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Knuckles understands loneliness better than anyone.
Being up on Angel Island, guarding the Master Emerald, all of his life…it’s a pretty lonely job.
It never necessarily felt lonely. After all, he had the chao and the other wildlife on Angel Island for company, alongside the Master Emerald. But he didn’t have anyone else like him. Only the remains. A reminder of what once was. What could’ve been.
Seeing all of the ruins, exploring them, trying to learn more about his people…
Knuckles always did it because he wanted to understand who he was. Who he’s supposed to be. To feel closer to those that were gone. To feel like he was really part of something greater. Something bigger than just him.
Thinking back, it did the exact opposite.
Sometimes, Knuckles would pause in the middle of exploring. He’d look around. Really take in his surroundings. How vacant it was in spaces that must once have been full of life. Filled with chatter and laughter, years and years ago. The silence in the air would hang over his head like a dark storm cloud.
Playing with the chao could only help so much.
After Eggman showed up, with Sonic and Tails quick to follow, Knuckles finally understood.
When all was said and done, everything was quiet. Peaceful. And for a while, things were fine. Back to normal.
But then something changed.
That feeling he would get in the ruins would just…be there. He wasn’t sure why. He didn’t know how to make it go away.
Everything got more confusing. And a lot more complicated.
Sonic and Tails just…started to stop by. Back then, it was usually because they were on another adventure, and were there to take a quick break or sleep for the night.
As much as Knuckles would grumble and complain, he always let them. Because it was nice to have other people around. It made the heavy weight in his chest fade. Besides, as long as they didn’t cause any trouble, he didn’t care that much.
Sonic being Sonic, he usually did. But Tails almost always made a case for him.
As time went on, and Knuckles grew closer to them, he met other people. And they visit, too.
Amy stops by to spar and chat. She brings snacks and drinks. She’ll help style his quills, and he’ll do the same for her. Sometimes they’ll spend the day crafting. Knuckles will loom, and Amy will draw. Once they’re done, they’ll trade.
Rouge drops in sometimes. Usually it’s just to mess with him and drool over the Master Emerald. But sometimes, she’ll go treasure hunting with him. They’ll dig through the ruins or caverns. They’ll discuss the different gems and rocks they find. He’ll tell her about the history of where they are. She’ll tell him about the quality of the gemstones and old jewelry.
Of course, Sonic and Tails will still visit. These days, it’s more likely to only see one of them.
When Sonic comes up, he’s only there for a short while. They might spar for a bit. Sometimes he’ll play with the chao. They’ll chat about nothing in particular. Then, he’s off again, headed for wherever the wind takes him.
Tails’ visits are usually more purposeful. He’ll ask for help with translating an ancient script. Or he’ll need something for a project. But sometimes, he’ll just sit and talk. Generally it’s about something he’s been working on. Knuckles never understands much of it, but he always listens.
As much as he loves being on his own, Knuckles appreciates these visits.
It’s strange. Having friends. People that really care about him, that want to spend time with him. But…it’s nice.
Knuckles understands loneliness better than anyone.
But he isn’t alone anymore.