Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Blaze had been strolling down the long empty corridors of The Sol Palace aimlessly for hours now, as she often did ever since she was a kid, until she happened upon ‘the’ family portrait in the western wing. She'd been stuck on the tapestry for a few minutes now, it brought back a lot of... memories. It was the one depicting the royal family; A young Blaze with her traditional tiara and royal outfit, and a neutral, almost emotionless expression on her face - not exactly a frown, but far from a smile. She could still remember how tight, itchy, and overall uncomfortable the dress was to wear – the tapestry took hours to make, it was a miserable, but mom insisted on doing it the traditional way. And so stand she did, sceptre and royal orb in hand, posing for the portrait. At least the royal cape was nice. Looming above the young Blaze was her ever stern and overbearing mother, the radiant Queen Ember – now recently retired and off who knows where doing who knows what, all of her queenly duties falling onto Blaze’s shoulders at such a young age. She was striking and unmistakable, with her dark purple and black fur which danced like flame and her piercing yellow eyes made her not only beautiful but positively iconic. Her hands were clasped atop Blaze’s shoulders on the portrait. Blaze’s father, King Sear, stood behind and off to the side, as always an extension of Ember. Adorned with various golden jewels as well as a gorgeous flowing mane. He never did much to oppose mom’s will. Blaze remained transfixed, she herself couldn't tell if what she was feeling was positive or negative, she couldn't tell if she was thinking anything at all, really.

Soon enough a pair of footsteps and a familiar voice tore the Princess from her trance, “Admiring the weave work?” Blaze’s eyes widened as she turned to see a short koala standing tall and straight, “I must say the weave master that day did an outstanding job, I remember the day like it was yesterday, you in your little dress, you looked adorable.”

“Heh, Gardon, I didn't hear you approach, apologies, a little in my head I suppose. Yes, yes, the uh- weave work is beautiful. Really uhm-- really good work with this one. Forgive me, I was on my way to finish up the paperwork for that new affordable housing bill and that Queendom of Snow Treaty and-- and a number of other things. I suppose I just lost myself in reminiscing about old memories.” She sounded tired, but truthfully she wasn't, she was exhausted. The workload was crazy the best few weeks, and it just kept piling up.

“Good memories, or bad memories?” Gardon worryingly question.

“... Hard to tell somehow. She was a fierce woman.”

“That she was... For what it's worth, I think the festival's a good idea, the one proposed by young master Marine. It could do you some good, it could be... fun, even. You could use a break, the papers won't grow a pair of legs and just run off, they'll be here when you're back.”

“I,” The cat sighed, her workaholic anxieties already kicking in, “My work is in here, not prancing around out there, wasting time, while I could be making more progress with the documents.”

“Hmm, good point. However, your responsibility is also to your people, it would mean a lot to them to see you mingle among them. As for ‘wasting time’ there is no such thing as long as you are doing something that brings you joy – take me and my vintage postage stamp collection. Ah, my pride and joy.”

“But--”

“Ah-ah-and you're only wasting your time in here. You've been wandering aimlessly around these halls, pacing back and forth, anything to avoid that infernal office of yours, for hours. Yes, I know. Looking for an excuse, a permission. Well, here it is. Go. Enjoy yourself. There's nothing in these empty halls but old ghosts… I know the feeling well, this palace is without a doubt the most gorgeous cage there is... and yet... So, no ‘buts’ except yours out of these doors, understood?”

Blaze gave him a small warm smile, “Thank you, Gardon.”

“Don't mention a thing, my little firework.” The princess’ smile grew at the mention of the little nickname he gave her ever since she was a little kitten. She came in for a hug and wrapped her arms around the elderly guardian koala, which Gardon was surprised by, but pleasantly. He of course returned the embrace. After a moment Blazey broke it off and proceeded to the main entrance, freed from her guilt. She was stopped one last time by Gardon’s closing remark, “Blaze... just remember, you're more than just your work.”

“... I know... I deserve to be happy.” He’d been saying that since she was little too.

Blaze admired the festivities as she strolled through the streets of the town surrounding the foot of the palace. It was impressive how quickly the festival committee had turned the town square around, decorations of every colour, food stalls from every Queendom across The Sol Isles, merchants selling souvenirs and mementoes of every kind, children running around playing and laughing cheerfully as they flew their kites and prepped their paper boats to see which would get down the small stream nearby the fastest. It was marvellous. Blaze was also surprised to see how quickly her people were to accept and engaging with the holiday, she knew many of her citizens shared an origin from the land the festival had come from, but still it was heartwarming to see all accept it. As The Sol Queendom had a tendency to be a bit old fashioned and slow to accept, a reflection of her mother's rule. Blaze gleefully observed the various homes being decorated with paper lanterns and lit candles, even helped set some up herself, striking up brief conversations with the residents on the way. She stopped to admire the poets, weavers, calligraphers, storytellers and street performers.

She hated to admit it, but the young rascal raccoon was right. After all, all this was her idea. A week or so ago an energetic and ecstatic Marine had approached Blaze with an idea; The Isle Marine was from held a certain festival tradition around this time of year.

“What did you call it?” Blaze asked, slouched on her throne, her head in her hand, half-listening – it had been a long day of addressing her subjects queries; Like a town hall council with its residents.

“Tanabata!” Her arms punching high in the air – her energy far too high for the exhausted Blaze. She had a whole stack of messy papers barely stapled together, containing crude coloured crayon drawings depicting the festival and the duo partaking in it. “We used to celebrate it at my home isle, on the 7th day of the 7th month, the Star Festival! There's parades, music, dancing, food stalls – delicious somen, firework displays, and of course The Wishing Trees! It's awesome! Here, I drew it all with my expert diagrams; that's me there, and that's you, and that's us holding hands, and that's you signing my adoption papers – oops that one wasn't meant to be part of the presentation. Let me just-”

“That's great, Marine, but I just don't think we have the time or the resources to pull off something so grandiose, and also quite trivial. There's a lot more imperative things to take care of. I'm sorry, Mari.”

“Oh... okay.” Marine’s whole energy and posture deflated immediately and the little raccoon receded into herself. Her little triangle ears flooped down, her eyes fell to the ground, she sheepishly folded up and tucked the papers away, seemingly a little embarrassed of the proposition now, scratching her arm awkwardly not knowing what to do with her hands.

“... okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“... That's it? … you're not going to argue, fight back - nothing?” Blaze looked more surprised than she sounded.

“No, no, you're right, it was a dumb idea. I... shouldn't’ve said anything. I guess, I just... felt a little homesick is all. Guess I'll go, and get back to making something that can't float.” She bowed her head, and her little nose sniffled. Those small wet puppy eyes could have carried whole oceans within them. Blaze swore to herself that she wouldn't be tricked by those eyes again, the small orange critter always managed to get whatever she wanted from Blaze... but it always managed to breakthrough Blaze’s cold exterior. She just couldn't say no to the small gremlin. Plus, this time, Blaze didn't think Marine was exaggerating. The girl really did seem like she missed home. And Blaze did so hate not seeing a smile on her face.

“Now, hold on, I-- I didn't say it was a bad idea. Many of our Solian residents have immigrated from The Seagull Isle – now that I think about it, this could be great for improving morale and citizen relations.” Blaze give her the best smile she could, though those didn't come naturally to the feline grumpypuss.

“You're just saying that.” The raccoon kicked an imaginary rock.

“No, I-- I'm not. Ugh, look,” The cat knelt down before the girl so to be eye level with her, “I hate that frowny face. So, is celebrating this holiday going to make you happy?” Marine sheepishly looked up and formed a tiny smile, “That's more like it.” Blaze returned the smile. “But like I said; We're lacking resources and manpower, but I know you're clever enough, so that's why I'm putting you in charge of the-- uh-- Festival Planning Committee.”

Marine gasped in excitement, stars sparkling in her eyes, “Really?!” Blaze nodded approvingly, thinking that would be that, but the girl leapt into her arms and gave Blaze a big hug, ecstatic, “Thank you, Blaze, thank you!”

And you know what, she was right. Blaze couldn't help but smile as she observed and people watched, seeing all of her subjects enjoying themselves, all those smiling faces. She slowly strolled through The Solian town park – her eyes caught a small girl cheering and running around playing frisbee with her mother. And suddenly that smile on Blaze’s face had faded.

And as she stared a little too long at a couple snuggling under a decorated tree she suddenly began to feel some sort of longing, a feeling like something within her was missing. And suddenly she began to avoid looking at the lovey dovey couple.

The Princess found herself an empty bench at the town square, her back facing the central Wish Tree adorned with colourful tanzaku which hung from the branches. Marine had told her about it, it was the central tradition and celebratory gesture of the holiday; people would write wishes they wanted to come true, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku; small pieces of paper, which they would then set afloat down a stream and set aflame so that they may come true. It was... a nice thought.

And speaking of Marine, there she was, tussling and rolling around engaging in all sorts of horseplay with her fellow school mates, playing pretend as knights and princesses, battling dragons and whatnot. She was glad to be able to bring such joy to her ward, to be able to create a safe, happy environment to just be a kid in. Something Blaze wished she had when she was younger.

Just then she felt a weight on the bench, someone had sat next to her, she didn't pay them much attention as she remained transfixed on Mari, just keeping an eye on her. The person was just outside of her periphery, in a blurry area of her vision, she couldn't have told you what they looked like. The stranger didn't say anything at first, they seemed... taken aback by his surroundings. When they spoke they sounded in awe, “this... this is beautiful.”

“Thank you, we put a lot of effort into making sure the festival felt authentic.” Blaze answered matter of fact without much thought.

“You helped make this wonderful place happen? That's amazing. You must be so proud.” And then, the stranger began to softly, quietly weep, small tears forming at the corner of his eyes. They pitter-pattered onto his knees, “There's so many people here. I've never seen so many. And they're all so happy.”

“Are you alright, Sir?”

“And the sky, I can see it - the skies are clear, I've never witnessed that before. It's gorgeous. And those-- ‘lights’ speckled like from a paintbrush across a black canvas - what are they?” At least they were tears of joy, she supposed, but Blaze could still sense a deep sadness within his eyes.

Blaze turned her head upward to the sky, the pretty blues had began to fade away with the day replaced by the night and, “The stars? Oh ‘the’ stars, yes. That one, that's Altair, which represents Hikoboshi, and that one all the way across the night sky, that's Vega, representing Orihime – as I understand it.” The stranger still looked a little confused, “You know, the lovers. It's who the festival is dedicated to.”

“I... I'm unfamiliar with the concept, I'm sorry.” He awkwardly twiddled his fingers, fidgeting, keeping his eye line on the ground, “B-- But you helped make all this?! This is spectacular, phenomenal, you should be so so proud, to bring such mirth and togetherness... I dream of living in a world like this one day...” His head bowed in sadness. She didn't know why, but seeing him sad hurt her deeply, she wished to remedy that, to wash the sorrow away somehow.

“Well, why can't you stay?” The boy didn't answer, he exhaled sharply as if about to laugh, but no laughter came. She got the sense he wished he could stay, but something was pulling him away. She didn't know what compelled her, but she rose to her feet and offered a compromise, “Well, maybe you could enjoy your stay, while you're here.” She reached out her hand, the boy considered it, and took her hand. They held on to each other for a little too long. Blaze led him onward to the food stalls ahead. Where Blaze bought the starstruck stranger a bowl of delicious somen noodles, which she was gifted for free on the account of being the Princess ‘n all. She just watched on as the bowl of noodles practically vanished in front of her eyes, she'd never seen anyone eat that fast, and that was coming from a speedster. He was almost breathless, stars glistening across his eyes, “This is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted! Can I have another one?!”

“Uhmm, yeah, sure, of course.” She smirked, suppressing a small chuckle. And so a new bowl was ordered and vacuumed in the blink of an eye. The two took a brief walk around the market admiring their surroundings, and people-watching together. It was clear the visitor had fallen in love with Sol.

“All of this is amazing. I'm honestly overwhelmed. But like in the best way. This is the most amazing day of my life. I wish this day would never end, ha ha ha.”

“Heh, maybe you could wish for it.” Blaze jokingly remarked offhandedly. However, it caught the visitor’s attention.

“How do you mean?”

“Oh, the uh- The Wishing Tree, it's supposedly a central tradition of Tanabata.”

“How does it work?”

“Here,” Blaze knelt over to a street merchant and kindly asked for a pair of tanzaku and handed one to the curious stranger, “This is a tanzaku, you write a little poem on it; wishing for something you want. Then you hang it up on the bamboo, and suddenly in return for decorating the trees which prevents the rain on Tanabata the lovers make your wish come true.”

“Woaw… what are you going to wish for?” The strangers softly asked as he wrote down his wish with the inked brush he picked up from the merchant stall.

“I don't know, I... haven't really thought about it. Didn't really think I'd partake. And well, I'm a Princess, I have everything I could ever want, what is there that I could ask for?”

“Come on, there's gotta be something you want.”

“... Well? What about you? What are you going to wish for? Give me some ideas.”

“What isn’t there to wish for, so many problems in the world. Maybe some clear skies? A better, healthier world.”

Blaze smirked, “How kindly naive.”

“Maybe for a little garden for myself, I always wanted one. I know I'm repeating myself, but this place, this home of yours is breathtaking. So many gorgeous blues and greens, the flora, the greenery, is beautiful, I had only seen them in the remains of history books. To see them so vividly--”

“Are y- Does where you come from not have plants, rivers?”

“No vegetables, no flowers, no lakes, no streams, no oceans, I come from a world of concrete and heat, where skies are choked out by dark ash. It's a horrid world.” They had circled back to the Wish Tree at the town square, watching it dance in the breeze. “You had mentioned these... ‘stars’, that they represent something? The lovers?”

“Yes, the story of the star crossed lovers, the myth Tanabata is centred around. I know only the basics, from what I was told by my... friend. I am no expert by any means.”

“Please, I'd still love to hear it, I... enjoy the sound of your voice.”

She didn't expect that. Flustered, she agreed, “Well, I- very welcome I'd be happy to.” The Princess cleared her voice, and spoke:

“As the story goes, supposedly long ago, at a time when gods walked the earth, there was a Princess named Orihime, daughter to The Tentei, The Sky King, Lord of the Universe. She tirelessly spent her days and nights weaving beautiful clothes by the bank of the great Amanogawa, the heavenly river that was the Milky Way. Her father loved the cloth she wove, and so to make him proud she worked hard and diligently, prioritising her work over all else. However, Orihime was saddened by the fact that her unending work kept her from going out, and meeting anyone to possibly fall in love with. She felt alone and caged.

The Tentei took pity on their daughter and arranged a meeting with a devout and radiant cow herder, a literal Star Boy, named Hikoboshi, who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa. And sure enough, the moment they met they instantly fell in love, so deeply and so passionately that they rarely parted from each other, they became each other's world. They married shortly thereafter. And their work suffered. Orihime no longer weaved beautiful clothes and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over the skies. Angered, The Tentei separated the lovers, tore them apart, leaving them isolated on opposite sides of the Milky Way, divided across space and time. Forbidden to meet ever again.

Orihime became despondent and mournful at the loss of her husband and begged her father to allow them to reunite. Moved by his daughter's tears, The Tentei allowed the lovers to reunite on the 7th day of the 7th month, if she worked hard and completed her weaving for the year, and so the Princess worked herself to the bone just so she could see her love again, just for the briefest of moments. For one day every year. However, Orihime found that they could not cross the great river, for it was too vast. She fell to her knees, crushed and distraught, with tears streaming down her face. It is said that the tears of Orihime and Hikoboshi materialise as the rain on Tanabata.

Her weeping and cries of sorrow attracted a flock of magpies who took pity on her and promised her that they would create a bridge across the Milky Way with their wings so that they could cross the vast distance and reunite with their love. They did as promised and the two lovers ran into each other’s arms locking themselves in a warm embrace, soon shedding tears of joy. And so, they reunite on the same day every year, unless of course, it rains on Tanabata, which forces the lovers to wait another year to meet. Which the people of these realms attempt to prevent through these festivities and various decorations.... and... that's that.”

“Well, it looks like they'll be able to see each other again today, look at this beautiful clear sky.” The stranger gesture to the heavens above.

“Heh,” Blaze chuckled to herself.

“What?”

“Oh nothing, it's just a very positive reading of the tale, naively so. It's... refreshingly optimistic, in a way.”

“Oh, heh, I guess so. It's a bittersweet story, yes, but I think it exemplifies the undying power of determination, willpower, and love. It's about two people pushed down and hurt by things out of their control that chose to get back up and keep trying, to make the best of their situation. The crushing weight of real life carried by the immaterial concept of hope, and what a choice to hand the fate of the ending down to the audience. You hold the power in your hands, which you exercise by celebrating and bonding with your loved ones, cherishing the moments with them in the here and the now - making the best of what little time you may have. It makes you appreciate... well, everything.” He spoke passionately with a genuine smile, never stopping admiring his environment. Particularly captivated by a butterfly struggling in the wind, flapping its wings as hard as possible against the wind current.

“That is an admirable way to look at things... I wish I could see things like you, from a brighter perspective. All I see is two people torn apart by a higher uncaring authority and forced to suffer a caged, routine, lonely life, imprisoned in bars constructed from their own circumstances and upbringings, living out a slow meaningless death. And given the bare minimum and expected to be thankful for it.”

“But if you think that way, then... it will be that way.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, belief influences our perception of reality. If all we see are dark clouds and looming walls, with no light beyond them, then that's all there is, that's all you’ll ever see... Now you're just stuck down their... in that awful place. But if you don't give up, keep hoping, keep fighting, it's going to be tough, but then there's at least a chance...”

“Of what?”

“... of getting out.”

Blaze wasn't too sure what had occurred next for sure, but it looked like the boy had extended his hand to the struggling butterfly, and some strange cyan light had radiated through their hand in the form of some curious circuitry-like patterns which dissolved out into the air. Which almost… changed the wind direction, easing the little butterfly’s flight.

Blaze wasn't quite sure what happened. And now that she thought about it, she couldn't quite tell what she was looking at at all when looking at the stranger. He was muted... a blur, out of focus. She couldn't make out his features, her eyes couldn't focus on him. There was something immaterial dividing them. Was it like this the whole evening? How had she not noticed this? Who was he?

“How can you... How can I see the world through your eyes? How can you have so much hope. It's not something you can weigh or holding your hand, it's not inexhaustible.”

“No. But, I find it that you can... ‘recharge’ it, like a battery, if you're not alone, when you’re around others... Which is the tough part, I suppose. You know?”

“Hmm,” She hummed in agreement. “I know. I don't know what I’d do without my little ward, Marine, and my... my father, Gardon. They, keep me going.”

“... Yeah, it must be nice. I wish I had someone like that. All these people, they’re so beautiful... I wish...” His expression fell, and a deep sorrow crept onto his face, “... I wish all this was real. I wish I wouldn't wake up.”

“Sorry?”

“Because I know all this, isn't real. I want it to be. But I know it's not. The moment I opened my eyes all of this will go away, and I'll be back... there come in that place... But it's nice, to dream like this, from time to time, I don't have many nice dreams. But this one. This one's nice.” Blaze was speechless, replaying every word he had said in her mind, trying to understand what he was saying. Then something occurred to her. A distant, faint memory unfolded in her mind, something she had long forgotten and buried deep down a long time ago, “You know, I know this might sound strange, because I know for sure that we haven't met before, but... you seem familiar... like, I've known you my entire life.”

Blaze didn't know what compelled her to speak up and reveal such a vulnerable part of herself to a stranger, but she somehow felt comfortable with him knowing that; “I, too, once had pleasant dreams, when I was younger... I used to have this... imaginary friend, I didn't have a lot of ‘real’ friends on the account of being locked up in an ivory tower like a good, obedient little Princess. So, I must have made myself a new one for myself, but I don't remember. I can't remember a lot about those dreams, that's where I mostly saw him. He always kept me company, made me smile, listened to me talk about my day and all my problems. I'd always leave out food for him in my room, made sure he drank plenty of water, because in my mind he lived in a hot climate, in a world without water. My mom would get so angry at me. Told me off. Gave me a whole lecture. I remember the day, the memory stings to this day. She told me to grow up, that I was too smart to be so stupid and childish. Standing against my mother was like crashing a wave against stone. And so, I did as she said, and abandoned all those naive coping mechanisms, and that was the last time I saw my friend.”

The boy looked stunned, something similar had happened to him once, but, “It couldn't be.”

Silver's voice was drowned out by the crowd’s roaring cheers as they all swarmed and gathered around the town square, clapping and wooing. A loud bell sounded across the streets heralding the coming of midnight, and the midnight fireworks. Marine ran past Blaze with a wide smile calling on her mentor, “B, come on the fireworks are starting, the day’s about to end!”

The stranger fell silent, searching over his blurry memories, his eyes darted from side to side, it couldn't be, could it? Something unlocked in his mind. The wind picked up, and it felt like it somehow moved through them. And suddenly the blurred veil lifted for just a split second. And the two locked eyes. Gold and amber meeting. Seeing something in them. A past life. A love long lost. A mournful goodbye and a sacrifice which drew a tear out and down their cheeks. They shared a voice of confusion, sorrow, longing, and awe.

“Blaze?” “Silver?”

THYEEEUUUU…. PHAKK! BANG! ffffizzlllleeee

Blaze’s head snapped away from Silver, startled by the abrupt sound of the combusting fireworks, which was nearly deafening. Blaze briefly studied her surroundings and once she was sure that there was no danger she immediately whipped her head back to Silver... who was gone.

Blaze stood up in shock, her eyes still wet. She examined the setting around her to prove to herself that she wasn't crazy, that she didn't make it up in her mind. It was no mirage, she swore it! Marine, clueless, charged at Blaze and hugged her teacher’s leg from behind, happy as a clam, “Happy Tanabata, B!”

“Mari? Did-- Did you see where he went?”

“... Who?”

“Si- ” The name was already fading from her memory, she just had it at the tip of her tongue, and now it was suddenly gone, leaving behind only the taste of ash and salty tears, “The person sitting next to me, on the bench, I was with them all evening!”

Blaze looked distraught, which worried the young raccoon, “I'm sorry, I didn't see anyone.”

“He was- He was right here, I swear it!”

“B, you- look tired, maybe you should get some rest, you know, hit the hay.”

“He wasn't- He was more than just a dream!” She exclaimed, sounding almost deranged. But she quickly noticed how concerned she was making the young Marine feel so she quickly changed her tone and disposition to comfort the little girl, “I'm- I'm sorry, Mari. I don't know what's happening. Maybe you're right, maybe I am... tired.”

“It's okay. It's late, we're all tired. Thanks for staying up late with me anyway. And thank you for making today possible, for letting me bring a little bit of home with me here.”

And suddenly Blaze’s eyes were watering all over again. The warmest smile spread across her face, the widest and brightest smile in years. The cat knelt down and returned the hug, radiating all the warmth she could, holding her little student close and tightly, “I love you, Marshmallow. Thank you for keeping me going.”

“Love you too, B.” The little girl sniffled and nuzzled into the warm embrace of her hero, everything she ever wanted, “I hope all your wishes come true.”

Wishes. That jogged Blaze’s memory ever so slightly. She returned to the bench and there remained a tanzaku with a written poem on it, in her handwriting. Blaze took it and gently hung it on the bamboo tree among the others, but Silver’s was missing. He must have held onto it?... Or... there was no tanzaku... And no Silver.

Marine couldn't help but ask, ever so curious, “So? What did you wish for? :)”

“What else,” Blaze answered solemnly, “For the lovers to reunite.”

Chapter Text

\ Optional Ending /

Blaze had to admit, she wasn't sure about attending when she got the invitation from her friends, but she had to give it to Amy, this was really fun. She had never really been on a roller coaster ride before, Sweet Mountain was her first. It was fun, it wasn't as accelerating or as fast as people made it out to be, she could have run faster on a bad day. But it was quirky, she liked it. She found all the other cart rider screaming at the top of their lungs while Blaze sat amongst them quietly, straight faced, quite amusing. Silver convinced her to keep the photo from the coaster booth.

But the true best moment of the day came when Blaze was able to enjoy all of the delicious oh so tooth rotting sweet confectioneries served at Sweet Mountain’s food stalls. Currently enjoying some mouth-watering pistachio churros. While treating herself to all the attractions at Eggman's Theme Park as well as helping clean up the remaining badnik forces she had worked up an appetite. She had to remember to thank Amy for inviting her. Though she didn’t know where the pink hedgehog had gone at the moment, she had just been there at her side just a moment ago. Blaze was just beyond thankful for her friends, they’ve truly helped her break down her walls and feel like she was no longer alone. She loved visiting their world too. No one saw her as a Princess there, no expectations, no pressure. It had been a while since she was able to breath a sigh of relief and let the weight of the world just wash over and past her. Today was a good day.

On the off days Blaze often fell into the trap of her brain making her think she’s wasting time and not doing enough, but cleaning up Robotnik’s robots helped ease that feeling. And today was especially nice since Silver had joined her in battle. She hadn’t seen him in months, since the last Tanabata? Was it really that long ago? But nonetheless she accepted it. She was happy to see her imaginary friend after all this time. She tried not to interact with him too often on the account of her friends catching her talking to thin air and thinking she was going crazy. He had sat himself on the bench next to her, enjoying a plate of sugar powered mini dutch pancakes. He too seemed a little awkward this time, trying to avoid eye contact. Thought their eyes did of course meet each other as they couldn’t resist a glance at each other. They shared a smile.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

BOOM. BANG. BASH. The pink hedgehog stumbled out from behind the bench, the pair turned to check if she was okay. Which she was, of course. Amy nonchalantly brushed off various robot parts off herself. Shaking a clinging badnik off her foot. “Ha. Sorry it took so long, got ambushed at the bathroom. All good…” Amy tilted her head curiously as she caught a brief glimpse of the exchanged greetings between the two, “Wait, you guys know each other?”

“YOU CAN SEE THEM!!??!!” They both exclaimed simultaneously, pointing at each other.