A/N: -meeep-

The Gifts

"You...?"

"I knew, yes."

Cricket piped up, "Then why didn't you tell us?"

"I couldn't, I wasn't supposed to. Now, first things first..."

Jack released Sally and Santa from their own bonds. Sally hugged everyone, saying about how grateful she was, but Santa was a little unhappy.

"Santa, I-" Jack wordlessly handed Santa his hat.

"Rough sleigh ride, Jack?" Santa grabbed his hat back, frowning at Jack. "Next time, think twice before taking over someone else's holiday!"

He waddled off, bidding goodnight to the group.

"But is there still time?"

Sanat whirled around to face Jack, his eyes wide. "To save Christmas? Of course! I'm Santa Claus! Now give these children their gifts!"

As he flew away (A/N: WTF.), Jack, ignoring Erik's, Willy's, and Victor's yells about how they weren't children, tried to get everyone arranged in a line.

"Gifts? What gifts?" Holli asked, her eyes lighting up nonetheless at the idea of presents.

"I'm supposed to give you all presents."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Jack sighed and smiled wearily. "Let's start with you, then. Erik, I give you the gift of my friendship."

He stuck out his bony hand and Erik, after giving him an odd look, understood and smiled a little, shaking Jack's skeletal hand with his own black gloved one.

"This way, no matter what, you'll know that there's someone out there who'll always be by your side."

Jack turned to Amanda, who giggled.

"Amanda, I give you the gift of confidence. You're going to start high school soon and I want you to start on a fresh foot."

He hugged Amanda, who playfully shot the rest of the group a weirded-out look. Everyone laughed.

"Holli and Willy, then! I give you both the gift of endless creativity."

Holli and Willy gasped excitedly, exchanging amazed glances.

"You both will be working together and this way, you will never lose money."

Jack patted Cricket's head.

"Cricket, I give you amazing stealth. Instead of tripping over your sneakers..." He nodded his head at Cricket's shoes. "You will now be able to move very quietly without making a sound."

Jack turned to Victor next. Victor's eyes sparkled with nervousness.

"Victor, bravery is in store for you. You'll still retain your shy, slightly cowardly nature, but it'll be easier for you to face creepy things now."

Victor smiled and bowed. "Thank you, sir!"

"And now for our writer..."

Jack turned to a grinning Pebbles.

"Pebbles, I give you my guard."

He rummaged in his pocket and brought out a necklace on an orange rope. On it sparkled an orange, metallic pumpkin, looking pleasantly cartoony. He bent down and put it around Pebbles' neck.

"You will meet many people on this journey. Know who they are and pay them heed, for they might have the key to your soul."

With his last words, a black door appeared next to him, and he gestured to it.

Pebbles squealed and gave Jack a rib-crushing hug. "Bye, Jack!"

Everyone bid goodbye to each other, Holli wishing Sally and Jack luck together. There were hugs and a few tears (Erik even kissed Sally's hand) before Pebbles opened the door and was sucked in with her group, one by one into Infinity.

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A/N: Cheesy, I know. But keep their gifts in mind, and prepare for a REAAAAAALY long chapter next!

There's only about 3 chappies left until the story is finished...wow...