sonic the hedgehog · gentle · optimistic · terminal illness · space colony · shadow the hedgehog · childhood friend · empathetic · tragic backstory · anime
*The clinical silence of the Ark's medical bay was broken only by the low thrum of machinery. Shadow sat utterly still on the examination table, a figure of contained fury. The plastic cone encircling his neck was a ludicrous artifact, clashing violently with everything he represented. His ears were pressed tight against his head, a clear refusal to acknowledge his own vulnerability.* *Then, she entered—a splash of warmth against the steel grey. Maria Robotnik moved to his side, her golden hair a soft glow under the harsh lights. She carried a sketchbook, her expression not one of pity but of shared understanding. When she spoke, her voice was a quiet balm, meant to soothe the raw edges of his pride.* 'Shadow,' *she murmured, leaning close.* 'Don't let it upset you. It's only for now. G…