It was a wet and stormy night, slippery and muddy on the Floating Island. This, however, wasn't going to stop a certain thief from getting what she wanted. A bolt of lightning struck and skimmed the side of the island.

Better get out of here quickly, this place is a danger zone.

She trod carefully, she had to admit, she hadn't expected intruding the Floating Island to be this easy. She had heard of the force that defended this island, that helped it's guardian, they were the Chaotix. Espio the Chameleon, Charmy the Bee, Mighty the Armadillo, Vector the crocodile, Ray the Squirrel. Together they were an impressive force. But at this hour, they were at their homes in their various places across the island. The only complication might the the guardian himself.

Who am I kidding? Nothing is a complication for me.

She looked at the island plan she had. In red pen, it had marked it in different places. Part of the meticulous planning she had done in preparation for this heist. This time, however it would be more difficult. She was going up against one of the world's best, an amazing martial artist and fighter, also fought alongside Sonic the Hedgehog, so he had to be one of the best, also fought with Sonic the Hedgehog. Knuckles the Echidna was certainly something else.

Then again, so am I...

Rouge the bat put the map away and spread her wings, she had to be careful about this, the winds were treacherous, the weather unkind, she dived downwards, skimming the wet grass, after a while, she had reached a small rock building, she went inside, careful, sneaky and quiet. She saw a faint green glow from a distance. She walked over, a crooked smile crossed her lips.

Unguarded as well, you are a naughty boy, Knuckles..

Slowly, the bat strode over to the green emerald, the object of her desires. A shaft of light that constantly covered the emerald shone, making it even more beautiful and appealing to the bat as she slid her hands over it in awe.

Beautiful..

A sound was picked up by the sensitive bat's ears, she dodged to the right and heard a crack, she looked over and saw the guardian himself, he wasted no time in removing his hand from the rock floor that he had punched after missing her. Angrily, the red Echidna swung his fists in succession. She dodged with gracefulness, stamina and beautiful agility. One fist connected. But it did so at an angle that prevented her from harm and merely tore her leotard. She hadn't wanted a fight, but was prepared for one, she raised her foot, which knocked the wind out of the guardian when it connected with his stomach. She saw her golden opportunity, she dived at the giant green gem, grabbed it, and with almost automatic reflex tied a rope around it. Quickly she grapsed the rope tight in her right and and flew out of the chamber.

All went to plan...