Yoshi paced frantically around the house. He'd just invited a bunch of his friends, and their worst enemy, to his home, all at once, for Christmas! There had to be some way he could warn his friends before they arrived. He ran to his desk and reached for his stationery but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Maybe my friends are already here. Maybe I can warn them right now." He rushed to the door and swung it open only to find that Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings were standing right there. With a sudden great effort he resisted his urge to slam the door shut and merely said "Um, hello."
"Hi," responded Bowser Jr. "I hope we're not too early."
"Early for what?"
"You know, your party. I'm sorry my dad's not coming, he uh, doesn't really do Christmas. Um, why- if you don't mind my asking...why did you invite us?"
Yoshi started to say "It was actually just a mistake" but paused before the words came out. The Koopa Prince and his minions looked rather meek, even shy, not bent on some maniacal plot. "Well..." he began slowly, "I didn't really expect you to come."
The group looked a little crestfallen. Yoshi glanced at the sky and couldn't help but notice the stars. One seemed to shine a little brighter than the others tonight. It reminded him of something he'd somehow forgotten, and he suddenly became resolved on what to do.
"I'm glad you're here, though! It's always nice to have new people over. Come on in, and of course, Merry Christmas!"
The surprise on Bowser Jr.'s face was matched only by the joy displayed by the rest of the group. They each filed in, one by one, and took seats around the house, then remained quiet while Yoshi finished arranging some of the food items.
"We brought something to eat," remarked Bowser Jr. "It's not something we made- I don't think you'd really enjoy any of our recipes."
"It looks wonderful!" Yoshi smiled hesitantly as he regarded the store-bought cookies. It was the thought that counted, after all.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Mario and the rest of the partygoers arrived. Although initially apprehensive, it soon became obvious to each in turn, even Peach, that the Koopalings and their prince were really just there for the party, and as the tension loosened, everyone began to really enjoy themselves. Mario and Yoshi walked a little ways away from everyone else and Mario looked at Yoshi with a questioning grin.
"It was actually an accident. I had no idea I invited them. To be perfectly honest, though, I'm glad I did! They're actually a pretty fun group!"
Mario nodded and chuckled.
"Kamek," asked Bowser as he stared out the tower window. "It's far too quiet around here. Tell those Koopalings to start making a ruckus."
"Of course, your majesty."
Bowser sighed. It wasn't traditional in his family to keep Christmas, so he didn't, but at times he felt he was missing out. Maybe next year he might try decorating. After all, there was nothing wrong with a dad trying to keep his son happy, right?
He was interrupted by a flustered Kamek dashing into the room. "They're gone, your majesty! The Koopalings have vanished! Their Koopa Clown Cars are all here but there's no Koopalings! And," he swallowed nervously, lowering his voice to a near whisper, "Bowser Jr. is gone too."
Bowser turned pale. "Repeat that," was all he could manage to get out.
"The Koopalings and Bowser Jr. are gone! No one knows where or when!"
If ever Kamek saw Bowser run fast, it was then. With the maximum speed allowed by his bulk he bounded down the stairs to his Koopa Clown Car. In seconds he was in the air speeding away towards the Mushroom Kingdom.
"Your majesty!" cried Kamek frantically. "Shouldn't we organize a search party?"
Bowser's hand was steady but his lips quivered a little as he reached Peach's castle.
"Who goes there?" barked a Toad sentry, obviously trying to sound less afraid than he was.
"It's King Bowser! Bring me my son, NOW!"
"Bowser Jr. is not here, sir, and neither is Princess Peach!"
"Then WHERE ARE THEY?!" the Koopa King roared.
The officially terrified Toad stammered out "Y-Y-Yoshi's Island, m-m-maybe?" He honestly didn't know, but Bowser took it for granted that he did and sped away towards Yoshi's house.
"I must admit," said Ludwig to Luigi, "Based on our track record I really never expected such a warm reception."
"Christmas is bigger than the past, Ludwig. It a-makes a real difference in the way we treat others. Strange as it sounds to us both, I'm a-glad to have met you in person. Oh-oh! Looks like Wendy and Daisy are having a disagreement over Yoshi's floral arrangement."
The two started towards the Princess and the Koopa, but were interrupted by the house suddenly shaking.
"YOSHI!!!" came Bowser's roar from outside. "I want my son and the Koopalings right NOW!"
Before anyone could take any action Bowser Jr. darted a look around. If his dad thought he was in danger, then everyone in the house was in grave peril. He shouted, "Dad, wait! It's....it's my fault." Walking to the door he opened it and saw the Koopa King standing right on the threshold, apparently ready to break down the door. Bowser jolted when he saw his son and then grabbed him in an embrace that would have injured anyone without a shell.
"I'm sorry, Dad," Bowser Jr. said. "I just wanted to have Christmas!"
"I thought you were in trouble."
"Aren't I?"
"How? You're safe, that's all that matters. Um, what do you mean about Christmas?"
"Well, Yoshi sent us an invitation to his party and I really couldn't resist. I brought everyone else along to have fun. I'm sorry."
Bowser paused for a second, then spoke haltingly. "You...don't need to apologize. You wanted to celebrate, I didn't do it, so you went somewhere else. I can't blame you for my mistake. Motioning to the others, he said, "I worried about his safety. I'm a little embarrassed. I'll leave you all alone now, but, can he stay, despite me?"
The partygoers stared at Bowser somewhat confusedly for a second. Then Mario spoke up.
"If it's all the same to you, Bowser, we'd prefer that you stay. Christmas, after all, did start with a Dad turning everything upside down to ensure His children's safety."
Bowser's eyes widened a second, then he nodded without a word, and walked into the house, closing the door behind him.
As the party continued, Yoshi suddenly realized that his Christmas depression was gone, and he laughed as loud as any Yoshi could.
"Daisy," remarked Peach.
"Yeah?"
"I think I just figured out who I forgot on my list."
"I'd say so, too."
"So, Bro," said Luigi, "Would you say you finally found the Christmas you were looking for?"
Mario nodded. "Merry Christmas, Bro."
"Merry Christmas."
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