This was supposed to be a one-shot (^_^;; I have too many 'supposed to be's) but I couldn't decide on which character to use: Hao, Anna or Ren? The theme fits those 3 well. After some hours of thinking, I've finally decided to make one for each.

(Audience: Oh no…! The pain! The horror!!!!! *starts weeping*)

And, yeah, this is just the 1st chap, Hao-centered in case you might not notice (but you will, anyway). He's my favorite so, well, he's the first (besides, I thought this up for him then Anna came with Ren)

Here, Naisho presents this Christmas fic for all of you guys out there (whatever religion – who cares? We're all living beings here!). MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! (or whatever your version is)


Take note: These are just short fics (more like a collection of one-shots but well…it's not…. At least I think it's not…)


Disclaimer: Shaman King is created by Hiroyuki Takei.



SNOWFLAKE
By: Naisho


Part One: Hao

The soft breeze gave the morning mist a playful push. I could see structures of all sorts, building from haze to a grasped form as Morpheus stretched out his arms. Ornaments hung in each and every door; lights flashing in one place then another. It is Christmas. If it weren't for the lack of snow, one could say that this was 'perfect'.

But these petty humans do not deserve perfection. They were like the stain that blotches the white paper and spread uncontrollably. How pathetic they were and always will be…blinding themselves to the danger and disaster they create and wanting to gain bliss in return.

It would be amusing to just snatch their lives and burn them in hell's flames with all the 'joy' they crave for but never deserved. They would be of no use here on Gaea's land. If you want proof, look at them.

Though I was at least a hundred or so meters away from the cluster of buildings, I could see each and every one of them, counter-flowing the other – like ants but far worse. And those vehicles that drive by create unbearable noise as though their lives would end if they don't reach their destination. Pathetic. They, all humanity, squeeze life too much and so, that life is cut short.

And I will be that one to bring that inevitable fate upon them.

But, this day I will give. I'm not as evil as most people say. This will be their last Christmas; they should enjoy it. Soon, I will grasp the Seirei no Ou and it will be their downfall…death.

The breeze touched my cheek with a soft caress. I let out a sigh, which created fog then dissipated into the atmosphere. No, I wasn't cold. I had the Supi with me and it generated heat far superior to those trying-hard human gadgets.

Again, I let out a sigh, one longer than the former. I narrowed my eyes to those humans below. They were wasting their time and they were blind…but…they had smiles…they had warmth.

My smile…no one has ever seen my true smile. Such a thing is a useful mask; Yoh does the same. Much better than what the itako uses in my opinion.

Warmth…heat is not the same as warmth. Warmth is what you get when someone wraps his or her arms around you because they want to and because they knew you needed it. Heat is just…a flame. It's far better to feel warmth on the inside and cold on the outside than to have it the other way around.

But then, I had always been alone. Loneliness cannot be blocked by the multitude of people you surround yourself; that is something I know from heart. That wretched thing visits me a lot. It comes when you suddenly see that nobody could see what you see; nobody can feel what you feel; nobody can. And, just my luck, it's always been that way.

And here it is, creeping behind my back. Opacho would have been good company for this moment but he wasn't here. Heck, I'd even settle for the Hanagumi but they still weren't here. Nobody was here. I had given them – how shall you say? – A 'day-off'. I didn't want to look after them. I didn't want to be bothered. Though loneliness creates unbearable pain, I'd rather have it than face fake sympathy and minds that could never reach mine.

That was probably why I was here on this peak, looking down on humanity. I had nothing to do. I had nothing I wanted to do on Christmas…not that I have any. I have nobody to give gifts to.

Well, if there were one, I would settle for…Yoh. He is, by all chances, still my brother – my twin, to add up. If they never rejected me, if they never doubted my existence, if they had given me what I needed and set aside what they wanted, I would have a real brother – someone who'd be there because of who I am and accept it just the same. Who knows what would have happened; I might not be out for the world's blood if I say so myself.

But that was what they chose. And this is what I chose. Everyone – shaman and humans alike – is made by the choices they make. And they can never take a step back. They can only ascend.

Speaking about choices and my otouto, which would be a better choice? To drown myself here in boredom – and maybe, if I get irritated enough, I'd go there and burn down a few houses and stuff – or go and meddle with my otouto's Christmas. Hmm…I wonder if they celebrate the same way as these do or does the itako make a hell?

A smile flashed on my face, letting a few chuckles escape my lips. And so the mask is put on. And the play starts.

If I go to Yoh's residence right now, I might just ruin their Christmas – but it would be good for Yoh to experience a loss for once. I doubt that he'd be disheartened. The itako and his friends will surely shoo me away. They have predictable minds and I'm sure that they would see me as what I am not of who.

But it would be fun. It'd be something to remember. It might be enough to last for the day.

With a bright smile on my face, I took a deep breath, stretched my arms and turned my head, with the body following, around.

I froze. My smile fell and shock entered my eyes. It took unusually big effort to prevent myself from jumping back and screaming.

"Yo."

Slowly, I regain my posture. I sighed, beamed back at him then wandered into those happy-go-lucky dark orbs. "Hisashi buri dane, Yoh."

My twin smiled and laughed, something that he was prone to – from what I've seen. He shrugged his shoulders and rubbed the back of his head, "I was looking for you."

Trust him to say the right words at the right time.

"And?" I raised my eyebrows, wanting to keep my cool. My eyes left his and wandered to usual people he was…uh…molecularly attached to. I don't know all their names – except Tao. There was this human midget who always hangs around my otouto. Of course, the itako was there and a couple more girls; one with pink hair…I think I saw her in Izumo…and the other with blue like that other male shaman beside her. There was also this tall one with weird hair and clothes; there's also another tall one with blonde hair and looked…well…dead. Then, lastly, there's this guy who looked goofy with his weird afro hair.

Conclusion: My otouto has a weird choice of friends.

"Well, I was wondering if…since it's Christmas and all…."

"I hate Christmas. It was never a Japanese custom. I don't care about it at all." I replied sharply even though there was a smile pasted on my face, similar to that of my twin. I could even convince myself that I was looking at a mirror.

He shook his head then dropped it low in dismay, "Chigau, it's not just the Christmas thing. Would you just please come and spend today with us? We could forget about that fight for now." He looked up at me with pleading eyes. He looked like a kid who wanted to get candy from his mommy.

I should learn how to do this better than he does, choosing the right words for it's corresponding time. It would be a good weapon.

"Why should I?"

Again, his head dropped low, almost crouching in my presence.

"I knew it! You never should've wasted your time with this maniac." I stared at the source of the voice: Tao Ren, "It was obvious from the start that he'd never come with us! That was stupid." No, what Yoh did wasn't stupid. What you are doing now is stupid. I am not a maniac and what Yoh did was a skill I was yet to perfect.

My otouto shifted his sight towards Tao and said, "Demo-"

I laughed out loud, "Iie, it's not stupid Yoh." I assured my otouto, "But you know, we are still in conflict. You can't just forget those. It's not in the past. It's still in the present." I said in a soft yet convincing tone, "Now, I suggest you all go now before I change my mind and kill you all today." I gave them an empty threat.

Most of my otouto's companions start to back down or, to be more precise; everyone except Tao and the itako cowered before my presence.

"Hao~!!!!" Yoh whined. It seems like he's getting more courage in front of me at this very moment. He shouldn't be that daring…but I'll let him go for now.

"No. I don't wanna spend time with weaklings like you." I stared at his companions. I sighed then turned my back at him. What I said might not be entirely true, but it was still…somehow. Besides, I don't wanna spend time with people who don't want me there.

I took one deep breath and was ready to summon the Supi and leave but…

"Onii-chan!!!" came another whine…but he called me his brother.

I stopped turned around and opened my mouth to protest –

"Stop whining like a baby and just come with us. It's obvious you want to but you're too stubborn and hardheaded like Yoh!!!!" the itako shouted, "Sheesh, if we never wanted you to come then we wouldn't be wasting our precious time out here in the cold."

I felt a lump form in my throat. Not just because what the itako said was correct; she was actually inviting me to their house. I should record this. What was it she said again?

"Stupid Asakura twins…." She mumbled under her breath.

Call me stubborn all you want but I already made a decision. I'll just leave.

Then a hand shot to my wrist, holding me back, "Onii-chan…onegai shimasu?"

The skies turned dark; the air grew colder and…it started to snow.

The itako grumbled then turned away from us, "Yoh, just drag that stubborn shaman to the house and we could get a little warmer inside." With that signal, every one of Yoh's friends followed her, each giving me a doubtful and fearful glance.

I didn't argue though. I let my otouto drag me. Maybe…this was what I wanted…. Maybe I just wanted them to prove that they really do want me to spend Christmas with them. I guess I am pretty stubborn.

"Ne, Hao," Yoh started, not sparring a glance at me as he dragged me – gently – down the peak I was looking from, "I didn't know you were this warm." He squeezed my hand for a split-second then stayed silent all the way.

I smiled – a true smile, not just a mask. And it felt great because now, I'm not just watching them, I'm with them.

It seems like it will be a perfect Christmas as well.



I know I'm not supposed to post something up yet but it's Christmas vacation!!!! And, for those who read Yin and Yang, sorry but I couldn't open my file again (corrupted, maybe) so I'm starting on a new chap T_T

Anyway…what do you think? Sucks? OOC? Stupid? Anyone up for a flame? (Yeah, I know, it doesn't look 'Christmas-y'. It is Hao but tell me what you think anyway.)

Oh, and please review! Make it your Christmas gift for me ^_^

And…before I forget…arigatou gozaimashita minna-san desu!

Okie, on to the next chap! Take note, these may not be interrelated; some, probably, but not all.

Next is for Yoh (I don't know why but I can't separate Hao from Yoh in whatever fic I make!!!)