Attack of the Sugar Plum Fairies, A Story for Demented Children

Everyone knew that Christmas Eve was the best time to attack.  The elves would be busy getting everything together.  Santa’s only job was to drive the sleigh and deliver the presents.  Even the list checking had become automated with the use of a supercomputer.  It was checked three times now, although that wasn’t broadcast so they wouldn’t have to change songs that mentioned ‘twice’ in the lyrics.

Araedae made it to the next corner and waved for the other two to follow once she saw it was clear.  The private residence of the Claus’s was just ahead.  It was a large, three-story gingerbread mansion surrounded by snow-covered Christmas trees and candy canes.

“Do you think we’ll be able to get past the security system?” Sydae asked as they came up behind Araedae.

Zannae answered the question before Araedae could.  “I already told you that I can break any code in the world.  Why won’t you believe me?”

Sydae sighed.  “It’s just that the elves are notorious for combining magic and science.  I’m worried that it won’t be as easy as you think.”

“I’m more concerned about the reindeer guards.  Those things are pretty vicious with their teeth,” Araedae said with worry thick in her voice.  The other two nodded in agreement.  “We have to try to get in so we can get to the master computer.  I know Zannae can hack into it.  She’s the best in the world.”  Zannae beamed at the compliment.

“I still don’t understand how a Sugar Plum Fairy got an advanced degree at MIT,” Sydae said with a shake of her head.  “We’re supposed to be frolicking in nature while helping plum trees and sugar cane grow tall and healthy.”

Zannae stuck her tongue out.  “Humans are destroying nature.  Someone has to figure out how to stop them so the rest of you can frolic.”

“We are not getting into this argument again,” Araedae chastised.  “It looks clear.  Let’s get underneath one of the Christmas trees until the attack begins.”

The other two stuck their tongues out at each other and then they all ran across the street as fast as their little stockinged legs would carry them.  When they reached the tree, they dashed through a low spot in the circular drift surrounding it.

“It’s so cold!” Sydae complained, vigorously rubbing her arms and stomping her pretty green slippers in the thin snow by the trunk.  Her wings shivered along with the rest of her body.

“Quit yelling.  Just because I don’t see anyone doesn’t mean we can’t be heard,” Araedae told her irritably.  “I don’t like it anymore than you do.  We’ll get inside just as soon as we can.”  She rubbed her own arms, trying to bring some warmth to the numb skin.

“Shh, someone’s coming,” Zannae warned them, pointing at the front door of the mansion.  An elf and Mrs. Claus came out and moved down the steps, speaking in angry tones.  The sugar plum fairies peeked out over the drift and listened in.

***

“What’s wrong with Santa?” Jarlen the elf asked Mrs. Claus.  He brushed falling snow off of his thick, green jacket and adjusted his felt hat.  “He’s been sick all week and its Christmas Eve.  He needs to get his butt in the sleigh and get those presents out to all the little brats around the world.

“Ever since elves unionized, you’ve become unbearable,” Mrs. Claus said irritably.  She crossed her arms and glared at the pointy eared manager.  Jarlen was responsible for communication between the elves and the Clauses.  He was a demanding jerk and neither she nor her husband liked him.  “You sit around all the time, the quality of your work is terrible, you import most the toys from overseas putting us so far in debt that China’s going to own the North Pole before you know it, and you have more vacation days than you do work days.  Everything is just terribly wrong and the spirit of Christmas is being lost.”