Blaze, my dear. The highest honor of all, has been the one of having you. Even before we saw you open your eyes for the very first time, you brought light into our lives. You're more than we could ever hope for, the greatest blessing of all. So never be ashamed of yourself, for we would never think less of you. Whenever the path before you becomes difficult and you fall, don't be quick to lose hope. There will always be a way, even when it seems impossible. Remember, your strength is never spent. It just grows with each day. With every trial you overcome in your journey, and every moment you spend in the company of those around you. Believe in it, for it will move you forth. Keep your head high, and remember who you are. You are the protector of our people. The living fire of our kingdom. And most of all, our beloved daughter. Carry that with you, wherever you go.
Sonic. Fearless warrior, and kind servant. You've taken on a mantle, that never belonged to you. To watch over not only our people, but the fate of our kingdom. Not because of honor, or pride. But because of compassion. Because you believe in a future, where everyone can look upon the light of a new day. You are hope, embodied. Gracefully bringing peace to those around you. And now, to us. For that, we are forever grateful. Your bravery is unparalleled, and cannot be repaid in full, I'm afraid. But you already knew, for your heart is pure. So please, take my strength as a token. It will protect you, and may even turn the tides in the direst of times. May your winds stay strong, and true. And never forget, the lineage of embers will always stand right next to you. Now, and forever.
We wish, in the highest possible way, for a thriving, prosperous future for the both of you… Go. Watch over one another. And may your lights always guide our people home…
XX. A New Era
~Blaze the Cat~
Warm wind, the stirring of the curtains, and a blinding light piercing right through them. Those were the last things I recall, before waking up right before dawn. I was met with the comfort of my bed as soon as I struggled to open my eyes, and couldn't help to quickly look outside the terrace, right where I remember them standing. But, they were gone. And yet, I smiled. Words could never describe how thankful I was for being able to finally reunite in between their arms, after so long. How much I wished, however, to see them just one last time…
Getting up, snoring immediately caught my attention. As my eyes took their time to adjust through the darkness, I noticed a bundle of sheets resting on the couch, slightly shifting on their own.
"Sonic…?" I muttered to myself.
It took almost everything from me to get up from my bed, and stand on my own. I felt the cold morning air walking through the room, and as I stood right beside the couch, I slightly moved the sheets away to take a closer look…
"W-Wha-"
"Mm-m….. huh…. Blazyyy!"
"M-Marine?"
She was quick to get up, and take me in her arms.
"You're, back!" I said in relief, still taking in the fact that she had returned.
"I'm so sorry…!"
"…W-What-"
"I should've never left… I, should've stayed," she regretted, as I sat right beside her.
"Nonsense, I'm glad you're back home…! I was worried."
And indeed I was. The doctor's absence left the kingdom with a welcomed peace one could only dream of. However, many couldn't settle with it, including myself. The looming odds of his return still haunted many nights, and simply waiting wouldn't suffice. Marine was the most troubled, eager to take sail through the endless blue in hopes to find the truth behind the doctor's strange disappearance. After many pleas, I took her offer in the end, placing my trust on her, and sent her on her way. Only to return, after the worst had come to pass…
"Sorry 'bout that... Storm whacked our turnaround. The crew and I got lost for a bit," she chuckled. "B-But never mind me, it's good to see you up and about. You had the whole kingdom worried…! How are you feeling?"
"I'll be fine, don't you worry," I assured her. "Speaking of, how has the kingdom been, in my absence?"
"Come, I'll show you."
I stood up from the couch with Marine's help and walked through the curtains. And as I stood at the terrace, everything, bathed in a lovely shade of orange, glimmered with the rising sun from the horizon. I could hardly believe the scene before me, how quiet and tranquil it was. My home, was safe once more. The kingdom had little to no trace of harm, and had even returned to its former glory.
"...How long, was I resting for?"
"'Bout a week or two. But don't you worry your pretty little head. You haven't missed a thing. Maia's been taking care of everything, so you don't have to."
"Thank goodness," I said, relieved. "Though, I can't help but feel bad. She must be exhausted."
"She's fine," she insisted. "You just worry about getting better, okay?"
"Aye aye," I chuckled. "…What about you? Are you alright? How was your journey?"
"Not too bad… other than that storm sending us away. We made a stop at an island. Found nothing but a bunch of old ruins… But then, we saw everything. The smoke. That whole ship coming down and all…"
"Yes… An elaborate trap, set by the doctor himself."
"…Sorry I couldn't come sooner."
"No need to apologize," I said with a hand on her shoulder. "You had to watch over your crew. I'm just relieved you are all back, safe and sound… I feel terrible sending you away," I grinned, "when he was sitting right under our noses all along."
"Ah, no worries. I don't mind me a little adventure myself here and there," she chuckled. "Here, hold on."
She walked back inside, and started searching through the sheets she had left on the couch. As she came back, she did so with a small leather journal in hand.
"I sketched some of the things I found on that island," she said, handing the journal to me. "Take a look."
I removed the strap and opened the journal, slowly passing through the pages filled with-
"Let's, not look at those," she faltered, trying to take the journal away.
"These, drawings-"
"Just a bunch of ol' sketches, is all."
"Of, your inventions?" I asked, skimming through the pages. "Marine, they're impressive."
"Ah, it's, nothing really."
Unfinished sketches of many contraptions, of all shapes and sizes, filled quite a handful of pages. And some notes were written at the bottom, explaining what each of them were. I even found drawings of Marine's ship. Or at least, what it could've been.
"Marine," I insisted. "How come I never see any of your works?"
"Well… I may, or may not have a habit of not finishing any of them."
"Hmm. That is a shame…"
And then, it came to me. Perhaps a bit, cruel, but it would certainly prove beneficial for her.
"Marine," I whispered, mesmerized in her journal. "Where, is the ship…?"
"Well, at the southern docks, getting patched up."
"Good. Captain. Your ship is to cease all duties and remain docked, until you can finish at least one-"
Flipping onto the next page, the journal suddenly became heavy in my grasp…
"...Blaze?"
I found myself utterly fazed at the contents of that page, and nearly stopped breathing altogether. And yet, I forced my trembling hands to continue flipping through the remaining pages. With each one I read, the more dread built itself within me, threatening to break out. And as the morning air around me turned colder than ever before, my knees began to give out.
"H-Hey!"
Only for Marine's grip to wrap around me, struggling to keep me on my feet. The journal fell onto the floor as I tried to regain my composure, holding onto the balustrade of the terrace.
"Blaze…?! Princess! What is it, what's wrong?!"
Marine continued to worry as I only stared at the wretched book on the floor, gasping for air.
"…Where, did you find that writing…"
"B-But Blaze-"
"Marine, please."
"…O-On that island, I told you about."
Just as she said, she had pages of her journal filled with many illustrations of old writing and ruins. But they weren't just ordinary relics. They were runes I recognized. Remnants of a past I thought this kingdom had moved on from. A past I hoped would never return.
"Blaze," she whispered, as I walked towards the journal. "Are, you alright…?"
While I picked it up in my hands, opening it back up would demand all the will I could muster. Slowly, as if walking across a thick blanket, my eyes traced everything Marine engraved upon the entries of her findings.
"These, writings…"
I closed the book and sighed, closing my eyes as I regained myself. All Marine did was stare with a concerned look etched deeply into her face.
"They were left behind by embers… Weren't they…?" she muttered in realization. "…I shouldn't have shown you those drawings. I'm sorry-"
"Marine, no, you're alright… The ruins you found on that island… They belong to a time, long before this kingdom was formed."
"Hey, I know you don't like talking about them. So it's alright if-"
"It's fine… I, shouldn't keep things from you."
Marine stood idly beside me as I handed down the journal back to her. Looking over the kingdom, I took a deep breath while gathering my thoughts.
"My mother, used to tell me tales, as a girl. Of a place, where embers used to live as one... 'Sky Babylon'... Legends say it used to be a beautiful and prosperous city. One you could only find soaring high above the sea."
"So, a floating, island?" Marine queried, unsure of her own question.
"Yes. The city once derived its life from gems of immense power, which embers swore to protect."
"The Sol Emeralds."
"That's right. But, as the years passed, greed began to grow… Many conspired to take such power for themselves… They, became blind with desire for the gems, ensuing a conflict that would lead to their own city's ruin. Insurgents fought their own for dominion, and claimed the gems from their shrine. But when they realized their mistake, it was far too late. The city's source of life was taken away. And Sky Babylon, fell from the skies."
"What, happened to them?"
"Well, those responsible fled across the seas. Remaining embers managed to reclaim the emeralds from the ruins, but the city was lost."
"That's downers."
"Indeed. But all hope wasn't lost. In their time of need, the gems answered for their sorrow, guiding them to a place where they could settle with the people of the land, and start anew. Together, they thrived in peace, and as the centuries passed,-"
"Sol Kingdom was made," Marine said, knowingly. "I remember pops telling me all kinds of stories from then. He was there when… Sorry. I-"
"When, they returned…?"
Marine looked away, nodding in response.
"When rogue embers fled, they sought to find the gems, whatever it took, leaving runes like the ones you found on that land, hoping that one day, their heirs would come back to their lost home."
"So those, ruins I found…"
"It might be an old settlement left behind… Did you record the land's bearings?"
"I did. Tallied it down in the logbook on the ship."
"Discard them."
"We can set sail whenever you get bett-wait what?"
"And please… For your own sake. Don't return to that place."
"…B-But Blaze," she stammered, unsure of what to say.
Marine just stood there in shock, confused at my request. She seemed ready to argue otherwise, but all I could do was turn away. Leaving her in silence, she stood by my side and reached for my shoulder.
"Are you, afraid, they might come back?" she whispered… "Blaze. If they ever wanted to, they would have done so by now… Don't you think, they're long gone?"
"…I hope so… Marine, listen. I truly, appreciate your efforts… It's just-"
"Say no more, Princess. I understand," she said, as I gratefully smiled. "…But, don't you think, you should stop worrying about stuff that's way far behind? You got open seas ahead of you, I'm a bit jealous myself," she grinned.
"…You're right," I agreed, as I turned to her. "And, you do too, Marine… I've, been consumed with so many things, I haven't come to realize how far you have gone yourself."
"Ah, you're just saying that becau-"
"No, I mean it… You've grown more capable, than I could ever imagine. And even though we've gone through so much, you always stood right beside me. I could hardly thank you for everything… Just know that, I'm grateful for you."
"Ah, come on," she laughed. "You can save all that mushy stuff for Spiky… But… Thanks."
"Sorry… S-Spiky?"
"Yeah, he's, been all dark and gloomy. Never seen him like that before… Oh, don't give me that look. Come on. Spiky, your mate. Your swain. Your knight in shining armor-"
"S-Sonic?"
"Of course, silly… You know, you really oughta apologize. You had him worried si-"
Marine suddenly gasped, leaving me somewhat startled.
"That's right! I better go!"
"M-Marine? Where are you going?"
"I gotta get going, I promised I'd-"
She rushed to the door, quickly opening it. Just to reveal a certain hedgehog about to knock, standing quite surprised.
"Well you're fast," Marine muttered, earning a chuckle from him.
"Thanks, Marine."
"She's all yours."
Sonic walked into the room, with a small case in hand. The moment our eyes met, we broke out in joy, hurrying towards one another, and held onto each other tightly, as if our very lives depended on it. It felt like an eternity, feeling his warmth against me. It was enough for me to be taken away, melting right in between his arms. After mere moments, we gently parted, his hands resting on my face. And stared at one another with a loving gaze filled with unspoken thoughts. Ones we could feel, nonetheless.
We couldn't help to notice Marine slowly closing the door, leaving me with a raised thumb and a wide amusing grin on her face. Together, we chuckled at her silly ways…
Sonic sighed deeply, resting his head against mine, "Are you alright?"
"I am… Please, don't worry."
"How could I not…? I thought you'd, never wake up."
"I'm here, Sonic," I whispered, caressing his cheeks.
"...How are you feeling?"
"I feel… quite, rested."
"No kidding," he jested as we laughed.
We sat down on the couch taking in the kind silence, as he stared at me with those gorgeous emerald eyes…
"…Chaos, I missed you," he said, cupping my face.
Leaning into his touch, I couldn't help but notice his untamed quills and fur in his cheeks…
"Sonic, you look, tired."
"I'm fine," he said, silently laughing under his breath. "Working on the recovery hasn't been quite easy. But with everyone's help, we pulled through just fine. Everyone is safe."
"I see…"
"…Blaze?"
"…How… How will I ever, thank you-"
He took my hands in his, and shook his head with a smile…
"You won't have to… We did this, together. All of us."
I stared down at our hands with a gentle smile as our fingers joined, and nodded softly in response. Raising my eyes, Sonic seemed to be deep in thought, yet with a curious look.
"Blaze… That thing, we just had."
"What?"
"You know, that, vision."
"Oh, yes… You must be confused, though I don't blame you," I chuckled.
"You can say that," he said, responding in kind.
"As guardians, we are granted a bond with the Sol Emeralds. One that allows them to speak to us, in many ways. Warn us of things to come. Even connect us with those beyond this realm, who were deeply interconnected with the gems before us."
"I see… I'm, glad you got to see them again."
"...Me too."
"...What's, wrong?"
"Sonic... Why, did you have to go so far...?"
"Blaze, I wanted this," he insisted with a hand resting on his chest and a soft look in his eyes. "More than anything... And I promise you. Whatever happens. Whatever the future holds, we'll face it, together."
"...Together?"
"...Together," he whispered, as I took him into my arms, embracing him tightly as he returned the gesture, resting his head beside mine.
"I want to show you something."
Sonic stood up, and picked up a case he had brought from the table.
"Here."
Taking it in my hands, I was quick to notice the kingdom's emblem engraved on it. Although it was small in size, it held some weight to it. Covered in wine red leather, and adorned with golden markings with intricate patterns etched into it. Sonic seemed like he couldn't wait for me to open it, and neither could I. Carefully, I released the buckles and opened the case, it's contents leaving me gasping in surprise.
In commemoration, members of the Council had a golden forearm bracer prepared for Sonic, decorated with a small red gem resting in the middle. Small engravings were minted on the edges of the piece, similar to the ones embossed on my necklace.
I couldn't form words, let alone think of any. Instead, I was left astonished, staring in awe. I looked at Sonic, who gestured to take the bracer. It was beautiful, and smoothly polished. Incredibly detailed yet so simple, fitting perfectly for someone such as himself. My fingers brushed it carefully as I smiled, looking back up at him.
"…May I?"
He nodded, leaning his arm forward. I placed the bracer over his arm, and with two clicks from the golden clips on the bottom, it was attached.
Sonic, however, seemed somewhat, unsurprised…
"I, won't let you down again…" he barely muttered.
"...What, do you mean?," I asked, utterly confused, "You never have."
With a low gaze, he took a look at his hands, and clenched his fists in frustration.
"…You got hurt… And, Aquilo-"
"Sonic," I pleaded in surprise. But he wouldn't dare to look me in the eye, looking away instead.
I was left without anything to say, startled at his words. As I stared at him, however, I soon came to understand…
"Everything that has happened… None of it is your fault," I softly spoke to him. "You know that."
He remained quiet, as I reached for his hand, wrapping mine around his. His grip tightened as he continued to stare at his feet, but still refused to raise his head.
"…You can't carry everything on your shoulders," I whispered. "A caring hedgehog told me that once…"
In silence, he looked down on himself, and wouldn't say or move for anything, not even for my hands on his face. But he soon nodded, finally lifting his head and looking up at me with tired eyes. Although my heart ached for him, I returned a weak smile, gently holding his face and placing his head on my lap while stroking his quills. The room fell still again as I tried to comfort him as best as I could.
"Sonic..."
And yet, he seemed so, lost…
"...It hurts me, seeing you like this."
"...I'm sorry."
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about. You have never let me down… You've done more, than what I could ever ask of you… I think Aquilo would be proud, of what we have accomplished… You know, back then, I couldn't ever remember this kingdom. My home… Without the shadow of fear looming over it. Over everyone… For so long, I've yearned for nothing but peace. Even after every ounce of strength, every drop of blood, every tear…"
Sonic continued to gaze at me with concern in his look.
"…Blaze-"
"And yet whenever everything I did seemed like it wasn't enough, I'd, always think of you… My memories with you. They gave me strength… It felt as if, you were there, right beside me. And, I wouldn't have to be alone anymore."
"You were never alone," he said, sitting right back up. "…Ever since I arrived here, I've, taken my time down there. Aiding with the recovery, and helping everyone I could… One thing I can say for certain is that everyone down there, Maia, Chiron. They're stronger than you think… They're fighting too, same as you. So never think for a moment that you're on your own… You won't believe how much those people believe in you. How much they care about you. Because they know everything you've done for them. What you've put on the line. And what this place means to you. They're counting on you… They need you… I need you… More than you know… And whatever happens, I'll be right beside you… I'll keep you, and everyone safe."
"Sonic, you always have," I reassured him. "If you are to blame for anything, it's for the peace we have now. For what you've done for me… Don't burden yourself anymore."
I wrapped around him, tightly pulling him in as much as I could.
"No matter what happens, I'll always love you, Sonic. With every fiber of my spirit… Know that I'll be there for you, the same way you have… Never doubt that."
Being a guardian, a humble savior of the people, is a great privilege bestowed upon those who take such a role. But, as everything else, it comes at a price, for it is one of if not the greatest sacrifice one could ever make. And yet when many would think twice, Sonic would take on the title, and become something far more greater. He would be an ally. A friend, someone anyone could rely on without wavering. For decades, he would do everything to watch over those in need, always with an honest smile. The people, ever so grateful, would share his legend in tales and song, knowing that they would never have to fear anymore. But behind that bright smile, I knew too well the struggle. We both did. The tremendous amount of will, to carry everyone's hopes, even in times of utter despair. The pressure amounting across his shoulders, and the constant fear of failure weighing him down. Although he wasn't alone, him lasting this long, is beyond my understanding. But that did not matter, not anymore. Because I swore I would watch over him, the day he came back to me. To protect him with everything I had, lend him my strength, and grant him rest for as long as I could. And as I'd look into him that morning, I'd vow to keep him safe. To always be there for him, and love him with all of my heart and soul. Forevermore.
On that morning, not only did we look into each other lovingly. We looked into a new era that awaited the both of us. One we would embrace, as one.
"A few days passed after he defeated the doctor, and by the time I came to, the kingdom had already recovered from the worst. The people were more than grateful for their new hero, and the council even prepared a ceremony for him, and everyone else."
"Wow," Alizae said, wide eyed. Just for a frown to slowly rest on her face. "...But, what about Aquilo?"
"There was a ceremony for him, too. A beautiful one… The whole kingdom was decorated with lots of flowers that night, and everyone was gathered outside with candles to thank not only him, but those who sacrificed everything for this place."
"That's sad…"
"It is… But, it also marked a new beginning for Sol. It is thanks to them, that we're finally at peace."
"…They must've been really brave," she muttered.
"They were," I assured her. For moments, she seemed somewhat lost in her own little thoughts.
"…Do you think, I can be brave like that?"
"Brave?" I asked, smiling at her enthusiasm.
"Mhm! One day, I want to be just like you, and dad."
"Really now?" I laughed.
"Yeah," she nodded. "I just, don't know how…"
"Alizae, you don't have to be nothing of the sort," I said, laughing under my breath.
"Then, how did you do it?" she continued, full of energy. "I'm sure you trained really hard! Was there a special trial?"
"No," I said, shaking my head.
"Was it the Sol Emeralds?"
"No."
"Maybe, a sacred ritual-"
"No, silly" I laughed, sitting her in my lap.
"…Then, how?"
"Being myself."
Alizae, confused, didn't seem convinced with my answer…
"What, do you mean?"
She sat there, trying to figure out the meaning behind my response…
"Listen… Bravery is not about being strong, or heroic. It's about knowing your weaknesses. Relying on those around you, when you're not strong enough. Being brave, doesn't mean being fearless. It means taking a step forward, to defy your fears. You don't have to be like me, or dad or anyone else. Just be true to yourself, always… Listen to your heart… 'That', is being brave."
"I think, I get it…" she said, somewhat unsure. And I couldn't blame her.
"I promise you, you will one day," I reassured her, chuckling at her efforts.
But she didn't seem satisfied, looking down on herself in silence. Her pursuit for answers, began to leave me in wonder…
"Why are you being so eager all of a sudden? Going on an adventure?"
In my eyes, I thought my words would help her understand. But a frown sat slightly on her face, instead…
"Alizae… What's wrong?"
"All those bad things that happened," she whispered. "Do you think… they'll, happen again?"
"Oh, Alizae," I worried, wrapping my arms around her. "I'm sorry. Did my stories scare you?"
"N-No…! Well… A little."
"I'm so sorry. I really don't blame you… It was scary for me too."
"You, we're scared?"
"Oh, yes. Very. I was scared of many things. Especially back then… Hey Alizae," I softly spoke to her. "…Can you keep a secret?"
"Secret?" she whispered back, ears perked up with intrigue.
"But you can't tell no one of this… Okay?" I asked, as if laying the biggest task I could ever entrust to her. And she took it as such, of course.
"Okay. I promise," she quietly agreed.
"Alright then… Believe it or not, your mother, used to be scared of heights."
"You were?"
"Mhm. They terrified me as a child. Never really could grow out of it. Not after quite a long time."
"It's okay, mom… I, don't like heights either… But don't tell anyone!"
"Then we'll keep each other's secrets. What do you think?"
"Okay!" she agreed, as we quietly laughed.
"Alizae?"
"Yeah mom?"
"There's nothing wrong with being scared. It's all part of being yourself, and, it's as important as being brave… Just remember, whenever you are afraid, you can always trust that me and your father will be there for you. No matter what happens."
"…Promise?"
"I promise," I said, lightly tapping her nose.
The moment the door opened, Alizae gasped in surprise as she ran towards our visitor.
"Dad!"
"Alizae," Sonic met her, lifting her in his arms as they laughed. "And what's the princess doing up so late at night?"
"Mom was telling me stories about you."
"Really-? Hey," he greeted me as I walked up to him, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Hey, I was about to check up on you. Is everything alright?"
"Sorry, paperwork took a while. If it wasn't for Claire, that would've been the end of me," he chuckled.
"She's been working tirelessly, hasn't she?"
"That's just Claire for you," he sighed.
"Mmm… I've, been thinking. Maybe we should do something for her…"
"Actually, I think Alizae might have an idea."
"…Oh yeah!" she exclaimed, making her way towards me and taking my hands. "Hey mom?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Can we go to Spagonia and pick a cake from Ms. Amy's shop for Ms. Claire?"
"A cake… I think that sounds perfect. I'm guessing you came up with such a wonderful idea?" I asked.
And seeing how her expression was almost completely ecstatic, I knew right away she had.
"Then how about tomorrow? That is if Miles doesn't mind."
"I'll talk to him tomorrow morning," Sonic added. "I am sure he won't."
"Yay!" Alizae celebrated, and I couldn't help but laugh.
How much energy could she possibly contain, I thought to myself. Then again, I couldn't wait either. Time has certainly passed since our last visit…
"Alright, then I think it's about time you got to bed?"
"Awww," Alizae complained.
"Come, I'll tuck you in," Sonic offered.
"'Kay," she agreed as he picked her up in his arms.
He smiled, walking over to the bed and gently laying her down, and as the covers fell on her, she began to snuggle underneath them.
"So. Mom was telling you stories about me?" Sonic asked as he sat beside the bed.
"Yeah! She told me how you became a guardian, and saved the kingdom from that evil doctor."
"Oh, wow. That's, quite a long time ago… But you know, it wasn't just me. A lot of people helped us. Working together, we managed to keep everyone safe and sound… You should've seen your mother. She was amazing."
"Oh, why thank you," I chuckled, leaning against his arm.
"Did you go on other big adventures after?" Alizae asked me.
"Yes we did… My, now that I remember, we did so much together…"
"Tell me!" she urged, sitting straight up in bed. "I wanna hear more stories! Please?"
"You're never going to sleep, aren't you?"
"But I'm not tired… And I don't have lessons tomorrow…!"
"Well…" I said, looking at Sonic, who shrugged in response.
"I don't see why not," he said, earning a cheer from Alizae. "But this time, I'll tell it."
"Alright," I agreed, "one more."