This is almost like a prequel to Unraveling the Wind and Blaze. They aren't very connected so reading one before the other doesn't really matter. The entire story is in Dan's POV. Not a one-shot. This is my Christmas gift to all of you!

For the readers reading my First story, I'm sorry, but I'm at a small block, so I put this up to deepen Dan and Shun's friendship.

Most of the flashbacks are from episode 12.

Bold is Dan's thoughts

Italics are flashbacks

~~ are flashbacks within flashbacks…

DISCLAIMER: I don't own bakugan! Or Alice and Shun would be together…

Ch. 1

Winter: It's Exactly Today

White. The flurries were still ongoing. Though the fight was over and balance had been restored, the after effects of Vestroia and Earth combining still lingered. It was summer, but the ground was a grayish white from the gentle snow that was falling. If someone had just come into Japan, they would've thought it was Christmas time. Without all the fancy lights and stuff, of course.

Inside, it looked beautiful. The snowflakes were small, and soft, so it looked peaceful, like the kinda stuff you see on those cheesy Christmas specials. Outside, it was cold since it was so early. Even I was cold, and I don't get cold too easily. Runo says it's because of my hot head…

It was just me and Shun. It was a day after the battle with Naga. I know. We should've been celebrating. Or relaxing, hanging out with friends, family, happy that the world wasn't DEAD. Something.

But instead, Shun and I had ditched all of our friends.

We had spent the night at Marucho's house. Our parents hadn't argued in the slightest, knowing that we all needed each other right now. Well, besides Shun's grandfather, who was totally ignored. At this moment, we were all at the huge table in the dining room. We were all upset. Breakfast was quiet, small chatter between the girls and guys. Marucho said that he could still hear Preyas talking to him.

Julie, being the crazy, bubbly person that she was, stood up and looked at the five of us, "You know what? We just saved THE WORLD! We should be celebrating! We did it! We won!"

Alice nodded slowly, "I think you're actually right, Julie. Our bakugan wouldn't want us to mope either. We should do something to celebrate."

Marucho was the first to suggest, "How about we invite all the brawlers over for a party? We can do it here, at my house."

I laughed on the inside. I still can't believe that this could even be called a house. Or a mansion.

I put in that we should just go to an amusement park, and well, amuse ourselves. For once, Runo didn't retort to my stupid attempt to cheer up the atmosphere with a lame pun. The talking increased, and everyone was deciding what to do.

Except for Shun. He got up, and started to leave the room. "Where are you going?" Runo asked. He stopped, looking back at us. "Nowhere important."

"Then why go at all?" Julie questioned.

"I need to."

Alice's voice pierced the air next, "Then it must be important."

Shun gave a deep breath of irritation, "I just have to go. Don't ask questions that I'm clearly not going to answer."

Marucho began, "But-"

"Celebrate without me. It's fine."

I was getting a little suspicious, "Shun? Seriously, where are you going? We'd kinda like to have EVERYONE here when we party."

He looked at me harshly, his eyes flashed just the slightest. He whirled around and crossed his arms. "Dan. YOU of all people should know why."

"Huh?"

Trying again, "Make the moments count, Dan."

"What?"

He dropped his arms and muttered something under his breath. He turned back to the doorway. He put a hand to the frame, and twisted his head so we could see his profile. His voice was soft and slightly sad, "Dan. Just think about the date."

With that, he left the room. It was quiet before everyone pivoted their center of attention to me. "What was that about?" Runo asked.

Marucho butted in, "Why's today so important? Well, besides that we defeated Naga yesterday," and with that, he told us the date.

I looked at my empty plate, thinking. Then it hit me. "Dangit!"

"What?" Julie asked startled.

Without answering, I dropped my fork and knife, and rushed out after Shun. How could I forget?

Everyone followed me, and Runo grabbed my arm, "What's going on?" she demanded.

I shook her off, hurriedly grabbing my jacket and a random hat. I checked my pockets and found some thicker gloves, "Thank you, Mom."

Julie butted in, "Dan! Answer us! What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

"You too? Seriously, tell us!" Runo yelled.

I looked at them, "If he doesn't want to tell you, then I can't either."

Alice latched onto my wrist, "Why not? Don't we need to know if something's wrong?" she asked.

I turned to the door, without answering, and left to find Shun, "See you guys later."

I ran out, This sucks! How could I have forgotten?

I was now walking next to Shun. It was easy to catch up to him since it seemed like he knew that I would eventually figure it out. The snow was really thick, and it kept the surrounding area, since Wardington had been the center of everything, a nice shade of white.

Finally, we reached our destination. The gates were ajar, inviting Shun in, and I quietly followed. This was awkward. I hadn't said a word to Shun yet. The silence seemed too unbreakable.

We were at a cemetery. It was a gorgeous place with all the snow, but a cemetery. It was the one-year anniversary of Shiori Kazami's death.

It's exactly today.

Hey, Jazz here! I hope you guys like it so far! There's more coming up! I'll be updating everday until this story is finished. It should be done before Christmas!

Love all of you. Hope to see reviews!