III. Sanctuary

The Council Chambers, a large room with tall windows and a balcony with a view of the mountains, had become somewhat tense as I arrived. I wasn't surprised; a lot had happened in the course of a few hours. Some members seemed particularly uneasy, while others appeared indifferent. To be honest, this part of being a princess was not exactly my favorite. But good relations with certain members of the council have made it bearable. Sir Marcus and Lady Luciel have been members of the council, and close friends with my parents. They've watched over me for as long as I can remember, and I considered them part of my family at heart. With the rest... not so much. All in all, it was my duty to ensure the future of the kingdom in this very chamber. Our duty.

Maia and I managed to arrive, the doors echoing as I opened them, and Sir Marcus being the first to greet us...

"Ah, Princess Blaze. Dame Maia. We thank you for coming."

"Thank you, and apologies for keeping you all waiting."

As soon as I took a seat, everyone else did...

"I hope both of you have been well during these calm times," Lady Luciel said. "Well, not so calm any longer, considering the circumstances... Dame Maia, any news on the matter?"

"Maia," I whispered to her, hoping she wouldn't say anything that would negatively impact the issue, or Sonic's position.

She shot a glance at me and whispered, "Trust me."

And so, I did…

"Members of the Council. As the kingdom saw this sunrise, something fell from the skies above, and crashed into the woods behind the palace. The Princess was the first to arrive on the scene, as many troops, myself included, arrived afterward. Many have speculated on an attack, and confusion has been on the rise, coursing through the kingdom ever since. Believe it or not, but... the hedgehog we have brought into our care, is the one who fell, from the skies..."

Spectators began to murmur in surprise all at once as Maia's words echoed through the chamber.

"So..." one of the members, Sir Goodfrey, responded, his voice booming from the walls and silencing everyone. A sound I could recognize anywhere... "You come to tell us, that this one survives this, 'fall from the heavens above', and now sits inside our walls?"

"He was gravely injured," Maia added, "so it was decided to tend to him until we can uncover the truth once he wakes. I have knights at guard, just outside the medical ward. All at the Princess' request."

"The Princess?" Sir Goodfrey asked, "Then, Princess, I speak to you... Threat or not, he has been given passage here. Without questioning your reasoning, may I ask, on what basis have you chosen to grant him this mercy? Let him into our walls, our homes-"

"Under the basis that he's my friend."

The council stood in complete silence for a moment…

Lady Luciel curiously asked, "Princess Blaze, how, do you know this hedgehog?"

"As you recall from our previous meetings, our world is but a mirror to another, beyond even the stars. Doctor Nega took advantage of this, but was stopped by me. And, another. A great ally who has helped me defeat the doctor countless times, defending the kingdom and even the realm we reside in. Without a shadow of a doubt, these triumphs could only be accomplished with his support. Please, rest assured, he is no threat."

"We do remember you speaking about this ally of yours," Sir Goodfrey admitted as he stood from his seat. "Yet, we cannot deny the fact that he has waltzed into our kingdom, clinging on to life. And that only means one thing... He is bound to bring his enemies into our land. Enemies we have no quarrel with, but that would surely cause even more pressing issues. Please, understand. We've been at peace for quite a long time, Princess. It should be in our best interest, to keep it that way."

"I understand. Dame Maia has already sent troops to survey for any other urgencies, so you do not have to worry. And as for him, he has protected this kingdom as if it were his own. I say he is already one with the people of Sol. I 'humbly' ask for his name not to be disgraced. As Princess, I shall take responsibility for him, and for whatever happens from today onward. No one is more knowledgeable about the situation than he is. But whatever that may be, he needs our care. The kingdom owes it to him… I, owe it to him."

Sir Goodfrey stared at me with a faint yet soft look, but ultimately sighed, and sat down.

"Lady Blaze, if I may," said Sir Marcus." This ally. What, is his name?"

"...Sonic."

For a moment, the members spoke amongst themselves and reached an agreement when Lady Luciel stood up from her seat…

"Very well. Princess Blaze, the council will be willing to aid him in any way we can. If we truly are in his debt, it is the least we can do."

Relief embraced me when I heard those words, and the council continued with other matters. But when it was over, I quickly dismissed myself and made my way to the exit. Once I passed those doors, I stopped. And turned to Maia, who was just about to leave as well…

"Maia."

"Well, that ended better than expected, don't you agree?" she chuckled, closing the large door behind her.

"I wanted to, thank you. For your help."

"Blaze, I am at your service as a dame. And here to help as a friend. I'll watch over any news that occurs and relay them to you."

"Thank you, Maia, again. Please, make sure you rest plenty. Today has been, quite full of events," I remarked wearily.

"Do not worry about me, Blaze. You go on now. Besides, your hero awaits… And the night is quite still young-"

"Maia... so help me Sol..."

Maia's chuckle echoed through the hall as I made my way. Worry crawled on me as I realized what was left to do… I didn't even know if he was still alive. It was already dark, and stars spread across the night sky. Theobald had to be done with his treatment, and all I could do was hold on to Maia's words and Theobald's proficiency. He had to be alright.

I stopped at Theobald's ward, standing right in front of the wooden door. As I let out a faint sigh, I closed my eyes, and slowly reached for the knob…

Yet, there he was... Sleeping soundly on one of the beds, the soft moonlight hitting his quills from the window beside him, all while tucked in under white sheets. I was so relieved, I began quietly chuckling to myself. Why did I ever worry? He was resting himself away, without a care in the world. Just like the Sonic I used to remember. After looking him over, I found that his wounds on his arms had been washed and taken care of. Although covered in faint bruises and scars, he was back to his old self. I am sure he was treated extensively. I had to thank Theobald and the rest for taking good care of him.

Sonic the Hedgehog... I, still couldn't believe he was resting right in front of me. It was, unreal. For so long, have I hoped... He had grown so much, compared to the last time we met. Then again, time has that effect on people. He had quite a lot more quills, untamed fur resting on his cheeks. His shoes were sitting beside the bed, his belongings on the nightstand, and even while asleep, that smile wouldn't rub off. Even if it was a faint one. And I couldn't help, but smile back.

"Hey," I muttered, although he was fast asleep. But it did not matter. He was there... "I-I trust you've been well…" I whispered. Yet, the silence continued. "A lot has happened here, since you've gone away... And from the looks of it, the same goes for you."

He always had this air, of tranquility, I couldn't really put my finger on. It was always soothing. And yet, sitting there, right beside him, I found myself struggling to find what to say. But, I'm sure that if he were awake, he would say what was on my mind. I thought to myself for a moment, and realized how much I had longed for him. I knew that this feeling would come someday for everyone. And now, there it was… In the form of a hedgehog, fallen from the sky… And, although it was odd, it was one of the liveliest feelings, I've ever had.

"…I've, missed you."

It was strange. Sonic would be the one to speak all the time. Yet, there I was, speaking for the both of us. But even though he was fast asleep, I was very glad to do so.

"The doctor has not made any appearances for quite a while, and we've been in a period of peace ever since."

I sat there, remembering all those times we fought together against all kinds of foes.

"I've also put in a good word for you, and the council has acknowledged your heroism... You're welcome," I said as I barely nudged his shoulder. Something he would do all the time as some sort of, humorous gesture. "But for you, it seems the fight goes on... I, don't know, what has happened... But, in the meantime, please rest as much as you want."

I hesitated, but couldn't help but hold his hand. I wanted to stay like that, and somehow let him know that he was safe…

"I'll be right here..."

I wished things were different. I didn't want to see him like that. Exhausted, and hurt all over. I had to admit, Sir Goodfrey did prove a point. Whoever was responsible could pose a threat... No matter. Let them come, I thought. I swore to watch over him. But in the meantime, I would remain right beside him. Letting the gentle sound of his soft breathing fill the room, as I drifted to sleep...