Episode 2B: Maria's Special Shadow
The next day, everyone decide to meet in Tails Workshop to explain about the situation that is happening. Because of yesterday's incident, everyone want to hear what has happen. Everyone are sitting in the living room with Maria. Shadow decides to keep a close distance to Maria, but far enough from Sonic and the others.
"So let's see if we have this straight, you're practically a descendent of one of the ancients of the Crystal of Power?" Amy asks.
"Yes. At least, that what my grandfather told me. He said that is kind of the reasons why I have my powers. My family has these powers for generations. Mine isn't all that powerful though, but I do my best to use it," Maria says.
"I doubt of it to be small after what you did to Eggman's robots," Sonic says.
"But what do we do? We have the crystal and Lyric is looking for the rest. Other than Lyric, Maria is the only one who could use the crystal's power," Amy says.
"You're right. It's not safe for her to go around town or anywhere by herself if Lyric is going to attack her again," Sonic says.
"So what do we do?" Sticks asks.
"I think what Maria need is some muscles by her side," Knuckles says.
"A what?" Sticks asks.
"I think what the red dope means is that Maria needs someone to watch her. I'll be up to the task," Shadow speaks up.
Everyone turn their heads to see Shadow.
"Shadow? You want to be Maria's bodyguard or something?" Sonic asks.
"As long as Lyric is around, Maria's life is endanger. I'll be watching over her. You are going to find Lyric," Shadow sternly says.
Sticks whispers to Maria, "I think he's serious about keeping you safe. I think it's best for you to accept it."
Maria giggles in reply.
Later on, Maria is walking to the store to do some shopping. Shadow is sticking by her and not letting her out of his sight. Maria buy some some things she needs for her home. She then pays for it, and walks out.
Maria turns to Shadow, "It's very nice of you to go to the grocery store. I hope I'm not wasting any time."
"Not at all. I don't really do much," Shadow says.
"I see," Maria says.
The two continue to walk across the village to take the groceries home. At a different part of the village, Eggman along with Orbot and Cubot are trying to get some supplies for the island. Of course, the two robots are carrying most of the stuff.
"What a lovely day for going out and do some shopping," Orbot says.
"Yes. And let's not forget another day of getting beaten by Team Sonic when I build my new invention," Eggman grumbles.
"Aww, don't be negative. You just need to come up with a good plan on how to defeat Team Sonic," Cubot says.
"I throw everything I can think of at them, but so far, nothing works. I need to try a new angel that can be used to put a stop to Team Sonic once and for all," Eggman says.
Cubot then notices, "Aww ain't that sweet, Shadow and Maria are walking together."
"Huh?" Eggman replies confused.
Eggman goes hide behind one of the wall. Then drags the two robots behind the wall as well. The three peak out to see Shadow and Maria walking together. Maria looks very happy to be with Shadow, and Shadow doesn't seem to mind being around Maria.
"Huh? That's an interesting sight. Shadow never seems like the type to be around anyone," Eggman thinks.
"I think it's rather sweet. It goes to show that everyone can find someone special in their lives," Orbot says.
"Yeah. Maria is nice and Shadow is not so nice. She completes him," Cubot says.
"I wouldn't let Shadow hear you say that, but it does give me an idea on how to defeat Team Sonic," Eggman says.
"How?" The robots ask.
"You'll see. I just need to get my rocket scooter," Eggman says.
After groceries shopping, Shadow and Maria are having some ice cream.
"That was a nice idea to get some ice cream," Maria happily says.
"Yeah. I guess," Shadow says.
Shadow looks around from left to right, "No sign of Lyric yet."
"Do you think he'll bother us again?" Maria asks.
"I'm not taking chances in case he does. We need to keep our eyes open, anything could happen on this island," Shadow says.
Suddenly, something zooms right past him.
"What the…" Shadow begins to ask, but notices Maria is missing.
"Maria?!" Shadow shockley asks, looking around.
Suddenly he hears someone calling out, "Oh Shadow!"
Eggman turns his head to see Eggman on what looks like a rocket scooter. On the passenger car is Orbot and Cubot on one and Maria is strapped in on the other.
"I hope you don't mind if I give Maria a ride and a grand tour my evil lair? If you like her back, then you'll have to come to my lab," Eggman says.
Then drives away with Maria on it. Shadoe grits his teeth in anger and uses his jet shows to skate after him.
In Eggman's Evil Island Lair, he and his robots reach the hideout with Maria. Eggman places her on the ground and traps her in a bubble.
Maria firmly crosses her arms, and asks, "What is the meaning of this Dr. Eggman?"
"I'm glad you ask my little yellow hedgehog. I thought it will be nice if you can visit," Eggman says.
"As your prisoner?" Maria asks with a firm look.
"Okay, maybe as your prisoner, but consider this as a little visit," Eggman says.
"Why did you brought me here?" Maria asks.
Eggman says, "Alright long story short, I need Shadow to help me to defeat your friends Sonic and the others. And if he wants you back, then he'll have to defeat Team Sonic for me."
"Are you sure this is a good idea, you remember what happened the last time Shadow got involved?" Orbot asks.
"Yeah. You really made Shadow mad after tricking him with the fake video. I thought he was going to tear you limb from limb," Cubot says.
"Huh? You mean Shadow tried to destroy Eggman?!" Maria asks in shock.
"It's Eggman's fault for tricking Shadow," Cubot says.
"It's not my fault!" Eggman protests.
Then admits, "Alright it is my fault because I needed him to defeat Sonic for a video game I was making."
"I don't Shadow like that very much," Maria calmly says.
"It's not as bad as Shadow almost defeated Sonic and almost destroyed the world," Orbot says.
Maria becomes stunned, "What?! You mean he really tried to destroy the world?!"
"Again, it's Eggman's fault," Cubot says.
"Why is everyone blaming me?!" Eggman yells.
"Because you're hostile takeover has always get us into trouble with Team Sonic, Shadow, and other kinds of reasons," Orbot says.
Eggman groans, "Fine. I admit, my plans gets us into trouble. However, I am very sure of myself that this plan will work."
"If Shadow doesn't get you first," Cubot says.
"Why do you keep saying that?" Orbot asks.
"Because Shadow is going to destroy Eggman when he get his hands on him. He's aggressive, gives people the cold shoulder, and very mean," Cubot says.
Suddenly, they hear loud clanging and thumping sounds.
"What the…" Eggman asks.
Eggman turns to the video screen and it turns on to see Shadow banging at the door.
"I'm afraid Shadow is going to break down the wall again," Orbot says.
Maria nervously laughs, "I think you really made him mad."
Shadow comes up the camera and angrily says, "Eggman! Come out you coward!"
"I think it's time if we give Shadow some space," Eggman says.
Then commands the robots, "Orbot! Cubot! Stall him!"
"Maybe letting me go would be a better idea?" Maria suggests.
"I have to agree, "Orbot says.
"I'm just going to run away," Eggman says.
Eggman presses the button and is sucked through a tube, and hope running away from Shadow will be the answer. Suddenly, Shadow breaks through the wall and runs past the robots, knocking them down.
Mari smiles in relief, "Hello Shadow."
"Don't worry, I'll get you out," Shadow says.
Shadow breaks the orb with his fist and free Maria.
Then glares at the robots, "Where is Eggman?!"
"Uh, where's who?" Cubot asks.
Maria puts her hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry Shadow, Eggman didn't hurt me. Although, he did told me that he wants you to defeat Team Sonic and wants to use me as a bargaining chip. Eggman and the robots told me a few things about you."
"What kind of things?" Shadow asks.
Maria begins to feel uneasy.
He then stares at the robots with a vicious glare, "What in the world have you been telling her?! The way she look just now I wonder…"
"Um yeah. I kind of told you, about what you did in the past, and…" Cubot says.
Orbot quickly covers his mouth, "It's nothing."
Shadow clutches his fist and walks to the robots. Maria gasps in shock. She then covers her eyes to hear the sound of banging, clustering and something getting ripped off. She puts her hands down and opens her eyes to see Shadow walking towards her and taking her hand.
Ge walks her away as he says, "We're going now."
"Um okay," Maria says.
Shadow continues to take Maria until they are out of the lair. Still in the lair and only have their heads left, Orbot and Cubot simply stare there with scared expressions.
Orbot manages to say, "That could have gone better."
In Sonic's Shack, Sonic is sitting in the living room watching television. Just then, Eggman barges into the shack and in a panci.
"Quick Sonic! You gotta protect me!" Eggman screams.
Confused, Sonic asks, "Uh why?"
"Long story short, I kidnapped Maria and now Shadow wants to rip me to shreds. He's going to squash me until I'm a pancake," Eggman says.
"Yeah. That's about one way to make him mad," Sonic says.
Then asks, "Where's Shadow now?!"
Just then, the door burst open to see Shadow. Shadow walks into the room while Maria is trying to drag him by the arm.
"Come on Shadow, you don't need to do this. He didn't hurt me. Please Shadow," Maria says.
Sonic says, "Whao! Hold on Shadow, maybe you should calm down. I mean, Maria is fine now. There's no reason you need to scramble Eggman."
"It's alright Shadow. You just need to calm down and remember that me being safe is the most important senario. You don't have to do this," Maria says.
Shadow sighs, "Fine. But the next time, Eggman pulls this stunt, he is really going to regret is."
"Thank you Shadow," Maria says. Then gives him a hug.
Shadow sighs, but shows a small smile on his face. He has to admit, having Maria safe is the number one priority. However, Eggman is going to be history if he does this stunt again on Shadow's watch.
After the day come and gone, Maria decides to invite Shadow for dinner. The two friends are eating their dinner. Maria smiles at Shadow and is glad to be with him.
Shadow sighs, "The robots told you about the things I did huh?"
"Not much, just about you almost destroying the world and almost tearing Eggman to shreds," Maria says.
"That's what Eggman gets for tricking me the way he did," Shadow says with his arms crossed.
"I guess so. What Eggman did wasn't very nice, but maybe destroying the world isn't the answer or destroying Eggman for that matter," Maria says.
"Even though he deserves it," Shadow remarks.
"I'm sure he'll learn his lesson and not try to attack us," Maria says.
Shadow rolls his eyes, "I like to believe that, but I doubt that very much."
"Try to have some fun once in a while Shadow. I'm sure things will turn out good in the end," Maria happily says.
"If you're sure," Shadow says.