Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Chronicles of Mobius book 2 ❯ Tashistan raid ( Chapter 3 )

Nikós reluctantly followed Jade through the marketplace. "You don't have to hold my hand, Ma." He said. "I'm not a little kid."

Jade glanced at Nikós. "Then stop stealing."

Nikós sighed. "I wouldn't have to steal if your clothing business was more profitable."

A loud rumbling stopped the citizens in their tracks.

"It can't be thunder." Nikós said, looking up at the sky. "The sun is shining."

Jade motioned to a swarm flying toward the village. "What is that?"

The metal Sonics landed in the village, shaking the ground.

Nikós dragged Jade down an alley to hide. "They look like King Sonic." He said. "Why? Mobotropolis is allied with Tashistan."

"Those things aren't from Mobotropolis." Jade replied. She pointed to one of the robots. "They're from somewhere else. Look at the insignia on that one."

Shadow walked by the alley.

Jade and Nikós ducked down to hide behind some crates and vases.

"Shadow's leading them." Jade whispered.

Nikós nodded as he carved the robot's insignia onto a leather pouch he found on the ground with his knife.

"Search the alley." Shadow ordered. "Use deadly force if absolutely necessary."

Jade shook Nikós' shoulder. "Head to Knothole; use the back way."

Nikós shook his head. "I-"

"Now, Nikòs." Jade ordered. "I'll be fine."

Nikós crawled, staying hidden behind the crates and large jars, until he made it out of the alley. He scrambled to his feet and raced to Knothole."

Shadow watched the metal Sonics corral about forty citizens of Tashistan (the rest had escaped or had been killed) and shackle them. "Good work." He said. He looked at the metal Sonic standing next to him. "Metal S-one, lead the way. I'll bring up the rear."

Metal S-one saluted Shadow.

Shadow walked along, watching a female hedgehog.

The female hedgehog glanced around occasionally. She happened to look back at Shadow.

Shadow motioned to the female. "Walk beside me."

The female hedgehog, trembling and crying, did as she was told.

"What's your name?" Shadow asked. "Who are you looking for?"

The female hedgehog drew a shaky breath. "Jade, sir."

"Don't lie or avoid telling me what you're looking around for." Shadow said. "I'll find whoever it is eventually."

Jade sighed. "My son, Nikós."

"The thief?" Shadow asked.

"Yes, but I'm not proud of his 'profession'." Jade replied. "Anyway, please don't kill him. He's all I have; his father's dead and-"

"My orders are to bring everyone alive." Shadow said. "If he fought back, then he may have already-"

Jade sobbed hysterically.

"I haven't seen him." Shadow said. "He may have survived."

"I… I hope so." Jade cried.