::Note:: I am a very casual writer and only doing this as a side hobby.
A new day of rising with the sun gleaming sparkles across the beaten down shrine through the Master Emerald. This is what Knuckles wanted out of life, just going day to day doing his duty getting by simply. No need for travel, home is good enough as it is. He had gone a long while since Robotnik or other enemies or even Sonic either visited or tried to steal the Emerald. Maybe they finally realized no matter how much they try, they can't take it from me. I do my job and I do it well. He'd tell himself this reassuringly as he'd peek around extra corners in the event someone had to be lurking and waiting for an opening...but time kept going on and no one came by. Sometimes a little critter would pass through and he'd share some food to send them on their way and he'd catch himself wondering if that was one more rescued by Sonic from the evil clutches of Robotnik.
There was even time to continue practice fighting techniques, pick up some reading (maybe one day he'll be on Tails' level of book smarts), finally try that new recipe Amy recommended a while ago. Time was flowing by uneventfully for too long when the season started transforming into the next one. One day, Knuckles was sitting on the ledge, staring off onto the island with his feet dangling in the air. He exhaled a very exaggerated sigh. Staring in the distance, he was determined to find somebody out there. The stare turned into a scowl. Unable to tolerate it anymore, he rising to his feet and clenching his fists.
"Alright, I can't take it anymore!" he shouted at whoever may or may not be listening, "Something's gotta change! It can't be this peaceful for THIS long!"
Knuckles paused to hear for a response, which did not come. This quickly sent him into a full-blown tantrum, stomping around and punching at the air to avoid further damage to the already ruined ruins of the shrine. He picked up a small stray rock, using a low but satisfying swing to chuck it into nothingness. Finally catching a breath, he stood silently with his eyes caught on the rock until it fell out of sight. Within that moment he was brought right back to dissatisfaction. Is this it? He thought to himself. Am I really going to spend my days alone?
As soon as Knuckles finished his thought, the rock flying off made a very distinct clink! The noise caught his immediate attention. He rose on the defense. There's nothing surrounding the island. He's at the edge. Nothing should be on the other side.
Through the mist of the clouds emerged a large indistinguishable airship. It wasn't Robotnik's, it would've had his image plastered all over it. No, this emitted vast darkness. It had an aura of distinct hatred. It was clearly seeking a source of power.
Helpless with no immediate aid to lend a hand, he clenched his fists once more in some kind of defense.
"I wanted a change of scenery, but not to THIS extreme!" he gulped at what doom may be lurking before him.
::End note:: Hope this is an interesting start off! I am unsure where to take it, this is a go with the flow story. ^^