268 Side Story: The Symbol
Hard at work, Aleph silently hacked away at a large tree. It wasn't very tall, only about 9-10 feet. Though, it would still be dangerous if it fell on someone.
("This will be great.") [Aleph]
Aleph had looked for a particular tree shaped like a triangle. He intended to cut it down, but it was much harder than expected.
("Ah, screw it.") [Aleph]
He dropped the ax he borrowed from the fort and pulled out his bow. Winding it up, it only took three arrows to puncture three large holes in the tree.
"Okay, that'll do." [Aleph]
The tree was now barely standing with the perfectly aligned holes. All that was needed was a little bit of whittling, in which Aleph would do with the ax he dropped.
"Timber~!" [Aleph]
Swinging with all his might, the tree fell.
"I've always wanted to say that- Uh-oh." [Aleph]
Quickly realizing the tree was going to fall on him, Aleph rolled out of the way.
"Phew, that was close. Now, all I need to do is get this to the fort." [Aleph]
He placed his hands on the tree and lifted with his legs. Unfortunately, Aleph alone was only able to bring it a few inches off the ground.
"C'mon!" [Aleph]
Pushing even harder, his face reddened. Aleph's legs shook as he tried to use sheer willpower, but it ended with him dropping the tree.
"Damn!" [Aleph]
Aleph stepped back and placed his hands on his hips. With heavy breaths, he tried to think of a solution.
"Well, this leaves me no choice. Gotta bring in the big guns." [Aleph]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
A few moments later, Aleph returned with Askyros in tow.
"Is this what you called me for?" [Askyros]
"Yeah! It's Christmas! Wanna help?" [Aleph]
"..." [Askyros]
All he did was give Aleph a strange look.
"C'mon, you know it right? The one with Santa Claus and everything?" [Aleph]
"...I have heard of it." [Askyros]
"And now is your chance to participate in it!" [Aleph]
Askyros glanced at the tree.
"Hm." [Askyros]
Without a word, Askyros picked the tree up with one hand and hoisted it onto his shoulder.
"Wow. Never doubted you for a second big guy." [Aleph]
Askyros replied with a grunt of acknowledgement.
"Okay, can you take it to the fort? I have something else to do." [Aleph]
"Are you getting presents?" [Askyros]
Aleph froze.
"How did you know…?" [Aleph]
"You mentioned Christmas. I know the customs, not the experience." [Askyros]
"...Can you keep it a secret until I bring it over?" [Aleph]
Askyros gave Aleph another weird look.
"How many presents will you be bringing?" [Askyros]
"Enough for everyone." [Aleph]
"In what form?" [Askyros]
Aleph raised a brow.
"...The hell is that supposed to mean? I mean- just don't worry about it. You'll see." [Aleph]
Askyros let out a dissatisfied grunt.
"I will go." [Askyros]
"Thank you~ You're the best boss man. Ah, but can you call everyone to the dining hall in about… three- no, four hours?" [Aleph]
"...Hm." [Askyros]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
A few hours later…
"What did you call us for, Askyros?" [Ryse]
Askyros sat at one of the dining tables whilst every soldier of the fort gathered with curiosity and confusion.
"We wait." [Askyros]
"...What?" [Tida]
As soon as Tida spoke, Aleph burst in.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" [Aleph]
He had returned in red and white clothing, along with a face beard and mustache. Aleph had also stuffed something underneath his shirt in order to make him look chubbier, which had more than a few people puzzled.
"I've got gifts!" [Aleph]
Over his shoulder was a decently sized leather bag, around the size of your average backpack. It was just that there were more contents within than it looked when Aleph continued to pull out a stream of wrapped boxes.
"...Is that a bag of holding?! How did you get a bag of holding?!" [Ryse]
"Don't sweat the small stuff! Everyone take a box! It's yours!" [Aleph]
Though somewhat bewildered, everyone took a box.
"Well, what are you guys doing? Open it up!" [Aleph]
Most inspected the boxes, trying to find a way to open the gifts.
"Rip it up! Tear it open! Show some aggression!" [Aleph]
Heeding his words, everyone quickly tore open the boxes.
"...Huh?" [Ryse]
Checking the contents, Ryse was surprised to see a scarf with the symbol of a hammer and sword weaved into it.
"What is this?" [Ryse]
Looking up, he found that everyone got one.
"I heard our battalion doesn't have a banner yet. How about this one guys?" [Aleph]
Askyros looked at his own scarf given to him.
"...It is good." [Askyros]
The scarf wasn't high quality, but the thought behind it was enough.
"Alright everyone, say it with me! Merry Christmas!" [Aleph]
Though no one knew the meaning behind it, the soldiers joined in.
"Merry Christmas!" [Soldiers]
The mood was beyond cheery with Aleph steering them. Utilizing this chance, Askyros stood and left.
"Hey, where are you going?" [Tida]
"I am… going to make a feast. Today is a joyous occasion." [Askyros]
Before disappearing into the kitchen Askyros turned his head.
"...Merry Christmas." [Askyros]
