Sonic: Rise of the Iron Dominion

Into the Unknown

Nothing could fix her mood. Not the company of her heroic hedgehog, not the gorgeous surroundings of the east safe house, and not even the absolutely stellar sunset. Never before had she felt such a dramatic pain, though the closest was learning of her father's sickness.

The newly ex-Princess stood atop her balcony, staring at the sunset in hopes to raise her mood. Foe the first time ever, neither she or Sonic had a plan of action. There was nothing they could do. Nothing they could fix. It was impossible to change what had happened. And worst of all, she didn't have her best friend to help her through it all. She had no idea what Naugus did with Nicole, or what he planned to do with her.

Sonic tried everything he could to make his favorite Princess feel even somewhat better. But it was hopeless. All he could do now, was watch his love tear herself apart over something she had no control over. It hurt him. It deeply hurt him. It was a living hell watching Sally rip herself to shreds the way she did.

She looked beautiful. Though, that was never a question to the blue hedgehog. Sitting on her bed, he could see the gorgeous outline of her red locks and soft fur from the sunset. The orange and pink complimented her in more ways than he thought he ever could. Her hair was down to the side, flowing with the gentle wind. Though their situation was dire, he couldn't help but slightly smile. In his eyes, she was nothing but perfect.

He finally stood up from the bed, and casually walked up to the balcony. He stood at the railing just as she did. Neither of them looked at each other. He didn't want to bother her, he just wanted her to feel like she wasn't alone.

"You know, this is usually where you say something ridiculous to cheer me up." Sally softly spoke, her voice briefly cracking from the lack of speech for over an hour.
"Yeah well, usually the sunset doesn't compete with your looks like it does now." Sonic again tried to make her smile. But as expected, he failed. She didn't even bother to look in his direction. She just continued to stare off into the beautiful distance of mountains and green.

Sonic finally sighed, and easily slid his hand on top of hers. Not a single word exchanged. The only conversation they had was through the feeling of physical touch. Sally clenched her hand and Sonic fingers inside. It was no remedy to her feeling, but it was a good start.

"So what are we gonna do?" He quietly spoke. That question alone finally gained her attention. "You have an idea or something by now, right? You always do." Sonic asked her, hoping for a positive answer.
"Nothing." She briefly spoke.
"What?" The blue hedgehog questioned in awe.

"Nothing, We will do nothing. I couldn't convince my own brother to change his mind. And if I couldn't do that for my own brother, then what hope do I have to help these people. I failed, Blue... I failed." She deeply sighed, dropping her head with her eyes shut. Sonic could feel her grip on his hand tighten in a frustrated sadness.

He couldn't believe what she was saying. The one person who was usually just as optimistic as him, and she no longer possessed the courage she usually had. She truly did believe that she failed her family and her people.

"Whoa whoa, wait a second," Sonic turned towards her, reaching and grabbing her other hand, "Sal you haven't failed anybody! Don't talk like that! There hasn't been anything that has put you in the ropes!" He attempted to console her, though she continued to avoid looking at him.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do Sonic," She stopped, then easily pulled her hands away from his, "but this isn't something you can fix." She fought back her shivering lip harder than she had before, and turned back to face the sunset.

And so finally, he had given up. There truly was no way to lift her spirits. They were broken completely.
"Okay, Sal." He quietly sighed in defeat, and turned back to her bed room. He walked back through the open balcony double doors, walking towards her door instead of her bed. He wanted to give her space. It seemed like that's what she'd wanted.