Sanae woke up abruptly from her sound sleep. She sat up and looked around. The clock was showing fourteen minutes past six. ?KANAKO!? she screamed and waited for a reply. After a few seconds of silence, she screamed again. This time when there was no answer, she got out of bed and put on a pair of froggie house slippers and made her way down the dimly lit hallway. When she reached Kanako's door she swung it open and it made a loud banging noise as it hit the wall. ?KANAKO!?
She sat up in her bed and stared at Sanae. ?What is it!? What's wrong!??
?Santa!?
She stared at Sanae for a second, ?Santa??
?Will he be able to find us? Do they even celebrate Christmas here? We almost couldn't find this place? It doesn't show up on any GPSes. Kanako! What if he can't find us!??
?Go back to bed,? Kanako said groggily.
?B, but!?
?Don't worry about that.?
?What is it? What's going on!? Suwako burst through Kanako's window! ?I heard screaming!?
?Why the hell did you come through the window!? Kanako yelled.
?Santa! What if he can't find us cause we moved!? Sanae yelled.
?Santa?? Suwako repeated and mixed look of pity and disbelief washed over her face. ?Let me let you in on a little fact about Santa, you see he isn't--? One of Kanako's logs came bursting through the ceiling and flattening Suwako.
?Go back to bed Sanae. Don't worry, he can find us. He's Santa after all,? Kanako said with a motherly smile.
[bold]Sanae's Secret Santa Story[/bold]
?Secret Santa?? Reimu asked Kanako. It was later that day and Kanako and Sanae have decided to visit the Hakurei Shrine. Alice, Flan, and Marisa were already there drinking tea under the heated table. And Meiling was standing watch outside the shrine.
?It's this fun thing we used to do back home. We all put our names in a hat and draw them out at random and we get a gift for that person!? Sanae said with her eyes lighting up.
?I do like getting stuff,? Marisa said.
?You do realize you have to get a gift to someone too,? Alice said.
?Ehh, details,? Marisa shrugged.
?That does sound like fun!? Yukari suddenly appeared in the middle of the front yard.
?Shouldn't you be asleep,? Sanae said coldly.
?My, my what did I ever do to you to make you hate me so?? she giggle and hid her face behind her fan before moving behind Reimu and draping her arms over her shoulders. ?All I want to do is make sure you have the best party ever!?
?Get off,? Reimu said brushing Yukari's arms off her shoulder. ?And who said anything about party? We just had one for that Halloween thing!?
?Just a small gathering for close friends is all we need,? Sanae said.
?Oh my, but someone could get left out like that,? Yukari gasped.
?No one is going to get left out. Everyone here is going to get in the secret Santa!?
?Everyone here?? Yukari repeated and hid her face behind her fan again, just her eyes showing.
?Wait...? Reimu started.
?Yes, everyone here!?
?Heh heh heh,? Yukari giggled.
?Don't even think about it!? Reimu yelled.
?Too late!? Yukari yelled and swung her arms and one by one people started appearing. In just a couple of seconds it appeared like the entire population of Gensokyo was at Reimu's doorstep.
?What happened?? ?I'm scared!? ?Where am I?? ?I wanna go again!? people were yelling.
?Okay, now everyone's here.? Yukari smirked.
?Sanae,? Kanako sighed, ?I've told you time and time again to watch what you say around that one.?
?I know,? Sanae slumped down.
?That was awesome!? Marisa was laughing hard and slapping the table, ?the looks on everyone's faces! That's priceless!?
?Alright everyone, listen up!? Yukari yelled from the top of the shrine.
?You! What the hell did you do?? someone yelled from the crowd.
?This dirty inferior dirt is touching my pure moon clothes!?
?I brought you two?? Yukari looked at the Watatsuki sisters standing in the middle of the crowd. ?I'm even more awesome than I thought!?
?What is the meaning of this?? Yorihime asked in calm manner.
?I was about to explain that before you so rudely interupted. We're here for a Christmas party! We're going to play secret Santa and everything.?
?This doesn't sound like a plan you'd come up with,? Ran said from the crowd.
?I didn't come up with it. That green one did and they were going to leave all you out. Isn't it sad??
?You're just doing this to annoy the shrine maidens aren't you?? Ran asked.
?No, no I'm not. And stop speaking out of turn, Ran! Any other question from someone not Ran!?
?Ooh! I got one! Why is Yuuka naked?? Cirno asked from the crowd.
?Cause she's a pervert,? Yukari stated. Suddenly an umbrella flew through the air and knocked Yukari in the head and off the shrine.
?I was taking a shower!? Yuuka yelled.
?You should probably put something on before you catch pneumonia,? Reimu said.
?I can handle it,? Yuuka crossed her arms.
?Good, now that that's settled,? Yukari said climbing back to the top of the shrine. ?Everyone come up and pull a name out of the gap. Whoever you get is who you have to buy a present for. And remember keep it a secret,? she winked.
?Hrmm,? Reimu looked at the gap that appeared in front of the shrine. ?I don't trust it.?
?Hah! You're inferior Earth Gaps are no match for my Moon Gaps! I'm not afraid!? Toyohime jumped to the front of the line and reached deep inside the gap and pulled out a slip of paper and looked at it. ?Damn it!?
?No mulligans!? Yukari from the top.
After watching Toyohime pull out a slip of paper unharmed, everyone assumed it was safe and one by one they came up and pulled out a slip of paper.
?Remember, it's a secret to everyone!? Yukari said.
Ran walked over to a worried looking Chen. ?What's wrong??
?I don't know what to get my person,? Chen looked at the ground.
?Well, what's she like??
?Umm, she sleeps a lot and is nice to me. But mean to you. And she plays with Yuyuko a lot,? Chen explained. Everyone in earshot looked at their slip of paper.
?Wait a minute,? Reimu said. ?God damn it, Yukari!? Ran just shook her head and sighed.
?I'd be angrier if I didn't see it coming a mile away.?
?Do it again! And right this time!? Reimu yelled.
?Fine, geez! Don't have a conniption. I was just having a little fun,? she said and opened up another. ?This time for real.? Reimu stared at it again.
?Me first again!? Toyohime yelled and ran to the front again and pulled out a slip of paper and looked at it. ?It's not Yukari!? And everyone cheered. ?But it's still an inferior being!? And then everyone booed. Reimu walked up and pulled out a name and looked at it, she showed it to Toyohime. ?It's not Yukari either or the person I have!?
?I wouldn't do the same thing twice, where's the fun in that?? Reimu started pulling out more slips of paper and looking at them before putting them back.
?Okay, it's legit,? she said. And one by one, everyone came up and pulled out a slip of paper.
Alice was staring at her slip. ?Who'd did ya get?? Marisa asked.
?Can't say, but it wasn't you.? Alice said. ?Hey, Reimu!? she yelled at Reimu. ?This person I got would want something from the outside world.?
?Alright I hear you. But you might want to change, what we wear isn't exactly the norm,? Reimu said.
?Ooh! The person I have might want something from the outside world too! I wanna go too!? Marisa said.
?I don't know,? Reimu said looking over her.
?Oh come on! I won't blow anything up this time!?
?Fine, but you're leaving the Mini-Hakkero with me,? Reimu said and held out her arm. Marisa shrugged and took off her hat and pulled the Mini-Hakkero from it and handed it to her.
?I'm going to go change too,? Marisa said and flew off.
?I'll watch her,? Alice said and flew off after her.
?Can I go to the outside world too?? Rumia asked.
?NO!? Yukari suddenly yelled from the top of the shrine.
?Okay, while I agree that Rumia going to the outside world is bad idea I got to ask why you suddenly yelled like that,? Reimu asked. But she was met with silence.
?Did something happen?? Sanae asked.
?It was before you got here,? Ran said.
?Ran, shut up!? Yukari yelled.
?Wait, how long before she got here?? Reimu asked.
?It was just after the Endless Night incident and Yukari was tired and Rumia was bugging her so she gapped her away to the outside world,? Ran explained.
?The spring after the Endless Night incident was the--,?
?We're back!? Marisa and Alice came flying back.
?Wow that was fast,? Yukari said trying to change the subject. ?Look at how nice they look.?
Marisa was wearing blue jeans and a black sweater with a big golden M stitched on the front. And Alice was wearing brown boots with white pantyhose and blue skirt just above her knees. She also had a plain white button shirt with a blue jacket over it.
Reimu looked at them and back to Yukari and then back at Marisa, ?Again with the big M??
?The big M is awesome!? she said proudly.
?Whatever,? she sighed. ?Come back quickly,? she opened the way to the outside world and Marisa and Alice went through. ?Now back to you,? she turned back to the top of the shrine, but Yukari. ?This isn't over!? Reimu yelled into the sky.
* * *
?Why did you come?? Alice asked Marisa when they were through the gate.
?I thought I'd get some inspiration for what to buy my person,? Marisa smiled at Alice.
?I'm not giving you any money.?
?I brought my own money!? Marisa reached into her pocket and pulled an assortment of bills and coins. ?Ha!? Alice looked at and sighed.
?That's that Zunny Yukari implemented as the currency for Gensokyo. And only Gensokyo. They won't take it here or even exchange it.?
Marisa stood in silence for a moment. ?Damn it. I guess I'll have to do what do best.?
?Yea, after all the best gifts come from using one's own talents,? Alice rolled her eyes.
The two walked down from the gate. Behind them, it looked like they came of a busted old shrine that everyone ignores. At the end of the path, the two emerged on a busy walkway. There were people everywhere. There were kiosks set up with many different types of items and vending machines stocked with soda and candy and other drinks. Alice tapped Marisa on the shoulder and pointed in front of her at a large building with a revolving door.
?There's the mall, let's go.?
?Hey! HEEEEEEY!? before they could take two steps, a guy came up to them. ?What's that M stand for??
?Marisa!? she said and pointed at herself with her thumb.
?Oh, and who is Marisa?? the guy playing coy.
?I'm Marisa, and you better remember it!?
?Well, Marisa, I see that you don't have a boyfriend.?
?Well...um...guy, I can see that you do,? she grinned and pointed at the guy behind him.
?Huh? What, no! He's no more my boyfriend, than she is your girlfriend!?
?So you two are dating then?? she grabbed Alice by the shoulder and pulled her in tight.
?Fo, forget you two!? the guy yelled and stormed off and Marisa burst out laughing at him.
?That was fun.?
?You've got issues,? Alice shook her head.
?Hey look!? Marisa pointed at two other girls. ?Those two are dressed like we normally are.?
?We should probably ignore them. I'm getting a Yukari vibe from that blonde one,?Alice said and headed for the mall.
?Wait!? Marisa yelled and ran after her. ?I've always wanted to kick open a revolving door!? She stood in front of the door and centered herself. There were a couple of people getting ready to leave, but saw what she was about to do and decided to wait. She raised her foot and kicked the door. It swung around and the door behind her smacked her into the store.
?Have fun?? Alice said, walking over to her.
?Waaah! You cracked my door!? a very angry man came running over to them. ?Who do you think you are!?
?Put it on my tab,? Marisa stated.
?Who do you think you are?? the man repeated.
Marisa stood up and patted her chest, ?I'm Macy.?
?Oh, you American store owners' daughters think you can come over here and do what you want! You just wait til you get the bill! Daddy won't be happy about that!? the angry man stormed off.
Alice, just sighed and shook her head. She walked over to a jewelry store on the ground floor and started looking at trinkets. ?You like this stuff?? Marisa asked.
?Not particularly, I'm looking for something my person might like. But I'm not seeing anything.? Alice said and walked off. She went into a toy store.
?What's in here? You like this?? Marisa followed her and pointed at a foam sword in front of her.
?No, I'm here looking for something for my person remember. Like you should be,? Alice said and left the store.
?Hrmm,? Marisa mumbled and followed.
?Mommy, let's go see Santa!? a little kid ran past them and up the stairs.
?Hey, let's go see Santa!? Marisa said and pointed up the stairs. ?We're his Secret Agents after all!?
?Fine,? Alice and they went to the stairs.
?Hey Alice,? Marisa said looking down. ?These stairs are moving on their own.?
?I've heard of these, umm...elevators. We just stand on them and they take us to the top,? Alice explained.
?Wow, even when they can't fly, they can get to the top of things,? Marisa stared in amazement.
?Yea.?
?Hey! Would you two hurry up!? somebody behind them shouted.
?We should go,? Marisa said and carefully put her foot on the step. ?Waah, it's taking my foot!? Marisa yelled and grabbed on the handrail. ?This thing moves too!?
?Umm, she's special.? Alice quickly turned around to the people behind her and bowed before stepping up.
?Hey look, there's Santa!? Marisa pointed at a big line. ?So what are you going to ask Santa for??
?Hmm, I really don't want anything. What are you going to ask for?? Alice asked.
?Nothing, I want fight him!?
?What?? Alice yelled.
?Since you're not going to ask him for anything, I'm going first!? Marisa and rushed ahead. ?SANTA!? she yelled and pointed at the man at the front of the line. ?I challenge you to a duel!? she yelled and ran at him again. The man calmly put the kid on his lap down and stood up and Marisa stopped in front of him.
?What do you want? Aren't you a little too old for this?? Santa asked.
?I'll never be too old for anything!?
?In a way, that commendable, I guess. What kind of duel do you want? Pokemon, Yugioh, Rock Paper Scissors??
?Well I heard men suck at Danmaku, so I guess that leaves me the one option!? she centered herself in front of the man and kicked him in his manhood. Santa cupped himself and doubled over in pain.
?There were a lot more options than that!? Alice yelled.
?Security!? A woman in line yelled and suddenly Marisa was flanked by mall cops.
* * *
?I think you're friend was wrong. That was clearly the only option,? Marisa was in mall jail with another guy. This guy was wearing a button down shirt that Marisa could only explain as Aya-esque. It wasn't a Tokin hat, but his hat also felt Aya-esque. And he was wearing glasses. Even though he smelt of booze, he didn't appear drunk. ?So why did you do that??
?My friend is bored almost all the time, I was just trying to be entertaining. I followed her here, to try and find out what to get her for Christmas, but that was bust,? Marisa sighed.
?Maybe it's not a thing she wants, but a person,? the man said. ?Sometimes people just want someone to be there.?
?I see what, you're saying. I'm going home,? she said walked to the door.
?You can't, you're in jail,? he stated matter of factly.
?Jail is boring, I'm leaving,? she kicked the door open and left.
A few minutes later, Alice walked in. ?Santa said he wasn't pressing charges and you're free to go,? Alice looked around and just the man. ?Where's Marisa??
?...hic,? the man hiccuped. ?She went home.?
?Of course she did,? Alice sighed and left.
* * *
At Byakuren's Temple, Marisa talking with the captain. ?I need to borrow your boat.?
?No way! I'm not going to indulge whatever selfish thing you're doing. If you must, you can take this little life boat!? Murasa said.
?I want to come too!? Shou suddenly said.
?What?? Murasa said.
?I've been there before, I can act as a guide. Also there's something I need to get there too!?
?Fine,? Murasa sighed. ?I'll let you two take this motor boat I have. But I want it returned in one piece!?
?Let's go, Shou!? Marisa yelled and she and Shou ran down stairs.
?Do you know where I keep my boats?? Murasa yelled down the stairs.
?Of course I do,? Marisa yelled back.
?I would've felt better if that was Shou's voice. I guess I should open the garage doo-? there was a sudden banging noise outside. Murasa turned around and the door was in splinters and her motor boat was slowly disappearing in the distance.
* * *
?How do you steer this thing?? Marisa yelled.
?I don't know! They never let me drive after that last time!? Shou yelled back.
?What happened that last time?? Marisa yelled.
?I hit a rock!?
?Oh that's not that bad.?
?It was mountain!?
?What? Let me drive!? Marisa yelled and jumped back to the rutter.
?Duck!? Shou yelled. Without thinking Marisa ducked and she felt something heavy fly over head. ?We're entering Makai, it's about to get chaotic! You focus on shooting stuff! I'll dodge!?
They started swerving rocks and blasting down fairies. ?Swerve!? Marisa yelled when they came across a large floating rock.
?Duck!?
?No swerve!?
?No time, duck!?
?Sweeeeerv--? they crashed into it.
* * *
It was the night of the party. ?It looks like everything's out,? Reimu said looking over the decoration. There was a giant tree in the middle of the yard. It was decorated with tassels and lights and and various ornaments made by the people of Gensokyo.
?My, my this looks pretty good,? Yukari giggled.
?Yea, no thanks to you,? Reimu moaned.
?What's that suppose to mean? I helped. I put a ball on the tree,? she pointed at single red ornamant that read, ?YY+RH? in a heart. ?This was in the way, I had to move it and everything,? she held out an ornament with snakes and frogs on it.
?That's Sanae's! Put it back,? Reimu instructed.
?Why should I? It's Sanae's after all. If she wasn't so busy arguing with the Lunarian she could do it herself.?
?Two reasons: one, she already put it on the tree once and two, you're the one who keeps egging them on!?
?That's cause it's so silly; Moon Santa, Earth Santa. It doesn't matter which one is better, they're both vastly inferior to me.?
?Put it back on the tree.?
?Fine, you're so bossy,? Yukari sighed and gapped away.
?Why do you put up with her?? Yorihime asked.
?Better to keep her entertained and than have her be bored and do something,? Reimu sighed.
?I know how that can be,? Yorihime looked over at her sister and Sanae arguing. She and Reimu let out a collective sigh.
?I'm here,? Alice said coming up the steps and waving.
?Marisa's not back yet?? Reimu asked.
?Nope, she's been gone ever since we went to the outside world.
?She'll show up sooner or later, always does.?
And after that, one by one, the people started gathering at the shrine again. ?Alright, let's start handing out gifts!? Reimu said after it looked like everyone arrived. ?Once again we're going to use a lottery. I wrote out all the name before hand so we won't have to worry about
someone missing with it.? She reached into the donation box and pulled out a name, ?Mokou, would you and whoever has her present step forward.?
Mokou and Yorihime stepped forward. ?I understand it that you are an enemy of the Princess. But I also know that you like fire.?
?You make me sound like a pyromaniac,? Mokou said.
?To be fair, I did get the information from the Princess. But don't worry, I took special care to make your present,? she pulled out a card. ?It's a special one time use summoning talisman for Kagu-tsuchi. It has been imbued with my spiritual energy and has been told to listen to you. I'd like to ask that you don't use it on the Princess, but it is yours to do whatever you wish.?
?C, can you just hand out gods like that?? Reimu asked.
?If you'd like I can show you later.?
?Don't do it!? Toyohime shouted from crowd. ?The inferior being will do something stupid!?
?Eirin!? Yorihime shouted.
?On it,? she responded and smacked Toyohime in the back of the head.
And Reimu pulled out another name. ?Sanae!? Reimu yelled and she and Alice came to the front.
?I wasn't sure, what to get you. I found this, hope you like it,? Alice pulled out a large picture of the city scape of Tokyo at night.
?It's beautiful!? Sanae eyes started getting watery and she jumped over and hugged Alice.
?What are you doing!? Alice yelled.
?I'm sorry!? Sanae said and everyone in the crowd laughed at the easily embarrassed duo.
Still laughing, Reimu reached in and pulled out another name. She looked down and sighed, ?Yukari.?
Yukari and Yuuka came up to the stage. ?I want another Secret Santa,? Yukari said.
?No, you're going to take my gift and like it.? Yuuka pointed at her. She reached behind her and brought a beautiful red flower. ?It's a poinsettia, the first one I ever grew. It's not easy getting one and don't like to move much in winter so I never grew one until now.?
?Th, this is surprisingly thoughtful,? Yukari said holding the flower.
?For your sake, I'm taking that as a compliment,? Yuuka said and left.
And just like that; one by one the people came up and received and gave out their presents. Until, ?Alice!? Alice walked up to the stage alone. ?Alice!? Reimu shouted again. There was silence.
?It's okay, I didn't really want anything anyway,? Alice said and started walking back.
?That's no way to act on Christmas!? someone shouted from the top of the stairs and everyone turned to look. There was a raggedy looking Shou and Marisa standing there.
?Marisa!? Alice yelled excitedly, ?where have you been??
?I had to special order your present from Makai,? Marisa grinned. ?Look up.?
Everyone looked up and saw Shinki floating down to Alice. Alice's eyes started to water up, ?I, I, I...? she couldn't say anything. Shinki not saying anything gently smiled and hugged her.
?Hey,? Murasa said coming up Shou and Marisa. ?Where's my boat??
?Oh that didn't even last twenty minutes,? Marisa said nonchalantly.
And then after all the presents were handed out, Reimu walked up on stage, ?And now for something special. As the Shrine Maiden of Gensokyo, I decided to get everyone here a gift. Yukari would you let Ran hold your flower and come up on stage.?
A huge goofy smile appeared across her face and she ran up on stage. ?Now bend down and pucker up,? Reimu motioned with her finger. Yukari blushed and did what she was told. ?And close your eyes.? She closed her eyes. Reimu winked at the crowd before kneeing Yukari in the bottom of the jaw. ?That's for letting Rumia loose in the human world two winters ago!? Yukari fell back wards holding her jaw and everyone burst out laughing.
Reimu turned to the crowd, ?Have a Merry Christmas everyone!?