This Scratch project is a part of a story series. You can read the story down below in the "Notes and Credits"
{Setting: Soleanna Castle, 10 Years in the past…} Silver holds out his arms and allows the Duke to place Elise into his grasp. The moment the Duke’s daughter leaves his hands, he drops to his knees, hunching over as Silver stares at him somberly, recognizing the appearance in the man’s face. He’s seen it before…but the man’s persistence to hold on to what life he has left despite his ailing state takes Silver by surprise. Duke of Soleanna: *lifts his head again to look at Elise* … *tucks her dangling arm into her lap, then begins to lovingly stroke her hair as he manages to smile* Silver: … *as he watches this, he feels a tightness take hold of his chest, and his quills lowering* Duke of Soleanna: That’s a good girl, Elise. Remember…be brave. Don’t cry, no matter what happens. Otherwise your tears will call forth the flames inside you. Become a strong queen who…doesn’t cry, no matter…what happens. *his hand starts to slow, stopping to cradle Elise’s head* And…live…happily… *tilts forward* Silver: ! *turns to move Elise away as he witnesses the Duke fall to the floor, then remain still against the tile* . . . Silver’s head then turns and he looks at Elise’s peaceful face…as the events that had led up to this all set in at once. It becomes clear that Shadow was right, and Silver realizes not only who the true “Iblis trigger” was, but that he’d been putting the Princess, who carried The Flames of Disaster inside of her, in danger all along in his pursuit of Sonic. He wasn’t saving the future. He had been helping ensure its demise. Silver: … *shamefully lowers his head as his eyes shut* Eventually, Silver would find his way to the outside of the castle, and Shadow soon followed…finding him still holding the young princess close. Silver: *turns to Shadow* Did you do it? Shadow: Yes, and you? Silver: … *slowly looks away and nods* …yes, the “Flames” are properly sealed. It’s done. … *approaches a nearby tree and as he kneels, he carefully lies Elise down against the base of the tree* … *staring on at her in a melancholy manner* Shadow: … *looks at the glowing scepter of darkness in his hand, then steps up by them and kneels as well to set the scepter down beside Elise* Silver: ? *glances at the scepter* … *looks at Shadow* You’re going to leave it behind? Shadow: Yes. *lifts his head* I already know what becomes of it in the future... *gazes over at Silver, then stands up as he holds out the green chaos emerald* …it’s time to return. Silver: *still feels his eyes drawn towards Elise as he hesitantly stands up* …y-yes… *finally manages to turn away* …of course. *walks over to Shadow* They both bring their emeralds together, then lift them up and yell out in unison. Shadow & Silver: Chaos…CONTROL! Another portal forms, and Shadow immediately turns from Silver, then leaps through it, leaving Silver behind, likely expecting him to follow…but he remains frozen in place. Silver: … *looks at Elise again* Elise: *peacefully resting on the tree, adjusting in her sleep as she turns her head* Zzz… Silver: *thinks: Why am I…? I can’t stay here. I need to go back.* … *turns away from Elise again and starts towards the portal* But then, the faintest voice, near inaudible, catches his ear… Elise: Father… Silver: ! *his head raises as his eyes widen.* … *a grip takes ahold of his heart, tugging at it, and he can’t help looking back at her again* The hedgehog doesn’t know why, but a deep sorrow and sense of empathy for the little girl comes over him…and something Blaze had once told him about the chaos emeralds replays in his mind. Silver: … *brings out the blue emerald and stares at it briefly before walking back over to the princess* He kneels down once more, and takes her small hand into his. Resting the shimmering emerald into her hand, he gazes at Elise with caring eyes and speaks to her softly… Silver: It’s a lucky charm. He helps lower the emerald into her lap, keeping her hand by it. Taking his final look, he watches her toss and turn in her sleep, then he finally feels free to stand. Before Silver can feel held back again he turns away, hurries towards the portal, and leaps through it. Unbeknownst to Silver, this simple act of kindness would have a ripple effect…and permanently alter the course of time.
