#ooc: knuckles' present was such a cool idea i got i couldn't think o fanything else

[echidna-enquiries]

Guardian Family Gift Exchange Pt 5.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Once his eldest child sat down, Rhett stood up, stretching for the moment before going to the table, getting another little envelope that was on the table.

"It felt so funny I got one of my three children again, I feel almost guilty. I swear I'm not neglecting you two", Rhett looked to his eldest and youngest, the two giggling his comment. "Yeah, favouritism!", Johnathan raised his arms and got a laugh of the whole family, "Whatcha get me, Dad?". "Something I think you like", Rhett winked and handed him the envelope.

Johnathan opened the envelope, his tail wagging lightly in interest, and when got out two tickets, his tail skyrocketed and he let out an excited squeal, "Oh my god!! How did you get these?! This show is so hard to get tickets for and these are FRONT SEAT!". Rhett chuckled proudly, adjusting his glasses, "Well, I got a few friends and like Cedar, they hooked me up into getting my hands on these. You and whoever you wanna take can enjoy that show when it comes around". "YESSSSSSSS!!!", Johnathan cheered, "THANK YOU DAD!!!", he quickly jumped up and gave his dad a hug, almost making him fall over if he hadn't caught him.

While Rhett slowly got Johnathan off of him, Hadar stood up and grabbed his present, much like Seth it could be safe to assume what his gift would be. His perfectly wrapped, boxed up gift was scooped up into his arms as he approached Morgan, handing it to her with a gentle smile.

"Here you are, Morgan". "Thanks, gramps", she smiled, taking another sip of her next glass of wine before getting to undoing the wrapping, of her box. Her smile widened as she saw the present neatly folded in the box "Awr... how darling!", she stood up and a long knitted cardigan uncurled in her arms. It was knitted with beautiful purple wool and hints of a sparkly silver and black in the wool, almost making it look starry and sparkling. Two patches that were pockets had a star and moon symbol, that she inspected and smiled at. "This fits perfectly... did you pinch one of my cardigans to get the measurements?", Morgan asked, smirking. Hadar looked away awkwardly at the accusation, "I wouldn't call it stealing I just borrowed it! You-You didn't even notice". "Well it was worth it, this is so cuuuuute!", Morgan spun around as she tried it on, coming over and kissing Hadar on the cheek and hugging him, "Thanks grandpa". The spotted brown echidna giggle shyly in response. If anyone was paying attention, they would notice there were two items left on the table now, a large box and a small cylinder present. Marcello had scooped up the box, looking to Lance. "Here ya go, buddy! I can't wait to see your reaction to this!!". Marcello giggled as he put the large box down in front of Lance, who eyed it curiously. But the sound had gotten his attention the most. He recognised that noise that came from inside far too well. With an almost child-like excitement, Lance ripped the box open, his eyes lighting up at the sight, a large box Blocko replica of a ship from a particular sci-fi movie that Lance particularly liked. "Oh my GOOOOOOD! I FINALLY HAVE IT!!".

Marcello kicked his feet seeing how excited Lance got, "i was so worried you were gonna buy it spontaneously, oh I'm so glad you didn't. I would've been SO MAD at you!". "I couldn't even if I fucking wanted to, it was never in stores and online, it was so expensive! oh my god, oh my god-!!" Lance's hands started shaking, here come the stims, "I'M BUILDING THIS RIGHT NOW!!"

His father and son especially started laughing as he quickly opened the box, emptying many of the bags of pieces and the HUGE booklet of instructions.

Knuckles then looked up the table, that last gift must be his... he was curious to what was inside. It was an odd shape... and then realised who was the remaining Guardian who hadn't given their gift yet. His eldest... he was immediately nervous. Shepherd stood up, picking the gift carefully and eyeing Knuckles, yawning again. "I must admit, I shared your sentiment Knuckles, I for a moment couldn't decide what to get you so...I had to get quite creative. I really hope you enjoy this", Shepherd spoke, handing him the present. Knuckles held his breath, wondering what on earth his eldest grandfather could have gotten him. He hadn't particularly needed or wanted anything, so he couldn't imagine he had made this easy for him. When he slipped the item out of the paper, it revealed a wooden cylinder case... it had a lid. When he opened it, two slips of rolled up paper fell onto his lap. How curious... Even the others had stopped in their activities to watch quietly, equally curious what Shepherd had done. Knuckles picked it up, unrolling it carefully... a map. It had marks all over certain spots across the world, not even on their island, the world... and coordinates at the bottom. what could these mean? "I'd recommend you read the other if you need some...clarification. You can read it to yourself or outloud if you want". And so Knuckles did, looking it over. He could tell the rest of the family wanted to know, so he chose to say it outloud. "To my adventurous grandson. I'm very aware of your many adventures, off and on our island home. And one thing i've come to learn about you from listening is your interest and skill for finding treasures. This thought kept returning to me while plotting a gift, and then this idea came to me. So instead of a single physical gift, I figured what would be the best gift for a treasure hunter...", Knuckles stopped to read it over, "Then a treasure hunt just for you". The others looked to eachother, surprised, curious. They continued to listen in, occasionally looking at Shepherd who watched on for Knuckles' reaction. "On the map, are locations, where I've gone and hidden many items for you to find. What are they? I will not tell you specifically, only that I have found or purchased a variety of items that I felt would interest you. Historical items, gemstones, even little trinkets that might be fun. All hidden safely away for you to hunt down at your leisure. You have coordinates and hints on the back of this note. The very first one if you wish is hidden in our home right now. Feel free to go after it anytime you'd like. Happy Holidays, my grandson. Sincerely, Shepherd".

Knuckles stared over the pieces of paper in silent awe, the others around them chattering in excitement and curiosity. "Dad...is THAT what you were doing when you vanished every couple of days this past month?!", Marcello asked, visibly surprised. "And why you're so tired?", Lance asked, holding a few of the bricks in his hand. "Yes... I really wanted to try and make this idea work", Shepherd yawned again, looking to Knuckles and giving an awkward smile that almost looked like one he would give himself, "I... hope you like it". "...This... this is amazing... I...I don't deserve this. This is so much work, just for me...", Knuckles looked to the ground, not believing how much effort his grandfather put in just for him. They weren't even that close, he only just started training with him a few years ago. "Don't be ridiculous, Knuckles. You are a wonderful young man and you deserve to know that", Shepherd gave a pat to Knuckles shoulders, "You've grown a lot this year, as you have the previous years... I just know you're going to be a great Guardian when you're ready", he gave an affirming smile to his grandson, before reverting back to his usual neutral expression.

The two stood awkwardly for a moment, Knuckles decided to initial a... rather awkward hug. Adorable but visibly awkward hug. "Thank you, grandfather...Happy Holidays to you, too".

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