[“Outside Space Colony ARK / Cannon countdown: 5 minutes 44 seconds”. Sonic stands at the edge of the corridor, looking back over his shoulder. Shadow walks toward him slowly, composed.]

Shadow: (measured tone)
"I should’ve known you’d survive. You always find a way, don’t you?"

Sonic: (half-smile, not cocky—almost humble)
"Guess I’ve got a habit of slipping through the cracks. Can’t keep a good hedgehog down."

[They begin walking toward each other.]

Shadow:
"You’re more than just a reflection. There’s something… grounded in you. Something real."

Sonic: (stopping, turns to face him)
"I don’t know about all that. I just try to keep moving forward. Live by my own rhythm, y’know? I’m Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog."

Shadow: (lowers gaze slightly)
"You make it sound so simple. But freedom... purpose... they’re not so easy to find. Not for everyone."

Sonic: (softly)
"Then maybe that’s why we’re here. To show that even when the path is broken, you can still run your own way."

[Brief silence. Tension still present—but distant, contemplative.]

Shadow: (faint smile that fades instantly)
"Then you understand why I can’t let you go. If this is where it ends… then let it end with clarity."

Sonic: (nods)
"Yeah. No more running. Let’s finish this."