XVI. Bonds Beyond the Stars

[Silver the Hedgehog]

"Ngahhh!"

"Hmph... I thought I took care of you."

"You thought wrong, Nega. And I'm afraid that'll cost you."

My fight with Nega was one that just wouldn't end. I tried holding him while Tails' plane flew by, striking him with a few hits, but we could only slow him down so much. He charged forward while I moved away and threw him past me. I flew right below and straight at him with everything I had, pushing him high into the skies. With every hit and cut with my abilities, I sent him higher above the clouds. My fingers dug in between the edges of one of the gems, desperately trying to remove them from the slots in his shoulder as fast as I could, but they wouldn't budge, and were sealed in place.

"T-These… don't, belong to you!" I grunted.

"Perhaps!"

He grabbed my arm and pulled it away.

"But I'll do much more with them."

He held my neck and lifted me above him.

"More, than what all of you can imagine."

While gasping for air, I tried pulling the gems towards me with everything that I had. My arm shook from the effort, while my hand kept glowing brighter.

"...Go ahead, try."

I couldn't. I even tried to crush his arm. It was as if the steel was imbued with the gems' power…

"...Pitiful."

However, a blast went off on his back, knocking us away from each other, before a loud roar quickly passed us by; It was Tails again.

"How bothersome…"

Nega didn't wait. He raised his arms and fired right at it. Tails struggled to evade, and disappeared in the dark clouds.

"Why...?! W-Why, are you so obsessed?!" I yelled as I tried to catch my breath. "On taking, over everything…? Why bring so much… pain…?"

"Why, it's simple really… I want power."

"...T-That's it?! You're all the same-!"

"Don't, ever, compare me to anyone else... Not even to that, 'counterpart', of mine… 'Doctor Eggman'… His goal for total world dominance, to make it suit his own visions are… sad, really… 'Eggman Land'…? What a joke, unlike him I was respected!"

"…w-what…"

"…I've traveled far, in search of discovery... I had simple aspirations, nothing more. But what I'd find here, would change, everything… A kingdom, in discord against a corrupted force… One kind act, would grant me their warm welcome. But the moment my eyes laid upon these gems, my aspirations would soar, to new heights. For years, I've tried to find ways to harness the gems' power. Countless days, and nights… Researching their hidden potential… But they're nothing but blind, all of them…! And when I took matters into my own hands. When they finally saw…? They refused my ways. And exiled me. Banished me away... Casted aside, and left with nothing, but their burning hate, and my broken pride… But no matter. I've gone beyond it all… Now, there is no greater sense of fulfillment, than my absolute reign. And with this power, they'll see… I will rule over this land. Better than that cat ever did-"

"To hell with you!"

"Come now. I know you must be in pain... I understand… But trust me when I say this: it will end. Very, soon. This whole, meaningless destruction. This senseless fighting. The hurting, everything… The people… You. And your friends, will be safe… With me. Under 'my' protection. 'My' rule… And my reign will continue, beyond the stars… But the choice is yours. You, 'could' join me… Or fall."

I didn't hesitate to spit on him.

"My, my... I'm disappointed, really."

And with those words, he was gone into thin air. I turned, just to meet him inches away from me. With the back of his hand, he sent me straight toward the ground. However, I caught my fall just in time. I looked up, expecting Nega to come at me. Fortunately, he was too busy pursuing Tails' plane, covering the skies with trails and fire. The moment I landed in a clearing, I got down on one knee. I realized I didn't know how much I had left, but luckily, I wasn't alone. I heard rustling, not too far from where I was. In between the trees, I saw Shadow. And to my surprise, Sonic's arm rested around his shoulder. He seemed hurt but, he was, back. He was okay. I don't think I could ever explain how relieved I was to see him. I still don't know exactly what Shadow did to him, but, I was glad he was able to bring him back to his old self again.

"S-Sonic!"

I ran through the clearing towards them, and couldn't help but hug him. He barely looked at me, with his head down. He looked so… defeated. He was back… but, gone all the same. Yet with tears in his eyes, he was capable of smiling, even if it was a faint one…

How, I asked myself…

"I got him, Shadow."

I grabbed Sonic's arm, and wrapped it over my shoulder.

"...Silver…?" he whispered.

"Hey. I got you."

He barely nodded, looking at the ground below him. I didn't know what to say to him. But then, I remembered. I had to tell him.

"Here…" Shadow tossed his comms at me. "Let Miles know Sonic is alright. He can land in this clearing."

"Wait, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going after Nega."

He reached for his wrists, and took off his rings. Slowly, a red glow began to cover him as the wind started to pick up around us. He gave me his rings and began walking away toward the middle of the clearing. But he stopped, and turned. He took his time, looking over at Sonic, who was staring down at his feet and barely moving…

"...Alright… I'll meet up with you soon… Good luck."

He nodded at me. His eyes brightly glowed, and with a strong burst of wind, he took off into the skies. Cutting through the clouds, and loudly breaking the sound barrier. Sonic let go of me, returning his arm.

"Hey, careful-"

"I'm okay…"

He rested himself against a tree, and sat down.

"...Sonic, listen-"

"I'm, such a fraud…"

"...What…? What, are you talking about…?"

"...S-She's gone, Silver… A-And... It's all my fault..." he whispered, lifelessly staring off toward the ground…

"…Hey. Whatever happened to the Sonic I used to know…?"

"…Silver… I…"

"You know that's not true," I said, kneeling in front of him. "You're not a fraud... If anything, you're the one who's kept us all together, even when everything seems to be lost… You're the singularity, you've always been… Both of you are."

He looked at me, with slightly widened eyes.

"Let, go of me!" Distant voices…

"Just, stop! Y-You shouldn't even be moving!"

They came closer to us, coming from the other side of the clearing. I readied myself in front of Sonic, not sure what to expect. But ready to face it, whatever it was.

"Ngh! Let go!"

And then, I saw them. Two figures, coming from the bushes up ahead.

"...Sonic," I called him, letting him look ahead.

It was her, with Maia by her side. Chiron would appear from the bushes right after. I waved, and we looked at each other. Although I told her to stay put, I wasn't surprised she didn't listen to me.

I helped Sonic get back on his feet again and walked him toward the clearing…

"…S-Sonic!"

Blaze quickly began making her way through the clearing, and carried him in her arms. While she cried on that clearing, Sonic remained still, and as their knees rested on the grass, all we could do was watch these two reunite again.

Despite everything that happened that day, somehow, it brought a small, sense of hope. To me. To all of us…

"…w-what…"

"Y-You're okay…!"

"…B-Blaze… You… You were… I, saw you… and-"

"I'm all right… I'm okay, I promise..."

"...you're, here…"

"I'm here…"

I grabbed Shadow's comms and tried to reach Tails…

"…Tails? Are you there?"

"##S-Silver?! You're here!##"

"Good to hear you again. How are you holding up?"

"##Not good. I could-Ngh! Really use some help.##"

"Shadow's on his way. He'll take on the doctor for you."

"##W-Wait, but… What about Sonic?##"

"Don't you worry, Tails… He's doing just fine."

"##…*sigh*##"

"There's a clearing here, big enough for you to land."

"##Okay. We're on our way.##"

"I'm off after Nega," I said to Maia. "Please, look after them, Maia."

"...All the best, Silver…"

~Blaze the Cat~

I owe my soundness, to Silver. After waking, I found him on his knees before me. He brought me away from the shore, and helped me regain my senses. Eventually, we found Maia helping a limping Chiron on the other side of the lake. And as we gathered ourselves, they began to tell me everything that had happened. That Sonic was hurt. That he wasn't himself, and was holding the fight against Nega on his own. Alone…

I couldn't stay there. And to this day, I am not sure how I mustered the strength to stand up and go after him. All I remember was looking at the skies, soon understanding what they meant. He had changed. The fight did go on, but he had taken on a form that I couldn't even recognize. It was only when I heard his screams, that I knew it was him. His voice shook me, and left me with nothing but pain. Through the woods, I struggled my way, with one thing on my mind.

I never heard him cry as he did then; I really thought he was incapable. Feeling him heaving against me, and tightly pulling me close, was unreal…

"…I, t-thought, you were gone…"

I kissed his shaking lips, salty from the tears.

"I'm right here…"

"…I'm, so sorry… I-I, I should've never left… I-"

"Stop that… I'm just glad you're alright…"

"…A-Are you hurt-"

"Look at me," I pleaded, rubbing his cheeks with my thumbs. "I'm all right… But, Sonic… What, happened to you…?"

"...did, you see…"

I nodded in response…

"I… I'm, sorry-"

"Don't be. You're back, and that's all that matters..."

"I'm, sorry I couldn't do anything-"

"Shh… no more...''

"...I'm so sorry."

"Sonic-"

"About, Quil…"

"...He fought, with everything… Let it not be in vain."

Sonic stood silent, looking down into himself…

"...Hey," I whispered to him. "We'll get through this-"

"Blaze!" Maia yelled.

A loud sound slowly approached us from above. It was some sort of craft, quickly hovering towards us over the trees. Maia, alongside Chiron, started swinging her chains.

"N-No!" Sonic yelled over the loud noise. "That's Tails!"

"Maia!" I yelled and waved, trying to get her attention. She looked over to me, blade in hand. "Stand down!"

She turned at me in confusion, and back at the craft. Both of them remained wary, keeping their weapons at the ready. As the craft remained suspended above us, I lifted Sonic and helped him walk away towards the edge of the clearing. The winds became wild as it began its descent, and the moment it landed, the loud noise started to slowly die down…

Once familiar eyes met mine, my heart was instantly filled with joy and relief. But Sonic…? He was filled with life, once more. And nothing in the world, could make me happier.

They quickly jumped out, running across the field towards us while calling our names. Soon, both of them would embrace us. Leaving me in utter disbelief... Amy and Tails. After so long, finally, we were all together again…

I always thought Sonic was very fortunate to have ones who he could always return to. But then… I realized. I looked around me; I was surrounded and held by the same blessings. Blessings, of friends. A family... One that had quite grown over the years. And one, that I was honored… happy, to be a part of.

I was thankful, for being able to see both of them again. And on that day, I finally understood Sonic's overconfidence. His resolve to carry his pride close, and his humility even closer. His will to always keep his head high. Stand his ground, and stay assured in any circumstance. Remain strong, right in the face of certain adversity. Even at the risk of those close to him. The world. His life… It was those who he held dear, that kept him on his feet.

In those moments, the light that shone on his face was something I hoped could last forever.

"...Guys…"

Sonic was shedding tears. But this time, he wore such a warm smile.

"You're, here," he said with pure relief, not believing his eyes.

"Of course we are, silly," Amy reassured him.

"B-But, how?"

The echidna who stood behind us came closer, and pointed at Tails, who rested his head against Sonic's shoulder.

"…You know how stubborn he can be."

Sonic took his time to look at Tails, who nodded right at him.

"We were worried," Tails spoke. "Besides, someone has to pull you out of trouble."

"…Thanks, Miles," he said, as I wiped his tears.

"I'm glad you're alright."

"I'm more than that," he replied, looking at me with soft eyes.

"Blaze!" Amy said, with a tender hug.

"Amy! It's so wonderful to see you again."

"I can't believe it… Look at you! You've, changed."

"You as well," I chuckled.

"You look… How should I put it… You look, happy…"

"…I have all of you to thank for that… Maia, Chiron. These are Tails, Amy, and… I'm, sorry-"

"Knuckles, your Highness," he said in reverence.

Maia greeted them, while Chiron just nodded.

"Please, just call me Blaze."

Suddenly, a hand rested on my shoulder.

"It's good to see you again, Blaze," Tails said, while carrying Sonic's arm around him for me.

"Tails! I hope you've been well… Sonic was not kidding. You've… grown."

"Hopefully this hedgehog didn't give you any issues?" he teased.

"Of course not. He's nothing but wonderful…"

While everyone chuckled at Miles, Sonic and I, remained silent…

"...Are, you two okay…?" Amy asked Sonic. And she had the right to. He was looking down, and everyone had noticed.

"Y-Yeah… No… We… We lost someone, today."

"O-Oh no…"

Tails set Sonic down against a tree as I sat right beside him.

"Sonic… Blaze… What, happened here?"