#tiberius the echidna

[echidna-enquiries]

Iris: -bounces over with excitement- It’s spooky season!! 🤩🎃 Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and it’s just around the corner! Do you all do anything fun and exciting for the season or even just fall in general? 

Fae: Oooh yeah! Halloween is a cool vibe! I don't really go out much BUT I like to get into the mood, occasionally have a costume! I mostly just wanna snack on sweets and watch spooky stuff- BUT if anyone loves this holiday, it's Shepherd!

Fae: He LOVES Halloween! He's a horror nut that guy, so a whole holiday about spooky stuff is bound to be his favourite. I was gonna see if he wanted to watch some stuff with me on Halloween if he didn't have any plans or work. :3

Tiberius: (groans)... seriously? Halloween?

Fae: Oh uh...Hi Tiberius. Whatcha got against Halloween?

Tiberius: I hate Halloween... I hate all the stupid dumb or freaky decorations that people put all around. All the stupid pranks dumb kids will try and pull on you, and it gives people an excuse to just get drunk or dress up like in dumb costumes!

Fae: Well I mean-you're allowed to like and dislike whatever holiday you want but don't gotta spoil it. Theres more to the season then that...

Tiberius: Ugh, I just don't get how Shepherd of all people could like this stupid holiday! (he crosses his arms and rolls his eyes, huffing)

Fae: Come on, man...

Tiberius: He already has a weird obsession with his horror stuff but it feels almost childish that he likes this holiday! Like sure-I like seeing him happy but he can get so-... weird about this holiday

Fae: Uh...Tibs...

(It would be at that moment that Tiberius would become a target of Shepherd...)

[btm-txt]

Tibs and his Bike

Art fight attack for @charleecat-bat

Hands down one of the most complex echidna drawings I have created by far, and I loved every minute I worked on it. Another one of your boys that I saw and feel in love with, and the reference I found was too perfect not to draw him with a bike.

Hope you like it bud!

[charleecat-bat]

It's been a while since i posted one of these. Another Guardian lad!!

This is Tiberius; he's an... interesting guy. Out of everyone in the family, he's probably the most problematic, haha. He loves mechanics and metalworking and is found frequently tinkering and testing out his vehicles. On the outside he's seen as determined and very reckless cocky man. But really that confidence is a sham, a front. He's got crippling issues with his self-esteem and confidence. Growing up with a huge pressure to strive toward the standards of toxic masculinity has been instilled in his mindframe and to this day he still holds himself to those unfair and unrealistic standards. He's not sure why, he very badly needs a therapist but of course that's not gonna be an easy task.

He'll go through character development whether he asks for it or not.LOL he will get better. he's already become a better man then he was when he was a young little twat teenager, he just needs to give himself more credit.

[the-ethereal-serpent]

Wolf's Bane

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

General Information

Wolf's bane, also known as aconite, monkshood, aconitum, leopard's bane, mousebane, women's bane, devil's helmet, queen of poisons, or blue rocket, is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.

These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere, growing in the moisture-retentive but well-draining soils of mountain meadows. Most species are extremely poisonous and must be dealt with very carefully.

The genus name, aconitum, translates to poisonous herbs. All parts of the plant, especially the roots and seeds, are poisonous. The drug aconite is extracted from the leaves and roots and was once prescribed as a cardiac and respiratory sedative.

The plant was used as an arrow poison and a poison bait for killing wolves, hence wolfsbane. The plant has also been used as an arrow poison to hunt ibex, bear and whale, as well as in human warfare.

In Roman times it was used by the lady Lydia to poison anyone who posed a threat to her son Tiberius becoming Emperor. She even used it to kill her own husband.

It is said to cause a sensation on the skin of wearing a fur-coat or feathers and may induce hallucinations of transforming into different kinds of animals.

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Growing Wolf's Bane

Aconitum prefers full sun and becomes leggy with too much shade. Being native to mountainous meadows, it prefers cooler temperatures. During the heat of the summer, the plant performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade in moist soils. Use plants along streams, ponds, or bogs where soils are moist.

Growing two to four feet tall, monkshood should be placed in the back of the border, where it provides an excellent vertical accent. In rich, fertile soils the plant may require staking. The palmate leaves are a beautiful dark green color.

Diluted, the roots can be used topically as a local anesthetic and numbing agent. It is an active ingredient in many over the counter nerve pain homeopathic remedies.

Note : Gloves should be worn when working with this plant to avoid contact with the plant juices as it can kill you. Death usually occurs within two to six hours in fatal poisoning.

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Mythology, Magic & Folklore

According to legend, it was near Mount Akonitos in Pontus, where the plant grew from the spittle of Cerberus, the three-headed hound of Hades, when folk hero Heracles drew up the beast from its infernal abode. Homer (800 bc) gives the first account of this myth in the Illiad.

Eight centuries later Ovid embellishes the story in Metamorphoses VII, where Scythian sorceress Medea attempts to poison Theseus with aconite. Aconite features also in Metamorphoses VI: Athena sprinkles Arachne with aconite, upon which she is transformed into a spider (VI, 129ff.).

Besides, the legend surrounding Cerberus dates back to the time of Hesiod (800-700 bc), who describes the creature as a fifty-headed do and being the offspring of Typhon and Echidna.

Typhon is refered to as birther of storm winds and father of all monsters and was viewed as the largest and most deadly of all creatures, whereas Echidna was envisioned as a monstrous viper and mother of all monsters. Their ‘poisonous’ blood flows in the veins of Cerberus and inside the vessels of the plant that rose from his saliva

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Aconite is also named hecateis, after the goddess Hecate. Hecate is an ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft, associated with crossroads, gateways, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, the souls of the dead/ necromancy and shape-shifting.

In this latter aspect she is called upon as Lycania. Aconite is also thought to have been used by Thessalonian witches in hallucinogenic flying ointments.The Berserkers, an infamous Germanic tribe, reportedly consumed Aconite in order to transform into ‘werewolves’.

An example for poisoning with aconite features the, perhaps, most famous suicide of all times: Cleopatra, pressed for time, may have killed herself with the help of a poisonous cocktail containing aconite, poison hemlock and opium poppy rather than the bite of a cobra.

References in Germanic folklore: Aconite was sacred to Thor, the Norse god of thunderstorms and lightning. In German this connection is reflected in various folk names given to the plant, such as Sturmhut and Thor’s hat. Other popular German names are Eisenhut = helmet, and Mönchshut = monk’s hood

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Sacred to Shiva

Shiva, who is, amongst others, is worshiped as a god of poisons. According to legend, the essence of all poisons (Hala hala), spread from the whirling motion of the ocean of milk, Samudramathana, when it produced the holy cow.

The gods were frightened and ran to mount Kailash, where Shiva sat meditating, and asked him for help. Shiva took the poison in his hands and drank it. His wife Parvati feared for her husband and choked his throat so that the poison eventually would get stuck and upon which his throat turned blue. Because of this Shiva is also called Nilakantha = blue throat.

Through his deed Shiva saved all beings from becoming poisoned. Only a tiny bit of the poison had dripped from his hand which until today flows in the veins of the blue aconite and other poisonous plants. Another version of the story tells of Shiva having turned blue from consuming all the poisons in the world

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Using Wolfsbane in Magic

The plant can be used in spells of protection and warding, summoning spirit hounds to guard a person, place or thing; and empowering other protective spirits and egregores when used as an offering

Shapeshifting and transformation

Aspecting with animal familiars, journeying in animal form, lycanthropy and werewolf mythos.

Sacred Plant of Witchcraft

Connections to Hecate, Circe and Medea associate this plant with patrons of the magical arts.

Underworld Journeying

Provides the means for journeying, helps to separate the spirit from the body, connection to Cthonic (lower realms) due to the plant’s mythological origins with Hecate and Ceberus, both residents and guardians of the Underworld.  They can be petitioned for access when journeying to their realms, and also provide protection for the physical body in its vulnerable state.

Aggressive/Offensive Protection

Its association with Battle magic, through Germanic berserkers known for using this and other intoxicating plants to enhance their battle prowess turning them into raging animals. It was also employed practically as a potent arrow poison known for taking down wolves and men, hence its namesake.

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Correspondences

Planet: Saturn

Gender: Feminine

Element: Water

Deity: Hecate

Powers: Protection and invisibility

☽⦁──────── ⦁❀⦁ ────────⦁☾

Article Sources :

https://www.postbulletin.com/life/lifestyles/growing-concerns-wolf-s-bane-may-beautify-your-garden/article_c2e75454-d79a-11e8-90f6-c3a8712ed6cd.html

https://pflanzenkunst.wordpress.com/ethnobotany/aconite-myth/

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/poisonersapothecary/2018/04/09/a-collection-of-wolfsbane-lore/

Image Sources : https://pin.it/bqy7o5gntqcime

[another-sonic-blog]

Meeting at Night (Pt.3) Love After Love

Meeting at Night

Pt.3

Love After Love

“Thank you, I like you too Shadow”

“Wait? You do, you-you like me back?”- Shadow’s excitement could be noticed by Amy. Who smiled at him.

“Yeah, I believe you are a great companion”- Amy said as she patted his shoulder. Shadow signed.

“Amy, I don’t mean it that way, what I mean is that I like you as Knuckles likes Rouge...I want to be more than just a friend to you”- Shadow looked at her straight in the eyes and Amy damn it all. Of course, she knew what Shadow meant, however, she didn’t want to make it awkward between them. Amy loved Sonic but she didn’t want to hurt Shadow’s feelings by telling him so. Even for her, loving Sonic was hard. After losing her dearest friend, Maria, she knew for a fact she didn’t to feel that pain again. Only after the event of the ARK, she was capable of gaining the confidence of herself and her will that no matter what, she will protect the people that matter most to her. He was so straightforward, he knew what he wanted and he would do anything to have it.

“Shadow, I am sorry...but I don’t think I am capable of loving you the way you are asking me to”

“That’s alright!”- Shadow smirked at her and was honestly surprised by his reaction. He held her hands and kissed them dearly.

“I will chase after you and I will try to win your heart...it doesn’t matter where you are...I will always be there for you...just don’t push me away”

   Amy’s heart was beating fast, not because she had changed feelings for Shadow, but because she could feel he really meant his words.

“And besides...whether you like it or not...in this dimension...WE GOT MARRIED, SO YOU ARE MY WIFE NOW!”

.

.

.

   Shadow and Amy had been walking for a while now. Shadow was in a good mood and Amy really could care less. They left the tribe early in the morning after thanking Tiberius and the Kush tribe for letting them stay. They even gave them some provisions.

“Hey, Shadow”- Amy said as she began to notice a smell.

‘Yes, my wife?”

“You are taking the whole marriage thing way too seriously, stop it now”- Amy was getting annoyed now.

“But, why? I-”

“Look it's the Bosporan Kingdom, we made it!”- Amy said enthusiastically. They walked down the hill, the Kingdom was like no other. It was like a mixture of the old with the new. From afar they could see that there was a rich and poor side of the city just like everything else out there. Houses, businesses of all kind and churches were all part of the enormous city. As they both adventure in the insides of the city, Shadow began to notice that people passing by them were staring at them. Amy could also hear them talk very clearly.

“Are those...hedgehogs?!”

“They most are of royal blood”

“What are they doing here walking without security?”

“Maybe they are cousins of the Queen?”

“I believe we should notify this to the Royal Knights”

   This was some of the comments that they were whispering to each other. Amy didn’t want to get any more attention.

“Shadow we need to look for a refugee and plan our next move later”- Amy informed Shadow as she held her hand. They walked faster and faster looking out anywhere where they could be safe. Five minutes later as they were walking down the street, as they were making a turn, Amy bumped into someone.

   He was a green Echidna. Amy and he made eye contact and were fast to stand up.

“You two...are not from here...right?”- The Edquina asked as Shadow stood in front of Amy in order to protect her.

“That’s none of your business”- Shadow wanted to leave but was quickly stopped by the green guy.

“Are you both from Mobius?”

“Yes...are you-”- Amy began but was cut off by the green Echidna he put his hand over her hand. Note to herself: cut his hand off later on when no ones were watching.

“We can’t talk here...follow me”

   Shadow and Amy had really no other option. They followed the green Edquina. Mostly fascinated because they have never seen one besides Knuckles, who they believed he was the only one left of his kind. The Echidna took them over the outskirts of the city, a small flower shop in which on top of it seemed to be a small quiet house was in front of them as the green guy opened the door for them as they were both quick to enter. Everything looked like a normal flower shop, which Amy enjoyed.

“We must be safe here...how can you tell me how two Mobians came here?”

“You dragged us here, you answer our questions first”- Shadow said firmly.

“Alright, shoot”

“Who are you? Why did you take us here?”

“My name Zeno the Edquina I came from the Byzantine Empire. And right now leader of the Resistance against Queen Titania”- Zeno was quick to say in which Shadow questioned quickly.

“I thought the Byzantine Empire was no longer more”

“Yes, ten years ago, Flavia Titania destroyed our Kingdom. She killed all royal family and left us with nothing...in an act of ‘kindness’, she let us stay in her kingdom. However, they treat everyone horribly. Many of us are slaves and the young girls suffer the most...every once in a while, Royal Knights come looking for suitable girls for the Queen’s son...Son who we have never seen his face”

“What happens once the girls are picked?”- Amy asked Zeno.

“They take them to the palace...after that, we really don’t know. They are probably slaves for the Queen’s son, none of them have ever come back...they might kill them as well”- Amy noticed that this topic seems hard to talk about for Zenos, she then changed the subject.

“How did you know we were from Mobius?”- Amy asked once again.

“Byzantine mythology says that our people were magically teletransported here by 7 magician stones, we are from a ‘magical’ place called Mobius, a place where all animals co-existed in peace and where Echidnas like me lived in a flying island, meant to protect all 7 seven stones and the master stone as well from powerful monster called ‘Chaos’...you both are hedgehogs, your clothes, the way you both smell...its completely different from ours...so I just thought you might be from there”

“Why didn’t the Echidnas race never came back to Mobius?”

“We were never able to find all seven maginal stones...nobody knows where they are. A long time passed since then, so even if we were to find them, my people would not want to go back to an unknow world. This world in the only place we know as home”

“Now...its time for you to answer my questions”

.

.

.

“Ok so to re-cap, your name is Shadow the Hedgehog and Amy Rose, you were both sent here to save your friends Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails ‘Miles’ Prower who are held captive at the Queen Titiana’s castle, also to stop whatever evil plan she has.  And the 7 magical stones of my people are actually called ‘Chaos Emeralds’ and you have two and the other five you suspect the Queen or your captive friend has them...did I miss anything?”- Zeno acted as calm as possible it was too much information but nothing he couldn’t handle. Shadow and Amy just nodded in their seats.

“Alright then, I’ll help you out...I want to free my people and everyone else who live as slaves...you are more than welcome to stay at my place...upstairs, of course, meals will be provided and tomorrow I will introduce you to the resistance”

   It was a quiet night after that. Shadow’s room was next to Amy’s and he couldn’t really sleep. They were in a dangerous place, he knew Amy was more than capable of taking care of herself but what about him? He could only do so much, only run and hit the villains... the last thing he wanted was to be a burden for her....

.

.

.

   Big steps woke up Shadow, he smelled something different, three different kinds of animals coming towards them.

“YOU ARE TRESPASSING MY HOUSE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, I HAVE NO FEMALES TO OFFER YOU!”

   Shadow recognized Zeno’s voice coming from downstairs quickly making his way up to the stairs following whoever was coming closer to them.

“The Royal Knights got a report stating you seemed to be accommodating a unique pink...hedgehog..our Queen request her princess”

   Shadow quickly got up from his bed and headed out of his room and was quick to enter Amy’s room. He could smell her, she was hiding in the closet before he could reach to her, the Royal Knights slammed opened the door and found Shadow standing in front of them.

“Another hedehog...how unusual...black with red stripes”

“Just like our deceased emperor...”

   Shadow took a quick look at the Royal Knights. Three of them, one was a squirrel, a lemur, and a fox. All wearing a blue cape, a strong type of metal covering their chest in order to protect them from injuries and strong swords accompanying them. Shadow knew that he could use his speed to get himself and Amy out of there, but that meant leaving Zeno behind, betraying him was unthinkable. He still couldn’t use the power of the Chaos Emeralds at the same potential like Amy and even if he did, it will cause the Royal Knight to alert the Queen that they have the remaining 2 Chaos Emeralds and everyone will haunt them down

“Its only me in here...please leave this residence at will”- Shadow had a serious look.

“If you are the only one here you won’t mind us to look around sir”- The fox asked as he walked around the room and as he was about to open the closet, Shadow punched him the face. Under his dead body, they were going to take Amy away from him. The other Royal Knights also joined the fight and Zeno also wanted to kick them out of his property, but the Royal Knights were forced to soon use their swords. Shadow was fast and really didn’t get hit, everything was going well but then...

“Stop it! I’ll come with you”- Amy said as she came out of the closet, everyone stopped their movement and the Royal Knights were fast to approach her. They quickly handcuffed her.

“Stay away from her bastard!”- Shadow was about to throw another punch at the Knight but Amy stopped him.

“No, Shadow...I’ll go with them...I am more than honored, I will be serving the Queen”- Amy presented and the Royal Knights believed it all.

“But Amy...I won’t allow this!”- Shadow promised to protect her but couldn’t do anything.

“I know for sure I will see you soon”- Amy smiled to him as the Royal Knights took her out of the flower shop. Shadow saw how two Knights put Amy on a Royal Carriage and closed the door. The last thing Amy saw was Shadow telling her not to leave...

“I’ll be nice and won’t tell my Commander about this accident, if you interfere with our jobs one more time, I’ll make sure I put you both in a dungeon forever”- The lemur Knight warned them as he left the shop. Shadow couldn’t really think of anything else to but rescue Amy at the moment. After Zenos made sure that there was no Knights left around he broke the news to Shadow....

“Part one of our plan is complete”

.

.

.

[echidna-enquiries]

Next line-up of the fam!

Theodore, a gentle soul with musical talent. Be nice to him, please... he's been through a lot...

Seth, the most fashionable in the fam! He keeps trying to convince me to post photos of him. But he's got so many!!

Sorrel, the other medic of the family and a huge nature lover! His garden is so pretty!

Tiberius, he's a nifty mechanic and metal worker, and a pretty cool guy...despite his issues...don't tell him i said that-

Journey, a spunky gal with an adventurous spirit. She likes to take a lot of trips when she can, she always has cool photos. Maybe can post one or two.

Salem, he's a bit of a wallflower but he's so cool! He knows how to swordfight and his soft spot for animals is awesome, hes' even got dragon friends!!

Lance, the most tech savvy in the fam and Knuckles' dad! Actually probably could handle this account if he could be bothered, although he'd just trash talk everyone and fill the account with memes...

Will get to the bonus guys in a sec!

First batch and bonus guests!

[echidna-enquiries]

Guardian Family Gift Exchange Pt 3.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

After giving his son an encouraging head pat, adding to Tiberius' bashfulness, Sorrel stretched and walked over to that slowly shrinking pile of gifts. Grabbing his own small one and stepping in front of Marcello, who gave him a wide smile as he approached. "Here you go, Marcello. I guarantee it's not space related". Marcello waved his hand, "Psh-I'd never be bothered by more space stuff", he quickly unwrapped it, it felt uneven so it caught his curiosity. When he got it free, a small box and an odd looking pen fell from his lap while a small book remained. The two pink echidnas almost bonked eachother on the head going to pick the items up and the family couldn't help but laugh. Marcello opened the box and laughed, "Oh my god, what? This is the tiniest paint palette I've ever seen! It's so cute!...Wait-", he inspected the pen more closely, only it wasn't a pen, it was a water brush. And the book was filled with that familiar paper for him. His eyes lighting up as he realised all this. It was all for his watercolour painting! "I know you usually paint at your desk but, I figured, why not have something when you're out and about", Sorrel shrugged, swinging back and forth, "Could always have it in your bag".

"I could put these in my pocket if I wanted to! I didn't even think to try and do my painting anywhere else weirdly. Thanks, Sorrel. Will try these out the second I get hit with inspiration", Marcello laughed, quite literally putting the gift in his pocket, getting a laugh out of Sorrel.

Seth strutted up to the pile, picking up his box, but instead of walking over to anyone like the others. He sat down... and then turned to his father, "Here you go, dad", he smiled as his dad giggled at his sudden turn. Everyone had a good feeling what Seth's gift was, he always got clothes for everyone. It'd be a shock whenever he didn't.

Theodore had a gentle smile the whole time, and when he opened the box, it stayed, "Oooh... these look nice, son". He took out two pairs of long-sleeved shirts, one was a light blue with small birds on the bottom of the sleeves and on the collar, the other a similar shirt but light green and with flowers instead.

"I know my clothes gifts are getting a bit old but... I just figured you deserved something nice for the summer that was your style", Seth put his head on his father's shoulder. "Thank you, I really do appreciate it feels really light... and soft. You know my preferences really well. I'll try it on later okay, I promise". The two shared a gentle hug, Seth pulled back, "You want me to grab yours for you?". "No thank you, I need to get up anyway", Theodore grabbed his cane, taking a moment to stand up and got over to the present, getting a rather large box. It took him a moment to tuck it under his arm comfortably while having his cane in his other arm. No one rushed him thankfully. He soon approached Tiberius, who seemed surprised that this was his, he reached his arms out as he took it carefully from his great-grandfathers arm, "Here you go, Tiberius. I hope it fits".

It had a good amount of weight to it, no way it was any sort of piece of clothing. He ripped open the paper but found a box with tape. "Uh can I have a-", he was quickly handed a knife from Coal, seeing it was his own instead of the one he gave him, "Tch. Good that it's not the ones I made, those are for YOU", he quickly cut open the box and returned the knife. When he opened it, his mouth hung open, "...Holy fuck". Coal and a few others gave a hearty laugh, "It comes full circle!".

Tiberius bent over and took out a motorcycle helmet from the box, it wasn't even a regular plain one. This one was an expensive one. Well-made, fully covered the head, even had a built in eye shield so he didn't have to wear goggles. Theodore giggled, "I noticed your helmet was getting quite a lot of wear and tear. So I thought maybe getting you a new one would be a good idea. I wasn't sure if you'd decorate it or not so I kept it plain. I hope that's okay". Tiberius was sat staring at the helmet for a while, even putting it on to test if it fit, it fit perfectly. Not too tight, not too loose. When he took it off, he looked to Theodore. "Are you kidding? This is fucking amazing, grandpa". "Don't swear at him, Tiberius", Seth quickly snapped. "Oh no he's fine", Theodore laughed, "I'm just glad you like it-Oh!!". Everyone was surprised to see that Tiberius had initiated a hug with anyone that wasn't his father or his daughter, he was gentle of course but his tail wagging at high speed was a giveaway of his excitement. Seth couldn't even help but chuckle at this, "Alright. Don't crush my old man now, Tibs. Good to see you're happy".

After another quiet thank you, Tiberius sat back down in his spot, holding that helmet in his lap. Those with a good eye could tell he was excited to have it, he would likely go for a test ride with it the minute he had a chance to.

Chase, who had already been fidgeting in his seat, quickly jumped up, grabbing a small envelope. He didn't' seem that excited though, mroe nervous, this was unlike him at all. He handed it to Seth, looking away, lacking his usual liveliness, "I tried to get ya something more your taste but uh... i struggled a lot. I hope this'll do". Seth gave a smile, he could understand Chases' issues about shopping for Seth, not even having to due with Chases lack of interest in shopping. "I'm sure I'll love it no matter what it is, Chase". With his long, festive-themed nails, he opened the the envelope with ease. He started to look over the intricate looking slip in the envelope, his eyes then widened when he saw the name of the company at the top. "...Is this that REALLY fancy spa I went to a few years ago? The one off-island?". Chase nodded, laughing a little, "Yeah. I dunno if it says on there but I got you the big stay in pack. Goes for like a weekend, I dunno what they do but just assume it's something you'd like". Seth looked at the slip again... and let out an excited squeal, a roar of laughter came from the family. "Oh my GOD! This is GOING TO BE AMAZING!!", his heels clicked against the ground excitedly, "God, I hope my schedule will be open". "Oh yeah, I made sure it would", Chase smiled, "I covered your shifts on the dates to make sure of it. Set like a million reminders to make sure I wouldn't forget". "CHASE, YOUR FUCKING AMAZING AND I LOVE YOU!", Seth screamed at the top of his lungs, making Chase erupt in laughter, no longer feeling insecure about his gift.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ First ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Previous ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Next - ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

[echidna-enquiries]

Guardian Family Gift Exchange Pt 2.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Instead of standing like the last three Guardians, Cedar simply began floating as he quickly scarfed down a slice of cake, both were a norm for the short echidna. Everyone knew it was easier for him with his disability, so no comments were made. "Hadaaaaaar", they cheered as he picked up a present, wrapped in a bow and squished at their touch, clearly a softer gift, "It's your turn!", he floated over Hadar playfully before dropping the present onto his lap. Even though he could tell it was a soft item, Hadar still jumped at the present suddenly landing on him but laughed quickly after, "Thank you, Cedar". He already could imagine what this would be, his smile remained as he undid the bow and meticulously undid the wrapping instead of tearing the paper, it was simply what he preferred to do. Inside was a folded blanket, striped with grey, blues and whites, "Awr, this looks nice...". But his calm smile turned into a surprised face when his fingers felt the material, "...is this... -is-is this vicuña?", he asked quickly. The little echidna had a wide grin and nodded quickly, "I knew you'd like it, soft as a clooooud?". "Yes...", Hadar started stroking his fingers through the blanket, immediately undoing it and wrapping himself around in it, a lot of the family giggling at the sight and going to touch it, and sharing similar reactions to the soft wool. "Gosh, how-how did you get this? This wool isn't cheap... you don't' have to spend that much on me". "Ahahaha- no it's not like that. I'd never spend that much for anyone", Cedar gave a silly look, one you'd see on a cartoonishly snobby elder. "...Cedar, That is a flat out lie", Hadar responded quickly, and the two giggled as Cedar broke character. "Okay true, but seriously, don't feel bad. Lets just say I have a buddy who's got a hook-up. I got buddies I do trades with all the time. Don't worry about it. Just enjoy it and become a spotty cocoon", Cedar put a finger to their lips and giggled again, and then quickly got back onto the couch spot, looking tired after floating for so long. Salem handed him his eggnog and Cedar happily took another sip.

Journey bounced off the floor, giving Cedar a little stroke on the head as she grabbed her present, slowing down as she held it. A good clue it was fragile. She stopped in front of her Rhett, who was finishing some cheese and crackers on his plate. "Here ya go, big guy. Hope these are to ya taste...and no it's not cheese, i'm sorry", she giggled. He put a hand to his chest as a joke reaction "Aw, your breaking my heart here",he snorted, starting to unwrap the paper. Rhett smiled and nodded as he looked over the three new vinyls in his hands, each of them one he hadn't had in his collection yet. "Nice, been eyeing these two. This art is soooo good... I don't know this album though. Sure it's good".

"Gotta take a gamble old man, the price is your earbuds", Journey snickered The giant echidna laughed in response, flipping his hair out of his face"Pft- please, my hearing's survived the loudest of genres. You should be worried about everyone else". He stood up, giving Journey a gentle hug that she happily returned, "Thanks, Journey. Can't wait to give them a listen". When his daughter sat back down next to him, Tiberius took a swig of his beer and got up, grabbing his gift. "Alright, Uncle. Think you might like these", he smirked, handing the box to his uncle who had also finished his beer. Coal rose a brow, "...I swear to fuck if this is another cookbook. I do not want anymore". This comment made the group laugh. "Nope. I KNOW you'll like this", Tiberius confidently crossed his arms, watching eagerly as Coal opened the box.

Coal remained quiet but had a small smirk on his face, curious to what Tiberius was so confident about...but his wide eyes and open mouth definitely caused a laugh out of the others. In the box was a set of knives, shiny, sharp, with a beautiful wood handles and engraved with his own name on all of them. "Holy fuck...". "Fucking told ya", Tiberius snickered, "Got started on those the second I got ya name". "Wait you made these!? I thought you just ordered like personalised ones-holy shit". He put the box down and put a hand over his head, "...Tiberius now I have a problem. Now I don't wanna use them. These look so nice! I don't wanna wear them down or break them! Look at these!", Coal got two of the largest knives out, anyone near him quickly stepping away, "Guys, c'mon, I'm not gonna throw these...". "Oi! You better use them! I'll be more insulted if they remain untouched and covered in dust. If you manage to break it just bring it to me and I'll fix it easy", Tiberius huffed but smiled anyway. "Damn, Tiberius. I just-", he quickly stood up and pulled him into a hug, giving him hard pats on his back, "Thank you". Tiberius gave a few pats in return but then quickly pulled away, his cheeks pink, "Okay, Alright enough with the hugs. You're welcome". The purple furred guardian quickly returned to his spot on the couch, having another drink and awaiting the next guardian's gift.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Previous ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Next - ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

[echidna-enquiries]

You all actually seem to get along as a family… have any of you ever dealt with toxic family members? Surely your large family isn’t all perfect..

The group that had gathered looked solemn... no one knew where to start speaking. Salem: (he let out a sigh, deciding to be the one to speak up first) Unfortunately yes... I had married and was unfortunate to expose my son to such a person. My ex-wife, she... was not the person I thought she was. She turned out to be very... abusive. More in a way of her behavior and words. But I put up with it... but then I found out she had treated our son far worse... All because he 'didn't turn out like she wanted'. (he places a hand on his head) I still feel so much regret for Lance having to be in such a situation. The moment I found out, I had never felt so-... so angry. (he sighs, collecting himself) I divorced that wretched woman as soon as I could and made it clear she was not welcome near me or my family ever again ... (he looks off with a scowl) I don't know where she is, and I don't care to... she could be rotting in a ditch for all I care... after everything she put Lance through behind my back, and made him keep silent over it.

Morgan: My own ex-wife... I'd rather not get into her entirely, but she was unfaithful I found her with another...one of our close friends in fact. (she adjusts her glasses, holding back a shaky breathe) I hadn't been in a long term relationship since... at least until Arcana.

Seth: I'm not sure if my case counts towards myself, but towards Sorrel, I'd say it was very... ugh. (he shakes his head, thinking back) For a time, I... wasn't sure who Sorrel's mother was. I was very reckless about my sexual activities in my younger years. I got no call or letter, or anything from the mother. Just found the child dumped on my doorstep out of nowhere, not even a note or a birth certificate. I had to handle all of that myself... (he scowls darkly, his nails digging into his arm as he crossed his arms) What makes me the most disgusted, is that I found out who it was eventually. No need to mention her by name, but this bitch... she had the nerve, the GAUL, that once Sorrel was old enough. She just so happened to try and reconnect with her 'lost baby' just as he had began training to become the next Guardian... let's just say it didn't go as she liked. Tiberius: Eheh, does my stupid ass count? (the others give him a look, mix of annoyance and concern) Sorry, that sounded funny in my head. Okay (scratches head, letting out a breathe)... my choices in exes were not... great. In my youth, I had pretty bad taste in women... my ex-fiance was likely the worst, according to the family. They had made it clear they didn't think she was right for me. Not even for the same reasons as the others, she was a bitch or nothing but... man she was really irresponsible, reckless, didn't think about anything long term. if she had stayed with me. She would've been a bad influence, either on me or my daughter. (he looks off, a solemn look in his eyes). At first, I was stubborn... I really thought that despite everything that it could work... then she got pregnant. I thought that it was a bad idea but she didn't listen... and then Journey came along. I tried to do better for her, and she... well. It shouldn't have been much of a surprise that she quickly left, just... poof. Gone. (he crosses his arms) It fucked me up for a while, but I tried to do right by Journey... sometimes it really bugged her that her mum walked out. It made her feel she wasn't good enough as a kid... I hate her for that the most. Jojo didn't need that. Rhett: If this counts, my in-laws were... well. Lets just say they were a bunch of pompous pricks. I knew they weren't fans of me and my wive's apparent 'outlandish' lifestyle compared to theirs of 'class and high-society' (he scoffs) The amount of times I wanted to smash whatever was closest to me over their heads I lost count of. They were full of shitty comments towards my wife, me, our friends... but they learnt very closely not to dare make any comments about our kids. I made it very clear that I did not like them back either, my names for them got very. (he darkly chuckles) Creative. I wont' repeat them. Seth: What a killjoy... this is such a downer topic. We could use a compilation of curses.

Marcello: Um-if we're talking about in-laws. I guess I got one more. Not mine but my dad's... or well my mum's parents. I had never met them and for a good chunk of my childhood I never knew why. I'd ask but Dad would just say something quick to end the topic while Mum would get so sad... Wasn't till I got older that Dad filled me in. My grandparents were apparently REALLY awful people... they abused mum bad. Mistreated her horribly, verbal, sometimes even physical stuff. He never said anything specific but, that it was just bad. It had gotten to a point that dad threatened them, saying that if they came towards her or anyone in our family again. They'd have to deal with him. So I never met them. Or my other grandparents, but dad doesn't talk about them a lot. Only 'grandparents' I had were my great Aunt Cordelia and Uncle Bertram. They had told me a bit about my grandma's but Shepherd didn't like talking about them Morgan:...Really? Not once? Not anything beyond what history shit tells us? Marcello: Nope. I always tried asking if his mum was bad or something but no, she wasn't. Dad just... didn't like talking about her. Tiberius:...wait did you say grandma's? As in... plural? Marcello: Don't you remember, Evangeline was a lesbian. Had an unofficial wife. But my other grandma uh... Serenity I think her name was, she died when dad was really young.

Tiberius:...Well it'd be nice if he you know-told us these things.

Rhett: C'mon, you know that ain't happening...

Salem: (clears his throat again) Anyway um... to summarise. We all try to be good to eachother, at the end of the day we're kinda all we have. Immortality does that to us... but we haven't been immune to coming across and unfortunately bringing people into our family that were indeed very toxic.

[echidna-enquiries]

(Knuckles takes a step into the family home, it had been a week or two since he last visited. He walks into the kitchen, where a few Guardians were) Knuckles: Hey everyone. (gives a wave) Salem: (Is sat at the small table reading a book and drinking a warm cup of tea. He meets Knuckles' gaze as he walks in) Hello, Knuckles. (He takes a sip of his tea) It's good to see you, my boy. Sorrel: (glances up from his salad that he's currently making, smiling) Hiya, kid! Good to see you in good health! And hey, no new wounds! Great! (smiles in a relieved manner, being far too used to noticing a new wound or scar that the kid scored)

Journey: (is on her laptop with a bowl of donut holes in her reach. But she quickly shoots up and goes up to to hug him, stretching out her arms): Heyyyy! It's about time you showed up! (Gives him a tight hug!) How's my youngest grandbaby? Knuckles: Don't call me thaaaaaaaaat! (pouts but lets the hug happen before eventually hugging her back) Journey: (She gives a playful pout) But you're the youngest and my grandbaby... great great grandbaby but grandbaby nontheless! (she playfully boops his nose) Knuckles: Ugh... Lance: (He walks in, hearing the sound of his sons voice grabbing his attention) That mean he should start calling you his youngest grandma, then, huh? (he smirks, knowing the reaction this will get) Journey: (Her face contorts in discomfort, the others snickering at her expression) Eugh...... that makes me feel so old... Knuckles: (chuckles, and walks over to his dad, wrapping his arms around him gently) Hey dad. Good to see you. Lance: (he gives him a few soft pats on the back) Hey Kiddo, how's you mum? Knuckles: Good, shes' doing the usual. Laywer-ing and politics and all that junk. Lance: (stifles a laugh) And no blackmailing? Shocker. Knuckles: If she is, she's not told me and I'm glad to not know about it. That's talk for her and her to have. (he rolls his eyes, not understanding the 'gossip' sessions between his parents) Lance: Well I better bug her about it, but in the mean time, lets catch up. (Grins) I've been working on an old trinket again. Knuckles: (he laughs nervously) Oh no... Lance: You're beginning to sound like the rest of the family. Promise this one has nothing to do with tasers. Knuckles: Well that's sort of relieving... (gives another awkward laugh) Lance: Sort of!? Do I seem like a mad scientist to you!? (Lance looks around to see everyones faces either trying not to laugh or looking away from him) Lance: Wow.... I mean it's true but wow. Salem: Less of a mad scientist and more a mentally unhinged mechanic. Lance: That's more Tiberius' title than mine. Tiberius, who just walked in:.... WHY!? Lance: (gives a sly smile and snickers) Knuckles: (SNORTS) (A typical visit for Knuckles... but he's used to it at this point. He'd much rather this than them fighting or stressed)