𝗜𝗳 𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 him pause, let it be the figure that was once so vital a part of his life. Lost not only to time but the last he’d seen of her (not counting the projection offered of map) was hardly that of peace. But for all the possibilities of what happened to Longclaw racing through mind, he tries so hard to push past the most negative of those intrusive thoughts. Look to a brighter tomorrow && emulate the kindness that had been shown to him in his youth from owl imposition.            “I---I don’t know.” He stumbles with his words, fumbles whatever confidence he typically showed in less than favorable odds of his emotional anguish. It pin prickles throughout his quills && emerald gaze pans askew for but a moment. Maw purses before he tries to continue on. He doesn’t appreciate even the imagery of her lifeless form sprawled across jungle floor. Not when all the energy she had left went into saving him from so sour a fate.           “But I do know that I owe everything to her. Without her, there’d be no me.”

          "𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱?" 𝗛𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀, nearly fumbling over his own feet (as if he couldn’t expeditiously counter && catch himself). He zips to the doorframe, shouting out across the newly renovated house. “Uh, helloooo?! Wachowski emergency! Should I be getting paid for being blue justice?!”            He peers back around the doorframe, hand raising to synchronize with his words. Talking midst digits in tandem to each spoken inclination. “Oh---but being blue justice is totally amazing. I mean who doesn’t like saving the day and being the hero??”            Back to the doorframe. “Dad?! I asked you a question!” 

          𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 does well to garner curvature to maw. He smiles; it’s the kind of smile one makes when addressing that which brings the heart joy. Knuckles is not only a friend, but a rival in a sense. They build upon one another && impress upon the other to do better. To be better. Never mind the antics of a particular blue hedgehog that may or may not test the temper of the mentioned echidna. But whatever the case, such a bond has long since brought him joy. Just as all the bonds he’s made over the years.            “Who, Knux? He’s got one heck of a shell.. but once you get past that? He’s not so bad. Don’t let that tough guy act fool you!” He snickers, but then winks toward the one questioning. “But one thing’s for sure.. he packs a mean punch. But he’s cool!”

          "𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻." Whatever joviality was present has since displaced. He of sunlit persona is reduced to something akin overcast. But his ire doesn’t come from the insult slung his way. Instead, it’s the implication that aught would happen to so dear a companion. Determination rouses in his gaze && a singular brow lifts. Singular gloved extremity is held aloft in loose fist that adequately conveys sincerity.            “I made a promise that nothing’s gonna happen to the people I care about.” && every word? He means. With all the strength in his soles && the will of his heart. Everything within him is a superluminous supernovae; every bursting bit of speed force within him akin a thousand converging stars. Colliding && erupting in the cosmos like no other ever could. He burns brightly && engulfs those he wants to protect in a protective light of surety. “So you best believe that, whatever plan’s brewing in that messed up head of Robotnik’s, I’ll be there to stop him. No questions asked.”

Lotta tired, little aggravated. So I’m gonna go mobile. Love you all. ♥