Chapter 9: Finding the Last Emerald

*Space Colony Ark*

50 years ago.

Maria and Shadow were in the control room, staring outside the planet Earth's surface window. Maria stood at the front of the ship window, her long, blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. She wore her signature blue, knee-length dress that matched her eyes perfectly. Her white heels shone like polished ivory. Her pink lips curled into a smile as she gazed upon the beautiful world below them.

Shadow stood next to her with a serious look on his face. His red eyes stared through Maria's reflection with an icy coldness. He was no longer as excited about this mission. It was a routine rescue mission.

"So, Shadow, what do you think of life on Earth?" asked Maria. "Is it nice there?"

Shadow glanced away from her as if he didn't want to talk about the planet. "Not really."

"Really? Why?" Maria asked, turning to face him with a curious expression. Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"The professor said his life's work was dedicated to all of those who live here," explained Shadow, crossing his arms in a huff. "So I don't understand why they need to keep going back for more knowledge. They should be happy living in one place and working in one area."

"But what about their families? Don't they feel sad?" questioned Maria, her voice filled with concern. Shadow looked at her. He'd never noticed how beautiful she was until now. She was so kind, compassionate, and innocent. She was always trying to help others. Even when people didn't deserve it. She reminded Shadow so much of…himself.

"That's true…" said Shadow thoughtfully. He had never considered that before. "Maria... I just don't know anything anymore. I wanted to know why I was created, but…" Maria placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. She smiled at him gently. Shadow knew she understood his frustration and felt sympathy towards him.

"Hey, it'll get better," Maria reassured him. "Professor Robotnik is very good at helping people. He told me so himself. Just wait and see."

Shadow nodded. Then he turned his head and looked at his reflection once again. "What about you? You never did tell me what your life is like here."

"My life…?" Maria trailed off, confused by his question. "It's not that interesting. My family has moved here to be near Professor Robotnik. But I'M the one who will have to go back and forth between them."

Suddenly, she realized something. She quickly turned around to face Shadow. "Hey, Shadow, what do you think about my parents? Do you think they're happy?" Maria wasn't sure what else to ask him. She hoped he would give her some answers. After all, if anyone understood human emotions better than herself, it was Shadow. He was so different from other beings. He could relate to humans more easily than any of them. She wanted to know what he thought of her mother and father. "Do you think they miss me?"

"They missed you very much," answered Shadow without hesitating. "Your mother even cried when she saw you leaving the lab the day we came back from our trip." Maria blushed slightly at his words. "But you weren't gone long. Your father made sure that you returned safely."

"Well then, thank you," Maria replied."

"Maria..." Shadow spoke softly, almost like a whisper.

*End Flashback*

Shadow opened his eyes slowly, his mind filled with memories of Maria. He still remembered how she had comforted him when he was feeling down. He had been so angry, hurt, and lonely. Maria was the first friend he ever had since he ever had. And although he hated to admit it, he liked Maria a lot. More than he liked any other human being. He loved her kindness, caring nature, and sweet nature. And more importantly, he loved the way that she made him feel like he belonged somewhere.

"Shadow?" A female voice called out to him from behind.

He turned around to face the female bat, Rouge, with a neutral look on her face. She gave him a small wave as she approached him. She stood there inches away from Shadow, looking directly at him. "Why so melancholy? That was so unlike you, Shadow. You came to me and recused me," Rouge said. "The Choas Control definitely comes in handy."

Shadow scoffed, "I didn't come to save you, I came for the Chaos Emeralds."

Rouge rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I figured that, considering you're the only one that hasn't found it yet."

The sound of the door opening from behind them, it was Eggman entering the control room. He walked over to the console and began fiddling with various buttons. "We've got a few minutes to prepare for the dropoff. Everyone ready?"

"Ready? We have six of the seven Chaos Emeralds, including the Chaos Emerald that we lost," stated Rouge flatly.

Shadow smirked in determination. "That's more than enough for a demonstration. So let's get the show on the road." He turned away from Rouge and walked over toward the exit.

*At the Meadow*

The next morning, Tails was cooking breakfast over the campfire while Amy was making tea. Sonic groggily opened his eyes, his nose caught the smell of bacon and eggs wafting up to him.

"Rise and shine, Sonic," Tails called. "Get ready for breakfast!"

The hedgehog rubbed his eyes and sat up straight. He yawned as he stretched his arms above his head. "Finally, food," he grumbled. 'Gotta pee.' Sonic thought.

He walked over to the bushes and peed there sighing in relief. Once he finished, he washed his hands in the lake and he returned back to the campsite where everyone else was already sitting down and eating their breakfast.

"Morning, everybody." Sonic took a seat beside Tails who handed him a plate full of bacon and eggs. The hedgehog wolfed it down, inhaling the delicious aroma with relish. After his meal, he picked up the teapot and poured himself some tea, enjoying the warmth of the cup in his hands. The aroma seemed to calm his nerves. "So, guys," he started. "Any plans for today?"

Everyone paused for a second before speaking. "We're gonna go to Central City to take care of the Chaos Emeralds," said Tails simply. He continued eating his breakfast as if nothing happened.

"Central City! Oh man, that sounds fun!" exclaimed Amy. She slurped up her pancakes with gusto, her mouth stuffed full of food. "I wish I could go, too."

Sonic shrugged. "Sure, whatever. Whatever you say."Amy pouted at him. Sonic knew she disliked being ignored.

"Well, let's get moving," suggested Tails, standing up. Sonic rose to his feet and collected his empty plates and utensils before setting them aside. "Wherever we go, we must leave within 30 minutes. We have to make the drop-off time as quick as possible. If we linger in one spot for too long, we risk having the Chaos Emeralds discovered."

Sonic nodded, knowing full well how difficult his journey would be. He'd rather fight Robotnik and his henchmen than spend more time on Earth.

"Let's get going before Eggman does anything stupid," said Sonic.

After they cleaned up the campsite, they mounted Tails' Tornado biplane which flew swiftly across the forest. The sky was clear and bright, and there were white, puffy clouds in sight. They soared across the trees, heading westwards towards Central City. In the distance were buildings of steel skyscrapers and large warehouses. The group headed to the nearest city. It was called Central City and was home to many factories, manufacturing plants.

"Next stop, Central City," said Tails.