Forgotten Memories Chapter Twelve
Chrono Crusade
Date Started: December 21st 2004
Sora Kazuma
Days flashed by in the blink of an eye. The convent was readily getting ready for Christmas- there was a gigantic tree in the dining hall, everywhere was covered in gold garland and silver tinsel and the choir was practicing almost 24/7 for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses. The kitchen staff was working over time on food and the entire main hall smelled like gingerbread and cinnamon. I don't know how many times I helped Remington and Mia hang decorations throughout the buildings, or ran to the kitchen to check on Julius and Azmaria who had been put in charge of baking cookies and were doing more fooling around and joking then baking.
Yugo was asked to work twelve to fourteen hour days and he was never home, so between orders from Sister Kate and helping around home, I never saw him. We would talk psychically for long periods of time while he was at the restaurant but I missed having him by my side. He promised me he would have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, but with as much as he was working, it just didn't seem like it was going to happen.
On top of everything else I was doing, I tried to contact both Joshua and Jin. Trying to get a hold of Joshua had been impossible now; it was almost like his connection was completely severed. I wondered if something serious had happened to him. I had talked to Jin on several occasions however and was trying to get him to spend Christmas with us, but every time he refused. I was beginning to think he was more stubborn then Yugo himself and I had thought that was impossible.
It was exactly ten days before Christmas when Rosette, Mia, Julius, Azmaria, Chrono and myself were called to Sister Kate's office. Remington let us in and he shut the door behind us without another word. Something had to be going on.
Sister Kate stood up, her amber eyes dancing over us for a minute with sadness. I blinked. What was going on? "After the first of the year, both of your teams will be transferred out of the New York office here." She said after a minute.
"What!" Rosette gasped. I looked over at Mia, who stared back at me with the same shocked expression.
"But why?" Julius asked
"You have been given jurisdiction over a case on the west coast. We got a report that Aion was seen out in Nevada a week or so ago. The San Francisco department has asked for help in the matter and since the circumstances have shown in your favor, they're handing the case over to you." She narrowed her eyes. "Find Aion and Joshua and get Hirelena back. Those are your orders." She swallowed. "Special Militia operative Mia and Father Remington will be meeting you there. You will be working under Commander Bryant Sera for as long as you have authority over the case. Should something happen and the case turn back to the San Francisco department you are to return here immediately. Is that clear?"
"Yes mam." I nodded.
"We should be leaving right away then!" Rosette spoke up. "Why wait for New Year's? The sooner we get there the soon I can get my hands on Aion-"
"Rosette." Chrono put a hand on the back of her collar to keep her from dashing back out the door. "Did you forget that this is Christmas? The worst travel time of the whole year?"
"I don't care! We know where my brother is! We're leaving now!" she cried, breaking out of his grip.
"Rosette!" Remington spoke up over her cries and she immediately fell silent. "Even if you leave right now, it will take you almost two weeks to get there. Not only will you miss Christmas but you'll have gotten nowhere in the process. Wait. We need to receive more detailed information from the west coast anyway."
"Yes Father." She said softly.
"Rosette, can I talk to you and Sora for a minute?" he asked. He motioned for Mia to follow as well. "We'll just be a minute." He flashed a smile at Sister Kate.
Out in the hallway, he put a finger against his lips for us to stay quiet. "Do you realize that for the two younger kids in there that Christmas is probably something they're not looking forward to?"
"Huh?" Rosette blinked. I was surprised too.
"Every year Azmaria has been shuffled through relatives and friends of her family. She's never really had a home. You can bet what Christmas must be like for her when you can't spend it with anyone you care about. And Julius… is an amazing lad. He's been so strong all this time but you have to know he's upset. This will be the first year he hasn't spent Christmas with his family. Sora you're like his sister, but it's not the same. So you all should be working on how to make their Christmases special, because we're not exactly their family," he smiled. "But we still care too and we want them to have fun for the holidays."
"I guess you're right Father. I never thought about it." Rosette said. She winked, flashing a big grin. "I'll do everything I can to make Azmaria's Christmas a good one."
"Me too!" I smiled.
The next day I took Julius into the city to do some Christmas shopping. New York still excited him and he couldn't believe he was there every time I took him into downtown.
He blew hot air in between his gloved hand, rubbing them together. Outfitted in his heavy red coat and black pants he had tied his hair back so it would stay out of his face and had pulled up his hood.
"Okay, so I got something for Mia…and Rosette…Father Remington…Azmaria…I just have Yugo, Chrono and…you." I said looking over at him. "And what about you?"
"Everyone but Azmaria." He replied, picking up the six bags he had been carrying with him all morning. "I don't know what to get her. Something pretty I think, but I'm not sure."
"I have an idea." I smiled at him. "Come on."
"This?" he blinked as I handed him a thin, leather bound book, the gold word Messiah written on the front of it.
"Trust me, she'll like it." I told him. We had been keeping the fact that she was the choir's best soprano a secret from him, so that he would be more then surprised at Christmas mass. "And here, these too." I pulled a pair of lovely green and red glass hairpins from a bag of things I had bought earlier.
"But this was your present to her!" he gasped, looking at me. "I couldn't!"
"You will, and that's an order." I told him with a smile. "Besides, I think it would mean more if it came from you anyway."
His face went red. "Y-You think?"
"Definitely." I nodded. "Come on, pay for the book and we're out of here."
We made a stop at the restaurant where already my wolf boy was hard at work. Mr. McHopson looked up at us as we came in and he smiled. "Well, well, it's been quite a while since I've seen the two of you."
"Hello sir. Is Yugo around?" I asked him, sitting down at the bar.
Michael came up, as always, as if he had suddenly appeared from thin air. "Let me take your bags lad, and the misses as well." He told Julius. The boy responded by nodding, dropping the bag so that their hands wouldn't have to touch one another.
"Yes, Yugo's in the back." He was already making us drinks, a light wine for me and my companion.
"I'll get him Father." Michael responded, his hands full. "I'm going to put these in the back so you don't have to worry about them Sora."
"Thanks Michael!" I smiled at him as he disappeared behind the bar.
"So, what brings you here to the bar? Something must be going on." Mr. McHopson said after a moment.
I took a long sip of my wine.
"Yes, I agree."
I looked up at that voice, smiling at Yugo in his waitering clothes. He looked so handsome in his white dress shirt and black slacks- they really brought out his unique cyan hair and gold eyes. "Morning dear." I told him.
"What's going on Sora?" he looked at me warily. "Has something happened?"
Straight to the point, as usual.
"Actually, yes." I said after a moment. "We were given new orders yesterday."
"Yesterday?" he raised a fine eyebrow. "Why didn't you tell me then?"
"Because the orders don't go through until the first of the year." I replied. "We-" I swallowed. "We've been transferred."
"Transferred?" There was confusion in his voice, and a trace of anger too, I could tell. "To where."
I pursed my lips together. I didn't like this either. "San Francisco." I told him, my voice barely a whisper. I knew he had heard me though and the bartender too.
"What!" His mouth fell open slightly. "Why! What's going on!"
"They think…that they've found Joshua and Aion." I said softly. I didn't know how many devils might be in the place but I didn't want any of them eavesdropping on my conversation.
'Worry not Sora. I've put up a sound barrier. Nobody can even sense that you and Yugo are talking.'
I blinked. 'Michael…thank you.'
Yugo cursed softly, running his fingers through his hair. "They found them?" he asked after a minute.
"They're pretty sure. We, along with Rosette's team and Remington and Mia are in charge of the case out at the California convent. We're working under a Mr. Sera with the orders that should the case revert back to that team we are to return immediately to New York. But who knows how long this will take?" I explained.
"I agree, this might take a while." He looked past me to Julius. "You okay with this kid?" he asked him.
He smiled back bashfully. "I'm a Magdalene Order Exorcist Yugo. I go where they order me to, regardless of my own feelings."
Yugo blinked in surprise. "Kid…" He turned to the bartender. "I am so sorry sir. I'll have to accompany them. There's no way I…could leave Sora's side for so long."
"You do not have to explain yourself to me lad. I understand all to well. Wait here a moment, please." His dark eyes shined mischievously behind his glasses as he went back into the back room. He returned moments later with an envelope. "Money, for the trip."
"Sir-" I started but was cut off by Yugo.
"David, I can't take this!" he cried, his eyes widening.
"You can and you will. Think of it as a Christmas bonus of sorts." He said, slipping the envelope in his hand.
"But I…" he swallowed.
"You all are going to need help taking care of yourselves. California is a long ways a way. It's on the other side of the country. I know you can take care of them lad; you're quite strong. But to get somewhere in this world today you'll need a few dollars, and your strength can not keep a car moving when it's completely out of gas." He smiled at him. "Take care of yourself."
"David…" he ducked his head. "Thank you, so very much."
"We'll miss you around here Yugo." Michael said, walking in from the back. "You're one of the best we got."
He smiled at the other devil. "Thanks Michael. I'll be back."
"I'm sorry this had to happen, right before Christmas. You must need all the help you can get this time of year." I told them.
"There are more important things. The store was fine without him before; we will manage without him now. He has been a great help to us, and we wish you all well. Besides, today is his last day before his requested holiday time off, so it's not that big of a deal anyway." He told me with a smile.
"Yes, I'll be home later tonight." Yugo told me with a smile. "Early."
I smiled back. "Alright then love. Until later."
Having Yugo home with me all the time wasn't really something I missed until I realized how much I loved having him by my side. He was there when I awoke the next morning, he came down to the dining hall and ate breakfast with us and talked and laughed like we had when we first had arrived back at the convent. He went into the city for a few hours but he came back later that afternoon with a guest who I hadn't seen in a while.
"Afternoon Sora!" A pair of big scarlet eyes stared at me as the door burst open.
"Sieg…" I sweatdropped. "How have you been?"
"Okiday!" he beamed. "Do you wanna know what Yugo got you for Christmas? You-" he was silenced by the wolf demon putting a hand over his mouth.
"Quiet." Yugo hissed as I broke out into laughter.
"No, that's okay. So, what are you doing here anyways?" I asked him with a smile. "Shouldn't you be with Satella?"
"Yeah…but she's being cranky, so I thought I'd find somebody to play with." He replied, hopping onto Julius's bed and folding his legs butterfly-style. "So where's the rest of the gang?" he blinked.
"All over the place. Julius and Azmaria are helping with the festivities, Mia and Remington ran into town and of course, Lena's gone…" I swallowed at my words.
"Eh?" He blinked his crimson eyes, picking Fallon up off the floor and setting him in his lap. "Where'd she go?"
"Joshua…" I forced a smile as he looked at him. "She's with Joshua right now."
"Well, she's gotta be happy then." He smiled, petting the puppy's head.
Yugo sat down next to me, casually wrapping an arm around me. I smiled over at him, leaning up to kiss his jaw. I felt him tense for a second and I wanted to break out into laughter. Teasing him was quite possibly the best thing on earth.
Sieg cleared his throat, cheeks flushing slightly. "Uhm…I think I'm gonna go and give you guys your alone time." He grinned. "I'll be here on Christmas Eve, promise!" And with that he vanished in thin air, Fallon whimpering as he fell the couple of inches or so onto the bed.
"At least he gets the point. I literally have to pry you away from Julius." Yugo said softly, jealousy evident in his voice. I smiled, nipping at his neck. The next thing I knew I was lying on top of him on the bed, staring down into those bright gold eyes. "Don't worry," He replied softly, leaning up to kiss my neck. "I just want you close for a while."
I rested my head on his chest. Better enjoy the solitude now because who knew how busy we might be once we got to San Francisco. His heartbeat was so strong, comforting, soothing. I sighed softly, sleepily. Being able to just relax with him was heavenly. Knowing we didn't have anything to do right now or have to be anywhere.
"Yugo…" I asked him softly, lifting my head slightly. "How long do you think this will last?"
He didn't open his eyes but he spoke up after a moment, his childishly deep voice husky as he talked in a half-sleep daze. "What?"
"This…peace. Nothing has happened in a couple of weeks. Yeah I've still got normal cases, but nothing from Aion, Aidan or Joshua. Things for the most part have been quiet. Do you think this will last?"
"I think California will be the test." His sighed. "I don't think Aion is going to wait around forever. Most likely he's biding his time. Things aren't going to stay quiet for long, and when they start up again they're going to be ten times worse. We should enjoy this right now." His arms squeezed me against him in a hug. "I know I am."
I giggled. "Me too. I just…" I laid my head back on his chest. "I don't know if I want to go to California."
"I don't." He swallowed. "I don't know if it's true or not but my instincts are telling me I've been there before and I don't like it. The feeling of uneasiness has been bothering me since you said something to me about it."
"Really?" I blinked. "I haven't noticed."
"I didn't want you to know." He replied. "You've been getting so into the Christmas thing, I figured I wouldn't ruin your mood."
"Christmas is my favorite holiday." I admitted with a smile. "It was a family holiday."
"I've never celebrated Christmas before." Yugo replied. "I didn't even know what you all were going on about until Remington told me."
"Really?" I blinked. "Wow…you and Azmaria both…"
"Do you think it's okay for devils to be celebrating Christmas?" He asked after a minute, uncertainty running clear in his voice.
"It's alright. Chrono and Rosette have been doing it every year and they always try to make it a bigger and bigger deal each time. I think this year's going to take the cake though." I smiled.
"You're hiding something." He replied.
"Maybe." I giggled, burying my head against his chest.
And so after all this anticipation, Christmas Eve finally arrived. I was awakened that morning to the smell of evergreen and candle wax. Sitting up, I blinked at the room, decorated in holly and tinsel, cinnamon-scented candles lit on every one of the bedside tables.
"We were wondering when you were going to get up."
Looking to the source of the voice I smiled at Mia who was fixing boughs that were tied to the footboards of the beds. "What time is it?" I asked blankly. Everyone was gone already, their beds all made.
"A little after ten. We were gonna wake you but Julius and Yugo both practically jumped me when I told them I was going to get you up." She explained.
"Hmm… probably just an excuse to hog the bacon at the breakfast table." I replied, standing up.
Mia laughed. "Pretty much."
I went to my closet to get some clothes and a towel. "Hey…Sora?" I turned to look over at the blonde. She was holding on to a dress I recognized all to well. It was the elegant yellow ballroom gown Joshua had bought for Lena back on their first date. I swallowed at the sight of it, my eyes immediately wanting to tear up. I could tell Mia was trying not to do the same thing as she held it.
"Lena…was going to wear it on her next date with Joshua. They…were going to go to the movies, or something." I told her softly. "She left it hanging on the headboard of her bed that night, so it would be out for the date. I couldn't bear the thought of moving it because I've been believing she would come back, just like she used to."
"I know…" He lips pursed together. "But the poor thing is collecting dust and Lena would probably be pretty mad at us if her favorite dress is messed up when she gets back. If you don't mind, could you put it in her closet?"
"Sure." I nodded, taking it from her. As I opened her closet door and hung it up I heard Mia move over to the window, looking out at the overcast sky and the grounds below.
"Christmas was always her favorite time of year. I hope her Christmas is going to be alright this year." She put a hand on the cold pane, her breath fogging up the cold glass. "We'll be seeing her soon. We're going to California in two days, and we'll get her back. I don't want to go but we'll do what we have to to get our friend back."
"Right." I nodded, closing the door and turning to look at her. I felt the exact same way. Leaving New York would be hard but getting Lena back would be well worth it.
"Hey, Sora, are you up yet?" Sarah poked her head in the door. She smiled at me with a mischievous grin. "You have a couple of unexpected guests. Sister Kate, Father Remington and Yugo are waiting for you in her office."
I blinked and then looked at Mia who looked back at me equally surprised and shrugged. "Alright…"
I quickly got dressed and walked to the main building, puzzled. Who exactly was here and what was going on?
Opening the door I swallowed. "Sister Kate? Father Remington?" I said as I pushed open the door.
Yugo's gold eyes were what I saw first. He looked back, ponytail sliding over his shoulder as he looked back, a slight smile lighting his lips.
"Miss Sora!"
Two seconds later I was pounced by a crimson streak, pushed back against the wall by the impact. I immediately recognized that childish face and bright scarlet eyes. "Chris!" My jaw dropped slightly, reaching up to ruffle that spiky dark reddish-brown hair of his. What was Julius's younger brother doing here?
"I missed you Miss Sora! Mister Yugo too!" He grinned, missing two of his baby teeth in his grin.
"It's been a while, Lady Exorcist." A haggard old voice spoke up as an old man stood from the seat placed in front of Sister Kate's desk. Those dark brown eyes or scraggily gray beard hadn't changed one bit.
"Mr. Alex!" I smiled. "It's been a while."
"I know we're intruding, but it wouldn't be Christmas without seeing our Julius." The old man smiled. "The head sister and Father have been too kind."
"It is not a problem." Sister Kate said softly and I blinked. That was one of the few times I had seen her sincerely smile.
"Julius is an accomplished exorcist now. He's a hardworking and sweet individual. We should be thanking you for letting him be here." Remington told him with a smile.
Yugo stared at me for a second as I hugged the boy back and my cheeks blushed slightly. 'You seem happy to see them.'
'They're Julius's immediate family, and you know he's missed them. He's going to flip out.'
I smiled at his words. 'Yeah.'
There was a knock at the door and we all looked at each other, knowing who it is. I leaned over opening the door and poking my head.
"Sora?" Julius blinked. "Whats-"
I pushed the door open so he could see past me into the room beyond. "You have visitors." I grinned.
He stepped in the room and then past me, as the younger boy ran to him.
"Big Brother!" The boy laughed pouncing him.
He swallowed. "Chris…" His arms clutched the child tightly to him. "And Grandpa…"
Alex walked to the teen, his hand running through the shoulder-length chocolate brown hair. "Your hair was your pride and joy. You must have changed a lot to cut this off." He laughed lightly, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.
"Grandpa…" He smiled, hugging him tightly. "What are you all doing here?"
"We were just in the neighborhood and decided we'd stop by…it is Christmas after all." The old man replied.
"Woah! Wow Brother!" Chris was gawking at the sword sheathed to Julius's side. "Is that real!"
Julius laughed. "Yeah, of course."
Alex cleared his throat. "Well, let's let these good people get back to work. Is there someplace we can go to talk boy?"
"Sure." He nodded. He looked back at Remington and Kate with a slight bow of his head and then at me. Those gold eyes stared at me, and I could tell he was holding back tears. His feelings were making my heart race and I smiled at him. "Go." I said softly, just barely audible and I know he heard me.
"Thank you." Was his response as the group left. I watched them walk out with a smile. Chris had yet to let go of his brother's arm and Alex was trying to keep from crying as well. I shut the door, leaning against it with a relieved sigh.
"His family is incredible." Remington murmured softly.
"They're be leaving tomorrow morning, so it's not a problem that they stay for the evening." Kate told me with a smile, sitting down in her chair.
"Thank you." I bowed to them. "Both of you. For letting them stay."
"The boy has grown on me, Sister Sora. I do not mind helping out someone who has helped me out so much in the past." She replied warmly.
"It's amazing to see how the younger brother had recovered after such a terrible incident. The Weyr family is amazingly strong." Remington said softly, before looking at us. "I figured you two would want to be here to see that. We'll see you tonight at the festivities."
"Sir," Yugo started immediately, catching both his and Kate's attention as well as my own. He swallowed. "Am I really going to be allowed in the main hall tonight, and the chapel afterwards? I mean I am a-"
"Yugo," Remington cut him off quickly. "Regardless of what you are, you are still a member of this convent. Would you really want to be apart from Sora on tonight, of all nights?"
I felt his wave of shock and awe hit him and I smiled.
He lowered his head. "No… sir." He said after a minute.
"Then we'll see you both tonight." Remington replied again.
I grabbed his shirtsleeve, tugging him out of the room. "What was all of that about?"
"I didn't want to wreck any of their plans by showing up." He huffed.
"Yugo, since when did you care?" I laughed. "You've changed, and I think it's for the better."
"I have not!" He snapped. "These people have just become more tolerable."
"I guess we're making progress then, for someone who swore up and down he hated humans." I teased.
He glared at me. "I can't hate them when I'm in love with one. It kinda defeats the point."
"Yeah I guess that's true." I smiled hopping down the steps. My mix-matched eyes spotted a familiar head full of silver hair and I smiled. "I'll see you later." I said softly. "If I don't see you for the rest of the afternoon I'll meet you in the main hall around 6."
"Alright." He leaned over kissing my forehead.
I stepped up to Azmaria who was making a bouquet of Christmas flowers to go in a ruby red vase.
"Good morning." I said with a smile.
She looked back at me, crimson eyes lighting up. "Morning Sora!"
"What's up? You're shaking a little bit. Are you alright?" I asked her, blinking.
"Yeah. The Christmas Play is tonight during the service and I'm really nervous." She admitted with a small smile. "And I have to go shopping this afternoon too."
"You sound busy." I grinned. "Where's Rosette and Chrono?"
"Oh! They're out. Rosette's doing her orphanage run." She smiled.
"That's right! I forgot!" I grinned. "Julius's little brother and grandfather showed up this morning and they're staying for Christmas."
"Really!" She nearly dropped her bouquet. "He was so upset because he wouldn't see them…do you think he'd mind if I met them?"
"Not at all. I think they're in the lobby." I told her. "I've got stuff to do this morning… but I'll see you this evening, alright? Dinner's at six."
"Kay!" She put the bouquet in the vase and then dashed off toward the building's entrance.
I headed back to my room and after making sure no one was already occupying it, opened my closet and pulled out a stack of shoeboxes, which were conviently hiding my presents that I had bought, tape and wrapping paper. Stacking it all on my bed, I went over and opened the bathroom door, letting Fallon out. When no one was around we locked him in the bathroom to avoid getting caught and him wrecking the dorms and he never barked, somewhat because I think Yugo had trained him that way. Letting him run around and explore, I sat on the hardwood floor, unwrapping a roll of paper and starting the present wrapping. The small husky-like puppy found it entertaining to wrap himself up in a coil of green ribbon and while he occupied himself, I got two or three presents done before I had to give him something else to distract him. Eventually after half an hour or so he got tired out and crawled under my bed to sleep.
"You know," I said out loud into the silent room, although I was connecting to a mental link in my head. "You should really just quit being stubborn and talk to me. Was I really that bad the first time we met that you wanted to completely ignore me?"
A figure shimmered into view, shadowing over my work as he stood a few feet away. "Don't even play like it's you I'm mad at." That strikingly similar voice spoke up.
I felt Yugo's cautiousness pick up at that moment and I silently reassured him looking up into a pair of matching gold eyes shadowed by brilliant red hair. "Afternoon Jin."
He huffed. "What do you want? You've been annoying the hell out of me."
I tossed a small package at him. "Merry Christmas."
He caught it in one hand, staring at it like I'd handed him a bomb. "What is it?" He asked after a minute.
"Why don't you open it and find out." I responded with a smile, tapping up the side on another box.
"What's… the point?" He said blankly, looking it over.
"Tomorrow is Christmas." I told him matter-of-factly, looking up at him. When he just blinked I sighed. "Another one who doesn't know. Christmas is the holiday to celebrate the birth of Christ. It's a day to give presents to the people you care about, your friends and family. And since you're close enough top being family…" I smiled. "Just open it."
He silently did as he was told, slitting the paper with his talons and opening the white paper box underneath. Holding it upside down he caught the long silk white ribbon that fell out, the silver wolf embroidered on it catching the light.
"I figured that would be perfect in your hair, to match your trench coat, Mr. White Wolf." I grinned.
He looked at it and then down at me, the emotions crossing through his eyes drastically. "This is…" He swallowed. "I don't know what to say."
"Let's see how it looks." I stood up, taking it from him and tying it around his forehead, moving his bangs out of the way. He blushed slightly as I stood back, admiring my work. "Not bad. You definitely look handsome." He grinned.
"Why…?" He huffed, looking away and not meeting my gaze. "Why would you do something for me? You don't even know me."
"Because it hurts to look at you." I responded. His gold eyes widened and then he jerked over to look away. "You don't seem to be an anti-social guy, and yet you're all alone. You look lonely, and upset and no one should ever have to look that way."
He snorted. "You're way to kind." He said after a minute. "I don't have anything to pay you back for the gift. What should I do?"
"You can pay me back by managing to talk to your brother for a few minutes." At the look he shot me I still managed a smile. "You do owe me, you don't have to stay and I'm sacrificing my own memories so you guys can fight over the past. The least you can do is respect my word and stay for a little while."
At that he couldn't argue. "Fine." He snapped. "That was your plan all along, wasn't it?"
"Maybe." I grinned. 'Yugo…it's about time for you to make an appearance.'
'I'm heading up the steps now.'
Jin's eyes blinked and he looked at the door. I knew he could sense his presence but when the door opened, his eyes narrowed.
In his sealed form Yugo stood almost half a foot shorter and like a toothpick compared to the man with crimson red hair. Still the resemblance was remarkable.
"And you're my brother Jin…" Yugo replied after a minute. "Are you my older brother, or my younger brother?"
I could see Jin was thrown off by his appearance and his voice. He swallowed, his eyes not leaving the other man's for a second. I could tell he hadn't been expecting this, but with Yugo in sealing away most of his astral energy to keep himself safe, what else could he do? "I'm…your younger brother. By almost two hundred years."
"Sora said you hated me." Yugo continued after a moment. I could tell he was excited; both his mind and heart were racing but he was refraining from showing it. "Can I ask why?"
Jin swallowed, his head lowering slightly. "You killed my wife." He said softly, after a minute.
Yugo blinked. "What?"
My mind was starting to hurt from the two's conversation. The burning pressure was coming back and I think it was playing tricks on me. Had Yugo just gotten taller? He didn't seem so insignificant standing in front of the crimson haired man.
I think Jin noticed it too; he blinked as he watched the shock register on Yugo's face. "She…was one of Aion's devils, as were we at the time. When we decided to leave her ranks, you went into a rage."
The feeling got worse and I got dizzier. And yet…Yugo was transforming. The crystal around my neck began to glow, dim at first, but it got brighter and brighter as Jin revealed more of the story. The teal-haired devil got taller; his body more muscular. By the time Jin had finished he was staring wide-eyed at a man his height and build with waist-length dark cyan hair, black wings, ears and tail, tattoos carved into most of his arms. His jaw was hanging open slightly in awe. "Heaven above…Yugo…"
He smirked slightly. "Let's see you're true form. I know that's not necessarily what it is. You're hiding your true power and concealing your aura."
He bowed his head slightly. "Alright then, I guess I deserve that."
I couldn't really tell how it happened through my pounding head but the next thing I knew Jin was standing there with white fox-like ears a matching tail. "It's not much different, is it?" He said after a moment.
"Guys…" I said a hand to my head. "I'm going to start drooling right now… don't mind me."
"Sora…" Yugo suddenly clicked as he realized that him being in his true form was killing my memories. He came over to me, reverting back as he stepped over. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah I think." I swallowed, trying to pretend that my head wasn't hurting as badly as it was. Everything looked blurry right now.
"It's my fault." Jin said after a moment, stepping closer. The ears and tail were gone now…had I just been imagining them? "I said to much."
"No, she asked for this." Yugo said quickly afterward. "Sora…rest for a bit. I'll wake you up later."
"The presents…" I said weakly, clinging to his shirt. "Yours and Julius's are wrapped but…can you finish them for me? Ask Mia if you need help."
"It'll get done. Promise." He said, laying me back. "Rest for now."
"I'll stick around until this task is done." Jin said softly. I could still hear the guilt in his voice but my eyes just wouldn't stay open.
I awoke sometime later and my head was still pounding but not nearly as badly. Glancing to the windows I realized it was growing dark and I bolted up. Where had the afternoon gone!
'Don't worry.' Came Yugo's calm voice. Apparently he had felt my distress.
'What time is it!'
'A little before five.' He paused. 'All of your things are out underneath the Christmas tree in the main hall. You've got about an hour before dinner. Rosette and Chrono just go back and I'm outside helping them.'
Relief swept over me. 'Where's Jin?'
'He left shortly after you fell asleep. He didn't say much more to me, but I don't think he hates me as much anymore. At least he wasn't acting like it.'
'He's your brother Yugo. He can't hate you. Next…where's Julius?'
'With his brother and grandfather. Apparently they brought him his horse and he's been down at the stables all day. He's complaining that it hasn't snowed yet.' There was an amused tone in his voice.
I got up, walking over to the window. The whole place was lit up like a Christmas tree and I couldn't help but grin. Going to the closet I reached in and pulled out my dark navy blue dress I had bought along with my militia jacket that was about the same color. I had decided to look good and still keep it in Sister Kate's dress code, since today was a special day. As I started toward the bathroom, I felt a wave of uneasiness come over me, as though I wasn't alone in the bedroom. I glanced over at Fallon, but the dog was still lying curled up on the floor.
'What are you up to?' Yugo asked questionably. He had felt it too, through me.
'Nothing.' I replied, heading towards the bathroom. 'Just getting ready, that's all.'
'Ah. Well then I'll leave you then. See you soon.' And with that he had pulled away.
I slipped on the dress, brushing back my long red hair as I slipped my jacket on, leaving it unzippered. As I reached for the doorknob that uneasiness came over me again and as I opened the door I realized why.
The second I saw him I put up defenses in my mind so Yugo couldn't tell that my heart had momentarily stopped beating.
Those dark red eyes on me and he smiled, long raven hair swishing behind him as he stood. "Don't worry, you're not under attack. There's no reason to call for the dogs- I'm not staying and I really shouldn't be here. But since," He held up his hand a beautiful black rose, the thorns cut off the stem. "It is a holiday, I wanted to say, Merry Christmas. And I had to do it before Yugo had a chance."
I blinked, totally taken back by his attitude. Was this really the same guy who had nearly assaulted me the last time we had met? Then I remembered he was probably psycho. And yet, still, some part of me was touched. He brought me a present for the holiday.
I took it from him hesitantly. "Why?" I asked after a minute.
"For the same reason as last time. I just…wanted to see you. I don't mean to hurt you, but I…" He looked away, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his black duster. "I'm not really all there, I guess. And my temper is dangerous. I had never meant to hurt you and yet that's all I've done by showing up in your life." He smiled at me and something inside of me melted despite my immediate dislike of him. I went weak in the knees and I didn't know why. Or maybe it was just my head and the way it was pounding still from earlier in the day, and keeping up a barrier was exhausting my strength again. All I know was that I started to fall and the next thing I knew I found myself in a pair of strong arms. "Little one, are you alright!" His voice was sincerely worried and I wanted to reassure him but as weak as I was feeling, and I wasn't going to drop the barrier not on my life. Yugo would kill him the instant he knew he was here.
He sat me down on the bed and I rested against the post trying to steady myself. "Aidan…" I swallowed and he jerked his head up looking over at me. "Last time you were here you said that it was my sister…who has caused you to kill her. What did she do that was so bad? Was she going to tell on you and give you away, like Rei was going to do to Jin and Yugo? What was so wrong that she deserved to die?"
He sighed. "Little One…now is not the time for that. Drop your barrier your holding- it's killing your strength. I can cloak myself easy enough."
I was hesitant on it and he immediately sensed that. 'It's okay. Drop it.'
Doing as he commanded, my eyesight immediately cleared and the pressure lifted. I smile over at him. "Thank you."
"No problem." He smiled. "I'm going to get going. Enjoy your holiday. I'll visit you soon." He leaned over, kissing my forehead and as he did so turned to fog and evaporated from the room.
I sighed, staring at the black rose I still had in hand. Every time I saw him my opinion of him changed. I wondered what the next encounter would bring?
I headed downstairs praying that Yugo wouldn't find his scent on me and when I came up behind him wrapping my arms around his waist, he made no remark nor did I feel anything happen between us psychically. I sighed. I felt so guilt but I thought I was safe.
The entire hall was set up as a surprise Christmas party for Azmaria. When she came walking in at six she nearly burst out into tears as we all yelled 'surprise!' Julius was at her side in an instant and I smiled at the two as I stayed by Yugo' s side. The presents piled up around the girl's feet, Julius of course was the first to be opened and I watched him blush hotly when she leaned over hugging him. Then it was onto dinner, where I probably ate as much that meal as I hate for the entire month. Chrono and Rosette took off soon after and Yugo and I parted our own way as we waited for the midnight service.
As we headed back to the dorms I looked over at him with a smile, but he didn't meet my gaze. I blinked. Something…suddenly wasn't right.
"Yugo?" I stopped.
He stopped a foot or so in front of me. "What did he want?" He said after a minute. "I know he was here."
My heart hit the floor and I was so overcome with guilt my eyes starting tearing up. "He didn't try anything…he just stopped by to wish me a merry Christmas, if you'd believe that. I didn't call you because I didn't want to fight on Christmas Eve."
"I figured. I…If you'd have been in trouble you would have called for me, right?" He turned around to look back at me.
"Of course!" I gasped. How many times had he saved me now?
He smiled slightly. "His head will be mine. But I'll respect your holiday and save it for another day."
I swallowed. "Thank you Yugo, for understanding." I went to him, wrapping my arms around him. "You really have changed."
"I doubt it." He snorted, squeezing me tighter. "But if there was a reason that I might, it would have to be you."
"So are you ready to head to the chapel for the midnight service?" I asked with a grin.
"It's only ten." He blinked at me but I just giggled.
"You have to get really good seats. And we're reserving a lot." We went into the massive sanctuary and I got markers, taking out the whole back row.
"These are good seats?" I blinked.
"Reasons, reasons." I smiled. "Take a seat; it's gonna be a while."
The rest of the place starting filling in around eleven and everyone who came in was envious of our seats though Yugo couldn't figure out why. Julius and his family joined us, Mia too. The service had just started when another seat was taken in the corner by our late arrival.
"Sieg?" Yugo blinked. "What are you-"
"Shh?" The devil put a finger to his lips. "You're interrupting."
The nativity play went off perfect, and Azmaria didn't mess up a single line. Towards the end of the service the lights dimmed and everything went dark. I turned toward the back of the chapel, grabbing Yugo's hand and watching the small stage back against the back wall.
The candles lit around the platform gave the glow to a young girl with long silver hair, pulled up emerald and ruby hairpins. "Azmaria…" I heard Julius breathe and smiled over at him.
"Oh holy night…the stars are brightly shining…" She began to sing in that heavenly soprano voice of hers and I swear the entire room was silent in awe. Julius's cheeks flushed bright red as he watched her and even Yugo's heart flutter momentarily at the sound of her voice. 'The voice of an angel…' he murmured through my thoughts. 'She has the voice of an angel…'
The applause afterwards thundered the chapel and everyone was so excited and upbeat afterwards that Remington had a hard time calming everyone back down. All except Sieg, who seemed to have gone off and become cold and distant-looking. As soon as the service ended he was gone without a word and Yugo and I exchanged looks at one another. Maybe inviting him to the service wasn't such a good idea.
Heading back to the dorms hand in hand I looked over at him with a smile. "So what do you think of your first Christmas?" I asked him.
"I could handle doing this once a year." He replied, looking down at me.
"Do you think next year, we might be celebrating in San Francisco?" I asked hesitantly.
He looked at me, those gold eyes glowing even in the dim light, melt my insides with their hot gaze. "What's it matter, as long as I get to spend it with you."
I leaned up, kissing his neck. 'You always know what to say at the right time.'
'I practice.'
"Hey, Sora!" Mia called to me. I turned as she came toward me, Remington by her side. "We're heading back to the dorms to unwrap presents. You guys coming?"
"Sure." Yugo nodded and I smiled. This had to be the best holiday to date.
Author's Notes- Finally! It's finally done! Yay! This chapter has taken me nearly three months! I know they say a lot of planning goes into making a holiday great, but damn! -grins- Everyone was there at some point; Aidan, Jin and Sieg. Aion doesn't matter because if he was there it would be a bad thing and Joshie and Lena are still gone. Okay Chapter Thirteen! The group finally heads to California only to find out their commander Bryant Sera is a complete and total jerk. Things…aren't looking up for Sora and Yugo and it seems to be all downhill from here. Until I write again!
Sora Tokumi Kazuma