? Don'cha love 'im?" Dingo asked.
Aleena said nothing. Sleet suddenly seemed to want to look anywhere but at her. Soon, though, she turned to her mentor. "I could grow to love him, couldn't I?" she asked.
Sleet grimaced and frowned at her coldly, eyes narrowed. "Love must always be allowed to grow. What does it matter whether it's before or after marriage? That wasn't the question though, your Grace. Do you want to marry him?" he replied.
She was quiet a moment, considering her answer. She looked towards Jules and Bernadette, talking and laughing together, and winced. Turning away, she hung her head. "No," she quietly confessed. "I don't want to marry Jules." She looked back towards the Commander, and a melancholy look passed over her face. "I don't believe either of us wants that anymore."
"Do you love him?" Sleet asked.
She looked up at the wolf frowning. "Yes," she answered without shame or hesitation. "Just... not in the way my cousin does." He frowned in confusion.
"But your dad said you was promised to Jules already," Dingo said.
Aleena started, eyes widening, and she looked quickly to Dingo. "What?" she said, not quite sure she'd heard that right.
"That's right! Your dad said you two was gonna be married soon," Dingo asked.
Sleet felt a scowl blossoming across his face and sharply turned to a stunned Aleena, eyes narrowed. "When did my father tell you this?" she asked, flustered.
"As I was headin' outside," Dingo replied.
"What?" she repeated in shock.
Sleet turned his head quickly to Dingo. "He's lying to you, Dingo, now go back inside. Behave yourself while we're gone. Listen to the Queen," he said.
"Okay Sleet. Bring me a present, wouldja? Please?" Dingo asked.
"We'll see," Sleet replied. He looked at Aleena. "If you intend to get to Knothole at a decent hour, we need to go," he said.
"Very well," Aleena said, still a little shaken but quickly regaining her composure. Nodding, Sleet turned and walked away. Aleena looked once more towards Jules and Bernie, who were laughing together, then winced and hurried after Sleet.
SU
Sleet and Aleena entered the forest outside of the city and strolled side by side through it, listening only to the sounds of the woods. It was peaceful here, so far removed from the bustle of city and palace life. Aleena glanced over at Sleet with a worried look on her face. He was watching the ground closely and seemed deeply troubled. "Sleet?" she asked in concern.
He stopped in his tracks, looking straight ahead. She frowned curiously. She jumped slightly when suddenly he whipped his head around to her. "Will you marry him?" he demanded.
"What?" she asked.
"Will you marry the Commander if your father has arranged it?" he questioned again.
Aleena stared at him with eyes wide, bowled over by the question. "N-no! He deserves someone better for him than I could ever be. Let him love my cousin."
"So what do you plan to do? Run away?" he bit.
"My father will not force anything on me. There will be no need to run," she insisted.
"Of course not," he said with a scoff.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she hissed, clenching her fists and narrowing her eyes into slits.
"Just when do you intend to tell your father you've fallen out of love with Jules, again?" Sleet challenged.
"He knows I do not love Jules," she replied.
"Then why has he promised you to him?" Sleet challenged. "Is it because the royal line must go on? Because your brother has given up their throne?" he snidely asked. She started, looking wounded then angry again. "I suppose you're expected to give up your happiness and spend the remainder of your days bearing heirs to a man you don't love?"
"I have no problem with bearing children, Sleet! In fact I should like some one day! It isn't my happiness I'm worried about. It's his!"
"Of course. Why think twice about your own happiness? What you want is secondary to what everyone else does, because you're such a kind, caring, benevolent queen," Sleet sarcastically replied.
"Don't push this, Sleet," she said through clenched teeth.
"You love him then," Sleet said somewhat angrily.
"Don't push this Sleet!" she repeated more angrily.
"It sounds to me, princess, like at this point you're just making excuses for why you must marry him. Are you so certain it isn't love for Jules you feel?" he bitterly challenged.
She started in surprise, eyes widening. "Yes! That's why I've told you again and again that I don't intend to marry him, and what do you go and do anyway? You twist my words and put others in my mouth! Listen for once in your life! I will not take Jules as my husband. I could never give him the life he desires."
"My, my Aleena. So much concern for your young Commander. And you're absolutely certain it isn't love?" he sardonically replied.
"There is a difference between pity, compassion, and love!" Aleena snapped.
"Oh really? Explain it," Sleet challenged.
"Why bother?! You've never felt any of the three!" she snapped. With that, she turned on her heel and stomped away from him back towards Mobotropolis, leaving him seething.
"That isn't the way to Knothole!" he snapped angrily, storming after her. "Though why I bother telling you as much is beyond me. You'll probably just argue that too!"
"You're insufferable!" she shouted, turning on him.
"At least I'm not deluded!" he replied.
"Hah! He imagines he isn't deluded," she said, throwing up her hands and walking passed him once more, making for Knothole again like she couldn't make up her mind whether to return home or press on.
"Bite me!" he snapped.
"Don't tempt me," she fired back. Snarling, he followed her bitterly. No further words were spoken to one another for the rest of the voyage…
SU
Aleena beamed down at Alicia's little son. "Alicia, he's the most beautiful child I've ever seen," she gushed, grinning widely as she played with the little boy. Elias giggled, beaming.
"Isn't he though? Oh Aleena, he's made me so happy," Alicia said, grinning at her friend with tears in her eyes. "I never imagined I could feel this way about anything."
"My dear, no one deserved it more than you," Aleena said, smiling at her friend. Alicia looked towards her husband. Her grin fell to a puzzled and mildly concerned look. Aleena frowned and turned curiously as well only to see Max and Sleet glaring daggers at one another. Nigel's distrust of the man was as plain as day, written all across his face.
"Is there a reason you brought that man?" Alicia carefully breached. Aleena knew it was only a polite way of asking why she'd brought him at all.
Bowing her head, Aleena looked away from Sleet guiltily and up at her friend. "I'm starting to wonder," she murmured quietly. Alicia gave her a concerned look. "I'm sorry, Alicia. I had little choice. If his behavior at all offends you, I apologize for him."
"It isn't that it offends me, Aleena, it's just… there's something about him I don't like," the Queen of Knothole replied.
"I promise you, he will do nothing against anyone in Knothole," Aleena replied.
"Very well. I trust you," Alicia replied, smiling at her. "So, why have you come dear? Surely not just for a casual visit."
Aleena smiled ruefully as she stood. She withdrew the invitations her mother had given her and handed them over. "Invitations for you, Max, and some of our mutual friends and acquaintances from Knothole. Our annual debutante ball is coming up, plus the man who kidnapped me has been found and imprisoned. Father and mother are throwing a duel celebration in the wake of that."
"Gods that was a horrible situation to hear about," Alicia said, smile falling. "Max couldn't sleep for a week. For that matter, neither could I. We were so afraid something terrible had happened to you."
"It would have, if not for him," Aleena replied, looking towards Sleet.
"Do you trust him so implicitly?" Alicia asked in concern. Aleena gave her a curious look. "What if he turns out to be a larger threat to you still?" she asked.
Aleena shifted a bit. She had little doubt that in a sense he had been… "I am safe with him," she said. She knew, though, that she was only lying through her teeth. Sleet was unpredictable. About the only thing he could be counted on for was following the money."
"If you say so, Aleena," Alicia replied, looking uneasily at the man again. Sighing, she turned back and smiled at her friend. "Will you two be staying long?" she asked.
"Only a night. Father might send out the army if I stay away much longer than that," she dryly replied.
Alicia smirked. "Very well. I will have rooms prepared for you and your mock knight," she said.
"Thank you, Alicia," Aleena replied with a smile. She turned her gaze to Sleet once more and her smile fell. Again she looked away somewhat guiltily.
SU
Sleet leaned on the railing of a balcony overlooking Knothole Village. It was a quiet, sleepy place, but beautiful. He heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned his head. On seeing who it was, he huffed and looked back out over the view. The Princess. Of course. "Have you settled into your room?" Aleena questioned, coming up next to him and leaning on the railing as well.
"Does it matter?" he answered. She winced a bit but didn't pry. Instead she looked out over the view with him.
For a long while there was silence between them. "I'm sorry," she finally said. "For how I behaved in the forest. I was shaken and stressed. There were many things I was trying to sort out in my head, I just… I was in no temper to deal with further complications."
He glanced at her warily then winced, looking away. "I was the one who was badly behaved. It should be me apologizing."
She watched him. "But you won't?" she asked, smirking a little. He gave her a look and she sighed, turning away from him. Slowly her smile fell. "The day we danced together in the courtyard, you told me to marry for myself and no one else… You were right. I had told myself the same thing time and time again, but all the pressure day in and day out… It began to wear me down. I never intended for it to, in truth I hadn't even noticed how far I had slipped before we spoke, but now I do." She turned to him. "So when I tell you I will not marry Jules, I mean it."
Sleet turned to her thoughtfully, considering his next line of questioning. "The question you need to ask is will you have a choice if your father has arranged it?" he finally asked.
"He will not force me into an empty marriage," she replied, looking away.
"And if you're wrong?" Sleet asked. Aleena was quiet. Sleet turned away from her. "You know, he couldn't force you to marry Jules if you married someone else," he said, smirking.
She laughed softly and grinned. "That would require me falling in love with and marrying someone before father could interfere."
"Then we should get on that," Sleet said, smiling. "Surely there are better men out there than can be found in simple Knothole and miserable Mobotropolis."
"Oh? And just what is your plan?" she asked, turning to him. "Travel all Mobius asking questions and interviewing potential suitors along the way until I've found 'the one'?" she teased back, making quotes with her fingers.
"Why ruin a trip like that with matchmaking?" he asked, leaning on the railing with an elbow and resting his chin on the back of his hand. "Say the word and I'll bring you wherever you wish to go. Just name it. The Mobian Sea, the Emerald Sea, Sunset City, Empire City, Knothole Village, the Green Hill Zone, Annes, Soleanna… Even the fabled Emerald Peninsula. Should it takes years to find it, I'll bring you there still," he declared.
"My darling, say the word and I'll travel the world by your side," she teased in response, grinning at him and folding her arms on the railing while leaning towards him.
A glint sparked in his eye, a twinkle of excitement and adventure. "Come with me," he replied, standing up straight and offering his hand to her.
She caught her breath, eyes widening a bit. That was… unexpected. His expression held no hint of joking, nor did his tone, and to say she was shocked was to understate it. "You… you're serious?" she finally said. He waited for her answer expectantly. Why did she feel suddenly warm? Why was her heart suddenly racing? Why was it suddenly hard for her to breathe?
"Last chance, princess," he said. He didn't believe he liked the way it made him feel when the thought she might refuse crossed his mind. He didn't trust how desperately he hoped she would say yes and place her palm in his…
"I…" she began before stopping. "Take me with you," she finally said, straightening up. Sleet hated, absolutely loathed, how his heart seemed to leap at those words. "Take me with you," she repeated again, reaching out and laying her hand in his palm…
The moment they made contact, it was as if some otherworldly force took hold of them, binding them to one another. They couldn't have let go if they tried. Immediately the duo raced back inside and darted out of the door, forgetting where they were. Forgetting everything but one another. They ran as if the world was going to end any moment.
King Nigel, walking down the hallway, started when the two zoomed passed him. He blinked in shock and spun around with a gasp. "Aleena!" he shouted after her, reaching after the duo fearing the worst. Reluctantly the two came to a stop, looking back.
"Max, if my parents ask about me, tell them I'm going to be away for a while. I'm off to see the world!" she called to her friend.
"But…" Nigel began. Too late. They were already out the door, and all the King of Knothole could do was gape after them in shock.
SU
The two raced through the streets of Knothole as fast as they could. Barely anyone even had time to process who they were. Aleena felt like she was in a dream. Sleet drew her along like nothing else in this world mattered. "Sleet, we can't possibly run all across Mobius," she said.
"No, we can't," he agreed. "We'll ride instead." He came to a stop in front of a rental place and she looked towards what he was staring at. Her eyes widened.
"A hover scooter?!" she exclaimed. "You're not serious!"
"It may seem ridiculous, but it gets the job done. At least until something better comes along," he said, smirking at her then running to it. He had it unlocked and next to her in seconds. "Hop on," he said.
"Steal?!" she exclaimed in horror. He rolled his eyes hopelessly. She frowned and harrumphed, then took a jewel from a pocket and laid it where the hover scooter had been. She smiled, satisfied, and got on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Ne'er do wrong," he bit, unimpressed.
"Drive," she simply ordered, ignoring the remark. He smirked then tore off quicker than was necessarily safe. She laughed in excitement, beaming.
"What, no scream?" he questioned.
She grinned at him. "I think we should stop by Angel Island," she stated mysteriously.
"Where?" he asked, confused.
"A floating island, home of the echidnas," she explained as if it were obvious. "It may be hard to find, though," she warned.
"Even if it takes years, your grace," he answered with a smirk, flying down low to a river running through the forest. He skimmed the surface, sending spray flying out behind them. She laughed in glee, reaching out her hand and drawing it through that spray. He took to the air again and she beamed, wrapping her arms beneath his and bringing her hands up to rest on his shoulders while leaning her head against his back contentedly. He glanced back at her with an oddly soft expression. He caught himself quickly and snapped out of it, turning away again. Hmm… He was starting to regret this idea.
"Take me to Angel Island. From there our journey begins. The Green Hill Zone, Future and Sunset City, Soleanna, Annes, the Mobian Desert, Mobopicchu, Speedster Island. We'll travel to Port Mobius and cruise across the Mobian and Emerald Seas. Perhaps we shall even pass the Emerald Peninsula without knowing it, or be the first to see it in centuries. Anywhere we have ever wanted to go, we'll go. No hesitation, no regrets," Aleena excitedly said.
"None at all," he confirmed, smiling back at her. "Now tell me more about this Angel Island." Aleena nodded and narrated the history of its people as best she knew it. She told him of the Chaos Emeralds and all their power. She told him of the most important of all, the Master Emerald, which if taken would plunge the land into the sea. She told of how it was destined to be protected for all eternity by the guardians. He listened in fascination and greed, which she nagged and teased him for. He took it good naturedly enough. He wouldn't deny he loved riches or that the prospect of giant jewels and emeralds appealed to him.
SU
Passing through a town, Sleet obtained a ship and they transferred over, packing up the hover-scooter as well just in case. It took a mere day for them to reach the Green Hill Zone. It took only hours to find the Floating Island. It practically appeared in front of them. As they neared the location, Aleena closed her eyes and focused. Sleet gave her a curious look. Suddenly the image of an old Echidna materialized in front of them! The wolf gasped, looking quickly at it.
"Princess Aleena, you have come to visit at last. It's been some time," the elderly echidna said in greeting.
"Hello Athair," she replied kindly, smiling at the old man. "Am I welcome?"
"Always your highness," the Echidna, Athair, replied. With that the image faded.
There was a beat of silence. "What was that?" Sleet finally asked.
"It's called an astral projection. It's a power I have. It takes effort and focus, but I can project my image to different places and receive them in turn," she replied. He looked at her in shock. "Eyes on the skies," she warned. He obeyed, looking ahead once more and focusing on their approach and descent.
The echidnas were wary of the wolf, Aleena knew. They saw the greed in his eyes, and it made them cautious. Sleet knew they disapproved as well. He sensed it. Aleena, though, stayed calm and at ease, keeping Sleet close to her. Because of this, they were more willing to relax their guard around him. They trusted she wouldn't allow him to do anything that would harm their island and its treasures. Sure enough, whenever he started paying a little too much attention to something he shouldn't be, she corrected him with a sharp nudge and a stern look. Though annoyed, he accepted the corrections. It was probably for the best anyway, he decided. From what she had told him, the echidnas didn't fool around when it came to their precious island. She had friends here, he saw. She introduced them to him. Locke and Lara-Le were their names, young and not long married. Locke was the current guardian of the emerald, and it seemed he, Jules, and Amadeus Prower had a somewhat close relationship based on mutual respect. Lara-Le in turn was close friends with Amadeus' wife Rosemary, as well as Bernadette. Nothing of much interest happened during their time there, but he did take careful note of its location for… let's say 'personal' reasons. They spent a night and come morning left, Aleena kindly and Sleet in annoyance, fast starting to hate echidnas. They were a little too protective for his liking, he determined. Needless to say, he was all too eager to leave.
In each location they visited, they spent at least a day. Not a moment of that time was wasted and they had no regrets. Why would they? They were with one another, bantering and touring and ribbing nonstop in an endless battle of wits. For a while they were able to forgot everything else going on around them...
SU
Port Mobius bustled with activity. They flew through the streets on the scooter, the people bowing and cheering upon recognizing Aleena. Sleet was on edge. Did everyone and their dog know her? What if word got out that she had run away? What if her parents thought she had been kidnapped and sounded the alarm?
"Sleet, as far as any of them know, you're my bodyguard," she said, sensing his unease.
"Oh really? And what if you're wrong?" he challenged.
She mysteriously smirked and leaned against him. "I'm here. Don't worry. My word is more powerful than you know. I'll protect you. As long as I live and breathe, nothing will happen to you," she whispered close to his ear, her lips brushing it. Immediately he froze up, shocked. She gasped in fear and reached quickly passed him, turning the scooter suddenly before it crashed. Hmm, maybe playing those sorts of games when he was driving was a bad idea. He winced and sheepishly grinned back at her. She smirked in amusement, shaking her head.
The pair reached the docks. Aleena leapt from the scooter and rushed towards one of the Captains that looked like a sponge. Sleet was mildly disturbed. A sponge on land? That was just unnatural. "Captain Squeege!" Aleena exclaimed. Sleet parked the scooter and followed her.
The Captain woke up and looked at her in disbelief. "Why if it isn't Little Aleena! I hears you're lookin' to marry now darlin'!" he replied, seizing her in a bear hug. "Last I saws ye, you were just a little lass."
"I've missed you, you old sea dog," she replied.
He suddenly took note of the man behind her. "Why Aleena, did ye get yerself a husband already?" he asked, surprised. Both the hedgehog and wolf froze at this.
"N-no, he's not my husband!" Aleena quickly replied, flushing brightly.
"I'm, uh, her bodyguard," Sleet quickly added. Aleena grinned nervously along with the wolf.
"Well glad to clear that up. Now what can I do ye for?" Squeege asked.
"We wish to cruise the Mobian and Emerald Seas," she declared.
"Passed Speedster Island, around the location where the Emerald Peninsula is rumored to be, then back to Knothole Village," Sleet said with an extremely rare and fond smile on his lips. A genuine one.
"Well welcome aboard, matties," the captain said, waving his hand towards a ship.
Aleena read the name and grinned. "Squeege, you didn't!" she exclaimed.
"What's wrong with the name? The Queen Aleena is the best ship around these parts," Squeege boasted.
"Named after me?" Aleena asked. "I'm not even Queen yet, Captain."
"'Course it's named after ye, my dear. Ye might not be Queen yet, but goodness knows ye will be soon enough," the man replied, leading them aboard. Aleena shifted a bit, unsettled by that choice of words. Sleet squeezed her shoulder gently. She gave him a grateful look then turned back to the Captain.
"Captain, I hardly deserve such an honor," she modestly said, smiling as she followed him on board. Squeege just chuckled.
"You can get sickening with your humility you know," Sleet bit.
She frowned at him. "And you can get agitating with your greed and criminal tendencies," she bit. He let her have the round, shrugging it off. He couldn't be bothered defending himself.
SU
For four days they were at sea. They passed Speedster Island, as well as other notable locations along the coast, and at last came to the location where the Emerald Peninsula was rumored to be hidden. It was night and the moon was full. The stars were out and mist floated all around them as they stood in the bow looking out over the water, trying to catch a glimpse of the fabled location. The two had spent the time swapping stories of the rumors surrounding the place. He had told her that it was said to be filled with treasures of all sorts, mystical and otherwise. She had said the land was full of mysterious monsters and creatures just waiting to spring out at you. Now, though, they were silent, watching and waiting. The cloak she had fashioned from the cape she had taken from him so long ago, billowed behind her. His own cape blew in the breeze with it.
Aleena was the first to spot the landmass. Frowning curiously, she straightened up and squinted through the fog. "Sleet, is that…?" she began before trailing off. He followed her gaze curiously and slowly straightened up, lips parting in awe. "Could that actually be it?" Aleena asked, excitement welling in her.
"It must be! Nothing is charted out here," Sleet replied.
They came to a break in the fog and caught their breath in awe when they saw the beautiful glow of an emerald shore. You could practically see the majestic, giant gems poking out through the fog bank like so many apparitions. "My gods… It's beautiful," Aleena whispered in disbelief.
"We've found it," Sleet replied in shock. "Do you think this could be the source of the Master Emerald and the Chaos Emeralds?"
"I don't know," Aleena answered, shaking her head.
Sleet looked towards Captain Squeege. He, it seemed, saw nothing, which was strange given it was as clear as day to them. They watched it quietly as they floated by, awestruck. Uncertainly Aleena looked up at her companion, who watched the shore in such wonder. To her surprise, greed was not what was in his eyes this time. Only awe. As she observed him, she felt a hollowness building in her heart.
"Sleet?" she asked.
"Hmm?" he replied, still eying the peninsula as they moved steadily passed it.
"How long do you think it will take?" she asked. The question snapped him out of his reverie, and he looked at her curiously. "To see it all, that is," she added.
He read the expression in her solemn eyes. She wanted to be hopeful, but hope was drowned out by reality. She knew the answer wouldn't be one she liked. He hesitated a moment then met her eyes once more. "Months. Maybe years. To come even this far took weeks," he answered.
"I feared as much," she ruefully said, turning back to the glittering peninsula. For a moment she watched it in silence. "We haven't much more time then, do we?" she soon asked.
He was quiet. Soon, though, he turned away from her. "We have as much time as you want there to be," he answered.
"I wish for all eternity," she replied.
He turned quickly to her again, taken aback by the response. For a long moment he watched. "Say the word and I'll give it to you," he at last answered, a solemn tone in his voice.
Slowly she lifted her head as she processed his words, eyes wide. Quickly she turned to look at him. "Sleet?" she asked in shock, unable to think of anything else to say.
Their eyes locked beneath the stars and moon, and suddenly a plethora of thoughts and feelings crashed down around them both. Sleet didn't give himself time to think it through. He didn't give himself time to have second thoughts or doubts. He couldn't turn away from her. He couldn't focus on anything else! He wanted to take away her sadness and pain, he wanted to give her everything she had ever desired. He hated even being apart from her, and he didn't know why! So instead of trying to talk himself out of it or give logic time to take hold, he acted on instinct instead, pulled her close, and kissed her without warning.
For only a moment she was surprised before melting into it and throwing her arms around his neck, returning the kiss in full. Neither bothered to think on how they had gotten to this point. One second they were apart, the next they were entwined in each others' arms. His tail wrapped itself around her. His lips were warm and passionate against hers, conveying without a word every sentiment and emotion he felt. She reciprocated in kind, everything she had buried away pouring out. She didn't want him to let her go. She didn't want to pull away.
When finally they broke off the kiss to breathe, she felt herself trembling in his arms. He nuzzled her nose gently and she let out a soft breath. When he drew back, she raised her eyes to look at his face. He was flustered and unsure, and what he was thinking in that moment she couldn't have begun to guess. She wished to the gods she could read him. She wished to the gods she knew his thoughts, whether he regretted this or not.
"Sleet?" she said in a breathless whisper.
"I… You should go to bed," he said, quickly letting her go and turning away, leaving her feeling cold and empty. Her heart sank into her stomach and tears pricked at her eyes. Sniffing, she bowed her head low and frustratedly wiped at her tears. Damn him.
"Goodnight," she said quickly, turning and walking away. She needed to leave as quickly as possible before she broke down.
He tensed up at the hurt he heard in her voice, arms tightening around himself. "Goodnight princess," he quietly answered. She vanished into the cabin without looking back. He clenched his teeth and held his head in his hands, starting to pace in agitation. What the hell had he just done?
"Ye don't have much experience with the ladies, do ya lad? 'You should go to bed' indeed" the Captain called from above. Sleet paled, looking mortified, and seriously considered throwing himself off the ship to avoid further embarrassment. He groaned, burying his face. Why him?
SU
The ship pulled into Knothole Port early the next morning. Aleena was awakened by a pounding at her door. "Aleena lass, we've arrived at Knothole Village!" she heard Squeege call. She groaned, burying her face in her pillow. All at once, though, the memory of the other night came back and she bolted up with a gasp. "Aleena?" the Captain called again, worry in his tone.
"I'm coming!" she replied, scrambling to get up and ready.
"Yer," he chortled, "'bodyguard' is waiting," Squeege said.
Aleena froze, paling. Oh gods no. He had seen! She felt her skin heating up, groaned miserably, and defeatedly got dressed.
Soon she walked out of the cabin and looked towards the pier. The ship was docking. She moved to the bow to watch only to see Sleet already there. She froze. Maybe if she acted normal, he wouldn't feel awkward? She came to stand beside him and saw him tense up. She hoped he wouldn't bring it up. He probably hoped she wouldn't either. They said nothing to each other, just watched. Finally, the ship bumped into place.
"It's time for ye to disembark my dear. It's been a pleasure having ye along," Squeege said, as he came up to them. Sleet scoffed and walked away without a word.
Aleena watched woefully after him, bowed her head, then turned back to Squeege and forced a smile. "It's been a pleasure for me as well. Thank you, Squeege," she said.
"If I may, Aleena, don't you be fearin' the worst of the lad. Clear as day to an old seadog that his experience with women is near nonexistent," Squeege said. Aleena smiled a little and pecked the old man on the cheek, then walked away with a wave to join Sleet. The wolf waited at the base of the gangplank on his hover scooter. She disembarked from the ship and climbed on behind him a bit awkwardly. Sleet nodded at her and the two silently made their way back towards Knothole.
SU
For the majority of the trip, they were silent. It was Aleena who at last broke that silence. "What did you think of Knothole?" she asked, hoping to shake the awkwardness. "It's one of my favorite places."
"It's pleasant enough," he answered.
"It's beautiful," she said. "The palace is gorgeous too."
"A palace is a palace," Sleet replied dismissively.
"To you I suppose," she answered. "But then you're not royalty."
"Thank the gods," Sleet replied. She smiled a little, but the smile soon fell. Should she address last night, she wondered? No. Perhaps that wouldn't be wise. "I'm sure you and Jules will be very happy," he soon added, voice quiet.
She winced and bowed her head. "I don't want to argue with you, Sleet," she said.
"That's a first," he bit. She frowned at him in annoyance and bowed her head again. There was silence once more.
"That kiss…" she finally said. He bit his tongue and kept quiet. Carefully she picked her next words. "Do you regret it?" she asked. Silence. She waited some time before accepting he wouldn't answer. "What am I to you?" she heard herself ask. She didn't know where the question had come from, just that she'd never wanted an answer to anything more than she wanted an answer to that.
For a long moment, there was silence. "You are to me exactly what I am to you," he at last replied.
"And what are you to me?" she asked.
"You would know that better than I do," he said.
"If I'm to you what you are to me, then you know just as well as I do what we are to one another," she said, matching him.
He was quiet. "To you I'll be whatever I'm told to be," he finally said.
"Don't play that game with me," she said.
"Perhaps we should skip Knothole and just return to Mobotropolis," he said, changing the subject. She let out a shaking breath, closing her eyes tight, but didn't argue.
"Thank you," she soon said. "For all of this. For bringing me with you. For even offering to. Words could never express how much… Just thank you." He didn't answer. She looked away. "My parents will be furious," she said. "They trusted me with a measure of freedom, and I ran away… I half expect I shall never see the light of day again."
"I'm going to be the one who suffers for this, not you," he answered. She looked curiously and somewhat concernedly at him. "I told them I would be your guard and your tether. Instead I cut that tether and set you free. Your father won't lock up his daughter again, but he'll lock up her guardian. He despises me as is."
"My father will do nothing to you," Aleena said, frowning sternly. He smirked bitterly, clearly not believing her. She was quiet, considering their situation. "You didn't cut the tether," she finally said. "You were still there. You broke no vow to them," she soon said.
"So sure your father will feel the same way?" he asked.
"No, but mother will, and mother holds sway over him," Aleena answered. "If she has her way, he'll never even suspect we were gone longer than we were supposed to be."
"That's something at least," Sleet replied. Aleena nodded, inwardly hoping it was true.
Presently, Mobotropolis appeared on the horizon. They flew through the sleepy city quietly, watching out for any guards. Just in case. Soon they reached the palace and climbed off the hover scooter. The two stared up at the doors a moment before Aleena turned to her tutor. "I would meet with you tonight," she said.
"You promised your father no more evening practices," he answered.
"Not for practice. I just… I need to speak with you. The only way I can be sure no one will listen in is if we meet tonight far from the castle itself. Find me in the garden by the pond," she said.
He looked puzzled, tilting his head. "Very well," he tentatively agreed. She nodded a little nervously, rubbing an arm, and left without a word more. He tilted his head in confusion and shifted uncomfortably when she was out of his sight, suddenly feeling much emptier. Sighing, he went to report his return to Jules.
SU
"Sleet, where'd ya go with Aleena?" Dingo asked, hopping up and down on Sleet's bed as Sleet monitored him in mild annoyance.
"None of your business, snoopy little whelp," Sleet replied.
"I'm not a whelp! I'm gettin' real big," Dingo protested.
"Yet you still need someone to babysit you while you bathe," Sleet deadpanned, checking the tub.
"Nuh uh! Just to sit outside," Dingo said.
"Yes. With the door open," Sleet replied, unimpressed.
"I don't wanna drown!" the pup insisted.
"You won't drown in a little tub, Dingo," Sleet said, frowning at him.
"Humph. Ya still didn't tell me where ya went," Dingo said.
"It's still none of your business, but nice try," Sleet answered.
"Didja go off ta marry her?" Dingo asked.
"Excuse me?" Sleet icily asked.
Dingo stopped bouncing and sat on the bed, looking at him. "I dunno. Ya just seem ta really like her mate. Don'cha marry people ya really like?"
"No. Do you really like me?" Sleet deadpanned.
"Well, yeah, but not like that kinda like!" Dingo exclaimed.
"Since when have you been able to tell the difference?" Sleet replied, shaking his head hopelessly.
"Since yesterday! Queen Sonya told me the difference," Dingo proudly said.
Sleet rolled his eyes and face-palmed, then frowned at Dingo. "Get in the bath muffin brain," he ordered, pointing at it. "Hurry up. I have an engagement to get to," he said.
"With Aleena?" Dingo asked.
"I'd be impressed by your wit if I didn't already know it was your idiocy talking," Sleet said. "Bath. Now."
Pouting, Dingo obeyed. Sleet shook his head and went to the window in his room, peering out of it down at the guards and soldiers in training. His day had been spent helping in that endeavor. The conscripted warriors were beginning to drift in. Most had never even picked up a kitchen knife let alone a sword. It had gone about as well as expected. The King would want to put the inexperienced on the front lines as canon fodder. Let them inflict as much damage as they could and allow the more experienced ones to clean it up. Jules, on the other hand, planned to put the inexperienced in the middle so as to spare as many lives as could be spared. He would be lauded a hero if he pulled it off under the King's nose, and for once Sleet might just agree with such a sentiment.
"I'm in the tub Sleet!" Dingo called.
"I'm right here," he replied in annoyance. "You don't need to see me for me to be close, dingbat." He was weaning the pup out of that habit. It was slow coming, but progress was progress. Which was more than could be said for many of the beginner warriors out there destined for the slaughter. His eyes drifted over the courtyard and stopped when they found Aleena solemnly observing the conscripts at practice. His eyes locked on her and would not depart until she turned away and made her way back inside the castle, arms wrapped tightly around herself.
"Sleet?" a curious voice asked. Sleet blinked a few times in surprise and turned. Dingo was there, wrapped in a towel and watching him curiously.
"Finished? Good. Drain the tub if you haven't already and get ready for bed. I have places to be," Sleet said, walking quickly out. Dingo watched after him, puzzled, but did as he was told regardless.
SU
As Sleet rounded a corner, he gasped, pulling up straight and barely managing to avoid slamming into the Queen. "Queen Sonya!" he exclaimed.
"Hello Sir Sleet," Sonya said, smiling. "Are you ready for the ball tonight?"
"The what?" Sleet asked.
"The ball? The one you and Aleena delivered the invitations to Knothole for?" Sonya said, smiling.
"That's tonight?" Sleet said meekly.
"Of course Sleet!" the Queen said.
"Does Aleena know?" he asked.
"Of course she does. I reminded her only an hour or two ago and she expressed a concern that you may have forgotten as well, so here I am to remind you," Sonya said, clasping her hands together. "My husband says there may even be a surprise announcement tonight, depending on how things go."
Sleet started and scowled. "You can tell him to take his surprise announcement and shove it up his!" he bit.
Sonya started, taken aback, and stared at Sleet in disbelief. Sleet winced and sighed in frustration. "He seems to be under the impression a marriage between Jules and Aleena is inevitable. So much under that impression, in fact, that he told Dingo the two were already promised to one another."
"What?" Sonya darkly said, clearly out of the loop in regards to that. "What is that man's game?" she wondered half to herself and half to him, clearly a bit put out.
"You tell me," Sleet replied.
Sonya blinked and looked up at him for a moment. "He hasn't been thrilled with the amount of time you and my daughter spend together," she finally determined to say.
"Well he can shove his concern too!" Sleet snapped. "Our business is our own." Angrily he stormed passed the Queen. Sonya watched after him in a measure of worry and frowned, holding her chin between two fingers as she tried to puzzle out her husband's motives for tonight. Maurice was unpredictable at times, and she didn't trust this. Not any of it. She needed to be prepared for the worst. Turning, she went on her way.
SU
The King left the dungeon, shaken and flustered. The things Drago had told him about the gray wolf, the things he implied, sickened him to his stomach.
Aleena had no idea what she was getting into.
Maurice winced, closing his eyes tightly and pausing to try and wrap his head around all the new information.
Murderer, hunter, greedy, deceiver, manipulator, merciless, cruel, vengeful.
The King sucked in a breath and wished to the gods he had never gone down into that dungeon again.
"Your daughter is little more than his chew toy. When he's finished with her, and she's given him everything he wants, he'll spit her out and bury her like a bone."
"She writhes in his arms right now."
"She's only a stepping stone on his way to the throne."
He shook his head vehemently, trying to forget the words. He wanted so desperately to take them with a grain of salt, except... except he knew about men like Sleet. He knew their natures, their desires, their drives, and so he understood all too well how likely Drago's treacherous whispers were to be true.
Aleena couldn't see. Couldn't or didn't want to.
He had to stop this. Aleena had to marry Jules. He had to get her away from the wolf! Let Bernadette love someone else. Charles maybe! Just as long as it wasn't the Commander. Jules must become Aleena's. He must. Setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes, the King marched onwards. He would do whatever it took to protect his daughter...