Merry Christmas, Ram Village! / Secret Santa

hello hello, amino-goers! I'm happy to announce that I was given this lovely person and their writing prompt right here:

I apologize for the last minute submission, finals and irl blahblahblah excuses, but I'm hoping this doesn't disappoint regardless. without further ado, let us get into it! merry christmas! ^^

oh, and #secretsanta

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    The light above his head crackled with life, the torch's flame wavering in the wake of his movements. The emerald-haired boy and his ragtag group of soldiers made their presence known with each click or clank their footsteps resounded with on the cool rock floor. The cave was cold and dry, with unnerving sounds echoing ever deeper in the blackness of the path that lay ahead. This cave was definitely still occupied. What a way to spend the holiday, huh?

    "Look, Alm, I'm down for a treasure hunt and all, but," Gray spoke up, close behind the young leader, "I'm not sure now is the best time for it."

    "Gray, we just started. We'll be in and out, then we can spend the rest of the day doing as we please." Alm's voice hung in the air as a distant clambering of monsters grew closer and closer. "Stay alert."

     With only a single digit number of steps after Alm's warning, a loud roar broke through the cave, bats rushing them as the origin of the uproarious sound brought them all to attention. With the onslaught of bats clearing rather quickly, their gazes turned forward. The group came across a small legion of dungeon-dwellers, and they seemed extremely agitated.

    A nervous laugh sounded behind the lord, a bow string being tensed. "Hey, Alm, you sure it isn't too late to turn back?"

    "Tobin, we've faced worse."

    "You just want this 'secret treasure' to impress Celica." The brunette whined, a slightly flustered expression crossing the fearless leader's face.

    "EVERYONE, TAKE ARMS!"

    With a successful topic change (despite the side glance from Tobin), an immediate adrenaline coursed through the air, crackling like the magic that flew through it. It was all seemingly a blur of orders, metallic screeching, and hisses of agony. Fearsome monsters loomed over their figures, sharpened teeth and nails scraping along the ground, but they remained as composed as they could manage.

    Upon the start of the battle, one leaped at Alm, a shriek escaping it as they toppled. He reacted as he could, trying to keep the weaponized digits away from his being. He squirmed in fear, trying to free himself. He looked around anxiously for the blade that was knocked out of his hand at the sheer impact. The monster leaned in, preparing to attack as a blade came through it's side. It turned it's attention to a young red-haired girl, Celica. Her face lit up with an immediate determination, sparking the same feeling for Alm. His gaze hardened, pushing off the distracted being and rolling from under him.

    An arrow flew past his face, him looking at Tobin, who in response gave a sheepish smile. He shook his head and got back into his state of mind. He leaned down and snagged his legendary weapon back back from the cold ground. Alm and Celica nodded to each other, and with the quick rush from too ends, the blades pierced the monster from both the front and rear, a scream tearing from it's throat as it slowly began to topple, lifeless.

    One by one, each monster fell slowly, the panting of his team the only thing being heard in Alm's ears. As the area began to clear of chaos, Faye began to look over their wounded. Every second was valuable, but so was every person in their ranks. As Faye had finished healing up Kliff and turned to Alm, he called to the group.

    "If everyone is okay, let's hurry!"

    With a minor lack of speed due to a collective exhaustion, the group began to rush for the end. Faye was close behind Alm, her staff in hand. As they moved, she looked for any wounds on the boy. Alm glanced over, Faye's face growing a pink as she shakily apologized, backing up a bit.

    With minimal distractions awaiting their time and avoiding any obstacles that could prove too dangerous, the group pushed on. Twists and turns, labyrinths and discoveries left and right, until they stumbled upon a clearing. Slowing to a stop, Alm leaned on his own two knees to catch his breath, everyone else taking a break as well. The group soon set their eyes on the closed chest in the back. Their eyes widened in excitement, glances being ed between them. Alm nodded, gathering what composure he could muster as he straightened. With slow footsteps, he walked forward with baited breath. The soldiers stared at him in awe, seeing him open the chest. His body loosened from the wonderment. He smiled widely, turning to the group with the spoils of their trek.

    The group was excited, seeing the solid gold item in his hands, racing forward. But once the small crowd formed, it happened.

    "Alm? Celica?"

    Parents.

    Their world began to morph before their very eyes. Everything began to take shape. Their unyielding weapons and staves became mere sticks and playthings, their treasure a painted gold soup can, emptied for this very mission, the cave a large abandoned barn. The grown-up heroes they were changed back to their true state, simple children having a lovely Christmas Eve. Snow was falling outside, and the "monsters" they faced were fellow villagers playing along with their wild imagination. They all released a collective "aww..." in disappointment, sulking a little.

    "You've been out playing for hours, it's getting late! Aren't you excited for tomorrow? The earlier you sleep, the earlier you wake up!"

    As the group began to nod, they each walked off, one by one. Gray and Kliff were the first to go, the two waving and smiling as they raced off in different directions. Next was Tobin, giving a cheerful nudge to Alm and walking off. Faye was next, a smile on her shy face as she rushed through a goodbye to Alm. Lastly were Celica and Alm, standing in the cold barn.

    The young girl turned. "Today was really fun, Alm." Celica giggled, the two looking at each other fully now.

    He rubbed the back of his neck, a bright smile on his face. "It was, wasn't it? Let's do this again tomorrow! Next time, our treasure will be even better!"

    Celica's face lit up. "Of course, I'd be happy to!"

    And with that, they walked hand-in-hand to Mycen's. Making small, excited chatter about the plan tomorrow, the wooden house's door opened to reveal the elder, a smile on his face. Celica gave a soft smile in return, soon looking to Alm before they walked into the house. She gave a small, quick peck to the cheek of the boy beside her. Alm's face suddenly radiated heat as he jumped back, realizing what happened after a second of processing. He stumbled, falling into the frozen water below him. She laughed in response, helping him up.

    "Merry Christmas Eve, Alm."

    Before he had the composer to respond, the elder welcomed them with a smile and a chuckle. "Welcome home, fierce warriors. Dinner is ready."

    Celica walked in before Alm, laughing softly and greeting Mycen. Alm stared a bit, an embarrassment and fear filling in the expression on his face. He looked at Mycen with that same confused look, and he just chuckled and went to assist him out of the snow. As the two walked in together, Alm had only one thought running through his head.

    He had cooties now.

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you can find the bg here!

while a little shorter than anticipated given the time I had to work on this, I'm glad I finally got it out. phew,,

but I'm happy to have finally written on this amino! thank you for taking your time to read this, and even if this is a gift, constructive criticism is always welcome!

I just ask you have mercy

thank you for reading! happy holidays!