Author's Note: This is a "Christmas Special" kind of chapter. I want to apologize for having the chapter be short, but I wanted to get out of there before Christmas Eve. I also want to say sorry if it feels rushed as well. Just so you're all aware, this is what it's supposed to look like once Six has bonded with and integrated with the residents of Nazarick as if he were one of their own. One more thing, the other chapter that continues the Courier's and Lupusregina's adventure is halfway done as well. So expect that early next month. I'll respond to reviews in that chapter. Enjoy the read and Happy Holidays to all you out there.
"No no, it was more like an extension of it. Not a lot of people in America had it. Is that the same in Japan?"
"It is not. They were abundant but the prices there were quite ludicrous."
"How much did it cost?"
"Roughly 100,000 Yen at its lowest. More so for advanced versions."
"Damn," Six bobbed his head backwards in amazement. "Yeah, no I, er… found mine."
"Hm. Care to explain?"
"To make it really short: There was this guy - a drug peddler - selling it on the side. I was originally just going to buy it from him, but it turned out he regularly robbed people looking for a hit of that sweet sweet Jet. Or Psycho. Or whatever else there was. So he tried robbing me because I was a walking bank to him. I'm sure you can guess the rest… so what about you?"
Ainz' eyes glowed brightly for a moment at the question. It was a simple one, but it brought back memories of his friends and family. It was through his own grind for money that he was able to splurge on something that cost that much. That and YGGRISDAL. The reactions from his guild mates were quite amusing, especially from Touch Me. For a good whole minute he had believed that Ainz had stolen it from it somewhere. The skeleton swore up and down that it had been acquired through legal means.
"...Ainz-sama, may I ask a question?"
It was Albedo who had suddenly spoken up. She had sensed a lull in their conversation and decided that now was the right time to inquire about whatever was on her mind. She tilted her head in both curiosity and confusion. Throughout what has currently been longer than a five minute conversation between Ainz and Six she had been more than lost. They had been using new words she did not know the meaning of. But there was one term in particular that had been used.
"You already did, Albus."
A brief glance at Six revealed a slight annoyance. It wasn't directed at one of the many nicknames he had taken to calling her, but at the wise-ass remark he had made. She ignored it and asked another question.
"What exactly is… Christmas?" She had slowed her speech down to make sure she pronounced the word right. "From what I heard earlier, it seems to be some sort of celebration. Is that correct?"
Ainz nodded his head, "Yes, it is…" Ainz looked at Six for a moment who shrugged in response. Through that brief exchange they had told one another how they felt about informing 'Supreme Being Traditions'. Once in a while, whenever they spoke, the denizens of Nazarick would ask questions about knowledge that would've been common for them had they not originated from YGGDRASIL. This is one such case. Both men saw no problem with telling them about it.
"We should get everyone else down here. I REALLY don't feel like explaining this over and over again."
"I agree. Albedo,"
"Yes!"
"With the exception of the Fourth Floor, tell all the Floor Guardians and the Pleiades Six Stars to meet in the Throne Room when they are able."
"Don't forget about Pandora's Actor."
"No. That is unnecessary. I shall do it myself."
"I'll begin right away!"
Ainz nodded and let out an "umu" as per the usual. He and the Courier watched as she departed from the Throne Room and went about to notify all of who her Lord had requested. When they were sure she was completely gone they both relaxed a little.
"That's my bad, Momonga. I wasn't thinking when were talking."
"No, the fault is also mine, it was my line of questions that led us here."
"Well then I guess we're both to blame. Anyway, you plan on doing something with this?"
"Not necessarily. We'll inform them on the traditions on see where it goes from there… do you foresee something else occuring?"
"Er… I don't think so. But…"
They both thought of just how far misunderstandings went. They were both quickly reminded of the first time such a thing happened. In fact, it was what brought Ainz and Six closer together as friends. But now was not the time for going too deeply into that…
"All shall go on as normal."
Famous last words…
Six couldn't help but be pessimistic about it.
"Rise." A simple but powerful command came from the Supreme Being all of the NPC's revered as the greatest of them all. All ceased their bowing and rose to their feet. The air of respect and awe that constantly surrounded Ainz positively affected all those were beyond completely loyal to their master.
"Cool," On Ainz' left, Six shifted where he stood. "So, do you want me to do this or…"
"I shall explain." Ainz' voice grew louder. "Do you all know the reason as to why I summoned you here?"
Everyone in the Throne Room save for Albedo, Six, and Ainz looked at one another to see if they had answers. They did not.
"Your faces make it quite clear. Christmas is a holiday celebrated yearly by those who helped shape the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
"You mean…" Demiurge trailed off as he realized the obvious implication.
"That's right. The entirety of Ainz Ooal Gown did this when the world frosted. That and a few more throughout it all. But for now, we shall focus on the one nearing us."
That word immediately branded itself into the minds of all those present.
"If I may, Ainz-sama. What does it specifically entail?"
"Many things. Where to start…" Ainz placed his bony finger underneath his chin. "The point of such a celebration is to spread happiness and joy to all loved ones. It is not unusual to receive or present gifts to others during it. There are two kinds of Christmas'. The first is Christmas Eve. This is thought of as a romantic day for all couples to start exchanging presents early and dine with one another."
He continued.
"Christmas Day is when all friends dine with one another. Popular choices are chicken and sponge cake decorated with whipped cream and strawberries. Of course, one doesn't have to follow that, but it is highly regarded for a reason. However, there is another holiday celebrated afterwards-"
"Oh yeah. New Year's, right?"
Ainz nodded at Six's words.
"Correct. To dine with all members of those you consider family is truly worth doing and something I hold to the highest regard."
"Ah, so that's what it is. You wish for us to pay our respects to our creators by honoring their traditions."
The devil in the suit smiled as he came to his conclusion.
"It is so, Demiurge. Now, listen to what Six has to say. A very detailed explanation of what it is done to show respect will be told by him. Listen closely."
A resounding "Yes!" came from the NPC's as they heard their master's orders. After they had done so, the Courier cleared his throat and began with:
"Okay, I'll try to make this as short as possible…"
LINE HERE
A few days passed since the reveal of Christmas and New Years. To the surprise of Six and Ainz, the NPCs had taken quite a liking to the event. However, both believed it was simply due to the fact that it had been something the Supreme Beings did. As such, they probably believed they were obligated to do such a thing. But there was something that Six noticed when it came to Albedo's reaction to it all. There was a sort of… indifference towards it and he had an idea as to why. He would speak to her about it later. Right now he was-
"And there you go. Red, green, yellow, purple, and blue. Really makes the place stand out, no?"
Six jumped off of Cocytus' shoulders and landed on the white delicate snow surrounding the area. Towering over him was the overturned wasp nest that the Vermin Lord called home. To give an idea of just how big it was, the interior was large enough so that Cocytus was able to swing his weapons without fear of knocking something over and accidentally cutting something in half. It was also the area where the celebration of Christmas and New Years would take place. It was an obvious choice. After all, the entirety of the Fifth Floor was composed of icebergs, snow, and heavy clouds. Perfect for a winter type setting. It was basically the north pole.
"My. Thanks. Courier. Setting. These. Decorations. Up. Are. Nearly. Impossible. With. My. Hand. Size."
"Couldn't you have asked the, uh, Frost Virgins to do it?"
"The. Safety. Of. My. Master. And. Protection. Of. The. Area. Is. Of. Greater. Importance."
"Of course, but - ah, whatever, things are already set up here. Interior's done… gifts are present," Six let out a small chuckle. "Food and drinks are set… I think we're all good. Can you use message to let Albedo know? I'd do it myself but…"
"It. Is. No. Problem."
Six watched Cocytus activate the [Message] spell and contacted the woman deeply in love with Nazarick's guildmaster. He identified himself to her and relayed Six's message. He nodded multiple times before saying: "I. Will. Tell. Him."
"What did she say?"
"She-"
Cocytus stopped himself and paused for a moment before repeating the same gesture he had used to begin the ability.
"Ainz-sama… Yes. He. Is. Here… I. Will. Let. Him. Know… It. Is. Finished… Thank. You. Master."
Cocytus ended the ability and looked down at Six.
"Ainz-sama. Requests. Your. Presence. In. The. Grave. Vault. Of. Adipocere. As. Soon. As. You. Are. Able."
"Hm. Alright, I'll be on my way then. See you later, man."
Cocytus nodded wordlessly and watched Six leave the area in search for The Supreme One.
I'm putting my helmet on for this one.
Six hated the smell lingering around the chamber - Shalltear's residency. He had been here a good amount of times before. The scent that hung inside the area was something he despised. As such, he equipped his helmet which finished the matching set of the Elite Riot Gear armor. He sealed it up and went onward towards the "broken" bridge in front of him. Shabby ropes and broken pieces of wood is what the bridge was made out of it. Despite it's piss poor state it could hold someone like Cocytus with ease. Six went forward without any trouble. He ignored the countless corpses littered on the spikes below the bridge. He stopped in front of a plain stone door, raised his hand and made a fist. He knocked three times in a row and stood in place after doing so. He waited five seconds before he heard someone open it from the otherside.
A pale skinned beauty known as a Vampire Bride poked her head out, her long black hair swaying in front of her. The word surprised wouldn't begin to describe her reaction.
"S...Six!"
"Yo. Ainz told me to meet him and Shalltear here. Mind If I come in?"
"Of, of course not, but… Ainz-sama and Shalltear-sama aren't here right now..."
"Really? Then I got here early... I'll just wait outside."
"There's no need! It would be rude to keep you out there. Come in, please."
The door fully opened and revealed the inside. This was the part where that sweet yet awful smell would fall on Six like a Vertibird helicopter. Thankfully, the recyclable air filter built in his helmet shielded him from such a scent. The first thing to grab his eye was the light, silky, and pink veils hanging from the ceiling. However, one could almost clearly see through the other side of the materials.
But there was little to leave to the imagination.
Through the pink objects, Skilled artisans were… currently working on rugs equal in color if you catch my drift. Some with their hands and others with their mouths. The erotic moans and laughter in the area only further added to the lewd atmosphere around him. Though, it barely caused him to react. That applied to the first time he got here too. He wasn't a horndog. Thinking with your dick never got anyone anywhere. The only thing it did was make your life worse.
As soon as his presence had fully registered with the beautiful women around him, they all ceased their activities and looked at Six. They were surprised for sure, but it was quickly replaced with a lustful beckoning one. The Courier felt all eyes on him. Even so, he felt entirely comfortable in the area. He found an empty couch matching the style of the room and took a seat on it. It was surprisingly soft and comfy. If asked, he wouldn't mind sleeping on it.
"Would you like anything to drink?"
"Nah. I'm not thirsty or anything."
All of the vampire brides shared a look. Six couldn't quite place it but there was something knowing about it.
"Then maybe you want one of us?"
A different Vampire Bride, the one closest to him, came forward and placed her hand on his left shoulder. She leaned in, her mouth above where his ear would be.
"... Or maybe… All of us?"
It was at this moment that he became uncomfortable. He didn't come here to do such a thing with any of them. He just wanted to celebrate Christmas. He needed to smoothly get out of this situation that could soon turn sticky. In more ways than one.
"That sounds nice." A lie. "But now's not the time. I've got an important meeting with Ainz and Shalltear here. They should be here any moment now.
That line alone shook every Vampire Bride to the core. The Supreme Being could arrive any minute now and they had yet to make preparations.
"I-Is this true?!"
The question was directed at the first bride Six had encountered who nodded in response.
"Then… we must hurry! They could arrive any second!"
With these words, every pale-skinned beauty here quickly made haste and began whatever they believed to be an appropriate setup for someone as revered as Ainz Ooal Gown. With his amused face hidden underneath his helm, he watched as the brides set to work on the entire area so they would not disrespect their almighty and powerful lord. Six watched them work for a few minutes before the same stone door he had entered from suddenly opened without anyone to do it from the otherside.
The first to walk in was Shalltear herself with Ainz right behind her. Six watched as every Vampire Bride genuflected at the appearance of them both. The reason they had not done so upon Six's arrival was because of what he had told them before. He had asked the brides to behave as they normally would around one another. It was a statement that he wished he could take back.
A smile filled with satisfaction stayed on Shalltear's face as she walked past her concubines. Whether this was approval at their actions or something else entirely he wouldn't know.
"I was wondering when you two would show up."
"Forgive us, Six. It seems we have tarried."
The Courier let out a chuckle. He truly felt like Ainz was just too polite.
"It's cool… what are we here for anyway?"
"That is a private matter we should discuss elsewhere. Shalltear…"
"Yes! Follow me."
With those words, Six stood up from his seat and trailed right behind Ainz who in turn followed Shalltear deeper into the chamber. The walk was very short. They stopped in front of another stone door slightly more elaborate than the first one. This was because this door led to Shalltear's personal room. She opened it without delay and revealed what lay on the other side. It was nothing like the atmosphere from before. It was stereotypically girlish. The room itself oozed cuteness. Everything in there was something one would stereotypically think of when imagining a woman's bedroom. The semi-double bed touched the cream colored walls with the large closet doing the same. They all entered, the door shutting behind them.
"Let's not waste any time. Shalltear, show it to me."
Wordlessly the petite girl obeyed her master's orders and approached the closet. As she did so and began searching within, Six turned his head and began a conversation with Ainz.
"What's going on exactly?"
"Do you remember when we discussed the possibility of Christmas outfits?"
"Yeah…"
"As it turns out, Peroroncino-san gave Shalltear an outfit she never saw any use for."
"Wait, so she actually has Christmas clothing in there?"
Ainz only nodded in response.
"Nice! It'll look perfect with the elf ones Aura and Mare will get."
Ainz made a mental note that Six seemed uncharastically excited about this.
"Here it is."
Shalltear got both men's attention with those three words. She presented the santa-like articles to them both. Six nodded in content and Ainz hid his surprise behind his expressionless face. In truth, he had expected for the outfit to be scantily clad and inappropriately revealing. This was understandable. If one took the time to get to know Peroroncino then it would only be expected. That was not the case here. The skirt was entirely modest. It had a fluffy collar on both the neck and sleeves. From the torso up it copied Shalltear's outfit in shape but not in color. What made it even cuter was the green ribbon below the collar with a single yellow bell that occasionally made sound if enough force was applied to it.
Ainz let out a small series of laughter.
"It seems I was worried over nothing."
"What do you mean?"
It was only Shalltear who seemed concerned over the laughter.
"Pay it no heed. It was my intent to see the clothing for myself. I had concerns, but they were unnecessary. Good work in reporting this to me Shalltear. You are of great assistance."
Pure joy radiated from the vampire's features.
"Our meeting is concluded. When the time comes to don it, I will let you know." He then turned to look at Six.
"Sorry for wasting your time."
"There's no need for that, man. You call, I answer."
They both nodded in respect to one another.
"HEY! ALBEDO!"
Six reached for the sky with one arm and waved quickly at the Succubus who stood at the other end of the hallway and had her back turned to him. It didn't stay that way when she heard him.
"Must you be so loud?"
The halls of Nazarick were usually quite. Anyone who made an abundant amount of noise like Six had just done was something considered disrespectful to The Supreme One. Of course, based off of his and Ainz' current relationship, her master would see nothing terrible in it. Of course, that didn't apply to her.
"Just wanted to make sure you heard me. So, what's up?"
"Did Cocytus not tell you?"
Six smacked his helmet in realization.
"He was about to, but got a sudden message from Ainz for him to tell me to meet him in the Adicopere Chamber."
Albedo narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brows in displeasure.
"...It concerned Shalltear's Christmas outfit."
Her face relaxed and assumed the usual pleasant but fake face she almost always wore.
"...What did you want to tell me?"
"Ah, nothing too important. I simply wanted to inform you that all gifts and food are ready and prepared for tomorrow."
"Oh, ok, gotcha… say…"
Underneath Six's helm, Albedo could tell that he was trying to read her.
"So… are you okay?"
She didn't quite know what to make of that question.
"I'm in perfect condition. Is there something you see wrong with me?"
"Yes, actually."
The blunt answer began to sour her mood. Six knew he was stepping into dangerous territory here.
"I've wanted to talk to you for a while actually. I know this whole 'Christmas' celebration is to honor the The Supreme Beings, but you know and I both know…"
"It won't be an issue. If it only honored everyone except him…"
"...Okay. Just wanted to check. I've got other things to do. I'll see you later, Ms. White."
And with a pep to his step, Six left the area to finish whatever tasks he and Ainz had setup. Albedo watched him leave the area and went about her business as well.
"Aura! Mare! You guys up there?"
Six's loud voice bounced off the perfect trees which created an echoey effect. Had there been holes in the wood then the sound would have simply been absorbed into it. A few moments passed before someone's head poked out from the ridiculously fat and tall tree that the two twins resided in. With her head through the paneless window, Aura waved at the Courier and greeted him with:
"Hiya, Six! What's up?"
"You it seems. I just came here to give you..." He slipped off his backpack and quickly fished out two sets of neatly folded clothing and shoes that were mostly green and red in color. This of course was the 'christmas elf' outfit that some wore during the holiday. It was obvious as to why both kids were chosen. "This."
"Albedo's already done?"
Six simply nodded and watched as Aura began her masterful descent down the tree. It took her no less than three seconds to drop down to the bottom where he stood.
"She's really skilled with sewing and such. I helped a little too just to speed it up a little more - mostly with the design."
Aura couldn't help but begin to laugh as she undid the clothing and got a more in depth look at it.
"This looks silly! The shoes are funny too."
"Well, that is the point of it. Christmas is about spreading joy. What better way to do that than to make others laugh?"
The Courier watched her laughter descend into small giggles at the sight.
"Yeah, that makes sense. When is Christmas anyway?"
"Three days. Though I'm more worried about Christmas Eve."
"Why's that?"
"Because of Albedo and Shalltear... You remember what Eve is for?"
"It's when couples go out, right?"
"Yup…" He let out a sigh of annoyance and rubbed the front of his helmet like he would on his face normally. "It's such a pain defending him from those two. They've both got schemes waiting for him I'm sure."
Aura smiled in sympathy at Six's misfortune. No one else in Nazarick would dare to get in the middle of any "bickering" between the two women. Only those with a death wish did such things.
"Hey! Since you're here, you want to hang out for a while? Maybe play some tag with us?"
"Mmm… maybe later. I got a few more things to check up on. You let Mare know about this too. Make sure he's on board with it. If it doesn't feel quite right, tell Albedo. She'll adjust it faster than you can say: Hail Ainz Ooal Gown."
With the task finished, he turned on his heel and began to jog away from Aura. He turned his head for only a moment and let out a single wave.
"Knock, knock…"
Six said as he did the action that produced the sound he imitated. He slowly opened the door that led to the Pleiades' quarters and let himself inside. They had told him before that he didn't have to enter so cautiously in fear of ruining their privacy. It was also insisted that he shouldn't act like a stranger just because he had moved out. They would not mind his company but he believed he was truly being intrusive no matter what was said. The maids were just being polite.
"Hi, Six-kun!"
The one who had addressed him so was one of the youngest members of the Battle Maids, specifically, Entoma.
"Hey, beastie. Is it okay if I come in?"
"Yes~ How many times do we have to tell you?"
"Don't want to be a nuisance is all."
He stepped forward and fully swung the door open to reveal the battle maids decorating boxes of varying sizes a top of the table they normally used to dine. There was one in particular that seemed big enough to fit the average-sized human. Only Six and Ainz knew its purpose.
"How's everything going? Are the boxes set?"
"The decorations and name placing are nearly complete. Everything is proceeding as planned."
It was Yuri's typical stern and quick summary he had just received.
"Cool. Just came here to check."
"Ah, excuse me, Six…"
It was Solution who had spoken up as she finished tying up a white ribbon on a box with Mare's name on it.
"What's up?"
"I could not help but notice a few names missing. Particularly, ones for Cocytus and I. Is this intentional?"
"Hm. Yeah, that IS weird…" A knowing smile formed on Six's face. "I guess I'll ask Ainz about it."
He was obviously not telling them something.
"Ooo~ It's a surprise then?"
Lupusregina wasn't the first to catch on, but the one who addressed it outright. Six said nothing but didn't deny her claims either which basically confirmed what she said was true.
"Anyway, you guys have been working hard. I can tell real effort has gone into those decorations. Of course, I already knew it would turn out this way so..."
The maids watched as Six retreated back outside from where he had come from only to return with his back turned to them as he walked backwards. The reason for this being the cart he dragged in. Within it lay copious amounts of food specifically made and brought for them.
"Ainz and I were pretty worried about you guys. You've been working for two days straight on many things without break. So…"
He parked the rolling object near where the presents currently sat.
"Chow down and relax for the rest of the day. And don't think about saying no. These are orders from the big man himself."
He stepped away from them all and began swiftly collecting the many boxes and stacking them masterfully on his arms and set them down in a nearby corner where they would not get in the way. Without any way of objecting to the sudden break, they all approached the cart filled with food, drinks, cups, plates, spoons, forks, and knives.
"While you guys do that…"
Six walked away from them and approached a wooden broom situated in a corner with a dustpan lying next to it. His intentions were made (maid) quite clear. He would begin cleaning as they ate. Despite how that might seem generous and kind, Six knew full well that what he was doing could be considered extremely rude.
"Six…"
There was no negative connotations to the name Yuri uttered and that all in Nazarick had come to respect.
"Hm?"
"We were the ones who did this," Her eyes briefly wandered over to the scraps of wrapping paper, ribbons, glitter, and other such things necessary for the decorations. Her workaholic tendencies kicking in, she moved away from the cart and adjusted her glasses in preparation so that she could do the cleaning instead. "So please-"
"Oh no, would you look at that..."
Six had cut the vice captain off as he suddenly reached into his pocket and let a ridiculous amount of shoveled dirt fall over around himself where the maids had left their mess.
Yuri stood there as she realized what he had just done. It wasn't out of concern for the now dirtied floor. It was because that action now meant that Six had the right to clean up after himself, and as a consequence, for them too. Only those outside of Nazarick didn't know about the pride the Pleiades had over cleaning their own messes.
"There's good food over here, Yuri-nee! Come get it before we eat it all."
Lupusregina began stuffing herself to the hearty helpings. Six looked away from the woman standing there and instead focused on the floor.
"Have fun with your sisters, Yuri. Family is important too, you know?" And with that Six completely focused himself on sweeping as he expertly began to gather it all.
Yuri had heard many wise words not only from her master but from Six as well, though his were few and far between. That was only to be expected. After all, the Courier was the only being in Nazarick who could fully understand Ainz and follow his lines of thought. Demiurge and Albedo were intelligent in their own right, but they could only understand a fourth of The Supreme One's plans.
He said that, but…
He never applied any of it to himself. And that was a tragedy. One such occasion that quickly came to mind was-
"What's with the look?" Six shook Yuri out of her thoughts. "A divine face like yours shouldn't look so worried." A genuine warm smile swept across the man. "Go on. Kick back. The rest of the day is for you guys."
He playfully shooed her away which finally forced her to concede. He watched her to make sure she sat down and joined her siblings. When that happened, his smile weakened but remained there nonetheless.
He cleaned the room as they chattered joyfully.
"Yep. You're all prepped."
A blonde-haired human woman stared into the red dulled eyes of a riot gear helmet. The man in front of her was known as Courier Six also known as Wesson Hall. He was one of the few people in Nazarick who didn't view her in a negative light. Of course, that could be attributed to the fact that he too was human and Not human in appearance. They got along well enough.
"What about you Sebas?"
The butler in question fixed his steely gaze on the man addressing him.
"Everything is accounted for and preparations have been made. I cannot thank you enough for you assistance in the matter." The butler was about to bow in a display of gratitude but was stopped before he could so by a rough gloved hand.
"It's no problem. My friend will make sure you two have all the privacy needed. So have fun. It is Christmas Eve after all."
"Thank you again."
"You got it." Six then turned around to face the skeleton that had been standing next to him. "They're good Ainz."
And with those words, the sound of a void coming into existence reached everyone's ears.
"Sebas."
Those words sparked the elder looking man. It was only natural since it came from the Overlord.
"Take these. And do not refuse them."
In his bony fingers, Ainz held ten gold coins he intended for them to splurge on.
"Your kindness knows no bounds."
Sebas and the woman next to him bowed in near unison after Sebas had accepted the coins with the maximum amount of appreciation. Unlike Six, Ainz did not stop it.
"You are excused. You may leave now."
And with those words, both beings walked alongside one another and stepped through the hole leading to the designated area.
…
Ainz suppressed a sigh. It was something that only Six could have picked up thanks to all the time he had spent with him.
"Tired?"
"A ruler never is."
Six let out a burst of air from his nose in slight amusement but did not comment on it.
"Albedo and Shalltear have asked me to try and change your mind regarding that whole date thing. They even said they would be fine with you having them both at the same time."
"I'm afraid their efforts are in vain. I plan on doing no such thing. There are other matters that require my attention." Ainz let out a small chuckle. "But to call your words an 'effort' would be amusing. You didn't even try. You knew what my answer would be."
Six shrugged. "Oh well, guess I'll let them know."
"Before you leave, I have a request…"
"Request?"
Ainz nodded.
"It concerns Cocytus."
Ainz, Six, Demiurge, Cocytus, Aura, Mare, Shalltear, Albedo, Pandora's Actor, Sebas, Entoma, CZ, Lupusregina, Yuri, Solution and Narberal were all present inside of the snowy globe known as Cocytus' residence. As unfortunate as it was, not everyone could be present here for obvious reasons. To abandon all posts would be beyond dumb. All but Six, Ainz, Shalltear and the Twins sat around a large wide and long table with an ice aesthetic.
"Hm. Aura. Mare. Shalltear."
The three respective heads turned to face the one who stood above all.
"Your participation in this please me greatly. I thank you for donning those outfits."
"There is no need!" It was Aura who had said this. "Any command from will be carried out without doubt."
The other two Floor Guardians nodded in agreement.
"Then let us begin."
Six's eyes wandered around the room he and Cocytus had set up in preparation for this new holiday. It had taken almost the entire day, but the room itself oozed Christmas cheer. It consisted of, snowmen, decorated trees, christmas lights, candles, rugs, and a (fake) fireplace crackling in the background. He watched as Mare, Aura approach the closest tree to them and grabbed as many presents as they were able to in their little arms. Shalltear did the same, however, the other tree held a smaller amount but that were larger in size.
They all handed boxes to the appropriate people situated in the area, leaving the ones meant for them underneath the trees. The jingling of bells on the twins' feet resonated throughout the room as they did this.
"Ainz-sama" Demiurge spoke up after his present had been placed in front of him. "Am I correct to assume that only you and Six are aware of what's inside?"
"Yes, that is true."
"Don't open them just yet." Six spoke after him. "We want you guys to do it all at once."
"Forgive me, but I just don't see the point in these gifts. Serving Nazarick underneath Ainz-sama is the greatest gift of all."
It was the Overseer of the Floor Guardians who had shared their opinions. Though it wasn't said, the rest of the NPC's there all agreed with her.
"Of course, but, well… you'll see."
That was all Six had to say on that matter.
Mare slowly placed a box in front of Entoma who promptly grabbed it and shook it in an attempt to figure out what was inside. She heard something solid knock softly against the box. It didn't help narrow down what could of possibly been inside. She turned to her right and found CZ shaking it dramatically in ludicrous speeds to try and figure it out as well.
"Hmm… I wonder what I got…" Lupusregina went to grab her present as well.
"Its silver."
That quick statement from Six forced the werewolf to cringe as she suddenly jumped back in utter disgust which earned some laughter from the people around him. It was only then did she realize that he was lying.
"The gathering of family… truly an invaluable occasion!" Pandora's Actor spread his arms as he said so. "But the contents within the box are mysterious. What could possibly be inside? An item capable of destruction? Or one that does the opposite…? The suspense is unbearable!"
Six and Demiurge couldn't help but smile at the Doppelganger's words and actions. However, they had different reasons as to why they did so. Ainz let out a cough and watched the final gift to be delivered.
"It seems all of you have received your presents. You-"
"Ainz-sama, I did not receive one." The doppelganger raised his hand as he interrupted him.
Ainz turned his head and looked at his own creation dead in the eyes and said:
"You will not get one." To say that those words did not hurt even in the slightest would be a lie. "But there is a reason as to why."
The last sentence peaked the devil's interest.
"Pandora's Actor has no gift… What does he have that we do not?" He mumbled to himself. A couple of more moments of thinking led him to making an educated guess. "That must be it. It cannot be anything else."
"You. Figured. Out. What. Is. Inside?"
"I believe so. There is only one way to confirm this…"
Demiurge looked at his master and received a nod of approval.
"You may all open your gifts!"
In near unison, all the NPC's either gently and methodically removed the wrapping or simply used brute strength. Others went somewhere between that.
"This is…"
"Bukubukuchagama-sama…"
"..."
"Hm. It seems I was correct."
"Whoa…"
The NPC's all broadcasted their reactions at what they just received. The objects that caused these reactions were the statuettes of every supreme being that had created the respective NPC's. The portions, color, and appearance were completely faithful to them all. They stood upright in unique poses.
"Ah, so that explains why you had me transform so much…"
Ainz nodded towards the NPC he thought of as his own child.
"May I ask who created these?"
It was Albedo who had asked that question.
"It was Six who had done so." Her master informed her.
"I can't take all the credit. Pandora's Actor helped me with the modeling and Ainz with the coloring. It was a team effort."
"Those who could not be with us here have also received these. You will see the others bear similar items as well."
"You sell yourself short, Six. The labor and sculpting that went into this is nothing short of amazing."
The Courier scratched the back of his head in embarrassment at Ainz' compliments.
"But there is one final gift you have yet to give."
"Oh, right. That…"
Six reached downwards towards his hip and drew his Ranger Sequoia. He then aimed it at Cocytus his intent made quite clear.
"This is my personal gift to you. You wanted to spar, no?"
"Yes. I. Did."
Cocytus placed the Warrior Takemikazuchi divine figurine back into the box and faced his opponent.
"Let's take this outside."
Cocytus agreed with him and stepped away from the table. Ainz kept his focus on the two about to spar as they exited the room and wordlessly made their way outside. The Courier went first before being followed by the Vermin Lord.
After they had left, Ainz fabricated the Mirror of Remote Viewing in front of him and let it float in the middle of the room.
"A little entertainment while you dine, no?" He let out a few chuckles.
"The time to dine has arrived!"
From the same door that the two beings had exited from, came along the short and absolutely adorable penguin known as Eclair along with his butlers. They pushed a large cart into the humongous room.
"Hm? Why are you serving the food?"
It was Shalltear who had asked that question.
"Unfortunately, there are no more chores available at the moment. As such, Ainz-sama decided that it should be me who brings the food in."
He said that, but it was actually the masked men in uniforms who did so.
"What about the other maids?"
Solution asked that.
"That is precisely the problem! They're the ones handling it all right now."
"You may begin serving the delicacies."
Ainz spoke up so he could get things rolling.
"As you command, Ainz-sama!"
And with that, the butlers commenced with the servings. Three of them sliced the cake in a slow and deliberate manner. The fourth butler carried a comically large tray of chicken and placed it in the middle of the table where the presents were and then proceeded to go and grab the drinks that each NPC had requested days prior.
A resounding bang came from outside.
Naturally, everyone's attention went to the floating mirror displaying the two in the middle of a snow storm. From what it looked like, it appeared Cocytus had blocked an incoming bullet from Six with his halberd. They stared at each other for a few more moments before Six nodded and sheathed his gun. He then drew out his katana and pointed the blade backwards.
It was then that he charged the towering bug. Faster than the normal eye could see, he swung his blade five times in under one second. Of course, Cocytus was no push over as well. He blocked every single swing with his weapon or nimbly moved out of the way. After a few seconds of defense, Cocytus switched over towards aggression and attempted to throw a punch just out of Six's field of view. The Courier dodged it just in time and then proceeded to wrap his arms around it as a counter. Cocytus couldn't help but clack his mandibles at the surprising amount of strength Six displayed as he yanked the icy arm and forced him to fall on the ground. The Courier went for a punch but found it caught by one of Cocytus' arms. The bug lord raised him into the air and went for an impale. Six deflected it with his katana as he swung his leg and kicked the NPC underneath his chin, causing him to let him go as a consequence. He shifted himself mid air and landed on his feet before rolling away from a swipe.
"I-It looks like they're tied..."
"No. They're not."
Shalltear corrected Mare.
"Why's that?"
Aura asked the vampire.
"Six was the first to land a physical blow, but Cocytus passive has been slowly eating away at him."
The NPC's all focused on the armored man and sure enough there he was opening and closing his hands and slightly shivering underneath all the cold.
"If he can't land anything significant in the upcoming exchanges, then he is sure to lose."
"Well put Shalltear. I didn't expect you to be so analytical." Demiurge's words earned a frown from her. "But I would like to know our master's opinion on the matter."
Ainz' eyes glowed as he realized that everyone was now focused on him.
"Cocytus has already lost this battle."
That was a bold statement. One that took most of NPCs by surprise.
"As for the reason why, it lies solely on the first exchange. Everything had been decided there."
"Please enlighten us who do not understand."
"Six took the initiative and decided to attack Cocytus first. Those flurries of swings were not random. It was a test of one's defenses. I saw a few openings in Cocytus' defenses. But I am a magic caster, not a fighter. There could have been many more I may have missed."
"I'm a little cold right now."
Large mandibles clacked against one another at Six's statement. The harsh snow and the heavy hounding wind wasn't the cause of this. It was the Frost Aura.
"Do. You. Wish. To. Continue?"
"Do I look dead to you?"
Cocytus' face shifted into what was his version of a smile.
"Those. Are. The. Words. I. Wanted. To. Hear."
Six took in a deep breath and held it for a few moments before letting all of his air out. He took a stance and maintained a steady rhythm. He charged again and rushed Cocytus, copying the same movements had he done before. It was something that the Vermin Lord took notice of. The Courier reeled back his weapon and aimed for the same exact place where he had attacked last time. Cocytus decided to act ahead and block the area. It was only then that he realized that he had been deceived. The human's attack had been a feint.
Six redirected his attack at an amazingly fast speed and struck the butt end of his katana directly on Cocytus' face. A moment of disorientation was all Six needed. He rushed further in and performed a knee slide and raised his katana above himself just in time to block what would have been a devastating blow from Decapitation Fang. As he came from behind he used his left hand to karate chop behind Cocytus' legs and his katana to weaken the other as well.
The giant bug fell on both of his knees, but wasn't vulnerable in the slightest. Six watched as his tail came swinging his direction. He made a split-second decision and decided to jump over it and onto Cocytus' back. Unfortunately for him, his legs hadn't been so lucky. He felt a massive amount of pain explode down there which caused him to let out a loud grunt. But that didn't stop him.
"Acala's. Swo-"
Cocytus found a fist come crashing down on the back of his exoskeleton head. It felt as if his brain had suddenly stopped functioning. Six didn't stop there, he landed many more blows to the back of his head with the end of his katana over and over until the NPC finally fell to the ground. A large amount of miniscule snow clouded the area for a second. When it had passed, Six had his Katana placed underneath Cocytus' chin where there was no armor.
"That was… that was a good…"
Six felt all of the feeling in his body completely leave him, as well as his control. He fell forward and let his katana fall towards the snow, causing it to sink into it.
"Oh shit." He let out as he lay there. "I should have been more careful."
He smiled as the snow hit his face.
"Merry damn Christmas."