Merry Christmas everyone! Here's my gift for you all!

Okay, it's not really a gift...

You know what? I'll leave it up to you to decide. It's all in the eye of the beholder. ;)

The children hardly had time to collect themselves before the conductor ushered them back to the train. They had to navigate through a sea of dancing elves, as the mischievous little creatures had been quick to set up a whole concert. They were singing, teaming up to play instruments that were far too big for them.

The conductor had the children stand in line, where they chattered about what they'd just witnessed. They once again pressured Mario into showing the bell, which he kept tightly in his hands. He refused, however, insisting that he'd allow them all to see it when they boarded.

"Tickets, tickets." The conductor drew out his hole puncher, clicking it readily. Donkey Kong was first, and he handed over his golden ticket. The conductor punched something into it and handed it back. He whispered something to the ape, who nodded and climbed aboard.

Yoshi went next, and he stared at his ticket with wide eyes. "Share?" He jerked his head up to meet the conductor's eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

"I think you know what I mean." The conductor patted his stomach.

"Oooh…" Yoshi chuckled. "Never mind, I get it!" He rushed onto the train, making Wario the next one up.

"You should really learn to be less of a bully." The conductor advised, handing back the ticket. "Keep Santa's words in mind."

Wario shoved his ticket in his pocket. "Yeah, yeah…"

Peach handed him her ticket, to which he punched out very quickly. Peach's face brightened upon reading it. "You really think so?"

He smiled. "With the way you led your friends back to faith, I know so."

Peach went to give him a hug, but froze and pulled away. She bowed slightly. "Thank you for this experience."

He chuckled. "Don't thank me yet, you're only halfway through."

Mario encouraged Bowser to go next, even though the Koopa clearly didn't want to. Bowser pulled his ticket out of his shell (Mario stared as it materialized in his hand) and held it out to the conductor. He turned his head away, his eyes flicking back to Mario.

The conductor nudged the ticket back into Bowser's hand. The Koopa went to put it away, but the man grabbed his arm.

"Read it," he ordered.

Bowser stared at the ticket for a moment. His tail curled between his legs. "I… I don't know how to read…"

"Strength."

"What?"

"That's what it says." The conductor adjusted his glasses. "That's what you are, is it not?"

"Um… yeah." Bowser blinked. "Why put it on this thing?"

The conductor smiled, but he did not provide an answer. He motioned for Bowser to board the train, which the Koopa complied with after a moment. Mario pushed Luigi to go next.

"Courage?" Luigi related upon getting his ticket back. "B-but I'm not brave! I couldn't even watch Ghostbusters!"

Yes you are! Mario was about to speak, but the conductor beat him to it.

"You're braver than you think. Courage comes in all forms, and standing up to a mean cousin is one way."

Luigi cracked a smile. He skipped onto the train, leaving Mario alone with the conductor.

"Ticket, please." The conductor extended his hand. Mario placed his ticket on his palm, and the conductor drew his hand behind his back to punch it. Mario shook his bell as he waited, the sound putting a grin on his face. His ticket was being waved back in his face in barely a moment. He took it, reading the word that the conductor had punched out.

'Believe'

Mario grinned. Of course. He would never stop believing. He clenched the bell tighter. And I'll have this to remind me forever. "I'll never forget this, ever," he promised.

The conductor nodded. His face softened into a smile. "You're a very special boy, always remember that."

Mario nodded. "I won't! Thank you, sir!" He hurried up onto the train, to the eagerly bright faces of his friends and brother.

"Show us the bell! Show us the bell!" Yoshi piped, bounding up and down.

The children crowded around Mario as he held out his hands, the bell concealed inside. He drew back a hand, and they gasped, their eyes shining at the sight. After a moment, Wario plucked it from Mario's hand.

"Hey!" Mario glared at him. "Give—"

"I'm not taking it!" Wario protested. "Can't I get a chance to hold it?" He brought the bell to his ear, shaking it. The tinkling noise made hearts flutter and faces brighten even more.

"Oh. Just give it back when you're done." He better not try to keep it for himself. Mario wouldn't put it past his greedy cousin, especially after the stunt he had pulled that night. Now that I'm thinking about it… "Hey Wario, what did Santa mean when he said that you met again?"

Wario froze, his eyes trailing over to Mario. He let out a sigh, rubbing his hair. "Four years ago, I caught Santa putting presents under the tree."

"You saw him?!" Mario's eyes widened. "Then why do—?"

"I don't think that's any of your business!" Wario snapped, his grip tightening around the bell. Mario gasped and lunged for it, but Wario held it out of reach. "I'm not done with this yet!"

"Give it back!" Bowser snarled, grabbing Wario's hand. Wario could only stare, dumbfounded as Bowser pried his fingers apart and took the bell. He rang it, his face lighting up. He held it out to Mario. "Here you go."

Mario held up his hands. "No, no. You guys can pass it around." He beamed. "You need to feel the Christmas magic for yourself!"

The children passed around the bell, each finding delight in ringing it. The Polar Express started up, taking a u-turn around the square. After every child had gotten the chance to hold and ring the bell, they took up a game of charades, as suggested by Peach. Everyone got multiple chances to act out their ideas; most of them relative to the holiday. The car was filled with laughter and smiles; Christmas Spirit was high.

However, it didn't take long for fatigue to catch up with them, as they were all awake far past their bedtimes. The children easily chatted in low, murmuring tones as they spread themselves out on the bench-seats. Mario kept his bell close to his heart, using his winter coat as a blanket. He fell asleep to Peach's soft voice as she was telling a story of when she helped a homeless family on Christmas Day.

—

Mario was awoken by a claw tapping his shoulder. He groaned, pulling his coat up over his face. A growl sounded, and the next thing Mario knew the seat was sliding out from under him. His back hit the ground, and he let out a very loud "Oof!" as the wind was knocked straight out of his lungs.

"Wake up, you lazy bum!" Bowser's face was trust into Mario's sight, their noses inches from each other.

"Bowser…" Mario groaned, rolling onto his stomach. He pushed himself onto his knees, rubbing his back. "Did you have to wake me up like that?"

Bowser gave an amused snort. "Yeah. You weren't getting up."

Mario yawned, rubbing an eye. His eyelids were drooping, and he just wanted to go back to sleep… He let out a sigh, throwing a pouty face at his friend. "What'd you wake me for, anyway?"

Bowser's face fell almost instantly. "I'm… I'm leaving. I'm g-going home." He turned away, his posture sagging.

Oh… They would have to say good-bye. A pang hit Mario's chest. And we don't live on the same planet… The chances of them ever seeing each other was slim to none. When Mario said good-bye to Peach and Bowser, both of whom he'd grown very attached to, it would be forever. Tears rose in his eyes, but he blinked them away.

Bowser sulked over to Peach, gently shaking her awake.

"Hmm? Bowser…?" she murmured. Mario approached, taking a seat at the bench's edge. Peach yawned and sat up, her eyes turning to Bowser. Her expression softened. "What's wrong?"

"I'm leaving," Bowser choked out. "I-I wanted to say g-g-good-bye." Tears rose in his eyes, but he rubbed them away with a growl.

Peach put a hand on his shoulder, offering a sleepy smile. "We'll see each other again, you live in the Koopa Kingdom, right?"

He nodded. "B-But—"

"We're not so far apart. I live in the Mushroom Kingdom, which is only across the country."

Only across the country? That sounded like a long ways away to Mario. It was like living in Brooklyn and having a best friend who lived in San Fransisco. His posture slouched just thinking about it.

"I-I guess…" Bowser muttered. He shifted his tear-stained gaze to Mario. He raised a trembling claw. "B-but you live on another planet!" His voice was rising to a wail. "We'll never see each other again!"

Mario's eyes teared up, and he sniffled. "Yeah… we won't…" He hugged himself. He couldn't believe that they were actually parting ways. After such an adventure!

"Koopa!" the conductor barked from the doorway. "Don't keep us waiting, we have other children who need to get home!"

Bowser's face fell. "I… I have to go now…" A tear trailed down his cheek. "I-I'm gonna miss you, Mario."

"Me, too. I'll miss you both." His gaze flicked between his friends. A few tears fell from Mario's own eyes. He wiped them away, determined to keep his composure. His lip trembled.

"Remember what Santa said? He said that we'll see each other again," Peach recalled. She put on a smile, despite the face that she, too was crying. "The stars will allow us to meet again, I'm sure of it. This isn't good-bye… it's a see you later."

Mario didn't have the heart to tell her that her faith was in vain.

"Maybe next year? Same train?" Bowser suggested.

Mario shook his head. "I don't think it works that way."

"Oh…"

"Koopa! We haven't got all night!"

"I… I h-have to go," Bowser spluttered. He backed out into the aisle, dragging his feet as he pushed himself to the doorway. Mario rose to his feet, biting his lip to keep his tears from falling. Peach rose to stand besides him. She was crying much more freely, dabbing at her eyes with her fingers.

Bowser halted. He stood for a moment, his fists trembling, before he spun around and dashed back towards them. He tackled them in a hug, squeezing tight enough that Mario's bones popped. He didn't mind, and readily returned the embrace. Peach did the same. They held themselves like that for a few moments, silent tears falling from their eyes.

"I-I'll really miss you…" Bowser whimpered.

"Me too, buddy," Mario held his friend tighter, ignoring the fact that his spiked shell was poking uncomfortably into his skin. "I'll never forget our adventure, or you. I promise."

"I promise, too."

"M-me three," Peach sniffled.

Bowser tore away from them, wiping away all evidence of his sorrow. He held out his hand. "Friends forever?"

Mario grinned despite himself. He slipped his hand into Bowser's. "Friends forever." He sealed the statement with a firm shake.

"Merry Christmas," Peach wished, and Mario was quick to echo the statement.

"Merry Christmas." Bowser flashed them one last grin before he turned and followed the conductor out of the train. Mario rushed over to the window, watching the Koopa as he picked his way through the snow. As the train started up again, Bowser paused. He slowly spun to face them. He waved, and the two human children waved back.

The train soon pulled out of sight, leaving Bowser behind. Mario slumped in his seat, his heart heavy. If the train traced its route backwards, then he and Luigi were next. The train's magic would get them there in a flash.

"Hey, Peach…" Mario nudged her, as she had already curled up on the seat to fall back into her dreamworld. Which was probably wonderful and full of magic, if he knew her. She pushed herself to her knees when Mario touched her, though. "My stop is probably next… do you want to talk until we get there?"

Peach yawned, her hand covering her mouth. "Sure… What about?"

"Just… our adventure."

The two felt like they'd been speaking for hours. They'd started off with talking about that night, but then they had progressed into telling their favourite Christmas memories. That moved on to just telling each other about their lives, which were drastically different (Peach was a princess and Mario was a city kid).

When the train slowed to a halt, and Mario spotted the apartment complex outside the window, his heart sunk. He didn't want to say good-bye. Not to Peach, or Yoshi, or Donkey Kong. He hadn't even wanted to let Bowser go.

"Arrived at Vendome Apartments, 305 57th street," the conductor announced over the loudspeaker.

"Is that your address?" Peach asked, though by the crestfallen frown she wore, she already knew it was.

Mario swallowed a lump in his throat. "Yeah…" He inhaled a shaky breath. The bell was clutched tightly in his right fist. Peach put a hand on it. Their eyes met. "I'm gonna miss you."

"I'll miss you too…" Peach's head drooped. She tapped his closed fist. "But we'll never forget each other. And we'll se each other again one day. I know it."

"Yeah…" Mario didn't see how that was possible, but he didn't want to crush her hope. However false it is…

Peach threw her arms around Mario, holding him tight. He put his own around her, closing his eyes. Of all the kids he'd meet on the Polar Express, he would miss Peach and Bowser the most. They'd gone on such an adventure… one that very few got to experience. They'd seen wonders that most only dreamed of, and they all learnt a little something about faith.

"Mario…" Luigi tapped his shoulder, prompting the two to break apart.

"I gotta go." Mario rose to his feet, grabbing his coat from the seat. "Merry Christmas, Peach."

Peach averted her gaze, shifting it down to the ground. "Merry Christmas…"

Luigi took Mario's hand. "Merry Christmas. C'mon, bro." The two brothers padded down the aisle.

"Merry Christmas…" Yoshi murmured, curled up on the bench.

"Merry Christmas," Donkey Kong repeated.

"Merry Christmas," the twins chorused.

Mario's head drooped as they met with the conductor at the doorway. He jammed a hand in his coat pocket, clutching his bell tight. His head sunk into his shoulders. I don't want to go. Once they stepped off the train, the magic would be gone. He'd lose contact with his friends forever.

"Come along now," the conductor urged, grabbing his lantern from its hook. He descended the steps and out onto the snow. Luigi led the way down, pulling Mario behind him. The older twin cast one last glance in the car before he allowed himself to be guided forward. He half stumbled down the stairs, the snow crunching and collapsing under his feet.

"Thank you for the adventure." Luigi cast the conductor a smile.

"Don't thank me," the conductor insisted. "I thank you both for coming."

"Will we see you again? This train? The other kids?" Mario asked. His fingers rubbed the warm silver metal of the bell. He had an urge to ring it, but he pushed it aside.

The conductor shook his head. "I'm afraid this is a once-in-a-lifetime ride."

Mario's face fell. So I won't see them again… Luigi let out a small sigh besides him.

"But as for your friends… I'm sure you'll see each other again." The conductor winked.

Mario exchanged a glance with Luigi. What does he mean by that? Why was everyone so certain that he'd get to see the kids who lived on another literal planet again? NASA wasn't that advanced yet. They hadn't even gotten a human to the moon yet, let alone another planet!

"You know… you both are exceptional young men. I have a good feeling about you both." The conductor gave a rare smile. "And the thing about trains? It doesn't matter where they're going, what matters, is deciding to get on."

Despite himself, Mario couldn't help but nudge Luigi. "See, Luigi? I told you there was no need to worry."

"Mario…" Luigi whined. He put up a scowl, but it did little to mask the smile that was fighting to break free.

"We had fun, just like I said we would, and now we're safe at home." Mario pushed aside the pang that struck his chest. He glanced at the windows, his eyes searching for familiar faces. There were non, the remaining passengers were presumably fast asleep.

"Merry Christmas," the conductor wished. He stepped back onto the train.

"Merry Christmas," Mario and Luigi echoed.

The conductor waved his lamp, and the brothers backed away. The train's whistle blared, and the wheels started turning. It inched forward, heading the opposite way it came. The conductor waved to them, and the brothers waved back. The train picked up speed, and the two watched it until it was swallowed up by the snow.

Mario took out his bell, rubbing the surface. He shook it, the sound sending a flood of Christmas Magic and memories through him. He closed his eyes, taking a breath of the sharp, icy air.

Luigi tugged his hand. "C'mon Mario, let's go inside. It's freezing out here."

"Yeah…" Mario opened his eyes, staring up at he clouds for a moment. I'll never forget this night, or my new friends. Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Peach. His grip on the bell tightened, and he let out a deep exhale. I promise. He turned to Luigi, his face brightening. "Let's go, bro."

Don't go away yet! There's still an epilogue for this story!