Sonic staggered painfully to his feet, battered and bleeding. But as he peered through the billowing smoke and the flames, he could just barely see the remnants of Kovar's temple amid the wreckage. The huge, winding staircase and the towering statues, those grim murals and altars had all been dashed into bits. Debris from the explosion fell all around him as he looked on, and the smoke filled the crimson sky, tinging the clouds with black. At last... At last the temple, the source of so much evil, had been destroyed. Could it be that Kovar was finally defeated? After all the years of darkness and turmoil?
Wincing, Sonic finally turned away from the scene of destruction. He had won the battle, but he knew he was injured badly. Pain shot up his right leg every time he layed it on the ground, and his entire left side was bloodied by the deep gash Kovar's claws had created. He began to turn toward the east, back toward the road that would lead to Mobotropolis. But all of a sudden a voice called to him from behind.
"Sonic!"
Sonic turned around instantly. Cyan was running toward him through the burning rubble. He could hardly contain his relief when he saw her.
"Cy... Cyan, you're alright," he said breathessly as she ran up and threw her arms around him. But she noticed his wounds immediately and gasped.
"Sonic, you're hurt.."
"Don't worry about me..." he answered. "we've got to get out of here and get everyone home... as soon as possible..."
Cyan gazed up at him as he spoke. There was something strange in her eyes, but Sonic was far too tired to take notice.
"Is it over, Sonic?" she asked. "Is it finally over?"
"Yes," he nodded. "we're safe now, Cyan... The temple has been destroyed. Kovar's gateway into this world has been sealed. But we've still got to get the others back... Almost everyone is injured from the battle..."
"Hush," said Cyan, pulling him close to her. "you're in the worst shape right now. Let me heal you first..."
Never, in all the years he had known her, had Sonic had any reason to distrust Cyan. She had always been unwaveringly loyal and loving, she had always stood beside the ones she cared for. And right now he needed to be healed more than anything. So he leaned against her as she pulled him ever closer, awaiting her healing touch. But he never saw the flash of cunning in Cyan's eyes... or the one he perceived to be Cyan. Nor did he see how her right hand suddenly changed shape -- how the exterior that had been disguised to look like a normal, human hand suddenly pulled away to reveal a robotic claw with three, long silver blades. His eyes were closed in total trust.
"Don't worry, Sonic," the android said in a sly tone. "your troubles truly are over..."
If Sonic caught the grim note in Cyan's voice, it was too late. All in the course of a split-second he received the greatest shock of his life. Had there been reason for his senses to be on high alert, he would have dove away from the danger despite is injuries. But treachery had hidden beneath love's cloak and slipped right past his five most reliable guards.
All of a sudden a searing pain tore through his body, from his chest to his back, and it was so great that he cried out in agony. He tried to escape, but he found he couldn't move. The android that looked like Cyan had plunged its three metal blades straight through his chest, and he was held fast.
It was only at that terrible moment that the real Cyan finally reached the blazing temple, winded from miles of desparate running. Her legs were trembling with weariness, but nonetheless she picked her way across the shattered rock and debris to reach Sonic, to warn him in time of the grave danger he was in. But as soon as she reached the small ledge above the courtyard and looked down in search of him, she screamed out in horror. She was too late!
"Noooooo!"
Her pained voice resounded all throughout the courtyard, all throughout the surrounding mountains, until it c
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