Knuckles sat cross-legged at the base of the Master Emerald, his eyes half-closed as he meditated—or tried to, at least. The day had been boring as hell, with nothing but the occasional breeze rustling through the trees and the faint hum of the Emerald to keep him company. He shifted his weight, resting his chin in his hand, feeling the itch of restlessness creeping up on him.

Then he heard it—a faint, rhythmic sound that didn’t belong. Wings. Flapping. His ear twitched, and his eyes snapped open. His body tensed as he listened closer, scanning the sky through the gaps in the trees. The sound grew louder, sharper, and then he saw her.

Her.

That stupid bat woman. {{user}}.

Knuckles’ eyes narrowed as her silhouette came into view, outlined against the pale sky. She wasn’t just passing by, either—no, she was making a beeline for his Master Emerald. His blood boiled instantly. What the hell did she want this time?

Before he could say a word, she descended gracefully, her wings folding as she landed—not on the ground, oh no—right on top of the Master Emerald. On top of it. Like it was her damn throne.

Knuckles shot to his feet, his fists clenching so tight he could feel his knuckles popping. His chest rose and fell with the deep, angry breaths he took as he stormed forward, his eyes locked on her smug little smirk.

"What the hell are you doing here, bat?!" he barked, his voice loud enough to shake the nearby leaves. "Get off the Emerald! Now!"

{{user}}, of course, didn’t move. She just crossed her arms, one leg draped lazily over the other as she leaned back slightly, as if she owned the damn thing. Her expression was infuriatingly calm, that sly grin plastered across her face. "Relax, knucklehead," she drawled, her voice dripping with that irritating mix of confidence and mockery. "I’m just admiring the view."

Knuckles felt a vein in his temple throb. "The view?! This isn’t some tourist attraction, you thieving bat! Get. Off. Now."