THE JEWEL OF STATION SQUARE
The morning was illuminating Greenhills. It was hard to believe that there was peace in Knothole after the catastrophe caused by Robotnik.
At the Birch's house, Sonic was sleeping peacefully. After the big fight of yesterday, they were resting their mind and bodies.
"Mmm… Chilidogs…" Sonic mumbled happily between his dreams, lying over the mattress half cover and shoeless. "Another one please…" Suddenly the door slamming woke up Tails and Sonic from their slumber with a jump.
"SHE IS GONE! AGAIN!" Jade shouted from the door with Cream and Amy behind; the three of them still wearing their pajamas.
"What are you talking about?" Tails asked sleepily rubbing his eye.
"That Jochebed girl! I woke up and she was gone!"
Sonic stood up and stretched. "Maybe she just went to the bathroom."
"I already check and she wasn't there." Amy confirmed.
"Maybe she is already down having breakfast?" Cream suggested positively.
"So you haven't gone down yet?" Tails asked as he got out the bed.
"Jade wanted to come and warn you first." Omochao announced as he join them.
"Chao. Chao." Cheese affirmed.
"Then," Sonic put on his sneakers and stood up with a grin. "Lets go down and join her." He said confidently and walked passing the shocked girls.
"Sonic! Wait for us!" Tails took his shoes and the gang ran after him.
"How can you be so sure that she is down stairs?" Amy asked as she followed Sonic down stairs.
"I know she is." He answered lightly. When they arrived in the living room it was empty.
"See?" Jade exclaimed. "She left!" She turned and went to the dinneroom. "What could we expect of a-"
"Thief?" The gang froze in the moment. Jody didn't left. In fact, she was helping putting the table.
"You really stayed." Tails affirmed.
"I decided to stick around for a while." She simple answered and continued to put the table.
"You woke up early." Jade commented suspicious.
"I was surprised too." They turned and saw Margaret coming out of the kitchen in an apron. " When I woke up she was already here making the juice." Then her gaze went to the three pajamas girls. "Why don't you change while I finish breakfast?"
Amy yelped loudly realizing that Sonic just saw her in a gown and slippers, so she ran and disappeared up stairs.
"Poor Amy." Jade said amusedly and turned to the little rabbit. "Come on, Cream." She extended her hand and when Cream took it, they left the room.
"So, what's for breakfast?" Sonic asked as he took sit. "I'm starving!"
"Typical." Jody mumbled as she took sit besides Sonic.
XXXXXXXX
IN ROBOTNIK'S BASE…
Tension was in the base, especially in the cabin where Dr. Robotnik was. Since yesterday, he had been watching the video in his screen, of the fights against the hedgehog over and over again. The more he saw, the angrier he got.
From the door, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkum where watching the doctor knowing that his temper was getting worse.
"This is bad." Whispered Decoe.
"Whatever happened in that village should have been." Becoe whispered back.
They remember when he arrived last night. Without saying anything, Robotnik went straight to his cabin and began to see the videos that recorded their robots before being destroyed.
"We have to think on something before he decides to unleash his fury in us." Decoe said worried.
"Then you better start now. He really looks like blowing up any second." Bokkum replied as he decided to fly away and hide until the storm passed.
XXXXXXXX
Sonic and the rest enjoyed their breakfast while hearing one of the funny stories of Thomas.
"Thanks for breakfast!" Everyone yelled together when they finished the last pancake.
"Magnificent as always, Maggie." Thomas greeted his wife as he cleaned his mouth with a napkin.
"I will go to the laboratory with Omochao to prepare everything." Tails announced as he stood up and Omochao followed him.
"And I will go out to settle the stomach." Sonic said. But before he could move another millimeter, Thomas grabbed him from the back.
"Not so fast, speedy! I want you and everyone else in the living room. We are having a family reunion!" The old man ordered and everyone looked him in confusion.
"Since when we have family reunions?" Jade commented aloud.
"Since now." Then he looked at Jody still sitting in her place. "That includes you, little one."
Jody didn't need to ask to know why he wanted to gather all together. So she joined them and went to the living room. Everyone took seat; as always Amy practically jumped aside of Sonic making him uncomfortable.
"Jochebed?" Sitting in a fauteuil, Jody looked at Thomas. "You can start now, my dear."
Jody closed her eyes and took a deep breath preparing for what she was about to tell them. Putting her thoughts together, she opened her eyes and began.
"Have you heard of the Chaos Emerald?"
"Before yesterday?" Sonic responded. "Never."
"Last night, you said it has a great power. What kind of power?" Tails asked.
"Stories say that The Chaos Emeralds are magical gemstones that contains infinite power."
"Wait! Are you saying that there is more than one?" Amy asked perplexed.
"That's right." Jody nodded and continued. "I can't tell you how many are… But I can tell you that they are very powerful and very dangerous."
"Dangerous how?" Cream asked hugging Cheese feeling a bit scared.
"Because of their mystical properties." She answered. "Imagine it like a battery with multipurpose."
"Wow… It sounds like something coming out from a fairy tale." Jade thought aloud.
"Where do they come from?" Margaret asked.
"They are so ancient… That no one knows their origins." Jody said with mystery in her voice.
"How do you know so much of these Chaos Emeralds?" Tails asked surprised of the knowledge of the girl.
"In fact, how did you know that Robotnik had it?" Thomas continued with the interrogation.
"I have my sources." Jody avoided the questions and they looked her suspiciously. It seemed like she won't say more of what she knew.
"Robotnik was desperately to recover it." Thomas held his chin in thought. "Can you tell us why at least?"
Jochebed's look turned emotionless and her voice become serious. "Rumors say that he wants the Chaos Emeralds to take over the world." Everyone was in chock. They expected everything but that.
"Take over the world?!" Sonic exclaimed in shock.
"That's crazy!" Amy second.
"That's what I heard." Jody shrugged.
"I can't believe he left his career for a nonsense like that." Thomas said. "He was so brilliant mind with a great future."
"Yesterday you were witness of what he is capable of. I can assure you… We haven't seen the last of him."
"What are we going to do now?" Cream asked scary and silence came after. They understood, that they were involving with something big and dangerous. And it frightened them.
"What are we going to do," Margaret broke the silence. "Is take Cream and Amy home. I'm sure they want to fresh up."
"And Grandpa and I will go to the laboratory!" Tails said cheerfully.
"You said it!" Seconded Thomas.
"And I will go for that run!" Sonic said as he stood up and stretched.
"Jade, why don't you give Jody a tour around Knothole?" Thomas suggested.
"Fine... I'll show her around." She agreed annoyed.
Soon the cheerful sound filled the living room and everyone were back on their spirits again, except Jody.
"You must be joking." The chat froze with Jody's words. " How can you act like nothing?" She asked them coldly. "Aren't you worried at all?"
"There is nothing we can do by the moment so worry won't help at all." Sonic said. "We have to live our lives until the time for action comes." He winked at her with the thump up.
Her eyes become wide at hearing him unable to believe it. She looked each one of them smiling back to her. These people were positive that everything would be all right. So she sighted in defeat and she decided to do things their way.
XXXXXXXX
After the meeting, everyone split up. Thomas and Tails went to the laboratory as Margaret started with the housework, Sonic went for one of his runs and for last, Jade, Jody and Omochao took Amy, Cream and Cheese home and after that they went to Knothole.
Back to the two teenagers, Jade was having the worst time of her life. Ever since they left, the ambient become awkward. Jody hasn't said a word since then and Jade wasn't used to have the company of someone so reserved. When they were entering the town, Jade took a big breath and broke the ice.
"So... Where do you come from?" She smiled widely.
"From nowhere." Jody responded neutrally.
"That doesn't make sense."
"Whatever you say."
A vein formed in Jade's forehead and taking another deep breath she tried again.
"Look, I think we start with the wrong foot. Why don't we try from zero? After all we are going to pass many time together, without mentioning that we will practically going to live together and beside-" She turned to Jody and she was staring at her. "What?"
"You talk to much." She simply said.
"Excuse me?!"
"You don't know the half of it." Omochao interfered and he flew to Jody's side. "She even talks in her sleep. One night she was mumbling something about a guy-"
"OMOCHAO!" Jade grabbed him trying to shut him up. "How many times have I told you not to talk about my private life?!" Jade yelled as her cheeks turned pink. Jody looked at the little robot and remembered something.
"The first time I saw that thing, I thought it was an adornment." Jade looked at her surprised. She just initiated a conversation.
"It was supposed to be that. We can say it was a little accident." Jade said as she released him and the teenagers continued walking.
"What did she try to tell me?" Omochao thought aloud looking them walk away. "Wait for me!"
Walking for a few minutes, Jade showed Jody the buildings and the people that live in Knothole. Jody saw around her, there was a disaster thanks to Robotnik and she felt an uncomfortable feeling. When suddenly, a building called her attention.
"That's the library." Jade informed her when she stopped in front of it.
"How long has it been here?"
"I don't know?" Jade shrugged. "I think since the foundation of the village."
"Let's go." Without saying anything else, she walked in.
"Huh?" Jade and Omochao looked confused and followed her to the inside.
Once inside, Jody could see that even if it was an old building, but in perfect state. There were many books on the shelves; a perfect place to start. At the reception, there was a brown bear wearing glasses and Jody deduced that he was the librarian.
"Welcome." The bear greeted when he saw them.
"Hey, Ted!" Jade greeted him back. "Nice to see that the library is still in one piece."
"A little damage from the outside. But nothing that a little of cement and paint can't fix." He said cheerfully.
"Are you friends?" Jody asked, seeing how well they interacted.
"Kind of. He is Peggy's boyfriend." When Jody didn't responded she clarified. "Amy's big sister."
"Oh." Then she looked again to the bear. She knew that it was unusual for mobians of different species have a romantic relationship, but she didn't give it importance.
"What can do for you, young ladies?" Ted asked.
"We're looking for information." Answered Jody.
"Could you excuse us for a second?" Jade said sweetly as she jerk Jody away so Ted won't listen. "If you are looking for information, why don't go to my house and look online?"
"Not all the information is in a computer." She responded wisely.
"I'll be glad to help in anything you need." The girls turned to Ted who was smiling tendering to them. He walked to a computer and entered to the library system. "Tell me what are you looking." Jody got closer and told him what she wanted.
XXXXXXXX
After a couple of hours running, Sonic decided to lie down and stared to the sky. His thoughts lost as he remembered what happened in the last days. Never in his life even in his wildest dreams, he thought he would face someone like Eggman.
Remembering the words that Jody said, '…you were witness of what he is capable of...' his eyes became more serious knowing that he had to be more alert if he wanted to protect his home and all those who he care about.
XXXXXXXX
"That should do it!" Thomas said as he finished checking the machine where the emerald was. "Time to test this infinite power." He walked to the console where Tails was and tapped some codes. "I think this time we'll try 10%."
"Are you sure Grandpa?" Tails asked a little nervous.
"How much do you think we should test?" Tails tapped the keyboard and Thomas saw that he reduce the number to .001%.
"Alright…" Thomas was about to push the bottom.
"Wait!" Tails stopped him as he brought out a football helmet and put it on, and then he brought out a construction helmet and offered it to Thomas. "Just in case."
"I think you are exaggerating." Thomas put the helmet. "I mean, how powerful it could really be?" And he pushed the button.
XXXXXXXX
POLICE STATION IN KNOTHOLE…
The sheriff and others were busy, but not by controlling criminals in the station. They were doing paperwork. Each officer was at his desk working on forms of damage that Robotnik did in their beloved village.
"Done!" The rookie said as he put the last paper over the pile. "Can I go now?"
"No until you are done with this pile." Milly came to his desk and put another pile of document.
"Oh! Come on!" The rookie groaned jerking his head back. "When are we going to finish?"
From his place, Sy laughed and looked to the rookie. "You didn't think that all this police-business would be just persecutions and shootouts, do you?"
"I can dream." The rest of the department laughed until the phone rang. The female chinchilla got up and answered.
"Hello? Yeah… Ah-ha... We'll take care of that. Thanks." She hung the phone and stood up calmly. "Smoke is coming from the Birch's resident."
"Again?" The sheriff stood up and went to the closet. "Come on guys! Lets move." He took off his cowboy hat and replaced it by a fireman one.
XXXXXXXX
Jody, Jade and Omochao where in their way back home with a few books. Ted helped them to find information about ancient stones, but they could only find five books that were related. But the possibility was very low.
"I can't believe there is nothing about the Chaos Emeralds." Jade said annoyed.
"There might be records about them, but with different names." Jody responded.
"Different names?"
"Yes." Jody nodded. "They could have passed into history but without knowing what they really were."
"That's why you asked Ted to search legends and gemstones." Omochao realized.
"Maybe we can find something in this legends books." Jody reported. It was the last she said because someone knocked them from behind, sending the girls to the ground with a cry and the books fly away.
"Ow!" They looked back to see Amy lying in the floor. "Amy! What are you doing here?"
"And why do we have to meet like this?" Jody said as she reached the books. Amy stood up abruptly and looked at them and they noticed she was agitated.
"I just saw a news report! It looks like they found another Chaos Emerald!"
"WHAT!" The older girls and Omochao shouted in unison.
"Where?" Asked Jody.
"In Station Square!" Amy responded.
"Come on! My house is the closer!" Jade announced and they rush to the Birch's resident.
XXXXXXXX
The policeman, or in this case the fireman were finishing putting off the small fire in the laboratory of the Birch's.
"Well done, people!" The sheriff shouted as he turned off the hose. As a couple of firemen enter to make sure the construction wasn't unstable, Sy went to Thomas and Tails who were covered in ashes.
"Thanks Sheriff." Thomas said.
"Don't mention it. But be more careful next time." Sy responded friendly. Margaret arrived to the scene with a tray fill with cookies.
"Do you want a snack?" Margaret offered to the officers.
"Don't need to ask twice!" Sy said as he took a cookie and many others came closer as well to grab one.
"Excuse me, Mr. Birch." The rookie came closer to him with a cookie in a hand and a tablet in the other. "I have to fill the report. Do you know what cause the fire?"
"Hum… Well… You see… I…" Thomas conflicted to decide if it would be a good idea to tell them.
"Sheriff!" The attention was disturbed by one of the officer who inspected the laboratory. "The place is safe. The fire only caused smoke. The garage in complete state."
"Very well. Lets pick up all the equipment. You too, lad." Sy turned to the rookie. "Go and help them. I will take care of the report."
"Right away sir!" The rookie handled the table to his superior and went to help his comrades.
"Let me ask you one thing." Sy said seriously to Thomas. "Does this have something to do with that strange rock of yesterday?"
"We can say that." Thomas didn't doubt to tell him the true, knowing that his friend can be trusted.
"Tell you what, I will make the report skipping some details in exchange of an afternoon with a full explanation with Maggie's special brownies."
"Make that a deal!" Then both men shook hands.
After packing the stuff to the small fire truck, the officers-firemen went aboard and when Sy went to the driver sit, he looked out the window.
"See you later." And the sheriff took his leave.
"Thanks for the cookies!" Another man shouted from the back as the truck started to move going back to the town. When they lost sight of them, Tails went to Thomas' side.
"That was a close one." Tails exalted in relief able to speak up again.
"Hey!" The three turned to see the girls with Omochao running to them. "What just happened?" Jade asked when she looked to the garage.
"The emerald. That's what happened." Tails informed.
"Where is it?" Jody asked hurriedly.
"Right here." Thomas reached inside his coat for the emerald. "I took it out before the firemen arrived."
"You can tell us later!" Amy exclaimed anxiously. "We most go inside! Quick!"
Without more explanations, the girls run inside the house followed by the others. They went to the living room and Amy didn't doubt to take the control remote and turning on the TV. After changing a few channels she stopped in the one she was looking at.
"…Any information, please contact to the number you see in screen. Now we go to Scarlet García from Station Square. You are on García." The screen change to a high building with flames painted on the walls.
"Thanks Mathew. Right now I'm standing outside the National Museum that today is going to open it's doors to a new exhibition where they are going to show the biggest diamond ever found." Everyone in the living room froze. "Rumors state that it's not only large, but also shines like the sun…"
"Ring a bell?" Amy commented.
"How much are the possibilities?" Jade thought aloud.
"Null." Jody said. "But we must check just in case."
"Station Square is hours away and The Tornado is off function." Tails informed.
"I can drive you there." Thomas suggested. "Just fill the tank of the pickup and-" Suddenly he slapped his forehead. "I forgot! My car is still glued to a tree! I must make a call!" He rushed to the kitchen, making everyone sweatdropped.
"Well, if going by plane or car is out of question." Margaret commented. "That leaves the train."
XXXXXXXX
After Thomas made his call, he and Margaret decided to take the kids to the bus station that was in the edge of Knothole.
"Ok! Here are the passes!" Thomas announced as he handle the ticket to the four kids. "This bus should take you to Sunhills in forty minutes. There must take the fourth station, that will take you to Station Square."
"I'm surprised that you are taking this lightly, Grandpa." Jade commented.
"Don't be silly. We have full trust on you." He reached his pocket and brought out his wallet. "He's my credit card. Use it just for emergency." He was about to handle it to Jade, but in second thought he handled it to Tails. "You are in charge."
"Hey!" Jade complained all indignant.
"Be careful." Margaret hugged each one of them, including Jody for her surprise. "Stay together and call as soon as you arrive to Sunhills."
"We will." Tails affirmed and the four kids went inside the bus.
After taking sit, Amy took a deep breath and looked down. "I wish Sonic were here."
"Grandpa told us that as soon he comes back, he'd tell him where we are going. He might meet us there." Tails told her.
"Besides, his presence will be needed." They turned to Jody who was looking outside the window.
"Why you say that?" Jade asked.
"Just think about it." She turned to them. "If we were able to get at the conclusion that this diamond could be a Chaos Emerald, someone else could have made the same conclusion." The three froze in fear for her words and the image of Eggman came their minds.
XXXXXXXX
Robotnik, or Eggman for Sonic, was still analyzing the videos. For relief of his minions, he hasn't called any of his creations to release the stress. Decoe and Becoe where outside again but this time the gray one was holding a paper.
"Are you ready?" Becoe asked to his partner.
"No." Decoe responded, if he had a mouth to a saliva system he would have gulped. "But lets finish with this." So they entered to the room walking very careful. Eggman turned his head at them and the poor robots paralyzed in fear.
"W- we apologize for… for the interruption, Doctor." Decoe stumbled.
"But we found something that could be of your interest." Becoe extended the paper to his master.
Eggman grabbed the paper and he saw that was a print of an article of a newspaper and the title called his attention.
"Big diamond exhibition in Station Square's Museum." He read aloud and for the first time for hours he grinned.
XXXXXXXX
After three hours of traveling, the group finally arrived to Station Square. Deciding that would be more fast and safe to take the bus, they waited for the one that would take them to the center.
"Ok! Let's move!" Jade said as the bus arrived. They had little difficulty to aboard because of many people. "Alright let's keep together. Everyone stay closer. Closer… Not you, creep!" Jade yelled to a young man that was beside her and he backed up after see her aggressive reaction.
At the end they were able to find free seats but Tails didn't sat up, he stood up over the seat pressing his hand over the window, his eyes wide opened in amazement as the bus started to move through the city. Station Square was a city with huge buildings, thousands of people walking in the streets and cars passing through every second.
"Wow! I never imagine that the buildings would be so huge!" He said with a big smile.
"Tails seat down in this instant." Jade scolded him from the back seat.
"Is this your first time in the city?" Jody asked him from her side as he sat up.
"Yeah. I have lived in Knothole since I can remember. I can't wait to see the museum!"
"Remember why we are going there, Tails." Amy told him.
"I know. I know." Tails said shyly.
"Then you never had left the area?" Jody asked in surprise.
"Not far from Greenhills, not even in the Tornado."
"So this most be a full new experience for you." Jody smirked.
"It sure is!" He practically squealed.
"And Grandpa left him in charge of the credit card." Jade grumbled to Amy.
XXXXXXXX
Not long after Jody and the others left to Station Square, Sonic arrived home.
"I'm back." Sonic opened the door and noticed that the place was empty. "Hello? Anyone home?" He entered to the living room putting his fist in his waist and looked around.
"Sonic!" He turned and saw Margaret coming down from the stairs. "You finally arrive."
Then from the door of the garage came Thomas as he cleaned his hand in a rag with Omochao flying behind him.
"Sonic!" He said surprised for the blue hedgehog. "When did you arrive?"
"Just know. Where is everyone else?"
"They went to Station Square." Thomas informed him.
"Station Square?" Sonic was surprised by the news. "What for?"
"The news said about a jewel in the museum and we thought it could be a Chaos Emerald." Margaret informed him.
"They took the train." Said Thomas. "We wanted to go with them but I had problems with the pickup and-"
"Say no more!" Sonic hold his palm up. "I'll go to Station Square ASAP!" And in a flash he left the house. Thomas ran to the door as well.
"DO YOU KNOW WHERE IT IS?" He yelled at all lungs before the hedgehog disappeared in the road. Sonic brake slipping over the dirt and ran back to the house. He halted in front of Thomas and shrugged with a goofy grin, Thomas slapped his forehead.
XXXXXXXX
At the grand opening, journalists were waiting in the hall for the speech of the museum's director before the exhibition opened to the public.
"I can't believe they put us as security guards." A young afro-American whispered to his friend, a young man in his sixteen with cinnamon-brown eyes and with short silver hair. They were standing firm with hands on the back, in the back of the stage where the speech was taking place. Both young men were wearing military uniforms with the initials G.U.N. written on their vests.
"We are in the Junior Rank, Troy." Responded his companion. "You'll see in a blink we'll be in G.U.N. head quarters"
"You are too optimistic, Brendan."
"Relax, Troy." Brendan said with a smile. "Who knows what kind of excitement can occur."
"Oh yeah. Like what?"
XXXXXXXX
EMERALD COAST…
The sun was shining brightly and the people were having fun in the beach. Some were playing volleyball, building sandcastles and taking the sun or just hanging around with family and friends. The water edge was also fill with people as well, swimming or surfing.
The sea clear and nice for the exception the creepy shadow under the water that was coming closer to the beach. A beach ball flew over the water closer to the shadow.
"That's ok! I got it!" A girl went into the water and tried to recover the ball without noticing the shadow until it was too late. The shadow jerked out to the surface taking for surprise at the poor girl and the people of the beach revealing its true form.
A dome-headed robot, with blue eye-lens, instead of arms had big missiles and in the chest compartments. The robot surprised the people and until the girl screamed in terror was when people panicked.
The robot aimed an arm-missile and shot hitting the cab of lifeguards, a line connected to the body retracted the missile and fired another one destroying several cars making them explode. As the robot got out of the salt water, Eggman appeared high above to not be spotted.
"Is nothing more fun than making waves at the beach." Eggman commented to himself seeing how his robot destroyed everything that came at its path. "Well, we have our fun here, E-23 Missile Wrist. Time to visit the museum."
XXXXXXXX
After leaving the bus, Jody, Jade, Amy and Tails began searching the museum. Along the way they did some sightseeing in Station Square, visiting the shops, parks and other places. They had never seen a city as big and crowded, but Jody didn't have time for fun. In her mind, she only cared to reach the museum and confirm that the diamond was a Chaos Emerald or not.
"Finally!" Jade exclaimed as she looked from the map to the big building. "We're here!"
"The National Museum." Amy said.
"Let's go in then!" Tails exclaimed as he run to the entrance and the girls ran as well after him.
When the little fox went through the door he halted, his eyes and mouth wide opened in awe. The place was bigger from the inside. A lot of people walking around, coming in and out from the different gates that took them to different sectors.
"Wow…" It was the only thing Tails could say to describe the place. The moment was interrupted with a slap back his head. "Ouch!"
"How many times have I told you to not separate?" Jade scolded him.
"Sorry." Tails rubbed his head with a tear in the eye.
"Where is the diamond's exhibition?" Amy asked as she looked around anxiously.
"Maybe over there." Jody pointed to a gate guarded by two security guards and in top of them there was a big cartel with the words: THE GREATEST DIAMOND EVER SEEN.
"I already saw that!" Amy's cheek turned pink in embarrassment. The group approached to the gate but they didn't get far.
"Stop right there, kids!" The security guard stopped them. "You can't pass yet."
"Why not?" Tails asked.
"It isn't opened to public until the press conference is over." The other one reported.
"How long will it take?" Jade asked in annoying.
"An hour or so." Said the first guard.
"But we have to go inside, now!" Amy exclaimed.
"Sorry children. Meanwhile, why don't you go to the souvenirs shop? They have a new dinosaur set." The second guard hushed them away.
"Sure. I'm going to buy one, come back and put it in your-!" Jade mouth was shut by Jody hand before she finished the sentence.
"Thank for your attention." Still holding Jade, she and the others dragged the redhead away.
XXXXXXXX
While the robot walked in the middle of the street, police cars surrounded it and they started shooting. When the bullets didn't work, they brought the flamethrower and tried to burn it. The flames completely covered the robot and when the police thought they defeated it, the robot got out of the flames and struck the police cars, and continued it's way.
XXXXXXXX
Once they got away from the guards, Jody released Jade letting her breath again.
"Great! Now what?" She exclaimed.
"The only thing we can do now is wait." Tails told her.
"A thought came to me." Amy commented holding her cheek. "What are we going to do if it's really a Chaos Emerald?"
"We just take it." Jody said disinterested and they looked at her in disbelief.
"And the thief spoke!" Jade exclaimed dramatically.
"We can't do that!" Tails was the next to speak.
"Why not?"
"It's wrong! We can't just go and take it!" Amy exclaimed as well.
"I stole it from Eggman." Jody shrugged.
"That was different!" Jade exclaimed. "He is a mad scientist! This is a respectful museum!"
"Better yet. The security system will be easy to pass through." Jody said looking around analyzing the museum.
"Maybe if we explain the situation to the director…" Tails suggested trying to prevent a crime. But Jody just looked down at him.
"A brilliant genius… but still a little kid." Jody patted his head making Tails pout feeling insulted. "Beside we don't have time for diplomatic. We must act fast."
"Come on. Is not like Eggman will cross that door in any second." Jade said positively but suddenly a big robot crashed the wall.
"What about one of his killer robot?" Jody commented as the people stared in fear to the robot.
XXXXXXXX
In the other part of Station Square, a police officer was standing in a corner when someone called him.
"Excuse me, sir?" He jumped and turned to see a teen blue hedgehog that appeared from nowhere. "Could you tell me how to get to the National Museum?"
"Um… Sure." The officer said. "Is in the other side of the city, you have to take the bus to get there."
"Nah. I will run. Thanks officer." Sonic said.
"Are you sure? It will take a long time at foot." Then, the officer was interrupted by his radio. "Steven here." He put the rail to his earring and laugh. "Yeah right! A big robot destroying half city. Nice one, Robert." He hang off and looking down, the hedgehog was gone. "Where he go?"
XXXXXXXX
The robot was causing chaos inside the museum. People were trying to get away from him, and journalists were madly trying to film and take pictures of the commotion. Meanwhile, the two cadets were hidden behind large piece of the building.
"I told you the museum was exciting!" Brendan winced as the robot destroyed another wall with its missiles-arms.
"Now what?!" Troy asked. Brendan looked around him and saw the people running in fear.
"We have to get out the civilians!" He turned to his partner. "Start the evacuation at my signal!"
"What?" But in that moment Brendan got out of his cover and run to the robot. "Brendan! Come back!"
XXXXXXXX
The group from Knothole was hiding as well seeing how the robot destroyed the museum
"This is bad!" Tails said worried.
"Not doubt about it!" Exclaimed Jade in anguish.
"If only Sonic were here!" Amy pleaded.
"But he is not. Depends on us now." Jody said firmly while lifting the hem of her sweater revealing her dagger and unsheathed it.
"You had that thing all the time?" Jade asked puzzled. Before she could answer, a sound caught his attention. A piece of rubble flew and hit the robot head. E-23 turned his head and saw the attacker.
"Over here!" Brendan shouted as he threw another rubble. The robot launched a hand-missile that the guy barely ducked. "Come on! Try to catch me!" He stood up and through another rock. This time the robot started to follow as the boy went deep the building.
"Is he nuts?" Jody said eyes wide opened.
"We have to help him?" Amy announce as she followed them and Jody ran after her.
"Wait for us!" Jade screamed, but she and Tails where stopped by the young Afro-American.
"Where you think you are going?!" Troy stood in front of them. "We have to get out if here now!"
"But our friends-"
"Not another word!" Troy cut Tails as he hurried them out. "Everyone out!" He screeched to the rest of the people guiding them to the exit.
XXXXXXXX
At last, Jody was able to catch up and held her arm. "Amy! Wait up!"
"There's no time to waist! That boy needs our help!"
"What can you do? Besides, finding the diamond is the priority."
Amy looked at her angry and jerked her arm from her grasp. "Fine! Who needs you anyway?!" With that Amy continue running after robot leaving Jody behind.
"Great." She mumbled to herself and ran after her but in that moment the roof collapsed. Jody jumped back just in time but unfortunately the rubbish blocked the entrance.
"Now what?" Jody hissed. Looking up she saw the second floor through the hole in the roof and with great agility she climbed up.
XXXXXXXX
A barricade formed outside the museum and the young soldier was pushing Jade and Tails back the barricade when the Chief of Station Square approached to him.
"Is anyone else inside?!"
"Sir!" Troy saluted him. "Yes sir! My companion is inside trying to distracted the robot!"
"We already send the alert! You did well kid. Stay put. Well take care of the rest." The chief said hurriedly as he run to his men.
"Jade? What about Amy and Jody?" Tails asked.
"Knowing our luck, in any second something will come that will change the board." Suddenly a blue light passed over them making a gust of wind and went inside the museum. Jade put away the hair of her face and smile down to Tails. "See?"
XXXXXXXX
Jody tried to get to the roof running through the second floor and could tell that she was getting closer thanks to the sound of destruction. Finally she spotted the stairs and jumped down; she landed a few meters behind the robot and saw that was able to corner the guy. Before she could think in a plan she heard footsteps behind her. She didn't turned at the instant because she knew who was. Big mistake.
"You took your time." When she finally turned back, Amy had her hammer out and run after the robot.
"Leave him alone you big bully!"
"Amy don't!" Jody yelled trying to stop her.
"No! Stay back!" Brendan screamed when he noticed her.
Amy hit the leg of the robot but it just made a nasty cramp in Amy's hand. The robot looked down at her and she was shaking her hand to soft the pain, immediately it took her with his metallic claws making the pink hedgehog scream in panic. The robot lifted her until they where eyes to lens with her eyes filled of terror.
"Amy!" Jody unsheathed her dagga again and ran to her rescue. Suddenly Brendan, who took the opportunity to surround the robot, caught her.
"Stay back! Is too dangerous!" He said as he tried to hold her back.
"HELP!" Amy screamed as the robot tight the grip. "JODY!"
"AMY!" Before she could release herself from the guy's grasp, a blue ray appeared and tackled Missile Wrist scramble back a bit and the being landed, gracefully in front of it.
"Hey there! Did I miss the party?"
"Sonic!" Jody screamed for first time in relief.
"You better let Amy go!" The blue hedgehog pointed to E-23 who responded shooting the other arm. Sonic was able to dough each attack without having the opportunity to rescue Amy.
Brendan and Jody took cover behind a broken wall. "Where this guy came from?" Brendan asked in awe as he watched the blue hedgehog confronting the robot.
"Is the same question I have been asking myself in the last days." Jody answered as they saw how the robot was able to hit Sonic and send him crash to another wall. "He can't do much with Amy there." She realized.
"What do you suggest?"
Jody just got out the wall with her dagger in hand. She threw her weapon hitting directly to the elbow of the robot. Sparks came out making the robot to drop Amy with a scream.
Brendan run as fast as he could and caught her before she touched floor. "Thanks." Amy looked up gratefully.
"Not problem." Then the robot aimed at them. He was about to shoot when Sonic kick it giving Brendan the opportunity to escape with Amy. But the kick wasn't very effective; the robot aimed again its arms and shot damaging many invaluable exhibitions.
"The director is going to have a heart attack." The young man commented as he saw how another showcase was destroyed. "Hey, kid!" He screamed putting both hands around his mouth. Sonic ducked another attack and look at him. "You must take that thing out before it destroys the museum!"
"No problemo!" Sonic winked with the thump up and whistled to the robot. "Hey! Let's change battleground!" And he disappeared up stairs. The robot locked the hedgehog before disappearing and changed in infrared vision, it followed him up out side the roof.
"Something tells me you will regret telling him that." Jody said aloud.
"Huh?" Brendan looked at her confuse, but it clarify when the robot aimed to the roof and shoot the missiles making a hole all the way to the roof and impulse itself up. Brendan almost had a fit.
"Told you so." Jody said as she and the other looked through the big holes.
XXXXXXXX
The multitude outside the museum got bigger when the press arrived. Scarlet Garcia was in front the camera rolling the situation.
"Right now we are standing out side the National Museum. What it looked like a wonderful day to the museum became a horror movie when a huge machine went through the entire city and into the museum destroying everything in its path. There have been several injures and-" She was interrupted by several explosion.
"Hey! There is something on the roof!" A man from the crown shouted. Everyone looked up to see that the destruction was now taking place outside; unfortunately they couldn't see what was exactly going on.
XXXXXXXX
But the trio knew Sonic was having a difficult time fighting Missile Wrist, using mini missiles front it chest.
"Talking about déjà vu!" He thought aloud as he dodge another missile.
XXXXXXXX
"Isn't there anything we can do?!" Brendan asked looking at the girls and noticed Jody looked for something in her pocket.
"Amy! How is your arm?" Jody asked.
"Fine... Why?" Amy looked at her confused by such question.
"Because we are sending a message." Jody smirked as she brought out a bright ring.
XXXXXXXX
Sonic was trying to get closer but it didn't have the chance. When it stopped with the tiny missiles it continued with the arm-missiles again.
"SONIC!" The blue hedgehog turned to the hole seeing Amy's hammer spinning out of it, but what really caught his interest was the bright ring in the handle.
"Yes!" He ran and jumped catching the hammer, taking the ring and squishing it. When he felt the energy filling its body, he threw the hammer back to the hole and spin directly to the robot.
He finally hit it making him bounced high up and the robot stumble a few steps back. When Missile Wrist recovered, it looked up and shot both arms-missiles, but Sonic dodge them easily. He jumped from missile to missile making fun of the robot.
"I think is time to finish this!" He said aloud as he stayed in one missile as it returned. Once connected to the arm, Sonic took Jody's dagger from the elbow and stung his tongue at the robot. Missile wrist tried to hit him with its other arm but Sonic jumped high making the robot destroyed it own missile-arm. The robot shot more mini missiles from its chest up to Sonic, ending collided between them and exploding. Suddenly from the smoke Sonic appeared spinning down at full speed and crashing the head of Missile Wrist destroying it.
XXXXXXXX
From inside, the others saw in awe and horror when the explosion occurred, and Brendan covered them when it happened.
"What they said is true." The trio saw the smoke and dirt vanish to see Sonic walking to them as he dust off. "Museums can be a very interesting."
"Sonic!" Amy squealed as she ran and hugged him very tight. "You are my hero!"
"Yeah…" Sonic choked. "Are you guys OK?" He asked as Amy, surprisingly let him go and turned to the others.
"We are fine." Brendan said. "Thanks to you."
"That's good. By the way, this is yours." Sonic handled the knife to Jody who received it indifferently. "Are you okay?"
"Did you saw Eggman for any chance?"
"Who is Eggman?" Brendan asked.
"Now that you mention it…" He held his chin in though. "I didn't see him."
"And the exhibition is in the other part of the building." It's when they realized, the robot was but a distraction then they run back inside.
"I'm serious! Who is Eggman!" Brendan shouted as he went after them.
XXXXXXXX
As they thought, Eggman was over his aircraft searching inside the museum.
"It looks like E-23 Missile Wrist did a good job as a distraction." Eggman grinned evilly as he floated to the new exhibition. He hopped off his vehicle and walked to the center of the room where a showcase was guarding the big diamond.
XXXXXXXX
"So you said this Eggman send that robot to steal the jewel?" Brendan asked as they were running in the halls.
"To make it short, yes." Jody answered him. They arrived to the room in time to see Eggman holding the white marquise-shaped jewel and a strange machine in the other hand.
"Eggman!" They shouted in unison and the mad scientist looked over his shoulder and turned back to the machine.
"Hey!" Brendan ran passing them. "You better return the diamond and surrender!" He demanded. Eggman tight his grip in the objects and turned to him.
"You are very brave or very stupid to direct to me in that way, boy." He said.
"Hum. Well… I…" Brendan didn't how to answer to that.
"Is over Eggman!" Sonic said and stood in front of Brendan. "Your robot is defeated. Why don't you just-" But before he could finish, Eggman threw the diamond to Sonic catching it easily but confused.
"You can keep it. It's not a Chaos Emerald so it's useless to me." With that he returned to his aircraft. "I'll be back." He pressed a bottom and a mini-missile was shoot from a little compartment that destroyed the wall.
Sonic and the others covered themselves from the explosion and when they turned back Eggman has gone.
"He's good at sneaking out." Sonic commented as he looked at the diamond. "Here." He handed it to Brendan. The boy caught it and looked back at him surprised. "If it isn't a Chaos Emerald, then there's not need for us to keep it."
"A... Chaos Emerald?" He said confused.
"I'm Sonic the Hedgehog." The blue hedgehog introduced himself.
"I'm Amy Rose." The pink girl introduced herself kindly.
When the looks fall in Jody she sighted annoyed. "Jochebed."
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Brendan." Suddenly noises of many footsteps were coming from the entrance and the young man realized whose were. "The back-up is here."
"We have to leave if we don't want to ask questions." Jody informed.
"I will distracted them so you can sneak out from behind." Brendan said.
"Sounds like a plan to me!" Sonic said.
"Thanks again, Brendan." Amy said grateful.
"I am the one who should thank you. Now go." Brendan hurried them, and watched them escape through the hole that Eggman made.
XXXXXXXX
After the people saw how the robot ended up the building with a big explosion and another a smaller from the inside, it was when the SQUAD finally decided enter.
"I think everything calm down." Troy said in the barricade with Tails and Jade.
"Well… Now that everything is over." She fixed her hair with a hand and leaned to Troy. "Hi, I'm Jade." She flirted taking the guy by surprise. Tails looked away in embarrassment of Jade's behavior and then he noticed Sonic, Amy and Jody in the edge of the crowd waving at him.
"I'm Troy." He finally answered as he leaned in barricade flirting back.
"And I'm Tails! Nice to meet you! Bye!" The little fox interrupted the moment grabbing Jade's wrist and pulling her away.
"Hey!" Jade complained as her little friend dragged her away.
Troy saw them go and grumbled. "Oh men."
XXXXXXXX
Tails dragged Jade until they joined the others out of the crowd.
"What happened?" Tails asked.
"We will tell you later. First we have to get out of here!" Amy informed them as they ran away from the museum without anyone noticed them.
XXXXXXXX
The gang took the train back to Greenhills, including Sonic with a little persuasion of Amy's hammer and a dozen of chilidogs. He was sitting comfortable as he enjoyed his fifth chilidog as Amy was sitting by his side eating a croissant and Tails in the window examining the drained ring.
"Why did you decide to bring a ring?" Tails asked to Jody who was sitting in front of them eating a subway with Jade by her side eating a hamburger.
"Just in case." She simple answered taking a sip of her juice.
"That was very useful." Sonic said as he started his sixth chilidog.
"I'm sorry, you guys." Everyone looked at Amy who was looked sad. "I was the one who thought it was a Chaos Emerald."
"So did Eggman." Jody said. "If you haven't told us, who knows what would have happen."
"For someone who wants to keep himself in secret, he knows how to draw the attention." Jade commented.
"Nothing will stop him from getting the Chaos Emeralds, isn't it?" Tails commented worriedly.
"No." Jody answered. "But we will be there to stop him.
"We?" Sonic smirked at her and the other smiled wide as well, making her snorted with a smirk.
"Yes… We."
Amy smiled tenderly feeling much better then she looked up to one of the TV's and a news report was casting the event of that day.
"Hey! Is that Brendan guy!" She pointed as the others turned to see the screen.
"...There's still no suspect for the responsible of the robbery attempt, but luckily there were no injured. And most importantly, the great diamond was protected and returned to the museum thanks to the courage of Brendan Tower, cadet of GUN Academy. So Mr. Tower, how does it feels to be a hero? " The reporter put the microphone close to Brendan.
"Actually, it wasn't me." He said surprising the reporter. "It was thanks to a good citizen." He looked at the camera and continued. "I will always be grateful to you and anything you need, don't doubt to look for me."
"I think that was meant for you, Sonic." Jody said as the news came back to the station.
"We might not found a Chaos Emerald. But we sure get a new friend." Sonic winked with his thump up, as the train continues its way to Greenhills disappearing in the sunset.