Val chuckled, "How bout you carry the emerald for now." she told Shadow imitating Sonic's trademark smirk perfectly.

Shadow responded with his own trademark scowl. "Fine."

Ghost bust out laughing.

Holt shrank back slightly. "Okay, don't get all worked up..."

Val chuckled, "All right, all right." she said leaning against a tree.

"Either way, just a bit longer; say, an hour, and then we can fast travel the rest of the way," Shadow said, changing the subject.

Val nodded and climbed the tree quickly, she lay down on a thick, wide, branch.

Shadow walked off a little ways with a sigh. "I question those two," He whispered to Ghost.

I'm starting to, too. Ghost replied glumly.

Holter climbed up onto a lower branch. "So, what do you wanna talk about?"

"Um, what did you do for a living before I met you?" Val asked.

Holter grinned stupidly. "I work at this sandwich place called 'Walter's'. I hate the uniform and a bunch of weirdos eat there, but it pays well. It's on 31st Street," He chuckled. "And you?"

Val looked away, "I don't know if you want to hear what I do." she said not wanting to talk about how she lived.

"Hey, c'mon, I told you! It's only fair," Holt coaxed.