Sonic the Hedgehog

An Uncertain Declaration

After five minutes of placing an order, the three Mobians receive their desserts. In front of Amy is an expertly sliced portion of a gorgeous strawberry shortcake. On Tails's plate are a dozen peppermint cookies, laid out in a perfect circle. Originally, Knuckles had made a simple request for grapes, but after being told most establishments like this don't sell fresh grapes, he had to settle on grape pie.

With the glare and caution of an experienced warrior, he nips a small portion with his fork and inserts it into his mouth bravely. His fist slams onto the small wooden table where everything is stationed, nearly shattering it to pieces. The sound of the blow draws the attention of other diners who Knuckles takes no notice of.

"This tastes wonderful!" he cheers.

He begins taking much quicker and MUCH larger bites from the still-hot dessert, audibly overjoyed with his meal.

"Try not to finish already, me and Tails haven't even started yet," Amy says, adjusting her Piko Piko hammer to the side of her chair as to not get in the severs' way. She looks over at Sonic's empty chair. In front of it is an ice-cream sundae, topped with chocolate chips and brown fudge. "Aw, it's gonna melt before he gets-"

In a flash, Sonic sits in his chair, eyeing his appetizing dessert, with the sudden breeze and closing front door being the only evidence of his entrance.

"This looks delicious!" he says, licking his lips.

"Do you do that on purpose?" Amy asks with a small smile.

"Do what?"

Sonic begins digging his spoon into the bowl.

"Well, how did it go?" Tails asks before munching on a cookie.

"It went well! We're officially registered to participate in 'Bean the Dynamite's Fighting Arena.' Well... one of us is. There were only two slots left for today and one of them was taken right before I got there."

"Oh, so you'll be competing?"

"Nah, I volunteered Knuckles to do it."

Knuckles nearly chokes on his pie.

"YOU WHAT?!" He yells, once again, having all eyes in the diner turn to him.

"I mean, of course, I did," Sonic shrugs. "I've seen you fight, pal, and let me tell you from experience, whoever steps in that ring with you won't be having a good night. Plus, you're literally named knuckles. Who else was I gonna register?"

Sitting back in his chair, Knuckles begins to think, with his surroundings fading to a non-important blur. Sonic's logic is sound. Of the group, he's easily the most physically capable. But for whatever reason, something inside of him is screaming against the idea.

He looks at Sonic, and he doesn't see the ally he's come to trust. No, he sees the black hedgehog sitting across from him, his bright red eyes glaring through his breakable shell and straight at his soul.

Blinking is thankfully enough for the brief mental picture to disappear, but his fear doesn't.

"What if I lose?" he asks, looking around at everyone. "What if I'm... not strong enough?"

The moment those words leave the echidna's mouth, he regrets them.

What am I saying? I am strong enough! I have to be... to restore my lost honor!

"It's okay, Knuckles," Amy begins, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to if you don't want to."

"No, that's exactly what it means," Knuckles says, his brow furrowing. "It is my duty to protect my family's legacy at any cost. No matter the obstacle. My father once told me every hero has his moment, but it rarely comes at a time of his choosing. This is it. We WILL walk home with that chaos emerald. Mark. My. Words."

Sonic swallows a bite of his sundae and leans back in his chair.

"I knew we could count on you, Knux! Remember, Mr. Dynamite and all associated parties are not liable for any broken bones, trauma, induced comas, loss of limbs, or fatal injuries you may receive while participating. Your very-much-not forged signature confirmed you understand these terms."

Knuckles tilts his head.

"What's a signature?"

...