VIII. Peace After the Storm

Most of my life has always been about sitting on the edge, exploring everything that it had to offer. I never really liked standing still. I wanted to move from one thing to another without looking back, but I never thought that being stuck at Blaze's world would change quite a lot of things, giving me a chance to reconnect with old bonds, while making new ones along the way.

A couple of days have passed since Nega's return, and the people around the kingdom have been a bit on edge. But something that I really liked about them is that it didn't stop them at all. Compared to the many places I've ever been, this kingdom was one of the calmest places I've visited. The people lived simple lives, and everyone seemed to know each other. I thought maybe they would be somewhat confused with me, coming from another dimension and whatnot, but I was met with nothing but kindness and thanks, instead. Actually, because of my entrance, I ended up having to explain to some (many) folks that no, I wasn't some sort of heavenly being, and no, I wasn't an "ember" either... Whatever that was.

During the day, I've been helping with the reconstruction, along with Blaze and some knights. I had to say, their towns were amazing. In fact, the whole kingdom was. I had time to appreciate it a bit more while I walked around it and even outside the walls. At night, the kingdom would still be busy, but the streets would be filled with people, music, and good times all around. This place was something else, and I've met quite a few faces during my time here. Including a dame who called me from behind, while walking along the streets one afternoon…

"Fancy meeting you here, Sonic."

"Oh, Maia, hey. How's it going?"

"I'm doing well. What about yourself?"

"Just walking around, winding down a bit. I've been helping out with the rebuild all day."

"I saw. You have my gratitude. A lot of people owe their lives to you, even the Princess."

"No one owes me anything, Maia. As long as everyone's all right, we can call it even."

"...She was right. You truly are a simple hedgehog."

"Did Blaze tell you that? If you ask me, she's the one being overly complicated sometimes."

"Take it from me, I wouldn't blame you if it gets frustrating from time to time."

"Not at all. Yeah, she can work herself too hard sometimes. But she does care. There are not that many people willing to be strong like her. So I think she's fine just the way she is."

"Hmm... Sounds like someone's quite close with our princess."

"Ah, well, I just, known her for quite a long time now-"

"But that resilience you speak of… had to be forged, and hammered, for so long... I'm, not sure if she has told you, but... Being what she is today, was never her first choice."

"It, wasn't?"

"No… She used to be happier… But her ancestry, took that away."

"I, remember her telling me things from before."

"About the embers?"

"Embers? You know, I've had some people ask me if I was an ember these past few days. What's that all about?"

"Well. Beings like you and me existed a long time ago. They carried many names throughout our history, and possessed a great variety of abilities beyond comprehension. Today, we call them, 'Embers'. Tasked with guarding the Sol Emeralds for generations, some used their powers to help those in need, and bring forth justice. Others, well… greed ate them away. Despite that, their war centuries ago has caused the start of their extinction."

"Wait, so that means, Blaze must be one too then, right?"

"That is right. The very last, or at least we believe. Both the king and queen were also embers, but… passed on, protecting this kingdom. From others, blinded by power… After that day, not a single one of them made an appearance. It is speculated that they have either gone into hiding, or the princess, truly, is the last one… And to tell you the truth, she is not quite fond of that fact... The day she heard… It, broke her... But that was also the day she would truly discover herself. Some responded to this in positive ways, while others… grew fearful."

"…You, seem to know quite a lot."

"Yes well, I was her only friend back then. Many were wary of her, and we were too young to understand anything about who she truly was. Before, she was so, careless. But after everything… She quickly had to adapt to many things, in little time. Council members Lady Luciel and Sir Marcus took good care of her. But as time passed by, that little girl… slowly faded away… In the end, she did her best, of course. She pushed herself as much as she could, for the sake of the people, and the kingdom."

"I see..."

"Sonic. Although, she may push herself on her own, she truly appreciates your support. I've seen you and her getting along quite nicely, ever since your arrival. She's grown closer to you, from what she tells me… I, am not sure, exactly, what you did. But, whatever it is… you've, changed her. Even during your absence… It's been years, since I've seen her laugh like that. It's as if she was, back to being that girl, long ago… Thank you..."

I didn't know what to say. But after hearing those words, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't lie to myself either. I thought I had it all, but my days with her proved to me how wrong I was.

We walked all the way towards the training grounds, where we were about to part ways.

"Blaze is well. She has been meeting with the Sol Council, and assembling a team for our departure. You know, I will be joining you too."

"Really? Well, I can't wait to fight with you then."

"Likewise. Actually, Lady Blaze should be done by now... Why don't you go and meet with her. I believe you'll find her at the quarter of affairs. Knowing her, she'll be happy to see you."

"Thanks, Maia… Hey, it was nice seeing you," I said, shaking her hand.

"The pleasure's mine. Again, thank you for everything. We'll meet again very soon, when we leave. And return victorious, right after."

I turned away from her, and started walking my way back to the palace…

~Blaze the Cat~

After Nega's unexpected ambush, and his attempt against me and the Sol Emeralds, I've been keeping tabs on a multitude of things. However, I was very grateful for the support Maia and her troops had brought to help bring things back into order. I've been helping and supervising the management of collateral damage, and to my surprise, I found Sonic helping as well. There was no way to convince him otherwise, even if he was supposed to be resting. Yet that was who he was, and I'd always valued that about him. I appreciated the fact that everyone had grown fond of him, and I really could not blame them for that.

Sometimes, I'd find myself just, looking at him. It was hard to believe that he was in my home, after so long. I truly regretted not being able to enjoy our times together before, as we did then. But that did not matter anymore. Because my recent days with him, even just small moments, have been nothing but wonderful. Whether it was walking along the royal gardens, or simply watching the horizon from my balcony, having him by my side made every minute a precious one. I appreciated him. Or instead, valued him... No. I cherished him, so much. And I've, been meaning to tell him, for some time now… But I believed his hands on mine, would tell me he already knew.

This, 'anticipation', over meeting him again grew every day, along with our bond. I knew that he'd soon have to depart back to his home. However, whenever I was in doubt, I'd always come back. To that promise he made, while he rested after his arrival. A promise to return… At least now, I wouldn't wait for him under a blue moon. Now, I would wait with a pleasing melancholy. These thoughts, however, were soon interrupted by a knock on the door, as I organized a few papers and responded; it was my assistant, Claire.

"Yes?"

"Princess Blaze. Someone wishes to speak with you… It's, him."

"I'm, sorry, Claire… Who?"

"The one… who came from the skies…" she whispered with wide eyes.

"...The skies…? O-Oh, please, let him in."

"Very well."

My heart began to flutter. I stood up as Claire opened the door, just to see him peeking in.

"Sonic."

"Your Highness."

He bowed in reverence, amusingly. But I couldn't help but hug him, taking him into my arms. Soon, he'd return the embrace.

"...How've you been?" he asked as we parted.

"I've been well, what about you? It's good to see you."

"Same here. I wasn't able to see you this morning, so I thought I'd drop by."

"Oh, well what can I help you with?"

"What, I can't visit just to see you?"

"I-I'm sorry, of course… Thanks, Sonic. I've been quite hectic with, everything," I said, sighing.

"You look tired," he worried.

"Yes, well... We've had to pull lots of resources for those affected by the attack. A tedious process, but, so far we have made great progress."

"Blaze, you should rest," he suggested. "You're still recovering from what happened, aren't you?"

"I'll be fine. But thank you. And thank you for your help at the recovery. I know there is a lot-"

"And again, you don't have to worry. It's what I do. Any news from the council? I heard from Maia that we'll be leaving soon."

"That's right. With so much at stake right now, the council insisted on sending a team to aid us. I know Maia's coming along, but I've yet to meet the rest myself, actually."

"Wait, I thought you were the one assembling the group."

"I decided to leave it up to Maia. Besides, she knows her troops better than anyone."

"Fair point… Oor, we could just go. Right now, you and me."

"As tempting as it sounds-"

"I know, I'm just kidding-wait. You actually, thought about it?"

"I mean, we have dealt with worse. I've missed our little excursions together. But, with everything on our hands-"

"People come first. Trust me, I know… We'll figure things out, and I'll be right behind you."

I nodded, staring at his eyes filled with conviction.

"I, can't thank you enough."

"Anytime... I mean… Look at this."

We walked over to the window and looked down below…

"At first, joining you guys in this was duty, of course... But, after my time, down there… Now it's more than that," he admitted, glancing at the streets filled with the very people that counted on the both of us. "You have a beautiful kingdom, Blaze… And, its princess is not that far, either."

I, was at a loss for words, as he stood right next to me. Staring right at me with that smile of his, as I felt the sincerity of his words wash across me. I stood very still beside him. One small move, and I'd melt at his sight, I thought. Somehow, I managed to gather all the courage I could muster to reach out for his hand resting on the ledge, and yet he took mine with such finesse, without any sign of hesitation. And as our fingers joined, the world stopped. Time itself came to a halt. It was just him and I, in between a loving moment of kind silence that would feel like an eternity…

"...I've, been meaning to ask," I asked. "Would you like to meet, afterward? After I'm done for the day? Maybe we could, take a walk. If you'd like."

"Yeah, I'd, like that."

"How about, meeting just before evening comes?"

"Looking forward to it."

The two of us shared one last look before he took his leave. I hesitated but, called him back once more…

"Well... I'll, see you tonight?"

"W-Wait..."

"Mmm?"

He turned towards me again, returning to my side. As he looked at me in confusion, I stood in front of him, trying my best to keep calm with no result. I slowly raised my head to meet his cheek… and…

"...s-see you…"

"...y-y-yeah…"

He stood there, struggling to muster a slight smile across his face. With one last warm look, he walked through the door. Leaving me with nothing, but his lingering warmth on my lips…