Disclaimer: I do not own Maplestory in anyway.

A/N: Holiday Special! Yay! I hope all of you enjoy this winter special. Thanks to all of those who have given time to read this story! I really appreciate it.

Blaze of Oz: Thanks for always reviewing. It brings me great joy to read your comments.

Haunani: Thanks for reviewing. I hope the chapters after this special clear some of it up. Feel free to ask questions if it gets too confusing.

Chapter Nine Point Five: White Christmas Special

The sun was slowly rising in the east. The bright yellow, oranges, and reds filled the sky. A gentle cold wind blew through Ereve. The land was blanketed in glistening white powder. Shinsoo woke up and brushed the white powder off of his feathers.

"Beautiful December morning don't you agree, Shinsoo?" Shinsoo turned his head to see Neinheart standing there with a cup of tea.

"Yes, it is a bit on the chilly side however." Neinheart smiled and sat down in a snow-free chair. "Is Cygnus awake yet?"

"Yes, in fact, both Oz and Irena are awake as well. The three of them seem to be up to something since they were giggling to each other." Neinheart replied softly. Neinheart smiled gently when he felt a heavy calm presence. "Good Morning Eckhart." Neinheart looked up at the tree branch, and long and behold there was Eckhart. His mask glinted in the morning sun. Eckhart nodded slightly toward Neinheart and Shinsoo.

"Are the other two still sleeping?" Shinsoo asked serenely.

"Yes. It seems like Mihile was awake until the moon was high in the night sky. Hawkeye had been pacing around the cabin in worry." Eckhart supplied calmly.

"What were they doing up so late?" Neinheart inquired. Eckhart merely shrugged and looked at the rising sun.

"I suppose it's what everyone calls Christmas…." Eckhart whispered. Neinheart and Shinsoo looked up at the Chief Knight. Eckhart had taken his mask off and laid it on the top of his head. His emotions were out in the open for the two of them to read.

"Is something bothering you, Eckhart?" Neinheart asked softly. Eckhart smiled sadly.

"Neinheart, do you think it is okay for me to leave the island for a few hours? There's somewhere I want to go before those three start their celebrations." Neinheart sighed and took a sip of his tea.

"I'll allow you only if you're back before the celebrations begin at five." Neinheart stated. Eckhart smiled gratefully, before getting up and disappearing. "When will he be able to move forward from that pain?" Shinsoo laid his head on the snow.

"That is all up to him really. However, I believe he has already moved forward. Today is merely a day he wishes to use to remember, and there is nothing wrong with the desire to remember." Shinsoo responded. Neinheart watched as Hawkeye came out running and slipped on the ice. He slides all the way in front of Shinsoo. "Good Morning, Hawkeye. It seems like you are ready to go to see the Pirates." Hawkeye smiled.

"Good Morning, Shinsoo, Neinheart! I was merely going to send these two gifts to them. My place is to stay here with Cygnus. Not to mention, those three are pretty loud this morning. Haha." Hawkeye looked around and tilted his head in question. "He left for a few hours right? It's like this every year since he joined. I want to leave the island too!" Neinheart shook his head.

"You have an hour Hawkeye. Please be quick about it. Cygnus wants all of her knights here for the celebration." Neinheart said with a defeated sigh. Hawkeye smiled in thanks and jumped off the island. "It's a wonder how he never dies from jumping off the island the way he does." Shinsoo chuckled softly.

Elsewhere in Maple World

Eckhart walked through the dense forest near Kerning City. A small bird landed on his right shoulder. He petted it with his left pointer finger. His mask was again donned. He stopped in front of the small tomb. He pushed the rock away and walked inside. Eckhart took a look around the room. It was left just like he remembered. He walked over to the small table that Ezekiel had worked for. There were maps and books that littered the small tomb. He picked up the closest book on the ground and opened it. A little envelope fell out of the book. Eckhart picked it up and looked at the name. He opened the envelope and saw a bundle of mesos and a letter.

~Eckhart,

Happy Birthday! I didn't know what to get you really. I was going to buy you a weapon, but I knew you were extremely picky with what types you used so I decided that I'd just give you some mesos. Oh yeah… I forgot to mention this to you, but there is a secret stash behind the bookshelf. Again I wish you Happy Birthday Buddy! Whatever happens in the future, I want you to know that I'll always support your decisions and that you'll be the best in what you do."

Your pal,

Ezekiel

P.S. Don't make fun of my handwriting. I do not write like a girl!

Eckhart smiled at the letter and pocketed the birthday money.

"Your handwriting is totally feminine. Boys don't write in italics nor do they write that neat." Eckhart chuckled softly. "Thank you for the Birthday wish. It was a few years late, but I got it nonetheless. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Ezekiel." Out of the corner of his eyes, Eckhart saw a blue sparkle and walked over to it. He touched it and the bookshelf moved to reveal a doorway. "I should have asked you about all of this long time ago." Eckhart walked inside and gasped at the sight that welcomed him. It was a mural of a dream that Ezekiel had told him many years ago. It was a mural about Ereve with its Empress and her Knights. Eckhart laid his hand along the mural and sighed softly to himself. "Did you know Ezekiel? The Empress that you should be protecting is a wonderful young lady. It sort of puts me to shame." Eckhart smiled sadly. "I suppose you're annoyed with me right now. No worries, I have no intention of leaving…even if Mihile can be annoying."

"Thank you for remembering me, buddy!" An airy voice echoed through the room. Eckhart smiled and picked up the dagger that lay on the table in the middle of the room. "I made it just for you buddy!" Eckhart attached the dagger to his belt and looked at the mural one last time.

"I'll see you later Ezekiel." Eckhart left the secret hideout and pushed the rock back into place. Eckhart looked at the snow that was on the ground. "It seems I still have a few hours…."

Kerning City

Eckhart walked into the bar and down the ladder. He was greeted by the Dark Lord's sudden embrace.

"You're really here, brother." Eckhart smiled under his mask. The Dark Lord let go of his embrace and looked at Eckhart. "I can't believe you're really here. I believe it isn't going to be for long though right?"

"I thought I should drop by for a while. It's been a long time Jin. Happy Holidays." Eckhart said softly. Jin laughed and walked him over to the ring's edge and sat down.

"Happy Holidays to you too, Eckhart. Had I known earlier I would have prepared you something." Jin said in reply. Eckhart sat down next to him.

"It's fine. I'm just glad to see you."

"You're working for the Empress now, so you're always busy. Isn't she having celebrations this year? Shouldn't you be there helping them?" Jin inquired while looking at the ceiling.

"Oz wouldn't want me to see it. It's more like a surprise for the men. I'm sure Hawkeye also disappeared to see the Pirates. Still problems with Syl?"

"Haha, yeah…but it's alright for now." Eckhart stood up and faced him.

"I'll see you again later. I should get back to Ereve. It isn't a good thing to keep Empress Cygnus waiting for too long." Jin nodded and hugged Eckhart.

"Take care of yourself, Eckhart." Eckhart nodded and disappeared when Jin let go of the hug. "May the blessings of the Goddess be with you always."

Ereve

Neinheart and Shinsoo were watching the girls running about. Mihile stood against the tree watching with a smile. Hawkeye had returned and was making a snow shark. Cygnus was laughing happily as she helped Oz with some of the preparations. Eckhart walked over to where Neinheart and Shinsoo were waiting patiently.

"Welcome back, Eckhart." Neinheart said gently. Eckhart nodded and sat down on his branch.

"Hawkeye seems to be enjoying himself. That is one mighty snow shark." Mihile grunted from underneath Eckhart.

"He is one of the younger ones here." Mihile stretched. "They say the preparations are almost done. What were you doing earlier?"

"I was merely seeing things that I should have seen years ago." Mihile looked up at him questioningly. Eckhart merely shrugged it off. "What have you been doing?"

"I was thinking about the last year. It's been eventful I suppose." Mihile turned back toward the scene in front. "How are your injuries?"

"They're fine, why?" Eckhart asked as he jumped down from the branch to stand next to Mihile.

"I was just curious really." Mihile replied quietly. Eckhart glanced at Mihile.

"ECKHART!" Eckhart blinked when he suddenly felt a weight clinging onto him. He looked down and saw Oz smiling at him. "The preparations are done! It's party time!" She smiled brightly at him. Hawkeye came over happily.

"Did someone say party? I'm ready to go!" Hawkeye exclaimed. Cygnus came over and smiled. There was a bag behind her. "What is that, Cygnus?"

"Um… Merry Christmas everyone, I hope we can get along this upcoming year." Cygnus said softly. Shinsoo smiled at the happiness. Oz smiled and pulled them all over to the dining room. On the table in front of them was a feast. Irena and Cygnus smiled brightly at the looks on the men's faces. Shinsoo sat at the head of the table. Cygnus skipped over to Shinsoo and sat down in her spot. "Come on and let's enjoy the holidays."

"YES!" Hawkeye and Irena sat down in their spots. Neinheart walked over to his spot and sat down. Oz looked over at Eckhart and tugged on his sleeve.

"Come on Eckhart. You're a part of this family too." He smiled under his mask and allowed her to pull him to his seat. The group ended up talking through the meal. Eckhart remained silent throughout the meal, but he was happy to be around them. They all gathered around the tree and passed around the presents. Oz slid a present over to Eckhart. He opened the present and pulled out a photo album with the entire group smiling. Eckhart flipped open the album and looked at all of the memories.

"Thank you for being my family." Eckhart whispered quietly. Neinheart looked at Eckhart and smiled gently.

A/N: OMG! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. If I don't get another chapter out before New Year's, then I hope all of you readers have a Happy New Years.