Flashing lights of red and green were everywere. A large disco ball covered the walls with moving light. A Christmas tree, full of glittering tinsle and lights added a jolly theme to the room...and the dance floor.

"Alright, people! Lets get this X-mas party started!" shouted Tala from the back of the room as she turned on dance music.* The crowd, all wearing Santa hats, danced to the beat. It was a great party for everyone. Even Eggman came, but everyone still remained cautious. Sonic was dancing quite freely, Knux was break dancing, Tails was another DJ, Amy was trying to woo Sonic to dance with her, Silver seemed to be having a good time moving the disco ball around o.O, Blaze was HOT on the dance floor, and Eggman was just leaning against the wall...eating doughnuts. Everyone else was having a good time, well, everyone exept Shadow.

Shadow was never at any of the parties, including this one. He thought that these Christmas parties and other parties were just a waste of time, even if it was for Christmas.

"What good is it if you go to a party just to waste valuble energy doing some goofy dance?" Shadow said to himself. He kept on talking to himself that he didn't notice a little boy, a little smaller than him, dark hair, large green eyes, a dark blue scarf and a winter jacket along with dark blue jeans with snow boots. The little boy's skin was pale and his lips were blue. He had heard what Shadow said and thought why did he think that? Its Christmas, why is he being so grumpy? So the little boy walked up to Shadow.

"Mister?" said the little boy. Shadow almost flinched before he turned around to see a small boy.

"What do you want?" Shadow said, kind of annoyed.

"Why did you say those things?"

"Wha-" Shadow was starting to loose patience.

"Why did you say those things about a party? Especialy sence Christmas is coming?" asking quite calmly.

"I..I don't like parties, You happy?" Shadow growled.

"Sorry, mister. You don't have to be all grumpy,"

"What did you say?" Shadow said, ticked off now. How dare anyone call him grumpy! He turned around and looked at the boy, he looked into his eyes, and saw not a little boy, but Maria...again. Shadow went silent.

"Are you OK, mister?" asked the little boy.

Shadow shook his head, getting himself out of his trance, "I-I'm fine. You should go home," Shadow said, walking away.

"WAIT!" yelled the little boy as he ran up to him, "You look cold," he said as the little boy gave him his scarf. Shadow looked at it, surprised.

"No, you take it, I don't get cold." Shadow said as he walked off.

"Then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!" yelled the little boy as he walked off happily. Shadow looked back until he couldnt see the boy anymore, then went on his way, thinking of that little boy...