A/N: :D Hi.
I do apologize for the -um- destracted-ness of the "cards" chapter, I was tired and wrote the whole thing in, like, a half hour... on the other hand, I've gotten great feedback on it, thanks reviewers!
Also, apologies for the short updates last two days. I've been busy.
There is a reference to the Polar Express in this chapter, you should know that I don't own that either.
On to the story!
December 11th
Bells
Jack loved the Pole.
It was so hectic and crazy and busy.
It reminded him of his brain, no matter how crazy that sounded.
Though it was chaotic, it still had the sense of wonder in the air.
The magic of the Workshop, the smell in the kitchens.
The muted, empty halls, the quiet music.
It all added to the wonder of the Pole.
When Jack would stay quiet, he could almost hear it.
The ringing of the bells.
It was a tiny sound.
Just a light, happy sound.
A sound full of wonder and belief.
A sound that Jack heard in his dreams.
It filed him with joy and Fun.
It had been a complete mystery until Jack went searching for it.
He'd waited and waited.
Day after day.
Finally he could hear it.
He followed it, set on finding the noise.
He ran after the noise, finding himself deep in the belly of the Pole.
It continued, jangling as if to call the spirit forward.
Jack found the door it was coming from.
Hesitating, he backed away from it and turned to the door next to it. Entering the storage room, he moved boxes until he uncovered a large vent. Carefully leaving his staff hidden under some extra blankets, he hoisted himself up, squirming inside the metal tube. Still following the sound, he wiggled down the vent. Finding the next rooms opening, he put his face next to the metal. Biting his lip, he observed the peaceful sight inside the room.
Nine yetis sat in a circle, cross-legged, a neat and orderly set of tools in front of each. All of them held a tiny silver bell in their hands. Even more of the bells lay in neat piles, where nine elves - more calmly than Jack had ever seen them - gently shook the bells, producing the noise. Up close the sound was even more beautiful.
Jack stayed there until the yetis and elves had left. Once again wriggling out of the tube, he picked up his staff, dusted himself off, and headed carefully out of the door.
He returned there every day he could, just to listen to the bells ring.
To hear the beautiful sound.
To hear the Christmas bells.