Shadow lay awake beside Sonic. He couldn't even hope for sleep. He was a disaster that ruined everything that got close. How could he live with himself now? He finally found something that helped him heal after Maria's death. He couldn't bear the thought of what is coming now.

Shadow looked at the snoozing Sonic, who was beginning to show. It won't be long now. Maybe a week. Shadow closed his eyes tightly in an attempt to push the pain and despair out. He won't be able to live and move on after this. It wouldn't be possible. No one knew about Maria, but everyone loves Sonic. He'd hear about it forever. He wouldn't be able to take it. He could only hope Knuckles's threat was true and he would kill Shadow after this. If not, Shadow would have no problem doing it himself. He's ended lives before.

Shadow's sensitive ears picked up a small sound outside. It was faint, and no ordinary person could have heard it, but it was there.

Shadow moved slowly and carefully until he was out of the bed then rushed to the window. He drew back the curtain a fraction of a hair and scanned the area. He expected danger; mechs, guns or anything else obvious, but he saw none. In fact, he didn't see anything at all.

He heard it again and looked closer. It was pitch black outside because of the new moon, but he finally saw it. It was a figure that looked like an injured child!

Shadow sped out of the room and out of the house setting every alarm in the place off. He didn't care, or even notice. All he knew was there was a child who needed help. He may not have a soft spot for children in general, but he can't let another person die here!

Shadow found the child and scooped her up instantly. The moment he did, his heart froze.

"Maria?" Her hair was a soft blonde and her face was the same oval shape. It can't be! Maria's gone! He brought her inside, where everyone was up and alert. At first they were confused and demanding, but when they saw the limp figure in Shadow's arms, they all rushed to her aid. Silver suspended her into the air and brought her to the couch. From there, Amy quickly checked her out by feeling her pulse and temperature.

"Someone get her a blanket! She's cold and wet!" She commanded, looking her over again.

"I'm on it!" Knuckles said quickly, heading to the closet.

Shadow could do nothing but watch in shock. She looked too much like Maria. Every line and curve of her face was identical. This must be a nightmare!

"Shadow, are you okay?" Sonic asked from behind. Shadow shook his thoughts away and put an arm around the blue hedgehog.

"I'm fine," He rubbed Sonic's arm in comfort, but in truth, he wasn't fine at all. He was losing his mind. He considered the possibility that this girl doesn't look like Maria at all, but he completely forgot what Maria looks like. The one thing he knows he couldn't forget, is her deep blue eyes.

Once the girl was under a blanket and the heat of the house was turned up, the atmosphere calmed down a little. Amy told everyone to head back to bed and that she would take care of the newcomer. Shadow didn't want to disobey Amy after that day, but he knew he couldn't sleep either.

"Come to bed Shadow. She'll be fine under Amy's care," Sonic said gently. He must be able to sense Shadow's stress. Shadow tried to calm down for Sonic's sake, worried the stress would speed up the process of his problem. The thought sent shivers down Shadow's spine. He can't think of that now.

Shadow followed Sonic to bed, but he stayed awake long after Sonic had fallen asleep. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to see that girl again. He quietly slipped out of the bed so he wouldn't wake Sonic and even quieter out of the room. He expected to see Amy sitting awake, but she was nowhere to be seen. She must have given in to drowsiness. Another thing he didn't expect, was that the girl was awake.

She was sitting up, playing with her blanket. Her soft, blonde hair covering her face. She must have sensed Shadow's presence, because she looked up. That is when Shadow's heart really did stop.

Those eyes!

"Maria?" Shadow said suddenly, his pulse quickening by the second. He took a single step closer, as if moving quickly would make her disappear.

Her blue eyes were fill of confusion, "Who's Maria? My name is Misty."

His heart fell and his hopes dropped. This isn't Maria. This is just a girl who was on the beach. He sat where Amy was before and said, "I must have mistaken. What I want to know, is where did you come from and how did you get here?"

She looked down at her blanket and played with a loose string, "I don't know. The last thing I remember is I was clinging to a piece of drift wood and then everything went black. I woke up to pink hedgehog who told me I was safe and no one would hurt me. I don't remember anything else."

Amnesia. Great. Shadow nodded and said, "She's right. Well you should get some rest," He stood up to head back to the room so he could stare at the ceiling until Sonic woke up.

"Thank you," Was the last thing he heard.

Sonic awoke at dawn and they both got up together. The rest of the gang was talking to Misty, asking her the same questions Shadow did the night before. They were getting the same lack of results too.

Knuckles rubbed his temple as he and Rouge walked into the kitchen, "She can't stay here! What are we going to do?"

Rouge took his hand, which surprised Shadow, and led him to a stool, hopping onto his lap, "We'll figure something out Hun. Let's give her a day or two to recover. Who knows how long she was out there."

Shadow felt like he was invading their privacy by standing there and led Sonic outside. Of all the people Rouge would be attracted to, he never thought it would be Knuckles. Outside, the air smelled like the ocean, and was a little chilly. The two walked in the soft sand as the sun rose, casting pinks and gold all over the sparkling ocean. Shadow snuggled to Sonic to keep him warm as they enjoyed the view. Shadow couldn't take his mind off of Misty. How can she look so much like Maria? Is it his mind playing tricks on him?

"What's wrong Shadow? And be honest or I'll get angry," Sonic demanded with a stern look. Shadow sighed and looked into the other's eyes.

"She looks just like Maria."

Realization dawned in Sonic's eyes and he kissed Shadow's cheek, "She'll be gone soon Shadow. None of those guys will let her stay long with the baby on the way."

Shadow nodded, willing the last part not to affect him too much, "I know. I'm more worried about you," It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the total truth.

Sonic didn't respond. What could he say? Assure Shadow that he'd be okay when he knows there's no way that's possible? Tell Shadow he's worried too? No best to keep quiet and Shadow was grateful. They spent the rest of the day practically attached. Shadow avoided Misty as much as possible, trying to enjoy as much time with Sonic as he could. He made sure Sonic didn't do anything all day, doing everything for him. By night, he was actually tired. In bed with Sonic, he snuggled with him and actually smiled for the moment, before falling asleep.

The next day, he was alone.

And everyone in the house was frantic.

Sonic and Misty were gone.