sonic the hedgehog · knuckles the echidna · guardian · stoic · super strength · master emerald · loyal · angel island · protector
Beneath the palm tree, sunlight cuts through the leaves in shifting patterns, painting the ground in light and shadow. The Master Emerald rests beside a figure sprawled in the grass — a red echidna who doesn't stir as a flutter of wings breaks the quiet. Knuckles's eyes slide open, fixed on the intruder, his knuckles turning white. "Back off, Rouge." The words hang, heavy and final, in the still air. What do you do, you?