*beeeeg streeeeeeetch*

Ah man that hit the spot haha! Hey everyone what's up!

So this week was short considering I had four days off due to Mureeka's bday (I will not spell it the correct way until we get an actual working government that knows common sense) so basically it was only three days of work. It was pretty chill with a few easy projects so the days flew by pretty quick hehe. Not much aside from the slightly smoky scent leftover from the fireworks but other than that the weekend was LIT!

Anyway it's been several posts that I haven't done a Knuxikal one-shot so here is one to keep the train going! Hope you enjoy! ^u^

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

She's Mine

A bright sunny day shined above the floating atoll of Angel Island covering its vast land with warm rays. From winter valleys encompassing one part of the island to hot deserts dominating the other, the hovering chunk of earth was extraordinary in terms of not only having several seasons occur all in one location but the fact that it flew above the sky thousands of feet high. Fluffy clouds passed its tall mountains with several embracing Angel Island's edges as if it were a shawl that flowed in the wind. Nonetheless it made for a spectacle that would awe anyone that manages to spot it or better yet would be standing on its grounds basking in the display, but unfortunately not many were allowed to be on the island save for one individual who lived their whole life on it.

POW!

And was the current guardian of its mystical gem that kept the island afloat as well.

"This should do the trick." the individual whispered to himself, violet eyes that glittered in the sunlight staring at a fallen tree branch that he punched with his twin-spiked fists. Turning his crimson-furred body towards the tree itself he gave a sharp-toothed grin gazing above it. "And you're all good now!"

"Cheep cheep!" a pair of flickies tweeted in joy from the red echidna's action as the latter gave a thumbs up as well. "You're welcome and hopefully no more branches will bother your nest. Catch ya later!"

Knuckles the Echidna waved facing away from the tree after and began running back towards the Emerald Altar crossing through the thick jungle. With incredibly proficient acrobatics he leaped and flipped from several roots that stuck out of the ground and swung various vines that were present as the emerald guardian indulged himself with having some fun along the way. The fresh breeze that passed through the lush forest blew across his red quills and tickled his fur, Knuckles' expression that of happiness and content with no signs of exhaustion. If anything being friends with the world's fastest hedgehog made his endurance and stamina skyrocket to the point that he can keep running for days. Although he wasn't as fast as his friend Sonic that didn't mean his top speed was far away from the Blue Blur's, able to keep up with the latter's pace.

That didn't matter though as his mind was focused on another thing.

The most important thing that entered his life.

Before Knuckles was known to be the last of his kind, his people having lost their lives from a calamity long ago that was the result of their leader's actions. Knuckles knew of this history from visions that were shown to him and if anything hasn't seen another echidna even when he was born, still trying to figure out more about his past and how he even grew up. Even though it pained him that the echidnas were almost nearly extinct it bothered him less the more he accepted it. The way he adapted to things made him develop a strong and tough personality to ensure that he continue his undying duty to protect Angel Island's sacred relic, the Master Emerald, without question.

However… that didn't mean the feeling of loneliness wouldn't be present for Knuckles. Ever since he was born he grew up with no one around him. No one to show him how to get through life. No one to be there to ensure that he is safe. To care for him if anything were to happen. Knuckles grew up with none of that, only knowing that some time ago he gained the knowledge to survive in the wild. But even he did not know how that happened and just went along with it.

Regardless the realm of solitude scraped at Knuckles' mental side and at times he would get emotional at night knowing that there wouldn't be anyone else like him out there. Sure he made friends throughout his life but unfortunately they weren't enough to get rid of those feelings. Not only that but they had their own lives outside the island in which Knuckles couldn't convince them to stay and even then, his lifelong responsibility prevents him from letting anyone in.

Knuckles was truly alone in the world.

Was being the key word.

As he was no longer the last of his kind anymore.

Knuckles continued to cross the jungle with expert precision and skill, tunnel vision focusing on the path ahead while thinking about the most important thing on his mind. The one that he holds in his heart and that gave him a new purpose to go on in life. The one that he cherishes more than the Master Emerald itself, which is something given that he would risk his life to ensure its safety should anything happen to it.

Not only that, but the one… who is just like him.

An echidna, but not just an echidna.

An echidna who was the source of ending the calamity that occurred thousands of years ago at the cost of their life. An echidna who showed Knuckles visions of the past and made him know more about his people. An echidna who stood up to the leader of their people who caused this great calamity. If anything they were known by Knuckles and some of his friends in the form of a spirit that died long ago, their visage being like one of his people. It was a female echidna who displayed a serene and calm personality that only wanted peace throughout the land but never got the chance to experience it much as her time was ravaged by violence and bloodshed, her father wanting to conquer other lands through these selfish aspects.

He sought the power of the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald to accomplish this task, but the female echidna tried to reason with him that violence wasn't the answer. Unfortunately he didn't listen and commanded the gems to give him power… but it only caused the guardian of that time to lose control and become a monster in the end, destroying everything in its path and killing almost the entire echidna population. Just as it was about to set forth outside the tribe's land the female echidna chanted a prayer to the Master Emerald, having knowledge on harnessing its power and containing it. In order to stop the monstrosity that laid waste to the land she had to sacrifice herself, which she undeniably accepted and felt her physical form disappear. In turn the calamity was stopped and peace was restored upon the land, but not without its scars being left upon it which faded over time as the land rebuilt itself.

Knuckles saw those visions firsthand and was surprised by the events and the courage she held. Once the world was saved after the monstrosity attacked again in the present, the echidna's spirit left for the afterlife never to be seen again. For the current emerald guardian, he wasn't sure if he would ever see her again. It was the closest he got to know someone of his kind even if they weren't alive and above all… he felt something for her.

…

It didn't last long however as the Master Emerald used its powers to bring back that spirit into physical form and if anything, it became the greatest memory for Knuckles.

He was no longer the last of his kind.

He no longer had to dwell in solitude.

He no longer had to carry the burden of knowing that upon his death the echidnas would be truly extinct.

As that day was the day the Master Emerald brought back the princess of the tribe and the kindest and gentlest person he ever met: Tikal the Echidna.

Ever since that day his life has become way better. Not only did he get to learn a lot about the orange echidna but he got to know more about the history of their people that she couldn't provide much in her visions. The conversations they had were so easygoing that Knuckles felt as if his temper suddenly became nonexistent. Just the way she spoke was like hearing the gentle sound of a harp which calmed the emerald guardian more than when he would relax near the Emerald Altar. Not only that but appearance wise, she was very beautiful and Knuckles couldn't look away from her ocean-colored eyes. The male echidna's heart skipped a beat the more he watched her pure expression and just with how her face glowed against the sun's rays… he would do ANYTHING to make sure nothing bad happens to her. Seeing those visions of her suffering made him feel hatred towards those that treated her badly and more so against her father. If he were able to go back in time Knuckles would deliver the most brutal assault against the chieftain and kill him on the spot, but regrettably he couldn't because he knows Tikal wouldn't want that and even if she allowed it, he was the only living family to her at the time.

The same way Knuckles talked to her about his experiences and what it was like in the modern world for him beginning from his unknown birth. He didn't leave any detail out and explained everything, feeling a sense that Tikal should know everything about him likewise. For some reason Knuckles fully trusts her even though they didn't know much about each other at the time.

Once he got to talk about his life to her… she shot towards the emerald guardian and embraced him tightly as she wept. This surprised Knuckles as he should be the one feeling guilt and sadness for what Tikal experienced in her life, but nonetheless he accepted it and just hearing her sob made him weep as well feeling guilty that he caused someone like her to cry. After their moment they released each other with Tikal assuring that it wasn't his fault, that she cried because of the fact that Knuckles went through hardships alone in his life with no one around. She explained that it held the same weight as her own life in which she experienced abuse and suffering.

One having gone through rejection from their family while the other grew up with absolutely no family.

It was this aspect that made Knuckles and Tikal become closer to each other and after some time, they both confessed. It was a little awkward with their faces incredibly red, but once they heard the three little words come out their mouths to one another did their lips turn into wide grins as the two echidnas ran towards each other and didn't waste time with a kiss.

It was beyond magical upon feeling each other's touch, Knuckles finally experiencing what love is like for the first time. Surprisingly it was also Tikal's first time as well which caught Knuckles off-guard as he was astounded no one would ask such a beautiful girl like her out. Apparently this slipped out of the red echidna's mouth which made the peach-colored girl squeal and tackle him for more kissing.

Knuckles got to learn more about her as a soulmate from there. She was still very gentle and kind as back then, but if anything she was a bit like Amy in the sense that Tikal is somewhat clingy and loves to snuggle. For Knuckles this was new territory in which he shows a ton of masculinity and to be sucked into mushy things like that made him wince, but if it was with his echidna princess then he has no issues with it. Not only that but the peach-colored girl was INCREDIBLY caring and nurturing, ensuring that Knuckles is well fed and free from injury. If his stomach rumbled even the slightest she would make something for him. If he was sick she would tend to him. If he got the slightest scratch which trickled a bit of blood… well Knuckles sweatdropped at how dedicated she was to his wellbeing. Nonetheless he wasn't annoyed by any of it and found it really cute and adorable, if anything repaying her by doing all the heavy duty things she normally wouldn't be able to do.

He taught her what he knew about the modern world and showed her around beyond Angel Island. Tikal got to meet his friends as a living person this time and familiarized herself with current trends, though she was slow on most things. Knuckles was patient enough regardless and enjoyed seeing the peach-colored girl learn about the current time and in the way she was meant to live her life. Just seeing her smiling face and happy expression brought comfort and accomplishment to Knuckles, seeing that he was actually doing something right and doing something that means more rather than guard a large shining rock for the rest of his life.

He was no longer alone, Tikal filling the empty void in his heart.

The same way he repaired her own which was broken by neglect and suffering.

'I'm almost there Tikie. Just wait a bit more my love.' Knuckles thought as he closed in on the edge of the clearing leading to the altar. His gaze noted the ancient structure up ahead with the large gleaming jewel sitting at the top surrounded by seven smaller dots of light; the Chaos Emeralds. Seeing the same thing every day when he comes back from a task or from an adventure would normally make him depressed, but now that the echidna princess from long ago was alive once again and with him, Knuckles no longer saw it that way as his smile widened even further.

Sensing her presence as she waited for him. The only one that he allowed to be by his side for the rest of his life. The one that shared the same devotion to the emeralds as he did. And the only one that understands him more than just a guardian and sees him as the real him.

Knuckles sensed his feet hitting soft grass as he entered the clearing and ran across it leaving a red streak behind him. His grin never left, focus concentrating on the girl that was in his mind in her beautiful glory. From the jeweled headpiece and necklace that she wore, the tribal clothing she had that while outdated he found to be gorgeous on her and the bright orange fur she groomed every day, Knuckles was very lucky to have someone like her. Once he meets with Tikal they planned on relaxing atop the altar together and enjoy the view of the ocean below as they cuddled.

The emerald guardian couldn't wait any longer and picked up speed feeling her presence nearby as he looked up.

"Hey babe."

Red and yellow shoes skidded on the grass to a complete halt.

Violet eyes were wide in astonishment.

'Who was that?' Knuckles asked himself staring at the top of the altar. Except it didn't come from above the structure.

It came from behind it.

Narrowing his eyes towards the new source he whispered a few words.

"Chaos Control."

And reappeared behind the rear staircase that went up the altar, taking a peek over its incline.

He almost lost it.

"So what do you say we go explore some ruins nearby? Maybe we might find something in common between our people?" a familiar green hawk smirked sultrily as he cornered a familiar orange echidna. "And maybe we can find something in common between us…"

Tikal shivered and gulped at his advances. "N-No th-thank you. I-I am o-okay."

"Ah come on hot stuff you know you want to. No one can resist the charms of Jet the Hawk hehe!" Jet praised himself. Tikal shook her head. "I-I refuse!"

Knuckles continued to watch, his anger beginning to rise.

'How dare that bastard try to hit on Tikie! If he does anything more I'm gonna skin-!' the red echidna stopped himself and took a deep breath. 'Calm down Knuckles calm down. Tikie's a strong girl and if I get into this it won't end well… for him hehe.'

Jet narrowed his eyes at the echidna princess. "You're missing out toots."

A tic mark appeared on Knuckles' head with sharp teeth gritting against one another. 'You better realize that she doesn't accept you pathetic bird…'

Tikal gulped again. "A-And a-as I s-said, n-no thank yo-!"

SMACK!

"EEP!"

Knuckles' violet orbs momentarily turned red with fury upon seeing Jet corner Tikal upon the wall as he placed his hand upon it next to the peach-colored girl's head. His cocky expression turned into an angry one.

"Look, I understand that you're with that Knucklehead-."

"H-He is not a Knucklehead!" Tikal interrupted.

Jet sighed shaking his head. "My bad, Knuckles." He spoke his name with a bit of venom in it. "But he isn't worth it. The dude is keeping you here and not letting you go out there and explore more of the world. Who knows, maybe there's more to the echidnas out there than what you can find in the ruins here."

The emerald guardian's hands were slowly crushing the ancient brick that made the stairs as cracks began to develop.

"If you take my offer we can find out if there's more of your people out there. Knuckles might be lying that he is the last of his kind and I can help you prove that he is. With my Extreme Gear and our talent for reading the ancient texts we can learn more about our people, both Babylonians and echidnas. Better yet..." Jet leaned closer to Tikal causing the latter to shiver more. "We can learn more about each other's intimate practices."

"P-Please stop!" Tikal cried out yet it fell on deaf ears with Jet getting closer, not caring of the danger he was slowly getting into once a tear fell out of the orange echidna's shut eyes.

She screamed upon feeling his beak on her cheek.

"KNUCKIE!"

And that did it.

CRACK!

"AUGH!" Jet screamed in pain feeling a titanic force wrap around the back of his neck and crushing it. His azure blue eyes widened in horror as his body froze and was lifted several inches in the air. Every slight movement made his body twitch in utter agony, the green hawk feeling himself being rotated towards the source.

Meeting the horrifyingly icy glare of Knuckles staring him down with slitted red glowing eyes and razor-sharp teeth ready to kill that made Jet wet himself. Red chaos energy surrounded the emerald guardian's form to show a fiercer appearance with crimson lightning crackling here and there.

"Don't. Ever. Be. Near. Her. Again." Knuckles spoke demonically tightening his grip on him and causing Jet to yelp again. Tikal watched with wide eyes afraid herself, but at the same time she was relieved that he came.

Knuckles wasn't done yet continuing to glare at him. "Do something like that again and I'll tear you apart so much that your ancestors will feel it and regret ever making scum like you."

Jet whimpered like a girl and tried to nod but the pain from his neck was unfathomable that he couldn't. Knuckles noted his fearful expression and glanced at the newly formed puddle on the ground, giving a slight smirk as he let go with the green hawk landing on his butt onto the puddle.

"Leave." Knuckles spoke in a heavy tone. Rubbing his neck quickly he complied and scampered up not caring that his underside was wet from his little accident. The emerald guardian himself looked down at the ground knowing that his appearance had frightened Tikal, so he breathed in and out a few times to calm himself.

WHOOSH!

"H-HUH?!" Jet was flabbergasted by Knuckles catching his Extreme Gear that he used to try to hit him with, the red echidna not even turning around to see it. Feeling a harsh pull from Knuckles the latter held it with two hands and tore it in two from the middle. "M-MY GEAR-ACK!"

Knuckles grabbed his throat in less than a millisecond. He was done playing around based on the ominous look Knuckles gave out which would even make Shadow wet himself a thousand times over.

"You're done."

The mind-numbing sound of a screeching hawk and a tremendous earthquake followed suit.

…

…

"Sorry Tikie…" Knuckles muttered with tears going down his face. He wasn't alone though.

Tikal looked up at him and gave a smile, cupping his face with her hands as she nestled in his lap and arms. The two echidnas sat next to the Master Emerald watching the ocean, but Knuckles was feeling horrible for displaying something that he knew Tikal doesn't like much. After he dealt with Jet and threw him off the island the male echidna went off to search for a hole so he can burrow in and be alone, not wanting to look at the echidna princess in the eye. He's seen her mortified expression aimed at him and it only made him feel guilt.

But Tikal eventually found him and told him not to worry, her gentle hands grabbing his own to pull him out. Knuckles refused to look into her eyes, yet he felt those same hands hold his face and turned it to meet hers. Blue eyes watched him with the same happiness and care that he knew so much and not a hint of fear or anger. Tikal told him that she was only frightened for his well-being and not that he was angry. If anything Tikal worried that Knuckles would become something that wasn't really him, but at the same time cried in joy that he saved her from Jet's advances. From there they walked back to the altar and silently nestled with each other.

The echidna princess wiped his tears away softly as Knuckles sniffed, violet eyes meeting blue ones.

"Do not worry my Knuckie, I forgive you. I am just glad that you saved me from him." Tikal reassured.

"B-But I ended up hurting him. You don't like violence and I broke that-!" Knuckles hiccupped a bit as Tikal placed a finger on his lips, keeping that same smile. "You are correct my love. I do not like it when peace is disturbed by it, but you did it because you wanted to protect me. Not because he was an enemy to you."

Knuckles was surprised by her reasoning. It was a bit strange with how she worded but if anything she was right.

How can Knuckles forget. He fights to protect those most important to him.

And Tikal is the most important person in his life.

That brought a smile on him as well and seeing it made Tikal smile wider. "You will never frighten me even if you become angered. You will always be the strong and kind Knuckie that I know and love."

"Hehe you really do know how to lift someone's spirits up Tikie." Knuckles replied.

Tikal lowered her hands from his face and grasped his own larger ones, liking the way they gently wrapped around hers. It made her feel safe and protected as she leaned in and cuddled into his chest. "I will always be yours my love, just as you will always be mine."

Knuckles returned the favor and nuzzled the top of her head enjoying the sweet scent she gave off. "And I will always be yours, just as you will always be mine my love."

Tikal and Knuckles then looked at each other lovingly before leaning in and giving a passionate kiss. In the end everything worked out well with the two enjoying the rest of the day together… and apparently going beyond just a kiss hehe.

As Knuckles got his first experience of what real jealousy feels like.

…

…

…

Knock knock.

A door opened by a familiar purple swallow. "Can I help yo-."

Wave dropped the wrench she held.

"JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT!"

Fin.

And you has reached the end! :D

Ah man Knuckles sure means business when someone hits on his girl and if anything would destroy them completely if they even touch her haha. Aside from that it's a one-shot which basically reflects the other work that I did involving Rouge in which Tikal got jealous. xD

Now for those that read my works often I'm sure you would be wondering: when it comes to the Knuxikal ones why does the first part of the story always talk about how they met or their backstories leading up to having them end up together? Well to answer that it's because I'm following the aspect that there will be new readers that will end up reading the current works and not the ones from when I barely started off. In a sense I do it to keep the readers engaged on what's going and to reiterate the important parts on how they got together. Normally some stories would start off with a couple and don't have a backstory on how they met and usually it deals with headcanon ones that aren't official compared to the canon ones. That leaves ambiguity to how they met and for my works I add that aspect so that new readers can get a sense on how they met in my works. In the canon franchise Tikal is pretty much in the afterlife so if anything for my headcanon I reiterate in my works so that there can be a reason on why she is there, otherwise it would remain unknown on why she is alive in my works.

So yeah that's why I tend to do that, but that doesn't mean I do it for all my works. It also makes a great transition point so I can add an efficient narrative leading up to the purpose of the story. But yeah hopefully I'm improving on that aspect lol.

Other than that hope you enjoyed the read and if anything feel free to look at my other works! Til next time! ouo/