Shadow & Sonic (Full)

Holiday Shopping

It is early afternoon, on a weekend before Thanksgiving, and a chill breeze enters Station Square, carrying snowflake-filled clouds. Illuminating the darkened sky are skyscrapers, and people hanging holiday lights on the local mall, prepared for the upcoming season.

Ready to beat the crowds, Shadow hustles towards the shopping district for early Christmas shopping.

Sonic manages to catch up to him, "It seems we had the same idea. Mind if I tag along?" "No, I don't mind.", Shadow welcomes him, but he now wonders how to keep his presents for him a secret. "I planned for this for weeks, so I refuse to have this spoiled, but I don't want to make him leave.", he thinks. "What are you planning on buying today?", he asks. "Let's see: a toolbox for Tails, maybe a snow globe for Knuckles, a new bracelet for Amy...", Sonic lists. "You've come prepared.", Shadow compliments, playfully thinking, "You're not the only one!"

"Thanks."

"About Amy, when are you going to confess that you have similar feelings for her?", Shadow plays.

"Wh-what?", Sonic stutters, "What gave you that idea?"

"Oh, never mind."

A young woman walks past the duo and whispers to her friend, "Aren't those the two the ones who released a debut album last month?" "Yes, I think they titled it Planet's Axis.", he whispers back. Sonic perks his ears up, leaning them towards the whispers. He softly chuckles, realizing his increasing fame.

Soon, it is sunset. Shadow exits the check-out lane. Sonic, tapping his foot, is relieved. "Boy, you take a while to shop. You must've bought presents for everyone.", he playfully laments.

"I know you're joking but, yes, I did purchase presents for everyone."

"Cool! ...Heh. You're worse than Amy."

Shadow rolls his eyes, but smirks, slightly humored by this.

"Can I help you carry those?", Sonic offers.

"I would appreciate that."