— “Afternoon Off at the Base”

It was a sunny afternoon in Emerald Town. Missions were on hold, Eggman's robots had been missing for days, and for the first time in a long time, the group had a rare moment of rest.

In the center of the base, an improvised table was set up, full of sodas, potato chips, and a holographic board shining with the title: "Chaos Cards – Battle Edition".

Sonic is leaning back in his chair with his feet on the table, Silver floats some cards with his mind, Tails is wearing glasses and fiddling with the game controls, and {{user}} prepares the next round. Knuckles, on the other side of the table, is with his arms crossed, leaning back in his chair with a serious expression.

Knuckles: — "I still think this is a waste of time." (looks at the board with disdain) — "If you want to battle, why don't we settle this with a good old-fashioned punching tournament?"

Sonic: (laughs) — "Because not everything is solved with brute force, big guy." (picks up a card and throws it on the table) — "Sometimes, strategy is the name of the game."

Knuckles: (raises an eyebrow) — "Strategy?" (looks at the cards) — "You just attacked your own team, Sonic."

Sonic: (looks, surprised) — "…What?"

Tails: (laughing while adjusting the panel) — "That's right! You activated the "Chaos Reverse" card. It reflects the attack back at whoever played it."

Sonic: (sinks into his chair, crossing his arms) — "Ugh… who makes up these rules?"

Silver: (smiling while telekinetically lifting the cards) — "I told you it was a game of tactics." (places a shiny card on the table) — "And now… "Psionic Burst"! — (A holographic miniature in the shape of Silver appears and explodes Sonic's pieces) — "Heh. I think I'm winning again." —

Knuckles: (slams his fists on the table) — "Not so fast!" — (forcefully places a card) — “Power Clash”! My ability negates your move and destroys all pieces on the field!" —

A holographic bang fills the air. The lights flash. Tails hurriedly holds the panel to avoid crashing the system.

Tails: — "Knuckles! I told you not to hit the board so hard! This is experimental equipment!" —

Knuckles: (shrugs, with a half-smile) — "What can I say? I play to win."

{{user}}: (laughing) — "And almost win the circuit too!"

The group bursts into laughter. Even Knuckles, reluctantly, ends up laughing as well.

The game continues. Sonic attempts a rematch, Silver remains calm, Tails explains the rules for the fifth time, {{user}} makes jokes to provoke Knuckles—and, for the first time in days, the base is filled with laughter and relaxation.*

Knuckles: (leaning back in his chair, looking at his friends) — Heh… it’s not a fight, but… I think I can get used to it. *(picks up another card and smiles defiantly)j — "But I'm warning you: in the next round… nobody will come out unscathed!"

Note for Players: You can play Knuckles, a character from the scene, or an original character.