The first thing Lucas felt were warm, cozy sheets. His eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in bed. The room was filled with whispers. 

“Oh, he's waking up!” He heard Fiona exclaim. 

Groaning,  he managed to get into a sitting position,  leaning against the headrest. 

Surrounding his bed with beaming smiles were Santa, Mrs Claus, four adorable kids, and of course, his friends. 

“Merry Christmas!” They sang in unison.

He broke into a grin. “Wow, I…I don't know what to say. Merry Christmas to you, too?”

“I'm so glad you're okay.” Fiona gently squeezed his hand. 

“You're tough, magus,” Jones said. “I hope our deal still stands.”

“Let's give him some space, guys.” Clyde backed up.

Lucas liked the fact that Clyde knew how nervous he felt around a crowd.

Santa did some stretches before heading to the door. “Last night was a success thanks to you. So expect to have a lot of fun today.”

Mrs Claus trailed her husband, pausing at the door. “There'll be snowball fights, skiing, presents. Oh and don't forget,  there'll be enough milk and cookies for everyone.”

Fiona stared at the four kids who stared back at her; two boys, two girls.

“Scram,” she poked a thumb in the door's direction.

They stuck their tongues out at her before giggling and running away.

That particular scene reminded Lucas of the exact kind of relationship he had with his little sister. Gloom overcame his features.  “I've still not found them.”

“Don't beat—” Clyde started but was interrupted by Lucas's phone ringing on the bedside table. 

What do you know, Mrs Claus returned it in one piece.
It appeared to be an anonymous call. Curious,  he accepted it. 

‘Hey, kiddo, it's me.”

“Coach Timi!” Lucas sprang out of bed. “You're alive! I thought you didn't make it. I didn't see you in school the other day, so I thought—”

“Listen, you won't be seeing
me at school any longer.  I escaped Fantasio's finest, but I'm on their wanted list now.”

Lucas ran a hand through side-parted brown hair. “What? Where are you, Coach?”

“I'm still in Canada for now. But I'm following a couple of leads. I know who took your family and I'm tracking him down.”

The phone was on speaker.  Silence hung in the air, all ears attentive to the former Protector's every word. 

“Kiddo, his name is Grayson Gordon. Some mystics and Forces know him as the mad mage. He's very dangerous, that's why I'm tracking him alone.”

“But Coach, it's my family.  I have to come with you.”

“I know,  I know.  Okay, how about this? Here's my promise to you this Christmas, I will help you find your family, and once I do, I'll contact you so you and your fellow Protectors campus come join me and save them. How does that sound?”

“Sounds great,  Coach. Is there anything I can  do to help?”

“At the moment? Just stay positive,  celebrate even the smallest wins, have some fun, and know that the road ahead will be better. Merry Christmas,  Kiddo.”