Sonic jumped down the last six rungs of the ladder and strode across the ground floor of the Underground. He marched to his ledge, the low hum of the radio broadcaster's voice greeting him.

Sonic dropped to the ground, gathering up his leather leg and arm straps. He snatched off his sneaker, wrapped the middle of the strap around the bottom of his sock, then wound both ends around his calf. He glared, scowling.

Sonic worked quickly, his eyes sharp, as if trying to outrun the invading thoughts.

Never. Stop. Fighting.

When Uncle Sparks had trained them, he'd taught them better than this. They'd sworn to the Warrior Source Code. They'd all gotten on their knees and repeated it and sworn to give their lives to it. That meant 'til death. That meant no matter how many combots were in that line, or no matter what Sal said, or how many times he lied that they'd make it—

Despair pricked in his eyes. He shook his head to himself, hissing as he started on the next leg.

It was a bad idea to think. He needed to get out of here and fight—he had to fight-

Images flashed back into his mind. His ears flicked back and he winced against them.

Grampa Chuck kneeling before him in the darkness of the hut, on the dirt floor, the crumpled piece of paper in his hand.

"Sonic…Uncle Sparks isn't…he…he's going to live somewhere else for awhile."

"Whaddya mean, Gramps, like where?"

"I don't know…"

Sonic climbed to his feet, pulling on his gloves, flicking his ears harder.

"He told me to give this to you, Soni'," Gramps said, tears in his eyes. He handed him the folded piece of paper.

Sonic tied the strap knot around the top of his elbow, gritting his teeth.

'Sonic' the paper read.

'I wish I could tell you that I have a good reason for leaving. But I don't and I will not lie to you. I can at least have enough honor to do that. Liars are cowards. But not all cowards are liars.

'Goodbye, Sonic. You can go to the stars someday and fight not just for this planet, but for your galaxy. I have always known it. I love you—'

Sonic clutched the rock wall, kicking against it with the ball of his sneaker, testing the grips on his shoes. He kicked again, harder.

'I have told you all your life that what a person believes is not determined by what they say, but what they do.

'In that case, I suppose then, I have stopped believing.

'I only hope that you never do the same.

'I am sorry.

'Never stop fighting, Sonic.

'-Uncle Sparks.'

Sonic fisted his hands, tapping his foot hard. His gaze darted over the cave wall and passages, as if looking for somewhere to run.

His mind seemed to roar at him.

How could he keep his promise to a quitter? How could he believe in a code his Uncle had given up on?

Why should he go out there when he knew Sally was right?

Sonic spun on his heel. He marched towards the center of the Underground, picking up speed.

He didn't know.

But what else could he do?

"Tails!" His voice rang out through the Underground. "Tails! We're heading out now!"