WHAM!
You land a hard right hook across the echidna's face, knocking him back a few steps. He's stunned at first, but then glares at you.
"I wish you hadn't told me that," you growl at him, "I know the Master Emerald means a lot to you, and you want to protect it with your life… but you nearly cost Tails HIS life because you couldn't let it go for a moment?"
"I said I was sorry…" Knuckles mutters.
"And that's supposed to make everything all better?" you shout, "Look at Tails! He's injured because of you! I knew you were dumb, but I didn't think you were THAT stupid!"
Knuckles narrows his eyes and grits his teeth. "I get it! I made a mistake!" he yells, "No need for you to keep slandering me over it."
"You brought it on yourself, Knucklehead!" you shout. "When you put a stupid artifact you can't ever keep safe anyway in front of my best friend's safety. I trust you to look after him if I'm not able to. I can't count on you for anything, it seems."
Knuckles looks angry, but you can see the hurt behind his eyes. You know you're going too far, yet it feels somewhat satisfying to say all this…
He clenches his shaking fists. "The only reason I'm not smashing your face right now is because I don't want to accidentally hit Tails in the process," he growls deeply, "He's injured enough as it is."
You let out a chortle. "Hah. Yeah, I'm sure."
"Well, don't worry, Sonic," Knuckles continues, "You won't need to worry about me messing things up anymore. See if I ever have your back again!" He turns and is about to storm out of the room.
"No problem!" you shout in the meantime, "I can take on Nega without your help!"
Knuckles freezes in his steps before he fully exits. "Nega?"
"Yeah," you say in response, "You know, the Eggman that came after THE Eggman. There's no way I'm letting anyone go home until we take that jerk out. Not after what happened to Tails…"
The echidna fully turns to face you. "Is this something everyone else agreed to? Or is this a spur of the moment decision?"
"What's it matter?" you reply, "I'm sure we can agree Nega needs to be taken out. No ifs or buts about it."
Continue the story on Chapter 21