fwoosh! a way past familiar streak speeds by, its usual amber glow slowed enough to reveal the distinct black and red underneath. 'course, it only takes a quick snap before blue's added to the palette.

"i'd say we gotta stop running into each other like this, but," an impatient flick of an ear betrays his breezy attitude, "this leisurely stroll's hardly what i'd call 'running'."

though sonic's pretty sure the stars' hognapping has nothing to do with the stolen emeralds back home, shadow's appearance is an exciting change of pace. they can swap intel later (assuming the other hedgehog won't just ditch), but first...