Knuckles' expression darkened again, the low snarl returning to his tone. "You haven't caused any huge problems.... yet. But I know that whatever you have going on, but it's-," He cut off, menatally choosing better wording. "...You're not normal. I don't know what in Chaos' name you're running off of, but whatever it is I can feel it from across an ocean."

Tigerstripes had tensed up ready for attack at the snarl. He watched as the stranger tried a slightly aggressive approach. The last part made his ears prick.

"You feel my energy? Not many can do that. You must be pretty unusual yourself." Normally only another Neko could sense his energy, but he had to remind himself that this was not Nekoline. There were likely creatures here that had abilities very different from his former home. He brought himself back to the present, sharply reprimanding himself for allowing his mind to wander. Shaking his ears he focused on the Red creature again. Taking a calming breath he looked into its unusual violet eyes. " If you'll excuse my asking, what kind of creature are you? I have never met one of your kind before."

"That's not important." Knuckles retorted in an tone that was probably sharper than nessecary. This person of all people didn't need to know that he was the last surviving member of an otherwise extinct race, and he wasn't about to give him any emotional leverage. "I have quills, you look smart, you can figure it out yourself." The assumtion was always hedgehog or procupine, and he was fine with being reguarded as either by a stranger. It was usually easier that way, too.

Tigerstripes twitched his ears, "Well you dont really look like the hedgehogs I've seen around. I haven't heard of any creature with claws like yours either. So you dont match any of the creatures I've encountered before." Tigerstripes felt his energy slowly waning. He would have to find a way to exit this situation soon. His energy was not unlimited and by now it would be making tomorrow a hard day for him.

Knuckles lowered his head slightly. "Not my problem. So, do you want to give me answers or are we going to be here all night?"

Tigerstripes looked at him warily. "What kind of answers? You realize that we dont even know each others names. Expecting me to trust you enough to answer anything you ask is a bit of a stretch, especially as you refused to answer my question. I dont know whether you are a potential ally or a foe who would use the info to harm me or those I care about." Tigerstripes was tired, but wary.

It was rare for an ordinary civilian to demand information like that. So either he was someone in authority for the law, possibly a local hero, or a malefactor. At this point he was not sure which. He had said he meant no harm to his two friends, but that even if true may not mean the guy would not use it against him.

Knuckles was really tempted to rush this cat and put a swift end to this in a show of brute force. He restrained himself, though; there was too much distance between them to deal a decisive blow anyway.

"I don't care if you trust me or not." He growled softly, sounding more frusterated than threatening. "But I did not come all this way for nothing."

He went quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts."...Look. I have no interest in making an enemy out of you. It's inconvienent. I just need to know why you're causing such a big disturbance and if I need to do something about it. I'm not about to take no for an answer, and if tonight doesn't work... well, I don't quit easily. I can always find you again. So do you want to cooperate or not?"

Tigerstripes frowned fighting not to show his weariness. "Is stopping one mugging really that much of a disturbance? I have my reasons for not trusting others. Both of my identities lead fairly dangerous lives. I do not give such trust lightly. I will say this, if it's my energy you are worried about. Some felines born with a particular trait have certain abilities. The energy is specific to the user. I can neither take energy from other things nor give it...unless it the food I eat, but as all creatures have to eat to have energy to live that's normal. I have yet to meet any creature that can live on nothing." Try as he might he could not completely keep the tiredness from his grin. The day had been more exhausting than he realized and his adrenaline and super energy was nearly spent. "As for the rest...I may tell you more in time. As you have not even given me your name you've little right to complain."

The echidna eyed the cat for another long three seconds, as if he wasn't sure how much salt to take that response with. He eventually gave a shake of his head and relaxed his stance. "...That works... for now, at least. Thanks I guess." He mumbled, appearently satisfied with that. He turned as if to leave, but then paused. "...And you never asked my name, but it's Knuckles."

Tigerstripes chuckled tiredly, "No I didnt, although names are usually one of the first things you ask for...you can call me Tigerstripes...at least in this form. If you see me out and about in my ordinary identity please dont use it. Now if you'll excuse me I do have a long day tomorrow and it would be very bad to end up sleeping through it." Gathering his little remaining energy he made a quick dash and leap to a rooftop. Once in alone in an alley he allowed himself to slip out of his super form. With an exhausted sigh he walked to the subway station. The sooner he was in his own bed the better. When he did arrive home he was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.


(Speaking of which its bed for me. Night. I will try to post again Monday if all goes well.