It was a day after Mark's elimination, and Justin was standing in the cargo hold across from Quinn.
"Nice job getting fox boy out," Quinn yawned, checking her nails, "I guess you're at least semi-competent."
"I am- now it's your turn. Eliminate Alejandro," Justin demanded.
"Uhh, no."
"Listen, the deal-"
"The deal was that my friends and I eliminate Heather and Alejandro, and you eliminate Mark and Margo," Quinn interrupted, "last I checked one of them is still here."
Justin scowled, before saying, "Look. I'll see what I can do if we lose again. But if YOU lose again-"
"-I'll see what I can do. Got it." She turned, beginning to walk off.
"Wait!" Justin called. Quinn paused. "If you try to cross me," Justin warned.
"Yeah, yeah, heard it all before. See you around." With that, she was gone.
The intercom began to crackle, and Justin looked up, scowling.
"Attention everybody- surprise challenge time!" Julie announced, "Head to the deck ASAP- and yes, there will be an elimination!"
The contestants began to come out of their rooms, chattering as they headed to the deck. To their surprise, the ship had seemingly been decorated overnight- wreaths on most of the doors, as well as tinsel and lights lining the hallways.
"Woah, they got this up fast!" Tyler grinned.
"How marvelous!" Ella smiled, twirling, "nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like tinsel! Oh, shall we sing a carol!"
"Sure thing, bro! Caroling time!" Tyler took a deep breath, about to sing out, when Justin stopped him.
"Oh no. Noooo singing," he scolded.
"Aww, come on!"
Of course, not all contestants were so excited- or even focused on the change of decoration.
"Another challenge? Already?" Katie groaned, crossing her arms, "Why do we have to compete so often?"
"Here I thought you'd be glad another person was going home," Alejandro responded, rolling his eyes.
At the back of the line, Deborah and Margo were silently chatting.
"I just... I don't know," Margo sighed, "do you think I did the right thing?"
"I'm... not entirely sure I'm the best person to be asking," Deborah frowned.
"Maybe, but what if Mark wasn't lying? Something feels off about all this... and we STILL don't know who put Point in my room."
Deborah sighed, before hesitantly responding.
"Look, Margo, about that..."
"Hm? You have an idea?"
"Not exactly," she started, "look, now that Mark is gone, maybe it's best to... I don't know, move on?"
"Move on?" Margo blinked.
"Look, just hear me out," Deborah insisted, "the incident with Point happened a while back, right? We have no proof that whoever's responsible is even still in the game. Now that Mark is gone, maybe we should just wait things out."
"Look, I get what you're saying," Margo nodded, "but I can't do that. I have to find out who's behind all this. It's the right thing to do."
"Right..." Deborah sighed.
CONFESSIONAL: Deborah
Look, I want to help, I really do, but with the merge coming up I just think it might be best to stay out of everyone's way for a bit. If we're not seen as threats, no one's going to come after us, right?
END CONFESSIONAL
When everyone arrived on deck, Julie and Priscylla were waiting- only they too were wearing something different.
"What in the world are you two wearing?" Alejandro blinked.
Julie wore a red, female's santa outfit, while Priscylla was dressed as an elf. Of course, Priscylla's version of an elf just happened to be completely black and splattered with something that probably wasn't blood.
"It wasn't my idea," Julie huffed, "but I'm getting into the spirit, because today is our Christmas special!"
Priscylla unenthusiastically blew a kazoo.
"...don't all leap up at once or anything," Julie sighed.
Meanwhile, in the crowd, Veronica rolled her eyes, elbowing Lucky in the ribs.
"Sheesh, could you be less obvious staring?"
"What? No, I wasn't- women in uniform, alright?" He scowled, turning away.
"Uh huh. That count for women dressed as Santa too~?"
"Shut up, Veronica."
Julie cleared her throat before continuing.
"Today, you'll have three Christmas challenges, as our Reality challenge will be based off of the show, 'Santa's in the Barn!'"
At this, Lucky snapped to attention.
"Wait, based off of what?"
"Santa's in the Barn," Julie explained again, "a bunch of people dressed as Santa compete to win money."
"And this is a real show that's actually happening?" He blinked.
"That's correct," she nodded.
"...what are we coming to?" He sighed.
"Okay, look, quality of the show aside, let's have some fun with this!" The hostess smiled.
Priscylla unenthusiastically blew her kazoo.
"As I've said," Julie continued, "you'll have three holiday based challenges. Cookie baking, extreme tree decorating, and caroling. The three challenges I mentioned will take place alongside each other. Each team will assign a maximum of three people to each task, with a minimum of two. Whichever team performs the best in each task will earn a point. Whichever team earns the most points will win immunity from tonight's elimination. The three challenges will all go on at the same time, and be judged by a different person. I'll judge the cookie contest, Priscylla the extreme tree decorating, and Pandora the caroling!"
"Sorry, who?" Margo asked.
"Pandora- up and coming musician over in Europe," Julie told her, "they're doing a tour in a week or two and Milton wanted them on because of course he did."
"Oh. Are they any good?" Bridgette asked.
"Eh. Kind of reminiscent of Motley Crüe," Julie shrugged, "I was always more of a Bon Jovi fan- anyway, it's not important. What is important is that you decide what teammates are doing which challenge. There is one more rule- only two people for caroling. We only need a duet."
Priscylla blew her kazoo.
"You can stop that now," Julie told her.
The teams turned, and began to confer with each other.
"I'll take the cookie baking," Deborah offered, "Margo, you want to help?"
"On it," she nodded, smiling.
"Perfect- Tyler, you can help them!" Justin smiled.
"Wait, what? Don't you remember what happened the last time we had a cooking challenge?" Deborah scowled.
"Oh, come on! It wasn't that bad, besides! I can totally help you two!" Tyler insisted.
"NO!"
"Well, the thing is," Justin told her, "we already have Miri and Johnny on the tree, and Ella and I on caroling."
"Do we, now?" Johnny frowned.
"We do," Justin nodded, not even turning to look at him, "so, really, Tyler has nowhere else to go."
"Fine," Deborah sighed, "just... try not to mess up!"
"Scout's honor, bro!" Tyler grinned, saluting.
CONFESSIONAL: Deborah
And there goes our chances of winning the baking challenge. Sigh.
CONFESSIONAL: Justin
See, what I'm doing is making Tyler a scapegoat in case we happen to lose the challenge. Obviously I'm going to win at the carols, so I'm fine, but if he screws up- and he will- he'll be blamed, and voted off. And there goes my competition.
Confessional: Tyler
Man, things are going great! See the way Justin vouched for me just then? He totally has my back!
END CONFESSIONALS
Meanwhile, the Enclave was also finalizing their decisions.
"So, we have Luna, Katie and Quinn on baking, Lucky, Veronica and Finn on the tree- leaving Bridgette and myself to sing," Alejandro recounted, looking to everyone, "is that about right?"
"Works for me," Finn smiled.
"Um, sure," Luna said nervously, glancing over at Katie and Quinn.
CONFESSIONAL: Luna
At first, I was excited- I helped win the first cooking challenge, so I thought I could do good at this too... but working with those two makes me nervous...
END CONFESSIONAL
"Okay, you have your teams," Julie smiled, "if you're cooking, head to the kitchen. Trees, stay on deck. Carols, head down to the clubbouse!"
Everyone began to walk off, except, of course, those who had been assigned trees.
"So... where exactly are the trees?" Miri asked.
"Right over here," Priscylla muttered, gesturing to where the contestants normally ate. The tables had been pushed aside, making way for two trees that had been set up, as well as a box of decorations next to each.
"Dare I ask where the 'extreme' part comes in?" Miri frowned.
"That's easy," Priscylla giggled, "while you decorate, I'm going to launch things at you from a pitching machine. Sound fun?"
"...do you want an honest answer?" Veronica asked.
"Nope! I'll be right back."
Priscylla let out a sinister laugh as she headed off.
"why don't we get to work before she comes back?" Lucky suggested.
The others agreed, and got to work.
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
Hmm, a pitching machine, eh? Seems like there are some opportunities here... if I'm careful.
END CONFESSIONAL
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, both teams were hard at work getting ready- or at least Luna was. Katie and Quinn refused to help prepare, while Deborah balance arguing with Tyler while getting what she needed.
"Come on, just let me help!" He pleaded.
"I told you no!" Deborah scolded, getting a bowl out, "I want to win this challenge!"
"And I can help!" Tyler assured her, "I've been training, really!"
"Uh huh, and have you been training with baking, too?"
"Of course not!" Tyler said, looking offended, "That's not how weight training works! There's leg day, arm and shoulder day, interpretive dance day- baking day would just be empty calories, Deborah! EMPTY CALORIES!"
"Guys, guys!" Margo interrupted, getting between them, "Calm down! If you two actually worked together we could probably cruise through this challenge!"
The two frowned, looking at Margo.
"Look, Deborah, you're the best at this sort of thing- how about you tell us what you need us to do, and we'll do it?" She continued.
"...alright," Deborah answered, "Tyler, grab me butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and let's see..."
To her surprise, before she continued, Tyler had already grabbed all of the ingredients, putting them on the table.
"...that was fast," Deborah blinked, "...nice work?"
"Anything else?" Tyler asked, puffing out his chest proudly.
"Um, yeah. We'll also need..."
~o.0.o~
Of course, down in the clubhouse, the other other four competitors had begun their challenge as well... but were a bit intrigued to find their judge, Pandora, was a figure wearing black pants and boots, as well as gloves and a leather jacket to match. To cap it all off was an odd, almost futuristic biker helmet that completely obscured their face.
"I take it you're Pandora?" Bridgette asked.
"Well, I'm certainly not Santa Claus," Pandora joked, "but yeah, I am. I take it you're here for the karaoke thing, then?"
"I thought it was a caroling challenge," Ella pouted, disappointed.
"I mean, sort of- all you're really doing is coming up here and singing Christmas songs," Pandora shrugged, "each pair will pick a song, sing it, and I'll pick the winner."
CONFESSIONAL: Justin
Perfect. I knew I made the right choice teaming up with Ella- there's no way I'm going to lose this challenge.
END CONFESSIONAL
"So, what song are we singing?" Bridgette asked.
"Something tells me the songs I know are a bit different than the ones you're familiar with... why don't you pick?" Alejandro suggested.
"Sure thing!" Bridgette smiled.
Justin glanced over at the two, before turning to Ella.
"Alright, we're singing Jingle Bell Rock."
"Oh... but I thought we could sing-"
"Well, you thought wrong," Justin chuckled, patting her shoulder, "trust me, this is what's going to give us the win."
"Oh," she pouted, "well, okay..."
"Good! So, I'll take lead vocals, and you can..."
~o.0.o~
On deck, the teams were already in the process of decorating.
"So," Johnny started, "you celebrate Christmas?"
"Me?" Miri asked, "No, not usually. Holidays weren't really big in my house."
He shook his head.
"Not mine either, except for thanksgiving. That was the one holiday we could celebrate, anyway."
"What?" Veronica looked over at them, surprised. "Neither of you celebrate Christmas?"
The two shook their heads.
"Oh come on! It's the best time of the year- Lucky, back me up on this!"
Lucky's response was an indifferent shrug.
"You too?" She blinked.
"Don't worry Veronica," Finn chimed in, " I'm with you on-"
"Yeah yeah. Wasn't asking you, creepy," She huffed, not turning to face him.
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
Well. She just bumped herself up on my priority list.
END CONFESSIONAL
As they continued to decorate, someone cleared their throat from behind them. Everyone turned, to see Priscylla smiling, standing behind a pitching machine.
"Told you I'd be back," she giggled, before firing. Everyone leapt out of the way as she fired off a few shots, before stopping.
"Is it over?" Miri whispered, peeking out. She was immediately pelted with not a ball, but dead tarantula. Her face contorted to one of disgust as she wiped it off, only to realize the entire deck was covered in splattered bugs.
"Do... do you just collect dead arachnids?" Lucky asked.
"It's hobby of mine," Priscylla shrugged, before firing again.
CONFESSIONAL: Veronica
So... many bugs... ewwww.
END CONFESSIONAL
~o.0.o~
Down in the kitchen, Luna smiled as she finished putting the cookies in the oven.
"There! Now we just wait until-"
"DONE, BRO!" Tyler shouted as he pulled their sheet of cookies out of the oven. His face immediately contorted into one of pain as he slammed the tray down, eyes watering.
"Oh, you weren't wearing oven mitts were you?" Margo asked frowning.
"Nope," Tyler squeaked out.
Margo leaned over, turning on the sink's cold water. Tyler immediately stuck his hands in the stream, as Katie and Quinn began laughing.
"Oh, what an idiot," Katie grinned.
"Not funny, Katie," he choked out.
"Hey, don't listen to them," Margo smiled, "you actually did really well during the challenge today!"
"As much as it surprises me to admit it... yeah , you kinda did," Deborah nodded.
"Really?" Tyler asked, face brightening.
"Definitely- we finished way ahead of the other team," Deborah told him, "I guess you aren't so bad after all... now you should probably go bandage your hands."
"Right!" He nodded, scampering off.
The door opened, and Julie stepped inside.
"How're things going in here?"
"Good- we're done!" Margo smiled, handing her a cookie.
Julie smiled, taking a bite.
"This is very good!"
"Thanks," Deborah smiled, "we worked hard on them."
"It shows- Enclave, how're you doing?" The hostess finished her cookie, before turning to face the other team.
"Almost... done!"
Luna slipped on a pair of oven mitts, before removing the cookies from the oven. After letting them cool, Julie took one, tasting it, before nodding.
"Well, there's no doubt both teams did well this challenge, but I'm going to have to give the win to... The Vault Hunters!"
"Yes!" Margo exclaimed, grinning as she and Deborah high fived.
"Oh," Luna sighed, disappointed.
"Don't worry sweetie, you didn't do anything wrong," Julie assured her, "but the one thing the Vault Hunters had that you didn't is team work."
Quinn and Katie rolled their eyes.
"Now, the Vault Hunters have one point- let's see how the other teams are doing!"
~o.0.o~
Up on deck, Priscylla frowned, hands on her hips as she examined the Christmas trees, which were both rather sloppily decorated and incomplete.
"Hmm... well, both teams performed fairly poorly."
"You were launching dead spiders at us, you lunatic!" Lucky snapped.
"I'm going to ignore that. However, I'm going to give the Enclave the win, because their tree has more dead stuff on it than the Vault Hunters."
CONFESSIONAL: Miri
Priscylla needs help. Professional help.
CONFESSIONAL: Lucky
Suddenly I'm glad I didn't pack my good suit this season.
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
I feel it would be remiss to not point out that Priscylla has, as of now, also made my list.
END CONFESSIONAL
"Hey guys!" Julie called out as she, along with the kitchen teams walked out, "How're things going..."
As soon as she saw the stains on the deck, and the contestants who were covered in slime, she fell silent, shaking her head and walking off.
"What happened?" Deborah asked, walking over to Johnny, offering him a clean cloth, "are those... spider legs on your coat?"
"I'd really rather not talk about it," he sighed, taking the cloth and wiping his face, "how'd the cooking challenge go?"
"Great! We won!" She smiled, "How'd things go out here?"
Johnny shook his head silently.
"Oh... well, hey. You tried your best, right?" She asked, smiling, "It isn't over yet."
"No... I guess not." He smiled back.
"...wanna go watch those guys sing karaoke?"
"Heh. Sure thing," he nodded.
"Alright- come on!"
The two made their way down to the clubhouse, where Justin was in a shouting match with Pandora.
"What do you MEAN, five out of ten?" He demanded, "That was great!"
"The point was for both of you to sing, mate," Pandora responded, "I only heard Ella once. No harmony whatsoever."
"You're- ugh, whatever!" Justin turned away in frustration, storming out of the room and turning down the hallway.
"What a duffer," Pandora sighed, shaking their head, "anyway, Al, Bridgette, you're up next!"
"That's... great," Bridgette mumbled, gaze turning to the door, "...I'll be right back."
Bridgette quickly walked outside, Alejandro staring after her.
"Hey- wait! Where are you going?" He called after her.
~o.0.o~
Justin had barely closed the door to his room behind him when there was a gentle knock.
"What, Ella."
"It's me, Justin," Bridgette sighed, "can I come in?"
"...fine."
Bridgette slowly pushed the door open, stepping inside. "Hey... what was that about out there?"
"What was what?" Justin muttered, walking over and pretending to examine something on his shelf.
"You know what I mean. You haven't been acting like yourself lately."
"I've been fine lately."
"No, you haven't!" She insisted, "Look, I'm not judging, but... it wasn't long ago I made some mistakes myself. I'm just worried you might make the same ones."
Justin turned to face her, eyes narrowed. "Stop acting like you care! You don't know what I've had to go through this year-"
"You're right, I don't," she admitted, "but do you really want to make it worse by pushing everyone away? You used to be the face of this show, do you really want to ruin that?"
Justin sighed, saying nothing. Outside, Alejandro paused outside of the doorway. Peeking in at them through the crack.
"Hey... Justin," Bridgette said, taking a step forward, "just, come here for a second."
"What?" He frowned, turning.
Bridgette slowly leaned in, and...
Alejandro's eyes widened as he slowly backed away from the door, turning, and speeding down the hallway. There was a whine as the intercom came on in the hallway, him paying no attention.
"Hey, this is Pandora, just reminding you that I'm still here. Waiting. No biggie. Not like there's a challenge or anything."
Bridgette blinked, turning to the door.
"I, uh, better get back to that..."
"Yeah. You better," Justin nodded.
She sighed. "Just... think about what I've said, okay?"
With that, she turned, heading off. When she finally arrived back at the clubhouse, Johnny and Deborah were still outside, chatting, while Alejandro waited inside, his arms crossed, next to a very bored looking Pandora and a
"Oh, there you are!" Pandora sighed in relief, "Ready to get this going?"
"Ready," Bridgette nodded, smiling, "Al, are you-"
"Don't you 'Al' me!" Alejandro huffed.
"Excuse me?"
"You were pretty eager to go chasing after Justin, weren't you?" He demanded.
"What has gotten into you?" She asked, taken aback.
"My eyes finally opened- you haven't changed at all!" He growled, "I SAW you kissing him! You lead me along all this time, only to-"
"What?" Bridgette gasped, "No, I didn't- we were just talking, I swear!"
"Stop lying, I saw you!"
"I...is that true?" Ella whimpered.
Outside, Deborah and Johnny exchanged glances.
"I think we better go," she whispered. Johnny gave a slow nod, and the two crept back upstairs.
"So, was anything you said to me true?" Alejandro demanded, "Or did you lie about everything?"
"I'm not lying, Al, honest!"
"Ha! As if I would believe you! Who else have you been manipulating, hm? Or was it just me?"
"I haven't been manipulating anyone, just listen to me!"
"So." Pandora cleared her throat, "Are you going to sing, or...?"
"That's it! I'm leaving!" Bridgette scowled, throwing the microphone down, "You're not going to listen to me anyway, so I'll just go!"
"Fine, just walk away then!" He shouted.
Bridgette turned, red faced, and stormed out of the room.
"Huh. Well, I gess that means the Enclave is disqualified," Pandora announced, "So, with a score of five out of ten, the Vault Hunters win. Mediocrity triumphs yet again in the world of music!"
They hopped out of their seat, dusting themselves off.
"For those of you who haven't stormed out already, let's head topside!"
~o.0.o~
Ten minutes later, and Julie was nodding her head attentively as Pandora explained what happened.
"Well, if that's the case- then the Vault Hunters win immunity!" The hostess announced. The enclave silently looked at one another- everyone has caught word of the incident with Bridgette and Justin, and while the former tried to make her case, the latter had said nothing. "Anyway, I have a special surprise for you all after elimination- would you like to stick around, Pandora?"
"Sure thing- besides, it'd be nice to catch up with everyone." Pandora reached up, grabbing ahold of their helmet, lifting it up.
"Wait a minute- SUNNY?!" Veronica exclaimed.
"Yep- miss me?" She smiled, shaking her head. Her short, now a bit frazzled hair had been dyed black, with dark lipstick to match.
"No way- what are you doing here?" Veronica smiled, pulling her into a hug.
"Guest hosting, aren't I?" She chuckled, "Anyway, don't worry, I'll see you after elimination. We'll talk at dinner!"
"Oh, alright!" She grinned, nodding.
"Okay guys, fifteen minutes to chat," Julie told the Enclave, "then it's elimination time."
"I've no need to think about it so long- I'm placing my vote on Bridgette before she can do any more harm," Alejandro said, crossing his arms.
"Seriously? I'm RIGHT here!" Bridgette snapped, "I can't believe you're doing this, please, Al!"
"I'm not listening to you." He turned his back, shaking his head, "How could you do this?"
"Guys, come on!" She directed her attention to everyone else, "Pleass, don't vote for me!"
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
Hm, I had wanted to get rid of Bridgette down the line anyway. This makes a good opportunity.
CONFESSIONAL: Katie
Get rid of Brigette so close to the merge? This is perfect for Quinn and I!
CONFESSIONAL: Lucky
Al's my friend, but, I dunno, something seems off here.
CONFESSIONAL: Luna
I can't believe Bridgette would do something like this- but Al wouldn't lie, he's turned himself around! Maybe there's some mistake?
CONFESSIONAL: Quinn
Heh. I know where my vote's going.
CONFESSIONAL: Veronica
Sorry, which one was Bridgette again?
END CONFESSIONAL
Soon enough, the eight members of the Enclave sat together for elimination.
"Okay, time to give the wheel a spin!" Julie said, reaching over. She gave a quick spin, the wheel landing on a normal elimination.
"Okay, just a normal elimination tonight. First bag of coins goes to... Luna. Lucky, Veronica, you're safe. Finn, you're good, and, who am I kidding, we know who's in the bottom two. Here you go, Quinn and Katie."
She finished passing out the coins, turning to Alejandro and Bridgette as Veronica unwrapped one of the coins, taking a bite and grimacing.
"Ugh. Why are these things always made with the worst possible chocolate?" She muttered.
"Alejandro, Bridgette," Julie said, holding up a bag, "it's down to you two. The votes are in, and...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Alejandro, you're still in!" She tossed him the bag of coins, which he caught, smiling. "Bridgette, I'm sorry. Your journey on this ship is over."
Bridgette stood up, silent. She opened her mouth to say something, before shaking her head and walking over to the edge of the ship.
"...you can only trust one person on this ship," she said, glancing back at them, "and that's yourself."
With that, she jumped off into the life boat.
"Well, that might not have been pleasant," Julie started, "but remember that surprise I mentioned? Head on below deck- it's time for dinner and presents!"
"Really?" Luna asked, starting to smile a little.
"Really," Julie beamed, "Your friends and family sent you letters and gifts to celebrate the season- head on down, and let's have some fun!"
No one needed to be told twice. Every one quickly headed down, where the Vault Hunters were already eating Christmas ham and chatting away. Everyone found empty seats, except for Alejandro, who slunk out of the room miserably- Justin also seemed to be absent.
"It's great to see you again!" Veronica exclaimed as she sat next to Sunny- also at the table were Miri, Johnny, Deborah, Margo, and an incredibly hesitant Lucky.
"It's great to see you guys too," Sunny smiled, nudging her affectionately.
"Pandora now, huh?" Miri asked, smirking.
"That? Well, after last year, even though my exit from the show was a bit... weak, all sorts of venues started opening up for me," she explained, "I really got myself together. Once I chilled out after what had happened, I started to write my best songs, and all the local theaters were eager to have a TV star perform there. I did small gigs for a few months, and then one night a talent scout just happened to be there... she pulled me aside after the show, helped me pick a new look, and signed me to her label!"
"That's great! I don't suppose now that you're a famous rock star you can just give me a million bucks so I can leave this ship?" She joked.
"Heh- well, I'm not quite at THAT level. Yet. But you gotta dream big, right? Turn it up to eleven and all that!" Sunny took a sip of her drink, leaning back, "First album drops in a few months- you want to hear a song later!"
"Hell yeah!"
The chatting continued for a bit, until Julie walked in, a bag slung over her shoulder.
"Gift time!" She began working her way around the room, handing each contestant a gift. Once she was done, everyone began to open theirs.
"Oh, a new opera record from my parents!" Margo beamed, "I can't wait to play it... on the record player I don't have with me..."
"Protein powder and men's fitness? BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!" Tyler cheered.
"Ring-a-ding- this is a fancy poker set," Lucky commented, examining his gift, "but there's no name. Who...?"
"Mine doesn't have a name either!" Miri told him, showing hers, a rather pricey chemistry set.
"Well mine does- thanks, dad!" Veronica said, holding up the latest Pokemon Mystery Dungeon game.
Deborah was rather surprised to find her gift- a box set of the Cowboy Bebop manga from her co-workers.
"Wow... what did you get, Johnny?"
He chuckled, smiling slightly as he held up a new, black leather cowboy hat.
"My sister Ruby sent it out with this note."
"Oh?" Deborah glanced at it curiously, "What's it say?"
"Let's see..." His eyes scanned the note as he tried on the new hat. His smile suddenly began to fade, his expression growing more troubled before he clenched the note in his fist, standing up and walking out without a word.
"Johnny? You okay?" Deborah called after him.
"What's wrong with him?" Margo asked, only for Deborah to shake her head.
"I better go see what's wrong..."
Katie and Quinn's presents were rather unremarkable- a ten dollar Home Depot gift card for Katie, and a soapy romance novel for Quinn. Luna, however, was distraught.
"I don't understand- where's mine?" She asked.
"Oh, you didn't receive one?" Finn asking, putting on a look of concern as he sat next to her, "How odd... perhaps nothing was sent?"
"But... my parents would have..."
"Well, perhaps they've moved on now that you're sailing the seas by yourself."
"No, they wouldn't just forget about me!" Luna insisted.
"Well, if you say so- maybe next year, eh?" He patted her back, standing up and walking out. Luna sighed, resting her head in her hands- unaware her gift was currently resting at the bottom of the ocean.
At the end of the room, Julie stood by herself, sipping a drink.
"Nice of you to give those two gifts," Priscylla said, walking up to her.
"Oh, Lucky and Miri? It was nothing."
"You're being modest," Priscylla smiled, before holding up a box. "Here. For you."
Julie raised an eyebrow, taking the box.
"That's... very nice. Thank you, Priscylla."
The intern nodded, still smiling. "Well, go on. Open it."
Julie glanced at her, before hesitantly opening the lid. Inside the box was what looked like the cracked, broken head of a chicken animatronic, as well as a drawing of what looked like a woman screaming.
"That's... uh..." Julie stared at the contents of the box, falling silent.
"Glad you liked it," Priscylla said, beginning to walk away. She headed to the doorway, before stopping, and turning around to face everyone.
"Merry Christmas, everyone. Sweet dreams tonight."
(A/N: I know, I know, a bit early for Christmas- but I deliberately left a few loose ends that will be tied up in the next episode or OtA which will debut closer to the actual holiday. Not much to say as of now- but I'll have some big announcements soon!)