Secret Santa for Nexco

Xandra,

Your target for the Secret Santa is Nexco. Give her something nice!


A frown etched on Xandra's forehead as she read her mission.

Nexco? It was probably one of those newbies she wasn't familiar with. She felt a twinge of regret for not socializing enough, but that was not intentional. There were just times she felt like concentrating on cleaning instead of reaching out to others... and she just happened to felt that way these days. Thankfully, it was that time of the year and she had plenty of mess to clean up in the HQ, but... how was she supposed to prepare Nexco's present if she doesn't know what its likes and dislikes? Heck, she didn't know its gender either!

She sighed. Perhaps it was time to 'reach out' for her friends.




"Mm, Nexco?" Sixal scratched her chin. When it comes to gossips and information, the redhead is the one to go. "I don't know her well either, but she is a nice lil' girl. You'll see her hanging out in the lounge with others sometimes."

"Oh, I see." 'So, it's a she.'

Noting the slight disappointment in her voice, the redhead tried to cheer her up with her Optimistic Grin. "Maybe you can give her something girly and pretty? Don't be sad, Xandra-chan! It's the thought that counts, after all!"

Xandra returned a smile. "Thanks, Sixal. I'm sure I'll think of something."




But she still needed more information. Information that would let her get to know Nexco better.

One would wonder why she didn't approach the member herself, but there was a reason for that: Xandra did not want to raise any suspicion. If she were to suddenly become friendly with Nexco, the surprise would be out of the bag soon... Plus, it would just give others the impression that she wanted to be friends with Nexco just to complete her Secret Santa mission. It would be extremely hard to explain herself, considering the fact that she wasn't very eloquent.

She sighed. If only there was a library, or an Org-U member encyclopedia or-

A light bulb blinked to life.




The coast was clear.

She had successfully infiltrated Odin's office. It was an immoral thing to do, but desperation calls for desperate measures. Besides, it wasn't like she was going to steal something. She just needed information, and would leave when she got what she wanted to know.

She began by searching the shelves behind Odin's desk. Surely the mission records were placed there? The files and folders in the shelves were neatly arranged and labeled in alphabetical order that Xandra briefly wondered if the Emperor was really such a neat and orderly person... or did someone else (Mary Danx) cleaned his office? Nevertheless, she would have to search quickly. Opening her eyes, she scanned through the shelves quickly.

A... B... C... D... E... F...

She was tempted to read Future Plans folder, but she controlled the urge.

G... H...

Even Harvest Ball has its own folder? Not much of a surprise.

I... J... K... L...

Ixaac, Luxcathena. Nostalgia crept inside her.

M...

She had to roll her eyes at Measurements (F) folder.

Oh, there was a Megumix folder as well! It was so eye-catching as it was a purple one, decorated with hand-drawn stars and music notes- Ack, now wasn't the time for this!

N...

There! Nexco! She reached out for that folder-

"May I inquire upon your actions, Xandra?"

She felt her heart freeze, but she maintained a calm demeanor as she turned to face Vendox. "Sir."

The bluenette returned an equally neutral look. "So, how do you plan to explain yourself?"

"Sir, I don't mean any... I'm not a..." She stumbled with her explanation, until something dawned upon her. "I hardly think you have to ask, sir. Not when my eyes are open."

His lips lit into a light smile. "I see your intentions are clear," his face then tightened into seriousness. "But there are consequences for trespassing the Emperor's sacred territory."

The pinkhead bowed her head. "I'm willing to face any punishment, just... not now."

Vendox nodded understandingly. "Report to my office after Christmas."

Seeing that the bluenette is about to leave, Xandra decided to make one last, desperate plea...

"Sir..."

He stopped.

"Do you... know anything about Nexco?"

There was a short pause, before Vendox answered. "Eyes are the windows to one's soul."

That answer puzzled her to no end.




Biography
Name: Nexco
Age: 14
Gender: Female
World: Aristocats
Power: -Cat: Small, Domestic Type [natural climber, prowling, exceptional balance and agility, night vision, control 2-12 cats]
Weapon: Cat Claws

Achievements
Total Mission(s) Done: 2
  - Solo : 1
  - Collaborate: 1 (refer to Sixal's folder)
...
...

Xandra skimmed through the papers in the folder.

... Nope, nothing useful.

She noticed at a Stick 'Em note pasted at the back of the stage.

Note: If you remove "X" and change "c" to "K" then you get "neko" which is the Japanese word for cat!

So, would it be okay to give her a ball of yarn? It seemed too risky. What if Nexco hates cat stuff? No, no, she needed more information!

Heaving a sigh, she returned the papers to the folder... and caught sight of Nexco's passport size photo embedded at the top right corner. Seeing her appearance, Xandra's lips curled into an amused smile.

Eyes are the window to one's soul. In this particular photo, Nexco's blonde fringe covered the upper portion of her face, making it impossible for anyone to see her eyes.




'Room Infiltration Number Two,' She thought to herself as she stood inside Nexco's room. She hoped Vendox wouldn't caught her this time.

The girl's room was a mix between a fourteen-year-old girl's room and a cat's den. It was an interesting combination, so interesting that the authoress would like to leave the room's appearance to the reader's imagination because a reader's imagination is always more interesting.

While the room itself was interesting, it was a single drawing on the desk that caught Xandra's interest.

There were five chibified people in the drawing, each labeled with names: "Anadrex", "Megumix", "Sixal", "Donelex", "Nexco".

And at the bottom of the drawing, scribbled with pencil on the table multiple times: Friends

It was as if the artist could not contain her happiness in that small piece of sketch paper, or just wanted to perfect this 6-lettered word, or announced to the whole world that these four are their friends, or...

Xandra closed her eyes.

One more place to go.




<knock!> <knock!>

The door opened.

"Oh, Xandra!" Nikierx beamed happily. "It's been a while I've last seen you!"

"I'd been busy," Xandra smiled apologetically. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all, what can I do for you?"

"Remember the offer you made? I'm here to claim it."

"Sure, what do you need?"

"A book about cats... Lots and lots of recipe books."




Christmas Morning...

Nexco received a box of present which contained only a necklace and a single note:

Dear Nexco,

Merry Christmas!

Wear the necklace and come to the kitchen. A surprise awaits you!

-Secret Santa




The necklace has a exquisite-looking silver bell which made tinkling noise as she walked. Her sharp nose picked up a delicious-smelling scent that trailed towards the kitchen. She opened the door...

... And was greeted by a feast! A grand feast of fish and seafood made especially for her! A feast that befits royalty!

"Catnips!" Nexco squealed in excitement. The rich aroma made her drool, and her stomach urged her to consume the feast. She hesitated when she realized that there was no one in the kitchen; what if the feast wasn't meant for her?

Her question was answered when she noticed something on the table. Someone spelled her name (NEXCO) on a large platter with all kinds of sauce.




Few minutes later...

"I take it that you like the feast?" A pink-haired girl appeared to put away the plates just as Nexco finished the last of her food.

"The food was yummy!" The girl exclaimed happily. She had never felt so full in her life! She rubbed her bloated belly in satisfaction, gazing at the pinkhead. "So, what's your name?"

The pinkhead smiled. "My name is Xandra."

"You're my secret santa, aren't you? ... Thank you."

Xandra's smile widened. "Nexco, is it? You're welcome to come back here anytime."

"Nyao? Truly?" The girl's eyes shone.

"Yes. My kitchen is always open to my friends... and all hungry souls."

The kitchen door banged open, revealing dozens of members by the door.

"Mmm, something sure smells delicious!" Xarson commented as he entered.

"Xaaaaandra-chaaaaan~! Neeeeexco-chaaaaaan~!" Sixal exclaimed, as energetic as ever.

"Here's a Christmas-squeek hug for you both," Shaxir enveloped both Nexco and Xandra into a hug... and squeaked. "Now, where's my food?"

"Jingle bells, jingle bells~" Xukikom and Xukimi sang as they danced into the kitchen. "Give me all your food~"

"So, you're Nexco?" Nikierx placed both of her hands on Nexco's shoulder and grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Can I touch your ears?"

"Ohh..." Nexco was starting to feel a bit shy at the growing crowd.

"There now, don't be shy," Xandra lifted Nexco's fringe and held it back with a fish pin.

Sixal grinned. "Nexco looks prettier if her eyes are not covered."

"Um, thanks..." The cat girl managed to articulate.

Xandra smiled. "Merry Christmas, Nexco."

END