Espio the Chameleon

**Espio the Chameleon** is a character appearing in the *Sonic: Blue Streak* comic series. A master Shinobi ninja originally hailing from the Dragon Kingdom, he is a long-time member of the Chaotix, serving as their infiltrator and a constant voice of reason amongst the strong personalities within the team.

## Background

Espio was born in a secret village in the Dragon Kingdom, as a member of the Shinobi Clan of ninjas. His mother, Constant Vigil, was the clan's leader, while his father was a skilled ninja who died fighting their main rivals, the Raiju Clan, before his son had hatched. Espio and his mother had a loving relationship, which lead to accusations of nepotism from some of his fellow Shinobi when Espio began to climb the ranks of the Shinobi hierarchy. Due to this, Espio often sought to prove himself on his own terms.

While doing some secluded training in his youth, Espio encountered Raiju warrior Conquering Storm. Initially engaging in a fight, both young warriors came to recognize the high skill of their opponent, developing a grudging respect. When it was clear they were evenly matched, Espio suggested that the two of them meet and train with each other in secret, continuing to develop as warriors. Conquering Storm agreed, and as time went on, a friendship blossomed between the rivals. At one point both vowed to one day end the feud between their tribes so that they would no longer have to hide their bond.

Years later, however, rumors began circulating that the Raiju had allied with the Eggman Empire as his regional army by decree of their new leader. By then, Espio had become the Shinobi's greatest ninja besides his own mother, and thus was sent to eliminate the new Raiju leader before Robotnik could gain a foothold within the Dragon Kingdom. To his shock, he found that Conquering Storm was now the leader of the Raiju, and had willingly subjected herself to Robotnik's cybernetic augmentations.

When he confronted her, Conquering Storm offered no explanation for her actions, instead extending Espio an invitation at her side, which he vehemently refused, leading to an intense fighter between the two, similar to when they first met. Eventually Espio gained the upper hand, but found he couldn't bring himself to finish off his old friend. Thus he fled the Dragon Kingdom, too ashamed to return to his clan, and leaving only a note of apology for his mother. Constant Vigil was said to have been heartbroken by her son's decision, but understood why he did it.

Eventually, he would meet Vector the Crocodile in Empire City, which had recently been conquered by the Eggman Empire. The two, though unaware of each others *full* backstories, would bond over similar feelings of guilt about their past, and a need for money and stability. The two would become roommates, working together in odd jobs to pay for rent and food.

## Personality

Espio is by far the most reserved member of the Chaotix, even after Julie-Su joins. He is a calm and collected individual, helping to mellow out the more extreme personalities within his informal family, and is usually the one to put a stop to the frequent arguments that erupt between Knuckles and Vector. Espio also has a reputation for being distant, but it's more accurate to describe him as reserved - he typically only says what need be said, preferring to listen instead.

Because he tends not to say much and is a typically blunt person, Espio can come off as standoffish to those meeting him for the first time. While he's certainly on the quieter side, Espio is far from unkind, hiding a deeply passionate side of himself that manages to peek through the stoic persona he's built up when someone he cares for is in distress.

Espio also possess a keenly analytical mind, which helps him navigate his personal relationships as much as it does in his activities in the battlefield. However, for as much as Espio is able to learn about those around him, he can't shake the feeling he doesn't quite know himself as much as he would like to.

While he may get annoyed with his teammates from time to time, Espio cares deeply for his friends in the Chaotix and Knothole Freedom Fighters.