I. Lone Princess of a Vivacious Kingdom

The Kingdom of Sol, ruled by me, can only be found in a completely different reality alone... Or, so I've been told. For years, my troops and I have defended its people and safeguarded peace across the land, from the enemy; a megalomaniac doctor, whose brilliance serves his ambitions filled with mad visions and twisted inventions, ultimately leading to his complete reign of terror.

However, to my surprise, recent months have been peaceful. Almost, too peaceful.

The kingdom has begun to flourish greatly, and the people have been very grateful and at ease with such still times. Except for me, if I am to be completely honest. Over time, I've tried to ease myself, but the shadows of doubt and fear silently follow me day by day. When I'm not looking out at the world, working through the paperwork, watching the welfare of the citizens and the towns, and a multitude of other things fill my days. Fortunately, the nights are for me alone. For me to stand on the same abandoned scouting tower, every night. One that overlooks all of Sol, with a beautiful view of the sunset, and the distant hills and mountains. During the quiet night, I've looked up at the sky sometimes, taking in the moons, stars, and the void in between…

I would never consider my responsibilities a burden, since they fulfill my purpose in this part of the world. At least, that is what I wanted to believe. But when the sun sets, and it's just me in that tower, and no one else around... I wish, I could do something other than wait. Wait, for the next day, when the cycle repeats once more. I should be happy. Satisfied. Fulfilled. But the last time I felt joy was... Well... Before, good people, had to depart back to their home, from mine. People I could call, friends... Under unpreferred circumstances, the time I've shared with them was some of my best memories, so I suppose I wouldn't want them to leave. But, it was for the best. And I couldn't believe that I hoped I'd see them again someday. See, "him", again... But, I did... I, wasn't exactly sure as to why I found myself wrapped in such feelings for so long. They seemed to whisper to me ever so gently, and yet carry this weight that I couldn't even begin to understand. Perhaps I was being melodramatic, but I couldn't help it. The truth is, I have grown fond of their unique company. The fox had a bright and genius mind, but an even greater heart. Just like his older brother, that hedgehog. Quite stubborn as I recall, always finding a way to humor everyone. He'd smile so brightly, even if his joy didn't seem possible. Even if he didn't seem able to show it. It was rather pleasant to be around him, and feel a warmth I had never experienced before... However, I should have known better. Especially when my duty was bound to the kingdom as their ruler, and the Sol Emeralds as their last guardian… But, if this pain is the result of memories I cherish, then, I'd carry this pain. Until we'd meet... Again.

On one fateful night, I found myself rather tired from the day's schedule, so I decided to head to my quarters and rest for the night. As I stood on my terrace, I took one last look at the kingdom down below before heading back. Its view is quite unique, one I never tire of, but so high up that I am mostly granted nothing but silence. Walking back inside and sitting on my bed, I laid on the sheets of my bed, staring out at the sky through the curtains, and grabbed the communicator I was given a long time ago, to see if it would finally do anything. And again, like every other night, there was nothing but an empty screen with the same words in bold, "NO SIGNAL." Although I was not surprised, it slightly saddens me every time. And with that blue moon sitting on the balustrade, I stared at the ceiling, my mind filled with restless thoughts, as I slowly drifted to sleep…

Sleep that was quickly disturbed by a loud passing roar outside, followed by strong warm winds tearing my curtains. The sun had already risen somewhat above the horizon when I woke while I stood up, rushing towards the balcony in utter confusion. I stared into the skies, gasping at what I saw: the clouds had been split, and burning ash was gently falling. As I began arranging my outfit and gloves, knocks on my door urged me to answer...

"Lady Blaze! Lady Blaze!", yelled Gardon, my right-hand man.

"I saw, Gardon," I replied. As soon as I opened the doors, he quickly began.

"I-I do not even know how to explain this to you. Quite the strangest thing I've seen-"

"Please, be calm," I assured him. "I've had my share of strange encounters. What happened?"

"A streak of light ascended from the skies a-and came crashing right behind the castle. Nearly missed us by a hair's breadth."

I walked over to the terrace to look over the kingdom and see if the people were safe, which they were. One by one, many began to leave their homes, staring at the sky in awe, and guards started to spread across the streets, urging the people to return. Moments later, the bells began to ring, their sound resonating across the land. As soon as they did, I turned to the door, just for a strange noise to emanate from behind us. Gardon and I turned to the sound, and I held my breath the moment I found out what it was. Slowly, I approached my nightstand, and reached... It was no dream, no sorcery, no illusions. For Sol knows how long, the communicator was beeping with life, right in my very hand. I couldn't help but look at Gardon, who did the same, but my eyes weren't deceiving me. I flipped it, with a screen filled with the words, "SIGNAL DETECTED (458.2 METERS)", and a small image right beside them; a blue hedgehog, with a familiar smile on his face...

"W-What is it, Lady Blaze…? Is everything all right?"

"S-Sonic...!" I almost refused to believe it.

"...Who?"

I ran past Gardon, and back to the terrace.

"Princess? Where are you going-?!"

"I'm going to see what happened."

"By yourself? Nonsense, let the troops handle this. We don't even know what is out there!"

"Underestimating your princess?" I chuckled.

"I... umm... ahem... No?"

"I tease, Gardon. Do not worry. Maia has probably already sent in the troops. But please understand, I, need to do this... Can I count on you to watch over the people for me?"

"Of course you can. But please. Be safe."

"You know I always am."

And with that, I jumped from my terrace and onto the roofs of the palace, running towards the smoke deep in the burning forest behind the southern gates. From rooftop to rooftop, I leaped and slowly descended back to the ground, making my way past the walls and into the forest. I had to limit my running without my abilities, or I would just create even more fires along my path. From the looks of it, the troops had not started their departure towards the woods yet; I was on my own.