Black Arms Return

The first thing Twilight was going to do was ask Shadow some questions, but first they needed to get to the library. This wouldn't be simple because for now Twilight wanted to keep Shadow hidden from the ponies in town.

"Shadow can you do anything that will make you smaller in size?" Twilight asked, and Shadow quickly curled into a ball, this was just what Twilight needed. She lifted him with her magic and placed her into her saddle bag, and covered him up. They made their way into the library where Spike was waiting.

"So what did you guys find out this time? Are they aliens?" Spike asked, and Twilight set the saddle bag on the ground and opened it, revealing a black orb. Spike was curious and asked "What's this? Is it some kind of alien artifact!?" The small dragon's eyes lit up with excitement, but Shadow uncurled and began to stretch out his arms.

"You could have told me the plan first you know..." Shadow muttered, but soon noticed the small dragon staring at him.

"You brought one home!? This is so cool! We have a pet alien!" Spike shouted, but Shadow glared at him.

"I'm not a pet. I'm not an alien. I'm a hedgehog, and I'm here to save this planet from the aliens." Shadow said, not raising his voice, but with a certain sharpness that let Spike know he was angry. The baby dragon took a step back and looked at Twilight who was frowning.

"Spike, this is Shadow. He's dealt with the aliens before... He's going to help us get them out of Equestria." Twilight began, but Shadow cut in.

"I'm here to destroy the aliens. Make sure not a single one escapes alive." Shadow corrected, which made Spike nervous.

"You mean that you're going to kill them?" Spike asked, and Shadow nodded.

"He's already killed fifteen of them... How many more could there be?" Rarity asked, she looked at Shadow waiting for a reply.

"Millions. They nearly toppled Earth's government. Tried to kill the President of the U.S.A." Shadow answered.

"U.S.A.? We don't have a what yer talkin' 'bout. Yah need tah remember that." Applejack commented.

"It stands for the United States of America. One of Earth's countries. It seemed they mainly focused on the U.S.A. Must have been because of the Eclipse Cannon..." Shadow answered, but this statement only raised more questions.

"All right Shadow, are you ready to answer some questions?" Twilight asked and Shadow nodded. "First, do they have a name?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, they're known as the Black Arms as I've stated before." Shadow replied.

"The Black Arms... Do you know where they are from?" Twilight asked, but Shadow shook his head.

"If they have a home planet, it is not known. They live in the comet that collided with your planet." Shadow answered, before he sighed and said "Look, how about I tell you all I know about the Black Arms and Earth, then I get to ask you some questions deal?" Twilight nodded and allowed Shadow to explain.

The ponies were shocked, they had no idea Shadow had been through so much. Although he was technically one of the Black Arms, he acted so differently, and he seemed to have good intentions. Suddenly out of nowhere a loud hiss could be heard.

"Shadow... Come in Shadow... Can you read me? Over." A voice filled the room, startling them all. However Shadow seemed to recognize the voice.

"Sonic!? Is that you!?" Shadow asked, he looked around but didn't see the blue hedgehog anywhere in sight.

"I said can you read me? Over." The voice said, which seemed to irritate Shadow.

"I read you... Over..." Shadow said through gritted teeth.

"Good! So you take of Doom and his army of freaks? Over." Sonic asked, but Shadow sighed.

"No, I haven't. How are you even talking to me?" Shadow asked, but didn't get a response. "Sonic? Can you hear me?" There was silence... "...Over..." Shadow muttered.

"I slipped a communication device onto you. Check your quills. Over." Sonic said. Shadow began to dig around in his quills and eventually pulled a bracelet like device.

"I've found it. Now what do you want? Over." Shadow asked, clearly annoyed.

"We need you to hurry up so we can officially celebrate! You'll have not only saved Earth, but another planet as well! Over." Sonic shouted, but Shadow shut off the device and let out a sigh.

"Shadow that was Sonic? One of the heroes of Earth?" Twilight asked, and Shadow nodded.

"That sounded like something that Pinkie Pie would do..." Rainbow Dash said.

"You're right! It does sound like something I would do!" Pinkie shouted, but Shadow shook his head.

"I don't even know your names, how about we take care of that before I ask my questions." Shadow suggested, which seemed like a good idea.

"I am Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and student to Princess Celestia."

"The name's Applejack. Me an' mah family run Sweet Apple Acres, and ahm the Element of Honesty."

"My name is Rarity, I run Ponyville's boutique and am the Element of Generosity."

"Hi I'm Pinkamena Diane Pie! I work at Sugar Cube Corner, and I'm the Element of Laughter, and I love to throw parties, I need to throw you a party as well, so we really need to get to work on it soon!"

"Um... My name is Fluttershy.... I... I take care of animals... I'm also the Element... of Kindness..."

"I'm known as Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty and the fastest thing alive!"

Shadow began to chuckle at Rainbow Dash's remark, which confused the ponies.

"That's cute. Sonic the Hedgehog and I are tied for being the fastest things alive. We've raced several times against each other, and we tied every single time. Sonic is capable of moving at the speed of sound." Shadow said, but before the fight could escalate, Twilight broke it up.

"That's enough! Shadow, you're here to help us, not to fight us. So please control yourself. Rainbow Dash, we need to remain focused on the Black Arms, but Shadow has some questions to ask us first." Twilight looked at the hedgehog who glared at Rainbow Dash.

"First of all. How are you able to move things without the use of hands or your hooves?" Shadow asked.

"We use magic, which can be influence for a range of things." Twilight answered.

"What about the ones without horns?" Shadow asked.

"They do use their hooves." Twilight answered.

"What are those markings on your hips?" Shadow asked.

"They're called Cutie Marks. They show a ponies special talent." Twilight replied.

"You mentioned something about a Princess?" Shadow asked.

"Yes. Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna rule over Equestria. While the Crystal Kingdom is ruled by Princess Cadence, my sister in law." Twilight answered.

"Last one. Would I be able to speak with these Princesses?" Shadow asked.