Reflections of the Heart Part II: The Weight of a Crown
/Sonic the Hedgehog/
Following Blaze's lead, we did our best to move as much as we could from the remains of the fallen wall and catch up with the progress of the recovery again. From time to time, I couldn't help but look at her. Even while being royalty and whatnot, she wasn't scared of getting her hands dirty, and with her around, everyone seemed more than motivated, even inspiring townsfolk to join in and lend a hand. Irons and Steele helped each other out, carrying stones away from the mess, while Talon and the rest of the guards continued working on the gates, moving any debris from the path. As the afternoon passed along, Blaze and I helped wherever we could, clearing some of the damage, and helping anyone along the way…
"So, how have you been?" she asked as we walked along the remains of the wall.
"Not too bad. We've been making good progress here… Except, it looks like we're back to square one. Sorry about the wall."
"Don't be. What matters is everyone's safety. But, are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, just glad I got to that knight in time," I replied, wiping my brow while Blaze began lifting another stone from the rubble.
"That you did. Again, we can't thank you enough for your help here."
"Just doing what I can. Funny thing is, he's been trailing me all morning."
"Is that so?"
"Apparently, he thinks I'm plotting against all of you."
"From humble hero, to kingdom conspirator," Blaze joked. "Oh, how far you've fallen."
"Careful," I joked back. "He might be right. Who knows what kinds of devious plans I might have up my sleeve?" I said, earning a laugh from her. "But I do understand where he comes from. Everyone's been through a lot… Wait, Blaze, shouldn't you be recovering?" I remembered.
"I'll be alright. Besides, there's just so much to do…"
"Right," I said, somewhat unconvinced. "You said paperwork hasn't been letting up?"
"Yes," she sighed, "I've been evaluating evacuation procedures with district leaders, in case the doctor tries to return for the last gem while we are away. I'm sure he knows I'll hold on to it. But, there is a chance he might attack again. And, right now, we just can't take any."
"Something I just don't understand, though. I've been talking to one of the guards earlier, and they told me that Nega's bases have been left abandoned?"
"That's right. Me and a handful of troops went in to investigate, alongside Marine. Everything was practically left behind and unguarded. Marine tried to hunt through the doctor's databases. See if we could find anything of use. But, she came out empty-handed. In fact, everything just seemed blank, according to her."
"So he's hiding something… When was the last time you saw him?"
"It's been months since he has shown himself. Our last skirmish was a frontal assault against one of his settlements... Just for him to escape at the last moment, of course."
Blaze deeply sighed to herself, pinching her brow in utter frustration…
"Hey, we'll find him," I reassured her, earning a quiet nod from her. "We'll get through this, I'm sure. And who knows? Maybe this time it will really be his last."
"I truly hope so. I just hate for you to be stranded here. Surely you miss home."
"Don't worry about that. I've been enjoying myself here quite a bit. Besides, you and me on another chase? Tell me you haven't missed it."
She quietly chuckled, "I would be lying if I said no. But I'm glad. Everyone's taken a liking to you. I even heard that you've made yourself known, 'mysterious hero'," Blaze commented, looking at me from the corner of her eye. "I might have to start picking up the pace around here."
"I don't know. That sounds like a lot of rubble to go through," I teased as she laughed. "…But, you know. That's something I've always liked about you."
"Hmm?"
"Some just, sit on big thrones, waiting for things to change on their own. But, you're out here, you know…? Making a difference, where it matters most."
With soft eyes and a smile on her lips, Blaze looked at me fondly…
"…Well… I, can say the same about you."
Before I could realize, we found ourselves lost in the middle of the debris. Lost in each other's eyes, without saying a single word. And yet, we didn't need to. None of us dared to break the silence, and that was okay, because in that one small moment, we had completely forgotten about everything else. The mess surrounding us, our worries for the times ahead, and even ourselves. All because that quiet had reminded us of something that we both knew deep down. No matter what, we would have each other.
It was a moment that felt natural, and one I didn't want to take for granted. So with all the courage I could gather, I quickly decided to take a leap of faith that I'd been thinking of for some time. But before any words could come out, the clanging of steel started to come towards us from a corner.
"Your Majesty," said Irons, walking up to us. With a short bow, he continued, "May I have a word with the traveler?"
With a raised brow and a smile, Blaze replied, "Of course. I hope he hasn't caused too much trouble," earning an unamused look from me.
"Thank you, princess. And none at all. Just a few words, is all."
Blaze continued to work through the debris while Irons and I made our way around the corner and onto the main streets…
"Hey," I greeted him as I walked up to him.
He replied with quite an awkward moment of silence, arms crossed while looking to his side...
"...Did, you need-"
"Thank you… And, I apologize. For, before."
I stood practically stunned hearing his words, but glad that he had come around…
"…Hey, don't worry about," I replied, a bit surprised. "Just glad you're alright," I smiled.
Looking to his side, he stood silent and seemed to not know what to say...
"…He's, your brother, isn't he?" I asked, pointing to Steele picking up a stone while working along with other guards.
"Yes… He tells me you're going after the doctor along with our princess?"
"That's right. We're hoping to seek him out before it's too late. He was somewhat eager to come along."
"Too eager for his good, I'd say…"
"…What do you mean?"
"Steele, wants to be a swordsman. Serve the frontlines... That's all he ever wanted to do, ever since young."
"Heh, yeah, he did tell me… Pretty nerve-racking, isn't it?"
Confused, he looked at me, surprised that I understood where he was coming from…
"I have a brother too, back home. He and I, we've done all sorts of things together. I, used to worry a lot for him, back then sometimes. Only to miss how far he's gone, all on his own," I said while we watched Steele help anyone to whom he could help out.
"…You blink once and they already want to just, take on the world," Irons added.
"Right?" I chuckled. "But you shouldn't worry too much. I think he's doing great if you ask me. The best you can do, is be there for him. And right now, that's all he needs."
"…Perhaps… I, do want to help him. In any way I can. And yet, I've been fearing for him more than anything else."
"He still has a long way to go. Just, give him a chance to show you. I'm sure you'll be there when he needs you. Hey, maybe when this is all over, you guys won't have to fight Nega anymore. Although, I think Steele might be a bit disappointed," I said, earning a surprising chuckle from him.
"That may be…"
I extended my hand to him, hoping to meet his…
"Sonic."
"...Irons," he said, putting it in.
"You're a smith, right?"
"Y-Yes. How did you know?"
"Steele told me a bit about you before."
"I see… I am a smith, just like our father before me. It's the path I chose to honor his name. And, to watch over Steele."
"You, joined the brigade, for your brother."
"I, may not be able to fight beside him. I'm not particularly skilled, to say the least. But, I still carry what my father taught me. All I can do, is hope that the metal I one day forge, will keep him and his comrades safe wherever they go… I know you will be leaving soon," he spoke, looking down at the ground. "I, have no right to ask anything from you. But, please, help our princess. Put an end to the doctor's plans, whatever they may be. The royal armory will be at your service, should it help you in your journey."
"Thank you, Irons. And don't worry. I'll give Nega a few from you and Steele when I see him."
"Heh. That, would be much appreciated... Best of luck, Sonic."
"You too. You're going to do great."
After one quick nod from Irons, he turned to come back to Steele still working along the broken walls. When I returned to Blaze, I noticed her standing on the road, staring off into the workers who continued with the relief…
"Hey, sorry. I'm back… Blaze?"
"O-Oh, hey."
"You're not slacking off, are you?"
"If only I could," she replied with a light chuckle.
"…Everything alright?"
"Yes. I was just thinking… Earlier, that guard called you."
"We were just talking. From the looks of it, the armory is handing me free services for a year."
"Hmph. I don't ever recall approving such a thing."
"…I-It's just a joke. I don't-"
"Sonic," she laughed, almost surprised. "I'm only kidding."
"Oh… Heh. I'm never getting used to that."
"What, do you mean?"
"Well, back then, earning a laugh from you wasn't exactly the easiest thing."
"Hmm… Perhaps, it's because you weren't as amusing as you thought."
"Ouch. Okay. I'm starting to miss the other Blaze now," I joked while we laughed.
Blaze turned to me, staring off with a bright smile…
"Sonic. I'm, glad you're here."
"Well thank you for having me, your Highness. Although I sort of invited myself in."
"Nonsense. You will always be welcome here. Speaking of which, you never were properly welcomed, weren't you? Tell you what, how about some tea after we are finished? I promise you, Sol's finest tea is something you shouldn't miss while you're with us."
"That'd actually be great. I wouldn't mind a tea break myself. I think you might need it more than me," I admitted. "You seem pretty worn out lately."
"Yes," she replied. "I'm just, tired from everything that's happened, is all."
We continued walking, but she stayed silent, staring off at the ground, and at the time, I wasn't sure what was exactly going on, but clearly she had a lot on her mind those past few days. More than what we already had carrying on our shoulders. I didn't want to overstep, but I knew I couldn't leave her like that any longer…
"Blaze, come on… I know that look."
After turning to me with soft eyes, she replied, "…Nothing escapes you, doesn't it?"
"I just want to look out for you."
"...I know," she smiled, and sighed deeply.
"...Hey, whatever it is, you can talk to me."
She took a moment of thought, after speaking again...
"Sonic… Would you, mind, if we could…?"
"Not at all. Do you want to talk about it over tea?"
"I'd, appreciate that."
"I'm here to help out, remember? That includes you, too."
She smiled, looking up again while I nodded, and as I smiled right back, she nodded in return, her smile softening as we continued through the main streets. Whatever was weighing her down seemed to lift somewhat, while she let herself lean on me, even if just for a moment. We made our way past avenues to find places where more hands were needed on the relief and passed through a small busy marketplace. The buildings around us were damaged, or missing their windows and even complete walls.
"Looks like that sentry did a number on this part of town too," I said as we walked through the rubble.
"There's so much debris everywhere," she added, taking a look at what used to be homes and businesses.
"You know, this reminds me. Guess who'll be joining Restoration HQ."
"Hmm? Who?"
"You remember Cream, right?"
"Of course," she laughed. "How could I forget? And her little friend, too. Cheese, was it?"
"They'll finally be officially joining us pretty soon."
"Wait, Cream will?" she quickly asked and turned to me with a worrisome look.
"Well… She's, not exactly little anymore," I chuckled. "…And, you know how stubborn she can be sometimes."
"…She is, all grown up, isn't she…?" she softly said to herself. "…Tell me, how is she?"
"Cream's as eager as ever. Quite the adventurer, too."
"No doubt," she laughed. "She's always been a curious one… Sonic, I, can't help but worry-"
"It's alright. She'll be training with the support team, nothing too serious."
"I see… Well, I'm glad Cream has found her own path. I, just wish I was there to see."
"Well…" I said, as I started to think for a moment. "Sooner or later, Cream might have to watch over herself, if the time comes. So I was thinking, a few fighting tips wouldn't hurt, right? She could use a good mentor... Maybe a certain princess from another world?"
Blaze started chuckling, "I think I see where you're getting at… But, how am I supposed to travel to your world? If I bring the Sol Emeralds to your realm, wouldn't it tear our worlds apart?"
"So we'll just do a quick grab and go. Shouldn't take long to travel back and forth. Just until we find a better way to travel that is. Besides, it would be nice to bring her here. Knowing her, I think she'd love it."
She began to think to herself for a moment, considering my offer…
"I won't push you… But, I do know that girl's been dying to see you again for a long time."
"…If Tails and Ms. Vanilla have no objections, then, I would be honored to be her mentor."
~Blaze the Cat~
As the day passed, Sonic and I continued to help as much as we could, aiding those affected by the doctor's attack. We made great progress, to my relief, and I could feel myself fall at ease with each passing day, knowing that my people were safe and well taken care of. Until that afternoon, of course. After bathing that long day, tension began to fill my room as I walked back and forth deep in thought, all while trying to calm my nerves. But my indecisiveness was of no help, and the poor maid had to bear witness to it all. At first, she had worried that recent events had taken a toll on my well-being. And, I would be lying if they hadn't. But the matter at hand was quite simpler, however; a whole, lot simpler.
"Hmm… Perhaps some, Dawn's Embrace…?"
"…P-Princess?"
Sonic was to come for tea that afternoon…
"Or maybe Solstice… No…"
"Your Majesty... If I may?"
…and I haven't even decided on the flavor.
"Y-Yes?"
"You seem somewhat, entangled, with your choice. Would you like me to suggest something for you? Perhaps something to unwind. You've been hard at work recently."
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," I chuckled as I sat on the edge of my bed. "I'm quite indecisive today, aren't I?"
"Lady Blaze, I, don't mean to pry, but, it is my duty to watch over you as best as I can, and I fear that you may have been overworking yourself. I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately. Are, you sure you are well? Have you healed from your wounds?"
"I thank you, Hazel, for your concern... I guess, a lot has been happening in such a short time. It's hard not to be overwhelmed, I'll admit."
"…Princess," she spoke, sitting right beside me. "It's, easy to blame ourselves when things like these happen. But you have to realize that you are not at fault. You have always kept us safe, and have provided the best for this kingdom time and time again. We all have faith in you, so please don't be so harsh on yourself. I'm certain you will succeed, just have some faith in yourself, hmm?"
"Thank you, Hazel," I chuckled. "You're too kind."
"Besides, won't our guest lend you his aid? I heard he saved you from that monster, and that he has been helping you with the recovery downtown ever since."
"Oh, yes. Sonic. A well-known hero from another realm. He's helped me many times against Nega's schemes."
"See? There is no reason to worry. The doctor surely won't stand a chance with you two after him this time."
I nodded gratefully, realizing the truth behind her words. With Sonic standing by my side, together, we would overcome anything…
"May I ask, how long have you known him? You two seem to know each other very well."
"We've, known each other for quite some time. Even though most of it was spent chasing after the doctor."
"My my, I truly envy you," she quietly laughed.
"What, do you mean?"
"You get to go on exciting adventures to distant lands with such a ravishing champion at your side."
"R-Ravishing?" I chuckled. "If you say so."
"Lady Blaze," she whispered, "please, even you must confess. The other maids and I have not stopped speaking of him ever since he has been staying here."
"Hazel, If Sonic's presence in the palace hinders any of you to-"
"N-Not at all, your Majesty. He is an honorable guest, nothing more."
"Right," I said, with an unconvinced tone, earning a smile from Hazel. But I couldn't help throwing a few chuckles along with her.
"Besides," she added, "he is quite fond of you, always asking for your whereabouts. He even stayed by your side to watch over you when you were recovering… He seems to really care about you," she quietly insisted. "...Don't you?"
"...I do... I cherish our bond greatly," I bluffed. "I am honored to have someone like him, who I can fully trust."
"Princess," Hazel continued to tease. "There has to be more to that, is there? Hmm? Is that why you are so indecisive with your tea-"
Immediately, Hazel gasped in realization, quickly standing up again from the bed.
"There is…!" she quietly exclaimed.
"Alright. Off you go," I said as I stood up, making my way to the door.
"Princess, I must know," she quickly insisted. "Could it be his gallant ways, I wonder? Perhaps those soothing emerald eyes. Maybe that stunning form-"
"H-Hazel!" I objected, although it was of no use. She had found herself giggling away as she walked through the door.
"Don't worry," she assured, "your secret is safely sealed with me."
"There is no secret… Hazel. Why are you suddenly so, concerned with all of these things?"
My question seemed to catch her off guard, as she took her time to reach an answer…
"Well… It is quite a rare sight to see you enjoy yourself so much with others. When, we saw you with that hedgehog, talking and laughing together… We are just happy, that you are, is all, Lady Blaze."
"Hazel…"
"I apologize, if I have disturbed you. I will bring the tea for the two of you. Have you decided on the flavor?"
"Mmm… Surprise us."
"…Very well."
I turned back to my room. However…
"Princess. One more thing…"
"Yes?"
"Isn't it wonderful?"
"Hmm?"
"To share your adventures, with someone?"
For so long, I've watched over the kingdom alone. Every trial, every challenge, it seemed as if I faced them in isolation, with only the pressure of responsibility as my companion. Because, I was chosen. I was the one tasked to protect my people. The one capable, strong, and unyielding. The one to not only represent but carry an entire legacy as the last of a long-lost kind. No one, but me. But, standing in my room with Hazel's words echoing in my mind, I couldn't deny the warmth behind her words.
That is how it had always been, for as long as I could remember. At least, that is how I saw things then. But, I was wrong. I realized this when I met one particular hedgehog. He was just as capable, and had his share of dark hours, along with many triumphs. But he had no duty. No role to fulfill. No obligation or expectation to meet. And even so, he could understand me better than anyone ever could. Through our traded blows, he saw right through me, and as we fought as one, I finally understood that I wasn't alone. I never was. I was surrounded by many whom I could count on. An entire people who would always hope for my safe return. Even with all of my mistakes, my failures, and an unforgettable past.
I cherished our times together. Precious moments, when for the first time in my life, I felt truly free.
"Yes… It is."
/ Sonic the Hedgehog /
I managed to get some shuteye back in my room after my time with the recovery, just for Gardon to knock on my door who offered to take me to see Blaze for some tea. Never really thought I'd have tea with royalty, but there we were, making our way through the maze of halls with my chest beating faster at every step. As we passed through corner after corner, I was left wondering about her, or rather, what made her who she was. A princess ruling with elegance and pride. A strong and noble leader who never backed down for the sake of those who were under her watch. At least, that's what most would think of her. But what I was able to see through the times we've shared ever since I arrived, was a lot more than that. Under that serious look, there was someone, who really cared for others. Someone determined, and who had great love for her home, wanting nothing more for her people to be safe. Someone I looked up to.
Blaze was, amazing. Everything about her was. I felt honored to stand by her, and be there for her in any way I could. Those feelings, however, ran much deeper than anything I've ever felt before. It was something more than what we already had, and, it was special. There had been many chances where I could just, share everything with her. But, I knew that, the time wasn't right. And, maybe, it was all just me. And yet, even with everything we had been through. The times we've spent. Every journey we've faced. Every laugh, every smile… It would all leave me wondering…
Gardon and I made our way through the giant shiny halls with tall opened windows and a wide view of the south parts of Sol, but not after a long walk from the lower floors.
"And here we are," announced Gardon while we made our way towards tall golden doors at the end of the hall.
"Thanks again, Gardon. Though, I'll never know how you get through this place."
"Quite the maze, is it not?" he chuckled. "With all my years of servitude, I practically know every room and corner of this palace myself."
"I'm sure Blaze is happy for having you around."
"And I'm just grateful to be of service."
"Speaking of, how did you ever get into the royal service? If, you don't mind me asking."
"Don't mind at all," he chuckled. "My family has a lineage of serving the palace for many decades. I was but a clerk in the archives when I first started. I've spent years there, and I even had the opportunity of meeting the king and queen whenever they'd come to speak with the grand archivist."
"Blaze's parents."
"Yes. When Blaze was old enough, the grand archivist, my father at the time, offered to educate her. And so, he was appointed. But during that time he, quickly fell ill."
"Oh… I'm, sorry."
"No need to be sorry," he smiled, "but I thank you for your regards. He was honored, to be entrusted with such a noble task. He was deeply saddened, however, that he couldn't continue… So, I requested if I could carry on for him. Taught her all l could, and watched her grow, even in the king and queen's absence…"
We stopped right in front of the doors, where Blaze was waiting for us.
"...I know, you both will be departing very soon… Just, please. All I ask, is that you watch over her."
"Gardon, I won't let anything happen to her."
"I-I know," he reassured. "However, I cannot help but worry. About the doctor, the people, everything. I mean, why return? Why now…? Why persist, for so long…? My, I cannot imagine how she must feel. I can tell she is very displeased, to say the least."
"I've noticed too…" I said, crossing my arms in thought. "...Don't worry," I assured him. "If she's still the Blaze I know, I'm sure everything will turn out just fine."
Gardon nodded at me with a faint smile, before knocking on the golden door.
"Lady Blaze?" Gardon called.
"You may come in!" said Blaze from the other side.
Gardon opened the door and let me in first into the room, while he followed me in and slowly shut it.
"Lady Blaze. Just bringing in a special guest for you."
"Special guest indeed," she said, walking back inside from the terrace and through the white curtains.
"I believe the tea should be here shortly. Please, enjoy yourselves you two," he smiled, bowing down.
"Thanks, Gardon," we thanked him.
"Always a pleasure."
Gardon turned and left us, closing the door behind him.
"Hey."
"Hey," she greeted, walking up to me. "Did you manage to get some rest?"
"Yeah," I said, stretching my arm. "Still sore from earlier, but nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure? I can have someone take a look at you."
"I'll be fine, really. We've had worse, right?"
"Indeed we have," she smiled. "Remember fighting the doctors when our worlds began to merge?"
"How could I forget?" I chuckled, remembering the times when we fought together to save our worlds from the brink of destruction. "Some of our best times together. Almost feels like yesterday."
"It does. Time just, flies away without regard... And even so, some things just, never change," she softly spoke with a bit of disappointment, looking down at the kingdom through the window.
"I hear you," I replied, joining her thoughts, along with her glance. "...But, neither do you, right?"
With a faint smile, she looked down at the floor before turning to the window, gazing at the towns below. She stayed there for a moment longer before she turned back to me with a thoughtful look.
"I suppose, some things remain constant. No matter how much we wish they would change."
I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. Our journeys together were filled with challenges and uncertainties, but through it all, she stood strong for what she believed in.
"...Come on," I said, gesturing towards the terrace. "Want to get some air?"
We walked through the white curtains and onto the terrace with an entire view of the kingdom, the distant sounds of people, workers, and construction right below us.
"And here I thought you didn't like heights," I said, taking a look around.
"I'll admit. There is some beauty to it… But the ground is still most preferable."
"You and me both," I joked, laughing to ourselves. "Although, me and the sea have been getting along somewhat well."
"Is that so?"
"Amy has a boat back home. We usually go sailing with Miles whenever we get the chance."
"Oh that's wonderful. I didn't know she had her eyes on the sea."
"Neither did I. That was the first thing she wanted to do ever since she saw the boats docked in when we moved into Spagonia. And if that's not surprising enough, wait until you hear the next thing."
"Oh?"
"Amy finally has her own shop, too."
"That's incredible news," she cheered.
"I know," I agreed, chuckling. "She has a small bakery downtown. Quite the popular one, too. She managed to save up and get herself some sails of her own."
"My, I missed quite a lot, didn't I?"
"And that's not even half of it. Wait until you visit sometime."
"I hope that day comes soon. I can't wait to meet everyone else, and see more of your world."
"I'm still holding on to that promise. We'll just figure something out after all of this business with Nega."
"Right…"
After I spoke, she slowly looked down in thought, and with a smile that seemed to slowly go out by the second. And then I realized. I sort of blamed myself for reminding her of things, and figured worries started to creep back to her. Being at peace for so long just for things to come crashing down again, wasn't exactly the easiest thing to deal with, especially while being the one supposed to lead with so much at stake. I couldn't imagine what she had to hold on inside…
I rested my arms on the concrete railing and tried to lean in a bit to look at her.
"Hey," I softly spoke to her. "There's a hedgehog I know, who's pretty worried about you," I said as she quietly chuckled. "...And, he's all ears, if you ever want to talk," I offered while she turned to me with a gentle smile and soft eyes.
"Actually, I think I've, met him once already."
"Really now?" I smiled, turning around and resting my back against the railing with my arms crossed.
"Is he perhaps, a kind, caring hedgehog, who is always there whenever in need…? Sort of, like you."
I, couldn't help but pause for a moment, taking in her words as she looked at me with a light smile…
"...What's gotten you so worried lately?" I quietly spoke. "Is it, because of Nega…?"
Her eyes looked down, and for a moment, she seemed as if she couldn't find the right words to start off with…
"I'm, sorry all of this happened to all of you… But I mean, we've dealt with him before, haven't we?"
"We have," she said, looking down at the town below us. "And I can't thank you enough, for helping me again."
"Blaze, you know you can always count on me. Besides, you have to admit it's a lot better when we're together, right?"
"Always," she agreed, looking at me with a confident nod.
"I know you'll get through this. And I'll be right there with you. If it does make you feel any better, I'll even let you land the first hit. My treat," I offered.
Although she lightly chuckled, Blaze seemed as if she didn't want to say much, instead immersing herself in the small moving figures down below. So I decided to watch with her in silence for a bit. I knew she would get back on her feet again. She just needed time…
After a while, she crossed her arms and rested them over the railing, laying her head on them…
"I'm sorry, your stay hasn't been the greatest," she murmured.
"Not at all. I enjoy it here. Everyone's really nice. I just hate for them to go through all of this… What does Nega want with your emeralds anyway?"
"He believes, they are the key to reaching his goal."
"The kingdom?"
"Yes," she sighed, looking over at the red roofs down below. "But I am sure it will not stop there… Even with six gems alone, there's no telling what he could do."
"You said he disappeared for a while," I recalled, grabbing my chin while she nodded. "He might be getting ready for something big. Or, maybe getting too old for all of this."
"Too old?" she asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah," I laughed to myself. "That's the running joke down there from what I've heard."
"Huh… I'm not sure if something like age is capable of slowing someone like him. If anything, age comes with wisdom. And in the wrong hands, it just makes him even more dangerous."
"And very old, too," I joked, making her lightly snicker. "I saw that smile," I said to her, while she let herself chuckle. "Does he usually just stay behind while his army does the work for him?"
"No," she said, crossing her arms. "...I still don't know how I was cornered like that," she silently complained.
"Happens to the best of us… Everyone's safe. You're back on your feet. That's all that matters."
"Mmm," she hummed, nodding. "Fortunately, there haven't been any losses. But defensive measures must be revised before we leave. The doctor's forces seem to grow stronger, and might return."
"That army of yours seems to really know how to put up a fight."
"With Nega's presence over the land, it's hard not to. It's all thanks to Maia and the rest of the field masters that we have such capable defenders."
"That's good to hear. You've got a strong team behind you."
"We do," she nodded, her expression softening as she spoke about her comrades. "Maia, in particular, has been invaluable. She's been with me through thick and thin, always ready to face whatever Nega sends against us."
"Speaking of, I was talking to the guards earlier. They say they haven't seen anything like that giant before."
"I haven't either," she explained, shaking her head. "We have to be careful when we set out to leave after the doctor. I am sure we will encounter it again on our way."
"Anything we should worry about?"
"It's heavily armored. My fires did not seem to do much against it when I fought it," she said, looking at her hands.
"So I missed seeing you in action, then. Have you picked on any new tricks since we last saw each other?"
"Not really," she faintly smiled, "especially with everything at a standstill... That skirmish really highlighted my sluggishness these past few months."
"Nothing a bit of sparring can't fix. We can still finish that match of ours. Only if you're feeling up for it."
"Heh… Tempting. I might have to take on your offer later," she softly spoke.
Right after, we heard a faint knock on the door, along with a distant voice…
"That must be the tea," Blaze said as we turned. I walked back inside along with her, while she went for the door and reached for the knob. "Yes?" Blaze asked, opening the door.
"Princess, your tea is served," said one of the servants with a large tray in her hands.
"Oh, Hazel. Please, come in."
Blaze held the door for Hazel, who carefully walked in and placed the tray on a table…
"Please let me know if there is anything else."
"Thank you, Hazel," Blaze thanked as Hazel bowed down.
"Of course. Enjoy."
Blaze walked with the servant and closed the door once she left. By the time she turned, the whole room was already covered in this strong aroma, sort of reminding me of Vanilla's home…
"Smells great. Thank you for having me again."
"Thank you , Sonic. And, it's the least I can do, as a proper welcoming gesture," she said, walking over to the table and grabbing the golden teapot. "I hope you like it. It's called Dawn's Embrace. Subtle on the sweetness, but very refreshing."
She gently began pouring tea on cups for the both of us, and walked over to me so we could head to the terrace again…
"Here-ngh."
And then, the cups shattered all across the rug, Blaze following right after. I rushed to meet her, worried and utterly confused at the same time.
"Blaze? Blaze, hey, what's wrong?" I quickly asked, looking her over.
She just stayed there, slightly shaking quietly, on her knees while holding on to her side with one hand, and gripping onto the stained rug with another. I couldn't see her face, but she was clearly in pain.
"Blaze, say something," I said, with urgency that time.
But nothing. She refused to do anything other than stay on the floor. I quickly looked around, trying to come up with something, but what stopped me cold, was her. All of a sudden, she began to quietly heave, almost out of desperation.
I quickly turned, looking at her for a moment, and asked…
"You… You, didn't heal… Did you…?"
And then, it fell. Then another, after another. Tears started to hit the rug, as she tried so hard to hold it all back. She was silently breaking down, right in front of me. And I was left without words, staring right at her on my knees. I had never seen her like that before, and found myself not knowing what to do…
I, tried to reach out for her shoulder-
"Why?!" she cried, slamming her fist on the floor.
I slightly pulled back, while she laid her head on the floor. Her breathing was all over, and yet I was frozen stiff. Although her sobs were quiet, they were enough to tear me up inside; I was at a loss.
"When, will it be enough…?" she softly cried. "...Sonic… My people, continue to suffer… To lose hope… Will, they ever know peace…?"
She slowly raised her head, and looked at me, eyes brimmed with tears.
"Will I…?"
She was at her limits, and, to be completely honest, I never thought she would ever reach them. I couldn't take seeing her like that, but I was glad I was there. You can only push yourself so much, and knowing her, she would try to fight through it, even with so much weight on her. She would do her best for everyone, even with the damage already made. Even with the many things she could have done differently, constantly bothering her. Even, if it cost her.
Without thinking twice about it, I gently wrapped my arms around her. She was still for a moment, but once she knew I was there, she slowly started to lay herself, her arms reaching for me. I felt her hands slowly tug onto my back, pulling herself as close as she could, and while she rested her head on my shoulder, she let herself go…