Epilogue

The steady beep beep beep of the heart machine was the most prominent sound in the room. Silver's arm was also hooked to an IV line and oxygen mask.

Shadow and Sonic hadn't left his side since they had run him here, to the Sunset City hospital. It was clear that the gray hedgehog was getting tired, but he never fell asleep. Not even once.

Sonic didn't need to sleep, so he was fully awake. After five days, he finally laid a hand on Shadow's shoulder.

"Dude, you need to sleep. You look wiped."

Shadow smacked his hand off. "No, I don't. I'm fine."

"Seriously, stop lying to yourself. You need rest. We know he's fine."

"I won't rest until he wakes up."

Sonic knew he wasn't going to convince him, so he sighed and reclined back in his chair.

It was a few more minutes of silence before there was a gentle knock on the door. Amy came in, followed by Rouge the Bat.

Sonic immediately leapt up, embracing his wife. "Hey, Ames."

Rouge approached Shadow and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, handsome. You doing okay?"

Shadow looked up and acknowledged her, and then turned back to Silver.

Rouge sighed and withdrew her hand before walking back towards Sonic and Amy. "How's he doing?" Amy asked.

"His heartbeat is strong, but he's still not waking up," Sonic replied. "I know he's okay, but I don't know how much longer it'll take."

Rouge shook her head sadly. "Shadow's acting just like that other time Silver nearly died. The only difference between then and now is that Shadow hasn't completely lost it this time."

Sonic nodded appreciatively. "No chairs are destroyed and no bills are being sent for the damage. A definite improvement." And then he sighed. "But he's probably going to stay like this until Silver wakes up. They're the closest."

Amy leaned her head on his shoulder, and even wrapped her injured arm around Sonic. He winced when he felt her cast brush his fur, but he then relaxed.

A few more minutes passed in silence before the heart monitor started beeping faster.

Shadow's head shot up and Sonic, Amy, and Rouge stared at Silver.

His breathing became faster and shallower before he finally opened his eyes. Before anyone had the chance to say anything, he said, "Get this oxygen mask off me!"

Sonic laughed happily. Rouge quickly obliged and Silver disconnected the various lines from his arms. He only had a second to get off the bed before Shadow smacked his head.

"Hey!" Silver protested, rubbing his head. "What was that for?!"

"For nearly killing yourself, you moron!" Shadow yelled.

Confusion and then understanding dawned on Silver's face. "Oh. Yeah."

"Stop trying to save my life! I would've much preferred it if I was hit instead of you!" It was clear that the gray hedgehog was very upset, and he had to turn his head away so Silver couldn't see his face.

"I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt! I had to do something!" Silver retorted, and then he stopped. He stepped forward and spoke softly.

"I don't regret saving you and risking my life. I do regret making you worried. I am sorry for that."

"Just don't do it again."
"No promises."

Shadow finally turned around and was met with Silver's smile. It wasn't long before the two brothers embraced.

"Ah, I get it! You try to wiggle out of a hug from me but not Silver? Obvious favoritism," Sonic teased, squeezing Silver's shoulder in relief that he was really okay.

"He's not as annoying as you are."

"Hey!" Sonic protested. After a few seconds, the room was filled with the sounds of laughter from everyone. It wasn't long before a group hug commenced.

Sonic was shocked that Shadow wasn't trying to escape. He looked over at his older brother and was shocked to see his head drooping, a faint snore coming from it.

Everyone laughed some more. "Dang, he's tired," Silver remarked.

"This is the first time he slept in days!" Sonic laughed. "What timing to finally fall asleep."

Rouge detached herself and grabbed Shadow before he hit the floor. "I'll take him back. See you guys later!"

She took off through the window.

Sonic wrapped an arm around both Amy and Silver. "I'm just glad that everyone's okay. I never want to go through this again!"

Our story ends with laughter, happiness, and a family reunited…

…or does it?

Not far away, in GUN Headquarters, Commander Abraham Tower was typing away madly on his computer. After a few seconds, he stopped and a smile spread across his face.

He got up and walked away. The only thing left on the computer was a picture of a weird purple trident-looking thing. Even from the screen, it seemed to radiate evil.

THE END

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