Eeeeeyyyyyy!

Alright so I have hit a big milestone...

I hit 50 stories in total hooray! :D

Ah man it's been a long road on my part and I'm so close to hitting another milestone come next week! And yes basically next week will be my one year of joining the site and so far I'm liking the stories that I find and some of the works I provide. So far I've been getting great input from them and hopefully I made a big improvement in my writing compared to when I first started. It's been a long journey and if anything I'm gonna keep at it for as long as it takes! And if my schedule allows as well lol.

So basically the 50th story will be as you guessed it, another Knuxikal. However this one will be related to the very first work that I submitted and basically retell some of the events up to the current time. I hope you enjoy! ^u^

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

Moment of Time Chapter 1

Tikal's POV:

Some time has passed ever since I came back to the living. Even I who has great knowledge of the Master Emerald did not know that it was capable of bringing the dead back to life but I did not argue against it. If anything the guardian who wished for the Master Emerald to revive me had no intention that it will work, and I did not see it as a bad thing.

Far from that, I saw it as a blessing that I was given a second chance at life and away from the terrible past I experienced. It was unfortunate that I came back without the people close to me aside from father, but the Master Emerald may have seen me as the only one who can truly come back due to my connection with it. Oh yes, I was the only one aside from grandmother that respected the great power of the Master Emerald and its servers, the Chaos Emeralds. They have provided protection to my people and were a source of worship for the gods that watched over us, particularly the one that was by our side acting as the chao's guardian.

He was also the very first friend I made whom I will dearly miss.

It was not long back then that father wanted to use the emerald's power for his selfish needs. I tried to stop him from going further up the altar but he instead pushed me aside… his own daughter, for the sake of world conquest. The chao tended to my injuries and once I looked up to the altar it was already too late. I remembered the flames that destroyed the sacred grounds, the warriors following my father's lead, but the most terrifying part to it all…

A loud roar booming throughout the land, the source coming from my only friend who turned into a monster. My father's sadistic demands caused Chaos to become frightened yet angered to which he absorbed the Chaos Emeralds' power, becoming larger and turning into a mythical creature that devastated the tribe and killed many. He became out of control to the point that he did not know good and evil… simply a mindless beast.

Knowing that there was no other way to stop him, I ran to the Master Emerald and called out to it using my grandmother's prayer. I pleaded for it to stop Chaos and turn him back to normal. It worked and the Master Emerald began to remove its servers' powers from my friend… but from that I began to feel different.

I realized that the Master Emerald required more than its own power to not only calm Chaos, but in order to ensure that this would not happen again it required a sacrifice. I heard a mysterious voice coming from it to which I unknowingly agreed and from there, I felt my physical body beginning to disappear. After that… nothing.

Complete nothing where I could not see, could not move, and could not tell if Chaos was stopped or if my people survived.

Fortunately I was able to find out after suddenly being released from the Master Emerald. It was a strange sensation that I could not describe but it was as if I returned to the physical world… yet at the same time not in the same way. During that time, I have merely manifested back as a spirit orb and witnessed the sight of Chaos once again.

However, he was different compared to back then and saw that he was under the control of this strange man with evil intentions.

Seeing that I could not do much since I had no physical form I sought out help from a blue hedgehog I met and guided him to where he needed to go in order to stop a second catastrophe. I have provided him with visions of the past so he can get an understanding of who Chaos was along with the history of our people. He fought with bravery and courage throughout the adventure and at the end came to facing Chaos in his monstrous form. I pleaded with him to seal Chaos back inside the Master Emerald but this blue hedgehog, Sonic, disagreed that it would not work and would have to defeat him to truly free Chaos. In turn the Chaos Emeralds reacted with their positive energy to him and offered Sonic incredible power that was enough to end Chaos' destruction.

In the end, Chaos was his old self once again and we became at peace as we slowly lifted towards the afterlife. It was an unforgettable moment I will hold within me in the beyond but if anything, I will cherish the good memories I had with my closest friend as we wander in the heavens.

…

But even then… that was not enough.

There was another that piqued my interest.

For he was another echidna.

…

His name was Knuckles. The current guardian of the Master Emerald.

As I was aiding the latter in his search for this Dr. Eggman as well, the former was out searching for the fragments of the Master Emerald. I was surprised that a descendent of my people survived, yet I hid the feeling since the threat of Chaos was more important. Just like Sonic I have also aided Knuckles in finding the fragments and providing visions to him… and I subconsciously realized that I have shone more to him than to Sonic during the time. The memories I have shone him were not only about the tribe's history and destruction… but it was also about my life as well.

For some reason, I found myself being drawn to him. I was able to tell that Knuckles had a strong connection to the emeralds just like I do, but if anything I was very interested in him not because he was out saving the world his own way.

But because his heart and emotions told a different story.

During my time as a spirit I unknowingly gained the ability to sense other people's emotions and tell who was good and bad. When I have met Sonic I was able to tell that he was one that lived for adventure and had a care-free attitude wherever he went. His determination and positive outlook on life were the things that made him succeed against his adversaries and brought great joy among others, realizing that Sonic had many friends to support him due to that. It was nice knowing someone that many loved and at times I wished for that same aspect.

With Knuckles it was similar in terms of how Sonic was like, but with him I also sensed… turmoil and great sadness.

I have seen the bravery and courage that Knuckles displayed while he sought the Master Emerald shards and faced off against this Dr. Eggman and my friend Chaos, but at the same time I sensed his heart was feeling great pain. He normally traveled alone during his quest and sometimes had Sonic for assistance, but during the time he was alone I saw his expression to be one of suffering. During the night while I remained hidden I noticed Knuckles get slightly emotional in his sleep. I would assume it was because he was the last of our kind that he has to deal with this burden, but I also had a feeling that it was much more than that and unfortunately I could not tell since my ability could only read emotions, not minds.

When Chaos was defeated and we lifted off into the heavens, my gaze caught sight of Knuckles and a sorrowful feeling took over me. I saw the smile he gave off with those sharp purple eyes looking at us as we rose into the sky, but I knew the true meaning behind it.

It was a façade that Sonic and his friends could not look past and to be honest, the other side of me did not want to leave him. Nonetheless I tried looking past it by enjoying my time with Chaos in the great beyond until that fateful day.

The day that I returned to the living upon feeling my spiritual essence materialize into a physical form without me knowing. I will always remember the last words Chaos spoke to me before my departure.

'It was an honor to have gotten to know you Tikal. You have given me hope to look at the positive things in life and see the good in people. Now you must give him a reason to keep going my friend. He is suffering immensely and hides it under a rough expression. He may be a somewhat grumpy echidna but just like you, I felt something unique about him. I could tell that you not only want to know more about him, but you also want to be a part of his life. You have my blessing Tikal, so go… make Knuckles happy and be happy with him in your new life…'

That would be the last time I would ever see Chaos, my first friend, ever again.

As I slowly opened my eyes I felt the soft touch of the cool breeze for the first time in over three millennia. I felt the stony ground beneath my newly reformed body as my gaze began taking in the sight of the land around me, noticing that I was on top of the emerald altar. The sun's rays brushed upon my orange fur gently and provided my body with warmth again as I turned my gaze towards the brilliance of the Master Emerald. Knowing that I was fully alive and well once again.

I was surprised on that aspect and looked around some more as a first thought immediately came to me fully knowing what it was. Until a thump below crossed my ears and I looked down to see the source of it.

It was him. The one that has been on my spiritual mind for as long as I can remember during my time in the heavens. Seeing his red fur and quills made my heart soar in joy with my eyes widening in disbelief.

Seeing Knuckles again, this time with myself back in flesh and blood.

Not losing any time I immediately followed him through the forest and we both ended up in the Mystic Garden. I was glad that it remained almost untouched ever since the calamity that occurred thousands of years ago but to see Knuckles once again fully encompassed my focus, the goal of getting to know him and be a part of him strong in me.

I saw him face off against a giant contraption that I have seen before as a spirit. To see it fully alive this time was much more frightening and I feared for Knuckles as he took it head on and defeated it as I silently cheered hidden in the bushes. I have not made an effort to introduce myself properly as I was very shy. Before it was not the case as the world was in danger, but now I was extremely nervous since I did not want to make Knuckles see me as strange during our first proper meeting. I was aware that he would not see me that way since he is friendly, but if I were to be a part of his life I needed to ensure that I did not make a fool of myself. It would hurt me so much if he did not see me anything as a friend… but it would still hurt if I was only considered a friend…

Luckily, but unfortunately, an explosion happened and I covered my eyes from the blast. Upon reopening them I saw the garden in ruination with pieces of the contraption everywhere and the grassland covered in ash and small fires. However my heart was torn at the fact that I was not able to see Knuckles anywhere and dread filled me to the core as I got out of my hiding spot frantically looking for him.

My ears picked up the sound of debris being moved aside and looking towards it I saw Knuckles come out from under it. My heart cried in happiness upon witnessing him but at the same time worry washed over upon seeing some cuts and bruises upon him. I heard him mutter to himself for a moment, until his gorgeous purple eyes landed upon my own blue ones.

And from there… oh from there… it was love at first sight.

Well on my part from the looks of it hehe.

He looked the same way as when we first met, but now that I am truly living Knuckles did look really handsome. I noted how taller he was compared to myself and I couldn't help but steal a glance at his toned upper body. I imagined myself being wrapped within those strong arms crying in joy that I would feel protected and safe, knowing that I would not have to relive those awful memories of the past. Just seeing Knuckles once again calmed my negative emotions and the nervousness within me faded, the confidence to introduce myself properly to him now within my mind.

Yet I noticed the scratch on his cheek which bled and immediately my caring instincts took over as I closed the gap between us and cupped it. Knuckles was still in shock at my appearance but at the same time I felt him move closer to my hand which I enjoyed immensely. He spoke in bewilderment about how I was alive, and for my part I asked him that even I did not know. Until he mentioned that he did wish for the Master Emerald to provide him with a companion, and that is when I realized.

Knuckles was truly alone in the world.

Even though he has friends such as Sonic and the young fox named Tails, I can sense that even they were not enough. I saw it in his eyes that his whole life he had to experience the realm of solitude ever since he was born. It was a hunch since I still did not know much about him but if anything I did note the sight of tears within his eyes which broke my train of thought, raising my other hand to wipe it away with my thumb. A smile came upon my face as I assured him that he was no longer alone and that I was truly alive. I could have explained more but funnily enough… our stomachs spoke for nourishment hehe.

After our introductions I gladly patched his wounds and he was grateful for it while I provided a bountiful fruit feast for us to which Knuckles happily ate with fervor. Seeing the cute look on his face while he ate the grapes made my heart flutter and I was proud to provide him with it. We spoke of our pasts to which Knuckles asked me about the good parts to avoid the ones relating to my father. I was glad that Knuckles remembered the visions and was modest in ensuring that I did not relive my bad experiences. In part he spoke about his own past in which I was correct that he indeed did live alone and in solitude. The sad expression on his face hurt me as I was right on my thoughts. Knuckles explained that he did not know his parents or how he was given the duty of protecting the emeralds. He raised himself to live off the land and had to train himself in order to ensure he protects the emeralds without fail. If anything Knuckles explained how he had to deal with all of this on his own which made him weary to others that visited the island.

I was shocked that the land became a floating island which I was not aware of, but I was more shocked that Knuckles grew up with no one ever since hatching from the egg. I fully wondered how he took care of himself even as an infant, and that alone made my heart clench tightly. For my part I had a loving grandmother who saw the good in me while I had a terrible father; I never knew my mother as she passed away upon giving birth to me. When my grandmother passed, I honestly felt truly alone since my father would always ignore my presence and focused more on conquering the world. Friends were nonexistent on my part since the tribe leaned more towards my father's aspects and I was considered an outcast for my peaceful ways. Ever since then I had to care for myself and it lasted some time until I met Chaos and the chao. I thought that experience was enough for me to be alone in the world even with my new friend, but no.

Knuckles was the one that experienced real solitude.

He lived it his whole life and hides his true emotions under a rough exterior.

Sure he has Sonic and his friends but I could tell that they were only a temporary presence when he explained his adventures. Once he returns back to the island… it is only him… no one else. And he has lived like this for his entire life. Just that type of life would make me consider ending my own life, but for Knuckles he has pushed through it. Having raised himself throughout it made him hardened for the tough challenges in life and Knuckles is aware of it. If anything it only makes him stronger from what he pointed out and already he was accustomed to living alone regardless.

But he did not fool me. I could see that he tried to hide it but failed. The shaking of his body, the small breaks in his voice, and the way his amethyst hues glistened with unreleased tears.

He was hurting, and that was apart from the joy that I felt him give off when he was no longer the last of his kind anymore. Knuckles was relieved that I am alive, but I could feel that he is hesitant and assumed that my stay is temporary. From that I have figured it out.

Knuckles may have asked almost all his past to me in which I was the only one to know. I could probably tell that Sonic does not know much about his past and I could assume he never asked, but just from that I can tell that Knuckles put a lot of faith in me. Even though our meetings were brief and quick back then due to the conflict I sensed that Knuckles wanted to really know more about me. Now that I am back in the world he wants to explain as much as he can about his past because… he wants to show that we are somewhat the same way as one another. He wants to get rid of my negative experiences with his own. It is a strange way to put it but if anything that is not the real reason.

…

Knuckles wants someone to be there for him that shares similar experiences in the past in terms of loneliness. Someone that he can relate to and express his true feelings away from the tough personality he normally goes by. Someone that not only is another echidna, but one that would show him more about the tribe's past in which it may help him figure out his own. But most importantly…

Someone that will be there so that he will never be alone anymore, and he fears that if I leave the island to be with Sonic and his friends then he will always continue to live a life in isolation.

Just himself for the rest of his life.

…

Well, he will not have to worry about that. Not at all as I have made my choice.

Unfortunately a thunderstorm began settling in to which we retreated back to the altar, but Knuckles did not take us to the top. Instead we settled inside a small dome-shaped house that I was unfamiliar with and on my part was astounded at all the things within that pertained to the modern time. Knuckles explained that it was Tails that built the house in which he wanted Knuckles to stay away from the harsh weather that can happen outside such as the current moment, but unfortunately he hardly ever lives in it as Knuckles prefers staying outside. He then told me to make myself comfortable as he began heading out into the storm.

But I stopped him and pleaded for him to stay. I put the best sad face I could muster and was happy that he agreed.

My curiosity fell upon this 'television' as Knuckles stated and from there I became drawn to it as we watched a 'movie' that involved a man and a woman ending up together. I cried at the ending when they kissed and was about to ask Knuckles if he enjoyed it, but I let out a giggle upon seeing him fast asleep.

From there my body felt warmer upon seeing his lips and my interest went up, wondering how they would feel upon my own.

I did not push aside these thoughts as I knew my choice that I was going to say before the storm came in, and acted upon them as I hovered above him with our faces a small distance between each other. I took in his features and noticed how much calmer Knuckles is when he is asleep. I already knew he was handsome and cute but I did not know that he was THIS much hehe. So not wasting more time I went ahead and got closer, my heart beating faster and faster. I was really going to do it…

He began waking up and immediately my shyness caused me to move back to my seat as I stammered out an excuse. Knuckles still looked somewhat sleepy and from there said that he would be going to bed and said that I can continue to watch the television. But I did not want to. I came this far and I will not give up knowing that he continues to suffer. An idea came to me which caused me to blush very hard, but if I want to show him how I truly feel then I will do it. For him.

Once I got myself ready did I hear some strange noises inside the bedroom that Knuckles was in. Worried for his safety once again I let myself in… and did my surprise soar high.

I will not discuss what happened as I am very timid to speak on it, but I knew from that moment he felt the same way. He tried to flee but I caught him and told him not to worry and from there… I confessed to him.

Yes, I told him that I loved him.

That I really loved him.

Knuckles did not say anything after that and I thought he did not feel the same way as I was about to cry, but to my heart's content he pulled me close and said the same words. The same words…

He loves me! He really loves me!

I was so overjoyed that I still cried from happiness and in the same way as I did to him, he wiped me tears as well. After that… oh my goodness heehee… we shared a kiss. Just like in the movie.

It was magical and I will never forget that moment. It will be the first of many that we will share but I know for a fact that I no longer have to be shy or nervous. We each feel the same way for each other and I could not be any happier.

After that wonderous kiss… we furthered the bond as I asked him to become one with me. I wanted us to be closer to one another and share our intimate feelings. Be closer in both mind and soul.

To mate.

Knuckles was hesitant since he did not know how to start, but I encouraged him as it was also my very first time. I was very lucky to be his first and it will remain that way no matter what, and once we got past the slightly awkward part… it was something more than wonderful.

The experience we had was incredible. Every kiss, every touch, every sensation made my mind and heart burst with unbelievable bliss. The actions that we performed were divine as we fit one another perfectly. Knuckles was undeniably magnificent in his acts, his movements made of pure love and adoration for me just like mine are for him. His strong and powerful form although can break many easily was very soft and delicate upon my small and slender one. He looked like he did not want to harm me during our mating but I trusted him that he would not. Knuckles had a good heart and I can sense that he cherishes me the same way I do to him. Even though we only known each other briefly… it was as if we have known each other for far longer than that and the way we performed proved that.

Once he entered me, I felt complete.

My new life with Knuckles has begun.

The sounds I released were somewhat embarrassing as Knuckles made love to me, but I enjoyed it and kept on releasing them. He was incredible and the way he was able to reach and touch everything was something I could not describe. My mind went blank from the intense pleasure I experienced and I hoped that Knuckles felt the same, and luckily his happy expression answered to that. Every movement he made on me made me feel his true strength, his true feelings. He put all his heart onto our lovemaking and I responded with as much fervor. His stamina was unlike I have ever witnessed as we continued throughout the night. A night that I will never forget as he released inside me and I felt all his warmth, my own essence touching his crimson fur.

The afterglow of our mating was calm and blissful.

Which was the perfect time to give him my choice.

'You will never be alone, my handsome guardian.'

And from there did our life together really began and we experienced many wonderful moments together. From going out with Sonic, Amy, Tails and Cream to the mall, going to the beach, visiting a wonderful coastal city, and spending my very first Halloween and Christmas as they call it, I have enjoyed every aspect of my new life alongside the man of my dreams.

…

And as I currently sit here in Knuckie's lap next to the Master Emerald watching the sunset, I could not be any happier.

I have made wonderful friends and learned so much about the modern time. It was a very different experience compared to my traumatic past but if anything I enjoyed it so much more. I sometimes wished grandmother and Chaos were here to witness it but I do know that they are happy roaming above the heavens, and I know they would be happy for me to see that I would be happy on my part. Everything so far has been going so well and I am grateful for the Master Emerald for resurrecting me.

But it is Knuckie that I truly am thankful for in making that wish to bring me back.

I look up to see him having fallen asleep. Time continues to remain kind to his features as I smile and raise a hand to caress his cheek. I could also see a smile upon his face and ever since we got together, that smile became genuine. His heart is no longer hurting and every positive emotion he expresses is real and not a façade.

He is truly no longer alone. The same way as I am truly no longer alone.

We now have each other.

We depend on each other and help each other. Time has kept us separate but with the power of the Master Emerald, that is no longer the case.

We confessed to one another and just with those three little words…

…

We will love and cherish each other forever and more.

…

"I love you my Knuckie." I whisper softly.

"And when that day comes when we can become even closer, I will say yes." My eyes shift to the object on one of my fingers.

"The ring you gave me is proof of that."

A small yawn came out of me and I cuddled closer to Knuckie feeling his strong arms wrapped around me as I leaned further into his chest. His calm heart beat matched my own as I sighed in bliss.

"Pleasant dreams… my love..." I spoke with my gaze slowly fading into slumber.

"As I join you… and dream of us…"

"Of our future."

Fin.

And that's should do it!

So if anything there were some additions corresponding to the first work that I ever did (if any of you have read it and if not you won't understand the second part to this lol) so it may be a little off from the plot, but I actually did this with what I know from the first one haha! So yeah basically this is one of the first POV's I've done and slowly I'll be getting into them so I can practice more on this aspect of writing.

Aside from that it's one chapter done and one more to go! Be sure to check out my other works if you have the chance as well!

Til next time! ouo/