Up at the North Pole, Santa Claus was catching up on the latest activities, who was naughty, and who was nice. A light flashed on the monitor, and the words "Elissa Baker" appeared.
Santa shook his head. "This will not do, Elissa, you must be careful."
"Santa sir," a blonde elf came up to him.
"What is it, Nadine?"
"There's a frightened stranger hiding out in the stable with the reindeer."
"Ah, it worked! Good! Thank you, Nadine. I'll go investigate."
"What do you mean, it worked?" the elf wanted to know.
"A man who has never experienced Christmas because life and the world have been so unkind that their dark magic kept me from reaching him until now."
"Oh, my goodness." said Nadine, looking sympathetic. "I wonder who he is."
"I take it you didn't get a good look at him." Santa surmised.
"No. Only from the back, he was scrunching himself in among some hay stacks."
"You will find out who he is in a while, Nadine." said Santa, hurrying out, leaving the curious elf staring after him.
Santa approached the stable and entered, to see Rudolph nosing at a trembling, thin figure that seemed to be trying to make itself small as possible.
"That's all right, boy, it's only Rudolph, he will not hurt you." Santa assured the frightened newcomer.
There was no response.
Santa made his way over toward the haystacks, approached the figure and took hold of him by the shoulders. "I won't harm you either. Now how about coming inside with me. You are not dressed for our outdoor weather."
The figure only remained frozen in place and shivering.
With a jolly "Ho ho ho," Santa put his strong arms around him, picked him up enough to hold and get him backed out from his hiding place.
The slighter man struggled weakly, but Santa kept moving along with him until they were safely inside where all things warm and Christmasy greeted the newcomer.
"Oh, no." the stranger said under his breath, holding his face in his hands.
Santa laughed good-naturedly. "What do you want for Christmas, child?"
"Please, don't beat around the bush," said the frightened man, "I know I really messed up.. I shouldn't even be here of all places."
"Child," Santa said gently, "While it is true you have done wrong, it was up until now, everyone in your forsaken life helped you to go wrong. It all culminated in the situation you are running from now, a situation I can now help you to put right."
"There is no putting this right." the man despaired. "I've done the unthinkable, and it was so needless. If I had known she would show me a little compassion, I never would have..." his voice trailed off. "But it's too late now."
"Desperation can make people do things they normally wouldn't dream of doing." Santa explained. "I've had my eye on you as on any other. Although dark forces kept me from reaching you until now, all those who mistreated you have ended up on the naughty list."
"And I along with them." the stranger said, still refusing to take his hands away from his face.
"All is not lost, or too late." Santa assured. "Come with me."
The scene changed around them as Santa teleported them.
They were in a dark, maze-like environment.
The young man shivered, muttering something about having royally screwed up.
"Now, young man, I need you to make some repairs." said Santa.
They moved along until they reached a little collection of odds and ends.
Santa spoke again. "I will need everything in this collection here. And from now on, you must lay off the pyrotechnics."
The young man still seemed unable to show much reaction other than comply with what Santa was asking. Various objects were handed over and disappeared into Santa's bag.
"Well done, my child," Santa said once everything used in various misdeeds was accounted for and taken away.
Then Santa took out his phone to make a call.
"Mission HQ, Ocean Elf speaking."
"Hi Hanima Of The Waves."
"Santa!"
"Ho, ho, ho! I'm glad your Father is doing well now."
"Yes, so are we all, thanks for the support, Santa! Now, what's up?"
"I need you to go to Tatooine and get your light saber. From there, I will transport you to another place on your planet for a mission." said Santa.
"You got it." came the response.
"Thanks Ocean."
"You're welcome."
The call ended.
Next, Santa took the nervous stranger and teleported with him to a cemetery.
In a short while, Santa and the stranger were not alone.
Santa saw the elf shake her head in apprehension as she approached with her light saber. "And here she is," he smiled at her.
"How many people?" she asked him.
"Don't worry, you won't have to wave the whole cemetery," Santa reassured with a grin, "Just two people, but they are far apart. Let's start with the one over here." Santa moved with the newcomer who still wouldn't take his hands away from his face.
"Who's that with you?" the elf asked.
"I'll introduce him once the revivals are done." Santa said patiently.
"Okay then, who are we reviving?" the elf asked.
"This man here," Santa indicated one of the graves, and the elf read the name there. She nodded, and took her place as if about to activate her light saber.
""Wait a moment, Hanima," said Santa, "you'll do the wave part of the procedure, but this man must borrow your light saber."
"What?" the bewildered stranger gasped, "I've never handled one of those before."
"Don't worry. It is not activated yet," said Santa, gently prying one of the stranger's hands away from his face, then taking the light saber from the elf and placing it in the man's hand. "I will activate it for you. Point it at the grave."
The man complied.
"Now!" Santa said.
The light saber lit up as a small wave broke over the grave.
"Call out his name, child." Santa instructed.
The man obeyed.
A few more waves through the steady white beam of the light saber, and calling out of a name, and the grave disappeared. It was replaced by a middle-aged man who sat up, then slowly got to his feet after looking around.
"Good!" Santa deactivated the light saber in the young man's hand, and the waves receded.
The young man and newly revived one stared at each other in shock. Then all eyes were on Santa and the Ocean Elf.
"Hanima, keep an eye on him for a moment," Santa indicated the young man.
"Certainly." she responded.
Santa approached the newly revived gentleman. "Joseph Buquet," he said,
"What happened?"
"You're fine now," said Santa, "but you hav some unfinished business with this man here."
Joseph shuddered.
"Young man," Santa said to the stranger who was still holding the elf's light saber, "You owe him an apology. He owes you one as well. Neither of you behaved as you should. Am I right?"
Both men nodded, and nervously approached each other.
"I'm sorry," the young man was first to speak. "I was wrong to over-react to this extreme. I thought I - k--k--" He couldn't finish his sentence, and looked imploringly at Santa.
"Yes, child, you tried to. And this is what you are putting right." Santa answered.
"I was wrong too, I never should have made fun of you."
"Thank you, sir," the younger man said, "but - " he apparently wanted to say more and was at a loss for words.
"Good." said Santa. "Joseph, you were unaware of how much this man suffered before you ever met him. There are many different types of killing, and one of them is emotional, not physical. I have procured a second chance for you both because neither of you are truly evil. One of you suffered from ignorance of the other's situation. The other suffered from want of acceptance."
As Santa said this, two strange children came out from behind some trees at the edge of the graveyard.
"Ignorance," Santa said, indicating Joseph, "and Want," then he indicated the man with the light saber and deformed face.
The two children approached them and looked up at them with a mix of curiosity and sympathy.
"Joseph," Santa said, "you've been missing for some time, presumed dead. It is time you reunited with your loved ones. Ignorance, take him home."
"Will do, Santa," the boy said.
With that, Ignorance took hold of Joseph's arm, and they both disappeared.
"Good work, my child," Santa said, patting the nervous man's shoulder. "You are halfway there. Let's go."
The small group made their way to another grave which was nearly at the opposite side of the cemetery, and the same procedure was accomplished. This time, another man with the unlikely name of Ubaldo Piangi was revived. But Mr. Piangi was not on the naughty list, since he hadn't made fun of anyone. Once Santa introduced the two, they recognized each other from a time before the murder attempt and the revival. It was then that the skittish young man made his apology, and Piangi made his.
"I'm sorry about making that snide comment about your music being gibberish." he said.
"Which it was." The Ocean Elf spoke up for the first time, now apparently having caught on to who exactly these two strangers were. She approached the anxious man and forcibly took her light saber from his grasp.
"Ocean Elf, hold your tongue." Santa cautioned her. "And is that any way to take your light saber from a man who is trying to redeem himself?"
""Huh? It's my light saber." the elf replied, looking at Santa with confusion.
"I meant you should have been more gentle about it." Santa replied.
He got the same confused look from the elf.
"That's okay, they are both right," the still frightened man said with regret, "It was gibberish. I had some ulterior motives with that musical score. It never should've been written."
"Well, you can't un-write it now," the Ocean Elf stated unsympathetically, "It's everywhere."
"Hanima..." said Santa, "Would you like to keep this light saber?"
"If you're thinking of giving it to him," the elf countered, "I'll destroy it first."
Want and Piangi looked on, disconcerted.
""Hanima," Santa said gently but firmly, "hand it back to him for a little while longer. I'm not taking it away from you to give to him, but just cool it."
The elf complied reluctantly.
"Want," Santa said to the little girl, "You may take Mr. Piangi back home, where his friends and family are waiting."
"Yes sir." Want replied. She took the man's hand, and they both disappeared.
Santa moved with the dazed man and the elf out of the cemetery.
Then, they were in yet another place.
The elf recognized it. She was back at Mission HQ, but this time with Santa and a man she thought she knew of, and he was holding her light saber."I'll have that back now, Erik, or whatever your actual name is." she said quietly but firmly, fixing him with a stern gaze.
The man shivered. "I don't understand why people sometimes call me that. I don't like it."
"What is your name then?" the elf persisted.
"I don't actually have one." he admitted sadly, handing the light saber to her.
The elf's expression softened. "I was afraid of that." she said more gently. She lay the light saber on the floor along a wall, out of the way, then returned to her guests.
Not wanting to focus on himself, the man said, "What's yours again? I heard Santa call you something but didn't quite catch it."
"Hanima." the elf replied. "But you can just call me Ocean."
"Tell her which moniker you go by." Santa said to the man.
"F-ff-f - " he stammered.
The elf grinned.
"That's all right, tell her." Santa prompted.
"It's Phantom, Miss Ocean," the man finally got out. Anxiousness welling up inside him again, caused him to draw in a quick involuntary breath.
"Hmm." said the elf, "And Santa new you needed my light saber to undo what you did, well, the worst of it anyway. Consider yourself fortunate. You still have to answer for the general terror and bullying you inflicted on the others."
"Ocean..." Santa started to say.
"I am sorry for that," Phantom's breath caught in his throat.
"You should be." the elf replied, seizing the Phantom by his shoulders and shaking him.
"Ocean Elf..." Santa tried again.
"Coercive notes, destruction of property, Abduction! Trying to force a girl to marry you!" The elf was shouting by this time.
"Hanima!" Santa stepped in. He took a firm hold of her elbow and gave it a tug and slight shake. "Calm yourself!"
For a moment, the elf turned to glare indignantly at Santa. But she listened to him and released the Phantom. Santa waited for her to subside.
The Phantom nodded, tears spilling from his eyes. He looked imploringly at the Ocean Elf, then past her at Santa. "She is absolutely right." he said.
Don't worry, my friends," Santa reassured them both, "it will all be as a dream to them now, a dream that will fade and be forgotten." said Santa. "They are not the only ones with a new lease on life. By reviving them, Phantom, you also get a fresh start."
The Phantom put his head in his hands and sobbed.
"Ocean," said Santa, putting a hand on her shoulder, "you are in two minds about him." The elf nodded emphatically, looking questioningly at Santa. "Don't be afraid to give him a chance to be friends," Santa said gently to her, "No one has before, except for one other person, and that was an unhealthy codependent situation resulting from both of their unhappy experiences. And he is not proud of the things he has done."
The elf smiled at Santa, and her expression became much more kind as she turned back toward the Phantom.
Santa moved away from them to see what the elf would do next.
The Ocean Elf stood for a few moments, quietly observing, and finally she put a comforting hand on the Phantom's shoulder.
Santa nodded at her in approval.
"Shh, shh," the elf said as she took a seat next to the Phantom and put an arm around him. His sobbing intensified, making her wince with compassion, and she held him tighter, rocking him gently, and rubbing and patting one of his shoulders.
Even Santa teared up.
Is there any way to describe what the Phantom was experiencing? All of the sadness and bitterness of his forsaken past, the conviction and remorse of his own actions, the utter amazement and wonder of a chance at redemption by none other than Santa himself, whom Phantom had given up believing in many years ago. A woman who gave him heck only minutes before was now holding and comforting him as if he was a distressed child, and not once had she nor Santa scorned him because of his disfigurement or laugh at his tears. It was more than he dared to dream could ever happen to him. Or was it all a dream?
The elf remained strong and dry-eyed as she held the wailing Phantom, but she looked sorrowful.
No one knew how long they remained that way, but once this first flood of emotion was released, Santa took something from his pack and handed it to the elf. "Thank you for your help, Hanima Of The Waves. Here's a little something for you."
The elf beamed up at him. "Thanks, Santa!"
"Ho, ho, ho! You're welcome, Ocean Elf!" he laughed. "Now, enjoy. I'll take Phantom to my place to get some much-needed rest. And you take care of yourself and your parents."
"I will." the elf replied. Then, extending a hand, she looked at the Phantom. "It was nice to meet you at last. All the best, and Merry Christmas." she said.
Phantom timidly reached out to take Ocean's hand and shake it. "Thank you, Ocean, and - " he took in a quick breath, eyes still filled with wonder. "Merry Christmas!" Merry Christmas!" He burst out laughing giddily, and quietly mouthed "Merry Christmas..."
"Ocean, try to get some rest too." said Santa.
The elf nodded.
When Santa took hold of Phantom and teleported him back to the North Pole, Elf took the package she'd received and sat at the table.
opening the gift, she found it consisted of some shortbread cookies, Nanaimo bars, and a few packets of gourmet hot chocolate in different flavors.
Santa put Phantom up in a spare room to rest, then went to prepare a space for him down in the shop, where he was intended to join the elves in toy-making and other such things.
"So how did it go?" Nadine came up to him, looking curious.
"He is resting now. When he is ready to join the work force, this is where he'll start. It is semi-private so he shouldn't be overwhelmed. Once he gets used to things, I'll put him with whichever elf or group needs his help."
"Who is he?"
"You will find out in time, Nadine, when I introduce him to you all."
"Aw,"
"Now, Nadine, don't look at me that way, you'll survive your curiosity." Santa chuckled.
Phantom slept through dinner, so Mrs. Claus had something saved for later when he would be hungry.
When Phantom awoke, he forgot where he was, and looked anxiously around.
The bustling outside and many strange voices chattering, then a glance out the window at the snowy scene reminded him where he was.
It was not a dream. It really happened!
Still, he didn't dare venture out of his room. That might cause panic from anyone who saw him.
He did go turn on the light, and that indicated to Santa he was up.
Sure enough, it didn't take long for Santa to come around and knock on the door.
Phantom let him in.
"Ho, ho, ho!"
Phantom couldn't help smiling in response.
"How are you now? Did you have a good rest?" Santa asked.
"I did. A surprisingly good one." the Phantom replied.
"Good. Now, we have some dinner saved for you."
"Oh, you didn't have to do that,"
"Nonsense. You have to eat or you'll get sick. And you can't help my elves out when you're sick."
"Help - " Phantom's jaw dropped, eyes going wide. "them - " he shrugged in disbelief.
"That's what I said." Santa assured.
Before he realized what he was doing, Phantom jumped up and down and whooped for joy. It was an honest to goodness expression of pure happiness, not a jeering shout like those he made at people he managed to frighten in the past.
"Are you ready to meet our community?" Santa asked, grinning.
"Are they ready to meet me?" Phantom countered. "And where's Ocean?"
"I am just about to check in on her.
Santa took out his smartphone and rang Mission HQ.
There was no answer.
"She should be there at this time of night, unless she's over at her folks'. Before I bother them, I think I'll make a quick trip to Mission HQ myself."
"Can I go with you?"
Santa smiled at Phantom. " That is actually a good idea. I'll go down by the chimney route, and let you in the front door."
Ocean Elf was in her room, alone at Mission HQ. everything that had happened that day was now hitting her, causing some serious crying jags. She couldn't forget the Phantom's first "Merry Christmas" how he said it, the way he looked. She knew it was quite possibly his first genuinely happy experience in the presence of anyone else's company. She couldn't forget, or get the mournful sobs out of her head either. That had distressed her terribly but she didn't know how to cope with it when she was trying to comfort him. Now that she was on her own with her feelings, it was time to face them and let them out.
When Santa came down and out of the chimney, he frowned with concern. The sad sounds were coming from Ocean's room.
Santa went to the front door and let Phantom in, then motioned him to follow.
Phantom looked distressed at the sobbing sound as well, but followed Santa.
Santa knocked. "Hanima."
The elf startled and took in a sharp breath.
"What's wrong?" Phantom asked.
But Ocean was all flegmmed up and having a violent coughing fit, so couldn't answer them.
"Ocean Elf." Santa tried again.
When the elf finally opened the door to let Santa in, he took hold of her and thumped her on the back. "Take it easy, Ocean. Deep breaths." he tried to help her calm down.
"I'd like to thank you for your kindness," Phantomm said from just outside the door, too timid to venture in to Ocean's room with Santa.
"You are welcome, and thanks for the compliment." the elf replied, smiling through her tears.
"Now, how about you come back with us for a little while, Hanima?" Santa suggested. "I'd like to introduce Phantom to the other elves, but they'll want to see you too."
"Other elves?" Phantom asked.
"Thank you, it would be an honor." Ocean replied.
"Yes, the community of elves that lives up at the pole with me. Surely you've heard of them and all the toys they make? Along with many other things."
"Yes," said the Phantom, "but what I really meant is that you called them the 'other' elves. And I've heard you call her 'Ocean Elf' sometimes. Is she actually an elf, or is Elf her last name?"
"No, she is one." Santa answered. She doesn't look like what people typically think of, and she doesn't make toys. But elves come in all shapes and sizes, and do all sorts of other things too."
"Oh!" the Phantom said, looking surprised and interested.
"Before we go, is there time for me to get a drink of water?" the elf asked.
"Certainly."
The elf nodded, and left.
"She's upset." Phantom said quietly.
"Although she disapproves of some of the things you did in the past, she is sad that you suffered so much, and for no good reason. I know this elf. She feels for you. If she did not, there would have been no way to get her cooperation for your sake. She understood why it was you who needed to use her light saber. And it pains her to see people cry. She was strong for you this afternoon when you needed comfort. But I thought she might shed some tears once she was alone. That is often her way."
"I'm so sorry." said Phantom ruefully.
"Don't be. This was good for you and for her." said Santa.
"Okay," Ocean said as she returned.
The Phantom jumped, startled. He had not heard her come up behind him.
The elf chuckled.
Santa grinned. "Now that everything seems to be in order, let's go."
He took hold of them both and teleported them to his residence.
Then he called an assembly in the auditorium.
Once everyone came in and took their seats, Santa began.
"We have a newcomer, who will be having his first Christmas celebration. When you know who he is, you will also know why. He will also be joining you on making preparations for the next Christmas."
The elves applauded. Santa waited until the noise died down before speaking again.
"He has had a redemption experience, and I was glad to help with that, so he is not on the naughty list. Hanima Of The Waves, AKA Ocean Elf also helped out. Ocean, come out here please."
Hanima stepped out from backstage and was greeted by a round of applause and some cheering.
She couldn't help grinning and giggling in response, and nodded at the audience.
When that applause died down, Santa spoke again.
"Ocean has her earthly home, and also one on Tatooine. She has a light saber that is used for a very special purpose, and it played a part in our newcomer's redemption. So it is only fitting that I call on Ocean to introduce him to you all. Ocean!"
Santa went back stage to make sure Phantom wouldn't get an attack of nerves and bolt.
"Merry Christmas, ladies and gentlemen," Hanima began, "thank you for your warm welcome. It is good to be back here again. And now, please extend a warm welcome to your newest community member!"
"Come on, now, they are waiting for you." Santa coaxed."
"I'm not sure about this at all." Phantom said with a shudder.
"The Phantom Of The Opera!" Ocean's voice rang out.
"It's over, I'm dead." Phantom darted nervous glances this way and that, but at Santa's gentle prodding, finally stepped out onto the stage.
As he dreaded, the room erupted into squeals and screams, and elves stampeding. But this time it was different.
They were not running away in fear. The crowd got up out of their seats and clambered up and on to the stage. Soon, elves were pressing in on Phantom from all sides.
Phantom gasped, looking utterly bewildered. Feeling as if they might knock him off balance, even though most were considerably shorter, Phantom managed to kneel down to greet them face to face and shake their hands.
Then they really mauled him. Elves jostled one another as they all tried to get their turn to meet him. It was mostly younger elves doing this, while older ones stood back patiently, waiting for their opportunity.
Finally, Phantom looked up at Santa. "I can't believe this! I'm being mobbed by Christmas elves!"
Presently, Santa took the mic and said, "All right everyone, attention, break it up, please return to your seats."
Once the crowd simmered down and sat down, he resumed.
"It is too late to hold a celebration tonight. We will have a welcoming party for our Phantom tomorrow night. Thanks for coming, and good night all."
Everyone filed out, but there were still some elves who came up to greet Phantom and Ocean on their way out.
Once the coast was clear, Santa said, "Well, I've got to get some sleep. Ocean, thank you for your help."
"You're welcome." Ocean replied with a smile.
Just then, there was a sound from back stage, then someone running toward them.
"Uh-oh." Phantom mouthed.
"So!" said a blonde elf coming up to the group.
"Curiosity satisfied at last?" Santa grinned at her.
She nodded. "That's who this is! "I've got questions, but they can wait." she said, extending a hand. "My name is Nadine."
"Pleased to meet you, Nadine." the Phantom said, smiling back at her, and shaking her hand."
In a while, Ocean Elf returned to Mission HQ, and everyone retired for the night.
The last duty Santa intended to do that night was checking his naughty or nice lists.
A red mark appeared on one of the currently nice list names. Clicking on it, he got updated as to what was causing the warning of one in danger of leaving that list.
"Oh, Elissa Baker. You are heading for trouble." he said to himself, shaking his head.
There was a blinking amber mark at a different name on his list. He clicked on that as well, and looked in on the person in question.
What he saw was a pale-faced woman with wavy chestnut hair and blue eyes, staring vacantly out a window.
A look of concern crossed his face, and he decided to contact her.
She startled when her device rang, and went to answer it.
Santa saw her move from the window and into another room where the phone was lying on a counter.
"Hello Santa!" she said, her face turning from a wan expression to one of happy recognization when she saw his name on the display.
"Ho, ho, ho! How are you doing lately?"
"Better now that you've called. I'm not sick or anything, just a little down."
"It happens to everyone once in a while, but for you, at this time of year? Would you like to talk about it?"
"I had another nightmare last night. I've been feeling uneasy since. Everything was going well, all my Christmas shopping was done, I've been getting together with friends, but what if that all disappears on me again?"
"Just remember, those responsible for what happened to you won't do it again. The writer has permanently set you free from his stories. He will not put you in another and try to kill you off horribly again. The obsessive maniac elf that tortured him is dead. You are not responsible for her actions, my friend." he assured her.
"I keep trying to tell myself that."
"Would it help if I was the one who transported you somewhere you won't be alone, and where I believe you could be a big help to a special little girl who is about to have her first good Christmas in a long time?"
"If you're behind it, I'll give it a try," she said, "especially if I can help make someone's Christmas."
"That's the spirit." Santa said encouragingly. "You've heard of Star Wars, correct?"
"Of course." she replied.
"Good. I will send you some information on the little girl, and will personally escort you to Tatooine as soon as it is convenient for them. In the meantime, why don't you stay with me and my people here at the North Pole?"
She shuddered. "Thank you. I - " she trailed off.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you get as much privacy as you need."
"I really appreciate that, Santa, thanks."
"You're welcome. I will be by to pick you up shortly."
So all in a day, Santa had two new guests, both of them in need of the kind of Christmas spirit which comes from helping others.