Holiday Spirit
The silver bells seem to sing familiar carols, as Jack Frost worked his winter magic, over Domino. Winter had come to the bustling thriving city, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Christmas enchantment along with all other holidays was in the air with a joyous spirit, for the pure souls to breath into their beautiful souls.
The frosty breeze whistled joyously all the way through the enormous city. On its winter wings, it carried the happy laughter of naïve children. The young fawns played blissful in the mushy white powered descending upon the city. Their reindeer games frolicking about in utter naivety. Whereas their elders and parents, the bucks and the does, had the other cursed side of the winter snow. Driving and cleaning driveways. Not fun.
The children were each was busy with their own kind of wintry weather fun. The Regents worked together cleaning the streets up. Joei used her ka of the phoenix to liquefy the snow. Followed by her cousin Ruth, taking the melted slush and snow, and then using it to create beautiful ice sculptures. Blaze went toe-to-toe with Jack Frost magical whistling, so the wind wasn't so cold and the air was slightly warmer.
Out on the lake Z.Z. and her best friend Jessie were training hard. To hopeful master their figure skating skills, for future competitions. They're joined in their effort, by young Maha. She was a killer blader on pavement, so ice was a great challenge. Furthermore she and her cousin were enjoying seeing ice, plus snow for their first time.
While the girls danced upon the frozen water, the boys had been drafted. Jay and Seymour were at war with Maverick. His telekinesis made it so; he was a one-man snowball army. Yet he didn't mind Ace helping out. With his help they out-matched the pervious snowball champs easily.
Ryo was currently making use of her telepathy. It made it very easy to procure everyone the perfect gift. She was also trying, to get something for beloved mother. She'd survived getting the tumor removed, thank god. So she was going to make sure her, present was the best. She along with Yani, were taking great pleasure in the Domino City Mall. The pair laughed gleefully as they shopped. Each of them also made sure to make a contribution, to the entire Santas roaming the mall.
Every one of the kids enjoyed this time of year. Not just for the giving or the gifts. They if truth be told, enjoyed the family plus friends, as well. But they also enjoyed this time for another reason. This was the one time of the year, which they'd use their magical gifts openly. Every one of them had found, clever ways to make use, of their magical gifts. It made the enchantment around them more real.
All the families were happy too. Their places of work made the holiday even better, for both themselves and the rest of the world. It seemed to be a happy time of year for one and all. All and sundry was expecting a big bonus. Plus other holiday treats. For the adults work was like play during this time of the year.
The twins were particular, in high spirits, about it being Christmas time. It meant that they'd also, become 11 on the same day, as Christ's son. So as they helped, their parents decorating the house, they also drooled eagerly over, the presents under the tree. Aziza had magical conceal most of them beforehand. Although she left a small number, of them under the tree so the kids could've some fun.
While Jay and Z.Z. were out playing at the playground, their parents decorated their home. Atem and Yugi worked upon the tree. Yugi wasn't happy he needed a stepladder to reach the branches. They're aided by Basest with this endeavor. Aziza was currently in the kitchen. She was with great care baking an assortment of food. All this food was for, both work plus their Christmas celebration.
Across town at the Kaiba's mansion Uta was shaking her own gifts. More often than not, her family went to exotic places for the holidays. But her mother, Kisara, had wanted to stay in town this year. She was presently overseeing the servants, decorating their enormous domicile. Kaibutt was working incredibly long hours at his corporation. Yet he was to some extent less, of an ass during the holidays. He wanted to be nice for Uta sake. He was creating her a very special gift at work.
Uta soon grew bored with the tons of gifts. Instead she turned on the TV. Just in time to catch the enchanting film "The Polar Express." She dearly loved all these specials a great deal. The stop animated classic, in addition to, the wonderful movies they produce, just for Christmas. She knew from her friends, that Robin the bus driver had, been showing a lot of memorable movies on her bus. Including "The Santa Clause" movies and her personal favorite "Three Days." It made her wish even more then ever to ride that bus. As the Polar Express was careening down a roller coaster like part of it rails, she speculate about her cousin. What was he up to?
Seymour loved to use his powers of illusion. It saved his family a great deal of money. He also loved using them, to entertain small children, and other unlucky folks. At the moment he was casting a lot of his powers, to generate a lot of mistletoe for kissing. He hoped to generate some for himself and Z.Z. So far no luck, he was thinking about asking Ace for help with that part. Right now he was busy using his magic to help his father outside of the house.
"You've out-done yourself, Seymour. I've never seen the electric bill so low. Thanks sweetie. It's truly stunning what your brilliant mind can dish out. I think it's perfect," Rebecca chimed thoughtfully, as she came up the driveway, with presents under her dainty arms.
"Here let me help you honey. So how things going at work? I hope our Christmas party for the children, is going well," Mokuba said as he helped his wife out.
"It's going great so far. The little ones can't wait for it to arrive. This year is going to be the best one ever. I can feel it," as she hand her husband a few parcels. With a quick kiss on the cheek she went on elaborating the party at their agency.
"The tree is the most amazing sight. Adorn with all the precious decorations the children crafted. They even helped with making gifts, in addition to; offering the homeless people food plus presents is going well. I do say we've taught the young ones how to be truly charitable. Seymour can you, please switch those cerulean lights with gold? I think it look better with the house paint job," as she hugged her aqua colored coat closer to her body.
"Sure thing Mom. What do you think of it now?" as the family stood back to admire their son achievement. It was like a floating crystal palace of elation. Hugging tightly the family went inside to sip coco by the amber flames.
While the season brought, much cheer and joy, it'd also brought a lot of stress. Right now Marik was with Bakura, talking about that stress, among other things. He was presently staring his lavender eyes, upon the white sea of snow from the fifth story window, of Bakura office.
"So, Marik, have you been keeping a journal? I did strongly recommend. It was to you to help with your stress. So can I see it?" Bakura asked kindheartedly to the young man. Still staring out at the snow Marik handed over a thick ebony manuscript.
'I've been writing in it everyday after work. I also write in during my lunch break. It does help a little. Like that colorful stress ball you gave me. It keeps my anger in check. But every so often I still want to scream."
"I see you've been making a lot of entries, regarding your employment along with your family. Tell me, Marik. What about work is making you so stress? You've told me repeatedly in the past, that you love working at Eco-Inc. Has that changed at all?"
"No. It's wonderful to work there. Odion and I are quite contented there. Our current project is to make snowmobiles. We're trying to construct a unique kind of vehicle. We want ones, which can use the snow itself, as an energy source," sighing he sat back down in a plush bluish-purple chair.
"Working itself is stressful you know. No matter what kind of work you're doing. But it isn't the job, that stressing me out so much. It's rather a person I'm stress over at work," he told Bakura cryptically.
"A person?" Bakura repeat puzzled, as he looked up from Marik's journal. He pondered this confession from a moment. Then he noticed on the page, that there was a heart with the initials M.I. and R.G. Smiling sweetly at his old friend he asked the obvious question.
"Marik, is there a new woman in your life?"
Swallowing a glass of water hard, he smiled sheepishly. "Yes we've a new partner in my division. Her name is Rose Granger. She's so attractive, Bakura. She has long wavy red hair and the coolest green eyes. She has a good sense of humor and she incredibly intelligent. I've kinda of got a crush on her. She started working with us last week."
"There is nothing wrong with having a crush, my friend. But given your previous wife," Marik glared at him at the mention of that conniving bitch. He hadn't forgiven himself yet for being fooled by that philander witch.
Bakura's face got an awkward look upon it. He realized he messed-up. So he sipped some mineral water and went on quickly. "I can easily see why you're scared, to pursue this woman. Also it is very stressful as you're a single dad. Even with your sister and brother helping in raising your son, it can't be easy."
"No it isn't Bakura. I'm elated that Maverick seems to be in high spirits. He told me last night, he's got a crush of his own. A young lady named Libra. He says she beautiful. But she is also very introverted. She won't say or do anything with any of the other children. Yet he's been so kind to her. Furthermore I believe she values that kindness."
"There is a lesson to be learned in all of us, so please be kind to those around us. Yes kindness goes a long way. Any small act of love does. You did tell me you worry about your son. Tell me, Marik. Is there a reason that has you extremely concerned, besides the obvious?"
He looked frightened for a moment, by the simple inquire. For a few moments he remained very quite. Finally with a long sigh he confessed a secret he'd been harboring for a long time.
"You know I was far from being human in my youth. Control by that monster. I'm exceedingly shameful of my past. Yet I've worked hard to overcome, what my dark side did. Nevertheless I fear my son also has a mischievous sprite within."
Bakura become silent. He sensed great trouble from his friend. Slowly he asked him to clarify. "We all have demons. Some of them are more threatening then others. Tell me, Marik. What kinda of demon has hold of your son?"
"It's like mine was. It was born out of his negative emotions. It was created, from his abusive mother, treatment towards him. It's called Shadow Phoenix. I've had to teach him great strength of will to tame it. Yet if he loses control of his angry, even for a single moment, there is no stopping it. That is a great stresser. What's more even with my family help, I can't always deal with it."
"Hmm. Why don't you bring your son with you? Next time we meet. I can offer my help to him and you. Working together should help both of you. Our time is up for now. I've to go pick up my daughter from the mall. I'll see you next week same time same place."
"Thank you, my friend. I've to go pick up my son and niece anyway. They're at the park, right now playing with their friends. I'll bring Maverick with me next time. Till then bye," as both men shook the other hands and left the office together.
It took both young men, about twenty minutes, to get to their desired location. Marik found his son and niece happily playing in the snow. It also looked as if Maha was busy, telling people their future. Smiling brightly, he let her finish with a blue-haired young man in a royal blue coat. She was grinning big time when he paid her for her task.
"Maverick! Maha! Time to go home! Let's get going. Ishizu needs help wrapping gifts up! So let's go!" he called loudly as the children dashed quickly over to him.
"I wonder what Mama got for us? Do you think she bought me a new wheel? You know for my pottery?" Maha inquired intriguingly as she climbed into the car. Maverick was right behind her, but slipped on some ice and fell face first into the snow.
"You ok son? Nothing broken or sprained?" as his father helped him up.
"Nothing is wounded other then my pride," as he cleaned himself up. His father smiled at him, then ruffled his hair as they sent off for home.
At the mall Ryo was currently browsing at Walden's Book. She had been trying to unearth a special book for her mother. Her mother loved to read romantic novels. Her favorite novelist was named Ella Lakewaters. Her lasted novel was "Behind Stone Eyes" and she planed to get it for her. On the other hand she was having a great difficulty finding it.
"Have you found it yet?" she called out to Yani. Yani was currently immersed in the mystery section. When she heard her name being called, she put back the large jade volume she'd been skimming.
"No I've not found it yet, Ryo. I'm sorry; I got caught up in reading this new mystery book. It's called "Whispers of Wind Spirits." It's by my favorite author Prunella Twiggy. It's really interesting. I'll ask my godmother to get it for me. I'm taking you haven't been successful in your quest for your novel?"
"No I've not. Let's go ask someone if they have it. Dad will be here in a little bit. I want to get it before he comes. Look there someone over their in the paperback section. Let's ask them. Hello excuse me miss. I was hoping you could help me," she asked as she tapped the girl in the canary-yellow sweater on the shoulder.
Whirling around they saw it was their friend Kare. The ravishing Hispanic teen blinked her spicy green eyes in surprise. She obviously wasn't expecting to run into her friends. It took her a few moments to compose use herself, before speaking to them.
"Hi, you two, it's really nice to see you. I've not seen you at school lately. So this is a nice surprise. What book are you trying to find?"
"I didn't know you worked here. How long have you been doing this job?" Ryo asked curiously to her friend.
"I've been working ever since September. I work part-time here. It pays well, and hopeful, I'll save up enough money for collage. My foster mother is really proud of me. She bought me this sweater, for working so long without problems," answered Kare as she finished stacking the books.
"Well I'm happy for you. I was hoping you could help me. I need a copy of "Behind Stone Eyes" It's my present to my mother. She recently had a brain tumor removed and I want to get her something special. So do you've a copy of it?"
"That a pretty pricey tome. It's been selling like hotcakes. But I think we've a copy in the backroom still. Let me go check ok?" as she disappeared into an oval shaped door to the right of them. She came back a few minutes later with a huge book in her hands. "Here you go the last one. I hope your mother likes it. Do you have your Borderers Card with you? That save you some money on this," as she rang up the book. Ryo handed her a small plastic garnet card. With a quick farewell to their friend, the twosome headed to the mall entrance to meet up with Ryo's father.
Like with most lives, the days past rapidly. In next to no time it was Christmas Day. It was the Moto's turn, to host the annual Christmas social gathering, at their home. Every year the gang all took turns hosting the celebration at their homes. Just like they took turns organizing the "Back to School Week."
Right now it was 9:38 a.m. Christmas day. Yugi and Atem were, upstairs about to welcome the, Egyptian Court to their humble home. The others were downstairs putting the finishing touches upon their home.
"I'm glad this year it's our turn to host the party. Aren't you Atem?" Yugi asked as he removed the Key from around his neck.
"Yes Aibou I am. It will be nice to see my family at the party tonight. It's been far too long without contact with them. I've been feeling homesick for awhile now. I know that they're all in my heart," Atem spoke halfheartedly gazing at a ring on his left hand. It was his Egyptian family parting gift to him, when he'd received new life. So a part of them was always with him. Yet from time to time flesh and blood was better. With a lackadaisical smile he continued on to his husband.
"Yet I'm elated, for a couple of hours, they'll be here in the flesh. My mother spoke to me in a dream last night. She said she was bringing her parents with her. I've never really got to know my grandmother Solmina, but I knew my grandfather Shimon well."
"So he was your grandpa! But I'm taking it was deemed unsuitable, in your court to call him that? It weird how alike we are and yet how different we are!" as the pair laughed happily together. Laughing till tears came out. Then they used the Key to open the door of Space and Time.
Out of the small linen closet came a flood of people. All of Atem's court, his in addition to Aziza's parents, plus his grandparents. Each of the members of the court was handsomely clothed in chic clothes. A bit dazed but otherwise fine.
"Welcome my friends and family! Glad to have you all here!" Atem remarked cheerfully as he hugged his parents tightly.
"It's good to be here, son. Oh how we've missed you," Samira whispered into her son's left ear. With a kiss on his cheek she let him go. He didn't bother to wipe it off. He was so happy to see his family.
"Welcome one and all to our humble home. I hope you enjoy the party. We still have so much to do, before the other guest arrive. Maybe you could aid us in someway?" Yugi kindly asked to the Court.
"We'd be honored to be of help to you, Prince Yugi. If thou would be pleased, I could oversee these duties. If that would be thy wish," spoke up a lady from the back. Yugi knew instantaneously, that this had to be Solmina, Atem's grandmother. She looked exactly like her daughter Samira, save for her hair. It was so black that ravens would be jealous of it. She wore it in two extremely long side pigtails. She was quiet attractive in Yugi's opinion.
"My mother used to be an overseer in the court. She made sure all the palace ran smoothly and that everyone was treated fairly as well as respectful," Samira explained to the stunned short man.
"We love all the, help you could give us, Mom. Grandmother I be deeply honored, if you be so kind, to lend your experienced hand. Here a list of what still needs to be done," handing the woman in the teal dress a slip of paper.
Solmina proved to be very good at getting things done. She had the women help get the food prepared. The magician pair was to systematize the presents. The men did the hard work of cleaning up. By the time the guests arrived everyone was done with their household tasks.
The house was soon overflowing with people. Not one room was empty as the guest arrived. All of them brought a dish of some kind along with gifts. The kids happily played in the game room whilst their parents mingled. Dinner was to be served at seven. After dinner they then open the gifts.
The Egyptian Court reveled in the chance to meet the crowd. It seemed like everyone was getting along well. A small number of, unsuspected guests showed up, as well at the party. Everyone was welcome to join in the celebration. So it didn't bother the Motos one bit with the overflow of people, they welcomed everyone.
Maverick had invited Libra over and she'd come somewhat reluctantly. Today Libra wore a bright tangerine hoodie with a coal black skirt. She was holding a large pan in her dainty little hands. She seemed rather overwhelmed by all the people.
Aziza cordially greeted the timed young beauty. "Hello Libra and welcome to our humble home. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Killer Kwanza to you my friend. The kids are upstairs in the game room. Want to you go play with them. Let me take that it smells wonderful. What is it?"
"It's blackberry herring pie, Ms. Keeper. I'm grateful to be here really. My sister and her husband are out at another social gathering. Maverick invented me, and this is better then being, home alone on Christmas. I'm sorry I don't have any gifts though," she whispered in a hush voice. She was still rather shy and withdrawn. But through Maverick kindness she seemed to become a little less.
Aziza hugged the little girl affectionately. With a warm smile she replied, "It's alright just showing up it a great gift. Don't be shy little one. Everyone welcome here. So go and have a good time ok?"
"Thank you, Ms. Keeper. I'll try to have some fun," as Maverick lead the young lass up the stairs to the other kids. While Libra still didn't talk much, she was a very good listener. She was also rather gifted, when it came to photography, plus gardening. The kids loved getting their pictures taken. She warmed up an enough to play a game of darts and win. It looked like she come out of her shell a bit by her glowing smile.
A few other people from the school showed up. There was small group, a mix of Linda, Danica, and Yani. They'd brought with them, a young woman in vivid harlequin clothes, named Tayler. She was going to be a student teacher, studying under Ms. Brittany the art teacher. She was a very kind soul with loving eyes and dazzling smile.
"I'm honored to be chosen to work at your school, Mr. Motos. I find it to be a great privilege to work at such a life alternating school. I feel like I'm in for a big adventure and I can't wait to start down this road," as she shook their hands and nibbled on little hot dogs.
"It's our honor to have you part of our school. Go on and enjoy the party. We've tons of food and drinks. Punch for the kids and wine for the adults. We've a lot of meats, salads, nachos, and many other treats. You're more then welcome to have all that you like. See you after the holidays ok?" Atem said as he shook her hand.
With a fleeting smile she disappeared to the dinning room where the other school staff members were snacking. One and all were having a small snack, before the formal dinner was severed. By the looks of it everyone was extremely ravenous. It was nice to have friends and members of the school board at their home.
Arianna and Jaden stopped by also for a short while. They couldn't stay long, as they're having a party, at the Pharaoh's Village with their friends. But they'd brought with them more then gifts for their family and friends. They'd brought an old friend Jesse.
Maha who gone to refill, her drink notice the blue-haired debonair man. He's the same young man from the park. She had predicted that he'd be reunited with old friends. In addition to that a big surprise was on the way. It looked he'd gotten both. Jesse was the new Detention Duelist at the school and he was with his old friends.
Maha grinned widely at the young man. She scampered nearer to hear what the hunky young man was saying to the Motos. The adults sipping their wine didn't notice her as the young man ranted. He seemed rather pleased to be with both friends and in their presences.
"It's nice to meet the famous duo. You guys are legends! Everyone who has ever dueled has wished to be you two! It's nice to know I'm dueling for you guys. I never expect to, see my best bud again, but guess what? Now I'll see him everyday. My Crystal Beast and I can't wait to kick some ass! This will be a fantastic experience without a doubt!" he exclaimed gleefully as he accidentally hit Maha spilling her drink on her.
"My new sweater! It's ruined!" she wailed as Jesse hastily cleaned it up. "I'm sorry little girl. I didn't mean to. I'll pay to have it clean ok?" as his startling green eyes locked on with her navy ones.
For a moment Maha flushed scarlet as her cashmere sweater. With a nervous laugh she smiled at the young man. "It's ok sir. You don't have to that. My mom can get the stain out. I'm glad my prediction came true for you though."
"You're that girl from the park! I knew you looked familiar. Listen here a twenty to have the sweater clean. I'm really sorry about it. It was an accident. Again I'm sorry for ruining your sweater."
"It's ok. Thanks for being so kind about it. Have a good holiday!" as she disappeared up the winding stairwell. She was giggling like crazy as she bounded up them back to the game room.
"You're a very kind soul, Jesse. I'm glad you're going, to be one of my best men at my wedding. Sorry we've to get going, you guys. Our friends are waiting for us. Hope the twins like are gifts," Jaden remarked happily to the trio.
"I'm positive they will, Jaden. You take care sis. Here are our gifts for you and your friends. I hope you all like them," Aziza replied handing her sister a few packages.
"We're terribly sorry we couldn't stay longer. But we've plans with out friends back in the Village. I hope you understand sis. Call me later. I want to know if everyone enjoys the gifts my gang got for everyone."
"Will do, sis," as the blind sisters hugged each other tightly. With a final wave they left to go to their own party.
Dinner went well. Even Joey managed for a change, not to get any on his face for once. The countless different food made all the taste buds go wild. There was more then enough to feed a small country with how much was at the table.
Finally it was time to open gifts. Everyone was given one gift and then tore them open. The twins were the most excited by this. Their first gifts were from the Kaiba cousins. Uta had given Jay a pair of Forrest Gump running shoes. Seymour had given Z.Z. a charm bracelet; the charms were all seven of the Millennium Items. Both of them received a kiss on the cheek for this.
Everyone was contented with all the gifts they'd received. But everyone already had the greatest gift anyone could ask for. True loving friends. That was the most priceless gifts anyone could ever ask for.