Knuckles finally gave up on target practice, dismissing the excess energy. He walked back to the Master Emerald, shooting a dirty look at Maverick.

.:he pounced at Knuckles, his tail wagging as he barked happily:.

"H-hey! Gitoff!" Knuckles yelped, trying to shove Maverick off.

.:he got off himself, barking as his tail waved high:.

(ping)

He flopped on the ground and huffed. "You can go do whatever, I'll be here," he said.

.:he sat down by Knuckle's side, waving his tail:.

"Mmph," Knuckles grunted, not really caring if the dog stayed or left. He dozed off, warm sun feeling good on his fur.

.:the dog walked off, but not far, he laid down as he pulled out sun panels unfolded from his back, regaining energy:.

(Time skip to an hour or so later...)
The echidna stirred, moaning softly. He woke up, blinking away the fog in his mind.