Beyond Christmas : World War Elf (A Santa Clause Fan fiction)

Chapter 1 : Invitation of Bad Memories

14 November, 2002

Two months 'til Christmas. That was what the Arch-Elf, Bernard Evergreen himself counted on the Festive Calendar which was hung up the wall in his office. Things had been running surprisingly smooth, in his opinion. It was usually around this time of the year when machine's began to malfunction, much to the elf's annoyance but there was little he was able to do about it considering they ran all year round. However, he was thankful with the situation he had managed to stay in, with everyone focused on finishing the toys and the machines maintaining stability.

As the blackette with curls went to take a sip of his nice, warm cocoa, curtesy of Judy, the hot cocoa elf, the old fashioned phone which sat upon his desk rung out. Sighing in annoyance, he placed his porcelain cup down before replacing it with the telephone, holding it up to his ear before giving a dull greeting.

"This is Bernard," He droned.

"Bernard, it's Santa. I need you down at my office, right now," Bernard cocked a brow at the demand.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

"I'll explain it when you get here, just be quick," Santa said.

Bernard found the seriousness in his voice and nodded, even though no one was there in his room to see it.

"I'm on my way." 

And with that, he placed his phone back down and took to his feet, leaving his poor hot cocoa to go cold as he left and began walking to Santa's office as fast as it looked professional.

Obviously Bernard didn't have much of a clue as to what the man could've wanted, but one thing was for sure, it didn't sound like such great news.

The sound of the buzzing machines and elves at work with their nimble crafty fingers was a satisfying sight to the very uptight Head elf. Even the scent of candy canes and freshly baked gingerbread cookies was enough to calm his senses to the point his heart remained steady. Just watching everything fold together over a matter of time with hard work was the best feeling in the world in Bernard's opinion, it was amazing what could be achieved within a year, and each and every time he hardly believed he had made it to his rank in the first place.

Upon arriving at the fancy birch would door which led to a certain white-bearded man's office, Bernard didn't bother knocking since the call seemed urgent as he entered. Santa immediately looked up, seemingly relieved to see the head elf as he motioned him to the chair in front of his desk.

"Have a seat," He said bluntly, Bernard following the instruction without question and sitting down.

"What was it that you needed sir?" The blackette asked, Santa sighing before intertwining his hands together.

"I'm sure you're aware of who's located down from us. In the South Pole," He began as Bernard nodded along to his words.

"Yeah...The devil of Christmas himself...Krampus," Bernard shuddered at the simple thought of such an evil.

Krampus was someone the Festive Christmas community hadn't come into contact for many a years. The Santa Clause prior to Scott Calvin used to work with him, and they had an agreement. However, the agreement stayed between only the two of them, no one knew even a word of what they had come to accordance with and it only made it worse when they had a falling out and nearly wiped out the entire elf race in battle. From that day, they swore to never come into contact with each other again, no matter what situation may come of lack of communication. Bernard lost the love of his life in that battle, so reminiscing such an occasion wasn't ideal in his eyes.

"Why is that of importance?" He asked, Santa sighing once more before he handed Bernard an envelope.

It was tattered and a little torn, clearly making it's first impression as 'uncared for'.