A Shooting Star ~Kirby and Sonic crossover~

Chapter 12: "I'm Here For You"

Shadow could hear his own heart pounding underneath his chest so loudly that he was sure  that the others could hear it too. His blood roared in his ears as he stared at Sonic's unconscious body, his eyes glued to the blue furred mobian and unable to look away.

Sonic...!

Kneeling over to him, Shadow gently touched the hero's fur, recoiling when his hand made contact with his pelt.

He felt so cold.

Lifeless, almost.

"He's freezing!" Shadow exclaimed. He turned to Tails. As much as he hated it, he needed to ask for his advice. "What should we do? You're the expert here!"

"W- we should get the poison out of his body," Tails said, his voice wavering with fear of having his brother dying on him, or perhaps Shadow yelling at him. "But since the position has spread so quickly throughout his body, I don't know how to get all of it out his bloodstream!"

Shadow's eyes narrowed. He wasn't the type to panic, but if Sonic died on him...

A massive wave a hopelessness almost knocked Shadow off his feet. His arms and legs were still sore from the battle, and he felt his eyes prickle with sorrowful tears.

He quickly blinked them away, annoyed. What was wrong with him? Why did he feel so... so sad? It was only Sonic. He was just a mere opponent, that was all! A punching bag!

So why? Why did he feel as if part of him died seeing Sonic so helpless?

Meta Knight spoke up. "It is not too late, my friends. You have forgotten that we have Kirby with us."

Everyone, including Shadow, turned to the little pink puff. Kirby's eyes flashed defiantly, and Shadow couldn't help but notice how the puffball's attitude did a complete turn.

When they had first met, Kirby had been frightened for his life, acting like a terrified child when he first saw an Eggman robot. And yet, when a friend was in trouble, Kirby took the responsibility, holding his chin high.

It was almost as if... he was a totally different person.

Kirby, still having his psychic powers (along with his neat little hat), neared Sonic's body. Shadow paused, not wanting to leave his rival's side. But when he felt Meta Knight's hand on his shoulder, beckoning him to step away from the body, did Shadow finally step back, watching Kirby carefully.

Why was the Ultimate Lifeform even putting his hopes on this baby puffball? This made Shadow scorn, clenching his gloved fists so hard that his claws somehow managed to dig into his skin. Was he really going to allow this- this marshmallow save Sonic?

Shadow's breaths came in fast, heavy gasps. No, he was too tired. He couldn't heal Sonic with a Chaos Recover, even if he willed himself to.

If he tried, it would end up in a massive failure. Then there would be absolutely no chance in saving him.

Shadow forced himself to swallow his pride as he watched Kirby close his eyes in concentration, and suddenly both of the orbs surrounding his paws absorbed each other and became one massive, shimmering globe.

Shadow's eyes widened in alarm as he watched the orb sink into Sonic's body. Wasn't this the attack Kirby had defeated Eggman with? With a cry of pure rage, Shadow reached over to punch the devious Star Warrior.

You traitor!

"Shadow," a quiet, calm voice interrupted. Shadow turned to see Meta Knight watching him with serene, yellow eyes. The knight shook his head. "You must trust Kirby. He is the only that can save Sonic."