Don't let the cutesy stuff fool you guys. Eventually, things will get dramatic/bloody. Just sayin'

Shota spent the next few days trying to figure out if he should bring gifts for everyone. It seemed a bit rude not to… With not much in the way of family, Shota never really bothered to celebrate Christmas or anything relating to it. And as far as his father was concerned, the holiday didn't even exist. It was just another work day. Besides, Shota didn't really have the money…

Around one o'clock p.m. on Christmas day, he left the apartment to head over to the Tora house in the woods. When he arrived, he stopped at the door and glanced around the clearing. A small part of him was hoping to see the big white deer, but he wasn't surprised that it was nowhere in sight. The door opened, drawing his attention back.

"Ah, I thought I sensed someone here," Tsume smiled then stepped aside to let him in. "Come in, come in!"

Michiru smiled happily as they joined her, Jaz, and Hizashi in the living room. "Oh, you came! I'm glad."

"Oh," was all Shota could think to say. She was actually glad that he showed up?

"Would you like some tea or something?"

"No. Um, I'm okay. Thanks."

"Did you bring something for the spirit?" Hizashi asked from the couch. He was playing with a red yo-yo. "I know the whole bringing it a gift thing was a joke, but I got gifts for everyone else, so I brought this."

"A yo-yo toy?" Shota eyed him.

He shrugged.

Tsume let out a laugh. "Well, we'd better not keep her waiting."

"Does it really not make any noise?" Hizashi asked as they left the house.

"I told you," Shota said, "not everyone is as loud and obnoxious as you are."

"Well they should be. It'd be a real party!"

"I don't think it would…" Jaz mumbled. "Erm, Yuki can make sounds, she just can't speak."

"Bummer."

"I don't think it bothers her much."

When they reached the shrine in the woods, they found it surrounded by a frosty haze of twinkling snowflakes and ice crystals. The lanterns where lit, and as they neared it, the haze gathered up in its center then stretched upward and out, forming itself into a large shape. Once it took shape, it began to solidify into a large bipedal dragon-like creature with big, white, feathery wings.

Seishin Yuki was, by all accounts, a dragon. Her scales were a sky blue and appeared smooth, and her underbelly was a pale icy bluish-white, matching the curled horns protruding from the back of her head. Starting from her head was a mane of fluffy white feathers that trailed all the way down her back and tail and over her shoulders to her chest, forming what resembled a fancy fur coat. She was pretty, although still a bit intimidating.

She looked down at them with curious silver eyes then smiled and fluffed her feathers. She seemed very pleased with Shota and Hizashi's presence.

For a moment, Hizashi was at a loss for words. Of course, that moment did not last very long. "Holy cow! That's a dragon!"

Yuki looked surprised, then bellowed at him with a strange sound as if scolding him for startling her.

"Eh, sorry…"

Tsume laughed then held his arms up. "Seishin Yuki! Heh, Merry Christmas!"

The blue dragon squealed with delight and lowered her head to allow him to embrace her. She made a strange sound, almost like purring, as Michiru joined and nuzzled Yuki's cheek.

Shota noticed Hizashi looking as if he wanted to reach out and touch the spirit dragon, but he looked hesitant and quickly decided not to when the dragon straightened herself up.

"These two are friends of Michi and Jaz," Tsume gestured to Shota and Hizashi. "They're classmates. Shota and Hizashi."

Yuki nodded.

"Ah, you already know. Of course! Well, you two, this is Seishin Yuki, the ancient winter spirit. She is the youngest – er, second youngest? – of the ancients. I suppose Nozomu would be the youngest…" He looked thoughtful.

"She's also the friendliest," Michiru chuckled as Yuki leaned close to sniff at Shota.

He stood rigid as she sniffed, her breath was icy cold instead of hot like other living things. After giving him one last good snort, she used her snout against his torso to nudge him then turned her attention on Hizashi.

"Wait, I'm not ready!" She had already pushed him, accidentally knocking him over on the ground. "Ah, hey! Stop that –" He laughed as the dragon snorted and sniffed him.

She pulled her head back and smiled, bellowing happily.

Michiru laughed. "She likes you guys a lot."

"Is this even real?" Hizashi grinned. He got up and brushed the snow off himself. "I mean, I know some people have pretty crazy quirks that alter their appearance, and even some animals can have quirks, but you guys say this is a spirit?"

"That is correct," Tsume nodded.

"What even are the spirits?"

"You know, we're not entirely sure ourselves," he admitted. "They don't ever explain it to us very well." He smiled up at Yuki as she snorted. "From what we do know, and what we believe, the spirits are like living, everlasting essences of energy. Remnants of energy left behind, taken shape and set into motion. Typically, they serve some sort of purpose. Something to help the living, physical members of this world. The ancient spirits are a bit different though. They hold great power within them, and they exert and transfer that power to others. We believe quirks originally came from them. Whether it was a gift or an accident, they won't tell us, but they still continue to assist in any way they can."

"How do they assist people?" Shota asked him. "From the two I've seen, their bodies are borderline incorporeal. They can't even seem to appear anywhere other than this shrine or in dreams."

"Then there's Pan!" Hizashi added.

"Right. You claimed that the cat is a spirit, but he has all the physical body and behavior of a regular cat."

"All that you see, yes," Tsume smiled.

"You see things that we can't?"

"I meant that you are not around Pan all the time. You have only seen very little of him. Spirits are strange beings, and as I said, even we do not know all the truths behind them. However, we do know that they exist on another plane. Separate but connected to this physical world. They can see us, but we cannot see them. Except under certain circumstances." He gestured to the shrine. "With special shrines, they can appear before us in these almost solid forms, but only for a short while. At all times, their energy, their power is constantly exerting and feeding into our own world, affecting it in subtle ways that build over time. But other than that, the only way for them to interact physically with us and this world is one of two ways."

"Which are?"

"One: their spirit orbs, and two: through a host. If you've ever heard any stories about the Tora and Ookami-Kage clans, you may have heard something about them being able to summon mythical beasts and spirits."

"Sensei said something like that," Hizashi said.

Tsume nodded. "That is true, but the details behind it are lost in the legends and fairytales. The SuperBeast Clans are not the only ones who can summon the spirits. We just happen to be the most highly attuned to them. If you are the host of a spirit, or you possess its spirit orb, then all you need to summon it is the will to do so. Spirit orbs are the preferred method, as it is safer for the mortal utilizing it."

"Safer?" Shota echoed.

"Yes… Spirits are beings of pure energy and power. For some, that power is too much for the body to handle. This can result in their body becoming severely damaged when they call upon that power. But using a spirit orb instead allows you to do the same, but without your body taking the energy upon itself. Of course, there are ups and downs to both situations. When a spirit uses great amounts of energy, it must replace it. It does so by absorbing the energy from those around it. Having a host makes this simple for them, but through a spirit orb, it takes more time. Another advantage for a host is that they could call upon that power anytime, anywhere. Meanwhile, you must have the spirit orb physically with you to use it. Understand?"

They nodded.

"The spirits willingly help people?" Hizashi asked.

"Yes. Well, it depends on the person asking for help. They will not willingly give their power to someone who intends to use it for evil. Unfortunately, as powerful as they are, the spirits are highly vulnerable. They can be stolen and corrupted, causing them to lose themselves and become violent. Several of the ancient spirits have already fallen to this, which is why the remaining ones are frantically searching for hosts. Giving their spirit orb to someone keeps them safe, but they are still at risk, as the orb can easily be taken by others. If they are in a host, it becomes significantly harder to steal them away."

"Having a host keeps them safe," Shota mused aloud, "and gives them a source to replenish their energy. In return, they lend their power to the host. It's like some kind of symbiotic relationship between animals in nature…"

"Exactly!" Tsume smiled brightly. "See? You get it! It's a partnership. Those who are more highly attuned to the spirits and or have a bond with the one they are in a relationship with are capable of not only summoning and using their power, but they can even learn to summon the spirit in a physical form to help them. Pan is an example of that." He gestured to Michiru. "Michi is the holder of Pan's spirit orb. Using her energy and combining it with his, she can allow him to take and hold a physical form for extended periods of time. Of course, a spirit's form becomes more and more incorporeal the further it gets from its host or orb until it is forced to fade away and return to the host or orb."

"I see…"

"Watch." Michiru pulled a small, jet-black marble from her pocket and showed it to them. "Pan, are you napping? Come say hello to Yuki."

The orb twinkled and shined and a swirling black smoke fumed from it and spiraled down to the ground at her feet. It twisted and turned, shaping itself until it became a cat that was very much solid.

Pan looked up at her with smiling eyes and yawned loudly. *Mrrraaaah*

"Ah," she giggled. "You were napping. Sorry to disturb you."

The cat stood up and arched his back then bowed and stretched his front limbs out to stretch himself before standing and turning to look up at the dragon. He mewled at the dragon and she squealed happily and fluffed her feathers.

"During these dangerous times," Tsume said, "even the common spirits are searching for hosts or someone to take their orb." He gestured to the forest around them. "This forest. The territory we claim here. It acts as a sort of safe haven for spirits. That is why we protect this forest. But we have another dire task as well. However, that is the one we are not supposed to talk about."

"Is it the reason Jaz and Mi-chan are being forced to be heroes?" Hizashi asked.

"Forced?" He looked surprised. "It's true that we, as Tora, feel obligated to do this, but they both had a choice."

"It's something with the Ookami-Kage, right?" Shota said.

Tsume nodded as Yuki snorted at the name. "We remaining Tora have a sort of…partnership with the Commission. They keep it on the downlow pretty well, but behind the scenes, the Ookami-Kage are quite a problem. They have been for years. Ups and downs in activity level and reported sightings, but lately they've become active again."

"With the Commission on your side, you guys can pretty much do as you like… In return, you help them in trying to take down the Ookami-Kage."

"Something like that. Yes. But listen, this is classified information. I'm telling you because the two of you have some kind of fixation with my sister and cousin here."

Shota winced a little and glanced away from him. "Yamada just drug me into it is all…"

"I kinda did," Hizashi admitted.

"Still," Tsume told them. "Anyone with a Quirk that the Ookami-Kage deem useful or advantageous is technically at risk. Anyone that interacts too closely with us is at an even higher risk. We," he gestured between himself, Michiru, and Jaz, "are at a high risk. I know it's wrong for me to share this information and ask you to keep it to yourselves, but I feel that it is better for you both to know. Especially if you plan to continue hanging around any of us."

"So, you're basically telling us to either accept the fact that we'll become targets," Shota said, "or stop hanging around you guys."

"Yes." His usually smiling face was serious now. "As much as I like the two of you, and I know Michi and Jaz like you, I'd recommend the second option. It would be the safer option for you."

Hizashi folded his arms. "Not sure I really like that idea though…"

Tsume held his hand up. "Do not mistake me. I will not force you to do anything. I will not even force or pester you to keep the secret I have just shared with you. I want the two of you to remain safe, although I do understand that you are training to become professional heroes. That alone is a dangerous game. As such, I know I can't really make you boys do anything." He let out a short laugh. "I can't even make my little sister do anything. She's too stubborn!"

"Oh please," Michiru rolled her eyes.

His smile had returned. "You two take the information I have shared with you and do as you please. Whichever decision you make, we will understand."

"I don't know, man," Hizashi folded his arms behind his head. "You telling me not to hang around makes me want to hang around." He grinned at Jaz and Michiru.

Jaz blushed and looked away while Michiru closed her eyes and nodded. "You already do as you like, so I expected that much from you, Hizashi," she replied.

On one hand, Shota agreed with Tsume that it would better for them to stay out of the Tora's business. On the other hand; he felt around in his pocket and gripped the marble Seishin Ro had entrusted to him. Maybe it was too late for that… Then again, the Ookami-Kage were not seeking spirits and spirit orbs. But then… Who was? That was one thing that Tsume failed to explain. For some reason, Shota felt that Tsume probably wouldn't explain that part. There was still so much he wanted to know, but why? Why did he care?

He looked over at Michiru as she reached up to stroke Yuki's snout. Hadn't she told him something about being there, even if he didn't want? Tch. Why was he thinking like that? …Maybe he would stick around a little longer. Just until he got all the answers he needed.

Yuki let out a soft trill. Her body was looking more and more misty. She would fade away soon.

"Oh," Hizashi produced the yo-yo from his pocket and held it up to the dragon. "This is for you! Hope you can take it with you." He gave a quick demonstration of how it worked and she looked delighted.

Yuki carefully took the toy in her claws, copied Hizashi's action with it, then squealed and stored the toy in her thick mane of feathers. She rummaged around in her feathers for a bit then produced two spheres of thin ice and handed one to each Hizashi and a mildly surprised Shota. They quickly melted in their warm hands, leaving behind a small red box for Hizashi and a matching dark blue one for Shota. Seishin Yuki appeared to smile and let out one last trill as she faded away into an icy mist that steadily dissipated into nothingness.

"Ah," Tsume pointed at the box in Hizashi's hand. "Yuki brought gifts for the two of you."

"But why?" Shota asked as he examined the little box.

He shrugged and smiled. "Who knows? Hahaha! Come on, let's go back to the house so we can get out of this cold. You can open them when we get there."

"I didn't bring anything though…"

"So? You showed up. That's good enough. Right, Michi?"

Her ears perked up and she looked surprised. "Huh? R-Right!"

Tsume laughed. "Caught you off guard there?"

Her face pinkened a little and she made a face. "Pfft."

Tsume led them all through the snowy forest and back to the house in the clearing. "Like we said a few days ago, we don't actually celebrate Christmas much. But since you two showed up, we prepared a nice meal and desserts, so help yourselves."

Michiru looked to Hizashi as they entered the house. "Since you said you were going to bring everyone something, I went out and got you a gift."

"Really? For me?" He smiled.

She pointed at the box in his hand. "Mm-hm. But why don't you open Yuki's gift first?"

"Okay!" He plopped his rear down on the sofa and lifted the top from the little box so he could peer inside. "Hm? Hey!" He stuck his fingers in the box and pulled out a keychain with a little blue parakeet decoration dangling from it.

"Is that the kind of bird you have?" Michiru asked curiously.

He laughed. "Yeah! This looks just like Barney!"

She laughed. "Is that what you named it?"

"You have a cat called Pan!"

"Hehe, I know!"

"How the heck did that big spirit get this?"

Tsume answered. "She probably convinced her host to buy it."

"That's funny."

Tsume nodded. "They're pretty close. What about you, Shota? What did you get?"

He looked down at the box in his lap and carefully opened the top. He also had a little keychain decoration from Yuki, but his was a silver cat in a sitting position. He took it out to examine it.

"Seems she had a theme this year," Tsume smiled. "I'm going to go check on the turkey in the oven." He walked off towards the kitchen.

While Hizashi exchanged gifts with the others, Shota was distracted by Pan leaping up onto the arm of his chair and smiling at him. The cat meowed at him and stretched his neck to peer down into the box. Shota looked in it too and was surprised to see another, smaller box inside. It was the same shade of black as the inside of the larger box, so he almost didn't notice it at first. He took it out and found a small slip of paper poking out of it. He lightly tugged the paper out and noticed that it read 'From: Shota'. From? He turned the paper over. The other side had a 'To:' but it wasn't addressed. Who was this for? He didn't get this. He looked back at Pan; the cat was watching him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"…Did you get this?" he asked quietly.

The cat purred and swished his tail but otherwise did not respond in any way Shota could have understood. No, he thought. How would he? Shota opened the tiny black box to see what was inside. …Or maybe you did? But who was this for? Why was it labeled this way? He closed the box and shoved it into his pocket as Pan leapt down to the floor and trotted away somewhere.

"Here, Shota." Michiru held something out to him.

"Hm?" He stared at it in surprise. "What is it?"

She smiled. "Open it if you want to know." She gave him the present then went to sit on the couch with Hizashi and Jaz. "I got a gift for Hizashi, so I couldn't leave you out."

"But I –"

She waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. But that's still for you."

He blinked then opened the gift and pulled out a soft, white scarf.

"It's nothing crazy," she told him, "and it's pretty plain, but I thought you would like something you could actually use. And you don't seem big on colors, so…"

"Thanks," he said quietly. She looked happy when he wrapped the scarf around himself.

Pan returned, jumping up onto the arm of the sofa beside Hizashi and holding something in his mouth. "Hm?" Hizashi looked over at the soft sound as Pan dropped a small bell in his lap. "A bell?" He picked up the bell and the cat looked delighted.

*Mrrrow*

"Ah," Michiru said. "He wants you to throw it."

"Like fetch? Like a dog?" He laughed and tossed the bell across the room. Pan immediately sprung after it, catching it and batting it between his paws before swatting it away and chasing after it again. It was highly amusing to watch.

...

"So, I'll be able to take that little birdy back to his home soon?" Hizashi asked.

Michiru nodded. "He's starting to flutter around the sunroom. I had to close the piano's top."

Shota listened to them while he stroked his fingers along Pan's back. While they had been eating dinner, the cat had exhausted himself chasing the bell around the house. Once they had returned to the living area, Pan had chosen to curl up on Shota to take a nap. Shota actually found that he was enjoying himself being there. He wondered if that was okay though and felt a little guilty…

He ended up staying there far longer than he had intended, even longer than Hizashi. Part of it was because Shota did not want to disturb Pan, but another side of him didn't really want to go back to his apartment either. When the cat had finally gotten up to stretch and leapt off of him, he checked the time and decided he might as well go home. It was pretty late, after all, and it was dark out.

"I should be going," he said as he stood up.

"Ah, very well," Tsume nodded. "Goodnight."

"Be safe," Jaz added.

Michiru followed him to the door then passed him and grabbed the doorknob. She held a finger up to her lips then gestured for him to follow as she left the house; Pan also slipped out with them. She held her finger to her lips once more to remind him to stay quiet then led him around the other side of the house and stopped at the corner. He held his breath. The Forest Ghost, the large white stag, was standing right there beside the house, only a few meters away. It was so close that they could hear its breathing as it cleared the snow with its hoof and snorted for something tasty. It was even bigger up close and did not seem to notice them.

They watched it foraging around for a few minutes until they could barely feel their noses from the cold winter night. The deer lifted its head up suddenly and they tensed. Its ears were angled forward, listening to something off in the woods. After a moment, it snorted and walked away, disappearing amongst the trees.

Michiru huffed, as if she had been holding her breath. "I sensed him earlier. I was hoping he would stay long enough to show you."

He looked at her and suddenly realized how close he had been standing beside her and took a step back. "Er, I almost forgot you could do that… That deer is much bigger than any I've ever seen."

"He's a spirit," she told him. "Part of the reason the other deer avoid him. I've been trying to figure out where he came from, but he's so shy. He always runs off if anyone gets too close."

"Hm." He lowered his face to hide his nose in the scarf then remembered something as he heard Pan meow at him. "Oh… Here." He pulled the tiny black box from his pocket and offered it to Michiru.

She looked at it curiously before taking it. "I thought you didn't bring anything?"

He didn't respond and glanced away while she opened it. He noticed Pan watching intently.

"Oh!" She took out the necklace and smiled at it. There was a little black charm in the shape of a cat curled up asleep dangling from it. She giggled. "Pan, look. It looks like you!"

*Maow*

She smiled at Shota. "I love it. It's cute. Thank you."

"Yeah… Um, sure." He scratched his head, feeling awkward under her gaze. "I'll be going now. You should get out of this cold."

"Right. Come on Pan." She smiled again at him as she passed him. "Thanks again. And I'm really glad you came today. But I understand if you don't want to get mixed up in all of that stuff with the Ookami-Kage. Still…" She blushed a little but he wasn't sure if it was actually due to the cold. "I really like knowing you, Shota."

"Y-Yeah." He watched her enter the house and spotted Pan's mischievous smile just before the door closed. That cat… he thought. As cold as it was outside, he felt kind of warm as he walked home.

To be continued…