Chapter 3 Blaze's Mission
"The Sacred Onyx?"
Was she supposed to know what that was? It sounded important but at the same time, she didn't even know what an Onyx was, let alone why one would be sacred. This question didn't exactly improve Blaze's mood.
"You really expect me to believe that you have no idea what the Sacred Onyx is?" Blaze asked not buying this foolish act. She began to look around, "Ok, Guardian, I don't know why you think you need to test me with this ridiculous stunt, but I don't have time for it."
"Uh... there's no one else here," Silver remarked, not sure who Blaze was talking to only causing Blaze to round on her.
"Then why are YOU playing this foolish act?" Blaze asked, her anger only growing as you could see visible flames starting to spark from her. Then the anger subsided a little as she shook her head, "You know what... I don't care. I'm on a very important mission. I got what I came for. Captain Whiskers, let's get back to the Palace."
The Mobian bear nods to Blaze before looking towards Silver.
"We are bringing the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx back with us? I believe Mephiles will want to want to meet her."
"Fine," Blaze remarks as she had already started her way towards the Battle Cruiser they arrived in.
"Mephiles?"
"The Royal Advisor," Captain Whiskers remarks as he begins to walk towards the cruiser with Silver, "He has an incredibly great deal of knowledge surrounding the Sacred Gems and has been in service to the Kingdom for many generations."
The three make it back to the cruiser as Blaze hops into the front causing Silver and Captain Whiskers to get into the back. Silver looked around the place and oddly enough it looked like something she'd seen in a magazine once. A luxury vehicle built for those in high society. It was clear to her that this one had been modified into a vehicle for war as she found various compartments filled with weapons or other things she wasn't even sure of what they were.
"So, tell us about yourself," Captain Whiskers asked, "Like what were you doing in that town?"
The question automatically made Silver nervous. She had been alone for what seemed like all of her life, but she knew of the laws when it came to the Genesis Kingdom and she did not want to be thrown into prison, or worse. She cleared her throat though as lying would just get into more trouble.
"I was living out there..." Silver said, "I've been... trying to stay aware of populated areas."
"Why's that?" The Captain asked, this caused Silver to mentally panic. Surely it would be fine, they were trying to say she was some kind of Guardian. Would they still see her that way if she knew the truth? What was she to do, admit that she wanted no part of the Genesis Kingdom Military? Or lie? She had no idea what she'd say though. Never in a million years did she expect to get caught.
"...I don't like fighting..." Was Silver's simple answer her eyes looked down but she could feel the fiery hot glare of Blaze in the Rearview mirror.
"You're on your own to avoid joining the military?" Captain Whiskers asked only for Silver to nod her head. The law stated that every able-bodied Mobian of age would be drafted into the Military. It was just the way of life for the Genesis Kingdom as it was a conquering nation as the military went out to both take-ups over other nations and defend its borders from the constant threat of neighboring Kingdoms. It was not a peaceful time. Silver wasn't sure what else to say. She wasn't even sure what they would do to her.
"Normally," The Captain said, "This action would be cause for swift punishment. However, given that you are the bearer of Psychonosis, this time, we can look past it. Right, your majesty?"
"Don't call me that," Blaze retorted before answering the question, "We'll deal with the situation after I return."
"Of course," The Mobian bear said with a seated bow. This piqued Silver's curiosity and despite believing it wasn't any of her business and it could get her in trouble, she couldn't help but ask.
"Where are you going?"
Blaze didn't reply as she continued to focus on her driving. It was Captain Whiskers who decided to speak up.
"Blaze is on a very important mission," Captain Whiskers remarked, "One that the kingdom has been waiting for ages for."
"That sounds important," Silver replied. She had no idea what kind of mission that could be. One for world peace, perhaps? Would the constant wars finally be over? She could only hope. Nonetheless, she turned her attention to the outside. So much wreckage they were passing as they were still working on exiting the outskirts of the Kingdom. Various battles and skirmishes had taken place in these areas but people no longer lived there. This made it a perfect place for Silver to live or at least it did. Sure she had to scavenge around for food and the like, but she was able to make things comfortable. But that was all gone now. Now that she had been found out. It was her own fault, but she was fine with that. She would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant helping someone. That brought her mind back to the incident, the strange square gem, and the monster.
"...So... you never did tell me what that Gem thing was... or that monster."
This caused a bit of a scowl from Blaze as she still found it annoying how the Psychonisis bearer wouldn't need to ask that question. Captain Whiskers again decided to answer the white hedgehog's question.
"The gem is one of the 7 Sol Emeralds," Captain Whiskers noted, "They are said to grant the wishes."
"Wishes?" Silver pondered wondering what kind of wish Blaze would want, she then looked down at the rags she was wearing, "I'd wish for some new clothes..." While clothing wasn't a requirement for Mobians, Silver's clothes helped keep her comfortable in this place. But her current clothes weren't in the best condition.
"Clothes?!" Shot Blaze from up front, "The Sol Emeralds weren't meant for something so trivial as that."
"Speak for yourself!" Silver interjected, "Your clothes look amazing and mine... well mine aren't. I bet you could easily get any outfit you wanted, but me, not so much."
Blaze elected to return to being silent.
"I'm sure we can find something more to your liking once we get back to the Palace," Whiskers replied, causing Silver to nod. Whatever this role is she's taking, She guessed it was important enough for her to get some perks out of it. But then her mind returned to her previous question. There was a fire monster there, but then it vanished.
"What about the Lava monster?" Silver questioned, "Where did it go? I didn't think I did anything to it."
"Not entirely," Captain Whiskers explained, "You see, the Sol Emeralds are placed all around the Kingdom in special spots like you just saw. To even unlock the Sol Rod-"
"Sol Rod?"
"The rod that was raised from the ground with the Sol Emerald on it."
"Oh."
Captain Whiskers nodded before continuing his explanation, "So, just to get the Sol Rod to raise, one needs the ability to manipulate flames, just as Princess Blaze can. If that weren't enough, each Sol Emerald has its own defense mechanism to keep just about anyone from claiming them. They will show the one trying to obtain them their darkest fears and it's said only those who can concur that fear, can obtain one."
"Blaze fears lava monsters?" Silver asked, the thought was odd since Blaze could manipulate fire, why would a monster be that scary?
"Not quite," Whiskers said as he caught the look Blaze was giving him, "But, that will be a tale for another time."
"Aww."
Silver was disappointed but it couldn't be helped. She wondered if she properly allowed Blaze to face her fear, or if she has maybe given her some kind of shortcut. Still, with her questions answered she returned her gaze to the outside. The rest of the ride was uneventful as they continued through the outskirts and began to arrive in areas inhabited by people. Silver looked and saw the massive Palace clearly designed for war. Various barricades and laser cannons were seen littered across it. It still somehow had a beauty that managed to shine underneath all the items for war. Siler wondered what it looked like without all the battle elements on it.
Soon enough, Blaze parked the transport outside of the Palace entrant as a few of the Palace staff were waiting for her. They all got out and Blaze addressed the staff.
"Take Silver here and make her more presentable," Blaze remarked, "Full bath, change of clothes, and do something with that unraveling hair."
"But I..." Silver remarked only for Blaze to glare at her, causing her to claim up.
"I'm off to speak with Mephiles before heading on my mission," Blaze said before turning and heading off. Silver watched her go as the Palace staff were a little curious as to just who this hedgehog was. Still, they did as they were told and brought Silver into the Palace.
Meanwhile, Blaze made her way towards Mephilis' chambers. Things were already on a rocky start as she had not expected the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx to appear today of all days. It was strange that the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx had been missing for centuries. It was said that he would bring peace to the Kingdom with his abilities and military might, working together with the Monarch of the Kingdom. When Blaze was younger, she dreamt of what it would be like but she long put away those childish fantasies to work on bringing prosperity back to the kingdom on her own. The idea that this hedgehog, that knows nothing of war or even the sacred gems, is the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx was unacceptable. It didn't matter much anymore, she had to complete this mission to bring the honor back to the Royal Family. She could deal with this naive hedgehog when she returned.
Blaze arrived at Mephiles' chambers as she knocked briefly before entering.
"Mephiles I've returned with the Sol Emerald."
Blaze walked over to the table where a tall Mobian deer sat. He wore what looked to be a robe that covered his head but it was crystalized all over. Even the body of the deer had a crystal-like appearance to him. This was Mephilis as he gave her a solemn nod.
"I've completed all the trials and preparations, now send me to earth, so that I may finally reclaim What was stolen from our people so long ago," Blaze said, a fiery passion burning within her. She was a warrior, born and bred to finally make her people proud by finally doing the one thing that none of them were able to do.
"Are you sure?" Mephiles asked Blaze, "Are you sure that you are ready to do what is required to release the other half of Iblis?"
"I am," Blaze said her conviction was set. She would do whatever it took. Mephiles could see this as he nodded. Raising his hand a black sphere appeared before him showing that of an image to Blaze. This was a redheaded human wearing a white regal dress.
"This is Princess Elise," Mephilis said to Blaze, "She is the current monarch of Soleanna and the current possessor of Iblis' other half."
Blaze nodded. It made sense for a royal soul to be the keeper of Iblis, even in the human world.
"She, however, is not your target," Mephilis continued, causing confusion to write upon Blaze's features.
"What do you mean?" Blaze said, "She possesses Iblis, how can she not be the target?"
Mephiles seems to smile lightly with his eyes as he lowers his arms. The magical vision vanished before Blaze's eyes.
"You can't simply kill Elise to unleash her full power," Mephiles said, "As her ability, like your own, is ruled by emotion. You must get her in a highly emotional state for her to release all of Iblis. To do that, you cannot target her, but the one she loves the most."
Blaze nods as she understands. She had already resolved in doing whatever it took to return all of Iblis to its rightful place.
"Then who is it?" Blaze asked, "Who is the one she loves the most?"
"That, I do not know," Mephilis admitted, "She is the last of her family, and spends most of her time cooped up in her castle. If there is someone she cares deep enough towards, you will have to figure that out on your own."
Blaze nodded. It would be a little harder than what she had expected but it shouldn't be that hard to figure out who she'd miss the most.
"Very well," Blaze said, "Now, send me to Earth."
Mephiles shakes his head causing Blaze to puzzle lightly. Was there something more she needed to know?
"No?" Blaze asked, "What more do I need to do to go?"
Blaze's patients were wearing a little thin. She endured all the training, and all those trials and came out stronger than ever, she even collected a Sol Emerald just for this. What more could she need to do?
"I hear that the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx has surfaced."
Blaze swore in her head. Of course, he would find out about that. He had a knack for knowing things.
"Yes," Blaze said cautiously, "But what does she have to do with anything?"
"This quest is a matter that involves her as well," Mephiles remarked, "Since she has surfaced she will need to accompany you as it is part of her sacred duty."
"But she's so inexperienced," Blaze said as her anger was flaring up a little, "She knows nothing of the Sacred Gems or even why this mission is so important. She will only be reliable."
"It is a part of her sacred duty," Mephilis replied, "It is your job to instill in her the importance of this mission."
Blaze fumed as her fist clenched a wisp of flame escaping from it. This was her mission, and now she was being told she would have to babysit that naive hedgehog.
"Of course," Mephilis replied, "We can always postpone it if you really believe it wise to do so."
Blaze didn't like that idea either. Now was the perfect time to take on this mission. If she were to postpone then she had no idea when she would be able to do it again. No now was the time to strike.
"Then we can take Captain Whiskers as well," Blaze remarked. It was a good idea, she could have Whiskers keep an eye on the hedgehog while Blaze herself focused on the mission. Mephiles shook his head.
"I'm sorry," Mephilis replied, "But I can only send a maximum of 3 to Earth as of now. You, me, and the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx."
Blaze fumed again. She didn't like this. There was no way the hedgehog would have the same resolve as she did. But she had no choice.
"Very well," Blaze said, "Silver will come with us to Earth."
"A wise decision, your highness."
"Don't call me that."
Blaze left the room as she headed to find Silver. All she could think of was how she was going to make sure that Silver would get with the program, or stay out of her way.