Bernupicus walked the crowded streets of Chicago, no one the wiser of his true identity. It had been years since his time spent up north and truthfully it felt like a whole different life. He has not embraced the proper elf culture though and his powers had proved too weak to keep up with the day-to-day job requirements needed.
They had found a good assignment helping out with the reign deer but somehow that life just never satisfied him. He had always felt like he was destined to do more.
So one day he did the unthinkable. Bernupicus packed a bag and fled in the cover of night from the only home destined for an elf. Through the frosty cold lands, he walked an unwavering paceâ undeterred by neither the brisk air nor the lonesome company.
Both were staples in his life anyway.
During his travels, he thought long and hard about what his new life would look like among normal people. Sure he was short, but he would no longer be ridiculed for his weak powers or ineptitude. He would get a fresh start.
So here in Chicago, Bernupicus walked the streets cloaked not in bright colors but instead a dark jacket and fluffy hat that allowed him to blend in on the streets. Not that the disguise was neededâ for most passerbyâs had eyes for only a few feet of pavement in front of them or more often the screen held within their hands.
As the night wore on he shifted his focus from exploring the city streets to finding a cozy lodging to rest his eyes. He didnât need much- just something out of the way. The previous few nights had been spent behind dumpsters and he had been surprised to find he wasnât alone. Interestingly enough, it was these folks that paid him the most attention. A quick nod or soft smile as if to sayâ âI see you man, weâre in this together.â
A beautiful young woman exited a jewelry shop ahead, dressed in expensive furs. She spoke on the phone in a childish way that suggested she was talking to a young kid. The lady slipped through a side alley and seemingly out of Bernupicusâ life but something felt off. A feeling of danger flooded his mind and he knew that the lady was in trouble.
Bernupicus hastened to follow and slipped into the side alley, but not before two other individuals pursued closely behind the oblivious lady that eagerly anticipated seeing her child.
A third person, huge and menacing stepped out in front of Bernupicus and let out a deep growl of a warning. âThis wayâs closed, pal.â The man cracked his knuckles loudly and looked seconds away from taking a swing at him for no reason.
Behind the man, the lady had finally realized the danger she was in and let out a scream that was quickly stifled by the two in pursuit as they grabbed her and covered her mouth.
What barbarians! Bernupicus felt rage swell up within him and he attempted to pass the large clown that tried to block his path.
âOh, you want some too, eh!â The man’s eyes lit up with a hungry intensity and he practically drooled as he wound up to hit Bernupicus.
Bernupicus, however, extended his hand ever so slightly, and upon contact with his finger to the large man’s belly, the man flew back and landed in a huddled mess. He had never felt such power flowing through him before and he instinctively snapped his fingers, now appearing beside the two attacking men.
He blinked and gathered his bearings. This had been the first time he had successfully managed to transport like that. It certainly wouldâve made traveling from the north much easier. Actually, he probably wouldâve had a much better jobâ maybe even one of oleâ Nickâs trusted runners.
Ifs and buts though. Thatâs not the way it happened and as such, Bernupicus found himself here now to help.
The lady had been dropped to the ground now, whimpering but doing as told to remain silent.
âNot today guys,â Bernupicus whispered. Ole Nick would not approve. With swift, decisive action, he snapped again causing the two attackers’ hats to push down over their eyes. Both let out a surprised gasp and flailed their arms up to shield from an attacker. Bernupicus however was too quick for their slow punches and within seconds, had touched both of themâ sending them into a nearby wall. Out cold, Bernupicus tied their shoelaces, belt, and jacket sleeves together and let out a lofty chuckle.
The lady lying on the ground had finally managed to stop crying and looked over to see the cause of the pause.
Her eyes rested on Bernupicus for just a moment before he snapped and made himself invisible. She shook her head as if confused, and then slowly rose to her feet.
âWhoeverâs out there,â she started. âYou are my hero.â Then she scrambled out of the alley, pausing just once to look back at the exact spot that Bernupicus stood.
Bernupicus stood straight, proud as heâd ever allowed. Finally, he had a purpose.
The End.
Happy Holidays my friends! I hope you’ve all found or are actively pursuing your purpose. Be like Bernupicus and challenge yourself. Just remember to have some fun.
Author Cameron Kielb 