Original subtitles

AK: Many centuries ago,

when the earth was a much different place,

long before television, radio, storybooks, bicycles,

or even toys had been invented,

human beings were far from alone on the planet,

surrounded by animals of many varieties, some now extinct.

In addition to the animals,

in the deeper, more secret parts of the forest

lived seldom seen magical creatures of many descriptions.

Some were immortal, overseers of all living things.

Oh, and in case you did not know,

immortal means they are still very much alive,

even though it is quite unlikely you have seen one.

There were the Ryls,

whimsical caretakers of plants and flowers, the colors of every blossom in the land.

The clever Knooks, guardians of animals and ancient trees.

And in the very deepest part of their world,

in a place never seen by humans,

was and remains The Forest of Burzee.

Therein lived the graceful Fairies

and the mysteriously beautiful Wood Nymphs, caretakers of springtime,

and therefore, all things newborn and reborn in nature.

Among these creatures, there was a very special one named Necile.

Every spring, Necile had the honor of preparing the first nectar of the season,

which would reveal many things about the coming year.

Oh, forgive me for not introducing myself.

I am Ak, The Master Woodsman,

overlord of all of the creatures of this hidden world.

There were others, more troublesome,

but we will meet them in a while.

Now, where was I?

Oh, yes, Necile.

Hmm. We have reason to rejoice!

Necile's nectar predicts a year of great significance,

hmm,

which suggests the beginning of a new source of joy.

The most unusual flavor. Thank you, Necile.

Please, Ak, tell us more about your journey among the humans.

I think it is a good thing that only I can go among them.

AK: Of all the creatures of the earth, humans still seem the most miserable lot.

They must work hard to survive,

even their children must work as soon as they can walk.

We must have compassion for these beings

who are less fortunate than any of us.

Are they all in such misery?

Not all, but some are worse.

Some cannot even provide enough food or shelter for their own children.

Just this morning, I found a human infant

left at the edge of our woods.

A baby? Alive?

Yes.

In fact, this child seemed to possess a most unusual life force for a human.

There was something about him, his essence.

Sheigra had noticed it, too!

The lioness?

At first, I feared she was eyeing the infant as her next meal,

but I was wrong.

Sheigra, this child...

Is not merely mortal, sire? Yes.

I want you to nourish it with your milk.

Feed and protect it as if it were your own.

Helping the humans again, master?

Someone must try, and it is forbidden to all of the others.

Perhaps this child

can help us find a way to be of some service to humanity.

I will do as you wish.

Creatures of the woods,

know that this child is protected for all time by Ak,

Master of the Realm.

Treat him as a friend.

Forgive our impertinence, My Lord,

but do you really think it wise to leave a baby

with a lion? With a lion?

(CHUCKLES)

Do not worry.

I am certain a more practical solution will be found

before Sheigra's hunger causes her to forget my command.

(COOING)

(GROWLS)

Show yourself or risk your life!

It is me, Sheigra.

Necile, you have traveled far from the safety of Burzee.

Ak spoke to us vividly of the child you protect.

He is human, Necile.

May I see him, or hold him perhaps,

for just a moment?

Contact between humans and immortals is forbidden.

We shall both be punished.

I have already broken the law by coming here, Sheigra.

Please.

(GURGLING)

Sheigra, you have mothered many young.

As an immortal, I can never have children.

You must help me.

I do tire of this task.

Human infants are quite loud at times.

But I caution you, you must go to Ak at once.

(YAWNING)

Good morning. You slept peacefully?

Ah, like a baby, as humans say.

Oh, a sleeping baby is a peaceful sight.

So says you? Well, I mean...

I have heard...

Do you suppose a nymph could, under any circumstance,

raise a human child?

(LAUGHS)

Impossible. It is forbidden.

In any case, where would one find such a bold nymph?

And where would this nymph find such a child?

I believe I am such a nymph.

The child, you provided yourself last evening.

All I did was retrieve him.

A lioness is not a suitable mother for a baby such as this.

Ak, I beseech you, allow me to raise this child as my son.

Necile,

you have defied our highest law. I know.

However, once done, the deed cannot be undone.

So, I shall allow it.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

The rest of you, however, heed this warning,

further mischief with humans will not be tolerated.

(NYMPHS GASPING) Is that understood?

You have chosen your mother well, child.

And broken every rule in doing so.

See to it you are worth the trouble.

He will. I am sure of it.

(COOING)

GARDENIA: The Ryls sent more milk blossoms.

Thank heavens! This baby of mine eats like a unicorn.

(COOING)

(SCREECHING)

What is that?

(SHUDDERING)

You call that a catapult? Ha!

I could build a better one blindfolded.

Hey, I am blindfolded.

Whoa!

I'm in heaven.

WISK: Are you angels?

(BOTH GIGGLING)

He said angel.

No, this is the Forest of Burzee and we're Wood Nymphs.

Close enough. I'm Wisk.

Where did you come from, Wisk?

Uh, uh...

Up there.

(NYMPHS GASP) Where? Up there?

Awgwa Mountain? Yep.

I got caught in a stupid pixie trap.

So, you are a stupid pixie?

No, no. I'm not stupid. The trap was.

So they let you go? Nope. Escaped.

Stowed away in a catapult.

Ah, don't pixies live on the other side of Awgwa Mountain?

Oops. I guess I picked the wrong catapult.

Now, I'll never get home without going past those Awgwas again.

You have seen an Awgwa?

I heard they were awful, scary things.

What do they look like?

They look something like this!

(GROWLING)

(NYMPHS SCREAMING)

(BABY COOING)

What is that?

That is my son.

He's human.

Of course, I knew that.

Sure is a big, little... Whoa.

What's his name?

Well, he hasn't got one yet.

But in our ancient language Claus means little one.

So, Necile's little one would be something like Necileoclaus.

Necileoclaus?

Poor kid! Well, good thing for you pixies know a lot about those humans.

Um, let's see.

We'll let Ak name him.

Whoa!

He likes me.

(EXCLAIMS)

So, Wisk, it would seem you don't have a place to live, right?

Well, no.

Actually, I...

Then, I think you should stay here with us.

You do? You do?

But no more Awgwas, please!

What does a human adult look like?

(NYMPHS SCREAMING)

Wisk! (NYMPHS LAUGHING)

AK: So, he was named Nicholas,

which I knew to be a human name

and one which suited Necile's wishes.

Little one, however, did not apply for long,

as he grew rapidly, as humans do.

(SINGING) Child of mine

How he shines beyond what he knows

His whole life

Has been opening up like a rose

In the world to come he'll go alone

He'll rise like the moon to greet the unknown

And I know that in the world to come

This being will shine

Like the sun

Child of mine

What he gives he freely receives

He has seen

What the others only believe

In the world to come he'll go alone

He'll rise like the moon to greet the unknown

And I know that in the world to come

This being will shine

Like the sun

(NYMPHS GIGGLING)

May his magic gift grow strong

Keep him safe and carry him along

In the world to come he'll go alone

He'll rise like the moon to greet the unknown

And I know that in the world to come

This being will shine

Like the sun

AK: I wondered if he would ever come to know

how special, how lucky,

how truly privileged his childhood was.

And if he did, what kind of man it would make of him?

Mother? Why am I so different?

None of us is exactly the same, Nicholas.

I cannot fly.

I am not magical or special in any way, except huge.

Do I belong in this world anymore?

Nicholas, you are the most special being ever to live in this forest.

How?

We hear of great unhappiness in the human world,

but we immortals are forbidden to help them.

We have always been who we are and what we are,

but you are human and you have a choice in what you will become.

You, Nicholas, are the only human who will ever be allowed here with us

and we will help you all we can.

But what could I ever do to make a difference in their world?

(LAUGHING)

Hi, Wagif, Peter, Wisk.

And this is what a horse looks like!

(YELPING)

Really?

Yeah, but bigger, I think.

(BARKING)

It's the pixie with his shape-changing again.

Does Nicholas know he gets everything wrong?

What a show-off!

If I have to see his Awgwa shape again, I'm gonna scream.

Ooh, scream? Would you, really?

Hey, Wisk. Would you show us that Awgwa thing again?

Uh, yeah, okay. (YELPS)

Are you sure?

They're really scary and ugly and... (YELPS)

Oh, go on, Wisk! I love your Awgwa.

I think they're funny. And we'll never get to see one.

You better hope not. Okay!

(GROWLS)

Aah! I am scared, really scared!

Oh.

You said you'd scream.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

NICHOLAS: You Knooks, you're always teasing.

Nicholas, it is time for us to make a journey together.

(STAMMERING) Where are we going?

To visit those from whom you are descended.

Humans? This is a visit,

and we cannot speak or interfere with them in any way.

Is that clear? Yes, sir.

We will be invisible to any mortal beings.

This sash will enable you to fly with me through the human world.

I don't know what to say. This is like a dream.

Aah!

Ooh.

AK: It is very real.

Take great care with the sash.

If you should lose it,

you'll be forced to dwell forever among the humans,

and never again see your mother or the creatures of this realm.

Whoa.

Let me tie that for you.

No chances on that one.

Take care, my son.

Whoa.

BLACKSMITH: No time off, any of you.

Keep working, you little brats.

BOY: Yes, sir.

NICHOLAS: Awgwas?

AK: Yes, Wisk was pretty close on that one, was he not?

They cause much trouble, particularly among children.

They are mean-spirited beings.

Humans have trouble enough without their interference.

You think that's funny, do you?

No, sir! Wasn't us what done it!

Stop your lying. Get inside.

(LAUGHING)

Be gone, you useless creatures!

(WHIMPERING)

Only children who can work belong here, boy.

But I could work, sir.

You? Ah, be off with you!

Go on, back to work!

AK: We cannot intervene! There is more to see.

Wow!

(CHILDREN LAUGHING)

Father, may any of those children be allowed in to play?

No, dear. For the hundredth time, no. They are wretched and poor.

What makes them poor, Father?

They are made poor, my child,

by the fact that, unlike you, they have nothing.

They have one thing I do not.

What would that be?

They have other children, friends.

Other children? What a dreadful thought!

Go inside, dear, the view is much nicer.

(SIGHS) Yes, Father.

Life here seems so unfair, Ak.

Some have much, others have little.

And the children, they seem to be denied even a chance to better their lot.

Fairness is not part of the human condition.

Even among the little ones?

AK: By the time these children are grown, they will have learned to be unjust as well.

It is human to do so.

But I am human! I will never be like them!

You don't think I will, do you?

I do not know, Nicholas, what you will be.

That is yours to discover.

It is the greatest task, I believe, any human has to undertake.

Your son is blessed with a fine heart, Necile.

Let us pray that mankind does not break it.

Ak, you forgot your sash.

Keep it.

Someday you may find a use for it.

Oh, it is good to have you home, Nicholas.

Was it a difficult journey? I have been blessed, Mother,

but other human children lead such sad lives.

I wish I could do something to help them, but I have no magic.

You will find a way, I am sure of that.

AK: In only a few years Nick began to find his way.

The time came for a human-sized home of his own.

Of course, there would always be room for a pixie.

So, how about we settle down here,

sort of halfway.

Here? The Valley of Hohaho.

We're still close to Mother, but close enough to the humans.

That way, I can walk to either place.

We need to pick a spot for a house. Hmm.

(GRUNTS)

How about under here?

Uh, I don't think there's room for a house.

Ow!

What is a house, anyway?

Come on. We need logs.

Can't we just chop down those trees?

Shh. Don't let the Knooks hear you say that.

Trees are the most noble things on earth.

We'll just collect some fallen trees.

Fallen trees? Where?

Miles around. We'll drag them here.

Uh...

Won't that be a lot of work?

If we do it right.

Oh.

Right. We'll move the logs.

Wagif, you keep an eye on those two.

If they stir, throw this pinecone.

(SINGING) We'll take some trees and stones and things and mix them carefully

Until we have the makings of a builders' recipe

We'll lift the walls up to the roof to keep the weather out

And seal the seams with lots of pebbles and mud to make a grout

We'll make a place to sleep all night and eat throughout the day

Or vice versa if it works as well the other way

We'll build it up to fill it up the way it ought to be

With every nook and cranny holding a treasured memory

A house for keepin' it out and keepin' it in

Keepin' it warm enough to feel just like a friend

We're building a house for keepin' it out and keepin' it in

We're keepin' it in

We're keepin' it out

We're helpin' a friend

That's what it's about

A place for everything and even a place to store the clothes

The perfect touch a fireplace for warming up the toes

So when the winter wind begins to blow with all its might

There'll be a cozy spot lit up by the glow of firelight

And someday when each corner has accumulated things

We'll have to scurry back to quickly add another wing

It's more than a location where we stop instead of roam

Much more than just a building what we are building here's a home

We're building up a house and makin' a home

Kind of a friend who's made of logs and mud and stone

We're making a place that even we'd be proud to own

We're building a house

We're making a home

We're building a house

We're making a home

(GROANS SOFTLY)

If they stir, throw this pinecone.

Ooh.

(HUMS)

(WHISTLING)

Oh, my! This looks exactly like Nicholas's house should look.

I think.

Wagif, I thought you were watching.

Aye, pixie woke up. So?

So I whacked him with the pinecone, just like you said.

Wagif, I said to signal us with the pinecone.

Oh. You did?

Well, he's certainly sleeping now.

Ah.

Make haste. Sunrise is approaching!

Huh?

Wisk! Wake up!

Our logs, they're gone!

Huh? Oh, man!

I feel like I got hit in the head with a pinecone.

I don't understand, why would...

Oh, my goodness!

This is magnificent!

This is a house, Wisk.

Everybody in Burzee must have been here last night.

NICHOLAS: What's this on the bed?

Whoa.

The sack is moving!

(MEOWING)

"For Nicholas. A new friend for your new home.

"Ak says that humans like these, so I hope you like her, too.

"With love, Mother."

(PURRING)

Hi, there. Look at you!

And besides that, she's a...

Wisk, I thought you knew all about humans.

No way that's a human!

(LAUGHING)

No. She's a cat.

Sort of like a small lion, but...

Lions eat pixies! Don't they eat humans?

She's not a lion,

just like one, but smaller.

She won't eat anyone,

unless you decide to change into a bug or something.

Or something? I think we need more specifics here.

Okay. But just don't go really small on us.

Blink, blink, blink.

I'm naming you Blinkie.

WISK: Phew!

Okay, as long as you don't call her Hungry!

What's up? Where are we going?

Nicholas is going to visit his people.

Humans? Bad idea!

No, thanks. I can't do that. Not allowed.

Uh, Wisk I am human, remember?

Oh, yeah, sorry.

I can't very well understand them if I don't even know them, can I?

Of course, you can't go.

Besides, I need you to stay here

to look after Blinkie and Mother for me, all right?

Oh. Of course!

I will stand guard!

(CHUCKLES)

I feel safer already.

Take care, Nicholas.

Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days.

(WHISTLING)

A child!

Two of them. One don't speak, the other won't stop crying.

Oh.

Forgive my manners. I'm Nicholas.

I just moved nearby.

Name's Andrew. Wife's inside house, name's Martha.

I haven't got much, but I suppose we could spare some.

Oh, no. No, no, no, thank you.

I just wanted to meet you and your children.

Oh. Go on, then.

(BABY CRYING)

Hush now, child. Hush.

NICHOLAS: Hello, Martha.

I am Nicholas, your husband said I should come say hello.

Hello. May I?

I have never seen a baby.

Ugh. Won't stop crying, though. Never has.

There, there now. It's not all that bad, is it?

(COOING)

(SIGHS) Well, I'll be...

Stopped, eh? Well, bless me!

Hello. And your name is?

Megan. Won't talk.

Oh.

Maybe Megan just does not have anything to say yet.

(LAUGHS) Oh.

Andrew, Martha, you have beautiful children.

Aye, we do, don't we?

I'll visit again soon.

Megan, I cannot wait to hear what you have to say.

Come back soon.

Hello, I'm Nicholas.

I'm Ethan, the cripple.

Really?

I thought you were just leaning on that stick.

It looks like a good, sturdy stick.

And who says you're a cripple? Everybody.

I don't know if a cripple could handle this big, old, heavy sack of mine.

I could use some help, but...

I can handle it.

You are just leaning on that stick, are you not?

I'll make you a leaning stick if you come back.

(CHUCKLES)

I'll come back. I promise.

If it doesn't stop snowing soon

you'll never be able to get back to those humans, huh?

I don't know. But I promised.

If only there were something I could leave behind.

Something to cheer them and remind them I'll be back.

(MEOWS)

(EXCLAIMS)

I thought cats were supposed to be light on their feet!

Hey, Blinkie, this kinda looks like you!

WISK: Probably doesn't eat as much, though!

This is the answer, Wisk!

Great! What was the question?

I'm very glad the Knooks left these tools.

(PURRS)

Silly cat.

BOY (IN DISTANCE): Help!

Help me!

(MEOWS)

Help!

(MEOWS)

(GASPS)

What...

What is it, Blink? What's the matter?

Help!

Hello?

Aw, gee.

Isn't this sad?

Yeah, I don't think he's gonna find the kid in time.

They'll probably both freeze!

(ALL LAUGHING)

THOG: Probably.

Hello?

Hello?

Is anybody there?

Whoa!

Ethan?

I made you a leaning stick, Nicholas.

But you never came.

It's all right, Ethan. We'll get you warmed up.

I hate this Nicholas of Burzee!

This stick is beautiful, Ethan. You did a great job.

But you mustn't go so far from home.

You do.

Not in deep snow like this, I don't.

That's why I haven't been back.

Now, go to sleep.

(CHUCKLES) Good morning. Say hello to Blinkie.

Can I pet her? Sure.

I made something for you as well, Ethan.

(GASPS)

Is it really mine?

Absolutely!

My cat.

AK: And so, in responding to a gift from a young boy,

Nicholas of Burzee had begun to discover his life's calling.

And in the simple act of carving a cat, he had invented the very first toy.

In doing so, he changed forever the lives of all children who received them.

With the help of his magical friends,

Nicholas set about the task of perfecting his newfound art.

Thereby planting the seeds among humans

that would grow into the joy of both giving and receiving.

And every year,

Necile would mix the finest nectars,

that would predict good times or bad

just from its taste. Really?

So, which was it? Good or bad?

That you will find out next time.

CHILDREN: Ah.

You mean you're leaving?

Ho, ho, ho. I'll be back soon. I promise.

GIRL: Bye.

Not if I can help it.

AK: And Nicholas did come back.

Season after season.

Word of his toys, (CHILDREN LAUGHING AND CHATTERING)

his goodness,

and his love for children spread throughout the land.

Even anticipation of a visit could give children who had nothing

something to smile about.

(CHILDREN LAUGHING)

On each trip, Nicholas made new friends

and left behind more and more happy children,

and even angrier Awgwas.

(MOGORB GROWLS)

All these happy children make me sick.

This Nicholas must be stopped. Yeah.

But how, King Mogorb?

You are the Supreme General of Evil.

You think of a plan!

THOG: Oh, I hate thinking.

You have grown handsome, Nicholas.

Sheigra.

It has been a long time and you are as beautiful as ever.

AK: And so, Nicholas carved an image of his old friend, Sheigra,

as he first remembered her.

Oh, your carving eye is kind, Nicholas.

Oh, I only carve what I see, Sheigra.

Farewell, my son.

You have made me very happy, very proud.

AK: Knowing that Sheigra had come to say goodbye

as the end of her days on earth grew near,

Nicholas carved an image of his old friend as he would always remember her.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Are you that man what makes cats?

Uh...

Cats, yes. And other animals.

Me want a cat!

Me too.

Oh. And who are you?

Tycus.

My brother. I'm Mayrie.

Well, come in, then.

Well, actually, Mayrie,

just now, I only have one cat.

Will you take a bird or a pony?

Hmm?

No cat?

Wait! I do have another cat, Mayrie.

I do.

She is a very special cat.

(SCREAMS)

Lion!

(BOTH SHRIEK)

Wait! What's the matter?

Too scary! Too scary! Scary!

(BOTH CRYING)

Really? Oh, my. I'm so sorry.

She's not scary to me.

She's my friend.

Mayrie, how about I make you a cat right now?

And we scared of tigers, and spiders and bears, and snakes, and lightning...

And thunder!

So, it's better if my toys are friendly, not scary?

Right. Like this?

(GASPS)

Oh, that's beautiful. Thank you.

Good day, Milady. You may call me Natalie.

Oh. Very well, Natalie.

How may I be of service?

I have heard of the toys you make and I would very much like one.

Oh. But, Natalie, my toys are for children who have nothing at all.

And you have so much.

Please, Nicholas. I want a toy, any kind of toy, more than anything in the world.

I see.

The thing is, I have given away all of the toys.

But I am about to start on some new ones, though.

Perhaps, if you could come back, I could...

Well, I could have something for you then.

Oh. That would be wonderful.

I've been so happy, Mother.

I think that making toys for children is what I am meant to do with my life.

But how can I give a toy to a child with such wealth

when there are so many poor children who have nothing?

I can only make so many toys.

Nicholas, does a rich child choose his life any more than the poor one his?

It is possible that sometimes the one who appears to have the most

may indeed be the one with the least.

You are very wise, Mother.

I have told you nothing your heart did not already know.

New toy? Huh?

Oh, no, it was just...

Perhaps this does look like Mother.

Children love my stories about her.

Maybe they'd like to see her, as well.

Natalie, I have a toy for you.

But I'm not sure...

I've never made one like this before.

What is it? It is this.

Oh. Oh, my goodness.

I have never seen anything so beautiful in all my life.

I'd say she likes it, Necile.

Oh.

She can be my friend!

How did you know that I needed a friend when I asked only for a toy?

I call her Necile.

Then I shall, too.

Thank you, Nicholas.

I shall never be lonely again.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Your Majesty, I have an idea that could be a cunning plan.

MOGORB: Finally.

Hey! What the...

(NICHOLAS GASPS)

Be gone. Be gone, Nicholas of Burzee. Be gone forever!

Now we shall see some sad faces again.

Yeah, they'll be sad.

What kind of foul magic is this?

(GROWLS) Uh.

If there are Knooks in this strange land, come forth! And quickly.

KNOOK: And who are you to beckon forth Knooks, as if you knew them?

I am Nicholas of Burzee,

friend of the Knooks, Ryls, Fairies, Nymphs, and one Pixie.

Whisper the Knook password.

(INAUDIBLE)

Okay, I'll help you.

This human is protected by Ak. Seek your dinner elsewhere.

I fought like crazy, Necile.

There must have been 50 of 'em...

'Course it sure was lucky you happened along to get me out of the bag.

This is evil magic at work.

Wisk, we must think of something.

I'm not thinking this. Are you?

Hello.

Hello, yourself.

Where were you?

I don't understand, the brats should be wailing by now.

Maybe this will explain it.

Nicholas is back.

Thog, we need another idea!

This year?

AK: As Nicholas's fame spread,

he began to receive requests for toys from children far and wide.

So where are we, Wisk?

Confused. We could use some help.

We're up to 200 cats, 79 lambs, 27 bunnies, 50 horses,

138 Neciles, and... Oh, yeah, birds.

A lot of birds. Hmm.

A list. I need to make a list.

That, and some more rooms.

AK: Soon, friends from all over the enchanted world joined in the toy-making.

The Knooks added large workshops to the house.

Through the years, Nicholas's house grew larger to accommodate his toy-making.

At the same time, Nicholas, as all humans must,

grew older.

Well, I am off.

Oh.

(LAUGHING)

Oh, very funny.

You okay?

Oh, yes, but this snow seems to get deeper each year.

Too bad you're not a reindeer.

Wisk, you're a genius.

Really? How could that have happened?

Now, these tell the girls what you'd like them to do.

But make sure my deer are back by daybreak. And don't tire them out.

Okay, Holly and Mistletoe, let's go.

My goodness, I have never seen so many homes in one place.

WISK: What's up? The door is locked.

Guess we'll have to leave the toys outside.

Hmm. Oh, but they might not find them in all this snow.

Say, Mistletoe, how high can a reindeer jump?

Put this sleigh on the roof then.

What? Wait a...

Well, let's hope this works.

Oh... Oh! (CRASHES)

AK: Delighted with the joy and happiness brought to their children,

rumor spread that Nicholas was a saint,

Saint Nicholas, or to some, Santa Claus.

Thank you again, Mistletoe and Holly.

Tell Will I'm sorry we're a little late.

(YAWNS)

(BANGING ON DOOR)

Hello, Will. What's all the commotion?

(EXCLAIMS)

You can't use my deer anymore, that's what.

We had a deal, and you got back after daybreak.

Too risky.

No more reindeer.

Oh, but, Will, it worked so well.

No one even saw them! And we got to all of the children.

Not in charge of children, I'm in charge of deer.

Deal's off.

Well, it's back to the hard way then.

(SIGHS)

(GRUNTING)

My goodness.

Look, all right now, whoever you are, I am...

We don't want you.

We want your toys.

But they are gifts for the children!

But we want toys!

Why didn't you ever visit us?

(CACKLING)

Visit us.

MOGORB: Shut up.

AK: The evil Awgwas continued to steal all of the toys

and hide them deep in their cold mountain caves.

Leave no trace. These toys must never be found.

Yeah, never!

(HORSE NEIGHING) (GASPS)

Natalie, what happened?

(SIGHS)

Back down the lane, there was a horrible noise in the bush and...

It was as if someone were trying to steal my Necile doll,

but I saw no one.

My horse reared and we escaped.

It was terrifying.

Oh. There, there! You are safe now.

We have all heard about your toys being stolen

and I wanted to help in any way that I could.

So I brought my precious Necile that you gave me when I was a child

as a gift for some other child as much in need as I was then.

Oh, Natalie, you are so kind.

You know, if everyone shared with those less fortunate,

this world would be a much better place. (SIGHS)

It must have been the Awgwas.

They have been stealing all the toys.

Well, this time they have gone too far.

Something must be done to stop them.

NICHOLAS: And yesterday, the Awgwas attacked a woman coming to see me.

So you see, I truly must have the reindeer and the sleigh to deliver my gifts,

or more children may seek me out and be hurt.

You are right, Nicholas, but Will has certain rights.

I propose that you deliver toys once a year

and in the dark of night to protect the deer.

(STAMMERS) Only one night, Ak?

For everyone?

Eh! Sounds like a good deal to me.

We agree. We do? Oh, but, Mother...

Well, how will you choose which night?

In much of the human world, the eve of Christmas is a time of celebration.

Families gather in a spirit of goodwill and generosity toward one another.

It would seem an appropriate time.

Agreed. But I will need more deer.

WILL: Eight. No more, no less. You can pick 'em.

Agreed. Eight deer. One night each year.

Nick, you and your friends had better start preparing.

Oh, we will never have all the toys we need in time.

Well, we would if we had the toys the Awgwas stole, right?

Wisk, you are a genius.

Huh.

Yeah. Nick told me that already.

But, Mother, how will we ever find...

You have enough to worry about. I will find a way.

Ak, what are we to do about the Awgwas?

Their behavior cannot be endured any longer.

The time has come.

We must stop them once and for all.

(ALL CHEERING)

I don't think Nicholas should know about this.

Hmm. Yes, it is for the best that he remains unaware of our special powers.

Sentries, make the necessary preparations.

Fairies, Knooks and Ryls, do likewise.

And mind that you bring everything we possess to undertake this battle.

Oh, what are we going to do now, mighty Mogorb?

We shall arrange a few surprises for the great Ak and his puny warriors.

(CACKLES NERVOUSLY)

Yeah.

(CHEERING)

(GROWLING)

A dragon, giants. Look, Mogorb has brought in allies.

Do not worry. Though our forces may appear small, our magic is powerful.

Now this is what I call a catapult! Good work, fellas.

Aye. Thanks for the help, Wisk.

WAGIF: Look out, here comes the dragon.

Whoa!

Incoming!

(CACKLES)

I do not see why the Awgwas need our help to battle these puny warriors.

Let fly the catapult.

Ready. PETER: Bombs away!

Do not underestimate their magic. Attack! Attack!

All right, be careful. We can do this. I know we can. We can do it.

Okay.

ALL: Surprise!

Ryls and Wood Nymphs, release your magic dust.

Attack!

Yoo-hoo! Big and bigger!

FAIRY: Here's a bit of fairy dust for you.

Look out!

KILTER: Timber!

We will circle around the back and capture Ak.

Yeah, that'll finish them off.

Hey, fellas. Remember me?

It's that pixie.

We should have eaten him when we had the chance.

You know what? I think you guys deserve a break.

(GROWLING)

This is all your fault. I knew your plan would never work.

Toodle-doo.

(ALL CHEERING)

It is over.

No longer will these evil beings trouble mankind.

Come, there is no time to lose.

We must search for the toys stolen by the Awgwas.

(HUMMING)

Nicholas. Ak. Oh, it is an honor.

My goodness. Please, please, come in. Come in.

I cannot stay.

There will be no further trouble from the Awgwas, Nicholas.

Oh, that is wonderful!

I knew you and Mother could reason with them.

AK: Good luck, Nicholas.

(MEOW) Cut it out, Blink.

Where have you been, Wisk? Now he asks.

Just out doing pixie stuff, that, uh, you know, um...

For pixies to know about. Private stuff.

Oh. (CHUCKLES)

Secrets, Wisk? After all these years?

Well, I guess everyone is entitled to their secrets.

Now, why don't you clean up and get busy.

I need some help here.

We really don't have time for all this playing around, you know.

Uh, sure, I've had enough fun for one day.

(SIGHS) We need room for lots of toys.

Oh, Will, there is so much to do in one night,

I wish your deer could fly.

They can. What?

Why did you not ever tell me?

You never asked.

It's so dark in here, we'll never find them.

Look, a ribbon.

Oh! At last! We found them!

Okay, girls, here you go.

Now, you two behave now, this is no time for pranks.

Be careful.

(GIGGLES) Nicholas didn't know you could fly.

Time to go, Wisk. The sash!

Don't forget, you can't let the humans see you like this!

Flying and invisible?

Just think of the fun!

Oh, if only I had enough toys for everyone!

Ho, ho, ho!

(LAUGHING)

And a merry ho, ho, ho to you!

Mother, you found them!

(ALL CHEERING)

AK: And so, with the help of his friends, and more than a little magic,

Nicholas made his first-ever Christmas Eve toy run.

NICHOLAS: (SINGING) Toy cats and wagons and horses and dragons

Plus dolls of every color, shape and size

Packed and headed for the far horizon

Flying through the starry skies

Who would know I am invisible

To all those tiny, peering eyes?

Here I come down the chimney

If it's slippery, I get to slide

Even those who don't see me here

Still have proof of this my first magical Christmas sleigh ride

All this in one night, albeit a fun night

Is just about the wildest night I know

Wondering how I'll get it done by morning

All those houses yet to go

Some will hang their little stockings out

To dry them from the rain and snow

Here I come down the chimney

If it's slippery I get to slide

Even those who don't see me here

Still have proof of this my first magical Christmas

Handing-out-a-world - of-presents sleigh ride

Not each house has a chimney

But I always find a way inside

Even those who don't see me here

Still have proof of this my first magical Christmas

Handing-out-a-world - of-presents -get-it-all-done - by-morning sleigh ride

Sleigh ride

Morning

AK: Throughout the years, the visits of the beloved Santa Claus

continued to bring joy to the children.

Many traditions came into being.

The first Christmas tree was a gift to families without lamps

to brighten and warm their homes.

Santa found stockings hung on fireplace mantles to dry,

excellent containers for gifts of small sizes.

Grateful children left milk and cookies to cheer him on his way.

Traditions which continued to grow until Santa,

like Sheigra, was growing old.

(EXHALES)

I do not know how much longer my old bones can take this, fellas.

Santa's got to go and lie down.

He's kidding, right?

I don't think so, not this time. What do you mean?

We immortals live forever,

but, like reindeer, rabbits, and all other mortal beings,

humans only last so long.

You mean they wear out?

Then the Angel of Death comes to lead their spirits to the heavenly light.

No! I hope Necile knows about this wearing out stuff.

(GASPS) The Angel of Death. I gotta do something!

Uh... Listen, your whiteness,

Nicholas is a really special person and, well, we need a little extra time here.

Not much of a talker, huh?

Why have you summoned this council of immortals, Ak?

I, or rather, we, seek the gift of immortality

for this most humble human called Nicholas.

What? Immortality is our most precious gift. It cannot be given lightly.

Wait. Hear me out.

This man saw the wretched lives of human children

and he set out single-handedly to change that.

He is now known as Saint Nicholas among humans

and is loved by children wherever he has traveled in their world.

Many humans are good. Why should this one deserve to live forever?

Because he has done something that we immortals have failed to accomplish.

And what, pray tell, would that be, Ak?

He has given them gifts far greater than toys.

He has taught the children the importance of giving, of caring,

of hope and believing.

As they grow up, these gifts remain.

Hmm.

He has caused the hearts of all humankind to grow.

(CHATTERING)

If we allow Nicholas to die, the children yet to come will never know these gifts

and I fear the human world will plunge into a time of hopelessness again.

Enough! I say we put this matter to a vote.

With respect, Angel, this one is not leaving.

Nicholas of Burzee, Saint Nicholas,

Santa Claus,

in recognition of your most unselfish life,

I bestow upon you the mantle of immortality.

You may remain among the children you love for all time.

Oh, my goodness.

I have not felt this good in years.

(MEOWS)

WISK: (LAUGHING) Looks like Blinkie feels good, too!

Wisk, I feel like I could wrestle a grizzly bear.

(CHUCKLES)

You, too, huh, Blinkie?

Maybe I should lighten up on the honey in your oatmeal.

(LAUGHING)

Whoa!

I forgot about this part.

Here we go again.

Wisk, how about we start working on next year's list.

Uh...

Don't you think it's a little early, Nick?

Christmas was just yesterday.

Oh, nonsense.

Can we start with Blink and give her something besides me to play with?

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! (WISK LAUGHING)

AK: Nicholas of Burzee found his rightful place in this world

and became a source of unending joy for children everywhere,

visiting millions and millions of children every year.

Perhaps he's coming to your house.

And that, my friends, is the truth,

the whole truth...

Where to next? Mmm, let's see.

NICHOLAS: Wisk, let's find a house with oatmeal cookies next.

...and nothing but the truth

about Santa Claus.