Merry Christmas, minna-san!!!! And even though I'm doing this on Christmas day, you won't be seeing it anyhow, ne? Take note, I haven't seen the manga nor have I seen all of the Mankin episodes so forgive me if Marion here is OOC. Besides, since she's a minor character, nobody actually knows her much…especially me. So, all you'll see here are presumptions – no actual basis aside from Marion's looks and actions.

Okay, here's the story now. Hope you like, hope you enjoy.


Disclaimer: Shaman King is created by Hiroyuki Takei.



Part Four: Marion


I looked at the ruins in front of me, face as expresionless as ever. The cold wind touched my skin. I shiver then hugged my arms close to my chest, pressing Chuck tightly against me.

Yes, this is me, Marion Phauna, one of the members of Hanagumi…aka the quietest Hanagumi member. And now, I'm looking at the burnt down ruins of the orphanage, kicking on a sign that says 'Homes for the homeless children.'.

Why was I here? Well, Hao-sama allowed us to have a vacation this Christmas. Kanna, Matilda and I didn't want to leave Hao-sama but then he changed it to an order. It seems like he wanted to be alone. I wonder why….

Then, yeah, the whole Hanagumi left Hao-sama alone. Kanna said she wanted to check out something and Matilda left as well. I didn't have a problem with anything so…now…I went back here…to the orphanage I was staying in before Hao-sama came and offered me another home.

Why was I here? I never liked the orphanage. They never liked me back either so why should I waste my time with them? They never gave me what I needed but they took everything they wanted. I don't dislike them. I hate them.

Why was I here? I had nowhere to go. And it wouldn't hurt to see their surprised faces when they see me. But the orphanage burnt down. There were only ruins left here…not that it mattered much.

I walk over the scorched wood and bricks. I looked at my left and right, at every direction, trying to think of something to do and maybe reminisce about useless thoughts and memories.

I sigh. I could remember something vague. It was Christmas time. And nobody wanted to take this battered doll. They threw it at a trash can and I took it with me. But they never wanted me to have it and tried to make me part with. I didn't want that to happen so…I used it.

I was a shaman before. My family trained me to be one but…they were dead now.

So, I used a little of my shaman abilities against them and starting from that time, everyone left me alone. They were scared of me. They were scared my little doll. Yes, his name was Chuck now and he's been with me forever and I know he can still stay for eternity.

I hug Chuck tighter then started to walk slowly across the foundation of the orphanage. I wonder who brunt this place down. Maybe Hao-sama did it. I should thank him once I get back.

I sigh once again. The wind grew colder and slowly, snow fell from the skies. I look up then stared. I never liked snow that much. Maybe a little because snow made everyone sick but it made everyone happy as well.

I walk a little more until I reach one part of once a tall brick wall and sat on it, trying to protect Chuck from the snow. I breathed hard then shrugged my shoulders. I looked at the area. This orphanage lay a little far from the town so there was no other building in sight. I could see misty figures of dead trees and some rocks but all in all, there was only fog. It was so thick I wouldn't be surprised if a truck succesfully ran over me.

Nobody would care anyway.

"I wonder what Kanna and Matilda are doing right now…." I trailed off, toying with Chuck's arms.

If there was somebody I could trust, I know it was the Hanagumi. You could say that they were my second family. They were always there and we never left each other. Probably because we needed each other's strength to please Hao-sama. I know we rarely…uh…what was that term? Bonded. We never really found the need to do so but still, we kept the team spirit. We never let anybody down. We never had much expectations of each other.

The snow started to thicken upon my shoulders. I shake my head to remove some on my bangs then returned to my endless stare at…nothing.

Now, my problem was starting to seem big. Since the orphanage was already dead, where would I sleep? I don't want to go to the town. They resent me as well. They wouldn't want a devil staying there. I don't want to see their disgusted and disgusting faces.

Maybe I'll just sleep here with Chuck. I'm used to the cold anyhow. Besides, I have my furyoku. I have my shaman abilities. I have Chuck.

I stood up then started to clear the ground in front of me with my feet. If I was gonna sleep here, then I want to sleep on the ground not on these ashes.

I sat back on the broken brick wall then stayed silent. It wasn't that late yet but the sky was dark, everything was dark. The fog must be creating the darkness but it doesn't bother me anyway. Neither does the cold. Those two pretty much come together most of the time. And sometimes, it's hard to distinguish one from another.

It must be weird that I feel nothing right now. I had come to the worst place in the world and I'm unfazed. I had remembered the worst memories ever and I'm still unfazed – not that this never happened before. Ever since Hanagumi was formed and I became a part of it, I rarely feel…well…anything at all.

This was the first time that it bothered me. The first time I had thought about it. Maybe I'm just thinking about it since there's nothing to think about. Maybe I just have too many maybe's. Maybe.

I sighed then huffed. What am I supposed to do to make time go faster? , I lifted Chuck so that I could gaze at him. "What do you think I should do?" I ask though I know very well he couldn't answer. But at least, I had somebody to talk to…even though it's useless.

"You could stand up and find a hotel to spend the night with."

I turned my head towards the speaker. Kanna was right there behind me with Matilda. Both were carrying some bags. I raised my eyebrows in surprise but I doubt that I look surprised. I think I've forgotten how to look that way.

"Kanna-san, Matilda." I muttered then gave her a half-smile, which – I think – vanished after a second. "What are you doing here? I thought you wanted to check on something." I ask, standing up straight.

Our leader shrugged her shoulders. "I already had but it seems like," she nodded straight at the ruins, "we found the same." She took a breath at her cigarette then approached me, stomping on some of the scorched remains.

"Kanna and I met on the way. We figured out that you'd be here. Well, actually, we sensed your furyoku." Matilda stuck out her tongue and, as happy as usual, skipped towards me. "Sheesh, this place really did burn down good. There's nothing decent to see." She started poking the ground with the broom she always carried around.

I only nodded.

"So...where's the town?"

I pointed to one direction but it was too foggy to see anything. But they'll trust me.

"Okay, let's go." Matilda took the lead then Kanna then me.

"Uh...Kanna-san? The town doesn't really like me that much." I explained, following the two.

"So? What the heck do they care? That doesn't mean we can't go out there and stay in one of their hotels!!!! Besides, as Hao-sama said, us shamans are better than them humans." Matilda said proudly, waving her broom in the air.

Kanna nodded in return. "Yes, exactly. Besides, don't you think that they'll let pretty girls stay in the town? They should be obliged."

I smile softly at them. Maybe I can go to the town now. I wasn't alone. I was with people whom the townsfolk don't despise. Besides, they had more guts and they really were fun to be with. I admit that we were all different from each other. We had so little things in common, you could count them with your fingers. But we just seem to fit…as one group…as one family.

I'm happy they came. But why are they bringing bags? They rarely do so. I wonder what's inside of them?

I followed them and, as usual, I was the last but Matilda jumped to the back when we got into the town. I was surprised they still recognized me after all those years but I guess my looks didn't change too much. And Matilda probably got pissed off when she heard the words 'monster' and 'demon'. I really didn't care much. I was used to it.

"HELLO~!!!! MISTER MANAGER?!?!?!?! COME OUT!!! WE WANT A ROOM!!!! NOW!!!!!" Matilda shouted, pounding on the bell. I think I remember the manager here. He adopted one of the kids in the orphanage that saw me use my shaman powers. It'd be no wonder he won't come out.

"Don't mind it, Matilda. We'll just sign in for a room and get the key." Kanna placed a hand on Matilda's shoulder then turned to the door leading inside the manager's office and shouted, "Nobody has a problem with it, I take?"

He was there, the manager. He can't hide from us. We are shamans.

Then we got to the room. Matilda instantly jumped on the bed and cursed loudly.

"What is wrong with people here?!"

"I think it's my fault. I scared them before. Now they think I'm a demon or a monster...or both. But it doesn't bother me much anyway." I explained, placing Chuck carefully on my bed.

Kanna started looking in the other connected rooms. "Hey, look we have two bathrooms." She pointed to two doors. "I think I'll have a bath for a while. And Marion, don't give a fuck to those guys. They're just stupid." She assured.

"Ah! Me too! I wanna take a bath!!!" Matilda raced to the next bathroom.

Kanna and Matilda seemed to be so nice to me. Is this the effect of Christmas? Then maybe I'll like it more this time.

Then I noticed the bags Kanna and Matilda brought. I was really curious about it and took a peek inside. But now they'll kill me if they find out.

Inside those bags were presents for the Hanagumi...for me.

But I haven't got anything for them.

I stood up, creating as little noise as possible, took Chuck in my arms, then walked towards the door. I had to find something for them. I had to give them anything. I can't just recieve something from them. It wouldn't be fair.

The fog started to enter the town when I got outside. And night was coming. And it became darker. But I didn't care. I wasn't afraid of any ghost. I am a shaman. And since I'm a shaman, I could see better in the fog. I won't be in trouble. And I have my furyoku. And I have my Oversoul. And I have Chuck.

Finally, I reached a familiar store and went inside. It was a candy store. I know Matilda would like this kind of gift.

I approach the counter. Everyone inside stared at me. Each of them had this look in their eyes that I didn't like, that I hated. But I had to buy a gift for Matilda. Then I had to go to another store to buy Kanna's. Why did I forget to buy them stuff? Had I forgotten Christmas too much?

"Uh...I want to buy a-"

"NO! Leave this place! We don't need you here! We don't want bad luck in our house!!!!" screamed the store owner. I narrowed my eyes at him, holding Chuck closer to my chest.

"I just want to buy-" I start, pointing at one of the chocolates they have on sale.

Again, he screamed, shouted and yelled. And they call themselves civilized. And they call me a demon. They look more like demons themselves.

"I am going to pay!" I shout, taking out my purse but everyone in the store just grew shocked and scared. I had enough. If they don't want me to pay, then I'll just take it without paying!! Humans are pathetic! So pathetic, I'll just make them disappear from here!!

I start to form my oversoul, "If you don't want me to pay, then I'll just-" but a familiar sound cut my words.

I felt something narrowly miss my ankles. I look at the remnants of gunpowder then at the gun. Then at the owner of the rifle. "Go! Demon! Leave!" the man shouted, "You do not have the right to ruin Christmas for us!!!"

I stared at him then held Chuck in front of me. I guess they don't see that they were ruining my Christmas. "Die…." I mutter. Before I could use my oversoul, I heard the fuzzy background music clear into a chanting. I take a step back. The other customers were surrounding me and they were praying the rosary. Their eyes were…had that look that I hated so much…of fear…anger…disgust. I didn't want to see them anymore.

So I ran.

And I ran…into the darkness and into alleys where I was sure nobody would go. I wanted to be alone. And I was. But I kept running.

Until somebody grabbed my arm and made me throw Chuck on the cold snow, "Chuck." I mumbled as someone pulled me then slammed me to the wall. It didn't hurt but I let out a shout of pain.

"Look who we have here…a cute little doll." I felt someone carress my cheek. Then I felt the fear. I felt the pain. I felt the anger. All of which I thought I had forgotten to feel. And…then I felt the need to scream.

I wanted the Hanagumi.

I don't know what happened to me but I found a light. And that light gave me the strength.

I pushed the man on top of me, making him topple on the snow. I made a grab for Chuck and performed my oversoul. I turned to the man and found out he had some more companions but I didn't had the time to count because the only thing I saw then was the light…Chuck's soft and warm light.

I heard the man mutter something before he passed out, "You're…the demon…."

The light subsided and I saw bodies sprawled on the snow. The downpour of snow made the bodies – which I think are already dead – less conspicuous.

Then I started to run once again. All I know is that…I needed to get away from that place.

I still had those gifts in mind but…I don't think I can go back to the stores anymore. Besides, I think I'm lost. I think I got thrown into one of those alleys I hadn't been to. I don't plan to go back…yet…just until I get their presents…if I get their presents – which seems like never.

I think I'm gonna start to hate Christmas more than I already do.

I look around me then found a rock – or was it a box? – to sit on. And I sat, hugging Chuck. I don't know how long I have been sitting there but I figured that it was pretty long since I started to feel the cold now. There was a thick fog and a downpour of snow that started to grow stronger. And I was out there. And I didn't know what to do.

I was just…alone.

Then I felt something warm brush the snow off of my head. I turn around and I saw them.

The Hanagumi. Kanna and Matilda.

"Uh…Kanna…Matilda…"

"What are you doing out here? How long have you been out here?" Kanna inquired, gesturing me to stand up.

"We felt your oversoul. We were sure something had happened or you wouldn't use that here." Matilda explained, "Eek! You're covered in snow!" then she brushed all the remaining snow on my shoulders and gave me a quick a hug…a warm hug.

I remained silent but then I caught their eyes.

"Marion…?"

I shook my head, "I saw it."

The two of them looked at each other then shrugged their shoulders.

"I saw what you kept in that bag. I got curious so I looked because you rarely carry those kinds of bags. And…and…."

"You saw our presents!!!" Matilda ended for me. "So? What about it? Why? You didn't like it?" she asked with a worried tone.

Again, I shook my head. But I never stopped shaking my head. "No…no…it's just that…just that…I didn't have anything for you." I stopped then glanced at them. "I completely forgot about this Christmas thing because I never liked it much. Then I went out to buy something for you but…I…I…I was the demon (1)…." I trailed off.

I was expecting them to ask questions and the like but…somehow…I think…they understood.

"That's okay, Marion! I don't like Christmas very much either! I like Halloween!" Matilda exclaimed, still as happy as ever. She rushed to my side and patted my shoulder.

"Marion, it doesn't matter whether you give gifts or not. It's okay. Maybe you can payback in another form…like treating us to lunch after we leave this stupid town, right?"

"Right!"

I gave them a soft smile as my eyes start to turn glassy. But no, I am Marion Phauna; I do not cry. And Hanagumi knows that as well.

"Thank you, Kanna, Matilda." I mutter then laughed a little. "Thanks a lot."

"No problem." Matilda patted me on the back, "Now, I think we should get back to the hotel now. Oh, and could you treat me to dinner? I'm starving!"

I nodded and told them about one restaurant in the town. Then Kanna took Chuck in her arms. I titled my head to one side in confusion but before I could ask anything, she took my hand…and Matilda took my other hand.

I smile as they steered me out of the alley.

Maybe…maybe – no, this isn't a 'maybe' anymore. Christmas will be nice tonight. And we don't need a Christmas tree or any tradition to prove it. Just ourselves…each other….

I'll thank the gods for this my whole life.



(1) I got that from Black Cat by Yabuki Kentaro, said by Eve but I think it was 'I am the demon' not 'I was'.

Aww...poor, poor, poor, poor sad Marion...aww...*starts crying* NOT!!!! HAHA!!!! Yup, I'm insensitive!!! *starts laughing like a maniac* What do I care? Yeah, so it was a little sad. Okay...more than a little sad. But sad as well. Gomen minna-san. Marion's one of the characters I like but...well...

(Audience: HOW DARE YOU BE UNFAZED?!?! Look what you did to Marion!!! *waves various weapons in the air*)

Whatever.... Anyway, what do you think? Bring out the critic inside of you and criticize this crappy piece of work!!! Reviews are much appreciated. Flames are very much appreciated. Anything is much more appreciated. Tell me if it's OOC, okay? I don't know Marion that much. I'm trying to. Daijobou.

Okay, next is Per – I mean, Ren-san.