-December 24, Babylon.
On a snowy, star-studded Christmas Eve, the Babylon Temple was wrapped in festive cheer, yet far quieter than usual.
Colorful lights covered the Temple's outer walls, but no knights stood guard.
The pirate world celebrated Christmas too... and much like on Blue Star, people usually spent it with their families.
Sephiroth had only kept the Mechanical Servants on duty. Even the Servo Angels, who had feelings of their own, had been given time off.
Inside the Temple, the door to a hall stood half open, decorated with a Christmas wreath and a red bow. Light spilled through the gap, along with cheerful, slightly noisy voices.
Overall, though, it sounded more like a lively gathering of chattering women.
Exquisite wall lamps cast a soft glow throughout the hall, and an enormous Christmas tree stood in the center.
The Christmas tree was covered in all kinds of decorations, from twinkling lights to tiny bells and handmade Christmas cards. Carefully wrapped presents lay beneath it.
Amid the mingled aromas of hot cocoa and freshly baked gingerbread, Isabella stood front and center on the stage in an exquisite women's Christmas outfit, ready to lead the charge.
"Umu! Everyone! Eyes on me!"
Her dress was predominantly deep red, trimmed with white fur and gold sequins. Its hem swayed gently, like a ray of warm sunshine in winter.
"Let me open with the first song~!"
Her golden hair had been woven into two loose braids adorned with tiny Christmas ornaments. Her Christmas hat sat at a jaunty angle, adding a playful, lively touch.
Isabella's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she stood in the center of the stage, clutching the microphone with both hands...
That expression... it was as though she were about to embark on an unknown adventure...