Top of the morning once again!

So I'm starting to figure out a schedule for when I upload new works/chapters and so far it's been working lol. It won't be set in stone however but if anything I'll be following that schedule for now!

Anyway here's another one, hope you enjoy! ^u^

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.

Knuckles' Knuckles

Tikal was curious on many things. Things such as going on walks and seeing the great mysteries that surround Angel Island that were not explored yet, tasting new delicacies that were made by Sonic's friends, and finding out more about the modern world intrigued her ever since she was revived. Her time was a difficult one which ended with the near extinction of her species from the hands… or jaws of a water mutant that devastated the land and her home. If it weren't for her sacrifice the creature would've gone further from the island and rampage the world, but luckily with the help of the Master Emerald she was able to prevent that. The cost was her physical body with her soul merging with the large gem.

However three millennia later all that changed when the current guardian requested the Master Emerald to revive her. Using her grandmother's prayer, the current guardian brought her back to life. She no longer has the spiritual powers bestowed upon her as a spirit and is no longer a guardian, the title now given to a certain red echidna with a short temper. Tikal now walks among the living as a regular echidna, supporting the current guardian with his duties and anything else.

Along with loving him and staying by his side.

Right now she along with the guardian were sitting near the Master Emerald watching the horizon, a gentle breeze flowing in the wind with the sun shining up above. Tikal herself was happily nestled within the guardian's lap feeling her back rest against the tough torso of his, along with his strong arms wrapped around her. She was pretty much very content, feeling his chin rest above her head and hearing his soft breathing. The guardian himself also had an expression of happiness, loving the position they were in as he got to hold her and the sensation of her soft body against his tough one. He was bigger than her in many ways, but his normally angry demeanor becomes nullified whenever she is around.

The scenery was quiet, only the wind blowing in their direction which caused their quills to flow along with it. The two were peacefully gazing at the view where the sky meets the ocean, ironically being able to watch it from thousands of feet above the air. Nothing disturbed them and whenever the guardian has his duty to protect the Master Emerald, Tikal would always be by him no matter what. Especially when she gets to cuddle with him.

Tikal even in moments like this was still curious, apparently her ocean-blue eyes watching an action she was currently doing. The emerald guardian knew of it as his hands were within hers, feeling the silky touch of her orange fur against his crimson one with her digits caressing one his noticeable traits: the twin spikes protruding from each of his hands.

Violet eyes looked down at the peach-colored girl, a small grin on his face. "You seem to be having fun there."

Tikal giggled lightly and continued her treatment with her fingers sensing the sharp yet hard bony structure of them. "Yes my Knuckie. I have always wondered how the male echidnas were born with these."

The emerald guardian, or Knuckles pretty much, had a thinking expression as he tried to find out an idea. "I'm not sure either Tikie. I do wonder why I even have them but I know for one thing, they're great for climbing and digging."

"The men also used them to hurt others…" Tikal whispered. Knuckles was able to hear it and panicked a bit. "W-Well I mean I try not to hurt anyone with it, but when they hurt my friends I can't help but-."

"It is okay my love. You're an exception hehe." Tikal turned her head back to look at him. "You do not fight because you want to. You fight to ensure peace exists for everyone."

Knuckles flushed a bright red while grinning sheepishly. "Well that was what I was gonna say."

Tikal smiled. "It is fine, I trust you with everything and I know you wouldn't. You aren't like them so do not feel worried."

The echidna princess turned back and continued to caress his spikes. Knuckles loved whenever she did stuff like this as it always put him in in a state of calm every time. Normally Sonic or people like Rouge would come and annoy him to no end with the latter being the worst, but with Tikal it's always a soothing experience.

Her touch is like soft clouds brushing against his skin whenever he glides through them. Almost nonexistent yet the sensation is there, loving the way her small fingers travel across his larger ones.

Tikal moved her left hand upward his left one and intertwined her fingers in his. She felt him wrap his own around hers, the slightly rough texture being felt on her soft ones. Ever since she experienced the first touch from him the orange echidna felt complete protection as if nothing would harm her. Knuckles was the one she's been searching for as time was basically preventing her from finding true happiness, having to sacrifice herself without knowing that aspect during her time. Now that she's been revived, she can happily live a new one with him and so far she's been enjoying it just as much if not much more than her time with her grandmother.

Her right hand continued to play with the twin spikes on his left, admiring how they were a part of him. Back then the male warriors used spears and polearms to fight in which they never used their bare hands. When she saw Knuckles fight she noticed that he didn't use any of that; his fists were his choice of weapons and he explained to why he preferred that than using a handmade one.

Knuckles states that there is honor to fighting when one uses only their natural gifts. For him he trained himself to self-defense, learning all the martial arts he can and effectively using his twin spikes for good use. Using them to dig holes or climb up walls, he states that by training with what he has he doesn't need anything like a polearm. He was basically born with natural gifts and his twin knuckles were proof of that.

Upon thinking of what he said along with her curiosity, she came to a realization. The male echidnas didn't use their natural born gifts as they were heavily corrupted by her father who only sought power and conquest which led them to use more lethal weaponry.

Knuckles on the other hand used his gifts not just to fight, but to help others as well. She saw him use his twin spikes to make tunnels underground to help anyone captured or enslaved to escape while also using them to climb cliffs if any baby animals were in danger on the island. Even though they can be considered lethal weapons, she saw them more as something special that Knuckles uses to help anyone in need. Sonic and his friends all have their own traits, but Knuckles made special use of his to preserve and save peace.

Not only that, but they served as a part of Knuckles. He is the shield that keeps her safe and happy and if anything, he is fully aware of it and would do anything to ensure that she lives an amazing life completely different from the one before.

Tikal's curiosity finally came to an end, her smile widening at this. She then raised his hands up to her face and kissed each spike on them. Knuckles felt her lips on his knuckles and smiled as well.

"I see you found out why I have them right?" he said.

"Yes, but with the male echidnas back then it was nothing special." Tikal shifted herself within his lap and turned to face him. "With you however, it is something special. I'm sure you know why am I correct?"

Knuckles grinned in response. "Yeah, I have a good feeling since I know you so well my love."

Tikal stared at him lovingly. "It is why I know you just as much too my love. Now come here~."

The echidna couple engaged in a passionate kiss with Tikal wrapping her hands around his neck while Knuckles wrapped his around her waist. The Master Emerald along with the Chaos Emeralds continued their glow behind them and providing a nice scenery for their wonderful exchange.

The emerald guardian's twin spikes served many purposes, but he ensured that they were used to help preserve peace among everyone and fortify his duty.

After all, his duty includes keeping his princess happy.

But then again, it is still a mystery why Knuckles was born with them. If anything, everyone has their own idea in the end.

Fin.

And it's done! Just a short little one-shot of the two echidnas so nothing big.

I will continue to update my profile so keep an eye on for any updates I may add and such!

Til next time! ouo/