Maria Reincarnated Saga Episode 3: Back to Station Square
One sunny day, the X Tornado is flying over the ocean. Tails flies in the pilot seat. Sonic, Eve, Jazz, and Knuckles stand on the wings. Amy, Cream and Cheese, and Maria are sitting in the passenger seats. Maria looks down the window and is amazed to see the ocean so clear, blue, blittering, and well, wet. This is the first time she sees the ocean this close and really likes to play in it.
Amy turns to Maria, "How are you feeling Maria?"
"I'm feeling okay, but um, is it alright for Eve to stand on the wing?" Maria replies.
"Don't worry, Eve and Sonic do this all the time. Even Knuckles stand on the wing to help with any attack," Amy says.
"Really?" Maria asks.
"Yeah. Sonic and Eve are able to fight against all odds and defeat Dr. Eggman and his robots. Of course, we also end up with other enemies to beat. I'm sure Eve will tell you eventually," Tails says.
"Okay," Maria says.
Maria lowers her head and becomes a little sad.
She says in her thoughts, "Everything has… changed while I'm gone. I am proud of Eve that she's able to use her powers to help everyone on Mobius. Eve's personality hasn't changed, but she's grown up now and a strong fighter. I wonder how Shadow is doing."
Suddenly, someone says, "Hey Maria, doing okay?"
Maria turns her head to see Eve standing close to the hatch where Maria is.
"Oh um, I'm okay. I guess," Maria says.
"Something bothering you?" Eve asks.
"I guess you could say that. I'm a little worried about everything that happened. And well, I'm worried about how Shadow is going to react after seeing me for so long… especially like this," Maria says.
"Don't worry, Shadow is going to be thrilled when he sees you again," Sonic says.
"He's right, Maria. Even though you're a hedgehog now, you're always Maria to me, and I'm sure Shadow will think the same way," Eve says.
Maria smiles, "Thank you."
"So does Shadow know we're coming?" Sonic asks.
"I tried to call him, but Commander Tower said that he's still on the mission. He told me that Shadow just finished with the mission so he's making his way back today. I say we make great timing. I may have told Abe that I have a special surprise for him that he must see. So I asked him if he can come to Station Square," Eve says.
Maria giggles, "You love surprises, don't you?"
"I sure do," Eve happily says.
Sonic laughs, "He'll be surprised after all."
The group then laughs with smiles on their faces.
Just then, Tails says, "Hey guys, I can see Station Square over there."
Everyone turns their heads to see the large city from a distance.
"That's Station Square?" Maria asks.
"Yep. You'll love it. We can go shopping, grab lunch, play at the arcade, and more," Amy says.
"But I suggest we go get Maria some new clothes first," Eve says.
"I agree. There are so many stores there, so it's a good idea to do some bargain hunting," Amy says.
"Until you drop and become tired," Knuckles remarks.
Soon, everyone begins laughing.
Amy crosses her arms with a huff, "Hmph. Very funny."
The X Tornado continues to fly towards Station Square so they can have some fun.
In G.U.N HQ, Team Dark: Shadow, Rouge, and Molly are back from an important mission. They walk down the hall to see Leon in the metal shop fixing up Omega's robotic body and arsenal.
"Hey Leon," Molly says.
Leon stops working and turns his head, "Molly, Shadow, Rouge. How's your mission going?"
"It was tiring, but there's nothing we can't handle," Rouge says.
"Still, who knows that a weapon smuggling can be a handful," Molly says.
Shadow firmly says, "It was nothing that I couldn't handle."
"There he goes, the Ultimate Sunshine is acting moody," Rouge says, rolling her eyes.
Molly covers her mouth as she giggles a little.
Leon then says, "Since you're here. Commander Tower said that you're needed in his office."
"What for?" Shadow asks.
"I'm not sure. He said it's important," Leon says.
Shadow is a bit confused about it, so he decides to head to the office to see what the Commander wants. When he arrives, the Commander fills in on what is important.
"I see, Eve is in Station Square with Sonic and her other friends. Is Dr. Eggman in town?" Shadow says.
"As far as they know, they haven't heard from Eggman. However, Eve said that you should come to Station Square as soon as you can. She said that it's important. As to what, well, she decides that it will remain classified. Even I'm not sure what it is," Commander Tower says.
Shadow places his hand under his chin, "Hmm, It must be important if Eve is willing to keep it a secret, even from you and me. I'll head to Station Square right away."
"Of course, and be sure the rest of Team Dark comes with you, just in case Eve and her friends have run into trouble," Commander Tower says.
"Understood," Shadow says. Then he leaves the room without another word.
Commander Tower turns his head to a photo of Eve who is with Sonic and the others.
Commander Tower thinks, "What could Eve be up to, and what so important that she decided not to tell me. I do hope Shadow can figure this out."
A short time later, Shadow meets up with his team and tells them what he is told.
Molly is happy about one fact, "Really? Eve is in Station Square? I haven't seen her in a while."
"We haven't seen her since the last time she came to G.U.N HQ," Leon says.
"So you have no idea what this important information or item that Eve wants you to see," Rouge replies.
"I'm not sure, but Eve said it's important. I decided to go to Station Square to see what's it about and Commander Tower said that I should take you all with me, since you all are part of the team," Shadow says.
"Sure. I like to see Eve again," Leon says.
"Me too," Molly replies.
"It will be nice to see your little sister again, and to get a little break from all this work," Rouge says.
"I will accompany you," Omega replies.
Shadow nods his head in reply, but something still goes on in his mind, "What are you up to Eve? And what is so important that you decided not to tell us?"
In the Egg Carrier that is in the sky, Dr. Eggman is looking over the data he has recovered from Soleanna.
"Hmm… this is interesting. So there is a way to recreate Iblis. However, there doesn't seem to be enough for my plan," Eggman says.
"Sir," Snively says, walking into the room.
Eggman turns his head to see Snively with a clipboard.
"What is it, Snively?" Eggman asks.
"One of our surveillance bots spotted the X Tornado heading towards Station Square, and saw Sonic and Eve on it," Snively says.
"What are those two annoying Hedgehogs up to?" Eggman questions.
Then says, "No matter. This might be an opportunity to get those little pin cushions."
"Snively, you keep an eye on things while I go have some fun with the hedgehogs," Eggman says.
"Yes sir," Snively says.
Eggman presses the button and the chair lifts up to be the Eggmobile. Then rises through an opening on the ceiling.
Soon, Eggman calls out, "Aright E-66, it's time to have some fun with the hedgehogs and their annoying friends."
The lights turn on to reveal a large black robot with red linings, and has spiky balls for arms, and long legs with big robotic feet. Soon, the robot leaves the Egg Carrier as well with Eggman and they fly to Station Square to crush Sonic and Eve. Little does he know, he's going to be in for a little surprise.
After landing the X Tornado at the beach and walking a few distance, Sonic, Eve, and the others reach Station Square and are looking around for some fun. They walk down the sidewalk to see the large buildings, stores around, and humans and Mobians walking around, driving in cars, or using skateboards, bikes, and skates to get around. Maria looks around to see all these new things. She has never been in a city before, so she's excited, but also a little nervous.
Maria turns to Eve, "This city is really big?"
"It sure is, but you should see Westopolis and the Capital City. They're huge," Eve says.
"Really? Can we see them someday?" Maria asks with excitement.
"Sure we can, why not," Knuckles replies.
"Alright ladies, are you ready to do some shopping?" Amy asks.
"We sure are," Eve says.
"I agree," Cream replies.
"Chao," Jazz and Cheese agree.
"Um well, okay," Maria shyly says.
Eve smiles, "I'm guessing you're still a little nervous, huh."
"Yes. I-I never been in a city before," Maria says.
"Don't worry, as long as you stay with us, you don't have anything to worry about," Tails says.
"Okay," Maria says.
"I guess we can help Maria with the shopping," Sonic says.
Knuckles mutters, "Just as long as they don't make us carry their bags."
The next moment, they are at the mall and already buy a few things for Maria. As for the boys, they're stuck carrying the shopping bags.
Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles mutters with annoyed looks, "Women."
"How did we get roped into this one?" Knuckles asks, gritting his teeth.
"I have no idea," Sonic answers.
In the store, the girls are on a shopping spree for Maria. Eve, Cream, and Amy bring out as much clothes as they can for her, and also some for themselves.
Maria says, embarrassed, "Um girls, you um, don't have to buy me some clothes and such and well…"
"Don't worry Maria, we're doing this because we want to help," Eve says.
"Chao Chao," Jazz happily says.
"Yeah. There are some fabulous clothes that you really have to wear," Amy says, holding out a light blue dress with white flowers on it.
"We're doing this because we really want to help you," Cream says.
"Chao," Cheese replies.
Maria blushes and says, "Thank you."
"Let's try not to be in the store so long. I'm sure the boys are annoyed about us making them carry the bags," Eve says.
Amy says, "We promised to buy them lunch because they're carrying our bags while we get some things for Maria."
"Still, I think we got about enough clothes and accessories for Maria," Eve says.
"Enough is never enough," Amy says.
"Try not to shop until you literally drop," Eve says.
"Urgh! Fine," Amy groans.
The girls then continue to buy shoes, clothes, and accessories that fit for Maria. It also helps when Maria tells the girls what she likes to get. Soon, the girls walk out of the store with a few bags full of clothes and more. They soon come across the boys who are still annoyed for having been forced to carry the bags of items.
Sonic asks, "Are you done with the shopping already?"
"Yeah. Just how much shopping you're going to do?" Knuckles adds, frustrated.
"I think we found enough clothes and accessories for Maria," Cream says.
"And we sure got a lot for her," Amy says.
"Well you also got some clothes for yourself," Eve says.
"So um, what do we do now?" Maria asks.
Suddenly, Sonic's stomach begins to growl, causing the group to turn their heads towards him.
Sonic chuckles, "Well, it looks like I can use something to eat."
"Yeah. I'm getting a bit hungry too," Tails says.
"Um, Eve, can we get something to eat too? I'm kind of hungry," Maria asks.
"Sure. I'm getting hungry myself," Eve answers.
"Well then, we'll go to the food court to get some lunch and we'll do some more shopping," Amy says.
"More bags for us to carry?" Knuckles mutters, annoyed.
"Come on Knuckles, it's for the greater good. Maria needs them," Amy says.
"Then why are we stuck carrying your stuff too?!" Knuckles angrily asks.
"Because, the girls need to find good stuff and it requires two hands, so you'll be helping us out," Amy says.
"Yeah right," Knuckles mutters.
"Alright you two, enough fighting. Let's go get some lunch," Eve says.
"Yeah. I could go for a chili dog right about now," Sonic says.
"I agree," Cream says.
The group of friends begin to head out to go get something to eat at the food court. Outside of the large mall, Team Dark arrives in their vehicle. They soon walk out and are staring at the large building.
"So this is where Eve and the others are?" Shadow asks.
"Yes. Commander Tower got a message from Eve saying they'll be here. They're at the food court getting something to eat," Molly says.
Shadow sighs, "Let's just get this over with. I have to wonder what Eve is up to."
"I'm sure Eve has her reason. Let's see what all this is about," Rouge says.
Team Dark begins to enter the shopping center to find Eve and the others. They'll soon see this important surprise that Eve has explained to them. Flying to Station Square close to the ocean, Dr. Eggman rides on his Eggmobile with the E-66 close by.
Eggman snickers, "This is perfect. I'll be sure to finish those two annoying hedgehogs and their friends. And to create a little trouble for Station Square."
Eggman then commands, "E-66, it's time for us to have some fun."
The robot continues to fly to the city and is able to land in front of it. Seeing the robot catches the citizens' attention. Soon, the robot begins to walk in town as the citizens begin to run, scream, and panic.
At the food court, Sonic, Eve, and the others are having lunch. And of course, Sonic is eating around a dozen chili dogs and that amazes Maria.
"Does Sonic really eat that many chili dogs?" Maria asks.
"He surely does. It's like his favorite food in the whole world. I like chili dogs too, but I don't eat as much as Sonic," Eve says.
Maria giggles.
"So Maria, what do you think?" Tails asks.
"I think the food is good. Um, thank you for taking me shopping and out to lunch," Maria says, blushing.
"Aww! You're so cute!" Amy squeals and hugs Maria with excitement.
Cream, Cheese, Jazz, and Eve begin giggling while Sonic and Tails are laughing. Knuckles simply smiles. Looks like Maria is really fitting into this world. Suddenly, they hear a loud thumping sound causing everyone to become confused. Then, they hear screaming.
"What's going on?" Eve asks.
"It's coming from outside," Sonic says.
Sonic, Eve, and the others leave their lunch and shopping bags on the table and hurry outside to see people and Mobians running away screaming as a giant robot walks over. Soon, the robot is starting to walk in their direction.
"It's one of Eggman's robots!" Tails exclaims.
"Eggman is at it again," Sonic says.
Suddenly, they hear maniacal laughter and quickly turn their heads to see Eggman on his Eggmobile.
"Hello annoying hedgehogs and friends, have fun with your shopping?!" Eggman remarks.
"Eggman again," Cream says, worried.
"Eggman! What are you doing this time?" Eve demands.
"I thought it would be fun to smash the city along with you goody goodies to the ground," Eggman says.
"Go away Eggman! We already have plans, and you're making us miss lunch," Amy angrily says.
"Yeah. So get lost!" Eve angrily says.
"Get lost, how rude. Maybe I should teach you young ladies some manners," Eggman says.
Suddenly, Eggman notices the young blonde hedgehog standing behind Eve. Maria has her hand on Eve's arm and is standing behind her in fright.
Eggman grins and says, "My who is that little hedgehog behind you, Eve? She sure looks very timid."
Eve continues to stay in front of her, "She's a friend. We don't have time to deal with your schemes today."
"Oh, but my robot has some time," Eggman says.
Then calls out, "E-66 crush those hedgehogs and their friends."
The robot raises it's spiky arm and throws it towards the Freedom Fighters.
"Look out!" Amy screams.
Eve grabs Maria as she and the others hurry out of the way. Then the robot swings it's other arm to attack Eve, Maria, and Knuckles. They all quickly move out of the way. Knuckles then runs to the robot and slams his spiked knuckles at it. The robot shakes a bit.
Eve turns to Maria, "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay, but why is he doing this?" Maria asks, frightened.
Eve sighs, "Maria, if you've been here around thirteen years ago, I think you'll understand. And yet, we still don't know why he decided to try to take over Mobius."
"For now, we gotta stop him before he tears the city and us apart," Knuckles says.
Sonic, Tails, Amy, Cream, and Cheese dodge out of the way. The E-66 continues to swing its Spiky arms at the gang and try to attack them. Amy is able to slam her hammer at it. Sonic and Eve then perform spin dashes on different sides of the robot. Sonic and Eve land on the ground. Amy and Knuckles join the two hedgehogs. Tails, Cream, Cheese, and Jazz stay with Maria.
Sonic says, "That thing really means business."
"We better finish that thing before it causes any more trouble," Knuckles says.
Eve turns to Tails and the others, "Tails, get the others to safety."
"Right," Tails says.
Concern, Maria asks, "But what are you going to do?"
Eve brings out her sword while Amy brings out her hammer.
"We're going to teach that creepy robot a lesson," Amy says.
Cream suddenly screams, "Look out!"
The four look up to see the spiky ball arms are diving right towards them. The group then moves out of the way as the spiky balls hit the ground. Amy then swings her hammer and hits the arm. Sonic spin dashes the other arm. Knuckles then punches one of the spiky balls and it leaves a large crack on it. Eve swings her sword at the body of the robot that is able to create a large cut.
Knuckles says, "That robot is a lot harder than it looks."
"That robot must be made of a hard steal. Even my sword is having trouble cutting through it.
Suddenly, they hear a scream and it's familiar, especially for Eve. Eve quickly turns around and becomes shocked to see Eggman flying over Tails, Cream, Cheese, and Jazz. To make matters worse, Eggman has Maria from the back of her shirt. Even Tails, and the others are shocked to see this event.
Eggman laughs, "You think you're quick, but I got your little friend here."
Maria becomes scared that her eyes are beginning to water. At the same time, Team Dark exits from the building to see the event taking place.
"So it was Eggman who is making all the rackets," Rouge says.
Molly brings out her gun, "I'll stop him."
"No wait, he has a hostage up there. We need to think this through so we can save the hostage," Leon says.
"Right," Molly says, gritting her teeth.
Still in the Eggmobile, Eggman still has the poor blonde hedgehog as his prisoner.
"So little girl, you're about to witness the greatness of Dr. Eggman. Soon to be the ruler of the Eggman empire," Eggman says.
Maria whimpers and says, "You… you leave my friends alone you meanie."
"Oh really, and who might you be?" Eggman questions.
"M-M-Maria R-Robotnik," Maria nervously answers.
He looks at Maria carefully and asks, "Maria Robotnik? You wouldn't have to be this Maria Robotnik from Space Colony ARK, are you?"
"Um… yes… I-I know it's hard to believe, but yeah. My name is Maria. Only a hedgehog," Maria nervously says.
"You don't say. So our grandfather was able to do the impossible, but you became a little hedgehog in the process. Which means…" Eggman says.
Then Eggman announces, "I have the upper hand."
"U-upper h-hand?" Maria asks, frightened.
Suddenly, Eve shouts, "Eggman! You better put her down, this instant!"
Eggman brings out his microphone and announces through it, "Sorry Eve, but I have the upper hand! Your little hedgehog friend nervously told me that she's your old friend Maria from Space Colony ARK. I know that as long as I have your little friend, you can't touch me! What do you say to that?!"
Eve becomes so full of rage that her body is about ready to turn red. Sonic and the others feel the same way.
Knuckles shouts, "Eggman, let her go!"
"Fat chance! For now, Maria is my hostage, just to be sure my robot crushes you like bugs!" Eggman angrily says. Then continues to laugh.
Maria becomes more scared that she's ever been and begins to whimper.
Eve shouts, "Stop it Eggman, you're gonna make her cry!"
Eggman continues to laugh while Maria continues to whimper and is close to crying. Suddenly, he feels someone tapping on his back. Confused, Eggman turns around to see who it is. He soon comes face to face with a furious Shadow with his arms crossed, causing Eggman to flinch in fear.
"O-o-o-oh. H-h-h-hi S-shadow," Eggman nervously says.
Shadow continues to stare at Eggman with a vicious glare. Suddenly, Shadow disappears making Eggman confused. When he turns his head, he can see that the blonde hedgehog is gone as well.
"What?!" Eggman exclaims.
Eggman looks down from his ride to see Shadow has already taken Maria and lands on the ground. Sonic, Eve, and the others soon arrive at the scene from one side while the rest of Team Dark hurries over from the otherside. Shadow then places Maria back on her feet. Soon, Shadow and Maria stare at each other for the longest time.
Shadow has a lot wrapped in his head. Eggman calls her Maria and says she's from the ARK, but remembers Maria being , he sees how furious Eve is because of what Eggman says. Her appearance of a hedgehog is strange, but she has the same hairstyle and eye color as someone he knows.
Shadow calmly asks, "Maria."
Maria smiles and then nods her head. Then the next moment, she wraps her arms around Shadow and gives her a hug, and then, the blonde hedgehog begins to cry. Maria is very happy and relieved to see Shadow and that he saved her. Shadow is stunned that the hedgehog wraps her arms around him like that. Yet, he realizes that deep inside, he can tell that it's her. Shadow then wraps his arms around her and his hands soon gives out a strong grip on her. Still holding a firm expression, tears come out of his eyes. Eve notices it and can understand why, she feels the same way when she finds out Maria is okay. Soon, the two let go of the embrace.
Shadow soon asks, "Maria, how are you? Why are you a...hedgehog?" What happened?"
"Um well um," Maria nervously says. She barely understands the situation herself.
Suddenly, they hear Eggman screaming, "Hey! What am I?! Chopped liver?! I'm still over here you know! E-66! Crush them!"
Shadow turns to Eggman and the robot with a vicious glare.
He then holds out his hand to Amy, "Amy, you mind if I borrow your hammer?!"
"Uh, sure," Amy says, confused.
She makes her hammer appear and passes it to Shadow. The first thing Shadow does is uses his rocket shoes to speed to E-66. Then he jumps up and hits it on the head. He then jumps up and uses his power to create a powerful spin dash right through the middle of the machine. With the hole, the machine soon explodes and falls to pieces. Shadow then jumps up and uses Amy's hammer to slam Eggman's Eggmobile, and he screams across and over the city and is sent far away.
Sonic sighs, "Still edgy as ever."
Sometime later in the food court, Eve, Sonic, and the others explain to Shadow, Rouge, and the rest of Team Dark how they find Maria in the Northern Tundra and how Gerald Robotnik saves Maria's life. What shocked Shadow is the fact that his and Eve's D.N.A, and Black Doom's D.N.A are part of the reason how Maria's illness is cured and how she escaped death. They also explain that Maria being turned into a hedgehog might have been a side effect, and believes that it might be permanent.
"I see, so that's what happened," Shadow says.
"Yeah. We're shocked about this ourselves," Eve says.
"We're just glad we were able to find her by chance, otherwise she'll have to spend another 50 years in the Frozen Tundra as a frozen package," Sonic says.
"Hmm?" Maria says, looking very confused.
Rouge steps forward and looks at the blonde hedgehog, "So this is the girl Maria you told me about. She may be a hedgehog, but the resemblance to your friend is uncanny."
"So this is the friend you and Eve have told us about. My name is Molly," Molly says.
Leon steps forward, "And I'm Leon."
"Names Rouge," Rouge says.
"It's nice to meet you," Maria says, still nervous.
"Still a little scared after what happened?" Eve asks, concerned.
Maria nods her head in reply.
"It's okay Maria. I'll be sure Eggman doesn't do that again," Eve says.
Shadow walks over and places his hand on her shoulder. Maria turns to see Shadow. Then hugs him as her body shakes a bit. Shadow hugs her back to comfort her.
Shadow says, "Maria is still scared and upset about what Eggman did. I think we should head back to HQ to discuss this further."
"Are you sure going to G.U.N HQ is a good idea?" Eve asks, worried.
"How come?" Rouge asks.
"Well, her encounter with G.U.N soldiers didn't go well," Eve sadly says.
Maria turns to Eve and places her hand on her face.
"Look at her. She's still frightened," Eve says.
"No wonder, after how Eggman treated her," Amy says.
"I know her meeting with G.U.N rubs the wrong way, but we might be able to figure out more about Maria becoming a hedgehog and see if it's possible for Maria to learn Chaos Control," Shadow says.
"You're taking this a little better than I expect you to," Sonic says.
Shadow sighs, "It's for Maria's sake. I need to remain calm."
"Then let's go to G.U.N HQ and well, figure out what to do from there," Sonic says.
The group begins to head back to G.U.N HQ on the vehicles. Shadow and Eve are sitting with Maria who is fast asleep. Eve can tell that Shadow has mixed feelings about it, but knows that Maria wouldn't want them to worry about her so much. Yet, they can't help but worry. They hope they can find some more answers after reaching G.U.N HQ.