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“Would you mind taking Cream for trick-or-treating? I have to stay home when other children come for candy.”
It was Vanilla’s humble, if sudden request that prompted Blaze to follow Cream around the neighborhood, celebrating a holiday that wasn’t a custom in her world. With streetlights and moonlight as their guides, Blaze walked behind Cream, her eyes flitting to the various decorations strewn across yards. Inflatable monsters and ghosts lined them. Fake cobwebs draped over shrubbery and trees. Jack-o’-lanterns with their whittled visages in large pumpkins sat on doorsteps and windowsills, burning ominously with small, inserted candles, most fascinatingly.
“I’m sure Mother has an unlit jack-o’-lantern. Miss Blaze,” Cream chirped, one hand clasped in Blaze’s as they walked, the other swinging a plastic pumpkin bag. “In fact, I’m positive we have an uncarved pumpkin, too, so you can enjoy the whole experience.”
“I’m sure I will. This holiday-”
“Halloween,” Cream helpfully interjected.
Blaze briefly tilted her head. She knew the name, but didn’t object. “-Halloween brings out the novelty in dressing up, too.”
Every child was trimmed in capes, plastic fangs, and ghoulish galore. There were sillier and regal outfits, such as a few kids dressed like Sonic, and princesses in pretty, pastel gowns and crowns. Accompanied by parents and friends, they ran amok in Floral Forest Village. Hurrying from door to door, they exclaimed a particular phrase and received candies, the season’s creativity continuing to impress Blaze.
Though, nothing could have shocked her more than Cream’s outfit. With her ears tied and clad in a magenta coat, along with fitting heels, Cream was like a miniature version of Blaze. She even had a scarlet bead on her brow and a heavy necklace from her mother’s jewelry box. The lone distinction was Cheese, currently sleeping on Cream’s shoulder, out cold from a sugar rush of chocolate and berries.
Cream giggled, stopping in front of a new cottage. They strolled behind a gaggle of children, who appeared like pirates and superheroes. Among them, much to her amazement, she spotted a tiny human girl dressed like Eggman, mustache and all. She blended in with the children, standing next to Cream as another girl knocked on the door. Watching as they held out their bags, shouting that particular phrase, Blaze smiled, warmth filling her chest with a heat far stronger than any conjured flame.
A hand fell on her shoulder. Sturdy fingers curled inward. A low rumble of a chuckle invaded.
Blaze stiffened. She jerked aside, fists raised. She was prepared for anything, except for him.
Blaze was shushed by a gloved finger to smirking lips. She stared, wide-eyed, at the towering man dressed like a king in shades of scarlet, white, and gold. Only on this night could he have melted in with the crowd, as his fair blond wig matched the color of his mustache.
“Well, Happy Halloween from King Doc of Toreggmania,” Eggman drawled, snickering. “I didn’t expect to see you in this dimension, Blaze. I take it you’re babysitting Cream?”
She swiped a glance at her charge, still waiting her turn. “What’re you doing here, Eggman?” she growled, baring her teeth.
“I’m not here for a surprise quarrel. I’m taking Sage-” He gestured at his little double, currently floating toward the crow spilling a generous amount of candy bars into her egg-shaped basket. “-out for the holiday.”
“Don’t mistake me for a jester. You must have an ulterior motive.”
“Perhaps,” Eggman sneered, and he leered over the rim of his glasses, “but I promise you, Blaze, I’m here for a good time and surveillance.”
She scoffed, eyes darting to the nearest trees. She couldn’t discern any hidden cameras by subtle glints or obvious clues. There didn’t appear to be robots or Badniks among them. Only cackling, costumed children and their families roamed the humble village, entirely unaware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Eggman folded his arms, peering at his wristwatch. Blaze and Cream had begun trick-or-treating an hour ago, and she promised Vanilla to have her daughter home before her curfew. Judging by the slant position of the crescent moon, she estimated they had thirty minutes, but now that Eggman had made his presence known only to her, Blaze had half a mind to attack, ensuring whatever potential scheme unraveled at the seams.
“Need the time? You look ready to ask.”
His sudden, blunt question derailed her train of thought. Eggman waited for her answer, beginning to expose his wrist, when she scoffed.
“You’re mistaken, and I can guess.” Blaze flicked her gaze skyward. “It’s nearly ten.”
He sucked in air through his teeth. “Oh, so close. It’s ten past ten.”
She grimaced. Eggman smirked, lowering his hand to reveal he was correct. Vanilla was expecting Cream home by now. As the girls dispersed from the house, she leveled Eggman with another glare.
“Then, you really-?”
“-are enjoying Halloween? Of course! The season gives me a reason to dust off this outfit I used for my second World Grand Prix.” He approached the home, meeting his small, levitating doppelganger on the beaten path. “Ta-ta for now, Blaze. We’ll meet again under normal circumstances.”
Scampering right past Eggman, none the wiser to his identity, Cream waved at her friend and bid her goodbye. Sage nodded, and she turned with Eggman, leaving without scruples. She offered him her bag, and he eagerly plucked a chocolate bar for himself, chortling a familiar tune.
“Miss Blaze, Mr. Rodrigo said he had extras for everyone!” Cream exclaimed, and she clutched Blaze’s hand, tugging her toward the cottage. “I told him this was your first time trick-or-treating, and he said he has some for you.”
An old crow waited by his door, holding packets of candy. With a sigh, Blaze smiled and nodded.
“All right, but we have to go home soon. It’s already past your bedtime.”
Gandering over her shoulder for a final time, catching Eggman and Sage on their way to another abode, Blaze felt the comfortable warmth reignite in her chest.