Disclaimer: I don't own Victorious, and I'm not certain who own's Santa. I'm just reimaginging the relationship.
Also, Trigger warning. Things get a touch intense, so I'm being safe.
:}
Twas the week before Christmas, and the Vega household was rocked yet again by a mini tragedy….
Tori looked up from her pillow, still feeling like there was no reason to go on living. It was, regretfully, a familiar feeling, one she knew from experience would pass. Jefferson, the cute guy she'd been seeing, had dumped her. Worse, he'd used her to get access to Neutronium, to stars and possible stars, and then used that information to tell various girls he had an in. She'd inadvertently given him enough knowledge of the place to score girls for years to come. Just that thought alone made her hurt inside.
Mason, of course, had forgive her. She was hardly the first girl to fall for that tactic. But while she was forgiven, her demo album had been delayed as "Punishment." Just long enough for people to know the company was upset, had reacted, and wouldn't tolerate that kind of betrayal. Six weeks, long enough for people to forget.
So instead of making music, Tori was going to spend her yule time break at home, like last year, helping Trina decorate an over sized tree. That was, if she could drag herself out of her room, or forget Jefferson's near perfect face, or at least stop imagining him with the various girls she knows he'll be scoring with this winter.
The front door slammed, a warning that Trina was home. Tori normally would just ignore it, except that what followed was the older girl calling up the stairs. "Tori, I'm leaving you in charge of the tree this year."
"What?" The younger sister asked. Then the meaning of what her sister had said sank in. "Wait, what?" Then just a little louder. "What do you mean your leaving the tree in my hands? I thought you liked getting the tree?" She hoped Trina hadn't skipped out while she was interpreting that improbable statement.
"I do." The older girl replied, having walked up the stairs. "But this year, I'm getting what I want, and from the source."
"Even thought their on yet another break, I'm sure you'll have a scissor related accident if you stalk Beck again." Tori sighed. Inwardly, she was happy for the distraction. The hurt from being used was now worse then the feeling of being unloved, so the singer was almost desperate to think of anything else.
"Not that source." Trina corrected her sister gently. "I'm going to ask Santa."
The younger girl was smiling at the thought of her sister on Santa's lap, asking for a hot boy. "Trina, I don't know how to tell you this, but Santa's..."
"I know he's not real!" Trina snapped. Then calmer, like she was talking to a three year old, she continued. "Only he is. Just not the way people think, going around the world in a night and delivering toys. He's a powerful fictional character, one who can be used to get what your heart desires the most. It's just a matter of finding him, offering him the correct tribute, and asking."
"And what tribute does he want?" The singer tried not to lose it at the thought. "Milk and cookies?'
"Actually, yes." The more experienced girl replied. "But it's not enough to leave the offerings out. They have to be special. No store bought cookies will do. Hand made, from scratch if possible, and offered to him directly in his home. The milk is kinda open, but I'm thinking whole milk works best, cause it's the least processed of the milks. But the important thing is getting the tribute to him. That requires either we trap an elf, never the easiest of tasks, or have someone conjure one of the companions of Saint Nicholas and have them take us. We need someone who understands rituals."
"And how, exactly, do you know any of this?" Tori asked, now worried her sister was fully insane.
"I talked to one of the producers of the show I was on." The older girl seemed to drop her voice to a whisper, like she was reciting an ancient secret. "He said he'd done the trek once, years ago, and that was how he wound up getting his big break. I figured it'd be worth a shot. I mean, whats the worst that can happen."
"Okay, suppose I believe we're gonna go ask Santa." The younger girl looked, and felt, skeptical. "How exactly would it work? I mean, how can Santa be real?"
"It has something to do with ancient rituals and powerful figures that people believe in. Most of the U.S. forces it's kids to believe in Santa, just for a couple of years. But that makes Saint Nick, note how important it is he's a saint, very potent. Add in the other versions of him, celebrated around the world, and you have a figure that can shift things, make major changes." The less talented sister explained, looking very serious.
"So we do this ritual?" Tori asked.
"Yea." Trina replied. "Unless one of us knows a witch. Just someone familiar with mystic rituals, who could call one of the companions for us. But what are the odds..."
"Okay, maybe I do know someone." The singer blurted. Looking shocked by her own admission, she glanced around sheepishly, then continued. "Jade's way into that dark mystic chiz. Maybe we could get her to help."
"I doubt she'd do it." The older sister speculated. "But if we offered her some kind of payment..."
"Maybe." The younger agreed. "She is kinda money obsessed." The two sisters started plotting on how they'd ask the Gothic girl.
"NO!" Spoken in her normal voice, Jade's words were solid, strong.
"Why not?" Tori whined. "It's not like we're asking you to take too much time out, and we're willing to buy you dinner in return."
"I don't want too." The pale girl said.
"Come on, she made her choice." Trina started.
"I'm calling in the favor you owe me." The younger Latina tried. "I know you owe me at least one."
"I owe you exactly one." Jade said through gritted teeth. "But the question is, do you know what your asking me to do?"
"Look, I know it seems insane, but if you do the ritual, exactly the way Trina wants it done, then you'd square your debt with me." Tori smiled her sweetest smile. "All we're asking is your best try."
"You said do the ritual the way Trina described." The blue eyed girl said. "That wouldn't be my best effort."
"What would?' Tori asked.
"I can call one of the companions." Jade said. "Currently the most famous of them. But it'd cost me far more then I'd get out of the deal."
"Why?" Tori asked. "I mean, how… Unless your on the naughty list."
"Thats just it." The goth groaned. "I am, and we're not talking about Santa giving me coal. No, the most likely of the companions to show up is the Krampus. You know what that means?"
"No candy?" Tori said in a small voice.
"It means I get punished for my sins, even as Tori Vega gets the rewards." The now angry dark haired girl cut off the Latina before she could continue. "I know, your sister is asking, and she may well get what she wants. But the story of my life, since you got here, is I get the short end while you get rewarded for half the work. I know you work hard." Tori had once again tried to protest, only to be cut off by the goths hand. "But I work harder. I know that at least once I should have gotten the part. Yet I constantly get passed over for sweet, lovable Tori. And I refuse to believe your that much better then I am."
"Oh." The singer didn't know what to say. "Then, I guess we'll just do it without you."
"Look, I'm sorry if that came out a little rough." Jade surprised herself by saying. "But I've been feeling beaten down for a while now. I should warn you, whatever companion you call, their gonna want someone for them to do their thing with. Some reward kids, but many of them punish kids. Kinda the counter to Santa giving. If I'm not there, then Trina may find out she's got things to atone for."
Jade took one step closer to her frenimy. "What were you hoping to ask for from Santa?"
Tori debated with herself if she should tell, or if Jade was just fishing. The goth certainly wasn't acting her usual self, but that didn't mean anything. As a result of both thinking about whether or not to tell, and trying to decide what she'd ask for if she could, she took almost half a minute to finally say what was on her mind. "I just want to be loved by someone." Tori almost broke down in tears, the recent betrayal weighing heavy on her. "I'm tired of attracting jerks and losers. I want someone who will love me, and not use me."
Silence dominated the air between the two girls as Jade looked surprisingly conflicted. "Okay then." Jade sighed. "I'll help. Just, if it's Beck, be good to him. And I have one other condition. A favor."
"WHAAAT?" Tori groaned.
"I'll let you know after." The goth said. "You'd best get going. We'll have to do the ritual on the day before Christmas Eve. I'll get my supplies, and meet you at your place. When I do, I'll expect you and your sister to be ready to go. Things will go fast once we begin. But until then, just remember, I'm facing all my sins so you can find love. Make it worth it."
Days passed with Trina nervously making Christmas preparations while constantly wondering if maybe, just maybe, Jade was going to betray them. But they never saw an elf to capture, so they were left with almost no other choice. Tori did try the ritual earlier, failing to so much as call up a single cold gust of wind.
Then, on the appointed day, Jade showed up dressed warmly. "What are you doing dressed for a summer day?" She scolded. "The legends say North Pole, and I'm guessing it's gonna get cold. So change, cause the ritual starts in half an hour. I'm not waiting for anyone."
As the two girls head up to change, Jade grabs Tori's arm. "One other thing. The favor. I have a letter, for my brother. If I don't come back, make sure he gets it. I've included a bullet point version for you, so you can support the story, tell the gang, etcentera. I-I kinda want my brother to have the few years of happy that come with believing in Santa. Then, when he's too old, let him think I was a fool who ran off and got lost looking for fame."
"Jade….?" Tori tried to force out. Somehow things were spiraling out of control, into a darkness that the Latina couldn't associate with Santa.
"Hey, it's just a precaution." The pale girl said, producing a fake smile that failed to even dent the poker face she'd kept around her eyes. "It's a dangerous trip, and we don't know if the legends are true or not. These guys, their heavily influenced by the ancient stories, as well as the current stuff, but their origins are archetypes, older then time itself. We have no idea just what we're dealing with."
One Jade was done with her precautions, which included Tori promising to give a version of the goths bullet point story to their friends if she didn't come back Jade got down to the ritual. Using a translator app, she initially tried conjuring the Krampus in German. When it became obvious that wasn't going to work, she changed tactics and restarted the ritual in English. Chanting and rhythmic words slowly flowed from her, words changing from the written ritual as the space between worlds grew thinner. Then, after almost an hour of her sitting, alone, in the circle she'd drawn, in the Vega's back yard, the sister watched as the pale girl finished whatever addition to the ritual she'd improvised.
A cold wind from the north blew, sending chills down the goths arms and goosebumps up the sisters backs. There was a sound on the roof, like something was walking up there. Both sisters raced to the porch, watching Jade slowly look up to the man beast who dropped from the ceiling and stood before her. He was a goat man, reminiscent of the traditional visage of the devil, standing tall over the goth. "I called you here to take them to Santa." Jade said, pointing. However, her voice lacked it's usual command. Instead, she was barely holing herself up, her legs looking like they would buckle in the presence of the demonic figure.
Tori, and Trina, both initially thought of hiding from the strange visitor. That idea was lost when he looked over too quickly and saw them both. Hiding was no longer an option. "Once I leave, the gateway will stay open." He growled out in a voice reminiscent of some large, ferocious beast. "But only for a half a minute. If they move fast enough, they can follow."
A clawed hand reached out for the pale girl, snatching her by her clothing and lifting her up. That was when the Vega girls noticed he was wearing some kind of bin or basin on his back. Jade was tossed in almost casually. The beast man then looked over at the sisters, saluted, and turned towards the north. He faded as he seemed to step away.
"Hurry." Trina roared, pulling her sister out the sliding door and through the fading portal so quickly the younger girl still hadn't registered what just happened. Tori felt like she was falling, lost in the swirling winds and the faint sound of bells. Then she was tumbling, end over end, into something cold and wet.
'Snow…' Her mind tried to process what she was seeing. They were in some kind of snow drift. "Trina, it's snow."
"I know." The older sister said, looking annoyed. "We have to find Santa. Bring the offerings, cause this is gonna be rough."
"We're still going to ask him for stuff?" Tori looked hurt by how cold her sister seemed.
"I may not have liked Jade, but I'm not leaving her with that thing." Trina barked. "No, we try to bargain for her life, then maybe see if we can get our holiday wishes." Tori didn't move, staring at her sister with wide, unbelieving eyes. "I'm not a monster, sis. I-I knew her. I'd never be able to enjoy whatever success I had if I knew it cost her life. I have my limits." The last part was almost a moan, like it hurt her to admit she was human.
"Okay, we find Santa. How hard can that be?" Tori said, trying to find sanity in the simple ordering of events. "Lets start with what direction do we head in?"
"We were tumbling that way." The less talented sister said, pointing. "So I'm guessing we're either short, or long. Short makes some sense. So we walk a hundred yards, see if we can see anything, repeat. If after an hour or so, we haven't found anything, we reverse course."
"Good plan." The singer agreed.
"And if we don't find anything in a couple of hours, we'll have more then just Jade to worry about." The older sister added. "Winter cloths aren't proof against not having shelter at night. And here, it's night for months on end."
The two staggered forward through the darkness, counting on each other to keep going straight, as well as the app they both had that let them use their pear phones as flash lights. For the next hour, they trudged ahead, pushing over hills and through whatever obstacles they might encounter until they knew they'd gone as far as they could, Then they back tracked, following their own vanishing footprints. The driving winds tried to erase any evidence that anyone had passed. Only Trina's sharp eyes, watching for her snow boot prints, as well as them both remembering the hills they'd gone over, let them move forward.
After what totaled Two and a half hours of slow, difficult movement through packed snow, the two saw the colorful lights of Santa's village. Now more worried about how cold they were then stealth, they walked into the center of the small enclave, looking for shelter.
"You're late." A high voiced figure said. Both girls spun around to see a small elf, maybe a foot tall, standing in one of the doorways. "The Krampus got back hours ago. He's entertaining his guest." A strange, shallow tone emphasized how uncomfortable the elf was at talking about what sort of entertainment that particular guest was receiving. "So, you want to see Santa?"
"Mister Elf, it's important we see him as soon as possible." Tori pleaded. "Our friend, she was just trying to help..."
"I'm a brownie." The small figure said. "All worker spirits are technically brownies. We got called elfs cause, well, I don't know. Maybe we deserve the upgrade, but Elves don't gain sustenance from doing craft work. Or making toys. We do. We make the toys, and they get the credit. But yea, we make the toys, and whatever else the big guy says to make. If you're here, you know we make stuff for a small, select group, not every good child on earth. Not that we'd be working for that big a group anyways. Turns out, many kids are what we'd call bad, by default. They grow out of it, but then they stop believing in Santa, so it's a wash. Bottom line, we owe you hospitality, but if you want to see the big man, you earn that."
"How?" Tori asked, not bothering to wonder about the rest. There'd be time later, after they'd saved Jade.
"First, lets get you warm." The Brownie said, leading them into the building. "The scale's more human friendly, cause thats what we were used to. Back in the day, when our legends flowed freely, we living in houses meant for humans, in the small places they couldn't go, and traded our labor for a little food, a little water, and the joy of doing the work. There is magic in what we create."
He led them into what appeared to be some kind of guest room. Then he left for only a moment, returning with hot apple cyder. "This will warm you up, while we find you some food. You hungry?"
"I could eat." Trina said.
"We have to help Jade." Tori insisted.
"Assuming he hasn't drowned her, she'll be subject to his mercy for a while yet." Their host said. "I think you'll have time. Guy likes to take his time."
"So we can save her?" Tori asked.
"You may yet save her life." The fae said. "But save her, I'm not so sure. Depends on what version of old Krampus you got. Rest up, I'll bring some food, and you can face the challenge in a bit."
After a short while, the Brownie returned with another figure. This one towered over him, easily three times his height. "I'm an elf." The figure started. "Not one of the great elves, no, they'd be tall. I'm just a worker elf. But I'm here to bring you your meal, and to talk to you. I'm Volker, by the way."
"Thats an unusual name." Trina commented.
"Germanic, like me." Volker replied.
"Oh." Tori let out.
"Why does he have Brownies and elves?" Trina asked.
"Brownies do domestic and craft chores, but aren't good with animals or cooking. Lesser elves are good with both." The figure explained. "Normally, I'd give you time to adjust to the temperature, and figure out the best way to test you. However, you came with the Krampus, so I'm guessing one of your number is on borrowed time. So, lets get to it, shall we. That is, after we eat."
Tori and Trina ate the meal brought to them. It was bread, some kind of cheesy meat sauce over a potato, and a spiced porridge. The whole thing was surprisingly tasty, and very filling. Tori watched as their hosts went about their business. It seemed that there was so much being done, all while the two sisters rested and waited.
"Okay, the first challenge to see the boss is for one of you to ride a reindeer." The elf announced as he returned from wherever he'd disappeared to. It felt like another hour or more had passed. "Follow me."
"Is it dangerous?" Tori asked.
"Reindeer are wild animals." The elf answered.
She was severely worried about her friend, to the point where her own problems with love had temporally faded into the background. "Soo, I'm guessing we're not dealing with the tiny reindeer from the story 'the night before Christmas', are we?"
"Just follow." Volker said, leading them out of the building they'd been in and towards one end of the village.
They reached the pens in time to see the reindeer chosen to be ridden. He was a large, aggressive bull, who took three elves to separate from the others and move into a pen reminiscent of the ones used for bull riding. "The secret is the single rope we'll tie around it's chest. Hold on for all your worth, and show us you can ride the deer." The attending elf instructed.
"And where do I..." Tori started, only to shift to yelling "NOOOO!"
Trina had mounted the bull deer. With one hand holding onto the shifting animal, the other was signaling for the attendants to let the beast go. With the sound of them stepping back, flinging open the pen, the beast took off. Literally. Higher and higher into the air, the reindeer flew. However, it wasn't trying to buck her off. Quite the contrary, it seemed to be staying as steady as it could, like it was used to, even enjoyed, the idea of being ridden. Once it'd flown her around the village twice, it landed softly in front of Volker and sat down, dumping the still shaking Trina into a patch of soft snow.
"Okay, for the next test.." The elf started.
"Wait, that was it" Trina asked. "I got on the dear cause Tori here can be clumsy at times. Besides, I figured I was the better choice. I have some experience, I've ridden the bunny at the Gorilla Club."
"But I'm not really like the bunny." The reindeer said. "Like, I don't breath fire."
Tori and her sister exchanged looks. 'And I thought this couldn't get any more freaky. The dear knows about the Gorilla club.' The singer thought,. Trying to wrap her mind around the strangeness that now ruled their lives.
"Miss Vega, it was a pleasure to have you on my back." the reindeer continued. "But I think now it's time for you to go. There's a second test. Besides, the Krampus can do a lot in only a couple of hours."
Both sisters waved by to Berg and followed their host out of the stable area.
Volker led them back into the workshop, stopping at the kitchen to get a little snack to help calm their nerves. Trina was then separated. "No offense, but we need our medical expert to look you over, make sure nothing got snapped when you fell." The elf said as he directed one of his companions lead her to the doctors office. "He's a big one, that Berg, but he tends to be very gentile. Still, we can't be too sure. Tori, why don't you wait here in the break room." The second elf led her sister down the hall.
Tori was waiting maybe fifteen minutes when she overheard a small voice crying. Going over to check out the source, she saw a very small brownie sitting in the corner of the shelf, crying and holding herself. "Um, hay there, um, your crying." She watched the small figure look up. 'Of course she's crying. Now be careful, your after something, and you need to save Jade.'
"It's nothing." The miniature girl said in a weak voice. "Sorry I disturbed you."
"It's okay, I could use the distraction." The tanned girl said, then adding quickly "Not that I like hearing anyone cry. It's just… So why the tears?"
"I didn't make quota again." The little girl said.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Tori cooed. "Wait, why's that bad?"
"If you miss quota, you don't eat." The small fae informed her. "But once we miss a meal, it's that much harder to make quota. I haven't had a decent meal in days. I'm so hungry."
"But there's plenty of food here in the break room." Tori pointed out. "Why don't you eat something?"
"I'm not allowed to take it." The foot tall fairy said. "This is a magic place. We can't just open any old drawer."
"But I can." Tori said.
"You're a guest." The small one informed her. "You can eat whatever you want." Tears started flowing again. "Now please, just leave me. I need to figure out how I'm going to make up three days worth of quota's."
Tori acted without thinking, going to the pantry and taking out some warm porridge. "I'm sure no one would miss this." She said to the brownie as she offered the small bowl. "Please, eat."
"No, I can't risk you not getting to see Santa." The girl said.
"They can't blame my sister, so she'll have to be the one to save my friend." Tori insisted. "You eat."
"We could lay on the guilt, since the Krampus has your friend." Volker said, startling Tori. "But this was a test of compassion, so we'll let it slide."
"Wait, this was a test?" Tori asked.
"We kinda get most of our sustenance from the work." The brownie informed her. "The porridge was a nice gesture, thought. I think your very compassionate. You did say you'd ask your sister to ask Santa to help your friend, so everything does seem like you were willing to sacrifice your own happiness. Just, in the future, think about what your risking. It's no fair to the poor girl in the Krampus's hands. He's worse then even starving to death."
"Um, thanks?" Tori said.
"Okay, we think you two have proven yourselves enough." Volker announced. "Lets see if we can get you in to see Santa while there's a chance your friend can be saved."
"Wait, what?' Trina asked. Tori was still recovering from the test.
The small voice of the brownie broke through the room. "Good torture takes time. However, he's had almost six hours. No telling how much he's broken her by now. She may never be the same again, assuming she's still alive. Once their past recovery, it's almost a mercy when he drowns them.. No, it's time to see the man about your friend. And maybe, if he's in a jolly mood, you can discuss your reason for being here."
The sisters were led into what had to be the throne-room, cause the big chair Santa sat in couldn't be called anything else then a thrown. Reminiscent of the throne that mall Santa's sit in throughout the U.S., the large, comfortable and stylized chair was positions for them to stand before the presence of the spirit of Christmas and plead their case.
The girls were escorted in, shown where to stand, then waited for Santa to make his appearance. Mrs. Claws walked by, but didn't bother to enter. She only glanced in and asked one of the elves a quick question. Once she had her answer, the wife of Santa walked away, glancing back only once. The room grew deathly quiet until the man himself made his appearance. He wasn't laughing his signature laugh, nor was he as jolly as legends said he would be. Instead he was all business, walking in and taking his seat. "They brought the tribute?" He asked.
Volker spoke up. "Yes, your saintness." A prepared tray holding the cookies and milk Trina brought was presented to the fat man.
"Hmm, these are good. Home made, I see." A laugh escaped his lips as something funny crossed his mind. "I'm guessing Katrina's the one who made them. I'm sorry, Victoria, but cooking isn't one of your strong suits."
"Um, yea." Tori said. "If it's all right, I'd like to know about.."
"Yes, lets see whats happening with miss West." Santa cut her off. A large snow glob was wheeled forth into their presence. He gestured and the snow started swirling, obscuring the miniature image of Santa's village in a wash of white. Then, the snow shifted, taking on the forms of shadows and light, until in the wink of an eye later, they could see Jade, arms stretched out like a cross, pulled out to the point where her joints had to be breaking, and tied face down over some kind of table. Her top was ripped open, exposing her now bloody back. Cut marks, presumably from a whip, crossed her back to the point where the meat was nothing but mangled flesh. The pale girl looked even paler, her body shaking from the pain she had to be feeling.
The Krampus was talking. "Your still not fully present now, are you. Sigh, I'm getting frustrated here. You're there now, aren't you. What will it take to drag you back to the present? I could pull your fingernails out again. That seemed to work for a while. But your fading too. I only have a little while longer until I have to let you rest, or let you go. What choice do I have?" He'd grabbed her hair to pull her face up to meet her eyes, looking into t\her dead seas with almost a rage. "But no, it's never been my choice, has it?" he let her go to walk back around behind her, selecting his next tool
"Not dead yet." The spirit of commercial Christmas said. "So lets get right to your business. Miss Vega, it's not as simple as you think it is. I have other peoples wishes to consider, and the Krampus is bound by old laws, corrupted by a belief that couldn't see past the bestial exterior or their need to punish. Believe it or not, he was once a gentile soul. Dangerous when crossed, but more of a giver then a punisher. Now, he plays the roll assigned to him, but longs for the days he could heal instead of harming. So, enough side talk. What wish brought you to my home?"
"Um, we were hoping for some things.." Tori tried, but couldn't get the ideas out.
"Couldn't we just ask for our friend back?" Trina managed to ask.
"As I said, it's not that simple. Tell me, what wishes brought you to my home. What did miss West sacrifice herself for? I need to know if it's enough to call off the Krampus." Saint Nick emphasized the urgency of his request. "What did you want so badly you called one of my companions, who all punish, and asked to be brought to my presence?"
"I want..." Trina hesitated. "I wanted fame and fortune. I just wants to be seen as the special person I know I am. Be loved and respected. I know, kinda selfish. But I live with her," She pointed at Tori, "always the perfect child. I needed that, the recognition. Just, you know, not at the expense of a friend. And if thats what Gordon paid, then I hope never to talk to him again."
"And you, Victoria?" The now larger then life figure asked. "What brought you to my frozen realm?"
Tori looked around, not sure if what she had to say was any better then her sister. "I was broken hearted, wishing for someone to love me, never leave me. Someone I could trust, love, and have the happily ever after with."
"Strange when Katrina here has the more realistic wish." One of the elves murmured, just loud enough for them to hear.
"Ho, ho, ho." Santa laughed, smiling. "Victoria, I can't give you a fairy tail love, cause those just aren't real. But I can give you someone who could love you forever, and if you make the adjustments, compromise, and put the work in, they will be with you until the end of time. And Katrina, I could introduce you to someone who could help launch your career, manage you until you need more professional management, and in general help you achieve your dreams. All that is easy. I just need one more thing from you."
The fat men gestured for them to come closer, so that they could speak intimately. "Tell me, what can we do to give your friend a reason to live?"
"Whaa?" Tori tried to process.
"Maybe get the Krampus to stop torturing her?" Trina suggested.
"He would if he were allowed, but Jade lives a part of her life in a very painful memory." The man in the red suit said. "He's done everything he's allowed to in trying to draw her out of that moment, the moment she was raped by the man she thought loved her. Not Beck, but a teacher she had back in seventh grade who used her, raped her, and convinced her that telling anyone would only get her in trouble. It drove her to the dark side, the moody goth who keeps everyone just out of arms reach. Thing is, she never processed what happened, so she's lived in that moment ever since. Everything she does is an attempt to escape, but she can't. So, knowing that. Knowing that she blames herself for getting raped, and she secretly just wants the pain to end, can you give her a reason to live? Tell me one, and I'll make your wishes come true."
"Love?" Trina tried. Tori looked at her, confused "Not like Beck love, but active love. Someone who can tell her how amazing she is, not criticize her constantly for being the gank she obviously become to escape her past. But someone who can help her heal. Hold her when she's scared." Briefly to her sister, "Yes, I heard about that. But every girl gets scared." Then back tot he man in red, "She needs someone to hold her, tell her things will get better. Maybe if she had that, she's have a reason to keep fighting."
"I don't know." Tori countered. "I'd like her to get help. Get her to talk to a rape counselor, learn it wasn't her fault."
"And how are you gonna make her?" Trina asked. "No, if she loved someone, enough, then she'd be willing to get help. And someone who loved her could suggest the help. Mostly, she needs someone she can trust to help her heal. Someone she can give her heart to."
"I just wish she'd have asked for that healing." Tori said. "I'm sure she would, if she were able."
"Nice try." Santa said. "You can't make her wishes for her, but you are right about one thing. She needs someone to love her. I suspect she's convinced herself that as long as Beck, the most desirable boy at school, loved her, then she was worth loving. Outside source, but something that gave her a reason to live. So, who can she get to love her?"
"I'd have to be someone like Beck." The older sister suggested.
"Only very different." The younger Vega added. "What, you were right. She needs support, not trying to fix her. Beck needs to feel like he's helping, fixing problems. Jade needs someone to love her, hold her when things get bad, and whom she'd feel was as desirable as Beck. Someone to show off."
"So... you." The talentless girl suggested. "Only male, since Jade's not gay."
"And what if she was?" Santa asked. "What if, at the very least, a girl was a viable option for her? Would one of you volunteer to be her love?"
"She is a long term kind of girlfriend." The older girl added. "Not that I would reject her, but I don't think she likes me very much. Besides, if I was as popular as Beck, I'd never have risked coming here."
"You knew there would be risks?" The singer screeched at her sister.
"Of course there were risks." Her sister replied. "I just assumed they'd be for us. Getting lost in the snow, which almost happened. Or failing one of the tests. I never thought that someone not seeking something would be at risk."
"Of course she was seeking something." The large man said. "She wanted an end to her pain."
Tori looked conflicted. "I've never looked at a girl that way." she started.
"Yes you have." Santa cut in. "I've seen the way you look at Jade. And beyond that, you are interested. Think about this. If you found her drunk and friendly, asking you too, would you feel her up?" Tori blushed just a bit. "I thought so. You're too good a person to actually do it, but you'd want too. No, you and Jade could be a famous couple, but for your both being in denial of your potential feelings."
"Okay, suppose we tried it, how much work would it task to make these potential feelings real?" Tori released, giving in to the idea that to save Jade, she'd have to allow herself to be with the goth.
"Easy as asking." The gravely voice of the Krampus said. Both sisters looked to the snow globe, and saw the beast man looking back at them. Jade was in the background, unconscious, apparently having passed out from the pain. The devil man turned back to the injured girl. "Now my poor, wounded witch. I finally have the leave to do what I've wanted since we first got here. Let us reduce the memories of torture to that of a bad dream, one you're about to wake from. The pains and embarrassment of your abuse will fade with it. Not gone, but now no longer dominating your waking thoughts. And in the void of your heart and mind, where once this pain and fear lived, I will fill it with a love. One I hope miss Tori there is worthy of."
The wounds on Jade's back faded, reduced to nothing. Not even the old scars of past injury marred her now porcelain skin. The ripped clothing was gently removed by Sprites, traded for new cloths of similar color. The old was taken away and repaired. Then Jade was born from the Krampus's dungeon by elven hands, taken to a room to recover from her ordeal.
Once that was done, the Krampus stepped out of the snow glob, and into Santa's presence. "She'll need time to heal. I'd say you can bring them all home when you take your trip in eighteen hours or so."
"Agreed." Santa said, making a half bow towards the devil man. "It's always good to see you in this form."
"What form?" Trina asked.
"Why, the original." Volker said. "Krampus, in a slightly different form, is the pre-chrisitan Santa. The original lord of the spirit court who dolled out gifts and punishments on Solstice. As a companion of Nicolas, he's been greatly reduced to that of a devil man. Still, the lord of the winter court is mighty, his powers giving life to the legends of Santa and the like. Hail the Krampus."
"And Tori?" Trina asked.
"I've prepared a warm drink." The small female brownie from the younger girls test announced. "Drink it, and you will fall in love with the West girl. It won't be immediate, but you will. And I can tell you, the word of Santa is steel. Work on your relationship, and that girl will be as close to the love you hopped for as you'll ever get."
"What about me?" Trina asked. "I was promised my fame and fortune. Not to sound shallow, but if their getting what they wanted, why not me?"
"Soon, as Jade adjust to being with your sister, she'll find a way to help you achieve your dreams too. Yes, she was the linchpin to this whole plan. The Krampus, and Santa, planned the whole thing that way." Volker explained.
"So they planned the whole thing out?" Tori asked, feeling something between wonder and revulsion.
"As much as we could." Santa laughed. "But you made a few adjustments that had us worried. You went the wrong way when you got here, and I swear, you could have chosen differently at each of the tests. And that girl, she could have given up completely, as opposed to mostly, and died on us. It was close, closer then you could imagine. But in the end, you chose right, and the girl lived long enough to be saved. Now we wait for you to be ready, and I take you home. By Christmas morning, you'll be back in your own beds, ready to face the world again."
"And will we remember any of this?' Tori asked.
"What do you think this is, a movie?" The ancient spirit of giving asked. "Of course you'll remember. Just, don't be like Gordon. He only knew the legend cause we needed to get it to you. Spread the legend when necessary, but only when necessary. Now, I have work to do. Please, enjoy any of the guest areas, but let us do our jobs. Jade will join you as soon as she's able." With that, the so called jolly old elf walked out of the throne room and made his way back to his workshop, followed by the Krampus. The elves showed the girls to a couple of room where they could take showers and get freshened up. Jade would wake up soon.
Jade woke up only a couple of hours before they were set to leave. By then, her original cloths were fixed, but the elves insisted she keep the new cloths they'd made just for her. Tori and Trina were also given a change of cloths, fit for the winter environment. But the goth wasn't able to talk to them about any of it. Instead, she was forced to eat, to fill up the calories and protein she'd lost in the ordeal she'd been through. Tori was told to explain it in terms that didn't involved being tortured for hours.
"Jade, we faced different tests then you did, but in the end, we agreed, you and I, to be each others wish, so that the Krampus would let us go home. You okay with that?" The singer asked.
"You mean I'm stuck with you?" The writer asked, showing a mock horror. Then she leaned over and kissed the Latina, taking advantage of the warmth of the room they were in. "I guess I can live with it. I'm already feeling things for you. It's like I always had some feelings for you, and I've just realized how deep they were." Her voice got softer, filled with wonder.
As they loaded onto the sled, the girls were holding hands. Trina rode up from with Santa to give the young lovers room. "Want to join the mile high sledding club?" Jade asked the quickly blushing Tori.
"Santa!" Trina cried.
"No sex in the sled." The old man informed them.
"How long until..." Jade started, only to find herself in her own room, still wearing her new outfit, her old clothing neatly folded on her dresser.
Seconds later, she got the call from Tori. "Um, Jade, I know this is gonna be a strange question..."
"No time for sex in the sled." Jade cut her off. "I assume your wondering how we'll explain us as a couple to the others?"
"No, I just wanted to know if you'd come over after your Christmas morning to make out. I don't have missile toe, but we can pretend." The Tanned girl said.
Jade signed. "I'll be there. God, this is gonna take some getting used to."
"Why?" Tori asked.
"Beck didn't like having me come over on Christmas day. Said I upset his family." The goth explained. Both stayed quiet. It was gonna be a lot of work, but they both could tell it was going to be worth it. "By the way, babe, has your sister ever considered rapping? She can keep a beat, and has a decent flow. And honestly, anything would be better then hearing her sing."
:}
Not sure if this is a one shot, or a series of one shots. Just lets see where this muse takes me.
Review, cause you know this story wasn't the best, but it still made you wonder what I've been smoking.