Like before, this was a bit further into the future. I… wasn't accompanied by many people at this time due to many reasons. All I can say is that I wasn't in the right state of mind.
"Oh, there you are." [???]
I'll leave this guy's name out since I haven't introduced him yet. You can call him an acquaintance of mine. Anyways, He found me in a shallow cave where I hid to escape a blizzard raging outside.
"...How did you find me?" [Solace]
All I did was glance his way while I sat on a random rock I had found.
"I have my ways." [???]
I stoked the flames of a small campfire I made.
"So? Why have you come to me?" [Solace]
The acquaintance smirked.
"You're currently the world's most wanted man. What other reason do I need?" [???]
I slowly strapped on my Vermillion Eclipse.
"Oh, don't be so wary." [???]
My acquaintance looked around and picked up a decent sized rock. He then placed it across from me and sat down.
"I was merely jesting." [???]
"Hm." [Solace]
That was all I could say. I wasn't much of a talker at this time.
"What is that, might I ask?" [???]
He pointed at the small tree I had in the corner. I picked it up since it looked like a miniature christmas tree. You see, the months and stuff are a bit different from Earth, so I just picked the 25th of the equivalent of December to celebrate.
"It's a Christmas tree." [Solace]
"A… what now?" [???]
"Nothing you need to worry about." [Solace]
My acquaintance leaned forward, somewhat curious.
"No, no… Do tell." [???]
I stoked the flames some more. I prefer to stay warm.
"It's… something that symbolizes a holiday. Or a birth." [Solace]
"A birth? Like a birthday?" [???]
"That's pretty accurate. It was the birth of the son of God." [Solace]
"Ah, the birth of a demi-god? Is it someone I know?" [???]
I shook my head.
"You don't know this one." [Solace]
"Hm. And what customs does this… birth have?" [???]
"Usually one would gather friends or family, sometimes both, and exchange gifts." [Solace]
My acquaintance nodded along.
"I see. That's quite interesting." [???]
He then leaned back and crossed his legs.
"Even when you are being chased around the world, you still find some time for such activities. How do you do it?" [???]
"By being hidden." [Solace]
That was the long and short of it. Make sure no one sees you, and if that does happen, make sure that they can't speak of it.
"It must be tiring, no?" [???]
"Less than you'd expect, more than you know." [Solace]
My acquaintance chuckled.
"Like master, like disciple." [???]
I gave him the side-eye.
"Was it wrong to mention him? I apologize." [???]
My acquaintance then reached into the air, tearing space with his fingers. He stuck his hand into the rift and pulled out a mask.
"Here." [???]
I eyed the mask with suspicion. It was plain white, not even a hole for people to see through it.
"...What is that?" [Solace]
"A disguise. It has magic on it that keeps people from noticing you." [???]
Him giving it to me made it more suspicious.
"Why?" [Solace]
"For Christmas." [???]
"You don't even know how it works." [Solace]
"I'm giving you a present. Are you truly willing to forsake my goodwill? Besides, you look like you need it." [???]
I didn't want to admit it, but he was right.
"...I don't have anything to give you." [Solace]
"You do. Give me a strand of your hair." [???]
He stretched out a beckoning hand.
"What use does it have?" [Solace]
"Not much now, but soon it will be priceless." [???]
Well, it wasn't much to lose. I plucked a single strand and gave it to him.
"Merry Christmas." [Solace]
"Oh, is that what you say when exchanging gifts?" [???]
His assumption was close enough I guess.
"Merry Christmas." [???]