A Horrifying, Yet Miraculous, Absolution
Ch. 14
[×]
'Apocalyptic?'
Shadow?
Never.
(So why did that keep her up at night?)
[x]
There was much to do now that she needed to plan a whole new agenda that included Grandpa. Adding him into her equations was cool, but, oh, how she wanted to just tell him everything! He was the smartest guy in the world! He would know a way to solve all the things in a snap! Sadly, the words were still stuck on her tongue. That feeling, that strange pressure, was forever a constant until it reached blinding grey nothingness if she had tried to speak to him of anything of the future. It never failed: worries about that horrible, terrible military man; the warning she wanted to say about the… the firing squad; how each of his fellow Project: SHADOW scientists were in grave danger. O-Of course, they weren't going to be in trouble anymore, now that the Robotniks were on the case, but-! But she wanted to still give out caution to Grandpa.
In mythos, a woman called Cassandra was burdened to not be believed. Maria didn't have that issue: her problem was that she basically couldn't even speak her warnings.
… At least I have Shadow.
He could talk about it.
Well…, it depended.
Things about the ARK? He discussed and helped her organize ways to make Operation CHaos Emerald Retrieval – OCHER for short – work from a standpoint of sheer tactical knowledge. It was like he understood every potential G.U.N. ordinance, planning methods, and their very way of thinking! He pulled out mental pictures of their weapon availabilities and could explain, in detail, each weakness and strength – to include the brand newest version of the mechs on not just the ARK but also on Earth! Of course, his writing notes were still symbolic gibberish, and she had half a mind to ban him from using a pencil again, but he vocally described everything well enough for her to comprehend without asking.
(Of course, her brother didn't want to explain WHY he knew all that. At least it wasn't heated anger, which she had expected due to reasons, but… shame? Embarrassment? A mix of both? Or something else?)
No. Things about the ARK and ARK-related timelines were, generally, fine. Unless it dealt with That Day, it was possible for the two to scheme and plot and then end the evening with games after the hard work.
Anything dealing with his 'old' friends were a little rough. Individuals labeled 'Rouge,' 'Omega,' and 'Amy' were spoken with sadness, and there would be some days where he wouldn't want to think about them at all. The few glimpses she understood were that 'Team Dark' were his next 'found family(?)' and that Amy 'prevented a terrible, grave error,' but… nothing major. Oh, yeah, her brother would talk about small things: a 'place robots like,' mall shopping, concerts, and being dragged into a club 'against his will.' That was it. Everything was incredibly bittersweet and short. A few sentences. Not much detail.
Shadow could talk about them. He just normally wouldn't.
Maria had asked if he missed them. Once.
His face contorted – ever so briefly – to pain before her brother's far-too-good control took over. While it was nothing compared to the face she had seen in those red eyes when she had… been over a certain… launch control panel…, that did not mean it was better.
Close enough to That Day was too close.
… And then there was 'Sonic.'
The mere fact Shadow brought up that name a few nights ago – Ancients, it felt so much longer – was a surprise. A big one. She's only heard that word… trice? And that was the first time in such a joking manner, too!
'Sonic' was one of her brother's 'No, I Will NOT Talk About This Any Further' words (even though he was not bounded by the way Maria was). It was right up there with asking about his 'Totally Fine and Normal Headaches,' the 'Certainly Not Hearing Things,' and 'Weird Teleportation.'
Especially 'Weird Teleportation' – his favorite Chaos ability!
Was this why Grandpa was worried about the Artificial Chaos doing things they weren't supposed to? Because even thinking about being in her brother's position made her own heart and head hurt…
"WATCH OUT, MARIA!"
Blue eyes snapped opened as she returned back from critical thought, only to realize one of the members from Project: SHADOW was about to run her over with a cart. Filled to the brim with some strange fluid, it probably weighed 300 pounds! Quickly, she spun out of the way – the very action left her feeling a little lightheaded just cause of the rotational forces.
The female lab tech helped to pick the blonde up, verified she was good to go, and left, waving goodbye. The label 'WARNING – TCDD' and some little skulls were her only hint of what the cart was going to be used for as it rumbled on down the hallway.
… Maybe Grandpa was correct in that he had lied to her for a long, long time. Now that she was aware of his… weapons… she was starting to see them…
Kinda everywhere-
Pop, pop; pop! Her fingers slapped her cheeks once again to scare away the bad thoughts. She really did not want to go down that route, especially since she was in the common areas of the ARK for a reason – a legit purpose – today!
This task was going to be quick and short! Not some grand plan like OCHRE or figuring out how she was going to incorporate Grandpa without saying the words that dealt with the future. It was nice to have something minor and not so… ARK-shattering in revelation. That's for certain.
And, considering what she did, it was very much so needed.
It'll get her mind off things. At least a little.
[x]
Her blue shoes were shined up as Maria held a bundle of flowers made of paper against her chest. She had spent the entire morning making the folds and creases with her brother in between thinking about last night and trying not to yawn. He had tried to ask her what was wrong and if everything was alright, but she lacked the internal battery to admit what Grandpa told her. She… was worried about how he would take it. It was bad enough that he thought himself a monster – the recently discovered disclosure did NOT need to be added as he would undoubtedly consider it 'more evidence.' Shadow was under the assumption that the Artificial Chaos were an enemy and opponent hidden in the grass – they had been, after all, one of the key incidents of the ARK's downfall. How would he feel about being told they wanted him? Were joined with him?
What did Grandpa mumble right before Shadow was allowed back?
'Collective consciousness?'
Sigh…
Fingers clenched onto those faux plants again.
… Grandpa had a very scary expression on last night. It wasn't… her nightmare, but it was still quite intense and… encompassing. She should check that out tonight when she sees him after work.
Maria repeated her mantra: save Shadow; save Grandpa; save the ARK; save herself. She couldn't fail on step 2 if she wanted them all.
She exhaled a little and pumped her fists by her core, giving a small huff in self-reassurance. Remember: her small mission first. Big, not-world-ending-but-still-important mission planning next.
Eventually, the feet of a young girl reached the destination she had aimed for: the civilian sleeping quarters where the other important researchers lived. On one of the doors had the simple label of: DR. TOWER.
Carefully, she doubled checked her dress. She… looked presentable.
Knock; knock.
The doors were too solid to hear from the other side, but eventually metal slid opened. Across from her was the tired and sleepy form of one of Grandpa's fellow Project: SHADOW individuals. She remembered his face decently well, but was never really close. "Good afternoon, Doctor!" Maria chimed. "I am looking for a certain boy."
There was a fluttering of thoughts before his face settled on understanding. "You would know where He is before me. Dr. Robotnik is keeping us separated for now."
The young girl blinked a few times. "Umm… I'm here to apologize to Abraham…?"
"Oh. Well. The kid's not here."
He wasn't?
Seeing her confusion, the man fought a yawn. "He's with Technician Cotes. His mother. Now, excuse me. I need to go back to bed before genome sequences rush back to the forefront of my mind."
With that, she was alone in the hall again.
[x]
The next area of her Forgiveness-Trail was the region where the 'not as famous' researchers resided. There were a lot of others here, who also worked on Project: SHADOW, but as supplementary aids. Unlike those she labeled the 'Big 4,' these researchers and technicians ran the important, yet repetitive, things that dealt with the ongoing of such a major science escapade.
(She vowed to make them happy as well in the future.)
This time, her feet took her to a new door with a new label. Once again, she checked herself over – this time fixing a flower that had been bent somehow in her movement from one area of the station to the next.
Knock; knock.
The door opened after a few minutes. A tired, frazzled woman with bags under her eyes glanced around before realizing Maria was before her. "Oh. You're… the Professor's kid, right?"
"Ah, sorry… I'm his grandchild," the blonde corrected politely.
A hand waved. "Right. Right. Sorry. The Chaos rail lines always need bloody work and I am beyond exhausted." The woman groaned. "Not an excuse. Whatcha need, kiddo?"
"Abraham?"
A scowl flared up. "Oh. Tower's spawn." Aware that Maria was still watching her, she changed tone. "I dropped him off with my sister weeks ago. She can deal with the child."
The female Robotnik was never going to genuinely apologize at this rate, was she?
Understanding the face of disappointment, Technician Cotes went inside and scribbled something down. "Here," the woman handed over a piece of paper. "It's the address of her place. Don't tell her I sent you. We… have our differences."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good. Oh. And if you see Tower again, tell him he's still a pain in my as- Er. Butt."
"Umm…"
"You know what. Never mind. Not your business. You're, like, twelve."
Maria was left alone again.
[x]
The new address was a much longer walk away from the researchers – three floors up in one of the viewing towers that had sight of the Earthrise every other day. A bit isolated and close to the reactor by 'the crow flies,' it was the longest walk Maria has had in a long while.
It made her think. Her fingers were not capable of making as nice artwork as a few weeks ago. Her steps were getting a little sloppier. Her energy levels were on a slight decline that got just a tad worse every few days… Was she… getting a new lapse oncoming? Or had the excitement and then immediate crash of the past twenty-four hours just that much of a strain on her body? Gah, imagine how bad it was on Grandpa.
She recalled his face again.
Maybe… maybe she didn't need to 'imagine' it…
Arg. What was she going to say to Shadow when he asks about the culprit on the drum memories? Should she just admit it's about the Artificial Chaos and leave the rest unsaid? Try to get the two groups to be friendly before finishing the truth? Her brother needs more anchors other than Grandpa and her, but could the water AIs enact that way if what the elder said was true?
Only weapons…?
Nonsense. If her brother was supposed to be created as a weapon as well, but had enough heart to love and learn, why couldn't Grandpa's other creations? Doesn't their message imply that they could?
Yes.
See? Good thoughts. Good plans.
Better results.
Now go back to your small mission, Maria! You've been avoiding it!
Her blue eyes roamed the much quieter hallways of this boarding quarters region. The rooms were quite big, although not as large as the area reserved for Grandpa and herself. On the walls were pictures of Earth, ones that caught her eyes with each step. A beach, a large school that looked like a college, the image from the top of a mountain; all told from the perspective of the one whom shot it. Like a story of one's life.
Lives. Family…
She guessed she found out why Abe was always a little… clingy. He wanted to hang out with her because neither his mom or dad were capable to shower him with needed affection because of what they had to work for. In a way, the boy lacking was her fault. His parents had to work for her cure.
So, her apology MUST be heard!
Her past mistakes WILL be fixed!
Sure, Grandpa hadn't brought it up, but… He obviously had bigger issues than her moment of folly.
Bump.
The girl rubbed her nose. Oops. She was so distracted she walked into the wall. At least it was right nearby the door that held the room she was – hopefully – looking for! In bright pink with flowers and sunshine was the name: DR. ALICIA COTES. Underneath, in a deep black marker and surrounded by hearts: + **~~Abraham~~**. Unlike the sterile doors of the other two, this one was covered in pictures drawn from a boy. Not to mention filled to the brim with streamers.
Well, it looks like she finally hit jackpot!
For the third, and hopefully final, time, Maria organized her paper flowers, her messy hair, and her slightly wrinkled dress. Her knuckles rapped the door with three knocks, as per common courtesy, and the girl did not have to wait long before-
Sssh! The door slid open!
The woman before her was quite tall and surprisingly thin. She wore an apron labeled 'Kiss the Cook, But It Ain't Me: I Bake,' had flour lodged in-between her really pale golden locks, and had goggles caked in so much powdered sugar that it obscured the eyes underneath. The mixing bowl on her left hand wavered as she tried to balance it steady. "Are you lost, sweetie?" the tone asked in kindness.
"No, ma'am. I'm looking for Abraham."
The bowl slipped and fell, scattering the ingredients all over Maria's dress. "Oh, no!" Miss Cotes cried out. "Crap." The two of them were now covered so much so that they were bleached. Moaning in responsibility, the woman waved. "Come in. I got hot water, some warm towels, a spare large shirt, and one small kid's shorts you can use until I get this cleaned up."
Well, at least Maria's I-Apologize-Flowers were spared.
[x]
Abraham's duo chromed eyes lit up upon seeing a (freshly cleaned) friend. "Ma~ri~a~!" he swooned, despite the fact his face still had a bruise. "You're here!"
She offered her flora blooms and a copy of the latest big action movie Dr. Guzman snuck aboard. "I-I wanted to say this again, 'Sorry!'" she ended, shutting her eyes together in force and bringing her gifts out front like a Valentine. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Can you forgive me?"
Abe kicked his left leg against the carpet. "O… Of course…" A blush hit his cheeks as he accepted the tokens.
Miss Cotes laughed in the background. "So, you were the one-"
"A-Auntie. You're embarrassing me…"
The woman waved her hand as she wiped herself clean. "Well, Maria, you're welcome to sit here for lunch while your clothes get washed. I made fresh stew following a recipe from my time on the coast – a little something called gumbo. It has just a small touch of… crawfish~"
Seafood?
The girl could feel her mouth water. The end of the fiscal year always put the cafeteria on a damper. There were only so many ways to prepare chicken and beef before taste buds got bored, and they had run out of milk a few days ago. Only those with dietary needs were allowed it. Ice cream? Desserts? Forget about it. Even Shadow was running low on hot chocolate for her. However, to be offered CRUSTACEANS!? Oh, sweet flavorful glory. Grandpa was all about suffering the same as his coworkers, but-
But-!
Her stomach agreed for her brain.
Who could blame her? The next fresh protein run wasn't until mid-October! It would be a GROSS misuse of Shadow's Weird Teleportation, too, to ask him to warp for fresh shrimp! Let's not also forget the fact that he probably – she thinks – couldn't pull a jump that far in the first place!
"Wanna help me set up the table, Maria?" Abe asked with a grin.
She nodded. If she was gonna steal their lunch, she was going to help. Least she could do.
[x]
The fact that Abe had an aunt wasn't new. Maria just never recalled seeing the woman before. "Did you arrive to the ARK recently?" she asked curiously as she stuffed her face full with the side dish of what was called 'maze' or something. It was corn. Delicious, fresh corn with a spicy red powder and mayonnaise.
"Yes. A job opportunity opened up, and I took it."
"Aunt Alicia got her degree in Chaos Energy," Abraham added with pride. "She's traveled the world and has been to a lot of different cities taking pictures and stuff! Although, that's not what she does anymore." He added some hard wheat rolls to his plate from the center of the dining table.
Miss Cotes moved the carbohydrates closer to Maria, offering them. Greedy hands accepted. They smelled good and were dense to the teeth. "What do you do now?"
The woman chuckled. "Manage people and take care of my nephew. Watch from my widow onto my responsibilities below. Keep track of the money flow. Climb a few ladders a little too fast and efficient for others to like. Normal staff stuff."
Abe made his aunt sound way cooler than she was.
But her food related skills were certainly better than Grandpa's. He would burn water if it could, you know, burn. Cooking was a science, but she guessed there was a limit to his genius, after all. Maybe she should learn how to make something for him? This was an environment worthy of copying with her family.
And her family desperately needed it.
No.
Deserved it.
[x]
The third fresh pie of the extended lunch arrived, following its brothers in apple and lemon. If it was anything like the previous iterations, the apron was clearly correct in where Miss Cotes' abilities lied. "Enjoying it, Maria?" she asked while rubbing the crown of Abe.
"It's key-lime!" the boy added as blue eyes opened at how… refreshing it was!
"Mmmhmm!"
"Auntie here has perfected it! I was very happy when she moved up here and took care of me. I honestly… wasn't expecting to see her until next year. On planet." It was apparent he was super happy living with her now.
Maria had the pie slice halfway in her mouth. Her eyes asked the question for her: next year?
The kid nodded. "Mother decided that it was better for me to be shipped off with my aunt on Earth since 'our interests align in all the wrong-'"
Miss Cotes carried out a new food item – a stack of chocolate chip cookies. "Abraham. My sister said something you shouldn't copy. You are a better boy than what she falsely thinks." She rose her left hand to cover her mouth as a giggle escaped. "My little guardian."
"N-Not in front of M-Maria!" he complained as he rubbed the back of his head.
It made the Robotnik laugh as well. Reminded her of Grandpa and Shadow, although her brother wasn't as willing to deny the affection.
"So," Miss Cotes asked while placing those warm cookies on a plate ahead of her with a large glass of milk that certainly had Maria's attention, "how about you tell me a little about yourself? Abraham here mentioned you often in his letters."
The young girl was eager to talk. She mentioned about how much she was proud of Grandpa's inventions; her likes and dislikes; how she was honored that everyone good onboard the ARK was working hard to make the Earth a better place; how super awesome and smart Grandpa was!
"Sounds like you love him a lot and would do anything for him, dear," Miss Cotes bemused correctly.
"Of course!" Maria added while finishing off her last piece of dessert. The meal, making Abe blush, and meeting someone new had certainly lifted her spirits. "He would do the same for me!"
"Aww. So sweet." The woman watched the two children before a buzzer rang in the background. "Oh! That's the dryer. Wait here a moment, Maria." At that, she unpinned her apron and meandered towards a back room. The female Robotnik lost sight, but could hear metal doors opening and closing.
Then a strange: GRRTZ GRRTZ GRRTZ! Blip blip blip blip bliiiiiiip! GRRTZ GRRTZ GRRTZ! BLIP-! Click…
Blonde bangs swayed slightly as she turned towards the source of the noise. Confusion hit her – what was that? Never had she heard that before.
Eventually, Abe watched her and gave a nod. "Oh. That's just one of aunt's old university thesis tools. It goes off every time she walks by the laundry room with our clothes." He gave a toothy grin. "Yours wins the award for the loudest 'grrtz,' though!"
"That she does!" was Abe's aunt's melodic hum in the background. Her steps echoed down the hallway until she reappeared with Maria's clothing all cleaned up and smelling like fresh lavenders.
[x]
"I'm so sorry it was my gift to Abe that caused the incident between you two." A hand went to her middle-aged face in grimace. "However, I was happy to finally meet you, so it all worked out in the end. T'was ever so enlightening and wonderful having you over, Maria!" Miss Cotes waved with a warm, brilliant grin that matched those happy green eyes. Despite the flour no longer in her hair, that platinum color remained. "I hope you have the best of evenings with your own family."
"Bye for now!" Abe cried out, waving from behind his aunt's legs. "We should play again!"
Maria was unable to return the gesture – but did manage a 'bye' – with the amount of food Miss Cotes had prepared from the leftovers. It was a lot. One… two… THREE servings! With sticky notes to organize them with!
Wow!
One for 'Maria Robotnik!'
One for 'Dr. Gerald Robotnik!'
And one with a label of a smiling face for-
Wait.
Three?
Why did Maria get three?
(Miss Cotes' door had already slid shut and the girl was all alone in a very empty, cold, and quiet hallway.)