The Ruby Eyes of Affection

What is in there with Shadow?!?!

The cobalt awoke incredibly frustrated as he realized he'd fallen asleep... Again. This instance however, it was a much shorter period of time as he glanced all around the forest attempting to regain his composure. His eyes soon paused as he witnessed an absurdly skinny and feeble looking brunet hedgehog who happened to be sitting only a few inches away from his resting body. His face looked as if it had the joy and energy sucked right out of it as his bloodshot purple eyes glared at him in both defeat and regret.

"Feeling better, peasant?" He choked slightly on his words as he felt like he would burst out crying just by the mere thought of talking.

His eyes looked incredibly weak as he gently patted the azure hedgehog's shoulder before standing with his arm reaching out to him.

"C'mon, I'll take you to Shadie." He continued plainly, attempting to hold every emotion inside as the cobalt quickly took his hand.

"Why the sudden change of heart, Rob?" The azure hedgehog questioned while standing confidently as if he just won some kind of argument or fight.

The brunet hedgehog's face immediately turned pale as he couldn't hold in the pain any longer. A few tears streamed down his face as his mind still couldn't believe his eyes.

"Your Voziti..." He stated emotionally as his heart was still fighting those exact words.

"Is that a problem?" The sapphire hedgehog queried in slight frustration as he showed absolutely no sign of compassion.

"I'm Nedaće, the guardian and protector of Miran..." Rob added as felt even worse as he knew the azure felt absolutely nothing for him.

No sympathy, no regret, no nothing. Exactly what he expected of Voziti.

"Wait! Do you mean Shadow... Please tell me its true?!!!" Sonic shouted triumphantly as his face showed immediate admiration.

"Correct... I..." The brunet hedgehog stopped as he choked a little on his own sobs.

"Please... Don't tell him I told you. I'm not really even supposed to be giving you this kind of information... Its strictly against protocall to provoke the development of you and the princess..." Rob begged desperately as he wiped the tears from his eyes before letting out a quick sigh in an attempt to regain control of his emotions.

Strangely a frown appeared on the cobalt's face as he figured out exactly why the brown hedgehog was acting so sensitive and heartbroken.

"I'm sorry, Rob. Must be really tough being forced to give up shadow like this." He identified as his eyes showed just a glimmer of sympathy and his pupils drifted straight towards the ground in regret.

"Maria, would have wanted it this way... I was stupid. I fell for him even though I was forbidden to from the start. He is yours... Always has been. Forgive me, I just need a little time to get my thoughts together. I will continue my job just please don't kill me..." The brown hedgehog explained as his face still remained emotionally unstable.

"Wait, you knew Maria?! And why are you so afraid? You destroyed me remember!?" Sonic exclaimed in embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head in slight hindrance.

"Voziti can eliminate anyone who gets in his way, if he wanted to. You spared my mortal life and for that I cannot be more thankful. Now I shall take you to Shadow." He responded, very careful not to answer the cobalt's question regarding Maria.

He walked up to Sonic and quickly grabbed his arm.

"C'mon do whatcha do best, peasant!" He bellowed somewhat bitter-sweetly as he tried to regain his composure.