It's been long enough

"Well, yeah, but... it hurts. I know what it feels like to hurt. I don't want anyone to ever have to hurt."

An impossible task, but it was a dream of his. A utopia, where nothing went wrong, nobody got hurt. Everyone achieved their dreams, and the world was a beautiful place, surrounding by all kinds of nature. That was his biggest goal of all, ever since the first time he'd seen awful things happen to people who wandered too far into the city.

Yet... he was realizing that it wasn't possible.

"I'll try. It just hard, knowing that so many people are screaming, and crying for their lives. It kills me a little bit inside every time I have to hear it."

Eyes close. Just thinking about it was giving him a little anxiety.

"Even if you could somehow wish everyone's problems and worries away, new things would still appear. New threats- like disease, natural disasters, and people made issues... Even on smaller scales, people can't be happy all the time! Lovers will break up, family members may die of old age..."

Finally the mug was down on the table again, a nervous claw tapping besides it.

"You can't go around fixing everyone's problems while ignoring your own. Firstly because it's quite literally impossible. But second, because you wont get to live your own life... When would you finally give yourself time to enjoy it? To explore and experience new things? To love and laugh? Or even for grief?" A sigh.

"You are asking too much of yourself, and that is not necesarilly a bad thing. I can tell you are nice and kind! But, you have to settle for more realistic goals, and take one thing at a time, as it comes."

"...I sleep on a concrete floor."

Some people slept on stone. But Silver's shelter was in a tall skyscraper, there was minimal furniture. Shelves for keeping his important things. There was also a desk, but he didn't know what it was used for. Last but not least, his violin in the corner of the room. That was just his residence, and he rarely left it unless it was to look for supplies.

"It's... indescribable. I can't describe the taste at all. It's liquid, but it doesn't taste like ash. It tastes in a way I've never had before. It's really good, but is it really okay for me to have such a luxury? I'm not sure I deserve this, while the people of my present are still suffering all the time."

There was a level of guilt. Water in Crisis City could be made safe, but it would still have a terrible taste. This was the most eye opening thing he'd ever drank. He wanted to savor every last drop.

Robin hoped not to come out like a jerk with that, he was simply taught to hold a pragmatic point of view about these things. Besides how was one supposed to help others be happy when they weren't happy themselves?

"From what you say, it sounds like you may suffer from survivors guilt... I think I read about that somewhere. My point is, don't stop living just because others have it harsher than you do- Or else you will never be able to live your own life. And wouldn't that be a tragedy in on itself?"

If he learned, other people could learn. Maybe if people learned these kinds of things, it wouldn't be a world ruled with fear. The ordinary citizen could stand up, and say they knew how to do things as well. It was just a matter of getting them to listen to him. Everyone was so afraid, that they often ran, or threw things at him until he went away. It hurt, but he didn't want anyone else to feel that kind of hurt.

"I guess magic must be pretty cool."

For the first time, he lifted the drink he'd been given. The scent was unlike anything he'd experienced. It was pleasant, though indescribable. Upon taking a careful sip, he was flooded with all kinds of feelings. Silver's ears stood on end, the warmth of the drink taking his entire body over. It was like it never rained on him to begin with.

Comfortable. Sweet, which didn't exist back in Crisis City.

Privacy was, indeed, a very important thing for a person to have. Privacy, security, food, a warm place to stay at and rest. Robin had forgotten how much they had to work to get their parents to get off of their back... Regardless, different people, different challenges. They could tell this hedgehog had been through literal hell.

"Do you like your drink? It used to be a favorite of mine when I was a kid. My tutor would bring me here after classes, here I could pretend I was just like the other kids- As long as I didn't get out of my tutor's line of sight. He is a very responsible man, despite the stereotypes about his type."

The raven would go on to take another sip of his cup. Closing their eyes and chosing to stay quiet for a moment as they conjured back some memories into their mind. As a kid, things seemed to be way too complicated sometimes. Things that nowadays were so trivial, and that they even looked backwards to with nostalgia.

She could admire that, it just went to show that those in the past could struggle too. Blaze had always imagined they could, though she figured it would be in different ways than the troubles of Crisis City. This was a beautiful world, not unlike the dimension she had originally been from.

Seems the world didn't stop moving, even before it had been destroyed.

"There's no reason for apologies. You must work very hard, so I think you should give yourself more credit."

Magic, was that what they called it? Perhaps there was someone else in the world who could do what was considered an abnormal thing where she was from. Perhaps, there were many people who could do it, if the raven was studying it from a book, as someone must have written it.

"I'm afraid the concept of studying wasn't possible for me. I had to learn to manage my power all on my own. Is it called magic in this period?"

How fascinating.

"If that's the case, you could say I'm experienced in fire magic. In that experience, I've learned that many people are afraid of it, so it's not something I commonly advertise."

A bow of the head, which was a show of respect in the Sol Dimension.

"You must have come from beyond the wild lands, yes? It would explain your foreign way of dressing, and traditions in other kinds of magic- Of course, correct me if im wrong."

They would find another opportunity to warn them about using magic that hasnt been sanctioned by the arcane towers. For now, the avian would just try to change the conversation topic in an attempt to keep the two of them safe.

Being alone was something she'd grown accustomed to. She'd spent years in a destroyed world, all by herself. Nowadays, she found herself almost fascinated by watching life. Both, in the past, and the future, it piqued her curiosity. Blaze didn't need to be a part of it at all.

It gave her a new respect for life. Something she'd almost lost, before meeting her companion.

Her attention was drawn towards someone, face buried in a book. Not unlike how she commonly was, searching for a method to defeat Iblis. What they were reading, she wasn't sure. But it seemed that they'd caught her looking.

"I apologize, I didn't mean to stare."

How unfitting for a proper lady. She'd have to rectify her behavior.

Talon tapping nervously on the floor, they didn't realize they had company until they called out to them, beak perking out of their book.

"Ah- Ah sorry! I was uuuh- I was too absorbed to notice you!" They finally set the book down.

"I- I didn't mean to be rude! I hope I didn't uuuh... Ignore you for too long on accident." Blink.

"This here? It's an old book that I lended from the tower's library. I'm preparing to take the 'test', and the first requirement for it, is to pass a very complicated exam on whichever subject I am specializing on- The problem is, I havent decided on what I want to specialize on, yet. And the deadline is approaching..."

Robin was clearly stressed. They showed signs of not having been able to sleep well lately, eyes were tired and even a bit unfocused at this point.

"Time is weird."

One would think with how much he'd traveled through it, that he'd at least know something about temporal physics. But he really didn't, he just recognized certain points when accessing the power of a magical stone. Time didn't make sense to him, all he knew was that he was in the past.

"I guess I didn't think about it that way. I think it would improve the life quality of everyone to be able to write. Although I'm still not entirely sure how people write. I see the lines in all kinds of shapes, and colors. It's always different, can one writing tool really do all of that?"

He could imagine how it would make people happy, to be able to write little notes to their friends. He'd been so focused on saving everyone, that he hadn't thought to improve their quality of life while he was still in the process of doing it.

"Besides, if you learned how to write and read, you could teach that to five people- And those five could pass that skill to other 5 and so on~ In no time, everyone will have learned a very useful skill to have!"

Their mug was now empty, it felt good to drink something warm during a rainy evening like this one. And it was rare for the raven to have such pleasant company too.

"Don't worry about that, I have a spell in place to help me keep the house clean!" Had this hedgehog never really hd a room for himself before? If that was the case, Robin felt sad for him.

It was pretty uncommon for him to be in a shop like this, as he had little concept of money in this timeline. But everyone was so nice, that the nervousness was slowly melting away. The weather was a little bizarre to him, as well. Rain wasn't what he was used to being out in.

Seated now, his ears wiggle. He didn't recognize any of the words spoken, however, the kind tones were enough to make him feel much more comfortable.

"A book? Oh gosh, I could never."

Silver's tone betrayed his actual words. He may have said he shouldn't, but that didn't change how badly he wanted to. There's a frown on his face, though it was of no unhappiness. More so, a little confusion. The only person who had been this nice to him before was Blaze.

Their tone was calm, but it betrayed excitement. This was the single most interesting thing that had happened in their life in the past years- And it was a needed change of pace from the constant studies and work that was expected of them... There was something nice about feeling that you are helping others.

Their tail flicked as they fidgeted with their thumbs, awaiting a reply.

It certainly didn't exist in Crisis City, no matter where you went, it was much too hot for such a delicacy to be. But he'd be interested in trying just about anything at least once. So far all he'd really experienced was vegetables, and fruits. Which he loved dearly. Things he wanted to grow himself someday.

Silver had taken to planting seeds, whenever he got some. Took great care of them, too. The hedgehog was very sensitive to a plant's needs.

"I guess that'd be okay, as long as it's not troublesome. You got me kind of interested in what these new sounding things are. But I can't pay you back or anything, unless you take the kind of currency we use in my time. Shiny, red jewels. They form from magma."

All it took was one of those stones, and you could feed your family extra for at least a week. They were so rare, not to mention, dangerous to get close to. Not the stone themselves, but how close you had to get to the lava to retrieve one. As could be expected, Silver's psychokinesis made it an easy job.

The wind howled outside at moments, tree branches scraped the surface of the window next to where they sat as it continued to pour outside.

The server was a kind, middle aged bird woman that apparently knew the raven, the two having held a short chat the moment she approached the table.

"...It will be hot chocolate for my friend here, and just a regular latte for me. Do you still serve that nice lemon pie?"

After a short exchange, they were both alone at the table again. Waiting until their order was ready.

Even in his own timeline, he stood out. It seemed like everywhere he went, he stood out like a sore thumb. Sometimes it bothered him, sometimes it didn't. Part of the hedgehog wanted to be like everyone else. To have no special power, to be an ordinary person leading an ordinary life.

But the truth of the matter was, there was no possibility of an ordinary life in his present. Having the power to control objects with his mind, it was something he could use to better the lives of others.

"I think I feel the same way."

A comfortable position, like being inside of somewhere. Silver didn't have a home in this timeline, so when it rained, he had to take shelter under the nearest tree, or experience getting soaked. The first few times, it was fascinating. Astounding. But after the initial wonder of it wore off, Silver found himself not so much enjoying getting all cold and wet.

"I'll follow you."

They probably knew a better place to ride out the rainfall than under nearest tree. But before he could ask where, as the duo began walking, there was a tilt of the head.

"Aren't you getting cold? I think we can both fit under your shield thing."

"Oh the place we are going is one of my favorites to wind down after classes. They have dozens of exotic hot and cold beverages- But really all I want is some hot coffee... I could invite you some chocolate! If that's what you'd like."

It was pouring hard outside, really made the avian wonder what the hedgehog was doing out on the streets like this. It was a bit puzzling to them... Still they focused on walking fast through the cobblestone sidewalk as the wind howled. They were both lucky it was a *good* umbrella.

@antakilla said: 18. A rainy street

It was cold, and wet. He'd grown to enjoy feeling water, water that wasn't used for drinking, but feeling cold? Not so much. Still, he marveled at what was falling from the sky, in a way that never happened in his present. The hedgehog shivered, just slightly, before his view was obstructed. More importantly, he didn't feel the cold rain anymore.

Which was a godsend.

"What's that?"

A simple question, as his gaze shifts down towards a face he could recognize. Thank goodness for that, too. Silver wasn't the most confident around total strangers. But he knew this person's name, and had an idea of the kinds of things they did. Best of all, they had believed him when he mentioned being from the future.

"I just love it when water falls from the sky. I think it's the most amazing thing ever. It's like the sky is giving life to the rest of the world."

Silver found himself smiling. Perhaps, even grinning just a little bit?

"It wasn't hard to find you. You stand out a lot." Despite the comment, there was a gentle smile on their face.

But it was also a sign to him. A sign he had to get stronger, not just mentally, but physically. How to do that, he wasn't entirely sure. From his understanding, only machines did things like heavy lifting with their arms. Silver was used to doing everything psychokinetically. Just another thing to train himself on, so he could be ready to stop Iblis.

'Spells' was such a strange word to him. Silver only knew the concept of magic through his psychokinesis. It didn't seem to take any real mental power to make that rug move. It didn't glow, as though controlled by an outside force. Confusing concept. But he follows instructions and walks inside anyway.

"I'm fine."

One thing he'd learned, was that you had to be extra good when you were inside a person's home. Proper behavior, never touch anything unless given permission, and always find a way to say something nice about what was inside. It was better to get rid of that bizarre, heavy feeling jewelry type thing.

Jewelry wasn't for this hedgehog.

The situation was bizarre for the raven, but they could not deny that it was at least a little bit exciting! They had never have the chance to be in front of a real sorcerer before, and they were sure they could both learn a bit from eachother.

A twirl of their finger and the stove on the kitchen turned on- A kettle floating towards the sink and filling to the top before setting itself over the flame.

"I hope so."

Whatever it was, it was uncomfortable. He wasn't even sure what lead was, all of the buildings in Crisis City were a combination of steel, and concrete. It seemed like he wasn't being taken as seriously as he wanted to be, but perhaps that was to be expected.

The hedgehog knew he could have just accessed the power of the Time Stone to go into a different time period. But there was the potential for vital information here, he wasn't just going to throw that away.

Moments pass. He follows along.

Again, the inside was not much different from what you would expect from a regular college student... Nothing too 'wizardly' about it- Outside from certain invisible force that pulled a rug towards the house guest, if as telling him to 'clean his shoes' before going in. And then gently closing and locking the door once they were in.

"Ah, I hope it didn't scare you. It's an invisible servant. Only one of my spells, it keeps the house clean so I can focus on... Other things."

The raven reaches towards the hedgehog's neck, and carefully pulls the bead out from his neck.

"I do believe that to be hurt in such a way is unavoidable for those like us. However, I also believe that, as two people who understand how it feels, we can come together and become stronger."

It was clear in her voice that she had experienced plenty of situations where she was used for her status. Whether it be those outright demanding her hand in marriage, or people she'd thought were her friends, but were only after the royal treasury. With a shake of the head, she puts out a smile, rather than a frown. Zelda was a realist, she could accept that those of status would always be treated that way.

The raven rubbed their own temples, letting out a sigh. Hopefully, they thought, the princess wouldn't take this the wrong way. They just wanted more time before being able to call her a 'friend'.

"It's not just a city. I'm talking about the entire world!"

He was getting a little frustrated, but he knew better than to be reckless. Ray had sorta taught him that, through their adventures together. So he put it on, and came to realize how hard it was to be strong without using psychokinesis.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with."

He'd follow along, for now. But he still felt a little invalidated in his mission to save the world. All they appeared to care about was these higher ups, and it reminded him of GUN. How they controlled everything in the settlements, and actually encouraged people to throw things at himself, and Blaze.

"As I said- My appartment may look humble and cozy, but I made sure to take precautions. Yeah- The lead on the walls may take some years off of my life or something like that, but it will keep diviners off of me." This one, was a mage that valued their privacy a lot. Specially from other potentially dangerous wizards.