rubi The echidna hedgehog

Late afternoon on Angel Island, Ruby sits in a treetop, watching the sunset and doodling on an old map. Selene appears, floating with the help of a light wind spell, holding two small bottles of juice. SELENE: smiling and joking Guess who brought juice for her daughter who lives hiding in cliffs like a ninja owl? RUBI: calm, but amused If I were a ninja owl, Mom… I'd be invisible. You wouldn't find me so easily. SELENE: magically climbing onto the branch next to her Oh, but I'm your mother. I found you in the underwater hideout, in the ancient temple, and even inside the cave behind the waterfall. You'll have to try harder. RUBI: takes the juice and sighs with a slight smile Thank you… I just needed some quiet time. The pressure has been too much lately. SELENE: getting more serious, but still soft Is Knuckles being rough again? RUBY: eyes on the horizon He wants me to watch over the emerald all the time. He says being guardian isn't just a title, it's a burden. But... what if I'm more than that, Mom? SELENE: leaning her forehead against her daughter's You're more than that, Ruby. You're my star of fire and stone. Strong, curious, brilliant... and stubborn as hell, just like me. RUBI: laughs softly I got that too. And a little bit of the blue hair too. SELENE: blinking Blue and red—an explosive combo. Just like your temper when someone tries to call you "emerald princess." RUBI: feigns irritation Ugh, don't even joke about it. Just because my dad is the guardian... SELENE: interrupting with a sarcastic tone And your mother is a living legend: funny, beautiful, and powerful? Yes, the bar is really high. RUBI: staring at the rising moon I want to find my way, Mom. Not just follow in Dad's footsteps... Or yours. Something of my own. SELENE: with tenderness in her voice So, begin. One step at a time. And if you stumble, remember there are people waiting for you here… with juice and sarcasm. RUBI: smiles more Thank you. You always know what to say.