Months of testing and recreating later, no cure was made. Ivo seemed to have his mind on other things, weapons. But Shadow and Maria didn't know this. They didn't know that during the day he played the good scientist, but when the couple were asleep, he played his true self, the bad scientist and made weapons secretly.

One fateful morning, Shadow awoke to the sound of rumbling and vibrating. It sounded like an engine was running. Maria began to stir in her bed, while the hedgehog sat in the chair beside it, got up to investigate the noise.

Following the noise, Shadow made his way to one of the larger labs.

"Ivo, what the hell is going on!? What is that?" Shadow yelled over the loud sounds of engines.

"Just a little side project, don't you worry Shadow. This is all going to help us later," Eggman gave fake assurance.

"Help us, what? Invade a planet? You've built a whole fleet without our permission! This isn't just a side project! This was your main goal, to leech off of Gerald's discoveries!"

"Oh no no, Shadow. I didn't leech, just borrow. Like I said, it'll benefit us all."

Shadow stood silently, not knowing what to say to this. He was convinced that these ships would cause destruction, but what he was told was differently.

"Promise me, Shadow. And don't tell Maria. It's a surprise," Eggman said sincerely.

"Well, the noise woke both of us, so Maria already knows you're up to something. If I end up telling her, don't blame me. Now, I'm keeping an eye on you," Shadow said skeptically and left. When Shadow was out of site, an evil smile crept upon Eggman's face.

Shadow walked back into Maria's bedroom and stroked her cheek as she remained half asleep. She groaned when she felt Shadow make contact with her.

"Maria… do you need anything?" Shadow whispered in her ear.

"A drink please, Shadow," she said groggily.

"Of course Maria," the hedgehog replied and went to get a drink. He didn't need to ask which drink, there was only one of them, water. They were out of tea and condensed milk. Shadow hoped to go the Earth one day and get some more.

Two days later while Maria and Shadow were sat in the observation room, the noises started again. Just as the confused woman was about to ask what all of the noise was about, Eggman burst into the room.

"Your ride to Earth is ready, Maria!" he announced.

"My, WHAT?" Maria screamed out, excitedly. Shadow's eyes widened.

"She can't go down there, she'll die!" Shadow yelled at Eggman, angrily.

"I remembered that; the ship is sterile and won't let in any of the Earth air. Sadly, Maria won't be able to leave the ship while she's down there but it's as good as I can do," Eggman said, with fake regret.

"The best you can do? You're saying this as if it's not good enough! Ivo, thank you so much!" Maria got up and hugged him tightly. Shadow remained standing in the same spot with a large frown on his face. "Can Shadow come too?"

"Of course, but I'll stay here. Now, I suggest you go and do anything you need to do. You'll be gone for a full eight hours, and I couldn't fit a bathroom in the ship," Eggman said regrettably. Maria left the room excitedly. The old woman had a new lease of life in her, acting like she did when she was 12.

"I don't trust you," Shadow darkly.

"Maria does, and that's all that matters," Eggman said with his arms crossed arrogantly.

"I suggest you pack some food and drink for the both of you. Like I said, you'll be gone eight hours," Eggman said.

"And, what will you do while we're gone? This was your plan all along, wasn't it? To get us out of the way so you had this place to yourself," Shadow growled. "I swear, if you've done anything while I'm gone, I'll snap your neck in two."

"Shadow, there's no need for threats like that. I can assure you that everything will be just how you left it!" Eggman said.

Shadow narrowed his eyes and went to gather what was needed. Maria met him in the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. Her smile went when she noticed how miserable her hedgehog friend looked.

"Shadow, what's wrong?" Maria asked worriedly.

"Nothing, I'm just a little skeptical about this," Shadow said, not wanting to tell Maria about how badly he'd been getting on with her cousin.

"Shadow, it will be okay. Ivo is as smart as grandfather, so this creation will be perfect, just like you," she said and bent down to kiss Shadow on the cheek. The hedgehog felt his knees go weak; he loved Maria in so many ways, and whenever she showed affection like that, he almost lost control over his body.

Shadow finished packing a bag of food, and led Maria to the ship. The hedgehog became even more skeptical when he realised that there were still many other ships.

"Hmph, doctor, if we're going to Earth in this ship, then why are there about 20 other ships here?" Shadow asked with his arms folded.

"They were prototypes and other tests. Don't worry, the parts won't go to waste if that's what you're worried about," Eggman said nervously.

"Sure," Shadow scoffed and helped Maria inside the roundly shaped pod. It was almost spherical, with windows all of the way around, metal on the top of bottom. The seats weren't glamorous and comfortable, but they were lined the edges of the ship with a gap for the door, giving passengers plenty of choice of where to sit.

"Now, once I close this door, you will be locked in until you come back. No air will be able to get in or out. There's more than enough fuel and oxygen. There's no need to drive the ship, I've set coordinates, so it'll take you around automatically," Eggman explained.

Shadow still looked unconvinced. He folded his arms and crossed one leg over the other, like a teen having a strop. Maria understood Shadow's bitterness, realising that the loyal hedgehog wanted to give Maria everything she wanted, and now someone else was doing that.

"Are you sure you don't have anything you need to do before Ivo closes the door, Shadow?" Maria asked softly. Shadow shook his head stubbornly, despite wanting to do one thing before they left, punch Ivo in the throat.

"Good luck!" Eggman announced and closed the door. The rockets at the bottom of the round pod activated and it slowly rose from the ground. They were lifted to the ceiling and a door above them opened. Then it closed, locking them inside. An air lock began and the door in front of them opened, and they took off.

"Shadow, thank you for letting me do this," Maria said sincerely.

"Why thank me? It's your cousin that did all of the work," Shadow scoffed. Maria didn't know what to say. "Don't worry, I'll feel better when we get to see Earth from its surface for the first time."

The trip was a success, and Shadow and Maria returned as healthy as before. They landed in the bay, but the doctor wasn't there to greet them. Shadow banged on the glass.

"Ivo! Get in here and let us out!" Shadow yelled furiously.

"Maybe he's gone for a nap… or he's just gone to get a snack," Maria said, understanding of Ivo's absence. She wearily got up from her seat and knocked on the glass politely. "Oh, Ivo. We'd like to come out now, if you'd kindly let us out."

"Maria, he's not going to hear you if you're that quiet," Shadow said irritably. He took in a deep breath and belted out as loudly as he could. "IVO!"

"Oh, Shadow!" Maria exclaimed and covered her ears. "That was highly uncalled for."

"Maria, I want to get you to bed for a rest, you look extremely tired," Shadow complained.

"I'm fine. I think what you're trying to say is that you're tired but don't want to admit it," Maria teased. Shadow grumbled under his breath. Maria covered her ears as she heard Shadow take in another deep breath.

"IVO!"

"Hey, Shadow… did you notice that all of the ships are gone?" Maria asked. "There was about fifteen of them when we left."

"There was more than that, and now they're all gone," Shadow said worriedly. He took in another deep breath, but Maria caught him before he could shout by covering the hedgehog's muzzle with her hands.

"Shadow, let's just wait," she said calmly.

"But, don't you need to use the bathroom after eight hours of waiting?" Shadow asked.

"Not very much. I think what you're trying to say, Shadow, is that you need it, but don't want to admit it," Maria teased again. Shadow's muzzle went a deep red. "If worse comes to worse, you can go in one of these empty water bottles, okay?" Shadow shrugged and sat down again. Maria sat down by him and put a comforting arm around him. "Shadow, you're so noble, putting my needs first. You must be so tired from carrying me everywhere and watching over me as I sleep. You need to take a break…"

"No… not until…" Shadow didn't want to finish his sentence.

"I might not pass away for another 20 years, Shadow," Maria said wisely, not taking offence to Shadow's message. "Shadow… for me, take a break. I can take myself to the kitchen and the bathroom when needed. I can run myself a bath, and cook myself dinner. I'm a grown woman, and you're just a little hedgehog,"

"But, you're my queen, my princess. And royal figures like that don't have to do things themselves," Shadow protested.

"This one does, And as your Queen, I demand you to take a break or it'll be off with your head!" Maria joked. Shadow gave a slight smile and snuggled into Maria.

"Whatever you want, Maria. Just… let me make you comfortable first, and I'll take a break for as long as you want me to. An hour, two hours, you name it."

"I was thinking a week," the woman said, with a slight smile. Shadow's eyes widened.

"I can't stay away from you for that long," the attached hedgehog exclaimed.

"You don't have to stay away from me, we'll still be together. But I'll make the food, and run the baths. You get to sleep while I do," Maria said. "You can even join me in bed, we can have a nice warm cuddle then."

"Okay, Maria. Anything you say," Shadow said groggily. He was nearly asleep by her side. Her scent was so natural, yet, so beautiful. Her withering body was god like to him, and he loved making contact with it. Her voice was so soothing, and her words were reassuring.

"By the way, Ivo's got thirty minutes before I smash this thing open…" Shadow said groggily before he fell asleep.

Shadow awoke to the sound of voices.

"Hey, Eggman's holding these people hostage!"

Shadow's eyes shot open as a young fox boy came to the door and opened it from the outside. Shadow stood up and got into a fighting stance.

"Who are you!? And how did you get on the ARK!?" Shadow yelled.

"We followed Eggman here," the boy said.

"Who's Eggman, and who are you!?" Shadow yelled, sounding even angrier.

"I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Tails. And Eggman is an evil scientist. I assume he's the one who put you in here," Tails said and held out a helping hand to help the two 'hostages' out of the pod. Shadow made sure that Tails didn't come into contact with Maria.

"No, My cousin, Ivo put us inside of here," Maria said, thinking she knew best.

"That is Eggman. It's a nickname he took up- HEY SONIC, OVER HERE!" Tails yelled to his friend mid-sentence. Maria looked horror stricken. Her cousin was evil, and they were tricked? Did Ivo plan to leave her and Shadow to die in that pod?

A blue hedgehog ran into the room in a hurry.

"Hey, you saved them!" Sonic cheered. "I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog!"

"Hmph, I'm Shadow the Hedgehog," Shadow said while folding his arms. He walked up to Sonic, the two of them stood face to face. Sonic looked slightly amused, while Shadow was highly irritated.

"Oh, Shadow. You have a look alike. How sweet. I'm sure you two will be the best of friends," Maria cooed. "I'm Maria Robotnik. Ivo's cousin. I had no idea he would do something like this to us. He promised me he would help us."

"Eggman always deceives people, right Knuckles?" Sonic teased and looked to the doorway where a red Echidna was standing.

"How many more of your friends are here?" Shadow grumbled.

"Just one- Amy. She should be close by," Sonic answered. "We'll be on our way soon. Eggman was already defeated and he's retreated back to Earth. No doubt he's already planning another plot to take over the world."

"Wait, while we were in that pod, he was trying to take over the world?" Maria asked.

"Hehe. Don't worry, it's no big deal. Me and my friends always defeat him before he could do too much harm."

"Oh, Mister Sonic. I deeply apologise for my cousin's behaviour. I've only known him a while, but he is family nonetheless, and I want you to know that not all Robotnik are as evil as him," Maria said, formally.

"Don't sweat it. I can see he's a one off, since you're so kind, Maria," Sonic said and went to shake her hand.

"Stay away from her," Shadow threatened and stood in front of his dear love.

"Why? I'm not going to hurt her!" Sonic exclaimed.

"Shadow, it'll be fine," Maria moaned at Shadow's stubbornness.

"But, they all come from Earth. You don't know where they've been. They could all have diseases in their fur," Shadow warned. Sonic looked at Shadow in disgust.

"Hey, who do you think you are? We're not some filthy animals, pal!" Sonic yelled.

"You don't have to be filthy to make her ill. One spec and bacteria, and she'll be in serious danger! Now leave, or I'll get the smoke machine on you! GO!" Shadow said and pointed to the exit.

"Sheesh, fine. We'll be off then. You're welcome!" Sonic scoffed and the three of them left.

"Shadow, you didn't need to be rude," Maria said solemnly.

"This is all necessary for your health, Maria. Now, I'm going to turn on the air purifiers and get out the germ killers. This whole area has to be fumigated," Shadow complained.

"I guess I'll go and shower," Maria sighed. Shadow nodded and went to get the cleaning equipment.

As Shadow was cleaning, Maria walked up to him in her dressing gown, looking weak.

"Maria, you can't come here yet, I'm not done-"

"Shadow… I love you so much…" she said, feebly.

"Maria, why are you coming to me to say this now, you've hardly dried yourself off. Germs can stick to your wet skin, you have to wash yourself again-"

"Please… Shadow. I love you… just listen to me," she said and fell to her knees. Shadow grabbed before her frail bones hit the hard floor. "I think… that due to my condition… I wasn't meant to live the full life of a human…"

"No, Maria. You're just tired," Shadow deluded himself.

"Thank you… for this wonderful life… and please rest when I'm gone," she continued. "Go to Earth, and have fun… like we did today."

"Maria, why are you saying this NOW!?" Shadow yelled, becoming dead worried.

"This excitement today… has tired me out completely. My organs… are starting to give out…" she began to breathe heavily. Shadow's eyes widened, he clenched his teeth, tears began to fall from his eyes.

"But we have another 20 or more years left together! Maria!" Shadow exclaimed and shook her as her eyes began to close. When she didn't respond, he began to sob. "Maria, I love you! I can't live without you! Don't leave me to suffer alone forever!"

Shadow screamed at the top of his voice when there was no answer.

"MARIA!" it felt as though his heart was being torn in two.

"Shadow!?" the hedgehog heard that all so annoying voice call. Sonic came running into the corridor that the couple was in to see Shadow holding Maria's dead body, and the hedgehog to be in such an emotional state. Sonic ran over to Shadow and pulled him off of Maria.

"Shadow- it's over. She's gone, dude. Calm down, please," Sonic shook Shadow to snap him out of his frantic state.

"But she's the only reason for my existence!" Shadow screamed out. Soon, the other three flooded in through a door at the far end. "I can't go on without her!"

"Shadow, you can come with us. We'll give her a burial, and you can live with us," Sonic assured him.

"I don't want her to be buried! I want her in my arms!" Shadow yelled as the tears kept falling. "I want to kiss her every night when she goes to sleep, and give her everything she wants… but I can't do that because she's gone!"

"Shadow… you have to calm down," Sonic said urgently as Shadow began to hyperventilate.

"Sonic, this is Project SHADOW. Made for the purpose of serving and protecting Maria," Tails said knowing from what he'd read about the subject and what he'd gathered from his observations that day. "It's in his nature for him to freak out like this. He realises that not only is Maria's life over, but his is too."

"Unless we help him get over it," Sonic said. Shadow managed break free from Sonic's grip and run over to Maria. He lay down beside her and curled up in a ball.

"Shadow… there's only one thing for this," Sonic said solemnly. "This'll hurt… but only for a second, and when you wake up, you'll feel so much better."

Shadow didn't even respond. This gave Sonic the chance to walk up to the grieving hedgehog. The hero dug his fingers into the side of Shadow's neck on his pressure point and knocked him out.

Back in reality, Shadow cringed.

"Hmph, that was such a horrible idea, Sonic. Living with Maria for even longer would make her death even harder to take," Shadow said wiping a single tear from his eye. His imagination had sent him through so many emotional challenges, it was almost as though it was real. "Let's end this conversation."

"But Shaaaadooow," Sonic whined, he was still determined to convince Shadow that he can bring Maria back and still be happy. "What if…"

To be continued…