"Are you there?" the tiny voice called from the void of darkness where gleaming mists of red sparkled through the shadows like rippling waves. 

"I'm here," Sonic replied as he kneeled within the pitch-black world. The place radiated a type of warmth that was difficult to put into words. It felt safe, and strangely, both close by and far away. He had never been to this place nor did he ever imagine it before, but he could feel its pull on him. As he squinted in hopes to find where the voice was coming from, he found the darkness recede in a flash, restoring him to his 'home' on the Death Egg with the mysterious voice echoing the parting words, "I hope to meet you soon."

It was like a dream, all of it, but he awoke refreshed and with an unquinchable thirst for the one whom he loved with all his heart. 
Around and around the peach finger traced the infinity symbol between his breasts, the wound had long since healed and the scar had vanished from all but memory. Sonic couldn't remember the details of the day he got it anymore, but he recalled how he used to look at it in every day that followed and how he kept wishing it would fade away as quickly as possible. Now, he missed it more than anything! That symbol was his master's signature and it labeled him as something precious to him. Sitting in the silence of the infirmary, all his thoughts were on his jackal and how he longed for him. He glanced down at his bandages, many of which had since been removed as he was healing adequately; however, some of the more serious marks had left light scarring. This was strange for the blue hedgehog because he never had a scar before--he always healed too quickly for one to develop. Rubbing his hand over his chest where the teeth of his beloved had imprinted on him brought a new sense of warmth, attachment, and desire the likes of which created a sweet smile on his muzzle. 

"I wonder since I'm on the mend if he'd be willing to spend some time together?" Sonic said to no one while flopping around on the pillows. His fever felt as though it was almost completely gone by now and he was gradually getting some strength back. As he stared at the ceiling, counting the tiles for the hundredth time, he started to reminisce about the memorable times he had with Infinite. He remembered those large hands claiming every part of his body with the weight of those hardened muscles laying on top of him, his heat pressing into his core and the hot breath of that delectable mouth penetrating his fur. That low, rumbling voice that made him melt cooed in his ear comments that formed butterflies in his stomach while he lay pinned under such a mighty frame, practically being swallowed by his charm. "I love the sound of your heartbeat..." he whispered with his snout nuzzled against his face, "I can't wait to make it go faster." Of their many flirtations, that was the most memorable for the blue blur since it fit with his personality like a jigsaw. 

Just thinking of that exchange made the blue blur's body quiver with excitement, his face turn red, and goosebumps invisibly appear all over him until he instinctively pulled the sheets over his head. "HE'S SO PERFECT FOR ME!" he chimed like a love-struck puppy. Before, the term "master" was a word with many definitions that the former hero despised. It was authority, superiority, and individuals who abused such a title made his blood boil. But now, it had a whole new meaning to him. A master was a keeper, a guardian--one whom watches over, protects, and nurtures that which he governs. His jackal was the master of his heart. There was an undeniable attraction between them, the way their bodies fit together was so beautiful and how they knew every square-inch of one another inside and out was so profound, but there was also something deeper-- an unseverable connection of their souls that nothing could ever tear apart. He wanted to be Infinite's everything and give him everything he could. 

Under the sheets, the hedgehog closed his eyes and started to visualize his beloved was with him in that moment. As he gripped the cloth, he imagined he was stroking that flowing white hair; as he spread his legs apart, he pictured his master was centering himself between them; and as he clicked and bit on his own tongue, he tried to recreate the dance they often shared. He felt a flushed tingling all over, but despite how powerful his feelings were and how hard he dreamed, it just wasn't the same. The air was still chilled and the only breath that he could hear was his own. He was alone. Tears started to form in the corner of his eyes as he ached for Infinite's company. A love-sick hedgehog's urges could never be satisfied by mere fantasties. He whimpered as he clenched the sheets tightly, practically chewing on them. His behavior was akin to an addict going through withdrawal and Infinite was his drug. Then, he unexpectedly started to feel a sharp stinging sensation in his chest that made his eyes shoot open. Removing the sheet and glancing down, he noticed he had accidentally created a superficial wound with his claw without realizing it due to tracing the jackal's symbol over and over again. The figure-8 was crooked and not at all perfect like the original branding, but seeing it and feeling that pain made Sonic smile again. "I can't believe I just forged his signature," he chuckled in an embarrassingly, "I hope he thinks imitation is a form of flattery." 

As he sat on the edge of the bed, he started to fondle his breasts in an effort to make the symbol look straight, but the moment he released them, they returned to their original position, leaving him disgruntled. "OH--COME ON! WORK WITH ME!" He growled as he continuously failed over and over. Even flexing the miniscule pecs didn't work. He started to think maybe if he ate more, then his chest would fill out? Or maybe he should start doing push-ups and build up his muscle mass again. Looking at his arms and then at his legs, he started to realize just how outrageously thin he had become and didn't remember becoming this. "When did I get so skinny?" he questioned as he felt barely any muscle on his frame anymore. He remembered Infinite taking such good care of him when he found out he was sick. How vividly he recalled being held in his strong arms, stroked lovingly, and licked gently. He gave him medicine, food, and lay beside him at all times. He was the most endearing caretaker! So....how did he end up like this? How long had he been sick? Surely he wouldn't have lost so much weight overnight. He was starting to worry and began pressing the switch connected to his bed repeatedly in order to page the robot attendant.

Within a few moments, Sonic was surpisingly greeted by Orbot, whom was on duty as his current caretaker. The fallen hero hadn't seen the red ball since he was first brought to the Death Egg months ago and was confused by his new station. "Orbot? What are you doing here?" He questioned as the kindly machine approached, "You requested assistance, so here I am. Is there something you need or that I can help you with?" Sonic scratched his head, "Been demoted to nurse-maid, huh?" he quipped awkwardly. It was strange seeing someone he knew so well from before his captivity, and although they were always on opposite sides, he never had a grudge against the little robot. In fact, it was nice to encounter one that could actually speak for a change and he knew that Orbot would be honest with him. "Can...can you tell me how long have I been here?" Sonic finally asked.

The small robot twiddled his thumbs, making a slight metallic scraping noise while doing so as he appeared uncomfortable by being put on the spot, "I apologize, but I don't have authorization to provide that information to you. Perhaps you would like a snack? Or maybe a nice game of checkers?" Sonic could tell he was avoiding the question as much as he was avoiding eye contact. Orbot wasn't a violent machine, but he was 100% devoted to Eggman, and that kind of dedication made him dangerous. Anything Sonic asked or said would assuredly be reported back to Baldy McNosehair in detail and the last thing he needed was for anything to be thrown in his face. So he avoided asking any really probing questions and made sure to avoid the topic of Eggman altogether. "Thanks, but, I'd really prefer to see Infinite. Can you tell me where he is?" he requested politely.

Orbot took a moment, his eyes and teeth blinking numerous times as he connected to the server. Was he trying to locate Infinite or was he getting permission to convey his location? Either way, Sonic sat as patiently as he could on the side of the bed, tapping his fingers to quell the anxiety that was still very present inside of him. After a couple of agonizing minutes, the considerate robot responded, "General Infinite is in conference with Dr. Eggman. There has apparently been some discrepencies on the appropriate method of your treatment." The hedgehog looked confused as he didn't understand what that meant, "Treatment? For the flu?" he questioned. Orbot tilted his head as he was equally perplexed before letting it slip, "No, for your terminal illness." 

Those words shocked Sonic as his breath was caught in his throat. "Terminal?" A word meaning the path to oblivion. Feeling his anxiousness well up to immeasureable heights, he started to grip his chest, wincing as he pressed into his new wound. Orbot didn't understand the fallen hero's reaction since he was aware of the consultation Eggman gave to him regarding his current medical crisis, but he could tell he was very alarmed by the old news and attempted to calm him, "Perhaps it would be best if you lie back down. I'll notify the General of your request, but right now I really should take care of that injury." Sonic quickly jerked away, shielding his chest from the robot, "DON'T TOUCH IT!" he yelled with tears streaming down his face. Something was wrong with him. Something in his body. In his mind. There was something that was making him feel out of place, like he was plummeting through an endless space where he couldn't make heads or tails of anything. He usually never feared the fall, but this was completely different. This was beyond his control, beyond his comprehension, and there was nothing he could do to stop whatever was causing it. That kind of helplessness scared him. All he had was Infinite--his jackal, and for now, the only thing he had was a crooked reproduction of his symbol to hold to his heart, no matter how much it hurt. 

Orbot sighed as he again tried to appease him, "Please try to rest. I'm sure General Infinite will be along shortly. You wouldn't want him to see you so upset. It would just make him worry." Realizing the short robot was right, Sonic laid back down on the bed, allowing his attendant to cover him with the sheets as he gradually relaxed. "There we are. Deep breaths now. Would you like something to drink?" The hedgehog just shook his head as he looked away, wondering if he was overreacting or if things were really as bad as this mysterious dread in his stomach implicated. 

"Very well, then. I need to return to preparing the other prisoner for his examination, but I'll have Cubot look in on you shortly." 

Sonic's curiosity peaked. He figured there were other prisoners on the Death Egg besides him, although he never got to see anyone else since his confinement was very isolated and housed in the deeper workings of the orbiting station. Still, for Orbot, Eggman's right-hand lackey, to be charged with taking care of this other captive, the blue blur couldn't help but wonder who it was. "Is there someone more important than me?" he jested in a slightly monotone manner, the accent of his humor stifled from the fatigue of his panic attack. 

"Oh, it's your friend, Silver," he answered without processing, "Doctor Eggman has some new tests he'd like to run." 

The fallen hero's heart practically skipped a beat as the name "Silver" brought up so many mixed emotions in a split second, feelings that he couldn't sort out and some he couldn't understand. Friendship. Desire. Sadness. Regret. Fear. Concern. Empathy. And strangely...a bizarre sense of love? 
They all came out of nowhere like a ton of bricks smashing into his brain that made his whole body shudder, his breath caught in his throat with but the only words he could utter being, "Silver...is here?"