Fanfiction World

by Shadowlight0982

FFW, a world where people can not only write stories but can also create avatars with powers of their favorite shows. When something deep inside begins to stir, it is up to a group of heroes to protect both this world and FFW.

32. Holiday Filler

Hello everyone, hope you are all having an exciting day of the New Year. The holiday festivities may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean it's too late for me to post anything like this for your enjoyment.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to try and make more chapters for all my stories for everyone. So after this filler that's one of the goals I'm going to work towards. So enjoy the filler that me and Ravena has prepared for you.

---

Abby sighed in content as she rolled about in her bed. It felt great to be back in her home country of Singapore after spending some weeks at Infinity Island. Naturally, she would have to return due there to work but Hikari had given the whole of Kurotsubasa a break to go home for the Christmas holidays.

Slowly, she glanced over at the clock before suddenly sitting up. "Woah oh! I'm almost late!" she exclaimed to herself quickly pulling out her laptop and Visor before plugging it in and switching it on. After logging in her password, Abby smiled as she hit the 'Enter' button.

"Ravena Felidae, Dive in!"

No sooner she did that, Abby's body went slightly limp for the Dive in sequence. At that moment, the bedroom door creaked open as two heads peered in. "Alright she's in," said one of the two. "Come on!"

"Alright, sheesh!" said the other as the two pulled out their own laptops and Visors which were both of the default design.

The two quickly input their info and slipped on their Visors before hitting the key. "Dive in!" they said in unison.

(FFW!)

Inside the game, Abby, now as Ravena, arrived at the main reception center just as quickly as she logged in. Staying true to the season, FFW was covered in snow everywhere. The Nekomata smiled as she looked up and admired the snow falling from the sky. "I guess I should wear something a little more suited for the weather," she said to herself as she snapped her fingers.

Ravena's body glowed brightly as her normal attire changed into an alternate winter version. A white furry hair band appeared in her hair followed a red jacket with white lines trimming the seams along with white fur at the cuffs of her sleeves. She also now wore a black short skirt and leggings along with brown calf boots trimmed with white fur. Completing the outfit was a black cloak also trimmed with white fur. The girl adjusted her hood as a pink flash illuminated briefly above her.

"Pun-NYA~!" greeted the manju happily as she landed Ravena's head.

"Hey Punnya," greeted Ravena as she began running with the manju on her head. "Come on, we should hurry. He should be arriving any time soon!"

"Pun~!"

Unbeknownst to Ravena, two more players had also just arrived and had just spotted her running away.

FFW!

At the Kurotsubasa base, Bella was excitedly dancing around the large Christmas tree adding decorations to it while humming 'Jingle Bells'. "This party is gonna be the best one we've had yet!"

DB chuckled loudly in amusement as he walked out of the kitchen with a couple of clones carrying food platters and drinks for the buffet table. "Isn't that what you said last year, Bella?"

"Who cares? The point is this year we're actually gonna rock!"

"Sounds like you're really excited for tonight's performance," stated out Key who had just come in from the back of the HQ brushing snow of his clothes. "By the way, stage is all set up and ready out back for tonight."

"WHOO!" cheered Bella as Key walked over to buffet table and whistled.

"Woah, Illu and Shadow made all of this?"

"Every last plate of it!" replied DB just as he finished laying down the last platter before dispelling his clones. Just as he reached out to sample a pastry, a white tail shot out from under the table and slapped his hand away making the vampire yelp.

"No picking until the party!" warned a slightly large Nyoka, slithering out from underneath the table making DB put his hands up in defeat.

"Ok! Ok! Yeesh!" exclaimed DB when the group heard a loud giggling.

"Ara, ara~ A grand vampire such as yourself is actually letting a puny reptile boss him around? Lu-Mi finds that so pathetic it tickles Lu-Mi so~" giggled a feminine voice.

"Heh, she makes a good point D, you've gone softer since the last I've seen you," a more familiar voice pointed out almost jokingly.

Bella, DB and Key tensed when they recognized the latter's voice as they all turned around to see an old acquaintance, or rather, a former member. Just at that moment Illu and Shadow entered the main room. "Guys? Did a guest arrive early?" Illu asked out loud when she froze while Shadow narrowed his eyes unpleasantly at the sudden visitor.

"Whisk…" greeted Shadow curtly with some obvious malice.

Whisk seemed unfazed at the unpleasant energy directed at him and grinned. "Yo!"

"I'm surprised you've haven't been noticed and thrown in jail along with your friend there Whisk." Shadow simply said, placing his hands in his coat pocket.

"Oh come on is that what I get for visiting? I would think you guys would have at least some Christmas spirit." The guest said with a fang filled smirk.

"Boo to you Mr. Scrooge!" Whisk's friend said with her thumbs pointed down.

"Why are you here?" Key asked getting to the point. Shadow and Ravena had explained to them a while ago about Whisk's intentions after he disappeared; while they were surprised they knew a bit of what to expect and now know one of the vampire's greatest powers couldn't be used on them again.

Whisk shrugged his shoulders as he never lost his grin. "Funny thing about the Guards, there seems to be none on the streets as of late. Must be so confident in the no conflict and reduced powers thing they do every year but that's not the point. I heard through a grapevine that you guys were having a little party and I thought of paying my loving sister a visit." He explained.

"Well Rave's not here and be happy for that no conflict thing or else you'd be the one roasting over a fire." DB said with a few flames sparking over his outfit for emphasis.

"Ooh, now that's something Lu-Mi has to see. Two pureblooded vampires of the Alucard order battling to see who is the strongest. Back and forth, To and fro, Forth and back, Fro and to, over and over and over again~! It's enough to make me…!" The girl turned around and bursts into squeals and giggles as she failed to hide her blushing cheeks, which only increased as she was met with a rolled up newspaper to the head.

"Down Lu-Mi." Whisk said as if her behavior was that of a…

"Yes sir~! Arf, arf!"

"You know this means a lot coming from me, but your friend isn't right in the head." Bella pointed out to the girl's nature.

"The last one I need to hear this from would be you." Whisk said as he tossed the roll away. "So my sister isn't here, where exactly did you send her off to Shadow? I figured she'd be by your side."

"Wouldn't you know more of that or do you not pay attention when you log out. Ravena hasn't logged in yet." Shadow answered as he then fished out two gloves and placed them on his hands.

"Oh, I thought the gloves come off before a fight." Whisk joked as he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck.

"The no conflict rule still applies but don't think you can still get off easy. Since you're Ravena's brother you're her problem." Shadow placed the kunai away as he pulled up his hood. The leader of Kurotsubasa then made his way to the door.

"Really, is that what you told her?"

"Ask her yourself, but right now I've got more important things than to deal with an obnoxious brat." Before any more words could be said Shadow then left the base, leaving a few slightly confused friends and one glaring enemy.

(Scene Change)

"I told you I saw her take off to the right!"

"Well there's a problem when you say took off, why didn't you tell me she could fly?"

"She's a cat I didn't think she could?!"

"And since when does anything Abby do normal?!"

A crowd of people crowded around the argument between two girls in the town square; most of them guys taking notice to the women's outfits. Either they did not feel the winter air or simply did not have the right equipment for the weather.

One of them had fair skin and long black hair tied into a high ponytail with cerulean eyes, and pointed ears. Her figure was lean and average sized for a young woman. She wore a blue short sleeved, mid-riff shirt and puffed harem pants with gold trim. She had a long flowing white mantle around her shoulders and gold flats along with a gold diadem on her head. She wears a kind of gold shackle on her left wrist with a blue oval gem and small wings.

The other was slightly taller and had a more robust figure. Her hair was dark brown, short and curly with tan skin and golden eyes. She wore a patterned forest green headband holding back her hair with brown bear ears sticking out from the headband with a fuchsia flower clipped to her left ear. Her clothes consisted of a short dark green army jacket over a yellow camisole and black full-body leotard and heavy combat boots.

"She had wings on her back! Why didn't you get a clue from that Ginger?!" demanded the elf hotly.

"You saw the wings first! Why didn't YOU get the clue, Kiki?!" retorted the bear girl snarling.

Both women glared fiercely at each other until a hand appeared on each girl's shoulder and separated them.

"Now, now, two lovely ladies such as your selves should not be fighting on a lovely Christmas day such as this," said a charming suave voice.

The two women turned to the speaker with the intention to glare at him but stopped when they saw a handsome young man smiling at them causing the two to blush. Their faces got even redder when they realized what a large crowd they had attracted. "Uh…" was all both girls could say when a few other voices rang out.

"Alright everyone buzz off!" exclaimed one male voice.

"Nothing to see here, people!" went another.

"Shoo! Shoo!" a female voice sounded this time.

The crowd slowly dispersed to reveal a group of four other guys and one girl walking towards the young man.

"Jeez, Mal! Did you have to just dash off like that?" asked Aeon in annoyance.

Mal smiled a bit sheepishly. "Sorry about that Aeon, but I couldn't just stand here and watch to lovely flowers fight among themselves, especially not on Christmas~!"

The others in the group simply chuckled and smiled. Aeon sighed and smiled too. "Well, you got me there."

"Um…." The bear-woman from earlier finally spoke up getting their attention.

Mal turned and gave a gentlemanly bow. "Oh, pardon my intrusion earlier. I'm Malchite Shigemori of the Aetherion Guild," introduced Mal before turning to the others. "These guys are my friends who are part of the same Guild."

"I'm Aeon of Ragnarok," introduced Aeon stepping forward. "I'm the leader of the Aetherions."

"Sol of Helios," introduced Sol with a two finger salute.

"Ganymede," said Ganymede with a greeting nod.

"I'm Zephyrus," introduced Zephyrus cheerfully when the one fox girl in the team hopped onto his back and hugged him from behind.

"And I'm his darling fiancee, Saphir Heart~desu~!" greeted Saphir with a smile and a peace sign while Zephyrus suddenly blushed and choked on his spit.

"F-f-f-f-fi-fian-WHAT?! Since when?!" sputtered Zephyrus in shock.

"Since f-f-f-f-f-forever Darling~!" cooed Saphir rubbing her head against Zephy while everyone else sweat-dropped.

"Uh-huh…." Was all the two women could say, still trying to process the current turn of events.

"I'm Ginger-Darling, and this is my younger sister, Kiki-Lemons," introduced Ginger shrugging it off with a smile while Kiki just smiled dumbly at the group of attractive men before her twirling a lock of hair. Ginger quickly elbowed her sister to snap out of her stupor.

"Ow! Uh- I mean! Nice to meet you," said Kiki bowing politely.

All of a sudden, Sol stepped forward and stared at Ginger's face hard making the woman step back a little. "Hmm….You know, now that I got a good look at you, you kind of resemble someone I know…."he noted out loud until he was pulled back by Aeon who frowned at him.

"That's enough Sol, come on or we'll be late for the party at Illu's," said Aeon with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"You mean Kurotsubasa's?" corrected Sol making Ginger and Kiki prick up their ears at the name.

"Wait, you know where to find Kurotsubasa?" asked Kiki suddenly. "That's where we're going!"

"But we got lost though….." admitted Ginger making Kiki fault a bit.

Aeon smiled a bit at the two sisters. "Hey, it's not a problem with us, you can come with us!"

"Really~?" chorused the two sisters in unison with big sparkly eyes.

FFW!

"Oooh! I hope I'm not too late!" prayed Ravena as she flew into the Guild's entrance, quickly throwing off her cloak and jacket on to a nearby hook. Underneath her jacket she had a top usual to her daily one except she now had long arm socks to match.

"Why would you get an invitation?!" came Bella's voice from the other room.

"Because I'm irresistible~!"

"Screw you, Whisk!"

"Put Whisk-sama down Blondie!" squealed another female voice.

"Too late…" sighed the Nekomata as she quickly ran into the other room just in time to see Bella hoisting Whisk into the air by the front of his while another girl was trying to get her to put him down by pulling her ponytail.

"What is going on here?!" demanded Ravena stepping catching everyone's attention.

"Hi Sis~!" greeted Whisk cheerfully before Bella dropped him to the floor.

"Whisk, do you have to pick a fight with everybody?" asked Ravena in annoyance.

"It's a hobby~" replied Whisk blinking innocently.

Ravena sighed and shook her head when she was suddenly glomped by the unfamiliar member.

"Whee~! Lu-Mi finally gets to meet Onee-sama~!" cheered the Draculina much to Ravena's bewilderment before Whisk pulled her off by her collar.

"Arf~!" went a chibi Lu-Mi as she hung at the end of Whisk's arm.

"Who is she?" asked Ravena in confusion.

The girl had slightly tanned skin with a red diamond on her right cheek and a yellow heart on her left cheek. Her eyes were heterochromatic with a yellow right eye and a red left eye. She also possessed Reddish-Orange curly ringlet hair which she wore in a unique style reminiscent of a joker's hat with a black top hat and a white bow. Her clothing was also unique cross between Lolita-Style and Harlequin-Style that was colored in Red, Yellow, Black and White.

She wore a black and white harlequin patterned vest with a reverse colored jabot over a red puff on her right arm and a yellow puff on her left with cuffs on her wrists. She also had on a gothic-layered skirt in the four mentioned colors decorated with a Heart and Diamond. She wore a black laced up calf boot on her right leg and a white laced up mid-thigh white boot on her left.

"Lu-Mi is Luci-Mina desu~! But Lu-Mi is much cuter~!" piped the chibi.

"Ooookay…." Was all Ravena could say when DB suddenly put his hands up.

"Hold up here! Your brother, and his insane little side-kick, both who work for the bad guys are standing right here in our Guild, and you're OK with all this?!" exclaimed DB incredulously with Bella, Illu and Key giving her similar looks of disbelief.

Ravena looked at them indifferently. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm the one who invited him."

"HAH! I told ya'!" exclaimed Whisk victoriously.

"He told you!" chimed Lu-Mi cheerfully.

The rest of Kurotsubasa stared blankly at the trio for a minute before it all finally sank in. "You WHAAAAT?!"

"Can we talk with you in the kitchen please?" asked Key calmly as Bella grabbed Ravena from behind and carried her into the kitchen followed by the others leaving Whisk and Lu-Mi with Punnya and Nyoka.

(Inside the kitchen)

Bella immediately sat Ravena down on a stool while the rest surrounded her. The moment the door closed, that's when it all started.

"Ravena, I know it's Christmas and everything so I'll ask this question in the most delicate way possible…" began Key calmly with a smile before taking a deep breath. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"

"Nyaaa!" Ravena quickly covered her sore, sensitive ears after the Beta's outburst. Once the ringing was gone she then gave her answer. "Well…everyone is bringing friends and family to this party, so I decided to bring Whisk along. I know what you're thinking but this is the one day where he can't do any wrong and I can keep my eyes on him."

"Have you even forgotten this is the same guy who got your ass thrown in jail?!" reminded DB.

Illu also decided to calm the situation a bit. "Whisk-san may not be the most…trustworthy, but Ravena-chan is right. All destructive powers can't be used and all other powers have been weakened; there isn't much he can do."

"If he tries to get out of hand, remember there is five of us, plus three more if we count Muku, Nyoka, and Punnya." Bella also pointed out. "That's eight against two, even if his crazy puppy girl jumps in and we always have Shads and everyone else coming as backup." Key let out an annoyed groan but he could see the truth behind their reasons.

"Fine, just keep your eyes on him Ravena." Key then left to finish any leftover preparations, allowing Ravena to let out an air of relief.

"Ani-Key can get scary when he wants to nya~" She said softly. Punnya then flew to her master and used her tail to pat the neko-girl's back.

Illu was about to check on the rest of the food when her menu opened showing her a new message. "I got mail from Chocobi-niisan and the others; they must be on their way here now." The hybrid said happily.

"Well what does it say; we already know Aetherion is coming like last year but why send a message ahead?" DB asked curiously as he waited for Illu to read off the message. Ravena also quickly recovered enough to also view the message. Illu then opened the mail and began reading it off to them (also quickly noticing who had sent her the message).

"Illu, me, Aeon, and the rest were on our ways over to your party when we bumped into these two girls in the middle of town. They said they were on their way to your party too but didn't know the way so we offered to show them…until we lost them again.

Anyway, the thing I wanted to ask you is does your friend Ravena have a sister? Because one of them looked almost like her it couldn't just be coincidence. Get back to me when you can, Sol.

P.S. Aeon said to avoid any incidents like last time, you know how he is."

"Incident, what's that mean?" DB asked though his answer was seeing Illu frozen in shock for a few seconds before she closed the window.

"I-it's n-nothing, nothing a-at all!" Illu said, hiding her embarrassment with her scarf. "A-anyway, do you have a sister Ravena-chan?"

"Ah, actually...I do, but neither of them I know plays FFW. Least I don't think so." Ravena answered.

DB shrugged his shoulders as he began walking away. "Could just be Sol just trying to play some kind of prank. You can ask him when they get here; right now I'm off to pick up my order." The vampire said as he got ready to leave the base.

"Oh, have something special you want to give Naenia, nya?" Ravena gave him a knowing look seeing as the vampire began to sweat slightly.

"Maybe, maybe not" DB composed himself. "How do you know I'm not picking up something for the party? Plus, I already got everything for the secret Santa when we start. Now I'm out, have fun watching You-Know-Who." And with that, DB then walked out the door and vanished into the snow covered streets of Tokyo City.

"Secret Santa…oh yeah; we decided to do that for us once we found out that so many people were coming." Ravena recalled.

"I just wish it doesn't get as hectic as last year." Illu said. "Who was in charge of placing the decorations on the walls?"

"Bella, but don't worry I made sure no mistletoes were placed in the decorations this year." Ravena said.

"Come on Rave, you can't have a Christmas party without the full holiday package. Besides last year wasn't that bad was it?" Bella smiled cheekily.

"A bag of mistletoes, Hy-Nya?"

"How else do you spice up a Christmas party?"

Ravena replied by giving an exasperated groan before leaving the kitchen while Bella pulled out a score-board with her's and Ravena's names on it. Currently they had the same score until Bella marked another notch on the board.

"And the Hyna General is in the lead~!" cheered Bella to herself.

Outside Ravena soon heard annoyed mewls and laughing making her quicken her pace where Whisk was.

"WHEEE~! She is so CUTE AND STRETCHY~!" squealed Lu-Mi who had gotten her hands on Punnya and stretching her in every way possible.

"See? What did I tell ya?" stated Whisk as also joined in on stretching.

"Pun-NYAAAAA!" wailed Punnya in annoyance. Being a manju, stretching didn't really hurt but it didn't mean that she liked being forcibly stretched.

"NYA! No! No! No! Stop that!" yelled Ravena as tried to grab Punnya but Lu-Mi began running off with the Manju.

"No! My Manju!" said Lu-Mi childishly as she giggled and hugged Punnya close. "Her new name shall be Princess Marshmallow Squishy-Chan!"

"Her Name is PUNNYA!" yelled Ravena in annoyance.

"PUNNYA!" exclaimed the Manju in agreement trying in vain to wiggle free.

"Not anymore~!" teased Lu-Mi, dodging every single one of Ravena's attempts.

"Give her back!"

"No!"

"Give!"

"No!"

"Give. Her. BACK!" cried Ravena.

"NEVER~!" retorted Lu-Mi when she suddenly glowed as her body began to separate into two forms.

The first one had blond hair tied into twin ringlet tails and red eyes with a yellow heart on her left cheek with a black top hat on her head. Her outfit consisted of yellow puff sleeves, black cuffs, a white vest with a black harlequin pattern and jabot with yellow and white layered skirt with a black heart ending with white mid-thigh boots.

The second had scarlet hair tied in a high ringlet pony-tail with yellow eyes and a red diamond on her red cheek with a white bow on her head. Her outfit consisted of red puff sleeves, white cuffs, black vest with white harlequin pattern and jabot with red and white mini-shorts with a black diamond ending with black calf boots.

The yellow one who carried Punnya in her arms looked mockingly at Ravena who was taken aback at the unexpected turn of events. "Ara~ That's quite a stupid expression you have there, Kitty-Cat~! Don't you think so Mina~?"

The red one, Mina, began giggling in glee. "Hai~! Luci-sama~!"

Now, Ravena was getting mad. "Give me back Punnya!"

"Try and catch her~!" teased Luci as Ravena began chasing after her. "Mina, catch!"

"Punnya!" squealed Punnya as she was suddenly tossed across the room.

"Catch~!" went Mina as it was her turn to run.

Meanwhile Whisk was laughing his head off at the scene of his sister getting into an unwitting game of 'Monkey in the Middle' until he suddenly noticed the tears welling up from the sides of Ravena's eyes.

"Oi…you two, quit it," he said but apparently went unheard by Luci and Mina who's mocking laughter and squeals drowned him out. When Whisk turned his gaze back to Ravena to see her almost on the verge of tears, he let out an angry growl as he leapt forward and snatched Punnya out of the air.

"I said, QUIT IT, YOU IDIOTS!" Whisk snarled fiercely, his eyes a-blazing making Luci and Mina freeze in their tracks in fear.

"If you don't pull yourselves together and behave yourselves or I'm going to shower you with so many nice compliments and affection that you'll be puking sugar!" threatened Whisk darkly as he let Punnya fly back to Ravena.

Luci and Mina gasped and quickly fused back into Luci-Mina. "NOOOOO! ANYTHING BUT THAT!" she wailed in terror as if it was the worst punishment in the world as she quickly threw herself at Whisk's feet. "Lu-Mi will wither away if Whisk-sama acts nice! Lu-Mi promises she'll behave! Please don't shower me with Love~!"

Ravena and Punnya exchanged looks of confusion with each other, utterly confused at what they were hearing.

"Good, now go outside and run in the snow bare-foot until they turn blue," commanded Whisk pointing to the door.

Lu-Mi's eyes began turning large and sparkly as she curled her hands into paws. "Sir, yes, sir! My Master! Arf~!" she yipped as she joyously skipped out the building, tossing her shoes off in the process.

Whisk sighed irritably and shook his head before turning to Ravena. "And you quit letting yourself get bullied! Sheesh!" He said exasperatedly as he walked off to get himself a drink.

Ravena stayed silent for a while until Punnya got her attention by wiping her tears with her tails.

"Punnya?"

"I'm fine Punnya, just making sure you're ok. You're just too squishy for your own good nya." She smiled as she slightly recovered. Ravena then let Punnya go before walking over to the table where she saw Whisk getting his drink. "Whisk I just want to say…"

"Don't even; I just don't want to see you all depressed like you were before." Whisk said before downing his drink while watching Lu-Mi from out of the nearest window. "Anyway do you think that those two are actually in FFW now?"

"Maybe, if the rumor is true then they'll turn up here sometime." Raven said. "Though I can't really picture either one of them actually playing FFW, wonder what actually got them playing?" She thought aloud.

"Yeah…I may know why they're online if it's what I think it is." Whisk said slowly.

"Huh, what for?"

"Well, I remember the day you asked me to bring you your tablet from your room since you forgot it. I went to your room just as I saw them running out of there, looks like they were looking for something off your computer since it was left on…amateurs." Whisk said, whispering the last part.

"They were in my room? Did you at least see what they were doing on my computer?" Ravena asked.

"Not really, though your picture folder was open and one folder you had called FFW pics was highlighted."

"Nya!" Ravena said in shock surprising her brother and almost making Whisk drop his cup. "Are you sure that was the folder's name? You aren't lying or trying to mess with me this time right?!" She asked in worry.

"Why would I lie about that, what's so bad of those pictures?" Whisk asked curiously.

"Nothing but things I know our family would overreact over. I need to go out and find them fast!" Ravena said as she grabbed her coat and everything to leave out the door. "Let's go Punnya!"

"Punnya!" Punnya called as she flew after her master.

"Hey wait, dammit, don't take off like that!" Whisk then also grabbed his coat and raced to chase after his wayward sister. "Lu-Mi, get inside and behave! If you're cold then stick your arm in the fireplace until you're all toasty!" He called out to his subordinate.

"Ok Whisk-sama!"

(Scene Change)

Kiki tried to keep her worry from further showing on her face as she and Ginger continued walking around aimlessly throughout town with no clue on how to reach their destination. While following Aetherion towards their goal, Ginger ended up dragging her towards a Beast Manju pet shop where they spent time looking at all the different manju. When they came out, they realized that their escorts were gone so now they are on the hard path to finding Kurotsubasa once more.

"The only helpful people we've met all day and we accidently ditched them. I shouldn't have listened to you when you wanted to look at those animals." Kiki said as she kept looking around.

"Don't try to place any blame on me. I saw the same sparkles filling your eyes when you saw those manju through the window; especially, after you saw the one following Abby around." Ginger said, not at all concerned at their situation. "Besides before we left I heard the masked guy say we were close so no worries Kiki."

"Why are you calling me that? Wouldn't it be easier just to use our own names?" Kiki asked confused.

"There is such a thing as internet secrecy little sister. Just think, say the wrong thing to the wrong person and suddenly they know who you are, where you live, what you had for dinner last night…" Ginger continued to list off more absurd examples. "You need to be careful when you play online games, so for now on we refer to each other by our character names!"

"But…"

"No buts on the subject Kiki, now less talking and more cat calling. Abby or Ravena has got to be here somewhere." Ginger said ignoring her sister. Kiki herself sighed as she walked with the bear hybrid.

"Ok, Ginger, but I guess it would make the search easier if we ask for Abby by her character name." Kiki then opened her menu to pull up a list she wrote so that she wouldn't forget their sister's FFW name. "If we ask people for Ravena Felidae, this search will go a lot easie…" Kiki's speech and train of thought stop as she accidently walked into a large white horse causing it to whinny in surprise.

"Maaf! I mean…gomena…I mean, I'm sorry!" Kiki tried to apologize and stood flustered as she swapped from one language to the other. She then stopped and stared quietly at the man who stood next to the horse she had bumped into.

"Oh no, the fault is mine. To think that I just inconvenienced a fair maiden such as yourself," The man said, he then went to hold Kiki's hand and then planted a kiss on the back. Kiki instantly grew red from the toes up as her hair flared with steam erupting from her head. "Now where are my manners, I forgot to introduce myself my lovely nature spirit. I am Bird-of-Prey, though many just call me Prey. May I ask for you and your companion's names?" Prey asked.

Kiki struggled to speak as her face glowed a light pink color. 'Is this the 'Doki Doki' feeling that otakus talk about?' She thought to herself as she wondered how many more handsome men she will run into on her journey. "I-I, I…"

"Sorry, she's a bit nervous around new people." Ginger rushed in to save her sister, though she also had a small blush from Prey as well. "I'm Ginger Darling and the one trying to find her words is my sister Kiki Lemons." She introduced them while bopping Kiki on the head to bring her out of her stupor.

"I see…" Prey was now, to their surprise, holding Ginger's hands and kissed it as well. "Your name truly says much about your beauty. I can tell you a very headstrong woman, yet I can also see the delicate flower that you are inside." As Prey went on he also turned to Kiki as well. "And do not think I forgot about you as well, my lovely enchantress."

"F-flower?" Ginger said, now feeling lightheaded.

"En-enchantress?" Kiki asked as her face continued to glow even redder.

"Truly it is not a random act that we met…no, this must be an act of destiny." Prey then removed his mask and gave them his best sparkled smile. "We were meant to meet right here at this spot, this day. A day where the snow is as pure as the two beautiful maidens before me now I must ask…" He stopped for a dramatic pause causing both of them to wait anxiously for him to continue.

"Might one of you be…The One?"

"PREY, GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THEM NYA!" cried an outraged yell as Ravena came sailing in as she planted both her feet in the middle of Prey's back. The entire force of the jump combined with her full body weight sent him reeling forward and falling face first into the snow, forming a small trench.

"Ravena?!" exclaimed Ginger in surprise.

"Ginger!" exclaimed Ravena in turn jumping off Prey.

"Sis!" called Whisk running up.

"Whisk?!" exclaimed Kiki this time at the appearance of their younger brother.

"Kiki!" exclaimed the vampire.

"Kitten~!" exclaimed Prey instantly recovering from the sudden attack and springing to his feet in delight and grabbing Ravena's hand.

"Prey…" greeted the Nekomata bluntly.

"Kitty-Love~," greeted the horse lovingly making Ginger, Kiki and Whisk jump in surprise.

"Horse!" they all exclaimed in shock.

"Kelpie," corrected the mare.

"Fraulein~!" greeted Ravena happily.

"PUNNYA~!" exclaimed Punnya suddenly popping on top of Ravena's head cheerfully ending the round of sudden outbursts.

"Coo~! Excellent landing Love~!" praised Fraulein walking up to Ravena purposely bumping Prey out of the way and nuzzling the girl's face. "You look well, dear~"

Ravena smiled as she hugged Fraulein and rubbed the Kelpie's nose. "Aww, thanks Farulein~ You're looking beautifully in season~ Love the Winter coat." she replied stepping back to look at the mare.

Instead of her usual shiny black coat, in tune to the winter change, Fraulein was now a soft shimmery white from nose to tail like the snow falling itself.

At that moment, Ravena found herself pulled into a huge hug along with Whisk by a dramatically wailing Ginger and Kiki. "ABBY~! MARTIN~!" wailed Ginger with waterfall tears.

"WE FOUND YOU GUYS AT LAST~!" wailed Kiki crying waterfall tears as well making Ravena and Whisk roll their eyes at each other and pry their sisters off them.

"For the love of God, pull yourselves together, you're embarrassing us…." said Whisk bluntly, readjusting his coat. "And for the record, WE found YOU,"

"Also, in here, we go by Ravena and Whisk," corrected Ravena crossing her arms.

"Ooooh, someone's getting bossy," taunted Kiki bending down to Ravena's level.

"Oh shut up, Kiki."

"Bite Me!"

"With pleasure!" growled Ravena bearing her teeth when Fraulein whinnied loudly and stamped her hoof.

"Alright! Let's not squabble on Christmas!" exclaimed the Kelpie firmly stepping up to the group with Prey.

The two sisters immediately blushed a bit in embarrassment as they meekly obeyed. "R-right….Fraulein, Prey, these are my siblings, you've already met my sisters I assume," introduced Ravena as her sisters bowed their heads in greeting. "This one here is our younger brother, WhiskasFriskas."

"Call me Whisk," greeted the boy with a nod.

"This guy here is Prey and his partner, Fraulein," introduced Ravena gesturing to the two. Prey gave a gentlemanly bow while Fraulein bowed her head. "We're…old friends…"

"Come now, Kitten, I'd like to think we were-ITAI!"Prey was about to say when he felt sudden pain that effectively silencing him.

"Oh my, did Punnya accidentally sank her teeth into your tuckus?" asked Ravena in feigned apology as Prey turned to see said manju biting down hard on his butt. "Naughty Manju, Naughty!" She mock-scolded Punnya after removing her.

"Punnya~" The manju mewled in fake apology.

"So what are you doing here? I thought you two didn't play games like this, especially you Kiki." Ravena got back on track and pointed out to her sister.

"Just because I don't quite understand otaku culture, doesn't mean I can't try out new things Ravena! Even I can step out of my comfort zone!" Kiki said, defensively. "Besides you and Martin were having so much fun, I wanted to see what was so exciting!" After listing her reasons, Ginger decided that they did need to get back to why they were here.

"Actually, while this game is fun, one of the reasons we're here was to find you A-I mean, Ravena. Kiki and I have something that we need to talk to you about." Ginger said getting somewhat serious.

"Was it so important you couldn't wait until I logged off nya?" Before she noticed her slip, Ravena was then pulled into another hug by Ginger who lost all forms of seriousness.

"Aw, you even have a cute kitty verbal tick! I was so sad when you stopped doing that at home!" The bear hybrid then hugged her sister even tighter. "I should have played this game before if I had known you would become so carefree. I mean, look at you, you never would have dressed like this back home!"

"That's why we're here Ginger, because of how she dresses!" Kiki then prided the two sisters apart.

"You came all the way to a virtual world just to talk fashion tips, sisters." Whisk then shook his head. "Really I don't think you can get on Rave's case. Even if it wasn't winter her clothes are pretty much normal, I'm surprised you chose to wear a midriff in the winter Kiki." He pointed at how out of place Kiki was dressed compared to the season.

"W-we just started playing today! I didn't have any gald or zenni or whatever to buy winter clothes! It's only because of these powers that I'm not freezing!" Kiki said to her little brother.

"Really I feel all right, though when they were talking about hybrid I was hoping I'd at least have some kind of fur to keep myself warm, but this outfit works." Ginger said, doing a mock pirouette in front of her audience.

"Are you wearing a leotard Sis?"

"Do you have cat tails?"

As the family kept on with their discussing Fraulein then notice Prey limping up back to his feet. "Oh you're still here; I thought you would want to leave after your charming plan failed." The Kelpie commented as she heard her master's snap his bones into place to recover from Ravena's kick.

"It wasn't a failure! Though I will say, how did I not know that you were related to dearest Kitten over here?" Prey said as he slipped his mask back on.

"Where are you going with this Prey?" Ravena said, getting ready for retribution.

"Nothing, it's just that now that I see you standing side by side I can just see the resemblance now." Prey said in a profound tone which had Kiki and Ginger silent for him to continue but inwardly Ravena knew he was planning something. After his pause, Prey then continued with added enthusiasm.

"Dear Ginger, you and Kitten look so much alike you can pass as twins. You both have your unique beauty that seems to double when you are all together and your robust and firm form make up for what Ravena has you beat." Prey began.

"Wait, what?" Ginger said.

"And Kiki, you may not have all the same traits as your lovely sisters but that doesn't make you any less lovely. You share almost Kitten's exact image but with your own fair-skinned beauty; truly you are an elvin angel." Prey continued.

"Prey I will only say this once. Stay away from my sisters." Ravena hissed softly as she warned him. Prey held up his hands as if to show he meant no harm.

"No need for all of that Kitten, you don't have to be jealous. I know that, in your heart, you know you're the one for me."

"The hell I am!" Ravena shot him down.

Whisk stared at the crestfallen man in confusion. "Wait, who the hell is this guy? Some kind of admirer Sis, an ex of yours? If he is, then you made a major step forward when you met Shadow." He commented.

"Don't start Whisk." Ravena warned him.

"Oi let me tell you now I am by no means inferior to that fiend!"

"Shadow is…one of those Kurotsubasa guys right?" Kiki asked, catching their attention. "That online group that you're a part of right Rave?"

"Yes they are, and from what I heard you guys were looking for us. Why is that?" Ravena asked.

"Well really we were trying to find them because we lost you right after you logged in. We tried to follow you but you gave us the slip." Ginger chuckled nervously. "So now that we found you we can get some questions answered."

"Can we not have interrogations out here? I know we're all kind of bundled up but I rather not have long conversations in the snow." Whisk said. "We'll lead them back to your base and you can talk there."

"Whatever…." muttered Ravena as she took the lead.

Prey eagerly began to follow when he was suddenly grabbed by the collar and dragged to the back by Whisk who shot him a warning look that pretty much said 'Back Off' while Fraulein chuckled in amusement.

Back at the base, more guests had just begun to arrive such as Kotsubasa, Aetherion, followed by Cast, Leon and Rina of the Administration along with TPB, the members of the old Team Mercenary and even the All-Stars.

"KEY~!" squealed TPB excitedly as she ran up glomped the Beta to the ground. "It's been a while~!"

"T-T-T-T-T-TPB!" exclaimed Key all flustered at the sudden appearance of the girl who hugged him tightly.

"T!" growled a menacing voice as Rina ran up to them and pulled the girl off. "How dare you grab Key for yourself!"

TPB simply shrugged. "It's not a crime to embrace a friend after not seeing them for a while."

Rina raised her eyebrows before smirking. "Oh? Is that so?" she asked coyly as she pulled Key to his feet and hugged his arm. "How ironic, I get to see Key almost every week~"

"R-Rina!" exclaimed Key as now it was TPB's turn to get jealous at the Admin.

"Of course, I would expect a stalker like you to watch him whenever you can," sneered TPB.

"Oh-ho! Big words coming from a Creeper!" sneered Rina back as both girls glared at each other while Key ducked to avoid to static flying from their stares.

"Alright, young lady that's enough out of you," said Cast appearing suddenly in a cheerful yet stern voice as Leon stepped in and picked Rina up over his shoulder.

"W-WAH!"

"Ditto for you T," Bella also appearing out of nowhere and doing the same.

"Hey!"

Key nodded his thanks to the two parties as they walked off in opposite directions with their respective baggage who were struggling and protesting. The beta sighed in relief until he turned and saw Sora and Cadet giving him teasing looks while grinning. "Not one word, you two!" warned Key as he walked off.

Just then the door opened as a stunning green-eyed beauty with long wavy red hair wearing a long pink trench-coat entered the party. She smiled as she removed her coat to reveal a beautiful pink evening gown and long white gloves, along with a gold necklace and matching earrings. Her heels clicked on the floor as she entered the party, turning the heads of a few guys with Doppelman wolf-whistling her on the way in.

"Welcome to our Christmas party!" greeted Illu approaching the stranger before tilting her head a bit. "Um, excuse me did you enter the wrong house by mistake?"

The woman smiled as she chuckled. "This is the Kurotsubasa HQ , yes Illu-chan?" the woman asked.

"Um…Yes, Miss?" answered the girl unsure how the woman knew her name.

"Then I'm at the right place~!" exclaimed the woman cheerfully, grasping Illu's hands in a friendly manner. "You guys invited me after all~ Right CAM?"

"Pu-pu-PUU~!" squeaked a familiar Mokona flying from under the woman's hair wearing a small Santa Hat.

"Eh?! CAM? Then that must mean…."

The woman laughed as she whipped out a pair of familiar swirly nerdy glasses and twisted her hair into two braids. "It's news with me~! Masukomi~!" the woman said in an all too recognizable voice.

"EH?!" exclaimed the surrounding people in unison as Masukomi laughed as she undid her hair and got rid of the glasses.

"Now don't act all surprised, like I said you guys invite me." The news reporter said. "This isn't a surprise exclusive or anything; I'm free and off work during the holidays and Ravena invited me to your party." Masukomi then took a quick glance around the room. "Speaking of which, I noticed that she isn't here."

"Kitty just left with Whisk-sama a while ago! Lu-Mi wanted to go, but he told Lu-Mi to stay here or be punished with kindness. So Lu-Mi is here like a good girl!" Lu-Mi said as she lay in front of the prop fireplace.

"Uh… is that…"

"Don't ask" Was the universal answer that everybody gave her.

"Ok~, I'll take all of your word for it." Masukomi said as she decided to leave that answer where it was. "I see I'm not too late, is everyone still gathering?" She asked curiously.

"We're just waiting for a few more people to show up, but there is still food out for everyone." Illu answered her question. "We're right now waiting for Ravena-chan and Shadow to come back, and a few more guests as well."

"With the options you have displayed out, I see you've made enough for everyone. They all smell delicious." Masukomi said, complimenting the girl.

"I-I can't take credit for all of this, the most that I did was help with the cooking. Shadow was the one who prepared most of the food before leaving." Illu clarified as she lit up slightly from the praise.

"Well that's unexpected; I can't really picture your leader over a stove for a few hours cooking this." Masukomi said in surprise. 'That's a scoop in its own, too bad I'm off-duty this place is a goldmine!'

"I guess we should change the Guild's motto to expect the unexpected then." Bella smiled. "Speaking of unexpected, where do you think Shads went to?"

"I don't know but Amaya is gone too." Key noticed as well as he went to check where the pets were conversing. "Though if it's anything like any other year, he's just going to where he has stashed the presents. Shadow doesn't keep the stash in the same place since Bella was able to find the last spot.

"Hey, how was I supposed to know I wasn't supposed to go there?"

"Usually a separate dimension used to keep one's private stuff is often off limits Bella." Key answered her.

"Relax everyone, Shads will get back when he can and Rave's a big girl who can find her way home. They'll be back in no time, while they do that we just continue to party." DB said trying to keep their spirits high. "Besides, what's the worse that could possibly happen to them out there?"

(Scene Change)

"I can spend my days however I want to!"

"After hearing from Grim what you were planning to spend today, no you can't" Shadow said as he walked with Rose to the direction of the party. Over his shoulder he had a large burlap sack filled to the top with gifts that he had kept in a separate location. Traveling beside the two was Mazareth with Amaya on top his head wearing Shadow's black santa hat.

"It's not like I wasn't going to show up eventually, I just don't want anything like last year happening again." Rose grumbled as a pink hue covered her cheeks for a split second. "How do I know you don't have something else planned?"

"By going there yourself an actually enjoying the party; those bounties you have can wait until after the holidays." Shadow said. "Overworking yourself isn't exactly healthy Rose."

"There's the pot calling the kettle black, where did you think I learned all I know about bounty work. Back then if we weren't training, we were traveling, if we weren't traveling, we were off on a bounty or on some treasure hunt." Rose reminded him. "Not that I didn't enjoy our trips but it's your fault this is the way I take work. There is no way I can take the one big job and just have another job on the side like Grim."

"Don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult." Shadow said in a deadpanned expression. "Well, no lazing around and no working. Let's just hurry on our way to the café." He then continued walking.

"I still don't know how you even got me to come with you in the first place." Rose said.

"Amaya…"

In a flash, which caused Rose to stumble back, Amaya appeared before her in human form. The small girl then stared up at her with wide puppy-like eyes that bore into the redhead's soul. Needless to say, the infamous female bounty huntress didn't last long against the Usa's cute charm.

"Ok, ok I get it just…stop staring at me like that!" Rose said, not able to take more of Amaya's new technique. Amaya then closed her eyes and smiled as she then ran over to walk by Shadow.

"Good girl Amaya, are you going to change back or are you going to stay like that?" Shadow asked the manju after a pat on the head. Amaya answered by nodding her head as she pulled down her hood so that the cap was now fitted on her black hair, hiding her large ears.

"I swear, seeing her like that is almost surreal." Rose commented. "She acts more like your kid than your pet, especially when you have her walking around looking like that. Even Boobcat's manju can at least pass as her sister or friend somewhat."

"What do you expect; she's not that old she's a baby." Shadow said. "In a way this form makes sense, Ravena said that if manju can transform they mimic the age they are at emotionally. Punnya acts childish yet is mature hence her look and Amaya is young and innocent."

"Which equals the toddler gripping onto your arm as you walk." Rose said while cutting off Shadow's explanation. As they walked she then heard whispers and looked to see some of the passers-bys pointing and smiling while some couples took the time to take pictures. "Hey, how much longer do we have to walk?! Why aren't we flying or anything, I can't take more of people staring at us like we're some kind of family on a trip."

"I think you're over exaggerating." Shadow said not noticing any of the looks while Amaya just tilted her head in confusion. "Since our powers are weakened, you and I can't fly at least with what we have with us. Amaya isn't that strong with her psychic powers without a full moon so she can't levitate us or teleport. So we're hoofing it, it's not that long a travel but blame yourself for having a house in another district."

"Ugh, can this day get any worse?" Rose crossed her arms.

"Nyaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Was that who I think it was?" Rose asked.

"Great, what's happening now?" Shadow wondered.

(Elsewhere)

"Nya! Where did you get those pictures?!" Ravena demanded as she saw the images Kiki had displayed on her screen by a small window.

Ravena's face grew red when she saw that Kiki had pictures of Ravena in a swimsuit from her time at the beach, Ravena in her maid costume, Ravena in posing in cosplay and so on."

"Where do you think?! I can't believe my own reserved, serious, 'I-hate-to-dress-up' little sister has been parading about in such provocative vulgar clothing!" lamented Kiki in despair. "I knew it! You've always been such a hypocrite!"

"I'm the hypocrite?! Looks who's exposing their navel!" Retorted Ravena in anger. "I can't believe you guys were snooping on my laptop!"

"Well you shouldn't have left it on!"

"Well you should've had some sense of privacy!"

"OH! That's rich coming from you!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

Meanwhile in the back ground, Whisk sighed as he scratched his head. "And it starts…." He sighed irritably while Prey and Fraulein shifted their gaze back and forth.

"Well this is getting awkward…." Fraulein muttered bluntly while Prey nodded seriously.

"Alright that's enough!" interjected Ginger putting up her hands. Suddenly, everything froze in place as time literally stopped. Ginger breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god….nothing exploded…." She muttered as she clocked her two sisters on the head as time resumed itself.

"GAH!" Exclaimed Ravena and Kiki as they quickly grabbed their sore heads.

"We're gonna create another unnecessary crowd, so just shut up and walk…" warned Ginger making the girls exchange one final glare with each other before walking.

"Well, well, I thought I'd recognize that cry anywhere," spoke up a new voice.

"Rose-" Ravena was about to say.

"PRINCESS~!" exclaimed Prey enthusiastically dashing past the group causing wind to blow as he delightfully scooped Rose into his arms.

WHA-POW! ROAR! SNAP!

"Hmmm….so this is the famed Shadow we've heard so much about…." Said Ginger as the two sisters circled the boy.

Meanwhile in the background Prey was back on the ground with waterfall tears and whimpering in pain with a huge red hand-print decorating his face and Mazareth chomping down on his butt. Fraulein shook her head exasperatedly while Punnya gave her boyfriend a loving lick.

"That's my name but I think famed is stretching it a bit." Shadow said before turning to look at Ravena. "Rave who are these two and why does one of them look almost like you and the other glaring at me like I did something wrong?" While his tone was dull he still had some seriousness in his question. Ravena seemed to struggle with how to word her answer, as he waited he noticed Whisk was with her too. "Is this another one for your tricks?"

"Oh no, I'm just along for the ride." Whisk answered honestly, holding up his hands. "I'll say this though since Rave seems to be tongue-tied. The two doing the Jaws impression are our older sisters."

"Older sisters?" Shadow repeated in confusion.

"I see Abby or Ravena decided to introduce you to her brother but didn't say a word about us. Are you that ashamed of us little Sis?" Ginger asked with fake tears after she and Kiki stopped their circling.

"I-I wasn't ashamed, you two never really came up in conversation!" Ravena managed to say.

"But little Whiskers has" Ginger chided here.

"Hey!"

"Whisk dropped in on us by surprised, almost like how you two are now nya!" Ravena yelled as her embarrassment seemed to grow the longer her sisters were online. "Anyway don't think we're done with what we talked about before?!"

"Ok, I'm lost." Rose said as she watched the sisters go back and forth. "The busty cat has sisters now…" As the verbal battle continued she at least had one thought as she saw Ginger and Kiki. 'At least they have more normal sizes, I can't take more than one girls like Ravena.'

"Enough, we do need to get back on topic!" Kiki said as it was her turn to stand between her sisters. "Ravena's choices of clothing since she's been in this game were gravely inappropriate and I will not allow my sister to go around wearing H-style clothes!"

"You don't even know what that means and, like what I was trying to tell you before you flipped out on me, it isn't like that!" Ravena interrupted her. "Those clothes aren't as bad as you make them out to be; plus out of all of us right now you're showing the most skin!"

"Girls simmer down and GET TO THE POINT KIKI!" Ginger snapped, letting some of her irritation go through. "Before we all die of cold and boredom get to the point since this was your mission!"

"F-fine!" Kiki said, although with some nervousness at her sister's temper. After clearing her breath she then continued with her rant. "It's not like you to wear clothes like that, so that only means…someone has forced you to dress that way!"

"What?!"

As the soap opera continued to unfold, Whisk was standing around Rose, Fraulein, the pets, and a still wounded Prey watching while eating a bowl of popcorn he got from out of nowhere. "And here comes the fireworks." He said, used to their fights.

"What do you mean fireworks, all I see are a bunch of girls bickering back and forth." Rose said while still confused.

"If only they would…"

"I'd stay my tongue if I was you Prey; otherwise something else might take another chomp out your bum." Fraulein interrupted him, causing him to sink back in silence.

"It's obvious that, this man was the one who put you in those outfits!" Kiki proclaimed while pointing at Shadow.

"Wait what?!" Shadow said in outrage. "I don't even know what you're accusing me off or what you are arguing about, how am I the cause?"

"Well you're the leader of Kurotsubasa, you could have easily taken advantage of Ravena by ordering her to wear these outfits!" Kiki then began to show the pictures again only for Ravena to block them before she got to the cosplay pics, the two then began to fight over the pictures while Shadow just stood dumbfounded.

"You think I'm the reason just because I'm in charge, which makes no sense at all. Ravena buys her own clothes. The bathing suit was for the summer all of Kurotsubasa went to a beach resort and you can blame Rose for the maid outfit, I didn't even know she still had that." Shadow defended himself.

"Oi, don't drag me into the grave with you!" Rose yelled from the sidelines while rejecting an offer of popcorn from Whisk.

After wrestling the pictures away from Ravena, Kiki then turned around to face Shadow. "Still, you haven't made a move to stop her so you must encourage these actions. I have other pictures that show our sister isn't the only one you put in cosplay!"

"What are you talking abo…"

"Also I research all around forums and chatgroups about you and all say that you're a wanted criminal evading arrest with a large bounty on your head. You repeatedly break the rules just to further your own actions and you cause large amounts of destruction wherever you go!" Kiki cut him off. "All and all, you're not the most trustworthy of people."

"As if I care what some hate group says about me. You need to look into some better sources." Shadow said. "The only true fact I ever heard you say was the bounty."

"Aha, so you are a criminal! Not only, that but an enemy to women!" Kiki once again pointed, shocking most of those them and some people passing by. "Not only do you involve my sister, but also several other girls!"

"Now you're just spilling lies!" Shadow said, frustrated with her ranting.

"Kiki, Ginger, where the hell did you even get that information. I told you that forums are all opinionated, they hardly have any facts about them!" Ravena tried to end the madness before it could continue. "What group did you get that information from?"

"From a very reliable source, the nice players on the Flamer Bounty Forum!" Kiki said confidently.

"She did not just say the FBF did she?" Whisk face-palmed at the mentioned of his sister's info source.

"That huge forum filled with nothing but Flamers, what kind of idiot even believes the information from that place?" Rose sweatdropped.

"Apparently my noob of an older sister…."

Kiki then cleared her throat again with a blush on her cheek as she heard Whisk's speaking about her and decided to continue. "Well the site is accurate, along with your picture and bounty info they showed you in the company of several woman. Even the redhead you were walking with."

"I can't even tell you how wrong you are." Shadow said holding back from snapping at Ravena's sister.

"Hah, I knew you were a love fiend and now there are others who know the truth!" Prey said triumphantly.

"Don't you start that again!" Shadow said, having no problems with turning his anger on Prey.

"Oh ladies, it is a good thing you found out before it was too late. This accursed fiend has managed to swoon many with his lies and charms. I was barely able to save poor Kitten before she was taken entirely." Prey kept on his monologue.

"Prey I'm warning you."

"And you're right; it involves more than just your sister. He has managed to capture a lavender haired angel, a silver princess, and even the rose princess here you see before you." Prey continued on ignoring all the hateful glares aimed at him. "It is as you say that this Accursed Shadow is an enemy to…" Instantly Prey was cut off by a ball of energy to the chest that sent him into a nearby wall. While powers aren't lethal during this time, that didn't mean they couldn't do any damage.

"I'll deal with you in a second Perv." Shadow said with his hand smoking from the attack, he then glared at Kiki which caused her to stiffen a bit. "Now back to those lies you were saying."

It was at this time that Ginger intervened. "Look, I'll admit that Kiki can get a bit spastic and times and while we may not know who is telling the truth or not, we are looking after our little sister." She said sternly.

"By calling me things like an enemy towards women?" Shadow asked.

"Sometimes she's not the best when gathering information." Ginger admitted.

"Hey, I got that information from other people who play this game. There are other forums that say similar things about you!" Kiki said, repeating her claims. "You even knocked out that gentleman from before for no reason at all."

"I think tarnishing my name is a reason to knock him out." Shadow said as a tick mark appeared. He then felt a tug on his shoulder and look down to see a shy and nervous Amaya which caused him to simmer down. "All right, it's ok Amaya I'm calming down." Shadow said while patting her Santa-capped head.

"Oh so you did take Amaya with you, I was wondering where she went." Ravena wondered as she saw the usa-manju's child form. "I was wondering where she disappeared to when you left the base."

"She was hidden in my hood when I got ready to leave. I guess she was scared by the surprise visit." Shadow said as he calmed down. He then turned his attention back to Kiki and Ginger. "Look I'll just say again that your information is wrong. I have the bounty because of circumstances and I don't even know half of what Prey is talking about. Ravena's a good friend of mine, why would I try to take advantage of her?"

"Hmm…" Ginger took a moment to think it over, not wanting to jump to far in conclusions as her sister did. "Well you aren't acting as bad as everyone says you are, so I guess I can trust your word for it."

"What, b-but all the evidence." Kiki reminded her. "Even if he isn't a menace I can't allow these pictures to pass. Not to mention the child he has at his side, could she possibly be…?"

"You two are hopeless." Ravena shook her head. "Amaya is a manju just like Punnya, they both can transform into forms like that." She then took a moment to lift Amaya's cap to show the two rabbit ears. "See." She said while handing the girl her hat.

"She does have you beat there Kiki." Ginger laughed a bit while Kiki blushed from embarrassment. "Besides, you're thinking too much into this again; there is no way that…"

"Hey there they are, Boss!"

"Ravena, Shadow!"

All conversation stopped as they turned to see Shade and Angel, along with, Minnya, ran towards them while waving. Their arrival was not what caused the talking to stop, but Kiki's wide eyed expression and Ginger's blank stare.

"Oh my…"

"Oh brother…" sighed Ravena.

"Present~!" chirped Whisk.

THUD! Went Kiki as her eyes rolled back and passed out.

(Time Skip)

Kiki's eyes slowly fluttered open to see a large pair of eyes staring back intently at her. "WAH!" cried the elfen woman as she found herself suddenly falling off a bed and hitting the floor hard with a thump.

"Punnya~!" greeted the manju before flying to Ravena and resting on her head.

"I see you're up," stated Ravena bluntly while Kiki stood up a little painfully.

"Ugh…What just happened? And Where am I?"

"You passed out and we brought you to our Guild's HQ. You're in my room by the way," answered Ravena curtly who stood up from the chair she was sitting on. "Come on, the party's downstairs. Ginger and Whisk got a head-start."

Kiki nodded as she followed her sister down to the where the party was. Music was blaring all around as many different players moved past the elf. "Welcome to the Kurotsubasa Christmas Party," introduced Ravena as Punnya took flight and flew over to where the other pets were socializing.

Kiki blinked as she looked around absorbing her surroundings when a cup of punch was offered out to her. Kiki looked to see the smiling face of a demure girl with long purple hair. "Here, it will help you feel a little better," offered the girl politely.

"Thanks…" said Kiki as she gratefully accepted the cup.

"Sis, this is Illu, she's a fellow guild mate of Kurotsubasa," introduced Ravena as the girl bowed respectfully.

"Pleased to meet Ravena's older sister, I'm IllusionistOwl, but most people call me Illu for short."

"Kiki-Lemons, a pleasure," responded Kiki with a small smile while Ravena bowed slightly.

"If you would excuse me…there is something I have to deal with," said Ravena excusing herself disappearing into the crowd leaving Illu and Kiki together.

"So you're the Illu I've heard so much about," noted Kiki with a smile. "Are you close friends with Ravena?"

Illu's smile brightened as she nodded enthusiastically. "Hai~! Rave-chan's one of my best friends here~!"

"I see…."

(Elsewhere)

"Oh! So you and Ravena are sisters! I knew it!" exclaimed Sol excitedly some time talking with Ginger.

"Yeah~! You two look so alike~!" noted Lu-Mi suddenly appearing on Sol's shoulders.

"GAH!" cried Sol in shock as the Draculina hopped off Sol as she bent slightly and stared intently at Ginger's bust making the older woman suddenly feel self-conscious as she backed up slightly.

"Wow, these are surprisingly modest compared to Neko-chan's – OOH! BON-BONS~!" exclaimed excitedly Lu-Mi out of the blue, cutting herself off as she made a beeline for the buffet table.

Ginger and Sol exchanged weird looks before shrugging it off when Ginger felt a tug at her jacket. The bear-woman looked down to Angel staring up at her curiously. "Your name's Ginger right?" the girl asked.

"Yes I am."

"Can you do cool magic like Ravena does?" Angel asked seriously.

Ginger smiled a bit as she pretended to think. "Hmm….maybe not like my sister, but I can do this," said Ginger as she opened her palms creating a series of small fireworks to appear above their heads.

"Hmm, not as awesome as Ravena's magic, but just as pretty~!" Exclaimed Angel honestly as she turned to Ginger. "I like you~!" she declared smiling before skipping off.

'Abby sure knows how to meet people….' Thought Ginger sweat dropping.

(Scene Change)

"So let me get this straight. Not only did you run into Rave and her sisters on your way back, but they actually got on your case over some pictures they stole from Rave's laptop?" DB asked, wanting to get the story straight.

"More so Kiki, than Ginger but that's pretty much what happened." Shadow then downed the glass of punch in his hands. "It wasn't that bad, just I had to deal with teasing after the other one passed out. Honestly, I just want to get through the party."

DB let out a few laughed at his friend's misfortune. "You always seem to have family misfortunes. First Illu's brothers and now Rave's sisters; at least you're meeting the family early."

"Was that supposed to be comforting?" Shadow asked the rhetorical question.

"Nope, but once again your luck has failed you again." DB then finished his eggnog.

"Whatever, aren't you supposed to be expecting someone? This is usually about the time Naenia arrives isn't it, shouldn't you be with her instead joking at my expense?"

DB shrugged his shoulders. "She said she was on the way now, I guess she got caught up with a few things. Last I messaged her; she said she just got back in town." The vampire explained while finishing another glass.

"Try not to leave the party too early; we still have the Secret Santa thing planned." Shadow reminded him.

"Yeah yeah I know, but that isn't until the end right? We'll both have plenty of time until then." DB said.

"We'll?"

"Come on, you're not just going to stand by the punch bowl all day. There's already a bet on who you're going to spend your time with." DB chuckled at the joke. "You got to make a choice so some us can collect."

"Glad to know that my life is a source of enjoyment." Shadow said with a small glare. "You don't see me making fun of you sneaking out to meet Naenia."

"Well, honestly, the teasing stopped like a week after we started dating." DB said with a shrug. "Besides its either bet on you or bet on which girl can drag Key away the longest before they try and demolish the place."

"I need to start rethinking who we invite." Shadow sighed.

"Hey don't be like that, at least the parties are more lively." DB grinned. "I mean we're partying with some of our enemies but at least we don't have to worry about them trying to kill us. I mean with how crazy the day is now what's the worst that can happen?"

Shadow chose not to comment, knowing for a fact that the vampire had just jinxed them. As he finished his drink he was then dragged on his arm by an angry Rose. "What did I do this time, did someone clean out the sweets before you got a chance?"

"No, but a certain someone who just arrived with Grim seems to know you." Rose grumbled out as she dragged her former teacher away.

(Scene Change)

"So Shadow isn't a criminal, yet he has a bounty on his head?" Kiki said in confusion as she sat around with her new acquaintances. Illu was still keeping the elfen girl company to her left while the person Kiki was talking to sat at her right. Cast nodded her head, finishing her punch with Leon sitting beside her.

"The bounty is due to something in Shadow's possession and someone else's goals but it isn't because of his actions…for the most part." Leon said albeit a little begrudgingly.

"There is always some bad propaganda about Kurotsubasa and Shadow but most are just complaints from people they defeated. He's one of the most wanted because of circumstances, not because of his actions." Cast tried to explain to the concerned sister. "Was that information really all you wanted to know?"

Kiki nodded her. "I know that some of the information I got was false but I can't help but at least get answers from someone from the law. Even if Rave says not to worry I can't help but worry for her." She admitted to them.

"Ravena-chan is one of the strongest people I know, no matter what problem she always knows the best way out of it." Illu reassured her. "And Shadow isn't like what people would say, he does all he can to help others."

"Still, even if you say that…I can't help but wonder what all goes on around here, considering the pictures Ginger and I saw." Kiki said, she then noticed that Illu was turning a bright red.

"I-It's…just s-some of the usual thing that h-happen around the guild. Sometimes we run the base like a café if we need the money." Illu nervously explained the reason behind the maid outfits.

"Just another unusual event that happens when this guild is around." Leon slowly sipped his drink.

"You don't say….." said Kiki inwardly as she looked around. 'I wonder what else I don't know about my little sister….'

(Elsewhere….)

Ravena heaved a huge sigh of relief as she managed to steal out of the party. Grabbing her cloak from the rack, Rave quietly opened the door and snuck out. However, unbeknownst to her Whisk spied her sneaking out but instead of following Whisk just smiled a bit and shrugged. 'I guess being in large crowds still gets to her… some things never change…'

Rave walked a bit until she came to a bench and sat down while looking up at the sky looking up at the scattered stars of the sky. "How did things become so complicated?..." she muttered to herself.

"Come now Pet, I figured you of all people would be used to 'complicated' by now," chuckled a familiar voice making Ravena snap her head upright and looked to see RoM smiling and pushing up his glasses. He wore a simple dark green winter jacket and a black beanie on his head.

"Master!" said Ravena in surprise. "Why aren't you at the party?"

"I was on my way there, you know punctuality is not my best strong suit," RoM said with a smile of his own as he sat down next to Ravena on the bench. "So whatcha doin' all by your lonesome?"

"Just needed some fresh air…" replied Ravena with sigh leaning back on the bench.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Ravena was about to tell him to bugger off but then she stopped herself and instead began to tell him the craziness that went on earlier.

(Sometime later….)

RoM threw his head back and laughed loudly in amusement while Ravena face-palmed herself blushing a beet-red. "HAHAHA….Boy you really have a knack get into the most awkward situations don'cha Ravena~? HAHAHAHAHA…..!"

"You asshole…." She groaned. 'Why did I even bother….'

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry~," apologized RoM after his laughing fit and wiping the tears from his eyes. "But you know? I haven't laughed like this since you left."

Ravena frowned and turned away from him. "I'll bet. I'm only your clown after all."

RoM smiled as rubbed Ravena's head. "Now don't be like that. I think it's just like you to be really cute as always~"

Ravena's eyes widened as she blushed a deep red, pulling her hood down to hide her face. "You really are an ass…."

RoM laughed again but instead of long tirade laughter it was just a small chuckle. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. We both know a lot has changed since we've last talked like this. I've kept my own tabs on you but even I never expected you to settle down with a guild."

"Guess that proves that the informant isn't all knowing." Ravena commented aloud. "We've both changed, though I can hardly sense your change Master. Still a small shop in place of that old dusty library, why the changes of scenery to a town like Tokyo anyway?"

"I enjoy working with newer players. They less experienced, sometimes more trusting, a good revenue of clients that come in frequently for information…all they have to do is be able to afford it." RoM adjusted his glasses. "Besides, gossip travels faster in places like this than in an old library." With that said he then straightened his posture. "Now, Rave, shouldn't you be back inside with your family and friends?"

Even though her ears were now hidden under her hood, Rom could tell that they were lowered due to the Nekomata's emotions. "I don't think I'll be able to face my family after what has happened tonight. I thought I would just have to worry about Whisk but I hardly have time to be a good older sister. Not to mention, both Kiki and Ginger are on my case about my own free time." Ravena then released a sad sigh. "And I don't need to drag my friends into anymore of my problems; after a hectic year they deserve to relax with a party."

RoM was silent during Ravena's answer. He could tell what she was saying was genuine, but at the same time he could easily read her and saw that she was just finding another way to bear the weight of her own problems. "I see…well I think I've heard enough." He then turned to leave the Nekomata alone.

"Master…?"

"Give my regards to everyone at the party…you'll be going back eventually. I have some other business to attend to." Before RoM could walk further away from his former servant he then reached into his coat. To Ravena's surprise, RoM had tossed her a wrapped gift that she had almost let slip due to shock. "Think of that as my gift to you MataHari, I've been waiting for the perfect time to give that to you." Rom then disappeared in a storm of pages but a voice still lingered.

"You should try letting your friends in more. Start with that mark on your chest."

"My chest, nya?" Ravena then clutched the front of her coat; her hand rested on her collarbone…where the taboo mark lied on her skin. "I wonder if RoM really does know about the Taboo mark and the spell I used?"

"I wouldn't put it past Master to have found out. He has his own way of observing us it seems, he must have found out about the mark a long time ago. Maybe even when it was first branded to our skin."Felis answered Felidea's question. "Speaking of mark, it seems Master has thought ahead again."

"Nya?" Before Ravena could ask what her other self meant by that she did feel a pulse coming from the mark; a moment later Shadow appeared walking to the bench with Amaya and Punnya along with him.

"There you are you know you had us all worried when you decided to leave." Shadow said as he joined her by the bench. "Kiki was about ready to blow another fuse until Whisk mentioned seeing you slip out."

"Oh right, I guess next time I'll tell them where I'm heading so they don't try another manhunt for me nya." Ravena joked a bit. "Sorry, I just needed to get outside and clear my head a bit."

"Is it because of all the people?" Ravena's eyes widened a bit but before she could ask she saw Shadow was pointing at his own collarbone. "These marks aren't only for feeling pain, I felt a bit of your emotions too. Not to mention I have the lapis after all…I used the mark to find you."

Ravena's look of shock then turned to a small grin. "Guess that's why I felt a small bit of magic coming from it. You're really coming along as a magic user."

"Haha~, I'll have you know I was once adept with magic but had to leave it behind for a while." Shadow said just as the two manju joined them. Amaya jumped inside Shadow's coat where she could stay warm with a candy cane in her mouth while Punnya had flown her way into Ravena's arms.

"Punnya!" Punnya yelled out as if to scold her master.

"I know and I'm sorry I worried you Punnya. I figured you were having too much fun with Mazy to come." Ravena said as she held the Neko Manju close; she then turned back to Shadow and only now noticed the small differences in his appearance.

Shadow's winter clothes were now a bit ruffled, as if he had gotten out of a fight and she that a bandage was placed on his right cheek recently.

"What happened after I left? From the looks of it you looked like you came out of a fight." Ravena noted to the guild leader.

"Yeah about that…" Shadow seemed to hesitate as he recalled the events that happened before the search.

(Flashback)

"Rose do you really need to drag me along the whole way?" Shadow asked as Rose continued to pull on his arm towards their destination. "I can walk on my own, but what's so important that you had to almost tear my arm off?"

"Shut up, like I enjoy doing this but I'm making sure you don't run away!" Rose said angrily as they continued walking.

"Run away from what?" Just asked Shadow asked that question Rose then stopped walking but she did not release her grip off of his arm.

"Apparently from her!"

Shadow still stood confused wondering who she meant as he looked around the room. "What are you talking about Rose, and what do you mean by he…" He was then cut off by hands covering his eyes but he did hear a surprise gasp from Rose who was still nearby. "Why do I have a feeling I know who this is?"

"I knew you would be surprised to see me." A new voice said as he felt someone pressed against his back.

"H-Hey! Get your hands off of him!"

"Why should I, weren't you just dragging him across the room as if you had some claim on him?"

"It wasn't like that, but at least, I'm not draped all over him like some hussy!"

"Hussy, that's a surprising word coming from you. I thought the Bloody Rose was not just known for her skills but also for her vulgar language."

"Oh you want to see vulgar?! I'll show you…"

"All right, enough" Shadow said cutting off the two girls argument. "And Yukari, can you please get your hands off my eyes." He said while removing the Rare Hunter's gloved hands from his pupils.

"Aww~, you act like you're not glad to see me." Yukari giggled a bit.

"What do you want Yukari?" Shadow said in a dull tone to the girl.

"Now is that really a way to talk to someone who came all the way to the area to see you? I literally took time away just to come to this party." Yukari seemed hurt and pouted a bit as she released Shadow from her grip.

"Hey don't you just ignore me, and who is this girl?!" Rose asked, demanding an explanation. "You're acting all nonchalant about this, does that mean what she said was true?"

"That depends on what she said, but for starters what did she do to get under your skin? I haven't seen you this upset in a while" Shadow asked, turning his attention back on Rose.

"You would feel the same way if you were brushed off by some person you never met." Rose said as she took a second to calm down.

"Now I didn't exactly brush you off, I just asked if you could show me the way to your teacher. It was a simple enough request." Yukari said.

"And how exactly did you know that, and he isn't exactly my teacher anymore." Rose glared at the black haired girl.

"Oh it's easy information to come across. You're the Bloody Rose; a well-known bounty hunter or huntress as you prefer. I know that and many more things about you." Yukari then gave her a closed eyed smile. "Even your, or should I say lack of, enhancements."

"The hell you say?!" Rose said, just letting her anger explode at the moment. "You're not exactly the Ms. Busty poster girl! Heck I can tell you just by looking that don't have much underneath that oversized coat."

"Ah, but I thought you of all people would know." Yukari's sly smile never left her face.

"Know what?"

"That's it's not about what a warrior has." Yukari walked forward a little bit only to stop and lean on Shadow shoulder (much to the latter's annoyance). "It's how she uses it." She said, enunciating every word slowly.

"That's it, screw the rules, you die…RIGHT NOW!" Rose then activated her Rinnegan.

(Present)

"Ahahaha, guess that's what I get for leaving too soon, I miss all the action." Ravena said. "Well you look like you came out of everything ok despite being caught in the middle. What happened with Rosy and the Princess?"

"Cast and Leon were able to break them up. Rose calmed down after agreeing that I owe her some favors and Yukari only stopped to give me a gift before leaving." Shadow explained the aftermath. "But right now we're about to have the holiday toast and we seen you weren't there. I decided to go search for you with Punnya since it would be faster."

"Hence your use of magic; was Whisk the one who told you I was gone?" Ravena asked, quickly changing subjects.

"Yeah he was the one who saw you leave, but told your sisters not to worry. He was able to keep them calm while I went out to look." Shadow said.

"Guess no matter what side he's on, he's still my nosy, annoying, yet caring little brother." Ravena said. "I just needed some air from the party after everything, but I'm feeling better now nya." She grinned. "Now let's head back before anything else crazy happens."

"Please don't say that," Shadow sighed as they began to walk back. "Remember if you have any problems; don't be afraid to come to us to talk about it."

"Can the same be said about you nya?" Ravena asked. "The mark works both ways you know."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get that, but I, like everyone else, would like to see our favorite catgirl partying with the rest of us than out here in the snow by herself." Shadow then offered his hand. "Ready to head back?"

Ravena smiled and took the hand.

"Let's."

(Kurotsubasa Base)

"Rave~ You're back~!" exclaimed Bella pulling the Nekomata into a hug while Illu watched and smiled.

"Tone the drama Bells…" squeezed Ravena jokingly as Bella put her down. "It's almost time, isn't it?"

"Hai~" "Choo bet~!" replied Illu and Bella simultaneously.

"Alright, see you backstage in five," said Ravena as the other two nodded and walked off while Rave teleported herself and Punnya into her room.

Inside, Ravena took out the gift that RoM had given her earlier and undid the wrapping on it to reveal a thick leather bound book with four interlocking circles decorating the center of the cover. It had a lock on it with a red jewel adorning the golden lock-piece. Ravena widened her eyes little before running her hand over the cover, slowly breaking out into a small smile.

"The Book of Mystics….the first artifact I ever retrieved…he remembered…"said Ravena quietly as she nostalgically hugged the book to her chest. 'Thank You …Master…'

"Punnya?" called Punnya tilting a little, snapping Ravena out of her slight daze.

"Huh? Oh right! Lets go!"

Ravena and Punnya quickly raced out the room and towards the stage area.

"Wait Ravena!" she heard Kiki call out.

The Nekomata stopped as she turned to see her sisters walk up. Kiki looked like she was struggling to say something, but a quick nudge from Ginger got her to spit it out. "Look…Rave…Abby…we…I just wanna say…" Kiki tried to say when Ginger rolled her eyes.

"What our dear sister is trying to say is, we're sorry for dropping in unannounced….And…?" prompted Ginger.

"And…we're sorry for harassing you about the pictures, and interrogating you…and accusing your friend and-" Kiki began listing begrudgingly when Ravena held up a hand.

"Eh, don't worry about it… you wouldn't be good sisters if didn't care for my well-being, right?" said Ravena with a smile. "Although, I would appreciate it if you guys don't tell mom about this."

"Consider it done," replied Kiki smiling back.

"And quit snooping on my laptop?"

"Yeah sure~" sighed Kiki as the three sisters reconciled and hugged each other.

"And you guys will do my chores for a week?" asked Ravena instantly making Ginger and Kiki quirk their eyebrows at her.

"Ahaha…Nice try..." said Kiki sarcastically with a smile.

"Get out of here you cheeky little…" Ginger playfully scolded tapping Ravena on the back as she ran off laughing.

"Worth a shot~!" Ravena exclaimed over her shoulder as she finally met up with Bella and Illu.

Meanwhile, Kiki and Ginger watched proudly at their sister from afar before exchanging glances as an idea struck them. The two nodded as they quickly moved off somewhere.

(Backstage)

"About time Kitty! Got it?" asked Bella as Ravena smirked and held up the Melodic Mic in response.

"Let's do it!" exclaimed Ravena as all three girl held the mic together.

"IDOL LIVE, START!" all three exclaimed as the Mic glowed brightly.

(Transformation Sequence)

Strings of glowing Musical Notes began streaming out of the Mic as it swirled around the girls and lifted them in the air.

Their clothes glowed and disappeared as new articles of clothing began to appear.

Bella's hair bellowed about her as full body black leotard appeared followed by a red padded vest with a furry white ruff and red shorts. Brown leather gloves and ankle boots trimmed with white fur simultaneously appeared on her hands and feet as her transformation ended with a red Santa hat appearing on her head.

The notes wrapped around Illu's body as a red long sleeved Santa dress appeared with a black belt along with black leggings and brown leather calf boots on her legs. A short red cape with white fur also appeared and draped around Illu's shoulders as black mittens and a white furred hair band completed her look.

Ravena smiled as a white long sleeved, turtle-neck, short dress appeared on her followed by a red sleeveless hoodie also trimmed with white fur. Black leggings along with mid-calf brown leather boots matching the other two also appeared as her outfit finished off with black gloves and a red and gold striped ribbon appeared on her left ear.

Three matching microphones appeared before each girl as they struck a pose ending, their transformations.

"Idol Group: R.I. !" announced the trio radiantly.

End

Out in front, all the guests had gathered to the stage, waiting for the show to begin. The place was dark, and the silhouettes of a band could be seen waiting in the shadows.

Shadow, who was running things back stage saw that the girls were ready and gave a thumbs up to Key before he nodded to Mukurowl and Punnya up on the beams. Both Pets saluted as they shone a spotlight on the stage where Key waved to the crowed holding a microphone.

"Hi Everybody! I just want to thank you all for attending this little Christmas party!" began Key cheerfully. "But to truly show how thankful we are to all our guests, Kurotsubasa has come up with this show as a present from us to you. And now without further ado, starring Tokyo City's very own Idol Group, making their holiday debut, I present to you all, R.I.B-BON~!"

Cheers and applause sounded all around as Key took his leave while the stage darkened a bit. Little fairy lights began to twinkle in tune to a xylophone as a small tune began to play before transitioning into a keyboard just as a spotlight slowly glows onto Bella who stood at stage left.

Bella: I~ don't want a lot for Christmas…

There is just one thing I need…

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree~

(Spotlight appears on Illu on stage right)

Illu: I just want you for my own…

More than you could ever know~….

(The final spotlight appears center stage on Ravena)

Ravena: Make my wish come true~…..

All I want for Christmas~….

Is~… you~… Yeah~

A short harmony of sleigh bells, drums and piano began to play as stage lit up to show DB on the drums accompanied by the members of Kotsubasa who formed the rest of the band, promting the crowd to cheer madly.

Mirage held a tambourine while both Angel and Minnya had sleigh bells. Cadet and Shade were rocking out on a guitar and bass respectively. A circle of floating keys surrounded both Beat-Boy and Sora as they harmoniously played piano together to the song. The three Kurotsubasa girls smiled and jived to the music as Bella and Illu made their way towards Ravena.

Bella: I don't want a lot for Christmas,

There is just one thing I need,

(Kotsubasa: And I~…..)

Don't care about the presents,

Underneath the Christmas tree!

I don't need to hang my stocking

There upon the fireplace

Santa Claus won't make me happy

With a toy on Christmas Day

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you~

Illu: You… baby~

Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas

I won't even wish for snow

(Ko: And I'm~…)

I'm just gonna keep on waiting

Underneath the mistletoe~

I won't make a list and send it

To the North Pole for Saint Nick

I won't even stay awake to

Hear those magic reindeer click~!

'Cause I just want you here tonight

Holding on to me so tight~!

What more can I do~?

Baby all I want for Christmas is you~!...

(Ko: You Baby~!)

Ravena: OH~ all the lights are shining,

So brightly everywhere

And the sound of children's

Laughter fills the air~!

And everyone is singing

I hear those sleigh bells ringing

Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?

Won't you please bring my baby to me?

All: Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas

This is all I'm asking for

I just want to see my baby

Standing right outside my door,

Oh, I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know~…

Make my wish come true~…

Baby all I want for Christmas…. is

You~!

At that exact moment, several beams of light of various colors shot into the sky and exploded into a magnificent display of fireworks. The various lights illuminated swirling streams of snow that weaved through the air forming intricate patterns creating a dazzling shimmering effect as the crowd stared in awe. Even those performing on stage looked surprised along with Key and Shadow. Curious, Shadow activated his Byakugan to see that Ginger and Kiki had somehow made it to the roof of the Kurotsubasa HQ, responsible for the extra special effects.

Beads of sweat rolled down the sisters brows as they pushed themselves activating their limited powers. Ginger fired shot after shot of her Combustion powers to create the firework display while Kiki had her full concentration, swinging her arms and whole body, using her Water-Bending powers manipulating the falling snow to form the beautiful patterns.

Ravena also was able to see them from her she stood as she smiled to herself as she and the girls gave it their all as well.

A: All I want for Christmas is you, baby~!

All I want for Christmas is you, baby~!

All I want for Christmas is you, baby~!

All I want for Christmas is you, baby~!

With one final effort, Kiki heaved the snow high into the air while Ginger gathered as much magic as she could muster before combusting the snow. This created an extra-large firework that shimmered brilliantly onto the crowd as the words 'Merry X'mas' illuminated the sky.

The astounding performance and grand display sent the crowd wild with cheers and cries as they exploded into applause. Ravena, Illu and Bella smiled breathlessly at each other as they hugged before beaming and bowing to the crowd.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR~!" cheered everyone on stage.

Ginger and Kiki watched proudly at how their sister had turned out from the roof before they both collapsed on their backs, completely exhausted but with huge smiles on their faces.

Meanwhile Whisk applauded from the sky, with the former levitating easily while the Draculina floated next to him hanging on to her rotating parasol. "Sugoi na~! As expected of Whisk-sama's family~!" cheered Lu-Mi happily while Whisk just smirked and readjusted his jacket. "It's almost a shame we're going back to being enemies with them tomorrow~."

"Well, we had our fun. Come on Lu-Mi, let's go home," said Whisk turning away and sprinting through the air as his partner looked at him with sparkly eyes and saluted.

"Aye sir~! Arf~!" yipped Lu-Mi as she snapped her parasol shut and straddled it like a witch's broom, riding after Whisk in the air.

(Time Skip)

"Aww, you guys have to go already nya? I was starting to get used to the idea of having the whole family online." Ravena said as she talked with Kiki and Ginger at the front door. After the performance and final minutes of the party they all had noticed the logout of their younger brother. Now it was time for the older sisters to return to the real world.

"Going to miss us on your online world little Sis?" Ginger said giving her a large grin. "I didn't think you would be so attached to us in one afternoon."

"Puh-lease, nya, it's just not like either of you to just up and quit something this early. I figured that you two would still need tips about FFW since you both wore your powers out." Ravena said, waving off what Ginger had just said.

"Hey it is our first time playing, so what if we don't have complete control! A few more days and I bet you can't even keep up with us Abby. Still while we did have fun we do also still have work to do back home. We can at least cover for you so that you still have more time to spend with your friends here." Kiki genuinely smiled only for her expression to turn a full 180. "Just promise that there won't be any more pictures."

"Once again the pot calling the kettle black. I can explain a swimsuit during summer but I don't think you can explain why you look like an Arabian showgirl." The two sisters began to taunt each other back and forth until they both went silent. "Be sure to come and visit, but message me before. Don't be strangers."

"We'll try and maybe we can try some of these quests as a family party." Kiki offered, for once getting her terms right. "In the meantime we do have to go; you do have some good friends Abby. I can see why you took the volunteer job."

"And I wouldn't trade them for anything nya." At that response Kiki smiled before she disappeared in a shower of sparks, signaling that she had logged out. Ginger was getting to leave herself, but before she did…

"Oh and Abby, I approve."

"Nya?!" Before Ravena could ask for an explanation Ginger gave her a grin as she then vanished leaving a stunned catgirl. Ravena then sighed and then walked back to where the rest of Kurotsubasa were gathered.

"Well that's the last of everyone. I guess, despite everything, that this party was a success."

"It was lively Ravena-chan and it was nice talking with your sisters." Illu said sincerely. "All though, I wonder where they got the…"

"D-don't worry about that. I was able to straightened everything out and they got rid of it Illu-tan." Ravena apologized to her best friend. "I'm just glad that they didn't cause too much trouble; I love them and all but they are embarrassing."

"That's how Chocobo is sometimes." Illu sighed.

"Hey come on girls, we had a great party, put on a great show, now it's time for presents so let's start!" Bella was about to dive into the small pile but was held back by Key. The Beta then pulled the chibified shapeshifter back.

"Slow your roll, chica." Key chastised her. "You know how Secret Santa works. We got to distribute the gifts to the right people."

Before Bella could try and escape the Beta's grasp a box wrapped in green and omnitrix printed wrapping paper. "I knew you would be the first to try and grab your gift so I pulled yours out for you Bell." DB handed it over to her, saving everyone from seeing Bella's devious plan.

"Yippee!" squealed chibi Bella happily as she snatched the gift and bolted to the sofa, like a trigger happy kid.

"Well since we're starting now, here are everyone else's gifts." Shadow said as he used gravity to help levitate the rest of the presents to their recipients. DB found himself with a red box with black bat print. Key's present was wrapped in black with silver key prints. Ravena also got a red box but hers had her bell symbol printed on hers. Illu's present was a lavender box with purple owl prints. Next to Shadow was a blue box with black moons printed on it. The last of the presents went to Punnya, Amaya, Mukurowl, and Nyoka.

"We got gifts as well, what is this supposed to mean Illu-sama?" The snake asked in surprise.

"It thought it wasn't fair if it was just us who gave out gifts so us pet owners did an exchange and bought gifts for all of you." Illu explained to the small serpent. "It's not a problem is it, Nyoka-chan?"

"-N-no, just surprising." Nyoka said, trying to conceal the red growing on her scales.

"Well it's time to open gifts before we all log off so who starts?" DB asked.

"The general rule is ladies first! So I guess I'll be the one to start things off." Bella then had a greedy smirk as she began to unwrap her present with anticipation. "Ooh I wonder which one of you was chosen to buy my present."

"Sorry Hy-Nya, one of the rules of Secret Santa is that you can't tell who bought what." Ravena waved her finger.

"Fine, fine" Bella then finished her unwrapping and froze in surprise. "Wow…I…CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" The shapeshifter stood to her feet as she raised her present in the air in joy. "I can't believe that one of you got me the complete Prank Master's kit! I've been trying to find any gag and joke store to get this!"

"Enjoy while you can Bella." Shadow said with a sigh. 'I can't believe that she just got more supplies for her prank arsenal. I guess we'll let it slide this on time.'

"Seriously which one of you bought this?! Words can't explain how happy I am, I need to pay you back!" Bella said with her eyes sparkling.

"Can't tell you Bella, but you can at least promise that you won't use that kit on any of us." Key said.

"Ok, that's the least I can do!" Bella smiled and then turned to Illu. "Well let's keep going, Owlgirl you're next."

"M-Me?! I don't know I'm o-ok with going last." Illu said, hiding her blush with her scarf.

"Come on, no need to be shy Illu-tan. Go ahead and let's see what that special someone got you." Ravena said.

Illu seemed to hesitate but she then relented as she opened her gift slowly. Mukurowl and Nyoka took the time to open their gifts as well seeing as their owner was opening hers. Illu the released a surprised gasp as she pulled out a pendant which was shaped like the mark of Saturn with an amethyst gemstone. "Th-This is too much! Y-you didn't have to…" She was almost speechless looking at the gift.

"That gem, let me see that Illu-sama!" Nyoka asked as Illu then showed the snake the pendant. "This is one of those gems that help Hybrids like Illu-sama evolve their transformations. These are almost impossible to find."

"Nya well…you won't believe what one finds in Cheshire's Path. Sorry to spoil the mystery Illu-tan." Ravena smiled and was then hugged by her friend.

"I d-didn't expect y-you would go so far. Arigatou Ravena-chan." Illu said gratefully. Mukurowl then flew on Illu's head with a gem that matched the one on Illu's pendant and Nyoka now also had a silver ring around her with the same gem.

"You even got enough of them for Muku-chan and Nyoka-chan!"

"Well if you can do some surprising things with your hybrid form then imagine what you guys can do with it!"

"As heartwarming as it is girls it is time for you to open your present Kitty." Bella said. "Don't keep us all in suspense."

Ravena nodded and then opened her gift as eagerly as Punnya did. The Nekomata then pulled up the lid and to her and Punnya a light then shined from the present's contents as their eyes lit up with sparkles. In both of their boxes, in perfect condition, was a large selection of creampuffs.

"Nya, creampuffs~!"

"Punnya~!"

Both of them chimed in happiness as they enjoyed their pastries. Ravena then smiled towards the rest of the guild. "It's not even that hard to guess who got me this, but I think I'll still keep it a secret!"

"Punnya?" The neko manju then dug through the cream puffs to pull out a circlet with a glowing gem embedded in the front.

"Really, you got a prize?" Ravena said as she went through her present and well and pulled out a gem as well. "A Quintessence Gem, wow I can't believe. These usually cost an arm and a leg…and that's from dungeons nya." She said in wonder.

"Wow, the bar has been set pretty high for the girls huh?" DB chuckled a bit.

"It's the thought that counts usually, though the one who picked Bella's gift may had got a gag gift but Bella isn't the type to accept jewelry usually." Shadow commented on the gifts.

"You're darn right! I'm not the type of person you can please with a mere shiny. It has to blow my mind!" Bella said.

"Whatever you say Bella, well I guess it's our turn huh?" DB said as he then began unwrapping his gift and pulled a pair of red drumsticks. "Whoa you guys got me a new set of sticks. Not that I mind but how are these different from my usual pair?" He asked as he began twirling it.

"How about you try channeling some fire into one of them?" Key suggested.

"Ok but I don't see how that will…Whoa!" Following the Beta's advice DB used his pyrokinesis with the sticks and flames began to extend from the drumstick. The vampire then checked with his own eyes and saw that the stick was still intact. Using some concentration he then willed the flames in the shape of a hammer. "Now this is awesome!"

"I thought that you would like it. It adds a bit more to your arsenal besides your blades; people won't see it coming." Key smirked.

"No one would ever expect the DrummerBoy using drumsticks as weapons now." Ravena giggled a bit at the irony of the weapon. "Well would you like to go next Ani-Key?"

"Sure" Key then opened his gift and pulled out what appeared to be two key chains. One had a gold chain that led down to a small red sun at the end of the chain. The other had a regular metallic chain but led to a small simple silver key. "Are these what I think they are."

"TaaDaah, a Hyna Dimension original! I was able to work a few favors and travel to a few places to get these made for you Key." Bella said innocently. "So meet your new keychains for your blades: Solar Flare and Celestial Key!"

"I don't know what to say. I didn't think you would be able to make custom chains; they usually take forever even if you have the right ingredients for them." Key said, impressed at the craftmenship of the weapons. If he could summon his keyblades now he could see how it looked like.

"You forget that you are talking to the Hyna General, nothing is too impossible for me and my men!" Bella said proudly. "Though I will say; that we don't deserve all the credit for crafting these beauties alone."

"Huh?" Key asked in confusion.

"Nope, that would be telling." Bella said leaving the Beta hanging on his question. "Besides it's Shads turn to open his gift, so let's see what you got."

"No need to hype up the gift Bella." Shadow said. Before he started with his gift he noticed that Amaya was having a small trouble with opening hers; he spared a second to help unwrap hers to reveal a large carrot shaped pillow.

"U-Pyon~!" Amaya squealed in happiness as she hopped and snuggled against the soft fabric of the pillow.

"Looks like Amaya-chan liked her gift." Illu said as she smiled at the small manju's cute behavior. "Amaya-chan sleeps almost as much as Shads, so a pillow for her would give her something soft she can rest on!"

"Well that was a thoughtful gift. At least you know it's a pillow so you don't try and gnaw it apart Amaya." Shadow chuckled a bit.

"U-Pyon!"

"I know, I know…I'll make it up to you later." Shadow petted the small manju, receiving a satisfied look. He then turned to his own gift and finished unwrapping it to pull out a large, ornate grimoire that featured many different celestial bodies. "This book…I didn't think there was something like this FFW. It must have been a really rare thing to come across." Shadow said with clear interest as he began to go through the book.

"Looks like all you have to do is know the right people." Ravena said joyfully as she pulled back a bit with Illu. "See I told you not to be nervous when picking out gifts and look he loves it." She whispered to the owl hybrid.

"Na-Nani, what m-make y-you think I was the one?"

"I can smell all the scents on the presents so I know who bought what for who. I will say nice choice of gift, where did you find a book on magic like that?" Ravena asked her.

"W-Well first I went to Saphir-nee and then she pointed the way. I knew Shadow would always stop and look at the stars and everything so I thought he would like a celestial tome." Illu explained nervously.

"Looks like you chose right there." Ravena said, patting the shy girl on the back.

Shadow then stood up and held his drink up, the guild leader's action was then copied by the rest of Kurotsubasa as they raised their drinks as well.

"Well guys and gals; we've had a lot of good and bad times this year, but that's only help us grow closer together as a guild. And while I can't predict the future I can definitely see lots more challenges coming our way." Shadow began. "And we'll meet all those with everything we've got! Kurotsubasa!" He raised his glass higher for the toast.

"KUROTSUBASA!" Glasses clashed together and the guild enjoyed the final hours of their celebration.

(Scene Change)

It was late night on back on Infinity Island as Hikari sat alone in her office. She was the only one present at the facility as she dismissed the others to go home for the holidays. That and also because her office is also doubles as her private residence. She had just finished up signing papers before taking a sip of her coffee before glancing over at a picture frame by her computer.

It was a childhood picture of her and another girl who looked exactly like her sister hugging and an older boy who also shared the resemblance. Hikari sighed sadly as she stroked the picture while smiling reminiscently when a chibi Masukomi suddenly appeared on her screen in her usual attire.

"Are you ok? Ojou-sama?" asked Masukomi out of concern.

"I'm fine, just thinking of some good times that's all…." Replied Hikari. "How was the party?"

Masukomi tilted her head at Hikari before smiling. "It was a lot of fun~!" she piped up. "Ah~! By the way, Kurotsubasa said they wanted to give you a little special something," informed Masukomi holding a small wrapped present. "Would you like to open it?"

Hikari straightened herself in her chair as she sat at attention and nodded. Masukomi beamed as she undid the ribbon. Data streamed out of the box as it converged to form a video screen recording of the Kurotsubasa gang in their FFW avatars.

"Hi Hikari, we felt you would be feeling lonely this Christmas so we wanted to give you a present from all of us as thanks," explained Shadow.

"So from all of us here at Kurotsubasa, we have put together a little show just for you," said Ravena putting on a head set microphone before the camera panned to show the Guild gathering on their stage taking up different instruments.

DB naturally took the drums, Bella who also wore a headset mic held the guitar, while Shadow strapped on a bass guitar. Key stood in front of a silver xylophone, while Illu stood ready with a piano/keyboard, adjusting her own headset. Ravena took her place with a tambourine while the pets were on stools holding their own instruments. Punnya and Amaya held sleigh bells while Mukurowl held maracas and Nyoka had a shaker coiled in her tail.

"Merry Christmas, Hikari!" cheered Kurotsubasa as Ravena silently counted down with her fingers before pointing to Key who started the intro. (Play: Holy Night, Toradora)

R.I.B: Saa CHRISTMAS~ ippai no egao,

kimi ni todoketa PARTY NIGHT,

saa CHRISTMAS~ ippai no negai,

kimi ni chikaunda~… HOLY… HOLY… NIGHT~

Hikari's eyes widened in surprise and awe as the guild began jiving and harmonizing completely in sync as she began seeing flashbacks of wonderful memories of her and her siblings when they were children. Playing, crying, warmth, comfort…love…. Such nostalgic feelings were coming back to her.

kotoshi no CHRISTMAS chotto tokubetsu sa

WHITE CHRISTMAS janaku datte!

hoshikuzu no ILLUMINATION,

hora furitsumoru yo~!

(Brief rewind in time…)

During the recording of the video, each member of Kurotsubasa also began to reminisce some memorable moments of the year.

Illu: Kira-kira kagayaite~

minna ga shiawase de,

A smile played on Illu's face as she remembered when she first met the Guild, random moments they had together and her most recent memory of her birthday.

Bella: Chika-chika matataite,

minna ga yume wo mite~!

Bella began to reminisce all the times she had fun teasing and pranking her friends such as the time she laughed her head off after causing Illu and Ravena to blush heavily and there was the moment during summer when she had Sol run for his life whilst chasing him with her water gun.

R.I.B: Saa CHRISTMAS~ ippai no egao,

kimi ni todoketa PARTY NIGHT,

saa CHRISTMAS ippai no negai

kimi ni~ chikaunda ~…HOLY~… HOLY~… NIGHT~…

Key recalled the good times he had laughing at some of his guild mates crazy antics, first meeting Rina and TPB and of course running away from them, making him sweat-drop a bit. DB smiled tenderly at the fun times too, as well as meeting Naenia and sharing his first kiss with her.

Kotoshi no CHRISTMAS kitto tokubetsu sa

LONELY CHRISTMAS ja tsumaranai

egao ha ILLUMINATION

hora! Kazatteageru~

Ravena: Yura-yura~ yurameite~

minna de te wo tsunagi~!

Ravena thought back amusingly on when she first joined Kurotsubasa and got involved with their shenanigans, such as the drunken trouble during Summer on Ember Island, facing some old faces of the past like BoP and Rose along with the really tender moments they shared as a team.

Illu: Pika-pika~ kirameite~!

minna de hoshi miage~!

Finally, Shadow reminisced on the times he had fun hanging out with his guild, trouble-making and all. That along with some tender memories of some private moments he had individually with the women in his life.

The most memorable moment that stood out in everyone's minds was when they finally met each other in Real Time on Infinity Island and met Hikari.

R.I.B.: Saa CHRISTMAS ippai no egao,

kimi ni todoketa PARTY NIGHT!

saa CHRISTMAS ippai no negai…

kimi ni ~…chikaunda~… HOLY~, HOLY~….. NIGHT~!...

Back to the present, the music gradually came to an end as the shot in the video changed to a group close up of everyone who beamed brightly at the camera.

"Once more, a very Merry Christmas! We Love You, Hikari~!" cheered the group before the video finally ended.

A couple of tear drops formed a tiny puddle on the desk as tears began to continuously stream down Hikari's face. Despite the tears, Hikari had a big smile on her lips as she unsuccessfully tried to dry her eyes. It had been so long since she had felt the warmth and love of others especially since she had spent so many years feeling alone. This was the first in so long did she receive such a beautiful warm present from the kids she had begun to consider as family.

"Thank you…sniffs….Thank you so much everyone….~" she sniffled through her tears with a big appreciative smile as she clicked the video to replay it once more as snow began to fall gently outside.

End…