What is this festive season but the time for wishes and wish granting? One trouble-causing wish granter has been placed with two, more benevolent granters in the hopes reforming their djinn-like ways. Will living with La Befana and Nicholas of the North teach Kyubey a better way to help the universe and care for children or will Kyubey remain a cute mascot with a dark agenda? (disclaimer: I do not own Kyubey from Madoka Magica. They belong to their creator, Urabachi.)
Expansions Used: Supernatural, Generations, Ambitions, World Adventures, University Life
The story of La Befana is one told throughout Italy. The three Magi (aka the wise men who really weren't all that wise) followed the Star of Bethlehem but became so hopelessly lost they wound up in central Italy. La Befana allowed them to stay at her home for the night, during which time they told her they were seeking the Christ child and asked her to come with them. She rejected the offer, she had far too much housekeeping to do, and the Wise Men left. She later changed her mind, packed a bunch of goodies for the child- toys, candy, cakes, etc- and her broom to help the new mother clean her home, and set off to find the Wise Men and the child. She never did find them. But the Christ child took pity on her and decreed that for one night a year, she would be mother to all the children of Italy. So every January 5th, on Epiphany Eve, La Befana visits all the children in search of the Christ child, leaving them toys and other presents if they were good and black rock candy if they were bad. It is said she does so because Christ lives in the heart of every child.
Families leave a glass of wine for her and in addition to leaving presents, she often sweeps the child's room or home.
She is said to fly on her broom but do NOT ever say she is a witch; she is a good spirit.
Nicholas of the North happily plays second fiddle to La Befana. He brings practical gifts like clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Sometimes he'll bring bigger presents, like bicycles, but mostly, he's glad to bring necessities to help ready the children for La Befana's arrival.
Kyubey can only grant one wish each to the girls she comes into contact with. Because she's something of a djinn, the girls are required to pay a hefty price for that wish- a contract which Befana and Nicholas are hoping to change.
Ah, yes, the stockings look perfect there. And so much safer too!
I do not understand the strange human compulsion to give gifts this time of year.
Perhaps these stories can shed some light on how to help Kyubey become a better wish-granter.
Kyubey: Well, well, well. I sense some new recruits.
Nicholas: Oh, dear.
Befana: Somehow, Nicholas, I feel this task will be harder than either of us thought.
