Categories > Games > Sonic the Hedgehog > Holiday Blues
Sometimes Christmas isn’t a particularly joyful time of year for some people. Shadow is about to understand why.
0Unrated
Sonia hurriedly slid her cropped hoodie over her thin tank top and rushed to tie the drawstring on her sweatpants.
This had been her routine for a few weeks now and she still hadn’t gotten the hang of it. She slid on her sneakers and hurried out of her room to do a few quick stretches before going out for a morning run.
Sonic and Manic were already up and sitting on their couch. Both of them were scrolling through their phones and drinking coffee. They barely glanced up as Sonia stretched by the door.
Sonia finished stretching and glanced at her brothers. “I’ll be home in a couple of hours.” She said, opening the blinds.
“Why are you so interested in going jogging or whatever all of a sudden?” Sonic asked. “Why can’t you wait until I finish my coffee so you don’t have to go alone?”
Sonia groaned as she saw the new hedgehog neighbor go back inside his house. “Why can’t I ever catch him outside?”
Manic yawned. “Who are we talking about?”
“The cute guy who moved in a month ago.” Sonia replied.
Manic and Sonic gave Sonia blank stares.
“Be specific.” Sonic said. “I don’t pay attention to guys unless I’m fighting them.”
Manic drank some coffee. “Even then I’m not committing their appearance to memory.”
Sonia sighed. “The black and red hedgehog across the street.” She replied. “I keep trying to catch him out on his morning run and I haven’t been able to do that.”
“Uh, he’s kinda rude, Sis.” Manic said, setting his phone down. “I happened to hear him talking to someone outside while washing his sick motorcycle. He sounds like Keanu Reeves and he even had a John Wick shirt. So I stepped over to talk to him.”
“He asked him if anyone had told him he sounded like Keanu Reeves.” Sonic added.
“He rolled his eyes and told me to get lost.” Manic replied.
“Maybe he was having a bad day.” Sonia said, shrugging.
Sonic sipped his coffee. “Well, sis, stalking him like this won’t help you talk to him.” He replied. “Just knock on the door, maybe take a pie and say you’re welcoming him to the neighborhood.”
“Great idea.” Sonia said, hugging Sonic. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re… welcome.” Sonic coughed.
Sonia let Sonic go. “Are you okay?”
Sonic sipped his coffee. “Sis, if you’re gonna impress him, ease up on the perfume.”
“Kinda weird you’re all dressed up just to go running, sis.” Manic said.
Sonia sat on the arm of the couch. “Are you really trying to help me out or are you trying to sabotage me?”
“Trying to help you.” Manic said. “I’m glad you finally picked a guy that’s cool.”
“Yeah, I don’t like the new hedgehog, but he’s better than Bartleby.” Sonic replied.
Manic finished his coffee. “I’d rather you marry a tree than date Bartleby, sis.”
Sonia got up. “I know. You’ve made your feelings very clear.” She replied. “I’m gonna change clothes.”
Sonia left the room.
Manic looked at Sonic. “Eh, are we sure we don’t want to sabotage this?” He asked. “He might be abusive.”
“If he is, then we’ll handle it.” Sonic replied. “We fight robots every day, how hard could it be to fight the Hot Topic mascot?”
Manic laughed. “Totally.”
*
Shadow dried his spines off after his shower and went to check on Maria before his morning coffee.
Maria was still asleep, snoring lightly.
Shadow stepped over to nudge Maria’s shoulder. “Maria, it’s morning.”
Maria slowly sat up.
Shadow sat down beside her. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m okay, Shadow.” Maria said, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “Just a little groggy, but I don’t feel weak today.”
“Good.” Shadow replied. “Maybe the treatments are helping.”
Shadow helped Maria up and walked her to the kitchen.
“Is Grandfather home yet?” Maria asked.
“His alarm didn’t go off, so he missed his flight.” Shadow replied. “He’ll be home at around one.”
“Great.” Maria said, sitting at the table. “Do you think we can meet the neighbors today?”
Shadow started the coffee maker. “It depends on how you feel later and how any of them feel.”
Maria looked at Shadow as he walked to the fridge. “You know I think it’ll do you some good to make friends.” She replied. “Please don’t say you’re too busy. I don’t want to stop you from being happy.”
Shadow brought Maria a glass of milk. “Who said I wasn’t happy?”
“Thanks, Shadow.” Maria said. She sipped her milk. “No one, but you broke up with Rouge two years ago and you seem kinda lonely.”
“I’m fine, Maria.” Shadow replied. He walked to the cabinet. “I’m focusing on other things right now.”
“How’s school going?” Maria asked.
“Good; I’ll be glad when it’s done.” Shadow replied. “It bores me.”
Maria laughed.
Shadow half smiled. “I’m glad you’re in a good mood today.” He said, putting two servings of oatmeal on the stove.
“I’m feeling much better than I did yesterday.” Maria replied.
Shadow poured coffee into his mug and took a sip. “That’s good.” He said, stirring the oatmeal. “But don’t overdo it. You’re not in remission yet.”
“I won’t.” Maria replied.
*
Sonia (now in a nicer T-shirt dress, leggings, and ankle boots) made her way across the street, to the little walkway of the house.
The hedgehog and a human girl were sitting on the porch.
The girl smiled and brushed her long blonde hair out of her eyes. “Shadow, it’s one of our neighbors.” She said excitedly. She waved. “Hi, neighbor!”
Shadow set his phone down and looked at the girl. “Maria….”
Sonia smiled and waved. “Hi, I’m Sonia from across the street.”
Shadow stood up. “Are you sick?” He asked. “Is anyone in your house or around you sick?”
Sonia furrowed her brow. “No….”
“He’s only asking because I have NIDS.” Maria said. “He’s a protective little brother.”
Sonia laughed. “I understand.” She replied. “I have an older brother and a younger brother.”
Maria laughed. “Oh, you poor thing.”
Sonia sat down on the porch steps.
“I’m Maria and this is Shadow.” Maria said. “My grandfather Dr. Gerald Robotnik is supposed to be home soon.”
“It’s nice to meet you two.” Sonia replied. “So… Shadow… uhm, my brother Manic said he met you about a week ago. I’m sorry if he annoyed you.”
Maria looked at Shadow. “What happened?”
“You were probably sick that day.” Shadow said. He glanced at Sonia’s house. “Which hedgehog was he? The loud mouth blue one or the weird green one?”
“Shadow.” Maria scolded.
Sonia laughed. “The green one.” She replied. “I’m sorry, both of my brothers are huge Keanu Reeves fans and Manic has worked as a mechanic. He loves motorcycles.”
“Does he have one?” Shadow asked.
“No, not yet.” Sonia replied. “He’s saving up his money for one. He couldn’t get one while we were living at home. Mother wouldn’t allow it. I’m saving up for one too.”
Shadow nodded.
“You two would be a cute couple.” Maria said, motioning between Shadow and Sonia.
Shadow’s eyes widened briefly while Sonia blushed.
“Yo, sis!” Manic called.
Maria looked over at Sonia’s house and waved. “Hi, Manic; come on over!”
Shadow sighed.
“Oh, come now, Shadow.” Maria said, playfully nudging Shadow’s elbow. “Your ‘introvert battery’ isn’t completely dead.”
Sonic and Manic walked over.
Manic sneezed into his arm as soon as he reached the porch.
“I thought you said no one was sick.” Shadow snapped.
“He wasn’t sick earlier; I swear.” Sonia said.
Sonic narrowed his eyes.
“I’m not sick.” Manic said, sniffling. He motioned to the flowers near the porch. “Is that lavender?”
“Yeah, why?” Shadow asked.
“I’m allergic.” Manic replied. He walked back to his and his siblings’ house.
“Good.” Shadow said.
“I have NIDS.” Maria said. “He was worried I’d get sick.”
Shadow nodded.
“Oh, it’s cool.” Sonic replied. “Totally understand. I’m sure Manic will too. I’m Sonic by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Sonic.” Maria said. “I’m glad you all came over. I’ve been dying to meet some of our neighbors.”
“Oh, we’ve been wanting to meet you all too.” Sonic replied. “Especially Sonia.”
Sonia elbowed Sonic.
Sonic smirked. “Have you asked him out yet, sis?”
Sonia’s face turned bright red.
Maria laughed. “Well, Shadow?”
Shadow covered his face with his hand.
“Ah, come on, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Sonic said, patting Sonia on the back.
Maria giggled. “I think we teased them enough, Sonic.”
“Right.” Sonic said. “Well, anyway, it’s nice to meet you all. I gotta do my morning run and check up on my buddy Tails. See you at home, sis.”
“See you later, Sonic.” Maria replied. “Thanks for coming by.”
Sonic waved, then ran off.
“Looks like he’s as fast as you are, Shadow.” Maria said, getting up. “I’ll let you two talk.”
Maria headed back inside.
Sonia bit her lip.
“So is that why you’re here?” Shadow asked.
Sonia looked at Shadow. “What? Oh… yeah….”
“I should be free on Friday, but that can change depending on how Maria is feeling.” Shadow replied.
“Are you the only one taking care of her?” Sonia asked.
“No, Gerald takes care of her too.” Shadow replied. “He’s been out of town for a work convention. We moved here to be closer to his new job and Mobotropolis has the best NIDS treatment center. I’m training at the GUN academy.”
“If you ever need help, we can come by sometimes.” Sonia said.
Shadow thought about it. “Thanks, but you probably don’t have any training to care for her.”
“You couldn’t teach us?” Sonia asked.
“On some things.” Shadow replied.
Sonia nodded. “I understand.”
Shadow glanced at the door.
Sonia pulled her phone out. “We can exchange numbers and you can let me know when you’re free.” She said, “I work on art and music with my brothers, but most of my schedule is pretty open.”
Shadow got his phone out. He and Sonia exchanged numbers before he went back inside and she headed home.
*
Shadow sat down on the couch with Maria.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” Maria said.
“It’s fine.” Shadow replied. “We’re supposed to go out soon.”
“Aww.” Maria said, smiling. “I’m glad. I don’t want you to stop living life because of me, Shadow.”
Shadow pulled out a box of leftover chicken and a bag of salad mix. “I haven’t stopped living my life.” He replied. “I’m still going to school, aren’t I?”
“What happened with Rouge then?” Maria asked.
Shadow sighed. “She left me for another guy.”
Maria frowned. “I am so sorry, Shadow.”
Shadow set the ingredients on the table. “It’s fine. Sonia seems to be more understanding of our situation.”
*
-meanwhile-
Sonia walked into the house.
Manic, who was sitting at his desk as he worked on the design for their new album cover, swiveled his chair to face Sonia.
“So what’s his deal?” Manic asked.
“Maria has NIDS.” Sonia replied. “Shadow thought you were sick. If she gets a bug, her body will basically start attacking itself. She can die from a simple cold. He’s an extremely protective brother.”
Manic rubbed the back of his head. “Oh, man, I feel bad for telling Surge he’s a jerk now.” He said. He picked up his phone and started texting. “So… did you get his number?”
“Yes, we’re gonna go out on Friday, if things go well.” Sonia replied. She squealed. “I’m so excited. He’s so cute.”
“I’m glad you’re happy, sis.” Manic said. “Want to help me with this album cover? I’m getting a little sleepy from the allergy medicine.”
Sonia walked over and sat down. “Sure, little bro.”
This had been her routine for a few weeks now and she still hadn’t gotten the hang of it. She slid on her sneakers and hurried out of her room to do a few quick stretches before going out for a morning run.
Sonic and Manic were already up and sitting on their couch. Both of them were scrolling through their phones and drinking coffee. They barely glanced up as Sonia stretched by the door.
Sonia finished stretching and glanced at her brothers. “I’ll be home in a couple of hours.” She said, opening the blinds.
“Why are you so interested in going jogging or whatever all of a sudden?” Sonic asked. “Why can’t you wait until I finish my coffee so you don’t have to go alone?”
Sonia groaned as she saw the new hedgehog neighbor go back inside his house. “Why can’t I ever catch him outside?”
Manic yawned. “Who are we talking about?”
“The cute guy who moved in a month ago.” Sonia replied.
Manic and Sonic gave Sonia blank stares.
“Be specific.” Sonic said. “I don’t pay attention to guys unless I’m fighting them.”
Manic drank some coffee. “Even then I’m not committing their appearance to memory.”
Sonia sighed. “The black and red hedgehog across the street.” She replied. “I keep trying to catch him out on his morning run and I haven’t been able to do that.”
“Uh, he’s kinda rude, Sis.” Manic said, setting his phone down. “I happened to hear him talking to someone outside while washing his sick motorcycle. He sounds like Keanu Reeves and he even had a John Wick shirt. So I stepped over to talk to him.”
“He asked him if anyone had told him he sounded like Keanu Reeves.” Sonic added.
“He rolled his eyes and told me to get lost.” Manic replied.
“Maybe he was having a bad day.” Sonia said, shrugging.
Sonic sipped his coffee. “Well, sis, stalking him like this won’t help you talk to him.” He replied. “Just knock on the door, maybe take a pie and say you’re welcoming him to the neighborhood.”
“Great idea.” Sonia said, hugging Sonic. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re… welcome.” Sonic coughed.
Sonia let Sonic go. “Are you okay?”
Sonic sipped his coffee. “Sis, if you’re gonna impress him, ease up on the perfume.”
“Kinda weird you’re all dressed up just to go running, sis.” Manic said.
Sonia sat on the arm of the couch. “Are you really trying to help me out or are you trying to sabotage me?”
“Trying to help you.” Manic said. “I’m glad you finally picked a guy that’s cool.”
“Yeah, I don’t like the new hedgehog, but he’s better than Bartleby.” Sonic replied.
Manic finished his coffee. “I’d rather you marry a tree than date Bartleby, sis.”
Sonia got up. “I know. You’ve made your feelings very clear.” She replied. “I’m gonna change clothes.”
Sonia left the room.
Manic looked at Sonic. “Eh, are we sure we don’t want to sabotage this?” He asked. “He might be abusive.”
“If he is, then we’ll handle it.” Sonic replied. “We fight robots every day, how hard could it be to fight the Hot Topic mascot?”
Manic laughed. “Totally.”
*
Shadow dried his spines off after his shower and went to check on Maria before his morning coffee.
Maria was still asleep, snoring lightly.
Shadow stepped over to nudge Maria’s shoulder. “Maria, it’s morning.”
Maria slowly sat up.
Shadow sat down beside her. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m okay, Shadow.” Maria said, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “Just a little groggy, but I don’t feel weak today.”
“Good.” Shadow replied. “Maybe the treatments are helping.”
Shadow helped Maria up and walked her to the kitchen.
“Is Grandfather home yet?” Maria asked.
“His alarm didn’t go off, so he missed his flight.” Shadow replied. “He’ll be home at around one.”
“Great.” Maria said, sitting at the table. “Do you think we can meet the neighbors today?”
Shadow started the coffee maker. “It depends on how you feel later and how any of them feel.”
Maria looked at Shadow as he walked to the fridge. “You know I think it’ll do you some good to make friends.” She replied. “Please don’t say you’re too busy. I don’t want to stop you from being happy.”
Shadow brought Maria a glass of milk. “Who said I wasn’t happy?”
“Thanks, Shadow.” Maria said. She sipped her milk. “No one, but you broke up with Rouge two years ago and you seem kinda lonely.”
“I’m fine, Maria.” Shadow replied. He walked to the cabinet. “I’m focusing on other things right now.”
“How’s school going?” Maria asked.
“Good; I’ll be glad when it’s done.” Shadow replied. “It bores me.”
Maria laughed.
Shadow half smiled. “I’m glad you’re in a good mood today.” He said, putting two servings of oatmeal on the stove.
“I’m feeling much better than I did yesterday.” Maria replied.
Shadow poured coffee into his mug and took a sip. “That’s good.” He said, stirring the oatmeal. “But don’t overdo it. You’re not in remission yet.”
“I won’t.” Maria replied.
*
Sonia (now in a nicer T-shirt dress, leggings, and ankle boots) made her way across the street, to the little walkway of the house.
The hedgehog and a human girl were sitting on the porch.
The girl smiled and brushed her long blonde hair out of her eyes. “Shadow, it’s one of our neighbors.” She said excitedly. She waved. “Hi, neighbor!”
Shadow set his phone down and looked at the girl. “Maria….”
Sonia smiled and waved. “Hi, I’m Sonia from across the street.”
Shadow stood up. “Are you sick?” He asked. “Is anyone in your house or around you sick?”
Sonia furrowed her brow. “No….”
“He’s only asking because I have NIDS.” Maria said. “He’s a protective little brother.”
Sonia laughed. “I understand.” She replied. “I have an older brother and a younger brother.”
Maria laughed. “Oh, you poor thing.”
Sonia sat down on the porch steps.
“I’m Maria and this is Shadow.” Maria said. “My grandfather Dr. Gerald Robotnik is supposed to be home soon.”
“It’s nice to meet you two.” Sonia replied. “So… Shadow… uhm, my brother Manic said he met you about a week ago. I’m sorry if he annoyed you.”
Maria looked at Shadow. “What happened?”
“You were probably sick that day.” Shadow said. He glanced at Sonia’s house. “Which hedgehog was he? The loud mouth blue one or the weird green one?”
“Shadow.” Maria scolded.
Sonia laughed. “The green one.” She replied. “I’m sorry, both of my brothers are huge Keanu Reeves fans and Manic has worked as a mechanic. He loves motorcycles.”
“Does he have one?” Shadow asked.
“No, not yet.” Sonia replied. “He’s saving up his money for one. He couldn’t get one while we were living at home. Mother wouldn’t allow it. I’m saving up for one too.”
Shadow nodded.
“You two would be a cute couple.” Maria said, motioning between Shadow and Sonia.
Shadow’s eyes widened briefly while Sonia blushed.
“Yo, sis!” Manic called.
Maria looked over at Sonia’s house and waved. “Hi, Manic; come on over!”
Shadow sighed.
“Oh, come now, Shadow.” Maria said, playfully nudging Shadow’s elbow. “Your ‘introvert battery’ isn’t completely dead.”
Sonic and Manic walked over.
Manic sneezed into his arm as soon as he reached the porch.
“I thought you said no one was sick.” Shadow snapped.
“He wasn’t sick earlier; I swear.” Sonia said.
Sonic narrowed his eyes.
“I’m not sick.” Manic said, sniffling. He motioned to the flowers near the porch. “Is that lavender?”
“Yeah, why?” Shadow asked.
“I’m allergic.” Manic replied. He walked back to his and his siblings’ house.
“Good.” Shadow said.
“I have NIDS.” Maria said. “He was worried I’d get sick.”
Shadow nodded.
“Oh, it’s cool.” Sonic replied. “Totally understand. I’m sure Manic will too. I’m Sonic by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Sonic.” Maria said. “I’m glad you all came over. I’ve been dying to meet some of our neighbors.”
“Oh, we’ve been wanting to meet you all too.” Sonic replied. “Especially Sonia.”
Sonia elbowed Sonic.
Sonic smirked. “Have you asked him out yet, sis?”
Sonia’s face turned bright red.
Maria laughed. “Well, Shadow?”
Shadow covered his face with his hand.
“Ah, come on, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Sonic said, patting Sonia on the back.
Maria giggled. “I think we teased them enough, Sonic.”
“Right.” Sonic said. “Well, anyway, it’s nice to meet you all. I gotta do my morning run and check up on my buddy Tails. See you at home, sis.”
“See you later, Sonic.” Maria replied. “Thanks for coming by.”
Sonic waved, then ran off.
“Looks like he’s as fast as you are, Shadow.” Maria said, getting up. “I’ll let you two talk.”
Maria headed back inside.
Sonia bit her lip.
“So is that why you’re here?” Shadow asked.
Sonia looked at Shadow. “What? Oh… yeah….”
“I should be free on Friday, but that can change depending on how Maria is feeling.” Shadow replied.
“Are you the only one taking care of her?” Sonia asked.
“No, Gerald takes care of her too.” Shadow replied. “He’s been out of town for a work convention. We moved here to be closer to his new job and Mobotropolis has the best NIDS treatment center. I’m training at the GUN academy.”
“If you ever need help, we can come by sometimes.” Sonia said.
Shadow thought about it. “Thanks, but you probably don’t have any training to care for her.”
“You couldn’t teach us?” Sonia asked.
“On some things.” Shadow replied.
Sonia nodded. “I understand.”
Shadow glanced at the door.
Sonia pulled her phone out. “We can exchange numbers and you can let me know when you’re free.” She said, “I work on art and music with my brothers, but most of my schedule is pretty open.”
Shadow got his phone out. He and Sonia exchanged numbers before he went back inside and she headed home.
*
Shadow sat down on the couch with Maria.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” Maria said.
“It’s fine.” Shadow replied. “We’re supposed to go out soon.”
“Aww.” Maria said, smiling. “I’m glad. I don’t want you to stop living life because of me, Shadow.”
Shadow pulled out a box of leftover chicken and a bag of salad mix. “I haven’t stopped living my life.” He replied. “I’m still going to school, aren’t I?”
“What happened with Rouge then?” Maria asked.
Shadow sighed. “She left me for another guy.”
Maria frowned. “I am so sorry, Shadow.”
Shadow set the ingredients on the table. “It’s fine. Sonia seems to be more understanding of our situation.”
*
-meanwhile-
Sonia walked into the house.
Manic, who was sitting at his desk as he worked on the design for their new album cover, swiveled his chair to face Sonia.
“So what’s his deal?” Manic asked.
“Maria has NIDS.” Sonia replied. “Shadow thought you were sick. If she gets a bug, her body will basically start attacking itself. She can die from a simple cold. He’s an extremely protective brother.”
Manic rubbed the back of his head. “Oh, man, I feel bad for telling Surge he’s a jerk now.” He said. He picked up his phone and started texting. “So… did you get his number?”
“Yes, we’re gonna go out on Friday, if things go well.” Sonia replied. She squealed. “I’m so excited. He’s so cute.”
“I’m glad you’re happy, sis.” Manic said. “Want to help me with this album cover? I’m getting a little sleepy from the allergy medicine.”
Sonia walked over and sat down. “Sure, little bro.”
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