A Martian Christmas Wonderland

"Airi, do you trust me?"

Issei asks me with a smile, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, it really depends on the situation." I reply with a smirk, "I heard the Intergalactic Police are very good at catching untrustworthy humanoid robots. So, I can't say that I'm particularly concerned."

Issei laughs and shakes his head. "Hey! I'm a good citizen." He holds both of his hands up in surrender. "Do you trust me enough to travel with me?" He says before he moves closer to me.

"I guess..." I look back at him, studying his expression.

What is he planning?

"Good, because I have an idea." Issei then quickly takes my hand in his and leads me towards the TELE-PORT. Once we reach the device, he enters the destination into the console.

As the capsule's door slides open, he motions for me to step inside. He follows closely behind, the door sealing shut before us. Issei's smile hasn't wavered, but I can see the anticipation in his eyes. As the lasers emerge from the capsule, I close my eyes, preparing for the process of teleportation.

Finally, we arrive at our destination. I could hear the door creaking once again. As my eyes adjust to the stark whiteness that surrounds us, I blink in disbelief.

"Welcome to Mars!" Issei speaks, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. "They're currently decorating for Christmas. And I just couldn't resist bringing you here." He smiles.

The pure whiteness that greets my vision turns out to be a blend of fake snow and advanced lighting. As my eyes continue to adjust, I spot a multitude of igloos scattered across the landscape.

"This wonderful park is one of my favorite spots to visit during this festive season." Issei says before he steps out of the capsule, extending his hand to me. I place my hand in his, allowing him to help me descend.

"Thanks," I reply, feeling both of my cheeks turn red.

The Christmas market's architecture is filled with stalls constructed from materials that resemble gingerbread houses. Their intricate designs and vibrant colors stand out against the fake snow. The paths beneath our feet had been designed to mimic the cobblestone streets. Many stands serving hot beverages and snacks were all around us. The sweet smell of gingerbread combined with cinnamon was present in the air.

"Let me guess, this is also a dome park." I chuckle as I look around, feeling impressed by the thoughtfulness that had been put into making this place feel like a true Christmas destination.

"Yes, that is correct." He tightens his grip on my hand, guiding me through the crowd.

Above us, a series of floating lights in a multitude of colors dance playfully, casting a warm glow over the fake frozen terrain and adding to the festive ambiance. On the right side of this whimsical scene, a banner caught my eye. It read "Merry Christ-MARS" in bold, festive letters.

There's even a Santa Claus in a red spacesuit soaring through the air on a sleigh drawn by what appear to be eight robotic reindeer!

"It's like we're inside a snow globe," I say as I spot a few hologram projectors scattered around the dome that were casting images of falling snow all around us.

"I never thought of it like that, but yes!" Issei laughs. "Keep in mind that this is a work in progress; they still have a lot of decorating to do." He nods.

"Every year, this dome is a place where families and friends can gather to celebrate Christmas." Issei explains as he continues to hold my hand, guiding me further into the heart of the park.

"I guess it's just a reminder that no matter how far we venture into space, the magic of the holiday season will follow us everywhere. Don't you think?" Issei smiles at me and stops for a moment to admire our surroundings, just like a little kid would.

"You seem to like Christmas a lot, do you?" I observe, glancing up at him.

"Yes, however, Christmas Eve holds a special place in my heart." Issei confesses, his smile growing broader before turning his attention back to the holograms. "A lot of miracles happen during that time frame, you know. It's truly a magical night."

At that moment, I fight the urge to roll my eyes. He probably thinks I'm some hopeless romantic who falls for cheesy lines like these. It stings even more knowing that my last Christmas Eve was nowhere near his idealized version.

"I think you're exaggerating." I say, letting out a chuckle.

Issei's smile softens, and he leans in slightly, his dark eyes searching mine. "Perhaps you've had different experiences, but I assure you, it's true." He pauses. "In fact, I might have a little story that might change your perspective on the matter."

"Tell me!" I fold my arms across my chest, eager to hear his story.

Issei chuckles as he motions towards an empty bench nestled beside a tall Christmas tree while the snowfall of hologram flakes continues to swirl around us.

As we both settle onto the bench, his facial expression changes.

"It was the 24th of December, 2024," he continues. "My youngest stepsister was suffering from an incurable disease." He pauses, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Our parents had both passed away one year prior, leaving me, at the age of twenty, alone with my two sisters." He looks at his hands that were resting on his knees. "The cost of her treatment was astronomical for someone my age, and I found myself at a loss as to how to get the funds."

"So on Christmas Eve, I searched for the most famous fundraisers in Tokyo, and I saw that one of them had an event that night. I couldn't pass that opportunity, so I went there myself and waited outside." Issei then sighs.

"I tried talking to every single person who came out of there, but no one wanted to even look at me, let alone listen to my story..." His voice is filled with the despair he must have felt that night.

"Well, except for one woman who stormed out of there crying." Issei's eyes were now meeting mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

At that moment, I find myself rising to my feet, my hand flying to my mouth in astonishment.

"Wait a minute! I—I remember that night," I stammer, my voice shaking slightly.

I'm almost sure that was the same venue that I had stormed out of over a fight with my father. Back then I was so angry and sad that I had barely noticed the world around me.

"But I don't think we actually talked. I was so consumed by sadness, I could barely focus on anything. I—"

"Yes, that was you," he interrupts me. Issei's gaze remains on me; a smile was now present on his lips. "A miracle happened during that Christmas Eve. And it's because of our fateful encounter that my stepsister is now alive and well today."