Well, long time no see, huh? Just when I thought I had my motivation back so I can write more often on here, it vanished away again. Anyway, as you may have guessed, this one shot takes place in the Atelier Sophie dimension with my OC named Martin. And as always, this will be like all the other OC Christmas stories that I do. But for now, here's my last story of this year, enjoy the festivities.
OC Christmas In Kirchen
Kirchen Bell. A welcoming town that is home to its famous alchemist, Sophie Neuenmuller. Or should that be Sophie Glass? Well, after last year's Christmas party that she attended along with Martin, she couldn't stop smiling after her long time boyfriend popped the question. When they came back and told her childhood friends the news, the announcement spread across the town very quickly. Even Harol was unable to ignore it, despite retaining his glum demeanour while working in the clock shop.
Sophie and Martin eventually tied the knot during the late summer and on this night, they were hosting their first Christmas party as husband and wife. But considering the vastly upgraded house they lived in, Sophie didn't want the party to be just inside. She wanted the whole town to join in the festive season. Which was the reason why the town itself was covered with Christmas decorations and a bit of snow falling around.
Of course, she wasn't alone when she suggested the idea. Plachta also wished to experience the joy of Christmas and was curious to see the many friends that Martin knew and showed great curiosity about the other dimensions that Martin blabbed about a while ago. But she knew that such a thought was not needed for this occasion. For the time being, she was going to do her best to be welcoming to Martin's and Sophie's friends from the many other worlds.
As for the rest of the townsfolk, they were already working on the finishing touches to make Kirchen Bell the most festive town in the land. Monika assisted with the locations of the decorations and Oskar did most of the heavy lifting, it somehow made him taller and even lose a lot of weight. While Pamela offered to be a carer for the children, since the church will have its own Santa's Grotto, and a puppet show made by Fritz and his daughter.
Back inside Sophie and Martin's home, the decorations were done and Martin had switched the music box on. It was a gift that was blessed with magic that they got as a wedding present from Corneria. And the winter outfits they were wearing were made by Leon who came back to relax for the holidays before going on her journey to share her tailor-made craft to other places. With all of this in mind, Sophie felt very blessed to have such talented friends by her side.
"Okay, I'm all done on this side of the wall." Martin said as he got down from a wooden ladder. "What about you, dear?"
"Yeah, everything's well spaced out near the living room." Sophie replied. "I even remember to cover the cauldron safely, even though I don't think anyone will use it."
"Remember that it's important to be fully protected of your own valuables at all times, Sophie." Plachta reminded. "Even a misstep from a guest may cause a few accidents."
Martin came downstairs to join in the discussion. "Somehow, I doubt any of my multi-dimensional friends would do that. Besides, were not sharing any alcohol in this house, full stop."
Sophie frowned at him. "Especially when you came home drunk the night before the wedding."
"You were quite lucky that Julio didn't go far with you." Plachta said. "I wouldn't want my worst enemy to be target practice."
Martin shivered. "Yes, yes...I learnt the hard way of what a hangover is like. Rest assured, not a single bottle is in this room."
"Good...just making sure that you're sober with me." Sophie hugged him. "After all, anything that's on your mind, we can get through it."
Martin could only smile as he hugged her in return. "Of course, my sweet. I've grown out of a lot of my old habits at least."
Their moment of calm romance was interrupted when they heard a knock on the door.
"Looks like the first of many guests are here." Martin gently pulled away. "I'll handle the door."
"Okay, we'll get the buffet and drinks ready by the kitchen." Sophie replied. "Mind helping me, Plachta?"
"Of course, let's get to it."
As they went off to the kitchen, Martin opened the door to greet the first of what he knew would be several guests.
"Evening, Martin. Looks like we're the first ones here." It was Matthew and one of his girlfriends, Cecilia.
"Hey, Matthew. I guess Arnold was able to help you get here." Martin replied. "Evening, Cecilia."
"And a wonderful evening to you." Cecilia nodded. "Are we quite early?"
"We're just about to begin, come on right in. We have several coat hangers in case you need them."
Matthew and Cecilia walked inside as the Christmas music in the background was playing away.
"Sheesh, that's Christmas tree is bigger than mine." Matthew said. "How did you manage to fit that in?"
"A lot of weight lifting, thanks to some harsh training." Martin answered. "Oh, I see some more arriving."
He opened the door to greet two pairs of guests.
"Good to see you, Gary and Randy. And evening to you to you, Blanc and Noire. Come on right in."
"Heya, Martin, what's good?" Randy responded.
Gary chuckled. "Bare with him, he's been like this after we travelled here."
The four of them walked in and hanged their coats up.
"So you had a chance to make it here after all, then?" Matthew asked.
"Yeah, it was kinda strange to walk through a town that's in a different period." Gary replied. "Reminds me of all those RPG games where we can't break the fourth wall."
"Hey, that's my line. Go get your own." Randy remarked.
Noire sighed. "I swear, you two just don't stop with the randomness."
"They're only getting it out of their systems." Blanc smiled. "It's what husbands do sometimes."
"Except that Randy isn't my husband...yet." Her face went a little pink.
Martin noticed it and wondered if something was brewing, but he heard a knock on the door.
"Better get that." He opened it to bring another two guests in. "Hey there, Mike and Tiffany. Glad you got here as well."
"Oh tell me about it." He replied as they went inside. "It's not easy going through a town like this with no phone signal."
"I don't know why you're complaining, dear." Tiffany said. "It's not as big as our home, but it has a nice RPG charm to it. Nikki would love it here."
"Yeah, except that there's no wi-fi or internet servers in this dimension." Martin replied. "But we do have magic to make up for it."
As they settled in the living room, Martin went and opened the door to bring in more guests.
"Alex, great to see you! And Emma as well."
"Evening, Martin." He replied. "And congrats on the wedding."
"Yes. We're sorry that we couldn't make it." Emma added.
"It's fine. I heard you both were busy, but you can tell me later." Martin responded. "Oh, I see another two coming along."
"Hiya, Martin! We're here now." It was Callum and Levia.
"Nice timing, come on in."
Closing the door, Martin looked around to see the living room becoming more lively, it felt like a real party, and yet, there were still more to come. And this was proven correct when he heard another knock on the door. He answered it to bring in two more guests before seeing two others in the distance.
"Oh, hey Owen." Martin said. "Is it just you this time?"
"Yeah, Dylan wasn't able to attend this year." He replied. "Arnold will tell you when he gets here."
"Hiya, it's nice to meet you." Hibiki greeted.
"Likewise, come on in." Martin let them in and looked back to see Arnold and his wife Milfie arriving. "Evening you both, nearly everyone else is here."
"Hi, Martin. Sorry you had to see us showing up like this." Arnold replied as he sighed. "It's...not easy getting over what we went through."
"But we're okay now." Milfie assured. "We're here to join in, so we can feel happy once more."
"Of course, come right in."
He let the two of them in and closed the door.
"So, is this everyone this year?" Martin asked.
"Yeah, Mark and Nene are away on a festive holiday in their dimension." Arnold replied. "They call it the city of love and Mark wanted me to show you a picture of what happened."
"Oh sweet, lemme see." Randy said as the guys got around when Arnold showed a phone of Nene's hand having a ring on her finger.
Matthew hummed. "Well, well!"
"So he finally popped the question to her, about time." Callum said.
"You can't rush into marriage, you know." Mike shook his head. "Things take time to grow and develop, like all relationships."
Alex agreed. "And you know that better than anyone."
"Is there anyone else?"
"Yeah, Darin and Ethel couldn't make it either, they're busy moving into their new home in Zelwinds." Arnold answered. "Lewis was planning to come along, but Segami fell ill, so he chose to prioritize looking after his love."
"Can't blame him there." Matthew said.
"So, if it's okay to ask." Gary pondered. "What actually happened to you and Milfie?"
Arnold sighed. "Right...well, remember when Milfie and I announced that she was pregnant again? Unfortunate, an unfortunate accident occurred and my wife got injured. She was at a technology showcase event with her old Angel Wing team to celebrate the tenth anniversary of EDEN's liberation from evil. But suddenly, one of the stage light supports broke and fell down, taking a large speaker down with it."
'I somehow have a horrible feeling where this is going...' Martin thought.
"Milfie was about to be crushed by it, but Ranpha dashed in to save her at the last second. However, a part of the stage light support caught my wife in the stomach as she was moved away to safety. That was when she told me that she had...suffered a miscarriage." Arnold looked down in sadness. "Thankfully, Milfie was taken to hospital quickly and was able to recover from the accident. But nothing...nothing could take away the pain of the loss that she and I felt that day."
"Oh shit, dude." Randy replied.
"Damn...that explains why we didn't hear anything from you since last year." Callum said.
"I can't even imagine what I'd do if that had happened to my wife." Mike added.
"And that happened back in late Spring, right?" Martin asked.
"Yeah, but after several months passed, we were able to move on from that, thanks to the incredible support we had from all of our friends." Arnold replied. "Especially Ranpha who felt guilty with how it happened, even though she knew it wasn't her fault."
"But the important thing is, is that you're here, your wife is still with you and you have a son." Matthew reminded.
Yep, and that's why we're here to have a moment of happiness with you lot, even though none of you seem to have changed."
"Haha, look who's talking." Randy said. "Though it leaves me wondering if CPUs can get pregnant."
He was suddenly elbowed by Gary. "There's a time and a place, dude. Learn it!"
"I don't think any of us are ever gonna change." Calum said.
Owen nodded. "Agreed."
Meanwhile, the girls were busy sharing the same topic somewhat.
"Are you feeling better these days, Milfie?" Tiffany asked as she gave her a comforting hug.
"Yeah, it was a few months ago when it happened, but I'm all right now." She replied, hugging her back. "I was devastated for me and my husband. Especially Edward who said he'd be happy to be a big brother. It took him a while to understand, but he's already growing into a smart young boy."
"I bet he is, considering how long it's been since you brought him into the world." Levia said.
"You and Arnold are approaching ten years of being together, right?" Emma asked.
"Yep, and happily married for almost five years. Hard to believe that my son is approaching five as well, he'll be starting school soon. Just like Brian."
"Brian is Ranpha's son, if I remember." Cecilia said.
"Yeah, we're not sure if they're going to the same school, but I think it'd be sweet if they do. They could grow up to become good bros."
Arnold suddenly showed up and put his arm around her. "Considering Brian has most of Ranpha's side, I somehow have a feeling that they'll develop a rivalry, but without the need of using fire and ice magic."
"Hmhm, you really have a habit of showing up by surprise, honey."
"Should we move somewhere else?" Hibiki asked.
Noire remarked. "This is just Arnold showing off a little, pay no attention."
"Being able to carry on despite a heartbreaking loss." Blanc said. "This could be just what I need for my next novel."
"As long as you make sure to use different names." Levia advised.
Shortly, a lot of buffet food was coming out of the kitchen, being served by Sophie and Plachta as they placed them on a long line of tables at the end of the dining room. Martin took this as a chance to chime on of the glass to get everyone's attention.
"If I could have your attention, please!" He spoke. "I wanna say a big thank you to everyone who was able to come to the party for this year. I'm sure that for you as well as me, we raise a drink to the man upstairs who without his creativity and knowledge, none of this would be possible. And in each year that goes by, we remember that what we strive for and what we accomplish is through his blessing. No matter the dimension we each live in."
"Hear hear!" Callum replied.
"Now then, let's get some grub and later on, we'll have our annual ballad dance and the traditional spin the bottle game!"
The others cheered and the buffet part of the party was beginning. While that was happening, there was a frantic knock on the door.
"Hm?" Martin opened it. "Oh, Monika? What's going on?"
"Martin, is Sophie here? We've got a situation!" She replied, panting.
"Monika, what happened?" Sophie asked as she rushed over.
"Dark Magic has been sighted near Forgotten Nursery. Firis and Heintz got caught up in it."
"What?! Then we have to do something."
"I'll go." Plachta volunteered. "Lead the way and I'll assist in rescuing them."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. You and Martin are responsible for hosting the party. We're more than capable of dealing with this issue."
Sophie nodded. "Okay, but make sure everyone else is free to help out before you leave."
"We will." Monika replied. "Let's go, Plachta."
Monika and Plactha rushed out of the house, leaving Martin to close the door. Thankfully, everyone else was too busy enjoying the party to notice.
After a while passed, the buffet part was over and a slow ballad began to play.
When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He'd trade the world
For the good thing he's found
Martin and Sophie got to dance first as they were the hosts this time. They danced very closely with their arms around each other, smiling together.
If she is bad, he can't see it
She can do no wrong
And turn his back on his best friend
If he puts her down
Eventually, the others joined in. While it wasn't exactly a Christmas song, the couples didn't mind a short break to clarify their loves for one another.
When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
And trying to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comforts
And sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way, it ought to be
When a man loves a woman
I give you everything I've got
Trying to hold on to your precious love
And baby baby please don't treat me bad
The ballad soon ended and there were some kisses being heard. Martin then brought out an empty bottle from a kitchen cabinet.
"Alright, gentleman. Gather around this table and see who's getting the hosting role this time." He declared.
"Think each of us have hosted a party at this point." Matthew said.
"Yeah, only a few left right now, but let's find out." Arnold added.
Martin laid the bottle on its side and spun it round before it eventually slowed down and stopped with the top part pointing at one guy.
"Woah! So it's gonna be me for the next one, huh?" Alex asked. "Good thing we managed to solve the latest Crossbell crises before this happened."
"Yes. Although, we don't celebrate Christmas in our dimension." Emma said. "So this will be unusual for our friends."
"Well, it isn't for a full year, so there's no need to rush." Arnold replied. "By the way, have you been able to get a house of your own yet?"
"We were thinking that for a while, but we've yet to find a home to settle down together." Alex answered. "With things finally settling down all over Erebonia and Crossbell, we're focusing on our commitments, while setting plans for long term stuff, such as having our own house."
"Well in that case, how about we each come to visit at different times to help you?" Matthew suggested. "I'm sure the paradox will not happen if we do it sparingly."
"Hmmm, that might be risky, but it may just hold on, if we do this one travel at a time every few months, and not all at once." Arnold said. "But we can talk details another time. For now, I think we're ready to head back to our own dimensions."
"Yeah, that may be for the best." Gary agreed. "I promised to celebrate another Christmas party back home with the others in Gamindustri."
"How much energy do you have?" Owen asked.
He smirked. "I'm married to a CPU, what do you think?"
"Point taken."
"Okay, take the friendly squabbles elsewhere." Martin intervened. "Anyway, thank you all for coming once again, and we'll hopefully see you next year, Alex."
"Yeah, same here." He replied. "See you folks."
"Yes. We'll see you again soon." Emma added.
One by one, the guests started to leave the house with Alex and Emma leaving first. Calum and Levia left next, followed by Mike and Tiffany. Gary, Blanc, Randy and Noire then left.
"Well done on a top-notch party." Arnold praised.
"Thanks." Martin replied. "Looks like Mark and Darin will be keen to not miss out next time."
"We'll have to see. Anyway, goodnight to the two of you."
"Yes. We'll be much happier next year as well." Milfie said.
The two left and then Matthew and Cecilia left. The last to leave were Owen and Hibiki.
"Say, thanks for the party, it felt strange to be in a world where we don't have modern stuff." Hibiki said.
"True, it's vastly different, but I think each dimension has its own charm." Martin replied. "Good night you both."
"Yeah, we'll see you next year." Owen replied.
The two of them left before closing the door. By then, Sophie had the tables cleared and some of the dishes in the sink.
"What a night, my dear." Martin said as he put his arms around her from behind. "I feel kinda tired after hosting tonight."
"Me too, this was quite exhausting, but it was so much fun as well." She replied before blushing. "But...I'm not ready to sleep just yet."
Martin's eyes were wide open. "Uhhh..."
Sophie held his hands. "Well, Plachta isn't here right now. And I want us to celebrate in our own way right now."
"Say no more, dear. It's a husband's duty to keep his wife happy and loved." He then lifted her up, carrying her like a bride. "Hold on tight, we're heading for the bedroom."
She giggled as she held him close. They walked up the stairs to the new floor that was built and expanded on a while ago. The bedroom section was moved up there to provide more privacy and additional storage for any of the materials Sophie has gathered from her explorations. They reached the bedroom and Martin laid her down the bed before laying next to her.
"Merry Christmas, my dear Sophie." He said quietly. "I love you."
"I love you so much, Martin." She kissed him. "Merry Christmas."
As they embraced on the bed with pink hearts flying out of the window, the festive mood of the season continued to shine around Kirchen Bell as snow began to fall around the many parts of town. It would be a memorable Christmas that would be remembered for a long time, with many more to come.
THE END
And we are done!
This also wraps up what's been yet another year of being unable to write more on here. And going forward, I'm not sure if I wanna keep up the yearly tradition, if I keep losing motivation everytime I think of writing something big on here. Maybe I'm just too hard on myself, or I always seem to have a concern that what I write on here may not turn out to be worthy enough for me to publish it.
I can only pray that the new year will give me more ideas and motivation to write regularly on here again. But if you believe that what I do is good enough, then feel free to fave my stories or follow me. Perhaps the year coming will give me what I need to publish bigger stories on here like I used to.
