My heart pounded in my ears as I fell. The realization struck me as hard as the pain.

I'm going to die.

The air around me began to heat up while I thought; Maria...this is what you wanted...right? This is the promise I mad to you.... I opened my eyes halfway as the filled up with tears. Maria...don't worry...I'll be with you soon.... The tears fell from my eyes, the pain was the worst I've ever felt, and all I could think the last words Sonic had said to me: "Shadow! Hang on! If you stay you can come with us! You can live a normal life! You don't have to worry about those damned GUN officers or anything else anymore! DON'T LET GO!" The words echoed in my head, fading into silence along with every other sound. I slipped into darkness as I continued to fall....