The lair was filled with the soft glow of Christmas lights, their colors reflecting off the damp, cool walls of the underground home the Turtles had known all their lives. A faint smell of peppermint and pine—thanks to Mikey's obsessive decorating—wafted through the air as the four brothers gathered around their small, makeshift tree. Master Splinter was already asleep, leaving the Turtles to enjoy their Christmas Eve together.
"Alright, dudes, let's get this party started!" Mikey shouted, holding up a carton of eggnog as he poured everyone a cup. "It's Christmas Eve! Time to make some wishes, you know what I'm saying?"
Raph raised an eyebrow. "Wishes? Bro, you know that's for kids, right?"
Leo leaned back, holding his cup of eggnog. "Let him have his fun, Raph. It's Christmas."
Mikey's eyes sparkled as he looked up through a nearby sewer grate, staring at the bright stars visible in the night sky. "Y'all are missing the magic of this night, bros! I'm gonna wish on that star up there. I've always wanted to know what life would be like as a human! Can you imagine? Walking around in broad daylight, eating pizza on the street without hiding?!" His eyes glazed over as he imagined the freedom.
Donnie sipped his eggnog thoughtfully. "I mean, scientifically speaking, the probability of a star granting wishes is near zero, but... okay, Mikey."
Leo chuckled, staring into his own cup. "Well, if we're making wishes... I'd wish to be the strongest warrior, to be able to protect all of you no matter what happens. Even if that means pushing myself beyond what I think I'm capable of."
Raph snorted, crossing his arms. "Of course you'd wish for something like that."
Mikey downed his eggnog and threw his hands in the air. "C'mon, dudes! You're all so serious. It's Christmas! You guys are gonna sleep through all the fun, aren't you? No waiting for Santa or anything! Lame!"
Donnie shrugged, already heading toward his room. "Sorry, Mikey, but I'm calling it. Got a long day tomorrow."
Raph gave Mikey a half-hearted punch on the shoulder. "It's Christmas, not a sleepover. See you tomorrow."
Leo gave Mikey a smile as he stood. "Get some rest, Mikey. Tomorrow's going to be great."
Mikey crossed his arms, shaking his head in disappointment. "You guys are lame, totally missing the point of Christmas Eve. No sense of wonder!"
Just as they all finished their eggnog, something strange started to happen. A weird sensation washed over them—like the air around them was suddenly thicker, making their heads feel light. Leo blinked a few times, trying to shake off the sudden dizziness.
"Uh... anyone else feel weird?" Leo asked, rubbing his temples.
"Yeah... feels like I drank more than just eggnog..." Raph muttered, looking at his empty cup suspiciously.
Mikey grinned widely. "Maybe that's the magic kicking in! I told you guys! This is gonna be awesome!"
They all felt it, but none of them could quite figure out what was happening. With a collective shrug, they headed off to bed—except for Mikey, who stayed up a little longer, staring at the star and wishing for the next day to be something truly special.
