#that knuckles is there and has to fulfill this role

[rapidhighway]

The fics where Knuckles has some cool powers from the master emerald or is like a very special guy who talks to the master emerald are so good but I've been thinking. What if he isn't. He's the guardian of the master emerald, not a user. Sonic is the one who can use the chaos emeralds and is basically the chosen one when it come to chaos energy, and Knuckles just guards it.

I just imagine Knuckles, who's been put on angel island and basically sacrificed his entire life to this thing and never received any form of acknowledgment, who then meets Sonic who's basically a chaos energy magnet. Chaos emeralds love him, master emerald responds to him. Sonic is there to use the energy, Knuckles is to only guard it

[pianokantzart]

Sonic wanting to help Knuckles so badly but not at all understanding why he can't just chill out and entertain himself has me going feral.

As if I'm not insane enough about them forming a bond while being two child victims of a war that wiped out each others' families??? but I digress. The way their last interactions with their parental figures played out speaks such volumes about who they eventually became. Sonic's final instruction from Long Claw was to stay hidden and to never stop running. Eventually, Long Claw changed her tune in the message she left on the map to the master emerald, but until then she had made it abundantly clear that she wanted nothing more than for Sonic to just live his own life far from danger.

Sonic took this to heart. He never stopped running, physically and emotionally. He's all about fun and self-distraction, and while he eventually overcame that pressure to stay hidden in order to take on a more heroic role, he does what he can to live up to Long Claw's expectations: live his own life and be himself.

On the opposite end of things is Knuckles. He said he was "trained since birth in all forms of lethal combat." Knuckles was set up to go to war from the moment he hatched, and the last thing that his father said to him was an assurance that he would one day bring honor to their tribe.

So that became his main goal from then on. He fought his way to the ends of the world until he was renowned as the most dangerous warrior in the galaxy. He spent every waking moment trying to track Sonic down so he could fulfill his destiny and reclaim the master emerald.

He, like Sonic, lived a life of isolation, dedicated to honoring the memory of a dead parental figure, but while Sonic never stopped being his own person, Knuckles never quite started being his own person. He remains with the Wachowskis to honor a vow he made to Sonic and Tails. He tears the living room apart so that the household pet can face his "greatest enemy." He goes on a road trip with Wade to help him train after he gets kicked off his bowling team. How can he just step back and entertain himself when all "himself" has ever been is what he can be for his tribe? Old and new? How is he supposed to relax when he has probably, no exaggeration, never relaxed a single day of his life?

How can he take a break from being a warrior when being a warrior is all he has ever known?

He literally didn't know the definition of the word fun until Sonic taught him how to play "base of ball." What has been Sonic's coping mechanisms his entire life are, to Knuckles, completely counterintuitive and alien.

[hellishjoel]

red

1.3k / pairing: javier peña x f!reader

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summary: Javier Peña doesn't love in black and white - he loves in red. warnings/information:  MA 18+ (minors DNI), allusions to some smutty vibes but no smut, javi in love, reader is described having hair and wears a dress and heels, but otherwise (I believe) no physical description, no use of y/n A/N: this is for the lovely @janaispunk's 1500 kisses challenge! congratulations baby <3 this is an ode to you! I was dutifully given the prompt of forehead kisses - and if anyone gives good forehead kisses (see example above) it's obviously javi. lastly thank you @saradika-graphics for the banner!

You’ve got your red dress on tonight. 

The one that paints your body in confidence and allure. Dusted in a silky, satin red. 

Javi’s never had a favorite color until now. 

Your mere presence demands attention and captures the longing gazes of all who inhabit the room you grace with your stride. You dazzle, you shine, and you’re self-assured.

Your anniversary falls on a rainy night in Bogotá. Thunder claps outside, echoing each step he takes up your apartment stairwell. He brings red roses, a fresh bouquet to honor the importance today holds. 

One year. That’s four seasons of love that Javier has never felt before. 

He wraps his rough knuckles against your door and listens patiently to your delicate steps on the other side. 

“Oh, Javi,” you breathe with a pearly smile, “they’re beautiful.” You thank him with a kiss on his stubbled cheek and he squeezes your hip in return, feeling the soft satin of your dress dancing beneath his fingertips. 

That fucking red dress. 

It transports him to a warm summer night, where the sun blazed an orange-yellow hue across the horizon. Ice-cold drinks giving him the courage to ask you for a dance. Your perfume, that smile, those eyes. Dancing in close proximity, your bodies dripping in sweat as Javi took the lead, your heels clicking across the old wood floors of the cantina. But that was many moons ago. The first dress he ever saw you in, still his favorite. 

“Anything for you, hermosa.” 

And he knows you by now. Knows to make a late dinner reservation to allow you extra time to get ready. It’s a process, you’ve told him. He sits at the edge of your bed and watches you in silent admiration. 

Your bedroom is cloaked in darkness, the only illumination coming from the candlesticks, their gentle orange flames flickering in the breeze wafting through the open balcony doors. Outside, raindrops perform a delicate dance on the metal roof, creating a mesmerizing symphony of tinny notes.

Like an angel, you float across the room. Where are your wings? Where is your halo? Maybe left long ago in that cantina where you traded them for Javi. But you’re still an angel in his eyes, the most beautiful goddess he’s ever seen, the woman he praises day and especially night. In the lap of his lover, he is never alone.

He notes how articulately you pick your accessories, bringing earrings up to your lobe and seeing how they complement the look. Maybe a necklace—no, the bracelet he bought you a few months back. He smirks at the sight, and you catch his gaze in the vanity mirror. 

Javi wonders why he showers you with gifts - maybe a hint of possession, more so that he thinks you deserve the finer things he can offer you. And you’ve always been so gracious and excited with every gift wrap you delicately tear or ribbon you untie. Money doesn’t matter compared to that million-dollar smile. 

“Javi, pick my perfume for me, will you?” 

And now, getting ready becomes a two-person job. But he likes this part; he likes dressing you up, picking your lingerie in the shops, and choosing which heels you wear. There's an undeniable allure in your reliance on him, allowing him to fulfill the role of being essential in your life. Needed. 

He chooses a sweet-scented perfume—not blossomy, more like vanilla and cinnamon—sweet enough to fit your personality, thick enough to make him drunk on you. With his eyes closed and lost in a room full of people, he could find you. And he would. 

“Heels?” He offers, already opening your closet and staring at the different colored stilettos and slingbacks. 

“Yes, please, baby.” You coo, delighting in his attentive presence as the melody of your perfume fills the air, each spritz a tender caress upon your neck, shoulders, and a playful touch in your tousled hair.

He bends down to one knee and guides your hand on his shoulder. 

You hum sweetly, nails grazing the back of his neck and gently scratching the base of his scalp. His jet-black hair is soft and thick, weaving perfectly between your fingers. 

He wasn’t always like this, so warm. He was all the things he wanted to appear as, strong and confident. But that was all an exterior façade, one that took months to slowly chip away at like a chisel to marble.

A boulder was in place of his heart, only growing larger and harder with trauma. Each painful memory, each betrayal and loss added another layer to the stone, making it more impenetrable and cold. Eventually, the weight of it threatened to crush his spirit entirely, leaving him numb and distant from the world around him.

But then you came along, chipping away at the hardened exterior with your warmth and kindness. Your presence began to erode the layers of pain and sorrow, softening the edges of the boulder. Slowly, bit by bit, you managed to reach the core of his heart, bringing light and hope where there had once been only darkness.

Javier Peña had fallen in love. 

“You’re so handsome, Javi,” you praise, “I love you.” The sentiment never grows old. You feel Javi’s head move in and gently place a kiss on the inside of your thigh, just below the hem of your dress. Goosebumps quickly sprinkle across your skin. He always has such an effect on you. 

“Estoy enloquecido por ti,” Javi purrs as he lifts your ankle and slips the heel onto your foot, careful fingers buckling the strap around your ankle. You point your toes admiringly, allowing him to work on the next heel. 

As he stands, his fingers skim up your sides and his height looms over you. His cologne melts your inhibitions, forcing a subtle sigh from cherry-lacquered lips. 

His forehead rests against yours, letting the magnetic charge between you both finally reach its peak. His nose brushes against your own, mascaraed lashes fluttering closed. 

Just as Javi moves in to place a kiss on your lips, you’re quick to gently rest a hand against his chest. The moment pauses and your eyes dance. 

“I just put my lipstick on,” You whisper and softly giggle. 

Javi breaks into a small smirk. His woman has priorities. 

The lipstick is a fantastic red, soft, and a little dangerous. It's subtle, but also not subtle at all. Like the color was made for you, a perfect shade that heightens your beauty and charisma. You’re an artist, the way you perfectly glide the lipstick across your pillow-soft lips; not a smudge or mistake is made. 

“You’re right, mi querido.” Javier reroutes his path, closes his eyes, and places a gentle kiss on your forehead. The subtle gesture is just as good as a kiss to the lips, maybe even better. It wraps around you like a warm hug and it stays there long after he’s gone. Your insides dance with a delightful flutter, a warmth cascading down your spine, enveloping you in a sensation akin to heaven itself.

You nuzzle your nose against his own and sigh peacefully, feeling Javier’s arms tighten around your waist. 

“Do you like my dress, Javi?”

He playfully hums as his fingers teasingly graze the fabric, gently squeezing the globes of your ass beneath it.

“Love it,” he damn near growls. 

You swiftly swat his wandering hands away, sensing his desire to tug at the material. If you stay in your bedroom any longer, you fear you’ll miss the standing dinner reservation you’ve had for well over a week. 

You reward him with a kiss on his neck and you distantly taste his aftershave. 

Javi adores the beautiful mark you leave on his neck, a lingering stain that refuses to be simply wiped away with a napkin and water. It remains a constant reminder of you until he showers, and he thinks about you all over again. You’re forever there, forever his. 

He stares at your figures in the mirror, wrapped up in one another.  

One kiss on his tan skin, and he’s no longer Javier Peña. He’s yours. 

Yours in red. 

[mstormcloud]

Time for some new fankids to enter my fankid au!

First off, I've thought about it and Rhine doesn't exist anymore - sorry buddy. I feel like while Knuckles would want kids, Rouge would not and eventually knuckles would realize he only really feels like he needs a kid to both have someone to Guard the Master Emerald once hes gone - but also because he doesn't want the Echidna race to permanently die out. But he also recognizes that having a kid so the kid can fulfill a role wouldn't be fair to the child. So they decide to not have a kid and instead Knuckles decides to get an apprentice who he will teach to guard the master emerald.

Enter Berri:

To those who saw my post where I just designed fankids for fun, her design should look similar - I originally made her to be a hypothical Knuxilver fankid but I really like her design so I'm reusing her in thsi fankid au! She's no longer a Knuxilver fankid, and now shes a Porcupine!

Knuckles met Berri when she was just...sleeping on the Master Emerald. Literally no idea how she got there. At first Knuckles tried to find her family, even asking Rouge to dig up any info possible, but nothing comes up. Eventually, due to her innate connection to the Master Emerald, Knuckles takes Berri in himself and starts training her to be the next Master Emerald Guardian. Rouge is very found of Berri and loves spoiling her with gifts whenever she visits Angel Island (mostly because it annoys Knuckles.) Berri also enjoys Rouge's visits and loves hearing stories about her spy work and gem collection.

Next up! Surgolin and Whispangle fankids!

These two are Lime and Spitz! (I may change Spitz's name I'm not 100% sold on it) Tbh I haven't thought too much about them yet other than that their kinda more like rivals to the main characters and that Berri and Lime are surprisingly close friends. Lime has electricity powers like zer mom but it comes in two colors - pink and blue which, depending on which ze's using, give zem different "buffs:" pink is stronger but ze cant move as fast and blue is weaker but ze can move a lot quicker. Later on once ze's perfected zer ability ze can swap from blue to pink quick enough that its very deadly. Spitz's wispon is custom made and works similar to an electrified whip. It can extend, contract, and lasso among other things.

[suempu]

Hiii! I've been reading a lot of your Kabru x reader, you write him so well! Could you maybe write a reader who's struggled a lot with mental health, and specifically has a lot of self-harm scars?

established relationship

<3

he’s not excessively vocal about his worries, you’re capable of taking care of yourself and he’d rather not treat you like glass. he only abandons that mentality in moments where you truly need him.

kabru doesn’t mind picking up pieces of you together and helping to rebuild them. any role you’d want him to take, he’s up and ready. there’s a sense of fulfillment bubbling deep in his chest whenever you ask for his care explicitly. he has the need to be needed.

he’s proud, most of all. he’s glad that you trust him enough to show your vulnerable self, to let go of your doubt and ask him for the help you deserve.

“are you busy tonight?” you whisper, watching him rummage through the shelves in your shared room.

kabru hums, “surprisingly… no. anything you need? missed me?” he smiles teasingly, chucking random books onto his desk before plopping next to you on the bed.

his hand find yours before he intertwines your fingers together, pressing sweet kisses on your knuckles.

“i haven’t been feeling well.” you sigh in content when he coaxes you down to lay on him. “i think… i’m feeling overwhelmed.”

kabru tucks your head under his chin before stroking your hair. “i’m listening…”

if you’re reluctant to share your feelings then he’ll take a different route. we all know he’s attentive as fuck, easily noticing if something was bothering you just by taking a look at your face and eyes. kabru observes for a few days, noting behavioral patterns before pulling you aside and checking in if it drags out for too long.

as someone who’s died quite some times in the dungeon, kabru wouldn’t be fazed by some scars; he’s not the type to make a big deal out of it or overwhelm you by overreacting. not that he doesn’t care, he assumes that they’re normal battle scars from the dungeon.

but, whether you’re insecure of them or not, he thinks you’re beautiful.

if you’re comfortable, he’ll trail kisses all over them, holding you close as he drags his palm across your skin. it’s a small and intimate act, but it makes his heart bloom with unending affection whenever he can tend to you like this.

“you’re tickling me…” you groggily mumble out, eyes still heavy with sleep.

kabru smiles into the fat of your thigh, forehead pressed on to your stomach as he presses his mouth on to the small bumps of lines across your skin.

he’s so tender and sweet, you cried when you first opened up to him, snot and everything in-between, kabru held you through it all, kissing your puffy eyes and cheeks when you complained about how embarrassing it was once you’ve calmed down.

i just see him as the kind of character who’d be sooo fucking caring whenever it comes to someone he loves. especially when his s/o desperately needs love and lots of support.

[hangesdarling]

Could you make hange x female reader enemies to lovers with Hange teasing her later

tease — h. zoë

PAIRING. Hange Zoë x female reader SYNOPSIS. You always find yourself in dissent with the Survey Corps Squad Leader, Hange. CONTENT. 18+, MDNI, vaginal fingering, implied sex, teasing, your usual enemies-to-lovers thing, i suppose WORD COUNT. 1.9k A/N. playful hange, my beloved <33

The Survey Corps always clashes with the Military Police Brigade in some way or another. The factions never seemed to have a moment where silent resentment didn't boil over. After being given a chance to choose a regiment, you never considered being part of the Survey Corps. Only the bravest or the craziest or the ones with no choice ends up with that fate. You're meant for the inner walls, to fulfill a duty within where you won't have to risk your life in a slim chance that a titan won't devour you in a battle.

You never lifted an eye for those in that regiment, but interesting news always comes up now and then. Not just the newspapers or whispers from other soldiers. You couldn't deny that every time the regiment goes outside the wall, a heavy tone sets in. 

Deaths, corpses, and grieving families. You were too caught up with the fact that you never had to deal with such gruesome things until the fall of Shiganshina.

Military Police began to work closely at times with the Garrison Regiment and the Survey Corps, who had a more appreciated role around this time. A clash between the regiment members occurs now and then, especially you and that crazy Survey Corps Squad Leader who has a propensity for grabbing people's collars.

Maybe you were annoyed at their temper, or how their reckless-sounding plans always turned up effective somehow which would never work out according to the Military Police Brigade's principle. It's way too different.

However, a sudden shift in your relationship occurred when you decided to be snarky one time.

Hange's hand clenched around your collar in a rather strong grip, and honestly, you forgot how you both ended up arguing to that extent. Your face was centimeters away from theirs as you smirked, "You know if you want an excuse to touch me so bad, there are better ways other than grabbing my collar. You could just say so, for example."

"Oh, get over yourself, L/N," Hange huffed, letting go of you. "As if I'd want to do that."

Your subordinates have told you that Hange gets pissed off at the right things and their anger is something to be feared. But it always brings you satisfaction when their cheeks or the tips of their ears redden when they are annoyed. It's cute, you must admit.

"Awww, is the Squad Leader blushing?" you crossed your arms, grinning.

Hange gave you a bright sarcastic smile and responded, "You make the blood vessels on my face dilate and it makes me want to rip your head off, darling."

"See, you're smitten," you chuckled.

Hange huffed this time, deciding it was over messing with you, and headed for the door. "Whatever. Go back to work."

"Hey, you can't command me like that. We're in the same rank!" Your indignant response made Hange smirk but they'll never show you that.

-

Maybe you don't have intentions to get close to them in a way where they'd piss you off in return first and have their fingers buried inside you the next in a cramped storage room.

"Shhh, quiet down, Y/N... Do you want the others to hear you? You're into that, huh?" Hange smirked, lips grazing the shell of your ear, making sure that every thrust of their digits was deep enough that their knuckles brushed against your folds.

"You might like trying to shut up for once. It looks good on you," you managed to say.

"Do you think I'd have such a pretty MP officer on my lap right now if it weren't for my insufferable, talkative mouth?"

"You know what? I'll bring a gag next time. That'll shut you up."

"And here I thought you can't get any kinkier." Hange playfully bit on your neck, relishing at the sounds you made that were soon muffled by their hand over your mouth.

You mewled and whimpered under their touch, any sense of decorum and authority thrown out of the window. The stuffy air inside the room didn't matter nor did the lack of a window, you drew a breath, head resting on their neck where you could inhale their scent. They remind you of fresh grass and perfume powders from your childhood.

Hange's hand would cradle your head to their chest in every silent intimacy shared in that room, their other hand rubbing circles on your hip in waiting for your highs to subside.

"This won't be a regular thing," you would say but both of you knew it was a lie uttered in an attempt to deny yourself more. Your meetings couldn't stand as infrequent when each day was a reminder that you would see each other again. Every time you stripped off your clothes, you would see every kiss mark and love bite from Hange etched on your skin. Hange knew you wouldn't admit your surreptitious desires even at gunpoint, and that only urged them to rib at the persona you clothed yourself with. A game of who would cave in first.

-

Some things could only be investigated in proper light when the sky gets dark. With intuition as sharp as Hange's, Erwin knew it would be best to trust investigations to them. From regiment treachery to pilferage that wears away the system, Hange finds the most relevant information in the obscure.

Streets weren't as busy on weekend nights. The village takes rest on those few hours when families are too busy lounging at home to notice dubious operations outside. Hange crept into the darkness, each gray shadow turning a shade darker by their lamplight. Their eyes crossed over the scroll containing all the points that led them here, the gears in their head turning about how they could fully unearth the mystery.

But then, alertness spiked in their veins the moment they heard sharp scurrying footsteps and hasty shadows running in their direction. Their usual calmness escaped them when the shadow held their arms, but their fighting instincts shut down when they heard, "Hange, it's me..."

Hange regained their composure when they saw your face by their lamplight, your chest rose and sank, making Hange wonder how long you've been running. They were taking a clear look at you, eyes momentarily traveling over the scrape on your cheek, and your frantic eyes looking from the direction you came from. But before Hange could utter a question, you abruptly put their lamplight down, quite aggressively that it was almost knocked off from Hange's hands if it weren't for their grip.

Hange felt your finger pressed against their lips as they heard you once more.

"Shut the hell up," you muttered, both in desperation and command and also by the knowledge that Hange was seconds away from running their mouth.

"I haven't said anything," Hange mumbled back.

"Shhhh..." you hissed as voices became audible from the direction you ran from. "They're coming so be quiet.”

Hange couldn't see much from the darkness but their hands knew where your hips were by touch. Their hands settled around them as they asked, "Who's coming?"

You couldn't find the heart to tell Hange that you were spying on fellow Military Police officers to gain evidence of their corruption both in trade and land. People might have coupled you to the elite, high, and mighty commanding rank of the brigade but you're not a filthy traitor of humanity unlike what those other MP officers subjected themselves to.

"I got in trouble," is all you said, your tone unwelcoming to any further questions Hange might ask. You would answer them some time but not now. Not when all the truth you could tell only punctuates that you belong in a rotten, grimy-handed faction.

The footsteps drew close, the familiar sound of an unholstering gun, and a voice posing seniority along with the other two. Hange wasn't a fool and knew they were Military Police officers as well. Their eyes peeked beyond the alleyway, calculating that both of you had nowhere to run at this point but a direction towards danger. No safe options, in short.

Hange turned back to you, eyes grazing at the outline of your figure.

"You know we could be pretending to make out instead of huddling together like a bunch of cows in summer," they proposed, fingers lightly tapping your hip in suppressed nervousness. It was a laughable proposal in a certain context, but it wasn't a terrible one.

"Ugh, what a pervert," you mumbled to yourself, running the idea in your mind in consideration and at the same time cursing yourself for being flustered at such an unlikely time.

"What! I'm just trying to save your li–" Hange would like to offer more protests but your lips crashing against theirs suspended their words, even the thoughts whirling in their head.

They kneaded your hip beneath their hands, teasing the edge where your shirt ended and skirt began. Hange brushed their tongue softly against yours, reveling upon the taste of your mouth they longed to lay claim upon.

The officers only needed a glimpse of your vague outlines moving sensually in that dim alleyway to know what was going on. Unsuspectingly and half-pissed, they only passed by, remembering their authority at the last minute when one of the older men shouted, "Trysting bastards, get a damn room!"

Hange couldn't help but emit a soft laugh as they gently pulled away from the kiss, just from the light shake of their shoulder you could measure how much they were struggling to keep their laughs in. A smile lifted on your lips to its own accord, jabbing at their sides as you say, "shut up, you idiot" despite smiling widely to yourself.

-

Hange could be persistent without sounding like one. They would nurse the scrapes on your cheeks and knees while nudging you to tell them what happened earlier. Your stories were lacking due to a desire to remain an arcane persona as protection but Hange has an aptitude to string your stories and read between what your words cannot say. You're a person of good intentions, they concluded, hoping their intuition served them right as usual. You spent the rest of the night with Hange, enclosed by both their arms and a blanket. They were not so willing to let you go when early dawn broke, but you gave them a kiss of gratitude, smirking as they blushed profusely. You gathered your clothes and dressed up before leaving, wishing that tomorrow you would see them again for another warm night.

-

Most inner operations ceased temporarily the day the Survey Corps will retake Wall Maria. You remained stationed in the inner walls, occasionally visiting your office to read through a few reports until a small envelope fell out of the stack you were checking. It was from Hange and they asked a subordinate to deliver it in by the looks of it. You tore the flap and read the small note:

To Y/N,

I'll try to visit you more often. I'm also hoping you'll have some spare time to come over to my place whenever I'm here.

P. S. You never returned my pen but it's yours now, I presume. I found something of interest you left at my place last week. It's inside the envelope.

From Hange

When you shook the envelope upside down, a small button rolled on your desk. It was one of the buttons from your uniform, embedded with the Military Police Brigade logo. You sighed and kept it in your pocket, the memory of why you left such a trinket in their place sinking in and transpiring into a blush on your cheeks. It was a rough night, to say the least.

You kept the letter tucked inside your coat, making a mental note to chastise Hange and tell them not to send such things in the mail even if they want to piss you off so badly. 

likes, reblogs, and comments are appreciated, sweethearts <3

[killuagirly]

Xiao x Reader

Summary: Xiao has never thought himself to be worthy of much of anything. You on the other hand, deem him worthy of Teyvat itself.

Notes: I died and came back to life while writing this, just in case you were curious! Also, I know Xiao is from Liyue and they don't wear kimonos, but he was made for them so shush. Just pretend Reader is from Inazuma or something.

CW: Insecurities, denial, hurt/comfort maybe? Xiao might be a little ooc, I'm not totally sure.

────────── ʚ���ɞ ──────────

Xiao

A feeling of longing tore away at the adeptus' being, a feeling he found to be insufferable. Xiao had never exactly considered himself to be worthy of wishful thinking or mortal desires, dreams even, yet he often found these thoughts subtly creeping into his mind when unoccupied for too long. Staring off into the distance from atop the Wangshu Inn roof in silence, he once again found such thoughts invading his head.

The dark skies of the night seemed to taunt him with their emptiness, filled with nothing but the shining stars. Each one held a dream, a hope, or a wish of some sort. He found himself reaching up as if to touch them from afar, before abruptly bringing his hand back to his side, scolding himself for such foolishness. He reminded himself that the conqueror of demons had no use for mortal dreams and ideals.

All that was left for him was to fulfill his role protecting Liyue, and well, you. During moments like these, you often wormed your way into his mind without knowing, having something to do with the aching feeling in his heart without question. Moments where he thought if he were granted a wish by a greater power, ─ though he would never admit to himself that it may be what he longs for, ─ it would be to spend every last waking moment by your side.

Your company felt like a blessing to him, the sound of your voice alone being something akin to euphoric in his ears. He thought of himself to be undeserving of your kindness and devotion, the way you always checked up on him after being away for a period of time, or when you cooked him meals despite his insistence that he has no need for them. Even with all he had been through, you made him feel so... content.

"Xiao?" His thought process came to a halt and he whipped around to face you, who was standing on the balcony below him. Your voice had become his favorite sound, especially when you said his name. It rolled off your tongue so smoothly he would swear you were made to speak it if not for his conflicting opinions of himself. In an instant he was at your at your side, the soft light from the Inn illuminating his exposed skin.

"Are you in need of my assistance?" he questioned without hesitation. You shook your head and answered softly, "No, I only wished to see you," the smile on your face was genuine and unwavering, he could barely believe it was directed at him sometimes. You carefully intertwined his fingers with his, giving him a moment to pull away if he liked. When he didn't, you brought his knuckles to your lips and pressed a soft kiss against them.

Xiao felt his heart skip a beat and his cheeks flushed a red hue, he quickly turned his head in embarrassment so you wouldn't see his flustered expression. It was amusing how even though you were a delicate and fragile being compared to himself, he was putty in your hands. Although he would never admit that to you of course, "What do you think you're doing?" he finally retreated his hand back to his side, carefully so as to not hurt you in the process.

A short laugh fell from your lips, "Just admiring your beauty up close is all." He couldn't tell whether or not you were messing with him, but your compliment made his heart flutter nonetheless. "Hmph, shouldn't you be getting to sleep?" he retorted, looking for a way out of the conversation before he says anything he might regret. "I could ask the same question to you, it's the dead of night." He half-heartly scoffed, "You think I sleep? You have no respect for the ways of the adepti."

Your smile never faltered despite his cold demeanor, one which you could see right through. "Then you don't mind keeping me company until I fall asleep, do you?" He glanced towards the night sky, harboring the stars that held an endless number of wishes, and pondered for a moment. Maybe they were looking down on him, trying to grant his subconscious wishes as well. "Fine, but I will leave once you are asleep."

Another chapter of life passes by...

"I should be protecting Liyue, not partaking in mortal festivities," Xiao said, not looking you in the eyes as you assisted him in adjusting the front of the kimono you had gotten for him. It was a silky black fabric with gold and teal accents that perfectly complimented his features. You had convinced him to let his hair grow out for some time, so it was now long enough to be tied into a high ponytail with a thin black ribbon that matched the outfit you hand-picked for him.

"Trust me Xiao, you'll enjoy yourself. I won't ask you to come back if you don't. Just spend tonight with me, ok?" He let out a huff in response but made no attempt to argue against your words. You lifted his hair from his face and gently kissed his forehead, as by this point in your relationship you had done many times before. It never failed to stir something within him, and he squirmed a bit under your touch. You giggled at his reaction and took his hand, guiding him along to where the festival was being held.

The night sky no longer taunted him, but instead welcomed him with open arms. He stared up at the stars shining above and silently thanked them for their efforts, feeling the warmth of your hand in his. "Look, we're just in time! Do you want to wish on a lantern?" He was silent for a moment, admiring the red-orange glow on your skin. Your eyes sparkled under the glow of uncountable fiery lanterns and his answer came without a second thought, "No I have all that I could ever wish for right here with me."

────────── ʚ♡ɞ ──────────

Masterlist

[danpops]

My mind can't stop thinking about a Sonic role swap AU that switches around the roles of Sonic and Knuckles, mostly because of how interesting of an idea it sounds to have someone like Sonic, someone that likes exploring the world and going on adventures and stuff, being trapped on a small floating island, destined to protect the Master Emerald

I can't stop imagining Sonic trying his best to simply smile whenever Knuckles or anyone else that comes to visit Angel Island has to leave, not letting his loneliness be noticed by anyone around him. His heart yearns to be free, but he has a destiny to fulfill, has had one to fulfill almost his entire life up to that point.

So he stays on that little floating island, waiting for anyone to visit as he guards the Master Emerald, as he watches to world move past him while he's anchored to his destiny. Running through the same locations time and time again, hoping that if he somehow runs fast enough, that anchor will just... break. And set him free.

[ironunderstands]

What do you make of Childes correlation with Biblical judgement? He was released on November 11th, he is 11th ranked, achievement for defeating him is Judgement Day has not yet come, narvhals theme is called Eschatologia ludicata which is a reference to judgement in theology etc (and make a long yap response or ratio wont be getting lore next patch 😈)

Alright Aleksa alright

*cracks knuckles* it’s Childe-posting time.

yeah my man is cooked.

absolutely roasted.

Honestly it’s not even a remotely new idea within Childe-fan circles that the Tsaritsa or at the very least the Fatui are going to sacrifice him for some purpose (likely by fulfilling the primordial human stuff in order for them to truly duke it out with Celestia)

Childe seems to think he’s going to be right there alongside them, topping the thrones, but unfortunately even without the themes of “judgement day” the vibes of this man getting dropped off like unwanted baggage are absolutely there.

His problem is that he is incredibly loyal to two opposing forces- his family and the fatui (really the Tsaritsa). For him, the worst punishment, or rather judgment, would be being forced to pick between the two, which he will absolutely have to do so in the future, as even if Childe sees no problem with these opposing loyalties, the story, and other characters, absolutely do.

Now I’m no expert on Christian stuff in the slightest, but through cultural osmosis I have learned that Judgement Day is essentially when everyone gets, well, judged, and those deemed worthy get to go to heaven, and those unworthy to hell

Now, the Celestia as Heaven, Tevyat as hell theory is old as balls and honestly I don’t know enough about it (or care enough, as the way it works really isn’t relevant to this discussion anyways) to say much more. However, with this idea of judgement day being so tied to Childe, that makes it seem like he alone will be seperated/judged from the Fatui, either sending him towards heaven (Celestia) or hell (Teyvat, maybe even the abyss).

This could play out in so many ways.

The aforementioned human sacrifice, Childe dying or otherwise losing something (maybe his family/connect to them) to allow the rest of the fatui to head to Celestia, leaving him behind, and proving to him that he never should have put his trust in the fatui in the first place, which would be so goddamn angsty that I have no choice but to adore it.

They attempt option one and fail MISERABLY. Ironically, Childe is judged the only one worthy to head to Celestia- likely because he chooses his family above the Tsaritsa, something he always will do. From there idk but maybe then he shits on them for his own reasons (imo he probably discovered what they really did to khanreia while in the abyss, so he’s got plenty of reason to not like them based off that, especially considering Surtalogi is one of the sinners, even though I don’t think they’ve met).

Childe willingly offering himself to be “judged” by the heavenly principles, which could either end greatly or horribly depending on which loyalty he chooses (both of which have their own good/bad outcomes).

Secret fourth option. To be honest, we don’t really know enough about project Stuzha or what exactly the Tsaritsa is planning on doing with the Gnosis, although I as well as a lot of people suspect it’s got something to do with Childe, as that primordial human shit never leaves the consciousness once you learn about it, and if anything could make him one of those, it would be a gnoses.

How exactly this “judgment” is going to work or what it’s going to do is unclear to me, however after going over it, there are a few things I’m confident are going to happen.

-This will happen. I know, an extremely hot take, but you’d be surprised how many people think Childe’s role in the story is just done

-If we are ever going to see how he earned his vision, this is when, as that’s a very crucial part of his character the game has not offered even a lick of explanation for, although we can make some guesses

-he’s going to have to pick between the Tsarista or his family, and he will choose his family, even if it appears he’s picking the Tsaritsa (aka she forces him to do whatever she wants him to do by threatening his families lives otherwise)

-he will survive this. Even if the game goes full human sacrifice, in some capacity Childe will live on, either literally or through his words/wish for the traveler, he will get the last laugh

That’s about all I can say for now. Honestly I’d like to keep Childe theorizing, but I’m very, very rusty on his lore and haven’t really kept up with his communities perception on him, so I’d need to read that all over again. Through observation I’ve learned that him being named Ajax isn’t necessarily that he’s a reincarnation of the previous ones, but rather they share a fate because they share a name, and names add important.

What implications that has? We shall see

[crusherthedoctor]

What inspired Lutrudis' creation?

I had wanted to create my own character anyway out of interest as to what I could bring to this colorful cast, and as I began setting up the pieces for the story that would become BtS/Stellar, specifically with the decision to have it take place in a brand new setting (Viridonia), I realised early on that a certain kind of role would be required for the story that couldn't really be fulfilled in the same capacity with a pre-established character. Because Knuckles/Blaze/Silver/Fang/Jet/Biolizard/Luppy Luppy Man ain't a resident on this island.

Personality-wise, I felt that a shy and chill character could bounce off well against a cast that, as far as the adult recurring characters go at least, often consists of hotheaded or showboating types. Kind of like Big, but from an alternative lens, and more hands-on than someone like Vanilla (not saying that as an insult towards Vanilla, you know what I mean). I also wanted her to contrast with Sonic, but in a different way from the usual "he happy, they mad" dynamic between him and Knuckles/Shadow/Blaze. My biggest goal was definitely to prove that not every character has to be an unhinged arsehole or a cynical anti-hero in order to be interesting and multi-faceted, which I think has made her age pretty well in the era of the Strong Female Women phenomenon.

Design-wise, aside from the round-themed intention I mentioned previously, I wanted to create a design that could be simultaneously subtle yet quirky, and all without sacrificing the usual elegant simplicity of how characters are designed in the games unless you're Silver. On one hand, there are details that one might not notice at first glance, such as her sclera not being full-on white like normal, her boots having no heels unlike Amy and Rouge, and every shade used for her attire being used exactly twice each. On the other hand, hehe look at her tail and ponytail having the same shape :3 hehe look at her eyes sticking out over her bandana like a ninja :3 hehe look how she taller than sonic :3 You can also point to her choice of clothing being girly and tomboyish in equal measures (breezy top and long gloves VS tight breeches and tall boots), in contrast to most of the other females often favoring one or the other.

Species-wise, I went with a horse because I didn't believe her role and backdrop in the story would work as well if she were an exotic or rare species, as well as finding that many of her personality traits just so happened to be commonly associated with horses. It's also a lot easier to get away with longer hair without it looking like a wig ala pre-reboot Archie.

[bluecheeseinmyoffwhites]

Why Silver, Blaze, & Marine should be on a team together

So this is a post settling a debate I’ve had since I was 7 years old (I am 20 now) as to who would be on Silver’s team. Or rather Silver & Blaze’s team. I’ll be going in detail as to why I believe the trio of Silver, Blaze, and Marine would make for the most logical team formation. Many people online have linked them together, but I’ve decided to go into deeper detail as to why this is the case.

FIRST AND FOREMOST

Silver & Blaze SHOULD & WILL be on a team together. The have been depicted as partners in Silver’s debut in Sonic 06, & the two have been aligned together ever since. They have also been teamed together in an official game in Team Sonic Racing (as team Vector). They represent both time & space. They have a sun and moon theme, with Blaze having flame powers like the sun and Silver being the element of the moon, which leads me to believe that they were created to be partnered with each other.

Another factor that ties Silver & Blaze together is Eggman Nega. The scientist made his debut in Sonic Rush as an inhabitant from Blaze's dimension, but he later reappears in Sonic Rivals and is now from Silver's future. Nega has been rewritten to fit as an antagonist to both Silver & Blaze respectively, linking them together once again. Similarly, in Sonic Rivals, Eggman Nega wants to summon the Ifrit, a fiery monster from another dimension. This boss is derived from Iblis, the volcanic ememy of Silver and Blaze from Sonic 06.

Blaze and Marine would be perfect as teammates. Marine was made to be Blaze’s sidekick similar to Tails with Sonic and Cream with Amy. Marine’s water theme is an obvious play on Blaze’s fire theme.

Now, each of these characters has a kinetic ability (fire, water, psychic) and are from a distant world not from Sonic’s (future/alt. dimension). As Silver & Marine haven not officially met, Blaze will be the link to tie the three together. Which brings me to my next point.

BLAZE IS THE LEADER

Blaze will be the leader. Most people would consider Silver to lead because of his popularity, or Marine to fulfill her captain role, but honestly Blaze makes the most sense. She’s the first of three to be created as a Sonic character, she a literal princess meaning she has actual leadership experience, and as stated before, she is the link between Silver and Marine. She has been shown on separate occasions/canons with these two, and she has always been the level-headed half that could calm down the others’ rather naive personalities. Plus, it is shown in Sonic Colors DS (canon) Blaze meets Silver again, but shortly after mentioning Marine. This proves that Blaze knows both Silver & Marine in the same canon, allowing the possibility of the trio meeting in full.

Blaze will have both her partner & sidekick on her team, Marine will have two mature strong fighters to look up to & given a chance to grow as a character, & Silver…..well he’s been aligned with female characters before anyway. In Sonic 06, the character structure is cued from Sonic Heroes. Sonic’s allies are Tails & Knuckles (from Team Sonic), Shadow’s are Rouge & Omega (from Team Dark), & Silver’s Team, consisting of Amy (who was already on a formed team) & Blaze (who wasn’t). And although Silver isn’t the leader of this team, he could still pose as the face of the group, similar to how Rouge was the leader in the original Sonic Heroes, but the focus was mainly on Shadow (who eventually became the official leader).

TYPE PLACEMENTS

Now for the most important aspect: type placements. Speed, Fly, Power. Who will fill which position? It's easy to say you want three characters together on a team but if they can't meet any of the criteria for any of the roles then it's completely invalid. That being said Silver is most definitely the Fly type member & the only one that can do so. He can levitate with his telekinesis and can carry others. His debut in Sonic 06 has a flight based platforming gameplay similar to Tails and Rouge, and not a Speed based gameplay like Sonic, Shadow or Blaze, who was also playable in Silver’s story. Because of his telekinesis, Silver provides a new spin on the Fly method.

Now onto Blaze. She is an established Speed character in the main games and racing games. Her debut was in Sonic Rush, where she notably matches Sonic's hyper speed. In Sonic 06, her gameplay matches that of Sonic and Shadow who both have Speed type gameplay.

It could also be argued that Blaze could fit into the Power type role. Along with her fire powers, she is athletic and has great physical strength, being one of the strongest characters in the series. Sonic Runners has categorized Blaze as a Power type, and although Sonic Runners butchered a lot of character types, such as including Silver as a Speed type when his gameplay in Sonic 06 was very much not that, Blaze being a Power type actually has merit.

Now Marine is going to be a tough topic, as she is the only one who actually hasn't had a playable appearance in a game yet. This means that not only are her notable abilities limited, but restricted to dialogue and cutscenes. This makes her the hardest to assign a type to. We at least know she can't fly so that's out of the equation. However, because of her limited showcases, her Speed vs Power argument is not the same as Blaze's. To find a suitable placement for her, we need to lay out what we do know about her.

Marine is stated to be hyperactive and reckless, two traits of Speed and Power type characters. She has been shown running alongside Sonic in cutscenes and is often seen zipping around in dialogue scenes. She’s also a builder. You don’t just build ships on the regular without having some merit of physical strength. And she has been shown to have some sort of mystical powers at the end of Sonic Rush Adventure. Both placements work for Marine & Blaze, but for this specific team-up I would rather have Blaze as the muscle instead of Marine, who can fit into the Speed type pretty well (as most Sonic characters).

This group stands out among the usual Heroes team format. Marine would be the shortest Speed type, Silver would be the only hedgehog Fly type, and Blaze would be the first female Power type. It's important to note that not all Speed characters are the leaders of their teams, regardless if you put Blaze or Marine in the position.

WHO SHOULDN'T BE ON THE TEAM

Now there's many people who don't want Marine to be on Silver & Blaze's team, so I'll go over the common replacement characters I've seen and see why Marine is arguably the better pick.

Chaos is a popular pick for a power character. He seems to fit in with Silver & Blaze's mystic power theme. Chaos, however, is far too powerful of a god to be on a team with them and I wouldn’t want to separate him & Tikal & vice versa

Mighty is also surprisingly a popular pick. I've seen it explained how Mighty being from the past could juxtapose Silver & Blaze who are from the future, but it just still doesn't seem right. I wouldn’t want to separate him and Ray either, they were planned to be on a team together from the start.

Gamma & Emerl are destroyed for good, and I wouldn't want to just throw in a robot character for a needed Power type. Also, no one from the shows are allowed (Cosmo, Sticks).

Shade is the probably the closest fitting for the group. Her aesthetic and time/space dimensional background match Blaze & Silver's, and she could also fit the Power role very nicely with her combat abilities. If they were to bring Shade back at all, this would be a cool way to do it.

TEAM NAME

Another important aspect of Sonic Heroes teams are their names. These names will be what the characters label themselves under for majority of their appearances. When deicing a team name, it usually must relate to the leader or at least 2 members. Team Sonic is obviously the team of the main character. Team Dark is a reference to the Dark story in Sonic Adventure 2, which features both Shadow & Rouge (Omega acts as a placeholder for Eggman). Dark could also refer to the edgy serious nature of the team.

Team Rose is named after Amy Rose, who wants to lead her own team like Sonic (hence the similar naming method). Finally, Team Chaotix is comprised of characters who debuted in Knuckles Chaotix (which is why Mighty isn’t with them). In the case of Silver, Blaze, & Marine, there are a few choices. Most fanmade teams involving Silver tend to lean towards "Team Future", since Silver & Blaze come from the future. It's actually a pretty good flow to the name, but leaves out Marine since she's not from the future. Team Dimension/Team Sol is another popular pick, as it relates to the Sol Dimension (the home of Blaze & Marine). Silver, despite not being from there, has had experience traveling between dimensions as well. Silver also took part in fighting Solaris & Ifrit, two multidimensional beings.

All in all, these three just look natural together. Many fan works depict these three together and make amazing artwork. The Sonic World fan game has even put them on a team together and they’re awesome in it. If Sonic Heroes 2 were to ever exist I think these guys would make for a fun dynamic, awesome gameplay, and a great story.

[starfall-spirit]

Read on Ao3

Ancient Myths Retold Masterlist

AN: Only one more chapter after this guys! I decided to break it in half because I already had an offensive number of pagebreaks here and it would just be better to break it up with the smut and epilogue at the end to make for a less awkward transition and a substantial last chapter.

Chapter VI: How the Fragile Fall

Feyre

Rhys and Feyre returned home to a scathing letter that originated in the Spring Court. Rhys sighed, shoulders slumping. “This isn’t a formal missive. It’s signed by Tamlin, not his father. I thought…” He shook his head. “It was an arrangement barely cemented. For him to react this way barely knowing you, aware you’re mated…”

“Even those we think we know best wear a mask, Rhys. I’m just sorry your friendship is caught in the middle of all this. There’s always a chance these words are just something in the heat of the moment. The engagement holds no standing. Any sort of retaliation would be without allies. With time, this could be mended.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” he agreed, though each word was more hollow than the one before it. He rubbed his brow before moving to the armoire. “I’m expected in Windhaven by tomorrow afternoon. I need to pack my things.”

“Your father sends you away because he fears your power.” Feyre’s nose scrunched with her frown. “It isn’t right that you miss so much in Velaris.”

“Ah, but the Night Court is a vast territory, full of many people and creatures I will one day be High Lord to.” Feyre crossed her arms, raising a brow to tell him she saw right through that practiced line. “No,” he admitted with another sigh, absently beginning to fold what he intended to take to the camp the following day. “It isn’t fair. He has convinced himself my potential is the first step to his downfall.” 

And despite his dream of a better court, Rhys had no inclination to accept such a title yet, let alone commit patricide for it. “But I’ve said all this before. We don’t need to go through it all again.” A soft smile pulled at his lips and he reached to brush his knuckles down the curve of her jaw. “I’m going to miss you while I’m in Windhaven.”

Feyre drew back, confused. “But I thought… You don’t want me to come with you.”

“On the contrary, I want you with me always. But I can’t say I trust myself not to kill anyone who says something to insult you or treats you less than you are.”

“And what am I, Rhys?” There was no agitation to her tone. One might even say it sounded teasing, like she was merely searching for flattery, if she wasn’t truly curious how an heir’s mate was viewed in this court. In the eyes of these warriors and their lords.

“What are you?” Sitting on the bed he pulled her up to straddle his muscled thighs. “To me, you’re a great many things. Mate, lover, friend, confidant.” The raw adoration in his voice reflected clearly in his eyes, the crushing violet of them too enchanting to turn from. Feyre wondered if the years passing would somehow dull the magnetism of the bond between them. She hoped time had no power in that.

His next words were designed to shatter that pull. “To them you are like any other female, meant to fulfill whatever role would prove most convenient to them at the time.”

“A little elbow grease never hurt anyone. And your sister—”

“My sister stayed tucked away in the house our mother keeps there, being provided an education of Illyrian customs before promptly returning to Velaris. They fear my father too much to treat Avy poorly and as a female she could not be thrown in a training program designed to weed out the weak. She was ostracized instead. As you will be, so long as the males there believe me too unstable for them to risk approaching you. Eventually that won’t be enough.”

“So I’m just meant to stay here, planning some extravagant ceremony and awaiting your return?”

He chuckled at her pout. “My sweet mate, how put upon you sound.” He sobered, kissing her forehead. “It is not my intention to create a life for us that holds nothing more than party planning and child rearing for you, Feyre. But in this case, your attendance won’t do anything to help the situation. It will only make my father more satisfied with all of his posturing in this.”

Feyre frowned. “Well, we can’t have that, can we?”

“Never.” They stayed that way for a moment, forehead to forehead, with only the sound of their breathing between them. “Wait for me, darling?” Rhys finally murmured against her skin.

“Always.”

~~~~~

How pathetic it must be, to already ache for someone’s company having only spent two days apart. She had not been sitting in wait of course, having much to prepare for their official ceremony as well as simply getting to know Avyanna and Victorie better. “Feyre?” Her eyes snapped back to the table at the hint of concern she detected.

“S-sorry,” she stammered. “I guess I’m a little distracted today.”

Victorie smiled, topping off the spiced tea in Feyre’s cup she’d been served at breakfast. “It isn’t natural for mates to be separated at this distance so soon after accepting their bond,” she told Feyre. She felt an immediate flush over her neck and face. “Oh, don’t be embarrassed, dear. I’ve been in your shoes. There were better days, once upon a time.” Victorie shook her head. “I realize you were raised in a household very different from ours, but here there is no shame in emotion and expression.”

She swallowed. “I never expected I’d have that blessing. I never thought I’d have the chance to meet my mate, with my parents pushing us into society so quickly. I overheard my mother once say I was lucky that Tamlin could look beyond the fact I wasn’t demure, like Elain or cunning like Nesta. I thought a loveless life was the best I’d get.” She couldn’t help but give a wry laugh. “I suppose there are benefits to being serpent bait. This city, the people in it, I never dreamed of finding something like it.”

“One little paradise in a world of cruelty, as it will remain.” 

Though Feyre wanted to continue exploring the conversation, her next though was interrupted by a scrap of paper appearing on the table, the now familiar scrawl of Rhys’ handwriting addressing the paper with her name. She furrowed her brow. “He didn’t say anything about writing.”

“As I said,” Victorie told her, her attention turning to the row of swaths in front of her that were meant to give them an idea of the mating ceremony’s decor, “it isn’t natural to be forced apart this early.”

Feyre couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy about their correspondence, that is until she read what her mate had written to her about. 

I’m sorry, my love. I thought this would be something I could handle quickly, but it seems I’ll be kept away a while longer than expected. Keep thinking of me.

Her smile fell. “Business there is keeping him from returning as planned.”

She heard a sharp scoff from behind her. Avy had come to join them. “It’s a stunt of Devlon’s I’m sure. Rhys will be irritable, even without you present. Not to mention your scent will be all over him. It would have been smarter to take you with him, honestly. They wouldn’t be having as much fun if they couldn’t keep you apart as easily. You know, we could always take a trip, us girls. I hear Cassian and Azriel are back at the camps as well and I’ve missed them terribly.”

She turned to her mother, batting her eyes. Victorie sighed heavily, though Feyre didn’t miss the glint of amusement in those violet eyes. “You will be escorted.”

“Agreed. Let’s go, Feyre. You can wear something of mine to keep warm.”

~~~~~

Feyre couldn’t quite put her finger on why their escort to the Steppes made her uneasy. One might assume it was the brutal scar that slashed down from his brow to his jawline, or his hulking form, over a foot taller than her own, she was certain, but she knew that wasn’t really what had her hesitating to take his hand to winnow. It was something in his eyes, nervous rather than stoic.

But the Lady of Night trusted the guard who volunteered. So could the two of them, she supposed. “It will take me two jumps, carrying you both,” he told them curtly. “Are you ready?”

“Most definitely,” Avy said, her voice cheerful and trusting.

Everything would be fine, Feyre was certain. Perhaps it was in her head. She was just nervous about defying Rhys’ wish for her to keep out of Illyrian business for the time being. Steadying her trembling limbs, she accepted the male’s offered hand, squeezing his hand tightly and bracing herself for the twist and pull of his winnowing. She was finally growing used to the feeling, less prone now to nausea and vertigo, thankfully.

Now though, she still found herself landing the second time with a twist in her gut. It wasn’t the chill of the mountain region that greeted them, but warm rays of sunshine peeking through the rich greenery of the trees above them. The scent of lilies permeated the warm air around them. The grove they stood within was all too familiar to Feyre, even having only been near it a handful of times. Several yards before them was not a brutal camp in the Steppes, but the manor where the High Lord of Spring and his family resided.

Tamlin’s voice reached her just before he stepped into view, smiling as if he’d just won the greatest prize. “Hello, Feyre. Welcome home.” 

Feyre bit back her startled cry when she felt Avy rip through the mediocre mental shield she had just begun training with Rhys’ help, forgiving the violation the moment she sensed the panic behind each word echoing in her head. “ He has wards up, but if we find a way to get beyond them I can winnow short distances. Not like Rhys or Father, but enough to escape and find a door back to Night before I’m drained.”

“Can you cleave wards?”

“I can shatter through weak spots.”

“Tamlin,” Feyre started. “I—” 

An idea struck her then. “Feyre, no.”

“His focus will be on me. There is a chance you could make it home. Get Rhys. Hell, get your father to help. He may not like me yet, but he knows what mates mean.”

She didn’t give Avy another chance to talk her out of it, falling to her knees and reaching deep into that dark power that had fluttered to life inside of her the moment she claimed Rhys as hers. Darkness and starlight ripped out of her and she made a show of crumpling on the hard stone beneath her. A broad calloused hand pillowed her head before it could strike the ground.

“Tamlin,” she said again, careful to add a note of absence to her voice.

“I knew you couldn’t be in your right mind,” he growled. “The distance must have shattered his hold on your mind.” His anger shifted to something almost like sorrow. “I thought he was better than his father. I hoped he was better. That doesn’t matter now.”

His head whipped back to assess Avy who was pressed against a nearby trellis doing an excellent job at playing the meek girl most males though she should be. “Please, she didn’t know. This wasn’t his family’s scheme, Tamlin. Just his. He wanted to take me from you, that’s all.”

She pressed her face to his neck, nearly choking on the cloying scent of the forest that met her. Luckily the break in her voice could easily enough be interpreted as an emotional reaction, rather than disgust. She could keep this up, buy them time. Rhys was powerful enough to shatter the wards, she was certain. Even if Avy couldn’t find an escape, he and his mother would put the pieces together when the guard never returned to Velaris and when they never stepped foot in Windhaven. Ambush or betrayal, he would find them. 

She had to believe that.

~~~~~

Avy had no chance of finding a weak point in the wards. Not when she remained under lock and key every second of the day. Feyre was allowed out to spend time with Tamlin, but the only mercy Avy was allowed was sharing a room with Feyre. It had been no small feat to convince Tamlin and his family that she was innocent when it came to the daemati scheme they had fabricated against Rhys, but playing up the horror at her brother’s actions, they had managed it.

They still didn’t dare speak of the charade in play—verbally at least. Feyre had never been so thankful to be related to a daemati.

“I’m glad you’ve come to see us as family so quickly, Feyre. You seemed so distant that first night, I worried.”

“You’ve been warmer to me than my own flesh and blood. Why would I not consider you family?”

“What of Elain? You visited Day this week.”

“Elain is in a difficult place at the moment. We made a promise to try to be closer. I want to know her, want to know my nephew. Even Lucien, if he ever makes it home. He’s my brother by marriage—mating, rather. I don’t know how she hid it for so long. I didn’t attend the ceremony, but still, that isn’t exactly a small technicality. All these years I’ve pitied her for the wrong reasons.”

“You know, sometimes pity is the first thing we feel on instinct. From what I’ve heard, your sister needs something else entirely right now.”

Feyre didn’t have the chance to think on what that meant. A shockwave rippled through the court and the golden cord within her began to thrum. Anger, anxiety—and something near relief as she reached to sooth the roiling emotions flooding it. “Feyre.”

“We’re alright. Locked in a room in the west wing, but we’re alright.”

“I’m sending Azriel for you. You’ll both allow him to take you home, no arguments.”

“Away from the door,” someone barked. A controlled blast of blue-tinged power shattered the wood, sending splinters flying a few feet each direction.

“Az,” Avy breathed. 

“Avyanna,” the winged male’s tone made that single word nothing better than a scolding. “He’s not happy. None of us are happy.”

“Gavin has always been trustworthy. We had no reason to believe he wouldn’t take us to Windhaven.” 

Jaw clenching, he offered them both a hand. “Let’s go.” Avy obeyed, stepping in close. Feyre could only retreat a step. “Feyre, I know we haven’t met, but—”

“I know who you are. I trust you. But I can’t leave Rhys.”

“The High Lord is here. So is Cassian and several—”

“I won’t leave my mate until this is over,” she snarled. Another blast of power rattled the foundation of the house, singing through her as soothing as it was deadly. “I won’t.”

“You don’t have any sort of training, Feyre. Rhys would never forgive me if you were hurt.” She only raised her chin. He chuckled. “It’s no wonder you’re his match.” And with that he was gone, taking Avy with him.

Feyre didn’t stall a second longer, rushing down the hall to the heart of the manner where she knew the fight was being waged. 

~~~~~

Rhysand

“Is this what you wanted, Tamlin? Look around.”

“All I see is that you’re as sick as the rest of them, Rhys. So much for the dreamer. So much for the good male. She told me what you did to her. Claimed her mind. Your hold only broke when she was brought to the other side of the continent, but it broke all the same. You haven’t won as much as you thought you have. You haven’t—”

His eyes widened, glancing past Rhys. It only took another moment for the scent of lilac and pear to wash over him, just managing to cut through the suffocating stench of spilled blood. Slender arms wound around him from behind, her body pressing flush against his back so he could feel her glide up onto her toes. Smirking, he tilted his head so she could be level with his ear. “He was so damn easy to play, Rhys. It’s almost sad.”

Rhy watched Tamlin take in every word, every touch. “You little bitch.” 

The shadows binding him locked down tight, his face beginning to redden as his air was slowly cut off. “Rhys,” she purred. 

“I suggest you be more careful in your wording, Tam.” Rhys willed the shadows around his neck to slacken, only to step out of his mate’s hold, drawing his blade. “Tonight you make me the villain for reclaiming what you took.”

“You and every wretched bastard—”

“They’ve returned home, Tamlin. Now it’s just you and I. You and I and sweet Feyre.” Leaning in close, he pressed the edge of his blade against Tamlin’s throat. “Was it worth it, losing your brothers for a female that would never be yours?”

“Was keeping her worth losing your father? I know how you loathe the crown you’re due. You forget, I know why you’ve kept bowing to him. Congratulations, you’ll finally meet the corruption you fear, won’t you?”

A growl ripped from his throat and his blade broke skin.

“Rhys.” He froze at the sound of Feyre’s voice. “Rhys don’t do this.”

“An act such as this can’t go unpunished, Feyre. He knew what he risked in taking you.”

“If you kill him you will regret it by morning—and every day that follows. You don’t want his death on your conscience. Rhys, think about this.”

Her worlds held enough sway with him to leash the protective instincts that had brough his blade to Tamlin’s throat. Locked there, he watched the edge of his blade claim the smallest stream of blood, watched his oldest friend battle with fear and pride as he himself warred with mercy and revenge.

He felt a soft touch slipping over his mind, more like the stroke of a petal than a claw. She was finally exploring the gifts their mating had granted her. “You told me once you don’t want to become your father, Rhys. Who are you going to see when you look in the mirror tonight? I’d never judge you for your choice, but I don’t think the same can be said for yourself.”

And just like that he was pushing off the wall, his blade clattering to the stone in front of Tamlin. He left it where it lay, knowing the shadows binding the Spring heir would not fail him even as he turned his attention on his mate, channeling that primal rage—the thing screaming protect, protect, protect— into something more focused.

“A lesson will be taught tonight, one way or another,” he told her, maintaining that mental connection as he crushed his lips to hers. Taking a risk, he slid one hand down her body, stopping only when he cupped her center through her pants. “I can kill the bastard, or… we can give him a show.”

He watched a shiver roll through her and gave a dark chuckle. “A show it shall be.”

~~~~~

Taglist: @lulling-night-sky // @edgyellie // @shallyne // @the-lonelybarricade // @darling-archeron // @goddess-aelin // @the-lost-changeling // @faeriequeensuriel // @pandavelaris // @s-uppertime // @elentiya-whitethorn // @acotar-fanns // @jealousveronya // @acourtofwips // @reverie-tales // @gwynkyrie // @corcracrow // @thelovelymadone // @rosanna-writer // @eat0crow

[fancifulplaguerat]

“Any choice is right as long as it’s willed” may be one of my favorite lines in the entirety of Patho Classic and I’m obsessed with looking at how Artemy perceives his autonomy within the framing of that quote

Replaying Artemy’s route I noticed that he has fewer dialogue options than Daniil or Clara, and overall seems to have the most conversations where the player is only afforded one dialogue option. Admittedly I was bothered by this because having returned from the Changeling route I was cracking my knuckles to analyze how Artemy feels like an outsider in town, how he could foreseeably reject his path just as Daniil or Clara—in the Changeling Route, Artemy is often likened to Daniil as an outsider, but that sentiment is far weaker in his own story than in Clara’s. I was vexed about it because that would’ve been interesting to explore, but I think it’s because in the Haruspex route we play as Artemy ascending to his role, that is the plot for us and for him. Everything the player does in his route to progress the game necessitates that we choose this “claiming my father’s duty” path, so that it feels strange to me from a character perspective to get to those final days and say “actually I want nothing to do with this” because while there are occasional dialogue options where Artemy expresses his hesitancy, he doesn’t have the same option to oppose his path like Daniil or Clara; he doesn’t get to have any vehement “actually fuck this town I don’t belong here or want to be here” options until the final days, which feels wildly dissonant considering it comes post-hole excursion and killing Oyun. It feels like the only way to leave Artemy’s beaten path is just not to play, which is why I see his route and way he perceives his autonomy as deeply linked to “When every step you take has been predicted, you are still free to either take it or not.” 

I also feel that Artemy has the most concrete “sense of self” in comparison to Daniil and Clara, though of course he can assume different characterizations depending on how one roleplays as him. I think that feeling partly lies in the fact that Artemy’s route has a separate objective to ending the plague. Though Daniil and Clara likewise have motivations besides the plague (saving Thanatica/defining her identity) the resolution to their conflicts becomes linked to the plague: Daniil must stop it to save his research, and Clara likewise claims her identity through how she combats it, but Artemy has two conflicts which overlap but can still remain separate. 

All of this particularly interests me in the context of Artemy’s reaction towards the Powers That Be reveal (I’m using his reaction in the Bachelor and Changeling routes, since his own is nearly identical to Daniil’s). When Daniil tells him, Artemy says “Like I said, I don’t care all that much. Aglaya told me about this too, you know... She expected to stun me with the news, but I wasn't sad at all. Although I didn’t take her words that literally. But I'm honest with myself—so does it really matter what I'm made of?” 

Similarly in the Changeling Route:

Haruspex: I'm not a toy, Changeling. I am Artemy Burakh, a Haruspex who knows the lines, a Warden who has fulfilled his mission and reconciled his father's spirit with the Earth, and has made the correct choice. That's who I am. Do you understand?

> So you're a believer in salvation through ignorance?

Haruspex: I must admit I'm a bit confused—but it was for the better. It allowed me to escape the iron grip of my preordainment. I'm content with being able to choose with my heart.

This line of thinking follows what Artemy has said throughout his route, such as “They may say I am predictable, but no one would ever say I am easily controlled” or “I will do as my conscience tells me to. If this aligns with someone else’s schemes, so be it.” All of Artemy’s route he speaks about acting according to his conscience, that is what matters to him, no matter what else, hence “any choice is right as long as it’s willed.” What I especially want to focus on is “I’m honest with myself—so does it really matter what I'm made of?”

To me it reads as Artemy claiming his autonomy through “I act according to my conscience and because of that I am the person I perceive myself to be” which I very much enjoy. As tragically entertaining as a character trapped in a narrative is, it’s still interesting to me to see how Artemy asserts his autonomy via asserting his identity; he’s a little like Clara in that sense. I just love that line sm it’s so delicious to me <3 Like an old friend of sorts  

[antirepurp]

one more knuckles post but the warrior thing is wild to me when there are characters who would carry that title much better. like silver. i am coming from my biased view of silver of course but to me if you had to assign the role of a warrior to someone he'd be a better fit for it. instead of fixing his home he leaves it to find solutions elsewhere, fixated on a rather senseless killing mission he only gives up on when more convenient methods are pointed out to him, So Down For Murder with little moral issues with it. compare that to knuckles who has always worked to help angel island thrive and keep it peaceful, leaving it only if he must, attacking others only if they come to disturb that peace, perhaps a bit gullible but his heart is in the right place. but no silver has to be a goof-ass cinnamon roll and knuckles has to be assigned war ties because ooh descendant of an violent ancient civilization and he punch hard

small addition: this isn't to say silver should have military/war ties i don't think any sonic character should have those unless they're hand-crafted for the purpose somehow (or are shadow whose whole character is anti-militaristic) it's more that if we must give an existing important character the role of a warrior which they then perform to fulfill in some fashion silver might be the best pick for the cause, though much less from the kind of militaristic point that has been assigned to knuckles in recent memory

[tenebraevesper]

The Story, Lore & Characters (Sonic Cyber Revolution Analyzer)

Sonic Cyber Revolution (shortened as SCR) is a Sonic the Hedgehog AU story taking place on an alternate Earth, following the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends and teammates as they deal with various challenges they come across.

Sonic the Hedgehog, a biodigital anomaly created from the data of his video game self, finds his home in the technologically advanced Neos City, which is operating on an augmented reality system. In a reality where Irregulars like him are seen as a danger to society, Sonic refuses to back down from protecting those he cares about, and together with Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Silver, Shadow and their human partners stands against the likes of those who want to destroy the life they created for themselves, Dr. Eggman being only one of their numerous enemies. The Blue Blur’s thrilling adventure continues in a world outside the video game existence he is known for, but when both of these realities clash, this is where the singularity begins.

The Story

The story follows the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends in Neos City, Starpoint Area, as they get involved in day-to-day hijinks ranging from protecting the city from various dangers (mainly Dr. Eggman), dealing with destructive Irregulars and Hunters, learning about secret government projects, trying to prevent future Neos City from turning into an a fiery apocalyptic wasteland, etc.

While the story is, for the most part, original, it also adapts elements, characters and storylines from various Sonic media. It should be noted that only characters featured in the Sonic video games, Sonic OVA, Sonic X, Sonic Boom, Sonic Movies and Sonic IDW comics appear in this story. Characters featured in media such as AoSTH, Sonic SatAM, Sonic Underground, Sonic the Comic and the Sonic Archie comics (such as the Freedom Fighters) won’t appear in the story.

Note: The sole exception to this rule is Eclipse the Darkling due to his connection to the Black Arms, meaning that he will play an important role in Shadow the Hedgehog's character arc.

The setting itself is also inspired by the world of the MegaMan Battle Network (Rockman.EXE) and MegaMan X (Rockman X) series.

It should be noted that the Sonic characters in SCR are different from their main canon counterparts. In the SCR universe, Sonic the Hedgehog is actually a video game franchise that has somewhat faded out of the public mind, although it still has its fans (with the main cast being part of it), and due to the unique nature of Sonic and his friends (as described below), they exist as separate entities from their video game counterparts.

The Lore

With SCR being an AU story, the most notable thing is that Sonic and his friends have different origins than those featured in the main canon. In SCR, they are sentient digital beings known as Augmented Reality Navigators (ARNavs), and their concept is based on the NetNavis from MegaMan Battle Network.

They have the ability to interact with both the augmented reality and the real world. They also have human partners, who fulfill a similar role to the Operators from MegaMan Battle Network.

However, while most ARNavs exist to assist their human partners during their daily activities, there are also ARNavs who pose a danger to society. They are known as Irregular ARNavs (Irregulars) and their concept is mainly based on the Mavericks from MegaMan X/Zero/ZX.

Unlike regular ARNavs, Irregulars have the ability to absorb BioEnergy, which is essentially a human’s life force, and become empowered by it. They are capable of influencing and interacting with any non-AR Field environment to a much greater degree and have both biological (e.g. having the need to eat and sleep) and digital traits. This allows Irregulars to stay outside AR Fields without having their energy drained. They are considered a threat to humans, due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature.

They are targeted by Irregular Hunters, a group of combat-oriented ARNavs specifically created to track down, detain and eliminate Irregulars. The Irregular Hunters are based on the Maverick Hunters from MegaMan X.

All of the Sonic characters are Irregulars, but of the non-aggressive kind. They are capable of absorbing BioEnergy, which results in them in them developing an ability called Chaos Surge, which not only enhances the Irregular’s natural abilities (e.g. Sonic’s super speed going into overdrive), but also gives their human partners similar powers so they can assist in combat.

The Characters

The main protagonists of SCR is Team Neos, whose main goal is to protect Neos City from The Eggman Empire. Team Neos consists of the following members:

Sonic the Hedgehog & Lucas Kinomoto (16), who act as the de facto leaders of the group.

Miles “Tails” Prower & Warren Taylor (16), who are the team’s engineers, providing them with various necessary gadgets for their missions. Warren and Lucas are also childhood friends, while Sonic has adopted Tails as his little brother.

Knuckles the Echidna & Lily Crystle (16), who have the most combat experience, with Knuckles being self-trained while Lily is experienced in kickboxing. Unlike his main counterpart, Knuckles isn’t the Guardian of Angel Island and the Master Emerald, but he considers himself Lily’s Guardian.

Amy Rose & Minami Kusakabe (15), with both being quite intuitive, although this intuition can cause them to often find trouble. Amy is also skilled in fortunetelling, while Minami has an interest in the occult.

Silver the Hedgehog & Makoto Ryle (15), who are united in their desire to protect the future. Similarly to his main counterpart, Silver is a time-traveler, having arrived in the past to prevent an apocalyptic event, but is unable to return to his timeline. Makoto and Minami are also childhood friends.

Shadow the Hedgehog & Touka Kageura (16), who have a rather mysterious past that keeps haunting them, despite their best efforts to move on from it. They also consider each other siblings, having grown up together. Shadow and Touka tend to act as the Lancer to Sonic and Lucas’ Leader.

On the opposing side, we have The Eggman Empire, a totalitarian regime ruled by Dr. Eggman, whose main goal is to establish complete control over Neos City, planning to spread his rule from Starpoint Area until he has conquered all of Earth. The Eggman Empire consists of the following members:

Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik, the main antagonist of SCR. He is an evil, mean, self-proclaimed genius scientist who dreams of conquering Earth with his Badnik Army.

Metal Sonic & Ferra Ahearn (16), who act as Eggman’s Enforcers and are Sonic and Lucas’ rivals. Unlike his main counterpart, Metal Sonic wasn’t created by Dr. Eggman and is more loyal to Ferra, who supports Metal’s goal of defeating Sonic.

Mephiles the Dark & Toshiro Miwa (15), who also act as Eggman’s Enforcers, albeit they’re more of a wild card, preferring to do their own thing. Unlike Eggman, they want to destroy Earth. They are Shadow and Touka’s rivals, their own past being closely intertwined with theirs.

Orbot and Cubot, two robotic assistants of Eggman. Orbot is the snarky one, Cubot is more dim-witted.

Dr. Starline, a shadowy platypus scientist and self-proclaimed Eggman fanboy who deeply admires his idol, acting as his apprentice. Starline tends to be at odds with Ferra, due to the latter’s disdain for Eggman and insistence on Starline leaving the Eggman Empire for his own good.

Aside from the ones listed above, there is also a wide cast of recurring characters from the main Sonic franchise who appear in the Sonic Cyber Revolution (the human partners are also listed for simplicity’s sake):

Rouge the Bat, an infamous “treasure hunter” who is usually at odds with Knuckles and Lily, attempting to steal the valuable gemstones from the Crystle Mansion. While she is usually out for herself, she also acts as an ally to Team Neos, especially after forming Team Dark alongside Shadow, Omega and Touka.

E-123 Omega, an E-100 series robot created by Dr. Eggman and left forgotten at an old abandoned Egg Base. Due to this treatment, Omega holds a grudge against Eggman, having made it his goal to destroy him and his creations. He is, along with Shadow, Rouge and Touka, a member of Team Dark.

The Babylon Rogues are a team of famous hoverboard racers and infamous treasure hunters/thieves. The group consists of Jet the Hawk and Chase Young (16), Wave the Swallow & Rika Nakano (15), and Storm the Albatross & Arven Pryce (17). They consider themselves Sonic, Lucas, Tails, Warren, Knuckles and Lily’s rivals. Chase and Lucas also have a history together.

Blaze the Cat & Sana Jai (14), who hail from the Surya Empire. Sana is the imperial princess, while Blaze holds the title of the Fire Guardian, protecting the Surya Empire with her pyrokinetic powers from pirate invasions. They become friends with Sonic and Lucas after a diplomatic visit to Neos City.

Marine the Raccoon, is Blaze and Sana’s best friend, as well as the Captain of the SS Marine. She has great nautical skills and water powers. She also has a tendency to get herself into trouble to due to her brash nature.

Team Chaotix are a team of detectives who run the Chaotix Detective Agency located in Neos City. The team consists of Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon and Charmy Bee. They are allies of Team Neos, having met them during an assignment given by Knuckles and Lily. They’re also close friends with the two.

Surge the Tenrec & Kitsunami “Kit” the Fennec are two artificial Irregulars created by Dr. Starline for the purpose of assisting him in his combat against Team Neos. Surge and Kit consider themselves Sonic and Tails’ rivals.

Big the Cat and Froggy are a duo who tends to hang out at Starlight Lake, which is Big’s favorite fishing spot. They have a tendency to just roam around, preferring a peaceful lifestyle, but will help Team Neos when necessary.

Cream the Rabbit and Cheese the Chao live together with Vanilla the Rabbit, Cream's mother, and Chocola the Chao in Neos City and are close friends with Team Neos, supporting them in their adventures.

Rough the Skunk and Tumble the Skunk are two skunk brothers who act more as bullies and vandals than actual villains and are considered as a nuisance by Team Neos due to the trouble they cause.

Important original characters that don’t hail from the Sonic franchise, but play a major role in the story are:

Prof. Hiroshi Sakamoto was the head scientist and geneticist of the Codex Research Facility 10 years before the start of the story. He is the father of the late Tomoe Sakamoto, whose death has driven him into madness. He is also the creator of Shadow the Hedgehog, Touka Kageura, Mephiles the Dark and Toshiro Miwa. He currently works for Dr. Eggman at a hidden location, researching an infinite energy source. His character was inspired by Prof. Gerald Robotnik.

Tomoe Sakamoto (15) is Hiroshi Sakamoto’s deceased daughter and Touka’s “older twin sister”. She died 11 years before the start of the main story from a terminal disease, but some of her memories and will have been transferred to Touka. Her character was inspired by Maria Robotnik.

Dr. Kisaki Kageura is Touka and Shadow’s guardian, having adopted the former. She used to work at the Codex Research Facility as Touka’s personal doctor and currently works as a pediatrician at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Neos City.

Kotone Midorikawa is a news reporter alongside her frog ARNav partner Kero. The two are always looking out for the latest scoop and are very tenacious about their work.

Dr. Telos Tamago is an android created by Dr. Eggman to act as the CEO of the Tamago Corporation, a company specializing in innovations in the field of robotics. It had been established around five years before the main story takes place, having gained a respectable reputation. In truth, it is actually a cover for the Eggman Empire. In the public eye, the Tamago Corporation and the Eggman Empire are separate entities. The only ones who are even vaguely aware of the connection between the two is Team Neos.

Commander Loki is a wolf ARNav and Irregular Hunter. He is the commander of the Alpha Unit, keeping Neos City safe from Irregulars. Due to the nature of his job, he tends to clash with Team Neos and especially Sonic, being annoyed by their “vigilantism”.

The Advance Reconnaissance & Mission Support, usually abbreviated as ARMS, is a military and security organization of Starpoint Area, run by Commander Roy Williams as its commander-in-chief. ARMS is a specialized branch that deals with threats like the Irregulars and the Eggman Empire by using their own unit of Irregulars and trained soldiers. They have also collaborated with the Codex Research Facility in the creation of Project Shadow, their main goal being to use Shadow and Touka as military bio-weapons and forcefully recruited the two in the present day (along with Rouge and Omega, leading to the formation of Team Dark). The organization ARMS was inspired by G.U.N.

Saiba is an unknown entity present in the Cyberspace, who had significant role in the creation of Touka Kageura and Toshiro Miwa, as well as supplying Prof. Sakamoto with the data necessary Project Shadow (which resulted in the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog) and Project Shadow: Resurrection (which resulted in the creation of Mephiles the Dark). Little is known about Saiba, but it is speculated that they are aware of the true origins of the Irregulars.

More characters will be added as the story progresses.

This was an overview of the story, with the following updates going more into detail about the story of Sonic Cyber Revolution, including personal notes about the characters, lore, powers, etc. as well as the differences between it and the main canon.

Links:

#Sonic the Hedgehog & Lucas Kinomoto

#Sonic Cyber Revolution Arcs

#Sonic Cyber Revolution Analyzer (Masterlist)

[zerothejackal]

Some people have already mentioned it in their posts: but can we all acknowledge how Jungle!Tails (mangey) and Pirate!Knuckles (Dread) sorta went mad because they are unable to fulfill their roles or are doing it wrong??

Mangey went absolutely animal and feral, literally the most feral even compared to Gnarly

he's a tails that lives in a world without any kind of technology except primitive weapons and building. literallt also the only tails of the 3 shatterspaces that has no gadgets or gizmos

he cannot fulfill any kind of role similar to the other tails and hes just... creachure.

Now, Captain Knuckles the dread. he was absolutely normal at the start, very gentle and nice for a knuckles—but relatively normal... however in the flashbacks and when he returns to pirating he goes absolutely unhinged.

he becomes way more obsessed with the shard than Rouge usually is with the master emerald, or any other gem for that fact, he literally fixates so hard in the gem its... scary [cool]

and well... being a pirate that pillages and steals treasures is basically the opposite of being the guardian of a treasure wanted by most people that know of it

neither of them are fulfilling their "correct" roles in their worlds and that made them... go absolutely wrong themselves

its probably nothing but i wanna think it means something...