Almost at dusk...

Sonic and Tails were standing somewhere in the middle of Forest Hill waiting for the others to arrive. The two had met each other when they arrived in Forest Hill at the same time. Right now, Sonic was tapping his foot on the ground, which gives away the sign of his impatience.

Tails was the first one to notice — or rather, hear it — because obviously, he's the only one with him.

"Don't worry, Sonic. I'm sure the others will arrive soon," he reassured him.

A sigh escaped Sonic's mouth. "I hope you're right. Tails."

Then all of a sudden, a familiar optimistic voice popped up out of nowhere. "Well, of course, you're right!"

The two boys whipped their bodies behind them to see Tangle, Amy, Whisper and Belle. Their eyes widened in surprise because they heaed Tangle's voice so suddenly.

"Hey, girls! Right on time!" said Sonic giving then a thumbs up. Then, he asked them in concern, "What happened to Jewel anyway?"

"Well, Jewel decided to stay and watch over the Restoration HQ, but she can watch the whole party online when we're done celebrating!" said Amy.

"Well, that's good! Do you have a camera?" Tails asked Amy.

"Actually, we got our own camera with us!" answered Tangle gesturing to Whisper at the last part.

Whisper let out a light chuckle and her lips stretched out a small smile on her face.

"That's great!" commented Sonic optimistically.

"So, when will the others arrive?" asked Belle.

"Probably right in a few minutes," answered Amy.
Sonic let out a thrilling expression after he heard Belle and Amy's brief conversation, "Wait, our friends are invited too?!"

"Obviously! Even Shadow's invited to join the fun!" answered Tangle.

"I didn't agree to join the party for fun," a familiar deep and serious voice said.

Everyone turned around to see Shadow himself along with Rouge and Omega. His arms were crossed as his serious expression still appeared on his face.

"I only agree because some girl named 'Aleyah' insisted that I should come to the party," he said. Then, he made a thought to himself. And because some part tells me I should come just to meet... her. The "her" Shadow was referring to was none other than Runa.

"This may be the sign of adoration," stated Tails.

"I agree with Tails on this one," said Belle.

Just then, Cream's sweet voice grabbed everyone's else's attention.

"Hi guys! I'm so glad we're not the only ones invited to Runa and Aleyah's birthday party!"

When everyone started hearing the second sentence, everyone turned to see Cream and the rest of her family approaching them.

"Of course! I mean, one of them wants to meet us in person after all", said Tangle.

"It's nice for the sisters to invite us to their birthday party," said Vanilla.

"Chao-chao" Cheese and Chocola beamed in agreement.

"Affirmative," Gemerl agreed.

Just then, someone cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention. They turned to see the Chaotix, who arrived at the cottage in the middle of the conversation.

"Are we interrupting anything?" asked Espio.

Everyone stood there in confusion. Some of their jaws dropped a bit somewhere around one centimeter.

A few moments later, Tangle was the first one to speak up,"Uh... no, you aren't."

Then, Whisper was the first one to notice Knuckles being carried by Silver's psychokinesis. They, along with Blaze arrived to meet up with the others as well. Everyone else had heard Knuckles' grunt and they turned in Whisper's direction to see the whole scene.

When they're now above the others, Silver lowered Knuckles down gently.

"Oh, Silver. I didn't know you received that same invitation," said Sonic.

"Oh, yeah. I received an invitation from the future for some reason. I didn't know why someone named 'Pearla the Hedgehog' sent it there," said Silver.

"Same goes with Silver, except that I heard that I was invited to the party in my dimension from Gardon," said Blaze.

Just as Sonic saw Knuckles, he said to him,"Hey Knux. Glad you came here."

"Well, I was going to the party, but I ran into Silver and Blaze along the way," replied Knuckles.

"Is that everyone?" asked Sonic looking at the others.

"It's settled. Let's go to the cottage," answered Whisper in a usual soft voice.

They all nodded in response as they walked their way towards the cottage.

Meanwhile, in the frontyard of the cottage, Bruce was ontop of the ladder putting the last end of the banner on the pole before him. After that, he climbed down the ladder and turned to Runa with a bright smile on his face.

"Okay! That's the last one!"

The party set was rather simple with a few exquisite elements added there. The table was settled with plates, utensils, napkins and tissues with an orange linen covering the wooden table. Surrounding it were a few more tables considered as serving tables.

One is filled with a mountain of chili dogs with a few additions of Japanese food with them. Another is filled with tropical fruit bowls, the chocolate fountain and a few desserts.

The third one has five bowls. Two were small-sized while the other three were rather medium in size One tray has spaghetti noodles. The second one has spaghetti sauce. The third one was full of creamy mushroom soup.

The fourth happened to be full of pork barbecues while the fifth one was filled with fried chicken. There were also two containers beside them. One contained orange juice and the other was obviously filled with water.

In the middle of the fourth and final table was a simple, rectangular, chocolate birthday cake for both Runa and Aleyah. Surrounding it were game prizes and one special dinner for each of the two girls. And those two special dishes were their favorite foods. For Aleyah, it was Millet Fignon medium-temperatured Steak with savory smoky sauce underneath and it's sprinkled ontop of it. It also had a pinch of leaves on the very top center as a decoration. For Runa, it was a handful-sized bowl filled with milky and creamy soup.

Lastly, surrounding the whole party setup were poles. And attached between each other were banners. Patterned with yellow and magenta. On the front part of the cottage was a banner that says "Happy Birthday Runa & Aleyah."

As Runa and the five chao looked at the whole setup, she became sweat-dropped as she felt like they're over-decorating the party. Most especially with the foods.

"Chao-chao-chao?" Shania asked Runa. Roughly translated, "Are you really sure that's the whole setup?"

"Don't ask me. It was Aleyah's idea. I tried to keep things well-balanced, but Aleyah kept insisting this — and I mean, this — should be decorated. Doesn't she forget it's also my birthday?"

"Chao-chao. Chao-chao-chao," said Mystico. Roughly translated, "Don't worry, Runa. I'm sure the whole party setup will be well-balanced next year."

"I hope you're right."

As Pearla looked at the whole party setup, she was in awe. But at the same time, she felt like it's a little bit of an overdo. "Wow, Bruce. Those decorations are simple and exquisite. Well, except for one problem..."

Bruce let out a nervous chuckle as sweat started to drop on his right temple. "Don't ask me. It was Aleyah's idea."

"Those decorations are perfect!" they heard Aleyah's enthusiastic voice. Beside her was none other than Runa and the five chao. Aleyah then, turned to her father with a bright smile on her face.

"Thanks for the whole setup, dad and Runa! It was absolutely amazing!"

Despite their awkwardness in overdoing the whole setup, they let out a light chuckle seeing how happy Aleyah were.

"No prob!" replied Bruce.

"It's nothing really," Runa replied next.

"Now, we'll have to wait for the others to arrive," Pearla said.

A while later, they heard Aleyah's exciting gasp. "They're here! They're really here!"

The rest of the family chuckled and turned to see the whole gang — except Jewel — walking towards the cottage at the far distance.

"Well, what are we waiting for! Let's go meet up with 'em!" Bruce said cheerfully.

"Alrighty!"

With that being said by Aleyah, she ran in their direction first, then Bruce, then Pearla, then Runa among the five chao. But before Runa and the five chao follow them, their faces were full of concern on how Shadow would most likely react when he meets Aleyah for the very first time.

I hope she'll be gentle and delicate around him like stepmom told her. Not just by her acting, but wholeheartedly, Runa thought.

Then, she followed after them and behind her were her five chao friends.

Once the family all ran to Sonic and the gang, Aleyah greeted them with happiness, "My name is Aleyah the Hedgehog and I'm such a huge fan! I've heard all about you and your adventures!"

Then, she recalled to a few adventures they had,"You fought and defeated Dr. Eggman during his conquest by forming the Resistance, right?"

"Affirmative," answered Omega.

"It was great to have each other's backs!" said Knuckles.

Aleyah turned her head to Tangle and Whisper. "Working together to avenge the Diamond Cutters by stopping Mimic?"

Whisper let out a soft gasp as she heard Aleyah's question. You can see Tangle's shocked look on her face after she heard those words.

"Woah! How did you know all that?!"

"Just a hunch," said Aleyah, then she turned to both Sonic and Shadow. You an see a sparkly heart in each of Aleyah's eyes as they made contact Shadow's.

"Saving the world in Space Colony ARK?"

"You got it all right!" answered Sonic giving her a thumbs up, then he noticed that she's looking into Shadow's eyes, but he turned away without her even knowing it.

Seems like she likes Shadow that much, Sonic thought.

As he thought this, you can see sparkly hearts in Aleyah's eyes.

A few moments later, she was pulled by her arm gently by Runa. Even though they're both among the five chao behind their parents, Aleyah was still awestruck by the sight of Shadow.

"My name is Pearla the Hedgehog", the light yellow hedgehog greeted, then she gestured to the other two,"And this is my husband Bruce and our adoptive daughter, Runa."

Then, she whispered to the gang saying,"She tends to be a little shy around new people, so be nice to her."

As soon as Shadow heard it, his head turned in Runa's direction to see her still holding onto Aleyah's arms. According to his intuition, that is to prevent Aleyah from invading his privacy, thus constantly obsessing over him.

Aleyah was about to lunge in to give Shadow a hug, but Runa's grip on her arm tightened pulling her back.

"Aleyah, please," Runa whispered to her.

Aleyah sighed frustratingly as she felt like being held back by her adoptive sister as usual when it comes to seeing Shadow in person.

"And who are your five chao friends?" asked Cream gesturing to the five chao friends.

"Oh," Runa spoke up as her hand let go of Aleyah's arm. However, her other hand held that same arm she held onto as she introduced her five chao friends to Sonic and the gang.

"This is Rosy. She's an innocent Chao. I thought it would be bad to leave her alone, so I decided to take her in. This is Mystico. He's a secret keeper. In the good times and bad, I'll always be able to tell him secrets, but only when I'm ready. These are the hero twins, Juniper and Bearace. They're my defenders. They fought side by side whatever bad happens. They're like fearless adventurers who are always by my side. And last, bit certainly not least, my BFF, Shania. She helps me through a lot of obstacles and challenges. She gives me great advices, comforts me whenever I cry, etc. Overall she's like a sister to me."

The word "sister" had brought Shadow to a little bit of surprise. He stood there on the spot where he currently was the whole time while his eyes widened as he made contact with both Runa and Shania.

Is it just me... or am I reminded of... her? he thought.

Suddenly, Runa sensed something wrong with him and felt sympathy for him, but she's not gonna tell him about her secret powers unless she trusted him to keep it.

I feel like... we went through the same thing, she thought.

"They're so cute! It's nice to meet all of you!" said Cream.

"Chao-chao!" Rosy cheered happily in response.

"Wait, I'm sorry. You guys adopted her?" Tails asked Bruce, Pearla and Aleyah.

"Yes, Tails", answered Bruce. "She was lying unconscious in the forest, so we took her in. When we asked her if she could remember anything, she said 'no.'"

This brought Shadow into a little more surprise as he too experienced the same thing as hers, but it's a little different.

"Don't worry, Pearla, we got it all undercovered," said Sonic giving her a thumbs up, then he asked. "So who's idea was to invite us to the party?"

"It was Aleyah's idea. Like she said before, she's a huge fan of yours," said Bruce. "Come on, you guys! Let's get this party started!"

Then, they went in the frontyard of the cottage to celebrate Runa and Aleyah's birthday party.

Later on...

Pearla, Bruce, Sonic and the rest of the gang were now celebrating the two sisters' birthday party. They played games like limbo, piñata, etc.

There was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing on the edges on top and at the bottom of the cake. It was presented in front of them with candle numbers "14" and "16" at the center. They were all lighted up as they all sang together:

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Runa and Aleyah!
Happy birthday to you!

"Aww, thanks guys!" said Aleyah in her sweet, bright and cheerful voice with a happy smile on her face. Runa just shyly smiled in appreciation.

"Alright! Make a wish!" said Sonic as they both put their hands together, closed their eyes and make a wish.

I want to be with Shadow. I want to get close to him! I WANT TO DATE SHADOW AND NOBODY ELSE!!! And I wish nobody else, NOBODY ELSE EXCEPT ME will date him, Aleyah thought to herself with a grin on her face. But little did she know, almost everyone else noticed an evil grin on her face.

At the same time, Runa thought to herself smiling, I wish I get to have such amazing friends like them apart from my best chao friends. I'd like to perform a greater friendship towards Shadow the Hedgehog as ever since I first saw him, he reminds me of... her. Her facial expression turned into a concerned one as she continued making a wish. Most importantly, I wish Aleyah would be less obsessive right now as it would most likely irritate Shadow when she's around him and I also wish I could find out what that strange feeling is ever since I first saw him.

After that, they opened their eyes, unfold their hands and blew their candles. Then, everyone cheered except Shadow, who smiled with his arms crossed and Espio, who just smiled and clapped. After the cheering, they ate dinner, then they each ate one slice of cake. But they managed to save some of the party food for Jewel to eat tomorrow. They had planned to put them in a refrigerator in the cottage. Tomorrow morning, they would be delivered to Restoration HQ.

After dinner, presents were given to the two sisters.

For Aleyah, she received a flower crown from Cream, a sewing machine from Amy, a book from Tails, a bouquet of flowers from Silver, a radio from the Chaotix, a makeup kit from Rouge and the rest (except Shadow) gave her a group hug as a gift to her. As for Shadow, he didn't give her any present. Rather, he told Rouge to tell her he said, "thank you for being one of his biggest fans."

"Why won't you tell her yourself?" asked Rouge.

"I have my reasons," he replied bluntly. On the inside, he didn't want to tell Aleyah in person because of how much she's obsessed with him. In fact, if he did tell her himself, she would most likely be a lot more clingy and obsessive than he'd think.

"Hmm... alright then."

With that being said by Rouge, instead of telling Aleyah Shadow said thanks, she actually told Pearla, Runa and Mystico about what Shadow's going to say to Aleyah with an addition of keeping it to themselves until she's finally at ease.

For Runa, she also received a flower crown from Cream, but it also included numerous flowers she picked from the garden. Cream promised to teach her how to make flower crowns for her friends no matter what size. Then, she received a journal from Tails, so that she could write about her experiences and feelings. She also received a makeup kit from Rouge, a friendship bracelet from Amy, a promise of a one-day hangout sometime from both Whisper and Tangle and best of all, a red rose from Shadow in return for her deep respect for him, though he didn't actually give it to her in person. He actually told Mystico to give it to her. As for the rest, they also give her a hug as a gift, but only one at a time because of her shyness and how much her privacy needs to be respected.

About an hour later, it was time for them to go home. Sonic and the whole gang all waved their goodbyes to Aleyah, Runa, Bruce, Pearla and the five chao friends and vice versa. Before they left, almost all of them had one hope in mind: They'll meet each other again.

Next Chapter: Life after Runa and Aleyah's birthday party!