Emerald the Lynx, thanks so much for the review! BTW, Starline won't be the only addition! X3

I have to say, this chapter took a lot of writing and rewriting, and frankly, I feel I should've made it a two-parter, because I deleted a lot of content for the sake of pacing. I suppose it could be better, but overall, it is another character introduction until the real plot kicks off.

Enjoy!


Entry 33

The Blazing Guardian

''I never said I can sit in silence (in silence). You cannot blame me for never trying. See the inferno rise! I am not scared of the things you do, when you go down I go down with you! We can go crazy inside and then we deny – inferno! We cannot get everything we need, the Inferno is what we feed! When you give it to me it's all that I need – inferno!''

Inferno by Amaranthe

xXxXxXx

''So, not only do we have to deal with Dr. Eggman, but Dr. Starline as well?'' Minami rose an eyebrow, staring at Lucas just as he made the announcement. All of Team Neos was at the Taylor Workshop after Lucas had called them over to explain what had happened earlier in the day.

''That appears to be the case… unless you know someone else who uses a line of stars over a white and grey toothpaste as their logo,'' Warren said. Minami simply snorted in response.

''It is good that we can now connect a face and name to the perpetrator, but could you give us more information about who this Dr. Starline is?'' Knuckles asked, turning to Lucas. He had managed to recover from having his power drained via Chaos Surge, just like Sonic and Tails did.

''Well, Dr. Starline is another character from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, mainly appearing in the comic books. He is known as a genius scientist and a deep admirer of Dr. Eggman-'' Lucas explained, only for Lily to interrupt him.

''In other words, he's a crazy Eggman fanboy who takes his admiration for his idol to another level,'' she said.

''Why would anyone be a fan of Dr. Eggman or admire his work?'' Silver asked. ''He had hurt a lot of people; what is there to admire?''

''Have you missed out the part where I described him as crazy?'' Lily asked. Silver shrugged, with Lily figuring that he was clearly not aware just how insane Starline could be.

''Dr. Starline being behind this does make sense, but the question is why he would attempt drain Sonic, Tails and Knuckles of their powers,'' Makoto said. Lucas, who was leaning against the work desk at the workshop, already had an answer.

''Speed, Fly and Power – those abilities make up the Power Cores in Sonic Heroes,'' he explained. ''In short, I think Starline is trying to create the Tricore, which would give him the abilities of speed, flight and raw power.''

''Wait, what?'' Sonic rose an eyebrow, his mind completely blanking out on that assumption. He was lying on the couch. ''How would that work? Moreover, why do you think he'd do that?''

''Well, it is similar to what his character did in the comics, so that was my first assumption,'' Lucas admitted in a sheepish tone, getting an unimpressed look from Sonic. ''But, it does make sense.''

''Do you think that Dr. Starline did it under Dr. Eggman's orders?'' Touka asked. Aside from the Irregulars, she had the least amount of knowledge in regards to any of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game and comic book lore.

''I don't think so-'' Lucas replied, with Minami then interrupting him.

''I'd be shocked if Starline isn't working with Eggman at this point. We might not know where he is, but I'm certain that the platypus has definitely figured out a way to find him,'' she said. ''It's like those stalkers who find little details in photos to locate the homes of celebrities and then break into their houses.''

''Sheesh…'' Silver rose an eyebrow, feeling a bit disturbed.

''Right,'' Lucas muttered, sighing. ''So, it would be smart to keep an eye out for both. We might get attacked any day.''

''I hope it won't be tomorrow, because Amy and I already have plans,'' Minami replied.

''What plans do you have?'' Shadow asked curiously, glancing at Amy. Amy smiled, tapping on her AR Visor and showing everyone a news article on the holographic screen.

''Minami and I have learned that the imperial princess, Sana Jai of the Surya Empire is coming to Neos City tomorrow for an official visit. Isn't that exciting?'' she said, clasping her hands. Her initial excitement quickly deflated when she saw the lack of reaction from the others. She puffed up her cheeks. ''Don't you guys have anything to say?''

''Having royalty from another country visit Neos City does sound interesting. But, it's not like you're going to meet her in person,'' Knuckles said.

''Maybe, but Minami and I'd still love to see her,'' Amy replied. ''Is nobody interested?''

''I am,'' Lily said. ''Knuckles and I don't have any plans for tomorrow, so we could go along with you.''

Knuckles nodded in argeement, with Minami and Amy then exchanging glances, looking deviously at the rest of the team.

''What about the rest of you guys?'' Minami asked.

''Do you want to join us?'' Amy asked, both of them looking at everyone in anticipation. Even Lily and Knuckles joined them. Lucas, Sonic, Warren, Tails, Makoto, Silver, Touka and Shadow exchanged glances with each other, clearly not looking too interested about this.

''No, thanks,'' Touka responded in a curt tone, glancing at Lucas. ''Shadow and I were only here to learn more about Dr. Starline.''

''If you don't have anything more to say, we'll be leaving,'' Shadow added, with Lucas shaking his head, and the two then leaving. Minami frowned as she watched Touka and Shadow leaving.

''I suppose it was expected from these two to just up and leave,'' she said, placing her hands on her hips and then turned towards the rest of the group. ''What do you guys say?''

''I'm sorry, but Warren and I had planned to examine those AR Field generators Dr. Starline had created,'' Tails replied, holding up one of the devices. ''We want to know how he had managed to manipulate them in such way that we were unable to exit them.''

''Considering how they had self-destructed, we'll be spending a good chunk of the day trying to fix them,'' Warren added. ''Therefore, we can't join you.''

''I see… Sonic, Lucas, what about you two?'' Amy asked curiously. Sonic sat up on the couch, exchanging glances with Lucas, both of them being unusually silent.

''Well… We'll be doing our own thing,'' Sonic responded, placing his hands behind his back. ''Sorry, Amy.''

Amy looked slightly disappointed, with her, Minami, Knuckles and Lily turning towards Makoto and Silver, with Makoto looking more nervous than Silver. ''So, that leaves you two…''

''Uhhh, why are you giving us those looks?'' Silver asked, a little confused.

''You're going to accompany us tomorrow, right, Silver, Makoto?'' Minami asked, smiling innocently. Makoto did not like the look she was giving him. Being childhood friends with her, he recognized it easily as the tone she'd usually use to get whatever she wanted. Silver, who had less experience with Minami's manipulative nature, had no idea what was coming at him.

''Uh, well…'' Makoto trailed off, with Minami narrowing her eyes, puffing up her cheeks. Makoto gulped in response. ''We don't have any plans for tomorrow, so I guess we could…''

''Great!'' Minami was suddenly all smiles and sunshine, while Makoto just sighed in resignation. Silver, while noting Makoto's anxiety, still remained confused in regards to what exactly Minami had done to make Makoto agree. He whispered to Knuckles.

''Why do I feel as if Makoto and Minami had an entire conversation in their heads?''

Knuckles snorted, arms folded across his chest, and smirked. ''From what I understand, it appears that you and Makoto only have the illusion of a choice. Makoto also doesn't appear to be someone who can easily stand up to people, especially Minami.''

Silver's expression fell, only for him to make a mental note to help his partner overcome his timidness. Once the conversation was done, everyone left the Taylor Workshop, Lucas and Sonic being the last ones to leave.

''I know I told Amy that we had plans for tomorrow, but you haven't really told me what those plans are,'' Sonic said.

''Admittedly, I didn't really plan anything. I had just figured that I should listen to the advice from Warren and Tails and suggest that we spend time together,'' Lucas admitted.

''Ah, I see. It's going to be a random adventure, then. I like that,'' Sonic replied.

xXx

''I didn't expect there would be so many people here,'' Lily commented on the large crowd that had gathered in front of the hotel where the imperial princess would be driven to. A good chunk of the crowd were news reporters and photographs, but there were also onlookers like them. ''It's not like this visit had been advertised as a city-wide event.''

''Still, Neos City is being visited by royalty from a different country, and that's not something that happens every day,'' Minami said.

''What importance does this country have?'' Knuckles curiously asked.

''The Surya Empire is famous for its rare spices, producing around 70% of it and exporting them to other countries. Without it, we wouldn't have food like curry-based meals,'' Makoto explained, only to narrow his eyes as he put on a thoughtful look. ''Unfortunately, the Surya Empire is also the country with the highest rate of piracy, especially since the empire also covers the archipelago and most of the trade is done via ships. There are many small and isolated islands where only a few people live, so the food, medicine and other necessities are delivered to them via trade ships.''

''I had no idea about that,'' Silver suddenly said, listening intently to Makoto's explanation. ''I thought that people just would flock to cities since that's where they can get food and other stuff, not stay on an isolated island.''

''To me, it sounds like those people made their life on the islands and wouldn't leave them so easily, even with the temptation of all the comfort that other settlements offer,'' Knuckles said.

''I see,'' Silver muttered, nodding in acknowledgement.

''I have read somewhere that, recently, the Surya Empire had begun dealing with piracy on a more systematic level. Something about finding a way to handle pirates the moment they get spotted,'' Amy added. ''I don't really know what they do specifically, though… Hey, look!''

The crowd turned to the street, all looking in anticipation at the limousine that arrived in front of the hotel, with some government officials waiting in front of it, including the mayor of Neos City. The driver got out, walking towards the back of the car and opened the door, but to the shock of the crowd, no one was there. Dumbfounded, the driver looked around the back of the limousine, with some of the officials joining them as he hastily explained to them that he did indeed drive the princess over here, but had no explanation for how she managed to vanish.

''Maybe the princess knows how to turn invisible,'' Knuckles commented in a snarky tone, folding his arms as the crowd started to get antsy and whisper. He could hear the rumors of a possible kidnapping spreading like wildfire.

''Do you guys really think she had been kidnapped?'' Silver asked his friends, having picked up on what the people around him were saying. The group just exchanged looks, unsure what to believe.

xXx

''I told you, this was a bad idea! I wouldn't have gone along with it if it wasn't my duty to protect you, Sana.''

''I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble, Blaze.''

Blaze the Cat sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose and supporting that arm with her other as she thought about the situation they found themselves in. Blaze was lavender-furred, anthropomorphic cat with gold eyes, a small black nose, and a white-furred muzzle. She had triangular ears with peach-colored canals on top of her head, two medium-length eyelashes on each side of her eyes, and a long tail with the end frayed and violet. Her fur was longer on each side of her head and sweeped slightly upwards. She had four plumes of hair with violet tips done up in a high ponytail with a red hair tie. She also had a red oval gem on her forehead, resembling a Bindi. For attire, Blaze wore a purple tailcoat with rose trim at the bottom, a gold collar, and white leggings. She also wore white gloves with fluffy cuffs and rose, high-heeled shoes with gray soles, white stripes, and fluffy cuffs, like her gloves.

The person Blaze was talking to was her partner, the Imperial Princess of the Surya Empire, Sana Jai, a 14-year-old teenager. She had long black hair and dark brown eyes, and she was wearing a purple ruffled short-sleeved top, a long red skirt with golden vine-like patterns, red pants and sandals. Her long bangs were held up on the back of her head with a golden clip. Sana had also tried to hide her identity under a huge brown cap and sunglasses, hoping that no one would recognize her. However, she did notice some people giving her weird looks and she was afraid that they would realize who she really is.

''We need to return back to the hotel immediately and explain the situation,'' Blaze told her. ''I'm sure they are worried about us and searching for us. It is our duty to return back and apologize for leaving, as well as proceed with the rest of the visit as planned.''

Sana sighed, taking off her sunglasses as she crouched down to be at Blaze's eye-level.

''I know that that is what we're supposed to do, but then the visit would turn into a working vacation instead of an actual vacation as I had planned. You know well that I agreed to this because I wanted to go out on my own, without being accompanied by a tons of bodyguards or follow any set route of visiting Neos City,'' she explained. ''Even my parents agreed to it.''

''Your parents only agreed because you volunteered me as your bodyguard,'' Blaze pointed out in a snarky tone. Sana smiled back in response.

''That is because you're the best. As the Blazing Guardian, your status is the same as that of the imperial princess. You are responsible, polite and formal, keeping track of your duties, and you are very self-reliant. Not to mention, they know just how close you and I are,'' she replied. Blaze looked flustered for a moment due to the barrage of compliments, but she quickly collected herself.

''Indeed, and that responsibility is why I followed you after you sneaked out of the limousine before it drove off. It is also why I strongly suggest that we return,'' Blaze responded. ''Don't forget, you don't know your way around Neos City. What if we get lost?''

''Don't worry, as long as we have my AR Visor and we know the name of the hotel, we'll find our way back. Absolutely nothing can go wrong,'' Sana assured her, pointing at her sunglasses and got up. Blaze still didn't look convinced.

''Sonic, wait up!''

''Didn't you say you wanted to test the limits of your hoverboard? Com'n, I can outrun you while blind!''

''Watch out!''

There was a skidding sound as a blue blur entered the narrow street, clearly not looking at all where he was going because he was looking back at his partner, and colliding with Sana. Both fell on the ground, with Sana hearing a crunching sound beneath her.

''Sana!''

''Sonic!''

Blaze quickly rushed towards Sana to help her up, shooting a glare at the blue hedgehog who was also sitting on the ground, rubbing his head, and was helped up by a teenage boy on a hoverboard.

''Okay, maybe that wasn't the best idea…'' Sonic muttered as he got up, only for Blaze to grit her teeth and her temper to flare up.

''Have you no eyes?! Watch our where you're running!'' Blaze yelled at Sonic, who flinched in response, his eyes wide as he saw sparks of ember forming around the cat in before him.

''I'm really sorry, I don't meant to collide with you two. Usually, I'm way better at keeping track where I'm going,'' Sonic explained. Blaze was still angry at him, but Sana shook her head.

''Don't worry, I'm fine. It's not like you did it intentionally,'' she said, looking around for the sunglasses she had dropped, only to see them broken on the ground. ''Oh, no…''

She quickly picked them up, noting how one of the temples broke off and the glass itself was cracked up. Blaze, who saw the broken AR Visor, sighed, rubbing her temple in exasperation, '''Absolutely nothing can go wrong', you said. Why do I have the feeling that something in this vast universe heard you and decided to play a cruel prank on us?''

''I'm really sorry for what happened! Maybe I can pay for the repairs?'' Lucas told them.

''Don't worry, it's fine. I have a spare AR Visor, although not currently on me,'' Sana responded, sweatdropping as she realized that now she had nothing that could help her find their way back to the hotel. ''Although, I guess our vacation is cancelled.''

Lucas observed her and the ARNav next to her carefully, well aware that the cat ARNav was another Sonic character. ''I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Lucas Kinomoto, and my friend over here is Sonic the Hedgehog. Who are you?''

''Nice to meet you, Lucas. I'm Sana Jai, and this is my partner, Blaze the Cat-'' Sana said, only to slap her hand over her mouth, while Blaze gave her an alarmed look. They were supposed to be incognito! However, going by Lucas and Sonic's reaction, who were more confused by Sana's alarmed look, the two didn't seem to even recognize who Sana was, with Lucas having only focused on Blaze.

''If you're here on vacation, we could show you around,'' Sonic suggested. Blaze didn't look too happy about the suggestion, as she was a bit suspicious of the two, especially with Lucas sneaking glances at her, but Sana seemed to be more appreciative.

''Really, that would be great!''

''Wait a sec, are you the imperial princess of the Surya Empire?'' Lucas suddenly asked, finally connecting the dots. Sana froze, realizing that her idea of going around incognito wasn't going to happen.

''Y-Yeah,'' she admitted.

''I-I'm sorry for not recognizing your name, Princess, I didn't mean to-'' Lucas said sheepishly, fearing that he offended her, but Sana shook her head.

''You don't have to get formal with me. I blew my own cover after all,'' she said.

''I suppose that now, we don't have any choice but finally return to the hotel,'' Blaze said. Sonic placed his hands behind the back of his head.

''Or you could come along with us. The offer still stands,'' he said.

''Really?'' Sana was surprised, smiling when she saw Sonic nodding.

''Yeah, why not? You said you were here on vacation and you clearly don't want to go back to whereever you're staying. Just tell us where you want to go, and we'll bring you there,'' Sonic replied, pointing with his thumb at himself. ''After all, I know Neos City like the back of my hand.''

''What do you think, Blaze? I'd love to accept the offer,'' Sana said. Blaze gave her a look of disapproval, having not gotten a good first impression of Lucas and, especially, Sonic, but she knew that this meant a lot to Sana, and she herself broke a bunch of rules just to make her happy. At least it seemed that the two weren't going to rat them out to the authorities.

''I guess we don't have much of a choice,'' Blaze sighed in resignation.

''Great!'' Sana exclaimed happily, turning to Sonic and Lucas. ''We would love to go sightseeing. Are there any places or landmarks you frequently visit?''

Sonic and Lucas exchanged glances, and then nodded in response.

xXx

Ferra leaned against the wall and, together with Metal Sonic, observed Dr. Starline as he followed Dr. Eggman, commenting on the latter's latest projects, praising his genius, acting like a child in a candy store. Fortunately, aside from a couple of snide remarks, Starline ignored them, focusing more on his conversations with Eggman, and Eggman himself was too busy with his next project to pay any attention to them. Ferra and Metal Sonic knew well what he was up to and that they, for now, weren't needed, so instead of hanging around at the base while doing nothing, they decided to leave. So far, the only person noticing them leaving was Orbot.

''Where are you two going?'' Orbot asked them as they walked past him.

''If Dr. Eggman asks, we went to antagonize Sonic… or something like that,'' Ferra responded. Metal Sonic glanced at her curiously. Admittedly, he was always for fighting Sonic, especially after his latest victory, but he had to wonder whether Ferra had anything specific on mind.

xXx

''I'm surprised that the hoverboard is capable of holding both of our weights,'' Sana said, standing behind Lucas, her hands wrapped around his torso.

''Let's just say that my hoverboard has a bunch of modifications a close friend of mine made,'' Lucas replied. ''That also includes an accelerator that makes it way faster than comerical hoverboards.''

''Unfortunately, it's still not fast enough to match my speed,'' Sonic commented, racing beside them. Next to him was Blaze, using her fire powers to propel herself forward and keep up with him with ease.

''Why have you decided to help us? I understand repaying Sana for her broken AR Visor, but still, you have no obligation to go this far,'' Blaze asked. Sonic gave her a confused look for a moment, then smirked.

''What are you talking about? We're here to have fun!'' he replied. Blaze was genuinely stunned by his carefree response, but still followed him as they went through Sentoraru. Both Sonic and Lucas had either pointed out or told them about all the important locations at Neos City, and Blaze knew that she and Sana wouldn't be able to see all of them, as they were here only for a day. ''Next stop is Solar Stadium, where everyone gathers for hoverboard races. Do you guys participate in hoverboard races?''

''No,'' Blaze replied in a blunt tone, shaking her head. ''We don't have the time to participate in sports events.''

''While we do have hovercraft technology, hoverboard racing also isn't as popular in our home country as it is here,'' Sana added. Lucas and Sonic exchanged glances, and just snorted in amusement, well aware that one of their friends would be quite disappointed to hear that. Once they arrived at Solar Stadium, Sana got off Lucas' hoverboard, amazed by how many people there were. Blaze stood close to her partner, keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious and not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves, only to get startled and Sonic ran ahead towards two people, greeting them and dragging them towards their little group.

''Blaze, Sana, these are my friends; Shadow and Touka!'' Sonic quickly introduced them. Sana waved at the two, both her and Blaze noting that neither Touka nor Shadow seemed to be keen on socializing.

''Wait, are you the…?'' Touka trailed off when she saw Lucas shaking his head, clearly not wanting her to say anything.

''Sonic and Lucas had been showing us around Neos City and suggested visiting the Solar Stadium,'' Blaze explained. ''I assume you two are hoverboard racers.''

''You're right, but someone else is currently hogging the track we wanted to race on,'' Touka said, slightly bitter. As if on cue, Chase and Jet emerged from the AR Field, shouting in victory. ''They've been at it for the past two hours.''

''Why don't you confront them about it?'' Blaze asked.

''We've actually been thinking about challenging them, but we'd prefer to wait until their arrogance has reached its peak to topple them,'' Shadow explained, with both Sana and Blaze giving them a confused look. Shadow then turned to Sonic, not looking all too happy. ''Jet wants to challenge you to another race.''

''What have you told him?'' Sonic asked.

''That I'm not your secretary and to ask you in person,'' Shadow growled, with Sonic sweatdropping, rubbing the back of his head.

''I'll keep that in mind.''

xXx

''This is the Taylor Workshop!''

After having left Solar Stadium, they passed through Erekiteru and went towards Eas, as Sonic suggested that they show Sana and Blaze the suburbs, and he also wanted to introduce the two to his other friends. They entered the workshop, with Warren and Tails being surprised at the newcomers.

''Uh, hello?'' Tails got up, turning towards Sana and Blaze. Before he could say anything, Sonic quickly got between them to introduce each other.

''Sana, Blaze, this is my little buddy, Tails, and this is Warren, Lucas' childhood buddy. Tails, Warren, these are Sana and Blaze.''

''Nice to meet you,'' Warren said, him and Tails shaking hands with the two, only for their eyes to widen as they recognized the imperial princess. ''Uh, I have so many questions right now…''

''Sonic and I kind of ran into Sana and Blaze, who are on vacation, and we agreed to show them around,'' Lucas quickly explained.

''I see. Do you guys know that there is a rumor going around on social media about you two being kidnapped?'' Warren said, glancing at Sana and Blaze. Blaze's eyes narrowed and she looked at her partner, who just grinned back sheepishly.

''I… I didn't expect that things would blow up like this,'' she admitted. Blaze sighed, folding her arms across her chest.

''I had told you from the start that we should've returned back. It is obvious no one has been informed that you are perfectly safe as long as you are with me,'' she said.

''What do you plan to do now?'' Sonic asked them. ''We have just arrived in Eas, and we haven't even shown you Kita, Souto and Westoru. And that's not even covering what lurks at Infinity Forest.''

''Honestly, I wish I could see more of Neos City, and I had hoped that we would have more time, but Blaze is right. I thought that I'd be able to return in time, but now I'm worried that, if they decide to inform my parents, my disappearance might cause an international incident,'' Sana replied in a somber tone. ''I really hadn't been thinking how my actions would affect others. I'm so sorry, Blaze.''

''Sana…'' Blaze looked at her partner, her ears drooping slightly as she felt genuinely sorry for her. Sana had always discussed how she wanted a day off, not only for herself, but also for Blaze. ''I understand that we haven't had the opportunity to spend any time together because of my own duties to the Surya Empire and its people. You had to literally drag me to this 'vacation' while assuring me that things would be fine, and instead of trying to enjoy myself for your sake, I was just berating you. I apologize for my behavior.''

''Don't worry about it,'' Sana replied. ''I should've listened to you, and now, I need to take responsibility for my actions and tell everyone there was no kidnapping and that I just ran off.''

''If you want, I could come along and tell everyone that this was my idea,'' Sonic suddenly said, with everyone looking stunned by his suggestion.

''You know that you're going to get yourself into a lot of trouble,'' Blaze told him in a serious tone.

''Don't worry, I don't mind playing the bad guy, especially if it's for the sake of someone else,'' Sonic replied, giving her a confident smile. Blaze blinked, genuinely shocked by how audacious, yet nonchalant Sonic was. This was no small matter, yet he treated it like it was no big deal. Not to mention, she and Sana have just met Sonic and were still strangers to him, but he treated them like they were longtime friends. It really baffled her.

''You… don't have to do anything,'' Blaze muttered, raising her voice as she gave the blue hedgehog a determined look, ''I am the Blazing Guardian, and I should be the one to-'' Blaze got cut off by her own stomach growling. She blushed, her eyes darting downwards as she didn't even realize just how hungry she was until now.

''I don't think we ate anything since we had arrived,'' Sana noted.

''Do you guys like chili dogs?'' Sonic asked, with Sana and Blaze giving him a surprised look. ''I know a really good vendor, but unfortunately, his chili dog stand is aaaaaaaaall the way back at Westoru, the western side of the city. As a matter of fact, I think he might be at Eden Botanical Garden. I know it is quite far, but it's worth for the food alone.''

Lucas furrowed a brow, well aware what Sonic was up to, with the blue hedgehog waiting for an answer from Sana and Blaze. Fortunately, both have caught on.

''Well, I don't think we could go back on an empty stomach. I might faint from the lack of energy,'' Sana said, glancing at Blaze.

''As your partner, I cannot allow that to happen. I suppose that we could take you up on your offer,'' Blaze added, a small smile on her lips. She knew that she was bending, if not even breaking the rules here, but her duty was always towards the people of Surya Empire, and Sana's happiness and safety was her current priority. Sonic, in turn, just gave them a thumbs up.

xXx

''I really wonder what happened to the imperial princess,'' Makoto muttered. ''I hope she's fine.''

He and Silver were walking through Eden's outside garden near the small lake, having left Minami, Amy, Lily and Knuckles earlier after the whole ''disappeared princess'' fiasco. Silver gave him an encouraging smile.

''I'm sure they'll find them. From what I've seen, everyone is on the case,'' he replied. ''Speaking of case, I noticed that Minami really intimidated you.''

''Eh?'' Makoto was stunned by the sudden change in direction in their conversation. However, he quickly caught on, lowering his head. ''Well, Minami can be a really intimidating person, and while we are childhood friends, she would easily drag me into things I'd stay clear off.''

''If you want, I could help you learn how to stand up for yourself,'' Silver said, clenching his hands into fists and giving him a determined look. Makoto snorted, feeling a strange sense of warmth spreading through his chest.

''Don't worry about me. I know Minami long enough to know how to handle her,'' Makoto assured him.

''Perhaps you should listen to Silver, for your own sake.''

Both Makoto and Silver suddenly looked up, only to be shocked to see Ferra and Metal Sonic standing on the other end of the clearing. ''Ferra! Metal Sonic! What are you doing here?!''

''Don't tell me that we're banned from entering Eden,'' Ferra said in a snarky tone, with Makoto and Silver shooting them a glare.

''Last time you were here, you almost drowned Sonic!'' Silver shouted, glaring at Metal Sonic specifically. Metal Sonic just gave them a cold look.

''Speaking of Metal's inferior clone, where is Sonic?'' Ferra asked.

''None of your business!'' Makoto growled.

Suddenly, Metal charged forward, grabbing Silver by his chest fur and slammed him against a nearby tree. Silver cried out in pain, but then quickly used his psychokinesis to grab Metal Sonic and throw him away. However, Metal Sonic manage to charge up mid-air and fire an energy blast at Silver. Silver held up his hand, creating a barrier to block the attack. He then used his psychokinesis to fly towards Metal Sonic, but the latter started to rapid fire smaller energy blasts at Silver as he did several quick charges in succession.

Fortunately for Silver, those energy blasts were blocked by a stream of fire. All four of them turned to the source, that being Blaze holding up her hand and judging the situation before her. She was accompanied by Sana, Lucas and Sonic, the latter holding a chili dog in his hand.

''This is a botanical garden, not a battle field,'' Blaze stated, glaring at both Metal Sonic and Silver. ''I won't let you ruin it.''

''W-Wait, I was protecting Eden!'' Silver quickly replied, trying to explain the situation, only to see Metal Sonic suddenly being laser-focused on Sonic, who was still munching on the chili dog. Metal Sonic then charged at his counterpart, only for Sonic to smirk and throw the chili dog up in the air, then quickly spindashed at Metal Sonic and knocked him back, then returned and caught the chili dog.

''Hmmm, what was the rule again? No fighting for an hour after eating?'' Sonic said, giving Metal Sonic a mocking look. Metal Sonic's red eyes flared up as he glared daggers at Sonic, who finished his chili dog.

''That's the rule for swimming,'' Blaze told him in a deadpan tone, sweatdropping. What is with this attitude?

''I was just riling Metal Sonic up. Don't you also do some pre-fight banter?'' Sonic asked.

''….No?'' Blaze raised an eyebrow, with Silver landing next to them.

''I don't think we know each other. My name is Silver,'' Silver introduced himself.

''I'm Blaze, and I think we can do proper introductions later,'' Blaze said, her, Silver and Sonic turning towards Metal Sonic, who appeared to be ready to take on all of them. Ferra, on the other hand, looked curiously at the cat ARNav.

''I see… So, you guys found another Irregular from the Sonic video games,'' she said. ''You must be so proud of yourselves.''

''What are you talking about?'' Sana asked. Admittedly, she didn't really have the time to play any video games, so she was clueless in regards to Ferra's comment.

''Look, if you want to fight, we'll fight. If you want to talk, then at least invite us to a coffee or something,'' Sonic replied. Ferra furrowed a brow, staring at the three and calculating her and Metal's chances. It was a three against one battle, something both her and Metal Sonic were aware of, and there was no way Sonic's friends wouldn't help him. It was obvious they were at a disadvantage, even if they used Chaos Surge.

''Metal!'' Ferra called out, with Metal Sonic rushing towards her, both of their arms outstretched. ''Chaos Surge!''

Lucas and Makoto frowned as they saw the powered-up Metal Sonic charging up rapidly for another energy blast, firing it at them before they could even react with a counterplan of their own. However, Blaze rushed straight towards Metal Sonic, clueless about what the Chaos Surge actually did to him. She put her hands together just as Metal Sonic fired the energy blast, countering with a blast of fire of her own. Her eyes widened in shock when Metal Sonic's attack overpowered her own.

''Watch out!''

There was an explosion, with smoke covering the area. Sonic dashed into it, trying to find Blaze, only to see her being held bridal-style by Silver, who managed to get in-between her and the explosion and put up a barrier that was strong enough to endure the blast, before breaking apart.

''Blaze, are you okay?'' Silver asked her as he put her down.

''I am, but- what was that? That attack was way stronger than before,'' Blaze said. She and Silver turned to Sonic, who was looking at where Metal and Ferra stood earlier.

''It looks like it was just a distraction. They didn't want to fight all three of us,'' Sonic told them.

''I assume this wasn't your first encounter with them,'' Blaze said. Sonic placed his hands on the back of his head, smirking.

''You don't even know half of the story,'' he replied.

xXx

''I can't believe that you're fighting pirates all by yourself, Blaze,'' Amy said, holding a cup of tea.

''Ensuring the safety of the Surya Empire is a duty I have chosen, and while it may be rough at times, I won't back down. Fortunately, I do have support from a friend of mine, Marine, when at seas, and when at home, Sana is the one who makes sure I don't overwork myself,'' Blaze said, glancing at her partner, who just smiled in response.

After the earlier incident with Metal Sonic and Ferra, Blaze and Sana had finally returned to the hotel to explain the situation to the authorities and official, and managed to negotiate having a quiet afternoon tea at Eden with the whole of Team Neos. Minami, Amy, Lily and Knuckles were quite excited to meet them, albeit with Knuckles being more restrained in his reaction. Warren and Tails had also arrived after Lucas made a call, and nobody had any clue how they managed to convince Touka and Shadow to join them, but they were there, mostly listening to the conversation. The conversation itself mainly consisted explaining Blaze, who also turned out to be an Irregular, her origins from the Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure video games, the concept of Chaos Surge and Team Neos' battle against Dr. Eggman. On Blaze's end, she explained that she acted as a security system for the islands surrounding the mainland, going on missions to protect trader ships from pirates or hunting pirates down personally.

''Dr. Eggman sounds like a menace,'' Sana commented.

''We can handle him. So far, all of his attempts at taking over Neos City ended up in a failure. He has yet to gain a victory over us,'' Knuckles replied.

''However, we have a feeling that he's planning something again, since an Irregular named Dr. Starline may have joined him,'' Tails added.

''Do you guys think that's why Metal Sonic and Ferra appeared in Eden?'' Silver asked.

''I believe that Ferra called for a tactical retreat. After all, you had told us that they were were searching for Sonic specifically,'' Lucas said.

''I wish Blaze and I could help you against Dr. Eggman. However, we will be flying tonight back home,'' Sana said. ''I hope that next time we'll manage to get more than one free day.''

''Next time, you should also be more transparent about your reasons for coming to Neos City,'' Shadow suggested. Sana smiled sheepishly.

''I'll keep that in mind,'' she replied.

''Perhaps, it would be possible for all of you to visit us at the capital?'' Blaze suggested.

''Really! That would be great!'' Minami and Amy exclaimed in unison, their eyes sparking with joy. As the conversation at the table continued, Sonic glanced at Blaze, who calmly took a sip of her tea, trying to relax even though she knew that a lot of work was waiting for her once she returned back home.

''I hope you enjoyed your visit here, even with all the ensuing chaos,'' he said. Blaze placed her cup on the coaster, her eye-lids lowering as she appeared to be in deep thought.

''I suppose it could've been less hectic, but it didn't make it less interesting. I hope we will meet again sometime in the future,'' she said, gazing at Sonic, with small, but warm smile spreading on her lips.