Marine's ship was apparently quite small as far as boats came, Silver recalled having seen some in his past life but he supposed the experience of actually riding one was giving him a new perspective. The ship was mostly wooden; Marine had named it the Ocean Tornado Jr; though it was unclear what had happened to the senior boat… Silver didn't even know boats could have parents before hearing its name. It was a paddle and sailboat, an engine beneath the paddles when required but otherwise, the power of wind could be used to propel the sails. Marine had been insistent on explaining that but in truth, a lot of this was lost on him, it certainly all looked neat though. They hadn't been sailing for too long… though Silver didn't really have a frame of reference for what a long sail was, he knew he could have flown further than the ship had travelled.
Despite having drowned less than a day prior Silver was thoroughly enjoying himself at sea, sat cross-legged on the deck of this boat. He found himself fixated on the sky, zoning out, but he assumed that was due to the food in his stomach rather than the scenery. He could feel the weight of it, more food than he'd typically find in a week dispensed in a moment's notice; it probably normal to feel this way after a big meal, heavy and groggy. He wanted to stand with Blaze and watch over the edge… but he was having trouble finding his sea legs as Marine had dubbed them. The sea salt had filled his nose, once used to the smell of only soot and fire, and prompted a small sneezing fit but he was doing pretty okay now. It was a nice change, a few clouds littered the sky but he couldn't see rain clouds on the horizon. Three white birds had been following the ship since they left the dock, gliding overhead and making bizarre chirping noises every so often; screaming over the sound of rushing waves. He hadn't really thought about birds before, or even animals in general mostly, but they were kind of amazing. He was so used to an empty skyline that he couldn't quite take his eyes off of them.
"They're seagulls Silver, as animals go they're not thought of particularly fondly." Blaze must have noticed his staring; she was stood on the deck next to him. "Though, I suppose I'm seeing them in a new light now just as you are… it is nice to think of them more fondly, to gain an appreciation. There is a vast beauty in nature."
"Oh?" He looked to her, her silhouette blocking out the sun from his eyes. "I… I guess I didn't really consider that, yeah! You're right, there's lots of life here right? Its always been more sparse in the future."
In the light he couldn't identify her expression but her voice lacked its typical sternness; "There's so much here I want you to experience but I think it was right to begin here, it's much the opposite of Crisis city." She extended a hand to him, he took it; hand fumbling so that it would entwined with hers. He found it difficult to stand but the way she held him suggested that was normal, despite her inherent surefootedness. She was leading him toward the bow; Silver felt the sea air tore across his muzzle, he refused to let his eyes water. As they arrived, for just a moment, they stood side by side and hand in hand; Silver watching as the ship cut through wave after wave in its advance through the ocean. He was pulled from the distraction by the feeling of Blaze's thumb gently pressing over his. Just as he shifted in response she had released his hand and lent on the bow; bending in and staring far to sea.
As Silver was unsure what to do did the same, though this created a problem. This was a small boat and Blaze was leaning into the outermost point of the bow, as Silver leaned in and put his hands to the bow he was enveloping her in a touch-less embrace; hands on both sides of her waist. Just a step back for Blaze or a step forward from him and the two would be hugging, though this thought didn't linger in Silver's mind for long as he took in the vastness of the ocean. The smell of salt had surrounded him since he'd first arrived but now, the spray of water hitting his face and the endless view of green enveloping his vision; he truly understood its vastness. "Yeah… it's the opposite, no lava only sea…" He watched the curling of the waves as they built and built before either crashing into the ship or each other, the way the light glimmered and refracted off the water unlike anything he had seen before. There had been nothing like this in either of his homes, he'd seen a little of it in Sonic's time but he'd always been busy. He'd never had time to watch and appreciate the world for what it was, serene and peaceful.
Silver's vision snapped left as he sighted something in the distance. A grey mass had appeared on the horizon, exiting from the water before vanishing beneath the waves with the flick of a broad tail.
Silver didn't fully understand what he had seen and so he kept his eyes trained on that area of the waters, waiting to see if the creature would show itself to him again. He leaned in a little more, centimetres from touching chest to back with Blaze, just in time for the creature to leap again. This time Silver got a proper look at this strange, almost alien, creature. It was fully grey in colouration, having a thin snout and piercing black eyes. The light reflected off its soaked grey skin, it looked almost like the fish he had seen depicted in books yet different in many ways. Fish didn't leave the water did they? The creature rose and submerged in a single fluid arc, once beneath the waves it was as though it had never been there at all.
"That was a dolphin." Silver looked to find Blaze was still staring off to sea, "I thought they were beautiful before but now they look so otherworldly."
"Yeah I've never seen anything like it…can all fish do that? I've never seen one drawn out of the water before…"
"No, it's quite rare for-
Blaze had begun to explain when, in the process, she had rose and turned; immediately colliding with his chest before hoping back a step. She was now cornered against the bow of the boat, Silver's arms at her sides as he stood partially leaned in. Redness immediately spread through the pair, Silver went to pull back but stumbled with the rocking of the ship. He was tumbling toward his back when he felt an arm grasp his waist and another catch his wrist. His head was flung backward but at least he hadn't met with the decking; in the centre of his vision a guffawing raccoon at what he assumed to be the ship's controls. Pulling himself up slightly he found himself, once again, eye to eye with Blaze. There was redness to her face but simultaneously the serious, furrowed, brow he'd come to often know. "I know this is new to you but please Silver, try to be careful. Resuscitating you again so soon would be…"
Silver returned to his reddened state at the mention of resuscitation and its link to mouth to mouth, "Y-Yes I think it's a little soon to be, I mean I think that while I'd appreciate it, drowning is, a-appreciated being revived as in, drowning to be avoided." He hoped that had come out more clearly than he thought. Blaze eased him up, quickly releasing him from her grasp.
Marine was now upon them, a broad smirk on her face. "So, we've taken him out to the middle of nowhere… now what eh?"
Blaze took a deep breath, turning to face right of the ship and pointing. Following her gaze Silver was met with his first full view of the island. "I feel proper introductions are in order, this is my world and thus I should be your guide." Silver nodded at this, leaning on the gunwale as he took in the island. "This is Southern Island, I was recently moved here and a new castle emplaced to better protect the Sol emeralds and Jewelled Sceptre in one. It has a relatively low population, though most islands in this region do, and as such it's often thought of as a tropical paradise."
Seeing an island from afar was a brand new experience for Silver, he'd floated over cities sure but to see such a bountiful pocket of life was truly surreal. He wasn't used to the thought that places like could exist with the only justification being was a lot to take in, three small wooden houses on the beach (discounting Marine's shack) and a couple larger structures; one like an observatory to the west while (poking out from behind a flat topped and rather cylindrical mountain) was a grey and more pointed building he assumed would be the castle. What interested Silver far more was the wildlife, there were these strange trees with leaves only at their very top; great big seeds visible on them even from the boat. Luscious green grass grew over great bounding hills, he could see a handful of grey figures enjoying a meal atop one of them; sat on a large blanket with some kind of basket between them. Seagulls flew in great circles around the island, swarms of them coming in to roost on structures. The rhythmic roll of the tides was becoming more and more calming; this was all quite new to him and rather overwhelming. Marine pointed up to the mountain; "Sometimes lava spews out of that, it never gets too bad though."
Silver's eyes widened as he winced, he felt his teeth grind and heart skip a beat at Marine's jovial guidance. The shear awe he had been feeling replaced by immediate terror. "Lava is a thing that happens normally? It's not the result of a monster? That's… that's absolutely terrifying. How do people survive then, it's not like they can fly right? H-How do they sleep? How do you get rid of it all?"
Blaze placed a hand on his shoulder, clearly attempting to console him; "It's very unlikely that it'd ever produce lava like we've experienced Silver, there's not been any real issues since records first began. It has mostly been small scale, covering the mountainside and little more, expansion rather than lava actually reaching the town. Despite the volcano this island was chosen to house the emeralds for its relative safety as well as its closeness to the coral caves, where the jewelled sceptre lies." She explained, "The Sol emeralds are best compared to those of Chaos while the sceptre is, I suppose, best compared to the master emerald in your world. It serves a slightly different purpose however, it allows for geological control and a degree of control over parallel dimensions, their relationship with one another and their very existence." Silver blinked, looking to the island then back to Blaze with his brows deeply furrowed. She sighed, shifting from his shoulder to leaning in against the edge of the boat; "It's a powerful tool that doesn't belong in anyone's hands, let alone dangerous ones. That's all that really matters."
Silver thought he just about understood it, the comparison to the Master Emerald of Sonic's world had certainly made things easier to understand; a big dangerous object. It was an important artefact and touching it likely wasn't the wisest of decisions, he turned his attention back to the island and surrounding sea; the shock brought on by the mention of lava slowly fading. "Well it seems nice here, I'm glad you've got a better home now Blaze."
He looked to her with a smile but she didn't return it, instead still staring to the island with a slightly more serious look than usual. "Silver, the future is important, it must be fixed, but I can't have that place be your home. My home is your home, there is no home for me without you. I understand you'll have to leave eventually but... you can come here whenever you want and stay here for as long as you need. I want this place to be our home."
Silver blinked for a moment, taking in what she had said. The idea that he could have a home outside the future, that wasn't this ruined place he had to fix, wasn't something he'd ever even considered. When he was in Sonic's time that was a mission, he never felt comfortable, when he was the future while it had been his home in name it was a place he had to fight and struggle to survive. Here, in this place, he had slept comfortably for an entire night and woken up to food. Nature was here; the deep pits of the ocean, the shining sky with its birds and land with deep green grass. Most of all she was here, someone without whom he was lost and had he remembered he'd have scoured world after world in search of. "Thank you Blaze, I'd be happy to call this place my home!"
Blaze's ears went from sharp to more round. She wasn't quite smiling but there was warmth in her eyes Silver knew well, she'd worn it on the rare occasions they'd found food in that devastated city and the days they returned unharmed to collapse on their mattresses. It was a look of comfort, quiet and content comfort. She shifted her stance, placing her right hand over his left as they turned to look out across the vast blue landscape, "And I'm happy to have you by my side once again my companion." The dolphin remerged before them, leaping free of the waves for a single breath-taking moment before vanishing beneath the waves once more. Silver was pulled from the serenity by a foot tapping to his right, however, turning to find Marine slouching against the edge of the ship with her brows furrowed; looking to the pair.
"Are we just gonna float out here all day mates? If we were I wouldn't've sailed out in the first place. Where's the adventure? Where's the fun!? Couldn't you two flirt on land?" Silver hadn't seen Marine frown since arriving, the little girl had been an eternal blast of sunshine but now (like the flick of a switch) she was huffing and grumbling. "I want advennnture, I wanna have funnn. I know I said we'd show him about but I didn't think it'd be this sappy."
Blaze sighed, not looking to her, "Marine you need to learn some patience."
"I don't wanna learn patience, I wanna do something cool." The racoon huffed, meeting Silver's gaze with… with a look he hadn't seen before. Her eyes were big and there was a small frown on their face, ears pinned back. "Silver, can we do something cool please…"
"Silver, endure. If she gets bored enough she'll stop trying. She gets her way too often as it is, you should be enjoying yourself." Blaze's cold instructions cut through Marine's gaze, the racoon's head lowering as she cringed into the remarks; big blue eyes now how out of his view. Silver tried to follow orders, looking back to the island and trying to marvel in its admittedly beautiful peace, but Marine's very presence was like a black hole pulling him in. The downcast look was overpowering him at every turn, he was certain Blaze was right but would it really be so bad if he…
Silver looked back to her, Marine lying on the ground heaving giant sighs; refusing to meet his eye. He looked to Blaze, her ears flicked slightly every time Marine made a sound, her eyes were locked on the island but he could tell she wasn't really focusing. He looked to Marine and extended a hand; "Look… if you're really that bored, do you want to fly? I can lift you off into the sky so Blaze and I can talk, just say if it gets to be too much okay?"
Immediately the racoon was on her feet, grasping at his right hand and poking its symbol. "You can do that to people!? Does it hurt? Can I control it? How long can I fly for? Where does it even come from? How much can you lift? How…"
Silver's head was spinning. He turned to Blaze only to find her left hand against her face; "You probably shouldn't have done that. She'll expect you to do it on her whim now, she might even stop walking."
Marine was still going, Silver couldn't help feeling torn between a rock and a hard place. He had to make sure; "Is there anything in the water that's dangerous? Well… outside drowning as in. Would it be safe for her to fly above it?"
"No, it should be fine just… don't let her manipulate you so easily Silver, she's less childish than she looks. She's far too good at getting her own way; you've got to be stern. Though, I suppose that has never been your strong point." Blaze looked passed him to Marine; "This only happens once, don't assume that because it has happened Silver will do it any time. These powers should be prepared for dire circumstance, not spent playing."
"Alright, alright. Just this once, just this once! Come on!" Marine released him, wandered onto the deck and widened her stance with her arms stretched far out almost like one would for balance. "The flight pose has been taken, launch me! Launch me!"
Without blinking he waved a hand, a teal band manifested around the Racoon's torso, and gestured upward. She wasn't floating far from the deck, maybe a metre, but already the tiny racoon was losing her mind; flailing wildly and whooping loudly. Quite uncertain what to do with her Silver pushed and soon she was flying over the far side of the ship; spinning and ducking and soaring. His right hand glowing up a storm he looked back to the island, feeling the weight of Blaze's hand on his. In the morning sun the volcanic spire was casting shade over one of the grassy hills, a group of large white birds enjoying the cool. Silver breathed a calmed sigh, feeling his shoulders roll and knees bend as relaxation overcame him.
She heard a gentle sigh from her, looking to her he found she'd assumed a similar stance; far more relaxed than typical. "Experiencing it all up close will be a different experience but it seems best to watch from afar before approaching, do you think you're prepared?" The light in her eyes from when he called this place home had returned, "I haven't had the opportunity to make preparations yet but you'll have a room, there will be food, I just…" Her brow furrowed, fangs bared and the heat rose. The look from her eyes had vanished in an instant; "I'm still angry, things shouldn't have worked out this way."
He flipped his hand so their fingers intertwined, his hand was beneath hers yet his thumb had hooked on top. "It's not like we had any control over what happened. Neither of us wanted-
"That doesn't make what happened alright Silver." Her voice was sharp like a knife's edge, the lack of emotion to her voice made the words cut all the more deeply. He felt the heat rise again; the calm was gone from her eyes. "It's a farce, nothing more than a farce. You suffer a real hell while I thought I was living one in solitude, I lost my frame of reference to the life I'd once lived. I wanted you to be comfortable and yet you're little more than bones and fur, I gave myself up and yet you… you…"
Her eyes closed, he took a moment to consider his words before speaking. "I understand that you're angry but the only thing upsetting me is the damage that remains in the future and that, despite how much you did, things weren't perfect for you here. I am glad you're not suffering in some lost dimension with Iblis first and foremost. I care for your safety more than I do any other, you're my partner."
She heaved a sigh; "We had less control than we hoped, it's frustrating but… we promised to do whatever it takes to fix the future and I still stand by that." Her hand cooled, the grasp relaxed; "There is more to be grateful for than disappointed by, but I think this pain will sting for some time. I feel indebted."
Silver blinked at that, "You don't owe me anything. We're friends, I tried to do the same for you didn't I? Friends don't owe friends anything."
"Hmm." She was still looking to the island, the anger hadn't left her eyes; she was clearly unconvinced. He tightened his grip on her hand; he caught himself pausing with his right hand and began to move Marine once again, much to the excitement of the racoon behind them. "I'm sorry, it's difficult to pry my mind free from these thoughts. I want to have today, at the very least, be good; this is your new home… I just need to relax a little. We should probably go back, I suppose the beach would be best to show you next. Are you familiar with shells?"
"Shells? I've seen some pictures and read about them but I haven't-
"Mates! Mates! Mates! Can I come down now! I'm getting dizzy…" Turning to the racoon her muzzle looked to be shining quite the shade of putrid green, eyes struggling to focus as she tumbled through the air. Silver gently set her down but immediately she was on her back, groaning loudly. "That was great mate but maybe… maybe slower and less spinning next time." Silver did feel a little bad; he hadn't been paying particular attention, rather just keeping her out of the water.
"I told you these powers weren't playthings, now you've learned your lesson." Blaze clearly did too in her own, colder, way. "Silver will guide the boat in to dock, try to relax and your head should stop spinning."
Right… that was a thing he could do. Hadn't she just said that his powers weren't toys to use on a whim? Then again things were safe here, Blaze had assured him of that much. Either way, if it was the only way to get to shore… he supposed showing off wouldn't be dangerous here like it was in the future. He made his way to the centre of the deck and raised his hands to shoulder height with palms toward the ground. A teal layer coated the entirety of the ship, crawling across the deck before consuming the entirety of the hull. A flick of his wrists and the boat slowly emerged from the sea, halting only a couple of metres above the surface, and with a push began to move toward the island.
"What!? He can do this much? How strong is he mate, I didn't think something like this was even possible?" Looking to his right Silver found Marine was already fully recovered and looking over the ship's edge. Looking to Blaze she didn't seem surprised, Marine continued to rave; "Could you just lift the island instead? Bring it to us?"
Silver blinked, having not even considered that. "I haven't tried? I don't think that I could… do islands float or are they stuck to the earth beneath? If that's the case I probably couldn't, not without breaking it at least."
The Racoon's head hung low, "Awwww…"
Marine tried to give him the eyes again only to be reprimanded by Blaze; "He's not shifting the island for you Marine, you're lucky he's even doing this much."
