Mobius; the Sol Sea
Sector MG returned and rested at GKND H.Q. before making the flight to Mobius. They landed their pirate ship, the Witch's Delivery, on the Sol Sea, the territory of ocean that was part of the Sol Kingdom. "Ahhhhh." Kiki basked in the scent of sea salt and adored the fluffy, partly-clouded sky. "It's so nice to be sailing an ocean without pirates gunning us 24/7!"
"Come to think of it," Wendy said, "I wonder if this kingdom was damaged during the war, too? I'd hate to intrude on them while they're still recovering."
"Do we even know where to go?" Oliver asked, fishing over the side. "Solaris didn't give us any specific clues about where the flame was or this 'follower' of his."
"Don't you guys know ANYTHING about the Sol Kingdom?" Maria asked smugly. She was wearing a straw hat with a pink button-up shirt, blue shorts, and sandals.
"Uh, not really. Why, have you been here before?"
"Not necessarily, but Miss Yorkshire told me about it. Her friend, Queen Blaze lives there! She's the one we need to see!"
"A queen, huh?" Phil asked. "Well, it sure is a good thing we have you, Maria. Otherwise, we'd have to go through a bunch of crap just to get an audience."
"And what is THAT supposed to mean?"
"Well, you're… the Mushroom Princess, so-"
"FORMER… princess! And I am going to take the same legal channels as everyone else!"
"It would be nice if we didn't get bogged down with side quests." Romeo said.
"I wouldn't mind sightseeing a bit if that were the case." Wendy replied. "Um…Romeo, where is Victini, anyway?"
"Huh? Wasn't he just…" Romeo looked under him and twisted around.
"(Hey! Back off, birdbrain!)" They looked up at the crow's nest, seeing Victini trying to shoo away some seagulls. "(I came up here to soak some rays, not share my Figbar! Back off!)"
"Hey, is that Figbar from my lunchbox?!" Maria shouted. "Give that back!"
"(You had like a dozen in there, learn to share!)"
"Victini, you need to ask before taking someone's…?" Romeo began scoldingly, but he stopped himself. "Hey… I understood him!"
"You did?" Wendy asked.
"Yeah." Romeo viewed the candle on his chest. "Is it because of this flame?"
"I wish Solaris gave some to us now." Kiki said.
"Well, how do you say 'Give back my Figbar' in Victini's language?!" Maria shouted as she jumped up the mast and atop the sail. Victini ran across the sail as the girl chased, but he flew off the end. Maria tried to jump and toss her hat at him, but missed. "Aaaaahhh!" Maria splashed in the sea.
Oliver sighed, "Grab on, Maria."
"Victini, at least come where we can see you." Romeo called.
"(You can see me plenty from down there.)" Victini returned to the nest.
Romeo sighed. "I can't help but wonder if this is a side-effect of that Darkness Cannon. Why are we even collecting the Newborn, anyway?"
"I'm sure it'll play out for the better somehow." Wendy replied positively.
"I hope. By the way, how come you're wearing the same outfit from yesterday?"
"Huh?" Indeed, she was wearing the same wrapped top and skirt from the desert. "I mean, since we're going to a kingdom this time, it felt like a better chance to show it off. Is something wrong?"
"No, I think it's cute!" he chuckled. "It's just you usually change clothes every day."
"Well, I did make sure to wash them."
"You should take her advice, Romeo." Kiki remarked. "I rarely see your gear in the washer."
"Well, I don't really have sleeves." Romeo said as he bent an arm back. "But I'm always deodorized!"
"No, thanks! You're ruining the sea scent."
Wendy giggled. "If we're going to see a queen, you sure you wouldn't rather change? They must be pretty sweaty from the desert-"
"(Hey!)" Victini shot down and got between them, shouting at Wendy. "(You let him dress and smell the way he wants to!)"
"H-Hey, it's okay, Victini." Romeo said.
"What did he say?"
"Er, nothing."
Victini turned to Romeo and stated, "(Romeo, we can't let this girl travel with us.)"
"And what's your problem with Wendy?"
"(I got a bad feeling about her. She's got a bad chi or something!)"
"You seem to dislike all my friends, anyway."
"(Hey, I can live with these guys, but she's especially bad!)"
"I'm not sure what he's saying, but I feel sort of uneasy." Wendy frowned.
"Wendy, he's just being immature. I just wouldn't take anything he says seriously."
"Yeah, me either." Kiki agreed. "Even Maria's more mature than he is."
"Darn tootin'!" Maria declared once she was reeled up.
"Hmph!" Victini folded arms.
"We're almost at the port town." Kiki announced. "Get ready to dock!"
Soleanna was the largest island in the Sol Sea, and was connected to a greater continent via highways and railroad tracks. The city had an Italian aesthetic, with a fitting tune resounding through the speakers, and the local Mobians and humans were dressed to fit. After docking the ship on the eastern port, the operatives traveled toward the south side of the island, having to follow a tunnel through a small mountain. The tunnel led them to Castle Town, defined by two bell towers and small canals.
The crew blissfully crossed a bridge, seeing a boat rowing under it. A man was playing an accordion for a couple on a date. "You wouldn't think we were on a different planet just from looking." Kiki smiled.
"Romeo, look!" Wendy pointed to a trio of platforms situated in the central water plaza. The platforms were set before a giant torch. "Doesn't that look like the same torch from Solaris' temple?"
"Yeah, but without the magnifying glass. Hey, Victini, you once came here a long time ago, right? Does anything look…?" With one turn, they realized the spirit was no longer with them.
"He was with us in the tunnel!" Oliver yelled, backtracking as he called, "Victini!"
Nearby, at an outdoor café, a koala dressed in a blue guard's uniform carried a bowl of spaghetti seasoned with a type of oil over to his table. He sat down and began to slurp the noodles up. An invisible Victini snuck up to the table and floated onto it. While the koala's eyes were closed, Victini secretly slurped up some of the noodles. "Koy!" He gagged and flushed green. "Victin." And he collapsed on the floor.
"AAH!" screamed the koala. Sector MG heard this and looked. "Where in blazes did you come from?!" Seeing the grounded Victini, they raced over. "And just what are you, anyway?!"
"Excuse me!" The guard looked up. Wendy was the first to arrive, bowing, "We're terribly sorry! We lost sight of him. Victini, what did you do?"
"Ptooie!" He spat at her foot.
"This little runt tried to sneak a bite of my eucalyptus noodles! I'll have you know this flavor is quite sickening to non-koalas."
"Ugh, we're gonna have to keep you on a leash at this rate." Romeo picked Victini up. "How much do you need to eat until you're full?"
"(It smelled good, so I was hungry again!)"
"Whatever that thing is, keep a sharper eye on it. We palace guards don't have it easy as you might think."
"You're a palace guard?"
"Well, of course. This is our standard uniform."
"Um…" Wendy poked her fingertips nervously. "Pardon the awkward introduction, but we're actually sort of here on business."
"Meaning…?"
"We'd like to go to the palace and have an audience with the queen."
"And where is this coming from all of a sudden?!"
"Uh, from Princess Maria!" Romeo grabbed and raised her by the collar. "This is Maria, Princess of Mushroom Kingdom!"
"No, I am not a princess, anymore!" She kicked her feet in defiance.
"Hmm… Chancellor Yorkshire told us of Princess Maria not so long ago." Gardon said. "Your demeanor does resemble her, but it's hardly enough to let you see the queen."
"Could you at least speak to the queen and ask?" asked Romeo. "Actually, there's another reason we're here. I don't suppose you know the story of the Rainbow Flame and Victini, do you?"
"Vic…tini? Rainbow Flame? Why, that's a story from long ago… Her Majesty fondly believes in it. She had always been under the belief that these two characters would one day return to Soleanna. But you mean to imply this ill-mannered creature is the Victory Spirit?"
"Vi, vi!" He nodded assuredly.
"We promise to keep him under control." Kiki said. "Would you please let us come to the palace?"
"Very well… I'll lead you as far as the front gate, but from there, it's all the queen's decision. Though I hope you aren't planning to visit her shirtless!"
"Now, wasn't Queen Blaze friends with Sonic?" Maria inquired. "Wasn't HE always shirtless? And pantsless? And most of us are going sockless, so just try to stop us!"
"Good grief…" Gardon sighed.
Drury
Drury was a peaceful village set on the flat top of a wide hill. A valley of rounded, grassy hills surrounded the village. Drury was as simple as neighborhoods could get, with normal houses segmented between normal yards and roads, but it was this simplicity that created a peaceful community.
However, what made Drury unique was its Muffin Bakery, stationed on a separate hill not far to the east. It baked some of the tastiest muffins you could find and sold them at stalls around the village. Usually, people would flock to the stalls to have some muffins for breakfast. If they wanted other foods, of course, they had to drive to the greater town by following a road that looped through the hills.
The sunrises were certainly a pleasant sight every morning, highlighting the town with a color that would make breakfast a delight. Sadly, the majority of the sky was covered in gloomy clouds, but the clear horizon allowed for the morning light.
"Mmmmmm!" Pea moaned with delight as her little mouth closed around a piece of a blueberry muffin. The 8-year-old had short green hair, a white dress with a large blue ribbon tied in back, and light-purple shorts. She wore blue slip-on shoes. She needed both hands to hold the large muffin. "Augustus sure had a nice breakfast!" she said in a British accent.
"Ja, the very few times he vas around." Henrietta sighed. She was a tall German woman with an hourglass physique, a yellow sweater, and light-blonde hair. "But you probably have much sweeter zings on Sweetopia."
"All those exotic foods lose their appeal after a while. Sometimes, an ordinary muffin is a refreshing taste."
"At least someone in my family is rational."
"Ha ha ha!" Pea laughed as they walked up the street. "You're pretty mad at him, aren't you, Auntie Heinie?"
"Vhat do you think? Vhen he broke away from ze Big Mom Pirates, I thought he vould learn to settle down with his family… but instead, he's more wild and carefree than ever!"
"But haven't you heard what happened at the festival?"
"YES, from ABIGAIL! And HAYLEE! Certainly not from HIM because he never WRITES me! First a pirate, now a Gourmet Hunter, he might as well vork for ze mafia next!"
"But Gourmet Hunting isn't an illegal occupation. I mean, unless you break certain rules."
The two visited a small playground, where Pea sat on a swingset while she finished her muffin. "And the only reason I'm here is because Augustus told me about his hometown. So, he must still treasure this place. He probably wanted me to meet you, too!"
"He doesn't treasure this place as much as he should." Henrietta began to lightly push the swing.
"But he's done a ton of great things, hasn't he? He's helped the KND save the universe several times, including at the festival."
"Vell, I'm certainly proud of him on that front. But most of vhat he does doesn't account to saving the universe!"
"But if he stopped to settle down, he probably wouldn't be able to help them as well."
"You are not supporting me at all!"
"Ha ha! Well, I am a pirate, too~"
"Indeed." She sighed. "I'll admit, vhen you first got here, I vas worried. It's good to see the Big Mom Pirates have some reasonable members."
"I hope you didn't assume we were all like Lucky."
"No, but I find it odd someone like you vould work for them."
"Well, I think that phase is sort of behind me, anyway. Actually… I've been thinking of joining Augustus's crew. He welcomes a lot of children to his crew, so I think I'd fit right in. And the Kiddie Corn could come with me!"
"If you do, promise to keep him in check. You certainly seem more responsible than he is."
"Well, I am 28."
"The irony is ever-so obvious."
"That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good swing! Wheeeee! Wheeeee!"
Henrietta smiled at the child's joy. To her dismay, the clouds were now covering the sun, turning this into a rather dull morning. Furthermore, she could feel the chill rising in the air. "Pea, are you cold? Those clothes can't be too warm."
"I suppose it is getting a bit nippy. But I'm fine so far."
…
Miyuki and Suki landed the ship close to the larger town. Suki used her icebending to create a sleigh pulled by two ice-made reindeer. "Why did we have to make the sun go away, sissy?" Suki asked.
"Sunlight hurts my eyes." Verglora hissed, the mask rested on Miyuki's lap. "Now it should be much easier to focus. By the way, why don't you put me back on? The more you wear me, the better we can adapt. Unless you plan to wear me on your pelvis~"
"Just because you're Zanifr's child, I'm not going to spoil you. Heck, it's because you're his child that I can't. Not until I can fully understand you."
"Meh. You're just a pussy. Haha, get it? Because I'm-"
"BAD mask!" Suki bonked it with an ice hammer. "Miyuki-chan, we're not gonna hurt too many people, right?"
"No. But I'd like you to help detain anyone that tries to interfere."
"Okay…"
Once they arrived at the village, Suki dispersed the sleigh. "Wait!" Verglora yelled. "I can feel a presence… Miyuki, put me on."
"Are you tricking her?" Suki glared.
"No, I really feel a presence. If you put me on, we can pinpoint it better."
"Okay…" Miyuki calmly placed the mask on. She was slowly able to detect a light-green aura a few blocks away. Miyuki followed the presence with Suki worriedly following. Seeing the park around the corner, Miyuki recognized Mrs. Fizzuras, alongside the green-haired Kokiri child from the Big Mom Pirates.
Miyuki removed Verglora and approached them. The family looked at the visitors curiously. "Guten tag, girls." Henrietta smiled. "You must be visitors! Do you need something?"
"You're Cassiopea of the Big Mom Pirates, right?"
"Oh?" Pea perked up. Henrietta stopped swinging her. "…You were one of our prisoners. One of the Sector IC operatives, right?"
"Yeah. I saw on social media that you would be here." Miyuki held up her phone: there was a picture of Pea smiling with Henrietta. I'm at my aunt's house! It's nice here!
"Ahh." Pea blushed. "Well, this is a nice surprise."
"I happened to find this post last night. And luckily, the KND website mentions where Augustus lives."
"Used to live is more like it." Henrietta huffed. "So, vhat is it you need?"
"Pea, do you know anything about this?" Miyuki held up Verglora.
"A… mask? It's true that I make masks, but I don't recognize that one."
"Then do you know anything about the Four Maidens?"
"Four… Maidens?"
"Drop the act, kid!" Verglora hissed. "You're the Spring Maiden! We know you are!"
"Sp-Spring Maiden?"
"Just spill vhat it is you need!" Henrietta demanded.
"We need the Spring Maiden to remove her seal on this mask."
"Okay?" Pea nervously climbed off the swing. "But I… don't know anything about that."
"You can't fool me! That aura inside you is familiar. It actually… feels like Majora's. But sweeter! It smells gross!"
"Majora? Are…are you the one that… Dad told me about?"
"Your dad?" Miyuki questioned.
"My dad told me a long time ago that he had a friend named Majora. He said that Majora had the same powers he did… and that he made a very special mask."
"What did… your dad look like?"
"Well, he was an adult Korok. His face was an orange leaf with this silly smile."
"S…Sanula? Your dad was Sanula?"
"No, his name was Sanuleaf."
"Not a cleverly disguised pseudonym." Verglora remarked.
"What else did your dad tell you?"
"He said that someone might bring the mask some day… and that I might need to do something for it. But he disappeared years ago."
"Then he knew you were the Spring Maiden." Miyuki affirmed. "You have to remove your seal on this mask."
"But I don't know how to! Dad never told me anything about that."
"Hmm…it makes sense that you wouldn't remember anything about your past life. But maybe there's a way to get in touch with the Maiden's spirit. Could I touch your head for a second?"
"Uh…okay?" Pea squinted her eyes nervously as Miyuki calmly approached. She gently touched Pea's head and looked into her past. However, she could only rewind as far back as Pea's birth from a Korok woman, though she could briefly make out a light-green soul going into the womb.
"Hm…it seems like the Maiden intentionally reincarnated in you. But that still doesn't help us contact her."
"I've got it, Miyuki!" Verglora exclaimed, startling Pea back. "Turn her into a mask and wear her! Perhaps then we'll be able to draw out the Spring Maiden and break the seal!"
"Alright, I am not liking the look of this!" Henrietta drew a candycane sword. "Just vhy do you intend to break zis seal?!"
"It'll be fine, I promise." Miyuki said. "I'll change you back afterward. Just… hold still for a second." She put the mask on.
"No!" Pea stepped backward. "I don't think I want to!"
"Don't worry, I'm not going to-"
Henrietta slashed her sword, to which Miyuki jumped back. She drew her scythe to slice the weapon, but Heinie hardened it with Haki, managing to stall the heftier weapon. Pea transformed into a sphinx and conjured a barrier to block the Crystals off. "Amidst the arid lands, my twin hills bring salvation! What am I?"
"It's her riddle power!" Miyuki realized, the girls unable to break free of the barrier.
"Aunt Heinie, let's run to my ship!" Pea yelled as she pranced away, the woman following.
"Ve must call ze KND about this!"
"Sigh, I was afraid this would happen." Miyuki said.
"Looks like we have no reason to hold back now!" Verglora exclaimed. "Hee hee, how exciting!"
Soleanna Palace
The palace was situated on an island south of Castle Town. The palace had large white structures with mainly purple, flat, conical and hemisphere-shaped roofs. Some buildings held up large gray spheres, and some had golden, spear-like structures on top of them.
The floors were decorated with golden birdlike designs, but there were several portraits and statues of cats. "I'm getting a bad feeling from this place." Phil said.
"I guess I should've mentioned Queen Blaze was a cat." Maria smirked.
"Pardon me, but is there a problem with that?" Gardon asked.
"I-I'm just allergic to cats, hehe."
"I should hope such allergies don't arise around Her Majesty."
"Me either." Phil quickly pulled out one of his pills and ate it.
The palace throne was set on an altar, surrounded by seven pillars with colored, rectangular gems. A huge, sapphire flame burned within the giant window behind the throne. A violet cat queen smiled at her guests and walked down. Her hair was braided up in feather shapes, the upper half of her dress was purple while the lower gown was white, and she wore dark-pink high-heels.
Wendy, Kiki, and Oliver felt the urge to bow to the queen, though when the other three didn't do so, Kiki shot them a glare. In fact, Phil seemed to nervously hide behind Romeo. "Please rise." Queen Blaze instructed. "Welcome to my palace, Sector MG. I've heard about you six from Cheadle. If I remember, your names are… Wendy, Romeo, Oliver, Kiki, Philip, and of course Princess Maria."
"FORMER Princess Maria, Your Highness~" Maria bowed. Philip eye-rolled.
"Hehe, being directly addressed by a queen gives me such a tingly feeling!" Kiki wriggled.
"It wouldn't be a first for you, Mandy's Best Friend~" Phil teased.
"KYAH, don't mention that!"
"That reminds me." Wendy began. "Did your kingdom hold up well during the war?"
"Of course." She nodded. "Our KND sector worked with the army in evacuating the citizens, so we could avoid the Kremlings' weapon. Naturally, I was more than a match for any pirates that tried to attack us." She lit her hand with a blue flame. "Our city suffered some damage by the time we returned, but everything worked out okay."
"That's good. Oh, and we're grateful to you for having us, Queen Blaze!" Wendy blushed. "Sorry, I forgot to say that."
Blaze giggled. "There's no need for that. You're certainly different from him."
"Uh…who might you be talking about?"
"The truth is, I foresaw this meeting during last year's Festival of the Sun. The one day a year where God Solaris descends to grace us. During the last festival, he implanted me with a secret message: he told me that the Rainbow Flame and Victory Spirit would return in the company of my old friend, the Blue Wind. That would be Sonic the Hedgehog. Of course, Sonic died roughly 15 years ago, so he was likely referring to Sonic's reincarnation."
"Are you saying…" Wendy pointed at herself sheepishly, "that person is me?"
"Yes." Blaze approached her with a friendly smile, tipping Wendy's chin up. "Your soul is different, but I can feel Sonic's chi inside you."
"I was always told that I run as fast as Sonic, but I didn't think…"
"I always knew you were amazing, Wendy!" Romeo grinned. "I guess I wasn't the only hero in a past life!"
"Hahahaha! I don't know how to feel! Sonic was such a famous hero, but I don't know if I do him justice…"
"I have no doubt that you do." Blaze said. "And I'm glad to be able to meet you."
"Ti! Ti-tini!" Victini flew in Blaze's face angrily. ("Hey, quit obsessing over her, I'm the real star here!")
"Victini, stop!" Romeo pulled him away.
"And this would be Victini." Blaze frowned. "Forgive me for not acknowledging you."
"We've been trying to teach him manners…" Romeo blushed.
"I have to wonder if this one has seen me before? Have you ever shown up during any of the Nintendian Olympics?"
"(Um…yeah, I think so.)" Victini scratched his head. "(In fact, you do kinda look familiar!)" Romeo translated for him.
"I remember a few incidents where some of the competitors suddenly displayed a boost in performance. I can only imagine that Victini was responsible. Those people were presumed least likely to succeed in those events. But some of them would suffer injuries or accidents thereafter. Such is Victini's curse."
"C-Curse?" Romeo stuttered. Victini seemed to shirk in shame.
"Victini grants good luck, but good luck doesn't come free. When Victini grants good fortune, the person must pay bad fortune in turn."
"Bad fortune?!" Wendy gasped. "Solaris didn't tell us that!"
"(That's why I only grant luck in small doses! If someone's struggling, I give them one tiny ounce of luck, just enough for them to do good. So, bad things don't always happen. Unless they get first place or something…)"
"But if that's true, then I couldn't use you!" Romeo said. "Even if I became your Guardian, why would I use your power if I would be cursed with bad luck? In fact… what about Natsu? Didn't he borrow a ton of your power?"
"Viiii…" He bowed his head sadly. "(It was thanks to him that I learned about my curse. I lent him too much luck… and because of that, too many bad things started happening to him. I had to keep him constantly powered so he wouldn't die from bad luck. But before we defeated that ice demon, it put a curse on Natsu. He forced a black mask over his eyes, turning them red. Red eyes are a sign of misfortune, and because of it, I couldn't grant him any more luck. Natsu only lived long enough to relight the Sacred Flames… but without those flames or my chi, his own Fire Chi became incompatible with his body, so he would burn from the inside-out.)"
"He was cursed with… Red Eyes?" Wendy whispered.
Victini glared. "(You have the same smell that he did when he was cursed. That's why I don't like you. I don't want you cursing Romeo!)"
"Wendy isn't a curse!" Romeo argued. "She's a great leader who always helps us!"
"Y…Yeah." Wendy's choco eyes curved as she spoke passionately. "I'm sorry for what happened to Natsu, but I don't appreciate being treated like that. I threw my bad luck aside a long time ago!"
"Hm…" Blaze closed her eyes. "Perhaps I should've stayed silent. I've rekindled some unpleasant feelings."
"No, it's alright." Romeo said. "But, you know… Wendy is right. If she could make it this far while having no luck, then I shouldn't use luck to cheat. Maybe that's why I need to gather the Sacred Flames. I need to make up for Natsu's mistake and earn them fairly!" He thrusted a determined fist.
"Well said." Blaze smiled. "But that does answer my other question: while Solaris prophesized that you would arrive one day, he did not say why. Why are you searching for the Sacred Flames exactly?"
Romeo explained the quest. "You have to do that much to become a Firstborn Guardian? Hah. Back in my day, all they had to do was beat a trial or a boss and boom. Much too easy."
"Yeah, these new standards are pretty dumb." Maria commented.
"Your Highness, is that the Sacred Flame there?" Oliver pointed at the massive flame in the back.
"Yes. Along with my seven Sol Emeralds, it has been treasured by my family for generations. During the Festival of the Sun, we would hold a great race, and the victor of that race would earn a piece of the flame. After all, we Mobians are masters of speed."
"Does that mean other people hold the flame inside them?" Romeo asked.
"Not necessarily. The Sacred Flame doesn't resonate with people the same as it did Natsu; not even myself or my daughter. Instead, those people keep a part of the flame in a lantern at their house."
"Maybe it's just a chosen one thing?" Kiki shrugged.
"Perhaps. Regardless, I doubt you would like to wait until the festival, so why don't we hold a race now?"
"Right now? So suddenly?" Wendy panicked.
"After we get prepared, of course. Here's an overview of how it'll play out: the race is divided into four segments. It begins with a motor race through town and up the highway, followed by a footrace up the canyon, followed by a flight race toward the coast, using whatever craft or ability you have at your disposal, and finally a waterbike race to the castle."
"I have to do all that?!" Romeo exclaimed.
Blaze laughed. "If you would like to, you could certainly try. However, this is meant to be a team race."
"Oh, really? But I thought only I had to prove myself."
"You can prove yourself by having a reliable team. Even if only four of you can compete."
"Heh, it's fine by me! My team was built for this kind of race!"
"Hah, it's like you set it up just for us!" Phil laughed.
"Are we allowed to use our bending?" Wendy fist-pumped with enthusiasm.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Blaze nodded. "When would you like to get started?"
"When CAN we get started?" Romeo smirked.
"I'll need at least an hour and a half to clear roads and such. I'll also need to prepare my 'team.'"
"That's plenty of time for us to prep up!"
"Then I'll get started right away. For now, please enjoy the commodities of the palace. Gardon, could you show them to the guest quarters?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Boy, staying in a palace!" Maria cooed as Gardon led them away. "I feel like an actual princess!"
"Geez, Louise." Phil sighed.
"I'd best not underestimate these kids." Blaze stroked her chin. "I'll need to send for her…"
A couple hours later
The message was quickly sent across the island as the streets were clearing and people were lining up for the surprise race. Sector MG waited at the castle's docks as the queen herself marched out with two people behind her: a silver hedgehog man and a silver cat girl, who had two pigtails in feather shapes, and golden eyes like her parents. Furthermore, Blaze was wearing a purple tracksuit with dark-pink running shoes.
"Whoa, you look so different!" Wendy beamed.
"You don't expect me to race in that hefty dress, do you?"
"Are you entering the race, too, Your Majesty?" Kiki asked.
"It's only fair that you face the fastest woman in Sol Kingdom. Anyhow, allow me to introduce my family, who will also be competing. This is my husband, Silver."
"Hey there!" Silver greeted spiritedly. "I'll be competing in the flight race."
"And this is my daughter, Cinder. She leads the KND in this country."
"A pleasure meeting you!" Cinder fist-pumped, hands aflame.
"N-Nice to, meet you." Phil shirked.
"Calm down, Phil." Ollie said.
"Have you decided which events you'll do?" Blaze asked.
"Yeah." Wendy nodded firmly. "I'll be in the footrace."
"Then I look forward to racing you, Sky Dragon. I witnessed your race in Field Day, but there are no bending restrictions this time. Go as fast as you can!"
"Haha! I'll do my best to not disappoint you!"
"And, I'll be in the motor race." Phil rose his hand.
"Then you'll be against me." Cinder smirked. "What kind of vehicle will you be using?"
"Uh, my Philmobile."
"Sounds interesting." The princess chuckled. "Let's see if it can beat my Cinder Cycle! …Sniff, sniff." She leaned closer and sniffed. "Why do you smell like rat?"
"Cinder, don't be rude!" Blaze stated.
"S-Sorry! It's just making me hungry…"
"Hahaha!" Phil blushed. "'Guess I should use… deodorant."
Kiki coughed, "I'll be in the flight race! I'm super swift on my broom. What'll you be using, Mr. Silver?"
"My psychicbending! Good luck!"
"Which means I'll be in the waterbike race." Romeo decided. "I've ridden mountain bikes a few times, so I've gotten some experience!"
"They're completely different, dude." Phil remarked.
"I should hope my chosen waterbiker arrives soon." Blaze said, looking out at sea. "I would hate to replace her with…ah! That must be her!"
"Oiiiiiii!" The sectormates turned, seeing a waterbike zooming in 'S' shapes up to the castle. "I was busy with somethin'! I ain't too late, am I?"
"No! You're just in time!"
The operatives gaped: not only did the waterbike have a raccoon design, its driver was unmistakable: "SHEILA?!"
Sheila performed an epic leap and launched herself onto the shore. "Strewth! What're you doin' here, Sector MG?"
"US?!" Maria exclaimed. "Where did YOU come from?"
"I had my daughter use the KND to get in contact with Sheila." Blaze explained. "I would be remiss if Sol Kingdom's fastest waterbiker didn't partake in this."
"Since when was that a fact?!" Romeo yelled.
"Hee hee!" Sheila grinned. "I visited Blaze after the Pirate War! Me mum and her were best mates back in the day. So, Blazey, what's the occasion?"
"I would like you to race this boy on a waterbike."
"Hah, then let's get started! Loser has to buy food!" Sheila ecstatically jumped on her bike and zoomed away.
"SHEILA, I need to explain the rules!" Blaze yelled. "Ugh, be right back!" She used her bending to boost and skid across the water.
Romeo shared a glance with Victini. "I'll sure be lucky if I can win this…"