As her metalworking hammer met burning iron, she turned away to keep sparks from getting into her amber eyes.

Holding onto the near-melting metal didn't hurt one bit. She assumed that fire sparks getting into her eyes wouldn't either. Still, she didn't want to test that theory.

The smoldering heat of the volcano felt almost calming on her skin. It was dormant, but - as she let her mind wander as her hands worked - she wondered if it would still be as calming if it suddenly erupted.

A pointless thought, really. Nothing would come of it.

"You never use weapons." The man behind her noted. Blaze looked at her father. The shadows of the rock covered his face- not that she was ever scared to look at him. He stepped towards her, his metal leg brace making an ear-grinding noise.

"I'll get you oil for that," Blaze said, walking over to one of the various tables. "As you were saying?"

Hephestus cleared his throat. "I just mean that a weapon would benefit you greatly." He continued as his daughter handed him the oil. "Where powers fail, a good weapon can succeed."

Blaze smiled. "I was actually making this one for me. There's been a sense telling me that a weapon will come in handy soon." She went back to working on her craft- a knife with barbs along the blade.

Her smile faltered. "Father, may I inquire about something? It might seem very silly." Hephestus nodded.

"Mother is seeing someone- considering marriage. If I were to gain a stepfather, would you..." Her mouth felt dry- though she couldn't tell if it was from the heat or her nervousness.

"Would you pass your fatherly duty to him?" She finished.

Hephestus was silent for a moment. Blaze held her breath, burying her body with bending new barbs into her blade.

"No. I understand that I am not the greatest father- none of the gods are. Still, all of my children are treasures. Whether they don't see that for themselves or not. Like all of them, you are a piece of gold. All you need is a moment to display your glorious worth."

Blaze felt her chest become ten times less heavy.

"Thank you, Father." His words resonated in her body, sinking into her brain and traveling down her spine to the tips of her tail and ears. She knew that a day would come when she could show her glory- becoming more than just a wise Princess of the Sol Empire. Or the calm daughter of the fire god.

She could be Blaze, a warrior, a peacemaker, or a normal girl. As normal as the life of someone like her could be.

As much as she loved her empire and subjects, she yearned for life outside of the castle's teachings. She wanted adventure. To bite cold air and never set it loose. To live loose and free- if not for just a moment.

Maybe it was a silly fantasy, but it was her silly fantasy. And she'd hold onto it for as long as she could. Until hope dwindled to nothing like a candle flame being snuffed by the hands of time.

Soon, she had finished her blade and started down the volcano to cool it. She continued to think of her fantasy. Of when it would come true.

Maybe it would take weeks, or years.

Or, as a member of the castle staff rushed to her and said she had guests, perhaps it would take a few minutes.

She didn't recognize most of the people in the castle. She knew Silver, and that was it. She smiled at the guests and introduced herself. "Why have you requested to see me?" She asked.

One of the teens stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Princess Blaze, we are from the Chaos Dimension, and we believe that you are part of a prophecy we have received." She said. "My name is Sally Acorn, Princess of the Acorn Kingdom. This is Knuckles and Tails." She said.

Sally glanced anxiously at Silver and the god beside him.

Blaze smiled, bowing back to Sally. "Well, greetings to you and your companions as well." She looked at Silver. "It's wonderful to see you, my friend." Sally seemed relieved that at least those two knew each other.

Silver gestured to the other Hedgehog. "This is Shadow." He said casually.

Blaze stared for a moment, gaping. "Shadow? As in- in the god of grief?" She asked, her voice quieter.

Shadow nodded. "I assure thy shock is reasonable. Yet 'tis a pleasure to meet thou. Silver discourses oft of thou." Blaze smiled politely.

"Well, Lord Shadow, it is such an honor to meet you." She said.

The god shook his head. "No want to speak to me 'Lord'. We are all a part of the like prophecy." He corrected.

Silver giggled a bit. "He's a very relaxed god, don't worry." He assured. "He lets me call him his brother." He added, glancing over to the other hybrids near them.

Knuckles clicked his tongue, thinking about how badly Amy was going to fangirl over meeting an actual god. Let alone one that had never been documented. He knew he'd have to keep her in check to keep the Hedgehog from bombarding Shadow with question after question. Maybe she'd at least keep her vigorous note-taking to herself.

Tails felt mystified looking at Shadow, in a way that worried him in the pit of his stomach. The aura around the god was heavy and dark, like fangs were digging into his heart. Like power was drawing itself from the dark feelings in his own mind.

Shadow was the god of grief, after all. And there was certainly something for that realm to feed on in him. It made him feel uneasy, and Shadow seemed to sense how Tails felt as well.

His brilliant red eyes scanned the others and landed on him. He also noticed Knuckles specifically, his brow furrowing. Tails knew why, from what he understood of Knuckles' life.

'I might be quite powerful around these hybrids, And the others of the bodement would they're like 'em.' Shadow thought. And he nodded politely at them.