Part 2
Chase
gave a long look at Santa’s sleigh, slightly mesmerized by the
value of such a rare item. “What did you need me for anyway?
“I’ll
get to that. First, do you know what happened this past holiday
season?”
“Of
course. BADGE got in a big fight with Krampus after he trapped you.”
Santa
walked over and brushed his hand down the sleigh, “I’m going to
tell you something that no one knows, not even BADGE. I’m not of
this world, I’m from another world that has long since been
destroyed by Legion. A few of us escaped the destruction and settled
on Earth. However, we are powerful people who have what humans call
magic. That power in us would have attracted legion to this world
long before it would be ready to fend them off. Thus, we trapped our
power in objects, items to keep us hidden. We could still use our
powers, but only when our objects were free and in our control. Now,
come, place your hand on this sleigh and use that new power of
yours.”
Chase
walked over and placed her hand on the side of the sleigh. She closed
her eyes and focused her mind. She became aware of the world around
her and saw it change, turn backward. At first, she saw herself and
Santa walking in here, in reverse. Then time moved faster and faster.
She saw the whole history of this object to the day it was made. This
was her power, to travel through the history of an inanimate object.
Normally she used this to tell if an artifact was legit and then
steal it to sell to a collector.
“This...is
over six centuries old.” She let go and returned to this
moment.
“Yes.
It is. This sleigh is my object, my talisman.”
“Okay,
so they returned it to you. What? Did you want me to authenticate it
for you?”
“No.
I can tell it is mine. The power it has is obvious to any of my kind.
However, what I’m worried about is who did this.”
“Why
so dramatic about all this? Anyone could have stolen this, I got in
here and I wasn’t even trying to sneak.”
Santa
nodded, “True, you have great skill and got in. However, you do not
have the power to move this without my permission. No, who has done
this is dangerously powerful. And, they are targeting us.”
“Us?”
Santa
walked out of the room and back toward the main workshop, “Mythics.
My kind wanted to help this world, but not be worshiped as gods. So
we took on the identities of the fables and myths of your people.
That way we could help while remaining hidden.”
“So,
you’re saying someone is playing the Easter Bunny and others?”
“Yes.
Also the Tooth Fairy, Cupid, Dragons, and many more.”
“Really?”
Her tone of disbelief was not hidden.
“Yes.
It brings us great joy to bring joy to others. However, someone is
stealing these objects. They took mine first and by the help of the
heroes, I got it back. But, whoever is doing this has already taken
other items. My kind are at risk, as are all the humans.”
“What?
You want me to steal these objects back?”
He
shook his head, “Not exactly. I need you to help in solving this
problem and stopping him.”
She
scoffed, “Not gonna happen. Find yourself another toadie.”
He
let out a deep sigh, “I won’t force you to do this. However, I
need a favor of you?”
“What?”
“Go
to BADGE HQ and warn them. Tell them what’s happening. Also, tell
them I know for a fact that the thief has stolen Cupids Bow. Without
it, Cupid has gone insane and could become highly dangerous. It needs
to be returned to him.”
“BADGE!
They’ll lock me up!”
“No,
they won’t. Tell Nova that you’re working for me, he owes me a
lot of favors. I would go myself, but I must protect my sleigh.”
She
pursed her lips as she gave this thought, “I guess. Besides, might
get me on the nice list.”
He
laughed, “Sure. Now, get going, time is of the essence. Oh, and say
hi to Mr. Gargoyle from me.”
“Who?”
“You’ll
know him when you see him.” They walked out onto the work floor
again, all the elves eyeing her with distrust.
Chase
grabbed a mince pie from a passing tray and gave Santa a short nod,
“I guess I’ll be going.”
“One
more thing.” Santa reached over like he would hug her, but
instead retrieved a beautiful golden doorknob from her pocket,
“Nice try.”
With
a smirk she left, munching on the pie.