Chapter 8 – Celebrations and Resolutions

Christmas Day came by quickly. Tails and Alex were watching the annual Christmas parade on television. It was an amazing spectacle, with a marching band followed by floats and people dressed in costumes.

"Wow, what a parade!" exclaimed Tails.

"Yeah," agreed Alex. "I'm not much into parades, but this quite something to see."

Suddenly, Tails and Alex heard a strange noise. They looked out the window and saw the source. Hundreds of Night Fury and Twilight Storm dragons were flying up north.

"It's that time of the year again for them," muttered Alex.

"What is?" asked Tails.

"Shadow Renewal," replied Alex. "You haven't heard of it, have you?"

"No," said Tails.

"I thought not," said Alex. "It's something that's been between us dragons for a very long time. Every Christmas Day, the Shadow Dragons, you know, the ones we've seen at Blaze's class and Christmas party, they fly up to the Nordic regions, specifically Norway."

"Ah, so it's a holiday for those guys," said Tails as he remembered the dragons he and Alex met at Blaze's Christmas party. "Tell me more about it."

"Well, if my knowledge serves correctly, they hold festivities for a full week, up until the start of the New Year," said Alex. "It's a tradition within the Shadow Dragon community."

"I'm glad to hear how others celebrate the holidays," said Tails. "This is fascinating."

Tails and Alex spent the whole day watching television shows. There was hardly anything to do since everyone is on holiday. Tails was hoping Sonic and his friends are enjoying their Christmas, even in his absence.

Boxing Day came in no time, and Tails was all set to go to the concert with Blaze. Tails put on some nice clothes occasion, and made sure he was nicely groomed.

"You look good enough already," said Alex. "Now let's hurry. You don't want to keep Blaze waiting, do you?"

"No, not at all," said Tails. "I just want to look my best in the concert."

Soon enough, there was a knock at the door. Tails answered the door and saw Blaze standing in front. Instead of her usual attire, she was wearing a dress that resembled her old clothes she used to wear when she was fourteen. After briefly saying hello to Alex, Blaze was ready to take Tails out to the concert.

Tails had never heard Rhapsody of Fire's music, but Blaze told him that the band was similar to those he have listened to when he visited Blaze's apartment. He can imagine that it will be an entertaining experience. Inside the local stadium where the concert was taking place, Tails and Blaze sat next to each other as they eagerly await the show. Rhapsody of Fire played a selection of their greatest hits, and most of the audience, including Blaze, would sing along.

When intermission came, Tails and Blaze shared their thoughts about the concert.

"The last concert I went to was one held back at high school, but this is something else," said Tails. "I'm getting into Rhapsody of Fire. My most favourite song so far is 'Emerald Sword'."

"Mine too, I love singing to the lyrics of that song," said Blaze. "Going to concerts is one of my favourite pastimes. It helps me unwind after a day's work of dragon training."

"Good for you, Blaze," smiled Tails.

"Sometimes I invite one of my students to come to concerts with me," said Blaze. "They enjoy the experience, even if it is new to some of them."

After the concert was over, Tails and Blaze headed out to lunch where they talked about it and above all, their day out together. They also talked about plans for the future.

"So, what are you thinking of doing after you return to Australia?" asked Blaze.

"Well, I'm thinking of starting college," said Tails. "Good thing I have already enrolled prior to coming to England. Then after I graduate, I shall further my studies so that I can get a worthwhile career, possibly on engineering."

"I wish you good luck with that," smiled Blaze. "Sounds like you really want to make something of yourself."

Tails chuckled. "Well, you know me," he said. "I would never waste my talent and intellect. How about you, Blaze?"

"I still have my dragon training career, if you already know," replied Blaze. "However, I have discussed with the faculty about allowing me to take a vacation, but they haven't decided yet if they will grant me a well-deserved break."

"I hope they will," said Tails. "I never thought you would consider taking a vacation knowing how dedicated you are with your dragon training career. Where do you plan to go?"

"I don't know just yet," said Blaze. "It all depends if they approve my request or not."

Tails nodded as he finished his beverage. He was very happy to know Blaze plans a vacation of her own, and he hopes that she would come to Australia and spend time with him, Sonic, and all his other friends.

Later, Blaze brought Tails back to the hotel. They had a splendid time, and planned for another day out together.

Soon, New Year's Eve arrived, and Blaze invited Tails and Alex to her apartment where they can watch the events on television. They had a delicious dinner of pizza, and watched some movies to pass the time. Eventually, midnight came, and all Tails, Blaze and Alex could do is enjoy the display of fireworks and the people dancing, cheering, and celebrating the New Year.

If there were not enough celebrations for Tails to enjoy, it was around early in January when Blaze the Cat's twenty-fifth birthday came. Much like the Christmas Party back then, Blaze invited her dragon class who all came back after their Shadow Renewal, along with Tails and Alex. Everyone was enjoying themselves.

"How does it feel to be twenty-five, Blaze?" asked Tails.

"I feel as if I'm getting old," said Blaze. "But it does feel good at the same time."

"I have a present for you," said Tails, and he gave Blaze a box-shaped present neatly wrapped.

"Thank you, Tails," smiled Blaze. I'll open it after the birthday cake."

When everyone crowded together at the dining table, they waited eagerly for the cake to come. Sure enough, it did, as one of the dragons brought in a delicious ice cream cake with sprinkles coated all around. On top were some candles, with Happy Birthday Blaze written in purple icing.

After everyone sang the birthday song, everyone cheered for Blaze to blow the candles.

"Make a wish!" shouted one of the dragons.

Blaze closed her eyes as she thought up a wish, then she took a deep breath and blew the candles heartily while everyone applauded.

Following the cake were the presents. Most of them were tasty fish treats. When Blaze finally reached the present Blaze gave her, she unwrapped to discover a box full of chocolates. She liked it best of all.

Long afterwards when everyone was heading back to their respected homes, Blaze brought Tails and Alex to the Kensington Hotel. They were sorry that it would be the last time they get to hang out together as classes are due to resume within the following week.

"We certainly had a wonderful time, didn't we?" asked Tails.

"Sure did," smiled Alex. "But I never expected that the holiday break would come to an end so soon."

"It was fun while it lasted," said Blaze. "I owe it all to you guys."

"Well, it was nothing, Blaze," said Tails. "Friends stick together like always."

Blaze could remember everything she learned about friendship from him, Sonic, and Cream, and she nodded in agreement with Alex.

"So, this is goodbye for now," said Tails as he started to feel a little sad.

"Don't worry, Tails," said Blaze. "You're free to come and see me if you want and we can try to spend afternoons together."

"We've got this month left, and then it's back to Australia for me," said Tails.

"I'll come to Australia if my holiday request is approved," promised Blaze. She hugged Tails and gave him a kiss on the check while she purred contentedly. The young fox blushed as he hugged and kissed the beautiful cat.