Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Maria Robotnik was a girl who led an extraordinary life, marked by challenges that set her apart from others. Born with a neurological condition that Earth had yet to find a remedy for, her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Robotnik, took it upon himself to whisk her away to a space colony in hopes of alleviating her suffering and discovering a cure. A brilliant scientist with a knack for innovation, he had managed to secure some funding over the years, which helped fuel their ambitious quest. With the government's blessing, they embarked on a mission to develop treatments for illnesses like Maria's, a pursuit that had consumed Dr. Robotnik since her birth. Unfortunately, this singular focus meant that Maria had never experienced the world of her origins, leaving her dreams of visiting Earth unfulfilled.

"Maria, you know fine well you're not allowed in here. This creature is away to be brought out of his tank." Gerald noticed Maria slipping through the door from the side of his vision as he was talking.

"Grandfather, we are behind a thick wall of glass, I am sure we will be fine. I'm bored, I've read the same books about four times in the last week." Maria walked over to her Grandfather, standing next to him as they both peered through the glass. She recognized about four professors on the other side, all familiar faces she had gotten to know over the years. As she looked closer, she noticed a tank filled with a mysterious liquid, but so far, there were no signs of any creatures swimming around inside.

"I will try and get some more printed off for you." He sat down at the desk, casually tapping a few keys on the computer as he responded. "Hopefully, this creature pulls through."

"Is this Shadow?" Maria observed the professors as they awkwardly handled their clipboards and paperwork, a hint of anxiety palpable in the atmosphere. From her perspective, the creatures had been nothing short of a series of mishaps. It was a rare occasion for her to step into the office and take a peek at what was going on. She had never been granted access to the lab, but she couldn't help but think that if she were, she would probably find it quite fascinating.

"It is, yes. We are thinking of bringing him out of his suspended animation and seeing how he is." Gerald got up from his desk, giving his back a good stretch as he responded. He was always putting in the effort, whether he was stuck in the office or out on what he liked to refer to as the battlefield. Maria, even though she was still quite young, really admired his dedication. She had some understanding of her illness and was aware that it wouldn’t just vanish unless a cure was discovered.

"Sounds interesting. Can I come and join?" With a glimmer of hope in her voice, she posed her question. Her grandfather, however, faced her with his arms crossed, a firm shake of his head signaling his disapproval.

"Absolutely not. We don't know how this creature will react when he is out of his sleep. Stay in here." Gerald spoke, opening the door of the office. "Don't touch the computer."

"Got it," Maria raised her hands in a gesture of surrender and plopped down into the chair next to the office. "No touching."

"Good, see you in a bit." As Maria spun the chair to face the window, her grandfather closed the door with a soft click. He had been going on about this mysterious creature for ages, and her excitement was palpable. They had put in a lot of effort to perfect the genetics and all the details involved, and now she was finally ready to catch a glimpse of what they had created.

Maria couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as her Grandfather strolled into the lab, slipping on his gloves while they exchanged a few words. She leaned in closer, her heart racing, as he approached the small touch pad situated in front of the capsule. With a few quick taps, he activated the controls, and the rest of the team stepped back, arms crossed, except for Derek, who was poised with a tranquilizer gun, ready for anything. Slowly, the chemicals that had kept the creature in a deep, comatose slumber started to drain from the tank, heightening the tension in the room.

Maria's eyes grew a bit larger as the creature rose to its feet, its eyes shut and a mask covering its mouth. She had anticipated encountering some bizarre, extraterrestrial being, but what she actually saw completely caught her off guard. It was a hedgehog. Its fur was a deep, glossy black, accented by striking red stripes that ran along each quill on its head. A tuft of white fur on its chest was clearly visible to Maria. Honestly, a hedgehog was probably the last thing she would have thought to identify this creature as.

"Hmm, how interesting." Maria found herself chatting away to herself, a hint of excitement bubbling up inside her. She had to admit, if she was being honest, that he had a bit of a menacing vibe, but there was also something undeniably cute about him. Cute might not be the perfect word, though; she wasn't quite sure yet. She made a mental note to ask him about it when he returned. Meanwhile, the rest of the team seemed to be in high spirits, which she took as a positive indication.

Gerald moved towards the tank and swung the door open, carefully removing the breathing aid from the hedgehog inside. Maria observed him, taking a few steps back as the rest of the group stood around, all eyes on the scene. The little creature gradually blinked its eyes open, revealing a quick flash of white, and Maria leaned in closer to the glass, nervously biting her lip as she took in the moment.

The hedgehog cautiously stepped out of the tank, pausing to survey the area, clearly bewildered by everything around him. His little feet were firmly planted on the ground, as if he was trying to make sense of this new world. Maria noticed Gerald animatedly gesturing with his hands while he spoke to the hedgehog, a habit she had picked up on over time. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Gerald knelt down closer to the hedgehog, continuing to chat with him, while Derek stood nearby, keeping his gun at the ready just in case.

Maria couldn't help but smile as she glanced at the door, excitement bubbling inside her. Even though her grandfather had warned her against it, the urge to meet the creature was too strong to resist. She felt a deep connection to him, believing he would be the key to her healing and their journey to Earth. That was her ultimate dream—to return home, interact with others, and experience the vibrant life she had always imagined from the stories in her books.

Maria didn’t linger on the suggestion to stay put in the office; instead, she decided to make her escape down the hallway toward the lab. As she approached the door, she paused for a moment, knowing her Grandfather would likely be furious with her for sneaking out. However, her curiosity about the creature inside was too strong to resist. With a gentle push, she opened the door and slipped inside, her heart racing as she finally laid eyes on the creature. Up close, he was surprisingly beautiful, his striking red stripes perfectly complementing the unique color of his eyes.

"Maria, what on god's earth are you doing in here?" Gerald's voice broke through her daydream, pulling her back to reality. She turned to face him, a twinge of guilt washing over her as she noticed the anger etched on his face.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to come down here and meet Shadow." Maria responded while the creature's gaze was fixed on her. Its eyes seemed to penetrate deep into her soul, sending a shiver down her spine and causing the tiny hairs on her arms to stand on end.

"And I told you not to come down here. Why don't you listen child?" Gerald's voice trembled with anxiety as she moved a bit nearer, and he couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. The hedgehog's ears perked up, twitching as if trying to make sense of everything happening around him. It had to be overwhelming for the little creature, with all the dazzling lights and unfamiliar sounds swirling about. She totally got it; it was a lot to take in.

"I'm sorry grand father." Maria's voice trembled a bit as she cast her gaze downward, a wave of disappointment washing over her. She realized she should have taken his advice to heart; after all, he was the one responsible for her well-being, not her.

"Please just go and I will talk to you later." Gerald spoke, stern running through his voice as Maria nodded. She took one last glance at the hedgehog who was still staring right at her.

"Alright, I am sorry." She replied, turning around and heading out of the lab. The creature though...Why was he staring at her like that? She wondered to herself. She would have to apologize properly to her grandfather once he was finished, that was for sure.

Maria sighed, flopping on to her bed in her room, groaning into the pillow. She knew the lecture was around the corner about how reckless she was. She had to get herself prepared for it and fast. It was boring being on this ark, having only little things to do all day every day. She was going to have to brace it and take it, like a champion, she thought to herself as she shut her eyes.

Chapter Text

Maria stirred awake to the gentle sound of a knock at her door. She propped herself up, realizing she had dozed off after being kicked out of the lab. Gerald appeared at the doorway, lingering in the frame. Here we go, Maria thought, glancing down as a wave of anticipation washed over her.

"Grandfather, I am sorry. I just got really excited." Maria was the first to make a move when Gerald strolled in and plopped down beside her on the bed.

"I understand the excitement. It is lonely for you up here, I understand. However, you know how the prototypes have been, this situation could have been the same." Gerald's voice came out much gentler than Maria had anticipated. She had braced herself for a full-on tirade about her foolishness, so his calm tone caught her off guard.

"It is lonely up here but I do understand why we are here. I am really sorry. Does this mean the experiment worked this time?" Maria inquired, her tone tinged with a hint of optimism. She stole a quick glance from the corner of her eye, catching sight of Gerald, who responded with a grin that peeked out from beneath his mustache.

"It looks that way. Shadow seems to be alright, we will take him out again tomorrow, see how his physical abilities are." Gerald got up from Maria's bed and responded, looking a bit worn out. It was likely due to all the excitement they had experienced that day. Maria totally got it; with all the effort they had poured into their projects, it was no surprise that he and the rest of the team were feeling drained.

"That's good, I'm happy for you Grandfather." Maria responded, hesitating to inquire if she could join and watch. She figured the answer would probably be a definite no.

"Maybe you could come and watch tomorrow." As Gerald swung the door to her bedroom wide open, Maria's face instantly brightened, her eyes sparkling with joy as she eagerly brought her hands together in a gesture of pure excitement.

"Really?" She inquired while Gerald raised his finger in front of him.

"But you stay in the office like I asked. I mean it this time." He warned as Maria used her fingers to cross her heart.

"I swear I will behave this time and do as you say."

"Get some rest, remember to set your alarm for your medication." Gerald gave the girl a gentle reminder as she nodded, bidding him goodnight while he closed the door behind him. Once he was gone, she turned her attention to her alarm clock, programming it to ring at 7 AM. Those clocks were their only connection to the passage of time on Earth, and she could vividly imagine it: cozy in her bed, the sweet sound of birds singing outside, and the warm sunlight streaming through the window. It always sent a thrill through her, but she tried not to dwell on it too much, as it only fueled her longing to recover. Tomorrow held a special promise for her, as Shadow would be out of his tank again, and she couldn't wait to see him.

Maria slipped into her pajamas and brushed her teeth before settling into bed, gazing out the window. All she could see was a vast expanse of stars twinkling against the backdrop of the night sky, surrounded by an endless sea of darkness. It was the same familiar scene she had seen countless times before, just the stars and the deep, quiet void.

---

Maria's alarm blared loudly, cutting through the morning silence and prompting a frustrated groan from her as she buried her face deeper into her pillow. With a reluctant hand, she fumbled to silence the noise, remaining in bed with her eyes shut tight for just a moment longer. Feeling a bit sluggish and with a slight ache in her joints, she took a moment to mentally prepare for the day ahead, a day she was actually looking forward to. Remembering that excitement, she finally opened her eyes, propped herself up on her elbows, and gave her body a gentle stretch to shake off the sleepiness.

After getting herself all cleaned up and dressed, she made her way to the kitchen in the ark, casually greeting everyone she passed with a soft hello. While waiting for her bread to toast, she tossed a couple of slices into the toaster and filled a glass with water. The sudden pop of the toaster caught her off guard, but she quickly spread some butter on the warm bread and settled down at the table to enjoy her breakfast.

"Good morning." As Maria glanced up with a faint smile, Gerald strolled into the kitchen, breaking the silence with his voice.

"Morning Grandfather, did you sleep well?" She inquired while taking a bite of her toast, as Gerald slid a couple of slices of bread into the toaster and set the kettle to boil.

"I slept rather soundly. Don't you get sick of eating toast every morning?" He inquired while pulling the butter from the fridge, and Maria let out a sigh before giving a nod in response.

"Yes, I really do but have to eat in the morning for my medication." As Gerald gave a nod, she responded, walking over to the table and placing her mix of pills down for her to take. Mornings were becoming a drag with these meds, and she was really over it.

"Me too. It's nice to see you up in time and not me dragging you out of your bed." Gerald chatted away while grabbing his toast and butter, making his way to the table before settling down. Maria couldn't help but smile at the scene. It was a special moment, one that didn't happen often, but she felt a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her for what was to come.

"Well, you did say I could come into the office today to watch so I decided to make an effort." She answered while grabbing her pills, taking them one by one and washing them down with sips of water. The taste was awful, but she reminded herself that sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

"Very true, it is rather exciting to see it all coming together." Gerald answered while leisurely spreading butter on his toast, sinking back into his chair and gazing out the window.

"It is and then we can finally go to Earth." With a smile lighting up her face, Maria spoke cheerfully. Gerald glanced her way and gave a nod in response.

"It will be a while yet, we have to make sure you condition is cured first and then we can think about going home. Just a little longer, alright?" Gerald watched as Maria's smile faded, her expression shifting as she took a moment to compose herself and nodded in response. Naturally, they weren't in a position to head home just yet.

"I know. When do you think Shadow will be safe to come out of the lab then?" She initiated a chat, trying to keep the conversation flowing. Gerald paused for a moment, stroking his chin as he pondered his response.

"Well, I'm not one hundred percent sure yet. Just see how he is today and for the rest of the week. Maybe try and get his talking and mannerisms underway."

"Did he talk yesterday?" Maria inquired while Gerald responded with a resolute shake of his head.

"No, I think yesterday he was just coming to terms with the sounds and lights. Today might be different, we cannot push him, he will get there eventually."

"I do look forward to meeting him properly. He is going to be a good friend, I can feel it already." Maria responded, a grin spreading across her face once more. It seemed her happiness was infectious, as Gerald couldn't help but smile back at her. They enjoyed the remainder of their breakfast side by side, sharing a comfortable silence that felt warm and serene.

--

"Right, remember what I said." Gerald chatted away while Maria gave him a firm nod, clearly resolved to remain right where she was this time. After closing the office door behind him, he made his way to the lab, leaving Maria to gaze out the window once more. Her mind wandered to the thought of what a hedgehog might sound like if it could talk. It struck her as incredible that they had actually succeeded in giving it a voice at all, a feat that seemed almost magical in its own right.

Gerald hit the keypad again, watching as the juice flowed out of the tank. It was the same drill as the day before, and before long, Shadow was out of his tank, facing Gerald and the other professors. Maria couldn't help but smile, noticing that Shadow seemed much more at ease this time around. Derek, on the other hand, appeared unchanged; he didn’t even have his gun aimed at Shadow, which was a notable shift in the atmosphere.

Maria noticed that he was chatting with the hedgehog, his hands gesturing animatedly once more. Shadow was gazing up at him, and soon enough, his mouth started to move. He was actually talking, which was a promising sign. This brought a smile to Maria's face, filling her with a cozy warmth. It felt really nice to see him making progress like this. He was off to a great start already.

Gerald was quick to put Shadow through a series of tests, starting with a strength assessment. He set up a few dummies in the vacant section of the lab and stepped back, extending his hand to signal Shadow. Maria watched as Shadow crouched down for a moment before launching himself at the dummies with incredible speed. In an instant, the dummies were torn apart, their stuffing scattered across the floor. Maria couldn't help but smile at the display; Shadow was impressively fast. It was clear that Gerald was beaming with pride over Shadow's remarkable strength.

After that, it was all about speed. Shadow was zipping around the lab, but not in the traditional sense of running; he was actually skating. Gerald had hooked him up with these amazing air shoes that allowed him to glide effortlessly instead of pounding the pavement. With those shoes, he could really take advantage of his speed, almost like he was hovering above the ground. They also made it easier for him to leap into the air. Maria recalled her grandfather mentioning these shoes in the past, and she thought it was a brilliant concept. Shadow's mission was to safeguard both the Ark and Maria, and she had complete faith that he was more than capable of handling the task if he passed all of her Grandfather's standards.

Shadow darted back around, perching himself on the window ledge. Maria caught his gaze as he turned to face her, his eyes locking onto hers. A smile spread across her face, and she waved gently as he approached the window. He glanced down at his hand, which was clad in a striking white glove designed for better grip. His deep crimson eyes met hers once more, and he returned her wave with a gentle motion. It was such a sweet moment, watching him mimic her; it made her heart flutter.

The moment was fleeting as Shadow started to collapse, his knees buckling and his eyes fluttering shut just before he tumbled off the ledge. Maria sprang from her chair, concern etched across her face as her grandfather hurried to the scene. The other professors quickly followed suit, gathering around as Gerald knelt beside the fallen hedgehog. He gently patted Shadow's head a few times, murmuring to the others before lifting him into his arms. A wave of confusion washed over Maria; what could have gone wrong? She felt a mix of sadness and anxiety as she watched her grandfather carry Shadow back toward the tank.

Shadow...

Chapter Text

Maria was anxiously walking around the office, her mind racing as she awaited her grandfather's arrival. He was preoccupied with the mini computer in the lab, which was connected to Shadow's tank. What went wrong? Why did he collapse like that? She pondered, her brow furrowing as she paused to gaze out the office window. Everything had been progressing smoothly until now. The other creatures had shown issues right from the moment they were removed from their tanks.

She observed her grandfather stepping out of the lab, his demeanor heavy with defeat, while the others trailed behind him, flicking off the lights. Gerald entered the office with a deep sigh, and Maria glanced at him, concern etched across her face.

"What happened?" She inquired while Gerald settled into the office chair, his hand moving to massage his forehead.

"His energy levels are draining too quickly. We need to find a way to keep it controlled so he doesn't run out of it too quickly." Gerald responded while Maria gave a nod, casually leaning against one of the desks. They needed to come up with a solution.

"Apart from that, is he okay?" Maria turned her gaze towards the window, her curiosity piqued as she noticed the steady flicker of lights on the machines outside, prompting her to ask yet another question.

"He is an amazing little creature, isn't he? He spoke to me and his language is perfect thanks to the genes and codes we did to him. He's very fast and a very strong animal." Gerald's voice carried a sense of pride as he spoke, and Maria couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. He was still fully committed to Shadow; he just needed to make a few adjustments to maintain his energy levels.

"He is amazing, you should be proud of yourself. Every project needs some work done to it. We will get there. Can I go down and look at the tank? I won't touch anything, I promise." Maria looked at Gerald with a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she waited for him to ponder her question for a moment.

"Yes but you don't touch anything down there. The lights are on the left, middle button. You know the pass code to get in there." Gerald answered while Maria beamed, holding back her enthusiasm. She paused abruptly when she reached the door, suddenly wondering about the password.

"Wait, what is the password?" She inquired while Gerald let out a soft laugh, gesturing towards Maria.

"Your name. Remember what I said, okay?" Gerald turned away from the conversation and headed back to his desk, where he grabbed his notebook and a pen, ready to jot down some notes.

"Oh, right. I will, don't worry." Maria offered him some comfort as she closed the office door behind her and made her way to the lab. She wasn't quite sure if it was because Gerald had mentioned that Shadow was hers or something else entirely, but she felt a strong urge to check on him. The last thing she wanted was for him to be in pain; she had witnessed too many projects fall apart, often with the decision to pull the plug made too soon. It was tough to watch, but she understood it was all part of the scientific process.

Maria arrived at the lab door, entering the password while simultaneously pushing the door open. It felt great to have her Grandfather's trust, allowing her to access the lab on her own. She knew he was likely in his office, probably sneaking glances to ensure she was following instructions. As she flipped the light switch, the sound resonated throughout the lab, creating a familiar ambiance. Taking a deep breath, she made her way to the tank, peering inside with anticipation. It was such a relief to see the hedgehog resting peacefully, his eyes shut, with a breathing aid gently placed over his mouth and tiny nose.

Maria let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding as she observed him. Thoughts swirled in her head about how they might maintain his vitality. Perhaps a little genetic tweaking was in order. She couldn't take her eyes off him as he inhaled and exhaled, tiny bubbles rising through the vibrant juice that surrounded him. This special juice was designed to provide all the essential nutrients and vitamins needed for the projects to thrive.

"Oh Shadow, I do hope you get better and we can finally meet properly." Maria leaned against the glass, her hand softly resting on its surface as she spoke to him. She noticed Shadow starting to move, his fingers twitching slightly in response. A warm smile spread across her face as she observed him, fully aware that he couldn't hear her words. Still, she found comfort in the act of talking to him, enjoying the connection it brought, even if it was one-sided. "We could be the best of friends. I could show you all of my books, my drawings. Oh...I could teach you how to draw. I could show you Earth and what it looks like from up here."

Maria rested her hand on the glass as she animatedly shared her dreams and aspirations for their future together, weaving a tapestry of ideas and hopes that painted a vivid picture of what lay ahead for them both.

"And when you help me get better from my illness, we can go to Earth together. We could go see the flower gardens or actually see the sea up close, maybe put our feet in it."

Shadow's eyes slowly opened, locking onto Maria's gaze as he took in her presence. He seemed a bit startled, instinctively raising his hand to the breathing apparatus. Maria quickly shook her head, silently urging him not to remove the device. His eyes, filled with a mix of curiosity and fear, darted around the unfamiliar surroundings. It dawned on him that he was in the tank, likely waking up there for the very first time, a place designed to keep them in slumber. She offered a soft smile as he noticed her hand resting against the glass, a reassuring gesture in the midst of his confusion.

"It will be alright Shadow, I am sure of it." Maria chatted away while Shadow extended his hand, placing it gently against the glass that separated them, where Maria's own hand was pressed firmly on the opposite side. He looked at her for a moment, but soon his eyes fluttered shut again, surrendering to sleep. Maria felt a strong conviction that this little hedgehog was destined to make a positive impact on everyone’s lives in this place.
---
A week went by, and Gerald kept pushing Shadow with his various tests. Maria was always around, hanging out in the office and keeping an eye on things. Day by day, Shadow was getting stronger, and his stamina was improving, but he still seemed to tire out quicker than they hoped. This lingering fatigue was a worry for both Gerald and Maria, making them wonder what it would take for Shadow to fully thrive.

"Just cannot seem to get this energy under control." Gerald muttered under his breath while Maria glanced up from her reading. She had started to keep herself busy in the office while her grandfather and the rest of the team focused on Shadow. Although her understanding of science was pretty elementary, she knew she wouldn’t be much help with the issue of Shadow’s energy drop.

"You'll get there Grandfather. Maybe he just needs some help." Maria chatted away, casually creasing the edge of her well-worn book. It had seen better days, and since it was rarely touched by anyone else, she figured it was no big deal to treat it a little carelessly.

"Some help, what do you mean?" Gerald inquired while Maria simply shrugged her shoulders, a gesture that spoke volumes about her indifference or uncertainty regarding the topic at hand.

"I have been reading about magic and sometimes they put magic in rings or jewelry. I know magic and science don't really mix but what if you could find a way to curb his energy like the jewels do for magic in my book?" Maria was chatting away while Gerald listened intently, his hand stroking his chin as he pondered her words.

"Yes, perhaps that is an idea. There are theories about these types of things but science wise obviously." Gerald rose from his office chair, his voice filling the room as he began to sift through the stacks of books around him.. "If we could control his energy through something, it might perhaps stop him from using up all his energy quickly. Ah Maria, you're a genius. You take it after me."

"I had to get something from you one way or another." She replied, giving a comforting smile as he grabbed a book on energy, flicking it open as he got too it. Once Gerald had a focus, he didn't stop until his ideas had come into play. "I'm going to go and lay down for a little while."

"Are you feeling okay?" Gerald inquired while Maria responded with a slight nod, rising to her feet.

"Just a little tired is all. I'll come back down once I am awake to see how you are getting on with your ideas." Maria gave her grandfather a gentle pat on the shoulder as she made her way out, feeling a mix of emotions. This constant fatigue and the nagging pain in her bones were aspects of her illness that she despised the most. While there were other symptoms lurking in the background, she felt fortunate that living in the space colony ark had kept many of them at bay for now. In a way, she considered herself lucky; her grandfather was there for her, doing everything he could to ensure she could stay in this safe haven and enjoy a better quality of life until they found a cure.

Maria could not wait, that was for certain.

Chapter Text

Maria was definitely on the mend after catching some much-needed rest. The ache in her bones had eased up quite a bit, and for the moment, she had kept the fatigue at bay. She knew it would probably return to bother her later, but for now, she was feeling a bit more lively. With a casual shrug, she got out of bed, didn’t bother changing out of her comfy pajamas, and slipped on her slippers before making her way down to the office.

Maria noticed her grandfather was missing, and a frown creased her forehead as she pondered his whereabouts. Curiosity piqued, she glanced at his notes, her eyebrow lifting in amusement as a smile crept onto her face. It seemed he had jotted down some sketches for Shadow, including designs for rings and bracelets, which meant he had actually taken her suggestions to heart. This realization brought her a sense of joy. Shifting her gaze from the notes, she looked out the window, observing the lab cloaked in shadows, save for the glowing lights of the machines. It struck her as odd; perhaps he had turned in early, even though it was barely past dinner time. That was definitely out of character for him. With a sense of determination, Maria resolved to pay Shadow a visit.

"Ma-ri-a." She quietly whispered her name while entering it as the passcode for the Lab. As soon as she stepped inside, the door clicked shut behind her, and she flicked the lights on.

"Hello sleepy head. You're doing well. Grandfather is working on how to get your energy levels under control so you don't faint anymore." Maria chatted with the hedgehog nestled in its glass tank. She grabbed a chair and settled in comfortably. "I had to go and lie down earlier, my body is...A pain."

Maria sat back and observed Shadow as he peacefully dozed off, relishing the serene atmosphere of the lab with no one else around. She had grown fond of spending time in this space, even if it felt a bit one-sided. If her grandfather could figure out a way to ensure Shadow's safety while he was out and about, it wouldn't be long before they could actually have conversations. At last, she could have a friend.

"Maria, you're here." As the lab door creaked open, Gerald's voice echoed throughout the space. She was caught off guard, quickly turning to see her Grandfather stepping in, struggling a bit with a large box he was carrying.
"Sorry, I should have asked, I just like coming down here. What is in the box?" He flashed a grin as he placed it on the table, and she inquired about it.

"I have been making some rings for Shadow. I had a read into my books and I think I have managed to create something that will stop him from loosing his energy." Gerald opened the box and took a step back, allowing Maria to get a good look at its contents. Intrigued, she got up from her chair and leaned forward, eager to explore what lay within. A quiet gasp slipped from her mouth as she picked up one of the rings, feeling its substantial weight in her palm. The rings sparkled with a breathtaking golden shine, and she found herself captivated by their elegance.

"You did all of this in such a short space of time. How?" Maria asked her question, and Gerald responded with a click of his tongue, followed by a comforting pat on her shoulder to ease her worries.

"No need to ask all that, I will just bore you with the long details. I thought maybe, if you would like, you could show them to him." As Gerald spoke, Maria glanced up at him, her expression one of astonishment, with her lips parted just a bit in disbelief.

"Really? You'd let me talk to him?" As Gerald was chatting away, Maria shouted his name and waved him over to the tank, her excitement bubbling up inside her. She felt a huge grin spread across her face, unable to contain her joy at the moment.

"I think Shadow had proven to me that he is capable of thinking for himself and he has not put a foot wrong yet." Gerald responded by flipping open the control panel, quickly typing in some commands before hitting the green button. Maria gave him a nod of approval as the juice started to flow out of the tank.

She stood there, tapping her foot a bit as she watched the juice trickle out of the tank, her eyes glued to the little green light that would signal it was time to get to work. Once it flickered on, she swung the heavy door open with a grunt, bending down to gently remove the breathing mask from the hedgehog's snout. As the light hit him, his eyes slowly blinked open, taking a moment to adjust before focusing on her. When their gazes met, his bright red eyes widened a bit in surprise, and she couldn’t help but smile back at him.

"Hello Shadow, it is nice to finally meet you." Maria felt a bit anxious as she started to talk. She had been anticipating this moment for ages, and now that it was here, she found herself at a loss for words. He gave a slight cough clearing his throat.

"Hello, Maria. Hello, Professor." Shadow began to speak, and Maria couldn't help but smile. There was something about his voice that she found appealing; it was deep yet had a calming quality that made it feel almost gentle. It was surprisingly quiet, which added to its charm. She appreciated this unexpected delight.

"How do you feel Shadow?" Maria knelt down to his level, wanting to have a conversation without looming over him, making sure she didn’t come off as intimidating.

"I feel okay, are you alright? I am glad Gerald that you finally trust me enough to be around your Grand daughter." Shadow expressed his gratitude in his own way, and Gerald responded with a gentle smile.

"I am okay, we have something for you." Maria replied as Gerald passed her down the box. "Thank you grandfather. So, you know how you keep loosing your energy, well, we have something for you."

Maria lifted the lid of the box and set it down on the floor, giving Shadow a chance to check it out himself. He glanced at her briefly, then leaned in to peek inside, pulling out the four gold rings one by one. As he examined them, a look of confusion crossed his face, clearly trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

"I am not sure what these are..."As he started to lose his train of thought, Maria reached over and selected one from his hand, slipping it onto her wrist. Naturally, it was far too large for her slender wrist.

"These are energy limiters. They help with your energy levels in combat and day to day life." Gerald chatted away while Maria listened and nodded along, totally in sync with him. To put it simply, these rings were designed to control the chaos energy that Shadow could tap into, helping him avoid burning out too quickly.

"Ah, I see. Well, thank you for these." Shadow replied, putting the rings on his wrists. They secured themselves on to his wrist, giving a soft glow as they did. He looked down at his feet, sliding his shoes off to put the other one's on too. He slid back on the air shoes, looking between Maria and Gerald.

"Good, they look good. Perhaps, we can test them out?" Gerald asked the hedgehog as he nodded.

"What do you have in mind?" Shadow asked as Gerald motioned for him to come with him. Shadow followed him as Maria got up from her knees and did the same. She was surprised that Gerald was letting her come along and see this up close. He hadn't let her before, worried she got hurt.

"Just our usual routine. I want to make sure these rings work for you Shadow." Gerald replied as Shadow agreed. Gerald got the exercises up and running as Maria watched Shadow. He was standing, arms crossed over one another. She really didn't know what to say to him, it wasn't like her life was so interesting. She was stuck on an ARK day in and day out.

"I think these rings will work." She spoke, trying to make some sort of conversation. Shadow glanced up at her before looking back at the dummy's.

"They have too. I do not want to go back in that tube again." He grumbled as Maria raised her eyebrow wondering what he meant by that.

"Do you not like it in there?" She questioned as he slowly shook his head.

"I don't like it, no. It's too crammed and I don't like feeling like I am constantly sleeping. I try and fight it sometimes." He spoke as Gerald came over, clapping his hands together once.

"Ready Shadow?" He inquired as Shadow gave a nod, stretching his limbs while Maria stepped back to avoid being in the way. Without wasting any time, Shadow launched himself at the dummy with incredible speed, creating a gust of wind that hit Maria's face. He was astonishingly quick, seemingly unmatched by anything else. In just a few seconds, he darted around the dummies, leaving them in shambles before suddenly appearing right in front of Maria. She couldn't help but smile as she watched the dummies collapse to the ground; it was exhilarating to see him in action. Suddenly, robots emerged from the walls, their lasers aimed directly at Shadow. With a low growl, he zipped out of sight in front of Maria, only to reappear right in front of one of the robots, smashing it to pieces before vanishing again. He continued this pattern, taking out each robot with ease, almost as if he were gliding through the air. Maria remembered her grandfather mentioning something called Chaos Control, a technique that was notoriously difficult to master due to the complex biology involved.

Shadow leaped down with ease, hitting the ground smoothly before standing tall and facing Gerald. There was an almost ethereal glow in his eyes, with tiny sparks flickering off his body, giving him an otherworldly presence.

"How do you feel?" Gerald asked, hopeful that the rings had worked in their favor and Shadow's. He held his wrists up, touching the rings.

"I do not feel tired at all. I think they have worked Professor." As Maria glanced up at Gerald, he responded with a smirk, clearly feeling quite satisfied with himself as he gave a nod of approval.

"This is good news. We can keep monitoring them for the time being. Now, I am hungry. I forgot to eat with all this excitement over the rings." Gerald made the announcement just as Maria noticed her stomach rumbling as well. Now that she thought about it, she realized she was feeling hungry too. She hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, and that was just to take her medicine.

"Me too, we should go and find something." As Shadow made his way to his tank, clearly expecting them to tag along, Maria glanced over at her Grandfather.

"Can Shadow come with us?" As Gerald turned to face her, she inquired with a curious expression. He paused for a moment, contemplating her question, then gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Yes, he can come but then he has to go back in his tank." Gerald was chatting away while Maria flashed a warm smile.

"Does Shadow have to stay in the tank all the time?" She asked him.

"Well, he does sometimes for the nutrients in the chemicals. It keeps his vitamins and health up whilst he settled in to his new life. Why do you ask?" Gerald inquires while Maria simply shrugs her shoulders in response.

"I was just wondering is all. I wasn't sure if he needed it or not." As Maria chatted away, they made their way toward Shadow, who was standing there with his arms crossed and a slight tap of his foot.

"Shadow, want to come and eat dinner with us?" Maria inquired while he relaxed his posture, casting a quick look at the Professor to see if he was on board. A light laugh escaped Maria's lips. "Don't worry, I asked first. Come on, let's see what we can find for dinner, I am starving."

Shadow trailed behind Maria and Gerald as they exited the lab, his gaze darting around the hallway, absorbing every detail. Everything felt fresh and unfamiliar to him, a stark contrast to the tank, Gerald, and the lab itself. When they reached the kitchen, Maria made a beeline for the fridge, peering inside with curiosity. It seemed like it had been recently stocked, which caught her attention.

"What is everyone hungry for?" She peeks her head around the fridge door and asks a question. Meanwhile, Gerald settles into a chair at the table, while Shadow makes his way to the window. Gerald gazes outside, his arms folded tightly across his chest. It dawns on Maria that he’s never experienced the vastness of space before either. She finds herself curious about what thoughts might be swirling in his mind at that moment.

"Oh, just anything at all Maria. We should start letting the people we pay to cook for us instead of you doing it." Gerald grumbled under his breath while Maria sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes in response. Cooking wasn’t a chore for her; she actually enjoyed it. However, she wasn’t keen on pulling anyone else into the kitchen just to whip up a meal for the three of them when she was perfectly capable of handling it on her own. Yes, she was a child, but she did like to cook. The lady, Angie, who looked after her before, had taught her how to cook and clean. Simple things though but still, it broke the days up for Maria.

Maria grabbed some chicken and set it down on the counter-top while she searched for rice and sauce. She soon discovered the rice and a bottle of sweet and sour sauce, which would be perfect for the three of them. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind: could Shadow actually eat? She wondered if her Grandfather would have mentioned something about it. Shaking off the thought, she started prepping the chicken and put the rice on the stove to cook.

"What is it you are making?" Shadow's sudden voice caught her off guard, making her spin around to find him watching her intently as she prepared the meal.

"Chicken, rice and sweet and sour sauce. Did you see what was outside?" As she tossed the chicken into the frying pan, the delightful sound of sizzling filled the air, and she couldn't help but stir it around with a smile.

"I did, there are so many stars out there. It has been...A lot to take in these past few weeks." Shadow replied, honesty dripping off of his tongue as she nodded, agreeing with him.

"I know, at least everything is coming together now though." Maria said encouragingly as Shadow turned his eyes back on the food that was cooking. Maria could feel it in her bones, everything was going to be okay.

Chapter Text

It turns out that Shadow had a taste for chicken and really enjoyed it. Maria made a note of this little discovery in her mind. The three of them gathered around the dinner table, with Gerald animatedly chatting about his robots and various other topics. Maria and Shadow were both engaged, munching on their meals while listening to him. It was a delightful evening overall. After dinner, Shadow returned to his tank, while the other two headed off to their beds. The past few days had felt a bit uneventful.

Maria let out a deep breath, absentmindedly tugging at the hem of her t-shirt while gazing out of her bedroom window. Her mind was occupied with thoughts about Shadow, who was stuck in the tank against his will. He had undergone some blood tests recently, and although Maria wasn't entirely sure of the details, she couldn't shake the feeling that her grandfather's words hinted at something special.

Her grandfather was as tight-lipped as they come, and Shadow was no better; getting information from him was like trying to squeeze blood from a stone. It was incredibly frustrating for her because she felt completely shut out of something that involved her too. She really preferred being kept in the loop rather than being sidelined. To make matters worse, her grandfather had assigned Shadow the task of keeping Maria out of the way, which only added to her irritation. Shadow was meant to be her friend, not some sort of babysitter. With a sigh, she thought about him being stuck in the lab. Maybe she could clean up the spare room for him so he wouldn’t have to stay in the lab all the time. It would be nice to make him feel more at home.

She pushed open the door to the spare room and switched on the light, revealing a chaotic scene that definitely needed some tidying up. A grin spread across her face; it looked like she had a little project on her hands. The room was pretty basic, featuring a spare bed that could use a good vacuum, a small chest of drawers, and a desk. It was just one of those standard rooms in the ARK, which often hosted a variety of guests like guards, professors, doctors, maids, and cooks, but this particular space was kept free for emergencies. As she wandered down the hallway in search of cleaning supplies, she couldn't help but think how nice it would be to have Shadow as a neighbor in that room.

Maria found the cleaning cupboard and checked the door, hoping it would be unlocked. Fortune smiled upon her; it swung open without a hitch. She stepped inside and scanned the shelves, quickly spotting a caddy brimming with cleaning supplies along with the vacuum cleaner. With a bit of effort, she dragged both over to the spare room. The place was pretty bare, just the usual essentials, but they could always request more items if needed. However, that would mean a lot of trips back and forth, and considering they were floating around in space, that seemed like a hassle. Once inside the room, Maria closed the door behind her and locked it, determined to keep her plans under wraps. She wanted to surprise the hedgehog, after all. Everyone deserves a little personal space now and then, even those crafty hedgehogs with their hidden secrets.

Maria wiped her forehead, cleaning the last piece of furniture with the cloth, sighing. She felt like she had accomplished something. Maria had been cleaning for a good while now. All she had now left to do was the bed. She would have to find some fresh sheets for the bedding and the mattress. A soft knock came to the door, startling her. She stayed still, hoping who ever it was would go away so she could finish what she had started.

"Maria, I can sense you're in there. Open the door." Shadow let out a disapproving sound from the other side, clearly not thrilled about the situation. The last person she wanted to run into right now was him, especially since this whole surprise was meant to be a secret just for him.

"I'm busy, can you come back later?" She called out from behind the door, hoping for the best as she crossed her fingers. Unfortunately for Maria, luck wasn't on her side this time.

"Maria, open the door." He gave it another shove, causing her to let out a frustrated groan. He had no intention of backing off, even if she acted like he was invisible.

"Fine, you're not coming in here though." She answered, quickly unfastening the door and darting out as fast as possible, giving it a hard slam as she left. Shadow glanced at her, one eyebrow lifted in a questioning way, clearly not buying her sudden rush.

"Maria, what is going on?" Shadow inquired, his gaze drifting past her as she pivoted to secure the door, ensuring he couldn't enter. This only heightened his suspicions even more.

"I thought I heard a noise in there. I went to check it out and it was nothing." Maria responded, scrambling to think of a story on the fly. She had never been great at fibbing; her face always gave her away, wearing that unmistakable guilty expression whenever she attempted to deceive. Deep down, she was reluctant to reveal what she was working on for him just yet.

"Oh really? Well, let me go and check. I was created to protect you after all, there could be something dangerous in there." Shadow attempted to move past her, but she was quick to react, her panic evident as she clutched his shoulder tightly. Shaking her head vigorously, she let out a deep sigh

"Okay...Okay, just...I am making something for my Grandfather and it is a surprise. I don't want anyone to see it yet until it is finished so please, just don't go in there." She pleaded, hoping this excuse was enough. Shadow looked at her hand before glancing up at her, giving a nod.

"Alright, I understand. I am sure the professor will be pleased with what you have been making for him." Shadow replied as she smiled, letting his shoulder go as she relaxed slightly. Phew...She thought to herself, getting away with it. She straightened herself up, feeling a wave of tiredness hitting her. "Are you alright Maria?"

"I am fine, I guess I have went overboard today." She replied as Shadow looked a little worried. She couldn't do much, with her condition without her feeling extremely tired. "I just got excited with the surprise. I will be fine, how did the tests go today?"

"Perhaps I can get you some food and then you can rest. The tests were like they always are." Shadow responded to her as they began to walk down the corridor towards the kitchen. He stopped her, shaking his head. "I will get you food whilst you wait in your room."

"You know...I find it really annoying that you and Grandfather are working on a cure for me and neither of you will tell me what is going on." Maria pushed a little, she was tired and now slightly annoyed.

"Maria, you know I cannot go against the professor's wishes." Shadow replied bluntly to her little tizz. She grumbled a little, folding her arms. It wasn't often she was annoyed either. She knew deep down inside, it was not Shadow's fault but she was still young and naive. "Go ahead, I will take a sandwich back for you."

"Fine, this conversation is not over though." She huffed, heading back off to her bedroom, shutting the door intentionally with a bang. She leaned against it, wiping her forehead as she got off the door, sitting down on the edge of her bed. She rested her face in her hands. Her mood had went from being happy and excited to being moody. A twinge of guilt hit her as she felt a little bad for being so snappy.

She waited for Shadow to come back. He shut the door behind him, holding a plate with a sandwich on it. By the looks of things, it was ham, a favourite of Maria's. He came over, giving her the plate as she gave a gentle smile.

"Thank you, I am sorry for snapping at you. It's not your fault I'm ill and not your fault Grandfather wants to keep everything hush for now." Maria apologized as she took the plate, picking up her sandwich in her other hand as she took a bite.

"I can sympathize with you. Having an illness and being trapped up in this ARK until there is a cure. You're bound to get angry and frustrated." Shadow replied as she put the sandwich down, patting the bed for him to sit down with her. Shadow climbed up on the bed as she got back to eating.

"I know why it has to be this way. I just..." Maria sighed, not finishing the sentence as she finished another bite of her sandwich before putting the plate down on the bedside unit.

"You look exhausted." Shadow spoke, breaking the silence as she turned to look at him. She nodded in agreement, finding her body was tired and achy once more.

"It's just part of being sick." She replied, knowing that Shadow knew this. He had been told all about it from Maria's grandfather.

"I think you should spend the rest of the evening in bed so you can rest properly." Shadow suggested as she nodded. Shadow got down from the bed, opening the chest of drawers as he picked out some pj's for Maria before placing them on the bed. She picked them up, going off to the bathroom to get changed for the evening.

"Would you be able to bring dinner later for me?" She asked through the other side of the door as she got changed, putting her laundry in the basket before coming back out. Shadow was pulling her blanket so it was ready for her.

"Yes, I will do that for you." Shadow replied as she sat back down on the edge of her bed. Shadow reached into the drawer closest to the bed, picking out a hairbrush as he kicked his shoes off, climbing up on to the bed. He took her hairband off, brushing through her long blonde hair. Maria watched out of the window. It had become routine really for him to be helping her get ready for bed. It was slow to begin with, Maria almost protesting against it but after a few days of him coming, she had gotten used to it. It was nice really, he didn't have to help her like this.

"You're doing it again." Shadow broke the silence as Maria snapped her eyes open, rubbing them tiredly. She always fell asleep sitting up whilst he brushed her hair and he would always wake her, reminding her. She laughed a little, shrugging.

"It's just feels nice, I can't help it." She replied as Shadow finished off her hair, getting down from the bed and putting the brush away. Maria leaned back, sliding into her bed as she pulled her blanket up around her shoulders, getting comfortable. Shadow put on the side light, turning the main one off as he made sure she was tucked in. "Shadow, can you stay this time?"

Shadow looked down at the girl, seeing the dark bags under her eyes. He found it...Unfair that a little girl was sick with an illness that wasn't curable yet. He had grown fond of her over the weeks they had spent together. She was a tough cookie to crack. Maria was lovely but she was a handful too and full of attitude when she wanted to.

"I can stay until after dinner time, alright?" Shadow replied, sliding to sit on the side of her bed once more. She grinned, flashing her teeth as she settled for that idea. She closed her eyes, yawning slightly as Shadow looked over at the window, seeing the stars that were off in the distant.

"What do you think we should do when we get down to Earth?" Maria mumbled, voice full of sleep as Shadow kept his eyes focused on the window.

"I don't know anything really about Earth. I would leave the ideas up to you as long as I can protect you." Shadow gave her an honest answer as she sighed happily.

"Eat some cake out in the garden. Like, as much cake as we could eat and then sit out in the sunshine." She whispered, sleep finally taking her as he turned to look at the girl. Soon...He thought to himself, hoping it was soon.

Chapter Text

Maria woke up the following morning, her body protesting with aches as she slowly blinked her eyes open. It felt like she hadn’t slept a wink, her mind still heavy with fatigue. She mustered the strength to sit up, rubbing her eyes and realizing her hair was a wild mess. Shadow had kept her company until she drifted off, but now he was nowhere in sight. Although she was eager to get back to finishing the room, her energy was just too depleted to make it happen.

"Good morning." Gerald walked into the room, with Shadow following closely behind him.

"Good morning Grandfather, Shadow." As she began to speak, a sharp pain shot through her throat, and she couldn't help but notice the concern etched on her grandfather's face.

"Are you feeling okay?" He inquired while Maria softly shook her head, letting out a sigh.

"I feel awful today. Sore throat, feeling dizzy and extremely tired. Guess it's just a bad day." Maria whispered under her breath, her hands trembling as Shadow approached the bed, a slight frown creasing his brow. She looked extremely pale, her skin nearly transparent.

"I see, let me go and get you some medicine. A day in your bed is much needed." Gerald said a quick goodbye as he set off to fetch the medicine she required, leaving her in the company of Shadow.

"Did you do more testing this morning?" Maria spoke up, shattering the quiet moment. The hedgehog's ear twitched a bit as he glanced her way, giving a small nod in response. He folded his arms across his chest, settling into his familiar pose.

"Just a little. Do as your told today and stay in bed, alright?" Shadow chatted away while Maria gave a slight nod, letting out a sigh as she nestled deeper into her pillow. He had already warned her, and deep down, she recognized that she wasn't really in the best shape to engage in her typical shenanigans at the ARK today.

"I will Shadow, don't worry." She responded with a gentle smile just as one of the caretakers from the Ark walked in, carrying some medicine.

"Miss Robotnik, the professor had to go and deal with some business. He requested I take you some medicine and some toast." Julie was the name of the woman who had been around for as long as Maria could recall. As Maria watched, she caught Julie glancing at Shadow with a hint of caution in her eyes, clearly a bit unsure about him. With a gentle motion, Julie set the medicine and a piece of toast on Maria's lap.

"Thank you for this Julie." Maria sat up a bit as the woman nodded in response to her. After a brief moment, the lady politely excused herself and stepped out the door, leaving Maria to grab her piece of toast and take a small bite.

"Wonder what business Grandfather is sorting out." Maria took a bite of her toast, and as she swallowed, a sharp burn shot down her throat, causing her to cough lightly. Shadow quickly snatched the glass from Maria's bedside table, filled it with water from the bathroom faucet, and set it back down on the table for her.

"None of our business unless he says something to us." Shadow answered while she chewed another piece of toast, setting the plate aside on the counter. She reached for her medication, selecting two tablets and tossing them into her mouth, quickly following them with a swig of water to help them go down smoothly.

"You're right. You don't have to stay here you know, you can go." Maria responded while Shadow gave a nod, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"You will not rest and as soon as I am gone, you will get out of bed. I know you Maria." Shadow let out a low grumble, raising an eyebrow just a bit in response.

"You know a little about me Shadow. We have only known each other for a few weeks now." She made her case passionately while he rolled his eyes and leaned his head to the side, clearly unimpressed by what she was saying.

"I know you enough to say that you will not rest in bed as soon as I leave."

"Fine, you got me there. So, what do you want to do instead then?" As he rose from the bed, she inquired while placing her medicine on the nightstand, and he gently adjusted her blanket, pulling it up to her shoulders.

"Sleep." He replied just as she let out a groan and gave her head a slight shake. Naturally, she felt absolutely terrible, like she had one foot in the grave, but she wasn't quite ready to crawl back into bed just yet. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.

"Not yet. I don't feel like sleeping. Why don't we find something to do that doesn't involve me leaving my bed?" She suggested as he sighed and looked at her, crossing his arms. So moody...Maria thought to herself. "How about a game of snap?"

"A game of snap?" Shadow questioned as she nodded, leaning over her bed to the unit, grabbing a pack of cards. She opened them, taking them out to show him. They weren't the typical ones with the numbers and shapes on them that she had read about but they had animals on them instead.

"So snap is a game where we split the cards between us and we put them into a pile, each taking a turn." Maria replied, showing him how it worked. "If a pair forms, the first one to place their hand on the pile and shout 'snap!' wins the pile. You keep playing until the first person wins all of the cards. Simple, right?"

"Silly if you ask me. You do all of this just to win all of the cards?" Shadow replied as she sighed and hit him with a look. She was not amused at his lack of enthusiasm.

"Listen, if you don't want to play then go back to your tank or find something else to do." She muttered as he sighed.

"Fine, one game and then you go to sleep for a nap." Shadow gave her an ultimatum as she smiled, shuffling the cards as best as she could.

"How about this, if I win, I don't have to go for a nap and if you win well, I have to go for a nap." She bargained as Shadow watched her shuffle the cards. He got up on to the bed, sitting crossed legged.

"Deal." Shadow replied as Maria halved the cards between the two of them, starting off with putting one of her one's down first. Shadow picked up his cards, watching how Maria held hers as he did the same, the cards being faced down as he picked up the first from the top of his pile, putting it down with hers. They continued back and forth until Maria slammed her hand on the cards, shouting.

"SNAP!" Shadow was a bit taken a back as she giggled, picking up the cards, putting them back into her deck. "Gotta be fast hedgehog."

"Oh, I see how it is. I am fast, you know I am." He replied, letting her off with that one as she started it again. Maria smirked almost rolling her eyes, seeing the concentration on his face as they battled back and forth with placing their cards down. It was clear Shadow was not installed with a sense of humor. Bear, Tiger, Monkey, Monkey. Shadow's hand launched out way quicker than Maria's, landing on the pile.

"Snap." He said with triumph as Maria groaned, letting him have that one as he gathered the cards. He flickered his eyes up at her, a smile on her face as she waited for him to go first this time. He could see how she would find this 'fun'. They battled between the two of them, Maria doing well for herself. She was single handedly faster than Shadow when it came to the game of snap. Shadow was down to his last few cards as Maria put down a parrot. Shadow sighed, placing his last card. A Parrot. He went to put his hand down on the deck but Maria was a lot quicker.

"Snap! I win!" She giggled menacingly as she picked the cards up, cheering as Shadow sighed. He had been beaten at a game of cards with a twelve year old. "No nap time for me."

"Well done, you won. I think the whole ARK heard you." Shadow responded with a playful nudge while grinning. This earned her a faint smile in return from the hedgehog, and it was the first time she had witnessed him smile. It wasn't a big, flashy grin, just a subtle one, but it still marked a special moment for her.

"Alright, what will we do next then?" As Maria sorted the cards back into their box, she couldn't help but reflect on her thoughts, carefully placing each card in its original spot.

"Well, you are the winner so it is up to you as long as you don't leave that bed." Shadow quickly regained his composure, slipping back into his familiar demeanor.

"Perhaps you could tell me a story." She answered while lounging on her pillow, glancing at Shadow, who seemed a bit confused by her response.

"I don't have any stories to tell you. We spend every day together in this ARK."

"I have some books on the book shelf you could have a look at." Maria gestured towards the bookshelf while he nodded in agreement. He stood up from the bed and made his way to the shelf, scanning the titles. His eyes landed on a book with "Planets" printed on the spine. This one seemed perfect, he mused, as he grabbed it and returned to the bed.

"Planets, that's a good one."

"You've read it before then?" He inquired while she gave a slight nod, her gaze fixed on him from her position on the pillow. She appeared quite worn out. He hoped that, with a bit of luck, she would drift off to sleep before long.

"I've read all of those books at least six times each. Some more on certain ones." She moved to the edge of her bed, making some room for Shadow to slide in next to her. He tossed his shoes aside and settled in beside Maria, who quickly wrapped the blanket around them both. Adjusting her position, she leaned in closer to get a better look at the book as Shadow flipped it open to the first page. Maria sat patiently, eager for him to begin reading.

Shadow flipped through the small sections in the book, sharing tidbits about the various planets in the solar system with Maria, who listened with a smile on her face. When they reached the page dedicated to Earth, Maria reached out and lightly traced the painted image of the planet with her fingers. Shadow found himself surprised by how captivating the information was; even though he didn’t have a lot of personal knowledge on the subject, it felt like he had an innate understanding of it all. It was as if he had been born with this knowledge, rather than having to learn it like everyone else.

"You know...There's these lights down on Earth. They are called aurora borealis. People can see them down on Earth but not the way we can see them from the space station." She whispered as Shadow looked at the window before back at the book.

"Have you seen them before?" As Shadow gazed out the window, she leaned in closer and murmured softly before turning her attention back to the book in her hands.

"No, miss them every time. They only last a couple of minutes, sometimes seconds."

"I'm sure we will be able to see them sometime." Shadow smiled softly as he settled back onto the pillow, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. He continued his discussion about the planets, finally reaching Pluto after covering all the others. Once he finished, he closed the book and glanced over to find Maria peacefully asleep. Gently, he set the book aside and began to slide out from under the blanket. Just then, Maria stirred and instinctively reached for his arm, wrapping her hands around it. Shadow paused, turning back to her with a tender expression. He decided to recline against the pillow again, allowing her to rest while he gazed up at the ceiling, his voice barely above a whisper as he took in the moment.

"Maria, when you get better with my blood and we go to Earth, I promise I will show you the lights. Whatever it takes."

Chapter Text

Shadow blinked awake, feeling a dull ache in his shoulder as he glanced down. There was Maria, curled up against him, completely lost in her dreams. It dawned on him that he must have nodded off as well. A quick look at the clock revealed it was almost six in the evening. With a soft groan, he attempted to wriggle free from Maria's surprisingly strong hold. Just then, she stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she gazed up at him.

"Hi." As he gazed at her, she managed to speak, her voice raspy and strained. There was a noticeable flush returning to her cheeks, and she appeared much more refreshed compared to how she looked earlier that day.

"How do you feel?" Shadow inquired of Maria as she released his arm, taking a moment to stretch her body while propping herself up in bed.

"I'm feeling much better. Did you stay to nap as well?" As Shadow handed her the glass of water, she inquired about something. After receiving it, she took a few sips, savoring the refreshing taste.

"Yeah, must have closed my eyes for a while." He answered her while propping himself up, trying to ease the stiffness in his joints. Maria leaned forward, setting the glass aside as she settled back into her bed, letting out a soft sigh.

"Are you going to let me leave my bed now?" As Shadow swung his legs over the side of the bed and slipped his shoes back on, she inquired about something. He glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow in a playful manner.

"Why?"

"Because I would really like to go for a small walk." Maria responded, giving him her best puppy dog eyes. He had started to recognize that expression; she always pulled it out when she was hoping to get her way.

"Get your dressing gown on and slippers so you're warm. Are you hungry?" Shadow inquired while Maria, shaking her head, climbed out of bed and searched for her slippers.

"No, I just want to move my legs."Maria responded while searching for her robe, slipping it on and cinching it tightly to feel cozy. She glanced over at Shadow, feeling prepared as they both made their way into the hallway. As they walked, Maria stretched her arms and inhaled deeply, enjoying the moment.

"This is nice." Maria responded, her slippers making a soft shuffling sound on the floor while Shadow gave a nod of agreement. They had spent the majority of the day indoors, so it felt refreshing to finally move around a bit. The tests he had undergone were quite tough, involving a lot of sitting around, getting blood drawn, and then just waiting for the professor to conduct his own examinations. Shadow was really hoping the results would come back clear so he could begin treating Maria without any further delays.

"Ah, Maria you're up and about." They both paused and glanced back to spot the professor. He had just exited one of the unused offices in the ARK, accompanied by another professor who had been present when Shadow first woke up.

"I sure am, I am feeling much better I just wanted to stretch my legs." As Gerald faced them, she responded, noticing the hint of concern etched on his features. It was clear he was troubled by something, and Shadow could pick up on that unease as well.

"That's good then, Shadow can I have a word?" The professor was talking while Maria glanced back and forth between the two of them. Shadow tilted his head a bit, giving a nod in response.

"Of course Professor." As Gerald shifted his attention to Maria, he responded.

"You go for your walk, Shadow will catch up with you soon." He noticed Maria's slight frown before she responded, her irritation evident in her tone.

"Grandfather, is about these tests going on isn't it?"

"Well, yes but I have to talk to Shadow." He responded softly, trying to keep things calm, but it was clear that neither of them could brush this off any longer. Maria was fed up with feeling sidelined; after all, it was her struggle, her health issue that they were all trying to navigate together.

"Grandfather, it is my illness. I am the one who is ill, why are you leaving me out of this?" She inquired, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface, desperate to break free. Causing a scene was the last thing on her mind, but Maria was reaching her limit with all the hidden truths.

"I know it is but I do not want to get your hopes up and then upset you, do I?" He said, resting his hand on her shoulder. She wasn't that weak to know he was keeping something from her.

"I understand that, I know you think of me just being a child but I have to know these things. When you keep secrets from me with Shadow about my illness, it just makes me very worried." She replied, being honest with her Grandfather. Of course it made her worry, this was her life on the line. This was her dreams in their hands of going to Earth.

Gerald sighed, nodding as he looked at her before motioning to follow him, opening the door to the spare office as they entered. Gerald shut the door behind them as he offered them both a seat. Maria found herself a seat as Shadow sat next to her. Gerald flickered on the light as he took a seat before sighing. It worried Maria, the way his voice had a slight defeat tone to it.

"Maria, Shadow and I have been running tests. More specifically, testing Shadow's blood to see if it would be able to be entered into your body to make your immune system stronger. Shadow's blood is unique and can't be infected with diseases or illnesses. I took Shadow's blood and mixed it with yours from the blood tests I took from you a few weeks ago, remember?" Gerald inquired while Maria gave a slight nod. She really wasn't a fan of blood tests; needles made her uneasy. She had been hesitant about the whole thing until Gerald sweetened the deal with the promise of chocolate. Honestly, who could resist chocolate?

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, the test results have not been as great as I had thought. His white blood cells began attacking your white blood cells which are already low due to your condition. I am afraid that if I inject you with Shadow's blood, it may make your condition worse. I need to think of something else, something that will protect you enough so his blood can begin curing you, not attacking your cells." Gerald laid it all out while Maria listened intently, her head bobbing slightly as she absorbed the details. It turned out that his experiments had failed. Maria felt a lump in her throat, her fingers fidgeting together as she processed the news.

"Okay, so you can think of something else and then we can try that, right?" Maria spoke aloud, working through her thoughts as she attempted to visualize everything in her mind. She gave a little nod, affirming her own conclusions. A wave of disappointment washed over her, but she fought to suppress it. This wasn’t the moment to let herself feel upset or downhearted.

"Yes, I need to think of another plan. I am sorry, Maria." Gerald began to speak, his voice laced with regret, while she managed a smile that barely concealed her sorrow. Inside, she felt completely shattered, as if a heavy weight was pressing down on her heart.

"It's fine. We don't have to worry, I'm not going anywhere, am I? Earth will just have to wait a little longer." Maria got to her feet, absentmindedly rearranging the books next to her as she did so. She was trying to avoid overthinking things at the moment; it all felt too fresh and overwhelming.

"No, you're not. I am going to go and have a look at the tests some more before bed and figure something out, alright?" Gerald replied as Maria nodded.

"I am going to go and finish my walk before I go to bed. Don't push yourself so hard Grandfather." Maria excused herself from the office, her heart racing as she tried to steady her breath. She made her way to the front of the ARK, eager to reach her favorite spot by the main window. This was her go-to place for reflection, and she loved how it offered the best view. As she settled down on the floor, she felt the familiar sting of tears welling up, and she couldn't help but let a few slip as she gazed down at Earth. The disappointment weighed heavily on her, but she also felt a sense of gratitude that her Grandfather had chosen to be honest with her instead of keeping things hidden. Just as she was wiping her eyes again, she heard footsteps approaching, but she kept her focus on the view outside, trying to regain her composure.

"Maria..." Shadow's voice was soft as she forced a smile, glancing over at him. He immediately noticed the traces of tears on her cheeks as he settled down beside her.

"I'm alright Shadow. It was just a little much to take in. Grandfather is clever, he will figure something out." Maria glanced back out the window as he let out a sigh, his head drooping slightly. She caught a glimpse of this movement from the corner of her eye.

"I have blood that is immune to disease and can cure people. Yet, we cannot cure you. Not right now, it...Frustrates me." He muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone, while she softly extended her hand, placing it reassuringly on his shoulder.

"Everything will be alright. We will find a cure one way or another. I'm sorry for getting upset, I just...Kept thinking about the Earth. I kept thinking of the day my feet would be planted firmly on that ground and we could begin our life. It's raw Shadow but I know you both are working so hard." Maria responded by gently squeezing his shoulder, offering a bit of comfort. Shadow raised his head from its downward gaze, his eyes fixed on the planet beneath them. The Earth was mirrored in his eyes as he took in the view, lost in thought.

"I don't belong down there. I was created here for the purpose of curing you. I haven't managed to achieve that yet." He answered, his voice trailing off at the end, while she let out a sigh and leaned in closer, resting her head against his. Together, they gazed out the window, lost in their thoughts.

"Well, I think you do belong down there. People are...What I've read, complicated. But you were born to do amazing things Shadow. You do have a purpose down there and you're going to find your purpose with me right by your side."

Chapter Text

The past few days on the ARK had been strangely still, almost unsettling. There was a lack of excitement, no thrilling escapades to dive into. Maria was focused on her recovery, processing everything that had happened, while Shadow seemed lost in his own thoughts. She understood his state of mind; it had been overwhelming for all three of them. Gerald had called it disheartening when he spoke to Maria, but she didn’t share that sentiment. To her, it was just a bump in the road, nothing more, and she firmly believed they would eventually discover the cure.

Maria was in the zone, putting the final touches on Shadow's room. After what felt like ages, she finally found the motivation to tackle the task. As she smoothed out the freshly laundered blankets, her fingers glided over the soft fabric, and she took a moment to survey her work. A sense of satisfaction washed over her, and she couldn't help but hope that Shadow would appreciate it as much as she did. Even if it just pulled him out of his thoughts for a brief moment, that would be enough for her.

"Maria! So this is where all my cleaning stuff ended up!" A voice called out, making Maria nearly leap out of her skin. She quickly turned around to find Julie leaning against the door frame, one hand resting on her hip. Maria's eyes grew a bit wider as she took Julie's hand and pulled her into the room, promptly closing the door behind them.

"Julie, you really gave me a fright! I didn’t mean to, um... take your cleaning supplies," Maria admitted, trying to calm her racing heart as she noticed Julie scanning the room with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you not fond of your room anymore?" she inquired, her gaze shifting to Maria, who returned the look with a smile, glancing at the women.

Maria explained, "This is for Shadow. He really hates being stuck in the tank at Grandfather's lab, so I figured I’d tidy up this room and give him a little surprise." As she spoke, Julie couldn’t help but smile softly. She had always had a special place in her heart for Maria, having known her for ages. It felt so unfair to witness someone so genuinely kind being confined in the space station just to survive. Julie couldn’t shake the thought that life had a way of being cruel.

Julie was confident he would really enjoy it. "So, how's he been doing?" she inquired. Although she hadn't spent much time with Shadow, it was clear to her that he wasn't one for casual chit-chat. It was quite strange to see him for the first time; she could hardly wrap her head around the fact that he was a hedgehog, and those vibrant colors of his were truly eye-catching.

Maria couldn't help but rave about him. "You wouldn't believe how fast he is and the way he fights! It's something I've never witnessed before!" she said excitedly, while Julie grinned at her and started gathering her cleaning supplies.

"It's great to hear that you have a friend like Maria! Just remember, don’t be a stranger, okay? Feel free to drop by whenever you want." Julie said with a warm smile as Maria hugged her tightly. Julie had always been like a mother figure to Maria, and she truly appreciated that support while growing up in the ARK.

"I will, don't worry."Maria followed the woman as she closed the door behind them, and with a gentle wave, Julie returned to her tasks while Maria began her search for Shadow. She first headed to the lab, but neither Gerald nor Shadow was around. Pondering where else to look, she dismissed the kitchen and the front of the ARK, both of which were empty. It felt eerily quiet, almost like a ghost town, and Maria couldn’t help but wonder where everyone had gone as she strolled down the corridor. Just then, something caught her attention; a faint glow was emanating from one of the deserted rooms off the mini corridor.

"Hmm." Maria thought to herself, wondering how it was possible for anyone to be down there. That section of the ARK had been closed off for about two years now. She glanced around cautiously before making her way down the corridor toward the door. For a brief moment, she paused, taking a deep breath before cautiously leaning in to take a look. There, in front of a strange tube, stood Shadow, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Maria walked in, her expression shifting to a frown as she took a few steps closer to the tube. What she saw inside was nothing short of horrifying. The creature resembled a twisted starfish, its deep purple body contorted in a way that made it look almost grotesque. However, the most striking feature was its enormous yellow eye, which resembled that of a cat, staring back at her with an unsettling intensity.

"What is that?" Maria called out, catching Shadow off guard. He whipped around in an instant, ready to pounce. But as he took a moment to process, he saw it was just her, and he quickly straightened up, his eyes slightly widened in surprise.

"Maria...What are you doing in here?" He inquired, a bit grumpy as he folded his arms across his chest. She glanced back at the creature, and Shadow's gaze trailed after hers.

"I was coming to find you and I seen the light was coming from this room. These rooms haven't been used in years...What is that?" As Shadow leans his hand against the glass, he lets out a gentle sigh, prompting her to ask once more.

"That...Is the creature that was used to create me." He responded just as Maria's eyes grew a bit wider. She gazed at it, noticing that it was still alive, as it blinked its eye from time to time. "Professor made a deal with the black arms for their blood to create me. Their blood cures all disease but...They are hive aliens. They don't have a soul they're mindless creatures only created to serve."

"Dark arms...Why have I heard that name before? Just because they took this creatures blood for you, doesn't make you heartless or mindless like they are." She noticed his hand trembling as he responded to her, and it was clear to her that he was having a tough time. This was the truth of the situation, and she could feel the weight of it. He was reluctant to be linked to something that couldn’t fend for itself or even think for itself.

"What if I do become like one of them? What if my heart doesn't beat the same as yours or my head doesn't think like anyone else's? What then, Maria?"

Maria knelt down, gently grasping Shadow's hand as he turned to look at her. It broke her heart to witness the turmoil he was experiencing over his origins. All she wished for was to ease his suffering and help him glimpse the brighter perspective that she could see so clearly.

"So what if your blood comes from this creature? It doesn't define who you are does it? This creature wouldn't tell me off for have an attitude, or look after me when I am having bad days. It wouldn't sit there and read me a story, but you do. You have this ability to make everything just a little better and easier for me on this ARK. My grandfather doesn't see you as a creature, he sees you as his son. Shadow, you have a heart." Maria talks softly, her hand lightly placed on his chest as she gazes up into his eyes. "You can choose how you heart feels. Everything is a little confusing for you right now and I understand that but I'm here for you, like you're here for me."

Shadow's breathing was a little ragged as he stood staring at the young girl. Everything she had just said, she was right. He didn't have to let this creature divine who he was, he could choose what he became. What he wanted to do was protect this little girl and make sure she got to go down to Earth and see what she wanted to see. No matter what. He leaned in, hugging her before his head caught up with him. Maria smiled, hugging him back too as she sighed.

"What are we going to do with you, Shadow?" As he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight, she began to talk softly. With his eyes shut, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. He couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but deep down, he understood his mission at that moment: it was all about taking care of Maria. "Speaking of, I have a surprise for you actually, that's why I came looking for you."

"A surprise?"Shadow raises an eyebrow, clearly a bit doubtful, while Maria gives him a nod and meets his gaze with a bright smile.

"Yeah, come on and I will show you." As she rises, a smile spreads across her face while she makes her way to the door. Shadow starts to trail behind her but pauses to glance back at the tube. He catches a glimpse of the creature's eye slowly closing as he turns away, choosing to follow Maria instead. They stroll down the corridor together, enveloped in a peaceful silence. Shadow's attention is drawn to the subtle smile on Maria's lips; it’s clear she’s holding onto something special for him, and her excitement is palpable.

"Alright, we are here." Maria halts right outside the door of the room next to hers. Shadow glances up at her for a moment, then shifts his gaze toward the door. "Close your eyes."

"Maria, just tell me what it is." He grumbled under his breath while Maria let out a deep sigh and positioned herself right in front of him, her arms folded tightly across her chest.

"Close your eyes and I will show you. Come on, Shadow, for me?" As Shadow let out a sigh, he huffed a bit, and his shoulders drooped in defeat. With his eyes shut tight, he felt a warm smile from Maria. She gently reached out for his hand, and he couldn't help but flinch at her touch as she grasped it.

"Ready?" She inquired while Shadow gave a single nod. Maria swung the door open, guiding the dark hedgehog into the room, and as she released his hand, she stepped aside to stand next to him. "Okay, now open your eyes."

Maria sat there, eagerly anticipating the moment Shadow would finally open his eyes. After a few moments, he began to blink them open, his gaze wandering around the room as he took in his surroundings. She remained calm and patient, hoping he would break the silence with some words.

"It's...A room." As she nodded and positioned herself right in front of him, he responded with a hint of uncertainty flickering in his gaze. This slight confusion in his expression made Maria let out a soft chuckle.

"It's not just any room, it is your room." As Shadow's eyes grew a bit wider, she responded, and he began to absorb the situation more fully, taking in his surroundings with a renewed sense of awareness.

"A room for me?" He questioned as she smiled and nodded.

"Yup, just for you. I have been working on cleaning it up but I got sick remember? So, I had to wait to finally finish it and now it's all done." Maria watched Shadow as he nodded, his gaze fixed on the bed while she spoke. She could sense that he was somewhat surprised, but it was hard for her to determine whether that surprise was a good thing or not.

"This is...You didn't have to do this for me, Maria." He replied as she rested her hand on his shoulder.

"You don't like being kept in the tank at night so I thought this was a much better idea. You can rest whenever you need to and Grandfather said that you only have to go in the tank once every so often. There's not much but, we can find stuff for it." Maria chatted away while Shadow listened, offering a gentle, subtle smile in response.

"Well, thank you." Shadow walked over to his bed and plopped down on it, running his fingers over the soft covers. Maria joined him, settling in beside him with a comfortable ease.

"You're welcome." She replies to him. "Just thought it would help you fit in here a little better."

"I have had some troubles finding my feet in the ARK, recently anyways." Shadow nodded in agreement, understanding the challenges he faced while being on the ARK. She could see the weight of his struggles, and it resonated with her own experiences.

"You have but you'll find your feet. Might not be stuck here for long too and then we can go down to Earth and explore it together." Maria was chatting away while Shadow caught a glimpse of her from the side of his eye.

"I was created here though, I don't know if there is a place for me down on Earth." He responded while Maria frowned, gently placing her hand on his shoulder as she leaned into him.

"Course there will be. Honestly, I want to try ice cream when we go down there." Maria pondered for a moment, her mind drifting to the idea of a perfect day at the beach. She imagined the sun shining brightly, the warmth enveloping her as she enjoyed a delicious ice cream cone, all while seeking refuge from the harsh rays of the sun to avoid getting sunburned.

"Ice cream?" Shadow asked as Maria nodded.

"It's basically milk with different flavors but it is frozen and put into a wafer cone. I could probably make it here but I want to try it down there for the first time." Maria started to drift off into thoughts about ice cream, her eyes sparkling with excitement as Shadow observed her. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for the effort she had put into creating this cozy bedroom for him. It was a gesture that he would always cherish and appreciate.

"Well, when you do get that chance, we will try ice cream together." Shadow grinned widely, her smile radiating a pure, childlike joy. It was funny how she often lost sight of the fact that she was still just a kid at heart, even though her mind felt so much older and wiser.

Chapter Text

Maria was wide awake, her thoughts racing like a hamster on a wheel that just wouldn’t quit. With a heavy sigh, she turned onto her side and gazed out the window, lost in her thoughts. She couldn’t help but wonder if Shadow was getting any rest; it was his first night sleeping in his own bed in his new bedroom. She really hoped he was finding some peace and quiet. Surprisingly, the nights on the ark were eerily silent, with no sounds coming from either inside or outside the ARK, which made her feel even more restless.

Maria felt the urge to get up and check on him, thinking it might ease her mind and help her drift off to sleep knowing he was resting. She slipped into her cozy slippers and wrapped herself in her dressing gown before quietly opening her door. The main lights were off, but the soft glow from the small lamps created a warm ambiance that filled the hallway, a comforting sight during the night. Stepping softly, she made her way next door and gently opened the door, peeking in to find Shadow peacefully asleep. His quills were sticking out in all directions, and the blankets were snugly wrapped around him, with his shoes neatly placed on the floor beside him. The gentle sound of his little snores brought a smile to Maria's face, filling her with relief that he had finally managed to fall asleep. After taking a moment to enjoy the sight, she quietly closed the door and made her way to the main window, where she planned to sit for a bit, soaking in the calm before attempting to return to her own sleep.

"Oh...My! The lights!" Maria couldn't contain her excitement as she rushed to the window, her heart racing at the sight of the aurora shimmering above the Earth. They had finally made it, and the breathtaking display was right in front of her. Without wasting a moment, she spun around and dashed to Shadow's room, eager to wake him up and share the magical moment.

"Shadow!" Maria burst through the door with a loud shout, startling the hedgehog awake. He quickly tossed the blankets aside and shot up in bed, sitting up straight as if he had been jolted from a deep sleep.

"Maria...What is it? What's going on?" Shadow's voice trembled with a mix of anxiety and exhaustion as he watched her gesture for him to come along, a wide smile spreading across her face.

"Come quickly! Hurry!" The thrill surged through her as she dashed down the hallway, her heart racing with excitement. Shadow, still half-asleep, blinked in surprise and quickly jumped out of bed, scrambling after her as they both sped down the corridor.

"Maria, is everyone okay?! What is going on?" He yelled just as she came to a sudden stop at the window. Realizing he hadn’t even put on his shoes, he attempted to halt his own momentum, his socks slipping on the floor beneath him. He balanced precariously on the balls of his feet, peering out at the breathtaking view. The aurora... she had finally witnessed it. Waves of green, yellow, and purple lights twirled around the horizon, and Maria stood there, completely mesmerized. Shadow, feeling a bit weary, rubbed his eyes as he took in the mesmerizing display.

"The lights! I finally got to see the lights." Maria grinned widely, panting heavily from both the sprinting and the thrill of the moment. She dropped down to her knees just as Shadow made a leap to catch her.

"Maria...You need to be careful. I know you're excited but you can't be getting your blood running like this." Shadow felt it was necessary to intervene and give her a stern talking-to. He understood her excitement; after all, she had been looking forward to this moment for ages. However, he couldn't ignore the fact that she was really unwell, and that concern weighed heavily on his mind.

"I'm sorry. Look at how beautiful they are though. People from Earth can see them but up here...They are so prominent and bold." Maria beamed with joy, her hands propped against the glass as a wide smile spread across her face. Shadow observed them, nodding in agreement. They truly were stunning, and it felt like a stroke of luck to witness such beauty.

"You scared me half to death there." Shadow stirred awake, grumbling as he shook off the remnants of sleep. The abrupt interruption had been jarring, but in the end, it turned out to be worth it.

"Sorry...Sorry. I just got so excited." She kept her gaze fixed on the glass as she responded, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. Shadow, curious and a bit amused, waited patiently for her to explain what was so funny.

"You almost." She began to really laugh, holding her stomach. "Fell with those socks on."

Shadow could sense the heat of embarrassment rising in his stomach as he let out a frustrated huff and crossed his arms tightly. Meanwhile, Maria was in stitches, clearly enjoying the whole situation, and despite himself, Shadow couldn't help but feel a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, accompanied by a soft chuckle.

"Alright, you got me. I had no idea what was going on, I thought you were in danger." Shadow responded as she started to relax, brushing a tear away from her cheek. He grinned once more, playfully tousling her hair a bit while gazing out the window. He sensed her lightly swat at his hand before he let it fall back to his side.

"What are you doing up anyways?" He inquired while she glanced his way for a moment before turning her attention back to the window. She seemed reluctant to tear her gaze away from the view outside, and Shadow completely understood her hesitation.

"I couldn't sleep. I was worried about you sleeping on your own in your room for the first time." Maria replied as Shadow shook his head, sitting down on the little ledge of the window.

"You didn't have to worry. It took me a while to fall asleep but I was rested until you nearly gave me a heart attack." He grumbled as she smiled, looking at him apologetically.

"I am sorry for scaring you. I just didn't want you to miss out on seeing them since we spoke about them a lot." Maria replied. Shadow couldn't help but feel touched at her thinking of him considering she had waited a long time to see the lights.

"When they are finished you and I are going back to bed. Deal?" Shadow asked as Maria nodded, sighing in content as she relaxed a little. Her breathing was still quite ragged from the running and laughing and her face was a little pale. Probably because she was sleepy but Shadow would keep an eye on her anyways, just to be sure.

Red lights began to flash all through out the Ark, a siren going off. Maria turned to look at Shadow, panic in her eyes as she got to her feet. Shadow looked out, grabbing Maria's hand.

"Something is wrong...That alarm never goes off." Maria spoke, the panic invading her voice as Shadow grabbed her hand, tugging her towards their rooms.

"I'll go check it out but I need you safe first." Shadow replied as they hurried through the corridor, seeing everyone start to wake and come out of their rooms. He could hear the 'what is going on?' and 'Are we in danger?'s being spoken among them as Shadow opened his room door for Maria.

"Shadow...Grandfather..." Maria said as Shadow made a beeline for his shoes. He slid them on quickly, grabbing his rings as he turned to the girl.

"Everything will be okay, you need to stay here. Grandfather will be fine." Shadow tried to reassure her as much as possible as he made his way out into the corridor to find Gerald. Something was wrong, he could feel it in his gut as he skimmed past people, heading for the lab.

"Professor?" Shadow shouted out, searching for Gerald after hearing his voice echoing from down the hallway. Without wasting a moment, Shadow sprinted toward the lab, his heart racing. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in shock. There was Gerald, being gripped tightly by a small robot that had a firm hold on the collar of his lab coat. The robot's eyes emitted a gentle blue glow, and it turned its head to fix its gaze on Shadow. Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Shadow growled and charged at the robot, throwing a powerful punch in an attempt to free Gerald from its grasp.

"Professor, go. Maria is safe. Get to safety." Shadow yelled as the robot lunged at him with a powerful punch. In a flash, he vanished from sight and popped up in a different location. Meanwhile, Gerald hurriedly got back on his feet.

"I will get help from the GUN soldiers, be careful Shadow." Gerald hurriedly made his way back to his lab, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke. He was collaborating with GUN, the organization that had been backing his research. They were based on Earth and had granted him the power to develop a being that could potentially grant immortality and heal diseases.

---

Maria walked anxiously around Shadow's room, her breaths coming in quick, heavy gasps as she fought to keep her panic at bay. What on earth is happening? she wondered, trembling as she finally sank into a chair, cradling her head in her hands. A wave of fear washed over her, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain, and she couldn't shake the worry about whether everyone was alright.

She glanced at the door, her eyes brimming with tears as she strained to listen. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway, accompanied by frantic shouts. It was pure chaos outside, and the gravity of the situation hit her hard. Maria sprang to her feet and flung the door open, cautiously peering into the corridor. Soldiers were advancing down the main passage, heading straight for her grandfather's lab. A frown crossed her face as she contemplated making a run for it, but before she could move, a hand clutched her arm. She turned to find Julie beside her, her eyes wide with terror.

"Maria, stay in there." She said, pushing the girl inside along with her. Julie was frightened, Maria could see it clear as day. It panicked the young girl.

"What is going on?" Maria asked, voice shaking as Julie crouched down in front of Maria, holding her arms.

"There's been an invasion in the ARK. You have not to worry, Shadow is taking care of it and the soldier's are on their way to help him." Julie elaborated while Maria's eyes grew wide with surprise. Shadow...

"No, I need to help him-" Maria was interrupted when she saw Julie shaking her head, her expression resolute and unwavering. The seriousness in Julie's voice left no room for doubt; she meant every word she said.

"You will not. Shadow can look after himself and your grandfather. You need to stay in here where it is safe. Do you understand?"

Maria couldn't hold back her tears any longer; they streamed down her face uncontrollably. The fear enveloped her like a thick fog, amplified by the pandemonium surrounding her and the lurking threats that seemed to be everywhere. Her heart raced at the thought of Shadow and her grandfather getting caught in the turmoil, and the mere idea of them getting hurt or, heaven forbid, something worse, sent her spiraling into a deeper panic.

"It's okay Maria. Everything will be okay." Julie said, pulling the girl into a hug as Maria hugged her back tight, sobbing.

"I just...Want this to all end." Maria let out a sob as she leaned against Julie, who gently massaged her back in an effort to provide some comfort. As the tears streamed down her face, Maria took a moment to collect herself, determined to regain her composure. Deep down, she knew she had to be there, that it was essential for her to go. With a sudden burst of urgency, she pushed Julie away and hurried toward the door, eager to escape and face whatever awaited her outside.

"Maria! Come back!" Julie called as she went out to the corridor, following the soldiers as she rushed down the corridor. She needed to know everyone would be okay, even if it meant her being in danger. She didn't care, her family was in this situation. She felt bad, deep down, that she refused to listen to Julie. She would apologize if she got the chance.

Maria came to a sudden halt when she spotted Shadow engaged in a fierce battle with a robot that had an olive-green and tan appearance. The soldiers stationed on the ARK were all around, weapons drawn and aimed, which made her feel a mix of relief and anxiety. She was thankful they hadn’t opened fire yet; the last thing she wanted was for Shadow to get hurt in the crossfire. With determination, she made her way through the ranks of soldiers, catching them off guard as she let out a sharp gasp. Shadow glanced in her direction, his eyes wide and filled with a wild intensity.

"Maria..." The robot delivered a quick jab to Shadow's jaw, sending him sprawling aside. Its sharp, light blue eyes locked onto Maria, sending a shiver down her back. With a menacing stance, it raised its hand toward her, poised to strike.

"Stand down Emerl!" A soldier shouted, his weapon aimed directly at the robot, causing Maria to freeze in place, paralyzed by uncertainty. Meanwhile, Shadow let out a fierce growl, rushing in from the side to seize the robot from behind, delivering a powerful punch to its head. His fury was palpable as he sent the robot crashing onto its back, and he unleashed a flurry of punches, his eyes reflecting a wild, chaotic energy. Maria gasped in shock, a tear slipping down her cheek as she cried out in desperation.

"Shadow! Enough!"

Shadow was so consumed by rage that he couldn't even hear her voice cutting through the chaos in his mind. Emerl was poised to strike at the young girl, and the thought of it was infuriating. This was something he just couldn't overlook; it felt like a line had been crossed. He was determined to put an end to it once and for all, to eliminate the threat so it could never rise again. Shadow felt a deep conflict within himself—he couldn't allow this to happen, and yet, a part of him was wrestling with the idea of taking such a drastic step.

Enough was enough.

Chapter Text

"Shadow, stand down." The soldier shouted, attempting to pull Shadow out of his daze. Maria could tell just by glancing at his expression that he wasn’t really hearing anything. She moved closer, only to feel a hand resting on her shoulder—it was the soldier’s.

"Don't go over there Miss Robotnik, it is not safe. Shadow, we are asking you to stand down. That robot must be captured, not destroyed. We will have no choice but to neutralize you." The soldier, known as Maria, felt her heart race as her eyes grew wide with fear. She glanced up at the soldier looming over her, a chill running down her spine. This couldn’t be happening... They wouldn’t dare do this.

"No, wait. You can't do that. Let me talk to him, he doesn't mean it. He will listen to me." Maria's gaze returned to the black and crimson hedgehog, and she felt a surge of urgency. It seemed like he was caught in a mental struggle, wrestling with his own thoughts. She believed that if she could just reach out to him, she could help him find clarity and ease his turmoil before it spiraled into something worse.

"Maria, he could hurt you." The soldier argued back while Maria simply shook her head in disbelief. There was no way he would do that, not to her.

"Please, give me the chance..." She begged earnestly while the soldier gazed down at her, letting out a heavy sigh. After a moment, he shifted his attention to the other soldiers, who were all ready with their weapons aimed at Shadow.

"If he goes for the girl, sort him." He commanded as he turned to look at Maria.

"Go, and be careful. We cannot afford anymore damage or casualties." He muttered under his breath while Maria gave a quick nod and pivoted to approach Shadow. Deep down, she was sure he wouldn’t harm her, yet a flicker of fear lingered in her chest. It was the combination of the robot's intimidating presence and the unsettling sight of Shadow in such a furious state that made her uneasy.

"Shadow...It's Maria." She spoke softly, pausing a few steps from him. Emerl was powered down, and while Maria couldn’t recall him doing that before, it seemed he had. Most likely, he had shut down to recharge for a defensive move, but from what she could see, Shadow wasn’t about to let him have that chance. She noticed his ear twitch in response to her voice.

"It...Went for you." Shadow was fuming, his hand pressing down hard on the robot as if he could pin his frustration to the ground. He was so furious that he hadn’t even noticed Emerl had powered down completely. It was clear to her that Shadow was trembling with rage, his body betraying the storm of emotions brewing inside him.

"Listen, it did go for me but I am okay. You need to let him go so the soldiers can take care of it, alright?" Maria moved in closer, gently placing her hand on his, which was firmly gripping the robot. He instinctively flinched at the contact, and she leaned in a bit more to catch a glimpse of his eyes.

"I...Want to end it." Shadow spoke through gritted teeth as Maria shook her head and tried to get his attention on her.

"You can't do that Shadow. The soldiers need it so let it go and let them deal with it." Maria glanced at the guns for a moment before redirecting her attention to Shadow. He inhaled deeply, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over him, and slowly released his grip from the robot's chest while she offered him a gentle smile.

"Why...Was it here?" He inquired softly, his voice reverberating gently around the room, while Maria simply shook her head in response.

"I don't know, but we are going to find out. Come on." As she stood up, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up with her. Shadow didn’t resist as she helped him get back from the robot. Meanwhile, the soldiers advanced, quickly surrounding the robot and taking control of the situation.

"Maria, Shadow." Gerald's voice echoed through the air, catching the attention of both of them. Maria noticed how Shadow gently squeezed her hand a little tighter while she turned her gaze toward her Grandfather. "Thank god you are both okay."

"Professor, I believe we need to talk." Shadow's voice was laced with fury as he spoke, while Gerald let out a deep sigh and gave a reluctant nod in response.

"Professor Gerald, I will assume the Boss will be in touch with you about this situation." The soldier who had previously restrained Maria approached them, his weapon holstered and a frown etched on his face as he regarded the trio. With his helmet's visor lifted, it was clear he wasn't in the best of moods. Gerald gave a nod and gently patted the soldier on the shoulder, trying to ease the tension in the air.

"I understand, let me make sure my granddaughter is okay first and then I will call him myself." Gerald chatted away while the soldier gave a quick nod, then turned back to assist his teammates in capturing the robot.

"I will tell you everything." Gerald gestured for Maria and Shadow to come along as he headed toward the lab. The soldiers were preoccupied with securing the robot, so they could catch up later to discuss everything that had happened. Once they reached the lab, Gerald swung the door open and they all filed in. He plopped down at the testing table, while Maria and Shadow settled into their own spots nearby.

"Are you alright Shadow?" Gerald broke the quiet moment, glancing at the hedgehog, which seemed to respond with a slow nod of its tiny head.

"I am fine. Why was that robot here?" He jumped right in, not wasting any time, while Maria paid close attention, eager to grasp the situation. She was just as curious about what was happening. This robot... it had the potential to cause way more chaos than it already had. Things were definitely risky.

"I discovered him from Earth. His name is Emerl, the GUN had asked for him back before I created you Shadow but I asked for more time to see if I could tweak him a little." Gerald started to explain, letting out a sigh as he went on.. "I found out that after I gave him a 'soul' Emerl was not suitable and it was then I realized that he was a super weapon. The more chaos emeralds he gets, the more powerful he is and that's his objective. I told him that GUN was coming to take him away with them and he...Flipped."

"So, you took a super weapon on to this ark..." Maria frowned as she noticed Gerald nodding while his gaze dropped to the floor.

"Irresponsible of me to take something like Emerl on board of this Ark but in my defense, I did not know he was a super weapon at the time and GUN had asked me to hand him over, and I said I would once I had explored him a little more. I am deeply sorry for the upset of tonight." Gerald offered an apology while Shadow fixed his gaze on his creator, a mix of frustration and disappointment evident in his expression. The anger simmering within him was palpable; he couldn't shake the feeling that this whole mess could have been avoided if only Gerald had taken his advice seriously.

"Grandfather, they pointed their guns at Shadow today. 'Emerl' turned on me and almost caused Shadow to be neutralized. This all could have been over because you wouldn't hand Emerl over when you were asked too."Maria's voice was laced with anger as she spoke, catching Gerald off guard and leaving him momentarily stunned by her intensity.

"He didn't hurt you...Did he?" Gerald inquired, a hint of bashfulness in his tone, while Maria simply responded by shaking her head.

"No, I wasn't hurt but GUN pointed their weapons towards Shadow and I talked him down from destroying the robot." Maria took her time with her words, making sure her Grandfather understood just how dire things could have turned out. The thought of anything happening to Shadow sent a chill down her spine; she knew she could never let go of the anger towards anyone who might have harmed him... or even worse.

"Let me go and talk to them. It will be okay Maria, everything will be sorted." Gerald started talking just as Maria stood up from the chair, her head shaking in disbelief. She was filled with anger and frustration after witnessing the soldiers aiming their weapons at Shadow.

"I'm sorry Grandfather but I am angry. I need to go to my room." Maria turned on her heel and walked away, ignoring his shouts behind her. She knew that if she stopped, she might say something she'd regret later, so she kept moving. Meanwhile, Shadow stood next to the Professor, letting out a quiet sigh as he crossed his arms, clearly feeling the weight of the situation.

"I am sorry Shadow. Truly." Gerald spoke as he sat down, sighing as he rubbed his head. Shadow looked over at him.

"I was protecting you and Maria. That is all that matters right now. You are both safe. Maria will come round, I suspect she is in a state of shock at the moment." Shadow responded. She certainly appeared quite pale. "I do think this was a mistake to bring that robot aboard the ARK. Then again, look at me and the experiments before me."

"GUN will want to talk to me about this all. I will have to be honest and see what they say. I can't imagine this will go down well." Gerald let out a heavy sigh as he stood up, and Shadow couldn't help but notice how utterly defeated he appeared. It was a look that was new to him, one that made Shadow feel a pang of concern. Gerald seemed lost, caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, unsure of how to express what he was feeling or even what actions to take next.

"I will go and check on Maria. Make sure she is okay." Shadow responded while Gerald gave a nod of approval.

"I will come in past and make sure she is okay once I clear up all this mess." Gerald chatted away while Shadow gave a nod, making his way toward Maria's room. As he strolled through the ARK, he couldn't shake off this unsettling sensation creeping up on him, especially with everyone around him lined up for a head count. It was like a little voice in his head was warning him about something, and the atmosphere felt heavier than usual.

"Shadow..." As he paused and glanced back, a woman's voice called out to him. It was Julie, one of the assistants on the ARK, and she shared a close bond with Maria. Her expression was filled with concern, making it clear that something was troubling her. "Is Maria okay?"

"She will be fine. It has been a lot for her to take in, all of this."Shadow nodded, her brows knitted together in worry as she responded.

"Make sure she is okay, alright?" Julie inquired while the hedgehog gave a nod and started making his way to the young girl's room. She followed his movements with a gentle sigh, staying in her spot. Her affection for Maria was deep; all she wanted was for her to be alright and protected. It was clear that Shadow shared those feelings as well; she could see the concern reflected in his eyes.

Maria was sprawled out on her bed, her back pressed against the wall, with her eyes tightly shut as silent tears streamed down her cheeks. The mere idea of them causing pain to Shadow was too much for her to handle. She could hear the door creak open, but she didn’t bother to turn around, keeping her back turned to whoever had entered.

"Maria, I know you're not sleeping." Shadow spoke, breaking the silence as Maria sighed and turned around, looking at him. Shadow could see she was crying as she wiped her eyes.

"I just want to be alone." Maria responded as Shadow approached, taking a seat on the edge of the bed while letting out a deep sigh. He found himself wondering what to do in moments like this. The whole concept of crying puzzled him; he understood it was linked to feelings like sadness or anger, but he couldn't quite grasp the underlying reasons behind it.

"I know that you are angry. The professor said he will sort it, don't you believe him?" Shadow asked as Maria looked away, towards the window as she breathed in.

"Of course I do. He is my Grandfather. I am just having a hard time coming to terms with what happened tonight." Maria responded while shifting in her bed, positioning herself to face Shadow. "I'm not angry anymore."

"Why did it make you cry?" Shadow glanced at the girl, noticing how she was dabbing at her eyes and trying to shield her face with her hair. Maria felt a bit embarrassed about her tears, but despite her efforts to hold it together, the emotions just got the better of her.

"Because I thought they were going to kill you. It was like you couldn't hear them through your anger." Maria explained as Shadow watched her before giving a small nod.

"I wouldn't have let them hurt me, I am the ultimate life-form after all but that robot tried to attack you. I couldn't have that, you're im...Important to me." As Maria turned to face Shadow, she peeked out from behind her hair, a gentle smile gracing her lips. It wasn't easy for Shadow to express his feelings, but seeing him try made her heart swell with pride.

"I know and you are important to me. You're my best friend Shadow. You're right, Grandfather will sort everything and make it all okay again." Maria nodded in agreement with Shadow, who was already on his feet, observing her as she let out a big yawn while still sitting on the bed.

"Come on, you need to sleep."As she settled deeper into the bed, Shadow gently pulled the blanket up around her shoulders, making sure she was cozy. Maria glanced up at him, her hand reaching out to grasp his arm. Shadow observed her quietly, allowing her to hold onto him while she began to speak.

"Shadow, will you stay with me? I don't want to be alone."Maria inquired, and Shadow immediately noticed the fragility in her voice. He gave a nod and settled back onto the edge of the bed, slipping off his shoes again.

"Well night one of sleeping in my bed didn't go to plan, did it?" Shadow's voice had a hint of mischief as he spoke, causing Maria to smile and gently shake her head in response.

"No, but we did see the lights before it all kicked off." He nodded as she responded, and he couldn't help but wish that she had only witnessed the beauty of the lights, completely unaware of the chaos that followed. Still, he felt a sense of relief that she had the chance to experience them at all.

"There's always tomorrow." As Maria pulled the blanket aside, Shadow slipped in next to her, positioning himself so he could face her without accidentally jabbing her with his quills.

"Goodnight, Shadow." She whispered softly while shutting her eyes. Shadow wrapped the blankets snugly around them, lying on his side with his hand propped under his head, also closing his eyes. This was something he would have never considered doing in the past, but he realized she needed his presence to drift off peacefully.

"Goodnight Maria, sleep well."