[i]Izuma wiped away a tear as she walked across the grass to the pagoda. It was midnight on the isle, dark and yet as warm as always. Faint light from the Christmas lights strung from trees illuminated her visit, but left her in shadow under the pagoda’s roof. Setting down a rectangular frame, she placed a pair of candles next to it, and lit them. The soft torchlight flickered onto the surface revealing the art: a family portrait. It never really happened, of course, being an idealized get together, but it certainly looked nice. Set on a flight of stairs, Zbruh laid on the top step, the twins Azruphêl and Dauphin a step down at his feet. To their left and right stood Pestilence, also known as Virus, and Cell-3, rendered in exquisite detail. Several steps down to make space stood the strange offspring of so many, Evelyn-3, her arms crossed in the middle. Not too far from her, but on the same step, stood Ronin, portrayed with both blades sheathed. Beneath Evelyn sat a tall, strange figure of gold: Orion, the perfect. And lastly, on the same step as her brother-but between Evelyn and Ronin-was a rendition of her, wings unfolded and smile beaming. Izuma knelt before her homage to her family, and cried alone, with none of them to comfort her. She tried to sing, then hum, a song of Christmas her mother taught her, but it was no use. With her memories lost and devoured, she could not remember. Crying in her misery, Izuma’s bracer displayed the time, 12:00. A few moments later, a message appeared. Confused as to who would message her at this time, she opened it to reveal an audio file. Eager for anyone, she let it play. Instantly, a holographic rendition of her mother appeared, arms folded across her chest like always.[/i] “Merry Christmas, my dearest Izuma. If you are hearing this, that means my internal processors have stopped communicating with the Aegis, which likely means I have passed on. And if I have perished, a fair amount of my simulations rendered that in the case of you surviving, many of your friends would unfortunately not survive. I am truly sorry if you must spend this Christmas vigil alone. But be not afraid. I am with you always, as long as you wear the bracer. Watching, guiding and protecting you is a task I will happily perform until I die. You are not alone. I love you, my little laugh, and I will never leave you. And today, I wish a very merry Christmas. The Aegis will teleport you a cup of hot chocolate shortly. I do not have any gifts that you would like, but I can give you something else...” [i]A cup of cocoa appeared before Izuma, and Evelyn began to sing Silent Night for her. By the end, Izuma was able to sing along, and smiled as the song completed. The hologram said their goodbyes, and faded.[/i] “Merry Christmas mom. Thank you.” [i]Izuma smiled, and the night wasn’t so lonely anymore.[/i] [spoiler]I got this idea for a story in my head, and had to let it free. Merry Christmas to you all![/spoiler]