It was Christmas Eve at the Smash Mansion, and that holiday feeling was in full swing. Inside, several fighters and assist trophies partook in their own Yuletide activites; Peach making the traditional Holiday feast, careful to keep Wario and Kirby from eating anything until after she was completely finished. Many of the residence had taken to gathering around and watching Christmas specials together, laughter ringing get out as they watched the exploits of two children assisting Santa after a transformation into a vampire; amused by the stupidity of the one with the abnormally large nose. Gifts had already been decided, acquired, and wrapped, all sitting in wait in their owners' rooms for the moment they could be placed under the tree. Outside, a gentle but lasting snow made for the perfect Winter Wonderland.

Samus and Pit attempted (and failed) to assist each other in ice skating, the bounty hunter blowing a stray lock of hair out of her face as they both fell to the ice repeatedly. The chattering of Diddy Kong could be heard as he clumsily managed to stay on his feet, and seemed to be taunting the less fortunate skaters. Being smacked into by his larger counterpart as he slid across the ice quickly silenced him, however.

By far the most graceful skaters were Mario and Rosalina, who were in the middle of a friendly competition as they literally skated circles around each other.

"You've got to wonder how they manage to skate so effortlessly in leather and heels..." Isabelle noted, skating farther off alongside Villager. The part-time mayor only shrugged, before directing his attention to the snowball that flew over their heads.

Said snowball landed right in the hair of Ashley, who brushed it out with a giggle before molding her own and tossing it at her attacker. Toon Link took the hit right to the eye, and fell to the ground before sitting up and grinning.

"I hope you realize, this means war." He said. "PRIME!"

"Surprise attack!" The older Link shouted, popping up from behind a bush and pelting Ashley, so hard she feel face first into the snow. The girl raised her head and blinked the snow out of her face before giving a glare to the laughing brothers. Looking around, she spotted the Lumas floating nearby, and ran over to them. In the short amount of time she had been spending with Rosalina, Ashley had not only come to admire her more, but also become quite well liked among the many Lumas she had brought with her. It had surprised Ashley and Toon to find out just how many there were, especially considering that the matriarch was only allowed one at a time during battle.

Toon and Link were formulating another battle plan, before a looming shadow alerted them to the Lumas' presence.

Ashley watched in amusement as both blondes paled, before running in terror from the armada of star creatures that began a rain of snowballs onto them. It was to the point that both Links raised their shields behind them as they attempted their futile escape. She was surprised, however, when a Hand burst from out of the snow and grabbed Toon by the leg.

"HAAHAhahahAhHahHahHhahhHAhaHhHAHA! i Got yoU, BOy!"

"What do you want with him, Crazy?" Link asked, and the hand only responded with another mad cackle.

"ToOny neeDs To go iN THe OFfice nOw. Buh-bye!"

Toon could barely start protesting before he was flung from the hands grip and towards the mansion, smashing through the window to Master Hand's office. Crazy Hand gave another burst of laughter, before the Lumas (who had not ceased their deluge of snowballs) hit him with a few stray shots.

"ooOOOOOOOOOOoooooH!" The Hand said, "LOOK AT THESE UPSTARTS! You WAnna GO, chILDreN? Let'S-a Go!"

With that, he scooped up a small mountain of snow and lobbed it at the star children, who scattered and began crying out for their mama.

"Dude, not cool!" Link yelled at the incredibly jittery laughing hand. Ashley and Link exchanged glances before rushing to the mansion to check on Toon.


Toon was exiting the office just as they arrived, and he greeted his brother and friend with a halfhearted smile.

"You ok?" Link asked, smiling when he got a nod in response. "Feeling fit enough for a bit of shield sledding."

"Can't." Toon said, trying to ignore the twinge of disappointment on Link's face. "Master Hand wants me to get this year's tree."

"Th-that's all?" Ashley asked, "I mean, that's good, right? ...You're not in trouble, or anything?"

"Nah." Toon rubbed the back of his head. "But last time someone went out to find a tree big enough it took them hours. I'm probably gonna be out all day, and I wanted to spend time with you guys, and everyone else."

"We can go with you though right?" Link suggested. "It won't be as fun as sticking around the place, but-"

"I've got a better idea." Ashley said, grabbing Toon Link's hand and pulling him along to the main room. The place was currently vacant, to be filled with people and presents that night after the tree had been gathered and set. A large stand was ready for when said tree arrive, and the three gathered around it as Ashley explained her plan.

"You're just gonna grow a tree, with magic?" Link asked. "Are you sure you can do that?"

"Anything's possible with magic." Ashley said with a touch of smugness.

"Yeah, but are you sure YOU can do that?" The hero reiterated, earning an irritated glare from the small girl.

"I'm sure she can do it." Toon giggled earnestly, smiling at Ashley. "And when she does, it's back to the Holiday Funtimes."

Ashley took in her friend's confidence in her, and with a smile, raised her wand.

"PINUS ARBOLES GIGANTICUS!" She shouted, pointing her wand at the stand. In a flash of green, an enormous pine tree sprouted from thin air. All three were taken by the fresh pine smell, sighing in content.

"Told ya." Toon and Ashley said in unison.

"Shame on me for doubting." Link said with a whistle. "I guess everyone'll gather to do declarations later on. But for now...shield sledding?"

"HECK YEAH!" Toon yelled, pulling the others along.

"I don't know why we don't just get Sonic to do this every year." Link muttered, the two kids shrugging in agreement as they left the room, none of them noticing as the tree shifted around further.


Kirby sat happily atop a particularly large snowy hill, observing as the two Links laid their shield's in front of them and slid down the snow with them. The pink puffball watched curiously, before the shifting of snow nearby alerted him to Ashley sitting rather close to him, her gaze following the two blondes before she noticed the pink thing staring at her.

"HAI~!" He yelled with a smile, the young girl shying away slightly before raising a hand in greeting. Kirby pushed himself forward, sliding down the snow. Ashley watched curiously, as before he reached the bottom Kirby began to roll, gathering snow around himself. By the time he reached the bottom the infant Star Warrior was the centerpiece of a gigantic snowball which just managed to avoid bowling them over as it rushed by them.

Rolling past, Kirby barreled over the frozen lake, and by extension Mario.

"MAAARIOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Luigi yelled from the ice, attempting to run after the runaway snowball...but instead simply treading in place before slipping and falling flat on his face, the others on the ice snickering a big. Rosalina skated gracefully over to the green-clad plumber and setting him back on his feet the wave of her wand. The two shared a smile, as Luigi blushed rubbing the comically red mark on his nose. Luigi's attention went back to the snowball running off with his brother. He charged up for a moment before launching himself off the ice and chasing the ball.

Further off, Wii-Fit Trainer and Villager were busy building a snow fort, before the sound of the ever growing snowball approached. Villager panicked, while the Trainer calmly grabbed him and narrowly dodged the threat. The two blinked as they held onto each other, before yet another figure sped past them. Sonic the Hedgehog followed close behind the snowball on his snowboard, before leaping off the board and bursting the ball with a Homing Attack. Mario and Kirby flew through the air before landing upside down in a nearby tree.

Thank-a you!" Mario called, after shaking off the daze.

"No prob, Chief." Sonic said, leaning on his snowboard, shaking his head as he noted Luigi crawling over to them in exasperation. "Whatever would you do without me?"

Back up on the hill, Ashley watched the whole spectacle before bursting out laughing. She was nearly on the verge of tears, before she felt Toon Link's presence behind her. Without a word, Toon pulled her onto his shield and sped off down the hill again with her in tow, somewhere between a scream and a laugh.


Link shook his head as Toon and Ashely found themselves seated next to Mario, Luigi and Kirby back inside the mansion, all of them sitting on a couch, wrapped in blankets and sipping from hot chocolate.

"This is why we were gloves outside, kids." He said as he ruffled his younger counterparts hair.

"Hehe, shut up." Toon said, his voice clearly congested.

"How do you explain those two, then?" Ashley asked, looking over to Mario and Luigi, who both looked away embarrassed.

"THAT is why we also don't get caught up in giant snowballs." Link shrugged, before Kirby suddenly expanded to twice his size. His eyes scrunched up and his seemingly permanent blush marks became more uneven as he let out a sneeze that blew the others off the couch. Kirby himself was flung from the couch when Bowser walked over and tipped it up, looking under it before placing it back down.

"Poyo, poyo." Kirby looked down, half apologizing in shame and half moping at his loss of hot chocolate and a couch seat.

The Koopa King walked around the room, checking on every nook and cranny he could find, before exiting and exploring the rest of the mansion. The others all looked amongst themselves in curiosity, before shrugging off the lizard's intrusion.

"Bless-a you." Luigi chuckled nervously looking back and placing his gloved hand on the head of and obviously upset Kirby.

Kirby smiled a bit.


"Pheh." Ganondorf growled as he spotted Bowser searching throughout the place. "Every year I see you skulking around, looking for presents to open early. I truly don't understand why you and everyone else would waste valuable time on this pithy little holiday."

Bowser answered with a toothy grin. "Just cause we're both in the princess-napping game doesn't mean I have to be a Scrooge like you. I for one LIKE getting presents. Plus, I usually get something from my kids around this time of year."

"Superficial nonsense..." The Gerudo claimed, rolling his eyes as Bowser continued to tear rooms apart, looking for presents with his name on it.


"And you're sure this is a safe idea?" Fox asked as he and Falco strolled over to their Arwings, their heavy footsteps crunching through the snow.

"Screw safe." The blue bird said casually, hopping into his machine with a grin. "We need to top last year's Christmas display."

"Shouldn't be hard, assuming this works." Fox mumbles with a smirk.

"Which it WILL. I swear, I wouldn't have to do this much convincing with Slippy." Falco grumbled

"Excuse me, am I being compared unfavorably to Slippy!?" Fox yelled, putting his hand on his chest in mock horror.

"Ya just might be, boss man. Try to have a little confidence."

Fox smirked. "Alright, alright. But if we blow up, you're not getting your present."

"Yeah, yeah, sure." Falco said dismissively, before the two took off.


"Ooh, look everyone!" Zelda said, bringing everyone's attention to the nearest window. They all ooh' and aah'd as the two resident Arwing pilots flew about the sky, leaving bright read, white and green trails behind them. They made shapes and words throughout the sky, a "MERRY CHRISTMAS" here, a Santa Claus there, most clapping along their progress and skill. By the time they were done the night sky was filled with light and color.

"Feast's ready everyone!" Peach called, everyone rushing over to the excessively large dining table. The whole place was layer out with turkey, cake, any kind of food you'd imagine. Peach herself sat satisfied with herself as everyone dug in. Just as she was observing Wario eating his garlic-filled food (his appetized smile the only thanks she's likely get from him), her attention was caught by Mario and Luigi coming over to her with a large tray. Presenting it to her, the brothers smiled up at Peach as her eyes watered a bit. On the tray was a huge cake with the words "Thank You, Peach." written in frosting. They laid it down next to the Princess, who scooped them both up in a bone-crushing hug.

Farther down the table, Ashley looked curiously at Toon Link as he was choking down on some crawfish.

"Tastes like home." The boy said with a contented sigh, before turning to his friend. "Want some?"

Thinking for a moment, Ashley shrugged and stuck her fork in some.

The chatter and clatter continued to ring throughout the hall as Master Hand flew in. He took his seat at the head of the table, despite no one ever having seen him attempt to eat anything.

"Once everyone's done eating, they're free to head over to the main room for tree decoration. This year was Toon Link's turn, and I'm confident he's got us a satisfactory one."

Ashley and Toon shared a look, then a thumbs-up, before Link caught their attention.

"You guys wanna go check on the tree?" He asked, "make sure it hasn't magicked out of existence or something?"

The pair nodded and turned to take off, leaving Link to chat happily with others. He turned his gaze to his country's brunette princes. Toon tapped Prime's shoulder pointing at Zelda. Toon mouthed something like "ROCK ON!" or "HECK YEAH!", giving his older brother a thumbs up, before turning and mumbling something to an Assist Trophy, and following Ashley through the exit giddily.

Link approached Zelda and started to happily converse with the royal. The sudden presence of snow on their head made them look up to see Lakitu floating above, snow falling from his cloud. And yet, something else hung from the cloud as well, and the hero gave the princess a nervous smile.

"Heh, Mistletoe. Figures."


"Well, it certainly looks solid." Toon said as he and Ashley sized up the tree.

"Yeah...but does something seem off about it to you? It looks...I don't know, bigger."

"Really? I don't see it. But hey, bigger is better as far as Christmas trees go, right?"

The two stopped talking when they heard the tree shuffle around a bit. Tilting their heads, they stepped closer to the tree, looking for any signs of movement. Moving ever closer, they saw branches twisting slowly, then rather quickly as one suddenly snapped outward and struck Toon Link, knocking the boy into the far wall.

"...Well that happened." He muttered in a daze.

"IT'S ALIVE!?" The girl shouted before she too was smacked by a branch. Looking up at the tree, the two children could've sworn they saw a malevolent face in it's branches, before it bristled and launched a string of sharp pine needles at them.

Ashley yelled, only to find that Toon had her covered with his shield, the needles breaking against it rapidly.

Why is it so mean!?" The boy asked.

"I don't know!"


Link and Zelda were taking that moment to walk over and check in, the former rolling his eyes as Sonic and Pit were close behind, snickering at Link's smooch-ridden face. All four of them suddenly silenced when they heard crashing and screaming from the main room. Link and Zelda exchanged looks before rushing to the door.

Before they could open the door, however, it swung open on its own with Toon rushing out and slamming it behind him.

"You can't come in yet!" Toon yelled.

The other smashers seemed to have a thousand questions on their lips, but it was Zelda who noted "Toon, you're bleeding."

The small hero blinked, before raising a hand to his cheek. He was indeed bleeding slightly from there, as well as his temple. Some stray needles must've sliced him.

"KILL IT WITH FIRE!" Came the voice of Ashley from behind the door. Without another word, Toon went back into the room and shut the door behind him.

"Toon!" Link yelled from outside, attempting to open the door. "What's going on in there? Are you ok?"

Toon leaned against the door to keep it closed, opening his mouth to say something. Noting came out however, as he was to busy staring bewildered as Ashley appeared to have actually set the tree on fire. It now looked even more monstrous, its blazing branches attempting to swipe at the girl.

"Uh, everything's perfectly alright now." The boy called to the others. "We're fine, we're all fine, here, now, thank you. How are you?"

"...what!?" Came four voices in response.

Ashley groaned. Taking her eyes off the killer tree for just a moment, she waved her wand at the door, a sheen coming off it as Toon Link stepped away.

"Sealed and soundproofed!" She said, "now help me get rid of this thing!"

"Can't you magic it back into a normal tree?" Toon yelled, leaping to slash at a branch that was on its way toward Ashley.

"It was never a normal tree!" Ashley said as she blasted the tree with an explosive spell. "We need to destroy it!"

"Can't you at least try?" Toon asked desperately, as the pair backed up against each other. "There's got to be a way to salvage this!"

"Trust me, there isn't! I know!" ZAP.

"How?" SLASH.

"I...I knew this would happen! I knew this tree wouldn't work from the very begining-AH!"

Toon pushed Ashley out of the way of the next branch strike, and the two thankfully fell behind some cover in the form of an overturned table.

"If you knew it would turn out like this then why did you do it in the first place?!"

Ashley blushed slightly, partly from the question, and partly because Toon was basically pinning her to the floor. Not a moment later did Toon himself realize this and quickly release her, both kids sitting up without breaking eye contact.

"I didn't want you to leave."

The pair then yelp in shock as the table was tossed aside by the tree. A branch wrapped itself around Ashley's leg and pulled her toward its malicious tree maw, Toon grabbing the girl by her hands as she screamed in panic.

"What do I do!" Toon yelled.

"I-I don't know, maybe...take out the trunk."

"Ok!" The two children shared a nod, before Toon let go of Ashley's hand and rushed toward the tree's unguarded trunk. With a shriek of fury, his sword was driven through the trunk just before Ashley could be tossed into the tree's mouth.

The girl screamed as she fell from the now dead tree's grasp and right on top of Toon. The two groaned, before rolling out of the way as the tree collapsed onto the floor with a thud.

Another thud signaled the arrival of the others, now the totality of the mansion's residence, who broke into the room just in time to see Toon and Ashley clinging to each other beside the mountain of twigs and ashes.

"Well this is...unfortunate." Master Hand said as Link and Zelda rushed over to Toon Link, kneeling next to him in concern.

Ashley looked at the crowed outside the door; fighters and assist trophies alike were all looking on in either disappointment, disapproval, or a mix of both. Seeing the looks of sadness and even scorn on some of their faces, because of her, hurt more than words ever could have. Even Rosalina and the Luma's seemed affected.

Looking at Toon Link is what really broke her. It was only now in the stillness that she noticed the bleeding cuts he'd gotten from the whole ordeal. And it was all because of her. Stepping away from Toon Link, she fought to keep the tears in as she bolted out the door, past the crowd, and to her own room.


Ashley was sitting, alone, arms wrapped around for who knows how long. Fox and Falco's display was still bright up in the sky, and she stared at it whilst inwardly berating herself. She was nearly on the verge of tears, when she felt Toon Link's presence behind her.

"Hey."

"...Hey."

"You know the others aren't really mad at you, right?"

"Pft. Sure."

"I'm serious. They got over it like that. They're all exchanging gifts now. They-they don't even care about the tree. Not even Master Hand-"

"I don't care about Master Hand you goof!" The girl spat out. "Or the tree or anything else! I just care about you! And...I got you hurt because I wanted you to stay! I was selfish, and-and-"

The girl swallowed as Toon Link grabbed her hand and brought it to his own face. "Look at me Ash. Zelda took care of it. The bleeding's stopped, I'm not hurt, and I'm not mad at you. Just relax."

Ashley sighed, running a thumb over Toon's cheek, where the cut had been, before grasping the boy in a hug. "Thank you. Thank you."

"Thank you, Ash."


Indeed, when the children returned, everyone was waiting in content. Samus and Megaman had gotten each other one of their own helmets.

"That fits you!" Samus smiled, lightly pressing her finger on Rock's nose. He 'booped' in joyful response.

Falco greeted Fox with a brand new pair of legs, receiving a new Reflector in exchange.

"You're gonna need it, seeing as you're always kicking yours around." Fox smirked.

"HAH! Says the one who almost got his blown up and dowsed in water... TWICE! Besides kicking it gives me more swag!" Falco boasted crossing his arms across his chest. Fox rolled his eyes as they continued their friendly banter.

Even those who gave or received no presents could take solace in the company of friends.

Ashley was a a bit apprehensive still, but when she and Toon looked to where Link and Zelda were sitting, Rosalina leaning over the couch, the wordless gesture to come over was enough to bring a smile to her face.

"So," Toon said as he pulled Ashley over to Prime and the rest of their friends, "be completely honest...how many times did you guys make out while we were gone?"

"...Shut up."

The only ones not in the holiday spirit were Ganondorf and Bowser, the former leaning above the latter with a smirk. "Still no gifts, Koopa King."

"I don't get it." Bowser said forlornly. "I get one every year from my kids. Every year."

Ganondorf rolled his eyes, before a familiar 'beep-bop-beep-bop' approached the two villains. Bowser looked down, to see Mr. Game & Watch holding up a small two dimensional present. The king was so shocked he nearly fell backwards in his chair.

"When the heck did you get here!?" He asked, as Master Hand floated by with a snicker.

"Game & Watch arrived yesterday. He's been hiding in crevices all morning, waiting to surprise everyone with gifts."

Bowser eyed the present, before taking it. Opening it, he found a large coffee with the words BOWSER RULEZ printed on it. The large lizard had to stop himself from crying. He couldn't, however, stop himself from grabbing the nearest thing and hugging it.

"Don't touch me..." Ganondorf said, though he made no move to get Bowser off.

Everyone's eyes followed the most unique of their alumni, as he strolled into the middle of the room and planted down a large box from seemingly nowhere.

The box rustled slightly, before popping open to reveal a small boy in a striped shirt and baseball cap.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" He yelled.

"...Ness?"

AN: TheCrampReturns; yeah, so this chapter probably came out real rushed. We wanted to have SOMETHING done by Christmas, and some holiday fluff seemed good enough. I personally feel like it could be better, but here's hoping you enjoyed it anyway.