Chapter 35 Saying goodbye

Authors note, Well guys this is it, the last chapter. It has been quite a ride, I hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I would like to say thank you to all of those who supported this story by reviewing, following, or just plain reading this story. A thanks to bikerboy, and if your reading this, thank you for all the support and I hope you enjoy this last chapter. Also if you guys have the chance go check out Predators Of Kilimanjaro, by bikerboy. Its a really original and cool story. Oh and one last thing, a large thanks to my mom who encouraged me to post this story and helped me edit it. Ok now leave a review if you have time, and as always I own nothing but my OC.

Jennifer's pov

We arrived back with no incidents. Well except when Robotniks squirming became to much for Sonic at one point and he dropped him. As soon as he hit the ground he began kicking and thrashing his bound legs and arms with all his might. We had to wait almost ten minutes for Robotnik to calm down enough for us to even attempt to pick him back up. After he tired himself out with his kicking and cursing, Sonic simply grabbed him with a blank expression and we continued on.

I sighed in irritation as Robotniks muffled screams and glaring eyes pierced my senses. He just would not face the consciences for his unbelievably horrible actions. He simply blamed us for his failures, screamed that we had got in his way and if not for us he would have succeeded. But not once had he actually thought that what he did was wrong. Or that it was because of his own stupidity that he had failed at such a selfish and insane quest.

In his twisted mind he had wanted to rule the world, and he had gone to great lengths to reach that goal. Only to fail again and again. It reminded me of a child who wanted something impossible and when they had not received it, they threw a tantrum. Only in this case it was a crazy old man wanting to enslave mankind and rule as some twisted king. It was...pitiful to say the least, how low he had sunk.

Not that I had any pity for him, no my feelings towards him were mostly disgust, anger, and bitterness. He deserved whatever punishment that was dealt to him. I didn't know what the laws, or the penalties for breaking them, were on Mobius. But I imagined they were suitable if Sonic had decided that was where Robotnik should be placed instead of here. I didn't really care either way, as long as he rotted in a cage for the rest of his life.

I was ready for this man to be removed from my life, so I would not have to even think about him. In my eyes the sooner he was behind bars, the better it would be for everyone. Then we would all be safe from his selfish and evil deeds. As soon as we got back everyone started to excitedly get ready to leave. Cream especially seemed excited bouncing around and humming.

I was glad she was going to see her mother again. I called Spunky to my side and we walked back outside. I watched as she bounded among the flower beds nearby and I couldn't help but feel sad. I was about to leave this world forever, I was leaving behind all I knew. And that was difficult, mostly because I had lost most of my memories of this place. And while I hoped I would regain them all back, the realistic part of me just knew it wasn't going to happen.

When I first had began remembering things I was getting flashbacks several times a week. Now I was only getting very few every now and again. And while I had tried to make my peace with it, it still upset me on occasion. I would miss this world, but I was also eager to see Shadows world and experience it with him by my side. Spunky was now chasing a butterfly and I chuckled at the dogs silliness.

I began to then think of my mother, she had been such a kind woman. I had recalled her the most out of my family. Songs she used to sing, stories she used to tell, we used to be the best of friends. I missed her dearly and clung to the small amount of memories I had of her. And then there was my father, I didn't remember much about him which saddened me.

I only had one clear memory of him, we were fishing together and he was holding me close, he smelled of pine trees and hickory smoke. I recalled thinking that I had loved that smell, it had always made me feel so safe. I sighed, so many things I wish I could remember about them both. How I wished I could even see them one last time... I knew they were dead, but I still wished I could just say goodbye one last time.

I flexed my fingers anxiously as I had a idea, who's to say I couldn't say goodbye? I hurried and called Spunky over asking Cream if she would watch her for me, and then rushed to find Shadow. I quickly spotted a spiky head of black quills near the back of the plane. He was helping Tails arrange the chaos emeralds inside the machine Tails had built. "Shadow can you come help me with something?" I asked quietly.

He glanced up at me before going back to what he was doing, "Sure, just give me a moment." "Okay, I'll be waiting for you by the front of the plane." Shadow nodded and I turned to go. "Oh, and Tails?" I asked. "Yes, what is it Jennifer?" he replied. "How long until we leave?" "Oh about a hour, maybe two." he answered. "Thanks Tails." I said. Perfect, that would be more then enough time, we weren't far from where I wanted to go.

Well it wasn't far with me and Shadows speed. I was just glad I remembered where it was. Shadow did not keep me waiting long, and soon we were on our way. He seemed confused and slightly irritated that I wouldn't tell him where we were going. But nonetheless followed me without much protest. We arrived within a hour, the large sign confirming we were at the right place.

We stopped at the front after making sure we were alone. "The Bunch Cemetery? Jen, I don't understand. Why did you bring me here?" Shadow asked confused. I swallowed hard before answering, "This is where my parents were buried." Shadows face softened at my admission. "I wanted to say goodbye before we left. But I didn't want to come by myself. I..I just wanted you to be here with me." I mumbled.

Taking a deep breath as he took my hand I quickly gave it a squeeze before walking through the gate. We strolled among the tombstones, looking for a specific one. "There." I said as I pointed. A tall tree shaded a large stone that had been chiseled so it would represent two. My mother and fathers graves. I slowly walked up and blinked back tears that were forming in my eyes.

"Margie Tampson, a loving mother, wife, and daughter. And Toby Tampson, a caring father, husband, and son." Shadow read aloud. I suddenly wished I could tell Shadow all about them, to just tell story after story. But I couldn't remember hardly any, and the ones I had recalled, I had already told him of. I sniffed as I looked at the small pictures that had been placed under each name.

One was of my mother, she was laughing, from what I didn't know, but her eyes twinkled and she looked younger. The other was of my father, he was posing with a small smile holding a fishing rod in one hand, and a large fish in the other. I reached out and picked up my mothers, "I don't remember much about either of them, but I know my mother was one of the kindest people out there."

I studied the picture debating on something. "Do you think it would be wrong to take these photos?" I asked timidly. He placed a hand on my shoulder, "No, I don't think it would be wrong. They were your parents after all." I smiled weakly as I picked up both frames, content with the thought that I would have a piece of them to take with me. "Can I have just a moment alone, please? I'll meet you at the gate." I said. He nodded, silently turning to go back to the front. I had wanted him to come with me, but I just need a second to say goodbye alone. I knew Shadow would be there to give me strength and support as soon as I was through.

I sighed reaching out to place a hand on the stone, closing my eyes tightly. "Hey momma, sorry I haven't been around in a while. I've been through quite a lot these past few months. I bet you wouldn't even recognize me if you were still here. I've changed a whole lot since you saw me last, physically and mentally. I'm stronger now, I'm not just a scared little girl anymore. And guess what momma, I found someone who loves me. He's wonderful, I know you would have liked him. He takes care of me and treats me right, I love him very much. I...I'm going to leave pretty soon, but don't worry, no matter what I'll see you again one day."

I wiped away the tears that had started falling, I knew I was running out of time. "And daddy, I'm sorry I can't remember very much about you right now. Hopefully I will later but right now I just can't. But I do remember one thing, and that was you were a good man, you kept me safe, and loved me so much. I loved you too, I still do. And whenever I smell pine trees and hickory smoke, I'll be thinking of you." I whispered running my hand across the raised letters of his name on the stone.

I stood there a moment trying to bring myself to leave when something caught my attention. A grave stood just a few feet away and it looked to be new, maybe only a few months old. The grass around it was slightly patchy still and the tombstone looked relatively clean. Curious I walked over to see who was buried so close to my parents. More of my family perhaps? Maybe it was a aunt or uncle, or my grandparents.

I eagerly started to read the small stone and gave a gasp of surprise. "Kenneth Tampson, loving son, and husband?" My brother is...dead?!" I exclaimed. I was overwhelmed at the grief and guilt I felt. To be honest I didn't remember much about him just small vague things, like mother telling a story to both of us. I did know that we had gotten out of touch when momma died and he moved away.

But I felt so guilty about missing his funeral and the fact that I didn't even know what caused his death. I loved him, he was my family and now I found out he died. I felt slightly sick as I backed away from the tombstone. "I'm so sorry Kenny, I wish I could have been there." I muttered. I quickly turned away clutching my parents pictures, wondering if coming here was a good idea after all.

Shadow was waiting by the gate, cautiously watching for any humans as well. Upon seeing my upset expression, he grimaced and wrapped a arm around me. I hugged him firmly back, struggling with my emotions, a few seconds later I knew we had to began our trip back. After a few moments of silence Shadow cleared is throat and asked if I was ok. "I found out my brother died." I replied sadly. His eyes widened a fraction, "I'm truly sorry Angel." "Its not your fault Shadow."

We ran the rest of the way in silence, Shadow giving me space to mourn. I felt slightly better when Shadow took my hand, not saying anything but lending his strength by showing me he cared. Shadow was like my anchor, he kept me grounded. He had been through it all with me, even the hardest moments like when I had been transformed and my memory taken from me. He still fought for me, and we had fallen in love, I only hoped he knew I would do the same for him.

I would fight to keep him and my new family safe. I would miss my momma, father, and bother and they would always have a special place in my heart. I could accept their deaths but I didn't think it would ever stop hurting. It may fade with time or perhaps I might just get used to the ache in my heart. But I knew Shadow would be with me through it all, and that made it so much easier to bear.

So I squeezed his hand with a small smile feeling sorrow but also hope that I would see my family again, in heaven. We soon arrived back at the camp and after apologizing and explaining where we went, Tails began powering up the machine. While Tails turned the machine on the rest of us waited for him up in the spacious cockpit. The large window let us see outside and soon a large circle appeared seemingly out of nowhere, greatly resembling a black hole. My breath caught in my chest at the sight, and a small wave a fear ran through me.

I was really doing this, this was it. Shadow gripped my hand in reassurance, I squeezed his back tightly. As the plane started to move I looked around at my friends, no my family. I felt secure and loved and excited to be a part of this. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that I would be here, about to go to a whole other world. With my true love by my side, and a new family.

I truly was lucky. As we began to pass through the portal I held onto Shadows hand and with the other I cluched my parents photos. "Love you Angel" Shadow muttered a pleased smirk upon his lips. I grinned happily in return, "I love you too." I responded just before we passed through completely. I was not expecting what happened next. I had assumed that we would just appear in Mobius, but for a few seconds we were surrounded by bright swirls of colors that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Just as I was starting to fear we were stuck in this endless space of cycidelic colours a white light penetrated and began to surround us. Closing my eyes and wincing at the brightness I held tighter to Shadows hand. The light faded and I opened my eyes, only to blink hard in surprise. Tails was now maneuvering the plane to land on a grassy clearing. I saw a nice house in the style of a cottage not far away. We quickly landed and everyone erupted in cheers and exclamations.

I looked around in wonder, soaking in every detail. I was slightly surprised when a tall rabbit popped out of the house and upon spotting the large plane began running towards it. Cream having seen this event happening, had screamed in joy giving her chao Cheese a squeeze. "Look Cheese Its momma!" she squealed running from the room to meet her mother. We quickly rushed to the exit ourselves and I found myself tugging Shadow along impatiently, excited beyond measure.

He chuckled at my attempts jogging along quickly with me. When we stepped from the plane, we found Cream jumping into her mothers arms. I smiled at the tearful reunion before looked around myself energetically. It was so green here, there wasn't any others houses that I could see besides Creams mothers. A forest stretched across us on the right and a small river lazily flowed down next to the it.

It was beautiful here, I couldn't tell much difference between this place and earth, but I hadn't seen enough yet to make a correct comparison. Cream pulled her mother over and began telling of our adventures and pretty much frighting her mother to death. Upon noticing me however she asked who I was, introductions were made and I learned the rabbits name was Vanilla.

Cream excitedly told her all about how I had saved her from Mecha Sonics cluches and protected her from Eggmans robots. Along with how Sonic had saved her and Amy from Eggmans clutches. Vanilla had went quite pale after hearing the dangers her daughter had went through, and thanked us all profusely for taking care of her little girl, asking us to stay for dinner. Sonic politely refused telling her we still had some business to take care of. Which I then remembered Robotnik who was still locked up in Tails plane.

We said good bye to Cream with promises to visit tomorrow and have dinner. It was all a blur from there, everyone quickly leaving to do some sort of business. Sonic, Tails and Amy quickly left to take Robotnik to a woman called Sally, who was apparently the princess in this land, to decide his fate. They even said I could meet her later when I got settled in. Knuckles left soon after saying he needed to go check the master emerald, taking the chaos emeralds with him. He was quite happy to find they had not scattered and he said he would guard them along with the master emerald.

Rouge went with him and after slightly sad goodbyes I found it was just me, Spunky and Shadow. I was a little depressed to part with all of them after being together for so long. But I was comforted by the fact that we would see everyone tomorrow at Creams when we went to have dinner. Then something occurred to me, "Um...Shadow?" he turned to me raising a eyebrow in question. "Where am I supposed to stay?" I asked. "Well, I have good news for you." he said. I raised a eyebrow in question, urging him to go on.

"I happen to have enough money saved up from my job to purchase a small home. And I've been thinking about it since you decided to come here with me, and I want to buy you a house all your own. If I recall correctly there is a nice cottage that is within my price range just a few miles from my own place. We can check it out if its still available, and if you like it I will buy it for you. " he explained. My eyes about popped out of my head, Shadow wanted to buy me a house?! "Shadow, I don't know what to say." I spoke. I didn't know how to accept this kind of gift, this was too much.

Shadow seemed to read my thoughts yet again as he grasped my hands and with a gentle voice said, "I want to Jennifer. Let me give you this gift." He paused for a moment to ponder something, "Think of it as a thank you for all the time you spent at my bedside, all that time you devoted to me, for never giving up on me. It really touched me, that you loved me so much that you never gave up hope. I love you my Angel, now let your boyfriend dote on you. Because chaos knows you deserve it." he said finishing his small speech.

Tears flowed down my face as I was touched beyond words. "Thank you Shadow, it sounds perfect." I whispered before throwing my arms around him giving him a hug. After a moment I had pulled myself together and was smiling, "After watching Snow White I always thought it would be cool to live in a cottage!" I joked. "Wait, who is Snow White? Geez you humans have weird names, I mean who names their child synonyms of the color white?" Shadow asked confused.

My eyes widened and I froze at this outburst, Shadow in turn looked shocked and noticing my reaction immediately back peddled. "No offence Jen I mean your name is lovely!" he said alarmed that he might have upset me. I quaked with laughter, "Snow White is just a character from a book Shadow. You didn't offend me." I explained. Shadow rolled his eyes in relief and chuckled as he reached for my hand, "Want to go check out your new, (hopefully anyway), home?" he asked. I grinned widely taking his hand, "As long as I'm with you I'm happy." I quipped.

Shadows eyes twinkled with joy, and I almost lost myself in his ruby irises. I gave him a kiss, and picking up Spunky I followed him as we ran to the cottage. As we passed by the beautiful scenery I felt completely ecstatic. We quickly arrived within the hour and I fell in love at first sight. It was smaller then Vanilla and Creams place, perhaps only a two bedroom.

But then again that would be plenty for me and Spunky. And I was elated to see it had a for sale sign by the mail box. I hugged Shadow in happiness not able to contain the joy I was feeling any longer. One adventure had ended and I had lost some things, but gained so much more from it. As I looked at Shadow and smiled, I couldn't help but be so happy that the biggest adventure in my life had brought me and him together. And now I couldn't wait for the next.