The sun had set in the early hours of the evening. The Sonic Team were hanging around the Common Areas of the castle, decorating the rooms with Christmas decorations. Isaac was practicing using his pyrokinetic powers on the large fireplace, extinguishing the fire and reigniting it over and over again. Blaze, while helping Silver with hanging ornaments on one of the trees, had a silent vigil over Isaac's practice. She knew that pyrokinetic powers are naturally unstable, but she also knew that Isaac was unwilling to push himself further than lighting the fireplace. Almost like he wanted to hide it.
"Isaac! Need a little help over here!" Sonic yelled, carrying a large box of decorations.
Isaac stopped practicing, leaving the fireplace ignited. He rushed over to Sonic, grabbing the box, and lifting it away from Sonic. Isaac set it down in the middle of the room, standing up straight.
"Man, didn't realize you were able to carry it yourself. Maybe you should've helped us bring the decorations down from the storage room." Sonic said.
Isaac smiled, nodding.
"I would have, but my priority to the welfare of Sally comes first. Wherever she goes, I go." Isaac responded.
Hmm, yeah. Hey, is true, though?" Sonic asked.
"What is true?" Isaac asked.
"That personal guards sleep in the same room as the people they're protecting. Do you do that?" Sonic asked.
Isaac shook his head, clearing his throat.
"No. I sleep in my quarters during the night and I wake up at sunrise to perform my duties. But they are always guards in front of her chambers during the night." Isaac answered.
"Makes sense. Only reason I was asking was because Tails mentioned it. He told me you were hanging out in her room, so I just figured I'd ask." Sonic said, crouching down to the box of decorations.
Isaac wasn't defensive about his being in her chambers. He knew that the only person who would suspect him of anything at this point was Gregory, and as far as he knew, Gregory wasn't going to attempt to persuade anyone of any possible wrongdoings. Isaac crouched down to the box, opening it. There were more ornaments, garlands, ribbons, and a few sprigs of fake holly. But in the center of the box was a fake plant with white berries instead of red. The moment Sonic noticed it, he quickly grabbed it and hid it in his glove. Despite Sonic's speed, Isaac's eyes were trained to notice the slightest of movements. And he could tell the slightest deformity of Sonic's glove was evidence of this.
"I did not know you like mistletoe so much." Isaac commented.
Sonic shushed him, looking around.
"Don't say anything! If Amy finds out, she's going to wear it in her hair! She did it last year, and I had to almost avoid her because of it!" Sonic whispered.
Isaac lifted his eyebrows, surprised by Sonic's willingness to avoid Amy because of a little plant.
"You will avoid her because of a little fake plant?" Isaac asked.
Sonic rolled his eyes, realizing Isaac doesn't know what mistletoe means around Christmastime. Sonic reached into his glove and produced the sprig of mistletoe, giving it to him.
"Here, show it to one of the girls. They'll let you know." Sonic said, hinting at something.
Isaac put the mistletoe in his pocket, proceeding to grab a few of the decorations from the box and hang them up. After hanging one of the stockings above the mantel, Isaac felt a tug at his shirt. He looked down, seeing Lily holding a Christmas tree topper. It was a porcelain angel, dressed in a white gown, wearing a silver crown.
"Can you help me get it on the tree?" She asked.
"Sure! I will have you near the top in a moment." Isaac responded.
Picking Lily up, he hoisted her onto his shoulders, walking to the tree. After helping her stand on his shoulders, she gently placed the topper on the tree, plugging it in with the rest of the lights. After placing Lily back on the floor, Tails plugged the lights in, illuminating the tree.
"Alright, the Common Room is done!" Tails exclaimed.
"Hod it! We're missing something!" Amy interjected, looking in the box.
"No, we're not." Sonic said, attempting to dissuade Amy.
"Yes, we are! It's the mistletoe! It's not Christmas without it!" Amy said.
Isaac felt the mistletoe in his pocket, wondering if he should give it to Amy. But judging by Sonic's attempts to prevent its discovery, he must not like the tradition it's associated with.
"Amy, if I may ask, what tradition is mistletoe part of?" Isaac asked.
Amy giggled, as if not believing Isaac's question.
"That's easy! If someone stands under it, then you have to kiss them! And I'm first one to use it every year!" She explained, shifting her eyes to Sonic.
Isaac could tell that Sonic was on the brink of breaking out in a sweat. Isaac could tell that Amy liked Sonic. Actually, that'd be an understatement. Isaac could tell she really liked him! Isaac walked to one of the stockings, acting like he saw something inside of it. He discreetly took the mistletoe out of his pocket and put his hand into the stocking, and then taking out.
"Amy, I found the mistletoe. It was in one of the stockings. Here!" Isaac said, tossing it to her.
"Dude!" Sonic exclaimed, shocked that Isaac decided to give it to Amy.
Amy quickly snatched it and placed it above her head. She proceeded to walk to Sonic, who responded by running from her and out the Common Room door. Amy proceeded to run after him.
"Sonic! Come on! You can't run from me everywhere! I will find somewhere you can't run from me!" She shouted, still running after him.
Isaac chuckled, walking over to the others.
"Amy's never going to quit, is she?" Sally asked, laughing.
"Five years and counting. But Amy's gonna get a kiss, one way or another." Rouge responded.
Isaac saw the slightest movement from Rouge's hand. She had something in her hand. And judging by Rouge's attempts to conceal it, it didn't belong to her.
"Put it back." Isaac said.
Rouge looked at him, as if she didn't understand him.
"What?" She asked.
"The ornament in your hand… put it back." Isaac clarified, his voice becoming stern.
"What are you talking about?!" Rouge asked, as if she was surprised.
"Rouge, come on! You do this every year. Put it back before Isaac gets angry. And trust me, you don't want to see him angry!" Sally warned.
Reluctantly, Rouge revealed the ornament, a silver and gold snowflake. She put it back on the tree, right under the string of bells.
"Thank you. Oh, and Lily, here." Isaac said, reaching behind his head.
Isaac pulled his sword out of its scabbard, slowly. The polished blade reflected Rouge's face, a look of shock and realization. He carefully handed it to Lily, the blade longer than she was tall.
"Use my sword to cut that log over there." Isaac instructed, pointing to the logs next to the fireplace.
Taking the handle, Lily hoisted it above her head, walking over to the logs. Now, Lily wasn't as strong as Isaac. But Isaac kept his blades sharp! So sharp, he knew that it could slice through a tree without catching! And not to mention, his mother's technique in blade hardening ensured his blades would be able to withstand almost anything without chipping or rolling. Swinging it over her head, she hit directly center of the end of the log, effortlessly splitting it in half! She returned it to Isaac, who promptly put the blade back in its scabbard. Isaac looked back at Rouge, who looked near terrified.
"If you thought that was scary, just remember, I'm the one that taught her." Isaac said, walking out of the Common Room.
As Isaac was walking, he heard quick footsteps behind him. He didn't pay them any mind, at least, until he felt a hand grab his shoulder and spin him around!
"Alright, what was that?!" Knuckles asked, sounding furious.
"I did what was required of my job." Isaac answered, turning around again.
Knuckles grabbed his shoulder again and spun him round harder.
"Threatening her is a funny way of protecting Sally!" Knuckles responded.
"My job is to protect the Royal Family, including their possessions. I did not call her out to be a thief, but I did what was required of me! Deterring her from attempting it again! I cannot tolerate such behavior here!" Isaac defended, turning himself around.
Isaac began walking, before seeing someone running towards him. It was Sonic, who was constantly looking behind him. Sonic stopped in front of Isaac, looking around.
"Isaac, hide me for a bit! Amy is still hot on my trail!" Sonic said, panicking.
"Sonic, this can end by one simple action." Isaac said.
"No way! Not this year!" Sonic exclaimed.
"Then when? Do you really believe Amy will stop? I do not know how to tell you this, but she is in love with you. Do you really not feel any affection towards her?" Isaac asked.
Instead of an explanation, Sonic attempted to respond, but could only make stutters. While Isaac wasn't experienced in relationships, he knew when someone had conflicting feelings. And Sonic was a classic case.
"If you are not going to give me a clear answer… then hide in the storage closet. I will deter Amy if I see her." Isaac said.
Sonic quickly opened the door and filed in, closing it.
"Are you really going to keep Amy away from him?" Knuckles asked.
Isaac chuckled, before responding with a 'no'. Suddenly, Amy appeared in the hallway, running. She was looking around, obviously still looking for Sonic. She had the mistletoe in her hair, just as Sonic described what had happened last year. She stopped at Isaac, panting.
"Isaac, did you see Sonic?" She panted, struggling to catch her breath.
Isaac cleared his throat, making sure he was loud enough for Sonic to hear him.
"Sorry, Amy. I did not see Sonic. Best to keep looking elsewhere." Isaac loudly said.
Quickly, he removed his cloak and put it on Amy, pulling the hood up.
"Keep your head down. Do not say anything until the door is closed behind you. And keep the cloak closed. He will not be able to see who you are. When you close and lock the door behind you, then you will have him. Here is the key." Isaac instructed, before handing Amy a key and walking to the door.
Isaac knocked loudly, having Amy right in front of the storage door.
"Who is it?" Sonic asked.
"It is me. Quickly, let me in. Amy is bound to come back around." Isaac said, before hiding behind the blind spot.
Amy quickly bowed her head, concealing her identity. While Amy was significantly shorter than Isaac, Sonic, in his panicked state, may not make the distinction until it's too late. Sonic cracked the door, looking out. All he saw was someone in a ranger cloak, with the hood up.
"Quick, get in!" Sonic said, grabbing Amy's shoulder and pulling her in.
As soon as the door was closed, the sound of the tumbler locking was evident. Isaac and Knuckles could hear Sonic talking.
"Okay, by the way, thanks Isaac. Alright, so… AMY?! WAIT, NOT HERE!" Sonic exclaimed, before attempting to open the door.
"Merry Christmas, Sonic!" Amy exclaimed.
The only sounds Isaac and Knuckles could hear were Sonic's protests and a storm of kisses from Amy. Knuckles was laughing uproariously, clutching his stomach.
"I can't breathe! Oh man, that was too perfect!" Knuckles exclaimed, still laughing uncontrollably.
Isaac couldn't help but join in the laughter. But Isaac wasn't laughing because of the trick he pulled on Sonic. Instead, he was laughing because of the fact that Amy got her Christmas wish.
"Reset the counter!" Isaac yelled, which only caused Knuckles to laugh harder.
Isaac and Knuckles entered the Common Room, where the others were relaxing. Sally had broken out an old record player, putting on a record. The first song was 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' by Brenda Lee. Isaac had never heard it before, but he could tell that Sally liked the song. She smiled a bit, enjoying the song. She looked at Isaac, who she noticed was tapping his foot. She giggled, an idea popping into her head. She quickly ran to Isaac, grabbing his hands. She pulled him into the center of the room.
"What is happening?" Isaac asked.
"Come on, dance with me!" Sally said, smiling.
Isaac blushed brightly, feeling his face heating up!
"Dance?! N-no, no, I-I do not know how!" Isaac said, trying to get away.
"It's easy! Here, I'll lead!" Sally said, refusing to let go.
After a few moments of reluctance, Sally was soon able to get Isaac to try dancing with her. Soon, Isaac was having fun with it, twirling her around. At the times Isaac picked her up, she did somersaults, as if floating in air. As soon as the song ended, Isaac was breathing a bit hard, some sweat on his forehead. Applause from the others were noted.
"That was more enjoyable than I thought that it was going to be." Isaac responded, wiping his forehead with his sleeve.
"Well, you looked like you were having fun!" A familiar voice said.
Isaac looked back, seeing King Nigel in the doorway, using a cane instead of his wheelchair. He was smiling, his teeth visible from his smile. He walked in, a slight spring in his step.
"Reminds me of when I was a young man! You know, your mother and I used to dance in here when we were much younger! Same record, too!" Nigel said, sitting himself down near the fireplace.
"Are you feeling better, Mr. Nigel?" Cream asked.
He nodded, laughing.
"Much, much better, little lady! Doctor's trying to tell me to take it slow, but I've been in that chair for too long! Good to be moving about!" Nigel said, tapping his cane on the floor.
"Dad, you really should listen to him. I don't want you to get injured again!" Sally said, walking over to her father.
"Ah, don't worry about me! It's Christmas! Well, still got a few days, but it's close enough!" Nigel said, getting up.
"Oh, by the way, has anyone seen Sonic? I need someone to run something to the marketplace, but I'm not ready to walk all the way there, yet." Nigel said.
Remembering where Sonic was, and in addition, Amy, Isaac knew that Sonic would be willing to go the trip to get away from Amy.
"I will find him, sir. Just tell me what you need him to do and I will ensure he knows." Isaac said.
"Good, good. A trader from Blizzard Peaks has a large barrel of mead for the Christmas celebrations. I just need someone to go and pay for it so it can be delivered here." Nigel explained.
Isaac nodded, bowing. Nigel bowed as well, using his cane for support. Nigel walked out of the Common Room and down the hall, eventually disappearing out of sight. Isaac ran over to the storage closet, knocking on it.
"Amy, you have had your fun. Now, open up. Sonic needs to go on an errand for King Nigel." Isaac said.
The door cracked open, revealing Amy, still wearing Isaac's cloak. Her cheeks were red, and her hair was a mess.
"Oh, hi Isaac!" She exclaimed, sounding happy.
"Amy. Where is Sonic?" Isaac asked.
"Right here!" Sonic exclaimed, poking his head above Amy's in the doorway.
Sonic had a bunch of lipstick smudges on his face, evidence that Amy didn't relent on her chance at kissing Sonic. But instead of being resentful of Isaac or Amy, Sonic seemed… happy!
"You… got a little something on your face." Isaac said, pointing to his own face.
Sonic grabbed an end of Isaac's cloak and used it to wipe his face, staining it. Isaac sighed, realizing that may never come out.
"Amy, consider the cloak yours. Think of it as a Christmas present, from me to you." Isaac sighed, regretting the choices that led to this.
"Sonic! Oh no! I'm sorry, Isaac! Listen, I'll make you a new one! It's the least I can do!" Amy exclaimed.
"Just… forget it. Sonic, if you can go run this errand for King Nigel, that would be great." Isaac said.
"Yeah, sure thing! What'd you need me to do?" Sonic asked.
"King Nigel ordered a barrel of mead. He needs someone to run over and pick it up." Isaac informed.
"On it!" Sonic said, running out of the closet and out the main door.
Amy walked out of the closet, as if she were walking on air.
"Is it safe to assume your wish was granted?" Isaac asked.
"Like you wouldn't believe! Can I tell you something?" Amy asked.
"Sure." Isaac said.
Amy motioned for him to come closer, to which Isaac complied.
"The moment you left; Sonic kissed me back! He actually said he loved me!" Amy whispered, barely containing her excitement.
Isaac smiled, knowing he was responsible for these two to come together. But Isaac's smile vanished the moment he remembered Sally's secret.
"You don't look very happy about it. Something wrong?" She asked.
Isaac shook his head, standing up straight.
"Nothing to be concerned about. Just… if you would like some advice, I have some." Isaac said.
"Shoot." Amy said, willing to listen.
"Just… take things slow. Good blessings come to those who are patient. Do not make mistakes others have made." Isaac said, before walking away.
"Wait! Here! Looks like I won't be needing this anymore. Best for you to hold onto it, for now." Amy said, handing Isaac the mistletoe.
Isaac promptly put it into his pocket and returned to the Common Room, where Cream was dancing with her mother. Isaac sat down, shaking his head.
"What's wrong, Isaac? You look kinda down." Rouge asked.
"Well, for starters, I lost my favorite cloak." Isaac said.
"Don't worry, Mr. Isaac. We'll help you find it." Cream said.
"No, it is not lost. But it is lost to me. Sonic ruined it." Isaac explained.
"How did he manage to do that?" Silver asked.
"He used it to wipe the lipstick marks off of his face." Isaac said, grinning a bit.
A few of the others laughed, knowing that Amy had a hand in that.
"Looks like Amy got that kiss she wanted." Blaze commented.
As if on cue, Amy walked through the door to the Common Room, her hair straightened out. She was still wearing the cloak.
"You know, I was upset about it earlier, but the cloak actually suits you." Isaac commented.
Amy, smiling, shook her head.
"I think it better suits you, to be honest." Amy responded.
"Well, it is not mine anymore. I doubt the lipstick will wash out." Isaac replied.
"Again, I'm so sorry about that! I'll make you a new cloak! A better cloak!" Amy said, still upset she unintentionally ruined it.
"Amy, I am not upset about it. It is an old cloak. Think nothing about it." Isaac said, getting up and walking to the fireplace.
He grabbed one of the sliced log halves and threw it into the fire, the smell of maple wood becoming evident.
"You know, it's getting pretty late. Maybe we should get ready for bed." Vanilla said, picking up Cream.
"Speaking of which, it's time for bed for you as well, Charmy." Espio said.
"Aw, come on! One more hour?" Charmy whined.
"No way! We know how you get when you're tired! Go to bed!" Vector said, pointing out the door.
Charmy complained as he floated out the door and up the staircase, leading to the guest rooms that King Nigel generously offered to the Sonic Team.
"Yeah, I guess it is getting late. I'll see you guys in the morning." Tails said, walking out the door as well.
One by one, the others bid each other good night before walking up the stairs to their rooms. Eventually, it was only Isaac, Sally, and Amy. Amy had actually attempted to get the lipstick stain out of the cloak, but nothing that was available in the Common Room was working. Soon, Sonic walked past the door, stretching out his back.
"Sonic! Come here!" Amy yelled out, getting Sonic's attention.
Sonic walked back in the door, his face blushing. Sonic, while noting Isaac and Sally were in the room, walked to Amy and sat down next to her. She quickly clung to him; her arms secured around him. Sonic didn't attempt to pry her off as he usually would. In fact, he eventually wrapped his arms around her!
"Well, I'm going to bed. Got a busy day tomorrow. Isaac, if you'll escort me to my room, then you can go to bed as well." Sally said, walking out the door.
"Of course. Good night, Sonic, and Amy. I will see you both tomorrow morning." Isaac said, following Sally.
As soon as Isaac left the room, he could faintly hear Amy kissing Sonic again, but this time, no protests came from Sonic. As Isaac and Sally walked, they decided to talk before bidding each other good night.
"Well, gotta say, this shouldn't be a Christmas we're going to forget, huh?" Sally asked.
"Nope. I will probably remember this for as long as I live. Probably after that." Isaac replied.
Sally smiled, happy that she could bring some joy into Isaac's life.
"Tomorrow is going to be the 22nd. I've been hearing we'll be getting more snow. Maybe you can show us how to make hot chocolate from cocoa beans, like you were talking about earlier." Sally said.
Isaac smiled, nodding.
"I would love that." Isaac said.
Soon, they arrived at Sally's chamber door. Isaac stretched out his arms, feeling tired.
"Before I go, Sally, I think you should hang onto this. Amy gave it back to me after she was done with it." Isaac said, producing the mistletoe from his pocket.
Isaac handed it to Sally, who held it gently in her hand.
"Good night, Sally." Isaac said, before turning to go to his quarters.
"Wait. I have something to give you too, Isaac. But I want it to be a surprise. So, if you close your eyes, I can get it for you." Sally said.
Isaac complied, closing his eyes. After a few seconds, he felt something soft touch the left side of his face. He quickly opened them, seeing Sally giving him a kiss on the cheek, holding the mistletoe above her head. Isaac blushed heavily, feeling his throat go dry. After she kissed him, she handed the mistletoe back to him, smiling.
"Good night, Isaac." She said, before retreating into her chambers, closing the door.