The room was filled with silence. Everybody was thinking. Here they stand: Rouge, Amy, Cream, Knuckles, Espio, Vector, Charmy and Tails; looking at the black space, filed with a lot of stars, that sparkled brightly. "I can't take it anymore!" Amy bursted in tears. They all looked at the pink hedgehog. "What if they are not coming back?!" She asked, Rouge sighed. "But we still have a chance, Amy. We just have to wait." Replied the yellow kitsune. "Tails is right, Amy." Spoke Cream, holding her chao close to her, putting a hand on Amy's shoulder. "I am sure they will be here soon." Amy nodded, wiping her tears. And again, silence. Only Amy's sobs were heard. Rouge looked at Amy with sympathy. She felt exactly like Amy did. The ivory bat closed her eyes, sighing once more. It was tough moment for her as well, but she sure didn't want to show any hint of worry. Rouge was strong, fearless woman, crying was just not her thing. Was she worried for Sonic? The blue hedgehog was sure not one of her favorite persons. She knew how Sonic was always winning, so she was not that concerned about him. Was she worried about Shadow?... Rouge closed her saphire eyes tightly. She did. Shadow was 85% of her concern right now. She knew for sure, that he is The Ultimate Lifeform, but she still had bad feeling about this situation. What if he still would - "No." She thought. "Take these thoughts away, Rouge. You don't even know where he is. What if he is fine, and you are just killing your nerves?" She tried to calm herself down.

Then, the metal door swung open. Everybody looked at the entrance, gasping, because of the sudden loudness breaking the silence. "SONIC!" They all cheered, brightening up. Sonic gave them one of his cocky smiles. "Hey, what's up? You guys missed me?" They all replied , such as "Yes!", or "Of course!" And then, there was Amy. A new wave of tears appeared in light green eyes her eyes. "Sonic!" She ran to him, hugging her hero. "I-I thought I would never see you again! I was worried!" She couldn't talk anymore. Crying, she hugged him even more tightly. He blushed a bit, returning her hug. "Don't worry, Ames. I am here now." He whispered softly. Amy smiled at that, letting him go. Everything was fine now, everyone was happy...But..."Where is Shadow?" The voice was heard, which belonged to Rouge. She was standing here, her arms crossed, as she was trying to hide her concern, but unsuccessfully. "Oh, that..." Sonic the frowned, sighing. He walked up to Rouge, giving her something... It was a bad sign..."He...He didn't make it..." Sonic replied with sadness. It was one of Shadow's bracelets. "That's the only thing that left from him..." The ivory bat looked at Sonic, almost crying. Then it hit her. He was dead. Shadow The Hedgehog, died. A tear rolled down her cheek, falling on the bracelet. Everybody gasped. "Oh..." Amy whispered, putting a hand to her mouth, standing in horror. Cream hugged Cheese, closing her eyes. Knuckles and Tails looked at the floor. Team Chaotix did the same. Rouge nodded slowly, putting the bracelet on her wrist. Taking another glance at it, she sat in the corner, gazing at the black space.

"So, are we going back?" Knuckles said, crossing his arms. He was getting irritated with all of this drama thing. Tails nodded. "We are here, everyone!" "Yay!" chirped Cream. " Chao Chao!" Cheered Cheese. "Alright, I missed my home!" Sonic jumped, running out of the spaceship. "I agree, I got bored sitting in this closed space." Knuckles added, stretching and breathing fresh air. "Seems like we have a new mission, boys!" Vector said, as he held his phone. "Roger." The ninja chameleon replied, nodding. Then they left. Everyone exited the ship. Rouge was walking out slowly, her head hung low. Her makeup was smeared. And then there was Amy near her, keeping her a company. The pink hedgehog could tell only by looking at Rouge: The ivory bat felt uneasy. "Rouge, I am sorry for Shadow...He was a brave hedgehog." Amy told her sincerely. She felt guilty for hugging Sonic, when he was safe and sound, while Shadow was dead and lost in infinite space. The ivory bat couldn't talk. Afraid of bursting in tears, she responded with a simple nod. Amy nodded herself, running to Sonic. He smiled at her. "Hey Ames!" Amy returned his smile "Hey Sonikku! Have you seen Rouge?" Sonic looked behind then nodded to sakura hedgehog. "Well, I hate seeing her like this and I thought, maybe we can keep her company until she is alright again?" Sonic nodded. "I agree with you. Rouge needs us. You know, that's so unusual." Amy cocked an eyebrow. "I mean, you and Rouge were some kind of rivals and now you two are like best friends." Sonic replied. "But same with you, Sonic. You and Shadow are rivals too. But he saved you, and I am thankful to him for doing so." They both nodded, walking further, followed by Tails, Knuckles, Cream and Rouge.