Disclaimer: I don't even own the socks on my feet.

Rating: PG---PG-13

Summary: Astrea and Jarod meet up in Delaware, and run into a bit of trouble…

!!!Author's Note!!!: Okay, there is a controversial subject that I will be bringing up in the first segment, namely religion, and though it is an extremely small part and you probably won't care anyways, I entreat you to remember that they are just thoughts and opinions of a character or two. If you are truly offended by it, I'm afraid that you are taking this story way too seriously. I apologize for any insult you may feel, (though I'm not truly sure how you could be but know that it's wisest to prepare for such a reaction), and hope that you can just accept it as part of the intricate weaving of my fabrication. If for some reason you feel you have no other choice but to do so, I cannot hold you back from sending me flames. Just understand that I will very likely ignore them, as I have no tolerance for those unable to let someone express their own views and beliefs. My rambling is done, and you may now read the fiction. Thank-you!!! ;)

Feedback: (Luckily for our rather unlucky bard, Han Solo managed to blast a way out of the bar without being beaten to a bloody pulp. He, and Shadow Elf, are both now in a docking bay, preparing to board Han's ship, the Millennium Falcon)

   "This tin can is supposed to fly?" [Raises an eyebrow at him] "Exactly how thick do you think I am?"

Han: Look, either you take it or leave it. I don't have to fly you off world, you can stay here if you'd like.

   "Fine. I'll go." [Grumbles] "Jerk."

(They both go up the ramp and the door to the ship slides open, revealing the wookiee Chewbacca, Han's partner.)

   [Jumps into Han's arms in fright.] "Ahhh! It's a giant deranged killer mutant monster hairball!"

Quote:

    "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."  ---Albert Einstein

********************************ShadowElfBard**************************************

2:48 PM, Wednesday

Blue Cove, Delaware

Blue Cove Mall (Thought I was going to say 'Centre' huh?)

Floor three

(Astrea)

"Wow, this place sure is…bright."

   The comment I make is agreed upon by Arthur, who gapes along side of me and stares with wide eyes at all of the lights, tinsel, decorations, fake snow, and monstrously huge Christmas tree that is adorned and embellished from trunk to tip with glistening ornaments. I'm especially drawn to the shimmering and radiant five-pronged silver star that looks made of crystal. The entire building resembles a jewelry box, filled to the brim with gold and shiny baubles.

   "Arthur?" I ask tentatively, still astounded at the change of scenery, "why are all of these things up? What's going on?"

   He looks down at me, a bit amused and baffled at my inquiry. "You don't know? "

   I shake my head no.

  Sadness and pity cross the English man's features. "You poor child. You've lived fifteen years of your life without ever knowing what goes on out here haven't you?" He sighs. "The reason for the decorations is because in a few days time it will be Christmas. The tinsel, garland, stars and tree are to acknowledge and emboss the upcoming holiday."

   "A holiday?" My eyes light up. "Jarod and I experienced Thanksgiving together, is it like that?"

   He chuckles. "A bit, yes. It all has to do with the basic Christian religions. Christmas is a time for them, and others who celebrate the event, to rest and spend time with family and friends and think about what truly matters in their lives, while those who follow the religion also remember the birth of Christ."

   I take it all in with only a smudge of confusion on my window of understanding. Mr. Raines had taught me about most of the main religions, and he had explained them as ways for people to have something firm and solid to believe in an ever-changing world, as well as a way to give them false reassurances about death. Personally, I don't see it in quite the same cynical light as he does, but the point is that I know about religion. And frankly, as Arthur explains more to me about what happens on this 'Christmas' holiday, I find that I like the idea and the basic principle behind it. It's a religious holiday that can be participated in and have meaning for those who don't even believe in the religion itself. I enjoy the concept of giving of yourself, of providing happiness to young and old alike, and spending time with loved ones. I'm also greatly amused by the idea of old jolly Santa Claus and his flying deer.

   Hmmm… perhaps I should purchase some gifts. One for Willie, Jarod, Broots, Angelo, and Arthur. I have no doubt that Jarod will be buying some as well, and it could be an insightful experience.

   "Astrea?" Arthur asks hesitantly, effectively bringing me back to reality,  "are you quite all right?"

   I give him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine Arthur, just thinking."

   "About what, may I ask?" he inquires with a raised eyebrow but a good-hearted smile.

   "About how long until Jarod is scheduled to meet us here and if there could possibly be any extra time I could use to shop."

   He pauses thoughtfully before he speaks, glances down at his watch, and then back at me. "If my out-dated sundial of a timepiece is correct, I believe that we do indeed have an hour before his scheduled arrival. I'm sure that would be plenty of time for you. Perhaps I could find something myself, though I'm not at all sure who I'd give a gift to."

   I grin, noticing the mischievous gleam in his eye.  "I'm sure you'll be able to find someone Arthur, just as I will. Should we go explore this magical wonderland on our own then, and meet back here in oh, say…forty minutes?"

   He sticks out a mitten-covered hand. "I'd say that's a fine idea Ms. Broots."

   I give a playfully exaggerated shake. "Why thank you Mr. Norman."

   We both chuckle, and then wave good-bye to each other and go our separate way, ready to begin stalking the halls of this large, glittery, and over-populated mall.

2:53 PM, Wednesday

Same Place

Floor Three

(Jarod)

"You better watch out, you better not cry, you better be good I'm telling you why…" I sing softly to myself as I walk down the hall, carrying a large shopping bag at my side. I love this time of year. All of the caring, the love, the gatherings of joy… in some ways it makes up each year for the Christmas's I missed at the Centre. It also helps to reinstall faith in people's ability to be good and kind.

   I nod my head in polite acknowledgement to a teen who is pointing at me with her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide and filled with humor. Her friends along side her are also laughing, and I just grin and wink, whistling as I walk by.

   Boy, you'd think that they never saw an elf hat and ears before.

   I glance down briefly at the bag in my hand, searching through it and mentally trying to think of what I have to purchase next. My plane arrived half an hour earlier than schedule and I've been spending the time shopping for my… friends in and out of the Centre. No matter how paranoid I may be I can't keep from spreading the Christmas spirit. I bought Sydney a Beethoven collection, Astrea a very well made journal-like notebook with a silver etched wolf on the front, (to match my own red notebook), and I bought Broots a "Funky music" CD. All I have to do now is hunt down Ms. Parker's gift.

   A store catches my eye and I stop, and then make the decision to go forward and check it out. Inside are shining statues, ornaments, stuffed animals and various jewelry. I browse the sections; my eyebrows rose appreciatively, and then accidentally bump into someone, causing the person to fall to the ground. I quickly hold out my hand for him to take, and apologize nearly three different times.

  The person who I ran into, a man with glasses, a sweater, and woolen gloves, gives me a hesitant smile and readjusts his specs.

   "No, no it's quite all right," the man says with an English accent, cutting off my apologies. "I didn't see you there. I was in too much of a hurry." He holds up a necklace that shines in the lighting. "I'm just too anxious to purchase this gift. It's my very first Christmas in the states."

   I grin, somehow already liking this guy right off the bat. "Where are you from?" I ask, knowing already but wanting to make small talk.

   "England, Wales specifically. They have some of the most beautiful gardens there you know."

   I nod. I went there once, for only a few days, but I found that they do know how to take care of flowers. "Planning on staying here long?" I begin to move down the aisle as I talk, and as I predicted, the friendly Englishman follows beside me.

   "Well, I suppose that depends upon how my… 'Job' turns out." His eyes lit up and he leans in close, as though sharing a secret. "I'm somewhat of a secret agent at the moment."

   I raise my eyebrows, though it is only for the benefit of the man beside me. I've already concluded that he definitely isn't the agent type. But, the lie is harmless enough. I'll let him try and impress me.

   "An agent? Wow, that must be exciting."

   "It is." He frowns. "Well, at least I hope it is. So far it's been rather dull."

   "Is it now?" I'm only half-interested at the moment, as I've just spotted something that has very good potential at being Ms. Parker's gift.

   "Oh yes." He continues on, oblivious to the lack of attention I'm giving him. "Right now my colleague and I haven't even spotted any opposition. Its all been just traveling and waiting for our contact. Why, he's not even coming by helicopter even! Just a boring old airline."

   That comment brings my head around to look at him more closely. "Who's 'he'?"

   "Mmm? Oh, his name is Jordan, or Jacob, or… or some thing like that."

   I blink. "Or Jarod?"

   He snaps his fingers. "There we go! Yes, the chap's name is Jarod. But I probably shouldn't even be telling you this…" his eyes narrow with suspicion. "You aren't one of the opposition are you?"

   I keep on my kind-hearted look, but a little surprise and confusion enters my eyes. "No. Actually… I think I'm your contact."

3:09 PM, Wednesday

Same Place

Floor Two

(Astrea)

   I can't believe how much variety there is here! I've only had to go in perhaps four different stores and already I have nearly every gift I've planned on buying.  There are tons of people here, and with good reason. The mall is most assuredly the easiest place to find what you need. It's no wonder that the words I just used are what they have as their catch phrase.

   I've already purchased gifts for everyone on my mental list but Angelo. Then again, he is one of the harder people to find something for. I stop walking for a moment, sorrow taking over my features as I stand in the middle of the hallway, everyone just walking past me.

   Angelo… has he ever before received a gift? Have his years and isolation and his strange mannerisms really made everyone forget of his existence? Is he nothing more than a messenger to bring cryptic hints? For all he's done, has he truly been overlooked? I try to convince myself otherwise as I begin to move again.

   No, surely not. If no one else than at least Jarod would have given him something. I know that Jarod's nature would cause him to buy something every Christmas for the pursuit team; surely he would give something to Angelo as well. He couldn't ignore Angelo. He just couldn't… could he? I shake my head violently, the ebony strands of my hair hitting my face. Snap out of it! How can you even think to doubt it? Jarod is the most kind and loving soul you know! He would never, never, actually fail to pay attention to Angelo. He would have given him just the same amount of notice as he had the pursuit team.

   I nod to myself and then wipe my mind clear of the topic. It's time to think of other things.

   Spotting a shop that appears to have the wide enough range of items that I need to choose from, I make a beeline over, trying to politely get past the swarms of people in my way.

   Finally inside I begin scanning the area when an idea comes to me. Angelo travels the air ducts of the Centre… it has to be really cold, and it is winter after all… maybe he could use a sweater. I smile, liking the idea immensely. A sweatshirt would be perfect. And one with a hood too, since he always likes to remain hidden. Oh he'll love it!

   I nearly jog over to a clothing rack with jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts and begin going through them at a rapid pace. Too bright… too big… too orange… too decorative… ah perfect! I unhook and bring out a black sweatshirt with a hood and that has, cascading down the sleeves like miniature rivers, light blue flames. I nearly cry out at its perfection.

     I approach the clerk, who then promptly rings it up for me with an almost mechanical speed and precision. He hands me the bag with my gift inside, and I reach out my hand to take it, but then he pauses, and his eyebrows narrow. I stop as well, nervous and wondering why he's looking at me so, thinking something's wrong, but then I'm relieved when a sudden grin breaks out on his face.

   "Love your elf ears," he compliments, handing me the bag. "Totally realistic. You go all out for Christmas huh?"

   I blush, though it's more at the fact that my ears were even noticed. "Eh heh, yeah. "

   "Have a merry Christmas!" He shouts, waving to me as I leave.

   I repeat the gesture, though with less enthusiasm. "Yeah, you too."

   I purse my lips as I stroll once more into the hallways, beginning to head back to the meeting spot. Well, better to be thought of as an elf than a feral pretender I guess.

   I wonder if Jarod's here yet…

3:31 PM, Wednesday

Same Place

Floor Three

(Sam the Sweeper)

I think that the worst part of Christmas is becoming an errand-boy for Ms. Parker.

   Don't get me wrong, I mean I love working for her, love how I'm able to see the truly good person inside of her, and generally just love being around her. I don't think I could ever see her as anything but an employer and, (should there be no security cameras to hear it), a friend, but I still think myself lucky just to know her.

   But really, filling out her Christmas shopping list and purchasing all of these gifts for her to give to co-workers and such is just degrading of my position. Not that I should be surprised, after all I've been running errands and carrying out impractical tasks for her over the span of nearly two years now, and this is really nothing new. It's just strange is all, to be running around picking up things at the mall while I'm supposed to be this big muscular and stony sweeper. Oh and don't even get me started on the time she made me try on the dress when she went clothes hunting with Debbie. That was just humiliating.

   I shake my head in exasperation at the memory, my big burly arms carrying multiple shopping bags form the various stores I've visited. Boy, if she wasn't the woman she was I would have just flat out refused to carry out this task, even despite the forty dollars she gave me to pick out my own gift. I'm just not a person who likes to shop. I frown. Then again, maybe I'm the only one, because from the way my companions acted, just leaving me to hunt down the items on my own, you'd think otherwise.

I told Stan and Jones to be here at the fountain nearly an hour ago. Those two sweepers are really taking this trip too lightly. I shouldn't have even accepted the ride from them. I wouldn't have if I'd known they'd be out shopping together in the mall just totally ignoring the strict schedule I'd established. I mean you ask them to follow simple instructions, be at the water fountain by three-thirty, and they can't even do that much. What are sweepers becoming these days?

   I sigh in annoyance and sit on the edge of the fountain, the sound of the water shooting up behind me soothing me slightly. I scan over the crowds. There sure are lots of people here today. They seem to just flock to the mall whenever the holidays come up. One of these days this building is just going to get too big and it's going to explode from the pressure. Or implode, I don't know which. I'll leave the technical terms to the Pretenders.

   As I'm leaning back on my elbows, yawning and ready to look at my watch, someone catches my eye. I feel this strange feeling of déjà vu, as though I've seen that person before… and then it hits me with the force of a ten ton sixteen wheeler.

   I leap up, still holding the bags, my eyes wide in recognition and shock. "ELF 17?!"

  She stops and turns slowly, and I see the horror in her features. Our eyes remain locked for a moment, and then she takes off at a sprint.

   I fumble with the radio in my pocket and then bring it up to my face. "Stan, Jones! Get your butts up to floor three! I've just spotted Elf 17!!!"

3:33 AM, Wednesday

Same Place

Floor Three

(Jarod)

   I frown as I watch Arthur hand the clerk his gift, so that she can wrap it for him. I'd really hoped to get Ms. Parker's gift here. I have something rather… special planned as a way to get certain presents distributed, as well as keep the pursuit team out of my hair for a while, and time is running out. I suppose I'll just have to search elsewhere, after all there are plenty of other 'fish in the sea' as the overly clichéd phrase goes.

   With my hands in my pockets, I scan over the store again with a last gaze, just looking out of boredom, when my eyes bulge at the sight of something that, if it really is what I think it is, I must get. I walk over hastily, trying to politely squeeze through certain people in my way, and then finally make it to the shelf that the item rests upon.

   I pick it up with tender and scrupulous care, and my heart melts and my eyes water at the sight of it. It's a porcelain angel, small and adorned in an ethereal white robe, with a golden halo slipped sideways on the figures head, giving it a childlike innocence. But that's not what captures my attention. No, what makes me suddenly drawn to it and that causes waves of emotion to buffet over me, is the angel, in almost painstaking detail, looks just like Faith, right down to the small and delicate hands that lovingly hold a baby robin with an injured leg.

  Without even looking for a price tag, I affectionately carry the miniature statue over to the desk and place it gently down on the counter, and then begin fishing for my wallet.

   The woman behind the desk picks up the scanner and turns the figure over to scan the price tag, but then pauses, and her lips purse.

   "Hey Jerry?" she calls back to a man who is stocking some of the shelves.

   "Yeah?"

    "This one doesn't have a price tag," she looks over the angel confusedly, "and I don't remember seeing this is stock. I'm not even sure if it's one of ours."

   Jerry jogs over and she passes it to him so that he can look it over.

   My eyes widen, worried that they might refuse sale. "Please," they look at me. "I really need to purchase that gift. It holds significant meaning for the one it's intended for. I can pay you whatever price you desire, but I just need that statue."

   Jerry opens his mouth, and from the look of his face it seems he's ready to refuse sale, but the woman grabs his arm quietly.

   "Come on Jerry," she whispers. "It's near Christmas. Let the guy have a break."

   He grudgingly nods. "Alright. We'll just match it up with our own figurines." He types in the price of twenty-five dollars and ninety-eight cents, and I happily hand him two twenty's.

   I thank them both profusely as I'm handed back my merchandise and change, and then stroll out of the store.

   As I walk out, my face practically aglow from the small shopping triumph, knowing how much Ms. Parker will appreciate it, I suddenly stop. Wait a minute…where's Arthur?

   I begin searching the crowds that are walking past me, worried thoughts in my mind as I try to piece together where he could have gone, and then, near an open benched area in the middle of the walkway, I hear singing.

   Mystified, I turn and begin to move closer to the cheery and light melody, the gathering of singers becoming clearer with every step I take. There are some people crowded around them, listening to the holiday choir and praising them with smiles.

"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight

We're happy tonight

Walking in a winter wonder land"

Then I spot him, near the front of the group of spectators, slowly moving his head back and forth to the music with his hands, still covered in his odd woolen mittens, clasped behind his back. I approach him, and tap lightly on his shoulder. He starts at first, but then recognizes me and nods quietly and trails behind me as I walk away from the carolers. 

   I stop near a fake plant that's been dressed up with tinsel, and fold my arms, much like a scolding parent.

   "Why'd you leave?"

   "Well you had obviously found something of interest within the shop and the music… well, it seduced me into going to listen." He shrugs. "After all, it's not like I was in any danger.  I was planning on leaving with you to go meet up with Astrea as soon as I'd finished listening to the song. I knew you'd find me."

   I shake my head, exasperated. "Oh, all right. But let's get going now, I think that it's already a few minutes past the time you two had planned on, and I don't want to make her wai-"

   I break off as sudden shouts of, 'hey!' and 'watch it!' come closer to us. Suddenly, Astrea bursts out from a large crowd and zigzags her way past various patrons.

   "Astrea?" Arthur asks, her actions baffling him.

   His voice catches her attention and with obvious relief she sprints over. "Oh, thank god you're here. Look, we need to get going right no-" she sees me for the first time, and her mouth hangs open slightly. "Jarod?"

   I smile. "Yeah."

   She's about to speak but is cut off when my name is called out again in a loud shout filled with puzzlement and urgency.

   The three of us spin around and see Sam and two other sweepers coming out of another large crowd, their guns drawn.

   Arthur's eyes widen comically. "Oh my."

   The first shot is fired by one of the younger, trigger-happy sweepers at Sam's side, and it's nearly an inch off its mark and goes into a plastic manikin's arm. The customers all scream and go down on the floor, covering their heads with their hands.

   Wasting no time, we all turn and run, though as we do so we try to get as much distance between us as possible to make for harder targets. Strangely enough, none of us have let go of our shopping bags. Huh. Weird.

   I can hear the futile yelling of the sweepers behind us, telling us to stop. Yeah, right. Like we're going to just stand still and let you capture us. Save your breath. Also, mingling with the noise of the sweepers, our feet as we run, the corny Christmas music on the mall's speakers, and the screams of terrified civilians, is the distinct sound of mall police, (rent-a-cop's) giving orders to others on different levels. Great. Now we have to evade them both. I should have known something like this would happen; it always does whenever I meet up with Astrea. I'm beginning to think that it's a sign of some sort, but I can't for the life of me figure out what it means. Ah well.

   "Turn right!" Astrea orders us, following her own commands as she does so. We go after her and begin pushing our way through the large throngs of people, looking back ever so often just long enough to recognize that the sweepers are indeed still following us. Where in the world did they come from? There is no plausible cause as to why they should have been able to locate us and arrive at the mall before us, and I refuse to believe that this is a mere coincidence. There is no way they'd be here for any other reason then to catch us. Raines doesn't hula, Lyle doesn't watch Telatubbies, and Sweepers don't shop at the mall. These are the things I know.

   We are nearing the doors that led out to the parking lot, and I pray to high heaven that Astrea has a car for us to get out of here in because there sure isn't enough time to hotwire one.

   I watch as Astrea suddenly stops moving and when Arthur and I slow down, waves her arms in a motion that clearly tells us to hurry up.

   "Keep going! Arthur will lead you to the car! Just swing around the front side of the building for me!" Immediately after she says this, she turns and runs back in the direction of the sweepers. Arthur is frozen for a second or so with indecision, but a soft, though meaningful shove from me gets him going again.

   "Don't worry about her," I tell him, "she knows what she's doing."

   At least, I hope she does.

3:44 PM, Wednesday

Outside Of The Same Place

(Astrea)

   Man I hope that those two did what I said. I know that for some anomalous reason men always feel this unexplainable urge to be all chivalrous and needlessly put themselves in danger for a woman, and at this point acting upon that urge would not be brave, it'd be idiotic.

   I see the three sweepers burst through the double doors, nearly knocking over a sixteen-year-old boy as they do so, and I cease moving seven yards away from them.

   They stop and meet my eyes, their fingers itching for their guns.

   I hold their gaze and give an extremely well done impression of Jarod's patented smirk, before running off to the left.

   I can hear them trailing after me, as I'd known they would, and as soon as I turn the corner and know that I'm in front of the mall, my head starts turning wildly as I try to pick out Arthur's car, clinging to the hope that they will drive here in time. If they don't show up soon I'll have no choice but to face the sweepers on my own and I would sincerely like to avoid any physical confrontation. Right now with my unstable transformation, I'm not sure how much control I'd have over my own actions.

   And that's when I hear the lovely and almost musical honking of the car horn.

   I give a grin that reaches and fills my eyes, and I jog towards it. They drive alongside of me and after they slow down slightly, I jump in.

   And then Arthur hits the gas pedal and we speed out of the lot, leaving a few seriously pissed off sweepers in our come around.

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Yeah, I know that you're most likely angry that it's so short, but look on the bright side-- I was able to post it up earlier than I would have. That's a good thing right? Right? Oh, and the Challenge I was talking about earlier has been typed up and posted on my Bio, so please go check that out and attempt to write something on it. Also, if you plan to give it a shot, do you think you could either review me or e-mail me and tell me so? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks and please review!!!

-----Talk to you later!