A scream called out through the aircraft as Tails bolted upright in her seat. Panting heavily as fear gripped her body. The panic was all too real as she fought to calm herself down when a gentle hand was placed on her shoulder. Tails looked up to see Sonic, standing right next to her. He wasn't the best at showing emotion but she could sense the comforting gesture from him and it helped her a lot as she instinctively placed a hand on his, slightly leaning into him to calm down.
Things were calm as Tails' irate breathing slowed down as it normalized, allowing her to finally open her eyes. She glanced around remembering that they were in one of the GUN private jets, which had been mainly used for escorting dignitaries. GUN didn't want them to travel using public airlines, and Chris managed to convince them to spring for this particular aircraft to help them relax. Tails had taken a nap while waiting and well, it didn't end too well. When Sonic noticed that Tails was feeling better, he walked forward and had a seat in the chair in front of hers as it was facing her. Tails didn't let go of her grip on Sonic's hand. It was comforting. Sonic didn't move to retract his hand as he just sat at the edge of his seat, his hand still in hers. Tails didn't want this moment to end as it just felt right to her. Perhaps she should tell him. He cared for her; she knew he did. The way he was always there when she had these night terrors and visions. Maybe they could get closer and things would get better. Tails opened her mouth to begin to speak when...
"We're starting to land now."
The voice of the Pilot came from the front. It Seemed Tails would have to wait as she let go of Sonic's hand so he could sit back properly.
Tails remained silent as they landed. Soon, they took their cloaks as it was one of the only things they had with them. They waited until the door was opened as they headed out the soldier handed them each what looked to be a key card and a notecard.
"Thorndike already booked your hotel," He said as Tails looked on the notecard noting the directions towards it, "Remember, if you need anything, just give us a call."
Sonic nodded as both he and Tails were issued a cell phone. The device was closer to Tails' com though it had a smaller screen. With Sonic vanishing last time they wanted to make sure they could keep in contact with him. Tails was grateful for it, though she was at a point where she didn't think she could be alone again. If Sonic were to take off, the night terrors would probably just get worse.
The Pilot closes the door as Tails and Sonic make their way through the airport, it was a more secluded area so they didn't have to worry about running into any humans for now. Tails was hoping it wouldn't be too crowded once they got outside. She did come here to relax, not have to deal with the frustrations of crawling through a crowded street.
Soon, the duo made it to the outside of the hangar and they looked around. The City was even more beautiful than they could have thought. Running canals and everything beautifully decorated for the festival. There were people around but Tails was relieved to see that they'd not have any trouble traversing through them. Still, it was awe-inspiring as she just took it in, allowing the atmosphere to sink in. She then looked over to Sonic who was also looking out at what lies before them and she could see a small smile itched into the corner of his mouth. Seemed he was enjoying it too. Tails smiled before turning back to the view.
After a moment of just looking at it, they finally began to head further in as they continued looking at the various decorations and even the architecture of the buildings themselves. They looked old yet strong, it kind of reminded her of the Sega Castle. She wondered how the Princess was doing as the two had become friends since she joined the Royal Air Guardians. Tails put that out of her mind as it just started to make her a bit homesick. They had a way home now... just had to get it fixed.
As the two continued to traverse they'd catch a few booths set up for various activities. Some were selling different knickknacks and party favors; Tails was pretty sure she saw a few fireworks in the mix. There was a face painting booth in which one could get various markings, though she found it interesting that she saw a lot of birds, dragons, and cats. It Seemed Humans were fond of dressing up like Mobians. Tails even recalled seeing one person wearing a shirt with a Mobian Mouse on it once. Said its name was Mickey. Tails looked past those booths and happened to glance at a few that included different activities. She saw a bobbing-for-apples booth and was surprised to see that up. But another one she noticed was called a 'duck pond'. She wasn't sure what that was but it seemed different people were pulling yellow rubber ducks out of a pond and then getting prizes. Perhaps Tails could try that one, which seemed simple enough. Instead, Tails was looking for a different kind of booth.
"See any food stalls?" Tails asked Sonic hoping to get him in on the search. After all, Tails hadn't eaten in a while and she could only assume Sonic was hungry too.
"Appears to be something over there," Sonic said, pointing to a place set up with a few outside tables with umbrellas with sun designs on them. A few people were eating at a few of them. Tails nodded as she headed over there with Sonic, both of them making their way inside the building to place their orders. Seemed there were a few more seats inside as they had different people sitting at them. Tails and Sonic headed up to the counter where a man was standing. He smiled at the two of them.
"What'll be?" He asked. Tails and Sonic glanced up at the menu board above the man. Seemed the guy gave them a bit of an odd look but didn't say much else. As for the menu, it had a few items with which Tails was unfamiliar, though that's not surprising. So, she figured she'd stick with something she knew for now.
"I'll take a Salad please," Tails said as the picture on the menu board made it very appetizing.
"And your source of meat?" The cashier asked.
"Chicken I guess," Tails said, noting the one the picture added.
"Dressing?"
Tails weren't exactly sure. She saw the items listed but most of them she had no idea what they were.
"What's the one in the picture?" She asked. Another confused look from the cashier but he seemed nice enough to answer.
"Ranch," he replied.
"I'll take that then."
The Cashier nodded as he plugged it into the register before turning to Sonic.
"And you sir?"
Sonic was still determining what he wanted to have but one of the items did stand out to him. He didn't want to seem out of the ordinary by asking questions about it so he just ordered like it was normal.
"I'll take a Chili Dog Supreme."
"Great choice there, man," He said, punching in the items. Tails and Sonic ordered drinks with their meals as they were given cups to use in their drink machine. After giving them the total, Tails handed them a plastic card, another gift from GUN. Tails had to admit it was a lot easier to pay with than rings back home. Once the transaction was complete the two walked over to the waiting area for their food to be finished.
"So... what's that thing you got?" Tails asked only for Sonic to give a light shrug.
"I'm not sure," Sonic admitted.
"Well, hope you like it."
Sonic only shrugged as the two continued to wait. Tails was looking around to decide on a place to sit. Once she spotted a place that was a little more secluded, she pointed it out to Sonic who nodded. Soon enough their food arrived. The two collected their trays and had a seat. Not before filling their beverages. When Tails had a seat, she glanced at Sonic's food, curious as to what it was. It had a lot of toppings and an interesting style bun. Sonic picked it up, figuring the best way to eat it was to start at one of the ends. He takes a bite and begins to chew.
"So?" Tails asked as she was using her fork to help mix her dressing into the salad, "How is it?"
Sonic waited to finish swallowing before he spoke.
"Not bad," Sonic admitted before taking a sip of his drink, "A little on the spicy side."
Tails nodded as she began to eat her salad. It wasn't bad either. Tails and Sonic continued to eat as Tails looked out the window, just watching all the people going by. She smiled lightly to herself as she was sure glad she came.
Silver's day was continuing to be good as she had just finished her relaxing bath. She quite enjoyed herself. It wasn't every day she got to be pampered, then again, she couldn't remember the last time she was ever pampered. Still, it was a nice bath as she was already out in what may have been her own personal Chambers as the royal seamstress had brought in some outfits for Silver to check out. Silver couldn't believe that such a job even existed. But when she saw what was brought in, she could understand why. The clothes were all well-designed. Some for elegance while others for combat. And some for both. Finally, she selected a pair of gray pants with a green waistcoat not too far from Blaze's but the tail was in the back of the coat as opposed to looking more like a dress. She selected an interesting pair of boots with yellow cuffs with a light blue style that just gave them a more futuristic look. She found a matching pair of gloves that had the same cuffs as well as a circle pattern both on top of her hand and in the palm. Her fur still poofed out the top of the waistcoat. They offered to give it a trim but after looking in the mirror, she quite liked the look. Almost like an aviator's jacket with those furred spots on the tops. Of course, what she couldn't say no to was them brushing her hair. Granted, they at least decided to let it stay a little, unyielding as it just fit her style, but it would look a little less messy.
Silver now sat on the bed as one of the maids was finishing up with her hair when the door opened and in walked Princess Blaze. Silver looked over and could already tell she was in a bad mood.
"Is everything alright?" Silver asked, trying to be friendly but she also knew that Blaze didn't really like her being there. But this seemed a little more than before.
"Come with me," Blaze said as she saw she was more presentable than what she was when she came. Still, she didn't bother waiting as she turned around and left the room expecting Silver to follow. Silver did as she mumbled a half-apology to the maid as she wasn't sure if she was finished. Silver quickly caught up to Blaze as she followed behind her.
"... Where are we going?" She asked but Blaze didn't reply to her question. The two walked a little in silence before finally Blaze spoke.
"Just so we're clear," Blaze said without turning around, "I can not stand you right now. You are a deserter and have no knowledge of what it is you are supposed to be."
"I... didn't technically desert..." Silver tried to say, as she was never in the army but yeah she did stay in the ruined outskirts to avoid joining the army. But this just caused Blaze to snap at her.
"Do NOT talk while I am addressing you," Blaze said as this time she turned to look at her, "I do not care that you are the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx. You are a naive little hedgehog who as far as I'm concerned does not deserve that honor. But it doesn't matter. I gave up waiting for you a long time ago and I've vowed to protect this Kingdom and end this war WITHOUT you a long time ago. You showing up now means nothing but as someone to get in my way."
Silver just stood there, she had no idea. Truth be told she doesn't remember much from before she was living in the ruins.
"I..."
"Save it," Blaze said as she turned around, "You are to come with me to Earth as Mephilis has refused to send me without you. Once there you will do as you are told and not get in my way. Do you understand?"
Silver gives a slight nod but Blaze wasn't looking at her.
"I said, do you understand?"
"Yes..."
"Good," Blaze said as she continued to walk down the hall as Silver followed. The two walked in silence until they finally reached the throne room. It had what you'd expect to find in a throne room with a single throne and various tapestries and royal decor around the place. However, Silver's attention was brought to just in front of the throne where what Silver could only describe as being a Mobian Deer that had been crystallized stood in front of a large black gem. Silver felt a strange drawing towards this gem as it had several cracks in it as well as a sizable chunk missing from it.
"What's... that..." Silver asked as the two walked closer.
Blaze sighed a little, "That is the Sacred Onyx."
"... why's it so..."
But she was interrupted by the Mobian Deer.
"Greetings Your Highness," He said as he bowed towards Blaze, "And of course, the Guardian of the Sacred Onyx."
Silver shifted her gaze towards the Mobian as she gave an awkward curtsy thinking that's what she should have done but after noticing Blaze only nodding she felt a little more awkward.
"I uh... Who are you?" Silver asked.
"My name is Mephilis," He said, "I'm the royal Advisor to the throne."
"Oh, ok nice to meet you," Silver said with a slight smile. But Blaze cleared her throat.
"Enough with the pleasantries," She said, "Mephilis, it's time. Send us to Earth."
"Earth?" Silver asked but her question was ignored as Blaze just held out the Sol Emerald for Mephilis to take.
"Of course, Your Highness," He said as he took the Sol Emerald, "Gather up."
"Don't call me that..." Blaze said as she took a step closer. Silver did the same. Mephilis then held the square-shaped gem in between the two of them.
"Sol CONTROL!"
With that, the three of them vanished from the throne room, on their way to Earth.