Title: Everyone has Holiday Spirit!
Email: jenalee.rodriquez@gmail.com

Story:
Inside the dark, cozy room, an alarm clock, lit by small slivers of light radiating through the blinds, buzzed loudly; it's shrieking howl echoing off the walls. No hand reached over to slap it however, for the one it was required to wake, had already risen hours before time. The door opened suddenly and an average height, red haired boy nearly pounced on the noisy electronic device, turning it off with a deft hand movement. He ruffled his hair and sighed, looking to the small mirror hanging on his wall. Another December week filled with good cheer and holiday spirits; he loved it.
His name was Chrys Muss; his last name suited him fine. He was a clumsy fellow; always looking disheveled and hiding under some crazy hat. December was his favorite time of year, the time when all the children came out to celebrate the most popular holiday (aside from Halloween of course), and frolic in the newly fallen snow. Chrys loved this time of year, because ever since he was a little boy, he wanted to work for Santa. He was never selfish about anything, especially since he grew up with seven other brothers and sisters, all whom of which he loved whole heartedly.
Grabbing his long tailed green elf hat he briskly padded toward the door, his face beaming with anticipation. He was almost 20 now, and did not have to worry about the fairy academy calling him up anymore. Borne to a commonly large fairy family, he did not have to worry as much about his parents disowning him if he did not graduate fairy school. Some part of him was sad about not earning his wings, but he never really did feel the need or natural want to do normal fairy things. His life-long dream was to be an elf; yet the higher entity in the sky had cursed him to be a fairy.
This did not discourage him any, every year he ventured to the local malls, shelters and orphanages, giving donations and helping out any way he could. He loved children and loved to help them, and, he hoped as he did these good deeds, perhaps Santa would recognize him and finally consider him to be an elf. The local mall of Holiday Ville was only a few blocks from his little one bedroom apartment, and this was fortunate for him. Snow had fallen from the swollen bellies of angry storm clouds only the night before, and its crisp white evidence lay strewn about in large heaps all over. He waved to his neighbors and gave them warm smiles as he passed them shoveling their sidewalks laboriously. Reminding himself to stop by his elderly neighbors' home that evening, he continued on to his destination; the large black spotted building loomed from the great mass of snow brilliantly and his heart swelled with zeal.
As he raced toward it as fast as he could on the icy ground, a voice called out to him from the side. He slowed and turned, recognizing the voice as one of his best friends, Haana. He smiled and waved as he caught sight of her, her legs looking frozen as she half floated, half walked through the pathetic attempts of a shoveled sidewalk. Haana was hard to miss in a crowd, her small angelic wings protruding from her back and the eight candles hovering around her head were unmistakable. While the candles only came out during the holiday season, her wings were permanent; and she had a million excuses for people who asked about them. In truth Haana was an angel, and she didn't like it all too much, for she believed fervently in the Jewish religion. She was not as fortunate with her parents, who were not too happy to know that their precious daughter did not believe in their own faith.
That was how she and Chrys had met, their common ground brought them closer as friends; and since that time they had been inseparable. He even had a growing crush on her, and his stomach twisted in knots every time she came onto the scene. Giving her a brilliant smile he opened the door and ushered her quickly inside.
"Haana, you are absolutely ridiculous, don't you ever wear pants?" The raven haired girl giggled and welcomed the warm rush of air. She rubbed her arms, which were covered in a woolen jacket and began removing the scarf as Chrys opened the second obstacle of doors for her.
"Yes, silly, but this is the week of recognition of my religion. I want to look nice. Besides, we still have to do pictures with the santa for the children." She reminded him, nodding toward the center of the mall where the 'closed' sign was dangling from a white plastic chain in front of a large throne-like chair with fake, glitter covered snow surrounding the green backdrop. Chrys chuckled and nodded in agreement.
"Ah, yes. Do we have a new one this year?"
Haana shrugged and began her way toward the pottery shop, where their other friend, Kwan, was opening up. The forthcoming African American woman briskly stepped out of her shop with open arms, exchanging hugs with both of her best friends. Giving a brilliant smile she exclaimed in her normal, accented outgoing voice.
"Well, if it isn't the two mall rats. Here early as usual I see."
Chrys draped an arm around her with a chuckle.
"Yup, better believe it."
Haana ran her fingers through her hair and brushed some escapee strands from her face.
"Yeah, too bad nobody has a car yet, it would make intercity travel so much easier."
Chrys gave a blush and shook his head.
"Why do that when we all live within a fifteen minute walk from here? We reduce air pollution by doing that."
Kwan let out a belly shaking laugh and ruffled her friends' hair beneath the long green hat before turning and entering her shop with a dramatic wave of her hand.
"That's you Chrys, always thinking of others before yourself."
The boy blushed and looked around, trying to divert the subject a bit. Haana giggled and walked over toward the food court.
"Where are you going?" He asked, making to follow her. She smiled and glanced back toward him.
"I'm hungry."
He nodded and followed her, though he wasn't in the least bit hungry. Haana chose some weird Chinese food and sat down to eat, Chrys settling in beside her. They remained that way for awhile, just talking and waving at random people entering the mall early. It was nearing the critical time for last minute Christmas shopping, and it wasn't unusual to see the mall packed to the maximum capacity limit. A little before noon, the mall santa appeared; Chrys' heart dropped. The mall manager couldn't have picked anyone worse for this years santa. Although Chrys was always a skeptic on the mall santa's, this years worker was pathetic. He was short, his face was covered in stubble, and his eyes were glazed slightly; probably from a night of late-night partying. The only thing that may have qualified him for the job was his weight; the ring of fat hanging down his waist would have shamed Santa himself.
Chrys shook his head and hesitantly went to introduce himself to the new santa. Haana decided she was going to hang back, and take her time in getting around to the job; she didn't like the worker. The red head rolled his eyes and grumbled, approaching the santa with a subdued, but open palm.
"Hello there, my name is Chrys, I'll be helping you out today." The guy looked at him and nodded, ignoring, or perhaps not seeing the outstretched palm; either way Chrys was glad.
"Name's Joe." He said gruffly before settling into the chair. The first couple of kids showed up a little while later, and they all seemed to enjoy Chrys' company more than the actual 'santa'. The ruby haired boy didn't mind, and gave the children each a snapshot of them and santa, then a candy cane-by the end of the day there would be trash cans full of pictures and candy cane wrappers.
The day continued on like that, and Chrys felt his mood lowering until break came. He readily ventured toward the food court, where Haana was sitting, examining her nails.
"I think I should go into that nail shop and get these done." She said, mostly to herself.
Chrys rolled his eyes with a chuckle and headed over to one of the booths to get some food. As he stopped at his favorite pizza stand, he saw, out of the corner of his eye, a boy sitting on one of the plant ledges; elbows resting on his knees, chin upon his hands. He looked utterly depressed, and although Chrys had seen his share of disgruntled children that day, his heart went out to the boy, who looked absolutely heart broken.
He accepted his pizza and paid for it, then ventured toward the boy, sitting inconspicuously a few feet away. The boy had deep auburn/brown hair and startling blue eyes. He glanced over at Chrys, furrowed his brows and scooted a little bit away. Chrys smiled, looking up at the ceiling and nibbled on his pizza before scooting a bit closer. The brunette noticed this and a few moments later scooted a bit further; Chrys repeating, while finishing off his pizza. The child was growing impatient and crowded the corner before turning completely away from Chrys, leaning against the wall behind them and crossing his arms defiantly. Chrys scooted closer to him and reached over to set his paper plate in the trash can. He took his time, wiping his fingers off on a napkin then tossing it into the can as well. He sat back, clutching on knee in his clasped hands and twiddled his thumbs, glancing back and smiling at the boy; who was glaring at him from the corner of his eye. Chrys looked up at the ceiling, still emitting a toothy grin.
"Sure is a nice day out, isn't it?"
The boy suddenly leapt up and thrust his hands vertically out to his sides in an accusatory motion.
"What do you want from me you creep?!" He demanded, his voice rough. Chrys lowered his leg and looked at him, brows raised in question. "Want? Me? I want nothing..." He gave a mischievous smile and stood up, pulling something from beneath his hat. It was a candy cane, and he handed it to the boy. "Nothing but good cheer and well-being for all of mankind."
The boy's mouth was closed and he merely looked at the candy, then back up at Chrys.
"You...are really creepy."
Chrys lowered one brow and then shoved the candy cane back up into his house. "Hm, every child I know likes candy, so it can't be the cane that is bothering you...What's wrong?"
The boy looked at him like he was crazy.
"You think I'm going to tell you?!"
"Sure, why not?" He asked, raising his hands and puckering his bottom lip. The boy lifted his lips to speak, brows raised and began to turn away. "...Right..."
He turned and ran right into a tall woman, her hands placed assertively on her hips. Looking up he attempted to maneuver around her, mumbling apologetically.
"Child, hasn't anyone ever taught you manners?"
He looked away, and tried once more to get around her, she continued to stand in his way.
"What is this?!" He exclaimed, looking back and forth from Chrys to Kwan. Haana walked up, still looking at her nails. She pretended to be surprised to see Kwan and Chrys 'hassling' the boy.
"Kwan! Chrys! What are you guys doing to this poor boy?!"
She stooped down immediately and bundled him into her arms, shaking him vigorously against her chest.
"You poor poor creature! Oh, it's a pity you're here all alone, with these two bullies picking on you!" She winked at the other two, and the boy wrenched himself free from her grasp. He looked at all three of them, pointing an critical finger at all three of them.
"You guys are crazy! All of you!"
He turned to go, but Kwan spoke, and made him stop in his tracks. "Where are your parents? Surely they would be here to help you if some crazies like us starting giving you trouble."
He stopped, his face dark.
"They-they're..."
"At home? Fighting?"
He turned around suddenly, his face crimson red, tears stinging his eyes. "How do you know that?! Who have you been talking to?!"
Chrys looked amazedly at his friend; she always had that ability to 'guess' things that people would normally only find out through conversation.
"Child, I haven't talked to anyone but these two right here." He wiped a rough sleeve across his eyes and looked at her, his lips pursed. Chrys blinked and then spoke.
"Well, it looks like you need some holiday spirit-"
"Holiday spirit!" The boy spat, laughing mockingly. "That stuff is for babies." He retorted, hissing the words.
Haana placed her hands in her lap.
"No it's not, Holiday spirit is beautiful."
He looked at her with a sneer.
"If you're a beatnik." Then he turned back to Chrys. "But I suppose a loser like you would have holiday spirit-I've seen you-all the time you're here working with that loser in the red suit." He gave a dramatic wave of his hand and shoved the other in his pocket. "Who are you guys anyway?" He asked in an indifferent and harsh tone.
"Well, my name is Chrys, this is Kwan, and the 'beatnik' over there is Haana." The red head replied, hooking his thumb into his pockets. The black jacket he was wearing shone in the light and he looked rather odd, dressed in a green shirt, green elfish hat and black gloves and jacket with tattered pants. "And you?"
The brunette rolled his eyes. "If it really matters that much to you, my name is Jonas."
As if on cue, he heard his name being called and turned to see a group of boys; mean looking boys standing near one of the grungier shops. "Anyway, I have to go. Smell ya later, losers." He said with another theatrical wave of his hand as he hurriedly trotted off.
Chrys looked at Kwan, but she just smiled knowingly and returned to her shop. Break was over.

Jonas glowered as he walked toward the boys, his face red with embarrassment at having been seen with those loonies. He was always like this, quiet and angry-looking; but for the most part he had good reason.
"Man, what a crowd you attract Jonas." One of the boys retorted, tossing a quarter in the air and catching it in the palm of his hand. He seemed to be the ring leader; clad with spiky black hair, a small black biker jacket and tattered torn clothes.
"Yeah, I know." He mumbled, joining their group. In truth he really didn't like these boys too much, but they were the only ones who seemed to have accepted him.
In fact, there were a lot of things he didn't like; he hated the town he lived in, he thought it was absolutely corny that they actually lived in a town called Holiday Ville, and his family...well, he left well enough alone on that subject.
Another boy, a long haired blonde punched him lightly on the shoulder. "That girl with the wings was pretty cute though."
The rest of them had a chuckle at that, but Jonas ignored it, glowering. "Hey, lighten up stubby." The ring leader retorted, lifting off the wall. "We're going to go jack some stuff from the arcade, you coming?" Jonas thought for a moment, made to go with them, then stopped. "Nah, I'm going to leave, those idiots might try to decorate me with tinsel or something."
He gave a devious smirk, trying to settle the others feelings; and they, obviously pleased with his response, gave him a slap on the hand and turned to leave. Jonas turned and exited the mall, but he didn't go home.

Chrys walked out of the mall, waving good-bye to the mall guard and zipped up his jacket to the night wind. Kwan came out shortly after him, trailed by Haana, who had gotten her nails done finally. "What a day." Kwan exclaimed, exhaling a white puffy cloud of breath into the night and pulling her pea coat closer to her body. Haana agreed, shoving her newly done hands into the pockets of her peach jacket. Chrys was inconspicuously quite. They rounded the corner of the mall sidewalk, heading for Chrys' house for some eggnog, when a dark figure stepped out in front of them. The silhouette was faintly recognizable, and Chrys exclaimed.
"Jonas! What are you doing out here in the cold night?"
The spiky haired brunette looked away, hands buried in the pockets of his pants. "I just want an answer." He looked mostly to Kwan. "How did you know my parents fought?"
She shrugged.
"Some things a woman just knows-and a woman never reveals her secret." Haana's candles lit up and illuminated the area around them; Jonas gave her a weird look.
"Why are you so worried about it?" Chrys asked with concern. Jonas glanced over at him.
"It's really nobody's business what goes on at my house." He said with a growl. "Well, those boys you left us for don't look like they're up to any good." Kwan replied.
"Leave them alone." Jonas said.
"Oh, we're not going to do anything to them; but how do you know we really aren't all lunatics, just out to get you?" The darker skinned woman replied, giving him a hawkish eye. Jonas furrowed his brows and pursed his lips, but had nothing to say. She smirked, and glanced at Chrys.
"Say, Jonas, would you like to join us at my house for some holiday food?" The brunette looked at him, seeming to think for a moment...and agreed.
Surprisingly Jonas was quite the outgoing boy, once you got underneath his skin. Chrys conferred with Kwan, and they both agreed that it would be fine if Jonas stayed the night, who was, in the end, more than happy to stay.
Kwan and Haana eventually left, and Chrys was pulling out an extra set of blankets and pillows for his new friend. Jonas sat on the air up bed, his hands dangling between his knees as he looked at the ground. Chrys glanced back at him as he attempted not to be engulfed in falling blankets.
"Something bothering you Jonas?"
The brunette sighed and was silent for awhile.
"...Not really, it's just...You guys have been really nice to me, even after the way I acted this afternoon."
Chrys chuckled and threw some of the blankets off of him and onto the black air mattress.
"Well, I suppose, if I were you, and you were me, I would have acted the same way." He said, leaning against the wall beside the closet. Jonas shook his head.
"Still, why were you guys so nice to me? I've never had anyone be that nice to me." He said, looking up at Chrys with his stunning blue eyes. The red head smiled and pulled off his hat, tossing it to the table at the end of his bed.
"Because we know how things can be, families especially. Besides, it's Christmas time, the holiday season, we should spread the cheer." He smiled and sat on his bed, ruffling his hair tiredly.
Jonas looked back to the floor.
"...Family." He said quietly.
"You know Jonas, if you want to, you can talk to me, or even Kwan and Haana about anything. We consider you a friend, and we hope that you do as well." He said with a smile, pulling off his shirt to get ready for bed.
"...I'm sure I can." His voice was quiet, and he pulled off his shoes and settled into the bed, wrapping the warm blankets around him. Chrys shut off the lamp. "Chrys?"
"Yes?"
"If you...if your parents didn't celebrate holidays...would you...still believe in them?"
Chrys was silent for a moment.
"Yes, I think I would."
"What do you want to do? I mean for real, not that silly job at the mall. What is your life-long dream?" He asked suddenly.
Chrys felt his face get hot.
"...Well, I want to be an elf in Santa's workshop."
He heard Jonas snigger.
"Come on Chrys, I'm not a little kid anymore, I'm almost fourteen-you actually expect me to believe in a little fat man in a red suit who rides around to everyone's house in one night to deliver gifts?" Chrys chuckled.
"I suppose not, most kids don't now days..." He rolled over and laid his hands behind his head, looking up at the ceiling. "...You actually believe in Santa?"
He chuckled again.
"Yes, but I've never met him in person, I've just seen him around, talking to the fairy elders and what-not."
"What? Chrys, you're starting to sound crazy again."
"Oh...Hm, well, I don't suppose you believe in fairies either, do you?"
"No." He said shortly. "Why? Are you one?"
"Actually, yes."
Jonas let out a snort.
"Then where are your wings?"
"I haven't earned them. I kind of...failed fairy school."
"What?"
"See, when you're a fairy, you have to go to school to earn your wings, they don't just let anyone do fairy things...But I never earned them-I was never good enough."
Jonas decided to play along.
"What did your parents think?"
"Hm, well, they had seven other children to worry about, so there wasn't much time to fret over me. They knew I didn't really want to be a fairy anyway, and supported my decision the best they could." "Seven siblings? Yeah right."
Chrys leaned over and flipped the switch on the lamp, then opened the drawer beside him and pulled out a snap shot, handing it to Jonas. The brunette gave him a look, and then studied the picture. In it there was a chubby fire haired woman along side an elderly looking man, and in front of them, sure enough were eight children. Some older than others, and in the middle, one of the older looking ones, was Chrys-his unruly red hair glinting in the picture.
"Wow." He said quietly to himself and handed the picture back to Chrys.
"How about you Jonas? What do you want to do?"
The boy settled back under the blankets, taking in the nights events and pondering.
"...Mostly, I just want to be a good father. One who lets their children believe in what ever they want to...A father who never drinks and teaches them the good in life...A father who will never raise his hand to his children."

The next day, Chrys and Jonas walked to the mall together, laughing and talking as they shared a cup of warm cocoa. They welcomed the warmth of the large building as it warmed their frost nipped faces. "So, is frosty the snowman real?" Jonas asked, cocking one brow. Chrys laughed. "If you want him to be."
Jonas didn't think he could believe all that Chrys had told him, but somewhere deep inside, he wanted to.
Haana greeted them both with a warm smile and a hug, leaving both boys blushing. Haana added to the evidence of truth in Chrys' words; she was a living, walking, talking angel. Jonas had made sure of that-he inspected her wings top to bottom, and the raven haired girl bared it with good natured patience.
Jonas prowled around the mall for awhile before returning to Chrys who was giving a child a snapshot and a piece of candy, and sighing. "Getting bored?" the redhead asked, glowering at the pathetic excuse for a santa.
"Kind of." He replied, looking around.
"Well, my break is almost on, we can go have lunch, ok?"
Jonas nodded, but felt his heart drop as the familiar group of boys walked in, spotting him immediately. They smirked and motioned for him to approach them.
"Um, I'll be back." He said steadily and ventured toward them. Chrys looked up and saw them, then shook his head and returned to the camera.
Jonas approached his friends, dark brown hair bobbing steadily with his pace. He buried his hands in his pockets, fearing his nervous habit of twisting his fingers together would show. The eldest of the boys, the leader, gave him a wry smirk.
"So, back with the freak show I see?"
"Shut-up Colton." He hissed to the ringleader. The boy raised his hands as if he were scared, making an Ooh sound. "Sorry there, did I hit a nerve?" He gave a mean laugh and glared. "Those guys are dopes, why are you around them anyway?" He clasped his hands over his mouth, acting surprised. "Oh, I get it, you wanted to sit on Santa's lap, huh?" He began to dance around, teasing him. "Poor little boy, believes in Santa." He acted like a monkey. "I'm a big fat guy who rides down chimney's and kisses peoples mothers-"
"That's enough!" Jonas cried. "Gah, let's go." He said, shoving the boy with his shoulder as he began to walk out of the building. Colton smirked and followed him, knowing he had hit a soft spot.

The day began to grow dim and Chrys retired from his job with a tired, but content face. Haana and met up with him and they began walking out of the mall. The security guard waved them a jolly good-bye, and they returned it. Instead of going straight home though, since Haana was wearing pants this day, they decided to frolic a bit in the snow surrounding the mall. The night grew on, and they fell, exhausted against the wall, and soaking wet. Chrys smiled at Haana and opened his mouth to speak.
"Haana, I, have something to tell you..." He said quietly, looking down a bit embarrassed. He figured she would have to know someday that he had a growing crush on her, and perhaps she felt the same way. Jonas had told him that last night. But before he could continue, the sounds of cruel laughter rang out through the parking lot. He heard Jonas' voice and ran toward the sounds, Haana trailing after him briskly. They stopped short near the trash area of the mall and saw a fire burning bright inside it...A lot of the mall's ground decorations were melting in the big smoky blaze. Chrys' heart dropped as he watched the boys pour more lighter fluid on top of it-Jonas included. The brunette turned and glanced at him, a deep blush covering his already red face, and then turned away. Chrys couldn't even express his anger, for that was not the most prominent feeling he had...mostly he was just sad. Haana covered her mouth.
"Oh...my..."
Chrys turned and stalked away, tears stinging the back of his eyes.
Haana turned and followed him across the empty highway and toward the other stores surrounding the mall. He slammed his fist against the brick walls of the building, gritting his teeth.
"Chrys, I-"
"It's not fair Haana! It's just not fair! It's not right either!" He exclaimed, turning around and wiping a leather sleeve across his face. She couldn't move from her spot as he lowered himself to the ground on the curb, head resting on his crossed arms. His voice was muffled, but the pain rung out clearly. "I though everyone had some holiday spirit...I never knew that people could be so hateful in this time of the year." He rubbed his eyes again and looked up at her, removing his green hat. "Maybe this is why Santa hasn't let me work for him...maybe I'm not cut out to be a Christmas elf."
Haana fell to the ground beside him, embracing his shoulders carefully. "Don't say that Chrys! I think Santa would be honored to have you as one of his elves! You're the most holiday spirited person I know! Who cares if it's just one little boy who doesn't believe? They all begin to question as they get older!"
He sighed, his breath coming out in a white puff.
"I care Haana...that one little boy has never gotten the chance to believe in the holiday spirit..." He looked deeply into her eyes. "Last night, I got to know the real Jonas...The boy who wants to believe in Christmas, the boy who wants to wake up in the morning and see that Santa has left him something..." He turned away. "but I've failed." Haana pulled him close and hugged him, then lifted his face up. She looked into his eyes just as deeply, then brushed her lips against his. His eyes opened wide and he pulled away.
"What was that for?"
She blushed a bit sheepishly.
"I...I don't really know..."
He touched his lips.
"I like it." He smiled, and she returned it.
"There, keep that smile. You'll need it to help Jonas."
He sighed, the smile fading.
"What can I do for him? He chose his path."
She kissed his cheek.
"Just show him the holiday spirit."
Suddenly a yell echoed through the empty streets. Chrys and Haana were on their feet immediately, running toward the sound. Back at the mall, the boys were taunting Jonas, threatening to throw him in the fire to. They mocked his friendship with Chrys and the others, and he found out, that they really weren't his true friends. Kwan stepped out of the mall after a late night and came upon them, attempting to help Jonas. Chrys and Haana ran up to them, panting with the lack of breath.
"What's happening?" The red head shouted over the roar of the fire. Kwan pointed a shaky finger toward the boys.
"They're tormenting Jonas, I just happened to walk in on them."
Chrys rolled up his sleeves and ran toward them; he knew he couldn't use brute force on them-it was illegal and he was outnumbered anyway. Suddenly a flash of light erupted from his hands and toys fell from the blast, landing on the marauders. They fell backward, out of breath and looked at Chrys with wild eyes.
"What the-?!" The ring leader shouted, trying to shove a rocking horse off his abdomen. "You're some kind of freak, you know that?!" The others managed to get up and helped the other up as well. He told them to stay and fight, but they had seen enough; he followed, unable to do anything without his minions.
Jonas stood alone, the lighter fluid fell from his hands and he dropped to his knees, silent tears falling from his eyes. Kwan looked concernedly at him, and Chrys turned away.
"Chrys, take pity on him, this is the first time he's cried in a long while."
He looked at her and cocked a brow.
"What?"
"Whenever his parents decide to hurt him, he never cries...It's a sign of helplessness to him...Take it as asking for forgiveness." She said, touching Chrys' arm lightly.
Chrys' stomach twisted and he walked over to Jonas, his feet crunching on the snow. He kneeled down beside him and just took the boy in his arms.
"Chrys, I want the holiday spirit, I want to believe...I want to believe." He said, clutching to the older boy and sobbing thoroughly into his shirt. Chrys held him and rubbed his back soothingly. "It's ok Jonas, you can, just believe."
"I will Chrys...I will."

Christmas carried on and Jonas spent it at Chrys' house. Haana joined them, and she and Chrys were engaged to be married. Jonas wound up moving in with Chrys and Haana, and eventually being adopted by them after his parents failed to uphold their duties. Chrys never gave up on Santa, but settled into his new life comfortably. Santa, however, left a special gift for him one Christmas night.

Chrys was sitting in his living room, flipping through the previous years' photo album, when he heard a rumble echoing through the chimney. Suddenly a plump man in a red suit popped in, soot covering his frost bitten face. Chrys stood up. "...Santa?" The man smiled and brushed himself off. "That's me Mr.Muss." He said, giving a worthwhile smile. "And I have a special gift for you. Open it tonight." Reaching into his bag he pulled out a small box and handed it to the red-head, who had begun growing a soul patch. "...Thank-you Santa." The man lifted his hand.
"No need to thank me, Chrys. After all you've done for me, you deserve this." He pulled off the simple golden wrapping paper and opened the lid to the box. Inside a luminous light shone off the gift-a pair of wings! He let out a gasp and pulled them out of the box.
"But...but I never graduated the fairy academy-I can't use these..." Santa chuckled.
"Oh, don't you worry about that Chrys...It's not for normal fairy use...I was hoping you would use those wings to spread the joy of Christmas and the holiday spirit all over the world when the time rolls around. You seem to be pretty good at that."
Santa gave a wink and placed a couple of packages beneath the tree, then flew back up the chimney. Chrys was left alone, holding the wings in his hands and wiping away a tear. A voice sounded behind him.
"Honey? Why don't you come back to bed?" Chrys turned and smiled at Haana.
"What do you have there?"
"Oh, just a gift from Santa." He walked over and kissed her gently. "Now, let's go back to bed. Jonas will be wanting to open presents early tomorrow."

Comments: I know, the story is kind of long, but I always do that...^^;  It was also kind of rushed, so some of the story may suck. Anyway, I sent in the picture to be on the webpage instead of you guys going to mine just in case it didn't work and got hella confusing. ^^ Hope you all like it! :D The coloring isn't that great, and I wasn't able to put the background on it that I wanted, but hey, it's better than nothing, right?! *hugglez* Happy Holiday's all!