Back on the planet's surface, billions of people around the world cheered when they got the news that the ARK had been stopped. Once again, society could live in peace.

On the ARK, however, the celebrations were more muted. Having successfully stopped it and boarded, Sonic re-entered the control room, where Tails, Knuckles, Robotnik and Rouge were waiting for him.

"Where's Shaddy?" asked Rouge.

Sonic frowned and shook his head, and Rouge put her hand up to her mouth. Even if she hadn't known Shadow for that long, she felt as though she found a friend in him, and she couldn't bear to think of him being gone. Sonic gave Rouge one of Shadow's bracelets.

"Do you really think that Professor Gerald created him to carry out revenge on everyone on that planet?" asked Rouge.

Sonic shook his head. "No way. Based on what I saw that cat doin', he's a hero. Anyways, I dunno how ya feel about the whole thing, and I know we only just met, but if ya need to talk, I got ya, Mama."

Rouge smiled. "Thank you…Sonic the Hedgehog."

Rouge put a hand on Sonic's shoulder. Even if they had barely known each other for an hour, he felt such a deep, intense connection with her, and he could tell she felt the same way about him, too.

As for Robotnik, he was more steamed than vegetables:

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I looked up to my grandfather because of all the great things he accomplished! He was my hero, but now he's GARBAGE! I HATE HIM MORE THAN I HATE THAT HEDGEHOG!"

Tails looked at him and shrugged. Truly, nothing was ever going to be the same again.

Meanwhile, Knuckles had a talk with Rouge:

"What's next for ya, Rouge? Off to steal some more jewels?"

Rouge shrugged. "Nah, I've had it. The reward's not worth the risk. Besides, the pension I'll get from the government is enough of a gem."

Knuckles shrugged. "If ya say so."

Meanwhile, Sonic paced about:

"Shadow…the Ultimate Life Form…"

"Something wrong, Sonic?" asked Tails.

Sonic shook his head. "Nah, I was just thinkin'. Anyways, let's boogie."

Sonic and Tails left the ARK.

Back on Aigess, President Flynn had a ceremony for Sonic and Tails:

"Ladies and gentlemen, in light of the situation at hand, I hereby extend a full pardon to Sonic the Hedgehog and his friend Miles "Tails" Prower. Having witnessed their heroic actions, I truly believe that they are the kind of people we need defending our world. Sonic, Tails, step forward and receive your medals."

Sonic and Tails stepped forward to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom as the audience cheered for them.

"Now Sonic, do you or Tails have anything you want to say?" asked Flynn.

Sonic stepped up to the mic. "Folks, I don't have much to say, but me and my man Tails are always happy to help out! Now if you'll excuse us, we gotta book, Nook!"

Sonic and Tails made haste, not knowing exactly where their next adventure would take them, not until it happened, at least.