"And now over to South Hillwood, where Megan brings us a live report from Boyle Industries, and all the chaos from last night. Megan." The news anchor said. Spinelli got up early but decided to stay in bed for a half hour.
"Thanks, Janine. I'm standing near the Boyle Industries building where a bunch was going on, not only inside but outside as well. The new police commissioner has confirmed that Ferris Boyle has been taken into custody, and also confirmed he also had several injuries mostly to the face. Police have reported that Mr. Boyle, stands accused of extortion, manslaughter, and attempted murder - shocking accusations given that earlier last night he had accepted the city's Man of The Year award. In other news, police had also managed to get back a stolen van from the docks. The two thugs that stole it were found lying on the ground unconscious. Both were taken into custody, one of them had to be treated due to a broken wrist. Police speculate that the broken wrist came from the van crashing at high speed, but they can't confirm anything. Also in custody is a former employee of Boyle's, Victor Freeze. Mr. Freeze is being held under heavy guard at Hillwood General Hospital as he is being treated for an undisclosed medical condition. The mayor has suggested Mr. Freeze is to be given a chance. He is one of those criminals that needs specialized care so he can return to a normal life. Police credited these arrests last night to solid police work. But this reporter knows it was the five vigilantes that roam around at night. While we don't know their names or even their team name as we have seen them work together many times, they played more than just a small role that led to these arrests. On a personal note, I owe the three of them a debt of gratitude, especially their leader, for rescuing me from near death. So, thank you, not only towards their leader, but to his entire team. For all of us. Back to you, Janine."
"We really kicked ass!"
"Thanks, Megan. Like always, time and time again, our vigilantes who once worked with the police, but they were never seen together ever since the death of the old commissioner. But like always, our vigilantes continue to be the headline of the news and the holiday season." Janine chuckled. "So, as we here at News Channel Nine, all of our crew here wish you a Merry and safe Christmas. We'll be leaving you with a few comments you folks at home, made about our shadowed crusaders."
A security guard from Boyle Industries came first. "I was surrounded, thinking it was over for me…Next thing I know, BAM! BOOM! KA-POW! The bastards are all on the floor, completely KO'd. I didn't even see who could've done it!"
A civilian was next. "I remember just hiding in my house from all the criminals out there, and WHOOSH! I heard a very loud car passing by. And at that instant I knew, it had to be this city's unsung heroes!"
A small-time thug was also interviewed. "Boy, they are stronger than they look! I got bruises to prove how tough they are! Those fellas are ruthless. And nothin' in the world is gonna stop them."
As a couple more. interviews played on the news channel, Spinelli only smiled as she knew this team was destined to protect this city even if the police weren't with them.
She then heard a knocking on her room door. "Who is it?"
Olivia came in. "Hey, Spinelli." She chirpily said. "Hey, Olivia! What are you doing up so early?"
"I couldn't help it since I already wanted to see my presents downstairs. But I didn't find anything."
"Oh, don't you worry about that. I'm sure Arnold and Rhonda have that settled already. But since they were tired from last night's action, they didn't get a chance to set it up." Spinelli smiled. "Care to sit down?" Spinelli offered. Olivia nodded as she smiled.
"Hey uh, Spinelli? I hate to ask you this but…"
"Oh don't worry, little sis! Go on, ask me what's on your mind."
"Well, I know I'm still young and all but, will I have to go down the same path as you guys? Like, do all the training and stuff?"
Spinelli paused to think for a moment. "Well… I can't say for certain but I think it's all up to you and your parents. None of us decides how you want to handle your life, it's all up to you, ok?"
"Oh. Well, I was wondering for quite some time now, Thanks, Spinelli!" Olivia hugged her. Spinelli hugged her back. "Oh, don't worry. And hey, if you do decide to join us, maybe I can teach you a few tricks!"
"Like what?"
"Being a tough girl! Make sure nobody makes a wimp outta you!"
Olivia laughed. "I'll be sure to come to you if I ever need some advice, apart from my parents."
Spinelli laughed as she ruffled Olivia's hair. "Alright. Say, how about we go and wake your parents now?"
"That'll be fun!"
"Let's go! Just let me put something on." Spinelli nervously smiled.
Later the two were in Rhonda and Arnold's bedroom. "Alright, all you now." Spinelli gave a thumbs up.
Olivia was just sitting in the middle of the two as they kept sleeping. She poked Rhonda's leg. "Ok…" Olivia then got a feather as she tickled Rhonda's leg. After a few seconds, Rhonda soon awoke and started laughing. Olivia then stopped. Rhonda then looked to see what it was. "Olivia!" She sat up and crossed her arms. Olivia nervously smiled. "Spinelli…?"
"I- I'm guilty of this…"
"Ugh! What time is it?"
"Only nine-thirty in the morning, Mrs. Shortman." Impulse replied. "Thanks." Rhonda then glared at the two. "Olivia, go to your room. I'm asking nicely."
Olivia immediately did as she was told. Spinelli also left.
Rhonda shook her head as she looked at Arnold. "Honey. Honey, wake up." She lightly shook Arnold. Soon, he woke up. "Sweetie? What's wrong?" Arnold rubbed his eye as he sat up. "Olivia thought it was funny to wake us up at nine A.M after only six hours of sleep."
"I understand she's still a kid, but not a baby either. Is it alright if I go talk to her?"
"Please hun, I just want some sleep!" Rhonda immediately laid her head down. Arnold leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, just go back to sleep, I'll be back." Arnold got out of bed and headed to Olivia's room.
A few minutes later
"So you promise you won't do that kind of thing anymore?" Arnold asked again as he sat next to her. "I promise, Dad."
"Alright. But just know Olivia, your mom and I still love you." Arnold kissed her forehead. "And I love you and Mom."
Arnold smiled. "Alright. Later, Olivia."
"Later, dad."
Arnold then headed back to his bedroom. He found Rhonda sound asleep. He only smiled.
Hours Later
It was around nighttime, the team had just gotten off patrolling the city and it was time for them to celebrate the holidays.
Arnold and Rhonda were both with their daughter, Olivia, while the others were all together downstairs in the living room, sharing laughs along with warm drinks like hot chocolate or tea.
"Alright Princess, meet us downstairs, Arnold and I will be down there in a minute." Olivia nodded as she soon headed downstairs. Rhonda then gave a flirty look at Arnold. "If I could right now, I'd smear lip gloss all over that adorable face of yours." Rhonda had a hand on his chin. Arnold blushed furiously as he had a goofy expression.
"Just a quick kiss, sweetie. We gotta get downstairs y'know." Arnold could barely smirk as he leaned close to her neck and started giving a slow kiss. He shortly worked his way up to her lips.
"You had lip gloss on?" Arnold asked once they separated. Rhonda giggled. "I may have intended it for later. C'mon, sweetie-bun!"
As the two went downstairs, all of their friends and family were there to celebrate. Miles, Stella, Brooke, and Buckley.
An Hour Later
Olivia opened up her last present as she hugged her parents.
After they all opened presents, they were all hanging out and conversating with one another.
Arnold and Rhonda were both upstairs as they looked down at their friends and family.
"This one feels truly special. You wanna know why?" Arnold looked at his wife. "Why's that?"
"'Cause I'm with my loved ones. My friends, my parents, and in-laws, but mostly… I have you by my side each and every single day." Arnold kissed her cheek. "Oh, Arnold. You should already know I'd never leave you! I love you too much to ever have that thought!" Rhonda pulled Arnold into a hug.
As the two embraced, Arnold's long flashback soon faded and back to a very dark and gloomy present…