Sonaze: One Secret 3

An hour went by before Sonic and Blaze had arrived at the Palace. Sonic was unusually out of breath as they halted at the ascending steps. Sonic began panting hard at the amount of effort he exerted in the race.

Sonic: *Pant!* *Pant!* I…*Pant* totally won that race! *Phew!*

Blaze gazed upon the worn out hedgehog in victory!

Blaze: It was only through training that I was able to beat you Sonic. You have made a valiant effort much to my surprise!

Sonic: I...*Pant* run everyday! How am I not faster than you?!

Blaze begins to revel in the victory.

Blaze: Maybe if you push yourself like you have today, you just might have a chance!

Sonic: Maaan! Come on! I was close!

Blaze: Okay, fine! You were close. Now C'mon Sonic. We’re here! Surely you can outrace me on those measly little palace steps!

Sonic: (Walking up the steps) Okay, now you’re being mean. Though this is a new side of you I’ve never seen before! Snarky and hilarious! Glad you’re still not wanting to scratch my eyes out.

Blaze: (Faking) Keep it up, and I’ll do worse!

Sonic: Okay! I won’t - Wait a second! Are you actually joking right now?

Blaze: (Smirking/reaching the entrance) Maybe I am.

Both of the heroes had entered the building with Sonic guffawing at the extensive decorations of the Castle!

Sonic: Wow! I’d probably get lost in this place if you weren’t here to guide me!

Blaze: This way Sonic.

Both began walking down a few corridors. Sonic noticed artworks of many different Kings and Queens of different species. Royal Families who protected the Emeralds dozens of times. But with every Family, there weren’t ones of Blaze’s relatives. No Kings, Queens, or Princes!

Sonic: (In thought) She really is alone. I really feel for Blaze! She's never even had a Father, or a Mother. Let alone brothers or sisters like I do! Manic and Sonia are the only family I’ve got, and we found out our Mother is still alive. Blaze probably lost herself the day she found out about her parents. If I’d lost my whole family. I would’ve become just like her. Not trusting, caring, or even having a better sense of reality.

Sonic observed Blaze. Suddenly he felt a wave of empathy for her.

Both of them stopped at a set of huge wooden doors. Blaze turned a latch as she pushed open the door. Upon entering, a light had came on that revealed a houseworth of books! Sonic looked up in awe as the collection of books had stacked upon hundreds of shelves! A ladder had rested on the front of a shelf as it’s steps led up to the top!

Sonic: So who are we looking for?

Blaze: Hush Sonic! He’ll be here.

*WHOOSH!*

Instantly, a dark red fox had formed before them. He wore a black hood, accompanied with a robe of the same color.

Mysterious Fox: You summoned me?

Sonic was struck with shock at the instant, and unorthodox arrival of the guest.

Blaze: Greetings Razire. I summon you for deeper knowledge of the Sol Emeralds. Is there any written literature that contains the extensive information that I'm seeking?

Razire: Verily my liege.

Sonic: Wait a-!

*Zip! ZAP!*

Razire: (Handing over the book) Here. This should explain to you more of the properties on the Sol Emeralds. Effects and a summation of the uses for it.

Sonic was amazed by the speed of teleportation Razire used! It was as quick as the Blue Blur himself as it left quite an impression!

Sonic: (In thought) Is everyone here faster than me?!

As Blaze took the book, she could only giggle at the fussing hedgehog.

Blaze: My thanks Razire. How has the war been?

Razire: Not well my Princess. My men and I came close to death while gathering others. Though with a great risk, we’ve been able to scout out our enemies and their weaknesses, and we now have the means to take them down once and for all! I only hope it isn’t too late for us to press on the attack.

Blaze: Well as I’ve said-! Our resources are at your disposal.

Razire: It is not needed my Princess. When the time comes...I will call upon your aid. It’s been a pleasure, but if you need anything else then summon me. I’ll be there.

*ZAP!*

He disappeared as he left behind a blackened fog.

Sonic: Well he was...an interesting guy!

Blaze: He has his major uses. Ones that I will have to repay him in the near future.

They headed towards one of the tables set by the Library doors. Both of them sat down next to each other as she began reading through the book.

Sonic: So if he’s still serving another Kingdom, then why is he serving you now?

Blaze: (Reading) He came to me for aid in helping his Kingdom. In our custom, if someone were to arrive asking for support without invitation then it is considered a crime punishable by death...

Sonic: (Appalled) Wow. How did he avoid that punishment?

Blaze: (Flipping through pages) I allowed him to live. Not out of pitiful mercy or any attitudes of a tyrant - but after you helped me learn the ways of friendship, I spared him of such an undeserved fate to create new bonds towards those of a foreign nation.

Sonic smiled slightly in reaction to her words.

Sonic: (Reading with her) Being friends with you is the highlight of my life Blaze.

Blaze turned to Sonic as both of their eyes met each other.

Blaze: To you as well Blue Hedgehog. I would’ve made a very rash decision with Razire if I hadn’t met you. Your friendship has helped me become a better ruler, and a better friend. Thank you Sonic.

Sonic: (Slight anxiety) Heheh! No problem!

He placed a hand on her back. It made her tingle to the warmthness of his glove. Her guard was still up if the hedgehog were to do anything out of character, but her eyes remained fixed on his.

Sonic: (Smiles towards her) I know how it felt when your family disappeared. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I had a family too Blaze.

Blaze shed a single tear as she closed her eyes. Sonic’s hand retreated from her back as she turned away from him.

Blaze: (Wiping her eyes) I...I apologize. A strong leader should never cry. In front of a male no less.

Sonic: Blaze! It doesn’t show a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength because you’re brave enough to feel towards me! This is what makes you the strongest person I know.

Blaze: (Breathless) I...Thank you Sonic! You are indeed worthy of my friendship.

Sonic: Hey! No worries! I got you!

Blaze: (In thought) Embrace him! Embrace him.

Blaze’s consciousness had pushed her forward as she wrapped her arms around the Blue Blur. Her head resting on his shoulder.

Sonic: I’m glad I was able to be here for ya!

Sonic began to rub her back as she held on to him. His hand raised slowly to the back of her head as he began stroking the fluffy fur.

Sonic: Now let’s go and save the world okay?

Blaze retracted her head from Sonic’s shoulder. She nodded as her sense of duty came back. She immediately went right back to the book.

Blaze: Here. The Undefined Power of the Sol Emeralds. It says here that the Sol Emeralds can unleash energetic properties beyond the universe. Legend has it that there is a secret within the Sol Emeralds that can only be unlocked by the strongest of its people! Depending on alignment of the heart, it can reveal secrets for those who have the will and strength to actually comprehend it!

Sonic: Well, of course you’re the strongest of them that I know! Have you actually tried to unlock it when you first used their power?

Blaze: I only believed it to be a tale! I have never ventured into stories told by people who have never used the Sol Emeralds! Just like in all worlds, these stories are just meant to entertain and misconstrue the factuality of the Sol Emeralds.

Sonic: Heheh! Well! I did for a time believe that the Chaos Emeralds weren’t real! Boy did Tails prove me wrong that day!

Blaze: Hm. Miracles can only come from the most unlikely of places.

Sonic: You said it pal! Blaze? Don’t you think that we should at least try to believe in fables? Tales are the things that can inspire heroes such as myself! (Cockily pointing at himself)

Blaze: You never cease to amuse me Blue Hedgehog. I see your point in believing in tales, but the ones I read are those of exaggerations!

Sonic: I know, I know. Still! Let’s keep reading and see what else we can dig up. (Turning the page) Huh. It says here that there’s an island that can provide us more information on the Legend. Protectors are watching over the place and only allow people of such will to gain passage.

Blaze: (Shaking her head) This may just be a tale Sonic. A figment of someone’s mind!

Sonic: (Turning to the last page) Maybe not. There are coordinates written on this thing!

Both Blaze and Sonic noticed the penmanship was in cursive, but was readable.

Sonic: That’s where we’re going next! We’ve got to follow up on this.

Blaze: Sonic! This was written years ago! How could we possibly find the answers we’re looking for there?

Sonic: Blaze, listen to me. As a queen, would you put everything you knew on the line, just to save the world? Even if that means following some coordinates in a book?

Blaze took a pause as she pondered on his thought provoking question.

Blaze: As much as I'm callous to Sonic's reckless behavior, he's come to know me very well. I would sacrifice my own inhibitions just to follow such fictional beliefs. Real or not, I have to do this for my Kingdom’s safety!

Sonic: What’s running around in that head of yours?

Blaze: (Focusing) You speak with such wisdom in your words Sonic. Yet again, you've given me much to think about, and I give you my appreciation for it!

Sonic: (Smirking) I really hope that's a yes I'm hearing!

Blaze: (Rolling her eyes/Smiling) That's definitely a yes, Sonic!

Sonic: (Ecstatic) Alright! Now, we just need to talk to Marine! Hopefully she has another ship so we can get there quicker!

Blaze: (Chuckling) It still surprises me you want to get your feet wet again!

Sonic: (Shuddering) What gave you that idea? I’m staying away from the edge of boat this time! I learned my lesson before!

Blaze: You are so silly Sonic. Let’s go!

End of Part 3