Goodwill, Chapter 4:

The next day after our close call in Sylvalum, we were on our way to the Commercial District, walking along East Melville Street, when we saw a group of humans, Tree Clan Prone, and Wrothians struggling to put a large Christmas tree in place.

"What's going on over there?" I asked them.

"Urgh... We put up giant tree, but tree too big. Earth alien, Tree Clan Prone, and Wrothian alike all struggle." One of the Prone responded with his deep voice.

"Hmm... How are we going to help them?" I asked.

"That's a good question." Elma pondered.

"I don't know if I'll be of help. And I carry the heavier of weapons, too." Lin said.

"I think I have an idea. Look over there." Mia pointed out to our left. At the joint between the Center and East Melville Streets were Celica and Rock, both of them appearing to be discussing celebrating Christmas.

"Celica and Rock?" Lin asked.

"Yeah. Take a look at Rock." Mia suggested. Then it hit us...

"Of course! Rock looks like he can get the tree setup." I realized.

"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing." Elma stated.

"Me, too!" Lin agreed.

"Well, why not politely ask Rock for help?" Tatsu suggested, to which we all nodded in agreement before heading to the two xeno friends.

"Excuse us? Can we ask you a favor?" Elma asked as we approached the two.

"Oh! Elma, Cross, Lin, and Mia! And Tatsu! Of course. What would you like?" Celica asked with a smile.

"Those guys over there look like they're struggling to put up Mira's first Christmas tree, and we're thinking of having Rock help out." Mia suggested.

"You want me to help those guys put up the tree?" Rock asked.

"Of course." I nodded.

"Well, considering this is our first Christmas, I'd be more than happy to see him help out." Celica nodded with a smile.

"Alrighty, leave it to me to help them out." Rock said before he started walking towards the tree. "Excuse me, guys? I think you guys might like some assistance."

The humans, Prone, and Wrothians all looked at Rock, then each other, before unanimously allowing Rock to accompany them due to his size.

A few seconds later, they finally got the tree up thanks to Rock helping out. With his massive height and strength, he was able to get the tree up in no time, easily setting it upright.

"You did great there, Rock!" Celica cheered at Rock's success.

"Amazing!" I cheered in agreement.

"Yeah! Nice going!" Lin complemented.

"Thanks, guys. I appreciate being helpful around here." Rock appreciated our compliments. I gave Rock another thumbs up for a successful job, to which Rock responds with another thumbs up in return, toothy grin and all.

"Heh, you two really get along well." Celica smiled.

"Well, of course, Celica. I respect Rock's pacifist nature. Not to mention, I love exchanging thumbs up with Rock. We've been doing that since we were looking for you in Sylvalum." I replied.

"That's very nice. I'm glad you and Rock get along just fine." Celica bowed a bit.

"Thank you, Celica. Shall we resume our walk, then?" I asked.

"Of course. Thanks for listening to our request, Celica." Elma thanked Celica.

"Oh, no, Elma. If anything, I should be thanking you. You informed us about the people who are trying to push the tree up into place, and they look like they're on the brink of exhaustion. With Rock around, things became easier. Also, the phogrium samples? The one that's supposed to be a star?" Celica asked.

"Oh? Do you have an idea?" Mia queried.

"Of course. Considering the tree's size, I think Rock's arms can reach the very top. This'll save Skell fuel for another time." Celica stated.

"So you're going to suggest that Rock put the phogrium star onto the tree?" Lin asked.

"Exactly. And the Ma-non are going to plant some lights on the top of the towers, aiming for the star, to make it glow as bright as can be." Celica pointed at the towers.

"Now THAT would make for a bright Christmas!" said a jolly voice. When we turned, we saw L sliding across the snow... wearing a summer shirt and swim trunks.

"Hello, there, L. Also... those clothes..." Elma was about to point out L's shirt before he interrupted.

"We've been learning about the joys of the human holiday they call Christmas. And we've decided to act on goodwill... by making all sorts of new products!" L smiled.

"L? Those clothes of yours? They're really not appropriate." I stated.

"Oh? Whyever not?" L asked as he scratched his head.

"Those kinds of clothes are normally worn in the summer." Elma stated.

"Well, according to history books, some places have what you humans call a "green Christmas". Why is it called 'green Christmas' anyway?" L asked in confusion.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead and eyes. "Never mind, L. Never mind." Elma nodded in agreement.

"Anyways, we heard that the higher ups of BLADE are planning Mira's first Christmas party, and we thought we'd join the festivities. Ah, how we wish you a Happy Christmas. We promise a Happy Christmas." he said the last two phrases as though he were singing.

"Ehh... We get what you mean, L." Mia commented.

"Anyways, we'll do whatever we can to have all of New LA have a Merry Holiday! See you guys later, then!" L got up before continuing his stroll around the Commercial District.

Celica giggled before saying "Anyways, I'm off to continue my stroll with Rock."

"Have fun, then!" Lin replied with a wave.

Then, the announcement occured at BLADE Tower, from Director General Chausson.

"Good morning, fellow citizens and BLADEs alike. You're probably wondering, "What's going on in the Commercial District?"? Well, ponder not. We'll be hosting BLADE's very first Christmas party across the whole district. If you're a xenoform and want to know what a Christmas party is like, you're more than welcome to come. Also, if you celebrate a different holiday, yet still want to come to the Commercial District to buy some things, you're more than welcome to. Just politely inform those who ask about your holiday, and everything will be done right. This is Director General Maurice Chausson, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa altogether."

And then, the announcement came to an end.

"Chausson's getting better at this." Elma commented.

"Certainly. I'm surprised he didn't become "Emperor" after all this time." we heard a familiar voice.

It was Gwin, accompanied by Irina. Both are Interceptors, and former subordinates of Elma from back on Earth.

"Good morning, Colonel." Irina smiled as she waved at us. She and Gwin were wearing different turtlenecks, although Gwin's kinda resembles an ugly Christmas sweater. Or at least, that's what Mia told me it's called.

"Good morning, Irina, and Gwin. How are things?" Elma asked them.

"I'm doing pretty good, myself. I got us some nice Christmas turtlenecks." Irina smiled, but Gwin ended up glaring at Irina.

Then he said "Uh... 'Nice'? This looks more like a stereotypical ugly Christmas sweater. How is that 'nice'?"

As he was glaring at Irina and commenting about his turtleneck, Irina's smile changed into a returning glare.

"Looking like a tough girl as always, Irina." I stated.

"Heh. Thanks, Cross. Anyways, are you planning on attending the Christmas party tonight, Colonel?" Irina asked.

"Of course. Earlier this month, I had doubt as to whether I should celebrate it again after having revealed my true appearance, but Cross reassured me that I can. So, I will rejoin." Elma said.

"Well, that's very kind of you, Cross, reassuring Colonel Elma like that." Gwin smiled, with Irina nodding in agreement.

"What can I say? Elma is my first friend since coming here to Mira, so it's natural that I help her." I bowed a bit.

"Welp, see you at tonight's Christmas party, Colonel!" Irina waved before resuming her jog with Gwin.

"See you later, Irina." Elma waved.

"Now, Gwin, there's gonna be lots of food. But make sure you save enough for everyone." Irina told Gwin as she was walking away with him.

Gwin's response was "Uhh... I suggest you follow your own advice, too, Irina." And I immediately knew Irina would glare at Gwin again.

"There's something I'd like to tell you three." Elma turned her attention towards us.

"Don't forget Tatsu!" Tatsu started hopping around impatiently.

"Sorry, I meant you four. Anyways, if any of you have any ideas for this party, I would suggest telling the higher-ups before the sun sets. That's when the party begins." Elma informed us. "Do you all understand?"

We all nodded.

"Alrighty. I'm going to help decorate the Commercial District for the party. See you guys in a while." Elma said before leaving us.

"Looks like it's just us now." I said. But then all of a sudden, I felt like my arm is being pulled. Turned out, Lin grabbed my hand and started dragging me. Mia and Tatsu evidently started following us.

"Lin! What are you doing?!" I asked out of confusion.

"I have a great idea! I want to surprise everyone! Especially Elma!" Lin replied.

"So where are we going?" Mia asked as she and Tatsu were following.

"Yeah! Tatsu want to know!" Tatsu stated as he struggled to keep up.

"You'll see when we get up there!" Lin insisted as she continued to drag me.

Lin was many things, and stubborn was one of them. In what felt like no time at all, I was dragged all the way to BLADE Tower. It seemed that Lin had an idea to suggest to the higher ups, since they were open to suggestions for BLADE's first Christmas party.

"Um, excuse me! I would like to make a suggestion for the Christmas party." Lin said to the higher ups.

"Ah, greetings, Ms. Koo. I see you brought Cross and Mia along." Nagi greeted us.

"Before we get to the suggestions, may I ask where Elma is? She's usually with you guys." Chausson asked with curiosity about her absence from the group.

"She went to the Commercial District to help with decorations." I replied to Chausson's question.

"Yeah. I was planning on surprising Elma and everyone else with my idea." Lin nodded.

"Alrighty then. So, what idea do you have, Lin?" Vandham asked us. "We're all ears."

"I was thinking of having me and Cross and Mia sing a traditional Christmas song near the end of the party." Lin suggested.

"That's your idea?" Chausson queried, to which Lin replied by nodding. "Well, the whole Commercial District has been reserved for this party, so I suppose that will work."

"Indeed. Though do you have any idea as to what song you wish to sing? If not, feel free to think about it before the sun sets." Nagi stated.

"Wait, a Christmas song?" I asked, turning towards her, confused. "There's songs dedicated just for Christmas?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot to mention that." Lin sheepishly said, rubbing the back of her neck. "It's just some songs celebrating the coming of Christmas. Goes from things like snow coming, to some of that religious stuff... but that's beside the point."

Lin placed her finger on her chin as she starts thinking about what song to choose from.

"What Linly thinking of?" Tatsu asked.

"I'm betting she's thinking of a good Christmas song. And a traditional one, at that." Mia replied to Tatsu's question.

"I know! How about the song called "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"?" Lin suggested.

"Now that's what I call a Christmas classic!" Vandham smiled.

"I do have a slight concern for you, Ms. Koo." Chausson stated.

"Oh?" Lin wondered.

"I do like the choice, but I fear some the lyrics won't make sense anymore." Chausson responded.

"Is that your concern?" Lin asked, and Chausson responded by nodding. "Well... I think it'll serve as a fair reminder of Earth, our former home."

"Well... I guess that's reason enough. If that's what you want, then by all means." Chausson gave his approval.

"Heh. If the Director General gives his approval, then so am I." Nagi chuckled.

"Then consider your idea approved altogether, Lin." Vandham gave a thumbs up.

"Alright! We're in!" Lin reacted very excitedly, then proceeds to grab not only my hand, but also Mia's! Then she proceeded to drag us both! Tatsu then proceeded to make a mad dash to follow.

"Heh. Seeing Lin excited... I think I have an idea of my own." Nagi chuckled again.

"Whatcha thinkin' of, Nagi?" Vandham asked.

"How about an eggnog drinking contest? See who can drink the most eggnog before giving in?" Nagi smiled.

"Heh. I wonder who would participate?" Vandham asked, to which Nagi responds with just a smirk.

"Well, I'll leave that to you two. I'll continue to operate matters, myself." Chausson gave a faint smile before turning towards the windows.