Maria Reincarnated Saga Episode 2: Old Friend New Hedgehog
In the city of New Mobotropolis, many of the citizens are going on with their everyday lives. Of course, they also expect Dr. Eggman to attack at any time and what kind of robot he might send. In Acorn Castle, Sally and Nicole are sitting in her backyard and typing on the computer pad.
Sally asks, "How are you doing, Nicole?"
"My system is finally back to normal since what happened with A.D.A.M. Even Bunnie, Jules, and Cloud-Ra conditions are clear," Nicole says.
"That's good to hear," Sally says.
Then sadly asks, "How is our recent important patient doing?"
"Well, we haven't got any results about any further conditions. However, she shows healthy signs and doesn't have any more diseases. She is alright, but still hasn't regained consciousness yet," Nicole sadly says.
"What about Eve? How is she doing?" Sally asks.
"Eve is with her right now. She's been coming to the hospital a lot lately," Nicole says.
"Thank you. I'll go check on them to see how they're doing," Sally says.
Suddenly, someone says, "Yo Sal!"
Sally turns her head to see Sonic behind her in a matter of seconds.
"Hi Sonic," Sally says.
Sonic walks over and asks, "Hey Sally, is Eve still in the room with her friend?"
"Yes. I believe she is," Sally answers.
"Well, she can't be in that room sitting right by her. She's acting like a zombie. Rotor and Tails, and Dr. Quack have been examining Maria to figure out why she's a hedgehog and no longer human," Sonic says.
"It's understandable why Eve is well… shocked, especially since Maria was, more likely, her best friend from the ARK. We suspect that Gerald Robotnik had something to do with it. And with Maria still unconscious, it will be difficult for us to get any more details," Sally says.
"But Maria has been knocked out for six days, and Eve has been zoned out ever since we found her. I would have been up and Adams in three," Sonic says.
"Unlike me. I was a bit zone out for two weeks… since my brother and parents were back," Sally says.
Then turns to Sonic, "Besides, you know very well that Eve has suffered a great mental trauma in the past. She lost her entire family and friends when the ARK was invaded. Her heart was deeply wounded. I think Eve is relieved to see Maria is still alive."
"I guess you're that still doesn't explain why she's a hedgehog," Sonic replies.
"I'll bet Eve is wondering about that herself," Sally says concern.
She then stands up, "I'm going to see how Eve and Maria are doing. You wanna come?"
"Sure. I'm worried about Eve," Sonic says.
In a room in the hospital, Maria is still unconscious in the bed. Maria has a breathing machine attached to her, and others to check her blood pressure, pulse, and such. Eve is sitting on a chair next to Maria with a concern expression on her face. Eve leans her head to the bed using her head for support. She then places her other hand on Maria's. Then let out a sad sigh.
Suddenly, Eve hears a door knocking. She sits up and turns her head to the door.
She calmly says, "Come in."
The doors open to reveal Sally and Sonic.
"Hey sis, how are you feeling?" Sonic asks.
"Okay. I guess," Eve says.
Sally walks to Eve and places her hand on the hedgehog's shoulder, "You're still worried about her, aren't you?"
Eve nods her head.
"Don't worry Eve, I know your separation from her was troubling, but what matters now is that she's alive now and will soon be with you," Sally says.
Eve sadly smiles, "Thanks Sally. Still, I'm glad to know Maria is alive and from the medical report that her N.I.D.S are gone so she is able to live a healthy life. However, the fact that she's a hedgehog is very confusing."
"Yeah. I'm confused about it as well," Sonic says.
"Don't worry, we're going to figure this out," Sally says.
Eve sadly sighs, "Still, having Maria as a hedgehog isn't what I'm really worried about."
"What's that?" Sonic asks.
"I'm worried about how Shadow is going to react to it. Finding out Maria is alive is one. Finding out she's now a hedgehog is another," Eve says.
Sonic laughs, "Yeah. I'll be freaked out if Shadow finds out what really happened to Maria."
"And it does explain a few things. Sonic and Manic said that a fourth escape pod has been shot out of the ARK, and I remember the report saying that Maria's body disappeared after the invasion," Sally says.
"That does explain what pod has been launched by the ARK and why Maria disappeared after the invasion and after she's been shot. Still, I like to know how Eve is a hedgehog," Eve says.
Just then, there is another knock on the door. The door opens to reveal Dr. Quack, Rotor, and Tails walking into the room.
"Hey Sonic. Hi Eve. You're just the ones we're looking for," Rotor says.
"Hey Rotor. Tails," Sally says.
"Hello Dr. Quack, is it time to give Maria another check up," Eve says.
"Yes. Also, Rotor and Tails found something that might interest you," Dr. Quack says.
He walks to the sleeping blonde hedgehog and begins to check on her status.
"What is it?" Sonic asks.
"We think we know why Maria is a Hedgehog?" Rotor asks.
"You do?" Eve asks, surprised and eager to know.
"We checked out the blood sample from Maria and we matched them with yours. Turns out, Maria's D.N.A were mixed with D.N.A of both you and Shadow," Rotor says.
"My and Shadow's D.N.A were mixed with Maria's?" Eve says, confused.
"In a way. We still don't know the full details, but what we do know was that the Black Arms D.N.A were in both of your D.N.A and mixed with Maria's," Tails says.
"You mean… she's like us now?" Eve asks, shocked.
"In a way. I suspect Gerald Robotnik must have found a way to cure Maria by using both of your D.N.A, even though you both have Black Arm D.N.A. In a way, she became a Black Arm hybrid like you and Shadow," Tails says.
Eve makes a concerned face, "I don't think Shadow is going to like this."
"Yeah. You and Shadow like those Black Arms even less than we do," Sonic says.
"Yeah. No kidding," Eve mutters.
"And Maria becoming a hedgehog?" Sally asks.
"Well, we can only theorize that Gerald Robotnik found a way to cure Maria using Shadow and Eve's D.N.A and put them on Maria before she died. Then he was able to secretly launch Maria out of the ARK hoping she could reach Mobius," Rotor says.
Then Tails says, "However, the D.N.A of both you and Shadow must have been mixed within Maria's D.N.A. It cured Maria and saved Maria's life, but was also changed into a hedgehog in the process. So Maria being turned into a hedgehog might be…"
"A side effect?" Eve asks.
"Possibly," Rotor says.
"What do you mean?" Sonic asks.
"Well, one of the reasons why Shadow and I were created to help cure Maria of her N.I.D.S and possibly any other kinds of illnesses. That's why I was immune to the illness that struck Enchidnaopolis, thanks to that dumb rat. From the looks of it, it seems to have work. However, our D.N.A along with Black Doom's D.N.A must have changed Maria's body structure and D.N.A into a hedgehog. Our D.N.A might have some side effects if they're used," Eve explains.
"That explains it," Sonic says.
Sally places her hand on her chin, "Makes me wonder if Maria will also gain the power of Chaos Control because both you and Shadow's D.N.A as well as Black Doom's."
"Most likely," Eve says.
Suddenly, they hear someone muttering, "E-Eve…"
Eve and the others turn their heads to see Maria turning her head and begins to open her eyes. Eve quickly rushes to Maria to see her. The young blonde hedgehog slowly opens her eyes as she pushes herself to a sitting possession.
"Maria…" Eve softly replies.
"Huh? Where… where am I?" Maria softly asks.
"Easy Maria. You're in New Mobotropolis hospital," Eve calmly says.
Maria turns to Eve and her vision becomes clear.
Confused, Maria asks, "Eve… is… is that you?"
"Yes. It is me," Eve says.
Maria soon smiles, "Eve, it really is you. So… I wasn't dreaming."
"No. You're not," Eve says.
"But who did I get here? Maria asks.
She then looks down to notice something off about her body. She then turns her head to see the window making a reflection of the blonde hedgehog, realizing it's actually her reflection.
Maria panics, "What happened to my body?! Where's grandfather?!"
"Calm down, Maria. I'll explain everything later. Right now, I need to ask you a few questions. Try to calm down," Eve says.
Maria pants as she tries to calm down.
She then says, "Okay."
"Can you tell us the last thing you remember?" Eve asks.
Maria thinks as she says, "The last thing I remember…"
Maria remembers about her, Eve, and Shadow. Then some of her memories begin to flow to her.
"I shot you and Shadow to Mobius. I was also not shot by a gun. I don't remember what happened after that, but I also remember grandfather carrying me in his arms and something sharp pricking me. I fell asleep soon after," Maria says.
"And when you woke up, you found yourself here," Eve suspects.
"Yes," Maria sadly says.
Eve asks, "Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so, but I'm really confused. Why am I a hedgehog like you? Where are we? How long was I asleep? And where's Shadow?" Maria replies, asking multiple questions.
Eve says, "Well, that's going to take time to explain. But… I'll start from the top. It all started after you launched Shadow and Me from the ARK."
Sometime later, Eve, Sonic, and Sally have to explain to Maria about what has happened on the ARK and it has been over fifty years since the incident. They also explain what happened after the best they could. They're not sure that Maria is taking everything well, but she is rather shocked to hear some of the details.
"And that's what happened. Do you have any questions?" Eve replies.
"No. I think you explained everything the best you could. But… I'm having trouble processing everything. What happened to grandfather, you, and Shadow, and what happened to your parents. It's still… shocking. I never knew what I did have such an effect," Maria sadly says.
"It's not your fault, Maria. You were trying to save our lives," Eve says.
"Yeah. I say it's those guys who were the Leaders of the project's fault for their action," Sonic says.
"Now now, let's not dwell so much on the past. That happened a very long time ago," Sally says.
"I know, but Eve, Maria, and even Shadow suffered for it, and Gerald almost having Shadow destroy Mobius is how they paid the price for their actions," Sonic says.
Eve sighs, "Don't remind me."
"What will I do now?" Maria asks, causing Eve and the others to turn their head to her.
"What do you mean?" Eve asks.
"I'm not long a human, and grandfather is gone, the ARK is closed down for long. What am I going to do? I never thought that I would become a hedgehog. And where am I supposed to go?" Maria asks and begins to shed tears.
"What do you mean where? You're going to live here with us," Sonic says.
Maria turns to Sonic, "Live here? And who are you? You look slightly like Shadow."
"I'm Sonic the Hedgehog, one of the fastest things alive. And I'm Eve's brother. When she landed here my family adopted Eve. Plus, we're the best Freedom Fighters in New Mobotropolis and Mobius pair of #1 heroes," Sonic says.
Maria giggles, "You sure are lively."
"I'm Miles Prower, but you can call me Tails. I'm Sonic's best buddy," Tails says.
"I'm Rotor, it's nice to meet you," Rotor says.
"Nice to meet you," Maria says.
"He's one of our best inventors and technicians in the city," Eve says.
"I'm Sally. Sonic, Eve, and I are leaders of the Freedom Fighters in New Mobotropolis. And well, I'm also the Princess of the city as well," Sally says, feeling embarrassed about the details.
"You're a real princess?" Maria asks, surprised.
"Yeah. Although, I haven't acted like one for a long time," Sally says.
Maria asks, "Um, what is a Freedom Fighter?"
"Well, it's kind of a long story. In short, there's an evil man named Dr. Ivo Robotnik who goes by Dr. Eggman. And before asking, yes, he's related to Gerald Robotnik and is your relative. He was able to take over Mobotropolis back when we kids, but we all formed a group called the Freedom Fighters in order to stop him. There are multiple groups of Freedom Fighters all over the world and we have a special network to connect them," Eve says.
"What about Shadow? Is he a Freedom Fighter?" Maria asks.
"Actually, Shadow along with a bat named Rouge, and a robot named Omega formed a team called Team Dark. They're agents who work for G.U.N in the United Federation across the sea. Also, our old friend, Abe, he's the commander and we have an alliance with him and G.U.N," Eve says.
"Really?" Maria asks, surprised.
"Yeah. Shadow, Abe, Alice, and Ben. They really missed you after what happened at the ARK," Eve says.
"I missed them too. I've been having dreams and it feels like a living nightmare," Maria sadly says.
"Don't worry, we'll help you get through. For now, I'll bet you're hungry," Eve says.
Right on cue, Maria's stomach begins to growl. Maria touches her stomach as she stares at Eve and begins to blush.
"I'm taking that as a yes. I'll bet one of Uncle Chuck's Chili dogs will make you feel better," Sonic says.
Eve rolls her eyes, "No Sonic, she's going to need some fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and proteins."
"And Chil Dogs aren't something she needs for her diet," Sally says.
Just then, the door opens and Cosmo rolls a cart with Cream, Cheese, Jazz, and Bunnie walking from behind. Bunnie is carrying a bag while Cream carries a bouquet of Flowers and a bag, Cheese and Jazz carry a basket of fruits.
"Cream, Cheese, Bunnie, Cosmo. You're just in time, Maria is up."
"We're glad sugar. We brought some get well presents," Bunnie says.
"Um hello," Maria nervously says.
"Howdy Sugar, name's Bunnie Rabbot. Of course, it's Bunnie D' Coolette now," Bunnie says.
"Yeah. Bunnie and our other friend Antoine were just married," Eve says.
Maria smiles, "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Bunnie says.
"We got you some food, and some got well presents," Bunnie says.
The bunny rabbit green girl, and two Chao walk over with some food and presents.
Eve says, "Maria these are our friends."
"My name is Cream, and this is my Chao friend, Cheese," CReam says.
"Chao Chao," Cheese happily replies.
Jazz flies to Eve and happily says, "Chao Chao."
"And this is my Chao friend, Jazz," Eve says.
Maria giggles, "They're so cute."
"And I'm Cosmo," Cosmo says.
"Hello," Maria says.
Then turns to Eve, "They're all your friends?"
"Yep. And there's more to come. I even have cousins, and along with Sonic and myself. We're in a band together," Eve says.
"Really? You have your own band?" Mari asks with glee.
"Yeah. We're not as big as Mina, but Sonia and I post our songs online, so we're more like an online sensation," Eve says.
"Mina?" Maria says, confused.
"Mina is a friend of ours. She along with her boyfriend, Ash, and her band The Forget-Me-Nots are on their tour right now, but they'll be back soon," Eve says.
"I do hope I get to meet them. You have great friends," Maria says.
"I know. And I love them. Of course, there are still more for you to meet," Eve says.
"I can't wait," Maria says.
Sonic whispers to Sally, "You know Sal, I think Maria is going to fit right in."
"I think you're right. It's wonderful," Sally says.
Sometime later, Maria has something to eat, cleaned up, and dressed. She is wearing the clothes that Cream's mother made for her. The clothes are similar to her old ones, but she's also wearing white gloves, and blue and white slip on shoes. Eve is showing Maria round the city. Of course, Maria has to be pushed on a wheelchair because her legs are still wobbly. Sonic, Sally, and Jazz accompany her. One of their stops is Acorn Castle.
"So this is where you live?" Maria asks.
"Yes. My parents, brother and his family live there," Sally says.
Soon, they continue to go to their town.
Eve points out, "That's the Airfield."
"The Detention Center is over there," Sally adds.
"Detention Center?" Maria says, confused.
"It's where we hold some of the bad guys we were able to catch. The only reason how was because a certain bat decided to trick them into thinking they have a valuable prize," Eve says.
"Yeah. She nearly got a scolding from Knuckles when he found out about it," Sonic says.
"Um, we're not going in there, are we?" Maria nervously asks.
"No no. Of course not. Those villains in there are dangerous, and I don't feel comfortable introducing you to them," Eve says.
"Besides, we're going to introduce you to the rest of the gang. They're at Uncle Chuck's diner, and there are a few who will be happy to see you," Sonic says.
In no time at all, they arrived in Uncle Chuck's Diner. They soon see Amy, Galaxina, and the rest of the Freedom Fighters, and all the Chaotix. In the diner, it looks like the place is decorated to be a kind of party.
"Wow! What is this?" Maria asks.
"It's a bit of a welcome party for you. We wanted you to feel right at home and meet wonderful friends," Eve says.
Maria hugs Eve and happily says, "Thank you."
"Now that Maria is here. I say, 'Lets party!" Sonic announces.
Soon, everyone in the diner begins to party the whole day through. At the same time, Eve introduces Maria to all of her friends, and family she has made in this world. She then re-introduce them to her birth family and also introduced Maria to the twins.
"Really? You have a baby brother and sister?" Maria asks, excited.
"Yep. This is Dimitri and Ichigo. Hey hi," Eve happily says.
The twins giggle as they reach their hands out to Maria. Maria presents her hands and they both grab her fingers.
"Aww. They're so cute," Maria happily says.
"I'm glad you like them, it seems they like you too," Cloud-Ra says.
"We're so happy to have you back with us, Maria," Obsidian says.
"Me too. I'm so happy to see you all again," Maria says.
Maria turns to Eve and asks, "Is Shadow going to come too?"
"Actually, Abe, well Commander Tower told me that Team Dark, Shadow's team is on a mission right now and has been gone for a few days now," Eve says.
"I see," Maria sadly says.
"Don't worry. I'm sure one Shadow heard that you're alright, he'll be very happy," Eve says.
"Yeah. He'll flip," Sonic says.
"Right," Eve says, rolling her eyes.
Then turns to Maria, "To tell you the truth. We're actually planning on heading to the United Federation. To have a bit of a break. We're going to bring you to show you around. And hopefully we'll run into Shadow and his team while we're there."
"Really? We're going to see Shadow?" Maria asks, happily.
"Yep. We hope we'll run into him," Eve says.
"And we're going shopping. It will be a good idea to get you some stuff. As for me, I'm gonna shop till I drop," Amy says.
Eve whispers, "Of course, Amy actually dropped after shopping a few times."
Maria soon begins giggling.
"I heard that!" Amy angrily shouts.
Sonic, Eve, and the others begin laughing.
Knuckles says, "Either way, it's very great to have you here Maria. It's nice to actually have a Robotnik who isn't bent on taking over the world."
"Knuckles! Don't say things like that in front of Maria!" Eve angrily scolds.
"Geez, talk about a knucklehead move," Sonic says.
"What?!" Knuckles angrily screams.
Maria whispers to Eve, "Is he always this uh…"
"Hot headed, yes," Eve whispers.
"What?! I am not a hot head!" Knuckles screams in rage.
"Knuckles, don't scream like that in front of Maria," Sally says.
"She's right. You'll scare her," Bunnie says.
"I'm okay. I'm just a little surprised," Maria says.
Vector says, "Don't pay any attention to Knuckles. He has a bit of a short temper, but he's a good buddy to have around all the same," Vector says.
Knuckles crosses his arms and mutters to himself.
"So Maria. We heard that you became a hedgehog because of Shadow and Eve's D.N.A, does this mean you have the same powers as them?" Charmy asks.
"I'm not sure. I always do like hedgehogs, but never expected to become one. I'm also not sure if I can use the same powers as they do," Maria says.
"We'll just have to wait and see what happens," Eve says.
"For now. We enjoy the party. Then we'll go to the United Federation to see if Faker is in the area," Sonic says.
"Faker?" Maria says, confused.
"He and Shadow have a bit of a complicated relationship," Eve says.
Sometime later, Maria and Eve are sitting outside looking at the sun setting.
"I really love New Mobotropolis. I wish I can see all of Mobius," Maria says.
"Well don't worry, we'll be traveling around Mobius before you know it. For now, it's going to be time to see Shadow. He's going to be so glad to see you again, and shocked to see you as a hedgehog," Eve says.
Maria smiles, "I know he'll be happy. I know I will."
"Yeah," Eve says.
Both of the hedgehogs continue to watch the sun setting from the sky. Tomorrow, they're going to see Shadow and Team Dark.