In his eyes, it may very well be, but to Sonic, it was anything but.

"He was someone... nervous," Sonic began, closing his eyes as the weight of his evening drew the curtains on his act. "A silly guy, helpful, but confused. He was kinda always lost and always hungry. Alwaaaaays hungry. Heheh." A soft sigh.

"He was Light Gaia. He was a part of something dark and dangerous but still really bright and protective. A guide, a hero, but more importantly..."

Those emeralds he had concealed carried a dim glow as those lids rose again, regarding Shadow as if Sonic had been speaking to a spirit deep within his companion's core.

"He was my friend."