Xmas Event: Presents Tense; A Holy Adventure

[The Shimmering Banana]

Ah! The holidays a time for merriment and cheer for all the good little boys and girls around the world. Even those that did not have a traditional home such as our young Otto Siax. His parents killed at a young age he was taken in as a student in a martial arts Dojo. So I guess he could even be considered an orphan even though he didn't see it like that. Being just a boy of at most five years old all he had ever known for family were the students at the Dojo. Being on a small islet on Pikt everyone knew and treated everyone like family. In fact that is the very reason that he was fortunate enough to be in this position today. The Dojo was on a break as its students were also off from their academic studies for the holidays. Leaving Otto all alone in the Dojo while all the other kids head to the winter camp in the empire. But not this year… This year the parents of his fellow students put their extra money together and bought the afro headed lad his own ticket to the holiday camp.

“Thank.. thank you all” says the old master as the single mother accompanied by a group of other den mothers hands him the pass for his young wards vacation. It would be the first time the boy had left the Archipelago in quite some time and was sure to be quite the surprise for the boy. The group of mothers bowing to the old teacher before taking their leave. The next morning Otto arose at the crack of dawn, a dark brown rooster croaked from the top of the hen house right outside of his window. The boy smacking the wall the loud noise acting like a snooze button as the bird flapped away from its perched position. The old man hearing this daily ruckus calling out to the young boy “Otto! It's time to wake up!” the boy rolling over covering his fluffy head with his arms as he laid face down on his floor mat. “You're going to be late!” continued the master as the boy listened through the walls. “The other students leave for the camp today. Don't you want to say goodbye?” he questioned as the boy sighed and slowly rolled back onto his back staring up at the wooden ceiling. Mixed thoughts running through the boy's head as he popped upright sitting on the mat replying to his guardian “I’ll be right there!”

Otto rolled out of bed with the enthusiasm of a sloth, dragging his feet all the way to the restroom as he needed to make himself presentable. His weary eyes peering at the man in the mirror the boy let out an elongated yawn. ‘Great another year stuck here while the rest of the world goes on holiday.’ he thinks as he yanks lumps of hair with his fingers, sort of a makeshift pick for his afro. As his hair was now “brushed out” he placed an old black hair tie in it tying it back in a pony tail. ‘Ehh! That's good enough’ he thinks while strands of hair stick out from his head in various spots. The fighter in training then quickly brushes his teeth and splashes water on his face completing his morning ritual before meeting the master in the main hall. The wooden floor cold with the winter's frost as his bare feet made there way to the man. A chill running up his spine as he spoke out to his master “Morning Master. It's a cold one isn't it. I hope the other student won't be too cold on their voyage.”

The old man keeping a straight face as he tossed the boy a banana “I'm sure we'll all be fine.” The boy snatches the fruit from the air and instantly began to scarf down his morning snack. Otto shoving the entire thing into his mouth then turning it with his tongue forcing a large smile upon his face as he looks towards his master. The pair laughing out loud as Otto smushes it in his mouth and swallows it down with one gulp. “Come now let's get going” continues the master as he tosses an old backpack over his shoulder and opens the door for Otto. The cool morning breeze flowing through the halls of the Dojo as the child grabbed another banana from the counter top and headed out the door. ‘Growing boys… they eat like weeds grow’ thinks the head of the Dojo as the boy passes by him the man allowing the door to shut behind them. The cool grass wet their feet as their sandals moved through the island heading to the docks. The neighbors waving as they made their way to say goodbye to Otto’s friends.

‘Some friends they are’ thought the jealous boy as he makes his way to the dock. ‘Leaving me all alone for christmas’ he continued as he kicked up some dirt the master looking down at the boys long face. This surprise was going to be the best present Otto has ever gotten if he could just get him down to the docks. “Cheer up I'm sure you'll have a great break as well” he commented as he placed his hand in his pocket tightly clutching the ticket for the ferry. Picking up the pace the master says to Otto “come hurry I can hear the ferry”

*Toot Toooot!*

In the near distance the horn from the ferry could be heard as travelers from all walks of life boarded. The large ship decorated in traditional attire with red and silver ribbon wrapped around the hand rails. A large red ball attached to the front making it look like an over sized rudolf. It was a sure to be a jolly sleigh ride to their destination. “Hey Otto!” called out one of the other slightly older students. “You made it thought we were gonna leave without you” he continued giving away the surprise. The boy still not realizing the obvious and chuckling as he replied “you know I had to say bye to the second best student.” His remarks making both parents and students alike laugh as the ships attendant came towards the jolly group. “Hi folks, please board the ship. We will be departing soon” Otto’s childish laugh halting as the other kids quickly said their goodbyes and headed aboard the ship. This was always the saddest part of the holidays for Otto having to say goodbye to the only family he had. As his head hit his chest the master placed his hand on the young boys shoulder and said “Dont be sad my boy”. His friend calling out to him right before stepping on the ship. “Come on Otto! Arnt ya coming?” the boy raising his head in confusion as the master's hand held something. He slowly raised his hand retrieving the ticket from his own chest.

“No! You didn’t! Th.. Thank you so much Master” he says as he reads the name on the ticket. The master smiling down at the boy as he sees Otto’s smile span from ear to ear. “It was all of us” he said “all the parents put their money together and sent you on this trip. Just goes to show you the true holiday spirit Otto. Be sure to remember that as you take this well deserved vacation.” his words leaving the boy speechless as he tightly squeezed the old man then turned to bow to the other guardians as they awed from afar. The fighter then turned and made his way to the ship the master calling out to him once more. “Hey aren't you forgetting something?” tossing the old back pack to the boy containing some extra clothing and a special surprise. With his bag over his shoulder and his spirits high the young boy was ready to join his friends calling out “Hey wait up Arnold!”

[viruswithshoes]

To her five-year-old mind, a sword and that turned into a dinosaur didn't seem like too much to ask. Santa Claus could travel the world in a night and knew everything about everyone so surely the jolly old elf had the connections to finagle a simple ancient zoan devil fruit weapon to make one child's Christmas all the more special.

Rather than riding around on the back of a sword or cutting giant things with some sort of dino-sword Shade Muramasa found herself resentfully assembling sleds for other children in order to move the needle on the Naughty/Nice Meter a little further towards getting the Christmas present to end all Christmas presents.

With an eye towards an ancient zoan Christmas the girl with the puffy hair and light brown skin put the finishing touch on her latest creation, a crudely cut peice of yellow tape in the shape of a lightning bolt which made the sled go faster, as lightning bolts did.
"There. You will be called the..." The child devil fruit user racked her still developing brain for a name that spoke of speed and grace. Something a wonderful train or a rocket would call itself if they had mouths and voices and needed names to tell themselves apart.
Her little fist collided with her tiny palm when the perfect name for this earthly avatar of speed and motion came like a shout from the heavens.
"Speedy Fastinator."

A more experienced and worldly ten-year-old glanced upward from his comic strip of 'Sora, Warrior of the Sea' just long enough to offer the sledwright he was looking after a quick upwardly positioned thumb before delving back into his world of heroes and villains.

Dawn had just broken on Christmas Eve and Shade was determined to fit as much niceness into the day as she could to clench getting her dream dino-sword. When her winged, bookworm friend asked Shade why she was intent on impressing a man who constantly watched her she had no answer. For the first time she wondered if constant surveillance seemed like a fair price for wonderful presents.

Shade's tools, screwdrivers, tape, and the like were returned to the pink backpack crafted from rusty shield she had found and liked the look of. It made for a heavy backpack but a cool one, in her estimation. Alas, her weak, child's back had some trouble carrying the shield and backpack along with her tools at the same time. Her ability to turn objects into clothes did nothing to alleviate their weight.
"Ship! There's a ship! Ramiel! A ship!" Ship's meant the possibility of kids which meant more customers which meant more good deeds to secure her dinosaur rampage future.

Pushed along by her Skypien babysitter on a red sled with enough lightning bolt and flame stickers Shade sledded faster than any human she ever knew and wondered if she had maybe gone too fast and gone back in time accidentally. To make certain that she didn't go too fast the miniature crafter of sleds peeled off a sticker of a smiling flame sporting a pair of sunglasses once they stopped. She wondered just how many stickers it would take for instantaneous travel, but soon decided to leave that to the scientists.

As the louder of the two children it was Shade's job, which came with the title 'Empress of Yelling' to alert newcomers to her non-profit sled business. Ramiel, who held aloft the sign for SHADE'S SUPER SLEDS was dubbed 'God of Signs' for his creation of and positioning of their most important means of non-verbal communication.
"FREE CUSTOM SLEDS! REALLY! FREE! I'LL MAKE YOU A SLED AND I DON'T WANT MONEY BECAUSE I'M NICE...AND NOT NAUGHTY. HEY!"

The first thing Shade noticed in the snowy whiteness of the crowd was a bright red coat which matched his red nose and clashed with his white beard. Shade forgot her sales pitch and ran towards world's most notorious giver of presents but found only black tracks across the snow-flecked street. Santa was avoiding her and that didn't bode well. What exactly was he hiding from?

If Santa was going to acknowledge her goodness and give her a dinosaur sword Shade knew that she had to be aggressive and grabbed the first kid she found.
"I'm giving you a free sled."

[The Shimmering Banana]

The trip was a vacation in itself for young Otto, a cabin all to himself, free food and all the mango smoothies a boy could ask for. This was sure to be just as fantastic as he dreamt it could be. The ship slowed its pace as it approached the glorious island that was the empire. Even from afar the boy could see the decorations spanning across the land. Light post carrying reefs made from pine needles shops with tinsel in their windows. It was truly a winter wonderland. Otto paced the deck as they made their arrival wanting to be the first off the ship. The other boys going to the camp all paying behind him as the ship docked at the harbor. ‘This is going to be awesome’ thought the lad as he gazzed upon a sea of people welcoming the ferry. The citizens of the island clapping and cheering as the tourist arrived. The upcoming business creating a prosperous holiday for the average citizen.


Otto’s small hands waved back at his adoring public as he clenched the straps of his newly acquired backpack. Its old leather straps hugging his shoulders as he galloped towards the wooden ramp stretching out towards the dock. His oldest friend, Arnold a member of the long arm tribe, quickly catching up to him taking his place next to him in line. The boys slowly walked down the ramp with anticipation as the other boys and girls met with the camp counselor upon reaching land. An old chubby man holding a sign reading ‘Winter Wonderland; Kids Camp’ welcoming the group to the island. Another younger young man helping the counselor with the children's luggage tossing them in the back of the old wooden horse drawn cart. “Welcome children” he said as the last pair of kids, Arnold and Otto, reached the cart. “My name is Frosty and this is Jack” he continued slapping the young bad handler on the back as he introduced him. “We are two of the counselors this year and boy do we have a week planned for you folks.” continued the chubby man as he helped the children onto the cart one by one. “But first we need to make it back to camp. So let's hurry this along kids” he finished off as he took his place behind the reigns of the horse.


Otto sat eagerly awaiting to view the camp his feet dangling off the back of the cart as they began to pull away. As the wheels turned the group passed a rather enticing sign next to an odd young pair. ‘Free sleds?’ Otto read to himself as he nudged his friend. “Hey Arnold do you see that?” he questioned unable to believe his eyes. “This place is great they even have people handing out free sleds. I'm going to go get one tell the big guy to wait up a second.” he stated as he lept off the back of the cart. His friend sighing as he reached out trying to stop him. “Otto.. no come back” he called out the commotion getting the attention of the counselor. “Boys… What’s going on?” he shouted as he firmly yanked the reins the horses coming to a halt. Arnold reaching his long arms i to the air, towering over the man's head, proclaiming his innocence as the counselor hopped off from his seat on the cart. Ignoring the long armed boy the counselor co timjes in lersjite of Otto. “You boy what get back here!” he called out to the young boy who was now in front of the slead givers.


Otto looked at the girl practically forcing her shotty handy work upon the children of the town. “Aww they looked better from the cart.” says Otto as Frosty reached out to his collar and lifts his tiny body off the ground. “Hey hey hey!” screams out the mischievous boy squirming in the man's grasp. “Let me go. I was just looking. These sleds look like pieces of crap any ways.” he continued as the chubby counselor began to drag him away. “Let's go young man. Ill deal with you and your long arm friend back at camp in Marius. What is your name anyways?” he scolded the afro headed boy as he dragged him along. The boy screaming out “Its Otto. Otto Saix.” before being tossed back into the cart full of angered students. Frosty taking his place behind the reigns as whiling the horses to make them run. “Jack keep an eye on those two.” commanded the camp counselor as the cart took off.

[viruswithshoes]

Shade took a moment to smugly grin at the boy being taken away by a grown-up after calling her workmanship crap. Sure, they weren't the prettiest sleds around but speed and durability were what counted. Her moment of instant justice was dampened when she realized that if she didn't give the boy his sled there would be no good deed and therefore no awesome present under the tree that year.
"Wait up, you jerk!"

Fueled by desperation that only a five-year-old girl hoping for a certain Christmas present was capable of, Shade sledded toward the foul-mouthed critic of her work. Grit and determination powered her seld, along with an older Skypien boy pushing along but Shade assumed it was her will and her craftsmanship that made the sled fast.

Fast Skypien boys and stickers aside, the sled was no match for the horses, though they pulled a much greater weight of children. What the sleigh drivers didn't have, as far as Shade knew, were devil fruit powers. The ability to turn objects into clothes came in handy for protection as with Shade's coat made from a thin sheet of metal and pop gun mittens, but for the first time her scarf made from a chain served a purpose rather than looking good. She managed to whip the black, pseudo-fabric at the sleigh's runners with a clanking sound that was noticed by the children riding but who were too amused by the other child that they said nothing.

The stifled laughs were no longer covered when the sleigh stopped and Shade along with it. She wasted no time in picking up her homemade sled and searching for her critic and gateway to an awesome Christmas present.
One found, Shade harshly pushed the sled into Otto's arms.
"Did you see that? This is the best sled ever. I call it the Lightning Snowman." Even at five years old Shade knew the importance of a slick name to make people want a product.

The girl with the afro hair looked around and sighed when she realized that she had used a lot of energy to chase down one customer when there was a sleigh packed with children.
"Free sleds in town. Ask for Shade and Ramiel."
"What's going on here?" asked one of the adults, a chubby man smoking a corncob pipe. "Who are you?"
"I'm a montrapamanure," Shade answered. Ramiel, the older Skypien boy along for the ride sighed and decided to do the speaking.
"We're giving away sleds. Well, one sled now and more for whoever wants one later."
"They're really good. Almost as fast as your horses and it didn't fall apart." Shade punctuated her point by kicking at the sled she had put in Otto's arms without a single chip or buckling of the wood.
"I'm just a girl trying to be good because I know the big guy is watching."