?Somewhere else, far in the distance…?
"Have you brought them?" he said, sitting at his desk in a cold, dark room.
A large figure stood behind him, delivering him stones that shone brightly. He grabbed them, one by one, and placed them across the desk, letting them float freely.
"Hmmm… One is missing… But this will do."
He turned, walking slowly towards it.
"They will surely come for them, sooner or later," he said, coughing. "Slow them down. Tire them for me… I have lots to prepare," he commanded, while returning to his desk and typing away at a keyboard in front of a large screen.
Cables connected it to an unfinished machine with seven empty slots on the sides. The figure began to make its exit, as he continued his admiration for the gem he held in his hand…
IX. As Above, So Below...
~Blaze The Cat~
That day, I had dared to do the unimaginable. My hands and feet trembled just with the thought alone. Was it right? I wasn't sure. Should, I have asked first, perhaps? Wait for another moment? How could I ever face him again after… that? What was I thinking? I didn't know what to think about at all. It felt as if I was running out of breath just with those thoughts alone. But I couldn't fool myself. I've never felt so…
"Lady Blaze…"
"Princess…?"
"Huh…?" I looked up, members of the Sol council staring at me.
"...Your thoughts?"
"Y-Yes, he has decided to lend us his strength once more. I am fully confident that we will bring a swift end to this ordeal."
"I hope you don't mind bringing additional ranks with you," Sir Marcus spoke. "We cannot take any risks, and certainly not with the doctor's possession of the gems."
"I understand. That is why, I will leave the assembly up to Dame Maia."
"You will?" she whispered, sitting right beside me.
"Of course. I trust your judgment."
"...Very well. I'll make sure to seek out only the finest."
Lady Luciel spoke, "Then it is settled. I have the utmost confidence that all of you will succeed... All I ask, is for your return home. I will be praying for your safety."
"Dame Maia?" asked Sir Goodfrey. "Please, watch over the Princess… and, Sonic... Remember. Where the gems rest, the doctor awaits."
Lastly, Sir Marcus stood up along with the two.
"Lady Blaze, we truly wish you all the best in this endeavor. We also wish to thank Sonic in person, whenever he becomes available."
"I believe he is scouting the outside grounds of the kingdom. But, I will gladly extend your gratitude."
I stood up beside Maia, wondering what he could be doing. After I met with the council, I spoke with her regarding a few troops she had in mind for our journey. When it comes to conflicts, I am usually on my own. Her excellent grasp of strategy would always be appreciated. After that, I bid farewell and returned to my quarters to bathe away that long day. Soon, I'd realize that it was getting late. My heart swelled at the remembrance; I was meeting him, very soon. Although I was nervous to see him again, I couldn't wait, either. With haste, I began preparing myself. I put on an elegant white blouse and white trousers. I tied my hair, and with one last satisfied look in the mirror, I made for the door, only for Gardon to knock on it.
I grabbed the handle and opened it…
"Yes, Gardo-"
"Hey, Blaze."
"S-Sonic. What a surprise… I, thought we would meet each other at the grand hall."
"Sorry. I, sort of forgot where it was, and, I couldn't really find Gardon. I thought he was with you."
"Oh no. I actually sent him away to take it easy for today. He's been working tirelessly, after everything."
"It's all right. Want me to wait for you there, or…"
"Actually, we can leave now, if you'd like."
"Great… Before we go…"
To my surprise, he revealed to me a handful of magnolias, wrapped in a small ribbon, and placed in a small vase with water. The delicate petals gave out a strong, bright white, covered in a faint, soft purple.
"Claire helped me arrange these."
"These, are for me…? These are, gorgeous. Where did you get them?" I asked as I carried the vase in my hands. He pointed at my balcony.
"Over at that mountain. There are lots of them over there, actually... Thought you might like some."
"…You didn't have to… but, thank you."
I asked him for a moment so I could place the flowers inside, but I stopped midway. I turned to him, and asked…
"Wait. You, made your way over to that mountain? I thought you were still recovering."
"Oh no, I'm all right. I've healed since a couple of days ago. I think it's safe to say I'm back in business."
"That's good news," I chuckled. "I'm glad, and surely you must be too."
"Not nearly as much as I am for tonight."
"...Me too."
I set the vase on the nightstand and shut the door behind me, only to be met by him extending his hand.
"May I...?"
I nodded. And so, we began making our way through the halls, and towards the lower floors. Hand in hand.
"So, how far exactly did you go this afternoon?"
"Through the forest, and most of the north coast. I laid down a bit on that mountain, and came right back... Had to wash off when I got back. That forest can be unforgiving."
"...Did you happen to find anything suspicious during your run, by any chance?"
"I wish, but no. At least not on that side. Actually, I was going to ask. How did the meeting go?"
"It is decided that tomorrow we will leave... Also, they would like for me to extend their gratitude."
"Hey, any time."
"...Sometimes, it's hard to believe you're even here. Carelessly running around the land. Helping my people. And now, joining this quest of ours… I… hope that, being stuck here wasn't too much of a burden… And with everything that has been going on, I shouldn't be content with your arrival, especially under the circumstances you were under-"
My hand got pulled back, stopping me in my tracks. I turned, just to notice him with quite an amused expression on his face.
"What, are you on about?" he chuckled.
"Well, I just, feel like it's not right of me to-"
"I mean, look at the bright side. I finally get to see your kingdom. Help your people… And…"
He gently took both my hands in his, slightly squeezing them.
"I, got to see you… I don't know about you, but, I'm glad I'm stuck here… In fact, I, wouldn't want to be anywhere else, really… And if I had the chance to do everything all over again, I'd take it… So no need to worry so much."
My arms were already around him before I knew it. I hugged him tightly, and he responded in kind.
"...You know, I've been looking forward to this today," I whispered.
"Me too… I think, I've been waiting for this night, for a long time now. And, besides, tomorrow's the day… And, I, don't know if we'll have time, after…"
"When this is all over… and, you have to go back-"
"Hey, I promised, remember...? I will be back-"
"N-No, I know you will… But, I want you to know... I'll wait for you."
"...I know… I'll try not to keep you waiting too much, though, alright...?"
"…Alright."
We made our way towards the outside steps of the palace, and into the plaza. Although the sky had already turned dark, the town remained lively. Lanterns lit the streets, and people filled the air with conversations, songs, and laughter. We walked amongst the crowd, many surprised as they paid their respects while we passed along. A tad embarrassing, but all Sonic did was smile. Then again, he must be used to this in his home.
Making our way through the streets, we passed by many establishments and vendors selling all kinds of goods and eats. I had to say, passing by my own kingdom just for leisure was quite novel. And with him alongside me, it was more than I could ask for. Something out of a dream, I'd say.
We stood at the bridge, taking in the flow of the river below us. I noticed him looking over the ledge, and staring down at the water…
"Conquering your fears…?" I jested, earning a light chuckle from him.
I followed his sight down, toward the water below. As the river flowed, the night above decorated by stars rested over it. And in the middle of it all, were us. Both of us couldn't help contemplating the sight laid down for us. Together, side by side, everything seemed like a painting of sorts.
After some time, we continued down the busy main streets, crowded with folks who seemed to enjoy themselves, and halting in reverence as soon as we passed along. Soon, he would take the lead and take us to a tavern of sorts. We passed through the doors before I could object, immediately catching the attention of everyone else inside.
"Hey...!"
"...hmm…?"
"Stand up you drunken fool...! The princess...!"
Even the guards who were conversing and enjoying themselves scurried from their table and stood up in salute…
"At ease…" I said to them.
As we walked through, I couldn't help but notice how everything turned into nothing but silence... I've never felt so out of place. However, as soon as we were attended to, everything slowly resumed as it was. I've never been in such an atmosphere before... The people enjoying themselves. The calm acoustics from the musician in the corner. The strong smell of unknown aromas… We sat down at a table in a far corner, just for Sonic to take me away from my thoughts…
"Everything all right?" Sonic grinned, sitting on the other side. "You're quiet."
"Y-Yes! Sorry. It's just, all of this is quite new to me…"
"You don't really go out much, do you?"
"Not really… Unless it's something important, I remain inside the palace most of the time… I, can't help but notice that, everybody is looking over," I whispered to him.
He took a moment to look around the place, and the people around us...
"...True, but look at them."
And so I did. I noticed they were… smiling. It looked like people were, pleased. With us, being there that evening…
"I think they're pretty happy to have you around. I know I am," he said with a genuine smile.
With each passing moment, I would ease myself into him, and forget about everything else. I decided to enjoy myself a bit more, and over time, nothing else mattered except for the one sitting in front of me. We talked and laughed away that night, not letting go of each other…
"…So it's this, machine, I guess you can call it, that you sit on. It has wings on the side so that when it goes fast enough, it actually takes flight."
"Like, one of Nega's cruise ships?"
"Yeah, kind of. Just a lot smaller."
"A flying arsenal…"
"We call it the 'Tornado'. It was when I met Miles that we started remodeling the whole thing... Hey, you know what? I should take you flying sometime."
"O-Oh no, thank you. I would rather stay on the ground. Especially with you being the one controlling such a thing."
"Hey, I'm a good pilot if I do say so myself."
"That is exactly what worries me," we laughed. "But, for your pleasure, I'll... think about it."
"I'll hold you to that," he chuckled. "Trust me. You'll love it."
After some time, an attendant returned with platters in their hands. I was confused, but the fact was that Sonic had made them prepare something for us. I had never tried a dish that wasn't prepared by the palace chefs. Although it was different from what I'd savored before, I had to admit that it was quite an experience. Everything tasted so fresh, and was filled with flavors that were new to me. And the wine was delicate and sweet, as if it had been extracted just then and there. As we finished, we continued exchanging stories back and forth; he had more to say than I ever could. Even coming back, to the days when we met for the very first time…
"...You know. It's ironic," he said.
"Hmm? What is?"
"One day, you try to kill me…" He squeezed my hand, as he continued… "And on the next, here we are-"
"I can't believe you still remember that," I complained, rubbing my forehead. "It's rather embarrassing... I was young, and, naïve… Not really in my right mind, either. And I wasn't really trying to hurt you… But, I am sorry if I-"
He began quietly laughing to himself…
"Blaze, that happened years ago..."
"Didn't anyone tell you not to play with fire?!"
"Enough!"
"We really don't have to do this, you know-H-Hey!"
"Then stop getting in my way!"
"I'm not! I'm just trying to help-!"
"I don't need you! Be gone!"
"N-Ngh! ...f-fine..."
"...I-Impossible…!"
"...I suppose, life, does have its turns."
I looked down at myself, lost in my own thoughts. Thinking about how blind I was, back then. How misguided, yet so focused I was on righting my wrongs on my own, whatever it took. Even if it meant, bringing him harm…
It was not a time I was really proud of. But that same person I tried to push away, ended up sitting right in front of me. Despite everything I had done, he was willing to put everything aside, and allow the opportunity for trust to grow between us. Even if I was nothing but a stranger to him, invading his home. It felt, sad, leaving his world... That was until he arrived at my home, several years later. Our times were short-lived, but real, nonetheless. I had the gift of getting to know him. And the opportunity to get to know myself in ways I didn't know were possible.
Life was such a strange, unexpecting thing that could shift in its own mesmerizing ways. And now, it brought us together once more. And for good, I hoped. I wanted to embrace the present, making sure not to take any more seconds for granted. Make the most of it, as he'd always say.
"Even so," he continued, "I wouldn't change a thing."
"You wouldn't?"
"No... Besides, I, got to meet you..."
We stared at one another, just enjoying each other's presence. A silence remained, with our thumbs rubbing against each other's hands, filled with silent words. And without hesitation, he lifted my hand, and placed a gentle kiss…
"...J-Just, returning the gesture, from earlier…"
There was no more room for doubt; he was truly sent from above. My lips seemed to smile on their own as I looked away, unable to find the right words, or even know where to start. I could speak about a thousand things, but all he did was look at me, and share a smile that words couldn't compare… I'd never get used to these feelings, I thought. And I prayed that I never would. For they would ignite my life, like never before…
After our farewells to the staff, and leaving the place, we headed outside. He held my hand once more as we walked, not wanting that night to end…
"I wish it was under better circumstances, but… Tonight was, beautiful... Thank you, for spending it with me."
"No, I should be thanking you… I'm really glad we could do this."
"I am too… It's a shame, that this night will end," I said, looking down.
"It doesn't have to just yet... Do you, want to wind down a bit? Unless you have to get back. I know it's late-"
"I'd love that."
"Okay. Well…"
We spent a moment looking, until something familiar caught my eye. It was the tower I'd go to almost every night. It reflected some of the moonlight, standing tall in the dark. He noticed too, and read my thoughts, looking at me with a raised brow and a knowing smile…
"If you'd like, I can show you the wa-"
Without finishing, he had already carried me in his arms and started heading towards it. Through the streets and onto the roofs, our speed wouldn't allow me to yell. I couldn't register anything, at all. Everything else that surrounded us became a blur, even his smile. How could he possibly do this every day, I thought. And then everything stopped again, as if nothing had ever happened…
"And, we're here," he said ever so casually.
He placed me on the ground again, my legs almost giving out.
"Careful, you all right?" he said as he caught me.
I looked down and noticed the inn. The very one we just walked out of, way down below. Usually, walking up the stairs inside would take moments. Not just mere seconds.
"Sonic. I would appreciate, a warning next time…?"
"Ah, sorry…"
We began climbing onto the wooden roof, as old memories of the place began to flood my mind.
"...So, you know this place?"
"Oh, yes. More than you think. It was used as a scouting tower for the guards, and was filled with equipment. But now, it's been empty for quite a long time… I have spent many nights here, by myself. It was really the only escape I had from everything else."
"Not bad… Sorry if I'm invading."
"You come crashing into my kingdom. Unannounced. Uninvited. And 'now' is when you feel like you're invading?" I joked with him.
"Hey, I did say I was sorry. When we figure out a way to visit you, I'll make sure to write to you in advance."
"Hmm... That sounds reasonable."
"And 'then' I'll come crashing down."
We both laughed…
"Of course you will… In all seriousness, I shouldn't be jesting about such a thing like that."
"How come?"
"Sonic… That day. Was, horrible..."
"But hey. Everything is all right now."
"I know, but… Seeing you lying there. I didn't know what to do... I held you, and…"
"And you took me… You carried me back. You took care of me. Watched over me, almost every night."
"You, knew?"
"Theobald told me… The point is, I'm all right, Blaze. All thanks to you."
The silence remained between us. Gently, he placed a hand on my shoulder…
"Thank you."
"Well… I'm just glad you're alright."
"I'm more than that."
He reached for my hand, which I softly accepted. We remained there, sitting near each other. Counting the stars, while tamed winds passed us by. We laid down against the wooden roof, looking at the dark blue. Our hands together, just like the lights above. Calm, blissful moments, engulfed us…
I couldn't dare turn my head towards him. But one glance, and I noticed he had already done so, his eyes mirroring the night for me. I slightly laughed…
"What's so funny?" he smiled.
"You were right… Looking back through, everything we've gone through, I'd never thought we'd end up, like this..."
"...Like what?"
I squeezed his hand. I didn't really know how to answer…
"...If you'd let me," he whispered, "I'd, stay like this forever."
That hedgehog… Always catching me off guard, even with words alone. And although he could be too confident sometimes, I'd only mean that he'd put everything he had into everything he did… Every word. Every movement. Every breath… Those warm eyes that looked at me, were filled with a life that had no regrets, whatsoever. And now there he was. Saying all sorts of… things. At that moment, I actually started laughing quietly. I never thought I'd hear words that would sound only in my mind, and come from his lips.
I pulled myself forward, right against him. While my hands enveloped him, I could feel his whole body freeze, his entire being tense, his arms slowly embracing themselves around my back. His face was red, and his breath was warm against my head. His hold tightened, pulling me closer. The two of us were perfectly content, wrapped together on that tower. And from that night on, I felt like… we became bound to one another. In every way…
"Sonic…?"
"...Yeah?"
"...Do you think we can stay, like this… just, for a while longer…?"
He nodded, with such a soft smile…
On that night, there was nothing but pure harmony. And that lonesome tower, wasn't so lonesome anymore…
/Sonic the Hedgehog/
The first rays of sunlight were the first things that woke me up that morning. I yawned, and realized that I had never slept as well as I did that night before. I was half-asleep, watching the curtains flow by… And then I realized. There was no soft bed. Or warm sheets. But there was Blaze, resting her head against mine. Then, everything slowly came back to me. After our night together, I carried her and brought her back to her balcony. And from the looks of it, I think we fell asleep right afterward on her couch.
I don't think I'll ever find the right words to describe exactly how I felt that morning. It seemed as if everything was just, right. It was almost surreal. A smile spread across my face, while she shifted slightly in her sleep... I thought I could stay just like that, just watching her and keeping her close. I was tempted to just fall back to sleep, right beside her, but then, I remembered. We had a long day ahead of us. That day, we would head out to get the rest of the gems back. And although I did feel guilty about it, I was somewhat glad that they were taken away. Only if it meant staying by her side, just a while longer…
I carefully stood up and slowly scooped her in my arms, making my way toward her bed. But while I tried laying her down, she had already started to wake up…
"...mmm…"
I looked down, just to see a groggy Blaze opening her eyes.
"Hey," I said as I tucked her in.
She yawned, still mumbling her words…
"...hey… " she muttered, while looking around, confused as to where she was.
"You were asleep so, I thought I'd bring you."
"...you, didn't have to..."
I chuckled, "The knight of the wind is at your service, Lady Blaze… Besides, you must've been uncomfortable last night."
"On the contrary, knight of the wind," she whispered, creeping her hand on mine, "...last night, was lovely…"
"It was… I like the new look."
"...mmm?"
"Hair's all over the place... Here, hold still."
"I, can do my hair just fine-"
"Not the way I do it you don't..."
I tried not to laugh, but I think she noticed. One side of her fur was completely flat, while the other was nothing but a tangled mess.
"...Why are you looking at me like that…?" I whispered. "I'm doing my best here."
"If you are playing a joke on me," she yawned, "I will send you back to Theobald."
"You know, for a fire-wielding princess, you can be cold sometimes."
She let out a faint laugh, as I continued my work. My fingers kept on working their way through her hair, and slowly traveled down her face, gently brushing her cheek... Soon, she'd close her eyes, and lean into my hand. And I couldn't help but smile; I was thankful for that. For the chance to be with her again... I knew I had to come back to her. Whatever it took…
"...I wish I could stay here…"
"... I do too…"
"I'll come back to you… I always do… But, until then, keep this for me."
"...Keep, wha-?"
My lips pushed against her cheek, and her eyes widened slightly. I smiled the moment I looked at her, inches away from each other. Surprised at what I did, she began to tense up, but when I saw those tears, I couldn't help but shed some of my own... I don't really think we were ready to leave each other again, not after everything. So, without thinking twice about it, our faces quickly got closer together. With a small gap in between, we waited for one of us to make the first move. And eventually, we both did…
I'm not sure how long we stayed like that. I felt like my heart had stopped there and then. Pulling away, she looked at me with light eyes. We were so close, that our breaths would meet each other, and so lost in that small moment, although we didn't seem to mind. However, my mind raced with second thoughts. I could never allow, let alone forgive myself, to hurt her. Worried, I decided to back away, but then she kissed me again. Like there was no tomorrow. And then I knew, I wanted nothing more than to stay like that, forever.
It was, strange. The cool morning breeze. The sun rising above the mountains. Everything around us just seemed to fade away. The only things I felt were her lips on mine, and her hands on my cheeks. With every kiss, we would slowly pull each other closer. And our moment would slowly turn into… something beautiful.
"…You've given me, so much," she whispered. "And, you will never know, how grateful I am… Grateful, that we met… For the memories… The joys you've shared with me… You mean, so much… everything, to me… I love you."
"I love you, Blaze… Always will. Even if we are far apart… I want us, more than anything… And I swear, I will come back for you. I won't leave you. Not again."
"Please, before you go, just… hold me…"
Her arms tightly wrapped themselves around me, not wasting any more time… This wasn't a simple matter of wanting each other. At that point, we needed each other. I wanted to hold her, as hard as I could. Let her know that everything was going to be alright. Because no matter how long it would take, I would find her again.
Not even the silence could ruin what we had, because all we cared about, was that moment. That perfect moment, that felt like home.
"..."
"Hey, how's it going?"
"Oh, hey… Not much. Still, working on this thing… C-Can you pass me that?"
"Here… You really should take a break. You look beat."
"You know I can't… He's out there, ngh… somewhere. It's not like he would stop at anything to look for us, would he?"
"...You got a point… But as much as I hate it, I can't allow you to use the emeralds for-"
"I know, I know. But that's where I'm stuck… How can we jump to another dimension without them…? Or, risking reality?"
"...Did he answer yet?"
"No. I think Amy said he's still on mission. But if he and G.U.N. can let me reverse engineer Eggman's machine, maybe I can figure something out, if anything…"
"I know you will. So don't worry too much. He wouldn't like to see you like this. I wouldn't either… Go get some rest, all right? We can ask them tomorrow. If anything happens, I'll be more than happy to convince them for you."
"Heh. All right… I'm sorry. I'm just..."
"I know. Everyone is. But then again, this is Sonic we're talking about… I'm willing to bet he's probably enjoying himself more than us right now."
"...Yeah. I guess you're right."