So Long Goodnight (Sonadow)

Chapter X - Act I

"Tails?" despite his attempt of hiding his apprehension, worry could be heard from the blue blur's loud and slightly staggering voice. "Amy? Knuckles?!"

The two had made it back to the workshop in a split-second, yet the hero wasted no time in searching for his friends from every corner of their home – they were nowhere to be found.
Leaving vibrant, blue trails as he went back and forth, his heart paced faster upon getting the most negative thoughts.

Before he could take off and check the vicinity for the nth time, the ultimate lifeform grabbed his wrist just in time to prevent his rival from wasting his efforts, "Faker, they're clearly not here."

"Tails doesn't just disappear without informing me, Shad!" Sonic barked, trying his hardest to calm down. "What if Eggman already captured them?! We don't even know what he's up to! I should go look for him, he needs me-"

"Sonic," the raven male snarled as he tightened his grip. "That albino prick told you that he's just with the cat. I don't trust the likes of him, but I know you do. I'm sure they're fine. If anything, they must be looking for the doctor's coordinates right now."
The sapphire hedgehog came up with something to fire back when Shadow hushed him calmly, "While you were pacing here and there, I contacted Rouge. She forwarded a report regarding an underground laboratory built in a remote area within the Mystic Jungle with the doctor's symbol. That's our lead."

'Choosing an isolated area, Eggman must've prepared something,' averting his gaze, Sonic paused for a while as he drifted into a deep thought, "Wait..."
Shadow narrowed his eyes, shifting his head in a questioning manner when his counterpart opened his mouth to speak again, "You can't come with me."

"What are you saying?" the red-streaked hedgehog released his peach arm.

"It must be a trap," he admitted his suspicion, letting out a deep sigh. "He sounded intrigued and entertained when he knew you would come as well."

"Exactly, and it only gives me more reason to come with you," Shadow stared at ocean green orbs intently. "I can't let you go on your own. It's not safe."

"Shadow, you already know what he's capable of doing."

"That fox entrusted you to me and only to me. You're my responsibility."

"But you'll throw your life for nothing! Eggman countered your chaos during the last confrontation!" the blue hero eyed the inhibitor ring attached to his right wrist.

"And?"

"We're... we're practically useless even with our chaos-"

"Stop," crimson gaze turned to a cold glare. "Really? Is that what you're scared of? Anti-chaos? How many years have you spent battling this madman, hedgehog? How many times have you fallen? He discovered yet another thing that can be used against us and you falter?"

"I'm not exactly afraid of facing him," the sapphire male clenched his fists. "I just don't want to put you in danger!"

"Even with your chaos," the ultimate lifeform growled deeply, taking a few steps closer to intimidate his rival. "You are still a mortal."

"And so are you without your chaos!"

"How many times do I have to repeat that I don't give a single damn as long as it keeps you safe?!" even if he knew he was more than comfortable with the stubborn hero, he hated to admit that he still couldn't control his patience for him.

"Well, I do give a damn for you, Shad!" Sonic matched the antihero's tone as he pressed on when Shadow firmly held his shoulders.

"Look," he breathed deeply, momentarily bowing down his head to compose himself before looking back up again. "I no longer want us, arguing about the pettiest of things."
"I know that such inconsequential conversations became the reason why we have become who we are today, but now's not the time to be immature," ruby eyes glistened with pure concern. "I can't lose you again and finally remember it this time around..."