[Sonadow] ~Beyond The Rivalry~

~Hospital~

With a slight nod of encouragement from Tails, Shadow took off with a burst of speed, the wind whipping around them. As they zoomed through the vibrant landscape, Shadow felt the weight of Sonic in his arms and looked down to see him peacefully asleep, a serene expression on his face.

The sight brought a small smile to Shadow's lips, a rare moment of warmth piercing through his otherwise stoic demeanor.

"Just hang on, Sonic, you're gonna be okay"

He fixed his gaze firmly on the horizon and hurried towards the nearest hospital. Upon arrival, a doctor swiftly approached and ushered Sonic inside, instructing the others to remain in the waiting room.

They all nodded in understanding, their expressions a mixture of concern and hope as they settled into the sterile, quiet space filled with the faint sounds of distant beeping machines and hushed conversations.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as they anxiously awaited news about Sonic's condition. After a few moments of silence, Knuckles, unable to contain himself, broke the stillness.

"Shadow what happened to Sonic, we left the security room the second we spotted him"

He waited in silence, watching as the ebony figure remained lost in thought, seemingly oblivious to his presence. The words he had spoken earlier hung in the air, unanswered. The way the dark one's brow furrowed and his gaze drifted far away suggested a deep turmoil that captivated him.

His mind, however, was ensnared by images of Sonic—particularly the heart-wrenching sight of the blue blur in a moment of vulnerability. Sonic's vibrant energy appeared dimmed, his usual spark replaced with a haunting fragility that struck a chord within him.

This unsettling realization stirred an inexplicable sensation in the depths of his chest; it was a complex, uncomfortable feeling that he couldn't quite place, a blend of concern and bewilderment that left him feeling disoriented and uneasy.

"Shadow?" He jumped slightly and turned to face everyone who was waiting for an answer from him as he cleared his throat

"S-Sorry"

"It's okay... you zoned out for a bit" Amy reassured him as Shadow sighed

"You were thinking about Sonic, weren't you?" Rouge questioned as he nodded

"After Eggmans base I can't get him out of my head— probably before that, I don't know if I'm supposed to feel like this—" Rouge smirked

"Oh, hun— I know exactly how you're feeling" Hearing this everyone else started to smirk except Knuckles who gave a confused look

"Okay, should I be smirking too or ask what the hell are you talking about?!" The red echidna spoke as Rouge started to speak but was silenced by the doctor

"Uh, I'm looking for a Shadow The Hedgehog?" His ear flickered at his name being called

"Y-Yes, that's me" The doctor gave a smile and reached out his hand for him to shake

"I'm Dr. Hynes, I'm Sonic's caretaker here in room 114..."

"Glad to know, *he returns the gesture* how's he doing?"

"Despite all the injuries and bruising he took... he'll be alright— but needs to stay the night for monitoring and rest" Tails ears pinned

"Injuries and bruising? And needs the stay the night— what kind of bruising did he take?! How bad are his injuries?!" The doctor gave a sad look

"Below his abdomen and the access amount of bleeding, he had to perform a rap—" Shadow interrupted him

"Don't worry Miles, Sonic will be fine— let's do what Dr. Hynes says and give Sonic some rest" Tails nodded and asked