Ch.2: A Firgure in Hiding

Sonic was a little surprised that he had gotten a call from Shadow that morning, saying that they needed to talk right away. Shadow left the Ark and arrived a few moments earlier on Earth waiting for Sonic to arrive. When he finally did Shadow began explianing about his little incident on the Ark. Sonic was surprised to hear that another hedgehog was around, but considering the possiblities, the situtation was serious.

Sonic: Wow Shadow, what do you think this Nazo guy wants?

Shadow: I don't know, but I plan to find out.

Meanwhile, Kimara was strolling along the outer part of the woods that led to Mystic Ruin. It was her favorite place to hang out to get thing's off her mind. She was glad that the women she worked for gave her as much free time as desired. She sat down under the shade of a tree, just relaxing and getting ready to fall asleep. A sudden movement from up above frightened her and she imedately got up. Looking around she saw it. It was red echidna, with dark voliet eye's, and crestant moon on it's chest. It wasn't alone though, a big mechanical hand seemed to appear out of nowhere and attack him.

Laughter could be heard, and an mustashed man in the cockpit of the machine stepped forward. He obiviously didn't notice Kimara yet. His laughter stopped and he looked at the echidna saying.

Eggman: Come now Knuckles, I don't mean to be demanding but you will join me or die!

Knuckles: Given those chioces, I'd pick die!

Eggman: So be it then.

Kimara was stunned. the robot lashed out at Knuckles, but the echidna quickly dodged, making the robot's arm dig into the earth. Kimara was growing a little furious at what was happening before her. Eggman wasn't wasting one moment where he couldn't be crushing Knuckles, and it looked to her like Knuckles was starting to tire. Once agian she had seemed to grow claws and let out an inhuman-like roar. Knuckles and Eggman both heard it and stopped their battle long enough to find out it's source.

Eggman and Knuckles: What was that?

Suddenly something spranged from out nowhere and started tearing Eggman's robot apart. The mad scienctist had no time to react and quickly pushed Eject. Knuckles was surprised, but stayed close to what was once Eggma's robot. Kimara slumped down and Knuckles ran up to her.

Knuckles: Thanks.

Kimara: Don't mention it. I don't know what came over me though. I just saw in trouble and I just attacked.

Knuckles: Hey, don't worry about it. I just glad you showed up. Ever since my last adventure with Sonic, Eggman has been trying to get me on his side.

Kimara: Why's that?

Knuckles: I not to sure, all I know is that he's not going to give up that easy.

Kimara smiled and Knuckles smiled back, they talked for awhile about themselves and what they do, basically just about everything. It was nice to have someone to talk to, Kimara thought, for once she didn't feel like she was alone. Back at Sonic's place, Shadow and Sonic were telling the other's about Nazo when a News Bulletin on the T.V. popped up.

News Lady: This just in, witnesses say they have seen Eggman in Mystic Ruins after Knuckles the Echidna. Knuckles was being beaten very rapidly, then something mysterious sprang out of the bushes and saved him. No indenties have been confirmed, but at the scene there was no sign of anyone, not even the strange savior.

Sonic paused the screen and looked directly at Shadow. They both were thinking the same thing. Nazo could have been the one who have saved Knuckles, and the reason for their friend's disappearence after the attack. Using their speed the two of them rushed to the scene, not knowing of the surprise that waited before them.