A golden furred flying squirrel was walking in a cave. Memories flashed in his eyes.

"Ray! I was so worried! Tell me what happened!" Mighty's voice was odd. It had a tone that the armadillo hadn't used on his "brother" before. Anger. Mixed with worry, anger was there. "W-well, M-mighty, y-you see I-I-" "Enough of your stuttering! You could have gotten killed! "M-Mighty.. I j-just. "JUST WHAT!?" The red and black armadillo roared. He wasn't thinking clearly, as he was very protective of Ray. Knowing his adopted little brother was lost for so long, and Ray being scared of many things, he couldn't help but be protective. He sighed. Ray remembered Mighty kneeling in front of him. The powerful Mobian stared right into his brothers eyes. His voice was gentle, yet held a tone of threat. "Ray... Listen to me." Seeing the 10-year old nod, he continued. "If you ever do something like that again, I promise, I will make sure you won't sit for a week. I don't want to do that okay?" His voice more kind and warm, he gently, almost playfully, gave Ray's head a little push, while he spoke. "Now git, Ray." "O-okay Mighty." The golden fur had flashed as Ray went to his room.

Ray snapped to reality. He had tried to fight some of Robotnik's robots by himself. Those memories... He sighed. And then he imagined his brothers hard, strong hand hitting him. Now, walking in this cave, he felt safe. The worst part was, he knew that Mighty wouldn't hesitate to do anything, if it was to protect his little brother. Even if it meant inflicting pain on him.

"Maybe I was a little hard on Ray... He was trying to fight Robotnik. And did pretty well." Mighty mused to himself. "What were you doing?" Mighty looked out the cave entrance, and saw the view. He loved that view. It reminded him of freedom. "It's always beautiful." He said quietly to himself. "Guess I'll go check on Ray." He walked into Ray's room. Panic grasped his heart. He didn't see his friend anywhere. "Ray?" (I just need to be louder) "Ray?" He repeated louder. (What if he left?). "RAYYYYYYY!" The armadillo found himself with a wrecked heart, knowing he had snapped at the squirrel. The guilt and worry were like vines, tangling around his heart. As he turned to leave, his right eye caught a glimpse of white. A piece of paper.

This was definitely Ray's handwriting. The neat words made Mighty want to rip himself apart: I'm sorry Mighty, I never wanted to make you mad. Just trying to make you happy. I couldn't breath. I went to get some air. -Ray "Ray, when I find you... There's going a serious talk. And maybe a few sounds. And trust me...

I will find you buddy. Because I care.