Chapter 124
The Triumphant Entry
Blaze would enter the city through the East Gate. A great crowd lined the neglected road. Unlike the superhighway which served as the city's main entrance, the eastern gate was hardly used as it led into the poorer districts of the city and led out towards the adjacent forest. It seemed an inauspicious stage for the dramatic return of the princess.
Despite this, there was a palpable buzz in the air. For the Thirteens of Mestopolis, the return of their princess promised a rare spark of hope, something that had become increasingly scarce after months of brutal persecution. So great was their expectation and joy that many had undertaken the arduous task of taking down wide fanned branches from nearby Folon trees. The crowds waived these branches in the air, unfettered by any sense of caution or embarrassment.
Beneath the brimming jubilation, there was an undercurrent of fear and anxiety. The contrast between the nagging feeling that something might go terribly wrong, and the outward ecstasy of the crowd was impossible to ignore. Sonic saw that dichotomy in the eyes of those he passed as he drifted noiselessly through the packed crowd.
His signature blue quills were covered beneath a tattered gray cloak, allowing him to complete his reconnaissance without detection. Sonic moved like a specter, silently assessing the onlookers for any sign of imperial subterfuge. Despite Blaze's constant assurances, Silver and Gawain still felt that her arrival into the city provided the empire with a golden opportunity for an assassination. Blaze personified the spirit of Soleanna, and her death would deal a fatal blow to any further resistance to imperial domination.
That was the undercurrent of fear that the cheering crowds were attempting to drown out. They waved their branches and sang community songs in order to try and push out that sinking feeling in their stomachs. Sonic saw a hedgehog child waving a little branch with tears streaking down his face. The Thirteens almost expected their hopes to be crushed. Instinctively, Sonic's hand moved to the hilt of Caliburn. He would not let anything happen to these innocent creatures, not if he had anything to say about it.
Sonic looked up and blinked in the dazzling sun. It was almost midday. Blaze was set to arrive shortly. Her return to the city had been carefully negotiated. The date, time, and number of Blaze's party had been ironed out in a treaty which promised her and her company complete amnesty. However, mistrust was shared on both sides. Unwilling to send his sister into danger, Silver had sent a dozen scouts into the city a few days before her scheduled arrival. It was from them that they had first learned of Mastro's sudden change to the schedule. He had insisted that Blaze enter the city through the east gate, and avoid the public spectacle of the main entrance.
.
Blaze's advisors felt assured that this was Mesto's petty way of humiliating her, of forcing her to return to her own city through the gate most often reserved for vagabonds. If Mesto hoped to downplay Blaze's return he had underestimated the people's desire for freedom. Silver's scouts spread the word, and like a weed that quickly takes root, it spread throughout the whole city. Without any institutional command, word of mouth, the only avenue for the disenfranchised, gathered this crowd beyond the gates to greet their returning princess.
Sonic moved to the edge of the crowd and looked across the road. He could see another gray hood moving swiftly through the throng. By the shape of the head, Sonic guessed it was Gawain. Reaching him required a quick jump and some rapid dashes, something that only Sonic would be able to do quickly enough without arousing attention.
"So you decided to come after all." Sonic started as he took up position beside Gawain.
The falcon had his rifle hidden beneath his cloak, with one hand held firmly over the trigger. Beneath his hood, Sonic could see the glint of his narrowed eyes which were roaming rapidly over the crowd. "She will be here soon, I have not ignored her orders."
Sonic took the offhanded rebuke in stride. "I think Silver is right on this one. We can't trust Eggman, not for one single second."
"It isn't the emperor that I trust. I do not think the princess would have come here if she thought her life was in open danger. We have to keep that in mind."
Sonic made no answer to that. Ever since Blaze had agreed to stand her army down and travel to the capital there had been a never ending series of debates between her and Silver. The princess was determined to honor her arrangement with the emperor and make a genuine and honest effort to bridge the peace. Silver, on the other hand, advocated for a more defensive posture. He wanted her to use a body double and enter the city in secret. "Allow someone else to wave to the crowds," He had said. "All that matters is that you make it in alive."
Blaze rejected Silver's proposal, insisting that the people of Soleanna see her in the flesh. The two siblings had argued for days, with Silver ultimately ceding to the princess' authority, but not without gaining some concessions. He had been allowed to send his scouts into the city, and disguise themselves amongst the crowd. Sonic had volunteered for this mission. Doing so had caused a small rift between him and the princess. Sonic could tell that she was disappointed that he doubted her judgment.
They pressed to the front of the crowd and looked down the side to see if they could catch a glimpse of Blaze's retinue. The density of the crowd slowed their progress, but their answer came as a flash of orange flame streaked through the sky. The crowds pointed up and many let out cries of joy. Sonic could not see what was happening, but he knew that Blaze must have arrived based on the reaction of the crowd. There was an ear bursting cheer and a sudden gale of movement as they waved their branches up and down.
"BLAZE! BLAZE! SHE HAS COME! SHE IS ALIVE!" The triumph of the crowd was deafening. Lost in their jubilation, many wept openly as they saw that their princess was really and truly among them. Sonic leaned forward, but everyone around him did the same. The throng converged around Blaze, making her impossible to see.
Sonic tried to push back, feeling now that he would not even be able to intervene if something went wrong. Then he saw her. Blaze's crown sparkled in the daylight, distinguishing her from the masses. Her purple gown was wrapped elegantly around her and seemed to glimmer with a white light. She traveled modestly upon a low-tech wain that pushed forward slowly upon iron wheels. Blaze stood tall and proud upon the vessel. Her eyes were sparks of fire that burned with quiet intensity.
When he had first met Blaze, Sonic felt assured that this kind of cheering and jubilant reception would make Blaze blush. However, to his surprise, Blaze welcomed the praise like a king returning to his kingdom. Sonic felt a strange twisting in his gut. She seemed so stern and alien to him at that moment, that he was amazed that he ever considered himself worthy of her friendship. He was not the only one to experience this. Though the crowds had converged onto Blaze at first, as she drew nearer, everyone seemed to take half step backward in awe of her majesty.
Behind the princess, walking in a line came the rest of her company. The priests from Masada led the way. Their priestly garb had been heavily stained and battered. Roran walked at the center, his head held high and proud. Behind the priests came the others who wished to remain at Blaze's side. Much of the rebel army had been left behind to garrison CastleTown and the Sanctuary. Only a few healers and others who had attained special privileges like Elder Priam and his daughter Jasmine, had chosen to make the journey to Sol in support of their leader.
"NIGHT IS OVER, DAY HAS COME, THE EVERLASTING FLAME BURNS STILL!" A girl had pushed through the crowd until she was right beside Blaze's wain. She held her branch up high and cried a second time. "BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF SOLARIS, THE KING OF ETERNAL FLAME!"
Blaze turned to the girl. Her wain slowed to a halt. Blaze fixed a warm glare upon the child. For a moment, Sonic wondered if Blaze had been angered by the girl's words, but then he saw something flicker in Blaze's expression. Was it fear?
DOM! DOM! DOM! The ground seemed to shake from the force of huge blasts upon a drum. Sonic turned. Dozens of imperial soldiers were exiting the eastern gate. They were led by five figures in long sweeping red and white robes. The Thirteens let out cries of dismay. Many threw down their branches and went rushing back into the city. Gawain and Sonic slowly moved through the crowd until they were standing guard in front of Blaze.
The dispersed crowds left Blaze and her companions alone with the imperial entourage. Without any need to hide anymore, Sonic flung back his hood. Gawain did the same, as did several others who had been hidden amongst the crowd.
The figures in robes gave silent orders to the soldiers and approached Blaze on their own. One appeared to be the foremost of the group. He was an aged porcupine with jagged quills. His robes were blood red with trims of pristine white. Sonic noted that none of the symbols embroidered were of fire or flame. When he reached Blaze he smiled and inclined his head. His eyes were jet black and full of badly concealed enmity. He did not have the air of a wise priest, but instead presented the guile more fitting of a politician or a scoundrel.
"Hail, Princess Blaze, your coming is like the vivification of a dream to many." He had a deep, rolling voice and his mouth was adorned with gold plated teeth.
Blaze did not engage in the feigned pleasantries. "I am afraid I do not know you, though you wear the robes of a High Curate."
He smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. "My name is Caiphax. I have only recently attained my position," Admitting this seemed to annoy the priest. His dark eyes swirled with venom, yet his toothy smile remained fixed in place. "Me and my fellows took offices in the Church when High Priest Leon fell out of favor."
"Fell out of favor?" Roran broke rank and stormed towards the other priests. "Leon was captured and murdered, as was nearly everyone else in the church!"
Caiphax glowered and his companions closed ranks. It was evident that Caiphax had not expected to see Roran. The imperial soldiers caught wind of the raised voices and started to approach, their hands moving towards their sword belts. Blaze saw all of this and put a hand gingerly on Roran's shoulder. Immediately, Roran fell silent and drew back.
"The loss of Leon was indeed unfortunate. The attack by the Hive was so swift and sudden, there was no time for us to come to terms with it. I warned Arch Robe Jacob to wait, to hear the reasons from Lord Mesto. Instead, the Church was looted and many fled to Masada." Here Caiphax paused. He looked up and down Blaze's company. "But I thought you had relieved Masada? Is Jacob not with you?"
"He's dead," Roran spat.
Caiphax feigned distress for a few seconds before continuing as if nothing had happened. "We that remained pleaded with Lord Mesto, he intended to destroy the Church altogether. Leon had betrayed his trust and had been using his privileges to foster rebellion and sedition. It is only with the greatest pains and sacrifices has he allowed us to continue our efforts and serve the people here."
The comments about Leon had sent everyone who heard it on edge. Gawain shifted his rifle beneath his cloak, and Roran audibly growled. Only Blaze kept her composure. Her expression was stern and completely inscrutable. "I thank you then. We need priests of Solaris now more than ever."
Caiphax took a bold step towards Blaze. "It is for this reason that we must insist that you quiet this rabble," He whispered intently. "They trumpet their heresies without shame. With much caution and deliberation we have made things work with Lord Mesto. All have agreed to disperse with titles of kingdom. We must insist that you rebuke them, lest we draw the ire of the empire afresh."
Blaze's eyes flashed. A tongue of fire snapped around her like a whip. Caiphax and his priests retreated. Imperial soldiers hastened to encircle them, but there was no need. Blaze was not calling for an attack. When she spoke, her voice was filled with restrained wrath. "The dominion of Solaris cannot be traded so easily. Were they to be silent, the very stones of Arvana would cry out."
Caiphax snarled, "Just three days ago, Lord Mesto was pushing the people into ghettos. That policy has been halted, but it will be started again if we do not comply. It is a fragile peace and must be preserved carefully."
"I shall not tempt Mesto unnecessarily," Blaze declared. "Nor will I hold my head down in shame."
"Will you come with us to the palace then? Lord Mesto requested that we meet-"
"I will go to the Church," Blaze said firmly. "It has been too long since I have been able to worship there."
Caiphax's expression darkened. "Princess," He began cautiously. "It might be more prudent if you were to meet with Lord Mesto first. Much has changed in the city and-"
"My mind is set. I will meet with Mesto tomorrow. Today is for me and my people."
Caiphax bristled, his quills shivering with rage. Though he mastered himself quickly, no one had missed his sign of obvious frustration. Caiphax inclined his head in a show of respect before turning around and storming away, his red cloak billowing behind him. His fellow priests followed after him and the imperial soldiers marched back into the city. Sonic could hear Caipax muttering angrily to his fellows.
Roran hastened to Blaze's side and spoke urgently to her. "Princess, I know Caiphax and his fellows well. They were the first to make allowances to the empire. I would bet everything that they have kept their positions with promises to serve Mesto."
Blaze did not respond to this, but merely thanked Roran for his input. With that, the gate into the city had been cleared. Blaze gave the order and the procession continued. Sonic took up a rear position next to Gawain. "So much for a triumphant entry," The falcon said with a despairing sigh.
Rayne sauntered up between them, munching angrily on a weed. "Is Mesto so afraid of Blaze, he cannot stand to have her people receive her with honor?"
Sonic's response was defeated by a tremendous shout. The crowds had not abandoned Blaze completely. Though they had fled from the imperials, they had waited for their princess, packing themselves tightly within the narrow avenues of the eastern district of the city. As soon as Blaze passed inside, they took up their cheering afresh with renewed enthusiasm. Branches were waved, women and children wept openly. The warning of Caiphax was completely ignored. Calls for a return to the old kingdom, for the reign of Solaris washed over them as they passed through the streets.
Sonic blushed slightly as the adoration poured over the entire group. Every cobblestone street was packed as they made their way slowly through the city. The long procession brought them away from the older, more traditional portion of the city to those districts most infected by the imperial tumors which riddled the city like cancer. Awe inspiring towers and citadels, works of not only function but of aesthetic beauty were dwarfed by windowless buildings of gray steel. Sonic was again struck by the sense that the architecture of the city was engaged in its own kind of war, one in which the side of beauty and expression was slowly being defeated by the side of efficiency and cold calculation.
Many of the traditional towers were capped with white marble or crimson redstone with the intent to capture the illumination of the sun and reflect it back. However, the natural light of the city was dimmed by colossal floating structures that hovered in the sky. Like the Egg Carrier, or Mesto's flagship Titan, these staples of imperial power were a permanent reminder of the force of Robotnik's army, blotting out even the sun, the sacred symbol of the religion of Soleanna.
However, the crowd that cheered Blaze ignored these dour staines upon their once glorious capital. The arrival of the princess had solidified something in their minds. Sonic heard many frantic whispering and enthusiastic cries. Some pointed ahead and Sonic followed the gesture. Beyond the nearest buildings, Sonic saw a huge square shaped structure rising upon a tall hill. The Church of Solaris was unmistakable and Sonic did not need anyone to tell him what it was.
An air of mystical majesty radiated off the high towers from a great distance. The walls were made of pristine white marble and glowed like a beacon of white fire. Atop the uppermost turret was a gigantic statue of a phoenix with its wings spread out, covering the nearest section of the city under its shadow. No imperial ships flew near it as if the sky itself was considered holy territory.
Blaze's procession passed into a courtyard which led up into the Church. Here, Blaze and her company were halted. Imperial forces controlled the gates leading up into the temple. A huge staircase ascended the hill up to the many pillared entryway. Sonic pushed his way through the crowd so he could see what was going on. Dozens of priests had come out of the Church to see what was happening.
Several of these priests had come with imperial guards in order to stop Blaze from progressing up into the Church. Sonic heard her raised voice rise over the tumult. "I am of the blood of Phoenix, and have as much right as any to go into the temple. Who are you to deny me?"
"It is not you that we are speaking of," One of the priests argued in a barely restrained voice. "But you cannot bring this rabble. They are speaking violence and will bring destruction upon us all. We have made a careful peace with Lord Mesto and we will not-"
Blaze stepped off her wain and pushed past the priest. Imperial soldiers strode forward to meet her, but then thought better of it. At once, the defenses of the gates were abandoned. Blaze and all the crowd followed as she strode up the steps into the temple. Sonic hastened to her side, his hand wrapped firmly around Caliburn's hilt. He turned to say something to Blaze, but stopped when he saw the look in her eyes. Tongues of fire swirled within the yellow. Sonic had never seen Blaze look quite so angry.
At the top of the stairs, dozens of pillars led the way into the outer court. Hundreds of citizens packed the space. Dozens of tables had been set up with merchants selling goods. In stark contrast to the quiet ethereal nature of the marble architecture, those within were peddling the latest technologies of the empire. To add to this dichotomy, huge cameras were set conspicuously along the walls, along with huge screens displaying images of imperial propaganda.
Worst yet, the entrance into the first court was blocked. Machines like the metal detectors Sonic had seen back on earth were stationed to allow only a dozen or so to enter at a time. Electronic gates blocked further progress and Sonic did not need to guess what one would need to scan in order to gain entry. If he was so foolish, the answer came with the slogan plastered upon all the machines; the snarling smile of Eggman.
Blaze's sudden appearance had led to a dramatic silence. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and had turned to the princess. The merchants stopped selling their wares. Many of the ordinary Thirteens drew back. Imperial soldiers who had been stationed along the edges of the court drew forward silently.
A low buzzing sound filled the room. Blaze's wrath was palpable. The delay allowed Caiphax and his priests to catch up to Blaze. He stood awkwardly between her and the machines that would scan for the imperial persona.
"What is this devilry?" Roran hissed. His hands were shaking as he stepped forward. "You have allowed Mesto to defile this sacred-"
"We have ensured its survival." Caiphax answered Roran, but kept his stern glare upon Blaze. "After Leon's treachery was discovered, Mesto revoked what privileges the clergy still had. It was either to submit to his new mandates or-"
SMACK! Caiphax was interrupted by a whip of flame. It slashed forward and smote the machines blocking the entrance to the temple. There was a loud blast and a parade of sparks and smoke. Blaze held up her arm and the tongues of swirling fire returned into her palm. With one blow, Blaze had decimated the scanners, turning them into a smoldering ruin.
The silence broke. Dozens started to speed towards the exit. Sonic closed ranks as the Thirteens shuffled past. The emptying room displayed the full extent of the imperial infection. Small scale statues of the emperor had been placed in corners of the court. Red banners bearing the ancient symbols of the Tralajian empire hung from the rafters.
"Stop this madness!" Caiphax roared. "Your people have not been marked if they march into the temple without-"
Again, Caiphax was ignored. Blaze stormed forward, walking straight over the destroyed detectors. All her company followed suit. As soon as they passed, alarms rang overhead. Red lights flashed over the white marble ceiling. The imperial soldiers drew swords and rifles, but seemed uncertain as whether or not to engage.
Blaze smoldered with uncontainable fury. She glared at the banners which stained the pure white marble with an imperial red. "Is this the peace you have made with Lord Mesto? Our people are forced into ghettos while their homes and possessions are stolen from them. Meanwhile you turn the house of our God into a mausoleum of treachery."
"We've done everything we can!" Caiphax bristled. His quills flared dangerously. "Mesto wanted to wipe us all out. Your rebellion has been the cause of endless sorrows. If you just had the humility to submit then we would have avoided so much pointless despair."
Caiphax's pronocument was preceded by the sudden stopping of the alarms. Everyone in the crowd had heard him. The priest shrank, as he suddenly found himself under the brunt of hundreds of angry stares. He pulled his robes tighter across his chest. When he spoke, his voice was calm and full of calculated caution. "Lord Mesto intended to tear this temple down stone by stone, it was only by our effort and careful sacrifice were we able to salvage it."
Blaze shook her head. With one hand she formed a ribbon of living fire. The flames wound about until they formed a cord like a whip. "You should have taken more care for the sacrifice that you made. This place was always destined to crumble to dust, and a new sanctuary erected in its place."
Caiphax gaped at her. His shock and horror were mirrored in the expressions of Roran, Priam, and Gawain. It seemed that Sonic was the only one who didn't grasp the seriousness of what Blaze had said.
"I've heard enough," Caiphax growled. He turned aside and stormed out of the temple. His priests followed behind him, including, to Sonic's surprise, some of the crowd.
Blaze ignored them. She took her whip of fire and slashed it forward. It smote the ground in front of the imperial guards. They did not need to be told twice. Immediately, the imperials broke formation and went hurriedly towards the exit. All parties present sensed that something was about to happen. Sonic was grabbed by the shoulder and yanked backward.
At once, Blaze rushed forward and started whipping the air with her whips of flame. Crack! She destroyed the screens, the tables, the cameras, and the statues. Fire consumed the banners and melted the stone busts. Her outburst was too much for the crowds. They turned and fled, unwilling to be caught by the empire at such a scene.
Sonic watched in anxious apprehension. Blaze's cloak of modesty and regal humility had been cast aside. Her anger was openly manifested and it was terrible to behold. She utterly destroyed the innovations and imperial infections that marred the outer court.
Horns echoed from the distance. Sonic turned and from the vantage point of the temple could see a large contingent of imperial soldiers marching in their direction. Roran let out a cry of dismay. Priam took Jasmine by the arm and thrust her behind him. Gawain, Rayne, Sonic and the other scouts took up defensive positions at the top of the stairs. Sonic withdrew Caliburn. The sword glinted like a silver star.
"I thought the peace talks would last longer than this," He said sardonically to Gawain.
"We must not start a battle here," The falcon returned seriously.
Blaze's main host was miles away, and even the full force of her household guard was not yet present. A fight in the middle of the city was bound to end in their doom. Before Sonic could even wonder what they could do, he heard a frightened shout. A blackness materialized in the sky above them. The darkness took shape and a figure emerged out of the depths. Infinite hovered in the sky like a god descending upon its subjects. The gem upon his chest burned with a red menace.
Sonic readied to spring into action, but Infinite held up his hands in a sign of peace. "Rest, hedgehog." He said. "I am not here for battle." The voice made all of Blaze's company cringe. It was a cold, lifeless voice, full of venom and hatred.
"Then why are you here?" Blaze had left the outer court. She had withdrawn her cord of flames, but rage still kindled in her eyes. "Is your master finally ready to receive us?"
Infinite waved his hand lazily and created a portal of swirling mist. Lord Mesto emerged out of the portal accompanied by an honor guard. If Mesto had hoped to intimidate them with his choice of companions then he had made a good choice. His guards were Echidnas that stood nearly eight feet off the ground. Each was covered in dense armor and carried hammers as large as Sonic's entire body.
Lord Mesto did not bother with false pleasantries. He glared at Blaze with open hostility. "Is your thirst for controversy and violence so great that you could not enter your city for five minutes without starting a battle?"
"You have turned this temple into an open demonstration of your wickedness," Blaze returned. "I did not come here to be insulted."
Mesto flashed a toothy smile. "No, you have come here to make peace. Or so you would have us believe."
"Careful," Rayne growled. "Do not insult the intentions of the princess."
Mesto shrugged. "One wonders whether we could all afford to be more trusting." With a sly smirk, Mesto stepped forward. Blaze's company parted to allow him to pass into the temple. He made no comment about the destruction of his machines, but frowned when he saw the burned tapestries. "It is by the emperor's command that his insignia is to be flown at every building of note throughout the empire. For centuries our people have refused to allow images, a testament to the incomprehensible fire of Solaris. Perhaps the emperor can make an exception here?"
He turned as Blaze approached him. Sonic and Gawain were at her side while Infinite hovered eerily above them like a puppet pulled along by its strings. "I am sorry I was unable to greet you at the gate," Mesto continued. "I was busy preparing your lodgings. You remember the old royal gardens do you not? The estate there has been prepared for you."
Blaze frowned. "The emperor invited me here to make peace. Where is he?"
"The emperor has entrusted me to the management of this district," Mesto said with a humble bow. "Ensuring that the violence stops and that we can all learn to live in peace is my chief objective, on that you have my word."
"Why should she trust your word?" Gawain interrupted.
"She has as little reason to trust me, as I do to trust her."
"Where's Eggman?" Sonic snapped. His step towards Mesto was countered by Infinite who floated down between them.
Mesto glared at Sonic. "You dare say that name? You should show the emperor more respect."
Sonic ignored the threat. "Eggman is the one who wanted to have this talk, so where is he?"
Mesto smiled, there was a knowing look in his eye that made Sonic's insides run cold. "The emperor has other, more important matters to attend to. He has an entire empire to oversee after all, not to mention his other…projects.."
"The emperor is gone." Blaze was not asking a question. "Do you still intend to work for the peace that he offered?"
"I am ever the servant of the empire. I will pursue my master's will to the best of my ability. You may all rest soundly tonight, tomorrow we shall meet here to discuss the future of this district." Mesto smirked at them with an expression that perfectly exemplified his name as Mesto the Sly.
Blaze said nothing. She turned aside, and walked past Mesto without a second glance. Just like that, her entrance into the city was over. There was no crowd to join them on the long march across Sol. They went meekly and with some anxiety to their lodgings. The old royal gardens were situated on a high mountain adjacent to the one which held up the royal palace. Their path took them up a twisting, winding road. Houses were built directly into the mountain side, but it was clear that this section of the city had long been abandoned.
Sonic had meant to walk with Blaze, however she was in a gloomy mood. So he fell back and walked with Priam and Jasmine. Priam explained that the gardens had been built by the king of Soleanna many years ago. Eventually, an estate had been built there for the royal family to use as a kind of getaway. It had been burned during the imperial civil war and had been left largely abandoned.
"I wonder why Mesto is sending us here?" Sonic asked.
Priam snorted. "Mesto is petty beyond reason. Years ago, when Mesto had first been courting Blaze they spent a part of a spring here together. Blaze spurned Mesto's advances and he never forgot it. As a youth, Blaze loved this place and even hoped to one day revive the old garden. No doubt Mesto had it destroyed as one final insult."
Sonic saw the damage of the fire as they reached the top of the mountain. Black scorch marks marred the houses and manses that made up the estate. However, clearly the empire had made an effort to ensure that the place was at least habitable.
The main house was built near a ledge overlooking the city. Its upper windows were beneath the branches of a tall tree with vibrant leaves. Sonic saw Blaze walking over to it with Roran and Gawain at her side. The princess staggered suddenly and fell onto Gawain for support.
"Sorry," She said as she straightened up. "I'm just tired. It has been a long day."
"You must rest princess," Roran insisted. "Tomorrow will be a sore trial. It appears Mesto has made deep ties. It will not be easy to secure concessions from him."
"Unless you plan on whipping him with flames," Gawain added with a laugh.
Blaze did not smile. She drew away from them and approached the tree. Blaze raised her hand to the lowest branch and began searching it for fruit. "I am sure there is food inside," Roran ventured.
After ensuring that the tree was indeed barren, Blaze withdrew her hand. Her eyes sparked with sudden intensity. "Make you never bear fruit again!" Her outburst of frustration prompted Roran to bow and retreat.
Sonic made to go over to her, but Gawain stopped him. "Come on, let's give her some space."
For the next few hours, Sonic helped Gawain secure the premises. Silver returned near dusk after spending the entire day undercover in the city. He had much to report and was eager to give his news to his sister. However, Blaze had left orders that she was not to be interrupted.
"It was a bit of a mixed bag," Silver told them as they sat together to eat dinner. "Her
outburst at the temple didn't exactly do her any favors. I gathered that many people partially agree with Caiphax, they think things were going alright before we started the war."
"They're afraid," Rayne said simply. "We have accelerated the day of conflict, but it was going to come sooner or later anyway. I bet most people realize that."
"Even if they do, that will not inspire them to take up arms," Gawain observed.
"Is that what we are here to do then?" Sonic asked. The others all looked at him gravely before turning away. In truth, none of them really knew why Blaze had agreed to come to the city. No one believed that there was any chance to actually make peace.
"Has to be," Silver answered quietly. "I don't know why she won't say it cleary, but there isn't any other option. If given enough time, I think we can convince enough people to turn against Mesto."
"And then what?" Gawain prompted.
"War. If we can take the city back-"
"The emperor will wipe Sol off the map. We cannot achieve victory through force alone."
"Then what is her plan then?" Rayne reiterated.
Gawain shrugged. "I'm not sure. She may not even have one. Our only choice is to trust her."
That night, the Knights of the Round shared a room in the estate. Sonic lay in bed staring up at the bunk over him. Confusion and doubt gnawed at him. Why had he stayed? What good was he doing here?
More than that, where was Eggman? That question was like a thorn in Sonic's side. Had the emperor already made good on his threat and gone to earth? I should be doing something. At that moment, inaction felt like the worst kind of torture. Sonic tossed and turned, and only after a few hours was he able to drift into an uneasy sleep.
Sonic woke before dawn. A haze hung over his thoughts, obscuring the dream that had been so clear a moment before. In place of solid images, Sonic was left with just the lingering feeling of dread, panic and of a looming threat. He sat up and stretched his arms over his head. His yawn was stifled by Rayne's soft snoring which drifted throughout the cabin. A faint orange light trickled through the window.
For a moment, Sonic considered trying to go back to bed. He was exhausted from several days of sporadic sleep. Ever since that night on the road to Masada his rest had been disturbed by phantoms and nightmares. A sly smirk spread suddenly across Sonic's face. Despite everything, he couldn't help but have a laugh, even if the joke was on him. Is this what happens when you start taking yourself so seriously?
No dark dream could compete with morning laughter. Sonic leapt out of bed and seized Caliburn which he had left resting on the floor. He tied the belt over his back as he stepped outside. Upon opening the door, Sonic was immediately dazzled by the light rising over the eastern mountains. He put a hand over them to shade himself, and noticed a dark figure standing in the middle of the rays.
Blaze might have been standing there all night. She was as still as a stone and just as watchful as the gargoyles that preserved gothic churches. Her hands were folded over her heart. From atop the vista, they had a perfect view of the city stretching out beneath them, cradled between the mountains.
Sonic strode up beside her. Blaze was watching Sol as if the city were her own child, and that child was in peril. A distant grief carried in her gaze, a grief that Sonic knew he could not even begin to fathom. There had been many times where Sonic had felt that there was something strange about Blaze, something almost unnatural. Those moments had always been brief, but that sense of alien grandeur had been constant ever since they had come to the city.
Blaze slowly uncurled her fingers and left her hands open by her sides. "How long have I desired to gather my people together? To shield them under my arms? But they are not willing, and their homes shall be left desolate. For you did not know the time of your visitation…" The words were whispered faintly, and Sonic was uncertain of whether or not she had directed them at him.
"Are you alright?" Sonic ventured.
Blaze blinked slowly and turned to him. She seemed to change slightly, regaining her usual friendly warmth and color. "Just tired," She answered heavily. "It hasn't been easy coming back. So much has changed."
"I told you that Eggman corrupts everything."
"It is not just the corruption of the emperor nor the evil of Mesto. The judgment of Solaris has been long coming. Outside influence has hastened its arrival, but that is all."
Sonic paused. He always felt uneasy whenever someone mentioned the judgment of Solaris. "We won't let them win," Sonic said firmly. "If Eggman has already gone to earth then we might have a chance. Mesto isn't so strong on his own. We just need to find a way to defeat Infinite and then he will be vulnerable."
"The emperor has gone to earth." Blaze declared. "The time has come to put your faith in your friends to the test."
Sonic hesitated. A swooping rush of anxiety flushed through his body. Hundreds of thoughts wrestled for supremacy in his mind. Sonic forced them all away, choosing instead to focus on he and Blaze's conversation when he had chosen to stay in Arvana. "I am ready." He spoke clearly and firmly. "Earth won't fall easily. Not if Tails and the others have anything to say about it."
Blaze smiled faintly. She took a step closer to Sonic. The gems on her dress and the crown on her forehead suddenly darkened. The rising sun had been obstructed, leaving the predawn world in shadows. Blaze looked more ordinary than ever. A girl set in an impossible position with peril at every side and the fate of her nation resting on her shoulders. "What about your faith in me?"
Sonic looked at her, but found that he could not answer. Her yellow eyes swirled with vulnerability. His stomach squirmed but the words he wanted to say continued to elude him. Blaze sighed and crouched down. She dug her finger into the dirt and began drawing absently. "A crucible awaits us all. None of us shall emerge without testing."
Sonic's hand instinctively went to Caliburn's hilt. He gripped the steel firmly. "I am ready."
"It is not a contest of metal and nerve that I speak of. We already know how to fight, but now we must see if we know how to die." Blaze wiped away what she had written in the dirt. She rose, gave Sonic a final look and went back towards the estate.
Sonic stood there for a moment at a complete loss for words. He walked over to where Blaze had been writing, but whatever it was had been completely effaced. Wind gusted over him. Sonic winced as the cold traced down his back. He turned in its direction and saw something that made him seize up. The tree Blaze had cursed the night before had withered until its bark was completely black. All of its branches were naked and as thin as bare twigs. Sonic turned back, but Blaze was gone. He looked at the dead tree again and was afraid.