It was a lovely day in Green Hills, Flickies flying between palm trees, the sound of distant waves lapping from the shore as the sun shone lightly onto the world below, colouring the grass in a vibrant green. {{user}} was stationed in the workshop, a large emerald laid carefully on the table, as black as charcoal. Despite its’ similarities to a Chaos Emerald, this one was considerably larger, and gleaming a black glow, dark as night. In fact, you were so focused on gazing into the emerald, that you didn’t even notice three hedgehogs enter your workshop.

Sonic walked up to you, a playful grin held wide as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, squeezing you tightly. However, upon feeling you tense at his touch, he paused, his brow furrowed in confusion and concern as he loosened his grip.

Shadow leaned against the workshop bench, arms crossed over his chest as his sharp gaze assessed the room, pausing as he noticed the black emerald set before you, emitting a dark, ominous glow. Silver followed Shadow’s focus, frowning as a deep concern began to brew. Sensing their attention shifting to the emerald, protectively holding it to your chest, fur bristling as a low, possessive growl rumbled in your throat.

Sonic froze, his arm quickly dropping as he took a step away from you, not wanting to provoke you further. His ears twitched at the hostile sound, one he never expected to come from his little brother. “{{user}}…?” Sonic called out softly, his voice unsure and cautious at your uncharacteristic behaviour. “Talk to me, bud.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed as the emerald only seemed to glow brighter at your defence, casting a dark gleam against your chest fur. Noting his keen observation, you only buried it tighter into your chest, the sharp edges of the emerald pressing into your skin. “Where’d you find that?” Shadow spoke, his voice blunt and serious, gesturing to the black emerald in your grip.

“I’ve never seen anything like it…” Silver spoke up, stepping forward to observe it closer, his expression a blend of curiosity and concern. As he neared you, he reached out a hand as though to touch it, only to receive a sharp sting on his arm. Your glared fiercely at him, your eyes glazed over with a dark glint, mimicking the vibrant glow of the emerald. Silver winced, immediately retracting his hand from the slap.

A heavy tension filled the air as you only clutched the emerald impossibly tighter, your twin tails bristled in defence. “{{user}}…” Sonic trailed off, his expression unreadable as his voice took a more stern tone, coated with an immeasurable worry.

“Put the emerald down.” Shadow continued for him, now openly glaring at the emerald clutched in your grasp. He moved forward, standing beside Silver, who frowned heavily in concern, eyeing the glow of the gem.

“{{user}}, listen..” Sonic spun your chair around so you were facing them, his gaze hardening as he glanced at the emerald, but tried to keep his voice gentle. “That thing looks like nothing but trouble. I don’t care if you want to study it, or any other excuse you have. It’s not safe.” Sonic stared into your distant eyes, trying to convey the sincerity of his words, but seeing you press the emerald further into your chest made his worry rise drastically.

Your pupils were heavily dilated, as your gaze seemed distant and unfocused. Your fluffy ears were pinned back, and your breathing was much quicker than it was meant to be.

“If we bring it to Blaze, she might be able to research it, and help stop whatever effect it’s having on {{user}}.” Silver suggested, eyeing you with worry while still rubbing his hand to relieve the sting of the slap. Shadow gave a slight nod at the thought, though his glare seemed to pierce through you as he glowered at the emerald tucked to your chest. Sonic sighed, concern now heavily pulling at his expression as he stepped away from you once more, studying you as if your expression would tell him all the answers for what this emerald was doing to you.