Long time no see! I apologize, again. Maybe I should stop apologizing and we should all get used to my delayed updates… but that wouldn't be any fun. So here are this updates list of excuses. First is ipod troubles. The stupid thing froze and then I was plugging it into the wrong thing, and then the keyboard would stop working… I wasted a weekend like that and never solved the problem. I figured out it was a bad port only just now. On top of that last weekend I was sick, I still sort of am. Thank god for tissues. Working during the week isn't generally possible. Oh, yeah one weekend I went to see Les Mis. I think that's all the weekends I missed. Ah a free conscious, all though I suppose it would be more free if I actually started writing.

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Two more days had passed since the weeklong party celebrating Celsius had begun. General Aurion and his fellows had gone hunting on one day, and had another snow war the next. Mrs. Aurion had been seen talking to more young soldiers while she wasn't bossing about the kitchen slaves in preparation for the next meal. Kratos and Yuan had been enjoying watching the soldiers make fools of themselves, but already that was getting old. So on the third afternoon the boys staid in their room playing magi technology games, and eating a bowl of salted snacks they had stolen from downstairs.

" Damn, you beat me again!" Yuan growled throwing down his controller.

" Your supposed to stack them so they take up the least room, not so that they look cool," Kratos told him as he stuffed a handful of the snack into his mouth.

" Yeah, but that's boring," Yuan said, lying back on Kratos's bed where they were both sitting. It was silent for a moment, except for the sound of Kratos eating. " Is anything new gonna happen, or are they just gonna mess around for four more days?"

" Oh, don't worry Yuan, new things are going to happen, just you wait," Kratos said. " Tomorrow a lot of people come in from town and there is going to be a big dance, and feast. Women from town all try to out do each others cooking. That goes on for the next three days. On the third day I like to go into town, because everyone puts up lights and builds stuff with snow. And the last day's the best."

" Do you get presents?" Yuan interrupted. " 'Cuz back home on Celsius day everyone gives each other presents."

" Yeah, that's what we do too. When I go into town to see the lights I buy gifts for my parents," Kratos told him excitedly.

" That doesn't sound to bad at all," Yuan decided, " Especially the feast. That sounds like the best part. Speaking of which, we're out of food. Let's get cookies this time." Kratos nodded and the two boys ran down stairs to steal more food.

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The next day began rather dully. Mrs. Aurion came to them almost as soon as they awoke. She made sure Kratos was perfectly neat and tidy, except for his hair which she had given up on long ago. As soon as Kratos was in order she sent him downstairs to wait at the door and greet guests. Yuan tagged along behind to watch. He figured that she couldn't have picked a worse job for her socially inept son, and he thought it might be enjoyable to watch. It wasn't.

Yuan enjoyed himself through the first couple guests, but after that Kratos's stuttering became painful. Even the feeling of pain didn't last long, there were so many guests that it grew boring rather quickly. It wasn't long until he found himself picking out patterns on the wall. When at last all the guests had arrived Kratos hurried over to his friend.

" Oh, come on, Kratos. Don't look so sad," Yuan said, and Kratos smiled weakly. They spent the rest of the afternoon watching the soldiers look for young women to dance with. It was like watching a sped up courtship. An hour before the ballroom doors were swung open, Kratos's mother sought him out again. This time with a gaggle of women around her.

" Here he is ladies. This is my son, Kratos. Say hello Kratos," Mrs. Aurion demanded shoving Kratos in front of the women.

" Uh, hello," Kratos mumbled his cheeks turning the same color as his hair.

" Oh, well isn't he precious. How old are you dear?" An older women said looking down at Kratos as if he were a baby.

" Eight, ma'am."

" Oh, and so polite," the women added patting him on the cheek gently. Yuan who was watching from the sidelines was reminded of his first introduction to Kratos. He remembered thinking Kratos had sounded rehearsed, he was now sure he was.

" Come now ladies lets get some tea," Mrs. Aurion directed her group to the kitchen before any of them could bring up their own children. As soon as they were gone Yuan ran up to Kratos.

" Oh, my isn't he precious," Yuan mimicked patting his friend on the head.

" Shut up," Kratos mumbled, and Yuan laughed. While they waited for the dancing to begin the boys filled their pockets with assorted foods. There wouldn't be any food in the ballroom, and they wanted something to snack on while they gawked. When at last the doors were open the crowd in the entry hall began to move as one towards the dance floor. The two friends trailed behind the group. As they reached the dance hall they heard music blaring. A few musically adept soldiers had been chosen to play for the party, and had set up a band on the little stage in the ballroom.

Kratos looked about with only mid interest. He had seen this scene for every year he could remember, the joyful music, colorful swishing skirts, and laughter had long since ceased to truly entertain him. He glanced over at Yuan to see the half-elf's reaction and was caught by surprise. Yuan's eyes were shining, he was amazed. Kratos was rarely the jaded one, but Yuan was much more excited.

" Oh, wow! I've never seen anything like this. Look at them Kratos, doesn't it look fun. Oh, wow!" Yuan took Kratos's wrist and pulled him through out the room. He watched everything with awe. Kratos laughed at him.

" What's so funny?" Yuan asked in honest confusion.

" You are! You're acting like a little kid," Kratos told him, finally glad to be able to laugh at Yaun instead of the other way around. Yuan glared at him before something new caught his eye.

" Who's that lady you're Dad's dancing with," he said pointing. General Aurion was dancing with a pretty young girl from town. Not to far away Mrs. Aurion was dancing with a young soldier. Yuan was immediately sorry he asked, Kratos looked very sad. Yuan found he was unable to cheer his friend up or even get much of a response. Finally the feast was called to order. Buffet tables had been set up in the entry hall and people could eat as they liked. Once again the boys were last in the exodus. Kratos didn't go to get food and instead sat on the large stairs. Concerned Yuan went to get food for the both of them. He filled three plates with food, ignoring the dirty looks from everyone around him. The half-elf carefully carried the food over to his friend and placed it on the steps beside him.

" Come on Kratos cheer up, you got to eat something," There was no response and the two sat in silence. Nearby Mrs.Aurion stood with her gang of women talking.

" My, but this ham is delicious. I have never in all my days had nything so scrumptious."

" Yes this quiche is truly divine."

"This quiche is truly divine." Yuan mimicked. " Heh heh, quiche. It's a funny word. Quiche" The two sat in silence for another moment, suddenly Kratos began to laugh hysterically. Yuan soon joined in and the two were soon laughing so hard they were crying. Every time one would begin to calm the other would say quiche and they would both break into fits again. Mrs. Aurion soon hurried over and herded them upstairs. She called behind her that Katos was just tired. She threw them into Kratos's room and gave him a disapproving look; the boys were still laughing.

" Oh, man. We never ate anything!" Yuan said when he finally stopped laughing.

" It's alright we still got food in our pockets," Kratos pointed out. The two boy's sat eating out of their pockets.

" Yeah but Kratos you know what we don't have?"

" Don't say it my sides hurt!"

" It shouldn't be that funny…" Yuan admitted.

" Yeah, I know" They were quiet for a moment except for eating.

" Hey, Kratos?"

" Yeah?"

" quiche!"

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The next day Kratos was confined to his room for humiliating his parents. Neither boy really cared. Together they lounged around in pajamas counting Kratos's money. He needed to know how much he had so they could shop tomorrow. They had to decided to buy presents for one another when they went to town.

" Damn, Kratos! You've got a lot here. You could buy the world with this," Yuan said sounding impressed.

" I don't spend much money," Kratos grinned.

" Kratos, I don't want to go to the dance again tonight," Yuan said. This was not quite true. He didn't want Kratos to get depressed again, but he figured his friend would never say anything himself.

" What do you want to do?"

" Think we could go see what my fellows are doing?" Yuan said.

" I guess, nothing bad will happen will it," Kratos answered cocking his head.

" Hope not," was the only response.

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When the party moved into the ballroom, Kratos and Yuan donned their coats and headed across the grounds. It was a very cold night, and the two boys moved as quickly as they could through the snow. The slave cabins looked cozy with light shining their windows. As the boys approached they heard voices raised in song. The two friends peered through the window and saw that the slaves were dancing and singing. A few people even plucked at makeshift instruments.

" It's like back home," Yuan said simply.

" everyone knows the words," Kratos thought allowed as the two snuck into the cabin. The same type of food that had been in the mansion the previous day, was being passed around. The dancing was very different down in the cabins. Everyone semed to be dancing together instead of in pairs. Even children joined in the dancing. Kratos was amazed, he decided they didn't seem nearly so scary as he had once believed. The pair sat in the corner watching, and hoping no one would notice them. Yuan smiled, reveling in his memories. It reminded him so much of home. When it grew late one slave began to recite ancient scripture about the summon spirits. The boys grew tired listening and snuck out .

" That was nice Yuan. I liked it better then the regular party."

" Wouldn't it be cool to summon one," Yuan said sleepily. " I wish I could see a summon spirit."

" Even if they were real, that would never happen," Kratos answered opening the door to the mansion. The boys were glad to see that everyone was back to dancing. They hadn't been missed.

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The next day the two friends arrived in town with pockets full of money. They split up swearing to meet at five 'o' clock. Kratos headed towards the book store. He wanted to get Yuan something to read. He loved the bookstore, even the smell of it when he opened the door. Smiling he explored the shelves looking for something he thought Yuan might like. Eventually he came across something he thought was perfect. It was a very large book, an anthology of adventure stories. Kratos figured Yuan was the type to enjoy things like pirates and rebels. He pulled it down off the shelves and carried it with some difficulty to the counter. He left the store humming to himself and carrying the book in a bag.

As he tried to decide where to shop for his parents he felt a hand on his shoulder. Kratos turned to find himself facing the bully from school.

" Looks like I'm gonna have me a good Celsius day! You're gonna give me a present. Seems you're missing you're damned half-elf."

" Yuan isn't damned. Take it back," Kratos answered. The bully raised an eyebrow.

" Take it back,"

" No," The bully answered in confusion. " Now give me your money." Kratos fixed him with a glare. When the bully prepared a fist Kratos was ready. He swung the bag with the anthology in it and smacked the bully upside the head. Leaving the bully sitting in shock in the snow, Kratos went to continue his shopping.

Across town Yuan was in a pet store. He was gathering decorations for Noishe's tank. He even found a book on protozoans. Not having anyone else to buy for Yuan decided to buy more things for Kratos. He headed over to the grocery to buy some vegetables the protozoan book suggested. When he brought this selection to the grocery counter he found himself facing the same half-elf who had cheated him. Yuan eyed him carefully as he paid.

" This isn't enough" The half-elf told him. Yuan smiled at him.

" You must be mistaken that's more than enough. I was trying to repay you for last time,"

" But that's not the normal price…"

" Marked down for the holidays I guess," Yuan told him. He smiled his most innocent smile. Looking confused the half-elf handed him his package. Yuan left whistling, it wasn't enough.

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The two boys met at five as planned and headed back towards home. As they walked houses began to light up. Magitechnology lights snaked into words across shapes. Poorer houses had simple candles in their windows. One house even had an ice sculpture of Celsius. The boys decided this was their favorite. Before they left town they looked back at the lit town.

" It's beautiful," Kratos sighed. Yuan nodded.

" Hey, Kratos don't look in my bag it's a surprise," He snapped holding his bags close.

" Yeah, well don't look in mine," Kratos answered and they eyed one another suspiciously on the way home.

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The next day passed quickly. Kratos was showered with an unholy amount of presents from his parents. He received an actual hug from his father when he gave him a gift of sword polish. But he found he couldn't wait for night, when he could give his gift to Yuan. Still he enjoyed himself, the gift giving was always best for children, and as the only child there he received much attention. Yuan couldn't get near him. The half-elf used this time to wrap Kratos's presents. When night came at last Kratos joined Yuan in their bedroom.

" Let me go first!" Yuan said. He had wrapped each of Kratos gifts separately and began to hand them over. Kratos liked each one, especially the book about protozoans. He was a tad confused over the celery which he opened before the book.

" Do you like them," Yuan asked eagerly.

" Yes, thanks a whole bunch!" Kratos answered. " But it's my turn now!" He handed over the large present still in it's bag. Yuan was impressed by it's size. When he pulled it from the bag his eyes grew.

" Oh wow Kratos this is awesome! Look at the pictures they're so cool!" Yuan hugged the book to his chest and smiled. Soon the boys were in their pajamas in bed and reading.

" This was the best Celsius day yet," Yuan said putting aside the large book and snuggling into his covers. " Well Celsius week."

" Same for me. Everything's a lot more fun with you. Promise we'll be friends forever."

" I don't think we'll live that long but okay. You and me are best friends forever."

" You and I," Kratos said sleepily as he turned off the light.

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What a strange and rather long chapter this is. I crammed a little too much in I think. Ah, well. Next chapter the boys are fourteen and are heading off to the academy mentioned last chapter. It's time to see how Kratos will fair. Swords and magic coming soon. Ah, high school. Let's see how Kratos handles three research projects at once… I have too… Goodbye now, I'm tired. Hope the grammars not to bad I'm a little to tired for good spelling.