Sonic and Shadow were staring each other down. "It's over for you," said Shadow. "Even if you did beat me, there is no way you can destroy Robotnik's entire empire." "Wait," said Sonic. "We don't need to fight. If we work together, we can get out of here." "You just don't get it, do you?" replied Shadow. I can warp right out of this place using this Chaos Emerald." Shadow pulled out the Chaos Emerald. Sonic couldn't belive his eyes. Shadow was holding a Chaos Emerald in his hand. But Shadow's speech was cut short. A huge ice creature appeared out of nowhere from behind. It was fury, and about the size of a polar bear. It's face had no fur on it. The face was black and looked like the face of a lizard. It had huge fangs and long, sharp claws. It's eyes were red as blood. It was growling  softly but Shadow heard. As soon as Shadow turned around, the creature struck. It knocke Shadow about thirty feet back. Shadow dropped the Chaos Emerald right in front of the creature. Sonic knew that he had to get the Emerald. Sonic jumped and prepared for a homing attack. Sonic darted toward the creature but it knocked him in the other direction. The creature grabbed the Chaos Emerald and ran into a nearby cavern. Sonic and Shadow both got up. They went in front of the cavern entrance. "What was that thing?" asked Shadow. "It was a potnas," replied Sonic. "My father told me about them. They're huge arctic creatures that live in snowy, mountainous ranges. This is the first time I've ever seen one. From what I've heard, they're supposed to be bigger. That could've been an infant." "Well I dont care how big it is," said Shadow. "I'm gonna get that emerald back. And when I do, I'll warp out of here and let you freeze to death. Farewell." Shadow dashed straight into the cavern. Sonic didn't try to stop him. Sonic knew how dangerous pontases were. He knew that they were endangered but powerful. "Maybe I should've warned Shadow that they have powers," said Sonic. "Nah, he'll figure it out. Hopefully it'll be too late. It doesn't matter now what happens to him. I have to get that emerald before he does." Sonic jumped in after Shadow. "Wow," siad Sonic. "It's dark in here, I can't see a thing. Wiat a sec." Sonic remembered that he got some small torches in the ammunition room back in Robotnik's city. Sonic lit one of them. It didn't light up the cave, but he was able to see in front of him. There were lots of tunnels and different paths. Sonic was becoming hopeless. He was far into the cave. He was lost. Just then he heard a voice. "Who's there," said the voice. Sonic felt a big relief. Someone was talking to him. If they knew how to talk, they could probably help him. "Over here," said Sonic. He lit another mini torch so the person could see him. Whoever was talking to him, was walking inot the light. He walked into the light and Sonic was able to see him. Sonic saw a red echidna with sharp, pointy knuckles. "Well, well," said the echidna. "Looks like you're after the emerald too. Do you really think you can mess with me. I am the guardian of the Chaos Emeralds you know." "Oh great!" said Sonic. "I need your help." "What are you trying to pull Shadow?" asked the echidna. "What are you talking about?" said Sonic. "I'm Sonic the Hedgehog, and I'm gonna free Mobius from Dr. Robotnik." The echidna looked closer at Sonic. " Hey," said the echidna. "You're not Shadow. But you could be his accomplice." "No No," said Sonic. "I have to stop him. He's in this cave and he's after the Emerald. YOu have to help me." "Fine," siad the echidna. "But if you're leading me into a trap, I'll break your neck. And Robonik will be next." "Geez," said Sonic. "That sounds promising. Don't worry, I'm on your side. Oh, by the way, what's your name?" "My name is Knuckles." Sonic stared at him strangely. It was the same person it Vector's story.