[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

The hell? I'm getting some serious deja vu for some reason.

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[x] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

Loyalty

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

This has a nice touch to it.

[ ] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

We've waited far too long for a story with a focus on China, she WILL be a main character!

>The hell? I'm getting some serious deja vu for some reason.

facepalm.jpg

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

Remilia Scrooge?

[X] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

[X] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

{X} He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

>>an often forgotten little devil.

So she was, and so she shall remain.
Isn't it sad, Koakuma?

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil. And her lonely cup of tea.

[x] He is to entertain the younger sister and keep her company.
[x] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

Flan-Flan and Ko-Ko playmate moe~ It must be so~

[x] He is to purchase a gift suited for the elegant chief maid

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

Nobody loves Koakuma...

But I still do ;_;

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

I want my Koakuma route already. ;_;

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

Changing vote to something that's actually winning.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

Moe devil deserves attention.

[×] He is to spend time with an often forgotten little devil.

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

Travels!

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

MORE CHINA

[x] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

KOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[x] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[X] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.

[ ] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[x] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

We had Remilia already.

[x] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[x] He is to spend his time sitting in front of his computer, votespamming like the motherfucking fist of the north star

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

[x] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.

Current:
[10] He is to stay by the side of his fair Mistress.
[01] He is to purchase a gift suited for the elegant chief maid.
[00] He is to assist the good librarian in a difficult task.
[01] He is to entertain the younger sister and keep her company.
[11] He is to accompany the gate guardian in her travels.
[15] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

"Don't be cross, dear Sir!" said Anonymous.

"What else can I be," returned the old man, "when I live in such a world of fools as this? Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas! What's Christmas-time to you but a time for trolling without updates, finding yourself a year older and not a bit more respected, a time for leaving stories in hiatus, and having every selfish reader votespam your threads through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will," said the old man, "every fool who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be stoned with his own stale fruitcake, and burned alive in a fit of insanity. He should!"

>>24597
That is to say, final votes will be tallied some time in the near future.

[X] He is to spend his time with an often forgotten little devil.

WE'LL SAVE YOU MIMA KOAKUMA!

"A merry Christmas, Patchouli! God save you!" cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of the young man, who came upon the library so quickly that he realized not the loudness of his voice.

"What a nuisance," said Patchouli. "This is a library!"

So frigid was the girl's reply that the young man took a step back in retreat. But run off and flee, he did not. Heated more by rapid walking in the cold hallways than his shabby old coat, this servant of Scarlet, that he managed a smile befitting the blessed season. His eyes sparkled beyond the darkness within, and his breath smoked again.

"Christmas a nuisance, Patchouli!" said the young man. "You don't mean that, I am sure?"

"It is as you say," said Patchouli. "Merry Christmas indeed. What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're empty-headed enough."

"Come, then," returned the young man gaily. "What right have you to be gloomy? What reason have you to be bleak? You're learned enough."

Patchouli, having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, simply repeated herself in a drab, emotionless manner, "This is a library!"

The young man simply bowed in reply to the jaded magician. Perhaps she had lost the spirit of wonder among the wisdom that she has amassed over the centuries, or maybe she has simply chosen to ignore it in favor of some calculated and measured principle. Such questions twirled in the mind of the young man, such that even the odd possibility of her being in a poor mood came to mind. But this all mattered little, for his purpose in his coming was not to duel the locked magician with words, but to visit another, more merry soul, that resided in this dusty book room.

"Oh no!" cried a tiny voice. It was the voice a little devil, who's name and presence was oft forgotten in the mansion. She was the librarian and assistant to the wizard of the week, simply named Koakuma, with few distinguishing features aside from her crimson-painted hair and two pairs of bat-wings, with one pair on her back and a smaller pair on her head. Like many inhabitants of Gensokyo, this girl was not human, but that did not make her much more special that the others.

"A merry Christmas to you, my fair little devil," said the young man.

"M-merry Christmas," stammered the girl.

Quickly, she stepped toward the young man, and even faster she placed her mouth by his ear. Blushing bright red like a rose or a cherry, she opened her mouth and managed the littlest of whispers, "Sorry, I had forgotten about today."

"And very well so," said Patchouli sternly. "There is work and much more that needs attention in this place. Or did you forget your duties already?"

"Patchouli!" pleaded the young man.

"Or did you then?" returns Patchouli. "Lady Remilia will hear of such reckless insubordination."

"Remilia likes Christmas," cried the young man. "If it was not so, then why all the rush and clamor over preparations for the banquet and the evening? I have not been long in this place, but I am sure that even here, Christmas-time, when it has come round, has always been thought as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time. It is the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when human and youkai seem by one consent to open their locked-up hearts freely, and to think of the fairies and spirits and other beings below them as they were really fellow companions and friends. That is to say, Patchouli, that though it never taught anyone the power of the elements or the secret of spell cards, I believe that it has done good, and will do good, and I say, God bless it!"

Koakuma involuntarily applauded, dropping the books she was carrying in her excitement. Sensing her master's irritation at her impropriety, she quickly dove down to collect the books.

"I tire of you and the petty sounds you make," said Patchouli. "I believe it is about time that you made haste to depart and spead your Christmas elsewhere and anywhere that is not here. This is a library!"

"Don't be angry, Mistress," whispered Koakuma. "Why don't you enjoy the day with us?"

"You too Koakuma?" cried Patchouli. "Faithful familiar indeed! Keep it! Keep it then! Keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine."

"But Mistress!" pleaded Koakuma.

"Alright then! Enjoy the day as you will, you sultry band of fools. But not without a task that I have set." said Patchouli. "Every prize has its price, after all."

The magician began to cough in a fit. It took her more than few minutes to recover, but not enough for them to escape unnoticed. After clearing her throat, she turned to face the two servants, friends to each other and foe to her in this foolish business.

"Lady Remilia herself said that she wants a Christmas tree for her party," continued Patchouli, "While I have my own methods, I have little time to spend on merry-making and other such nonsense. Therefore, you two are to bring back one of suitable grandeur to satisfy the selfish vampire girl. You can spend the whole day if you like, but be back by tonight."

The icy tone of her voice thinly veiled the subtle warmth of her message, but before the two could say thanks, the obstinate magician stood from her seat, shaking in anger or embarrassment. It was difficult for either servant to tell which, especially with one such as her.

"Now out! Out! Both of you, out!" cried Patchouli, her cheeks bright red like a tomato.

That was nice. I figure while on our quest for the christmas tree, probably everybody of the SDM will do their part for a very merry christmas.

When the young man opened his eyes, they were so high in the sky that he could scarcely distinguish the mansion from the forestry around it. He attempted to stay steady and keep himself calm, and failing that, he stared blankly out into the clouds.

To his great astonishment, they had already gone beyond the mansion grounds in the few seconds he closed his lids. They were already nearing the other shore of the frozen lake when he looked. Despite his own personal misgivings and prejudice, flying was indeed a superior method of transport, though this did little for his dislike of heights.

"Are you alright?" asked Koakuma, clearly concerned for his well-being.

The young man nodded bravely, even managing a smile and wink, to which the little devil chuckled and blushed a light pink. It is enough that he was here with her, even if they were on a fool's errand to find their own little piece of Christmas cheer in this harsh weather.

And speaking of the weather, which was quite cold for humans and a bit less so for youkai, there was another person out and about, surprisingly. Looking down, the young man saw the foolish ice fairy of the lake pacing back and forth. Back at the mansion, he remembered hearing tales of this strange little being, who would claim herself as the strongest, when she is clearly not so, only to be beaten down by any odd human or youkai who would pass this way.

She was supposedly of a strangely cheery and confident demeanor, despite her multitude of failures. The young man endeavored to check again, for when they passed, he was sure that the girl was in tears.

"Why, it isn't possible," said the young man, "that the fairy of the lake, who is the most jolly of beings, even inappropriately so, is now weeping and in despair."

Koakuma nodded as she lead them down toward the girl. She, a little devil often forgotten, has had her own fair share of sadness, but during this season of cheer and clamor, even she cannot bear to ignore a clear plea for help. Whether the foolish fairy desired it or not, the two servants came down to examine her and her troubles.

"What is wrong?" asked the young man, using his kindest of smiles and sweetest of speech.

"Are you alright?" whispers Koakuma, quiet but full of concern.

It took far more than a moment for the fairy to recognize their presence, and even longer to realize that they were speaking to her. After a few more patient minutes, which had no lack of reiterations and explanations, she understood that they have come to help.

"Frog" said the ice fairy.

The young man shook his head. Slowly, he explained that there were no frogs in the lake that show, for it was the season of hail and snow. But the ice fairy, simply named Cirno, pouted and frowned, for she seemed to insist that what can't be there was just found.

"I can't find the frog I found," said Cirno. "It was with me just a while ago, but when I looked away, she disappeared! It was the first time I found a frog hopping around in winter, so I decided to make it my friend."

A frog in winter? Perhaps the fairy grew from being a fool to being mad, and not in the most pleasant of ways. This surely was a more foolish quest than that of the two servants, and they had not the time to waste for it. But before the young man could refuse, Cirno looked at them with her tear-filled eyes.

"C-can you help me find my friend," asked Cirno in eagerness.

[ ] They are to immediately leave the ice fairy to her own folly.
[ ] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.
[ ] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

[x] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.

I'm really enjoying this holiday style of writing. Keep up the great work.

[x] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.

[ ] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

[x] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.

[x] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

I, too, enjoy this style of writing. Great so far, keep it up.

[X] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

It's Christmas, you spoil sports! A time for giving!

[X] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

[X] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

Falalalala~

>It's Christmas, you spoil sports! A time for giving!

We have a tree we need to get. We also have a little devil who needs attention. Why waste the day away for a silly, frozen frog.

Fapping to this style of writing.
>"Why, it isn't possible," said the young man, "that the fairy of the lake, who is the most jolly of beings, even inappropriately so, is now weeping and in despair."

I CAME

[X] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

A frog wandering around in the winter? What kind could it be, I wonder? I wonder?

[x] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.

[x] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.

I'm suddenly filled with Christmas spirit... well, to a point anyway.

Final:
[0] They are to immediately leave the ice fairy to her own folly.
[5] They are to assist for half an hour, and not more.
[6] They are to stay and search until they find the frog.

"Anonymous!" said the old man, "show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to torture me?"

"One update more!" exclaimed Anonymous.

"No more!" cried the old man. "No more! I don't wish to write it. Ask of me no more!"

But the relentless Anonymous pinioned him in both his arms, and forced the old man to think and prepare.

"You don't believe in me," observed the ice fairy.

"I don't," said the young man.

At this the ice fairy raised a pained cry, and shook its wings with a dismal and apalling clamor, not unlike that of shattering glass and scratching metal. But how much greater was his surprise when Cirno, shuddering in despair and frustration, called upon a great blizzard upon the lake.

The young man fell upon his knees, and clasped his hands before his face. Koakuma did the same, as the cold was ruthless and biting.

"Mercy!" he said. "Lonely little fairy, why do you trouble us?"

"B-but it's always like this!" replied Cirno, "no one ever believes me!"

"I believe," cried the young man. "I must. But where did you last see this friend of yours, amphibian appendages and all?"

"I saw it by the shore," returned Cirno as she wiped off her tears. "I think it might be hiding somewhere around the lake."

"We will help you," said the young man. "But don't be hard upon us. Don't cry anymore, for we will find your friend! Pray!"

"R-really? You'll help me? You won't run off like all the others?" pleads Cirno.

"We will do our best," said the young man, "and even if we can't find it by the setting of the sun, we will be your friends, in its stead."

To this, the ice fairy could do little but nod, as her plea for help was answered in a manner both unexpected and gracious. Christmas, indeed, is a mysterious time, when charity grows in the least likely of places, and in the least likely of hearts. For the task that the servants carried was heavy and hard, and they had only till evening to complete it. There is no surprise, then, when the little devil smiled at the young man's decision, for even she felt that they should lend assistance to the ice fairy, foolish or not.

Thus, the three odd band, human and devil and fairy, began their long search in the snow and the cold. For hours they walked and walked, yet they could not see far beyond the fog. As every hour ticked away without pity, the young man started to wonder, was there really a frog? For if he is to keep to the promise, that may be a fool's quest, they would waste the day with this fairy, without pay and without rest.

The young man stared up into the sky, and saw that it was almost noon. He cursed at himself for acting like a fool, wasting not only his time, but hers, who was already overworked for the holidays.

"Hello frog!" cried he into the snow and the trees. "How are you? A good morning and a good day to you, Sir frog? Or perhaps a Merry Christmas, if you like!"

With a single swift motion, he kicked a rock hard against a tree, for he was tired and cold and angry. But to his dumb luck and surprise, what fell from the tree, he can't believe his eyes. For just as she said, a frog hopping freely in the winter. It was all in a glow, its coat bright green and healthy, croaking its own pleasantries, and its breath smoked once more. God save him, indeed! A frog in the winter, sitting calmly before him, as if waiting to be offered a cup of tea.

"May nothing you dismay, and your days be merry! For what was lost is found!" cried out the young man, for in his hands he carried Cirno's frog, croaking and unfrozen.

"You found it! You found it!" cried the ice fairy as she flew toward him with good speed.

As Cirno landed, the frog promptly jumped off the young man's hands and onto the girl's head.

"Did I not say that I found it hopping?" returned Cirno to the servant pair.

The young man nodded happily as he watched the ice fairy, hopping gaily to and fro in the snow with her friend atop. Even Koakuma, who was visibly tired by the ordeal, managed a smile and wave, with the bat wings on her head flapping in a lazy happy manner. The sun was cruel, and would not wait for their errand, but all the same, they felt that the time was spent wisely.

"Isn't it unusual," said the young man, "that a frog would be up and about in this weather? Gensokyo is full of mysteries, and God save me if I doubt its wonder again."

"It is like a fairy tale," whispers Koakuma, "perhaps the frog is really a prince in disguise?"

"Perhaps the good fairy should kiss the frog, then, the good Sir?" observed the young man. The little devil girl giggled at his jest, and stepped closer to share his warmth. A kiss and a bit more would be just the thing for them to warm themselves in this weather.

And just then, light flashed up in the room upon the instant, and Cirno found herself face to face with an unlikely visitor.

It was a strange figure - like a child; yet not so like a child as like a lady, viewed through some supernatural medium, which gave her the appearance that was both mature and innocent. Its hair, which was tied in two places with ribbons, was blond and of an acceptable length. It wore a simple purple tunic, and on it lay a frog print design. But the strangest thing about it was, that from the crown of its head there sprung a wide-brimmed brown hat with two frog eyes atop.

"A-are you the Prince, whose coming was told to me?" asked Cirno.

"I am!"

The voice was soft and gentle. Singularly low, as if, instead of being so close, it were at a distance.

"Who and what are you?" the young man demanded.

"I am the Goddess of Moriya's Past."

"Past?" inquired Cirno.

"Or perhaps, it's present, if you will."

The young man reverently disclaimed all intention to offend or any knowledge of having willfully scorned the Goddesss at any period of his life. For this was a being of untold power and strength, who could easily tear the earth asunder from beneath their feet. He then made bold to inquire what business brought her there.

"Your friend!" said the Goddess simply.

Several moments pass in silence, as the human and devil and fairy all look at the newcomer with puzzlement and confusion.

"As thanks for releasing my curse, then. A friend to you three, I walk."

"But what happened to frog?" cried Cirno in tears, "what did you do to her? What did you do?"

But before a single tear could hit the ground, the Goddess silenced the fairy with her lips. Together, they stood in the snow, two strangers sharing one moment, in open view of their spectators, the servant pair.

"I will be your friend in her place," whispered the Goddess, "and as promised, so will those servants, human and devil alike."

"I don't understand," says Cirno as she takes a step back.

"You have lost one friend, but have gained three, my lonely little fairy. What more is there to understand, but to make merry and celebrate?"

To this, Cirno smiled and hugged each of her new friends tightly. The Goddess, whose name Suwako, embraced the ice fairy tenderly, as if she was a long lost daughter. Koakuma returned the hug as best as she could, in her own clumsy way. And the young man could not help but hold Cirno tightly to his chest, as this lonely ice fairy somehow warmed his heart.

He had no regret to the errand, even as the sun hit high noon.

"God bless you, merry gentlefolk, May nothing you dismay!"

DAT ASSHAT

Sad indeed was the young man when the time came for them to leave their new friends. However, he and the little devil still had their task upon them, and they needed to make haste. With a pardon and a bow, they bid farewell as they headed for their next destination. For this was not a time for mere fascination.

"To Kourindou, then," cried out the young man, with the fear of flying dispelled from his brain, if not for a few warm moments.

The journey to the lone shop near the forest was swift, for the servant pair chattered happily as the flew. About their daily work and duties, or about their masters, or even about their fondest memories, they continued to share. For somehow, the ordeal has started to dispel, if not a little bit, their own doubts and despair.

At the time, it seemed that the day would remain well and good, as there was still an abundance of time to find that which Lady Remilia sought after.

"Sorry, but we are closed," said the shopkeeper and owner, named Rinnosuke, of this well known antique shop. "There is much I have to do, and I don't have any Christmas trees left."

"But where may we find one, if you would be so kind to say," returned the young man.

"Too busy. Too busy. I haven't the time for idle chatter, and time is money. This is a poor excuse for picking this man's pocket, even in this time of December!" cried Rinnosuke in frustration.

The servant pair stepped back for a moment and allowed the man to vent loudly at no person in particular. With patient nods and affirmations, they waited until he was ready to speak again, this tired and apparently unlucky man.

"And thus, the delivery never made it, yet that youkai insists on taking my deposit!" cries Rinnosuke.

"How unfortunate," said the young man, and he continues, despite himself, "How can we help you?"

And just like that, the shopkeeper stopped and smiled eerily at the servant pair.

"I could use some help, if quite convenient, sir."

"It's not convenient," returned the young man immediately.

"That is truly unfortunate," said Rinnosuke, "for I thought that you seemed like good people and were willing to help those undergoing trying and troubled times. It is Christmas-time, after all."

[ ] He is to excuse himself and leave, for a man's troubles are his own.
[ ] He is to make good on his offer, but only for half an hour, and not more.
[ ] He is to help wholeheartedly and offer their help for whatever he needs.

[x] He is to excuse himself and leave, for a man's troubles are his own.

Not even on Christmas.

[X] He is to help wholeheartedly and offer their help for whatever he needs.

[ ] He is to make good on his offer, but only for half an hour, and not more. And then when a half hour has passed, he shall continue his efforts without comment or acknowledgment concerning his self-imposed curfew.

...we're tsundere, apparently.

[ ] He is to help wholeheartedly and offer their help for whatever he needs.

Run the timer out, see what happens.

I DARE you!

>>Run the timer out, see what happens.

If you say so Scorn.

[x]He is to help wholeheartedly and offer their help for whatever he needs.

But perhaps we should build up the RAGE meter as a precaution.

>>24710
I'm missing the reference.

[ ] He is to help wholeheartedly and offer their help for whatever he need

I'M FILLED WITH CHRISTMAS CHEER LIKE THE MOTHERFUCKING SANTA OF THE NORTH POLE

NOSTALGIA FUCKING RELATED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

[x] He is to make good on his offer, but only for half an hour, and not more.
Hahahaha Remilia's going to kill us.

"Come in!" exclaimed Rinnosuke. "Come in! and know me better, man!"

The young man entered timidly with a sigh as they followed the shopkeeper. He was not the hard gentleman he had been; and, though Rinnosuke's eyes were clear and kind, he did not like to meet them.

"I am Rinnosuke Morichika, proprietor of Kourindou," said the shopkeeper. "Welcome to my shop!"

The young man looked upon the man. He was clothed in a black and blue robe of Oriental origin, bordered with ornate designs. His eyes were golden and clear, reflecting both his youkai and human parentage, and on his face, crowned with short silver hair, he wore no adornment, but a simple pair of glasses. An experienced salesman, and perhaps moreso, he wore his hair freely; free as his genial face, his sparkling eye, his open hand, his cheery voice, his unconstrained demeanour, and his joyful air. Girded round his middle was a small bag, filled surely with trinkets from the Outside and further.

"Rinnosuke," said the young man submissively, "conduct me where you will. I am not one to take back his word so easily, and it is that blessed time of the year, after all."

"Servants of the Scarlet house, I believe," said Rinnosuke, pushing up his spectacles. "How is fair Remilia nowadays, if I may ask?"

"Ms. Scarlet has been dead these five hundred years," the young man replied. "Yet she has been quite active and affable, as of late, as the season would dictate."

"I have no doubt that her liberality is well represented by her servants," said Rinnosuke with a smile that was far too wide for the occasion.

At the ominous word "liberality" the young man frowned, and shook his head, and turned toward Koakuma. To his surprise, however, the little devil girl did little to hide her willingness to help the owner of this oddly placed antique shop. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her wings quivered in delight. It is unfortunate that he recalled only then that the owner of Kourindou was known for an unexplainable charm among ladies.

"Koakuma, was it not? The fair companion of the locked magician?"

"Y-yes!" returns Koakuma, "You remembered my name?"

"To forget the name of a lady, that is one mistake I cannot make," replied Rinnosuke. "And for one so well versed in organization, I believe I can leave the catalogue safely in your hands."

"T-thank you, good Sir!" said Koakuma, accepting the task with eagerness.

"And to my better, who so generously offered his assistance, I have a quest of suitable valor," said the shopkeeper.

Regardless to say, the young man found himself in the back, moving boxes upon boxes from the blistering cold outside to the scarcely warmer storage rooms. For how long he slaved upon this less than valiant quest, he no longer knew. Was it just an hour, or perhaps it was three? Soon, he lost track and found himself swallowed by his task. He moved these crates to the left, and those crates to the right, yet the amount of work seemed endless. Even his anger was lost as he found his strength completely sapped by the hard labor and drudgery that was put upon him.

It took far more than a moment for the young man to recognize Koakuma's presence, and even longer to realize that she was speaking softly to him.

"Our work here is done," said Koakuma with a smile. "Rinnosuke invited us to have some biscuits and tea as thanks."

"How kindly of him," said the young man, barely masking his sarcasm.

Together, the three of them had some early afternoon tea, not made much more pleasant by a grumpier young man, however arguably justified. But despite the odd atmosphere, the tea was drunk, the biscuits eaten, and soon it was time to say farewell.

"I will not forget your charity, good Sir and good Miss, so take this as my thanks."

Rinnosuke took from his pouch an object familiar to the young man.

"Matches?"

"Of the best kind, if I might add. These work even when doused, or in the coldest of weathers," returned the shopkeeper.

"Thank you very much," said Koakuma quickly. Before the young man could argue, she grabbed ahold of him and took off into the air. For even she could sense a spark between the two men, and very unlike Christmas it would be if it were allowed to blaze into full.

"Don't worry," whispered she into the young man's ear, so close that he could feel her warmth of her lips. "The good man told me where we could find our tree."

It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark. A blizzard was upon the mountain, cruel and relentless. In the cold and gloom a poor little girl, barefoot and barely clothed, was walking through the forest. Of course, back at the shrine, she'd had slippers on, but what good had they been? They were very big slippers, way to big for her, for they belonged to a friend. The little girl had lost them running across the pines, where some angry Tengu chased her off for trespassing and vagrancy.

And so the little girl walked on her naked feet, which were beginning to turn blue with the cold. In her tattered pink blouse she carried a gourd that was her treasure. She drank from it all day long, and wandered blindly in the mountains.

Shivering with cold and hunger, she crept along, a picture of misery, poor little girl! For even her drink could no longer satisfy, and she could no longer ignore, this lonely plight of hers. The snowflakes fell on her long fair hair, which ran down her knees, tied neatly with a ribbon. Her will and her strength had left her long ago, and she slowed down to a crawl. She crumpled down against a tree, and began to see visions of roast goose and sweet ham.

"Are you alright, little miss?" asked the roast goose. "Are you in need of assistance?"

"I think she needs help," whispered the sweet ham.

"She needs a doctor or a priest, and we are neither. What are we to do?" returns the roast goose.

"We can stay by her side in her last moments," replies the sweet ham.

Awaking in the middle of a macabre discussion, the little girl had no occasion to delay. For her imagination was not this vivid, even with a drink, and she was sure that some unexpected help had come, she had no time to think.

"Warmth," said the little girl, coughing as she spoke.

As her vision cleared, she saw that the roast goose was not a roast, nor was it a goose, but a rather handsome young man in a shabby old coat. The sweet ham was not ham, but a strange winged girl with a sweet expression upon her face.

"Do you have any warmth to spare," cried the little girl, coughing violently in-between, "For this winter is cruel, and even a spark would help ease my passing."

[ ] He is to apologize and leave, for he does not know said little girl.
[ ] He is to spare a few matches, and leave the little girl to her own devices.
[ ] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

[x] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

Pretty andersen in here.

[x] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

It's christmas!

[X] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.
Not going to let a Suika freeze to death on Christmas.

[x] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

LET YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BURN WITH THE INTENSITY OF A THOUSAND YULELOGS

>>24771

[X] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

THIS LOG OF MINE IS BURNING RED!

[X] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

I am now imaging Suika as the Little Match Girl.

>I am now imaging Suika as the Little Match Girl.
>Little Match Girl

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

>>24775
ITS BRIGHT FLAME IS TELLING ME TO SPREAD LOVE AND GOODWILL

TAKE THIS! MY CHEER! MY GENEROSITY! AND ALL OF MY KINDNESS! SHIIIIINIIIIING MATCH SPARK!

[x] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

Kindness begets friendship, and we'll need someone to take down the tree.

[x] He is to build a great blaze to warm the little girl, for she is cold.
Voted for the half-hour option twice before, but even I'm not cold-hearted enough to leave Suika to freeze.

[x]He and his little devil are to offer the heat of their own bodies to warm the little girl, for she is cold.

Her hands were almost dead with cold. Oh, how much one little match might warm her! If only she could only take one from its box and strike it and warm her hands with its flame.

The winged girl whispered something to the young man, then left the little girl's side. The young man looked at the little girl and gave her the warmest of smiles as he took something from his old coat. He drew something out. Was that a match, the little girl wondered, for surely her delusion had no way to warm her.

R-r-ratch! How it sputtered and burned! It made a warm, bright flame, like a little candle, as she raised her hands closer to it; but it gave a strange light! It really seemed to the little girl as if she were sitting before a homey kotatsu covered with a heavy wool blanket. How wonderfully the fire burned! How comfortable it was! The youngster stretched out her bare feet to warm them too; then the little flame went out, the kotatsu vanished, and she had only the remains of the burnt match in her hand.

The little girl's vision began to dim. She peered out and saw a dark cloudy evening, with only a few bright stars in the sky. One of them fell down, forming a long line of fire.

"Now someone is dying," thought the little girl, for she remembered long ago that when a star fell down a soul went up to Heaven.

The young man rubbed another match against the wall. It became bright again, and in the glow a familiar face stood strong and smiling, kind and lovely.

"Reimu!" cried the child before coughing in a fit. "Don't leave me! I know you will vanish when the match is burned out."

And the young man quickly struck the whole bundle of matches, as if in response to her last wish. And the matches burned with such a glow that it became brighter than daylight. Reimu had never been so grand and beautiful. She took the little girl in her arms, and both of them flew in brightness and joy into the skies, very, very high, and up there was neither cold, nor hunger, nor fear.

But against the tree, in the coldest of blizzards, sat the little girl with red cheeks and smiling mouth, curled up and still, on that cold December day.

"She wanted to warm herself," the young man said.

>>24805


no.
NO.
THIS CANNOT BE!

"I am the Oni of Destiny Present," said the little girl, "Look upon me!"

The servant pair, surprised completely by her recovery, reverently did so. She was clothed in a tattered pink blouse and a long purple skirt. This garment hung so loosely on the figure, that her slender arms were exposed up to the pit, as if disdaining to be warded or concealed by any artifice. Her feet, observable beneath the ample folds of the garment, were also bare; and on her head she wore no covering other than a few ribbons tied upon two long horns.

"You have never seen the like of me before!" exclaimed the Oni.

"Never," the young man made answer to her.

"Have never walked forth with the older members of my family, who walked freely upon the earth not so long ago?" pursued the Oni.

"I don't think I have," said the young man. "I am afraid I have not. How long ago have they walked, little Miss?"

"Only a few hundred or thousand years ago," said the Oni.

"Quite long then," muttered the young man.

The Oni of Destiny Present rose and stretched out her arms.

"As my thanks for this great fire and warmth, I offer assistance to my new friends!"

She stepped forward and embraced each of them in the most brotherly of hugs, strong and tight! Koakuma gasped slightly at the Oni's strength, but politely returned the gesture. The young man thought he heard a crack at his side as they embraced, and he winced as he pulled away, barely managing a smile.

"You cannot lie, I know why you are here," said the Oni, "so stay warm by our blaze while I fetch the greatest tree on this mountain."

And just like that, the Oni disappeared into the forest. The servant pair waited as patiently as they could, for they were worried about their new friend's well-being. They waited and they waited, and after an hour and perhaps a little more, they stood up in unison.

But before the servant pair could say a word, the little girl returned from the forest, holding something small in her hand. She gave it to the young man with a cheery smile upon her face.

"A pine cone?" asked the young man, examining the smallest of cones in his hands.

"Only for a moment," said the Oni, "I believed that this would make it easier to carry."

The Oni then raised herself on her tiptoes and kissed the young man deftly on the cheek. Koakuma gasped audibly, and the young man tried to step away, but could not, for the fire was behind him. The Oni placed a finger upon his lips to quiet him. Slowly, she raised her lips to his ear.

"Suika is my name, handsome Sir," whispered she in a manner less than appropriate for a young lady. She stepped back quickly.

"Just cry out my name three times quickly, and it shall return to its grandeur! But take care, for this magic works only once, and the great Pine cannot be shrunk again! Be sure to speak the words only when you are ready."

"I am the Oni of Destiny Present," said the little girl, "Look upon me!"

The servant pair, surprised completely by her recovery, reverently did so. She was clothed in a tattered pink blouse and a long purple skirt. This garment hung so loosely on the figure, that her slender arms were exposed up to the pit, as if disdaining to be warded or concealed by any artifice. Her feet, observable beneath the ample folds of the garment, were also bare; and on her head she wore no covering other than a few ribbons tied upon two long horns.

"You have never seen the like of me before!" exclaimed the Oni.

"Never," the young man made answer to her.

"Have never walked forth with the older members of my family, who walked freely upon the earth not so long ago?" pursued the Oni.

"I don't think I have," said the young man. "I am afraid I have not. How long ago have they walked, little Miss?"

"Only a few hundred or thousand years ago," said the Oni.

"Quite long then," muttered the young man.

The Oni of Destiny Present rose and stretched out her arms.

"As my thanks for this great fire and warmth, I offer assistance to my new friends!"

She stepped forward and embraced each of them in the most brotherly of hugs, strong and tight! Koakuma gasped slightly at the Oni's strength, but politely returned the gesture. The young man thought he heard a crack at his side as they embraced, and he winced as he pulled away, barely managing a smile.

"You cannot lie, I know why you are here," said the Oni, "so stay warm by our blaze while I fetch the greatest tree on this mountain."

And just like that, the Oni disappeared into the forest. The servant pair waited as patiently as they could, for they were worried about their new friend's well-being. They waited and they waited, and after an hour and perhaps a little more, they stood up in unison.

But before the servant pair could say a word, the little girl returned from the forest, holding something small in her hand. She gave it to the young man with a cheery smile upon her face.

"A pine cone?" asked the young man, examining the smallest of cones in his hands.

"Only for a moment," said the Oni, "I believed that this would make it easier to carry."

The Oni then raised herself on her tiptoes and kissed the young man deftly on the cheek. Koakuma gasped audibly, and the young man tried to step away, but could not, for the fire was behind him. The Oni placed a finger upon his lips to quiet him. Slowly, she raised her lips to his ear.

"Suika is my name, handsome Sir," whispered she in a manner less than appropriate for a young lady. She stepped back quickly.

"Just cry out my name three times quickly, and it shall return to its grandeur! But take care, for this magic works only once, and the great Pine cannot be shrunk again! Be sure to speak the words only when you are ready."

>Be sure to speak the words only when you are ready.

Let's Clatto Verata Necktie ourselves a very crappy Christmas! What does "greatest" even mean when Suika uses the word? We're totally going to wreck the ballroom.

After a few pleasant stories by the fire, the young man and the little devil thanked the Oni again for her help, and promised to visit her at the shrine at the soonest time of convenience. They parted ways cheerfully, feeling much warmer both out and in, for they have found what they were searching for and a little bit more.

Merrily, the servant pair made their way back, as perhaps too merry. They spoke about countless things during their journey, and the young man almost sneaked a kiss from the little devil, if it were not for a sudden and unfortunate wind. Soon, they lost track of time, and it was dark by the time they reached the village.

"No logs! No logs!" shouted suddenly from below. "I am sold out, and the last I've kept for my family!"

The young man and the little devil hushed in their chatter, for the wind had suddenly turned chill. Slowly, they came closer, with an almost morbid interest in the argument.

"But good Sir, as I have said, the delivery for the orphanage had not come, and the children are about to burn their last twig," pleaded a desperate voice.

"Good night," said the man.

"But can you not spare a few hours' comfort for the poor children, human and youkai alike, who have lost their parents and have no one to turn too? The next delivery will come only upon the next week!"

"Good night!" said the man.

"I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and I'll keep my Christmas humour to the last. So A Merry Christmas, good sir!"

"Good night," said the man.

"And A Happy New Year!"

"Good night!" said the man, finally shutting the door to the school teacher's face.

The school teacher sighed as she walked away. Well-known even to the servant pair, Keine worked diligently as the village's teacher and guardian. She even played matron to the new orphanage that was set up just a few months before. Alone, she walked in the cold until she had come upon the village school playground, where she sat herself upon the swing. The servant pair followed quietly, but neither looked each other in the eye.

"That was the last house," whispered she into the night.

Slowly, Keine lowered her head, her long silver hair hiding her face. She cried softly into her hands, melting the snow beneath with her tears. The howling of the wind was only broken by her pitiable sobs. The young man turned to Koakuma, whose eyes were growing damp, then he pulled out the cone from his pocket, examining it carefully.

"Who deserves this more?" whispers the young man to himself.

[ ] This belongs to Lady Remilia Scarlet, of the respected Scarlet House.
[ ] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

Also, for the new mods, this Anonymous would prefer to stay Anonymous. I have my reasons, and my reasons are mine. IP tracking is illegal, etc.

[!/] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

Nee-chan Remila wills it!

[x] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

;_;

[X] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

If I couldn't say "no" to a crying child, nor deny help to a child suffering from the cold, what else am I to do when faced with a crying woman (two, actually, if Koakuma's crying, too) AND children suffering from the cold?

{X} This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

[X] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

Suika! ;_;

[x] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

[x] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

Remilia's going to kill us, but at least we spread Christmas cheer before we died.

[x] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

Jesus Christ. Considering the amount of crap that goes over into Gensokyo, I don't see why a fake tree isn't anywhere to be found. Then again, we'll probably run into some jackass who needs a tree as well and has allergies to a real one. BAH FUCKING HUMBUG.

[x] This belongs to the orphans of the village, who are in dire need.

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF I love this story.

[ ] This belongs to Lady Remilia Scarlet, of the respected Scarlet House.

The tree is freshly cut, green sappy wood doesn't burn right so really you guys are voting to smoke those poor children to death.

I CHOOSE MY OWN PATH

[X] See if there is a tree in the vicinity that you can danmaku into a series of logs

>>The tree is freshly cut, green sappy wood doesn't burn right so really you guys are voting to smoke those poor children to death.

The tree is freshly transformed into a freaking pine cone. Physics and common sense don't necessarily apply.

>you guys are voting to smoke those poor children to death

Loldeadchildren. I've got the Christmas spirit in me. :)

There were many things from which the young man might have derived good, by which he had never profited, Christmas among the rest. He always thought of Christmas as a mysterious time of the year; a kind and charitable time; when human and youkai seem by one consent to let their locked hearts open up freely, and to think of the beings below them as if they were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And though it never put a scrap of meat on the table, he did believe, deep inside him, that it was good.

"Forgive me if I am wrong. But I cannot bear to watch this misery and do nothing," said the young man to the little devil.

"Would it apply to any woman in tears?" asked Koakuma, frowning slowly.

"To any soul in need. To a poor one most."

"Why to a poor one most?" asked Koakuma.

"Because it needs it most."

Then up rose the young man, servant of Scarlet, dressed out but poorly in an old worn coat, and he sighed to heavily himself as he took a step forward. A pleasant and foolish time of the year it was, he thought as he resigned himself to his folly.

"A merry Christmas, good teacher! God save you!" cried the young man cheerfully. At the sound of his voice, Keine quickly wiped off the last of her tears and composed herself. With a smile befitting the season, the school teacher returned his greeting as was customary of the season.

"To what occasion have I the pleasure of addressing the Scarlet House?" asked Keine politely.

"To what occasion, indeed, Ms. Keine?" repeated the young man. "We have come to conduct business, and to extend our yearly invitation to the season's banquet."

"Forgive us," added Koakuma quietly, "if this is, perhaps, not the best of times to visit."

"At this festive season of the year," said Keine, "one must keep her spirits up, lest the season come and go and be forgotten. I will hear your business, if you would speak it."

"Thank you, Ms. Keine," said the young man, "we have come with a request, if you would hear it. You see, we have come upon a provision that we have no use for, and we seek to dispose of it."

"I have no money," said Keine immediately.

"And you need none," said the young man, "the good Lady Remilia left instructions to dispose of it in the most charitable of manners. We have heard that you are in charge of the village orphanage, are you not?"

"That I am," said Keine, "and what might this provision be?"

The young man took the cone from his pocket and handed it to the school teacher with a smile. Keine examined the item before turning to them incredulously, as if it was a prank.

"What is this?" asked Keine.

"A great tree from the mountains, shrunken by the sorcery of an Oni." said the young man.

"We thought you might have use for it, Ms. Keine," said Koakuma.

After the young man explained how to use the cone, the school teacher thanked them both. With their business complete, the servant pair prepared to depart, but they could not, for Keine had broken out into tears once more. But this time, she wept in joy, for her troubles had been answered in the most unexpected and timely of manners. They stayed with her until she had returned to herself, calm and proper.

"The children of the orphanage will be overjoyed." said Keine. "I was worried that their fire would burn out this day. The smaller children might fall sick in the evening, especially Tiny Tim."

Remilia was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of her burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Her father signed it. And that man's name was good upon 'Blood for anything he chose to put his hand to. Young and fair Remilia was as dead as a door-nail.

The mention of Remilia's death brings me back to the point I started from. There is no doubt that Remilia was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate. If we were not perfectly convinced that Hamlet's Father died before the play began, there would be nothing more remarkable in his taking a stroll at night, in an easterly wind, upon his own ramparts, than there would be in any other middle-aged gentleman rashly turning out after dark in a breezy spot—say St. Paul's Church-yard, for instance—literally to astonish his son's weak mind.

Yet Lady Remilia walked among mortals still, despite being dead as a door-nail. External heat and cold had little influence on her. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill her. She held the Fate of men in her hands, and she looked upon them as if they were her playthings. Mercy and reason were simply games to the vampire, for she would often play with the hopes of humans before crushing them completely.

Oh! but she was not heartless girl, Remilia! For five hundred years, and perhaps a bit more, she has simply been that same selfish and spoiled little girl. And while she had become more outgoing as of late, especially after her defeat at the hands of the shrine maiden, she retained most of her childish personality. If anything, this made her even more dangerous than the other powers of Gensokyo.

After saying their goodbyes, interspersed with many a "Thank You" and "Merry Christmas", the young man and little devil headed back to the mansion, for it was dark and late. Slowly, gravely, and silently, they approached, for they had returned empty-handed.

Neither of them spoke on the way back, for they had the same worry. They had failed in their duty, and an important one, at that. Lady Remilia had oft spoken about how she had wanted the greatest of trees as a centerpiece for her party. What was most dangerous and feared of Remilia, if you would ask the mansion staff, would be that she throw a tantrum.

When they arrived at the mansion, no one was standing by the gates. The hallways were lonely and deserted, with not a single maid in sight. The mansion was less than merry, and much less so, a foreboding omen, if ever there was one. Slowly, the servant pair made their way to the main chamber.

Needless to say, the young man had an average constitution and a healthy fear of death. What is he to do? What is he to say? Surely, the good Lady Remilia won't end his service in the least pleasant of manners?

[ ] Write-in only.

>>24837

Oh hey, Slowpoke

[x] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[x] (The main winning vote)

Whatever we do, a kiss for the little devil comes first.

[x] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[x] Unlimited Santa-san Works

We are going to project a Christmas tree.

[x] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[x] Just lie. There were no trees left for sale, anywhere. The blizzard was too strong and you did not have an axe to venture into the forest to chop one down and bring it back by yourselves.

[x] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[x] Tell the truth; the outcome of every deed. Insist that all these deeds were done in her name, so to further glory the Scarlet family name.

[X] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[X] Tell the truth; the outcome of every deed. Insist that all these deeds were done in her name, so to further glory the Scarlet family name.

[?] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
>Koakuma eats you option... DO NOT WANT TO DIE YET!
[X] Get a tree ASAP! Santa will help you out! Cristhmas is about wonders^____^

>Koakuma eats you option... DO NOT WANT TO DIE YET!
It's Christmas! It's impossible to die on such a glorious day. Besides, we came close to it several times during the story already.

[x] Tell your Christmas story.

[X] Turn to Koakuma and ask for what may ae a final kiss
- might be a bad idea to steal a kiss.
[X] Tell the truth


more fffffff due to typing ona PSP

[!/] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[!/] Tell the truth; the outcome of every deed. Insist that all these deeds were done in her name, so to further glory the Scarlet family name.

SUP DAWG, WE HEARD YOU LIKE SERVANTS, SO WE DID SOME DEEDS IN THE GENERAL AREA

FFFFFFFF, I'll stop it there.

[x] Turn to Koakuma, and kiss her. He might not have another opportunity.
[x] Tell the truth; the outcome of every deed. Insist that all these deeds were done in her name, so to further glory the Scarlet family name.

Wait, is that last even true?

Also, this vote is the re-edit of the original "Kiss her first" vote here: >>24844

A churchyard. Here, then, the wretched man, whose name he had now to learn, lay underneath the ground. It was a worthy place. Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds, the growth of vegetation's death, not life; choked up with too much burying; fat with repleted appetite. A worthy place!

Remilia Scarlet stood among the graves, and pointed down to one. The young man advanced towards it trembling. The Vampire was exactly as it had been, but he dreaded that he saw new meaning in its presence.

"Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point," said the young man, "answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of the things that May be only?"

Still the Vampire pointed downward to the grave by which it stood. However, a sly smile formed on its face, born of amusement and malice.

"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if perservered in, they must lead," said the young man. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!"

The Vampire laughed darkly at him, echoing eerily into the lonely evening.

The young man crept towards it, trembling as he went; and, following the finger, read upon the stone of the neglected grave his own name.

"Fate is a bitter mistress," said the young man grudgingly.

But the Vampire continued laughing as she pointed beyond the grave. The young man raised is head, and saw another tombstone, almost hidden by the brush. He shuddered as he stepped closer to the second grave.

"No, Remilia! No more! This is enough!" he cried upon his knees.

Upon the stone, he read a hastily carved name, Koakuma.

And then, the young man found that he was alone, once more.

"A-are you alright?" asked a distant voice.

The young man opened his eyes. Yes! and he was back at the mansion, before the main chamber. It didn't happen yet, there was still time yet!

"I am, I think," said the young man as he turned to the little devil, "and so are you?"

"I am well," said Koakuma uncertainly.

"You are well!" cried the young man. "Alive and well, and as beautiful as a Rose! A Merry Christmas indeed!"

"Indeed?" whispered Koakuma. The little devil took a step back and looked away, though her cheeks were bright pink.

"I won't hesitate this day, for it may be my last. This is the only path, as was shown. I have no regrets."

"I-I don't understand," said Koakuma.

And just as she finished the word, the young man silenced her with a kiss, burning with his warmth. He pushed forward upon the little devil passionately and deeply, seeking to become one with her, if not for a moment. Koakuma, initially surprised by his gesture, soon closed her eyes and returned it in kind. Her tongue gently parted his lips and made passage into the young man, who welcomed this strange visitor enthusiastically. They continued forcing their lips against one another without a single question, yes! without even a word.

At last, they parted, however reluctantly, with both glowing with enough warmth to melt away the snow. And the young man smiled bravely as he stepped forward, for now he can walk into the future, despite the trials that lay ahead.

For the young man wasn't alone anymore.

Running to the door, he opened it, and step forward with his right foot. All of a sudden, something rather jingly crashed into him, hard and painful, and it took him more than a moment to recognize it.

"Happy birthday!" cried out Flandre, younger sister to Remilia.

The jewels upon her wings glittered and shined brightly like stars and ornaments customary to the season. As she shook her back, the gems rung with the sweetest sound, not unlike the bells on a sleigh. Her dress was red upon pink, a fitting combination for the occasion even if it was her usual costume. A single bright bow was tied to her splendid golden curls, and upon her face was the widest of smiles, and pleasantly so.

"Good evening, little Miss," said the young man. "How wonderful it is that you are in such a jovial mood! Did something good happen?"

"I saw it! I saw it! I've never seen one so big and tall before!"

"Eh?" returned the young man with all his might of wonder.

"Big sister said you brought it, she did! How you did so, even she can't figure it out. Happy birthday indeed!" cried the excited Flandre.

"But what's to-day, my fine little Miss?" asked the young man.

"To-day!" replied the vampire, "Why, it's my favorite day, it is!"

"What?" returned the young man blankly.

"Happy birthday!" cried Flandre once more as she gave Koakuma a hug before racing across the room.

"How curious," said the young man quietly.

"That isn't right, little Miss!" cried out another voice. It was Meiling, the gatekeeper of the Mansion, and curiously enough, she was not at the gate but inside.

Flandre landed before the gatekeeper, who was still wearing her usual green attire, which somehow fit the season, since her hair was a bright healthy red. Meiling was carrying several buns on a tray, and by the looks of it, it was she who prepared them.

"It isn't your birthday." said Meiling to the little Miss.

"It isn't?" returned Flandre.

"No! Try harder, little Miss! What holiday would we celebrate during the snow?" asked Meiling.

"Happy Halloween!" said Flandre with the brightest of smiles.

"No! Not Halloween! It's Christmas-time, Christmas!" replied Meiling.

"Happy Sweet Bun, then!" cried Flandre as she grabbed one of the buns from the tray. Quickly she flew off with her prize before the poor gatekeeper could stop her.

The young man and the little devil stepped forward to greet Meiling, whose presence was curious, as it was quite rare for her to work inside.

"Merry Christmas, gatekeeper!" said the young man. "What brings you inside?"

"Eh?" said Meiling. "Sakuya asked me to help out inside. She seemed to be in a good mood, for some reason."

"I should hope so," replied the young man, "and perhaps we shall greet her as the season dictates."

"Oh! Remilia was looking for you two earlier. I believe Sakuya is with her at the main table."

"Hallo!" growled Remilia in her accustomed voice. "What do you mean by coming here at this time of night?"

"I am very sorry, my Lady," said the young man, trembling in fear. "I am behind my time."

"You are!" repeated Remilia. "Yes. I think you are. Both of you are. Step closer, sir, if you please."

"Forgive us this once, my Lady," pleaded the young man, stepping in front of Koakuma, as if to hide her. "Or rather, forgive her, at the very least. It shall not be repeated. We were making rather merry today, my Lady."

"Have you been to the ballroom?" asked Sakuya in the most icy of tones.

"I have not," answered the young man.

"Not once today?" repeated Sakuya.

"Not once, as you say," replied the young man.

"Stop lying!" cried out Remilia.

"B-but I wasn't," said the young man.

"Now, I'll tell you what, my friend," said Remilia. "I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer. And therefore," she continued, leaping from her chair and pushing him hard down on the ground. "and therefore I am about to give you a reward!"

The young man shuddered as Remilia lowered herself onto him. In shock, he couldn't pull away, and even if he tried, the vampire's strength would easily overpower him. So he lay still as he could, feeling the vampire's breath right over his neck.

And without further commotion or warning, Remilia kissed him lightly on the lips. An innocent gesture, no doubt, but she did it in front of both Sakuya and Koakuma, and without shame nor malice in her eyes. The young man peeked at the vampire, to see that her eyes were half-closed, and her cheeks were a light pink. Slowly, she retreated her lips from his, and whispered into his ear.

"Merry Christmas," said the vampire. "and thank you, good Sir."

In the center of the ballroom stood the grandest of Christmas trees. It was so tall that it couldn't possibly fit through the doors of the room! Its leaves were fresh and green and healthy; its branches were long and sturdy. Upon it hung ornaments from all over the Outside world, as well as a few that were made in Gensokyo.

It was an amazing sight! The tree had an almost supernatural presence about it, and surely it was the most beautiful of its kind in the land. It was no wonder, then, why everyone in the mansion was in such a festive mood. Even Patchouli stepped out into the ballroom, claiming that the light was better there for reading.

But all through the days that followed, the young man wondered and wondered. They had not brought back this tree themselves, so where had it come from? Who found it and delivered it here in such a timely manner? Surely, no miracle comes without a cost?

He pondered and pondered, and pondered some more. He researched and studied long into the nights, but he found nothing.

All he found was a note on his desk on Christmas morning.

"Hoping you have a Merry Christmas!"

"That was pretty unlike you," said Ran.

"Eh? Do explain," said Yukari.

"Helping the Scarlet House like that - don't you think that was too much?" said Ran.

"But our work is far from over," returned Yukari.

"Why are we doing this again?" said Ran.

"Because it's fun? I wonder~ I wonder~" said Yukari.

"Seriously. I want to know why we are doing this." repeated Ran.

"You have never seen the like of me before!" exclaimed Yukari.

"Not like this," said Ran.

"Look upon me! I am the Youkai of Christmas Future!" cried Yukari.

"Eh?", said Ran.

"Have never thought about playing Santa before?" pursued Yukari.

"I don't think I have," said Ran. "I am afraid I'd rather not."

"Then you can be Rudolph! Chen can be an elf!" said Yukari.

"W-what? I refuse!" cried Ran. "You can't make me!"

The gap youkai smiled widely, for she was determined to make this Christmas interesting. There were many places that still lacked cheer and warmth, and a disobedient shikigami wasn't going to stop her.

Of course, that is a different story.

God bless Us, Every One!

TRUE END

Would you like to know more?

[ ]

>>24887

Randeer

[X]I can think of no reason,
in this holiday season.
That a gift of knowledge should be turned down with a frown.

[x] MOAR, ETC.

>"To-day!" replied the vampire, "Why, it's my favorite day, it is!"

>"What?" returned the young man blankly.

>"Happy birthday!" cried Flandre once more as she gave Koakuma a hug before racing across the room.

HNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[X] I wish to partake on the route of knowledge and happiness.

[x] more

That was wonderful. Thank you so very much!

[X] Yes.

I'm doing my part!

[x] This was a triumph.

[x] MORE

I love this story so fucking much. There'd better be a sequel for New Year's.

[ ] GOD BLESS YUKARI!

>>24922
>There'd better be a sequel for New Year's.

I think all of the holiday cheer was beaten out of this poor bastard. Hell, I know I'd break if I had to maintain nothing but happy thoughts for more than five minutes.

>>25272

Well, it's not Christmas anymore...

>>25282
Have you never heard of out-of-season reruns?

This story is complete.

Thank you for your patronage.