Silence. A ringing echoed in Memegumi's ears, not from any external sound, but from the brutal impact of Knuckles' attack. Her body ached, every muscle protesting, every bone feeling bruised. Grit dug into her cheek, the rough texture of the alley floor a harsh reality against her skin.
Her heart hammered, a frantic drum against her ribs. She was alive. Barely. The 'Doge' meme had worked, a desperate, lucky shot that had bought her precious seconds to escape the collapsing archway, leaving the corrupted beast behind.
A tremor ran through her. Not just from exhaustion, but from the terrifying realization that had slammed into her consciousness just moments before. Zuko. The Fire Lord. He was hunting a