And that's all it takes- everyone's attacks are too much, and the Shadow collapses, back to its humanoid robot form when the smoke clears. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the Shadows have both been defeated, leaving them to lean against one another as they pull themselves upright.

Neither of them says a word, their gazes dull. Defeated. They merely stare at the group- no, at the one being protected by the group. Surrounded by friends and kind strangers, by people whose help he certainly didn't deserve, but got regardless, Falcon...

... doesn't know what to say. He's a bit unmoored, to say the least, confronted by things he didn't want to acknowledge or even think about. His Shadows staring at him after everything is almost too much to bear. He looks back at the group, hesitating.

It's Hiro that speaks up, giving Falcon a patient smile.

"I know it's not easy accept, but..." he says, slowly, "they are part of you."

Falcon hesitates some more, grimacing at Hiro- do I really have to?- but Hiro merely nods.

"Go on. We won't judge you."

Falcon pulls another face, but... he does turn towards his Shadows, straightening himself as he steps forwards. The eyes of his Shadows follow him as he comes to a halt in front of them, and there's another pause before he speaks.