The Serpent Queen

California Christmas

The Cobras were all in the dojo, in their gi's and stretching on the mat. This was their last training session before the Christmas break.

"Favourite Christmas movie?" Hawk asked his friends, "Mine is Home Alone. Go."

Phoebe rolled her eyes, "Of course that's your favourite. The entire murder house plan and mischievous Kevin. I can't listen to Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and not think of that movie."

"First Christmas movie I watched when moving to the States was The Grinch. Like, come on. He just wanted to be left alone." Miguel said.

"Elf." Aisha answered. "I loved it when he transformed the part of the store into a complete Christmas winter wonderland." She chucked, "Then the 'throne of lies' scene."

Hawk looked over to another Cobra, "Bert! Come here!" The small blond boy, Bert, came over and sat down with them. "Favourite Christmas movie?"

"Does Rise of the Guardian's count?"

"Yeah, I guess it does. Now scram."

The two boys and the girl looked to Phoebe for her answer.

"The Snowman." She answered.

None of the American Cobras had heard of it. "What's that?" Aisha asked.

"It's an animated movie about a flying snowman. It's a British classic. It runs every year on Christmas Day. My mum grew up with it and so did I."

"So it's an old movie then?"

"Yeah, 80s I think. It's beautiful. The song from it is my all time favourite Christmas song. It's so magical and relaxing." She sighed happily, "I just love it."

"Christmas movie marathon at Phoebe's?" Miguel suggested.

Phoebe scoffed, "Oh, sure. Just invite yourselves over why don't you."

"Don't be a Scrooge."

She sighed, "Fine. I'll provide the movies, you all bring your own snacks."

"I'll tell Demetri." Hawk said.

Bert crawled back over to them, over hearing their conversation. "Can we come?" He gestured to himself and Joe. They were like the little brothers of the dojo.

"Sure." Phoebe nodded. "The more the merrier. What's his favourite movie?"

"The New York Home Alone."

Hawk smirked, "Where deadly Kevin goes national."

"At this rate, it'll be an all day marathon. So bring comfy clothing, phone chargers and snacks."

"Get your lazy asses off the mat. I know real festive time of the season is coming, but that's no excuse. Let's begin!" Johnny shouted to them walking out of his office.

"Yes, Sensei."

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There were a few knocks on the door of apartment 108 in the Reseda apartment complex where three Cobras lived, technically four, but that Cobra didn't see himself as one.

"I'll get it." Phoebe yelled, knowing it wasn't Miguel. By now, he would knock once on the door and walk on in like it was an extension of his home. The living and dining area was completely set up for the movie marathon. Snacks and bottles of soda and empty cups were scattered all over the counter. The sofa had extra pillows and blankets and more chairs were positioned around the TV ready for her guests.

She ran to the door and unlocked it. Swinging it open, she saw Eli standing outside on the tiny outside porch, which her mum had decorated with a small outside table, two chairs and a few plants. "You're early."