Sonic crossed his arms as he looked around, eyeing the lava passing a few feet away cautiously. The Koco whined loudly, moving from foot to foot in distress. Sonic glanced down at the little creature, confused on their reaction as he turned to you. “Did I get the wrong parts?”

You shook your head, explaining their upset to Sonic. “No. Their hero didn’t show. They’re worried something’s happened.” You looked back at the Koco bouncing nervously, a hint of sadness gleaming in your eyes at their reaction. You turned away from Sonic, your eyes set on the Koco, though your mind was elsewhere as you continued, your words more to yourself than Sonic. “It’s like how I couldn’t handle it after Infinite attack. One wrong then and I fall apart…”

Sonic stared at you with wide eyes, shocked at your words. He studied you closely, concern etched on his expression. “Whoa, what?!”

You jumped as he spoke, seeming to forget where you were for a second as you looked around, your gaze returning to the Koco as you spoke, ignoring Sonic’s worry. “Listen to me. The others are counting on you. I’m here to help, so don’t give up, okay?”

The Koco seemed to lighten up in response to your words, bouncing around happily, their eyes filled with hope. Sonic watched them for a bit before turning back to you, his gaze serious as he watched you. “You’ve got me worried, Tails. You wanna talk?”

You glanced between Sonic and the Koco before shaking your head, determination flashing across your expression. As much as you knew better than to leave Sonic worried, there were much more pressing matters than whatever was going through your head. At least, that’s what you told yourself… “Not right now. Let’s just focus on finding the Emeralds.”