The red Echidna stares to the beautiful town; a place he had once visited as a child. This town was the first time he met his friends. The memory of them as toddlers, playing together in the quieter part of the town. When they didn't have a care in the world. Knuckles chuckles at the sweet memory. Grabbing his bag of items then throwing them over his shoulder. Having the big brown bag leaning against his back. Entering the town (By walking over the bridge). He walks through the open gates, viewing large crowds: villagers buying food/accessories, children watching a puppet show or they were pacing around the town. Searching for anything to earn their interest. Hearing the different voices in the crowds, along with some birds tweeting. As they fly above them. A sigh escapes Knuckles' lips; he wasn't that fond of such socializing areas. Most of his life he spent watching the master emerald after all. So he rarely had time to talk with anyone. A part from weary travelers who'd search for certain towns. Luckily, that purple chameleon offered to take the emerald off of his hands. Which Knuckles was thankful for. He hates to imagine having his whole life to just watch over an emerald. He wants adventure; something to tell future friends and maybe his future kids one day. Knuckles walks through the crowds, gently pushing past to go up the street. Making his way to the palace.
The queen stares out of her bedroom window, watching the beautiful ocean. The waves moving up and down the beach. Hearing them roar as seagulls were hawking in the air. It was never more peaceful for her. If only she could have it like this forever, "Sal my dear!" She hears a muffled worried voice. Coming from her closed bedroom doors.
She turns to face the doors, waiting for 3 seconds until her husband busts through the wood. Slamming both of the doors wide open. He seemed to be worried, until his eyes land on his wife. His expression calms, sighing in relief.
"Oh I'm... I'm sorry Sal. Just thought something happened to you." Sally struts over to the blue hedgehog. Resting her hand onto his shoulder, in a comforting manner.
"Still having those nightmares Sonic?" He nods in response. Placing his hand onto hers.
"There's no need to worry my king. I'm sure they won't try to take me again. Especially when we destroyed their base like last time." She giggles, Sonic does the same.
Even though it was only 2 years ago. Sonic does have frequent nightmares of their enemies taking his queen away. Although they defeated them, he worries that they'll try to fight back again. They'll kidnap Sally once more, but will cause more damaged to the village. "I know Sal. Just... I can't lose you again. Now that we have a little girl as well. We both need you." He places his hands onto the lady's waist. Pulling her close. She nods, "I know Sonic."
There was a sudden cough; they both look over to the doorway, viewing a royal knight of theirs. "Apologizes for interrupting sir. But I must inform you that a red Echidna is here to see you." Sonic glances down in confusion, trying to recall of any business meetings he had for the day.
Then a memory pops into his mind; this Echidna must be a childhood friend. Sonic grins in delight, "Great! Tell him I'll be there in a minuet." Sonic commands, shooing the knight away.
He looks back at Sally. Giving her a quick kiss, "You'll be fine on your own?" She giggles, gently pushing him away from the hug.
Going back to her window, "Of course I will! Now go and meet this Echidna." Sonic runs out of the room, now was in the throne room in less than 2 seconds. Seeing the knight talk with the red Echidna. Who he quickly recognizes to be Knuckles. The king gasps in surprise, making the Echidna turn.
"Knuckles?!" Sonic beams, before running in front of his childhood friend. Pulling him into a warm embrace. Knuckles chuckles and hugs back, "Greeting my king." Sonic moves away from the hug. "
No need to be formal with me Knuckles. I'm happy to see you again; how long has it been?" Knuckles takes a second to rethink. "About... 20 years?"
"My, time sure does fly by. Doesn't it." Sonic jokes, both of the laugh.
The king places his arm onto Knuckles' shoulder. Pulling him to his side. Then he begins to guide Knuckles down the hall. Their footsteps echoed, "May I ask, why are you here Knuckles? I believed you were protecting the master emerald, the last time I was informed of you." Sonic questions.
"That was true, however a certain fellow offered to do my job instead. So I accepted the offer and decided to look for a new job. Something that may involve adventure." Knuckles explains, viewing the beautiful painting on the wall; most were to be decorative whist very few showed accomplishments by the king. Such as one showing the king defeating the ruler of Robotropolis. With sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
"Well, I may have the job for you!" Sonic exclaims, as they make it to the balcony. Sonic removes his arm from Knuckles, walking to the rails of the balcony. To look down at the town.
"You do?" Knuckles questions, going to Sonic's side.
"Yes I do. Would you like to become one of my royal knights?" Knuckles stares at his childhood, surprised by the question. Being a royal knight? He never thought of applying for that. "I-I would love too!" The Echidna beams, Sonic laughs at the enthusiasm.
"Brilliant! I'll have a servant prepare you your armor, whilst I'll show your new chambers." Sonic begins to head back to the hallway; Knuckles quickly follows. The rest of the day was Sonic showing Knuckles around the castle and his new chambers. The next day will be Knuckles' first day as a knight; he was thrilled.