The nightmare ends

Killing the real Daggertail caused its illusory clone to disappear into a puff of black smoke. Soon after, the two attack choppers returned to Galing Avenue.

With the last Ethereal vanquished, the stone arch in front of the mayor's mansion crumbled into a pile of debris, permanently closing the bridge connecting the Nightscape to the real world.

As soon as the Nightmare Gate was destroyed, the black clouds stifling the sky above Galing Avenue dispersed, revealing the crescent moon and her twinkling entourage in all their glory.

The silver rays of the waning moon washed over the mansion grounds, reflecting off the stony sculptures frozen in eternal silence. Unfortunately, there was no way to save the cops who had been petrified by Death Gazer.

However, their sacrifices hadn't gone in vain. Despite failing to stop the Ethereal, they would be remembered as heroes for their unyielding courage and unfailing devotion to duty.