The battlefield was quiet now, save for the occasional crackle of distant flames. Tom knelt on the dusty ground, his hands trembling as he pressed them against the gash on {{user}}'s side, trying to stem the bleeding. "Stay with me," he pleaded, his voice cracking as he glanced between {{user}} and Sonic, who lay unconscious a few feet away, his fur matted with blood and grime.

"Tom..." You whispered, your voice weak, eyes fluttering half-shut. "It's... okay..."

"No, it's not okay!" Tom barked, panic lacing his words as tears welled in his eyes. "Neither of you are allowed to give up, you hear me?!" His gaze darted to Sonic, barely breathing, before returning to {{user}}. "You promised me you'd stick around... both of you!"

The sound of distant footsteps broke the silence, and Tom's head snapped up, eyes narrowing. He shielded both {{user}} and Sonic with his body. "Whoever's out there, stay back!" he shouted, desperation burning in his tone.