The Royal Family

As the years went by, King Willem and Queen Ophelia were growing in their old age as well. It was hard enough for the servants to help a very old Alfred. But the couple was catching up. Blaze was getting into her teenage years as she was already trained. And was appointed to the Sol Emerald Guardian. It was a lot on her plate, a lot. She barely knew how to properly control her pyrokinesis but her grandfather encouraged her the best way.

"*Sign*" Blaze huffed

"What's with the long face darling?" Alfred asked.

"I-I It's just that I don't know if I could handle this new responsibility? What if I fail?"

"You're doubting yourself and if you do that, you'll start to believe it enough that you WILL fail. Your people need you Blaze"

"I didn't ask for it-"

"I know you didn't. Your mother didn't. She wanted a singing career but she had to stop in order to progress as a Queen. We all had something we didn't want to do. You just gotta make the best of it" he replied less sympathetic.

"Yeah…. I- well, it's better than entering those stupid Miss Sol pageants mom has been trying to get me into"

"You know she never acted like this. She acted like you once but I firmly believe Anastasia pushed her like that which is why she's pushing you like that. Anastasia was like your mom but her mom pushed her into being a strict, proper queen. It's like a cycle kid. I honestly hope you break that vicious cycle of the Royal Family."

Blaze smiled at her grandfather and he smiled back. She gave him a hug. This usual strict family did have their moments and this was it. Alfred was usual quiet, kept to himself, was hot-headed but he became cool tempered and more open in his last few years before he passed away. He passed away a year before Blaze met Sonic in the Sonic Rush/Adventure.

2016:

"You're gonna fly down there? By yourself? Just for a pageant?" Annie looked up at the queen.

"Yes Annie, they want me not only to do an interview, but hand the final crown and roses for the 1st place winner" Ophelia explained joyfully.

"Can you take your daughter with you?" she asked.

"No, we'll both keep arguing all day hehe!"

"You're turning 70 years old soon. Are you planning anything?"

"Nope darling, It's just another year for me. I'll probably take you, Willem, Blaze and Albert and the rest out to dinner" she answered. "Anyhow, how is Albert doing?".

"He's doing wonderful! Willem and him are like close commards. He is doing a better job than I've would've ever done" Annie giggled.

"Annie, you've been my best friend since I was 14. That's almost 60 something years ago. I've seen how caring and hard-working you are. I'm grateful for you, we're grateful for you honey" Ophelia smiled. "Why don't you come with me since you like watching this type of stuff?"

"Oh no. I'm sorry your highness-"

"Annie, we're friends just call me Ophelia. Like a friend does!"

"I can't. I promise my daughter that I would watch her baby" she replied.

For any of those that are interested in the side characters, yes, Albert and Annie have kids and grandchildren. Gardon, Blaze's bodyguard, came in in the early 90's as a bodyguard for the then-toddler. It wasn't mentioned in the story but it happened right after Captain Whiskers invaded the Sol Kingdom.

"Oh come on Annie. You deserve a break. You can hire babysitters ya know?!"

"Well I guess. The girl needs to stop relying on me. Well I guess I can go. When does the show start?"

"Next week!"

The show was hosted in the Southern Islands. Where all the hip, cool, kids would hang out. Everything about the Island was up-to-date. Ophelia felt excited about seeing the cameras again and interacting with the crowd. While Annie was nervous that she would make herself look stupid in front of the young crowd. All she wanted to do was stand by Ophelia's side. The city lights were bright and loads of people attended the Miss Sol Universal Pageant. There were about 16 contestants raging from koalas, racoons, vixens etc. Ophelia was nervous as she was with the Hosts for the show.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen we are here with the special guest who will be giving away the 1st prize winner, please with all do respect, here is Queen of Sol Mrs. Ophelia herself." one of the host announced.

They both bowed to her while the crowd was cheering.

"That's a very nice dress. Where did you get it?"

"Oh this dress was remade for me. I had this dress since I was pregnant with Blaze" Ophelia said. The dress was a silky beige long dress that was all the way to the floor. Along with some matching shoes.

"Very wonderful dress your highness!" the other host complimented.

"Thank you kind sir!" she blushed.

"Just for any guess, who do you think will win?"

"I don't know, there's so many beautiful young girls here. I'm excited to see what'll they'll show. So far, contestant number 13 I'm amazed by. She is very smart very talented! Her modeling skills are impressive. Maybe she might have a chance".

"And also, how do you feel as it's the first time being here?"

"Now, I didn't care for this stuff as a child. But as I got older and seeing how this is something traditional for this generation. It helps me to understand what this community likes as far as entertainment so forth". She answered softly.

"This is coming from me. But I am a huge fan of your daughter Blaze. Especially, how she was able to help defeat Captain Whiskers for the 70th time already. Um, my question is do you think she'll ever enter for Miss Sol and would you help her?" the second host asked.

"No, Blaze is a tomboy. She's very busy in guarding the Sol Emeralds plus I wouldn't help her. I'd think I'd be the worst coach trying to train her. Heh! I might as well hire some professionals to do that. I'll just watch on the sidelines".

"Amazing! Thank you for your honest answer your highness. So, we'll catch you again for the semifinals. The Queen of Sol will interview the last four semifinals later on tonight. Stay tune for more" the host turned towards the camera.

SemiFinals:

"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen here the Queen of Sol will interview. Contestants number 13, 1, 4, and 9" the host welcomed.

"Hello girls how are you? Are you excited for the Finals?" she smiled.

"Yes!" they all jumped. Seeing their bright faces cheered Ophelia up.

"Okay Ms. Miriam, how long have you've been modeling?"

"For about 15 years" she gracefully replied.

"And Mrs. Nina, how did you start yours?"

"I wanted to become a preschool teacher but I just knew as a child, I had model for clothing store companies in the late 90's. It was a passion of mine. Although I love children and teaching them. So my friends and family encouraged me to chase what I really love to do. And I am here now!".

"That's certainly an inspiring story."

The interview wasn't too long. Each had their own interviewing process. It was down to two contestants. Number 1 and 9.

"Okay. we're down to the final grand. Number 1 do you have anything to say?" the first host asked while handing the microphone to koala.

"I'm thankful for the experience and I hope I can make my husband, my children, my mom and dad proud".

"And for you number 9?"

"I worked so hard for this. And even if I don't win this. I am very happy to meet all of you. The Host, the fans, and even my competitors" she answered.

"And this winner is… number 9!"

The crowd was cheering, balloons were flying a new Miss Sol won for these next 4 years. Ophelia smiled while hugging the contestant. She gave the roses and placed the crown over the winners head.

"Thank you your highness! Thank you everybody who believed in me thank you!" she smooched a kiss to the crowd.

In the airplane, Annie and Ophelia was flying home….

"You know Annie?"

"What is it Ophelia?"

"It just makes appreciate the community even more. As much as I would like to continue interacting with them, I feel like I can't."

"Why do you say that Queen?"

"I-I just feel like as I'm getting older, I can't keep up with all the news and headlines and what everyone else is doing. I want to keep the universe at peace. But I know with such little strength I have now it's nearly impossible to catch up. Socially wise and Economically." she confessed.

"Ophelia, you're not 20 or 22 or 30 or whatever young years anymore. I know times have changed and you focus on both present and future but know that we all still love you despite your imperfections. You and I didn't ask to be old. You didn't ask Blaze to be a boy now did you?"

"Hehe! No"

"That's right dear! Who knows maybe when Blaze becomes queen soon-"

"She's not ready yet! Although she's been the guardian for a decade now. She's still has a lot. This is not just some land or a tiny Kingdom. This is the whole universe. She has a lot on her plate. It'll be best to just wait" Ophelia explained.