Hey everyone! I decided to take a break from my other story to write this story. I hope you all like it and this time its about Knuckles.

My Sworn Duty

Knuckle's POV

For days I have not left my spot at the alter. My role as guardian was to guard the Master Emerald and that is exactly what I was doing. The only downfall of this job was that I don't get to socialize much and I am normally alone. Don't get me wrong, I like having time to myself and everything but it would be nice to have someone to talk to once in awhile. Rouge does come by but its normally to try and steal the emerald. She believes that she can just waltz over here and take whatever she pleases. Well I showed her that it wasn't going to be that easy and she showed me that she was capable of getting a few lucky hits in.

"Another day of my life is gone and its because of this giant green gem." I muttered under my breath. I know its unusual for me to act like this, but I had a headache from bat girl kicking me in the head. This was a pretty lousy day and I couldn't wait for it to end. Even though I was in a foul mood, I wasn't going to let anything bad happen to the Master Emerald. My ancestors would be ashamed if I shirked my responsibility.

Taking a seat on one of the steps, I leaned back slightly and closed my eyes. After years of practicing I was able to keep my senses alert while I slept, solitude gives you a bunch of free time. I'm not a heavy sleeper, its only happens on those rare occasions where I am too exhausted to keep my eyes open. Crossing my arms over my chest, I slowly drifted off into a light slumber, my head slightly tilted forward.

Rouge's POV

My eyes studied the echidna as he settled down for the from a distance, I soon realized he wasn't going to leave the alter. Doesn't he sleep in a bed? Those steps can not be comfy or good for his back. Wait...why do I care? Banishing the thoughts to the back of my mind, I tried to think of a strategy. Knucklehead was making my job a lot harder, however, I am the worlds best treasure hunter. No gems are safe and they all belong to me! That Master Emerald will be mine and no one is going to say otherwise.

My wings were the best option since I could get closer without making a sound. The only problem was landing, and the floor being made of stone didn't help. Taking flight, I neared the sleeping guardian and my target. Being a bat, I didn't need much light to know where I was going and the moon was only a small crescent in the sky. This was going to be a piece of cake.

Normal POV

Knuckles was unaware of the threat as the flirty female neared the Master Emerald. Cautiously she lowered her body towards the ground. The white bat placed a foot down one at a time and she made sure to slowly apply weight. Once her boots were planted firmly on the ground she let out a breathe of relief, that was her mistake. The sleeping echidna awoke and slowly glanced around. His violet eyes landed on a familar silhouette of a certain bat. Getting to his feet, he snuck up behind her. Once he was close enough he leaned forward so his mouth was close to her ear.

"What do you think you are doing?" Knuckles whispered into her ear.

Instantly her body tensed up and she felt her blood turn cold. Slowly Rouge turned to face him. "M-me? Oh I'm doing nothing. Just dusting off the Master Emerald." With a nervous smile, she wiped her hand across the smooth surface,"See. No harm done." Rocking on her heels, she felt uneasy. "I guess I'll be going then."

"Oh no you don't!" The red male growled out as he grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. "I'm not that gullible bat girl. I know why you are here and what you were really going to do," his violet eyes stared into her blue ones as he spoke.

"Oh well it looks like you stopped me in time so I'll be on my way." The hand did not release her arm so all she could do was stare back at him. "Ummm. Aren't you going to let go of my arm?"

A small smirk formed on his face, similar to Shadows. "I think its time you learned that your actions have consequences, bat girl."

That didn't make her feel any better, it made her feel worse. Rouge's eyes widened in shock and she took a small step back,"You wouldn't!"

Her fears were confirmed by a smile. It was then she knew she was doomed and there was nothing she could do about it.

To be continued...

What did you think? Should I continue? Originally this was supposed to be one-shot but I decided to make it two chapters although the chapters are shorter than usual. I sort of like where this story is going but I'm not sure. I wanted to write a story that didn't have Sonic or Amy in it so here is that product.

Sonic:"Wha? You didn't want to involve me? Why not? Everyone loves me!"

Knuckles:"Shush! Not everything is about you and she already wrote two stories about you and still has that unfinished one. I deserve some attention too!"

Tails:"Does that mean I will get my own story too?"

Willow:"Maybe."