A/N: Happy 2020! You got that 20/20 vision? Anyways, it's never too late for a Christmas Special back to back. Enjoy ;)
Chapter 99: Christmas Special 2: Part 1
December 18th
This Christmas break, we were able to save enough money to reserve a room at the most famous lodges in at the Mt. Summit! Many events were taking place at the lodge and who doesn't love the snow?
We got winter sports, from skiing to snowboarding in the mountains. And if you're not into that, we got warm baths and massages and hot chocolate. It was the perfect vacation to get away from the city! What could possibly go wrong?
Many Smashers agreed to stay away from the city and head into the skiing resort at Mt. Summit, enjoying the things that the place had to offer. Mario was super happy that everything was going well.
"This was a very great idea, except that I've never been skiing in my life! I hate the cold as well!" Marth said, as Lucina held onto his left and Chrom took hold of his other arm, going down the snowy slope. The mountains were crowded with people, as many agree to take their vacation at the Mt. Summit.
"It's okay! Take baby steps." Lucina assured.
"I'm literally sliding," Marth said, unable to move from the twenty layers of coats.
Roy snowboarded slowly right next to him, as he was already a pro. "Stop complaining! Mario gave us this trip from the goodness of his heart."
"Yea. I know that."
"Also, I heard the SMASH STREET BOYS were gonna be here on vacation! I must find my oppars!"
Chrom chuckled lightly from his outrageous excitement. "Aren't you a hardcore fan. . ."
"Don't talk to Roy. He'll only go on how much he loves the SMASH STREET BOYS and why you should stan them," Marth said.
"Well! See ya! Time for the hunt!" Roy boosted himself on his snowboard and left the three near the top. The three watched, admiring his skills.
"He's pretty good." Chrom said.
"I know! Better than you, Father." Lucina giggled.
"WOO HOO!" Daisy passed by the bluenettes, going fast down the hill on orange skis.
Miru followed behind with Cloud and Sonic beside them, going at a fast pace.
"Oh, Cloud is pretty good at snowboarding. . ." Link said watching him from behind.
"Well, he did say he was a country boy after all," Shulk said.
In the lodge, it was more festive and crowded just like the outdoors. Robin wore a warm black sweater and watched from the snowy window, mouth wide open with some drool on the side, staring at many girls in their winter garb.
"Winter girls. . . I must take notes. . ." Robin wiped the drool from his face and pulled out a small note pad, taking notes of their eyes, lips, nose, hair, and body.
"I'll let you slide, just this once." F. Robin murmured, passing by him angrily.
"It's pretty nice here. . ." Ren said, drinking cocoa at the lounge.
"You bet! I hope they have some great sushi at the food bar! We should check it out." Morgana said beside him on the sofa.
"Couples eat for a 50% discount between 11 and 3 PM?" Ike said, reading the sign.
"All-you-can-eat, buffet. . ." Richter finished. The two of them looked at the clock as it read 12:33 P.M. and back to the sign.
"Simon limits me from eating too much, so he's basically a waste of space. . ." Richter said to Ike.
"Ya. . . I see what you mean by a waste of space." Ike rubbed his chin. "They might eat all of the good stuff at the buffet, so it's best not to tell any of them."
"Poyo poyo poyo. . ." Kirby walked into the food bar with another Kirby that was white with a red bow on its head.
Ike and Richter watched the puffballs entering the food bar as a couple.
"What the hell did I just witness?" Ike rubbed his eyes. "Anyways, Richter, shall we go?"
"Like we have a choice?" He chuckled a bit. After agreeing with each other silently, they both hooked their muscular arms over their sweaters and walked to the front desk of the food bar.
The front desk man looked at the two. "Oh? Table for two?" He asked with a smile.
"Yea." They both said.
"Don't forget to add the discount," Ike added.
The man arched his eyebrow. "You two? A couple?"
"Like omg! Like he's my boyfriend, shistar!" Richter increased the pitch of his voice and battered his eyelashes.
The man shook his head and crossed his arms. "I don't believe it."
Richter gasped loudly. "Are you saying you're ignorant to the LGBTQ+?! Like this is the 21st Century! Everyone is gay! Even your mom! Where's the rainbow flags?!"
"Wow, like, I'm honestly offended." Ike shook his head.
The man shrugged. "Like sorry, but. . . people that fake their sexuality happens all the time for a discount. I just want to make sure. So could you maybe kiss?"
Ike started grinning along with Richter. "Do you really want to see two attractive guys kissing? You might turn gay once we're done."
"I don't mind a threesome if you know what I mean." Richter playfully winked.
"Uh. . . ok. Discount for you two." The man blushed madly and asked for their names and info. Once that was done, they were allowed into the food bar.
"First incest, and now two buff gay men. Oh God, I'm already thinking about it when they have anal-" The man covered his eyes and quietly prayed for forgiveness.
"Can you pass me the turkey leg? I need the energy for when I slay in the snow!" F. Corrin asked his brother. M. Corrin watched his sister pigging out on the meaty foods and carbs on her ten plates.
"But you forgot your snowshoes. Not to mention your shoes. . ." M. Corrin said pointing to her feet.
"HUH? Who cares! My feet won't feel a thing when I touch the snow! It happened before." She shrugged.
"Th-that's not good!" He panicked.
"Shut up! It's good! Now give me my turkey!"
Ike and Richter went up and down in the buffet, getting the best-roasted pork, ribs, king crabs, and more. Once their plates were filled they sat down at their own small table.
"Haha, that was so easy." Ike laughed grabbing a meaty leg.
"I know! We're like the best actors!" Richter laughed alongside with him.
"Cheers!" Ganondorf raised his jug of malty beer with the bois and clang it together.
"KAMPAI!" They repeated back.
"Not even surprised they're here. . ." Ike said. "Anyways, time to eat!"
(oOoOoOo)
"Ooh~, my skin feels amazing!" Palutena lifted her legs up in the public girl's bath. Most of the girls watched the green-haired goddess with jealous eyes and smeared mean comments about her.
Samus was also getting mean looks but only ignored them as she scrubbed her long, blonde hair.
"I'll be heading to the massage area, girls," Zelda said, wrapping her towel around her body.
"Oh, a massage, eh? I'll be joining you." Bayonetta left the waters and grabbed her towel.
"I must make sure I am odor free in order to join with Cloud! He'll be impressed by my skiing skills!" Peach squealed, taking her time in the bath.
"I heard the SMASH STREET BOYS are here!"
"Eeek! HYUGA and KIMIN!"
"My babies, KUU and RAZOR X!"
"KIMIN?! I think I saw him snowboarding!"
The girls in the bathhouse continued fangirling on their favorite members in the Spop group as it got noisier.
(oOoOoOo)
"Um, have you seen a man with blue spikey hair?"
"He's gay. Don't waste your time with him." The man in the front counter responded. Makato flinched from his response with her mouth slightly opened. She adjusted her pink bunny snow hat and gulped. "There must be some kind of mistake!"
"Take a look here. I wrote their names for the 50% discount for couples." The man explained, showing a long list of papers. Makato was guided to the name "Ike" and right next to his name was Richter.
Inside the food court, Ike's phone went off and with his free hand, Ike took hold of his iPhone 11. He finished swallowing and answered the phone.
"What it is, cuz?"
"Hello, Ike. I. . . can't seem to find you. Where are you?"
Richter watched Ike choked on his turkey leg before recovering. Makato panicked on the phone and asked if he was ok.
"Yea. . . I'm fine." Ike cleared his throat. "I'm at the food court."
"With who?"
Ike glanced at Richter who smirked at him. "Hurry up, so we can catch some of that cupcake!"
"Cupcake?" Makato asked.
"No, sorry, that's Richter," Ike said. "Um, yea Richter's with me. Wanna join?"
The line went silent for a good minute.
"I was hoping we could go skiing together, but it seems you're occupied."
"Oh. . . yea. . . you should probably go without me. Not much of a snowboarder."
". . .O-oh. . . okay. I'll see you later."
The conversation ended with Makato being the first to hang up. She clicked on Miru's picture and tried answering him, but it seemed he was snowboarding, just as he said in the first place.
"Ike can't be gay. . . or maybe he's bi?" Makato frowned as she stuffed her phone into her pink coat.
"Oh? I felt like I've seen you many, many times, my princess." A voice spoke to her from behind. She turned around to see a guy showing parts of his red hair, but his whole face was covered with a black snow hat, goggles, and a scarf, topping it off with a black coat, pants, and boots.
(oOoOoOo)
"Y'ight! Keep working! This area must be trash-free by sunset!" Paul, one of the Faithful Knight leaders, shouted to the prisoners of Niho.
Everyone wore black and white pajamas in the cold to show differentiate from normal people. They were also provided with snow hats, gloves, scarves, and boots to keep them warm as they picked up trash in the snowy forest. The Faithful Knights had them on guard so none of them would escape their barrier.
Paul brushed his brow bangs from his brown eyes and walked toward Mikoru, who slowly picked up trash on his knees.
"Come on! Even you Mikoru, former Dark Knight! You certainly changed your behavior! Ha, you won't fool us this time! I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life in a cell. No holidays, no breaks, nothing!"
Mikoru looked at him and cracked a smile. "I'm grateful for your concern. But, if you keep talking to me, I won't be able to get any work done."
Paul twitched his eye. "Bastard. . . Get to work, you piece of shit!" He then kicked his back, as he tumbled on the snow. A group of knights laughed alongside Paul and walked away.
"Lord Mikoru! Are you ok?!" Yumi ran to his aid immediately and knelt down to pick him up.
"Thank you, Yumi, but I'm fine," Mikoru assured. "I do deserve this after all."
"No! You're wrong! What they did to you. . .to us was unforgivable!" Yumi said.
Mikoru picked up his gray plastic bucket beside and spotted a plastic candy bar wrapper between two branches. "Let's keep working. Who knows, we might get some pudding after this."
'Oh, Lord Mikoru, you've changed ever since the war. What happened to you? What happened to the cruel and cynical Mikoru I used to know? And now you're addicted to prison pudding!'
A hand was placed on her shoulder. "Still doing the escape plan?"
"Of course, Michelle," Yumi smirked. "This is our biggest chance yet. And it's good they don't know Mike's powers."
Yumi looked from the distance and kept her eyes on the same lodge. "Once Mike creates the storm, it'll be our ticket to escape."
She looked to Mike who made eye contact with her showing her a peace sign. Mikoru went to pick up more trash in the corner, giving some thought to himself.
"One last time, I need to see her." Good and bad memories played back over and over in his head ever since the war ended. He looked at his gloved hand and curled it. There wasn't any darkness of magic flowing inside of him.
"I'm finally free of this curse. I can be with Makato now."
A rumble disturbed his thoughts and when he checked his distance an avalanche of snow came toward his direction and toward the Faithful Knights.
"What . . . is that?" Mikoru noticed the heavy drive of snow flowing faster and faster toward them.
"A-avalanche!" A Faithful Knight panicked.
"What?!"
"Holy guacamole!"
"Evacuate! Everyone get out of here!" Paul ordered.
The prisoners were already one step ahead of their plan with the incoming avalanche. The Knights were caught in the panic and dragged down alongside with the snow. It was a successful plan.
The prisoners watched them screaming for help, reaching their arms for a notice glance to be saved.
"Yes! Now's our chance, Lord Mikoru!" She looked around at the safe area and at Michelle before glancing back at the avalanche.
"H-help. . . "
"Lord Mikoru!" Yumi heard the faint cry and ran toward the avalanche.
"It's dangerous!" Michelle stopped her, holding tightly onto her arm. "Once the snow stops, we'll search for him, but right now, it's dangerous."
"I'm coming for you! Please wait for me!" Yumi called out. And that was the last time she saw Mikoru.
(oOoOoOo)
Their plates were heavily stacked like twin towers in the middle of their table. Ike rubbed his belly as he picked his teeth with a toothpick, and Richter lit up his weed and took in a deep inhale. Ike didn't mind the smoke and only breathed some of it in. But, everyone that was trying to enjoy their meals gave off glares and complaints to them.
"This is life." Richter grinned widely. He removed the joint from his lips and stared at the waiter that had a long piece of paper in his hand.
"Here's the bill, plus the discount included for you. . . couple. And there is no smoking inside the lodge."
"Oop. My bad." Richter dropped it into his water and took the bill from the waiter.
Ike waited for his response, but was then handed the bill. Ike took a look at the bottom of the bill and almost choked on the weed air that was left around him.
"WHAT THE?!"
"AYE MAN! I think you got the wrong bill!" Richter finally panicked.
"NO I DON'T." The waiter said, shaking his head.
"SO YOU'RE SAYING WE OWE YOU *beep* dollars?"
"Yep."
"Impossible," Ike said. "It was only two of us! How could the bill be this high?!"
"As you can see sirs, we charge ten dollars on the premium ribs and steak. And we made sure you were charged on those."
"But! The discount!"
"Yes, this is included with the discount. Is there gonna be a problem?" The waiter looked at them with a stern look. Richter and Ike looked at each other.
"No, of course not. We'll need some time to discuss." Richter then said.
"Ok, I'll leave you guys. If you have any questions let me know."
After the waiter walked away from the two to talk with other customers, Ike placed the bill in the middle of the table and got up. "Yea, man. I gotta use the restroom real quick."
Richter got up as well and let out a slight chuckle. "Haha, funny, Ike. So do I.
"Oh. What a fucking coincidence." One of the mercenary's eyes twitched, but it didn't let him get the best of him. "Why don't we go together?"
"Sure thing, buddy."
They even hooked their arms and walked with each other with their legs spread out, making long strands. Everyone stared at them weirdly.
They even had the same stall next to each other and kept the awkward silence while in their minds, planning an escape.
"It's on you, right?" They both asked each other, coming out of the restroom and back to their table.
"Huh? Don't look at me! I didn't bring my wallet! Then how did you even eat?! I obviously leech off on other people during the break!"
They caught their breaths and relaxed back in their chairs. Both of them came up with the same reasons and excuses.
Richter punched in some numbers on his iPhone and placed it on his ear. "Yo, Simon. Can you hook me up with some cash? Huh? How much?" Richter looked at the bill and flinched from the sight of the price once more. "Um. . . a lot? Hello? Simon? Are you there? Simon! That freak, I think he accidentally hung up on me." Richter sighed and stuffed his phone back in his pocket. "You know how Boomers are. . ."
"Yea. . . I'll try calling Marth. He'll usually pay for my meals depending on his mood." Ike said, clicking on Marth's face on his phone.
"What? You and Richter are stuck at the food court because you don't have enough money to pay for your meal? Look, don't expect me to give you any money. I already paid for you enough, so don't bother me again! I'm not going to give you any money for your stupid meal!" Marth shouted in the line.
Ike clicked his tongue and hung up on him before he could. Before he could call Marth again, he saw Makato's name only above him.
"Makato has money. I should have called her sooner!" Ike's eyes lit up with faith.
"Ike?" Makato was shocked when he received a call from him. She was about to set off in the mountains. "I'm just outside of the lodge near the port if you want to join me?"
"Can you head to the food court real quick? I need to give you something."
"Eh? Right now? You're still there?"
"Yea. It's an emergency."
Luckily his words came through and Makato came straight away to the food court. She was still shocked to see Richter there as he made her nervous if he was only a somewhat date with Ike.
"Hello, Richter." Makato forced a smile.
"Yo," Richter said.
Makato looked over between them and sat next to Ike.
"You see. . . Richter and I forgot our wallets and we need your credit card." Ike explained.
Makato froze immediately after taking a small glance at the long strip of paper that was centered in the table. "Over the break, you've been doing lots of activities with Richter lately, and I'm glad you've been bonding. And you're now feasting together." Makato scratched her cheek and averted her eyes away from Ike. "Is there something wrong with me?"
Ike took in what she said, and from her words and actions, she was concerned and worried about their relationship. "There's nothing wrong with you. You're perfect, Makato."
Her eyes lowered, still feeling down about the situation. "I wish I could help you, Ike. But I don't have the money for such."
Ike lost all hope at that moment and lowered his eyebrows. "I see. . ."
"Your girlfriend is pretty, pretty useless," Richter whispered loudly across from Ike with a smirk. Ike didn't say anything when the vampire slayer was sent flying within two seconds. It was so sudden and fast, everyone looked back at Richter as he landed on someone's lunch.
Makato's eyes changed back to ocean color, now coming back to her senses. She covered her mouth letting out a small gasp. "Oh. . . I'm sorry, Richter. Something came up inside of me and. . . I didn't quite hear you what you said the first time so would you mind repeating yourself? I'll rip off your ball sack if you call me useless again."
"Hahaha. . ." Richter got up from someone's mac and cheese, not gaining any damage in his body, but ruined clothes that were stained with food.
Ike sweatdropped when the attention was now back to him. Makato stared at him as she furrowed her eyebrows deeper. "You willingly allowed yourself to eat this much with Richter? What about me? Am I not good enough for you? Are you into men? Now that I think of it, there was one time you went to Home Depot and asked for a bright pink handle of a screwdriver."
"What?! Makato, I'm not a fag! I swear!" Ike shot up from his table. "Are. . . you jealous?"
"D-don't be ridiculous!" Makato looked away and got up from her chair. "I'll be leaving now. There's nothing I could do for you or your new boyfriend."
As Makato stormed off toward the exit, she was pulled into a stop from Ike's grip to her arm. "It's not like that! We just happen to come across a great opportunity!"
"Without me?" Makato boldly stared at him with glossy eyes.
"Uh. . .eyy. . . Um. . ." Ike trailed.
"Um, excuse me." The waiter came back. "Are you able to pay?" He glanced at Makato before staring back at Ike.
The mercenary looked back at where Richter landed and for some reason, he wasn't there anymore. Like he disappeared. Ike's eyes sagged deeply, almost wanting to scream.
"That. . . Leecher!" Ike growled.
"Since you couldn't pay for your meals, you will do three days of community service starting tomorrow. At the forest, you will clean up the trash to make the lodge nice and clean."
"In the snow?!"
"Yes, sir."
Ike sighed and looked Makato one last time. "It seems I can't do anything for you. Sorry."
"Ike. . ." Makato frowned.
Security came to take Ike away and Makato only watched in shock as he was being dragged out of the food court.
(oOoOoOo)
Next Day
11:00 A.M
It wasn't only Ike that had to do community service, Richter was also caught, and a few other Smashers that got themselves into trouble also had to take part in community service. The snowy forest was told to be quiet, but now loud as ever with the Smashers.
"I was snowboarding and I accidentally broke five snowboards in one day. . ." Roy cried, crouching down on the snow.
"And for some reason, I'm here because of him." Marth glared at Roy.
"Hmph. At least you didn't destroy twenty-five." F. Corrin said, rolling her eyes. She groaned loudly and kicked more piles of snow with her bare feet that were bright red.
"Twenty-five?!" Roy and Marth exclaimed. M. Corrin was beside her, also part in her mess.
"She thought snowboards make the perfect weapon in snowboarding, and I told her no! Ugh. . . My Christmas break is ruined."
Marth placed his hand on his shoulder, "It's ok. . . we'll just have to do what we can and clean this place."
Ike shook his head and glared over to Richter, who just shrugged over to him. "What? Yea! SO what I got caught! I won't eat that much food again without Simon by my side!"
"You're despicable," Ike muttered.
"Technically you're both in the wrong," Robin said, picking up trash.
"And why are you here?" Ike said.
"That Female accused me of peeping in the girl's bathhouse," Robin said.
"Because you were. And just when I tried to stop him, I was also caught into his mess." Chrom said, placing a firm hand on Robin's shoulder.
"Hehehe, Chrom. I wasn't doing anything like that. It was for research purposes." Robin cracked a smile and laughed nervously.
"Did you forget the Halloween party, or what it just me?" Chom smiled angrily.
As everyone continued to spill out their reasons for being in the forest. Miru walked over to them with a few other people.
"Huh? You're here too for community service?" Marth asked in surprise.
Miru shook his head. "There was a report on missing Faithful Knights that were here during the winter break with a bunch of prisoners from Niho for community service in the forest." Miru explained.
Faithful Knight Paul took a step beside Miru. "There happened to be an avalanche during the work. Luckily many of us survived and we called for help at the nearest lodge."
"That's insane. . . an avalanche?" Chrom said.
"What about the prisoners?" Ike asked.
Faithful Knight Maxwell, next to Paul, shrugged. "They all went missing after the avalanche. We believe it was a plan of theirs to escape."
"Oh God. . ." Roy gulped.
Paul pulled out a clipboard and nodded his head. "That's not all. Some of our worst criminals were doing community service on that day. Mikoru Fumiharu, Michelle Kozuku, Yumi, Mike. Those people took part in the war against Niho, and now they're missing. If you see them, a huge reward will be given out, and your community service will be dropped completely."
"MONEY!" F. Corrin shot up her arms.
"Hey, isn't that guy a former Dark Knight?" Maxwell pointed to M. Corrin.
"Uh. . ." M. Corrin twiddled his thumbs.
"He's changed. It's alright." Miru said, assuring them.
"Are you sure, Sir Miru?" Paul said.
"Yea. What we need to do is to find the prisoners that escape. Especially Mikoru." Miru turned to the Smashers with a stern look. "As a Faithful Knight, I want you guys to help us during your. . . community service."
"Consider it done." Ike said, being the first to volunteer himself. "Does Makato know about this?"
Miru nodded. "I made sure she is protected at all costs. The Princess is protected with Knights around her 24/7."
"Any prisoner deserves a coffin to the face!" Richter said, taking part in the action.
Many of the Smashers agreed to help to find the prisoners that escaped in the forest. Groups were made for the search of prisoners from the lodge to the forest. And it wasn't just the Smashers in the forest, the whole word was out in the lodge for wanted criminals. And with the reward being huge, many Smashers in the lodge did some searching on their own. Soon the whole area was filled with people and families snowboarding and skiing, in addition to making quick lookouts for criminals, those who were black and white pajamas.
(oOoOoOo)
"Come on, I just want to talk to her!" KIMIN pouted trying to come through.
"There's plenty of women you can talk to, but not the Princess." Faithful Knight Joseph said. There were two in her front and two from the back as thy made a square barrier around the princess. Even without shields or weapons, they were trained well without them under close combat.
"I didn't even know she was royalty. . ." KIMIN murmured. "Come on, Princess!"
"I'm fine, please. . ." Makato said to the knights surrounding her. "And I'm on vacation."
"Nope. This guy could have a gun." Oswald said.
"I'm a Spop star. . ." KIMIN sweatdropped. "And she's a pretty good skier!"
"Do you know this man?" Joseph asked.
"Um. . . I thought it was Roy at first, but after skiing together. . . I guess in an acquaintance." Makato trailed.
"See, the Princess doesn't know you, now scram!" Oswald barked.
"Come on, Bruh!"
Makato sighed quietly and raised her hand. "I have to use the restroom."
"Shall we escort you?" Joseph asked.
"By myself, please."
Makato hurried in the public women's restroom and shut it immediately. She then pulled out her phone and called Miru. "Miru! I don't need the protection. . . please answer."
After seconds of waiting, she only assumed he was in the forest. From a stall, a woman with long blonde hair in a ponytail and a bright orange coat came out and glanced at Makato.
Makato smiled when Samus appeared before her. "Samus! I need your help."
Samus looked at a small window and pointed it at the wall. "There's a window that leads to the outside. Let's go out from there."
"You heard?"
"Only all of it."
Makato let out a small giggle. "Thank you."
(oOoOoOo)
Outside
Like many other people, both Samus and Makato headed for the forest area to search for the prisoners that escaped after the avalanche incident. It wasn't much of a silent walk in the snow, as there were lots of people wandering around in the forest. Samus studied Makato's actions; eager she was, looking from the bushes and from the tall trees, it was almost certain she wanted to find the prisoners.
Samus then asked, "Are you worried about Mikoru?"
Makato froze and turned to Samus after checking the bushes. "We've known each other since we were kids. I can't help but worry."
Samus watched her expression of her eyes sadden a bit. "It's ok. . . I'm sure he's alive somewhere." Samus replied, placing her hand on her shoulder. "But. . . don't you think Ike would get mad?"
They continued to walk in moments of silence, as they both head away from the main crowd in the forest. Makato puffed her cheeks and sighed. "Ike apparently would rather have a full course meal with his boyfriend than his girlfriend. . ."
"B-boyfriend? You don't mean Richter?" Samus covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing. "Are you jealous?"
"No, I'm not." She denied.
"Sounds like to me you are."
"He. . ." Makato bit her lips and held in her tears. "Nevermind. . ."
Deeper in the woods they go it grew quiet in the woods till the point there wasn't anybody. Makato walked ahead a little as she kept searching for Mikoru rather than the prisoners.
"Should we take a break?" Samus asked Makato.
"Ok. . ." Luckily there was a large log on the ground, as they both took it as a resting spot for them. As Samus sat quietly checking her phone, Makato walked around their small resting area, gazing at the snowy forest, and in lost of thoughts of Mikoru.
She looked up to the white cloudy sky. "Again you're gone. . . off of a different path than mine. I'm left behind, wondering if I should follow. . ."
Ike walked ahead of his group with Richter, Marth, and Roy, feeling drifted apart from Makato once again. "You had to go. . . and of course, it's always fine. I could probably catch up with you tomorrow. . ."
Mikoru barely crawled his way out of the avalanche and miraculously survived. He struggled to breathe, as he grabbed tightly to his chest, but he kept driving his knees and feet in the deep snow. "But it this what it feels like to be growing apart. . ."
Yumi ran ahead of Michelle and Mike, hurrying to find her Lord before he would be found. "When did I become the one who's always chasing your heart?"
Their voices were connected despite them being in different corners as they all sang the chorus together.
"Now I turn around and find I am lost in the woods.
North is south, right is left, when you're gone.
I'm the one who sees you home, but now I'm lost in the woods
And I don't know what path you are on
I'm lost in the woods. . ."
(oOoOoOo)
"Achoo!" Roy sneezed the snot onto Marth's face.
"Roy. . ." Marth twitched his eyebrows and showed a terrifying smile.
"Hahaha, sorry man. . ." Roy grinned.
The four of them walked deeper into the woods, and the temperature dropped slowly.
"Man, this is taking forever." Richter yawned loudly. "Ike, I didn't know you could sing. You almost remind me of Witney Huston and Miraiah Catey combined into this beautiful sweet harmony."
"R-really?" Ike stared at Richter in shock. He then placed his hand on his throat gently. "I didn't even know that myself. Maybe I have a spark for singing. . ." He gave a slight grin to himself.
Roy and Marth looked at each other oddly before looking at the back of Ike's black sweater.
Marth shook his head, disagreeing. "Ike, you sounded like a dying rat."
"No lie, but it's a pretty catchy song. Good job, Ike." Roy ran ahead and wrapped his arm around Ike's shoulders.
"Even you, Roy?" Marth slumped his shoulders. As the three continued to talk about Ike's future career as a Spop star, rather than an already mercenary, Marth paused his footsteps when he heard heavy breathing coming closer and closer.
"Hey, guys, I hear something. . . Someone. . . breathing tiredly. . ." Marth alerted the rest. The three of them stop their footsteps and walked toward Marth. They kept silent and also heard the same heavy breathing as he described.
"Lord Mikoru! Stay strong!" Yumi desperately searched with Michelle and Mike while the rest of the prisoners used this chance to escape away from the Faithful Knights.
Mike ruffled his blonde hair and looked over to the light blue-haired woman that kept her eyes shut, but was still able to see. "Yo, Michy-"
"I would prefer if you called me Michelle, Mike," Michelle responded coldly.
He laughed and stuffed his hands into his black and white pajamas. "Yea, I don't care. But, isn't Lady Yumi going a bit too far searching for Lord Mikoru? I mean. . . what if he's dead?"
"He's not! I'm sure of it! My Lord Mikoru. . . he's a strong man!" Yumi overheard her conversation and did her best not to show her tears because Mikoru wouldn't want her to show any weaknesses during a battle.
"I hear something. . . coming closer. . ." Michelle said.
"Really?" Yumi stopped her feet. "It must be Lord Mikoru. Let's go to it, silently and carefully." Yumi took the lead and the two followed her closely.
"Should we head back? I believe Miru and the others would be worried." Samus checked her phone and noticed the little reception that was left.
Makato frowned and tightened her hands into a fist. "But the avalanche. . . If I don't find him, they would find him first. I can't let that happen. . ."
"I understand how you feel, but it could get dangerous. . . There might be wild animals-"
"Maka. . o. . ."
It was faint, but it was loud enough for her to know it was Mikoru's voice somewhere in the snowy woods. It was close but dying as well. Her heart began to race and she grew flustered clenching onto her pink coat. "I hear him. . . he's alive. He's here." Makato turned around to the back and ran the opposite direction in a dash.
"Wait! Makato!" Samus ran behind after her quickly and noticed she was a tad faster than before. When Samus caught up with Makato, she was already kneeling on the ground, holding their back with support.
The bounty hunter got closer to them and recognized the stranger's gray curls and the black and white pajamas of a prisoner they wore.
He coughed loudly as it was hard to keep his eyes open and his breathing was deeply heavy. "Ma. . . ka. . . to. . ." He kept saying her name every minute like it was his only dying breath.
Makato looked back to Samus who finally caught up with her. Samus stared at her ocean eyes, as they began to tear up. "How is he?" Samus asked.
Makato then removed one of her gloves from her hands and gently placed her hand on his forehead, brushing his bangs aside. "Pale. . . He's running a high fever. . . We need to take him back to the lodge."
"He's going to get sent back to Niho before we have that chance. And we're already deep enough in the woods." Samus said, staring at the tall trees covered in snow. She looked at Mikoru and the proof of his fever ran right at his bright red face and sweat from his forehead. "Just how did he get here without freezing to death?"
Mikoru felt her touch and responded back with his hand over her small one. To her surprise, he began to open his eyes, keeping locked eye contact to her eyes. "Makato. . ."
She blushed just as one of her tears overflowed to the side of her cheeks. His hands were as cold as ice, but his face was boiling hot. "Mikoru. . ." She gazed down at his weak state. It was a rare occurrence for her to see him this weak. The last time when she remembered of his weakened state was when he came to Niho at the age of five.
He looked up at the sky and coughed harder. "You made my wish. . . come true." He brought himself to a soft smile.
"Huh?" Makato asked.
He looked back at her with gentle eyes. "I've been wishing to see you this Christmas. And luckily you came and granted my wish." He pulled her hand away from his forehead and squeezed it, not wanting to let go. "It's almost like a dream. I'm happy as it is to see your beautiful face once more. This must be fate."
"You idiot. . . you shouldn't be talking." Tears were uncontrollable at this point for Makato. Each tears she shed landed on his cheeks and shirt one at a time. Samus couldn't help but bring a smile upon her face from the reunion.
Mikoru kept smiling. "You're so warm. . ." He coughed harshly right after which brought Makato into a fright panic.
"Samus, can you watch him? I'll need to search for some ingredients to lower his fever." Makato slowly slipped his hand away from Mikoru, but he then reacted with a tighter grip.
"You're leaving already. . .?" He muttered sadly.
"It's only a short trip, it won't be long. Samus will take care of you." Makato assured.
"Uh. . ." Samus trailed adjusting her snow hat. "I don't know about that. How about I search for what you need and you watch him."
Makato smiled and shook her head. "It's okay. It'll be really complicated if you searched in this snowy woods."
Makato then slipped her hand away from his grasp and marched away, leaving Mikoru and Samus by themselves. Samus helped Mikoru to sit on the log and was offered an orange coat that Samus wore.
"Thank you, but I'm fine. I'm actually quite used to the cold." Mikoru said.
"Oh?" Samus arched her eyebrows. "Then explain to me how you got a fever in the first place."
"Due to the living conditions in the cells, I grew sick. . . and of course, they didn't believe it. It only got worse in the snowy woods." Mikoru explained.
Samus stared at his attire of black and white pajamas. 'He looks like a little kid. And his personality changed completely. Is this even the same guy?'
"Um. . ." Mikoru looked at her with a frown. "I've been wanting to apologize to you. For what I did during that festival you guys held in the spring of last year."
"Oh. . . it's fine. I'm completely over that phase." Samus awkwardly laughed.
Mikoru tucked his feet in toward his stomach and laid his head on his knees. "There's more people to come. . . I want to atone in any way I can."
"Lord Mikoru!" The girl in black long hair cried tears of joy and collapsed her knees onto the snow.
Samus shot up from her log and stared at the three who came to search for Mikoru. They all wore the same black and white pajamas like Mikoru.
The spikey blonde rubbed his hair. "Wow, Milord, it's great to see you alive!"
"Greats things come to our Lord." The tall woman with long light blue hair said.
"It seems your buddies are here to pick you up." Samus lowered her voice toward Mikoru.
"Oh. . ." He responded back slightly flustered.
After Yumi's tearful reunion, she wiped her tears and pointed at Samus."Give us back Lord Mikoru! You tramp!"
"Tramp?" Samus popped a vein and cracked her knuckles.
"Yumi, she actually saved me. . . It's okay." Mikoru spoke back softly.
"Oh? Is that so. . .?" Yumi blushed. "Well, okay. Thank you for taking care of him. Are you covering us on our escape from Niho?"
"Niho? Oh. . . you're planning an escape?" Samus looked back at Mikoru.
"It wasn't my attention. Honest. I would rather stay there and atone for my sins." Mikoru said, folding his hands together.
"Who cares about sins! This is our chance! And we need you by our side!" Mike said.
"That's how you burn in hell," Samus muttered aggressively.
"You do owe me money, Milord. Until that day comes, I shall follow you for the rest of my life." Michelle said.
"Please my Lord, we need to get going." Yumi begged.
Mikoru coughed harshly and squeezed his body. "Makato Dear. . ."
"Samus, what are you doing?"
"Ike?" Samus turned to another group of people that she recognized at first glance.
Ike smirked evilly. "That bastard is coming back with us so I won't have to do community service anymore."
"He's coming with us!" Yumi exclaimed.
Richter looked at Ike and then at the gray-haired man and the others wearing black and white. "So overall, you're saying this kid that destroyed the Smash Mansion and started a war is a criminal?! PFFFFTT-! Alexa, isn't this a joke?! . . .Alexa?" Richter looked at his tablet and checked to have no wifi. "Ain't that great?! Stupid Amazon tablet!"
"Uh, ok?" Marth sweatdropped. "But, Samus, why are you with Mikoru?"
"I was with Makato and we found him in the snow."
"Can't you put him in a headlock or something? We need at least one of them for da money!" Roy said.
"I don't care what happens to me, as long as I'm with Makato." Mikoru said to Samus.
'He's so pure. . .' Samus was flattered by the way his heart changed over the last year. She stared at him, admiring his heart. 'I see why Makato loved him. . .'
"Heey!" Ike interrupted Samus' thoughts, which gave her a corrupted irritated look upon her face. "Oi! Samus! Take him out! Lariat him!"
"No! Mikoru is coming with us!" Yumi shouted back.
Samus was reminded a small flashback of Makato crying large droplets of tears during their little break.
Flashback
Makato kept rubbing her eyes, but the tears didn't stop. "Samus, I think Ike doesn't love me anymore. I just know it! He hangs out with Richter more than me. What should I do?"
"Come on! That can't be. . ." Samus grinned nervously.
"Even during the Halloween Party, he would rather have a drinking contest with him! I'm no good for him. I think he's attracted to Richters! Is that some kind of gender?"
End of Flashback
"SHUT UP!" Samus exploded, pointing at Ike and Yumi. "Nobody is taking Mikoru! That's his choice to decide! Under-fucking-stand?! Keep talking and I'll sell your windpipes to the black market!"
"Yes, Ma'am." They both quietly said.
"And you Ike-!" Samus pointed directly at the mercenary which caused him to flinch.
"Uh oh. . . this brings back memories. . ." Marth sweatdropped. "When she gets super angry, she's given a nickname: The Blonde Devil."
"I remember those dreadful days," Roy rubbed his head.
She wasn't done yet. Samus stomped over to Ike and grabbed hold of his head. Ike did his best not to react to the pressure of her hand that felt like his temple could explode at any minute.
"Until you learn your lesson to consider Makato's feelings, you better stop with your nonsense!"
"H-huh? Makato's feelings. . ." Ike squinted his eyes and rubbed his chin. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I agree, with Samus. From what I've seen, you've been hanging with Richter more than Makato. I hope you guys break up." Marth commented.
"Marth!"
Mikoru watched the two swordsman bicker with a worried look on his face.
Samus released his head and shot her glare straight toward Yumi.
"What?!" Yumi panicked.
"I don't care what you guys do, but leave Mikoru out of this!"
"Tramp!" Yumi stuck her tongue out.
"Fufufufu. . . if you're protecting Mikoru, wouldn't that be harboring a fugitive?" Michelle said.
"I'm only doing this until Makato comes back! I'm not letting any of you fools do what you want." Samus said, tightening her fist.
"This is stupid! Makato knows Richter and I get along just fine!"
"I don't care about this! I'm making my move!" Richter said, running toward Mikoru with ill intent.
"Richter! You're running toward the Blonde Devil!" Roy called out his warning.
Nobody could describe the supernatural. Richter was knocked out with a visible bump on his forehead. Everyone took glances between Richter and Samus. Samus was already wiping her hands, seemed to have finished some kind of action.
Mikoru showed a small smile. "You have my gratitude, Samus. But I feel like a huge burden with all of this happening."
"No, you're not." Samus sighed and sat back down next to Mikoru. "You've changed. That's what matters. Hmm. . . now that I think of it, Makato's taking a while to search for ingredients. I don't know if that's a good thing or not."
"I hope she's ok. . ."
"HELP! HELP!"
A loud feminine scream hollered in their direction. Everyone stopped their breaths and turned to the voice.
"Makato?" Samus shot up from the log and saw her carrying a small bag and sprinting as if something or someone was chasing him.
Roy's eyes fell off his sockets and his jaw slammed to the ground.
"BEARRRAHHHHHHHHH!"
"WHAT?!" Marth saw the bear, brown and huge running on its two feet.
"ALRIGHT! My turn to shine!" Richter recovered quickly and flipped back up on his two feet when he heard the word "bear". Makato ran passed Richter who sprinted for the bear with only his bare hands.
"Heh, you look so unBEARable if I do say so myself! HAHAHAHA-!"
The bear greeted Richter with a hard slap to the cheek from its dreadful claws. The slap was so hard, it sent him flying toward a cliff he wasn't able to stop.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"RICHTER!" Ike called. What was left was the echoes of his screams as it was only getting quieter. The bear looked at Ike and the others with sharp eyes, as it began its sprints on its two legs.
"Run!" Roy shouted. They all followed Makato when the bear started chasing them.
"That bear is running on two legs, that bear is running on two legs, that bear is running on two legs, that bear is running on two damn legs-!" Marth freaked out the most with sweat already coating him.
"D-do something! Come on, man!" Roy huffed toward Ike.
"Yeah right! Do you see what that bear did to Richter?! I'm not going to get sent flying toward a deep-ass cliff!" Ike sprinted even faster to where he met up with Makato. "Makato! Are you okay?!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The adrenaline burst into her heart, unable to say anything else but apologize.
"Do something, Mike! Your wind magic!" Yumi cried out.
"Oh, yea!" He slid his feet to a stop while everyone else ran for their dear lives. The bear stopped and glared down at Mike, fresh and intimidating.
Mike showed out this hands ready to go full power but was terrified at the same time. "AH!"
He shot out some wind magic, but his magic grew unstable like his fear of bears. The wind pressure caught everyone from their feet and into the sky uncontrollably.
"What the?! Mikey! We're flying!" Yumi panicked.
"Tell your boyfriend to stop!" Samus said, with Mikoru on her back.
"He's not my boyfriend!"
"Oh my." Michelle showed no sign of reaction toward her feet being lifted up from the sky and went with the flow.
Mike was also caught in his own magic, fainting in mid-air. "B-bear. . ."
The wind pushed everyone toward the same cliff that Richter dropped, along with the bear. What was left of them were the cries and screams as they plunged to their deaths.
