#sonicsega

Sonic's POV

"Tailsss," I spin around in the chair next to him, kicking my feet up on the counter. "Hey, buddyy."

"Yes, Sonic?" He doesn't even glance up, totally focused on whatever gizmo he's working on. Classic Tails. Always tinkering, always light-years ahead of the rest of us. Honestly, sometimes I wish I had even half his focus.

Last time we were out collecting rings, I got distracted by some fancy-looking laser lights and smashed face-first into a pillar.

Good times.

"What're you working on?"

He snorts softly, like he's amused I even asked. "You really wanna know? Sure it won't fry your brain?"

"Wow, rude," I elbow him lightly. "EXCuSE me for not having an IQ of a million."

"Sonic, it's not-"

"Yeah, yeah, just spill already. C'mon, I've been sittin' here for hours."

"It's been... twenty minutes," he says with a small sigh, finally pointing to some shiny circular component in front of him. "See this? It's going to be an advanced battery-super efficient, super lightweight. Once I work out the last bug, it'll power just about anything."

"A battery, huh? Riveting stuff, bud. Here I thought you were building a teleportation chair or, like, a chili-dog racer or something actually cool."

Tails smirks. "Battery not good enough for Sonic the Hedgehog? Shocking."

I laugh softly, shaking my head. I'm kidding, of course. I'm proud of Tails and everything he builds, even if I don't always get it. I know this battery is probably going to change lives-or at least power some epicc machine.

I try to sit still and keep him company. He deserves the quiet to focus, and I want to be here for him. But sitting still? Definitely not my thing. After a while, I can't take it anymore. I spin in my chair a few times before hopping up to wander around the workshop.

Tails doesn't stop me, but I can feel his eyes flick toward me every so often, like he's half-expecting me to do something dumb.

Pff like I need babysitti-

"Shoot!" I accidentally knock over a stack of parts, sending them clattering to the floor.

"Sonic!" Tails yelps, whipping around to see the mess. "Those were organized for a reason!"

"Ah, sorry, sorry!" I crouch down to help, but he waves me off with a sigh.

"It's fine, I've got it. Just-be careful, okay?" His voice is sharper than usual, but it softens quickly. "You don't have to go or anything. Just... maybe sit still for once?"

For once.

I rub the back of my head, forcing a small laugh. "Yeah, well, you know me. Sitting still isn't really my thing." I give him a big, cheerful grin as I head for the door. "I'll get outta your fur. See ya later, buddy!"

By the time I'm a mile away, the grin's long gone.

It's better this way. Better if I'm not there to mess something else up.

"Ugh..." I sigh, letting my face relax into something more honest.

There's this tightness in my chest, like a weight pressing down. I don't know what to call it, but I know how to make it stop.

Running.

When I'm running, everything blurs. It's like I've got my own little world, one where nothing can catch me. Nothing can hurt me. No one can keep up.

So I take off.

Maybe if I keep running, I'll leave the feeling behind too. Maybe this time, I'll outrun it for good.

--------------------------

Shadow's POV

He really let me out of the room.

At first, I didn't believe it, waiting for the mockery to hit. I thought the second I caught a glimpse of the outside, I'd be shoved back. But it didn't happen. The door stayed open, and I stepped through, as the commander stayed silent.

I imagine he was not overjoyed by the fact I was about to walk around his grounds. GUN grounds. People who I resent ever since that day, ever since they came and ruined Maria's home. My home. The place where I was needed. Maria needed me, and I didn't mind all the tests, even when they hurt.

I knew it was all to find a cure. That was what I was created for, after all. Maybe if GUN didn't attack, that purpose would have been fulfilled. Maria could finally see the Earth, like she always wanted, without her sickness holding her back.

My teeth ground together, and I forced the thoughts down. Showing weakness could jeopardize everything. I couldn't afford that. Maria is still out there, and I will find her. I will save her.

"Don't mistake this for friendliness. You will be kept an eye on," the commander's voice cut through the fog overtaking my mind.

"Hmph." I stepped forward, ignoring him completely. I needed to look around, see the layout, see the threats. And about that mission... when would they deign to share the details with me?

The commander left, no doubt heading to his office. I stayed on my path, walking down the corridor.

The halls were pretty lifeless, sterile. As they were on ARK. Well, unless Maria had something to do with it. Her room was decorated with all sorts of things. I shouldn't think about this-just focus.

The other agents gave me a wide berth as I walked. I could feel their stares. Some looked at me with fear, like I might lunge at them at any moment. Others with disgust, muttering under their breath or sneering as if I couldn't hear them.

"Robotnik's hybrid freak."

Their looks reminded me of the researchers who assisted Professor. They too would give me such eyes, and I wouldn't understand why at first. But after some time... I came to know why. I am just a monster.

I sighed and decided to ignore everyone as I walked through the facility. Judging by the way some of them stiffened when I passed, I'd bet the commander gave them strict orders not to engage me directly. A few of them looked like they'd shoot me on sight.

You love doing that, don't you, GUN?

I clenched my jaw and kept walking, but my mind wouldn't let it go. The memories clawed at the edges of my thoughts, threatening to drag me down. I needed to focus, to push it aside, but the harder I tried, the more it crept in.

Stop thinking about it.

I gritted my teeth.

Stop. Just...

My breathing hitched, unsteady. My fists tightened at my sides as I came to a stop, willing the rising heat in my chest to go away.

Am I seriously about to cry?

I froze, the thought jolting me. I haven't cried since they pulled me out of cryo. Not once. I can't afford to. Not until she's safe.

Feelings won't help her. Emotions won't save her.

I exhaled slowly, steadying myself.

I can't let them get in the way. Maria's depending on me.

She's all I have.

So @sonicthehedgehog (I can't seem to tag them h) had a redraw challenge and I guess I pulled out all the skills for this one.