Christmasshock

Songbird took to the night wind on his leathery wings. Below and around him stretched Columbia, and in the center was the tower, Elizabeth's home.

His bright eyes pierced the clouds as he dove beneath the floating factories of Finkton. His purpose was certain, his goal clear: it was Christmas, and Elizabeth needed gifts.

From his vantage in the sky he spied a vendor of sweets was making his way home. Elizabeth loved sweets. Sweets would make her happy. Swooping down from the skies Songbird landed in front of the vendor. Shrieking, Songbird extended it's massive hand. The man stood, stunned by the sight before him. Songbird shrieked again and extended his hand out further. A look of confusion swept across the man's face as he realized what it was that Songbird desired. Quickly he stepped aside the vendor prayed nervously as Songbird inspected the contents of the cart. Finally, Songbird swept up the cart into the palm of his hand and leapt into the sky.

Sweeping across Emporia, Songbird focused in on a sight. A library, books are kept there. Elizabeth loved books even more then she loved sweets. Books would make her even happier.Songbird tried it's best to gingerly reach it's immense, leather-clad hand through the window. Books tumbled, wood cracked and glass shattered as he extracted his hand with a handful of books. Screams could be heard coming from inside the building. I must go, Elizabeth won't receive her gifts if I'm in trouble, Songbird thought to itself as he fled into the night.

A wave of relief swept through Songbird. The tower, Elizabeth's home. It's task was nearly finished. The hatch to the tower creaked dully as Songbird pried it open to deposit it's gifts. Songbird flinched slightly as the cart hit the ground, but the cart seemed no worse for wear and Elizabeth appeared to still be fast asleep.

Songbird took one last look over his shoulder before he leapt into the sky. Single-minded as always, Songbird was content. Elizabeth was safe, Elizabeth had gifts. And, Songbird hoped, Elizabeth was happy.