Guardian of the Emeralds

Her urging him to pursue the things he loved in life drew another drop in his expression, his smile fading and shoulders lowering the slightest bit. If he could have gone after his dreams, the things he enjoyed, he would have in a heart beat. When he met her eyes, resignation shown. And after searching her expression for a few long minutes, he finally spoke again. “I…can’t. After everythin’ I’ve done, the people after me…there’s no way they’d silently allow me ta live my life. That’s why I have ta take em out. Even if it means war. My blood brother an’ I are workin’ on a solution, but I dunno if we’re gonna figure it out in time. I might have ta take drastic measures ta ensure both his safety, an’ my own.” He exhaled quietly, orbs dropping to peer down at the grass. “I told ya I ain’t a good guy, Tik. I’m a fugitive of the law. A fugitive can’t just settle down cause they’ve had a change o’ heart.”

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Tikal listened to his life experience with wide eyes, her gaze plastered to his face as she tried her best to envision bits and pieces of his life. He had lived through so much, been through unimaginable amounts of emotional and physical turmoil, yet he sat here and told her she was strong? Her head shook in response, a kind of awe settling in as she realized how truly resilient the hedgehog was. The echidna at least had bits and pieces of her childhood that she cherished, and though they are fuzzy, for the most part she had little issue with her upbringing. She had truly been fortunate.

The idea of resentment as a motivator seemed a bit off in her mind. From her experience, little good ever came from that emotion; and It caused harm to one’s soul as well. Letting those negative emotions fester for what she assumed was years had to have taken a toll on her company. A frown settled on her muzzle once more at the thought. Her drive had always been hope- the chance at a peaceful existence where everyone would cherish one another and themselves, as It should be. It was an idea she now realized was completely unrealistic.

“I am led to believe you are strong as a result of your own work. Resentment breeds negativity- and while It may seem to be a driving force, I believe the strength is coming from none other than your own sheer will. You are clearly very resilient, I envy that in you.” Her words were quiet, a more settled expression on her face as she continued listening to his predicament. In all reality, she could not really understand why he was running. Times had changed, and customs along with It. Subconsciously, her brow furrowed in thought as her gaze shifted to the grass beneath them, a contemplative sigh leaving her lips. “Do you have no place of refuge? These… people can find you anywhere?” That, she could not comprehend. The only true teleportation she was familiar with revolved around Chaos Emeralds, and those fell in the hands of very few individuals.