The flumes were all glowing, their song growing clear,

It was like floating on bright, musical clouds.

And not a creature was stirring,

Not even a mouse.

"Really, now, Robert. This is supposed to be perfect. We must rehearse!"

"Well, news flash, oh perfect one. They're already here."

"Oh, no! I'm not prepared! I've got to finish the rhymes and work the pitch, and—!"

"Geez, you'd think after that cooking show binge, ol' Daney here would be used to large groups of people. Hell, that time in First Earth counts for something, too."

"Yes, well…shall we tell this…'tale,' then, Robert?"

"Sure, whatever. Just stop chuckling. I hate that."

The flumes were all glowing, their song growing clear,

It was like floating on bright musical clouds.

Christmastime in Halla was almost here,

Shortly breaking down Territory shrouds.

Cloral and Veelox and all three Earths

Opened up wide to jingles and things,

Supporting their gates like natural girths,

As something called louder then what the flume sings.

It was I, Saint Dane, to gather up Halla--!

"Wait, what?!"

"What's wrong? I can't give the story a little twist?"

"So, that's how you wanna play it, huh? Okay, I'm game."

It was I, Saint Dane, to gather up Halla,

Within the grasp of my loving arms.

But it didn't much really matter,

His arm cared more for dying ant farms.

"Wh-why Robert! Was that an actual jab at me?"

"Oh, no. Just giving a little twist to the story."

Eelong was grateful and happy was Rayne,

To have such a leader to give them so much.

Like murder, corruption, and widespread pain,

Without so much as a cardboard crutch.

What's a life or two or ten to what I want to give

Would anyone care to venture a guess?

A second chance? A guess to live?

What matters but a good Halla Christmas?

"That was a clever ending you made."

"About as clever as you."

"Thank you."

"Um…guys?"

"What?"

"You're not going to do that tonight, are you? We're just the producers, but that…that was just a spoken battle. And what in the world is 'Halla'? This is part of a play in New York! You know what? Just get out!"

"No, you don't understand—" "It's just that—"

"No more! Out! OUT!"