Unexpected Table Turns (A SA2 Double "What if?" Spin-Off)

Ch. 2. "Interrupted Trip In A Village"

Blaze was a young princess in the Sol Empire and, due to her not having a partner with which to continue the work of her parents, the people were unsure of Blaze complimenting the position of a Queen. Thankfully, with Miles "Tails" Prower, her advisor and technological expert, and Gardon, the butler and official administrator of the palace and its grounds, by her side, the reign went smoothly.

Also, thanks to Tails' position, Cream and Vanilla, Rouge, Sally, Nicole, Renel, Mighty, Ray and the Chaotix were taken in. Amy and Eggman took refuge and made their own bases of operations, from the ground up. Angel Island remained the same, but now populated by a small tribe of Echidnas, reminiscent to Knuckles' ancestors, Knuckles and Sonic, who decided to make the Altar his own "home" or sorts, keeping Knuckles company; while Fang, managing to slip by unnoticed, went his own way, taking a new identity.

...

It was the Blaze's birthday, but, contrary to everyone's expectations, there was no preparation, no order ahead of time for expensive decorations. Despite this, the citizens of the Capital, Solaris City, made their own festival in Blaze's honor. Meanwhile she decided, instead of a fancy birthday party, with all the nobles of the kingdom attending, to have a trip to a village where she had a relative, an aunt named Silvia. With Gardon left in charge, Blaze and Tails embarked on a train to Spring Yard Town, near the village Blaze wanted to visit.

After settling in the privately-designated train car, Blaze got comfortable, hoping to be able to rest, after years of over-the-top birthdays.

"Looks like the people are making their own celebrations." remarked Tails, turning up the radio.

"...despite Princess Blaze's refusal to make an official celebrations, the people, supervised by Gardon's eagle-like vision and the Freedom Fighters' experience in facing dangers, are setting up stands with various items, as if doing their own festival of sorts. It would also seem that Miles Prower, the Princess' assistant, has decided to accompany Her Highness on the trip, which will make any trouble-makers keep their distance for sure..."

A faint thud attracted the attention of both Tails and Blaze.

"Someone is on the roof of the cable car." announced Blaze.

"Wanna investigate it?" asked Tails, summoning his energy cannon.

"Sure, but be careful with that weapon." warned Blaze.

The exited the train car, and, up the ladder, Tails climbed to the top, looking around for anyone.

"Path's clear." said Tails, going up.

With the wind blowing in their faces, Tails and Blaze looked to the train's sides for any signs of one's presence. Suddenly, Tails' ears detected something, when a kick pushed him off. Blaze turned around, and a hand grabbing her face slammed her into the roof, with a knife to her neck.

"Finally found you, Blaze." whispered a voice. "Gotta say, your partner cut it close, but thankfully, he's off-board. Now, it's just us, and the wind."

"Who are you?" asked Blaze.

"Remember Emerald Hill Village? Those kids you burned to a crisp, in that abandoned factory you went when you were little?" asked the attacker.

"Are you one of them?" asked Blaze, grabbing the arm.

The knife dug a bit into Blaze's neck, drawing some blood out, as Blaze flinched.

"Careful, otherwise you'll spoil the fun. No, I'm their friend, or your cousin Lyril, whichever you prefer."

Blaze stopped moving, then struck Lyril with a fireball, getting her off.

"Why you-!" said Lyril, holding her own face.