Keeping Spirits Bright

[The scene is initially dark with only the sound of wind blowing before it fades into a scene of a lone Huckleberry Hound sitting on a bench at Maple Station, no one else is around, save for a single lamppost providing the only semblance of light in the darkness. The coonhound pulls his coat in as a gush of wind blows in his face, sending snow in it]

?: "While heavy snow has engulfed the island in a large blanket of white, a few gems have made it through."

?: "I've heard tell of a lost present, differences between siblings, and a near disaster with a Christmas tree."

?: "...However, with enough willpower and determination, one can only hope for a happy ending to this story."

?: "...I shan't spoil the ending, that is something you'll have to see for yourselves…"

[The shot pans over to the station clock reading seven o'clock as it begins to turn backwards, coinciding with it turning from evening to noon, all the way to nine o'clock in the morning. As it pans out, Rebecca whooshes past the station with an express for Evergreen, and the camera follows her all the way from going under a stone bridge where Snooper and Blabber wave down, through a stretch of mainline before passing under the signal gantry at Evergreen where Gordon can be seen at the other platform as the camera pans up to show the title in both green and red letters "Keeping Spirits Bright"]

#1: Give or Take

[As Gordon is shown passing by Oak Station with his Express, a clutter is heard followed by a flustered cry]

?: Ed, those aren't for stacking!

[It pans over to where Edd is trying to rearrange a set of parcels that Ed has presumably knocked over]

Edd: May I remind you that these boxes might have fragile cargo in them?

Ed: Sorry, Double D, dey just look like a big candy cane since they are red and white, hmmmmmmm, that's good.

Edd: [sighs] And you, I wouldn't mind a little help here, Eddy.

[The focus cuts over to Eddy leaning against a wall, looking disinterested]

Eddy: Naaaaah, seems you got this one all sorted, besides, what happened to "if you're not gonna do it right, don't do it all"?

Edd: That's not what I…[puts his fingers in between his eyes]...look, we're meant to be doing this as an act of charity, the postmaster said we'd be rewarded if we helped him with the Christmas post.

Eddy: Charity, schmarity, so long as I get enough dough to get a decent jawbreaker, that's all that matters to me.

Edd: [sighs] Sometimes I wonder if there's a deeper meaning for your desire of those…

Eddy: What's that supposed to mean?

Edd: Oh, nothing.

[Eddy scowls at the sound of Ed snickering behind him and gets up in his face]

Eddy: What's so funny, lumpy?

Ed: Oh, nothing, Eddy, just that I wonder how decent you want dem, size matters, you know.

[Edd can be heard snickering now as Eddy's face turns red]

Eddy: Wise guys, eh, you won't be laughin' when I show how bi-

[Suddenly, as if on cue, Pepe arrives with something tucked in his coat]

Pepe: Eh Bien, bonjour, ma' little postmen, I trust ze workload is treating you well.

Edd: Well, some of us aren't finding it difficult at all. [glances at Eddy]

Eddy: Shush, sockhead.

Pepe: I see, well, regardless of zat, I'm sure you'll get something out of it, preferably something pleasant, I imagine.

[Ed looks down to see something brown and square sticking out from the center of the skunk's coat]

Ed: Oooooooooooh, he's got a box!

Pepe: What? Oh, zis, tis a present for tonight's Secret Santa, me and mah colleagues just arrived by train for a little last minute shopping. Ze're not too far behind me.

[The scene cuts to where Bugs, Daffy, and Sylvester are standing at the end of the platform, looking away in various directions]

Pepe: What do you think?

Eddy: That packaging is sh-!

Edd: Eddy!

Eddy: AHEM, I mean…doesn't really stand out all that much. Just a boring, brown box.

Pepe: Hmmmmm, I see what you mean, I'll try and snatch up a bit of wrapping paper while we're out.

Daffy: Hurry up, I'm freezing my feathers off!

Pepe: Coming! I must be going.

Edd: But they'll see the present when you go back…

Pepe: Oh, sacrebleu, you're right! Well, in zat case, I need to ask a favor from you three. You must hold on zis parcel until I get back, watch it with your life!

Eddy: Wait, I-

Pepe: No time for waiting, I must fly!

[Pepe tosses the box into Eddy's hands and skirts off as quickly as he can]

Eddy: [shoves the present into Edd's hands] You airhead!

Edd: What?

Eddy: What are you doing saying all that crap, now we have to keep this stupid box intact while doing all this!

Edd: Well, if you're not going to be useful helping me and Ed with packages, you can be the one who looks after the present…think you can handle that, big man?

[Eddy scowls at Edd's grin]

Ed: Awwww, c'mon, Eddy…[picks up his leader]...it is Christmas and we are meant to be good little boys and girls.

Eddy: Ed…put me down.

[The scene cuts to Edd and Ed arranging the many parcels and bags of letters…well, Edd is the one arranging them, Ed is freely throwing them about while the former tries to maintain some level of organization. Eddy meanwhile sits on a bench nearby with the present, he's sated with his job at first, but quickly grows bored]

Eddy: C'mon!

[The scene cuts to Edd carefully unloading parcels from Ryan's post train as Eddy approaches and sets the present down]

Eddy: How much longer am I gonna have to look after this time?

Edd: Well, you can always occupy your time by helping us with the mail.

Eddy: [sighs] Fine, beats sitting around with a cube of misery in my lap.

[As Eddy reaches down to grab a green box, Ed absentmindedly picks up the brown box and throws a clear shot over the van, causing Edd to notice the sound, but not the parcel as he's facing the other way]

Edd: Ed, what did I tell you about handling these boxes? Carefully.

Ed: Oops, my mistake.

Eddy: Hmph, you tell him one thing and it goes out the other.

[Just then, Edd notices something as he looks down]

Edd: Where's the package, Eddy?

Eddy: Excuse me?

Edd: The present? The thing I asked you to keep an eye on?

Eddy: What? [looks down] Where'd it go?

Edd: Eddy?

Eddy: Don't look at me, I just put it down for a second!

Ed: [GASPS] Maybe it was STOLEN!

Edd: GEH! Did anyone pass by us just now?

[Ryan whistles, signaling to depart]

Eddy: I don't think so, unless…

[The Eds gaze at the departing mail train, looking rather pale]

Eddy: …oh, crap.

[Eddy and Edd wave frantically at Ryan to try and stop]

Eddy: HEY!

Edd: WAIT!

Eddy: COME BACK!
Edd: STOP!

[Their efforts are in vain as Ryan is too far out to hear them]
Edd: Dooooooooooh, this can't be happening! This isn't happening!

Ed: OH, I FOUND IT!

Eddy and Edd: What, WHERE?!

Ed: It is just sitting on da' tracks.

[Ed points to the package sitting right on the side of the middle track, mostly intact, Eddy and Edd both breathe a sigh of relief]

Eddy: Righto, just gonna grab this sucker and we'll be alright.

Edd: Eddy, be careful!

Eddy: Sha, this'll be easy as-

[Just as Eddy jumps down to grab the parcel, the sound of another train coming is heard as Murdoch looms into view]

Eddy: …Mother. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

[Eddy quickly grabs the box just as the large tender engine rushes through with a train of vans, blowing his whistle as the platform rumbles. Eddy is shown clutching the package, quivering while Edd and Ed watch with wide eyes. At that moment, Pepe arrives back with a basket]

Pepe: Quickly, petits hommes! Hide ze' present before…oh…what happened here…?

Eddy: Don't…ask

[At that moment, Bugs, Daffy, and Sylvester appear behind Pepe]

Bugs: Ehhhh, what's up, D…well, someone's had a visit from Marley's ghost, hehehe.

Sylvester: What's that in his hands?

Eddy: THIS…[holds up the package]...is what I almost died for…[tosses the present back to Pepe]...here, take your present back!

Daffy: That's a present? Hardly looks the part.

Sylvester: [to Pepe] Guess that explains why you went to look at wrapping paper.

Pepe: Ah, yes, it was meant to be a surprise, mon ami, for ze' Secret Santa.

Daffy: Well, I'm hoping mine is something exquisite, fitting for someone of such charisssfffffffma, as me.

Bugs: Ooooh, I'm sure you'll get it…snrk.

Pepe: I do apologize for any inconvenience, of course. Twas not ma' intention, you understand?

Edd: Oh, of course not, we're kinda used to this sort of thing, proportions blown outta control, routine really.

Sylvester: [under his breath] Don't I know it…

Ed: HAHA, it's our motto!
Eddy: HMPH!

Bugs: Well, while it's usually not my thing, since I like bein' a jackass, perhaps we can pay ya' back for all the trouble.

Eddy: Meaning?
Bugs: An invitation to our little party, hehehe, you look like you could use a breatha'.

Edd: Well…that's very kind of you, I'm up for it, how about you two?

Ed: YAY, presents!

Pepe: It appears someone will have to get a very special gift, to show a little hospitality.

[Pepe winks at Eddy who turns away with a blush and scowl…before letting up with a smile]

Eddy: Eh, why not? Could be fun…so long as I get my due.

Edd: Oooooh, Eddy…

[The shot pans over to the clock reading eleven o'clock as Celestia and Luna, along with people like Pink Panther, Queen of Hearts, Callie, Sally, Ariel, Minerva Mink, Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, Sassy Saddles, Thunderbolt, and Lil' Lightning are shown ready to board an Express service bound for Evergreen at Elm, with Spencer leading the train. In the winter, some passengers can wait, while others want the fastest ride home]

#2: Royal Circumstances

[Celestia and Luna are shown sitting down in the first-class compartment, watching the countryside fly past]

Celestia: Tight schedule today, isn't it?

Luna: Wouldn't be so if you'd let me finish my shopping.

Celestia: Well, you did say you wanted to be back in time to finish decorating, soooooo, I made an exception.

Luna: Perhaps, it wasn't the exception I meant.

[Suddenly, the outside begins to slow down, causing the alicorn sisters to look confused]

Celestia: What the?

Luna: Why are we stopping, there's no station out here.

[Eventually, the train comes to a complete stop. Celestia opens the window to see if she can get a better view of the obstruction]
Luna: What is it?

Celestia: Oh, ffffffffffffudge, it's a pile of logs scattered all over the track.

[The shot cuts to exactly what Celestia was describing; logs are strayed across the lineside, much to Spencer's chagrin]

Celestia: [sighs] This isn't what I had planned.

Luna: Shall we go out and assist? We have magic, after all.

Celestia: Are you sure you want to get out, it's awfully cold outside, and it's nice and warm in here.

Luna: Yes, but we shouldn't inconvenience everyone else.

Celestia: [takes a sip of her mug of cocoa] Hmmmmm, delicious…oh, and look, help's arrived, so we can just relax.

[Luna sighs and rolls her eyes as Henry arrives with Rocky, seemingly much to Spencer's relief]

Celestia: Might I add, these Christmas cakes are absolutely divine. Compliments to the chef.

Luna: Careful you don't eat too much…[under her breath]...you might get chunky.

Celestia: Pardon?

Luna: Ooooooh, nothing, sister…

[The scene transitions to the mess having been cleared up and Spencer setting over with a "toot-toot". Celestia gives an appreciative wave out to the workers who helped move the tree, consisting of Bismuth, Knuckles, Rotor, Bark, Hathi, and Big Mac]

Celestia: That was nice of them.

Luna: Perhaps, though I wouldn't have minded some active participation.

Celestia: Well, what was stopping you?
Luna: I…never mind, at least we're on the move again.

[Just as Luna says this, Spencer goes under a signal that suddenly changes to "Danger" before cutting to Pine Station]

Celestia: Of course, why not have a snowdrift in the middle of the line?

Luna: Well, I suppose we're stuck here until then…of course, we have the ability of flight, we could-

Celestia: In that case, why don't we look around?

Luna: -or you could just interrupt me…

Celestia: Perhaps pick up a few things, you said you never finished your shopping after all.

Luna: Might as well…

[The royal siblings begin to make their way over to the gift shop as Rheneas and Rusty pass by in the background. Inside, several other patrons are looking at various knick-knacks; Pete, Priscilla, Penelope, Amethyst, and Falco. Celestia and Luna are watching a display table showing off several snowglobes, one of which causes Luna's eye as it shows a mare sitting on a crescent moon sculpture. She gives a small smile as she reaches out before-]

Celestia: What about this one? [holds up a globe with several reindeer figurines inside]

Luna: I-

Celestia: [holds up a globe containing a golden alicorn inside] Or how about this? I think it really captures my personality.

Luna: [huffs] Of course it does…

[Luna grumpily makes her way outside of the shop, much to her sister's surprise]

Celestia: Luna?

[The scene cuts to Luna sitting down on a bench and crossing her arms as she sulks. Celestia is shown stepping out from the shop and sees her sister, an expression of concern on her face as the Princess of the Sun cautiously approaches the Princess of the Moon]

Celestia: Luna…are you alright?

Luna: What does it matter…?

Celestia: What do you mean, of course it does.

Luna: Really? So how come this entire time, you've been the one calling the shots?

Celestia: …I don't-

Luna: Of course you don't, you're always speaking over me, you've been doing it all day, where we go, where we eat, where we shop, it's almost like I'm invisible to you! It reminds me of certain events

Celestia: I…I didn't mean to come off like that, I just wanted us to spend some time together, have a nice Christmas and all…I guess I got a little ahead of myself…I'm sorry if I didn't let you have a say before, seems I'm still making screwups after all this time…

Luna: …I'm…[sighs]...I'm sorry I snapped, I do want us to have fun, I just want it to go both ways, we both do the things we like and make the best of it…

Celestia: Yeah…that would be lovely…let's go and have some fun…but this time, you tell me what you wanna do.

Luna: Alright then, I-

[At that moment, the station's P.A. system rings]

P.A.: Attention, passengers for the 11:00 Express to Evergreen, we have just received word that the mainline is now cleared of snow, we will arrange for departure very soon.

Celestia: Oh, we'd better hur…actually…in the meantime, Luna, you say what we should do.

Luna: Well, in that case…

[A montage is shown of Celestia and Luna occupying their time, doing more of what the latter wants, namely in getting the lunar snowglobe she had her eyes on, ordering a white chocolate hot cocoa to contrast Celestia's typical hot cocoa, and even getting two angel ornaments, one in a golden sunshine dress, the other in a lunar blue dress before the two are ready to depart]

Celestia: You know, it's nice to let my little sister take the reins sometimes.

Luna: Hmm, 'little' indeed, I'm hardly that much younger than you.

Celestia: Of course, perhaps I need to take more of a backseat in festive planning, let someone else's voice be heard for a change.

Luna: I'd like that very much…perhaps my angel can go higher up on the tree in our place.

Celestia: Anything you wish, Lulu.

Luna: Hooooooo, you and that nickname.

Celestia: Well, you call me 'Tia', it's only fair.

Luna: …Fair point.

[At that moment, Manx sidles up next to the two]

Manx: Aaaaaah, ya' royal highnesses, I wanted ta' speak with you both.

Celestia: Uhhh…of course, what about?

Manx: I was hopin' ya'd both be in attendence at my Christmas gala this evenin', we've been gettin' everything set up, and an appearance from royalty'll seal the deal.

Celestia: Well, that's…[looks over at Luna…and smiles]...actually, we've got plans.

Manx: Ah, good ta-WA-huh?

Celestia: We've both got things going this evening…perhaps another time.

[Luna smiles back as Celestia steps inside the carriage]

Luna: By the way, you might want to change out that hairpiece.

Manx: I-doh…it's just fine…isn't it?

[Celestia and Luna grin at each other from inside the coach as Spencer wheeshes out of the station. The clock reads one o'clock as it pans out to Duke waiting at the narrow gauge platform with a rake of coaches before transitioning to him passing by a woodland area]

#3: Christmas Briars

[Meanwhile, in the forest, are two men trudging about tools in hand. One is a smaller, a dark red fox with a long snout carrying an axe, one is a taller brown bear, carrying a large club. They are Briar Fox and Briar Bear, otherwise known better as "Brer Fox" and "Brer Bear"]

Brer Fox: Brrrrrrrrr, I don' know what in the Sam Hell I was thinkin' lettin' you drag me out in this bitter cold!

Brer Bear: Well, it's cuz I was a' lookin' for a big ole tree ta' put in ur place, thought we might git some use outta' that axe a' yours…fer once.

Brer Fox: Excuse me, ya' do know I can hear, right?!

Brer Bear: Do ya' now, musta' slipped mah mind, huh-huh-HIC!

Brer Fox: [sighs, under his breath] Dang ole stupid bear…

[Brer Fox is almost instantly met with a club on his head]

Brer Fox: DOH!

Brer Bear: I ain't half-deaf a' hearing too, ya' know.

Brer Fox: Aaaaaargh, you big ole tub a' guts, let's just find this thang so we can git outta here sooner, I'm freezin' mah ass.

[The two briars begin to look around the forest to see if any trees are suited to their liking. First, they come across a tall pine]

Brer Bear: Hey, ya! This'll do juuuuuust fine.

Brer Fox: Ain't no way I'm dragging that! It's way too big!

Brer Bear: Awwwwwww, but is a perfect size.

Brer Fox: Fer you, maybe, but ain't no way that's gon' fit in ur crib, so fergit about it!

[Brer Fox makes his point clear by bonking Brer Bear on the head. The next tree they come across is much shorter in height]

Brer Fox: Ah, this'll do juuuust nicely.

Brer Bear: Wut? This thang's too small, it'll look all shrimpy and guff!

Brer Fox: It's easier ta' carry, moreso than that other tree and yo' backside put togetha'.

[Brer Bear clutches his hand around Brer Fox's neck and pulls him in]

Brer Bear: The hell you say about ma' backside, pins n' needles?

[The bruin tosses the vulpine into the snow and gets up with a sulky look on his face. The search for the tree goes on for longer than either of the two would have liked as they constantly go back and forth between what the other wants]

Brer Fox: Too bushy!

Brer Bear: Too thin!

Brer Fox: Too crooked!

Brer Bear: Too dead!

[This goes on and on until the briars have almost completely exhausted each other]

Brer Fox: Alright, I'mma warnin' you, I've been puttin' up with this nonsense fer ages now, so if you don't let me pick a tree, I'm changin' the menu from rabbit stew ta bear ass barbecue!

Brer Bear: Ya' wouldn't dare, would ya'?!

Brer Fox: OH, would I?! Ya'll know I'm crazy as sin, I'm more than capable of it!

Brer Bear: Well, if that's the way yer gon' be about it, then I don't need this, I'll go fer a tree on ma' own!

Brer Fox: Good! Thank you, finally, I might git some peace 'round here!

Brer Bear: I…s-scr-screw you, Fox!

[Brer Bear attempts to swing his smaller cohort once more, but in his current state, he misses and turns around, dragging his club in the snow as he walks away, leaving Brer Fox on his own]

Brer Fox: [gives a dismissive wave] BAH, who needs 'im? I could do soooooooooo much more without him draggin' on mah tail. In fact, I ain't stayin' out 'ere no more, I'm goin' home where it's warm.

[Of course, as the crazy vulpine says this, the shot pans out to reveal that he's more or less a small figure in the middle of all these trees. As he turns to go where he thinks home is, it becomes apparent that he has no idea where he's going. The scene cuts back to Brer Bear sulkily trudging through the snow]

Brer Bear: …HMPH…dang ole Fox…thinks he kn-knows better than me…I'll show 'im…I don't need his…badmouthin' and…beatin'...

[Suddenly, as if by magic, Brer Bear spots a tree glimmering in the distance…it really is the perfect tree…perfect size, shape, trimmings, why, it's almost like it's calling to him]

Brer Bear: Ooooooooh…I-I found it! I found it! HAHA-HIC! It's yon' perfect tree right dere! Well now, time a' take you down and trim you up.

[Brer Bear approaches the tree, but finds a bit of a problem, Brer Fox was the one holding the axe]

Brer Bear: SSSSShoot…ah, well, might as well do it the ole fashioned way…

[As the brown bear raises his club to strike on the tree's stem, a strong gush of wind blows, causing him to shiver]
Brer Bear: BRRRRRRRRRR….bit cold, init…perhaps make a lil fire in the meantime…

[The bruin looks around for any spare logs and branches to make his little bonfire. Meanwhile, Brer Fox is mindlessly trudging his way through the snow, feverishly rubbing his arms together]

Brer Fox: BRRRRRRRRR…bi'er cold, bi'er cold, bi'er cold…hooooooooooo, gotta find me sum shelter soon…if only Bear were here, he was always the better navigator…doooooooh, what am I sayin', I don't need that fat pile a'-

[The wind howls and blows in the fox's face]

Brer Fox: Vrrrrrrrrrrr…damn it…can't see a thing in this-GEH!

[The fox's complaining is interrupted by him suddenly sinking and then falling down something, revealed to be a ditch. Snow has covered the briar from top to bottom]

Brer Fox: PHAW! PFFT…[sighs]...

[The scene cuts to Brer Bear having assembled a few bits of wood and brushing them together to get a flame going. After a few seconds, the first signs of smoke begin to appear. The bruin smiles as the smoke carries over above the trees, cutting back to Brer Fox pulling himself out of the ditch, axe first, with a grunt]

Brer Fox: GRAFH! Haaaaa…I've no idea where I am…or how ta' get back…dang, why'd I leave Bear, now I'm plum lost…

[Brer Fox looks up the sky with disappointment, seeing a bit of smoke hanging in the air from a distance…he blinks twice to make sure he didn't imagine it]

Brer Fox: Hol' up…that's gotta be a fire ova' there…oooooooooh, finally, maybe I can warm up, maybe someone'll know the way back.

[The fox hurries in the direction to which he saw the smoke, passing by snowy trees and bushes until it cuts to him only a few yards away, pausing as he sees just who was making the fire; Brer Bear. Brer Fox stands awkwardly for a second or so before hesitantly making his way over to the bruin. The bear's ears perk up at the sound of someone's feet crunching against the snow, looking to see Brer Fox slowly making his way towards him]

Brer Bear: Oh, it's just you…

Brer Fox: Make some room, will ya', ma' tail's freezin'...

[Brer Fox sidles close enough to the bonfire and rubs his hands together, feeling a little bit warmer]

Brer Fox: Haaaaaaaaaaa, that's better…

[The fox then notices the tree in front of him…and is surprised at how it appears to be the tree they were looking for]

Brer Fox: Ah…ya' found it…

Brer Bear: Yeah…ta' yur likin'?

Brer Fox: …I don't say this much, or ever really, but…ya' did a good…[sighs]...and I'm real sssssssssssos…ssssssuuuuuuurrrrrrr…saaaahaaaaaa…saaaa-

[Brer Fox is lightly poked with Brer Bear's club, more in jest than anything]

Brer Bear: Huh-huh-huh…shoot, ain't much ta' say, let's get this har' tree down already.

Brer Fox: Finally, somethin' I can agree on.

[The scene cuts to the two briars dragging the tree across the snow with ropes attached, before they bring it back to their cottage nestled somewhere in the forest, setting it up near the fireplace. Brer Fox suddenly finds Brer Bear leaning his arm on him]

Brer Bear: Huuuuuuuuuuuah…murry Chris'mas, Fox.

Brer Fox: Hmmmmmmmmmmrph…murry Chris'mas, too…ya' tub a…Bear…

[Brer Fox manages to give a genuine smile as the clock behind the two shows three o'clock before it cuts to outside of their abode and transitions to Maple Station where Huckleberry Hound is standing on the platform, balancing two luggage bags in hand]

Huck: [sighs] Tis' the season, am I right…?

[The coonhound finds himself having to manuever past Makoto and Hotaru to avoid a collision with the two before finally reaching the luggage van on James' train]

#4: Spirit of the Season

[When it comes to the Christmas rush, passenger trains can be quite the hustle, which is why Huck had offered to help with the services out of generosity, though he was finding his versatility put to the test, making his way around Shego with her back turned, Soarin looking over a brochure, Lippy and Hardy standing unfazed next to each other, and then Pongo walking in his direction. At that moment, a flustered Snagglepuss comes out of the building]

Snag: Well, isn't this a fine mess? Give back to the community, he said, it's Christmas, he said. All these passengers running about, all these trains going in and out, always on the go, never stopping, even.

Huck: [raises a brow] What's everyone doin' outside?

Snag: Why, if it isn't convenient, they're fixing the furnace inside, Jinks is on it, but…you know…

Huck: Hmmm…perhaps I'll go have a look at it, I do have a knack for fixin' thangs…

Snag: But then who's going to look after the luggage?

Huck: You can handle this till I get back, can't ya, sug?

[The hound winks at the mountain lion as he goes inside the building to see Jinks trying to restoke the fire]

Huck: What's goin' on here?

Jinks: Oh, like, uhhhh, I'm tryna' get this fire goin', but the flame won't give it to me. It's like some kinda woodoo against me.

[The orange tomcat puffs into the furnace, and gives smoke in his face, causing him to cough]

Jinks: AAAAAACK-ACK-ACK!

Huck: CAW! HMM! [waves the smoke out of his face] Not much luck, is there?

Hokey: [suddenly appears next to Huck] Certainly not, what's taking so long? My feet will go frozen solid if I have to stand outside any longer.

Jinks: Well-ACK-not my fault this stupid fire won't burn.

Hokey: If you're fixing it, then I'm sure it'll be working by the end of next week.

Jinks: Hmph, really!

Huck: AHEM! Since none of us are gettin' anywhere, why don't I handle this? I've dealt with stoking fires before, that way, you both will be warm sooner than ya' think.

Hokey: Well…I suppose it's not the worst idea…from him anyway.

Jinks: Yeah, like, I'm with that.

[Jinks and Hokey stand back as Huck goes to tend to the fire, gently puffing on it as the flame begins to even out, causing the room to warm up]

Huck: See, much better.

[For the rest of the day, Huck manages to keep to time with whatever needs done around the station; organizing luggage, keeping the timetables in check, and doing his best not to trip on the ice that can be found in patches on the platform. Hokey, Jinks, and Snag help out wherever they can, occasionally, they find themselves in pairs to work out a particular situation. At one point, Arthur rushes past the station before it cuts to Hokey with a tall stack of bags in his hands]

Huck: Hokey!
Hokey: Yeah, what, Huck? A little busy at the moment!

Huck: Look out for the ice!

Hokey: What i-YIEYE!

[Hokey steps on an ice patch and begins to slip, Huck instantly comes to his aid to stop the stack of luggage from falling onto the platform, slipping slightly on a patch, catching one with his arm, and then one with his foot, Jinks and Snag each attempt to catch a bag, occasionally slipping on the ice themselves. All four breathe a sigh of relief]

Snag: PHEW! That was close…

Jinks: I'm just glad it didn't go worse…

Hokey: Right…uh, thanks, Huck…you kinda saved my behind there…

Huck: Just…doin' ma' duty is all…

[The four eventually go back to reorganizing the luggage before settling on scraping off any ice they find, so as to help avoid others slipping or falling over]

Snag: Ya' know, I've just realized something.

Huck: What's that?

Snag: We've never really been in a group like this before, it's different, unique, unusual even.

Huck: Yeah, well, when I heard Jinks and Hokey wanted to help me out with this here charity work, I couldn't turn down the offer, we go a long way back, anyway.

Snag: Going back a long way, I imagine.

Huck: Oh yeah…even if it's taken…a while, heh…

[Eventually, the activity around the station begins to die down, and three of the quartet are seen sweeping the remnants of ice off the platform]

Hokey: Aaaaaah, nothing like goin' home after today's events, finally I might get some decent cocoa.

Jinks: Remember, the rounds are on you tonight.

Hokey: Ooooooh, cheeky.

Snag: Speaking of which, where's Huck?

[Snag goes inside the building to see the hound organizing the pamphlets and fliers on the walls and shelves]

Snag: Well, seeing as things are beginning to settle, shall we head for home after this?

Huck: Ya'll can go on, I offered to stay a while longer to make sure everythin's clean…I doubt I'll be making it home tonight.

Snag: W…What do you mean?

Huck: I'll be closing up the station…no trains are gonna come by after this last one…by then, it'll just be me here.

Snag: Wait then…how'd you get here?

Huck: Came by train…heh, doesn't seem like I'll be comin' back by it…no worry, ya'll go have fun.

[By this point, Jinks and Hokey have sidled up behind Snag]

Jinks: We can always stay together, ya' know.

Huck: If you want to, fine by me, but…I wouldn't want it to be a burden…after all, I ain't no party animal like some a' you…

Hokey: If…that's what you want…

Huck: I just wish ya'll have a Merry Christmas, don't mind me, I'm used to it…

Hokey: Well…if anything…thanks for earlier…and keeping things organized…

Jinks: Yeah, you've been great.

Snag: [sighs] See you then…Merry Christmas.

[The three turn to leave the building as Huck looks back solemnly]

Huck: You too…Merry Christmas.

[The scene cuts to later in the evening as the sun has gone down, the snow is falling, and Huck is in the exact spot as he was at the beginning, looking up at the lamppost providing the only light in his surroundings…eventually, the light flicks off, leaving Huck in the darkness…the hound slowly goes into the station, finds himself a bench, lays on it…and closes his eyes as he uses his coat as a blanket…all is silent…until three silhouettes appear in front of the door…it opens with a creak as one by one, they step inside…Huck is gently lifted up from his spot and carried out, revealing Snag and Jinks as the ones lifting him at either end as Hokey leads them to a brakevan pulled by James…Huck slowly opens his eyes at the company and his new surroundings…all three give smiles down at the hound as they set off into the night…]

[The scene goes to black before showing the main title "Keeping Spirits Bright" in the same letters as the opening before it cuts to various shots after the fact; the Eds sharing gifts with the Tunes, the Royal Sisters having mugs of cocoa in their abode, Brer Fox and Brer Bear sitting by the fire with their tree nearby, and Huck, Snag, Jinks, and Hokey wrapped up in blankets on a couch before it cuts to credits]

Character Guide:

Ed, Edd (Double D), Eddy - Ed, Edd N' Eddy

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Big Macintosh, Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, Soarin', Sassy Saddles - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Brer Fox, Brer Bear - Song of the South (1946)

Huckleberry Hound - The Huckleberry Hound Show

Snagglepuss - Snagglepuss

Jinks - Pixie, Dixie, and Mr. Jinks

Hokey Wolf - Hokey Wolf

Pepe Le Pew, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Pete Puma - Looney Tunes

Mayor Manx, Callie Briggs - Swat Kats

Amethyst, Bismuth - Steven Universe

Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989)

Falco Lombardi - Star Fox

Hathi - The Jungle Book (1967)

Lippy Lion, Hardy Har Har - Lippy Lion and Hardy Har Har

Knuckles the Echidna, Sally Acorn, Rotor Walrus, Bark the Polar Bear - Sonic the Hedgehog

Makoto Kino (Sailor Jupiter), Hotaru Tomoe (Sailor Saturn) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Minerva Mink - Animaniacs

Pink Panther - Pink Panther

Pongo, Thunderbolt, Lil' Lightning - 101 Dalmatians (1961)/Patch's London Adventure (2003)

Priscilla Pinkpaws, Penelope Pinkpaws - Angelina Ballerina (2002)

Queen of Hearts - Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Shego - Kim Possible

Super Snooper, Blabber Mouse - Snooper and Blabber

Henry, Gordon, James, Arthur, Murdoch, Spencer, Ryan, Rebecca, Rocky, Rheneas, Rusty, Duke - Thomas and Friends