Ringless

One

Shadow's Point of View

I slowly regain my consciousness, feeling the heat of the raging fire around me as I stand up, my body and mind aches.

Silence.

There's not a single noise except the crackling sound of the burning surroundings and my footsteps as I walk around.

My mind is filled with hundreds of questions, until I accidentally kick something metallic under my shoes.

I bend down, grabbing hold of the object.

It's an inhibitor ring. My inhibitor ring.

I quickly check my wrists and ankles, I only have two on my wrists.

"Oh no.." I muttered under my breath as I come to realize what may have happened before I regain consciousness.

In a swift move, I put on the inhibitor ring I've accidentally kicked on my left ankle and look for the other.

As I search for my last inhibitor ring, my head fills with worry.

Did I lose control? I should have not taken off my inhibitor rings. Are the others alright? Is Sonic..

My eyes widen as I stopped my tracks, there lies a blue hedgehog on the ground, his lower body crushed by a rubble.

It can't be.

I quickly rush over to where Sonic lies, desperately trying to get the rubble off him.

"Shadow.." Says a weak voice. I quickly glance at him.

"Sonic! I'll.." my voice breaks, "I'll this thing off you, just hold on!"

As I try to get the rubble off him, I could feel his gaze, his weakened gaze. I don't think he's gonna make it. And who's fault is that!?

I grunt from the labor, yet the rubble is just not moving! I panically look at Sonic.

He's looking at me.

Me.

The reason why he's in the situation.

Why is his expression like that?

Tears well up in the corner of my eyes without realizing. I feel so hopeless..

"Shadow.." Sonic tightly grips my last inhibitor ring in his hand, despite not having the strength to.

"Sonic.." My voice breaks as I respond.

"Shadow.." he managed to say under the pain he's in. "You're back.." he adds before coughing up blood.

"Sonic! Don't move, I'll get you somewhere we can treat your injuries." I said frantically, ignoring the pain in my chest as I continue moving the rubble off him, exposing his crushed bloodied legs.

My ears flattened on my head at the sight.

"Here.." He weakly raises his hand to give me the inhibitor ring.

Stupid.. he's already in so much pain but that's what he prioritizes?! I cover my mouth as tears fall down my eyes.

Sonic coughs up more blood, some of it getting on what's in his grip. I quickly kneel down and held him in my arms.

"Heh.. I'm glad you're back, Shadow.." He chuckles weakly.

The tears of my cheeks fall and drop on Sonic's.

"I'm sorry.."