Blaze was terrified. Her heart wanted to leap out of her chest. Her entire body was trembling as she sprinted home, not even bothering to take the train, with only one thing on her mind.

'Not again. Not again. Not again.'

She couldn't get the shocked image of Silver out of her head. He wasn't scared or hurt, but from the look on his face, he may as well have been.

'Why? Why now? Why can't I live in peace?'

She wanted to scream. She wanted to curl up in a ball and let the wails take over, but she had to be strong. She couldn't let the beast see her weak. She couldn't let anyone see the cracks in her shield.

'Just hold it together until you get home.'

She lived on the other side of the city, but Blaze was an incredibly fast runner. It would've been quicker to take the train, but Blaze was too terrified to even set foot on one, afraid one touch would cause untold destruction.

"Soon."

She grimaced at the demonic voice in her head. It spoke more frequently now. The hours of silence were dwindling, and visions flashed in her head. Fire, burning buildings, and ashes were only part of the nightmare.

"Shut up," she hissed. "Shut up. Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up."

Blaze gritted her teeth and ran faster. In an impressive show of athleticism, Blaze leaped into the air and onto the roof of a small building. Her speed increased, her momentum sending her flying from rooftop to rooftop.

'I need to hurry.'

Blaze reached her apartment complex in record time, ran up the stairs to her floor, and burst through the door. Marine, startled by her roommate's sudden appearance, jumped with a scream, and before she could assess the situation, she heard Blaze's room door slam shut, leaving Marine flabbergasted.

"Crikey! What's gotten under her britches?" she slowly approached her roommate's door and pressed her ear against the wood, but she couldn't hear anything. It was silent, eerily calm despite the outburst that came in.

"Blazey?" Marine knocked on the door. "You okay? What happened?"

Blaze didn't respond, and Marine was left worried about the feline's well-being. The sea captain knocked a couple of more times, calling out to her friend, but she was met with the same silence.

"Was the first day that bad?" she asked aloud. Eventually, Marine gave up and left Blaze alone, wondering what could've happened. She was going to unravel the mystery. The first step was to phone her new friend, Silver.

"Hello?" the painter picked up quickly.

"Hey, Silver-mate, it's Marine. How was your first day? You didn't get injured, did ya?"

She glanced to Blaze's room, hoping that mentioning their new friend would draw her out. Alas, no changes.

"No, I didn't get injured. Mentally, I'm exhausted, but I had a lot of fun. It was great seeing new faces and hearing about everybody's goals. You should've seen my teacher though. He threatened to burn us alive if we mess up! Right to our faces!"

"Really? That's hardcore. Sounds like a nice guy."

"That's what Blaze said, but I'm not so sure. He's a huge guy, but man, he can get down."

Marine heard laughing in the background, assuming it to be Sonic and Manic.

"What? Yeah, the teacher was huge… Maybe ten feet tall. His muscles are bigger than Knuckles', guys. Yeah, no lie."

"Silver-mate," Marine called out.

"Sorry, sorry, but yeah, I had fun. The others did too. How about you? Find any treasure today?"

"Meh, nothing worth mentioning, but listen, did something happen?"

"Nothing in particular. Why do you ask?"

Marine clenched her top. "It's Blaze."

"Oh, she already got home? That was fast. I just got home myself."

Marine heard some side remark from Sonic.

"I am not that slow!" Silver yelled back. "I like to stop and smell the roses, but no, Marine, nothing happened. I watched her practice with her class but that was about it. After that, we said goodbye."

'Yeah, sorry, Silver-mate, there's more to it.'

"You didn't offer to bring her home? Missed opportunity there, mate."

"What? No! I didn't think it would be appropriate."

"Why not? You could've left with her number."

"I don't know… I didn't want to be a bother."

"Yeah, because it's bothersome to walk a friend home and get their contacts for future outings," Marine was sarcastic but had a plan.

"Well, when you put it that way."

"Next time, mate. Don't be too cautious."

She heard the brothers give a similar kind of pep talk. Occasionally, Marine glanced down the hall, but Blaze was nowhere to be heard.

'I bet I know what she's doing.'

Marine finished up her chat with Silver and pondered her next move.

'She must be talking to it.'

Marine decided to give Blaze her peace.

Inside the feline's room, Blaze sat in a meditative pose. Her eyes were closed, and her hands were resting on her knees. A small, white candle flickered on the nightstand next to her. The candle's flame cast a warm, gentle light over the room, and the faint smell of lavender wafted through the air. It was calming, but her facial features contrasted with the soporific ambiance of the room. An ugly frown ruined her pretty face, and her brows were knit together in a deep scowl. She appeared to be in pain.

Her hands caught fire, but thanks to her preparations and flame-retardant outfit, the flame did not spread. Instead, it licked at her fingers like a hungry animal, devouring the oxygen around it.

This was the basic use of Pyrokinesis, the curse that afflicted Blaze's soul.

Retreating to her inner sanctum, the feline sprinted down the desolate halls of her ruined castle. She had to control her power before it consumed her completely. The nightmares were the first signs. Although small, if left unabated, she would be lost to the flames forever.

Blaze often wondered why she was cursed with the power over flames. Why was it her fate to suffer forever? The battle was an arduous one. She had grown tired of it, but, despite that, she never stopped fighting to control the raging inferno inside her. She thought she finally had it under control, but now it burned brighter than ever. Blaze didn't know how to deal with it.

The fire inside her was always burning, even when she was at rest. It was like a part of her was always on fire, and it was slowly consuming her. Blaze tried to keep it under control, but it was always there, lurking in the back of her mind. It was a constant battle, one that she was slowly losing.

The fire was a part of her, and it always would be. But, she was determined to control it. She would never give up.

"Do you hear them?"

The screams… Blaze could remember the screams.

"Do you see what remains?"

Nothing but ashes.

'Shut up!'

"Stop ignoring the truth! You know what must be done!"

'No! Not again!'

"Why do you resist? Why endure all this pain when you can just give yourself over to the power?"

'Shut up! I will not let the same thing happen again. Last time, I was weak and inexperienced, but I'm stronger now.'

There was a condescending laugh.

"Stronger you say? Then how come the screams are still there?"

They were always there, haunting her. She tried to block them out, but they were always there, in the back of her mind.

"It cannot be stopped," the beast said. "The flames cannot be quenched, and soon, you will embrace your true nature, monster."

"SHUT UP!"

The flames around Blaze's hand exploded. Its embers scattered.

"Oh no," the feline got to work, deftly stopping the embers before her whole room went up in flames.

Pounding knocks wracked at her door.

"Blazey? Blazey! Can you hear me? Open up!"

Blaze clenched her chest and got her breathing under control. Slowly, she unlocked her door, but she could still hear the monster's words rumble in her mind.

Marine flung the door open, her face full of worry.

Blaze jumped back with a look of horror on her face. Marine wasn't at the door. Instead, she was surrounded by fire, shielding herself from the oncoming wreckage.

It was just a vision. Her mind was just playing tricks on her. Marine was safe. She was okay.

Marine stepped into the room.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Blaze shook her head and leaned against the wall.

"No," she whispered.

Marine pulled her roommate into a hug. All she could do was lend Blaze her shoulder.

"What did it say?" she inquired.

"I know what must be done," Blaze hissed. "It has a vendetta against Silver."

Marine was surprised.

"It's after Silver? Why?"

"I don't know, something about him being too dangerous," Blaze shook her head.

"Dangerous? Silver-mate? Are we sure it's talking about the same artistic hedgehog?"

Blaze carried herself to the living room, where she plopped down on the couch, mentally exhausted. Marine took a seat next to her and listened to the feline's experience.

"It may sound crazy, but I think I know why Silver is its target. I believe Silver has a hidden power."

"Like you?"

"Yes, that's the only reason I can think of, and if that's true, he's also in danger. We shook hands before parting," Blaze flexed her fingers. "I didn't burn him, but with the way he pulled back, I thought I did."

Marine crossed her arms. Their friendship was blossoming. Marine had grown attached to Silver and his friends. Her roommate felt the same.

"Blaze," the seafarer knew the feline would protest, "I think you should."

"No," Blaze interrupted. "Absolutely not."

"But, if you're certain about his powers, he might be able to help you."

"Help?" Blaze got up from the couch, looking at Marine as if the seafarer insulted her intelligence. "No one can help me, Marine. Everyone is better off not knowing about my pyrokinesis."

"But you can't deny the truth. That thing is after Silver-mate. It could be after his circle too. You don't know, but if Silver and our friends do have special abilities, they can help you get rid of the beast."

"No, I will not drag them into my mess. This is my fight, not theirs, not yours, not anyone else."

"Blaze."

"No, Marine." Blaze's voice rose in pitch. "It's too dangerous to tell them. I am not putting their lives at risk."

"Then what are you going to do?" Marine came closer to Blaze. "You're going to be around Silver-mate constantly. It's going to keep feeding you crazy talk."

"I know," Blaze balled her fists up. "I know, but I'll get it under control. I just have to keep my head up."

"Blazey, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Maybe," Blaze crossed her arms over her chest, "But the fewer people involved the better," her voice softened, "I'm sorry I got you entangled in this mess."

"Hey, I'm built differently too," Marine placed her hands over one of Blaze's and closed her eyes, her level of concentration increasing. An ocean-blue glow radiated from her hand as a refreshing wave of coolness washed over the feline's paws. The heat emanating from her hands began to fade, and Blaze found herself relaxing.

"I'm your best mate, Blazey, and I won't let you go through that turmoil again. I promise," Marine assured her.

Blaze took a deep breath, letting Marine work her magic.

"I just don't want anyone getting hurt," she sighed. "It's been so wonderful. I want things to continue like that."

"He made a good first impression, huh?"

Blaze didn't like it when she blushed. She could feel her cheeks grow hot.

"You should've seen how intensely he was staring at me when I was practicing."

She wouldn't admit to Marine that she enjoyed it. There was something… right about the way his eyes followed her. It made her feel special.

"I bet," Marine chuckled. She was happy her friend wasn't thinking about the fiery beast inside her. "How much you wanna bet he's making another portrait of you?"

Her heart wasn't ready.

"He should be working on his steps," she replied, trying to sound stern.

"I think he likes you," Marine wiggled her brow.

Blaze scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Don't get started."

"Too late for that, Blaze. The ship is being built as we speak."

"Ship?" Blaze turned and raised her brow. "What ship?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm speaking metaphorically," Marine left Blaze pondering as she went back to prepare dinner.

'Ship? What does a ship have to do with this? She spends too much time on the water.'

Blaze saved it for later and assisted Marine with dinner. Her love for the sea didn't come without perks. Marine worked as a fisherwoman, catching game and collectibles to sell. Years on the water and teachings from various veterans made her a warrior of the sea. Blaze didn't know anyone who could fillet fish better than Marine.

"I take this anymore. I need answers," Blaze demanded.

"What kind?"

"Your ship analogy. What does that even mean? I've comprehended most of your slang, but this one takes the cake."

Marine's grin returned twofold as she went back to seasoning the fish, smiling at her friend's naivety. "Hmm, I really can't say. You'll have to figure it out."

"Marine," Blaze looked at her with a dropped jaw. "Are you serious?"

"Yep," the raccoon stuck her tongue out. "It'll be much more fun to watch you figure it out."

"You're terrible," Blaze muttered under her breath.

"And you're cute when you pout," Marine teased, laughing at Blaze's stupefied countenance. The feline would've preferred to be angry, but the compliment caught her off guard.

"I'm not cute," she retorted, trying to sound casual.

"Hmm, you're right," Marine chuckled, "You're hot."

Blaze blushed and shook her head. "Stop it."

"I'm just stating the facts," the raccoon shrugged innocently. "If I were Silver, I'd be all over you."

"Well, you're not Silver," Blaze huffed, trying to hide her mounting embarrassment.

"That's true," Marine relented, "but it doesn't make my words any less true."

"Can we change the subject?" Blaze begged, her cheeks still warm.

"Of course," Marine smirked, knowing she got to her friend. "After you admit you have a crush on him."

"I do not have a crush on Silver!" Blaze insisted.

"Liar," Marine retorted in a sing-song voice.

"I am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Okay, I give up!" Blaze relented, throwing her hands up in the air in defeat. "I feel some type of way towards Silver. Are you happy now?"

"Hmm, for now," Marine grinned victoriously. "Now let's eat before the food gets cold."

Blaze grumbled to herself as she took her seat at the table. She was going to get Marine back for this.


'A crush.' Silver repeated to himself. 'I have a crush on Blaze.'

Butterflies, birds, and stardust danced around his heart as his cheeks heated up. He felt giddy like he was floating on the wind, and he felt like he could take on the world.

Silver smiled and felt his heart thump against his chest.

'I have a crush on Blaze.' He repeated.

A soft look passed his face as he felt his heart warm.

"Oh? And what have you smiling like that?" Manic gulped down his water. "New inspiration?"

Silver maintained his cool. He didn't want to admit his crush because he knew the guys would never leave him alone. The teasing stopped for now, but if this new information was to get out, Silver would never hear the end of it.

"Not necessarily," he eventually answered. "I'm just brainstorming. I have a couple of ideas I want to try, but to cement it into place, I may have to think psychically."

The brothers, Sonic and Manic, shared worried looks. Silver knew what they were thinking and concurred. If he went down the path of using his psychic abilities for his art, he would be risking a lot. His psychokinesis was a dangerous and versatile ability. If his focus wavered ever so slightly, the consequences could be disastrous.

"I think it's a great idea!" Manic said a little too enthusiastically.

Sonic on the other hand was not convinced.

"I'm not so sure, Silver," he said. "I think you should reconsider. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but…"

"Yeah," Silver stretched. "I get what you're saying. I think I have it figured out though. The idea is to use my methods for painting as my dance. It needs work, but I think it's sound."

The two brothers looked at each other again, but this time, they looked a little more hopeful.

"If you're sure," Sonic said. "You always have a trick or two up your sleeve. If things go south, I'll be there to help."

"Same here, bruh," Manic grinned. "We always have each other's backs!"

Silver smiled at his brothers and felt his heart fill with warmth. He was glad he could count on them, no matter what. He knew they would always be there for him, just like he would always be there for them.

He still wouldn't tell them about his newfound crush though. Silver wanted to enjoy the peace while he had the chance.