XIX. Sacred Vow
Night had already fallen on the kingdom, and everyone was tied up with the recovery of the aftermath. Thanks to everyone's efforts, no one was lost. Couldn't say the same thing about collateral, though. Although it could've been worse than what it was, the fight took a bit of a toll on homes and the streets around them. But everyone was safe, and relief finally started to settle in.
Never would've thought I'd be as glad to see Theobald again that night. With Blaze resting back at the palace under his care, leadership fell into the hands of Maia and the council members, who were even willing to come down to lend a hand. Maia had palace staff helping the wounded, along with medics. And Miles was with them, doing what he did best, of course. The rest split up across town, helping out troops the best they could, and leaving me in between it all. From damage control and helping with the rebuild, to escorting people back to the safety of their homes, one thing was for sure: that night was turning out to be a long one.
While passing through the streets, I happened to catch a few folks I knew here and there. They looked tired. Everyone was, even me. But as soon as they saw me, they seemed to perk up, as if nothing had happened. They sort of kept me grounded through that whole mess, and I couldn't help but smile right back. Anything to let them know that things were going to be just fine.
"Sonic!" someone called from up ahead.
"Maia!" I called back, making my way over to her. "Hey, how are things going for you?"
"The recovery goes well. We are still taking people to shelters, and arranging supplies. Not many have proper homes to go back to, at least until we can begin restorations next sunrise."
"I see…"
"...Don't look so low. These people look up to you now," she chuckled. "Besides, things could have turned for the worse. If it wasn't for all of us, then… Tell me, how are things going along on your end?"
"We're doing alright. Just got back from helping with some of the wreckage around town. Streets have been cleared up, and people have been taken care of. At least on this side."
"That's good to hear."
We began walking along the streets. And as we did, she looked down at herself for a moment…
"...Our journey was… quite, the ordeal."
I nodded at her, and couldn't help but agree…
"How's Chiron holding up…? You know, with…"
"…He's fine…" she sighed. "He'll, need some time…"
"...I don't think time will ever heal that… Was, his family told?"
"Well… Aquilo, didn't have anyone to come back to."
"He, didn't?"
"I'm afraid the only family he ever had, passed on long ago."
"Maia, I… I'm, really sorry. I wasn't there-"
"Don't ever blame yourself," she reassured, with a hand on my shoulder. "Thanks to your commitment upon taking the title of guardian, this kingdom is saved… And Aquilo, he… He carries, the highest honor of this land… Heh… I, still remember many stories of his endeavors… All he ever wanted to do was seek sightings outside of these walls, beyond our lands. Although he did care for the people, he was never in it for the honors, nor the pride… Joining this journey, was solely to seek something that we can only hope to find… A chance to reclaim peace… It's ironic… Now, he's a hero. And I can only hope, that peace finds him through these times."
"…I hope so too…"
"I'll, be honest with you," she said, as she stopped walking. "I was so, relieved. When the doctor had disappeared, and stopped terrorizing us… I know. It sounds so contrary to my role. But, I really thought that was it… I thought that, he had given up… That we could finally move on. Only for him, to return once more, and… Sonic… May I ask… Do you ever, tire…? Of fighting…?"
"…Well, yeah."
Maia seemed to be somewhat surprised at my answer…
"There's been times when it feels like it just never ends… Like, I've been running around in circles," I chuckled. "It's really hard, to think of a 'perfect' life…"
We looked over at Amy, Miles, Knuckles, Shadow, and Silver, walking together far ahead of us. Knuckles was patched with dust and scratches all over. Amy looked about the same, with her quills a bit of a mess. Miles' hair was ruffled, and his gloves were covered in dried blood. Silver was wrapped in bandages and cuts, and Shadow wasn't too far behind. And although the five looked exhausted, they talked and smiled all around like always…
"But over time, I've realized that, I'm not alone in this… That I already 'have' that life… Because, I get to fight for them, and everyone else… They keep me going. Even him… I know it sounds strange, but, I'm glad things are just the way they are… It's alright to feel that way. It gets the best of us. But, whenever you're on your last legs, try remembering what keeps you standing. And what you're fighting for… Whatever it is, hold on to it. As hard as you can… And, if you need an extra push, don't forget you can always count on me."
Maia took her time looking at me. With a faint smile, she gave a nod…
"You know, she was right about you… You have a curious way of turning things around, whenever you want to," she muttered. "Forget I ever said a thing… I really shouldn't be fretting."
"Hey, you're fine, Maia-"
"Thank you… For everything… And, know this… I, might not know how long this conflict will last. But I'll be there, right beside the both of you."
I nodded, and smiled right back…
"Sonic, Maia," Amy called us from behind, standing along with the rest. "How are things going for you?"
"Things are slowly coming along on this side. How's collateral treating you two?"
"Damages were spread all over our side," Knuckles explained. "But so far, we've taken care of most of them with help from the troops."
"Hey, thanks again for coming."
"Ah, it's nothing."
"Again," Maia said, "I can't thank all of you enough for your support."
She took a moment to stare at Miles' gloves, with a confused look.
"M-Miles, are you hurt?"
"Oh, no no. I've been treating a lot of people… I guess these didn't last long," he said, taking off his gloves. "But I'm happy to say there have been no casualties. Just a few injuries here and there."
"That is exceptional news, Miles," Maia sighed.
I looked over at Silver, who was still standing even with how exhausted he was…
"Hey, you sure you should be moving around?"
"I'll be fine," he assured. "Besides, helping here is the least I can do… Especially after letting all of this happen."
"Silver," Maia spoke, standing beside him, "this wasn't your doing."
"I know, but… Everything happened so fast, and-"
"You're not at fault here," Shadow reassured. "You took on Nega. All on your own. These people, this kingdom, are saved… The future can rest easy now."
"He's right," Maia agreed. "And I, believe we haven't met?" she asked, extending her hand to Shadow.
"Shadow…" he said, exchanging hands. "I'm guessing you lead this kingdom's brigade?"
"That's right… Well, I try to," she muttered, with a tired look.
"Well, at least yours is a lot more responsive than mine."
"...A fellow leader, I presume?"
"Well, trying to be."
"I see… Good to know I'm not alone," she chuckled, while Shadow nodded back.
"…Sonic." he called, walking over to me. "How is she?"
"She's fine... Resting up back at the palace."
"I'm sure Blaze will be glad when she sees how everything's turned out," Amy said.
Maia turned to me and asked…
"Why don't you go on and check on her?"
"...Are, you sure?"
"Go… You've done more than enough, guardian. I'll take it from here."
"...Thanks, Maia."
As we waved to Maia walking towards the recovery, we started making our way toward the palace. Except for Silver, who stood where he was…
"Well, I guess this is it then," he said.
"Huh?"
"It looks like you guys got it under control... I'll have to return pretty soon."
"You're leaving?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, I have to report back. See how things have changed."
"For the better, I hope," Knuckles said. "You better let us know if anything goes down."
"Don't you worry. If anything happens, I'll let you all know."
"…You don't want to check on Blaze at least before you go?" I asked.
"I'm sure she'll be alright. She's tough… And besides, I know you'll keep her safe, so I have nothing to worry about."
I walked towards him, and exchanged hands. Yet he pulled me in, and patted me on the back…
"Thanks, Silver. Really... I still wish we had time to catch up, though."
"Hey, maybe I could stop by for a bit."
"But, wouldn't you get in trouble?" Miles asked.
"Not if all I'm doing is going on a reconnaissance run…"
Miles chuckled, "Well, you know where to find us."
"Same place over in the mountains of Spagonia, right?"
"That's right. Home sweet home… Right?" Miles said, looking at me.
"…Yeah," I smiled. "Actually... There's something, I have to say."
"...O-Okay? What is it?" Amy asked.
"I… I'm… going, to stay."
Everyone except for Shadow stood quiet for a moment, and stared at me with confused eyes.
"...T-That's, alright," Miles said, with a raised brow. "I'm guessing you and Blaze do have a lot of catching up to do. We all do," he chuckled.
"…It's, more than that."
And it was... A promise, to someone I'd never thought I'd get to see again, after so long. A princess from another world who, although we had some rough edges in our past, took the risk of trusting me countless times. And the chance to lean on me, while carrying so much. And yeah, I did nag a lot back then, and she wasn't exactly the type to accept any kind of help from anyone. But the more she started relying on me, the more I got to learn not only about her but also about myself. And over time, we ended up with an unbreakable tie that both of us didn't even know we had. But it was always there, even before we met.
We were one in the same, me and her. And no one could take that bond away. One that I wanted nothing but to keep. One that made her open up in ways I never thought she could. Especially on that day… I still don't remember exactly what I said then. But, I do remember the sound, clear as day. The first time I heard her laugh, right in front of me. Full-blown laughter, out of something I had said. By then, I knew that all I ever wanted to do was make her happy. Be there for her when no one else did, and watch over that smile that would stay with me wherever I went. Help her give herself the chance to bloom in so many ways, even when she felt as if she couldn't.
I realized that I had been completely taken away by her. The moment I did, however, she was gone. And I never knew when I'd get to see her again. But something that I still couldn't get through my mind was that nothing stopped her. For some unworldly reason, she chose to wait for me, of all people, to come back to her. Even with entire worlds in between us, she kept reaching for me. She looked for me in her dreams, and held on to memories that belonged to us alone. In her tower, she called me. And thanks to every star in the night sky, I was able to call her back. Finally hold her, and swear to her that I wouldn't keep her waiting any more. Not for one more second.
Her sight alone, after so long, brought back feelings I thought I'd never get to feel again. Never would've thought she would become even more beautiful, in every sense, than ever before. I'm not sure what made me so special to go as far as she did. As for her, she's the one who proved me wrong when I thought I had it all. Her strength was something that amazed me, even to this day. But her heart? It was something else, entirely. Letting me hold it, and see it for what it truly was, was more than any other privilege I could ever ask for. She was filled with this fire that was pure and kind in its incredible ways. And as a guardian, I'd make sure to keep it that way for as long as she'd have me. For as long as I'd live.
Yet, how I tell them, and hope that they'd understand, I thought…
"…You're doing it for her, aren't you?" Shadow spoke, with a faint smile.
~Blaze the Cat~
Darkness.
It completely engulfed me, and warped the skies above. As I looked around, I found myself suspended above the kingdom, gently floating away. Fires contemplated entire streets, but they didn't seem to bring chaos. They were soothing, and calm. Flowing in a mesmerizing manner, as if time had slowed down. Their sight brought a strange feeling of reassurance. But then, I was met with one I couldn't even begin to comprehend.
The gems had granted me many visions and messages before, but that one would clearly differ from the rest. Small flames settled above the palace, like candles. Their glimmer softly shone, and their sparks flew upwards into an endless void. The closer I drew, the more of them appeared. Hundreds of them. They slowly danced about in different colors, forming an ever-shifting pattern in the air. It seemed so welcoming, I was almost hesitant to get close enough. However, two of them stood out from the rest. They sat on the balcony of my room, right next to a strange figure. I hovered over the plaza, making my way upwards. And as soon as I remained above the terrace, my heart soared…
"S-Sonic?!"
"Blaze!"
Quickly, he flew right into me, and spun us around in laughter. Wrapped in his arms, we gazed at each other, before letting our lips revel in their embrace after what felt as an eternity…
"Y-You're okay," he relieved, resting his head against mine.
"You too," I grinned, holding his face. "…But, how is it that you're here, in this realm too…? Why, are we here?"
"Well… Why don't you ask them?" Sonic muttered, with a smile.
I followed his sight towards the balcony, where the two flames stood. Both of us made our way and reached the floor below us. And while in front of them, I was enveloped with feelings so familiar to me, tears threatened to fall. Yet, I couldn't tell why. I turned to Sonic, then to the small fires once more. Not knowing what to do, I stood still and stared at them. But right after, they slowly started making their way over. One of them even came close, and carefully rested above my forehead with a warm touch. And without warning, it lit up in a blinding light, forcing my eyes shut for moments. I braced, waiting for whatever would come next. But as it finally subsided, I found myself tenderly embraced…
"…M-Mother…?"
She held me, laying a soft kiss on my head…
"Blaze, my dear…" she cried.
"W-Wha…"
Another hand rested softly over my head, caressing me gently…
"What a beautiful woman you've become."
"Father…!"
I was taken into their arms, leaving me in disbelief. Everything was so surreal, so overwhelming, I couldn't move. But then realization slowly started to settle in. It was them. There was no room for doubt deep within me. And before I knew it, I slowly unraveled right against them. Mother chuckled, both of them swaying me back and forth for supple moments, as I desperately held them close. I didn't know what to say, at all. I could only cry happiness through my sniffles, my mind a jumble of confusion and joy.
Father quickly pulled away from his embrace and held my face in his hands, studying me with a warm gaze…
"M-My, look at you…!" he chuckled. "Your mother and I… We couldn't be more proud."
But then I noticed his joy slowly faded away as he looked down on himself…
"Blaze, I…" Mother hesitated. "We hope, you could ever forgive us."
"W-What, do you mean…?"
"We left you. With such a heavy burden."
"...I-I… I've, tried-"
"We know… And, we weren't there for you… That will, forever be, our greatest pain."
"...T-That's not true… You we're there for me. Even when… When, both of you left… So please, don't think like that… I just… I-I missed you, so much…"
"Oh, we missed you too…"
Father spoke in a worried tone, his hand on Sonic's shoulder…
"Sonic here has told us of the ordeal both of you just endured, and many others. Are you well?"
"Yes, I am," I assured him, as he sighed in relief.
"Is it true…? Has Doctor Nega gone mad?"
"Please, tell us," mother asked. "What has happened?"
"Well… Ever since you two left, things have changed, quite a bit… Rogue embers vanished, leaving me as the last of our kind. Not only did the gems quickly fall into my hands, but the kingdom as well. However, if it wasn't for Lady Luciel and Sir Marcus, I fear things would have gotten very out of hand for me… I can't tell you how much they helped me. They took me in their care, and taught me well."
"Blaze, please, when you come to, send them our best regards."
"I will… It is thanks to their guidance, that I was able to find the courage to lead everyone toward what I thought was everlasting peace… But, that was soon to change…"
Both hesitated to look at each other in thought…
"The doctor's lust for the gems has brought nothing but terror for so many years. I've done my best to protect the gems, but… It seems that every time he returns, he grows stronger than before…"
"…I'm sure you have-o-oh, my!" father exclaimed, as I raised a flame in my palm.
"Fortunately," I said, chuckling at his reaction, "my training has somewhat paid off."
Father stared at me, with a smirk on his face…
"Look at you… I told you so-"
"I know," I replied, in defeat.
"'Somewhat'?" asked Sonic, with an unconvincing look. "For the record," he whispered to mother, "your daughter has a mean kick."
"Is that so?" mother proudly asked, only for me to find myself jumping at her pinching my arm.
"Speaking of, what is this discord you've been holding against Sonic?"
"W-What?"
"Yes," father added. "Quite the stubborn young lady you've become. What has gotten into you? Refusing his aid for so long-"
"Sonic," I called him, flustered.
"Surely, you're as tempered as your mother," father jested.
"I am not!"
"Nonsense!"
Mother and I protested, followed by laughter…
"Sonic and I, well… We've had our, differences, you might say…"
"Right," he teased.
"Stop it, you," we chuckled wholeheartedly. "But, over time, I came to realize how wrong I was… I guess, I was scared… I knew I had responsibilities to keep. Expectations to fulfill. A kingdom to carry… And I swore to myself, that I'd do anything in my power to prevail. Whatever it took… In reality, I, just wanted to prove my worth… But then, Doctor Nega returned, and my whole world fell apart. The gems were taken away. And, I had failed… If it wasn't for Lady Luciel and Sir Marcus' reassurance, I am sure I would've given up my title, long ago…"
"…You were afraid, of taking on everything all on your own, weren't you?" mother asked, with a hand on my cheek.
"Not, exactly," I replied, earning a confused look from them. "I wanted to redeem myself, for failing everyone. Uphold my duties on my own, and prove not only to them, but to myself, that they'd be safe in my hands... Because, I was the only one who could… At least, that's what I thought… But then, you came into my life."
I looked at Sonic, who looked at me back with a smile holding onto memories that felt like yesterday…
"The truth is, I was afraid, of taking in the fact that I wasn't capable on my own… And, what everyone would think of me as such… I thought that, if I'd accepted your help, I'd lose what little pride I had left. That everyone, wouldn't believe in me anymore… I want you to know that, I never despised you, back then… But, I have no excuse for what I did to you."
"Blaze…"
"Even so, you lent me your strength, whenever I was weak. And were nothing but good to me, when all I did was push you away… Through my mistakes, you believed in me, and changed me in unbelievable ways… Even after everything I did, you saved my home… You saved me… And I owe you, so much…"
"Not at all," he asserted, his hands on my shoulders. "I, knew you were hurting… You were alone… But you won't be. Not anymore."
"...You, have chosen, then?" father asked, standing in front of us.
Sonic didn't even take a moment to think of an answer to such a question. He nodded with conviction, and a warm look. Father, however, looked down on himself in thought…
"I, have just one thing to ask of you," he muttered. "Forgive me but, I can't help but wonder… W-Why…? You've, done more than enough for our home. For my daughter. And yet… You must've laid down so much, taking on such a title."
Mother sighed after a pensive moment, with a smile on her face…
"…I, think I understand," she said as she walked right beside my father. And softly spoke to him words that would leave him bewildered. But what Sonic did next, would take my breath away.
"Well, because… I, made a promise," he said, as he kneeled before him. "…And, I'd want nothing more than to keep it."
For moments, father was dumbfounded, unable to move or speak from where he stood. Mother and I couldn't do any better. As we watched, I yearned to reach out for the one who had taken my heart in warm hands. For the one who has given me more than I could ever dream of. And so, I did. I found myself on my knees, buried against his chest. He tightly took me in, and chuckled under his breath. I raised my head to meet tender eyes, and a graceful smile I couldn't help but mirror. And soon, we were joined by father, who sat on his knee beside us in contemplation.
"...You, love her," he muttered. "...Don't you?"
Sonic took a moment to gaze deep into me with such warmth…
"…More than anything," he answered, with pure certainty. "She means everything to me. And I'd do anything to keep her safe… Having the opportunity to meet her, has been more than an honor for me… She's taken my heart... And, if it's alright, I'd, like to watch over hers."
"...I see."
Father paused, studying us with a kind look. And after a moment of silence, he whispered to me…
"…Are you happy?"
Looking at the light of my life, I answered with all the honesty I could muster…
"…I've never been happier."
Father's smile gently grew brighter, as he quietly laughed to himself…
"...My girl… Then, it is settled," he said as he stood up, wiping his eyes.
He extended his hand to mother, who gladly accepted it. After exchanging quiet words, she stepped forward as we stood up, resting her hands on Sonic's shoulders…
"Sonic… You do understand, what this means for the kingdom… And, for you…"
"I know," he assured her. "If it means keeping her and her home safe, I wouldn't want it any other way."
"When the time comes… will you be prepared?"
He gently took my hands, and looked at me with a soft yet firm gaze…
"I will… I promise."
In his hands, he did not only hold mine, but peace, hope, and light. And as his fingers would lace mine, the times ahead of us would shine so bright, my soul wouldn't be able to bear it. It truly was beyond description… My life was overflowing with nothing but elation. I could hardly contain myself, my hands trembling with joy. And feel my heart swelling with bliss. With confidence, and a love like no other. One I was certain I wouldn't be able to live a single moment without. For he was the sun that gave me new life. The full moon for the darkest of nights. The light shining upon my world that would always guide me home.
He was the wind to my flame.
And yet to this day, I've asked myself, what did I ever do, to deserve someone like him…
"Then… May I, have the honors?"
He turned at her and nodded, a bit puzzled at her request…
"Very well… Sonic," she began, with a hint of emotion. "Do you devote and accept the title, of guardian?"
As her words laid upon him, he looked at me, his proud smile returning once more…
"I do."
"And swear on this sacred vow, to defend the wellbeing of our people?"
"They'll have every ounce of my strength."
"To uphold the kingdom, to your utmost honor?"
"I'll keep it safe as long as I stand."
"...Sonic," she softly spoke, reaching for his shoulder, "could you please, watch over our daughter, in our absence…? This task, is not only for your title to hold, but your heart…"
"I will," he assured, his sight never leaving mine. "I'll protect her. With my life. You have my word."
Father stood next her, smiling down at us…
"...If you can promise us these things… you will have nothing, but our blessings."