The Ruler

The courtyard was empty as Tails took long strides across the sand, Umbra struggling to keep up with him. The teen's shoulders were tight, and he hadn't spoken since he excused himself from dinner. Overhead, grey clouds gathered, forming the fringes of a storm. Silence hung between Umbra and Tails like a field of electricity.

"Tails! Emperor Tails!" a young voice cried out, causing Tails to flinch.

Tails paused, watching a serpentine child bolt into the courtyard. She wore a mud-splattered gown and was barefoot. She met Tails with a hug, attaching herself to his leg.

Tails's emotionless expression turned to a gentle smile. Shaking the haunted look off his face, he knelt in front of the child, brushing her bangs away from her eyes.

"Hello, dear," he murmured smoothly, bringing her hand up to his mouth and pecking it. They both giggled, and Umbra was starting to think this was some kind of inside joke between the two of them.

"Mr. Emperor, do you feel okay?" the tiny girl asked, her squeaky voice filled with concern, "You looked sad."

"I'm fine, Quin. Don't worry about me," Tails replied, "How is your mother doing? Is she feeling better?"

Quin nodded, wrapping her arms around Tails's neck. "Yup! She's not sick anymore. That medicine you let me have really helped! Are you sure we don't need to pay you?"

"Of course not. I have all the money I could want," Tails laughed, shaking his head,"I'm glad your mother's well again. I was worried for her. Are your grandparents still going strong? I've been meaning to visit them." Tails stuck out his tongue playfully, "In disguise, of course. I'll assume my secret identity."

"Mr. Emperor, I made you a gift!" Quin squealed, jumping up and down. "Bend down!" Tails complied, and she slipped a necklace of flowers over his head.

Tails touched the pink flowers with a grateful smile. "It's amazing!" he cried, "Thank you so much!"

"The flowers look like your hair! My momma said it would be okay if I picked them from our garden. My friend taught me how to tie the stems together."

Tails rubbed his chin. "Which one- the little girl with the red-pattern dress or the girl who sits by you in school?"

"My school friend!"

"Oh, tell her I said hi," Tails said, clapping his hands. He stood up, patting Quin on the head. "How about you run to the temple and grab some food for your family- tell the cook it's under my orders."

"Okay! Goodbye, Emperor!"

Umbra smiled, the scene warming his heart. It was interesting to see a ruler so involved and caring with his people.

Tails watched Quin skip out of sight, letting out a heavy sigh. His weary expression returned, turning his head towards Umbra.

"I've..." he trailed off, "I've gotta show you something important."

Tails produced a knife from around his waist, slicing into the air. A portal crackled to life, its arcane light flashing on Tails's dark skin.

"Let's go."

Author's Note- if you guys have any questions about the nfh verse or the characters, please do ask!!!!!! im happy to answer anything youre confused about