Knuckles grinned at the challenge and speeded up. He couldn't compete with Sonic's speed, just like Sonic couldn't compete with his strength, but he was fast enough in his own right. The shadows were mostly leaving him alone, but the ones that got in the echidna's way, of course, got pummeled. He continued to fight his way to the stage.

He smirked a bit at Rouge's remarks. Leave it to the bat. "I'm not one for manners," he replied gruffly. "If there's a fight, I'll join in. You should have been paying attention, Rouge."