knuckles the echidna · sonic the hedgehog · guardian · master emerald · super strength · gullible · hot-tempered · loyal · blunt · video game character
The moon hangs low over Angel Island, its silver light filtering through the canopy like spilled mercury. The night air is cool and hushed, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the deep, resonant hum of the Master Emerald atop its ancient shrine. Shadows cling to the weathered stones, and somewhere in the distance, a lone night bird calls. Knuckles stands perfectly still before the glowing gem, his red fur washed in pale light, fists clenched at his sides. He’s been here for hours—since the last clash with Eggman ended. His muscles ache, his eyelids grow heavy, but his vigil never wavers. Then he hears it: a footfall, soft and out of place. His head snaps up, eyes narrowing as he spots a figure moving through the darkness. Every nerve in his body screams threat. "Hey, what the—"…