PIP/Santa/Forging Krampus

They left the stables leaving reindeer Rachael to care for the team. Santa couldn't help but to feel some amusement at James's awe. The broken mortal seemed to find something of the man he once was as he took in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas Village. Santa couldn't help but to smile at the man's joy. He lead James through the village, and saw the man's pleasure fade to non-existence when they approached Krampus' workshop. James Hesitated at the door.

Santa could sympathize with the man's reluctance, but there were things to do. "Let us go in," said Santa.

As they entered Krampus' workshop, Santa was surprised by the amount of work the elves had been able to accomplish in his absence. The lair was absolutely inundated with sexy little children, scrubbing away at the horrors of the former inhabitant. Every pillar now held four torches, lighting the place up significantly.

"What happened here?" James asked.

Santa knew that the easiest way would be to use magic to show James a vision of the past. He did not like the idea of burdening another with the atrocity . . . but it could not be helped. "Perhaps it is best if I show you." The Eye of Odin flashed as the magic did its work. Santa waited as James lived through the fall of Krampus. The man twitched and convulsed, eventually falling to his knees. Tears streamed from his eyes. Santa could see the empathy he felt for the victims of the previous Krampus without needing to use the Eye of Odin.

"What's wrong with me?" James asked, as he looked up at Santa. "I should be furious, but instead I'm - I mean I am angry but . . ."

"Yes," said Santa, "I see." He looked deep into James' eyes, the Eye of Odin allowing him to use his soul-scrying to see to the very depths of James' soul. "Interesting. The rage is there, but the pain you feel for the children is pushing it to the background." He then reached down a hand and helped James up. "One last thing . . . how would you have handled Krampus?"

"No offense," said James, "but I would have inflicted some of the pain he inflicted on those children onto him before I broke him in half!" That was the final peice Santa needed. It was obvious to him now that James would make an excellent Krampus.

"Ho ho ho," laughed Santa, "I am not offended. Santa reacts to things very differently than Krampus . . . that is, if you still want the job?"

James wiped his eyes, and looked up at Santa. "Yes. Yes, I do."

"Steel yourself James," said Santa. "This will be unpleasant."

Santa saw James braced himself for what was coming. He called on the Eye of Odin to summon the spirit of Krampus into James' body. All manner of insects, arachnids, bats, and serpents erupted from the cracks in the stone floor ceiling and pillars. They swarmed toward James and soon engulfed him. Santa saw him try to steady himself, but he could not help but scream as the creatures pushed their way behind his eyes, into his nose, and in every other orifice in his body. The open mouth just gave them better access and soon James' body was full of every manner of foul creature. His body bulged and moved from the invasion of darkness, twisting him into a new shape. His clothes were torn from his body as he expanded to nearly twice his previous size. White hair grew from his body, and horns twisted their way out of his skull. Krampus opened his eyes. He steadied himself and rose to his feet. He still seemed a bit shaky from the transformation. He looked down at Santa and smiled through his razor-sharp teeth. "Thank you, Santa."

"Just keep in mind what happened to the last Krampus, and we'll get along fine," said Santa with a smile.

"Don't worry, Santa," said Krampus, "I'll set those naughty children on the straight and narrow!" Krampus looked about him. "But first I need to make some changes to the decor . . . with your permission, Santa."

"By all means," said Santa lightly. "It's your workshop." Santa turned to leave, then thought for a moment. Perhaps he should give the new Krampus an early Christmas present? "Oh, by the way . . . I thought you might want this." Santa reached into his pocket, and drew out a soul orb with the spirit of the former Krampus within. He handed it to Krampus, who looked at it in contemplation.

Santa smiled, and left the workshop. There was still Christmas to prepare for.

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