Gracie
I take a deep breath, savoring the crisp, pine-scented air of the Heart of Christmas. After the nightmarish experience with the Whispers of Despair, this place feels like a warm hug. But confusion quickly replaces my relief.
"Yo, Pain in My Ass," Zelda snaps at Baba Yaga, her green eyes flashing. "What the fuck are we doing back here? Didn't we just save this place from turning into Santa's personal hellscape?"
Baba Yaga's serene expression doesn't falter, even as Zelda's colorful language echoes through the festive surroundings. I cringe, half-expecting lightning to strike us all down.
"Yeah," Holli chimes in, her blonde hair catching the twinkling lights. "Not that I'm complaining about ditching the Whispers of Despair, but this is giving me déjà vu."
Cristof shifts uncomfortably, his silver eyes darting between Zelda and Baba Yaga. "Perhaps there's a reason we've returned," he offers diplomatically.
"No shit, Sherlock," Zelda retorts. "That's why I'm asking this glittery '80s reject what the hell is going on."
Fat Bastard, perched on Zelda's shoulder, lets out a low growl that sounds suspiciously like a chuckle. Boba Fett and Jango Fett circle our feet, their tails twitching in anticipation.
Sassy bounces on her heels, her blonde curls bobbing. "Ooh, maybe we're here for an encore performance! I've been working on my Sharknado: The Musical audition."
"Sassy, darling," Abbi says, her Scottish lilt tinged with exasperation, "I don't think that's it."
Dane nods, his piercing blue eyes scanning our surroundings. "Something feels... different this time."
I step forward, trying to diffuse the tension. "Baba Yaga, could you please explain why we're back? We're all a bit on edge after everything that's happened."
Baba Yaga's lips curl into a enigmatic smile, her long, manicured fingers smoothing down her questionable choice of a neon windbreaker. "My dear witches and shifters," she begins, her voice echoing with power despite her dated appearance, "your journey is far from over."
I watch as Zelda's eyes roll so hard I'm half-afraid they'll pop out of her head. Her auburn curls seem to crackle with frustration as she rounds on Baba Yaga again.
"Listen here, you walking disco ball," Zelda snaps, jabbing a finger at the most powerful witch in the world. "Cut the cryptic crap and spill. What's this 'journey far from over' nonsense?"
Before Baba Yaga can respond, the world around us starts to shimmer and twist. The festive decorations of the Heart of Christmas melt away like cotton candy in the rain. In their place, towering crystal spires burst from the ground, reaching towards a sky that can't seem to decide if it's day or night.
"Holy shitballs," I mutter, my eyes widening as I take in our new surroundings.
Each spire pulses with an otherworldly light, casting dancing shadows across our faces. It's breathtaking, sure, but something about it sets my teeth on edge. Like biting into a perfect apple and finding half a worm.
"Well, this is new," Holli deadpans, her green eyes narrowing as she scans the crystalline forest.
Cristof steps closer to her, his hand hovering protectively near her back. "Be on your guard," he warns, his voice low. "I sense... deception."
Sassy bounces on her toes, her blonde curls bobbing wildly. "Ooh, pretty! Can I touch one? Pretty please?"
"No!" we all shout in unison, causing her to pout.
As we stand there, surrounded by beauty that feels wrong on every level, I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. Judged. Tempted.
"Guys," Abbi's Scottish lilt breaks the tense silence, "does anyone else feel like they're being... pulled?"
I nod, realizing I've been unconsciously drifting towards one of the spires. Its light seems to pulse in time with my heartbeat, promising... something. Something I've always wanted.
"Don't look directly at them," Dane warns, his blue eyes fierce as he grabs Abbi's hand. "I think they're trying to show us something."
"Yeah, no shit, Rudolph," Zelda snaps, but I can see the strain on her face as she resists whatever vision is calling to her.
I tear my gaze away from the enticing crystal, forcing myself to focus on my friends. Each of them looks torn, their expressions a mix of longing and suspicion.
"Whatever you're seeing," I manage to grit out, "it's not real. Remember why we're here. Remember what's at stake."
I clench my fists, fighting against the allure of the crystal spires. Their pulsing light seems to whisper promises directly into my mind, but I force myself to focus on the faces of my companions.
"Guys, we need to—" I start, but Zelda cuts me off with a string of colorful expletives that would make a sailor blush.
"Fucking sparkly mind-fuckers," she snarls, her green eyes blazing. "I swear, if I see one more magical bullshit light show, I'm gonna lose it."
Fat Bastard lets out a low growl of agreement from her shoulder, while Boba and Jango circle her feet protectively.
Sassy, meanwhile, seems to be having the time of her life. She pirouettes between the spires, her blonde curls bouncing. "Ooh, this one's telling me I'll star in 'Sharknado: The Musical' on Broadway! And this one says I'll invent a spell to turn oatmeal into gold!"
"Sassy, get your perky arse back here!" Abbi calls out, her accent thickening with worry.
Dane's muscles tense, ready to shift at a moment's notice. "These visions... they're targeting our deepest desires," he mutters, his blue eyes narrowed.
I watch as Holli and Cristof lean into each other, their hands intertwined. Whatever they're seeing, they're facing it together.
Baba Yaga stands in the center of our group, utterly unaffected by the crystals' magic. Her serene smile is starting to get on my nerves.
"Yo, Disco Queen," I snap, channeling my inner Zelda. "Care to share with the class what's going on?"
She turns to me, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "My dear, this is the Crucible of Desires. It reveals what each of you truly wants... and what you're willing to sacrifice to get it."
A chill runs down my spine at her words. I look around at my friends, each battling their own temptations, and realize we're in for one hell of a fight.
I clench my fists, fighting against the seductive whispers of the crystal spires. Their pulsing light paints our faces in an eerie glow, turning friends into strangers.
"Guys, we need to focus," I grit out, my voice strained. "Whatever you're seeing, it's not—"
A piercing shriek cuts me off. Sassy's spinning between the spires like a deranged ballerina, her eyes wild. "I'm the star of 'Sharknado: The Musical' and I can turn oatmeal into gold!" she cackles.
"Sassy, no!" Zelda yells, lunging for her friend. But as her fingers brush Sassy's arm, both women vanish in a puff of glitter.
"Shit!" I curse, whirling to face the others. "Don't touch the—"
Too late. Holli reaches for Cristof, their fingers intertwine, and they disappear in a shower of snowflakes.
Panic claws at my throat as I watch my friends vanish one by one. Abbi and Dane, holding tight to each other, melt into the crystalline forest. Even Zelda's familiars – Fat Bastard, Boba, and Jango – blink out of existence with indignant yowls.
I spin to face Baba Yaga, fury bubbling up inside me. "What the hell is happening?"
But the most powerful witch in the world is gone, leaving behind nothing but the fading echo of jingling bells.
I'm alone in the Crucible of Desires, surrounded by temptation and lies. The spires pulse faster now, their light almost blinding. I squeeze my eyes shut, but it doesn't help. The visions flood my mind – power, fame, love, everything I've ever wanted served up on a sparkling platter.
"No," I growl, forcing my eyes open. "This isn't real."
A familiar laugh rings out, and I whirl to see Santa Claus himself striding towards me. But this isn't the jolly old elf from Christmas cards. This Santa is a warrior, his crimson armor gleaming, a massive battle-axe slung across his back.
"Ho ho ho," he booms, but there's no mirth in his voice. "Looks like you're on the naughty list this year."
I take a fighting stance, magic crackling at my fingertips. "Bring it on, Saint Nick. I've been itching for a real fight."
Santa's eyes narrow, and he reaches for his axe. The crystal spires pulse in time with my racing heart, and I know this is it. The real test begins now.
As Santa charges, I can't help but think this is one hell of a way to spend Christmas.
I dodge Santa's first swing, his battle-axe whistling past my ear. The crystal spires around us pulse with an eerie light, casting bizarre shadows that dance across Santa's armor.
"Ho ho ho, you're quicker than I thought," Santa chuckles, his voice a deep rumble that shakes the ground. "But can you keep up with this?"
He reaches into his sack and pulls out a handful of candy canes. With a flick of his wrist, they transform into razor-sharp daggers. I barely have time to throw up a magical shield before they embed themselves in the crystal behind me.
"Geez, Santa," I pant, sweat beading on my forehead. "I know I skipped milk and cookies last year, but isn't this a bit much?"
Santa's eyes twinkle with mirth, but there's a deadly edge to his grin. "Oh, my dear, this is just the warm-up."
He charges again, his axe a blur of red and silver. I duck and weave, calling upon every bit of magic I can muster. Sparks fly as my spells clash with his weapon, filling the air with the scent of peppermint and ozone.
"What do you want, Santa?" I shout, deflecting another blow. "Why are you doing this?"
"It's not about what I want," he replies, his voice suddenly sad. "It's about what you desire. What you're willing to sacrifice."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stumble, and Santa's axe catches my sleeve, tearing it open. A thin line of blood appears on my arm.
"First blood to me," Santa says, but there's no triumph in his voice. "Are you ready to face your true desires?"
Before I can answer, the world around us shifts. The crystal spires melt away, replaced by a cozy living room decked out in full Christmas splendor. A fire crackles in the hearth, stockings hang from the mantle, and the scent of fresh-baked cookies fills the air.
And there, gathered around a towering Christmas tree that nearly brushes the ceiling, are all my friends. The warm glow of twinkling lights bathes the room in a cozy ambiance. Zelda and Sassy are cackling over mugs of eggnog, their laughter infectious as they swap stories and jokes. Holli and Cristof are snuggled up on the plush couch, her head resting on his shoulder as they bask in each other's company. Abbi and Dane are hanging ornaments, their hands brushing occasionally as they reach for the same branch, causing them to exchange shy smiles. Even the cats are there, Fat Bastard, Boba Fett, and Jango Fett, batting playfully at low-hanging tinsel and occasionally pouncing on fallen bits of ribbon. But more importantly, Jack is smiling at me at offering a cup of hot chocolate. The darkness is no longer haunting him. He looks happy and content. He looks…in love. The scene before me is a perfect picture of holiday cheer, filled with warmth, love, and the unmistakable magic of Christmas.
My heart aches at the sight. It's perfect. It's everything I've ever wanted.
"This could be yours," Santa says softly, his axe lowered. "Peace. Family. No more fighting. No more sacrifices. Just say the word, and it's all yours."
I reach out, my fingers almost brushing Jack's smiling face. But then I notice something. Their eyes. They're blank, empty. This isn't real.
I clench my fist, turning back to Santa. "Nice try, big guy. But I know the difference between a true gift and a pretty lie."
Santa's face splits into a genuine grin. "Well done, my dear. You've passed the first test. But remember, the night is young, and Christmas has only just begun."
The cozy living room fades away, replaced by a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. Snowflakes dance in the air, glittering like tiny diamonds. A frozen lake stretches before me, its surface a perfect mirror.
"Test number two," Santa booms, his voice echoing across the icy expanse. "Let's see how you handle a bit of holiday magic gone wrong."
With a wave of his hand, the snowflakes transform into razor-sharp icicles, hurtling towards me. I dive and roll, feeling the whoosh of air as they miss me by inches.
"Seriously?" I shout, scrambling to my feet. "I thought you were supposed to bring joy, not turn me into a witch-kabob!"
Santa's laughter rings out, jolly and menacing all at once. "Sometimes joy comes at a price, my dear. Are you willing to pay it?"
I dodge another volley of icicles, my breath coming in sharp pants. The frozen lake beneath my feet starts to crack, spiderwebbing outwards.
"Oh, sugar plums," I mutter, frantically looking for solid ground.
Suddenly, the ice gives way, and I plunge into freezing water. The cold hits me like a thousand knives, stealing my breath. As I thrash, trying to surface, I see a dark shape moving beneath me. It grows larger, closer, until I'm face-to-face with a monstrous creature that looks like a demented cross between a shark and a Christmas tree.
"Ho ho ho," its mouth moves, Santa's voice emanating from razor-sharp teeth. "Ready for your Christmas dinner?"
I kick frantically, my lungs burning for air. Just as the creature's jaws snap shut, I manage to teleport myself back onto the ice.
Gasping and shivering, I glare at Santa. "Was that... a Sharkmas Tree?"
He grins, eyes twinkling. "Sassy would be proud."
Before I can retort, the ice beneath me starts to glow. Warmth spreads through my body, and I find myself standing in a massive toy workshop. Elves scurry about, but their movements are jerky, almost robotic.
"Final test," Santa says, his tone serious. "Your friends are here, but they've forgotten who they are. Remind them of their true selves, and you'll all be free."
I spot Zelda first, methodically wrapping gifts with a blank expression. "Hey, potty mouth!" I yell, dodging conveyor belts. "Remember that time you turned Baba Yaga's hair blue?"
For a moment, her eyes flicker with recognition. Encouraged, I race through the workshop, shouting reminders to each of my friends. Sassy's love for explosions, Holli's dry wit, Cristof's devotion to Christmas.
I grab my locket and reach out to Jack in our safe space, our eyes lock. "Remember us," I whisper, cupping his face. "Remember love."
A spark ignites in his eyes, and suddenly, the spell shatters. My friends blink, coming back to themselves.
"Well, fuck me sideways with a candy cane," Zelda mutters, looking around in confusion.
Evil Santa appears before us, his expression proud, but mocking. I know deep down it's not the Big Guy because he's still trapped with the Ancient Evil. "Well done, Gracie. You've passed all the tests. The path to the Temple of Shadows is clear."
I blink, trying to process what just happened. One moment we were in a bizarre Christmas workshop, and now we're... here. Wherever here is.
"Well, that was about as fun as getting coal in your stocking," Zelda grumbles, brushing off her clothes. "Anyone else feel like they've been through Santa's washing machine?"
"More like his meat grinder," Holli quips, her dry tone at odds with the way she's clinging to Cristof.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. The air here is different - heavy, oppressive. It smells like pine needles and... something else. Something old and dangerous.
"Everyone okay?" I ask, scanning our group. They all look a bit worse for wear, but alive and accounted for.
"Define 'okay,'" Dane mutters, running a hand through his messy hair. "I feel like I've been hit by a sleigh pulled by rabid reindeer."
Sassy bounces on her toes, seemingly unaffected by our ordeal. "That was amazing! Can we do it again? I want to see if I can make the Sharkmas Tree explode!"
"No!" we all shout in unison, causing her to pout.
As we stand there, catching our breath, I notice our surroundings for the first time. We're in a dense, dark forest. The trees tower above us, their branches intertwining to block out most of the sky. What little light filters through is tinted an eerie green.
And there, looming before us, is a structure that makes my blood run cold.
"Holy night," Cristof whispers, his usual Christmas cheer nowhere to be found.
The Temple of Shadows lives up to its name. It's a massive, jagged thing, all sharp angles and impossible architecture. It seems to absorb the light around it, creating a void in the world. The entrance gapes like a maw, ready to swallow us whole.
"Well," Abbi says, trembling slightly, "I guess this is where the real fun begins."
Dane nods grimly, his hand on her shoulder. "Stay close. We don't know what's waiting for us in there."
As we gather ourselves, preparing to enter, I can't help but feel a mix of dread and determination. We've come so far, faced so much.
The map in my hand vibrates, and its grave voice breaks the tense silence: "Welcome to the The Temple of Shadows."
We exchange glances, a silent agreement passing between us. It's time to end this, once and for all.