After tying up the reindeer, Pietro sat down beside Alvin and said smugly, "Principal, how'd I do? These were really hard to borrow from the Reindeer Hotel.
"They've made a fortune lately with their reindeer carriages. These four reindeer are the pride of their establishment."
Under the envious eyes of the kids, Alvin put on the red robe, then added a red hat and a white beard.
He patted Pietro's shoulder approvingly. "Kid, I think you've got potential. Keep it up, and in a few years you'll be enjoying the same treatment as Peter and Harry."
Pietro, who'd been spending a lot of time around Peter and the others lately, hesitated before saying, "Apart from having a girlfriend, I think I can do anything they can!
"Finding a girlfriend in Hell's Kitchen is just asking for trouble!
"Don't worry. When we get back to Hell's Kitchen, you'll see a whole new Pietro. No, from now on, call me 'Hell Quicksilver.'"
As he spoke, Pietro pulled a little notebook from his pocket. He gave the reins a slight shake and, following the command the reindeer's owner had taught him, called out an order.
The four reindeer did nothing but wag their tails, fart, and lower their heads to search for roots in the snow.
Alvin gave the confident Pietro a sidelong look. "These are the pride of the establishment? Are they even up to the job?"
One look at Pietro's expression told Nick he'd already won.
Alvin had given up his Summoned Creature and was going to compete with ordinary reindeer. How was that any different from handing them the victory?
Nick exchanged a glance with his friends, then suddenly grabbed the fat dog, "Captain," and said, "Buddy, it's all up to you this time. Let's show Alvin what we can