Sonic ran, the palace of Capitol Aero rupturing behind them.

The heat of explosions scorched at his back, the missiles screamed, air cruisers buzzed overhead, all narrowing down on him, closing in…

His muscles burned and he stretched his legs farther, leaning low to the ground, gathering Sally closer.

Sonic shot over the edge of a balcony and hit the ground below running—

He had to get off of this cliff—he had to get underground—he had to keep Sally alive—he had to get her out of here so he could find the others—

Sonic dove under a half-fallen street arch—then screeched to a halt. The street passage had caved in, blocking the entrance.

Sonic pushed beneath a stone overhang. He gritted his teeth and bent over Sally, covering her head, his ears cocked as he listened to the air cruisers race overhead. Sally clutched his tunic with one hand and the sword with the other. She stared out from beneath Sonic, her blue eyes wide, her auburn hair falling over half her face.

The cruisers passed.

Sonic fell backwards, letting his head hit the wall. He uncurled his arms from around Sally and arched his back. His screwed his eyes shut, sucking in gasps of air.

Sally lifted her head. She scooted forward to the edge of the overhang, crouching on her knees, and looked back towards her destroyed home. She stared with wide, hollow eyes.

Sonic rolled his shoulders. He dropped down next to her in the dirt, his muscles taut.

He didn't make a sound, but tears rolled down his cheeks.

He'd never wanted to see this again.

Sonic slammed the heel of his hand against the ground, letting out a sharp grunt. He heaved up another breath and grit his teeth.

Sally did not move. She opened her mouth, then shut it.

The two crouched there in silence for several seconds.

Then they heard the air cruisers coming back. They lifted their heads.

The hedgehog scooped Sally back up. "C'mon, Sal," he said, "We're almost out."

As he stood to his feet, his ears flicked back. A soft thrum reverberated through their overhang.

Sonic whirled around and saw three Mobium rings hovering and pulsing in midair over the blocked street entrance.

His eyes brightened. He snatched them up and shoved them into his pocket.