"Shortly after that, Chronos and Drake arrived at the house. Chronos then walked towards me till he was beside me. He then leaned down and said, "Listen, you've done a good job. Now go and take a breather. We'll take care of the rest." And Drake put his hand on my shoulder firmly and squeezed it.

I stood up, carrying Sarah's body, leaped out of the window and into the darkness. I didn't know where to go, I just followed where my legs would take me. After awhile, I stopped and laid her body onto the snow ground. I looked at her. Her face had no sign of suffering on it. She was like an angel, sleeping so soundly, so peacefully. I leaned forward and kissed her cheek for the last time… It was ice cold. Then, I brought her body to the cemetery where she was buried. Before she was buried, I took one last look at her angelic face. And then, I left.

A few years after the incident, the higher ups of the Assassin Guild sought me. They wanted to recruit me into their ranks but I had to pass their trial first which I cleared easily. After that, they gave me the title of the Assassin Cross and gave me this place and attached an Assassin to me. However, that Assassin didn't stay long. They then posted another but the new one left also. Each Assassin that was attached to me complained the same reason, they could not get why I always stopped my services this time of year. Having no other choice, they stop attaching Assassins to me for quite a while. I didn't think much of those who left me. It was their lost. I had many to teach but none was interested.

Soon, you were posted here. I didn't care at first because I thought you'd be like them. Leaving and complaining when that time came. But when it did, you didn't complain. You didn't even leave but stayed around here. You've gained my trust. And after that, is where we are now…" Xwart looked up and at Sarah. He took his cup that was on the table and finished the last of his hot chocolate before walking up to the window and looking outside.

"That's a touching story… I didn't know you had such a terrible reason behind it. I'm sorry…" Claire placed her cup on the table and apologized.

"It's not your fault. You're the first person I've ever told this too. You've earned it…" Xwart continued to look out of the window.

"It's not really your fault that she died you know…"

"Ah… I've came to that realization a long time ago."

"Then… why?"

"Because… I believe Christmas should not be stained with blood. It's called White Christmas for a reason. And it should never be dyed red. I do not want to shed blood during this time. I believe everyone, including the bad ones, should have a chance to celebrate Christmas. Be it good or bad, Christmas is for everyone. I do not want to take away the joy of the people during Christmas…"

"I understand…" Claire stood up from the chair and walked towards Xwart.

"Glad that you did…"

At that moment, Claire hugged Xwart from the back which surprised him. Xwart tried to break free but before he could, Claire spoke to him.

"Don't… Let me be there for you like you've been for me… I want to be the one supporting you when you're down or tired or at any other time when you need someone. Let me be there for you…"

"…" Xwart remained silent and looked up into the night sky. It was the first time that anyone said that to him. He was touched by Claire's statement.

"Xwart…" Claire called him.

"Hmm?"

"Can you…"

"What is it?"

"Can you bring me to her grave the next time you visit her? I want to know her personally…"

"Well… Of course I will." Xwart said it in a gentle voice.

"Thank you…"

"Claire…"

"Yes?"

"Thank you… For everything…"

"It's nothing…" Claire continued to hug Xwart.

"Claire… It's raining, isn't it?"

"Ah yes… It's raining heavily…" Claire hugged Xwart tighter as she knew what was happening.

Tears fell from Xwart's eyes. He did not make a sound but tears fell freely from his eyes. He had never felt such warmth ever since the death of Sarah… The night passed as Claire hugged Xwart as he stared into the sky with tears falling from his eyes…

The End

Author's Notes: This is the final chapter of Blood Stained Christmas. I hope all of you liked it. Please review this story! Flames are welcomed also! Thank you!