Nina stared at the Awgwas and realized she was now face to face with those that held her family and friends prisoner. Her anger grew, and she stepped forward and made her own challenge. "How dare you imprison these people?"

King Awgwa looked at her and simply laughed. "A human? How pathetic."

"Answer the question!" The Great Ak's voice was heard. The other group entered from another doorway.

The king of the Awgwas turned his attention to the Master Woodsman. "You! You were the one who killed our first king!"

"Why did you capture these people?" The Great Ak demanded.

King Awgwa smiled, evilly. "To get our revenge. Many years ago, you pesky Immortals fought us. We remained hidden here until we regained our numbers. This time, you will perish, for we have a new ally on our side. He is more powerful than any of you weaklings!"

"And who is this ally?" asked the Master Woodsman.

"He is Pravus! He offered to help us exact our revenge on Santa Claus and the Immortals in exchange for our cooperation! Together, we will control the world!"

"Pravus is dead!" Nina shouted, boldly.

"You lie!"

Nina took the medallion off from around her neck and held it up for the Awgwas to see. "I killed him."

A hush swept through the room, then King Awgwa said, "No matter. This changes nothing, only that we alone will hold the power!" He pointed to the Immortals and the former prisoners and bellowed, "Attack!"

The Awgwas raised their weapons and charged at the others. Those who could fight stepped forward and kept the Awgwas from hurting the ones who couldn't.

Very soon, an Awgwa cried out, "They can see us! We can't turn invisible!"

When King Awgwa discovered this was true, he screamed, "Damn you, Pravus!"

Nina realized that both sides didn't have an advantage since no one who had powers could use them. She approached the king, pleading. "We don't have to fight! We can stop this before it gets worse!"

"Stupid, naive human!" the king scoffed. "We will never let you win! You will die, along with Santa Claus and the Immortals! The world belongs to evil!"

King Awgwa raised his weapon at Nina, who reluctantly prepared to defend herself. However, he was struck down, and it was Snow Miser who delivered the fatal blow. The lovers stared at each other, only breathing heavily.

As they had been so many years ago, the Awgwas were defeated. One by one, they fell until none of them were left alive.

The room, which only moments ago had been filled with battle cries, the clashing of stone and metal, and screams of pain, was now completely still. Nina didn't want to think about what had transpired, so she focused on getting Santa out of the cell. Once the bars were broken, she went in and knelt by him, checking his pulse. Mrs. Claus stood by her. "He's still alive," Nina stated, looking up at her.

Although she was relieved, Mrs. Claus stated, "We need to get him home. He looks very ill."

Nina nodded, then stood up and walked out of the cell. Looking around, she said, I don't know how powerful this medallion is, but no matter what, everyone is going home."

Taking a deep breath, she activated the medallion, closing her eyes.

When Nina opened her eyes, she saw that she was in front of Santa and Mrs. Claus's house. To her relief, everyone was there with her.

There was no time to waste. Santa and Winter Warlock were brought inside, and everyone was treated for their various wounds and illnesses. The house became filled with hurt and ailing people, where those same people had had such happy times before.

Tingler offered to treat Nina and Snow Miser's wounds. As he wrapped Nina's arm, he said, "Thank you for saving us. I knew you would."

Nina said, "It wasn't just me. I couldn't have done it without the Council or any of you."

"You're too modest, sugarplum," Snow told her. "What you did was beyond incredible."

"I don't feel incredible." She got up and went outside.

Nina stood in the snow, staring around at the darkness and the emptiness in front of her. Alone with her thoughts, she broke down, collapsing on the ground and crying her eyes out.

She felt a hand on her back. "It couldn't be helped."

The Great Ak was kneeling by Nina. Once she was able to speak, she sobbed, "I didn't want this to happen! I didn't want to kill anyone!"

"I know, but there were no other options."

"There should have been!"

The Master Woodsman lifted her up so they were eye level, then he took her in his arms and hugged her. They stayed like that for awhile before he spoke again. "It wasn't an easy decision, but it was one that had to be made. If they had been allowed to continue doing as they pleased, the world would be lost now. So many more people would have suffered. Your actions prevented that."

"Death is never easy," he continued. "Even though we are Immortal, we cannot escape its effects. All we can do is deal with the aftermath and lean on those we hold dear who are still with us. In doing this, you will find strength and comfort. Remember this for all your existence, Nina Alvar."

Nina stared at him, her tears drying as his words sank in. She turned her head and looked at the house behind them. The lights from inside shone through the windows and softly illuminated her face. In that house were her loved ones and friends. No matter what had happened or what would happen to them, they were worth cherishing, remembering, and protecting.

Slowly, Nina rose to her feet. "Thank you," she told the Great Ak as she helped him stand up.

He nodded, and they went back inside to help the others.

Mrs. Claus came downstairs and told Nina, "Santa is very ill, but he'll pull through."

Nina asked, "May I see him?"

"Of course, dear."

Nina went upstairs and found Santa and Winter laying down side by side in two beds that were next to each other. Mother Nature was holding Winter's hand, and both of the men were asleep.

"We thought it'd be better if they were together," Mother Nature stated, quietly.

Nina sat by Santa's bed and nodded. As she did this, Santa opened his eyes and mumbled, disoriented and frightened. Mrs. Claus gently hushed him. "You're alright, dear. Everything is going to be alright, now."

Santa tried sitting up and immediately put his hand on his head. "What happened? The last thing I remember were those Awgwas putting me in a cage."

"Nina and the Council of Immortals rescued us."

"Us?" Santa asked, alarmed.

Mrs. Claus tried to comfort her husband. "There, now. Everyone is safe. You have nothing to worry about."

"Tell me what happened," Santa said, sternly.

Nina and Mrs. Claus told him about his disappearance, Pravus, and the Awgwas. After they were done, he thought about their story, then breathed out, "My god..."

"We looked everywhere for you. We never stopped trying," Nina said to break the silence that transpired.

Santa sat up. "You shouldn't have had to go through that. None of you should have, but I appreciate everything you all did for me. Thank you."

He saw Nina's solemn expression. "It must have been very difficult for you, Nina."

"It was a nightmare for everyone," she stated, then took a deep breath. "The important thing is everyone is safe now."

Santa held out his arms, and Nina hugged him. They heard Winter ask, "Does this old man get a hug, too?"

Nina looked at Winter, who had been awake for a few moments. "Of course," she told him, then hugged him, as well.

"How are you holding up, Winter?" Santa asked.

"No worse than the first time we were kept in jail cells, my love," Winter softly chuckled.

As Santa nodded, knowingly, Nina told them, "I'm going to go get Snow Miser. I'll be right back."

When Nina left the room, Santa looked at Winter, Mrs. Claus, and Mother Nature. "Our kids did alright. More than alright, I'd say," he stated.

"Indeed, they did," Mother Nature agreed.

"The poor dears went through so much, though," Mrs. Claus said.

"But they got through it," Winter mentioned. "We can rest easy; the future is in good hands."