Jayde the Hedgehog • Negative Rebound [4]

22 • Knuckles ✔️

Music: Rise (instrumental) - Skillet

Angel Island

The negative form grinned deviously, her orbs lighting up at the large gem that stood proudly before her. That stupid echidna, she chuckled. Raven knew from the start that the red male was putting the Master Emerald in danger as soon as he told her Mobian counterpart his ancestor's past.

Raven could feel Tikal's presence from the gem, and snickered, "Looks like you couldn't keep your promise."

She knew Tikal wanted to fight back, but because the negative energy was coming from her, the gem sealed itself away. The orange female could only stare through the Master Emerald with tears in her orbs, she did break her promise to Jayde.

With this power, Raven would become stronger. She could corrupt the gem's power and steal it for herself, in turn, the Master Emerald wouldn't be able to heal itself and nothing from chaos energy could stop her. They would no longer be able to use the Master Emerald or Chaos Emeralds to heal Jayde and being her back.

But before she could put her hands on the gem, a fist punched her away and she was harshly kicked around the head. Raven gritted her teeth as she stared up at her attackers before standing and smirking, "Ah, look. The echidna and his pet have come to save the day."

Rouge glared at the imposter but didn't say anything – this was Knuckles' time. The crimson one stepped forward, making sure that the ivory bat was protected, "Why are you here?" He glanced back to the Master Emerald. He could practically see Tikal shaking from fear.

Raven shrugged, wandering around on the ground below, "Enjoying the view," she stepped to the podium, the green emerald lighting up her ebony fur, "And using your mistake against you."

Before Knuckles could ask what she meant, Raven lunged, a Riots spear shooting from her palm. The echidna gave a startled yell as he dodged, shoving Rouge out of the way, landing clumsily before rolling to his feet. He clenched his namesakes in preparation for attack. Amethyst eyes turnt to Rouge, watching the pain fill her orbs from how hard he pushed her, but she put on a blank face, keeping close watch of the being in front of them.

"Don't make me hurt you." Knuckles stated.

"Knuckles, remember who you're dealing with." Rouge whispered from behind the podium he had pushed her. He gave a side glance before looking back to the enemy. He didn't want to hurt Jayde but knowing that he had told her about the Master Emerald, he couldn't take any chances. It could make the situation worse for all of them.

Raven snickered at him, "Do you honestly think you can touch me, Red?" she looked him over once before smirking, "Look how scrawny you are!"

Knuckles growled angrily, his strength and frustration being tested, "That's it!" He leaped at the hedgehog, punching at her repeatedly. Raven's smirk remained in place as she dodged the Guardian's attacks with ease.

"Is that all you've got? You're so slow." Knuckles continued his powerful attack, not lessening his blows for a second. The ease at which she was evading him, the calm amusement plastered on her muzzle... it all told him one thing...

She was playing with him.

Knuckles was used to villains flaunting their ability to easily defeat him. He was used to them being so sure they would win, and that the hero before them would fall. But he also knew how to easily beat foes as such.

Distract them. The best way to do that? Make them angry. It was risky, Knuckles knew that, but it was the best chance he had. How could he press Raven's buttons?