Hello, I'm Nuna_takoizu! And ex animator student and INFP' girl

A lover of anime, video games, and especially the Sonic, Final Fantasy, and Persona franchises :D Multishipper, but with an absolute fascination for Shadpio :3

[nunatakoizu]

Hello... sooo.. i am new here and I'm not very good at consistently uploading things, but I'll do my best. I love videogames and the Sonic franchise, and my two favorite characters are Cream the rabbit and Espio the chameleon. I hope to upload more (I'm a multishipper, but I'm fascinated by the Shadow x Espio ship, so maybe I'll also use this space to post something related to that someday).

[nunatakoizu]

PART 2 about ships and Fankids stuff, especially Shadpio. If you're not into this kind of thing, be warned, that's what this is about,

As the title says, this is part 2 of a text I wrote. If you're interested, you can read it; if not, no worries. I'll leave the link.

Post by @nunatakoizu

💬 0  🔁 4  ❤️ 12 · Warning: Long text ahead: (Ships and Fankids stuff. If you're not into this kind of thing, be warned, that's what this is

The first part was about Shadow and why he would consider having a child; now it's Espio's turn. So let´s begin

Why do you think a character like Espio would want children in the first place, or at least even consider it?

Just like I mentioned with Shadow and the idea of ​​strictly adhering to canon, I've come to some similar conclusions:

Espio probably wouldn't want children, and to a certain extent, he wouldn't desire them. And, honestly, I find that a completely logical conclusion. He knows that family is important and can be a way to find happiness, but beyond the great responsibility they entail, I feel like he's already "married" to his life as a ninja (and to Shadow, ahem, ahem, or whoever they pair him with, hahaha), and having children could be a "disadvantage" or a distraction from his commitment to the agency and his future plans.

He doesn't necessarily see fatherhood as a goal, but as an option. In Espio's case, I've always felt he falls into this latter category because (in my opinion) he's a character who has always lived according to his principles. He can easily imagine himself living in the mountains, isolated in nature, reading, writing haikus, and training. It's not much, but it makes him happy.

His life revolves around duty, discipline, justice, and self-control. He learned from a young age to put the needs of others before his own so that everything is "fair" or "right" (but without falling into apathy). Among the Chaotix, he is usually the voice of reason, the one who maintains balance in both his work and personal life. That's why I think that, for much of his life, the idea of ​​having children wouldn't even occupy a significant place in his thoughts. Not because he doesn't like children, but because he would feel that this isn't the life he's meant to have.

NOW THEN, IN THE HYPOTHETICAL CASE THAT HE DID CONSIDER IT, WHY WOULD HE DO IT, AND WHAT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN FOR THE IDEA TO EVEN COME TO HIS MIND?

If you want to know what I think, you can keep reading… it's going to be long... I mean it... If not, that's okay too :3 Thanks for reading, and even if you didn't XD

I really thought about this a lot. I might be wrong, or my view of the character might be different from yours. Ultimately, this is just my opinion. I'm not a psychologist or anything, so you might not agree with everything I write, or you might not necessarily "share my view," and that's perfectly fine.

I'm serious, this is going to be a long read, so please don't judge me.

I believe the answer wouldn't be a single event, but rather several events that occur throughout his life: personal changes, shared experiences, and a new way of understanding his own life. None of these reasons, on its own, would be enough to convince him; together, perhaps they would.

By accident: As I mentioned with Shadow, the "accidental" aspect is something that gets out of hand for them. Shadow's DNA is unique and unpredictable, and if it's true that neither character is impulsive in that regard, then even taking all possible precautions could happen, and a moment of carelessness or Espio's "fully feeling his partner" could trigger it.

The Legacy and the Question That Has Haunted Him His Entire Life I want to clarify something important: Let's remember that Espio, in the beginning in Knuckles' Chaotix and the Archie Comics, was a prince, but SEGA, for the modern canon, greatly simplified Espio's past. So, even considering that aspect as canon or not, let's stick with the fact that he comes from an ancient lineage or shinobi school where tradition carried enormous weight. Not necessarily a kingdom or a princely title, but an important figure—his mother, a master, or a clan—who dedicated years to teaching him a very specific path.

"Someday you will continue this."

And I think that marked him: the idea of ​​not letting what he was taught die: the traditions (this is something I think, but it didn't necessarily happen).

Even though he's a detective today, and has found a completely different life alongside the Chaotix, he never stops carrying what he learned. And that's what causes a question to begin haunting him for years.

What do I do with everything I was taught?

Unlike Knuckles, whose duty is to preserve something (becoming responsible for his people's sins as the only one left), Espio's conflict is different. He doesn't protect something tangible; he protects a philosophy, a discipline, and a way of understanding the world. Regardless of whether we accept the canon that he's a prince or not, he still carries an invisible shadow on his shoulders, and one of these shadows is expectations.

However, that same tradition also taught him something that he eventually begins to question (and it's something I've been developing in a story I've written for myself, hehe). And it is:

Who is Espio when he stops being the ninja?

Espio was raised to choose correctly. Not necessarily to choose freely. Espio has played "a role" from the beginning; he's always the ninja, the voice of reason, etc., but who is he when he stops being the ninja? Or when he realized… that you're nothing more than that? That you're not an individual, but an archetype? He sees himself as both a weapon and an ally, and like Shadow, he doesn't feel his life is "normal" (a ninja's life never is… I'm sure he'd put it that way); he lives in the shadows, in the darkness, but unlike Shadow… I think Espio might eventually feel pressured by his mother to continue the Chameleon's legacy (if we go down that road) or feel that personal pressure knowing he has to carry on that tradition, but Espio already sealed his fate willingly and "honorably" when he chose Shadow (or whoever you ship him with; I think this applies more if you don't ship him with someone of the opposite sex). Bringing a child into the world just to fulfill that obligation would seem the most unfair thing in the world to him. When he finally finds his place alongside Shadow and the Chaotix, he understands that he can honor the teachings he received without living exactly the life others imagined for him. In fact, the fact that he doesn't have children, and not only that, but also that he dates someone outside his "species," is like an "act of rebellion and freedom to follow his own ninja path" (this phrase is very reminiscent of the "Naruto" series). But at the same time, if he were to have a child, he knows that he is not under anyone's shadow, and that the family he created and that accepted him has the perfect environment. 3. Discovering a New Stage of Life: As the years go by, life changes. The Chaotix are no exception; they remain a family, but each has their own individual life. Perhaps Vector is beginning to forge his own path, and inevitably, Charmy is no longer the little boy they always protected. Other external characters, like Amy and Rouge, are also beginning new stages of their lives.

And, little by little, the makeshift home the Chaotix built over so many years begins to transform.

4. Fascination with Everyday Life: As a shinobi, he spent much of his existence observing the world from the shadows. While carrying out missions or protecting others unseen, he also saw families sharing a meal, parents teaching their children to walk, or friends celebrating simple moments. For someone so analytical and philosophical, these scenes could become a source of reflection. After years of reading about discipline, nature, and the meaning of existence, and being part of the education and growth of characters like Charmy and Cream, he might conclude that happiness isn't always found in grand ideals, but also in the simplest experiences. I don't think he would want a child because he felt something was missing, but because he would begin to wonder if that form of love and human connection was also part of the path he never allowed himself to explore.

I think Espio would feel a certain nostalgia upon realizing this. Not because he feared being alone, but because he would understand that even the families we choose grow and follow different paths. Perhaps it would be then that he would begin to wonder if he, too, wanted to build something lasting. Not to replace what he had, but to continue that sense of home he learned to value.

5. The Desire to Teach and Care: There's something that has always seemed very characteristic of Espio to me. He likes to learn, perfect his techniques, has a certain "mentor" role, and understand the reasons behind things. One AU or heathcanon I have is that a dream the character might have is to open a small dojo, not to train soldiers, but to teach discipline, patience, philosophy, and respect. And perhaps it's precisely there that an unexpected question arises.

If he finds so much satisfaction in teaching others… What would it be like to guide someone's growth from the very beginning?

I don't think Espio wants a child because he needs an heir. I think he might want one because he discovers that he deeply enjoys watching another person grow. Teaching the younger generation ninjutsu techniques as a lifestyle or to keep new generations in shape… Many people find satisfaction in caring for, teaching, and guiding a child's development. It's not just about having a baby; it's about observing how someone builds their own personality, helping them discover the world, and being present during that process.

And that fits surprisingly well with Espio's personality, especially considering he's been a "babysitter" and brother to Charmy, developing a lot of patience (we can even go with the headcanon that he spends time with Cream). He'd probably be a patient teacher.

Someone who would teach when asked and proudly watch as his child found answers on their own. Perhaps there's even a small part of him that wants to offer the upbringing he himself never fully received. Not because he lacked important figures, but because he was raised with very clear expectations from a young age (in my opinion). If he ever had a child, I think he would try to preserve all the good things he received—discipline, respect, perseverance—but without passing on the burden of feeling that an entire life has already been predetermined. He wouldn't want to create the next perfect ninja. He would want to raise a person who could freely choose who they want to be.

6. Shadow and the possibility of breaking another cycle: I think this is the most important conclusion. Espio would never want to bring a child into the world solely to continue a family name, preserve a clan, or fulfill a tradition. In fact, I think that would be precisely what he would reject most, because he knows all too well what it means to grow up feeling like there's a path written for you. But he also deeply loves everything he learned: the ninjutsu, the philosophy behind that lifestyle, the discipline, the knowledge, and he wouldn't want all of that to disappear.

Then he understands something he may never have considered. Legacy isn't about forcing someone to repeat your path, but about giving them the tools to find their own.

If he ever had a child, he wouldn't expect them to be a ninja, he wouldn't expect them to inherit his techniques, or to continue a clan. He would simply teach them what he considers valuable and then let them decide what to do with it because, in the end, that would be the biggest difference between the upbringing he received and the one he would want to offer.

He wouldn't be the father who demands the continuation of a tradition, but rather the one who bestows that tradition as a gift and allows his son to freely decide whether he wants to make it part of his own story.

Perhaps that's why I don't think Espio would want children for a single reason; it would be the sum of these small changes: nostalgia for the home he built with the Chaotix, the desire to teach, the curiosity to watch someone grow, the peace of having found a life with Shadow (or whoever you ship him with xd), and the hope of demonstrating, both to himself and to the person he loves, that a legacy isn't always about repeating the past. He would discover that teaching, caring for, and watching another person flourish is also a way to achieve the inner peace he has so long sought. It wouldn't be the desire to leave a copy of himself in the world, but the opportunity to fully participate in that cycle of life that he silently observed from afar for so many years.

Shadow would have a child because, for the first time, he can create something by his own choice. His conflict is agency: ceasing to be an experiment and becoming someone who chooses.

Espio would have it because he discovers that legacy is not about perpetuating a tradition, but about transmitting values ​​without imposing a destiny. His conflict is freedom: honoring the past without being trapped by it.

[nunatakoizu]

EXTRAAA ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜ Now is... Shadow and the little "real" chameleon, Espio ¡Yaayyy!

Sorry for what I'm about to say, but… I don't think I'll be bringing this story back anytime soon. I want to work on other short projects. I have many stories written and illustrations (maybe even an animatic or two) that I want to do. Being stuck on just one thing sometimes makes me feel… stagnant. But this mini-story will also be fun to write… in the future :D

For now… it exists, hahaha (the chameleon's design might change in the future too, but that's my future self's problem).

[gabbynotawake]

I really like the idea that the reason many Sonic fans have different views on Espio’s character, some thinking he’s a genuine ninja and others thinking he’s a fraud, is because Espio made sure to never reveal anything that could reveal his true identity. I like the idea that “Espio” isn’t even his real name, just something he first called himself when he met the rest of the Sonic cast and just stuck with it. And since he’s under a fake name, his clan can’t track him. I also like to think that only Vector knows his real name since Espio trusts him enough to talk to him about it (father-son duo).

I also like to think that Espio’s hands are for sure not clean and he isn’t afraid to get them more dirty, but restrains himself for the sake of Vector and Charmy.

[nunatakoizu]

Espio is a total box of mysteries <3

[sonic-gallery]

Here's the Sonic Channel wallpaper for July!

Hello, this is Hayane Tomoko! The weather has been getting hotter lately. The more lively the signs of summer become, the more I want to take a break in the quiet shade of a tree!

This month's wallpaper features Espio, the chameleon ninja who was born and lives in the shadows!

A custom-made item for those who live in the shadows!?

This time, Espio appears wearing under-rimmed glasses! The sophisticated gold color accentuates his serious and craftsman-like demeanor.

And if you look closely, you'll see the bridge is perfectly shaped to avoid the horn between the eyebrows. It's a shinobi-specific masterpiece designed to stay in place during ninjutsu training and stealth operations!

No detail has been overlooked! You can really see the attention to detail that is unique to Espio.

Another thing that catches my eye is the brush and scroll he's holding. Could he be writing down the secret techniques of a shinobi? His dignified expression and graceful brushstrokes suggest he's quite skilled and likely practices calligraphy regularly.

Is that pen actually being used to record something?!

Chameleon ninja Espio is a highly active detective at the Chaotix Detective Agency! He's impressive for his calm and collected demeanor, keeping the situation in check between the cheerful and boisterous Vector and the innocent and energetic Charmy . Without Espio, the Chaotix trio might not be able to work together...!

...Could this scroll actually be the office's ledger?

"If I subtract Vector's food expenses and Charmy's snack expenses from the reward for the job... Damn it...! The math doesn't add up this month either!"

I bet they're secretly racking their brains over this!

Personally, I can't overlook how adorable Espio is, despite his tough and stoic demeanor, constantly being led around by the two of them! Combined with the heart-shaped pattern on his belly and his curly tail, I think his coolness and cuteness coexisting together is what makes him uniquely charming.

This month's top recommendation!

Be sure to download this wallpaper and get a share of Espio's sharp focus!

On X, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the wallpaper and your predictions about the situation using the hashtag #Sonikatsu ♪

I was pretending to be writing about the secrets of shinobi techniques... but it actually looked like I was compiling the finances for the Chaotix Detective Agency. Daily training, daily record-keeping!

Well then, see you next time!

[nunatakoizu]

BROOOOOOOOOOO, ESPIO WITH GLASSES, I'M DYING! <3

He looks like a literature or history teacher, haha, maybe a language teacher too, considering his reputation with languages, but he has that mentor-like air I always thought he'd have (can you imagine him as a psychologist? Or a playwright, haha, I can see it). He's quite the intellectual.

I HAVE TO DRAW HIM <3

Full version :3

[nunatakoizu]

Shadpio Headcanon: Things about fashion

There's something that's been on my mind lately, and I was writing a little story for myself about it, but… Can you imagine Shadow wearing kawaii clothes and Espio being a cosplay fan?

Let me explain. One headcanon I've seen is that Shadow wears "kawaii" things because of Maria's influence (fashion magazines, or even seeing how Maria wanted to look pretty, or playing around with Shadow about things like fashion and such). It could also be due to other things, like a small influence from Amy, or even out of curiosity, since Shadow is always meticulous about clothes, but for him, pretty clothes are genderless. He doesn't care if it looks "feminine" or "cute," he cares that it's aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, and I think it would be a detail that reminds him of Maria. He has a "feminine side" (I don't know exactly how to say it, but I hope you understand). But what about Espio? I think many of us have this idea in our heads that Espio is a geek, that he likes action figures and everything related to ninjas, maybe even manga and anime, but I also think he really loves theater and getting into character, so can you imagine Espio dressing up as characters he likes? Something else I thought about, beyond detective novels or scrolls or things like that, is that he loves cute manga like shojo, and it's something he doesn't share because "it's not like a ninja." He's always the calm one or the one who always "regulates his emotions," but who knows? Maybe he has a soft spot for romance stories, but he's still a critic, so he's very selective.

But getting back to the clothes, I think it would be fun to see them both at a convention, Espio dressed as an Anime/Manga character he likes (regardless of whether it's male or female, Espio loves to role-play) and Shadow dressed as a "Kawaii Goth" hahaha (I hope to draw it someday, I already have a sketch). And I think Espio wouldn't judge Shadow and vice versa.

"Fashion is an art, an expression of the heart; it helps us show our nature or hide it." If cooking is an art for Espio, why wouldn't fashion be?

[sonic-gallery]

"Oh! Welcome back!" 🌂

At a station ticket gate along Route 99 as evening fell amidst a torrential downpour 🌃

Clad in eye-catching rain gear and holding an umbrella to welcome a loved one, Cream and Cheese were there to greet them.

On the journey home as the rain intensified, the cheerful sound of raindrops—large and small— bouncing off their gear accompanied the happy time the three of them shared together. ☔️

#sonicpict

[nunatakoizu]

my shaylaaaaa :,,,,v So beautiful, so cute!

[nunatakoizu]

Espio and the little "real" hedgehog, Shadow ( ˶˘ ³˘)♡ - Final part

(He's not a real hedgehog anymore.)

Thank you so much for following this story that took me… months to finish, hahaha (I had it all sketched out months ago, but I got to a point where I was tired of drawing, so that's why I didn't continue… I'm working on it, but without forcing myself). I honestly didn't plan on making this story long; in fact, it was only going to be about Espio kissing Shadow, the "real hedgehog", and Shadow kissing him back, but I thought it was a good idea to "extend" it. I enjoyed making it, and I hope to do it again someday, but in a more professional format like a comic. Again, thank you so much. I hope people find this little work and enjoy it, and I'm grateful to those who shared it and watched it :3

Note: I've never drawn two characters kissing before, I had to "do a little research" haha. And about the forehead touching, I bet it's an obstacle for these two because of Espio's horn, but at least they try. And… I was too lazy to draw hands… guilty! :D

[nunatakoizu]

Espio and the little "real" hedgehog, Shadow <(˶ᵔᵕᵔ˶)> - PART 7

I disappeared, but I'm back! I've been more focused on writing stories… I have tons because my mind never stops, but since I "force" myself (in a good way, not a bad way) to do one thing at a time, I want to finish this mini-saga and then do more drawings and stories of this ship that I love so much. I have so many things to do, hehe.

By the way… the next part is the last one :D

[ribbon-heartwise]

And for the JUICY "Espio's under mind control" AU

[nunatakoizu]

I NEED TO DRAW THIS, I MUST DO IT HAHAHA

[nunatakoizu]

Espio and the little "real" hedgehog, Shadow 🤗 („• ֊ •„)- PART 6

The Prince and the Hedgehog became canon, people, hahaha (I can't draw explosions, have mercy on me, I'll learn, I'm sure of it.)

I tried to do a render that's a little "different" from what I usually do. Am I convinced? More or less, but that's the point, to experiment. I don't know if I'll stick with this technique permanently, but it's a start. I'm trying to improve whenever I can (and when I feel like it). Also, the render is more noticeable on my tablet. I suppose I'm still doing it too subtly, or maybe it's how I export it. I don't know, but I hope you can see the small differences, even if just a little.

Bonus: My "sketches" or doodles (we should call them that) make me laugh.

[nunatakoizu]

INFP !?!?

OMGGGG, me toooooo 🤩🤩🫂

yeeeeiii <3

[tiktoks-for-dead-pope]

[nunatakoizu]

I want to draw Shadow like this, hahaha. Can you imagine it?

[nunatakoizu]

Espio and the little "real" hedgehog, Shadow 🫶🏻 (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)- PART 5

THE PRINCE AND THE HEDGEHOG!!?? (Like the princess and the frog, hahaha, who would have imagined?) Was it intentional or accidental? Hahaha, I'll leave it up to you to interpret.

Should I count this as my first drawing of them kissing? I'm honestly not sure.

NOTE: I've become very lazy. I want to draw, but the urge to do something else wins out. I need to start improving, hahaha. I wanted to do the Team Chaotix Week 2026 weekly challenge, but tiredness got the better of me. But I want to do it at least next week. I really want to do it.

But I must remind myself to do one thing at a time, even if it frustrates me a little. :,c

[nunatakoizu]

Espio and the little "real" hedgehog, Shadow ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´- PART 4

I'm finally continuing with this, I left it abandoned hahaha but beyond playing around and having other sketches to work on, I prefer to focus on one thing at a time, I need to stay focused. I think I drew Mini Shadow fluffier than he actually was hahaha (it doesn't matter, I like it)

4 more pages lol

[nunatakoizu]

ദ്ദി(ᵔᗜᵔ)

I'm back… I was doing important things… (playing Persona 5 Royal… again and I finished it… again)

Poor Espio, he doesn't know how to react.

Shadow needs to say things in a less… "intimidating" way, hahaha.

This is the image my sister showed me… I had to do it, haha.

I feel like Shadow wouldn't say it like that, is very direct, and yes… Shadow is direct, but… not that direct… at least not to me. (Image translation: I'm going to defy biology and get you pregnant, Inside the character's silhouette it says: "my favorite male character")