"But if you want to ride the wind, you're going to have to step up off the dirt where you're standing now. With a board like that, you might as well just run along on your precious earth! I can show you how to fly, I'm an expert." Jet waggled his eyebrows, such as they were, gripping the side of his Gear eagerly. He'll get it this time, I practically dropped a brick on his head!

Sonic glared at him. "I'll show you who's the fastest thing on the land or in the air!" He hopped onto his board and was off and away. A whole foot away, because Jet had grabbed the back of the Blue Star and was digging his feet into the ground with all his might.

"Don't you get it! I've been hinting at you through this whole bloody tournament and you still haven't got a clue! Do I have to drop an anvil on your head?" Jet snapped, stumbling forward a little as his feet gave. The board lurched forward and they both lost their balance, tumbling to the ground.

"What are you talking about, you birdbrain!"

Jet grabbed the hedgehog by the shoulders, staring deep into his Limpid Emerald Pools.

"KISS ME, YOU MAD FOOL!"

But Sonic was already accelerating into the distance as Jet's beak formed the final vowel. The hawk sighed, gazing wistfully at the horizon.

"Why does this always happen to me?"