Calling the party a mob scene would be an understatement. Santa certainly had his hands full as eighty 5 and 6 year olds now clamored to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
"I want doll and makeup," Lisa exclaimed.
"I want a trampoline," Maddie added.
"I want a pony and a B.B. gun," Nina stated.
Santa chuckled, promising to deliver his gifts, just as soon as he talked with Lynne.
Gloria and the others watched as the the toddler gaped at Santa, shocked to discover he had come to see her personally. At first overjoyed the girl became nervous when he asked her why she had snuck out of bed. "Thats not what good girls do Lynne."
"I good I good," Lynne pleaded, the girls lip quivering as her eyes began to fill with tears. Santa, of course, chuckled softly giving the girl a comforting hug. After Santa saw each and every child here, Lynne would change them back to adults.
As the line of children now began to thin, Santa noticed a very shy freckled red head standing off to the side. Santa of course recognized the girl, it was Natalia. Santa now beckoned the girl forward, Natalia slowly making her way to Santa before eating herself into Santas lap.
"Whats your name little one?"
"Natalia."
Santa nodded, noting the young girls feet swaying slightly as her thumb began to drift towards her mouth. Santa was in a difficult situation, his magic recognized the girl as not human. He could tell she was supernatural in nature. As an adult the girl was certainly on the naughty list, however, reduced to a child once more she was innocent. The girl seemed to remember her difficult childhood, a childhood that had shaped her, eventually leading her towards darkness.
Unfortunately for Santa, he could not tell his allies who Natalia was. Santa had to keep the secrets of children, it was what made Santa, Santa. He could though try to sway the girl towards the light. Giving this poor child a chance at redemption. Santa now gently tapped Natalias forehead, watching as the freckled young girls eye went wide.
"Your a special child Natalia," Santa whispered. "And you've also done things your none too happy about."
"I've been bad," Natalia whimpered. It was so strange for Natalia. While the girls personality was her own from her childhood, she could remember everything from her life. Natalia's parents disowned her and placing her in a nunnery, her bisexuality, and her life as a vampire. Natalia shuddered, as an adult vampire she cared little for her actions and how they harmed others. Reduced to a child once more, all of her old feelings of sadness, loneliness, and pain came flooding back.
"Its okay Natalia," Santa said quietly. "Its okay. Santa isn't mad at you. In fact, Santa wants to help."
"But I'm bad," Natalia whimpered. "When I get big I go back to being bad. I don't wanna be bad."
"I know sweetie I know," Santa replied. "I'm sorry you had it so bad growing up. But, Santa has a gift for you. A very special gift."
Santa now reached inside is red jacket, pulling forth a small gem that glowed white. Natalia's eyes went wide as Santa now the gem to a small chain before placing it around Natalia's neck.
"Its pretty," Natalia smiled. "Thank you."
"Your welcome Natalia," Santa replied warmly. "And this is my gift to you. Its something you lost a longtime ago. If you ever want to have that back, all you need to do is make a wish."
Natalia nodded, the girl gazing at the small necklace around her neck. As unbelievable as it seemed Natalia was in possession of something very valuable. Something the vampire had given up long ago when she pledged herself to Miro. As improbable as it Santa had returned that which was most precious to her.
As Santa now completed his rounds he turned once more to Lynne. "Okay Lynne are you ready?" Lynne nodded, taking Santas had as the girl now reversed her spell.
In a flash where a group of children had been now stood of disoriented adults. Adults that now curiously gazed around the room, asking questions about what happened.
"Were we kids again?"
"Did Santa actually show up?"
"We need to do this every Christmas!"
"Jacob, Caleb," Nina asked, still somewhat disoriented. "Did that just happen?" Jacob now sprinted towards his wife, wrapping his one arm around his wife and squeezing her tightly. "Thought I lost you honey."
"I'm not going anywhere Jacob," Nina chuckled. Gloria and the others now breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that everything had ended so well.
**************************
"And this child was able to transform a building full of people without their knowledge," Miro asked. Natalia nodded in response. "Yes my Lord," she said. "The girls magic was so potent that Merlin himself did not know if he could reverse the spell."
Miro leaned back in his chair, Natalia's story, while fantastical, was truely astounding. A child who wasn't even 3 years old had performed a spell so powerful and so complex that even the great Merlin wondered if he could counter it. Between this girl and the other child Yuriko, Miro believed he had found a pair of wizards who could greatly strengthen the Vampire Nation.
"Well done Natalia," Miro stated. "Continue your surveillance. I wish to know how well these children are protected." Natalia bowed, turning to exit Miros room.
It had been a very successful mission for Natalia. The vampire had not only gained a wealth of knowledge but something more valuable. Tentatively the vampire now reached up towards her neck, gently touching the necklace Santa had given her. Chuckling softly to herself she now thought if the fun she had had when her youth had been returned. Reiko may have been her target, but she had a kind soul. Maybe, someday, Natalia would be able to bare her soul to a woman she truwly cared for.