(Reader's P.O.V.)

    My mind is a little hazy as Tails brings me to my feet. Only moments ago I had jumped up and shattered the Phantom Ruby's Illusion. The price for doing so? I lost my ace. The prototype shattered when I hit the ground. I hear voices talking but in my daze, I can't understand what's being said. I hope my head clears up soon.

(Infinite's P.O.V.)

    I watch from a distance, worried. (Y/N) doesn't look too good and as much as I want to go over there and help her, I know I can't. If I went over there the plan would be jeopardized. I can't blow my cover. I'll just leave it to the kid to take care of her. I turn on my radio and tune it to Sonic's channel. "Sonic, time for part two of the plan." "Don't worry I got it. I'm on his tail as we speak. How's (Y/N)?" "She seems to be okay. Your friend is looking after her. Listen, you don't need to beat him. Just stall for time until I get there." "It'll be fine, I got this." He shuts off the radio. I guess it's time for me to get into position.

(Sonic's P.O.V.)

    I chase after the Phantom Ruby when he suddenly decides to stop. He turns to face me. "Pathetic little hedgehog. Even with the Phantom Ruby weakened, I still have enough power to smash you into blue jelly. I'll show you how outclassed you really are!" I guess he's still playing pretend, alright I'll play along. "I'm in a class all my own. Time to put up or shut up, Infinite!" I charge in and throw a spindash his way. He throws red cubes my way trying to distort reality around me. We continue this little dance until the Phantom Ruby begins charging power. "You're done for, Sonic. The Phantom Ruby's energy is recharged. Perish, along with your useless friends!"

(Reader's P.O.V.)

    As soon as all my haziness cleared up, I left Tails and headed towards Sonic. He was about to be attacked by the full power of the Phantom Ruby. That is until I swooped in. "J-Jewel!" Jumping in just in time to stop the Phantom Ruby from hurting Sonic left him in a stunned state. "W-What do you think you're doing?" "I'm stopping you. I told you, if you really loved me you would stop the war." He suddenly laughs at my statement. "My dear jewel, I am stopping it. I'm putting an end to it by crushing the enemy as quick as possible. Do you not see the extent of my love? The amount of effort I'm putting in to end this war as quick as possible?" "When I said end the war this is not what I meant! You're destroying everything I love!" "I'm eliminating the obstacles in the way of our love. They are all thorns that need to be plucked away. They will stop at nothing to stand between us." My friends are obstacles to him?  How can someone be so heartless? I look over in the distance and see Zero heading this way. Maybe If I distract the ruby long enough, I can give Zero an opening. "How do you know that they'll get in the way? My friends care about me. They'll understand." "My dear jewel, I know their type. Take your blue friend here for instance. I can tell by his body language alone that he harbors feelings for you. And so he must be eliminated." Once again he charges power but by then it's too late. Just before the ruby can strike Sonic, Zero slashes him from behind. "Is there no end to these unbearable thorns?" Zero points his sword at the Phantom Ruby, pulling me behind him. "It's over Phantom Infinite! Your game ends here!" The Phantom Ruby starts glitching, his body pixelating. "N-No... I can still fight! Ngh!" Suddenly in a blinding flash of light, the ruby moves in the direction of the reactor tower. "We need to go after him. If he gathers energy from there we'll be in for more trouble." Sonic and I look at one another and nod, setting our sights on the reactor tower.