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 Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 3:06 am
* ~ Persona 4:FES - The Golden Presents...The 12 Days of GUILDMAS2015!!! ~ *
(Aeon and Narue's Excellent Multiverse Adventure! An Original Christmas Omake Challenge!) "G-greetings, everyone. Is that how we do it? ...I'm not sure about this, Dad...it's been so long since we had a proper Christmas celebration like this one...where I come from. Not since...no, I'm just not good at this sort of thing! Not with all these people...right, Aeon?"
 "SALUTATIONS! Seasons greetings, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Hello to everyone and anyone out there trawling through the multiverse who may have happened to bumble and stumble across our humble celebration! My name is Aeon Fabregas, but you may call me the Aeon Clock or the Time Wizard as you please! The hands of fate have decreed that this day shall be ours, Rue-Rue! May we not keep the people glued to their watches, waiting for the jingle-bell to toll and rejoice in jubilation! Let us sound the alarms of merrymaking! Come one, come all, to the Rue-Rue and Aeon Show! And here, the wonders of the Multiverse you may know!"
"Someone's excited...and never shuts up..."
"R-right! Tonight, we're opening the floor of our party to you, to tell us your stories of Christmas wonder. Not just from this world, but from our own world...and other worlds of days future and past. We want to hear the stories you imagine, the stories which may well exist in this timeline...or in a timeline only you may know. It's a...urk! Daaaad, don't hug me when I'm monologuing..."
 "It's an omake contest! ...Forgive me, dear, but sometimes I'm just so grateful to have you here with your mother and I that I simply cannot help myself. ...But yes, tonight's event...conceived by my most elegant and wonderful daughter and her admirably creative companion is none other than a test of skill, imagination, and the wonders of time and space itself! Certainly, my charmingly beautiful heiress here... *glomp* ...has more than her fair share of stories to tell, as do many of us, but today, the onus is on you!"
"Ooh, are we doing the group hugging thing again? ...Because I only had one of those in me. My tolerance has reached its maximum."
"My tolerance for you has reached its maximum..."
 "Won't you at least try to get along with the young Lady's friends, dear?"
"Of...of course I try! But...but..."
"I take it back. I might have one more hug in me if it's coming from you, San. Come on, give your young Lord a hug!"
"Like Hell I will! I WILL ERASE YOU!"
"It's been a long time since I felt such a large killing intent. I feel as though your...'future child' might be the only one here I can truly relate to, Rorek."
"Tch...when you say it like that, I'm not sure if you mean it as a compliment or not."
"*dodge* Just one hug, San? You don't want to let your mother down, do you?"
"You can do it, honey! Catch him with your pounce and hug him!"
"Show him no mercy. The tackle of our two clans combined should be more than enough to throttle some affection into him."
"Oh, I'll hug you...hug you into an early grave!"
"Only if you can catch me~ *smiles*"
". . ."
 "I'm not sure, Kappa. It's obvious that the Young Lady and Mr. Aeon are close, but Miss San seems much more...aggressive in her pursuit of the Young Master."
 "Oh my! Yairo, are you saying it's possible that Rorek and Shiranui's daughter has a romantic interest in Master Bel? Ah, young love is wonderful..."
"I WILL EAT YOUR BA-waitwut?!"
"Oh, it's more than mere speculation. As a matter of fact, I have evidence that Ms. San has taken an interest in and pines after both Master Bel and young Mr. Time Wizard."
 "What's 'pining'? Can I eat it?"
"No seriously, WHAT?!"
"Oh! Rorek, did you hear that? Our baby has her first...what do the humans call it? A love connection?"
"I believe they call it a 'Love Triangle'. *sharpening claws*"
"How uncouth. Perhaps she and I have less in common than I first suspected."
 "I'm with Fina, I don't get this whole...'Love Pine' business."
"We'll tell you when you're older, Nora. *smiles brightly*"
"*Sigh* Fiiine..."
"We'll tell you when you're older. *Pats Nora's head*"
"What?! Hey! I don't wanna hear that from you, Fina! I thought we were together on this!"
"I'm sorry, Nora! But I don't like you that way! A BAWS has to go it alone! ...Except I can stay with Lord Seo, too, 'cause Bosses get to do what they want! And I like it here! *Beam*"
"Hard to argue with that logic."
"Indeed, but back to the matter at hand, Yairotsu...tell me how you know about this. And if either of them have made any advances on my daughter... *glares threateningly*"
"This is ridiculous! San wouldn't...and Aeon would never! Because Aeon and I...I mean..."
"Well now, it would explain quite a lot...the way she's constantly chasing me, the way she always screams my name really loudly, and of course, how upset she seems to be when we're together, Rue-Rue...though of course, you know that I'm far more attached to you!"
"THIS EXPLAINS NOTHING! And you better unattach yourself from her if you know what's good for you!"
"I'm quite interested as well, Yairotsu, so if you don't mind...would you share what you've seen?"
"But of course, Lord Seo. You see, the other night as I was passing through the walls of the estate...eavesdropping on private conversations and creepily lingering in hallways, looming over each of you as you sleep and considering whether or not to murder you before you awaken as I always do...I came across a strange sight..."
"I feel as though he just glossed over something important there..."
"I wanna hear the story!"
"And to what should my wandering eyes should appear? But Miss San in Master Aeon's doorway watching him with the most intense eyes I've ever seen. At first impulse I thought that with the radiating killing intent leaking from her every pore that it must have been distrust...but then I thought about how terrifying Master Viral is when he's protective of Miss Shiranui and realized that this must be the same! She was merely watching over her precious person...of course, a few days later when Master Bel showed up I noticed her doing something similar near his room, which is when I put the pieces of this scandal together and realized that San, for all her tough exterior...is truly just a woman torn between two loves!"
"It's the only explanation."
"How ridiculous..."
"Sounds like she wanted to eat him..."
"Definitely a...um...true row-mans!"
"How adorable! Viral, she's growing up so fast!"
"WHAT?! No! I was just...!"
"I won't allow it!"
"My my, I had no idea you were so into me, San...not that it's surprising, of course."
"Shut it!"
"Forgive me for not seeing it, San. However, you know I must decline..."
"I WILL TEAR OUR YOUR INSIDES AND SHOW THEM TO YOU! ...I'm sorry, Lady Narue! Don't listen to them...it's...it's not like they are saying at all! I was just making sure they didn't get too close to you and...and you believe me, right?!"
". . ."
"R-right?!"
"...Bel. You can have Bel, but...not Aeon, all right?"
"What?! B-but I...?! I don't even...! URGH! Why is the Dog the only one who agrees with meeee?!"
"I'm not a DOG!"
"Oh, how wonderful! All of this excitement is just what I was hoping to see this Chris-HURKHACKCOUGHGARGLEBLECH! ...I'm fine... *bleeds from the mouth but smiles brilliantly/weakly all the same*"
"Daddy!? ...Quick, let's get him back to his room! It seems like this was too much excitement for one event. San...err...Viral? Both of you? Take note..."
"Noted."
Noted."
"So cute!"
"Too *hack* cute."
"Yes, yes, now hurry up everyone and let's get him back to his room, fast."
...
[Moments later]
"...I-I'm back! *awakens* I...I think I can handle it now. L-Lord Seo! Let's celebrate Christmas toge...huh? Where did everyone go?"
Quote: Aeon and Narue's Excellent Multiverse Adventure Omake Challenge! - A Writing Competition (Rules below...)
1. You may contribute 1 submission, one Christmas-themed omake/short story, per couple for this contest, but each must have its own theme.
2. Contributions must be some sort of a Christmas story...romance, action, etc., featuring characters in this Guild. NEW!!!: These stories may, and are encouraged, to explore potential multiverse experiences from other worlds, which may or may not include unusual pairings which exist in another world, events which occur there that would not occur in this Guild's world, etc. Be as creative and original as you like!
3. You may make your contributions at any time, and may use any characters and/or storylines from the Guild that you wish.
4. Style, length, plot, etc. are entirely up to you. The only guidelines you must follow are those listed above.
5. Bonus points for writing about characters/pairs who are not your own! (Double arbitrary bonus for writing about an Arena Emperor favorite!)
6. More details may be added later. [quote][b]Submission By:[/b] [Gaia Name]
[b]Submission Title:[/b] [Name of Writing Piece]
[b]Characters:[/b] [What characters are featured in the story?]
[b]Text:[/b] [Write your story/submission here]
[/quote]
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Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:17 pm
Quote: Submission By: Rednal Submission Title: Christmas After The End Characters: Rei Fuji, others Text:There was no night, and there were no storms, but it was dark beyond the frozen walls. To be honest, though, the lack of a sky didn't make much of a difference to the woman who sat in the middle of the hall, her throne carefully carved from purest ice. Long blonde hair tumbled down her back as she gazed outside, looking at the roiling darkness that even now continued to lurk past the icy ramparts. "...Is this what they wanted?" Rei Fuji murmured, staring deep into the Corruption. With a sigh, however, she turned away from it. Things had not gone well for humanity when the darkness arrived. Oh, they fought nobly at first, and even made a few strides against it... but in the end, it had proven too great to overcome, and despair had gripped the hearts of humanity. It was this that had called the Snow Queen forth once more, and when all hope for victory had been lost, she had appeared to them - a messenger not of salvation, but of silence, who formed walls of eternal ice to keep the seething darkness at bay. Yet for all their might, they were walls, not weapons - without power, humanity could never reclaim what was beyond. Indeed, there were but few pockets of resistance left, and soon all of those would be consumed. In the end, all that would be left was this prison of ice, an unchanging palace of white in the midst of endless darkness. Closing her eyes for just a moment, she turned around... and found a young girl standing in front of her, a wrapped box in her hands. "...What is this?" Rei asked. "It's Christmas." the little girl said, as if that explained everything. Rei just blinked a few times. "Time doesn't matter anymore. Not here." she said quietly. "There's no sun. There are no seasons. The old holidays don't matter anymore... not when there's no hope for humanity."The little girl stared at Rei for a few moments, then hefted the box higher. Sighing, the Snow Queen took it. "Why do you keep looking at the Corruption?" the little girl asked. Rei considered merely sending her back to one of the inner rooms, then just shook her head. "I was looking for some light." she said. "The last time I came to the world, I found it. This time... I suppose I was hoping that it would come again. I wouldn't have minded being proved wrong."The little girl considered this for a moment. "You're wrong." she said, pronouncing the statement with the surety of youth. "You don't need to look for the light, Miss Rei. You are the light. You saved us when nobody did, and even now you're still protecting us, and we're never going to forget it."Rei didn't even notice when the package dropped out of her hands and her vision started to blur as liquid rose up in her eyes. "I... I don't..." the little girl reached up and grabbed the Snow Queen's hands, smiling. "Daddy once told me that people who have cold hands also have warm hearts." she said. "So you must have the warmest heart of all. Come on, don't stay here all by yourself - everyone's waiting." And with that, the little girl drew Rei further into the palace, towards a large chamber where the last remnants of humanity waited. With a small smile, Rei allowed herself to be led. Maybe... maybe I should build outwards after all. A world of ice might not be the best world... but it would be a world... for them, if nothing else.The weight of her past was great, but... it didn't need to burden her any longer. Not as long as she remembered what truly mattered.
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Hopeful Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:07 pm
Quote: Submission By: Necromonium Submission Title: Don't get any crack-ier than this. Characters: Yes. [Anguished One, Brief cameos, and...] Text:
"Finally, I'm out of that Hellhole."
A voice broke through the cold, Eve of Christmas, as Necro's apartment door flew open. He quickly stepped into the room, and kicked the door shut. A quick shiver, and brushing off the cold from his outfit, he left his shoes at the front of the door. It was late...it was cold....And as he took his seat in front of his computer, some grumbles escaped his lips.
"Can't believe people.." he murmured, glancing over the usual sites. The guild was quiet, skype was glitching...and all in all..It was an average, if unpleasant night. "I think I'll just pass out...and wake up tommorow."
He sat back up, and started towards bed, tumbling down onto it. He'd wake up, and hopefully things would be better tomorrow...
"Doubt it.." he grumbled. "Sometimes...I hate Christmas..."
"Now now...One musn't lose hope for the Holidays so soon.." a voice called, making him turn his head. "For with all of it's troubles, comes a great Boon."
"Ugh, what now..?" Necro's voice called, his expression looking just Done.
But when he turned, he was greeted by none other, than The Anguished One.
"Greetings, Necromonium." He called, with a gentle smile. "You have lost your joy...Quite the Conundrum."
"Please tell me you're not going to keep Rhyming."
"I shall.....with the utmost of Timing."
Necro's shoulders slumped, as he rolled back over in his bunk.
"That's it. Sanity's finally sunk."
"Worry not, for your spirits I shall lift." AO called, with a smile.
"For I am here to give you something....A Gift." Something that would be worth his while.
"I'm listening." Necro grumbled, as his insides twisted and curled.
"A trip...something you've been sorely missing." AO started. "A journey you see...into another world"
"Wait, What?" Necro called, feeling the plot develop.
"But..That's not even possible!"
"It is. Shut up." AO rhymed, as with light, the room did Fill.
There was a great big flash, and the room had changed.
Necro was in a downtown area feeling quite so strange.
"Ugh, my head feels all messed up, and swirled.."
But as he looked around at the new faces, he figured it out. He was in the Guild's world.
And around the corner, passed many familiar faces!
Genji with Minori, Mei alongside Kensu, and Gin with Nix, fresh from their Steam-Bike Races.
"Oh, this is going to be great." He called, starting through the area with a great big 'Whee!'
When around the corner, came a figure who was out quite late. Someone for which he sounded nothing but disdain.
"Yuiii...."
The girl locked eyes with him, and it was like magic....Nay, It was Fate.
For right back at him, did she glare eyes of pure Hate.
"What are you doing here?!" he snapped, stomping forth with a growl.
"And just who the hell are you? she did sneer, marching towards him with a scowl.
"Someone who hates you. So very, very much." Necro did snap.
"Oh yeah? Looking at you makes me want to lose my lunch." Yui retorted, already sick of Necro's crap.
"You fill me with unending hatred."
"I hope you get Eviscerated."
"Knowing you're not in my world, fills me with Determination."
"Knowing you're in mine, fills me with Frustration."
"I hope you die horribly in a Fire."
"Maybe I should ensure, this night, that you expire."
As the two sneered and glared, everyone feared, and stared....
Until one brave soul, whose thoughts eventually did Spew.
"Shut up and get a room you two!"
The two's bodies then twisted, and turned.
As they mimed the same gesture, pretending to have viciously hurled.
"I'd sooner curl up and Die." Yui did remark first.
"You're welcome to fu...fudging try." Necro retorted, having nearly cursed.
Yet, even as the two bickered, and fought...A passing, green haired heroine had a most creative of Thoughts.
"Dormina!" she called, Yui falling into a deep, unnatural rest.
Necro instinctively caught the girl, uncomfortably supporting her on his chest.
"What the Hell?" he inquisitively said....
Before the spell came over him too, and he found himself resting on an uncomfortable bed.
When the two did awake, they were in the doorway of a room in the Amagi Inn.
"Goddammit." Necro called. "Ugh...And my head did-eth spin."
Someone had taken them there, and fronted the bill.....
But as Yui awoke herself, it was clear the two were still filled with ill will.
"I'll kill you, you lecherous Creep!" Yui called, blushing quite red.
"Shhh..People are asleep." Necro snapped, pulling the door until it was close-ed.
"There'll be nothing left." Yui snapped, shadows forming on her body. "It'll be over in a single blast."
"Do that, and you'll have the Investigation Team on your a**."
Yui froze to consider her options, before the bomb did defuse.
"Fine....but staying here with you? I refuse."
"The feeling is mutual, ya damn witch."
"I will utilize the stupidity clause, b***h."
The air between them went silent...As the two for the first time...went quiet.
Yet against the door, the two had struck....
To their dismay, it was quite stuck.
"Oh, f**k me." Necro remarked, putting a hand on his head.
"If I found out who did this, they're so Dead!"
No matter how much the two would fight it, the door would stay.
Not giving an inch, not moving any which way.
"Well, this is annoying." Necro did Moan.
"Why don't we try calling?" Yui called, picking up the phone.
However, rather than a person of which they had things to say....
There was only a message, that began to play.
"It's the middle of the night, I say. Call us back, in the day."
The two fell silent once more, as Necro moved over from the door.
"Great...So, we're stuck until morning." Necro annoyingly mentioned.
"Don't lay a hand on me. This is your only warning." Yui none-too-passively threatened.
"Tch, why would I? I hate your freaking Guts."
"I'm not so sure...You sound pretty nuts."
"Says the girl who uses shadows for Power."
"At least I'm not stupidly, irrationally sour."
The two continued to quarrel, and many things were said...Until finally Necro turned away from Yui, having argued his best.
"I'm tired..and going to rest."
"You can't sleep here! There's only one bed!" Yui retorted, gesturing wildly.
"Guess you'll just be staying up, cause I'm gonna sleep like I'm dead." Necro replied, mildly.
No matter her protests, her qualms, or her claims...
The arguing had been tiring, stressful...and in retrospect, lame.
As Necro did fall flat onto the bed, Yui's own body began to feel increasingly like lead.
"Stupid guy....Thinking he's the best." she muttered, feeling her eyes flutter closed. "Nnn....Maybe I should lay down...and take my own rest..."
The girl's head did hit the pillow, and she was out.
There was nothing else to add, without a shadow of a doubt.
It was morning...Daylight did break...
And as Necro's eyes opened...Around him in sleep, Yui's arms did snake.
"W..what the.." he stated, with an embarrassed flush.
"Oh, don't speak so loudly.." AO's voice called, with a gentle hush.
"Wha...what are you doing here?" Necro called, as his heart whirred.
"Your time is up. For now, you must be returned."
"Awww...really? I barely got to do anything."
"I brought you here for adventure, not mindless sinning."
Necro's face reddened once more, as he glanced to the side.
"I..I can't stand this woman. I wouldn't feel anything..if she Died."
"Alright, enough of the Tsundere Bullshit." Anguished one uncharacteristically quipped. "Time for you to leave. Come towards the light..For it is your exit."
Necro pried the girl's arms from around him, as he started off the bed.
"Nnnn..Please don't go.." Yui's voice gently said.
"I have to go back to my world." Necro called, in a hushed tone.
"No, you can't.." Yui sleepily pouted. "I don't wanna be all alone."
Necro's heart skipped a beat, as her eyes opened...The final time the two would meet.
"You won't be alone." Necro mused "I'll make sure I log in and see you, every single day."
"I still hate your Guts."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"It seems you've found your own little cheer." AO's voice replied. "Now, let us be going...We shall not Linger."
Yui and Necro had one last parting gesture....Both raising up a middle finger.
Light shone in Necro's eyes, as he leapt out of bed. Starting to computer, his clothes as messy as the hair on his head.
"What day is today.." he said to himself, glancing at his computer, on the bottom right.
December Twenty Fifth he read, through the computer's light.
"Perfect." Necro called to himself, rubbing his head.
And despite having woken up, went right back to bed.
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Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:23 am
Quote: Submission By: Hibarii chan Submission Title: Memories Characters: Koji Mori, others Text: Snow. It covered the small town in an icy blanket, though the colorful lights and decorations around the houses and stores made the atmosphere appear warmer, despite the bite the wind had. Christmas cheer was all around Inaba like he had never seen before, the young Mori had to admit. People were out busy buying last-minute presents, there were children having snow fights, laughing; carols could be heard everywhere. Koji tugged at his scarf, bringing it closer to his face as he looked up ahead. His impassive expression clashed with the festive atmosphere, but luckily for him, no one was stopping to look or care about him. Christmas had stopped having a meaning for him ever since…
Eyes closed, and fist tightened. Nothing mattered anymore. Even in this new world…there was nothing tying him except for the strong need of vengeance. He couldn’t share the happiness and warmth the oblivious residents of this town felt. If they knew what was like back in his world… the cold and dark nights. The despair. The loneliness. Back in his world, it had been survival of the strongest. Back in his world…you could trust no one. When he had called out to the people he used to call his friends…no one came.
If only they knew…
His idle walk took him to the shrine, a small decorated tree giving color to the otherwise deserted place. It was small, and only a few red and gold ornaments filled the gaps. Still lips pursed into a thin line, and his gaze softened.
---
The tree sparkled brightly like the fireflies he used to catch with his mother on warm nights. Ribbons and ornaments decorated it prettily, and it was big, so big, towering over him. He heard his brother giggling, running around the tree excitedly, and heard his father say something about being careful while his mother chuckled lightly. Koji only looked at the tree with big, olive eyes, as if seeing it for the first time.
“What do you think, sweetie?” Koji looked up, snapping from his thoughts, looking up at his mom. “I think Santa will like our tree this year.” She laughed lightly, and Koji couldn’t help the giddy feeling in his chest, finding himself smiling as well. Even if he had known for a year that it was his parents who put the presents under the tree for Christmas morning, the boy let his mother think he still believed in Santa Claus. She looked so happy, so excited during this time of year…she was happiest during this time…and his father always had a little more time to spare during the festivities. Even if he was probably busiest during this time of the year…he also seemed…happier. In a silent way.
“It’s…very pretty.” He finally answered.
“It’s perfect.” Koichi added, “The people will be happy to see a tree in Christmas. It brings hope!” he said proudly, repeating the lesson his father had taught him the day before. Koji had been there, and while he still couldn’t understand why a tree would be so important to everybody, he liked how it sparkled, and how it made the plaza look so lively.
As days passed, presents of all sizes started piling under the tree. Small ones wrapped in colorful paper, big ones wrapped in old newspaper. People would get out of their routines to busy themselves with the festivities. They would forget about the looming fear of the corruption spreading outside Tokyo...if only for a while. Koji could see people smiling, children playing with the snow...looking for small things they could use to make presents.
His mother was happiest during the Christmas season. She played with them...would sing to them. His father would be there as well, looking at them with soft eyes, and just the faintest smiles. And then...
He understood why the tree was so important.
He told his father so, and he responded with a private smile, only for him.
--
It was cold. Really cold. The small room they had been using as shelter was mostly bare, in exception of the small, scrawny tree at the corner. Decorations consisted of old trinkets he had found around and small mementos his mother had kept from back home and from her life before that. A jeweled hairpin in form of a flower, a heart-shaped pendant, a colorful scarf. She always talked about her group of friends back then. They were like big heroes to him, still a child grasping to any kind of hope and story available. They had gone to find a solution to this dying world, his mother had mentioned once…and he believed they would be back.
A small crooked tin-foil angel decorated the top of the tree, and while it wasn’t much, and it definitely didn’t compare to the tree they had had back home…his mother still smiled when she looked at their finished product. Her smiles weren’t as bright, the boy noticed, but she always had one for him.
She tied a ruby pendant with a crest he didn’t recognize on the tree, brushing her thumb over it carefully, and for a second her expression looked pained, before turning to him with a smile. “There. It’s not much, but now we have a tree for Santa to deliver the presents.”
“Mom…” He scrunched up his face. He was eight already, almost a man grown. Still…for her, he guessed he could pretend to be a small child, still.
“Here, here. I have something for you.” She took out a small, neatly decorated box from behind her back and beamed. “I know it isn’t Christmas morning yet, but…I can’t wait.”
Koji took the little box in his hands, and looked at the eager gaze of his mother. “Come on, open it.” She urged on as he undid the small ribbon tied to the box. It was old, and the red color was washed out probably by the harsh conditions, but still, he treated it as the most precious thing in the world. Inside the box, a ring rested on a small cushion. A ring he recognized.
“Your father wanted you to have it.” Her voice was softer now, a tinge of sadness on it. “I wanted to wait a little before giving it to you, but…I think this is the right moment. You have grown quite a bit! You’ve always been so smart, Koji. Always humoring me even when you have outgrown so many of my silly traditions. Just…don’t lose hope, alright? Always believe things will get better.”
He looked at her, and despite the strong front he had been trying to keep ever since they left home, the feelings came rushing all at once in the form of rolling tears down his cheeks. He was still a child…he was scared…he missed home…his brother and father. And she knew. She always knew.
“There, there. Oh, my sweet boy…” She pressed a tender kiss to his forehead as her fingers brushed through his brown locks, soothing him.
“I miss them too.” She whispered, hugging him tightly.
--
The others were decorating the tree, laughter and chattering bouncing off the walls of the Resistance’s base. He could hear Trip singing and Patris giggling. He could hear Iofiel cheering as someone, probably Euphie, put the finishing touches to the tree. All of them were using this time to relax, to have a good time despite the wasteland outside. Not everything was bad…there was always hope, and Christmas was the epitome of hope. Of new life.
Still, he couldn’t get himself to celebrate. She was gone. It had been six months now, but… this was the first Christmas he would spend without her.
Koji passed his fingers over the old spear. It was still well preserved, despite the wear. It had a regal feeling to it, and the blade was still sharp. The spear was the only thing they recovered when they found her… They had said she had died protecting the base from the Corrupted. He remembered Inigo’s father’s expression when he had given him the news. Oddly, a cold silence had taken over him back then. As if whatever emotion he should have been feeling died along with her. He had never let himself show any sort of weakness in front of the others; accepting his condolences quietly, almost robotically.
It was only when he was alone that he permitted himself to mourn. And it was during this time that the wound opened all over again, a realization that he would never see her again hitting the young boy. His hands tightened around Vega, stiffening when footsteps moved closer.
“Koji? Are you there?”
“What is it, Sera?” His voice was impassive, but he couldn’t help the slight annoyance in his tone, turning just slightly to catch sight of the pink hair at the doorframe.
“We are decorating the tree, and I didn’t see you there, so I thought…” She hesitated, looking at the weapon in his arms, before moving inside the room, taking a seat beside him. “Is that…your mother’s?”
He nodded mutely, feeling uncomfortable with the closeness to this girl. He had never known what to do with his feelings for the daughter of Nyx, and he certainly knew this wasn’t the place or the time to actually act on them. They had more important things to worry about, with the Corruption moving in an accelerated pace…with them losing more people each day. And specifically, right now, he didn’t want anyone close to him to see his vulnerabilities.
“You probably are really sick of people telling you this, but… I am here if you need anything, Koji. We all are. I can’t imagine what it is like…so I can’t say I understand, or know what you are going through…but we are your friends, and you can lean on us, you know?”
He looked up to face the girl, nodding faintly. It wasn’t much, but, he was sincere. He knew his friends were there, and he was grateful, even if he didn’t show it much. Inigo, Sera, Kuzaku, all the others.
“She always said I should keep believing… it’s difficult to do so when the odds aren’t in our favor. It would be foolish to believe everything is fine, and that it will be fine.”
The girl looked down for a moment, a frown on her pretty face. Though when she did look back up at him, there was no hesitation in those eyes. There was a will to fight, to believe.
“Don’t be a dork, Koji.”
That took him off guard. “Excuse m-“
“I said! Don’t be stupid. Haven’t you seen everything we have accomplished? Don’t underestimate humanity, Koji. Don’t underestimate The Resistance. We have done so much! And I know we will find a way. Your mother also believed that. We have so many people on our side. Many strong people.”
She stood up and held her hand to him. “It’s Christmas. Everyone is waiting.”
He put his mother’s spear aside and stood up, following Sera. When he saw the tree…he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Hey! Look at that, he’s capable of smiling.”
“Anzu…”
“Ha ha! Yeah! Probably avoiding all the chores of decorating, huh?”
“Come, Koji! We will open presents now!”
“Yeah. We were waiting for you.”
“Good to see you, buddy.”
He’d protect all these people with his life. Yeah…things would be fine.
--
A scoff escaped him. He still brushed away some of the snow that had fallen over the tree, hiding the decorations on it. Eyes turned side to side, almost as if ashamed someone had been looking, before standing straight once more, brushing his hand on his pants, wiping away the wet snow. Koji walked down the stairs of the shrine, taking the steps two at a time. Someone bumped against him when he reached the bottom though, a small yelp escaping the girl's lips, the bags she was holding sent flying.
"Oh! I am so sorry! I wasn't paying attention! I guess...that is what happens when you are paying attention to your phone instead of the road, huh?" She giggled awkwardly, but Koji could only stare.
That laughter was unmistakable. The golden curls were longer, and eyes looked brighter...skin was smoother, but...it was her. Her cheeks were rosy because of the cold and the sheepish moment... and probably because there was a stranger just staring at her.
"Ah, it's no problem." He answered then, trying to salvage the situation despite the tension he now felt. "Let me help you."
She was carrying all sort of things. A bag of Junes candies, ingredients for some sort of baked good, chocolates, a pair of new gloves, a pink scarf, and a box that was wrapped as if for a present. He must have looked surprised, for she laughed again, helping him pick up her things.
"Yeah, just some last minute shopping. I wanted to make a cake for my family. My 'lil sis' said she wanted to help with that. And those are chocolates for my boyfriend. There are also a few presents I want to put under the tree. Santa will like our tree this year, I know. A-anyway, I am blabbering, thank you for helping me, and sorry for almost running you over. ... ... A-are you alright?"
He wasn't sure what kind of face he had made for her to ask that, but he shook his head, handing the blond her bags. "It's nothing. You just...reminded me of someone. With the Santa talk. I stopped believing from a young age."
"Oh. Heh, well... it's nice to believe in some little magic, right? Even if it's really your loved ones giving you the presents... it's nice knowing there's always someone who cares about you."
"Yeah...you might be right."
She smiled that same smile she used to give him all those years ago, in another time and space.
"Well, I have to run. Thank you again for helping me. Merry Christmas, um..."
"Koji."
"Oh! I like that name. Well, merry Christmas, Koji. I am Minori. Remember, don't stop believing!" She winked, her tone playful as she hurried home...but it had stirred something inside of him.
Perhaps not everything had been bad. Christmas...if anything...he still had the good memories. Those, he'd cherish.
"Merry Christmas...mom."
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Hopeful Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:26 am
Quote: Submission By: Necromonium Submission Title: L4C. [Left For Christmas] Characters: Nekura Myonmu and Ellie Troit. [with guest appearances] Text: A loud gunshot could be heard, as a brown haired figure reloaded his weapon. A loud hissing sound could heard...as a figure went up in an enshrouding smog.
"Good shot, Myon-Senpai." a green haired girl's voice remarked, lowering a pair of binoculars. "That smoker won't be bothering anyone, anytime soon."
"Yeah." Nekura remarked, stretching a bit. "It's refreshing to get to enact a bit of vengeance from all of the times one's messed with us."
Something had happened....A disease had spread out...And people had become infected with a...troubling virus. The dead began to walk again, and people who investigated them too closely found themselves coupled with it too. A zombie outbreak....
Months had passed....and some people were found to be lucky enough to be immune to the condition itself...But still very much vulnerable to te rigors of day to day life. Food to eat, water to drink, and exposure to the elements. It was...trying times indeed.
"How long has it been?" Ellie remarked, walking alongside her fellow survivor. "It's probably winter right about now. Do you think Halloween has passed?"
"Who knows." Nekura remarked, quietly. "Could be Christmas Eve...or Christmas itself."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" the Heroine replied, with her usual smile. "Why don't we pitch that idea to the group? We could celebrate! I wonder if we have anything special..."
It wasn't long before the group came upon their recent shelter, a home that had the usual barricades. Boards on the windows, shelves in front of doors...And a secret entrance. Nekura knocked on the door...and a familiar voice called out.
"What's the password?"
Nekura paused, sighing lightly...But, watched as Ellie walked over to the door.
"Roses are red, Zombies are blue.." she started, much more enthusiastic. "But I don't want Brains, so you know I'm true."
"Correct...." the voice called, a silver haired and pale figure called, opening the door.
"I still think that password is lame." Nekura remarked, walking in with Ellie.
"I like it." Ellie quipped back, as the two entered the safe house. The door was shut a few moments later, as Ellie clasped her hands together.
"Everyone! Myon-Senpai had an amazing idea!" she started immediately, gathering the attention of everyone in the group. "Go on, Myon-Senpai.
"Gah...Why'd you put me on the spot?" he snapped, before turning to face the group. "Well...I was just thinking....Um....It's been a while since this whole mess started, Yeah? Anyone remember even what day it is?
A resounding silence filled the room, prompting him to cough a bit.
"Yeah, me neither." he remarked, lightly. "So...We've probably passed some of the holidays. Like Halloween, at least..Since it's so damn cold outside."
Another long pause, as he cleared his throat again.
"So..I was just kind of thinking....Maybe we should celebrate one. Together. Like, Christmas!...Yeah?"
There was a long pause as he looked over the eyes of everyone...Looking varying degrees of tired, somber, or otherwise expressionless.
"I don't think that's the best of ideas."
"We don't really have enough to celebrate for."
"Yeah...our supplies are spread pretty thin."
"We don't even have any presents."
Nekura's uneasy smile rested back into a frown, as he turned away from the group.
"I liked the idea." Ellie assured him, as he lightly shoved away from her.
"It's fine....Don't worry about it." he called, lightly. "Just...leave me alone for a bit...okay?
The brown haired senior moved up to the upstairs rooms, scowling.
'Can't believe them...Buncha grinches..' he thought to himself, leaning against a wall in a huff.
"Last time i try to be optimistic."
Time passed, and it was time for them to get what little rest they could. However, as everyone huddled into some scavenged sleeping bags, or similar cover...Nekura quickly rose from his, creeping over to the door.
"Late night scavving?" the voice of the dark haired adult-figure remarked, dully. "You know that's not safe without a partner..."
"I'll be fine, Martillo." he snapped, going to open it. "I'm going out to get something. I'll be back before morning."
"Okay. Titus's voice replied, as he turned. "I'm on Watch tonight...so, I hope you don't forget the password."
"I won't." he replied just as flatly, as he pushed out into the cold. A small shiver ran down his spine, as the winds blew...And he held up his gun.
"There's gotta be something in the area...." he sounded to himself. "Something I can get for her."
Even if everyone else was unsupportive of the idea, he was determined to find something for Ellie. A necklace, a comic book..A music player...Hell, he'd settle for a dessert at this rate. Anything to make sure that she at least, got something.
"Now, if I could just.." he started, before feeling something wrap around his neck. Something cold, slimy, and...
"Shi-" he had time to almost scream out...Before the smoker's tongue clenched around his throat, stifling his calls for help. He reach up to try to pry it off of him, his heart POUNDING as he struggled.
'Dammit, No! Not now!' he thought, feeling his head start to grow faint....before suddenly it's grip laxxed. A burst of smoke filled the area...Prompting him to start feverishly coughing instead.
"D..Dammit..That was close." he choked out, moving out of the smog as he glanced around. "But..who..
"You should be more careful." a familiar voice called out, prompting Nekura to look up. Darker skin, and black hair...
"What are you doing out here, Yasumoto?" he snapped, prompting a small frown from the boy.
"I saved your life...for one. Kensu started. "I was just thinking..It has been a while since we've really..celebrated. So, I was just wandering around to see if i could find something for Hanako-san...."
Nekura raised an eyebrow, but quickly stifled a grin.
'Well, at least it's not just me now." he thought, before turning around.
"Same. Let's check the area...We might be able to find something in these abandoned buildings." he called to Kensu, moving around with his shotgun at the ready.
A block or so later, they found a building that didn't look too ransacked....A Music store.
"Oh, this might work." he called, gesturing at Kensu to follow as they entered the building. A lot of CDs littered the floor, a few cracked cases..Broken records....
"Ah..I found a CD player!" Nekura's voice called, triumphant. "It takes some batteries....See if you can find any Triple A's."
"Ah...Sure." Kensu's voice called, glancing around the area as best he could in the dark.
Their search eventually yielded a sizable pile of batteries, and even a pair of gold-colored headphones. Better still, there were a ton of CDs that looked like they still worked. Yet, despite all of that...There remained an obvious problem
"Looks like there's only one set." Nekura addressed to Kensu, looking at the remains of the shop. "What kind of music store only has one CD player?
"I don't know.." Kensu replied, before turning to face him. "Though...Myon....Could you let me have this one?"
"Don't call me that...And why?" Nekura stated, holding the player up. "I Mean, I was the one who found it.."
And it was his idea in the first place to do this kind of thing.
"Well..it's just that...You know Hanako-san is blind...So, I think she might appreciate it...." Kensu started, before the player was shoved into his hands.
"I know..I know. Just take the damn thing." Nekura replied bitterly. "I'm not helping with the CDs though. That's all you."
"That's..fine." Kensu called, looking over his findings. "I'll..see you back at the base."
"Whatever." Nekura remakred, starting out of the store in a huff, and looking around.
"Damn me, and my...Being..nice..ness." he quipped to himself. before glancing up. He could hear frantic breaths...panting...and the skittering of feet.
"Look out!" another voice called, a gunshot ringing out to put down the creeping Jockey before it could take Nekura for a ride. Nekura turned to see another face from the base, the rugged rock-star of the group Nyx.
"Mishima? What are you doing out here?" he asked, as Gin moved over to his side.
"Well..Martillo said you went out on your own. he started, sternly. "Said something about finding something. I..take it you're looking for something for Troit?"
"How'd you? ...Grr." Nekura started, flushing as he averted his gaze. "Yeah, fine. It's for Ellie. I'm looking for something."
"Mind if I help?" Gin asked, reloading his gun. "That way, it'll be safer...and I can find something myself."
"Oh? You interested in someone too?" Nekura retorted. "Perhaps Miss Gallen?"
"Yes." Gin answered simply, taking all the fun out of trying to tease him. Nekura moved about with the rocker, coming up on another store after a few blocks.
"Ah, sweet! A Jewelry store!" Nekura started, moving to head in.
"I doubt there'll be anything left." Gin replied, knowingly. "These kind of places run out of things fast when the world goes to Hell. I'd be surprised if there was anything in here besides broken glass, and trash."
Nekura crept through the abandoned jewelry store, seeing much of what Gin had anticipated. Broken glass, bloodstains...and generally nothing of use. Though, as he knelt down over one particularly shimmering shard...He saw something.
"Prepare to be surprised then, Mishima." he called, before holding up a lovely sapphire locket, with a silver chain.
"Oh..that is a nice color. Gin stated, lightly. "It would go well with Nix's earrings."
"Ah....Well..Fine." Nekura remarked, feeling that same feeling of regret showing him..Before thrusting it into his hands. "Just take it then. S'not what I'm looking for anyways."
"You sure?" Gin's replied, looking it, and him over. "You were the one who found it, after all."
"Just, shut up and accept my goodwill, dammit." Nekura snapped, starting along again. "I'm gonna go look for something else. You should get back to base."
"But, I can't leave you here alo-"
"I met Kensu along the way. Told him to meet me a bit aways from here." Nekura quickly, if only partly lied. "Just be safe. I bet Martillo is getting tired of standing watch. You should relieve him."
"...Alright, Myonmu. Just be careful." Gin advised once more, before starting back.
Nekura kicked at a pile of snow at this, frowning again.
"Gonna run out of options at this rate." he snarled to himself, before contining along the path. As he started to round the corner though, he heard a loud Roaaaaaaaar, and he immediatlely ducked behind a wall.
"Ohhhh..s**t. Not a Tank. Please." he said to himself, quickly looking for cover. The being was a giant, angry, and powerful Zombie. It usually took the whole team in order to take one down....So, facing it on solo was out of the question.
"Maybe, if I move very quietly.." he started, before suddenly hearing it cry out in agony. The air went dead silent for a few moments...before he peered around the corner once again, nervously.
"Myonmu.....Is that you?" a stern, serious voice called back to him.
"Ah...Yeah..It's me. he stated, moving around the corner. "I didn't know you were out too, Sakurazaka."
There was a silence...as the two exchanged glances. Even with only one visible eye shown...The two could practically communicate just as well through gazes.
"I remember a convience store when we went through here.." Sai started, quietly. "I...wanted to see if they had any pudding."
"Ah....Shall we check together?" he stated, feeling more like he was the one that was tagging along this time. The violet haired boy paced with him, as they searched the city...Until they found it.
"Here." Sai stated. "This is the place."
"R..right." Nekura stated, glancing around the area. Their journey had been smooth getting there, but he couldn't help but worry that something was going to come around the corner.
The two made their way into the store quickly, looking over the ransacked shelves. It seemed like it had been picked clean...Until...
"Oh! I found it!" Nekura called, kneeling over to push off some debris. "Looks like this pudding's still in date. It's vanilla, but.."
Sai moved over, just as quickly at this, lifting the rubble as they looked at the container. There weren't many packages that weren't damaged....But, enough to fit in one's pockets.
"Go on." Nekura remarked, lightly to Sai as he held them. "It'll be morning soon, I'm sure. Don't worry everyone."
"...Okay." Sai stated plainly, before starting out of the store, pudding cups held in his shirt.
Nekura sighed as he leaned against the counter, glancing around the room once more.
"Dammit." he complained to himself. "So far, I've just been giving up everything we find. How am I gonna find something for Ellie?"
He had time to check one last store..maybe, before he'd have to go back. The building right next to the convenience store.
As he walked in though, he heard something ringing out.
Some....horrid, weary sobbing. A quick gaze...and he could see it...
'A witch..!' he thought, quickly backing up to the doorway. They were sad...but incredibly deadly infected....
And, if he got too close, she'd definitely be the end of him, group or not. Yet, as he peered around once more, a figure was heading his way. Someone tall, with dark hair, and an armful of books.
"Hm? Nekura?" Titus's voice called out in surprise...Prompting a shrill shriek from the hunched over being.
"s**t." Nekura stated, reaching for his gun as the Witch turned to Titus. He tried to inch away, but a stray floorboard caught his feet, prompting him to tumble with the large stack of books.....One of which..
was heading straight for the witch.
"Move!" Nekura called out to the older man, firing his gun in the direction of the witch before the books could hit her. Her head turned all the way around, her body following suit to leer at him with glowing red eyes. Claws were held out, and now, more than ever...
"Time to Run!" he called out, darting away from the area as fast as he could. He could hear the Witch shrieking after him, as he fired back at her. Gunshot after gunshot....Clip after clip...
She was gaining on him fast, ready to lunge for the kill....But then, something happened.
The witch caught fire, from what he could only presume was an incendiary round. The flames burning at her body, coupled with several dozen rounds of bullets eventually brought her to her knees....And then to the ground.
Nekura fell over at this, panting roughly as he glanced around for his savior.
"T..Too close...Way. Too. Close." he called out, not finding anyone at first glance.
After a few minutes to catch his breath though, Titus rounded the corner once more, with the same stacks of books as before.
"Oh good, you're alive." he called lightly, looking the boy over. "Did you get hurt? or..."
"I..I'm fine.." Nekura stated lightly, before looking at the books in his hands. They were...A stack of Manga?
"That's good. I'd hate to lose you because of my own mistake."
"Didn't take you for a manga-lover, Martillo." Nekura stated flatly, the older man pausing.
"Well, I'm not, per se...But.."
"Yeah Yeah..It's for Al, I bet." Nekura remarked, waving his hands. "I getcha. Glad my idea wasn't so stupid after all. But...can we just go back to base now? I'm really ******** tired."
Titus nodded at this, helping Nekura up as they moved all the way back to the house. A quick knock was enough to get the person on watch to let them in. Nekura moved over to his own sleeping bag once more, before positively crashing on it, worn out by his attempts to salvage something.
'I hope she's not too mad..' he thought before drifting off to sleep, closing his eyes for an indeterminate amount of time.
Soon enough though, he was being lightly shook by a pair of familiar hands.
"Wake up, Myon-senpai!" Ellie called, lightly. "It's Christmas!"
"Bwuh?" he sounded sleepily, before getting up. He could see Mei wearing the pair of Golden headphones with Kensu, nestled against each other to hear the music...
Nix, wearing the Sapphire necklace he'd found with Gin...
Suzu, positively beaming over the small stack of pudding that Sai procured for her...
And Al Azif making some poses from one of the manga that Titus had brought back. Despite everything that had been going on, they all looked...
Happy.
"Ahhh.." Nekura stated lightly, looking over the group. "Looks like everyone was on board after all."
"I told you it was a good idea." Ellie mused, kneeling down next to him. "Looks like everyone got a present, too."
"Ah..Yeah..." Nekura started, before looking up once again. Kensu was wearing a violet sweater that covered his metallic arms....
Gin was wearing a bangle, with a large ruby in the center....
Sai was had on a pair of Black gloves....With a cutesy pink bunny design on them. What's more, it looked like it had an eyepatch similar to his own drawn onto it...That Suzu seemed overly giddy about...
And Titus himself, was wearing an outfit that resembled a figure from a martial arts manga.....The very one that Al was reading.
"Mightiest disciple..?" Nekura guessed, before suddenly flinching.
"Ah...s**t! I'm sorry Ellie! I was looking all night, but I.."
"I know."
"No, I mean...Wait...You know?"
"Of course." the green haired Heroine called, her hand gently trailing to his. "I went outside last night too. And, I saw you helping everyone finding their gifts. Yasumoto, Mishima...Sakurazaka..Even Martillo."
"Y..yeah..There was a witch and.."
"I know." she interrupted once more, her fingers lightly entwining with his. "I was the one with the fire bullets. It was close, but we beat it."
"B..b..But..." he started, stammering quietly. "H..How....How did you know all of that?"
Ellie gave a small, warm grin at this, leaning against him.
"The boys weren't the only ones who went out last night." she mused, lightly. "We all went out to find something for you guys too."
Nekura blushed from ear to ear, lightly backing away from the girl sheepishly.
"I..I'm sorry I couldn't.." he started, before she put a finger on his lips.
"It's okay, Myon-senpai." Ellie assured, pressing her lips to his. "I got exactly what I wanted. To see everyone's spirits lifted again. Because of you...Nekura."
"E...E..Ellie."
"Merry Christmas, Nekura." she stated once more, pressing him back down into his sleeping bag.
"M..Merry Christmas to you too, Ellie.."
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Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 9:43 pm
Quote: Submission By: Zorc James (with assistance from Necromonium) Submission Title: Decking the Halls with Holly Characters: Holly Wulf and the Unit 2 [with guest appearances] Text: With the sun obscured by the clouds and snow falling lightly down from the sky, it seemed that for this day of days, it would be a white Christmas. The Embryon facility seemed to be a buzz of interests, as all the buildings were decorated for the occasion. Even the Unit Two building was dressed up, especially so this year with... "Um... what is going on right now?" A normally reclusive member of Unit Two questioned as she looked at the hallways of their facility. Each and every one of them were covered in what looked to be a thick red paint, dressed up to look like rows of red cowls, all holding hands. As she looked around puzzled, she had reached the mess hall, seemingly dressed with the same images on the walls, but at least a tree was set amongst one of the corners, food laid out for people to eat, and most of the others there too.
"Do you guys happen to know why the walls are like this?" Kumori puzzled. With a shrug from some of the others, she sighed.
"It has to be Holly, she is the only one who could would have the energy for this" Sophia spoke, and just as soon as she did, the red-clad member of the Stealth Unit came bouncing along in, with her fellow helper wolf right behind. Almost immediately, the hooded boy nearby the large display of food spoke up to her, inquiring.
”Holly, were you the one who did this, right?” As he motioned to the strange paintings on the wall, Holly replied almost immediately, nodding as she did.
”Yup yup, Negi-tan. I thought that the decorations would help bring out the halls and make everything more festive. It is Christmas, after all~.” Twirling around as she answered Negima’s question, he sighed, seeing that he wouldn’t get a straight answer from her. Moving along with herself, she stopped in her tracks as she saw someone in the doorway, someone she had seen only a couple of times before, but only at glances and never knew fully. But from what she did know of the person was that they were not apart of the Embryon formally, if not just apart of Unit Two. And that itself garnered glaring eyes from Holly and Lady a piece.
”Tch, what are you looking at?” the boyish individual spat, meeting her leer with an equally venomous scowl of her own. ”I was invited. There’s no other reason I’d be here.”
”She is with me.” Shingo’s voice called, addressing the elephant in the room of having a Yatagarsu member in their base. ”I figured it was alright to bring those close to us on this day. Is that not so?”
”I….suppose.” Holly replied, wearing a displeased frown, moving toward the stranger. ”Though, she does not seem like a ‘she’ at all. Are you sure, Shingo-san?”
”Why you little..” Kansei spat, glaring at the smaller girl with a snarl….Before the lone wolf moved between them just in the nick of time.
”I can assure you...She is quite the lady.” Shingo replied, prompting a hue from the boyish summoner. ”And very important to me too. So, if you would be nice Holly…”
”Y-yeah Holly. It’s Christmas….Let the girl be.” Negima chimed in, trying to help with mitigating the angst in the air. Holly frowned slightly… but then turned her head to see another member of the unit walking into the room.
”Yeah, it’s Christmas...Why don’t we….?” Zowii called, noticing as the girl’s eyes rested on her...followed by the rest of the group. ”What? Is there something..” She followed their line of sight upwards, seeing one of the decorations dangling over her. A mistletoe.
”Ummm..Ahh…! Oh! Captain Kurou! The food is lovely, isn’t it?”
”It’s nice.” the short captain replied, spooning a significant portion of cake onto his plate. ”Though, someone should honor the tradition.”
The room seemed silent….as one by one the thought seemed to go through the minds of everyone in the unit… But, Holly started over without a hint of a doubt, and planted her lips on the girl’s cheek. ”Mistletoe!” Holly mused playfully, leaning back with a smile at taking the opportunity to express her affection.
Negima stared blankly…..
And Kurou continued to simply eat, unfazed by the sight...Or anything other than the food he was slowly taking from the table.
”Oh! Are you feeling left out, Negi-tan?” Holly remarked, noticing the ensign’s blank stare.
”W..what? N..No! Of course no-“ the ensign started, flushing a beet red as the girl danced over to him, and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek.
”There! Now you can feel the joy too!” she mused, sing-songly, before turning to the others. ”In fact, everyone should feel all warm, happy, and full of love today!” The girl pranced over to each member of what she considered her family. From leaning over to kiss her captain on the forehead, to standing on her tiptoes to kiss Sophia, to even kissing the awkward Kumori on her cheek as well. They were all her family, and they all deserved to be loved as such.
”Tch….She’s annoying.” Kansei muttered under her breath, scowling as she averted her gaze.
”A bit...” Shingo started, before leaning in to press his lips to the grinchy summoner. ”But, she does have the right idea. Everyone deserves to feel a bit of love today.”
”S..shut up. D..don’t do that.” Kansei meekly replied, blushing from ear to ear….but looking rather pleased despite her protests.
As all the festive interaction seemed to be going underway, another person entered the room, and as such all eyes fell upon him. ”Hello everyone.” The tall Embryon member said as he waved to everyone politely, even the out-of-place Yatagarasu member. As he walked over to Kumori, he leaned over and gave her a small peck on the forehead, which easily led to the shorter one to change into her Atma form.
”I told you to stop doing that!” Kumori told Sinbad, embarrassed of the fact that he still liked kissing her forehead.
”Don’t worry, I didn’t come all the way here just for that... or maybe I did?” A joke Sinbad had stated that only gotten the glaring ire of Holly, but continued onward without missing a beat. ”But I came here to give you this.”
With that statement, Sinbad pulled from behind his back a relatively small box, and with her opening it up revealed to have a small silver crown inside of it, as well as a handmade badge with the words ‘7-Seas’ inscribed onto it. ”I thought you would like that, since you are my little queen.”
Blushing through the Atma form that she was in, Kumori looked at Sinbad and gave him a small peck on the lips, fleeting enough that barely lingered. ”Thankyou…” Moving onward, Kumori went over to the tree situated overtop a horde of gifts and picked one up and handed it to Sinbad ”I got this for you.” Unraveling it, Sinbad had saw that it was a hand-made scarf. Even though it was not the best in quality, Sinbad almost immediately took it out of the box and threw it around his neck.
”I like it a lot, Kuko.” Sinbad said with full sincerity as he smiled.
With the gift giving started, everyone else followed in suit, handing out gifts to each of the members of their unit. But when it came to Holly, she gave them out in two-fold, one go around from herself and another from Lady. The reactions to the gifts were full heart, but one person had the one person had the question that was on everyone’s mind.
”So Holly, why is it that you painted the halls red?” Kogata inquired, curious as to exactly why. Without missing a beat Holly replied, swallowing down a piece of goose that she had bitten off.
”Finger painted!” Holly held up one hand, and it was obvious that by the faded residue of paint from her fingers, that she was telling the truth. ”And isn’t it that you are supposed to ‘Deck the Halls with Holly’ on Christmas?”
Beat…
”That’s ‘Boughs of holly’… tch…”
"Oh! I thought it was a bit strange.." Holly mused lightly, before twirling around. "Oh well! It's done now! Now, let's have some more fun, and Enjoy Christmas. Together!"
Though Kansei rolled her eyes, she eventually relented...and joined in the festivities with everyone. They ate, sang, and celebrated together until the sun went down...And eventually, the commander told them it was time for them to turn in. As they parted ways, Holly leaned up against Lady, closing her eyes.
"Best. Christmas. Ever." she called, falling asleep in the warm, fuzzy fur.
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:20 pm
Quote: Omake Contest Results
Zorc James (Decking the Halls with Holly) - 6
Necromonium (Left 4 Christmas) - 6
Hibarii chan (Memories) - 18
Necromonium (Don't Get Any Crackier Than This) - 3
Rednal (Christmas After The End) - 10
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:25 pm
Quote: Omake Contest Prizes Winner: Hibarii chan - 18 points.Prize: Opal Ring - An immensely powerful artifact ring which condenses the power of a 20-foot tall Giant Woman into the frame of a single, average sized human woman. 2.5x damage to all Phys attacks. 50% reduction of phys damage taken. Increase speed by 75%. If paired with a certain [Giant Weapon], the user may become nigh-unstoppable. Show: Rednal - 10 points.Prize: Armor of Mercury - Auto-Marakukaja at the start of battle. Cast a poison 'Mercury Mist' around the user for 3 turns 1 time per-battle which inflicts a strong poison on foes fighting in close-range. Cast 'Earth Wall' to nullify Earth attacks for 3 turns. Increase defense when worn. Place (tie): Necromonium - 6 points.Prize: Avid Gambler's Ring - Roll 1-4: 1 = Cast Zionga, 2 = Cast Bufudyne, 3 = Meltdown, 4 = Hit self with Garudyne. Place (tie): Zorc James - 6 points.Prize: Problem Gambler's Ring - Roll 1-4: 1 = Cast Aques, 2 = Cast Magnadyne, 3 = Cast Hell's Judgment, 4 = Hit self with God's Judgment.
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