cleanest track record of handling these gems with any sort of caution.

emeralds do a good enough job hiding themselves around without needing 𝘮𝘺 protection. I don’t keep track of them, nor have any more than Tails brings me.

If you need one, go ahead, just don’t go losing it to Eggman again, got it?”

A light jab, but genuine nonetheless. He didn’t have the —

you haven’t heard it from him yet, Tails has only managed to scout out two of them.”

With a head gesture, he motions toward two of the closest weathered, outer stone pillars of the altar, with a chaos emerald poised at their peaks.

“Not that it isn’t important, but the —

Sonic seemed more pensive than usual. Hesitant, even, if he had to guess. Though a shred of concern rises observing his friend, he would not speak up to question, or pose such.

“I don’t know where the rest of emeralds are, they scattered after you beat the titans, remember? Considering —

carrying? There’s no telling *what* those energies interacting will cause, Sonic! I can’t let you do that!”

could have done something to help!”

A not so subtle hint.

“What a pain.” Closing his eyes, a thoughtful hum emanates..

“Listen, I want to help turn you back to normal, but you’re gonna need more than just an emerald to fix this. What if they’re thrown outta wack because whatever you’re —

Up taking an idle pose of crossed arms and resting scowl, Knuckles listens while Sonic lays out the situation, a nod and foot tapping after a second or two.

“Tails told me you guys went on some crazy adventure around the world. Too bad *I* wasn’t there, if it was a matter of the emeralds, I —

his sight to the mobian in front of him, now looking more confused than ever.

“Sonic..? What 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 to you? I get being festive, but this is too much, even for someone like 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

Squinting, scowling, and bearing razor fangs until…

“Pffht-– PHAHAHAHAAAH!”

Just like that, most all tension in this standoff had vanished from Knuckles’ person, flipped into surprise.

“Oh, that’s right—that IS his name, isn’t it?! Haha!” Wiping a tear from an eye, the hunched echidna returns —

*would
🥀

paused to speak and glare just then, critical eyes and flexing fists were waiting for an opening.

“I say you’ve got about five seconds before I knock your teeth out, so you’d better talk fast. What’s something only the REAL Sonic would know?”

“I don’t! Everyone knows who Sonic is, but I know him personally! And there’s NO way he wouldn’t parade this place with the evil you’ve got, mutt!”

Was there no talking this guy down?!

Sadly, Knuckles couldn’t see beyond the fangs, claws, and horrendous vibes making his fur stand up! Though he’d —

“Don’t play dumb, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙛! I know why you’re here!” The echidna growls during his approach to the staggered creature, cracking his namesake threateningly.

It seemed he didn’t recognize his friend in this state..

“You’re not gettin’ your hands on that emerald.”

this indigo furred invader dropped his guard, that he’d the sudden sensation of a sharp set of metal spikes dug into the center of his spine, and one of his temples.

“Step. 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮. From. The altar!”

No response…

but rest assured, the guardian watches intently nearby; Hidden within overgrowth.

Who the heck did this beast think it was?! Did it think it was slick? The echidna could sense its reek of evil energy from MILES away! It’s okay, he was 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮.

It wouldn’t be until the instant —