Work Text:
A fresh layer of snow blanketed Primp Town. Ally breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with the pleasant chill. She immersed herself in the snowflakes carried slowly by the breeze, sighing as they tickled her rosy cheeks. She skipped ahead, her boots crunching the thick snow underfoot. Taking in the pure white sky, cumulus clouds as far as she could see, she couldn’t help herself.
With a leap, she collapsed onto a white mound. The playground’s groundskeepers had shoveled as much as possible to the sides of the cobblestone pathways, creating small, snowy hills surrounding the entrance. Their efforts were more than appreciated by Ally, who swept her legs and arms. She giggled, the sound like popping bubbles, empowered by the chill pervading through the wool, deep blue coat Rafisol had purchased for her.
“I love the winter! I love the snow! I even love the cold that comes with it! There’s so much love this season!” she cried, her declarations warming her face. She quickly looked to the sky, a long shadow stretching over her. “What do you think? Isn’t this lovely? It’s like Bleuo, but it happens in such a short time that I wish it would last forever.”
Wearing a matching jacket, Rafisol stared at her, her expression maintaining her usual neutrality. She threaded her gloved fingers through her hair, her oversized scarf covering her mouth. Ally grinned, knowing the solid pink fibers brought out the deepest hues of Rafisol’s hair, reminding her of cotton candy.
“If it were winter year-round, the crops wouldn’t grow, and the waters would freeze. Subsequently, Primp would fall to ruin,” she stated. To the untrained ear, she was nonchalant, but Ally understood her words carried solemn promises of misfortune.
Still, Ally sat up, resting her mittened hands in her lap. “Well, that is true, but right now, we can make snow angels! See?”
Ally leaped to her feet and marveled at her work. The arches for the angel’s wings and robe were excellent, flawless, sweeping strokes creating a divine being. When she looked out, she found more snow angels, varying in shapes and sizes, each filled to the brim with the child’s delighted love.
But perhaps snow angels paled compared to destruction as Rafisol only raised an eyebrow. Ally gently nudged her shoulder, urging her to make one. Rafisol glanced at her, her expression unreadable to those who failed to understand her heart. They would have believed her to be annoyed, Ally’s persistence a thorn in her side, but Ally knew better. Her words had reached Rafisol long ago, and she took Rafisol’s hand, guiding her to the snow where she lay by the angel’s side.
Slowly, Rafisol mimicked Ally’s movements. Her limbs brushed up and down, side to side, forming a matching figure. To Ally’s squealing delight, when Rafisol floated upward, it appeared as if their angels were holding hands. And instinctively, she clutched Rafisol’s palm, squeezing and bouncing in place, the windfall carrying her joy throughout Primp.
Rafisol looked at her, then their snow angels, before gracing Ally with a rare smile. It was small, hardly curling her lips. Someone from a short distance might have thought they were imagining it. But it was there, present only for Ally, and Ally shared in her merriment, briefly resting her head on Rafisol’s shoulder.
“Come on, come all! Santa is ready! Single file, please, and no shoving!”
The shout stemmed from the playground. It forced a gasp out of the back of Ally’s throat. She straightened, clapping her hands over her mouth. A surge of excitement ran through her, burning her so powerfully it could have melted the surrounding snow.
Their reason for arriving in Primp finally made itself known. Santa Claus, the man who represented the love of the holiday season, was someone she revered. The happiness and goodwill he spread in a single night were astounding to the girl who wanted to give love everywhere she traveled. And meeting him in Primp, where Amitie had eagerly informed her days in advance about his arrival, was like a miracle.
Squeezing Rafisol’s hand, she followed the crowd into the playground, passing under the scarlet Puyo awning. Already, a line formed. Chatter arose, further fueling Ally’s excitement as she poked her head out of the gathering, hoping for a glimpse of Santa.
But while she couldn’t see Santa, she spotted familiar faces throughout the playground. Arle pushed Carbuncle as high as he could, only to yelp when his seat rounded the metal bar, tethering him to it. Arle sighed, scratching through her hair.
As she tried reaching up for him, Ally’s attention turned toward what used to be the sandbox. Snow filled it to the brim, but that hardly deterred Lidelle. Despite her long sleeves, she rolled snowballs the size of her head and stacked them, her snowmen reaching her height. She decorated their eyes with smooth, black stones, crooked sticks for mouths, and long carrots for noses. Her appreciation for her art project exuded palpable affection when she looped a long, loose, emerald green scarf around their necks.
As much as Ally wanted to run over and compliment Lidelle, she didn’t want to lose her spot in line. She settled for waving as hard as she could, winning Lidelle’s attention when she shouted how much she loved her snowmen. Although she was startled, Lidelle broke into a cheerful grin and nodded in thanks.
The line shifted forward. Ally cuddled into Rafisol, taking notice of the various decorations around the playground. Silver tinsel was strung up across light poles. Boughs of holly charmed her. Their verdant hues filled the small garden that had recently been created, courtesy of Sig wanting a place for the bugs to eat. Their berries were currently being plucked by him as well, offering them to his family of ladybugs who crawled along his scarlet arm. Somewhere, caroling reached Ally’s ears, the notes like birdsong, and she sighed, breathing out a puff of white air.
“It is nice today,” Rafisol stated, gazing skyward. The heavy cumulus clouds, streaked with shades of pink of the setting sun, ran overhead, lapping and cresting like waves.
Ally nodded, her cheeks rosy. “It is. I’m glad we came. What are you going to ask Santa?”
“Isn’t it supposed to be kept a secret?”
“Nope! It’s different from a birthday wish. Kris Kringle wants to know your list, so it’s fine to say it aloud.” Clapping her hands together, she bounced on her tiptoes. “Oh, I just hope I don’t take up too much of his time. The line seems to be going by really quickly, but I might talk his ear off.”
Rafisol looked at her, before letting her gaze and voice drift off. “Well, if it’s you, then it’ll be okay.”
Ally peered at her beloved, her smile reaching her eyes. Again, she leaned into Rafisol, her boots shifting through the snow as they neared the top of the line. But she decided to keep her surprise hidden, turning away to prevent herself from seeing Santa until it was her time. She walked heel to toe, each step carefully placed on the snow with Rafisol keeping her firm.
“Oh, goody! It’s my turn!”
She gasped, tempted to spin around at Amitie’s voice. She had wanted to see her friend, but she grounded herself. It wasn’t yet time to meet Santa, so she kept her ears wide open to listen to Amitie.
“Hohoho! Aren’t you a spirited girl?”
“I like to think I am! I’m so glad to see you, Santa! Um, wait, is it just me, or do you look kinda different from last year?”
“I shaved.”
His automatic answer earned a hum from Rafisol, but Ally paid it no mind. Clearly, Santa wanted a different style. Maintaining a full beard for the entire year must’ve also been difficult.
“Oh! That makes perfect sense! You look really clean, so no wonder I thought you were kinda off.”
“Hoho! In any case, what would you like for the holidays?”
“Well, I have a long list, so I think my pal Aya should go first! Come here! I’ll take the picture!”
There was the sound of a brief scuffle. Flustered protests, insistent huffs, and shuffling boots through the snow almost tempted Ally to watch the show. She heard Aya grumbling something along the lines of juvenility. It was smothered by Amitie laughing a pure-hearted song. Aya sighed, admitting she was only “going along with the charade” for Amitie’s sake.
“Hold on. Do I have to sit on his lap? This isn’t-” Aya sounded as if she had bit her tongue. She cleared her throat, sounding like she was brushing off Amitie’s concern. “Ah, let’s forget I said that. Santa, I want more mystical tomes this season. I’d also like a few legendary chalices deposited under the tree.”
Santa gave a nervous laugh. “Is that so? Well, that’s a tad hard to obtain on such short notice. Perhaps you should quest for them?”
“Huh? But we sent off our lists when fall started,” Amitie chirped, and Ally noted the hint of smugness in Aya’s subdued laughter.
Ally pinched Rafisol’s sleeve. “Mr. Claus can make any wish come true, right? I wonder why he’s this troubled.”
Rafisol responded by quietly squeezing her hand.
“Well,” Santa began after clearing his throat, “I’ll see what I can do. I’ll definitely grant at least one of your…many wishes.”
“See that you do,” Aya replied, only to hum. “Hey, Amitie, I’m not-”
“Cheese!”
At Amitie’s shout, a flash went off. Amitie must have taken a picture, and Ally felt anticipation surging within her. A photograph with the man who provided so much for the good children of the world left her sighing.
“Okay, my turn! Um, let’s see, I know I have my list somewhere…” Amitie trailed off. “Oh, phooey. Maybe I left it at home, but it’s fine because I remember what I wrote. Thanks for listening in advance, Santa!”
Ally listened as Amitie yammered. While others fidgeted in line, Ally felt the love in each of Amitie’s requests. She wasn’t only asking for presents for herself but rather for everyone she knew. A curry ladle for Arle, arithmetic books for Ringo, a stronger net for Sig, a durable punching bag for Raffina, and a nice cloak for Aya, who interjected, but Amitie insisted upon it with eager sincerity. She cherished her friends, that earnest nature in full bloom when she mentioned lockets for Ally and Rafisol, the latter drawing in a slow breath that filled her chest.
Lowering her voice to a murmur, Ally ran her fingers along Rafisol’s arm. “See? Lots of people care about you, Rafisol.”
Although Rafisol’s expression hadn’t changed, Ally knew her heart stirred. It was the way she locked her fingers around her palm, holding on as if Ally would disappear if she relinquished her grip. And when she set her temple to Ally’s shoulder, sighing, Ally wanted to collapse and sink in the snow with her.
Ally didn’t heed the others any mind. They walked closer and closer, their turn approaching. As Santa promised to grant their wishes, Ally waved at Amitie and Aya walking by, the former carried on Aya’s sturdy shoulders. She almost wanted to emulate them, but when she felt no one’s presence in front of her, Ally realized it was time.
Whirling around, she recognized the elves standing by the polar throne. Ms. Accord and Arktos donned emerald green suits, Popoi having the addition of an off-kilter hat. Their fake ears were pointed, reminding Ally of Archan, but she couldn’t focus on them.
Sitting on a velvet cushion, his chair made of ice and gemstones, was Santa Claus. Instead of his traditional red ensemble, his cloak was so white that Ally thought it was cream. His cap was the color of the snow and decorated with stars. He adjusted his scarlet fur cape, the yellow bow tickling his chin. His eyes spoke of intelligence, knowing glints within them that Ally could not place.
She tossed caution to the wind. She rushed forward and skidded to a stop, snow splicing around her. Bowing at a perfect angle, she exclaimed, “Mr. Claus! It’s an honor to finally make your acquaintance!”
“Ohoho! Same to you,” Santa replied, gesturing for Ally to raise her head. “Ally, right? And Rafisol?”
She straightened and gasped, cupping her face. “You know my name? You really do know everyone! That’s amazing!” She spun to Rafisol, stars in her irises. “Isn’t that amazing?”
Rafisol flatly regarded Santa. She floated forward, peering down at him. She glanced between him and his elves, Ally stifling the sudden trepidation churning in her stomach. “You don’t quite look like Santa in the books,” she coolly remarked.
Another gasp escaped Ally. She supposed Rafisol’s assertion was true. Santa was round and old. The one was lean and young, lacking the typical rosiness in his cherub cheeks. Even the outfit appeared odd on second glance, the shades of red sorely missing their mark.
Santa’s eyes widened, but he quickly relaxed, replying, “Well, that’s because I’m Santa Rozatte. I’m filling in for Mr. Claus as his liaison, so in a way, I’m still Santa.” He held out his hand, and pastel, magical spheres hovered, popping like bubbles. “Everything will be relayed to the man in charge.”
“I see! You’re just not the one we’re familiar with! What a genuinely kind gesture!” Ally cried, pumping her fists. She shook Rafisol gently by her shoulder. “See? In a way, it’s still like meeting Santa! Oh, this encounter is full of so much love!”
Rafisol narrowed her eyes but seemed to relent. She shrugged, slowly folding her arms behind her back. Inclining her head toward Rozatte, she silently gave her permission.
With a skip and hop, Ally landed in Rozatte’s lap. She beamed, her demeanor full of grace as she gazed at him with utmost reverence. Anyone providing the world with such charity was more than worthy of her respect.
Rozatte wrapped his arm around her shoulder, asking, “And what do you want for the holidays, Ally?”
She took a breath only to hesitate. Amitie’s wishes sprung forth, her graciousness inspiring. While she had her own wishes, Ally remembered her purpose in life. And in that regard, she shared a sentimental dream with Santa, and her heartbeat quickened, wanting nothing more than to express her feelings.
“Well, yes, I do have an idea for a gift, but it isn’t tangible. It isn’t anything that can be bought or sold.”
At Rafisol’s befuddled look, Rozatte grinned. “What do you mean by that?”
Ally raised her clasped hands to her chest, praying her wish would be understood. “Please let Santa know that I really adore him! Going around to these plentiful worlds in a single night to give everyone a present is one of the best ways to show love.” She laced her fingers together by her chin. “I hope I can one day be just as caring as he is and share that with this world and the rest of them. If I’m able to cultivate even a smidgen of that kind of love, I think I’d be able to follow in his footsteps and distribute it a hundredfold.”
A hush fell over the playground. While Arktos’ head tilted, Accord smoothed a lock of violet hair behind her ear. The people in line murmured to themselves, their confusion hardly bothering Ally. Even if the ones waiting for Santa hadn’t comprehended her earnest wish, Ally remained steadfast, locking eyes with Rozatte.
His grin seemed etched on his face. It was almost as if he was wearing a mask, but it wasn’t plastic in the slightest. He didn’t answer immediately, taking a moment to peer at his elves. It seemed they concurred, following their slow nods.
Rafisol tightened her hands into fists. Her gaze shifted between Arktos and Accord, Popoi snickering out a meow. Ally knew a reprimand was on the tip of her tongue, but the way she gnawed on her lower lip lifted Ally’s spirit. Rafisol trusted her, and her love was enough to let Ally’s heart soar.
Quietly, Rozatte asked, “Then, can you promise me something?”
She bobbed her head. “Of course!”
He gestured for her to stand. Getting off Rozatte, Ally looked up to him as he joined him. Resting his hands on her head, he crouched, meeting her eyes. Although the pressure was slight, there was a gentle coolness stemming from his palms and spreading through her.
“I’ll need you to continue your journey to spread love as Mr. Claus would,” Rozatte requested, his tone heavy and heartfelt. “Sprinkle that adoration with everyone you meet no matter what. Can you do that for me?”
For others, it sounded like an impossible task. Rozatte was known for putting high expectations on his students. It wasn’t like he did so maliciously, but he believed in their abilities, often overestimating his pupils. But to give everyone a dose of love and appreciation was a task that meant serving others, striving to make them feel included no matter the circumstances stacked against Ally.
Yet, she smiled from ear to ear. She was a girl who loved love and needed to provide love to everyone. She devoted her heart to her self-imposed assignment, trusting that she would achieve it one day regardless of how daunting it seemed to outsiders. It was like Rozette had affirmed her goal, assuring Ally that the path she had chosen was noble and worthwhile, a chance to further express her love for everyone across various worlds.
She threw her arms around Rozette’s neck, shouting, “Of course! I’ll do my best to make everyone feel loved!”
Click!
A flash blinded her. Dark spots danced in her vision. Ally blinked, shaken, and stumbled in the direction of the light. Feeling Rozatte steady her with his hand wrapped around her elbow, Ally found the source of her confusion with a gasp of sheer delight.
Rafisol lowered her camera into her coat pocket. The upward lift of her lips was so indistinguishable that only Ally had noticed it. And by the time anyone might have realized it, Ally had already jumped into her open arms. She nearly tackled her to the ground, but as she was already levitating, Rafisol effortlessly swung Ally around and placed her firmly in the snow.
“It’ll be an arduous journey,” Rafisol simply stated.
“But you’ll be there with me, so there’s nothing to fear,” Ally chirped, burying her face in the crook of Rafisol’s neck.
Rafisol hummed, her affirmation heard only by Ally. She reached for her hand and guided Ally away from Rozatte, the motion earning her confusion.
“Huh? Don’t you want to see Santa Rozatte?”
Rafisol paused, looking between Ally and Rozatte. He returned to his seat and tapped his knees. Rafisol promptly shook her head, her response as cold as the weather.
“I have no need for him. My wish has already been granted.”
Although surprise colored his face, Rozatte chuckled. “Then, I’ll want a full report after the holidays.”
“Okay! I’ll have it ready by next year!” Ally promised, and she skipped off, hand-in-hand with Rafisol, who hovered with her.
As they wandered by their snow angels, the snowflakes falling around them and melting in their hair, their love kept them warm.