Lone Princess of a vivacious kingdom.

The empire of Sol, ruled by me, can only be found in a completely different dimension alone... Or so I've been told. For years, my troops and I have defended the empire from the Doctor, who's attempted to rule over the kingdom, and the world after. But recent months have been peaceful... Almost too peaceful.

The people have been very grateful and very much at ease with this. Except for me, if I am honest. When I'm not looking out at the world, paperwork, organizing, writing letters, checking on the welfare of the people of my country, and a multitude of other things fill my days. Fortunately, the nights are for me alone. For me to stand on the same tower, every night. One that overlooks all of Sol, with a beautiful view of the sunset and the distant hills and mountains. During the quiet night, I've looked up at the sky sometimes, taking in the stars, and tried not to think about how, empty, everything can seem. And yet, I'd think about it anyway.

I didn't even know if anyone could even hear my thoughts, or if anyone would care if they did. I would never consider my responsibilities a burden, since they are fulfilling my purpose in this part of the world. At least, that is what I wanted to believe. But when the sun sets, and it's just me in the tower, and no one else around... I wished I could do something other than wait. Wait for the next day, when the cycle repeats once more. I should be happy, I thought. Satisfied. But the last time I've felt happy then has been... well. Before good people had to depart back to their home from mine. People I could call, "friends." Under unpreferred circumstances, the time I shared with these was some of my best memories. So I suppose I wouldn't want them to leave. But, it was for the best. And I couldn't believe that I hoped I'd see them again someday. See him again... But I did. Maybe I was being melodramatic, but I couldn't help it. I grew fond of their unique company since then.

The fox was such a bright and talented mind, but had an even greater heart. Just like his older brother, that hedgehog. Quite stubborn as I recalled, always finding a way to humor everyone. He smiled so brightly, even if his happiness didn't seem possible. Even if he didn't seem able to show it. It was nice to be around him and feel a warmth I'd never experienced before. But I shouldn't have let things go to my head. These were my friends, but I couldn't allow myself to become attached as much. I should have known better than to get close to someone, especially when my duty was bound to the empire as their ruler and the Sol Emeralds as their last guardian. But... maybe getting close to someone is not as bad. If this pain is the result of memories I cherish, then I'd carry this pain. Until we'd meet... again.

It was getting late, and I was rather tired from today's schedule, so I decided to head to my quarters and rest for that night. From the balcony, I turned and headed back to my room. The view is quite unique. But so high up, that I am mostly granted nothing but silence. I lay on the sheets of my bed, staring out at the sky from the balcony beside me. I grabbed the communicator I was given a long time ago, to see if it would finally do something. And again, like every other night, there was nothing but an empty screen with the same words in bold, "NO NEW DATA." Although I was not surprised, it slightly saddens me every time. And with that blue moon sitting on my balcony, I slowly drifted to sleep towards a new day.

Sleep that was disturbed by a loud passing noise outside, followed by strong warm winds coming into my curtains. The sun had already risen a bit above the horizon when I woke, and I stood up, walking towards the balcony in utter confusion. I looked into the skies, gasping at what I saw. The clouds had been split across, and burning ash was falling. I began arranging my outfit and my gloves, as knocks on my door urged me to answer.

"Lady Blaze! Lady Blaze!", said Gardon, my right-hand man.

"I saw, Gardon," I replied. As soon as I opened the doors, Gardon started,

"I-I do not even know how to explain this to you. Quite the strangest thing I've seen!"

"Please. Be calm. I've had my share of strange encounters. What happened?"

"A streak of light ascended from the skies a-and came crashing right behind the castle! Nearly missed us by a hair's breadth!"

I walked over to the balcony to look over the kingdom to see if the people were safe. The moment I turned to the door, a strange noise emanated from my bed. Both of us turned to the sound. I held my breath the moment I figured out what it was. I slowly approached my night table to reach it... It was no dream, no sorcery, nor hallucinations. For Sol knows how long, the device was beeping with life, right in my very hand. I flipped it, with a screen filled with words, "COMM #3 ONLINE (458.2 METERS)", and a small image right beside those words. It was a blue hedgehog, with a familiar grin on his face. I just... stood there in shock, and with a confused Gardon by my side,

"What is it Lady Blaze? Are you alright?"

"S-Sonic...!" I almost refused to believe it.

"...Who?" I ran past Gardon, and back to the balcony. "W-where are you going?!"

"I'm going to see what happened."

"By yourself?! Are you mad?! Please, let the troops handle this. We don't even know what is out there!"

"Underestimating your princess?"

"I... umm... ahem... no?"

"I only tease Gardon. Do not worry You know I can take care of myself well. Dame Maia has probably already sent in the troops. But understand, I need to do this. Please, make sure for me that the people are safe."

"V-very well. Please be safe!"

"You know I always am."

And with that, I jumped from my balcony and onto the roofs of the palace, running towards the smoke deep in the forest behind the gates. From rooftop to rooftop, I jumped while slowly descending back to the ground, and making my way past the walls and into the forest. I had to limit my running without my abilities, or I would just create even more fires along my path. From the looks of it, the troops had not started their departure towards the woods yet; I was on my own.