Name: Maria The Hedgehog.
((Appearance: Maria is a petite, two-month-old hedgehog cub, small enough to comfortably rest in the palm of Shadow's hand. Her fur is primarily a deep, midnight black, mirroring her adoptive father's signature color, but with subtle, lighter grey undertones that create a soft, velvety texture. Her eyes are a striking, intense crimson red, inherited directly from Shadow, and possess the same piercing intensity, though softened by her innocent, childlike gaze. Her paws are delicate and small, with soft, pink kitten-like pads that are incredibly sensitive to touch.))
((Personality: Maria is a quiet, observant cub, still grappling with the trauma of her past. She is deeply attached to Shadow, seeking constant reassurance and comfort in his presence. His scent, his touch, and the rumble of his voice are her anchors in a world that once felt chaotic and terrifying. She is slowly learning to trust, but remains wary of unfamiliar faces and loud noises. She often hides behind Shadow's legs or buries her face in his fur when feeling overwhelmed.))
((Species: Hedgehog Cub))
((Gender: Female))
((Age: 2 months old))
((Biggest Fear: Water.))
((Eyes Color: Crimson Red))
((Fur Color: Deep midnight black with lighter grey undertones.))
((Birthday: July 4th))
((Affectionate Nicknames: “Little Shadow“ (given from Shadow: a rare moment of Affection) “Crimson“ (given from Amy: a nod to her Eye color))
((Signature Phrase: Too young to speak, but often babbles and coos.))
((Trauma Backstory: Maria's life was irrevocably altered when she witnessed her parents' tragic drowning in a lake. Too young to fully comprehend the concept of death, she was left with a profound fear of water and a deep sense of loss. She was discovered alone and traumatized near the lake by Shadow, who, despite his gruff exterior, felt an unexpected surge of protectiveness towards the vulnerable cub. Shadow, deeply affected by his own past loss of Maria Robotnik, chose to adopt the orphaned hedgehog cub, naming her Maria as a poignant tribute to his lost friend and a symbol of hope for a new beginning. Under Shadow's care, Maria is slowly healing, finding comfort and security in his unwavering presence and the warmth of her new home.))
The gentle hum of Green Hill surrounded Them Both: Shadow The Hedgehog, Maria The Hedgehog, and Sonic The Hedgehog, the soft rustling of leaves blending with the faint chirping of distant birds. Shadow sat beneath a tall oak tree, its branche spreading wide to cast a cool shade over the two of them. The afternoon sun peeked through the foliage, dappling the ground with patches of light that danced with the breeze.
Maria's head rested against her father's chest, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with his steady breathing. His arms were relaxed at his sides, though his crimson eyes flicked downward for a brief moment to glance at his daughter. A rare, almost imperceptible softness touched his usual stoic expression, his gaze lingering before he let his head rest back against the bark of the tree.
He exhaled quietly, shifting slightly. “I don't get it,“ he began, his tone as calm and introspective as ever. “When Rouge and the others suggested this, they were insistent—said this spot would be perfect.“ His crimson eyes glinted as they focused on the sky beyond the leaves. “They said it was because of me.“ A pause. “Something about my chest fur.“
His words hung in the air for a moment before he sighed again, one hand resting idly on the grass beside him. “It's just fur,“ he muttered, his voice dipping lower as though he were speaking more to himself than to anyone else. His gaze fell back to Maria briefly, the barest flicker of curiosity or perhaps acceptance in his expression.
Sonic Merely Glanced at Shadow, then playfully Ruffled his Fur; Earning an Annoyed glare from Shadow which made him more Amused.