A Brynnso Post-Christmas Special

     ***

     Set: A holiday-decorated log-cabin style Neohome decked with multiple colours of garland, not just red and green. A wall is missing, allowing an audience to peer in. A door is to the left. A fireplace sits to the centre-left, its immersive and enthralling glow making the viewers feel the warmth even as they watch from a safe distance. Atop the mantle are pine-needles, Christmas cards, New Year's cards, and a Two Kings' Day card. On the right is a grandiose Christmas tree, covered in decorations. Presents and small potted plants line the tree's base. On the right wall is a window, snow falling on the other side, making the warmth inside feel all the cozier.

     A soft piano melody with a hint of Christmas plays as an introduction.

     The door opens. In walks Brynn.

     (Crowd applause)

     Brynn: (excitedly) Hiya everyone! I'm Brynn. It's so wonderful to be here with you, in person, for the first ever Brynnso Post-Christmas Special! Look beneath your seats for a special Brynnso Commemorative Ornament, courtesy of The Faerieland Wintertime Society!

     Brynn goes to the tree, takes one such ornament from it, and holds it up. It's white with a golden ring around the centre, with "A Brynnso Post-Christmas Special" etched into the ring and Brynn and Hanso's faces above and below, respectively.

     (Crowd applause)

     Brynn: See? After five shows, we're still here. The ornament even has a golden ring. It's like the song!

     She places it back on the tree.

     (Crowd laughter)

     There is a knock at the door. Brynn: (endearingly) I bet that's my favourite charming rogue.

     Brynn opens the door. Hanso is revealed.

     (Crowd hooting)

     Hanso: (excitedly) Hey Brynn!

     Hanso steps inside. He and Brynn hug.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Brynn: (pumped) Ready for another great show?

     Hanso: (eagerly) You bet. The theatre might be at half-capacity, but that doesn't mean we are!

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: Yeah! (grinning) And if any of you wanna capture the moment for others, make sure you tag #Brynnso, #ABCPS, or #FaerielandWinter when uploading your photos!

     Hanso: (regrettably) Oh, Clara Chatham had to cancel. She slipped on ice.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: (frowning) Understandable.

     Hanso: Hopefully she can come to the next one!

     Hanso closes the door. Immediately, there is a knocking at it.

     Hanso: (excitedly) That must be our first guest!

     Brynn: (jestingly) Thank our employer you've finally learned the format. I guess Xandra's dark magic hasn't affected your wits after all.

     Hanso: (self-satisfied) If anything, it just made my wit sharper.

     (Crowd laughter and hooting)

     Hanso opens the door. The Tiki Tack Man (TTM) is revealed.

     Hanso: (astonished) Tombola Guy!?

     Hanso closes the door.

     (Crowd applause)

     TTM: (laughing) It's me! But I'm known for more than Tombola! I don't call you "Charismatic Artifact Guy."

     Hanso: (charismatic) I wouldn't mind being called that at all!

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: (matter-of-factly) Yes, Hanso, he's the Tiki Tack Man.

     Hanso: (suspiciously) A man you say? You aren't a... human, are you? Or a male faerie?

     TTM: (guffawing) Male faerie? And, if you saw what truly lay beneath my mask, your mind would literally be blown.

     Hanso: I bet you say that to all the skeptics.

     Brynn: Don't tease him! Can't you see he's just a little shy?

     TTM: Much appreciated, Brynn.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Brynn: (curiously) How was the trip? The climate must be very different from what you're used to.

     TTM: (heartily) The trip was good! But... snow freaking sucks! Why any of you dream of a white Christmas is beyond me. But that's well behind us.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: (casually) What's new on Mystery Island?

     TTM: We've a new official Island map, though I still can't find that secret Training School.

     Hanso: (gloatingly) I bet Brynn and I could help! We're artifact hunters, you know.

     TTM: (playfully) Well, Techo Master is an ancient relic.

     (Crowd laughter)

     TTM: (warmly) It can be laborious, running a years-long free daily, but the work really comes from the heart -- and kindness should rule above all. It's an excellent Day of Giving lesson for any time of year.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Brynn: Aww!

     Hanso: Speaking of the Day of Giving... better late than never, right?

     Hanso grabs a present from underneath the tree.

     Hanso: (excitedly) We have this for you!

     TTM: (beaming) How thoughtful!

     Brynn: You just have to do something cool, first.

     (Crowd chants, "Do something, Man!")

     TTM: (sheepishly) There is something I could do.

     Hanso: Oh? What?

     TTM: Maybe I'll show you what happens when the mask comes off.

     Hanso: (hastily) You don't have to if you don't want to!

     Brynn: (excitedly) If you say so...

     TTM turns his face towards the ceiling.

     TTM: Prepare for something only seen in Story 675--

     Hanso: Eh?

     Brynn: Probably a secret island code or something.

     (Crowd laughter)

     TTM scowls at the two before returning his gaze to the ceiling. He pries off his mask.

     Instantly, a beam of burgundy light streams from TTM's face. Where the light hits the ceiling, the wood splinters into a jagged hole, and the light beam shoots high into the sky.

     Brynn and Hanso: Whoa!

     (Crowd gasps and murmurs)

     TTM puts his mask back on.

     (Crowd applause, quickly erupting into hoots and cheers)

     Hanso: I see what you mean by interesting!

     Brynn: That was EPIC, man! That's some incredible power!

     TTM: (sheepish) Well, it's not something I show all the time.

     Hanso: (charismatic) We know you wanted to save more than just face.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Hanso tosses TTM the present. TTM opens it, revealing a Brynnso Codestone. Brynn and Hanso's faces are engraved into it. Underneath their faces is the Faerieland Wintertime Society logo.

     TTM: (laughing) Wow, this is so amazing! I won't use this for training. This is going on my shelf of special memories.

     Hanso: (conspiratorially) See! You can't use it for training because you're not a Neopet... you're a male human-faerie thing!

     Brynn and TTM: (in chorus) Oh, Hanso.

     (Crowd laughter and hooting)

     TTM: (warmly) Thanks for the invite. This was way better than that Christmas party last year in Geraptiku.

     Brynn: It was a literal blast!

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: It was great to have you. Safe travels!

     Hanso: Bye! Don't fall in the snow!

     TTM chuckles, waves goodbye, opens the door, and exits.

     Hanso closes the door. Immediately, there is another knock.

     Hanso opens the door. Topsi is revealed, his head under his arm.

     Hanso: (shocked) Headless Topsi!?

     Hanso looks at Brynn.

     Hanso: Did you invite him?

     Brynn: No... (sheepishly) He can have Clara's present.

     Hanso: (hesitantly) OK, come in, I guess.

     Topsi: (overenthusiastically) Hiya friends! It's your favourite Negg-lovin' Cybunny, here in the flesh. Or, as close to "the flesh" as I can be, given I'm an android.

     (Crowd applause and laughter)

     He enters, screws his head on, and closes the door.

     Brynn: (cautiously) Topsi, what brings you here?

     Topsi: (eagerly) I'm here for my preemptive strike on Christmas.

     Hanso: (bewildered) Wait, what?

     Topsi: (grinning) The Day of Giving is much more popular than the Festival of Neggs. However, I learned I am basically a supervillain... meaning I can finally take the holiday on head-first and deliver it a Festival of Neggs sucker-punch!

     (Uncertain crowd laughter)

     Hanso and Brynn look on in horror as Topsi transforms into Mecha-Topsi.

     (Crowd screaming)

     Mecha-Topsi: (heartily) Now I can destroy this whole set. Hey, someone started on the ceiling! That's MY job!

     Hanso runs in front of Mecha-Topsi.

     Hanso: (flailing) Wait, Topsi! You can't do this!

     Mecha-Topsi: (raging) Why not?

     Hanso: Because... (warmly) Even if you do destroy the set, you won't destroy Christmas. Christmas isn't just in here. It's in every Neopian who spreads joy, kindness, peace, and cheer. It's the hope we have, filling the dead of winter with warmth, light, happiness, and love. It continues throughout the year, long after the holiday has passed.

     Brynn hugs Hanso.

     Brynn: (smiling) That was beautiful.

     Hanso: (charmingly) Not as beautiful as you.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Mecha-Topsi: (thinking) If Christmas is in everyone... I'll have to destroy all of Neopia!

     Brynn: (matter-of-factly) But then no one will be around to participate in the Festival of Neggs.

     Mecha-Topsi twitches, his brain frying.

     Mecha-Topsi: (sighing) Alright, fine. (grinning) I'll just do the next best thing -- a preemptive strike, but with Neggs instead!

     Hanso and Brynn look at each other.

     Hanso: (casually) Yeah, why not?

     Mecha-Topsi: (in a synthetic tenor) It's true, I love Easter / That Neggy Festival! / Hiding Neggs and finding them / To me, will never dull! / (voice rising) But even here this winter / And this I must endear / I wish all a healthy, happy / Neggy – New Year!

     The band plays a jaunty melody. Mecha-Topsi rings a bell as he sings.

     Mecha-Topsi: Neggs Neggs Neggs! / So many Neggs / The best things to exist / Pick one up for everyone / On your shopping list!

     Mecha-Topsi pulls Neggs seemingly from nowhere, tossing them to the crowd. He continues singing about each Negg and his love for them.

     The music darkens.

     Mecha-Topsi: (tensing) Here's a message for the Space Faerie / Sorry I went a little crazy / But please free my ol' friend Frank / I'll give you Neggs as thanks! / And to all, don't mess with me / I know you say I'm creepy / That's true, but you all know why / (voice rising) Don't make me blow you all sky high!

     (Uncertain crowd murmuring)

     Mecha-Topsi: (spoken) I'm kidding, friends! Love you all, I'll see you at the Festival of Neggs next year!

     The band slows the melody, and it tapers off.

     (Crowd applause)

     Mecha-Topsi: (realization dawn) I was wrong about the Day of Giving. With the right mindset, it can be as fun as the Festival of Neggs itself! And Neggs can be celebrated year 'round!

     Hanso: (grinning) That's the spirit! Now, accept our peace offering, and don't blow us up.

     Brynn retrieves the present. Hanso hides behind the tree.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn gives the present to Mecha-Topsi, who tears it open. Inside is a gilded telescope, "BRYNNSO" etched across it.

     Brynn: (showy) A Brynnso-brand telescope! Though not as advanced as those used in Altador, it's a near-replica of the ones Brightvale astronomers use. It was meant for Clara, originally from Brightvale, to use to watch for lunar stuff.

     Hanso: (spontaneously) But you can use it to... look for the Space Faerie!

     (Crowd laughter)

     Mecha-Topsi: (emotionally) What a great gift, as far as non-Negg gifts go! I'm going to stop my war on Christmas! Have a good one, everyone. Drink lots of Neggnog!

     Mecha-Topsi faces the audience.

     Mecha-Topsi: (self-satisfied) You must admit -- I'm way more kick-butt than Springbun from Five Nights in Cockroach Towers.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Brynn: (contemplatively) Topsi, did Dr. Sloth program your love of Neggs?

     Topsi: (laughing) Either my rogue AI developed a Neggy-fun personality, or Dr. Sloth did not realize that a love of Neggs is better to infiltrate Kari than Mira. He's kind of useless.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Topsi: (warmly) Bye guys! Thanks for showing me a new view on life!

     Brynn: (grinning) You're welcome!

     Hanso: Thanks for not destroying us!

     (Crowd laughter)

     Two massive jets protrude from Topsi's back. Topsi makes a fist, aimed towards the ceiling.

     Brynn: (realization dawn) Wait, don't--!

     Topsi crashes through the ceiling, creating a new hole. Debris rains on Hanso, Brynn, and the front row.

     Hanso: I guess we need a "splash zone" warning next time.

     Hanso closes the door.

     Brynn: Welp. We need to get that fixed.

     Hanso: If he could do that, I wonder what he could have done to us...

     Brynn: (proudly) I could have taken him. But look at us, Hanso. Saviours not just of the faeries, but all of Neopia!

     Hanso: (exasperatedly) Yeah, for like, the third time?

     (Crowd laughter and hooting)

     There is a knock at the door. Hanso opens it. Sophie is there, Bruno behind her.

     Hanso: (excitedly) It's Neovia's own, Sophie and Bruno!

     (Crowd applause)

     Brynn: I'm glad you could make it!

     Sophie: Me too. Hi Brynnso!

     Sophie walks inside.

     Bruno: (grunting) Hi. Your... door is too small...

     (Crowd laughter)

     Bruno growls and looks up.

     Bruno: (curiously) Can I use those sky entrances?

     Brynn: (firmly) Absolutely not. It could get even more dangerous!

     Bruno: Wait, I've got the perfect idea!

     Bruno jumps off the stage, goes around to the front, and hops back on the stage inside the set.

     (Crowd applause and laughter)

     Sophie: (grinning) That'll do it!

     Brynn: (smiling) So, what have you two been doing, lately?

     Sophie: (smugly) Kayla's tried for years to distill Holiday Spirit, but I just created a brew that makes whatever it's poured on taste like gingerbread and candy canes... I think I've successfully one-upped her.

     Hanso: (charismatic) Think you could make a potion to make me more charismatic?

     Sophie: (wryly) Not even I can make you more charismatic, honey.

     Hanso: (casually) That's the best compliment I've gotten all night.

     Hanso and Sophie exchange a hooves-up.

     (Crowd hooting)

     Bruno: (dismissively) I've been at home watching Christmas reruns on Neovision+. (mischievously) The worse the better.

     Brynn: Any mobs to fend off? (eagerly) I could always show you a thing about battling.

     Bruno: (smiling) The mobs have largely quieted over time, especially now with Neopia as it is. But I'll let you know if I need self-defense training.

     Bruno and Brynn fist-bump.

     Hanso retrieves a pair of gifts from under the tree.

     Hanso: One for each of you!

     Brynn: Just show us an amazing feat!

     (Crowd chants "Do something amazing!")

     Bruno: Still have that prototype New Year's potion you were making?

     Sophie: (wryly) A small fireworks show would be amazing, wouldn't it?

     Hanso: (uncertainly) You're sure it's, er... small?

     Sophie: Absolutely! I used the "big" version on New Year's.

     Bruno: Let's do it to it!

     The band starts a haunting yet punchy 3/4 melody. Sophie pulls out a small bottle, pulsing with bright colors.

     (Crowd "ooh!")

     Sophie: Bruno, now!

     Sophie hurls the potion at Bruno, who catches it. Immediately, with all his strength, Bruno shakes it three times and uncorks it.

     Sparks whizz from the bottle, creating shooting stars, spirals, and crackling sparkles all over the cabin.

     (Crowd applause and hooting, but drowned out by squealing firecrackers)

     One large arrow of light does not fizzle as it leaves the bottle, instead sailing straight upward, crashing through the ceiling.

     The band stops.

     (Crowd murmurs)

     Bruno: Maybe I shook it a little too hard...

     Sophie: (excitedly) Look at that! Even the "small" version can create a big show!

     Brynn: (dryly) Glad to hear it.

     Brynn sighs at the third ceiling hole.

     Hanso elbows Brynn.

     Hanso: You gotta admit, that was spectacular.

     Brynn: (smiling) Honestly, it was.

     Brynn smiles and turns to Sophie and Bruno.

     Brynn: You two've definitely earned your gifts!

     Hanso hands Sophie and Bruno their gifts. They open them. Sophie's is a navy potion, the bottle shaped like Hanso's head. Bruno's is a scarlet potion, the bottle shaped like Brynn's head.

     Brynn and Hanso pose epically.

     Brynn: A Brynn Power Potion! Down that for +5 Strength.

     Hanso: A Hanso Cool Potion! It... does nothing, because there's no charisma stat.

     Sophie: (playfully) So it's essentially Movement.

     Hanso: (charismatic) Well, half of being a charming rogue is knowing when and how to get in and get out.

     Brynn walks behind Hanso.

     Brynn: (teasingly) The other half is having a strong woman behind you.

     Hanso nods vigorously.

     (Crowd laughter and hooting)

     Sophie: (laughing) Thanks so much, these are so cool! It will certainly be a post-Day of Giving to remember.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Bruno: (grinning) Being here was much better than watching "Santa Skeith Conquers the Kreludorians" for the 3rd time this holiday season.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Sophie: What'cha say, big brother? Time to return to the Woods?

     Bruno nods.

     Bruno and Sophie: (in chorus) Bye Brynnso!

     Brynn and Hanso: (in chorus) Bye Bruno and Sophie!

     Bruno hops off the stage and exits. Sophie leaves through the door, shutting it behind her. Immediately, there's a knock at the door.

     Hanso: (crossly) If we were on Mystery Island where it didn't get cold, I'd just always leave it open.

     Brynn: (matter-of-factly) Please, Hanso. There's already 3 holes in the ceiling letting in cold air.

     Brynn tosses some of the pine needles and cards into the fireplace.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Hanso opens the door. No one is there. The Ixi pulls out his dagger.

     Hanso: (scowling) Who's trying to pull a fast one on me?!

     Through the smallest ceiling hole, a Christmas Aisha drops down. It's Reina. She grins madly and waves to the audience.

     Hanso hastily puts his weapon away and gapes.

     Reina: (squeeing) Hi everyone! Being here is a dream come true!

     (Crowd applause)

     Hanso: (amazedly) Oh my employer, it's Reddy, Santa Skeith's sidekick! Look, his red nose!

     Reina: Er...

     Brynn pulls Reina aside. Hanso looks excited.

     Brynn: (quietly, so Hanso doesn't overhear) Roll with it? You know how much my Hanso loves this stuff.

     Reina: (affirmatively) It's my job to spread Day of Giving joy no matter the time of year. I've got you, Brynn.

     Reina prances up to and around Hanso, her baubles shaking.

     Reina: (jovially) It's me, Reddy! But... I'm a girl now! Darned lab ray.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Hanso: (bubbling) Don't worry, I'm sure your nose glows just as bright!

     Reina: Even the nasty snowstorms that swirl atop Terror Mountain are nothing for me!

     Hanso: (curiously) But what are you doing after the Day of Giving?

     Reina: (grinning) I was called here for a special delivery, but got swamped with the Day of Giving festivities... You know how it is.

     Reina shakes off some wood debris from the ceiling. She poses proudly, her arms akimbo.

     (Crowd applause)

     Reina: You've been such a good Artifact Hunter this year, Hanso, that Santa Skeith sent me to deliver you a special gift.

     She removes a bauble from her head and gives it to Hanso. It's a bauble of purest porcelain, engraved with a picture of Hanso and Santa Skeith taken from the original "A Brynnso Christmas Special".

     Hanso: (joyful tears) This is greatest post-Day of Giving gift ever! Way better than Neggs!

     Hanso hugs Reina.

     (Crowd "aww!")

     Brynn: (casually) Oh, Rein--Reddy, you wanted to deliver a PSA?

     Reina: (passionately) Absolutely!

     The band plays a jingling melody.

     Reina: (in a soft, lilting soprano) Oh since I was but a young girl / I sought to spread Christmas glee! / Bring happiness to this holiday / Ensure presents lined every tree!

     She starts a little dance.

     Reina: (higher-pitched) It's why I took a role at that Calendar grand / So I could affect joy all throughout every land! / It might now be closed until next Christmastime / But I'm still spreading cheer with song and rhyme!

     Reina: (voice rising and falling) We had so much fun this past year / We gave stamps and coins that shined / If you found me there, you got a special prize / All who came 'round said, "this is fine!"

     Reina: (spoken) But things weren't always fine. Earlier this season...

     The song shifts minor.

     Reina: (sung, lower-pitched) On my first day back at the job / I learned of Petpets, poor and alone! / I put together a great idea / To find them homes of their own! / But I learned that that can't be forced / The owner has to have care / Though through some quick calls and a miracle / Many 'pets came to adopt there!

     The song is major again.

     Reina: So if you want a Petpet any time of year / Or know someone who might! / Come to the Advent Calendar Adoption Centre / And we will make things right!

     She spins around as the band plays a flourish to end the song.

     (Crowd applause)

     Hanso: (scrutinizing) Wait... your song. You're the Advent Calendar Aisha, aren't you?

     Reina: (sighing) Yes, you got me.

     Hanso: (casually) Don't worry, Reddy, your secret day job persona is safe with me. Oh, and I'm sure everyone else, too.

     He puts his finger over his lips and makes a "shushing" sound to the audience.

     (Crowd laughter and "your secret is safe with us!")

     Brynn retrieves a present from the tree and hands it to Reina.

     Brynn: (warmly) I'd ask you for a special feat, but you've already done so much to spread Christmas cheer and help re-home lost Petpets!

     Reina: Thank you so much!

     (Crowd applause)

     Reina opens the present. Inside are two baubles, one with an etching of Brynn, and the other featuring Hanso.

     Hanso: (warmly) You gave a bauble to me. Here are two for you!

     Reina grins and hangs one on each antler. She dances and they tinkle against her.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Reina: (delightedly) Now I can always have a piece of Brynnso wherever I go. Thanks, guys!

     Brynn and Hanso: (in chorus) Thanks for stopping by, Reddy!

     Reina: (with growing confidence) I always get so sad after the Month of Celebrating concludes. But this year, let's carry Day of Giving cheer all throughout the year. Will you help me Hanso?

     Hanso: (squeeing) Yes!

     Reina: Good boy. I'll give Santa Skeith your regards!

     Hanso looks super excited. Brynn playfully smiles, and winks at Reina. Reina winks back.

     Reina exits.

     (Crowd applause)

     Hanso closes the door.

     Brynn: (excitedly) That brings us to the end of another Brynnso Special--

     There is a knocking at the window. Hanso and Brynn look to the window and see Fyora, dressed in winter garb.

     Brynn hurriedly opens the window.

     Fyora: (majestically) Hello, all!

     (Crowd applause)

     Brynn: (surprised) Fyora! What are you doing outside?

     Fyora: (casually) I was in the neighbourhood, and thought I'd pop in. But, I see there are not one, but multiple ways I could have "popped in"...

     Fyora glares at the holes in the ceiling. Hanso and Brynn gulp.

     Fyora: (frowning) I'll have a talk with you after the show. (smiling) But I'll still stay for a little while to join in the fun.

     Hanso: (matter-of-factly) Well, the show is nearly over.

     Fyora: (relieved) Oh good, I've--

     Brynn, Fyora, and Hanso: (in chorus) Missed all the shenanigans this year!

     Off-stage, the characteristic "Ba-dum-tss" from the drums is heard.

     James the Moehog Intern comes onstage with a mop, sighs, and starts to clean the debris.

     James: I don't get paid enough for this.

     Hanso: (casually) We don't pay you at all.

     James: (grumbling) Exactly. And I have an acting degree from Brightvale University!

     Hanso: (alluringly) Maybe next year we'll promote you to... Senior Intern!

     James grins and keeps cleaning.

     (Crowd laughter)

     Fyora: (hurriedly) Brynn, get on with the closing remarks! I've a party to host in the Tower ballroom.

     Brynn salutes Fyora.

     Brynn: It's--

     Hanso: (warmly) It's time we thank the audience.

     Hanso winks at Brynn.

     Hanso: (self-satisfied) I told you I remembered the format this year.

     (Crowd laughter and hooting)

     Brynn: (bemusedly) On behalf of wise Hanso, chilly Fyora, our excellent band, all the great guests we've had this evening, and The Faerieland Wintertime Society... (warmly) Good night, Neopia. Stay safe, and have a spectacular night!

     All the guests get back on stage, bow, and wave to the crowd.

     Lively music with a hint of Christmas plays as an outro.

     ***

     The preceding was "A Brynnso Post-Christmas Special!"

     On behalf of the Faerieland Wintertime Society, we hope you enjoyed it.