Ch 9: Christmas Gifts
Morning came quickly, as if the night never existed at all. Kalin slowly peaked at the clock on the table. It was around the usual time they got up.
"Good morning, Radley," smiled Kalin.
"Good morning," Radley smiled as he woke up.
"Did you have a nice rest?" asked Kalin.
"Yeah. You?" Radley smiled.
"I'm feeling fine. Maybe we should call Jordan, Nico, and West; see if they want to join us today."
Yeah. I'm sure they will," Radley said.
Kalin dialed their number and waited for their response.
Hello?" Nico greeted.
"Hey Nico. Radley and I went Christmas shopping with the others yesterday. We were wondering if you and West would be interested in joining us in making cards?" asked Kalin.
"That sounds really fun," Nico smiled.
"We'll be going to the City after breakfast, so make sure you two eat, ok?"
"I thought the plan was to make the cards at the diner?" Radley mused.
"Oh, you're right."
"The others will probably come here after breakfast," Radley said.
"Great!" Nico smiled. "We'll come too."
"See you then," said Kalin.
Radley headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.
Kalin set the table and fetched the mail.
Radley soon had everything ready.
"What's for breakfast?"
"English muffins, waffles, jam, and butter," Radley said.
"Looks really fancy."
"Thanks." Radley sat down to eat.
"I wish I could cook as well as you "
"I can teach you more recipes," Radley said. "You do well with what you know."
"I appreciate that," Kalin smiled as he finished his muffin.
Radley smiled too.
After breakfast, they headed to the diner with the Bunch.
"Hey guys, how are you all doing today?" greeted Kalin.
"Great!" Scotch grinned. "Let's start decorating and card-making!"
"Is everyone else here?"
"Yeah!" West grinned from one of the booths. "Hi, Kalin! Hi, Radley!"
"Hey West, good to see you," smiled Kalin.
"I'm ready to decorate!" West beamed.
"I am too!" smiled Nico
"Yes!" Scotch went for the bags of stuff they had bought.
"Wow! That's a lot of things!" exclaimed Nico.
"Yeah! We can hang garlands and wreaths on the counters and doors!" Scotch said. "And the window!"
"Should we do that first and then the cards?" asked West.
"Yeah! Let's get it looking Christmassy to enjoy while we work!" Scotch said.
The group from the City arrived too. Kalin and the kids went to the entrance of the diner to great them.
"Oh! Team 5ds is here!" pointed Nico.
"Hi, everyone!" Luna smiled.
"Hi! Would you guys like to help us decorate the diner?" asked Nico.
"Yeah!" Leo grinned.
"Let's go!" exclaimed West. He dashed over to the box holding the string lights.
"I have the feeling we'll be getting up the diner tree too," Radley smirked to Kalin.
"Very true," smiled Kalin.
Soon decorations were going up and Radley was getting out the tree.
"Do you need help, Radley?" asked Kalin.
"Sure, that'd be great," Radley said.
Kalin grasp the top part of the tree.
Together they got the tree set up and Scotch started to bring the decorations.
"Wow! That's one tall tree!" chirped Carly.
"Let's all decorate it!" shouted West.
Scotch put on Christmas music and everyone started decorating. The team began with wrapping the garlands. West brought the lights with Nico.
"Time for the lights!" said Nico.
Radley helped hang the highest ones. Kalin and Jack also helped him out. The kids placed the stuffed animals at the base of the tree.
"That looks really cute," Radley smiled.
"Yes, it does," nodded Luna.
Scotch turned on the lights. "Perfect!"
"Wow! It's beautiful!" cheered Akiza.
The kids jumped up and down for joy.
"Yeah!" West grinned. "Let's make cards now!"
"Yeah! I'm going to make the coolest cards!" smiled Leo.
The kids dashed to the table with all the art supplies. Scotch did too. Radley chuckled. He let them pick first before looking over what was left.
Kalin watched them cut out colored paper for their cards. He was slightly envious of how innocent they were, as the Enforcers never did such things. Radley was envious too. He had done some of that, but always alone.
"They sure look like they're having fun," smiled Akiza. "I can't wait to see the results."
Radley made a card or two since he had agreed to participate, but he leaves most of it for the kids and Scotch and Kalin. Leo was drawing a picture of Yusei, while West was drawing a picture of Antinomy. Radley smiled, as that was really cute.
"They sure are really enjoying it," remarked Kalin. "Come to think of it, the Jackals Crow looked after would often draw for us."
"Yeah? Does Crow have all of their pictures?" Radley smiled.
"I'm not sure. Hey, Crow? Did you manage to save all those pictures from Satellite?"
"Of course!" Crow said. "I have 'em hung in my apartment!"
"I'm surprised they managed to survive."
"I took good care of them!" Crow said.
"That's an impressive feat in of itself," stated Akiza.
"How's the cards coming along, guys?" Kalin asked the kids.
"Great!" Leo grinned. He held up his current one, with a tree cutout glued on it.
"Making cards is fun when you have lots of friends!" smiled Luna as she held up a cutout of Santa.
"Yeah!" West had moved on to drawing Kalin now.
"I never expected we would hang out together," said Nico.
"It's been nice that we all can these days," Radley said.
"It sure is," Kalin nodded in agreement.
The card-making continued for a while, until there was quite a stack.
"Wow! That's a lot of cards!" gasped Carly.
"We've all been going at it hard!" Scotch grinned.
"Are you guys done?" asked Jack.
"Let's take a food break!" Scotch said.
"Yeah! I'm hungry from all that drawing!" said West.
Radley chuckled and went to fix lunch.
"Would you like some help, Radley?" asked Akiza.
"Sure," Radley smiled.
"Would you like to help out, Crow?" asked Akiza.
"Yeah!" Crow headed to the kitchen.
"So, Radley, what would you like us to do?" asked Akiza.
Radley instructed them on what he was planning to make for lunch. Akiza and Crow followed them carefully and sooner than later, the cooking was complete.
Radley and the Bunch began bringing some of it out.
"Lunch time!" announced Akiza.
Everyone started to gather.
"This looks amazing!" Luna beamed.
"Crow and Radley are really talented chefs," said Kalin. "Oh, and thank you as well, Akiza.
"Yes, it's scrumptious!" Radley smiled.
"I cooked meals for my parents occasionally," said Akiza.
"Everything is delicious!" Luna said as she started to eat.
"Yeah! I know right?" grinned West.
Scotch started on the food in delight.
"Wow! No wonder the Diner is always packed!" exclaimed Leo.
"What do you think of the meal, Yusei, Jack?" asked Kalin
"It's delicious," Yusei said.
"Definitely worthy of the king!" Jack said.
"And what about you, Bruno?"
"It's great!" Bruno smiled.
"Wow, I'm stuffed!" remarked Leo.
"So good!" Scotch agreed.
"I agree!" chirped Carly.
"I'm glad you could all come here to celebrate Christmas with the town," said Kalin.
"We should have Thanksgiving dinner together!" Scotch said.
"Yeah! Let's do it, Radley, Kalin!" said West.
"Oh, I'm definitely planning on it," Radley smiled. "Christmas dinner too."
"I'm also thinking of putting on a stage performance," said Kalin as he put an hand on his harmonica.
"Really?" Yusei smiled. "That would be great."
"It's funny. Back in Satellite, I wasn't into playing instruments or singing. I guess being a member of Radley's Bunch really changes a person."
Radley smiled. "It's a nice change."
"Yes, it is," nodded Kalin.
"Will you play Christmas harmonica music?" Radley asked, intrigued.
"Sure," said Kalin bluntly.
"Epic!" Scotch said.
"Anyone else like to join us?" asked Kalin.
Of course, the Bunch wanted in.
"Any takers from Team 5ds?" asked Kalin.
"Sure, I'll give it a go," Crow said.
Yusei would too.
Kalin was a bit surprised but delighted that Yusei agreed to join. Yusei wanted to support Kalin in this surprise venture.
"Yusei, Crow thank you for the support," smiled Kalin.
"Sure," Yusei smiled, and Crow gave a thumbs-up.
"I'm still getting used to hearing you sing, Kalin," remarked Jack.
"Hey, when are we giving out the Christmas Cards?" asked West
"It's really nice," Yusei said.
Radley agreed. "I never thought I'd hear such a thing." And he smiled at the kids. "We can give them out whenever you'd like."
"Let's hand them out now!" grinned West.
"Yeah!" Luna beamed.
Kalin took the box with the cards and placed it on the table.
"Let us exchange them."
Everyone handed out their cards, the kids and Scotch beaming brightly.
West and Nico gave their cards to Team 5ds.
"Thanks a lot," Yusei smiled. "These are great. You worked really hard on them."
"You're welcome!" bowed Nico.
"Did you see the cards I drew for you, Bruno?" asked West.
"Yeah! This is really neat!" Bruno grinned. "Thanks."
"I drew this as thanks for saving us from the bad guys! You're a real superhero!" smiled West.
Bruno grinned. "I'll hang this on the wall!"
"Thanks!" said West.
"I too also made a card for both of you," smiled Nico. She gave them cards with a paper cut-out of a desert flower.
"This is beautiful," Yusei smiled.
"It is!" Bruno said. "What flower is this?"
"It's an aloe flower! It's what we use to make cactus cider and food." explained Nico.
"That's so cool!" Bruno said.
"It's amazing what you can make with cactuses!" said Nico.
"It really is!" Bruno said.
The others loved their cards as well.
"I'm impressed by everyone's artistic skills," smiled Akiza.
The artists beamed.
"I have to admit you kids have skill," smirked Jack.
"Yes, I'm sure they'll be professionals someday," Radley smiled.
"I hope I can sell some hand-made cards one day," said Luna.
"That would be great!" Scotch gushed.
"That would be nice," nodded Kalin.
"We should have a mini concert now!" Scotch said.
"Yeah!" cheered West. He then dashed to the stage.
Scotch jumped up too. Kalin also joined the Bunch to perform with them. Radley started a song and got onstage too.
Everyone else quieted down to watch the show. Kalin stood next to Radley, ready to sing the chorus. Radley led them in the song. The Bunch sang along with him.
Everyone enjoyed listening to the song.
"Wow, they're good!" smiled Luna.
"Yeah!" Leo grinned. "I want to sing too!"
"You do?" asked Luna.
"Yeah!" Leo insisted. Although he might get stage fright if he actually tried.
"You can do it, Leo! I believe in you!" smiled Luna.
Leo perked up. "Really?"
"Yes," nodded Luna.
Leo beamed. "Alright! I'm gonna do it!" He hurried to the stage when the song was done.
"Looks like we have a guest singer," chuckled Kalin.
Leo hopped onstage and started to sing.
"He's a pretty good singer, to be honest," said Nico.
"He is," Luna smiled. She hadn't thought he'd really go up and sing a solo.
"Does he sing at home?" asked Nico.
"Sometimes," Luna said.
"Same with West," giggled Nico.
"Maybe they should do a duet," Radley mused.
"You up for it, Leo? asked West.
"Let's do it!" Leo beamed.
"Ok! Let's choose a song!" grinned West.
"Jingle Bells!" Leo said.
"Sure! I'll start it up!" nodded West as he selected the song.
Leo grinned and started to sing.
"Wow! This is quite a surprising performance!" smiled Akiza.
Jack started recording it with his phone.
"You're recording them, Jack?" asked Crow.
"Why not?" Jack grunted.
"Where are you going to post it?" asked Crow.
"I didn't say I was going to post it," Jack grunted.
"You better not. This is just between us," said Crow.
Leo and West finished their song.
Jack grunted. He was just sentimental about the kids and wanted a copy. Everyone clapped.
"Thank you, West and Leo. That was a great performance," smiled Kalin.
"It certainly was," Radley said.
Scotch decided to do a medley of Santa songs.
The other members of the Bunch joined in. Kalin played his harmonica as well.
Radley grinned, watching and then joining in too.
"Wow! They're so talented!" gushed Carly.
"Yusei, did you think Kalin would become a musician?" asked Akiza.
"No, never," Yusei said.
"I see. He has quite the talent," winked Akiza.
"He really does," Yusei smiled.
The song came to a rousing finish. The whole audience stood up to cheer. Radley took a sweeping bow. Kalin went to sit down to take a break.
"That was epic!" Scotch gushed, jumping off the stage.
"Yeah! Thanks for joining us, Leo!" said West.
"Let's do it some more!" Leo said.
"Sure! Just say when!" nodded West.
"Now!" Leo said.
"Ok!" grinned West as he ran back to the stage.
Leo started another song.
"I wonder what song Leo chose this time?" asked Luna.
Leo picked Rudolph. West started up the music. Leo started singing, more confident now.
"I'm happy to see how much Leo has matured," said Akiza.
"So am I," Luna smiled.
"West made a great friend," smiled Nico.
"So do you," Luna smiled.
"Thanks, Luna. Maybe we can do crafts together sometime," said Nico.
"Yeah! It was fun making the cards together!" Luna smiled.
"I wonder if we should do Valentine's Day next," said Nico.
"Sure!" Luna smiled.
"My brother can't stop talking about Antinomy. I'm sorry if you hear West talk about him," sighed Nico.
"I think it's neat," Luna smiled. "Antinomy's nice."
Nico nodded. "Yes, he is. I'm grateful to have met him."
"I'm glad we met all of you too!" Luna said.
"Kalin is also feeling much better ever since the town opened up to tourists," continued Nico.
"Really?" Luna said. "I didn't think he'd like that many people being around."
"Well, I'm sure he spoke to many people when he was the leader of the Enforcers," said Nico.
"That's true, he probably did," Luna mused.
"He was really depressed when he came here," frowned Nico. "He told us he it was pointless to believe.
"That's so sad," Luna said.
"But West and I never gave up on him! And look at the town now!" smiled Nico.
"It's amazing!" Luna beamed.
"Kalin and Radley work really hard!" beamed Nico.
"They really do, and everyone loves them," Luna smiled.
"I wonder what song they're going to play next? pondered Nico?
Scotch got onstage and started singing You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
"Oh, a classic song!" remarked Akiza.
"He's hamming it up too," Radley chuckled.
"He's very good," nodded Akiza.
"Yes, he's a born showman," Radley said.
Scotch brought the song to a close with an evil giggle.
"Has he considered becoming a professional singer?" asked Akiza.
"He has, but he says he wants to stay here," Radley said.
"I see. But that's understandable," nodded Akiza.
"I'm happy he wants to," Radley smiled.
"What about Kalin?" asked Akiza.
"Kalin wants to stay here as far as I know," Radley said. "I hope that won't ever change."
"I'm happy to have met him, you, and the others," smiled Akiza.
Radley smiled. "I'm happy to have met all of you too."
"Before I met Yusei, I was told that people outside the Tops were nothing but degenerates. Now I know that that's wrong," said Akiza.
"My family was prejudiced against the Satellite too," Radley said. "I never thought that sounded right."
"Has their perspectives about it changed?" asked Akiza.
"I haven't talked to them since they disowned me," Radley said.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." frowned Akiza.
"It's okay," Radley said. "I have a family here."
"You are very lucky to have them," smiled Akiza.
"I know," Radley smiled.
Just then, Kalin came towards them and sat down.
He looked up as Kalin came over. "Hey! Having fun?"
"Hey, guys. Yes, I am," nodded Kalin.
"I'm glad," Radley smiled.
"Is everyone else having fun?" asked Kalin.
"Yes, I think so," Radley said. "I am too."
"I sure am!" grinned Crow.
"Thank you very much for inviting us over," smiled Akiza.
"Always a pleasure," Radley smiled.
"I can't wait to give out the presents!" said West.
"Yeah, that'll be fun!" Luna smiled.
"It's gonna be lots of fun!" cheered Leo.
Soon everyone gathered for the presents.
"Before we distribute our gifts, I would like to thank everyone for coming over to celebrate Christmas with the Town," said Kalin.
Everyone applauded.
"We were happy to come," Yusei smiled.
"Yeah! The food is great here!" nodded Carly.
"We do our best," Radley smiled.
"What are you guys most thankful for?" asked Kalin.
"Radley! Food!" Scotch said. "Presents!"
"Ha ha! Same here!" laughed Crow.
Kalin laughed as well. "I think we all are."
Radley smiled. "And I'm thankful for all of you."
"Same here," nodded Kalin. "I'm glad I met you."
"Good," Radley smiled. "So am I."
"What about you guys?" Kalin asked the others.
Everyone chorused in the affirmative.
"Should we distribute our gifts?" asked Kalin.
"Yeah!" Leo grinned.
The kids took out their gift bags from under the table first. They started passing them out, to much thanks from the receivers.
"A toy car?" asked Jack as he held up the gift Leo bought.
Radley smiled. "I love classic cars. Thank you."
"You're welcome!" grinned Leo.
Yusei and everyone else thanked them too. After that, gifts were passed out for the kids.
"I wonder what we got?" asked West.
There were cars and cards and plushies.
"Oh, a dog Beanie Baby! How adorable!" smiled Nico.
Luna got a kitty. "She's so cute!"
West gave everyone sports cards. Radley was a bit surprised, but he was gracious and appreciated the sincere gift.
"My favorite sport to watch is soccer!" said West.
"Soccer is cool!" Scotch said. "And basketball!"
"We played those games back in Satellite," said Crow. "Come to think of it, I wonder if the jackals still do?"
"Probably," Jack said.
"I hope they are," said Kalin.
The adults exchanged gifts too. The kids were eager to know what they got and opened the package.
Yusei got the phone and smiled in amazement. "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, Yusei," smiled Kalin. "Radley, Bruno, and I all paid for it."
"It's perfect," Yusei smiled. He immediately started to charge it.
"We knew you'd like it!" Bruno beamed.
"You deserve the best," said Kalin.
Akiza gave everyone small scented bottles.
Radley gave music and fudge, and had other gifts for Kalin and the Bunch too.
"Ooh! This fudge looks yummy!" exclaimed Carly.
Radley smiled.
"What did you buy, Scotch?" asked Kalin.
"Cookies!" Scotch said.
"Hmm, they're good!" chirped Leo.
"Thanks," smiled Kalin.
"Yeah, these are great," Radley said.
"What's these scented bottle things for, Akiza?" asked Jack.
"For spraying around the house?" Leo suggested.
"Actually, they're diffuser room fresheners," corrected Akiza.
"I thought you hung room fresheners from the ceiling," Leo said.
"They are, but the scents are more natural," said Akiza. "For instance, the diffusers last longer than the traditional ones."
"Oh, that's nice," Luna smiled.
"I think I'm going to love the scent of my bedroom at night!" nodded Carly.
"Epic!" Scotch said.
"This will be really nice," Radley smiled. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome, you guys," smiled back Akiza.
Kalin gave everyone a bag of cactus candy. Scotch thought that was awesome. Leo was fascinated.
"Candy? Sweet!" smiled Carly.
"So cool!" Leo gushed.
"I'm going to enjoy this!" chuckled Jack as he tried some.
Everyone else dug in too, even those familiar with it already.
"I'm grateful for all the support you have provided for this town," said Kalin.
"Always," Yusei smiled.
"We'll always be behind your back!" grinned Crow.
"And we're grateful," Radley smiled.
"Call us if another jerk like Lawton comes along," said Jack.
"We certainly will," Radley said.
"Same here," nodded Kalin.
Scotch put on more Christmas music.
A waitress came and placed a Christmas Special menu on the table.
"Hello, we are having a Christmas meal special this week," she said.
Leo's eyes lit up. "That sounds so cool!"
"Let me know when you're all ready," the waitress said as she turned around.
"What does the menu say?" asked Jack.
"We can order things that people often have for Christmas dinner!" Leo said.
"My favorite one is the Christmas milkshakes!" said West.
"That was Scotch's idea," Radley smiled.
"I'll have one!" chirped Carly.
The kids wanted to try them too.
"What else is in the menu?" asked Akiza.
"Traditional things such as turkey, ham, potatoes, and yams," Radley said. "Or you can do something silly and just get something red and green, even if it's not traditional, like a Christmas lasagna."
"Man, you're making me hungry," said Leo.
"Let's order all of those!" demanded Jack.
"Yes!" Scotch exclaimed.
Soon dinner was on the way. Kalin chuckled. "I guess you guys just can't resist."
"Everything sounds so good!" Luna said.
Scotch started in on the food when it came.
"Yeah! This place is awesome!" nodded Leo.
"Well, help yourselves," said Kalin.
Everyone started enjoying the food.
"Wow this food is great!" exclaimed Carly.
Radley smiled. "Thanks. We think so too."
"Did you expect the diner to get so popular?" asked Carly.
"With the town, yeah, I did. With people from other places, not necessarily!" Radley said.
"Same here," Kalin nodded in agreement. "This town was originally a place for outcasts and broken souls."
Radley nodded. "And some people still use it for that. That's fine. Hopefully now it's more of a welcoming environment for them."
"It's perfect for people like me," said Kalin.
"I'm glad," Radley smiled.
"We may have been off to a rough start, but now I'm thankful I met you and the Bunch," smiled back Kalin.
"I feel the same," Radley said.
"What are you guys most thankful for?" Kalin asked the others.
"Everyone here safe," Luna smiled.
"I'm glad to have met the people here, like West!" added Leo.
West grinned. "Kalin!"
"Thank you, West and Nico. I'm eternally grateful for your support," chuckled Kalin.
"We feel that way about you," Nico smiled.
"You remind me of all the kids back in Satellite," continued Kalin. "How you still manage to remain optimistic."
"They must have been like this because you were there!" West beamed.
"I wonder what they think of me now?" asked Kalin as his gaze turned towards Yusei, Jack, and Crow.
"Well, you could visit them sometime and see," Crow said.
"I'll have to think about that," said Kalin. "So anyway, what are you thankful for?"
"That everything's relatively peaceful right now," Crow said.
"It's the perfect opportunity to practice for the next tournament!" exclaimed Jack.
"Oh? Has one been announced?" Radley asked.
"This summer!" smirked Jack. "And I WILL be the King again!"
"Well, good luck," Radley said.
"I agree," chuckled Kalin. "Bruno, Yusei, what are you two thankful for?"
"Cats!" Bruno said. "And technology!"
Yusei smiled. "Technology and friends."
"Hmm, maybe you two might be interested in our new tasers," said Kalin. "As for cats, we might have some food for Monkey to try."
"Great!" Bruno said.
"Um, new tasers?" gulped Carly.
"It's what we use as a defense tool here in Satisfaction Town," replied Kalin. "You can come to our office later to see them."
"How are they different from regular tasers?" Yusei asked.
"You don't have to get close to the culprit to fire it," explained Kalin. "All you have to do is press the trigger and it sends out an electric charge."
"Fascinating!" Bruno said.
"So, would you two be interested in owning one? I personally believe I can trust you both," suggested Kalin.
"I would!" Bruno said.
Yusei wasn't as sure. He wasn't fond of weapons.
"What about you, Yusei?" asked Kalin.
"Maybe I'll wait on that," Yusei said.
"Hmm, alright. In the meantime, let's continue our festivities."
Scotch played more music.
"I'm thankful for getting learn more about life outside the expensive city," smiled Akiza.
"There's sure a big wide world out here," Crow said.
"Were you overwhelmed when you were allowed to leave Satellite?" asked Akiza.
"Yeah, that's a good word for it," Crow said. "I wanted to see everything!"
"Did you feel the same way, Yusei?" asked Akiza.
"Pretty much," Yusei mused.
"Goodwin told me to bury my past and abandon my friends," said Jack. "But the truth came out anyway."
"I'm glad you realized you still cared about your friends," Akiza said.
"Yeah, well, it's not like I had a choice," shrugged Jack as he struggled to find the right words.
"There's always a choice," Radley mused.
"Yes, like how I decided to fight Lawton as opposed to running away," said Kalin.
Radley nodded. "Exactly. So, you chose to care about your friends." He winked at Jack.
Jack rolled his eyes. "Ok, ok, I get it."
Kalin gave Jack a small chuckle. The kids grinned.
"Hey, it's snowing!" Leo squealed when he peaked out at the window.
"You're right!" exclaimed Luna.
"It snows here between December and March," said Nico.
"We should make snowmen!" West said.
"Yeah! Let's go!" exclaimed Leo.