Hatman handed the steaming mug to Rabid Wolf, then snuggled in with her on the couch. The Lair Legion was gathering together for a viewing of the Muppet Family Christmas in the living room, but Jay and Zdenka were the only ones there so far.
“What is this?” she asked, cradling the mug in her hands.
“Hot chocolate. Trust me, you’ll love it,” he assured her. The pair watched the snow fall outside the large front window as the fire roared behind them. It was a perfect Christmas scene, like right out of a television special. Then CrazySugarFreakBoy! showed up.
“Merry Christmas, ladies and germs! It’s your ever-lovin’ orange-skinned CrazySugarSantaClaus! at your service!” he beamed as he bounced into the room wearing a long red hat with white trim.
“Merry Christmas to you Dream,” replied Jay as he took a sip of his hot chocolate.
“Yes, Merry Christmas to you, Dreamcatcher,” echoed Zdenka. “What is the reason for that strange hat on your head?”
“Strange hat? Strange hat! It’s a Santa hat! Don’t tell me you don’t have Santa Claus in Candia,” cried CSFB! in shock.
“I have never heard of this Santa. Is he a Legionnaire as well?”
“Jolly old St. Nick? Father Christmas? Kris Kringle?” Dream tried feverishly, hoping that this was just a language issue.
“No, I am afraid I do not know them either.”
“I’m not hearing this, I’m not hearing this, lalalalalala,” sang Dream loudly to himself.
“Dream, cork it. Zdenka, Santa is a fictional character that children all over the world believe in. He’s known by many names, like some of the ones Dream mentioned. The legend is he brings good children presents and the bad children, and he’s always watching to make sure that the children are good. He flies around the world on a sleigh pulled by nine reindeer, and slides down the chimney to deliver the presents while everyone is asleep,” explained Jay.
“We do not have this Santa in Candia. Christmas is called The Glorious Day Of The Party. There is a parade in honor of the government, and everyone is allowed time away from their work to attend.”
“That’s it? That’s Christmas? What a crock!” shouted Dream.
“CSFB!, you realize you’re insulting an entire culture, right?” checked Jay. “Amber would roast you if she were here.”
“I don’t give a damn, that’s not right! Everyone should have time at Christmas to be with their families, and kids should get presents! We’ve gotta do something Hatty!” cried CSFB!.
“Like what? Jump in Aunt Sally and deliver presents to all of Candia?”
Hatman regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.
“Perfect! No, wait, Aunt Sally’s not available. That’s okay, we’ll improvise. First of all we’ll need to get presents. Jamie’ll be good for those, and I’m sure Mumph would be glad to pitch in as well. Okay, next we’ll…” Dream started chattering excitedly to himself as he planned the entire operation.
“He gets very involved in these schemes of his, doesn’t he?” whispered Zdenka.
“You have no idea,” groaned Hatman. “What do you think? Is it a good idea?”
Zdenka thought for a moment. “My people do not find kindness often. I would feel wrong in stopping Dreamcatcher from spreading his Christmas joy to my countrymen.”
Hatman reached into his Hatility Belt for his Santa hat. “Then I guess I had better get dressed.”
* * * * *
“Okay, so we’re clear on the details? EEE is going to transport the presents to us as we get low so we can keep our load light for optimal speed. Dancer promised to Rock Around The Christmas Tree as long as necessary to make it possible for us to get these presents delivered in one night,” said CSFB! excitedly as he jumped in the sleigh.
“And Yo is to be coming to be believing in the Christmasing spirit!” exclaimed Yo in his/her elf outfit. “Is to be a grand adventuring!”
“Donar promised us clear skies and a goat cart as back-up if we fall behind,” added CSFB!. “Librarian has drawn up our schedule to take maximum advantage of time zone shifts, and we’ve got Mumph on the speed dial if we need him. Hallie’s holograms will make it look like we’ve got a full team of reindeer pulling this puppy. I think we’re set!” beamed Dream. Yo hopped into the sleigh next to Zdenka who was already seated.
“Just one question, fearless leader,” piped up Hatman.
“Yeah?”
“Why do I have to be the reindeer again?”
“How else are we going to pull this thing?” asked Dream. He tossed Hatman a set of antlers mounted on a headband. “Onwards Prancer.”
“Don’t call me Prancer,” Hatman growled as he put the antlers on. After he’d completed the transformation, Trickshot harnessed him to the sleigh.
“Yer all set. Good luck you guys!” bid Trickshot. Then he slapped Hatman on the haunches and opened the hangar door.
“You are so getting extra training time when I get back!” Hatman called over his shoulder as he pulled the sleigh into the sky.
“Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!” shouted
CrazySugarSantaClaus. “Let’s show the Candians what Christmas is all about!”
* * * * *
Throughout the night the quartet worked at a breakneck pace, moving quickly from hut to hut. Unfortunately they couldn’t really land on any of the rooftops as none of them looked sturdy enough to support the weight, but CSFB! quickly leaped up to the roof to make his entrance properly.
The EEE work crew worked into the night, with only Miss Framlicker complaining about the unpaid overtime. Al B Harper assured her it would be good PR, but he didn’t mention how he’d noticed the little smile on her face after she finished griping.
Sir Mumphrey Wilton sat in his office, enjoying a reflective puff on his pipe. He had been more than happy to help with the donating of the presents, matching Jamie Bautista present for present. A mystery truck had pulled up while the Legion was packaging up the gifts with a payload of more gifts, but when they asked who had sent them, all he could say was they were from a ‘ConZerned Citizen”.
After all, Elizabeth Zemo had figured, they might not accept them if they knew the real source.
The night wore on. Hatman was beginning to tire, but after Zdenka transformed into a reindeer herself that Yo truly believed could fly the load was lessened. Yo and CSFB! began taking turns delivering the presents, both delighting in leaving the gifts for excited children to find.
Finally, the team returned to the Mansion. Hatman promptly collapsed upon their return, exhausted from flying around the country in an unfamiliar form. Zdenka, much more used to animal transformations, gently helped him to the couch.
Dream headed straight for the kitchen and chugged a 2 liter soda bottle. He felt much better after that.
As the tired team settled in the Living Room, Sir Mumphrey came out to meet them. “”Twas a jolly good thing you did tonight, what? Does an old man proud, it does. In the morning the country of Candia will awaken to a wonderful surprise, and those people could use the surprise I’d wager. Now get some rest. You have your own presents to open in the morning. Good night all,” bid the Eccentric Englishman.
The four of them slowly made their way to their rooms and settled in for a warm winter’s nap. Despite the fatigue, they were all very happy with the night’s work.
* * * * *
Hans Kozlova awoke with the dawn as he did everyday. He rose from his bed and made his way to his humble kitchen. His children were already awake.
“Good morning children,” he bid them.
“Poppa, look!” exclaimed his daughter, Frejda. She held up a brand new doll.
“And this!” cried out his son, presenting his new toy tractor.
“Where did you get these?” asked Hans.
“A man brought it last night. He said he was Santa Claus, spreading Christmas joy throughout the land. I drew his picture!” said Frejda as she rushed to the table to grab the picture she had drawn of the strange visitor.
Hans looked at the picture his daughter had drawn. It was of a man in a red suit with red trim, black boots, and orange skin.
END
| 
