Red And Blue

Lake Of Wonders

The red truck wasn't sure what Roarian meant, but decided to trust his gut.

"I… okay,"

He followed Roarian back to the Great Forest, where he led the red truck to a cave, just far from the house. They entered to find a giant lake inside.

"Wait... I've never seen this before," Blaze said. "Where are we?"

"The Lake Of Wonders," Roarian replied. "It's waters contain magic of enchantment that only some are trusted to know this place,"

"So... how come you think it can help me?"

"It has helped me at times of need," Roarian replied. "For I too have despairs, but this lake's enchanted waters would not only ease your worries, but also help you make your next decisions,"

"They would? How?"

"Step into the waters, and let it guide you. It will show you images that even you have not seen, helping to guide your way,"

"Okay... here goes."

He took a deep breath and entered the lake. He felt it's enchanted waters carry him deeper and deeper. He shut his eyes as he lowered down more while he held his breath. When he felt himself no longer in the water, he found himself back in the Monster Dome.

"The Monster Dome? Wha...? How did I get here? When my eyes were last open, I-I thought I was underwater!"

He soon heard sobbing nearby, and he turned to see his friends and family crying where he left them.

"AJ? Mom? Dad?"

He drove to them in shock but was taken back when he went through them like a ghost.

"Wait... are these... images?"

[Indeed they are.] A voice from out of nowhere spoke. [Hello, young one. You must be Blaze.]

"Who are you?" Blaze questioned. "Where are you for that matter?"

[I am the lake itself, welcome to my waters.] the voice spoke again.

"Oh, um... thanks. So... when was all this?"

[Right now, just as you left.] the lake responded. [You had left plenty of broken and hurt hearts, though it does not surprise me with how much they had hurt you, correct?]

"Well... yeah. I had to put my tire down, but... I never thought I'd hurt them this much…"

[One action can kill plenty, young one.] the lake spoke. [As one kidnapping could hurt you and leave you in despair.]

"Yeah..." Blaze sighed and nodded.

[And now you seek to get him back, correct?]

"Yes... yes, I do."

[Then you must clear your mind, young one, clear it and let yourself relax.] the lake told him. [A calm mind is an intelligent mind, or you might hurt more than you ever intended.]

"Ok... how can I clear it?"

The image soon vanished, and Blaze found himself back at his old apartment. He glanced around, confused until he saw Crusher walk in the door.

"Crusher?"

The image of his husband seemed quiet as he entered the apartment. He soon saw an image of himself as the two met and hugged in greeting. The door soon opened again, and Blaze turned to see images of ALL of his friends and family greeting them happily.

"Wait... we're all... together again? W-What...?"

[Focus on the image, my dear.] The lake spoke. [What is the feeling in the air? How do you think they all feel?]

"They look... happy. REALLY happy."

[Then focus on that happiness. Feel it as if you are there, and that YOU are feeling it yourself.]

Blaze took a deep breath and nodded, closing his eyes. He felt the image's emotions flow through him that he could practically feel himself inside, holding his spouse and laughing with his friends and family…

Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted up, and he gasped as he was taken out of the water.

"Wha... what's happening?"

[You are calm now. I know that you know what to do.] the lake spoke before nudging him forward. [Now go, Roarian is awaiting you outside.]

"Okay... thank you!"

He dashed out of the cave and found Roarian outside. The flying lion smiled over at him.

"Did you manage to see what you needed to see?"

"I did. I know what I need now-- my family. I never thought we'd be the same again, but if I'm gonna save Crusher, I'll need them. ALL of them."

"That is a brilliant idea," Roarian nodded. "but before you leave, there is something I must give you,"

"What is it…?" Blaze asked.

Roarian didn't answer. Instead, flew up above the red truck, his sunstone glowing.

"Many had attempted to enter the waters of the Lake of Wonders, but not many succeed on what they seek. You, my friend, however, have, and that makes you worthy of the title I will bestow upon you,"

"Title?"

Roarian nodded, and his sunstone released a smaller version of itself, almost identical, and lowered itself down towards Blaze.

"Blaze, I bestow upon you the title of Guardian,"

"Guardian? Me?"

Blaze was taken back as he took the sunstone in his tires. Roarian gave another nod as he landed in front of him.

"Indeed," he replied. "You have proven yourself worthy, time and time again, and I would never have chosen a better person to entrust with this sunstone,"

"But... another sunstone... where did you get this?"

"I had found it years ago, given to me by the lake itself," Roarian replied. "It had stated that I will soon crown someone as a guardian of this sunstone. I did not believe I would ever do such a thing until now,"

Blaze's eyes watered with happy tears. He never expected his good deeds would reward him with such gifts. His children... his spouse... this magical gem... and a chance to repair his family.

"I… thank you, Roarian, I am honoured," Blaze smiled.

"Here. Let me help you connect with it."

Roarian allowed his sunstone to help the smaller one. Blaze felt it's magic connect to him as he suddenly felt light.

"Whoa... i-is this supposed to happen?"

"Yes, it is," Roarian nodded. "Now that you are connected to it, you will learn how to use it. I would teach you, but I am guessing that there are more important things you need to take care of first,"

"Yes. I need to fly home and get all my family together. I could use some help learning to fly... and I need some help showing one of the images the lake showed me."

"Those images are for yours to see, I cannot help you with that," Roarian said. "but as for flying, THAT I can help you with,"

"Good. Show me what to do."