Chapter Twenty Seven: Christmas, as it is, is the most wonderful time of the year, a cause for celebration; it is a moment of joy and reunions. It unites everyone in love. But more than anything, Christmas is the season for giving, a celebration of care and compassion. It is a language of love.

Santa Claus immediately get back to work after that crucial vacation leave. First, he visited Cloudest Street to check on the damage there and assess the situation. Next, he inspected the Psychometrician Store to examine operational indicators and scrutinize maximum capacity; later on, he also visited the Toy Factory to make sure that the annual targets for the current gifting season are being met.

But the main purpose of his day was convening an afternoon meeting with the Christmas Corporation, which he later on presided over with some difficult matters on the agenda. One of those topics discussed was the Bridge of Imagination, a matter of urgent concern to the North Pole, which is the main reason that threatens the very existence of the Village, including its mission, the gifting season, and among many other reasons that concern the virtue of generosity. Because of this, the substance of the virtues with respect to the Bridge are now being discussed anew by the Christmas Corporation.

"Can the child still pretend not to know anything? Does he exhibit any indication that he remembers everything?" Santa Claus asked after discussing the growth of this gifting season, year on year, and moving on to the next order of business.

Samuel Doe, a Mirrorite representative elected to the Christmas Corporation, responded to the question with a hint of worry. He knew everything about this Immediate Case, being the appointed Principal-in-Charge; the results from the investigation in the field came in just yesterday, and he had to rush reading the report early this morning.

"It is not good," Samuel simply said.

"What do you mean? Speak. Tell us." Santa Claus demanded. "Is that an affirmative answer?"

"I am afraid that it is," Samuel answered. His tone was weak and dull. It is a bad news, indeed. "The Soulpox Syndrome is starting to manifest itself. Within a few months, he will become the monster that he is truly is. ..."

"... which means that his vapor of death will become more potent," Santa Claus continued. "He will attract many vampires in the Bridge unless we block the other side. For how long before it happens?"

The Mirrorite was rather uncertain. But surely, there is a way to delay the process. "We have to administer the potion. There is a child in Cabanatuan, Philippines where we can extract the substances related to the concoction of this potion, almost like a very effective elixir."

"This is part of the sign of the times, is it not? We have to recognize that all that we need will present itself in the right time as we are getting through this serious predicament. Am I remembering everything correctly?"

"Absolutely. But this is not a total cure, only a matter of delay."

Santa Claus nodded. He understood the situation. "A year, perhaps?"

"Longer. If we can make this potion."

"Very well, we have to plan how we can extract the faith from this little girl. What is her name?"

"Maria," Samuel simply said.

[Chapter Title: The Bridge Over There]

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The Chapter is sponsored by Afew x Asics.