HAUNTING - Lore Drop
Learning more about the dark cat
Drop is under the cut
The nameless had healed enough to finally wonder without issue. No matter where the hedgehog roamed, the dark cat was not far behind. At first it was fine, but it eventually got on the psychics nerves.
“Look, I appreciate you helping me, and tending to my injuries, but you don't need to follow me”
The creature came closer to him and made it clear that she wanted to follow
“Let me rephrase. I don’t want to be followed” His tone came out harsher than he wanted.
The cat backed off, confused and unable to process. The only thing she wanted, the only thing she was brought to life for, was to take care of him. Why does he not want that?
Before she could press for an answer, he left.
—
The grey hedgehog found himself wondering about familiar paths, treks he would do with Blaze.
He thought about the dark being, and his mind flashed to Blaze. He winces.
“Why are you haunting me, Blaze?” he asked out loud.
As he was walking, he found a rune he previously placed to alter the environment. On instinct, he activates it with his power, but an unusual surge of psychic energy, far more than he knew he was capable of, causes the ground to break out from beneath his feet.
Before he can use his power to catch his fall, a dark cloud speeds in to carry him to safety.
He looks and finds the dark cat once again aided him, she tilts her head in a way to imply a smile, but instead of thanks, his voice raises in anger.
“I didn’t ask for your help!” He kicks out of her grip, leaving the cat confused again. She tries to approach to ask him why he keeps pushing her away. She only manages to make a single step before he turns back and snaps at her.
“STOP FOLLOWING ME, STOP HELPING ME, STOP BEING AROUND ME” He balled up his hands in an attempt to settle his shaking.
The dark being was stunned, unable to move aside from her ears lowering.
“EVERY TIME I SEE YOU, ALL I SEE IS HER!” with so many emotions flowing out, his kinesis sparked, grabbing debris around, he threw it all at the supposed impostor. She turned into a cloud of particles and avoided the attack.
“WHAT ARE YOU?” His attacks become relentless, picking up every car and stone and piece of terrain he can psychically feel, throwing one after the other in quick succession. The being continued to dodge, trying to get closer but to no avail.
“ARE YOU HERE TO HAUNT ME?” the assault becomes erratic and inconsistent. The dark cat looked at the hedgehog's face and saw … guilt?
He screams again, but his voice cracks, eyes wet with rage and pain. “ARE YOU HERE TO REMIND ME OF HOW I FAILED!?”
Those words threw the creature off. Failed? What does he mean? She notices the psychic barrage has gotten weaker, every throw missing and getting sparse. She looks up at him and sees why.
He’s crying, hands shaking, gritting his teeth and his resolve breaking.
The fight stops, the nameless dropping to his knees. The dark being tries to rush to his aid but he raises his hand, markings glowing, threatening to resume his attack if she gets closer.
“I’m sorry” his voice is quiet and strained. His pain spills out with little care.
“I'm so sorry blaze, I did everything to fix things. I thought defeating Solaris would bring you back, or at least fix this destruction, but it wasn't enough.” His head hung low, barely strong enough to look at the shadowy cat.
“I failed you and let you die in vain. It hurts so much already. Please, just leave me alone and let me rot in peace”
The being approached very slowly, so as to not startle him. Very carefully, she kneels down and cups his face and holds his head.
Despite everything, he lets this happen, and asks "What?..."
She wipes his tears with her claw, and she slowly brings his forehead to the gem on her chest.
And a vision of the past is projected into his mind.
—
Blaze is floating in a vacant void, a space between life and death. Sparks emit from her bright body. Her voice booms in this space, echoic and ethereal.
“I can sense you. Come out”
A black mist of particles approaches her and slowly morphs into a reflection of the fiery cat.
"Are you my remains?" the being nods.
"I have a task for you" Blaze takes the creature's hands in her own.
"I've left a dear friend of mine behind. I worry for him"
“Keep him safe. Keep him company. Keep him warm. That's my wish to you.”
—
The nameless jumps lightly as the vision ends. He leaned back to look at the dark cat right in the eyes, he saw no malice in them, only care and compassion.
"She sent you?" It nods.
No more words were spoken, he held on to the blessing he was given, and it held him back.