Okay, must I really admit to a fangirl "squee" at the end there?

Yes, yes I must. There. Happy?

I really, really enjoyed this story. The characterizations, especially of Knuckles, were great, and the liberties you took with the story-and the many nods to the games, as well-were just fantastic. This is, of course, one of those stories that makes me ask myself, "Why didn't -I- think of that?" ;)

Thanks for a fantastic read. (And a fancharacter that doesn't make me want to punch a puppy.)

This is a very accurate depiction of what a supposedly immortal guardian who has never left his island or met any one but sonic tail and robotnik would act like without a continuous data dump from a psychic master emerald.

This whole story is amazing, with lots of humor.

"What are you and that nudie on?"

"We're on the road."

Lol. XD

Enjoyed this a lot.

AU hardly matters, there's so many different 'flavours' of canon for Sonic, and you create this version of the universe so well it's easy to be engaged by it.

Funny how this story first excited me, and yet I left for so long, waiting for some rainy day or quiet moment to read it again.

Well, I've finally finished ‘Conscience of Echidnas’, top to bottom, and enjoyed every moment of the read. You've certainly poured a great deal of philosophy into this story, and it is both an exciting adventure and a deep insight into the workings of man and society.

I still love chapter 6 and your thoughts on the nature of sentience and the duties of those it is bestowed upon.

Chapter 13 brought philosophy to a physical manifestation. As Knuckles could call for strength and speed, I read 'empathy' as the title of another power granted by the Master (and whose ability coincides with our emotional definition of understanding another's pain).

The meaning behind Myla's final title has not quite solidified in my mind. Knuckles, though inexperienced with technology and society, seemed to have constructed a set of guiding principles and understanding of life and morality before her coming. Even before the hoodlums, he withholds from taking the snake's life, and humbles himself to acknowledge his dependence on the land and the Master for food and for life. Myla is certainly a test of these beliefs, and a chance for Knuckles to review and rethink his worldviews, but I'm not sure I see how she really guided him or watched over him to where she would be crowned 'Conscience' like a queen.

Your descriptions of the landscape and echidnas is minimal but effective, leaving much detail to our imagining, but ensuring your audience reads into intended character and atmosphere.

Thanks very much for sharing such a wonderful story. Drop the stories, but never the pen. Always keep writing!

Wow.

This is an amazing story. An interesting way to portray the Echidna civilation. I wonder what it would have been like if Sonic Team had gone with something more like this.

My only question is: How does this have so few reviews? This story totally breaks the "template" that just about every other story here uses. It uses a completely new concept and within that a set of completely new concepts. Finally, it follows the chracters' thoughts and actions in a refreshing way.

I really feel fortunate to have read this through. Thank you for the time you spent writing it.

awesome story...but of course, any story with knuckles in it is awesome...it was a little bit short...but not very...there were a lot of big words that i didnt understand at all...im only 11 so...well i dont know...i liked this chapter... um...conitinue!

this is the crazed knuckles fanperson, signing off -.o (wink wink)

*beg, bribes you with cookies, begs some more* please continue this fic, i love this oddly logical and slightly slow knuckles..his way of thinking is so different to how he is in other fics and the comics.

it's reminding me vaugely of the archie comics where echidnapolis reappears after flickering in and out a few times. but they never explained it so well.

*settles down to keep a eye on this fic*

Very, very nice. I love how ignorant Knuckles is, the realism in this, your writing style... and the horrible truth about people (Or echidnas) that comes out. And the "We're on the road" bit made me laugh.

Possibly the best Knuckles story ever written. Very insightful and has a depth that brings the characters to life.

YES! It's back, it's back! The most thoughtful Knuckles fic I ever read has reappeared! I was sure you it was you who wrote this, Bryon!

Let me explain my history: I found the original draft of your story at least a year back and read about half way (I remember leaving Knux after he clobbered the gang of echidnas who were attacking the store owner). I intended to finish the story later that day, but when I scanned to find 'conscience of echidnas' it was gone!

So you've really brightened my day, now that your story is back and I can conclude my read.

I still remember bits of your first version. I remember how Knuckles existed in sort of a co-dependence with the emerald, borrowing its strength to bolster his ability to defend. What really appealed to me was your very primitive, yet intelligent perspective on Knuckles. He's very in-tune with the natural world, and so foreign to anything beyond, even speech. It was a breath of fresh air when most writers assume he's technology-savvy and knowledgeable about culture, slang and trends beyond the island. Your story certainly influenced how I write the Guardian in my own fiction.

I also enjoyed the musings on sentience. I can't remember much (something about snakes) but it struck me as a very powerful idea at the time.

So thanks again for returning 'Conscience of Echidnas'. I look forward to reading your new 'special edition. Take care!

Do you know, I have the strangest feeling ive read this before. I loved it then and love it now. Knuckles' attitude is great-'what is comfort?' heh heh. Anyway,I'm waiting for the rest of the chapters