Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The year was 1951. The sterile white halls of the Space Colony ARK echoed with alarms. Red warning lights strobed like heartbeats of impending doom. Shadow the Hedgehog raced through the corridors, his black quills trailing like a streak of midnight flame, while Maria Robotnik clung tightly to his hand.

“Shadow, hurry!” she cried, her golden hair fluttering as they ran.

“We're almost at the escape pods, Maria,” Shadow promised, his crimson eyes burning with defiance. He had been tasked by Maria's grandfather (Gerald Robotnik) to protect her, and he intended to fulfill that purpose.

But destiny was cruel. As they neared the escape pods, the cold voices of G.U.N. soldiers thundered down the hall. One rifle was raised, and one shot was fired.

Boom!

The bullet pierced the silence more than it pierced Maria. She gasped, blood blooming on her dress like a crimson flower. Shadow caught her as she fell.

“No! Maria!” Shadow’s voice cracked with anguish. She smiled faintly, her hand brushing his cheek.

“You are . . . humanity's last hope. Please . . . live . . . for them,” she whispered, echoing the words that would define his existence.

Her body then went limp. Shadow fled in rage and grief as the soldiers closed in. They'd pick up her body and drag it away, all while Shadow took the escape pod to Earth.

What Shadow never knew was that Maria had not been discarded. The G.U.N officers, under orders, placed her mortally wounded body into a cryostasis chamber, intending to use her for research in curing diseases. Her body, suspended in the icy grip of time, was stored in a secret laboratory on Earth.

Years passed. Decades turned into dust. The lab was eventually abandoned, forgotten, its halls consumed by silence and rust. Yet, within one chamber, Maria’s body would remain untouched - ageless, eternal, and frozen between life and death.

That was, until now.

2025

Maria’s eyes fluttered open to a blinding light. Her chest rose with a sharp inhale - the first breath she had taken in 74 years. She looked around, bewildered, her surroundings unfamiliar. The sterile walls were different from the ARK.

This was a hospital.

A group of doctors then rushed into the room, their eyes wide with disbelief.

“She’s alive! Even after all this time!” one uttered.

Maria tried to sit up, but her body trembled. “Where . . . am I?” she asked weakly.

One of the doctors then approached her, his voice gentle but full of awe. “Please listen to us very carefully, Maria. You're on Earth, and the year is currently 2025. After the incident on the Space Colony ARK, you were preserved in a state of cryostasis by G.U.N. Not only that, but your injuries and NIDS were healed during your decades-long slumber. Somehow . . . you’re healthy.”

Maria’s heart pounded. Earth? 2025? It felt like she had closed her eyes for a moment, only to awaken in another world. The world that both she and Shadow had always spoken about, the one that she'd longed to see.

Her first words came quietly: “Where’s Shadow?”

For a while, the doctors exchanged uncertain glances, unable to give a response.

Suddenly, the door opened.

A familiar silhouette entered, tall and defiant, with quills as black as the void and eyes that still burned like embers. Shadow stood frozen in the doorway, as though he were staring at a ghost.

“Maria!”

Her lips trembled. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “Shadow!?”

In two strides, he crossed the room, and for the first time in decades, Shadow held his dearest friend in his arms. The weight of years of sorrow lifted in that single embrace.

“I can't believe it. After all this time, you were alive!” he murmured, his voice breaking.

Maria clutched him tightly, her tears soaking into his fur. “I thought I’d never see you again!”

For a long moment, words were unnecessary. The promise they once made, to be on Earth together, was finally fulfilled.

When the silence eased, Shadow told her everything. About his battles, about heroes and villains, about finding purpose beyond revenge. He also spoke of Sonic, of saving the world, of learning to protect humanity in her name. Absolutely everything.

Maria listened with wide, shining eyes, utterly captivated. The frail girl of the ARK was gone. In her place was a healthy young girl with a second chance at life, standing beside her protector once more.

And for the first time in both their lives, there was peace.

On Earth, the planet they had both dreamed of, Maria and Shadow were reunited at last.

Chapter Text

The days that followed were filled with tests, questions, and confusion. Maria layed in her hospital bed as the doctors checked her heart, scanned her brain, and measured the strength of her newly healed body. Though her NIDS and gunshot wounds were gone, decades of inactivity had left her in a weak and fragile state. Shadow never left her side, standing like a silent guardian, speaking to her whenever she sought his comfort, and assisting her as she learned to walk again.

Often times, she'd ask Shadow that exact same question: “What is the future like?”

His crimson eyes softened, though his reply was always firm. “You’ll see it yourself once you’re ready.”

Maria frowned, as she desperately wanted to know everything that changed since her slumber. Shadow however, wanted her to step into it and experience it all in her own.

The day was now March 20th, 2025 - ironically the first day of spring.

With every test complete and every question from the medical staff answered, Maria Robotnik was finally allowed to be discharged. Her hands trembled as she reached for the coat Shadow offered her.

The world beyond those hospital doors was now awaiting her.

Shadow guided her to the elevator, steadying her when her legs wavered. They descended floor by floor, until the steel doors opened into the main lobby. Maria’s heart began to pound as beyond those glass doors; was the Earth she'd dreamed of returning to.

To her surprise, the doors opened on their own, almost as if it had sensed them approaching.

Then, she saw it . . .

The city stretched out like something from a dream. Towering glass skyscrapers glistened in the sunlight; some plastered with massive screens on their sides. Dazzling, colorful advertisements danced across the buildings. Small machines (which Shadow referred to as "drones") buzzed overhead, carrying packages. On the sidewalks, wheeled robots delivered food to people awaiting at street corners.

Most fascinating of all were the people themselves. Not only was their sense of fashion 'different' from what she had anticipated, but nearly everyone was carrying a small glowing device in either their hand or besides their ears.

“What are those things?” Maria asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

“They're called smartphones,” Shadow explained with a faint smirk. “They have all sorts of functions, and practically everyone has one now. They use them to talk, to see each other, to learn anything they want. More importantly, they connect people to something called the Internet.”

“The Internet?” she echoed, as this was the first time she'd ever heard such a word.

“It’s difficult to explain,” he admitted. “But think of it as a vast library. Except it’s alive. Endless information, available to everyone.”

Maria shook her head in disbelief, unable to comprehend such an idea.

They then boarded a bus, Maria marveling at how smoothly it glided along the roads. She clutched the pole for balance while Shadow stood at her side, steady as ever.

“So where are we going?” she asked.

“To the suburbs,” Shadow replied. “Where some of my . . . friends live.”

Maria tilted her head and asked: “The same ones you have adventures with?” - to which Shadow promptly agreed.

The bus rolled to a stop in a quiet neighborhood of homes, far from the flashing lights of the city. Shadow led her up the path to a warm, welcoming house. As the door opened, Maria’s breath caught.

Standing before her were Sonic the Hedgehog, the blue blur whose confidence was unmatched. Tails, the fox with twin spinning tails and a curious smile. Amy, the cheerful and kind one. And lastly, there was Rouge, the sly and stealthy one.

“Everyone,” Shadow said simply, “This is Maria. The same girl I knew in the Space Colony ARK”

The group froze, their eyes widening in shock, as Shadow had constantly told them about her tragic backstory. But now, she was standing in front of them, alive and well.

Maria promptly smiled and greeted each one of them; their surprise melted into warmth.

“I’m so glad,” Maria said, her voice trembling with joy, “that Shadow found friends who believe in him. Thank you very much . . . for seeing the good in him!”

Rouge smirked knowingly. “He doesn’t make it easy sometimes, but he’s still part of the family.”

That evening, the group gathered around a long wooden table for dinner. Maria’s eyes shone at the sight of the food, steaming and fragrant, far beyond the rations she remembered from the ARK. She tasted fresh bread, roasted vegetables, and spiced meats, each bite a revelation.

Between bites, the group told her stories of everything she had missed out on.

Tails pulled out his phone and showed her photos of men (in white suits) walking on the gray dust of the Moon. He explained: “The Apollo Moon Landings marked a pivotal point in history. The whole world watched in awe as humanity finally stepped on something besides this planet. Unfortunately, not only were the Moon landings discontinued, but any further hopes of exploration ended when Eggman blew up half the Moon.”

Those words shook Maria to her very core, as they sounded like something out of a science fiction novel.

Amy also told her about the fall of Communism. “The Soviet Union collapsed decades ago,” she said. Maria gasped, joy sparking in her chest. The shadow of the Cold War she once lived under was gone.

Then, there were the really tragic stories. With hesitant voices, they'd speak briefly of the 9/11 Attacks, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia - sparing the details but unable to hide the sorrow in their eyes. Maria lowered her gaze, silent for a moment, and whispered, “The world . . . it hasn’t been easy.”

“No,” Shadow said, placing a hand on hers, “but it has been able to endure. Just like you.”

The conversation shifted to lighter things after that, to inventions, discoveries, even silly stories from their adventures. Stories which filled Maria with awe.

As the sun set, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet, Sonic and Shadow guided Maria to a small, cozy guest bedroom where she'd spend the night.

Sonic uttered: "I know it's not much, but I'm sure you'll make the best of it."

Maria responded: "Don't worry. If anything, I'm glad that you've offered me a place to stay in. I'm grateful."

Relieved, Sonic headed back to his room, as did everyone else, except Shadow.

Lingering besides the door, Maria looked back at Shadow one last time.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For keeping our promise. For introducing me to your friends. For bringing me here.”

Shadow’s gaze softened, the faintest hint of a smile touching his lips. “Rest, Maria. Tomorrow, you’ll get to see more.”

She nodded, as she finally closed the door. As she layed down beneath the blankets, exhaustion washing over her, one thought filled her heart: she was finally on Earth, not as a dream, but as reality.

She'd eventually doze off into a slumber, eagerly awaiting what surprises the following day would hold.

Chapter Text

The morning of a new day had arrived.

In her bed, Maria stirred as the sunlight spilled gently across her face. As its warmth slowly awoke her, and her eyes began to open, she half-feared that the night might've stolen her miracle away. That it was all merely a figment of her imagination. But the soft bedsheets, colorful walls, and chirping of birds outside assured to her that this was real. She was no longer in the Space Colony ARK.

Relieved, she pressed her hand against her chest and smiled. "It wasn’t a dream. I’m really here."

Pushing herself up, Maria slipped into the coat Shadow had given her and quietly walked down the hallway. She followed the sound of voices and the faint smell of butter and syrup.

In the living room, Sonic and Tails were lounging on the couch, bowls of cereal in their laps, their eyes glued to a glowing, impossibly thin screen mounted on the wall.

“Good morning, Maria!” Tails greeted cheerfully.

“Sleep well?” Sonic added with a grin.

Before Maria could answer, a voice called from the kitchen. “Maria, dear! Do you want pancakes?” It was Amy, her sleeves rolled up, cooking pancakes on a skillet. Rouge meanwhile leaned casually against the counter, with a coffee mug in hand.

Maria blinked, her heart swelling at the homeliness of it all. “Yes, of course! I’d love that!”

She turned back to Sonic and Tails and asked: “Where’s Shadow?”

“Still asleep,” Sonic said with a smirk. “He’s a heavy sleeper, but don’t worry, he’ll be up soon enough.”

Maria giggled softly. Somehow, the thought of the ever-stoic Shadow oversleeping made him seem almost . . . normal.

For now, she sat down besides Sonic and Tails, her gaze falling unto the television. At once, she was astonished. Not only were the programs in color, but the screen was as flat as a painting, yet alive. And with a click of the small device in Tails’ hand, the channels changed instantly.

“This is a remote control” he explained, while showing her the buttons.

Maria’s eyes widened. “Wow, Amazing!”

One of the programs that came before them was a news broadcast. On the screen was footage of a man sitting in the Oval Office, his name scrolling across the bottom: President Donald Trump.

Maria tilted her head. “That’s . . . the president?”

“Yeah,” Tails said carefully, stirring his cereal. “He was a celebrity before becoming president. Some people liked him, while others really don’t. His administration has been . . . well, polarizing.”

Sonic, with a mischievous grin, then pulled out his phone. “Here, let me show you.”

He flicked through videos of the man: shouting at reporters, gesturing wildly, saying things that made no sense at all.

Maria stared, mouth agape - then burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. Never in her life could she have imagined a world leader acting so unhinged!

Her laughter was contagious, and soon Sonic and Tails were chuckling too.

When the moment passed, Maria wiped a tear from her eye. “So, these . . . smartphones? They can do that?”

“Phones can do anything these days,” Sonic said proudly, handing her his device. “They’ve got apps - little programs. You can use them to send messages, call people, take pictures, read books, watch movies, listen to music, order food-”

“All in this?” Maria responded, turning the sleek rectangle over her hands as if it were some priceless artifact.

Sonic nodded. “All in that.”

Her mind reeled. A flat television (in color) was impressive enough, but a device that carried so many functions of life in one . . . it was beyond comprehension.

Just then, Amy intruded with a plate piled high with fluffy pancakes, steam curling upward. Maria clasped her hands together. “Thank you very much, Amy! These look wonderful.”

Rouge smirked. “Better than space rations, I bet.”

Maria giggled as she took her first bite. The sweetness of syrup and buttered warmth danced across her tongue. It was heavenly.

As she stuffed her mouth with food, Shadow appeared in the doorway. His crimson eyes softened at the sight of Maria socializing with his companions. For once, she wasn't a distant memory of someone soaked in tragedy. Rather - she was here, alive, smiling, and finding her place.

“Good morning,” he said simply, with Maria brightly smiling back.

Once breakfast was finished, Sonic leaned back and stretched. “So, Maria - do you wish to see more of the world?”

“We’re heading to the mall,” Rouge added. “You’ll need some clothes of your own, and maybe a few accessories.”

Maria’s heart leapt with excitement. “Yes, I'd love that!”

Shadow gave her a nod. “Affirmative, let's go then!”

She grasped her coat tightly around her shoulders, her eyes shining with anticipation. Once again, she was stepping into a world she had only dreamed of. A world full of wonders at every corner.

Chapter Text

The morning air was cool and breezy as the group stepped out of the house. Instead of walking to the bus stop (which is what Maria expected), they'd head a few blocks towards a nearby train station.

“Today we’re traveling in style,” Rouge said with a wink in her eyes.

Maria’s eyes widened as they descended down the station steps. She had heard of trains before - old, clattering, steam-driven giants which roared wherever they went. Yet, the one awaiting them was rather sleek, silver, and futuristic - humming quietly as it slowed on its tracks.

The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and the six of them boarded. Inside, the train was bright and spacious, with cushioned seats and large windows that showed the outdoors rushing as the train moved.

As Maria continued to glance around, her eyes layed before a wholesome sight. A few seats away, a young family was laughing together, their children clambering upon their parents’ laps. Seeing the joy in their faces warmed Maria's heart. So much had changed, and yet some things (such as family bonds) never do.

Meanwhile, the train was about to arrive at its destination.

Their stop came quickly, and soon the sprawling mall loomed ahead - an immense complex of glass and steel. Maria gasped at its sheer size. “It’s enormous! It's like its own city!”

Inside, their first destinations were the large anchor stores, which were also impressive in their own right.

Of course, Amy and Rouge wasted no time ushering Maria into the clothing racks. “Let’s see which style suit you!”

Maria tried on everything from casual jeans and soft sweaters to elegant dresses. Each time she stepped out of the fitting room, her friends gave their thoughts - Amy with squeals of delight, Rouge with sharp but helpful critiques, Tails with the usual compliments, and Sonic with the casual thumbs-ups.

Shadow, meanwhile, stood stiffly near the racks, his arms crossed. He tried to keep his eyes elsewhere, but it was clear he wasn’t used to seeing Maria in anything other than her iconic blue dress (from her days in the ARK). Every time she emerged in something new, he found himself unable to display his thoughts verbally.

Maria, oblivious to his struggle, twirled in a new sundress with a grin. “What do you think, Shadow?”

“It’s . . . fine,” he muttered, his cheeks faintly red.

As she tried outfits, the background music caught Maria’s attention. A lively radio song played through the speakers - “Love Me Again” by John Newman. She tilted her head, entranced by the rhythm.

“It’s so different from the music I remember,” she said. “It's catchy . . . but in a way I can’t explain.”

Amy smiled knowingly. “Music has changed a lot over the years. Different styles, different sounds - and it continues to evolve with the times.”

Rouge added, "But the best songs are the ones which'll stick out with you over the years. Perhaps we’ll make a playlist for you later."

After clothing came accessories. The group roamed throughout the smaller stores, helping Maria pick out a light purse, a silver necklace, and comfortable shoes. Each purchase made her feel more like she was stepping into her own place in this world, bit by bit.

By noon, hunger set in, and the group made their way to the ever-crowded food court. Maria froze at the sight of so many restaurants, each offering different cuisines. Burgers, pizza, sandwiches, sushi, salads, and much more. Her eyes would dart back and forth, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options.

Sonic stepped in with a grin. “If I were you, I'd choose Chick-fil-A. As a fellow food enjoyer myself, I promise you'll love eating from there!”

He guided her to the counter, where the polite staff greeted them warmly. At his suggestion, Maria ordered the chicken nuggets, waffle fries, and a lemonade.

When she sat down and took her first bite, her eyes widened. “Oh, my goodness!” she whispered.

The chicken was tender, the fries perfectly crisp, and the lemonade sweet yet tart. Bite after bite, she found herself savoring each flavor. “This is amazing! Better than anything I’ve ever tasted!”

Sonic smirked proudly. “Told ya I knew the good stuff!”

With full stomachs and renewed energy, the group now headed towards a tech & appliances store. For Maria, it was like stepping into a science fiction dream: rows of glowing televisions, robotic vacuum cleaners gliding across the floor, laptops as thin as magazines, and phones displayed on polished counters.

“This is . . . beyond imagination,” Maria breathed, staring at the countless devices.

Tails spoke confidently. “If you’re going to live in this world, you’ll totally need one of these!” He gestured toward the smartphones.

Minutes later, with the group’s help, Maria had her very own smartphone in her hand. It felt strange, yet exciting to say at least.

By the time they boarded the evening train home, Maria was tired yet glowing with happiness. Her arms carried bags filled with clothes and accessories, and her mind carried memories that she'd cherish forever.

Back at the house, Tails offered to help her set up her phone. He guided her through entering contacts (Sonic, Tails, Amy, Rouge, and of course, Shadow) before teaching her how to send a text, take a photo, and make a phone-call. Maria giggled as she accidently snapped a photo of herself and Tails together.

Finally, she returned back to her room, placing the phone carefully on the nightstand. As she layed beneath the covers, her mind pondered.

A few days ago, Maria had awakened in a world she thought she'd never see. Now, she was not only surviving in it - she was living it!

With hope in her chest, Maria closed her eyes, ready for what the next few days would bring.

Chapter Text

Weeks would pass since Maria first opened her eyes in the year 2025. Each day brought something new, something marvelous, something unique. She'd continue to treat every sunrise as if it was her first time experiencing the world. After all, her early life had been confined within the sterile walls of the Space Colony ARK. Now, the Earth itself was her playground, and each place she'd visit felt like a new adventure.

One of her favorite destinations to ponder around was the local park.

The moment she first stepped onto its winding trails, her eyes lit up with awe. Nature and wildlife present in every direction. Squirrels darted across the grass, their tiny claws scratching against bark as they climbed. Birds sang songs high above the trees, weaving melodies which danced through the air. The wind carried the scent of flowers and freshly-cut grass, brushing against her skin in a way that felt like freedom itself.

One afternoon, gray clouds rolled in, and rain began to fall. Within the blink of an eye, Sonic ran back to the house (and returned to the park instantly) to pull out an umbrella. But Maria stepped out from beneath it, arms stretched wide, giggling as the droplets clung to her hair and face.

“Maria, you’ll catch a cold,” Shadow warned, but his voice softened as he saw her wonder.

“So, this . . . is rain?” she exclaimed, spinning in circles. “It’s beautiful!”

For someone who had only known showers from faucets, the sky’s natural gift was a revelation.

Other days, she'd venture into the city, sometimes with Amy & Rouge, other times with Sonic & Tails. She loved exploring around the retail stores, where shelves seemed to stretch forever. So many colors, so many choices, so many products. Shampoos, cereals, electronics, clothing - all neatly organized along the aisles.

The self-checkout kiosks in particular left her fascinated. “You're saying . . . that I can just scan these items, and it calculates everything instantly?” she asked, marveling at the beeping sound of the machine. “No clerk, no waiting?”

Amy chuckled. “Welcome to the future, darling!”

But out of all the places she discovered, none captured her heart like the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

Maria had been an avid reader during her time in the ARK, as there was only so much a girl could do while living in a space station.

So the moment she first stepped inside the bookstore, it was a feeling unlike any other. Shelves lined with thousands of books, stretching in every direction. She gasped, clasping her hands together. “Oh my goodness! It’s like the Library of Alexandria reborn!”

She became a regular visitor, enthusiastic about the endless amount of knowledge. Often times, she'd grab a handful of novels and magazines, before sitting down and skimming through each one of them, a warm Starbucks drink in hand. Sonic had convinced her to try it on their first visit, and she had instantly fallen in love with the rich taste of caramel lattes.

The library became her sanctuary. The rustling of pages, the quiet murmur of customers, and the sweet aroma of coffee - it was everything she had dreamed of when living on the ARK.

At night, when the sun set and the world quieted, Maria would sometimes step outside, laying in the cool grass with Shadow beside her. Together, they'd gaze up at the stars.

“The cosmos hasn’t changed,” she whispered, her voice soft but full of wonder. “It’s the same as when we looked at it from the ARK.”

Shadow said nothing, but his gaze softened as he followed her line of sight.

She then sighed wistfully. “I wish Grandfather could see this. To know his dream wasn’t lost. To know that I finally made it here.”

Shadow glanced at her, crimson eyes reflecting the starlight. “Gerald would be proud of you Maria. More than you'd ever realize.”

She smiled faintly, resting her head against the grass. In those moments, beneath the endless tapestry of the universe, she felt whole again.

And though her life was now full of new places, new friends, and new wonders, she carried with her the same gratitude each day.

She was alive, she was free, and she was finally home.

Chapter Text

Although Maria adored her outings into the modern world, she also found much joy within the house she shared with her new Mobian friends. Raised in the era of the 1950s, she carried with her a sense of courtesy and responsibility. She never wanted to be a burden, and the best way she knew to show gratitude was by assisting in chores/errands.

So, Maria became a natural helper. She offered to help in sweeping floors, tidying the living rooms, and stacking groceries neatly into the pantry after trips to the store. Whenever Amy and Rouge cooked, Maria stood eagerly at their side, providing the necessary ingredients and helping them set the table.

“You really don’t have to do all this, Maria,” Amy would often say with a smile.

“But I want to help,” Maria replied warmly. “You’ve all given me so much, I can’t just sit idly by.”

Her gentle diligence made her quickly beloved in the household, not just as a guest, but as family.

Then there were the evenings of shared entertainment, which only added to her childlike enthusiasm.

On movie nights, the group gathered in the living room with bowls of popcorn and cozy blankets. Like this, she'd get a taste of what modern cinema was like.

She laughed until her cheeks hurt while watching Kevin’s ingenious traps in Home Alone (and Home Alone 2). “He’s just a boy!” she cried through tears of laughter. “Yet he outsmarts those two buffoons!”

The Night at the Museum trilogy left her in awe. With her deep love of history, she delighted in seeing statues and figures spring to life, especially Amelia Earhart in the second film. “She was one of my heroes,” Maria explained, eyes shining.

But nothing compared to her first journey through Star Wars. From the opening crawl to a galaxy far, far away, to the Empire's defeat at the hands of Ewoks, Maria was captivated. When Darth Vader’s fateful line to Luke finally came, her gasp echoed through the room.

“Wait, What! . . . that can’t be true! He's lying!” she exclaimed, clutching a pillow. Sonic meanwhile burst out laughing, as he was eagerly awaiting her reaction.

Then there were video games, an otherworldly concept for a girl from the 50's.

The Wii Remote was handed to her one evening, and Maria stared in wonder as her movements were translated unto the characters on screen. Wii Sports became one of her favorite pastimes, especially when it came to baseball. With a Wii strap tightly around her wrist (to make sure she didn't hit the TV), she swung with surprising precision, cheering every time her Mii sent the ball soaring.

Other games soon followed. Minecraft enchanted her with its endless possibilities. “I can build anything?” she asked in disbelief, stacking her first set of blocks into a humble little house.

And then there was Mario Kart. Sonic leaned over the couch with a smirk. “See? Even in a kart he's slow when compared to me!”

Maria giggled. “Maybe so, but it’s still fun to play through!”

Still, the greatest marvel of all was the Internet. With a laptop before them, Tails guided her patiently through its functions, from opening a browser to typing her first search into Google.

The moment the results appeared, Maria gasped audibly. “It’s . . . all here,” she whispered. “Anything I wish to know about.”

She tested it eagerly. Maps of countries she'd only heard about. Recipes she wanted to try for cooking. Music that made her want to sing along. Even the latest news from every corner of the globe.

Not long ago, she was but a sickly girl isolated to the confines of a space station. But now, the entire globe was within the reach of her fingertips.

She closed the laptop gently, her hands trembling with gratitude. “This . . . this is what Grandfather always dreamed of,” she said softly. “A future where knowledge connects us all.”

Weeks turned into months, and Maria grew more comfortable in her new life. Whether she was reciprocating her friends' kindness, enjoying a film, swinging a controller, or marveling at her latest online discovery, she felt something she had never known on the ARK.

She felt home.

Yet, unbeknownst to her (or her friends), danger was lurking just around the corner . . .

Chapter Text

The month of June had arrived . . .

Approximately three months since Maria awoke on planet Earth. Each day had been filled with joy, discovery, and friendship. Danger seemed like a distant memory, one that she hoped never to face again.

Unfortunately, somebody had different intentions in mind . . .

One quiet morning, Maria took a walk around the park by herself. The air was calm, filled with the gentle noise of critters, and the laughter of children. For a while, it was all too perfect.

But then, she noticed it.

A strange object glimmering in the sky. At first, she thought it was a plane or drone. But as it descended, growing larger by the second, unease clawed at her chest. Its shape was too unusual, its movement appeared too deliberate.

Her instincts screamed at her to leave. She turned, quickening her pace . . .

"Click!"

A sudden shock went through her body; a tranquilizer shot from the approaching object. Her legs buckled beneath her, the world spinning into darkness. As she collapsed, the last thing she felt was the roughness of the grass against her face.

After an uncertain amount of time, Maria’s eyes slowly opened.

She was no longer at the park, or anywhere she had seen before. Instead, she was lying on a cold metal floor, lit up by harsh and artificial lighting. The walls were a dull, oppressive gray, humming faintly with machinery. Her heart raced as realization sank in.

She had just been abducted . . .

Then, she heard footsteps coming nearby. Heavy, deliberate, echoing down the corridor.

From the door, emerged a figure that she recognized from the endless stories (told to her) by Sonic and the others. The man who had nearly destroyed the world more times than they could count, and labeled as an international terrorist by several governments.

Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Who also went by the name - Dr. Eggman.

Now, this nefarious man, who had a striking resemblance to her grandfather, was standing right in-front of her.

“My, my,” Eggman sneered, spreading his arms in mock courtesy. “What an honor it is to finally meet my long-lost cousin!”

Maria froze, her mind reeling. She was a Robotnik by blood, but to share kinship with him felt like a cruel joke of fate.

“Why . . . am I here?” she nervously asked, her voice trembling but steady enough to mask her fear. “Why did you abduct me?”

Eggman’s grin widened. He stepped closer, his glasses glinting under the lights. “Because, my dear Maria, you are the key to my newest plan. A gift left behind by our . . . noble family line.”

He began to explain - describing a tale of a secret government program once entrusted to the Robotnik family. A synthetic pathogen - a bioweapon designed to target chosen hosts while sparing others.

Maria’s blood ran cold as she listened.

However, the Robotnik's (fearing the inevitable misuse of such power) had sabotaged the project. They engineered it in a way that it could only be activated through their own bloodline. And, as Eggman explained with a venomous chuckle, they had deliberately excluded him, knowing his growing lust for domination.

“They thought they could deny me? One of their own kindred?” he snarled. “But now, fate has brought you back into the world. The last surviving Robotnik who can awaken what they tried so hard to bury. With your help, I can eliminate anyone who’s ever stood in my way! Sonic, Shadow, and even G.U.N itself!”

Maria’s fists clenched. “You . . . want me to help unleash something . . . like that?”

“Of course,” Eggman replied, his voice oily. “Not only will it be fun, you might even become my protégé. Together, we'd be unstoppable Maria! This could finally be your chance to avenge poor old Gerald, our beloved grandfather, cut down by the cruelty of G.U.N.”

Maria’s heart ached at the mention of Gerald, but her stance did not falter. She lifted her chin, her blue eyes burning with conviction.

"I will never join you! You disgrace his name by unleashing such evil."

Eggman smirked, "And did he not attempt to destroy the world (using the Biolizard) after losing you? He and I weren't so different after all."

For a second, Maria was unable to answer, seeing as her own grandfather (whom she loved with all her heart) had also slipped into madness.

Yet, the fact that she was here, in a world that had withstood so much, negated all that.

She was not willing to repeat the same mistake. Especially after everything the world had given her.

She declared: “Vengeance is never the answer! No matter who does it, no matter the reason! To harm innocent lives? To call that fun?” her voice shook with disgust “You’re not family to me! You’re a monster.”

Eggman’s smile twitched, curdling into a scowl. “I’ve heard enough of this naïve drivel.” With a wave of his hand, the doors began to seal shut. “Rot in here until you change your mind.”

The hiss of the locks echoed like a boulder.

Maria slumped against the wall, her heart hammering. For a moment, despair threatened to swallow her. But then she realized.

Either by mistake or sheer incompetence, Eggman hadn’t even bothered to search her belongings.

Her fingers fumbled at her pocket. Relief flooded her when she felt the familiar smooth surface of her smartphone.

With trembling hands, she opened the messaging app and quickly typed a message to Tails:

“I’ve been captured by Eggman! He’s planning something terrible! Please find me!”

She pressed send, her eyes glistening with hope. Somewhere out there, her friends would receive this message. And she believed with all her heart that they would come for her.

Chapter Text

For most of the day, peace reigned in the house as usual. Sonic lounged on the couch (with a chili dog in hand), Amy hummed while reading a fashion magazine, Rouge polished a set of stolen jewels, and Shadow sat quietly by the window, lost in thought. Even Tails was tinkering with a new gadget, the workshop buzzing softly with his tools.

It all seemed normal . . . until the silence became too much.

Tails paused, his twin tails twitching. Maria still hadn’t returned from her walk in the park. At first, he brushed it off: "Perhaps she stopped by the bookstore again."

But as minutes turned into hours, unease began gnawing at him.

He promptly left the workshop, and began scouring the park himself. Every path, every bush, every bench.

And yet, nothing. No trace of her. No sign of her. Panic began to creep into his chest.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

He pulled it out and read the message, and his heart nearly stopped.

A single message from Maria. Short, desperate. The words cut through him like ice:

“I’ve been captured by Eggman! He’s planning something terrible! Please find me!”

“T-This can’t be . . .” Tails whispered, his hands trembling.

He flew back home the fastest he could, bursting through the door. “Guys! Maria has been kidnapped! By Eggman!”

The room froze.

Amy gasped, Rouge’s eyes widened, Sonic dropped his remaining portion of the chili dog, and Shadow - his hands clenched into fists, crimson eyes blazing with fury.

“He . . . took . . . her?” Shadow growled, his voice shaking with restrained rage. “I swear-”

Sonic cut in, stepping firmly between him and the others. “Shadow. Don’t lose it now. We’re gonna get her back. But we have to do this together. That’s the only way we win.”

Shadow’s glare softened only slightly, but he gave a sharp nod.

Meanwhile, Tails rushed to his console, typing rapidly. “Don’t worry. I can trace the message. She must’ve sent it from her phone.”

Lines of code streamed across his monitors as he triangulated the signal. After what felt like an eternity, his eyes lit up.

“Got it! She’s on Eggman’s flagship! And it’s heading towards some abandoned research lab.”

Rouge smirked, crossing her arms. “Figures. Eggman always did have a thing for dusty old labs.”

Shadow didn’t waste a second. “Tell us the coordinates. I’ll run there myself.”

“I'll run with you,” Sonic added, grinning. “Two hedgehogs are faster than one.”

Within a millisecond, Shadow and Sonic bolted out the door in a blur of blue and black.

Meanwhile, Amy interjected with the rest of the group: "Shouldn't we bring Knuckles as well? The more the better, right"

"I like your idea," Tails responded. "But Knuckles is too busy guarding the Master Emerald at the moment. We can't burden him with another mission all of a sudden."

"Besides, who knows what Eggman could be planning this time?" Rouge continued. "Time is of the essence!"

"Fine, but don’t let those hedgehogs have all the fun,” Amy said as she grabbed her hammer.

Tails adjusted his goggles and revved up the Tornado, his trusty biplane. Amy and Rouge leapt into the cockpit beside him.

Meanwhile, as the Egg Fleet approached its destination, Eggman walked into the room once more, a pair of handcuffs in hand.

Maria trembled as she felt those cuffs tighten around her wrists - sleek, advanced, and especially designed to suppress any attempt to resist.

“We’re almost there,” Eggman sneered, stroking his mustache. “The very lab where our family’s secrets await us. Do you know what this means, Maria? History will remember the Robotnik name not for its failures, but for enacting the ultimate conquest!”

Maria’s voice trembled, but she met his gaze. “If this is what you call conquest, then history will remember you only as a tyrant.”

Eggman only chuckled, utterly unfazed.

Moments later, the fleet landed near the desolate ruins of the abandoned lab. Maria was marched out of the flagship, and into the lab by a phalanx of robots, Eggman strutting proudly beside her. The air inside was stale, heavy with the dust of decades.

The robots worked quickly, tearing through rusted doors and crumbling walls. Within minutes, they uncovered a sealed chamber. The metal doors screeched open, revealing a sight that made Eggman’s glasses glint with glee.

Rows of massive specimen containers (holding the bioweapon), which glowed with a sickly green light. A portable control panel, its screens flickering with coded sequences. And lined neatly on racks - a sleek set of projectiles, gleaming ominously.

Eggman’s eyes widened, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “Yes! It’s all here! The pathogen! The control system! Even ammunition that can fire the bioweapon at whoever I choose!"

"At long last, the power of the Robotnik legacy is mine to command!”

Maria felt her heart sink, as Eggman was now in possession of something that made even Covid look like the common cold.

But then . . .

CRASH!

The steel doors of the chamber burst open in a shower of sparks. Dust and smoke filled the room, and through it came the unmistakable silhouettes of Sonic and Shadow, their eyes blazing with fury.

And not far behind, the roar of the Tornado’s engine echoed as Amy, Rouge, and Tails landed just outside.

Maria’s eyes welled with tears, her heart flooding with relief. “You . . . made it.”

Sonic smirked, cracking his knuckles. “Of course we did! You really thought we’d let Eggman keep you?”

Shadow’s voice was low, deadly serious. “This time . . . no one will take you from me.”

Eggman snarled, snapping his fingers. His robots swarmed forward, their eyes glowing red, weapons primed.

“Destroy them!” he screamed.

The air grew tense. Sparks crackled. Maria held her breath.

The battle for her freedom (and perhaps the world) had just begun.