Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Night on Christmas / Story
I heard fireworks!
Not bad, Karenina!
Oh, so you sent Karenina? I'll have to thank her for all her hard work.
Wait... Has anyone seen Nanami?
She just went out. Maybe she just wants to watch the fireworks.
Maybe. The firework show is about to begin. Can't believe I'm saying it, but I'm a little excited.
With the faint retreat of the wind, the dazzling light shines like the morning star and rushes straight into the sky.
With a loud bang, it slowly blooms at the edge of the cloud line, marking smooth streaks in the sky.
The steaks blend with each other, and then gradually separate. For a time, the night sky becomes a sea of colorful flowers.
This is the performance brought by Karenina's gunfire.
The beauty at this moment is deeply imprinted in the hearts of everyone present.
This is their most precious memory and will guide them forward together.
So, are these... Christmas fireworks?
They're gorgeous... I'm getting goosebumps!
Me to... It's completely different from the fireworks I remember.
What do you remember, Liv?
Um... It was gorgeous and spectacular, too. But it felt cold and emotionless—just explosions in the sky. One after another...
At that time, I just stayed at home and watched my brothers and sisters set off fireworks. I imagined what it would be like if I lit fireworks by myself.
The color, shape and bang of fireworks...
So many, many feelings to be conveyed, but no one wanted to...
But now, I feel warm and excited... (Tears up) I don't know how to describe it. When I saw the fireworks spreading across the sky just now, I suddenly felt... so happy.
That's what it's like to be with your so-called "family." I think I'm starting to understand this, too.
The reason why so many humans cherished Christmas in the past is precisely because they felt connected with the people they care about, so they had a feeling of belonging.
You're right, Lee.
Huh? I don't understand what the heck you're goin' on about. You're ruinin' the show! Hmph...
...S-sorry.
You're right. Let's just sit back and enjoy the show.
It's also interesting to see another side of people you don't normally see.
It feels like I'm not a Construct anymore. I feel like I'm just an ordinary person again. No missions. No battles. No worries...
...Then my wish will come true.
Whaaat? Wish? Right, right, right! We gotta make a wish on Christmas Eve! My turn!
You're right, Nanami. Back in the day, people would make wishes during special occasions. They'd make wishes, then the bells and fireworks would send their wishes to Santa.
Then Santa Claus would climb down their chimneys while everyone was asleep and secretly put gifts under their Christmas tree. My mother told me this story before.
If that's the case, why don't you try making a wish, Liv?
How about we wish upon the fireworks together?
...
...
—Nanami! It won't work if you say it out loud!
Huh? Good grief...
...
After some time, the firework show ends, and everyone goes back inside.
Now, it's time for the final phase.
What is it?! What is it?!
Too bad I already know what's about to happen...
W-what? Why's the commandant being so mysterious all of sudden?!
You guessed it—time to exchange gifts!
I wanna gift! I want TONS of gifts! Hehehe... Gimme ALL the gifts!
I think I'm going to have an aneurysm... Right when there was peace and quiet, you start making a fuss again.
I don't care! If I don't get any gifts, then I'll cut the Christmas tree to pieces—HMPH!
(Static)
HEYYYY—! Why do you guys always like starting without me!
We've saved a gift for you, don't worry.
I don't believe a single word you say!
Poor Karenina.
Ha?! To hell with your pity! You were the one who sent me here in the first place!
You've really out down yourself this time. Thank you, Karenina.
Huh? I don't appreciate the condescending attitude...
Enough already. I'm running back as fast as I can. You better wait for me!
Yeah, yeah...
But I'm already on pins and needles waiting to open my gifts!
I think you can hold on a little longer, considering how hard Karenina worked to put on the firework show.
Grrr—(Puffs cheeks in anger)
...
You better! I'm getting off the comm. I'll rush over there ASAP...!
Beep—
Lucia, Lee... You shouldn't bully Karenina, you two.
Yeah... you two are bullies! You won't give me gifts! You don't like me!
Settle down, Nanami. You won't miss out on any gifts.
Hehe, you sure are amazing, Liv.
Huh? Did I say something wrong?
What Lucia means is, being the star of the show today really suits you.
Who, me?!
When someone mentions Christmas gifts, I'm sure you think of the old man with a white beard—Santa Claus.
He's in charge of delivery Christmas gifts all over the world.
Unfortunately, Santa won't be visiting us... More precisely, we couldn't afford one...
Luckily, we have the commandant.
What are you talking about, Lee? Is your frame overheating again?
Who's idea do you think it was to have this Christmas celebration? Without the commandant's support, we wouldn't be here today.
And the name of this battle is—"Operation Celebrate Christmas to Cheer Up Liv"—so our host is liv.
Huh?! I just saw how hard everyone was working and wanted...
That may be so, but the commandant has been worried about you. That's why we held this Christmas celebration.
In other words, this Christmas celebration is the commandant's gift to you, Liv.
So, shouldn't Liv return the gesture with a special gift?
A gift...
Don't you have anything, Liv?
Well, this is a disaster...
How could I forget! A gift... Yes, I have one... But...
But... Commandant...
It means a lot to give a gift to someone you care about on Christmas.
Hmm... I think I remember Liv's gift... Oh, right! It's AMAZING—!
Na-Nanami! Don't spoil the surprise! But first, I want to know what kind of gift the commandant wants...
The commandant's just going to say, "I'm happy with whatever you give me"...
You're right. What's the point in that?
...Hmm?
...A picture? That's it?
Rationally speaking, the commander's choice is obviously well thought out... No, it can be said that it's the perfect choice.
A group photo can be taken with you and kept for a long time. Whether you're eating, sleeping, or going to the battlefield, it's a precious amulet you can always have with you to keep you in high spirits.
...!
Lee...
Now we just need to decide where to take the picture. I don't think there's a more suitable place than here.
Well, considering the effort we put into transforming this into a Christmas cabin...
Commandant... I'll try my best..!
