*Cast*

Maria Robotnik - Clara
Shadow the Hedgehog - The Nutcracker/The Prince
Eclipse the Darkling - Mouse King
Amy Rose - Sugar Plum Fairy

*Chapter 1: Christmas Eve Gathering*

In the Space Colony ARK, the family are prepared for this day. It's Christmas Eve, and everyone is very happy and super excited for tomorrow. One family who lives up in the colony are the Robotniks. The eldest who runs the place is Professor Gerald, he is the greatest scientist, and he loves his family very much. Especially one who is very dear to him.
A girl with long blonde hair, blue eyes, is the granddaughter of Gerald. Her name is Maria Robotnik. She was raised in the ARK, but she is not alone. Two friends are with her, a little boy named Abraham Tower, and the oldest teen, Mardic Flynn. Not only they are close friends, they are like family to each other. Since Maria was a baby, Mardic was like a brother to her, and his family babysits Maria while Gerald was busy in his lab. Still, Maria is happy with everyone who took care of her and watch over her. What Maria didn't like about family is her evil cousins who are jealous of her. Ivo and Isabella Robotnik.
Since the space colony is huge, Maria wouldn't have to worry about being around with her cousins for occasions, but she couldn't help but to think that they might run into trouble. They want Maria to come to them, so she can be in trouble instead of them. Maria won't fall for that again.

Maria is walking down the corridors to meet with her grandfather and friends in the grand hall where the feast is taking place in. She is wearing a pink dress, pink flats, and a red headband with a red Christmas flower on it. She is very excited for this day and tomorrow. This year will be the greatest holiday yet.

"Hey Maria! Wait up!" A cry says. Maria turned to see Abraham coming towards her, wearing a blue sweater and jeans.

"Ab, where have you been all day? I've been looking for you." Maria asked.

"I was with my parents. They're busy at the moment in one of the labs, but they will come to the party." Abraham replied. The two walk up to the doors and press the button to have them open. They stepped in, and Maria couldn't believe her eyes. There is a huge Christmas tree down the hall, and there are presents underneath it. Colorful ornaments, candles, and some small toys on the tree. The music is playing the classic Christmas around the hall to keep everyone entertained. Maria and Abraham came up towards the tree with smiles on their faces. They have never seen anything like this. Christmas spirit is in the air.

"Ah, you two finally arrived." Gerald's voice said. Maria turned to see him there with a smile. She gave him a loving hug.

"Oh grandfather, this is so beautiful. I love this tree and everything." She said, looking at the tree. "It's so tall!"

"One of the most tallest trees we ever had than last year." Gerald said. "I'm glad that our friends could find a perfect tree."

"Can we open presents now?!" Abraham asked, cupping his hands together. "Please, please, please!" Maria gave him a warning glare, but hears her grandfather chuckle.

"In a little while, my boy. We have some families coming." Gerald told him. Maria giggled a bit. As the professor left the two alone, Maria felt something hit on the back of her head.

"Ow!" She winced. The little black cannon ball rolls by her feet. She turned around as she rubs the back of her head, and there is a boy who is around Maria's age with glasses on, and brown hair. He chuckled at Maria who glared at him. "Why'd you do that for, Ivo?"

"I want to show you my new toy, Maria." Ivo said, taking out a toy cannon with small black balls. "Man, do those things really hurt you?"

"Yes. You shot me." Maria said, rubbing her head with a look. "Go pick on someone else."

"Yeah." Abraham said with a nod. "It's Christmas Eve. Show some respect!" Ivo rolled his eyes and walk away from them. Maria rubs her head a bit.

"Geez, he and Bella are trouble alright." Mardic's voice said. Abraham and Maria look up to see him there, wearing a white sweater and jeans. "But, we got two days left, and they will leave. But, they will coming again next year. Like every year."

"I don't see why they don't like me. My aunt doesn't like me, but...my uncle likes me. He's my father's brother after all." Maria said. "What have I done wrong? I haven't anything bad to them, have I?" Abraham and Mardic shook their heads at her. Maria sighed a bit.

"Hey, as long as I'm here, Maria, they won't get to you." Mardic said with a smile. Maria thanked him. Then, Gerald announces everyone that dinner will be served soon. Maria, Mardic, and Abraham went down to get by the tree. Maria then found a present that is for her. A red paper wrap with a white ribbon, and a tag with Maria's name on it. The girl smiled excitedly. Wonder what's inside the present?

"Ah, ah, ah." Gerald said behind her. "No peeking, dear."

"I'm not. But, I'm so excited. I wonder what it is." Maria said, giggling.

"After dinner, you and the kids will open presents." Gerald said. Maria stepped away from the presents and look at the tree's decorations. Gerald smiled at her. He loves to see her happy.
On the other side of the hall, a woman with short red/orange hair, wearing a green dress, watches Gerald with the children. She sneers as Maria wanders around the tree and presents. A man with short hair came towards her with a glass of wine.

"Here you are, dear." He said.

"Hmph." The woman murmured.

"What's the matter, Greta?"

"Mark, that girl is such a pain to me." The woman said. "What did your father see in that girl? Clearly her parents are dead, and she is happy to this day."

"Greta, it's Christmas Eve." Mark said. "Please, don't bring the hatred. Maria is our niece. She has a rare disease, you know that?"

"She's your niece, dear!" Greta said with a tone. "And of course she has a disease! She won't live for long..." They continue to watch Maria hanging out with Mardic and Abraham. Greta took a sip of her drink. "Stupid girl."
From behind the tree, Maria watches her evil aunt. She gulped a bit. She hid behind the tree again, holding her chest with both hands. Why can't she have a nice holiday with no hate from her cousins and aunt?