Diehard

Christmas Eve 2015. A Monarch Airlines plane is now within Los Angeles airspace, and is already on descent. All passengers and crew are watching the in-flight movie Street Fighter, which is in its final scenes including the credits - and as soon as the movie ends, everybody gets up and cheers, and they all raise their glasses.

In particular, they are cheering for a beautiful masked young woman wearing a white Greek dress with a crystal star pattern and white cape, crystal slippers and much crystal jewellery including the hairsticks holding her bun in place... who is especially delighted at watching this beautiful movie. And in December, no less! Her mask is also crystal, with a crystal star pattern. She pushes back a few strands of her very long Righteous Indignation-coloured hair tied back in a hairstick-supported bun with a few strands falling down either side of her face, some in front of her warm, piercing emerald-green eyes and her blood-red lips. Her name is Natalie.

Natalie: Finally, I can raise a glass again - and three years to the day since I needed this, no less!

Salesman sitting near to Natalie: I'm very happy for you, my dear! I know your friends will be delighted as well!

Natalie: Damme right they will, they too needed this!

One of the stewardesses: And it was you who put white capes in vogue for them, right?

Natalie: That's right - I've been doing this for 11 years!

Soon enough, the plane lands and comes to a halt. The seatbelt signs switch off, and all passengers scramble in the overhead compartments for their hand luggage. Natalie's eyes crackle and her aura glows as she reaches for hers.

Natalie: It's okay, it's the same power as Bison! Trust me - I've been doing this for 21 years, ever since I awoke from that Listeria-induced coma I fell into on the day of Raul's funeral!

Female P/A voice: Welcome passengers to Los Angeles. Have a very merry Christmas...

Natalie and the other passengers can be seen in the airport building, in the arrivals area. They all have their suitcase luggage with them, after taking it off of the carousel...

On the 30th floor of one of the high-rise buildings, most of the Realm members, the good cast from both Street Fighter movies and numerous other individuals are having a Christmas party. The room is intensely decorated for Christmas, including a tree near the fountain in the center of the room. The famous Swedish-born 80s rock band Europe are also performing at this party, currently playing their most famous hit The Final Countdown!

The Realm's current head man Soma Cruz then steps forward and raises a hand...

Soma: Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen!

...So everybody falls quiet. Europe also cease playing for now, and turn their own attentions to Soma.

Soma: Princess Natalie's plane has landed, she is now in the city - and raise your glasses because the airing went safely!

Everybody cheers, and they all raise a glass at this delightful news.

Soma: On behalf of myself and my older brother Sephiroth, we would like to thank all of you for coming - and we wish you the merriest Christmas and a very happy new year!

Everybody here: Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Europe then begin to play another of their hits, namely Ninja. Mel gets up and heads to one of the offices, when Setsuna approaches him.

Setsuna: Mel, would you mind helping me to proofread my latest fic chapter while we wait for Natalie to arrive?

Mel: I just need to check my internet, and let everybody know about the good news - then sure thing!

Setsuna: Fair point!

Setsuna waits outside the office as Mel enters. General Ran is sitting on a chair and taking selfies.

Mel: General Ran, it's twenty to six - go and join the party!

Ran: I know, and I heard the news - but the princess hasn't arrived yet, now has she?

Mel and Ran laugh.

Mel: Fair point! Setsuna's outside so why not go and talk to her?

Ran: All right!

Ran exits the office, and talks to Setsuna just as Mel begins to surf the internet. He opens up a chatroom window, and types a message regarding the good news about Natalie - and right away there is a response, reading 'Hello Mel this is Roy here. I am very happy for Natalie! Please post a webcam video when she arrives - I know the airing has finished, but... well, Natalie did tell me Europe are performing at the party!' Mel laughs, and types another message in response.

Elsewhere in LA, a large black van can be seen driving along the road. There is something very evil about the van...