The Book of The Fool

A Late Christmas (Short)

The snow was falling, the white dust covering a city that was basically New York. And yet, it was a constant thing to find people all around, being merry and happy as the wondrous season known as Christmas was coming.

But here we find our protagonist, Arno, sipping on a cup of steaming Hot Chocolate. His "throne" full of him as he was casually watching the streets and the worlds from beyond with his eyesight, as he casually sipped at his cup and sighed. The Omniverse always seemed to have some sort of way of celebrating Christmas, or the other holidays tied to the month of December. Often times, the Omniverse was a secret only known to beings beyond the realms of mortality, yet the collective consciousness was infamous into letting others known. 

It was a nice thought really, given how the collective consciousness, or "Sea of Souls", as some worlds he has been to called it, had made Arno become the "God" or the "Devil" he had made himself out to be for his reputation. Another matter he didn't want to think about, for considering the holidays, Arno was there on his throne. Watching over the various worlds he had been to, and the worlds he shall visit.

Yet the figure of a man in a red suit came up to him, a cup of warm milk in his hand as he spoke, "Ho, Ho, Ho! Seems like the big man here is just brooding." The man had jested, obviously joking as Arno gave a smile towards the man.

"Yeah, yeah, Nick. At least I still have something to do besides once a year." He replied, since the man in the red suit was invited here, considering Arno's own power over many of things, it made it easy for him to invite people to the "Hub" he has as the man gave a smile back, "True, but I at least take a break. Unlike someone." He had jested again, as Arno chuckled, letting himself sit up.

"Okay, you got me, Nick. But still, shouldn't you be out there then?" Arno asked, wondering for a moment about how the man was just here. He knew accepting his invitation was the polite thing, but he couldn't deny Nick probably had something else up his sleeve. 

"Well, yes, I came here to ask you... to take my role. For this year, since the Missus has been bugging for me for a vacation.." The man, Nick, said sheepishly. Nick knew Arno was busy, considering his role in the Omniverse was growing by the day, despite this, Arno was focused on the little people. Since a certain Spider-Hero did help remind him where he came from.

"Seriously? You asked me this a few years ago as well, Nick. Guess it's finally catching up to ya, eh?" The Fool joked, since the man he was talking to had been around as long as Christmas has, and given the age of it, Jolly old St. Nick was 2000 years, give or take a few of them. But then again, Nick did ask the question.

How old is Arno anyways?

A answer for another time.

"I did, but considering the times you had, I figure this would help you remind yourself that these holidays are a good time to remember. Christmas is best spent with family. And you know this." Nick replied, yet it was hard to deny the grandfatherly twinkle in those blue eyes he has. Arno simply gave Nick a look, yet the look in his rainbow colored eyes was one of weariness. 

Nick had honest and good intentions, but Arno would be a fool to deny that he was a old man in a young man's body. So despite this, a worn smile came onto Arno's face, saying, "Deal. But I get the reindeers for tonight."

Nick simply chuckled like a grandfather would, before excusing himself, "For now, I must go. I don't want the Missus starting the party without me. But feel free to come by, alright? She misses as you, Arno."

Arno gave a laugh, putting on a red santa hat along with a suit, fitting his muscular frame, "Yeah, yeah. I'll be sure to tell the others and Merlin about this. I don't want Chaldea coming after me again. I'll see ya soon, Nick."

And so, Arno went outside, hopping onto a red sleigh with a bag full of presents, all for everyone to enjoy as his first stop? Was Chaldea itself as he soon grabbed the reins, and with the reindeers themselves getting ready, he spoke, a yell escaping him.

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

With that, Arno and the reindeers began flying away into a portal, with one mission.

To enjoy Christmas, for even if Arno was alone, it wouldn't stop from him enjoying the holidays, for everyone else to remember that it was a time of love and miracles.

Arno soon turned towards the camera and said, "I hope you all had a wonderful christmas!" And with that, he flew off on the sleigh, as a laugh was heard from him to deliver presents for all.

END