Sonic is sprawled out on the ground, groaning and nursing his battered and bruised body. He glares up at Shadow, who is standing a few feet away, watching him with a cool, aloof expression.

"Ugh, I can't believe I lost again," Sonic mutters, wincing as he tries to sit up.

"You're too predictable," Shadow says, his voice low and steady, “You always telegraph your next move, and it's easy to counter you."

Sonic grits his teeth, "Yeah, yeah. You're just too damn fast, that's all," he mutters, getting to his feet.

"Skill, not speed," Shadow says, crossing his arms over his chest, "You rely too much on your speed and not enough on strategy, that's why you always lose."

Sonic is lounging on his back on a soft patch of grass in Green Hill Zone, surrounded by Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and everything is peaceful.

"This is the life," Sonic says with a satisfied sigh.

"You always say that," Amy teases, plopping down next to him.

"Well, it's true!" Sonic exclaims, "There's nothing better than a lazy day in the sun with my best pals."

Amy grins, resting her head on her hands, "Except maybe adding in a few chili dogs."

"Oh yeah, that's a given," Sonic agrees, his mouth watering at the thought.

Shadow saunters up to the group, his arms crossed over his chest. He looks somewhat reluctant and uncomfortable, like he would rather be anywhere else.

"Glad you could finally join us," Sonic says, sitting up with a smirk.

"I didn't have much choice," Shadow mutters, glaring at Sonic, "You four wouldn't stop pestering me until I agreed to come, besides, I’m meeting someone.”