Cheese's First Christmas

(Story takes place after the Shanazar "A whole new world" story)

All around the world, Mobians were preparing for the Christmas season. The streets were heaved with decorations, sparkling lights were placed in every window and the sound of carol singing, could be heard through the cold breeze of this festive activity.

Looking through a small window, inside the Groovy Train, glanced a tiny creature, amazed by what it saw. It looked down at the Mobians below, preparing their market stalls for the day on the streets. Filled to the brim with delicious sugary snacks and warm punches, for all to drink and be merry.

The little Chao looked onwards and saw children running through the closed roads. Carrying balloons in their tiny hands, they ran towards the fun rides the city with excitement. Its tiny paws stretched out wide against the cold window, as it tried to get a better view. But alas, the children had dashed away, taking the excitement with them. Disappointed, it gave a tiny sigh. The tiny chao still had much to learn in this new world, but surely what was happening right now, looked really thrilling.

Then suddenly something caught its small ears, as a sudden boom fell down. The tiny chao; full of curiosity, followed the sound to the kitchen. There, heaving a heavy box, it watched the black feline and yellow hedgehog finally place the last box onto the small dining table.

"There you go! All last year's stuff. Just make sure its all set up for tonight; before the carol singers get here." The manager instructed her employee.

Placing his hands against his hips, the yellow hedgehog wasn't too happy to see so much. Chao watched as the creature got on with the job with a heavy sigh, carefully taking each box to head downstairs. But what was in those boxes? the little creature wondered. Flapping towards the hedgehog, it gave a tiny shriek to greet him, as he made his way to the stairs.

Unfortunately for the poor employee, the tiny critter had caught him off guard, accidently losing his grip on the box. With a thud and a crash, both of them watched as the box exploded and emptied its contents on the final step. Quickly running down, the hedgehog was worried about the state the stuff was inside. The Chao couldn't help but fly down and inspect what had come out.

Inside were stacks of decorations; from stockings, tinsel and trinkets. It couldn't help itself as it pulled the last tinsel out of the box, feeling the rough, sparkly texture with its tiny paw. It looked at the tinsel and screamed with delight, to see its reflection on the golden glitter. But then it spun itself around and caught itself in a knot. The hedgehog looked nearby and saw its distress, as it tried to fly away. Carefully, the hedgehog grabbed hold of the Chao and unwrapped the tinsel, letting the Chao break free.

"Don't wreck them, Ebony wants them up by tonight. Just stay out of trouble today, ok Cheese?" The hedgehog ordered the tiny critter.

Shoving them all back in the box, the hedgehog took the collection and left through the staff door. Cheese quickly followed through the door, to the open area of the café…

Already at that time, the place was pretty busy as customers came in from the bitter cold, to take a hot refreshment. All of them were wearing long coats and decorated jumpers. Cheese couldn't help but to stare at some of their festive fashion; some even wore lights that flashed from where they sat. The noise was a mix of animals chattering with laughter, coffee machines hissing as it worked away and the sweet melody of the music being played in the background. Cheers and claps boomed as the band finished playing their song. Cheese enjoyed the motion and clapped with its tiny hands as well.

The yellow hedgehog wasn't to be seen and so the tiny Chao flew upwards to get a better view of the surroundings. The white-haired dog was attending to the customers, while the black cat had returned downstairs, greeting the customers as they arrived. Cheese couldn't' shake off an alluring smell as it lifted its tiny nose up and so, flew off towards the source.

Ignoring the jolly Mobians as it flew by, it was drawn by a sweet smell. Plopping onto the side, it walked towards the large glass containers resting behind the serving till. Looking up, it wanted to point out the source of the appetising presence, till something large caught its eyes. Flying up, it found its prize; a large chocolate cookie. With delight, it pressed onto the glass with its tiny paws and with a mighty flapping of its pink wings, pulled the container towards it. However, to the little critter's lack of physics, the large container was pulled out, with gravity taking over as it smashed to the ground.

The white-haired dog turned around and to her dismay, saw the container smash into pieces. In panic, Cheese flew off before it was told off; disappointed that it never got the cookie.

But as the Chao flew around, it was coming to nearly colliding with the heads of the customers. The Mobians ducked and screamed to see a tiny monster, nearly bumping into them. The room had become too busy and too claustrophobic for the little one; it needed to get away. But the chao was so distracted by the Mobians and chaos of the room, that it didn't look forward and headed straight into the tube of a tuba. It cried out as its middle was firmly stuck.

In complete darkness, Cheese tried to pull itself out from the large instrument. The owner; a large rhino was confused as to why he couldn't play a note; till he stopped and saw the wriggling feet of the Chao. The other musicians looked confused, as they seized their Christmas tune at the music stage. The trumpet player, came off his ceiling chair, to help his friend out. Calling out to the manager, the black cat was shocked to see the problem as well, as she tried to help pull Cheese out. Unfortunately, for all of them, Cheese was quite stuck, that it took all three of them to yank it out.

With one large Heave Ho, Cheese was shot flying out of the tuba and sent across the room in disarray. The cat looked around to see where the Chao had flown off to, only to see it bounce and crash upon the customers. In panic, the cat left the rhino and other musicians, as she ran across the room to the mayhem.

Cheese had fallen on one of the tables, surrounded by food and beverages. The Mobians around it, shouted and cried in shock and annoyance as they wiped away the sauces and wet tea, off their clothes. In panic, Cheese fled, just before the cat could reach it. But all she got was a handful of very unsatisfied customers. As she tried to solve their problem, Cheese flew off and landed away somewhere quiet.

Sighing and feeling very sorry for itself, it clutched its tiny belly as it rumbled. And then something caught its scent as it was drawn to another delicious smell.

This time, on a nearby table, laid a massive, decorated ginger bread biscuit; shaped as a tiny gingerbread creature. Flying towards it, it struggled to lift itself up, as the dessert was almost as big as Cheese. Smelling it more closely, it couldn't resist to take a bite. But then it was abruptly stopped as a nearby child, cried and pointed at the Chao.

"That thing's taken my ginger biscuit!" The child shouted as tears started to form in his eyes.

Grabbing onto the precious prize, Cheese wanted it for themself, as it took off franticly from the child. Not only was Cheese running away with the ginger booty, but was also running away from the little boy, that was adamant to get it back.

The white-haired dog had only just finished cleaning up all the glass, when she suddenly saw Cheese being chased by the boy. Following them through her gaze, she watched as both of them dashed through the Mobians; not caring who they bumped and nearly crash into. Customers dropped their trays as they tried their best to not get hit by the boy. Customers had dropped their drinks as the Chao flew close to their heads, only just missing them by moments. The room echoed with the shouts and crashes of plates and cups, till the boy finally caught the ginger bread man in mid-air.

Then it became a tugging war for the biscuit; the boy against the Chao. Which to the dog's concern, none of them were giving up without a fight. Then suddenly, the ginger bread snapped, sending both of them flying away from each other. The boy landed backwards on his bottom, while Cheese flew off.

Spinning in mid-air, the creature couldn't tell what it hit, till it crashed inside an empty bowl. The creature watched in horror as what it had crashed into, was in fact the hedgehog, on top of a large ladder. The ladder gave way and with no balance, the poor animal fell down along with the ladder. Cheese watched him fall with a mighty crash, along with a box full of marbles and tinsel. Removing the tinsel off his fur, the yellow hedgehog looked up from the mess and saw the madness that had surrounded him. Before the hedgehog could confront the Chao, customers came up to him complaining; the young boy sobbing away. Cheese took the opportunity to flee, with only half its prize…

The three animals looked at the situation feeling very annoyed. The place was in Chaos; cups and plates smashed, the decorations were broken and the whole café looked like a Christmas bomb had gone off. All because of one little Chao.

As they apologised to make things right, Ebony and Pyjamas worked together to make more drinks, while Super Sonic speeded around, cleaning up the mess. As they cleaned, the young boy was back to smiling again, as he was given a new gingerbread biscuit; on the house of course. Other customers also wanted to help out as well, and so, the whole café was moved by the Christmas spirit, helping each other decorate the place. The band agreed to play on, playing to the Christmas beat, while some of the younger ones, wanted to help decorate the Christmas tree.

The community worked together to make the place, look a tiny bit more special. Ebony smiled as she conjured up the last touch; casting a spell of snow across the wide-open space. The children looked up in glee as they saw the snow fall down and yet looking down, disappeared without a trace. They loved it.

"Something I recalled, that went well last year" Ebony winked to Super and Pyjamas.

The groovy train was buzzing and fortunately for the team, the chaotic event was soon to be more of laughs and jokes. Relieved, Pyjamas then turned as her eyes darted around the place.

What happened to Cheese…?

After what had happened, the tiny Chao wasn't in the mood to snack on his prize. After the event, the creature had managed to sneak inside the staff office and decided to lay low for a while. But it couldn't shake off the guilt and sadness it felt; feeling very sorry for itself. Suddenly it looked up as Pyjamas walked inside. Looking at it, she had her hands on her hips.

"You made quite a mess out there and a lot of upset customers too."

Giving a small little squeak reply back, it didn't face her as she sat next to it on the large sofa.

"But lucky for you; all is well. What made you come downstairs? Something bothering you?"

Cheese looked up, gave a tiny cry as it moved its tiny hand; as if pointing. Then ducked its tiny head against the ginger biscuit ashamed.

"Did you want to go outside?" Pyjamas asked.

Suddenly the tiny critter became alerted as it stood up and reached out to her, tiny tears down its eyes. Pyjamas simply smiled and hugged the tiny creature.

"You silly little thing, we were going to out anyway before the carol performance tonight. We were going to surprise you." Pyjamas smiled.

Cheese suddenly bolted up and cried in delight. As the office door opened, Cheese bolted and grabbed the face of Super Sonic, who was pushed back towards Ebony as she too headed inside the office.

"Ok just calm down! Give us a minute and we can head off!" Super shouted out, while annoyed as Ebony giggled.

Soon after, the band had ended their session. Packing up their instruments, they headed to their next Christmas gig; as tonight was going to be a great night for them. Cheese stood there smiling as they plopped their hands over the its head, smiling and joking about today's events. They actually found Cheese to be quite a delight as they said their farewells. Also, as it was getting dark, the customers made their way home as well, thanking for the kind hospitality from Cheese. Even the young boy from before was happy to have met Cheese as he shared his biscuit with him. Cheese was happy to make new friends. Then suddenly the creature was being summoned.

It watched as the group made some quick orders, before the hedgehog dashed upstairs and back in a flash. Pyjamas had got on her coat and placed a larger hat on her already large bouncy hair; tucking her ears on the sides. The hedgehog was only wearing a black hooded jacket.

"Are you sure you'll be warm with just that?" The cat asked.

"Sure; its hot places that don't agree with me, remember?" Super replied.

"Ok. Have you two got the list we need?" Ebony asked Pyjamas.

Replying with waving the large piece of paper, the feline left them to prepare for tonight. Cheese looked up as the hedgehog walked towards it. He took out from the large open pocket of his jacket, a small tiny pair of gloves and scarf.

"Now as for you, the cold maybe a new thing for you; so, lets be prepared for it." He smiled.

Was this Cheese first present? Either way, it made the hedgehog annoyed as it once again, bombed right into his face with sheer delight…

Cheese was gobsmacked at the sheer beauty and wonder of outside. Sitting on the hedgehog's head, it had an amazing view of the market place. Each stall was now open, full of delights and smells. Super Sonic had to keep an eye on the little critter, in case its curiosity drew it away from him and Pyjamas. Seeing however it was intrigued, he agreed to see some of the stalls and its trinkets; of course, making sure Cheese didn't touch anything it shouldn't.

Near to the end, Cheese was so happy to see what the fuss was all about. Mobians greeted each other with good cheer, children dashing through the crowds excited and of course, the Chao finally saw what the children were looking forward to. Inside the main opening of the market was a stand and there, in the centre was Father Christmas being surrounded by all of the children. Cheese wanted to get a better view but the yellow hedgehog was persisted to not draw attention. Pyjamas decided to take Cheese for herself, while her friend would get the things off their shopping list.

As they separated, the chao followed Pyjamas through the crowd to get a better view. There, sitting down on a large and golden chair, the children were sitting on the large man's knees, telling everything that their little hearts ever desired. Would Cheese get a turn it wondered? Just when it was free, Cheese ignored the cries of Pyjamas as it dashed towards the large wondrous being.

But when it got closer to him, his large bearded face and large belly, made it become nervous. But instead of making Father Christmas angry, he yelled with a mighty smile and cradled the chao in his arms; adjusting his small half circle glasses over his beady eyes. Everyone watched in awe of Chao as Father Christmas spoke.

"And hello to you my little friend! I hope you are enjoying the Christmas spirit?" The being bellowed out.

In tiny sharps and chirps, Cheese chattered away. And as if by some magic or wonder, the large being nodded and agreed; as if he understood the tiny creature.

"Oh, I can understand; Christmas is very exciting for all. But can of course have a little "snag" here and there. But so long as are you with the creatures that care for you, that is the most important thing." He replied.

Cheese stopped and thought to itself. It could have returned home along with the other Chaos; after all they were its family. But being here, being with the creatures in this world, it somehow concluded that this is where it belonged and made a good family here.

Father Christmas smiled and reached out a tiny gift for Cheese. Flying up, Cheese looked down at the tiny gift and was delighted to see a tiny golden star. As it shook it in its tiny hands, the trinket gave a tiny ring inside. Cheese couldn't believe its tiny ears to hear the blissful sound. Everyone smiled as it was awarded with the gift. What could this mean? it pondered.

"Merry Christmas Cheese" Father Christmas smiled, as he rose up from his chair, holding onto his ancient snowflake staff.

Suddenly it could hear its name being called, as Pyjamas came through the crowd. Cheese flew off and straight into her arms, showing the gift it received. Pyjamas looked to see Father Christmas and with a wink (which she returned back), Pyjamas walked away to join up with Super Sonic.

By the time they headed back to the Groovy train, Cheese was starting to get cold. Super Sonic had placed his hood over his head, making a small space for Cheese to get inside to keep warm against his quills. With everything done, the café was magically transformed into a winter wonderland. The hard work that everyone had put into, made the place just a little extra special. And already waiting to greet them, were the carol singers; getting prepared for tonight's performance.

Super Sonic and Pyjamas helped out with the final touches as a crowd started to form outside. The team got dressed up for tonight as they served the Mobians with drink and food. Cheese watched from the sides as the night went without a hitch; to everyone's relief of course.

Everyone watched as the signers sang their heart out; even the staff stopped for a moment to listen. The night had become quite a success and the little Chao started to yawn; still clutching onto the tiny present from the jolly giant.

"So, you really think that was Father Christmas you saw?" Super asked to Pyjamas as he closed the doors ending the night.

"Who knows; the guy does like to work in mysterious way." Pyjamas smiled as the placed the food scraps in the bins.

"Do you think he uses magic Ebony?" Super asked, as she was walking towards them.

"Maybe or as its usually called by him "The Christmas spirit". Well, I think we are done for today. Best get some rest, seeing it's the more important day of the year." Ebony winked towards Cheese.

Confused, Cheese yawned again as it was being summoned to bed. With a unanimous decision, it was time to say goodnight. Pyjamas said farewell as she headed back home, while Ebony and Super Sonic dragged themselves upstairs to the flat. Yawning, Cheese decided to crash on the hedgehog's bed, resting on top of his head; snuggling against the quills (to Super Sonic's annoyance of course).

Soon after, the whole place was quiet as everyone was asleep. But Cheese was just too excited as it left the bed for the small window once again; cradling the Christmas star in its hands. Then suddenly it spotted something up in the dark midnight sky. Did it see something cross over the moon? It wasn't so sure as it suddenly moved away from the window in a dash, but could hear the small taint of jingle bells. Then something stirred within the dark clouds. Then in delight, it witnessed the first speckles of snow dance down from above.

Cheese was now curious, with all the wonder in its body, what will wait for it tomorrow…

THE END