SunLove: Oh my...

Silver: What?

Shadow: She's almost hit chapter 20.

Sonic: Not to mention she's typed over 80K words.

SunLove: *Faints*

Silver: Well this is a problem...

Disclaimer: Sonic and anyone related belongs to Sega. OCs belong to me.

Chapter 19: Found

The sand on his aching soles felt nice. Really nice. Each crystal engulfed and massaged his red striped feet, getting a pleasing sigh out of the ebony hedgehog's lips. The crisp air that surrounded him, blowing his quills west, brought his eyelids to a close. He enjoyed each time the waves crashed onto the shore playing their soothing music.

This was paradise, and he was going to enjoy it.

For five days, five troublesome days, Shadow had been wondering around like a lost puppy. He had no idea where he was going, he was just going. At the mark of day three he almost turned back. He almost wimped out. Deep inside of him, he wanted to go home. He wanted to just feel the warmth he always felt around the three he missed, terribly. Shadow wanted to able to sleep in his bed instead of a tree, he wanted to eat eggs and bacon for breakfast instead of fruit he had to search for. He wanted to take a bath. But most of all, most of all he wanted Sonic, Silver and….and Chelsea back. He wouldn't admit this to himself, but it was there. Deep inside of him. But as soon as he was about to turn on his heel, and use his instincts to search for that place, he growled.

How weak could he possibly be? It had only been 36 hours and he was already feeling a strong urge to go back. Who did that? Shadow obviously left for a reason, he wanted out. He couldn't live there anymore. The relationship he had with his mother was destroyed in a matter of minutes, because of simple words. Words he should've been cautious of. But wasn't she supposed to deal with what he said? Wasn't Chelsea supposed to keep her head when the child didn't? It was her responsibility to be patient with the child, however out of hand they could get. So, in truth, it basically wasn't his fault. It was all hers. So he had no reason to turn around. If she were searching for him, which he was sure she was, he hoped she didn't find him. He really did. He didn't want to see her or any of them. He was better off.

Shadow opened his eyes glaring at the sea, the same one that brought him such soothing rhythms. His shiny orbs traveled all of the white foam and crystal blue water. As his eyes left the ocean they traveled over to the sand and scanned the yellow crystals. Each one sparkled against the heat bearing sun. Father out he could see the moving waves of heat but that didn't really matter to him. But what did matter was that this specific place was so inhabited. He expected at least a couple of humans to be here, but he found none. He really could care less if they saw him, but that wasn't the point. Why wasn't there activity at such a beautiful place? He wasn't an expert on human activity but he sure beaches were a common place to go to. So this was a bit weird.

But it had nothing to do with him so shadow just shrugged. The sweltering heat caused beads of sweat to roll down his temples. To shade his eyes he covered them with his hand, observing the ocean once again. As of now, he was shoeless. Only his naked feet stood on the silky sand. Shadow looked down on them creating tiny circles with his toes. He cringed at the size of them before looking back at the crashing waves.

Let's get one thing straight. Shadow the Hedgehog didn't like water. Well, when it comes to swimming. In general, he wasn't afraid of it but at the same time he preferred to be on dry land. He was kind of in the middle between his brothers. Sonic, being the one who was terrified of it and absolutely despised even the idea. And Silver who had an obsession with it. Not so much of an obsession but he liked it enough that he would never pass the opportunity to swim. He was kind of in the grey area between black and white. And as he gazed over the crystalline water.

Well, it looked so good.

He had never felt how the ocean felt. It was stupid, but would it feel any different from the water he drank? Would it be harder, softer, would it taste the same? All these random questions kept popping in his head that he barely realized he was moving towards the blue water. One foot at a time he traveled over to the water that crashed against the wet sand. Each time it would crash at a place higher than before coloring the sand a darkened yellow before returning to its lowered status. Shadow's feet stopped at the tippy top of the dampened sand. His nerves were at an all time high and he found himself scrunching his brows together, scowling.

What if this hurt him? What if the content in the water was something hedgehogs were not supposed to be exposed to? He might have some human characteristics, but he was still a hedgehog. There were certain rules he had to follow. So what would happen if his foot would to touch this water? He needed to know. Shadow wasn't the type of person to fully jump in something without knowing all the facts. Excuse him for not wanting to cut his life short. But, indeed, there was no one here to inform him about this water. He was all alone, on this beach, with no one around. The little reminder had his scowl deepen. He couldn't think about that right now. He needed to find out what the sea felt like. He wanted to know how it felt like, and he, being the Ultimate Lifeform, was going to find out.

With on cautious step, Shadow tipped his foot into the water, going toe first. He blinked at how warm the water felt. The warmth traveled up his leg, running over to his entire body. In some way, this felt relaxing, calming, homey. Wanting to enjoy all that the sea had to give he put his second foot in, this time without hesitation. Shadow looked at the blue-ish green water with half-lidded eyes. His ruby orbs studied how his feet enlarged because of the water. He took a step forward causing the water to reach to his ankles. He closed his eyes taking in the peace that flowed through him currently. There was nothing to worry about, nothing to think about, he could just stand here and enjoy what untouched nature had to offer. And boy, how great the offer was.

For many minutes the ebon hedgehog stood there, his stoic visage softened, enjoying the surrounding elements. It wasn't until later that he started to walk that he went shell collecting. He spotted and stepped on many different types of shells. The clear water also helped in searching for them. There were many ones , from large ones to small ones, fat ones to skinny ones, dull ones to unique ones and he even found shells that still held a living animal. For instance, Shadow was drawn to a clam, one with just a plain white cover. He didn't pick it up, wanting to leave it alone, he just observed it. It didn't do anything. It just laid there to the dark hedgehog's disappointment. So wasn't long until he left it, searching again. He found many other sea life among the shores. It was very intriguing to say and fun, surprisingly. Silver was right. The ocean was a very beautiful habitat.

Okay, he liked the sand at first, but now it was just getting annoying. Especially when there was sand in places it wasn't supposed to be. Shadow growled in irritation as he tried scrubbing, even scratching the sand of his furry limbs. He was so intent and doing so that he took his own gloves off to use his claws. Unfortunately all that did was create scratches along his body. Oh, and don't worry, there was sand in there too.

He groaned after countless of fruitless attempts to rid himself of the sand. Really, he didn't care anymore. The sun was almost abut to set, creating an orange tint and he was exhausted. It might've been from fatigue or maybe even hunger, but Shadow couldn't stand any longer. As he walked, he staggered trying his best as to not stumble over his own feet. Not wanting to humiliate himself, not that anyone was around, in case he tripped he decided to sit. Immediately he sighed as soon as he got comfortable. Shadow propped himself up with his hand which were sitting on the sand behind him. His crimson marked legs were stretched out, feet still bare. Although his gloves and shoes were indeed off, and he was fully naked, he didn't feel uncomfortable. He was in his own world, his own place now. No one was here to bother him

And as he thought about it, he kind of liked the idea.

Solitary was something the male hedgehog was okay with. If he was alone, no one or nothing could hurt him. He would be shut away from the world only depending on himself and himself only. He didn't need to fall on anyone and risk being dropped. If he had legs, he would use them to stand so he wouldn't fall in the first place. It would work like that. It was a simple yet brilliant idea. As long as he kept to himself, there would be no more hurt.

There would be no more misery.

Pain.

Woe.

There would only be silence. Sweet, blissful silence. A type of silence Shadow found himself craving for. There, in his own mind would he be alright. Everything would be okay.

So in reality, he didn't need his family. Or used to be-as of now-family; ex-family for short. There needless emotions were only a burden to him. They hurt and confused his mind to the extent on where he questioned his every judgment. He didn't need to be scolded at for every little thing he did. There was no time for teachings and family gatherings. They were useless in retrospect. What did it do, really? Bring together a group of people who live together only to have all their problems surface? It was illogical, unreasonable, insensible! What was the point of coming out with your feelings if all it brought was pain. Unbearable pain. Pain Shadow only realized could be created by the people closest to his heart.

And for that, he hated them.

This wasn't just between him and Chelsea. Oh no. This was now betwee and D. It took him an unfortunately long amount of time to figure this out, but every tear he shed was because of one them, if not all. Every heart-wrenching pain he felt was created by one of them. They were the only ones responsible for his misery. They were the only ones he knew. Shadow couldn't believe this. What was the point of families anymore? Now that he realized the true outcome of it, he was appalled. He couldn't believe he left himself so vulnerable. He was a baby kitten in a cage filled with bull dogs. And the worst part was he allowed them to attack.

Just as the orange tinted sun was half way set, tear began to prick the ebony, male's eyes. His eyes squeezed shut hoping to dry rid them away, but when he opened his eyes his vision was blurred. It wasn't much longer until the bubbles of hot tears shot down his muzzle as speeding bullets. The thing was, Shadow had no idea the salty water was pouring down his face until his hand met his cheek. He looked upon the dampened fur and glared at it, icily. His hand formed into a fist before roughly wiping away the tears, leaving no traces of what was once on his muzzle.

Why was he crying? He had just uncovered the secret to a painless life and now he's weeping? This didn't make sense. Nothing made sense anymore. Here was Shadow the Hedgehog, eldest of the trio, the Ultimate Lifeform, crying as if he had just been called a bad name. He was strong, not weak. Why was he displaying such a cowardly actions. He'd made up his mind to live in solitude. It was the only way he knew not to get hurt.

So why was there such a large gash in his heart?

Pictures flashed before his crimson orbs, pupils dilating. Images of a smiling azure hedgehog filled his mind. There was a picture of him giving a supporting nod and thumbs up. He displayed that stupid grin he always showed. As the figure faded away a feeling of emptiness lodged itself into the pits of his stomach. Shadow would've never thought this annoying copy would have such an impact.

Next illustrations of a silver furry filled the empty void. Silver's bashful smiles and childish giggles packed itself within his brain. His playful manner and naïve fashion set a protective instinct inside of him. Silver was just someone who you couldn't help but feel protective over and truth be told, he still wanted to.

But then the final picture appeared in the front lobes of his brain were….confusing. Flashes of Chelsea with cocoa-brown skin imprinted in his mind. It made him feel queasy as she smiled and images of her pulling him into an embrace. One where his head lay on her chest the warmth would spread to his body.

He felt his emotions conflict with one another. Sadness with happiness. Pain with relief. Love with hate. It was perplexing. All these colorful pictures clouded his eyes making them seem as if he was in a trance. Things only got harder though. Shadow didn't know what to feel and he didn't know what to do when a voice spoke. One voice he dreaded yet was relieved to hear. One that was way too familiar. One that gave the answer as to why this beach was so damn familiar.

"Shadow, is that really you?"

It was funny how he stayed staring out onto the darkened water, silent. In the back of Shadow's mind he kept screaming at himself. It was stupid to go here. He should've recognized this beach from the start. How could he have been so blind? He wanted to be alone, away from everyone else yet he brings himself to where he would be found. Had he had any sense to just run, he would've been gone by now. Days ago the dark hedgehog had realized how to use the rocket shoes that sat beside him. It was actually simple as one-two-three. It required no thinking, just doing. He would've enjoyed every time he used them, the wind whipping his quills behind him, the feel of cold air smashing against his face. The freedom, the strength.

The solitude.

As that voice, the one that silently tore him furthermore, called out his name again, he couldn't help but growl. Why wouldn't she just go away? Hadn't she gotten the message? He didn't care for her anymore. He was in no way associated with her any longer. If she had thought coming here would get him to go back to her, she was wrong. She was dead wrong. He wasn't going to just forget and forgive. It wasn't that it was hard, he just felt it wasn't necessary for him to do it. What was the point of forgiving someone that would only hurt him again? It was just plain stupid for him to do so.

"Please…"

Her whisper didn't move him. Shadow wasn't at all affected by that sad whisper, that desperate cry. In fact, he almost laughed. If she thought for one minute he was going to give her the satisfactory of forgiving her, she was more idiotic then he thought. He wasn't going to just turn around and hug her, tell her he loved her and move on. Shadow wasn't going to do that. He forbid himself of such an action. It wasn't going to help him later, so no. Sorry, but no. She was just going to have to deal with him ignoring her, no matter how much it hurt her.

The ebony hedgehog's left ear twitched as the softest footstep were made upon the sand. His eyes slanted to a large degree, Shadow bared his fangs and his ears slanted sideways. She was coming over here. She dared to take careful strides towards him. The one who broke, tore and ripped his heart merciless was actually making her way toward him.

The hell!?

As Shadow was just about to turn around, bark at her, the footsteps stopped. From rough calculations he found his estimate to be a foot away. He heard slow and steady breathes of air and one gulp come from the other.

"Shady, baby, please look at me."

How dare she call him that! How dare she call him with such formalities! She had no right to call him such a pet name, such a degrading pet name. If anyone were to just listen in on that particular part, they would have assumed it was just a mother talking to her son. One on one. So loving, so nurturing. It was sickening to him. He cringed each time she called out his name. His fists were balled up, squeezing the sand between them so hard, any harder and he might've joined them together.

She angered him terribly. Each syllabus she pronounced, each vowel and constant she spoke irritated him to no end. It was as if each word that came from her mouth was like nails on a chalkboard. It was an overly used metaphor but it was horrifyingly true. He's had it.

"If you would just-" Chelsea began holding her hands to her chest feeling that was the only way to keep it in its place. But she gasped taking a step back when Shadow, at startling speed, stood up glaring. He glared at her with these eyes, these devil-like eyes. She almost questioned his identity. Was he her child anymore?

She knew, from when she said his name, Shadow was angry beyond belief. So angry, in fact, that word couldn't even began describe the despicable, white, hot, rage that soared through him. Chelsea already accepted the fact he was angry. She expected that. But when a mother hasn't seen their child in over a span of five days, it was heart-breaking to see that they still hated them.

That Shadow still hated her.

The first moment she saw an ebony and crimson spot in the horizon, she rubbed her eyes. Chelsea was known to have her mind display fake pictures, hoaxing her into a cruel hallucination. So she waited five full, torturous minutes before moving towards the spot that gradually got bigger. And finally she saw what brought her to tears…well, actually, no. She was too surprised to cry. Too stunned to speak. This overwhelming feeling rising inn her chest hurt to an indescribable amount. Never had this amount of relief flowed through her veins and arteries. It was hard for the young woman to stop herself from running up to him squeezing his insides out and then slapping him.

Just a hard, backhand, slap on the cheek.

The cheek her lips missed so much.

With her mouth slightly agape, Chelsea longingly stared at the seething hedgehog before her. Her fists were clenched on the middle of her chest and she tilted her head to the side. He was really there. Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Lifeform, her eldest child, her baby, was standing right in front of her. He was glaring at her with so much malice, but for the moment it was neither saddening nor joyful. For the time being, she didn't feel anything but allayment. The worst thoughts she had ever had, had floated away leaving in silence. Her baby hedgie was still alive, and that was all she needed to know.

Even as he snarled at her. Chelsea smiled.

He refused to look at her. Shadow would probably blow up and do something horrible if he looked her in the eyes. So he settled for looking right past her head, off where road and sand met. But, didn't he not care what happened to her?

"Why are you here?" he growled, eyes narrowing dangerously. He took a step forward, going out of his comfort zone, but wanting to intimidate her.

She was grateful he acknowledged her. She would take that over being ignored.

"I…." Chelsea trailed off, taking a deep breath. Her nerves were at an all-time high though, she didn't know why. "Shadow," she breathed, "you know why I'm here."

He knew alright. He just didn't want to accept it. Now wasn't the time he wanted to be contained. He wanted his freedom, he liked his freedom. Most of all he favored the freedom away from her.

"I'm not going with you," he snarled ferociously.

Her brown eyes turned glossy. An expression of worry was sketched upon her face. "I know you're angry, sweetie, but…please," Chelsea whispered

Oh, Shadow wasn't angry. Ok, maybe he was, but surprisingly that wasn't the only emotion that made him glare at her with so much hate. The dark hedgehog turned his back on her clenching his fists, tightly. Her plead somehow got into the tiniest of cracks in his heart. His completely shattered heart.

"Just leave me alone. Don't you understand I hate you," he whispered, unclenching his fists, lowering his ears and gazing upon the purple sea. "I don't want anything to do with you," he continued, voice back to a leveled, stone, tone.

Shadow gasped and whipped around as he felt something on his shoulder. For a fraction of a second the limb on his shoulder released warmth that he terribly missed. He almost gave into her hand that he was so used to have his cheek touched with. That loving, though, was roughly shrugged away and a look of disgust etched his features. He stared at her as Chelsea just smiled.

"But in order to hate someone, they have had to be loved," she said. "Shadow please just come-"

He had enough of this.

"No!" he shouted, throwing his hands in the air. "Do you not understand you-you…." he shouted in frustration before continuing, "I am not going back with you, alright!? I am done with-"

"Shadow look at yourself!" Chelsea cried. "You're a complete mess. I can just tell by looking at you that you haven't eaten anything, at all." Tears started to pool in the young woman's eyes as she observed the hedgehogs form.

The ebon hedgehog blinked at the spot past her. His head slowly looked towards his torso, and surprisingly enough, she was right. Shadow looked underfed. Not drastically underfed, but underfed. He was already skinny before but, as of now, he could see his ribs poking from the loose skin underneath. His once sleek and shiny ebon fur was covered in dirt and grime. His tuft of fur on his chest was 50 shades off of white, almost a sickly cream color. The thin limbs he owned were now so thin he could see parts of the bones underneath. Shadow hadn't had the thought of viewing himself considering how he couldn't. He didn't know he was this bad, maybe this was why he always felt tired and exhausted.

He shook his head. Nevertheless, no matter how bad he looked, he wasn't going to give in. He was done with her. He was done with his family.

He. Was. Not. Going. Back.

"So," he shouted back, "I'm fine anyway. Just go away. Leave me be!"

"I'm not going to leave unless you're coming with me. You are going to come back with me even if that means dragging you back to the car you idiot," Chelsea bellowed. She scowled, fed up with everything. She wanted him back home. She wanted him back. She wanted him back in her arms. A place where she would always know he was safe from harm.

Shadow's ruby orbs glowed with anger. He bared his fangs at her snarling. "If you won't leave, then I am." He turned swiftly walking away. Of course, Chelsea gripped his bony wrist. She spun him around matching his icy glare. Tears were threatening to fall.

"Shadow the Hedgehog stop this foolishness and get your butt in that car! Now!"

"You are no longer in the position to order me arou-"

Chelsea narrowed her eyes. She roughly grabbed his face, bringing them to hers. Shadow growled at first, squirming, shouting for her to let go. Then when he looked into her eyes….

Well, he couldn't really explain much.

First of all, all previous movements ceased. Shadow just stood there, arms limp. His narrowed eyes widened and blinked so slowly. His hardened expression turned to one of total blankness. Those ruby eyes of his softened considerably and his lips were slightly apart. When he looked into those soft, warm, desperate, angry swirling pools of emotions, he didn't know what to do. Something inside of him just cracked with each passing second. All traces of anger fled his body, and he didn't understand why. His broken heart, hurt so much worse. It felt as if it had been set on fire after being torn merciless. Something in his stomach dropped and his throat felt dry and scratchy.

What was happening? Why did he feel so warm yet so frightened? Those eyes bored into him, looking into him, invading every memory he had. He barely had time to realize Chelsea's arms snake around his neck bringing his head to her shoulder.

"Now you listen to me here you stupid hedgehog."

He gasped, still not comprehending the situation.

Chelsea made sure her mouth was by his ear. Tears were already cascading down her cheeks making them go hot. Each warm tear dripped onto the dark hedgehog's shoulder.

"No matter how much you hate me, I will always be your mother. I don't care what you think or how you act. You will always be my son, alright?" Her voice was watery and broken. It cracked every so often as she held him tighter, not caring that he just stood there, limply.

"I know I've hurt you. I know I have and…and I just want you back," she sobbed, "I promise, I'll fix everything if you just come back Shadow. I can't do this anymore if you're not here. I shouldn't have said all those things. I've broken you. I don't deserve your forgiveness but I want you back. We're not the same without you. Why did you just leave? Don't you know what you did to us!? You inconsiderate hedgehog! Just come back with me. "

Shadow had his chin on her shoulder. He stared ahead, thoughts swirling inside as well as feelings. What was this? Her words were confusing and….and hurtful. It hurt him so much to hear her like this. But wasn't he supposed to enjoy that she was talking like this. Like a broken spirit at its limits. Wasn't he supposed to be furious with her? With all she did and said to him? Then why was he so broken and torn about her voice? Why did he feel as if his throat was constricted? His stomach was in knots and his eyes stung. Why did his arms encircle her racking form? Why did his nails dig into her skin because he wanted to hold her so tightly? Why did he clench his eyes and mouth shut tightly?

Why were tears falling?

Well, there was an infinite amount of answers that could be given for each question. But I think this answer could sum it up.

It was because he wanted her back also.

Shadow could deny it all he wanted. He could write it as a law that he would forever hate the woman in his arms, but he would only break it. Deep down, in the depths of his heart, he always loved his mother. Chelsea was forever engraved in his heart, mind and soul. Once he had imprinted on her, she was stuck to him. There was no way he could ever forget about her. She was the one that held him whenever he had nightmares, or fell ill, got hurt, or just because he wanted to be held. From day one, she held him and loved him. And he was too ignorant to see it. He missed her laugh, her smile, her voice, her hands, feet, arms, legs, face, hair, eyes; anything that was related to her.

He missed his momma.

"Momma," he whispered. Then all of sudden, violent sobs tore through his throat. His sore throat ached as he dropped to his knees, gripping her waist. He didn't want to be alone anymore. He didn't want to be away from her, Sonic or Silver. He wanted to be back in their arms where the love was unlimited.

Chelsea dropped to the ground hugging him tightly.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." She pulled back, cupping his face, smoothing her thumb across his cheeks. Their eyes entwined, both overflowing with salty tears. The young woman's brows furrowed together as Shadow's lip trembled. "Oh Shadow, please forgive me," she whispered.

Shadow placed his head back in her chest wrapping his arms around her neck. "I'm sorry!" he wailed. "I-I don't…I can't-"

He fell apart crying. His fist bunched up taking some of her hair. His legs curled in, as he sat in her lap. Chelsea, tears pouring down her face, had a soft smile placed on her lips. She rubbed his back, cradling him. She then kissed his forehead, placing her chin on top of his head.

"Shh," she shushed. Her lids shut, bottom lip trembling. "Just… just let me hold you."

He did just that, letting his head push against her bosom, muffling his cries. His ears laid flat against his head and he clutched onto her just as he did when he was younger. Shadow shook with each sob also shaking her. He never wanted to be away from her again. He wanted to stay in her arms forever. He wanted to stay in a place where he felt safe from harm.

He just wanted to stay like this.

Sonic, Silver, Shadow and Chelsea: Wow...

SunLove: Yeah...

I think that sums it up.

Thank You R&R

~God Bless You~