Last Moments…
"Grandfather…what's happening? All the sirens…" A fair haired girl ran along side one of the greatest scientists of the time, Professor Gerald Robotnik. He paused and quickly pulled the girl into a hug. He then reluctantly released her and looked into her deep blue eyes. "Maria…go and find Project Shadow…he'll look after you, I promise…go now and remember…I'll always love you…"
He turned and ran, although it broke his heart not to turn and take her with him. It was too dangerous, but he needed to get the disk which would save thousands of lives…or destroy them.
Maria stumbled as she found her way to the room containing Project Shadow. He was at the window, looking at the approaching ships. He turned, slightly startled at the entrance of another person. "Maria…what's wrong?" The girl ran towards him and he noted she was distressed. He guessed it was something to do with the ships…he felt he had to do something, but he didn't know what…
Maria panted with fear and got to her knees. "Shadow…you have to help me…Grandfather…" She didn't say anymore, as she broke down sobbing. Shadow looked at her for a moment, unsure how to cope with these human emotions…although he was willing to help the one friend he had on the Ark. He took her hands and smiled at her, his reassuring gaze calmed her down slightly and she smiled back, looking hopeful.
"I'll help you, but I need you to tell me where the professor is going." Maria nodded and stood up, not letting go of his hand. "I think he's headed towards the…" There was a loud explosion as the doors burst open. Shadow grabbed Maria into his arms, to shield her from the bits of metal and wood flying from the door frame. A soldier loomed in the door way, looking menacing and ready to kill.
"Project Shadow is found, I repeat Project Shadow is in the vicinity. Huh?" The soldier lifted his gun and pointed it at them both. He then realised that Shadow was holding a girl to his chest. He was unsure of what to do, this had not been mentioned in the brief. He assumed that there was malicious intent involved, that the Project Shadow was using the girl as some sort of hostage. "You there, Project Shadow…release the girl, she's nothing to do with this…let her go now!"
Shadow glared at the soldier, but said nothing. He lifted his arm, a light shone and then they had simply disappeared. The soldier looked about him, but Shadow and the girl were gone…