There Is Light

Chapter Fourteen

__Everyone was standing at the entrance to the castle. Mephiles stayed close to Elise while Athena held Solar for him. Sonic was speaking to Elise, begging that he help with the situation, but Elise refused.
__"This doesn't concern you, Sonic," Elise said. "I don't want you to get involved."
__"Please, I don't mind at all," Sonic pressed on. "It's the least I can do while I'm here."
__Elise shook her head and smiled. "We'll be fine, but if things do get out of hand I will send a messenger to get you for help. Sound good?"
__Sonic stayed quiet until he sighed and looked away. "I guess. Be safe everyone!" He waved everyone goodbye and ran off with his super speed.
__"Let's quickly get you in your normal outfit, princess," Athena said as she removed the purple ribbon from Solar's neck.
__Mephiles took off the clip-on tie from his chestfur and quickly followed the girls into the castle.

__Mephiles stood by Elise as she was standing in front of her throne. She was explaining to her general, tops guards and staff about what may happen. They were told to be ready for an attack from another kingdom. Of course they were all shocked, but the general gave assurance to everyone and they left the throne room.
__Elise then sat down in her throne and sighed. "This is just great. I didn't even think he'd show up at the festival."
__"You weren't even aware of what he wanted from you?" Mephiles questioned.
__Elise shook her head. "He wanted to speak with me alone about that I guess. I don't know how Athena knew what he wanted with me, but it's too late now to think about it."
__Mephiles looked down as Solar was sitting in front of his feet, her tiny ears flattened and her eyes narrowed with fear. "Your people can handle a simple attack can't they?"
__Elise shrugged her shoulders. "Our first attack was when Dr. Eggman tried to kidnap me, but this is different. Some of my people may die." She looked down at her feet, her eyes glistening in sorrow.
__Mephiles didn't look at her. He let his muscles relax as he had them tensed for too long. There's always a few sacrifices when a war erupts. He wanted to tell her but kept quiet. 
__"I suppose you'll be fighting?" Elise straightened up and looked at Mephiles.
__Mephiles looked back at Elise and shrugged his shoulders. "That depends on what Athena wants me to do, but until then I'm staying by you."
__Elise smiled, making Mephiles look away from her. She quietly giggled before she stood up. "It's late now. Let's go."
__Mephiles and Solar followed Elise over to her bedroom. When they got there Mephiles took his place in his chair, Solar sitting in his lap. He looked up as the princess was looking down at him while holding the door open. "At times like this, you sit guard in my room. Give me a minute to change first, though." She then walked in and shut the door. After a few minutes, she opened the door and motioned Mephiles to go in.
__Mephiles held Solar in his arms before he walked in. He looked at Elise and saw that she was wearing a long white nightgown only. She pointed at a cushioned chair at the corner of her room by the closed balcony. Mephiles reluctantly went over to sit in the chair, finding it weird how the cushion sank in under his weight. After setting Solar gently in his lap, he watched Elise tuck herself in her bed. It took her several minutes before she fell asleep.
__Mephiles sighed lightly and looked out the windowed doors that led to the balcony. He could see the moon from where he was. He enjoyed the little light that shined in the dark. Despite everything that they went through, it was quiet and peaceful.
__He looked down at his lap as Solar started quietly snoring. He carefully set his left hand on her side and focused on watching Elise in her bed while listening to the halls and the outside. Why am I even here? I'm caught up in this drama that has nothing to do with me or Iblis. And why am I even letting myself do this?

__The sunlight hurt Mephiles' eyes for a few seconds until they adjusted. Elise was still asleep in her bed, now on her other side. Solar was still asleep as well, but she hadn't moved at all. Mephiles carefully shook her until she opened her eyes. She looked up at Mephiles, her eyes struggling to stay open. She then yawned stretched before she started fly out of Mephiles' lap.
__Mephiles then stood up himself and walked over to the princess. He hesitated before he shook her shoulder a bit. He stepped back when she opened her eyes and sat herself up. Mephiles didn't make eye contact with her when she looked at him. "It's about time to get up, princess," He said awkwardly.
__Elise smiled as she stood up from bed. She led the way to the bathroom. She then told Mephiles that he still had to wait outside the bathroom and went in.
__Mephiles crossed his arms and leaned on the wall. He watched as Solar slowly descended to the floor and sat down beside him. He sighed as he counted down in his head. Three...two...one.
__"Good morning, Mephiles," Agatha greeted as she walked over to him.
__Mephiles looked up at her and nodded. "Morning." How does she always know when I'm here. It's not a set schedule. He uncrossed his arms. "I'm sure you heard?"
__Agatha nodded. "Yes, and it's the first time the actual castle is being attack since a long time ago, back when I was a little girl. These young men the general calls soldiers don't seem like they're ready."
__Mephiles looked at the bathroom door after Agatha walked away. He crossed his arms again and looked down when Solar started singing. He quietly chuckled as he kneeled down and started rubbing her head. "You're something else. How can you act happy when we're about to be attacked?"
__Solar just tilted her head and continued singing, her little bat wings flapping in delight.
__"Cute little fella, huh?"
__Mephiles stood up and turned his head. There was a brown wolf wearing the Soleanna guard outfit. He had sleek black hair but it was filthy, his green eyes showing off, and his long tail was missing patches of fur. Mephiles narrowed his eyes at the wolf. "And you are?"
__The wolf chuckled as he placed his right hand on his chest. "I am Dominic. I'm one of the royal guards," He explained. He then set his hand down his side and narrowed his eyes as he smirked. "You know, I was the only mobian guard before you showed up."
__"You still are," Mephiles informed bitterly. "I'm not a mobian; I have the body of one."
__Dominic laughed more awkwardly this time. "Right. You're Mephiles aren't you? The special guard?"
__"Special?" Mephiles narrowed one eye.
__"Yeah, because you stand by the princess all the time, so you're the special guard."
__"Sure," Mephiles muttered. He then looked down when Solar started climbing up his leg. "What are you doing?"
__Solar stayed clung onto his leg and smiled. "Chow! Chow!"
__Dominic stared at Solar, making a huge grin. He suddenly straightened and made a bigger, more awkward smile. "Athena!"
__Athena had walked over until she was next to Mephiles. She sighed and crossed her arms when she looked at the wolf. "Hello, Dominic."
__"You look lovely this morning!"
__"Mmhm," Athena rolled her eyes and looked at Mephiles. "Just so we're clear, you can fight can't you?"
__Mephiles nodded. "I can, but I find it more difficult now," He pointed at his lock.
__"Poor baby!" Athena said sarcastically. "As long as you know how to fight don't worry about anything else." She then walked away.
__Dominic straightened himself even more and turned around when Athena walked passed him. "Is there anything you need help with? I can accompany you if you need me to!"
__"No thank you!" Athena didn't look back as she continued walking.
__Dominic sighed and started rubbing the back of his head as he turned to face Mephiles. "Women, am I right?"
__Mephiles just stared at him in confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
__"Right--right," Dominic then cleared his throat. "Welp, nice meeting you. I'll be seeing you around." He started walking off in the direction Athena went.
__Mephiles continued to stare after him. He then looked down at Solar. "You know what that was about?"
__Solar shook her head.
__Mephiles sighed and leaned on the wall again. Everyone here is odd apparently. He kept staring at the door until Elise came out and they left for the throne room.