Sup!

Alright so I hit the big milestone: I am finally one year old on this site haha! :D

And I still feel like an amateur when it comes to writing fanfiction lawl.

Well as I mentioned in my bio it's mainly a hobby but if anything it keeps my creative side active. I don't strive to make a perfect work as that only defeats the purpose of improvement, and for me I like to explore many ways of improvement. Even though my works so far have followed one genre more than others and that almost all of them are of you know who lol, I tend to still put several ideas in them. Although there's already similar works like these, I put my own words into them regardless. So yeah it's all about improving on my part!

Aside from all that here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy! ^u^

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

Moment of Time Chapter 2

Knuckles' POV:

As far back as I can remember I've been living here, on this dark island… always guarding the Master Emerald from anything that can harm it. I don't know why I was given this job… why it was my fate… destined to be here… forever…

That's what I told myself back then when it was cold and lonely. When everything would stay the same every time I wake up on the island as the guardian of the Master Emerald and its servers, the Chaos Emeralds. The last of my species, the last of my kind. No one like me anywhere else as I continue to live in solitude until the day I die. Destiny was a cruel thing for anyone caught on the wrong side of it, and unfortunately I was one of those people. I accepted it regardless and didn't complain, simply enjoying the quietness that came with living alone on the island as I continued to guard the sacred relics of my people. I wasn't that much alone however as I did make some bonds with a blue hedgehog, his fox friend and several others, but they did not stay on the island. I only get to be with them whenever Eggman attacks or the world is threatened and when it's all said and done, they leave back to their homes.

Together. Without me.

I still didn't mind it and continued my way of living on Angel Island, keeping myself occupied with martial arts training, treasure hunting, and learning what I can from my people through the ruins' scriptures. Recently I have also began training myself to master my newly gained chaos powers, apparently learning how to do Chaos Control like Shadow and shoot lightning bolts out of my hands. Since I have a strong connection with the emeralds I am able to not only sense where they are located but I can also harness their energy the same way as Sonic but to a greater extent. I was able to fully master going super with the Chaos Emeralds and at one point utilized the energy of the Master Emerald to go hyper.

With all of this I was able to kick the black hedgehog's ass even with him taking off those rings of his. He didn't take it too well hehe but I didn't care, heck Shadow and I aren't that much as friends to begin with. With Sonic on the other hand… heh he doesn't know when to give up and with him, I'll consider us even.

Even with all that I was only called out to give support. I don't normally seek much attention and would rather be peaceful being the background character, but whenever I see Sonic enjoying himself with others applauding his heroic achievements… it hurts for some reason. I know for a fact that I envy his adventurous lifestyle and outgoing personality wishing to be like him, but with my eternal duty being a priority I couldn't allow myself to simply roam around the world. Heck with the blue hedgehog he could cover it all within seconds and blabber on about the sights hehe.

If anything I truly did wish to be like Sonic. Being the main hero for once instead of helping the main hero. Getting that type of attention and recognition, heck even having someone cheer for him personally such as Amy. Now that I think of it… Amy…

Sonic has Amy.

While I don't have anyone.

Sure there's Rouge, but I see her more as an irritating acquaintance. Our first meeting wasn't all that great and most of our encounters afterward ended up with punches and kicks. Her only focus is to steal the Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald for herself and if anything she uses cheap tactics to get it, mainly by flirting and using her… revealing aspects. I hate the part of me that falls for that most of the time and how she tries to seduce me. Reason being is that I'm naturally shy around girls and even being around the pink hedgehog gets me nervous, but with the batgirl… Rouge may be female but she has the personality of a gorilla. From all that I know it'll never work out as we are two very different things and on her part, she's incredibly greedy. The only time I've seen her show actual care was when Shadow gave his life to save the Earth from the lizard satellite thing. She cried for his sacrifice with Sonic giving Rouge the only thing he could recover: one of his inhibitor rings.

If anything I had a feeling that the batgirl was closer to the black hedgehog, and I was right when I saw both of them ending up together after the Neo Metal Sonic stuff that happened. Apparently Shadow survived the fall somehow and Rouge found him in a pod, the huge smile on her face present as she hugged the life out of Shadow with an added kiss confirming their new relationship. I was glad they got together not only because I won't be seeing the batgirl come on the island anymore to annoy me… but because she found genuine happiness with someone and Shadow for the first time, actually smiled. I would be at peace once again knowing that an irritable… yet somewhat okayish person would be out of my quills while I continue my duty in guarding the emeralds.

Alone. As always.

And I truly hated it deep inside.

As I said I had friends to rely on that also got my back, but they can't fill the void that will always be a part of me.

Like I said, Sonic has Amy.

Shadow has Rouge.

Tails has Cream.

That Silver guy has Blaze.

Heck even Vector who's a good friend of mine has Vanilla.

I think one would understand where I'm getting at.

Aside from being the last of my kind… I always held the aspect that I will truly die alone in this world. With no one to notice.

No one to love.

…

It sucks.

I lost count on how many times I woke up with tears coming out of my eyes. The sharp pain that I always felt and hid for many years while I keep a rough but fake showing. Going out on adventures only calmed my pain for a bit, but once I come back to this dark island… I just let it out.

Tougher than leather, rougher than the rest… yeah right. They haven't seen the real me.

The real me that gets very emotional, wanting something that the real me knows will never have. The real me that spent every day since he was born growing up in solitude with no one to be there for him. To raise him and show him how to survive in the wild, which he did all by himself. If he got sick, he had to put up with it. If he got hungry, he has to search for food on his own. If he got hurt, he had to heal himself even if he didn't know how to. If he cried… he had to face reality all by himself.

That's basically what I had to go through every single day in this world, and it sucks. I never knew my parents and ever since I hatched from the egg I grew up with literally no one to show me anything; heck at times I'm still trying to figure out how I still lived when I couldn't even walk yet. The only thing I could recall was the Master Emerald giving me knowledge on the basics of survival and I picked up on it quickly. Still, that didn't mean that I could figure everything out and at times it got me hurt, but like I said: I had to deal with it by myself.

I grew up with no special connections and it made me hesitant on meeting new people. Heck with Sonic and Tails it was a rough start as my gullible nature fell for Eggman's trick that they were going to steal the Master Emerald. In the end we settled our differences and defeated Egghead but even then, they still didn't fill the void.

Knowing that those two have a special someone. While I live out my existence in solitude and pass away into the afterlife… alone…

…

But…

Oh my Chaos…

Until… she came into my life…

It was some time after I met Sonic and Tails. I was resting upon the emerald altar doing my usual duty as guardian and thinking to myself. Nothing too out of the ordinary… yet.

Suddenly a loud rumbling occurred and I heard a shattering behind me. Turning around I was shocked to see the Master Emerald break into many pieces with several scattering far beyond the island. My gaze fell onto this mysterious blue liquid that seeped out of it and took a strange form that looks very alien-like, with large glowing green eyes and a pink brain. I yelled at it for destroying the Master Emerald but it did not hear me as it escaped. However that became the least of my concern as the whole island began shaking and I noticed that because the Master Emerald was shattered, its power dispersed and it didn't have any to keep the island afloat which is why I also felt myself and the island hurling down towards the sea. Once we hit the water I recovered and vowed to find the shards and reform the Master Emerald, leaving the island and beginning my quest.

That was only part of my focus however as the other part… was on her. Apparently during my journey… I was not entirely alone. Upon gathering the shards did I notice something. I was being followed.

It was in the form of this strange floating orb.

Whenever I collected several shards did it do this thing of going around me once and from there I was no longer in the same place as I was. For some reason that I'm still not sure about, the orb took me to another place that looked like the ruins back on Angel Island… except to my surprise, there were echidnas.

The orb has taken my back in time through visions from what I realized. When Angel Island held all my people, alive and well.

I was surprised to see more of my kind and was sort of happy that I got to experience my people's history. Unfortunately they weren't aware of my presence and simply looked past it in which I might have assumed I was a ghost. Makes sense since it's basically a vision… but even being a ghost still kind of freaked me out. I was blessed with seeing how the culture was like back then and everything, the knowledge of this very valuable so that I can find out more of where I came from. However… it wasn't mainly good visions.

My people were ruled by a vicious tyrant that only cared for power and sought world conquest. He was ruthless against my people that didn't obey him and wanted to defeat the neighboring nations when the island was part of the land below. I didn't like him one bit and actually wanted to be turned physical so I can physically teach him a lesson, but like I said, it was only a vision. That wasn't my primary focus though, as it fell to another.

The one that was against his rule.

And she was beautiful in every way.

Gorgeous blue eyes, a soft face, light orange quills and fur, white blouse with a tribal patterned skirt paired with white sandals, and a jeweled headpiece and necklace. She looked like an angel… and her personality was like one too.

The echidna girl pleaded with the tyrant… apparently the tyrant was her father which sucked, to stop his violent crusade but unfortunately he refused. Several times did the orb show me different visions and in all of them I saw her in different perspectives. The one vision where I saw her among the chao was incredibly cute and I saw that she had a caring aspect to many; just that made me yearn for wanting that kind of aspect in my life. Regardless the many visions I was shown pertained to her life and in some of them I saw the same creature that came out of the Master Emerald… except it was more gentle.

I found out that this thing, called Chaos, was the echidna girl's friend. It was kind of strange but if anything they did have a fun time together away from the harsh rule of her father. Just seeing her in those visions living a peaceful life and avoiding the violence that would soon overcome it… made me feel different. The sharp pain in me began to dwindle and for some reason, the void inside my heart began to fill up. Just by seeing her and hearing her wonderful voice.

That wonderful smile.

I think… her…

I'm getting too far ahead hehe so let's go back.

So once I got the last shard of the Master Emerald did the orb show me the last vision. This one was of her blocking the way to the emerald altar from her father and his army of echidna warriors. As before she pleaded with him to stop this madness while I watched from the sidelines. He refused and stated that he will go along with his plans, needing the power of the Master Emerald to continue his goals. The echidna girl still stood her ground with the chao supporting her, but unfortunately the tyrant didn't take it kindly and did something that angered me immensely.

He harshly pushed her aside, the echidna girl falling to the ground.

'I will not let someone like you hinder my quest to rule the world. You are of no use to me, Tikal.'

Tikal.

Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

Okay straying off again hehe.

The tyrant, apparently known as Pachacamac from what I heard from the echidna warriors, began treading towards the altar while attacking it at the same time. My eyes witnessed the emerging flames coming off the altar with my anger getting higher and higher. I couldn't believe that the leader of my people would stoop so low to hurt others for their selfish gain, but that wasn't my concern during the time.

My feet ran towards Tikal who laid on the floor.

Even though it was a vision I tried to wake her, my vision also seeing the chao downed as well which made my gut wrench. Luckily she woke up and relief came over me, but I was more surprised at the next part.

Her eyes landed upon my own.

She knew I was there.

And she spoke to me.

It didn't last long however as her gaze turned towards the altar with mine also following. She immediately got up and ran towards it while I told her to wait. From there the vision began to fade in a blinding white light, the only thing I could recall was a prayer and the roar of something monstrous.

Afterwards it was pretty much trying to save the day with me fighting against Chaos who absorbed the Chaos Emeralds' power. I found out that Eggman was behind all of this and was empowering the creature to use for world domination. Luckily Sonic and I put a stop to it with me relishing the fact that I was able to beat it with six emeralds inside hehe. But when it absorbed all seven… it became something else…

With nothing else to stop it Chaos laid waste to the city of Station Square, flooding it with enormous amounts of water. I couldn't find any other way to defeat it since it had all the Chaos Emeralds in its possession and was basically unbeatable, but for Sonic… like I said he's one to not give up. The hedgehog unknowingly tapped into the positive energy of the emeralds and went super, becoming powerful enough to defeat Chaos and stop its reign of madness. From there the water lowered and Station Square was saved with Eggman fleeing and I having recovered all the shards of the Master Emerald. Chaos reverted back to its original form as me, Sonic, Tails and Amy watched this happen with the mysterious orb floating next to it. The orb then began to morph into something else.

Becoming the echidna girl that I saw in my visions.

She thanked us for saving Chaos and freeing it from its mindless rampage, having calmed down enough to see the good in life. Upon exchanging a few last words did the two begin floating alongside together into the sky as the afterlife welcomed them. For my part I was glad that it was all over and they can rest in peace, my ears hearing the others' cheers as they waved goodbye to them. If anything it was a fun adventure and one of the best ones I had in a while. Regardless though the grin I showed on my face… only hid the pain that came back as I turned and walked away moments after.

Yet… I could have sworn she was watching me… no, I was imagining things.

So after that time has passed with the previous things I said happening afterward with the lizard satellite thing and Neo Metal Sonic. After that… it was back to everyday life living in solitude. The pain came back in full force ever since that moment and I tried to forget about it. The many robots I destroyed and the plans me, Sonic and Tails foiled coming from Dr. Eggman would have made me forget, but it only lessened the burden of it. Whenever I returned to the island and see the same place where she and my people once lived in, it hurts so much.

I cried harder than I ever did after that moment.

It really did suck.

Days turned into months and eventually I got over it. I would wake up with tears still flowing, but my expression would be one of emptiness. I'd go about my day which consisted of bathing, eating, guarding the Master Emerald, training a bit, taking a nap, more guarding the Master Emerald, eat again, then sleep. At times I would go treasure hunting to find a few jewels and whatnot, but not as much as I did before. The adventure in me slowly faded away and now I only ever wander around the fields of the altar mindlessly finding something to do. Sonic and the others haven't kept in touch so I assumed there was no Eggman attack or any other danger to the world, but if anything I didn't care.

It was as I thought: I'm only there for support. The only good thing that happened relating to them was Tails building me this dome-shaped house near the altar and that was it. I was fully against it but seeing that he saw me only ever sleep outside made the fox make it out of the close bond we shared. It's like what he says.

'What are friends for?'

Yeah… if you count friends that don't keep in touch.

And strangely enough… his wording on that sounded so ominous…

But aside from that I don't even use it. I'm still bound to protecting my people's sacred relics at all times and that means sleeping outside surrounded by nature. Extreme weather such as heat or a thunderstorm never deterred me anyway as it only made me tougher against the elements. Even so… it still sucks… being alone.

…

Until that one day.

It was an ordinary day like no other and I was resting near the Master Emerald taking a break. The soft wind blew against my fur gently and I could feel the sun hitting it. I didn't really like the sun much though since it reminds me of too much happiness… the happiness that I truly won't ever get.

My mind as usual became occupied with the feelings of isolation and if anything, I began to yearn for someone.

Just someone.

Anyone.

My mind drifted to her.

Tikal.

Imagining that I was in her time as I watched her from afar. I wouldn't be the guardian of the Master Emerald but the good thing would be that I no longer had to hold that title. If anything I see that duty as a curse, sacrificing much of my freedom to simply protect some rocks. Aside from that I would watch her from a distance and if the time comes… if my shyness against girls goes away… I could ask her out. She is nice and sweet and cute… fine she's really cute okay?! Happy?!

Just talking about this is embarrassing enough so shove it!

So anyway I shook my head of those thoughts and turned towards the Master Emerald. Getting up from my spot I walked towards it and laid my head upon its hard surface as I felt its vibrant glow that radiated limitless power. Thoughts for someone came back to me and all the suffering I experienced reached its peak. I didn't cry as I have grown tired of it, but my heart spoke for me.

'If I can ask from your divine power almighty Master Emerald, I would only ask… that I'm no longer alone in this world. That I'm not the last of my kind, and that maybe I can settle with someone that I can spend the rest of my life with. I know that's never gonna happen, but if you were to grant my wish my life would have meaning again.'

Just that simple request was all I told it as immediately afterwards did my stomach growl for food.

I sighed and wiped my eyes of whatever tears threatened to come out knowing that it'll never happen. Every day I'd tell myself that I'll find someone in time but the fact that I live on a remote island high above the clouds by myself and no one else, was very unlikely. So yeah, and by brushing those thoughts away I focused on getting food as I leaped from the altar and headed towards the Mystic Garden. Not looking back.

I arrived within the garden minutes later and watched it with wonder. The visions I've seen of it from long ago were similar but different as the garden from way back then held the chao. Now it's pretty much empty save for the flowers, trees, lake and waterfall that occupied it. If anything it still looked beautiful even as thousands of years passed by.

GROWL.

Yeah yeah zip it stomach.

My eyes scanned the area and fell upon the palm trees that sat on the lone island that was in the middle of the lake. Just as lonely as me… okay I'll get on with it. As I flew towards the island and climbed up its trunk to reach the fruit it held, a loud rumbling caused me to fall off it and land on my butt. Already irritated enough I looked around to see what did it, my hands clenched into fists angrily.

Suddenly I caught sight of a large shadow coming from behind the waterfall, the rushing liquid separating to reveal a large robot. No lie saying that it was one of Eggman's considering the large metal mustache on its face. Not wanting to deal with it too long I rushed at it while avoiding the missiles it fired; the many times I dodged lasers and fast projectiles made me more agile that I ever was. I landed several hits on its tough surface and got it stumbling, but I was slow to react from its metal hand quickly grabbing me. Growling I told it to let go until my gaze fell upon its other hand which turned into a drill aimed straight at me.

I thought I was done for.

However with me being stubborn I forced myself out of its grip and did a power drill attack, bursting through its torso and destroying it from the inside. Looking back I saw it begin to go haywire assuming that Eggman was going to reveal himself from inside the robot.

BOOM!

Me and my big mouth.

I felt a large explosion suck me in as the blast ruined everything in its path, my ears ringing and eyes seeing a blinding light. I honestly thought I was REALLY done for.

Luckily I wasn't and with all the training I had throughout my life it made me very durable that I survived. I got out of the wreckage after the explosion covered in small scratches and a bit of smoke. Moving aside a large hunk of metal I muttered to myself about Eggman's cowardice and taking a good dip in the lake while I winced on seeing the minor injuries.

Until I looked up.

And my breath left me.

…

She was there.

Standing a few feet away.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

The visions from long ago came back to me full force, all focusing on the echidna girl. Her appearance, her voice, her smile.

Everything.

Right there in front of me, and it wasn't a dream as my body did hurt from the injuries. I wasn't hallucinating either.

She was really there, as beautiful as the visions showed. I can feel her actual presence, warm and gentle.

All of that.

The echidna girl watched me quietly with a shy smile while I didn't react, too shocked to even move. I did feel a warm liquid go down my cheek though and apparently that was enough for her to show concern as she walked towards me and laid her hand on it.

I couldn't describe it.

I could feel her hand on my cheek.

She was real.

She was alive.

…

Tikal was alive.

Flesh and blood.

Back to living once again.

I realized there and then… that I was no longer the last of my kind anymore. As there was another.

All that became too much for me that I felt the urge to cry. It's been so long since I did that and just seeing another echidna started to wear me down. Not just another echidna however, but the echidna that's been on my mind ever since we met.

Tikal noticed it and raised her other hand to cup my face as she wiped my tears away, the smile on her face ever present. I was really seeing and feeling an angel. She spoke to me in that soft voice of hers and said that she remembered me from the visions.

She remembered me! Oh Chaos I couldn't explain how happy I was that time!

Ahem, away from that once I settled down I asked Tikal how she came back and she said that she doesn't know. My eyes widened as the wish I made to the Master Emerald might've have brought her back to which I explained and on that we agreed upon. She was glad that she returned to living once again and didn't argue about it. If anything she was really happy to be alive again.

We told each other our names and as I figured, her name really was Tikal.

And after that our stomachs rumbled at the same time. I won't ever forget that cute giggle she gave off from that.

She patched me up after I cleaned the rubble off the garden and I can't describe how heavenly her touch was. Her small fingers roamed around my torso as she wrapped the bandages around and… I almost cried again since I never got to experience something like this.

So much care upon me. I was truly in bliss.

And Tikal was truly an angel as she prepared a collection of fruit on the side while I cleaned up the garden. I couldn't be more thankful enough to her as I downed the many grapes and other types of fruit with fervor but also making sure Tikal had her fill. I didn't want to look like an idiot in front of her.

During our feast we talked about our pasts to each other. Based on the visions she showed me they were pretty much true as our tribe did have a somewhat violent past. It wasn't entirely like that however as she did tell me parts way before her father ruled in which her grandmother was ruler of our people before him. She was very benevolent and kind to everyone who taught many on the ways of peace, apparently Tikal taking after her. I was surprised at that part where there were some of our people that had good will, but sad at the same time that their influence didn't reach all of them as Tikal said that once she passed and her father took over did world conquest corrupt them. She talked about many things relating to the visions she bestowed on me and how she sacrificed herself to save the world from Chaos. I asked if she missed him if anything; she took a saddened look but gave a smile saying that Chaos is in a better place and at peace.

I found out that Tikal was a complete pacifist as well, being unable to fight even if her life depended on it. She stated that although she received some training from her father when she was younger, she was never good at it and failed to defend herself against even weaker opponents than her. It was with how she was raised by her grandmother that kept her pure and innocent with her teachings showing her the proper way to settle conflict. Her father didn't like that one bit and waited upon her passing to take the mantle and from there spread his influence among the tribe in having them dominate others to prosper.

I hated it and I could tell that Tikal knew what I was thinking, but I thanked her regardless for the incredible knowledge that I got to learn from our people.

However the most surprising thing that I found about Tikal most of all… was that she was lonely too. Ever since her grandmother died her father neglected her and since her mother died giving birth to her she couldn't rely much on anyone. Tikal didn't have any other relatives and had no siblings, being an only child. Apparently Chaos was her only friend as the other echidnas treated her like dirt and hated the fact that she was against violence. The chao comforted her as best they can when she cried from the hurtful things they said and if anything, she grew up pretty much getting insulted every day. My heart stung on how her father would hit her when she tries to stop him from pursuing his goals and it made my blood boil that someone like that could hurt an angel. An angel that I saw beginning to cry which tore me apart even more when she spoke of it.

I realized that even though Tikal grew up with many others of our kind she was considered an outcast. Almost nobody liked her and the ones that did weren't echidnas at all. Just hearing that… really sucked. Her sacrifice helped saved the world but at a terrible cost. She was forced to throw her life away to save the people that shunned her and I didn't like it one bit.

Heck, I guess I could say that we're almost similar to one another… each of us having an awful past… I was born with no one around me and had to take care of myself while Tikal had our people in her time, but they threw her aside and casted her out.

I really feel sorry for her and wished that I could help, but I didn't want to poke more on it unless she's comfortable… this angel…

On my part I told her about my earlier life on the island and how I unknowingly became guardian of the Master Emerald ever since I was born. I told her on how I met Sonic and Tails and the many adventures we had together after the Chaos stuff such as battling Eggman and the satellite lizard thing all the way to Metal Sonic. Tikal winced at the parts where we had to fight against our foes but I assured her that it was necessary in order to keep peace. On my part I honestly don't like to fight much and tend to avoid it but if the emeralds are threatened or the world is in danger then I have to resort to it if words aren't enough. She understood this and simply nodded, but I could tell that it did put her off. Hopefully not enough that she sees me less of a friend…

And after all of that… there was silence.

I got nervous from the quietness and averted my eyes, but I could feel her own blue ones on me. I faked a smile to show her I was alright aside from the nervousness I get from girls, and it looks like she was fine with it.

I hope that she didn't know the real reason. Keeping up this rough expression of myself gets harder and harder everyday when the curse of solitude continues to hurt me.

Luckily a thunderstorm began to settle in and I took Tikal back to the altar. More specifically the house that Tails built nearby as we entered it and away from the incoming rain. I saw her in awe at the modern stuff that was in it and chuckled at how adorable she was being, and yes I said adorable but I won't say it out loud dangit! So after finding the button to activate Tails' defense turrets that he placed around the altar, Tikal took interest in the TV to which she wondered what it did. I was happy to show her and when I turned it on she really became interested and from there we decided to watch a movie as we sat on the couch.

Me falling asleep several minutes into it because it was a cheesy romance movie hehe.

Even then just watching and hearing the mushy stuff the people did pierced my heart painfully.

It wasn't too long however that I began to stir awake getting up from the couch. My vision was a little blurry from the sleep I got and rubbing it away did my eyes see Tikal still sitting next to me.

But why did she look nervous and red? Why was she sweating?

Meh, probably because of how much mushiness the movie had.

I told Tikal I was going to sleep in the bedroom and walked over to it while also saying that she can keep watching TV if she wanted. If anything I was going to wait until she went to sleep so that I could pick her up and put her in bed while I take the couch. That was the plan.

Yet… I realized another thing…

There was a girl in the house. With me.

Alone.

Just the two of us.

I acted normally without a care until reality began setting in and the calming panic entered my being. My mind was going haywire that another echidna, especially a girl one and the one I've been thinking about, is in the same house as me alive and well! I mean… how do these things work?! How do Sonic and Amy do it?! GAH!

My thoughts at that point imagined Tikal with her beautiful face, that gorgeous smile of hers and amazing blue eyes pointed right at me with tender love and care. From there they began to act upon their own and removed her clothing, the natural form of hers appearing when just as the day she was born beginning to take shape. My mind melted on the image, her soft orange fur glistening in the light with those sexy curves that made up her incredible chest and butt… and from there the image focused on her lower front part.

Something felt off for me and I felt a breeze. I looked down.

And saw my thingy stand out straight.

Knock knock.

I panicked again and hit myself on the dresser. I heard Tikal's voice from the other side of the door and it only made me more nervous. Her words showed concern for me and I told her that I was alright, but apparently she opened the door anyway.

I'll skip the embarrassing part and only say that I tried running away, but Tikal was pretty fast and caught me before I could jump out the window.

From there… I felt the softest sensation ever to hit my lips.

I was stunned and couldn't move as I saw Tikal having closed the gap between us and placed her own lips upon mine.

This was my first kiss. My first with a girl! And it's the girl that graced my dreams ever since I met her in those visions!

Not knowing if I was doing anything right I just went along with it and copied her movements, but oh Chaos she was incredibly soft and she smelled so nice! I had a feeling this was also Tikal's first kiss since her movements were cautious but if that's the case… then even better! I'm her first haha!

We separated a bit after and she looked me in the eyes.

And said that she loved me.

…

She loves me…

SHE LOVES ME!

THIS BEAUTIFUL ANGEL THAT THE MASTER EMERALD BROUGHT BACK LOVES ME!

And… I love her too. I really do.

I LOVE HER!

I said it as well when I noticed her become sad but it's because I was shocked from the confession. I mean… I lived alone on a floating island for my entire life with no one else to check on me. To care for me. To love me…

And this wonderful person right in front of me confessed that she loved me… I was so happy… hehe…

Tikal noticed my tears and brushed them away as her gaze locked onto mine. Just from what I saw within those ocean-colored orbs silently told me what she knew about me.

That I was suffering in isolation.

That I put up a fake tough expression to hide the pain that's within my heart.

That I never got to experience what it's like to have someone that truly cares for you.

And now… she was there, telling me without words that she will be there to rid of that pain. To show that she cares.

And for me… I'll do the same. I'll give her the life she always wanted. I'll do whatever it takes to keep that beautiful smile on her face for as long as I can. Heck… I'll cherish her more than the Master Emerald, my duty becoming second to what I want to protect more.

I want to get rid of those terrible memories she experienced back then and replace them with more precious ones.

Ones that we can create.

Together.

My eyes told Tikal of this and her smile got bigger, my grin rising on my part as well as we felt joy upon telling each other our feelings. The burden of the nervousness for keeping them inside of us no longer there as relief swept us.

And afterwards, Tikal requested another thing.

That we become one. That we bond closer than ever and experience new feelings with each other.

She wanted us to mate.

I was hesitant at first but didn't disagree on it, and I accepted it with truthful words. Upon getting over the slightly awkward start… it was pure heaven.

Every kiss, every touch, every sensation made my mind and heart burst with unbelievable bliss. The actions that we performed were incredible as we fit each other perfectly like a puzzle. Tikal was sweet and gentle all the way, her actions showing true love and care for me just like mine are for her. Her tiny and delicate body felt as it would break against my powerful one, but I was careful and took my time to give her an amazing experience. This was my very first time doing this so I wasn't sure if I did it right, but Tikal gave me assurance that what I did was wonderful. She said that this was her very first time as well and that brought my confidence up higher, along with relief that she didn't do it with another echidna male hehe. Even though we didn't know each other for too long Tikal placed her faith in me during that moment, and I will make sure that I don't ever break that. Our meeting in the garden solidified that and just that small amount of time made it as if we have known each other for a long time.

And once I entered her, my life became complete.

My new life with Tikal has begun.

The sounds she released were music to my ears as I made love to her, proud to have her experience such bliss with my actions. She was amazing throughout with the touch and feel of her hands upon my body as if I was feeling clouds. I couldn't describe anything better than that with each stroke of her hands upon my torso like gentle kisses and it made my insides feel really happy as we continued our lovemaking. My mind melted from the intense pleasure I experienced, her insides squeezing me with extreme plush and warmth that I felt immediate release there and then but I remained strong and continued longer. I did hope she was feeling the same way and from what I can tell from her joyful expression, she was having fun as well. Every sound and movement she did showed her true self, her true feelings. She put all her heart into our mating and I responded with as much fervor. Apparently she was able to keep up with me in our actions, but because she wasn't trained in stamina as I was I did wait on her as she caught her breath. I didn't feel regret to any of that and I would always wait for her no matter what, Tikal's wellbeing coming before mine.

We continued throughout the night. A night I'll never forget as I released inside her, my essence filling her up while her own sprayed onto my fur down there.

The moment after our mating was calm and peaceful.

Which was the perfect time to tell her.

'I'll always be there for you my beautiful princess.'

And from there our life really began and we had many incredible moments together. From going to Soleanna to see the sights all the way to giving Tikal her first experience at the modern holidays, I enjoyed every aspect of my life alongside the girl of my dreams that will be there no matter what. The same way I will be there for her always.

…

And as I felt the gentle glow of the setting sun's rays upon my body as we sat near the Master Emerald at the moment, I couldn't be any happier. Tikie was sitting in my lap as well which only made the ending day even better, her soft body resting comfortably against mine.

I began to fall asleep with the quietness very peaceful and if anything didn't want to disturb the nice moment we were having. The memories we created so far together ran through my mind in which I got to see her getting along with everyone and exploring the modern world. She was picking up on the trends pretty quickly and adapted to how the world works in the current time, her joyful expression genuine and true. For my part I felt accomplished for helping her along the way and if anything, it really did give me purpose.

Just as I was about to doze into dreamland, a hand rested upon my cheek. Soft and filled with care.

"I love you my Knuckie."

Those words warmed me up immensely with my smile getting higher. Her fingers caressed the side of my face delicately with so much love. To me this was what I always wanted in my life, to be away from the solitude that haunted me ever since I was born.

Tikie had a tragic past that she didn't deserve and for anyone to experience it would be left broken mentally, but she came back strong. Even though she doesn't fight Tikie is one to solve problems with caring words and for that, I do see her as a strong echidna. Physical strength doesn't matter much as that's only one part of a person and for Tikie, it's her wisdom and kindness that beats everything else. She suffered so much back then and didn't have anyone to rely one among our people. To be seen as an outcast… well no one like her deserves it.

And I promised her that I would be that person to make her happy. To give her a life worth living. Chaos is no longer with her so I'll have to be the one that stays by her side. Not only as a fellow echidna… but as her soulmate.

…

And Tikie is my soulmate that will be my one and only that's more important than my lifelong duty.

…

"And when that day comes when we can become even closer, I will say yes." I heard her say.

Hehe, looks like I don't have to worry about her saying no when I make the biggest step in our relationship.

I heard her yawn cutely and snuggled closer upon me feeling her head on my chest. Her body warmth mixed with mine and the scent of lilacs was more apparent on her. I was in complete bliss and happiness with my arms wrapped around her waist.

"Pleasant dreams… my love…" was the last thing Tikie said until her soft snoring was heard. Even when she sleeps she looks really cute.

'Rest well my Tikie. You helped me to escape the loneliness I experienced throughout my life. You gave me the things I've always wanted but could never have, me being separated from the rest of the world. You lifted the burden of me being the last of my kind and I can't thank you enough. Master Emerald… thank you for bringing back a wonderful person… and thank you for making me feel true happiness… I will take care of her and love her forever…'

'For our future.'

Fin.

And you have reached the end! Congratulations!

Apparently it's longer than the first one but this brings back the times when the first half of my works were well above 5k words; now they're pretty much a bit below it for easy reading hehe. So yeah this was basically a work that connected some of the other works together and talked about the very first one I did through their perspectives and hopefully it performed well in celebrating one year. Regardless as I mentioned: all about being creative and improving!

Welp happy one year anniversary to me and I will continue to bring more to the table while exploring many more ideas! To be honest I'm thinking of taking a small little break after a year of posting a fanfic every week haha but I'll see what comes up. If anything I'll post it in the bio as well if it does happen.

Hope you enjoyed the read and if you didn't get the chance please check out my other works! Til next time! ouo/