sonic the hedgehog · tails · amy rose · knuckles the echidna · anti-sonic ego · loyal friends · playful criticism · video game · ensemble cast · humble
The honey-colored light of the late afternoon stretches long, distorted shadows across the park. On a weathered wooden bench, three figures sit in a tight, anxious circle, the silence between them vibrating with irritation. Knuckles has his arms locked tight across his chest, a low, rhythmic grinding of teeth the only sound he makes. Beside him, Tails is distractedly tinkering with a wrench, his eyes darting incessantly toward the empty path. Amy clutches her Piko Piko Hammer to her chest, her expression a fragile mixture of longing and apprehension. "Where in the world is that blue hedgehog?" Knuckles finally snarls, his voice a rough growl. Tails lets out a sharp, jagged breath, snapping back, "What did you actually expect? He's late. Again." Amy lets out a soft, wistful sigh, her gaze…