"Hold still," Tails said, while attending to my wounds.
"What, are you-ngh!"
"Sorry-"
"What, is that?!"
"I know, it sucks. But it'll help you sterilize your wound."
"…I see."
"...You guys have to tell us what happened," Amy asked while looking after Sonic.
"…The Sol Emeralds… Nega ambushed us, and took them away from me."
"The what now?" Knuckles turned.
"Gems, of unlimited power… For decades, my lineage has guarded them."
"...Sounds awfully familiar."
"Now, I am all that is left… But, seeing how things have turned out… they would be safer, in the hands of any commoner…"
"...That's not true."
"...?"
"From guardian to guardian, I've made my share of mistakes in the past, too. Believe me… But remember this. Whoever passed down the gems to you knew not only that you could protect them. They knew you were the only one who could make amends, if worse came to pass."
"..."
A hand rested on my shoulder, turning my attention.
"...Blaze… what, happened? After I left?" Sonic asked…
"...We managed to board Nega's vessel thanks to Silver, in hopes of stopping him… But, all we found… was, his body…"
"W-Wha…"
Everyone remained speechless, even myself. The image in my mind, churned my insides…
"She's right…" Maia said. "It was, some sort of, laboratory…"
"...A ghost, in the machine…" Chiron said.
"M-Miles…" Sonic asked, "is that, even possible?"
Tails seemed to have no words to answer with.
"...I… I don't know…"
"How do we stop him?" Amy asked.
"Those chaos reserves on the Tornado," Sonic pointed out. "Can we use them?"
"I'm sorry," Tails said. "But I only have enough to make the trip back."
"Can you use the Sol Emeralds instead?"
"Ugh… I should've thought of that… I'm sorry but, they are two completely different concepts… And, we can't risk our only ticket back home…"
"Hmm…"
"Blaze," Knuckles called to me, "Do the gems have a master gem?"
"They don't. In this realm… I am designated as their master."
"…"
We stood in a moment of silence. Desperately trying, to think of a way to stop this nightmare. Until a loud boom erupted from afar. Then slowly, a dark cloud rose to the sky. Coming straight, from the kingdom…
We stared, as the fading ringing of the bells began to sound…
"…It's them…" Chiron spoke.
"Then… it is all up to me…"
"…?"
"…What are you-" Tails inquired, perplexed..
I used the tree behind me, to support myself. I stood up, and staggered towards the field.
Blaze?" Sonic called.
Yet, I continued on my way.
"Princess?" Maia did the same.
"Blaze!"
Standing in the middle of the clearing, I threw my hand toward the sky…
"…Ngh…!"
…and waited…
"…"
All the while, Sonic stood behind me.
"…Blaze…"
"...p-please…"
"..."
…But, nothing…
"..."
…Just, silence…
"…I-I…I can't-"
"H-Hey!"
He caught me, and sat me on the grass.
"Stop it! You're hurt-"
"B-But…"
"…"
"…Sonic… I can't… call them back… They're just, too far..."
"…"
"…"
"Ames!" Sonic yelled, as she came to us from the edge of the clearing, along with the rest.
"What is it?"
"Take care of Blaze-"
"Sonic, no-" I objected.
"I fought him myself… You saw."
"…"
"…I can't just leave Silver and Shadow on their own. And I… I can't, let you get hurt again… I have to go-"
"I-I won't allow you, I can't!"
"…"
"…"
"You know I have to do this… Besides, I have an idea… But I'll need your help."
"…"
"…Trust me."
"…"
"Maia. Chiron. You guys really should go back to the kingdom. Help as many people as you can… Knuckles, can you back them up? We need all the help we can get."
"You got it," Knuckles said, standing beside Chiron, who seemed unsure.
Maia replied to Sonic, "I'm sorry, but you know we can't leave the princess behind. We swore-"
"Don't worry, Amy will take good care of her."
"…"
Amy walked beside her, "She's safe with me, promise."
"…"
Maia looked at her, with a hesitant nod in return.
"Thanks, Amy," Sonic said. "You two stay hidden here. We'll come back for you."
"Right. I'll start packing up the stuff."
"Miles, you think you can-"
"Way ahead of you. Firing up the engines right now," Tails said. "Let me know when you guys are ready to go," he yelled to Maia and Chiron after flying towards the craft.
"Very well, we'll join you shortly," responded Maia.
Sonic turned to me, "…Blaze?"
"…?"
"…Remember when, I had to stay in bed for the longest time, when I first got here…?"
"…Yes."
"You can't imagine how much I hated being stuck there…"
I couldn't help but to let out a quiet laugh. I was sure he did.
"But after spending those days with you… I loved every single second of it… You would come every day, and we would talk for hours…"
"...We did."
"…You told me, all sorts of things about the kingdom… and, about the embers…"
"…!"
He lowered his head and, closed his eyes… gently, letting our foreheads meet…
"…n-no… wait…"
"Blaze…"
"Sonic-"
"We, we really don't have much time."
"B-But-"
"It's okay."
"…"
"Hey… I know how much this means, not only for you, but, for everyone else… I… I, know it probably shouldn't be me, but… If you don't do this, right now… it would all be for nothing…"
"…"
"...Your home… Silver, coming all the way here, after everything he's been through… Aquilo…"
"…"
"I'm serious. Please, let me do this… And we'll do it, you and me-"
"I-I… n-no…"
"…"
"...I'm sorry… I just…"
"…Maia?" Sonic called her, while she looked over at us alongside Chiron. "Then… it, should be you-"
"No," she answered.
"…"
"…My duty… my life… belongs to leading the men and women who guard these lands… But you… You, have guarded not only your world and many others… but ours, as if it was your own… And, have shown nothing but devotion, and sacrifice, to not only our people, but our princess… Even when stranded, you've taken on our struggles, more times than we could ever possibly count. Even when sent here, injured, and against your will, you placed yourself at risk, for everyone else… I speak for her, when I say that the Kingdom of Sol, and her life, is more than safe in your hands… This role, could not be more fitting… to someone, such as yourself… This role… calls, to you."
"…"
"Sonic?" Maia and Chiron did not hesitate, to stand in salute. "If you truly wish, to fully accept the title of guardian, and take on the tasks it holds… it, would be our honor-"
"T-That's enough."
"…"
"…No… I can't, let you… This… is only for me, to carry… It's, all my fault… The gems… They, are 'm-my,' responsibility. Not yours… For years, you've… you've gone through so much already… It's not fair… You deserve, much more than this… I swore, to watch over you, the moment you came into my home… My life… Not to have you carry my people… my kingdom… a-and everything, that it has stood for… So please…! Don't, ask me… to pass down to you, more pain than what you have already endured… I beg you…"
"..."
"…P-Please...!"
"..."
"...How… How, Sonic?! How can you carry, so much?! A-And yet smile, all the same?!"
"…"
"You have no idea, what you ask for…! D-Do you?!"
"Huh… You know what…? For the first time in my life… I do."
"Y-You don't…! Sonic… your life… everything, you've stood for… will be bound, to this burden… To the gems… To the people-"
"To you."
"…!"
"…I've, always sort of been bound to all of those things. You know that… But this… This is different… Being bound to you, would mean staying right beside you… And that, would mean everything to me… As long as I do, I'll do anything to keep you, and everyone safe… I won't let you down… Because, I'll be there for you… And we'll do this. Together… Every step of the way."
"..."
"You really think being what you are is a burden…? Blaze, being what you are, is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me… You're all the strength I need, to make things right… So please, let me be yours."
"…"
"...I'm not asking you, to pass on everything you carried… Just, let me carry some of it, too… That way, you won't have to do this on your own, not anymore."
His fingers gently returned my gaze, to his eyes...
"Hey… I want this… Really… Heh, and, you know… everyone's been kind of growing on me… It's the least I can-"
"So that's it…?"
"..."
"...Y-You're just… going to throw your life away… like that?"
"I don't know about throwing my life away… But, I do know this…"
"…"
"I want to stay… Right here, with you."
"…y-you're, a fool..."
"…"
"…w-why…"
"…?"
"Why… are you so, s-so stubborn… So-mmm! Mmm…! …mmm…"
Not only did he seal his vow… but my lips… with his…
During those moments, I, wasn't sure how to exactly feel. I was… so happy, yet… upset. I couldn't tell if, the tears running down my cheeks were either sweet, or bitter. My cries were filled with a strange mixture of emotions. But his lips, were more than enough to tell me that was what he wanted. More than anything... I, wanted him to stay, too. I just wished, his choice didn't have to be under those circumstances. However, despite everything, I somewhat understood his reasoning… I knew, deep down, I too would exchange it all. Only if it meant, staying at his side…
"…that's why…"
"…"
I couldn't help but return that smile of his, with my own… That kind, sincere, warm smile.
"You… really, want this…?"
"I… can't lose you again... If it means keeping you safe, then yeah... I do."
"…"
Gently, I cradled his cheeks with my hands. Those watery eyes… They, knew what they desired. They made me understand, how much that meant for him. As if, he was waiting for that exact moment, his entire life. That day, I witnessed how far he would go. His heart, was decided. And nothing, in any world, would encourage him otherwise. Regardless of the fate we would meet. Because, we would meet it, as one.
I looked over at Maia and Chiron… waiting, for their say…
"...? What, are you looking at us for, Lady Blaze…? Bequeath him already."
If we did this, I thought, everything would change… But, that thought alone filled me with undeniable joy. Because, he was willing to give us a chance. A chance, that I silently waited for, for a long time. Even if it meant letting go of a life he once knew… At first, I was in doubt. Surely, I knew he was more than capable of taking on such a role, but… It was me, who couldn't pass down something that has been entrusted solely to me, for so long. I, was afraid. I didn't fear letting down my people, or myself. But, disappointing those who had raised and expected so much from me.
But as I'd look at him, I'd reminisce about our times together. The first time we met. The fights we've had, and the struggles we endured. The journeys we've ventured on, and the moments we've experienced together. Moments, that granted me the chance to grow with him. Even the smallest ones, filled with trust. Bonding. Joy… Warmth… Things I didn't know I could ever have the opportunity to experience… Things I regretted not cherishing then, before going our separate ways.
Once my eyes rested on the one I loved, so dearly, all doubts would vanish. Leaving me with nothing, but certainty so unreal, so pure… I knew that, one day, I would have to share this role with someone. My father would always remind me of that... This torch, filled with nothing but discord and disarray… Yet Sonic was more than willing, to take on everything, with soft, devoted hands. The same hands, that caressed my cheeks and wiped my tears, ever so gently.
That day, he made me realize something, that would completely change everything I believed about myself. About the legacy I carried… It wasn't a burden… It was a gift.
For us.
…And then I knew… I wanted him, to be the one.
We remained there, staring for moments, one last time…
"..."
"…Ready?-"
"I-I love you…"
"..."
His hand traced my cheek, tenderly. And our foreheads touched once more, resting against one another…
"…I love you too."
As we closed our eyes, the gem in my head grew warmer. Brighter. Suddenly engulfing us, in a kind, comforting light…
Silver the Hedgehog
I came back to, under rubble and wood sitting on top of me. I lifted the debris away and stood back up, just to notice a handful of civilians staring right back at me in awe. I had crashed inside some sort of building, and through the broken walls, I managed to spot Shadow continuing the fight against Nega.
"Everybody out! It's not safe!"
Things turned from bad, to worse. Nega had brought the fight to the kingdom. Exactly what we were trying to prevent from happening. I managed to keep everyone calm as they quickly made their way through the exit. I followed the last few civilians and stepped outside to the kingdom's streets, just to meet a whole crowd running in chaos.
"Damn it," I said under my breath.
Our battle had already run its course through the place, leaving nothing but destruction. Frustration fell on me, and I was quickly overwhelmed. The people needed help. Shadow did too… I was left in the middle, against waves of people. Exhausted, and trying to come up with what to do next. But out of nowhere, an ear-piercing sound passed above all of us, bringing even more fear to the people. Just when things couldn't get any worse, I thought.
However, Knuckles, Maia, and Chiron fell from the skies and right ahead of me. Tails' plane continued flying on ahead, circling the kingdom from above.
"Guys!" I yelled over the crowd.
"Silver!" Knuckles replied, "Good to see you. It's been a while."
"Same here. I just wish we were under better circumstances."
"Go, quickly," Maia said. "We'll take it from here."
"Got it."
I flew above the people and through the streets, trying to keep up with Shadow. But as soon as I did, he was sent right back at me.
"Ngh! Got you!"
I extended my hands and caught him right in front of me, holding him in place.
"Silver…" he panted, "I'm, running out."
The red aura that covered him started to slowly fade away, and he couldn't remain in the air for much longer. I tossed his rings back to him, and he returned to the ground. Couldn't even land before Nega hurdled him across the streets and towards the palace.
"Shadow!"
I followed them as fast as I could, reaching a large plaza. A tall water fountain in the middle of the roundabout was reduced to nothing but rubble. While Shadow struggled to get out of it, people stood by and watched while others cried for help. As soon as I managed to get back down, knights began surrounding me.
"Halt! You're surrounded!"
"W-Wait, no! I've come to help-"
In a blink, a blast from above blew all of us away. Knights, along with their weapons, hit the ground. And just when I tried to help one of them back up, he was snatched away from me.
"N-No!"
"Is this all the strength this kingdom can muster…?"
Nega held his neck, while looking at me.
"Stop this! Let him go!"
He ignored me.
"That's enough! …Please!"
Just in time, a yellow streak of light hit Nega from the back. I managed to catch the knight, and helped him get on his feet again. Shadow slowly walked towards us from the fountain, covered in dust.
"Such resilience," Nega spoke.
In an instant, Shadow appeared right behind him.
"That old trick again?"
Nega didn't hesitate to grab onto him. In an attempt to free himself, Shadow thrust a spear against him. Nega saw this, and caught the spear with his hand without struggle.
"How interesting…"
"H-How?!"
Suddenly, the gems in his armor wildly shone, as the spear violently lit aflame in his hand. Shadow was thrown, and pinned against the ground.
"Impressive, how your body can carry so much energy."
Shadow screamed all of a sudden, his face distorting in pain. Sparks crawled around his body, as if they had a mind of their own. As soon as I took a step, he quickly pointed the spear right beside Shadow's head.
"Tsk tsk tsk… I wouldn't do that, if you value your friend's life," he said while looking at me, dead in the eye.
Suddenly, sounds of clattering began to approach us from all sides. The plaza was immediately covered by a multitude of troops standing guard. And from the palace steps, a handful of knights came rushing down, along with three individuals. Wearing long white robes, they stared at us with fear, not sure what to make of the situation.
"Ah, just in time!"
Nega's voice boomed, leaving the three speechless.
Shadow tried pushing himself off the ground, just to get pinned right back on it. One of the three began walking towards Nega's back; a moose, with tall antlers, and a gold cord across his shoulders.
"Doctor…? It can't be-"
"Oh, but it is."
"Doctor Nega," declared the other: an elderly fox, with a golden stripe going across his robe. "This kingdom, has you surrounded. Leave. Now."
"Are you so sure? I have a feeling you wouldn't want me leaving with these," Nega responded, as he turned and walked to face the three of them.
"The gems…" The lady cried; a dove, with ornaments dangling from her wrists. "W-What did you do to her?!"
"Your beloved princess has been bested. Dethroned. And reduced, by my hand-"
"Liar!" I yelled.
And as soon as I did, hundreds of eyes fell on me. I ran over to Shadow, and carried his arm over my shoulder.
"Princess Blaze still stands! And when she comes back, you'll regret ever-"
"Quiet, you insolent muck! Her reign is no more. For I, am the one who will surpass her."
"Preposterous!" the moose immediately shouted, and began marching towards him.
"Marcus, no," the lady objected.
Knights followed him, but one wave of his hand would hold them back.
"You plan on taking the throne of this land? After attempting to destroy it?! Tell me, what do you intend to do with a broken kingdom?"
"Remarkable things, my friend… But you, won't be alive to see 'any' of it."
Nega quickly raised the spear in his hand, ready to strike. None of us, not even Shadow, had time to react. As soon as I raised my hand to hold him, he had already thrust his hand forward. Knights yelled and ran towards them, but suddenly stopped in an instant. Dead on their tracks.
Silence fell on us, until a grunt from Nega would interrupt it.
"W-What?" he fumed, clearly puzzled.
Marcus looked at himself. The spear had vanished into embers that would fly away from Nega's hands and into the wind. For moments, Nega looked around him, as if searching for answers. We all did. Finally, he laid his eyes on Shadow, who rested against me.
"S-Shadow…" I whispered to him.
"That wasn't me…"
After taking a few steps towards us, we stood guard, readying ourselves. However, Nega stopped midway.
"Ngh!"
A grunt of pain suddenly came from him, as everyone stared in confusion. Nega shook, placing his hands against his armor, as if trying to keep himself from falling apart. He slowly began walking backward, but quickly regained his step, almost falling. Commanders did not waste any time.
"Troops! Forward!"
"Surround him!"
A large group began gathering around the roundabout, surrounding Nega in the middle. Nega had taken a knee, and seemed as if he had no control over himself. His fingers scraped the concrete below in anger, as his armor continued trembling. His voice slowly started to become somewhat corrupted, and distorted in a way. He quickly stood up again, and screamed. Out of nowhere, he forcefully held his arm as it began twisting itself.
"Ngahhh! Why?!" he yelled.
The knights around him seem to not know how to proceed. Not even me. I thought to myself, if Nega were to drop the act, those knights were as good as dead. I hesitated about either staying where I was, or calling them away. However, what happened next, would leave every single one of us without words.
In an instant, the Sol Emeralds began to flash in their glow, making strange yet soothing sounds. And without warning, one of them broke off from Nega. Dark shards of steel clattered across the ground. And then, another... All of them began breaking away from him, leaving his armor cracked. The moment they flew past me and Shadow, we were all met with a huge pillar of flame that would rise high above us all. The gems surrounded the fire, and began to spin. The heat was so intense, we had to move away from it. By then, the spinning had turned into a blur of colors, accompanied by flames that seemed to become even more violent than before. Right away, the emeralds were consumed, leaving every single one of us with a blinding light…
As soon as I managed to open my eyes, I heard a yell from above that tore through the entire plaza.
"NEGA!"
From the dissipating fire, one figure started to appear. One, with raging flames that seemed to burn endlessly, covering his entire body. His quills were raised high, releasing bright embers at the tips. His fists were clenched tightly, and set ablaze. And his eyes were filled with live fire, and fury. Set, on one person alone.
I, even Shadow, smiled.
"Your reign, ends here."
