The Ruby Eyes of Affection

You would lock me up like the rest

A rapid gust of air appeared behind a fast moving azure hedgehog as he desperately looked for his rival.

"Shadow, where are you!! You said you'd be around here." He belted forcefully. Letting his voice carry throughout the little town as everyone started to continue their normal everyday lives after Dr Eggman's relatively short attack.

(Maybe he already went home...) He thought, hoping he was just overreacting to the situation.

He quickly dashed past the town and into the forest as the eerie atmosphere caused a chill to run up his spine.

(Please... Be here... I have a very bad feeling.) He yearned as he walked through the house urgently searching for any sign of life.

(He's not here...) He stood in complete silence as fear and worry started to consume his thoughts.

(That's why Egghead was going easy on me...) His body became stiff and infuriated as he marched out of the house in blind panic.

"If it's a fight you want! It's a fight you'll get and this time I won't show ANY mercy for your mortal soul. No one underestimates Sonic the Hedgehog." He confirmed maddeningly before looking around in desperation.

(Don't worry Shads, I'm on my way.) He thought as he began to formulate a plan.

First, he would need to find Egghead's base and there was only one way to do that. He knew the doctor had at least one chaos emerald powering the lab. So, he raced through the woodland and back into town at blazing speeds before arriving at the kistune's lab.

"Tails! We have an emergency! I need a Chaos Emerald Locator NOW!" He exclaimed with force and aggression as he dashed into the relatively small workshop.

Tails practically jumped out of his seat as he cowered in instinctual fear when he recognized Sonic's incredibly serious tone.

"Um... Sonic... It was destroyed. But um... I'm working on another one right now. We need Chaos energy though..." He whispered thoughtfully attempting to maybe calm the crazy rage rushing through the azure hedgehog's body.

"Tails... I'm completely serious right now. If you do not get me a Chaos Emerald Locator and figure out a way to make it work, I swear I will rip off both your tails with my bare hands and use them for meat in my chili dogs... NOW GET TO IT!!!" The cobalt hedgehog threatened as he sat on the couch with flames of anger practically engulfing the surrounding area.

Tails body shivered in terror as he immediately began sketching designs and plans. He couldn't believe that the azure hedgehog would threaten him so acutely. What could possibly be making him so enraged?

Sonic remained on the couch impatiently tapping his foot against the tile flooring. For once in his life, he didn't care if he sounded evil or demonic. All he wanted was his beautiful ebony sweetheart back safe and sound.

(Shadow please be okay. I wish there was a way to find you sooner.) He thought as he glanced over at the fearful kitsune who was starting to show signs of frustration.

"Sonic... The only way I think this will work is if we get some of the Master Emerald's power and you know Knuckles. He would NEVER give it to us unless it was an absolute emergency."

"Don't worry about that Tails. I'll take care of all that crap. If he values his life, he will do everything needed to get that thing working." Sonic's voice was dark and diabolical as he clasped his hands together sternly.

"Sonic... You're acting um... unusual. Are you feeling okay?" Tails asked passively as he started to sort through his many cardboard boxes looking for an electronic chip.

"Are you questioning me?" He responded while glaring at the fox with incredible intensity as he noticed his change of tone.

He had to admit, striking fear into the hearts of people felt strangely appealing; but quickly pushed the thought aside as he realized it made him sound like a monster.

"NO! Of course not. Not at all. I just don't see you like this very often." He replied practically shaking as he grasped the half-made machine.

"Then you shouldn't have to ask. Do what I say and everything will be okay." Sonic responded somewhat soothingly as he knew Tails would probably never forgive him if he didn't show some sign of affection.

"Your right. Forgive me. I didn't mean to sound disrespectful. I just want to make sure that you're going to be okay and not hurt anyone." The kitsune explained while screwing the last bolt into the Chaos Emerald Locator.

"As long as you follow my orders and not question my actions, you will be fine, Tails." He knew he sounded practically like a villain, but his desire to protect Shadow was too great. Fighting his inner personality was just going to make him more emotional and angry.

"All done. We need the energy though and Sonic..." He looked up at the azure hedgehog's cold green eyes that were filled with nothing but determination.

"Please, don't brutally murder Knuckles. I know you're having a mental breakdown right now but he is still our friend."

Sonic's face quickly changed to surprise as he noticed Tails's violently shaking body.

"I promise... But I'm going to get what I want and I don't care how I get it." The cobalt hedgehog quickly hopped off the sofa as he gently grabbed the device out of the practically crying fox's hands.

(Oh man... He's never going to let me live this down.) Sonic thought as he decided if he explained his actions maybe they would be easier to forgive.

"Shadow disappeared soon after the fight with Eggman. I have a horrible feeling that he was kidnapped. I'm sorry Tails, please understand you're a wonderful little brother and I'm not punishing you. However, it is ESSENTIAL I save him as soon as possible and I need everyone's cooperation to do so, especially my little side-kick." The sapphire hedgehog stated somewhat lovingly in an attempt to relax his quivering best friend.

Tails responded with a slow nod as he seemed to have calmed down a bit.

"I will now be heading to Angel Island to meet with Knuckles. I want you to stay here and watch for any signs of Shadow or Egghead." He gently patted the kitsune's shoulder as he started to feel somewhat guilty. At least he felt regret this time, which was normally very rare.

"No, I want to come with you! I can help..." Tails responded as he clenched his fists trying to show he was ready for anything thrown at him.

"You've helped enough. Please, stay safe for me." Sonic replied trying to mask the fact that he was afraid he might harm the fox if he snapped and wanted him as far away from this side of him as possible.

"Sonic... You're not bad. You may think you are, but I think you're a wonderful person. Even if you do have some problems, you're still my big brother and I'll always love you." The fox declared as he gave the azure hedgehog a little friendship hug to emphasize that he was honest.

"Thanks bro. That means a lot more to me than you can ever imagine." The cobalt hedgehog gently patted the kitsune's head before taking the machine and quickly walking out the door.

(If only you knew what happened Tails... If you knew, you would want to lock me up just like the rest of them.) He thought regretfully as he was on the brink of bursting into tears after realizing his best friend understood absolutely nothing.

No one understood....