XVIII. Sol's New Protector
/Sonic the Hedgehog/
"You guys okay?" I asked Shadow and Silver as I got back down.
"Just in time as always," Silver joked.
I looked over at Shadow… He wasn't looking too good. None of them were.
"...Hey."
"Hey."
"…I'm, sorry… And, thank you."
"…Don't mention it-"
"How?!" Nega yelled from up ahead, still recovering himself on the floor.
"...Looks like I'll take it from here."
"All yours, Sonic," Silver gestured.
While we started making our way, hundreds of guards crowding the whole plaza started making a path for us, with Nega waiting at the end. The steel in his chest plate was torn and cracked, and metal shards were spread across the ground. A trio quickly stood out from the crowd, wearing long white robes; the council members Blaze told me about…
"Don't worry, the princess is safe," I reassured them.
"…Thank goodness," Sir Marcus relieved, who then took his time looking over at me. "…I see, Lady Blaze has chosen. Sir Sonic."
"You, know me?"
"Of course. The princess has told us many tales of your encounters… And, if she speaks the truth, then… frankly, we will never be able to repay you."
"No need for all of that… I'm just glad everyone's all right-"
"You…!" Nega snapped, struggling to get back up while guards armed themselves around him. "Countless years of research… Only for it to be thrown all away… By you… How did you do it?! Tell me, this instant!"
"…May I?" I asked Sir Marcus.
"If you please," he replied.
"…Pretty demanding while being cornered, don't you think?" I said, walking over to Nega, surrounded by knights.
"...I'll rip them off of you if I have to-"
Didn't even take me a second to meet him face to face, fazing him for a moment.
"That's a warning."
I had to play it carefully then. Although "Doctor Nega" was, gone, whatever was left of him still stood in front of me. I knew he had nothing but wrong intentions. But…
"It's over, Nega… I'd end things here and now, for everything that you've done…"
Shadow, even Silver, wanted to say something. But I raised my hand, stopping them midway.
"Shadow-" Silver muttered, while Shadow got his arm back from Silver's shoulder, and started limping towards me.
He held my arm, and whispered, "What, are you thinking-"
"Nega's done here."
"And you're just going to leave him?"
"Whatever happens to him, is up to the council… But, he can rust away for all I care."
"Why you-" Nega ranted, but froze right after, covered in a blue glow.
"Don't try anything, Nega," Silver asserted. "Or I might just accidentally crush you... Sonic, Shadow. Hear me out…"
After me and Shadow nodded at each other, we talked for a few moments, hearing what Silver had to say... And somehow, even Shadow came to an agreement…
"Sir Marcus?" I said, walking over to him and the rest of the council members. "First, I want to say thanks, for taking me in…. And sorry for the mess back there. Hope I wasn't too much of a hassle."
"Nonsense," he said, shaking his head. "It is the least we can do. On behalf of this kingdom, we thank you. For everything."
The flames around me eased off, and I was able to meet the cool winds around me again. The gems quickly appeared, shining and gently floating around us before arranging themselves right over my hand.
"...Here."
"…No," a dove, one of the council members, spoke, and began walking over to me.
The gems slowly hovered, right back to me…
"The princess has already made her choice... We can only hope, that your heart stays true to yours."
"...It will, I promi-"
"But why...? We, don't understand… Why have you, taken on this responsibility…? A great warrior. A humble savior. Of not only his people, but all those who reside across the heavens, and beyond… Yet someone, who has engraved their will. Their loyalty, their life… To us… The princess… What, I ask, have we done, to deserve such grace…?"
"...It, was the right thing to do… Unfortunately, there was no-"
"'It was the right thing to do'… To sacrifice, your whole life, for this land…? Is that, your final answer?"
"...I..."
"Oh please," she chuckled. "No… You did have a choice. You knew what this entailed… However, all of this. It wasn't an act out of desperation… It, feels as if… it was, out of your heart…"
She moved forward, and gently took my hand, in between hers…
"I could never, imagine someone willing to go as far as you did today…" she spoke, looking down at herself, in thought…
After staying quiet for a few moments, she quickly looked up at me with a bit of excitement laying in her eyes…
"Your resolve… It meant much more, than just any simple commitment… did it not?" she whispered, while all I could do was return her smile. "...If this, is what you solely desire, with all of your heart, then, I have nothing but faith in you… Just. Please… Keep her safe."
"…I will, Lady Luciel."
"You, know me?"
"The princess told me a bit about all of you."
"...Then, she has spoken my words against you, hasn't she?" another member spoke. Sir Goodfrey. "…My intentions, were for the sake of this kingdom, and to safeguard the period of peace we held then… I'm sure you understand."
"I do… I'll make sure to do the same, you have my word."
"Speaking of… Now that you have taken on such a role, we have much to speak about, Sir Sonic."
"Right… But first. Silver?" I waved at him.
Metal scratching against the cobblestone began to sound loudly around the plaza. Silver dragged Nega across the ground, bringing him over to us. The members, even the guards, couldn't help but take a few steps back.
"My name is Silver. And, I have a proposition," he stated.
"Worry not," Sir Marcus said. "You, and your friend there will be rewarded for your bravery."
"W-What? No, no need," Silver chuckled. "With your permission, I would like to take custody of Eggman Nega."
"You what?" Nega objected.
"...I-I beg your pardon?" Sir Goodfrey stuttered. The three seemed to be in for a surprise.
"Yes. You see, my world has the means so that he'll never bother yours, or anyone. Ever again."
"You do?"
"That's right."
"...B-But what if-"
"He won't be able to. You have my word."
"You really believe you can contain me…?" Nega complained in a low grunt.
"Go ahead and try anything," Shadow said, stepping forward. "I'll have something far worse than containment, waiting for you."
The three didn't seem to know how to respond to Silver's proposal, looking at each other back and forth…
"...I… I, truly, don't understand…" Marcus said. "How, do you plan on benefiting from this…?"
"Well… Some rest would be nice." Silver admitted.
Lady Luciel, Sir Marcus, and Sir Goodfrey looked at each other, but it didn't take long for Sir Marcus to speak again, with a slight chuckle.
"…If you truly can honor us with his exile… this kingdom would be, forever, in your debt."
"No need. This one's on me."
"...Very well then… We'll leave him, to you."
"You can count on me."
After they were done, Silver and Shadow turned to me…
I took one last, long look at Nega…
"…All yours."
"Right. Leave it to me-"
"And Silver?"
"...Yeah?"
"Thanks again. For coming."
"...Thank me when I come back after I'm done with this guy…" he said, while turning away from us. "Alright, Nega... Any last genius remarks before we leave?"
"Actually, I should be asking you."
Small parts inside of his torn chest plate started to twist and turn, and a faint yellow glow began to seep out from the edges of his armor.
"What?"
"Silver?" Shadow quickly asked.
"That wasn't me!"
"What did you do?!" I shouted at Nega.
"A parting gift… From yours, truly-"
"Sonic, get him out of here," Shadow said.
As soon as the gems returned, covering me in flames, I turned to Silver.
"Drop him."
The moment he did, Nega didn't even hesitate. Grabbing my arm, he quickly flew us away from the plaza and across the streets. People started screaming and running all over, and as soon as I tried kicking him away from me, he threw me toward a building. Crashing through the walls, I landed inside a room while rubble began falling on me. I managed to recover myself and fly from the debris, just for him to charge right at me again, clasping hands against mine. The steel seemed to hiss against me, but it didn't stop him one bit. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I found a family of three hiding in a corner behind me, scared for their lives.
One thing I noticed, the glow coming from him had stopped…
"Good… Only you, and me."
"...Cheap trick, Nega."
"Is it now? I consider it to be one step closer, to victory… Because now, I break you… And return what is rightfully mine… With one, fell, swoop."
I had to deal with two fights then; him, and myself. One side of me yelled at me to finish this. End this whole ordeal. Make him pay for everything he's done… To her… To our future… The other, wanted to think things through. Not act on the wrong emotions… I knew, for a fact, that I'd hesitate… Reasoning was out of the question; he was dead set on the gems.
Then, it came to me... He 'wanted' the gems. He was nothing without them. If I'd leave, he would follow right after, keeping the kingdom out of harm's way. The only choice I thought I had was to stall him. Hold on to the gems, keeping them away from him for as long as I could. And gaining enough time to think of something... Of what? I didn't know. But there wasn't much of a choice, either.
Without warning, he grabbed me and threw me right out onto the streets. I stopped myself in the air, and waited for Nega to follow as I planned.
From the dust, I heard him walking through the rubble and stepping outside…
"Your will to stand on your nobility is commendable as always, Sonic… Always so selfless, so self-righteous… "
The glow in his eyes started to pierce through the dust.
"I do have to say, I am quite surprised…"
"What do you mean?"
"Tell me… Is it true? Do you really intend to protect this kingdom…? Go as far as dedicating your life to these people?"
"I do. As long as I'm here, you don't get to touch this place… It's over, Nega. Leave-"
"Not so fast."
After the cloud of dust passed, what I saw then, threw my plans right out of the window.
"Allow me to test your resolve, then!" he said, while aiming his hand towards the family.
They stared at me, anxiously, waiting for me to do something. The matter of fact was, I didn't know if I could. I wasn't entirely sure if Nega would be capable, or if it was just a ruse. Even if he was, getting to him before he could do anything was a gamble, but with lives on the line in front of me, it was one I couldn't take.
"What's wrong, guardian…? Faltering at your duties already…? Can you even call yourself that?!"
For moments, we stared, neither one of us making a single move... The shattered walls continued to crack, breaking at the edges. As soon as a piece struck the floor, I instinctively moved forward. Just for Nega to catch my movement, stopping me dead on my tracks.
"...You better hurry," he insisted, extending his open hand. "The gems? Their lives…? What will it be? It's all the same to me… Either way, I will break you… By ensuring your failure, in the very kingdom you solemnly swore to protect."
There was no other way… It angered me, not being able to protect the gems like I promised I would. But if it meant keeping the people safe, then I had no other choice. All I could do, was close my eyes, and hope that she would understand…
As soon as I was about to call out to them, a blade followed by chains shot directly at Nega, and wrapped around his arm. Maia and Knuckles began to pull as hard as they could, while Chiron quickly jumped in, taking hold of the other.
"Sonic!" Chiron yelled.
And in a blink, I cut right through Nega's arm, metal shards and pieces falling across the ground. I turned, just to find him still struggling against Maia's chains. Chiron would soon join right after, while I'd help the family get out of the collapsing room.
"I-I'm losing my grip here!" Knuckles shouted, his feet sliding across the stone ground.
"W-What do we do?!" Maia yelled.
"You fall!"
Nega pulled the chains towards him, and hit Maia across the face. Although he was as vulnerable as any other of his works, whatever sheer living will he had left seemed to keep him going. But as soon as Maia hit the floor, that was it. I had enough...
I wasn't sure if I was thinking straight or not… I was a guardian of this kingdom, I thought. I had to start to act like one. I didn't want to let Blaze down, either. I couldn't… But, I wasn't sure if that was enough to justify what I did then. I didn't realize, until I stood up and turned around.
I had sped through Nega, fast enough to shatter the windows across the streets. A streak of flames spread across the ground behind me, but they quickly died down. And as for Nega, a long and hollow crack rested on his chest plate, still glowing from the immense heat. I waited, for him to do something… We all did…
But, nothing.
This strange, ominous, silence fell. Until the lifeless steel armor in front of us hit the floor, with a loud thud...
For moments, nobody could move. That is, until I started making my way forward… We all surrounded him, yet stayed on our toes. Looking out for any more signs at that point...
I stood there, staring down at him. Not proud. Not sorry. Just… silent. We looked at each other, struggling to believe just how close we were to him.
"Maia," I muttered, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied, wiping her nose with her gauntlet. "Is he…?"
Nega suddenly grabbed onto my leg, and stared down at me. As his hand began to melt, everyone took a step back, but I was stuck where I was. Then, he spoke with a chilling, cold, static voice…
"## ...Un¥il, n€xt t!me… gu_rdian… ##"
As soon as his last words ended, he went limp and let go of me, his hand turning into molten remains... We looked down in confusion, and then at each other. Figuring out the words he had said to me…
Chiron spoke, somewhat disappointed, "…A pledge, to return…"
Maia worried, picking up her blade, "Do you really believe that…?"
"I do," I said… Though I, didn't want to. "...I'm pretty sure, we haven't seen the last of him just yet-"
"Yeah?" Knuckles responded, while turning and walking away from us.
He pressed his ear while talking with Miles on his comms. In the meantime, Maia, Chiron, and I couldn't help but spot something strange; Nega's eyes. They looked like they were quickly blinking, in a faint yellow light… The same light, from before.
"S-Slow down. What do you mean?" Knuckles argued.
And while he listened to Miles, he stared at me, dead in the eye.
~Blaze the Cat~
Passing through the woods, Amy helped me walk our way to the southern gates, not too far from where we were. Every step would take away whatever I had left within me, little by little. But I had to keep such a struggle to myself. Only if it meant getting back to the kingdom, as soon as possible.
Through our trek, we've exchanged stories that helped me keep my mind off the pain, including about Sonic's arrival…
"It wasn't that difficult, finding him. He split the skies right above the palace, and crashed deep into the forest… He was badly injured, when I found him… For days, he rested in the healing ward. But fortunately, he woke up. Just to get up, and try to regain his strength once again."
"That's just Sonic for you," she chuckled. "Thank you again, for taking care of him."
"No need… He's done much more for me. It is the least I could've done."
For a moment, she looked at me with worry…
"...How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine… We should be there shortly."
"…Okay… Oh, Blaze. Look."
We had passed the dense parts of the forest, just to reveal the southern gates standing tall in the distance. The streets, even the entrance, were crowded with people who were sheltered by guards. As soon as they noticed us, the commotion died down. Many stared, with worrisome expressions that would make my heart ache. I wanted to reach out, and give them any sort of reassurance… But I couldn't even reassure myself.
"P-Princess Blaze!" a knight yelled from afar while making his way toward us.
"Captain, please, tell me what has happened?!"
"A strange knight has been reported battling against two unknown individuals. Their conflict has caused minor collateral damage to multiple districts. However, casualties have yet to be confirmed."
"I understand... Where did they head to?"
"To the kingdom plaza. We are not sure if such conflict continues, or if it has been successfully detained… Princess, d-do you need aid?"
"I am fine. Please continue watching over the people."
"W-What about yourself, your highness?"
"I need to get to the plaza. See what has happened."
"But, Princess-"
"Blaze," Amy objected, "it's a long way from here to the palace! You can't keep pushing yourself like this-!"
"I-It's fine, let's just go…"
"...V-Very well," the knight stuttered. "Make wa-!... W-What, is that…"
The crowd, and everything else around us, instantly fell quiet and still. Surrounded by whispers and gasps, I looked at them staring with disbelief, just to follow their gazes, and join them in awe. From the distance, away from our right, a bright flare shot straight above with haste, its glow reflecting off of the palace, soon taking flight above the kingdom, and leaving trails of fire and embers in its path. The clouds split and broke apart as it flew through them, heading for the endless skies of dusk.
I knew who those flames belonged to. I felt it, deep within me.
Relief embraced me... The gems were safe, once more. And this time, in the hands of their new protector. However, the higher he went, the more questions I had. He didn't appear to stop, at all. Instead, his pace seemed to increase over time, his light becoming fainter... Until he was nothing but a mere spec. A star, that would slowly fade away from view…
We stood silent. Not sure what to come up with with what we just saw...
"...What, was that?" Amy asked.
"...That, was Sonic."
"Sonic? H-How, did he do that?"
"What you saw, was the power of the Sol Emeralds… And, as their new guardian, he has been granted their strength..."
"…Wait, guardian…? What do you-...? H-Hold that thought. Go ahead, Miles." Amy suddenly spoke.
And began to have an entire conversation. With herself. But soon, I'd understand why.
"A-Amy…? What, are you doing?"
"It's Miles… He says that Nega's under a time limit… Something about a deadlock fuse-"
"W-What do you mean time limit…? Deadlock, fuse?"
"He's rigged… Here, hold still."
She began to remove something from her ear, and gently place it inside mine. I looked at her, not sure what to expect.
"Go ahead," she insisted, nodding at me.
"What?"
"## Blaze? ##"
"Tails?" I said, slightly startled at the sound of his voice directly in my ear.
But what would happen next would shake all of us in surprise. Tails' craft loudly passed above us, gracefully flying over the kingdom.
"Tails, is Sonic all right? What's going on?"
"## Sonic is fine, but he has to take Nega away from here as fast as he can. ##"
"Nega…? Has he, been defeated?"
"## Y-Yes but, readings have been going off the charts ever since, and still on the rise. ##"
"W-What, does that mean?"
"## Blaze, he's- ##"
A deafening thunder rolled across the skies, and a bright glow began to blind the entire kingdom. Time went on while we covered our eyes until the light dissipated, just to reveal a ruinous scene above. The celestial plane over our skies was engulfed in fire, and the low blast lingered for long, passing moments. The heinous disaster was already spread across the heavens, like a still painting of sorts, and although the sun was already setting, the light emanating from above was enough to bring about a new day. One, filled with silent dread that would haunt the people around me, even myself. All of us stood, in silence. Too shocked to speak, or even move.
"Oh my… Blaze… Sonic…"
Amy was overwhelmed right beside me, and terror had already settled in my heart. By then, I had lost all reason to care... Care about my title. My duties. The gems, everything. And although time dragged on, I waited. Even if it killed me, I refused to move away from where I stood, staring off at the chaotic sight. Looking out for anything, that could get rid of awful feelings, threatening to consume what little strength I had left.
However, the skies continued to darken as the minutes passed by...
Over time, the sun was gone, and the glow from above died down. The wind slowly grew cold, weaving through the hollowness I carried. Knights worried for my well-being, and I dismissed them. People began being escorted, yet I remained. My knees wanted to give out, but I paid no heed. Standing in the middle of the streets, I continued to wait. Just how I used to, almost every night…
All the while, Amy stayed by my side, speaking with the others from time to time… But to no avail…
However, she suddenly gasped at a sight from a distance. A blue glow hovered towards us. One that brought hope at first…
"Shadow! Silver!" Amy exclaimed as they gently fell from above.
"Are you okay?" asked the stranger, sharing her embrace.
"I should be asking you that! W-What happened to you two?!"
"Just the usual," said Silver.
"Silver!"
"Rose… Good to see you again. Everything all right?"
Amy slightly shook her head… and looked at me.
"...He hasn't come back yet…?" Silver whispered.
"...No… We've been waiting for a while now. And Blaze, she's…"
I didn't notice Silver had walked over to me, until I found him right in front of me, resting his hands on my shoulders.
"...Blaze… Blaze."
"S-Silver…"
"Hey… Listen… We need to get you help."
"Blaze, you're not looking too well-" Amy added.
"I'm, not going anywhere…"
"…I promise, Miles will keep looking for him."
"Blaze…" Silver whispered, "I'll find him. I'll bring him back, I swear… He's out there, somewhere-"
"Silver, he is… I… I, can feel him…"
"Then he'll come back. I'm sure of it. But right now, we have to bring you back-"
"No… I'll, wait until, he comes back-"
"Sonic," Amy gasped in surprise, looking behind me.
After so long, I turned… We all did… To the most relieving sight, I could ever ask for…
"Hey…"
For moments, I stood in disbelief. Staring at each other, while the tears that I've held for so long began to spill. He, seemed to be exhausted. But, he was safe… And, he had returned… Just as promised.
My strength finally faltered, and with the very last of it, I marched towards him…
"I'm sorry I took so long… Are you oka-"
…and slapped him across his face.
"Don't you dare…! D-Don't…!"
My legs gave out, sinking into my knees. Yet he caught me, and took me in…
"H-Hey, easy."
"...don't, leave me…"
"...I'm not going anywhere."
The moment he carried me, my soul sang. Lulled by that warmth. Charmed by those eyes... No corner of any world could ever replace the safe haven I felt within those arms…
"…I, waited for you…" I muttered. I had nothing left within me…
"I know," he silently chuckled.
"T-Took you long enough," Amy somewhat sternly said from behind us, wiping her eyes.
"Please just, tell us it's all over…" Silver pleaded, walking beside her.
"It is… It's over."
Amy sighed with pure relief.
"...You hear that, Blaze?" she softly spoke.
"...I'm, glad…"
For a moment, Sonic contemplated me with a worried look…
"…Hey… What do you say we go home?"