Author's notes

One thing I want to say before I start…If you have any ideas for the next bonus, PRIVATE FREAKIN MESSAGE, PLEASE! It won't be as good if everybody knows about it!

Alright, I think the last chapter was the lowest point of the novel…Still, it had to be done to get things moving. I'm down, but I'm far from out!

Before I give my shout outs, I like to say something. I got a couple of comments and E-mails about this…Some of you are saying that Sonic's nervousness around Rainbow Dash is out of character. I know that he's confident, I know that he's cocky, and I know he'll face any danger head on…Here's the thing, it's his first real crush; and I suspected even with his confident attitude to be nervous. I've seen the most cockiest guys buckle at the presence of a woman. If it's off, then I'm sorry; just role with it…I don't know the characters that well either. Besides, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are about to intervene on the situation, who wouldn't want to see that?

Lustforkreation7: I have a question…How would your parents react when they catch you reading the last bonus? I'm just curious.

Featherfur: You are correct about the reference, but I already gave away my metaphorical cookie…Sorry. The only thing you need to write something, or do anything in that matter is an idea and a bit of inspiration.

F3d323: I have taken your last review into consideration. I've explained myself at the top. Like I said, I read every single comment.

DJman642: No extra characters, sorry. Everything is set and done.

Let me tell everyone something…I didn't know the last bonus was going to be that much of a hit. I was expecting a lash back like the cupcakes bonus. I am so glad to have brought smiles to everyone's faces. It's what I do. As I said, these bonuses have nothing to do with the story in any way…So calm down.

And another thing, I know that some of their powers like Shadow's Chaos Spear and Blast are messed up. That was my spin on the characters. I didn't know what their exact powers were at the beginning, so I sort of did my own thing.

Anyways, enjoy the chapter. It's short, but it'll get things rolling

---

Within the heavily guarded fortress of Eggman's base, unit 21 was rolling down a long, brightly lit hallway. It's objective clear, its duty yet to be fulfilled. At the end of the hallway stood a door, a small door just tall and wide enough to let a human pass. The robot pushed the door open, revealing a room large enough to house a small army. It was dim, lit just enough to show it's master standing in front of his working masterpiece.

"Back so soon?" Robotnik called out loud.

The little robot rolled to its creator, ever eager to await its command.

"Yes, my master." The machine answered, "The subject is now in a state of unconsciousness. However, I must report that fifty six units have suffered while in the process of sedating it."

"It'll be more than worth the sacrifice of a few good solders to bring Sonic and his friends down once and for all," Robotnik deemed, "I have seen the creature's biological structure, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. It may be tricky having my manufacturing plants converge the beast, but I believe this will be the thing we need to finally achieve victory," He turned his head and observe the master piece that he created, the work of art that has been in development for decades. Hundreds of small medbots zipping and floating around the machine's body, small sparks and flickers of light emitting from their pinchers. It's eyes was glowing a dim red, just a small fracture of artificial life, "Do you have a status report on Cyber X?"

It's been a while since its master asked for a report on his long life work, "…thirty percent until completion."

The little robot looked at the machine with him, receiving an energy reading on the bird like machine…It was way beyond its own mainframe can comprehend.

"All the time in the world will be worth completing a perfect society." Robotnik commented quietly.

---

The whole group were well on their way to Fillydelphia; the dirt path ahead of them stretching miles and miles ahead of them, hills and scarce trees obscuring the landscape. The day was clear, not a cloud to be spotted as far as the eye could see. Of course, everyone planned on traveling light; since they where only going to be staying over for just a couple of days.

But by judging the amount of luggage the poor stallion was carrying, Rarity was planning an extended vacation…A very long extended vacation.

"I said to only carry what you need." Sonic shouted behind him, just now seeing the two story tower the stallion was hauling.

"Why, darling!" Rarity answered politely but in defense, "I am carrying everything that I need for my stay. How can I ever walk in such a high standard town like Fillydelphia without a set of clothes?"

"Twenty sets of clothes and washer to clean them!" The stallion shouted with sweat dripping from his forehead, "I don't think I can drag this for much longer."

Hm…There's only one thing a lady can do to get a stallion moving again.

With a long sigh and a flick of her curled mane, Rarity trotted to the front of the stallion; staring at his eyes and heavily blinking. She slightly smiled, and to top it off; leaned her head forward to his.

"I'm sure a strong gentle pony like you can carry my things just a little further. I will be greatly in your dept."

Her little talk was all that was needed to get the stallion moving again with the group. Applejack and Knuckles were on the side lines, somewhat disturbed by this sight.

"Ah tell ya, that there is the only reason why she gets by in life." Applejack huffed.

Knuckles crossed his arms, taking in a deep breath, "Well…Someone has to put a stop to it."

"Huh?"

Without warning, he cupped his fist and pressed it against his mouth.

"She is using you, dude!" He shouted at the exhausted stallion, "Think! What do you have to gain? It's not like she'll pay you a single bit of attention afterwards!"

The stallion stopped cold, quickly glancing behind with a sneer.

"You know what?...You're absolutely right!" The stallion shouted, chunking the harnesses off of him, "I'm not carrying anymore of this crap! I'm getting out of here!"

"Darling, wait!"

He didn't pay her a single bit of mind, he stomped his way out of there with a muzzle in the air; it was going to be a long trip back home.

Tolerated beyond her limits, Rarity snarled and marched towards the red echidna, who simply crossed his arms and glared her right back.

"Why do you have to be such a nuisances?" She hissed.

Knuckles only smiled, a full fledge troll face if anybody has ever seen one, "Because I wanna be, and it's wrong taking advantage of others."

With an 'hmp' she turned around and continued to walk ahead. Yet another charm thwarted by the guardian. Applejack gave Knuckles a much needed high-hoof.

"Apony, brother." Applejack complimented.

"Apony." Knuckles insured.

Of course, his victory didn't last for long when little Spikey Wikey zipped to Rarity's side with gleaming eyes.

"Can I carry your luggage, my lady?" He asked.

Rarity gleamed, smiling as she lowered herself to give the gentle dragon a hug, "Of course you can! At least a gentle dragon like you know how to treat a lady."

As soon as the pony embraced the baby dragon, he melted; his eyes turning into little hearts. When Rarity let him go, he floated to the carriage; latching himself on and began pulling the two story pile behind him. No pony nor creature knew how, but he somehow managed to pull the heavy carriage behind him…That thing must have weighed a ton!

"…Are you gonna say somethin'?" Applejack asked.

"I'm sorry, but he's too far gone." Knuckles answered in a sad tone.

Meanwhile, Sonic and Tails were walking side by side; watching the machine as the screen began to flicker.

"The emeralds should be somewhere in the city," Tails said while looking ahead, "I'm getting a very weak signal up ahead."

"O.K. We need to split up when we get there," Sonic took one quick look behind him, "We'll have more of a chance finding the emerald if we search in small groups."

"I agree." Tails said to him, "How are we going to split this up?"

Sonic put a finger to his chin and thought about it...That was truly a big question, how was this little crusade going to be divided?

…This could be my chance to talk to Rainbow Dash. Sonic thought while secretly glancing back at the colorful pony, who was making small talk with Pinkie, I can arrange this somewhere that I'll be alone with her.

"I guess me and Rainbow can take one section of the city." Sonic answered, "Since we're the fastest of the group."

Tails didn't know how that would affect the search, but he didn't argue, "Anything else?"

Sonic glanced behind and saw Twilight trotting behind Tails with a warmful smile. It was time she took her little friendship to the next level. She did a good job of keeping her little secret from him. The only thing she needs now is the perfect setting.

"Tails." She called, making the fox jump a little, "Can I ask you something?"

Sonic snickered when he saw his face turn red, "Y…Yes, Twilight."

She trottled beside him, putting on the friendliest face she can put on, "I was just wondering, well…Since we're been friends for quite some time, uh…" It always helps to act nervous to sway someone, "There's this nice restaurant in Fillydelphia, and I was wondering if you would like to go out with me…As friends of course."

"W-well Twilight, uh…" Twilight's pupils widen to the sides of saucers, twinkling in the sun light as she poked her lips out.

What is he supposed to do!?

Tails quickly retreated, turning his head to face Sonic.

"Sonic," He whimpered lowly, "W-w-what do I do?"

"You're going to agree." Sonic firmly answered.

"But I never dated anyone before; I wouldn't know what to do!"

Sonic took in a deep breath. He didn't want to do this, but he has no choice, "If you need help, you can contact me through the headset."

"…Thanks for being a friend." Tails said with a full heart.

"Go to her." Sonic commanded.

Tails turned his head back to Twilight, who was patiently and eagerly waiting for an answer.

"…I guess it wouldn't hurt." He hesitantly answered with a weak smile.

Twilight quietly squealed though her clamped lip, then quickly regained her poster.

"Thank you for going- uh, I mean for your company." She formally said.

When Tails wasn't looking, Sonic quickly backed up until he was walking beside the white unicorn.

"Rarity." He quietly called, tapping her on the shoulder to get her attention, "Do you know any good clothes makers in Fillydelphia?"

"I know a couple," She politely answered, "Why do you ask?"

Sonic smirked, "I'll tell you when we get there."

After a couple minutes of walking, Amy popped beside the blue hedgehog; almost making him jump.

"So Sonic," She cheerfully said, "How long have we gone on a date?"

"…I thought you was keeping up with that." He answered while rolling his eyes.

"We're about to be in a big city, Sonic," She continued with glee, "You know what that means?"

"I have no idea what it means." He sarcastically answered.

"A date!" She squealed, "A date in the big city!"

Wait…This can't work! This cannot work!

"Now, Amy," He began, stuttering a little bit, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm afraid we can't do that."

"…Why not?" She dangerously asked, reaching for her hammer.

"Tails and I were talking about how we're going to split this into groups," He answered, a sweat breaking from his forehead, "And-"

"And did you include me into your group?" She growled.

"I would," he answered, "but-"

"YOU DIDN'T INCLUDE ME!?" She screamed, whipping out her hammer. Every creature and mare's attention was grabbed.

"Now, l-l-l-let me explain!" He trembled while slowly backing away, "Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy need someone to watch over them. It can be a dangerous place!"

Her body relaxed, but her hammer was still hanging high over her.

Rarity looked on and saw Sonic giving her a blank stare, a stare that is screaming for mercy…With generosity running through her blood, she was more than happy to answer the call for help.

"Sonic is right, my dear." The white unicorn called, "I highly doubt we'll be able to hold ourselves out there. I'm sure someone like you can hold off even the toughest characters in the city."

After a long intense pause, Amy finally lowered her hammer; storing it back to an unknown location somewhere around her body. Everypony wonders to this day where she keeps that hammer, it's like it pops out of nowhere when she needs it.

With a sigh, Amy hung her head in disappointment, "...I'll be happy to go with three."

"Make that four," Spike added in, jogging to Rarity's side.

After a couple of minutes, the group was divided into teams. Sonic will be carrying the energy tracker while being escorted by Rainbow Dash. Knuckles and Applejack decided to pair, and of course Tails and Twilight paired. The rest agreed to go and scout the city for anyone who might have seen the emerald.

---

Within a deep dark ally in the heart of Fillydelphia, five mysterious figures were walking to the depths of darkness. Even with their black suits, the harsh cold air pierced their bodies. Even with a full moon, the ally was barely visible, but just a speck of light at the end of the ally was all that was needed to fulfill their deed.

At the end of the ally stood an old dumpster, rust and worn over the decades of usage. The five figures stood by this dumpster, one lighting a cigarette with his horn. A drip of sweat tinkled from their foreheads, nervous but collected for their work.

Suddenly, after several minutes of waiting, a carriage pulled up to the opening. A stallion stepped from his ride, taking in a deep breath as he began to make his way to his company. The five figures formally trotted to him, one who was wearing a brown fedora hat slowly knelt to the ground. The older stallion offered his hoof to him; letting him kiss the tip.

"My dear son," He politely greeted, his voice low and roughed as if sick, "Do you have the package?"

"Yes Father."

The knelt stallion slowly rose, slipping a hoof into his own jacket and pulling out a brightly glowing object. The older stallion gently took the object from him.

"The family is greatly appreciative of your work," He said, his tone slowly depleting to sadness as he stared at the glowing-purple emerald, "But I'm afraid investment like these don't come without cost."

Trotting in the opening was a young-brute stallion with a plastic bag on his back. As he neared them, the ponies could see a small stream of blood pouring down from the bottom. The older stallion as well as the others tipped their hats and bowed their heads as the younger pony passed. The youngster heaved and rolled the bag into the dumpster.

"Ah got him, boss." The youngster proudly claimed rather loudly, "We won't hear from him again."

"Hoof Thunder!" The older stallion scorned, his deep voice gripping the built stallion in fear. The others cringed, almost shaking as the stallion stepped in front of him, "Something like this should never be taken as pride."

"Uh, sorry boss." The younger apologized, scratching the back of his head with his hoof.

With the Emerald in hoof, the older stallion trotted over to the dumpster; looking inside as he saw a trail of flies gathering around the bag. His face became visible by the street lamp above. It was heavily wrinkled, his eyes barely visible from the sags on his forehead. His bottom lip was out, a small cigarette sticking out from his mouth.

"It's nothing personal Wind Speed," The stallion mumbled under his breath as he lowered the metal lid, "It's just business."

---

Author's notes

Sorry for the short chapter, but it's a good stopping point. I didn't initially planned for this chapter to be this short, but it's just the way it turned out to be.

I'm already working on the next chapter…One more two week.

And read the notes I put up before each chapter, I know it can be boring to read, but it's important.

Anyways, signing out…Remember, I read every single comment, and take everything into consideration.

God Bless

Harry