Chapter 8 Christmas Reunion

Sky, along with her cat, sat in the living room of her apartment early that morning. A warm cup of tea in one hand, and a gingerbread cookie in the other, listening to Christmas music on the radio. Tapping her feet to the beat of the music, her eyes sparkled at the sight of the Christmas tree in the living room.

Decorated from bottom to top, with Christmas balls, colorful lights, and candy canes. Action figures of superheroes, clearly Maroo and Eddie's contribution. along with homemade decorations from Ray showing all five of their names on balls. She giggled at the sight of the crooked tree topper star, due to Sarah, tripping on her ice skates again, nearly knocking the entire thing down. Her memory was interrupted when she heard the sound of her cat playing with something underneath the tree.

“No, no kitty,” she scratched, snatching a small present from the cat's claws. It meowed its frustration but was soon preoccupied when Sky threw a mouse toy instead for it to play with... She shook her head at the creature's silliness, before observing whatever damage was done to the wrapping paper. Other than a small tear the gift was fine. In hopes of covering it up, Sky grabbed a silver bow and placed it on top of the rip. “I hope he likes it,” she whispered as she thought of who the gift was for. Charles Wulfric… why did that name seem familiar to her? She wondered, grabbing her phone to look up the name for the tenth time.

Finding no photos or social media of any kind the only thing that came up were a few news articles. American soldier knighted by the queen of England, Was the headline of one article. But Sky scrolled past it, finding the article she was most concerned about as she read,

STOLEN GOODS ON THE BLACK MARKET.

Accused banker, Charles Wolfric, faces legal charges for missing jewelry and paintings, found in drug cartels' hands. When questioned, they said the money was given to them by the banker, yet he denied involvement. Showing proof that he had nothing to do with it. However, there have been many sightings of some of the roughest street gangs in the country, seen at his very own-

Sky's attention was drawn away by the sound of Sarah entering the room. With her hair sticking up in the air, and a yawn, Sarah scratched her side before grabbing a muffin. Once Sarah had her fill, she finally was awake enough to say “Good morning, do you have your dress picked out for tonight?”

“Yeah, tho that's the least of my problems. I'm afraid I'm falling behind in my studies, due to all these mutant attacks. Could you tutor me?” Sky begged, raising her hands up in the air.

“I would but we're not researching the same thing. You're becoming a vet, I know nothing about veterinarian work.”

“Thanks anyway,” Sky sighed and began heading to the doorway.

“Hay, don't forget parties at eight alright?

“Thanks, sky called back, leaving Sarah to her muffin.

…

With the sound of his alarm clock, Eddie groaned, before sticking his arm out of the covers and hitting the button. With a stretch he threw off the covers, wobbling out of out scratching his head, before seeing himself in his bedroom mirror. Noticing his horns had grown back, he provided them with a finger for a moment. With one more yawn of the morning, he grabbed a hand saw from his dresser, and began cutting them off again, tossing them into a trash can, full of other overgrown horns. In hopes of hiding what was left, he grabbed a beanie, before checking the date on his calendar.

squinting trying to focus on the tiny number, he mumbled its date. December 23. “What! it's the twenty-third, the party! He yelled with a smile on his face. “Yes yes yes, I'm finally gonna ask her out,” he swung his hands into a joyful clap, before practicing his dancing Into the living room, where his dad was drinking his morning cup of joe, reading the newspaper. Mutant Heroes Stop Flaming Monster, read the headline.

“Woah what's got you so wild this morning,” asked his father.

“Tonight I'm going to that party, I told you a week ago, his son scoffed”

“A party, with your college friends aye,” Mr Crush said, turning his attention back to the paper. you should be studying, not partying.” He groaned.

“Relax pops, I'm already on the verge of being a billionaire,” Eddie told him, grabbing a bowl from the cupboard.

“Uh huh, so is Skyler Oak going to be at this party?” Asked his father, already planning to tease him.

“Dad we're just friends,” he complained, both for his father's question and his own friend zone.

“Going to try and get her under the mistletoe?”His father smirked

“Dad!”

“Hay it's how I got your mother to date me.”

“Me and Sky are friends, For now,” he added under his breath, before taking a seat and eating a bowl of cereal.

“Well I'm going to be working late, I'll be at the mayor's party.”

“I know, I'll see you there,” Eddie replied with his mouth full.

Crush snapped back to him.

“ Sarah invited me, we'll be at the same party.”

“Sarah, Sarah Stone?” Crush squinted his eyes in curiosity.

“Yeah keep up Dad,Sarah and I are friends. The whole group actually.” he rolled his eyes at his father's protruding.

Like father, like son, Mr. Crush rolled his eyes in the same manner, as he stood up from the table. well, I have to get to work early, make sure you wear something nice if you're going to be there. It's not like an ordinary party, ya know?”

“I got a suit, see ya Dad,” he groaned, before taking another bite of his breakfast, as his dad left the room.

…

“Hey boss,” Agent Tompson mumbled to him as he got into the van.

“Get a move on. Tonight's Christmas party, it turns out my son is friends with Miss Stone, and will be at the party along with her and her friends, apparently they know each other from college.

Miss Tompson narrowed her eyes. “I told you she was in my class.”

“But you said nothing about how close my son was to her.”

“Does he show any sign of being one of them?”

“No,” he shook his head. “And I bet neither does Miss Stone?” he said, glancing over to his subordinate.

Already knowing where her boss was going with this, Tompson's eyebrows lowered in annoyance. “No, no I am not doing this,” she told him.

“It's almost Christmas, you haven't seen her in years, this could be-”

“No!” She snapped her head back to him. Besides, if she isn't a mutant, she's much safer where she is.”

“Do you really think that wouldn't she be interested in knowing what happened to her parents? He said growing louder per word. Don't you think she might be investigating herself?

“I'm not involving her! what's important is him stopping him from striking again, Your son just got lucky is all.” She said with determination.

“Are you certain it's him, what do you know about Wolfric anyway, what aren't you telling me?”

“I told you everything.”

“Really, 'cause you seem to know a lot about our culprit You're almost as bad as that assistant of the mayors.”

Tompson eyes grew for a moment before bringing her attention back to the road. “And how is Miss Shaw?”

Crush sat in silence studying her reaction before finally giving a response. “She seems to be enjoying her retirement. She has an adopted son who is also friends with Sarah. I still haven't ever seen Miss Stone.”

“She's not human,” Tompson replied as a drop of sweat fell from her brow.

“Do you have proof?”

“No?”

“I see, so just like you don't have proof about The Reaper.”

“Yep,” she replied comedically. The car fell silent for a moment, only to be filled with laughter from both of them.

…

At the sound of eight bells from an old grandfather clock in the room, Sarah stood in the hallway of town hall. She glanced over at the beuricats, and business partners of the mayor that surrounded her before a voice caught her attention.

Miss Stone, is that truly you, a cheerful voice said from a man in a suit.

Putting on her best smile, Sarah nodded. “Mr Tension, glad you could make it. You haven't seen the mayor, have you? Sarah looked around the room.

“No, no I think Mr. Drake is inside. My, oh my have you grown. Mr tension shook his head with a grin. “Your father would be proud of how much you've grown. You stay out of the papers, tell me are you looking to become a politician like your old man?

“Oh, no, she shook quickly, “I currently want to be an investigator.”

“An investigator, he said astonished. “Well what a shame, your father mad quiet the-

“Sarah,” called out Ray as she quickly flung her arm around her. “Who is this?”

“Ray this is Mr tension, one of the city hall's top advisors. He took my dad's place after… well me tension this is my friend Ray, from college, Mr. Drake said I could invite a couple of them.

“Ah well any friend of A Stone, is a friend of mine, he said holding out his hand for Ray, who shook it nearly cracking his bones.

“Owe!!”

“Oh sorry, I'm afraid I don't know my own strength, Sarah shrugged.

The man chuckled, shaking the pain off his hand, “No need to worry, quiet the grip you have there. Well Sarah it was fun catching up, we really should have a chat sometime. your father was really was a dear friend, it's such a shame he died before he could truly enjoy the peace he created.

“Peace?” Sky raised an eyebrow.

“Oh yes, I suppose you don't know, not a lot do in fact, but your father was funding one of the biggest government contracts I ever knew. To quote your Arthur, it was the biggest discovery since the atomic bomb. However, the war ended before it could have been used when you were little.

I didn't know that, Sarah tilted her head. Any idea what the project wa-,

“Welcome, Welcome,” shouted the mayor as he burst through the door. “Oh, I am so glad all of you could make it. He gave a small bow. Right this way, we have a lovely evening for you tonight. I hired the best band to play, I hope you all like it. He said as he greeted the crowd, shaking the guest's hands as they walked inside.

“Sarah, oh look at you, glad you could make it, he hugged her, before guiding her inside.

“Thanks, I have a few more friends on their way, Ray, she glanced over to her friend. This is-

“Mayor Drake, I didn't think I'd ever meet the mayor of the town, hi, Ray grinned as she took the mayor's hand.

“A friend of my goddaughters, it's nice to meet you, come, come, I ordered the best swats in town. Can I offer you a gingerbread?” He asked walking them to the cattery table.

“I'm a sugar cookie gal actually. Ray crossed her arms, as a boy ran up to Ray hugging her.”

“Sup Sarah,”

“Maroo, what are you doing here, Isn't this a bit of a higher-class party for you? She asked returning the hug.

“Mom’s got me catering the guest for some comic book money. He told her before picking up a large gingerbread and snapping off its head with one bite.

“Maroo, I'm fine if you have one or two sweets but please have a carrot!” demanded his mother holding a tray of vegetables behind them.

“Sarah looked over her shoulder, greeting Miss Shaw with a smile.” the lady placed down the tray giving up on her son's diet for now, giving Sarah a hug, and greeting her friend.

Ray gave Miss Shaw a heads up, more occupied with the candy cane she had in her mouth.

‘I'm glad you got the dress I sent you, wasn't sure if it would get to you in time.” Miss Shaw told Sarah, who wore a fine blue work dress, and a snowflake necklace around her neck. In stark contrast to Ray who wore white jeans and an ugly Christmas sweater, with a death star pattern over it.

“Yeah, I got all the clothes you bought me thanks by the way. In all honesty,” Sarah paused taking a glance at her dress, I thought it might have been a bit too dressed up for the party, but I was clearly wrong. She said glancing around the decorated large room, from floor to ceiling.

A large tree sat in the corner, decorated with red and gold matching the wreaths to a tee. Snowflake lights hung from the ceiling sparking in the light. The windows were lined with holly, and the stage was made to look like the scene of Jesus's birth.

“Quiet the show, your godfather put on tonight, I wanted to do something simple, but he insisted on going all out if only it weren't using so much money,” Miss Shaw mumbled the last part under her breath before sampling a frosted cookie.

“ it can't be all bad, by the way, nice dress, I don't think I've ever seen you out of your work suit.” giggled Sarah.

“Oh this old thing,” Miss, Shaw glanced at her blue dress, “I've had it for a while guess I really don't go out much though with Maroo.”

“You all look great,” Mr. Drake told them before binging into a cookie himself. Only for someone else to gain his attention.

Sarah, laughed before glancing around the room again, taking in the sight, feeling a warm feeling within. She was so preoccupied she didn't notice Eddie walking up behind her.

“Hay guys, sup little man, he said , ruffling Maroo's hair before grasping a plate and filling it with cookies for himself. “Its two bad rays couldn't be here.

“I'm right here moron, Ray replied, with an eye roll, still enjoying her candidate.

“No, no I meant Ray Maverick, you actually look normal. He half-cooked on his own laughter.

In response, Ray only lowered her eyebrow, at his crud humor. “Yeah I must emit for a party like this, I had to dress up a bit nicer.”

“Eddie, you cleaned up nice.” Sarah greeted him.

“Thanks, you look great two, hay any idea where's Sk-” Eddie's jaw dropped at the sight of the woman who just walked in.

Playing with her snowflake earrings, with her face a little pink, dashing her eyes around the room avoiding eye contact, Sky walked in Dressed in a thin full black dress, with a white snowflake pattern on the end of it. She wore her casual jacket in hopes of hiding her wings. However, it did not hide the snowflake necklace that sat on her chest.

“Wow Sky, I know it's not a high-class party but man you look like a million bucks,” laughed Maroo across the room.

Once Sky saw a familiar face, her red cheeks faded, and she joined her friends quickly. “Thanks, I wasn't sure if this dress was overkill or not,” she chirped, before giving Sarah a hug.

Eddie just stood staring at her, his eyes dropping below her face. Noticing where his vision was going, Ray took the opportunity to through her backhand into his gut. “Her eyes are on her head idiot. You're so obvious, it's a wonder Sky hasn't noticed.

“Oww, easy on the- wait what?” he paused rubbing where she hit him.

This isn't high school prom you know, we're adults, just ask her to dance already.”

“Oh, Eddie you're going to ask someone to dance, oh thats nice. I don't know how to dance, myself.” Sky said, clearing her hair out of her eyes.

“You don't know-, I mean I'll teach you, if you-”

“I'd love to, save me a dance will you,” she told him before turning her attention to Sarah, who mostly stood silent observing her friends. “Sarah I also got the Santa gift, where do-

“Oh I'll take that, and set it by the tree, you kids just have a good-,” Realizing what she just called them, Miss Shaw shook her head. “Sorry force of habit.”

“It's fine, besides you've been like a mother to me for how long, Sarah told her, as she took Skye's Santa gift and handed it to her.

“In response Miss Shaw took it, with a nod, amazed at how much Sarah had grown, before turning to Mr Drake who was in conversation with another party guest.

“Mrs, Shaw, nice to see you again,” said Mr, Crush who was standing next to the mayor.

“Hmm yes, so is it just me or am I seeing double agents? She smiled.

“No, no that be my son, he apparently befriended Sarah in college, Eddie!

“Hearing his father's voice, Eddie cringed at the thought of it. “Oh no, here we go, he groaned, before turning to his father with a smile. “Guys I'd like you all to meet my dad.” He grinned wide, but his eyes gave away how annoyed he truly was.

Sarah shook Mr Crush's hand as soon as he approached them.

“Aww, you must be Miss Stone.”

She gave a nod, before Ray, took his hand next.

“And last but not least,” he said turning to the shyest of them all, keeping her distance in the back. “You must be Sky Oak, Eddie tells me a lot about you. You're his best friend.

“Aww that's sweet hi, she twitched a smile, before shaking his hand. “Your son's a great friend,” she told him avoiding eye contact.

The FBI agent gave his son a wink, making Eddie roll his eyes. “Alright, Dad.

“I'm glad you put on a suit at the very least.” crush wrapped his arm around him, into a side hug. Despite the slight embarrassment, he did return it, along with a grumpy groan.

Watching the two, Mrs shaw chuckled. “Well, it seems like everyone is here then.

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“Everyone but one, but then again he always does like to make quite the appearance doesn't he?” Smiled the mayor.

Releasing who he meant, Miss Shaw's smile lowered, before quickly looking back at the boss. “You didn't? She asked with a chill to her voice.

“I had to, he’s in charge of the banks,” replied Drake in a hushed voice.

Catching the conversation, the party guest Mr drake was with earlier chimed in, It's the best way for us to watch him. I'm currently wired right now, if he says anything or does anything I'll move my agents in place. Crush told her, before walking past a wide-eyed Miss Shaw, and the mayor to get to his son.

Overhearing the conversation, Sarah spun around to the three talking. Please tell me he's not.”

“Who,” asked Ray.

“Wolfric,” Sarah groaned.

“Wolfric,” Sky tilted her head.

“Sarah be nice,” her former caretaker warned. “I think he fancies you.”

With a gag, Sarah shook her head “No not him.”

“Well glad to see I'm appreciated.” Said a cruel voice catching the room off guard, everyone turned to see the tall figure directly behind Sarah.

Checking his pocket watch, he glanced between it and the mayor, who stepped over to him.

“Wha, when did you,” Asked Sarah who shivered in her stance.

“Been here the whole time, you people just never seem to notice me,” he smirked, putting away his pocket watch, in his dress paints.

“Sky hardly recognized him, out of his trench coat. But there was no mistaking who he was. The Reaper stood with a brown top hat, a color very different from the norm, a red suit jacket, matching tie, and snow white shirt, he looked quite festive, despite the twisted smirk on his face.

But it wasn't his appearance that had Sky so concerned. It was him. The man who saved her life, who pays her for singing at his bar. Never did she suspect to see him here and now. Her hero. With that last thought, her lips curved in a soft smile, as she took in the sight of him once more. However, he seemed very different from before. Back then despite the same attitude, he wore a true smile. Especially on the bike. Now his expression was fake and rigid. Especially his eyes. They seemed almost lifeless, and dull as he stood in front of the crowd. Was he nervous, sky questioned as she glanced around the room? But everyone else seemed to share the same posture, once he appeared.

“Appeared,” her smile stretched a little more, as she remembered he was a magician, and wondered what other tricks he would have up his sleeve tonight. Perhaps she could ask him later. Perhaps she could see the kindness she saw return to his cold dead eyes.

“I appreciate the invite, mayor, I didn't think I'd have time for it, but my assistant wanted to come so here I am.” He told him, moving robotically in nature.

“And where is your assistant now,” asked the FBI agent.”

“Careful mr, crush,” The reaper warned him. As the man in question walked out from behind his boss. “I won't have you insulting my employee again.” He told Crush, before turning his attention on the mayor. “Thank you for the invite, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't start more rumors, Mr. Drake, I already have enough of them to deal with, he said in a dull tone turning around to face Sarah. “And what of you, how have you been since last we met?”

Sarah crossed her arms, with her movements almost as robotic as his. “I've been fine, Mr Wolfric, she gave a friendly nod mustering up what she could for a smile, despite feeling herself shake with fear, she refused to show it, never avoiding eye contact with him. “I've been attending college with my friends, guys this is Mr Wolfric, the leader of the banks.

“Charmed,” the skeleton-like man rolled his eyes, paying little attention. “Well Mr. Drake, when would you like me to do my show?”

“Uhh yes, yes I hird you for some entertainment, everyone do you want to see a magic show, asked the mayor addressing the crowd. Wanting to move on from the state the room was in, they quickly nodded and followed the mayor to the stage.

As soon as he got on stage, Wolfric, glanced quickly at the cloud making sure all were present for his performance. With a smirk, he flung his arms to greet them.

“Alright, so many of you know how magic shows go. Most of it is mumbo jumbo and misdirection full of tricks and nicknacks.” He smiled. “For example,” he said, taking off his hat. “The old good-for-nothing hat trick where I pull something random out of it,” he reached in pulled out a wallet, and looked inside it. “Mr. Eddie Sandy Crush, I believe this is yours. Sorry, I swiped it early when I came in.”

Eddie, Immediately checked his back pockets, finding his wallet to indeed be missing. “Hay!” He raised his voice, to which the magician chuckled.

“Come, come up here and get your wallet food, sir. He gestured him forward.

“You better not have stolen anything!”Eddie claimed as he climbed up on stage.

“Ah, yes, yes do me, and feel free to check.”

Eddie snatched his wallet going through it. His ID, his credit card, his money. “Wait,” he said raising an eyebrow and pulling out a hundred.

“Merry Christmas Eddie, but if you please I hope you’ll stay on stage, I need an assistant for the next few tricks.” Wolfrics, smile, grew.

Eddie, slowly put his gift from, Wolfric, back in his wallet, before being sure to pocket it carefully, in hopes of paying attention to whatever the odd magician had in store for them.

The man took off his jacket and handed it to him. “Do me a favor and check every pocket, will you?” He instructed Eddie, who did as he was told, carefully, as if expecting something to jump out and bite him.

“There's nothing here.” He told him.

“ Right now do me a favor and place the jacket on the table, laid out,” Wolfric said as he grabbed a side table from the room.

“Eddie did as was told, keeping an eye on the man with every second. Little did he know Wolfric was doing the exact same, but was far better at disguising his interest.

“Thank you now, remove it if you will, please.”

With a tilt of the head, wondering where the man was going with this, Eddie ripped off the jacket from the table revealing a pile of dust.

“Oh sorry, I guess my jacket was a bit dusty.” joked the magician, swinging to the crowd, “But you see that dust isn't dust,” Wolfric warned them all while pointing one finger in the air. “It's” he glanced over at the young man on stage. Phoenix ash.” Mr Wolfric snapped his fingers and the ash erupted into fire revealing a flaming bird.

The crowd screeched in both fear and amazement as Eddie, Leaped back wide-eyed, his eyes flash green for a moment. Wolfric lips shortened at this, before turning back to the flaming bird. Its entire body was made up of fire, that danced and shifted colors. From, a roaring red, to a deep blue, and green tips, despite its horrifying nature, it mesmerized the crowd.

With a raise of Wolfric's hand, the bird took flight around the room, entrancing its audience even more, as Wolfric, directed his attention to Jaime, who gave a nod, and slowly backed away from the crowd and into the hallway.

Once Wolfric was certain he was gone, and he had the audience's attention, Mr. Wolfric, held out his gloved palm, letting the bird land in it carefully before, burning out into ash. With a twist of his wrist, the ash was gone once again along with it, the bird. “So can anyone tell me how I did that?” He tilted his head, teasing them all.

“There wasn't any ash in that jacket, How the hell did you do that? Yelled The frazzled assistant of his.

“Right, you are, now, Mr. Eddie, if you please lay my jacket back on the table spread out.”I have one more trick for the crowd tonight. Eddie did as he was asked, checking the jacket for any more dust, just in case.

“Good now would you mind singing jingle bells?” Wolfric clapped.

“Huh?”

“Come on Eddie, sing jingle bells” Mr Wolfric encouraged, with a shrug.

“Um ok, jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way.”

“Everybody?” The magician gestured to the crowd to join along and they did so with the next line.

“All what fun it is to ride in a one-horse-sloping slay.” They sang getting into the rhythm of the song. Everyone except two. With their arms crossed, Miss Shaw, and Sarah, stood, never taking an eye off the magician. With a squint of the eyes, from Sarah, and a cuff from Miss Shaw, they locked glairing eyes with him for a moment.

Wolfric, did what he could to stifle his laughter, as he continued the show. he ripped his jacket from the small table, again, and in its place was an ice sculpture of a piano. That came out of nowhere. Some snow even hit those in the front of the crowd, as if the subsistence came from his jacket. t “Oh sorry folk, that is a bit cold isn't it.”Wolfric apologized as he set his jacket back on. He then placed his hands on the keyboard. “Jingle bells is great but what about oh I don't know,” He began to sing.

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Surprisingly he was quite good at singing, but it wasn't his voice that was entrancing the crowd even though it did sound quite good. It was the fact that he was actually playing the ice sculpture piano.” Real music, could be heard from the frozen instrument.

“Just like the ones I used to know,” He snapped his fingers. With it, an icy cold breeze blew past the crowd.

“Where the treetops glisten And children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow.”

As he said the word snow, the crowd felt a dump of the substance right on top of them.

He chuckled lightly, never stopping his playing. “Sorry folks, I'm afraid someone must have left the window open. Now, ‘ the magician brought his playing to a stop, “Eddie, if you please,” confirm to the audience what this is made of.”

Eddie, stood wide-eyed at the instrument. He was so entranced by its bizarre appearance it took him a second, for the man's request to come to him. With a shake of the head and a few blinks, Eddie placed a shaky hand on the sculpture, skeptical of its existence.

“Ice, it's real ice.”

“Yes,”, clapped clapic the magician, “and we all know ice tends to melt. So why does this one burst into flames?”

“What?” Asked Eddie nearly two late before the sculpture burst into flames before him. HE jumped beach wide eyes, his eyes flashing a brighter green than before.

“Woaw,” the crowd cheered and clapped. Bringing his attention back to them Wolfric took a few bows, before gesturing for Eddie to do the same. But Eddie was far too shaken to do anything else, and immediately got off the stage, trying to get away from the skeleton-like magician as he could. Seeing his reaction, brought an eye roll to Wolfric before he turned. putting on his best smile as he could he addressed the crowd one last time. “Ah but you see, I am not done,” he said addressing the crowd once more. if you'd do me a favor, all of you, and check the pile of snow before you.”

Maroo, who sat front row, looked down at it intrigued. Kneeling down, the boy stuck his hand through the substance, until he felt something like paper. Carefully pulling it out, he gasped at the sight of a hundred-dollar bill. Seeing what the boy had in hand the others, joined in finding the same.

“Merry Christmas,” Wolfric announced with a toothy grin, showing a sharp fang-like tooth before heading off stage.

..,

Maroo ran up to his mother and Sarah, to give them their share of the money. He held it up to them with an innocent smile on his face. Not wanting to ruin the sight, Sarah took the money as did Miss Shaw, but as soon as the boy ran to go pass out the rest, Sarah handed the bill to Miss Shaw. She watched her pull out another hundred from her wallet in order to pay back what her son took. Before stomping off to greet the magician

“Quiet the weird friend you know,” said Eddie's voice pulling Sarah's attention away from the two.

“Hmm, oh yeah, I only really know him because he apparently brought me to the hospital. But frankly, I always get the sense something is off about him. And it's not just his looks.

“Wait he did what?”

Sarah narrowed her eyes before locking them with eddies. “He found me on the street, not long after my mutation. Ended up in a coma before waking up to Mr. Drake,” she told Eddie before glancing back at him.

Do you think he knows anything, Eddie asked concerned. But Sarah said nothing watching Miss Shaw and the magician carefully.

…

“Come now Sophia, crack a smile every once in a while,” he smirked at the woman staring daggers at him holding out the gifts from the snow. “Keep it, it's Christmas.“ he waved his hand, trying to walk away, only for her to step in front of his path and through the bills at his face.

Despite being made of paper, and leaving no real injury on him, the message couldn't be clearer. However, the sound of his amused laughter, Mrs shaws composer snapped.“I don't know what game this is but stay away from my family,” She spat, trying desperately to keep her voice down so the audience would overhear. “especially Sarah!”

At the name, he raised an eyebrow. “Oh, oh, you think I'm here for Sarah,” He chuckled darkly. “You're mistaken, Miss Shaw. I'm not here to see her at all.” He shook his head as a sly grin spread across his face. “I'm here to see you.” He turned his whole body towards her, before taking a step forward, and approaching her head-on, bending over slightly, so his face would meet her gaze. “I'm here to remind you actually, That despite your very best efforts, I still walk free.” He told her with a frightening grin.

Miss Shaw could feel the edges of her legs trembling, but wouldn't stand down. “Not forever. Soon I'll see you behind bars, where you belong,” she replied, calmer, yet colder.

“Not the first time I heard that,” He winked and took a step forward, using his arm to shrug her out of his way. In order to not make a scene she allowed him to push her aside, clenching her fist, glancing at the dollar bills, only to find them gone along with him, when she took a look back.

…

Maroo handed off, the last of the gift to Ray and Sky. “Well, that was quite the magic show huh?”

“Yeah, too bad about him though huh, he's such a weirdo don't you think Sky?” Ray snorted, expecting her to reply, but after receiving nothing, she turned to her. “Sky?”

Hmm, oh sorry,” she replied looking around. “I just wanted to thank him for the gift, does anyone see where he went?’

“Your too nice sometimes,” groaned Ray, as Maroo searched for the magician himself,

“Yeah I don't see him anywhere, huh weird.” he shrugged before grabbing another cookie from the table.

Sarah snatched the plat of them from him, with a chukle.

“Hay!”

“You get one more, if you eat too many of these you won't get to sleep tonight.”She told him, holding one out.

“You're as bad as my mother,” he muttered before taking it, just as the band began playing music again.

“Sky,” Eddie stepped forward.

“Hay Eddie, have you seen where that magician went? She asked never stopping her search.

“Forget about him, let's dance, he shrugged.

“Da, dance,” she stuttered quickly turning to him. “Ummm, sure but, I really don't know how to.

Don't worry I'll show you,” Eddie smiled taking her hand.

Seeing her friend's apprehension, Sarah gave her a little push, and a reassuring smile, before joining her caretaker for a bit of fun herself. Sky turned to her, and then to Ray, who gestured with her hand to go on.

“Uh, ok, I did say save me a dance, she chuckled, before taking his hand.

As he walked along with her, he noticed the nod from his father, telling him good job, causing another grin on his face.

…

Mr Crush pulled out his phone, proud of the seen before him, knowing he must get back to work.

“I got a visual on the reaper, what about his bird?

“Just came out of the bathroom, heading into the party, said Miss Tompson as she kept an eye on surveillance cameras.

“You sure you don't want to switch.”

“No thanks I'm good here, the two meeting next to the tree, but I can't hear anything over the tunes.”

“Alright, I'm on it, he said casually glancing at the tree. You know, she seems very nice, nothing like her mother.”

“Keep on target Crush,” she told him before glancing at another screen showing, Sarah sarong a laugh with Mr drake.

“Funny I thought I was in charge of this operation,” replied Crush on his way over to the tree.

“The director may have put you there, but let's not forget who actually has experience.” She told him, before glancing away from the camera and back onto her target.

“Experience, that's what you call it, I thought it was age?” At that line, she hung up the phone on him. Mr crush twitched a smile before getting back to what he was doing.

…

After two songs and a few dances, Sky noticed the magician's hat over by the Christmas tree. With a relieved smile, She brought her attention back to Eddie. “Hay, I'm feeling a bit thirsty.

“Oh, no problem, I'll getcha something. He grinned.

“Please not another hot chocolate?” she playfully replied.

“No prob, I'll get you a soda, hay by the way your don't dance too bad. My mom taught me so,

“Your mom, oh why didn't she come?”

“Hmm, oh parents divorced, she don't live here. Anyway, I'll get that soda. He told her, pointing his thumb behind him. Before leaving.

Sky, watched with a smile as she played with her earring again. But as soon as he was far enough away, she turned her attention back to the Christmas tree.

…

“You were supposed to do it, when I had everyone distracted.” snarled Wolfric keeping his voice down.

“Yeah, yeah I got it boss don't worry,” Smiled the man he was talking to. “It’s just taking me a sec to bypass the codes, I'll have it soon don't worry.”

“You better not have failed me again, or Ill-" He growled before a small voice caught his attention.

“Uhh, h, hello, stuttered Sky.

Mr Wolfric turned to her at first grumpily, expecting it to be someone else. Sky watched as his eyes grew in honest surprise before a fake smile struck his face. She recognized that expression, as being the same one he held both all night and the first time they met.

“Miss Oak, I wasn't expecting you here. Allow me to introduce you to my assistant Jaime Muerte.

Jaime held out his hand, “a pleasure.” She shook it and brought her attention back to him.

“That magic show you did was excellent, I've never seen anything like it actually.”

“Thank you,” he replied, looking away bored.

“I wanted to thank you again for saving me the other night,” she said bringing her hands together. “It's been a while since I've seen you,” she said, as her fingers twitched.

“Wait, wait you saved her, since when.” Chuckled his assistant.

“Oh well, you see I sing at his bar and-”

“No I know, I've heard you sing, you do a great job,” Jaime replied.

“Oh uh thanks, anyway I stayed too late one night and got myself into trouble. Mr Wolfric here was kind enough to save me,” she said, pulling on her earring.

“Eh don't mention it,” He shrugged, barely paying attention to her, glancing around the room.

“Umm actually I uh, I never did get your name that night. Your…”

“Charles,” he rolled his eyes, both frustrated with the current conversation, his employee, and the FBI agent's disappearance. “Charles Wolfric. Tho everyone just calls me-”

“Reaper,” she finished. She couldn't hold her grin. Finally being able to see him again.

“Yeah well uh, I'm gonna just uh,” Jime pointed a thumb behind him.

“You better not screw up or you're fired,” His boss grumbled under his breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

Sky tilted her head, curious of what he said, but let it go when Jaime spoke up again,

“Sure boss”, he chuckled leaving the two alone.

The Reaper mentally cursed his subordinate for leaving him alone with her but wanted him to finish the job, so he would have to put up with the lady standing next to him.

After a few awkward moments of silence, with both trying to avoid eye contact she kindly asked, “So how've you been?”

Oh great here we go. He mentally thought, before turning to her with a fake smile again. “I've been fine, Miss Oak, just busy with work. I haven't had a chance to attend the bar. Tell me how have things been there?” He asked, trying to sound interested but she could tell he was bored, and it made her frown a bit, but she still answered.

“Oh, it's been great. Yeah, it's pretty much the same as it always is,” she said scratching her arm, “I wish I was there as a customer instead actually. Seems like a fun place to go. You know despite all the scary bikers,” she giggled, gaining a grumpy, Mhmm from him.

“So, I actually read your a lord?”

Rolling his eyes back in his head, he replied “Yes,” he clenched them shut. “the queen of England herself gave me the title a while ago. Trust me it really isn't much of a reward.”

“Oh, but you're a hero.” Surely that counts for something?

He chuckled at that. A genuine one, not like the others he gave the rest of that night. “I'm no hero,” he told her quietly.

“Surely you are.” She boasted, louder than she meant to.” I mean-”

“You're a hero to those who look up to you, you're a hero to those you save, but you're a villain to those who despise you. I may not be a villain, but I am no hero. I just know how to play the game.” He shrugged.

“You're a hero to me.” She told him softly as a light blush crossed her face.

“Thanks but as I said, Don't mention it.” He tilted his head towards her.

“So are you enjoying the party?” She smiled softly trying to move the conversation along from the awkward position.

“As much as I can, I suppose,” he crossed his arms

“It doesn't look like it.” She muttered, not meaning for him to hear.

“Oh,” he raised an eyebrow, and what does enjoying a party look like to you?”

“Hmm, oh umm, I said that out, uhI don't know, dancing and,” she scratched her arm nervously. “having fun.”

“Dancing huh, you wanna dance.” Wolfric raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, oh, I'm not much of a dancer,” Sky structured, “but my friend Eddie showed me a couple of moves.”

“Yeah, well then,” he held out his hand. “Let's see if you learned anything.”

Her eyes grew wide at the sight, but even as she felt dazed she took it happily, as they joined the music.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

At the Christmas party hop

Mistletoe hung where you can see

Every couple tries to stop.

As the Jazzy song continued, she felt more in a daze than before, only to be startled when he felt a hand on her hip.

“Don't worry I got you.” He told with a convincing grin before the two began to meet the beat the upbeat tune.

As they slowly went in circles, bouncing every way left hand together, and arms around each other, Sky couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her as he watched his smile.

While it started fake, it was clear, that the longer they danced, the more his true smile spread. His cold demeanor and look in the eye seemed to melt away in front if her, as they spun around, only for him to twirl her away, and start doing a few kicks with his feet before she joined in trying to match him.

There you got it, you seem not to be a bad study after all, he chuckled before twirling her back again. Once closed Their height difference couldn't be more apparent, due to the fact that she stood barely at his chest.

Despite that, however, she didn't feel uncomfortable, as he held her as if she were made of glass. Too tight and she'd break, too loose and she fell out of his grip and smashed onto the floor. Sky chuckled at the warm feeling she felt within, swaying back and forth to the chaotic beet. “So Charles huh, do you ever just go by Charlie.” She asked, trying to make small talk.

“Not in many years actually. I-” He paused when he saw his assistant again heading out the door.

Seeing him, a sly smirk crossed The Reaper's face as he turned his attention back to her. “I'm sorry Miss Oak but I'm afraid I have to go. But thank you for the dance, this was the most fun I had all night.” He told her and let go of her hand.

The very moment she felt him, release her, was as if all the light went out in the world. “Oh, oh, um,” she replied, disappointed. But before she could get another word out he disappeared into the crowd, only to actually despair when someone blocked her path from seeing him.

She stood, silent, as her eyes stayed glued to the spot where she saw him last, only for Eddie's voice to ring in her ear.

“Hay sky, I'm back, sorry it took me so long,” He paused when he saw her expression. “Sky,” he asked clearly bewildered.

“Oh sorry Eddie, I-” she blinked and dropped her head. “I'm not feeling well and think I might just go home, tell the others alright? She told him wrapping him into a hug before heading out the door, leaving him with a puzzled look on his face.

…

“Well.” the reaper snickered. As the two approached a car.

“Yes boss here”, he handed him a flash drive. His assistant handed him a flash drive.

“What's wrong,” asked The reaper noticing Jaime's droopy tone.

“Well sir, isn't it risky, what if they trace it back to us?”

“Oh my boy that's the fun part about it,” Laughed Wolfric, “they will trace the hack. That's the trick." He said, eyeing the flash drive. "To anyone who looks into it, I made sure it will look like another routine update, even if they trace it, all they'll get is an unscheduled security update made by their own systems. By the time anyone finds out that those files have been copied our trail will run stone cold," he said as he moved over to the motorcycle. Take my car and head back to the bar. They’ll track you thinking you're me.

“Yes, boss. Oh wait wait, here,” He pulled out a small box.

“What?”

“It's your present, your Secret Santa one,” Mr Wolfric growled a bit of his frustration. “Sir it's Christmas,” His subordinate shrugged.

“Fine, he complained and snatched the present.” Just get going already.

“Yes boss,” Jime replied a bit cautiously and got inside the car as his driver took off.

Mr Wlofric stashed the gift in his pocket and pulled out the picture of the happy family. With it, he pulled out a cigarette and a lighter. He sighed as he looked at it. “Merry Christmas," he said emotionless to it as the light of his lighter shined on his face. He then lowered the photo into the flame slowly. “Goodbye sister,” he muttered grumpily before he drove away on his bike leaving the ashes of the picture on the side of the road, in the cold snow.