Disclaimer: I don't own Shadow or Maria, nor do I own the song (a slightly altered version of Christina Rossetti's Remember.)

"Give them a chance... to be happy." Shadow... it's too late for me. Go on without me.

Remember me, when I am gone away,

Gone far away, into the silent land;

All I ask is that you remember me. Remember all of the good times we shared. Remember the way that I looked at you, that you looked at me. Remember how much I loved you. Please, if nothing else, remember how much I loved you.

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

I will be far away from you, it's true. I can't deny that, as much as I'd like to. You won't be able to hold my hand any longer, that is true as well. But I'll always stay in your heart, if you hold on to those memories. And no matter what, you'll be in my heart. I promise you that.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me, you understand

We once had plans to go to Earth together. Do you remember them? To see the sights, to live a real life? We don't have to plan anymore. Don't you understand? You can do that now. You can live our dreams. Doesn't that make you happy? No, I guess it wouldn't right now. But it makes me happy. I wish you could know that.

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

But if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve.

I promise that I won't be angry at you if you forget me for a time. I know that you'll remember me again someday, and until that day I'll keep our memories for you. I'll harbor them until you're ready again.

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Don't hate the Earth because of me. Believe me, that is not what I want. Not at all. I want you to love the Earth because of me. I want you to love it because, although it is flawed, there are good people in it. One good person is stronger than hundreds of bad ones. Just like all the hate in that big world cannot destroy the love that I have for you.

Than that you remember me (you understand)

Keep this in mind as I depart: Remember life; not death. Remember good; not evil. Remember love; not hate.

Than that you remember me, and be sad.

I have to leave now, but I'll be with you forever. I love you.
"Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."