He didn't know how long he stood on the sidewalk, staring up at the blank screen. He was scuffed up and dirty, far from his usual put-together appearance. But Stone didn't care.

Robotnik was gone. For real this time.

It felt like a rock had been dropped on his chest, crushing his ribs and making it hard to breathe. His eyes burned and a disgustingly human whimper escaped the back of his throat. No. No no not here. Not here. Not--

A hand grabbed his shoulder. It was you, the brother of that idiot sheriff Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles lived with. Stone was startled at the sight of you so close. He almost expected you to sucker punch him for all he and Robotnik had put your family through.

"Shouldn't you be at the hospital?" he asked bitterly. "I heard Shadow put him in a coma or something."

There was an odd look in your eyes as you sighed. Pity. Of course it was pity. Pity for poor Agent Stone, a lapdog without a lap to sit in anymore. "Stone," you began, squeezing his shoulder. "Come with us."