Chris's eyes widened. Auntie Maria? Shock ran through him as he looked at the woman with disbelief.
Thankfully, his mother mistook it for surprise, and smiled brightly. "I'll leave you two alone to talk." Giving them both a bright smile, she gently closed the door.
When Chris finally found his voice, he spoke, voice soft and disbelieving, "YOU"RE my aunt?"
"Great-aunt, actually." Maria gently sat on the side of the bed, and reached out her hand to gently touch the area near the bullet wound. "I'm so glad you are alright." The torment in the blue eyes told Chris the type of torture the woman was put through.
Chris placed his hand over his aunt's. "I'm so glad to see you."
Chris looked around. Where's Shadow? Is he okay? Please be okay…
Maria smiled, evidently knowing what Chris was doing. She spoke teasingly, "Someone downstairs wants to say hello to you."
Chris gasped happily, giving Maria a smile that reminded her of her when she was a child…
Maria gently led Chris down the stairs, having to repeatedly chide him about his wound. He was so excited that Shadow was alive, that the last thing he cared about was a silly wound.
When they got downstairs, Chris immediately grasped Maria's blouse, complete excitement expressed on his face.
Shadow the Hedgehog was sitting on the couch, smiling gently at him. He walked over to where the two humans were, and looked at Chris, bright tears of happiness threatening to fall.
"I'm so glad you're alive."
Chris bent down, and hugged Shadow, cheering inwardly. Shadow is alive! He's here, he's really here!
Both of them failed to notice the thoughtful look on Maria's face as she watched them hug.
After dinner, Maria announced that they had to leave, much to Chris's disappointment. He and Maria were becoming closer-even if they technically knew each other all their lives. Hugging both Maria and Shadow one last time, Chris decided to watch them leave.
Maria looked at Chris warmly for a few minutes in silence, then looked at Shadow for a few minutes. She knelt down at Shadow's level and said softly and gently.
"Shadow, can you do something for me?"
Confusion show in Shadow's eyes, and he asked, "What do you request, Maria?"
She looked over Shadow's head at Chris and stated, "I need you to keep an eye on a certain…birthday boy."
Chris looked in disbelief and hope rose in his eyes. Is she doing what I think she's doing?
Shadow turned, and looked at Chris, amusement showing in those red eyes.
At Maria's voice, he turned around to listen to her once more.
"Will you do that for me?" Shadow heard a catch in her voice. To her, this was very hard. He was her best friend, and she would live alone.
He was about to say no, when he stopped and pondered. Chris had been nice to him on the ARK. Had talked to him, been a good friend. Nearly died saving their lives.
He was a descendant to Maria.
How could he even think of refusing this?
He looked at Maria, warmth and love flowing for both her and Chris, and stated, "I would love to, Maria."
While both boy and hedgehog watched Maria leave, Chris pondered all that happened for the last few days.
Maria was alive and was also his aunt. The world wasn't planned on being destroyed by Gerald. Shadow wouldn't die. He had almost died, but it was all worth it. The world had changed, but it was for the better.
This…Chris thought, sharing a smile with Shadow as they both turned to go inside,…is the best birthday ever.