Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year one and all!
December 21...
As usual, Giorgio was sleeping in the darkened hotel room when he heard a knock on the door. "Go away," he whined.
Giorno opened the door and said, "È un modo per salutare tuo padre a Natale?"
Giorgio shot out of bed and asked, "Natale? Today's Christmas?!"
"Four more days until Christmas, actually." Giorgio immediately jumped out of bed and ran into the closet to pick out something festive. Giorno chuckled. "Non fallisce mai. Basta menzionare il Natale e lui diventa dell'umore giusto."
Giorgio came out wearing a black Santa hat, a Los Angeles Kings jersey, white pants, black shoes, a Flag of Italy scarf, and the happiest face ever. "So, what are we doing for Christmas? Ornament shopping, dinner preparation, Christmas caroling?"
"Actually Anne invited us to help prepare for the Christmas festivities," said Giorno. "I'm not going to spend Christmas with my son in a dark motel room. And...there's a Christmas surprise for you later."
"What surprise," asked Giorgio. Giorno smiled and put a finger to his lips. "Right. No telling. I'll get the umbrella."
At the Boonchuy residence, Mrs. Boonchuy carried a box of decorations and hung a garland, and placed mini Christmas items. At the kitchen table, Domino was in a Santa Claus outfit. Mrs. Boonchuy put a Santa hat on her head, and she meowed softly. At the living room, she placed more Christmas items on the bookshelf and fixed the Christmas tree. In the kitchen, Mr. Boonchuy was sporting a festive sweater as Anne bobbed her head to Christmas music. Her mother came in and put a green Santa hat on her head, which she adjusted with a smile. The doorbell rang and Mrs. Boonchuy let the Giovannas in. She quickly closed all the windows and curtains so the sun wouldn't get in for Giorgio's sake, then Giorno and Giorgio helped with the preparations.
The Plantars on the other hand, were watching the scene with total confusion.
"Anne, what's happening?" asked Hop Pop.
Sprig jumped onto the table and grabbed an Elf On The Shelf like it was a knife. "Are we under attack? Are these fortifications? Booby traps? Weapons?"
"Dude, calm down," said Anne as she took the decoration from him. "It's just Christmas."
"It's what?" all three Plantars asked.
"Oh, right," said Giorgio. "You're aliens who have no idea about Earth holidays."
"Ah. A holiday," said Sprig. "Neato! So what's it about?"
Before Anne could respond to that, the phone rang and Mrs. Boonchuy picked it up. "Happy Holidays from the Boonchuys. ... Yes. This is she. ... Really?!" She put her hand on the speaker and said to everyone, "It's the downtown L.A. Christmas-Palooza Parade! There was a last minute opening!" The Boonchuys gasped with excitement while the Giovannas smiled in approval.
The Plantars had no idea what was going on, but decided to go along with it and gasped in pretend excitement. Anne showed them a poster of the event and said, "It's the Annual Holiday Parade. Local businesses and schools and sports teams all make floats. It's always my mom's dream to have one at the restaurant."
"The heck is a float," asked Polly.
"A big statue made out of cardboard," said Giorgio.
"And cardboard is...?"
"Every answer just brings more and more questions," said Hop Pop with a sigh.
"Could this finally be the year," Mr. Boonchuy asked his daughter and they giggled and danced with anticipation. But anticipation turned to confusion when Mrs. Boonchuy said "Thank you so much... I can't believe it, but I'm going to say no." and hung up the phone.
"Mom, why'd you say no?!" exclaimed Anne.
"Honey. As much as I would love a Thai Go float and I love Christmas more than anything, it would way draw too much attention to us."
"Yeah. But..."
"I mean three frogs from another dimension parading in front of all of L.A.? Even in disguises, that's hardly keeping a low profile." The Plantars felt bad when Mrs. Boonchuy said that.
"True, especially not with all the Stand users that keep popping up all over the city," said Mr. Boonchuy. "And there's that agent that's trying to capture you guys."
"Honestly, we're just happy you're home to spend the holiday with us. That's more than enough for me," said Mrs. Boonchuy as she entered the kitchen.
Anne followed after her and said, "But this is your dream."
"Yeah, well...we can still do all the normal traditions," Mrs. Boonchuy said with a fake smile. "Carols, cookies, decorating the tree, gifts, the family Christmas card."
Mr. Boonchuy grabbed a camera and said, "Ooh, that reminds me. I picked the theme for third year's card. 'Candid'. It's gonna be groundbreaking."
"Huh. What was last year's theme?" asked Sprig.
"Ungulates." Anne said, pointing to the Christmas picture hanging on the refrigerator. Giorgio winced in disturbance at the sight of the Boonchuys and Domino in ungulate pajamas and asked, "Di chi è stata quella stupida idea?"
"Ahem," said Anne, glaring at him. "Don't think I don't know what you just said."
"See? We can still have a great holiday without a float at the parade," said Mrs. Boonchuy.
Mr. Boonchuy snapped a picture of the Plantars, and the camera's flash stunned them. "I'm gonna need to be quick on the draw if I wanna capture us in our..." His cheery mood ceased when he saw the photo. "OH MY GOODNESS! Okay. Next time no flash."
Giorno's cell phone rang and he answered it. A brief conversation in Italian later, he said to Giorgio, "That's the surprise. I gotta go to the airport. Can I trust you to not get into trouble while I'm gone?"
Giorgio stared at him as if to say, "You're joking right?"
Meanwhile, Anne said, "Right. So uh... JoJo, the Plantars and I... have something else to do. OK. Bye." She grabbed them and ran upstairs to her room, then dialed her phone. "Hi. Yes this is Anne Boonchuy. You just called about a parade float for Thai Go. Well, we'd like to change that no to a yes. ,,, Great! Thanks! Bye!"
"WHOA!" exclaimed Sprig.
"PLOT TWIST!" shouted Polly.
"Anne, what're you doin'?" asked Hop Pop.
"Did you see my mom?" replied Anne. "She was clearly devastated and trying to hide it."
Giorgio said, "It's true. Anyone can tell that smile she made was forced. She doesn't want you to get sad during Christmas."
"I did sense a subtle melancholy," said Hop Pop.
"My parents have already made too many sacrifices for me," said Anne. "Well, no more. This year, I'm gonna give them the greatest present ever. The parade float of their dreams. Are you with me?"
The Plantars cheered, but Giorgio said, "One problem. What exactly do you know about making a parade float? Because I sure don't."
"Pfft, how hard can it be," Anne asked as she looked it up on her phone. Her eyebrows raised a little. "Whoa. Very hard. Well, I'm no quitter! Let's go make that float!"
"Before we go, could you explain this holiday to me?" Sprig asked.
"No time! We only have a few days so let's motor, people!"
Meanwhile, in Mr. X's apartment, the agent was feeling the holiday blues. "I should be off duty right now, enjoying Christmas with the family. But instead, I'm forced to do community service because of one little mishap in Hollywood!" He groaned glumly. "Jenny, please tell me you've got me some Christmas cheer. Preferably in the form of eggnog?"
Jenny shook her head and handed Mr. X a drone. "Ooh, is that the new model drone that FBI is working on?" He took the control from Jenny and pressed a button. "Let's see what this baby can do." He pressed a button and the drone flew up and crashed into the ceiling. "Steering's kinda tricky. What's this button do?" He pushed it and a bunch of weapons popped out. "Ooh, sweet. And I know what I want for Christmas. Those froggy aliens in cages! And with this, I'll get my Christmas wish!"
The Plantars (after putting on their human disguises) and Anne hailed a taxi and got in. And where was Giorgio? Stuffed in a wooden box. Yep, they were going back to basics. "Are you comfy, JoJo," Anne asked him.
"Not really."
The cab driver looked back and asked, "Is there someone in there?"
"None of your business," shouted Polly. "Just drive!"
The driver, feeling intimidated, obeyed her.
As they drove down the streets, Anne and the Plantars looked out the window to see the Christmas environment. Decorations hung from every traffic light and street lamp, Christmas trees were placed outside store fronts, charity Santas were standing by street corners ringing their bells, and everyone was wearing winter clothes. They even saw a busker woman singing in front of one of the stores.
"I'm sure you feel it coming, there's something on the breeze.
It might be slightly snowing or 70 degrees.
Regardless of your hemisphere, the holidays are here.
And with them come the tiding of this special time of the year."
"Sorry you can't see it, JoJo," said Anne. "What with you being stuck in a box because of your vampirism."
"It's alright," Giorgio reassured her. "I'm not sad because I know it will be even more beautiful when nighttime comes."
"So, what's the plan, Anne?" asked Polly. "How we making this boat?"
"Float. And don't worry, I've got a great idea for this bad boy," said Anne as she showed the Plantars her plan who made an impressed "Ooooh!"
"What does it look like," Giorgio asked.
Anne ignored him and said, "The first thing we'll need is some technical help. Anyone know any tech experts?"
Polly grinned as she held up Anne's phone. "Do I?"
At the IT Gals' residence, the Palm Tree Community College, the place was alive with Christmas activity. Robots played music, danced, and served eggnog and cookies.
"Thank you so much for helping me with this float," said Anne.
"No problem! We'll do anything electronic, animatronic..." said Ally.
"...technotronic... really any other 'tronic'," said Jess.
"Thanks you two," said Anne. "You're absolute lifesavers"
"Hey, don't mention it," said Ally.
"Now go grab some eggnog and enjoy the party," said Jess.
"I'm not coming out of this box until there is no sunlight," Giorgio's voice called out.
"Oh. Right. Girls, could you, uh..."
"Say no more," said Ally. "Polly told us about Giorgio's vampirism." She pressed a button on a remote and metal covers closed on all the windows, darkening the entire room until the only traces of light were the Christmas lights.
Giorgio climbed out of the box and said, "You know I'm a vampire? And you're not scared? Hell, I'm surprised you believe it."
"Hey, if there exists a planet of alien frogs," said Jess. "Then there must exist vampires. Uh, for the record, our blood is not on the menu." She held up her fingers, forming a cross.
"First of all, that cross thing doesn't actually work," said Giorgio. "Second of all, I made a vow not to drink human blood, only animal. Thirdly, just because I'm a vampire doesn't mean I can't enjoy normal food."
"You can eat normal food," Ally asked as she handed him a cookie.
"Yep," he said as he took a bite out of it. "Although, no matter how much I eat, I don't feel full. I could eat an entire all-you-can-eat buffet and still feel hungry. The only thing that satisfies the hunger is blood. Which is why I always buy raw bloody meat."
"Can we not talk about blood for a moment," said Anne as she danced with a robot cat. "I'm feeling grossed out." Then it pooped out a cookie. "Ooh, cookie! Yum!"
"Yeah, let's talk about something else," said Hop Pop. "Like, what IS Christmas?"
"Y'all...never heard of Christmas?" Ally asked the Plantars.
"They're frogs from another planet," said Giorgio. "Of course they wouldn't know."
"It's a holiday! You celebrate, get a tree, decorate," Ally explained.
"You make cookies, party hard," said Jess.
Sprig made a confused look. "'Get a tree'?"
"Cookes," exclaimed Polly happily.
"I'm still confused," said Hop Pop.
Ally said, "Just be careful when you're tying lights to the tree. If you get the voltage wrong...BOOM!"
"Nothing ruins Christmas like a tree on fire," said Jess.
Hop Pop took some notes. "Flaming trees, bad. Got it."
Jess snapped her fingers and said, "Oh! Forgot to mention that on Christmas you have to get a gift for the person who means the most to you." She gave Ally a cute face as she said that last part.
"It better be good too," said Ally to the Plantars. "A bad gift can pretty much spoil the whole thing."
Sprig looked at Anne, who was dancing with the robots and said, "So what you're saying is I have to get Anne the perfect gift...or I'll ruin Christmas." He curled into a fetal position and began rocking back and forth.
"This is one of those stressful holidays, isn't it?" asked Hop Pop.
"Unfortunately, yes," said Giorgio. "Especially for the parents. Look at this." He showed the Plantars videos on his phone of people fighting each other over Christmas presents presents, ornaments, and food.
"Dear frog," shuddered Polly.
"Okay, we're done here," said Anne. "Back in the box, JoJo."
"Aw..." whined Giorgio.
After hailing the next taxi, Anne said, "All right! Technies secured! Next up, we'll need some decorations to populate the float. And I think know just who'll have some. I just have to send her a message to close all the shutters so no sunlight comes in."
"Okay, the windows are all shut," said Anne. "You can come out now, JoJo."
Giorgio climbed out of the box and looked around. "What are we doing in the Natural History Museum, Anne? I thought we were looking for decorations." The museum was also affected by the holiday virus. Decorations and ornaments from different cultures all over the world were everywhere, ranging from Christmas, to Hanukkah, to Kwanzaa, to Yule.
"We are," said Anne. "The ones I have in mind don't come from a store."
The Plantars were amazed by the decorations. "I didn't think this place could get any crazier," said Hop Pop.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jan snuck up behind one of the museum patrons and said, "Hello, sir!" causing him to scream in fright. She ignored that. "Interested in learning the history of mistletoe?" The man didn't respond and made an uncomfortable look as she continued, "It's a not-so-jolly tale of monarchic betrayals and bloodshed originating in the early 13th century-" She never finished her sentence as she saw Anne, Giorgio, and the Plantars, giving the man the chance to run away. "Anne! JoJo! You're just in time for a festive lecture. Strap in."
"Yeah, sorry, but we don't have time listening to a lecture on the dark history of Christmas," said Giorgio. "We need to build a float for the parade and Anne thinks your exhibits are the perfect building materials needed for it."
"I don't THINK! I KNOW! But yeah, Dr. Jan, can I borrow some exhibits for the float?"
Dr. Jan said, "OOOOHH, I love the Chistmapalooza parade! You could use some mannequins and wintry flora from our dioramas. Take your pick."
"Thanks, Dr. Jan! My mom is gonna love this! JoJo, I need your freakish vampire strength to help lift some of these."
While JoJo helped Anne, the Plantars turned to Dr. Jan. Hop Pop cleared his throat, getting her attention and asked, "Dr. Jan? You're an educator? We need a clear answer here. WHAT IN THE FLYING FROG IS CHRISTMAS ABOUT?!"
Dr. Jan grabbed him by the cheeks and said with excitement, Interest? In history?! My time has come!"
Meanwhile, Anne somehow made her way into the exhibit of Neanderthals, scaring away some kids in the process. She took out a measuring tape and said, "This bone structure is perfect for Santa!"
At the same time, Giorgio came across some stuffed reindeer. "Why look, eight tiny reindeer." He was about to grab them when a security guard stopped him and said, "You can't touch the displays."
Giorgio instantly hypnotized him. "You'll let me take the reindeer," he commanded.
"Okay," said the guard.
While Anne and Giorgio were busy gathering ornaments, Dr. Jan was explaining the history of Christmas to the Plantars. "It started with recognition of the winter solstice and the burning of the yule log in the 4th century."
Hop Pop took down some notes. "Okay, four centuries."
Meanwhile, Anne and Giorgio found a stuffed red-nosed reindeer. "Well, hello, Rudolph," Anne said, doing an impersonation of Humphrey Bogart. Giorgio lifted the reindeer up with ease. "Where do you want me to put this?" he asked.
Dr. Jan continued her lecture with the Plantars, not seeing or caring how lost and confused they were. "But many modern traditions come from the ancient Roman feast of Saturnalia. There's also the Dutch Sinterklaas."
Next, Anne and Giorgio came across a wooly mammoth. "So many options. Wooly mammoths are wintery. Nah, it'd never fit. But, maybe..."
Giorgio sighed. "I'm on it." He lifted the mammoth up with one hand. "Where do you want me to put it?"
"Others argue it has less to do with history and more to do with the interests of major soda conglomerates," continued Dr. Jan, not knowing the Plantars were completely bored out of their minds now.
"Make it stop," groaned Polly.
"My head hurts," groaned Sprig. "IT HAS TOO MUCH KNOWLEDGE!"
"And all of this resulting a celebratory period of feasting and gift-giving of family and friends!" Dr. Jan concluded. Then she saw something that made her gasp: children climbing on the T-Rex skeleton and playing dentist with it. "Oh, no, not again. Please excuse me."
Polly fell onto her side and groaned, "I give up. We'll never understand this stuff."
Hop Pop looked at his notes and said, "I think I'm starting to get it. It sounds like Swamphollow's Eve. But without the ritual sacrifices."
"I still think it's all about giving presents," said Sprig. "Whatever I get Anne has to be really good. Perfect, even. Or else!"
"Okay, guys. Ready for our next stop?" asked Anne. The Plantars screamed when they saw the huge collection of mannequins she and Giorgio gathered. "What?"
"I think I spoke too soon about the ritual sacrifices," whispered Hop Pop.
Giorgio reached for his phone. "I'll have Passione deliver this stuff to the Thai temple, Anne. They'll keep it there until we can build the float. Well, back in the box for me. What's our next stop?"
After the Passione agents delivered the goods to the temple, Anne, the Plantars, and Giorgio-in-a-box took the next cab to the next stop. All the while they drank some hot cocoa Anne bought beforehand and listening to Christmas songs on the radio.
"A bucket of fried chicken, costume for your dad,
A demon who will stuff you in a sack if you've been bad.
A reindeer gets promoted, an old man confronts his fear,
Of karma and mortality, this special time of year."
Up in the sky, Mr. X's drone flew across the city.
"Hello, Los Angeles! Now, where are those frogs," he asked as he used a special helmet to see what the drone was seeing.
The drone suddenly flew into a flock of pigeons, causing the drone to lose control and crash into a billboard.
He took off the helmet, revealing bloodshot, tired eyes. "Man, I have GOT to get better at these controls," he said as he took a gulp of Gatorade.
Giorgio's phone buzzed and he answered it. His eyes widened. "Anne, we gotta stop by your house. My dad has the surprise ready!"
"Okay."
They arrived at the house a few minutes later, stepped inside, and let Giorgio out of the box. "Alright, Dad, what's the surprise? Ooh, is it the keys for my new Alfa Romeo?"
"Why would we bring a car here," asked a woman's voice.
Giorgio's eyes widened. It couldn't be. He entered the living room and gasped at what he saw. Sitting next to Giorno on the couch was a woman of Italian descent with long black hair, honey brown eyes, a white shirt, black pants and black shoes, and a round five month pregnant belly. She smiled at Giorgio and said, "Ciao, figliolo."
Giorgio was at a loss for words at first, then muttered incoherently. "He's speaking in tongues," Hop Pop shrieked. "That witch put a curse on him!"
"Eh, what did you call me, prune face?"
"Prune face?! Why I oughta-"
Anne stopped Hop Pop before he could get in a fight with the woman. "JoJo, who is this woman?"
"She's my mom," said Giorgio.
"MOM?!" exclaimed the Plantars.
"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Giovanna," said Mrs. Boonchuy, shaking Giorgio's mother's hand.
"Please, call me Erika." Erika Giovanna got up and approached Giorgio with a warm smile. But then the smile became a frown as she plowed a fist into Giorgio's head and shouted, "Che diavolo stavi pensando? Letto vuoto! Nessuna nota! Passaporto andato! Fuori di testa dalla preoccupazione!"
Giorno said to her, "That's what I said, dearie. He's already learned his lesson."
"I don't care! Your father told me everything, Giorgio! All this, just because you wanted to prove something you were not! And you caused the Stand user population to grow to the point people started to notice them! Honestly!" It seemed to go on for hours and Erika shouted herself hoarse before she turned to the Plantars and said cheerfully, "Ah, these must be the ones who've been taking care of my stupid son. Hmm. They ARE talking frogs. I hope Giorgio hasn't given you any trouble."
"Trouble, no," said Polly.
"In fact, we all cause trouble," said Sprig. "It's one of our favorite hobbies."
"Please, don't hut us, Mrs. Giovanna," said Hop Pop fearfully. "For your baby's sake."
Erika rubbed her belly and said, "She can handle it. Oh, that's right, Giorgio. You're gonna have a sister."
Giorgio, still rubbing his head from the pain, said, "Great. Uh...can I...?" Erika nodded. Giorgio rubbed his hand on
And then Erika's eyes fell upon Anne, who nervously said, "Uh, hi, Mrs. Giovanna. Now look, before you say anything, I just want to explain..."
"You don't have to say anything. Giorno told me everything." Erika patted Anne's head and said, "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
Anne nodded her head. "You have no idea."
"Well, since you're here, Mrs. Giovanna," said Mr. Boonchuy, as he flashed another picture. "What will you be doing?"
"I'm here on vacation," said Mrs. Giovanna as she stood next to her husband. "So, I thought to myself, why not help out with the Christmas feast?"
"It's alright," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "I can take care of the food. I wouldn't want you to stress the baby," she gestured to Erika's belly. "And also I don't want anyone else working in MY kitchen," she added through gritted teeth.
"I insist," said Erika, her soft tone giving away to a little anger. "I can handle my way around a kitchen."
"Uh-oh," said Anne. "I think our moms have started a rivalry, JoJo."
"Sì," said Giorgio. "Le cose stanno per mettersi male."
Mrs. Boonchuy grabbed a knife and pointed it at Erika. "NO ONE TOUCHES ANYTHING MY KITCHEN EXCEPT ME, MY DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND!"
"I LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY, BUSH HAIR!" Erika shouted.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME, TWIG GIRL?!"
The two mothers glared at each other while electricity cracked between them. Giorno and Mr. Boonchuy backed away nervously, wanting to not get caught in the middle of this. Giorgio whispered to Anne, "Think we can pull this float off before our mothers tear each other apart?"
"I hope so," she whispered back.
December 22...
At the Thai temple, the community all pitched in to help Anne build the float. "Thanks for your help, everyone!"
At the Willowbrook Mall, Anne and the Plantars stopped at Bob's Bulbs to pick up some Christmas lights. Sprig stayed behind to look for the perfect gift for Anne. First, he tried a TV. "Hmm... Nuh-uh." Next, he tried a puppy. "Nope." Then he tried a sad clown painting. "Garbage! It's all garbage!"
The artist who specialized in sad clown painting sighed sadly. "He's right."
Back at the Boonchuy residence, the matriarchs of the Boonchuy and Giovanna family were making dinner...or at least, they would if they weren't trying to kill each other. You'd think that with a pregnant belly, Erika would be more careful, but no. Mr. Boonchuy and Giorno did everything in their power to try to pull the two women away from each other.
Eventually, Giorno had to use Gold Experience Requiem to turn the bread dough into kelp which wrapped around the two fighting women, but they still seethed with rage towards each other. Giorgio groaned in annoyance at this scene. "I need blood," he said. "A plenty of it." He called for fifty pounds of raw bloody meat via a food delivery app.
December 23...
"WHO WANTS COOKIES?!" Mrs. Boonchuy and Erika asked as they got in their children's faces.
"And you're going to say my cookies are better, right, son," asked Erika.
"No, MINE are better, right, Anne," asked Mrs. Boonchuy.
"Alright! Enough is enough! I am not going to let you spend the rest of your Christmas vacation fighting with my friend's mother, Mom," said Giorgio with finality. "Either you two get along or I'll have Dad's Gold Experience Requiem turn all the food into the kind of food only the Plantars can eat! Think about it, we'll all be eating bugs for Christmas dinner!"
"That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea," said Hop Pop.
"Hey, Mr. Giovanna," said Sprig. "Can you make me a big pile of stink bug specials?"
Erika turned green and gagged. "Okay. Fine. We'll get along. Just don't ever make me eat bugs."
"Same here," said Mrs. Boonchuy.
"Good," said Giorgio. "Now, I'm going to go to sleep. It's still daylight out there, and I better not hear anymore arguments during the Christmas season," he said went upstairs to the attic.
After finally putting aside their petty argument, Erika and Mrs. Giovanna baked some cookies together with the help of their children and the Plantars. Mr. Boonchuy snapped a picture to capture the moment, only to frown in disappointment when it showed Hop Pop sneezing.
At night, in the garage, Anne had Frobo turn on his lights, so she could finish the star to go on top of the float with a soldering iron, while in the attic, Sprig tried to make a model with paint and popsicle sticks, while Domino watched him. But then he gave up and threw it away. He gestured to another model he made earlier and screamed in anger, "GARBAGE! IT'S ALL GARBAGE!"
Domino barfed a hairball on him.
Meanwhile, at the Some Fancy Hotel, Giorgio was leaning out the window, looking out at the city lights, humming Silver Bells...when he heard his mother sing with him. "Silver Bells, silver bells, it's Christmastime in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day." She stopped singing and said, "What are you doing here? I thought you were helping Anne with her little project."
"Just thinking about something," Giorgio replied as he looked out at the city again.
"If this is about my behavior at the Boonchuys' I said I was sorry."
"It's not that. I got over that. It's just...I want to get my friends Christmas presents, but it's kind of a problem when two of my friends are stuck in an alternate dimension."
Giorno, who had been listening in, said, "You mean Marcy and Sasha?" Giorgio nodded.
"I'm honestly surprised you still consider those two your friends," said Erika. "One tricked her friends into stealing a music box that took you to another world. And the other tried to kill you when you helped Anne stand up to her."
"I admit, they did make stupid mistakes," said Giorgio. "But their time in Amphibia, they changed. I feel like they've become better people. Anne is proof of that. Just like me. I thought I could be my own man so people won't see me as just an extension of Dad, and while I did good, I also caused more problems than I realized. Like starting a turf war on a continent-wide scale." He exhaled softly. "I hope those girls are okay."
Giorno cleared his throat and changed the topic. "So, what do you plan to give Sasha and Marcy?"
"Well, for Marcy, I got her these," said Giorgio as he held up a pack of cards. "Tarot cards. She always loved fantasy anime, so I figured I'd give her something with a hint of magic to it. As for Sasha..." He stopped and fidgeted. "Honestly, I don't know what to give her. I mean, what could I give to a girl who is smart, cunning, brave, stubborn, pretty-"
"You like this girl, don't you," teased Erika. "As more than a friend."
Giorgio's pale face blushed pink. "No! I mean, why would I like someone who tried to kill me? So what if she is smart, cunning, brave, stubborn, pretty-"
"You know, when people deny that they like someone, it usually means that they do," Erika said with a smirk.
Giorgio muttered, "So what if I do? I mean, it's not like Sasha likes me back. She never showed signs of crushing on me or dumb shit like that. Anyway, I just want to get her a Christmas present, that's it!" The blush did not leave his face. "And besides, I don't know what to give her."
"You've known her before arriving in Amphibia, right," said Giorno. "Try thinking about what she likes, and what she dislikes, and use that to make the gift if you can't find it."
Giorgio made a thoughtful look.
December 24...
The float was finished. The IT Gals hooked the float to their tow truck, then, they along with Anne and the Thai community observed it. Since it was still daylight, Giorgio had to watch it via video chat on Anne's phone.
"We did it! Whoo!" Anne high fived Sprig. "Thanks, guys. Mom and Dad are gonna love it. This is gonna be the best Christmas ever!" The Rudolph model fell off, nearly hitting Anne. "We can fix that."
"With what, more superglue," asked Giorgio. "Or maybe duct tape?"
"I'll hang up on you if you make fun of me again."
Upon returning home, Anne dragged her pajama-clad parents out of the house. "OK. So I really wanted to do something special for you guys since you've done so much for me. And well... open your eyes." They did and what they saw made them gasp. The float looked like a Thai temple with Christmas elements, complete with statues holding candy canes and a snow globe, elephants dancing with reindeer, and a big Christmas tree in the center of the viewing platform.
Ally and Jess popped out of the tow truck, yelled "SURPRISE!" and honked their horn.
"Wow! This is amazing!" said Mrs. Boonchuy with a giggle. "But what about keeping a low profile?"
The Plantars popped out from the top of the float with Hop Pop dressed as Santa Claus and saying, "Ho Ho... Uuhh... Line?"
"Ho!" Polly said, showing him the script.
"Are you sure? Doesn't sound right."
"See? No one will suspect anything," said Anne. "I wasn't gonna let you give up on your dreams 'cause of me. You wanted this for so long and you deserve it."
Mrs. Boonchuy hugged her daughter. "It's perfect. Thank you so much."
Anne hugged her back. "Merry Christmas, Mom."
Mr. Boonchuy snapped a picture, but to his disappointment, it came out blurry. "GOSH DANG IT! I will get the perfect holiday photo or I will DIE TRYING!" The Rudolph model fell off again, almost hitting him. "I'm sorry, Santa!"
December 25...
Nighttime came and the parade was underway. Floats of all kinds were seen. A giant Santa in a chair, a giant teddy bear, a giant sombrero, and a giant Grumpy Cat. But the one that was the most imaginative and original was Anne's.
The announcer shouted, "Welcome, everyone, to the annual holiday parade! And introducing newcomers... THAI GO!"
At the top of the float, Polly and Sprig were throwing candies to the people lined up to watch the parade while Hop Pop did his Santa act. "HO HO... uumm... line..."
Polly couldn't believe it. How could her grandfather forget a simple line? "Ugh, you gotta be kidding me. You're an actor!"
The Boonchuys were on the viewing platform, waving to the people down below and cheering. "Whoo!" cheered Anne. Then she noticed her mother crying. "Mom? What's wrong? If it's not perfect, I'll fix it!"
"No no. It's just really nice to be part of the community like this. Ever since your father and I came here from Bangkok, it's been a challenge fitting in. I've always thought making it into this parade would mean we had family done it."
"Wow... I never knew you and Dad felt that way and after months at Wartwood, I know what it's like feeling out of place," said Anne as she put an arm around her.
Down in the crowd, the Giovannas watched the parade go by. Giorno said to Giorgio, "You really outdone yourself, you and Anne."
"Thanks, Dad. Although, Anne was the one who came up with it, I just helped whenever I could."
"Still, you did do a good thing," said Erika.
Giorgio smiled. "Now if only I can find a gift for Sasha."
"What? You still haven't found one yet?"
"I'm still thinking, okay?!"
However, lurking behind an alley, Mr. X's drone hovered silently. "A fine time for a parade. Too bad I won't be able to find the Boonchuys and those frogs here!" And then the drone spotted the Boonchuys' float. "Well... that was easy. Now, if I'm gonna capture those aliens, I'm going to have to be discreet. Let's see..." Then he spotted the giant Santa float at the front of the parade. "Let's get festive with this!" He flew the drone into the float and... "And I have no idea what to do next. Ooh, what does this button do?"
Wires and cables popped out of the drone, taking control of the float's limbs. "Robotification complete. Equipped for battle and ready to rock!"
Mr. X and Jenny blinked. "Well...that's...concerning," said the former. "Did you know it could do that?" Jenny shook her head. "Damn, girl, those boys in the back room really outdone themselves."
Mrs. Boonchuy laughed as she, her daughter, and the Plantars danced on the viewing platform. "You were right, Anne. I shouldn't have been so worried about everything. I can't believe I almost missed out on this! I love Christmas so much!" she shouted, earning herself a cheer from the crowd.
Mr. Boonchuy grabbed his camera and aimed at his family. "This is gonna be SO candid." Suddenly, the Santa float sprang to life and grabbed onto the Thai Go float just as the camera flashed. "Aw man. Well that's definitely ruined."
"IT'S ALIVE!" shouted Anne.
"How is this possible," asked Hop Pop
"Uh...Christmas magic?" was all Mrs. Boonchuy could think to say.
The Santa float grabbed a giant candy cane and raised it like an axe. The people in the crowd, oblivious to what was going on, went "Ooh!" A man said, "Wow! This is a big step up from last year." But then they changed their tune and screamed when the Santa float slammed the candy cane into the Thai Go float.
"I gotta help them stop that thing," said Giorgio as he broke away from his parents.
"Giorgio, get back here," shouted Erika.
"WRRRYYY!" Giorgio shrieked as he flew up, grabbed the candy cane and threw it at the Santa float, impaling it.
"JoJo," shouted Anne. "Is this the work of a Stand user?"
"No. I'm not feeling Stand energy! Something else is controlling that float!"
Polly leaped onto the IT Gals' truck's windshield and shouted at them, "WE GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE, NOW!"
The IT Gals said, mesmerized by the living Santa float, "BU-BUT... GIANT ROBOT!"
"ALLY! JESS! PUNCH IT!"
The IT Gals snapped out of their trance and said, "RIGHT!" They slammed the truck in reverse, then drove down the street, carrying the Thai Go float with them.
The Santa float tore the candy cane out of its chest and gave chase. Rocket launchers popped out of its shoulders. "Present launchers activated."
"Hold up, presents," asked Polly. "Maybe we should hear this guy out." The rockets fired, almost hitting the Thai Go float. "Stupid robot, those presents are deadly!"
In his apartment, Mr. X winced. "Ooh. Wrong button. Okay, set to capture mode. We don't want to cause too much property damage."
The Thai Go float turned to the left. The Santa float collided with a building and then got up and continued to chase them. Polly said to Giorgio, "JoJo, use your Stand on that guy!"
"I can't! DARE doesn't work on machines, you know that!"
Anne's blue hair and eyes glowed brighter as she combined her Ripple with her Calamity powers. "Come on guys! Grab anything you can and fight back!"
Sprig tried to rip off the Rudolph statue but it wouldn't budge. "Really?! NOW you're unbreakable?!"
The Boonchuy parents tore off the decorations and threw them at the Santa float. Anne tore off the snow globe, charged it with Ripple and launched it at the Santa float. Giorgio flew up and punched a hole in the float's chest, then used his eye air jets to slice it to pieces. "Did we get it," asked Polly.
Suddenly, cables popped out of the pieces and they put themselves together, albeit in a very monstrous way as it let out a roar.
In his apartment, Mr. X frantically pressed buttons. "No! No! Stop! The controls aren't responding!"
"I AM SO SICK OF ROBOTS!" shouted Anne.
"He's too powerful!" exclaimed Hop Pop.
"Anne, does Santa have a weakness?" asked Sprig.
"Should we throw milk and cookies?" suggested Mr. Boonchuy.
"I don't think that's going to work, you guys!" exclaimed Anne. Sprig and Polly ripped out a giant cookie float decoration and used their combined Ripple to launch it at the Santa float, decapitating it. "Well, I'll be damned," said Anne, impressed.
The cables shot out and reattached the head to the body.
"You got anymore ideas," asked Giorgio.
"We're out of decorations to throw," said Sprig.
"We're all out of... everything," shouted Anne.
Suddenly, the Thai Go float stopped. "Hey, why aren't we moving," Giorgio shouted at the IT Gals.
"We've hit a dead end," shouted Ally back.
Everyone gulped as the Santa float loomed over them and turned its hands into saw blades. Then suddenly, something launched itself into the robot's body. It turned around to see Giorno Giovanna glaring at it. "Santa, you're the one being naughty." Then he groaned. "Erika, why did you insist I say that?"
"Because it's Christmas Eve," Erika said. "There HAS to be a bad Christmas joke."
The Santa float's eyes glowed red and marched toward Giorno and Erika. "Mom, Dad, get out of there," shouted Giorgio.
"Wait for it," said Giorno. The Santa float got closer... "Wait for it." Closer... "Wait for it." The Santa float raised its fist...and then it let out a groan and bent over as if in pain.
"What's going on?" asked Anne.
"What I threw in the float was a pine tree seed," said Giorno. "One whose growth I accelerated with Gold Experience Requiem. I might recommend everyone standing back."
The robot let out one final metallic shriek as the tree erupted from its chest, Alien style. Everyone watching the scene went "Ooh!" as the tree grew and grew. A passing family walked by and the son asked, "Daddy, is Santa going to be okay?"
"No, Timmy. I don't think so," said the father.
"What could have caused this," Giorgio asked as he inspected the float. "Wait. What's this?" He pulled out the drone from the float's neck and looked it over. He then made an angry face and crushed the drone as he realized, "Mr. X."
Mr. X put down the controls with a look of fright. "Jenny, honey, we're going to have to skip town for a long time."
"Police are still cleaning up the debris well into the night."
"Driver, turn off the radio," said Giorno.
"Sure thing, boss," said the limo driver.
After the police dragged the Santa float away, Giorno called for his limo to pick everyone up. The IT Gals went home via their truck.
For a while, everyone was quiet, then Mrs. Boonchuy started laughing. Anne looked at her, concerned, "Mom! What's wrong? Are you OK?"
Mrs. Boonchuy still laughed and said, "That was so dangerous!"
Soon, everyone was laughing, then they sighed.
"A murderous Santa robot," said Mr. Boonchuy. "Never thought I'd see that! Here's our home."
The limo pulled up in front of the Boonchuy residence and everyone got out.
"Scary stuff," said Sprig.
"It was the combo of jolly AND murderous that really made it feel special," said Hop Pop.
"Mom, sorry my gift almost got us killed," said Anne.
"Anne, stop." Mrs. Boonchuy turned to face her. "Your heart was in the right place and that's what Christmas is all about."
"IS IT?" Hop Pop exclaimed.
Anne hugged her mother. "Thanks, Mom."
Polly said, "I am so confused."
"Can someone finally explain what this holiday actually means?" asked Sprig.
"Sure, Sprig, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," Giorgio said. He cleared his throat and said, "'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."' Christian Bible, The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, Verses Eight to Fourteen." He smiled and said to the Plantars, "That's what Christmas means."
Sprig groaned in frustration. "I STILL DON'T GET IT!"
"I guess it's about spending time with the people you love and all the presents and traditions are just a way to express that love," said Anne.
"But at the end of the day, all that matters is that you're together," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "Like your father, he's still happy even though he didn't get his perfect photo."
Mr. Boonchuy made a sly smirk. "Oh, didn't I?" He took the photo out of his pocket, one that showed everyone doing victory poses in front of the defeated robot Santa float. Everyone was impressed and asked how he did it. "Candid, baby!"
"So it's not about the gifts at all?" asked Sprig.
"Nope," replied Anne.
"Phew... 'Cause I tried to get you the perfect present but it's not that good. I'd much rather spend time together instead of giving-"
Anne snatched the present from Sprig. "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
"No, really, it's dumb!" Anne ignored him and opened the present. It was a little wooden model made in her image. "It's you. 'Cause... you know... You're my hero."
Anne bent down and hugged the young frog. "Thanks, dude."
"OK, even I think that's sweet," said Polly.
"Now, let's go inside and eat cookies!" shouted Mr. Boonchuy with Christmas cheer.
"COOKIES!" The Plantars and Boonchuys shouted as they ran in the house.
"Well, I guess that's the end of Christmas," said Hop Pop.
"I'll probably never understand it, but you know what? I like it," said Sprig.
"Oh, what about them," asked Anne, pointing to the Giovannas.
"They can come in," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "We can all eat the feast together!"
Erika and Giorno entered the house, but Giorno stopped when he realized Giorgio was sitting on the stoop, not moving. "What's wrong?"
"I still haven't found the right gift for Sasha," said Giorgio. "I had hoped that our fight would have given me some inspiration, but nothing."
Giorno said, "I think you're trying too hard, Giorgio. Don't give her something so complex. Think of something simple. Now come inside before the food gets cold."
Giorgio did not move from his spot as his father went inside. He heard singing and he looked across the street to see the busker singing her song as she walked down the sidewalk.
"Whatever makes you happy, whatever gets you through
Whatever lets you know that I am feelings this with you
If you believe it's special, then that's what makes it special
It's a special... it's a special...
It's our special... time of year."
As he watched the woman go, Giorgio got up and walked into the house. Time for Christmas dinner.
After dinner, Anne decided to write a very important letter. The sound of footsteps approaching quickly made her stop. She looked up to see Giorgio. "What are you doing up so late, JoJo?"
"The sun hasn't risen yet," he said. "I'm still a creature of the night. I'm hoping that a night on the town will help inspire me to find Sasha's Christmas gift. What are you doing up?"
"Uh...just...writing a letter to a few important people."
Giorgio seemed to understand who she was talking about. "I see. I'll leave you to it. Oh, and..." He handed her a small wrapped box. "I got you something."
Anne smiled and handed him a box. "I got you something, too."
Giorgio placed it down on a chair and said, "I'll open it when I get back. Buon Natale, Anna."
Anne smiled and said, "Buon Natale, JoJo."
Giorgio widened his eyes. "Did you say...?"
"Surprise! I'm learning Italian thanks to an app on my phone. I'm hoping that we (you, me, Sasha, and Marcy) can use this as a way to communicate with each other in secret."
Giorgio smiled. "What a...nice thought. I think."
He left, leaving Anne alone to her thoughts. After tossing away a few drafts, she finally knew what to write. "I can't imagine spending the holidays without your family. I know how hard it is to be apart and not know of you'll ever see each other again. So I'm writing to let you know that your daughter is alive. She's trapped in another world, but I promise... I'm going to bring her back home safe. Signed... a friend."
She wrote that letter three times: two of them to Sasha's parents and one to Marcy's parents.
As Giorgio looked out over the city, still shining with Christmas decorations, inspiration struck him and he exclaimed, "I GOT IT!"
In an undisclosed location, Funny Valentine watched Terri sleeping at her desk, the inter-dimensional portal halfway done. "I already sent my wife her Christmas present," he said softly as he placed a box next to her. "I think you deserve this present." Then he returned to his quarters.
⬅ To be continued...