s-CRY-ed Christmas Special

Chapter Four


"It's...it's alright, Kurim, he's dead isn't he?" Hitomi inquired, her tone of voice was unsteady as if she already knew the answer. With a nod of the Kiryu heiress' head, the woman straightened her shoulders and raked her fingers through her hair. "Did he at least die peacefully." she said with a quiet sniff, not a single tear shed from her eyes.

"Hai, he seemed to have lost most of the feeling of his body when he passed away." Mimori stated softly as she stared at the woman, "Hitomi-san, is much stronger than I would have thought." she mentally concluded as she watched her struggle to fight off her tears and keep her calm demeanour.

"Kairi, my daught....our daughter she'll be crushed but since she's not old enough to understand death perhaps it will be easier if I don't tell her for awhile." The beige haired female allowed the letter to drop from her fingertips and rest on the table. "I don't think I'll be able to read this." she muttered looking at the envelope.

The researcher frowned and lowered her gaze to look at her hands sitting patiently on her lap. Slowly she placed her right hand on the Inners in a comforting fashion. "You must read it, even if it'll be painful. It's his last will and testament to this world and it was left especially for you." Mimori responded seriously her face stern as she removed her hand and placed the envelope in the woman's grip.

Hitomi's eyes widened as she opened her mouth to say something but stopped, her jaw opened and closed like a fish as she tore open the envelope and took out the letter. The Inner began to unfold the parchment. The teenager smiled and returned the wig to her head as she patted her hat on her fake hair.

Hitomi's green eyes shimmered as she read the letter and her face filled with a mixture of regretful mirth. The middle aged woman placed a hand over her eyes as her lips began to twitch. "Heh," she emitted a small noise as the younger of the two tilted her head in confusion. Suddenly Hitomi burst into laughter as she placed the letter down. The disguised girl blinked, she couldn't remember writing anything remotely funny in the letter, however she did remember writing many meaningless words she didn't understand or find relevant to write to a loved one.

"Even with death at his door...," she began as she tucked the letter into her pocket and got up from her seat, "Kurim still was able to be himself till the very end." the woman replied trudging towards the counter to pick up another casserole dish. "Anou, young miss, could you carry that cake out for me?"

"Of course." Mimori replied as she got up from her seat and placed her bag around her shoulders, and then she went over the door and removed the plank. Hitomi smiled as the girl sashayed towards the baked good and lifted it up. "Ehh, how cute." the eighteen year old commented as she noticed there was a chibi picture of Santa Claus in a sleigh with two reindeers.

"Shall we go, I'll introduce you to Kairi, Mim...." the beige haired woman stopped and looked confusedly at the younger girl, "Anou, how should I address you when you are disguised?" she questioned as they began walking towards the door.

Mimori smiled and carefully juggled the dessert so it was resting in one hand so she would be able to open the door. "Minato will be fine." the ebony haired girl explained as she pushed the door open and stepped out with Hitomi. Once again Mimori was immersed in the wave of joyful laughter and the musky scent of home cooking.

"Minato-san, if you would follow me." the middle aged woman said as she plastered on a cheery smile and walked ahead of the girl into the crowd of people. "Sorry for the wait, just adding an extra flavour to the dish." she chirped addressing the crowd of mirthful people as placed the platter on a table and the disguised girl followed suit. "Kairi-chan, please come here please!" Hitomi shouted so she would be heard over the music and talking.

Mimori blinked and scanned the room as she saw a cute girl with beige hair styled in two pigtails, jump up from the floor. Beside her was the same young girl she helped revive when NP3328 breached the medical unit convoy. The Hold researcher narrowed her eyes as she allowed her gaze to wander from the two girls to the two young men near them. One was Kazuma and the other was the Native Alter's friend.

The Inner girl with pigtails brushed the small traces of dust off her jumper and quickly scuttled over, Kanami close at her heels. Kazuma eyed his ward carefully, judging she was in no harm being near the stranger and continued to talk to Kimishima. "Hai, Mommy." she chirped as she looked adorably up at her mother.

Hitomi bit her lip and sketched a cheerful grin on her face as she ruffled the silent Kanami's head and picked up her own child. "Kairi-chan, this lady, Minato-dono has come along way to give you a present," the mother explained as she pointed to Mimori. The pigtailed girl blinked and cocked her head to the side, taking a good look at the female newcomer. "And its not just any present Kairi-chan, it's a present from Kurim.....it's a present from your daddy." she exclaimed as she put the girl down.

Mimori nodded her head as she stooped down to the girl's height level and took out a tattered stuffed bear with a beautiful red bow wrapped around its neck. The young girl's large eyes lit up as her mouth widened in excitement. She questionably turned her head to the other young girl and her mother; they gave her a reassuring nod. Kairi grinned showing a few missing teeth and grabbed the toy, hugging it close to her chest. "Thank you, four eyes lady!" she shouted snuggling the bear against her cheek.

The stranger amongst the Inners tilted her head as a lopsided smile graced her visage. "....Four eyes?" she thought over mentally as she patted the girl softly on the head, "Yo...your welcome, Kairi-chan." the Kiryu heiress exclaimed as the girl grinned and ran over to her friend.

"Ne, ne Kanami look. Isn't he cute and it's a gift from daddy, I think I'll name him Boe-kun." she chirped in an excited tone as Kanami nodded her head and looked appraisingly at the doll. The pigtailed girl skipped towards her mother, "Mommy, I love Daddy's gift but when will Daddy come home, ne Mommy?" she questioned as she tugged on the middle aged woman's dress.

Kanami hid her smile as Hitomi snuck a glance and caught Mimori's eyes. "Kairi-chan, your Daddy will be home soon. You know how he is and how he hates staying in one spot too long. Remember your Daddy loves you and will return as soon as he can." Hitomi lied as she brushed a hand across her daughter's cheek sparing to tell her the fate of her father. "Now how about you play with Boe-kun and Kanami-chan, I'll serve you both some cake." she said as she turned and walked towards a table packed with food.

Mimori rubbed her neck and checked her watch, her eyes widening. "Oh no, I never knew it was this late, I should probably meet up with Ishlaah-san now or I just might miss Hold's Christmas Party." she berated as she gave a final bow to the two young girls playing in the corner and began heading towards the door.

"Leaving so soon, Minato-dono?" a voice inquired as the researcher of Hold turned around and faced Hitomi holding three plates with three slabs of cake on them, a fork was sticking out of each piece. "Here you are." she muttered passing a plate to the eighteen year old. The disguised girl blinked and looked curiously at the dessert, taking a small bite. "Not bad, ne." the beige haired woman commented as Mimori nodded her head.

"Hai, its quite good, thank you." the stranger said wiping a bit of white icing off her bottom lip. Mimori placed the plate down and gave a small bow to the older woman, "I'd like to thank you for your hospitality, but I should be leaving now. I hope you and Kairi-chan will be able to cope with your loss and live happy lives." she stated seriously giving another bow.

Hitomi shook her head and smiled softly, "I should be the one thanking you." she said leaning even closer to her ear so they would not be heard, "Coming from the city to fulfill a promise for the sake of two lowly Inners. You are a good person Mimori-dono." she said motioning for the two girls to come and retrieve their pieces. "It's a shame you couldn't stay for the remainder of the party, but if you must leave I must ask you to finish something first." the woman replied as Kanami and Kairi picked up their plates and sauntered back to their corner. Hitomi jerked her thumb into the vast mass of people, pointing to the same man that requested a dance from the eighteen year old.

The eighteen year old blinked and wrinkled her nose, "I completely forgot about that." she thought as she caught the beige haired woman's sly look. The Hold researcher nodded her head, a grin forming on her lips as she marched primly through the group of people as a teenager with long brown hair bundled on top of her head and a young boy with short brown who held the girl's hand passed by heading towards the Alter of the Shell Bullet.

The Kiryu girl tapped the man known as Devon on the shoulder. Quickly he ceased his bantering with his friends and faced the young girl a shocked expression on his face, as his glasses fell from the bridge of his nose. Mimori smiled and offered her hand, "A....anou, how about that dance?" she asked as he blinked in astonishment. His chums bit their tongues trying to hold their laughter at bay as the man took the girl's hand and led her towards the dancing area, not noticing Ishlaah entering through the door.

!!!

"Urizaaaaaaneee!" Scheris screeched, "Your dripping watermelon pulp all over my dress." the female Alter User berated as she and the ample man with the long braided pigtail ceased their dancing and retired to the sides. The Watermelon Alter User grinned apologetically and handed her a napkin to clean her soiled garments.

"Ah, sorry Scheris." he apologized as he seemed to have pulled the round green melon out of nowhere and began to bite against the shell digging into the rinds and eventually the pulp.

The fifteen year old shook her head as she dapped the napkin at her dress, "He'll never change." she concluded as she swept her eyes over his laidback appearance. His dress shirt and jacket were opened breezily and trousers seemed to reach only the middle of his calf, to top it off he was wearing a pair of sandals. The blue haired girl groaned and scratched her head in annoyance.

Ryuho sighed as he stared mindlessly out at the dance floor while he stood leaning against the wall in a secluded part of the room. His mind was definitely elsewhere and focused on different topic. "Now both Cougar and Mimori are missing," the emerald haired man breathed as he turned so he had the view of one of his younger colleagues, "And Elian even confirmed that both of them are not in the building." he concluded as he closed his eyes.

"Bored already?" a voice questioned as the man blinked and saw Scheris standing in front of him with her hands behind her back. His gaze rested on the large stain on the flare of her dress. The girl followed his gaze and shrugged, "Don't ask." she warned as she manuvered herself to stand by his side, careful not to crush the box she held. "Ne, Ryuho how 'bout I give you your Christmas present, that'll wipe that dull, look off your face." she observed a flush crawling across her cheeks.

The seventeen year old sniffed and turned curiously to the girl as she brought her gift from behind and shoved it into his hands very hastily. Her movements were a bit sloppier and rushed as the boy continued to stare at the package. "Thank you." he thanked as he carefully unwrapped the paper and opened the box, revealing a silver pocket watch. The man took out the trinket and carefully inspected the item. It was definitely silver and on the clasp was an image of a cross with a dragon wrapped around. Ryuho popped it open and heard the meditative tick of the second red hand. The male Alter User closed the watch and gazed at his friend, "Scheris...." he began as he slid the watch into his coat pocket.

The girl grinned and crossed one arm behind her head in embarrassment, "You look much livelier now. I guess your still a kid at heart ne, Ryuho." the female worker of Holy teased as she began to clasp her hands together her face getting serious. "You do like it don't you?" she inquired hopefully.

The Alter Capabilist of Zetsuei nodded his head, "Hai," he said digging something out from his right pant's pocket. "Here I'll do the reciprocal." he stated as he tore out a very small box and handed it carefully to her. Scheris blinked a little dumbfounded as she stared at her colleague. "Your Christmas present." he breathed nonchalantly as she opened the small box. Scheris turquoise eyes lit up as she saw the pretty stud earrings resting on a velvet surface. "Are they to your satisfactory, Scheris?"

The girl nodded her head, unable to speak. "Ryuho got me a Christmas gift. He got me a Christmas gift." her mind repeated as she took her eyes off the glittering accessories and raised her head so she caught the seventeen year olds ruby gaze. "Thank you Ryuho, I'll be right back I really want to try them on." Scheris stated as she skipped off, her face beaming.

The emerald haired teenager slowly blinked his scarlet eyes as he angled his head to look out the window. His eyes reflected the emerging stars that shone in the night sky. The Alter User tsked as he pulled out his new pocket watch, flipping it open as he stared intently at the time.

!!!

"Yahoooooo!" an exuberant Cougar howled as he blasted his vehicle through the wastelands of the Lost Ground, running down anything that dared cross his pass. "Eh, out of the way! Out of the way!" the Alter User warned jovially as he checked the clock on the many panels of his car.

"Five more minutes," he cheered as a smirk twisted upon his lips.

!!!

"So we'll be unable to return to the city because the truck has too many damages?" Mimori said softly finishing the last bite of cake as the Beanman explained the situation over to her. The girl nodded her head sadly as she placed her hand on the fork. "This isn't good." she concluded as her mind searched for a solution.

"Sorry, Minato-san but we'll be unable to return you home tonight, thanks to some outer influences." he stressed the last few words as both he and the Kiryu heiress turned towards Kazuma who was bashfully scratching his head a nervous smile on his face. A few of the other guest as well as Kanami and Kimishima stared at him questionably. The white garbed man shook his head, "By the latest perhaps noon tomorrow my men might be able to return you home."

A few of the people stopped and tsked their tongues muttering "How sad it would be for a young girl to be away from her family at the Holiday times." Kazuma coughed and walked towards the stranger with an annoyed face. "Listen I'm sor...sorr..." he stumbled with the word, "I'm sorry for what I did but would it really be so bad to stay here, even though it's not your first choice as long as you're having fun and are not alone you can bear it. " the Shell Bullet stated earnestly as he dragged his fingers through his hair.

Mimori blinked her eyes in surprise as she looked down at her feet in thought, "Maybe he's right. These are nice people no different from myself. Even if Ryuho isn't here, there's always tomorrow." she debated as she looked up and smiled at the seventeen year old. "You're right as long as I'm not alone and with such kind people I'll be fine. Thank you." she stated as the man rubbed the area under his nose and then offered his hand.

"Dance." the man requested surprising himself and the stranger amongst the Inners as another song began to play from the battered record player. Mimori nodded her head and got up from her seat taking his hand as Kazuma led her to the dance floor. Kimishima blinked and scratched his head as he turned towards the young woman with long brown hair.

"Ah, Ayase-san would you care to dance?" he questioned offering his arm as she smiled bashfully a sly grin on her face.

"Maybe, next time Kimishima-kun, I have a dance with Akira." she said as she picked up her grinning younger brother and headed towards the dance floor. Kimishima blinked in surprise and hunched his shoulders in disappointment. Ayase stopped in her tracks and turned around to view the spiky haired seventeen year old and smiled, "But perhaps I'll be able to save you one afterwards." she chirped as she turned around and carried her younger sibling off.

Kimishima grinned, filled with a new energy as he turned towards Kanami and Kairi who were standing quietly by the side. "So how about I dance with one of you two lovely ladies." he offered bending his knees so he stooped down to their level.

The two girls grinned as Kanami grabbed the pigtailed girl's hand and stared to walk to the dance floor. Without looking back she began, "Ah, sorry Kimishima-san but me and Kairi are dancing together." the eight year old giggled as she lead her friend skipping out into the dance floor.

The seventeen year old swindler shook his head as he straightened his legs, "I give up." he blurted out as he felt a small sensation on the back of his right calf. He turned around and his face faulted, as he saw a small old lady grinning coyly at him a cane in her small hand. "Eh...would you like to dance Oba-chan?" he questioned nervously as she frowned up at him and whacked her cane against his leg, "Alright, alright Onee-chan." he said as the frowned slipped from her face. The old lady took his hand and walked proudly to the dance floor.

Mimori taking the dominant role in the dancing position twirled the clumsy Kazuma and pulled him back into their former box position. "Don't dance much?" she asked curiously as he shook his head. The music began to frizz as it changed to a new song, something with more beat, an unknown type of folk dance. The two changed their movements as they saw older dancers form a circle with their partners and then began to switch. "See you." the disguised girl stated as she pushed Kazuma towards Ayase, who already released her brother to go the person dancing in front of her. The Alter User of water smiled as Kazuma took her arm.

The Kiryu heiress looked towards her new partner and saw it was the young girl, Kanami. "Hello," The Hold researcher greeted as she took the girl's hand and began leading her around the circle. The eight year smiled and nodded her head as she tightened the grip on her hand.

"Thank you." she whispered softly as Mimori blinked and looked down at her questionably. Kanami flushed, "You...you helped Kairi-chan, she was so sad but when you came and delivered her present from Kairi-chan's papa it made her so happy." she explained as the disguised girl nodded her head in understanding and tapped her foot three times on the ground as well as the rest of the dancers.

Hitomi busied herself with collecting soiled glasses and plates laid askew around the large room. Her ears twitched as she heard the sound of a large buzzing. A small table that was close to a window was shaking as she placed down the glass and went towards the window to look outside. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw a vehicle heading straight towards them, the headlights nearly blinding her. A few people stopped their dancing and gathered around to the see what the commotion was all about.

Mimori who still held Kanami's hand, Kazuma and the rest of his troupe pushed through the crowd to see what was going on. The burgundy haired man growled softly as his right hand tingled slightly. Nodding his head he raced towards the door placing his hand on the knob, ready turn when. "Ahh!" the Alter User yelped as the door was slammed into face and was slammed against the wall.

"Kazu-kun," Kanami yelled as she released her hold on Mimori and raced towards the bruised Alter User who was gingerly rubbing his head. "Kazuma." Ayase yelled while Kimishima ceased his snickering as he saw the girl of his affection rush over to his friend's aid. The stranger amongst the Inners shook her head.

"Just a bump." she observed as the boy picked himself up with the help of Kanami and Ayase. The girl turned towards the person who opened the door and unintentionally caused the accident. Ishlaah was there smirking gleefully at Kazuma as he straightened his sunglasses and grabbed a hold of Kiryu's hand. "Eh, Ishlaah-san....?" she questioned as he began directing her towards the door.

"Minato-san, your ride's here." he said as he pointed towards the sleek looking vehicle that stopped a few meters in front of the building. It was too dark to see who was driving out exactly what the car looked like. "He's agreed to take you back home, for free of charge." he explained as he ushered out the door, removing his grip from her arm.

"I'll be there in a moment." she said as she turned back towards the stunned Inners. "Well I suppose this is it, I would like thank you all for your hospitality and inviting a stranger to your party. I am very grateful." Mimori thanked with a bow, "Have a Merry Christmas everyone." she called as she walked off.

"Merry Christmas!"

!!!

"Over there, go on now." The Beanman pointed as the girl nodded her head and stopped as if she forgot something. "Don't worry a thank you isn't in order. Merry Christmas, Mimori-dono." he said as the girl nodded her head and headed towards the car hearing a familiar chuckle as she opened the door.

"Did you have fun?" the man asked as the disguised girl took off her hat and wig feeling no need to keep up her disguise as she sat down in the seat and closed the door. "But you were cutting it a little close at the end, ne,Minori-san." Cougar said as he rebbed the engine.

The girl shook her head as she removed her glasses for she had no use for them at the moment, "Mimori desu." she corrected with a defeated sigh a smile tugging upon her lips as she felt the car back up and quickly whiz around so they were heading back in the direction of the city. The researcher blinked as the velocity began to increase and Cougar placed his hand on the car stick. "Too fast." she thought as she removed a handkerchief from her pocket.

!!!

"Aaaaahhh, we made it!" The Alter User of Speed cheered as he crashed his car in front of Hold Headquarters, the tires popping from exhaustion, "But the thought of us no longer in a small tight car. The loss of contact with a dear loved one is truly painful." he said the pace of his words going faster and faster. He looked over at the girl and noticed her eyes were still closed. "Minori-san, you can open your eyes now."

The girl wrinkled her nose as she slowly opened one eye and then the other, moving her handkerchief into her jeans pocket. The Hold researcher turned her head so she could view her colleague as well as the shadowy outline of Hold headquarters. The raven haired woman's face brightened as she nodded her head in success. "Anou, Cougar-san, I'd just like to than...." the girl ceased her rant as a slender finger was placed upon her lips.

The Alter User grinned as he removed his hand and pulled his sunglasses from the bridge of his nose. "That isn't necessary, Minori-san." he stated as he brought out the same gift bag she gave to him from behind his seat. "I think you have two more deliveries to make." he said handing her the bag. Mimori nodded her head wasting no time to correct the pronunciation of her name as she opened the door and prepared to step out. "Ahem!" The man coughed gaining her attention.

The Kiryu heiress blinked in surprise and turned to him with a confused face. "What? Is there something wrong Cougar-san?" she inquired as she closed the door and stared at the driver.

"Well, Minori-san you do look exceptionally fine in that attire but for Hold's stiff Christmas party you should be dressed a bit more....formal." he stated pointing at his own attire which she really didn't notice and quickly saw that he was clothed in a very fancy black suit with a purple flower in his breast pocket. Mimori's jaw opened in astonishment very much impressed with the man's appearance and quickly closed her mouth as she looked at her own outfit. "No need for such a sullen face, Minori-san, I have an outfit for you right here." he said as he pulled a flat white box from the back seat and handed it to her.

The researcher shook her head and took hold of the item as she gave the man a wry smile. "It seems you thought of everything. Much to your personality you are very resourceful." she complimented as she opened the box and took out a silky black gown. "It's beautiful,' she breathed as she fingered the material a thought coming across, "And this.....this is mine.....ho...how did you get into my apartment?" she inquired her voice rising into a small shrill.

The redhead shook his head as the impish grin on his few grew larger by each second. "As you said, Minori-san I am a resourceful man." he said regurgitating her words as he took a quick glance at the time. "I think we should hurry up, even though he won't admit I think he's worried." he berated as the eighteen year old human nodded her head dejectedly, and held the dress tighter in her hand.

"If it will help in any way, I'd be more than happy to help you change, Minori-san." the man chirped as he raised his hands and began to wriggle his fingers individually.

The raven haired teenager tensed as she raised her hand in front of her for defence. "No...no, I think I'll just change by myself," she stressed the last word, as she quickly got out of the vehicle and began walking to Headquarters' automatic doors, the two security officers saluted her as she entered.

!!!

Mimori dabbed the damp tissue paper against the corner of her mouth, trying to rid herself of a few remains of icing. The girl rubbed her cheek as she viewed her appearance in the bathroom mirrors. Her black hair hung loosely against her barren shoulders. Around her breastbone was where a few ruffled pieces of fabric sat as the rest of the gown clung nicely to her body and sprawled out at her feet, the gift bag at her side and her pendant hung loosely around her neck.

With a nod the girl grabbed the bag and headed out of the lavatory and turned left going straight for the reception hall where the party was being held. She could already hear the music and stopped in her advancement she heard a very smooth wolf whistle. The raven haired woman whirled around as she saw Cougar leaning against the wall; his pink shades covered his eyes.

The twenty-one year old jumped from his spot and walked closer to the girl, removing the purple flower from his breast pocket. "Oya, oya, now don't you look beautiful...but something's missing." he tutted as he placed the purple flower behind her ear and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "Ha, much better." he commented as her fingertips danced against the dainty accessory. Cougar began to lead her to the reception hall, quickly linking his arm to hers. "Got your story straight?" he questioned in a whisper as she quickly nodded her head.

"Welcome to Hold's Christmas Party!"

!!!

Scheris twirled majestically in Ryuho's arm and raised an eyebrow as she saw the arrival of two people on the opposite side of the room. "Ara, look who showed up." she said as the man she danced with turned his head to where she flicked her finger. The emerald haired teenager narrowed his eyes and slightly tightened his grip on the female Alter Capabilist. The fifteen year old flinched as she felt him slowing down in their dance. The blue haired girl prepped for him to leave but much to her surprise he stayed until the song was done. "Anou, Ryuho...." she began softly as she removed her hands from his.

"Thank you for the dance, Scheris." Ryuho thanked her with a bow, "Excuse me for a moment." as he backed away and viewed a young woman with a black dress and the man she was with. He walked away as the tune of another song starting up. Taking quick strides the Alter User of Zetsuei quickly caught up to the dark haired woman who stood beside the Speed Alter Capabilist. "Mim...Kiryu-san." he introduced tapping her on the shoulder. The girl whirled around and stared at her handsome childhood friend. "Would you care to dance?" he inquired offering her his hand.

Mimori raised both of her brows and brusquely nodded her head. She passed her bag to the disappointed Cougar and took hold of the seventeen's hand as he led her to the dance floor. The Speed Alter Capabilist violently shook his head, "Slow again." he berated as he saw the Alter User of Eternal Devote staring longingly at the dancing couple. The redhead tapped his feet as he struck a plan. The young boy with navy blue hair walked by, "Ne, Elian could you hold onto this bag for a while." the twenty year old asked not waiting for answer as he plopped the object into the boy's unready arms.

Out of the corner of Mimori's eye she saw the Alter Capabilist of Radical Good Speed rushing to where Scheris Adjani stood, her bag no where in sight. "He didn't lose it did he?" she wondered her eyes falling on Elian who held her bag. Her partner steered her to the right where less people were dancing. Mimori blinked calmly and viewed her partner's nonchalant visage.

"Would you like to tell me where you were this evening?" the Alter User of Zetsuei quickly questioned as he breathed the word smoothly into her ear, making sure they were not heard. The girl stiffened for a moment and passed it off as a faulty step in movement as she stared calmly into Ryuho's ruby eyes.

"Well, I was...," The raven haired teenager stopped, digesting the intolerable feeling of lying to her old friend. The emerald haired man slowed down with his dancing and looked uncomfortably down at his partner, slightly regretting that he asked her the question. The Alter Capabilist sighed as he gave her a little spin and waited for her answer. "I was at....ehh..." she squeaked as Cougar and Adjani came skipping towards them.

"Mind if we.....," Cougar began releasing his hold on the blue haired girl's hand and stepping in between the Kiryu heiress and her partner. "Cut in...," Scheris finished slipping her hands into Ryuho's and nudged the raven haired girl into Straight's waiting arms. Mimori hung her mouth in surprise as Cougar spun her away from her previous dance partner.

The eighteen year old blinked and looked at Straight's comical face, "Cougar-san what are you and Scheris-san doing?" she questioned as she eyed the girl dancing with Ryuho. The Hold researcher's eyes widened as she thought of something, stepping a bit more into the dance she aggressively led the Alter User of Radical Good Speed towards the fifteen and seventeen year couple. "Mind if I cut in?" Kiryu asked as she released her hold on the redhead quickly grabbed a hand and led them away.

"Oi, oi, that was quite unexpected of Minori-san, ne, Schei....ara," the speedy Alter Capabilist gasped as he was no longer holding the small hand of the Alter User of Eternal Devote but the Alter User of Zetsuei. Still holding the seventeen year olds hand Cougar turned to see Mimori walking off with a dazed Scheris towards Elian who still held her package.

Ahem! Ryuho coughed as the twenty year old blinked and raised his hand that still held the boy's limb. "Her name is Mimori and if you wouldn't mind, Cougar." the emerald haired man began a small growl embedded in his tone.

"Hai, Cougar, asked me to hang onto it. Here you are, Kiryu-san." the young boy said handing over the bag and walked away towards Commander Jigmar. Mimori nodded her head as she checked the bag and then pulled out a small wrapped box and turned to the fifteen year old girl dressed in a red gown.

"Merry Christmas." the elder of the two women cheered as she passed the small box to the confused girl. Scheris hands twitched as she carefully accepted the gift, her eyes a bit wide as she began tearing it open. Seeing the lid of the box she opened it and took out her present. The Hold researcher watched pleasantly as she saw the azure haired girl's face shift from confusion to astonishment and then content.

"It's so pretty," she commented as she gently took out the pink hair barrette and twirled the sea blue ribbons around her finger. The tiny beads made a small click and as she relieved herself of her yellow and white hair barrette and replaced it with her new one. "Thank you, Kiryu-san it's quite nice." Scheris said trying to hold her happiness, "But I want you to know I can't wear this always, this hairpiece," she said showing the raven haired girl her old hairclip, "Does have a special link to my past and nothing can replace it." she said finally as Mimori nodded her head in understanding.

"Now!" Scheris began as a jovial expression etched upon her face and she placed her right hand behind her head in a childlike manner, "How about I give you your present now." she suggested taking hold of her hand leading her towards the side of the room where a large table was donned with numerous Christmas presents on top of another.


Author's notE: 'Allo, everyone hope you liked the latest chapter of s-CRY-ed Christmas Special just one or two more chapters and I think it's stick a fork in me and I'm done. I'll be free to work on some other stories and possibly s-CRY-ed projects for the future. You guys know the routine. Bye-bi