Merry Christmas *HF*
A Hell’s Fire Christmas Special for 2001, by Steven Booth, the Blue King.
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Light snowflakes began to fall from the pitch-black sky, sticking together as the reached the ground to form a delicate bed of snow on the intricately architecture of the White Hellfire Club lawns. In the sky the stars burned brightly, shining out with radiance and life, spreading their light to all below. The air was cold and frosty, adding a crisp and clean feeling to all of the festivities that went on inside the fabulously decorated mansion.
From top to bottom, the exterior of the mansion was covered in magnificent garlands and ribbons, the fine silk threads glistening in the night’s light. A shady, half moon dominated the skyline.
“Pass me some more tinsel!” Toby shrieked with delight as she happily placed the most elaborate and gorgeous trimmings on the 60foot evergreen tree. Acydic tittered, and reached inside a large, overwhelmingly vast brown box and pulled out several metres of the streamer, yanking it free in a convoluted frenzy. Finally, he succeeded, pulling free the tinsel, only to be sent flying across the room, landing on top of the grand piano that Khalid Hunter had been so elegantly playing, slamming the lid down as he did.
“Huh, hello Mufasa,” Acydic said nervously, as Toby and Gomurr tried to untie him from the mass of tinsel that he had winded himself in, and bonded himself to the piano with.
Mufasa rose from him seat with a low growl and assisted the White Assassin and Mage in freeing Acydic from his festive prison.
“My, my,” Cronos said as he entered the room, a wicked smile creeping across his face, “shouldn’t you be keeping those kind of bondage games in the bedroom, Zach?”
Suddenly, Cronos began to levitate into the air by an unseen force, a look of panic shooting across his face where a toothy grin had just rooted itself.
“Chill, Maxwell,” Ozymandias said as he walked into the room extending his arm outwards, making his telekinetic grasp of Cronos loosen, sending the White Warlord tumbling to the ground in a amass of arms and legs. “It’s Christmas Eve after all,” Ozymandias said in an unemotional tone. It was hard to tell if he was being sarcastic or just weary.
The large open fireplace in the lounge belonging to the Court where all the Christmas activities were planned was decked intensely with stockings and tinsel, holly, ivy and other celebratory items. Every aspect of the highly expensively furnished room seemed to scream “Merry Christmas”.
“Who wants snowballs?” Nebula said as she carefully carried a tray piled high with glasses filled with the delicious drink. A cheerful red Santa Claus hat with a snowy white bobble hugged the White Queen’s head, contrasting nicely with her blue skin.
“Well, it’s official,” Cyclops, said as he walked into the room, shrugging off his snow-covered jacket and removing his hat, gloves and scarf, “the blizzard is here. I just headed into town to pick up a few papers from my office…and all the roads are closed!”
Toby smiled cheerfully. “It’s gonna be a white Christmas!” With that she trotted over to the roaring log fire and tossed another few pieces of fuel on, using her pryokinethesis to guide the flames carefully, making them quickly consume the wood, adding even more warm to the room.
From the doorway, engulfed in shadows, SuperGrover!!!, the King, stood and watched his court members enjoying themselves. So much had gone recently, that he wasn’t sure the Club could solidify again and strife forward. But seeing them all together like this made him change his mind. There was a pleasing sense of happiness in the air. He decided to go and see how Christian was getting on watching the Barney Christmas Special.
As he exited the room, from the lurking shadows of the hallway came a petite figure, dressed in traditional Chinese robes.
“Hello G-man,” the White King joked, “the routine festivities too much for ya to handle?”
Gomurr shook his head, stroking his long, white beard. “No, but yes. I think I need a breath of fresh air. What time are we having our Eve dinner?”
“Eight thirty,” Martha, the Head Cook said as she walked past the two WHC members, “and you’d better not be late!”
“Now that’s what I call a lady!” Gomurr laughed as he began to liquidise through he shadows and travel through the Crimson Dawn, leaving the blue skinned, golden haired King to go and tend to his son. Although they weren’t particularly close, SuperGrover!!! missed Christian’s mother at Christmas. The boy had seen so much horror and terror at the hands of the Illuminati, but somehow he found the strength and power to go on. But every child needs a mother. SuperGrover!!! sighed and walked into the room, slipping into the space next to Christian on the huge blue sofa, putting his arm around his son’s shoulder, watching the non seneschal ravings of the big purple dinosaur.
Chastity slipped the second Christmas hat shaped earrings into her lobes then walked over to the antique mirror that lay, embedded in holly and red berries. “Not bad,” she said as she unbuttoned the top of her scarlet, apple red shirt and straightened her thigh hugging red mini skirt. As always, her crystal hung around her neck, glimmering in the room’s illuminations. Chastity had decided to pile the mass of silvery hair that graced her head on top of her head. After several defeats with hairspray, she decided magic was the best remedy. Finally she was perfect. With a grin, she began to walk out of he room towards the main activity room.
Steven sat at his desk, listening to his favourite Christmas Album. All his best-loved sons sung by the master himself, Frank Sinatra. The Purple King felt a pleasing sense of contentment in the mansion, as the two courts came together. Being in his old office made him slightly resilient about his leaving the Red Court. But he knew, no matter how hard he tried, that he could never trust Ryan again. And things were going so well. He had a strong Court, a full set of Hellions and his school would be opened after the Christmas break. On second thoughts, he was happy as Purple King.
He read through the Hellion’s reports about the origin of Christmas, using his red pen to correct all the fables he found in their work. All in all, they were excellently done. From his pocket he took a marvellous antique timepiece, his favourite pocket watch, and glanced at it. It was eight thirty four! He was late!
Jumping to his feet, he shoved the reports into his briefcase, turned off the gramophone and darted out of the room, telekinetically locking the door as he did so.
“..when all through the house,” Shadow whispered into Hellfire Phoenix’s ear as they snuggled up on the quilted red couch, “no creature was stirring, except for a mouse.” Marnie just tutted, pushing the Red Rook on to the floor as she strode over to the large dining table and took her seat, beside the Queen’s seat. Her recent promotion to Bishop has taken her by shock. Never before had she dealt with so much work. No wonder Steven’s hair was grey with all the work he did! Luckily, he decided that he’d still manage the finances of the Club. Marnie sighed a breath of relief. She hated math. Despised the subject.
“As anyone seen the almighty RKB?” Xeus joked as she strode into the room with Spark and Epyon, all three of them erupting with guttural laughter.
“Probably working in the office,” Chastity said as she phased into her chair, “if he wasn’t an External, I’m sure he’d work himself to death.”
“Don’t be foolish,” Steven said as he rushed into the dining room, his face reddened, as he took deep gulps of air. “I truly do despise the theory of anaerobic respiration, it’s just not worth it!”
Shockwave giggled, pulling his tie.
“I take it you like my reindeer tie,” Steven said, looking down at his neck piece, “I thought even an old grouch like me can be festive every once in a while!”
“Now we are all here,” Ryan said, “let’s have our dinner. But, before we start, let’s say Grace.”
Everyone took their seats and held hands, bowing their heads. Steven began to speak, “Bless us oh Lord, and these thy gifts which we are going to receive from thy bounty, through the peace and love of Christ, on who’s command we celebrate his birthday. Amen.”
In unisome the Hellions and two Inner Circles (plus several special guests) declared their ‘Amen’, then everyone began to feast on the delicious and succulent food that lay before them.
“This is brilliant Martha!” Gene said as he took another large bite from his chicken wing, tearing the meat hungrily from the bone. Alice gave him a little ‘Watch your manners or I’ll kick your butt’ look. Gene pretended to look hurt, and continued gouging on the luscious food.
Darkwolf sat besides the fire listening to Nate and Greg reminisce about the good old days. They meant the days before the Millennium. The days when the noble King Silver and his wonderful Queen, Nemesis, and dark Lord Avalon ruled the Black Hellfire Club and Darkfire Club with a just and caring hand. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how many people commended him, he knew that he had some large boots to fill.
Perhaps these feelings of disappointment were because of the time of year. It was too soon for old wounds to heal; especially when they drove so deep into a person’s skin. It was almost a year ago when the Hellions, Upstarts, Marauders and a large portion of the Court members were massacred.
“What’s up, DW, you seem a little quiet,” Rogue said as she threw herself down in the chair next to DarkWolf, rubbing his hair playfully as she did.
The Black King masked his emotions, giving her a big smile. “Nothing, just excided. I’m still like a big kid at Christmas!” he joked.
In the centre of the swarming room, Monet wrestled with the Christmas tree, trying to make sure it was the portrait of perfection. “Geez M, the tree looks fabulous. Now get your butt down here and relax!” Rogue said in a cheerful, boisterous laugh.
“Do you think?” Monet said as she flew down from the top of the tree, “I mean, I want this Christmas to be extra special.”
A wave of uncertainty wafted through the assembled BHC members. What in fact did she mean? It was no good trying to hide it or pussy foot around it. Although they’d come a long way, a huge way, no one could ever make them forget what happened that Millennium.
Darkwolf rose from his chair and unlocked the nearby liquor cabinet. Taking several glasses he poured some champagne in them, handing them to his Queen, Prince, Knight, Princess, Bishop, Sentry, Rook, Executioner and Scribe. “To the BHC,” he said in a loud voice, “Merry Christmas.”
“Dashing through the snow,” Steven sang out stridently as he strummed the notes of the piano, “on a one horse open slay, o’er the hills we go…”
The Hellions and several inner Circle members sang along with him, all enjoying the family atmosphere in the mansion.
“Isn’t this nice?” Chastity said, leaning on the back of the chair Ryan sat in, “everyone together at last, playing happy families.” Ryan could detect a second meaning to Chastity’s words.
“’Tis indeed,” Ryan said, ignoring Chastity’s comment, “just like our family.”
Chastity grabbed a hold of his face, snapping it towards him. “You promised me you’d find out what’s going on with OUR children, and you haven’t.”
Ryan broke free and stared ahead at the carol singers. “I will, my dear, just be patient and enjoy yourself.”
Siren raced happily through the woods, trying her hardest not to fall victim to the slippery white substance that littered the forest floor. It was her first Christmas with the Grey Hellfire Court, and so far Christmas Eve was a blast!
“Where did ye go?” Scrib said as she ran, trying to find the Grey Paladin. Siren tried to contain her laughter at the Grey Queen’s Knight’s discomfort at not being able to find her. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Rage hiding in the twisted and tortuous branches of the naked trees, beckoning her join her. Siren quickly shape shifted into a crow and flew up, changing back to her original form as soon as she reached Rage.
“This is great, I thought I was too old for murder in the woods, but it’s a blast!” she said optimistically.
Rage tried to stop herself laughing as Scrib hurried below, Marvel Girl at her side. “I canne find them Jeannie,” she said, “I’ve captured Mysty, Loki and Hotwire, and they’ve captured Bobbi Todd, Sunlit and Echo. But Rage and Siren are still hiding.”
Rage flicked a pile of snow off the branches, which landed on Scrib, startling her and the Grey Queen as Siren thrust herself from the branches, pinning Marvel Girl to the floor. “Tag, milady!” she said, sprawling off Jean, helping her to her feet. Rage had apprehended Scrib.
Rage rolled her eyes. “And Jean didn’t use telekinethesis to bend that tree that Loki was hiding in?”
For once the Grey Knight was dumbfound. Siren finally broke the silence. “So, our team wins!” She did a high five with Rage before running off to break the good news to her team members.
“The wee girl is having a whale of a time,” Scrib said, “glad she’s enjoying it. Now, let’s get inside before we all freeze to death!”
The three women walked up the path from the forest to the citadel that shimmered in the sunset light.
“They seem so happy,” Blackfire said as she looked out of the window at the huddled Court members, all enjoying the wonderful snow that blanketed the Roman countryside.
“That’s because they are happy,” Echo said, her voice giving the impression that several people were speaking at the same time.
Blackfire just sighed and turned away from the window, plopping herself in the sofa in front of the large wide screen television. Hawkeye was deeply absorbed into the movie, which was showing. Probably only interested in that bimbo is the bikini she hissed to herself. Suddenly a feeling of dread spread through her delicate body. This time last year you were White Queen, and happily decorating the mansion with both the White and Red Courts. That was of course before…. before She couldn’t bear to think about it anymore, as tears began to sting her eyes. Privately, she also knew that Daemon’ s absence at this time of the year was driving daggers in her heart. When she nursed her brother back to health, Daemon was her rock; her strength, her inspiration. He made her go on. But now the rift between them had grown too large. And now he was off launching his own little war. Times may change she said to herself but the heartache never gets any better.
“Merry Christmas!” Steven said as he pecked Shockwave, one of his closest and dearest friends on the cheek, “hope you like your present!”
Shockwave looked cautiously at the package and began to meticulously removing the shiny golden foil and the blue ribbon. With a slight pop she opened the lid and inside found two very large diamonds, ruby and gold clustered earrings lying on a bed of delicate silk cushion.
“Oh my goodness!” she said, “They’re beautiful!”
Steven smiled. “They are an air loom from my family. I thought I should pass them onto someone special. And there is no one more special than you.”
Shockwave smiled, wiping away a quick tear. “Now I feel so cheap about what I bought you.”
Steven’s eyes opened wide, his mouth slightly gaping. “You got me a CD collection with EVERY Frank Sinatra song on. It’s absolutely priceless!”
Shockwave smiled and shook her head. “You are obsessed, you know?” she said as she fitted her earrings. The chaos of the room made here feel like she was part of a large family. But, she was part of one. The IHFC. Indeed, this was a very special Christmas.
“Steven,” Charles said as he walked into the room, “the limo is ready for you, Ian, Shockwave and any passengers you desire.”
Steven smiled widely and walked over tot eh newest Hellion recruit, Scarlett Mistress.
“Thanks Uncle Steven,” she said as she opened her present, taking the elegant dress from the box, “its beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as my niece, now hurry up and put it on and come to Mass with me.”
“Wasn’t that excellent?” Steven said as he descended down the cathedral stairs, cane in one hand and Ian assisting him in the other. He tried to get down the stony stairs that were raked with ice without looking like a fool.
“The Bishop is so nice!” Shockwave said as she walked down the stairs, gripping the handrail, her motions duplicated by the Purple King’s assistant, Charles.
Steven couldn’t help but smile like a Cheshire cat. He didn’t pressurise or even mention it, but still ALL the Purple Court and the Hellions had attended Mass with him. Even Shadow, Draco and Hellfire Phoenix had come.
The group scrambled into the chain of cars that littered the car lot, and headed back to the mansion.
“It’s so beautiful!” Siren said as she wiped away a tear from her eye. The green silk nightgown and matching dressing robe looked so petite, so perfect. She gave Mystikal a hug. “Thank you very much!”
The Grey Queen’s Rook smiled. “I liked my present,” she said as she waved the bracelet on her wrist in the air, beams of light reflecting off it as she did.
“That man is insane!” Rage laughed out loud, waving the Purple King’s present in the air, look what he sent.
Rage wafted the tee shirts in the air. There was one for Blackfire, Mystikal, Siren, Waya and herself. They were luminous green and had a picture of each member holding a baseball bat, with a crumpled heap of men on the floor with the slogan ‘Papa does preach, and I’m a listener!”
Waya just shook her head. That man was truly crazy.
“Who wants a wing?” DarkWolf said as he scrapped the carving utensils together, licking his lips in anticipation. The turkey was extremely large and was indeed ready to be devoured by the BHC members.
The room was alive with excitement and activity. In the background a soft sympathy played from some speakers, and everyone was engaged in conversation, happily enjoying Christmas. For the moment, they were all together and happy. And that’s all that mattered.
Christian laid quietly asleep, the excitement of the day finally getting to him. Khalid looked at the clock on the mantle. 9:00pm. “I think it’s time we cleaned up this pig sty,” Mufasa said, startling the Inner and Outer Circle members. They were all watching the television, some of them nodding off from over eating.
“Can we not leave it until tomorrow?” Cyclops protested, trying to prize himself out of the comfortable armchair.
“Yeah, let’s leave it until tomorrow, we are all exhausted,” Nebula said as she continued her conversation with SlashR. It was good that he’d come and spent Christmas with him. Even if it did mean Diablo was in Hell. He refused to celebrate Christmas and be in the same place as SlashR. Nebula knew, however, that Byron and Diablo were probably having their own celebrations. For once in her time as Queen, there seemed to be no hard feelings in the group. No tears, no sadness. Just contentment and peacefulness.
“When do you depart our company?” Chastity said
“RKB’s thinkin’ of leaving the day after Boxing Day,” Epyon said, “you know him, all work and occasional play. And he’s excited about this school he’s opening.”
The lounge was alive with the vitality of youth. There were people sipping eggnog by the roaring fire, telling stories and tales. Epyon was almost buried by presents that people needed him to assemble. Being a techno genius did have its downsides. Music blared from new CD players, and some Hellions were even laying charades.
By Jove, it is really just like my days back in England. I never realised how much I missed my old Club Steven sighed. But he knew that a whole new door had been opened for him on his upcoming school that was soon to be opened. “Excuse me a moment,” Steven said as he headed for the door, “there is something I must do.
The snow had finally ceased its shower, and the remnants of the white powdery substance hugged the ground like a thick, woollen jumper. In the distance, the trees that surrounded the IHFC estate looked bare and barren, exposing their naked bodies to one and all. Above his head, the Purple King could see the splendour of the stars; shining out with all their might, fighting against the all consuming blackness of winter.
Steven stood on the balcony at the very rear of the mansion, overlooking the snow-covered countryside that surrounded the IHFC estate. He took a long, awkward sip of his champagne then placed the crystal glass on the wooden railings.
His eyes wandered over the lake as his memory began to race. Images of his most prized moments over his life raced through his head.
The first time he moved an object with his telekinethesis. He was three years old. The sense of achievement and succession was so strong that he could still feel it. He felt proud of himself, and knew that his parents were proud of him.
The next image was him being crowned Black King of the Northern Hellfire Club of England at the age of twenty-one, after his father’s death. That day would stay clear in his mind for eternity. The shouts and applauds made him feel like a real king. He felt comfortable with the coronation crown on his head, and the King’s throne under him.
“It’s a shame that not all my times as King were as happy as that,” Steven said.
The next image was of him laying a pool of blood. Not his blood, but his friend, Ian Heap, his Black Bishop. It was the day when many of the London Inner Circle members tried to assassinate the whole Northern branch. Steven fought bravely, but he still lost several very close friends. All because of his quest for power. If only he’d have given the London branch a separate identity instead of being part of his Club.
His third and final image flickered through his mind. He was attending to Epyon’s scraped knee as a child. From the surroundings, they were at Witchester Academy. Now his time there was the happiest period of his life. He was headmaster of a large school full of mutants who all respected him, and who displayed respect to on another.
No one was called names. No one was left out of games. No one was deceived and tricked.
But he couldn’t help but still feel the burning sense of guilt that pierced and attacked his heart. Some under his guidance had faltered and fallen, some losing their way, some losing their lives. Sometimes it was their own fault, but most of the time it was Steven’s own arrogance, snobbery and pompousness that destroyed his students.
But he vowed that this new school would be the utopia he wished for, in honour of all his students, wherever they may be.
Steven threw his glass into the lake, watching as it made the waters ripple. “Merry Christmas, my students wherever you are today,” he said as he wiped away a tear from his eye and limped into the house, cane in hand, a gentle sob oozing out of the old man.
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