The walls were quiet. The sharp smell of disinfectant lingered in the air as Leon, Tyler, and Amy sat in stiff hospital chairs, eyes fixed on the white floor tiles. No one spoke. No one needed to.
Every tick of the clock felt like a countdown.
Then finally, the doctor appeared.
"You're Ivy's family?" he asked. Leon immediately stood up, heart pounding.
"She's stable now," the doctor said with a calm smile. "From what we're observing, it seems like she reacted badly to the chemical agents that were spreading through the city last night. Her system shut down temporarily, likely from stress and exposure. But she's going to be fine."
Leon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"You can see her now."
All three stepped into the room together.
Ivy was lying on the hospital bed, eyes open, looking at the ceiling. Her breathing was soft, steady.
When she noticed them, her lips curved into a weak smile. "You guys look like hell."
Leon rushed to her side, eyes moist. "I was so worried, Ivy. I thought I'd lost you."
"I was scared too," she admitted quietly. "Last night… it felt like something evil was moving around the city. I didn't understand what was happening. I just kept thinking… where's Leon? I wished you were there with me."
Leon didn't say anything. He only lowered his head beside her hand, holding it gently.
Later that afternoon, Leon pulled Tyler aside. "I need to talk to you. Alone."
They walked to a quiet corner outside the hospital, away from Amy and the others.
Tyler leaned against a wall. "What's up?"
Leon looked him in the eyes. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. Since before this war even started."
Tyler tilted his head. "What are you talking about?"
Leon inhaled slowly. "I want to quit. Being Bunnyman."
Tyler's face froze. "What?"
"I became Bunnyman for two reasons—revenge for what happened to Ivy, and to help people the system ignored. I've done both. Mr. Crow is gone. And I've given my all to this city."
"But…" Tyler looked almost betrayed. "You can still help people. There's always more evil out there."
"I know," Leon said. "But what happened to Ivy today… it shook me. I can't keep risking her life by living two lives. I have a responsibility as a brother too. She's all I have."
Tyler's voice tightened. "I joined you because you cared. Because you were the only person crazy enough to think justice still mattered."
Leon nodded. "And it still does. That's why Bunnyman shouldn't die."
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "You just said you're quitting."
Leon gave a small smile. "I said I'm quitting being Bunnyman. But I'm not ending Bunnyman."
A pause.
Leon stepped closer. "The city doesn't need Leon. Or Tyler. It needs what Bunnyman stands for. You're strong. Fierce. And you care more than you admit. I see that."
"I'm Deadknight," Tyler said quietly. "And I… cross lines."
"I did too," Leon replied. "In the beginning, I was nothing but anger. I learned. You will too. You're better than you think."
Tyler looked away. "But—"
"No more buts," Leon said gently. "I need to live my life now. With Ivy. You'll be a better Bunnyman than I ever was."
Tyler stayed silent, still processing.
Leon reached into his bag and pulled out the Bunnyman mask—torn but still bearing its glowing red eyes.
"Fix it. Make it your own. And build a new suit."
Tyler took the mask slowly, as if it weighed a thousand pounds.
Leon added, "And I have your first mission."
Tyler blinked. "Already?"
Leon nodded. "Mr. Crow… he said something. That he had a gift—the ability to make shadows alive. I want you to find out what that means. What that gift really is."
Tyler gave a crooked smile. "So you're already giving me homework."
Leon laughed. "Damn right. But I believe in you. And I want you to remember something—Bunnyman is more than just a suit. He's hope."
He stepped forward and hugged Tyler tightly.
"We're still friends. Always."
Tyler clutched the mask. "Goodbye… Leon."