Holiday Cheer - Tales to Share

<Hey All! Like Halloween We at the TEMPLARS of the ABBEY run a Holiday thread each year! I thought i would post them here to share them with you as we work towards another Holiday Season! To spread the cheer! >


December 1st, 2005 -

Im opening this thread for those who wish to post about stories and thoughts about their characters in Paragon...it is open to all. Have fun and share some spirit

Exerpt from the Toy's R Us Winter 2005 Catalog...

Girl's DIAMOND has arrived! She is here just in time for the Holidays!!!

[u]The Valiant Dazzling DIAMOND![u]

(Picture of a 12 inch Kara in her Classic Diamond One Piece, Bracers and Boots, posed atop a scaled version of the top of City Hall. The doll is very similar to a Barbie Doll style)

Description: Villains beware! Here comes our own Valiant Dazzling Diamond. Equipped with her signature Pure White outfit, silver-ish white wristbands and black streaked Boots, she features all the detail you'd expect from a Barbie doll. She even comes with a mini lunchbox clip and display stand so you can show her off when she's not busy fighting crime. IN STOCK NOW.

[u]Diamond's Friend[u]

(Picture of a 10 inch Red head in a sleek Green scaled costume, green boots and mask, posed beside an American flag atop a flagpole. The doll is very similar to a Barbie 'Skipper' Doll style)

Description: Villains beware as well! Fighting beside Diamond is her fierce and loyal comrade in their fight against crime. Equipped with a pretty green body suit and matching mask and boots, she is ready to stand beside her friend as they battle for justice. She also comes with a mini lunchbox clip and display stand so you can show her off when she's not busy fighting crime. IN STOCK NOW.

[u]Action Diamond from the Paragon Heroes Collection is now here![u]

Diamond

(7 inch scale action figure for Diamond is posed amongst scaled plastic rubble ready for battle)

Description - Diamond is just over 6 inches tall, made to a 7-inch scale. She comes with a sculpted rubble display base and a glow-in-the-dark blueish white energy halo. Diamond's articulation is a neck twist, ball-jointed shoulders, mid-bicep twists, hips, and knees. Featured in her classic white costume with her vintage White and Black Cape which goes from her shoulders to the ground, is a soft flexible plastic. Diamond's cape helps her stand without the display base.

Diamond's Serpent friend

(This action figure is picture beside Diamond in a fierce battle pose)

Description - She stands is about 5 inches tall to the 7 inch scale, she comes with a flexible serpent she wields like a whip or that can be wrapped around her.
The serpent is about 6 inches long when stretched out, or about 4.5 inches on its own. She like Diamond also comes with a Diamond logo display base and two movable pegs. The pegs can be placed into any of the four peg holes on the base. She only has one peg hole, in her left foot.

[u]Vehicles and Play sets[u]

DIAMOND'S CRYSTAL SHARD!

(picture of a Stunning white and silver plastic looking multi tiered play-set for the 12 inch dolls (ala Barbies townhouse) )

Description - Diamond's secret lair and hideaway when she is not fighting crime in Paragon City. Her headquarters and home, she and her friends come here to plan how to dispense justice or just exchange beauty secrets!
The Shard,at a towering 3 1/2 feet, this innovative play set is a true original. Using new adhesive technology, you can set up The Crystal Shard on just about any wall. Crafted in soft white and silver plastic it cuts a stunning addition to any little girls room. Features include a movable gun turret launching Diamonds own crystal projectiles, a working play elevator, and an adjustable active zip line for quick get aways! .Working Secret Hidden Elevator, Transforming Rooftop Radar
Diamond-Computer with working lights, Secret Weapons Chamber and closet.
3 Tiers of non-stop excitement of multiple rooms for your Diamond to plan to stop crime or discuss dating with her friends.
Figures sold separately

The Alluring Crystal cruiser

(Picture of a sleek smooth surfaced White Car with silver highlights. Open roof for the Actions figures to be placed inside)

Description - Coolest superhero car: Ride along with Diamond and her friend while they save the citizens of Paragon City from evil villains. The adventure starts with the action-packed Cruiser that includes light, sound and twin missile launchers that eject from each side of the vehicle. Seats two 7inch action figures (not included).

Measurement: Approximately 12" L x 5.25" W x 6" H.

Ages: This product is recommended for children ages 5-9 years.

Note: Requires 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included).

Crystal Jet

(Picture of a sleek open bay crystal like white plastic jet with room in the center for the 12 Inch dolls (much like the Barbie airliner ;p ) )

Description: The Crystal Jet is a powerful crime fighting vessel used by the Valiant Dazzling Diamond and her friends. Its transport bay can carry Her fellow Heroes into battle in style and comfort, deploying them through the side door and with the drop-off landing chute. Outfitted with several comfortable reclining chairs and a soft white carpet, each chair linked with table top laptops to the Jet's online Diamond battle alert. an impressive arsenal of weapons including Diamond cannons, and crystal missiles, the Jet is a sleek powerful yet stunningly beautiful crime fighting tool!

Features: This dazzling playset features an opening canopy to a cockpit for one figure, firing white plastic missiles, a working rappel line that really holds Heroes and citizens to be rescued (sold separately) and a Hero deployment drop chute to get right into the action!

Note: Assembly required.

Diamond's Bracers

(a picture of a young girl wearing plastic replicas of Diamond's wristbands)

Description - 'Oh you are SO going down!' Fly into battle with your friends using these pretend Diamond intercom arms. These two cuffs include a built-in light simulator blaster function, so you can take your imaginative play to the make believe streets of Paragon. The intercom has a range of 1200 ft and you can speak with another hero wear Diamond's bracers to coordinate your crime fighting efforts
Requires 2 "9V" batteries (not included).

Boys don't forget to check out the Doc Neutrino page of our catalog, hurry before Santa fills his orders!!

Happy Holidays!




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originally posted by Templar Lucianna Addo

(Commercial appears during the Peanuts Christmas Special)

Jingle bells play in the background as the scene fades in.

Diamond (a little doll Kara) and Miles Thirst (the Sprite mascot) are flying over a snowy town decorated for Christmas. Diamond is wearing her white costume and a Santa hat. Miles is wearing ski and a Christmas jet pack. Diamond zooms ahead. “Come on, we have to help Rudolph deliver the Christmas Sprite!”

“Time to spread some Lemony-Lime cheer,” Miles says racing after her.

“Oh no! It’s the Bumble!” Diamond points toward the ground.

The scene changes to Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer ((the animated stop motion figure)) tied up a string of Christmas lights. Next to him is a sleight full of Sprite. Each bottle has a little red ribbon tied to it. The Bumble ((the Abominable Snowman from the same Rudolph cartoon)) laughs at Rudolph, picks the sleight and puts it the back of a refrigerated truck.

“Stop that Bumble! He’s stealing that sweet Sprite!” Miles shouts.

Diamond dives and fires a blast at the Bumble. He run in front of the open truck doors. Diamond dives at him. The Bumble moves the side. Diamond flies into the truck. The Bumble shuts the door and puts a big pad lock on it.

Meanwhile, Miles unties the string of lights from Rudolph. Rudolph says, “Thanks!”

The Bumble is laughing by the door of the truck. Miles makes the lights into a lasso and lassos the Bumble. “Get em’ Rudolph.!” Shouts Miles.

“Got em!” says Rudolph. The Bumble turns around and his eyes go wide as Rudolph rushes at him. The reindeer head butts him and sends him sailing into the sky. The figure of Bumble flies by the moon, the lights around blinking cheerily.

“Now we just to rescue that delicious Sprite. Hey where Diamond go?” Miles look around for her.

Giggling is heard from inside the truck. Miles rushes over and pulls on the padlock. “It’s locked!”

The scene changes to the inside of the truck where Diamond is sitting in a pile of Sprite bottles, holding in each hand. “Merry Christmas to me!”

Outside Rudolph hits the lock with his head and Miles karate kicks it. “Don’t worry Sprite, we’ll save you!” shouts Miles. Miles kicks the lock and skids backward, striking a cool Kung Fu pose. The truck opens for a second and Diamond’s hand tosses a Sprite out. The truck slams shut. Miles catches the Sprite. “Show ‘em my motto!.”

The screen changes to the Sprite logo decorated with Christmas lights, against a snowy background. Diamond is heard giggling again.

[Fade Out]

December 21st, 2005 - Atlas Park

Kara had wandered through the chaos of the toy aisles for sometime, her arms full of packages for her friends. She was doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in a toy store and had decided to look at Barbie dolls for Phil, the little girl who had become her ward.

As she entered the row dedicated to the popular doll she noticed a nicely-dressed little girl was excitedly looking through the Barbie dolls as well, with a roll of money clamped tightly in her little hand. When she came upon a Barbie she liked, she would turn and ask her father if she had enough money to buy it. He usually said “yes,” but she would keep looking and keep going through their ritual of “do I have enough?”.

Kara smiled at the on going exchange and began to look across her selection for her little ward.

As she was looking, a little boy wandered in the aisle just beyond and started sorting through the selection of popular video games. Kara noticed he was dressed neatly, but in clothes that were obviously rather worn, and wearing a jacket that was probably a couple of sizes too small. He, too, had money in his hand, but it looked to be no more than five dollars or so, at the most. He was with his father as well, and kept picking up the games on a similar process of the little girl. Each time he picked one up and looked at his father, his father shook his head a little forlornly, “no.”

Sighing at the sight a bit Kara bit her lip and returned her gaze to the shelf of Barbies only to see that the little girl had apparently chosen her Barbie, a beautifully-dressed, glamorous doll that would have been the envy of every little girl on the block. However, she had stopped and was watching the interchange between the little boy and his father. Rather dejectedly, the boy had given up on the video games and had chosen what looked like a book of stickers instead. He and his father then started walking through another aisle of the store. As she watched he saw the father offer the little guy a hug as they walked away from the games.

Before Kara could act herself, the little girl put her Barbie back on the shelf, and ran over to the video games. As Kara watched, the girl excitedly picked up one that was lying on top of the other toys, and raced toward the check-out, after speaking with her father, who merely blinked as he listened and follow.

Intrigued Kara picked up her purchases and got in line behind them, with a lovely Barbie tucked under her arm for Phil. Then, as she looked down Kara noticed the little girl glance over her shoulder looking beyond Kara with a delighted smile. Practically bouncing in place she turned back to her father. Puzzled Kara turned and Kara smiled a bit as she noticed the little boy and his father had gotten in line behind her. The boys father nodded to Kara to which she returned a smile and a "Merry Christmas" turning back to her place in line.

After the toy was paid for and bagged, Kara watched as the little girl handed it back to the cashier and whispered something in her ear. The cashier smiled and put the package under the counter. Still quite curious Kara stepped forward to pay for her gifts and was rearranging things in her purse when the little boy came up to the cashier.

The cashier rang up his book and then said, “Congratulations, you are my hundredth customer today, and you win a prize!” With that, she handed the little boy the video game, and he could only stare in disbelief.

"Oh Wow! "he said breathless, "This is the ONE i wanted...Dad lookit!!"

Kara beamed her eyes watering a bit as she turned to look over her shoulder to see the little girl and her father had been standing at the doorway during all of this, and saw the biggest, prettiest, toothless grin on that little girl that she had ever seen in her life. Then they walked out the door. Picking up her presents and purse Kara followed them out in the chilled Rhode Island night.

As Kara walked back towards the yellow line, in amazement over what she had just witnessed, she heard the father ask his daughter why she had done that. Kara's heart leaped as she knew she would never forget what she said to him.

"Daddy, didn't Nana and Poppop want me to buy something that would make me happy?" she said looking up at him

He said, "Of course they did, honey." To which the little girl replied, "Well, I just did!"

With that, she giggled and started skipping toward their car. Apparently, she had decided on the answer to her own question of, "Do I have enough?"

Standing on the platform of the tram station Kara swayed a a bit to the soft brass music of the saxophone played by the old man in the corner of the station. As the soft music of "What child is this" wafted around her, She had felt very privileged to have witnessed the true spirit of Christmas in that toy store, in the form of a little girl who understood more about the reason for the season than most adults she knew!

Spinning to the lovely music she darted over to drop a fifty into the Sax players hat as the tram pulled up. He smiled but never stopped playing as Kara twirled a bit much to the annoyance of a few trying to get onto the tram.

May God bless her and her parents, Kara thought as she reached up to grab the handle of the overhand supports. Just as she blessed that little boy, and me, tonight!!

The tram stuttered forward momentarily then glided with ease as it carried its passengers into the brightly lit snow covered city still bustling with activity tonight.

December 21st, 2005 - Steel Canyon
Originally posted by the Templar Doc Neutrino

It had been a pretty lousy week. Countess Crey had gotten one of her “pet” judges to issue a warrant for his arrest, Lucy had been hospitalized and in all the press he’d completely forgotten it was Christmas. It’s hard to think about the holidays when you’re busy watching your back.

But now, at last, things were getting better. He had found out that a warrant had been issued for Knockout Girl’s arrest on the same trumped up charges as his. It was sheer coincidence that they’d turned up in the Abby at the same time. As it turned out, she was following the same leads he had and now they were both in hot water. With three days of hard work, they had finally gotten all of the evidence they needed. Both knew it would be foolhardy to try to take it to the police and in a moment of glorious simultaneous inspiration, they’d looked at each other and said the same name. Justine! Justine could post their findings on the internet. When the world saw what the Countess had been up to, there would be no denying her crimes. And surprisingly, it worked. The code they had located had telltale fingerprints from the huge corporation all over it. The charges against them were dropped and at last he could return home.

Weary and not too pleasant smelling he arrived at his apartment. It wasn’t what most people would call big, but for someone five inches tall it was lavish. On his way to his bath “room” he noticed a package in the mail nook. Hovering over to the gold and red wrapped cylinder he couldn’t help but wonder who would have sent him a gift. After careful examination he determined that if it was a trap, it was a pretty lame one and decided the only way to be certain was to open it.

“If this is one of the Gamester’s pranks, I’m going to be really pissed off.” He mused.

When the wrapping at last fell away, Dr. Neutrino hovered in the air with a single tear rolling down his cheek. Inside was a poster of Luci from a ¼ profile (showing mostly her back), she was wearing a skimpy gold suspender swimsuit. The back was a single thin string and what was visible of the front was equally tiny. It was signed “To my smallest fan Dr. Neutrino, Pin-up”

After more than ten minutes hovering there in awe of the thought behind the gift he began rearranging one wall so that he could add the new wallpaper. In the hall outside, a passerby heard the strains of Jingle Bells ringing out from within, picked up the tune and smiling, hummed it all the way to the end of the hall and into her own apartment where a smaller, younger voice joined the chorus.




December 21st, 2005 - Steel Canyon
Originally posted by the Templar Skilla


The smell of cookies surrounded Lissa like a warm, cinnamon fog. She grinned as she pulled another tray from the oven just as the timer dinged, and carefully lifted the little gingerbread men, and ladies off to her cooling rack. She glanced up at the time, and started as she realized how late it was. She couldn't be late! She grabbed up the tote bag that stood already filled with little red and green cellophane packages of assorted homemade cookies, each decorated with care. She balanced the bag on her knee as she slipped into her light green pea coat, and tucked her hair up under her little knit hat. With a kiss and a nod to Doug, who reclined on the couch, rewatching the recording of the last hockey game they'd seen, she shouldered her bag and dashed down the hall.

The VA hospital was cheerful and bright, with little trees and garlands mixed in with the occassional Menorah and Kwanzaa candles. Every door was decorated and the walls glowed with little twinkle lights. Lissa grinned at Denise sitting at the nurse's station, as she hurried past and into the Nurse's changing area. Denise grinned back, and stood, walking into the common room across the way.

"Hey gang!" she called to the occupants of the room. "We've got a real treat today. It seems Santa has sent one of his elves to visit us! She's got some little packages for everyone, and some home made cookies."

On cue, Lissa appeared in the doorway with her bag of treats. "Happy Holidays!" she sang out. She grinned as she watched card games and tv shows forgotten in favor of the cute red head in the santa hat and skin tight leotard, carrying the huge sack. Laughter and applause rang through the room, punctuated by a few appreciative whistles and playfully ribald comments. With a smile, she went to each veteran and presented him with a bag of cookies, and a small present from the hospital. It was a loud, raucous, merry time, and the echoes of good cheer rang down the hall.

In room 619, Justin looked up from his Maxim with interest, as the noise filtered into the room. In the next bed over, Kevin tilted his head, cocking an ear toward the door. "What's up?" he asked his roommate and friend.

"Dunno," Justin said. "I'll go see." Carefully he laid the magazine down on the bed, and expertly manuvered his chair back and away.

"Thanks man. I'd do it but..." Kevin quipped waving a hand at the eyes hidden behind dark glasses.

"Yeah, yeah," Justin laughed. "Everyone knows you're a gimp."

"I can still take you in air hockey... I mean god that must suck...beaten by a blind man in air hockey," Kevin tsked sympathetically.

"It was a lucky shot...all seven times," Justin shot back over his shoulder with a smile, as he wheeled into the door way, and peered down the hall.

"Hot damn! There is a Santa Claus after all!" he exclaimed.

"What? What is it?"

"Well, it's short, and dressed in red...and carrying a bag of cookies...looks like an elf to me," Justin said, his expression of laviscious delight clear in his voice.

"Cute?" Kevin asked with interest, his hand sliding across the night table for the the strap of his cane.

"About five foot even...stilletto heels, skimpy outfit, nice bod...oh wait!" Justin answered with a laugh. "Gets better! She's taking off the Santa hat...and yes...yes...she's a redhead!"

Kevin's face broke into a smile. "A sexy little red head in stillettos...and I thought I wasn't getting anything for Christmas."

"Still might not," Justin teased. "Looks like she's got taste."

"[censored]," Kevin grinned, "accidentally" bumping Justin in the head. "Blind guys always get the girls...sit back and watch me work, my friend. It's the whole using the hands to see concept."

"Well, here she comes now. Betcha a fiver she's taken."

"You're on."

"Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, boys!" Lissa chorused with a brilliant smile. "Have you been good boys this year?"

Kevin gave her a winning smile. "We'd be happy for you to check, Miss Elf."

Lissa laughed at the line, as she had a dozen before it. "I trust you boys. After all, Santa always knows."

"You can trust me," Justin grinned, "but don't trust him. He bet on you."

"Oh really?" Lissa said with an impish smile, putting her hands on her hips. "And what exactly did you bet?"

"Well," Kevin interjected quickly. "My roommate said you were so-so, but I told him I thought you must be gorgeous with a voice like that!"

Lissa shot Justin a playfully disbelieving look over her shoulder. The young man looked innocent and crossed his heart. Did not he mouthed, grinning.

Lissa stifled a laugh with her gloved hand. "And how can I help you boys settle this bet?"

"Well," Kevin said slowly, as if considering the situation. "He DOES have the advantage...being sighted and all...but I think I could get a good enough...feel..." he waved his fingers. "Would you let me see your face?"

"Sure," Lissa smiled, putting her bag and her hat on the bed nearest the door. She approached him, with a smile, and took the hand he offered her, leading it to her face.

Gently, he ran the tips of his fingers across her forehead, eyes and cheeks, and down across her lips, taking in the soft curves and satin skin. Lissa waited patiently, smiling at the charming but rather obvious come on, while Justin watched in disbelief. "Nope...he's wrong...definitely beautiful...and...what's this..." he asked, with a mock frown as he ran his fingers along her small gloved hands. "Is this a ring, I feel?"

"Yup," Lissa said with a grin.

"A diamond ring?"

"Yup," Lissa answered cheerfully, watching his shoulders droop theatrically.

"Told ya!" Justin said smugly. "Taken."

Kevin put a hand across his heart in feigned sorrow. "Christmas will never be the same..."

"Aww," Lissa giggled, "Cheer up. Here are some presents for you both, and some cookies to help you get over the heartbreak."

"Ginger bread?" Kevin asked mournfully.

"Yuppers."

"Well...they might help," he sighed, taking the bag.

"I'm sure they will," Lissa laughed. "Oh, and Sgt. Willowby is it?It was still a good come-on," she whispered sexily in his ear, and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Have a good holiday boys, and thanks for your service!" she smiled, picking up her bag and bounding out of the room.

"Told ya," Justin said again, grinning. "Where's my fiver?"

"Here," Kevin laughed, reaching into his wallet and pulling out an intricately folded bill. He tossed it toward his friend's voice with a grin. " You may have won the bet, but I STILL got the kiss. "

"Damn it," Justin grumbled. "Some guys have all the luck."

"Merry Christmas, ol' buddy!"

December 22, 2005 - Atlas Park
Originally Posted as my alt the Templar Dark Chylde

((I stumbled on this last night while looking for Holiday paradoies and it really fit Molly so please enjoy ;p PoK ))

Molly bounced around her apartment happily. Soon it would be her first christmas. The packages and dinner friends family and the like. The color and lights were such a wonder to her.

Her memories choppy as they were blended and whirled. The 'Old one' 's memories held no such holiday, but 'Molly Parks' 's did! She knew that sometime after dinner 'the poem' must be recited. She moved out into her living room and began to practice with care. Drawing the words from memory for this holiday tradition had to be perfect!

In a solemn voice touched with a degree of awe she began to recite, her face lit byt he soft twinkling lights of her tree...

" 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ....."

'Twas the night before Christmas, and in the FleetCenter Not a player was skating, the fans could not enter.

The skates had been placed in the lockers with care In the hopes they'd air out while the players weren't there.

Ranford and Bailey were relaxing off-ice Asking Santa for shut-outs that would be oh-so-nice.

The forwards and defense were all telling stories And tales of the days of their previous glories.

When out on the Commons there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

I ran to the living room, I had to see this-- I knew it was a sight Channel 5 wouldn't miss.

The lights of the city shone down on the snow It glittered, and sparkled, and gave off a glow.

But lo, what was that, could it be a mirage? The new Fox Puck Truck, with its whole entourage!

With a bespectacled coach, so pensive and dapper I knew in a moment it must be Steve Kaspar.

More rapid than slapshots his curses they came And he whistled and shouted and called players by name:

"Now Odgers! Now Bourque! Now Oates and McCleary! On Tallas! On Heinze! On Rohloff and Sweeney!

To the top of the circle! To the front of the net! Now put it away! You can score a goal yet!"

And as with the pigeons that you'd swear couldn't fly, Just before you step on them, take off for the sky.

So all of a sudden, the truck just took flight! I couldn't believe it, it soared like a kite!

And then, oh my god, that was _my_ house on TV And Dale Arnold and Gord Kluzak were laughing with glee.

As I clicked off the tube, and was turning around, Down the chimney Steve Kaspar came with a bound.

He was dressed in his suit, that tan one you know, And his clothes were all covered with ashes and snow.

There were lots of pucks in his over-the-shoulder sack, And it looked like the weight just might break his back.

Not a smile in sight, he was wearing a frown, It looked to me like he wanted to leave old Beantown.

He was grim and severe, like a typical coach. (Which only gets worse as the play-offs approach.) He spoke not a word, but went straight to the tree, Putting new pucks and sticks around haphazardly.

And turning to me, he broke a small grin, And with a grimace he left the way he came in.

He sprang to the truck, gave the driver a hail, And away they all flew like the Fox comet tail.
But I heard him exclaim, ere they drove out of sight,

"HAPPY SKATING TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD FIGHT."

Molly giggled a soft hiss and hugged a couch pillow to her chest as her scales fluttered softly and her tail flopped happily against the back of the couch. Her glowing eyes fixed gleefully on the overly decorated tree in her living room. The Ice Bear clan of the city realm of Boston and Christmas, she thought excitedly...all together at one time!

"Perfect!"





December 24, 2005 -Steel Canyon


The wind blew the chilling wind across the high window pane as Kara sat up in her bed. The soft tree lights casting a gentle reddish glow down the hall visible just through the crack in the door of her room to blend from the glow of the 'latern' beside her bed. She sighed happily at the night's events and for what awaited her tomorrow. Turning to look to her night stand she picked up the framed picture propped up beside the softly flickering lantern.

Gingerly she ran a finger across the image staring back up at her, along the edges of the long black hair she shared and almost losing herself in the gentle green eyes staring up at her as if across the oceans of christmas' past.

An older, gentler voice seems to fill her ears, reciting Kara's favorite Filipino christmas poem....'The Star of the Kings'

I do not think the three wise men
Were Persian kings at all.
I think it much more likely
That they set sail from off Manila Bay
In answer to the call.

And though the great historians
May stare at me and frown,
I still maintain the three wise men
Were kings from my hometown.

And if you ask why I affirm
That Melchor was king of Tondo,
When Gaspar ruled Sampaloc,
And Baltazar Binondo—

We will not argue. We will walk
The streets on Christmas Eve,
And I'll show you the poor man's rafter
Where hangs the Star the Kings sought after,
High above Christian prayer and laughter—
You will see it, and believe!

For when they crossed the sea again
From Bethlehem afar,
They lost their camels in the sea
And they forgot the Christmas tree
But they brought back to you and me
The secret of the Star.

Biting her lip she brought the image to her lips to bestow a kiss before setting beside her bed in its rightful place once more beside the Latern her mother had taught her how to light long ago. Laying back down she turned once more to look to those eyes reflecting the light of her own Christmas star before whispering softly in Tagalog...

"Maligayang Pasko Mommy"

Merry Christmas Child, the very wind seemed to whisper to her as she feel into a gentle sleep.

<Hello! Once more I thought we could add Holiday stories about in and around Paragon! Feel free to add anything your character does or sees the thread is an open one! Happy Holidays! >

December 17, 2006 - Paragon City, Rhode Island

Driving The Holiday Spirit 'Home'
A Paragon City charity event that has aimed to provide meals and toys to those in need for 12 years running.
Claudia Zequeira | Times Staff Writer
December 17, 2006

PARAGON CITY -- For sick and unemployed Laura Pruett, being able to secure holiday presents for her young daughter was a dream come true.

"I've been crying all day because this means my daughter will have a Christmas," said Pruett, 46, who has been living in a King's Row motel since October. "Frankly, without these people it wouldn't have happened. Now, my daughter will have at least two presents under the tree."

Pruett picked up the gifts -- a Barbie makeup kit and a Bratz blow-dryer wrapped in cheerful holiday paper -- in Atlas Park during an annual charity drive Saturday.

"Home for the Holidays", as the event is called, was organized by the cities of Paragon and Warwick, a list of nonprofits and close to 700 volunteers, which included several noted Heroes and Heroines from Paragon, who pitched in to provide thousands of underprivileged citizens with meals and toys they could not have afforded otherwise.

"It's sad to know that there are this many people in need in our community, but it's really gratifying to know we're able to meet that need," said Warwick County Commissioner Paul Owen, who spent several hours helping attendees.

Now in its 12th year, Home for the Holidays has expanded tremendously, a sign of the county's fast-growing population. Last year, volunteers served 6,000 meals and distributed 4,000 gifts. On Saturday, 10,000 meals provided by the Paragon City Public School District were served and close to 16,000 donated toys were handed out.

Other amenities, such as musical performances and puppet shows, cheered the crowd. Reggae and hip-hop blared from speakers at a section set aside for teens. Inflatable castles entertained children while adults picked toys of their choosing with vouchers provided.

Even Santa found the time to make an appearance to the delight of the children present.

Many were referred to the event by community organizations while others learned of it through word of mouth, with the Rhode Island Council on Aging registering all participants who met income guidelines. Of those attending, 7,500 were children -- 70 percent of them minorities.

"What we see here is totally reflective of our communities, people banding 'togeth' to help people." said Kara Reynolds-Dengo, also known as 'The Valiant Dazzling Diamond" a noted Heroine of Paragon as well as one of that city's public school teachers.The young heroine has worked with Community Vision, a nonprofit organization and the event's main organizer, for almost 2 years now. "We try to reach out and help any and all of the families that we can find."

"The smiles today alone are so worth the effort!" she went on to add as she continued to wrap toys.

Among guests were some homeless individuals, an estimated 2,000 of whom live in Paragon City, but most were working families just trying to make ends meet.

Sonia Bonet, 39, said raising two young daughters by herself in the newly restored Faultline was "next to impossible" with the money she earned cleaning office buildings.

"Things are really tight right now," said Bonet of her financial situation while she ate. "The season has just been slow and they've reduced our hours at work . . . but I still want my children to have a nice Christmas."

Daughter Keishla, 10, seemed to understand her mother's predicament.

"I like the toys,and meeting all the heroes is fun!" she said, smiling as she played with a stuffed dog her 5-year -old sister Eileen handed to her. "But I like to spend time with my family more."

Claudia Zequeira can be reached at czequeira@ParagonTimes.com




December 19, 2006 - Steel Canyon


Kara smiled softly as she stared out of the glass patio door. Her reflection smiling back over the glistening and blinking lights of the city stretched out beyond the long balcony. A gentle fluttering of soft snow kissed the image as a brisk wind caused the flakes to dance before her. She sighed, her throat still tight and her cheeks still moist as she closed her eyes again to remember. She wanted always to remember tonight..

She had just volunteered this week to reopen a church in a rebuild section of King's Row as part of the Community Vision project she had been helping. The whole community had pitched in but weather and well the usual things that go on in Paragon City had slowed their efforts. When She had first looked upon the church, it was very run down and needed a lot of work. They, her group of volunteers and she set a goal to have everything done in time for the community to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc. and were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

She winced as she remembered the terrible sleet storm that had hit last night and this morning she had gone over to the church. Kara's heart sunk when she saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 6 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. She cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do she called around but no one in her group or the local business could fix the damage in time for the church to be ready for services. It looked like they would have to postpone the Christmas Eve service. A little dejected Kara headed for home.

On the way she noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so she stopped in. One of the items caught her eye, Kara blinked as she turned to see a beautiful, hand-made, ivory colored, crocheted table cloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. She bought it and headed back to the church excited to think the service could then be held!

By this time, it had started to snow again, a good sign she thought. As she headed back inside of the run down church she noticed an older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch a bus. She missed it as the driver not paying much attention drove off. Kara smiled as she remembered inviting the poor woman to wait in the warm church for the next bus which would be some forty five minutes later. Annoyed but grateful she accepted and sat in a pew and paid little attention to the younger woman while she got a ladder, to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. Kara could hardly believe how beautiful it looked as it covered up the entire problem area. It was only as she got off of the ladder did she notice the woman walking down the center aisle.

Her face was like a sheet. "Young lady," she asked, her voice laced with an old eastern European accent, "Where did you get that tablecloth?" Kara slightly stunned had explain how she came about it and why. The woman could hardly believe it as Kara told how she had just gotten the tablecloth. The woman asked her to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. Kara stepped over and checked. There were indeed initials lovingly stitched there. It turned out these were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 45 years before, in Serbia.

The woman explained that before the Russians had come, she and her husband were well-to-do people, when the communists began to sweep across Serbia, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to a prison camp and never saw her husband or her home again. Kara was so moved she had reached to take down the tablecloth and return it to her; but the woman refused telling the younger girl to keep it for the church. Kara insisted on seeing her home, it was the least she could do. She lived on the other side of Galaxy and was only in King's Row the day for a housecleaning job.

Kara had dropped her off and was now in a hurry having agreed to take Phil to see Santa tonight. She winced as she remembered she in her haste to see the older woman home had left her purse in the church. Now she was late! She rushed up the snow covered steps of the church and darted inside to retrieve her purse. Phil was going to kill her! She paused as she found her purse in the back pew where she had left it. She saw some of the volunteers from the project and community were back cleaning up. Her solution seemed to have been acceptable, the service was to go on.

It was then Kara saw him an older man, whom she recognized from the neighborhood, he wasn't one of the volunteers, he was seated in one of the pews and he just seemed lost in a stare. She slowly walked up to him, his look so chillingly familiar as she approached him.

The man smiled at Kara and asked her where she got the tablecloth on the front wall. She had softly responded asking why. Well, he said wistfully because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Serbia before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike? He told the stunned girl how the Russians had come, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a forced labor camp. He never saw his wife or his home again for all the 45 years in between. He had gone on to explain that normally he was not one to enter a church but tonight he had heard about the work going on and someone had mentioned that there might not be a service without more help. So he just came to see what he could do.

Kara smiled softly as she listened to him and then asked him if he would allow her to take him for a little flight. He looked up a little confused until she shifted into her familiar costume and offered him her hand. He looked at the young hero and agreed knowing now who this was. Through the soft flurry of snow Kara flew him over the brightly lit city below, her fields protecting them from the cold and the snow. After a fashion they landed before the same house where she had taken the woman just a few hours earlier.

She helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, and then gently knocked on the door.

Even now as warm tears fall across her cheeks, Kara remembered every moment of the greatest Christmas reunion she could ever imagine.....

December 20, 2006 - Atlas Park
Originally posted by my alt the Templar Dark Chylde

Tess was just eight years old but she knew when she heard her Mom and Dad were talking about her little brother, Andrew. All she knew was that he was very sick and Daddy kept saying they were completely out of money. Tess sighed as she sat aginst her door, knees pulled tightly to her little chest. They were moving to an 'partment complekx' next month because Daddy didn't have the money for the doctor bills and their house. Mommy kept saying only a very costly surgery could save Adndrew now and it was looking like there was no one to loan them the money. They had to have money for Andrew.

She snuck down the stairs cautiously in time to hear her Daddy say to her tearful Mother, his tone was filled with whispered desperation, "Only a miracle can save him now." That was it! Tess thought, Her teacher had called this the season of miracles. She could -do- this! She could help!

Tess went to her bedroom and pulled a small box from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. This was for her brother! Carefully placing the coins back in the box, she slipped out the back door and made her way six blocks in the cold to the drug store in Atlas Park.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was busy talking to this very strange woman and couldn't be bothered by an eight year old at this moment. Tess was more than a little frightened of the way the other woman looked and sounded. Though her Sunday school teacher said people who looked like that were bad, Her Mommy told her never judge a books cover. Well woman or no woman Andrew needed help, she couldnt wait any longer.

She twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing ... she cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good ...all that happened there was the strange lady looked...not her! Tess sighed and finally she took a quarter from her box and banged it on the glass counter.

That did it!

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice as he looked over and down to her. "I'm talking to another important costumer right now " he said, without waiting for a reply to his question.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother!" Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really very sick ... and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now." The Pharmacist blinked as she asked..

"So how much does a miracle cost?" she demanded "My family needs one real bad"

"We.... don't sell miracles here, little girl" Her face fell. "I'm sorry but I can't help you." the pharmacist said, softening a little.

"Listen, " she pleaded holding out her box "I have the money to pay for it. Please, If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. I /promise/! Just tell me how much it costs."

The strange woman walked over to her, her crimson scales fluttering a bit as she knelt down before the trembling child. Tess was frightened but held her ground for Andrew. The womans eyes glowed just like hot coals, yet they seemed softer to Tess now somehow. The woman tilted her horned head to the side as she regarded the little girl and then asked, "What kind of a miracle does yer brother need?" her voice was like music to Tess who turned to meet the woman's gaze.

"I...I.. don't know." Tess replied with eyes now filled with tears. "I just know he's really, really sick and Mommy says he needs a operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."

"How much do ye have?" asked the woman.

"One dollar and eleven cents." Tess answered. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to......I Promise"

"Well, what a coincidence." The woman smiled softly. "A dollar and eleven cents - the exact price of a miracle for little brothers of such a brave young thing as ye." She reached out and took the small box Tess offered her and then the woman stood taking Tess's little hand within her own and said , "Let's go see yer Ma an Da. I wish ta see yer brother"

" ....'kay" Tess said nodding

"Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need." Something about the woman's smile gave hope to the little one, she wasnt even surprised to see that her helper had wings and flew them both down the city's streets until they came to her house.

After all don't angels have wings?

Overcoming their apprehension at the strange appearance of Tess' winged escort back home, Tess' parents seemed to relax as Tess' soon to be miracle worker showed them this little plastic card. That card seemed to make things all better and then she watched as they introduced Andrew to "Molly".

That was what the red lady said they could call her.

Molly, Tess thought, I will remember that name.

She watched carefully as Molly reached out and touched her brother's tiny head. Tess clung to the doorframe of the living room as her little eyes opened like morning glories as her baby brother turned bright green in the light of Molly's gentle touch. Daddy and Mommy went with 'Molly' to the hospital after Molly used their telephone. Tess

was so eager and excited, she never even noticed the strange woman place Tess's box with all of her money under the family' small sparsely decorated tree.

Well Molly's Miracle was perfect Tess thought happily the next morning, when her Mommy and Daddy brought Andrew home and he was /all/ better!

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place over breakfast.

"That woman", her Mom whispered, " what she did for Andrew was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost? I mean if we had to have gone ahead with the surgery?" Tess watched her Daddy shake his head.

"I dont know sweetheart" he said. "I just dont know"

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... one dollar and eleven cents, and you get one as Mommy said by not judging a books cover named 'Molly' .... a red angel for real.

Now it will be a good Christmas, she thought to herself. She smiled a little shocked as her eyes fell upon her small box of money.

Her miracle has been for free...

<Merry Christmas!>




December 25, 2006 - Undisclosed Location
Originally posted by the Templar Mazin Wystan


It had taken quite a bit of effort, and time, but he had finally done it. He had decided to do it out in the forests, since bringing home a bunch of half-naked women tied up or knocked unconscious would probably be taken badly by the neighbors. So, he had set up the Christmas tree, put up tinsel and ornaments, since without a generator of some kind there is no way it can have lights. A large back sits off to the side, near Ren, who gazes at the assorted breasts with a look that says clearly: "My instincts tell me to leap for them, but... they're scaaary."

"Now then, I'm glad all of you managed to make it here for Christmas," Mazin says to the assembled, bound audience. "It's not exactly one of my favorite holidays, but I'm sure with the family gathered together, it'll be better. Now, traditions. I'll be passing out presents... well, coal. You've been trying to kill me so I think you've earned it. And we'll leave the biggest chunk under the tree, since Mother couldn't be here."

He moves around the circle of women, setting a piece of coal on each of their laps. "There you are. Now, I'll untie you. You can either give me your presents... or we can move on to Christmas dinner..." He trails off, flashing them a particular vicious grin.

December 10, 2007 - New Overbrook
Originally posted by the Templar Pin-Up



As Luci flew over her house with shopping bags tucked under her arms, she realized something wasn't right. First there was a large delivery truck parked in the driveway. And second, there was a huge thing on her lawn. And third was the fact the lawn was entirely white. Someone was in big trouble and it was probably...

"Poppa!" Luci shouted as he waved at her from beside a gigantic fiberglass Santa and reindeer. "What are you doing to my yard?"

He patted the side of the Santa and wheeled himself over to Luci. "I'm decorating; can't you tell?"

"But it's not your yard, it's mine. You've covered it in fake snow. And set up this thing and...is something playing music?"

He grinned, "That's the light-up snowman. It's plays 'Frosty the Snowman."

"Poppa! You should, like, ask me before you do stuff like this." Luci glanced over at the house where a group of men where stringing lights along her roof. "You hired all these people to do this?"

"No," he said. "I hired them to decorate my house. I figured we didn't make a big deal about Christmas last year, but this year I could give Ashley a Christmas to remember."

"She's one and half. She wouldn't remember. And last year you wanted to try celebrating Kwanzaa."

"And just like then, your mother said it was a dumb idea. But," he gestured to the decorating crew, "I already paid these guys and bought the decorations. I ain't gonna waste it. Besides the girls with love it."

Luci looked over her yard. Lights everywhere. White frost on the grass. A giant Santa. Huge glass snowflakes. A giant musical Frosty. She sighed. "Maybe it will scary the paparazzi away."

"So, it stays."

"Yeah, sure, fine. It's only for a few weeks."

He beamed. "That's great. You're going to have the best Christmas display in Paragon." Two men carried a plastic igloo into the yard.

"An igloo?"

"Where else would we put the penguins?"

"Penguins?!"

"I'm kidding. Listen, go inside. Put away the stuff you bought and I'll come in in a minute and show you how to work everything. The lights light up in sync with the music and it's completely programmable. And the Santa is technically a robot. It can do a whole little show."

Luci scooped up her shopping bags and turned toward the house. "Maybe you should wait until Kara gets here. She'll understand it better." She walked up the path to the house where her assistant met her at the door and shrugged apologetically.

After Luci went inside her father grabbed one of the crew by the wrist. "Hey. I think we're gonna need to cancel the penguins. The lion might not of liked them anyway."




==========================================



December 18, 2007 - Skyway City


Guardian Star stood in the hallway near the his desk and considered the possibilities.

“Bill, Like what are you doing?” asked his long time friend Kara as she arranged a small desktop Christmas tree near her computer screen in the office they usually shared in the police station.

“I’m trying to find the best place to put this.” He showed her a small ball of green and white.

The young blaster quirked a brow. “What is that?”

“Mistletoe.”

Kara walked to stand beside him and stared up at the high ceiling. “I so don’t think it’ll work. You’d need to hover up there to hang it up. And then it would be too high up for anyone to see it.”

Bill frowned starting to see her logical. “So if I did kiss anyone…”

“…they’d so slap you,” She added. "And while good for me...."

"Very bad for me...." he mused “That won’t work.” Bill bit his lower lip, still deep in thought.

“What about the elevator?" Kara tried still amused "It’s like low enough that you can easily hang it up and it can be seen if you bring their attention to it.”

Bill snapped his fingers “Good idea, Kar!” he reached back to his desk for a strip of tape, then jogged over to the elevator doors, reaching up to tape the ball of mistletoe into place. As his arms were stretched over his head, the silver doors of the elevator opened and he found himself engulfed in a tight hug. He glanced down with a grin. “Hey, Nancy.”

“Hey, yourself, Bill...what are... Ohhh, mistletoe!” The spirited little defender stood on her tiptoes and smacked her lips against his.

"Hey!" Came the playful protest of Psiwarp, Nancy's current boyfriend.
Bill stepped back and checked that the tiny ball was square in the middle of the elevator door frame. “Perfect.” He then looked over to the protesting controller "Sorry Kev its a holiday rule"

“Isn’t he cute? So protective and jealous" She turned to Kevin and nodded as they both now left the elevator "Kevin and I found this for you at this little shop in Steel...this is for you.” Nancy handed him a brightly wrapped present in red paper that Kevin had been holding.

He slowly unwrapped the package as Kara moved over to see, then a smile spread across his face. “Nancy this is terrific!” He pulled out the HD DVD and began reading the back. “Wow, look at all the special features.”

“What is it, William?” Kara nudged him playfully, trying to peer over her friend’s shoulder.

Nancy beamed "An early christmas present"

Kevin nodded and added "We saw it and knew he had to have it!"

“The special edition version of The Maltese Falcon. I was planning to get it next week. Thank you, Guys!” Bill said, sweeping up first Kev who flailed and then Nancy into his arms in an enthusiastic hug, tight enough to make her squeak.

“Chamberlin, let Nancy breathe,” Lead Agent Benson said as he stepped out of the elevator.

“Merry Christmas, boss!” Kara chirped happily.

"Its Not Christmas Yet" He grumbled as he tried to keep reading his report and walk through them at the same time.

“Oh, oh, oh, mistletoe!” Nancy squealed as she threw herself at her long suffering boss.

At first startled by the assault, Benon’s brown eyes began to gleam as Nancy laid her warm lips on the older man’s own. “Merry Christmas to you, too, Guardian Star. And to you, Diamond.” He smiled at the female bundle in his arms. “And most definitely to you, Sapphire Rose.”

The elevator doors swished open again, this time depositing Patti Goldman, the police consultant who was currently seeing Bill. Once again, He stepped forward, but this time was frustrated by the appearance of Kevin in his path who having had his girlfriend kiss the burly defender decided to take advantage of the situation.

Patti jumped back, her instinctual reaction one of protection. “Okay what? WHY?” she eyed Kevin as Benson rolled his eyes and Kara and several police officers and Longbow Agents chuckled.

Kevin frantically pointed up. “Mistletoe, honest it's not an attack. A Gentile custom that I heartedly approve of.” he nodded to his fellow hebrew.

“I have never understood how this parasitic plant became such an invitation to kissing,” Patti said then eyed Bill "You had something to do with this I'm sure"

“I actually /can/ answer that,” Kevin offered, not noting the smirks on the faces of the others. “Let’s go to their office and I’ll explain.”

The group moved to spread out in the small office

“Oh Kara those little lights outlining your computer monitor are quite beautiful, the way they twinkle.” Nancy said as they settled in.

Kara nodded “Yeah, I so thought they added a nice festive touch.”

Kevin settled himself in the chair next to Nancy and gazed about the area. “Now, where was I?”

“You were going to tell the story of mistletoe sweetie,” Nancy reminded him.

“Ah, of course. Patti is correct in that mistletoe is a parasitic plant. It is usually found in amongst the branches of hardwood trees, such as oaks and apple trees. The waxy berries can be white or red and are popular with birds. The name is actually an old Anglo-Saxon word which can be translated as dung twig. There are many different legends and myths associated with this particular plant, but the one that you would be interested in deals with the thought that it was a sexual symbol, due to the consistency and color of the berry juice. The habit of kissing under the mistletoe is believed to be from the Vikings.”

“Isn’t there more to how it was supposed to be done, Kevin?” Kara asked softly.

“Quite right, Every time a man kisses a woman under the mistletoe, he is supposed to remove a berry. Then when the berries are gone, so are the kisses.”

“I remember reading that any single woman who is kissed under the mistletoe will be married within a year,” Kara added, smirking at a suddenly aghast Bill.

“But this plant is poisonous, isn't?” Patti asked.

“Yes, actually, it is. It is simply used for decoration during the holidays, but one must be careful if there are children or animals about.”

Two uniformed police officers came into the office area, one carrying a plate of holiday cookies in the shapes of reindeer and covered with green Saran Wrap tied in a bow on top.

“Here, we wanted to bring you a little something to munch on when you’re working tomorrow.” Officer Carlos Esteban pulled a large bottle of non-alcoholic apple cider and a small bag from his coat pockets. “My wife recommended heating this up in a cooker with a few cloves and a stick of cinnamon. I think there’s a crock pot in the break room. I brought the cloves and a small stick for you to use.”

“And I brought some sugar cookies to eat with the cider.” The other officer said as she handed them to Bill, but Kara quickly swooped in and took the plate away, placing it on her desk. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that you and your team volunteered to work for us for the next two weeks, especially being on call on Christmas Day. I know my kids are happy that I’ll be home to watch them unwrap their presents.”

“Don’t mention it. We’re all single with no local family members." Benson said then gestures at Kara. "Well with the exception of that one, so it just made sense to let those of you with families and plans to enjoy their holidays.”

“I noticed your tree, Kara and thought you might like to put these baubles on it.” Carlos said, handing still another bag to the heroine.

“Wow why thank you Officer Esteban!.” She held the bag up to show Nancy the tiny ornaments inside.

"Ooo " Cooed Nancy.

“You’re welcome. And please call me Carlos.”

“Okies, you bet…Carlos.”

Once the officers left to continue to spread their holiday cheer, Bill reached for the plate, untying the wrap and shoving a tiny reindeer cookie into his mouth whole. Once he had swallowed it, he held a finger up to Patti. “I’ve got something for you, Patti!”

“Oh, joy,” she muttered, watching him suspiciously as Bill reached into his bottom desk drawer. Her frown turned to a sweet smile when he pulled out a menorah.

“For you. I know Hanukkah started last night and, well we can light the candles each evening.”

“Bill, that was…thank you,” she leaned forward and kissed him softly.

Kara smiled and winked knowingly to Nancy, who then returned the wink.

Kevin eyed them suspiciously, maybe just a little afraid of inquiring what the wink was about. So much so he jumped as benson's comm went off.

The Lead Agent answered it and then stood. “Benson. Where? We’ll be there in twenty minutes.” He turned to the suddenly alert team of Heroes. “We have a warehouse full of dyne and a deal going down with possible Council involvement. PPD are there now, with more responding"

He walked out into the now busy squadroom barking orders to his agents.

"Well" Kara slid off of her desk and stood "Like let’s load up and get back to work.”

One by one the Heroes headed off into the nightsky as snow fell across the great city. Sirens souded off in the distant as Order prepared to meet chaos once more in this holiday season.

December 21,2007 - New Overbrook, Faultline

Kara smiled a little, her day now a little brighter as she watched little Katrina and Phil 'adjust' the decorations on the twinkling tree for what had to be the nineteenth time this week alone. She had made each of the girls a hot chocolate as the weather outside was finally letting up. The noreastern storm that had swept through last weekend had been enough to keep the girls housebound for a few days.

She set down the tray on the coffee table and called her little elves over, trying to tempt them from the poor tree as ornaments were moved and placed just right and lights were moved to their new proper branch.
"Come you two" Kara chided softly "Before it gets cold.."

Finally pried away from the brightly lit tree the pair darted over to their offered mugs siting and kneeling around the coffee table as Kara sat on the couch.

"Thanks Mom" cried Phil as she sipped trying to avoid the healthy dollop of whipped cream Kara had doled out to each. There were plenty of snickers when Kat ended up with some on her nose...which of course she then scooped off to share with Columbus.

"Well " Kara said sitting up a bit clapping her hands together a little to get thier attention back. "Since you two have trees on the brains recently, who wants to hear a cute little tale about the last Christmas tree?"

"The Last?" Kat asked.

"The very last?" Phil inquired skeptically.

"Mhm" Kara nodded "It's cute I think you two will love it. My mother found it and told it to me when I was just about Katrina's age. Wanna hear" She leaned forward asking eagerly.

The children both nodded and Kara sat back a bit and began. Her voice filled with the same soft awe and wonder that her mother had managed so long ago...


I saw a truck of Christmas trees
And each one had a tale,
The driver stood them in a row
And put them up for sale.


He strung some twinkly lights
And hung a sign up with a nail;
"FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES"
It said in red
"FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE."


He poured himself hot cocoa
In a steaming thermos cup,
And snowflakes started falling
As a family car pulled up.


A mom, a dad, and one small boy
Who looked no more than three
Jumped out and started searching
For the perfect Christmas tree.


The boy marched up and down the rows,
His nose high in the air;
"It smells like Christmas, mom!
"It smells like Christmas everywhere!"


"Let's get the biggest tree we can!
"A tree that's ten miles high!
"A tree to go right through our roof!
"A tree to touch the sky!"


"A tree SO big
"That Santa Claus
"Will stop and stare and say,
"'Now, THAT'S the finest Christmas tree
"'I've seen this Christmas Day!'"

Katrina giggled "It wouldn't fit into his house"

Phil shook her head "Boys"

Kara smiled warmly at them and continued...


It seemed they looked at every tree
At least three million times;
Dad shook them, pinched them, turned them 'round
To find the perfect pine.


"I've found it, mom!
"The Christmas tree I like the best of all!
"It's got a little bare spot,
"But we'll turn that to the wall!"


"We'll put great-grandma's angel
"On top the highest bough!
"Oh, can we buy it?
"Please, mom, PLEASE?!
"Oh, can we buy it NOW?"


"How 'bout some nice hot cocoa?"
Asked the man who owned the lot.
He twisted off the thermos top,
"Now, THIS will hit the spot!"


He poured the steaming chocolate
In three tiny paper cups.
They toasted,
"Here's to Christmas!"
And they drank the cocoa up.


"Is this your choice?"
The tree man asked,
"This pine's the best one here!"
The boy seemed sad---
"My daddy says
"The price is just too dear."


"Then, Merry Christmas!"
Said the man, who wrapped the tree in twine,
"It's yours for just one promise
"You must keep at Christmas time!"


"On Christmas Eve at bedtime
"As you fold your hands to pray,
"Promise in your heart
"To keep the joy of Christmas Day!"


"Now hurry home!
This freezy wind
"Is turning your cheeks pink!
"And ask your dad
"To trim that trunk and give that tree a drink!"


And so it went on
All that blustery eve
As the tree man gave
Tree upon tree upon tree


To every last person
Who came to the lot---
Who toasted with cocoa
In small paper cups,


Who promised the promise
Of joy in their hearts---
And singing out carols,
Drove off in the dark.


And when it was over
One tree stood alone;
But no one was left there
To give it a home.


The tree man put on his
Red parka and hood
And dragged the last Christmas tree
Out to the woods.


He left the pine right by a stream
In the cold,
So the wood's homeless creatures
Could make it their home.

"Awww" sighed Little Katrina as Phil smiled.

Kara charmed continued...


He smiled as he brushed off
Some snow from his beard,
When out of the thicket
A reindeer appeared.


He scratched that huge reindeer
On top his huge head---
"It looks like we've
"Started up Christmas again!"


"There are miles more to travel,
"And much more to do!
"Let's go home, my friend,
"And get started anew!"


He looked to the sky
And heard jingle bells sound---
And then,
In a twinkling,
That tree man was gone!

"I know who the tree man was!" Phil said
"He was Mr. San...." Kat began and stopped.

"Ssssh " Kara placed a finger over her lips "Dont say who it was...just remember the promise..and keep the truth in your hearts"

The girls smiled and nodded as both turned back to look at their tree and then back at Kara.

The older woman smiled and nodded "Go on...its so like clear it needs to be readjusted again"

She giggled as the pair cheered and headed back to their tree....

....to make it just right this year.

I'm opening this thread for those who wish to post about stories and thoughts about their characters in Paragon during the Holiday season!...it is open to all. Have fun and share some spirit


December 18,2008 - Steel Canyon


"Merry Christmas Bill!" Kara smiled as he opened the door to his apartment.

"We've had this conversation before Kar." He smirked "You're Jewish," His tone informed her as if she were a particularly stupid child, but he still stepped aside to allow her in.

She groaned at his old joke as she stepped in from the hall. "You so know I am not!"

"So...What's in the bags?"

Kara quirked an eyebrow in challenge. "You tell me."

"Food?" Bill would have denied it but it was obvious, to Kara at least, that he'd perked up at the possibility. She knew he always got grouchy and became an organized mess whenever Patti was away on assignment.

"With the way you stock your kitchen, when Patti is away? That's SO a given," Kara giggled as she started unpacking various pans and sticking them in the oven.

"There's more? I'm intrigued," He crossed his arms and decided to continue their usual game of jab, taunt and dodge when he was in this mood.

"Are those cookies? And eggnog? Have you been converted recently? Or have you always harbored a secret love of Christmas in your little, Jewish heart?" Despite his jibe, Bill's hand had to be "discouraged" from swiping a sugared Christmas tree. He winced at the slap. "Hey!"

Kara scoffed. "These are for you, but after your dinner. I'm like fulfilling all the clichés aren't I? Sorry, I like couldn't find mistletoe on such short notice."

Bill smirked. He might deny it but he was loving this.

"That's okay, Kar. You can smooch me after I get smashed on eggnog."

"It's non-alcoholic." Kara smirked and quipped "and besides Patti would kill me"

"Won't be after I add in some vodka." Bill nodded

"And like miss the turkey?"

"You made turkey?"

"Well...Chicken. Same thing. Almost." Kara moved to the living room and popped in a CD. Jazzy Christmas music filled the apartment.

"You are becoming very domesticated, aren't you?" Bill sighed and frowned as his favorite type of holiday music began playing. "Definitely need that vodka if I'm going to get through this."

Kara giggled "With this attitude you will so be visited by three ghosts in a few more nights"

Bill chuckled finally but kept his scowl "Good I still need that silly badge anyways" He eyed her ""You realize that I got you nothing for Christmas, 'cause you're Jewish,"

Kara rolled her eyes "I'll survive somehow," She muttered as she started hunting down plates, glasses and cutlery.

Bill watched her go back and forth as she set up the coffee table near the TV. "Please oh please tell me you do not have the Charlie Brown Christmas Special with you?" he sighed dramatically.

"Like of course and something for you to identify with" She smirked playfully at her friend.

"Let me guess" He looked skyward to the ceiling "The Grinch"

Kara laughed "You bet, besides this is just to hold you over til Patti gets home on Sunday"

"Kar?"

She paused coming back from his kitchen with their plates. "Hmmm?"

"Merry Christmas." He smiled finally.

"You realize this means you're spending Hanukkah at my house next year?" Kara she quipped back with a smile.

"Kar, Kar, Kar." he shook his head sadly as he walked over and sat down.

She scooped up the first DVD and looked back "What?"

"You aren't Jewish Kara." He sighed "What a sad life you lead, you should know this"

She giggled as she sat down next to him "No but I always make sure Izzy has someone to celebrate with!"

Bill smiled "So I am not the only one you bother every year?"

Kara smiled as she curled up next to her friend "Nope, I'm so like a holiday virus"

He laughed as she fumbled with his remote to start the movie, he picked up his plate and inhaled its warm aroma. She is getting better at cooking, he smirked to himself.

"Oh and Bill?" she said "Happy Holidays"

"Happy Holidays Kar" he chuckled as they settled back and watched Charlie Brown begin his hunt for the perfect tree.


December 19,2008 - New Overbrook, Faultline
Originally Posted by The Templar Lucianna Addo


The katana cut through the tightly packed snow of the Frostling with little effort, severing an arm that fell and blended into the snow on the sidewalk. Miyako's backswing removed the head; it tumbled down the street, coming to rest in a snow clogged guttered. A stab with her wakizashi finished off the last of the strange creatures. Christmas time in Paragon City was not what she had expected. After the horror of Halloween, it shouldn't have been a surprise. She would take snowmen over zombies any day.

What she disliked was Lucianna being out of town. Her new movie, Barbarella, was out on Friday, which meant the young super heroine was on the talk show circuit. Tonight she was in Burbank for an appearance on the Tonight Show. Miyako had decided not to go with her; she didn't enjoy seeing the business behind 'show business'. So tonight she was on her own.

Of course, Kara was here, but she had two children to look after and shopping to do. Lucianna's parents, always perpetually busy, had even more to do during the holidays. Lexus was obsessing over every detail with the arrival of grandparents. Miyako had tried to help but soon decided it was best to stay out of the way.

Lucianna will be back in a few days, she told herself. Between now and then I should try to enjoy myself. The sky began to turn crimson and somewhere nearby a man screamed. Enjoy myself in a city constantly under siege. She teleported to the screaming and quickly dispatched a trio of zombies clawing at an elderly man. At least I know I'm needed here.


A few hours later, Miyako was home. Warm, fed, and curled up on the couch watching one of Luci's favorite movies-Kill Bill. Someone had started a fire early and despite it's size, the gargantuan living room was very warm. She shook her head as the Bride suffered more abuse from her sensei. The phone rang. With a sigh Miyako rolled over and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey baby, it's me," Luci's voice said cheerfully.

Miyako grabbed the remote and paused the movie. "Hi! How are you? How was the interview?"

Luci chuckled. "It was good. I think it was good. The audience laughed a lot. Not at me I hope."

"I am sure you were wonderful. The camera loves you and you like to talk. I think you were made to be on talk shows."

Luci laughed. "So what, should I be the next Tyra Banks?"

"Not unless you want to be. I miss you."

"It's only been two day, Miyako."

"And four more before you come home."

"I know, but I'll see you soon."

"How is the rest of your trip? Are they taking good care of you?"

"Of course! I've got, like, this awesome suite. It's decorated for Christmas, got my own tree. It's pretty huge in here. There's even a piano in the front room."

"It sounds very comfortable."

"It is. The only thing it's missing is someone to help keep me warm."

Miyako snickered. "You don't get cold."

"You know what I mean. I miss you."

Miyako laughed. "It's only been two days!"

"I know! I just hate sleeping alone. Could you teleport here for the night?"

"That would a frivolous waste of magic."

"I don't care!" Luci chuckled.

They both sat in silence for a moment before Miyako spoke again. "Can you do something for me?"

"What?"

"Go to the piano and play something for me."

"What??"

"Play me a song. I'll put it on speaker phone and it will feel like your here with me. Like when you sang to me before."

"That was one time...You know..."

Miyako smiled to herself and turned on the speaker phone. "I know that you don't think you're very good, but you are. Beside I am not asking to hear a concert pianist. I just want to hear my wife."

Luci's laugh was timid sounding, "Okay, baby. No one else is there?"

"It's just me and you."

"Just a minute." There were sounds of movement, followed a few cords on a piano. "Okay, this is a really beautiful song. Ma'am loves it and learned to play it for her. It's by Stevie Wonder, so I hope I totally don't ruin it." She started to play and sing, her voice very soft.

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys

Miyako laughed, "I like this song already."

"Miyako! Don't interrupt. It's hard enough for me to get myself started." Lucianna started again, her voice even quieter this time.

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December all hearts will see
A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth

Miyako laid back on the couch, watching the fireplace. Luci's voice grew stronger.

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
A world where people care

The front door opened and Kara ushered in Phil and Katrina. Miyako quickly turned and motioned for them to be quiet.

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment, one prayer away
From our world today

Kara and the two girls quietly gathered around the phone as Lucianna's voice rose. Miyako smiled to each of them.

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Hate will be gone and love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime

Kara motioned to the girls and silently counted to three. Shouts of "Merry Christmas!" followed by laughter filled the rooms in Paragon and Los Angeles.

"Miyako!" said Luci in a startled voice. "I thought you were alone!"

"They just wandered in," she said cheerfully.

"That was very pretty Luci," Kara added happily.

"It was beautiful. Merry Christmas, love," Miyako said. "I will call you tomorrow."

"Okay, but I'm not singing for you."

Miyako smiled as she replied. "We will see. I love you."

"I love you. Good night."

Miyako hung up the phone and looked up at Kara. "You have excellent timing."

"Sometimes," Kara said. "Squirtle, Kat, and I are going to wrap presents. Do you want to help?"

Miyako stood up from the couch. "I would love to."