~Blue~
It really was an accident.
Falco was engaged in a small argument with Dark Pit when the female pink-shirted Villager happened by at the wrong place and time. Things were said that sent everyone into a unanimous shock, and even Dark Pit was impressed that Falco had let such sensitive info slip. And now the female Villager no longer believed in Santa, complimented by a torrent of tears…and Falco didn't care.
The pilot received nasty looks for the rest of the day; stares of scorn and disapproval that admittedly didn't sit well with him, but he didn't understand the big deal! Needless to say, Falco found many aspects of Christmas pointless. It was supposed to be full of good will and cheer, and yet people got mad when blatant lies were exposed? The time of celebration was flanderized so often it wasn't recognizable anymore!
Of course, no matter how many times he explained that, someone was still mad that he'd ruined Christmas for someone else.
Okay, okay. He'd admit he was a little out of line, and that he probably shouldn't have said those things, but it's not like he intended to ruin everything for her. He might've been rough around the edges and wasn't willing to put up with nonsense, but he'd never go out of his way to purposefully ruin Christmas for someone else. Only problem was, everyone hated him at the moment and he didn't know how to fix things.
As he contemplatively wandered through the stadium, he eventually came across Mega Man, but as soon as the robot caught sight of Falco he ran the opposite way.
"Hey, no, wait-!"
Mega Man froze out of instinct, and ended up turning slowly to face the potential danger that was Falco. Falco recoiled at the robot's hesitance, but shook it off and jammed his hands in his pockets.
"Ergh, sorry…I just need a second opinion on something, that's all."
Mega Man frowned and asked what sort of second opinion, with Falco explaining that he felt he should patch things up with the Villager, make things right…and fine, get everyone off his back. Mega Man was reluctant, but was unable to turn down someone in need.
"Falco, at the very least you should apologize. Trying to do anything without doing that is simply pointless, if I'm blunt."
Apologize…? Oh boy.
The robot boy marched away, leaving Falco to head to the girl's room alone. He abruptly knocked on her door, hoping to get it over with…until she opened the door with her face streaked with tears and an expression drained of Christmas cheer. Even Falco's heart snapped a little upon seeing her, but he steeled himself and knelt down to her level. She wiped her eyes and hid slightly behind the door, not really wanting to see him at the moment.
"Look, kid…I'm sorry you had to hear all that-"
"N-no, it's fine…guess I had to learn sometime."
Falco grimaced; immediately he knew he had a choice to make. Either stick to his guns and deliver a harsh reality...or restore the magic of the holiday for a little girl.
Looking her in the eye, he went on to explain that Santa wasn't necessarily a person- he could be no one and everyone at the same time. He was the spirit of belief that came with Christmas, he was a personification of the magic that accompanied children as they ran out of their beds and greeted the presents downstairs, and he was that good feeling when someone did something kind for another. Santa thrived through belief, and gave everyone the power to do some otherwise impossible things…
So while Santa may not have been a real person…Santa most certainly did exist.
Excited by this new perspective, the Villager pulled Falco into a hug –he grumbled disdainfully- and flung back into her room, preparing to get back into the spirit. With her feeling festive once more, Falco stood back up, shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his beak.
"The lengths I go to for people…"
As Falco murmured to himself, he happened to glance up and catch Mega Man around the corner, giving Falco a thumbs up and a smile.
. . .
Why was everyone so into the aspect of giving gifts?!
…is what Mega Man wanted to know.
Admittedly, he wouldn't mind a few things himself- he'd had his eye on some new parts, after all. But he wasn't endlessly going on about it either! He'd need another hand to count the times he was forced to listen to Fox "drop hints" about wanting new blasters, and Pit wasn't subtle on his wishes to fly. Don't even get him started on what Wario desired… Point was, everywhere he turned, someone was prattling about what they wanted for Christmas. Books. Food. Games. More food. Material things. When it got to the point that Dedede was swiping early packages and even Diddy was wrapping things up and sticking them under the tree, Mega Man had to figure out what was so important about it.
Of course he was aware that trading gifts was a huge tradition, but the way people talked seemed to take the surprise out of it. Ranting for weeks about what you wanted on a specific day then getting precisely what you want on that very day? Where was the fun, the intrigue, the inquisitive joy of wondering what was wrapped beneath the shiny foil and ribbons…?
Was instant gratification that much better than the simple joy in receiving? Mega Man couldn't help but contemplate.
He was currently in the kitchen sitting at the table, poking at an apple before Yoshi happened by and lapped it up in a single bite. As Mega Man made a face, the female Wii Fit Trainer arrived and took a seat next to the blue bomber.
"Hey what's going on, Mega? Don't you have that match with Pac-Man?"
"It's not until tonight," Mega Man explained, now drumming his fingers on the table. "I was just sitting here to clear my head."
"That's not like you, being all by yourself. What's got you wondering?"
"I dunno, I've just been hearing a lot of talk that has me pondering, that's all." His eyes blipped as they glanced to the Wii Fit Trainer. "…do you think a person always getting exactly what they want ruins the idea of the holiday?"
The trainer paused for a moment, taking the time to mull over it.
"Well, if you ask me, even if people are a little particular about what they want, I'm sure they're still in for a few surprises Christmas morning," she hummed. "They can open their gifts and get exactly what they ask for, but I highly doubt it'll be so black and white. They might end up getting something they hadn't known they wanted, or find out that what they wanted isn't necessarily what they need…"
Mega Man huffed and put his chin on the table. "If only everyone thought like that…"
"It's not a total crime, you know," the trainer laughted. "Everyone can get a little overexcited at the prospect of receiving something. It's remembering to be grateful that's the important part."
She noticed Mega Man still a little down, so she patted his shoulder and tried to give him an encouraging smile.
"You just wait and see. I guarantee someone will be very surprised on Christmas…and if you're worried that there won't be…"
The trainer rose from her chair and put her hands on her hips, winking at Mega Man.
"…then you be the one to give the surprise."
As she walked away to continue about her day, Mega Man remained poised in his seat pondering the conversation.
He should be the one to give the surprise…?
Hmm...
. . .
The Wii Fit Trainer adored the holidays, but it also included what was the year's greatest challenge…
…staying in shape during Christmas.
She took her profession very, very seriously after all. Health and fitness never took a break, and she tried spreading her teachings to the likes of Wario, Dedede, and Bowser…but all of them proceeded to remain as hefty as they were so they could indulge in any treats that came their way.
And oh, how much she wanted to join them.
It was against her code of conduct to do such a thing, even if it was the holidays. Walking by the kitchen became an obstacle course, weaving around the pies cooling off on the counters and dodging the platters of free samples being waved about. Dinners were horrendous– while Kirby and Dedede eliminated temptations, she felt very self conscious enough of her well-balanced portions on her plate…whereas nearly everyone else simply took large scoops of whatever was close to them and chowed down. It was a chore remembering to pace herself.
Apparently Sonic had been noticing her strange behavior, as he followed her into the training room one day with something suspicious behind his back. The trainer tried to ignore his impatient foot tapping as she stretched…but then she realized he was harboring a chocolate bar.
Her one weakness…!
"Sonic, what do you want?" she asked firmly, becoming increasingly nervous. Sonic shrugged coyly as he eyed her carefully.
"…just wanted to ask about your aversion to sweets. Out of everyone, you're the only one that acts like it's a plague."
The trainer bit her lip and turned away again. "S-so? I'm just avoiding any unneeded calories! What's wrong with that?
"Nothing; I actually respect your dedication," Sonic shrugged, breaking what remained of the chocolate in two. "But if there's one thing you've proven in battle so far, it's that you have the strength to keep your focus."
He held out one half to her, donning a smile.
"So if you treat yourself even just once, it's not like you'll go crazy with it. You're too strong for that. Give yourself a Christmas gift, m'kay?"
After spending several agonizing seconds mulling over it, Wii Fit Trainer snagged the chocolate and bit into it, with Sonic smirking as her expression melted into pure joy. Once she finished it off, she actually felt a little better, and proceeded to thank Sonic.
"No problem!" he exclaimed, suddenly bouncing on his heels. "…now, how's about getting in a workout through a fight with me? I kinda made this bet with Samus…?"
"Sure thing," she replied confidently. "…but I hope you've got another chocolate bar for me after I win!"
"Heh heh, bring it on."
. . .
As much as he managed to grate on the nerves of his fellow fighters, people tended to forget that Sonic wasn't really that bad of a guy. He joked around and liked to tease, but he always had everyone's back, even if he didn't know them that well…as proven when he saved them all from Tabuu.
Granted, he noticed that he was becoming a touch…overbearing lately. No one came forward and said anything, but Sonic could tell from people's reactions alone that they were getting a little sick of him. Rosalina had suggested that maybe everyone was just weary from prepping for Christmas, but the hedgehog knew better than that. Those looks were specifically reserved for him, and he wanted to make up for it…
So overnight, Sonic became a month-long Secret Santa. Every night, he'd stay up just a little later than everyone else, and once he was sure all of them were fast asleep, he would dart through the rooms, drop off a gift, and vanish without leaving a sound or a trace. People found it curious when Peach woke up with a new cookbook, Pac-Man some pretzels, and Robin a fresh tome, but it quickly turned into anticipation over who would be visited by the anonymous "Secret Santa" next.
Sonic was really getting into it too. Seeing everyone a little happier the next morning than they were the previous day made him feel like he was doing something right, and while they hadn't known it was him, moods improved and he was treated a little better as a result. By day, he worked at being less annoying, and by night, he left surprises for a select few who appeared to need a little cheer for the following day.
Everyone always woke up in the morning anxious to see who had been visited and what had been received. It almost became like a game, people tossing around friendly accusations –except Ganondorf, who threatened death if anyone tried to leave him a toaster again- and trying to figure out the source of the gifts. No one seemed to notice that Sonic was among the few that was never visited, but that was okay- Sonic really didn't want the recognition.
So the deliveries carried on, and one by one, each Smasher found themselves with something that had added a little spark to their lives. Ganondorf even grew to appreciate his toaster…but even after the weeks passed and it neared Christmas, no one ever truly figured out who the source of all that mysterious kindness was.
The night the last present was delivered –a brand spanking new set of baseballs for Ness- Sonic was so exhausted from his nightly romps that he couldn't even make it to his room. He had crashed on the couch in the living room, yawning with satisfaction at all he'd accomplished, and fell asleep without even thinking about it. He snored softly in his sleep as Rosalina happened to drift in, only awake to fetch some Star Bits for her hungry Luma. After seeing Sonic on the couch, she immediately knew why, and couldn't resist a small smile. She fluffed a pillow and put it under his head, then draped a blanket over his sleeping form just like a mother would. She properly departed after thanking him for everything…and for the silver headband he'd given her a few days ago.
Sonic smiled subconsciously, almost as if he'd heard her thanks.
. . .
Rosalina had…mixed feelings about Christmas. They weren't bad, mind you. It just gave her a feeling that she'd…forgotten something. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity whenever she started enjoying all that the holiday had to offer.
It was as if she'd experienced these things before.
She wandered the halls with an empty expression as she sipped her apricot tea, a strange mix of emotions stirring within her as she watched all she passed by. There was something about witnessing Marth and Lucina bonding over cookies and cocoa, Mario and Luigi watching a holiday special together, and Link and Zelda's budding romance that made her feel like she was missing…something…
But suddenly Kirby tugged on her dress and held up a red book, he and a few others wanting a story before curfew. Oddly it had no title, but it still appeared to be some sort of storybook.
Donning a small motherly smile, Rosalina accepted the book and drifted off into the living room, where she was greeted to Mega Man, Toon Link, and the Villager already waiting. Seeing how eager they were, Rosalina took a seat in the single rocking chair, where the quartet quickly scooted closer. Cracking the tome open and turning to the first page, Rosalina began to read.
"Many years ago, there was a little girl, like many others in the world, who absolutely loved the joy of Christmas…"
The story drifted into a soft yet elegant tale of a child's time spent with her family on Christmas. Rosalina read a few snippets about how the girl built gingerbread houses with her father, sang heartfelt carols with her mother, and indulged on candy canes with her younger brother. The group was already enthralled by the heartwarming story, and it must've been good, because the likes of Ness ended up stopping by to hear some, followed stunningly enough by Sonic, Fox, and a few other curious adults. The smile on Rosalina's face grew and she continued on.
She read how about how happy the girl was during the holidays, and how the warmth of her family love was as roasting as the open fire. The more she read, the more she found herself enjoying the story herself. However, that lingering curiosity from before was back in full swing, but she hoped that reading more would take her mind off of it.
But the story came to a fine classic happy ending with the girl and her brother opening their presents on Christmas morning, and their parents sharing a festive kiss under the mistletoe. Everyone listening gave out a collective "awww" –which made Rosalina smirk with bemusement considering the majority of them were male- but evidently that was where the story met its definitive end. Feeling satisfied with the tale, everyone slowly began to drift off, whether to bed or to elsewhere, but Rosalina remained in the chair, reflecting on what she had read. Why…why did the story make her feel so empty?
In her confusion, the book ended up sliding off her lap and onto the floor, where it partly opened to a page Rosalina hadn't seen before. Scooping it up, she flipped through these strange extra pages, until the smile on her face melted into a deeply concerned frown.
"Where…where did Kirby get this?" she breathed to anyone that happened to still be lingering around. The only one left was Kirby himself, snuggling into the couch for a nap. "Where did this book come from?!"
Kirby jolted and immediately scratched his head. "Ah, um…I got it from Meta Knight. He found it at the bottom of our closet and didn't want it, so he gave it to me. Why?"
Rosalina fled the room immediately, taking off the down the hall with the book clutched to her chest. When she entered her room, she cast the book onto her bed and used her wand to flip carefully through its pages, going over what she'd read to everyone…and then, everything that she hadn't.
In the back, there was a tale of the first Christmas the girl had to spend without her mother, followed by a chapter on the brother and father being alone for Christmas after the girl mysteriously vanished one day. The tears welled in her eyes as everything started to make sense again…
The strange familiar feelings, the sense of longing, the confusion…
She'd forgotten her own memories of Christmas back at home with her family, so many years ago…and that bizarre book had brought it all back. It hit too close to home.
Decomposing to the ground in sobs, Rosalina cried silently but surely, and while no one else could hear it, her yellow Luma certainly did. He couldn't stand seeing his Mama very sad on the floor, so he floated over and tried to hug her with his little stubby arms. Rosalina felt the gesture, wiped away her tears, then pulled the star close for a proper hug.
"There's no need to cry when I'm around, Mama. You've always got someone," Luma said innocently. Rosalina nodded, smiling through her sadness at the truth of his words.
"I know, little one. And thank you…"