Authors Note:
Attention all Readers. I would like to come out and say that this story is strongly based off of the original work, "Sweet Reveries", by Aeyvi Allen Poe. The original story was unfortunately never finished, and it saddened me to see such a good story end so unexpectedly. So, I have taken it upon myself to basically reboot this story; in dedication to the original author.
This rewrite of the story will include the same main characters and it will closely follow the plot that the original author was going for, all the way up until Chapter 11. (Which is where the story was cancelled). After chapter 11, I'll be able to change the plot however I please. I may not be the best writer, but I assure you, I will do my best to deliver a great story.
Once again, all credit goes to the original author for providing new characters and the basic plot, and I all SEGA characters do not belong to me or anyone.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Creation
50 years ago, there was a space station that floated above the Earth. This space station was known as the Space Colony Ark. It was built as a means to create technology that shouldn't even exist during the current time period. Not only that, but this station was also home to some of the world's greatest scientific geniuses; Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, and many more.
But the greatest scientist of all was none other than Gerald Robotnik. He was the man who designed the Ark; a technological feat that was dedicated to helping improve many lives on Earth. Though Gerald has created many things, there is one project that will top all the others…
Aboard the Ark, Professor Gerald worked endlessly on creating the Ultimate Lifeform, otherwise known as Project Shadow.
"Just a few more finishing touches…"
Then from behind him, the door cracked open very slowly. A girl with long, blonde hair peered into the room.
"Not now Maria. I'm afraid that I am very busy at the moment."
"Sorry grandfather, I just finished with my gene splicing class and I wondered if I could come and see what you are working on."
"Hmm… ah, alright. But please remember…"
"To not touch anything, right." Maria finished his sentence.
Maria has been living on the ARK for as long as she can remember. Ever since she was diagnosed with an unknown disease, she had been living with her grandfather in hopes that one day he will find a cure. She was now turning 18, and she had gained a lot of knowledge while being on the ARK. Sure attending classes that were rigorous were exhausting at times, but she pushed on through. Though being on the ARK had guaranteed Maria her safety, she still missed being on Earth. But regardless, she was thankful for her grandfather giving her this life.
Maria walked towards the computer her grandfather worked at. She looked up and saw that Gerald was analyzing the vitals of Project Shadow.
"Grandfather, how close until Project Shadow is complete?" Maria asked.
"Well, you are just in time to witness the creation of the Ultimate Lifeform."
"Oh really?! It would warm my heart to see him!"
Gerald sighed. "He's encapsulated over there." He pointed to one of the capsules that contained a small black hedgehog. Maria wandered over to see Shadow.
"Oh my gosh, he's so adorable!" She squealed.
She had never seen anything like it; Shadow was merely almost a newborn. To think that this creature would someday be meant to be used as a weapon… not on her watch, she thought. Then something crossed her mind.
"Grandfather, who will be the caregiver for Shadow?" she asked.
"I'm glad that you mentioned it Maria. Because in fact: You will be it's caregiver; Almost as if you were its mother." Gerald replied.
"I really couldn't find anyone else for the position… so you were my last option."
Maria's face lit up with pure joy. "You mean I get to raise Shadow?! Oh this is wonderful!"
"BUT!" Professor Gerald interrupted. "You will have to follow a strict set of guidelines: He will have a balanced diet, certain course of education, and will have rigorous training exercises."
"All until he's old enough… right?"
"Of course. Once the boy has reached the age requirement, he will have to follow these guidelines."
"Project Shadow should be ready by tomorrow morning. I want you here at 7:00 A.M sharp, understand?"
Maria nodded her head. "Yes sir!" She happily walked towards the exit; looking back one last time at the capsule that held Project Shadow, and she closed the door.
Outside the room, Maria was now left with only one thought: how to raise Shadow. At first thought she believed that raising Shadow would be a breeze, but the more she considered the idea, the more she doubted her abilities to care for such a creature. This was the first ever task she was given that involved caring for a living creature.
"I'm not ready to be a mother…" she thought silently.
Who was she kidding, herself? Of course she had to be ready. Her own grandfather just asked her to nurse not just a baby, but a hedgehog that will one day be known as the Ultimate Lifeform. That was a lot to take in…
"What if I mess up? What if I treat him wrong? What if one mistake ruins everything? What if…"
Maria's thoughts were in a mess. She felt so unsure of everything, and she had only received the task a few minutes ago. She took a deep breath; focusing on her thoughts, and relaxing at the same time. She breathed out and opened her eyes. She had to come to terms that she may not be the perfect candidate for being a mother of sorts, but she would make sure to give it her all.
-o-
Maria finally reached her quarters and immediately plopped herself on the bed.
"Tomorrow will be a big day…"
The next day…
"Maria! Where are you?!" Gerald shouted over the speakers. "You're five minutes late! Get here now!"
Maria, startled by the sudden loud voice of her grandfather, woke up from her slumber.
"Oh no, I overslept!"
Maria quickly got out of bed and put on her clothes in a hurry. Once she was done with the rest of her daily routine, she ran out of her room and shut the door behind her. Maria hurried down the long corridors of the ARK like it was an Olympic race.
"Grr… how could I be so clumsy? I can't believe that the one day that is most important on my schedule, I overslept." She muttered.
"Ugh, grandfather surely must be upset with me…"
-o-
Gerald was in fact upset with Maria.
"I specifically told you to be here at 7 o'clock on the dot! How could you oversleep?!"
"I'm sorry grandfather, but my alarm clock must've not gone off at the right time."
"And believe me when I say this: I absolutely remembered Shadow's release today."
Gerald groaned; excuses, excuses…
"Look Maria. How could I rely on you as a caregiver for Project Shadow if you can't even take care of yourself?"
"Grandfather I swear it's not like that!" She cried out, with tears welling in her eyes. "Please just give me the chance!"
Gerald strongly disliked seeing Maria on the verge of tears, so he made up his mind.
"Alright. This is your final warning, and they will be no excuses. You hear me young lady?"
Maria immediately embraced her grandfather. "Thank you…"
Gerald returned the hug as well, and kindly pushed Maria away.
"Now then, time to unveil Project Shadow."
-o-
The liquid drained slowly from the capsule that contained the little black hedgehog. Maria waited anxiously; she was so excited to finally be able to hold baby Shadow in her arms. She had brought one of the softest blankets she could find, to make sure that he was nice and snug within her arms.
When the capsule was completely drained, the lid flipped open. Maria very gently picked up the small creature. Seeing the tiny hedgehog brought a small tear to her eye. Of all the things she has seen on the ARK, Shadow easily takes the cake. Maria looked down at him, and slowly his eyes opened.
"Oh… you sweet… adorable… little thing…"
Shadow's eyes were a deep red; not looking away from Maria for even a second. He just simply stared into her blue eyes.
"Hello, Shadow. My name is Maria, and I'm going to take care of you from now on." The blonde-haired girl said softly while having a smile. The little hedgehog in her arms stared at her for a bit. Then he tried to copy his caretaker's smile, but it looked odd as if he never smiled in his life. Maria held in a chuckle for the attempt of a smile. The moment, however, was ruined by a fake cough next to her. She turned her head to see her grandfather.
"Maria, remember what I told you: do not teach him anything else, other than what I instruct you to teach him."
"Yes grandfather, I will…"
"Good, now take him to your quarters. I have another project I must finish working on."
Maria walked away from the room with Shadow in her arms. She looked at him one last time and smiled. This opportunity was going to change her life for the better.
-o-
"Ok Shadow, here we are."
Maria opened the door to her room. Unlike most of everyone's rooms onboard, she had taken decorated her room to her heart's content. Even some of her colleagues, who went on trips back and forth between Earth and Space Colony, brought her special nick nacks. She sat down in a chair with Shadow in her arms.
"There, there… Momma's here." She cooed.
The little black hedgehog in her arms; he was just the most beloved thing. And the way he slept soundly in her arms, it was a beautiful thing.
Maria then frowned when she remembered what her grandfather said earlier.
"Why does grandfather think I'm incapable…? and why does he demand me to follow those rules? He knows absolutely nothing about raising a child! Let alone be kind to one…"
Maria may have appreciated what her grandfather has done for her, but there are many things that she does not agree with that her grandfather may suggest. Now that she's been tasked with the responsibility of raising Shadow, she was determined to go against her grandfather's wishes. He wanted a weapon; to raise Shadow like a lab rat.
"No… I'll be sure to raise him as if he were my own son."
Maria rubbed her nose gently on Shadow's bean like black nose.
"Isn't that right Shadow? You and me, were going to show that mean old man just how amazing you can be."
Shadow giggled a bunch of gibberish, causing Maria to laugh a bit.
"Such a strange connection." She thought.
Never had such a creature brought so much love and light into her heart in just one day. Never. She smiled while looking down at Shadow. Slowly he closed his eyes as she rocked him gently to sleep. Once Shadow was completely asleep, Maria stood up from her chair and walked over to the crib she had prepared earlier. She laid him down, wrapping him up in blankets to make sure he was comfortable.
"Sleep dreams little one…" she said to him as she stared down at him. Feeling rest assured, Maria went to bed; glad of the new responsibility that was bestowed upon her.
-o-
It was very late aboard the ship. Most people would have been asleep in their rooms by now. But not Professor Gerald, he was just about finished with his next latest project.
"The computer says that all is perfectly stable… vital signs at normal rates… Project Eidola is a success."
This new creation of his was in fact another creature; a creature that was closely similar to Shadow. However, this project would not be as powerful as its other counterpart, yet it would still somehow be of use.
"Hmm… weight: 7 pounds. Fur color: red with black rings around certain quills. Eye color: amber. Gender…" Gerald took a quick pause, and a cold smirk grew wide across his face. "...female."
To be continued…