Happy two-year anniversary to you as well WyvernScribe, your nonstop support has really kept me going. Thank you so much for all the support and kind words you've given me. I greatly appreciate it.
Dance was the language of movement. With no words, a dancer could tell stories just by the way they moved. It was a hard language to learn, one that required grit and determination. However, such a challenge was likely to scare newcomers away, so after thinking long about it, Blaze finally decided on which course would best suit her and her potential partner. It wouldn't make sense to try something impossible for a beginner, but at the same time, Blaze had to consider both of their personalities. While she was serious, she knew her partner was more carefree. It wasn't a clashing nature, and it did eliminate some other choices. Namely, Tango was off the list, much to Blaze's happiness. She held Vanilla in high regard, but the way she and Vector danced made her uncomfortable. Blaze understood it was just how tango worked, but she had a problem being so… intimate with her partner when they were only just friends. It was a beautiful dance, but Blaze wanted something simple that would still put the two together.
Thus, she found herself escorting her potential partner to the studio that would hopefully become their practice ground. She worked out the details in her head, grateful for the unrelenting peace the morning gave her because she was free to do as she pleased. However, things changed when the afternoon arrived. There was no longer a need to hide her real face.
"You've calmed down," she stated to her companion. Her journey wasn't a lonely one this time. Today, she was joined by another artistic soul.
"Y-Yeah, I think I'm good now," their voice didn't match their statement, but Blaze chose not to question it. "It's just… the air is so much different."
The first day always left a strong impression, and for Silver, it opened up a whole new world. Despite the shaky start, his aversions weakened after attending his first class. His teacher, Bowser, was terrifying, but the painter could tell that the hulking tortoise had a fondness for his job. During the class, Bowser educated them on the history and importance of Contemporary Dance and even showed his mastery over the genre. He was huge, but Silver had never seen such amazing footwork from a being that big.
"This is where the fun really begins," Blaze stated. Her confidence flowed off her body in waves with the way she walked, the dorsal side of her hands on her hips, head held high, and eyes focused and unwavering. Her stride was strong and commanding, an unstoppable force ready to take on any obstacle that got in her way.
Blaze meant business. She was in her natural form, and Silver couldn't help but admire her. There was no reason for his heart to beat so fast, and yet, every time he laid eyes on the feline in front of him, something makes his words halt in his throat.
"Yeah," he sighed, "fun."
Not only was the air different, so too were the faces that wandered the campus. The afternoon, according to Blaze, brought in the returning students continuing their year in school. They held no apprehensions while Silver and some others had to be coaxed by their friends to continue. The older students mirrored Blaze and her confidence, some even coming up to greet the feline. Silver stayed silent as Blaze smiled and greeted her fellow performers. It was like seeing another side of her.
When curiosity led some to question his identity, Silver gave a nervous but friendly wave and smile. He was with the same friendliness, a token that relieved the painter greatly.
'I wonder what they think of me.' he pondered. As far as he knew, Blaze mentioned she didn't converse with a lot of people, and seeing a random stranger being buddy-buddy with her was sure to draw attention.
"Just stay calm," the cat advised gently. "It'll be fine."
"Are you sure? Won't people make a big deal out of seeing us together?"
"I have a life outside of school too," she replied.
"Yeah, but I don't exactly fit in with the experts."
"We're professionals, Silvers, not egomaniacs. Well," Blaze shrugged, "not all of us. Nevertheless, no one is going to say anything about you. You're my friend. Nothing wrong with that. They've seen me hanging around Marine, and no, I am not embarrassed to be seen with you. In the end, we are all aiming for the same thing."
Blaze stopped, making Silver do the same. She turned and faced her new friend.
"We're friends now, Silver, and you told me not to lie," she folded her arms beneath her chest. "Everything I do is not without reason. There is logic to every action I take. I say this because I sincerely hope you and your friends can see this through. My goal is to help you succeed, and to that, I want to show you my world. Don't worry about the course or who's in it. I just want you to watch and observe."
She resumed walking, and Silver followed behind.
"I-I appreciate it, Blaze," the painter didn't know what to say. Where he had a gift for wowing people with his art, Blaze had a knack for making butterflies rise.
"You're welcome. There are two places I want to show you. The first should be looking familiar to you."
Silver studied his surroundings. "Yeah, it does," he recalled the area from open house. After mesmerizing Vanilla with his artistic skills, Silver visited the resident Romeo and Juliet of the school and awarded them with a portrait.
"Isn't this," it dawned on the painter.
Blaze said nothing and continued to lead. The sound of classical music could be heard as they grew closer, and upon entering the studio, the pair saw the school's Romeo and Juliet dancing on their personal stage. Their moves were more intense than their gentle showcase at Twinkle Park. Both pirouetted together, pulled apart, and danced in sync by themselves before linking back.
The couple was in their shared world, thrilled to experience it with their significant other.
"I figured something simple would be the best way to start you off," Blaze spoke up. While Silver watched the couple, Blaze scanned the walls and found the painting that featured the instructors. It made her laugh. The painter behind the art was standing beside her, and he didn't even know it was garnering so much attention.
Something else caught Blaze's attention when she noticed Silver making a frame with his hands that encased the instructors in its contents. His concentration increased, allowing her to see the fire in his eyes.
'He can capture a scene and recreate it from memory. If that's so, why is he having issues? He should be able to paint whatever he sees. Unless there's a deeper problem at hand.'
"Welcome to our humble mansion, ciaoscuno," the voice of Luigi halted Blaze's train of thought. "Uhh, that means everyone. Welcome to our humble mansion, everyone."
"Welcome back, guys!" Daisy waved her hands excitedly. "I'm so glad to see many returning faces. I see some new ones too. Great! Hi, I'm Daisy," she linked arms with Luigi, "This cutie is my husband, Luigi. We're going to be your mentors for this course, but if this is your first year, you have to attend the morning classes."
The brunette took a headcount, proud of the large crowd that returned to receive her wisdom. She was just as eager to impart her knowledge.
'Wait a minute. Is that?' Daisy believed her eyes deceived her, but after a few seconds, there was no doubt in her mind. Amidst the crowd were a familiar purple cat and a white-furred hedgehog. The former turned her head away after locking eyes while the hedgehog kept a gentle smile on his face. He enjoyed the atmosphere Daisy and her beloved offered.
The biggest gasp grew in her lungs, her giddiness skyrocketing along with her enthusiasm. Her bouncing did not go unnoticed.
"You're thrilled, amore," Luigi commented.
"Sweetie, this is going to be a great year. I can feel it."
In the crowd, Blaze hissed under her breath and lowered her head to avoid detection.
"I should've known it wasn't going to be a peaceful start."
"What's wrong?" Silver asked.
Blaze glared at the female teacher, hating the large, stupid grin plastered on her face. It made the feline feel uncomfortable.
"I was hoping the string of accusations surrounding us would slow down, but I forgot to factor in Miss Daisy. She knows we're here."
"Oh," it dawned on Silver, "Oh no," it was coming back to him. He only received a sample of her teasing. "M-Maybe she won't be that bad."
"We can only hope," Blaze held her tongue. "Don't get me wrong; she's a wonderful teacher and is great at what she does, but after she learned you wanted to hand me a gift, she wouldn't leave me alone."
Silver scratched the back of his quills. "I can imagine. I didn't know it would be that big of a deal."
"Thanks again, by the way. I have it hanging up in my room," Blaze sighed. "But would you believe me if I said it gets worse?"
"Worse? How can it get worse?"
'Oh, you will see.'
"There's someone else even worse than Miss Daisy," Blaze was second-guessing her decisions.
"The worse person I can think of is Amy and Rouge. You mean there's someone that puts them to shame?" Silver grew terrified. Amy was a bleeding heart. She would fawn over anything remotely romantic while Rouge greatly teased her targets until they were redder than Knuckles and several levels of flustered.
"I have stories, but I'll tell you them later. You'll be meeting her soon, and trust me, if Daisy hasn't already told her, we'll have our work cut out for us. I won't hold it against you if you run. I might do the same."
'She's that bad that even Blaze wants to avoid her? Oh no.'
"She's very beautiful. When you see her, you might mistake her for a princess. She's phenomenal," Blaze and Silver stood to the side to allow the students more room. "She's the teacher I've been studying the longest under."
"Wow, so is that where the Mistress of Regality came from?" Silver chuckled at Blaze's reddening face. Unbeknownst to them, Daisy was looking with the smuggest grin she could muster.
"I knew that title would come back to haunt me."
"I think it fits."
'A title to match the soul of a warrior princess trapped in an eternal battle. I need to come up with a name for your kingdom.'
The headmaster's accurate description came back to him once more. "With beauty and grace, she glides across the floor as if flying, with a style created from her very soul and refined in the flames of Iblis."
'Iblis would be a cool name for a monster, yeah. A warrior princess trapped in an eternal battle with the monster, Iblis.' Silver's eyes expanded as a spark ignited, 'Over control of the Sol Kingdom! Yes! Sol like the sun, perfect! Wait,' Silver paused and reconsidered it, 'No, Sol Kingdom doesn't roll off the tongue as well. I like the Sol part though. I'm definitely keeping that one in mind. Dang, I wish I had a notebook.'
"It was just something the headmaster came up with during one of his dramatic speeches. Don't pay any attention to it," Blaze replied, her tail swishing back and forth.
'Although, I do like the Mistress of Regality part.'
'Too late.' Silver burned the notes into his mind. 'I'm already in the zone. Blaze, the protector of her kingdom, fights against the monstrous fire monster, Iblis, for her domain's prosperity.'
Silver and Blaze watched the class go about their practices. For newer students, they aimed to gauge the lesson before making their final decisions. On the other hand, the returning students geared up for their next level of practice. Once the music started, the students began to feel the energy in the room. They were excited to get started and explore the different elements of their routine. With new eyes studying their expertise, the older students couldn't help but show off. There was one group in particular, though, that caught Blaze's eye. She found herself watching them more than any other pairing. The way they moved and spoke through silent conversation was extraordinary.
Over the next hour and a half, the students practiced their steps, added in their own flourishes, and solidified their performance. By the end of the session, the students were exhausted but satisfied.
"That was wonderful, everybody," Daisy clapped. "We can tell you've been working hard. I can't wait for your showcase."
The students erupted in cheers and began packing up their things.
"Showcase?" Silver whispered to Blaze. "Like at Twinkle Park?"
"Yes, but entirely for the students. We judge their progress by hosting multiple showcases. How you progress is determined by how well you scored. Mr. Bowser should explain more of it."
"Hey, teach," one girl spoke up. "When did you get that painting?"
Silver froze as everyone turned their attention to the artwork in question.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Daisy beamed. "An aspiring artist came by during open house and gave it to us."
"I heard about that," another student said, "It's great. I'd like to have one at my place."
Daisy was close to revealing Silver's identity but held her tongue.
"Luigi loves it."
"I have a fondness for art," said the fine-mustachioed man. "They asked us to keep their identity a secret, so we will not-a be disclosing that information."
The male teacher caught Silver's sigh of relief and nodded to the young artist. It was a lie, but the students didn't need to know that.
Talk moved over to who the mysterious artist could be. There was no shortage of theories. Some speculated it was a fan or a member of the school.
"It's a good thing you didn't sign them," Blaze pointed out while ushering the hedgehog to follow her again.
"I normally would," Silver thanked his lucky stars.
Blaze got to wondering.
"So on what scope of an artist are you? I'm curious. Do you paint for fun or do you do commissions?"
"A little of both, physically and electronically, but I prefer physically because I like getting my hands dirty," the artist laughed.
"I see, so you're a hands-on type of person."
"Yeah, I like to be in control of the process as much as possible."
"I can understand that. So, what type of subjects do you like to paint?"
"I like to paint things that have a lot of movement and color. I find that those are the most challenging and interesting to paint," Silver scratched the side of his face, "I guess that's why surrealism and dancing seem to be my favorite combination at the moment."
"That makes sense," Blaze's tail was swaying. "What made you decide to become an artist?"
"I've always loved art and doodled in my notebooks. It just seemed like the natural thing to do."
"I can understand that. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists out there?"
"I would say just to keep at it and never give up. It's a tough business, but if you're passionate about it, it's worth it," Silver held his head high. "I have a little catchphrase I like to say from time to time. It's no use."
Silver didn't expect Blaze to succumb to a fit of giggles.
'Now we have a problem.'
Silver fiddled with his phone to avoid eye contact with the female populace. He was the only male amongst a sea of ballerinas, some curious as to who Silver was, others not even caring, and others wary of him. He didn't like the stares.
'I know it's suspicious being the only guy here, but I really wish they wouldn't look at me so hard.'
"Are you alright?"
Silver yelped and raised his head to see a beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Mobius," he sighed, clenching his chest. "Y-Yes, I'm alright, just here to support a friend."
"Aww, that's very kind of you," the woman smiled. "I'm Peach, the instructor."
"Silver," he introduced himself, shaking her hand. "I hope you don't mind me sticking around."
"Of course not. You're free to observe, just try not to distract my students, okay?"
"You won't even notice I'm here."
With that, the kind instructor left Silver alone. He sat down on the floor and watched as the students began their stretches. He wasn't sure what to do. He thought it would be rude to watch, but he found himself admiring the girls' enthusiasm.
The students were going through the motions. Much like the students in the ballroom hall, they put their heart and soul into every motion. There was a clear difference between having to do it and wanting to do it. The girls were giving it their all.
'The difference between a novice and a professional.'
Silver was no longer uncomfortable by the occasional stares, and the girls were no longer bothered by his presence. He wasn't there to cause trouble, and the instructor was kind enough to let him stay. However, his focus shifted when he laid eyes on her.
'Sweet Mobius.'
Her name was Blaze the Cat.
The first time Silver saw her, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Even now, that thought never changed. He saw her, dressed in a purple leotard, performing her stretches with the utmost grace. While the other girls' faces were contorted in concentration, Blaze's remained calm and neutral, but the level of concentration in her amber eyes was unparalleled.
He had never seen anyone who looked like her. The way she danced cast a spell on him. She was the only one he saw. Her amber eyes… sweet Mobius her eyes, even from across the room, burned into him. It was like she could see into his soul. Was this how it felt to dance with fire?
Eventually, Silver realized that he had been staring and quickly turned away, his cheeks burning. He was sure that she had seen him, but when he glanced back, she was, again, deep in concentration, stretching her lithe body in ways that made his heart race.
He shook his head to clear it and focused on the blonde instructor, Peach, who was demonstrating the next move. But even as he tried to pay attention, his mind kept wandering back to Blaze. He wondered what it would be like to dance with her, to feel the warmth of her body against his, to feel the fire in her eyes…
'No, stop! You're supposed to be observing. Focus on the moves, not the woman.'
While Silver calmed his rapidly beating heart, Blaze focused on her moves. The weight of the painter's stare was on her. She flicked her gaze at him and could clearly see the admiration in his eyes. His gaze was warm and intense, something she wasn't used to from a boy her age, but it was the way he looked at her. His eyes held a deep admiration for her.
Blaze turned away from him before she started to blush. She wasn't used to the way he looked at her. It wasn't normal. She was used to being sought after, envied, and desired. She was used to being desired for her body and mind. She was used to being desired for her skills, but she wasn't used to being desired for herself.
Blaze shivered. The way Silver looked at her made her feel emotions she never thought she could feel.
"Pathetic."
Blaze almost lost her balance. She felt it awaken inside her. Something that scared her. Something that made her want to run away.
'No! Not now!'
Blaze forced herself to focus on the dance. She needed to concentrate. She couldn't let it distract her. Not now. Not when she was so close to winning.
She danced her way across the room, her hips swaying to the music. She could feel Silver's eyes on her, but she didn't look at him. She couldn't. She needed to focus.
She could feel it inside her, the beast struggling to get out. It was getting harder and harder to control. She could feel the anger and the hatred bubbling to the surface.
'No!'
She couldn't lose control now. She had to focus.
The music reached a crescendo and Blaze leapt into the air, spinning around before landing perfectly on her feet.
"Why do you cower?" a growl filled her head. "Why do you not embrace your gift?"
'Ignore it. Focus on your moves. Silver's watching.'
Blaze tried to push the voice away, but it was getting harder and harder to control.
"Stop feigning weakness." The voice hissed. "You know what you really are."
'Shut up!' Blaze roared in her head.
She could feel it struggling to get out. The beast inside her. She could feel the anger and the hatred. She could feel the desire to kill.
'No! Focus on the dance!'
Blaze could feel her control slipping. She could feel the beast inside her struggling to get out. She could feel the anger and the hatred. She could feel the desire to kill.
"He's going to find out. You'll have no choice but to silence him.'
'No! I won't let you out!' Blaze could feel herself losing control. She could feel the beast inside her struggling to get out. She could feel the anger and the hatred. She could feel the desire to kill.
"Remember the faces and the sense of euphoria you felt. Remember it. Your greatest kill will be the one you call a friend."
'No! I won't let you win!' With one final effort, Blaze managed to push the beast down. She could feel it struggling inside her, but she had won.
For now.
She had to get away. She had to make herself scarce before she did something she would regret. After excusing herself and telling Silver to wait for her outside, Blaze hurried to the locker room and locked herself in a bathroom stall. She knew she had to pull herself together, but she could feel the monster's influence stronger this time. Silver was her friend, but the monster wanted him dead.
She had to get out of there.
Blaze washed her face with water from the sink and dried it with a paper towel. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw a haunted look in her eyes. She looked like she was going to have a meltdown. She took a few deep breaths, but she could feel the tears threatening to fall.
"Get a hold of yourself," she said to her reflection. "You're not about to lose it in here."
Blaze dried her eyes and slowly calmed down. She changed back into her tailcoat and waited a few moments before leaving the locker room, making sure the coast was clear. She washed her hands, then opened the door and walked outside.
Silver was waiting for her as promised, giving her a great big smile the moment she noticed her approaching.
"Hey," his smile disappeared, "everything alright?"
"Fine," Blaze said, forcing a smile. "I think I pushed too hard and got a little lightheaded. It's been a couple of days since I worked that intensely."
"You were fantastic," Silver praised with a nervous smile. "I was really impressed."
"Oh, trust me, I'm well aware," she gained a little smirk. "You were staring a little too hard at me."
"I wasn't staring!" He denied with a light blush. "I was just… admiring your form."
Blaze chuckled and shook her head. "It's alright, Silver. I don't mind. I wanted you to watch and see what I specialize in. Since you're not following a predetermined routine, it's completely up to you what kind of dance you want to create. I hope seeing me up close gave you something to think about."
'It gave me something to think about alright. A lot of things.' Silver thought to himself. He was still in awe of Blaze and her performance. He didn't think someone could be that flexible and graceful. She made it look so effortless.
"It did. I appreciate your efforts," he gave a mock bow to hide his embarrassment. "It was a wonderful dance, milady."
Blaze rolled her eyes but smiled back, a light giggle making the air softer.
"I'm glad to entertain," she curtsied. "I look forward to showing you more. In the meantime, I must be heading off. I'll see you tomorrow, Silver. We'll start working on your dance routine then."
"Right," he nodded, still feeling a little dazed. "I'll see you tomorrow."
The two shook hands, cementing their deal, but Silver pulled back a gave a small wince, much to Blaze's horror.
"Wow, your hands are hot. You really did go all out," he laughed it off.
"Y-Yeah, I had no choice but to impress."
They went their separate ways, both having a lot to process, but it was only Blaze who looked back, her forced smile turned into a scared grimace.
'It's happening again.'
There was no doubt in his head now. The beating of his chest, the increased heat on his cheeks, and the butterflies in his stomach; could only mean one thing. The way she filled his head with her beautiful dance, pretty face, and alluring frame, Silver couldn't stop thinking about her. He clenched his chest, feeling its acceleration. He saw everything he needed to see. He felt everything he needed to feel. The way his hand burned when he grasped hers was electrifying.
Silver could deny it no longer.
He was crushing on Blaze the Cat.
