One of the older, though obviously not the oldest, Chemies, Buglesia's nature is emblematic of that of the Plant Chemies as a whole: generally accepting of humans, yet not getting too attached to any one human at a time. Somewhat of a prankster (though far from the worst Chemy in that respect), Buglesia is a scent specialist.
While there are no alchemists still alive from that era, Buglesia has admitted her first exposure to the Alchemist Union was not a positive one. Her current nature can be taken as a softening of what came before.

Dokkirimajin had expected to pull a disappearing act of its own, after its creator got taken away by the police. But there were more than just police on the scene, and one of those turned out to have been an alchemist with a dayjob.

That was how it had ended up in the Alchemist Academy, circa the 1970s. Where the alchemists were analytical, treating the creatures as matters of study, what turned out to be its fellow chemies were far more varied in their interests. Some made up games, some sought out the alchemists' own tools and learned how to use them (or how not to use them), some mostly slept.

And some, it found, stared forlornly out the window, particularly when there were noticeable changes in the weather.

"Gutssss..."

Dokkirimajin joined the other Chemy for a while, simply staring out at the falling snow. The cold, like most natural factors, could not truly harm Chemies; that said, Dokkirimajin didn't much fancy being stuck outside and having to feel it.

But as it watched the other Chemy, it wondered if there was something it could do...

---

"Hey, Jun, take a look at this!"

One of the newer female students held up a handful of white... powder? It felt like snow, it smelled like snow, but her hand wasn't freezing. Nor was the material melting.

Jun joined her, gaze slowly traveling from the open hallway to the doorway (and presumably room) crowded with the stuff.

"Should we tell the professor?"

Rachel thought for a second - several seconds - and reluctantly nodded. "Prrrrobably. But we should take pictures, first. Because our next job is definitely going to be cleaning this up."

"SHHHHOVEL!"

The sound of the very pleased Chemy playing startled both junior alchemists out of their ponderings.

"Hey. Hey. Sasukemaru. Wakeup!"

Said Chemy, who wasn't actually asleep, gave EnergyL a look of mock indifference.

"If it's not five minutes to midnight, I don't need to be up."

Its partner in prank-crime, however, was undeterred. "But howamI going to get in position without you? I need to be there before fiveminutes to midnight!"

The taller Chemy sighed, stretched, and compacted themselves out of today's hiding spot, dropping down to EnergyL's level and picking them up.

"Fine, fine. You remember the plan?"

"Ohhhh YES! Their reactions are gonna be GREAT...!"

---

On Christmas morning, all the alchemists would wonder how the presents - even the 'mock' presents that had nothing in them - were set to launch confetti upon opening. And why the tree topper ornament splashed an incredible amount of water on everyone.

Both of the Chemies responsible were highly amused with the results.

The nature of the Earth's orbit meant the Sun was actually closer at this time of year.

It was hard to feel the truth in that, however, on account of all the cold. And if you were a plant, the pattern of the seasons ruled paramount.

(With some exceptions.)

But, if you were also a Chemy, hibernation was not in the cards (haaa). And the concept of onsens was nice - in theory. Flayrose thought it unnecessary to risk any workers having to have their minds wiped just because a Chemy wanted to keep warm.

So xe found other things to do, instead.

"Sightline established. He's following Mina again."

The Chemy's voice passed on down the walkie-talkie - a pair filched from a lawn sale, missed by no one - and on the other end, hir partner Hiikescue confirmed. "Third time this month. No sign of a weapon, but she's practically radiating fear."

"So we've got a pattern of behavior, confirmation of power dynamic - you confirm the intent to harm?"

Hiikescue once more gave assent. "We giving this one to Mami as well?"

Chemies dealing directly with the police - and the inevitable red tape - was completely impractical, so the use of intermediaries (and ones the officers wouldn't dismiss) was necessary.

Flayrose gave the question some thought. "Nah. But we'll send her an email instead, let her know where we've put this guy. On count of five, start the alarms, and I'll dive in. You copy?"

"Copy that."

Flayrose counted off, and on hir cue, launched xerself like an arrow at the predator. Asserting that justice could happen provided its own warmth.

"Cowabunga!"

Imagine a planet, Earth-size. Now, having seen the survey work - some Rinne had directly participated in, but most as a summarized report of what the Chemies themselves had done over those first few months - she knew for a fact that this wouldn't be involving the entirety of the planet.

Instead, as she walked through the portal to her 'first destination', it appeared the party would only be concentrated on a few select areas, themselves connected by portal.

She came to this conclusion by arriving outside the truest ice palace there had ever been, one with a well-sculpted front several stories tall, and (at first) only being able to think, 'There's no way we're having dinner in there!'

Neminemoon and Yoacerberus had come with her - she knew Unicon and The Sun were more directly involved, but not when she'd next see them - and the former Chemy lit their way through the open gates, and for several minutes the three of them lapsed into awed silence.

'There is definitely alchemy underlying this,' Rinne realized - only registering at that point that she didn't actually feel cold.

"CerberUS!" the Chemy declared, pointing ahead with uncharacteristic alertness; there were four paths ahead, and a piece of paper on the ground ahead of the branches.

Picking it up, Rinne half-expected a riddle, or some other kind of puzzle.

Instead: The other guests will come down the other paths. Don't feel you have to wait up for them! We'll start improvising new traditions when everyone arrives at the meal. Just follow the light and you'll know when you get there.

After sharing a look with her partner Chemies, it didn't take too long to guess which was the correct path forward: it was the only one that actually felt warm.

It wasn't even a full minute's walk before they found Inphoenix there... wearing a coat.

"It's not cold for you, is it?" Rinne asked, genuinely concerned, but the other Fantastical Chemy shrugged it off. "Iiiin. Nix!"

Then, almost shyly, it held out a card. A pretyped note: "I helped with the sculpting."

"Oh!" Rinne smiled, warmed more by just the heat. "Thank you very much, Inphoenix. The castle is lovely!"

After fluffing its flame-feathers in pride, it gestured down the path.

'What could possibly be next?'

Rinne was already looking forward to it.

Some Chemies were made with a core of a certain shape. Others, a certain attitude. Or, a purpose.

Karyudos was one of the latter - specifically, meant to guard, to intimidate and thus protect. This purpose had seen her to many positions over the years before her creator sought asylum in Japan.

One year, this meant working on a farm, guarding the animals (and occasionally the people) from predators. Most of her efforts, perhaps ironically, meant chasing away rival farmers from poaching the livestock. Stare them down, wave the axe, sound the alarm if they still hadn't run off, and that was (usually) that.

With the animals, it was far more straightforward; they would remember what happened to one of their kin, without second thoughts like 'doubt' or 'but I can take them' creeping in.

And, since she was not a malevolent presence, only a stern one, Karyudos did not see the point in letting the wildlife suffer just so humans could thrive. Thus her policy for them was: To be caught once meant a warning. To be caught twice meant consequences.

To a one, the animals found alternatives. The farmers were alternately baffled and delighted that their fellow humans had a harder time learning compromise than the animals did.

But, as fall arrived, and then trended towards winter as all years did, some animals became desperate.

But, while she had said consequences, she had not said death.

So, when one fox tried to snatch away a chicken for a second time, Karyudos flung that fox, far far away.

(The telling of some of her history had become a tradition. And in turn, Nammonite had come up with their own traditional response: And what happened to the fox?

Karydos shrugged. 'I used wind alchemy to ensure it had a harmless landing. Suitable, non-domestic, prey for them prefers to gather far away from humans anyhow, so it had no reason to come back.')

(A/N: And thus, the Japanese Island of Foxes was born! /joke)

While some Chemies recognized the danger of broad, sweeping displays of alchemy, others...

Were inspired.

---

Clotho wasn't quite sure what her sister had been roped into this time - Lachesis' banter with 'the mutt' was pretty easy to read, her exchanges with Professor Kyoka less so - but she seemed uncharacteristically excited, fiddling with a weirdly-glowing, hovering ball.

(Wearing safety protection, of course. Which meant Clotho had to, too. Still, it was better than leaving her youngest sister unsupervised.)

The only thing more excited in the room was the probably-vibrating crab Chemy on a nearby table, safely out of range of the actual project. Whatever it was.

At her own feet, the skateboard Chemy - no, Skebows - was likewise interested, if calmer than its usual manner. It was like the boy Ichinose, in some ways, but less talkative.

(She appreciated that. No matter how Lachesis teased. Rinne and Houtaro awkwardly dancing around each other was more than enough entertainment, thank you. Clotho wanted no part in it.)

At a gesture from the Professor, Lachesis let go of the globe. "Running final diagnostic," the former said, and after some frightening-looking electric patterns crossed the globe, both women fist-pumped the air.

(Clotho wondered if they actually practiced that kind of unity. Probably not.)

Keeping an eye on Mechanichani, Clotho spoke up. "So, why did you go to all this effort? If it's not offensive Alchemy, what is it?"

Such wouldn't have been the only way such a device would prove interesting, it was just the easiest way for her to understand it as interesting.

"It's for cleaning up the forest, and taking out all that litter. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's going to look awesome, just you wait!"

Lachesis flashed her sister a smile, and while Clotho wouldn't admit her interest was piqued, she wasn't going to ignore her words either.

Not after last time.

---

They were all going to wait under a cloaking shield; despite the alchemy at hand being almost designed to be noticed, they didn't want to be caught and accosted about motives or anything.

Mechanichani, of course, wanted a good view, and Golddash was all too happy to oblige. Despite a few looks, no one told either Chemy to go back into their cards, which was all to the good.

This was meant to be a special day. A sign that alchemy was for more than just maintaining the status quo, or inflicting harm.

Both Chemies looked up, concentrating on ideals of friendship and support. Leave this place in a better state than it's been. Extract that which was carelessly left behind.

At the center of the group, Professor Kyoka and Lachesis each had one hand against the (now white) globe... and were holding the others' remaining hand.

At the end of the countdown, the globe crackled with energy and floated upward, out of the shield. Immediately, small pieces of garbage - plastic, mainly - began launching itself out of the forest. The nature of the globe caused them to fuse with each other in a steadily-growing outer shell.

When there was no more trash flowing out from the trees, they'd deactivate the alchemy and transmute it all to electrical energy, supplementing power requirements across the city - no burning required.

Mechanichani was as happy as could be.

Yesss, glad you enjoyed! :D

(Not quite sure how Mechanichami got pegged as the 'green aesop Chemy' in my head - something about it being found in a river and that it has deleterious effects on electronics? Either way, doing this was fun!)

The imagery was also inspired by this music video for 'This Is War'.

They were led to a warmly-lit room, with one long table and several short oval ones. The smell hit Rinne first, reminding her about dinner - and that she was hungry.

The majority of the Cosmic and Fantastical Chemies were in attendance, but none seemed inclined to make a big speech. After they greeted her - a roar of happiness and approval that nearly shook the rafters, followed by a group hug - she was seated, Neminemoon and Yoacerberus released to enjoy the festivities as well.

There were a few name placards on the tables - all people she recognized, and whose inclusion made her smile. Houtaro and his mom would be sharing in the dinner after all.

Hopefully they wouldn't be too delayed.

Her father also had one, and she wasn't sure if the Chemies were going to make him take longer to get here or not - or if she wanted that or not.

But such thoughts didn't stand for long in the spirit of Christmas, and the quality of the food made her put most other things aside anyway. Unlike the castle, nothing overly fancy was involved, but it was all delicious. Hearty-food, carefully portioned, warm but not hot enough to scald the throat on the way down.

In fact, the only thing that did hold her back from fully enjoying the night, as the other guests slowly filtered in, was...

"I wish you could enjoy this too," she whispered. Her promise ring chimed, Atropos' reaction reaching her easily: surprise, denial... and thanks.

Then, at her side came a soft touch - turning away from her (second time refilled) plate, she saw Ninetail, its partner HappyClover, and little Carery. Confused as she was, Rinne still had a smile for them.

Carery chirruped, and this time Atropos got to surprise Rinne, answering, 'They... want to play with me?'

Rinne was briefly baffled - then a surge of protectiveness hit. This was her friend they were asking about, no? "You aren't going to toss her like a ball, right?"

All three chorused in reply, seemingly taken aback by the very notion. Given how hard it was for Chemies to feign emotions, Rinne let herself relax slightly.

"Do you want to?" This was just for Atropos. There was a moment of strangeness - homunculus girl in a ring staring back at the kitsune, hiitodama, and anthropomorphic plant Chemies.

Then, Rinne received feelings of assent, and careful curiosity. "You bring her back to me if she says so, okay?" she added, gently taking off the ring for - well, the first time in a very long time. "Don't hurt her."

Such a remark would have been unthinkable for her to say, a year ago. How things change.

A few moments later, the sound of the Chemies and their plus-one at play reached her ears, and only then could Rinne turn back to her meal, peace in her heart.

For the moment, all was well.

Timestamp - 2002

Christmas shopping season was in full swing - but that wasn't why two particular Chemy cards were on the move today.

Ducking into an alley, Odorippa touched down first - xie noted with relief that the hotpot dish had gone undisturbed. To xer side came Kamantis, reforming his own smaller package of foodstuffs carefully balanced on his legs.

"It's just one more block down," xe said, before Kamantis could speak up - fortunately, the words had their intended effect, and he relaxed.

Having friends in a certain unofficial workers' union had led to lots of misadventures, but Kamantis had never questioned xer's friendships. Instead, the stress at hand was just... general anxiety.

Odorippa was well-adjusted with helping fight such a foe, however. They'd be fine.

Renkingrobo did not like being small - but for the first few years of his life, he hadn't got much of a say in the matter. Thrown, squeezed, shaken, stuck to with-

Well, it didn't bear thinking about. The family knew alchemy, but also did their best to mingle with the rest of the world - even traveling the normal way.

Which was how he had escaped - knocking your carefully-sealed luggage container onto the 'wrong' baggage transport wasn't all that difficult when one applied enough force to the side of the bag.

The resulting plane had landed in Japan, and from there it had been a rush to find a way to get someone to (accidentally) open the bag and (intentionally) disable to tracker his creators had planted on him.

The incident at the airport had drawn the attention of local alchemists (because of course), but to their credit the agent assigned to finding him had been legitimately concerned. And willing to back his claims of seeking asylum.

(Once they had found a way to communicate. He was never going to be disparaging of Shake-and-Spell toys again.)

And while he'd never claim tolerance of the upper echelons of the Alchemist Union of Japan.... it was nice, being around other beings like him. Not treated like a toy anymore.

It helped him feel just that little bit bigger.

'Hey, look at this!'

Answering the call of their partner, the hovering snake came over to see what Doctorkozo had found on the computer this time.

In fact, there were some comics: one featuring the esteemed Gojira, the other with a more generic lizard.

'And? I'm looking,' Tsupparihebi replied. Despite the inspiring amounts of blep in both images, there wasn't much to 'write home' about, was there?

'So this is the Christmas permutation of the meme, where the holiday is deliberately misspelled,' the other Chemy went on. 'But people have tried making a version for Hanukkah as well. And the celebratory phrase for that is 'Chag Sameach' which, mispronounced...'

Now seeing where this was going, Tsupparihebi guessed the punchline: 'Would be 'Chag smek'.' They paused. 'Or... Chag snek?'

'Now you've got it!' Doctorkozo beamed, and Tsupparihebi made a blep of their own in celebration.

One of the more cooperative Chemies, Venomdake was well-liked by the Academy and its students - especially those who were pursuing biology or mycology specifically in their 'outer' lives. Even in the early days, the habits and well-beings of the Plant-type Chemies were well-studied and well-secured.

The Insect and Animal types, by comparison, were a little more wild or prone to roaming, but these were all generalizations by nature. Some of each type were made in the lab, but Venomdake was not one of them.

Which meant it paid especial attention to when a Chemy arrived, not only knowing how to read and write, but actively seeking a role in keeping the other Chemies safe.

This... wasn't strictly necessary, as far as Venomdake was concerned, but then as far as it was concerned, it was already of direct use to the alchemists. If they were mistreating other Chemies, that might not have been strictly apparent.

Then the wars came. Where the potential of malgams had only been the occasional cloud on the horizon before, now the darkness became constant, surrounding, something to fear. Even the Academy became claustrophobic, rather than a place of true safety.

Venomdake did not need light to survive, but it grew to understand the other Plant Chemies during the strain of this change. And then, almost in contrast, that one Insect Chemy grew more and more bold and bright, supporting and giving comfort, desperate to help in some way that mattered.

The war - and hiding from it - ended, as far as the alchemists and Chemies both were concerned, when the cataclysmic wave of pain, dying, and despair reached them from the west. At that time, their site was just mere miles away from Hiroshima.

As a team, they would all help.

More than 24 hours in the previously...

X Wizard scrolled down, letting the copy of Rinne's list reach the end. "She's a very thoughtful girl. I like her. Passionate, too."

'She's come quite far in the time we've known her,' X-Rex agreed. Adjusting itself slightly to get a better angle on X Wizard's book, it made an approving noise.

'Half of these are books; she hasn't completely changed,' UFO-X pointed out, but there was no dismissiveness in their response.

"Some of this reads more like a bucket list," X Wizard added, tapping one of the entries. "'Visit the North Pole, Fly without transforming or using alchemy, a handmade star chart...' She might have been pulling Professor Fuga's leg with some of these, though. Who needs twenty pastries?"

X-Rex snorted. 'In one sitting?' Before UFO-X could speak up, it added, 'Yes, some of us could do it, but not most humans. And that's beside the point.'

"Then there's this one, for Atropos. And I do want to do something for her-"

'But you're not sure she'd accept it from us.' UFO-X shrugged themselves. 'It's no shaving off of my shell, I'll say that much. That, and it is her - passion project, I suppose?'

'Chosen mission,' X-Rex added. 'And I do think it would be unwise to solve this particular problem for them. We may be needed to help screen the ideas she does come up with, however.'

There was silence for a bit, during which X Wizard scrolled back to the top of the list. At an unspoken cue, the conversation shifted.

'I'm still stuck on 'end sexism in the Alchemist Union'. Is that supposed to be a meme?'

Without looking up, X Wizard replied, "It's a reference, and probably also meant sincerely. This is her well-being we're talking about. And Ichou Renge. And Professor Kyoka. And-"

'All right, all right, you've made your point. But now I ask: how feasible is it?'

'Ending it in one person at a time, perhaps I could do that,' X-Rex contributed. 'Much as it may not be efficient. Still, that's more a long-term project than a gift suitable for next month. What's next?'

X Wizard scrolled down. "'Be treated like a princess.'"

The three of them traded grins, and a bout of more lighthearted plotting began...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a...'

Zukyumpire passed the tablet over. 'Your turn!'

"What, giving up so easily?" There was a grin in Kaguya's voice, one matched by the look on the Chemy's face.

He looked out at the small gathering of kids at the park, their parents not too far away.

'Twas a gorgeous evening; it was nice to have more people to share it with.

[[I'm not writing out the whole thing. I want you to imagine it. Merry Christmas! :V]]