As my eyes fluttered open, my vision was hazy. "What is this place?" Sitting up, my head throbbed, feeling dazed. My mind spun as I tried to gather myself.

Until I realized... it was Space Colony ARK.

"It worked!" Looking at the familiar surroundings, it was all coming back to me. I woke in our bedroom, on the bed we once shared.

I lowered my head in recollection of my allies, and my friends. "Everyone..." The image of them left a smile on my face. "I'm in your debt."

Shaken back to reality, I ran into the unlit corridors. "Oh, no!" Using the jets on my shoes to accelerate, every second was crucial. "I don't know how far back Chaos Control sent me!"

But I realized it didn't matter.

I just need to remember.

Then I knew.

"She must be there!" At our spot on the ARK.

Hovering at top speeds, everything passed by in a blur. "Come on, I hope I'm not too late!" A light gleamed at the end of the dim halls, expanding as I neared it. From a distance, there sat a small figure on the floor.

Could that be?!

Decelerating, I ran the rest of the way with false hope weighing on me.

But then my body stopped, stunned...

"I wondered when you'd wake up," said Maria, smiling.

The soft lighting from the window illuminated her, giving her an ethereal glow. She was so beautiful. The sight of her made my heart pound against my chest; it was euphoric.

But the sudden thought of her disappearing...

"Maria!" Erasing the gap between us felt like an eternity. The emerging tears overflowed, streaming down my cheeks in cascading streaks. Her presence filled me with so much emotion it was overwhelming.

"Shadow, what's wrong?!" She seemed startled by my actions. "You're not hurt, are you?!" Staring into her glistening, sky-blue eyes, I could see the uncertainty reflecting mine.

"It's just-" I calmed myself enough to utter words. "I'm here with you."

Her worried expression faded into the look that made my entire being flutter. "Of course you are." She wiped away my tears with gentle fingers before tapping the tip of my nose. "And there you'll stay." She patted the space beside her. "Come watch Earth with me."

Returning a smile, I sat with her. And how her hand slipped into mine, our fingers intertwining... just like they once did.

Every day, we'd discuss traveling to Earth together. But a sickness known as Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome prevented us from doing so. The planet itself would've harmed her. Therefore, we promised to explore it after The Professor discovered a cure. More than anyone, she deserved to live life to its fullest.

Maria once told me... long ago... that my purpose was to bring happiness to everyone.

So, my ambition was hers.

"I feel as though we haven't done this for some time."

"What are you talking about?!" she asked, baffled. "We do this every day! Are you sure you're okay? You slept longer than usual. Was it perhaps a bad dream?"

"I suppose." Turning to her, I felt the relief of her calming aura once more. "I'm just glad to be awake."

"Oh, silly Shadow." It was wonderful to hear the melody in her bubbly laughter. Like a song, I could listen to for the rest of my existence.

We continued to watch Earth in peace.

Then it began.

The alarms sounded, startling us both. My memories clouded for a moment, but I stayed focused.

This was it.

"What's happening?!" she asked, frantic. I stood, trying to retrace the steps. She grasped my hand with hers and I saw the same panic in her eyes... mirroring that day.

"Don't worry, Maria." Sensing her calm, her expression told me she believed my words. "Let's go this way."

I realized my actions would lead us back to the room... where Maria lost her life.

No, that won't happen again.

We're going to make it together.

The sudden thudding of heavy footsteps and loud voices... they were close; there must've been dozens of them tracking us.

We had to get ahead, further. "Trust me."

As her grip tightened on my hand, she nodded. "Always."

Sweeping her into my arms, a surprised yelp left her. "Hold on to me." I propelled forward, distancing us from the commotion.

That's what we needed, enough time.

I hovered as fast as my legs could take us, no longer hearing the pursuers. But she didn't relax, burying her face deeper into mine. "Maria." I rubbed my muzzle against her. "We're almost there." And that's all the reassurance I needed, her hold easing around me.

The room appeared, a light blinding us as we entered. "They'll be here soon." I placed Maria on her feet. "So, we must hurry."

We ran to one of the many escape pods, pushing a button to open it. "Maria, get in."

I tried to lead her, but she refused. "No!" she yelled, shaking her head. "We both must leave, we promised!"

"I have to stop them first, or they'll follow us. Stay in here to be safe!"

"I won't!" She fought back with unbreakable determination. "If you're in here with me, I know we'll be. I don't want you left behind if we had no other choice!"

Then it hit me... the image carved into my memory for years.

Maria pushed my body into a pod, encasing me within it. She knew I wouldn't have cooperated; I'd never leave without her. She stood her ground against the infantry, for I was their mission. The only thought on her mind was my safety, not once thinking about herself. In the end, she sacrificed her life for mine.

And now... I was doing the same.

"Maria..." My voice caught in my throat as I fought back the painful thought. "Please..." I grasped onto both her arms.

Looking deep into her eyes, I saw the same hurt I experienced. She didn't want to lose me, either. "I..." Trying to force the words out brought hot tears to my burning eyes. "I CAN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN!"

Before either of us could say more, the enemy had arrived, ready to attack. Standing on guard, Maria stood behind me as I turned to face them.

I prepared myself; I had to protect Maria with my life.

"Stay where you are!" one of them shouted. "We're soldiers of G.U.N. Come with us, Project: Shadow. You're interrogated as a threat to humanity. Should you refuse, we have permission to take you in by force. If you retaliate, your termination will end here, that is certain."

"Maria, get into the escape pod." Baring my fangs, I snarled. "This will get dangerous."

She fell to her knees, her arms folding around me. My eyes widened as I glanced back at her.

I have never witnessed a more soul-crushing expression.

"Shadow, don't leave me alone... I need you by my side," she said through tears, pushing herself further into my spine. "If that can't be, then I will never leave yours."

Her words struck me as an arrow had pierced straight through. "Maria." There was nothing more I could do to convince her. "Keep a safe distance behind me."

She released her hold on me. I wiped her tears before she stood. "I'll do my best," she said with a nod.

I repositioned myself. Under any circumstances, I must protect her.

"Well, will you surrender or not?" asked another, impatient. "We have Prof. Gerald Robotnik in our custody." Then his filthy eyes shifted to Maria. "We ask of his granddaughter to-"

"Don't you DARE lay a finger on her!" I charged forward, giving it my all. "Your opponent is ME!"

I released yellow beams of energy from my hands. "Chaos Spears!" They shot forward, causing them to drop their weapon while a second one shattered them. I kept a close eye on Maria while dodging their attacks, maneuvering with little effort. The soldiers fell to the floor unconscious after I struck them.

Once everything was calm, she ran to me. "Shadow!" Maria rejoiced, jumping into my arms.

But our bliss was short-lived.

We heard a scuffle nearby. A weakened soldier reached for a pistol I forgot to destroy...

And a shot was fired at me.

"NO!" Maria shouted, shoving us both to the side.

My head collided hard with the floor, enough to knock me out for minutes. But I regained myself, feeling the protective weight of Maria on top of me. "I'm glad you're okay, Shadow," she whispered, wincing in pain.

"Maria!" Lifting myself into a sitting position, I placed Maria on her side between my legs before... gasping in horror.

The bullet had hit her in the thigh.

Her blood flowed onto the floor, forming a crimson-red puddle at the end of her foot. "No..." Her skin paled as her breathing shortened into huffs. "No, no..." Her warmth was fading as sweat formed on her forehead from the effort of holding onto life. "You're wounded..." Tears came to my eyes in an instant. "I couldn't protect you... again." Trickling onto her. "Maria…"

It took much of her strength. "Don't cry, Shadow." Just to raise a hand to my face. "It hurts the most to see you sad." I grabbed it before it slipped away, bringing it to my cheek. It was so cold yet smooth, like ice. "I'll be okay," she said, weary, revealing her beautiful smile. "I have to be with you."

Her body was going limp, but I shook it awake. "You will, I'll make sure of it."

I tore off a long piece of cloth from her blue top to suppress the bleeding, using it as a bandage. Lifting her into my arms, I carried her to a pod and placed her in it. After it closed, I rested my hand against the glass, staring at her.

She gave me a small smile one last time before closing her eyes.

"You..." I felt fury awaken in my body. "Bastards." My blood was boiling.

As I made my way to the group of emotionless soldiers, the one who fired at Maria stood out of the pack, his breathing slow. My fur stood as I clenched my fists. "You... you'll pay for what you've done."

Generating enormous energy, a red aura surrounded my entire body. This was the last shot I needed to take. "Chaos..." So, they'd never return. "BLAST!" I released a powerful shock wave that traveled the ARK at an incredible speed, ridding the living beings I wanted gone.

After the attack, I stumbled to my knees, my lungs heaving. Using this power had its toll on me.

But as I glanced back to the infantry that now vanished. "Good riddance." I harbored no regrets.

Still drained of energy and light-headed, I made my way. Maria. I had to see her.

As I reached the escape pod, I leaned on it, peering through the glass. She appeared to be asleep.

But seeing the blood-soaked cloth dripping onto the floor... "Maria!"

Opening it, I fell to my knees beside her. "The enemy is no more." Brushing the golden-yellow strands that covered her angelic face aside. "They will never harm us again."

But there was no response... not even a gesture.

"No." Lifting her out of the capsule, I placed her on the floor. I leaned her head against my shoulder, cradling her in my arms. "I'm here, Maria!" Taking her hand, I brought it to my lips. It was so cold... As I looked her over, I noticed her skin was now a pale, bluish-purple... There was no longer a hint of her lively, soft peach hue. "I'm here..."

I rubbed her hand against my cheek, ignoring the shivers that ran down my spine. "After all this time, I could see you once more." Gazing down at her, she was so innocent. "A second chance for us to go to Earth, just like we promised." So beautiful. "But I failed to-" I couldn't continue. All I felt was sorrow as it flowed through my eyes, into my tears. "I..."

Pulling her close, I lowered my head to hers, damping her face. "Maria."

"Shadow, don't cry. It will be all right."

My head whipped back, staring at her. "Maria?!" I shook her once more, but there was still no sign of life.

"Shadow, don't cry. It will be all right," she repeated but never spoke. I heard her voice deep down in my subconscious.

She was alive in my memory.

"Maria..."

At that very moment, something fell from behind me, sliding to my side.

"What's this?" Staring into the jewel, its brilliance captivated me as I gazed, mesmerized. "This is so familiar..."

"Hey, Shadow!" Knuckles called to me. "I want you to have this." He placed a small gem in my palm. "It's a piece of The Master Emerald. If anything were to happen, you could use this to correct it." Then he warned. "But remember, you only get one shot. The Master Emerald holds the most power of all, so even this tiny piece should do wonders." With a sincere grin, he patted me on the shoulder. "Be careful, though."

I glanced at the shard. "I will." Before enclosing it in my hand. "Thank you."

"The Master Emerald…" I brought it over, placing it above her heart. "I wish to save this girl, for she is more precious than my own life. I need her by my side always. Please... bring her back to me."

The mysterious powers of the emerald flowed through me, engulfing us in a sea of light. Closing my eyes, I felt my soul warm. "Chaos..." As I prayed. "Control."

Maria

My eyes opened once again, seeing her lying there before me. "Maria?!" The piece of The Master Emerald was nowhere in sight. "Where did it go?!"

Noticing the blood around her leg had disappeared, hope overwhelmed me. "The wound... it healed!" Kneeling beside her, I brought her hand to my cheek, the warmth traveling through my body.

But... she had yet to return.

"Stay with me..." A tear welled up in my eye, falling onto her face. "Maria."

"Shadow, don't cry." Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her glistening, sky-blue eyes. "Everything's all right," she whispered, smiling her beautiful smile.

THE END

Author's Notes:

They would have been each other's happy ending, I'm certain of it~

This is an oldie (my first fanfic ever, actually). Years ago, I uploaded it here under a different account but I couldn't, for the life of me, retrieve my old info to log in so I just made a completely new one. So, if this story sounds familiar, yes, both are by me but now my English is much better, lol!

Inspiration Song:
"Dango Daikazoku" cover by Adriana Figueroa

I always imagined Maria to have a beautiful singing voice and this is how it would have sounded like. And she would have for sure sung this song to Shadow TwT

If you know the song, you know~

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed :D

Thank you, much love -^-^-