((always get a kick out of folks storys , sadly they don't seem to stick around on the front page long enough for folks to read and comment on them , I liked it 
))
/e curls up by the fire, eyes full of intent and wonder, watching the storyteller but not really, more watching the story as it is spun out into the ether.
Thanks Seahawk!
Let us stifle under mud at the pond's edge
and affirm that it is fitting
and delicious to lose everything. ~ Donald Hall
*makes more popcorn and grabs a seat*
Part of Sister Flame's Clickey-Clack Posse
The English language is an intricate high-speed precision tool.Stop using it to bang open coconuts. ~Tokamak
Dark_Respite's Video page
Billy regarded the fantastic figure for a moment, his eyes wide.
The figure said in a deep voice that showed no sign of his age, "Are you Billy Jackson?"
Billy nodded dumbly and the big man chuckled, Time is short, young man, and I have a special gift for you. You see, Im
Santa Claus! exclaimed Billy, his heart beating rapidly.
The man known by so many names around the world nodded smilingly and said, Very good, Billy. Youre as smart as I thought you were.
Billy looked around; all the other kids were still asleep, oblivious to their legendary visitor.
You are the only one who can see and hear me, Billy. That
is the magic of Christmas, I can be anywhere and talk to anyone, but only at this time of year. Tonight, you are one of the lucky few who get to experience that magic in full. With a fluorish, he produced a small wrapped box, about 2 inches all around, with a small bow. The coloring and texture of the package kept changing as did the bow. Not rapid fire like a machine gun, but more like water, flowing from one to the next.
Billy looked at the box, then looked at Santa with genuine concern, How do I know you are who you say you are?
Santa smiled, then nodded and laid a finger alongside one side of his nose and a glow lit from within and expanded outwards to reveal the well-recognized red suit, cap and boots.
You didnt nod?
Did you wish me to disappear up a chimney like Tim Allen did in The Santa Clause?
Billy shook his head, smiled, then said, Whats in the package?
Ah, said Santa, that is the question. You see Billy, every year, I pick a sick child who is on my good list and give them a Christmas Wish.
A wish? was Billys natural response.
Yes, it can be
anything you want it to be.
Anything, huh?
"Yes, with limits."
I can make myself better?
If that is what you want, Santa nodded,.
Or I could make mom and dad feel better about my, he gulped, going away.
Hmm, responded the elderly elf, I daresay the wish would try its best, but nothing can truly heal a broken heart except time.
I could
started Billy, his eyes alight with an idea.
No Billy, you cannot tamper with Time. The more scientific-minded would tell you that you could create a paradox in which we might cease to exist. Even, concluded Santa with a shiver, me.
Billy pondered, Well we dont want that, do we? I think I'd rather keep you around."
Santa smiled at Billy's ingenuosness.
The boy thought a moment longer, then his eyes lit up again, but with wonder, "Could I use the wish for two things? Make myself better and something else?
Before Santa could say anything, Billy interrupted, I wanna be a superhero! I wanna help people the way that nurses helped me an Dave an melia an
Santa was so overcome with the boys selflessness that he laughed his familiar laugh.
Please Santa? asked Billy in earnest,please? I wanna get better an help people, too! Can I do that? Billy looked so earnest, so eager that it was hard not to say no
All right, but theres something you must agree on. Before you agree, let me tell you what the limits will be. First, you can only be a hero from the day after Thanksgiving until January 1st. For each time that you use your powers when its not that time, you will lose one year of your life due to that disease that is currently killing you.
So I can only be a hero during Christmastime? Billy asked
You can only be a superhero during that time. How you make a better person of yourself during the rest of the year is up to you.
OK, responded the boy, And next?
You must never ever tell your parents who you are. It must be a secret between you and me. Do not worry, as there are many heroes out there who have keep their identities secret to protect their loved ones.
Santa paused and said with a twinkle, quoting one of Billys favorite movies, Do we have an accord?
Billy laughed, then thought about it, Its worth it. My parents will be happy and Ill be able to help people! Yes, we have an accord! He stuck out his hand, which Santa shook solemnly.
Very well, said Santa, and handed the box, now heres what you have to do...
You must hold the present in your hand firmly, continued Santa, then you must think of those two wishes at the same time. And you must be firm when you decide what type of superhero you want to be. Do you understand?
Billy gingerly took the box from Santas hand and though about what he wanted to be
He looked out the window and didnt see the snow and fog that blocked the vision of what was outside. In his mind, he saw super-powered beings flying through the sky, zipping through the streets and generally stopping bad guys from doing crime.
His mind changed and he saw his favorite heroes from movies, Captain Jack Sparrow and Jackie Chan. But then he also had to also think about his look as well. Should he be square-jawed and firm like Statesman or lean and speedy like Synapse? He sort of decided on something in between; powerful as Statesman, but nearly as quick as Synapse. Above all this was the desire to be rid of his cancer.
This sort of thing would overwhelm an adult, let alone a 12-year-old boy. So much was going through his head that when he finally verbalized his wish which included an image of his pet cat, Tiger that things were rather jumbled and the end result was, well, not quite what he expected.
As the glow of the wish faded, the first thing he felt was that his entire body felt clean. For months, since the cancer had invaded, hed felt, dirty somehow. But he felt clean completely down to his DNA.
He also felt, well, powerful. And yet, he also felt, changed in other ways. He looked at Santa, whose eyebrows were threatening to climb into his forehead.
Well, not quite what I expected, rumbled the huge elf as he regarded Billy, but then, I supposed I should have been more specific.
Whatcha mean, retorted Billy in a voice that was deeper, smoother, than his normal warbling tenor, what the heck happened to my voice?
A moment, said Santa. With a gesture not unlike the wax-on/wax-off from Karate Kid a glittering sheet of ice appeared and expanded to full length, take a look in the mirror.
Billy looked and was surprised with the reflection. Same height and size, all right, but the first thing he noticed was the orange, black-striped fur. Looking directly into his face, he saw bright green jewel bright eyes, elegant whiskers and a cheerful countenance. He stood heroically, his arms akimbo. This is cooler than Peter Pan! he thought.
The outfit he wore was in red and green, as betokens an outfit for Christmas, but it was weird. On his head and on his feet was pirate gear; a bright red tricorn hat and bucket boots. But his jacket and pants looked like something out of a ninja flick, in bright green, trimmed in red. At his waist was a cloth belt not unlike what was worn by martial artists. Stepping back, the overall effect was
Cool! he exclaimed, I like it!
Santa chuckled, Well now, Ill have to say thats different. And if youll forgive an old mans bias, I do like the colors. Now you just need to decide on a name for your new persona
Um, Christmas Pirate Ninja Catboy?
A bit long, dont you think? Why not take out the middle two words?
Christmas Catboy?
Yes, that will do nicely; not only does it have the hard consonants, its an alliteration
Huh?
Dont worry; youll see soon enough, responded Santa.
Um, one question, though, said Billy, how do I change myself back? Its gonna be kinda hard for my parents not to notice.
Hmm, that does seem problematic. Well, theres enough of the Christmas magic left, I think. Now
close your eyes. Thats right. Now, think about what you looked like before you transformed
Like Optimus Prime?
Um, no. You dont want to be folding and unfolding yourself. While its not painful, its uncomfortable and youll be squeezing things youd rather not have squeezed. Trust me on this.
Oh
OK.
Now again, think about what you looked like before you transformed. Get that picture firmly in your mind. One thing; always remember what clothing you were wearing before you changed, all right?
OK!
Now that youve got that in your mind, concentrate on whom you want to change to; yourself or Christmas Catboy. In this case, your old self and make the change. If you want you can say a couple of words to help with the transformation, go ahead.
Presto Chango! came the cry from Billy as he dramatically raised his hands above his head. A *poof* sound, a cloud of smoke, and Billy was once again Billy.
Santa regarded wryly Billy over his glasses, You, young man, read far too many comic books. Billy simply smiled.
Now, its too late in the season, really, to embark on your new career, so I recommend that you simply practice changing back and forth, and discover your abilities. After the season ends, I suggest you exercise as much as you can, to build up your endurance and strength.
Do I gotta eat my vegetables?
Hrm, not exactly, I think with your new form, youll be requiring more protein. Dont be surprised if you prefer your meat rare from now on. However, try not to change your habits too much; you dont want to alarm your parents. I would check on the Internet to find a reputable trainer and see what they recommend for your age.
OK, Santa.
Oh, one final thing; since I had a hand in this, I think I should keep an eye on you and keep in touch. With that, he reached into a pocket a pulled out a snowglobe that had a miniature of Santa about to climb down a chimney.
If you need to speak to me, shake the globe and Ill get back to you as soon as I can. You can leave a message if you want. And if I want to talk to you, the tune Jingle Bells will play, all right?
Billy nodded, realizing that Santa was about to leave. He was so happy about what had happened to him that he didnt know what else to say, yet he knew he couldnt keep Santa to himself. There are other kids out there who need him, was his thought. So he padded over to his bed and pulled out a candy cane, then handed it to Santa.
Merry Christmas Santa, he said simply
Why thank you, Billy, was the surprised response, you didnt have to do that.
I know, but
you deliver presents to all those kids. Even milk and cookies must get boring and, you know, its only right that you get a present, too. And
Santa?
Yes, Billy?
Thank you, was Billys response as he threw his arms around Santas middle and gave him a hug, with the realization of what this Christmas wish had done, Ill show you that I was worth the wish.
Youre welcome, Billy. said the red-clad elf and he returned the hug, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears, And I know you will. Now, hop into bed and get some sleep. Tomorrows a big day you have a lot of work ahead of you.
This time, when he laid his finger aside his nose, he gave a nod and a chimney appeared against the wall. Santa Claus then went up the chimney and the chimney disappeared.
Just like in the movie, thought Billy, cool!
He settled down, thoughts of running through the streets of Paragon City, fighting crime as Christmas Catboy and as he fell asleep, he thought he heard:
Merry Christmas to All! And to all a good night!
[Stay tuned; theres more to come!]
I wondered where this new alt had come from! So sweet...
Part of Sister Flame's Clickey-Clack Posse
The English language is an intricate high-speed precision tool.Stop using it to bang open coconuts. ~Tokamak
Dark_Respite's Video page
Slight bump; working on the final entry. :-) Thanks for your patience, all!
(Sorry for the delay; I had a hard time trying to figure out just how to present this last part and now here it is; the final entry in this story. Enjoy!)
From the Journal of Christmas Catboy
First, I apologize if I bounce around from subject to subject here. Ideas pop into my head and I need to write them down before I forget.
My name is Billy Jackson. Actually, I may call myself Bill from now on, as the change that happened last year at Christmas has changed how I think of myself. More adult, and more responsible, I guess. I guess even 13-year-olds can be more adult, yes?
You see, Im also a hero. Or at least, I make the best attempt I can. Im known as Christmas Catboy, and I can only operate from the day after Thanksgiving until January 1st of the New Year. So that kind of limits me as to when I can do my hero schtick I guess youd call it.
Im writing this down because since I became Christmas Catboy, Ive not only had fun beating down the bad guys, Ive found that there are bad guys out there who need to be stopped; Lord Winter is like me; seasonal. Doc Vahzilok is a wuss. I mean, cmon
a rotting meatsuit that fires rockets? Gimme a break! But yeah, theres bad guys Ive not met yet
Requiem, Baron Zoria, and of course, Lord Recluse.
Thing is; a hero is a hero. If the need is there, the hero answers the call, no matter what. If Im the only one around and some bad guy is trying to rob a bank, I cant just stand there and let it happen! I have to change and pound the heck out of them and send their sorry butts to the Ziggurat!
So yeah, its gonna hurt
maybe kill me. And my parents gotta know why I died. That's why I'm writing this down.
See, they were really so happy when my cancer went into remission that they didnt question it. At the time, I was, too. Heck, I had fun learning about what I could and couldnt do over the next year; stopping bullies from beating on smaller kids at school, outrunning everyone in gym class once in a while, stuff like that. But anyway, my folks have gotta know, even if they dont agree with my decision. I know they love me and all that, but the call is there.
Ive chatted with a hero or two. One was a scruffy guy, he had the smell of the ocean mixed with the smell of trees and newly-mown grass. Very confusing. He wore a longcoat and bucket boots, like mine. But he carried himself with a self-assurance that was daunting. If it werent for his open manner, Id have been intimidated.
He said, with an Irish accent, Boyo, once ye don th heroes togs, ye canna get away. Its like an irresistable pull tgo out there an help folk out. Tis the danger, th excitement an theres th need tdo th right thing though it may cost ye yer life. With that, he smiled at me in encouragement and said, "Ne'er be afraid t'call fer help, laddie. There are many out there who'd be more than help ye out."
With that, he downed whatever he was drinking, then left the chalet. I finished my hot chocolate in silence.
Then, the day after Thanksgiving came and I donned my uniform officially for the first time. Christmas Catboy to the rescue! That was me, all right. Stopping purse snatching, random acts of vandalism and of course, the real challenges of the so-called super gangs.
It was fun, pounding on Hellions, Skulls, Outcasts and Warriors. It was also fun thwarting their plans to take over Paragon City for whatever evil purpose they had hatched.
I had a talk with Santa this year, suprisingly enough. Didnt think Id see him again, but sure enough, Christmas Eve, he stopped by to see how I was doing.
So Billy, he said, lighting his pipe, how do you like your new identity? He then blew out rings that looked like reindeer flying around his head.
I sat in my bed, my knees up to my chin and my arms wrapped around my legs.
I like it fine, Santa, I said, but Ive been thinking
Yes? he said with an upraised eyebrow.
After January 1st, I know Im not supposed to do the superhero thing, but Santa, I said, What happens when someone really needs my help? What happens then? Do I ignore it?
Santa sighed, Ive thought about that, Billy, because I knew this day would come, just not so soon. I really wish I could help, but even Im limited. My magic only works during the time of Christmas and as much as Id like to get the other holidays to cooperate, we all have our peculiar boundaries.
So, I said, giving him a brave look, guess Id better get used to the idea of hurting, huh?
Santa sighed deeply, Yes, Billy. Im sorry.
Santa, I said with a smile, Youve given me a whole year that I didnt think Id make it. Im doing things boys my age only dream of. Each and every day is Christmas to me. So dont apologize, big guy. My Christmas wish came true. Make sure help another kid who needs help more than I do so that they can be happy, too!
Santa looked at me in wonder and surprise, then said,Billy if ever there was any doubt about whether I did good with the wish I granted you, youve washed it away
entirely. Thank you
Youre welcome, Santa, I said, Ill still try to be careful, though, and leave most of the stuff for other heroes, but there are times when Ill have to answer the call.
I know Billy, he said, moisture in his eyes, can you do me a favor, though? Id love to see you do that splendid change.
I laughed and got out of bed. I spread my arms and cried, Presto
Change-O!
Smoke, a poofing sound and there I stood, clad as Christmas Catboy, arms akimbo, grinning up at him with confidence.
Santa laughed his laugh, and a distant cry came, Help! Im being robbed! Help!
Santa gestured and my window opened.
Go getem, Christmas Catboy!
Yessir! I said and leaped out the window.
It was a simple thing, a purse snatching on Christmas night. I laid the Hellions out and even though theyre bad guys, I left them candy canes and wished them a Merry Christmas as the police cars pulled up.
Then the Rikti came.
These are the same guys that took down Hero 1 and Omega Team! I wont detail that night; helping to defuse bombs, fighting the Rikti in front of the doors of City Hall in Atlas Park. It was a hellish night and a few heroes got sent to the hospital, despite the teleportation system.
Afterwards, tired and seriously wiped out, I fell into bed after changing back to Bill Jackson. About an hour later, Mom woke me for Christmas.
Yes, I was tired, but it was the best Christmas ever, I got to see Santa again, I stopped an Rikti invasion (with some help, of course) and I was with Mom and Dad. The gifts I got didnt matter because I had the best gift of all, my family.
As I realized this, I knew that I would do anything, including laying down my life for my family. I knew that if necessary and it wasnt Christmas, I would answer The Call.
(Yes, Christmas Catboy exists as one of my alts. Before the holiday ends, send him a hello and a good luck and if you see him out there after Christmas season, its because hes had to answer The Call that all heroes know so well in Paragon City
The City of Heroes)
Nice finish and nice story all the way through Sea Hawk.
Thanks!
Let us stifle under mud at the pond's edge
and affirm that it is fitting
and delicious to lose everything. ~ Donald Hall
Welcome! Glad you liked it!
[Author's Note: Time once again for a Christmas story. Get out the feeted pajamas and popcorn, sit down and I'll spin a yarn for you. Enjoy! And when critiquing...please be kind]
The cancer ward wasn't the most boring place to be, but it was the most depressing. Kids came here to occasionally get better, but usually they were here to die. The smell was the worst, though; that clean antiseptic smell that inundates all hospitals. Billy really hated that smell. Hed rather smell oatmeal cookies fresh from the oven. Or home baked bread. Bacon and eggs. The smell of trees in the spring. Any of that. Just not that hospital smell.
He gave the staff credit, though; they did make an effort to make the kids happy for Christmas. Most of them took it in stride. Others were sad because no one had visited them. And some were beyond caring, comatose from the disease that ravaged their young bodies.
Billy and his opponent Mr. Zane, an elderly patient, sat off in a corner playing chess. A past-time that kept his mind sharp and kept him from worrying too much about his own condition.
I suppose, Billy thought, there could be worse ways to die. Getting shot, dying from an overdose of drugs, heck, being caught in the crossfire of one of the gang wars in Kings Row is always fun. The last thought came out somewhat snarky as he pondered the next moving on the chess board and carefully moved a knight.
"Not bad, kid," rumbled Mr. Zane with admiration, "not bad at all." Mr. Zane was an odd guy. Like the kids, he had cancer. His was in the lungs, but he refused to stay in bed. "'Druther die bein' busy than dyin' in bed," he'd always say. He always made time for the kids, no matter how far along they were and talked to them or taught them to play chess. Tonight it was Billy's turn.
"Thanks, Mr. Zane, " said Billy, "I had a good teacher," he returned with a smile.
"Cut it out kid," rumbled the elderly fat man, "you'll ruin my reputation."
"Aw, everyone knows you're a big softy, Mr. Zane."
The old man grunted ran his hand over his sparsely covered head as he pondered his next move. He was about to move a bishop when he was overcome by a paroxysm of coughing. He quickly retrieved a handkerchief and covered the cough and to catch any blood. Billy politely waited until he was done and he'd wiped his mouth.
"Are you all right, Mr. Zane?"
"I'm fine, kid," came the response, "dang cough." He wiped his mouth and put away the handkerchief, then went back to pondering the chess board.
Billy looked over to his bed where his Christmas presents lay; a few books, some candy and a a portable DVD player with some of his favorite movies. A stocking hung on the bedpost, his name glittering brightly on the top. All remnants of his parents most recent visit. He sighed.
"What's the matter, kid?"
"Just wish my parents were here, it's Christmas Eve."
"They gonna be here tomorrow?"
"Yeah, but it's not the same. We used to spend Christmas Eve singing carols an' tell stories an' stuff."
"So why'd they leave?"
"Mom, I think; she was crying 'cause she knows I'm not going to get better an she thinks this may be my last Christmas. An' Dad doesn't really like hospitals much since his mom died." He sighed again, wishing there was something he could do.
Mr. Zane nodded, "You OK? You need to talk about it?." He moved the bishop he was considering and said, "Check."
The words rolled out of their own volition, nearly tripping over each other, "Sometimes I don't mind; I mean, death would be an awfully big adventure, just like in Peter Pan, you know? But then sometimes I get so scared that I shake and cry a lot. I don't tell my parents, though. I can tell they're already having a tough time; they don't need me freaking out." Billy considered the board, saw an open spot for his other knight, moved it and said, "Checkmate."
The old man blinked in surprise, then looked at Billy, who merely smiled a bit impishly.
"Good move, kid!" he said with a laugh, "keep the board. We'll play again tomorrow. And kid...Billy, don't worry too much your parents. They're good folks and they're trying to deal with the pain in their own way."
Mrs. Chumalsky, the Head Nurse announced, "Lights out, kids. Time for bed." A few quiet groans and moans came from the various children.
"Time for me to go," said Mr. Zane. He stood up groaning, his bones creaking.
"Hey! exclaimed Billy, Before you go, let me get you something." He leapt out of the chair and headed to his bed. He grabbed a candy cane and ran over to Mr. Zane and handed it to him with a flourish.
"Here ya go, Mr. Zane. Merry Christmas!"
The old man looked at the candy cane in surprise, then at Billy's earnest face. "Why, thank you Billy," he said, blinking furiously, "You didn't have to do that."
"No, but it's Christmas. Everyone deserves a present." Zane gave Billy an awkward pat on the shoulder and shuffled off in the direction of his room.
"Good night, Billy," came the gruff voice.
"Good night, Mr. Zane." he responded as the lights went out.
All the other kids had gone to sleep or were settling down for the night. Billy padded over to his bed and carefully laid his presents under it.
He crawled under the antiseptic-smelling sheets and blanket then laid back on the bed, his hands tucked under his head. He looked out the window and into the moonlit night, wishing he could be home with his parents.
There was a single star glowing through the window. Impulsively, he made a wish on it; I wish I could be there for them, he thought, not so much for me as for them so that they woudn't worry so much. I'd like my Christmas present to them to be me, healthy and whole. Those were his last thoughts as he drifted off to sleep.
A church clock striking 12 midnight woke him. He lifted his head and blinkd sleep out of his eyes.
Wait a minute, he thought, there aren't any churches near this hospital, what...
He looked outside...or tried to. His eyes widened as he saw fog-covered windows and and...was that snow?...on the panes. He climbed out of bed and padded across the linoleum floor, not feeling the coldness of the floor. He rubbed off the wet fog on the windows with a pajama sleeves and looked outside. There was snow, honest to goodness snow, blanketing Paragon City!
He heard a slight noise and turned. Approaching him was a tall figure. Well, tall to him. And round, but in a way that showed solidness rather than flabbiness. The figure moved catlike towards Billy and in the light of the full moon revealed a white-haired man with a flowing white beard wearing a doctor's jacket. The full moon face was smiling benignly and his spectacles were rectangles perched on his nose. A pipe, curls of smoke rising its bowl, had been placed in the breast pocket haphazardly. In his hand, he held a clipboard. The nametag showed but a single legend: "Kringle."