Soul Eater but it's Sonic

Chapter 55

Approximately 52 years before the kishin's reawakening.

Maria was beneath a tree, using a wide root as a seat while looking out at the expanse of blue water beyond the island. There were many tall clouds of various shapes in the distance reaching higher and higher into the sky. Her expression was understandably sad as she examined each of them. She spoke two words right when Shadow joined her in the shade.

"I'm sorry,"

"Glad I'm not the one apologizing first," Shadow stated wryly. He sat on the root as well. "You were right about Gerald. He made you here, like me,"

She wasn't completely surprised, although she did show an increased focus. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Shadow shrugged. "I haven't known for long. I never felt like it made a difference, although I would have told you when you brought it up. If we weren't interrupted, that is,"

"Oh..."

Maria spent some time thinking. The peaceful ambiance of the distant waves and the tree above them carried on for a while.

"Grandpa always said we were the last humans, but I guess he's actually the last one? I'm just the first of a new type made in a lab, then?"

"Could be,"

"You're right. Knowing didn't really change much. Now I just have more questions," Maria grumbled.

"I don't know if I have many more answers. He really doesn't tell me that much,"

"It's fine. I don't want to deal with all that right now,"

The only thing left on Maria's mind was some lingering guilt over her earlier argument with Shadow, so she forced herself to bring it up again.

"I only acted like I wanted you to leave because I was mad. I know that you'll go someday, and I'll be sad when you do. But I think it will be good for you to see the world,"

"Me?" Shadow asked with considerable shock. "Why?"

"Why not?," She let out one quiet laugh. "I'm not fighting to go see the world because I think I'm special. Everyone deserves a chance to see what's out there,"

"I really don't mind staying here," He dismissed.

"You've never been curious about the outside world? Not even a little?"

"I have but..." Shadow turned his gaze toward the distant ocean, visualizing the world that might be on the other side. "I don't think I belong out there,"

Now Maria felt shocked. "Why not?"

"Because I'm a freak,"

"You're not a freak, Shadow,"

Maria stood up facing her brother. Determination emanated from her otherwise frail figure.

"You can do all these amazing things without even trying, and you're only going to do more as you get stronger. Whenever you want to learn something it never takes you very long. And you're not the only weapon in the world; there are tons of others. You belong out there, for sure!"

"Gerald's been very clear about what I am. Even compared to other weapons I'm different,"

"Shadow..." She scolded using a tone that warned him off of being too harsh with himself.

"It's fine, Maria. I know what I am, and I still plan on becoming the ultimate death scythe. The sooner I help Gerald change the world, the sooner you can live out there safely,"

"But being the ultimate death scythe isn't the only thing you're good for! You can have a happy life too!"

Shadow, while being a bit dazed, digested her statement. His expression warmed a bit before he shrugged. Maria knew Shadow well enough to know that her words had moved him, if only a little, so she was content.

Maria sat down again. She was back to looking forlorn. She pulled on some blades of grass, then flicked them into the wind. "But I'm different. There's nothing special about me. I can't even survive anywhere but here, let alone live a good life. So I'm stuck on this island, probably forever.

"It won't be forever. I'll make sure of that,"

"I believe in you Shadow, but part of me doesn't think I'll ever get off this island. I'm afraid that I'll never meet another person. Or even see something like a mountain or a field that stretches out far like the ocean," She let out a prolonged exhale. "I'm scared no one else will remember who I am before I die on this island, alone,"

"Maria..." Shadow began. He didn't know what he should say to make her feel better. He did, however, feel like there was something he could do. It didn't take him much time to reach a resolution. "There's an easy solution for that,"

Maria held a puzzled look.

"We'll follow your plan. We'll leave the island ourselves,"

She needed a few seconds to understand if she heard Shadow correctly.

"Really?"

Shadow nodded. "I may not be able to teleport yet, but I do know about a secret exit,"

"A secret exit?" Maria pondered further. "You're not worried about Grandpa?"

"It's like you said, he'll make me leave eventually. Once I learn chaos control, I can come back whenever I want," He laughed quietly. "I think we're long overdue for some rebellious behavior, anyway,"

The final realization ushered in a wave of excitement. Maria moved over so she could hug Shadow.

"Thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet. We have to test out all your equipment ideas first. And we're not just going to take off and go on an adventure for weeks. We'll keep it short at first," Shadow instructed.

"I know, I know. But this'll be so fun!"

"If you say so," Shadow huffed.

"Don't say that. You're gonna have fun out there too, you know!" Maria beamed. "You'll meet all kinds of new people. Make friends,"

"No,"

"Fall in love,"

"God, no," Shadow wrinkled his nose.

"It's gonna be awesome, Shadow. Just you wait!"

Maria hurried from the hill while Shadow lingered a bit longer. He expected to get plenty of flack from Gerald whenever that old goon caught on. For now, he'd enjoy a feeling of hope that he wouldn't feel for another fifty years.

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Maria moved through the forest with a newfound vigor. Going out into the world was an exciting yet daunting idea. She needed to better understand her own limits, so testing her endurance through spontaneous hiking seemed like a decent idea. She was then brought to look down at her plain dress.

"Maybe I should get a training outfit?"

A fairly wide branch caught her eye, so she brought it up from the ground. After she lined it in a standing position parallel to her body, she noticed it was just a little taller than her. The whole thing wasn't far off from a scythe's handle, so she tried picking it up completely. Holding the stick in both hands made her realize just how heavy it was. She attempted a messy swing, then dropped it accidentally.

"Fighting with a scythe is supposed to be pretty tricky," Maria mumbled. "Good thing Shadow can fight on his own,"

Movement from within the forest made Maria freeze. Fear crept its way into her mind. There was no wildlife of any kind on this island; Gerald made sure of that. Even birds were kept out by the same machine that generated a livable atmosphere for Maria. She knew the noise wasn't caused by Shadow either thanks to a strange energy that drew into the air.

Five people appeared. They were all jackals wearing different variations of dark combat gear. One stood in front of the others. His coat was left partially open, exposing a foggy gem that stuck out of his torso. The man didn't look particularly friendly.