-Temple, inner hall
As the doors opened, Sephiroth felt a rush of warm air carrying the aromas of all kinds of food.
The room was filled with Christmas decorations: wreaths, bells, a red carpet, Christmas stockings, miniature Christmas trees, and little colored lights.
The buffet against the wall mainly offered drinks and desserts, with food arranged on tiered cake stands of different heights. Marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, and berries served as decorations.
The long table in the center held all sorts of dishes. Seating areas consisting of small round tables and sofas were scattered around it.
Nojiko, Nami, Carina, and Perona were playing Monopoly.
Aisa and Bonney were playing chess... Genzo and Kuma sat nearby, sharing drinks.
-It would be a miracle if Bonney won this one.
On the other side, Isabella and Hancock sat together, with a thoroughly defeated Gil between them.
Hancock currently wore a "predatory" expression as she "mercilessly" teased Gil.
...Probably because Gil looked almost exactly like Sephi had as a child.
Nearby, Laki held Lilith's daughter, Elaina.
His little sister, who was almost two, giggled at her big brother's "plight."
Rebecca and Kyros weren't there. They would be spending Christmas in their own country this year.
Brook had still chosen to spend the New Year with Laboon the whale and Crocus. He said he would come to Sky Island on January 3 to spend the rest of the holidays with everyone.
...Just then, Gil spotted Sephiroth and mouthed, "Father. Help."
"..."
-You're almost three. They say you can tell what someone will be like as an adult at three, so you should act like one and solve your own problems.
*-!?*
Gilgamesh immediately "understood," though he really didn't want to.
"Lord Sephi! Big Sis Lily!"
Baby 5, who had been spinning around like a