So, a little continuation of the fun - Niko. She went from a template RP concept (girl+cat+experiment) to a full-fledged character with her own background. I designed her look and main story beats, while August helped a lot with integrating her into the lore. Those bracelets? Once inhibitors, now just trackers - turned accessories, weights, and a communicator. And yesss, this girl hangs out with Shadow =:’’з A classic duo - a grumpy, brooding bun and a peaceful cinnamon bun… who can still throw a punch. Still shaping her personality, but Niko is a pacifistic, melancholically soft, curious type who can stand her ground without superpowers.
Oh, and mentally, she’s an adult, like Shadow. August and I joked they “grew up” on the ARK for a few years, then spent several more post-stasis practically babies. And just so it’s clear - not a ship! Niko and Shadow are more like family or something close.

p.s. I decided that I would not post her reference here anyway, so as not to confuse people. The fact is that the “base” was generated by AI, and then I already changed and supplemented it in order to arrange it in the form of the design I needed. But since I position myself as an artist, not an AI editor, it’s better to keep the reference on the Toyhouse for now. There you can take a full look at Niko’s design.
p.p.s. If anything, I’m very new to Sonic’s fandom, and I’m making up for it now. Haha, I hope they don’t burn in this fandom for any reason. I just want to come up with and draw funny things.