Here is the final chapter. It's structured similar to the prologue.

I meant to post this earlier today... but it's Christmas! I was spending time with family/new gifts and whatnot. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas yourself. Mine sure was a blast.

When Mario and Luigi awoke just seven hours later, they were overjoyed to find that the bell still sat upon their nightstand. They were quick to wake their parents up, to begin their Christmas morning. Their day was full of smiles and laughter, and the boys were eager to play with their new toys while their mother cooked up a whole breakfast buffet.

Wario found a letter from Santa himself, a repeat of the verbal warning he'd given on Christmas Eve. He got presents as well, but he made sure to put the note safe in his room. Well, as safe as it could be in a pigsty. His Christmas was slightly different, as he didn't accompany Waluigi out to throw snowballs at pedestrians. He also made sure to thank his mother (albeit it was so quiet she didn't hear) for the five pounds of bacon that she sizzled up.

Yoshi's Christmas was full of singing, dancing, and baked goods. Yoshis did not use presents to celebrate, as they preferred to engorge themselves in special sweets and songs (Santa comes in by leaving the children their own special treat). During their story time, Yoshi told the whole village about his adventure. Many applauded him, but for creativity rather than anything else. None of the adults believed his tale, though the young Yoshi children latched onto it like it was a caramel apple.

Donkey Kong's family was thrilled to awaken to a feast of fruit, something they'd though they'd never have again. They stuffed themselves until they popped. They spent the day in their cave come, hiding the snow and bitter frost. Donkey Kong told of his adventure, which all believed (where else could the food have come from?). The oldest Kong, Donkey Kong's great-grandfather, entertained them all with stories of his adventures.

Peach spent her Christmas, after opening the handful of presents that she received, giving to the Kingdom. She accompanied her parents through town, finding those with lesser fortunes and offering a way to a better future. With night came a great holiday feast, and then the royals snuggled up under the king and queen's large bed, watching all their favourite Christmas classics.

Bowser did indeed give Christmas a try. He was kind to the servants, wishing them all a Merry Christmas (and baffling the whole lot). He'd wanted to go out in the snow, potentially to play with the other children, but his father wanted him to train. However, Bowser explained to him about Christmas, and what it was really about. The king wasn't too impressed, but he agreed to give Bowser a day off from training. The Koopa child spent his afternoon engaged in the biggest snow brawl in all history.

Yet, after Christmas passed, the spirit stayed within the seven children. Their shared adventure was not forgotten. Even as years passed, they held that Christmas close to their hearts. Even as they transitioned into adulthood, they could still recall the warmth of the raw spirit as well as if it had happened yesterday.

And, true to Santa's word, they did meet again.

It was a pure accident for Mario, Luigi, and Wario to get transported to Asgus, but they made it. It did not take long for them to find Peach, now the sole ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. The rest of the seven were quickly called over, as the princess had managed to stay in touch. Reunited, they marveled at how big and mature each other had gotten (especially Bowser and Donkey Kong). They spent hours catching up, their conversations drawing into the early hours of the morning. They lapsed back to the night of the Polar Express, speaking fondly of the adventure. Mario brought out the bell.

Sure enough, it still rang for all of them.

The End

Thanks to all of you who read to the end, who went on this little journey with the characters based off some dumb ol' whim of an idea. Although I did rush this to get it done in time for Christmas, I still like how it turned out. I hope you all did, too.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Fingers crossed to 2021 being a better year?

Stay nerdy, my friends. :)