*Ultimate Wedding*

*Part 1: Proposal*

It's been a year in a half since Maria has returned, Shadow thought it was time for him to propose to her. They have been dating for a long time, and Shadow wanted to be with her forever. Since she is immortal herself, they will live their lives for a very long time. This night will be most memorable to them.

XX

"What do you think, Rouge? I paid good money for this." Shadow asked, showing his ally the silver ring with a blue diamond on top with two silver diamonds on the sides.

"Oh my. It is beautiful!" Rouge said. "And the diamond is blue because...?"

"It reminded me of Maria's eyes." Shadow replied. "Rouge, since Maria is back into my life, I can't lose her again. She is the only girl I love. She is everything to me."

"She makes you happy, Shadow." Rouge said. "To be honest, I never see you smile that often. Usually you are a grump and a serious type."

"Maria is my light. She makes my heart warm." Shadow told her. "She is my only happiness. But before she has returned, you and Omega mean a lot to me. When we work together to fight Eggman when my memories are gone, you two were there to help. You guide me, and correct me." Rouge smiled a bit at him.

"Well...I do feel bad for not telling you about us met before." Rouge said. "I was...keeping my eye on the prize. And at the same time, I was shocked to see you alive after you sacrifice yourself for saving the world." Shadow nodded and put the box away. "Anyway, you and Maria will have a great future together. Oh! I could imagine the wedding!" Rouge said with a grin.

"Heh. There's plenty of time to plan the wedding. If...Maria says yes to my-"

"Shadow, of course she will say yes." Rouge said. "She loves you. You two confessed your feelings and been going out many times. I'm sure Maria would love to marry you." Shadow smiled at her. Rouge is right. "Now, where are you gonna pop the question to her?" Rouge asked.

"A place where we first met." Shadow replied. "The ARK."

"Wow. That...actually sounds nice." Rouge admitted. "I wish you luck tonight, Shadow. You better show up at the GUN Headquarters tonight with her after the proposal. The commander wanted to know the answer as well." Shadow nodded. He teleported to leave Rouge. The white bat giggled to herself. "He's gone soft. I like that."

The ARK is still in space, and some parts of it are fixed after fallen apart. When Shadow and Maria arrived, they think back of the good memories they had years ago. Maria stood in front of the window to see the view of Earth. She smiles as she stares at the beloved planet. How she loves to be down there at last after Eggman brought her back. She should be thankful to her cousin.

"I'm surprised that this place isn't destroyed by the government. I see why this place is needed after you told me the tales." Maria said. "I'm glad this place is still holding up. It was our home."

"The ARK is too precious. After the last time I use the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the Black Comet, I got the place fixed up thanks to the volunteers from GUN." Shadow said as he remembers. "The president believed that this place should be running once more, but...I don't have any help around. We need scientists, security, and the one who should be in charge." Maria stared at him, then down at Earth. She remembered how much this place means to the people and her grandfather. She did have great times here before she met Shadow. Abraham Tower stayed here before. Maria turned to Shadow and grab his hand.

"Let's do it. Together." She said.

"What?"

"We can run our home." Maria suggests. "It could take us some time to look for help, but...we can do it! My grandfather would love it if we continue his legacy. And I've been learning how to make gadgets thanks to Tails."

"But, Maria, I thought you love living on Earth?" Shadow asked. "That's been your dream since we live here 50 years ago."

"I do love living on Earth. The world is beautiful. You and everyone are so wonderful. Your team, the Freedom Fighters, everyone who show me how to fight and explore the world." Maria said with a smile. "It's still funny that people I know have aged and I still have a body of a 12 year old. Still, we can always visit Earth whenever people need our help. We work with GUN to protect. If we stay here as our home, we can make things better." Shadow doesn't know what to think. Maria wanted to live on the ARK once again, but she can still visit Earth whenever she likes. Shadow thought about what it'll be like to live here like before. It'll be different, yet better. Times have changed. The ARK will be upgraded since it is over 50 years old. One of the biggest creations of Gerald Robotnik. "What do you say, Shadow? It's up to you." Maria asked. Shadow looked at her and smiled.

"I'll say yes, if you answer this." Shadow got on one knee and got out a box. Maria watched in silent, yet shock. Is this happening? Shadow opened the box as he held her hand. "I love you, Maria. You mean a lot to me. I don't want to lose you again." Shadow told her. "Maria Robotnik, will you be my wife?" Maria blinked. She doesn't know what to say. Her heart is beating. She pulled her hand away slowly as tears form in her eyes. Shadow stared up at her. Maria started to cry. "Maria?" Shadow asked in worry. "What's wrong?"

"I...I can't believe it..." Maria said, covering her mouth.

"Is it too fast? I'm sorry. I thought-"

"No. No." Maria spoke, shaking her head. "It's not that. It's just...you...you're proposing to me. I thought it would never happen. After a whole year since we've been together, you...ask me to marry you." She sniffed. Shadow stood up and dry her tears with his thumbs.

"Don't cry, Maria. This is happening. Your dark knight is proposing to you." He said. Maria sniffed and let out a watery chuckle. Shadow shows her the ring again. "Will you marry me?" Shadow asked once more. Maria nodded.

"Yes." She answered finally. Shadow grinned and took the ring out of the box and place it on Maria's finger. It fit perfectly. Maria stares at the blue diamond along with the two diamonds. "Oh, Shadow. It's so beautiful..." She hugged him. Shadow chuckled as he wraps his arms around her waist. He picks her up and spun her around the room. Maria laughed. Shadow kisses her on the lips with passion. Maria places her hands on his shoulders, returning the kiss.
Their love will be stronger than ever.

*Author's Note: OMG, I told myself not to do this but I gotta! LOL. But, hey, this did take place after Maria Robotnik's Return, but NO SPOILERS were involved in this 4 part tale though, so nothing to worry about. Though, one of my fan characters will make an appearance in this short story. Visit my DeviantArt to see who she is. ^^
And yes...this is rated M for reasons...until the 4th part. I'm sure you guys will figure that out. For those who are under 18, don't read part 4. If you do, don't say that I told you so. Anyway, enjoy!*