G5 Adventures in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys

The Toy Taker, after a long chase and a long fight, had FINALLY been caught by Rudolph, Borealis and their pony pals from Equestria, and were now traveling back through the peppermint mines in order to showcase their victory and finally get some answers…

…including who the Toy Taker really was.

Violet Frost was first to gasp and point out the group’s return. “Look! There they are!”

“They finally got the Toy Taker!” Negro cheered from where he stood with his father and Clarice. “We did it!”

This led many others to cheer for the heroes' victory, and the Mane 6 and their friends could not be prouder for their success. “Oh ho ho ho! Well done, all of you!” Santa praised before approaching the Toy Taker with a stern frown, revealing just how short the Toy Taker really was. “Do you have any idea how much damage you've caused?”

“Let's see who he really is!” Rudolph suggested, causing Borealis to nod and help Negro and Yukon yank the floss lasso, pulling off the Toy Taker's disguise and letting everyone see who he really was.

“What?!”

“No way!”

“...didn’t see that coming.”

“Well, I’ll be.”

In the spot where the ominous figure in the coat and hat once stood was a filthy-looking plush bear, with tears all over its little body, standing on a small pair of stilts. “Pay no attention to the teddy bear behind the cloak!” he shouted in his Toy Taker voice. “I am the Toy Taker, fear me! Bleh, bleh, bleh!!”

“I don’t believe it!” Sunny said as she trotted forward. “You’re not some evil, villainous mastermind… you’re just a teddy bear on stilts!”

“Won't anyone fear me…? Please…?” the teddy bear seemed to beg before he sighed, giving up the act. “Oh, what's the use?”

“Ohh…” Mrs. Claus frowned as Comet and Violet Frost looked at each other. Santa picked the teddy bear up off his stilts, causing some stuffing falls out of one of his tears and causing the teddy bear to wince. “Look!” Clarice pointed out. “He’s hurt!”

“Huh?” Bumble muttered as Ocean Blizzard and Amethyst Flare looked at each other in concern, almost feeling sorry for the teddy bear in question, despite everything he had done.

Santa, however, shook his head at the teddy bear’s state. “ You've lost a lot of stuffing, son.”

“I’m a very old teddy bear, Santa,” the teddy bear said with a sigh. “And my seams aren't just holding up like they used to.”

“Now things are starting to make a little sense,” Zipp said, remembering the evidence she took photos of earlier. “The stuffing we found in the warehouse must’ve been yours!”

“And the peculiar footprints were from the stilts,” Hermey nodded. “And here’s the flute you used to put the toys under the trance,” Pipp said, pulling it out of the cloak that the teddy bear wore. “He tried to pull the Pied Piper of Hamlin trick on us too, but we were well prepared and knew that it only affected toys like him.”

However, there was one thing Rudolph just couldn’t figure out. “But, why would a teddy bear steal toys?”

“Not steal, Rudolph,” the teddy bear shook his head. “Rescue. You see, my real name is Mr. Cuddles. My story begins a long, long time ago.”

Hitch sighed as he looked over at Izzy. “Why did I think we WEREN’T going to get another flashback?”

Izzy only shrugged as Mr. Cuddles began to tell his story the only way he knew how… through song.

Mr. Cuddles: When I was a bear wrapped in beautiful paper
I found myself under a tree
And Christmas Day came, that’s when I met my best friend
His very first present was me

And Steven played with me all day long
He’d sleep with me tight in his arms
He'd tell me stories and sing me songs
Oh, my, what a glorious time

But not for long

The Mane 6 and their friends spared each other a sad glance at this, having a bad feeling they knew where this song was heading.

Mr. Cuddles: Steven was growing up day after day
And he didn’t have time for his friend
I moved from the bed to a chair to a closet
And I knew it must be the end

I stayed for years in a cardboard box
Until one day, the garbageman came
They threw me out, yes they threw me out
Without any reason or rhyme, I was ashamed

Borealis whimpered sadly, her ears lowering as she listened to this verse, feeling horrible for who she thought was a villain just a few minutes ago.

Mr. Cuddles: Oh, I still remember my Steven
I've missed him for so long
If I could only be with him again, that's where I still belong…

And when the song was finally over, Mr. Cuddles concluded his story, much to the sadness of those listening. “And then, I became the Toy Taker to spare other toys from the eternal darkness of cardboard boxes and the harrowing indignity of the trash heap.”

“...I… I had no idea you went through something so awful,” Zipp admitted, her ears pinned low. “I just kinda thought you were just a villain.”

Yukon sniffled back tears, which he tried to wipe away with a handkerchief that Pipp gave him. “Oh…” Mrs. Claus frowned sympathetically. “Poor little darling.”

Even poor Bumble started crying, leaving Polar Faith to comfort him while everyone else comforted each other.

And after a moment, Santa set Mr. Cuddles down on the cavern floor. “Mr. Cuddles, while it's true that many children outgrow their toys, I happen to know that your boy's been looking for you.”

“...he has?” Mr. Cuddles asked in surprise. “Really?”

“If Santa says it, then it’s definitely true,” Sunny smiled. “We’ll gladly take you home to him.”

“And I bet Queen Camilla can mend these seams,” Hermey gestured to all the tears on Mr. Cuddles’ body, causing Winter Wind to smile. “Good idea, Hermey!”

“And while you guys are out getting Mr. Cuddles all cleaned up for his big reunion with Steven,” Violet Frost said, “us auroricorns can venture out to where the toys are and bring all of them back to be delivered and redelivered by Christmas Eve!”

“...which… is only one night away,” Comet winced. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

“Come on, guys-- we can’t let that stop us!” Clarice tried to encourage. “Right, Sunny?”

“Right. Mr. Cuddles, get Violet Frost and Comet the coordinates to where you kept the toys,” Sunny said politely. “In the morning, we’ll take you to Castaway Cove and let Queen Camilla fix you right up. We promise.”

And so, everyone except Bumble and Yukon left the peppermint mine to get things prepared for the days ahead. Yukon, out of curiosity, hit his pick-axe against the wall, pulling the tool out and then tasting the tip of it, before his eyes widen upon recognizing the taste. “Silver and gold. Gold and silver! Why, there's silver and gold in our peppermint mine!”

That caused Yukon and Bumble to cheer happily, knowing they had a brand new supply to bring to Christmastown for decorations and much more for the upcoming Christmas season.

XXXXXXXX

After Mr. Cuddles gave the auroricorns the directions to get to his former lair, the auroricorns went swiftly to the glacier and brought all the toys back to Christmastown, while the Mane 6, Borealis, Nora, Rudolph and Hermey took Mr. Cuddles all the way to Castaway Cove, where they told Queen Camilla his heart-wrenching tale.

And Queen Camilla was so touched by Mr. Cuddles' story, she decided to personally oversee his makeover, stitching up his seams to make him as good as new.

The operation itself took a little while longer than they expected, but the ponies and their friends were happy to see that Mr. Cuddles was waking up soon after the surgery was finished, looking and feeling better than he had in years. “Feeling better, darling?” Queen Camilla asked the tangerine bear, who nodded as he looked himself over. “Much.”

Nora then put a brand-new blue bowtie on the teddy bear’s neck, making him look extra spiffy, and causing the fox queen to sigh. “There… you’re all ready to be redelivered to Steven’s house tonight.”

That’s when Queen Camilla looked over at Rudolph. “And what about you, caribou? Still want that nose job?”

That’s when Rudolph took a moment to really consider everything that had went on in the last few days.

How he found land using his nose during that storm…

XXXXXXXX

“Land!”

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…what Clarice said about she and the others loving his nose…

“I’m sure the ponies, Bori and Negro can agree with me when I say this, Rudolph. We love your nose… and everything about you.”

XXXXXXXX

…how he used his nose’s light to scare the Toy Taker…

“Keep that light away from me!”

“Rudolph! He’s scared of your light!” Pipp exclaimed. “Keep it glowing!”

XXXXXXXX

…and lastly, how Santa asked Rudolph and his glowing nose to light the way on that foggy Christmas Eve that changed his life forever.

XXXXXXXX

“Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

XXXXXXXX

After considering all of this, Rudolph finally gave Queen Camilla his answer. “I think… maybe… I'll just stick with the nose I have.”

“Seriously, Rudolph?” Borealis asked in delight. “You mean it?”

“But… what about having a normal nose like everyone else?” Misty asked, taken by surprise. “That’s always been your dream, hasn’t it?”

“It used to, Misty. I may not always like this nose, but… I guess we kinda sorta… go together,” Rudolph put his thoughts into words before looking at Queen Camilla. “Are you mad?”

“I wouldn't change a thing about you, Rudy, darling,” Queen Camilla smiled gently, putting her hand under his chin, making his nose beam a bit. “You’re pretty fabulous just the way you are.”

“You know, Rudolph?” Sunny smiled. “I think you finally realized that, with all that we’ve been through together on this adventure and on others, that… maybe what you really wanted was right in front of you all along.”

“And being unique is way better than being the same as everyone else,” Izzy nodded. “And your nose is totally unique, and way better than any of ours!”

“That’s what makes you… you,” Pipp added with a smile. “And we don’t want you to ever forget that.”

“I promise, I won’t,” Rudolph promised his friends. “But you know… there’s still one thing that we have to do before we can REALLY celebrate.”

“Huh?” Misty looked confused. “What’s that?”

“Get these toys delivered, obviously!” Borealis smiled. “And since you guys are back, you can help us pull the sleigh!”

“All right!” Zipp pumped a hoof. “Best job ever!”

“...and Mom?” Borealis looked at her mother. “Do you wanna come with us? I’d really like to share this tradition with you.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Nora said with a warm smile. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Then what are we standing around here for?” Hitch asked. “Christmastown, here we come! …again.”

XXXXXXXX

The big night had finally arrived. The Mane 6 and the nine reindeer had been harnessed into the sleigh, with Borealis on Rudolph's back and Nora sitting in the sleigh to cheer her daughter on. And since Mr. Cuddles had returned all the toys, and all the elves and auroricorns got busy packing Santa's sleigh, everyone knew deep in their hearts that it was gonna be the best Christmas ever.

And what better way to express that joy than with a yuletide song to kick things off?

Borealis: It's gonna be the best Christmas ever
It's gonna be the finest Christmas ever
Could it be a better Christmas? Never!
There won't be one like today!

Mane 6: Everything'll be fine and dandy
Better keep your hungry tummy handy
Gonna let you fill it up with candy
Cause on Christmas, it's okay

And once all the toys were finally packed on the sleigh with the auroricorns' and the elves' help, Santa hopped into the sleigh beside Nora.

Santa: When everybody comes together around the big old tree
We'll hang the tinsel, string the lights and laugh so merrily
Ho-ho-ho!

Santa flicked the reins, causing the reindeer and the Mane 6 to gallop down the walkway before sailing off into the sky, with everyone else from Christmastown and Starlight Ridge seeing them off.

All: It's gonna be the best Christmas ever
It's gonna be the superest Christmas ever
It's gonna be the happiest Christmas
Never will there be one like today

Everything will be quite delightful
Wait until you see all the lights
You'll never ever have a better sight
Until you'll see Santa on his way

Negro: We had to use a ladder just to pile up all the toys

Clarice: Because we have tons of goodies for you special girls and boys

Negro, Clarice, Winter Wind and Hermey: And it's gonna be the best Christmas ever
It's gonna be the finest Christmas ever

Comet and Violet Frost: Could it be a better Christmas? Never!
There won't be one like today!

All: It's gonna be the happiest Christmas ever
And the most fantabulous Christmas ever
Everybody, let's all get together
On this perfect.... Christmas da-aaaaa-ay-yy!!!

And by the end of the song, the team had flown out of sight to start their Christmas Eve deliveries as scheduled.

XXXXXXXX

Later on into the night, Bumble let forth the first grin he had in quite some time, thanks to the new dentures Hermey gave him as a Christmas present. “He loves the dentures, dentist,” Yukon told the dentist elf. “Just send me the bill.”

“No, it’s on me,” Hermey smiled. “Merry Christmas.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re in such a giving mood, Hermster,” Winter Wind said teasingly. “Cause I think you have a special visitor, courtesy of Queen Camilla.”

A horn then sounded through the quiet North Pole night, and a pink limo soon rolled into view. The back window rolls down, revealing a tooth fairy in the seat, making Hermey awestruck. “The… Tooth Fairy!”

“Yoo-hoo!” the Tooth Fairy waved while Winter Wind pushed Hermey forward slightly. “Hermey the Elf, D.D.S.”

“Why… I’m Hermey the Elf, D.D.S,” Hermey said politely as he walked closer to the limo, causing the Tooth Fairy to smile. “Ready for our date… sugar?”

And you can probably guess what Hermey did at that point-- he fainted, right in front of the Tooth Fairy once again. “Oh boy…” Winter Wind chuckled. “It’s deja vu all over again!”

“I’ll help you get him in the car,” Tynan said as he went to help Winter Wind. “Just as long as Nora and Borealis are back with the sleigh team for the big party tomorrow, that’s all that matters.”

XXXXXXXX

Around the same time that Hermey was being woken up from passing out, the sleigh team arrived at their first stop-- the house that belonged to Mr. Cuddles' old boy, Steven.

Santa chuckled warmly as he picked up Mr. Cuddles and carried him over to the chimney. “Steven never meant to throw you away. He was saving you as a family heirloom,” he said as Nora walked over to the chimney behind them. “He's all grown up now with a child of his own.”

Santa and Nora jumped down into the chimney, sliding all the way to the bottom before they crept through the house, up the stairs and to a door on the left side of the upstairs hallway.

Nora pushed the door open with her paws, and inside that room, a 5-year-old girl was sleeping in her bed peacefully. Santa stepped silently over towards her, as he and Mr. Cuddles look at her sleeping. Then Mr. Cuddles hugged the man, who hugged back, before he places the bear next to the little and then silently took his leave with Nora.

Soon, the little girl woke up and saw Mr. Cuddles beside her, hugging him close before gently going back to sleep, with Mr. Cuddles sighing happily. “This is the happiest day of my life…”

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Nora and Santa climbed up through the chimney, and Borealis looked at her mother with anticipation. “Do you think Mr. Cuddles is going to be happy again, Mom?”

“Now that he’s back with his family, I guarantee it,” Nora smiled. “But we can’t stop and ponder much now. We still have many more deliveries to do before we head back home… a duty I can’t wait to share with my daughter from here on out.”

And so, Santa and Nora got back in the sleigh before the team took off into the night sky to continue their deliveries, wishing all the best for Mr. Cuddles in the arms of Steven’s young daughter.