Author: Howdy. First off, I started writing this at four am last night. So don’t expect too much. I’m still editing and all that fun stuff. Second, I don’t own AW, or anything related to it. Well… I do own the following storyline, but that’s it.

The capital of Orange Star was abuzz with activity. Snow covered the sidewalks

constantly, despite the many milling about beneath the sky scrapers. Outside of the

headquarters, a group of three moved carefully through the crowds, aiming towards the

downtown shopping district. One, a tall blonde, was practically draped over the arm of a

muscular man. She gave a brief tug on his arm, and they stopped walking. Looking back

over her shoulder at the third companion, she smiled warmly and pulled her jacket close

as she turned to face her. “Sam, cheer up. It’s Christmas eve!”

The red head merely eyed her, and gave a weak grin in a vain attempt at covering up her

general mood. After the failure registered with her, she brushed her bangs out of her face,

seeming distracted. With a brief hand gesture as if waving the idea off, she responded in

a monotone voice. “I’m fine, Nell. Honest.”

The older woman sighed, and looked at the man, a hint of compassion visible in her eyes.

“Max, would you be so kind as to help me here?” Max turned briefly, and looked away

as he met Sami’s challenging gaze. “She uh… Looks fine to me!” He grinned

cheerfully, and Nell shrugged him off in a playful manner. The rest of the walk was

semi-quiet, not counting the attempts at communication between the adviser and the CO.

All of which failed.

Ahead, the shop windows were fogged up, and in holiday tradition, sprayed with fake

snow and ice. Occasionally it was dotted with mock berries, painted with what could

have been called a shocking shade of neon red. Combined with the Christmas lights

everywhere, the scene was sweet, and yet nerve wracking at the same time. With a brief

glance at Sami, Nell could tell she was getting fed up with it merely after the first ten

minutes.

“Something isn’t right.” Sami spoke quietly, in a hushed tone. At first, Nell wasn’t sure

if she’d said anything. Max was too busy staring at the variety of colors to notice this.

“Yes, I know. They’re using colored lights this year, instead of the traditional white ones.

It’s kind of hard to look at.” Sami scowled at her, though couldn’t help but give a little

laugh. “No, not that. At HQ. There’s something… I don’t know. Something’s just

wrong.”

Nell paused a moment, leaving Max to stop walking and look back at her, a confused

look crossing his face. “I miss something?” Sami shrugged, and the blonde took the

opportunity to respond. “Sam, I can’t believe it either, but the fact remains that we’re

going to war again. I know you don’t like it, but it’s our duty. Now please, just for today,

forget who we’re dealing with. You know what they say, live every day as if it’s your

last. You might not have this opportunity next year.”

The redhead frowned and kicked at the snow under foot before acknowledging her friend

and superior. “I guess your right.” Her train of thought however, was shattered as

someone came barreling down on the trio, waving like a lunatic. “Hey guys!” All three

turned as one, and lo and behold, was Andy looking just as lit up as the various shop

displays. Seeing Andy finally forced an honest smile out of Sami, and before she knew it,

she was feeling normal again. The crowd however, was not as pleased as he shoved his

way towards them.

“Hey Andy! Glad you could make it!” Sami greeted him first, grinning back at him.

Behind her, Nell giggled and waved, convinced that the boy had a supernatural ability.

The ability to lift anyone’s spirits. Max walked up behind him and thumped him on the

back, in a manly hello, with a happy face and a ‘Hey!’ added in. Andy gasped under the

impact, and staggered away, hiding behind Sami and Nell.

“So, now that we’re all here, where should we go first?” Nell spoke up, as leader of the

group. The nervous looks the trio shot the stores was enough to tell her crowds weren’t a

good thing right now. However, she still wanted to go shopping, and shopping she would

go!

“Max, would you care to lead the way? Lets try that cute little kitchen wares store! Then

maybe we can go catalogue shopping at Sears! Sami, I heard they’re offering new

equipment for mechs!” This earned partial interest from the red head, and before she

could refuse, Max shoved the group in a general direction, and took up point position,

parting the crowds and making it a little easier to move around in his wake.

Later that night, when the group finally split up, Max and Nell said their good byes, and

as a surprise, Nell gave each a gift, complete with a ‘Merry Christmas’ and a wish for

good luck in the following days. Before they left however, Nell took Sami aside

privately, stepping away from the group so that she couldn’t be overheard.

“Sami, watch your back, and keep your emotions in check. This war is different from

last time. There is no foul play. It’s just a territory dispute.”

Sami blushed pink at the suggestion, and back tracked quickly. “I-… There’s… It’s…

Green Earth… I just… I know. It just doesn’t feel right.”

Nell smiled kindly, but shook her head. “Nothing about war is ever right. Now, let’s get

back to the group.”

As Max and Nell departed, Andy stepped back, and looked up towards the headquarters,

that loomed over the city skyline like a predator. “I guess we should get back to HQ,

right?” Sami only nodded. In her silence, the snow continued to fall, and the night grew

longer, minute by minute as the world moved on around her. Not long after, the two

started back towards their temporary homes, both in the same building.

Outside the doors, Andy stopped and peeked over his shoulder at her, his innocence

somewhat contagious. “Sami, you know it’s going to be okay, right? I’m sure there was

a misunderstanding somewhere. Kinda like when my evil twin started stirring up trouble!

That all ended well, didn’t it?”

Looking him in the eye, she nodded, and smiled at him again. “Thanks, Andy.” The CO

hopped forward, and hugged her awkwardly. She stiffened at first, but then embraced

him. The hug lasted only a few seconds, but it helped. Andy stepped back, beaming at

her. “Merry Christmas.” After that, he walked inside and disappeared down the corridor,

the automatic doors sliding shut behind him.