Val didn't look very convinced, "What about Sonic, can't he help you?" she asked narrowing her eyes.

Shadow glanced at the Chaos Emerald in his hand. "He's doing his part elsewhere,"

He can't be everywhere at once... unfortunately for us. Ghost muttered. Tell them that.

"Fast as he is, he can't be everywhere at once,"

Perfect.

"Will you ever shut up?" Shadow whispered.

.....
No.

"Who are you talking to?" Val asked with a frown.

Shadow's ears went erect at the question. Deciding it was okay, he sighed and said, "I'm talking to Ghost, if you must know. If he wasn't nagging me to death..."
HEY!
"...I would have left you alone," He replied, holding up his Chaos Emerald. It gleamed a beautiful sapphire blue. Ghost channeled some of the energy so that it pulsed like a heart beat.
"Stop showing off," Shadow said aloud.
Fine. Ghost grumbled, breaking his channel.

Shadow stared down Holt and Val. "But since I'm beating a dead horse, I think I'll let Ghost convince you,"

The Chaos Emerald flickered rapidly. Wait, What?! You arn't planning on giving the Emerald to them, are you?! Ghost dememded, but Shadow ingorned him and set the stone on the ground before walking off. SHADOW! GET YOUR BLACK BUTT BACK HERE THIS SECOND!! No reply.

Ghost sighed to himself in defeat. Wonderful... Nobody could hear it untill they came in contact or he decided to become visible, which he couldn't afford to do right now.

Holter glanced at Val as Shadow walked away. "Er... W-what are we supposed to do here?"

Val narrowed her eyes, she touched the Emerald, "Is this a Chaos Emerald?" she asked, she had only seen pictures of them.

(Just so you know, this is set about 20 years in the future, and a lot can happen in that time. )

Yes, it is, Ghost answered, establishing the connection at the touch. The process was quick, and you couldn't feel a thing. You can call me Ghost for now. His voice clearly belonged to a male, lacking the shyness one might expect from a spirit.

And that ray of sunshine that just ditched me was Shadow. Now you can start asking me questions, and then I guess I'm supposed to persuade you to go with me and Shadow... Or something. So, ask away.

Holt tilted an ear curiously. "Val? Is everything okay?" He asked, stepping forward and nervously fingering the hilt of his blade.

At the voice Val froze, now she didn't just have a mild fear of water, now she had a developing fear over the Chaos Emerald, Val gulped, then she narrowed her eyes, "What is your real name if you don't tell me I ain't going." she said stubbornly.

Sorry, I can't say. One of those "If-I-tell-you-I'll-have-to-kill-you" sorta things. Besides, I'm not really who I used to be. I'm mostly energy right now, and even when I'm not... Well,
I'll show you both when you're ready. For now, my name is Ghost, and I won't respond to anything else. Ghost replied, equally stubborn. But... I can compromise. With that, the Emerald brightened, and a wisp of light broke off. That wisp soon took the shape of a scarlet macaw. There. Not my true, tangible form, but you can see me now.

Holt yepled and sprang back, unseathing his blade.

Val put a hand on her hip, "Unless you can explain why you need me and Holt I'm outta here." she said with a growl, she was no longer afraid, now she was irritated with the spirit and Shadow.

Ghost rolled his eyes. Ever hear the expression "Walls have ears"? That isn't safe to talk about right here. You gotta have a little more faith then that.

Holt shuddered. "I hear it now..."

I'm more of a he, but... whatever. Ghost sighed. Look, I know this seems weird right now, but if you'll just come, I promise, me, Shadow, Sonic-- We'll explain whatever we can.