Chapter One: The Wonderful Gathering

The sounds of running steps echoed upon the wooden floorboards as dizzy excitement filled the room at the coming of visitors.

"Ahiru will you stop that running! It's not going to make them arrive any faster," called an annoyed voice from the top of the stairs as she'd been carrying on this way for the past half an hour.

Hearing him Ahiru then replied back instantly smiling happily, "I can't help it Fakir! This is going to be the first time we can all celebrate together like this!" For even Fakir's tone wasn't enough then to sour her mood, for she walked around the room in a yellow long sleeved top with white frills on her sleeves finishing with red trousers.

Uzura upon the table looked on with her usual innocent curiosity as she held her drumsticks in each hand as she watched Ahiru walking back and forth excited.

Watching on Uzura asked, "is Ahiru happy zura?"

At this question Ahiru stopped and looked at her as she then replied still smiling, "oh yes I am Uzura, I just can't wait for everyone to come! It'll be the first time with everyone here! And I just can't-"

Suddenly then the doorbell rung and it was then Ahiru and Uzura looked towards the door silent for a moment but then Ahiru's face lit up as she cried out, "Fakir come on get down they're here!"

With that she then dashed to the door as fast as she could, Uzura seeing the happy mood then joined in her own way as she happily tapped on her drums, "they're here! They're here zura!"

Fakir meanwhile upstairs in the midst of his writing then quickly stopped dead in his tracks as he heard the call, dropping his quill into the pot of ink with a splash he ran to the stairs, he was dressed in a purple jacket and a blue shirt underneath ending with brown trousers.

Running at full pelt Ahiru arrived at the door with a smack as she couldn't contain herself but then quickly recovering as she shook her head she opened the door widely saying aloud with a big smile, "hi there!"

And there who greeted her were none other than Rue and Mytho as they looked at her with happy smiles seeing their old friend once again, both of them well clad for the winter as would be to expected for a prince and a princess.

Rue wore a long red dress with purple diamond patterns as they covered the whole thing while around her shoulders was a dark brown scarf with tassels giving her a classic Victorian image, as her long dark brown hair was tied back into a short ponytail.

Mytho meanwhile wore a long dark green coat held by golden buttons while his cuffs were surrounded by nice warm fur as his hands were shielded from the cold with brown leather gloves.

It was Rue who first spoke," good tidings Ahiru." Hearing this she sprung straight over and gave Rue a warm hug in seconds as she cried, "Rue-chan!"

Laughing as her friend hugged her Mytho simply smiled at this, for it was the same every year, well this was their third time to visit now.

Three years ago when they'd received word that Ahiru had been restored to her humanity the two of them had been extremely ecstatic and Mytho even more surprised to learn that Ahiru was princess Tutu herself!

But despite all the shocks and revelations that they'd been told about that had occurred over the time that Fakir and her had disappeared from Kinkan town, they were just so grateful and pleased to have them both back safe and sound.

'But even more than that', as Mytho looked up to the door it was then Fakir appeared finally in the doorway as he smiled to the two of them as well as he then proceeded forwards towards them, 'we're finally together again.'

Inside the living room Ahiru sat with Rue as the two of them discussed things as to what had happened since their previous meeting as they laughed and giggled at certain small stories as Uzura watched with her ever usual innocent curiosity from the table.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Fakir was quickly fixing up some tea for themselves while Mytho watched from the doorway at the two girls. Putting tea leaves in the teapot Fakir spoke, "well things like this never change, do they?" He asked.

At this Mytho looked at him, "no… they don't, but it should be interesting this year, right?" He asked and turned to look at Fakir who had now just got the boiling water off of the stove.

Hearing this Fakir let out a small smirk, "that's true it's always nice of Charon to leave the house when he visits Rachel, I think at some point we should visit them."

Mytho nodded at this for he and Rue hadn't seen Rachel themselves since that time three years ago, but he definitely would make the effort at some point, also to apologise for that time as well…

But shaking away the depressing thoughts he decided to change the subject, "so how's your story writing coming along? Have you made improvements?"

At this Fakir halted slightly as he was abut to pour the first cup, he sighed slightly a little melancholy making Mytho look at him in concern but before he could ask Fakir answered, "it's been ongoing, I've mastered basically what needs to be done in order to create, I haven't written a tale though as of yet… not until I'm completely sure what it is I want to write… because…"

Mytho listening to this didn't know how to respond at first but then he decided to make Fakir continue from his pause, "but?"

Fakir then poured the cup as he finished saying, "there's only so much I can write about in a small town like this…"

Mytho's curiosity still eating away at him was stopped before he could ask further as suddenly there was a series of hard knocks on the door as more guests had arrived.

Hearing them Ahiru turned from Rue who looked up curious herself, but Ahiru further happy ran to the doors instantly as she spoke running, "I wonder who's come first? Is it Komo-chan? Or?-"

But then opening the door she got her answer, as standing there together was Ouma and Uzuri. Looking at her big sister Ahiru saw she was clad in her favourite colour as ever dark blue in a long overcoat of navy with white fur surrounding her collar hiding away her arms, while white furry hair bands held her long pigtailed hair. Ouma on the other hand was dressed in a yellow chequered shirt with a black coat over him with a big orange scarf hiding a partial amount of his face.

Seeing Ahiru open the door he was the first to talk, "hi ya!"

Ahiru hearing him smiled and then looking at her big sister who smiled joyfully as she then held out her arms, "so what is I get when I visit?"

Knowing that answer without saying it Ahiru quickly went over and gave her a welcoming hug, "hi big sister!"

Feeling her warmth Uzuri squeezed back as it had been months since they'd last seen each other and she enjoyed the warmth her little sister always managed to carry with her, "hello to you too little sister."

After a few moments of this it was then they broke up their little greeting as Ahiru led them in as she guided her big sister in by the hand while Ouma walked a little behind, "c'mon! C'mon! I want you to meet everyone!"

Hearing them walk through the door Fakir thought it would be best he went in first before he let Uzuri and Ouma meet Rue and Mytho so walking past his friend he told him, "can you finish pouring the tea for me?"

At this question Mytho replied, "sure," as he then went to go and do just that.

Then walking out he went to meet them; Ahiru now leading Uzuri in had stopped holding her hand as she talked, "I'm so glad that you could come this year! I've always wanted you all to meet."

Uzuri hearing her little sister say this nodded as she replied, "I know, I know, you've said that quite a few times now since we've been able to visit this place." For now Uzuri had put away her coat on a hanger and had revealed the white lacy top she was wearing with a small black waistcoat along with the dark long blue skirt she was wearing.

Looking at the place she could see that the house that her little sister and Fiancée stayed in was still as plain as ever but she knew this would all quickly change in the next couple of days.

Ouma then spoke himself, "we've both been looking forward to this visit, right honey?" He spoke as he then went to hug her around her waist lovingly.

However not in the mood for that behaviour right then Uzuri simply rolled her eyes as she replied, "yeah sure."

Ahiru looking at them and their usual awkward behaviour then heard footsteps on the wood and turned to see Fakir walking over to them his expression the same as ever when he met with Uzuri and Ouma.

Seeing him she spoke pleased, "Fakir!"

At this Uzuri and Ouma turned and looked at him as he approached, then taking this as his cue to stop Ouma let go of Uzuri's waist as he walked on over and held his right hand out to him, "nice to see ya there again Fakir," he smiled.

Seeing Ouma and his usual open nature Fakir quickly responded as he took the hand and shook it, "nice to see you too."

Then letting go it was Uzuri who walked over as she looked at him with his usual cool eyes as she spoke again, "why hello there weirdo." As she finished with a grin.

Fakir put off once again by this usual greeting replied back in the same tone, "hello to you too."

Then suddenly making Ahiru and Ouma look on worried Uzuri suddenly brought out her rolling pin as she pointed it at Fakir's chin threateningly as she said still devilishly sinister, "I see you've managed to keep your promise again this year."

At this Fakir doing his best to not break a sweat looked into the distance avoiding her aura as he replied, "yeah… and I mean to keep it that way… I'd dread to think what you'd do to me…"

Ahiru uncomfortable at this little show immediately went to intervene as she grabbed her sister's shoulder as she said, "uh, sis? Could you please stop that now…"

Keeping the harsh gaze up for a few more seconds Uzuri then did a one hundred and eighty degree turn over as she put the rolling pin up her sleeve and smiled to her little sister, "okay."

Glad that she'd stopped her Ahiru sighed as she then led her away from him as she spoke, "C'mon I'll let you meet Rue-Chan." With that the two of them walked past Fakir.

After a further few quiet moments Fakir finally relaxed as he spoke, "oh thank god…" as he finished with a sigh, his heart still beating fast as he'd had to endure this every single time at the beginning she'd come to visit.

Ouma awkward still himself walked on over to him as he waited for his recovery, then finally getting his act together Fakir turned to him and said, "you know I don't how you manage to keep up with her."

At this Ouma let out a small laugh as he replied, "she mean's well, it's just her own way of showing affection to you, I'm sure she wouldn't really hurt you."

Hearing this Fakir was far from believing as he turned his head away thinking he'd never be able to understand Ouma's carefree nature.

Meanwhile back in the living room Ahiru finally led Uzuri into the living room where Rue was sat still with Uzura still on the tabletop.

However Uzura looking up and saw her coming and then banged on her drums happily, "oh! It's Uzuri zura!"

Hearing her Uzuri turned and saw the little girl marionette and then replied feeling a little hesitant, "uh, yes hello Uzura…"

At this voice it was then Rue turned and saw Uzuri for the first time as she looked up at her in amazement, feeling eyes on her Uzuri turned and looked at her herself as she blinked.

But then coming Ahiru then quickly introduced them to each other, "oh Rue-Chan! This is my sister Uzuri and Uzuri this is my friend Rue-Chan."

Uzuri looking at Ahiru as she was telling her this then regarded Rue with a concentrated gaze that made Rue feel a little uneasy, it almost felt like she was staring at another version of herself.

But then it was quickly shaken away as Uzuri reached her right hand forwards to be shaken as she said, "greetings to you Rue."

Hearing this she was puzzled for a moment but then seeing her hand extended Rue then reached her own forwards and then shook it slowly as she replied. "Uh yes, greetings to you as well Uzuri."

Ahiru watching this all proceed became relieved that they'd made good contact with each other and so smiled happily. Then suddenly, "I've got the tea here all ready! What does everyone want in their-"

It was then everyone turned as there sticking his head out from the doorway was Mytho as he looked curious for a moment, but then seeing him it was Ahiru quickly walked over to him as she spoke, "oh Mytho! This is my sister Uzuri she's come to stay with us as well this year."

Looking at Ahiru as he was told this Mytho blinked as he repeated, "your sister?"

Ahiru then nodded happy then Mytho looking at Uzuri saw her serious expression and looking at her definitely could see the resemblance with her long pigtailed brown hair, the single spring of hair on her head and the freckles on her cheeks.

Seeing this he then decided to reply, "I see, okay I'll come and introduce myself."

Nodding again Ahiru replied, "okay," with that she followed Mytho over and at that moment it was then Fakir and Ouma made it inside finally to see Uzuri being introduced to everyone.

Finally in front of the two of them Ahiru spoke to her sister, "and this is my friend Mytho, he's Rue's husband."

Hearing this Uzuri looked to him and then Rue again who looked at her not sure how to react but then turning around again she still held her serious expression as her arms were folded as she said, "I see…"

Mytho seeing her act like this then tried to make a proper introduction himself, "uh yeah that's right, we've always been interested in meeting you and the others it's really nice to make your acquaintance," Mytho finished as he bowed his head formerly in the princely fashion.

Seeing him do this Uzuri's expression still didn't change for she was used to all this type of courtesy, Ahiru on the other hand not sure what to do then suddenly heard the doorbell ring and as it did she spoke, "oh sounds like Komo-chan's finally made it now! I'll go and get her."

With that she quickly ran to the door to welcome them and then seeing her go Fakir decided then to follow suit as it was the right thing to do and Ouma hearing them go also knew instantly who it was so went to join them in the welcome as well.

Now left alone with the two of them it was then Uzuri made her move, "so I finally meet you two huh?... Could you do me a favour please?"

Meanwhile back at the door Ahiru hurriedly opened it again and there standing in the doorway smiling holding hands together were none other than Komadori and Fukorou.

Looking at her it was amazing to see what time had done to change her for now her short brown hair that once only reached to her shoulders was now long and soft as it reached past her back finishing above her hips, and the braids she wore at her sides were longer too reaching down to her chest.

She wore a long sleeved top light orange/brown in colour that was tied with a bright orange ribbon around her centre and the skirt below was a wonderful vibrant red with rose patterns all over.

Fukorou next her was dressed in a white shirt and blue coat with a red scarf tied around his neck while he wore a pair of comfortable black trousers.

Seeing everyone the two of them smiled as they each greeted, "we've arrived everyone," Komadori spoke happily and then Fukorou spoke as well, "hi there."

Then seeing her young cousin again Ahiru immediately went to her as she spoke, "Komo-Chan! It's so great to see you again!"

Hearing her Komadori let go of Fukorou's hand for a moment as she then grabbed her cousin's hands as they held each other pleased to see each other, "it's wonderful to see you as well."

With that they both smiled happily as they held each other's hands while Fukorou grinned at this usual greeting then looking past them he saw Ouma and Fakir in the doorway, seeing them he nodded silently with a smile.

Seeing him Fakir then nodded quiet himself, it'd taken a long time but the two were now more on a peaceful level with each other than they had been in the past, though they still didn't talk too much for there was still a ways to go before that.

However Ouma seeing him nod their way replied carefree, "well it's great to see you guys too!" With that he walked down the stairs and then over to Ahiru and Komadori who had now broken out of their little greeting.

Then looking over at her brother Ouma Komadori felt him ruffle her hair as he spoke in a brotherly tone, "so I still see you're all lovey with Furu-chan? Huh?"

At this Komadori became embarrassed as she batted his hand off her hair saying cross, "honestly big brother cut it out!"

Seeing this little act everyone laughed together making Komadori all the more embarrassed, but then Fukorou seeing her like this took her hand again in comfort and reassurance. This made her look at him in surprise as he smiled down kindly at her, but then seeing this she blushed happily with a smile as she squeezed his hand.

Seeing their little moment together there was silence but then Fakir decided to speak up, "well I hate to interrupt this little tender moment but I think it'd be better for us to all go inside, we don't all want to freeze when it starts snowing again."

Hearing this everyone acknowledged him as then Ahiru spoke, "yeah you're right, c'mon let's go in!" With that Ahiru led the way inside.

Then quickly everyone followed in after her as they shut the door behind and began to take off their shoes and coats.

However back inside the room Uzura watched quietly as Mytho opened his eyes as he asked, "a favour?"

Hearing this question Uzuri nodded as she said, "yeah, come here please?" As she then indicated for Mytho to come over closer to her.

Rue watching this was confused herself, as she had no idea what it was this woman was planning but Mytho as naïve as he was decided to carry out this little request.

Uzuri then closed her eyes as she then brought her right hand out and then indicated with it to Mytho to come closer as she spoke, "can you come a bit closer?"

At this Mytho did so inching a little closer over still puzzled.

But once again she moved her finger indicating again, "Closer please?"

With that Mytho moved closer still feeling a little weird.

Again though the same thing, "a little more than that please?"

Now Rue was really beginning to get a little concerned as she watched was happening for Mytho was practically only inches away from her, Mytho feeling the same then asked, "um am I close enough now?"

At this Uzuri opened her eyes and looked at him as she smiled, "yeah that's just perfect." However looking at her Mytho wasn't much pleased by the expression she was giving him.

Then through the doorway everyone appeared all chatting happily, but before Ahiru could call out to her sister suddenly!

SLAP!!!

Uzura watching as this occurred as she spoke aloud, "ohhh?"

Uzuri had slapped her right hand into Mytho's face making him fall to the floor in shock as he looked up at her his eyes widened as he felt a red bruise where she'd struck him.

Everyone astounded themselves at this were all silent as then suddenly Rue shouted clearly mad, "hey what do you think you're-"

However it was Uzuri who spoke out clearly agitated, "you have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that!"

Ahiru seeing her like this quickly ran over as she tried to stop her though still in horrible alarm, "sis what're you doing! You can't do this! I mean you have to calm down and-"

At this however Uzuri replied, "no I won't! I'm not gonna remain calm not after what he put you through and everyone else! And not even with a proper thank you for all that trouble after that mess!"

Hearing all this everyone then knew what she was referring to with the incident that had happened in Kinkan town those years ago, then suddenly Uzuri turned her gaze to Rue as she spoke, "and as for you!"

At this she became petrified at what she was going to do to her as there was no time for her to back away or anything as she'd come over in seconds, Mytho looking on in alarm as he cried out, "Rue!"

Uzuri then moved her hand back ready to strike Rue clenched her eyes shut scared, but then suddenly she felt a gentle yet hard flick on her nose that made her open her eyes confused.

Everybody was silent as Uzuri spoke as she pointed to her serious, "you I'm going to partially forgive since you were swept into the whole mess yourself, so I'm not gonna be too tough on you."

There was then silence again as it seemed as though she'd gone totally mad but then Uzuri quickly turned to everyone and smiled sweetly, "right now that's out of the way let's enjoy the festivities? Okay?" With that she went to the kitchen to see what was there to enjoy.

However Fakir fuming with rage quickly ran after her shouting, "Uzuri!!!" To give her a piece of his mind while Ouma went after them to stop any future injuries.

Rue and Ahiru still in shock at what had occurred suddenly heard Mytho as he spoke, "ow that hurt! That really smarts!" He spoke as he held his cheek that was aching.

Seeing him like this the two of them ran to his side, "Mytho are you all right?" Ahiru asked worried. Rue then asked, "Mytho?"

However despite the pain Mytho stared at the two of them as he smiled though he struggled as he replied, "well I can say that your sister packs a punch."

This was a very weak joke but the two of them smiled anyway at this, but then suddenly walking over a voice spoke, "do you need a hand up?"

Hearing this Mytho replied, "yeah I'd like that thanks-"

But then as he was lifted up he was suddenly confronted was seemed to be a mirror image of himself as he stared in shock as Fukorou had helped him.

Fukorou after helping looked at him just as perplexed as the two stared at each other, Rue and Komadori too were just as amazed at the likeness.

Suddenly then the two boys together spoke instantly, "you're me!?"

Ahiru though standing couldn't believe their reaction to each other but before more confusion could occur she spoke, "uh er um, Mytho sempai this is my very distant relative Fukorou, remember what I told you about?"

Looking at Ahiru for a moment still confused for a moment he looked back at his near doppelganger as he asked, "so you're Fukorou?"

At this he nodded, "yeah that's right I am, the last prince to Elgin eighteen years old."

Hearing this Mytho smiled in reply, "well I'm a prince too, the only one of my kingdom but I'm much older than you are… in fact I can't even remember how old I am."

At this Fukorou looked at this guy with disbelief as asked, "what you mean? Really old? Like over fifty?"

Mytho hearing this replied, "I suppose so…"

At this Fukorou spoke, "I guess you're old enough to be a granddad then?"

Hearing this Mytho became unexpectedly mad as he'd never been insulted like this in his life and with that the two of them began to get in a debate as one argued one's strengths over the other.

Rue and Komadori seeing this each tried to stop them going on at each other however it seemed fruitless, and with that the whole house was filled with bickering and arguments from Uzuri and Fakir to Mytho and Fukorou.

Ahiru sighed at this whole thing as she'd hoped it would've started to have been a better beginning than this but then suddenly walking by her side Uzura asked her pulling on her trousers, "is Ahiru feeling all right there zura?"

Hearing her Ahiru looked down and smiled awkwardly as she admitted, "yeah I'll be all right Uzura… I just know that this is going to be interesting holiday…"

Hi guys here's a beginning of the Xmas special! A little celebration story to commemorate the anniversary of when I created the kingdom of birds three years a go. Hope you all enjoy it, kay so you laters! ^^