“Perfecto.” Said Skipper with a small smirk on his face. He began melting the bars at one side of the cage. While the penguins were busy with the flamethrower, Marlene and the lemurs began distracting the robbers. Marlene went to the table and got Rico’s flamethrower. Sissle was about to grab her when she turned around and fire came out of the machine. His clothes caught fire and he began rolling on the floor. “Oww!! Ouch! Ouch!! Brick, I’m on fire!” he yelped in pain. He was asking Brick to help him put out the fire, but Brick didn’t react. He was also busy with the lemurs.

The lemurs got Rico’s chainsaw and they also have one of Kowalski’s mini flamethrower. “Sissle, help!” Brick cried out. He was cornered by the lemurs. Julien advanced toward Brick and let go of the chainsaw he was holding. “Boo.” Was all he said. Brick fainted after that.

Marlene threw a grappling hook to the penguins once they kicked off the bars of the cage. They caught the grappling hook and aimed it to a foot of a nearby table. One by one, they crossed the rope and headed for their weaponry. “Private, get a bucket of water. ASAP.” Skipper ordered. “Aye aye, Skipper.” Private replied as he went off to get some. Rico swallowed all of their weapons as the lemurs and Marlene went to their direction and returned the equipments they used.

Private arrived shortly after that, and placed the water next to the burning Sissle. The thin bandit grabbed the pail of water and became unconscious. “Are they gonna be alright?” Marlene asked. “Yeah, they’ll be fine. Once we turn them to the authorities.” Skipper answered as he motioned Rico and Kowalski to call the cops.

“It’s finally over guys! I can’t wait to go home.” Marlene turned to Skipper “I guess your gut was right, Skipper. But I did what I said I’d do.” “So you’re not going wild anymore?” Skipper asked. “Abou-” Marlene’s sentence was cut as she and Skipper were pulled towards the group.“Group hug!!” Julien shouted. As Julien let go of them, Marlene began to speak. “Skipper, about that last question. Please put me in a cage. I’m feeling very light-headed.” “What? Oof! What was that for, Marlene? Oh no.”

Skipper got thrown to the other side of the room. “The otter’s gone wild again! Run for your lives!!” Julien shrieked in terror. “Rico, cage her up.” Rico found another bird cage and put Marlene inside it. Minutes later, the police arrived and arrested Sissle and Brick who were considered fugitives. The group made their way outside the building and found their car. “You used our car?”Kowalski asked rhetorically.

“Eh, don’t blame me, it was her idea.” Julien pointed at feral Marlene. Skipper chuckled at Julien’s statement. “C’mon, let’s go home.”


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EPILOGUE
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The penguins, the lemurs and Marlene arrived back home before sunrise. It was really quiet when they got back in the zoo. The group went to the HQ and rested there the whole day. Marlene had returned to her normal self. Nobody left the HQ, it was Skipper’s orders. Julien obeyed his instruction this one time.

The zoo was serene that day. Though they were wandering around the zoo decorating, they were silent, like they’re mutes. Evening came, no one showed any expression of happiness. Their friends still aren’t back, or so they thought. It was close to midnight, and the baby animals arrived with their mommies. The zoo was decorated with a mix of ‘Rock ‘n Roll’ theme and ‘Dickensian’ theme. “It’s Kidsmas!” a duckling cried out in joy. “Hurray! Kidsmas!” another duckling hollered. “Yay! Kidsmas!” the other baby animals cheered.

“Welcome kids, to the zoo.” Mason began. “You’ll have lots of fun tonight-” Mason’s sentence was cut. “Don’t lie to the kids, Mason.” Said Burt. “Let’s face it. The penguins won’t make it tonight.” Roy added. Mason, with an apologetic look, turned to the kids and said “I’m sorry kids. I’m afraid our Santa won’t be here tonight. I-” “Where’s Mr. Skipper?” Eggy asked. “We’re not certain where they are now. They’ve been captured by two hooligans yesterday and haven’t been back since.” The baby animals began to cry “I apologize kids, but there won’t be-” BANG!

There were fireworks. The kids looked up in awe. “Ho ho ho!!!” Someone shouted, and as if on cue, Marlene, the lemurs, and the penguins (except Skipper) appeared on sleds surrounding the other animals. On each sled was a bag full of presents. “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” They greeted. “You’re back!” The animals exclaimed. Their gloomy emotion was replaced with ecstasy. The children cheered. They were complete once again. “Where’s Mr. Skipper?” Eggy asked again. “Yeah, where is he Skipper?” Julien repeated Eggy’s sentence. “Right here, little soldier.”

Skipper jumped down from the clock tower carrying a sack also filled with presents. He gave the contents to the little kids. “Wait, if those are their presents, then for whom are these?” Maurice asked. “For everybody!” squawked Rico. “Really? For, for us?” Private nodded and Julien began to tear up. Skipper and his team gave the presents to every animal in the zoo. Marlene approached them. “Guys! I‘ve got something for you.” “What is it?” the penguins asked.

Marlene went nearer and gave them each a light kiss on the cheek. The penguins blushed at Marlene’s sudden action. “That’s my way of saying ‘thanks for everything.’ You guys are the best. Merry Christmas!” A yellow figure hit them on the heads. “Thanks very much sirs! This is the best present I’ve received yet. Yeehaw!” Eggy thanked them and went back to playing with the horsie he got as a gift.

Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico high-fived, seeing all of them happy and content. “Mission accomplished boys.”