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Planting one hoof on the snow at a time, I followed the same path I usually take for school. The snow around me, on the passing trees and ground, sent up glowing shimmers thanks to the shiny, morning sun. The lands across the North Pole looked like a Winter Wonderland, thanks to that snowstorm that covered the landscape last night. The snow drifts have kinda gotten a bit bigger, but it seemed to be no trouble for everyone, including me.

Heck I don't know why everyone would. I love the snow.

I also always loved the way everything appeared around this time of year, especially on Christmas season. I can't explain why. Most of the time throughout the year the North Pole looked basically the same, even ever since I was a fawn. But for some reason, every time this season, I always thought everything looked magical.

I do wonder that I'M the only one that always thinks that.

Probably...I do always feel like the odd reindeer out among the crowd.

"Oof!" When I was crossing underneath a big tree, my antlers caught one of its branches. A bunch of powdery snow fell on top on my head, covering up my face, and on my back. I stood there and sighed. Oh great. The same tree? Not this again. Why do I ALWAYS knock my antlers against this one? Just when I was admiring the look of everything, here comes the beautiful scene picking on me. I shook all the snow off, from head to tail. I huffed. Much better. I resumed my trek across the snowy ground.

My eyes showed some nervousness. I wasn't really looking forward to school, as per usual. But I knew my mom would insist me on going. She'd wanted me to so much, since she believes in me. There wasn't much to school, it was all training just to lead Santa Claus's sleigh, when he's delivering presents to every good child on Christmas Eve. Me and several other young bucks were among the newest trainees, since the ones Santa had for a while were coming up to older age. That's what tends to happens to reindeer around here, from a couple generations to a couple generations to a couple generations. Newer, younger ones would get trained to replace the ones retiring, and vice versa a couple years later.

That wasn't the problem though. I can handle going there, I can learn simple things. I can do what I'm told. It wasn't like I was not totally agreeable.

The thing is...I ain't looking forward to getting humiliated and embarrassed again during training...In front of everybody.

Not to mention getting picked on by everyone else.

I sighed again, sending visible breath blowing past my side. My chest tightened up, my heart pounded away with some semblance of hope. I was hoping that I wouldn't fail this time and mess up again. Maybe things today would be different. Maybe I wouldn't get laughed at. But that does tend to be my problem too. I keep putting this same faith in every time I'm walking along all the way over there...And I feel more let down bit by bit by each failure.

My ears perked up, a smile growing evident on my lips. But maybe this will be different this time around. It's gotta be! I think I can do it this time. I've been practicing a bit lately when I'm home. Surely I can do it this time.

My nervousness clouded over that confidence again. Can I...?

I finally made it to school, which is nothing but a large, wide field of barren white snow, with hardly a tree and rock standing in anybody's way. The field was packed with reindeer and does, lots of young ones like me, with only one older male that was our teacher, my coach.

Course not all were here for the teachings. It was just the guys doing the training, standing in line with the coach, probably waiting for all of us to arrive and ready to pick out who gets to do what we're taught, while the girls stood around, chatted and watched. The does don't really get to do what the guys are doing. Does don't get to lead Santa on his sleigh. It was a part of our nature, what reindeer are meant to do. Off to my left I did see about three does laughing together as they were chatting.

I especially looked at one doe in particular that I expected to see.

Fawna.

I grinned, my heart literally pounding away in my chest, like it was trying to tug me off to meet her. If my whole body was turning bright red, like the great Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, I think I would sink in the snow if it was any deeper. But I wasn't worried about that, rather I didn't care. You can probably tell I really liked her...A LOT actually. She was the most beautiful doe I ever met. If she was ever the greatest gift any reindeer could ask for, I'd probably cherish it for all eternity. She was that beautiful.

I would've let my heart do what it wanted me to do and just talk to her before I go to my teacher, but my legs wouldn't move. I let out a trembling breath. I guess it was because I was kinda shy about it, or maybe it was because I was afraid I'd mess up talking to her like I do with my training, or maybe I was afraid she might be thinking that I am just an embarrassment to her and a loser in her eyes and then just laugh at me, like everyone else.

Or maybe she doesn't? Perhaps I was kinda overreacting with that last part. I never did see her laugh at me before. I usually see the guys laugh at me before I run off from my daily failure. Course I kinda did hear the does laughing too, but not her specifically. Maybe she was the only one of the few that didn't.

I stood there for a little here, watching her still from a distance. Fawna didn't exactly notice me still. Come to think of it, she hardly did pay attention to me. Sure when I DID feel some gut telling to do something about her, I do give her an occasional hello and she'd say hello back, but that was about it, no lengthy conversation. And I'm not sure if it's me, but when I did hear her reply politely, she does sorta act like she wasn't remotely that interested in me.

But I didn't wanna believe that. That was probably just me overreacting, like I sometimes do about her. Maybe she does like me and she just doesn't want to show it in front of everyone, thanks to what she knows about me. Maybe she wasn't like everyone else. Maybe she's not so bad.

Come on, Comet...Just go talk to her again. And say a few more words to her this time!

My leg lifted a bit, then dropped back down. I moaned in frustration without taking my eyes off her. Arrgh...You're such a timid polar bear!

Well...When things go well this time, HOPEFULLY, then...Maybe I'll talk to her after school. I can probably ask if I can walk her back home. My lips formed another smile. Yeah...I can do that. That's a much better idea! Why didn't I think of this sooner?! I'll ask to walk her home, and then we'll start talking to each other for once. And then I can try to ask her out!

Alright! That's a great plan!

I hope Fawna doesn't mind my company...I'm so in love with her, I can jump high to the sky!

"Hey! Comet!" I flinched, turning my attention finally to the coach from afar. Him and the other students stared at me. I smirked embarrassingly. Oh right...I AM supposed to fly high in the sky. Coach hollered from where he is, "Come on already! You frozen solid? Training's about to start!"

I replied back, "Okay, I'm coming!" I galloped over to where they are, sending up puffs of snow with my hooves. I tried pushing the thought of Fawna out of my head as I brought myself closer to that line. It was time to focus on training, not romance.

Training...No love struck, lovey dovey romance.

I skidded to a stop beside one buck in the line. And to my utter dismay, I had parked myself right beside my worst enemy of all time.

Roscoe.

Roscoe was giggling deviously beside me. He muttered as quietly as he could, "You're late. Having a hard time qualifying to be a sled dog now?" I immediately groaned quietly in response. Oh, please leave me alone. I'm not in the mood for this. I don't think the coach noticed at all, which was not a surprise. Roscoe was the worst of the worst. He always instigates bullying with his obnoxious laughter whenever he sees me. Not to mention he has called me some names, like 'loser', 'freak', and most infamously...'doe', which I CLEARLY AM NOT.

And not to mention he gets away with all that! He does pass off as an innocent dude in front of authority figures, like our coach. I would've said anything about him to anyone with his bullying behavior, but I guess I'm afraid they'd side with him over me because of how convincing he is. And believe me, he is. And I'm also afraid he might try to retaliate with me in probably the most worse off way. I've heard he can put up his guard really well. I can't do as well as he.

I have heard recently that he seems to be one of the few to be in the big league of pulling the sleigh. Roscoe sounds like he's going to be at the very front of the Santa's sleigh, like he's a full on leader.

I think that was stupid and ridiculous. He doesn't deserve to be at the very front! He never feels responsible for his own choices.

Faker!

I glanced around, to see if there was this other particular doe in the area. Turns out there was. She was watching nearby like all the other girls.

Her name's Joy. Why I was kinda wondering about her instead of Fawna was because me and her are best friends.

Well...We WERE best friends, so I suppose we aren't anymore. We weren't as close as we used to be. We haven't spoke to each other for a long time. Joy smiled from the distance, and I noticed Roscoe grinning and lifting up his chin in acknowledgement. I rolled my eyes. I think other than we were growing up and growing apart, I think it was also due to the fact that she's flat out dating Roscoe. Which I'm still surprised to this day. That does leave me a bunch of questions. How could she be in love with him? And how could she be with him, after seeing how he treats me, her former best friend?

It's true that she doesn't stand up to him for me, but she doesn't look like she fully supports his decisions either. I think she looks upon me with pity and sadness in her eyes. I think she still does care for me. But still...We haven't talked to each other much.

Who knows if we ever will? But I wouldn't mind catching up with her. Sometimes I think I should, I definitely know where she lives, as she also knows where I live, since we used to play together when we were fawns. But I think I shouldn't intrude on her life now...Because of Roscoe. He probably would not let up that I'm probably 'stalking' his girlfriend. Heck, he sorta has that one time when I stared at her with him.

What a jerk.

Coach finally announced to his students, "All right, everyone, listen up! You know the drill by now! Christmas Eve is almost around the corner, and I need you boys to be prepared! I want some of you who has excelled in great height to do your refresher flights, and I want a few of you to do more of your hopping and try to fly more. I know you can fly, you just gotta fly up higher! Not stay low to the ground. Santa hasn't picked his entire team yet and he wants me to make sure he'll pick out the best of the best before that night comes. Got it?"

Some fellow reindeer nodded, while Roscoe and a few others simply said 'yes.'

Then coach eyed directly toward me, "You got it too, Comet? I hope you can do better THIS time around. Okay?"

I nodded a bit with a shy smile. Roscoe chuckled. I didn't like the way he spoke me specifically. I know he was shocked about my failures, exclaiming that I was the worst and bizarre student imaginable...Besides hearing about one other reindeer before me...But I wish he didn't bring that up and had a little more faith in me.

Oh, he probably does, that's probably why he hasn't totally given up on me. He must be thinking there is still hope for me. Maybe he believes this day may be my last chance. After all...Christmas is getting closer.

Talk about pressure...

But I've been practicing...Even though I didn't take off flying, but maybe that can help give me the edge.

I know I can do it this time. I won't let him down again.

I've got to do better!

...Can I?

Coach said, "Alright...Who goes first?"

Then it started. Few of the reindeer, one at a time, had launched themselves into the air, gliding around above us, moving their legs forwards and backwards like they were literally walking on thin air. Roscoe was one of those types. Then came the ones who have SOMEWHAT mastered the art of hopping and taking flight. While the coach gave out instructions, a couple have went up further into the air than the other day, but the few others still haven't soared any higher than they were supposed to. They probably still have some work to do.

Unlike me...

I mentally shook that off. NO! Don't think about that now! It's about your turn. You can do this!

Now finally, it became my turn. Coach said, turning to me with a hopeful grin, "Okay, Comet...Your turn! Show us what you got!" He stepped aside for me, his eyes giving me the 'I hope you can do it this time' look. I gazed towards the barren snow. It was like it was calling me out to do my thing as well.

I took a deep breath and let it out. I can do this...I can do this... My hoof peeled away at the snow beneath me, as I was getting myself ready to run.

After counting in my head to three, I dashed ahead of everybody, hopping around, straining my leg muscles to give myself a boost.

But nothing happened. I was still on the ground, huffing, jumping around frantically, desperately trying to reach for the arctic sky. I let out tired grunts of frustration. Come on! Come on! Oh! But instead of flying like the other students, I crashed on my belly since I twisted my leg upon another landing.

And then, the worst of it came again. Everybody I saw, except the coach, were laughing at me. Roscoe acted like he was about to kill over like I was because of his own obnoxious hyena laughter.

I looked at all of them, feeling humiliated once again. No...Not again...

One reindeer cried, sarcastically, "Oh my gosh! He did it again!"

Then another buck said, "What is he? Is he part bunny rabbit?"

Another remarked, "Well he does hop around a lot than fly!"

That's when Roscoe cracked, "Hey, maybe he's related to the EASTER BUNNY! Look! They're not antlers! They're bunny ears! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

I guess I am... I was gazing at the area where all the does were at. They were laughing too...Except for Joy. She was looking terribly bad for me. I didn't see Fawna though.

Oh great...Maybe I embarrassed myself so much that she doesn't want to look at me right now.

Wouldn't be the first time.

The coach started ordering everyone as I was on the verge of tears, "Alright, everyone, alright! Settle down! HUSH UP ALREADY!" Slowly, everybody started to die down. I finally pushed my wobbly legs off the snow, my belly still covered with it as clumps started to fall off. Coach called for me, "You ok, Comet? Can you still walk?"

I can't take this anymore... As my eyes began to water, I ran off towards the forest. Coach was calling for me to come back, but I couldn't. I just can't talk to him.

I can't face anybody now!

*****

I was inside my cave home, lying around on the floor in my own humiliation all alone. My eyes were red from all the crying I did. My nose sniffed, my eyes gazing on at the ground. I figured it was still daytime right now, but it felt like I have lamented my NEWEST failure for YEARS. Even my mom certainly felt like she was in here comforting me for a long time, so she decided to get something to eat. I told her I'd be fine and left it at that, and that was why I was alone.

I took a deep breath and let it out. I sadly looked back on my past. When I was a fawn back then, I had dreamed of having a purpose. To be useful, to help others be happy, to bring joy to all those that need it. I wanted to be more than like my dad. My father had a similar problem too back then before I was born. For some reason he couldn't take flight like all the other reindeer. It wasn't normal for a male reindeer to be like that. All reindeer had managed to fly, even the ones that aren't part of Santa's sleigh.

Except him. And he never knew why.

Everyone thought he was strange, even Santa Claus, though there was a lot of pity compared to me. My mother pitied him the most back then. When they were young, she didn't care what was going on with him. She liked him the way he was. And soon, they'd both fallen in love with each other. Then one day they mated and had me. But I never got to know my dad. Mom did say I met him after I was born, but not too long afterward he decided to leave home and not ever come back. Turned out, even after having us, he still felt ashamed and depressed about what he was, about what he couldn't do. Mom did try to stop him, but he had made up his mind. We never saw him again.

Maybe he thought he'd be a bad influence on me if he stayed. Maybe he didn't want me to end up like him.

Well, that backfired...Big time. Even my mom can't believe what I'm going through. It's like a hereditary thing that was passed down onto me.

Although I was faced with that possibility, I always thought in the back of my mind that I wouldn't turn out like him. That maybe I can do great things. That maybe I can become part of Santa's team to lead his sleigh. That maybe I can help others to be happy.

But even with that, I always let myself down. I feel like I can't do anything right, even when someone else tells me how to do it.

And I hate myself for that, more than I hate anything else.

I feel like there's no hope for me...No matter how much I try.

I'll never be able to lead Santa's sleigh...

"Comet? You in here?"

My ears perked up along with my head and eyes. I shot my gaze to the cave entrance. I saw a familiar reindeer standing forth, showing concern for me, with his nose shining red.

I knew who that was a mile away. It wasn't too hard.

It was the legend himself.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

I smiled a bit. He was known as that legend, but he was also the oldest living reindeer in all of the North Pole. According to the stories I heard, like Santa and his wife, he used his own magic to keep Rudolph alive for many generations. It was due to the fact that Rudolph couldn't have any fawns that have a red nose like him. That was perfectly the reason why. When a very bad snowstorm came during Christmas Eve, Rudolph would volunteer to help guide him through with the help of his glowing red nose. But Santa didn't know what else to do if Rudolph died and if that time ever came again. Call that a premonition. After all, Santa didn't want to let all the good children down. It wouldn't be fair.

Rudolph didn't seem to mind it, as far as I talked to him, although he did miss his family and friends and his mate he used to have since they all died now. He still has family though, his grand fawns and their own fawns basically. I think you get what I'm saying.

I kinda relate to him, since he knows what it was like to be an abnormal reindeer. He had some trouble back then when he was a fawn thanks to his nose. But thanks to that nose later on, he became a hero, a legend. And he also knew my father before I ever existed, so this sort of ordeal is not entirely new to him.

Ever since I known him, when he came here one day and we talked about what we both are, he became my friend. Probably one of the only few friends that I have, besides Joy, before we lost touch.

He didn't have to be my friend, but...I do appreciate it.

I finally uttered, "Hi, Rudolph."

Rudolph strode right in, not taking his eyes off me. He asked when he stopped close to me, "Are you feeling ok? I went to your school and your coach told me what happened." He showed a smile filled with concern, "Another bad day?"

I threw my eyes downward. I sighed. I said, "As if you can't tell."

"Right, right." He said, "I know the feeling. Makes me feel that you should run off to the Island of Misfit Toys. One misfit to another."

I giggled at the joke I was about to make, "Or maybe I should go live with the Abominable Snowman. I might fit in well with him." I shrugged, "Then again, maybe I should go to the island...I think I'm better off just being alone where no one would laugh at me."

Rudolph told him, "No, I don't think you're cut out that way."

I looked into his eyes with a sharp question, "Why?"

He replied, "Because living alone like your father is not the best answer. You know that. Besides, what would your mother think? It would destroy her."

I let out a huff as I pushed myself off the floor. I said, facing fully him, "Well I don't think she'd want any more embarrassment because of me. How can she live like that?"

Rudolph shook his head, "I doubt she's ever embarrassed of you. She loves you."

I whined, turning sharply away and trotting a few steps from him, "But that doesn't change what everyone else thinks. You should've seen them, Rudolph! It's the same thing like it was over and over again! And you should've seen ME! I was playing hop scotch like an idiot again until I twisted my leg and fell. I just don't understand what's happening to me." Then I mumbled, "Maybe the dad I thought he was is probably the Easter Bunny and I didn't know it. Maybe my dad's side of the family are Easter Bunnies and mom never found that out."

Rudolph snickered upon hearing that.

I gave him a dirty look, "That's not funny, old man."

The legend apologized, shaking his head profusely, "Sorry." He took a breath and continued, "I think you're selling yourself way too short." He glanced at my behind, "You don't got a fluffy tail." He observed my entire form now before bringing his eyes to my face, "And of course, you're not pink. I heard they're always pink...Unless I'm mistaken. And...I never heard your father is Peter Cottontail. So..."

Despite how I'm feeling, I found myself giggling deeply. I remarked, "Okay, okay...Maybe I'm not part rabbit." I glanced down and let out a depressed breath, "But I don't see how that's gonna help me. I don't even feel ready at all. I keep thinking that I am, but I feel like something is holding me back and I can't figure it out. I just can't keep doing this to myself...I don't think I'll be able to lead Santa's sleigh." I uttered those last words in that somberly tone, "I'm useless."

"No." I looked at him as he worked his way to stand beside me. He went on, "You're never useless. You shouldn't say that about yourself. I mean look at me." His red nose started glowing again before he went on, "I thought of that myself before I grew up, but then when I saw how capable I can be, I didn't feel so different than everybody else. I'm just a reindeer with a red nose, and there ain't nothing wrong with that. And everybody started to accept me because of that. I'm sure once you finally see what you're capable of, you won't feel this way again."

I asked, "How am I supposed to do that?"

"Well...I'm not sure." He said thoughtfully, "Well, you are named after a fellow reindeer that I flew with back in the day. Comet. That's gotta mean something. I don't think you're in any relation to him, but still...That has to mean something."

I smirked a bit by the statement, "No offense, but I don't think I can be as great of a legend like him...And you."

He shook his head in pity for me, "Still selling yourself short." He apparently put some more thought into it. Then after a moment, his face lit up, "Oh wait! Why didn't I think of this before!"

I turned to him curiously, "What?"

Rudolph replied, "Santa! He does have his magic. Maybe he might figure how to make you fly so you won't have a hard time trying to do it all by yourself!"

I smiled brightly at him, "He might?"

Then Rudolph explained with a shrug, "Well, I'm not exactly sure there are guarantees. I don't think he's ever done it before. But...I can definitely have a word with him and have him do this as a favor for me. I'm sure he won't mind lending a hand."

I asked in hopeful tone, "Really? You'll do that?"

Rudolph nodded firmly, "It's a promise. Just come to the party tonight."

I tilted my head, a confused look on my face, "What party?"

"You haven't heard?" Rudolph shot his head at the mouth of the cave, "There's a party being held by the elves at Santa's castle. They all invited everyone to come join. There's going to be Christmas cookies, some dancing, some punch...The whole gist. Including mistletoes. You should come tonight and hang out and have fun. And when I see you've shown up, I'll get Santa and we'll all have a talk with you."

Trepidation formed on my face, "I don't know...Can't you bring Santa here? It's just with everyone laughing at me-"

"Don't worry about it." Rudolph suggested, "You won't be a misfit. It's a party, maybe everyone will take it easy and let you have fun with them. You never been to a get together or a party before, have you?"

I admitted, "Not really..."

Then he brought up, "And maybe your friend Joy might show up there. You oughta find her and catch up on things. You two haven't talked to each other for a long time. I think she'll like that, won't you?"

I guess...Except Roscoe won't like me oogling around with his doe.

Then a face popped up in my head. Wait...Fawna might show up tonight. Maybe this will be the right time and place to talk to her!

I guess I can go there. And heck, that won't be all. Once Santa places some magic onto me and I can fly, no one will laugh at me, and I won't be a loser and a freak anymore!

I slowly nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'll go."

Rudolph beamed, "Great! Just be there tonight. You know how to make your way to the castle?"

I answered, "Course I do. I may not have went inside it, but I know where it is. I can handle it."

"Ok." Rudolph turned to the opening, "I'll see you tonight. Just don't arrive too late." With that, he trotted off to the whiteness outside. I lowered my gaze to the floor, a smile still upon my face. Oh man...It's gonna happen!

I'll be able to have my ability to fly in no time, and that'll show Roscoe who the REAL flyer is!

And I'll get myself a girlfriend too while at it!

Rudolph must be right. It is a party, not a school session.

What could possibly go wrong?

*****

I sang lowly to myself, bounding along across the snow and through trees as I continued my way to Santa's home, "Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say. 'Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?' Then how the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee. 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you'll go down in history.' 'You'll go down in history.' 'You'll go down in hiiiis-stoooooor-rrrrrrryyyy'."

Then I was just down to hums, repeating that famous song that's been heard over and over again. I can never get enough of it.

It was a nice, calm, winter night, with hardly any wind at all. The sky was without any clouds, with lots of small stars glimmering and a moon shining over the landscape, making the snow shimmer everywhere like it did earlier today. It was like the snow was all rooting for me to succeed, this time for real. Every bone in my body felt excited, knowing all my troubles will soon be over. Not to mention I can probably have fun tonight, since I never been to a party before, this will be my first one, and it'll be my special occasion.

My mother was happy that Rudolph invited me to the party. I did ask her if she wanted to come along, but she didn't feel like it. She did wish me to have fun and stay out of trouble, which I absolutely plan on doing.

Boy oh boy, I cannot wait to show her that I can finally fly. Sure, it's with magic, but I'll be able finally fly high like everyone else just the same!

And I can't wait to talk to Fawna either. If she sees me flying, she'll be impressed! She'll definitely want to be around me!

Well, either that or I'll see her before Santa sees me. Works with me either way.

I can finally see Santa's castle from where I was. It was alit with lights behind every window.

The home of the great Rudolph and the famous Santa Claus.

What a place...

As I was bringing myself closer to the huge structure, I began to feel tense. Something didn't feel right as many times before. Obviously since it'll have a bunch of jerks that have treated me badly. I partly wondered how I can face them now, after all the humiliation. But I pushed myself onward. But it won't be the same for long. I know things can change. I know everyone will finally accept me.

I will not be afraid anymore. I'm not walking back home till I have everything I dreamed of.

I finally made it to the front door, large enough even for a gigantic tree to fit through. From outside I can hear music. Something's definitely going on in there. That's definitely the party. Good thing I'm not too late. My eyes trailed all over the door. Hmmm...I guess I should knock on the door. I knocked the wooden frame lough enough with my antler. Then shortly, an elf with a green outfit opened up. He poked his head and asked with a squeaky voice, "Yes?"

I said, "I'm here for the party?"

He put on a smile and said, "Oh of course!" He had the wooden frame wide enough for me to come through. He gestured as he stepped aside, "Come on in!"

I politely told him as I entered, "Thank you." The elf slammed the door behind me, keeping the cold, still air outside. My mouth dropped agape, with my eyes wandering around the party being held. It was a huge one held within a ballroom, with lots of pretty decorations and shiny lights like stars from the skies on the walls, and so many reindeer in one place. The elves were chatting with a bunch of them, and I did catch more serving behind big long tables that hold so many Christmas goodies. Sugar cookies, candy, cake, punch, chicken, and many more. I heard from Rudolph before that the cooks here know how to make food, but this was insane.

Then my gaze was trailed at the band of elves playing the nice music with their instruments. Then I spotted a giant Christmas tree at the corner of the big ballroom with even more decorations. It was probably the biggest one I ever seen, more taller and bigger than the ones outside. At the top it had a shiny silver star.

"Wow..." I uttered underneath my breath. This place is amazing. I'm surprised I'd never been here before. If I thought the Winter Wonderland outside was magical, then obviously I haven't been in here.

Still, I don't think I could trade the snow for this. I love the snow better. It's much more nicer...And quieter.

Not that I'm complaining.

I wandered through the crowd, pushing my way past every elf and buck and doe alive. I wanted to find Fawna first before I spoke to Rudolph and Santa. It was a huge crowd, so it'd be like finding this one little rock within an avalanche. I muttered 'excuse me' and 'sorry' to several partygoers as I brushed on by. One time I accidentally stepped on an elf's foot, earning me a glare. Another apology was given.

I did see several reindeer and doe along the way as I expected. A few were giggling at me. One of them was asking if I brought any Easter eggs here. Darn hilarious. Roscoe and Joy were here too. Roscoe himself was glaring at me while Joy was acting happy to see me. I smiled directly at her before I moved on through the crowd. Thinking about it now maybe I should try to have a chat with Joy sooner rather than later. It feels like it's been forever when we last talked and spoke to each other. I think I do owe her one for being my friend...Before we went our separate ways.

I'll just see her alone when Roscoe's left her side, then I can talk to her. Besides, I can't wait around anyway. I gotta find Fawna.

I still haven't seen a sign of her anywhere, so I decided to try to find her someplace else. I found a big door at one end of the ballroom. There was another door at another end, besides the entrance I came through, but I chose the door that was closest to me. It wasn't too hard for me to get through. I used my antlers to pry it open and then had myself through. No elf actually stopped me. It didn't seem like a big deal that someone like me would wander around in the castle away from the party.

The room I'm in wasn't exactly well lit. My eyes had to adjust the darkness a little bit. The moon rays outside shined through the big windows.

I didn't find Fawna in here, but the rays were illuminating the sleigh that was nearby, with a giant bag that had a thick rope tied at the top sitting at the back.

I sucked in a breath, jumping backward. Holy moly! That's Santa's sleigh! I'm inside the place where Santa keeps his sleigh!

I was smiling big at it. I've seen it in the air before, with Santa shouting proudly Merry Christmas with his jolly old laugh. I never thought I'd see it up this close. It was kinda breathtaking.

Christmas really is close. Santa has already got his sleigh ready. All the presents that every kid that's been good on his list wants must be inside that huge sack.

And I'll be the one to help lead it and deliver them.

They'll see...EVERYBODY WILL SEE.

I gaped at it for a long time till I finally had enough. I whirled around and managed to push the dang door back open, bringing me back into the shiny ballroom and very audible music.

What I didn't expect though was finding Roscoe and Joy at the other side. I gasped when I bumped into them. Roscoe fought, giving me a death glare, "What are you doing?"

I was shaking my head, trying to find words as the door shut behind me, "Uh, I...Nothing."

Roscoe told me without melting his glare, "Then watch where you're going, you clumsy doe."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Hey, I'm not a doe."

Then he smirked. He whispered, "Could've fooled me. You look like one. Or do you prefer, Easter Bunny?" He quietly let out his stupid hyena laugh again.

Oh come on! Just because I can't fly, YET, doesn't mean I'm a doe! And I'm not a dang rabbit!!! I gazed at him for a bit before my glare melted like it was an ice cube. Eh, it's not worth it. He'll get his later. I'm counting on it. I smiled at Joy. I said to her, "Hey, Joy."

Joy replied with a small, awkward smile, "Hi, Comet."

I admit, it was nice to hear her same voice talk to me in the same way as it was before. Strange as it was, considering about Fawna, I was definitely considering hanging out with her again later. I then said, turning to focus on Roscoe, "Excuse me." I went off in another direction, continuing my search for the most beautiful doe in the world.

But after searching around through the huge crowd of deer and elf for the next several minutes, while a slow dance tune was echoing throughout the entire room, now I began to wonder if Fawna actually showed up here. Maybe I should've asked Joy and Roscoe if she was here before I left them, but I had a feeling Roscoe wouldn't answer, and Joy...Well, maybe he'd interrupt her before she could've. I'm not sure. It was a possibility. I muttered impatiently, "Come on, Fawna...Where are you?" I stood in the middle of the ballroom and sighed. Maybe she isn't in the party. Maybe she decided she didn't want to come and stayed home.

Well...At least I can have that talk with Santa. My ears perked up at the thought. Then I started to smile excitedly again. I just gotta find Rudolph! I swung my antlered head around, trying to see his red nosed self. Did he already know I was here and already went to get Santa? I don't see him anywhere... I eyed at the concession table far across from me. Part of me wanted to have something to eat, but my stomach didn't feel up to it. It was acting stiff, probably due to all of the excitement. I just couldn't eat anything right now.

But even if I wanted to anyway, I finally caught that familiar old human with a giant white beard below his chin with a familiar reindeer with a glowing red nose at the far end of the ballroom. I knew who that human was straight away, since I have seen him at school a couple times before when he visited the reindeer.

It was Santa Claus.

I smiled forth yet again. There he is!

I knew they were looking for me within the crowd, so I hurried on over to where they were. I did see Rudolph pointing me out with his nose flashing like a beacon as I advanced through several chatting, slow dancing forms, "There's Comet!" Finally I made it past the edge of partygoers, only eying at Santa in particular who couldn't take his smile off his bearded face.

I greeted them, "Hi, guys."

Santa replied in return, "Well, hello there, Comet."

Rudolph asked, "How's it going with the party? You having fun?"

I answered with a shrug, "It's fine, I guess. I haven't been here for too long." I swung my gaze around the area, "It looks very nice. Lots more lights than within the sky!"

Santa let out his hearty laugh, "Ho, ho! Yes! My elves always do a great job at decorating! Always a big hit with the parties!" Then he said, his finger pointing at the goodies tables, "By the way, did you try out some of those sugar cookies? They're my lovely wife's most famous."

Hmmm...Tempting. But instead I told him, "No. I'm not really hungry." I finished that with my antlers shooting to the left, "No offense. But tell her I said thanks."

Santa nodded, "I'll be sure to do that. Besides, she won't mind it."

Well that's good. I can't really eat when I'm this excited.

Rudolph suggested with a cough, "Say, Comet, let's all go outside. I think out there is the perfect place to do our thing."

I nodded to that, "Sure, of course. Lead the way, Santa."

Santa joked with another jolly old laugh, "And I thought the reindeer were supposed to lead the way!"

Rudolph chuckled, stepping forward, his nose shining again, "Don't worry, sir. I'll volunteer as always. Come on." Rudolph's form moved through the ballroom, with Santa in the middle and me behind. Following them wasn't too much trouble as earlier considering everyone was greeting and stepping aside for all of us to go through. I think even the bucks and does that I know were eyeing me curiously, wondering what the heck I'm doing with them. We made it to the huge entrance and Santa opened the door for us. After the jolly human was the last to shut the door behind us, I froze like an ice block and quietly sucked in a breath.

I caught two figures strolling on the snow together towards Santa's house. One of them was actually Fawna...Walking besides another reindeer. They were...Looking a bit too...Chummy together.

And I can see the way those two had looked at each other as they walked. Fawna was smiling at him. She had never looked at me that way before.

As it turned out, upon putting those pieces together like I was someone making an igloo, Fawna already had a mate. I didn't know for how long, but she did. It pretty much explained why she'd always looked so disinterested when she looks at me. Because she already had someone else.

My heart cracked in two. She...Doesn't like me.

Fawna and her boyfriend came up to us. Fawna didn't seem to acknowledge me much as she greeted Rudolph and Santa, "Hello, Rudolph. Hello, Santa."

Her boyfriend joined in on the conversation, "Nice night, ain't it? Hardly wind at all."

Rudolph said, "Hello to you guys. You just now arriving at the party?"

"No." Fawna leaned into her mate, "We were out for a walk. It's such a perfect night for it."

Her mate reported, "There's even a wishing star outside." He placed his gaze upward with Fawna, "You see it?" We all looked up. Apparently there was a bright, twinkling star in the sky. I hadn't seen it earlier. But it was nice to see.

"Oh wonderful! Wonderful!" Santa asked, "Did you make a wish?"

Fawna replied, giggling, "Yes, we did. But we ain't spoiling it." I eyed at her and her mate, despair within my chest. I can imagine what that wish would be... Then she urged, making a slight step towards the door, "Anyways, we gotta get going. It's nice seeing you."

Santa nodded in agreement, "Oh yes, of course. Enjoy the party!"

"Thanks." She replied with only her mate nodding. Then she looked directly at me, seemingly finally acknowledging me. She only spoke a few words to me, the same ones she always gave me, "Hi, Comet."

I tried to put in as much enthusiasm in my words as much as I can, "Hi, Fawna." Then I said one to her boyfriend, "Hey."

He replied as well, "Hey." Then he nudged Fawna with his nose, "C'mon, babe, let's go. Can you hear it? I think we're missing a slow dance."

Fawna praised him as they both strolled together for the door, "I like the way you think." Santa politely opened the door for them and shut them in. I quietly let out a breath, the visible air appearing and disappearing in a split second.

It was obviously disappointing seeing her like this with that guy. It broke my heart. I thought she'd be the one for me. But I didn't wanna let it get to me, and I didn't want to hold it against her either. It wouldn't right, nor fair. She can choose whoever she'd wanted.

I just hoped that it would've been me...

I brushed all that aside. Well, this may not have worked out, but I think one thing will go right tonight. I turned myself towards Santa and Rudolph. There's still this conversation with Santa.

Please, oh please...Make it work.

Santa coughed in his fist, then had his full attention for me. He said, "So, Comet...I hear that you have been having trouble in school a lot. Am I right?"

"Yeah." I said, confused, "It's just that for some reason I can never get myself in the air. It feels like something is holding me down. Like I'm chained to a rock or a tree. Do you have any idea?"

He shook his head, "Hmm, no, I don't. It's almost unheard of. But I do know you were not the only one. I knew your father as well. Bless his soul. I'm sorry to hear he left you and your mom."

I nodded in appreciation, "Thanks." Then I asked, "So...Is there anything you can do? Can you help make me fly like everyone else?"

Santa said, thoughtfully, his hand rubbing his chin, "Well...My magic is rather...Limited. And I don't want to feel like I am changing the natural order of things with magic. A reindeer such as yourself is supposed to do this sort of thing all on your own. It is only natural, however strange it may be."

I demanded desperately as his limb went to his side, "But you can help me, right? I can't take feeling this humiliation anymore. I know this seems like cheating, but I promise you, Santa, that I will do a good job at leading your sleigh, whenever you decide to pick me. I know Christmas is getting super close now, but I assure you you won't regret it. I've been dreaming of this for a long time, and I would never let a good soul down. I know how important Christmas is to you...It's important to me too. I want to bring joy just like you do, and I will prove it. I wanna do what my father could not. I'll be the best reindeer like Rudolph. Please, Santa...Will you help me?"

Santa paused for a long moment. Rudolph and I stared at him. Finally, the jolly old man said, smiling through his beard, "If you are this sincere, and you promise to do good with my magic and not bad...I guess I can give it a try. Besides, you do remind me of Rudolph, in a different way." Then he warned me with a serious expression and a raised finger, "But just so you know...I never done this before on a reindeer. Sure, I made Rudolph not age much, since I know it works well on me and my wife, but this is a whole other thing. It may not work so well. I do have some idea how to make it work, but like I said...My magic is rather limited. Understand?"

I nodded, "Yes. I'll let you try anything."

"You swear you will not cry? And you will not pout?"

"I swear...Cross my heart."

Santa formed another smile. He gave me a slow nod. Then he said, "Ok then. Just hold still." Rudolph got out of his way, as his white bearded friend slowly raised his arms at me.

My heart pounded frantically in my chest. Oh yes! Oh yes!

It's gonna happen!

Please let this work!

But all of a sudden, a few figures busted out the front door, and then all came to Santa. One was an elf, and the other two were Roscoe and Joy. The elf, looking distressed, cried to Santa, "Santa! Santa! I need to talk to you!"

Santa turned to the elf in a concerned manner, "Bernie. What's the matter?" I frowned at the elf as well along with Rudolph. Yeah, what's going on? Then I quickly eyed at Roscoe and Joy. And why are they here?

Bernie the elf reported, "Sir, I don't know how to tell you this, but someone left you some..." His finger pulled off a few air quotes, "'Chocolate' in your sleigh tonight."

Santa tilted his head, "Well that's not a bad thing. I LOVE chocolate!"

"No! No! You don't understand!" He explained further, "Some reindeer literally left you some STINKY and SMELLY chocolate all over your sleigh. It was everywhere! Most of it was smeared! It even hit the Christmas sack!" My eyes went wide, knowing exactly what he was talking about. No way! How could someone do that?! Gross!

Santa started, "Wait...You mean...It's-" The elf confirmed it with a nod. Then he demanded, "Are you serious? How are the presents? Are they alright?"

Bernie said, "I'm pretty sure none of it was inside the sack. Otherwise some kid would have a smelly Christmas. They're ok."

"Oh thank heavens." He sucked in a long breath, then he started to act a little less jolly by putting on a very angry expression. I never thought he'd get angry, but this is a whole new thing. Santa demanded, "How'd you find out about this?"

Bernie gestured toward Roscoe and Joy, "These two were looking around near the sleigh and came across the mess! Trust me, it was horrible!"

Roscoe came up finally and said, "Santa. We know who left it there."

Rudolph asked, "Who? Who did?"

"It was HIM." Roscoe shot his eyes...AT ME!

My face went wide again. What?! I defended myself, "Wait, hold on! I didn't do that!"

"Oh yeah?" Roscoe sneered, "I find that hard to believe."

Rudolph questioned, "What are you talking about? What makes you say Comet was the culprit?"

Roscoe told Santa and Rudolph, "Joy and I found him coming out of that room earlier. I asked him what he was up to and he said it was nothing. Then we looked in there and saw what he left behind!"

Rudolph gasped in shock. Santa roared like HE was the Abominable Snowman, "WHAT??!!"

The red nosed reindeer demanded, shock laced in his voice, "Are you sure? It can't be true."

I shouted, "That's right, it can't be true! I didn't do it!"

Roscoe confirmed it, "He was the last one that went in there. I'm positively sure." He eyed me directly again, and I could've swore there was a hint of a triumphant grin etching at both corners of his mouth. That told me that HE was the one that did it. Joy on the other hand looked upset.

Rudolph looked towards me as well along with Santa. He demanded in a disbelieved tone, "Is it true, Comet?"

"No!" I denied it outright, "It's not true! I would never do such a thing!"

Santa crossed his arms across his chest with a raised brow. He accused, "This young buck says you were in there last. Are you certain?"

I then admitted, "Yes, yes, I was in there earlier. Yes, they did see me come out of that room. But I swear on my father's life that I didn't leave anything nasty behind! I was only looking and admiring the sleigh, that's it! I never seen it up close before!"

"You expect me to believe that?" The less jolly old man said, "Who else would do this? If you know, now's the time to tell me."

I accused, staring at Roscoe while yelling at Santa, "It was Roscoe! He went in there after me and did it! He always has it out on me! He's trying to get me into trouble!"

Roscoe rolled his eyes, "Are you kidding me? What proof do you have?"

I went on, "Santa, Roscoe always acts innocent in front of people that have authority, but he's not an angel! He's a big jerk and a liar!"

That's when Roscoe went up closer to Santa with pleading eyes, "Sir, I wouldn't do that. We have talked before, you believed in my ability, I'm at the top of my class, and you know I wouldn't pull something like this. Why would I throw away at my chance to lead your sleigh on Christmas Eve by ruining everything? It doesn't make sense." I just glared at him. You jerk! Oh I wish I wasn't afraid to fight you so I'd beat you for lying to everybody for what you've done!

"Hmmm...You're right. It doesn't make sense." To my dismay Santa looked right at me with his accusing eyes, "But his motives are. I know he's failed his training at school countless number of times, and everybody laughed at him, and now he's taking it out on me by ruining Christmas. And since Rudolph was the one invited him here...He looked for an opportunity and sprang it into action."

What?! No! I wouldn't!

Rudolph added, his eyes filled with accusation as well, "To be honest...He does look very upset when he fails." He lowered his gaze, like he felt responsible for not seeing it sooner, "I just didn't think he was naughty enough to do this."

I was shaking my head at that, "You're right, Rudolph, I wouldn't do anything like this! Please, guys, you got to believe me! I'm innocent!"

Santa responded, "Comet, I cannot afford to have mistakes. Christmas Eve is only a few days away. Imagine if nobody knew about it sooner and I'd come across that mess on the night I'm supposed to leave. It'd probably take forever to clean that up. I'd have to postpone Christmas because of that!"

I told him, "But Santa-"

Santa interjected, "Stop. There is proof that you were the last one there before them. Please take accountability."

"But I meant everything I said! I would never ruin Christmas!"

Santa sighed without melting his furious look, "I actually felt bad enough to help you, and you go and do this to me. What, did you figure that my magic wouldn't help you and you decided to do it beforehand? That's not an excuse. I did nothing wrong to you. No poor child outside the North Pole did anything wrong to you."

I protested, "But I didn't do anything wrong either! Just because I failed at school and got laughed at more than once doesn't mean I would go and do that!"

"I can't believe this sort of thing has happened. Nobody ever tried this heinous trick before. It's disgusting! And you still won't take any responsibility. I'm very disappointed in you."

I sputtered, "But- But-"

He told me, "If there was a naughty list for young reindeer, you'd most definitely be on it."

I turned to Rudolph, my voice beginning to crack, "Rudolph...Please...Believe me!"

But Rudolph didn't change his expression one bit, his face was saying 'shame on you'. He shook his head, slowly, disappointingly, showing that he has lost trust in me too.

My eyes were starting to well up with tears, "No...Please, no...Listen to me, I-"

"Enough!" Santa swung his dismissive hand, "I had enough of this conversation! My mind's made up! I'll make sure you are banned from coming near my home again, and I'll make sure you will NEVER be a part of my sleigh team! EVER!"

With those words, I finally broke. I turned and dashed away from the group as fast as I could. If my heart was cracked thanks to seeing Fawna with another buck, then this whole situation completely shattered it in so many pieces. I thought I heard Joy calling out my name but I ignored it. My hooves crashed against the snow, as sobs escaped my mouth. Tears of sadness and failure rushed down my cheeks as well. I ran and ran and ran, for quite a long time through the lit Winter Wonderland, till my legs were getting tired and I was running out of breath.

I slowed to a stop at a spot in a round clearing, huffing down at glimmering snow at my hooves. I looked back with tear stained eyes, seeing I was now perfectly far away from Santa's castle. I sniffed, another sob escaping my lips. I should go home now. I didn't go the right way.

I should just get home right away...And tell mom what happened...

I tried to move my legs, but I couldn't get them to move no matter how hard I tried. It seemed like they were frozen stiff like they were submerged in a frozen lake. And then I had enough and just collapsed. I buried my face in my forelegs and continued to sob, lamenting at the worst night of my life.

Which has now ruined all my dreams.

Oh...Why did it have to happen to me? Why did everything have to go so wrong?

I was only admiring the sleigh, hoping that I would be leading it.

And it costed me everything.

And nobody believes me. They all think I did something VERY naughty.

If Rudolph wasn't a total misfit back then, I sure am one now. Maybe I'll be the one true misfit that has ever lived in the North Pole.

I lost my crush...I lost my friend...I lost the trust that Santa and everybody had....And to top it all off...I've lost ALL hope of ever being like everyone else.

I have lost everything...

What's the point in trying to bring joy to everybody...If I can't bring it to myself?

I can't do anything right...And I never will.

I was right before, and I'm still right as always.

I am useless...And I always will be.

I cried for a long time, who knows how long exactly. Then I lifted my head off my legs, my nose giving out another sniff as the tears finally stopped flowing. I slowly glanced up at the sky, having a feeling that something was watching me from above.

The twinkling, wishing star was still around, shining brightly as ever.

Huh...A wishing star. What good can that possibly do for me now? It isn't like wishes ever really came true.

Even now I wonder...

Even though my faith had dwindled, I softly spoke to it, "I wish...I wish that something good came to me. I wish I wasn't a failure...I wish..." I dipped my head to the snow. I finished that statement, "I wish that I can do something right for once." I took a deep breath and let it out. But what can I do now?

Then I unexpectedly heard a familiar voice behind me, "Comet. There you are." I twisted my neck to see Joy standing there, her eyes filled with concern.

Or so I think.

I glared. I pushed myself off the snowy ground. I demanded angrily, "What do you want, Joy? Can't you see I want to be alone?"

Joy answered, taking a step closer, "I was looking for you everywhere. I wanted to find you."

"For what?" I spat, "To see me cry some more? To watch your mate pick on me and call me a doe again? Or call me a freak again?"

The doe denied, shaking her head, "No, Comet. I wanted to make sure you were ok."

I turned my head to the front, rolling my eyes, "Whatever. Like you care."

I heard Joy making steps till she was right beside me. I sharply turned away with my back to her again. Joy told me, "Comet, it's not what you think. I'm not here to hurt you. And I'm all alone."

I sarcastically mumbled, "Why do I not believe you."

She insisted, "No, it's true. Roscoe's not with me. I...I broke things off with him."

I looked towards her finally, a twinge of confusion going about in my head. She...Did? Then I asked without wiping away that angry look, "Why? I thought you'd stay by his side."

Joy replied, "I don't want to...Not anymore." She looked down in shame, least I think it was, "Because you were right. Roscoe did do it. It was him all along."

Course it was. I already figured that out. I demanded shortly, "And how do you know that?"

Shortly, she explained, "Because I was there. I watched him do all that nasty, horrible stuff. Honestly he planned it from the very beginning, just to make it as a big joke. I thought it wasn't, it was totally wrong. You were just at the wrong place at the wrong time." She raised her eyes to look back at mine, "I tried stopping him but he wouldn't listen. He hardly does. He was determined to go through with it."

Joy let out a guilty sigh, "Comet, I'm very, very sorry. I should've tried harder to stop him, but he's too stubborn. He hardly listens to what I'm telling him about you. About most things really. But this was the worst he's ever done. I told him that I was leaving him alone from now on and then I went to look for you. I...I had to make things right...I WANTED to."

I grunted, gazing down at my hooves within the snow, "Hmph. Well talk about timing."

"I know." She went up and nuzzled against me. My eyes went wide at the gesture, then they trailed to watch her. She continued, "I never supported his behavior towards you. I should've stood up to him a whole lot sooner. I should've told him to leave you alone...But I was a coward, and I felt so horrible for letting it happen to you...And I let it happen again. But I won't stand by ever again. I'm done with him. From now on...I'm gonna support my best friend."

Somehow, that fixed some pieces of my destroyed heart. I asked, "You- ...Really?"

Joy looked at me in the eye to reply, "Sure really. I never have lied to you, Comet. I don't care what he or anyone says anymore. You're not a loser, you're not even a freak...You're my best friend, and you always will be. I really am sorry for everything, I should've done something more sooner. I know we haven't been close for a while, and I know just saying sorry probably won't cut it, but..." Her eyes held plea, "Can you...Can you ever...Forgive me?"

I stared into her eyes for a very long time. She seemed to be telling the truth. I could always tell by the look in her eyes that she isn't lying. I know that much about her.

But I also knew that I couldn't stay angry at her. In my eyes, she was my former best friend...The only doe that cared about me...And she still does.

Well, besides my mom.

I tilted my head to rub my face against hers. Joy returned the affection. I finally said while I continued to nuzzle her, "Yes...I can." I can feel that she was happy to hear that, going by a pleasant hum she emitted in her throat. A tiny bit later, I sighed, "Joy...I'm sorry for being angry at you. I...I just didn't know if I could trust you."

"Don't be sorry...I don't blame you." She giggled a bit, "I'd be highly suspicious of me if I had just shown up out of nowhere after everything. I'm not really the best doe in your eyes."

I remarked, "Don't worry...You're back to being it." Then I was pulling my head away from her with a depressed look in my eyes, "But that won't change anything now. I have my best friend back, but my life is totally ruined. I'll never be able to fly or lead Santa on his sleigh. I can imagine how well everything about me tonight will spread at the party. I really am going to be stuck as a misfit."

"I know, and I'm still sorry." Joy shook her head with a smile, "But that won't matter to me. You know I never cared whether or not you flied. I like you for who you are, and I'll stay by your side from now on."

Then all these questions were brimming in my mind, ones that I wanted to ask her ever since I considered getting back in touch with her alone without Roscoe. I think now was the time for it. I began, "Hey Joy..."

"Hmm?"

"...If all that is true, then why did we not become close anymore? I remember how much we were, but one day you just didn't show up when we weren't at school. Were you just...Tired of me, because you were picked on too for a bit because you were around me? Or was it because of Roscoe?"

Joy wiped that smile off her face and lowered her eyes. Then she shortly replied, "Not exactly." Then she added, "Well, actually...Yes, it's partly because of Roscoe, but I was never tired of you. I always wanted to be around you."

I frowned in confusion, "Then why did you stop talking to me?"

"Well..." She confessed, "It was because of my dad."

That came off as unexpected. I didn't quite understood that. I pressed, "Your dad?"

"Yeah." She raised her gaze and went on, "He was the one who told me not to be around you anymore. In fact, he was the one who set me up with Roscoe. I tried fighting with him about it, but he was as stubborn as Roscoe. Well...Maybe not as much but still."

Now I was more confused than ever, "Really? I didn't know that. I thought he liked me. He didn't act like a grumpy dad around me."

Joy responded, "He didn't hate you...It's just that he had these plans for me."

"What plans?"

"Ummm..." She explained, "Look, don't take this the wrong way, I don't care what your family is, and I don't care what you are...But he did. He was worried someday something would...'Develop' between us, and he didn't want me to have any fawns with you...In case they wouldn't be able to fly like you. He thought it'd be such a poor legacy for our families."

My eyes went wide at those words. I simply stated, "Geez. I hadn't thought of doing that to you before."

Joy said, "Well, he was still worried about it. His intentions were well put, but I thought they were dumb. Like I said I didn't care what you and your family are. You're still Comet...Nothing more. You're just a normal reindeer in my eyes." She let out a breath, "But I guess I couldn't fight with him anymore. He was my dad. And I guess I wanted him to be happy."

I told her, "Sounds like you were also having trouble with your life. I didn't know you were going through that."

She chuckled, "How can you? We haven't talked to each other again since then."

I lowered my gaze, feeling a tiny bit guilty, "I always wondered about you. And here I thought we were kinda growing apart. I was wrong about you."

Joy said comfortingly, "It's ok. You didn't know. I had my own set of problems like you did...But I'm done with them too. Both that and Roscoe."

I giggled, looking at her again, "You know your dad is not going to be happy once he finds out what I did not do, right? This is much bigger than before. And it's not going to be as simple as accusations flying around. Everyone will believe that I ruined Santa's sleigh, and tried to ruin Christmas like a brat, and you're probably going to be a misfit too. I don't exactly want that for you. How's that fair?"

Joy said adamantly, "I told you, I don't care about everything anymore. I'm doing what my heart's been telling me to do a long time ago...And I'm tired of ignoring it. I'm alone now, I'm without Roscoe and without my dad interfering us, and now is my chance to tell you how I feel."

What's she mean by that? I cocked my head to the side with a frown. After a moment I pressed, "What are you talking about, Joy? I know you're not the worst doe in the world. I trust you again, I know it wasn't your fault that everyone probably hates me now. We're back to being friends again, aren't we? What else do you want to tell me?"

"...Comet...I..." She paused for a little bit, till she finally proclaimed, "I love you...I always have, ever since we were fawns."

My eyes widened up at that. Yikes...She felt THIS WAY about me?

Maybe it's no wonder her dad was paranoid about us. Maybe he figured that out and that's why he had these plans.

Then I thought back to my wish. Is that...The one good thing that's happening to me?

She would take Fawna's place as my...Mate?

Then I was thinking back to my past. I always did like being around her, as much as she did, but a part of me did think there was something more. And now I was starting to figure something else out. I think I knew why I was considering getting back in touch with her more than once before tonight, even when I was thinking about Fawna. And why that feeling seemed a bit more stronger a few times...Even when I thought I was in love with Fawna.

But I'm not...I'm not in love with Fawna. I don't think I ever was.

I loved Joy too...As much as she loved me. And this whole time...I was ignoring it too like she ignored her true feelings.

Well...I don't think I'm going to hesitate from talking to her about this sort of thing either. I stuttered, "I-...I love you too."

Joy smiled at me, and so did I, my cheeks turning red. I'm so lucky this snow wasn't deep, or I'd be sinking by now. Then she stretched her neck out, tilted her head...And kissed me. My eyes were wide for a second, before I closed them and kissed her right back. My heart started to flutter within my chest. It was like it was about to fly in the sky like a regular reindeer, or like Santa's sleigh in the sky. As we were continued to lock lips, hearing the doe moan, I felt like I was about to fly.

We pulled away from each other. Her eyes were fluttering lovingly at me. I chuckled in amusement. Gosh...I never seen this side of her before. And the way she's standing underneath the moonlight, and the wishing star...She looks...Beautiful. I wondered if my dad and mom when they were young back then were standing in a spot like this underneath the wishing star, and he was thinking the same thing as I did when he looked at her. I can almost picture it.

Joy, without taking her eyes off me, turned her lovely form till her behind was facing me. My eyes were wide once more. I had a feeling where this was going, the way her tantalizing eyes were telling me. Even though I never seen anything like this before, but thanks to my mom teaching me about things like this since my dad wasn't around, I figured it out. In fact, her little tail behind her waved and had me get a good look at her...Present.

She wants me to mate her.

But I was hesitating as I saw it twitch from need. I was looking at her awkwardly, blushing, kicking away the snow beneath me. Joy appeared concerned. She asked, "What's wrong, Comet?"

I replied, swallowing a lump, "Joy...I don't know about you, but I never done this before."

She admitted, giggling cutely, "I never done this before either."

I frowned, "Not even with Roscoe?"

The doe told me, "Never had a chance, although he had thought of it."

I spat, "Heh, well, you certainly make it look natural."

Joy laughed at that, "That's because I'm going along with what I saw my parents did."

"What are you-?" My jaw dropped, "Wait a minute...You SAW them do this?"

She nodded, "Yes, I did. It was an accident. I came home one day and saw them. I just watched it. I don't think this'll be too hard. Come on, Comet...We can do this."

I looked down at the ground, "It's just...I'm not sure if I'll do well. I mean...You know how I am with my failed attempts at trying to fly. What if this is no different?"

"Comet." I looked at her as she went on, "You're worrying too much. I won't mind if you do bad. I'll still love you no matter what. I told you, I'll always stay by your side."

But my feelings were telling me otherwise. I tried to tell her, "But, Joy-"

She interjected, "You know what I think? I've been thinking the reason why you haven't flied at all is because you don't have too much confidence within yourself. Maybe it's because of your dad, or maybe it's everything else...I don't know. But I think that's what's been happening to you. Maybe that's what's been happening to your dad too. You just have to be more confident. Just trust me. I know you can do it. Only listen to what I'm saying and don't worry so much. Come on, Comet...I want you. Please?"

I remembered what Rudolph said before, about seeing how capable I can be with...Certain things. Perhaps this was one of those ways of finding out how much capable I can be. My confidence was starting to build up, only halfway, as it always was whenever I tried to fly at school. Maybe this will be different. Maybe I won't fail at this.

This isn't like I'm doing something all by myself...This is for somebody else. This IS different.

I'm doing this for HER...That's enough of an excuse. I won't stop this by turning her down.

My breeding tool was slowly emerging out in the cold from below me. No turning back now.

My antlered head slowly given her a nod, as Joy was beaming at my decision. I strode up till I was much more closer to her hindquarters. I nudged her tail lovingly a bit with my nose, the doe giggling at me. Then without any more hesitation, I reared up on my hind legs and propped my upper half of my form onto her back. Joy gasped from the sheer force of my weight. I did feel that her legs were a bit wobbly below us when I mounted her, but she kept steady and firm. Joy was breathing in and out in anticipation, while I determinedly aimed my shaft at her female spot where all the fawns be made.

At first I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hit it properly since I kept hitting her rear end fur and I had failed her, but I felt a much different type of spot when my tip touched it. It felt warm, like a regular cave, and I can imagine it'd be much warmer than it is out here. This cave was beckoning me to enter. I leaned my head to nuzzle the back of her neck. I asked softly, "Are you ready?"

Joy confirmed, "I'm ready."

Then, I began to press my tip through her folds. The lovely doe sucked in a breath, when I started groaning above her. I think I was feeling inside her squeezing around my girth. This wasn't what I expected, it gave me quite a shock. I think it was her muscles reacting to the sudden intrusion of me. I also figured it was eliciting a tiny form of pain cause Joy was squeaking while holding down her audible scream. I stopped for a second for her sake, not wanting to hurt her, wondering if I should even go on. I showed her a look of concern when she looked back over her shoulder. She nodded profusely when she read my expression, knowing what I wanted to ask. I smiled and nodded right back, then continued on.

Truth be told, part of my mind thought that I didn't want to stop this now since it started. So far, I don't think I want to leave her cave. Perhaps, NEVER. It was warmer than I thought, much more warmer than an ordinary one. It felt so nice to me. If I could actually live in her cave, I would. And maybe her cave wouldn't let me leave either, thanks to those walls already engulfed around me. Of course she was still grunting and squeaking the whole time with my journey, but she didn't spill out any complaints. Makes me glad I didn't yank myself out of there.

I felt my fur touching hers, seeing I couldn't put any more of myself in there. Her cavern walls still had ahold of me, like they don't want to let me go. But I figured I had to do something else now than just doing nothing. It was time to breed. Going by my teachings from my mother about the basics of mating, I slowly pulled away. Joy let out a trembling breath when my dick scraped against her muscles. I knew I was almost out since I can feel the coldness from outside. And with that, I shoved sharply back in. Joy gasped again, tossing back her head.

Then I pulled back and did it again...And again. Slowly but surely, I was beginning to get a rhythm. It was about as simple as walking on four legs. I softly pushed back into her hole, hearing a slight moan coming out of my doe's mouth. Each time I thrusted, her head craned backward. I can imagine her eyes rolling in the back of her skull along with it. I myself was enjoying this too. This was starting to feel incredible. I think besides talking to the legend, Rudolph, and being friends with him, I don't think I knew any other incredible thing in my life. This was WAY more than I pictured.

I even began to wonder if Fawna's cave was about as good as hers. Or anybody's. I doubt there would be any comparisons. Joy would be my only doe I'll ever be with. Her lovely warmth and cavern was her Christmas gift...The best Christmas gift I've gotten...And I will cherish it forever.

The beautiful doe suddenly begged me to move faster, and so I did, the best I can go. I bucked my hips quicker, my back hooves planted firmly and steadily for purchase, her delicate form rocking beneath me. She tried so hard not to let her legs give out and fall into the cold snow thanks to my hard giving movements. Now she was crying out in pleasure, shouting to the starry sky that she loves me...And give it to her more and never stop. All her words and moans were bringing my confidence to a whole new level, it was unreal. I don't think I have felt this confident before. I was so inclined to give her what she desired, what she wanted for a long time.

I huffed and grunted, closing my eyes, relishing the pleasure both Joy and I were getting. Her euphoric cries struck my ears as I didn't let up. Then other than this mind numbing pleasure and warmth, I can feel something else that was building between my legs. I think I knew what that meant. I was coming close to ending this romantic tryst. I was close to giving her a life giving seed. Course she wouldn't get pregnant since she wasn't in heat, but I was giving it to her nevertheless.

I sped up my movements thanks to that, going faster than ever before. Joy blissfully moaned, standing still and letting my hood take her roughly. I mentally thanked the wishing star for granting my wish. This was more than I can ask for. In fact, it seemed enough to make me feel a whole lot better about myself. I kinda didn't care about flying or being a part of Santa's team anymore. I think having her is more than enough. Very soon she let out another cry, her walls constricting so tightly around my breeding tool.

I was past to really no turning back, I gave my final hard giving slam and moaned loudly. I breathed in through my nose as my life giving seed spurted in her womb. My cock twitched and twitched, the immense pleasure overwhelming my entire body. Joy moaned once more, enjoying the first ever present I was giving her. My shots were slowing down to trickles as there was nothing left to give. My hind legs were trembling from all this exercise, and I finally pushed myself off her. I was barely standing on the ground, with my tool shrinking back inside me, thinking I was ready to collapse on the ground.

I spotted some of my present leaking out of her cavern entrance before Joy turned around to meet my eyes with hers. She was staring happily at me. She praised, "I told you you could do it."

"I...I did." I happily declared, laughing at my accomplishment, "I did it! I really did it!"

Joy cheered, "Yes you did! You were great!"

Then I said, shifting around a bit as I was barely containing myself, "I can't believe it. I finally did something right for once. I finally did something right for ONNNNNNNCCCCCCE!" I actually jumped in the air in excitement, and suddenly I was HIGH in the air. I went sailing over Joy's body as she watched me in awe. I landed a few feet behind her, my eyes having gone wide.

What in the world?!!

"Whoa!" Joy ran up to me, laughing out loud, "You flew, Comet! You actually flew!"

No way! I did! I cried, getting all giddy in my legs, "You're right! I actually did! I can do something right!" Then I turned and started dashing in a different direction. I screamed when I jumped again, "I CAN DO SOMETHING RIIIIIIIGHT!!!" I surprisingly took off for a flight again. I soared around in the circle over the winter landscape several feet above. I saw Joy cheering me on proudly. I giggled at myself. I can't believe it...It's happening. I can fly...I'm flying!

This feels AMAZING! I never thought it would happen, but it did!

While I was flying and running on thin air, I began to figure it out. I think it was because I was totally confident in myself, more than I was ever before. I think thanks to Joy and our first mating, it did the trick. And then my father came to mind, mulling over the fact why that never happened to him, even when he mated my mom and had me. It was because he was still doubting himself, he was letting all his failures of his life still get him down. That's why he still couldn't fly. That's why things didn't change for him.

But it explained everything now. Something did change for me. I did something he could not.

Believe in myself. Fully believe in myself.

And I think my dad would be very proud of me...That I didn't end up just like him.

I saw the wishing star once more. I smiled at it. I told it in a soft, grateful voice, "Thank you."

It twinkled in response.

*****

It was the night on Christmas Eve, without a sign of bad weather threatening to ruin the holiday. It appeared to be a peaceful night, with the sky cloudless and starry. The sleigh was parked in front of Santa's castle, as he was getting ready to leave the North Pole to deliver all the presents to every good boy and girl.

I was standing at the very front of the sleigh, with the elf strapping the harness on my chest tight. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the rest of the reindeer that were handpicked for this trip. I gazed around, seeing a small crowd of elves along with a few reindeer and doe standing around waiting to watch us all leave. My mother being one of them, her eyes misting happily. I spotted Rudolph standing alone as well, giving me a wink as he looked on proudly. I nodded with a smile, relishing inside that I was taking the lead of the sleigh.

If you're probably wondering why I'm here now, instead of just staying at home away from Santa's castle since I was banned from here. You may even be wondering why I'm strapped to Santa's sleigh, standing at the very front of the whole team like I was Rudolph. Well...It's because a bunch of things have changed since that night me and Joy mated.

See, after Joy walked me back home after I joyously had my first flight of my life, she suggested that we should tell Santa about what Roscoe did, tell him that he was responsible for what happened. At first I declined, believing Santa had fully believed her former boyfriend's story and would not listen to a word we say. But Joy was adamant that we try. She pretty much thought that she hadn't done enough to make things right and wanted to help me some more. She felt that she owed me that much. She figured Santa might listen to her since she was there and that he'd have to believe our story.

I was not convinced that this idea would work, but for her I decided to try. I also wanted Rudolph as my friend back. He'd be so happy that I had a mate and then I've got to fly. I didn't want to lose him forever.

The very next day we went to school, and found Santa and Rudolph there. At first I thought he must have came there with the red nosed reindeer to pick out the rest of the team for Christmas Eve. But as it turned out...They were not happy. Santa wasn't exactly picking out any reindeer that day. We caught him scolding ROSCOE of all things, while everyone just stood around and watched the scene, shocked to find out that Roscoe pulled that dirty trick on Santa's sleigh. And maybe also HORRIFIED sort of, except Rudolph, that Santa would ever get this angry. I knew how that felt.

Turns out to our surprise, even Joy didn't know that, that Roscoe had bragged to a few of his buddies about this jerkish 'joke' he was planning that night, and when they found out that Roscoe actually did it, they weren't huge fans of it. They seemed to be ashamed to have been his friend. I was quite surprised if I'm being honest. And so before we came along, they must've told Santa everything, and he must have believed them cause he was coming in like a storm and unleashing his terror upon that buck, who I should say, was shaking in his hooves. It was hilarious. And that's when Joy confirmed right to his face that they were telling the truth, and told him everything from her point of view.

As if you cannot tell, Roscoe got kicked out of the team, and HE was banned from stepping foot near Santa's castle ever again. Of course the jolly old human apologized to me for not listening to me and I accepted it. Then I showed him my flight ability and he was impressed. And so was everyone else that saw me do it, even the COACH looked impressed. I caught everyone off guard. Nobody ever expected that. Makes me kinda giggle looking back on it. I definitely showed everyone that I can do it.

And since Santa hasn't picked out the entire sleigh team yet, he quickly offered me the job, to which I gladly accepted without having a second thought. And also Rudolph apologized to me as well for not sticking up for me, and swore he'd never doubt me ever again. I didn't mind it anymore, I happily accepted his apology too, and the legend became my friend again.

Things in my life were getting better and better.

Then as time dragged us closer to Christmas Eve, being excited was an understatement. I was so happy the night finally arrived. I eagerly headed over here, and let the elves strap me to the sleigh along with everyone else. My time to shine has come. My dreams were about to come true.

I think part of my wish that night all came true tonight. Then again, who knows if that wish had anything to do with anything after that night. I thought I only wished for something good would happen to me. Meaning I thought I wished for ONE good thing to happen to me.

I didn't care. I think now, intentional or unintentional, this is all that I could ever ask for.

I saw Joy bounding over to my side, giving me one peck in the cheek. She fluttered her eyes cutely at me, as I was standing there turning red. Joy lovingly said, "Good luck...My hero." With that, she turned and headed back to the crowd. I just smiled at her as she left my side. Joy...You made everything great happen.

If it wasn't for you...I wouldn't be standing right here.

Thank you for everything.

Finally Santa came, taking a seat within the sleigh. It was time to go...The same annual time to spreading give and love. I looked over my shoulder and saw Santa shouting out to us, "Okay, everyone! Are you ready?"

I said, "Ready, Santa!" The other reindeer with me all confirmed.

Then the jolly old man commanded, "Alright! Here we go!" And with that, all of us without holding back, with sleigh bells jingling, we pulled the sleigh and we shortly took off in the air. Santa proclaimed happily as we were getting higher and higher, "UP, UP, AND AWAAAAAAY!!!"

While we were reaching towards the sky, I looked down at my hooves, down to the lands of the North Pole getting farther and farther below. Santa shouted his jolly old statement, to everyone possibly seeing us from below, "Merry Christmas! MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Then very soon, we were in the sky now, heading on our way to places I never been to.

I smiled on as me and the other reindeer ran on thin air. Dad would be proud. I wish I could see his face. I can kinda imagine that he's down below somewhere, and FEELS that I'm up here, following my dreams. I can see him watching me and Santa go by...And crying with tears of joy...Just like mom.

Maybe someday...I'll try to find him, and tell him what I've been through. That my life wasn't pretty grand at first, but then it got better and better. Maybe one day I'll have a family with Joy...And who knows, if I do find him...I can introduce him to his grand fawn.

Time will tell...Who knows...Maybe he'll return home one day and see how me and mom are doing and then he'll know everything.

I took in the sights with a peaceful sigh. I may not be Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer. I may not be the legendary type of reindeer. I may not break ground, and go down in history like he did.

But you know what? In my eyes, and in Joy's eyes, and possibly his and everyone else's eyes...I think I have gone down in history.