Back to the present, in the cottage. Sonic has almost finished his story. Mario and his friends don't miss a beat.

- Sonic: The very next day, we started repairing the damage caused by the Eggmos. It took a while, and we even had to stay in Snowcity to celebrate New Year's Eve. But with everyone pulling together, it was quicker than we expected. Then we left.

- Peach: That was a really interesting story, Sonic.

- Silver: The doctor made quite a mess...his toys almost destroyed the world!

- Luigi: Maybe, but you were there to stop him, that's the main thing! And it didn't stop you from having a Merry Christmas!

- Amy: That's right, it was a great evening!

- Sonic: I have to admit that Eggman impressed me at the time. His plan could have worked.

- Mario: I wonder who's more evil...Eggman or Bowser? Bowser also reaches a certain level of cruelty!

- Sonic: Yeah, well, don't expect me to find out who's meaner! We'll be at it for hours!

Everyone starts laughing at this sad truth, some even going mad with laughter. After a few minutes, everyone calms down.

- Mario: So...who's next?

Silence ensues. No one seems to have a clue. Sonic stares at all the guests, then suddenly turns to Shadow, who still hasn't said a word.

- Sonic: By the way...hey, Shad...

Shadow immediately turns to Sonic, his eyes fulled with anger.

- Shadow: Did I ever tell you what I thought about that nickname?

- Sonic: Yeah, but I like it. It suits you perfectly.

Shadow lets out a big sigh of exasperation.

- Sonic: We haven't heard a word from you all evening! You could at least pretend to be interested in our stories!

- Mario: That's right, Shadow. I don't know you very well, and isolating you doesn't help. You could talk to us, if only a little, and we'd get to know you better.

Suddenly, Shadow stands up so abruptly that everyone stands back in surprise.

- Shadow: I don't give a damn about your stories! I don't want to be here talking to you! All I want is to be left alone!

- Sonic: Then why did you even come?

- Shadow: BECAUSE YOU HARASSED ME ON THE PHONE UNTIL I SAID YES !

Sonic then raises his head to the sky and smiles, it seems he'd forgotten that detail.

- Sonic: Oh yeah, that's right...

- Rouge: Shadow, calm down, there's no need to get upset! If we invited you, it's so you can celebrate Christmas with us instead of staying on your own!

- Blaze: Rouge is right! There's nothing sadder than being alone at Christmas!

- Shadow: But I don't want to celebrate Christmas! I hate Christmas!

At these words, everyone looks shocked.

- Amy: How can you say that? Everyone loves Christmas!

- Peach: She's right! Christmas is all about getting together and having a good time!

- Shadow: Shut up! You're getting on my nerves!

- Mario: Don't talk to her like that!

Shadow crosses his arms and doesn't respond to Mario's provocation. Luigi hesitates before asking, at his own risk:

- By the way...why do you hate Christmas?

Shadow takes a few seconds before saying:

- That's none of your business!

- Sonic: Come on, Shad, tell us!

- Silver: If you don't explain, we won't understand!

- Daisy: Yes, that's true!

- Shadow: I'm tired of all of you! I'm getting out of here! I shouldn't have come!

Shadow is about to leave the cottage when Rouge stands in front of him.

- Rouge: Shadow, no! Explain! Explain this to me! You know you can trust me.

Shadow puts his hand on the door handle, then resigns himself. He and Rouge return to the sofa.

- Shadow: Very well, as you wish...

Mario, Sonic and all the others clutch their seats as if about to hear the story of the century.

- Shadow: I'll tell you why I hate Christmas, since you want to know so badly!