Act 3: The Day for Changes.
Narrator: Zelgadiss could hardly believe it. He looked up, and saw that his bed curtains had not been taken by some spiky haired freak. He was alive, and it was a brand new day. A day for him to start changing things... but...what day was it? With that question in mind, he flung open his bedroom window and yelled to a man passing in the street.
Zelgadiss: Hey! You there, what day is it?
Narrator: The man stopped and looked up to the window, pointing to himself
Kenshin: Oro? You mean me sir?
Zelgadiss: Yes, now what day is it?
Kenshin: It's Christmas Day, that it is.
Zelgadiss: Then I haven't missed it! Tell me now, have they sold the prized turkey in the poultry shop on the next street.
Kenshin: It is still there, that it is.
Zelgadiss: Go and buy it for me, and I'll give you payment for your help.
Narrator: Zelgadiss tossed a money bag down to him. And Kenshin took it and went to purchase the item. Meanwhile, Zelgadiss got quickly dressed and sorted out what to do.
Zelgadiss: I need to find someone for that...and I bet the doctor is at home...and I should pick up some gifts for Kagome and her family and... I need to go.
Narrator: He quickly rushed off down the street, trying to think of all the things he needed to set right, as he was just about to turn a corner, he ran into two familiar faces.
Meryl: Oh, excuse us Mr. Greywords.
Zelgadiss: Ladies, I'm glad to have bumped into you. About that donation, can you tell me what the money will go for?
Millie: It's going to go to Mr. Wolfwood's orphanage a couple of blocks over.
Zelgadiss: Very well then, put me down for...
Narrator: He whispered the amount into Meryl's ear, and pulled a large money pouch and placed it in her hands.
Meryl: Why, Mr. Greywords, that's so much.
Zelgadiss: Consider it including back payments.
Meryl: I only wish we had something to give to you in return....
Millie: Here
Narrator: The taller of the girls handed him a small box of half eaten donuts. Zelgadiss just smirked.
Zelgadis: Thank you. Now, I must be going. Merry Christmas to you both!
Narrator: He walked over to a store specializing in repairs, and pounded on the doors. A orangish haired man answered.
Tasuki: I'm very sorry sir, but we are closed today.
Zelgadiss: I know that quite well, but I have a favor to ask of you that will benefit the whole city.
Tasuki: Eh?
Zelgadiss: The Fruitcake Factory up the road a bit has a broken down machine and they are losing sales because of it. If you'd be willing to go up and fix it, I'll gladly pay for all the parts and double your labor charges.
Tasuki: Well gosh dang, I guess I can't turn that down. Plus, it's fer helping someone in need on Christmas, and I sure can't back out on that.
Narrator: Zelgadiss handed him a money bag.
Zelgadiss: Here is payment for your fees and labors. If it needs any extra parts, send the bill to me and I'll pay for it then. If any parts look unsafe or old, I want you to go ahead and replace them, all right?
Tasuki: Yes sir, I'll get to it right now...
Narrator: Zelgadiss continued off down the street, looking for the things he needed. Then he stopped a passing carriage.
Zelgadiss: Sir, can you deliver a message for me?
Chichiri: I sure can, ya know.
Zelgadiss: Go to the house at 292 on the street 3 blocks over from here, and ask for Kagome. Tell her, Uncle Zel will be coming over for lunch a bit late and he might be bringing some friends.
Chichiri: Okay, I'll tell them just that, ya know.
Zelgadiss: And here is a few coins for your trouble
Chichiri: Well, thank you and Merry Christmas sir.
Zelgadiss: Merry Christmas to you as well.
Narrator: Zelgadiss stopped in a few more stores, sending various foods and gifts to his niece's and to Tamahome's households. Then he decided it was time to resolve something else. He walked up to the door and knocked, a tall blonde man answered.
Gourry: Zel? Is that you?
Zelgadiss: Yes, it is Gourry. How are you doing?
Narrator: Gourry paused and yelled behind him.
Gourry: Hey Lina, guess what? Zelgadiss is here!
Lina: Zelgadiss? Well well, look who showed up around here again. So what do you want?
Zelgadiss: Look, I know I've done some things wrong in the past, but I'm trying to change that. I was wondering if you two could tell me where Amelia lives.
Lina: Why should I tell you Zelgadiss? You want to go break her heart again?
Narrator: Zelgadiss looked away… and sighed.
Zelgadiss: Lina… please tell me… I just…
Narrator: Gourry smiled and walked up next to the chimera…
Gourry: Oh she lives across the town in the big white mansion with the blue shutters!
Narrator: Lina glared. It wasn't supposed to be this easy for him after what he did.
Lina: Gourry!
Narrator: Lina quickly bopped him on the head and Zelgadiss walked off without a word…
Lina: As big a jerk as he has been… I really hope this works out for those two.
Narrator: Zelgadiss promptly headed to the mansion across town… taking in the smells of Christmas morning… as well as the sounds… including some carolers, who were notably off key. He knew right when he reached Amelia's side of town which mansion she lived in… only her family would have a Christmas lights display made to look like the scales of Justice. He stood at the gate of the Saillune Manor, trying to catch his breath, and trying to sort out things in his mind.
Zelgadiss: What do I say to her… I haven't seen her in three years… maybe a little longer.
Narrator: We leave Zel to his angst for a few moments because frankly… I doubt any one wants to hear much more of it.
~insert random Zel angst here~
Narrator: Zelgadiss gathered his wits about him and walked up to the door… knocking quickly… He gasped when the door opened, there was Amelia, just as he remembered her, except perhaps a couple inches taller… and wearing a poofy red velvet Christmas dress, that before he would have called, rather tacky… okay so it still was kind of tacky, but Christmas clothes usually are.
Amelia: Uhh-- Mr… Mr. Zelgadiss??? What brings you here?
Narrator: Zelgadiss sighed and looked down then abruptly made eye contact with her… and tried to get out all the random blather and apology he had planned.
Zelgadiss: Amelia-- I'm sorry… for being such a dork!
Narrator: He grumbled… it was not supposed to come out like that. Amelia raised an eyebrow… an interesting apology… to say the least, but she couldn't help but be slightly pleased… as a warrior of justice, she knew he most likely had more to say than that!
Amelia: Ummm okay… Mr. Zelgadiss, why don't you come in… we can have some tea… or coffee since I am sure you would prefer that.
Narrator: Zelgadiss silently followed the girl into the house… sitting down across from her when she lounged in one of the many recliners in the living space. Amelia could not help but note, that his cheeks were stained red, and he knew as well, that dorky apology was pretty embarrassing. Amelia picked up a tea cup and began to sip lightly.
Amelia: So umm Mr. Zelgadiss… I thought you said you weren't coming back to me until you found your cure… you obviously haven't found it so…
Narrator: Zelgadiss twitched at the "cure" comment… and went into a drastically shortened version of that earth shattering speech he makes to Amelia in every Z/A fic…. Except for the "I was visited by three ghosts" part.
Zelgadiss: Last night I was visited by three ghosts….
Amelia: Mr. Zelgadiss, are you okay?
Zelgadiss: Yes I am fine now… because they made me see that I was wasting my life on this search for a cure… and I uhh should be doing other things. So after giving a bunch of money to some fruitcake factory and two girls collecting money for some orphanage… and a couple other things… I decided to come visit you.
Narrator: Amelia smiled… and you would swear she had sparkles in her eyes.
Amelia: Oh, Mr. Zelgadiss, have you finally realized your true fate as a warrior of Justice!
Narrator: Zelgadiss sweatdropped.
Zelgadiss: If you really want to call it that….
Amelia: That's so wonderful… but I wish it wouldn't have taken so long…
Narrator: The room fell silent for a few moments… before Zelgadiss thought of what he was supposed to do next… he had planned to give her a gift, but never exactly figured out what to give her…
Zelgadiss: Here Amelia… uhh...
Narrator: Zelgadiss reached in his bag and grabbed the first thing he found…
Zelgadiss: Umm these are for you…
Amelia: Uhh thank you for the… donuts.
Narrator: Zelgadiss had indeed just given Amelia a rather smashed and half eaten box of "Love and Peace Bakery" donuts. Zel just sat there realizing what a dorky gift this was. Amelia meanwhile had just noticed the top of the box, and squealed.
Amelia: Donuts of justice… thank you so much!
Zelgadiss: What?
Amelia: Oh Mr. Zelgadiss! "Love and Peace" donuts are the best… don't you know that 40% of their proceeds go to "Wolfwood's Orphanage for Poor Orphans" and the "Society for Endangered Desert Plants???!"
Narrator: It was at that moment… that Zelgadiss found himself wrapped in an enormous justice filled bear hug… he smiled to himself.
Zelgadiss: Umm Amelia?
Amelia: Yes Mr. Zelgadiss?
Zelgadiss: You uhh wanna come to my niece Kagome's Christmas brunch with me?
Narrator: Amelia nodded and the happy couple (brought together by donuts) Made their way across town to Kagome's. Upon reaching the Higurashi residents, Zelgadiss adjusted the large bag he had been carrying all the items he had bought (and the donuts!) and knocked on the door. He was greeted by Miroku… whose eyes went immediately to Amelia.
Miroku: Well Hello… Who is this lovely lady… may I have the pleasure of…
Narrator: Zelgadiss glared at the lecher and cleared his throat…
Zelgadiss: Don't get near her Miroku…
Miroku: Ah yes of course… she is yours then?
Narrator: Zelgadiss did not get a chance to reply before Miroku was bopped on the head with a greasy metal spatula.
Sango: Miroku… can't you just stop for one day…
Miroku: Ah Sango! Eek!
Narrator: Miroku was promptly dragged away by Sango… who could only be described as, being surrounded by an "evil aura" Zelgadiss and Amelia shrugged and entered the house, making their way to the living room, where as expected... the rest of the party sat… Except for Miroku and Sango, and Zelgadiss was not sure where they went, but they weren't in the kitchen either… after he thought about it for a moment, he wasn't sure he wanted to know where they went. But anyway… back to the living room… everyone gaped when he entered the room with Amelia on his arm, Lina and Gourry because he was with Amelia, and InuYasha and Kagome because the king of dorks was with a girl! Amelia glanced around at everyone, nodding and waving enthusiastically to Lina and Gourry. She then looked over to InuYasha and Kagome… Zelgadiss finally broke the silence.
Zel: Amelia… you of course know Lina and Gourry, that is my niece Kagome, and her husband InuYasha…
Amelia: Oh Mr. Zelgadiss, I've met Miss Kagome before, although it was a few years back, Lina and I went out with her a lot… She wasn't married back then…
Narrator: Amelia's eyes immediately went to the pair of fuzzy white dog-ears perched atop InuYasha's head, and since someone in this story just has to do it… She went over and gave into the urge to gently tweak them.
InuYasha: Stop that… Kagome get this girl away…
Narrator: Kagome giggled and cleared a place for Zelgadiss and Amelia to sit down. The chimera and the girl plopped down on the cushy couch and set his bag on the ground… He grumbled as a fat brown and white cat bounded up on his lap…
Zelgadiss: What the… get off me!
Kagome: Buyo… get over here!
Zelgadiss: It's not moving… Why won't… It's not like I'm comfortable!
Narrator: Zelgadiss soon resigned himself to the position of being a not so soft pillow for the huge cat, and cleared his throat.
Zelgadiss: I have ummm gifts for you all.
Lina: Gifts for us huh? I must admit that I am kind of surprised you managed to get Amelia here…. You are lucky she is such a forgiving person.
Amelia: Miss Lina, he gave me donuts!
Gourry: Mmm donuts, you have any left?
Narrator: Amelia reached in the box and handed a donut to Gourry, then proceeded to hand one to the other four occupants of the room. Zelgadiss just sweatdropped.
Amelia: Remember… the "Love and Peace Bakery" is the only donut shop that has proceeds that benefit charity!
InuYasha: Oi… Zelgadiss, I thought you said you had presents.
Zelgadiss: Well yes… I do.
Narrator: He reached in the bag and pulled out two boxes, handing one to Lina and Gourry and one to InuYasha and Kagome… a third box, he just set on the ground.
Lina: What's that Zel… a present for Ameeeelia?
Zelgadiss: No it's a cheese variety basket I bought for Miroku and Sango… but I think I will just leave it for them… who knows when they will be done-- err get back.
Narrator: Meanwhile in a-- umm another room… Miroku and Sango both sneezed loudly.
Zelgadiss: Uhh... Open your presents…
Narrator: The two couples set to ripping open the layers of tissue paper…
Lina: Yay… chicken! Oooh roastable tasty chicken… Thank you thank thank you!!!
Gourry: Woah big chicken!
Narrator: Lina and Gourry set about planning ways to cook their large hunk of meat while InuYasha and Kagome finished ripping open their gift.
InuYasha: The hell? What is this?
Kagome: They appear to be individually wrapped dinners…
Zelgadiss: They are imported noodles from Asia...called ramen, I believe… thought you might like them….
InuYasha: I guess…
Amelia: I know… why don't we go to the kitchen and try to figure out how to make it… it might be really good!
Narrator: The whole group agreed to the plan, and after going to the kitchen and figuring out the noodles (they were surprisingly simple) They all sat down to a meal of this tasty Asian delicacy… InuYasha liked them especially for he finished six bowls in an hour period, only Lina and Gourry beating him with twelve each, but… that was to be expected. While this was all occuring, there were also surprises to be had at the Fruitcake factory. Naraku and Xellos were more than just surprised when the two repair men came to fix the machine, but that didn't even compare to the shock when they heard who had picked up the bill.
Naraku: Now are you sure that it was a Zelgadiss Greywords that paid for all this?
Nuriko: Well, you'll have to ask Tasuki over there, but from what he's told me, this Greywords guy practically begged him to have us come up and fix it today.
Narrator: Over by the machine, Tasuki finished tightening one part and stepped back
Tasuki: Okay you two, try loading that there thing up now and we'll see how she works.
Narrator: Once loaded, the machine began to run perfectly.
Xellos: It's almost like having a new machine.
Naraku: Xellos, I'm going to start going about town with a sign and whatnot and letting people know that they can get their last minute Christmas gifts from us. Can you stay and box them as they come off the machine?
Xellos: I'll work as fast as I can, Naraku.
Naraku: Thanks, I know with your injured arm, it's asking a lot... but if this works, things for us might be looking better....
Narrator: With that, Naraku ran off and dug around a bit under the bed before pulling out something that looked like white fur. He dusted it off and went off to make a sign for advertising. Back at the party, Zelgadiss and the others had just finished off a party game when he noticed it was getting late.
Zelgadiss: Well, I hate to leave so soon, but I have other places I have to be.
Kagome: Uncle Zel, thanks again for lightening up. It really made this Christmas special.
Narrator: He nodded and turned to InuYasha.
Zelgadiss: Your brother is a doctor in this city, is he not?
InuYasha: Feh...yeah, he is. Why?
Zelgadiss: Could you tell me where he lives? I need to speak with him about a young girl that needs treatment.
Narrator: InuYasha took a piece of paper and wrote it out
InuYasha: There, and good luck. He's not exactly the easiest person to deal with.
Narrator: Zelgadiss thanked him, said his goodbyes and made his way to the door, Amelia followed.
Amelia: So once I pick up the toys from that store, just meet you at his house?
Zelgadiss: Yes, I've already arranged for the turkey to be delivered, and I'll wait for you there.
Amelia: And Mr. Zelgadiss?
Zelgadiss: Yes?
Amelia: I'm glad to see that you've changed for the better.
Zelgadiss: And I'm glad that I have.
Narrator: After staring romantically at each other for several seconds, the sparkles began to dissipate, and they went about their tasks. He first went to the address of the doctor, and knocked hastily on the door. A tall, long haired and serious faced man answered. His voice was calm yet forceful.
Sesshoumaru: Yes?
Zelgadiss: I know it's Christmas Day, but I have a young girl that needs treatment on her legs as soon as possible.
Sesshoumaru: A young girl you say?
Zelgadiss: Yes, her family is poor and she walks with a crutch. I'm willing to pay for your help.
Narrator: Sesshoumaru's face was barely readable, but the raised eyebrow indicated something... Zelgadiss just wasn't sure what.
Sesshoumaru: I suppose I will address this matter now. Where does she live?
Zelgadiss: Come with me, I'll take you there.
Narrator: He reached down and lifted up his medical bag, and followed after Zelgadiss. Upon nearing Tamahome's household, Zelgadiss turned to the Doctor.
Zelgadiss: If you could wait here until I call for you.
Narrator: Sesshoumaru nodded and watched as Zelgadiss walked over to the house. Once he reached the door, Zelgadiss tried to look as upset and angry as possible, as he pounded on the door.
Zelgadiss: Tamahome!
Narrator: It slowly swung open, and his employee looked cautiously out.
Tamahome: Oh...um Mr. Greywords, what brings you here?
Zelgadiss: You weren't at work today, Tamahome.
Tamahome: But sir, you said I could have the day off.
Zelgadiss: Did I?
Tamahome: Well, yes you did.
Zelgadiss: I sure don't remember that...maybe you are lying to me.
Tamahome: No sir I swear!
Zelgadiss: And I already told you what I would do if you took off Christmas day.
Tamahome: But sir...please..I...
Zelgadiss: Tamahome...I'm raising your pay.
Narrator: Tamahome blinked as the words registered.
Tamahome: Excuse me sir?
Zelgadiss: I'm raising your pay and making sure you and your family get a larger home.
Tamahome: Sir, I don't understand.
Zelgadiss: It's a long boring story, that will probably be written down and used to teach about spreading Christmas cheer in the future, but don't worry about it. Now, is Rin home?
Tamahome: My daughter? Why yes but...what for?
Narrator: Zelgadiss motioned over to the figure, and Sesshoumaru came over.
Zelgadiss: This is the town's best doctor, and I've agreed to pay him to take care of Rin for you.
Tamahome: Sir...I...
Narrator: Miaka had overheard as she walked over with Rin, and just smiled.
Miaka: Thank you very much, Mr. Greywords. You have no idea how much this means to us and our family.
Narrator: Sesshoumaru had knelt down to Rin's level and was addressing the little girl
Sesshoumaru: So, your name is Rin?
Rin: Yes! I am Rin
Narrator: She smiled cheerfully, then looked strangely at the small engraving on his medical bag.
Rin: Is your name Fluffy?
Narrator: Sesshoumaru looked slightly irritated at that.
Sesshoumaru: You may call me Sesshoumaru. That is just something stupid my brother put on there to annoy me.
Narrator: Rin just smiled, then hugged the man's leg.
Rin: Rin likes Mr. Sesshoumaru very very much.
Narrator: The calm doctor merely raised an eyebrow. About then, Amelia arrived with the bag of toys that Zelgadiss had asked her to help him get.
Zelgadiss: Thank you, Amelia.
Amelia: Anything to help such a just and righteous cause.
Narrator: Not long after handing out the toys to the children, the prized turkey arrived. Miaka and Tamahome insisted that Mr. Sesshoumaru and Miss Amelia stay for dinner along with Zelgadiss, so they all sat down at the table together. As they were just about to pray, a knock came to the door, and Miaka went to answer it. A funny looking guy in a baboon-pelt costume, wearing a stocking cap on his head and lights around him was standing outside. He held a sign reading "Monkey's famous Fruitcakes! Get them today only at the Factory on the east side of town!" Miaka just stared, but Kanna, quietly rose from her seat and walked over, as she spoke in her monotone voice lacking all emotion.
Kanna: Hello father. I am happy to see you.
Naraku: Hello Kanna, I was wondering if you would like to come back home tonight?
Narrator: The girl's face remained as expressionless as ever, as she replied eerily calm.
Kanna: That would make me very happy father. How is Mr. Xellos?
Naraku: The Doctor said his arm will be fine in about a week.
Kanna: That...is good. I know you were worried.
Naraku: Well, the business sold over a thousand fruitcakes today, so we should be able to buy a nicer place to stay. Oh, and Miaka, here.
Narrator: Naraku handed her two boxed fruitcakes.
Naraku: I know you said that you didn't want anything for watching Kanna, but it is Christmas after all.
Narrator: Then, he noticed that Mr. Greywords was present, and quickly shoved about 5 boxed fruitcakes into his arms.
Naraku: That is in gratitude for your generosity Mr. Greywords. If you ever need fruitcakes, just call me and Xellos.
Narrator: Zelgadiss mumbled what was probably a "thank you" but due to the boxes, it was muffled. Miaka handed Naraku Kanna's small bag of things as he headed towards to the door.
Miaka: Well, thank you Mr. Naraku. You, Kanna and Mr. Xellos have a very Merry Christmas, okay?
Naraku: We shall. Thanks again.
Narrator: Kanna reached down to the small bag, and pulled out a small, crudely wrapped white package, and handed it to Naraku.
Kanna: A gift.
Naraku: For me?
Narrator: He unwrapped it to find a package of 6 shades of purple eyeshadow.
Naraku: Kanna, thank you. This means a lot to me.
Kanna: I noticed yours was fading, so I sold snowcones to get money for it.
Narrator: And despite the fact that she portrayed no emotion, Naraku as her father somehow knew she meant that from her heart, and hugged her.
Naraku: Come on Kanna, let's go home. Xellos is waiting for us.
Narrator: And with that, the monkey-pelted man and his white-haired daughter walked off towards the factory. The people within, sat back around the table, and joined hands, and little Rin led the prayer.
Rin: Rin hopes for happiness and good health, and give thanks for the good things that have happened. But most of all, God bless us...everyone.
Narrator: And from that day forward, Zelgadiss Greywords did his best to live always in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future. Little Rin, with the help of the skilled doctor was cured. The Fruitcake Factory became so famous, that it opened branches throughout the area, and Zelgadiss finally settled down with Amelia to have a family of his own.... And just in case you were wondering, all the spirits lived happily ever after too ^^
Fanart-
Naraku in Christmas Pelt with Kanna, By Jennie ^^
http://www.ainself.net/kelly/xmaspelt.jpg
Cast List:
(in order of appearance)
Narrator- The Hyper Fangirls Without Sleep (Jennie, Kelly and Bethany)
Scrooge- Zelgadiss (Slayers)
Bob Cratchet- Tamahome (Fushigi Yuugi)
Fruitcake Factory Owner #1- Naraku (InuYasha)
Fred- Kagome (InuYasha)
Collector for Orphans #1- Millie (Trigun)
Collector for Orphans #2- Meryl (Trigun)
Marley- Rezo (Slayers)
Ghost of Christmas Past- Captain Souzo Sagara (Rurouni Kenshin)
Fezzywig- Phil (Slayers)
Childhood friend #1- Gourry (Slayers)
Belle- Amelia (Slayers)
Ghost of Christmas Present- Rem Saverem (Trigun)
Clara- InuYasha (InuYasha)
Topper- Miroku (InuYasha)
Niece's friend- Sango (InuYasha)
Fruitcake Factory Owner #2: Xellos (Slayers)
Mrs. Cratchet- Miaka (Fushigi Yuugi)
Cratchet kid #1- Yahiko (Rurouni Kenshin)
Fruitcake Factory Owner's daughter- Kanna (InuYasha)
Cratchet kid #2- Shippou (InuYasha)
Tiny Tim- Rin (InuYasha)
Want- Vash (Trigun)
Hate- Knives (Trigun)
Ghost of Christmas Future- Shishio Makoto (Rurouni Kenshin)
Peddler #1- Phibrizzo (Slayers)
Peddler #2- Gaav (Slayers)
Peddler #3- Valgaav (Slayers)
Man in the Street- Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)
Machine Repair Person #1- Tasuki (Fushigi Yuugi)
Carriage Driver- Chichiri (Fushigi Yuugi)
Friend #1- Lina (Slayers)
Machine Repair Person #2- Nuriko (Fushigi Yuugi)
Doctor- Sesshoumaru (InuYasha)
Disclaimer-
Slayers- Hajime Kanzaka, Rui Araizumi
Trigun- Yasuhiro Nightow
InuYasha- Rumiko Takahashi
Fushigi Yuugi- Yu Watase
Rurouni Kenshin- Nobuhiro Watsuki