Current Events > Teen Titans CYOA: Romance Resurrected Part 21

(+) Yeah! (+)

A.

A

A

You make two more burgers, yours with cheese and hers without. You also decide to add some bacon to yours to really make it special.

You and Raven sit at the counter with the Toddler Titans.

"So how have you three been?" Raven asks them. "The last letter I got was you three, Bobby and Bushido teaming up to stop The Acrobat."

"Yeah!" Teether says. "That was fun."

"No, it wasn't," Timmy grumbles. "He was all jumpy and flippy, I couldn't hit him at all."

"I can imagine," Raven says. "Ranged attacks like yours would be hard against a moving target."

"Yeah, but then Timmy got so man," Melvin says, "he screamed a big scream and broke a whole wall down!"

"Whoa," you say. "So how did you defeat him?"

"Melvin created a big fish tank!" Teether says as he motions the size with his hands. "The Acwobat couldn't climb the glass, and then he fought Bushido one on one...!"

"Oh, that's really smart," you say.

"Bushido was all hyah, hyah hah!" Teether says, doing his best punches and chops in the air. "Acwobat was all hah, jump, hah! And Bushido got hit, ow ow ugh! But then he came back, pow pow! And he threw Acwobat awound, and, and, then biiiig kick! KO!"

"That must've been an awesome fight," you say.

"Uh-huh," Teether says with a big smile.

The group finishes eating half past noon, and the arts & crafts group goes back to working on the gift boxes for the next game.

"And finished!" Jinx says.

The group presents four present boxes, each one unique to the point where you can definitely tell who made them.

Kole and Gnark wrapped one in brown parchment paper and tied it with a simple white string, and they drew dinosaurs on it with marker pens. Melvin helped Starfire in putting together a purple one with teddy bear stickers and a green ribbon. Jinx and Argent each made one all on their own. Argent decorated hers with red and white with gold star stickers while Jinx found some metallic and shiny hot pink wrapping paper that she then heavily sprinkled with glitter.

"Okay, we've got 13 jingle bells," Cyborg says. "The arts 'n' crafts group will take their gift boxes into the hallway, divide up the bells however they want, and then bring them back in. Then teams can pick a box and do their best to guess how many bells are inside."

"Right," Robin says. "Let's go ahead and keep the teams from last time, that's the most efficient thing to do."

Everyone agrees, so as Starfire leads the arts 'n' crafts group to the hallway, you sit with Hot Spot, Red Star, Bumblebee and Speedy at the counter.

After about five minutes, Starfire's group returns and the four gift boxes are set down at the center.

"Since Menos' team won the previous round," Argent says, "it seems only fair they should choose first. Then Mas' team chooses, followed by Rorek's team, and Raven's team is last."

"Sweet!" Menos says.

Menos walks up to the four boxes, looks them over, and goes with Jinx's box. Mas chooses Argent's, and your choose...

A) Starfire's
B) Kole's

B.

A.

a

A

Starfire's box. This leaves Raven's team to take Kole's.

"And now we shake," you say.

*jingle jingle jangle jangle*

"Okay," Speedy says, "how many did that sound like to you?"

"Try again," Hot Spot says.

You nod and give another shake.

*jangle jingle jingle jangle*

"Well, it's more than one," Bumblebee says.

"That's a good start," you chuckle.

"In fact," Red Star says. "It is most certainly more than two. May I try something?"

You hand the box over, and Red Star tips it slowly rather than shakes it wildly. You hear the jingle bells clunk against the side.

"Clever," you say. "Okay, that sounded like... four?"

"Let us try one more time," Red Star says.

He tips the box slowly the other way, and you hear the same clunking.

"That's at least four," you say.

The team thinks it over, and you look around at the other teams as they think hard on theirs.

"Okay, I think that's been enough time," Jinx says. "The teams are going to write their guesses on paper, we will read them, and then everyone can open the boxes to see."

A single page of paper is cut into four pieces, each team gets a piece, and the discussion begins.

Red Star gives the box one more slow tip, and you again hear the clunking.

"That does seem like four," Hot Spot says.

"But that would seem almost too simple, right?" Speedy says. "Dividing 13 by four, there'd be three boxes with three and one box with four. The arts 'n' crafts group wouldn't make it as simple as a one-in-four chance."

"That doesn't mean we don't have four," Bumblebee says. "We could have four, and the remaining nine bells have been divided up unevenly between the other three."

"How about the safe bet and go with four?" Hot Spot. "If we have four, great. If we have a little more than four, we can't be that far off so it'll be like Blackjack. We don't bust, and we'd force the other teams to be exact about their guesses to win."

"Good enough for me," you say.

You write down "FOUR" and submit the paper. The other teams do the same, and the arts & crafts group looks them over.

"Okay," Argent says. "First, Raven's team chose Kole's box, and they guessed two. They were..."

Kole starts a drum roll which Melvin and Bobby join in on, and then the box is opened.

"Correct!" Argent says. "Hooray! Next, Rorek's team chose Starfire's box, and they guessed four. They were..."

Kole, Melvin and Bobby drum roll, and Gnark tentatively joins in.

"So so close!" Argent says as the box is opened. "It was five! Five jingle bells!"

"Alright, alright," Hot Spot says. "The strategy kinda worked."

"It comes down to the twins," Argent says. "Mas's team guessed three. Menos's team also guessed three. There are only six jingle bells left, so that'd make sense. Drum roll, please."

Kole, Melvin, Bobby and Gnark drum together, and the boxes open.

"They were both right!" Argent says. "They tie with Raven's team!"

"We're the only ones who got it wrong?" Bumblebee says.

"Well," Hot Spot says, feeling awkward. "The strategy kinda worked."

"Okay, that was fun," Raven says. "We should get going. We gotta get Melvin and the boys settled in while also preparing for dinner with Rorek's family."

"Yay~!" Teether and Timmy say.

They and Melvin gather up their things and Bobby waits at the door.

"Oh, have you had any ideas what dinner will be?" Raven asks as you follow after the Toddler Titans.

A) Hainanese Chicken Rice
B) "Mouth Watering" Chicken Dumplings
C) Kozuyu Chicken Ramen

B.

C

B

bump, got busy today

B

"Remember 'Mouth Watering Chicken Dumplings'? I was thinking we can do some of those."

"Oh, yeah, those were really good," she says.

"What're we gonna do for dinner, though?" Blue Beetle asks.

"It's fine," Cyborg says as he also goes with you. "I'll pick up pizzas on the way back."

Somehow, you, Raven, Cyborg, the Toddler Titans and big Bobby fit in the elevator. You go down to the garage, and from there, the Toddler Titans hop into the T-Car.

"Um," Raven says, "I don't think Bobby's going to fit in the car. He's gonna have to ride on Shadowfax."

"Right..." you say as you look up at the big teddy bear.

Raven takes shotgun in the T-Car, Bobby hops on the back of Shadowfax with you.

"Alright, Bobby," you say. "Just hold onto me around the waist and we'll be fine."

Bobby does as told and you lead the way out from the garage. Bobby holds onto you tighter as you head for the water.

"Relax, Bobby," you say, "Shadowfax can float."

You ride on the water, but Bobby still holds tight and starts to lean on you. He's rather heavy for being stuffing and you start leaning forward.

"Bobby, please," you say. "Shadowfax, please drive on your own for a minute."

Shadowfax goes to autopilot and you have Bobby sit up. You make it to shore, the T-Car right behind you. You make your way through the city to your home, and you pull Shadowfax into the garage. You and Bobby go from garage to living room and you open the front door.

"Thanks, Cy," Raven says. "Have a good time."

The T-Car heads back and you help the Toddler Titans with their luggage. Your sisters walk out of the guest room, curious to see what's going on.

"So you two are here," you say. "Good."

"Yes, and everyone else will be here in a couple of hours," Roselind says.

"Who's all this?" Rebecca asks.

"These are Melvin, Timmy and Teether, oh, and Bobby the bear," Raven says. "Um, they're going to be guests with us while the rest of the Teen Titans are in town."

"Hi," Melvin says.

"Hewwo," Teether says.

"H-Hi," Timmy says.

Bobby waves one of his arms.

"Aww...!" your sisters both say. "Hello."

"I'm going to get started on making dinner," you say. "And to make it go faster, I will need help, so..."

A) Have Raven help and your sisters babysit
B) Have your sisters help so Raven can babysit

B

bump

A

bump
sry, was busy again

bump, was busy again, but will try to get this before the night's over

A

"... while Raven helps me in the kitchen, you two can keep an eye on our guests."

"That's fine," your sisters say.

"Let's see what's on TV," Roselind says as she and Rebecca sit on the couch with the Toddler Titans.

While your sisters channel surf, you and Raven bring out scallions, sesame seeds, a soy-chili sauce blend, and chicken breasts.

"This pot should be a good size, right?" she says.

"Right," you say. "And I see you already brought out things for making the dough."

"I do remember when we made these in Azarath with my mom," she says.

"Ah, yes, that was a nice afternoon, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Raven smiles. "Okay, so, just like then, I'll debone the chicken and you make the dough."

"Sounds good to me," you say.

You put the flour, baking powder, pepper and salt together, along with butter and milk, and get the dough going quickly. Raven hands over the boneless meat to you and you chop it up, along with the scallion meat. You form balls of meat with the chicken and scallion, wrap them up in some dough, and plop those into the water to boil. The soy-chili sauce becomes part of the broth, and the aroma wafts through the air nicely.

"Mmm~!" the others in the living room all hum.

"That smells good," Melvin says.

"That smells spicy!" Timmy says.

"That smells spicy and good!" Teether says.

"That's good to hear," you say. "It won't be too strong, though. I don't want to give my grandparents heartburn for Christmas."

"In that case, what're we having as a side?" Raven asks.

"I wasn't sure," you say. "Perhaps something else that's simple for everyone to eat."

"And probably something with vegetables," Raven says.

Your sisters and the Toddler Titans grumble.

"You need to eat vegetables," Raven tells them all sternly. "So you can grow up big and strong."

"Yes," you say, "just like Raven and myself."

The five of them look at the two of you, though perhaps more at Raven.

"Th-that doesn't happen because of vegetables!" Roselind pouts.

"Yeah, that's genetics," Rebecca also pouts.

"What're you trying to say?" Raven asks with a bit of a scowl.

"Either way, you're having vegetables," you say. "In the form of..."

A) Salad
B) Soup
C) Hot Pot

C

B

B

"Soup. It'll be nice and warm, the veggies will be nice and soft."

"Is that supposed to make it sound better?" Melvin says.

"What? There's something nice about the texture of softened carrots."

You and Raven return to the kitchen, bring out carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans and celery, along with onions and garlic. You also have olive oil, broth, parsley, salt and pepper.

The olive oil heats in a large pot on medium-high heat. You chop up and even mince many of the vegetables, then start by throwing in onions, carrots and celery to the pot. You saute for four minutes before adding garlic. After another 30 seconds, you add the tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, even some bay leaves and thyme. You stir it around, take a taste, and then add the salt and pepper in accordingly.

You stir while you let the mixture reach a boil before adding the green beans. Then the heat is turned to medium-low and you put the lid on. The soup simmers for half an hour, in which time you and Raven finish with the dumplings.

"Fwosty tha Snowman~," Teether sings along, "was a jahlee, habby soul. With a corn cop pipe an' a button nose, and two eyes made out of co. Fwosty tha Snowman~, is a faiwytale they say! He was made a snow, but the childwen know, how he came to wife one day."

Raven giggles at every little mispronunciation, which makes you smile.

At the end of the half hour, you add the corn and peas and cook the soup for another five minutes.

"Well, the rest of the family isn't here yet," you say, "but let's get ready at the tables here."

"So how're we going to do the kids table?" Raven asks.

"Let's have them set up at the coffee table," you say. "We can just move it closer to the dining room."

Raven floats it over with magic.

"Done," she says.

"And television off," you say.

You use the remote to turn the television off and your sisters help get bowls for the soup. The Toddler Titans get small bowls with cartoon characters on them.

"I want Donald Duck," Timmy says.

"Rorek doesn't have Donald Duck," Melvin says. "These are Power Ranger bowls, not Disney characters."

"Then I want the Red Ranger," Timmy says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

The soup is served, as are Saltene crackers. The doorbell then rings and you head for the front.

"Perfect timing," you say as you see your parents and grandparents. "We just served soup."

You walk with them to the living room and they all of course notice the Toddler Titans.

"Hi, everyone," Raven says as she walks over. "This is Melvin, Timmy, Teether, and Bobby is the teddy bear sitting behind Melvin. They're joining us for dinner since Titan Tower is already pretty crowded and we haven't seen each other in a long time.

"And Mevlin, Timmy, Teether," Raven says to them. "These are Rorek's parents, Ronald and Rachel, his grandmother, Ruth, and Grandfather Rorek VI."

"Hello," the Toddler Titans say.

"Hello," your parents and grandparents say.

"This way," you say. "We're having vegetable soup and chicken dumplings with some rice."

"And dessert?" Grandfather Sixth asks, to which Grandmother Ruth bumps him with an elbow.

A) Pie
B) Cookies

C no dessert

A

*boops topic a bump*

C, nothing

"We didn't have anything planned," you say. "I was thinking we could wait until after dinner and just see how everyone feels."

Your parents and grandparents sit with you, Raven and your sisters to have soup.

"So Raven," your mother asks, "how did you meet, um, Melvin, Timmy, Teether and Bobby, was it?"

"Mm-hmm," Raven says. "I was the one to escort them to a monastery where they'd learn to properly control their powers, while they were being hunted by an evil genius gorilla."

"Oh, my," your mother says.

"Yeah," Raven says with a slightly awkward smile and nod. "Life of a superhero."

"And these three are superheroes even at this young age?" your mother asks.

"Well, it's their choice," Raven says.

"We like helping people with our powers," Melvin says.

Timmy and Teether nod in agreement, busy chewing vegetables to speak.

"Then..." your mother starts. "What if your children choose the same life?"

The room was already on the quiet side, but now everyone at the adult table freeze up and look at your mother.

"Umm..." you and Raven both say.

"I know we got past worrying about Great-Aunt Radella's prophecy about the family," you say, "but it's still rather early to worry about something like that."

"It wouldn't be so much worrying as planning," your mother says. "Between the two of you, your children will have incredible magical potential."

"That is a good point," you say.

A) But still wait to talk about that
B) Consider planning ahead

A

A)

A

"But we're still going to wait. We're doing away with how the Null family expects anything out of their children."

"Agreed," Raven says. "I also know what it's like to live a life where things are expected of you, though more in a bad way than a good way. Whatever way the children decide to go, we then support that decision."

"So when they come to understand the abilities they have, how will you address it?" your mother asks.

"Mom," you say.

"Rachel," your father says. "They said they're not going to worry about it until they have to. They're not even newlyweds yet."

"But these are things they should consider," she says.

"And they're going to, once they actually have a child," he says. "Now please, let's all enjoy dinner."

Your mother nods and slurps soup from her spoon. Dinner returns to the quiet eating, and you bring out the chicken dumplings. Everyone at the adult table gets three while the Toddler Titans each get two, and rice is served in according portions.

"This is very good," Grandfather Sixth says.

"Thank you," you say. "Mouth-Watering Chicken Dumplings, as I learned during my time in China."

"I suppose that name fits," your grandmother says.

"How do you three like it?" Raven asks the Toddler Titans.

"These're the best dumpwings ever!" Teether says with both hands raised.

"Well thank you," you say.

All of you eat up, and Grandfather Sixth even has a fourth dumpling.

"Any ideas for dessert now?" he asks you.

"How do you still have room?" your grandmother asks, to which everyone has a little laugh.

"Well if you're not going to give up," you say, "I'll see what we have."

You go into the kitchen and look at both the cupboards and the refrigerator.

"How about we have hot cocoa?" you ask.

"But that's a drink," Grandfather Sixth says.

"We can add marshmallows and other things to it," you say.

"I suppose that's fine," he says.

You get the tea kettle going as you collect bowls and plates before bringing out mugs. Raven helps you pour cocoa powder into the mugs and get spoons for each of them.

"I want the yellow mug," Timmy says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

"Let's see what there is to watch on the telly," your grandmother says as she sits with your sisters on the couch.

A) Ask to check the news
B) Let them choose

B

B

B

You quietly continue in the kitchen while they channel surf.

"Ah, here we are," your grandmother says. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

"Wudoff da Wed-Nose When-deer," Teether sings along, "had a vewy shanny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it gwows. All of the otha when-deer, used to laugh and call him names.
They never wet po Wudoff, join in any when-deer games.

"Den one foggy Chwistmas Eve, Santa came to say... Wudoff, with your nose so bwight, won't you guide my sweigh tonight? Then how the when-deer loved him. As they shouted out with glee, Wudoff the Wed-Nose When-deer, you'll go down in histowy!"

"Aw, it's already over," Roselind says.

"What's on next?" Rebecca asks.

"The Year Without a Santa Claus," grandmother says.

"That one's okay," Rebecca says.

The kettle whistles and you turn off the heat.

"Alright, cocoa's almost ready," you say.

You start pouring, making sure each mug is filled to a safe level. Raven places spoons inside the mugs and then you open the bag of marshmallows.

"Everyone gets at least one marshmallow," you say. "Who wants whipped cream?"

As you go down the line, Raven, Roselind and Melvin want whipped cream, so you serve them first. Raven makes sure Timmy gets his yellow mug, and then the rest of you take a mug. You get yourself a second marshmallow, and one for Rebecca, then everyone converges on the living room.

A) Still watch The Year Without a Santa Claus
B) Find another movie

A.

B.

A

A

You all settle on watching The Year Without a Santa Claus since it's already starting.

"Do you know this one, Teether?" Raven asks.

"No," he says.

"Oh, this will be fun then," you say. "There are some really catchy songs."

It opens with a narration from an old woman.

"Have you been told? Did you ever hear of the curious, furious, fidgety year... when Santa Claus unhitched his sleigh and vowed he was taking a holiday? How do I know so much about Santa? Well, I'm Mrs. Claus.

"It was long ago, before you were living. Not yet Christmas, but past Thanksgiving, though I can't give you the very date."

Santa Claus wakes up with a groan as the narration continues.

"Santa got up that morning late. Pulled on one boot, and then its twin. Ruffled the whiskers on his chin. And sat back down on the side of the bed."

"Great North Star, but I'm tired," Santa says.

"He said," Mrs. Claus continues to narrate.

"Painting wagons red and bright," Santa says, "sharpening ice skates half the night. Wrapping presents in ribbons and gauze has worn me weary. Crick in my back. Cold in my nose. Aches in my fingers and all 10 toes. And a sort of kind of kink inside whenever I think of that Christmas ride."

Mrs. Claus is now part of the scene as she speaks to Santa.

"Now, Santa, you just rest yourself a bit longer. I've already sent for the doctor. We'll have you back on your feet in no time."

The doctor checks Santa, and he seems to think nobody cares about Santa or about Christmas anymore so Santa should just stop. The irony is that he still wishes Santa a Merry Christmas before leaving. Mrs. Claus hopes Santa doesn't take any of that to heart, but sadly, Santa is convinced that the doctor is right.

"I had that same feeling myself, but I just wouldn't admit it. Nobody really cares anymore. And besides, the doctor says I'm really not up to snuff. Besides, I'm due for a holiday. I better call the boys and tell them to cancel Christmas."

Santa gets on the phone and says, "Warn the people, tell the papers. I'm much too tired for Christmas capers."

The elves are in disbelief, but as Mrs. Claus narrates again, "it was true. Santa was taking a holiday and the world would soon know... that it was to be the year without a Santa Claus.

"Did you ever hear of that terrible year, way back before you were born? When Santa Claus took a holiday, on the night before Christmas morn~."

It was a year without a Santa Claus
A Christmas Eve so sad
It was a year without a Santa Claus
The worst we've ever had

The story continues to be storybook rhyming dialogue and narration as Santa goes down the list of items they won't be working on.

Then a call comes in to a couple elves.

"Hello. Jingle Bells, number-one elf speaking."

"And Jangle Bells."

"Will you stop that? May I ask who is calling, please? ... Oh, hi, Mrs. Claus. Yes, Mrs. Claus. Okay, Mrs. Claus. Sure thing, Mrs. Claus. Right away, Mrs. Claus."

Jingle hangs up.

"Who was that?" Jangle asks.

Jingle gives Jangle a look.

"Oh..." Jangle says.

Mrs. Claus is in her room, and starts to think she can just impersonate Santa so Christmas can still happen. She even makes it a song.

Who would know the difference
If Santa Claus was me?
Yes, who would know the difference?
Just Santa Claus and me.
Anyone can be Santa.
Why can't a lady like me?
I admit I'm underfed
But with a pillow from the bed
I could be Santa Claus.
Oh, anyone can play Santa

I've fantasized it a lot
With this hat upon my head
And his suit of Christmas red
I could be Santa Claus
And with his "ho, ho, ho" I'd be going
Down the chimneys with his sack
And although my curls may be showing
I'll make sure they only see me
From the back.

Yes, anyone can be Santa
A tantalizing remark
Though his boots are not my size
With a twinkle in my eyes I could be Santa Claus
With his reindeer and his sleigh I'd be up, up and away
Yes, I could be Santa I could be Santa
I could be Santa Claus

But Jingle and Jangle walk in and immediately know it's her, so there goes that plan.

"Where're the catchy songs?" Teether asks.

"They're coming, they're coming," you say.

Plan B is to test if people really don't care about Santa and Christmas. She wants Jingle & Jangle to go look for proof that someone, anyone, still cares about Christmas even though it's still not Christmas season. Then surely Santa will be inspired and Christmas will be back on. She has them take Vixen, the youngest of the eight reindeer, and hopes they'll send a postcard.

In narration, Mrs. Claus admits she wasn't sure if this was the right thing. But the fact there'd be no Christmas at all, "drastic measures were called for."

But as Jingle & Jangle take off, they make a bit of a racket. Santa wonders what's going on, Mrs. Claus denies there's anything going on, but that only tells Santa that something is going on. Her concern breaks her poker face, and she explains. But that causes Santa to worry, as Vixen is too young to be flying without the other reindeer.

Santa decides to head out there after them, knowing that the Miser Brothers are dangerous. Mrs. Claus forgot all about those two, even though those two have never existed before this story.

"Why, if Snow Miser doesn't freeze them just for the fun of it, his devil of a brother will put the heat on them for sure."

Santa grabs Dasher and heads out while Mrs. Claus explains to the audience who the Miser Brothers are. Snow Miser controls the northern hemisphere, Heat Miser controls the south. And at this very moment, Jingle, Jangle and Vixen are flying right into the middle of things, and to avoid getting hit with ice and fire, they land in "Southtown, USA," in the Heat Miser's territory.

The search for Christmas spirit begins, but there is no one out on the street today. A police officer pulls them over, though. He gives them a ticket for riding Vixen the wrong way down a one-way street, crossing a solid white line, and wearing funny outfits on a Sunday. They hurry off, and disguise Vixen by putting their socks on her antlers. Now she's just a very big dog that they're taking for a walk.

Jingle & Jangle find people, ask them if they believe in Santa, but it seems not since they're adults. They also don't believe Vixen is a dog, but then she barks and it upsets a cat, as well as the cat's owner. Jingle, Jangle and Vixen run off, and the owner tells the officer about them. The officer can't wait to see the judge deal with them.

Jingle and Jangle are already a bit dismayed and one wants to quit the mission now while the other doesn't want to let Mrs. Claus down. They realize that they shouldn't be asking adults, but children. And so they look around and find kids at a school, but now Vixen isn't feeling well because of the heat. They have her rest in the shade while they talk with the kids.

One kid thinks Jingle and Jangle look funny, being dressed up like Christmas elves. But everyone already knows Santa's taking a break. And the kids aren't upset? Why should they be? It's no big deal. So they don't care if Santa shows up or not? Nope! Plus, believing in Santa is for little kids. Jingle and Jangle realize this is worse than they thought. And then worse than that, a dogcatcher takes Vixen away!

Jingle & Jangle hurry after the dogcatcher truck, and Mrs. Claus narrates again. The one boy, Ignatius Thistlewhite, "didn't know it at the time, but he was going to be a much bigger help to the two little evles and to all of us than he could ever imagine. Because a little later, when he got home..."

Santa himself is there! Santa introduces himself as "Mr. Claus." Mr. Claus and "Iggie" talk, and Mr. Claus of course asks about Jingle, Jangle and Vixen. Iggie says he met them earlier and that they asked about Christmas and stuff. Mr. Claus sneezes, Iggie's mother hears it, and invites him in so she can give him something for his cold. Mr. Thistlewhite is there, too, and the family talks with Mr. Claus about Christmas.

While Mrs. Thistlewhite and Iggie no longer believe, it surprises them to learn Mr. Thistlewhite does. And he has a song about it.

A) Sing along
B) Don't sing along

A

A)

A

"I believe in Santa Claus~...," you sing along, "like I believe in love. I believe in Santa Claus~... and everything he does."

"You like this one?" Raven says with a chuckle.

"There's no question in my mind~," you continue as you take her hand, "that he does~ exist~. Just like love, I know he's there~... waiting to be missed.

"I believe in Santa Claus. But there was a time~... I thought I had grown too old~, for such a childish rhyme. He became a dream to me~, 'til one Christmas night. Someone stood beside my bed, with a beard of white~.

"'So you're too old for Santa Claus~?' he said with a smile 'Then you're too old for all the things~, that make a life worthwhile~. For what is happiness but dreams~, until they all~ come true~? Look at me and tell me, son~. What is real to you?'

"Just believe in Santa Claus~, like you believe in love~! Just believe~ in Santa Claus~, and everything he does~! Wipe that question from your mind~! Yes, he does~ exist. Just like love, you know he's there, waiting to be missed.

"Just like love, I know he's there~..." Raven joins in just as Mrs. Thistlewhite does, waiting to be missed..."

Iggie sheds a tear.

"I guess if you're not too old to still believe," he says, "well, I guess, maybe..."

They all have a good laugh, and Iggie shares about Vixen "the dog" being caught. Santa is suddenly worried again, and Mrs. Claus' narration accompanies us seeing Vixen sick and scared in the dog pound.

"It was one of those days when things just kept going from bad to worse."

Mrs. Claus also narrates that while Santa wants to keep his secret, he was in a hurry, so he flies off on Dash in full view of the Thistlewhites. And since he called himself "Mr. Claus," it wasn't a stretch for them to say he's THE Santa Claus. But because he's Santa, they realize the "dog" is a reindeer, and that the pound will have no idea what to do. So Mr. Thistlewhite says Iggie should go to the Mayor of Southtown!

Mrs. Claus narrates that Jingle & Jangle had the same idea. The dogpound manager refused to give Vixen back, and said to take it up with the mayor. But of course, the mayor doesn't take Jingle & Jangle seriously when it comes to their story about being elves from the North Pole on a secret mission from Mrs. Claus. In fact, the mayor has a good time laughing at the story.

"You ain't got the chance of a snowball in Southtown of convincing me of one-tenth of your story's on the level."

"A snowball in Southtown?"

"What kind of chance is that?"

"Not very good. It never snows here. Well, not in the last hundred years."

The mayor then gets an idea. He figures that if they're actual elves, they can use magic and conjure up "a good old-fashioned white Christmas" for Southtown. And if they do, he'll believe them. He'll let Vixen go and even call all the other mayors in the USA to give Santa "an official national holiday this year."

The elves agree to the terms and now even the mayor has a song as he trots onto main street.

"It's gonna snow, ho, ho, right here in Dixie~! Haha! All will be white, overnight, it will be cold~, on Christmas day, hey, hey, right here in Dixie~! We'll do-si-do in the snow, so I've been told~."

Children join in, "We'll build a snowman, our very first~... Take down that straw man, and bundle up, for winter's worst!"

"It's gonna snow, ho, ho, right here in Dixie~! All will be white overnight, it will be cold~."

"It will be cold," a chorus of townspeople join in, "on Christmas day, hey, hey, right here in Dixie~!"

"We'll do-si-do in the snow!"

"So we've been too-OOO-old!"

Santa gets to Vixen first, revealing she is a reindeer. He is informed by the manager that Jingle & Jangle already came by and were sent to the mayor. As Mrs. Claus narrates, Santa was now worried about the elves, but he had to get Vixen home first.

As for Jingle & Jangle, they weren't sure how they'd bring snow to Southtown. Jingle had an idea: call on Mrs. Claus for help! Iggie helps them by letting them use the Thistlewhite house phone. She arrives that night with Blitzen, and Jingle says they're gonna go to Snow Miser.

Mrs. Claus, Iggie and the elves ride in a small sleigh pulled by Blitzen and fly to the north, right into Snow Miser's lair. And a big, jazzy fanfare starts.

"Here's the real good stuff," you tell Teether. "I'm, Mr. White, Christmas, I'm, Mr. Snow. I'm~ Mr. Ice-cicle. I'm Mr. Ten Belowww~. Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch...

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"Hah! I'm~ too much, ha! V-V-V-V-V-V-V-V-V HOO V-V-V-V-V!"

Snow Miser's mini-misers walk in now, tipping their straw hats.

"He's, Mr. White, Christmas, He's, Mr. Snow. He's~ Mr. Ice-cicle. He's Mr. Ten Belowww~."

"Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"He's too much."

"I never wanna know a day, that's over 40 degrees. I'd rather have it 30, 20, 10, 5, and let it free--EEZE~! V-v-v-v-v-v."

"He's, Mr. White, Christmas, He's, Mr. Snow. He's~ Mr. Ice-cicle. He's Mr. Ten Belowww~."

"Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch. Haha! Too much."

*Baba ba ba*

After the literal song and dance, Snow Miser talks with Mrs. Claus. He asks how Santa's doing. Mrs. Claus says he has a bad cold. Snow Miser says that's a shame, he should've come to Snow Miser and gotten a "good" cold. The elves tell Snow Miser not to make jokes, Santa is the "nicest person in the whole world."

Snow Miser assures them, he loves Santa. "He's the best advertisment snow biz ever had." But he knows they're here to ask a favor, and they ask for a snowstorm. He's fine with that, until they tell him they need it in Southtown, USA. He can't do that, as "the south is under the control of my stepbrother, Heat Miser." Every time Snow Miser sends "a little refreshing snow down there," Heat Miser just makes it into rain or fog.

So then, if Mrs. Claus gets Heat Miser's permission, Snow Miser can make it snow in Southtown? Sure thing! Just don't get your hopes up, they won't get anywhere with Heat Miser. Mrs. Claus says they still have to try, and she leads the way back out. Which of course means they fly south to Heat Miser's lair. And much like Snow Miser, he has his own song and dance. It's based right off of Snow Miser's, but with a slower pace.

"I'm, Mr. Green, Christmas. I'm, Mr. Sun. I'm, Mr. Heat, Blister, I'm Mr. 101. They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch...

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"Bwahaha! I'm~ too much."

"He's, Mr. Green, Christmas. He's, Mr. Sun. He's, Mr. Heat, Blister, He's Mr. 101."

"They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"He's~ too much."

"Thank you. I never, want to, know a day, that's under 60 degrees. I'd rather have it 80, 90, 100 degrees! Oh, some like it hot, but I like it really hot. Ohohohoho!"

"He's, Mr. Gween, Chwistmas," Teether sings, "he's, Mr. Sun. He's, Mr. Heat, Bwister, He's Mr. A-hunned-n-one."

"They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"I'm~ too much."

*Baba ba ba*

"Too much!"

"See?" you say. "Those were fun."

Heat Miser asks where Santa is, and accuses him of "doing another commercial for my brother." Mrs. Claus says Santa isn't on Snow Miser's payroll, but Heat Miser says that makes him "grossly unfair. Traipsing around in that stupid sleigh of his, stirring up cold winter breezes and causing everybody to think fondly of snowball fights and sleigh rides and ice hockey." If he wasn't biased, then he'd wear a bathing suit and drive a dune buggy. But they live at the North Pole...

Mrs. Claus says she'll see what she can do about Santa "singing the praises of heat and rain," but asks him a favor. He needs to let it snow for just one day in the south. Heat Miser is already against that. "Unles... Unless there were, uh, something in it for me." He wants to have the North Pole! Mrs. Claus can't promise that, that's up to Snow Miser. Then call him on his "hotline."

Mrs. Claus uses Heat Miser's phone to call Snow Miser, and it's more a video call. The brothers argue, of course, and referencing their mother playing favorites. Mrs. Claus has them calm down, and explains the deal. Southtown can have snow, if Snow Miser gives over the North Pole. But since they continue to argue, Mrs. Claus decides to "go over their heads." Neither brother believes her, but she says she'll do it.

Each brother blames the other for it getting to this point, and even the elves aren't sure Mrs. Claus means it. She has to be bluffing. But she isn't. Iggie asks who Mrs. Claus is talking about. They're going to talk with "none other than... Mother Nature!"

"Gosh..." Iggie says.

The group flies to Mother Nature's home, explained things to her, and Mother Nature knows her sons are "nasty little boys, both of them." She says she'll "straighten them out" for Mrs. Claus. She calls to them, they walk up, and she tells them that Heat Miser will allow the one snow fall in Southland, and Snow Miser will let the North Pole have "one nice Spring day."

"At this time of the year, especially, Santa needs some example of the Christmas spirit, and we must set a good example for the people down there to follow."

The brothers are still against the deal, but Mother Nature reprimands them and they concede. Mother Nature knows her sons bicker, but they're nice boys deep down. And she hopes Santa enjoys his holiday.

Speaking of Santa, he has arrived home to the North Pole and Vixen is feeling much better. He finds Mrs. Claus' note saying she met with Jingle & Jangle. That helps him finally relax and sleep for the sake of his cold.

And in Southtown, it snows! The mayor doesn't even realize until his wife calls him at work. And realizing it's real snow, he realizes the elves were really elves.

Other elves wake Santa to show him the newspaper headlines. "Mayors Declare Legal Holiday for Santa." "Snow Falls for First Time in Southtown." "Day Off for Santa." This proves to Santa that there is still "some goodwill in the hearts of all men at this time of year."

Mrs. Claus narrates in rhyming style again to explain that to show how much they appreciated Santa, children from all over the world made the trip to the North Pole with gifts to give Santa. And those who couldn't wrote letters instead, all signed, "A friend." And it was more fun "that strange December ... than any they could remember."

Santa reads one letter in particular, and the little girl who wrote it sings a cover of Blue Christmas.

"I'll have a bluuuue~ Christmas without youuuu~. I'll be so bluuuue~, thinking about youuuu~. Decorations~ of red, on a green~ Christmas tree~, won't mean a thing, if you're not here with me."

It now becomes a chorus as more children sing along.

"I'll have a bluuuue~ Christmas, that's certaaain~. And when that bluuuue~ heartache, starts hurtiiiin'~. You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white~. But I'll, have a bluuue, blue Christmas..."

Santa is moved to tears by the heartfelt message, and he even had to blow his nose.

"By the big Borealis, by my maps and charts, I didn't know children had such kind hearts."

And because of this gesture, Santa is inspired to ride for Christmas Eve after all! He doesn't even feel ill anymore, and Christmas is back on as usual!

"Alright, now you should definitely know this one," you say.

Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane~.
Vixen, and Blitzen, and all his reindeer
Pulling on the rein~.
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright~.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight

"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus," Teether sings along, "white down Santa Claus Lane. He's got a bag that's filled with toys, for boys and girls again! Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle- *Gasp* Like the elves!"

"Right?" you say.

"What a beautiful sight~," the singing continues. "Jump in bed, cover up your head, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight."

"Well, I've heard the old people often say," Mrs. Claus narrates one last time, "that there never was such a Christmas Day. And that's one reason, you may believe, why children are merry on Christmas Eve. You know yourself, as you hang your stockings, it doesn't matter if the winds are knocking. Though the great gale roars, though nobody else would budge outdoors, snug in your bed while the tempest strums, you can count your blessings on fingers and thumbs. For yearly, newly, faithfully, truly, somehow Santa Claus always comes."

A chorus now sings, "Santa woke for the night, feeling things weren't right. And he was heard to say: Get the reindeer hitched up, Mama, I'm getting up. Get those gifts loaded up on the sleigh. There'll be no year without a Santa Claus, I dreamed unhappy things. About a year without a Santa Claus, and all the joy that Santa brings."

THE END

"Hooray~," Raven says and applauds with the Toddler Titans, and even Bobby.

A) Keep watching movies
B) See what else there is

B.

B

B

bump, got busy