Lone Princess of a Vivacious Kingdom

The empire of Sol, ruled by me, can only be found in a completely different dimension alone. Or, so I've been told... For years, my troops and I have defended the empire and it's people, from the enemy; a megalomaniac doctor, who's brilliance serves only to rule over the kingdom, and the world after. But recent months have been peaceful... Almost, too peaceful.

The kingdom has begun to flourish greatly, and the people have been very grateful and very much at ease with this. Except for me, if I am completely honest. But over time, I've tried to ease myself, although the shadow of fear still follows me. When I'm not looking out at the world, paperwork, organizing, writing letters, watching the welfare of the people, and a multitude of other things fill my days. Fortunately, the nights are for me alone. For me to stand on the same abandoned scouting tower, every night. One that overlooks all of Sol, with a beautiful view of the sunset and the distant hills and mountains. During the quiet night, I've looked up at the sky sometimes, taking in the moon, stars, and the void in between...

I would never consider my responsibilities a burden, since they are fulfilling my purpose in this part of the world. At least, that is what I wanted to believe. But when the sun sets, and it's just me in the tower, and no one else around... I wish, I could do something other than wait. Wait for the next day, when the cycle repeats once more. I should be happy. Satisfied. But the last time I've felt true joy has been... Well... Before, good people, had to depart back to their home, from mine. People I could call, friends... Under unpreferred circumstances, the time I shared with these was some of my best memories. So I suppose I wouldn't want them to leave. But, it was for the best. And I couldn't believe that I hoped I'd see them again someday. See him again... But, I did. Maybe I was being melodramatic, but I couldn't help it. I have grown fond of their unique company since then. The fox was such a bright and talented mind, but had an even greater heart. Just like his older brother, that hedgehog. Quite stubborn as I recalled, always finding a way to humor everyone. He'd smile so brightly, even if his happiness didn't seem possible. Even if he didn't seem able to show it. It was rather nice to be around him, and feel a warmth I never experienced before... However, I should have known better than to get close to someone. Especially when my duty was bound to the empire as their ruler, and the Sol Emeralds as their last guardian… But... Maybe, being close to someone is not as bad. If this pain is the result of memories I cherish, then I'd carry this pain. Until we'd meet... Again.

It was getting late, and I was rather tired from today's schedule, so I decided to head to my quarters and rest for that night. From the balcony, I turned and headed back to my chambers. A room with a large terrace and a view quite unique, but so high up, that I am mostly granted with nothing but silence. I laid on the sheets of my bed, staring out at the sky from the balcony beside me, and grabbed the communicator I was given a long time ago, to see if it would finally do something. And again, like every other night, there was nothing but an empty screen with the same words in bold, "NO NEW DATA." Although I was not surprised, it slightly saddens me every time. And with that blue moon sitting on my terrace, I slowly drifted toward a new day...

Sleep that was quickly disturbed by a loud passing noise outside, followed by strong warm winds deranging my curtains. The sun had already risen a bit above the horizon when I woke, and I stood up, rushing towards the balcony in utter confusion. I looked into the skies, gasping at what I saw. The clouds had been split across, and burning ash was falling. I began arranging my outfit and my gloves, as knocks on my door urged me to answer...

"Lady Blaze! Lady Blaze!", yelled Gardon, my right-hand man.

"I saw, Gardon," I replied. As soon as I opened the doors, he began.

"I-I do not even know how to explain this to you. Quite the strangest thing I've seen."

"Please, be calm," I said, trying to assure him. "I've had my share of strange encounters. What happened?"

"A streak of light ascended from the skies a-and came crashing right behind the castle. Nearly missed us by a hair's breadth."

I walked over to the balcony to look over the kingdom to see if the people were safe, which they were. Slowly, many began to leave their homes, staring at the sky in awe, and guards started to spread across the streets, urging the people to return back indoors. Moments after, bells began to rang, their sound resonating across the kingdom. As soon as they did, I turned to the door, just for a strange noise to emanated from my bed. Gardon and I turned to the sound, and I held my breath the moment I found out what it was. I slowly approached my night table to reach it... It was no dream, no sorcery, nor illusions. For Sol knows how long, the communicator was beeping with life, right in my very hand. I couldn't help but to look at Gardon who did the same, but my eyes weren't deceiving me. I flipped it, with a screen filled with words, "COMM #3 ONLINE (458.2 METERS)", and a small image right beside them. It was a blue hedgehog, with a familiar smile on his face...

"W-What is it, Lady Blaze…? Is everything alright?"

"S-Sonic...!" I almost refused to believe it.

"...Who?" I ran past Gardon, and back to the balcony. "Princess? W-Where are you going?!"

"I'm going to see what happened."

"By yourself? Nonsense, let the troops handle this. We don't even know what is out there!"

"Underestimating your princess?"

"I... umm... ahem... No?"

"I tease, Gardon. Do not worry. Dame Maia has probably already sent in the troops. But please understand, I need to do this... Can I count on you to watch over the people for me?"

"O-Of course you can. But please. Be safe."

"You know I always am."

And with that, I jumped from my balcony and onto the roofs of the palace, running towards the smoke deep in the burning forest behind the gates. From rooftop to rooftop, I leaped while slowly descending back to the ground, and making my way past the walls and into the forest. I had to limit my running without my abilities, or I would just create even more fires along my path. From the looks of it, the troops had not started their departure towards the woods yet; I was on my own.