...And Knuckles successfully punches his way into the story for an introduction I hadn't intended. But have some tasty foreshadowing anyway. Please review!
Meanwhile, on a certain floating island…
Knuckles eyes snapped open. He had been meditating on the altar beneath the Master Emerald. It was surprising that the disturbance that had snapped him out of his meditations this time had come from the Master itself. That was rare and usually had dire portends attached. This time felt no less ominous. In fact, the fur on the back of his neck was starting to rise.
The echidna stood and approached the enormous gem, laying a hand on it's shining surface.
"What is it?" he asked quietly. "What disturbed you? Can you show me?"
He closed his eyes and concentrated, trying his best to listen.
Rage.
Knuckles inhaled sharply and ripped his hand away from the Master Emerald, feeling almost that he'd been shocked. It was one of the most intense impressions he'd ever gotten from his charge.
That was the wrath of a mother whose cubs had just been harmed in some way. The guardian shuddered, rubbing his arms to try to rid himself of the feeling of dread that had stolen over him.
A wave of gentler energy pulled at his attention. It felt… apologetic.
Knuckles gazed somewhat warily at the Master and reached out, touching it after a moment's hesitation. A feeling of warmth and comfort filled him, but he could still sense the fury in the chaos. The Master Emerald might have been angry, but not at him.
"What should I do?" he asked.
Wait.
Knuckles frowned. It was almost too easy to interpret the energy urging him to stay. In all his time as guardian, communications from the Master had never been so distinct to him. Another wave of warmth washed through him, and Knuckles closed his eyes, resting his forehead against the gem.
Whatever storm was brewing, he would weather it just fine. It was nice having chaos on his side.