Disclaimer: It snowed today and that made me happy.

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It was a chilly day under the sea. Now that December was drawing nearer with every day, the waters seemed to get colder every day, and the more optimistic Octonauts already had Christmas on the brain.

"It's still a while away," said Sarabi to Deborah, who was already humming carols everywhere she went.

"Twenty-eight days pass quicker than you think," chirped peppy li'l Deborah, sealed with a wink. Sarabi was puzzled by all of her cheer. She's already chipper? Christmas isn't yet here!

In the medical bay, Peso and Kitsune were organizing things, as they did every Saturday at 10 o'clock. Peso couldn't help but notice how disheveled Kitsune looked. Why, it seemed like she hadn't slept in days! "Kitsune, are you feeling okay?"

"Hunh?" Kitsune looked up with bleary eyes. "Oh, Peso, I haven't been myself for a while now. I always feel tired, but then I can't sleep at night. And I haven't been eating as much, because I always feel dreadfully sick."

Peso was worried for his dear friend, whom he'd sworn to protect till the cold, bitter end. She couldn't go on working like this. "You should go lie down."

"Yes, I'd like that quite a bit," said Kitsune. She stood up and returned to her quarters. On her walk there, she was thrown off a bit when the Octopod lifted. Then she remembered; they were traveling to flatter land today.

Up in HQ, the crew were discussing their favourite parts of Christmas. "Mine is the dinner," said Shellington. "I love potatoes."

"Potatoes, huh? I'll be sure to remind the Vegimals of that in about a week, Mr. Just-Turned-Twenty-Two," said Dashi in a playful tone. The holiday season always put a little more pep in her step. Shellington chuckled nervously, a little flustered over being put on the spot.

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A little later, into the afternoon, Kwazii, Shellington, and Deborah were in the games pod, watching the scenery as they passed through.

"The algae on that rock looks like it's forming a four-leaf clover," said Deborah, pointing a hoof at it.

Shellington chuckled. "That rock's preparing for the wrong holiday!"

As the two little lovebirds shared a hearty laugh, Kitsune entered the games pod. She looked a little better. She sat down on a beanbag chair.

"Oi," said Kwazii, "you should check this out."

"That's nice of you to offer," said Kitsune, "but I'm a little tired today." Kwazii shrugged, and turned back to the window.

"Maybe some hot cocoa will perk you up," said Deborah. "Let's go to HQ and get some."

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They were back in HQ, and a nice mug of cocoa with rainbow marshmallows did make Kitsune feel better.

"Y'know, I've never seen anyone have hot cocoa with kudzu powder," said Elekai to Kitsune, eyeing her drink.

"Oh, recently, I can't get enough of the stuff," said Kitsune, content. She relaxed in her seat as the Octopod gently chugged along. She found the movement very soothing. Like she was floating along on the fluffiest cloud in the sky…

Until she was knocked back into reality when Deborah nudged her to wake her up. "Peso needs to talk to you."

Kitsune sat up. "Yes?"

"I can't stop thinking about this morning," said Peso. "I think maybe you need a checkup."

Kitsune was a bit confused, but figured it was for the best. She followed him back to the medical bay. She laid down on the table for her checkup.

Peso hummed to himself as he performed his normal checkup duties. Kitsune had no fever, her heartbeat was regular, and she had no external injuries. He was checking her internal scans when he noticed something. What was that jellybean-looking thing?

"What are you looking at?" Kitsune asked.

"There's a little something on the scan." Peso decided to do another, more specific scan. Once he got the results, his beak dropped.

"What?!" Kitsune was getting worried.

Once he regained his composure, Peso gave Kitsune a very warm grin. "Congratulations, Kitsune."

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Cliffhanger! Stay tuned to find out about the jellybean!