Chapter 1: The End

There is nothing quite as beautiful as the union of husband and wife, lying in bed, their bodies embracing each other in love and affection.

Such as it was one starry, calm night inside the royal castle.

Blaze emitted a pleasant moan and pulled her husband closer, cuddling against his silver, velvety fur. Silver was so strong, and yet so tender when he was holding her... it gave her emotions she never knew existed. Blaze was so glad that she had found him… the cat had grown up with the belief that she was destined to be alone for the rest of her life… than Silver came along, and gave her a companion, and more than that. It was only rarely that she let her guard down from her heart and showed her true emotions… it was only in these intimate moments while they were together that she let herself be so vulnerable. She couldn't afford to any other time… obligations and fights took up both of their time. She was Guardian of the Sol Emeralds, and he was a castle guard. But at the end of the day, when the stars replaced the bright sun… the two came together, nursed their hurts, shared and expressed their love, and became one.

Silver ran his hand over his wife's back, feeling the soft fur under his gentle fingers. He traced the curves on her body, tenderly feeling every inch of her. Blaze was beautiful… and she was infinitely more than he ever thought would be his. A man like him, ending up with a woman like Blaze? The lovely princess, the tough guardian of the precious Sol Emeralds? It seemed impossible… and yet, here was Blaze… her lilac eyelids slowly opening, revealing those lovely golden eyes that looked at him with such love and tenderness. She loved him… she really did. She really belonged to Silver… oh, it was almost too good to be true for the hedgehog.

He had come to the castle as a simple recruit in the war against Eggman Nega about two years ago, and was subsequently promoted to be a castle guard. He met Blaze, a princess, during that time, and instantly felt an attraction to her. Through many a secret meeting, on nights similar to the one tonight, the two had become the best of friends. Feelings grew through time and conversation, and long story short, the two became betrothed and now… were married.

But while each of the couple were happy to be together… they still had anything but an easy life. Since the marriage was inter-species, it was heavily frowned upon, and with Blaze being of royal blood and Silver being a mere castle guard, it was very unorthodox. Only a few inhabitants of the castle even acknowledged their union as legitimate; luckily, Blaze's father, King Lance, was one of them. Unfortunately, Lance grew weaker by the day and would soon be replaced by his son-in-law Mercury, who made no question as to his displeasure over their union. There was little chance that Mercury would force a divorce between the two, but he could still make their lives miserable if he so chose.

But for now… while they still could… the couple cherished every moment that they could spend together and fully enjoyed their love. For who knew how long it would last…

A sudden rapping on the door filled both bodies with adrenaline, and Silver rose from the bed, his eyes trained on the door and his guard instinct kicking n. Who would come at this time of night? There must be some sort of attack…

"Princess Blaze?" a guard's timid voice called in.

"What is it?" Blaze asked, slowly sliding her slim, athletic figure from under the warm sheets. She shivered as she made her way to her bureau to slip on a tunic.

The guard hesitated before saying, "It's your father… he's asking for his daughters."

Blaze heard Silver inhale quickly, and she glanced at him, her face set like flint. So… it was finally time. She knew her father was on his last days, and she'd been mentally preparing herself for his death. The cat took a deep breath, preparing herself to watch her father die… but was soon warmly embraced by Silver.

She closed her eyes and took all of the strength and comfort that his arms provided. She couldn't even admit to herself how much she needed Silver to help keep her strong. Her heart was strong and hardened over years of fighting and neglect and rejection… but Silver held the one key that could unlock her emotions. She needed him … maybe not as much as he depended on her… but she still needed the sterling hedgehog with his strong arms around her.

"Thank you…" Blaze whispered as Silver gave her a gentle squeeze and then released her. He was learning how long to hold her and when to let go. Blaze didn't like or need much affection, though she was always touched when Silver gave her some.

"You're welcome… let's go see Lance."

The two left their bedchambers and entered the wide hallway, making a beeline for King Lance's room. Upon entering , they noticed how unusually crowded the large room was. Already present were Blaze's sisters Coral and Crystal, the former with her husband Mercury, as well as the high priest, present to perform last rites. Crystal, the youngest, was distraught with tears running down her face as she buried her head against Coral. Mercury stood apart, pensively eyeing the couple that just entered.

Silence dominated the room, save for Crystal's muffled sobs, until the priest quietly told the large, supine cat that Blaze and Silver had arrived.

The royal purple King looked at the couple and the other present, and released a large sigh. His eyes were heavy with lack of sleep and age, though still full of pride at the remainder of his family. This was who he would pass the torch to… and he couldn't be more proud. It felt right to finally pass his blessing down to the young people in the room with him.

"Dear children," he began, and Crystal finally stopped crying to look at her father. "I am not long for this world anymore. I have lived a full, long life… I have done many things. I have won battles, lost battles… I have raised three beautiful daughters… and I have made mistakes. But by His grace, Sol will welcome me to his kingdom… and I will get to see Jade again…" he said, a faint smile crossing his whiskers at the thought of his late wife. "And now… I will leave you all, my dear children, with my blessings for your lives ahead of you." He paused and fixed his eyes on his youngest. "My daughter, Crystal."

The young cat ran to her father's side, her deep blue eyes glistening with tears.

"Father," she whispered and placed her small hand on top of his large paw.

"Crystal… you've been such a joy to me since you were just a young kitten. You've grown up to be a beautiful young girl, always happy and joyful and laughing. You truly are a light in this dark world. My only regret is that I never got to select a husband to take care of you. But I trust that you will find one in due time. I leave you with my blessing of joy."

Crystal nodded softly, and though it wasn't decorum, she hugged her father across his chest, sobbed a few times as he rubbed her back, and then got up and shuffled back to her big sister.

"Silver, my son," Lance's deep voice spoke next.

The hedgehog blushed when all eyes turned to him, but stepped forward to stand next to the King, despite the subtle sneer from Mercury.

"My son… you have served this castle and our family as Junior Captain of the Guard for nearly two years. You have honored and defended me, and I am proud to have you as my daughter's husband."

Flattered, Silver responded, "I'll always be grateful for everything you've done for me, Your Majesty."

Lance nodded and smiled. "I leave you with my blessing of loyalty, Silver."

Silver nodded in response, bowed, and then returned to his place next to Blaze.

"My daughter Blaze…"

The lavender cat stepped forward. Her face held a solemn expression save a gentle, accepting smile on her lips. She approached Lance's bedside, basking in the love shining in her father's eyes.

"Father…" she said with reverence as he took her hands.

"Blaze, you truly have been my pride. You have never disappointed me.. always honored me…You have done your duty as a guardian well, protecting our land and the precious Sol Emeralds. I am sure that you are following the path that Sol has planned for you. Guard the Emeralds well, my daughter."

"I will, Father, I promise you," Blaze promised.

"I leave you with my blessing of… courage."

The cat nodded. "Thank you, Father…" she walked back to Silver, knowing she'd save her words for the funeral.

"My daughter Coral…"

The cat stepped forward gracefully, as if ready to accept what this meant.

"You are to be our next queen, Coral. It's a big responsibility, but I know that you can handle it. Since you were younger, you've always had this desire inside of you… to be a ruler. I believe Sol has given you this desire, and he has also given you the ability. I ask that you help Mercury to be King, and to love and serve your subjects."

"I will, Father… thank you…" Coral promised.

"Then, my daughter, I leave you with my blessing of wisdom…"

She nodded and reluctantly left his side, her own eyes stinging with tears at seeing her father's life fading. Coral was ashamed to admit she had almost looked forward to Lance dying, because it meant she'd inherit half of the crown… but now she almost felt guilty for those thoughts, and only wanted him to cling to life…

"My son, Mercury…"

The burnt-orange cat stepped forward, a model of calm and solemnity. "King Lance."

"You are the next King, my son."

Immediately, Lance broke into a violent coughing fit. The priest made his way to the other end of the bed, ready to tend to the King, but he quickly waved him off, as if he realized that time was running out quickly. Steadying himself and his breathing, Lance turned back to the next King.

"My son, it's time for me to leave this kingdom in your hands… Sol will guide you… promise me that you will follow him…"

Lance let out another coughing fit, and Mercury nodded quickly. "I will."

"Then… I leave you… with my blessing… of justice…"

His last words spoken, the King settled back onto his bed, his eyes closing. Crystal and Coral both cried out as the priest hovered above the King's body, speaking the ritual words.

Blaze exhaled and turned away, only to find Silver's embrace waiting for her. She would miss her father… he was one of her best friends and advocates. He had been a great king… and she knew that Mercury could not hold a candle to him.

"He's gone…" Silver whispered to Blaze, feeling an ache in his heart. Since he'd left his own family after being recruited to the army, Lance was a surrogate father to him… he'd even called Silver his own son. And now… a wave of grief rushed over Silver's body as he turned to look at the King's lifeless body. The hedgehog knew death and grief… but not over someone as close as Lance… and now there was one less good man roaming this earth.

Blaze nestled in his arms, and Silver was reminded… that he still had her. As long as he had Blaze, he'd be okay…

But how long will I have her for? He couldn't help but wonder as he caught Mercury's disapproving glare from the corner of his eye.

Sighing at the thought, he pulled his wife closer. If they were meant to be… if Sol had put them together… if they truly were soulmates as he believed… than nothing could tear them apart…

And as Lance's ghost left his body, the remaining members of the royal family regarded each other, each cognizant that this, if anything… was the end of an era.