This particular time of the year used to hold such appeal to the poisonous hunter. Sure, it was a time when people all over the world would celebrate a fresh start of a new year. Where family and friends send cards to one another to wish them a joyous and pleasant new year. Where festivals were held in villages, towns, and cities would roar with sounds of lively folk ready to throw old memories and begin anew. But most importantly were the many dishes that would be passing around at those gatherings. Yes, that's how it usually happens.

For Coco, he would've love nothing more than to attained such events again, but...

It all happened a few years ago when he was about 24 years old. It had been hours before New Year's, he'd promised the people of Gourmet Fortune that he would help out a little before the countdown. They asked if he could prepare a soup dish. He was almost reluctant, not used to cooking for others but begin a gentleman and decent cook he happily accepted. He decided on making Shrimp Zōni. It was very common, but simple to make and the ingredients were easy to capture. Having his own booth set up for him made preparation that much quicker. After putting the finishing touches on the soup and making sure there was enough to go around, he distributed it about town.

Many thanks were given and it warmed Coco's heart to see how much everyone was enjoying his dish. Pouring himself a bowl, he tried the soup once more to marvel at his handy work. Putting the soup filled spoon up to his and taking a sip, savoring the taste of the hot liquid. Though, something in the back of his mind was nagging at him. The soup was good. It tastes a little different from when he tried it last, but he assured himself it was fine.

Or so Coco thought.

A few of the towns people began collapsing, spilling their soup bowls as they come crashing down. Others looked on in a panic while some kneeled beside the fallen misfortunate, asking if they were ok. Coco couldn't believe what he was witnessing. What's going on? He rushed to their aid to determined what the problem was. They were all clutching their tummies and complaining of stomach aches. He gently placed his two fingers to one person's tummy. Once he'd found the cause he was taken aback.

They have been poisoned. Not just any poison. HIS poison.

He picked up signatures of one of his less potent poisons but still enough to do damage to a person's insides. This was awful. Just awful. So that's why the soup tasted off. Some of his poison must've dripped into it during the preparation. Luckily, the effects only lasted for an hour or so. He gathered up some herbs to help numb the pain. It could've been a lot worse. His most toxic of poisons could've made its way into the soup and undoubtedly killed those who eat it. Although that wasn't the case, he's just glad no one was seriously hurt.

Meanwhile, the ball dropped and everyone was ushered into the New Year with most of the towns people trying to keep themselves together after such an exhausting ordeal. Coco apologized repetitively to everyone, a little put off at how forgiving the citizens were. He excused himself and made his way home, eyes downcast. He should've known better then to get involved in such gatherings. As much as he enjoyed get together, he knew it can't ever happen again. Someone... no everyone could have died. And it's all because of his poisonous body!

For years now, he chose to view those functions from a safe distance, going straight home after work so as not to cause...another incident. To this day, he thought back to that exact moment that made him despise himself even more.

But, all of that changed when he met Komatsu. The chef that wasn't afraid to touch him even after hearing about his tragic tale. Komatsu helped him realize there's more to life than a self-secluded lifestyle of feeling sorry for himself. Thanks to him, Coco was able to come out of his shell. Not just to become a Bishokuya again, but to spend a little more time around others.

Although, one step at a time. For this New Year, he was going the have his closest friends come to his place for a grand fest and drinks. His fellow Kings, Rin, Komatsu, and their animal partners. He called up Ichiryu and Mansam to wish them a happy New Year and sent out cards to anyone else he can think of, knowing how busy everyone can be this time of year.

Yeah, Coco can say without a doubt that New Year's will forever be his favorite holiday.

Happy New Year, Everyone! Please review.