In the Red desert, a terrible sandstorm passes…knocking and sand everywhere at a rapid pace. It's evening here with not a single home or shelter nearby; Sonic runs at full speed, leaving a trail of sand flying in the air behind him. Although its evening, the sand is very much hot, so hot that Sonic's sweat dries immediately after impact with it. Sonic's running at this incredible speed because he can't afford to slow down; the sand will pierce his fur and really sting him if he stops.
Ugh, is there really nowhere to rest? I can't continue to run these conditions…looking down at his shoes, they were state of the art super shoes that Tails built during their research to enhance his performance on all terrain. They resembled his normal shoes but had a catch to them, the shoes weighed a ton, forcing sonic to strengthen his legs. I know thanks to these things I can run near light speed when I set my mind to it…But they're taking a toll. Sonic ups the tempo, breaking the sound barrier and bursts out the sandstorm; He sees the clear blue sky before him with an oasis in the distance. Just a little further! Pushing himself beyond his average might, arriving at the oasis a moment later with sweat covering his face and panting like a starved dog.
"Finally, I can get some rest." Taking off his shoes and dipping his feet in the ice cold water, "Ahh." He moans as the water tickles his feet.
"Looks like I've really lost my touch…" taking out his phone and checking the map, "Ok, so the emerald's about 12 miles west of here. I should retire here for the night and continue in the morning.
The next morning, Sonic makes up great time and arrives at a deep ravine: the location of the chaos emerald. Sonic looks around, everything's bright reddish orange, from rocks to sand with a warm wind blowing ever so lightly; Someone watches Sonic from the top of the canyon.
"Looks like this must be the place…"he looks at the map, "The Chaos Emerald should be here…" he wanders around the perimeter, unaware that he's being watched from above. He finds the Chaos Emerald semi buried in the red sand, kneeling down to dig it up.
Sonic contacts Tails, "Found it, I'm heading back now."
The mystery figure jumps from the canyon and lands before sonic; He's a Mole with yellowish-brown fur, black boots, and gloves similar to Knuckles-only this time black with pointy finger ends as opposed to a mitten; he also has slicked back hair and an arrogant smile.
"So you're the famous hedgehog I've heard so much about, been looking forward to this day!" –Sonic takes a defensive stance, protecting the emerald.
"Who are you?" Scooting further back from the mole as he takes
"I'm Roque, a mole from the east, Shamar to be specific." Politely bowing down to him; Roque seems to have a fond respect for him.
"Tell me…have you heard of a hedgehog named Spade? He's one of the four outlaws around the world…" He pauses, hoping Sonic would remember the person, "Anyway, he's told me all about you."
"I don't know this Spade, but whoever he is…he is sadly mistaken." Holding up his fists, ready for battle; Roque guffaws at his impatience.
"The world is vast place, so I can understand if you may not remember him. It is also very understandable to be the way you are based on your previous merits…" his gloves turn into stone, "Don't underestimate the 12th seat of the Council of Saints kiddo!"
Sonic tilts his head with curiosity, "The Council of the 12 saints… never heard of them!"
Roque gasps in horror, "The 12 saints are the strongest members within the United Federation. We are the 12 that spread justice across the world!"
"hmmm, strongest members huh? United Federation…!" Sonic gets wide-eyed becoming engaged, "United Federation is the same government that has G.U.N as their military! Hey, do you by any chance know Shadow the Hedgehog?"
"Why yes, the Black hedgehog known as the ultimate life form…" recalling his encounter with him, "He was a difficult opponent but one I'd love to spar with!"
Sonic's eyes shine, "you fought him!? Who won?" sitting on the floor like a little kid, "Tell me!"
"I won of course. He was quite a challenge but, he was defeated in the end." Roque says with pride; Sonic's in awe.
"Well…it seems you've become acquainted with Roque…" Dr. Eggman appears in his eggmobile with that signature evil smile of his; accompanied by Cubot and Orbot.
"Eggman!?" yells Sonic, turning his attention to him, "Sorry Roque, I must take down this guy first. Our fight will have to wait."
"Now Sonic, don't you think it's rude to challenge your arch enemy that you haven't seen in two years?" sarcastically said with that obnoxious laugh afterwards.
"It appears you're mistaken Sonic …" Roque says in a cryptic voice; Sonic looks at him, lost.
"Roque and I are partners for now! I've obtained his service for my hunt of the Master Emerald, in return, I find him opponents worthy of battling him."
Sonic slowly turns to Roque, realizing how screwed he was. Roque's facial expression is completely terrifying; he's got a look of blood lust oozing from him. Sonic gulps, clenching his fists and getting into fighting stance.
"So that's why you fought Shadow, Knuckles and Espio." Says Sonic in a shaken voice, understanding just how deadly Roque is.
"Show me just who the Blue Blur is!" charging at Sonic with full speed; Sonic dodges and keeps a distance.
"I can't believe the United Federation would allow this!" keeping his eyes on the vicious Roque; Roque laughs at Sonic ignorance.
"Fool! The U.F. know nothing of this; it's a deal done under the table." Loosening his arms, "The U.F. isn't a pure organization; everyone there is corrupt in some form or fashion."
The hot wind begins to pick up speed, the dust flies everywhere, hiding the sunlight and blurring the vision of Sonic and Roque. Sonic coughs as he struggles to find a proper space to breathe, but Roque inhales and exhales perfectly.
"I'll show you the power of the 12th seat!" walking over to sonic, building rock armor across his body.