CHAPTER 13: A SHADOW IN THE DARK
"Phew, that was close..." stated Rainbow Dash.
It was night-time when they came out. It was surprising how much time Sonic spent in the cave. The green Chaos Emerald was still there, but there was something else in the web now...
"Hang on... What's that thing?" asked Pinkie-pie, pointing a hoof at the creature.
To Sonic's surprise, it was a Chao! It must have got caught in the web while they were down there. But there was something about the Chao that made it different to the others...
"Cheese?!" exclaimed Sonic. He came closer. Against all odds, the Chao squirming in the web really was Cheese, hence the red bow-tie.
"What exactly is Cheese?" asked Fluttershy. "It looks cute!"
"Cheese is a Chao." explained Tails. "There are no shortage of them in our world..."
While Tails explained, Rainbow Dash - who wasn't paying attention - noticed an outline of a figure on one of the trees. It seemed to jump, and then curl into a ball. Then, it hurtled right towards the group. "Look out!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Everyone jumped out of the way, but the figure was going towards the web, then through the web and landed. Once more was the Chaos Emerald had gone.
The figure landed, and in his hand was the Emerald. He stood up. "So that's where my Chaos Emerald got too." said the figure. He then turned around and looked at the group with a sort of 'I won't kill you - yet' look. The figure in question was instantly recognized by Sonic and Tails.
"Shadow?!" stammered Tails, startled by his sudden entrance.
Shadow's black and red spikes made him look more evil at night.
"Hello there. I wasn't expecting to see you." he said.
"Ditto." Sonic said with a shrug.
"OK, can someone PLEASE tell me what's goin' on and who is this fella?!" said Applejack.
"I'm Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog. I won't talk much, cause I got to find the other Emeralds before you do. I'm the only one that can send us back." he explained.
"Buuut, we have one. And were not giving you it until we stop Eggman!" chuckled Sonic. "You might as well follow on."
Shadow paused a moment. "Alright. I will. But when at least one of you fall, I was take it."
"Sounds like a deal to me!" sais Sonic.
"Ummmm... your OK with that?!" exclaimed Rarity.
"What about the Chao? You going to free it?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Sure I will!" said Sonic. "If I may, Shadow?"
Shadow grunted. "Fine." He tossed one of his infinity-rings to Sonic. Sonic used it and spun through the air. The web broke and Cheese was free!
"Choo!" Cheese said.
"If Cheese is here, then I think Cream must be here too!" Tails realized.
"Gee, you think?" said Shadow, with a smug face.
"Hey! I don't know everything! Besides, what if Cream ISN'T here?" Tails retorted.
"Ok, who are all these people?" asked Rarity.
"I'll explain everything once we get back." replied Tails.
"Wait, where will we stay? We haven't slept for two nights now." asked Sonic.
There was an pause.
"You can stay at my place, if you want. But don't mind my sister, Applebloom." Applejack suggested.
"Sounds good!" said Tails.
And so the group, with their new team member, set off, forgetting the fact that Celestia is still with Dr Eggman...