Nimbus' Destined

Epilogue

Sonic easily beat everyone to the tower, but was surprised how close behind him Shard was. "Got super speed too?"

"I wish." Shard replied, stepping past him into the tower.

The top of the tower had been made into a lounge area, with shelves of books and comfy chairs. Shard collapsed into a chair with a sigh. "So you've met Grandfather."

"He doesn't like our mom, does he?" Silver asked.

"He's always been a bit prickly, from what I've heard. And it only got worse when your dad took up the throne and forged an alliance with the Fae. He thinks that the Fae is what caused the whole Lazla mess in the first place."

"Technically, that's true," Shadow responded, "but that doesn't mean that he has to take it out on our mother."

"He just doesn't like change. Uncle Ty changed a lot of the rules placed generations ago, and messed up what he thought was a perfect setup." Mephiles replied.

"What kind of rules?"

"Well, for one, he increased the pay of workers in the palace and took in Fae as townsfolk. With them came new forms of income: Crystal sculptures, potions to assist farmers' crops, etc."

"According to Grandfather, new things mean new risks, which is true, but sometimes the good far outweighs the bad."

Shard sighed. "He also dislikes me... Because not even I know where I'm originally from, he doesn't trust me at all... I remember little bits and pieces... None of them good."

"Whatever it was, it made you very claustrophobic." Spiral added bluntly.

Shard shivered. "I can't STAND being locked up and trapped!... But I'm safe here... With my dad and you guys..."

Silver grinned, pulling out a box from behind him. "Okay, I know this is cheesy, but who's up for a board game while we wait on the adults to finish up their business?"

"Silver, you know that game destroys relationships!"

"I get to be the dog!"

"You're always the dog, Mephiles! Be the shoe for once!"

"No way! You be the shoe! Or a wheelbarrow or something!"

"I'll be the mushroom."

"Oh sure, Venice. Just take the most pitiful-looking piece."

"The piece that has extra powers?"

"WHAT!? No fair!"

"Oh, this is going to be a very interesting game...!"

______________________________________

"You're leaving!?" Sonic exclaimed. "But you just got home, with us!"

"It's only a few days, Sonic." Venice replied, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Amanda is going back to Tarenel to assess it's condition and... I wanna be there for her if it's not good."

"We understand, Venice..." Shadow put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Just come back safely...alright?"

Venice nodded, "Besides, this might just be the chance I need to figure out where I am in this whole thing... I've already said goodbye to Mom and Dad, but if Shard or Mephiles come asking, tell them I'll be back soon."

Sonic watched his youngest brother head out the door, fighting the urge to chase after him. "But if he's gone, who am I gonna tease?"

Silver shook his head. "I'd better start writing the letter to Blaze to let her know I'm alright."

Shadow turned to his twin. "Go see how your girlfriend is doing. I'll bet she'd love to see you."

Sonic smirked. "I guess you're right..."
______________________________________

Silver sat down in the library, a quiet place to sit and let out his thoughts on paper. He pulled out a pen, then carefully began to write out his letter.

"Dear Blaze, (or should I call you Princess Blaze Now?) ... I told you I'd write once I got home, so I am.

It's been a whirlwind since we returned to Sinseria, with defeating Lazla, the celebrations of our return and her defeat, and just trying to make sense of all this... I hope you're adjusting well too.

Our countries are allies, so maybe someday soon I can come and visit, or vice versa. I miss you already, you were the first friend I ever had, and now we're miles away from each other.

Stay safe, and enjoy being back home with your parents. Sincerely, Prince Silver of Nimbus. (It's going to take some time to get used to that...)"

Silver put the pen down and started to fold the paper, then paused. Slowly, he picked up the pen again and wrote one more line.

"PS. I hope this Heartmatch thing is legit, because... I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with you."

He then quickly folded the letter and slipped it into the envelope before he could say anything further. He took a deep breath, then picked it up and went to ask his mother how to mail it.