It was Christmas time once again. Cream, who was now eight, had sat down on the steps to Sonic's house along with some of her friends. She was happy that the most magical time of the year was here once again and had a hard time hiding her excitement. Shadow was to her left, talking to October who kept making remarks as he spoke. To her right was Sonic, Tails, and Winter. They talked amongst themselves about how low the city's crime rate had fallen and that they barely even have to fight any bad guys at all. Cream closed her eyes and then suddenly, she had a thought.

Whatever happened to Mephiles and Iris? They haven't visited me in about seven months. Do they want nothing to do with me anymore? I didn't do anything wrong…. Did I?

As the small rabbit pondered about that, as if to answer her back, the wind started to blow about violently as a deep chill permeated the air. Since it was winter, the sun started to set sooner and sooner and the air got colder and colder. Cream pulled up her collar as October and Winter shot straight up suddenly as two dark figures appeared on the horizon. The heroes all stiffly got up off the ground and stood fast. Once the sunsets colors had completely been replaced with the black of night, the figures got ever closer and they started to glow with blue and purple hues.

"What? Who are they?" Sonic said as Shadow shook his head.

"You know exactly whom, Sonic. We've had to deal a lot with them lately." Shadow said as automatically his hand reached for his pistol at his side.

The figures stopped just thirty feet short of them and it was clear as day who they were.

"Mr. Mephiles, Ms. Iris what are you doing here? You put my other friends on edge." Cream said as Cheese shivered, hiding in her coat hood.

"We are not here to bother them. We come in regards to you, and our children." Mephiles says as he points around to October and Winter.

"Okay? I can see you wanting them but, why me?" Cream asks as she points to herself.

"Cream, you are my beloved little friend. Of course I would come for you too." Iris says as she shakes the snow off of her parasol. "We've come to personally invite you to a Christmas feast tonight."

"I thought you didn't celebrate Christmas because of… reasons." Cream said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Well thanks to you inviting us to participate in these festive activities a couple of years ago, Iris and myself have decided to give this a try ourselves. So now we will return the favor. It's being hosted at Iris' cave so just make sure you'll be able to get in safely. Better yet, wait on the ridge so she can fly you up." Mephiles says. "You do remember where she lives, right?"

"I do… umm… okay Mr. Mephiles I'll see you there then." Cream responds back still a little confused at this situation she now finds herself in.

Oh, and do tell Winter and October where it is located as well. Just not anybody else, okay?

Mephiles tells her telepathically. Cream gives a small nod in response.

"Goodbye children, Cream. Hope to see you tonight." Iris says as she ignores the others that are around.

Then as soon as they came, they leave. Leaving no footprints in the snow that they were even there. Cream holds Cheese within her arms as the little Chao stops shaking and nestles against her. October and Winter show each other passing glances of worry.

"What did he tell you?" Shadow asked concernedly as he grabbed Cream's arm.

"Did you not hear them, Mr. Shadow? They wanted…"

"No." Shadow says as he grips her harder. "What did HE tell you?"

"Nothing important. Please let go."

Shadow squints hard as he lets he go. October comes over as Shadow walks away.

"I don't know what their up to, but I do not like it. Watch out for Cream would you?" Shadow tells October as she nods. "Good."

October stands besides Cream as Cream huffs. "He is ridiculous."

"That's just him being concerned. Don't' worry about it, he's a lot worse about it with me. But really Cream, I know they are my parents and your friends, but seriously be careful. I love my parents in my own way, but they can be… dangerous. I know. Okay? Why don't I leave with you tonight. Keep you warm if nothing else." October says as she play shoves her.

Cream smiles. "Okay October." Cream says as Winter shoots his sister one last concerned look. October sighs.