A Gaia Christmas Story (Manga Chapter)/Synopsis

## Gambino's quest

Following the Halloween 2004 disaster and the total destruction of his mansion, Johnny K. Gambino spends his days destitute and alone. On Christmas Day, he sits on a crate in the snow-dusted ruins of his residence on Isle de Gambino, reminiscing over the only possession he has left: a photo of himself surviving the blast. Once again, his thoughts quickly turn to his missing son, Gino Gambino, when he notices something in the corner of the photo. A small black, vaguely human-shaped speck nestled in the explosion that he's somehow missed until now. Could it be Gino? Could his son still be alive?

Feeling reinvigorated by this new discovery, Gambino embarks on a quest to find his lost son once and for all.

### Wandering Gaia

Gambino begins by heading south to the Port of Gambino where he encounters Sasha and Moira happily paddling off to some party in their rowboat. Initially, Gambino feels disgusted by their youthful zest and lack of concern toward his plight, but ultimately wishes he could've been invited too.

Further south, he finds Old Man Logan ice fishing at Bass'ken Lake. He's glad to see the old fisherman so dedicated to his craft that even on Christmas Day, he's out there alone and braving the elements. Somehow Gambino's own circumstances feel less lonely... until Agatha arrives to surprise Logan with a big Christmas platter.

Passing through Barton Town and heading west along Barton West Field, he crosses paths with Rina, Meredith, and Leon on his way to Durem just as they're returning. Rina proudly marches on with Meredith checking a long shopping list at her side, Leon following close behind balancing a mountain of gift boxes and bags. Gambino reflects on how he could've bought anything he wanted as the once richest man in Gaia, but how none of it matters if there's no one to share it with.

Slumped over a guardrail outside the cathedral in Durem, Gambino's best friend Edmund passes by. The debonair man huddles up with Gambino, reminding him that he's not alone... when suddenly he gets an "urgent" call from Vanessa and speeds off in the opposite direction. Alone again, Gambino is reminded of the importance of family.

### The final straw

Wandering back east into Barton Town, now cloaked in wintery night, Gambino passes along a home. He hears a boy's laughter inside. Rushing to the window, desperate for any sign of his son, he instead finds fellow Isle residents Ruby and her young son Peyo sharing a wonderful Christmas dinner with Ian and Rufus. The joy and warmth radiating from the frosty glass finally breaks Gambino and he runs off sobbing into the darkness.

Finally, standing atop the massive pipes of the Durem Reclamation Facility, back turned to the frozen pit below, Gambino ponders over the events that had led him to this point. He's no longer wanted; he's the weakest man in Gaia. He stares up at the moon, bracing for impact as he readies his fall, when a small voice cries out. "Don't do it!!" Looking back in disbelief, Gambino finds that it belongs to Gino! He rushes over to his son, embracing him as all the worries in the world melt from his body. But something wasn't right. Confused, the boy asks the large man, "Who are you?"